Rutgers forward Eugene Omoruyi, right, goes up for a shot against Ohio State guard C.J. Jackson during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)Associated Press

NCAAB: Eckel picks a pick and a pass

Rider gets more respect from the oddsmaker than the Broncs deserve

Rider (-7 1/2) at Manhattan, 7 p.m.
The Pick: Manhattan (+7 1/2)

Rider (12-9) gets more respect from the oddsmaker than the Broncs deserve, as evidenced by the fact that Kevin Baggett’s team is just 6-15 against the spread this season.

Betting against the Broncs this season would already have you nine games over .500 and there’s no reason to stop now. Rider as a seven-and-a-half point favorite on the road in New York is another overlay.

Manhattan (6-16) isn’t good by any stretch of the word good. But the Jaspers have been better of late with consecutive double digit wins over Fairfield and St. Peter’s. Their style of play and the atmosphere at Draddy Gym can make this a real ugly contest.

Rider, despite being in first place in the MAAC, has lost its last two road games at Iona and at Monmouth. The Broncs will likely win this to increase their lead in the conference, but look for that ATS record to drop to 6-16.

Michigan (-9 1/2) at Rutgers, 8 p.m.
The Pick: No bet

There’s two ways to look at this Big 10 encounter.

Michigan (20-2) is ticked off after getting blown out by Iowa, 74-59, last time out and takes it out on the Scarlet Knights (11-10).

Or this is the ultimate trap game for Big Blue coming off the Iowa loss and having a revenge rematch with Wisconsin on Saturday.

My take is to stay away from this one.

NCAAB