Cnotes 2016 NCAA Basketball News-Trends-Picks !

[CNOTES]

Big Monday Tip Sheet
January 22, 2017


Big Monday on ESPN offers up a double header of college basketball action in the ACC and the Big 12 starting with the NC State Wolfpack going up against the Duke Blue Devils followed by Oklahoma heading on the road to face Texas. As a bonus game for Monday’s tip sheet, TCU will square off against Oklahoma State in another battle in the Big 12.


North Carolina State Wolfpack at No. 18 Duke Blue Devils (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET)


Opening Odds: Duke -16


Betting Matchup


It has been a rough start for the Wolfpack in the ACC this season with a 2-5 record both straight-up and against the spread in their first seven conference games. Their latest setback came at the hands of Wake Forest in a 93-88 loss as one-point home favorites. NC State (13-7 SU, 8-10 ATS) is ranked 34th in the nation in scoring with an average of 81.6 points a game, but it falls way down the list when it comes to points allowed; giving up an average of 77.2 points per game.

The Blue Devils continue to press on without their head coach Mike Krzyzewski at the helm as he continues to recovers from recent back surgery. They have a spotty 3-3 SU record in conference play and they have been tough on bettors since mid-December with a 2-6 record ATS in their last eight outings. Duke is 15-4 SU (8-10 ATS) on the year following Saturday’s 70-58 victory against Miami as a 9 ½-point home favorite. Freshman forward Jayson Tatum led the team in scoring in that game with 14 points.

Betting Trends


-- The Wolfpack have failed to cover in their last five road games and the total has stayed UNDER in eight of their last 11 Monday games.


-- The Blue Devils are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following a SU win and the total has stayed UNDER in their last four games played on Monday.


-- Head-to-head in this in-state battle, Duke has won the last four meetings SU, but the series is tied at an even 2-2 ATS. The total has gone OVER in eight of the last 10 games between the two.


TCU Horned Frogs at Oklahoma State Cowboys (ESPNU, 7 p.m. ET)


Opening Odds: Oklahoma State - 4 ½


Betting Matchup


Back-to-back losses to Texas Tech on the road and Baylor at home both SU and ATS as an underdog have dropped TCU to 3-4 SU (4-3 ATS) in the Big 12 as part of an overall SU record of 14-5 SU (10-7 ATS). In this past Saturday’s 62-53 loss to the Baylor as three-point underdogs, the Horned Frogs got a big effort from junior forward Vladimir Brodziansky and junior guard Kenrich Williams with a combined 35 points and 22 rebounds.


Oklahoma State (11-8 SU, 8-7 ATS) snapped a SU six-game losing streak in the Big 12 with Saturday’s stunning 83-64 rout of Texas Tech as a 6 ½-point underdog on the road. The total stayed UNDER the 155-point closing line and it has stayed UNDER in four of its seven conference games. Junior guard Jeffery Carroll led all scorers with 25 points and senior guard Phil Forte III added 21 points and six defensive rebounds to the winning cause.


Betting Trends


-- The Horned Frogs are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS loss and the total has stayed UNDER in six of their last seven games following a SU loss.


-- The Cowboys have gone 2-6 ATS in their last eight home games and the total has gone OVER or ended as a PUSH in their last five games played at home.


-- The favorite in this Big 12 clash has covered in five of the last seven meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in four of the last five meetings at Oklahoma State.


Oklahoma Sooners at Texas Longhorns (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET)


Opening Odds: Texas -2 ½


Betting Matchup

The Sooners followed up last week’s thrilling 89-87 upset against West Virginia as heavy 16 ½-point road underdogs with a disappointing 92-87 double overtime loss to Iowa State at home this past Saturday as two-point favorites. They are now 8-10 SU (8-7-1 ATS) on the year and 2-5 SU in conference play. The total has gone OVER in four of their last five games. Oklahoma senior guard Jordan Woodard leads the team in both points (17.9) and assists (3.9). He has scored 20 points or more in each of his last three games.


Texas is tied for last in the Big 12 at 1-6 SU as part of an overall record of 7-12. When it comes to betting on the Longhorns it has been a whole other story with a 6-1 mark ATS in conference play as part of an 11-7 record ATS. The Longhorns have been able to cover as double-digit underdogs in their last three games despite averaging just 67.7 points in a losing cause. Their leading scorer Tevin Mack (14.8) has sat out all three of those games due to a team suspension.

Betting Trends


-- The Sooners are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five road games and the total has stayed UNDER in seven of their last 10 games on the road.


-- The Longhorns are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 conference games and the total has stayed UNDER or ended as a PUSH in six of their last seven games played on a Monday.


-- The underdog in this Big 12 matchup has covered ATS in the last four meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in eight of the last 11 meetings in Texas.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Wolfpack (13-7) at Blue Devils (15-4)
Date: January 23, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke and North Carolina State have been in some similar situations up to this point in the season, with the debuts of freshmen delayed and injuries striking along the way.


So while both teams are aiming for continuity, they might be sensing desperation in their own ways when they meet Monday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium.


No. 18 Duke coped with injured freshmen at the start of the season and the Blue Devils have dealt with other distractions. N.C. State had eligibility issues postpone the debuts of a pair of freshmen and an injury kept another key player off the court for weeks.


The teams, albeit with different accomplishments, can be compared to some degree.


"It's just hard to get your team developed, but you have to figure it out," N.C. State coach Mark Gottfried said. "We have to figure it out. They have to figure it out. Everybody has to figure it out."


Duke has found some solutions, perhaps most notably with Saturday night's comeback from 12 points down to defeat Miami 70-58.


The Blue Devils (15-4, 3-3 ACC) said turning anger into something good was part of the winning formula for that game.


"It was just us coming together and saying enough is enough," Duke freshman forward Jayson Tatum said. "We know what we have to do and it's just a matter of us all being in and being hungry. We were hungry in the second half and when we're hungry, man, we're scary."


Interim coach Jeff Capel liked the response.


"I think we were all fed up," Capel said. "There has to be a sense of urgency to change it."


N.C. State (13-7, 2-5) suffered a 93-88 home loss to Wake Forest on Saturday.


With the second game in three days for both teams, it's important to look ahead in a hurry.


"We'll have to play hard and follow the coaches' plan," Wolfpack forward Abdul-Malik Abu said. "We'll go into the game with the same focus we go into every game."


N.C. State played two games in three days last week, winning on the back end.


"I'm just excited to keep playing. Every game is only worth one game," N.C. State guard Torin Dorn said. "We've got 11 more tests to go, so there is no time to sulk and worry about this (latest) loss."


Duke has used seven different starting lineups, with senior forward Amile Jefferson returning to that role after a two-game absence with a bruised foot. Capel said it was too soon to know what group would be used Monday night after his lineup shuffle at the beginning of the second half sparked the big rally in the Miami game.


"That group did great," Capel said. "For us, it shouldn't matter who starts."


N.C. State freshman Dennis Smith Jr. has led the Wolfpack in scoring in eight of the last 11 games. He was a recruiting target for Duke, so Capel is aware of his abilities.


"A team that can really score," Capel said of N.C. State, "and with as talented of a guard (in Smith) as there is in college basketball."


Monday night's game is the only scheduled meeting of the season between the teams. Duke has won the last four in the series, including a sweep of three matchups last season.


If N.C. State pulls an upset, it will mark a couple of milestones. It would be the 100th all-time victory against Duke, which leads the series 146-99, and it would be Gottfried's 400th career coaching win.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Bulldogs (19-0) at Pilots (9-10)
Date: January 23, 2017 8:00 PM EDT

Fourth-ranked Gonzaga must try to motivate itself to play at a high level when it competes against West Coast Conference opponents.


The Bulldogs, the lone unbeaten team in the nation with a 19-0 record, again have that task Monday (8 p.m. ET) at Portland only two days after they struggled but defeated the Pilots 73-52 in Spokane, Wash.


Monday's game originally was scheduled to be played on Jan. 7 but was postponed because of inclement weather that included snow and freezing rain in Portland, Ore.


Gonzaga leads the WCC with a 7-0 record. Portland, which is without top scorer Alec Wintering for the rest of the season because of a knee injury, is 9-10 and 5-5.


The Pilots are one of five WCC teams with a .500 record or worse overall. Saint Mary's is the only other ranked team in the conference at No. 23. No other WCC teams even received votes in the latest AP Top 25 poll.


Gonzaga defeated Portland by 21 points on Saturday despite outrebounded 41-33. The Bulldogs also had only two fast-break points and shot 31.8 percent from 3-point range.


It was Portland's first game without Wintering, a guard who was averaging 19.5 points a game.


"It was kind of a choppy game," said Gonzaga coach Mark Few, who is 34-2 against the Pilots. "Portland did a nice job, especially being undermanned, of coming in here and fighting us, playing us physical and beating us to some balls.


"But a 20-point win at home is nothing to not feel good about."


Portland, which has lost seven consecutive games to Gonzaga, trailed by seven points with 16:20 left in regulation after trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half. The Bulldogs pulled away by outscoring Portland 29-11 midway through the second half.


While Gonzaga will make it a mission to improve its rebounding performance, Portland will attempt to take better care of the ball. The Pilots committed 16 turnovers with only four assists in Saturday's loss.


"We probably had more turnovers than I would like," said first-year Portland head coach Terry Porter, a former NBA player and coach. "We try to stay at that 13 or under range."
Porter attributed the amount of turnovers to the team's new guard rotation with Wintering out. Guards Jazz Johnson, Andre Ferguson and Rashad Jackson combined for seven turnovers and only two assists.


"Sometimes when you lose your leader like that, it wipes you out," Porter said of Wintering. "But the guys responded well with a great effort. We knew it was going to be a tall task. I loved the way we fought and got after it."


A major concern for Few is the health of starting point guard Nigel Williams-Goss, who left the locker room Saturday night on crutches. He landed awkwardly on his left hip with a little less than five minutes remaining. The Bulldogs' leading scorer, Williams-Goss hobbled directly to the training room.


"At the time (it happened), it was a lot of pain," said Williams-Goss, who averages 15 points and 4.7 assists per game. "I couldn't put a lot of pressure on my left leg. A couple days of treatment, I think I should be good."

 

[CNOTES]

MONDAY, JANUARY 23


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


CCAR at GASO 07:00 PM


CCAR +5.0


AMER at HC 07:00 PM


AMER +8.0


U 116.5


APP at GSU 07:00 PM


APP +9.0


O 150.5


CAN at NIAG 07:00 PM


CAN -4.5


O 160.5


QUIN at IONA 07:00 PM


IONA -10.0


O 164.0


NCST at DUKE 07:00 PM

NCST +16.5

O 160.5


TCU at OKST 07:00 PM


TCU +4.0


O 155.5


CLEVST at GB 07:00 PM


GB -6.0


O 146.5


RID at SPC 07:00 PM


SPC -4.0


O 132.0


TROY at UALR 07:30 PM

UALR -3.5


U 143.0


GONZ at PORT 08:00 PM

PORT +23.5

O 141.0


USA at ARST 08:00 PM


ARST -8.5


O 143.5


ULM at TXST 08:00 PM


ULM +7.0


O 124.0


OKLA at TEX 09:00 PM

TEX -2.0


O 144.5


TXSO at MVSU 09:00 PM

TXSO -13.0


ULL at UTA 09:00 PM


ULL +5.5


O 161.0

 

[CNOTES]

B]Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack[/B]


Six facts about dolphins…….


— A group of dolphins is called a pod.


— The dolphin is the only mammal that gives birth with the tail first instead of the head.


— A dolphin may be able to dive up to 1,000 feet


— The average lifespan of a dolphin is 17 years. However, some of them that have been observed in the wild lived about 50 years.


— A dolphin needs to get air at different intervals. Some need air every 20 seconds but others only need it every 30 minutes.


— There are about 100 teeth in the mouth of a dolphin. They use the teeth to grab their prey but they don’t chew it. All food is swallowed whole.


**********

Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but…….


13) Michigan Wolverines are having spring football practice….in Italy? Jim Harbaugh is very creative, a little weird. This has to cost a lot of money. Does it help them?


12) Floyd Mayweather has a guy in his entourage who walks around with a doctor’s bag that is filled with a ton of cash, in case he wants to bet. Last Thursday, he wanted to bet.


Mayweather wagered $100,000 on Gonzaga (-8, -$115) in the first half of its game at Santa Clara. His winning wager netted him $86,956. Not bad work for an hour.


11) Interesting baseball trade: Dodgers send pitching prospect Jose DeLeon to Tampa Bay for versatile IF Logan Forsythe.


24-year old DeLeon was 2-0, 6.35 in four starts (17 IP) for LA last year. 30-year old Forsythe hit .264 with 20 HR’s LY- he’s played all four infield positions, but was strictly at 2B LY.


10) Andy Iskoe is a really smart guy, an excellent handicapper. He points out that since Super Bowl ***, the team with the better regular season record is 1-14-1 vs spread in Super Bowls, the one cover being Tampa Bay in 2002 when Jon Gruden coached against his old team.


Underdogs won last five, and seven of last nine Super Bowls SU.


9) There are five ex-Browns, five ex-Redskins playing in this year’s Super Bowl.


8) Before this NFL season started, more people bet on Cleveland to win the Super Bowl than bet on the Falcons to win it. Gambling is difficult, but it isn’t that difficult.


7) For the first time ever, college football teams averaged over 30 pts/game (30.04) this year.


6) Northern Colorado University is located in Greeley, CO. Tom Norton is Greeley’s mayor; he has courtside seats at Northern Colorado’s hoop games- the coach is his neighbor.


Referees told Mayor Norton to take a hike Saturday when he came on the court to argue a call against his beloved Bears. The mayor later returned and sat in a different seat (further away from the court) as Northern Colorado lost 74-69 to Big Sky leader Weber State.


5) Back in 2005, when Nick Saban was coaching the Miami Dolphins, his defensive line coach was Dan Quinn, who will coach the Falcons in the Super Bowl next weekend.


4) There is a pro tennis player who wears a mouthpiece during matches, supposedly to help his balance. I’m not sure who came up with that idea, but if it helps, then it helps.


3) Chris Evert was saying that tennis players today are more isolated from each other now than they used to be; Evert told a story about she used to practice with rival Martina Navratilova and also have lunch with her before matches, which seems unusual.


Players today have so much more money, they have their own entourages and they hang out with them instead of other players.


The retractable roof at the Australian Open can be closed during a match if if rains, but once it is closed, it has to stay closed during the rest of that match.


2) NC State 84, Duke 82— Wolfpack lost by 51 in Chapel Hill, but they pulled the upset here as a 16-point underdog, rallying back from down 9 late in game. State had lost five of its last seven games coming in.


Last time the Wolfpack won in Durham was 1995, which is also the last time Coach Krzyzewski had back surgery.


1— Northwestern’s win at Ohio State Sunday was their first one since 1977, when the Wildcats’ coach was Tex Winter, who went on to be one of Phil Jackson’s assistants with the Chicago Bulls.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, January 24

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AUBURN (13 - 6) at S CAROLINA (15 - 4) - 1/24/2017, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S CAROLINA is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 65-90 ATS (-34.0 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
S CAROLINA is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in home games after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.


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




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BUFFALO (9 - 10) at MIAMI OHIO (8 - 11) - 1/24/2017, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


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




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AKRON (16 - 3) at W MICHIGAN (6 - 12) - 1/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W MICHIGAN is 49-30 ATS (+16.0 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.
W MICHIGAN is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
W MICHIGAN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
W MICHIGAN is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
W MICHIGAN is 25-42 ATS (-21.2 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
AKRON is 3-2 against the spread versus W MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
AKRON is 5-0 straight up against W MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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TOLEDO (10 - 9) at OHIO U (12 - 5) - 1/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TOLEDO is 24-44 ATS (-24.4 Units) in road games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
OHIO U is 139-104 ATS (+24.6 Units) in all home games since 1997.
OHIO U is 139-104 ATS (+24.6 Units) in home lined games since 1997.


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




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BOWLING GREEN (8 - 11) at C MICHIGAN (12 - 7) - 1/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOWLING GREEN is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
C MICHIGAN is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.


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




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S ILLINOIS (11 - 10) at WICHITA ST (17 - 4) - 1/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WICHITA ST is 201-155 ATS (+30.5 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
WICHITA ST is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points over the last 2 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
S ILLINOIS is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
WICHITA ST is 3-2 against the spread versus S ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
WICHITA ST is 5-0 straight up against S ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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LOUISVILLE (16 - 4) at PITTSBURGH (12 - 7) - 1/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOUISVILLE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all games this season.
LOUISVILLE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 28-49 ATS (-25.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 28-49 ATS (-25.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 5-18 ATS (-14.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
LOUISVILLE is 4-1 against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
LOUISVILLE is 5-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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PURDUE (16 - 4) at MICHIGAN ST (12 - 8) - 1/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN ST is 83-54 ATS (+23.6 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 since 1997.
MICHIGAN ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
PURDUE is 50-28 ATS (+19.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 50-28 ATS (+19.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
PURDUE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
PURDUE is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.


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




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ST JOSEPHS (9 - 9) at ST BONAVENTURE (12 - 6) - 1/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST JOSEPHS is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST JOSEPHS is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ST JOSEPHS is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ST JOSEPHS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games in January games over the last 2 seasons.
ST JOSEPHS is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights since 1997.
ST JOSEPHS is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
ST JOSEPHS is 39-22 ATS (+14.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.


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




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DUQUESNE (9 - 11) at DAVIDSON (9 - 8) - 1/24/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DUQUESNE is 129-164 ATS (-51.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
DUQUESNE is 64-100 ATS (-46.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in home games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.


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




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KANSAS (18 - 1) at W VIRGINIA (15 - 4) - 1/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W VIRGINIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.


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




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RUTGERS (12 - 8) at MARYLAND (17 - 2) - 1/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RUTGERS is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 2 seasons.
RUTGERS is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
RUTGERS is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
RUTGERS is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
RUTGERS is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
RUTGERS is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
RUTGERS is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
RUTGERS is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.


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




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VILLANOVA (19 - 1) at MARQUETTE (13 - 6) - 1/24/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARQUETTE is 136-94 ATS (+32.6 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 91-66 ATS (+18.4 Units) in January games since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 65-43 ATS (+17.7 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 110-73 ATS (+29.7 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
VILLANOVA is 56-34 ATS (+18.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 56-34 ATS (+18.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 54-33 ATS (+17.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 44-23 ATS (+18.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games after allowing 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
VILLANOVA is 5-1 against the spread versus MARQUETTE over the last 3 seasons
VILLANOVA is 6-0 straight up against MARQUETTE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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


WAKE FOREST (12 - 7) at SYRACUSE (11 - 9) - 1/24/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WAKE FOREST is 74-110 ATS (-47.0 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 71-107 ATS (-46.7 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 55-80 ATS (-33.0 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 105-139 ATS (-47.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 112-147 ATS (-49.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games after allowing 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SYRACUSE is 49-71 ATS (-29.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.


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




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


VIRGINIA (15 - 3) at NOTRE DAME (17 - 3) - 1/24/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NOTRE DAME is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in January games this season.
NOTRE DAME is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after a conference game this season.


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




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


PENN ST (11 - 9) at WISCONSIN (16 - 3) - 1/24/2017, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


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




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


DRAKE (6 - 14) at MISSOURI ST (14 - 7) - 1/24/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSOURI ST is 35-59 ATS (-29.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.


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




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


KENT ST (10 - 9) at N ILLINOIS (12 - 7) - 1/24/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N ILLINOIS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
KENT ST is 39-20 ATS (+17.0 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.


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




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


ARKANSAS (15 - 4) at VANDERBILT (9 - 10) - 1/24/2017, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARKANSAS is 71-113 ATS (-53.3 Units) in road games since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 71-113 ATS (-53.3 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 71-115 ATS (-55.5 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 71-113 ATS (-53.3 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 15-30 ATS (-18.0 Units) in road games after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 37-65 ATS (-34.5 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
VANDERBILT is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
VANDERBILT is 49-26 ATS (+20.4 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.


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




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


KENTUCKY (17 - 2) at TENNESSEE (10 - 9) - 1/24/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 128-87 ATS (+32.3 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
TENNESSEE is 59-38 ATS (+17.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
TENNESSEE is 109-79 ATS (+22.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
KENTUCKY is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.


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




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


BALL ST (12 - 7) at E MICHIGAN (12 - 7) - 1/24/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E MICHIGAN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
E MICHIGAN is 65-92 ATS (-36.2 Units) in January games since 1997.
E MICHIGAN is 103-139 ATS (-49.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.


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




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


UTAH ST (9 - 10) at NEW MEXICO (12 - 8) - 1/24/2017, 11:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH ST is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) as an underdog this season.
UTAH ST is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEW MEXICO is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH ST is 3-2 against the spread versus NEW MEXICO over the last 3 seasons
UTAH ST is 3-2 straight up against NEW MEXICO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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


TULANE (4 - 15) at HOUSTON (14 - 7) - 1/24/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULANE is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TULANE is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TULANE is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
TULANE is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TULANE is 58-88 ATS (-38.8 Units) in January games since 1997.
TULANE is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TULANE is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
TULANE is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
TULANE is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TULANE is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights since 1997.
HOUSTON is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-2 against the spread versus TULANE over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 4-2 straight up against TULANE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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


KANSAS ST (15 - 4) at IOWA ST (12 - 6) - 1/24/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IOWA ST is 89-64 ATS (+18.6 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.
IOWA ST is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in home games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
IOWA ST is 233-180 ATS (+35.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
IOWA ST is 69-41 ATS (+23.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
KANSAS ST is 86-59 ATS (+21.1 Units) in January games since 1997.


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




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


SAN DIEGO ST (11 - 7) at AIR FORCE (9 - 11) - 1/24/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AIR FORCE is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.


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

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, January 24

South Carolina won five of its last six games but lost at Kentucky last game; Gamecocks are 3-0 at home in SEC, winning by 11-11-4 points. is forcing turnovers 27.7% of time in SEC games, but shooting just 41.5% inside arc. Auburn won three of last four games after starting 0-3 in SEC games; Tigers are 1-2 on SEC road, losing by 19-20 at Vandy/Kentucky winning at Missouri by 5. Tigers won six of last eight games with South Carolina, winning last three visits here by 15-8-5 points. SEC home favorites of 9+ points are 6-9-1 vs spread.

Akron won its last nine games; they’re 6-0 in MAC, with both road wins by 4 points. Zips beat Western Michigan 66-59 at home 18 days ago, despite going 7-29 on arc in game that was tied at half. Akron won its last five games with the Broncos, winning two of last three visits here (wins by 2-3 points). WMU is 2-4 in MAC but scored 90-92 points in winning only two MAC home games; Broncos are playing slowest tempo games in conference this season. MAC favorites are 8-6-1 vs spread in games with spread of 4 or less points.

Louisville won its last nine games with Pitt, winning last three visits here, by 11-12-7 points; they beat Pitt by 5 at home 13 days ago, game that was 47-27 at the half. Cardinals are 1-2 on ACC road with only win by 15 at Ga Tech- they lost at FSU/Notre Dame, are best defensive team in ACC but 2nd-worst on offense. Pitt lost its last four games after a 12-3 start; they’re 1-2 at home in ACC, splitting pair of OT games, then losing by 26 to Miami. Panthers shoot 40.5% on arc in ACC, #3 in league. ACC road favorites of 4+ points are 2-8 vs spread this season.

Purdue is 5-2 in Big 14, just 1-1 on road, winning at Ohio State by 5, losing by point at Iowa- their only other road game was 71-64 loss at Louisville. Michigan State is #313 experience team that lost three of last four games, is 4-3 in Big 14, but 3-0 at home, winning by 9-28-18 points. MSU won eight of its last nine games with Purdue, winning last three played here, by 25-23-6 points; Spartans beat Purdue 66-62 in Big 14 tourney last March. Curious to see how Spartans do against Boilers’ big men. Big 14 home underdogs of less than 5 points are 6-3 this season.

West Virginia allowed 84 pts/game in losing its last two games after a 15-2 start; now they’re favored over Kansas squad that won its last 11 games since losing to Indiana on a neutral floor Nov 11. Jayhawks are 3-0 on Big X road, winning by 6-11-4 points. Home side won last seven Kansas-West Virginia games; Jayhawks lost last three visits here, by 6-1-11 points- they also beat WV by 10 in Big X tourney last March. Kansas is shooting 42.2% on arc in Big X games. Big X home favorites of 5 or less points are 5-6 vs spread.

Villanova shot 14-23 on arc in 93-81 home win over Marquette Jan 7; Wildcats are 2-1 on Big East road, winning by 10 at Creighton, 13 at St John’s- they lost at Butler. Marquette won last game at Creighton but that was Bluejays’ first game with their best player out for year. Eagles are 4-3 in Big East, 3-0 at home, with OT win over Seton Hall best of the three. Villanova won its last nine games with Marquette, winning last three visits here, by 9-11-10 points- their last six series wins were all by 10+ points. Big East road favorites of 6 or less points are 5-3 vs spread.

Syracuse is 3-0 at home, 0-4 on road in ACC (they’ve lost 8 in row on road). Orangemen are 1-5 vs top 50 teams this year- their best win was over Miami at home. Syracuse won its three ACC games with Wake Forest by 10-3-28 points, winning 86-83 in OT in only one of the three played in Carrier Dome- they beat Deacons 83-55 on road LY. Wake scored 96-93 points in winning its last two games; their ACC road losses are by 16 at Florida St, 17 at Virginia- they won at NC State in last road game. ACC home favorites of less than 5 points are 9-6 vs spread.

Virginia won its last four games, three by 13+ points; they’re 3-1 on ACC road, with wins at Louisville/Clemson/BC- they lost in OT at Pitt. Cavaliers won their four ACC games with Notre Dame, winning by 15-6 points in two games played here. Notre Dame is 3-0 at home, scoring 78.7 pts/game in wins over Louisville/Clemson/Syracuse- their only ACC loss was at Florida State by 3 last week. Virginia forces turnovers 20.8% of time in ACC play. ND is making 42.9% of its 3’s in league games. ACC road teams are 7-4-1 in games with spread of 3 or less points.

Vanderbilt snapped 4-game skid with upset win at Florida Saturday; Commodores are 3-4 in SEC, 2-2 on road, with losses by 3 at Alabama, 8 at Georgia. Arkansas won its last three games with Vanderbilt, winning three of last five visits here- they beat Vandy in OT at home LY. Hogs won last three games by 19-2-13 points; they’re 1-3 vs top 60 teams, with best win at #53 Tennessee. Arkansas is shooting 39.8% on arc in SEC. Three of last four series games were decided by 5 or less points. SEC home favorites of less than 5 points are 3-13 vs spread.

Kentucky won its last seven games, is 3-0 on SEC road, winning by 23 at Ole Miss, 6 at Vandy, 7 at Miss State. Wildcats are shooting 41.4% on arc in SEC games. Kentucky won nine of last 11 games with Tennessee, but lost two of last three visits here. SEC double digit favorites are 7-10 vs spread, 1-2 on road. Kentucky PG Fox tweaked ankle in last game, is supposed to be OK, but Calipari’s son could see time at PG if Fox cannot go. Vols lost four of last six games; their last three losses are by 13-10-11 points- they’re 1-2 at home in SEC, beating Miss State.

Utah State lost its last three games, by 8-19-8 points; they beat New Mexico 79-75 at home Jan 4, going 10-22 on arc in game Lobos led by 1 at the half. Aggies are 0-3 on MW road, losing by 5-8-19 points; they’re making 39.5% of 3’s, best in MW. New Mexico scored 81 pts/game in winning last three games by 13-11-7 points since disturbing home loss to UNLV. Lobos are 4-3 in Mountain West games with Utah State, winning two of three here (wins here by 9-18 points). Mountain West home favorites of 7+ points are 5-3 against the spread.

Iowa State won two of last three games, winning in double OT at Oklahoma Saturday after they fell behind 28-9 early on. Cyclones are 2-2 on Big X road, losing by 2 at Baylor, 7 at TCU. Iowa State won four of last five games with Kansas State, winning last five played here, by 2-6-6-6-19 points. K-State won its last two games, scoring 87.5 pts/game- they upset West Va Saturday, Wildcats are 1-2 on Big X road, losing at Kansas/Tex Tech by total of three points. Iowa State is by far worst rebounding team in Big X. Big X home favorites of 5 or less points are 5-6.

San Diego State won its last three games by 15-19-13 points after a stumbling 8-7 start; Aztecs are turning ball over 19.2% of time in MW games, worst in league. Air Force lost last three games, dropping wild double OT game in Vegas Saturday; Falcons are 2-1 at home in MW, losing by 4 to San Jose St, beating Fresno St, Utah St. Air Force scored 76+ points in its last six games. San Diego State won 14 of its last 16 games with Air Force, winning last six in row, last two visits here by 7-32 points. Mountain West road favorites are 5-5 vs spread.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Tuesday, January 24

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

6:30 PM
AUBURN vs. SOUTH CAROLINA
Auburn is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against South Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Auburn's last 5 games when playing on the road against South Carolina
South Carolina is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of South Carolina's last 7 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 7:00 PM
BUFFALO vs. MIAMI (OHIO)
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Buffalo's last 14 games when playing on the road against Miami (Ohio)
Buffalo is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Miami (Ohio)
Miami (Ohio) is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Miami (Ohio) is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 7:00 PM
AKRON vs. WESTERN MICHIGAN
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Akron's last 5 games when playing on the road against Western Michigan
Akron is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Western Michigan
Western Michigan is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games
Western Michigan is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 7:00 PM
LOUISVILLE vs. PITTSBURGH
Louisville is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Louisville's last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing at home against Louisville
Pittsburgh is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Louisville

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 7:00 PM
SAINT JOSEPH'S vs. ST. BONAVENTURE
Saint Joseph's is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Saint Joseph's is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
St. Bonaventure is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Bonaventure's last 5 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 7:00 PM
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS vs. WICHITA STATE
Southern Illinois is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Southern Illinois is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Wichita State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Southern Illinois
Wichita State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Southern Illinois

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 7:00 PM
KANSAS vs. WEST VIRGINIA
Kansas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Kansas's last 11 games on the road
West Virginia is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Kansas
West Virginia is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 7:00 PM
TOLEDO vs. OHIO
Toledo is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toledo's last 5 games on the road
Ohio is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toledo
Ohio is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Toledo

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 7:00 PM
PURDUE vs. MICHIGAN STATE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Purdue's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Purdue's last 6 games when playing on the road against Michigan State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Michigan State's last 6 games when playing at home against Purdue
Michigan State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Purdue

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 7:00 PM
RUTGERS vs. MARYLAND
Rutgers is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Rutgers's last 5 games on the road
Maryland is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
Maryland is 17-2 SU in its last 19 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 7:00 PM
BOWLING GREEN vs. CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Bowling Green is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Central Michigan
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Bowling Green's last 9 games when playing on the road against Central Michigan
Central Michigan is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Central Michigan is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 7:30 PM
DUQUESNE vs. DAVIDSON
Duquesne is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Davidson is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Davidson is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 8:00 PM
VILLANOVA vs. MARQUETTE
Villanova is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Marquette
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Villanova's last 7 games when playing on the road against Marquette
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Marquette's last 5 games at home
Marquette is 8-17 ATS in its last 25 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 8:00 PM
DRAKE vs. MISSOURI STATE
Drake is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Missouri State
Drake is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Missouri State
Missouri State is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
Missouri State is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 8:00 PM
KENT STATE vs. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kent State's last 5 games when playing on the road against Northern Illinois
Kent State is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Northern Illinois
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Northern Illinois's last 8 games when playing Kent State
Northern Illinois is 3-14 SU in its last 17 games when playing Kent State

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 8:00 PM
WAKE FOREST vs. SYRACUSE
Wake Forest is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Wake Forest's last 23 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Syracuse's last 5 games at home
Syracuse is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 8:00 PM
VIRGINIA vs. NOTRE DAME
Virginia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Virginia's last 14 games on the road
Notre Dame is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Notre Dame is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 8:30 PM
ARKANSAS vs. VANDERBILT
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Arkansas's last 10 games on the road
Arkansas is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Vanderbilt's last 7 games when playing at home against Arkansas
Vanderbilt is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Arkansas

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 9:00 PM
KENTUCKY vs. TENNESSEE
Kentucky is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tennessee
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kentucky's last 6 games when playing on the road against Tennessee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tennessee's last 6 games when playing Kentucky
Tennessee is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Kentucky

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 9:00 PM
BALL STATE vs. EASTERN MICHIGAN
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ball State's last 5 games when playing on the road against Eastern Michigan
Ball State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Eastern Michigan
Eastern Michigan is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Ball State
Eastern Michigan is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Ball State

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 9:00 PM
TULANE vs. HOUSTON
Tulane is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Tulane is 5-10-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 9:00 PM
PENN STATE vs. WISCONSIN
Penn State is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Penn State is 1-17 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Wisconsin
Wisconsin is 17-1 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Penn State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wisconsin's last 6 games when playing at home against Penn State

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 9:00 PM
KANSAS STATE vs. IOWA STATE
Kansas State is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas State's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Iowa State's last 8 games when playing at home against Kansas State
Iowa State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas State

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 9:00 PM
SAN DIEGO STATE vs. AIR FORCE
San Diego State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Air Force
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego State's last 5 games when playing on the road against Air Force
Air Force is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Air Force is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 24, 11:00 PM
UTAH STATE vs. NEW MEXICO
Utah State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Mexico's last 5 games when playing Utah State
New Mexico is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Utah State

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Tuesday, January 24


San Diego St @ Air Force

Game 761-762
January 24, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego St
62.490
Air Force
54.025
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego St
by 8 1/2
127
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego St
by 6
138
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego St
(-6); Under

Kansas State @ Iowa State

Game 759-760
January 24, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas State
65.424
Iowa State
79.077
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Iowa State
by 13 1/2
136
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Iowa State
by 5
143
Dunkel Pick:
Iowa State
(-5); Under

Tulane @ Houston

Game 757-758
January 24, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tulane
44.544
Houston
69.867
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 25 1/2
143
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 17 1/2
147
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-17 1/2); Over

Utah State @ New Mexico

Game 755-756
January 24, 2017 @ 11:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah State
57.554
New Mexico
59.951
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Mexico
by 2 1/2
160
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Mexico
by 9
152 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Utah State
(+9); Over

Ball State @ Eastern Michigan

Game 753-754
January 24, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Ball State
55.253
Eastern Michigan
60.943
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Eastern Michigan
by 5 1/2
158
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Eastern Michigan
by 8 1/2
150 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Ball State
(+8 1/2); Over

Kentucky @ Tennessee

Game 751-752
January 24, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kentucky
81.956
Tennessee
68.953
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kentucky
by 13
157
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kentucky
by 9 1/2
169
Dunkel Pick:
Kentucky
(-9 1/2); Under

Arkansas @ Vanderbilt

Game 749-750
January 24, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arkansas
69.887
Vanderbilt
63.518
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arkansas
by 6 1/2
159
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Vanderbilt
by 3
152 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arkansas
(+3); Over

Kent State @ Northern Illinois

Game 747-748
January 24, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kent State
52.343
Northern Illinois
58.424
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Northern Illinois
by 6
128
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Northern Illinois
by 4
137
Dunkel Pick:
Northern Illinois
(-4); Under

Drake @ Missouri State

Game 745-746
January 24, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Drake
52.676
Missouri State
58.795
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Missouri State
by 6
142
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Missouri State
by 10 1/2
150
Dunkel Pick:
Drake
(+10 1/2); Under

Penn State @ Wisconsin

Game 743-744
January 24, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Penn State
61.852
Wisconsin
77.719
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wisconsin
by 16
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wisconsin
by 14
135
Dunkel Pick:
Wisconsin
(-14); Over

Virginia @ Notre Dame

Game 741-742
January 24, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Virginia
79.135
Notre Dame
71.609
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Virginia
by 7 1/2
123
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Notre Dame
by 1 1/2
129
Dunkel Pick:
Virginia
(+1 1/2); Under

Wake Forest @ Syracuse

Game 739-740
January 24, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Wake Forest
69.504
Syracuse
66.057
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wake Forest
by 3 1/2
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Syracuse
by 3
156
Dunkel Pick:
Wake Forest
(+3); Under

Villanova @ Marquette

Game 737-738
January 24, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Villanova
83.614
Marquette
69.319
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Villanova
by 14 1/2
148
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Villanova
by 5
155
Dunkel Pick:
Villanova
(-5); Under

Rutgers @ Maryland

Game 735-736
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Rutgers
60.186
Maryland
67.569
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Maryland
by 7 1/2
127
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Maryland
by 11
131 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Rutgers
(+11); Under

Kansas @ West Virginia

Game 733-734
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas
77.018
West Virginia
77.333
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas
Even
156
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
West Virginia
by 4 1/2
162 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas
(+4 1/2); Under

Duquesne @ Davidson

Game 731-732
January 24, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Duquesne
45.423
Davidson
66.975
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Davidson
by 21 1/2
138
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Davidson
by 13
148 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Davidson
(-13); Under

St Joseph's @ St Bonaventure

Game 729-730
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St Joseph's
52.318
St Bonaventure
69.365
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St Bonaventure
by 17
158
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St Bonaventure
by 7 1/2
150
Dunkel Pick:
St Bonaventure
(-7 1/2); Over

Purdue @ Michigan State

Game 727-728
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Purdue
70.138
Michigan State
74.728
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Michigan State
by 4 1/2
135
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Purdue
by 2
140 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Michigan State
(+2); Under

Louisville @ Pittsburgh

Game 725-726
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Louisville
71.260
Pittsburgh
68.468
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Louisville
by 3
148
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Louisville
by 7
142 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+7); Over

Southern Illinois @ Wichita State

Game 723-724
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Southern Illinois
54.198
Wichita State
73.771
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wichita State
by 19 1/2
150
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wichita State
by 17 1/2
144 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Wichita State
(-17 1/2); Over

Bowling Green @ Central Michigan

Game 721-722
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Bowling Green
47.744
Central Michigan
57.654
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Central Michigan
by 10
170
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Central Michigan
by 6 1/2
175
Dunkel Pick:
Central Michigan
(-6 1/2); Under

Toledo @ Ohio

Game 719-720
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toledo
55.374
Ohio
56.236
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ohio
by 1
139
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ohio
by 6 1/2
148 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toledo
(+6 1/2); Under

Akron @ Western Michigan

Game 717-718
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Akron
58.668
Western Michigan
57.122
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Akron
by 1 1/2
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Akron
by 4
152 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Western Michigan
(+4); Under

Buffalo @ Miami-OH

Game 715-716
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Buffalo
59.837
Miami-OH
47.305
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Buffalo
by 12 1/2
142
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Buffalo
by 3
148 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Buffalo
(-3); Under

Auburn @ South Carolina

Game 713-714
January 24, 2017 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Auburn
60.994
South Carolina
74.182
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
South Carolina
by 13
134
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
South Carolina
by 9 1/2
139
Dunkel Pick:
South Carolina
(-9 1/2); Under

 

[CNOTES]

Tuesday's Tip Sheet
January 24, 2017



**Villanova at Marquette**


-- As of early this morning, most books had Villanova (19-1 straight up, 12-7 against the spread) listed as a 5.5-point favorite. The Wildcats have won nine consecutive head-to-head meetings over Marquette, going 8-1 ATS in those encounters. The ‘over’ has hit in three straight and four of the last five in this rivalry.


-- Jay Wright’s team has posted a 4-1 record both SU and ATS in its five road games. Villanova took its only loss of the season at Butler (66-58) as a two-point road favorite on Jan. 4. The Wildcats have road wins at Purdue, at Penn, at Creighton and at St. John’s.


-- Villanova has won five in a row while going 4-1 ATS since the loss at Butler. The Wildcats’ lone non-cover during this surge came in Saturday’s 78-68 win over Providence as 10-point home ‘chalk.’ Josh Hart had 25 points, six rebounds and four assists compared to just one turnover against the Friars. Hart buried 10-of-16 from the field, including both 3-point launches. Kris Jenkins had 19 points, four boards, four assists and two steals, while Mikal Bridges scored 14 points and handed out four helpers without committing a turnover. Jalen Brunson was also in double figures with 13 points and six assists with just one turnover.


-- Villanova is No. 1 in the Associated Press poll and No. 2 in the RPI Rankings. The Wildcats own six Top-50 wins and 13 Top-100 scalps. Their most notable victories include home wins over Xavier and Seton Hall, in addition to road wins at Creighton and at Purdue, along with neutral court wins over Notre Dame, Wake Forest, UCF and La Salle.


-- Hart (19.2 points per game) paces the defending national champs in scoring, pulls down 6.5 rebounds per game and has a 72/33 assists-to-turnovers ratio. Jenkins is averaging 14.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, while Brunson is scoring at a 13.9 PPG clip. Brunson is handing out 4.3 APG while making 54.1 percent from the field, 44.6 percent from 3-point range and 84.1 percent at the free-throw line.


-- Marquette (13-6 SU, 10-9 ATS) has won 10 of its 11 home games while compiling a 6-5 spread record. The Golden Eagles have been underdogs only once, losing 93-84 to Wisconsin as 4.5-point ‘dogs on Dec. 10.


-- Since losing back-to-back games at Seton Hall (69-66) and at Villanova (93-81), Steve Wojciechowski’s squad has won three of its last four games, including Saturday’s 102-94 win at Creighton as a 6.5-point road underdog. Seven players scored in double figures led by Katin Reinhardt, the sharp-shooting grad transfer from USC who scored 21 points and dished out seven assists. Reinhardt drained 8-of-13 shots, including 4-of-9 from long distance. Luke Fischer had 18 points, eight rebounds, six blocked shots and three assists. JaJuan Johnson also scored 18 points.


-- We noted ‘Nova’s 93-81 win over Marquette as an 11.5-point home favorite on Jan. 7. The 174 combined points sailed ‘over’ the 149.5-point total. Jenkins scored 23 points while Hart tallied 19 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Markus Howard scored a team-best 21 points for the Golden Eagles.


-- Johnson paces five Marquette players scoring in double figures with his 13.0 PPG average. The Golden Eagles rank 18th in the nation in scoring (84.6 PPG), 16th in FG% (49.5), 3-point percentage (41.7%) and FT% (79.9%).


-- The ‘over’ is 11-8 overall for Marquette, but the ‘under’ is 6-5 in its home games. Regardless of the venue, the Golden Eagles have seen back-to-back ‘overs’ and four in their last five outings.


-- Villanova has seen the ‘under’ go 12-7 overall, 3-2 in its road contests.


-- Fox Sports 1 will have the telecast at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.


**Kentucky at Tennessee**

-- As of early this morning, most betting shops had Kentucky (17-2 SU, 12-7 ATS) installed as a 10-point road favorite. If this line holds,


-- John Calipari’s team is atop the SEC standings with a 7-0 record in league play. The Wildcats lead South Carolina by 1.5 games after disposing of the Gamecocks by an 85-69 count Saturday as 14-point home ‘chalk.’ It was Frank Martin’s team first loss of the season with senior star Sindarius Thornwell in the lineup. He didn’t disappoint at Rupp Arena, producing 34 points and six rebounds in the losing effort. Malik Monk led the winners with 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field, including 4-of-7 from 3-point range. Edrice Adebayo had 18 points, while Derek Willis contributed 12 points and seven boards.


-- Kentucky freshman point guard De’Aaron Fox left the win over Tennessee with an ankle injury that has him ‘questionable’ tonight at UT. Fox is averaging 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Fox had played just eight minutes Saturday, making all three of his shots for six points and one assist. UK’s Mychal Mulder (6.5 PPG) is also ‘questionable’ after missing the win over South Carolina due to an illness.


-- Monk leads UK in scoring with a 21.7 PPG average. The freshman sensation is making 50.7 percent of his shots from the floor, 41.4 percent from downtown and 83.3 percent at the free-throw line. Isaiah Briscoe is averaging 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game.


-- UK has won three of four road games, going 1-3 ATS. Since losing their first road game 73-70 at Louisville, the Wildcats have won at Ole Miss (99-76), at Vanderbilt (87-81) and at Mississippi State. (88-81). The only other loss for the ‘Cats this year came at home to UCLA, 97-92.


-- Tennessee (10-9 SU, 9-8 ATS) has been a home underdog twice, going 0-2 both SU and ATS vs. Gonzaga and South Carolina. With that said, the Volunteers are 6-1 ATS as ‘dogs on the road and on neutral courts, including three outright wins at Vandy, at Texas A&M and at East Tennessee State. They also lost by only two at North Carolina and by four to Oregon in overtime out at the Maui Classic.


-- Rick Barnes’s second team in Knoxville is in a four-way tie for eighth place in the SEC with a 3-4 record in conference action. UT started SEC play by winning 73-63 at Texas A&M as a 9.5-point road underdog. Following the win in College Station, the Vols dropped three in a row both SU and ATS, but they’ve responded with a pair of victories both SU and ATS in their last three outings.


-- Tennessee has won six of 10 home games at Thompson-Boling Arena, but it has limped to a 2-6 spread record. One of those two spread covers came Saturday when UT captured a 91-74 win over Mississippi State as a four-point home favorite. Senior guard Robert Hubbs scored a game-high 19 points to go with five rebounds and three assists without a turnover. Hubbs made 8-of-11 shots from the field. Grant Williams, a freshman forward, finished with 17 points. Admiral Schofield needed only 17 minutes of playing time and six shots to score 15 points and pull down seven boards. Jordan Bowden was also in double figures with 14 points and seven rebounds.


-- Hubbs (14.7 PPG) leads UT in scoring and also brings down 4.9 RPG. Williams (10.8 PPG) leads the Vols in rebounding (5.5 RPG), field-goal percentage (52.7%) and blocked shots (2.0 BPG).


-- The ‘over’ is 13-6 overall for UK, 3-1 in its road assignments. The ‘Cats are ranked third in scoring offense (92.9 points per game) and sixth in field-goal percentage (49.9%).


-- The ‘under’ is 9-6-1 overall for the Vols, but they’ve seen the ‘over’ hit at a 4-3-1 clip in their home contests.


-- Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.


**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**


-- Michigan State is a rare home underdog tonight at Breslin Center vs. Purdue, which was favored by two early this morning. The Spartans are 9-1 SU and 5-4 ATS at home, while the Boilermakers are 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS on the road. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. Eastern tonight on ESPN.


-- The ESPN2 game at 7:00 p.m. Eastern will feature a Big 12 struggle in Morgantown, where West Virginia. will host Kansas. Bob Huggins’s squad was favored by 4.5 points early this a.m. WVU is 10-1 SU and 3-3 ATS at home, while KU is 4-0 SU but only 1-3 ATS on the road.


-- Notre Dame was a one-point home favorite vs. Virginia early this morning. This is an 8:00 p.m. Eastern tip. UVA is 5-1 both SU and ATS on the road this year, while the Fighting Irish owns a perfect 12-0 home record at the Joyce Center. They are 5-1 ATS at home and 10-3 ATS overall for the season.


-- North Carolina State won at Duke last night for the first time since 1995, winning an 84-82 decision as a 16.5-point underdog at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Dennis Smith Jr. led the Wolpack by dropping 32 points on the Blue Devils despite making just 8-of-15 attempts from the charity stripe. Smith also had six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Abdul-Malik Abu added 19 points and nine boards, while Ted Kaptia had 14 points 10 boards. Grayson Allen finished with 13 points, one rebound and two assists compared to two turnovers. The junior guard was an abysmal 1-of-9 from 3-point range and had himself in a mild form of controversy again. Granted, it wouldn’t be of note if it was anyone not named Allen, but he walked through the middle of N.C. State’s forming huddle after a timeout was called. Two N.C. State players gave him mild forearm shivers, while he showed a little attitude back. The dude just has issues.


-- Andrew Jones buried a 35-foot game-winning triple with 1.6 seconds remaining to lift Texas to an 84-83 win over Oklahoma last night at Frank Erwin Center in Austin. However, the Sooners still covered the number as two-point road underdogs. The Longhorns snapped a five-game losing streak and won for just the second time in Big 12 play. Despite the non-cover, Shaka Smart’s club is still 6-2 ATS in its last eight outings. OU’s Kameron McGusty missed a pair of free throws with 10 seconds left when his team was ahead by two. Kristian Doolittle had a career-high 29 points and 10 rebounds in defeat for the Sooners.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Tigers (13-6) at Gamecocks (15-4)
Date: January 24, 2017 6:30 PM EDT

Sindarius Thornwell doesn't shy away from expectations, and the senior is aiming to finish his final college season in style.


The South Carolina guard also will be striving to follow up the highest scoring game of his career when the No. 23 Gamecocks host Auburn in Tuesday's SEC contest in Columbia, S.C.


Thornwell poured in 34 points in Saturday's loss to Kentucky, and he said the big outing is easy to explain. He said it is because he is now able to play without worry.


"Just play free and play confident," Thornwell said at Monday's press conference. "That's the biggest thing -- when you have the confidence with the ability, then the sky is the limit.


"Right now my confidence is through the roof."


Thornwell and the Gamecocks (15-4, 5-1 SEC) will be trying to get back on the winning side of the ledger after falling 85-69 at Kentucky.


The loss halted South Carolina's five-game winning streak, and Thornwell (team-best 19.4 points per game) was a one-man show due to sophomore guard PJ Dozier missing the contest due to back spasms.


Dozier averages 14.6 points as one of only two double-digit scorers for the Gamecocks.


Coach Frank Martin said Monday that Dozier has no structural damage in his back, but it remains unclear whether Dozier will be available against the Tigers (13-6, 3-4).


"He's past pain, he's more in soreness," Martin said. "Anytime your muscles spasm, it is just one big knot. The pain of those knots are gone."


Auburn has won three of its past four game, and the emergence of freshman center Austin Wiley has been a key reason.


Wiley averaged 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in two victories last win to earn SEC Freshman of the Week honors. He recorded career highs of 19 points and nine rebounds in Saturday's 84-64 rout of Alabama.


"I just do whatever I need to do for my team to win," Wiley said.


Wiley averages 8.6 points as part of an attack that features three double-digit scorers. Freshman guard Mustapha Heron leads the Tigers in scoring (15.6) and rebounding (6.2). Freshman forward Danjel Purifoy averages 13.1 points, and freshman guard Jared Harper chips in 12.4.


Auburn averaged 81 points in last week's wins but will find it a challenge to approach that output against the Gamecocks, who lead the nation in 3-point shooting defense (27.2 percent) and the SEC in scoring defense (60.7).


"Defensively, they are terrific," Tigers coach Bruce Pearl said at Monday's press conference. "They're also really physical offensively. It's going to be a tough one to get. South Carolina will probably be as good an environment and as tough of a matchup for us as we've faced this year."


Auburn will be hoping to see an improved effort from Purifoy. He tallied just five points in 29 minutes against Alabama after missing the previous three games with an ankle injury.


The Tigers are 3-2 on the road this season while the Gamecocks are 11-1 at home.


Meanwhile, Thornwell insists this South Carolina club is different from some of the recent editions, where a loss like the one at Kentucky might prompt another defeat or two.


"I think we're different just as far as our leadership," Thornwell said. "Us older guys won't allow our team to go in that bad place, in that down moment after a loss. We try to stay as positive as we can no matter what situation we're in and try to keep the team in a good place."

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Cardinals (16-4) at Panthers (12-7)
Date: January 24, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

Pittsburgh coach Kevin Stallings challenged his team this week and the Panthers will have plenty of motivation when No. 14 Louisville comes to town Tuesday night at the Peterson Events Center.


The Panthers (12-7) are a paltry 1-5 in ACC play, including an 85-80 loss to the Cardinals (16-4, 4-3) earlier this month.


Stallings wants his veteran team to get in gear.


"We've had a week off and probably needed it in some regards," Stallings said. "We have been struggling and we have not played as well as we'd like to, and it doesn't get any easier with Louisville."


The last time these two teams met, the game was well on its way to an absolute blowout when a defensive switch provided a huge boost for Pittsburgh. Louisville led 47-26 at intermission and was cruising to start the second half when Stallings reached into his bag of defensive tricks.


The Panthers switched to a 1-3-1 zone and foiled Louisville's offense long enough to allow Pitt to come roaring back on the strength of 32 second-half points from senior guard Jamel Artis. Pitt came within a possession of tying the game, but Louisville closed out the win on Jan. 11 in Louisville's KFC Yum! Center.


Will Pitt start the game with the 1-3-1 zone that was so effective against Louisville the last time?


"We've got to expect changes," Cardinals coach Rick Pitino said. "A team that wins generally doesn't make as many changes as the team that loses."


Both teams will have a different lineup due to injuries.


Louisville lost starting point guard Quentin Snider due to a strained hip flexor during the Duke game. Snider is not expected to return to the lineup until Feb. 6. Snider was a key to breaking down the 1-3-1 zone in Louisville, according to Pitino.


Pitt lost reserve forward Ryan Luther the last two games due to a right foot injury. He is still "weeks away" according to Stallings. Pitt senior forward Michael Young will play, but he will wear a clear, protective mask for the remainder of the season.


Stallings tried to impress on his team the importance of getting a win vs. Louisville Tuesday night. He said his team freely accepted his offensive system, but the four seniors in the starting lineup -- guards Chris Jones and Jamel Artis and forwards Young and Sheldon Jeter -- haven't caught on defensively.


"Right now, my assessment is the only thing it feels like they've bought into 100 percent is freedom on offense," Stallings said. "Well, anybody could buy into that. That's not a hard thing to buy into. That's just human nature. Of course I would like to have freedom on offense. I haven't gotten them to buy into the way we have to play defensively. I haven't gotten them to buy into the way we need to communicate, the way we need to support each other, the way we have to fight when adversity hits. ... That part has been a little frustrating."


Artis, 22.0 points per game, and Michael Young, 21.1, rank 1-2 among ACC scoring leaders. Stallings implied his senior starters are in danger of missing the tournament if they don't step up and lead this team to more ACC wins.


"I think what I probably overestimated would be the value of that experience and how it would pertain to leadership and how it would pertain to bringing other guys along," Stallings said. "The successful programs I've been in and the teams I've had and the programs I've had, the older guys helped coach the younger guys because they had been through it. That doesn't happen too much (here) right now.


If the Panthers needed any more motivation, the Cardinals have won nine straight games against Pittsburgh. The last time Louisville lost to the Panthers was Jan. 16, 2010 at the Peterson Events Center.


Louisville is sixth in the nation in blocked shots (6.3 bpg) and eighth in field goal percentage defense (.380).


The Cardinals faced the toughest schedule in the nation according to the RPI.


Louisville has a 13-5 series advantage over Pittsburgh and the Cardinals have won the last nine match-ups.


Prior to Louisville's current nine-game win-streak vs. the Panthers, Pitt won five of the previous eight match-ups before that.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Boilermakers (16-4) at Spartans (12-8)
Date: January 24, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

A friendly schedule has helped Purdue rise near the top of the Big Ten standings. The Boilermakers now must prove they can be just as effective on the road as they are at home.


No. 20 Purdue plays seven of its 11 remaining conference games in hostile environments, beginning with a trip to East Lansing, Mich., to face Michigan State on Tuesday. The Boilermakers (16-4, 5-2 Big Ten) overwhelmed their two opponents at home last week, thumping Illinois 91-68 and Penn State 77-52.


That marked the first time since the 1997-98 season that Purdue won consecutive Big Ten games by 20 or more points.


In its two Big Ten road games thus far, the Boilermakers defeated Ohio State by one point and lost to unranked Iowa by five.


Junior forward Basil Smotherman believes confidence and perseverance are the biggest factors in maintaining a level of consistency.


"You just have to know when you're on the road, you're never out of the fight. You've got to find a way to win," he told the Lafayette Journal & Courier. "If we have a bad start, we have to keep pushing, and if we have a good start, we've got to keep our foot on the gas."


That's what the Boilermakers did against the Nittany Lions, opening up an 18-point halftime lead and cruising to an easy victory. Coach Matt Painter liked most of what he saw, except for the 16 turnovers his team committed.


With four of the next five games on the road, Painter knows his team can't be as generous with the ball in tighter games.


"We were focused and we were ready, but we also shot the ball well," he said. "When you get into games when it does not go your way, or you aren't shooting the ball well, can you continue to defend or does the offense dictate how you play and how you handle yourself? We have had some games where we have shot it well, but we turn it over."


The Spartans (12-8, 4-3) lost two straight, falling on the road to Ohio State and Indiana. The Hoosiers downed them 82-75 on Saturday with hot perimeter shooting, making 11 of 24 3-point attempts.


Coach Tom Izzo believes his team could be on the verge of a hot streak.


"We're still not that far away," Izzo said. "We took on a team that, I don't know if you'll shoot better than they shot. I can show you on the film where of the 11 threes they made, at least seven of them were very well contested. But coming ready to play at the beginning has been a little harder on the road than at home."


Playing four freshmen regularly has contributed to his team's inconsistency. The Spartans won all three of their conference home games.


"Don't take it that this team is not as focused as other teams we've had," Izzo said. "Take it as these players cannot attain that like some other players. There's more of these freshmen and we have a sophomore (Matt McQuaid) who's struggling but not from a lack of effort. We don't have a lot of vets that can help them through it."

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Jayhawks (18-1) at Mountainers (15-4)
Date: January 24, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- Kansas point guard Frank Mason arrives for Tuesday's game against No. 18 West Virginia as a national player of the year candidate and the Big 12's top scorer.


He is also hungry to make amends.


During last season's visit to the WVU Coliseum, then-No. 1 Kansas lost 74-63, with Mason committing a career-worst seven turnovers -- a flurry of mistakes that surprised even Press Virginia's defenders.


The Jayhawks (18-1, 7-0 Big 12) are ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press poll this time, riding an 18-game winning streak that is tied for the nation's longest. Yet Mason and fellow senior Landon Lucas are eager to halt another streak: their 0-3 record in Morgantown.


"It's not about my bucket list or whatever, but I just want to win that one," said Mason.


A week ago West Virginia (15-4, 4-3) envisioned hosting Kansas for the Big 12 lead. Then came back-to-back losses to Oklahoma and Kansas State, forcing the Mountaineers to regroup.


"You know you're going to take a loss or two, so it's all about how you bounce back," said forward Esa Ahmad.


Seemingly primed for a breakout season, Ahmad's production dipped dramatically the past three games when he made four baskets and committed 10 turnovers. When his pass was stolen pass late in the road game against Kansas State, it became the team's 23rd turnover and cost the Mountaineers a chance to tie the game.


"Last game we were just kind of throwing it everywhere," said the 6-foot-8 forward. "We've got to make sure we get the ball and get in a stance.


"I've got to get back aggressive. I feel like I haven't been putting enough pressure on defenses."


Likewise, West Virginia's full-court press hasn't been as disorienting of late. The top turnover-margin team in Division I this season finished a combined minus-11 in that category in the last two losses.


"Our ball pressure isn't what it was and we're not closing traps the way we were," said Mountaineers coach Bob Huggins. "You want to make (ballhandlers) more worried about you than they are about where they're going to throw the ball."


While Mason averages 20.1 points, shoots 53 percent from 3-point range and increased his assists to 5.4 per game, the Jayhawks' four-guard lineup features other weapons. There is Devonte Graham (13.5 points, 4.8 assists), who scorched West Virginia for 27 in the Big 12 tournament last March, and freshman Josh Jackson (15.1 points, 6.7 rebounds).


The Jayhawks, in search of their 13th consecutive league title, score 85.4 points per game and rank fourth nationally in KenPom's offensive efficiency.


"They've got multiple guys who can push the ball," Huggins said. "They've got great speed and they're great finishers. I haven't seen anybody near as good in transition."


West Virginia scores 88.3 points and ranks 10th in efficiency. Sparked by the nation's steal leader, Jevon Carter (12 points, 4.6 assists), and senior forward Nathan Adrian (10.6 points, 6.3 rebounds), the Mountaineers seek to avoid their first three-game losing slide since February 2014.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Scarlet Knights (12-8) at Terrapins (17-2)
Date: January 24, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Two standout guards who are coming off strong games will face off Tuesday when No. 22 Maryland hosts Rutgers in a Big Ten Conference contest.


Melo Trimble, Maryland's junior point guard, had 20 points and five assists when the Terps (17-2, 5-1 Big Ten) won 84-76 at Iowa on Thursday as his team won another close game. He hit several big shots down the stretch.


"It's what we've done all year," Maryland coach Mark Turgeon said after the game. "You don't get to where we are right now without winning like that and believing you're going to win those games. There was some doubts out there because it got really tough. Just a lot going on out there and we had to overcome it."


Trimble said: "Not calm things down, but we aggressive. I had that in my mind the whole game. I had that aggressive mindset; keep shooting."


However, Turgeon told reporters that Trimble was sick on Monday and sent home, forcing him to miss the day's practice.


"Melo was sick today," Turgeon said. "Melo did not practice today, hopefully he will be better. We'll see how he feels tomorrow."


Rutgers posted a 65-64 win at home over Nebraska on Saturday as sophomore guard Corey Sanders hit a last-second shot for the Scarlet Knights to enable them to win their first conference game of the season.


And Sanders sounded very much like Trimble.


"Just attack the basket, that was the play," the Lakeland, Fla., product told reporters. "I just wanted to get the ball on the rim, because I knew (center) C.J. (Gettys), a 7-footer, was down there to keep the ball alive and that's what he did today. He just kept it alive and I was able to finish it."


Maryland is averaging 75.7 points per contest and shooting 45 percent from the field and 71 percent from the foul line. The Terps are shooting 36 percent on 3-point shots while opponents are making 31 percent.


The Terps' opponents are shooting 40 percent from the field and averaging 65.7 points per contest.


Trimble is averaging a team-high 17.4 points per contest while freshman forward Justin Jackson is averaging 10.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest. Jackson was named co-freshman of the week in the conference Monday after he had 12 points, nine boards and six steals at Iowa.


Freshman guard Anthony Cowan is averaging 11.3 points per game and freshman guard Kevin Huerter is scoring 8.0 points per contest.


Rutgers is scoring 68.1 points per outing and shooting just 42 percent from the field, 29 percent from 3-point line and a lowly 64 percent from the charity stripe. The Scarlet Knights are outrebounding foes 42.2 to 34.7 per game.


Sanders is averaging a team-high 12.4 points per contest, while junior forward Deshawn Freeman and junior guard Nigel Johnson are averaging more than 11 points per game.


Maryland began the season ranked No. 25 in the AP poll but fell out even though the Terps began the year with a win at home over American.


The Terps entered the poll again Jan. 16 in the No. 25 spot and moved up to No. 22 this week.


Turgeon has made glowing comments all season about his young team, which starts three freshmen.


"There's a huge belief system," Turgeon said after the win against Iowa. "It's great to see Melo make shots like that for us in the clutch and that's what he's done most of his career. He has done that lately, the last couple of games. For him to step up and do that was terrific. Our belief system was good throughout."


Rutgers, meanwhile, is 12-8 overall and 1-6 in conference play.


"I'm just proud of our guys,' Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell told reporters after the game against Nebraska. "It's not been an easy road. They've been fighting and clawing. We banded to


gether, we stayed the course. I'm just happy for our guys and happy for the great environment today."


Pikiell is in his first season with the Scarlet Knights after Eddie Jordan, a native of Washington and former coach for the Wizards of the NBA, was let go following last season.


"These guys have been through a war, and this is what you have to do to win a Big Ten game. Play hard for 40 minutes. We did a good job. Every point matters. Our defense did a great job for us for 40 minutes," added Pikiell, Stony Brook's head coach last season and a former assistant at nearby George Washington University.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Wildcats (19-1) at Golden Eagles (13-6)
Date: January 24, 2017 8:00 PM EDT

MILWAUKEE -- Jay Wright openly admits that despite being a top-ranked team in the nation and leading the Big East Conference, his Villanova Wildcats are still feeling a bit of a hangover following their national championship run a year ago.


"It's definitely there," Wright said after Villanova's victory over Providence Saturday in Philadelphia. "It's something you have to deal with all the time, and as you have success it continues, and I'm sure when it comes NCAA Tournament time, it's going to be (even stronger).


"I get it. Everybody said it to me and if someone asks me next year I would say the same thing, that it's there and you really, really have to address it and deal with it. Every day."


Judging from the numbers, though, it's hard to see: Villanova comes into their game Tuesday against host Marquette ranked first in the AP poll and second in the coaches' survey. The Wildcats have lost just once this season -- on the road to No. 8 Butler -- and currently are tied with Duke for the best start to a season by a defending national champ.


"We just have to continue to get better," said Kris Jenkins, who is averaging a career-best 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals. "I believe every guy in our locker room wants to continue to grow and become better. We're not just satisfied with something we did last year. This is a brand-new year."


The Wildcats have won nine in a row against Marquette, including a 93-81 decision earlier this month in Philadelphia.


Markus Howard led four Marquette players in double figures with 21 points and the Golden Eagles knocked down 14 3-pointers as a team. Despite that performance, Villanova shot 65 percent from the floor and 61 percent from beyond the arc to bounce back from its only loss of the season.


"They're really good," Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski said. "They put you on so many binds on both ends of the floor. ... I didn't think we played as hard as we could possibly play when we were in Philadelphia. I don't know if we play our butts off for 40 minutes if that's going to translate into a win, but we can play a lot harder than we did in Philadelphia."


Marquette is feeling confident after recording its first road victory of the Big East season, a 102-94 shootout over Creighton Saturday in Omaha.


Katin Reinhardt was one of seven players to score in double figures, leading the team with 21. Luke Fischer added 18 with six rebounds.


"I think our team gained some confidence from being able to go against an outstanding team in a tough venue and leaving there with a win," Wojciechowski said.


Howard went 1-for-4 from distance against the Blue Jays but leads the conference with a 50.6 3-point percentage. The Golden Eagles as a team are the league's best 3-point shooters, connecting on 41.7 percent of their shots.


The Wildcats have dominated the series with Marquette, posting a 20-9 record against the Golden Eagles.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Cavaliers (15-3) at Fighting Irish (17-3)
Date: January 24, 2017 8:00 PM EDT

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- One down, one really big one to go for No. 14 Notre Dame.


An Atlantic Coast Conference demon was exorcised Saturday at a sold-out Purcell Pavilion when Notre Dame (17-3, 6-1 ACC) ran away with an 18-point victory over Syracuse. It marked the first time in five meetings that the Fighting Irish were successful against the Orange, and the first time they had won a game as ACC colleagues.


Notre Dame coach Mike Brey made mention of that in the postgame locker room and also touched on the fact that another streak awaits to be broken when No. 12 Virginia (15-3, 5-2) visits on Tuesday night in what likely will be another sellout.


Just as Syracuse had done, Virginia owns Notre Dame in ACC play. The Cavaliers have won all four meetings, something Brey let his veterans know Saturday afternoon.


"We have a very focused upperclass group that has had their butts beat by Virginia a bunch," Brey said. "We're playing a team that we've had no answers for."


It's a challenge that Notre Dame has not answered in any of its four previous meetings. The games have seldom been close. Notre Dame's average margin of defeat has been 13.2 points. The Fighting Irish often have trailed -- by a lot. Their average largest deficit is 19.5 points.


Virginia led by as many as 24 the first time the teams met in South Bend in 2014, then led by 25 later that season in Charlottesville, Va. The Irish team that went 32-6 and won the conference tournament in 2015 trailed by as many as 10 points at home to the Cavaliers, who opened league play last season with an 11-point win in a game they led by 19 at one point.


Notre Dame never has shot better than 49 percent from the field or better than 42 percent from 3-point range. Its point average in four games? A pedestrian 56.


The Cavaliers have done as they pleased. Notre Dame needs for that to change, as it did against Syracuse.


"They're next," junior power forward Martinas Geben said of Virginia, which comes to town as winners of four in a row. "They're next on the list. We just have to come out aggressive again and attacking and just making smart plays and take care of the basketball."


Virginia arrives the league's gold standard since Notre Dame jumped aboard in 2013-14. In that time, the Cavaliers have won 50 ACC contests. They've been good at home. They've been good on the road. They won't be intimidated by what they'll face Tuesday night. They'll just continue to play their methodical, successful brand of basketball.


"I like going on the road," said Cavaliers forward Isaiah Wilkins. "We just have young guys locked in and ready to play just as much as we are. It's going to be a crazy environment and it's just a lot of fun going and playing there."


The Irish think of themselves as "road dawgs" when it comes to venturing away from their building in league play. They won their first three road games, and lost a fourth to No. 6 Florida State by only three points. The Cavaliers have a similar mindset -- get them away from home doesn't necessarily mean it will get them out of their game.


"I think we play a little bit better on the road," senior point guard London Perrantes said Saturday. "We play with a lot more energy."


A massive matchup awaits.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Wildcats (17-2) at Volunteers (10-9)
Date: January 24, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- A big question looms as No. 4 Kentucky puts its unbeaten league record on the line Tuesday night at rival Tennessee. Will point guard De'Aaron Fox be able to play?


Fox, who ranks first in assists and second in scoring for the Wildcats, missed most of Saturday's win over South Carolina with an ankle injury. He was in a boot Saturday, but entered the practice facility with both ankles taped.


"He's day-to-day. Waiting to hear. That's all I got on it," said assistant coach Kenny Payne, filling in for John Calipari on Monday.


Fox's absence was clear on Saturday.


"I think you saw a little bit of the adjustment we had to make," Payne said. "We went through a spell where without him we were a little confused, discombobulated. But we got it together, which is a great sign of a good team, that without any missing piece we win games."


Tennessee coach Rick Barnes echoed Payne's sentiments.


"Fox is fast, he's quick, he's long. There's not much he can't do," Barnes said Monday. "But with or without him, their program is built on the attitude that if one guy goes down another guy is going to step in and we're going to keep rolling."


Kentucky (17-2, 7-0 SEC) steadied the ship when Payne suggested to Calipari on Saturday that senior reserve Dominique Hawkins play point guard and Isaiah Briscoe remain in one of the shooting guard slots.


"He doesn't turn the ball over," Payne said of Hawkins. "Give it to somebody that doesn't turn it over. It stabilizes us. He's been really, really steady, and the most important thing that he does for this team is he puts pressure on the ball and that's where we need him the most. He's been good for us."


Kentucky enters Tuesday's game averaging 92.9 points per game, third-best in the nation.


"You can see clips of them scoring within three seconds from a variety of different ways," Barnes said. "From a turnover, from a made basket, down the floor in three seconds and a lot of time they're at the rim."


Wildcats freshman guard Malik Monk paces the scoring with an SEC-best 21.7 points per game. Next comes Fox at 16.2, sophomore guard Briscoe at 14.3 and sophomore Bam Adebayo at 13.1 to go with 6.9 rebounds.


"Being the leading scorer in the league tells you he can go get a bunch," Barnes said of Monk. "So we'll do everything we can to make it tough. But they are so good that if you focus on one guy, they can hurt you in a lot of other areas. They are where they are because they're an outstanding team. they are not a one- or two-man team."


Tennessee (10-9, 3-4) is led by senior guard Robert Hobbs at 14.7 points per game. Next comes freshman forward Grant Williams at 10.8 and freshman guard Lamonte Turner at 9.6.


"Tennessee can beat us," Payne said. "Regardless of what their record is, we're playing them at Tennessee, they're going to be hungry and aggressive against us. We've gotta go out and play well to beat them. They're a tough, scrappy team and we've got to defend and rebound and play Kentucky basketball and be efficient."


Common opponents would suggest Kentucky fans are in store for an interesting game -- UK is 6-0 while the Volunteers are 3-3. The strangest comparisons are that the Wildcats won at Ole Miss by 23 points while Tennessee lost in Oxford by 11, a 34-point swing. But the Volunteers whipped Mississippi State by 17 while UK topped the Bulldogs by only seven. Tennessee also won at Vanderbilt by 12 whereas UK only won by six points.


There is one other concern for Kentucky. The Wildcats have a marquee showdown looming on Saturday when No. 2 Kansas visits No. 4 Kentucky. Any chance of a letdown?


"Not with us" Payne said. "Every time we step on the floor, you can see it. They're coming with their best game. Whether it was Mississippi State, whether it's Tennessee, we can't afford to look ahead to anybody. We know that we can be beat by anybody."

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Nittany Lions (11-9) at Badgers (16-3)
Date: January 24, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

MADISON, Wis. -- Starters for No. 15 Wisconsin had a lighter practice one day after the Badgers notched an exciting and exhausting 78-76 overtime win on Saturday at Minnesota.


Badgers coach Greg Gard gave reserves the opportunity to log additional preparation time despite a quick turnaround as Wisconsin (16-3, 5-1 Big Ten Conference) hosts Penn State (11-9, 3-4) on Tuesday night at the Kohl Center.


"We took that group of 12 non-starters and did a 10-minute scrimmage last night," Gard said about Sunday practice. "It was beneficial for both. Gave the heavy-minute guys some rest and continued to give the others more experience."


Sophomore forward Ethan Happ collected co-Big Ten Player of the Week honors on Monday, in large part due to his effort at Minnesota. Happ posted career highs of 28 points and five blocks. He also contributed 12 rebounds and matched a career high with six assists.


In two victories last week, Happ averaged 19.5 points, nine rebounds and 4.5 assists. Senior guard Bronson Koenig, who drilled a go-ahead 3-pointer with less than a minute to go in regulation against the Gophers, paces the Badgers in scoring at 14.3 points per game.


The Wisconsin program claims 17 consecutive victories against Penn State, but Gard said the current Nittany Lions corps is loaded with young talent and a couple veterans. He's familiar with freshman guard Tony Carr and freshman forward Lamar Stevens from the AAU basketball circuit.


The Nittany Lions lost two Big Ten games by three points (at Indiana, 78-75 and at Michigan, 72-69) during the first part of the league season. Penn State lost three of its last five games, but secured a 52-50 home win over Minnesota on Jan. 14.


In the Nittany Lions' most recent setback this past Saturday, they got pounded 77-52 at then-No. 21 Purdue.


Carr and Stevens, averaging 11.6 and 11.4 points per game, respectively, in their first collegiate seasons, played their prep careers together at Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia. Carr leads the Nittany Lions with 3.6 assists per game.


Junior guard Shep Garner paces the team in scoring with 12.3 points per game and redshirt freshman forward Mike Watkins also provides valuable contributions with 9.8 points and 8.6 rebounds.


"In the past they've always depended on one guy to score 25, 30 points, and now they've got five guys that almost average double figures, so, they disburse that (offense) and share the ball pretty well," Gard said.


Meanwhile, Wisconsin senior forward Vitto Brown is improving every day after suffering a right leg and ankle injury last week in the second half of the Badgers' win against Michigan.


After sitting out practice leading up to the Minnesota game, Gard expected Brown to be sidelined but the starter was given the green light on Saturday after working with trainers. Brown had a lighter workload since the Badgers relied on a smaller lineup for portions of the game at Minnesota, and scored seven points in 17 minutes.


"I thought he would be somewhat limited but I was more concerned with changing direction in transition, getting up and down the floor and anything, maybe, in the half court," Gard said. "He stayed within himself and did a good job there."

 

[CNOTES]

TOP 25 BEST BETS:


TUESDAY, JANUARY 24


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


AUB at SCAR 06:30 PM

SCAR -9.5


O 138.5


RUTG at MD 07:00 PM


MD -11.0


O 131.5


PUR at MSU 07:00 PM

PUR -2.0


O 141.0


KU at WVU 07:00 PM


WVU -3.5


O 161.0


LOU at PITT 07:00 PM


LOU -6.0


U 143.5


UVA at ND 08:00 PM


UVA +1.0


U 134.0


VILL at MARQ 08:00 PM

VILL -5.0


O 151.5


PSU at WIS 09:00 PM


PSU +15.5


U 134.5


UK at TENN 09:00 PM


UK -9.5


O 166.0