Michael Alexander

Rating: 3 Units

I’ll stick with Arkansas but you could make a case either way. The Razorbacks shot very well in their home win over Auburn last weekend, hitting 57.4 percent from the field with a 52-34 advantage in the paint and just five turnovers. Arkansas gave up just 40.9 percent shooting on defense but did get outmuscled on the boards 31-27. The Razorbacks are a nice 6-1 in their last seven games and they’ve scored 88 or more points in three straight outings. As for Alabama, they shot well in their weekend game also with 48.3 percent from the field alongside a 39-29 rebounding advantage. The Tide did have 12 turnovers in the 14-point victory over South Carolina, though. Alabama has won four straight games now, scoring 89 or more points in all four and 93 or more in three of them. This one should be a high total as well. It’ll be a fun one to watch.

Rating: 3 Units

Two teams going nowhere fast, Eastern Kentucky will have the edge at home. I’m still not excited to lay points with either struggling team. West Georgia beat Eastern Kentucky in early January, scoring 88 points on 54 percent shooting. West Georgia looked real comfortable in the victory. Eastern Kentucky doesn’t play much defense. West Georgia is a profitable 14-10 ATS on the season, while Eastern Kentucky is 10-15 ATS. If forced to pick a side, I want the points in my pocket. Give me West Georgia.

Rating: 3 Units

Between them, these two teams average 0.4 more points per game than this game’s total. Opponents of the two teams average a combined 4.5 more points per game  than this matchup’s over/under. The average total Troy has had set in games this season is 2.8 more points than this outing’s point total. The average point total for the Warhawks this season is 2.0 points higher than this game’s over/under.

Rating: 3 Units

I expect this matchup to trend toward the over. Both teams average over 80 points per game and shoot 47% from the field. USC’s pace and Illinois’ offensive efficiency should create a game with plenty of scoring opportunities. Even with solid defensive stretches, the tempo suggests this one climbs higher.

Rating: 3 Units

Eleven of Cleveland State’s last 12 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 161+ points. Four of Youngstown State’s last five night games have produced a total of 161+ points.