The New Year is here, bringing with it the start of conference play in college basketball. Most teams excel in the non-conference part of their schedule and falter when faced with more familiar teams. But these five schools look likely to continue their excellent records into the first week of 2014.
College Basketball Betting Power Rankings as of January 2
| TEAMS | TRENDS |
|---|---|
| UNLV Runnin’ Rebels | 8-0 ATS in last 8 games/ 8-3 ATS at home |
| Drexel Dragons | 7-1 ATS on the road/ 7-1 Under |
| Arizona Wildcats | 7-3 ATS at home |
| Florida State Seminoles | 8-2 ATS this season |
| Utah Utes | 5-1 ATS at home |
1. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels
Next Games: 1/4 – vs Air Force, 1/8 – vs Nevada
UNLV is by far the hottest team against the spread in the entire NCAA right now. After losing four straight ATS in their first five games, the Runnin’ Rebels are 8-0 ATS (7-1 SU) in their last 8 games. Their lone SU loss during that run came against #1 Arizona, where UNLV still safely covered a 15.5-point spread. [sc:NCAAB240banner ]
The Rebels begin conference play this week with two games at home against Air Force and Nevada, who aren’t exactly front-runners in the Mountain West.
2. Drexel Dragons
Next Games: 1/3 – @ Southern Miss, 1/8 – @ William & Mary
After a sparkling 6-0 ATS start to the season, Drexel has covered just once in its past five games. But this week the Dragons will return to where they’re more comfortable playing – on the road.
Drexel is an impressive 7-1 ATS on the road, highlighted by their covers as underdogs against two ranked opponents, UCLA and Arizona. They will begin at Southern Miss and at William & Mary this week, which should suit them just fine.
3. Arizona Wildcats
Next Games: 1/2 – vs Washington, 1/4 – vs Washington State
Top-ranked Arizona has held onto its #1 spot for over a month now, and it has no plans of relinquishing it any time soon. The undefeated Wildcats could not have asked for an easier first couple games to start off conference play.
Arizona is 10-0 SU (7-3 ATS) so far at home and they will take on both Washington schools – owners of the worst non-conference records in the Pac-12 – in Tuscon.
4. Florida State Seminoles
Next Game: 1/4 – Virginia
Florida State closed out 2013 strong, going 4-0 SU (3-0 ATS) in its last four games of the year. During that run, they inflicted the first loss of the season to a previously undefeated Massachusetts team.
At 8-2 ATS, the Noles’ have one of the best covering rates in the nation. They begin ACC play this week at home against Virginia, who have lost 3 of their last 4 ATS.
5. Utah Utes
Next Games: 1/2 – Oregon, 1/4 – Oregon State
The Upstart Utes will be tested right off the bat in the Pac-12 with a visit from both Oregon schools, starting with the #10 Ducks. But maybe it’s the undefeated Ducks who should be cautious about their visit to Utah.
The Utes are currently 11-0 SU (5-1 ATS) at home, with an average margin of victory of over 30 points. And after nine games undefeated ATS, Oregon has now failed to cover in both of its last two games.
Put this knowledge to use and place your bets on college hoops at Top Bet Sportsbook.
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