733 UTEP 7.5 vs 734 Old Dominion
Analysis:
Following a 3-6 start in conference play UTEP has reeled off 6 straight wins (5-1 ATS) to move within a half game of a top four conference seed. The Miners are 9-5-1 ATS in conference play including a perfect 5-0 as a conference underdog with 4 of those covers on the road. Old Dominion is a half game behind UTEP in conference play (8-6) but just 6-8 ATS. The Monarchs have dropped 2 of its last 3 games including a 9 point home loss to Rice. These teams are meeting for the first time this season. My composite ratings have these teams rated almost evenly with UTEP enjoying a slight edge. ODU does deserve to be favored but I cannoth justify a line above minus 5 for this setting given current form and circumstances. Prior to their loss to Rice ODU had won and covered 4 straight as favorites but all 4 of those were against teams 6-8 or worse in conference play and none has a ranking within 65 spots of UTEP. While an outright win is possible the more comfortable play is to take the points with a team that has not lost in the month of Feburary while also exceeding expectations in 5 of those 6 wins, 2 of which came as underdogs.