1. German import Elias Harris has been magnificent for Gonzaga, averaging 16 points per game and nearly doubling the rebounding output of any other Bulldog with over 8 per.  After playing in a pro league in Germany, it is a surprise to the San Jose Mecury News’ Jon Wilner that Gonzaga managed to get him eligible.    Vegas and online sportsbooks have the Zags favored by 12 at Santa Clara tonight.

2. Mike Gerrity, a transfer at USC, received a lot of press when he got off to a hot start after becoming eligible.  But Gerrity is only 13 for 42 from the field in the last 7 games for the Trojans, as opponents now have film available to game plan against the Trojans.  While Gerrity’s scoring has suffered, he has contributed in other ways, particularly notching an impressive 17 assists to only 2 turnovers in his last 3 games.

3. Oregon State (hosting Gerrity and USC tonight, Trojans are favored by 3) played about as bad a game as you’ll find in a 59-35 loss at middling (at best) Stanford last week.  The Beavers had only 3 assists in the contest and turned the ball over 19 times.  Not the ratio that Craig Robinson (”President Obama’s brother-in-law”!!!!!!) is looking for.

4. Early bettors drove Purdue up from a 8-point favorite over Wisconsin to a 9.5-point choice at Vegas and online sportsbooks. UW is really starting to feel the effects of the loss of big man Jon Leuer to injury. After coming together to defeat Northwestern, the Badgers have failed to cover 3 in a row, though they won 2 of the 3 and failed to cover the spread by 4 points or less in each instance.  Wisconsin held serve at home on January 9th, but Leuer was healthy back then.

5. Another big line move tonight was Virginia Tech being bet down from a 4.5-point dog at Virginia to just +2.  The action at Nevada and online sportsbooks indicates that Hokie star guard Malcolm Delaney is likely significantly healthier after a gimpy 4 for 15 from the field in a 1-point win over Boston College over the weekend.  

All the best to you in Thursday night’s basketball.