NCAA Basketball Picks 1/27/08

Written January 27, 2008 by Jack Jones

Tough day on Saturday, but we look to bounce back with two solid winners, including the big game between Maryland and Duke.

Xavier -4

Xavier rises to the abilities of the team that they are playing, as evidenced by their 21-10 ATS record against teams with a record above .500 the last two seasons. UMass is 13-5 and 7-1 at home, so Xavier is going to have their hands full today if they hope to come out with a victory, but we think they can do it. They have won 8 of their last 9 games and seem to be playing really well as a group right now, so we’ll lay the small number.

Maryland +5.5

Duke is one of those teams that bettors overvalue and we think we see that situation happening right here. The Blue Devils are 12-23 ATS against teams who win more than 60% of their games the last three seasons, while Maryland has thrived against quality opponents. The Terrapins are 8-2 ATS against teams who outscore their opponents by 8 or more points per game. Maryland has won 6 of 7 games and is playing really well right now and they have had plenty of time to get ready for Duke after beating North Carolina last Saturday. Take the Terrapins to win this one today.