NCAAB betting: Top games for the weekend

Purdue Boilermakers @ Wisconsin Badgers
Sunday, Feb. 4, 1 p.m. ET (Fubo)
Projected Spread: Purdue -1

This one is similar to the game above, as it pits the top teams in the league against each other.  Wisconsin just lost to Nebraska, blowing a big lead and now they are at home playing one of the best teams in the country in Purdue. I wrote about the Big Ten title race a couple of weeks ago and was not in favor of Wisconsin getting this home win and the midweek road loss is not going to help them get ready for the Boilermakers. I am looking for a very good fight from the Badgers but the Boilermakers, led by the unstoppable Zach Edey will prevail.

Recommended Pick: Purdue, feel free to back them up to -3. I think they win with ease. 

Duke Blue Devils @ North Carolina Tar Heels
Saturday, Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Spread: North Carolina -4.5

This is the best rivalry in the sport, maybe. North Carolina was cruising in the ACC but then they lost during the week and now their grip on the league is a little less firm. If Duke wins on Saturday, they become the favorite to win the league in the regular season, all they would have to do is beat UNC again at home to close the year. I do not think they get it done this weekend though (per my previous article). UNC has really good experience and should bounce back off a loss. RJ Davis controls this one. 

Recommended Pick: Take the Tar Heels at home. I like this Duke team a lot but they still need some seasoning. 

Tennessee Volunteers @ Kentucky Wildcats
Saturday, Feb. 3, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Spread: Tennessee -1.5

This one loses some luster with both teams off of losses, and how have both of these teams lost to South Carolina this season? Tennessee deserves to be favored, even on the road, they are just the more reliable team. They have less high-end NBA-level talent, but they are more trustworthy in general, especially at guard which is what you need if you are going to win on the road. Elite defense helps too, they are second in the nation. 

Recommended Pick: Take the Vols. I know it is tempting to back UK has a home dog but resist the trap.

Houston Cougars @ Kansas Jayhawks
Saturday, Feb. 3, 4 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Spread: Houston -1.5

Similar situation to the above with an elite, experienced defensive team the favorite on the road. The difference is that KU has more experience they can lean on compared to UK. This is the hoops matchup we were waiting for when Houston joined the league, so far they are proving they fit in just fine, both of their Big 12 losses came on the road though. I am comfortable backing the nation's top defense, even though Kansas as a home underdog is rare.

Recommended Pick: Houston, maybe tease them and the Vols together. 

UConn Huskies vs. St. John's Red Storm
Saturday, Feb. 3, noon ET (FOX)
Spread: UConn -4.5

This is a massive game for the home side. SJU is trying to get into the NCAAs in their first year under Rick Pitino and this win would make it likely. The Red Storm are not as good as the UConn, but with Joel Soriano inside they can make things tougher for the Huskies than most teams. They can tighten things up and being at home with a Hall of Fame coach I think they can make things very uncomfortable. 

Recommended Pick: Take St. John's at home. I know the Huskies are at a small number but this is going to be a Big East bruiser.