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Ball bets: North Carolina will make it 3 straight losses for Virginia

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

With four games left on the schedule for most teams, Saturday is a massive day on the college basketball calendar.

Bubble teams are looking to strengthen their cases for tournament bids, while those firmly in the field are looking to improve their seeding.

Here's the best bets on the board from a packed Saturday:

Best Bets

Virginia at North Carolina (-3)

Virginia appears to be a shadow of the steady unit Tony Bennett usually employs, and that doesn't bode well for a trip to North Carolina. The Cavaliers have lost two straight games, and are struggling mightily on the offensive end. That will be an issue against the potent Tar Heels attack, ranked as the fourth-most efficient unit in the country by Ken Pomeroy. Virginia will keep North Carolina below their usual average, but won't be able to put up enough points to pull the upset. North Carolina 72, Virginia 65

Clemson at Miami (-3)

Miami and Clemson are both bubble teams for the NCAA tournament, so Saturday's meeting in South Florida is a massive contest for both teams. The Hurricanes will be without Ja'Quan Newton, who's serving the second of a three-game suspension, but should still be solid enough in the backcourt to pull off the win. Miami 73, Clemson 68

Nebraska at Ohio State (-5)

It doesn't appear that either Nebraska or Ohio State will be heading to the NCAA tournament, but the Buckeyes will likely receive an invite to the NIT with a strong finish to the season. Ohio State comes in after two straight road losses, but a return home is just what Thad Matta's outfit needs to get back on track. Ohio State 74, Nebraska 65

Home "Dog of the Week"

The Home "Dog of the Week" is a moneyline win for a home underdog.

Rhode Island at George Mason (+3)

Rhode Island's chances for an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament are likely done after two straight home losses to Dayton and Fordham. George Mason faces a tough schedule down the stretch with trips to face the Flyers and VCU still on the slate. Saturday is a must-win for the Patriots, and they should come out flying in front of the home crowd. George Mason 77, Rhode Island 71

Full-day parlay

The full-day parlay offers a pick from one early game, one midafternoon game, and one night game Saturday. The idea is to take the winnings from Game 1 and place them on Game 2, and then do the same for Game 3.

Illinois at Iowa (-4.5) - 2:00 p.m. ET

Illinois throttled Iowa earlier this season at home, but things will be different in front of the raucous Hawkeye fans Saturday. Iowa has been a strong home team in conference play this season, posting a 5-1 record, with a 7-4-1 mark against the spread overall. Iowa only got 24 points from its starting lineup in the earlier loss to the Fighting Illini, something that won't be replicated at home. Iowa 74, Illinois 65

Ball State at Central Michigan (-2) - 4:30 p.m. ET

Central Michigan has lost two straight games, but can sit atop the MAC West standings with a win Saturday over division-leading Ball State. The Cardinals easily handled the Chippewas at home earlier this season, but a desperate Central Michigan team will play off the home crowd and ride the nation's leading scorer Marcus Keene to victory. Central Michigan 92, Ball State 83

South Carolina (-2) at Vanderbilt - 8:30 p.m. ET

South Carolina suffered a shocking home loss to Arkansas during the week, and needs a win at Vanderbilt to keep its SEC title hopes alive. The Gamecocks offensive struggles are certainly a concern, but Frank Martin's conference-leading defense should give the Commodores fits. South Carolina 68, Vanderbilt 61

Season Record

Best bets: 16-11
Home dog: 2-7
Full-day parlay: 4-5
Twitter picks: 5-1
Overall Spread Record: 40-27

(Lines courtesy: Covers )
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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