My 10* TOTAL U OF THE U is on the UNDER Lakers/Nets.

The Lakers ground out a win in New York last night, and I believe we'll witness another lower-scoring affair here tonight as well. The Lakers have been getting the job done this season with better than expected defensive play and clearly the last thing they'll want to do is turn this into a "track meet" in the second game of the back-to-back scenario.

Despite losing four in a row, the Nets are still in the eighth spot in the East. Offensive consistency, due to revolving injury issues from Day 1, from game to game continues to be their main issue though.

Key Trends:

- LA has seen the total go under the number in three of its last four when playing the second game of the back-to-back.

- Brooklyn has seen the total go under the number in six of its last eight after a division game. 

The verdict: During their four-game slide the Nets haven't reached 110 points once and they failed to top 100 one time as well. When you add up all of the above factors, everything definitely points to the under as the savvy move in this one!

My 9* BIG TIGER is on Cal Poly.

At 4-13 the Cal Poly Mustangs aren't going to be lacking for motivation here. UC Riverside is 12-8 and I think it's going to have a serious fight on its hands tonight.

So far Cal Poly is 1-2 in league play, most recently falling 65-61 to Hawaii. Colby Rogers was a bright spot in defeat with 18 points. Overall the Mustangs average 63.1 PPG and concede 70.9. 

UC Riverside is reeling right now and is the perfect opponent for Cal Poly to try and steal a victory here. The Highlanders most recently fell 69-53 to UC Irvine, led by Dikymbe Martin with ten points. Overall UC Riverside averages 65.1 PPG and it allows 60.9.

Key Trends:

- Cal Poly is already a winning 6-3 ATS on the road this year.

- UC Riverside is 1-3 ATS in its last four as a home favorite in the 6.5 to 12 points range.

The verdict: This one has the feel of whichever team having its hands on the ball last, will be the one that comes out on top. So that means that I'm going to grab up these ample points!

My 10* UNDERDOG U OF THE U is on Middle Tennessee State.

MTSU is only 4-15, while Louisiana Tech is 13-5. Will the Bulldogs have a letdown here vs. their lowly opponent? I believe enough of one to let the home side very comfortably sneak in through the back door with the large spread they've been afforded. 

Louisiana Tech has won seven of its last nine, while MTSU has dropped 15 of its last 16. Which of these two teams is "hungrier" here? 

Also note that MTSU plays with revenge after falling 73-56 on the road in this game last year. 

Key Trends:

- Louisiana Tech is just 5-12 ATS in its last 17 as a road favorite or pick.

- MTSU is 6-1 ATS in its last seven vs. good defensive teams which allow 64 points or less per contest.

The verdict: Louisiana Tech is still hung up on its 51-50 loss to UNT last time out as well. The numbers and the overall situation favors the Blue Raiders; grab the points!