This is an 8* PLAY on Texas.

I think the No. 6 seeded and 21-11 Texas Longhorns will find a way to deliver the win and cover against the No. 11 and 23-12 Virginia Tech Hokies on Friday afternoon.

I just think that Virginia Tech's momentum is now gone after steamrolling its way through the ACC Tournament. The Hokies were just 11-9 in the ACC and they finished in seventh during the regular season.

Texas went 10-8 during the Big 12 regular season. The Longhorns lost in the first round of the Conference Tournament in a 65-60 setback to TCU. Texas' strength lies on the defensive end of the court, allowing just 59.5 PPG.

The Longhorns may have lost three in a row, but that's actually working in our favor from a betting angle, as Texas is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after three or more SU losses in a row.

I say the Hokies come back down to Earth against this Longhorns side out for retribution. The play is TEXAS.

Good luck, NP