20* MAAC GAME OF THE MONTH on Canisius +17.5

Canisius vs. Manhattan, 02/24/2012 19:00 EDT, Score: 77 - 90

Point Spread: +17½/-110 Canisius

Sportsbook: DSI

Result: Win

This line has certainly been inflated tonight and I'll take full advantage. While Canisius is just 5-22 on the season and Manhattan is 19-10, there's no question the clear value is with the big underdog in this one.

Canisius has played much better of late with each of their last five games being decided by 11 or less points. They even picked up a rare win over MD-Balt County last time out, giving them confidence heading into this one.

Manhattan trails three teams in the MAAC standings with two games to play, and they are two games down. This team realizes their chances of winning the conference are slim to none, and I look for them to let down tonight because of it.

Manhattan beat Canisius by 12 points on the road earlier this season by a final of 78-66. I look for a similar margin of victory tonight in the rematch. The road team is a perfect 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings dating back to 2008. Canisius is 19-7-1 ATS in their last 27 Friday games. Bet Canisius Friday.