Let’s go with a Big Ten teaser. Home teams have pretty much dominated in that conference this season, and I’m looking at two home teams on Tuesday night that we can basically move down to a just-have-to-win scenario. Which is how I try to work out most of my teasers.
I’m taking Penn State laying 1 in Happy Valley to Illinois, and Wisconsin plus a point against visiting Purdue. The Nits have won five straight in this series, and are one of the hottest teams in college hoops at the moment. Imagine that. Wisky has been a really good home team this season, while Purdue, while its had some moments, has been mainly bad away from central Indiana (3-7). The Boilermakers are coming off a 16-point loss at Ohio State. So here’s hoping that the trends up til now can continue and cash in for us.
I looked at two other games where I might give you a lean but not sure I’d actually invest. But I’m throwing them out there anyway in case you’re interested. I’m thinking Marquette getting 3 at home against Creighton, and Dayton laying 3 at VCU. In the first one, Creighton clocked Marquette at home on New Year’s. Both teams have been hot the last month or so, but Marquette has the best player on the floor and just nearly won at Villanova. Dayton hasn’t lost in a long time, which is sometimes reason enough to stay away, but the Flyers won the first meeting at home by double digits. VCU is better at home, as are most good teams. Or even most any team. But Dayton just has that look about it, and the line seems reasonable enough. But tread lightly if you do go for it. Or you could also take these two and play them as another teaser to give you more margin for error. That might be the way I’d go if pressed.
Whatever you do, try to have fun with it. And of course finish with more in your bank account than you started with.
Oops, almost forgot. On another note, while hockey isn’t my thing, don’t you have to take the Flyers tonight at home against Columbus? This is the first of a home-and-home back-to-back. The Flyers have won the first two meetings, and they’ve been really tough to beat in South Philly. And you’re only laying $159. Just saying. We can debate Wednesday’s game in Ohio on Wednesday. And yes, these teams are battling for one of the wild card spots in their conference. And I think the Blue Jackets have lost like five straight. See, I am at least trying to pay attention.