NCAAB Weekend Preview - Duke-UVA Highlight Saturday Action

We get a big treat this NCAAB Weekend when Duke and Virginia battle it out in a thrilling battle that will test the resolve of both sides. Make no mistake - despite the rankings, these are the two best teams in the country. Will Virginia's new, explosive style of offense be able to keep up with the three best players in the country? All that and more await in my free picks for Saturday!

[Editor's Note - College Basketball odds are typically released on gameday morning, and are sometimes available the night before]

[Saturday, Feb 9]

TOP MATCHUP #2 Duke Blue Devils at #3 Virginia Cavaliers (6:00pm ET)

The odds on Duke to win the National Championship have plummeted to +170. Virginia’s a +750 second choice, which makes this matchup about as big as any game this year.

History tells us UVA bounces back with a win and cover. After all, the Cavaliers only lost by 2 points in the last matchup, 72-70, and that one took place at Cameron Indoor Stadium. However, the score gives us more clues than anything else. Virginia allows less than 53 points per on average.

The Devils scored almost 20 points more than what the Cavaliers allow on average. It should be much tougher for Virginia to adjust than for Duke to adjust. Not only that, but UVA’s gone 0-2 ATS in their last couple while Duke’s back dominating. The Blue Devils are 3-1 ATS in their last 4. The Devils will win and cover in a statement game for the ages. As the road team, they'll receive a favorable number that'll be easy for them to clear.

NCAAB Weekend Free Pick: Duke ATS

#19 Wisconsin Badgers at #7 Michigan Wolverines (12:00pm ET)

The Badgers remained one of the hottest teams in the nation with their 56-51 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Feb. 6. The victory brought their streak to 6-0 both SU and ATS.

The run actually started with a 64-54 home win over Michigan as a 3.5 dog. There’s no reason to believe the Wolverines turn the tables on Wisconsin on Saturday. Backing the Badgers to pull off the moneyline upset.

NCAAB Weekend Free Pick: Wisconsin SU

#5 Kentucky Wildcats at #21 Mississippi State Bulldogs (1:00pm ET)

Mississippi State put up a tough fight but failed to rally against LSU, losing 88-92 in overtime in their last outing. The Bulldogs are a good team. However, they face a surging Kentucky squad that’s gone 7-0 SU and ATS in their last seven.

Coach Cal’s teams always step it up once SEC play starts. This season is no different. UK’s a legit contender for a National Championship while Miss State has fallen back to the pack. Again, this is a solid road favorite to take on.

NCAAB Weekend Free Pick: Kentucky ATS

#14 Villanova Wildcats at #9 Marquette Golden Eagles (2:30pm ET)

Nova needed overtime to get by Creighton in their last game. That’s probably because they already had their minds on this huge matchup with Marquette on Saturday. The Wildcats have been on fire, winning 11 SU in a row and going 9-2 ATS in the process.

But, Marquette’s been just as hot with their 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS record in their last 10. The Golden Eagles are an awesome 11-4 ATS in their 15 home games this season. There’s a huge chance Villanova’s over played in this. Backing Marquette to win and cover.

NCAAB Weekend Free Pick: Marquette ATS

#16 Louisville Cardinals at #24 Florida State Seminoles (4:00pm ET)

The Cardinals are back to being one of the top college basketball programs in the nation. Louisville’s torn things up with a 7-3 ATS and 8-2 SU record in their last 10.

The thing about Louisville is that they’re solid on both ends, averaging close to 80 and allowing less than 70. Florida State’s a good defensive team, but they’ll find it tough to keep up with the high-flying Cardinals in this matchup. Louisville takes it ATS and SU.

NCAAB Free Pick: Louisville ATS