Posted on 1/17/2008 4:05:42 PM

NCAA Basketball Free Picks – No. 13 Marquette at Louisville

By Eric Williams

The Louisville Cardinals, (12-4 SU, 6-8 ATS, 4-10 O/U) have won three consecutive games coming into this contest, including a solid 64-49 win over Rutgers on Sunday, but will be facing a talented Marquette team that is coming off its best win of the season - a thorough trashing of Notre Dame last Friday, 92-66 at home.

The Cardinals are averaging 70.9 points per game on 43.7 percent shooting while the Golden Eagles are putting up nearly 10 more points per game, (80.6 ppg) on 48.1 percent shooting.

Louisville has been one of the best defensive teams in the nation, limiting its opponents to a measly 58.9 points per game on 37.4 percent shooting while Marquette allows just 61.1 points per game on 39.6 percent shooting.

The Golden Eagles have four players averaging double figures in scoring led by athletic junior point guard Dominic James, (14.9 ppg) while the Cardinals also have four players averaging double figures in scoring, led by junior swingman Terrence Williams.

Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NCAA Basketball Betting Free Picks:

Key Golden Eagles Trends

The Golden Eagles are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a SU win of more than 20 points.

The Golden Eagles are 8-2 ATS in their last ten games after scoring more than 90 points in their previous game.

The Golden Eagles are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following a S.U. win.

Key Cardinals Trends

The Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.

The Cardinals are 6-2 ATS in their last eight Thursday games.

The Cardinals are 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 vs. Big East.

Key Totals Trends

The Over is 9-2 in Golden Eagles last eleven road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.

The Over is 7-2 in Golden Eagles last nine vs. Big East.

The Under is 6-0 in Cardinals last six games following a S.U. win.

The Under is 5-0 in Cardinals last five home games.

Key Head-to-Head Trends

The Over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Louisville.

The Underdog is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.

Analysis: I know Louisville is playing at home in this contest, but the fact of the matter is that Marquette is a better – and more mature – team. Yes, Louisville is a tough place to win, but I say the Golden Eagles get the job done tonight.

NCAAB Free Picks: Marquette 70 Louisville 67

07:00 PM EST College Basketball Odds

Marquette +2½ -110

Louisville -2½ -110

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