NCAA Hoops: Wednesday's Slate of Point Spread Action

Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 didn't really feature any marquee matchups, but for those of us who are into the point spread action a game is a game. 

The last two days, I went a combined 6-2 against the spread, each day going 3-1. Today was supposed to be the day where my search of perfection became a reality! 

Unfortunately, I didn't get to that mark, but another 3-1 day is better than a losing day.

The night started with two winners in Illinois at (-4.5 pts) over Michigan State, and Georgetown at (-3.5 pts) over Seton Hall.

The Illinois game I was comfortable with most of the night as they were covering the majority of the game. However, the Georgetown game was an improbable cover to say the least. 

Trailing by seven points at Seton Hall with three minutes to go, and the Hoyas were laying points looked like a sure loss at that point. The Hoyas kicked it in gear late and needed two free throws with one second remaining to finalize the five point victory. 

Go figure.

So, there I sat at 2-0 heading into the final two games of the night. I locked in Northwestern at (-6 pts) over Michigan and even got a great number the night before on DePaul at (+20.5 points) versus Marquette. 

Turned out that both games would be decided pretty much by halftime. 

Northwestern led by 13 points at the half and stretched it to 20 points mid-way through the second half, cruising home to a 14-point victory. 3-0 great!

Now, bring it home DePaul, you can lose by 20 points and I still win and go 4-0 on the day—not happening. 

Yes, I knew DePaul was bad, but they do have a few athletes and getting 20.5 points was just too tempting. Marquette was up 20 points at the half and finished off the Blue Demons with a 30 point victory. 

Another 3-1 day for the third straight day, I'll take it. 

Let's take a look at Wednesday's action.

Duke at N.C. State 

Duke comes into this game at 16-1 on the season, but they haven't looked great their last couple of outings. Ever since the injury to freshman sensation Kyrie Irving, the Blue Devils have lacked a consistent scoring threat behind Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler. 

There's not much I like about N.C. State, besides their athletic forward C.J. Leslie. The Wolfpack are coming off back to back ACC road losses, and coming home to face Duke will be no picnic. 

Pick: Duke (-10 pts)

Cincinnati at Notre Dame 

Here's the key statistic of this game: Cincy is 0-2 on the road in Big East Play and Notre Dame is 3-0 at home in Big East Play. 

Where's this game at? In South Bend.  

The Irish seemingly shoot the lights out when they play in the Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. 

Pick: Notre Dame (-3 pts)

Florida St. at Miami 

The Seminoles have enjoyed some home cooking their last two games, knocking off then No. 1 Duke and handling N.C. State by double digits. 

Here comes the bad news: Florida State was awful its last two games on the road, losing at Virginia Tech handily and losing at Auburn who is still winless in the SEC. 

Miami features a terrific backcourt, most notably NBA prospect guard Durand Scott. Scott is a joy to watch play, as his silky smooth, under control style has some scouts projecting him as a high first rounder. 

Pick: Miami (-1 pt)

Texas A&M at Texas 

This game easily accepts the honor as the game of the night. 

The Aggies come into this in-state rivalry red hot, winners of 13 straight games.

Sophomore forward Khris Middleton has emerged as their leading scorer at 16 ppg. It's not a one man rodeo though, as night in and night out the Aggies seem to get balanced scoring production from the entire team.

This will be their stiffest road challenge thus far, playing a very capable Longhorns team. 

Texas, so far this year, has shaken off any lingering questions of chemistry issues. Last year, they had a lot of individual talent but it never came together as a team. This year, has been quite the contrary. 

Newcomers Tristan Thompson and Cory Joseph have fit right in, and sophomore Jordan Hamilton has made major strides this year as more of a leader and a team player. 

Pick: Texas (-7 pts)

Overall Season Record: 12-6