Free College Basketball Picks Saturday 2/15/2020 and Opening Line Report

by Jason Radowitz - 2/14/2020

Saturday's college basketball slate features plenty of exciting conference action that could make or break a couple team's chances at making March Madness. West Virginia will look to stop the bleeding against the No. 1 team in Baylor, while Louisville looks to rebound from their road loss to Georgia Tech against Clemson. Michigan State started at the top of the rankings but are currently not considered a Top 25 team right now. A win over Maryland at home would put them right back in the mix. Here are the early leans for Saturday's top matchups.

West Virginia vs. Baylor 2/15/20 (-5.5, 129)

Everyone took West Virginia to beat Kansas at home. It happened so many times, but Kansas was just a little bit better down the stretch defensively. West Virginia didn't score in their last five minutes of game action and didn't get the win over Kansas. Now they'll play Baylor, another team with an exceptional defense -- and they'll be on the road. WVU seems to be a little overhyped this season. They've played well at home but not so well on the road. Baylor's defense should do the talking and hand WVU their third straight loss.

Key trends: Bears are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games after allowing less than 50 points in their previous game.

Early lean: Baylor, Under

Doc's Sports college basketball handicapping team has set some lofty standards worldwide for college basketball handicapping. Get $60 worth of premium members' picks free. No credit card needed, and you will never deal with a salesman. Get daily college basketball picks on Doc's Sports NCAA hoops predictions page.

Gonzaga vs. Pepperdine 2/15/20 (+15.5, 162.5)

Gonzaga has had trouble putting Pepperdine away early in their last couple of games. Gonzaga has defeated Pepperdine 38 straight times, but it hasn't always been easy. However, this Gonzaga team is just a little different. They've won 15 games by 20 or more points this season. And as long as Gonzaga doesn't turn the ball over, the Bulldogs should steamroll over Pepperdine on the road.

Key trends: Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.

Early lean: Gonzaga, Over

Oklahoma vs. Kansas 2/15/20 (-12, 135.5)

While everyone continues to doubt Kansas, the Jayhawks just continue to win. Kansas has won nine straight games behind superb defense and enough offense. Oklahoma dropped 90 points on Iowa State in a 90-61 blowout at home but on the road against Kansas, Oklahoma will struggle to score points. They've lost their last two road games to Texas Tech and Kansas State and scored 61 or less in both of those games. Look for a low scoring, 10-point win for Kansas in this one.

Key trends: Jayhawks are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games overall.

Early lean: Kansas, Under

Louisville vs. Clemson 2/15/20 (+5.5, 132)

Louisville's winning streak came to an end at Georgia Tech, where they couldn't buy a bucket for most of the game. Clemson just defeated Pittsburgh, 72-52, on the road and are feeling very confident coming home against Louisville. Clemson had lost three straight games before defeating Pittsburgh. As long as Louisville can get back into rhythm and make shots like they've done all year, this game shouldn't be a problem for the Cardinals. Louisville has way more talent and the game vs. Georgia Tech was quite the fluke game.

Key trends: Cardinals are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Early lean: Louisville, Over

Dayton vs. UMass 2/15/20 (+14, 148)

UMass has been much, much better at home in the A-10. They've won their last three games at home after beating George Mason, 69-67, last time out. But this Dayton team is something else. This team rolled over Rhode Island when plenty of people around college basketball figured it would be a tight contest. Dayton is 22-2 this season and are shooting 52.3 percent from the floor while scoring 81.6 points per game. UMass can't keep up and won't keep up. Blowout coming.

Key trends: Flyers are 22-6 ATS in their last 28 road games following three or more consecutive home games.

Early lean: Dayton, Over

Notre Dame vs. Duke 2/15/20 (-12, 151.5)

Notre Dame was on a solid winning streak until Virginia snapped it with a 50-49 point overtime win. That game went into overtime, and the total didn't even hit 100. Duke has won six straight games, although there have been some scares in these last six games. They've kept things close and haven't really been able to pull away from opponents. However, Notre Dame's offense hasn't been great on the road recently, and they'll play their third game in a row on the road. The Irish have scored 61 and 49 points in their last two games with an overtime period mixed in. I like Duke at home to get this win easily.

Key trends: Fighting Irish are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog of 7.0-12.5.

Early lean: Duke, Under

Syracuse vs. Florida State 2/15/20 (-6.5, 146)

Florida State gave Duke all they could handle last time out, but FSU fell short, 70-65. Syracuse has lost three of their last four games, with two of those losses coming at home. Syracuse hasn't played many road games as of late, but they did lose a close one to Clemson, 71-70, in their last road contest. Florida State has a better shooting percentage along with better defense as a unit. I expect Florida State to pull away late with some timely buckets and big defensive stops.

Key trends: Seminoles are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Early lean: Florida State, Under

Maryland vs. Michigan State 2/15/20 (-6, 138.5)

Maryland is the ranked team. Not Michigan State. Maryland is now leading the Big Ten conference and will have a lot of pressure on them as they travel to Michigan State. Maryland is on a seven-game winning streak in the Big Ten but almost took a home loss to Nebraska. Maryland won, 72-70, and held Nebraska off just in time. Michigan State had lost three straight games until they defeated Illinois on the road by a point in a thrilling game. With a win against Maryland, Michigan State will be looking to get back into the Top 25. I like Michigan State at home. They have nothing to lose in this one and will play loose and smart.

Key trends: Spartans are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.

Early lean: Michigan State, Over

Seton Hall vs. Providence 2/15/20 (+2.5, 137)

Seton Hall's Myles Powell had a cold shooting night and the Pirates still scored 82 points in an 87-82 loss. The defense wasn't great against Creighton, but surely Seton Hall shouldn't have even been in the game looking at the stats. Providence has dropped their last two games on the road, but those losses were to St. John's and Xavier. Providence defeated Creighton with solid defense at home. This should be a lower scoring game, but Seton Hall will get back on track and hit some tough shots on the road to get the win.

Key trends: Pirates are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Early lean: Seton Hall, Under

Start:	November 22, 2024 @ 8:00 PM
Expert:	Vernon Croy
Free $60 Account Sign Up

Free College Basketball Picks Saturday 2/15/2020 and Opening Line Report

Most Recent College Basketball Handicapping