COLLEGE BASKETBALL — March 1

KANSAS STATE (+13) at KANSAS (Total 150) — The Jayhawks have obviously had this game circled on their calendar after suffering their first loss of the season at “little” Manhattan by nine points. Interestingly, Michael Beasley met his season average with 25 points, but had only six rebounds. And Bill Walker, another freshman who, like Beasley, is projected as a first-round NBA draft choice, failed to hit a shot from the field last time out, going 0-for-14 from the field against Texas. Kansas State has failed to cover its last four road games, and surrenders 14 more points per game away from their friendly confines. Meanwhile, Kansas, which has superior balance, has averaged 86 points a game at home and has covered 11 of 16 at the Allen Fieldhouse. We respect Kansas State’s progress. But the Jayhawks would like nothing better than to get their revenge and blast the Wildcats out of the NCAA picture at the same time.

JAY’S PLAY: KANSAS **

COLLEGE BASKETBALL — February 6

KENTUCKY (-3) at AUBURN — We saw Kentucky suffer some embarrasing early-season losses, as they were still trying to acclimate themsleves to the system of new coach Billy Gillespie. But now it looks like the Wildcats may be starting to turn the corner. First there was the home win over previously undefeated Vanderbilt. Then the win over #7 Tennessee. And now the ‘Cats have actually gone on the road and won a game, beating Georgia at Athens, which is never an easy thing to do. Auburn dresses just seven scholarship players, and while Kentucky is missing personnel too (notably guard Ramel Bradley), the difference is that the Wildcats have enough depth to make up for it, plus they have the difference-make in freshman Patrick Patterson (17.1 ppg, 7.9 rpg), who will put a lot of pressure on Auburn’s front court, which has really been decimated by injury.

JAY’S PLAY: KENTUCKY **

COLLEGE BASKETBALL — January 28

PORTLAND (+22.5) at GONZAGA — Hmm. We have to wonder, after Saturday’s covering effort at #1 Memphis, just how much Gonzaga will have in the tank for this one. Sure, they have a lot of fundamental advantages over this limited opponent, and Portland’s leading scorer, Nik Raivio, is mired in a slump. But the Pilots (+5 rebounding margin) have a shot to compete on the boards, and they have lost only four games this season by more than 10 points (out of 13 defeats overall). Gonzaga is frequently overpriced, having failed to cover its last six home games.

JAY’S PLAY: PORTLAND *

PRO BASKETBALL — January 27

UTAH (+3) at HOUSTON (Total 197) — The Rockets have gotten an offensive boost by the return to action of Tracy McGrady, who’s hit almost 50% from the field in the last three games. And McGrady is a scary sight for the Jazz, because he scored 47 points the last time these two met (November 1). Utah has won seven of its last eight games, but has been a huge disappointment on the road, covering just seven of 22 games. The Jazz certainly does not pride itself on its long-range bombing skills (just 4.1 three-pointers a game - last in the league), but with a guy like Yao Ming manning the paint, you might expect that their 49% field goal accuracy (1st in NBA) may take a dip.

JAY’S PLAY: HOUSTON **

COLLEGE BASKETBALL — January 26

WASHINGTON STATE (-3) at ARIZONA STATE — Both teams coming off disappointing losses - Washington State in visiting Arizona and Arizona State at home against Washington. This is one of those games where both teams like to be much more deliberate and disciplined than the opponent. And it’s also a game pitting youth vs. experience, as Washington State’s veteran team faces off against Arizona State’s kids (including three freshman starters). One of keys here for Arizona State is that its leading scorer and best player, Pac-10 Players of the Year candidate James Marden (18.5 ppg and a freshman, of course) is slowed down with a strained groin. You want to have him at full strength of you’re going against this halfcourt-oriented team. Herb Sendek has his youngsters picking up things quickly, and Arizona State is a legitimate NCAA tournament team. But two straight double-digit losses have folks wondering if they really belong in the upper reaches of the Pac-10. And as far as the slowdown game is concerned, WSU has simply been at it longer. They lead the nation with 53.8 ppg allowed, can take care of the ball (just 10.4 turnovers per game), and shoot pretty well from the field, the line, the arc. Last year they got a 48-47 win in Tempe. Now that ASU has shown it is a mere mortal on the home court, laying a small number not out of line.

JAY’S PLAY: WASHINGTON STATE *