Free College Basketball Picks Saturday 2/22/2020 and Opening Line Report

by Jason Radowitz - 2/21/2020

There's a lot at stake in one of the last regular season college basketball Saturday's of the season. Kansas and Baylor will both put their long winning streaks on the table. The winner of this Big 12 matchup will be deemed the best team in the nation. There are three other games that have long win streaks on the line. Gonzaga's 19-game winning streak will take on BYU's seven-game win streak, while San Diego State looks to continue their undefeated streak. Dayton hasn't lost a game in the A-10 this season, but Duquesne could be a challenge for the Flyers. Here are the early leans for February 22's college basketball action.

Kansas vs. Baylor 2/22/20 (-2, 126)

The heavyweight matchup after the afternoon belongs to Kansas and Baylor. This has the makings to be the game of the year, especially in the Big 12. Kansas has won 11 straight games, while Baylor has won 23 straight. Baylor's defense has been tremendous all season, but Kansas has shot the ball extremely well as of late. Furthermore, Kansas is shooting 48.8 percent from the field compared to Baylor's 43.1 percent. Baylor's average of 58.2 points allowed against has been incredible, but they're not holding Kansas to 58 points. Baylor, on the other hand, doesn't have the offensive numbers to stick with a hot Kansas offense.

Key trends: KU are 11-2 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Baylor.

Early lean: Kansas, Under

Gonzaga vs. BYU 2/22/20 (+4.5, 162.5)

Gonzaga was down by 10 points to end their first half against San Francisco at home but ultimately came back to win by 15 while BYU escaped a scare against Santa Clara, winning 85-75. Gonzaga has won 19 straight while BYU has won seven straight. Both teams are shooting above 50 percent on the year, but Gonzaga is the team that averages seven more points per game along with seven more rebounds per game. Gonzaga has the slight advantage, even on the road. However, if they come out flat on Saturday, they're not going to be able to come back.

Key trends: Favorite is 16-5-2 ATS in the last 23 meetings.

Early lean: Gonzaga, Under

UNLV vs. San Diego State 2/22/20 (-15.5, 137)

San Diego State is three wins away from a perfect regular season, while UNLV is just trying to get over .500. UNLV just destroyed a good Colorado State team at home. However, on the road, UNLV's offense has been a little off. San Diego State's defense has allowed 58.2 points per game and should win this matchup easily at home, against the spread. How can you not root for a perfect season, anyway? UNLV are 17-37-5 ATS in their last 59 road games and the home favorite has destroyed in this head-to-head matchup.

Key trends: Home team is 5-1-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

Early lean: San Diego State, Under

Duquesne vs. Dayton 2/22/20 (-14.5, 140.5)

Are you not entertained? This will be the fourth game with a long win streak on the line. Dayton has won 15 straight and are undefeated in A-10 play. Dayton is averaging 80.6 points per game and shooting 52.1 percent from the floor. Dayton seems like that team that will eventually fall down. They've won close bouts against VCU and UMass on the road along with a six-point scare from St. Louis at home in their last five games. However, Duquesne's offense has averaged fewer points than their season average in their last two games. Playing on the road against Dayton isn't easy. I like Dayton in this spot to cover the spread. They're due for a big double-digit win.

Key trends: DUQ are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 vs. Atlantic 10.

Early lean: Dayton, Over

Duke vs. Virginia Tech 2/22/20 (+17, 142)

Duke's winning streak was snapped after an embarrassing 22-point loss to NC State. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, are losers of four of their last five games after a three-overtime loss at home against Miami. Which game is more draining? Losing by 22 points in a blowout fashion or losing in triple-overtime? Duke should feel a little more refreshed and ready to go. Duke should come back and win this pretty easily. They average about 11 more points than V Tech and will certainly out-rebound the Hokies. Take Duke. They won't let you down again.

Key trends: VT are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games overall.

Early lean: Duke, Over

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Florida State vs. NC State 2/22/20 (+1.5, 144.5)

Can NC State do it again at home? NC State upset Duke by 22 points in incredible fashion. Now they'll welcome Florida State to town for a repeat upset opportunity. There's really no reason why NC State can't upset Florida State. Both teams average nearly 75 points per game, while both teams' shooting percentage sit near 45 percent. NC State could win the rebounding battle, although Florida State allows four fewer points on average per game.

Key trends: Florida State is 10-11 ATS after a win this season.

Early lean: NC State, Under

Florida vs. Kentucky 2/22/20 (-4, 144)

Coming into the season, Florida was supposed to be the team to beat in the SEC. With a bunch of returning starters and plenty of hype surrounding the program, Florida hasn't lived up to the hype. However, currently, Florida has won three straight games and four of their last five games to place second in the SEC, tied with LSU and Auburn. Kentucky is first with an 11-2 record. For Florida, with very few games remaining, a win would be everything. For Kentucky, getting a win over Florida, means one less team to worry about as the regular season finishes up. Kentucky has won five straight games and just defeated LSU on the road, 79-76. Florida's going to come in this game strong, but Kentucky should claw themselves through this one late in the second half and cover the spread at home.

Key trends: FLA are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 Sat. games.

Early lean: Kentucky, Over

Start:	November 22, 2024 @ 8:00 PM
Expert:	Vernon Croy
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Free College Basketball Picks Saturday 2/22/2020 and Opening Line Report

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