Nebraska lost 76-74 in overtime at Penn State (-8) when the teams met last month. It's part of a 17-2 ATS run the Huskers have been on that has propelled them in being the best bet in college hoops at 21-7 against the spread, or +13.3 units. Bracket experts claim Nebraska isn't in the NCAA Tournament yet, but I disagree. Still, it will keep the Huskers motivated to win the regular-season finale. Nebraska is the play.

Many spreads make perfect sense, while many more make imperfect sense. Then there's this one, which belongs a few points higher. Nebraska is on a tear, having won seven of eight straight-up and 10 of 11 against the spread at home. Penn State has dropped its last two decisions and has taken it on the chin lately in Lincoln, with a recent 2-5 ATS mark. Ailing center Mike Watkins, who's out with an injured knee and gets 12.1 points and 8.9 boards per contest, will be missed. He went for 18 points and 11 rebounds against the Huskers in last year's Big Ten Tournament, and racked up 20 points and 15 boards in an overtime win against them last month. Nebraska sure won't miss him.

The Big Ten has four teams in the tournament and two on the bubble. Those bubble squads, Penn State and Nebraska, face off in Lincoln on Sunday. Penn State will be playing without center Mike Watkins, one of the best defensive rebounders in the country. Watkins had been limited to just 12 minutes the last two games, both losses for the Nittany Lions. I feel Watkins is worth 3.5 points to the spread. Nebraska has been a spread covering machine the entire season with its 21-7 ATS record, including 12-2 ATS at home. If the Cornhuskers win, they will earn a double bye in the conference tournament. Back the small home favorite.