Docs Website

53 Years Strong! A Trusted Leader In Sports Picks, Best Bets and Predictions Since 1971.

Main Menu

Free College Basketball Picks Friday 2/7/2020 and Opening Line Report


by Jason Radowitz - 2/6/2020

Maryland Terrapins forward Jalen Smith

Friday's college basketball action features a small slate but a good slate. A top ranked Maryland team will put their five-game winning streak on the line against the Big Ten's most improved in Illinois on the road, while Harvard will play their rivalry game against Yale between the battle of the brains. Also, the Mid-American Conference always has some big games on Friday's to look forward to while the A-10 gives us a showdown between Davidson and VCU. Here are the early leans for Friday, February 7 matchups.


Maryland vs Illinois 2/7/20 (-1, 132.5)

This is the only ranked matchup on Friday's slate, but it's a good one. Maryland is coming off a win against Rutgers at home and have extending their win streak to five games while Illinois has been the most surprising Big Ten team this season. This game is for first place in the Big Ten with both teams tied at 8-3 in conference play. Illinois is 12- at home while Maryland is 2-4 on the road this season. Both play solid defense and score over 70 points a game, but Illinois is the team that shoots a better percentage from the floor. They're also the home team. Look for Illinois to end Maryland's five-game win streak.

Key trends: Fighting Illini are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.

Early lean: Illinois, Over

Harvard vs. Yale 2/7/20 (-6.5, 136.5)

Ah, the good ole Harvard/Yale matchup. This is what we live for! Rivalry basketball between two extremely smart universities. Yale is on a six-game winning streak while Harvard has dropped two straight to Penn and Princeton by one possession each. Yale has been blowing teams out but have yet to face a challenge like Harvard. Harvard will stay in this game throughout, but Yale should push away in the second half and add another win to their Ivy League resume.

Key trends: Bulldogs are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.

Early lean: Yale, Over

Kent State vs Northern Illinois 2/7/20 (+2, 132.5)

Kent State is 6-4 in the Mid-American East while Northern Illinois is 7-3 in the Mid-American West. NIU is tied for first place with Central Michigan while Kent State sits two games out of the Mid-American East. Northern Illinois will need to win this game at home to stay in first place. NIU has won their last five games and will win this one by slowing the game down at home. As long as Northern Illinois can shut down Kent State's offense, they'll be fine.

Key trends: Huskies are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.

Early lean: Northern Illinois, Under

Davidson vs VCU 2/7/20 (-9.5, 136.5)

On Friday's, I only review games between teams over .500. Davidson is 11-10 and just makes the cut. They'll play on the road against a VCU team that is coming off an 87-75 loss to URI. Davidson looks to be finding their groove with an 85-50 win over Massachusetts. Davidson actually matches up well with VCU. On the road, it'll be difficult but if Davidson continues to shoot the way they've been shooting, the Wildcats should absolutely cover the spread in this one.

Key trends: Wildcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

Early lean: Davidson, Over

Central Michigan vs. Buffalo 2/7/20 (-6, 164)

Here's another big Mid-American game between Central Michigan and Buffalo. Central Michigan is 6-2 in conference play and in first place tied with Northern Illinois in the West Division. Buffalo has struggled, going 3-3 in conference play after losing three of their last four games. Central Michigan took it to a very good Bowling Green team recently with a 92-82 win at home. Buffalo will look to turn things around though. The Bulls already beat Central Michigan 86-67 on the road. Buffalo should have no problem with Central Michigan at home.

Key trends: Bulls are 34-13-4 ATS in their last 51 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Early lean: Buffalo, Over

Doc's Sports college basketball handicapping team has set some lofty standards worldwide for college basketball handicapping. Get $60 worth of premium members' picks free . No credit card needed, and you will never deal with a salesman. Get daily college basketball picks on Doc's Sports NCAA hoops predictions page.

Most Recent College Basketball Handicapping

One E-mail A Week Is All You Need!
Our weekly newsletter is loaded with exclusive free picks,insight and advice from our expert handicappers