5 Best Bets for College Basketball Sunday: Rutgers Late Push?

Memphis (+4.5) @ SMU

This Memphis team can be a frustrating back, but the team's volatility is what makes them attractive. Although they have blown some games they should have won, they have some big-time performances from earlier in the year that have proven this team's got the ceiling to win games like this. SMU has been a sneaky good home team this season, but the Tigers really need this one. Back them to get it done.

UCLA (-2.5) vs. Utah

These two programs feel like ships passing in the night right now. UCLA has suddenly found some late-season form, ripping off six straight victories after notching an impressive win over Colorado on Thursday night. As for Utah, they have dropped five of their previous six, most recently to Arizona State and USC, losses that have brought them down to the bubble. We'll back the trendy home team who may not be laying enough points here.

St. John's (-6) vs. Seton Hall

The predictive metrics just might be finally catching up to Seton Hall towards the end of the season. Losers of four of their past seven with two of the wins coming over DePaul and Georgetown, the Pirates have tumbled 16 spots in KenPom during that timeframe and are right on the bubble with St. John's. This is a mammoth matchup for both teams, and we'll back the Johnnies to get a desperate win.

Rutgers (+4.5) @ Minnesota

Rutgers may be the longest shot for an at-large bid in the country right now, but that long shot has continued to become a more realistic reality in the passing days. The Scarlet Knights have accrued two Quad 1 wins and a Quad 2 win in their past three games, giving their resumé the boost it needed to get into the at-large conversation. They are playing their best right now because of the return of Jeremiah Williams after becoming eligible just four games ago. He is averaging 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, helping lead this otherwise struggling offense to some meaningful production. Back the dogs here on the road.

Memphis (+4.5) @ SMU

This Memphis team can be a frustrating back, but the team's volatility is what makes them attractive. Although they have blown some games they should have won, they have some big-time performances from earlier in the year that have proven this team's got the ceiling to win games like this. SMU has been a sneaky good home team this season, but the Tigers really need this one. Back them to get it done.