No. 19 Wake Forest, Cal State Fullerton, Meet in 76 Classic

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-0 SU, 1-0 ATS, 1-0 O/U) have opened their 2008-09 campaign with three emphatic wins in the BetUS Sportsbook.

The Cal State Fullerton Titans (2-2 SU, 2-0 ATS, 1-0 O/U) had their modest two-game winning streak snapped on Sunday, losing to Portland State 76-75 as an 8.5-point road underdog.

Tonight, both teams will be looking to pick up wins for fans and sports betting backers when they meet in the eight-team 76 Classic in Anaheim tonight.

"It's a terrific field," Demon Deacons head coach Dino Gaudio said. "Someone said that six of the eight teams from that tournament will be in the NCAA tournament. I hope we're one."

Wake Forest has won every game by at least 31 points this season, including Monday’s 62-31 home win over Winston-Salem State.

The Demon Deacons got 14 points from sophomore guard Jeff Teague to lead a balanced offensive effort, shooting 68 percent during the second half after leading by just seven points at the half.

"We didn't come out mentally ready to play, and that's on me," Gaudio said. "We told them, 'Winston-Salem State plays against you in the summer, and they're not going to come in here intimidated in any way, shape or form,' and they didn't."

Cal State Fullerton earned its first berth to the NCAA Championship Tournament in 30 years last season but returns just one starter this year in senior guard Josh Akognon who led the team with 20 points on 8-for-23 shooting in their loss to Portland State.

"Josh Akognon is certainly one of the best guards in the West and this season, he will have the opportunity to show everyone that he's one of the best in the country," Fullerton head coach Bob Burton said.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NCAAB free picks:

The Demon Deacons are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.

The Demon Deacons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. win.

The Titans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.

The Titans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.

The Over is 4-1 in Demon Deacons last 5 games following a S.U. win.

The Over is 4-1 in Demon Deacons last 5 overall.

The Under is 5-0 in Titans last 5 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.

The Under is 4-1 in Titans last 5 non-conference games.

NCAAB Odds

Wake Forest -10½ -110

Cal State Fullerton +10½ -110

Analysis: I don’t think NCAA college basketball bettors have to do much guesswork with this selection. Cal State Fullerton just doesn’t have the height of athleticism to match up with Wake Forest in this matchup and should go down fairly easily because of it. Take the demon Deacons to cover the spread with the greatest of ease college basketball hoops bettors!

NCAAB Free Picks: Wake Forest -10½ Points