Saturday's Top 25 Matchups

[Lumi]

Saturday's Top 25 Matchups


Top 25 Matchups for Saturday, January 30, 2010

Duke Blue Devils (7) at Georgetown Hoyas (11) 1:00 PM ET

After starting the season 1-3 on the road, Duke was able to gain some confidence with a rather easy road win at Clemson last weekend. On Wednesday the Blue Devils improved to 5-2 in the ACC with a home win over Florida St. and now steps out of conference for the second to last time this season. This will be the third and final road game this month against a ranked opponent and starts a stretch of a brutal four games. Following this, Duke has a home revenge meeting with Georgia Tech, who won the first matchup this season, followed by two tough road games at Boston College and at North Carolina.



On Monday, Georgetown jumped ahead of Syracuse 14-0 and looked as though the Hoyas were going to capture their second straight conference road win but it was the Orange that dominated after that. Georgetown was outscored by 31 points the rest of the way as the Orange 2-3 zone made things really frustrating for the Hoyas. Georgetown was clearly outmatched by Syracuse in height as the Orange were able to collapse the zone and prevent anything taking place down low. Duke presents the same disadvantages but the Blue Devils are not as athletic and playing at home is a big bonus.

Duke defeated Georgetown last season by nine points at home so this sets up a revenge situation for the Hoyas on top of trying to regroup from the ugly loss on Monday. Both teams were involved in physical matchups this week and the edge has to go to the Hoyas. Duke played Wednesday with the game not ending until after 11 ET so the quick turnaround could be a big disadvantage while the Hoyas have had two extra days.

Vanderbilt Commodores (23) at Kentucky Wildcats (1) 4:00 PM ET

With Vanderbilt?s win at Tennessee on Wednesday, the Commodores are now the lone undefeated team in SEC action. Staying that way will be a challenge on Saturday as they will have to face a Kentucky team that is coming off its first loss of the entire season. With that win over the Volunteers, Vanderbilt has quietly won 10 straight games including three of the last four coming on the road. This is the best SEC start for the Commodores since 1965-66 when they also started 5-0 and this is just the second ranked opponent they have faced this season.

Kentucky comes in as the number one team in the nation but it won?t stay there no matter the outcome of this game. The Wildcats were stung by the Gamecocks on Tuesday, the first time this season in seven games that saw them on the wrong end of a single-digit final score. The first defeat of the season was inevitable for this young squad but it was probably the best thing that could have happened and head coach John Calipari is the happiest of anyone that it took place. The pressure is now gone and Kentucky can once again play loose which is really big edge.

This game will likely come down to the Kentucky defense. The Wildcats have held 14 of 20 opponents to less than 40 percent shooting from the floor while Vanderbilt is a perfect 11-0 this season when shooting 50 percent or better from the field so something has to give. Vanderbilt has won six of the last eight meetings in this series but the Wildcats have taken two straight at Rupp Arena.

Kansas Jayhawks (2) at Kansas St. Wildcats (13) 7:00 PM ET

The last time we saw Kansas St. in this situation, it knocked off then number one Texas so the Wildcats will be looking to make it two straight wins over top five teams at home. They had a big letdown after that with a home loss against Oklahoma St. but they came back with what could be a big turning point win as they went to Baylor and defeated the 24th ranked Bears on Tuesday by a bucket. Defeating Kansas is not going to be easy as the Jayhawks have won 25 of the last 26 meeting played in Manhattan (2008 was the loss) and this is arguably one of the best Kansas teams ever to make a visit.

Kansas won its first rivalry game this week as it easily took out Missouri on Monday night to extend its home court winning streak to a national best 54 games. This will be the first quality road opponent since its first and only loss of the season at Tennessee three weeks ago. A victory here likely vaults the Jayhawks back into the number one spot in the polls. Balance and depth are the calling cards of Kansas as through 20 games, nine different players have led the team in steals, seven in points and six in assists. The Jayhawks rank in the top three in all but three Big XII statistical categories.

This should be a very interesting matchup down low as the Wildcats are an attacking team that averages 15.8 offensive rebounds per game and they go to the free throw line 33.8 times per game which is easily the most in the nation. The Jayhawks meanwhile are sixth in the nation in rebounding margin and they allow only 19.2 free throw attempts by the opposition per game. Kansas also has a huge edge in assist/turnover ratio, 1.47 to 0.97.

 

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Saturday's Early Action

Saturday's Early Action

Saturday's Early Action


Gamblers have a monster card to sort through Saturday, including a slew of early-afternoon showdowns. Let?s take a look at a few of those televised matchups beginning with a Big East battle in Morgantown.

**Louisville at West Virginia**

--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened West Virginia (16-3 straight up, 7-11 against the spread) as a six?point favorite.

--Louisville (13-7 SU, 5-10 ATS) hasn?t missed the NCAA Tournament since 2006, but Rick Pitino?s team is in serious danger this year. The Cardinals have shaky home losses to Western Carolina and Charlotte as a part of their profile. They are 4-3 in Big East play with an RPI of 47.

--Louisville has lost five in a row ATS, although it did capture a 68-60 win Sunday over Cincinnati. However, the Bearcats took the cash as nine-point road underdogs at Freedom Hall. Samardo Samuels and Edgar Sosa scored 14 points apiece for the Cards.

--West Va. has won three consecutive games but is mired in a 3-6 ATS slide. The Mountaineers won a 62-46 decision Tuesday at Depaul, but the Blue Demons covered the number as 17-point home underdogs. Da?Sean Butler, Devin Ebanks, Darryl Bryant and Wellington Smith each scored 14 points apiece for the ?Neers.

--Bob Huggins? team has won eight of its nine home games, but it has limped to a 3-5 spread record in Morgantown.

--Although U of L has seen back-to-back ?unders? cash, the ?over? maintains a stellar 10-4 overall record for the Cards.

--The ?under? is 9-7 overall for WVU, 4-2 in its home assignments. The ?under? is 5-1 in the Mountaineers? last six games (regardless of venue).

--Louisville has won four consecutive head-to-head meetings against WVU, including last year?s 62-59 win in Morgantown as a 2 ?-point road underdog. The Cards are 4-1 ATS in the last five encounters with the ?Neers.

--ESPN will have the telecast at noon Eastern.



**Duke at Georgetown**

--LVSC opened Georgetown (15-4 SU, 8-7 ATS) as a two?point favorite.

--Georgetown goes into the weekend in fifth place in the Big East with a 6-3 record against league foes. The Hoyas jumped out to a 14-0 lead Monday at Syracuse, only to go ice cold in the second half and lose 73-56 as six-point road underdogs. Austin Freeman finished with a team-high 23 points and six rebounds.

--Since losing at North Carolina St. last week, Duke (17-3 SU, 13-6 ATS) has won back-to-back games against Clemson and FSU. The Blue Devils went into Littlejohn Coliseum last Saturday and collected a 60-47 win as three-point road favorites. Then they took the money in Wednesday?s 70-56 win over FSU as 12 ?-point home favorites. Jon Scheyer had 22 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals against the Seminoles.

--Scheyer is an All-American candidate in my opinion. He leads the Blue Devils in scoring (18.8 points per game) and assists (5.6 APG). Kyle Singler, who had 20 points and seven boards against the ?Noles, is averaging 16.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per contest.

--Freeman leads the Hoyas in scoring, averaging 16.0 PPG. Sophomore center Greg Monroe is averaging a double-double (14.8 PPG and 10.1 RPG).

--John Thompson III has watched his team go 9-1 SU and 3-4 ATS at home. The only outright defeat came to Old Dominion by a 61-57 score on Dec. 19.

--The ?over? is on a 5-1 run for the Hoyas, who have seen the ?over? go 8-7 overall and 4-3 in their home games.

--The ?under? is 4-2 in Duke last six games, 10-9 overall for the season.

--The ?over? is 4-1 in five head-to-head meetings between Duke and Georgetown since 2003.

--CBS will provide television coverage at 1:00 p.m. Eastern.

**Vanderbilt at Kentucky**

--First place in the SEC East will be on the line Saturday at Rupp Arena where Kentucky and its rabid fan base will welcome Vanderbilt to the Commonwealth. The Commodores strut into Lexington with 10 consecutive wins, including Wednesday?s come-from-behind triumph at Tennessee.

--Kevin Stallings? team is 5-0 in the SEC for the first time since 1964-65. Down four points at Thompson-Boling Arena on Wednesday, Vandy rallied behind the hot shooting of Jermaine Beal to capture an 85-76 win at UT as a 6 ?-point underdog. Beal finished with a game-high 25 points.

--LVSC opened Kentucky (19-1 SU, 9-9 ATS) as a 10?point favorite.

--John Calipari?s team raced out to a 19-0 start and claimed the school?s first No. 1 ranking since the 2002-2003. But the Wildcats? tenure as the nation?s top-ranked team will most likely last all of one week after losing 68-62 Tuesday at South Carolina. The Gamecocks won outright as seven-point home underdogs. Devan Downey dominated the ?Cats with a game-high 30 points. UK freshman center DeMarcus Cousins had 27 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots in the losing effort.

--Kentucky is undefeated in 13 home games, but it is just 5-6 versus the number at Rupp Arena.

--Vanderbilt (16-3 SU, 11-6 ATS) has been a live underdog, compiling a 4-1 record both SU and ATS in such spots. The ?Dores have won outright as ?dogs at Saint Mary?s, at Alabama, at South Carolina and at Tennessee.

--During its 10-game winning streak, Vandy is 7-2 ATS in the nine lined contests.

--The ?over? is on an 8-3 run for UK in its last 11 games. For the season, the ?Cats have watched the ?over? produce a 9-8 overall record and a 7-3 mark in their home outings.

--The ?over? is 9-6 overall for Vandy, 3-1 in its true road assignments.

--Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.



--According to multiple reports, UConn head coach Jim Calhoun will miss his fourth straight game Saturday when the Huskies host Marquette at noon Eastern. LVSC opened UConn as a six-point home ?chalk.?

--With Thursday?s win at Auburn, coupled with Mississippi St. blowing a 10-point lead and losing at Courtney Fortson (I mean Arkansas), Ole Miss is now in sole possession of first place in the SEC West with a 4-2 record. The Bulldogs are 3-2, one-half game behind the Rebels.

--Ole Miss was scheduled to host Arkansas on Saturday, but the game has been moved to Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

--Jerry Tipton of the Lexington Herald-Leader writes that Vandy?s Beal does what it takes to win.

 

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Vandy's Beal does what it takes

Vandy's Beal does what it takes

Vandy's Beal does what it takes
By Jerry Tipton
jtipton@herald-leader.com
To borrow one of Kentucky Coach John Calipari's terms, Vanderbilt point guard Jermaine Beal does not attempt many "hero plays."

Beal, a well-tested senior, offers no verbal frills nor flourishes when asked to describe his role for the only unbeaten team in Southeastern Conference play.

"Mainly, all I do is carry out all my assignments," he said. "I bring the ball down court. I pass the ball, get the ball to where it needs to go, and try to defend to the best of my abilities.

"At the end of the day, hopefully, our team can get a win."

Heading into Saturday's game at Kentucky, Vandy has gotten only wins through five SEC games. That hasn't happened to the Commodores since 1965-66.

Vandy Coach Kevin Stallings credits Beal's "steadying influence" for the good start. Heading into a challenging week with games at Tennessee and at Kentucky, Stallings said Beal's play can make a big difference.

"If he doesn't play well, we'll have a hard time winning either game," the Vandy coach said on Monday. "We have a hard time winning any game when he doesn't play well. He's very important to the team. I know other guys get a little more hype and attention. No one is more important to the team than Jermaine."

Beal got the week going well by scoring 25 points and not committing a turnover in 38 minutes in an 85-76 victory at Tennessee.

"I'm thrilled for Jermaine," Stallings said on Thursday. "He was a very key reason that we won the game. His play was really phenomenal. Besides the points he scored, he didn't have a single turnover ... and that's really impressive against their defense because they are very good defensively. I'm happy for him, and I'm happy for our entire team. We needed to play a game like that, to win a game like that, and I'm really proud of them."

Now the Commodores will seek to win at Kentucky and become the first Vandy team to win at UT and UK since 1973-74. Vandy has never won at UT and at UK in back-to-back games.

That distinction would be important to Beal. "A lot of times folks say Vandy's only a good home team," he said before adding a cautionary note. "We know Lexington's going to be very hostile. We know it's going to be a tough game."

Meanwhile, Beal quietly goes about playing an efficient point guard. Through five SEC games and 170 minutes, he's committed only eight turnovers. He's led the league in assist-to-turnover ratio the past two seasons.

Yet, the SEC coaches did not name him to either the first- or second- all-league teams this pre-season.

"It's fine," he said. "I don't have any control over what other coaches feel about me. It is what it is.

"I don't have anything to prove. The only thing I want to prove is that I'm a winner and I go hard in everything I do."

His focus ? and Vandy's focus ? is on not getting "big-headed" over the good start to SEC play, Beal said.

When he signed with Vanderbilt, his friends in DeSoto, Texas, wondered why.

"Everybody said who and what is Vandy," Beal said. "They know who Vandy is now.

"That's the one thing I wanted to do at Vandy. I wanted to leave a trademark and like a stamp on the program."

Obama's fault?

In a light-hearted exchange with reporters Thursday, Stallings suggested that a call from President Barack Obama earlier in the day might have distracted UK in its game at South Carolina Tuesday night.

When a reporter suggested that South Carolina proved UK was beatable, Stallings said:

"Oh, I don't know. They probably got caught on the right time, the right night. How hard would it be to get a group of 18-21-year-olds to focus after the President of the United States calls you that day? That was almost like a setup, I think. I'm not sure the president wasn't for South Carolina.

"I don't know how John could have possibly gotten them to focus in on that game. That probably makes our job that much harder, because their edge is going to be way up. They're good enough as it is, we don't need them to be any edgier than what they would have been naturally."

When someone asked if he wished Obama would not call Vandy's team, Stallings said:

"No, but he can call them again if he wants to, though."

'GameDay' sold out

 

[Lumi]

Fade Alert - Clemson

Fade Alert - Clemson

Fade Alert - Clemson


If it?s the month of January, that can mean only one thing when it comes to Clemson basketball: it?s time to jump off that bandwagon ? and fast.

Let?s take a look at recent history:

In the 2005-06 season, the Tigers were 13-3 and 2-1 in the ACC. The finished the regular season 18-11 and 7-9 in conference play, then were bounced in the first round of the ACC Tournament. That brought only an NIT bid.

In 2006-07, Clemson started 17-0, 3-0 in the ACC, and climbed to No. 14 in the country. The Tigers lost nine of their final 13 conference games and finished 21-9 overall in the regular season. A first-round loss in the ACC Tournament again brought only an NIT bid (although the Tigers did reach the final).


In 2007-08, the Tigers were 14-3 and 2-1 in the ACC. That team fared OK, finishing the regular season at 22-8 and 10-6 in the conference. And thanks to two ACC Tournament wins, the Tigers got an NCAA bid, only to be one and done.

Last season, Clemson started 16-0 and 2-0 in the conference. It climbed as high as No. 9 in the polls. So naturally the Tigers lost their next two games but did finish a respectable 9-7 in the conference and 23-7 overall. But that?s obviously .500 ball after the terrific start. The Tigers were one and done in both the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament ? losing to No. 10 seed Michigan in a first-round upset.

Obviously there?s a point to all this, and that brings me to this season. The Tigers looked like a legit threat in the ACC two weeks ago after spanking then-No. 13 North Carolina by 19 (which doesn?t look so good now). That broke a 10-game skid to the Heels, and many thought the Tigers wouldn?t look back.

But following a hard-fought win over N.C. State a few days later, which improved Clemson to 15-3 overall and 3-1 in the conference, the Tigers have begun their fade. First there was a two-point loss at Georgia Tech. Then a 13-point loss to Duke, dropping the Tigers to 2-24 in their past 26 against the Dukies. OK, the Jackets and Blue Devils were ranked, so that?s acceptable. But then Clemson laid an egg on Tuesday in losing by six at Boston College. The Tigers allowed BC to shoot 56 percent from the field and had beaten the Eagles by 16 earlier this season.

Now, to play devil?s advocate in explaining this three-game skid by the Tigers, two of the three L's did come on the road, and ACC home teams are winning 71 percent of the time during conference play. Clemson didn?t have starting point guard Demontez Stitt against BC, and he was hampered by a sprained ankle in the past two losses as well (totaling 20 points, three assists, five turnovers). Maybe sitting Stitt (say that 10 times fast) on Tuesday will get him back to 100 percent.

And the Tigers need Stitt, as they don?t have much other than him and forward Trevor Booker. Clemson has scored below 70 points in a game just four times this season ? all four have been losses, including the past three games (0-3 ATS).

The schedule sets up well for Clemson for the next few weeks, as four of its next five games at home (where it is 6-2 ATS) beginning Saturday against current ACC leader Maryland. None of the next five opponents are currently ranked, either.

But this team has a scary history of going into the toilet at this time of year, so I would steer clear until proven otherwise. And if the Tigers don?t get it together now, the NCAA Tournament probably is a pipe dream.

 

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Best Mid-Major: UAB

Best Mid-Major: UAB

Best Mid-Major: UAB

First in a series arguing the nation?s best mid-major program this season.

When looking at the headline to this story, your immediate thoughts on the best mid-major program out there is probably Gonzaga or maybe even Butler. First off, I would argue that Gonzaga is no longer a mid-major ? just like Boise State really isn?t in football.

And while Butler is a fine team and currently ranked, I would argue that the title for best mid-major at this point of the season comes down UAB. So stash the Blazers in the back of your minds when it comes NCAA Tournament time and you are pondering a long-shot Final Four bet a la George Mason a few years ago.


UAB was No. 24 in the RPI Ratings entering this week and is 18-2 (only five teams in the country have a better record), having already beaten teams like Cincinnati, Butler and Tulsa. The Blazers? two losses are quite acceptable: on the road at Kent State (which could win the MAC) and Virginia (which is surprisingly among the ACC leaders). Overall, UAB has easily the best non-conference resume of any Conference USA team, and it is the lone team unbeaten in conference play.

The Blazers are coached by Mike Davis, the former Indiana coach. Their star is junior guard Elijah Millsap, who leads the team by averaging 16.6 points and 9.6 rebounds. He is also pacing C-USA in double-doubles. Millsap is the younger brother of the Utah Jazz?s Paul Millsap and transferred from Louisiana Lafayette after the 2007-08 season ? thus having to sit out last year.

The Blazers are a stellar defensive team, holding the opposition to 59.4 points a game, which leads C-USA, and have held 16 of their 20 opponents to 64 points or below and 13 of the 20 to below 60 points. Offensively they can leave a bit to be desired, relying heavily on Millsap.

According to ESPN?s Joe Lunardi, C-USA has a 70 percent chance of getting two NCAA bids this season, something the conference rarely did when Memphis was dominating. And the Blazers are all but a lock to get in. If UAB wins a tough game against UTEP on Saturday, it will have completed an unbeaten January for the first team since 1991.

It?s unlikely the Blazers finish the season unbeaten in the conference. They still have Memphis and UTEP twice, but you have to like UAB?s chances in those two home games as it has won 11 in a row at Bartow Arena.

How is UAB as a betting option? Not great ? this team does tend to play close games, having won by two points or less in five of its past seven outings. It is 10-8 ATS overall and 5-4 ATS at home. But because the Blazers play such good defense, 10 of their 13 decisions (where a total was posted) have gone 'under' the number.

The Blazers' line value comes in the form as a home favorite of five points or less and road underdogs of five points or more - neither will be a regular occurrence and offensively they are capable of scoring. Understanding that the current aberration in the number of UNDER the total wins the team has should begin to approach the mean is important. So until the NCAA Selection Committee sketches out the Big Dance brackets, just watching and enjoying the Blazers' skilled play is your best bet.

 

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Conference break: Hoyas to host Duke

Conference break: Hoyas to host Duke

Conference break: Hoyas to host Duke
January 29, 2010


WASHINGTON (AP) -Duke vs. Georgetown. Two top 10 teams. Sellout crowd at the Verizon Center. Even the president might show up.


The one flaw for Georgetown coach John Thompson III? The game comes in the wrong month.

``Television dictates this out-of-conference series,'' Thompson said. ``In my perfect world, once the Big East starts, we're just playing Big East games.''

Saturday's matchup between the No. 7 Hoyas and the No. 8 Blue Devils wraps up the schools' four-game contract that gave television a major say in dictating dates and times. The series has produced some memorable moments, from the fans storming the court following Georgetown's upset of then-No. 1 Duke in 2006 to the phantom technical foul on Greg Monroe that swung the momentum last year in Durham.

But one could argue that this game is the last thing Georgetown (15-4) needs during a brutal conference schedule. The Big East has four teams in the top 10 and five in the top 20. The Hoyas are coming off their worst game of the season, a 73-56 defeat at No. 4 Syracuse on Monday.

Actually, someone has argued that point: Thompson's father, the longtime Georgetown coach.

``He says I'm crazy for playing this series,'' Thompson said. ``Is it piling on? To a certain extent, yeah. But at the same time you want to play against the best teams, against the best programs, and they are one of them. At the same time you want to get as many different experiences for your group as you can. And hopefully you can go through that without beating (the players) up too much. Big East play, you're going to be beat up.''

Games against Duke (17-3) are about the only time Georgetown can count on a sellout at the 20,000-seat arena, and many of the fans in the upper bowl will once again wear the visitor's shade of blue. The city was abuzz Friday with the expectation that President Barack Obama will be among the throng: Georgetown issued a statement telling fans to leave backpacks and bags at home and arrive early for ``enhanced security'' because of ``dignitaries expected.''

Even so, Thompson downplayed the notion of a Georgetown-Duke rivalry.

In that sense, Duke is no Syracuse.

``It's been a great series for us, both the good and bad, but at the end of the day our Big East games this time of year are more important,'' Thompson said.

A quick survey of Thompson's players ran the gamut. Some said it's just another game, Julian Vaughn noted its importance for NCAA tournament seeding, and Jason Clark said it was something special.

``This is a really big game - Big East, ACC challenge game,'' Clark said. ``Duke has a reputation for being a really, really good team, so you kind of get motivated a lot more to play this game.''

That sentiment was echoed by Duke's Jon Scheyer.

``We need to go in there like it's a big-time game, (like in) March,'' Scheyer said. ``It could be like that, so we just want to try to simulate that and come out with a win.''

Duke won the last two meetings between the schools, both in Durham, and there remains a never-solved mystery from last year's game: Who was the mystery person that caused Monroe to get a technical?

Monroe was on the bench when the Hoyas big man was cited by official John Cahill for fussing about a call, a key moment in the second half of Duke's 76-67 win. The consensus is nearly unanimous that Monroe didn't say a word, that it was perhaps was a Georgetown fan seated behind the bench at noisy Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Monroe and Thompson this week revealed an intriguing footnote to that incident, one that has likely made Monroe a better player. Thompson pointed out that Monroe had been too emotional in protesting early foul calls during that game, so it's likely the officials were on the lookout for him.

``Officials are people,'' Thompson said. ``Whether it's a coach, whether it's a player, but in many circumstances - I get in trouble for saying this - if you're in a hostile arena, if they're getting yelled at, if you're making gyrations, they are people, too. And it's not out of the question for people to get upset and try to get you back. The lesson learned is you have to keep your cool.''

Monroe says he's now a calmer player on the court.

``After that,'' he said, ``I started controlling my emotions more.''

 

[Lumi]

Return of the Mid-Majors

Return of the Mid-Majors

Return of the Mid-Majors


They never really disappeared...they only seemed to go into hiding over the past couple of seasons. We're talking about the "mid-majors" of college basketball that collectively faded out of focus the past few years, but have reappeared in force in the 2009-10 campaign. And after mostly being ignored by the NCAA Selection Committee for at-large berths in the "Big Dance" lately, it looks as if the mid-majors could be well represented in March Madness when "Selection Sunday" rolls around in mid-March.

That absence of mid-majors in the NCAA Tourney became something of a sore point last March for many college hoop aficionados, including none other than ESPN's Dick Vitale, who got into a well-publicized spat with TV colleague (and ex-"Dookie") Jay Bilas on Selection Sunday over the exclusion of WCC rep Saint Mary's from the 65-team Big Dance field. Of course, Vitale is always going to sympathize with the "little guys" in the sport after swimming against the stream himself in the mid '70s when painstakingly putting the University of Detroit on the college hoop map, but he spoke for a lot of college hoop fans who lamented the apparent collective demise of the mid-majors that had so energized the sport in the early and middle portions of the last decade. And last year was definitely not a banner one for the mid-majors, at least in regard to earning "Big Dance" bids. In particular, the Missouri Valley Conference, which a few years ago had numerous teams in contention for NCAA berths, ended up with no at-large reps for the second year running.



The Mountain West (which positively chafes at being classified as a mid-major) was probably the best of the mid to upper-mid-level leagues last season, but in the end could land no more than one at-large team (BYU). For the second straight year, the WAC was also a one-bid conference. The WCC, a three-bid league in 2008, was a single-bid loop in 2009. For the second straight year, C-USA (dominated again by Memphis) was a one-bid league. The Colonial, also a multi-bid league in recent memory, was again reduced to just its one automatic bid. When the dust settled on last March's Selection Sunday, only four at-large bids (Xavier, Dayton, Butler, and BYU) had been awarded to mid-major conferences, and even that number was inflated due to upsets in the Atlantic 10 and Horizon Tourneys, which added bids to those leagues.

What concerned Vitale and others is that the results reflected the continuation of a pattern wherein the mid-majors seemed to be collectively losing their influence with the Selection Committee. Since 2003, the number of mid-major at-large reps in the Dance has gone from 10 up to 12 in 2004, but then on an unmistakable downward trajectory (9, 8, 6, and 6 the four previous years to 2009). The NCAA at-large field continued to tilt toward the major, BCS schools last March for the fifth straight year, helped also in '09 by more "bid thieves" than usual stealing spots in the Big Dance via conference tourney action, knocking some teams off the bubble in the process. There were an inordinate number (four) of those "thieves" last March, with upsets in the Horizon (Cleveland State), Pac-10 (Southern Cal), Atlantic 10 (Temple), and SEC (Mississippi State) effectively KO'ing the tourney hopes of four other bubblers.

Ah, but this season appears to be different, for a couple of reasons. First, most importantly, there seem to be more dangerous mid-major teams than the past few years. (More on them in a moment.) But there is also undeniable weakness in some of the major, "BCS" conferences that are used to sending four, five, or even more teams "dancing" in recent years. The Pac-10, in particular, is enduring an especially difficult campaign, with few non-conference wins of consequence amid speculation that it might be a one-bid league itself this season. The ACC is still sorting itself out and seeking some definition after unheralded Virginia raced out to an early lead in the standings before getting dumped last weekend at Wake Forest. Indeed, the ACC appears as if it could cannibalize itself this winter, perhaps costing it some of its accustomed Big Dance bids. Kentucky has made a quick recovery under John Calipari, but the SEC (which only landed three NCAA bids last year) still appears to be a couple of notches beneath where it was a few years ago. Weaknesses in those leagues are not only likely to open more NCAA bids for the deeper Big East and Big XII, but provide room for some additional mid-majors to qualify for the Dance in March.

Which mid-majors should we keep our eyes upon as we move into February? Following is a brief rundown of the higher-profile mid-major conferences and the teams to watch in each of the leagues.

ATLANTIC TEN...Into late January, the A-10 ranked as the nation's sixth strongest league and boasted of no fewer than six entries (Temple, Rhode Island, Xavier, Dayton, Richmond, and Charlotte) with Big Dance-worthy RPIs. Temple and Xavier, in particular, will also be helped by the Strength of Schedule, each ranking in the top 15 of that category, although the league's overall stature took a hit when the Owls were blasted by Kansas (remember however, that Fran Dunphy's team had beaten Big Five rival and Top Ten Villanova earlier in the campaign). Note that the league is stronger than usual in the middle and lower-reaches, with only Fordham (which dismissed HC Derrick Whittenburg after the season began) appearing outclassed, and how many upsets occur could thin out the eventual NCAA candidates. Dayton found out last Saturday, dumped 60-59 by a St. Joe's outfit that had been enduring some uncommon struggles this season for HC Phil Martelli.

COLONIAL...Expect the CAA to secure an extra Big Dance bid after an impressive display during non-conference play. Headline-grabbing wins were scored by Old Dominion (at Georgetown) and William & Mary (at both Wake Forest and Maryland), along with some other important triumphs (such as the Tribe again over Richmond, and VCU over Oklahoma). The hottest teams in the loop, however, are Northeastern, which has won its last 11 thru Jan. 26, and Jim Larranaga's familiar contender George Mason, winner of its last 5, and 9 of 11 thru Jan. 26. Also note some high-profile transfers making their mark in the league, including VCU's 6'9 Jamie Skeen (via Wake Forest) and James Madison's 6'10 Denzel Bowles (via Texas A&M).

CONFERENCE USA...It's no longer Memphis and everyone else. The Tigers so overwhelmed the rest of the league the past couple of years that it was hard for anyone else to get noticed, but a more competitive loop is featuring some new blood this season, with UAB, Marshall, Tulsa, and perhaps UTEP in addition to the Tigers all likely to be in the "bubble" discussion into March. Some new faces have really lit up C-USA, namely UAB's transfer from UL-Lafayette, 6'6 jr. Elijah Millsap (brother of Utah Jazz PF Paul Millsap), scoring 17 ppg, and Marshall's 6'11 frosh Hassan Whiteside, whose 5.4 swats pg are challenging Mississippi State's Jarvis Varnado for the nation's shot-blocking crown.

MISSOURI VALLEY...This appears to be a bounce back year in the Valley, which was the mid-major standard bearer a few years ago before slipping the past couple of campaigns. Northern Iowa broke into the national rankings last week before getting dumped at Wichita State; both the Panthers and Shockers have solid at-large profiles and are good bets to be "dancing" in March. Missouri State and Illinois State are also likely to get some "bubble" mention in the next month. And while recent league powers Creighton and Southern Illinois have slipped a bit, both are still capable of making a run through "Arch Madness" (otherwise known as the MVC Tourney) in St. Louis.

MOUNTAIN WEST...Along with the A-10, probably the deepest of ths year's mid-majors (although we know it makes MWC fans cringe to be labeled as such!). BYU is off to its best-ever start, threatening to break into the Top Ten, and is on course for a protected seed in the Big Dance. Regional observers believe the Cougs (who have not had much success in recent NCAAs) are the real deal this time, with more depth and athleticism as well as tremendous shooting (hovering around 50% from the floor). Junior G Jimmer Fredette, shaking off strep throat and mono in recent weeks, might be on course for All-American honors. And with the Pac-10's temporary demise, there figures to be room in the west for two or perhaps even three at-large teams to come out of the MWC. New Mexico owns enough high-profile wins to get noticed by the Selection Committee, as might UNLV and San Diego State. Loop insiders also are alerting us to keep an eye on emerging Utah, which owns a couple of notable non-league wins over Illinois and Michigan that further help the MWC's profile.

WEST COAST...Gonzaga has become a regular in the Big Dance and will be there once more, but we expect the Zags to have some company in March with Saint Mary's, which will likely make up for its near-miss of a year ago and return to the NCAAs for the first time in two years. Which, we assume, will please Dick Vitale! Both the Zags and Gaels have NCAA-worthy RPIs and schedule strength to qualify even if they're upset in the WCC Tourney, to be held at the beautiful Orleans Hotel Arena in Las Vegas.

OTHERS...Butler (Horizon) and Siena (Metro-Atlantic) appear to be in good position to return to the Dance, with their leagues likely to get multiple bids if either are upset in their conference tourneys. The WAC's Utah State and La Tech are on the periphery of the "bubble" and could move into more serious at-large discussion as February progresses. And is there a chance Cornell and Harvard could make the Ivy a multi-bid league in March? Stay tuned.

 

[Lumi]

ACC has muddled race with no elite teams

ACC has muddled race with no elite teams

ACC has muddled race with no elite teams
January 29, 2010


RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -It wasn't long after North Carolina beat North Carolina State that Deon Thompson uttered a telling comment about the Atlantic Coast Conference.


``We just shook the ACC up a little bit with us winning,'' the senior said.

Only in a year like this could a win by the defending national champions against a rival they typically beat rank anywhere close to a jarring victory. The league that touts itself as college basketball's most tradition-rich conference has just two ranked teams, one among the top 20 in RPI, and a muddled set of league standings as January comes to a close.

It's hardly a down year on the level of what's going on in the Pac-10, but it certainly doesn't have the powerful feel of years past, either.

``I guess murky would be the best word,'' said Mike Gminski, a former Duke All-American and TV analyst for ACC games. ``To look at the 12 teams, you'd say, 'I really don't see a clear picture here at all.'''

No conference can match the ACC's level of success over the past 30 years. The league has won nine NCAA championships - four coming in the past decade - while no other league has more than five. The league has made a national-best 28 Final Fours over that span, and at least one team reached No. 1 in 25 of those years. The past six seasons, at least one ACC team has been a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

This year's group, however, doesn't stand up to the history.

After three ACC teams held the No. 1 ranking in the same month last year, a good-but-not-great Duke (17-3, 5-2 ACC) checks in at No. 8, while Georgia Tech (15-5, 4-3) is No. 22.

As for the rest of the league, there are the surprises (Maryland, Virginia), the solid (Clemson, Florida State, Wake Forest) and the underachieving (North Carolina).

But no other ranked teams.

``It's really up for grabs,'' Virginia guard Sammy Zeglinski said. ``We're at the point in the season where we could go one of two ways. We could go into the middle of the pack of the ACC or really separate ourselves and keep getting better and dig deep.''

While that might make for more close games or dramatic finishes, it's probably not the best thing for how the league is perceived nationally.

Granted, the ACC is third in conference RPI behind the Big East and Big 12, according to collegerpi.com. But there are no teams like last year's Tar Heels - who romped through the NCAA tournament for their second title in five seasons - or the Duke and Maryland squads that also won championships in 2001 and '02.

Instead, 10 of 12 teams already have at least five losses overall.

``The Carolina team last year doesn't happen very often,'' Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. ``The landscape of college basketball has changed during this decade to produce this, and we see it in our league with good coaches, good commitment from the schools and the talent spread out.''

Some drop-off should have been expected considering 10 of 15 all-conference performers - including the entire first team - graduated or left early for the NBA. But the league also lost the annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge for the first time, after winning the first 10 editions.

In an illustration of how jumbled things are, the Cavaliers (12-6, 3-2) were picked to finish 11th in the league, but jumped out to a 3-0 start in league play. Maryland (14-5, 4-1) was expected to be in the middle of the pack, but sits atop the standings. Yet both teams lost to the same Wake Forest team that lost to last-place Miami.

That's the Hurricanes' only ACC win after starting 15-1 against a soft schedule.

Momentum has been hard to maintain, too. N.C. State shook off last-second losses to Arizona and Florida and a blown lead in a home loss to Virginia to upset the Blue Devils. The Wolfpack followed with a lopsided road loss to the Terrapins, then went scoreless for 8 minutes in a home loss to a struggling Tar Heels team that had looked lost in recent weeks.

Things will have to change if anyone wants to head into March with momentum.

``It can change like that,'' Florida State's Chris Singleton said, snapping his fingers. ``If you can win and go on a streak, you control your own destiny. That's how it is.

``You can't lose two games in a row. If you lose two games in a row, you're back to the bottom.''

---

 

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Moss out as UNC Wilmington's coach

Moss out as UNC Wilmington's coach

Moss out as UNC Wilmington's coach
January 29, 2010


WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina-Wilmington basketball coach Benny Moss has been reassigned within the athletic department.


Athletic director Kelly Mehrtens said Friday that assistant coach Brooks Lee will take over the program on an interim basis, starting with Saturday's home game against Towson.

Moss' attorney Jay Wesley Casteen said reports that the coach was fired were incorrect.

Moss was 41-74 in his fourth season at UNC-Wilmington, and went 23-45 in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Seahawks (7-14, 3-7) have lost six of seven and finished with losing records in two of Moss' three full seasons.

 

[Lumi]

College Basketball Dominates Wagering Landscape

College Basketball Dominates Wagering Landscape

College Basketball Dominates Wagering Landscape

For a lot of casual bettors and fans, this is really the kickoff of the college basketball season. Forget the fact that more than half the season has already been played, with no football this weekend (unless you consider the Senior Bowl and Pro Bowl football) a vast number of people start turning their attention towards college hoops and beginning mentally prepping for March Madness which is not that many weeks away. Here is a look at some of the top matches this weekend on the collegiate hardwood. Sides and total from Bookmaker.com.


Saturday, Jan. 30

Louisville at West Virginia (-7, 137.5) 12:00E ESPN

Louisville (13-7, 5-10 ATS), playing in the Big East is going to face more than their fair share of challenging opponents and as per usual went out of conference to face a number of tough hombres. Come tournament time that helps your resume, however it really helps the confidence of the team to beat a Top 25 club, not just play with them. The Cardinals are 0-4 SU and ATS against ranked teams and will have another shot to improve against West Virginia. The Cards are 18-7 ATS in conference road games over the last three seasons.

Since its fast start, West Virginia (16-3, 7-11 ATS) has been erratic in its play since 2010 began with 5-3 and 3-5 ATS record. Continual 40 minute effort has been lacking, with the Mountaineers playing like characters in a Rob Zombie movie, with no visible signs of emotion. What has curtailed West Virginia?s excellence is their star players have not been playing like stars. Da?Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks have been off their game somewhat and it has had a trickle affect on the team. They will look to find earlier rhythm and are 38-20 ATS vs. teams who attempt 21 or more three point shots a game.

Louisville has failed to cover their last five contests; however is 5-1 and 4-2 ATS against West Virginia the last dozen years.

Power Line -West Virginia by 6

Duke at Georgetown (+2, 141.5) 1:00E CBS

As opposed to previous few seasons, this Duke (17-3, 13-6 ATS) team could do some damage in the NCAA Tournament instead of being bounced early on. This matchup with Georgetown will be a good barometer where the Blue Devils are at present and what improvements they should work on. Credit Kyle Singler for finding ways to work thru shooting slump. Instead of just firing away, he brought his game closer to the basket, taking more 10-15 foot shots and worked the offensive glass, building confidence until he was back in groove for team that is 11-21 ATS against the Big East.

The same measuring stick can all be used by Georgetown (15-4, 8-7 ATS), who was scorched by Syracuse 73-56 after starting the contest with 14-0 lead. The Hoyas Greg Monroe has become the focal point of the team, delivering all over the floor and his desire to run on the break not only shows hustle, but a willingness to be team player, hungry to win. In reviewing Georgetown?s season, one fact sticks out like Heidi Montag?s plastic surgeries, if Chris Wright doesn?t play well, the Hoyas will labor to be victorious. G-Town is a raunchy 11-22 ATS in home games over the last three seasons.

Duke comes in 10-4 ATS off a win like they enjoyed over Florida State, while Georgetown is 8-2-1 ATS in non-conference tilts. With both teams ranked, the underdog is 3-1-1 ATS in five previous meetings.

Power Line ? Duke by 6

Oklahoma State at Missouri (-7.5, 145.5) 2:00E ESPN

The top three teams in the Big 12 have been established, but who is one rung down? We?ll start to find out with this encounter. Oklahoma State (16-4, 9-4-1 ATS) is a smallish team, too dependent on outside shooting, which explains them ranking ninth in the conference in buckets made. When the offense breaks down, all eyes turn to guard James Anderson to bail them out. Though Anderson his very good player, he can?t be counted on to make shots from bad spots on the floor with the shot clock winding down. The Cowboys are going to have to step up after losing two of last three as visitors and are 26-43 ATS as a road underdog or pick.

Missouri?s unique brand of basketball is a little like the triple option in football, you can simulate it in practice, but that doesn?t mean you are ready for it in games. The Tigers (15-5, 8-6 ATS) defensive pressure forces over 20 turnovers a game, however what coach Mike Anderson?s club doesn?t get credit for is defending the perimeter, allowing the lowest three-point percentage of buckets made in the Big 12. Missouri?s front line looks to matchup and secure a draw, being inexperienced and having the guards to score points. The Tigers are 21-12 ATS as a favorite since last year.

Okie State has a three game win streak in the works and is 17-5-1 ATS off a SU victory. Missouri is perfect 12-0 at home this season (5-2 ATS) and is 21-6 against the spread in last 27 contests in Columbia. The straight up winner is 8-1-1 ATS since 2002.

Power Line ? Missouri by 9

Washington State at Washington (-8.5, 156) 3:30E FSN

Alright, the Pac-10 has a foul odor about it and even the Patriot League looks more interesting this season. Nonetheless, somebody has to win this conference and these two teams believe they can answer the bell to be that team. Washington State (14-6, 6-11 ATS) is your classic ADHD team, seldom focusing for long periods of time without drifting into other thoughts. Coach Ken Bone is looking a more even keel approach and threatened to start sitting players if they are not ready to play, even star Klay Thompson. The Cougars are 10-19 ATS against teams outscoring opponents by four or points a game.

Coach Lorenzo Romar had seen enough. After three indifferent Pac-10 performances that ended up being losses, coach Romar inserted forward Justin Holiday into the starting lineup and he set the table with his defensive energy for others to follow. Senior Quincy Pondexter was pleased with the shakeup, since as a senior; he wants to win the Pac-10 title. Unfortunately, Washington (13-7) went to Los Angeles last weekend and was swept by the L.A. universities leaving them three games behind California in the Pac-10 chase. The Huskies want to hurry the pace and are 35-18 ATS when they score 75 to 80 points.

Washington is one of the worst bets in college basketball at 5-14 ATS. The Huskies have taken nine of last 12 at Bank of America Arena in the Apple Cup rivalry, but have played like dogs with just four covers.

Power Line ? Washington by 6

Vanderbilt at Kentucky (-8.5, 154) 4:00E ESPN

Two weeks ago this SEC showdown would have been footnote in most newspapers across the country. That has abruptly changed with what has happen the last 14 days. Vanderbilt (16-3, 10-6 ATS) is the last unbeaten team in the conference with their impressive 85-76 win at Tennessee as six-point underdogs. That gave the Commodores 10 straight wins (7-2 ATS) and they are bubbling to the top as one of the best shooting teams in the country at 49.8 percent. Vandy shooters have been dandy, making less than half their attempts just twice in this streak. This underappreciated squad is 13-2 and 10-4 ATS off a SU triumph.

Top-ranked Kentucky (19-1, 9-9 ATS) was the last unbeaten to fall, being demonized by South Carolina guard Devan Downey, who literally threw in 30 points against the Wildcats. Coach John Calipari was mildly disappointed, more frustrated his team was outworked. However like any good coach, he?s not going to dwell on one defeat. ?It?s a great lesson,? Calipari said. ?A lot of times, until you take an ?L? they don?t want to believe you. Especially with how young we are.? Kentucky may be a young team, however the most shocking aspect from the loss was the no-show performance from junior Patrick Patterson, who totaled five points (0 in last 20 minutes) and lacked any sort of assertiveness they may have made the difference, especially from an upperclassman. The Cats are 8-0 and 5-1 ATS off a non-cover.

Kentucky will face a far more balanced team in Vanderbilt than they witnessed at South Carolina. Playing before Ashley Judd and the rest of the zealous Kentucky fans will be a big plus, along with being 9-2 SU and 7-4 ATS against Vandy since 1998 in Lexington.

Power Line ? Kentucky by 6

Kansas at Kansas State (+4,155) 7:00E ESPN

Though Kansas (19-1,9-7-1 ATS) probably is the most talented team in the country, it hasn?t shown the killer instinct that of the club that won the national championship two years ago. The Jayhawks will go on auto-pilot emotionally and as coach Bill Self acknowledged, this group doesn?t like to embarrass opponents and flex their intimidation muscles like their predecessors. Kansas is 10-2 ATS playing against a team with a winning record this season, but if they don?t bring a bucket of raw emotion like did in mauling Missouri this past Monday, they could stumble again.

Kansas State?s got game, a lot of game. The Wildcats (17-3, 11-4 ATS) not only have a sound backcourt, their frontline has proven to be vastly underrated. Curtis Kelly and Jamar Samuels have found ways to score in the paint and Luis Colon can be a defensive presence when not committing senseless fouls. Though Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente make a terrific backcourt combination, Rodney McGruder has a spark plug off the bench as third guard and will eat up more minutes if either of the other two is having off night. K-State is 9-2 ATS vs. teams outscoring opponents by four or points game this campaign.

This series is not a pantisocracy, with Kansas 11-1 SU and ATS at Bramlage Coliseum since 1997.

Power Line ? Kansas by 5

Sunday, Jan. 31

Florida at Tennessee ( ) 1:00E CBS

Coach Billy Donovan has a conundrum. ?I have a hard time figuring these guys out sometimes,? Donovan said. This is the main reason why Florida (15-5, 8-7 ATS) stumbled out of the SEC gate and is trying to play catch up in the formidable East Division. Among the problems is forward Dan Werner?s prolonged shooting slump. Though guard Erving Walker has been drilling shots beyond the arc, other than Alex Tyus, game to game the scoring has been spotty. The better teams continue to beat the Gators off dribble penetration and they do a poor job on rotation giving up too many easy buckets. They have strung together four SEC wins playing three of those games in Gainesville, but must be sound defensively since Florida is 0-7 ATS when they allow 75 to 80 points.

This might be Bruce Pearl?s best coaching job. Losing four players to suspension (two returned) and having to end the career of his best player Tyler Smith for transgressions, Pearl helped unite his squad and they accepted responsibility. Often the merry prince, senior center Wayne Chism immediately thrust himself into leadership role and his on-court play jumped markedly. Presumed freshman sensation Kenny Hall was buried on the Tennessee bench, however after the upheaval; he?s become instant energy off the bench for the Vols. Veterans J.P. Prince, Scotty Hopson and Bobby Maze have all become better players particularly on defense.

The Vols (15-4, 8-8 ATS) are 11-3 ATS when they make 47 to 53 percent of their shots, but have failed to connect on more than 44 percent in last four games, losing the last two outright as favorites. Has the emotion worn off for Tennessee and now they are starting to feel the pain of not having Smith? Everyone finds out since the Volunteers are 9-3 and 8-4 ATS vs. Florida the last 12 seasons.

Power Line ? Tennessee by 6
Maryland at Clemson ( ) 5:30E FSN

The Terrapins started the season in the Top 25 and haven?t returned since losing two of three in Hawaii. That started a period of dissonant play in December, however since the calendar started a new year, Maryland (14-5, 8-6 ATS) is looking more like a ranked team again winning six of seven, including four in a row (6-0 ATS in January). Senior guard Greivis Vasquez is good for at least 20 points most nights and Landon Milbourne has regained level of more consistent play. Maryland was probably a bit overrated to begin with and everyone will have to play well against Clemson?s full court press. They Terps are 16-6 ATS in road games since 2007.

Clemson (15-6, 9-9 ATS) begins an important stretch of games, playing four of the next five at home after losing three in a row. Finished with Duke and North Carolina, the Tigers can write their own ticket for the ACC, trying to maneuver up from eighth place. Clemson has frequently played imposing basketball, but can?t sustain it for two halves often enough. They?ve built big leads and lost them and fallen behind and made furious comebacks, coach Oliver Purnell would prefer to see the pendulum not swing as dramatically. Clemson is 12-4 ATS in home games facing teams converting 45 or percent of their shots.

Maryland has won seven of 11 at Clemson with 4-6-1 ATS mark.

Power Line ? Clemson by 1

 

[Lumi]

Top Trends and Angles

Top Trends and Angles

Top Trends and Angles

CBB | (683) E ILLINOIS @ (684) JACKSONVILLE ST | 01/30/2010 5:30 PM
Play AGAINST JACKSONVILLE ST using the money line in All games when the total is 130 to 139.5
The record is 9 Wins and 35 Losses since 1997 (-33.55 units)
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CBB | (517) MARQUETTE @ (518) CONNECTICUT | 01/30/2010 12:00 PM
Play OVER MARQUETTE on the total in Road games on Saturday games
The record is 11 Overs and 0 Unders for the last three seasons (+11.00 units)
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CBB | (565) STANFORD @ (566) ARIZONA ST | 01/30/2010 4:00 PM
Play AGAINST ARIZONA ST using the money line in Home games in January games
The record is 19 Wins and 31 Losses since 1997 (-42.85 units)
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CBB | (583) MARSHALL @ (584) HOUSTON | 01/30/2010 6:00 PM
Play AGAINST HOUSTON using the money line in Home games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 5 Wins and 7 Losses for the last two seasons (-21.40 units)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBB | (513) LASALLE @ (514) TEMPLE | 01/30/2010 12:00 PM
Play ON LASALLE using the money line in All games in road games
The record is 15 Wins and 5 Losses for the last three seasons (+18.45 units)
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CBB | (525) DUKE @ (526) GEORGETOWN | 01/30/2010 1:00 PM
Play AGAINST GEORGETOWN using the money line in All games after a conference game
The record is 8 Wins and 17 Losses for the last two seasons (-23.40 units)
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CBB | (555) VANDERBILT @ (556) KENTUCKY | 01/30/2010 4:00 PM
Play ON VANDERBILT using the money line in Road games after scoring 80 points or more
The record is 6 Wins and 0 Losses for the last two seasons (+10.25 units)

 

[Lumi]

NCAA Basketball Picks

NCAA Basketball Picks

NCAA Basketball Picks
Duke at Georgetown
The Hoyas look to bounce back from their 73-56 loss to Syracuse and build on their 5-1 ATS record following an ATS loss. Georgetown is the pick (+2) according to Dunkel, which has the Hoyas favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Georgetown (+2). Here are all of today's games.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30
Time Posted: 8:30 a.m. EST
Game 513-514: LaSalle at Temple
Dunkel Ratings: LaSalle 55.972; Temple 70.492
Dunkel Line: Temple by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Temple by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-11 1/2)
Game 515-516: James Madison at George Mason
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 51.372; George Mason 59.450
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 8
Vegas Line: George Mason by 9
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (+9)
Game 517-518: Marquette at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 68.790; Connecticut 74.792
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 6
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-5 1/2)
Game 519-520: Louisville at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 69.436; West Virginia 75.925
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 7
Dunkel Pick: Louisville (+7)
Game 521-522: Eastern Michigan at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 49.134; Miami (OH) 57.763
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 9
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+9)
Game 523-524: George Washington at Rhode Island
Dunkel Ratings: George Washington 55.729; Rhode Island 67.472
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (-10 1/2)
Game 525-526: Duke at Georgetown
Dunkel Ratings: Duke 76.125; Georgetown 76.897
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 1
Vegas Line: Duke by 2
Dunkel Pick: Georgetown (+2)
Game 527-528: Oklahoma at Nebraska
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 63.415; Nebraska 65.222
Dunkel Line: Nebraska by 2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 529-530: LSU at Mississippi State
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 56.120; Mississippi State 68.237
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 12
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LSU (+13 1/2)
Game 531-532: Oklahoma State at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 68.595; Missouri 74.476
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 6
Vegas Line: Missouri by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma State (+7 1/2)
Game 533-534: Western Michigan at Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 51.926; Kent State 66.341
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Kent State by 10
Dunkel Pick: Kent State (-10)
Game 535-536: Buffalo at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 58.839; Northern Illinois 53.477
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 1
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-1)
Game 537-538: St. Louis at Richmond
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 57.466; Richmond 65.710
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 8
Vegas Line: Richmond by 7
Dunkel Pick: Richmond (-7)
Game 539-540: Loyola-Chicago at Wright State
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Chicago 49.975; Wright State 66.007
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 16
Vegas Line: Wright State by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Chicago (+16 1/2)
Game 541-542: Indiana at Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 56.040; Illinois 70.418
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois by 12
Dunkel Pick: Illinois (-12)
Game 543-544: Syracuse at DePaul
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 74.292; DePaul 57.464
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 17
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-16 1/2)
Game 545-546: Memphis at SMU
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 66.469; SMU 58.188
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 8
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-8)
Game 547-548: Northern Iowa at Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Iowa 65.845; Missouri State 61.435
Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Iowa (-1 1/2)
Game 549-550: Florida State at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: Florida State 66.476; Boston College 68.493
Dunkel Line: Boston College by 2
Vegas Line: Boston College by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston College (-1 1/2)
Game 551-552: Washington State at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Washington State 61.783; Washington 72.270
Dunkel Line: Washington by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-7 1/2)
Game 553-554: Wyoming at Air Force
Dunkel Ratings: Wyoming 56.141; Air Force 53.981
Dunkel Line: Wyoming by 3
Vegas Line: Wyoming by 1
Dunkel Pick: Wyoming (-1)
Game 555-556: Vanderbilt at Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 69.380; Kentucky 79.225
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 10
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 9
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-9)
Game 557-558: Arkansas at Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 59.196; Mississippi 71.981
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 13
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-11 1/2)
Game 559-560: Alabama at Auburn
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 61.800; Auburn 63.217
Dunkel Line: Auburn by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Alabama by 1
Dunkel Pick: Auburn (+1)
Game 561-562: Illinois-Chicago at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 49.031; Detroit 61.822
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 13
Vegas Line: Detroit by 14
Dunkel Pick: Illinois-Chicago (+14)
Game 563-564: Baylor at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 69.510; Texas 79.278
Dunkel Line: Texas by 10
Vegas Line: Texas by 9
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-9)
Game 565-566: Stanford at Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 60.722; Arizona State 68.047
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (+10 1/2)
Game 567-568: New Orleans at Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 41.526; Western Kentucky 59.635
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 18
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 17
Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (-17)
Game 569-570: Youngstown State at Cleveland State
Dunkel Ratings: Youngstown State 48.650; Cleveland State 58.238
Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland State by 10
Dunkel Pick: Youngstown State (+10)
Game 571-572: Old Dominion at Northeastern
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 65.982; Northeastern 64.643
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion
Game 573-574: Delaware at Hofstra
Dunkel Ratings: Delaware 48.797; Hofstra 60.646
Dunkel Line: Hofstra by 12
Vegas Line: Hofstra by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (-11 1/2)
Game 575-576: Iowa at Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 56.322; Michigan 70.128
Dunkel Line: Michigan by 14
Vegas Line: Michigan by 13
Dunkel Pick: Michigan (-13)
Game 577-578: Tulsa at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 61.710; Central Florida 60.605
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 1
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 6
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (+6)
Game 579-580: UL-Lafayette at UL-Monroe
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Lafayette 51.616; UL-Monroe 48.990
Dunkel Line: UL-Lafayette by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 3
Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (+3)
Game 581-582: Bradley at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 57.653; Illinois State 64.362
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (+8 1/2)
Game 583-584: Marshall at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Marshall 61.572; Houston 62.984
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marshall (+3 1/2)
Game 585-586: Towson at NC Wilmington
Dunkel Ratings: Towson 45.386; NC Wilmington 53.016
Dunkel Line: NC Wilmington by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 587-588: Charlotte at Massachusetts
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 58.628; Massachusetts 58.084
Dunkel Line: Charlotte by 1
Vegas Line: Charlotte by 3
Dunkel Pick: Massachusetts (+3)
Game 589-590: Notre Dame at Rutgers
Dunkel Ratings: Notre Dame 63.507; Rutgers 58.056
Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (+6 1/2)
Game 591-592: San Diego State at Colorado State
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 61.713; Colorado State 58.310
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Colorado State (+4)
Game 593-594: New Mexico at TCU
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 66.854; TCU 57.489
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 7
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-7)
Game 595-596: USC at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: USC 64.735; Oregon 61.487
Dunkel Line: USC by 3
Vegas Line: USC by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: USC (-1 1/2)
Game 597-598: Georgia at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 60.759; South Carolina 68.964
Dunkel Line: South Carolina by 8
Vegas Line: South Carolina by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Carolina (-7 1/2)
Game 599-600: Florida International at Florida Atlantic
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 46.965; Florida Atlantic 55.978
Dunkel Line: Florida Atlantic by 9
Vegas Line: Florida Atlantic by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+10 1/2)
Game 601-602: UC Davis at Long Beach State
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Davis 47.771; Long Beach State 53.500
Dunkel Line: Long Beach State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Long Beach State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC Davis (+8 1/2)
Game 603-604: Rice at East Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 48.742; East Carolina 52.339
Dunkel Line: East Carolina by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: East Carolina by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+4 1/2)
Game 605-606: Northwestern at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern 64.833; Michigan State 78.806
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 14
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 13
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-13)
Game 607-608: Drexel at William & Mary
Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 59.834; William & Mary 61.248
Dunkel Line: William & Mary by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: William & Mary by 5
Dunkel Pick: Drexel (+5)
Game 609-610: Toledo at Akron
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 39.933; Akron 62.337
Dunkel Line: Akron by 22 1/2
Vegas Line: Akron by 24 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+24 1/2)
Game 611-612: Central Michigan at Bowling Green
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 51.336; Bowling Green 57.086
Dunkel Line: Bowling Green by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Bowling Green by 5
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (-5)
Game 613-614: Harvard at Cornell
Dunkel Ratings: Harvard 61.189; Cornell 67.277
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 6
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 615-616: Pennsylvania at Brown
Dunkel Ratings: Pennsylvania 39.991; Brown 47.430
Dunkel Line: Brown by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 617-618: Princeton at Yale
Dunkel Ratings: Princeton 53.104; Yale 48.220
Dunkel Line: Princeton by 5
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 619-620: Dartmouth at Columbia
Dunkel Ratings: Dartmouth 41.116; Columbia 46.117
Dunkel Line: Columbia by 5
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 621-622: Dayton at St. Bonaventure
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 62.355; St. Bonaventure 58.164
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 4
Vegas Line: Dayton by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (+4 1/2)
Game 623-624: Kansas at Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas 80.183; Kansas State 75.788
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 4
Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-4)
Game 625-626: Georgia State at VCU
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia State 51.410; VCU 65.906
Dunkel Line: VCU by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: VCU by 16
Dunkel Pick: Georgia State (+16)
Game 627-628: UCLA at Oregon State
Dunkel Ratings: UCLA 57.756; Oregon State 61.855
Dunkel Line: Oregon State by 4
Vegas Line: Oregon State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (-2 1/2)
Game 629-630: North Texas at Middle Tennessee State
Dunkel Ratings: North Texas 49.089; Middle Tennessee State 58.930
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 10
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Middle Tennessee State (-6)
Game 631-632: Denver at Arkansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 52.190; Arkansas State 51.301
Dunkel Line: Arkansas State by 1
Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+2)
Game 633-634: UTEP at UAB
Dunkel Ratings: UTEP 66.758; UAB 66.445
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: UAB by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (+3 1/2)
Game 635-636: Providence at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 58.736; Cincinnati 68.950
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 10
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 8
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-8)
Game 637-638: UC-Irvine at CS-Fullerton
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 48.860; CS-Fullerton 54.879
Dunkel Line: CS-Fullerton by 6
Vegas Line: CS-Fullerton by 7
Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (+7)
Game 639-640: Southern Mississippi at Tulane
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 54.380; Tulane 53.299
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 1
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 2
Dunkel Pick: Tulane (+2)
Game 641-642: Creighton at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: Creighton 58.829; Drake 61.542
Dunkel Line: Drake by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Drake by 1
Dunkel Pick: Drake (-1)
Game 643-644: South Alabama at Troy
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 46.280; Troy 56.800
Dunkel Line: Troy by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Troy by 8
Dunkel Pick: Troy (-8)
Game 645-646: New Mexico State at Louisiana Tech
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 54.980; Louisiana Tech 69.114
Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 14
Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech (-10 1/2)
Game 647-648: San Jose State at Utah State
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 51.437; Utah 72.421
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 21
Vegas Line: Utah State by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (-16 1/2)
Game 649-650: Utah at BYU
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 61.642; BYU 75.726
Dunkel Line: BYU by 14
Vegas Line: BYU by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+14 1/2)
Game 651-652: Texas Tech at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 63.952; Texas A&M 70.121
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 6
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (+7 1/2)
Game 653-654: Colorado at Iowa State
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 59.299; Iowa State 67.505
Dunkel Line: Iowa State by 8
Vegas Line: Iowa State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Iowa State (-7 1/2)
Game 655-656: Gonzaga at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Gonzaga 68.438; San Francisco 53.511
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 15
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-12 1/2)
Game 657-658: UC-Santa Barbara at CS-Northridge
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 54.462; CS-Northridge 53.917
Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 1
Vegas Line: CS-Northridge by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Santa Barbara (+1 1/2)
Game 659-660: Pacific at UC-Riverside
Dunkel Ratings: Pacific 56.141; UC-Riverside 53.116
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 3
Vegas Line: Pacific by 4
Dunkel Pick: UC-Riverside (+4)
Game 661-662: Hawaii at Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: Hawaii 49.394; Nevada 67.861
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Nevada by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-16 1/2)
Game 663-664: Portland at Santa Clara
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 59.372; Santa Clara 54.569
Dunkel Line: Portland by 5
Vegas Line: Portland by 6
Dunkel Pick: Santa Clara (+6)
Game 665-666: San Diego at Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 51.106; Pepperdine 55.985
Dunkel Line: Pepperdine by 5
Vegas Line: San Diego by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pepperdine (+1 1/2)
Game 667-668: St. Mary's (CA) at Loyola-Marymount
Dunkel Ratings: St. Mary's (CA) 66.368; Loyola-Marymount 57.390
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 9
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 10
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Marymount (+10)
Game 669-670: Fresno State at Boise State
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 54.965; Boise State 58.737
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 4
Vegas Line: Boise State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fresno State (+4 1/2)
Game 671-672: College of Charleston at Georgia Southern
Dunkel Ratings: College of Charleston 53.161; Georgia Southern 48.719
Dunkel Line: College of Charleston by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: College of Charleston by 3
Dunkel Pick: College of Charleston (-3)
Game 673-674: Murray State at Tennessee Martin
Dunkel Ratings: Murray State 61.987; Tennessee Martin 43.421
Dunkel Line: Murray State by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Murray State by 18
Dunkel Pick: Murray State (-18)
Game 675-676: Western Carolina at Samford
Dunkel Ratings: Western Carolina 51.224; Samford 51.284
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Western Carolina by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Samford (+2 1/2)
Game 677-678: Furman at Wofford
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 48.273; Wofford 60.507
Dunkel Line: Wofford by 12
Vegas Line: Wofford by 13
Dunkel Pick: Furman (+13)
Game 679-680: Siena at Marist
Dunkel Ratings: Siena 62.981; Marist 43.051
Dunkel Line: Siena by 20
Vegas Line: Siena by 18
Dunkel Pick: Siena (-18)
Game 681-682: Rider at Fairfield
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 48.437; Fairfield 58.532
Dunkel Line: Fairfield by 10
Vegas Line: Fairfield by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fairfield (-6 1/2)
Game 683-684: Eastern Illinois at Jacksonville State
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Illinois 46.616; Jacksonville State 51.983
Dunkel Line: Jacksonville State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Jacksonville State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville State (-3 1/2)
Game 685-686: Appalachian State at Chattanooga
Dunkel Ratings: Appalachian State 51.094; Chattanooga 51.878
Dunkel Line: Chattanooga by 1
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Chattanooga
Game 687-688: The Citadel at Davidson
Dunkel Ratings: The Citadel 49.940; Davidson 58.174
Dunkel Line: Davidson by 8
Vegas Line: Davidson by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: The Citadel (+8 1/2)
Game 689-690: SE Missouri State at Tennessee Tech
Dunkel Ratings: SE Missouri State 39.129; Tennessee Tech 52.959
Dunkel Line: Tennessee Tech by 14
Vegas Line: Tennessee Tech by 11
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee Tech (-11)
Game 691-692: Morehead State at Austin Peay
Dunkel Ratings: Morehead State 57.871; Austin Peay 55.458
Dunkel Line: Morehead State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Morehead State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Morehead State (-1 1/2)
Game 693-694: Eastern Kentucky at Tennessee State
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Kentucky 53.011; Tennessee State 47.646
Dunkel Line: Eastern Kentucky by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Eastern Kentucky by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Kentucky (-4 1/2)
Game 695-696: Montana at Northern Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Montana 53.823; Northern Arizona 55.721
Dunkel Line: Northern Arizona by 2
Vegas Line: Montana by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Arizona (+1 1/2)
Game 697-698: Sacramento State at Idaho State
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento State 44.950; Idaho State 52.473
Dunkel Line: Idaho State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 699-700: Portland Stat at Eastern Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Portland State 51.856; Eastern Washington 47.399
Dunkel Line: Portland State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 701-702: North Dakota State at Centenary
Dunkel Ratings: North Dakota State 52.057; Centenary 43.818
Dunkel Line: North Dakota State by 8
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 703-704: South Dakota State at Oral Roberts
Dunkel Ratings: South Dakota State 50.436; Oral Roberts 60.499
Dunkel Line: Oral Roberts by 10
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 705-706: Oakland at Western Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 56.686; Western Illinois 49.825
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 707-708: UMKC at Southern Utah
Dunkel Ratings: UMKC 45.214; Southern Utah 45.939
Dunkel Line: Southern Utah by 1
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A