THE SQUARE TAXTuesday Night Tax Report | November 3, 2026FREE EDITION — College Basketball, NHL & MACtion

We opened November with a winning free selection Monday night, as the Purdue–Gonzaga Under 155.5 finished with 150 combined points.

November Free Plays: 1–0

Tonight brings another college basketball slate, two MAC football games, and a packed NHL schedule. There are no NBA games on tonight's schedule.

Let's get into the numbers.

7:30 PM ET | Playable at +30.5 or better

Virginia enters the season ranked No. 9 nationally, and there's no question the Cavaliers have the talent advantage.

But laying more than 30 points against a program with Drexel's defensive history deserves a closer look.

Last season, Drexel finished among the nation's top 25 defenses in opponent effective field-goal percentage and ranked 11th in opponent three-point percentage.

The Dragons also finished with their sixth consecutive winning season under Zach Spiker.

Virginia, meanwhile, is no longer the Tony Bennett-era team that routinely slowed games to a crawl. Ryan Odom has brought a more aggressive offensive approach, and the Cavaliers return important contributors from last season's 30-win squad.

That makes this a challenging matchup for Drexel, particularly with substantial roster turnover.

The handicap: We're looking for Drexel to compete defensively, control enough possessions, and avoid the kind of extended scoring drought that turns a competitive first half into a 35-point defeat.

Virginia can win comfortably without covering a number this large.

FREE PLAY: DREXEL +30.5 OR BETTER

This selection is conditional on the listed spread remaining available. Do not chase a substantially worse number.

7 PM ET | Georgia Tech approximately −14.5

Both programs are adjusting to roster changes. Georgia Tech has the athleticism advantage, but early-season chemistry is an important consideration before laying a double-digit number.

Classification: Pass

7:30 PM ET | Alabama approximately −26.5 | Total 171.5

Alabama's offensive pace makes this one of the more interesting totals on the board. Both teams have significant roster turnover, creating uncertainty about offensive execution and defensive communication.

A high total can be tempting, but the market already expects substantial scoring.

Classification: Pass

8 PM ET | Iowa approximately −23.5

This is another large favorite worth watching for opening-week line inflation. The question is whether Iowa can build and maintain a comfortable margin against a visiting team that may try to make possessions count.

Classification: Pass

10 PM ET | UNLV approximately −21.5

Late-night college basketball provides another opportunity to evaluate a big favorite. We'll be watching UNLV's rotation, defensive pressure, and ability to maintain intensity with a sizable lead.

Classification: Pass

7 PM ET | Total 5.5

Minnesota arrives with a strong early-season record, while Philadelphia is trying to build momentum following its recent win over Utah.

The total deserves attention, especially with both clubs' goaltending and special-teams performances playing important roles.

Classification: Pass pending final goaltender review

7 PM ET | Total 6.5

Vegas brings a stronger early-season record into Pittsburgh. A 6.5 total creates an interesting question: Can Pittsburgh contribute enough offense to push this game over, or will Vegas control the matchup?

Classification: Pass

7 PM ET | Total around 6–6.5

Colorado's offensive talent makes this an intriguing matchup. But totals at six and 6.5 have materially different requirements, so the number matters.

Classification: Pass

7 PM ET | Total 6.5

Two Atlantic Division opponents meet in a game where special teams, defensive-zone execution, and starting goaltenders could determine the total.

Classification: Pass

7 PM ET | Ohio approximately −13.5 | Total 51.5

Ohio is the sizable road favorite. The question is whether Akron can generate enough offense to remain competitive.

Classification: Pass

8 PM ET | Miami approximately −6.5 | Total 44.5

A lower-total MAC matchup makes every possession more valuable. Turnovers, field position, and red-zone efficiency should be particularly important.

Classification: Pass

Our free readers get a genuine look at the process, including selected analysis and occasional free plays.

Tax Code members get access to our private Official Plays, playable numbers, deeper matchup breakdowns, and tracked results.

We don't manufacture selections just to fill a card. When the value isn't there, passing is part of the process.

Join The Square Tax and follow the numbers.

https://thesquaretax.com

Lines referenced are from the November 3 pregame board and may change. Check your sportsbook before making any wager. No wager is guaranteed.

THE SQUARE TAX — The numbers tell the story.