I'm recommending a play on Cleveland State minus the points on Friday night. Valpo blew a big opportunity against a very beatable opponent on Wednesday night. The Crusaders had their chance to wrap-up the Horizon League title against a weak Detroit Titans' squad, but laid a serious egg and lost 63-60. Valpo has made over 46% of their shots this season, but made just 16-of-46 on Wednesday night against a Titans' team that allows the opposition to nail 44.5% of their shots (260th). Valparaiso choked - simply put. Life gets tougher tonight for the Crusaders, playing on the road against a Cleveland State team that has something to play for, also. The Vikings are one of three teams at 11-4 in conference play, just one game behind Valpo for the best record in the Horizon League. They're 12-2 SU at home and the joint will be jumping with Wolstein Center front and center on ESPNU. The Vikings are also in revenge after suffering a 2-point loss at Valpo earlier this season. Cleveland State had a chance, losing by only a bucket, despite making just 36% of their FGA, including 28% from behind the arc. The Crusaders had a big opportunity on Wednesday and failed. Tonight, I expect CSU to take advantage in the final regular season contest. I'm laying the points with Cleveland State on Friday night. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm laying the points with the Spurs on Friday night. There comes a time when even the best go through gut-check time and I believe this is one of those times for the Spurs. After four straight losses, San Antone takes on a team they should find beatable, obviously, but it won't happen without focus. A four game losing streak gets one focused and there's no doubt in my mind the effort will be there. I like the hiring of George Karl in Sacramento. But his team is over-matched and the Spurs are likely to be in an ornery mood. Sacto has won twice under Karl, including a win over a weak Boston entry and they caught Memphis in a very tough spot for the visitor. The Grizzlies were off three straight road games against the Clippers, Blazers, and Thunder. Looking past the Kings, as Tony Allen admitted his team did, was easy to do and Sacramento caught a break. The Spurs will look past no one at this point. The Kings enter on a 0-6 ATS slide off one day of rest, while the Spurs enter on a 6-2 ATS run in their last eight in Sacramento. Nice bounce back spot for the road team and I'm betting they take care of business. DeMarcus Cousins is expected to miss tonight's game (ankle) as is Darren Collison. But whether Cousins plays or not, we'll lay the points with the Spurs, my Tapout release. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm backing the Rhode Island Rams on Saturday. Rhode Island already owns a 59-47 win over the Explorers on Jan. 22. The Rams are 8-2-1 ATS the last 11 meetings and LaSalle is coming off two embarrassing losses against Fordham and Saint Louis who are two of the worst teams in the country. Rhode Island is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Davidson but can't afford to worry about that one because the Rams are tied with three teams atop the Atlantic 10 and need every win to even be considered for the NCAA tournament. LaSalle is on a 3-7-2 ATS run and shooting only 42 percent from the floor. Rhode Island is holding opponents to just a 40 percent field goal percentage. Look for URI to recover quickly from Wednesday's loss and get the win on Saturday. I'm laying the points with Rhode Island, my Road Warrior. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

I'm taking the points with the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday. Rick Pitino has to figure out a new offensive plan after kicking Chris Jones off the team and the offense wasn't too good to begin with. In fact, they were hamstrung long before Jones was booted off the team. Now they have just three players averaging more than 3.3 ppg. The Cardinals are 22-6 SU and 9-16-2 ATS while shooting only 42.8 percent from the floor. Florida State's last three losses have been against tough competition - at home vs Duke and on the road against Virginia and Miami-Florida. Xavier Rathan-Mayes had an incredible run late in the game for the Seminoles as he scored 26 points in a row and 30 points in about 4 1/2 minutes. FSU is on a current 10-1 ATS run overall and 8-2 ATS its last 10 home games. I'm grabbing the points with Florida State, my Morning Massacre underdog on Saturday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.