Friday’s 6-pack:
Early odds to win next season’s Super Bowl:
6-1— 49ers
10-1— Chiefs, Ravens
12-1— Bills
14-1— Cowboys, Lions, Packers
16-1— Bengals, Dolphins, Eagles
25-1— Rams, Falcons, Texans, Jaguars, Chargers, Jets
Quote of the Day
“……you learn the most when things aren’t going very well. Everyone can be positive when you’re winning a bunch of football games.”
Titans’ coach Brian Callahan
Friday’s quiz
Who is the career leader in passing yards for the Green Bay Packers?
Thursday’s quiz
New Orleans Saints started playing in 1967, but they didn’t win a playoff game until 2000; Jim Haslett was the coach when they got that first playoff win.
Wednesday’s quiz
Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing played 15 of his 17 seasons with the Knicks; he finished his career with the Orlando Magic, after playing a year with Seattle.
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Morris went 17-31 in three years coaching Tampa Bay, from 2009-11.
— Four of the other five coaching openings have been filled by first-time head coaches, with Jim Harbaugh/Chargers the exception.
— Rams, by the way, will be awarded two 3rd-round draft picks under the NFL’s plan that rewards a team that develops a minority candidate hired by another franchise as a head coach or general manager.
— Carolina Panthers hired Tampa Bay’s OC Dave Canales as their new head coach.
— Philadelphia Eagles named Vic Fangio their new defensive coordinator.
Last year, the Eagles did so well that both their coordinators were hired elsewhere as head coaches; this year, they fired both their coordinators.
— If Belichick doesn’t get another coaching job, will a TV network reach out to him? The guy has gone out of his way to be as boring as humanly possible in press conferences, but it would be interesting to listen to him talk football during games.
Last thought on the coaching carousel; how do you not bring Belichick in for an interview, just to pick his brain?
— Sunday night’s NFC title game will be only the 2nd game the Lions have played outdoors since October 22; they lost 28-13 in Chicago December 10.
— Baseball Note of the Day: Last year, Milwaukee Brewers’ 1st basemen hit .231, with an OPS of .681, not good. Milwaukee DH’s hit .219, with an OPS of .657, even worse, all of which explains why the Brewers gave Rhys Hoskins $34M for two years.
— Word of the Day: Vivacious- someone who is lively, exciting, fun to be around.
— Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra recently signed an 8-year, $15M/year contract; there are 108 NBA players who are making more $$$ than Spoelstra this year.
Also in the NBA, Washington Wizards fired coach Wes Unseld Jr, who went 77-130 in 2.5 years coaching Washington, the team his father starred for as a player.
— When St John’s beat Villanova 70-50 Wednesday, it was the first time since 1993 that the Red Storm swept their regular season meetings with Villanova.
— Gonzaga 77, San Francisco 72
USF led by 6 early in second half.
Gonzaga played only seven guys (#346 in bench minutes)
— Wright State 107, Cleveland State 99, OT
Cleveland State led by 11 with 7:50 left in regulation.
Wright State shot 61.4% inside arc, 32-39 on foul line.
— North Texas 68, SMU 66
Mean Green made 10-23 shots on the arc.
Robert Allen had 12 points, 10 rebounds off the bench.
— Towson 70, Drexel 67
First loss for the Dragons in eight CAA games.
Towson is #2 team in country on offensive boards.
— Cal-San Diego 66, Cal-Riverside 65
Tritons were 12-15 on foul line, Riverside 3-5
UCSD is 7-1, tied for 1st in Big West; they’re ineligible for NCAA’s.
— Eastern Washington 77, Northern Colorado 74
Eagles improve to 6-0 in the Big Sky.
Eastern Washington put five players in double figures.
Early odds to win next season’s Super Bowl:
6-1— 49ers
10-1— Chiefs, Ravens
12-1— Bills
14-1— Cowboys, Lions, Packers
16-1— Bengals, Dolphins, Eagles
25-1— Rams, Falcons, Texans, Jaguars, Chargers, Jets
Quote of the Day
“……you learn the most when things aren’t going very well. Everyone can be positive when you’re winning a bunch of football games.”
Titans’ coach Brian Callahan
Friday’s quiz
Who is the career leader in passing yards for the Green Bay Packers?
Thursday’s quiz
New Orleans Saints started playing in 1967, but they didn’t win a playoff game until 2000; Jim Haslett was the coach when they got that first playoff win.
Wednesday’s quiz
Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing played 15 of his 17 seasons with the Knicks; he finished his career with the Orlando Magic, after playing a year with Seattle.
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Friday’s Den: Random stuff, with the weekend here…….
— There were eight head coaching openings in the NFL; 6 of the 8 jobs have been filled, with Washington/Seattle remaining. Not only has Bill Belichick not been hired, Atlanta was the only team that interviewed him but they hired Rams’ DC Raheem Morris Thursday.Morris went 17-31 in three years coaching Tampa Bay, from 2009-11.
— Four of the other five coaching openings have been filled by first-time head coaches, with Jim Harbaugh/Chargers the exception.
— Rams, by the way, will be awarded two 3rd-round draft picks under the NFL’s plan that rewards a team that develops a minority candidate hired by another franchise as a head coach or general manager.
— Carolina Panthers hired Tampa Bay’s OC Dave Canales as their new head coach.
— Philadelphia Eagles named Vic Fangio their new defensive coordinator.
Last year, the Eagles did so well that both their coordinators were hired elsewhere as head coaches; this year, they fired both their coordinators.
— If Belichick doesn’t get another coaching job, will a TV network reach out to him? The guy has gone out of his way to be as boring as humanly possible in press conferences, but it would be interesting to listen to him talk football during games.
Last thought on the coaching carousel; how do you not bring Belichick in for an interview, just to pick his brain?
— Sunday night’s NFC title game will be only the 2nd game the Lions have played outdoors since October 22; they lost 28-13 in Chicago December 10.
— Baseball Note of the Day: Last year, Milwaukee Brewers’ 1st basemen hit .231, with an OPS of .681, not good. Milwaukee DH’s hit .219, with an OPS of .657, even worse, all of which explains why the Brewers gave Rhys Hoskins $34M for two years.
— Word of the Day: Vivacious- someone who is lively, exciting, fun to be around.
— Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra recently signed an 8-year, $15M/year contract; there are 108 NBA players who are making more $$$ than Spoelstra this year.
Also in the NBA, Washington Wizards fired coach Wes Unseld Jr, who went 77-130 in 2.5 years coaching Washington, the team his father starred for as a player.
— When St John’s beat Villanova 70-50 Wednesday, it was the first time since 1993 that the Red Storm swept their regular season meetings with Villanova.
— Gonzaga 77, San Francisco 72
USF led by 6 early in second half.
Gonzaga played only seven guys (#346 in bench minutes)
— Wright State 107, Cleveland State 99, OT
Cleveland State led by 11 with 7:50 left in regulation.
Wright State shot 61.4% inside arc, 32-39 on foul line.
— North Texas 68, SMU 66
Mean Green made 10-23 shots on the arc.
Robert Allen had 12 points, 10 rebounds off the bench.
— Towson 70, Drexel 67
First loss for the Dragons in eight CAA games.
Towson is #2 team in country on offensive boards.
— Cal-San Diego 66, Cal-Riverside 65
Tritons were 12-15 on foul line, Riverside 3-5
UCSD is 7-1, tied for 1st in Big West; they’re ineligible for NCAA’s.
— Eastern Washington 77, Northern Colorado 74
Eagles improve to 6-0 in the Big Sky.
Eastern Washington put five players in double figures.
ATLANTA is 45-72 ATS (-34.2 Units) when the total >=230 in the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) vs. losing teams in the current season.
PHOENIX is 227-178 ATS (31.2 Units) in road games as a favorite since 1996.
TORONTO is 16-33 ATS (-20.3 Units) after 2 or more consecutive unders in the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) in road games after having lost 3 of their last 4 games in the current season.
NEW ORLEANS are 7-0 ATS (7 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games in the current season.
MILWAUKEE is 10-1 Over (8.9 Units) in home games after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread over the last 2 seaso...
PORTLAND is 21-39 ATS (-21.9 Units) when playing 6 or more games in 10 days in the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) vs. losing teams in the current season.
PHOENIX is 227-178 ATS (31.2 Units) in road games as a favorite since 1996.
TORONTO is 16-33 ATS (-20.3 Units) after 2 or more consecutive unders in the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) in road games after having lost 3 of their last 4 games in the current season.
NEW ORLEANS are 7-0 ATS (7 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games in the current season.
MILWAUKEE is 10-1 Over (8.9 Units) in home games after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread over the last 2 seaso...
PORTLAND is 21-39 ATS (-21.9 Units) when playing 6 or more games in 10 days in the last 3 seasons.
NBA
Friday, January 26
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Trend Report
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Dallas @ Atlanta
Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games on the road
Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Dallas
Phoenix @ Indiana
Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Indiana
Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 9 games
Houston @ Charlotte
Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Houston is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing at home against Houston
Charlotte is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
LA Clippers @ Toronto
LA Clippers
LA Clippers is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Clippers's last 7 games
Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
Orlando @ Memphis
Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games on the road
Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 8 games at home
Memphis is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Orlando
Oklahoma City @ New Orleans
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Oklahoma City is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 7 games
Cleveland @ Milwaukee
Cleveland
Cleveland is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Milwaukee is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games at home
Portland @ San Antonio
Portland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
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Friday, January 26
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Trend Report
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Dallas @ Atlanta
Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games on the road
Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Dallas
Phoenix @ Indiana
Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Indiana
Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 9 games
Houston @ Charlotte
Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Houston is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing at home against Houston
Charlotte is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
LA Clippers @ Toronto
LA Clippers
LA Clippers is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Clippers's last 7 games
Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
Orlando @ Memphis
Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games on the road
Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 8 games at home
Memphis is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Orlando
Oklahoma City @ New Orleans
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Oklahoma City is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 7 games
Cleveland @ Milwaukee
Cleveland
Cleveland is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Milwaukee is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games at home
Portland @ San Antonio
Portland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
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Saturday’s 6-pack:
— Dallas 148, Hawks 143- Luka Doncic scored 73 points, had 7 assists.
— Rockets 138, Hornets 104- Houston shot 75% in the second half.
— Pacers 133, Suns 131- Indiana outscored Phoenix 28-17 in 4th quarter.
— Grizzlies 107, Magic 106- Memphis won its third straight game.
— Clippers 127, Raptors 107- Harden had 22 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists.
— Cavaliers 112, Bucks 100- Cleveland won nine of its last ten games.
Quote of the Day
“He’s got some stuff to him. I don’t think the shot is that good. But he’s got some real tools. He’s 7-2, he can move, he can transfer the ball on the perimeter, he can pass it some, he has enough fluid athleticism in the open floor and can already shoot it [well] enough.”
An unnamed NBA scout, talking about Kentucky’s Zvonimir Ivisic
Saturday’s quiz
Michael Jordan was the #3 pick in the 1984 NBA Draft; who was the first pick?
Friday’s quiz
Brett Favre is career leader in passing yards for the Packers, with 61,655 yards.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 59,055 yards with Green Bay.
Thursday’s quiz
New Orleans Saints started playing in 1967, but they didn’t win a playoff game until 2000; Jim Haslett was the coach when they got that first playoff win.
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— Southern
71% free throw % is 2nd-worst of any conference.
35.3% on 3’s is 7th-best %age in country.
NC-Greensboro/Samford are tied for first, at 6-1
Furman/Chattanooga are game behind, at 5-2.
From 2015-22, Western Carolina was 101-151, 54-89 in SoCon.
Last two years, Western Carolina is 33-21, 14-11 in SoCon.
— WAC
WAC teams are playing 2nd-fastest tempo in country.
WAC games have the most free throws of any league in country.
Grand Canyon is 8-1; they lead the WAC by 2.5 games.
Antelopes will have pressure in WAC tourney; this is a one-bid league.
In three years under Chris Victor, Seattle is 55-29, 30-15 in WAC games.
— WCC
WCC teams are shooting 53.4% inside the arc, best in country.
WCC teams have the 3rd-fewest turnovers of any league.
Saint Mary’s is 6-0 in WCC, after a 9-6 pre-conference mark.
Santa Clara is 6-1, Gonzaga 5-1, right behind the Gaels.
Right now, according to ESPN’s Bracketology, this is a one-bid league, with Gonzaga the first team out of the field of 68, but we’re still in January, still a long way to go.
— Missouri Valley
Valley teams are #6 in country in eFG%; lot of good shooters.
Valley teams are outside top 20 in steals, blocked shots; not a great defensive league.
Indiana State leads the Valley with an 8-1 record.
Drake/Bradley are both a game behind. Right now, this is a one-bid league.
Belmont has won 20+ games thirteen years in a row; right now, they’re 11-9.
Last two years, Bradley is 40-15, 23-6 in Valley games.
— American
39.6% of shots AAC teams take are 3’s, 3rd-highest %age.
AAC teams rebound 31.2% of their missed shots, #5 in country.
FAU/Charlotte are 6-1 in AAC; North Texas/South Florida are 5-1.
From 2010-21, Wichita State was 168-43 in league games; the last three years, Shockers are 15-24, 0-6 this season.
East Carolina is 3-5 in games decided by 6 or less points, lot of close games.
Florida Atlantic is 6-1 in AAC this year, only 2-5 against the spread.
— Atlantic 15
A-15 teams are shooting 48.5% inside arc, 3rd-worst in country.
Home teams are only 25-22 SU in A-15 league games (#24 home win %age)
Dayton/Richmond are tied for first in A-15, with 6-0 records.
Loyola (5-2), VCU (4-2) are next in the standings.
This is a one-bid league, unless Dayton loses in the A-15 tourney- Flyers are getting in.
In 8 years under Bob McKillop, Davidson was 91-46 in A-15; in the two years since he retired and his son took over the program, Davidson is 10-14 in A-15 games.
— Baseball Note of the Day: Minnesota Twins won the World Series in 1991; since then, no Minnesota team has won a championship, or gotten to the finals in their league. Of the 13 places with teams in all four major sports, Minnesota’s drought is 10 years longer than anyone else’s.
— Thought of the Day: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different result.
— Mountain West
Mountain West teams are playing 4th-slowest tempo in country.
Mountain West teams are shooting 52.9% inside arc, #4 n country.
Utah State/Boise State are 6-1; San Diego State/New Mexico are 5-2.
Colorado State was 12-1 in pre-conference, but is only 3-3 in league games.
Bracketology has five Mountain West teams in Field of 68.
16-4 Nevada is in Next Four Out; MW has six teams in the top 60.
— Pac-12
Pac-12 teams are shooting 36.6% on arc, #2 in country.
Home teams are 37-14 in Pac-12 games, #2 %age in country.
Oregon is 6-2 in Pac-12, followed by Colorado at 6-3.
Arizona schools are both 5-3.
Last four years, UCLA was 99-36, 58-19 in Pac-12. This year, they’re 8-11, 3-5.
Arizona is 6-5 in its last eleven games, after an 8-0 start.
— ACC
ACC teams are shooting 74% on foul line, 3rd-best in country.
ACC teams are shooting only 49.8% inside arc, #20 in country.
North Carolina is 8-0 in ACC games; their last loss was December 16.
Florida State/Duke are next in standings, at 5-2.
Bracketology has Wake Forest/Virginia in Next Four Out.
Other than UNC, they have Duke as a 5-seed, Clemson as a 7-seed.
— Big 14
Big 14 teams are shooting 36% on the arc, #3 in country.
Big 14’s turnover %age is 15.9%, #5 in country.
Wisconsin is 8-1 in Big 14, Purdue 7-2.
Illinois/Northwestern are tied for third, at 5-3.
Bracketology has six Big 14 teams in the Field of 68.
Michigan State is 12-8, 4-5; they haven’t missed NCAA’s since 1997.
— SEC
SEC teams have 48.8 eFG%, 4th-worst in country.
SEC teams are playing 4th-fastest tempo in country.
Auburn/Alabama are both 5-1; Tennessee is 4-1.
Kentucky, South Carolina, Georgia are all 4-2.
Last 4 years, Arkansas was 95-42, 41-30 in SEC; this year, they’re 10-9, 1-5.
Bracketology has seven SEC teams in, with Ole Miss/Florida near-misses.
— Big East
Big East teams are rebounding 30.1% of their misses, #7 in country.
Big East teams are shooting 75.3% on foul line, best in country.
Defending national champ UConn is 7-1 in conference games.
Creighton/Seton Hall are 6-3; Marquette is 5-3.
In Jay Wright’s last nine years, Villanova was 263-53, 130-31 in conference.
In 1.5 years since Wright retired, Villanova is 28-25, 14-14 in conference.
— Big X
Big X teams are playing 5th-slowest tempo in country.
Big X teams are shooting 33.2% on the arc (#24)
Texas Tech is 4-1 in Big X; four other teams are 4-2.
Four new teams in the Big X this year are 11-13 in league games.
Bracketology has six teams in, with Texas/TCU in the play-in games
Last 3 years, Oklahoma State was 27-27 in Big X; they’re 0-6 this year.
— Dallas 148, Hawks 143- Luka Doncic scored 73 points, had 7 assists.
— Rockets 138, Hornets 104- Houston shot 75% in the second half.
— Pacers 133, Suns 131- Indiana outscored Phoenix 28-17 in 4th quarter.
— Grizzlies 107, Magic 106- Memphis won its third straight game.
— Clippers 127, Raptors 107- Harden had 22 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists.
— Cavaliers 112, Bucks 100- Cleveland won nine of its last ten games.
Quote of the Day
“He’s got some stuff to him. I don’t think the shot is that good. But he’s got some real tools. He’s 7-2, he can move, he can transfer the ball on the perimeter, he can pass it some, he has enough fluid athleticism in the open floor and can already shoot it [well] enough.”
An unnamed NBA scout, talking about Kentucky’s Zvonimir Ivisic
Saturday’s quiz
Michael Jordan was the #3 pick in the 1984 NBA Draft; who was the first pick?
Friday’s quiz
Brett Favre is career leader in passing yards for the Packers, with 61,655 yards.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 59,055 yards with Green Bay.
Thursday’s quiz
New Orleans Saints started playing in 1967, but they didn’t win a playoff game until 2000; Jim Haslett was the coach when they got that first playoff win.
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Saturday’s Den: College basketball notes……..
Notes from 13 of the best leagues in the country:— Southern
71% free throw % is 2nd-worst of any conference.
35.3% on 3’s is 7th-best %age in country.
NC-Greensboro/Samford are tied for first, at 6-1
Furman/Chattanooga are game behind, at 5-2.
From 2015-22, Western Carolina was 101-151, 54-89 in SoCon.
Last two years, Western Carolina is 33-21, 14-11 in SoCon.
— WAC
WAC teams are playing 2nd-fastest tempo in country.
WAC games have the most free throws of any league in country.
Grand Canyon is 8-1; they lead the WAC by 2.5 games.
Antelopes will have pressure in WAC tourney; this is a one-bid league.
In three years under Chris Victor, Seattle is 55-29, 30-15 in WAC games.
— WCC
WCC teams are shooting 53.4% inside the arc, best in country.
WCC teams have the 3rd-fewest turnovers of any league.
Saint Mary’s is 6-0 in WCC, after a 9-6 pre-conference mark.
Santa Clara is 6-1, Gonzaga 5-1, right behind the Gaels.
Right now, according to ESPN’s Bracketology, this is a one-bid league, with Gonzaga the first team out of the field of 68, but we’re still in January, still a long way to go.
— Missouri Valley
Valley teams are #6 in country in eFG%; lot of good shooters.
Valley teams are outside top 20 in steals, blocked shots; not a great defensive league.
Indiana State leads the Valley with an 8-1 record.
Drake/Bradley are both a game behind. Right now, this is a one-bid league.
Belmont has won 20+ games thirteen years in a row; right now, they’re 11-9.
Last two years, Bradley is 40-15, 23-6 in Valley games.
— American
39.6% of shots AAC teams take are 3’s, 3rd-highest %age.
AAC teams rebound 31.2% of their missed shots, #5 in country.
FAU/Charlotte are 6-1 in AAC; North Texas/South Florida are 5-1.
From 2010-21, Wichita State was 168-43 in league games; the last three years, Shockers are 15-24, 0-6 this season.
East Carolina is 3-5 in games decided by 6 or less points, lot of close games.
Florida Atlantic is 6-1 in AAC this year, only 2-5 against the spread.
— Atlantic 15
A-15 teams are shooting 48.5% inside arc, 3rd-worst in country.
Home teams are only 25-22 SU in A-15 league games (#24 home win %age)
Dayton/Richmond are tied for first in A-15, with 6-0 records.
Loyola (5-2), VCU (4-2) are next in the standings.
This is a one-bid league, unless Dayton loses in the A-15 tourney- Flyers are getting in.
In 8 years under Bob McKillop, Davidson was 91-46 in A-15; in the two years since he retired and his son took over the program, Davidson is 10-14 in A-15 games.
— Baseball Note of the Day: Minnesota Twins won the World Series in 1991; since then, no Minnesota team has won a championship, or gotten to the finals in their league. Of the 13 places with teams in all four major sports, Minnesota’s drought is 10 years longer than anyone else’s.
— Thought of the Day: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different result.
— Mountain West
Mountain West teams are playing 4th-slowest tempo in country.
Mountain West teams are shooting 52.9% inside arc, #4 n country.
Utah State/Boise State are 6-1; San Diego State/New Mexico are 5-2.
Colorado State was 12-1 in pre-conference, but is only 3-3 in league games.
Bracketology has five Mountain West teams in Field of 68.
16-4 Nevada is in Next Four Out; MW has six teams in the top 60.
— Pac-12
Pac-12 teams are shooting 36.6% on arc, #2 in country.
Home teams are 37-14 in Pac-12 games, #2 %age in country.
Oregon is 6-2 in Pac-12, followed by Colorado at 6-3.
Arizona schools are both 5-3.
Last four years, UCLA was 99-36, 58-19 in Pac-12. This year, they’re 8-11, 3-5.
Arizona is 6-5 in its last eleven games, after an 8-0 start.
— ACC
ACC teams are shooting 74% on foul line, 3rd-best in country.
ACC teams are shooting only 49.8% inside arc, #20 in country.
North Carolina is 8-0 in ACC games; their last loss was December 16.
Florida State/Duke are next in standings, at 5-2.
Bracketology has Wake Forest/Virginia in Next Four Out.
Other than UNC, they have Duke as a 5-seed, Clemson as a 7-seed.
— Big 14
Big 14 teams are shooting 36% on the arc, #3 in country.
Big 14’s turnover %age is 15.9%, #5 in country.
Wisconsin is 8-1 in Big 14, Purdue 7-2.
Illinois/Northwestern are tied for third, at 5-3.
Bracketology has six Big 14 teams in the Field of 68.
Michigan State is 12-8, 4-5; they haven’t missed NCAA’s since 1997.
— SEC
SEC teams have 48.8 eFG%, 4th-worst in country.
SEC teams are playing 4th-fastest tempo in country.
Auburn/Alabama are both 5-1; Tennessee is 4-1.
Kentucky, South Carolina, Georgia are all 4-2.
Last 4 years, Arkansas was 95-42, 41-30 in SEC; this year, they’re 10-9, 1-5.
Bracketology has seven SEC teams in, with Ole Miss/Florida near-misses.
— Big East
Big East teams are rebounding 30.1% of their misses, #7 in country.
Big East teams are shooting 75.3% on foul line, best in country.
Defending national champ UConn is 7-1 in conference games.
Creighton/Seton Hall are 6-3; Marquette is 5-3.
In Jay Wright’s last nine years, Villanova was 263-53, 130-31 in conference.
In 1.5 years since Wright retired, Villanova is 28-25, 14-14 in conference.
— Big X
Big X teams are playing 5th-slowest tempo in country.
Big X teams are shooting 33.2% on the arc (#24)
Texas Tech is 4-1 in Big X; four other teams are 4-2.
Four new teams in the Big X this year are 11-13 in league games.
Bracketology has six teams in, with Texas/TCU in the play-in games
Last 3 years, Oklahoma State was 27-27 in Big X; they’re 0-6 this year.
WASHINGTON is 8-0 ATS (8 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 116+ points/game in the current season.
NEW YORK is 8-0 Under (8 Units) in home games in January games in the current season.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-2 ATS (10.8 Units) after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 against the spread over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 11-1 ATS (9.9 Units) when playing 4 or less games in 10 days in the current season.
Will Hardy is 29-7 ATS (21.3 Units) after 2+ road games (Coach of UTAH)
BOSTON is 86-60 ATS (20 Units) when the total >=220 in the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 12-1 Over (10.9 Units) in home games when playing 4 or less games in 10 days over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-1 Over (7.9 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or less in the current season.
LA LAKERS are 11-0 Over (11 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 230 in the current season.
SACRAMENTO is 129-91 Over (28.9 Units) off a win against a division rival since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 16-6 Over (9.4 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 116+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 8-0 Under (8 Units) in home games in January games in the current season.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-2 ATS (10.8 Units) after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 against the spread over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 11-1 ATS (9.9 Units) when playing 4 or less games in 10 days in the current season.
Will Hardy is 29-7 ATS (21.3 Units) after 2+ road games (Coach of UTAH)
BOSTON is 86-60 ATS (20 Units) when the total >=220 in the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 12-1 Over (10.9 Units) in home games when playing 4 or less games in 10 days over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-1 Over (7.9 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or less in the current season.
LA LAKERS are 11-0 Over (11 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 230 in the current season.
SACRAMENTO is 129-91 Over (28.9 Units) off a win against a division rival since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 16-6 Over (9.4 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 116+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NBA
Saturday, January 27
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Trend Report
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Washington @ Detroit
Washington
Washington is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games on the road
Detroit
Detroit is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Detroit is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami @ New York
Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games
New York
New York is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 5 games
Philadelphia @ Denver
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Denver
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Houston @ Brooklyn
Houston
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing Houston
Brooklyn is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
LA Clippers @ Boston
LA Clippers
LA Clippers is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
LA Clippers is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston
Boston is 20-1 SU in its last 21 games at home
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Utah @ Charlotte
Utah
Utah is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Charlotte
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games
New Orleans @ Milwaukee
New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Minnesota @ San Antonio
Minnesota
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
LA Lakers @ Golden State
LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 13 of LA Lakers's last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Lakers's last 7 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Golden State's last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State's last 7 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Sacramento @ Dallas
Sacramento
Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Dallas's last 12 games when playing Sacramento
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Saturday, January 27
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington @ Detroit
Washington
Washington is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games on the road
Detroit
Detroit is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Detroit is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami @ New York
Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games
New York
New York is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 5 games
Philadelphia @ Denver
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Denver
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Houston @ Brooklyn
Houston
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing Houston
Brooklyn is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
LA Clippers @ Boston
LA Clippers
LA Clippers is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
LA Clippers is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston
Boston is 20-1 SU in its last 21 games at home
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Utah @ Charlotte
Utah
Utah is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Charlotte
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games
New Orleans @ Milwaukee
New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Minnesota @ San Antonio
Minnesota
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
LA Lakers @ Golden State
LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 13 of LA Lakers's last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Lakers's last 7 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Golden State's last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State's last 7 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Sacramento @ Dallas
Sacramento
Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Dallas's last 12 games when playing Sacramento
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 27
| Game | Time(ET) | Pick | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIA at NY | 03:00 PM | NY -5.0 U 217.0 | +500 +500 |
| PHI at DEN | 05:30 PM | PHI +5.5 O 227.5 | +500 +500 |
| HOU at BK | 06:00 PM | BK -4.0 O 221.0 | +500 +500 |
| LAC at BOS | 07:00 PM | LAC +7.5 O 232.5 | +500 +500 |
| UTA at CHA | 07:00 PM | CHA +11.0 O 233.0 | +500 +500 |
| NO at MIL | 08:00 PM | MIL -5.0 O 241.0 | +500 +500 |
| MIN at SA | 08:30 PM | SA +10.5 O 227.5 | +500 +500 |
| LAL at GS | 08:30 PM | GS -1.5 U 243.0 | +500 +500 |
| SAC at DAL | 09:00 PM | SAC -3.0 O 244.0 | +500 +500 |
Sunday’s 6-pack:
Last six Super Bowl champs:
2023— Kansas City Chiefs
2022— Los Angeles Rams
2021— Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2020— Kansas City Chiefs
2019— New England Patriots
2018— Philadelphia Eagles
Quote of the Day
“I think we’ve had some history with that official. There was a lot of emotion from our bench because we’re a passionate group that fought their tails off and feel like the game was maybe taken from us a little bit. It shouldn’t be decided like that.”
Clemson coach Brad Brownell, after a 72-71 loss at Duke
Sunday’s quiz
In the baseball movie For Love of the Game, what well known character plays the manager of the Detroit Tigers?
Saturday’s quiz
Michael Jordan was the #3 pick in 1984 NBA Draft; Hakeem Olajuwon was the first pick.
Friday’s quiz
Brett Favre is career leader in passing yards for the Packers, with 61,655 yards.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 59,055 yards with Green Bay.
*******************************************
TCU 105, Baylor 102, 3OT’s
TCU was down 9 with 9:19 left in regulation.
Nelson scored 30 points for TCU; he didn’t start.
Iowa State 79, Kansas 75
Iowa State shot 14-30 on the arc.
Jayhawks’ bench played total of only 25:00, scored 2 points.
Kansas split its last six games, after a 13-1 start.
— ACC
Duke 72, Clemson 71
Duke hit couple foul shots with 0:01 left for the win.
Clemson led by 4 with 1:54 left in game.
Clemson has lost 21 in a row at Duke; their last win there was in 1995.
North Carolina 75, Florida State 68
Tar Heels are 9-0 SU/8-1 ATS in ACC games.
UNC was 19-24 on foul line, Seminoles 5-11- at home.
— SEC
Florida 102, Georgia 98 OT
Gators blew a 21-point 2nd half lead, but won in overtime.
Florida was minus-10 in turnovers (19-9).
RJ Melendez scored 35 points for Georgia; he didn’t start.
Mississippi State 64, Auburn 58
Auburn shot 6-24 on arc; they went 0-2 on road this week.
South Carolina 72, Missouri 64
Gamecocks are 17-3, 5-2 in SEC games.
Last three years, South Carolina was 35-49, 17-35 in SEC.
— Big East
Butler 88, Villanova 81 2OT
Butler was down 11 with 4:45 left in regulation.
Villanova only took 9 foul shots (6-9) in a 50:00 game.
Third straight loss for the 11-9 Wildcats.
Friars shot 76.7% (23-30) inside the arc.
Hoyas have lost five in row, are 1-8 in Big East.
— Mountain West
Wyoming 79, Colorado State 76 OT
Colorado State led by 11 with 1:11 left in regulation. Yikes.
Rams are 2-4 in last six games, after a 13-1 start.
Utah State 90, Boise State 84
Aggies shot 62.2% inside arc, 26-31 on foul line.
Utah State has won 17 of its last 18 games.
— Atlantic 15
Richmond 69, Dayton 64
Spiders won 10 games in row, are 7-0 in A-15 games.
This loss ended Dayton’s 13-game winning streak.
VCU 63, Davidson 58
Davidson has lost five of its last seven games.
Fifth straight win for VCU, after an 8-7 start.
— Upsets of the Day:
Idaho State (+11.5) 74, Weber State 64
Mercer (+11.5) 70, NC-Greensboro 64
Wm & Mary (+8.5) 72, Northeastern 68
Wyoming (+8.5) 79, Colorado State 76, OT
North Dakota (+8.5) 74, St Thomas 64
Ole Miss (+7.5) 71, Texas A&M 68
Miami OH (+7.5) 70, Akron 68
Southern Utah (+6.5) 82, Abilene Christian 67
LaSalle (+5.5) 80, George Washington 70
Jacksonville State (+5.5) 73, Liberty 62
Wofford (+5.5) 77, Furman 67
— Movie of the Day: Autumn in New York (2000)- An aging playboy falls for a much younger woman, who turns out to be terminally ill.
Richard Gere is the star, Winona Ryder is the younger woman. Excellent supporting cast, with Anthony LaPaglia, Jill Hennessy, JK Simmons, Sherry Stringfield, Vera Farmiga.
— Bad Beat of the Day???: Bradley (+7.5) lost 95-86 in overtime at Indiana State. Braves led by 2 with 0:53 left in regulation.
— Cornell 83, Princeton 68
First Ivy League loss for the 15-2 Tigers; they dropped 13 spots in KenPom’s rankings.
Cornell shot 73.5% (25-34) inside the arc.
— Oakland 91, Milwaukee 87, 2OT
Milwaukee scored 95-87 points vs Oakland this year, but lost both games.
Oakland’s Jack Gohlke was 8-18 on arc, 3-3 on line. He didn’t take a 2-point shot.
Oakland was 15-41 on the arc, 13-33 inside the arc.
— Cal-San Diego 92, Cal-Davis 59
UCSD was 15-32 on the arc, Cal-Davis 4-20
Tritons are 14-7, 8-1 in Big West, but they’re not eligible for NCAA Tournament.
That was just second loss in last nine games for Cal-Davis.
— Arizona 87, Oregon 78
Arizona never trailed; they made 10-19 shots on the arc.
Caleb Love scored 36 points for the Wildcats.
— Miami OH 70, Akron 68
First loss for the Zips in eight MAC games.
Akron led this game by 11 early on, but shot only 34.6% inside arc.
Last six Super Bowl champs:
2023— Kansas City Chiefs
2022— Los Angeles Rams
2021— Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2020— Kansas City Chiefs
2019— New England Patriots
2018— Philadelphia Eagles
Quote of the Day
“I think we’ve had some history with that official. There was a lot of emotion from our bench because we’re a passionate group that fought their tails off and feel like the game was maybe taken from us a little bit. It shouldn’t be decided like that.”
Clemson coach Brad Brownell, after a 72-71 loss at Duke
Sunday’s quiz
In the baseball movie For Love of the Game, what well known character plays the manager of the Detroit Tigers?
Saturday’s quiz
Michael Jordan was the #3 pick in 1984 NBA Draft; Hakeem Olajuwon was the first pick.
Friday’s quiz
Brett Favre is career leader in passing yards for the Packers, with 61,655 yards.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 59,055 yards with Green Bay.
*******************************************
Sunday’s Den: Wrapping up a sports Saturday…….
— Big XTCU 105, Baylor 102, 3OT’s
TCU was down 9 with 9:19 left in regulation.
Nelson scored 30 points for TCU; he didn’t start.
Iowa State 79, Kansas 75
Iowa State shot 14-30 on the arc.
Jayhawks’ bench played total of only 25:00, scored 2 points.
Kansas split its last six games, after a 13-1 start.
— ACC
Duke 72, Clemson 71
Duke hit couple foul shots with 0:01 left for the win.
Clemson led by 4 with 1:54 left in game.
Clemson has lost 21 in a row at Duke; their last win there was in 1995.
North Carolina 75, Florida State 68
Tar Heels are 9-0 SU/8-1 ATS in ACC games.
UNC was 19-24 on foul line, Seminoles 5-11- at home.
— SEC
Florida 102, Georgia 98 OT
Gators blew a 21-point 2nd half lead, but won in overtime.
Florida was minus-10 in turnovers (19-9).
RJ Melendez scored 35 points for Georgia; he didn’t start.
Mississippi State 64, Auburn 58
Auburn shot 6-24 on arc; they went 0-2 on road this week.
South Carolina 72, Missouri 64
Gamecocks are 17-3, 5-2 in SEC games.
Last three years, South Carolina was 35-49, 17-35 in SEC.
— Big East
Butler 88, Villanova 81 2OT
Butler was down 11 with 4:45 left in regulation.
Villanova only took 9 foul shots (6-9) in a 50:00 game.
Third straight loss for the 11-9 Wildcats.
Friars shot 76.7% (23-30) inside the arc.
Hoyas have lost five in row, are 1-8 in Big East.
— Mountain West
Wyoming 79, Colorado State 76 OT
Colorado State led by 11 with 1:11 left in regulation. Yikes.
Rams are 2-4 in last six games, after a 13-1 start.
Utah State 90, Boise State 84
Aggies shot 62.2% inside arc, 26-31 on foul line.
Utah State has won 17 of its last 18 games.
— Atlantic 15
Richmond 69, Dayton 64
Spiders won 10 games in row, are 7-0 in A-15 games.
This loss ended Dayton’s 13-game winning streak.
VCU 63, Davidson 58
Davidson has lost five of its last seven games.
Fifth straight win for VCU, after an 8-7 start.
— Upsets of the Day:
Idaho State (+11.5) 74, Weber State 64
Mercer (+11.5) 70, NC-Greensboro 64
Wm & Mary (+8.5) 72, Northeastern 68
Wyoming (+8.5) 79, Colorado State 76, OT
North Dakota (+8.5) 74, St Thomas 64
Ole Miss (+7.5) 71, Texas A&M 68
Miami OH (+7.5) 70, Akron 68
Southern Utah (+6.5) 82, Abilene Christian 67
LaSalle (+5.5) 80, George Washington 70
Jacksonville State (+5.5) 73, Liberty 62
Wofford (+5.5) 77, Furman 67
— Movie of the Day: Autumn in New York (2000)- An aging playboy falls for a much younger woman, who turns out to be terminally ill.
Richard Gere is the star, Winona Ryder is the younger woman. Excellent supporting cast, with Anthony LaPaglia, Jill Hennessy, JK Simmons, Sherry Stringfield, Vera Farmiga.
— Bad Beat of the Day???: Bradley (+7.5) lost 95-86 in overtime at Indiana State. Braves led by 2 with 0:53 left in regulation.
— Cornell 83, Princeton 68
First Ivy League loss for the 15-2 Tigers; they dropped 13 spots in KenPom’s rankings.
Cornell shot 73.5% (25-34) inside the arc.
— Oakland 91, Milwaukee 87, 2OT
Milwaukee scored 95-87 points vs Oakland this year, but lost both games.
Oakland’s Jack Gohlke was 8-18 on arc, 3-3 on line. He didn’t take a 2-point shot.
Oakland was 15-41 on the arc, 13-33 inside the arc.
— Cal-San Diego 92, Cal-Davis 59
UCSD was 15-32 on the arc, Cal-Davis 4-20
Tritons are 14-7, 8-1 in Big West, but they’re not eligible for NCAA Tournament.
That was just second loss in last nine games for Cal-Davis.
— Arizona 87, Oregon 78
Arizona never trailed; they made 10-19 shots on the arc.
Caleb Love scored 36 points for the Wildcats.
— Miami OH 70, Akron 68
First loss for the Zips in eight MAC games.
Akron led this game by 11 early on, but shot only 34.6% inside arc.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 13-0 ATS (13 Units) off a road win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS are 20-5 ATS (14.5 Units) after 2 consecutive non-conference games in the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 75-43 ATS (27.7 Units) off an upset loss as a road favorite since 1996.
ATLANTA is 16-36 ATS (-23.6 Units) against Atlantic division opponents in the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) in home games after covering 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread in the last 3 seasons.
NBA
Dunkel
Sunday, January 28
NBA
Sunday, January 28
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oklahoma City @ Detroit
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit
Detroit is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Memphis @ Indiana
Memphis
Memphis is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Toronto @ Atlanta
Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Phoenix @ Orlando
Phoenix
Phoenix is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games
Orlando
Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Chicago @ Portland
Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Portland
Chicago is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Portland
Portland
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing Chicago
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MEMPHIS are 20-5 ATS (14.5 Units) after 2 consecutive non-conference games in the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 75-43 ATS (27.7 Units) off an upset loss as a road favorite since 1996.
ATLANTA is 16-36 ATS (-23.6 Units) against Atlantic division opponents in the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) in home games after covering 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread in the last 3 seasons.
NBA
Dunkel
Sunday, January 28
NBA
Sunday, January 28
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oklahoma City @ Detroit
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit
Detroit is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Memphis @ Indiana
Memphis
Memphis is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Toronto @ Atlanta
Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Phoenix @ Orlando
Phoenix
Phoenix is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games
Orlando
Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Chicago @ Portland
Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Portland
Chicago is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Portland
Portland
Portland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing Chicago
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Monday’s 6-pack:
— Pistons 120, Thunder 104: 6-40 Detroit is 3-4 in its last seven games.
— Pacers 116, Grizzlies 110: Mathurin had 24 points, 7 rebounds off bench.
— Hawks 126, Raptors 125: Atlanta scored game-winning hoop with 0:01 left.
— Magic 113, Suns 98: Orlando was +20 in 23:00 sub big man Wagner played.
— Bulls 104, Trailblazers 96: Chicago was +9 in turnovers (13-4)
— Cleveland State 66, Robert Morris 64: Vikings trailed by 10 in second half.
Quote of the Day
“You never know how many (Super Bowls) you’re going to get to or if you’re going to get to any. So it truly is special just to do it with these guys after what we’ve been through all season long. Guys coming together, it really is special. But I told them, ‘The job’s not done.’ Our job now is to prepare ourselves to play a good football team in the Super Bowl and try to get that ring.”
Patrick Mahomes
Monday’s quiz
Where did Patrick Mahomes play his college football?
Sunday’s quiz
In the baseball movie For Love of the Game, JK Simmons plays the manager of the Detroit Tigers.
Saturday’s quiz
Michael Jordan was the #3 pick in 1984 NBA Draft; Hakeem Olajuwon was the first pick.
*************************************************
Ravens lost a fumble on 1-yard line, threw an INT in end zone.
Chiefs have won their last five games, giving up 14 ppg.
Since 2019, Chiefs are 13-2 in playoff games, winning two Super Bowls.
Baltimore’s only TD was a 30-yard TD pass late in first quarter.
Chiefs had their first plus turnover game since Week 6.
Mahomes is 88-25 SU as an NFL starter, 14-3 in playoffs.
coach Reid is 25-16 in playoff games, 15-7 with KC.
Lamar Jackson is 60-23 as an NFL starter, only 2-4 in playoff games
— Mahomes is on track to wind up as the NFL’s all-time best QB.
Seriously, if we were starting a football league right now, with every player ever eligible in his prime, which QB would you take first? I’d either take Mahomes or John Elway.
— 49ers 34, Lions 31
Lions in 1st half: 44 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Detroit led 24-7 at halftime.
Leading 24-10 in 3rd quarter, Lions went for it on 4th down, instead of trying a 45-yard FG that would’ve made score 27-10- they didn’t make the first down, and the game swung.
49ers in 2nd half: 36 plays, 281 yards, 27 points.
QB Purdy threw for 267 yards, ran for 48 more.
McCaffrey had 13 touches for 132 yards and 2 TD’s.
49ers are 13-0 when they score 21+ points.
Detroit scored a TD with 0:56 left for the back-door cover.
— Early spread on the Super Bowl: San Francisco, -1
— Football coaching stuff:
Buffalo Bills named Joe Brady offensive coordinator, taking the interim tag away.
Philadelphia Eagles naned Kellen Moore offensive coordinator.
Atlanta Falcons named Zac Robinson offensive coordinator.
Sean McVay has been an NFL head coach for seven years; six of his former assistants have become head coaches (5 in NFL, Jedd Fisch in college), another seven have become NFL coordinators.
— Michigan Wolverines named Sherrone Moore their new football coach; he was the interim head coach for four games this season, while Jim Harbaugh was suspended.
— CBS pays Tony Romo $18M a year, which is staggering. Basically works out to $1M a week, maybe a little less. Thats a lot of cabbage, for sure. He’s a good analyst, not really sure anyone is $1M a week good, though.
— Baseball Note of the Day: Japanese baseball teams get a boatload of $$$ if a player comes to America before he has nine years of service time in Japan; the team receives a release fee: 20% of the first $25M of a major league contract, 17.5% of the next $25M and 15% of any amount over $50M.
— Word of the Day: Eschew- Deliberately avoiding something.
Lions eschewed three field goal tries Sunday, and went for it on 4th down all three times; they failed on two of the three tries.
— Baseball stuff:
Royals gave 2B/OF Adam Frazier a 2-year deal, with a guarantee of $4.5M.
Cubs gave P Hector Neris a one-year deal for $9M
Diamondbacks signed OF Joc Pederson for one year, $9.5M.
Rangers gave P David Robertson a one-year deal for $11.5M; they also signed OF Travis Jankowski to a minor league deal.
Detroit Tigers gave 22-year-old prospect Colt Keith a six-year, $28M extension that has the chance to be much more lucrative, if Keith turns out to be as good as the Tigers think he is. Keith is a 3B who hit .287 in 67 AAA games last summer, with 51 RBI.
— FAU 66, North Texas 63
Owls outscored North Texas 13-6 over final 5:23.
FAU is 7-1 SU/2-6 ATS in the AAC.
— Couple of teams snapped long losing streaks Sunday:
Wichita State (1-6 in AAC, +4.5) upset SMU 77-72.
Manhattan (2-7 in MAAC, +9.5) beat Niagara 84-78 in overtime.
— UAB 97, Memphis 88
Memphis lost its last three games, after a 15-2 start.
Both teams had 20+ turnovers.
Yaxel Lendeborg scored 29 points, had 16 rebounds, 4 assists.
— Ohio State lost five of its last six basketball games SU; they’re 1-8 ATS in their conference games this season.
— Gonzaga’s league, the WCC, is ranked 11th so far this year; the last five years, the WCC finished either #8 or #9 in rankings. You wonder if the league will get more than one bid in the NCAA’s this year, if either Gonzaga/Saint Mary’s stumbles down the stretch.
— Happy birthdays this week to two of the greats: Wayne Gretzky (63) and Bob Uecker (90)- they’re greats for very different reasons, but both Hall of Famers, no doubt.
— Pistons 120, Thunder 104: 6-40 Detroit is 3-4 in its last seven games.
— Pacers 116, Grizzlies 110: Mathurin had 24 points, 7 rebounds off bench.
— Hawks 126, Raptors 125: Atlanta scored game-winning hoop with 0:01 left.
— Magic 113, Suns 98: Orlando was +20 in 23:00 sub big man Wagner played.
— Bulls 104, Trailblazers 96: Chicago was +9 in turnovers (13-4)
— Cleveland State 66, Robert Morris 64: Vikings trailed by 10 in second half.
Quote of the Day
“You never know how many (Super Bowls) you’re going to get to or if you’re going to get to any. So it truly is special just to do it with these guys after what we’ve been through all season long. Guys coming together, it really is special. But I told them, ‘The job’s not done.’ Our job now is to prepare ourselves to play a good football team in the Super Bowl and try to get that ring.”
Patrick Mahomes
Monday’s quiz
Where did Patrick Mahomes play his college football?
Sunday’s quiz
In the baseball movie For Love of the Game, JK Simmons plays the manager of the Detroit Tigers.
Saturday’s quiz
Michael Jordan was the #3 pick in 1984 NBA Draft; Hakeem Olajuwon was the first pick.
*************************************************
Monday’s Den: Wrapping up a sports Sunday…….
— Chiefs 17, Ravens 10Ravens lost a fumble on 1-yard line, threw an INT in end zone.
Chiefs have won their last five games, giving up 14 ppg.
Since 2019, Chiefs are 13-2 in playoff games, winning two Super Bowls.
Baltimore’s only TD was a 30-yard TD pass late in first quarter.
Chiefs had their first plus turnover game since Week 6.
Mahomes is 88-25 SU as an NFL starter, 14-3 in playoffs.
coach Reid is 25-16 in playoff games, 15-7 with KC.
Lamar Jackson is 60-23 as an NFL starter, only 2-4 in playoff games
— Mahomes is on track to wind up as the NFL’s all-time best QB.
Seriously, if we were starting a football league right now, with every player ever eligible in his prime, which QB would you take first? I’d either take Mahomes or John Elway.
— 49ers 34, Lions 31
Lions in 1st half: 44 plays, 280 yards, 24 points.
Detroit led 24-7 at halftime.
Leading 24-10 in 3rd quarter, Lions went for it on 4th down, instead of trying a 45-yard FG that would’ve made score 27-10- they didn’t make the first down, and the game swung.
49ers in 2nd half: 36 plays, 281 yards, 27 points.
QB Purdy threw for 267 yards, ran for 48 more.
McCaffrey had 13 touches for 132 yards and 2 TD’s.
49ers are 13-0 when they score 21+ points.
Detroit scored a TD with 0:56 left for the back-door cover.
— Early spread on the Super Bowl: San Francisco, -1
— Football coaching stuff:
Buffalo Bills named Joe Brady offensive coordinator, taking the interim tag away.
Philadelphia Eagles naned Kellen Moore offensive coordinator.
Atlanta Falcons named Zac Robinson offensive coordinator.
Sean McVay has been an NFL head coach for seven years; six of his former assistants have become head coaches (5 in NFL, Jedd Fisch in college), another seven have become NFL coordinators.
— Michigan Wolverines named Sherrone Moore their new football coach; he was the interim head coach for four games this season, while Jim Harbaugh was suspended.
— CBS pays Tony Romo $18M a year, which is staggering. Basically works out to $1M a week, maybe a little less. Thats a lot of cabbage, for sure. He’s a good analyst, not really sure anyone is $1M a week good, though.
— Baseball Note of the Day: Japanese baseball teams get a boatload of $$$ if a player comes to America before he has nine years of service time in Japan; the team receives a release fee: 20% of the first $25M of a major league contract, 17.5% of the next $25M and 15% of any amount over $50M.
— Word of the Day: Eschew- Deliberately avoiding something.
Lions eschewed three field goal tries Sunday, and went for it on 4th down all three times; they failed on two of the three tries.
— Baseball stuff:
Royals gave 2B/OF Adam Frazier a 2-year deal, with a guarantee of $4.5M.
Cubs gave P Hector Neris a one-year deal for $9M
Diamondbacks signed OF Joc Pederson for one year, $9.5M.
Rangers gave P David Robertson a one-year deal for $11.5M; they also signed OF Travis Jankowski to a minor league deal.
Detroit Tigers gave 22-year-old prospect Colt Keith a six-year, $28M extension that has the chance to be much more lucrative, if Keith turns out to be as good as the Tigers think he is. Keith is a 3B who hit .287 in 67 AAA games last summer, with 51 RBI.
— FAU 66, North Texas 63
Owls outscored North Texas 13-6 over final 5:23.
FAU is 7-1 SU/2-6 ATS in the AAC.
— Couple of teams snapped long losing streaks Sunday:
Wichita State (1-6 in AAC, +4.5) upset SMU 77-72.
Manhattan (2-7 in MAAC, +9.5) beat Niagara 84-78 in overtime.
— UAB 97, Memphis 88
Memphis lost its last three games, after a 15-2 start.
Both teams had 20+ turnovers.
Yaxel Lendeborg scored 29 points, had 16 rebounds, 4 assists.
— Ohio State lost five of its last six basketball games SU; they’re 1-8 ATS in their conference games this season.
— Gonzaga’s league, the WCC, is ranked 11th so far this year; the last five years, the WCC finished either #8 or #9 in rankings. You wonder if the league will get more than one bid in the NCAA’s this year, if either Gonzaga/Saint Mary’s stumbles down the stretch.
— Happy birthdays this week to two of the greats: Wayne Gretzky (63) and Bob Uecker (90)- they’re greats for very different reasons, but both Hall of Famers, no doubt.
LA CLIPPERS are 43-25 Over (15.5 Units) versus good passing teams, averaging >=23 assists/game - 2nd half of the season in the las...
NEW YORK is 12-2 Under (9.8 Units) in January games in the current season.
PHOENIX is 10-1 ATS (8.9 Units) in road games after scoring 100 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS are 16-6 Under (9.4 Units) after one or more consecutive overs in the current season.
UTAH is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) after 2 consecutive non-conference games in the current season.
WASHINGTON is 9-0 ATS (9 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 116+ points/game in the current season.
LA LAKERS are 9-28 ATS (-21.8 Units) off a road win in the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent in the current season.
SACRAMENTO is 10-1 ATS (8.9 Units) in road games after scoring 120 points or more 3 straight games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS are 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in home games versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots - 2nd half of the season ...
MILWAUKEE is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) as a dog in the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 14-2 ATS (11.8 Units) after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 against the spread over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 12-2 Under (9.8 Units) in January games in the current season.
PHOENIX is 10-1 ATS (8.9 Units) in road games after scoring 100 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS are 16-6 Under (9.4 Units) after one or more consecutive overs in the current season.
UTAH is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) after 2 consecutive non-conference games in the current season.
WASHINGTON is 9-0 ATS (9 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 116+ points/game in the current season.
LA LAKERS are 9-28 ATS (-21.8 Units) off a road win in the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent in the current season.
SACRAMENTO is 10-1 ATS (8.9 Units) in road games after scoring 120 points or more 3 straight games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS are 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in home games versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots - 2nd half of the season ...
MILWAUKEE is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) as a dog in the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 14-2 ATS (11.8 Units) after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 against the spread over the last 2 seasons.
