SERVICE PLAYS FOR SAT. 2/9
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THE SPORTS MEMO
Marquette at Notre Dame - Both teams enter the new week
in the midst of three straight wins in Big East play. Notre
Dame?s Luke Harangody may be a bit undersized but there
is nothing small about his game; he has scored at least 25
points and added 10+ rebounds in five of his eight conference
games. Marquette?s guard dominated lineup will have to find
a way to slow him down or losing their fourth Big East road
game by double digits seems a real possibility.
Texas A&M at Missouri - It has been a crazy two week stretch
for the Aggies who went from contender to pretender and back
again. A&M entered the week having won three straight both
SU and ATS with a monster win over Texas to their credit. But
don?t count Missouri out just yet. Despite major suspensions
to three starters and key reserves (Leo Lyons and Marshall
Brown returned last Saturday) the Tigers beat Kansas State.
Will home court be enough to keep Missouri afloat? We?ll see
this weekend.
San Diego State at TCU - The Aztecs dropped two heart
breakers to UNLV and BYU by a combined six points, leaving
them one game back of the two leaders in the Mountain West
standings. They have a chance to keep pace with two winnable
games against Air Force (midweek) and TCU (Saturday). The
frontline of Wade, White and Amoroso will be too much for
the shorthanded Frogs who may be without top option Henry
Slater to extend the SDSU defense.
Virginia at Wake Forest - The red hot Demon Deacons have
covered in five straight ACC games and haven?t dropped a
home game all season (also 5-1-1 ATS at home at the time of
press). We?ll see if the long term effects of losing their best
perimeter defender and go-to offensive threat (LD Williams)
catches up with them this week. The Cavs rarely pack their
defense when traveling and haven?t scored a conference road
win yet, but this may be their best opportunity if Sean Singletary
can find space on the outside.
USC at Washington State - No conference is as brutal as
the PAC 10, just ask Washington State who has battled but
come up short in three of four including two straight at home.
The Cougars will have to contend with the road warriors of
the west, USC (6-1 ATS away), less than 48 hours after facing
UCLA. In-season revenge for USC who dropped a home decision
by 15 to Wazzu comes into play here as well. Anticipate
a low scoring affair with USC?s myriad of defensive looks and
Washington State?s 6-3 under mark at home.
Ole Miss at Arkansas - At 5-2 at time of press the Razorbacks
find themselves atop the SEC West, tied with Mississippi
State, and staring down a meeting with defending SEC West
champion Ole Miss. Andy Kennedy?s Rebels have not fared
well on the road with three of their four conference losses
coming away from home. Their struggles on the defensive end
in SEC play have seen them blow large leads and fall behind
early at times as well as ranking second-worst in points allowed
and third-worst defensive FG percentage.
Oklahoma State at Kansas State - Oklahoma State just can?t
buy a road win. Dating back to last season the Cowboys have
dropped 14-straight true road tilts and have covered just two
times in that span. Although a tradition of winning in Manhattan
isn?t yet established, the Wildcats are 5-1 ATS this season
at home and have a win over arch rival Kansas to their credit.
Michael Beasley is hands down the most impressive freshman
in the Big 12, and perhaps in all of college basketball, averaging
over 25 points and 13 boards per game. K-State will need
this game to keep pace in the tightly contested upper half of
the conference and with a trip to Lubbock looming expect the
Cats to come out with nothing less than max effort, even if it
looks easy on paper.
Georgetown at Louisville - I anticipate Louisville to be in rebound
mode after traveling midweek to face Marquette, and
with Georgetown leading the conference and carrying a top
ten ranking, there seems to be no better opponent to elicit
that type of emotional effort. With their full compliment of
big men back on the court the Cards have the size and depth
inside to contain Roy Hibbert. And their pressure in the back
court should trouble the Hoyas. Both teams rank in the top
25 in defensive points allowed, and both rank in the top ten in
defensive FG percentage allowed which sets this game up as
a physically brutal matchup. Maybe look to play against both
after Saturday?s slobberknocker.
Purdue at Wisconsin - You?d never know it if you watched
the ESPN or Fox Sports highlight shows and college basketball
preview shows, but the young Boilermakers lead the
Big Ten after nine games. Purdue?s lone loss in Big Ten play
came by three points at Michigan State. But they cashed a
ticket in that meeting and have cashed in seven of their nine
league games including a win over this same Badgers squad.
After facing a litany of double-digit point spreads, Wisconsin
backers were looking at big losses. But back in a reasonable
range the boys from Madison walloped Indiana while holding
the high-flying Hoosiers to just 49 points. I suspect a similar
greeting for the Boilers is in order in this midseason revenge
spot.
BRENT CROW (2/9)
Marquette at Notre Dame
Recommendation: Notre Dame
The Irish have once again been spectacular on their home floor
this season, winning all 13 of their games thus far. They finished
18-0 last year and look to continue their winning streak against
one of the worst road teams in the conference tonight. Marquette
finally got a road win in Big East play last Saturday with
their victory over Cincinnati, their first in their last eight tries.
The Golden Eagles won despite another subpar performance by
Dominique James, who had just eight points on 2-9 shooting.
Notre Dame will have some added incentive to win this game after
losing at Marquette earlier this year by a 92-66 score, their
worst loss of the season. It should be a different story in South
Bend, however, where Notre Dame shoots 47% from the field
and allows just 39% by its opponents. Big man, Luke Harangody
had a tremendous game in the earlier loss at Marquette, scoring
29 points and grabbing 14 rebounds against the undersized
Marquette front line. However, the Irish were ice cold from the
three-point line, hitting just 4-of-19 attempts while Marquette
was scorching hot, hitting 12-of-24. The Eagles hit just 26% of
their threes on the road this year, so don?t expect them to repeat
that performance in South Bend. Notre Dame has been a
little overpriced at home recently, failing to cover in its last two
wins, but with Marquette ranked in the Top 20 and coming in on
a win streak, the Irish should be priced right to get the cover.
ED CASH (2/9)
Alabama at Kentucky
Recommendation: Kentucky
Believe it or not, the Kentucky Wildcats are playing about as
well as anyone in the SEC these days other than the Tennessee
Vols. However, when you consider that the Wildcats just
beat Tennessee a couple of weeks ago, that statement might
be true without the extra qualifier. Kentucky obviously got off
to a rough start, as they fought through injuries and an adjustment
to new coach Billy Gillispie?s methods. The injuries probably
prolonged that adjustment period, but the reasons that
Billy G was hired by Kentucky are becoming more and more obvious
as the season progresses. The Cats are playing very tough
defense and the offense continues to impress as well. Ramel
Bradley is quietly having a terrific year and the big freshman,
Patrick Patterson, is a load down low. Now even bench players
like Perry Stevenson are chipping in on offense and the Cats are
on a three-game winning streak while owning a 4-2 tally in SEC
play. They could very easily be 6-0 in the league, with their two
losses coming on the road at Florida in overtime and at Mississippi
State in a nail-biter. They should be able to continue their
momentum at home against a poor Alabama team. The Tide has
beaten only LSU and Auburn in league play, with both wins coming
at home. Alabama is 0-6 SU and 1-5 ATS as an underdog
this season, showing they cannot compete when they are the
lesser team. Take the Cats to get another win at Rupp Saturday.
DAVID JONES (2/9)
Utah at Sacramento
Recommendation: Over
The Utah Jazz will conclude their season series with the
Kings on Friday night in Sacramento. The home team has
won in the three previous games this season and all three
contests have gone over the total. The total scores in the
three matchups have been 210, 224, and 240 for an average
total score of 225. Utah entered the month of February
with the top team field goal percentage in the NBA. The offense
is very efficient. Forward Carlos Boozer (22 ppg.) and
guard Deron Williams have combined to form one of the best
inside-out scoring tandems in the league. Utah can score effectively
in half court sets or in transition. The Jazz went
14-9 to the Over in their first 23 road contests. Utah has
struggled with their defense away from home by allowing 10
more points per game in comparison to their home defensive
figures. The Kings went over the total in six of their last seven
home games heading into February. With a fully healthy
squad, Sacramento?s offense has developed a nice flow.
Guard Kevin Martin (24 ppg) leads a deep Sacramento team
that features six players averaging double-digits. The Kings
have averaged 112 ppg on offense in those seven contests.
Five of the seven games had a total score of 216 or higher.
Look for another shootout between these squads in their final
meeting of the regular season as we side with the Over.
ROB VENO (2/9)
James Madison at UNC Wilmington
Recommendation: Wilmington
With a projected pointspread of somewhere in the -6.5 range toward
the host, this seems like a solid opportunity to play the good
side of two teams moving in opposite directions. For the homestanding
Seahawks, it has been a strong 5-1 straight up and ATS
run that has boosted them right into the upper echelon of the
Colonial Athletic Association. In five of the six contests, Wilmington
has decisively outshot their opponents from the floor and
the only time they didn?t, they were still able to come up with a
straight up home win over George Mason. The senior laden unit
(4 of the 5 starters are seniors) has been led by 6-10 center Vladmir
Kuljanin who is averaging a double-double this season (65.7
FG%). Cohesiveness and offensive diversity have been terrific as
all four seniors are averaging double figures in points scored and
UNCW?s inside-outside abilities have really begun to sting opponents
(49.7 FG% during six-game run). For Madison, it?s been the
exact opposite as ever since their 93-74 rout of this NC-Wilmington
team back on January 12, they?ve gone 0-6 SU/ATS losing by
nine or more in four of those games. The Dukes? defense has fallen
apart as the opposition has shot 48% or better in five of the last
six games. Ball handling has been a nightmare for the smallish
JMU contingent as their five starters have combined for 214 assists
and 278 turnovers. Expect NC-Wilmington to exact revenge
in resounding fashion against this reeling James Madison squad.
TEDDY COVERS (2/9)
Utah at Sacramento
Recommendation: Sacramento
The Sacramento Kings are a completely different team now
than they were three weeks ago, but the betting marketplace
is still struggling to price this revamped team appropriately.
Any team would improve dramatically when getting their three
leading scorers back in the lineup after an extended absence,
and Reggie Theus?s squad is no exception. Kevin Martin has
regained his shooting touch, hitting 15 of 27 shots in back-toback
wins over the Hornets and Bulls this past weekend, including
nailing six of eleven three point tries. Mike Bibby has 21
assists compared to only eight turnovers in Sacramento?s last
three games, all victories. Ron Artest is on a tear, putting up
73 points in those same three games. Brad Miller seems completely
revitalized with his supporting cast healthy again: 66
points and 55 rebounds during that same three game stretch.
Perhaps most important of all, the Kings role players who got
so much playing time with the stars out of action ? Beno Udrih,
Francisco Garcia and John Salmons -- are now solid, consistent
contributors off the bench, giving them a strong matchup
advantage over a Jazz team that often suffers from inconsistent
bench play, particularly on the highway. Sacramento has
won four in a row and seven out of nine since getting their
?big three? back in the lineup and seven of their last eight at
Arco Arena, traditionally one of the strongest home courts in
the league. Facing a Jazz team that lost by ten here earlier in
the season; still five games under .500 on the road this season,
look for the Kings current run of excellence to continue.
SONNY PALERMO (2/9)
Memphis at New Orleans
Recommendation: Under
We hit the last two here in the newsletter, Denver over NJ in the NBA
on 1/25, and last week we got dog odds at +115 on Manning to go
Over 232.5 yards. The schedule maker has been very unaccommodating
in setting up situations that are agreeable for profile (leaguebased)
spots for me, so I?ve been looking for trends (plays particular
to specific teams.) And I have one I?ll be on in N?awlins on Saturday
night. The Memphis Grizzlies come to town after having played a Friday
night game in Dallas. Looking at some averages, I see Memphis
scores 101 points per game. That number drops to 97 points per game
on the road, but where we find real value is when they are on the
road in back-to-back situations. In this spot, Memphis? average score
per game drops to 91, a 10-point drop off from their overall average.
This season, the Grizzled ones have seen two spots that found them
on the road, back-to-back, needing to beat home teams spurred on
by weekend crowds (there is ALWAYS a higher energy level coming
from Friday and Saturday night home fans, fueled by release from
the work week.) At Utah on Saturday after at Portland on Friday
brought a 24-point loss, and Saturday at Atlanta after Friday at N.O.
saw an 8-point loss. ALL FOUR of Memphis? back-to-backs games
have gone Under this season and I?m playing the UNDER again here.
Marquette at Notre Dame - Both teams enter the new week
in the midst of three straight wins in Big East play. Notre
Dame?s Luke Harangody may be a bit undersized but there
is nothing small about his game; he has scored at least 25
points and added 10+ rebounds in five of his eight conference
games. Marquette?s guard dominated lineup will have to find
a way to slow him down or losing their fourth Big East road
game by double digits seems a real possibility.
Texas A&M at Missouri - It has been a crazy two week stretch
for the Aggies who went from contender to pretender and back
again. A&M entered the week having won three straight both
SU and ATS with a monster win over Texas to their credit. But
don?t count Missouri out just yet. Despite major suspensions
to three starters and key reserves (Leo Lyons and Marshall
Brown returned last Saturday) the Tigers beat Kansas State.
Will home court be enough to keep Missouri afloat? We?ll see
this weekend.
San Diego State at TCU - The Aztecs dropped two heart
breakers to UNLV and BYU by a combined six points, leaving
them one game back of the two leaders in the Mountain West
standings. They have a chance to keep pace with two winnable
games against Air Force (midweek) and TCU (Saturday). The
frontline of Wade, White and Amoroso will be too much for
the shorthanded Frogs who may be without top option Henry
Slater to extend the SDSU defense.
Virginia at Wake Forest - The red hot Demon Deacons have
covered in five straight ACC games and haven?t dropped a
home game all season (also 5-1-1 ATS at home at the time of
press). We?ll see if the long term effects of losing their best
perimeter defender and go-to offensive threat (LD Williams)
catches up with them this week. The Cavs rarely pack their
defense when traveling and haven?t scored a conference road
win yet, but this may be their best opportunity if Sean Singletary
can find space on the outside.
USC at Washington State - No conference is as brutal as
the PAC 10, just ask Washington State who has battled but
come up short in three of four including two straight at home.
The Cougars will have to contend with the road warriors of
the west, USC (6-1 ATS away), less than 48 hours after facing
UCLA. In-season revenge for USC who dropped a home decision
by 15 to Wazzu comes into play here as well. Anticipate
a low scoring affair with USC?s myriad of defensive looks and
Washington State?s 6-3 under mark at home.
Ole Miss at Arkansas - At 5-2 at time of press the Razorbacks
find themselves atop the SEC West, tied with Mississippi
State, and staring down a meeting with defending SEC West
champion Ole Miss. Andy Kennedy?s Rebels have not fared
well on the road with three of their four conference losses
coming away from home. Their struggles on the defensive end
in SEC play have seen them blow large leads and fall behind
early at times as well as ranking second-worst in points allowed
and third-worst defensive FG percentage.
Oklahoma State at Kansas State - Oklahoma State just can?t
buy a road win. Dating back to last season the Cowboys have
dropped 14-straight true road tilts and have covered just two
times in that span. Although a tradition of winning in Manhattan
isn?t yet established, the Wildcats are 5-1 ATS this season
at home and have a win over arch rival Kansas to their credit.
Michael Beasley is hands down the most impressive freshman
in the Big 12, and perhaps in all of college basketball, averaging
over 25 points and 13 boards per game. K-State will need
this game to keep pace in the tightly contested upper half of
the conference and with a trip to Lubbock looming expect the
Cats to come out with nothing less than max effort, even if it
looks easy on paper.
Georgetown at Louisville - I anticipate Louisville to be in rebound
mode after traveling midweek to face Marquette, and
with Georgetown leading the conference and carrying a top
ten ranking, there seems to be no better opponent to elicit
that type of emotional effort. With their full compliment of
big men back on the court the Cards have the size and depth
inside to contain Roy Hibbert. And their pressure in the back
court should trouble the Hoyas. Both teams rank in the top
25 in defensive points allowed, and both rank in the top ten in
defensive FG percentage allowed which sets this game up as
a physically brutal matchup. Maybe look to play against both
after Saturday?s slobberknocker.
Purdue at Wisconsin - You?d never know it if you watched
the ESPN or Fox Sports highlight shows and college basketball
preview shows, but the young Boilermakers lead the
Big Ten after nine games. Purdue?s lone loss in Big Ten play
came by three points at Michigan State. But they cashed a
ticket in that meeting and have cashed in seven of their nine
league games including a win over this same Badgers squad.
After facing a litany of double-digit point spreads, Wisconsin
backers were looking at big losses. But back in a reasonable
range the boys from Madison walloped Indiana while holding
the high-flying Hoosiers to just 49 points. I suspect a similar
greeting for the Boilers is in order in this midseason revenge
spot.
BRENT CROW (2/9)
Marquette at Notre Dame
Recommendation: Notre Dame
The Irish have once again been spectacular on their home floor
this season, winning all 13 of their games thus far. They finished
18-0 last year and look to continue their winning streak against
one of the worst road teams in the conference tonight. Marquette
finally got a road win in Big East play last Saturday with
their victory over Cincinnati, their first in their last eight tries.
The Golden Eagles won despite another subpar performance by
Dominique James, who had just eight points on 2-9 shooting.
Notre Dame will have some added incentive to win this game after
losing at Marquette earlier this year by a 92-66 score, their
worst loss of the season. It should be a different story in South
Bend, however, where Notre Dame shoots 47% from the field
and allows just 39% by its opponents. Big man, Luke Harangody
had a tremendous game in the earlier loss at Marquette, scoring
29 points and grabbing 14 rebounds against the undersized
Marquette front line. However, the Irish were ice cold from the
three-point line, hitting just 4-of-19 attempts while Marquette
was scorching hot, hitting 12-of-24. The Eagles hit just 26% of
their threes on the road this year, so don?t expect them to repeat
that performance in South Bend. Notre Dame has been a
little overpriced at home recently, failing to cover in its last two
wins, but with Marquette ranked in the Top 20 and coming in on
a win streak, the Irish should be priced right to get the cover.
ED CASH (2/9)
Alabama at Kentucky
Recommendation: Kentucky
Believe it or not, the Kentucky Wildcats are playing about as
well as anyone in the SEC these days other than the Tennessee
Vols. However, when you consider that the Wildcats just
beat Tennessee a couple of weeks ago, that statement might
be true without the extra qualifier. Kentucky obviously got off
to a rough start, as they fought through injuries and an adjustment
to new coach Billy Gillispie?s methods. The injuries probably
prolonged that adjustment period, but the reasons that
Billy G was hired by Kentucky are becoming more and more obvious
as the season progresses. The Cats are playing very tough
defense and the offense continues to impress as well. Ramel
Bradley is quietly having a terrific year and the big freshman,
Patrick Patterson, is a load down low. Now even bench players
like Perry Stevenson are chipping in on offense and the Cats are
on a three-game winning streak while owning a 4-2 tally in SEC
play. They could very easily be 6-0 in the league, with their two
losses coming on the road at Florida in overtime and at Mississippi
State in a nail-biter. They should be able to continue their
momentum at home against a poor Alabama team. The Tide has
beaten only LSU and Auburn in league play, with both wins coming
at home. Alabama is 0-6 SU and 1-5 ATS as an underdog
this season, showing they cannot compete when they are the
lesser team. Take the Cats to get another win at Rupp Saturday.
DAVID JONES (2/9)
Utah at Sacramento
Recommendation: Over
The Utah Jazz will conclude their season series with the
Kings on Friday night in Sacramento. The home team has
won in the three previous games this season and all three
contests have gone over the total. The total scores in the
three matchups have been 210, 224, and 240 for an average
total score of 225. Utah entered the month of February
with the top team field goal percentage in the NBA. The offense
is very efficient. Forward Carlos Boozer (22 ppg.) and
guard Deron Williams have combined to form one of the best
inside-out scoring tandems in the league. Utah can score effectively
in half court sets or in transition. The Jazz went
14-9 to the Over in their first 23 road contests. Utah has
struggled with their defense away from home by allowing 10
more points per game in comparison to their home defensive
figures. The Kings went over the total in six of their last seven
home games heading into February. With a fully healthy
squad, Sacramento?s offense has developed a nice flow.
Guard Kevin Martin (24 ppg) leads a deep Sacramento team
that features six players averaging double-digits. The Kings
have averaged 112 ppg on offense in those seven contests.
Five of the seven games had a total score of 216 or higher.
Look for another shootout between these squads in their final
meeting of the regular season as we side with the Over.
ROB VENO (2/9)
James Madison at UNC Wilmington
Recommendation: Wilmington
With a projected pointspread of somewhere in the -6.5 range toward
the host, this seems like a solid opportunity to play the good
side of two teams moving in opposite directions. For the homestanding
Seahawks, it has been a strong 5-1 straight up and ATS
run that has boosted them right into the upper echelon of the
Colonial Athletic Association. In five of the six contests, Wilmington
has decisively outshot their opponents from the floor and
the only time they didn?t, they were still able to come up with a
straight up home win over George Mason. The senior laden unit
(4 of the 5 starters are seniors) has been led by 6-10 center Vladmir
Kuljanin who is averaging a double-double this season (65.7
FG%). Cohesiveness and offensive diversity have been terrific as
all four seniors are averaging double figures in points scored and
UNCW?s inside-outside abilities have really begun to sting opponents
(49.7 FG% during six-game run). For Madison, it?s been the
exact opposite as ever since their 93-74 rout of this NC-Wilmington
team back on January 12, they?ve gone 0-6 SU/ATS losing by
nine or more in four of those games. The Dukes? defense has fallen
apart as the opposition has shot 48% or better in five of the last
six games. Ball handling has been a nightmare for the smallish
JMU contingent as their five starters have combined for 214 assists
and 278 turnovers. Expect NC-Wilmington to exact revenge
in resounding fashion against this reeling James Madison squad.
TEDDY COVERS (2/9)
Utah at Sacramento
Recommendation: Sacramento
The Sacramento Kings are a completely different team now
than they were three weeks ago, but the betting marketplace
is still struggling to price this revamped team appropriately.
Any team would improve dramatically when getting their three
leading scorers back in the lineup after an extended absence,
and Reggie Theus?s squad is no exception. Kevin Martin has
regained his shooting touch, hitting 15 of 27 shots in back-toback
wins over the Hornets and Bulls this past weekend, including
nailing six of eleven three point tries. Mike Bibby has 21
assists compared to only eight turnovers in Sacramento?s last
three games, all victories. Ron Artest is on a tear, putting up
73 points in those same three games. Brad Miller seems completely
revitalized with his supporting cast healthy again: 66
points and 55 rebounds during that same three game stretch.
Perhaps most important of all, the Kings role players who got
so much playing time with the stars out of action ? Beno Udrih,
Francisco Garcia and John Salmons -- are now solid, consistent
contributors off the bench, giving them a strong matchup
advantage over a Jazz team that often suffers from inconsistent
bench play, particularly on the highway. Sacramento has
won four in a row and seven out of nine since getting their
?big three? back in the lineup and seven of their last eight at
Arco Arena, traditionally one of the strongest home courts in
the league. Facing a Jazz team that lost by ten here earlier in
the season; still five games under .500 on the road this season,
look for the Kings current run of excellence to continue.
SONNY PALERMO (2/9)
Memphis at New Orleans
Recommendation: Under
We hit the last two here in the newsletter, Denver over NJ in the NBA
on 1/25, and last week we got dog odds at +115 on Manning to go
Over 232.5 yards. The schedule maker has been very unaccommodating
in setting up situations that are agreeable for profile (leaguebased)
spots for me, so I?ve been looking for trends (plays particular
to specific teams.) And I have one I?ll be on in N?awlins on Saturday
night. The Memphis Grizzlies come to town after having played a Friday
night game in Dallas. Looking at some averages, I see Memphis
scores 101 points per game. That number drops to 97 points per game
on the road, but where we find real value is when they are on the
road in back-to-back situations. In this spot, Memphis? average score
per game drops to 91, a 10-point drop off from their overall average.
This season, the Grizzled ones have seen two spots that found them
on the road, back-to-back, needing to beat home teams spurred on
by weekend crowds (there is ALWAYS a higher energy level coming
from Friday and Saturday night home fans, fueled by release from
the work week.) At Utah on Saturday after at Portland on Friday
brought a 24-point loss, and Saturday at Atlanta after Friday at N.O.
saw an 8-point loss. ALL FOUR of Memphis? back-to-backs games
have gone Under this season and I?m playing the UNDER again here.
WINNING POINTS
Saturday, February 9
NBA
***BEST BET***
*Philadelphia over Los Angeles Clippers by 16
The 76ers are on pace to finish with the league?s worst 3-point field goal percentage in
three years. However, the 76ers won?t need a lot of long-range baskets to take advantage
of the Clippers? soft middle and fatigue issues. This marks Los Angeles? sixth
straight road contest and sixth game in nine days. The 76ers are too physical for the
soft Clippers with a top-10 defense. PHILADELPHIA 101-85.
***BEST BET****
*Houston over Atlanta by 17
Time after time, no matter how much they spin it, the Hawks have failed to produce
on the road. Atlanta defeated Indiana at home in late December and proceeded to go
on the road for three straight games and lost all three. Following a 3-2 homestand,
including a victory against Denver, the Hawks were swept in two consecutive road
contests, failing to cover against Milwaukee and Toronto. Atlanta then dropped four
of five in a West Coast road swing that finished at the end of January, including losing
as a small favorite to the Clippers minus Corey Maggette and Chris Kaman. This
is the Hawks? first road contest since that defeat. Atlanta also has failed to cover during
four of the past five times during the second of back-to-back games. HOUSTON
104-87
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COLLEGE HOOPS
Saturday, February 9
***BEST BET***
Ohio* over Western Michigan by 22
Who knew the Bobcats will have played 10 of their last 15 games on the road to this
point, including a trip to Hawaii and back? No wonder they?ve been less than dominant
since conference play began. But looking between the lines, Tim O?Shea has had
?em ready for their best against the best opponents on their home floor ? thrashed
Miami-OH, thrashed Kent State. Didn?t thrash Ball State, but why should they care
about Ball State? Shooting guard Bubba Walther?s bonk on the head should be well
enough behind him to spread out the Western Michigan defense and create less Bobcat
and more air for the visiting Broncos to bump. Western Michigan sits atop the MACWest
division and with nothing but bad teams underneath them, they can take care of
business some other day. OHIO, 78-56
***BEST BET***
Cal-Santa Barbara* over Cal-Irvine by 20
Barbarians got Big West home opener-jobbed at Irvine last month, as the Anteaters
eked out some double-revenge frustration from last season. But with the nation?s
fourth-best 3-point shooting percentage (41.8%), 15th-best 3-point percentage
defense (29.6%), and the second-best defensive turnover frequency in the nation, they
appear to be so ready to turn the tables decisively as Irvine?s two leading scorers are
both undersized forwards. CAL-SANTA BARBARA, 75-55.
Saturday, February 9
NBA
***BEST BET***
*Philadelphia over Los Angeles Clippers by 16
The 76ers are on pace to finish with the league?s worst 3-point field goal percentage in
three years. However, the 76ers won?t need a lot of long-range baskets to take advantage
of the Clippers? soft middle and fatigue issues. This marks Los Angeles? sixth
straight road contest and sixth game in nine days. The 76ers are too physical for the
soft Clippers with a top-10 defense. PHILADELPHIA 101-85.
***BEST BET****
*Houston over Atlanta by 17
Time after time, no matter how much they spin it, the Hawks have failed to produce
on the road. Atlanta defeated Indiana at home in late December and proceeded to go
on the road for three straight games and lost all three. Following a 3-2 homestand,
including a victory against Denver, the Hawks were swept in two consecutive road
contests, failing to cover against Milwaukee and Toronto. Atlanta then dropped four
of five in a West Coast road swing that finished at the end of January, including losing
as a small favorite to the Clippers minus Corey Maggette and Chris Kaman. This
is the Hawks? first road contest since that defeat. Atlanta also has failed to cover during
four of the past five times during the second of back-to-back games. HOUSTON
104-87
----------------------------------------------------------------------
COLLEGE HOOPS
Saturday, February 9
***BEST BET***
Ohio* over Western Michigan by 22
Who knew the Bobcats will have played 10 of their last 15 games on the road to this
point, including a trip to Hawaii and back? No wonder they?ve been less than dominant
since conference play began. But looking between the lines, Tim O?Shea has had
?em ready for their best against the best opponents on their home floor ? thrashed
Miami-OH, thrashed Kent State. Didn?t thrash Ball State, but why should they care
about Ball State? Shooting guard Bubba Walther?s bonk on the head should be well
enough behind him to spread out the Western Michigan defense and create less Bobcat
and more air for the visiting Broncos to bump. Western Michigan sits atop the MACWest
division and with nothing but bad teams underneath them, they can take care of
business some other day. OHIO, 78-56
***BEST BET***
Cal-Santa Barbara* over Cal-Irvine by 20
Barbarians got Big West home opener-jobbed at Irvine last month, as the Anteaters
eked out some double-revenge frustration from last season. But with the nation?s
fourth-best 3-point shooting percentage (41.8%), 15th-best 3-point percentage
defense (29.6%), and the second-best defensive turnover frequency in the nation, they
appear to be so ready to turn the tables decisively as Irvine?s two leading scorers are
both undersized forwards. CAL-SANTA BARBARA, 75-55.
POINTWISE
COLLEGE KEY RELEASES
ARKANSAS over Mississippi (Sat) RATING: 1
SETON HALL over Villanova (Sat) RATING: 2
CONNECTICUT over Georgia Tech (Sat) RATING: 2
OHIO U over Western Michigan (Sat) RATING: 3
COLLEGE KEY RELEASES
ARKANSAS over Mississippi (Sat) RATING: 1
SETON HALL over Villanova (Sat) RATING: 2
CONNECTICUT over Georgia Tech (Sat) RATING: 2
OHIO U over Western Michigan (Sat) RATING: 3
CTO
Saturday,February 9
SAN DIEGO STATE over *Tcu...(Day game) Even if sliding TCU?s 6-4 juco sharpshooter G Henry Salter (14 ppg, 52% from arc) returns from
sprained ankle, still recommend veteran MWC contender SDS, which defeated Horned Frogs 64-57 in early Jan. despite missing starting PG
R. Williams and a season-low 3 of 16 from tripleville. With healthy PG Wiliams dishing to his many options in balanced attack (5 starters
between 9 & 15 ppg)?bolstered by more assertive 6-8, 272 C Amoroso & emerging 6-6 frosh F B. White (combined for 40 pts., 21 rebs.
vs. CSU Jan. 29)?Aztecs defeat Horned Frogs for 6th straight time and stay in league title hunt.
SAN DIEGO STATE 75 - *Tcu 63 RATING - 10
CHARLOTTE over *St. Bonaventure...St. Bonny?s recent 74-59 home upset over Duquesne only serves to forewarn Charlotte, which might
otherwise have taken bottom-feeder Bonnies for granted following 21-pt. home romp in LY?s reg.-season finale. Forty-Niners primed for
razor-sharp outing following upset loss vs. Richmond Feb. 2, when they made season-worst 1 of 23 from tripleville, with star G Goldwire
(19 ppg) misfiring on 11 of 13 FGs. A-10 contender Charlotte should cover single-digit spread vs. rim-clanking St. Bonny (just 65 ppg, 42%
FGs, 32% beyond arc), which had suffered 6 straight DD losses prior to victory vs. free-shooting Dukes.
CHARLOTTE 79 - *St. Bonaventure 61 RATING - 10
*LOYOLA-CHICAGO over Illinois-Chicago...Here we go again. But that?s a good thing for Loyola-Chicago, which has made a habit of
excelling in February since HC Jim Whitesell took over three seasons ago (Ramblers 18-5 SU in February since). And pieces fitting again,
especially with sr. swingman Robinson (scored 23 in Feb. 2 win over Cleveland St.) now providing unexpected firepower bonus to team
with jr. Gs Blount & Cerasoli, who combined for 44 points in bitter double-OT loss at UIC Jan. 12.
*LOYOLA-CHICAGO 66 - Illinois-Chicago 55 RATING - 10
Saturday,February 9
SAN DIEGO STATE over *Tcu...(Day game) Even if sliding TCU?s 6-4 juco sharpshooter G Henry Salter (14 ppg, 52% from arc) returns from
sprained ankle, still recommend veteran MWC contender SDS, which defeated Horned Frogs 64-57 in early Jan. despite missing starting PG
R. Williams and a season-low 3 of 16 from tripleville. With healthy PG Wiliams dishing to his many options in balanced attack (5 starters
between 9 & 15 ppg)?bolstered by more assertive 6-8, 272 C Amoroso & emerging 6-6 frosh F B. White (combined for 40 pts., 21 rebs.
vs. CSU Jan. 29)?Aztecs defeat Horned Frogs for 6th straight time and stay in league title hunt.
SAN DIEGO STATE 75 - *Tcu 63 RATING - 10
CHARLOTTE over *St. Bonaventure...St. Bonny?s recent 74-59 home upset over Duquesne only serves to forewarn Charlotte, which might
otherwise have taken bottom-feeder Bonnies for granted following 21-pt. home romp in LY?s reg.-season finale. Forty-Niners primed for
razor-sharp outing following upset loss vs. Richmond Feb. 2, when they made season-worst 1 of 23 from tripleville, with star G Goldwire
(19 ppg) misfiring on 11 of 13 FGs. A-10 contender Charlotte should cover single-digit spread vs. rim-clanking St. Bonny (just 65 ppg, 42%
FGs, 32% beyond arc), which had suffered 6 straight DD losses prior to victory vs. free-shooting Dukes.
CHARLOTTE 79 - *St. Bonaventure 61 RATING - 10
*LOYOLA-CHICAGO over Illinois-Chicago...Here we go again. But that?s a good thing for Loyola-Chicago, which has made a habit of
excelling in February since HC Jim Whitesell took over three seasons ago (Ramblers 18-5 SU in February since). And pieces fitting again,
especially with sr. swingman Robinson (scored 23 in Feb. 2 win over Cleveland St.) now providing unexpected firepower bonus to team
with jr. Gs Blount & Cerasoli, who combined for 44 points in bitter double-OT loss at UIC Jan. 12.
*LOYOLA-CHICAGO 66 - Illinois-Chicago 55 RATING - 10
JEFFERSONSPORTS 4-2 last night
22-11 all sports run (67%)
NCAA HOOPS 99-68 ( 60%)
NBA 62-48 (56%)
NHL 41-26 (61%)
NCAA FOOTBALL 27-11 (71%) (10-4 bowls) (71%)
documented since oct 6th
NCAA HOOPS EARLY RELEASE
NOTRE DAME-5
Major revenge for a great home team. Harangody dominated Marquette the first time they played but the Irish shot 4-19 from 3 point range and they were killed 92-66. Shouldn't happen again. Notre Dame has been awesome at home and should be revved up for major revenge.Notre Dame avg 84 ppg. shoots 47% from the field and 44% from 3 point range at home. Marquette has struggled on road.
22-11 all sports run (67%)
NCAA HOOPS 99-68 ( 60%)
NBA 62-48 (56%)
NHL 41-26 (61%)
NCAA FOOTBALL 27-11 (71%) (10-4 bowls) (71%)
documented since oct 6th
NCAA HOOPS EARLY RELEASE
NOTRE DAME-5
Major revenge for a great home team. Harangody dominated Marquette the first time they played but the Irish shot 4-19 from 3 point range and they were killed 92-66. Shouldn't happen again. Notre Dame has been awesome at home and should be revved up for major revenge.Notre Dame avg 84 ppg. shoots 47% from the field and 44% from 3 point range at home. Marquette has struggled on road.
Keep in mind Spain (2nd leading scorer) has been suspended indefinitely for the Aztecs.
The Sports Reporter
BEST BET
*NOTRE DAME over MARQUETTE by 14
Spread projections off prevailing power ratings suggest that this favorite could come at a
surprisingly-reasonable price, pointwise, especially with Golden Eagles? revival made apparent
in second half at Cincinnati.factored in. Still haven?t seen the top-form Dominic James
for any sustained period, this season. Irish?s lengthy home-court success streak add to the
attraction.
NOTRE DAME 84-70
BEST BET
*LOUISVILLE over GEORGETOWN by 12
It?s February? It?s Pitino Time! When Ricky has the horses, this train?s never late . . . with a
plethora of serious player health issues subdued or solved, it?s time for the Cards to put their
best sneakers forward against the established high-quality Hoyas. 6-11 David Padgett isn?t
Roy Hibbert, but he?s not wholly outclassed inside, Terrence Williams and Jerry Smith can
pour it in, and Card defense was permitting opponents to hit below 38% of their fieldgoal
tries, at this writing. All the ingredients are there, as the Ville makes their way into the Top
25.
LOUISVILLE 71-59
BEST BET
*GOLDEN STATE over SACRAMENTO by 14
It?s the battle for Northern California as the Warriors host the Kings. It?ll be a little bit more
personal for these players if Chris Webber suits up as expected for the Warriors. The
nucleus may have changed but Mike Bibby and Brad Miller still remember how sweet it
was when the Kings were at their peak with Chris Webber manning the middle. Tonight
though, the Kings will be handicapped by having played last night while the Warriors will
be running up and down the court with ease.
GOLDEN STATE 118-104
BEST BET
*NOTRE DAME over MARQUETTE by 14
Spread projections off prevailing power ratings suggest that this favorite could come at a
surprisingly-reasonable price, pointwise, especially with Golden Eagles? revival made apparent
in second half at Cincinnati.factored in. Still haven?t seen the top-form Dominic James
for any sustained period, this season. Irish?s lengthy home-court success streak add to the
attraction.
NOTRE DAME 84-70
BEST BET
*LOUISVILLE over GEORGETOWN by 12
It?s February? It?s Pitino Time! When Ricky has the horses, this train?s never late . . . with a
plethora of serious player health issues subdued or solved, it?s time for the Cards to put their
best sneakers forward against the established high-quality Hoyas. 6-11 David Padgett isn?t
Roy Hibbert, but he?s not wholly outclassed inside, Terrence Williams and Jerry Smith can
pour it in, and Card defense was permitting opponents to hit below 38% of their fieldgoal
tries, at this writing. All the ingredients are there, as the Ville makes their way into the Top
25.
LOUISVILLE 71-59
BEST BET
*GOLDEN STATE over SACRAMENTO by 14
It?s the battle for Northern California as the Warriors host the Kings. It?ll be a little bit more
personal for these players if Chris Webber suits up as expected for the Warriors. The
nucleus may have changed but Mike Bibby and Brad Miller still remember how sweet it
was when the Kings were at their peak with Chris Webber manning the middle. Tonight
though, the Kings will be handicapped by having played last night while the Warriors will
be running up and down the court with ease.
GOLDEN STATE 118-104
Marc Lawrence comp
Game: Mississippi at Arkansas Feb 9 2008 5:00PM
Prediction: Mississippi
Reason: Play On: Mississippi
Note: Rebels travel to Fayetteville to take on the red-hot Razorbacks in a game Ole Miss suddenly needs like blood. After opening the season 12-0, Mississippi has dropped four of its last seven games to fall back into the SEC pack. Arkansas checks in riding a 3-0 SU & ATS win streak, fresh off a revenge win over defending national champion Florida. That's the tip of the 'bad news iceberg' for the Hogs, as they are 1-9 ATS in games after the Gators, including 0-5 the last five. In addition they have another revenger up next against Tennessee. That's more bad news, however, as Arkansas is 0-6 ATS in games before facing the Vols. Toss in Ole Miss' 11-1-2 ATS mark with revenge in this series, including 5-0-1 ATS on this court, and you can see where we're going here. The Red
Cross arrives in the nick of time for the Rebels. Grab the points with the underdog with the better record here today.
Jimmy The Moose comp
Game: Los Angeles Kings at Pittsburgh Penguins Feb 9 2008 1:00PM
Prediction: Los Angeles Kings
Reason: The Kings are playing a lot better of late and have won 3 of their last 4 games. Their last win came against the league leading Detroit Red Wings. The Kings are 5-1 in their last 6 games played after 1 day rest between games. The Penguins haven't been anything special going 5-5 in their last 10 games. Piitsburgh is 5-0 in their last 5 games following a win. LA is 5-0-1 in their last 6 trips to Pittsburgh. The Penguins are 1-7-1 in the last meetings overall between the clubs. Play on the Kings +.
MATT FARGO
Today?s Free Pick
GAME: Illinois-Chicago @ Loyola-Chicago Feb 9, 2008 8:00PM
SPORT: College Basketball Picks
PICK: Illinois-Chicago
Offered at: Sportsbook
REASON FOR PICK: Looking at the home/road records for Illinois-Chicago makes a road play seem a little confusing but it is the right side. The Flames are 10-1 at home and just 2-6 on the road that record away from home can be looked at in a few ways. It includes some extremely tough opponents including Butler, Valparaiso, Akron and Illinois St. who happen to be a combined 44-6 at home. One of those road wins came at DePaul who certainly is no powerhouse but it is from the Big East.
Another way to look at it is to compare to the opponents home record and Loyola-Chicago comes in with a 7-5 record at home which is nothing to brag about. It is rather below average for a home floor mark as it also includes two wins against Division II teams. The Ramblers have won three straight games so they do come in with some solid momentum and confidence and while they are also playing for some payback, this is a big city rivalry where revenge can be thrown out the door.
The Flames own the country?s third-best percentage from behind the three-point line at 42.3 percent. This is not good news for the Ramblers as their defense allows opponents to hit 38.5 percent from long range which is 296th in the country. Illinois-Chicago shot 38.9 percent in the first meeting. On the other side, the Ramblers are hitting 28.2 percent from long range which is 333rd in the nation. They shot 35.3 percent in that first meeting so we should not be expecting to see any more of that nonsense.
At 6-5 in the Horizon, this is a big game for the Flames as a victory puts them into a tie for third place while a loss puts them in a tie for 6th. The first four spots are huge since those teams get to host the first round of the conference tournament. The Flames are 9-8 against the Ramblers on Loyola?s home court, having won four of the last five meetings at the Gentile Center. As mentioned, home court is not that huge here to begin with and when it was bigger for the Ramblers, Illinois-Chicago was still able to solve it.
With the Flames being the higher ranked team (117 to 190) and a short line, it sets up a great situation favoring Illinois-Chicago. Play on road teams where the line is +3 to -3 after two consecutive covers as a favorite and have won between 45 and 55 percent of their games on the season. This situation is 22-4 ATS (84.6 percent) over the last five seasons with the average point differential being +5.6 ppg. This has covered 11 of 13 times over the last three seasons and we add to it here in the first instance of 2008. Play Illinois-Chicago Flames 1 Unit
Game: Mississippi at Arkansas Feb 9 2008 5:00PM
Prediction: Mississippi
Reason: Play On: Mississippi
Note: Rebels travel to Fayetteville to take on the red-hot Razorbacks in a game Ole Miss suddenly needs like blood. After opening the season 12-0, Mississippi has dropped four of its last seven games to fall back into the SEC pack. Arkansas checks in riding a 3-0 SU & ATS win streak, fresh off a revenge win over defending national champion Florida. That's the tip of the 'bad news iceberg' for the Hogs, as they are 1-9 ATS in games after the Gators, including 0-5 the last five. In addition they have another revenger up next against Tennessee. That's more bad news, however, as Arkansas is 0-6 ATS in games before facing the Vols. Toss in Ole Miss' 11-1-2 ATS mark with revenge in this series, including 5-0-1 ATS on this court, and you can see where we're going here. The Red
Cross arrives in the nick of time for the Rebels. Grab the points with the underdog with the better record here today.
Jimmy The Moose comp
Game: Los Angeles Kings at Pittsburgh Penguins Feb 9 2008 1:00PM
Prediction: Los Angeles Kings
Reason: The Kings are playing a lot better of late and have won 3 of their last 4 games. Their last win came against the league leading Detroit Red Wings. The Kings are 5-1 in their last 6 games played after 1 day rest between games. The Penguins haven't been anything special going 5-5 in their last 10 games. Piitsburgh is 5-0 in their last 5 games following a win. LA is 5-0-1 in their last 6 trips to Pittsburgh. The Penguins are 1-7-1 in the last meetings overall between the clubs. Play on the Kings +.
MATT FARGO
Today?s Free Pick
GAME: Illinois-Chicago @ Loyola-Chicago Feb 9, 2008 8:00PM
SPORT: College Basketball Picks
PICK: Illinois-Chicago
Offered at: Sportsbook
REASON FOR PICK: Looking at the home/road records for Illinois-Chicago makes a road play seem a little confusing but it is the right side. The Flames are 10-1 at home and just 2-6 on the road that record away from home can be looked at in a few ways. It includes some extremely tough opponents including Butler, Valparaiso, Akron and Illinois St. who happen to be a combined 44-6 at home. One of those road wins came at DePaul who certainly is no powerhouse but it is from the Big East.
Another way to look at it is to compare to the opponents home record and Loyola-Chicago comes in with a 7-5 record at home which is nothing to brag about. It is rather below average for a home floor mark as it also includes two wins against Division II teams. The Ramblers have won three straight games so they do come in with some solid momentum and confidence and while they are also playing for some payback, this is a big city rivalry where revenge can be thrown out the door.
The Flames own the country?s third-best percentage from behind the three-point line at 42.3 percent. This is not good news for the Ramblers as their defense allows opponents to hit 38.5 percent from long range which is 296th in the country. Illinois-Chicago shot 38.9 percent in the first meeting. On the other side, the Ramblers are hitting 28.2 percent from long range which is 333rd in the nation. They shot 35.3 percent in that first meeting so we should not be expecting to see any more of that nonsense.
At 6-5 in the Horizon, this is a big game for the Flames as a victory puts them into a tie for third place while a loss puts them in a tie for 6th. The first four spots are huge since those teams get to host the first round of the conference tournament. The Flames are 9-8 against the Ramblers on Loyola?s home court, having won four of the last five meetings at the Gentile Center. As mentioned, home court is not that huge here to begin with and when it was bigger for the Ramblers, Illinois-Chicago was still able to solve it.
With the Flames being the higher ranked team (117 to 190) and a short line, it sets up a great situation favoring Illinois-Chicago. Play on road teams where the line is +3 to -3 after two consecutive covers as a favorite and have won between 45 and 55 percent of their games on the season. This situation is 22-4 ATS (84.6 percent) over the last five seasons with the average point differential being +5.6 ppg. This has covered 11 of 13 times over the last three seasons and we add to it here in the first instance of 2008. Play Illinois-Chicago Flames 1 Unit
Karl Garrett Comps
Georgia Tech (+8) at CONNECTICUT
The G-Man enters Saturday's play riding a nice 22-9 comp play run.
Georgia Tech is one of those teams that the G-Man likes to call "predictably-unpredictable". The Yellow Jackets are only 5-5 at home, but are 6-5 on the road, and are coming off handing Wake Forest their first home loss since late last season!
The G-Man will grab the points and look for the Yellow Jackets to keep things close today against UConn in this late out-of-conference meeting. Last February, G-Tech drilled the Huskies 65-52 down in Atlanta, and the linesmakers certainly feel a payback is in order as they have made the Huskies a near double digit favorite in this one.
Connecticut has won 6 in a row, but they are only 2-2-1 against the spread their last 5 as a fave, and today's impost is pretty steep.
Jim Calhoun's team has also struggled on Saturday's as their 3-7 spread mark the last 10 Saturday's suggests. With Georgia Tech having won their last 3 on the ACC road, the G-Man will look for the Techsters to hang inside of this roomy impost today.
3♦ GEORGIA TECH
Sports Gambling Hotline
George Mason (-2) at OLD DOMINION
The price looks right on George Mason this afternoon on the road at Old Dominion.
Mason stands at 17-6 for the year, and they come into this game having won 3 in a row, and 7 of their last 8 straight up, while going 5-1-2 against the spread in those 8 games.
The Patriots drilled the Monarchs earlier this season 86-53 back on January 23rd to run the series win streak to 2 straight. George Mason is also a very profitable 6-1 against the spread the last 7 times they have clashed with ODU.
Old Dom just can't seem to get any traction this year, as the Monarchs have gone just 5-9 straight up their last 14 games, and are just 5-8 against the spread in that same 14 game span.
It's getting near crunch time as far a impressing the Big Dance tournament committee is concerned, and we expect George Mason to pull off the season series sweep and improve to 18-6 for the season.
Play on the Pats minus the small road chalk this afternoon in Colonial play.
2♦ GEORGE MASON
Bobby Maxwell
Utah (-2) at AIR FORCE
We're in the Mountain West Conference for a FREE play today on Utah as the Utes visit Air Force.
The Utes are catching the Falcons at the right time and will get an easy win in this one. The small chalk will be no problem for Utah to cover.
Utah played its best game of the season on Wednesday, scoring an 81-73 home win over UNLV as three-point favorites. The Utes shot 50 percent from the field in the game and have done that in the last two outings, including a 67-52 win at Colorado State as eight-point chalk.
Air Force is struggling with its offense. The Falcons went to San Diego Wednesday and lost 49-38 as 10-point underdogs. They were just 13-of-42 from the field and have a habit of losing sight of the basket in Mountain West games.
When these two teams met in Utah on Jan. 5, the Utes won 58-36 as 12-point favorites and the Falcons went just 11-of-35 from the field and got outrebounded 31-16. Four times in their last eight games the Falcons have hit 16 field goals or less in a conference game.
The Utes are 6-3 ATS on the road this season and Air Force has gone just 2-6 ATS in Saturday games. We're going to lay the small chalk with Utah.
4♦ UTAH
Georgia Tech (+8) at CONNECTICUT
The G-Man enters Saturday's play riding a nice 22-9 comp play run.
Georgia Tech is one of those teams that the G-Man likes to call "predictably-unpredictable". The Yellow Jackets are only 5-5 at home, but are 6-5 on the road, and are coming off handing Wake Forest their first home loss since late last season!
The G-Man will grab the points and look for the Yellow Jackets to keep things close today against UConn in this late out-of-conference meeting. Last February, G-Tech drilled the Huskies 65-52 down in Atlanta, and the linesmakers certainly feel a payback is in order as they have made the Huskies a near double digit favorite in this one.
Connecticut has won 6 in a row, but they are only 2-2-1 against the spread their last 5 as a fave, and today's impost is pretty steep.
Jim Calhoun's team has also struggled on Saturday's as their 3-7 spread mark the last 10 Saturday's suggests. With Georgia Tech having won their last 3 on the ACC road, the G-Man will look for the Techsters to hang inside of this roomy impost today.
3♦ GEORGIA TECH
Sports Gambling Hotline
George Mason (-2) at OLD DOMINION
The price looks right on George Mason this afternoon on the road at Old Dominion.
Mason stands at 17-6 for the year, and they come into this game having won 3 in a row, and 7 of their last 8 straight up, while going 5-1-2 against the spread in those 8 games.
The Patriots drilled the Monarchs earlier this season 86-53 back on January 23rd to run the series win streak to 2 straight. George Mason is also a very profitable 6-1 against the spread the last 7 times they have clashed with ODU.
Old Dom just can't seem to get any traction this year, as the Monarchs have gone just 5-9 straight up their last 14 games, and are just 5-8 against the spread in that same 14 game span.
It's getting near crunch time as far a impressing the Big Dance tournament committee is concerned, and we expect George Mason to pull off the season series sweep and improve to 18-6 for the season.
Play on the Pats minus the small road chalk this afternoon in Colonial play.
2♦ GEORGE MASON
Bobby Maxwell
Utah (-2) at AIR FORCE
We're in the Mountain West Conference for a FREE play today on Utah as the Utes visit Air Force.
The Utes are catching the Falcons at the right time and will get an easy win in this one. The small chalk will be no problem for Utah to cover.
Utah played its best game of the season on Wednesday, scoring an 81-73 home win over UNLV as three-point favorites. The Utes shot 50 percent from the field in the game and have done that in the last two outings, including a 67-52 win at Colorado State as eight-point chalk.
Air Force is struggling with its offense. The Falcons went to San Diego Wednesday and lost 49-38 as 10-point underdogs. They were just 13-of-42 from the field and have a habit of losing sight of the basket in Mountain West games.
When these two teams met in Utah on Jan. 5, the Utes won 58-36 as 12-point favorites and the Falcons went just 11-of-35 from the field and got outrebounded 31-16. Four times in their last eight games the Falcons have hit 16 field goals or less in a conference game.
The Utes are 6-3 ATS on the road this season and Air Force has gone just 2-6 ATS in Saturday games. We're going to lay the small chalk with Utah.
4♦ UTAH
ATS LOCK
8 N C Wilmington -7 1/2
7 Louisville -2 1/2
7 Arkansas -6 1/2
1 Unit Round Robin with the three
5 So Carolina -2 1/2
4 Calif -5
ATS FINANCIAL
4 Nebraska -3 1/2
4 Florida -2 1/2
4 Northeastern -5 1/2
8 N C Wilmington -7 1/2
7 Louisville -2 1/2
7 Arkansas -6 1/2
1 Unit Round Robin with the three
5 So Carolina -2 1/2
4 Calif -5
ATS FINANCIAL
4 Nebraska -3 1/2
4 Florida -2 1/2
4 Northeastern -5 1/2
Comps
Bill Young
Akron -6
John Martin
Baylor +18
John Fina
Minnesota -8 (-110)
Tony Mathews
Miami (Ohio) -12 (-110)
Hawkeye Sports
Iowa +8
Brian Marshall
California -5 (-110)
RAZOR SHARP SPTS
AKRON -6? over Ball St
VEGAS STEAMLINE
Take Drake -16? over Evansville
TOTALS 4U
ATLANTA/HOUSTON OVER 182 1/2
COMPUTER SPORTS
MINNESOTA GOPHERS-8
HUDDLE UP SPORTS
DePaul -7'
TV HOTLINE COMP
W. MICHIGAN +4-
Bill Young
Akron -6
John Martin
Baylor +18
John Fina
Minnesota -8 (-110)
Tony Mathews
Miami (Ohio) -12 (-110)
Hawkeye Sports
Iowa +8
Brian Marshall
California -5 (-110)
RAZOR SHARP SPTS
AKRON -6? over Ball St
VEGAS STEAMLINE
Take Drake -16? over Evansville
TOTALS 4U
ATLANTA/HOUSTON OVER 182 1/2
COMPUTER SPORTS
MINNESOTA GOPHERS-8
HUDDLE UP SPORTS
DePaul -7'
TV HOTLINE COMP
W. MICHIGAN +4-
Is there anyone who has Psychic sports picks card today? I would love to look at it. Thanks in advance if anyone has it?
Psychic Sports Picks Members Area
2/9
PSYCHIC
3 units Notre Dame -4.5
3 units Connecticut -8
2 units Duquesne -3
2 units Seton Hall +5.5
2 units Auburn +5.5
2/9
PSYCHIC
3 units Notre Dame -4.5
3 units Connecticut -8
2 units Duquesne -3
2 units Seton Hall +5.5
2 units Auburn +5.5
Scott Spreitzer
KNOCKOUT GAME OF THE YEAR
FLORIDA GATORS
*Didn't see a write-up and not confirmed, if anyone could help confirm this, that would be great.
KNOCKOUT GAME OF THE YEAR
FLORIDA GATORS
*Didn't see a write-up and not confirmed, if anyone could help confirm this, that would be great.
Brandon Lang
Brandon Lang
Brandon Lang
20 Dime: Louisville
10 Dime: Tulane
10 Dime: Wisconsin-Green bay
5 Dime: Baylor
5 Dime: Missouri
FREE PICK - Kansas State
Brandon Lang
Brandon Lang
20 Dime: Louisville
10 Dime: Tulane
10 Dime: Wisconsin-Green bay
5 Dime: Baylor
5 Dime: Missouri
FREE PICK - Kansas State
DCI
COLLEGE HOOPS
America East Conference
ALBANY 77, Hartford 68
BOSTON U. 65, Stony Brook 53
NEW HAMPSHIRE 72, Maine 64
UMBC 77, Binghamton 67
Atlantic 10 Conference
Charlotte 72, ST. BONAVENTURE 63
Dayton 69, GEORGE WASHINGTON 62
Duquesne 84, LA SALLE 83
Atlantic Coast Conference
DUKE 91, Boston College 66
MARYLAND 73, NC State 64
VIRGINIA TECH 70, Miami (Fla.) 67
WAKE FOREST 78, Virginia 72
Atlantic Sun Conference
BELMONT 91, North Florida 61
Gardner-Webb 81, KENNESAW STATE 78
LIPSCOMB 74, Jacksonville 71
MERCER 83, Campbell 82
Big 12 Conference
KANSAS 88, Baylor 68
KANSAS STATE 80, Oklahoma State 64
NEBRASKA 63, Texas Tech 60
Oklahoma 64, COLORADO 58
Texas 70, IOWA STATE 63
Texas A&M 76, MISSOURI 73
Big East Conference
Cincinnati 67, RUTGERS 59
DePAUL 80, South Florida 70
LOUISVILLE 62, Georgetown 61
NOTRE DAME 79, Marquette 71
Providence 71, ST. JOHN'S 69
VILLANOVA 85, Seton Hall 83
Big Sky Conference
MONTANA 71, Montana State 68
Portland State 78, SACRAMENTO STATE 64
WEBER STATE 68, Northern Colorado 61
Big South Conference
RADFORD 88, Charleston Southern 80
UNC Asheville 73, LIBERTY 69
VMI 94, Coastal Carolina 92
WINTHROP 65, High Point 56
Big Ten Conference
MICHIGAN STATE 77, Northwestern 55
MINNESOTA 60, Iowa 53
Penn State vs. MICHIGAN: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
WISCONSIN 62, Purdue 53
Big West Conference
Cal State Fullerton 78, CAL POLY 73
Cal State Northridge 77, UC DAVIS 66
PACIFIC 77, Long Beach State 62
UC SANTA BARBARA 71, UC Irvine 62
Colonial Athletic Association
DREXEL 61, Towson 60
George Mason 65, OLD DOMINION 62
HOFSTRA 66, Georgia State 60
NORTHEASTERN 64, William & Mary 59
UNC WILMINGTON 83, James Madison 72
Vcu 64, DELAWARE 53
Conference USA
MARSHALL 73, East Carolina 62
MEMPHIS 85, Ucf 62
SMU 65, Rice 58
TULANE 72, Houston 71
TULSA 72, Southern Miss 69
UAB 77, Utep 70
Horizon League
Butler 67, GREEN BAY 62
CLEVELAND STATE 66, Detroit 56
Uic vs. LOYOLA (CHICAGO): TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Wright State 63, YOUNGSTOWN STATE 59
Ivy League
BROWN 78, Harvard 64
COLUMBIA 62, Princeton 50
CORNELL 84, Penn 66
YALE 73, Dartmouth 63
Mid-American Conference
Akron 65, BALL STATE 55
KENT STATE 78, Northern Illinois 56
MIAMI (OHIO) 69, Central Michigan 57
OHIO 68, Western Michigan 64
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
BETHUNE-COOKMAN 60, Norfolk State 58
Hampton vs. DELAWARE STATE: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Howard vs. UMES: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
North Carolina A&T vs. FLORIDA A&M: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
South Carolina State 66, COPPIN STATE 65
Missouri Valley Conference
DRAKE 72, Evansville 51
ILLINOIS STATE 67, Bradley 65
Northern Iowa 58, MISSOURI STATE 57
WICHITA STATE 57, Indiana State 56
Mountain West Conference
NEW MEXICO 77, Wyoming 66
San Diego State 69, TCU 65
UNLV 80, Colorado State 54
Utah 55, AIR FORCE 53
Northeast Conference
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE 77, St. Francis (N.Y.) 62
Mount St. Mary's 61, MONMOUTH 59
ROBERT MORRIS 80, Long Island 69
SAINT FRANCIS (PA.) 75, Fairleigh Dickinson 73
Ohio Valley Conference
AUSTIN PEAY 68, Samford 58
EASTERN KENTUCKY 80, Southeast Missouri State 67
MOREHEAD STATE 71, Murray State 68
TENNESSEE STATE 82, Tennessee Tech 80
TENNESSEE-MARTIN 79, Eastern Illinois 67
Pacific-10 Conference
CALIFORNIA 86, Oregon 80
STANFORD 72, Oregon State 46
Usc 59, WASHINGTON STATE 58
Patriot League
ARMY 59, Colgate 58
HOLY CROSS 68, Lafayette 66
NAVY 71, Bucknell 70
Southeastern Conference
ARKANSAS 81, Mississippi 74
FLORIDA 79, Georgia 64
KENTUCKY 79, Alabama 71
Mississippi State 72, AUBURN 66
SOUTH CAROLINA 83, Vanderbilt 81
Tennessee 87, LSU 70
Southern Conference
APPALACHIAN STATE 83, The Citadel 60
DAVIDSON 84, College of Charleston 68
GEORGIA SOUTHERN 82, Chattanooga 77
WOFFORD 68, Elon 56
Southland Conference
CENTRAL ARKANSAS 81, Northwestern State 75
LAMAR 76, Southeastern Louisiana 69
McNEESE STATE 65, Nicholls State 62
SAM HOUSTON STATE 72, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 59
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 70, UT San Antonio 47
UT ARLINGTON 87, Texas State 79
Southwestern Athletic Conference
Alabama State 65, MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE 64
ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF 66, Alabama A&M 58
JACKSON STATE 84, Alcorn State 72
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M 76, Texas Southern 69
Southern 70, GRAMBLING STATE 69
Summit League
Iupui 78, NORTH DAKOTA STATE 76
Oakland 80, CENTENARY 77
ORAL ROBERTS 73, Ipfw 57
SOUTHERN UTAH 75, Umkc 71
Western Illinois vs. SOUTH DAKOTA STATE: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Sun Belt Conference
FLORIDA ATLANTIC 78, Arkansas State 68
Middle Tennessee 71, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL 65
NEW ORLEANS 81, Louisiana-Monroe 70
North Texas vs. UALR: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
West Coast Conference
GONZAGA 93, Pepperdine 70
PORTLAND 74, Loyola Marymount 64
Western Athletic Conference
LOUISIANA TECH 64, Idaho 61
NEVADA 79, Hawai'i 69
NEW MEXICO STATE 84, Boise State 83
UTAH STATE 78, San Jose State 61
Non-Conference
CONNECTICUT 85, Georgia Tech 77
MORGAN STATE 72, Winston-Salem State 54
Savannah State vs. LONGWOOD: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN 78, New Jersey Tech 57
UTAH VALLEY STATE 79, Chicago State 72
NHL
PHILADELPHIA 3, N.Y. Rangers 2
PITTSBURGH 4, Los Angeles 2
Detroit 3, TORONTO 2
MINNESOTA 3, N.Y. Islanders 2
CALGARY 3, Edmonton 2
BOSTON 3, Florida 2
OTTAWA 4, Montreal 3
NEW JERSEY 3, Carolina 2
Tampa Bay vs. ATLANTA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
DALLAS 3, St. Louis 2
VANCOUVER 3, Colorado 2
SAN JOSE 3, Nashville 2
NBA
INDIANA 102, Portland 101
PHILADELPHIA 96, L.A. Clippers 91
NEW ORLEANS 110, Memphis 92
MILWAUKEE 99, New York 94
HOUSTON 96, Atlanta 87
UTAH 106, Chicago 94
GOLDEN STATE 115, Sacramento 108
COLLEGE HOOPS
America East Conference
ALBANY 77, Hartford 68
BOSTON U. 65, Stony Brook 53
NEW HAMPSHIRE 72, Maine 64
UMBC 77, Binghamton 67
Atlantic 10 Conference
Charlotte 72, ST. BONAVENTURE 63
Dayton 69, GEORGE WASHINGTON 62
Duquesne 84, LA SALLE 83
Atlantic Coast Conference
DUKE 91, Boston College 66
MARYLAND 73, NC State 64
VIRGINIA TECH 70, Miami (Fla.) 67
WAKE FOREST 78, Virginia 72
Atlantic Sun Conference
BELMONT 91, North Florida 61
Gardner-Webb 81, KENNESAW STATE 78
LIPSCOMB 74, Jacksonville 71
MERCER 83, Campbell 82
Big 12 Conference
KANSAS 88, Baylor 68
KANSAS STATE 80, Oklahoma State 64
NEBRASKA 63, Texas Tech 60
Oklahoma 64, COLORADO 58
Texas 70, IOWA STATE 63
Texas A&M 76, MISSOURI 73
Big East Conference
Cincinnati 67, RUTGERS 59
DePAUL 80, South Florida 70
LOUISVILLE 62, Georgetown 61
NOTRE DAME 79, Marquette 71
Providence 71, ST. JOHN'S 69
VILLANOVA 85, Seton Hall 83
Big Sky Conference
MONTANA 71, Montana State 68
Portland State 78, SACRAMENTO STATE 64
WEBER STATE 68, Northern Colorado 61
Big South Conference
RADFORD 88, Charleston Southern 80
UNC Asheville 73, LIBERTY 69
VMI 94, Coastal Carolina 92
WINTHROP 65, High Point 56
Big Ten Conference
MICHIGAN STATE 77, Northwestern 55
MINNESOTA 60, Iowa 53
Penn State vs. MICHIGAN: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
WISCONSIN 62, Purdue 53
Big West Conference
Cal State Fullerton 78, CAL POLY 73
Cal State Northridge 77, UC DAVIS 66
PACIFIC 77, Long Beach State 62
UC SANTA BARBARA 71, UC Irvine 62
Colonial Athletic Association
DREXEL 61, Towson 60
George Mason 65, OLD DOMINION 62
HOFSTRA 66, Georgia State 60
NORTHEASTERN 64, William & Mary 59
UNC WILMINGTON 83, James Madison 72
Vcu 64, DELAWARE 53
Conference USA
MARSHALL 73, East Carolina 62
MEMPHIS 85, Ucf 62
SMU 65, Rice 58
TULANE 72, Houston 71
TULSA 72, Southern Miss 69
UAB 77, Utep 70
Horizon League
Butler 67, GREEN BAY 62
CLEVELAND STATE 66, Detroit 56
Uic vs. LOYOLA (CHICAGO): TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Wright State 63, YOUNGSTOWN STATE 59
Ivy League
BROWN 78, Harvard 64
COLUMBIA 62, Princeton 50
CORNELL 84, Penn 66
YALE 73, Dartmouth 63
Mid-American Conference
Akron 65, BALL STATE 55
KENT STATE 78, Northern Illinois 56
MIAMI (OHIO) 69, Central Michigan 57
OHIO 68, Western Michigan 64
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
BETHUNE-COOKMAN 60, Norfolk State 58
Hampton vs. DELAWARE STATE: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Howard vs. UMES: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
North Carolina A&T vs. FLORIDA A&M: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
South Carolina State 66, COPPIN STATE 65
Missouri Valley Conference
DRAKE 72, Evansville 51
ILLINOIS STATE 67, Bradley 65
Northern Iowa 58, MISSOURI STATE 57
WICHITA STATE 57, Indiana State 56
Mountain West Conference
NEW MEXICO 77, Wyoming 66
San Diego State 69, TCU 65
UNLV 80, Colorado State 54
Utah 55, AIR FORCE 53
Northeast Conference
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE 77, St. Francis (N.Y.) 62
Mount St. Mary's 61, MONMOUTH 59
ROBERT MORRIS 80, Long Island 69
SAINT FRANCIS (PA.) 75, Fairleigh Dickinson 73
Ohio Valley Conference
AUSTIN PEAY 68, Samford 58
EASTERN KENTUCKY 80, Southeast Missouri State 67
MOREHEAD STATE 71, Murray State 68
TENNESSEE STATE 82, Tennessee Tech 80
TENNESSEE-MARTIN 79, Eastern Illinois 67
Pacific-10 Conference
CALIFORNIA 86, Oregon 80
STANFORD 72, Oregon State 46
Usc 59, WASHINGTON STATE 58
Patriot League
ARMY 59, Colgate 58
HOLY CROSS 68, Lafayette 66
NAVY 71, Bucknell 70
Southeastern Conference
ARKANSAS 81, Mississippi 74
FLORIDA 79, Georgia 64
KENTUCKY 79, Alabama 71
Mississippi State 72, AUBURN 66
SOUTH CAROLINA 83, Vanderbilt 81
Tennessee 87, LSU 70
Southern Conference
APPALACHIAN STATE 83, The Citadel 60
DAVIDSON 84, College of Charleston 68
GEORGIA SOUTHERN 82, Chattanooga 77
WOFFORD 68, Elon 56
Southland Conference
CENTRAL ARKANSAS 81, Northwestern State 75
LAMAR 76, Southeastern Louisiana 69
McNEESE STATE 65, Nicholls State 62
SAM HOUSTON STATE 72, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 59
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN 70, UT San Antonio 47
UT ARLINGTON 87, Texas State 79
Southwestern Athletic Conference
Alabama State 65, MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE 64
ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF 66, Alabama A&M 58
JACKSON STATE 84, Alcorn State 72
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M 76, Texas Southern 69
Southern 70, GRAMBLING STATE 69
Summit League
Iupui 78, NORTH DAKOTA STATE 76
Oakland 80, CENTENARY 77
ORAL ROBERTS 73, Ipfw 57
SOUTHERN UTAH 75, Umkc 71
Western Illinois vs. SOUTH DAKOTA STATE: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Sun Belt Conference
FLORIDA ATLANTIC 78, Arkansas State 68
Middle Tennessee 71, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL 65
NEW ORLEANS 81, Louisiana-Monroe 70
North Texas vs. UALR: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
West Coast Conference
GONZAGA 93, Pepperdine 70
PORTLAND 74, Loyola Marymount 64
Western Athletic Conference
LOUISIANA TECH 64, Idaho 61
NEVADA 79, Hawai'i 69
NEW MEXICO STATE 84, Boise State 83
UTAH STATE 78, San Jose State 61
Non-Conference
CONNECTICUT 85, Georgia Tech 77
MORGAN STATE 72, Winston-Salem State 54
Savannah State vs. LONGWOOD: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN 78, New Jersey Tech 57
UTAH VALLEY STATE 79, Chicago State 72
NHL
PHILADELPHIA 3, N.Y. Rangers 2
PITTSBURGH 4, Los Angeles 2
Detroit 3, TORONTO 2
MINNESOTA 3, N.Y. Islanders 2
CALGARY 3, Edmonton 2
BOSTON 3, Florida 2
OTTAWA 4, Montreal 3
NEW JERSEY 3, Carolina 2
Tampa Bay vs. ATLANTA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
DALLAS 3, St. Louis 2
VANCOUVER 3, Colorado 2
SAN JOSE 3, Nashville 2
NBA
INDIANA 102, Portland 101
PHILADELPHIA 96, L.A. Clippers 91
NEW ORLEANS 110, Memphis 92
MILWAUKEE 99, New York 94
HOUSTON 96, Atlanta 87
UTAH 106, Chicago 94
GOLDEN STATE 115, Sacramento 108
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