Posted on 1/18/2008 3:15:34 PM

NCAAB Wagering - Marquette (+ 3) vs. Louisville (- 3)

By D.S. Williamson

One would think that the Louisville Cardinals were something like 4 and 12 straight-up and not 12 and 4 if we listened to all of the sports writers regarding the “death” of this team. Does Louisville have issues? Of course, they do! But, every college basketball betting team has issues.

This sets up as a huge Big East contest. So, it will do us good to take a look at some trends:

The Marquette Golden Eagles are 6 and 1 against the spread in their last 7 games following a straight-up win of 20 or more points.

The Louisville Cardinals are 4 and 1 against the spread in their last 5 games as a favorite.

The Louisville Cardinals are 4 and 1 against the spread in their last 5 games overall.

The UNDERDOG is 6 and 2 against the spread in the last 8 meetings between these two teams.

I wrote earlier this year about how I thought that the Cardinals had a chance to win the NCAA Championship. I haven’t shied away from that prediction. They still think they have a chance because any time Rick Pitino coaches your team you have a chance in college basketball.

But I also said earlier this year that the Marquette Golden Eagles wouldn’t make much of a splash in the Big East. I was definitely wrong on that point. Marquette is not only a good team, but they have a chance to be a great team.

They are loaded at the guard position and that is why I have to give them the benefit of the doubt in this game. They are getting points on the road versus a team that they usually play tough.

Marquette’s guards should have their way tonight against the Cardinals. I see the Cardinals getting an early lead and then holding on to it until late in the second half. At that point I expect Marquette to exploit the perimeter and win this game outright.

The BetUS NCAAB betting line is Marquette Golden Eagles + 3 against the spread versus the Louisville Cardinals.

I like Marquette to beat the spread tonight.

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