What To Look For In Late February College Basketball

Here is a sample crib sheet of news, notes, trends and tendencies that OffshoreInsiders.com handicappers use.

Arizona, Not a Wise Bet?

Nic Wise is Arizona’s only true point guard and will likely not be back for the Pac-10 Tournament, perhaps even the NCAA Tournament. This is a huge loss and the Wildcats will toil against good pressure defenses. Those who best halftime lines, look for Arizona to struggle late in games with no depth at point guard.

However, should Zona struggle as expected then get Wise back earlier than anticipated, we will ride them, knowing their game will return.  

Oregon State, Ride Them

Okay, let’s explain our successful dichotomous spread team theory again.  We discount 98 percent of trends, but this has proven to be the exception to the rule. In short, if a team has a great SU record but horrid ATS record or visa versa, you ride for that to continue as it is the sign of which teams are most under or overvalued.  

Oregon State has a rallying cry. They have used reports from an “unnamed coach” being quoted as saying OSU quit on the season. They will be getting a lot of points, in their remaining contests, in arguably the toughest conference. Because they are a rare substandard team in the Pac-10, Beavers bettors will benefit from sandwich games, letdown games, and look-ahead contests. They should be a good spread time from here on out.

Carolina, Vulnerable ATS

It’s not likely North Carolina is going to sneak up on any team or oddsmaker. But now they have several key injuries: star Ty Lawson remains sidelined, Marcus Ginyard is playing wounded on both feet, Deon Thompson is less than 100 percent and one of their best bench players, Bobby Frasor is out for the year.

“Chemistry” is one buzzword we actually welcome and subscribe to the theory. Keep in mind that the Tar Heels have already had three overtime games in the ACC and three games decided by two or fewer points in their first 10 conference games.

Yes, they have depth, but not only is that being tested but Carolina has had to change lineups often. While other teams are gelling this time of the year, Carolina is making adjustments.

Be Leery of Betting on Kansas State

The Wildcats have been one of the great surprises in the nation under first year coach Frank Martin. But they’ve gone from hunter to the hunted. Also, they have their biggest tests coming up at home to Texas on Feb. 26 followed by a huge rematch against a Kansas team they recently conquered. However, the rematch is at Allen Fieldhouse. We think K States Vegas betting value has reached its peak. 

The author, Joe Duffy, is CEO of OffshoreInsiders.com. It’s approaching conference tournament time. From the mid-majors to the “BCS” conferences, nobody picks more winners than Dream Team at GodsTips, the anchor of OffshoreInsiders.com