Will Rogers

The set-up: Two teams hungry for a win are going to push each other from start to finish in my opinion and ultimately I believe that this frenetic pace will help in pushing this total well above the posted number. Washington is 12-8 and Colorado is 15-4. The Huskies come to town off two straight losses, but coming by a a combined four points, most recently falling 67-66 to Utah. Overall the Huskies are averaging 70.4 PPG and they're allowing 62.8. The Buffaloes have won three of four. Overall they average 70.4 PPG and they allow 61.7. 

The pick: Note though that Washington has seen the total go over the number in eight of its last 11 road games after back-to-back losses, while Colorado has seen the total fly over in six of its last seven after having won three out of its last four SU. On paper this looks like it would be a defensive affair, but I believe these Pac 12 contendors push the tempo. THis is a very low total and I believe it flies over sooner, rather than later. Play the over.

10* PAC-12 TOTAL OF THE YEAR is on the OVER Huskies/Buffalos.

The set-up: The Citadel Bulldogs return home to start a two-game home stand. The Citadel is 54-47 all time vs. the Paladins in Charleston. The Citadel play with revenge here as well after Furman took both games last year. Furman is the better team on paper, but after its win over Samford, I think it gets caught looking past its lowly opponent tonight. 

The pick: Also note that Furman is a poor 2-6 ATS in its last eight on the road and off a victory and as a favorite of ten points or more, while Citadel is 7-1 ATS in its last eight as a home dog in the ten to 15.5 points range and off a loss. Revenge is a dish best served cold. Grab the points.

10* REVENGE BEST OF THE BEST on Citadel.

The set-up: Dallas is a different team this year than in season's past, but it's still significant to note that it's lost six straight at Smart Home Arena. The Mavs come to town having won five of their last six games. Not to be outdone though, Utah enters on a three-game win streak. This is the first time these team's have met up this season, but I'm expecting an all out war from start to finish. Dallas comes in off a 133-125 road win in Porltand, but I can't see the Mavs producing like that in this tough road venue. The Jazz throttled Golden State last time out 129-96.

The pick: Note as well that Dallas has in fact seen the total dip under the number in ten of its last 14 after allowing 110 points or more in four straight games, while Utah has seen the total dip below the posted number in four of five already this season after a blowout win by 20 points or more. Everything points to this one being more of a defensive battle, than a high-scoring shootout. 

10* TOTAL SITUATIONAL DESTRUCTION on the UNDER Mavericks/Jazz. 

The set-up: While I obviously wouldn't be shocked by an outright upset, in the end I'll recommend grabbing as many points as you can. Orlando has lost 12 straight in this series, so motivation to break that slide is definitely working in their favor as well. The Clippers come in content after winning five of their last six, while the Magic have lost four of their last five. Most recently LA beat the Heat 122-117. LA averages 112.7 PPG and it allows 106.7. The Magic though are desperate here after a listless 109-98 to the Celtics on Friday. The Magic are averaging 105.8 PPG and they're allowing 106.8. 

The pick: Orlando's early offensive numbers are skewed though because of early injusry issues, but there's no excuses today. Note as well that the Clippers are already a poor 7-10 ATS this season after scoring 120 points or more, while Orlando is a perfect 2-0 ATS off two or more consecutive upset losses as a home favorite. With a game "on the road" at the Lakers on Tuesday, I believe the visitors rest players and get caught looking ahead as well. Grab the points.

10* COACH'S CORNER on the Orlando Magic.

The set-up: Houston is 13-9 on the road this year and it comes in riding a two-game win streak. Denver is 17-6 at home and it won last time out. I look for these two Western Conference hopefuls to get out and push the pace from start to finish. The Rockets have not been great defensively, allowing 114.2 PPG, but they make up for it on the other end by pouring in 118.7 PPG. Five players score in double-digits for the visitors. Denver plays at a slower pace, averaging 109.3 PPG and allowing 106. But un-like Houston, the strength of the team lies in its depth with six players scoring in double figures.

The pick: Houston scored 121 points vs. Denver just a few nights ago and I believe we'll see another higher-scoring shootout in this one as well. With the visitors pushing the pace, look for this one to fly over sooner, rather than later.

10* TOTAL PLAY-BOOK on the OVER Rockets/Nuggets.

The set-up: I think 7-11 Fordham sneaks in under the radar here and finds a way to keep this one competitive vs. 14-5 St. Louis. The Rams come in with momentum as well, as they broke a five-game slide with a win over George Washington last time out. Saint Louis however enters suscepitble after two straight losses in my opinion. The Rams have struggled offensively this year, but the defense has been sharp in allowing only 61 PPG. The Billikens allow 66. And note that over its last four games Saint Louis has averaged just 66 PPG. 

The pick: Additionally note that the Billikens are 0-6 ATS in their last six home games vs. a team with a losing road record and 0-4 ATS in its last four following a SU loss, while Fordham is 4-1 ATS in its last five road games following a SU/ATS win/cover. No outright, but closer than expected. Grab the points.

10* MID-MAJOR DESTRUCTION on Fordham.