Sean Murphy

My selection is on UTEP over Sam Houston State at 6:30 pm et on Tuesday.

We'll back the Miners as they look to snap a seven-game losing streak while also avenging a narrow two-point road loss against Sam Houston State last week. Despite their recent struggles, UTEP has recorded the better overall record this season, and the strength of schedule between these two teams is relatively even.

Sam Houston State enters this matchup on a modest two-game winning streak, but it's worth noting that the Bearkats have only won more than two straight games once all season, with three being their longest streak of the campaign. Expect a motivated UTEP squad to bounce back and grab the win.

Take UTEP. Projected score: UTEP 72, Sam Houston State 65.

Tuesday CBB Free play. My selection is on TCU minus the points over Colorado at 3 pm et on Tuesday.

We'll back the Horned Frogs as they seek quick revenge following a lopsided 76-56 loss against Colorado on Saturday. While TCU ended the regular season on a 1-4 slide, it remains a dangerous team heading into the Big 12 Tournament. The Horned Frogs have posted the better overall record compared to the Buffaloes this season and have faced the tougher schedule by most metrics.

Colorado has covered the spread in consecutive games but has still won just three of its last 20 contests overall. Given TCU’s motivation and talent edge, look for a strong bounce-back performance and a comfortable victory.

Take TCU. Projected score: TCU 74, Colorado 61.

Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Montreal and Vancouver at 10 pm et on Tuesday.

Montreal’s first two games on its current western road trip have stayed 'under' the total, but that’s been more of an outlier than a trend. The Canadiens’ road contests have averaged 6.4 total goals per game this season, and they haven't recorded three straight 'under' results since January. A bounce-back offensive performance seems likely.

Vancouver, meanwhile, was held to just one goal in a disappointing loss to Dallas on Sunday, marking its third consecutive 'under' result. However, the Canucks should be motivated to respond offensively in this favorable home spot before heading out for a tough matchup in Calgary tomorrow.

The last time these two teams met in early January, they combined for nine goals in a high-paced, back-and-forth affair. With both teams primed for a more open style of play, look for another high-scoring contest on Tuesday.

Take the over. Projected score: Vancouver 5, Montreal 3.

Central Division Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'over' between Milwaukee and Indiana at 7:30 pm et on Tuesday.

Indiana enters this contest on a five-game 'under' streak, but that trend is unlikely to continue given the way both teams play. The Pacers pushed the pace in Monday's loss to Chicago, firing off 101 field goal attempts but struggling with their shooting. That kind of volume is encouraging for an 'over' play, as the scoring will likely bounce back sooner rather than later. Indiana has consistently created plenty of opportunities, hoisting at least 90 shots in three straight games while showing little commitment to defense, allowing at least 94 opponent field goal attempts in four consecutive contests.

Milwaukee should also be in an aggressive mindset after dropping back-to-back games over the weekend. The Bucks had been giving up plenty of high-percentage looks before Sunday's loss to Cleveland, having allowed five straight opponents to hit 42+ field goals. That should work in Indiana’s favor, as the Pacers have shown they’re willing to push the tempo regardless of their recent shooting struggles.

With two uptempo teams and both squads eager to get back on track, expect a high-scoring affair.

Take the over. Projected score: Milwaukee 127, Indiana 122.