12 p.m. ET: Illinois (-4.5, 145.5) at Ohio State
Illinois (19-9) has won two straight games and just took down Northwestern 66-62 but failed to cover as 7.5-point home favorites. On the other hand, Ohio State (11-17) is 1-14 over their last 15 games and just fell to Penn State 75-71, losing outright as 2.5-point home favorites. This line opened with Illinois listed as a 3-point road favorite. Pros aren't outsmarting themselves; they've laid the points with the road favorite, steaming Illinois up from -3 to -4.5. Illinois is receiving 74% of bets but 80% of money, signaling both public and sharp support. Illinois is 10-7 in conference play. Ohio State is 3-14. Illinois holds the edge defensively (65 PPG allowed vs 69 PPG allowed). Sharps have also leaned under, dropping the total from 146 to 145.5. Illinois beat Ohio State 69-60 back on January 24th.
12 p.m. ET: Northwestern at Maryland (-6, 129)
Northwestern (20-8, ranked 21st) just had their five game winning streak snapped, falling to Illinois 66-62 but covering as 7.5-point road dogs. On the flip side, Maryland (19-9) has won three of their last four games and just beat Minnesota 88-70, covering as 15.5-point home favorites. This line opened with Maryland listed as a 6.5-point home favorite. We've seen the Terps fall from -6.5 to -6, signaling pro money grabbing the points with the road dog. Northwestern is receiving 60% of bets but 70% of money, signaling slight public support but also bigger sharp action. Sharps have also hit the under, dropping the total from 130 to 129. Both of these teams are 18-10 to the under this season.
12:30 p.m. ET: Providence (-7, 149.5) at Georgetown
Providence (20-8, ranked 20th) just saw their two game winning streak come to an end, falling to Connecticut 87-69 and failing to cover as 7.5-point road dogs. Meanwhile, Georgetown (7-22) is 2-17 over their last 19 games and just fell to St. John's 79-70, failing to cover as 2.5-point home dogs. This line opened with Providence listed as an 8-point road favorite. The public sees Georgetown's putrid record and they're running to the window to lay the points with Providence. However, despite Providence receiving 80% of bets we've actually seen the line tumble toward Georgetown +8 to +7. Some shops are even down to +6.5. This signals respected money grabbing the points with the home dog. Georgetown is the top contrarian play of the day, receiving only 20% of bets. Unranked home dogs +8.5 or less vs ranked opponents are 58-37 ATS (61%) this season.