Bops 2/5 Love, Lock, Lean

It's another Super Tuesday in College Hoops! Let's get right to breaking down the action.

LEAN

Drake vs. Loyola Chicago (-7) 6 PM on CBSSN

Loyola has had an "underwhelming" season following the surprise run to the Final Four last year. I put the quotes around underwhelming because they still sit in second place in the Mo Valley conference standings right behind in-state foe Illinois State. Right behind them sits tonights foe the Drake Bulldogs. I have been on Drake a few times this year and they are a pretty solid team. For those out there that are believers in the KenPom ranks, Drake is currently rated 115 to Loyola's 137. Personally, that means something to me. Drake is also trying to avenge an early conference loss to Loyola. Loyola doesn't like to play fast (344 rated pace on KenPom) and I think anytime you get a team that takes their time you are subject to an upset (see UMBC vs. UVA 2018 Round of 64). I'm not sure I have it in me to call the outright upset, but I am more than happy to take 7 points in this conference matchup.

PICK: Drake +7

LOVE

Boston College vs. Duke (-23.5) 6 PM on ESPN

Games like this are always interesting to me. We have a high total, 157, as well as a rather large spread, Duke -23.5. There is no question that Duke is the superior team here and they get to play at home in front of the Cameron Crazies, always a major advantage. But, this could be the classic look ahead spot for the Blue Devils with a game at Virginia Saturday night which should have the Blue Devils full attention all week. I think we see Duke get out to an early lead, Zion do a few Zion things, and the Blue Devils coast through the night. Don't sweat the backdoor cover, just take the under.

Pick: UNDER 157

LOCK

Florida State vs. Syracuse (-3) 7 PM ACC Network

Anytime I can get a good number on betting an under on Syracuse in the Dome, it's always something to look at. I have been to the Carrier Dome for a football game and the place is absolutely massive. I can't imagine playing in there for a basketball game, I feel like shooting would be very complicated. Anyways, onto the real stuff. You always know what you are going to get with a Boeheim team. You are going to get the vaunted Syracuse 2-3 zone. They play at their own pace, a slow one at that (rated 286 on KenPom), and they look to get the best shot they can on each possession. On the flip side, we have the one of the most underrated Coaches in all of college basketball. Leonard Hamilton can just coach basketball, every year his team is solid. They play hard and love defense. It also helps that they appear to just have a guy that is 7'5 every year that blocks every shot he possibly can. I look for this to be a close game throughout with a lot of sloppy offensive possessions (because of good defense) and I think Cuse can control the tempo at home and help us all out.

PICK: UNDER 137