Free College Basketball Picks Wednesday 2/26/2020 and Opening Line Report

It's Wednesday and there's a small slate of ranked college basketball. Although the slate is small, there's some intriguing match-ups with a rivalry game in the mix. Rutgers will take on Penn State on the road where they've gone 1-7 this season. Rutgers has dropped two straight but so has Penn State as they've dropped ten spots in the AP Poll. Villanova will welcome St. John's to town while on a four-game winning streak as they've played their best basketball of the season as of late. Lastly, Maryland will look to rebound from their loss to Ohio State on the road against a .500 Minnesota team. Here are the early leans for Wednesday, February 26.

  St. John's vs. Villanova 2/26/20 (-12, 146.5)

Villanova is currently on a four-game winning streak and are playing their best basketball of the season. They'll welcome St. John's to Villanova, PA after they've lost four of their last five games with the lone win coming at home against Providence. In Villanova's last three games, they've won all three games by double digits. All three of those games were also on the road. St. John's does a great job getting steals but as a team, Villanova averages 10.7 turnovers a game. If Villanova continues to play at the level they're playing at, St. John's has no chance on the road. Villanova has been inconsistent at home but things are starting to develop for the Wildcats.

 Key trends:  Wildcats are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win.

 Early lean: Villanova, Under

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  Rutgers vs. Penn State 2/26/20 (-5.5, 137.5)

In their first meeting, Rutgers won at home. Things have changed since then. Penn State went on an eight-game winning streak only to lose two straight while Rutgers can't seem to win a road game. Rutgers is 1-7 on the road this season. That one win came in early January against Nebraska. Rutgers hasn't played great defense as of late and that's what they've been known for. Although Lamar Stevens is shooting under 30 percent for Penn State in his last two games, Penn State should be able to get buckets with ease and cruise by Rutgers at home.

 Key trends: PSU are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.

Early lean: Penn State, Under

  Maryland vs. Minnesota 2/26/20 (-1.5, 133)

Maryland took a road loss to Ohio State in their last time out, 79-72. Ohio State pushed away late in the first half and were up 7. The Buckeyes never looked back. Maryland will now stay on the road to face Minnesota who have been hot and cold all season. The Golden Gophers lost three straight after defeating Wisconsin at home and recently beat Northwestern in a blowout win. Maryland should be able to hold the Minnesota offense on the road. Iowa and Indiana already have road wins against Minnesota in February. Add Maryland to the mix. They'll get the win against the spread and rebound after a tough loss to Ohio State.

 Key trends:  Golden Gophers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Early lean: Maryland, Under