By Doug Upstone

Here are today’s biggest line moves and top trends, plus a look-ahead at key games Saturday in college basketball. Like we say every day, understanding line moves can build your bankroll.

CBB – (813) CANISIUS at (814) NIAGARA 9:00 E ESPNU

Canisius is in need of a victory after losing to Manhattan and Iona at home, as they moved ahead of them in the MAAC standings. Those betting basketball are supporting them, lifting the Golden Griffins from -3.5 to -4.5. You have to like their chances since Canisius is the better offensive and defensive club and they are 10-2 ATS after scoring 80 or more points. Doug's Take – Canisius covers

CBB – (815) MONMOUTH at (826) IONA 7:00 E

Monmouth has lost five in a row which seems like a recipe for failure against Iona, since the Gaels are eighth in the country in scoring at 83.6 points per game. Yet basketball bettors are going the other way and have lowered Monmouth from +15.5 to +14 because Iona is shaky on defense (78.4 PPG allowed). The magic number for Iona is 81 points, since they are 73-38 ATS when they reach that number, the concern is their average margin of victory when they achieve that amount of points is 11.7 per game. Doug's Take – Lean Iona

CBB – (825) LOUISVILLE at (826) TEMPLE 6:00 E ESPN2

This AAC affair was delayed one day by weather, but those making college basketball picks are all over the total. Oddsmakers sent out a total of 150 and it flew all the way to 154.5 before settling back to 153. No matter the number, bettors are convinced Louisville’s No. 13 scoring offense (82.3 PPG) will have no problems filling the bucket versus Rutgers unreliable defense (77.8 PPG allowed). Louisville is 10-6 OVER this season and 21-8 OVER in their last 29 games. Doug's Take – Play Over

What to consider and watch for from the key college basketball games this weekend.

Does Pittsburgh have a carryover from their gut-wrenching loss to Syracuse at North Carolina? You have to think the Tar Heels benefit also in this spot because they did not face Duke Wednesday.

Is Iowa on upset alert off their big win over Michigan and traveling to Penn State who is no longer a pushover?

The VCU and St. Louis matchup is all about tempo. If the Bilikens senior-laden team stays poised, they win and cover. The key for the Rams will be points in the paint, if they win that battle, VCU can win the game.

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State a month ago was a marquee matchup, now both are floundering. It seems Travis Ford has lost the Cowboys and defenses have started guarding the Sooners closer and not let them have that long outlet pass of a defensive rebound to get their offense going.

Utah could be play against the spread at UCLA. The Utes are a solid 5-1-1 ATS as an underdog and have to play their game not UCLA’s to beat the number.

The Florida and Kentucky is worth watching just to see both team’s frontcourt players go at it. The Wildcats have more talent, but the Gators are not far behind and have greater maturity. The key here is if Kentucky can neutralize guard Scottie Wilbekin, since for my money he’s the best two-way guard in college basketball.

Doug's Top Trends

CBB ATS Trend

Arizona is 9-1 ATS in road games versus teams scoring 77 or more points a game the last three seasons.

CBB Totals Trend

Arizona is 17-3 UNDER as a favorite this season.

CBB First Half Trend

Oakland U. is 2-11 ATS after five straight games committing 14 or less turnovers this season.