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The loss of Justin Anderson for Virginia has not hurt their current seeding of a #1 seed. They’re still on track to be a high seed as a #1 or #2 seed. Their regular season success has come as no surprise. Last year they did so and only lost one key player in Joe Harris.

With all the returning talent they had and the coaching of Tony Bennett, Virginia has had unwavered success in 2014-2015. But over their last four to five conference games there have been glaring weaknesses to Virginia. Ones that typically cost a high seed an early exit in the NCAA tournament.

As great as Virginia’s defense is they have a hard time maintaining an offensive attack. Even before the loss of Justin Anderson they had rough stretches. In the first half against Rutgers and Davidson they found themselves trailing. Thanks to proper adjustments from Bennett and increased defensive intensity they were able to run away in those games.

As the season has wore on in ACC play, Virginia’s defense has not been as sharp. That’s because teams are starting to attack Virginia more inside. They’ve also been using their poor offense against them. Louisville struggled to score against Virginia but the offense they were able to generate came via missed Virginia shots and attacking against a non-set defense.

If Virginia does not figure out a way to orchestrate better offense they will be on upset alert before the sweet 16 this season. Justin Anderson is due to come back around that time frame. Sometimes a key player returning after a layoff ends up being a detriment to a team. The time away allots players to get accustomed to playing without an individual. Adding Anderson for the tournament will be great for Virginia defensively but I see it hurting them offensively.

Virginia may end up still being a number one seed or a two seed, but the way they’re playing I’d have to rank them a true 4/5 seed with the eye test.

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John, Zack, and Jeff discuss the Conference USA Saturday matchup between Western Kentucky and Marshall. Who will have the ATS advantage in this game Saturday.

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Even though Syracuse has self-imposed a post season ban, Saturday’s matchup versus Duke will still draw plenty of attention. Las Vegas based handicappers, Zack, Jeff, and John break down the game from an odds perspective.

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Tulsa is 10-1 in the American conference. They have managed that record because of sound defense and solid guard play offensively. Thursday they travel to face the defending champion UConn Huskies. UConn likely will not be in this year’s NCAA tournament unless they win the American conference tournament.

Coach Kevin Ollie just has not been able to get enough offense from there entire team. Guards Omar Calhoun, Sam Cassell Jr, Terrence Samuel, and Rodney Purvis just have not succeeded to help aid senior guard Ryan Boatright. Daniel Hamilton has tried to alleviate the pressure from Boatright but is probably a year away from filling that role.

In the earlier matchup between these two, Tulsa attacked UConn in half court sets at the rim. It worked and kept UConn’s transition offense in check.

The odds will surely be on UConn’s side as this is a key game for UConn and the anticipation is for a Tulsa loss. I’m don’t think that’s the right route to go with UConn’s consistent struggles to score. Kevin Ollie has tried everything to get the offense in gear and they just do not have the weapons to sustain an offensive edge against Tulsa. To win this game it’ll need to be done in a slow paced defensive battle.

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Friday there is a Pac-12 matchup between the Arizona Wildcats and Washington Huskies. Will UofA be able to bounce back after a loss to ASU? The opening spread likely will be factored as a bounce back spot even on the road for Arizona. Tune in and watch as Jeff, Zack, and John break down the game from a Vegas perspective.

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College basketball is now in the forefront for obvious reasons in the handicapping world. The NFL and college football seasons have both concluded over two weeks ago. In one month seedings will be unleashed and March Madness brackets will be printed in masses.

We’re at the point where teams have just six to eight regular season games left. That’s three and a half weeks to finish the season. Conference play is now ramped up after teams had winter break and another extended break of six to seven days off.

From now until season’s completion teams typically will have a max of two to three days off in between games.

Tuesday’s increased schedule is a result of this. The MAC, ACC, Mountain West, and several other conferences have games today.

Get use to this over the next three and a half weeks. Be cautious on the increased games and be sure to look under today’s picks daily for value ATS.

Enjoy the games and stay tuned for more video and opinion blogs on action this weekend and going forward in the college basketball season.