CBB Saturday betting preview: Expect a shootout between Texas Tech, LSU

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After a 4-2 week against the spread, we're carrying a 27-15 ATS record into this weekend's slate of games, which features 17 of the top 25 teams in the latest set of rankings.

Here are a few of my favorite bets for the weekend.

Clemson at Duke (-6, 134.5)

We've made a killing this year fading Duke, which is 2-9 ATS through 11 games, and we see no reason to stray from the path in this matchup against an inconsistent but dangerous Clemson squad.

The Tigers had lost three straight in blowout fashion before bouncing back in Wednesday's win over Louisville, which just beat the Blue Devils a week ago. Clemson enjoyed arguably the best game of the season from star big Aamir Simms, who tallied 16 points, nine rebounds, and four assists on just one turnover.

The Cardinals' defense has been better than Duke's this year, which has allowed teams to shoot better than 50% on 2-point attempts and ceded at least 1.04 points per possession in seven of its last eight games. The Blue Devils have also struggled mightily with their 3-point shot, which is their best way to attack an otherwise elite Clemson defense. None of that adds up to a price this short, leaving plenty of value on the road 'dogs.

Pick: Clemson +6

Florida at No. 11 West Virginia (-5, 146)

It's tough to know what to make of Florida. The Gators have won three straight but are still 3-4 ATS in their last seven games and have just one win this year against a team of West Virginia's caliber.

That came against Tennessee on Jan. 19, which sparked a three-game stretch where the Gators shot at least 56.8% from two - well above their season average even when fully healthy. That may not last against a Mountaineer defense that's held its last two opponents under 50% on 2-point attempts and is finding its stride without big man Oscar Tshiebwe.

West Virginia also faces a juicy matchup against Florida, which ranks among the worst in the nation in defensive rebounding rate (31.6%) and getting the ball stolen on offense (9.9%). Anyone who's watched a Bob Huggins-coached squad knows that's a serious problem.

Pick: West Virginia -5

No. 10 Texas Tech (-3.5, 150.5) at LSU

What happens when one of college basketball's stingiest defenses meets one of the nation's most prolific offenses? That doesn't quite tell the whole story between Texas Tech and LSU, which have combined to go 13-3 to the over since Dec. 29.

While the Red Raiders' defense ranks among the best in adjusted efficiency, it hasn't played up to that caliber as of late, posting its four worst defensive showings in the last six games. Instead, Texas Tech has relied on its red-hot offense, which has averaged almost 80 points in that stretch behind Mac McClung.

He should have some room to work against a porous LSU defense allowing 81.8 points over its last five games. The Tigers have made up for that with a stellar scoring unit that controls the ball and attacks the line - a strong combo against Texas Tech. Expect another barn burner on Saturday.

Pick: Over 150.5

C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.