SATURDAY SERVICE PLAYS 3/1
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CTO
SATURDAY
SOUTH ALABAMA over *Florida International ...Now that veteran, smooth-functioning So. Alabama (lofty RPI of 24) has put itself in position for possible NCAA-at-large berth following its upset at Western Kentucky, the Jaguars unlikely to suffer a damaging slip-up vs. mistakeprone Golden Panthers (18 TOs pg), especially recalling USA?s 69-67 upset loss at FIU last year. Jags? 6-4 sr. star Bennett is primed for encore performance after 30 pts., 5 rebs. & 2 steals in earlier 12-pt. home victory. Smart-shooting USA (47% FGs; 71% FTs) would have won by wider margin had Jags not missed an uncharacteristic 12 of 28 foul shots.
SOUTH ALABAMA 82 - *Florida International 63 RATING - 11
*BUTLER over Detroit (Day Game)...The spirit might be willing, but the flesh is too weak. So it goes for Detroit, which finally appears to be down for the count after recent injuries to high-scoring G Goode and backcourt mate Payne. Along with midseason leave of absence taken by HC Watson, and preseason dismissal of last year?s top scorer Cotton, the Titans are left with a shell of a team, confirmed by heavy Bracket Buster home defeat inflicted by MAC also-ran Bowling Green. Meanwhile, NCAA-bound Butler motivated to send 4 srs. out as winners in final reg.-season home game, and deep Bulldog bench can extend margin.
*BUTLER 71 - Detroit 44 RATING - 10
ILLINOIS-CHICAGO over *Wisconsin-Milwaukee...Long season taking its toll on UW-Milwaukee, which is down to 10 players (possibly 9 if F Skinner out with leg injury suffered Feb. 25 vs. Valpo) after 4 left the program in Dec. (including G Torre Johnson, who had 30 pts. in first meeting TY). Defensively-stiffening UIC (allowing just 56 ppg last 6) should sweep series and build momentum for Horizon tourney. Panthers had no answer for Flames? burgeoning G Mayo (17 ppg, 50% treys; 29 pts. in first tilt), while more-aggressive 7-0 jr. C VanderMeer (league-best 7.5 rpg) will be a problem in paint for undersized Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
ILLINOIS-CHICAGO 67 - *Wisconsin-Milwaukee 59 RATING - 10
SATURDAY
SOUTH ALABAMA over *Florida International ...Now that veteran, smooth-functioning So. Alabama (lofty RPI of 24) has put itself in position for possible NCAA-at-large berth following its upset at Western Kentucky, the Jaguars unlikely to suffer a damaging slip-up vs. mistakeprone Golden Panthers (18 TOs pg), especially recalling USA?s 69-67 upset loss at FIU last year. Jags? 6-4 sr. star Bennett is primed for encore performance after 30 pts., 5 rebs. & 2 steals in earlier 12-pt. home victory. Smart-shooting USA (47% FGs; 71% FTs) would have won by wider margin had Jags not missed an uncharacteristic 12 of 28 foul shots.
SOUTH ALABAMA 82 - *Florida International 63 RATING - 11
*BUTLER over Detroit (Day Game)...The spirit might be willing, but the flesh is too weak. So it goes for Detroit, which finally appears to be down for the count after recent injuries to high-scoring G Goode and backcourt mate Payne. Along with midseason leave of absence taken by HC Watson, and preseason dismissal of last year?s top scorer Cotton, the Titans are left with a shell of a team, confirmed by heavy Bracket Buster home defeat inflicted by MAC also-ran Bowling Green. Meanwhile, NCAA-bound Butler motivated to send 4 srs. out as winners in final reg.-season home game, and deep Bulldog bench can extend margin.
*BUTLER 71 - Detroit 44 RATING - 10
ILLINOIS-CHICAGO over *Wisconsin-Milwaukee...Long season taking its toll on UW-Milwaukee, which is down to 10 players (possibly 9 if F Skinner out with leg injury suffered Feb. 25 vs. Valpo) after 4 left the program in Dec. (including G Torre Johnson, who had 30 pts. in first meeting TY). Defensively-stiffening UIC (allowing just 56 ppg last 6) should sweep series and build momentum for Horizon tourney. Panthers had no answer for Flames? burgeoning G Mayo (17 ppg, 50% treys; 29 pts. in first tilt), while more-aggressive 7-0 jr. C VanderMeer (league-best 7.5 rpg) will be a problem in paint for undersized Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
ILLINOIS-CHICAGO 67 - *Wisconsin-Milwaukee 59 RATING - 10
THE SPORTS REPORTER
BEST BET
*OKLAHOMA over TEXAS A&M by 13
Sooner C Longar Longar missed three straight games due to injury ? including earlier loss
to A&M ? but OK snapped right back upon his return, reeling off a trio of smart wins before
coming a?cropper against Texas, which left OU HC Jeff Capel speechless, though Longhorns
are doing that to ?most everyone, lately. Sound again, home side seeks to deal further dose
of misery out to Aggies, who somehow lost to Nebraska at home last week. When things go
bad?OKLAHOMA, 77-64.
BEST BET
*IOWA over ILLINOIS by 10
Offensively-inconsistent Illini have been terrible disappointment throughout this campaign,
consistently failing to register against top competition. Meanwhile, Hawks have come along
respectably since commencement of the conference season, and have notched wins against
the Spartans and Buckeyes, here. Replication of that form would do nicely. IOWA, 62-52
BEST BET
ILLINOIS-CHICAGO over WISCONSIN MILWAUKEE by 9
When wildly-shorthanded Bradley managed to keelhaul WMU in Bracket Busters, this set up
sufficiently-well to suit us. Flames served our purposes nobly last weekend against overrated
Northern Iowa, and have proven themselves more than capable of carrying on against
this markedly-shorthanded entity. ILLINOIS-CHICAGO, 69-60.
BEST BET
*STANFORD over WASHINGTON STATE by 15
Respect Cougars? court vision and tenacity, but a bad loss here isn?t going to linger come
tourney time, and Cardinal are peaking (perhaps too early!) with their potent combination of
height and court smarts. Problem with State down the road will be that their relative lack of
athleticism catches up with them, sooner or later. Now, as well. STANFORD, 78-63.
BEST BET
*OKLAHOMA over TEXAS A&M by 13
Sooner C Longar Longar missed three straight games due to injury ? including earlier loss
to A&M ? but OK snapped right back upon his return, reeling off a trio of smart wins before
coming a?cropper against Texas, which left OU HC Jeff Capel speechless, though Longhorns
are doing that to ?most everyone, lately. Sound again, home side seeks to deal further dose
of misery out to Aggies, who somehow lost to Nebraska at home last week. When things go
bad?OKLAHOMA, 77-64.
BEST BET
*IOWA over ILLINOIS by 10
Offensively-inconsistent Illini have been terrible disappointment throughout this campaign,
consistently failing to register against top competition. Meanwhile, Hawks have come along
respectably since commencement of the conference season, and have notched wins against
the Spartans and Buckeyes, here. Replication of that form would do nicely. IOWA, 62-52
BEST BET
ILLINOIS-CHICAGO over WISCONSIN MILWAUKEE by 9
When wildly-shorthanded Bradley managed to keelhaul WMU in Bracket Busters, this set up
sufficiently-well to suit us. Flames served our purposes nobly last weekend against overrated
Northern Iowa, and have proven themselves more than capable of carrying on against
this markedly-shorthanded entity. ILLINOIS-CHICAGO, 69-60.
BEST BET
*STANFORD over WASHINGTON STATE by 15
Respect Cougars? court vision and tenacity, but a bad loss here isn?t going to linger come
tourney time, and Cardinal are peaking (perhaps too early!) with their potent combination of
height and court smarts. Problem with State down the road will be that their relative lack of
athleticism catches up with them, sooner or later. Now, as well. STANFORD, 78-63.
THE GOLD SHEET
BAYLOR by 19 over Missouri
INDIANA STATE by 12 over Missouri State
CLEVELAND STATE by 12 over Youngstown State
BAYLOR by 19 over Missouri
INDIANA STATE by 12 over Missouri State
CLEVELAND STATE by 12 over Youngstown State
POINTWISE
GEORGIA STATE over Js Madison (Sat) RATING: 3
INDIANA STATE over Missouri State (Sat) RATING: 4
GEORGIA STATE over Js Madison (Sat) RATING: 3
INDIANA STATE over Missouri State (Sat) RATING: 4
ROB VENO
NEW MEXICO STATE-FRESNO STATE
Recommendation: New Mexico State
Win or lose on the road against Nevada on Thursday night, the Aggies will be in a heated battle for the WAC?s No. 1 tournament
seeding as they head into this contest. Currently, head coach Marvin Menzies? team is the hottest in the league having won five straight games and scoring 80 or more points in all of them. The conference road hasn?t always been pretty for NMSU (3-3 SU/ATS) but they are one of only two league teams to go to San Jose State and win this season and they?re the only WAC team to win at first place Boise State. With that in mind, expect New Mexico State to enter this contest with situational focus. Fundamentals here point to a huge rebounding advantage for the Aggies who own a league leading +9.8 rebound margin while FSU lingers near the conference cellar at -3.8. In the first meeting between these teams, New Mexico State pounded the Bulldogs on the boards 49-34. Shooting also squarely in favor of the visitors here as all five Aggies starters hit 46% or better
from the floor (center Hatila Passos an amazing 70.3%) while none of FSU?s top five scorers top 44%. Fresno found the New Mexico State defense difficult to crack back on January
5th as they shot 38.5% from the field and 21.2% on the 33 three pointers they hoisted up. Final buy signal on the Aggies here is Fresno State?s atrocious 1-9 ATS mark over their last 10 which includes seven spread losses in a row entering this game.
NEW MEXICO STATE-FRESNO STATE
Recommendation: New Mexico State
Win or lose on the road against Nevada on Thursday night, the Aggies will be in a heated battle for the WAC?s No. 1 tournament
seeding as they head into this contest. Currently, head coach Marvin Menzies? team is the hottest in the league having won five straight games and scoring 80 or more points in all of them. The conference road hasn?t always been pretty for NMSU (3-3 SU/ATS) but they are one of only two league teams to go to San Jose State and win this season and they?re the only WAC team to win at first place Boise State. With that in mind, expect New Mexico State to enter this contest with situational focus. Fundamentals here point to a huge rebounding advantage for the Aggies who own a league leading +9.8 rebound margin while FSU lingers near the conference cellar at -3.8. In the first meeting between these teams, New Mexico State pounded the Bulldogs on the boards 49-34. Shooting also squarely in favor of the visitors here as all five Aggies starters hit 46% or better
from the floor (center Hatila Passos an amazing 70.3%) while none of FSU?s top five scorers top 44%. Fresno found the New Mexico State defense difficult to crack back on January
5th as they shot 38.5% from the field and 21.2% on the 33 three pointers they hoisted up. Final buy signal on the Aggies here is Fresno State?s atrocious 1-9 ATS mark over their last 10 which includes seven spread losses in a row entering this game.
BRENT CROW
TEXAS A&M-OKLAHOMA-
Recommendation: Oklahoma
Both of these teams have struggled lately during Big 12 Conference
play. The Aggies have dropped three straight entering
the week, including home losses to Nebraska and Oklahoma
State, two teams that rarely win on the road. They also were blown out on the road by Texas, 77-50. Oklahoma is just 3-4 in its last seven games, losing last Saturday at Texas to snap a three-game winning streak. The Sooners should be a small favorite over A&M, and their home court advantage will make the difference in this game. Oklahoma has a solid inside game with Longar Longar and Blake Griffin, which matches up well with the big men from Texas A&M. The Sooners have not been completely dominant at home this season,
but they still have only dropped two home conference games. The Aggies have a very young team, and they have struggled against good teams on the road. Their three wins have come against teams with losing conference records, and now they are not even playing well on their home court against poor teams. Oklahoma is squarely on the bubble for the NCAA tourney with a 18-9 record, and this win would be huge for them. They do not have any quality wins over conference teams that should make the tourney, making this game that much more important. There is no doubt that the Soonerswill come to play today and they should get a nice victory.
TEXAS A&M-OKLAHOMA-
Recommendation: Oklahoma
Both of these teams have struggled lately during Big 12 Conference
play. The Aggies have dropped three straight entering
the week, including home losses to Nebraska and Oklahoma
State, two teams that rarely win on the road. They also were blown out on the road by Texas, 77-50. Oklahoma is just 3-4 in its last seven games, losing last Saturday at Texas to snap a three-game winning streak. The Sooners should be a small favorite over A&M, and their home court advantage will make the difference in this game. Oklahoma has a solid inside game with Longar Longar and Blake Griffin, which matches up well with the big men from Texas A&M. The Sooners have not been completely dominant at home this season,
but they still have only dropped two home conference games. The Aggies have a very young team, and they have struggled against good teams on the road. Their three wins have come against teams with losing conference records, and now they are not even playing well on their home court against poor teams. Oklahoma is squarely on the bubble for the NCAA tourney with a 18-9 record, and this win would be huge for them. They do not have any quality wins over conference teams that should make the tourney, making this game that much more important. There is no doubt that the Soonerswill come to play today and they should get a nice victory.
MARTY OTTO
VANDERBILT-ARKANSAS
Recommendation: Arkansas
We backed Kentucky against this same Razorbacks side just a week ago in the Best Bet section, but we?ll turn around and back the Hogs this weekend. Arkansas has been brutal on the road, a consistent failure both straight up and against the number: As such we had plenty of reason to back Kentucky
last week where the Wildcats were (and still are) unbeaten
in SEC play at Rupp Arena. But if we know anything its how important home court is and the return home will serve us well. Also serving us well will be the absolutely brutal let down about to fall on Vandy. The Commodores will enter this weekend off of a four game home stand that saw them take revenge on Kentucky and Florida and beat a worn down Georgia side. Their opponent on Tuesday will be the nation?s number one ranked Tennessee Vols, an instate rivalry game with in-season revenge. It doesn?t get any better
from a situational standpoint. Fundamentally I don?t like Arkansas? big men that much but they do have the size to matchup against AJ Ogilvy, and the guard combination of Sonny Weems, Gary Ervin and Patrick Beverly can keep the pressure on Shan Foster. The Hogs? quick tempo and pressing
style of attack has really troubled the ?Dores this season, reflected in Vandy?s losses at Ole Miss, Florida and Tennessee already the year. Arkansas rolls in this one by double digits
VANDERBILT-ARKANSAS
Recommendation: Arkansas
We backed Kentucky against this same Razorbacks side just a week ago in the Best Bet section, but we?ll turn around and back the Hogs this weekend. Arkansas has been brutal on the road, a consistent failure both straight up and against the number: As such we had plenty of reason to back Kentucky
last week where the Wildcats were (and still are) unbeaten
in SEC play at Rupp Arena. But if we know anything its how important home court is and the return home will serve us well. Also serving us well will be the absolutely brutal let down about to fall on Vandy. The Commodores will enter this weekend off of a four game home stand that saw them take revenge on Kentucky and Florida and beat a worn down Georgia side. Their opponent on Tuesday will be the nation?s number one ranked Tennessee Vols, an instate rivalry game with in-season revenge. It doesn?t get any better
from a situational standpoint. Fundamentally I don?t like Arkansas? big men that much but they do have the size to matchup against AJ Ogilvy, and the guard combination of Sonny Weems, Gary Ervin and Patrick Beverly can keep the pressure on Shan Foster. The Hogs? quick tempo and pressing
style of attack has really troubled the ?Dores this season, reflected in Vandy?s losses at Ole Miss, Florida and Tennessee already the year. Arkansas rolls in this one by double digits
JARED KLEIN
NEW JERSEY-MONTREAL
Recommendation: Devils
The New Jersey Devils head to Montreal to take on the Canadiens
in the second half of a back to back set. With the trade deadline on Tuesday, all reports indicate that both of these teams could have some new players joining their respective sides. Having said that, the New Jersey Devils are playing amazing hockey of late winning five straight games and seven out of their last ten games. ?We?re definitely proud of what we?ve accomplished,? forward John Madden was quoted as saying. ?But at the same time we?ve got to move forward.? The Devils currently sit in first in the Eastern Conference with 79 points and there is no doubt in my mind that goaltender
Martin Brodeur is the reason why this team is so steady each and every season. Brodeur is the first goaltender to win 35 games and he is on pace to win 46 games this season. It would be Brodeur?s third 40-win season in a row which is an incredible feat. The Devils defense has also been outstanding in front of Brodeur as they?ve given up two goals or less in seven out of their last eight games. This weekend New Jersey
faces a Montreal Canadiens team that has been fantastic on the road with a record of 19-13, but has struggled at the Belle Centre this season with a record of 14-17. The Devils are quietly sitting a top of the Eastern Conference virtually unnoticed and I expect a big win in Montreal this weekend
NEW JERSEY-MONTREAL
Recommendation: Devils
The New Jersey Devils head to Montreal to take on the Canadiens
in the second half of a back to back set. With the trade deadline on Tuesday, all reports indicate that both of these teams could have some new players joining their respective sides. Having said that, the New Jersey Devils are playing amazing hockey of late winning five straight games and seven out of their last ten games. ?We?re definitely proud of what we?ve accomplished,? forward John Madden was quoted as saying. ?But at the same time we?ve got to move forward.? The Devils currently sit in first in the Eastern Conference with 79 points and there is no doubt in my mind that goaltender
Martin Brodeur is the reason why this team is so steady each and every season. Brodeur is the first goaltender to win 35 games and he is on pace to win 46 games this season. It would be Brodeur?s third 40-win season in a row which is an incredible feat. The Devils defense has also been outstanding in front of Brodeur as they?ve given up two goals or less in seven out of their last eight games. This weekend New Jersey
faces a Montreal Canadiens team that has been fantastic on the road with a record of 19-13, but has struggled at the Belle Centre this season with a record of 14-17. The Devils are quietly sitting a top of the Eastern Conference virtually unnoticed and I expect a big win in Montreal this weekend
WINNING POINTS
***BEST BET
Detroit over *Los Angeles Clippers by 15
The Pistons have too much experience and savvy to get ambushed by the Clippers,
especially after experiencing a road loss 10 days ago to Milwaukee. Unless Elton Brand
(check status) is ready, which is highly improbable at this stage, the Pistons should be
able to control the backboards. Detroit ranked No. 1 in defense through the third
week of February. DETROIT 101-86.
***BEST BET
Creighton* over Bradley by 25
The circled game, unfortunately, gets a higher number for Creighton to cross over in
the wake of Andrew Warren?s broken hand, and Daniel Ruffin?s domestic battery
charge, and we don?t mean Dura-Cell. Wisconsin-Milwaukee didn?t have enough time
to prepare and take advantage for their unimportant non-conference road game at
Bradley last Saturday, which helps. Dana Altman, the best coach in the Missouri
Valley, has a whole week and even if Ruffin is re-instated from suspension, Warren?s
absence, the edge it creates for Creighton, and the resulting distraction for Bradley is
too much to overcome in the home side?s revenge spot in front of the usual 13,000.
CREIGHTON, 80-55.
***BEST BET
Gonzaga* over St. Mary?s by 19
The free-throw attempt disparity in Gonzaga?s overtime loss at St. Mary?s was 42-18
favoring St. Mary?s, and the foul count was 29-22 against Gonzaga. The ?Zags were
playing their third game in the week after the long trip to Memphis and back. St.
Mary?s is a bully team that blasts so-so opponents on its home floor, and needs the
kind of disparities above to separate itself ? barely ? from the good opponents. They
were a 7-Star ?Against? for Executive Club midnight money collectors with Kent State
last Saturday night. Ask not for whom the bell tolls, St. Mary?s. It tolls for thee. GONZAGA,
85-66.
***BEST BET
Detroit over *Los Angeles Clippers by 15
The Pistons have too much experience and savvy to get ambushed by the Clippers,
especially after experiencing a road loss 10 days ago to Milwaukee. Unless Elton Brand
(check status) is ready, which is highly improbable at this stage, the Pistons should be
able to control the backboards. Detroit ranked No. 1 in defense through the third
week of February. DETROIT 101-86.
***BEST BET
Creighton* over Bradley by 25
The circled game, unfortunately, gets a higher number for Creighton to cross over in
the wake of Andrew Warren?s broken hand, and Daniel Ruffin?s domestic battery
charge, and we don?t mean Dura-Cell. Wisconsin-Milwaukee didn?t have enough time
to prepare and take advantage for their unimportant non-conference road game at
Bradley last Saturday, which helps. Dana Altman, the best coach in the Missouri
Valley, has a whole week and even if Ruffin is re-instated from suspension, Warren?s
absence, the edge it creates for Creighton, and the resulting distraction for Bradley is
too much to overcome in the home side?s revenge spot in front of the usual 13,000.
CREIGHTON, 80-55.
***BEST BET
Gonzaga* over St. Mary?s by 19
The free-throw attempt disparity in Gonzaga?s overtime loss at St. Mary?s was 42-18
favoring St. Mary?s, and the foul count was 29-22 against Gonzaga. The ?Zags were
playing their third game in the week after the long trip to Memphis and back. St.
Mary?s is a bully team that blasts so-so opponents on its home floor, and needs the
kind of disparities above to separate itself ? barely ? from the good opponents. They
were a 7-Star ?Against? for Executive Club midnight money collectors with Kent State
last Saturday night. Ask not for whom the bell tolls, St. Mary?s. It tolls for thee. GONZAGA,
85-66.
EDGEONODDS POINT SPREAD PROS
(31-15 IN FEBRUARY HOOPS!)
Georgetown Hoyas @ Marquette Golden Eagles
Pick: Marquette Golden Eagles -135
Reasoning: Georgetown travels to Marquette to take on the Golden Eagles in a clash of Big East rivals battling for position going into the tournament. This game presents a wonderful spot to back the Golden Eagles. Marquette is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games coming off a win, 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite, 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games and 5-0 ATS in their last 5 coming off of an ATS win. They have dominated road teams covering 13 of the past 16 games when a visitor with a winning record game to town. The Eagles are also a very profitable 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5. The Eagles are coming off a 10 point road win in Villanova, and have knocked off Rutgers and Pittsburgh in their last 2 home games by an average of 16 points. With Georgetown just 2-6 in their last 8 games ATS, 6-6 ATS on the road you need to be all over the Golden Eagles today as they will take down the Hoyas on National TV.
(31-15 IN FEBRUARY HOOPS!)
Georgetown Hoyas @ Marquette Golden Eagles
Pick: Marquette Golden Eagles -135
Reasoning: Georgetown travels to Marquette to take on the Golden Eagles in a clash of Big East rivals battling for position going into the tournament. This game presents a wonderful spot to back the Golden Eagles. Marquette is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games coming off a win, 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite, 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games and 5-0 ATS in their last 5 coming off of an ATS win. They have dominated road teams covering 13 of the past 16 games when a visitor with a winning record game to town. The Eagles are also a very profitable 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5. The Eagles are coming off a 10 point road win in Villanova, and have knocked off Rutgers and Pittsburgh in their last 2 home games by an average of 16 points. With Georgetown just 2-6 in their last 8 games ATS, 6-6 ATS on the road you need to be all over the Golden Eagles today as they will take down the Hoyas on National TV.
STRIKE POINT COMPS
Syracuse -2.5 over Pittsburgh
Must win game for the Orange. They need this one, not only to add wins to the board, but also to build some momentum for perhaps another run in the Big East tourney. Pitt can't shoot the three ball like Notre Dame did, so look for a more effective zone defense by the 'Cuse, and for them to get the win in the Carrier Dome.
Vanderbilt +5 over Arkansas
I like the points here, mainly because the 'Dores are the stronger team and I don't like the way Arkansas is playing with its tourney hopes up in the air. 1-4 in their last five games for the Hogs, while Vandy has won seven straight. This is two teams going in opposite directions.
Syracuse -2.5 over Pittsburgh
Must win game for the Orange. They need this one, not only to add wins to the board, but also to build some momentum for perhaps another run in the Big East tourney. Pitt can't shoot the three ball like Notre Dame did, so look for a more effective zone defense by the 'Cuse, and for them to get the win in the Carrier Dome.
Vanderbilt +5 over Arkansas
I like the points here, mainly because the 'Dores are the stronger team and I don't like the way Arkansas is playing with its tourney hopes up in the air. 1-4 in their last five games for the Hogs, while Vandy has won seven straight. This is two teams going in opposite directions.
SPORTS ADVISORS
(7) Duke (24-3, 14-10-2 ATS) at N.C. State (15-13, 5-19-1 ATS)
The Blue Devils, back on the winning track after two upset losses, make a short Tobacco Road trip to face ACC rival North Carolina State, which is on a season-killing six-game losing streak. Duke topped Georgia Tech 71-58 Wednesday for its second straight win after dropping two in a row, but the Blue Devils fell just short of covering the 15?-point spread, falling to 1-4-1 ATS in their last six starts. Duke (11-2, 7-4-2 ATS in the ACC) started off 4-0 SU and ATS in ACC roadies, but the Blue Devils were dealt SU and ATS losses in their last two visits to conference rivals. North Carolina State got dumped at home by Florida State 72-62 Wednesday laying two points, dropping to 0-6 ATS during its current freefall, all in conference play. The Wolfpack (4-10, 2-11-1 ATS in the ACC) are a lowly 2-9-1 against the number in Raleigh this year. Duke has won eight of the last 10 meetings in this rivalry (6-3-1 ATS), including a 92-72 home rout in January, barely cashing as an 18-point chalk. Duke is 5-1 ATS in the last six clashes. The Blue Devils are 5-1 ATS in their last six games against teams with a winning SU record, and they are 7-3-2 ATS coming off a SU win, but they are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five ACC contests. The Wolfpack have nothing but negative ATS trends, including 7-19-2 in their last 28 games overall, 8-20-1 after a SU loss, 0-5 after a non-cover and 7-23-2 in Raleigh. For Duke, the over is on streaks of 9-3 overall, 5-0 on the highway, 35-16 in conference play and 7-0 against winning teams. For N.C. State, the over is on runs of 16-5 overall, 7-2 at home, 14-4 in the ACC and 7-0 against winning teams. Finally, the last seven matchups in this series have hurdled the total, with the January meeting sailing past the 142-point posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DUKE and OVER
Pitt (20-8, 12-11 ATS) at Syracuse (17-11, 12-14 ATS)
The Panthers, who just snapped a three-game losing skid, travel to upstate New York for a Big East battle against Syracuse, which has dropped its last two games to put itself squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati 73-67 Wednesday but took its fourth straight ATS loss, failing to cash as a 10?-point home chalk. The Panthers (8-7, 7-8 ATS in the Big East) are also 0-3 SU and ATS in their last three Big East road outings. Syracuse lost to Notre Dame 94-87 Sunday, barely failing to cash as a 6?-point road underdog for its second straight non-cover and fourth in the last five outings. The Orange (7-8 SU and ATS in the Big East) did upset Georgetown 77-70 as a three-point pup in their last home start two weeks ago. Pitt is 7-3 SU and ATS the last 10 meetings in this series, including a 74-66 victory as a two-point road chalk in the only meeting last season. Pitt is 5-1 ATS on its last six trips to Syracuse, and the road team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven contests. Finally, the SU winner has cashed in each of the last 10 clashes. The Panthers are mired in ATS slumps of 1-4 on Saturday, 1-4 coming off a win, 1-4 on the highway, 1-4 after an ATS loss and 0-5 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. The Orange are 1-4 ATS versus teams with a winning SU record, but they are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 Saturday starts and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 following a pointspread defeat. The under is 16-6 in Pitt?s last 22 road games and is also 7-2 in its last nine against winning teams. For Syracuse, the under is on runs of 4-1 at the Carrier Dome, 7-2 against winning teams and 9-4 in Big East action. Finally, the under is 7-2 in the last nine meetings overall and 4-0 in the last four battles at Syracuse.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SYRACUSE and UNDER
West Virginia (20-8, 12-9-1 ATS) at (15) UConn (22-6, 11-12-1 ATS)
The Mountaineers, who are on a two-game SU and ATS surge, travel to Storrs for a Big East matchup against Connecticut, which rebounded nicely from its first loss in more than a month. West Virginia (9-6, 8-6-1 ATS in the Big East) beat DePaul 85-73 Wednesday as a 5?-point road favorite to move to 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven starts, all in Big East play. Connecticut breezed past Rutgers 79-61 Tuesday giving 10 points on the road, bouncing back from its 67-65 loss at Villanova last Saturday, which snapped a 10-game winning streak for the Huskies (11-4, 8-6-1 ATS in the Big East). These two teams met just once last season, with West Virginia claiming an 81-71 home win as a one-point underdog to snap a four-game SU and ATS losing streak to UConn. The Huskies were favored in all five contests. The Mountaineers are 1-4 ATS in their last five starts versus teams with a winning SU record, but they are 4-1 ATS in their last five Big East road trips (3-2 SU). The Huskies have won six consecutive Big East home games (4-1-1 ATS). But they are mired in ATS slumps of 4-9 on Saturday, 4-9-1 at home against teams with a winning road mark and 4-11-1 following a pointspread win. The under is 6-2 in West Virginia?s last eight road games and is 11-5 in the Mountaineers? last 16 starts overall. For UConn, the under is on streaks of 7-3 overall, 4-1 at home, 4-1 on Saturday and 7-2 coming off a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
(11) Georgetown (23-4, 10-14 ATS) at (21) Marquette (21-6, 13-9 ATS)
The Hoyas take a three-game winning streak to Milwaukee for a Big East matchup against No. 21 Marquette, which is on a five-game SU and ATS tear. Georgetown topped St. John?s 64-52 Wednesday but couldn?t cover as a heavy 17?-point home favorite, ending a 2-0 ATS surge. The Hoyas (13-3, 6-10 ATS in the Big East) are 2-6 ATS in their last eight starts, all in conference. Marquette bested Villanova 85-75 Monday as a 1?-point road chalk, posting its fourth double-digit win during its five-game run. The Golden Eagles (11-5, 9-7 ATS in the Big East) have cashed in their last six contests, all in Big East action. These two squads met just once last year, with Georgetown rolling to a 76-58 home win laying 7? points. Two years ago, Marquette prevailed 57-51 at home as a 1?-point pup, then got a push in a 62-59 road loss as a three-point pup. The Hoyas are on negative ATS streaks of 3-10 on Saturday, 1-4 after a pointspread setback, 1-5 after a SU win and 0-4 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. But they are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 on the road versus teams with a winning home record. The Golden Eagles are 12-1 ATS in their last 13 home starts against teams with a road winning percentage above .600, and they are 4-1 ATS in their last five Saturday games. For Georgetown, the under is on surges of 7-1 on the road, 42-16 after a SU win, 41-16 in the Big East and 12-5 on Saturday. For Marquette, the under is on a 4-0 run at home, but the over is 22-10 in its last 32 league contests.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MARQUETTE and UNDER
USC (18-9, 16-9 ATS) at Arizona State (17-10, 12-11 ATS)
Two teams hoping to shore up their NCAA Tournament credentials get together when the Trojans travel to Tempe for a Pac-10 clash against Arizona State. Southern Cal dumped Arizona 70-58 Thursday as a 5?-point road ?dog, winning and cashing for the third straight game after a two-game SU and ATS hiccup. With the victory, the Trojans (9-6, 10-5 ATS in the Pac-10) improved to 5-1 SU and ATS in their last six Pac-10 road trips. Arizona State got drubbed by UCLA 70-49 Thursday catching 6? points at home, falling to 1-3 SU and ATS in its last four. The Sun Devils (7-8, 8-7 ATS in the Pac-10) are 1-4 in their last five Pac-10 home contests (2-3 ATS). USC?s 67-53 home win over ASU a month ago as a 6?-point favorite halted a 3-0 ATS run by the Sun Devils in this rivalry. These two teams have split the cash in the last 10 clashes, but the underdog is on an impressive 8-1 ATS run. Southern Cal is also 5-2 ATS on its last seven trips to Tempe. The Trojans are on positive pointspread streaks of 37-18 overall, 19-7 on the highway, 9-3 in Pac-10 play and 27-10 on Saturday. Despite Thursday?s debacle versus UCLA, the Sun Devils are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 in Tempe and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 at home against teams with a winning road record. But they are on negative ATS runs of 4-9 following a double-digit home loss and 2-5 after a defeat of more than 20 points. The under is 5-1 overall in the last six meetings in this series, but the over is 5-1 the last six clashes in Tempe.
ATS ADVANTAGE: USC
(3) North Carolina (26-2, 19-6 ATS) at Boston College (13-13, 9-12 ATS)
The Tar Heels take their five-game winning streak up the eastern seaboard for an ACC contest against Boston College, which has lost three in a row to fall out of contention for a bid to the Big Dance. North Carolina rolled past Wake Forest 89-73 Sunday, narrowly covering as a 15?-point home favorite, its third straight spread-cover. Going back further, the Tar Heels (11-2, 8-5 ATS in the ACC) have cashed in seven of their last nine starts, all in ACC play. Boston College got drilled by Virginia Tech 67-48 as a six-point road underdog on Tuesday. The Eagles (4-9, 6-7 ATS in the ACC) have sandwiched just one win ? 82-65 over North Carolina State as a four-point home chalk ? between a six-game losing streak and the current three-game slide, going 3-7 ATS in the process, all in conference play. North Carolina has won the last three in this series (2-1 ATS), snapping a 2-0 SU and ATS streak by Boston College. In January, Carolina posted a 91-69 beatdown of the Eagles, easily covering as an 18?-point home chalk. The Tar Heels are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 Saturday games and are on further positive ATS runs of 40-17 overall, 4-1 in the ACC, 7-3 on the highway, 37-14-1 following a spread-cover and 42-19-1 following a SU win. Despite their recent SU and ATS woes, the Eagles are 19-7-1 ATS at home against teams with a winning road record. The over is on several tears for Carolina, including 14-6 overall, 4-1 on Saturday, 7-2 in roadies and 10-4 in ACC action. For Boston College, the over is 6-1 in its last seven home contests, 4-0 in its last four at home against teams with a winning road record and 5-2 in its last seven on Saturday. However, UNC?s blowout of the Eagles in January fell just short of the 161?-point posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NORTH CAROLINA and OVER
(2) Memphis (27-1, 13-13-2 ATS) at Southern Miss (15-12, 11-9 ATS)
Memphis tries to remain perfect in Conference USA play and make a statement that it deserves to once again take over the top spot in next week?s polls when it visits Southern Miss. The Tigers bounced back from their first loss of the season ? last week?s 66-62 home setback to Tennessee ? with Wednesday?s 82-67 rout of Tulsa to move to 13-0 in league play (7-6 ATS). However, the Tigers let up down the stretch and failed to cover as an 18?-point home chalk, falling to 3-7 ATS in their last 10. Southern Miss had a three-game SU and ATS winning streak halted in Wednesday?s ugly 95-67 loss at Houston as a 7?-point road underdog. The Golden Eagles (7-6, 8-5 ATS in Conference USA) have still won and covered six of their last nine since a blowout loss at Memphis six weeks ago, and the straight-up winner is 10-0 ATS in their last 10 games (all in conference). Memphis has owned this rivalry, winning eight consecutive meetings (4-2-2 ATS), including an 83-47 whooping as a 21?-point home chalk back on Jan. 19. The home team is 8-1-2 ATS in the last 11 series clashes. Southern Miss is 5-0 SU and ATS in its last five home games and 13-2 at home for the season (7-2 ATS). The Eagles are on further ATS spurts of 35-15-2 overall, 15-6-1 in conference play, 21-5-1 at home and 17-5-1 on Saturday. The Tigers are unbeaten through 11 road/neutral-site games, going 4-2 ATS when visiting Conference USA foes. The over is on runs of 7-2 for Southern Miss overall, 19-7 for Southern Miss at home and 4-1 when these schools face off at Southern Miss.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SOUTHERN MISS and OVER
(22) Washington State (22-6, 15-12 ATS) at (8) Stanford (23-4, 13-14 ATS)
Two of the hotter teams in the Pac-10 square off at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto, Calif., where the Cardinal will go for the season sweep against Washington State. Stanford barely got past Washington 82-79 at home on Thursday for its third straight win and its 10th victory in its last 11 games, staying within a game of first-place UCLA in the conference race. However, the Cardinal (12-3, 7-8 ATS in the Pac-10) never threatened to cover as a hefty 11-point chalk, falling to 1-4 ATS in their last five, with all four non-covers coming as a favorite. The Cougars have bounced back from a three-game SU and ATS losing skid to win and cover five of their last six, including Thursday?s 70-49 drubbing at Cal as a 2?-point road chalk. The winner has cashed in each of Washington State?s last nine overall and seven of its eight Pac-10 road outings. The home team is 10-4-1 ATS in the past 15 meetings between these squads. However, one exception came on Feb. 2, when Stanford topped the Cougars 67-65 in overtime as a four-point road underdog to improve to 5-1 (4-2 ATS) in the last six meetings. Three of the last four clashes have been decided by three points or less. Stanford is 15-1 at home this year, including seven straight wins over Pac-10 visitors. On the downside, the Cardinal are 6-10 ATS in their building, including 2-6 ATS in Pac-10 action (0-3 ATS in the last three). Washington State has won four in a row on the road in Pac-10 play (3-1 ATS) and is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 on the highway. The Cardinal have topped the total in five straight games, but the under is still 10-4 in its last 14 at home. Also, Washington State has followed a 5-0 ?over? streak by staying under in its last four.
ATS ADVANTAGE: WASHINGTON STATE
(5) Texas (24-4, 14-8 ATS) at Texas Tech (15-12, 14-8 ATS)
The Longhorns look to remain along atop the Big 12 standings and solidify their case for a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament when they visit rival Texas Tech. Texas took down Kansas State 74-65 as a 3?-point road underdog for its eighth consecutive win and cover. The Longhorns lead the Big 12 with an 11-2 mark (9-4 ATS), including 6-0 when hosting league foes (5-1 ATS). For what it?s worth, Rick Barnes? squad has also cashed in five straight Saturday affairs. Texas Tech is coming off its worst loss off the season, a 98-54 drubbing at Texas A&M, never coming close to covering as a 9?-point underdog. On the bright side, the Red Raiders are 5-1 SU and ATS in Big 12 home games this year, with the winner cashing in each contest. Also, despite the dreadful performance at A&M, Texas Tech is still 8-4 ATS in its last 12 overall. This has been a one-sided rivalry in recent years, with Texas winning nine of the last 10, including the last six in a row, and going 14-3 ATS in the last 17. That includes a 73-47 rout of the Red Raiders in Austin back on Jan. 26, easily cashing as a 10?-point chalk. During its winning streak, the Longhorns have won four consecutive road games, improving to 9-3 on the highway this year (7-4 ATS). However, today, they go up against a Texas Tech squad that?s won 12 of its 14 contests on its home floor (9-2 ATS). The under is 8-3 in Texas Tech home games this year and 3-0 in Texas? last three overall. Also, the under is 6-1 in the last seven series meetings overall and is 5-0-1 in the last six clashes in Lubbock.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS and UNDER
(18) Vanderbilt (24-4, 14-13 ATS) at Arkansas (18-9, 9-13 ATS)
Fresh off a victory over the top-ranked team in the nation, Vanderbilt now hits the road hoping to avoid a letdown in an SEC battle against the Razorbacks. The Commodores edged No. 1 Tennessee 72-69 as a two-point home underdog on Tuesday for their sixth consecutive victory, all in SEC play. Vanderbilt (9-4, 6-7 ATS in the SEC) has followed up a 1-6 ATS slump by cashing in five of its last six, including back-to-back upset road victories. Arkansas has hit a wall at the wrong time, following up a four-game SU and ATS winning steak by dropping four of its last five SU and ATS, all in league play. The Razorbacks (7-6, 5-8 ATS in the SEC) return home after back-to-back narrow road losses at Kentucky last Saturday (63-58 as a 1?-point underdog) and Alabama on Wednesday (59-56 as a one-point ?dog). The SU winner is 11-0 ATS in the Hogs? last 11 contests. Arkansas has dominated this series lately, winning three in a row and six of the last seven (5-2 ATS). Last year, the teams met twice in a six-day span, with the Razorbacks prevailing 82-67 as a five-point road underdog and 72-71 as a two-point chalk in the SEC Tournament. Also, Arkansas is 4-0 ATS in the last four clashes against Vandy in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks are 13-2 at home (6-5 ATS in lined games), including 4-0 SU and ATS in the last four. Meanwhile, although Vandy has won their last two road games, the Commodores started off SEC play 0-4 SU and ATS as a visitor. The under is 9-4 in Vanderbilt?s 13 league games this year, 7-3 in its 10 road games and the under is 10-4 in Arkansas? last 14 at home. However, the over is 4-0 in the last four meetings in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ARKANSAS
(25) St. Mary?s (24-4, 14-10-1 ATS) at (24) Gonzaga (22-6, 15-13 ATS)
First place in the West Coast Conference is on the line tonight in Spokane, Wash., where Gonzaga will try to avenge its most recent defeat when it hosts the Gaels inside the McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs have ripped off five straight wins (4-1 ATS) since a controversial 89-85 overtime loss at St. Mary?s on Feb. 4. Gonzaga, which comes into this contest off three consecutive road wins over San Francisco, San Diego and Portland, is tied with the Gaels atop the WCC standings, going 11-1 (7-5 ATS). St. Mary?s bounced back from last Saturday?s 65-57 Bracketbuster home loss to Kent State with Monday?s 61-54 win over San Diego, its seventh straight conference victory. However, the Gaels (8-4 ATS in the West Coast Conference) have followed up an 8-3 ATS run by failing to cover in their last two. Including the Gaels? victory over Gonzaga a month ago, the home team is 7-1 (5-3 ATS) in the last eight head-to-head matchups, including 4-0 in the last four (3-1 ATS). Gonzaga has won nine straight home games, including all five in conference play. The Zags have also cashed in three straight at home as huge favorites of 31, 23 and 20? points. Meanwhile, the Gaels are 4-1 in WCC road games (3-2 ATS), including 3-0 in the last three (2-1 ATS). The Bulldogs have cashed in 20 of their last 26 games on Saturday, but they?re 1-7 ATS as a single-digit favorite this season. The under is 9-3 in the Gaels? 12 conference games, including 4-1 on the road. Also, Gonzaga has stayed low in three of its last four overall and eight of its last 11 at home. Finally, the under is 17-4 in St. Mary?s last 21 Saturday games and 3-0 in the last three series meetings in Spokane.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Kansas State (18-9, 11-10 ATS) at (6) Kansas (25-3, 14-12 ATS)
Kansas State, whose NCAA Tournament hopes are fading fast, takes a three-game losing skid into what promises to be an extremely hostile environment when it visits revenge-minded Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse. The Wildcats handed Kansas its first loss of the season back on Jan. 30, pulling off an 84-75 upset victory as a seven-point home underdog. Since then, though, K-State is just 3-5 SU and ATS, including three consecutive losses and non-covers to Nebraska (71-64 on the road), Baylor (92-86 on the road) and Texas (74-65 at home). The ?Cats are now 8-5 SU and ATS in the Big 12, with the winner covering the pointspread in all 13 contests. Kansas has won five of seven since the loss at Kansas State, including Tuesday?s 75-64 win at Iowa State to move to 10-3 in conference, a game behind first-place Texas. However, the Jayhawks, who started the season 13-5 ATS (4-1 ATS in conference), have failed to cash in seven of their last eight games, going 0-5 ATS in the last five. Kansas State snapped a four-game losing skid to the Jayhawks with the nine-point home win a month ago. Still, despite consecutive spread-covers in this rivalry, the Wildcats are just 6-14 ATS in the last 20 meetings, all as an underdog. On the bright side for K-State: The visitor has covered in 10 of the last 13 series clashes. The Jayhawks are 17-0 at famed Allen Fieldhouse, going 10-5 ATS in lined contests, including 7-3 ATS in the last 10. Meanwhile, K-State has dropped four straight conference road games both SU and ATS, falling to 4-7 on the highway this year (3-8 ATS). However, the ?Cats are 38-13-1 ATS in their last 52 Saturday affairs. The over is on runs of 5-1 for Kansas State overall, 9-2 for Kansas State on the road this year (4-0 in the last four), 5-0 for Kansas State on Saturday and 4-0 for Kansas at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS and OVER
(7) Duke (24-3, 14-10-2 ATS) at N.C. State (15-13, 5-19-1 ATS)
The Blue Devils, back on the winning track after two upset losses, make a short Tobacco Road trip to face ACC rival North Carolina State, which is on a season-killing six-game losing streak. Duke topped Georgia Tech 71-58 Wednesday for its second straight win after dropping two in a row, but the Blue Devils fell just short of covering the 15?-point spread, falling to 1-4-1 ATS in their last six starts. Duke (11-2, 7-4-2 ATS in the ACC) started off 4-0 SU and ATS in ACC roadies, but the Blue Devils were dealt SU and ATS losses in their last two visits to conference rivals. North Carolina State got dumped at home by Florida State 72-62 Wednesday laying two points, dropping to 0-6 ATS during its current freefall, all in conference play. The Wolfpack (4-10, 2-11-1 ATS in the ACC) are a lowly 2-9-1 against the number in Raleigh this year. Duke has won eight of the last 10 meetings in this rivalry (6-3-1 ATS), including a 92-72 home rout in January, barely cashing as an 18-point chalk. Duke is 5-1 ATS in the last six clashes. The Blue Devils are 5-1 ATS in their last six games against teams with a winning SU record, and they are 7-3-2 ATS coming off a SU win, but they are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five ACC contests. The Wolfpack have nothing but negative ATS trends, including 7-19-2 in their last 28 games overall, 8-20-1 after a SU loss, 0-5 after a non-cover and 7-23-2 in Raleigh. For Duke, the over is on streaks of 9-3 overall, 5-0 on the highway, 35-16 in conference play and 7-0 against winning teams. For N.C. State, the over is on runs of 16-5 overall, 7-2 at home, 14-4 in the ACC and 7-0 against winning teams. Finally, the last seven matchups in this series have hurdled the total, with the January meeting sailing past the 142-point posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DUKE and OVER
Pitt (20-8, 12-11 ATS) at Syracuse (17-11, 12-14 ATS)
The Panthers, who just snapped a three-game losing skid, travel to upstate New York for a Big East battle against Syracuse, which has dropped its last two games to put itself squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati 73-67 Wednesday but took its fourth straight ATS loss, failing to cash as a 10?-point home chalk. The Panthers (8-7, 7-8 ATS in the Big East) are also 0-3 SU and ATS in their last three Big East road outings. Syracuse lost to Notre Dame 94-87 Sunday, barely failing to cash as a 6?-point road underdog for its second straight non-cover and fourth in the last five outings. The Orange (7-8 SU and ATS in the Big East) did upset Georgetown 77-70 as a three-point pup in their last home start two weeks ago. Pitt is 7-3 SU and ATS the last 10 meetings in this series, including a 74-66 victory as a two-point road chalk in the only meeting last season. Pitt is 5-1 ATS on its last six trips to Syracuse, and the road team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven contests. Finally, the SU winner has cashed in each of the last 10 clashes. The Panthers are mired in ATS slumps of 1-4 on Saturday, 1-4 coming off a win, 1-4 on the highway, 1-4 after an ATS loss and 0-5 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. The Orange are 1-4 ATS versus teams with a winning SU record, but they are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 Saturday starts and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 following a pointspread defeat. The under is 16-6 in Pitt?s last 22 road games and is also 7-2 in its last nine against winning teams. For Syracuse, the under is on runs of 4-1 at the Carrier Dome, 7-2 against winning teams and 9-4 in Big East action. Finally, the under is 7-2 in the last nine meetings overall and 4-0 in the last four battles at Syracuse.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SYRACUSE and UNDER
West Virginia (20-8, 12-9-1 ATS) at (15) UConn (22-6, 11-12-1 ATS)
The Mountaineers, who are on a two-game SU and ATS surge, travel to Storrs for a Big East matchup against Connecticut, which rebounded nicely from its first loss in more than a month. West Virginia (9-6, 8-6-1 ATS in the Big East) beat DePaul 85-73 Wednesday as a 5?-point road favorite to move to 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven starts, all in Big East play. Connecticut breezed past Rutgers 79-61 Tuesday giving 10 points on the road, bouncing back from its 67-65 loss at Villanova last Saturday, which snapped a 10-game winning streak for the Huskies (11-4, 8-6-1 ATS in the Big East). These two teams met just once last season, with West Virginia claiming an 81-71 home win as a one-point underdog to snap a four-game SU and ATS losing streak to UConn. The Huskies were favored in all five contests. The Mountaineers are 1-4 ATS in their last five starts versus teams with a winning SU record, but they are 4-1 ATS in their last five Big East road trips (3-2 SU). The Huskies have won six consecutive Big East home games (4-1-1 ATS). But they are mired in ATS slumps of 4-9 on Saturday, 4-9-1 at home against teams with a winning road mark and 4-11-1 following a pointspread win. The under is 6-2 in West Virginia?s last eight road games and is 11-5 in the Mountaineers? last 16 starts overall. For UConn, the under is on streaks of 7-3 overall, 4-1 at home, 4-1 on Saturday and 7-2 coming off a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
(11) Georgetown (23-4, 10-14 ATS) at (21) Marquette (21-6, 13-9 ATS)
The Hoyas take a three-game winning streak to Milwaukee for a Big East matchup against No. 21 Marquette, which is on a five-game SU and ATS tear. Georgetown topped St. John?s 64-52 Wednesday but couldn?t cover as a heavy 17?-point home favorite, ending a 2-0 ATS surge. The Hoyas (13-3, 6-10 ATS in the Big East) are 2-6 ATS in their last eight starts, all in conference. Marquette bested Villanova 85-75 Monday as a 1?-point road chalk, posting its fourth double-digit win during its five-game run. The Golden Eagles (11-5, 9-7 ATS in the Big East) have cashed in their last six contests, all in Big East action. These two squads met just once last year, with Georgetown rolling to a 76-58 home win laying 7? points. Two years ago, Marquette prevailed 57-51 at home as a 1?-point pup, then got a push in a 62-59 road loss as a three-point pup. The Hoyas are on negative ATS streaks of 3-10 on Saturday, 1-4 after a pointspread setback, 1-5 after a SU win and 0-4 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. But they are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 on the road versus teams with a winning home record. The Golden Eagles are 12-1 ATS in their last 13 home starts against teams with a road winning percentage above .600, and they are 4-1 ATS in their last five Saturday games. For Georgetown, the under is on surges of 7-1 on the road, 42-16 after a SU win, 41-16 in the Big East and 12-5 on Saturday. For Marquette, the under is on a 4-0 run at home, but the over is 22-10 in its last 32 league contests.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MARQUETTE and UNDER
USC (18-9, 16-9 ATS) at Arizona State (17-10, 12-11 ATS)
Two teams hoping to shore up their NCAA Tournament credentials get together when the Trojans travel to Tempe for a Pac-10 clash against Arizona State. Southern Cal dumped Arizona 70-58 Thursday as a 5?-point road ?dog, winning and cashing for the third straight game after a two-game SU and ATS hiccup. With the victory, the Trojans (9-6, 10-5 ATS in the Pac-10) improved to 5-1 SU and ATS in their last six Pac-10 road trips. Arizona State got drubbed by UCLA 70-49 Thursday catching 6? points at home, falling to 1-3 SU and ATS in its last four. The Sun Devils (7-8, 8-7 ATS in the Pac-10) are 1-4 in their last five Pac-10 home contests (2-3 ATS). USC?s 67-53 home win over ASU a month ago as a 6?-point favorite halted a 3-0 ATS run by the Sun Devils in this rivalry. These two teams have split the cash in the last 10 clashes, but the underdog is on an impressive 8-1 ATS run. Southern Cal is also 5-2 ATS on its last seven trips to Tempe. The Trojans are on positive pointspread streaks of 37-18 overall, 19-7 on the highway, 9-3 in Pac-10 play and 27-10 on Saturday. Despite Thursday?s debacle versus UCLA, the Sun Devils are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 in Tempe and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 at home against teams with a winning road record. But they are on negative ATS runs of 4-9 following a double-digit home loss and 2-5 after a defeat of more than 20 points. The under is 5-1 overall in the last six meetings in this series, but the over is 5-1 the last six clashes in Tempe.
ATS ADVANTAGE: USC
(3) North Carolina (26-2, 19-6 ATS) at Boston College (13-13, 9-12 ATS)
The Tar Heels take their five-game winning streak up the eastern seaboard for an ACC contest against Boston College, which has lost three in a row to fall out of contention for a bid to the Big Dance. North Carolina rolled past Wake Forest 89-73 Sunday, narrowly covering as a 15?-point home favorite, its third straight spread-cover. Going back further, the Tar Heels (11-2, 8-5 ATS in the ACC) have cashed in seven of their last nine starts, all in ACC play. Boston College got drilled by Virginia Tech 67-48 as a six-point road underdog on Tuesday. The Eagles (4-9, 6-7 ATS in the ACC) have sandwiched just one win ? 82-65 over North Carolina State as a four-point home chalk ? between a six-game losing streak and the current three-game slide, going 3-7 ATS in the process, all in conference play. North Carolina has won the last three in this series (2-1 ATS), snapping a 2-0 SU and ATS streak by Boston College. In January, Carolina posted a 91-69 beatdown of the Eagles, easily covering as an 18?-point home chalk. The Tar Heels are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 Saturday games and are on further positive ATS runs of 40-17 overall, 4-1 in the ACC, 7-3 on the highway, 37-14-1 following a spread-cover and 42-19-1 following a SU win. Despite their recent SU and ATS woes, the Eagles are 19-7-1 ATS at home against teams with a winning road record. The over is on several tears for Carolina, including 14-6 overall, 4-1 on Saturday, 7-2 in roadies and 10-4 in ACC action. For Boston College, the over is 6-1 in its last seven home contests, 4-0 in its last four at home against teams with a winning road record and 5-2 in its last seven on Saturday. However, UNC?s blowout of the Eagles in January fell just short of the 161?-point posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NORTH CAROLINA and OVER
(2) Memphis (27-1, 13-13-2 ATS) at Southern Miss (15-12, 11-9 ATS)
Memphis tries to remain perfect in Conference USA play and make a statement that it deserves to once again take over the top spot in next week?s polls when it visits Southern Miss. The Tigers bounced back from their first loss of the season ? last week?s 66-62 home setback to Tennessee ? with Wednesday?s 82-67 rout of Tulsa to move to 13-0 in league play (7-6 ATS). However, the Tigers let up down the stretch and failed to cover as an 18?-point home chalk, falling to 3-7 ATS in their last 10. Southern Miss had a three-game SU and ATS winning streak halted in Wednesday?s ugly 95-67 loss at Houston as a 7?-point road underdog. The Golden Eagles (7-6, 8-5 ATS in Conference USA) have still won and covered six of their last nine since a blowout loss at Memphis six weeks ago, and the straight-up winner is 10-0 ATS in their last 10 games (all in conference). Memphis has owned this rivalry, winning eight consecutive meetings (4-2-2 ATS), including an 83-47 whooping as a 21?-point home chalk back on Jan. 19. The home team is 8-1-2 ATS in the last 11 series clashes. Southern Miss is 5-0 SU and ATS in its last five home games and 13-2 at home for the season (7-2 ATS). The Eagles are on further ATS spurts of 35-15-2 overall, 15-6-1 in conference play, 21-5-1 at home and 17-5-1 on Saturday. The Tigers are unbeaten through 11 road/neutral-site games, going 4-2 ATS when visiting Conference USA foes. The over is on runs of 7-2 for Southern Miss overall, 19-7 for Southern Miss at home and 4-1 when these schools face off at Southern Miss.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SOUTHERN MISS and OVER
(22) Washington State (22-6, 15-12 ATS) at (8) Stanford (23-4, 13-14 ATS)
Two of the hotter teams in the Pac-10 square off at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto, Calif., where the Cardinal will go for the season sweep against Washington State. Stanford barely got past Washington 82-79 at home on Thursday for its third straight win and its 10th victory in its last 11 games, staying within a game of first-place UCLA in the conference race. However, the Cardinal (12-3, 7-8 ATS in the Pac-10) never threatened to cover as a hefty 11-point chalk, falling to 1-4 ATS in their last five, with all four non-covers coming as a favorite. The Cougars have bounced back from a three-game SU and ATS losing skid to win and cover five of their last six, including Thursday?s 70-49 drubbing at Cal as a 2?-point road chalk. The winner has cashed in each of Washington State?s last nine overall and seven of its eight Pac-10 road outings. The home team is 10-4-1 ATS in the past 15 meetings between these squads. However, one exception came on Feb. 2, when Stanford topped the Cougars 67-65 in overtime as a four-point road underdog to improve to 5-1 (4-2 ATS) in the last six meetings. Three of the last four clashes have been decided by three points or less. Stanford is 15-1 at home this year, including seven straight wins over Pac-10 visitors. On the downside, the Cardinal are 6-10 ATS in their building, including 2-6 ATS in Pac-10 action (0-3 ATS in the last three). Washington State has won four in a row on the road in Pac-10 play (3-1 ATS) and is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 on the highway. The Cardinal have topped the total in five straight games, but the under is still 10-4 in its last 14 at home. Also, Washington State has followed a 5-0 ?over? streak by staying under in its last four.
ATS ADVANTAGE: WASHINGTON STATE
(5) Texas (24-4, 14-8 ATS) at Texas Tech (15-12, 14-8 ATS)
The Longhorns look to remain along atop the Big 12 standings and solidify their case for a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament when they visit rival Texas Tech. Texas took down Kansas State 74-65 as a 3?-point road underdog for its eighth consecutive win and cover. The Longhorns lead the Big 12 with an 11-2 mark (9-4 ATS), including 6-0 when hosting league foes (5-1 ATS). For what it?s worth, Rick Barnes? squad has also cashed in five straight Saturday affairs. Texas Tech is coming off its worst loss off the season, a 98-54 drubbing at Texas A&M, never coming close to covering as a 9?-point underdog. On the bright side, the Red Raiders are 5-1 SU and ATS in Big 12 home games this year, with the winner cashing in each contest. Also, despite the dreadful performance at A&M, Texas Tech is still 8-4 ATS in its last 12 overall. This has been a one-sided rivalry in recent years, with Texas winning nine of the last 10, including the last six in a row, and going 14-3 ATS in the last 17. That includes a 73-47 rout of the Red Raiders in Austin back on Jan. 26, easily cashing as a 10?-point chalk. During its winning streak, the Longhorns have won four consecutive road games, improving to 9-3 on the highway this year (7-4 ATS). However, today, they go up against a Texas Tech squad that?s won 12 of its 14 contests on its home floor (9-2 ATS). The under is 8-3 in Texas Tech home games this year and 3-0 in Texas? last three overall. Also, the under is 6-1 in the last seven series meetings overall and is 5-0-1 in the last six clashes in Lubbock.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS and UNDER
(18) Vanderbilt (24-4, 14-13 ATS) at Arkansas (18-9, 9-13 ATS)
Fresh off a victory over the top-ranked team in the nation, Vanderbilt now hits the road hoping to avoid a letdown in an SEC battle against the Razorbacks. The Commodores edged No. 1 Tennessee 72-69 as a two-point home underdog on Tuesday for their sixth consecutive victory, all in SEC play. Vanderbilt (9-4, 6-7 ATS in the SEC) has followed up a 1-6 ATS slump by cashing in five of its last six, including back-to-back upset road victories. Arkansas has hit a wall at the wrong time, following up a four-game SU and ATS winning steak by dropping four of its last five SU and ATS, all in league play. The Razorbacks (7-6, 5-8 ATS in the SEC) return home after back-to-back narrow road losses at Kentucky last Saturday (63-58 as a 1?-point underdog) and Alabama on Wednesday (59-56 as a one-point ?dog). The SU winner is 11-0 ATS in the Hogs? last 11 contests. Arkansas has dominated this series lately, winning three in a row and six of the last seven (5-2 ATS). Last year, the teams met twice in a six-day span, with the Razorbacks prevailing 82-67 as a five-point road underdog and 72-71 as a two-point chalk in the SEC Tournament. Also, Arkansas is 4-0 ATS in the last four clashes against Vandy in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks are 13-2 at home (6-5 ATS in lined games), including 4-0 SU and ATS in the last four. Meanwhile, although Vandy has won their last two road games, the Commodores started off SEC play 0-4 SU and ATS as a visitor. The under is 9-4 in Vanderbilt?s 13 league games this year, 7-3 in its 10 road games and the under is 10-4 in Arkansas? last 14 at home. However, the over is 4-0 in the last four meetings in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ARKANSAS
(25) St. Mary?s (24-4, 14-10-1 ATS) at (24) Gonzaga (22-6, 15-13 ATS)
First place in the West Coast Conference is on the line tonight in Spokane, Wash., where Gonzaga will try to avenge its most recent defeat when it hosts the Gaels inside the McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs have ripped off five straight wins (4-1 ATS) since a controversial 89-85 overtime loss at St. Mary?s on Feb. 4. Gonzaga, which comes into this contest off three consecutive road wins over San Francisco, San Diego and Portland, is tied with the Gaels atop the WCC standings, going 11-1 (7-5 ATS). St. Mary?s bounced back from last Saturday?s 65-57 Bracketbuster home loss to Kent State with Monday?s 61-54 win over San Diego, its seventh straight conference victory. However, the Gaels (8-4 ATS in the West Coast Conference) have followed up an 8-3 ATS run by failing to cover in their last two. Including the Gaels? victory over Gonzaga a month ago, the home team is 7-1 (5-3 ATS) in the last eight head-to-head matchups, including 4-0 in the last four (3-1 ATS). Gonzaga has won nine straight home games, including all five in conference play. The Zags have also cashed in three straight at home as huge favorites of 31, 23 and 20? points. Meanwhile, the Gaels are 4-1 in WCC road games (3-2 ATS), including 3-0 in the last three (2-1 ATS). The Bulldogs have cashed in 20 of their last 26 games on Saturday, but they?re 1-7 ATS as a single-digit favorite this season. The under is 9-3 in the Gaels? 12 conference games, including 4-1 on the road. Also, Gonzaga has stayed low in three of its last four overall and eight of its last 11 at home. Finally, the under is 17-4 in St. Mary?s last 21 Saturday games and 3-0 in the last three series meetings in Spokane.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Kansas State (18-9, 11-10 ATS) at (6) Kansas (25-3, 14-12 ATS)
Kansas State, whose NCAA Tournament hopes are fading fast, takes a three-game losing skid into what promises to be an extremely hostile environment when it visits revenge-minded Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse. The Wildcats handed Kansas its first loss of the season back on Jan. 30, pulling off an 84-75 upset victory as a seven-point home underdog. Since then, though, K-State is just 3-5 SU and ATS, including three consecutive losses and non-covers to Nebraska (71-64 on the road), Baylor (92-86 on the road) and Texas (74-65 at home). The ?Cats are now 8-5 SU and ATS in the Big 12, with the winner covering the pointspread in all 13 contests. Kansas has won five of seven since the loss at Kansas State, including Tuesday?s 75-64 win at Iowa State to move to 10-3 in conference, a game behind first-place Texas. However, the Jayhawks, who started the season 13-5 ATS (4-1 ATS in conference), have failed to cash in seven of their last eight games, going 0-5 ATS in the last five. Kansas State snapped a four-game losing skid to the Jayhawks with the nine-point home win a month ago. Still, despite consecutive spread-covers in this rivalry, the Wildcats are just 6-14 ATS in the last 20 meetings, all as an underdog. On the bright side for K-State: The visitor has covered in 10 of the last 13 series clashes. The Jayhawks are 17-0 at famed Allen Fieldhouse, going 10-5 ATS in lined contests, including 7-3 ATS in the last 10. Meanwhile, K-State has dropped four straight conference road games both SU and ATS, falling to 4-7 on the highway this year (3-8 ATS). However, the ?Cats are 38-13-1 ATS in their last 52 Saturday affairs. The over is on runs of 5-1 for Kansas State overall, 9-2 for Kansas State on the road this year (4-0 in the last four), 5-0 for Kansas State on Saturday and 4-0 for Kansas at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS and OVER
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Vegas Sports Pics
Connecticut Huskies -4.5 over West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia (20-8, 9-6) at No.15 Connecticut (22-6, 11-4) enters on a roll going 11-1 last 12 games. The Huskies are 14-1 at home shooting 47.3 percent allowing 35.9 percent shooting. They're 6-1 last seven meetings, winning the six by an average of 15.5 points.
Texas A&M Aggies +2 over (at) Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma (18-10, 6-7) vs. Texas A&M (21-7, 7-6) hits the road off posting a 98-54 home win over (15-12) Texas Tech on 02/27, its largest ever margin of victory in a Big 12 game. The Aggies are 12-5 last 17 conference road games. They won at OU 56-49 last season.
Ohio State Buckeyes +3 over (at) Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota (17-10, 7-8) vs. Ohio State (17-11, 8-7) in Big Ten play ranks third in field goal percentage, first in field goal percentage defense, and third in rebounding margin. The Buckeyes have won last three meetings off posting a 76-60 home win over Minnesota on 01/26.
Iowa Hawkeyes (PK) over Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois (11-17, 3-12) third leading scorer senior Randle, who started the first 27 games, is out. The Illini are 2-8 road off losing at (9-19) Michigan 49-43 on 02/23. Iowa (12-17, 5-11) has won the last two home meetings, beating Illinois 60-53 last season, 63-48 previous season.
Kansas Jayhawks -13 over Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State (18-9, 8-5) has lost its last four road games. No.6 Kansas (25-3, 10-3) leading the nation with a plus 20.0 scoring margin is 17-0 at home with an average winning margin of 26.2 points. The Jayhawks are 35-2 last 37 meetings off losing at KSU 84-75 on 01/30.
Connecticut Huskies -4.5 over West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia (20-8, 9-6) at No.15 Connecticut (22-6, 11-4) enters on a roll going 11-1 last 12 games. The Huskies are 14-1 at home shooting 47.3 percent allowing 35.9 percent shooting. They're 6-1 last seven meetings, winning the six by an average of 15.5 points.
Texas A&M Aggies +2 over (at) Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma (18-10, 6-7) vs. Texas A&M (21-7, 7-6) hits the road off posting a 98-54 home win over (15-12) Texas Tech on 02/27, its largest ever margin of victory in a Big 12 game. The Aggies are 12-5 last 17 conference road games. They won at OU 56-49 last season.
Ohio State Buckeyes +3 over (at) Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota (17-10, 7-8) vs. Ohio State (17-11, 8-7) in Big Ten play ranks third in field goal percentage, first in field goal percentage defense, and third in rebounding margin. The Buckeyes have won last three meetings off posting a 76-60 home win over Minnesota on 01/26.
Iowa Hawkeyes (PK) over Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois (11-17, 3-12) third leading scorer senior Randle, who started the first 27 games, is out. The Illini are 2-8 road off losing at (9-19) Michigan 49-43 on 02/23. Iowa (12-17, 5-11) has won the last two home meetings, beating Illinois 60-53 last season, 63-48 previous season.
Kansas Jayhawks -13 over Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State (18-9, 8-5) has lost its last four road games. No.6 Kansas (25-3, 10-3) leading the nation with a plus 20.0 scoring margin is 17-0 at home with an average winning margin of 26.2 points. The Jayhawks are 35-2 last 37 meetings off losing at KSU 84-75 on 01/30.
COMPS !!!!
Tom Freese
Mississippi St at Florida
Mississippi St is 6-0 ATS off a home win where they lost ATS and they are 20-8 ATS on Saturday. The Bulldogs are 21-11 ATS off one or more straight wins. Florida is 2-5 ATS their last 7 games overall and they are 2-5 ATS their last 7 conference games. This young Gator team has hit a wall. Look for the experienced Bulldogs to come away with the Win. PLAY ON MISSISSIPPI ST +
Marc Lawrence
Play On: Mississippi State
Note: The Bulldogs battle the Gators in Gainesville in a matchup of one team (Florida) off its 20th win of the season against the other (Mississippi State) in quest of its 20th. MSU will also look to improve on its 9-3 ATS mark in conference games with revenge, including 6-1 when playing off a win. The kicker, though, is Florida?s look ahead to Tennessee. It?s major revenge for the Gators as the 22-point whipping laid on them by the Vols earlier this year was their worst defeat this season. Go ahead and grab the points as the Bulldogs take a bite out of the Gators. KEY STAT: Mississippi State is 10-1-1 ATS with revenge against Florida.
BRAD DIAMOND
Play on: Butler over Detroit
Personally, I had a rough go in the Horizon this week, but our encounter on Saturday should not be in question. Detroit has had huge personnel and injury issues this season and plays with a less than a talented bench. Butler brings a senior laden lineup to the fore in hopes of securing a late season dance ticket (26-3), I like our chances with the more talented and experienced unit. By the way the Titans have lost three straight games tough games. Emotion Key Trends: Detroit is 4-12 ATS vs. teams with a .600+ plus win percentage.
Matt Fargo
Texas vs. Texas Tech
Play: Texas Tech
What the hell happened to Texas Tech on Wednesday against Texas A&M? I?m not complaining because I was on the Aggies but the Red Raiders put on a complete shit show. Texas Tech allowed 56.9 percent shooting from the floor including an absurd 70 percent in the first half. Heading home is what this team needs. It was the worst loss ever in the series with Texas A&M so the Red Raiders should be one fired up team this Saturday, facing another big rival. Texas is red hot right now and the lines are showing that as they are way overvalued in this road game. The Longhorns were favored by the exact same amount at Iowa St. three weeks ago and there is no way the Cyclones and Red Raiders should be spoken with each other in the same breath. That game against Iowa St. took overtime to win by the way. The Longhorns have become a very public team and laying this many points on the road is not deterring the public as it is all over Texas here. This is not an easy place for the opposition to win. Texas Tech is 12-1 at home this season and it really should be undefeated. The lone defeat came against Oklahoma on a 40-foot jump shot at the buzzer. Adding to this game is the fact that the Red Raiders lost at Texas by 26 points earlier this season so there is a bit of revenge to take care of on Saturday. Texas is 7-3 on the road this season but only +2.4 ppg in scoring differential so it has been hardly dominant away from home. The Longhorns defense has been absolutely on fire but it is time for a turnaround and it is backed by a great situation. Play against road favorites or pick that are shooting 45 percent or better and with a defense allowing 42 percent or less on the season after four straight games where the defense allowed 40 percent or less from the floor. This situation is 64-29 ATS (68.8 percent) over the last five seasons including a 44-17 ATS mark (72.1 percent) over the last three years. The Red Raiders have two things in their favor and both are negative making this a great contrarian play. The two negatives are the lost in the last game and the previous loss to Texas. Play on home teams that are revenging a loss where the team scored less than 50 points and also coming off a road loss by 20 points or more. This situation is 42-14 ATS (75 percent) over the last five seasons. An outright Texas Tech win would not be surprising at all here but we might not even need it. Play Texas Tech Red Raiders 1 Unit
Bruce Marshall
Play: Towson St.
Towson?s pattern is pretty easy to identify, as Pat Kennedy?s youthful Tigers continue to play a lot better at home (where they?ve won 7 of their last 9) than on the road (where they?ve lost 13 straight, which is every game since beating Samford on their first road assignment way back on Nov. 20). CAA scouts are very impressed with the recent efforts of sr. G C.C. Williams, who has expanded from his normal stopper role on defensive end and has decided to attack the bucket on offense, scoring 16 ppg while hitting 18 of 25 from floor the last 3 games, while Georgetown transfer G Thornton continues his hot shooting (he?s 46% from tripleville in CAA action).
Carlo Campanella
New York Knicks at Orlando Magic
Orlando comes off a 12 point road favored loss in Philadelphia, but returns home to host New York on Saturday knowing that they're posting a 31-17 (Over/Under) record after losing by double digits in their previous game, and averaging a combined 202 points per game following a road loss this year! Look for an offensively charged game for the Magic tonight
Play on: Over
James Patrick Sports
Cleveland State vs. Youngstown State
Cleveland State will make league history tonight with a win over the Penguins as they will win 20 games the year after losing 20 games. Gary Waters and the Vikings Voyage is a total success as a win here coupled with a Wright State defeat at Valpo vaults the Vikings into the number two seed in the Horizon League Tournament with a pass to the semi finals where a home game victory would put them within one game of an invitation to the Big Dance. Our Horizon League complimentary selection for Saturday is #811 Cleveland State Vikings.
Nelly
Arkansas ? over Vanderbilt
We were on Vanderbilt Wednesday for the upset over Tennessee but the Commodores are a go-against team Saturday. Arkansas is just 1-4 in the last five games but all four losses came on the road. On the season the Razorbacks are 12-2 S/U at home including 4-0 S/U and ATS in the last four conference home games. Vanderbilt earned considerable attention for the big win over Tennessee earlier in the week but it will be very difficult to go on the road to face a team that absolutely needs this win. Vanderbilt is riding a seven-game win streak but the Commodores have played five of those seven games at home. On the season Vanderbilt is just 4-4 in road games and this will be a tough situation in a very tough venue. Arkansas is allowing just 63 points per game at home this season and the Razorbacks swept Vanderbilt last season with two wins. Vanderbilt is not the same team away from home and this is a very difficult emotional spot for the Commodores to play well in. Look for Arkansas to deliver a key win to build their case for the NCAA tournament.
Dave Cokin
Illinois-Chicago @ Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Play: Illinois-Chicago +3
UW-Milwaukee got a nice win Thursday in a revenge spot against Loyola, but I don't see it happening again here. UIC is the more talented entry, and they're off a tough loss at Green Bay. This is a better matchup for the visitors, as the home team usually doesn't shoot it very well. Ill-Chi won the first meeting easily, and I like them to score the sweep with another win here.
Will Cover
Kansas State at KANSAS
COVER STORY: As the late, great James Brown would say, it's time for the "BIG PAYBACK" as the Wildcats of KSU travel to take on the Jayhawks, a team they beat in the Little Apple earlier this season as seven point dogs. That loss to their arch-rival ended KU's 20-game unbeaten string and feel the Hawks will show no mercy in this contest. K-State 0-4 SU and ATS on the road last four...make it 0-5 both ways after this beatdown!
Great Lakes
Illinois State at Southern Illinois
Play on: Southern Illinois Salukis
The Salukis are 4-0 ATS their last four games, and heating up. The Salukis is also 8-4 ATS when playing at home this year, and 7-3 ATS when playing in March the last three years, they are also 4-2 ATS as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points this year. We look for the Southern Illinois Salukis to roll over Illinois State for the home ATS Win & cover tonight.
Tom Freese
Mississippi St at Florida
Mississippi St is 6-0 ATS off a home win where they lost ATS and they are 20-8 ATS on Saturday. The Bulldogs are 21-11 ATS off one or more straight wins. Florida is 2-5 ATS their last 7 games overall and they are 2-5 ATS their last 7 conference games. This young Gator team has hit a wall. Look for the experienced Bulldogs to come away with the Win. PLAY ON MISSISSIPPI ST +
Marc Lawrence
Play On: Mississippi State
Note: The Bulldogs battle the Gators in Gainesville in a matchup of one team (Florida) off its 20th win of the season against the other (Mississippi State) in quest of its 20th. MSU will also look to improve on its 9-3 ATS mark in conference games with revenge, including 6-1 when playing off a win. The kicker, though, is Florida?s look ahead to Tennessee. It?s major revenge for the Gators as the 22-point whipping laid on them by the Vols earlier this year was their worst defeat this season. Go ahead and grab the points as the Bulldogs take a bite out of the Gators. KEY STAT: Mississippi State is 10-1-1 ATS with revenge against Florida.
BRAD DIAMOND
Play on: Butler over Detroit
Personally, I had a rough go in the Horizon this week, but our encounter on Saturday should not be in question. Detroit has had huge personnel and injury issues this season and plays with a less than a talented bench. Butler brings a senior laden lineup to the fore in hopes of securing a late season dance ticket (26-3), I like our chances with the more talented and experienced unit. By the way the Titans have lost three straight games tough games. Emotion Key Trends: Detroit is 4-12 ATS vs. teams with a .600+ plus win percentage.
Matt Fargo
Texas vs. Texas Tech
Play: Texas Tech
What the hell happened to Texas Tech on Wednesday against Texas A&M? I?m not complaining because I was on the Aggies but the Red Raiders put on a complete shit show. Texas Tech allowed 56.9 percent shooting from the floor including an absurd 70 percent in the first half. Heading home is what this team needs. It was the worst loss ever in the series with Texas A&M so the Red Raiders should be one fired up team this Saturday, facing another big rival. Texas is red hot right now and the lines are showing that as they are way overvalued in this road game. The Longhorns were favored by the exact same amount at Iowa St. three weeks ago and there is no way the Cyclones and Red Raiders should be spoken with each other in the same breath. That game against Iowa St. took overtime to win by the way. The Longhorns have become a very public team and laying this many points on the road is not deterring the public as it is all over Texas here. This is not an easy place for the opposition to win. Texas Tech is 12-1 at home this season and it really should be undefeated. The lone defeat came against Oklahoma on a 40-foot jump shot at the buzzer. Adding to this game is the fact that the Red Raiders lost at Texas by 26 points earlier this season so there is a bit of revenge to take care of on Saturday. Texas is 7-3 on the road this season but only +2.4 ppg in scoring differential so it has been hardly dominant away from home. The Longhorns defense has been absolutely on fire but it is time for a turnaround and it is backed by a great situation. Play against road favorites or pick that are shooting 45 percent or better and with a defense allowing 42 percent or less on the season after four straight games where the defense allowed 40 percent or less from the floor. This situation is 64-29 ATS (68.8 percent) over the last five seasons including a 44-17 ATS mark (72.1 percent) over the last three years. The Red Raiders have two things in their favor and both are negative making this a great contrarian play. The two negatives are the lost in the last game and the previous loss to Texas. Play on home teams that are revenging a loss where the team scored less than 50 points and also coming off a road loss by 20 points or more. This situation is 42-14 ATS (75 percent) over the last five seasons. An outright Texas Tech win would not be surprising at all here but we might not even need it. Play Texas Tech Red Raiders 1 Unit
Bruce Marshall
Play: Towson St.
Towson?s pattern is pretty easy to identify, as Pat Kennedy?s youthful Tigers continue to play a lot better at home (where they?ve won 7 of their last 9) than on the road (where they?ve lost 13 straight, which is every game since beating Samford on their first road assignment way back on Nov. 20). CAA scouts are very impressed with the recent efforts of sr. G C.C. Williams, who has expanded from his normal stopper role on defensive end and has decided to attack the bucket on offense, scoring 16 ppg while hitting 18 of 25 from floor the last 3 games, while Georgetown transfer G Thornton continues his hot shooting (he?s 46% from tripleville in CAA action).
Carlo Campanella
New York Knicks at Orlando Magic
Orlando comes off a 12 point road favored loss in Philadelphia, but returns home to host New York on Saturday knowing that they're posting a 31-17 (Over/Under) record after losing by double digits in their previous game, and averaging a combined 202 points per game following a road loss this year! Look for an offensively charged game for the Magic tonight
Play on: Over
James Patrick Sports
Cleveland State vs. Youngstown State
Cleveland State will make league history tonight with a win over the Penguins as they will win 20 games the year after losing 20 games. Gary Waters and the Vikings Voyage is a total success as a win here coupled with a Wright State defeat at Valpo vaults the Vikings into the number two seed in the Horizon League Tournament with a pass to the semi finals where a home game victory would put them within one game of an invitation to the Big Dance. Our Horizon League complimentary selection for Saturday is #811 Cleveland State Vikings.
Nelly
Arkansas ? over Vanderbilt
We were on Vanderbilt Wednesday for the upset over Tennessee but the Commodores are a go-against team Saturday. Arkansas is just 1-4 in the last five games but all four losses came on the road. On the season the Razorbacks are 12-2 S/U at home including 4-0 S/U and ATS in the last four conference home games. Vanderbilt earned considerable attention for the big win over Tennessee earlier in the week but it will be very difficult to go on the road to face a team that absolutely needs this win. Vanderbilt is riding a seven-game win streak but the Commodores have played five of those seven games at home. On the season Vanderbilt is just 4-4 in road games and this will be a tough situation in a very tough venue. Arkansas is allowing just 63 points per game at home this season and the Razorbacks swept Vanderbilt last season with two wins. Vanderbilt is not the same team away from home and this is a very difficult emotional spot for the Commodores to play well in. Look for Arkansas to deliver a key win to build their case for the NCAA tournament.
Dave Cokin
Illinois-Chicago @ Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Play: Illinois-Chicago +3
UW-Milwaukee got a nice win Thursday in a revenge spot against Loyola, but I don't see it happening again here. UIC is the more talented entry, and they're off a tough loss at Green Bay. This is a better matchup for the visitors, as the home team usually doesn't shoot it very well. Ill-Chi won the first meeting easily, and I like them to score the sweep with another win here.
Will Cover
Kansas State at KANSAS
COVER STORY: As the late, great James Brown would say, it's time for the "BIG PAYBACK" as the Wildcats of KSU travel to take on the Jayhawks, a team they beat in the Little Apple earlier this season as seven point dogs. That loss to their arch-rival ended KU's 20-game unbeaten string and feel the Hawks will show no mercy in this contest. K-State 0-4 SU and ATS on the road last four...make it 0-5 both ways after this beatdown!
Great Lakes
Illinois State at Southern Illinois
Play on: Southern Illinois Salukis
The Salukis are 4-0 ATS their last four games, and heating up. The Salukis is also 8-4 ATS when playing at home this year, and 7-3 ATS when playing in March the last three years, they are also 4-2 ATS as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points this year. We look for the Southern Illinois Salukis to roll over Illinois State for the home ATS Win & cover tonight.
Brandon Lang
15 Dime
Seton Hall
Arkansas
Lasalle
10 Dime
Southern Mississippi
5 Dime
USC
St. Louis
Texas A&M
Free Pick
Wright State
Kansas
15 Dime
Seton Hall
Arkansas
Lasalle
10 Dime
Southern Mississippi
5 Dime
USC
St. Louis
Texas A&M
Free Pick
Wright State
Kansas
Comps
Jim Feist
NY Knicks/ORL Magic
Take "Over"
Orlando is a strong offensive team because they like the uptempo style, averaging 104 ppg at home. The Knicks have been a strong offensive team of late because they don?t play any defense! NY is on an 8-0 run over the total playing matador defense allowing lay up after lay up. In fact, they are 19-9 over the total on the road. Don?t look for any defense, play the Knicks/Magic over the total
Lou Diamond
Duke/NC State
Take "Over"
Over is 5-0 in Blue Devils last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 5-0 in Blue Devils last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 7-0 in Blue Devils last 7 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Over is 4-0 in Blue Devils last 4 games as a road favorite. Over is 5-0 in Blue Devils last 5 road games. Over is 8-2 in Blue Devils last 10 games following a S.U. win. Over is 4-1 in Blue Devils last 5 Saturday games. Over is 7-2 in Blue Devils last 9 games as a favorite of 7.0-12.5. Over is 9-3 in Blue Devils last 12 overall. Over is 8-3 in Blue Devils last 11 games as a favorite. Over is 7-3 in Blue Devils last 10 games as a road favorite of 7.0-12.5. Over is 35-16 in Blue Devils last 51 vs. Atlantic Coast. N.C. State Over is 7-0 in Wolfpack last 7 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Over is 4-1 in Wolfpack last 5 games as an underdog of 7.0-12.5. Over is 7-2 in Wolfpack last 9 home games. Over is 14-4 in Wolfpack last 18 vs. Atlantic Coast. Over is 10-3 in Wolfpack last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 16-5 in Wolfpack last 21 overall. Over is 9-3 in Wolfpack last 12 games as an underdog. Over is 20-7 in Wolfpack last 27 Saturday games. Over is 10-4 in Wolfpack last 14 games following a ATS loss. Over is 11-5 in Wolfpack last 16 games as a home underdog. Over is 13-6 in Wolfpack last 19 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Over is 15-7 in Wolfpack last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings
Big Al
At 8:30 pm, our complimentary selection is on the Milwaukee Bucks plus the points over San Antone, as Milwaukee has played the Spurs better than any other team since the Spurs won their first championship in 1999. Over the past nine seasons, Milwaukee is 10-7 SU and 13-4 ATS vs. the Spurs. This season, the Bucks are a solid 10-4 ATS as a home underdog, including 6-1 vs. foes with a win percentage of .666 or better. Takethe Bucks.
Ross Benjamin
Penn @ Yale
Play On: Yale -7.5
Any home favorite of 6.5 or more, that lost to their current opponent in their only meeting this season, is off an away underdog ATS loss, has won 9 games or less at home this season, their current opponent is off an away underdog ATS loss, and has a win percentage of .400 or better is 9-0 SU and ATS since 1990. The favorite has won those 9 games by an average of 17.2 points per game. Play on Yale minus the points.
Steve Merril
Seton Hall vs. ST John's
Play: Seton Hall
Seton Hall has struggled against good teams this season (1-8 SU), but the Pirates are a solid 16-3 SU when facing a team not ranked in the Sagarin Top 50. St. Johns definitely qualifies as a weak opponent today as the Red Storm are 4-11 SU in conference games this season, and they are currently 0-5 SU (1-4 ATS) in their past five games overall.
Meanwhile, Seton Hall is in excellent current form with back-to-back conference wins in which they shot 52% and 51% from the field. Seton Hall?s main problem this season has been a lack of defense, but this will less of an issue today versus a terrible St. Johns offense that averages just 57.9 points per game and shoots just 38.2% FG in conference games.
These are two teams heading in opposite directions and the value lies with the underdog.
Pitt (+2') at SYRACUSE Joel Tyson
The Pitt Panthers reigned victorious earlier in the season when they got together with Syracuse. Today I feel they get another win, or at least keep this one to possibly a one-point game.
I have been impressed all year with the 20-8 Panthers, who have been dismantled by injuries all year. Despite the injuries the Panthers have still been able to maintain the impressive overall mark listed above by other players stepping up and stepping in. It just goes to show what kind of heart and talent this Pitt team is made up of.
Syracuse I do not trust at all as they have been inconsistant all season long, and their last 10 overall results prove it, as they have dropped six of their last 10, winning a couple, then losing a couple. The Panthers after dropping three straight found themselves back in the win column after last time out against Cincy. Yes you can argue that the Panthers have dropped five of their last 10, but they have unlike Cuse been consisitent. Remember folks Pitt has only eight losses on the year, including these recent five.
I don't call this inconsistent I call it a slump, and I feel they came out of it last time out, and think they will climb further out today against this Orange team.
4♦ PITT
West Virginia (+5') at UCONN Joel Tyson
UCONN has been pretty good as of late, after getting off to somewhat a sluggish start to the season. Point is however I still don not trust them to cover a line, and their 11-12-1 ATS on the year should be proof enough, but if it is not how about their 4-9 ATS mark over their last 13 Saturday games.
West Virginia comes in at 20-8 overall, and have slumped some over their last 10, but have managed a not to bad 12-9-1 ATS on the season. today I expect them to keep this one close and make it very interesting at the end.
The Mounties match up well versus this UCONN team both on the offensive and defensive end of the court in points per game scored and allowed.
Play WVa to stay close
2♦ WEST VIRGINIA
Duke (-10') at NC STATE Chuck Franklin
Last night, my third in a row Free Pick winner, with Golden State in an absolute blowout over the 76ers. Today Duke will be just as easy!
The talent level in these two teams is evident in their records and home court will not make a difference. This is a trend and angle lock in support of the Blue Devils, as they are on a 5-1 ATS run in this series.
Duke has covered the spread five of the last six games against a winning team and they are on a 7-3-2 ATS run the game after a win. NC State has failed to cover the number in six straight ACC games. They are 2-8 ATS the last 10 home games when listed as the underdog and they have covered only seven of the last 28 games played.
This will be an absolute blowout
3♦ DUKE
West Virginia at UCONN (-4') Chuck Franklin
The New Orleans Hornets in the bank last night as my NBA Free Pick. That's three in a row Freebies. I've got the Inside Edge on the Odds.
It's tough to beat UConn when they are at home. This season the Huskies are 14-1 at home, including 7-1 in Hartford. West Virginia, under the direction of Bob Huggins, won at DePaul on Wednesday, for the fourth win in five games. The Mountaineers are at 20-wins for the season and probably heading to the Big Dance, but they will not be able to stay with UConn this afternoon.
West Virginia has lost all six visits to Connecticut and they are 3-11 overall in this series. The favorite has covered four of the last five games between these two teams. The Mountaineers are 1-4 ATS the last five games versus a winning team. UConn has done just the opposite against quality opponents, going 5-1-1 ATS the last seven games versus a team with a better than .600 record.
This will be a double-digit win and easy cover for UConn!
3♦ CONNECTICUT
Texas A&M (P) at OKLAHOMA Karl Garrett
The G-Man is on a 31-21 free play run.
Texas A&M got their ya-yas out after losing 3 in a row, as they pounded Texas Tech 98-54 earlier this week. Look for that romp to have a carry over effect as the Aggies visit the slumping Sooners.
Oklahoma has had an offensive outtage, as the Sooners have been held to a measly 45 points over their last two games. Not surprisingly, OU has dropped both of those games, as they have now lost 5 of their last 8 games overall. Included is a 60-52 loss at College Station back on February 2nd, as A&M ran their series winning streak to 3 straight, while covering in the last pair.
Overall, Texas A&M has covered 20 of their last 29 on the highway, while Oklahoma is just 3-10 against the spread their last 13 games, and a money-burning 10-25-2 ATS their last 37 in conference play!
Have to go with Texas A&M in this spot, as OU's late season swoon continues.
2♦ TEXAS A&M
Wake Forest (+4') at GEORGIA TECH Drew Gordon
Rock-solid Free Play winner Friday, as the Warriors take care of business at home, beating the 76ers handily 119-97! That win brings me to 300-279-5 over my L584 Free Play releases!
While many are calling the Deacons win over Duke a "fluke," underestimate this Wake Forest team at your own risk, as consecutive losses at North Carolina and Maryland are nothing to be ashamed about. In fact, Wake is playing great basketball right now, they just happened to match up against three of the ACC's best over their last 3 games.
Oppurtunities abound for the Deacons in this one, as Georgia Tech is struggling mightily right now, losers of 5 straight (1-4 ATS) and playing like it. Wondering who the last team they beat was? You guesses it, Wake Forest, at home no less, which means some serious payback is in order this afternoon.
In their last meeting, Wake guards Teague and Smith combined for 11 turnovers in an overall sloppy effort for the Deacons, but that was without G L.D. Williams in the lineup. Expect them to take much better care of the basketball this afternoon with their floor leader running the show.
Let's look at the numbers, as the underdog is a solid 9-3 ATS over their last 12 meetings. Not only that, but Wake Forest is 8-3 ATS over their last 11 games overall. As mentioned above, the Yellow Jackets are struggling ATS of late, and are vulnerable against a Deacons squad that has plenty of motivation to win here.
Bottom line, look for Wake to take advantage of a sputtering Yellow Jackets squad in this one. Its a perfect oppurtunity to not only revenge their earlier loss this season, but also an outside chance to impress the Selection Committee, if they can pull off the upset, which is entirely possible. We'll take the points, and in the end, the Deacons grabs the cash!
Take Wake Forest plus the points over Georgia Tech in this ACC match up.
2♦ WAKE FOREST
Massachusetts (-3) at RHODE ISLAND Sports Gambling Hotline
We are on a 109-90-4 free play run!
The Minutemen are playing some sizzling basketball right now, and as well as Richmond has been playing of late, we will back UMass in this Atlantic 10 battle.
Richmond is 5-2 straight up their last 7 games, and they are a positive 6-3-1 against the spread at home this season, but Massachusetts can counter with a 3-game win and cover streak coming into this roadie, and a very profitable 8-4 spread mark away from Amherst this campaign.
At 18-9, it is more likely the Minutemen would garner an at-large Big Dance bid, and another road win here would look quite nice on their season resume.
These schools have yet to play this season, but in their last meeting, it was Massachusetts that won a 72-56 laugher at home in 2007.
Things are going too well right now for Travis Ford's team, and we like UMass to come away with a road win tonight against the Spiders.
Play on the Minutemen.
4♦ MASSACHUSETTS
Washington State at STANFORD -4' Bobby Maxwell
Hit nine of our last 13 complimentary plays and today we've got a FREE play coming on Stanford as the Cardinal hosts Washington State in a Pac-10 conference showdown from Northern California.
Both these teams have been on a roll lately with the Cougars winning five of their last six and the Cardinal winning nine of their last 10. But today we're going to lay the chalk with the home team and play Stanford in this one. The Cardinal will get the job done in this battle for second place in the Pac-10.
The home team is 10-4-1 ATS in the last 15 head-to-head matchups between these two and in the first matchup the Cardinal went to Washington State and got a 67-65 OT victory as four-point underdogs.
Stanford is 4-1 ATS in the last five against Washington State and the Cardinal average 73.4 points a game on the home court.
Washington State relies on its defense to get the job done but they don't have the bigs to handle the Lopez twins. Stanford has the size and can make the things tough on the Cougars' offense. Let's go ahead and lay the chalk with the Cardinal.
2♦ STANFORD
San Antonio (-6') at MILWAUKEE Bobby Maxwell
We're 9-4 with our last 13 FREE selections and today we've got a complimentary play coming with the Spurs as they travel to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks tonight.
Let's go ahead and lay the chalk with the Spurs tonight as they seem to be in one of their classic second-half of the season stretches where they do everything right. They're basically gettin ready for the playoffs by beating everybody.
San Antonio has won seven straight and nine of the last 10 (6-4 ATS) and come in off a a 97-94 home win over the Mavericks on Thursday, failing to cover as five-opint chalk. The Spurs have won five of six on the road and they are giving up just 84.2 points per game and 39.9 percent shooting in the last five overall.
Milwaukee is giving up 111.2 points a game in their last five games and allowing 47.2 percent shooting. The Bucks are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine Saturday games while the Spurs are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 tip-offs on Saturdays.
The Spurs have also posted a 7-3 ATS mark against Central Division teams.
There is all kinds of talk in Milwaukee about who will and who won't be there next season, so there is a little turmoil there. San Antonio is getting playoff ready. Let's lay the chalk and play the Spurs tonight as they continue on the roll they've been on the last three-plus weeks.
3♦ SAN ANTONIO
Jim Feist
NY Knicks/ORL Magic
Take "Over"
Orlando is a strong offensive team because they like the uptempo style, averaging 104 ppg at home. The Knicks have been a strong offensive team of late because they don?t play any defense! NY is on an 8-0 run over the total playing matador defense allowing lay up after lay up. In fact, they are 19-9 over the total on the road. Don?t look for any defense, play the Knicks/Magic over the total
Lou Diamond
Duke/NC State
Take "Over"
Over is 5-0 in Blue Devils last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 5-0 in Blue Devils last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 7-0 in Blue Devils last 7 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Over is 4-0 in Blue Devils last 4 games as a road favorite. Over is 5-0 in Blue Devils last 5 road games. Over is 8-2 in Blue Devils last 10 games following a S.U. win. Over is 4-1 in Blue Devils last 5 Saturday games. Over is 7-2 in Blue Devils last 9 games as a favorite of 7.0-12.5. Over is 9-3 in Blue Devils last 12 overall. Over is 8-3 in Blue Devils last 11 games as a favorite. Over is 7-3 in Blue Devils last 10 games as a road favorite of 7.0-12.5. Over is 35-16 in Blue Devils last 51 vs. Atlantic Coast. N.C. State Over is 7-0 in Wolfpack last 7 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Over is 4-1 in Wolfpack last 5 games as an underdog of 7.0-12.5. Over is 7-2 in Wolfpack last 9 home games. Over is 14-4 in Wolfpack last 18 vs. Atlantic Coast. Over is 10-3 in Wolfpack last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Over is 16-5 in Wolfpack last 21 overall. Over is 9-3 in Wolfpack last 12 games as an underdog. Over is 20-7 in Wolfpack last 27 Saturday games. Over is 10-4 in Wolfpack last 14 games following a ATS loss. Over is 11-5 in Wolfpack last 16 games as a home underdog. Over is 13-6 in Wolfpack last 19 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600. Over is 15-7 in Wolfpack last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings
Big Al
At 8:30 pm, our complimentary selection is on the Milwaukee Bucks plus the points over San Antone, as Milwaukee has played the Spurs better than any other team since the Spurs won their first championship in 1999. Over the past nine seasons, Milwaukee is 10-7 SU and 13-4 ATS vs. the Spurs. This season, the Bucks are a solid 10-4 ATS as a home underdog, including 6-1 vs. foes with a win percentage of .666 or better. Takethe Bucks.
Ross Benjamin
Penn @ Yale
Play On: Yale -7.5
Any home favorite of 6.5 or more, that lost to their current opponent in their only meeting this season, is off an away underdog ATS loss, has won 9 games or less at home this season, their current opponent is off an away underdog ATS loss, and has a win percentage of .400 or better is 9-0 SU and ATS since 1990. The favorite has won those 9 games by an average of 17.2 points per game. Play on Yale minus the points.
Steve Merril
Seton Hall vs. ST John's
Play: Seton Hall
Seton Hall has struggled against good teams this season (1-8 SU), but the Pirates are a solid 16-3 SU when facing a team not ranked in the Sagarin Top 50. St. Johns definitely qualifies as a weak opponent today as the Red Storm are 4-11 SU in conference games this season, and they are currently 0-5 SU (1-4 ATS) in their past five games overall.
Meanwhile, Seton Hall is in excellent current form with back-to-back conference wins in which they shot 52% and 51% from the field. Seton Hall?s main problem this season has been a lack of defense, but this will less of an issue today versus a terrible St. Johns offense that averages just 57.9 points per game and shoots just 38.2% FG in conference games.
These are two teams heading in opposite directions and the value lies with the underdog.
Pitt (+2') at SYRACUSE Joel Tyson
The Pitt Panthers reigned victorious earlier in the season when they got together with Syracuse. Today I feel they get another win, or at least keep this one to possibly a one-point game.
I have been impressed all year with the 20-8 Panthers, who have been dismantled by injuries all year. Despite the injuries the Panthers have still been able to maintain the impressive overall mark listed above by other players stepping up and stepping in. It just goes to show what kind of heart and talent this Pitt team is made up of.
Syracuse I do not trust at all as they have been inconsistant all season long, and their last 10 overall results prove it, as they have dropped six of their last 10, winning a couple, then losing a couple. The Panthers after dropping three straight found themselves back in the win column after last time out against Cincy. Yes you can argue that the Panthers have dropped five of their last 10, but they have unlike Cuse been consisitent. Remember folks Pitt has only eight losses on the year, including these recent five.
I don't call this inconsistent I call it a slump, and I feel they came out of it last time out, and think they will climb further out today against this Orange team.
4♦ PITT
West Virginia (+5') at UCONN Joel Tyson
UCONN has been pretty good as of late, after getting off to somewhat a sluggish start to the season. Point is however I still don not trust them to cover a line, and their 11-12-1 ATS on the year should be proof enough, but if it is not how about their 4-9 ATS mark over their last 13 Saturday games.
West Virginia comes in at 20-8 overall, and have slumped some over their last 10, but have managed a not to bad 12-9-1 ATS on the season. today I expect them to keep this one close and make it very interesting at the end.
The Mounties match up well versus this UCONN team both on the offensive and defensive end of the court in points per game scored and allowed.
Play WVa to stay close
2♦ WEST VIRGINIA
Duke (-10') at NC STATE Chuck Franklin
Last night, my third in a row Free Pick winner, with Golden State in an absolute blowout over the 76ers. Today Duke will be just as easy!
The talent level in these two teams is evident in their records and home court will not make a difference. This is a trend and angle lock in support of the Blue Devils, as they are on a 5-1 ATS run in this series.
Duke has covered the spread five of the last six games against a winning team and they are on a 7-3-2 ATS run the game after a win. NC State has failed to cover the number in six straight ACC games. They are 2-8 ATS the last 10 home games when listed as the underdog and they have covered only seven of the last 28 games played.
This will be an absolute blowout
3♦ DUKE
West Virginia at UCONN (-4') Chuck Franklin
The New Orleans Hornets in the bank last night as my NBA Free Pick. That's three in a row Freebies. I've got the Inside Edge on the Odds.
It's tough to beat UConn when they are at home. This season the Huskies are 14-1 at home, including 7-1 in Hartford. West Virginia, under the direction of Bob Huggins, won at DePaul on Wednesday, for the fourth win in five games. The Mountaineers are at 20-wins for the season and probably heading to the Big Dance, but they will not be able to stay with UConn this afternoon.
West Virginia has lost all six visits to Connecticut and they are 3-11 overall in this series. The favorite has covered four of the last five games between these two teams. The Mountaineers are 1-4 ATS the last five games versus a winning team. UConn has done just the opposite against quality opponents, going 5-1-1 ATS the last seven games versus a team with a better than .600 record.
This will be a double-digit win and easy cover for UConn!
3♦ CONNECTICUT
Texas A&M (P) at OKLAHOMA Karl Garrett
The G-Man is on a 31-21 free play run.
Texas A&M got their ya-yas out after losing 3 in a row, as they pounded Texas Tech 98-54 earlier this week. Look for that romp to have a carry over effect as the Aggies visit the slumping Sooners.
Oklahoma has had an offensive outtage, as the Sooners have been held to a measly 45 points over their last two games. Not surprisingly, OU has dropped both of those games, as they have now lost 5 of their last 8 games overall. Included is a 60-52 loss at College Station back on February 2nd, as A&M ran their series winning streak to 3 straight, while covering in the last pair.
Overall, Texas A&M has covered 20 of their last 29 on the highway, while Oklahoma is just 3-10 against the spread their last 13 games, and a money-burning 10-25-2 ATS their last 37 in conference play!
Have to go with Texas A&M in this spot, as OU's late season swoon continues.
2♦ TEXAS A&M
Wake Forest (+4') at GEORGIA TECH Drew Gordon
Rock-solid Free Play winner Friday, as the Warriors take care of business at home, beating the 76ers handily 119-97! That win brings me to 300-279-5 over my L584 Free Play releases!
While many are calling the Deacons win over Duke a "fluke," underestimate this Wake Forest team at your own risk, as consecutive losses at North Carolina and Maryland are nothing to be ashamed about. In fact, Wake is playing great basketball right now, they just happened to match up against three of the ACC's best over their last 3 games.
Oppurtunities abound for the Deacons in this one, as Georgia Tech is struggling mightily right now, losers of 5 straight (1-4 ATS) and playing like it. Wondering who the last team they beat was? You guesses it, Wake Forest, at home no less, which means some serious payback is in order this afternoon.
In their last meeting, Wake guards Teague and Smith combined for 11 turnovers in an overall sloppy effort for the Deacons, but that was without G L.D. Williams in the lineup. Expect them to take much better care of the basketball this afternoon with their floor leader running the show.
Let's look at the numbers, as the underdog is a solid 9-3 ATS over their last 12 meetings. Not only that, but Wake Forest is 8-3 ATS over their last 11 games overall. As mentioned above, the Yellow Jackets are struggling ATS of late, and are vulnerable against a Deacons squad that has plenty of motivation to win here.
Bottom line, look for Wake to take advantage of a sputtering Yellow Jackets squad in this one. Its a perfect oppurtunity to not only revenge their earlier loss this season, but also an outside chance to impress the Selection Committee, if they can pull off the upset, which is entirely possible. We'll take the points, and in the end, the Deacons grabs the cash!
Take Wake Forest plus the points over Georgia Tech in this ACC match up.
2♦ WAKE FOREST
Massachusetts (-3) at RHODE ISLAND Sports Gambling Hotline
We are on a 109-90-4 free play run!
The Minutemen are playing some sizzling basketball right now, and as well as Richmond has been playing of late, we will back UMass in this Atlantic 10 battle.
Richmond is 5-2 straight up their last 7 games, and they are a positive 6-3-1 against the spread at home this season, but Massachusetts can counter with a 3-game win and cover streak coming into this roadie, and a very profitable 8-4 spread mark away from Amherst this campaign.
At 18-9, it is more likely the Minutemen would garner an at-large Big Dance bid, and another road win here would look quite nice on their season resume.
These schools have yet to play this season, but in their last meeting, it was Massachusetts that won a 72-56 laugher at home in 2007.
Things are going too well right now for Travis Ford's team, and we like UMass to come away with a road win tonight against the Spiders.
Play on the Minutemen.
4♦ MASSACHUSETTS
Washington State at STANFORD -4' Bobby Maxwell
Hit nine of our last 13 complimentary plays and today we've got a FREE play coming on Stanford as the Cardinal hosts Washington State in a Pac-10 conference showdown from Northern California.
Both these teams have been on a roll lately with the Cougars winning five of their last six and the Cardinal winning nine of their last 10. But today we're going to lay the chalk with the home team and play Stanford in this one. The Cardinal will get the job done in this battle for second place in the Pac-10.
The home team is 10-4-1 ATS in the last 15 head-to-head matchups between these two and in the first matchup the Cardinal went to Washington State and got a 67-65 OT victory as four-point underdogs.
Stanford is 4-1 ATS in the last five against Washington State and the Cardinal average 73.4 points a game on the home court.
Washington State relies on its defense to get the job done but they don't have the bigs to handle the Lopez twins. Stanford has the size and can make the things tough on the Cougars' offense. Let's go ahead and lay the chalk with the Cardinal.
2♦ STANFORD
San Antonio (-6') at MILWAUKEE Bobby Maxwell
We're 9-4 with our last 13 FREE selections and today we've got a complimentary play coming with the Spurs as they travel to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks tonight.
Let's go ahead and lay the chalk with the Spurs tonight as they seem to be in one of their classic second-half of the season stretches where they do everything right. They're basically gettin ready for the playoffs by beating everybody.
San Antonio has won seven straight and nine of the last 10 (6-4 ATS) and come in off a a 97-94 home win over the Mavericks on Thursday, failing to cover as five-opint chalk. The Spurs have won five of six on the road and they are giving up just 84.2 points per game and 39.9 percent shooting in the last five overall.
Milwaukee is giving up 111.2 points a game in their last five games and allowing 47.2 percent shooting. The Bucks are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine Saturday games while the Spurs are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 tip-offs on Saturdays.
The Spurs have also posted a 7-3 ATS mark against Central Division teams.
There is all kinds of talk in Milwaukee about who will and who won't be there next season, so there is a little turmoil there. San Antonio is getting playoff ready. Let's lay the chalk and play the Spurs tonight as they continue on the roll they've been on the last three-plus weeks.
3♦ SAN ANTONIO
#1 Sports
Kansas State at Kansas
Kansas State (18-9, 8-5 Big 12) suffered its first conference loss at Bramlage Coliseum Monday, falling 65-74 to the Longhorns. Another huge night by 6'10" 235 freshman F Michael Beasley (26.2p, 12.6r, 1.3a, 37 steals, 42 blocks) was offset by a lack of offensive support from his teammates and more of the poor perimeter defense that has plagued the Wildcats throughout their 3-5 slump. Beasley racked up his NCAA freshman record 24th double/double with 30 points and 15 boards, nailing 10 of his 21 shots from the field, while the rest of 1st-year Head Coach Frank Martin's crew managed just 12 makes in 46 shots, with the worst offender being 6'6" 220 freshman F Bill Walker (16.2p, 6.7r, 1.9a), who followed up his 31-point performance at Baylor with a crippling 0-14 game from the field and a single, pitiful point. The Kansas State Guard corps of 6'1" freshman Jacob Pullen (10.3p, 1.6r, 3.3a, 36 of 11 from 3-point), 6'2" senior Blake Young (6.2p, 3.3r, 2.0a, 25 of 78 from 3-point), 6'4" senior Clent Stewart (7.1p, 3.1r, 3.0a, 27 of 86 from 3-point), and 6'3" freshman Fred Brown (4.4p, 1.4r, 1.4a, 18 of 48 from 3-point) are each decent ball-handlers and offensive contributors, but were bombed again from behind the arc by Texas (10 of 22), just as they were by Baylor (10 of 1Cool the game before.
The Wildcats' 6'10" star forward Beasley (ranked #1 by Rivals.com and #2 by Scout.com among incoming freshman) has more steals on the season and is a better perimeter shooter (28 of 73 from deep) than any of the KSU guards. Help, however, may be on the way with the return of versatile 6'5" freshman G Dominique Sutton, who got his feet wet with two minutes against Baylor and eight minutes against Texas after missing four games with an ankle injury. He has yet to make an impact, with Coach Martin just trying to get him ready for the home stretch, but the time is now, and we expect Martin to turn Sutton loose on Saturday if he's up to it physically.
If it seems like Kansas State is a team in disarray... they are, but it must be remembered just how far this program has come the last few seasons. The 2006-2007 Wildcat unit that finished at 23-12 with a second round loss in the NIT was the first squad from Manhattan that earned a post-season invite in eight years, the first to record a post-season win in thirteen years (59-57 over a tough Vermont team), and the first to pile up ten or more conference wins since the 1987-1988 group led by Mitch Richmond did so. For the youngsters out there, that was so long ago that it was the Big 8 Conference to which we refer.
By the numbers, K-State has scored a brisk 79.8 points per game (allows 68.3), while snatching a fine 42.1 to 33.4 rebounds per game margin to this point, and they still have a shot at double digit wins against their Big 12 opponents.
Kansas (24-3, 9-3 Big 12) found themselves in a wire to wire dogfight Saturday at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, and came out on the losing end of a 60-61 contest to Oklahoma State in which five different Cowboys combined for 8 makes from behind the arc in 17 attempts, while the Jayhawks were icy at 2 of 11 from deep. However, for Kansas, this type of offensive and defensive struggle from the perimeter is a rarity. Two-time "Mr. Jayhawk" 6'1" senior G Russell Robinson (7.3p, 2.7r, 4.2a, 55 steals), reigning Big 12 Defender of the Year 6'1" junior G Mario Chalmers (12.1p, 2.9r, 4.8a, 63 steals), two-time All Big 12 6'6" junior G Brandon Rush 12.1p, 5.2r, 2.2a), and 5'11" sophomore backup G Sherron Collins (8.7p, 2.0r, 2.6a) are each legitimate threats from downtown, combining for 137 makes out of 358 attempts (.383), and can be counted on to get stops outside. Robinson is as gritty and physical as they come at the position, while Chalmers led the Big 12 Conference in steals in both his freshman (89) and sophomore (team record 97) seasons. This lineup and these ball handlers almost didn't happen. If Mario's father (and high school coach) wasn't the Director of Basketball Operations in Lawrence, he likely would have headed for the pros after 2006-2007. While Rush (younger brother of the NBA's Kareem Rush) actually declared for the 2007 NBA Draft, but withdrew after tearing an ACL, returning for another season on campus.
With all this talent at the guard position, the Hawks in the paint play a secondary role for Head Coach Bill Self (129-32 in 5th season at Lawrence), but Kansas does have enough size to go big if the match up calls for it. Typically Self (two Conference USA Championships in three years with Tulsa, two Big 10 Championships in three seasons with lllinois, three Big 12 Championships in four previous years with Kansas) and Assistant Coach Danny Manning (all-time Kansas leader with 2951 points and 1187 boards) go with 6'9" 225 sophomore F Darrell "Shady" Arthur (13.5p, 5.8r, 42 blocks) and 6'8" 250 senior F Darnell "D Bock" Jackson (12.5p, 6.8r, 1.1a) in the starting lineup, but will also regularly call on 6'11" 250 senior Sasha Kaun (7.3p, 3.8r, 35 blocks) and 6'11" 240 freshman C Cole Aldrich (3.0p, 3.3r, 27 blocks) to bring in the beef from the bench. The Russian-born Kaun may have never become quite the force Kansas thought he would, but the hard work, proven leadership ability, and size that Aldrich brings to the table will pencil him in as a Jayhawk starter through the 2010-2011 season. With eight players piling up at least 12 minutes per game, few teams can go as deep as this crew; and with per game margins of +20.4 points (81.6 to 61.2) and +7.3 boards (38.7 to 31.4), no team in the country is significantly superior.
Free winner from #1 Sports: The Wildcats handed the Jayhawks their first loss of the season, 84-75, back on January 1st, filling up the home nets with a dozen 3-pointers and ending a 24-game home losing streak against Kansas. The concept of "revenge" is likely beneath a team the caliber of Coach Self's, but being able to handle a single-dimensional squad like K-State is not. Take Kansas and lay the points on Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse.
Kansas State at Kansas
Kansas State (18-9, 8-5 Big 12) suffered its first conference loss at Bramlage Coliseum Monday, falling 65-74 to the Longhorns. Another huge night by 6'10" 235 freshman F Michael Beasley (26.2p, 12.6r, 1.3a, 37 steals, 42 blocks) was offset by a lack of offensive support from his teammates and more of the poor perimeter defense that has plagued the Wildcats throughout their 3-5 slump. Beasley racked up his NCAA freshman record 24th double/double with 30 points and 15 boards, nailing 10 of his 21 shots from the field, while the rest of 1st-year Head Coach Frank Martin's crew managed just 12 makes in 46 shots, with the worst offender being 6'6" 220 freshman F Bill Walker (16.2p, 6.7r, 1.9a), who followed up his 31-point performance at Baylor with a crippling 0-14 game from the field and a single, pitiful point. The Kansas State Guard corps of 6'1" freshman Jacob Pullen (10.3p, 1.6r, 3.3a, 36 of 11 from 3-point), 6'2" senior Blake Young (6.2p, 3.3r, 2.0a, 25 of 78 from 3-point), 6'4" senior Clent Stewart (7.1p, 3.1r, 3.0a, 27 of 86 from 3-point), and 6'3" freshman Fred Brown (4.4p, 1.4r, 1.4a, 18 of 48 from 3-point) are each decent ball-handlers and offensive contributors, but were bombed again from behind the arc by Texas (10 of 22), just as they were by Baylor (10 of 1Cool the game before.
The Wildcats' 6'10" star forward Beasley (ranked #1 by Rivals.com and #2 by Scout.com among incoming freshman) has more steals on the season and is a better perimeter shooter (28 of 73 from deep) than any of the KSU guards. Help, however, may be on the way with the return of versatile 6'5" freshman G Dominique Sutton, who got his feet wet with two minutes against Baylor and eight minutes against Texas after missing four games with an ankle injury. He has yet to make an impact, with Coach Martin just trying to get him ready for the home stretch, but the time is now, and we expect Martin to turn Sutton loose on Saturday if he's up to it physically.
If it seems like Kansas State is a team in disarray... they are, but it must be remembered just how far this program has come the last few seasons. The 2006-2007 Wildcat unit that finished at 23-12 with a second round loss in the NIT was the first squad from Manhattan that earned a post-season invite in eight years, the first to record a post-season win in thirteen years (59-57 over a tough Vermont team), and the first to pile up ten or more conference wins since the 1987-1988 group led by Mitch Richmond did so. For the youngsters out there, that was so long ago that it was the Big 8 Conference to which we refer.
By the numbers, K-State has scored a brisk 79.8 points per game (allows 68.3), while snatching a fine 42.1 to 33.4 rebounds per game margin to this point, and they still have a shot at double digit wins against their Big 12 opponents.
Kansas (24-3, 9-3 Big 12) found themselves in a wire to wire dogfight Saturday at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, and came out on the losing end of a 60-61 contest to Oklahoma State in which five different Cowboys combined for 8 makes from behind the arc in 17 attempts, while the Jayhawks were icy at 2 of 11 from deep. However, for Kansas, this type of offensive and defensive struggle from the perimeter is a rarity. Two-time "Mr. Jayhawk" 6'1" senior G Russell Robinson (7.3p, 2.7r, 4.2a, 55 steals), reigning Big 12 Defender of the Year 6'1" junior G Mario Chalmers (12.1p, 2.9r, 4.8a, 63 steals), two-time All Big 12 6'6" junior G Brandon Rush 12.1p, 5.2r, 2.2a), and 5'11" sophomore backup G Sherron Collins (8.7p, 2.0r, 2.6a) are each legitimate threats from downtown, combining for 137 makes out of 358 attempts (.383), and can be counted on to get stops outside. Robinson is as gritty and physical as they come at the position, while Chalmers led the Big 12 Conference in steals in both his freshman (89) and sophomore (team record 97) seasons. This lineup and these ball handlers almost didn't happen. If Mario's father (and high school coach) wasn't the Director of Basketball Operations in Lawrence, he likely would have headed for the pros after 2006-2007. While Rush (younger brother of the NBA's Kareem Rush) actually declared for the 2007 NBA Draft, but withdrew after tearing an ACL, returning for another season on campus.
With all this talent at the guard position, the Hawks in the paint play a secondary role for Head Coach Bill Self (129-32 in 5th season at Lawrence), but Kansas does have enough size to go big if the match up calls for it. Typically Self (two Conference USA Championships in three years with Tulsa, two Big 10 Championships in three seasons with lllinois, three Big 12 Championships in four previous years with Kansas) and Assistant Coach Danny Manning (all-time Kansas leader with 2951 points and 1187 boards) go with 6'9" 225 sophomore F Darrell "Shady" Arthur (13.5p, 5.8r, 42 blocks) and 6'8" 250 senior F Darnell "D Bock" Jackson (12.5p, 6.8r, 1.1a) in the starting lineup, but will also regularly call on 6'11" 250 senior Sasha Kaun (7.3p, 3.8r, 35 blocks) and 6'11" 240 freshman C Cole Aldrich (3.0p, 3.3r, 27 blocks) to bring in the beef from the bench. The Russian-born Kaun may have never become quite the force Kansas thought he would, but the hard work, proven leadership ability, and size that Aldrich brings to the table will pencil him in as a Jayhawk starter through the 2010-2011 season. With eight players piling up at least 12 minutes per game, few teams can go as deep as this crew; and with per game margins of +20.4 points (81.6 to 61.2) and +7.3 boards (38.7 to 31.4), no team in the country is significantly superior.
Free winner from #1 Sports: The Wildcats handed the Jayhawks their first loss of the season, 84-75, back on January 1st, filling up the home nets with a dozen 3-pointers and ending a 24-game home losing streak against Kansas. The concept of "revenge" is likely beneath a team the caliber of Coach Self's, but being able to handle a single-dimensional squad like K-State is not. Take Kansas and lay the points on Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse.
MMST....QUESTION?
MMST....QUESTION?
Can you please post ATS locks picks and results for
yesterday 2-29-08 ? Thanks.....TG
MMST....QUESTION?
Can you please post ATS locks picks and results for
yesterday 2-29-08 ? Thanks.....TG
Razor Sharp Sports
West Virginia at Connecticut
With just two weekends remaining before the start of the major conference tournaments, every game the rest of the way gains importance. That statement couldn?t be more true than in the Big East Conference. As we sit now, the Big East has five teams in the top-25, seven teams that have 19 wins or more already, and a total of ten teams that have at least 16 wins and feel like they have a real shot at an at-large invite to the NCAA tournament. What happens over the next two weeks will help make the decision on who will be in the NCAAs and who will settle for the NIT or CBI tournaments.
Two of the teams right in the hunt will collide this Saturday when West Virginia takes on Connecticut. The Mountaineers are 19-8 when we wrote this, but may have their 20th win by the time these two meet. They play 10-16 DePaul on Wednesday. The Huskies are ranked 15th and are 21-6. They should pick up another win early this week when they face 10-18 Rutgers. Let?s take a look at these two teams a little closer.
First, we have the West Virginia Mountaineers. This team is truly a Jeckel and Hyde type of team. They have been dynamite at home lately, winning their last three games by 27, 21 and 18 points. On the other hand, they have struggled on the road. They are just 2-4 in their last six road games, including a 22-point loss to Villanova last time out.
West Virginia gets it done by spreading the ball around. To pick out the star of this team would be tough to do. There are four players who share the scoring, rebounding and assists. Junior forward Joe Alexander leads the team in scoring with 14.4 points per game. He also adds 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Following Alexander is Junior guard Alex Rouff. Rouff puts up 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Then there is Sophomore forward Da?Sean Butler with 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists, and Senior guard Darris Nichols with 11.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
Then there are the Connecticut Huskies who were really on a roll, winning ten straight games including four against ranked opponents, before they lost at Villanova by 2 on Saturday. The Huskies have won six straight home games.
Like West Virginia, UConn spreads the ball around. Junior guard A.J. Price leads the team in scoring at 15.0 points per game. He gets plenty of help from Junior forward Jeff Adrien (14.4), Sophomore guard Jerome Dyson (14.3) and Sophomore center Hasheem Thabeet (10.Cool. Adrien and Thabeet also really bang the boards. Adrien leads the team in rebounding with 9.3 per game, while Thabeet grabs 8 rebounds per contest. Sophomore forward Stanley Robinson also contributes plenty with 9.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
This is the only regular season meeting between these two teams. I see a real match-up problem for West Virginia here. The way Connecticut bangs the boards, they should have a real advantage. UConn is strong at home, while West Virginia has struggled on the road. Unlike the past couple weeks, I am going to lay the points here.
Take the CONNECTICUT HUSKIES -4 over the West Virginia Mountaineers.
West Virginia at Connecticut
With just two weekends remaining before the start of the major conference tournaments, every game the rest of the way gains importance. That statement couldn?t be more true than in the Big East Conference. As we sit now, the Big East has five teams in the top-25, seven teams that have 19 wins or more already, and a total of ten teams that have at least 16 wins and feel like they have a real shot at an at-large invite to the NCAA tournament. What happens over the next two weeks will help make the decision on who will be in the NCAAs and who will settle for the NIT or CBI tournaments.
Two of the teams right in the hunt will collide this Saturday when West Virginia takes on Connecticut. The Mountaineers are 19-8 when we wrote this, but may have their 20th win by the time these two meet. They play 10-16 DePaul on Wednesday. The Huskies are ranked 15th and are 21-6. They should pick up another win early this week when they face 10-18 Rutgers. Let?s take a look at these two teams a little closer.
First, we have the West Virginia Mountaineers. This team is truly a Jeckel and Hyde type of team. They have been dynamite at home lately, winning their last three games by 27, 21 and 18 points. On the other hand, they have struggled on the road. They are just 2-4 in their last six road games, including a 22-point loss to Villanova last time out.
West Virginia gets it done by spreading the ball around. To pick out the star of this team would be tough to do. There are four players who share the scoring, rebounding and assists. Junior forward Joe Alexander leads the team in scoring with 14.4 points per game. He also adds 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Following Alexander is Junior guard Alex Rouff. Rouff puts up 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Then there is Sophomore forward Da?Sean Butler with 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists, and Senior guard Darris Nichols with 11.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
Then there are the Connecticut Huskies who were really on a roll, winning ten straight games including four against ranked opponents, before they lost at Villanova by 2 on Saturday. The Huskies have won six straight home games.
Like West Virginia, UConn spreads the ball around. Junior guard A.J. Price leads the team in scoring at 15.0 points per game. He gets plenty of help from Junior forward Jeff Adrien (14.4), Sophomore guard Jerome Dyson (14.3) and Sophomore center Hasheem Thabeet (10.Cool. Adrien and Thabeet also really bang the boards. Adrien leads the team in rebounding with 9.3 per game, while Thabeet grabs 8 rebounds per contest. Sophomore forward Stanley Robinson also contributes plenty with 9.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
This is the only regular season meeting between these two teams. I see a real match-up problem for West Virginia here. The way Connecticut bangs the boards, they should have a real advantage. UConn is strong at home, while West Virginia has struggled on the road. Unlike the past couple weeks, I am going to lay the points here.
Take the CONNECTICUT HUSKIES -4 over the West Virginia Mountaineers.
