15* Atlantic 10 GAME OF THE DAY on UMass -3

Saint Joseph's vs. Massachusetts, 02/09/2013 14:00 EDT, Score: 62 - 80

Point Spread: -3/-110 Massachusetts

Sportsbook: BookMaker

Result: Win

The UMass Minutemen should be a much bigger home favorite over the St. Joseph's Hawks Saturday. I'll gladly take advantage and back them in what I believe is going to be a blowout victory for the home team in this one.

UMass is looking to boost its resume after a 15-6 start to the season. It cannot afford to lose this game if it wants to make the Big Dance, and it certainly knows it. At 13-8 on the season, the Hawks are basically just waiting for the Atlantic 10 Tournament to roll around as that is their only chance of getting in.

The home team is a perfect 5-0 SU & 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings in this series since 2010 with all five wins coming by 3 points or more, and four by 8 points or more. In both meetings last season, the home team rolled to 9 and 11-point victories.

The Minutemen are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. UMass is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 games as a home favorite of 6 points or less. The Hawks are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Bet UMass Friday.