NCAAB betting: Top college hoops games on NBA All-Star Weekend

This is a muted weekend on the sports calendar. We have no football of any kind and only the hoopla of NBA All-Star Weekend, not a schedule of regular-season games. If you are the type who needs to regroup, this is definitely the weekend to do it. If not, here is a look at some of the games from the college hoops slate that caught my eye. 

Unfortunately, this is not a prize weekend on the hardwood. Nevertheless, I am going to point out a five-pack of games worth considering, oh, and by the way, I have yet to post less than a profitable 3-2 record on any of these weekend previews, jinxes be damned.

Saturday, Feb. 17

Marquette Golden Eagles @ Connecticut Huskies
3 p.m. ET, Fox Sports
Spread: Connecticut -7.5

These are currently the No. 1 (UConn) and No. 4 (Marquette) teams in the country, according to the AP Poll. KenPom has them a little lower, but these are two of the best teams in the country with no significant weaknesses to speak of. If UConn wins, that pretty much seals up the Big East regular season title, if not, the return game in a few weeks gets even bigger. The Huskies have the best offense in the Big East and the Golden Eagles have the best defense (both are respectively second). These teams are really evenly matched so it is hard to get excited about giving up points, especially since Marquette is an experienced team. 

Recommended Pick: Marquette. Take the points and look for a game where guard Tyler Kolek is the best player on the floor, keeping the game pressure on. 

Texas Tech Red Raiders @ Iowa State Cyclones
Noon ET, ESPN+
Spread: Iowa State -7.5

I am not sure ISU is a sleeper, but I don't think people realize how well this team is playing this season. They have not lost at home all year and they have the third-best defense in the nation. They are using both to bring down a lot of good teams, like Kansas and Houston so far. This one should be a defensive battle and it is hard not to back the Cyclones at home in a game like that. They might not have star power, but they deliver, they are 11-2 ATS as a home favorite.

Recommended Pick: Iowa State, a sting defense allows them to cover late. 

Kentucky Wildcats @ Auburn Tigers
6 p.m. ET, ESPN
Spread: Auburn -8.5

The Wildcats were desperate for a win and got one midweek against Ole Miss. That doesn't mean things are solved though, especially not when you are losing at home like they have been. Next up is an Auburn team that plays with no fear. They are not more talented than the UK, but few teams are, there are pros on this team for sure. Playing on the road might actually help the Wildcats a little to take some pressure off, but their lack of experience will still be evident when the Tigers pull away. I don't want to be so chalky though. 

Recommended Pick: Auburn. I might look to tease the game above though. In both cases.