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Free College Basketball Picks Wednesday 2/5/2020 and Opening Line Report


by Jason Radowitz - 2/4/2020

Michael Jacobson Iowa State Cyclones

Wednesday's College Basketball action features seven games with one of the seven between two ranked opponents. Now that we're in February, some of these matchups are the second game of the two-game series in conference play. In February, as the conference tournament's approach and March Madness seeding speculation begins, every game, every possession and every shot matters. Here are the early leans for Wednesday, February 5.

Villanova vs. Butler 2/5/20 (-2, 130)

Villanova recently took a 15-point loss to Creighton at home to end a long winning streak. They'll need to bounce back on the road against a Butler team that has lost three of their last five games in the Big East. Butler will win most games if they score more than 70 points a game. Their defense is that good. Villanova struggled against Creighton at home and scored just 61 points. Before that, the Wildcats scored 79. It's really a question on which offense will show up. Knowing how Jay Wright coaches these Wildcats, I'd expect some timely shooting from Villanova on the road to get this win.

Key trends: Wildcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.

Early lean: Villanova, Over

Iowa State vs. West Virginia 2/5/20 (-11, 145.5)

WVU hasn't shot the ball well in their last two games but have come out 1-1 in those two games. West Virginia will take the floor at home for their second straight game and play against Iowa State. They've lost three straight games and struggle defensively, allowing 72.2 points per game against. I like West Virginia to bounce back and shoot the ball well. A double-digit win is a real possibility.

Key trends: Mountaineers are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS loss.

Early lean: West Virginia, Over

Iowa vs. Purdue 2/5/20 (-2, 137.5)

Iowa has been the best offense in the Big Ten this season and they'll take on an inconsistent Purdue team that has won two of their last three. Purdue knocked off Wisconsin and Northwestern while losing to Rutgers on the road. Iowa has won some big games in 2020 and just defeated Illinois at home. They've won four of their last five Big Ten matchups. Of course, it's becoming hard for road teams to win in the Big Ten, but Iowa has what it takes. Iowa is scoring 78.9 points per game. And if they can score above 70, Purdue won't be able to match. Iowa's went one game without 70 points in their last five. Instead, they score 68. Take Iowa on the road.

Key trends: Hawkeyes are 5-1-3 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win.

Early lean: Iowa, Over

Creighton vs. Providence 2/5/20 (-1, 142)

Creighton has won four straight games after a couple big wins against Xavier and on the road against Villanova. Both were double digit wins. The last time these two teams played, Creighton won, at home, 78-74. That started Creighton's run. A loss would end it. Providence ended a three-game losing streak after beating Butler on the road by four. They did a great job defending Butler. Creighton is hard to guard as they score 77.5 points per game and shoot 46.5 percent from the field. Take Creighton to complete the series sweep.

Key trends: Bluejays are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win.

Early lean: Creighton, Over

Seton Hall vs. Georgetown 2/5/20 (+3.5, 138)

Seton Hall's winning streak came to an end after a 12-point loss to Xavier at home. Nobody expected the win streak to end against Xavier, but sometimes teams just come out flat. It happens. Georgetown had lost three-straight before beating St. John's on the road, 73-72. Georgetown has some injuries to deal with and are playing shorthanded mostly the entire season. Seton Hall should rebound nicely and beat a beatdown Georgetown team.

Key trends: Pirates are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 road games following three or more consecutive home games.

Early lean: Seton Hall, Under

Wake Forest vs. Louisville 2/5/20 (-15, 140.5)

Louisville's got an eight-game winning streak in the ACC coming into this one. Wake Forest is one win away from getting back to .500. But that's not going to happen. Louisville's defense has been stingy and haven't allowed over 69 points in any of their last four games. Louisville's offense, however, has scored at least 77 points in their last three games. Look for a double-digit win at home for the Cardinals.

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

Early lean: Louisville, Under

LSU vs. Vanderbilt 2/5/20 (+12, 151)

The best vs. the worst. The SEC standings say that. LSU has really turned it on as of late, winning their last two games by double digits. Previously, LSU was known as the team that gave up big leads but still won. Not anymore. They're playing at an entirely different level and look like the top SEC team in basketball. LSU's offense will wear down Vanderbilt, even at home. Vandy's defense isn't bad but their offense won't be able to do much against a bunch of big bodies at LSU.

Key trends: Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Early lean: LSU, Over

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