Cnotes 2016 NCAA Basketball News-Trends-Picks !

[CNOTES]

Thursday’s games


Purdue is 12-3 vs schedule #182; they lost by 7 at Louisville in only true road game this season. Boilermakers lost last game at home in OT to Minnesota, snapping their 7-game winning streak. Purdue is 2-3 vs top 100 teams, beating Notre Dame/Iowa. Home side won last four Purdue-Ohio State games; Boilers lost last four visits to Columbus, by 23-3-18-4 points- they’re 2-7 in last nine series games. Buckeyes split last eight games after a 6-0 start; they’re 1-3 vs top 100 teams, with only win by 5 over Providence.


Davidson won three of four games with George Washington, splitting pair here; they lost 79-69 here LY, have series wins by 2-11-7 points. Wildcats lost four of last six games overall, losing A-14 opener by hoop at home to Richmond; they’re 1-2 in true road games, winning at Mercer, losing at Charleston/UNC. GW has an interim coach this year; they’re 8-6 vs schedule #147, losing last two games to Miami by 8, St Joe’s by 5. Colonials are 2-4 vs top 100 teams, with wins over Temple/Central Florida.


Rice is 11-4 this year, after being 36-89 the last four years; Owls are #279 experience team that has played schedule #287; they lost to Pitt by 10, Texas Tech by 1 in only top 100 games this year. Home side won last three Middle Tennessee-Rice games; Blue Raiders lost in double OT last time they were here, in ’15. MTSU is 3-1 in true road games, winning at Ole Miss, Belmont; they’re #34 experience team that is playing pace #329 (Rice plays pace #63). Rice starts two sophomores and a freshman; they’re shooting 39.6% on arc, have #18 eFG%.


Home side won six of last seven Cal-UCLA games; Golden Bears lost last three visits here, by 14-12-19 points, but they won last two over UCLA, by 2-12 points. Bruins are 8-0 at home, with 14 points the closest of those games. UCLA plays pace #12, is shooting 42.4% on arc (#3), 61.7% inside arc (#1)- they’re 5-1 in top 100 games, winning by 11-7-5-18-13 points. Cal has #8 eFG% defense, holding teams to 41.7% inside arc; they play pace #256 pace, have future NBA player in big man Rabb, so curious to see which team gets tempo they want here.


Northwestern won nine of last ten games, losing last game by 9 at Michigan State; Wildcats are 4-3 in top 100 games, 2-3 in top 50 games- they’ve got #15 eF% defense. Northwestern won five of last six games with Minnesota, winning last three, by 6-25-24 points. Gophers lost six of last seven visits to Evanston. Minnesota split its first two Big 14 games, both in OT, winning at Purdue, losing at Michigan State. Gophers lost only other true road game by 8 at Florida State. Minnesota is 13-2 vs schedule #99, despite being experience team #307.


Nebraska won its first two league games, both on road, at Indiana/Maryland by total of 6 points, after 1-6 skid in December that included a loss to Gardner-Webb. Cornhuskers force turnovers 20.8% of time, shoot only 30.6% on arc. Iowa won its last five games with Nebraska, all by 10+ points; Hawkeyes won two of last three visits here. Hawkeyes won six of last seven games, beating Michigan in OT in last game; Iowa is 0-2 in true road games, losing at Notre Dame by 14, Purdue by 22- they’re #345 experience team in country.


Colorado is 10-4 vs schedule #129; they’re 2-2 in true road games, winning at Portland/Air Force, losing at BYU/Utah. Buffaloes are 7-1 vs teams ranked outside top 100, with only loss to Colorado State. Colorado won three of last four games with Arizona State, with wins by 9-6-10 points; Buffs lost last three visits to Tempe, by 9-21-6 points. Sun Devils are 1-5 vs top 100 foes, with only win by 11 at a sub-par San Diego State team- they’ve got #305 eFG% defense, are 6-7 in their last 13 games. ASU allowed 87 pts/game in its first two Pac-12 games.


Arizona is somehow 13-2 despite having #325 experience team whose bench plays #294 minutes; they got PG Cartwright back two games ago which greatly helps their depth. Wildcats allowed 57 pts/game in sweeping trip to Bay Area by 5-39 points. Arizona won nine of last ten games with Utah; they lost 70-64 in Salt Lake City LY. Utes lost last four visits to Tucson by 9-3-9-18 points. Utah is 1-2 vs top 100 teams, beating Colorado, losing by 9 to Butler, 8 to Xavier; they split two true road games, winning at Hawai’i, losing at Xavier.


St Mary’s is 12-1 vs schedule #299; they’ve got whole team back from LY, are 2-1 vs top 100 teams, beating Nevada by 18, Dayton by 4 back in November- their only loss was at home to UT-Arlington on Dec 8. Home side won six of last seven BYU-St Mary’s games; Cougars lost four of last five visits here, losing last two by 5-11 points. BYU won its last four games overall, scoring 85 pts/game in winning first two WCC games- they’re #319 experience team but generally have older players, because so many of their players take Mormon missions.


Stanford lost five of last five six D-I games; they lost by 15 at Kansas, 23 at SMU in only two true road games this season. Cardinal gave up 94.5 pts/game in losing pair of home games to the Arizona schools last week. USC was 13-0 before losing by 23 at Oregon in last game; Trojans have played #208 schedule, are #328 experience team- they’re 4-1 vs teams in top 125, with best win by 5 over SMU. Stanford won its last five games with USC, with four of five by 8+ points. Cardinal won 79-71/79-76 in last two games in Galen Center.


Belmont is 7-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, with five wins by 8 or less points; they’re 3-1 at home, with only loss to Middle Tennessee. Bruins is #46 experience team that shoots 61.7% inside arc, only 30.3% on arc. Belmont won its last four games with UT-Martin, three by 10+ points; Skyhawks lost 90-53/72-67 in last two visits here. UTM is 3-4 in its last seven games, 4-4 in true road games; they’re turning ball over 22% of time (#316) but are #11 experience team- they split first two OVC games, beating Morehead State in OT last game.


Jacksonville State is 9-7 against schedule #102; this is their first D-I home game of the year (they player a non-D-I home game Nov 22). Gamecocks are much-improved with Harper as its new coach, are 9-7 after being 30-63 the last three years. Murray State is 20-1 in its last 21 games with JSU, winning eight of last nine played here. Racers won last three series games by 9-27-15 points. Murray is 0-6 in true road games, with five losses by 6 or less points or in OT; that includes losses at So Dakota State, Bowling Green, Evansville, Middle Tennessee.


Eastern Washington won five of last six games with Montana State; Bobcats lost last four games here, by 17-4-5-24 points. Eagles are 9-5 vs schedule #124; they won Big Sky opener by 7 at Idaho- they’re 5-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, are also 4-0 in OT games. Montana State snapped 7-game skid with win over Idaho State in last game; Bobcats are 0-5 in true road games, with four of five losses by 8 or less points. MSU is #298 in experience in a league where most of teams have lot of returning players this season.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Boilermakers (12-3) at Buckeyes (10-4)
Date: January 05, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

Ohio State faces a tall task when the Buckeyes play host to No. 15 Purdue on Thursday night at Value City Arena in Columbus.


Literally, and a tall task in many ways.


Not only does Purdue's frontcourt of 6-foot-9 Caleb Swanigan and 7-2 Isaac Haas tower over the Buckeyes' frontcourt, the Boilermakers statistically are better than the Buckeyes in almost every category.


But the Boilermakers have won only once in 14 trips to Value City Arena. The Buckeyes have won four straight in Columbus against the Boilermakers.


As they say, the game's not played on paper, it's played on the field, or in this case on the court, and despite the statistical advantage, Purdue's coach Matt Painter doesn't need to be reminded of that.


Purdue (12-3, 1-1 Big Ten) had its seven-game winning streak snapped on Sunday when the Minnesota Gophers posted a 91-82 overtime road victory despite Swanigan dropping 28 points and grabbing 22 rebounds.


Purdue fell behind early and scrambled in the second half to get back in the game. Swanigan sent the game into overtime with a four seconds left in regulation. Minnesota used an 11-0 run early in overtime to pull away and win at Purdue for the first time since 2005.


"Minnesota did everything well early, and they got into a nice rhythm," Painter said. "It felt like we were down 10 or 12 at the half, but we were fortunate to be down only three. Their guards played very well, but we made defensive mistakes as the game wore on.


"It's also a real shame that Swanigan gets 28 and 22 and that doesn't lead to a win."


Swanigan now has four 20-20 games this season as he builds a solid All-America resume. He's a matchup nightmare for most teams, and the Buckeyes are no different.


Swanigan and Haas often overshadow Vince Edwards, but the 6-8 forward completes one of the most dynamic frontcourts in the nation by posting 12.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.


Guard Dakota Mathias has taken a significant step forward averaging just under 10 points per game. Painter has integrated freshman guard Carsen Edwards into the lineup and he has paid dividends with under 11 points a game.


Freshman Micah Potter and 7-footer Trevor Thompson will be faced with the tall task of trying to control Swanigan (18.5 ppg, 13.0 rpg) and Haas (13.9 ppg). The Boilermakers' offense is humming to the tune of 84.5 points (20th in the country), 40.3 rebounds (31st) and 20.3 assists (second).


Ohio State (10-4, 0-1) opened Big Ten play dropping a 75-70 decision to Illinois, a team they had defeated six straight times. The loss was Ohio State's third of the season by less than five points.


JaQuan Lyle scored 26 points, 18 in the second half, to lead the Buckeyes out of a double-digit first-half hole. Lyle took over five minutes into the second half and scored 16 straight OSU points to put the Buckeyes up 58-57 with 8:35 to play.


But as quickly as Lyle provided a spark, the magic vanished. Enigmatic senior forward Marc Loving and junior guard Kam Williams added 10 points apiece.


Loving and Williams are capable of huge offensive games if they get off to a good start. Their first few shots must fall, otherwise confidence becomes a factor.


The Buckeyes' defense -- ranked 35th, allowing only 63.9 points per game -- will have to play much better against a Boilermakers offense that's one of the best in the nation.


The schedule makers didn't do the Buckeyes any favors. Ohio State hits the road next week to play Minnesota and Wisconsin. Waiting in the wings is the always dangerous Michigan State.


"Right now, we're 0-1 in the Big Ten and it's definitely something that we need: a win under our belt," Loving said. "There's not really much after that. We need to get a win."


Ohio State coach Thad Matta said the Buckeyes need to shoot better and pay attention to detail if they have a chance to pull off the upset and avoid going 0-2 to start conference play.


"We have to play better than we played the other night and when you're playing a team like Purdue -- I think they're really, really good -- we've got to do all the little things and we've got to do all the little things for 40 minutes."


Jae'Sean Tate is the heart and soul of the Buckeyes and at 6-4 might just cause some trouble for the taller Boilermakers. Tate, who leads the Buckeyes in scoring at 13.9 ppg, is one of two Power 5 Conference players 6-4 or shorter averaging more than six rebounds per game (Markelle Fultz from Washington is averaging 6.2). Overall, Tate is tied for 11th nationally among players 6-4 or shorter with 6.9 rebounds per game.


Four other players average double figures, giving Matta plenty of balance.


Before playing Minnesota, Purdue welcomed back fifth-year senior guard Spike Albrecht after the one-time Michigan player missed seven games. His return gives the Boilermakers some much needed experience at the guard position.


He played nine minutes on Sunday and is expected to see more playing time on Thursday.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Bulldogs (14-0) at Dons (11-4)
Date: January 05, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

Fifth-ranked Gonzaga is aware that the target only grows bigger with each victory it records.


Recalling last season's visit to San Francisco also serves as a huge reminder.


The Bulldogs (14-0, 2-0) aim to fight off the upset bid and continue the best start in school history on Thursday when they visit the University of San Francisco in West Coast Conference play.


Gonzaga is 32-4 against the Dons during Mark Few's tenure as coach but San Francisco's solid season has caught the squad's attention.


The Dons (11-4, 1-1) are enjoying their best start since opening 12-3 during the 1999-2000 campaign but haven't defeated a top five program since knocking off No. 2 Wichita State on Dec. 29, 1981.


Yet San Francisco needs only to look back to last season's home contest against Gonzaga to realize an upset is possible.


The Dons held a 16-point lead with 8:49 left in regulation before the margin evaporated and the Bulldogs rallied to post a 102-92 overtime victory.


Now San Francisco will make another bid as it begins a tough three-game stretch in which it hosts WCC powers Gonzaga and Saint Mary's before finishing with a road game at Brigham Young.


"It's a major challenge," first-year coach Kyle Smith said. "Believe me, I haven't been sleeping as well as I normally would this week. We have the fifth-ranked team in the nation coming into our gym and we're trying to keep the team loose, confident and prepared."


Meanwhile, Bulldogs junior point guard Nigel Williams-Goss may not be at full strength after dealing with the stomach flu.


Williams-Goss leads Gonzaga in scoring (13.8), assists (4.7) and steals (24) while expertly guiding an offense that averages 84.9 points per game.


Shooting guard Jordan Mathews is in the midst of a hot streak by making 16 of 33 3-point shots over the past four games. The transfer from Cal leads the Bulldogs with 37 3-pointers while ranking fourth on the team in scoring at 10.6 per game.


Senior center Przemek Karnowski (12.7 points, team-best 6.3 rebounds) looks to follow up a strong effort in Saturday's 81-61 win over Pacific. Karnowski contributed 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting and a career-best seven assists.


Sophomore guard Josh Perkins (10.9) and backup freshman power forward Zach Collins (10.5) also average in double figures. Collins is shooting a scintillating 72.5 percent from the field.


The victory over Pacific was Gonzaga's first true road contest of the season. And there were issues as the Bulldogs trailed by eight points early in the second half before using a 25-4 burst to change the complexion of the game and win going away.


"It's a challenge not only for the new guys, just the intensity these teams are coming at us with and you don't get do-overs, but we have some other guys that come from programs that haven't won and quite frankly haven't fared well on the road," Few said. "They need to learn the characteristics that do make you fare well on the road. It's not just our young guys."


San Francisco is led by senior guard Ronnie Boyce, who is averaging 16 points per game and has notched five 20-point outings. Freshman guard Charles Minlend (11.3) and junior forward Chase Foster (10.9) also average in double digits.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Golden Bears (10-4) at Bruins (14-1)
Date: January 05, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

UCLA coach Steve Alford and California coach Cuonzo Martin share a past coaching at Missouri State and playing for Big Ten teams Indiana and Purdue, respectively, during their college careers in the Hoosier State.


Coming off a split last weekend to start Pac-12 play, Alford and Martin now share the same objective -- stay in pace with the young conference race.


The fourth-ranked Bruins (14-1, 1-1 Pac-12) are coming off an 89-87 loss at Oregon and a 76-63 win over Oregon State. Alford called the victory over the Beavers a "must-win" situation after losing on a last-second 3-pointer made by Oregon guard Dillon Brooks.


"Any time you lose for the first time getting that win the next time is not easy, especially with the heartbreaking way we lost to Oregon," Alford said in a press conference this week. "The way we responded against Oregon State, which tried to shorten the game by slowing things down, I'm really proud of how we played.


"We needed a good bounce-back win."


After losing at home to Arizona, Martin's team also got back on track with an 81-65 win over Arizona State. More promising for Cal (10-4, 1-1) is that it started a game-turning 21-4 run in the second half against the Sun Devils with sophomore standout post player Ivan Rabb on the bench in foul trouble.


"It's really big for us," said Grant Mullins, a graduate transfer guard from Columbia. "It gives our guys confidence. While we have a ton of confidence in him, he can't play 40 minutes a night or he'd just be too tired. When he's off the floor, other guys have to step up, and everyone showed us that tonight."


Cal and UCLA are gradually getting their personnel healthy and prepared to play.


The Golden Bears will soon add much needed depth to their interior game with 7-foot-1 junior center Kameron Rooks, out with a knee injury since Nov. 30, cleared to practice this week. His availability for the UCLA game is questionable.


UCLA center Thomas Welsh returned during the Oregon trip after missing four games with a bruised right knee. He totaled 20 points and 10 rebounds against the Ducks in his first game back.


The Bruins have also cleared this week guard Prince Ali (torn meniscus in his right knee last July) and forward Alex Olesinski (stress reaction in left foot) to start practicing with the team.


"It's seemed like we didn't know a timetable (for the return of Ali and Olesinski), and all of a sudden we get back from the Oregon trip and both Prince and Alex are out on the floor practicing again," Alford said. "They look great so now it's about just being with them, talking to them and making sure they know their options and we support whatever that is."


It will be difficult for Ali and Olesinski to crack Alford's existing eight-man rotation headlined by freshmen T.J. Leaf, a wing player who leads the Bruins with 17.5 points a game, and point guard Lonzo Ball, who had 37 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds in the games in Oregon.


UCLA ranks third in the nation with 93.9 points per game and the Bruins top the nation shooting 54.2 percent from the field.


"UCLA wants to get out and go really quickly," said Cal guard Sam Singer, who is now the team's sixth man after Mullins started in his place against Arizona State. "I don't think we're necessarily going to slow it down, but we have to be smart with how fast we want the game to go."


Based on the stats, Cal should make it difficult for UCLA to get second chances around the basket. The Golden Bears rank No. 1 nationally in defensive rebounding percentage (82 percent).


Rabb ranks in the top 30 in the country in defensive rebounds per game (10th, 7.92), rebounds per game (24th, 10.3) and double-doubles (28th, 6), and is 43rd for field goal percentage (56.3 percent).


"Rabb is a special player and I like their toughness in the backcourt," Alford said of Mullins, Singer and freshman guard Charlie Moore (second on team with 15.3 points per game). "Mullins is a fifth-year guy who knows how to play and shoot the ball.


"Cuonzo's teams are always very good defensively and they are very physical. Like all games, we have to be better in this one than the last one. "

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Utes (10-3) at Wildcats (13-2)
Date: January 05, 2017 10:00 PM EDT

No. 17 Arizona is a more complete team than it was through most of its non-conference schedule. So, too, is Thursday night's opponent, Utah.


The Wildcats (13-2, 2-0 Pac-12) have won seven in a row and got back point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright last week from a high ankle sprain. Utah (10-3, 1-0) is coming off a 76-60 home win over Colorado and is a more dangerous squad since adding post David Collette and guard Sedrick Barefield at the semester break.


Collette, a transfer from Utah State, and Barefield, from SMU, have played in five games and have combined to average about 30 points per game.


"I look at them as one of the top four teams in our conference," Arizona coach Sean Miller said.


"If you think about the firepower Utah just added, you almost have to judge them only on the games that those two guys played. Both guys have a chance to be all-conference players."


The Wildcats, who opened conference play with a road sweep of Stanford and California, have eight available scholarship players with Jackson-Cartwright's return. He had missed six full games because of the injury. Jackson-Cartwright played a total of 42 minutes over the weekend, with 10 assists and three turnovers, although he made just 1 of 7 shots from the field.


"He didn't have any setbacks over the weekend," Miller said. "But I think his conditioning will continue to come back and his confidence shooting the ball will continue to develop. We're happy to have him back, for sure. We played a long time without him."


Arizona is still expected to be without guard Allonzo Trier, who has not played this season because of an unspecified eligibility issue. The school has not announced a timetable for a potential return.


Collette is averaging 15.4 points and is shooting 65.4 percent from the field. Forward Kyle Kuzma averages 14.4 points and 9.8 rebounds, helping the Utes to a plus-10.1 rebounding edge, which is the eighth-best mark in the country. Kuzma returned against Colorado after missing most of three games with an ankle injury.


Barefield is averaging 14.2 points per game.


With a lot of lineup shuffling, Utah has six players averaging in double-figure points, although coach Larry Krystkowiak would like to see more consistent guard play.


"I haven't been pleased with our assist-to-turnover ratio and I think some guys are putting their heads down," he said. "We have some scoring-minded guards, and even sometimes our posts get a little bit thirsty for scoring points."


Arizona is led in scoring by a trio of freshmen -- power forward Lauri Markkanen (15.8), wing Rawle Alkins (12.7) and guard Kobi Simmons (12.5). Center Dusan Ristic has been hot, hitting 41 of 63 shots (65.1 percent) in the past seven games, increasing his scoring average to 11.2 points.


This will be the only meeting of the season between the teams in an unbalanced conference schedule. The Wildcats will not make a return trip to play at Utah and Colorado. The Utes snapped a 12-game losing streak against Arizona last season with a 70-64 victory in Salt Lake City.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Cardinal (8-6) at Trojans (14-1)
Date: January 05, 2017 11:00 PM EDT

USC tries to bounce back from its first loss of the season when the No. 25 Trojans host Stanford in a Pac-12 Conference game Thursday night at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.


The Trojans (14-1, 1-1 Pac-12) hope to produce a much better performance after struggling in key areas of an 84-61 loss to No. 15 Oregon on Friday.


Stanford (8-6, 0-2) lost three of its last four games and five of seven. The Cardinal are coming off back-to-back losses to Arizona State and No. 17 Arizona.


Neither coach was pleased with his team's most recent outing. Stanford shot 33.9 percent from the field, made 3 of 16 from 3-point range and committed 17 turnovers while allowing Arizona to shoot a sizzling 62.5 percent, including 10 of 14 from beyond the arc.


"Our team was confident coming into this game," Stanford coach Jerod Haase said. "Our practices really have been good, but it didn't carry over to the game. Things went well for Arizona. They are an elite-level team."


USC shot 31 percent against Oregon. The Trojans also committed 17 turnovers. The Ducks shot 46.4 percent, made 8 of 20 from long distance and committed only six turnovers.


"We started out by missing a couple layups and some easy shots in the paint, and then they got hot and we couldn't make a shot," USC coach Andy Enfield said.


The Trojans knew they were in for a tough test against a red-hot Oregon squad that had upset No. 4 UCLA two days earlier. The Ducks, one of four ranked teams in the Pac-12, were the preseason conference favorites. Their win over USC was their 35th consecutive victory at home.


"We're upset that we lost, but I'm sure the other 34 teams that they beat here consecutively were upset, too," Enfield said after the game. "There's a reason they were ranked in the top five in the country preseason and there's a reason they've won 35 straight here, because they're a very good team."


USC, which entertain California on Sunday, is led by Elijah Stewart, Jordan McLaughlin and Chimezie Metu. Stewart is averaging 14.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. McLaughlin averages 14.1 points, 5.0 assists and 3.9 rebounds. Metu averages 12.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.


Stewart, McLaughlin and Metu all struggled offensively in the loss to Oregon. They combined for 24 points on 5-of-25 shooting from the field. Metu missed 11 of his 12 field-goal attempts.


Reid Travis and Dorian Pickens have led the way for Stanford, which visits UCLA on Sunday. Travis is averaging 17.5 points and 9.6 rebounds. Pickens averages 13.2 points and 4.1 rebounds.


Travis was held to 11 points on 5-of-12 shooting against Arizona. Pickens had 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting and missed five of his six 3-point attempts. Stanford's starters combined to make 12 of 36 field-goal attempts.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Cougars (11-4) at Gaels (12-1)
Date: January 05, 2017 11:00 PM EDT

Neither Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett nor Brigham Young coach David Rose is completely satisfied with the state of his team, and both hope their teams find their comfort zone this week.


They know mediocre play won't do the trick when the No. 19 Gaels host the Cougars in a pivotal West Coast Conference game on Thursday in Moraga, Calif.


"I don't think we're anywhere near a finished product," Bennett said after a 72-60 home victory over San Diego on Saturday.


Even though Saint Mary's is 12-1 overall and 2-0 in the WCC, Bennett knows it will take a better effort against a team like BYU, which is having problems finding its groove as well.


"After 15 games, there should be more continuity than we actually have," Rose said, according to the Deseret News. "I think everyone's looking forward to the next two weeks to see how it kind of all evolves. Hopefully during that process we can win some games so we can stay in this (West Coast Conference) race."


BYU (11-4) is also 2-0 in the conference, but it had to rally from an 18-point deficit to beat Loyola Marymount on Saturday. The Cougars scored the final 11 points of the game to escape with an 81-76 road win.


BYU's leading scorer, 6-foot-10 sophomore Eric Mika, struggled mightily in that game, going 4 of 17 from the field. Nonetheless, Mika leads the team in scoring at 20.2 points per game and rebounding at 8.9 boards per game.


Mika's matchup against 6-11 Saint Mary's center Jock Landale will garner plenty of the attention because Landale leads his team in scoring (17.6 points per game) and rebounding (9.7) while shooting 63.8 percent from the field.


Rose leaves little doubt what he wants to do.


"Right now, the emphasis with this team is to play to our strength. And our strength is to pound that ball inside," he told the Deseret News.


The Cougars' inside game suffered a bit when they lost starting forward Kyle Davis on Nov. 26 when he suffered a season-ending knee injury. But they recently added 6-10 forward Corbin Kaufusi, who played on the BYU football team this season. He joined the basketball team after the Cougars' Dec. 21 Poinsettia Bowl win over Wyoming.


Kaufusi, who started 23 games last season, played a total of just five minutes in his first two games last week, but his playing time should gradually increase.


For Saint Mary's, the wild card is redshirt freshman Tanner Krebs. He was a virtual non-factor in the Gaels' first nine games, making just 3 of 18 3-points shots in limited playing time. But over the past four games Krebs is 9 of 14 from long range, and his 4-of-4 3-point shooting against San Diego was pivotal in the Gaels' victory.


He was part of the Gaels' strong bench performance in that game. Saint Mary's reserves scored 35 points against the Toreros compared with the 37 scored by the starters, and the bench players' 6-of-9 3-point shooting was considerably better than the starters' 1-of-7 accuracy from long range.


"It's good to see the bench come in and perform well," Krebs said.


It was the kind of scoring depth the Gaels had been lacking.


"We were good offensively after the first eight to 10 minutes of that game," Bennett said after the San Diego game. "We looked more like ourselves tonight."


The Cougars have looked more like themselves from 3-point range in WCC conference play.


BYU always relies heavily on outside shooting, but they were made just 29 percent of their 3-point shots in the first nine games. The Cougars turned that around last week, hitting 18 of 35 (51.4 percent) from beyond the arc in their two WCC games.


"We're playing inside-out right now, and when we get the ball into them, they get double-teamed and they're kicking it out to us," BYU guard Nick Emery told the Deseret News. "We're getting open shots. When a guy's in your face, it's harder to knock down a shot than when you're open. So I attribute that to our bigs."


Emery is the team's second-leading scorer at 15.7 points per game and is part of strong offensive squad that averages 84.4 points per game.


"They're always high octane," Bennett said. "I know they'll be able to score."


Scoring against Saint Mary's is difficult, however, as the Gaels limit opponents to 57.8 points per game, which ranks fourth in the nation.

 

[CNOTES]

CBB SEASON RECORD OPINIONS AND BEST BETS:


WLT Pct Units


ATS Picks 642-627-23 50.59% -23850


O/U Picks 194-192-4 50.26% -8600


DAILY RECORD OPINIONS AND BEST BETS


01/01/2017 20-20-1 50.00% -1000
01/02/2017 16-21-0 43.24% -3550
01/03/2017 6-9-0 40.00% -1950
01/04/2017 23-29-1 44.23% -4450


DAILY BEST BETS RECORD:


ATS: 18 - 28 - 1


O/U : 12 - 11 - 0

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack


— Butler 66, Villanova 58— First loss for the defending national champs.


— Pitt 88, Virginia 76 OT— Second loss in a row for the Cavaliers.


— Syracuse 70, Miami 55— Syracuse played four guys 39:00+; 5th guy played 35:00.


— Providence 76, Georgetown 70— Hoyas are 0-3 in Big East for first time ever.


— Notre Dame 77, Louisville 70— Cardinals lost last six visits to South Bend.


— So Carolina 67, Georgia 61— Sindarius Thornwell had 19 in his return from suspension.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Thursday, January 5

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CONNECTICUT (5 - 8) at MEMPHIS (10 - 4) - 1/5/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in all games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 3-2 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 3-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


UNC-WILMINGTON (13 - 2) at DREXEL (6 - 9) - 1/5/2017, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
DREXEL is 2-1 against the spread versus UNC-WILMINGTON over the last 3 seasons
UNC-WILMINGTON is 3-1 straight up against DREXEL over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


DELAWARE (7 - 8) at NORTHEASTERN (9 - 5) - 1/5/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NORTHEASTERN is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
NORTHEASTERN is 3-2 against the spread versus DELAWARE over the last 3 seasons
NORTHEASTERN is 4-1 straight up against DELAWARE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


JAMES MADISON (4 - 11) at HOFSTRA (9 - 6) - 1/5/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOFSTRA is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
HOFSTRA is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
HOFSTRA is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
HOFSTRA is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
HOFSTRA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
JAMES MADISON is 4-1 against the spread versus HOFSTRA over the last 3 seasons
JAMES MADISON is 4-1 straight up against HOFSTRA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


TOWSON ST (8 - 7) at COLL OF CHARLESTON (11 - 4) - 1/5/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TOWSON ST is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in a home game where the total is 120 to 129.5 since 1997.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 71-97 ATS (-35.7 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 2-2 against the spread versus TOWSON ST over the last 3 seasons
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 2-2 straight up against TOWSON ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


OLD DOMINION (9 - 5) at MARSHALL (9 - 6) - 1/5/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OLD DOMINION is 90-124 ATS (-46.4 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
OLD DOMINION is 134-176 ATS (-59.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
MARSHALL is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MARSHALL is 34-17 ATS (+15.3 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.
MARSHALL is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
MARSHALL is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
MARSHALL is 2-2 against the spread versus OLD DOMINION over the last 3 seasons
MARSHALL is 2-2 straight up against OLD DOMINION over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


PURDUE (12 - 3) at OHIO ST (10 - 4) - 1/5/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO ST is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 47-26 ATS (+18.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 47-26 ATS (+18.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
PURDUE is 34-21 ATS (+10.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
PURDUE is 2-1 against the spread versus OHIO ST over the last 3 seasons
PURDUE is 2-1 straight up against OHIO ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


ELON (8 - 7) at WM & MARY (7 - 6) - 1/5/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WM & MARY is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
ELON is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ELON is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
WM & MARY is 4-1 against the spread versus ELON over the last 3 seasons
WM & MARY is 4-1 straight up against ELON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


UTEP (2 - 11) at LOUISIANA TECH (9 - 5) - 1/5/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTEP is 70-40 ATS (+26.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
LOUISIANA TECH is 2-2 against the spread versus UTEP over the last 3 seasons
LOUISIANA TECH is 3-1 straight up against UTEP over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


DAVIDSON (7 - 5) at GEORGE WASHINGTON (8 - 6) - 1/5/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DAVIDSON is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 175-132 ATS (+29.8 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 41-19 ATS (+20.1 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 142-110 ATS (+21.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
DAVIDSON is 3-1 against the spread versus GEORGE WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
DAVIDSON is 3-1 straight up against GEORGE WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


YOUNGSTOWN ST (7 - 8) at N KENTUCKY (10 - 5) - 1/5/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
YOUNGSTOWN ST is 34-56 ATS (-27.6 Units) after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
N KENTUCKY is 1-1 against the spread versus YOUNGSTOWN ST over the last 3 seasons
YOUNGSTOWN ST is 2-1 straight up against N KENTUCKY over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


CLEVELAND ST (5 - 9) at WRIGHT ST (10 - 5) - 1/5/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND ST is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND ST is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
CLEVELAND ST is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in road games this season.
CLEVELAND ST is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in road lined games this season.
CLEVELAND ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND ST is 3-1 against the spread versus WRIGHT ST over the last 3 seasons
WRIGHT ST is 2-2 straight up against CLEVELAND ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


TX-SAN ANTONIO (6 - 8) at SOUTHERN MISS (3 - 10) - 1/5/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SOUTHERN MISS is 44-26 ATS (+15.4 Units) in home games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
SOUTHERN MISS is 2-2 against the spread versus TX-SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SOUTHERN MISS is 2-2 straight up against TX-SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MIDDLE TENN ST (11 - 3) at RICE (11 - 4) - 1/5/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIDDLE TENN ST is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
RICE is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
RICE is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
RICE is 1-1 against the spread versus MIDDLE TENN ST over the last 3 seasons
RICE is 1-1 straight up against MIDDLE TENN ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


CHARLOTTE (7 - 6) at W KENTUCKY (8 - 7) - 1/5/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W KENTUCKY is 66-93 ATS (-36.3 Units) in January games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
W KENTUCKY is 3-1 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
W KENTUCKY is 3-1 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


UAB (7 - 7) at N TEXAS (6 - 8) - 1/5/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UAB is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
N TEXAS is 1-1 against the spread versus UAB over the last 3 seasons
N TEXAS is 1-1 straight up against UAB over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


CALIFORNIA (10 - 4) at UCLA (14 - 1) - 1/5/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALIFORNIA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
CALIFORNIA is 2-1 against the spread versus UCLA over the last 3 seasons
CALIFORNIA is 2-1 straight up against UCLA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MINNESOTA (13 - 2) at NORTHWESTERN (12 - 3) - 1/5/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 80-115 ATS (-46.5 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 82-111 ATS (-40.1 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
NORTHWESTERN is 43-28 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 43-28 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NORTHWESTERN is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
NORTHWESTERN is 3-0 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
NORTHWESTERN is 3-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


IOWA (9 - 6) at NEBRASKA (8 - 6) - 1/5/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEBRASKA is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 43-22 ATS (+18.8 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 88-59 ATS (+23.1 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
IOWA is 2-1 against the spread versus NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
IOWA is 3-0 straight up against NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


COLORADO (10 - 4) at ARIZONA ST (8 - 7) - 1/5/2017, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-0 against the spread versus ARIZONA ST over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 2-1 straight up against ARIZONA ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


PACIFIC (6 - 9) at SAN DIEGO (7 - 7) - 1/5/2017, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 60-84 ATS (-32.4 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 20-41 ATS (-25.1 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-1 against the spread versus PACIFIC over the last 3 seasons
SAN DIEGO is 2-2 straight up against PACIFIC over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


UTAH (10 - 3) at ARIZONA (13 - 2) - 1/5/2017, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-1 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 2-1 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


BYU (11 - 4) at ST MARYS-CA (12 - 1) - 1/5/2017, 11:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BYU is 61-103 ATS (-52.3 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
BYU is 84-128 ATS (-56.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ST MARYS-CA is 40-26 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ST MARYS-CA is 40-26 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
ST MARYS-CA is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
ST MARYS-CA is 2-2 against the spread versus BYU over the last 3 seasons
ST MARYS-CA is 2-2 straight up against BYU over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


GONZAGA (14 - 0) at SAN FRANCISCO (11 - 4) - 1/5/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GONZAGA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
GONZAGA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
GONZAGA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 this season.
GONZAGA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
GONZAGA is 180-143 ATS (+22.7 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
GONZAGA is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
GONZAGA is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-2 against the spread versus GONZAGA over the last 3 seasons
GONZAGA is 5-0 straight up against SAN FRANCISCO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


HAWAII (6 - 7) at CS-FULLERTON (6 - 7) - 1/5/2017, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CS-FULLERTON is 23-41 ATS (-22.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CS-FULLERTON is 23-41 ATS (-22.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
CS-FULLERTON is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CS-FULLERTON is 17-34 ATS (-20.4 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
HAWAII is 4-1 against the spread versus CS-FULLERTON over the last 3 seasons
HAWAII is 5-0 straight up against CS-FULLERTON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


PORTLAND (9 - 5) at SANTA CLARA (7 - 8) - 1/5/2017, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 38-62 ATS (-30.2 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
SANTA CLARA is 2-2 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
SANTA CLARA is 2-2 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT (7 - 6) at PEPPERDINE (4 - 10) - 1/5/2017, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 50-78 ATS (-35.8 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 77-108 ATS (-41.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
PEPPERDINE is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in all games this season.
PEPPERDINE is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
PEPPERDINE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PEPPERDINE is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
PEPPERDINE is 2-2 against the spread versus LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT over the last 3 seasons
PEPPERDINE is 3-1 straight up against LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


STANFORD (9 - 6) at USC (14 - 1) - 1/5/2017, 11:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
STANFORD is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.
STANFORD is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
STANFORD is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
STANFORD is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
STANFORD is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
STANFORD is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in road games off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
STANFORD is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) after allowing 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
STANFORD is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
STANFORD is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
USC is 2-1 against the spread versus STANFORD over the last 3 seasons
STANFORD is 3-0 straight up against USC over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


TENN-MARTIN (11 - 6) at BELMONT (7 - 4) - 1/5/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENN-MARTIN is 76-105 ATS (-39.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
BELMONT is 1-1 against the spread versus TENN-MARTIN over the last 3 seasons
BELMONT is 2-0 straight up against TENN-MARTIN over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


WOFFORD (6 - 9) at UT-CHATTANOOGA (10 - 4) - 1/5/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WOFFORD is 49-31 ATS (+14.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 3-1 against the spread versus WOFFORD over the last 3 seasons
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 3-1 straight up against WOFFORD over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


E TENN ST (11 - 3) at THE CITADEL (8 - 8) - 1/5/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E TENN ST is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
THE CITADEL is 3-1 against the spread versus E TENN ST over the last 3 seasons
E TENN ST is 3-1 straight up against THE CITADEL over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


VMI (3 - 9) at MERCER (6 - 9) - 1/5/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VMI is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MERCER is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
MERCER is 3-1 against the spread versus VMI over the last 3 seasons
MERCER is 4-1 straight up against VMI over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


E ILLINOIS (8 - 6) at MOREHEAD ST (4 - 10) - 1/5/2017, 7:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MOREHEAD ST is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MOREHEAD ST is 11-0 ATS (+11.0 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
E ILLINOIS is 2-0 against the spread versus MOREHEAD ST over the last 3 seasons
E ILLINOIS is 2-0 straight up against MOREHEAD ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


FAIRFIELD (7 - 5) at MANHATTAN (5 - 9) - 1/5/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FAIRFIELD is 99-72 ATS (+19.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
FAIRFIELD is 3-1 against the spread versus MANHATTAN over the last 3 seasons
MANHATTAN is 2-2 straight up against FAIRFIELD over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


FURMAN (9 - 6) at SAMFORD (11 - 4) - 1/5/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FURMAN is 27-46 ATS (-23.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
SAMFORD is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
FURMAN is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
FURMAN is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
FURMAN is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
FURMAN is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
SAMFORD is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAMFORD is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
FURMAN is 3-1 against the spread versus SAMFORD over the last 3 seasons
FURMAN is 3-1 straight up against SAMFORD over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


IUPUI (7 - 8) at N DAKOTA ST (10 - 5) - 1/5/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IUPUI is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
IUPUI is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
N DAKOTA ST is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
N DAKOTA ST is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
IUPUI is 3-2 against the spread versus N DAKOTA ST over the last 3 seasons
N DAKOTA ST is 4-1 straight up against IUPUI over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SIU EDWARDSVL (5 - 9) at E KENTUCKY (7 - 9) - 1/5/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SIU EDWARDSVL is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) in January games since 1997.
SIU EDWARDSVL is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
SIU EDWARDSVL is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.
E KENTUCKY is 70-98 ATS (-37.8 Units) in all home games since 1997.
E KENTUCKY is 70-98 ATS (-37.8 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
E KENTUCKY is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
E KENTUCKY is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
E KENTUCKY is 1-1 against the spread versus SIU EDWARDSVL over the last 3 seasons
E KENTUCKY is 1-1 straight up against SIU EDWARDSVL over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


N ARIZONA (3 - 11) at N DAKOTA (6 - 6) - 1/5/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N ARIZONA is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
N ARIZONA is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
N ARIZONA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 2 seasons.
N ARIZONA is 50-74 ATS (-31.4 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
N DAKOTA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
N ARIZONA is 2-1 against the spread versus N DAKOTA over the last 3 seasons
N ARIZONA is 2-1 straight up against N DAKOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SE MISSOURI ST (6 - 10) at TENNESSEE ST (9 - 5) - 1/5/2017, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE ST is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
TENNESSEE ST is 1-1 against the spread versus SE MISSOURI ST over the last 3 seasons
TENNESSEE ST is 1-1 straight up against SE MISSOURI ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


AUSTIN PEAY (4 - 11) at TENNESSEE TECH (5 - 11) - 1/5/2017, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AUSTIN PEAY is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
TENNESSEE TECH is 2-1 against the spread versus AUSTIN PEAY over the last 3 seasons
TENNESSEE TECH is 2-1 straight up against AUSTIN PEAY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MURRAY ST (7 - 8) at JACKSONVILLE ST (9 - 7) - 1/5/2017, 8:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
MURRAY ST is 2-0 against the spread versus JACKSONVILLE ST over the last 3 seasons
MURRAY ST is 2-0 straight up against JACKSONVILLE ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SOUTHERN UTAH (3 - 11) at N COLORADO (6 - 7) - 1/5/2017, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
N COLORADO is 2-1 against the spread versus SOUTHERN UTAH over the last 3 seasons
N COLORADO is 3-0 straight up against SOUTHERN UTAH over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MONTANA ST (6 - 9) at E WASHINGTON (9 - 5) - 1/5/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTANA ST is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
E WASHINGTON is 2-1 against the spread versus MONTANA ST over the last 3 seasons
E WASHINGTON is 2-1 straight up against MONTANA ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MONTANA (6 - 9) at IDAHO (5 - 7) - 1/5/2017, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
IDAHO is 2-2 against the spread versus MONTANA over the last 3 seasons
IDAHO is 2-2 straight up against MONTANA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, January 5

Purdue is 12-3 vs schedule #182; they lost by 7 at Louisville in only true road game this season. Boilermakers lost last game at home in OT to Minnesota, snapping their 7-game winning streak. Purdue is 2-3 vs top 100 teams, beating Notre Dame/Iowa. Home side won last four Purdue-Ohio State games; Boilers lost last four visits to Columbus, by 23-3-18-4 points- they’re 2-7 in last nine series games. Buckeyes split last eight games after a 6-0 start; they’re 1-3 vs top 100 teams, with only win by 5 over Providence.

Davidson won three of four games with George Washington, splitting pair here; they lost 79-69 here LY, have series wins by 2-11-7 points. Wildcats lost four of last six games overall, losing A-14 opener by hoop at home to Richmond; they’re 1-2 in true road games, winning at Mercer, losing at Charleston/UNC. GW has an interim coach this year; they’re 8-6 vs schedule #147, losing last two games to Miami by 8, St Joe’s by 5. Colonials are 2-4 vs top 100 teams, with wins over Temple/Central Florida.

Rice is 11-4 this year, after being 36-89 the last four years; Owls are #279 experience team that has played schedule #287; they lost to Pitt by 10, Texas Tech by 1 in only top 100 games this year. Home side won last three Middle Tennessee-Rice games; Blue Raiders lost in double OT last time they were here, in ’15. MTSU is 3-1 in true road games, winning at Ole Miss, Belmont; they’re #34 experience team that is playing pace #329 (Rice plays pace #63). Rice starts two sophomores and a freshman; they’re shooting 39.6% on arc, have #18 eFG%.

Home side won six of last seven Cal-UCLA games; Golden Bears lost last three visits here, by 14-12-19 points, but they won last two over UCLA, by 2-12 points. Bruins are 8-0 at home, with 14 points the closest of those games. UCLA plays pace #12, is shooting 42.4% on arc (#3), 61.7% inside arc (#1)- they’re 5-1 in top 100 games, winning by 11-7-5-18-13 points. Cal has #8 eFG% defense, holding teams to 41.7% inside arc; they play pace #256 pace, have future NBA player in big man Rabb, so curious to see which team gets tempo they want here.

Northwestern won nine of last ten games, losing last game by 9 at Michigan State; Wildcats are 4-3 in top 100 games, 2-3 in top 50 games- they’ve got #15 eF% defense. Northwestern won five of last six games with Minnesota, winning last three, by 6-25-24 points. Gophers lost six of last seven visits to Evanston. Minnesota split its first two Big 14 games, both in OT, winning at Purdue, losing at Michigan State. Gophers lost only other true road game by 8 at Florida State. Minnesota is 13-2 vs schedule #99, despite being experience team #307.

Nebraska won its first two league games, both on road, at Indiana/Maryland by total of 6 points, after 1-6 skid in December that included a loss to Gardner-Webb. Cornhuskers force turnovers 20.8% of time, shoot only 30.6% on arc. Iowa won its last five games with Nebraska, all by 10+ points; Hawkeyes won two of last three visits here. Hawkeyes won six of last seven games, beating Michigan in OT in last game; Iowa is 0-2 in true road games, losing at Notre Dame by 14, Purdue by 22- they’re #345 experience team in country.

Colorado is 10-4 vs schedule #129; they’re 2-2 in true road games, winning at Portland/Air Force, losing at BYU/Utah. Buffaloes are 7-1 vs teams ranked outside top 100, with only loss to Colorado State. Colorado won three of last four games with Arizona State, with wins by 9-6-10 points; Buffs lost last three visits to Tempe, by 9-21-6 points. Sun Devils are 1-5 vs top 100 foes, with only win by 11 at a sub-par San Diego State team- they’ve got #305 eFG% defense, are 6-7 in their last 13 games. ASU allowed 87 pts/game in its first two Pac-12 games.

Arizona is somehow 13-2 despite having #325 experience team whose bench plays #294 minutes; they got PG Cartwright back two games ago which greatly helps their depth. Wildcats allowed 57 pts/game in sweeping trip to Bay Area by 5-39 points. Arizona won nine of last ten games with Utah; they lost 70-64 in Salt Lake City LY. Utes lost last four visits to Tucson by 9-3-9-18 points. Utah is 1-2 vs top 100 teams, beating Colorado, losing by 9 to Butler, 8 to Xavier; they split two true road games, winning at Hawai’i, losing at Xavier.

St Mary’s is 12-1 vs schedule #299; they’ve got whole team back from LY, are 2-1 vs top 100 teams, beating Nevada by 18, Dayton by 4 back in November- their only loss was at home to UT-Arlington on Dec 8. Home side won six of last seven BYU-St Mary’s games; Cougars lost four of last five visits here, losing last two by 5-11 points. BYU won its last four games overall, scoring 85 pts/game in winning first two WCC games- they’re #319 experience team but generally have older players, because so many of their players take Mormon missions.

Stanford lost five of last five six D-I games; they lost by 15 at Kansas, 23 at SMU in only two true road games this season. Cardinal gave up 94.5 pts/game in losing pair of home games to the Arizona schools last week. USC was 13-0 before losing by 23 at Oregon in last game; Trojans have played #208 schedule, are #328 experience team- they’re 4-1 vs teams in top 125, with best win by 5 over SMU. Stanford won its last five games with USC, with four of five by 8+ points. Cardinal won 79-71/79-76 in last two games in Galen Center.

Belmont is 7-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, with five wins by 8 or less points; they’re 3-1 at home, with only loss to Middle Tennessee. Bruins is #46 experience team that shoots 61.7% inside arc, only 30.3% on arc. Belmont won its last four games with UT-Martin, three by 10+ points; Skyhawks lost 90-53/72-67 in last two visits here. UTM is 3-4 in its last seven games, 4-4 in true road games; they’re turning ball over 22% of time (#316) but are #11 experience team- they split first two OVC games, beating Morehead State in OT last game.

Jacksonville State is 9-7 against schedule #102; this is their first D-I home game of the year (they player a non-D-I home game Nov 22). Gamecocks are much-improved with Harper as its new coach, are 9-7 after being 30-63 the last three years. Murray State is 20-1 in its last 21 games with JSU, winning eight of last nine played here. Racers won last three series games by 9-27-15 points. Murray is 0-6 in true road games, with five losses by 6 or less points or in OT; that includes losses at So Dakota State, Bowling Green, Evansville, Middle Tennessee.

Eastern Washington won five of last six games with Montana State; Bobcats lost last four games here, by 17-4-5-24 points. Eagles are 9-5 vs schedule #124; they won Big Sky opener by 7 at Idaho- they’re 5-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, are also 4-0 in OT games. Montana State snapped 7-game skid with win over Idaho State in last game; Bobcats are 0-5 in true road games, with four of five losses by 8 or less points. MSU is #298 in experience in a league where most of teams have lot of returning players this season.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Thursday, January 5

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TBA
BRYAN vs. ST. MARY'S
No trends available
St. Mary's is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
St. Mary's is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. MEMPHIS
Connecticut is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Connecticut is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Memphis is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home
Memphis is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:00 PM
ELON vs. WILLIAM & MARY
Elon is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
William & Mary is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
William & Mary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:00 PM
WOFFORD vs. CHATTANOOGA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wofford's last 5 games on the road
Wofford is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Chattanooga is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Chattanooga is 22-2 SU in its last 24 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:00 PM
DAVIDSON vs. GEORGE WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Davidson's last 8 games on the road
Davidson is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games on the road
George Washington is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
George Washington is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:00 PM
PURDUE vs. OHIO STATE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Purdue's last 6 games on the road
Purdue is 5-11-1 ATS in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Ohio State
Ohio State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Ohio State is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:00 PM
UNC WILMINGTON vs. DREXEL
UNC Wilmington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
UNC Wilmington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Drexel
Drexel is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing UNC Wilmington
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Drexel's last 15 games when playing UNC Wilmington

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:00 PM
DELAWARE vs. NORTHEASTERN
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Delaware's last 12 games when playing on the road against Northeastern
Delaware is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Northeastern
Northeastern is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Northeastern is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:00 PM
EAST TENNESSEE STATE vs. THE CITADEL
No trends available
The Citadel is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against East Tennessee State
The Citadel is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing East Tennessee State

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:00 PM
JAMES MADISON vs. HOFSTRA
James Madison is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of James Madison's last 6 games when playing on the road against Hofstra
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Hofstra's last 6 games when playing James Madison
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Hofstra's last 6 games when playing at home against James Madison

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:00 PM
OLD DOMINION vs. MARSHALL
Old Dominion is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Old Dominion's last 5 games on the road
Marshall is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Marshall is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Old Dominion

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:00 PM
TENNESSEE-MARTIN vs. BELMONT
No trends available
Belmont is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games at home
Belmont is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:05 PM
NEW MEXICO STATE vs. UMKC
New Mexico State is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
UMKC is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
UMKC is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:30 PM
YOUNGSTOWN STATE vs. NORTHERN KENTUCKY
Youngstown State is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
No trends available

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:30 PM
CLEVELAND STATE vs. WRIGHT STATE
Cleveland State is 6-11-1 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Wright State
Cleveland State is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Wright State
Wright State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Wright State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:30 PM
TEXAS EL PASO vs. LOUISIANA TECH
Texas El Paso is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Texas El Paso is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Louisiana Tech
Louisiana Tech is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Louisiana Tech is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:30 PM
TOWSON vs. COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
Towson is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
College of Charleston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
College of Charleston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 7:45 PM
EASTERN ILLINOIS vs. MOREHEAD STATE
Eastern Illinois is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Eastern Illinois is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Morehead State
Morehead State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Eastern Illinois
Morehead State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Eastern Illinois

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 8:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY
Charlotte is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Charlotte is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Western Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Western Kentucky is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 8:00 PM
FURMAN vs. SAMFORD
Furman is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Furman's last 6 games when playing on the road against Samford
Samford is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Furman
Samford is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Furman

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 8:00 PM
FAIRFIELD vs. MANHATTAN
Fairfield is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Fairfield is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Manhattan
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Manhattan's last 8 games when playing at home against Fairfield
Manhattan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Fairfield

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 8:00 PM
NORTHERN ARIZONA vs. NORTH DAKOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Northern Arizona's last 9 games on the road
Northern Arizona is 3-22 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of North Dakota's last 7 games when playing Northern Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of North Dakota's last 5 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 8:00 PM
MIDDLE TENNESSEE vs. RICE
Middle Tennessee is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Middle Tennessee's last 12 games on the road
Rice is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
Rice is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 8:00 PM
TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO vs. SOUTHERN MISS
Texas-San Antonio is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Southern Miss is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Southern Miss is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 8:00 PM
UAB vs. NORTH TEXAS
UAB is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
North Texas is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games at home
North Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 8:00 PM
SIU EDWARDSVILLE vs. EASTERN KENTUCKY
SIU Edwardsville is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Eastern Kentucky is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Eastern Kentucky is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 8:05 PM
TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN vs. CHICAGO STATE
Texas-Pan American is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago State
Texas-Pan American is 2-23 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Chicago State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas-Pan American
Chicago State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Texas-Pan American

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 8:30 PM
SE MISSOURI STATE vs. TENNESSEE STATE
SE Missouri State is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Tennessee State
SE Missouri State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Tennessee State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Tennessee State is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 8:30 PM
AUSTIN PEAY vs. TENNESSEE TECH
Austin Peay is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tennessee Tech
Austin Peay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Tennessee Tech is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 8:30 PM
MURRAY STATE vs. JACKSONVILLE STATE
Murray State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Murray State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Jacksonville State's last 6 games when playing at home against Murray State
Jacksonville State is 1-19 SU in its last 20 games when playing Murray State

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 9:00 PM
IOWA vs. NEBRASKA
Iowa is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Iowa is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Nebraska is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Nebraska is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Iowa

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 9:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. NORTHWESTERN
Minnesota is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Northwestern is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Northwestern is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 9:00 PM
GONZAGA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Gonzaga's last 10 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
Gonzaga is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
San Francisco is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 9:00 PM
COLORADO vs. ARIZONA STATE
Colorado is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games on the road
Arizona State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Arizona State's last 9 games when playing Colorado

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 9:00 PM
SOUTHERN UTAH vs. NORTHERN COLORADO
Southern Utah is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Northern Colorado is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games
Northern Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 9:00 PM
CALIFORNIA vs. UCLA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of California's last 7 games on the road
California is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
UCLA is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of UCLA's last 12 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 9:05 PM
MONTANA STATE vs. EASTERN WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montana State's last 7 games on the road
Montana State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Eastern Washington is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Montana State
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Eastern Washington's last 8 games when playing Montana State

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 10:00 PM
PACIFIC vs. SAN DIEGO
Pacific is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pacific's last 7 games on the road
San Diego is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
San Diego is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 10:00 PM
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT vs. PEPPERDINE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Loyola Marymount's last 5 games on the road
Loyola Marymount is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Pepperdine is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Loyola Marymount
Pepperdine is 20-1 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Loyola Marymount

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 10:00 PM
UTAH vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Utah's last 7 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Utah is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing Utah

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 10:00 PM
MONTANA vs. IDAHO
Montana is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Idaho is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home
Idaho is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 10:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. SANTA CLARA
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Portland's last 9 games on the road
Portland is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Santa Clara's last 5 games when playing Portland
Santa Clara is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Portland

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 10:00 PM
HAWAII vs. CS FULLERTON
Hawaii is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the road
CS Fullerton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
CS Fullerton is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 11:00 PM
STANFORD vs. USC
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Stanford's last 12 games when playing on the road against USC
Stanford is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against USC
USC is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games
USC is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 5, 11:00 PM
BYU vs. ST. MARY'S
BYU is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against St. Mary's
BYU is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
St. Mary's is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing BYU
St. Mary's is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing BYU

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Thursday, January 5


Montana @ Idaho

Game 803-804
January 5, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montana
48.652
Idaho
56.133
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Idaho
by 7 1/2
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Montana
by 1
136 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Idaho
(+1); Over

Montana State @ East Washington

Game 801-802
January 5, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montana State
53.262
East Washington
48.706
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Montana State
by 4 1/2
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
East Washington
by 5
160 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Montana State
(+5); Under

Southern Utah @ Northern Colorado

Game 799-800
January 5, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Southern Utah
39.754
Northern Colorado
58.482
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Northern Colorado
by 18 1/2
151
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Northern Colorado
by 10 1/2
157 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Northern Colorado
(-10 1/2); Under

Murray State @ Jacksonville St

Game 797-798
January 5, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Murray State
47.045
Jacksonville St
60.271
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Jacksonville St
by 13
142
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Jacksonville St
by 3 1/2
147 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Jacksonville St
(-3 1/2); Under

Austin Peay @ Tennessee Tech

Game 795-796
January 5, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Austin Peay
42.815
Tennessee Tech
53.235
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tennessee Tech
by 10 1/2
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tennessee Tech
by 6
158
Dunkel Pick:
Tennessee Tech
(-6); Under

SE Missouri St @ Tennessee St

Game 793-794
January 5, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
SE Missouri St
41.641
Tennessee St
60.870
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tennessee St
by 19
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tennessee St
by 13
136 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tennessee St
(-13); Over

Northern Arizona @ North Dakota

Game 791-792
January 5, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Northern Arizona
38.430
North Dakota
50.761
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
North Dakota
by 12 1/2
143
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
North Dakota
by 15 1/2
152 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Northern Arizona
(+15 1/2); Under

SIU-Edwardsville @ Eastern Kentucky

Game 789-790
January 5, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
SIU-Edwardsville
44.365
Eastern Kentucky
42.777
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
SIU-Edwardsville
by 1 1/2
138
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Eastern Kentucky
by 6 1/2
146 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
SIU-Edwardsville
(+6 1/2); Under

IUPUI @ North Dakota St

Game 787-788
January 5, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
IUPUI
51.517
North Dakota St
60.286
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
North Dakota St
by 9
154
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
North Dakota St
by 6
141 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
North Dakota St
(-6); Over

Furman @ Samford

Game 785-786
January 5, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Furman
52.496
Samford
59.478
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Samford
by 7
133
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Samford
by 3
137
Dunkel Pick:
Samford
(-3); Under

Fairfield @ Manhattan

Game 783-784
January 5, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Fairfield
57.036
Manhattan
48.500
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Fairfield
by 8 1/2
142
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Manhattan
by 1
149 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Fairfield
(+1); Under

Eastern Illinois @ Morehead State

Game 781-782
January 5, 2017 @ 7:45 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Eastern Illinois
51.538
Morehead State
51.566
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Eastern Illinois
Even
137
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Morehead State
by 3
144 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Eastern Illinois
(+3); Under

VMI @ Mercer

Game 779-780
January 5, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
VMI
37.351
Mercer
52.314
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Mercer
by 15
157
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Mercer
by 13
142 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Mercer
(-13); Over

E Tenn State @ The Citadel

Game 777-778
January 5, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
E Tenn State
64.729
The Citadel
42.968
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
E Tenn State
by 22
171
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
E Tenn State
by 13 1/2
188
Dunkel Pick:
E Tenn State
(-13 1/2); Under

Wofford @ Chattanooga

Game 775-776
January 5, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Wofford
51.109
Chattanooga
60.570
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chattanooga
by 9 1/2
153
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chattanooga
by 12 1/2
139
Dunkel Pick:
Wofford
(+12 1/2); Over

UT-Martin @ Belmont

Game 773-774
January 5, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
UT-Martin
51.902
Belmont
53.664
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Belmont
by 2
162
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Belmont
by 11
152
Dunkel Pick:
UT-Martin
(+11); Over

Stanford @ USC

Game 771-772
January 5, 2017 @ 11:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Stanford
60.681
USC
61.997
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
USC
by 1 1/2
155
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
USC
by 9
146 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Stanford
(+9); Over

Loyola Marymount @ Pepperdine

Game 769-770
January 5, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Loyola Marymount
51.134
Pepperdine
54.516
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pepperdine
by 3 1/2
151
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Loyola Marymount
by 3
141 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pepperdine
(+3); Over

Portland @ Santa Clara

Game 767-768
January 5, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
50.596
Santa Clara
60.858
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Santa Clara
by 10 1/2
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Santa Clara
by 3
132
Dunkel Pick:
Santa Clara
(-3); Over

Hawaii @ CS-Fullerton

Game 765-766
January 5, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Hawaii
46.215
CS-Fullerton
55.627
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
CS-Fullerton
by 9 1/2
140
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
CS-Fullerton
by 5 1/2
133 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
CS-Fullerton
(-5 1/2); Over

Gonzaga @ San Francisco

Game 763-764
January 5, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Gonzaga
69.488
San Francisco
63.869
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Gonzaga
by 5 1/2
158
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Gonzaga
by 14 1/2
149
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(+14 1/2); Over

Brigham Young @ St Mary's

Game 761-762
January 5, 2017 @ 11:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brigham Young
67.354
St Mary's
69.737
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St Mary's
by 2 1/2
157
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St Mary's
by 9 1/2
149
Dunkel Pick:
Brigham Young
(+9 1/2); Over

Utah @ Arizona

Game 759-760
January 5, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
64.236
Arizona
79.778
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 15 1/2
149
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
by 11
141
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-11); Over

Pacific @ San Diego

Game 757-758
January 5, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pacific
48.741
San Diego
55.194
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 6 1/2
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
by 2 1/2
133
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-2 1/2); Over

Colorado @ Arizona State

Game 755-756
January 5, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
65.142
Arizona State
58.685
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 6 1/2
145
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona State
by 1
153 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+1); Under

Iowa @ Nebraska

Game 753-754
January 5, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Iowa
66.034
Nebraska
65.999
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Iowa
Even
156
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nebraska
by 2 1/2
149 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Iowa
(+2 1/2); Over

Minnesota @ Northwestern

Game 751-752
January 5, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
62.758
Northwestern
72.956
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Northwestern
by 10
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Northwestern
by 3 1/2
136 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Northwestern
(-3 1/2); Over

California @ UCLA

Game 749-750
January 5, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
California
63.643
UCLA
82.185
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
UCLA
by 18 1/2
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
UCLA
by 11
153 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
UCLA
(-11); Under

UAB @ North Texas

Game 747-748
January 5, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
UAB
52.405
North Texas
50.625
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
UAB
by 2
127
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
UAB
by 4
138
Dunkel Pick:
North Texas
(+4); Under

Charlotte @ Western Kentucky

Game 745-746
January 5, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
54.985
Western Kentucky
52.550
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 2 1/2
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Western Kentucky
by 5
154 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Charlotte
(+5); Under

Middle Tennessee @ Rice

Game 743-744
January 5, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Middle Tennessee
66.248
Rice
56.649
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Middle Tennessee
by 9 1/2
137
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Middle Tennessee
by 1
145
Dunkel Pick:
Middle Tennessee
(-1); Under

TX-San Antonio @ Southern Miss

Game 741-742
January 5, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
TX-San Antonio
47.430
Southern Miss
41.961
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
TX-San Antonio
by 5 1/2
119
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
TX-San Antonio
by 2 1/2
126
Dunkel Pick:
TX-San Antonio
(-2 1/2); Under

Cleveland State @ Wright State

Game 739-740
January 5, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland State
46.118
Wright State
59.702
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wright State
by 13 1/2
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wright State
by 7 1/2
138
Dunkel Pick:
Wright State
(-7 1/2); Over

Youngstown St @ Northern Kentucky

Game 737-738
January 5, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Youngstown St
42.008
Northern Kentucky
58.911
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Northern Kentucky
by 17
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Northern Kentucky
by 11 1/2
156 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Northern Kentucky
(-11 1/2); Under

Davidson @ George Washington

Game 735-736
January 5, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Davidson
66.075
George Washington
58.588
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Davidson
by 7 1/2
137
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
George Washington
by 1
142 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Davidson
(+1); Under

TX-El Paso @ Louisiana Tech

Game 733-734
January 5, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
TX-El Paso
47.384
Louisiana Tech
57.242
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Louisiana Tech
by 10
136
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Louisiana Tech
by 16
142 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
TX-El Paso
(+16); Under

Elon @ William & Mary

Game 731-732
January 5, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Elon
56.549
William & Mary
54.556
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Elon
by 2
145
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
William & Mary
by 5 1/2
153
Dunkel Pick:
Elon
(+5 1/2); Under

Purdue @ Ohio State

Game 729-730
January 5, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Purdue
68.353
Ohio State
71.867
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ohio State
by 3 1/2
152
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Purdue
by 4
144
Dunkel Pick:
Ohio State
(+4); Over

Old Dominion @ Marshall

Game 727-728
January 5, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Old Dominion
55.555
Marshall
63.644
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Marshall
by 8
136
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Marshall
by 4
144
Dunkel Pick:
Marshall
(-4); Under

Towson @ Coll of Charleston

Game 725-726
January 5, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Towson
50.272
Coll of Charlesto
64.688
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Coll of Charlesto
by 14 1/2
114
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Coll of Charlesto
by 7
125
Dunkel Pick:
Coll of Charlesto
(-7); Under

James Madison @ Hofstra

Game 723-724
January 5, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
James Madison
49.411
Hofstra
61.513
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Hofstra
by 12
134
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hofstra
by 7 1/2
139 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Hofstra
(-7 1/2); Under

Delaware @ Northeastern

Game 721-722
January 5, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Delaware
46.889
Northeastern
64.406
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Northeastern
by 17 1/2
137
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Northeastern
by 11 1/2
128 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Northeastern
(-11 1/2); Over

NC-Wilmington @ Drexel

Game 719-720
January 5, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NC-Wilmington
62.842
Drexel
54.021
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NC-Wilmington
by 9
149
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NC-Wilmington
by 11
158 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Drexel
(+11); Under

Connecticut @ Memphis

Game 717-718
January 5, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Connecticut
62.944
Memphis
66.296
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 3 1/2
124
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 6
128 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Connecticut
(+6); Under

 

[CNOTES]

CBB SEASON RECORD OPINIONS AND BEST BETS:


WLT Pct Units


ATS Picks 642-627-23 50.59% -23850


O/U Picks 194-192-4 50.26% -8600


DAILY RECORD OPINIONS AND BEST BETS


01/01/2017 20-20-1 50.00% -1000
01/02/2017 16-21-0 43.24% -3550
01/03/2017 6-9-0 40.00% -1950
01/04/2017 23-29-1 44.23% -4450
01/05 2017 No Plays
01/06/2017 No Plays


DAILY BEST BETS RECORD:


ATS: 18 - 28 - 1


O/U : 12 - 11 - 0

 

[CNOTES]

Saturday’s List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here……..


13) Apparently George Karl had some juicy stuff in his new book about his time with the Kings in Sacramento, but that part of the book had to be removed because his going-away gift from the Kings had a clause in it that didn’t allow him to tell any stories from his time in Sacramento.


12) Clippers TV voice Ralph Lawler called DeMarcus Cousins “a coach-killer” on the air Friday nite, strong words. Cousins has played for six coaches in his seven years with the Kings, so hard to argue with Mr Lawler, but it sure as hell ain’t all Cousins’ fault.


11) Consider that Sacramento drafted Jimmer Fredette, when Klay Thompson, Kawhi Leonard were still on the board— can’t blame that blunder on Cousins and there are numerous other drafting miscues that have set Sacramento’s franchise way behind in the west.


10) Odd Stat of the Day: Notre Dame is shooting 84.4% on the foul line, best in country, but their opponents shoot 78.5% against them, best %age against any team in the country.


9) Seattle Mariners made couple of trades Friday, trading Seth Smith/Nathan Karns to different teams; they get Jarrod Dyson/Yovani Gallardo back. Orioles saved $4M by dealing Gallardo. Seth Smith is going to love Camden Yards.


8) Minnesota Gophers quickly signed up coach PJ Fleck from Western Michigan, making me think they used the players’ boycott from last month as an excuse to dump Tracy Claeys to add a coach they think is better. If thats true, karma is going to kick them in the butt.


7) Indianapolis Colts are keeping Chuck Pagano as coach and also keeping their GM, in an odd bit of stability that wasn’t expected. Colts have been 11-5/11-5/11-5/8-8/8-8 in Pagano’s five years, but thats in a weak division when they have Andrew Luck at QB. We’ll see how this works out for them- they did have three rookie starters on the OL this year.


6) Michigan State is playing Penn State today, but at the Palestra in Philly, not in Happy Valley, which is roughly 200 miles away. Giving away your home court edge isn’t a great idea.


5) Miami Dolphins prepped for their playoff game with the Steelers Sunday by using footballs that were stored in a freezer. Matt Moore went to Oregon State, so he’s played in crummy weather before, not sure if he has ever played in frigid weather.


4) Oakland Raiders are playing in the playoffs tomorrow for the first time since 2002; their last road playoff win was in 1980, when I was a junior in college and had a full head of hair.


3) Seems unfair to me that the Eagles denied the Jets permission to interview their QB coach John DeFillippo to be the Jets’ new OC. If you’re moving up to be a coordinator or a head coach, you should be free to interview with whomever you like— I would understand denying a team if the coach is only making a lateral move.


2) You look at the start of conference play in college basketball and Indiana-San Diego State-Georgetown-Louisville, teams that are most always in the NCAAs, are a combined 0-9 already in conference games. Go figure.


1— Lebron James says the Cavaliers still need a point guard, which tells me that pretty soon, Cleveland will be making a trade.


For a point guard.

 

[CNOTES]

Saturday’s games


Major trap game for Butler after they beat Villanova during week, now visits Georgetown team that is 0-3 in Big East for first time ever. Bulldogs won last three series games by 6-11-3 points, winning here in OT LY. Butler won five of last six games, all vs top 100 teams; they’re 1-2 in true road games, losing at Indiana St/St John’s by total of four points- their win was at Utah. Hoyas lost first three Big East games by 10-5-6 points; they’re 2-7 vs top 100 teams, 2-4 in games decided by 6 or less points.


Virginia Tech lost by 26 at NC State Wednesday despite going 13-30 on arc; they were down 25 at half, in letdown game after upsetting Duke at home. Hokies are 4-2 vs top 100 teams, 1-1 in true road games, with win at Michigan. Florida State won its first two ACC games by 16-2 points; they’ve won 10 games in row overall, four of them vs top 50 opponents. Virginia Tech swept Florida State by 10-11 points LY, after losing five of previous six games with FSU. Hokies lost last three visits to Tallahassee by 1-11-20 points.


Providence won its last five games with Creighton, sweeping Bluejays by 2-4 points LY; Creighton lost all three visits here, by 13-12-4 points. Friars are 10-0 at home, with best wins URI/Georgetown; they lost three of last four games overall, are 4-4 vs top 100 teams. Providence forces turnovers 21.9% of time (#35). Creighton is 3-0 in true road games, winning at Nebraska-ASU-St John’s, all by 11+ points; their only loss was by 10 at home to Villanova. Jays are shooting 42.4% on arc (#4); they’ve got #2 eFG% in country.


North Carolina is 25-3 in its last 28 games with NC State, 12-1 in games played here (State’s last win at UNC was two years ago). Tar Heels swept LY’s series by 12-12 points. Carolina is 7-2 vs top 100 teams; they get Pinson back here, making them deeper, but they need OT to beat Clemson and lost at Ga Tech before that, turning ball over 24.2% of time in two ACC tilts. State won seven of last 8 games; they’re 4-1 since big man Yurtseven became eligible; their last six wins were all by 21+ points. Wolfpack is 1-3 vs top 100 teams, though.


Notre Dame is 4-0 vs Clemson since joining ACC, winning by 4-14 in games played here; irish beat Pitt/Louisville by total of 8 points to open ACC play 2-0- 3-2 vs top 50 teams, with losses to Villanova/Purdue. Clemson lost OT game to UNC at home Wednesday; they’re 2-0 in true road games, winning by hoop at So Carolina, 5 at Wake Forest. Clemson is #28 experience team that forces turnovers 23% of time- they start three seniors. Irish are 10-0 at home; they’re #1 in country on foul line (84.4%). Clemson is 3rd-best team in country at not fouling.


This is only second true road game of year for Maryland, which won 76-75 at Georgetown back on Nov 15- they did win couple of neutral court games in NYC. Home side won all three Maryland-Michigan Big 14 games; Terrapins lost 70-69 here LY. Underdogs covered all three games. Michigan won four of last five games, splitting pair of 3-point decisions to open Big 14 play; they’re #67 experience team that is 4-4 vs top 100 teams while playing 5th-slowest tempo in country. Maryland lost last game at home by 2 to Nebraska, which ended game on 14-0 run.


Utah led 44-10 at halftime, hammered Arizona State 81-46 LY in Salt Lake City; think Bobby Hurley had this game circled on his schedule? Utes won last four series games, but are 1-3 in Tempe, with losses by 5-1-4 points. Home side won eight of last nine series games. Arizona State is 2-1 in Pac-12, with two wins by total of six points; they’re 7-1 if they score 80+ points, 2-6 if they don’t. Utah is 1-2 in true road games, losing by 8 at Xavier, 10 at Arizona; their one true road win was at Hawai’i.


Indiana lost its last three games, allowing 79.7 pts/game and is mentioned as a bubble team now; Hoosiers have #6 eFG% despite turning ball over 21.8% of time; they’re 2-4 vs top 100 teams, with wins over KansasUNC. Illinois won seven of last eight games, but lost by 25 at Maryland in only true road game this season- they’re 4-3 vs top 100 teams, start three seniors (#42 experience team). Indiana won its last three games with Illinois by 6-34-27 points; Illini lost last four visits here, by 3-13-10-34 points.


Vanderbilt scored 88 pts/game in winning its first two SEC games after a 6-6 pre-conference slate; Commodores are shooting 40.4% on arc, are 1-2 in true road games, winning at LSU, losing at Middle Tennessee/Dayton. Vanderbilt won its last three games with Alabama, by 8-7-8 points; they won three of last four visits to Tuscaloosa. Crimson Tide is 1-5 vs top 100 teams, with best win over #99 Arkansas State. Will crowd at Bama be down with lot of people in Tampa for Monday’s football game?


Baylor will be #1 in country for first time if they win this game; Bears are 14-0 with eight top 100 wins- they’ve got #8 eFG% defense in country. Baylor is 7-4 in its last 11 games with Oklahoma State, sweeping Cowboys by 12-4 points LY. OSU lost eight of last nine visits to Waco. OSU is 0-2 in Big X games, allowing 87 pts/game, after 10-2 pre-conference slate (#150); Cowboys are 2-2 in true road games, winning in Tulsa/Wichita, losing at Texas/Maryland by total of 4 points. OSU opponents have shortest possessions in country; Baylor’s have 5th-longest.


Cincinnati won its last five games, allowing 53 pts/game in winning first two AAC games by 6-36 points; Bearcats are are 2-1 in true road games, losing by 10 at Butler, winning at Iowa State and Temple. Cincinnati won five of last six games with Houston, losing 69-56 here LY; Bearcats had won by 1-10 points in previous two visits here. Cougars are 3-0 in AAC, allowing 54.3 pts/game in league play; they’re 12-3 vs schedule #257, are 2-1 vs top 100 teams, winning over UR, Vermont by total of six points, losing by 12 at Arkansas.


New Mexico is 7-0 at home this season, but mostly against stiffs; Lobos are 1-4 vs top 100 teams, with win at struggling San Diego State LW- they’re 2-1 in MW, with games decided by 4-5-6 points. Nevada-New Mexico split last four meetings, with two Wolf Pack wins by total of five points; they’re 0-3 in Albuquerque, losing by 13-14-12 points. Nevada beat Lobos 64-62 in MW tourney LY. Wolf Pack is 2-2 in true road games, losing at St Mary’s/Fresno; they’ve got road wins at Bradley/Washington- their last two games were decided by total of four points.


San Diego State is 0-2 in Mountain West, unusual territory for them; Aztecs aren’t shooting ball well, rebounding it well or creating turnovers- they scored 65.5 pts/game in losses by 6-3 points to open MW play. Boise State scored 78 pts/game in winning first three league games; they’re 1-2 in top 100 games, losing to Charleston/Oregon, beating SMU by 9. Boise won three of last four games with San Diego State; underdogs covered last five series games. Teams split last four series games played here.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Bulldogs (13-2) at Hoyas (8-7)
Date: January 07, 2017 12:00 PM EDT

What can No. 18 Butler do for an encore after toppling top-ranked and undefeated Villanova for the biggest regular-season win in program history?


Well, help traditional Big East power Georgetown spiral further downward.


The Bulldogs (13-2, 2-1) ended the national champion Wildcats' 20-game winning streak with a 66-58 victory Wednesday night in front of a raucous home crowd at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Andrew Chrabascz and Kethan Savage each scored 13 points for Butler, which won its second straight after opening conference play with a surprising loss to Saint John's.


Villanova, one of the most efficient offensive teams in the country, only shot 37.3 percent from the field and 6 of 26 from beyond the 3-point arc.


"We felt like if we could make it ugly on the defensive end, we'd give ourselves a chance," coach Chris Holtmann told the Indianapolis Star.


Savage, playing his first season with Butler after transferring from George Washington, scored five points during a decisive late run. His three-point play put the Bulldogs up 58-52 with 1:46 to go. Fans stormed the court soon after.


"This is the type of game I've always wanted to play," Savage said. "I came to Butler to win games like this."


Saturday's noon tipoff at Verizon Center will be a homecoming for Savage, who grew up in the nearby Northern Virginia suburbs and spent his first two years of college basketball playing locally for the Colonials.


Nobody could use some home cooking right now more than the Hoyas. Georgetown's 76-70 loss at Providence Wednesday dropped its record to 8-7 overall, but 0-3 in Big East play for the first time in program history.


"We're frustrated," Coach John Thompson III said moments after the Hoyas' latest loss.


The Hoyas entered conference play with momentum thanks to a six-game winning streak. The tides shifted after losing at Marquette and home to No. 17 Xavier. The latest setback occurred despite a career-high 26 points from Marcus Derrickson. The sophomore forward didn't receive much help offensively and the Hoyas once again showed help on defense is what they need most.


Guards Rodney Pryor (19.8 points per game) and L.J. Peak (15.6) have carried the offense most of the season, but both labored from the field against the Friars, finishing 8 of 30 for 22 points.


"There's a big difference between being frustrated and thinking the season's over," said Thompson, who coached Georgetown to a 15-18 record last season. "We're going to keep fighting. We're going to figure this out together. We're in a place right now where we have to pull ourselves up from. In this league, no one's going to help you. No one's going to care about you. And so we have to pull ourselves up."


Butler went 7-of-7 on free throws in the closing 1:46, finishing a perfect 15-of-15. Georgetown clanked at the line for a second straight game, finishing 8-of-16 in the eight-point loss.


One of the most foul-prone teams in the nation, the Hoyas put the Friars on the line 30 times. They were outscored 22-8 on free throws.


The Bulldogs swept the head-to-head series last season, including a 90-87 road win on Feb. 27.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Horned Frogs (12-2) at Mountainers (12-2)
Date: January 07, 2017 1:00 PM EDT

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- In dissecting two losses this season by a combined five points, West Virginia's coaching staff emphasizes one commonality.


Deflections, or rather, the lack of them.


The No. 7 Mountaineers and their nonstop pressure defense typically produce nearly 50 deflections per game. Yet they managed only 39 in a Nov. 25 loss to Temple and 32 in Tuesday's 77-76 overtime defeat at Texas Tech.


"We didn't get any deflections, so we didn't get any live-ball turnovers," said coach Bob Huggins. "It's hard to deflect the pass if you don't bring your hands above your head. Texas Tech threw it out of the trap before there actually was a trap, but if you get your hands up, they've still got to throw it over your hands, which gives you time to make rotations."


Huggins' squad seeks to regain its edge Saturday against visiting TCU at Morgantown, W.Va.


Though both teams stand 12-2 overall and 1-1 in Big 12 play, West Virginia was picked to challenge Kansas for the conference title while coaches slotted the Horned Frogs to finish last. Under Jamie Dixon, however, TCU's rebuilding effort shifted into warp speed, resulting in a No. 30 RPI entering the weekend. That's 23 spots higher than the Mountaineers.


Dixon, who owned a 12-7 record against West Virginia during a 13-year tenure as Pittburgh's coach, should expect plenty of intensity from fans -- as well as the Mountaineers' defense, which leads the nation by forcing 24.8 turnovers.


"Their turnover numbers are dramatic, to say the least," Dixon said. "We've been working on a lot of drills and try and improve in that area. We've been a low-turnover team all year until the last two games."


Those last two games (an 86-80 loss to Kansas and a 60-57 win over Oklahoma) saw the Horned Frogs commit 31 turnovers. Dixon is justifiably concerned about the adaptability of a backcourt rotation that features true freshmen Jaylen Fisher and Desmond Bane, and Texas A&M transfer Alex Robinson -- none of whom have never faced the Mountaineers' press.


Fisher has started 13 of his first 14 games after becoming the highest-rated signee in TCU history at No. 34 nationally by ESPN. He's scoring 9.7 points per game and dishing a team-high 4.4 assists.


Robinson (11.2 points, 2.0 steals) and the drastically improved 6-foot-11 Vlad Brodziansky (11.2 points, 5.1 rebounds) are the top scorers, while 6-7 junior guard Kenrich Williams (9.8 points, 9.8 rebounds) is a double-double threat after recovering from last season's knee injury.


Perhaps nothing speaks to TCU's talent infusion more than the diminished roles of seniors Karviar Shepherd and Chris Washburn, frontline regulars during past seasons who are combining to average 21 minutes.


West Virginia, 9-0 against the Horned Frogs since joining the Big 12 five years ago, is paced by forwards Esa Ahmad (12.6 points, 4.9 rebounds) and Nate Adrian (10.4 points, 6.4 rebounds) and the guard tandem of Jevon Carter (10.3 points, 3.4 steals) and Daxter Miles (10.1 points, 1.7 rebounds).

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Hokies (12-2) at Seminoles (14-1)
Date: January 07, 2017 2:00 PM EDT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Congratulations, Florida State: You made the biggest move up the AP Top 25 Poll last week of any team in the country, going up eight spots from No. 20 after an upset victory at No. 12 Virginia.


Your reward?


Oh, just five straight games against Top 25 ACC teams.


No big deal!


"I'm not sure we've ever seen anything quite like this in the history of our conference," Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton said recently. "It's a great league. The best league in the history of college basketball. And it's getting better."


The Seminoles (14-1 overall, 2-0 in the ACC) are one of seven ACC teams currently ranked in the Top 25 - the most of any conference in the nation. Before the end of January, Florida State will have played each of the six other programs in the poll - one right after another.


The gauntlet started last Sunday as the Cavaliers couldn't stop Seminoles leading scorer Dwayne Bacon en route to his career-high 29 points -- including the game-winning 3-pointer with just 2 seconds left.


And now the gauntlet continues Saturday at home against No. 21 Virginia Tech (12-2, 1-1) at the Donald L. Tucker Center, where Florida State has yet to lose all year. The Hokies enter the game just having knocked off then-No. 5 Duke last week, but they followed it up with a stinker of a showing at N.C. State on Wednesday and got pummeled, 104-78, by the Wolfpack.


That left Virginia Tech coach Buzz Williams frustrated, to say the least.


"We were way too flat. We were playing below our man. And whether it was off the pass or the bounce, when the ball got to the paint, our rotation was bad," Williams said of his team, which reached the Top 25 for the first time this season after its upset of the Blue Devils but will likely fall right back out if it can't beat Florida State.


"I thought the plan (against N.C. State) was right. But the execution was obviously near to zero. I just thought the mentality relative to the execution was bad from the start, and it trended toward being too individualistic on both ends of the floor. And we're not good enough to play that sort of game."


Florida State, meanwhile, is that good -- and it has shown flashes of greatness early in the season.


The Seminoles are enjoying their best ranking since the 1992-93 season and -- while still early -- currently sit tied for first place in the ACC. The 14-1 record is also their best 15-game start since the 1988-89 season and they've also won 10 straight games coming into Saturday following their lone loss of the year on the road against Temple during the NIT Season Tip-Off in late November.


All that, of course, adds up to one thing with five daunting opponents - vs. No. 21 Virginia Tech, vs. No. 8 Duke, at No. 14 North Carolina, vs. No. 23 Notre Dame and vs. No. 9 Louisville - looming over the next three weeks: A whole lot of pressure.


"This is a unique experience that we're in," Hamilton told the school's official website. "But because of that, I think our guys are keeping it in perspective. ... You just can't get too far ahead of yourself. You've got to accept it for what it is and understand that in order for you to get the level of success you want to have, you've got to be prepared. You cannot have a bad night."


And despite a bad night against N.C. State recently, Hamilton knows for what the Hokies are capable.


"It doesn't really matter if they won by 100 or they lost," he said. "If they'd have beat North Carolina State, they'd be coming in with momentum. If they'd lost to North Carolina State, they'd be coming in angry. So, either way it goes, it's going to be a motivated team one way or another."


Florida State is being paced by Bacon, who is averaging 17.3 points a game and has scored in double figures 23 straight times dating back to last season. The sophomore guard was also named ACC Player of the Week for the first time in his Florida State career following his heroic performance against Virginia.


Virginia Tech is led by forward Zach Leday, who is averaging 16.1 points per game and 7.4 rebounds per game. And the Hokies boast one of the ACC's top long-range shooters: Ahmed Hill, who is second in the conference with 40 3-pointers made so far.


If the Seminoles can beat the Hokies, it will mark their 11th straight win - tying the school record for consecutive victories. It would also mark their first win against a ranked Virginia Tech team in almost 10 years.


And history, at least, is in Florida State's favor: The Seminoles have defeated Virginia Tech 10 consecutive times in games played in Tallahassee Virginia Tech is 5-18 in games at Florida State and hasn't won in Tallahassee since 1990.


But don't let that stat fool you, Hamilton said. This is the ACC, where every team is great - and anyone can lose at any given moment.


"You have to have clear understanding that every night is a dog fight," Hamilton said. "We want them to be in that mentality."


Florida State leads the all-time series against the Hokies 30-22, but the Seminoles will be seeking some revenge Saturday after Virginia Tech won their last meeting 96-85 on March 9, 2016 in Blacksburg, Va.


Following Saturday's game against Virginia Tech, the Seminoles play host to No. 8 Duke on Tuesday at the Donald L. Tucker Center.


Virginia Tech, meanwhile, will next host Syracuse on Tuesday after its game at Florida State.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Eagles (8-7) at Blue Devils (13-2)
Date: January 07, 2017 2:00 PM EDT

DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke looks to take the next steps in what has been a challenging stretch when it plays Saturday afternoon without its coach on the bench at Cameron Indoor Stadium.


The game against Boston College marks the first assignment for the No. 8 Blue Devils (13-2, 1-1 ACC) since coach Mike Krzyzewski's surgery Friday morning on his lower back. He's expected to miss about a month.


Associate head coach Jeff Capel steps in as the interim coach.


"We have tremendous coaches," freshman forward Jayson Tatum said of the staff. "I don't think it will be that much different."


Capel has been a head coach at Virginia Commonwealth and Oklahoma. That background combined with his sixth season on the Duke staff is what gives him confidence to handle the weeks ahead.


"It's not as difficult because of Coach," Capel said. "He has told me repeatedly to be myself, to trust my instincts."


Duke players said they're so familiar with Capel and assistant coaches Jon Scheyer and Nate James that they anticipate a smooth transition.


"Coach Capel is going to be a very good coach for us and we're confident we're going to be the same team moving forward," said guard Grayson Allen, who returned to active status Wednesday night after a one-game suspension for his third tripping incident in 11 months.


Capel, a former Duke player, filled in for one victory last season when Krzyzewski was ill.


After Wednesday night's 110-57 smashing of Georgia Tech, Krzyzewski said the parts had been put in place by getting freshman forward Harry Giles in the starting lineup for the first time and Allen back from the indefinite suspension that lasted one game.


"A lot of stuff looked good (Wednesday) night, but we have to keep working at it and getting better," Capel said. "... Having Grayson back is big for our team. He's healthy now and he's coming off maybe his best game of the season or one of his best games of the season."


Boston College (8-7, 1-1) has led at halftime of both its ACC games, but after blowing out Syracuse, the Eagles dropped a 79-66 decision Tuesday night at Wake Forest. So Saturday's game will be the second in a row in North Carolina.


"One thing I love about this group (is) even when we lost game we know we should've won, or played poorly, we always bounced back," Boston College coach Jim Christian said. "That's a true testament to the kind of guys we have on our team."


This is a return to the home state for Boston College sophomore guard Jerome Robinson and freshman guard Ky Bowman, who lead the team in scoring with 20.6 and 11.9 points per game, respectively. One of them has led the Eagles in scoring in all except two games.


Bowman has been named the ACC Freshman of the Week in the last two weeks.


"He has got such a good mentality," Christian said. "That's why he's going to be a huge, huge piece of our team moving forward."


Duke leads the all-time series 19-2, including 10 victories in a row.