Cnotes March NCAABB Conference Playoffs Thru The Madness Picks-Trends-News-Stats !!

[CNOTES]

Big 5 Tournament Previews
March 7, 2016




ACC

PROJECTED FINAL FOUR: MIAMI FLORIDA • NORTH CAROLINA • VIRGINIA • DUKE

The Way We See It: With Louisville on the sidelines paying for its sins (connect the dots... Tricky Ricky in hot water over illicit sex allegations, and the team drowning in sex-for-recruits, and he’s still the Cardinal head coach!), the defacto vote for top gun in the conference this year goes to MIAMI FLORIDA, a unit that has the look and feel of the team to beat. All the ingredients are in place for this squad who lost in the NIT title game last year, with 4 returning starters back keyed by two senior starting guards, a 7-foot senior shot-blocking center and arguably the best coach in the conference.


NORTH CAROLINA, owners of a 41-19 SU mark in this event since 1991, will be the favorite - and perhaps justifiably so. While the Heels are 17-6 SU as top seeds in this event, they are just 7-14-2 ATS when carrying the pressure of being the No. 1 seed. Last year they rode the loss of legendary coach Dean Smith to the title game, but it was 2008 the last time UNC managed to cut down the nets as the top dog in this tourney. Despite being a Top 10 rebounding team, a staggering 3-15-3 ATS mark in this tourney when not favored by more than 11 points is a major concern.


VIRGINIA has been the top seed (and regular season champion) each of the previous two years of this tourney. The Cavs fell to Carolina in the semifinals last year and have cashed in only 5 of their last 14 games in this event. A rotten 2-9-1 ATS mark as conference tourney favorites is a sticking point.


And then there is DUKE who, despite being down a notch or two this season, must be respected given its 37-7 SU mark in this tournament since 1999. However, a 1-7 ATS mark in its last eight ACC tourney tiffs is a certainly a put-off.

THE SLEEPER: NOTRE DAME
The Fighting Irish gained nod over Pittsburgh by virtue of being the defending champ. The Dame took down Miami Florida, Duke and North Carolina en route to claiming the crown last year and that experience, along with a trip to the Elite Eight, should bode well this go round.

KEY TOURNEY BEST BET: PLAY AGAINST: NOTRE DAME IN GAME ONE
We realize the Irish get our call as the ‘Sleeper’ in this event. The reason for fading them out of the gate, though, is the fact that the defending champion in the ACC tournament is 2-13 ATS in its first round game the following season. Ouch!


BIG TEN


PROJECTED FINAL FOUR: MICHIGAN STATE • INDIANA • MARYLAND • PURDUE


The Way We See It: Once again this season the NCAA Tournament committee will have its hands full trying to decide which teams to leave home from the powerful Big Ten conference with as many as eight 20-win teams expected to crash the party (and that's not including Northwestern).


It's been a long time between drinks of water since the Big Ten won a NCAA championship, but our feeling is MICHIGAN STATE has the chance to be the first team from this loop to cut down the nets in the Big Dance since they last did it in 2000. The Spartans certainly have all the attributes - read: No. 1 team in the land in Rebound Margin, Defensive Field Goal percentage and 3-Point Offensive Field Goal Percentage! It's the Tom Izzo brand, and it works, with wins over Kansas, Louisville and the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten (Indiana) its no wonder this team is 5-0 SU against greater than .800 competition this season...


INDIANA captured the regular season title but was bounced in the first round (as a No. 7 seed) by Maryland last year and is just 4-12 SU in this event since 2004. Its best weapon is a No. 3 ranked Offensive Field Goal shooting squad, but top seeds in this tourney are a mediocre 21-22 ATS all-time...


Like the Hoosiers, MARYLAND, a team of straight shooters (No. 12 in the nation in Offensive Field Goal percentage), lost wind from their sails in dropping three of their final five games at press time. The Terps bring a 4-1-1 ATS conference tourney ledger of late in to this event but have struggled against quality opponents in conference tourney play, going 3-11 SU versus .735 or greater competition.


WISCONSIN, last year's champion, received stunning news when iconic head coach Bo Ryan called it quits in mid December. The Badgers got off to a rocky start under interim coach Greg Gard, losing four if its first five conference games by a total of 15 points, but have bounced back to win nine of their last ten games at press time including victories over Michigan State, Indiana and Maryland. They could be dangerous.


THE SLEEPER: MICHIGAN


As readers of the PLAYBOOK know, we're big fans of John Beilein. His troops dominated .800 or less opposition this season (18-2 SU at press time) while Beilein is an outlandish 47-27 SU and 47-25-2 ATS in post-season games... Note: The Wolves have devoured No. 4-8 seeds in conference tourney play, going 9-4 SU and 11-2 ATS.


KEY TOURNEY BEST BET: PLAY ON MICHIGAN STATE WITH REVENGE


It's an oldie but goodie and once again we'll take a leap of faith with Tom Rizzo not all that hard, actually - and back his troops with revenge in this affair. It would serve you well to note that the Spartans are 30-12 SU and 28-12-2 ATS with same season conference revenge since 2000, including 22-1 SU and 18-3-2 ATS when favored by four or more points, and 6-1-1- ATS in this tourney. Whew!


BIG 12


PROJECTED FINAL FOUR: KANSAS • WEST VIRGINIA • OKLAHOMA • IOWA STATE


The Way We See It: With only two teams in the conference owning a losing record, its conceivable seven teams from this loop could receive invites to the Big Dance.


However, unlike the three Big 12 teams that sported 30-win seasons two years ago, only KANSAS appears headed in that direction. The Jayhawks winners of 11 consecutive conference crowns - are once again the overwhelming choice to cut down the nets as they have reached the title game in this tourney 12 times since 1996. And when they do arrive to the championship game they've been like an annuity, going 9-2 SU and 8-3 ATS in their last eleven title games (lost to Iowa State in the finale last year).


Bob Huggins' WEST VIRGINIA squad gains the 2nd nod, thanks to a glass-cleaning machine that ranks No. 8 in the land in Rebound Margin. Yes we realize the Mountaineers have lost the money in each of their last nine conference tourney affairs, but Huggy Bear is 30-9 SU in these games when his team owns a win percentage of more than .666. He is also 8-2 SUATS in conference tourney versus No. 1 or No. 2 seeds.


OKLAHOMA lived a good portion of the season in the pole position of the national polls before being toppled for good in early February. The Sooners, though, were just 3-10 ATS as conference favorites this season and area paltry 2-14 ATS in their last sixteen games in this tournament, going one-and-out three of the last four years. Yech.


IOWA STATE, champs each of the past two seasons in this event, have the makings of making a deep run once again this campaign with a veteran team that's been there and done that. The Cyclones chewed up sub .590 opposition this season (11-0 SU) and could be a finalist once again.


THE SLEEPER: BAYLOR


When it comes down to it its all about the completion for Baylor. The Bears devoured sub .750 opponents this season, winning 19 of 21 games on the scoreboard, while going 7-3-1 ATS in those games against the Big 12. An 18-11 ATS mark in this tourney this decade, including 13-5 ATS versus .750 or less opposition, says it all. You know what to do.


KEY TOURNEY BEST BET: PLAY ON the No. 2 seed in the semifinal round


Results speak for them selves: since 2006 the No. 2 seed in this tourney is 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS in semifinal games, including 5-0 SUATS the last five (see Iowa State over Oklahoma last year).

PAC 12


PROJECTED FINAL FOUR: ARIZONA • OREGON • UTAH • CALIFORNIA


The Way We See It: If it appears the PAC-12 is down this season it’s because they are. Nine players from the conference were taken in the first round of the NBA draft the past two seasons, with ARIZONA leading the way with five. Nonetheless, because of relentless recruiting, the Wildcats depth runs deep and last year’s Elite Eight squad nabs the top spot in our Final Four once again this year. After 4 consecutive losses in title games, Zona finally climbed the ladder and cut down the nets in this event last year when they drilled Oregon, 80-52 in the championship game. Sean Miller’s troops destroyed .750 or less opposition this campaign (it’s a good thing the loop is down), winning 20 of 23 games at press time. That should get them back to the finals this year.


OREGON brings a stellar 19-10 SUATS all-time mark in this tourney into this year’s event, including 9-0 SU and 8-1 ATS versus losing foes, and 4-0 ATS as favorites of 6 or more points. A 4-1 ATS dog log this season puts comfortably into just about any role in this affair.


After misfiring early in February, UTAH closed like a freight train to conclude the regular season and is a prime player in this tournament. An 11-1 SU mark versus .590 foes this season, along with a 9-3 ATS record of late in conference tourneys makes the Utes ultra dangerous.


CALIFORNIA has struggled in this tourney with a 2-6 SUATS record in its last eight games. The Bears were sent packing in a 22-point loss by Arizona as 18.5-point dogs last year and are just 2-10 ATS as tourney dogs but are vastly improved this year. A team no one will want to face n this event.


THE SLEEPER: OREGON STATE


The Beavers are another 5 returning starter entry that could do damage early in in this event. Head coach Wayne Tinkle’s troops have pissed themselves as dogs of more than 3 points under his lead (2-17 SU and 4-15 ATS) but have been competitive (11-3) against losing teams. That should carry them past the first round, and who knows what can happen thereafter.


KEY TOURNEY BEST BET: PLAY ON THE UNDERDOG IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME


Despite a loss last year, the record of the dog in PAC 12 championship games is now 7-2 ATS the last eight years. With this group as tightly packed as can be, the points are certainly the play in this year’s title game as well.

SEC


PROJECTED FINAL FOUR: KENTUCKY • TEXAS A&M • VANDERBILT • LSU


The Way We See It: With four new coaches roaming the sidelines, the SEC is down deeply from past editions (ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi has only four teams from the loop in this years March Madness tourney), it's still KENTUCKY that garners all the praise. A sweep of last year's conference tourney moved the Wildcats record to 51-11 SU and 40-20-2 ATS in this event since 1992. We're not about to step in front of that, not with a coach in John Calipari that is 35-1 SU and 20-16 ATS as a No. 1 seed in conference tournament play in his career...


TEXAS A&M hit a 0-4 SUATS wall early in February but managed to right itself with five straight season ending wins at press time to earn the runner-up position. The Aggies, though, will need to do better than they have in the past in this event (1-3 SUATS, going one-and-out each of the last two years). A refreshing 9-3 SU and 7-4-1 ATS mark versus .640 or greater opposition this season bodes well.


A lot more was expected from VANDERBILT this campaign, a team with its top 8 scorers back from a 20-win team last season. In fact, many thought the Commodores would challenge Kentucky for supremacy in the SEC. Still, a late season surge holds promise, as does a 12-3 SU and 9-4 ATS mark versus sub .600 foes this season.


LSU is led by 6-10 newcomer of the year, Ben Simmons soon to be a mainstay in the NBA. The Tigers, though, struggled away from home this campaign (3-9 SU and 2-10 ATS) and were sketchy at best against avenging foes (5-5 SU and 1-9 ATS). They will need a big run to impress the NCAA Tournament brass.


THE SLEEPER: SOUTH CAROLINA


The Gamecocks outplayed the preseason prognosticators that had them pegged as the 10th choice in this league. The rowdy roosters are 4-0 AST as favorites of 6 or more points in this tourney as well as 4-1 ATS as dogs of more than 8 points. The problem is head coach Frank Martin is just 6-16 SU and 7-14-1 ATS as a dog versus inferior foes and that will likely blow out the candle they've held with a surprising season this campaign.


KEY TOURNEY BEST BET: PLAY ON KENTUCKY IN THE SEMI OR FINAL ROUND


As alluded to above, John Calipari has dominated in conference tourney play, especially in Semi and Final round games where his teams smell the blood, going 27-5 SU and 23-9 ATS, including 26-1 SU and 20-8 ATS as a favorite. Enough said.

 

[CNOTES]

First Weekend Upset Risks
March 7, 2016


Selection Sunday is still nearly a week away and while the conference tournaments will be critical for several bubble teams most of the top tier teams aren’t likely to be bumped up or down too significantly. The upsets are always the most entertaining part of March Madness and here is a look at a handful of higher profile teams likely to earn favorable seeds in the opening weekend that could be at risk to head home early.


Indiana (Projected #2 to #4 seed):


Indiana continues to see its stock rise and projects as a #3 seed for most right now after the surprise 15-3 campaign to win the Big Ten by two games. Indiana did catch some scheduling breaks drawing Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Purdue just once each, but a strong Big Ten tournament showing could see the Hoosiers push for a #2 seed. In the five-game run to close the season, Indiana shot 50.5% including 43.5% from 3-point range, numbers that will be impossible to keep up in the move to less familiar neutral site venues in a tournament setting. The road splits are a bit concerning for the Hoosiers, going just 8-6 away from home with three losses to teams outside of the top 100. Tom Crean is just 4-3 in NCAA Tournament games at Indiana, only once winning a game by more than seven points as the Hoosiers might be worth fading in the opening weekend. Crean is in his eighth season in Bloomington, but the Hoosiers have not made it out of the Sweet 16 in the Big Dance despite having three players that were top 10 NBA draft picks in that span.


Kentucky (Projected #2 to #4 seed):


Kentucky went just 6-8 in road and neutral site venues this season as few teams in the nation benefitted as much from its home court going 9-0 at home in SEC games with an average margin of victory of nearly 21 points. Kentucky wound up just 3-3 vs. the other top five SEC teams and only playing Texas A&M and South Carolina once each made for a favorable schedule in league play. Kentucky fans travel extremely well, but it seems unlikely that the Wildcats will be given the preferential treatment they deserved last season playing close to home the entire tournament and there is actually only one opening weekend venue (St. Louis) that is within a six-hour drive from Lexington. As usual, Kentucky is an extremely young team and this squad is a bit beat up with some late season injuries. With Jamal Murray and Tyler Ulis leading the backcourt, Kentucky is certainly a threat for a fifth final four run in six seasons, but unlike last season they will likely be at risk for an early upset as well while facing a much more difficult path than last season. The Wildcats lost five games to teams that probably won’t make the NCAA Tournament and being one of the premier programs in the country will ensure that every foe brings its best to the matchup.


Miami, FL (Projected #3 to #5 seed):


With a chance to win a share of the ACC title on Saturday, Miami lost by 15 at Virginia Tech, a team that won’t sniff the NCAA Tournament without winning the ACC tournament. Miami actually had four losses by 10 or more points this season and four of the team’s six defeats came to teams outside of the top 50. The Hurricanes benefited from an ACC schedule that featured North Carolina, Duke, and Louisville just once each with the latter two matchups at home providing the two biggest wins of the season. Miami did win three neutral site games in a row against quality competition in November in Puerto Rico, but a 4-5 record in ACC road games is concerning for a team that should still end up with a strong seed in the Big Dance. Miami did make the NIT final last season as there is some positive tournament experience with this group. Jim Larranaga did take George Mason to an improbable Final Four in 2006, but the 2013 Hurricanes were bounced in the Sweet 16 as a #2 seed after barely escaping in the second round in a 2/7 matchup.


Utah (Projected #3 to #5 seed):


The Utes closed the season with seven straight wins, but they didn’t play the cream of the crop of the conference down the stretch in the Pac-12 with only a narrow home win over Arizona really standing out. Utah went 0-3 vs. California and Oregon this season, arguably the conference’s top two teams and Utah went 8-6 in road and neutral site games with five of the team’s seven losses coming by double-digits. Utah’s offense really struggled with turnovers in many matchups as the backcourt is not the strength of this team with guard play often being more important in tournament play. Utah lost to the eventual national champion Duke in the Sweet 16 last season and getting that far could be a challenge this season for a team that has the potential to be a bit over-seeded with a non-conference profile that turned out rather strong but a Pac-12 resume that featured only one meeting each with Arizona, California, and USC. Pac-12 teams have some risk to be a bit overvalued by the committee due to the strong league ratings built on the great depth in the league.


Arizona (Projected #4 to #6 seed):


Arizona has been an elite team the past two seasons, running into Wisconsin in the past two Elite Eight games. Sean Miller is widely respected as one of the nation’s top coaches and he owns a great 17-8 NCAA Tournament record, going 11-4 at Arizona with three trips to the Elite Eight. This year’s team hasn’t fit the bill of a squad likely to make a deep run, turning over the roster significantly after last season with only a few holdovers. Arizona wound up 24-7, but fell to a tie for third in the deep Pac-12 and the Wildcats had an unusually light non-conference schedule with only wins over Boise State and Gonzaga worth mentioning. Arizona has often been dealt favorable west coast venues in the NCAA Tournament, but they won’t likely draw such protection this season and Denver and Spokane aren’t exactly nearby as this year’s opening weekend venues out west. An Arizona team that was 18-0 at home in Pac-12 play the past two seasons with only one win by fewer than nine points went just 8-1 in Tucson this season, with three of the wins by eight or fewer points as the Wildcats haven’t been the same caliber team as their reputation this season.


Texas (Projected #5 to #7 seed):


The Longhorns have some big wins this season, beating many of the top Big XII teams as well as picking up non-conference wins over North Carolina and Vanderbilt. Texas did lose 11 games in the regular season and went just 6-8 away from home. Incorporating many of the elements used for postseason success at VCU, Shaka Smart’s Texas team can force turnovers and the backcourt for the Longhorns can handle the press well as two wins over West Virginia displays. A concern for Texas in the postseason has to be free throw shooting however, hitting below 67% for the season and it will be tough to trust the Longhorns at the line in the final minutes of big games in the tournament. Texas had two overtime wins this season and five other wins by five or fewer points as the Longhorns weren’t far away from spending Selection Sunday sweating out the bubble. Texas will get a deserved boost in the ratings for a very difficult schedule this season, but the results were mostly inconsistent for this team and with limited size a smaller conference team that can shoot well could be a threat against Texas in the opening round.

 

[CNOTES]

No. 24 California enters Pac-12 tournament on a roll
March 7, 2016


BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) More than three months after leaving Las Vegas with a pair of early-season losses and searching for an identity, California returns to Sin City this week for the Pac-12 tournament on quite a roll.


The 24th-ranked Golden Bears (22-9) have won eight of nine games to earn the third seed and a first-round bye in the conference tournament as coach Cuonzo Martin's squad has done a good job fitting in talented freshmen Jaylen Brown and Ivan Rabb.


Cal started the season with high expectations and a No. 14 national ranking. But losses Thanksgiving weekend to San Diego State and Richmond started a stretch where the Bears went 10-8, leaving their NCAA Tournament hopes in peril.


But with improved defense following Martin's decision to give more time to big men Kingsley Okoroh and Kameron Rooks and improved chemistry as the players learned each other's strengths, Cal is playing as well as anyone in the conference heading into the tournament.


''You have to work toward it,'' senior guard Tyrone Wallace said. ''It did click in and once we started playing really well, everyone was playing for each other and everyone was playing selfless. It didn't matter how many shots you had. If one guy had it going or two guys had it going, just try to get them going. It did click in.''


The Bears will open play Thursday night against the winner of sixth-seeded Oregon State and No. 11 seed Arizona State. Cal has played both teams twice in the regular season, including a road win Saturday against the Sun Devils.


But Martin said most of the practice time leading up to the game will be spent on fine-tuning what his team was rather than game-plan for the opponent.


''In settings like this, you rely on your principles more than anything down the stretch of games because you don't have a lot of prep time to get ready for teams,'' he said. ''Everybody knows everybody, there's no new tricks. There's not a lot of time to put a whole new system in so it comes down to executing.''


Cal hopes a competitive season that featured nine conference games decided by fewer than 10 points will help a mostly untested tournament team thrive in March.


The Bears faltered late in a loss last Thursday night at Arizona before rebounding in the regular season finale to hold off the Sun Devils and wrap up the third seed.


''You've been through it, so you see it,'' Martin said. ''It's not a case of being shell-shocked if it happens again. You've been in those situations. It still comes down to a matter of making plays. This time of year, you'll be in those kinds of situations more times than not.''


Cal's strong season led to honors for some of its players. Brown was named first-team all-conference and the Pac-12 freshman of the year. Rabb was a second-team selection and Wallace was honorable mention despite missing five games with a broken hand. Brown and Rabb were also both picked to the all-freshman team.

 

[CNOTES]

Iowa State seeks strong postseason run
March 7, 2016


AMES, Iowa (AP) Iowa State's lack of depth made its hopes for a regular season Big 12 title unrealistic.


Perhaps the postseason will be kinder to the 21st-ranked Cyclones.


Iowa State (21-10, 10-8 Big 12) will begin its quest for a third straight conference tournament title Thursday against third-seeded Oklahoma (24-6, 12-6), ranked sixth nationally.


The Cyclones are the sixth seed - which could be lower than the one they'll receive for the NCAA Tournament if they replicate their previous success in Kansas City.

 

[CNOTES]

Pitt hoping to play itself off the bubble at ACC tourney
March 7, 2016


PITTSBURGH (AP) Sheldon Jeter didn't dodge the question or put some kind of positive spin on it.


Yes, the NCAA tournament bid Pittsburgh seemed to lock up with a blowout win over Duke a week ago is now very much in danger heading into the ACC tournament. A 3-6 mark down the stretch - including a pair of road losses at Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech - will do that.


''Now we know to get into the (NCAAs), in our minds we have to make a deep run (at ACCs),'' the junior forward said Monday. If not, he said, ''in our minds we'll probably be in the NIT again.''


It's becoming a familiar scenario for the Panthers (20-10, 9-9 ACC), who have spent most of Dixon's tenure wondering not if they'll make the NCAA field but how highly they'll be seeded. That's not the case anymore. Pitt entered last spring's ACC tourney in need of at least one win (and probably two) of getting into March Madness. The Panthers ended up getting blown out by N.C. State then sleepwalking through an NIT home loss to George Washington to end an underwhelming season.


A year later, the stakes are strikingly similar. Pitt went a combined 3 for 32 from 3-point range while falling to the improving Hokies and Yellow Jackets, the offense that hummed with efficiency at times losing its shooting touch at the absolute worst time.


Jeter acknowledged the Panthers weren't ''ready to shoot'' when they caught the ball. While Dixon pointed to strong starts in both games that his team wasn't overconfident after dismantling the Blue Devils 76-62 on Feb. 28, given an opportunity to lock up an NCAA bid the Panthers lost their way in the second half twice in the span of four days.


''We need to have an urgency throughout the game and not just in bits and pieces,'' Jeter said.


A reprieve may await in Washington, D.C., at least on Wednesday against Syracuse. The Panthers swept the season series from the Orange and are 13-6 in their last 19 against their longtime Big East turned ACC rival. The trip is also a homecoming for senior point guard James Robinson, who grew up in the D.C. suburbs and has left his mother to handle voluminous ticket requests. Robinson would prefer to extend his team's stay - and maybe his college career - as long as possible.


''Obviously we don't want to finish the season like we did last year,'' Robinson said. ''Everybody has just got to be ready to play (but) beating team three times in one season hard.''


While Robinson doesn't exactly glue himself to the Internet in search of the latest projections, he's well aware of how the precarious position the Panthers are in as they prepare for what essentially could be an NCAA elimination game against the seriously bubblicious Orange.


''That's pretty much what we've been hearing,'' Robinson said. ''We've just got to get it done.''


Something Pitt did with great regularity in Dixon's first eight seasons on the job. Yet the Panthers have qualified for the tournament just twice in the past four years and haven't advanced past the first weekend of the NCAAs since 2009. Dixon remains typically bullish, stressing his program's mindset doesn't change this time of year regardless of the circumstances.


''It's never over until (Selection) Sunday,'' he said. ''Things can change. Anything can happen. We've said no matter where we were fighting for: one-seed, a four-seed, a 10-seed, we've got to play well.''


A fire alarm briefly blared while Dixon spoke. He talked over the noise, something he will continue to do as the Panthers continue a search for consistency that's been elusive for the last two years. He brushed off whether he was considering leaving, saying a rumor UNLV was seeking to lure him west was ''the first I heard about it.''


Hearing his name floated out is nothing new for Dixon, who is signed for 2023. He'd rather focus on an extended run in the nation's capital, one he believes the Panthers are capable of despite a lackluster finish.


''I think everybody goes in there feeling like it's wide open and the standings show that,'' he said. ''We believe that too.''

 

[CNOTES]

Florida trying to rebuild NCAA resume
March 7, 2016


GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) Florida coach Mike White believes anything can happen in a conference tournament.


White and the Gators are counting on it.


Having lost five of seven games down the stretch, Florida goes into the Southeastern Conference Tournament this week needing to win at least two games just to get back into the NCAA Tournament conversation.


The eighth-seeded Gators (18-13) play No. 9 seed Arkansas (16-15) on Thursday, with the winner advancing to face top-seeded Texas A&M (24-7) on Friday.


''Beat Arkansas. That's all we can worry about really,'' White said Monday. ''I mean, at the end of the day, it comes down to those people in that room, those decisions that they make. I can make arguments for us right now in terms of our schedule strength. ... But I think it's fruitless to waste time and energy on any of that. It takes away from your focus on the Hogs.''


Florida appeared to be lock for the NCAA field after upsetting then-No. 9 West Virginia in late January. But the Gators faded in February, going 3-5 and losing several close games. They had a chance to turn things around last week against then-No. 22 Kentucky, but got blown out at home to extend their losing streak to four.


Florida bounced back at Missouri, beating the league's worst team, but still has work to do to get off the NCAA Tournament bubble.


''It's very exciting. You got a clean slate. It's a new season,'' guard Chris Chiozza said. ''But it's also if you lose you go home. So it's a little scary, but like coach White said to us the other day in the locker room, `Sometimes fear is a little bit better motivator than anything else.'


''So hopefully we come out a little scared to lose and play to win. And hopefully we can win four in four days and get to the tournament.''


Chiozza is coming off his best performance of the season. He scored 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting against the Tigers to go along with eight assists, seven rebounds and three steals.


It was a big improvement from the previous eight games in which Chiozza averaged 6.1 points on 25-percent shooting. He also had 27 assists and 20 turnovers during that stretch.


''That was a great personal game for me,'' Chiozza said. ''Got my confidence on track, got in the groove like I was earlier in the year and it just felt like one of those games that I was having all the time at the beginning of the year. So hopefully this just gets me back to where I was at.''


It certainly should help the Gators get back on track.


Florida's biggest weakness had been guard play, with Chiozza, Kasey Hill and KeVaughn Allen struggling at both ends of the court. How well the trio plays in the SEC tourney could go a long way in determining how far the Gators advance.


Regardless of what happens - even if the Gators don't rebuild their NCAA resume - White feels like his team has played well in his first season.


The Gators had somewhat overachieved in early February, having lost four games to ranked teams (Purdue, Miami, Michigan State, Texas A&M) and two others on the road (Tennessee, Vanderbilt).


And even though Florida faltered late, four of the losses were against Kentucky, at LSU, against Vanderbilt and at South Carolina in overtime.


''Some can say over the last two or three weeks, `Boy, what happened?''' White said. ''Well, we played some good teams. ... So we're not apologizing for any of those games. We're just not one of the best three or four teams in this league. We haven't been that. We hope to be that moving forward.


''We've done a lot of good things as well. The opportunities are right there in front of us. Again, if we can somehow play well enough to beat the Hogs, we'll take that next step if it presents itself.''

 

[CNOTES]

Tuesday's ACC Action
March 8, 2016


WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS (11-19) vs. NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK (15-16)


Verizon Center - Washington, DC
Tip-off: Tuesday, 12:00 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: NC State -4.5


The ACC tournament begins with a matchup between Wake Forest and North Carolina State on Tuesday.


Wake Forest has really struggled over the past few weeks, losing three straight games and 14 of its past 15 as well. The team most recently faced Duke on Mar. 1 and lost 79-71 as a 16-point road underdog. Despite losing a ton of games SU, the Demon Deacons have stayed competitive and have still gone 4-3 ATS over the past seven contests.


NC State, meanwhile, has now lost three of its past four games SU and four straight ATS after an 89-75 loss as a 9.5-point underdog at Notre Dame on Saturday.


These two teams faced one another twice this season and each team won SU when playing at home. The Wolfpack did win ATS as well when they played at home and the teams pushed at Wake Forest. NC State has gotten the best of this head-to-head series over the years, though, going 6-4 SU and 6-3-1 ATS in the past 10 meetings between these teams.


The Demon Deacons do have something going for them, though, as they are 2-1 both SU and ATS in neutral site games this season. The Wolfpack are, however, an impressive 8-4-2 ATS when coming off of a SU loss.


Wake Forest has had a lousy season and a lot of that has to do with the team’s struggles on the defensive end. The Demon Deacons are allowing a miserable 79.2 PPG (325th in NCAA) on the year and they will need to be a lot sharper against the Wolfpack on Tuesday.


One guy that will really be counted on in this game is F Devin Thomas (15.7 PPG 10.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG). Thomas was outstanding in a loss to Duke last game, finishing with 16 points, 13 boards, five assists and a block in 33 minutes of action. He is a handful around the basket and Wake Forest will not win if he doesn’t perform at a high level in this game.


Other guys that will need to play well are Gs Bryant Crawford (13.6 PPG, 4.4 APG 3.0 RPG, 1.6 SPG) and Cody Miller-McIntyre (9.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.0 APG). Crawford is averaging 15.5 PPG and 5.0 APG over the past two games. He’s doing a solid job of running the show for Wake Forest and will just need to limit his turnovers in this game. He had six against Duke and that is not going to cut it in an ACC tournament game like this one.


Miller-McIntyre, meanwhile, is averaging 16.0 PPG over the past two contests and he is 11-for-20 from the field in those games. His efficiency helped the Demon Deacons stay competitive in losses to Virginia Tech and Duke, so he’ll need to take better shots on Tuesday as well. If he can then the team has a shot to pull off this upset.


NC State has had a down year, but this is a talented team and it could make a run in this tournament if it can just put things together for a few games.


G Anthony Barber (23.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.3 APG) is the guy to watch for the Wolfpack in this one. Barber is one of the best scorers in college basketball and is coming off of a 29-point performance against Notre Dame on Saturday. He is lightning fast and loves getting to the basket, so he’ll have the Demon Deacons on their heels in this game. In two meetings with the team during the regular season, Barber averaged 32.0 PPG and he’ll be looking to light the team up again on Tuesday.


Two other guys that are capable of going off offensively are Gs Caleb Martin (11.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG) and Maverick Rowan (12.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG). Martin has scored in double figures in five consecutive games and Rowan is a very talented player that struggles with consistency but is capable of lighting it up when he’s on. Both guys could thrive due to the extra attention that Barber will demand in this game.


F Abdul-Malik Abu (12.9 PPG, 8.7 RPG) will be an x-factor for NC State, though. He is a monster around the basket and will need to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor for the Wolfpack.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

Six of the better minor league prospects for the San Francisco Giants.......


1) Christian Arroyo, SS-- 20-year old may not stay at shortstop.


2) Tyler Beede, P-- From long line of pro pitchers from Vanderbilt.


3) Phil Bickford, P-- Spent one year at Fullerton, one year at Southern Nevada.


4) Lucius Fox, SS-- 18-year old played HS ball in Florida; yet to make pro debut.


5) Chris Shaw, 1B-- Was HR champ at the Cape Cod summer league in 2014.


6) Sam Coonrod, P-- Former Saluki led Sally League in strikeouts LY.


**********


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


13) Champ Week is tremendous; these low major and mid-major tournaments are great theater-- so much pressure on the high seeds, who don't go to the NCAAs unless they win this tournament. Of the first seven tournaments that have finished, the #1 seed has won only one of them, that being Chattanooga in the Southern Conference.


12) Drexel fired Bruiser Flint, Santa Clara canned Kerry Keating, as coaching carusel begins to spin. Flint gets fired mainly because his best player Damion Lee bolted for Louisville, where he wound up not even playing in the ACC tournament.


Lot of people feeling bad for Louisville's two senior transfers when school wouldn't let the team play in the postseason, but now coach Flint is unemployed because the kid bolted his teammates/coaches for greener pastures.


11) Good coaching news: Wisconsin gives the fulltime head coaching job to interim coach Greg Gard, who led the team this year after Bo Ryan retired.


10) Illinois gives Lovie Smith six years, $21M to be its football coach; Smith was a pretty good NFL head coach (89-87) but hasn't been involved in college ball since he was DB coach at Ohio State in 1995. Who he puts on his staff will be interesting.


9) Gonzaga 88, BYU 84-- Zags beat BYU twice in nine days, are in WCC finals with St Mary's tonight. Gonzaga hasn't missed NCAAs since late 90's; I'm thinking the win last night puts them in, but one never knows about these things. Zags played two subs last night for total of 19:00; fatigue could be an issue tonight.


8) NC-Wilmington 80, Hofstra 73 OT-- CAA consistently has a fun tournament; teams are so evenly matched. If I was a bigshot at UNLV, I'd damn sure give UNCW coach Kevin Keatts an interview for the Rebels' open coaching position.


7) Chattanooga 73, East Tennessee State 67-- Mocs were up 4 late in game; kid on ETSU got smacked while shooting a 3, but no foul was called, the shooter snapped, got a T, the coach snapped, got a T and school was out. These two teams were athletic as hell, but shot selection and poise weren't at optimum levels.


6) Iona 79, Monmouth 76-- Technicals in the SoCon game were justified; this game swung on a horrendous taunting technical called with 4:05 left in a tie game. There was no visible show of anything-- swallow your damn whistle, no one paid to watch you ref, and let the kids decide the game. I didn't care who won this game, was watching it because it as a fun game and the damn ref calls a taunting technical with 4:05 left. Oy.


5) Philadelphis Eagles traded three players away for assorted draft picks, as they identify which players Chip Kelly acquired and systemically get rid of them.


4) Watched the Milwaukee-San Diego spring training game yesterday; Brewers have a new GM who looks like he is 14 years old, one of these Ivy League geniuses and he is totally rebuilding the ballclub- they could be very, very bad this season, with an eye on developing young talent, the way the Astros did the last few years.


3) Redskins released Robert Griffin III; will be very, very interesting to see where he winds up. Can he stay healthy? Will his teammates follow his lead? I'm pretty sure he has the physical tools to succeed. Can't wait to see where he lands.


2) Baltimore Orioles signed 1B Pedro Alvarez to a 1-year, $5.75M contract which has a lot of incentives in it- he should enjoy Camden Yards.


1) When Maria Sharapova's people announced a 3pm press conference the same day as Peyton Manning's farewell, should've figured it was bad news, a classic news dump. She failed a drug test in January and is facing a lengthy suspension. With all the stuff she does with commercials, this could be a very, very expensive deal-- Nike already is suspending their deal with her. I wasn't aware she is highest paid woman in sports.

 

[CNOTES]

College hoops betting breakdown for the major conference tournaments


Michigan State flexed its muscles to end the schedule on a six-game winning streak, boasting an average margin of victory of more than 21 points per game.


College basketball bettors were teased with a slate of mid-major conference tournaments last week, but now we get down to the nitty gritty. The seven major conferences headline the remaining tournaments this week, in what is truly one of the toughest tests for both sportsbooks and bettors.


With so many games on the go – and quick turnarounds - it’s nearly impossible to keep track of every team in every conference. In order to give you a head start on your handicapping, we highlight the seven major conference tournaments, breaking down the favorites to win and underdogs to look out for this coming week.


American Athletic Conference (March 10-13)


Favorite: Temple Owls (20-10, 14-4 in conference) – Temple has the inside track in the AAC, thanks in large part to SMU’s postseason ban. The Owls aren’t blowing away teams on the scoreboard, playing a controlled pace that averages just 68.5 points per game, which is why Temple is 3-7 Over/Under in its last 10 games including five straight Unders to finish the season.


Underdog: Houston Cougars (22-8, 12-6) – Tough to call the No. 2 seed an underdog but with SMU banned, the Cougars slide into the second spot. But don’t think they don’t deserve it. Houston took a little while to gain traction but has an extremely talented team that won three in a row and six of its last seven to end conference play. The Cougars beat Temple in Philadelphia and lost to the Owls by three at home.


Atlantic Coast Conference (March 8-12)


Favorite: North Carolina Tar Heels (25-6, 14-4) – The Tar Heels (+185 to win) take plenty of momentum into the ACC tournament, going into Durham and stealing a win from rival Duke this past weekend. North Carolina has plenty of options on offense but defensive lulls have burned this team, and defense wins in the college postseason.


Underdog: Virginia Tech Hokies (18-13, 10-8) – The Hokies (+3,300 field) are pegged as the No. 6 seed and get the winner of the Florida State-Boston College game. Surviving that, Virginia Tech meets up with a Miami team it just crushed by 15-points as a 6-point underdog. The Hokies have won five straight and are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 contests.


Big East (March 9-12)


Favorite: Villanova Wildcats (27-4, 16-2) – Villanova is a hefty +111 favorite to win the Big East tournament, but has wobbled a bit down the stretch. While still closing out the regular season campaign on with a 9-1 SU mark in the final 10 games, the Wildcats failed to cover in all but two of their last seven outings. Could those blown covers be a reason to worry Villanova faithful?


Underdog: Seton Hall Pirates (22-8, 12-6) – The Pirates are fueled by star guard Isaiah Whitehead, who averaged almost 27 points over the final four games of the season. Seton Hall went 3-1 SU and ATS in that span, and closed conference play with wins in five of its final six games – including a victory over No. 2 Xavier.


Big Ten (March 9-13)


Favorite: Michigan State Spartans (26-5, 13-5) – The Spartans didn’t win the Big Ten regular season title but did thump Indiana back on Valentine’s Day, which is why we’re giving MSU the edge here. Michigan State flexed its muscles to end the schedule on a six-game winning streak, boasting an average margin of victory of more than 21 points per game, and easily covering in each of those outings. Tom Izzo is a master of getting his team to peak at the right time.


Underdog: Purdue Boilermakers (24-7, 12-6) – The Boilermakers steadied the ship after an up-and-down February, closing Big Ten play with win straight winds. Purdue is shooting 56.3 percent during that three-game run, the highest clip in the country over that span. The Boilermakers have an OT win against Michigan State and stood toe-to-toe with Indiana at Assembly Hall in their most recent loss.


Big 12 (March 9-12)


Favorite: Kansas Jayhawks (27-4, 15-3) – The Jayhawks (+130) haven’t lost since Jan. 25 and avenged that loss to Iowa State by beating the Cyclones in the season finale, capping an 11-game win streak to finish the Big 12 calendar. Kansas will enjoy a healthy home-court feel with the conference tournament in Kansas City, Missouri.

Underdog: Texas Longhorns (20-11, 11-7) – The Longhorns are long shots, priced at +1,200 to win the Big 12 tournament, but not too many know how to make a splash in the postseason like Shaka Smart. This time of year is the reason why Texas went and scooped VCU’s famed Cinderella man. The Horns can play with top competition, and won three of their last four games with the lone loss coming to KU.


Pac-12 (March 9-12)


Favorite: Arizona Wildcats (24-7, 12-6) – Arizona got the nod from oddsmakers, ahead of regular season champ Oregon (+350). The Wildcats are stacked with top talents, and get the job done on both ends of the floor, but stumbled toward the end of the season, going 2-2 in the final four – and that win over Cal needed some late-game magic.


Underdog: Utah Utes (27-7, 13-5) – The Utes (+360) have won seven in a row heading into the postseason, including a win over Arizona at home. Utah did benefit from a home-friendly finish, playing five of those games at Salt Lake City, but this program is solid on both ends of the floor and took down some big name programs, like Duke, Temple, and San Diego State.


SEC (March 9-13)


Favorite: Kentucky Wildcats (23-8, 13-5) – The Wildcats (Even) finished second in the SEC to Texas A&M (+375) but when it comes to raw talent, UK is tough to match. John Calipari couldn’t care less about the regular season and after two strong wins to close out the campaign, Kentucky looks to be in postseason form. Junior Derek Willis returned from an ankle injury just in time, giving UK some much-needed veteran stability and toughness.


Underdog: Vanderbilt Commodores (19-12, 11-7) – A strong finish to the season has Vanderbilt set as the second overall favorite to win the SEC tournament (+350), riding into the postseason with a 6-2 mark in its final eight games, including a win over Kentucky. The Commodores can knock down the 3-pointer and don’t give up many 3-point looks, which makes them a dangerous team come tourney time.

 

[CNOTES]

ACC Conference Tournament 1st Round Betting Preview


Florida State is playing some of its best basketball of the season, but have a lot of work to do if they want an invite to the 'Big Dance'.


The ACC is the first of the major college basketball conferences to get their conference tournament underway, with the first round tipping off Tuesday afternoon. Wake Forset meets N.C. State, while Boston College takes on Florida State.


Tournament to be played at Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.


Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack (-4.5, 153.5)


* Wake Forest will look for another big performance from senior forward Devin Thomas, who posted two of his 13 double-doubles during a season split with the Wolfpack. Thomas averaged 17.5 points and 16 rebounds against NC State this season, and collected a career-high 21 rebounds in the loss on Feb. 13. Thomas averages 15.7 points and 10.1 rebounds and the 21-board outing against NC State last month was the most by a Demon Deacons' player since legendary Tim Duncan collected 22 in 1997.


* North Carolina State's best chance of making a tournament run is by relying on junior guard Anthony 'Cat' Barber, the ACC's leading scorer at 23.4 points per game. Barber had a career-high 38 points in a 99-88 victory over the Demon Deacons on Feb. 13. The Wolfpack lost four of their last six games while staggering down the stretch and one of the wins was a last-second victory over Boston College, which went winless in ACC play.


Betting Stats:

Wake Forest - 11-19 SU, 12-15-1 ATS, 12-16 O/U


NC State - 15-16 SU, 13-15 ATS, 17-11 O/U


Trends:


* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Over is 6-0 in NC State's last six games following an ATS loss.
* NC State is 0-4 ATS in its last four games overall.




Boston College Eagles vs. Florida State Seminoles (-13, 138)


* Boston College (0-18) is the only major conference team in Division I basketball without a conference win this season and is running out of chances. The Eagles played several teams tight in conference play, including a 72-62 home loss to the Seminoles on Jan 26. Boston College was within four points with nine minutes left in that one but could not quite get over the hump.


* Florida State is playing some of their best basketball with wins over Notre Dame and Syracuse in the last two regular-season games but could not quite make it out of the first day of ACC tournament play. The Seminoles aspire to make a deep run in the ACC tournament and play their way into an NCAA Tournament berth and are not taking the Eagles lightly. “Every team you play in the ACC, regardless of where you’re ranked or the standing will be a tough opponent for you,” coach Leonard Hamilton told reporters after his team closed the regular season with a 78-73 home win over Syracuse on Saturday.


Betting Stats:


Boston College - 7-24 SU, 9-16-1 ATS, 8-18 O/U


Florida State - 18-12 SU, 11-14-1 ATS, 14-12 O/U


Trends:


* Boston College is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven games following an ATS loss.
* Florida State is 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 games versus a team with a losing SU record.
* Under is 6-1 in Boston College's last seven games following an ATS loss.
* Over is 6-0 in Floida State's last six games following a SU win.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up


Tuesday, March 8


Princeton needed OT to win 73-71 at Penn Jan 9; Tigers were down nine with 3:02 left- they're 12-2 in last 14 games with Penn, winning last six in Jadwin Gym by 12-3-10-12-5-4 points. Princeton won nine of its last ten games but Yale won Ivy; Tigers are 6-0 at home in Ivy, with five Ws by 11+ points- they don't have any seniors in their nucleus. Quakers lost their last three games, by 28-8-18 points.


ACC tournament (Washington DC)


NC State is 7-4 in ACC tourney last four years; they struggled to a 5-13 ACC mark this year, splitting pair with Wake Forest, losing 77-74 Jan 10 (outscored 19-6 on foul line), winning rematch at hme 99 88 Feb 13 (outscored Wake 33-18 on line). Deacons are 1-8 in ACC tourney last eight years; they're 1-14 in last 15 games, beating lowly BC. Wake is 4-3 in last seven games with State- they last met in this tourney in 2006.


Boston College went 0-18 in ACC; their last win was over UNH in OT Dec 30. Eagles are 9-4 in first ACC tourney game last 13 years; they lost 72-62 at home to Florida State Jan 26; FSU outscored them 21-2 on foul line, in Boston. Seminoles are 7-2 in first tourney game last nine years; they lost last three road games, with last win away from home Feb 6th. FSU won its last four games with BC, winning by 3-4-9-10 points


Horizon tournament (Joe Louis Arena, Detroit)


Green Bay/Wright State both played last three days. Phoenix won seven of its last eight games; Wright State won its last six games; Raiders lost in tourney finals in three of last six years; they split couple games with Green Bay, losing 76-68 on road (were up 10 at half, got outscored 23-6 on foul line), winning 69-50 at home (shot 62% inside arc). Green Bay is 5-1 in last six series games; they haven't won this tournament in last 12 years-- Wright State last won it in 2007.


Conference USA (Birmingham)


Florida Atlantic lost its last six games, went 5-13 in C-USA, but swept Tex-San Antonio, winning 86-71 on road (made 13-27 on arc), 79-73 at home Feb 11 (were up 26 with 8:23 left)- that is last game Owls won. FAU is 0-6 on conference tourneys last seven years; they didn't qualify for this LY. Roadrunners are 0-2 in this tourney, losing both games by 3 points; they've lost last three games overall and 12 of last 13.


Summit tournament (Sioux Falls)


South Dakota State is 11-2 in its last 13 games- they had Monday off. while North Dakota State is playing third nite in a row. Jackrabbits are 12-2 in tourney last five years, but haven't won it since '13. Bison won Summit tourney last two years, but split last eight games overall. Teams split this year; Bison won 68-57 at home (SDS was 6-32 on arc), lost the rematch 71-59. Miller didn't play for Bison last night; status is a big ?


Big Sky tournament (Reno)


This is first time I can remember the Big Sky having its tournament at a totally neutral site. Good idea.


Portland State won four of last five games after an 8-16 start; Vikings are 3-4 in this event since winning it in '09/'10. PSU won 89-86 at Northern Colorado 10 days ago- they were +9 in turnovers (18-9), made 62.5% of 2-pointers. Bears are 2-3 in Big Sky tourney since winning it in '11; they lost seven of last nine games, but upset Montana in Missoula Saturday. Vikings won four of last five games overall against Northern Colorado.


Southern Utah lost 12 of its last 13 games, wth only win against NAU; Thunderbirds are 4-23 vs D-I teams, who shot 42.2% against them this season. This is SUU's first Big Sky tourney since 2013, when they lost 69-52 to North Dakota in first round. UND lost its last five games away form home- its last road win was 88-72 at Southern Utah Jan 23, UND shot 59% inside arc, led 43-21 at the half. .


Sacramento State is 1-2 in Big Sky tourney last two years after missing it seven years in row before that; Hornets got swept by Montana State, losing 71-64 on road (Bobcats were 11-24 on arc), 79-76 at home . MSU is 11-5 in last 16 series games; they're 0-4 in Big Sky tourney in last six years, missing it last two. Bobcats' win in Sacramento is their only road win since Jan 2. Hornets won three of their last five games overall.


Eastern Washington lost its last four games, last three by four points or less; Eagles swept Northern Arizona this year, winning 96-73 at home (scored 1.39 ppp), 84-73 on road (were 13-34 on arc, 11-19 inside arc). EWU won this event LY. Lumberjacks are 2-7 in last nine games against EWU; they're 3-24 vs D-I teams, losing last eight games on road. NAU is 2-5 in Big Sky tournament the last seven years.


WCC tournament (Las Vegas)


St Mary's won its last eight games overall; they swept Gonzaga, with a 70-67 home win (were down 15 with 13:47 left), 63-58 road win (Zags were 5-26 on arc). Since '04, Gonzaga is 25-3 in WCC tourney, 6-2 vs St Mary's in WCC tourney; they won last four games, beating BYU twice, by 3-4 points. Gonzaga's starters all played 32:00+ last nite; they used two subs, for 15-4 minutes. St Mary's two wins this week are by 12-15. I'm thinking both teams are in NCAAs, but neither one knows for sure.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Tuesday, March 8


Boston College @ Florida State

Game 717-718
March 8, 2016 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston College
51.516
Florida State
66.918
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida State
by 15 1/2
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida State
by 13
136 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Florida State
(-13); Over

Texas-San Antonio @ Florida Atlantic

Game 721-722
March 8, 2016 @ 5:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas-San Antonio
39.440
Florida Atlantic
44.907
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida Atlantic
by 5 1/2
156
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida Atlantic
by 3 1/2
151 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Florida Atlantic
(-3 1/2); Over

Northern Colorado @ Portland State

Game 727-728
March 8, 2016 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Northern Colorado
41.936
Portland State
47.525
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland State
by 5 1/2
156
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland State
by 3 1/2
164
Dunkel Pick:
Portland State
(-3 1/2); Under

Southern Utah @ North Dakota

Game 729-730
March 8, 2016 @ 5:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Southern Utah
39.395
North Dakota
44.679
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
North Dakota
by 5 1/2
154
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
North Dakota
by 7 1/2
149
Dunkel Pick:
Southern Utah
(+7 1/2); Over

Sacramento State @ Montana State

Game 731-732
March 8, 2016 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento State
43.996
Montana State
43.027
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento State
by 1
154
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Montana State
by 1 1/2
146
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento State
(+1 1/2); Over

Northern Arizona @ Eastern Washington

Game 733-734
March 8, 2016 @ 11:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Northern Arizona
37.190
Eastern Washingto
46.282
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Eastern Washingto
by 9
153
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Eastern Washingto
by 13
159 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Northern Arizona
(+13); Under

Morgan State @ Maryland-Eastern Shore

Game 741-742
March 8, 2016 @ 4:31 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Morgan State
39.765
Maryland-Eastern
43.572
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Maryland-Eastern
by 3
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Maryland-Eastern
by 1
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Maryland-Eastern
(-1); N/A

Howard @ North Carolina Central

Game 743-744
March 8, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Howard
36.904
North Carolina Ce
43.472
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
North Carolina Ce
by 6 1/2
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
North Carolina Ce
by 4
138 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
North Carolina Ce
(-4); Over

Fairleigh Dickinson @ Wagner

Game 745-746
March 8, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Fairleigh Dickins
44.668
Wagner
51.556
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wagner
by 7
140
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wagner
by 9 1/2
146
Dunkel Pick:
Fairleigh Dickins
(+9 1/2); Under

Pennsylvania @ Princeton

Game 713-714
March 8, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pennsylvania
47.198
Princeton
61.025
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Princeton
by 14
140
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Princeton
by 16 1/2
145
Dunkel Pick:
Pennsylvania
(+16 1/2); Under

Grambling @ Mississippi Valley State

Game 747-748
March 8, 2016 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Grambling
32.953
Mississippi Valle
37.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Mississippi Valle
by 4
135
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Mississippi Valle
Pick
129
Dunkel Pick:
Mississippi Valle
Over

Wake Forest @ North Carolina State

Game 715-716
March 8, 2016 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Wake Forest
58.891
North Carolina St
61.386
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
North Carolina St
by 2 1/2
145
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
North Carolina St
by 5
153 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Wake Forest
(+5); Under

Arkansas-Pine Bluff @ Alabama A&M

Game 749-750
March 8, 2016 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arkansas-Pine Blu
32.443
Alabama A&M
40.005
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Alabama A&M
by 7 1/2
137
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Alabama A&M
by 4 1/2
131 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Alabama A&M
(-4 1/2); Over

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, March 8

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

PENNSYLVANIA (11 - 16) at PRINCETON (21 - 6) - 3/8/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENNSYLVANIA is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PENNSYLVANIA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
PENNSYLVANIA is 77-53 ATS (+18.7 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 33-18 ATS (+13.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
PRINCETON is 4-19 ATS (-16.9 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights since 1997.

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

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

WAKE FOREST (11 - 19) vs. NC STATE (15 - 16) - 3/8/2016, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WAKE FOREST is 27-48 ATS (-25.8 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 72-108 ATS (-46.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 31-50 ATS (-24.0 Units) in March games since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 69-106 ATS (-47.6 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 27-48 ATS (-25.8 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent this season.
WAKE FOREST is 28-50 ATS (-27.0 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
WAKE FOREST is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in conference tournament games since 1997.
NC STATE is 54-35 ATS (+15.5 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
NC STATE is 51-30 ATS (+18.0 Units) in road games in March games since 1997.
NC STATE is 54-35 ATS (+15.5 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
NC STATE is 59-34 ATS (+21.6 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
NC STATE is 29-10 ATS (+18.0 Units) in conference tournament games since 1997.

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

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

BOSTON COLLEGE (7 - 24) vs. FLORIDA ST (18 - 12) - 3/8/2016, 2:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
FLORIDA ST is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA ST is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in a neutral court game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 107-77 ATS (+22.3 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 103-76 ATS (+19.4 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.

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

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

TX-SAN ANTONIO (5 - 26) vs. FLA ATLANTIC (7 - 24) - 3/8/2016, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLA ATLANTIC is 32-51 ATS (-24.1 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
FLA ATLANTIC is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TX-SAN ANTONIO is 3-1 against the spread versus FLA ATLANTIC over the last 3 seasons
FLA ATLANTIC is 2-2 straight up against TX-SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GONZAGA (25 - 7) vs. ST MARYS-CA (27 - 4) - 3/8/2016, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
GONZAGA is 6-1 against the spread versus ST MARYS-CA over the last 3 seasons
GONZAGA is 5-2 straight up against ST MARYS-CA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

N COLORADO (10 - 20) vs. PORTLAND ST (12 - 17) - 3/8/2016, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N COLORADO is 19-33 ATS (-17.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
N COLORADO is 19-33 ATS (-17.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
N COLORADO is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
N COLORADO is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.

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

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

SOUTHERN UTAH (6 - 23) vs. N DAKOTA (15 - 14) - 3/8/2016, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SOUTHERN UTAH is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all games this season.
SOUTHERN UTAH is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
SOUTHERN UTAH is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
SOUTHERN UTAH is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) after allowing 80 points or more this season.
SOUTHERN UTAH is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
N DAKOTA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 this season.

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

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

SACRAMENTO ST (13 - 16) vs. MONTANA ST (14 - 16) - 3/8/2016, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MONTANA ST is 26-49 ATS (-27.9 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 since 1997.
MONTANA ST is 42-69 ATS (-33.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

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

N ARIZONA (5 - 24) vs. E WASHINGTON (16 - 14) - 3/8/2016, 11:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N ARIZONA is 8-16 ATS (-9.6 Units) in all games this season.
N ARIZONA is 8-16 ATS (-9.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
N ARIZONA is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 this season.
N ARIZONA is 50-73 ATS (-30.3 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
E WASHINGTON is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games in March games since 1997.
N ARIZONA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
N ARIZONA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
E WASHINGTON is 3-2 against the spread versus N ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
E WASHINGTON is 3-2 straight up against N ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

N DAKOTA ST (20 - 12) vs. S DAKOTA ST (25 - 7) - 3/8/2016, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
N DAKOTA ST is 5-2 against the spread versus S DAKOTA ST over the last 3 seasons
N DAKOTA ST is 5-2 straight up against S DAKOTA ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MORGAN ST (8 - 21) vs. MD-EAST SHORE (10 - 21) - 3/8/2016, 4:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MD-EAST SHORE is 4-1 straight up against MORGAN ST over the last 3 seasons

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

HOWARD (12 - 19) vs. NC CENTRAL (12 - 18) - 3/8/2016, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOWARD is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in all games since 1997.
HOWARD is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
HOWARD is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
NC CENTRAL is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

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

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

FARLEIGH DICKINSON (17 - 14) at WAGNER (22 - 9) - 3/8/2016, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WAGNER is 5-1 straight up against FARLEIGH DICKINSON over the last 3 seasons

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

GRAMBLING (7 - 23) vs. MISS VALLEY ST (6 - 26) - 3/8/2016, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MISS VALLEY ST is 5-1 straight up against GRAMBLING over the last 3 seasons

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

ARK-PINE BLUFF (8 - 24) vs. ALABAMA A&M (10 - 17) - 3/8/2016, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ALABAMA A&M is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in all games since 1997.
ALABAMA A&M is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
ALABAMA A&M is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ALABAMA A&M is 1-0 against the spread versus ARK-PINE BLUFF over the last 3 seasons
ALABAMA A&M is 4-3 straight up against ARK-PINE BLUFF over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

WI-GREEN BAY (22 - 12) vs. WRIGHT ST (22 - 12) - 3/8/2016, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WI-GREEN BAY is 4-2 against the spread versus WRIGHT ST over the last 3 seasons
WI-GREEN BAY is 5-1 straight up against WRIGHT ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

CBB ATS


CBB > (771) WI-GREEN BAY@ (772) WRIGHT ST | 2016-03-08 19:00:00 - 2016-03-08 19:00:00
Play AGAINST WI-GREEN BAY against the spread in Road games on Tuesday nights
The record is 3 Wins and 17 Losses for the since 1992 (-15.7 units)


CBB > (713) PENNSYLVANIA@ (714) PRINCETON | 2016-03-08 20:00:00 - 2016-03-08 20:00:00
Play AGAINST PRINCETON against the spread in Home games on Tuesday nights
The record is 4 Wins and 19 Losses for the since 1992 (-16.9 units)


CBB > (713) PENNSYLVANIA@ (714) PRINCETON | 2016-03-08 20:00:00 - 2016-03-08 20:00:00
Play AGAINST PENNSYLVANIA against the spread in All games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games
The record is 3 Wins and 15 Losses for the last three seasons (-13.5 units)


CBB > (717) BOSTON COLLEGE@ (718) FLORIDA ST | 2016-03-08 14:30:00 - 2016-03-08 14:30:00
Play ON FLORIDA ST against the spread in All games when the total is 130 to 139.5
The record is 18 Wins and 5 Losses for the last three seasons (+12.5 units)


CBB > (715) WAKE FOREST@ (716) NC STATE | 2016-03-08 12:00:00 - 2016-03-08 12:00:00
Play ON NC STATE against the spread in Road games in conference tournament games
The record is 29 Wins and 10 Losses for the since 1992 (+18 units)


CBB > (715) WAKE FOREST@ (716) NC STATE | 2016-03-08 12:00:00 - 2016-03-08 12:00:00
Play ON NC STATE against the spread in All games in conference tournament games
The record is 29 Wins and 10 Losses for the since 1992 (+18 units)

CBB > (729) SOUTHERN UTAH@ (730) N DAKOTA | 2016-03-08 17:30:00 - 2016-03-08 17:30:00
Play AGAINST SOUTHERN UTAH against the spread in All games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 2 Wins and 10 Losses for the this season (-9 units)


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


CBB MONEYLINE


CBB > (721) TX-SAN ANTONIO@ (722) FLA ATLANTIC | 2016-03-08 17:00:00 - 2016-03-08 17:00:00
Play AGAINST FLA ATLANTIC using money line in All games after 3 or more consecutive losses
The record is 13 Wins and 40 Losses for the since 1992 (-38.85 units)


CBB > (717) BOSTON COLLEGE@ (718) FLORIDA ST | 2016-03-08 14:30:00 - 2016-03-08 14:30:00
Play AGAINST BOSTON COLLEGE using money line in All games in all games
The record is 15 Wins and 54 Losses for the last three seasons (-44.2 units)


CBB > (717) BOSTON COLLEGE@ (718) FLORIDA ST | 2016-03-08 14:30:00 - 2016-03-08 14:30:00
Play AGAINST BOSTON COLLEGE using money line in All games in all lined games
The record is 15 Wins and 54 Losses for the last three seasons (-44.2 units)


CBB > (729) SOUTHERN UTAH@ (730) N DAKOTA | 2016-03-08 17:30:00 - 2016-03-08 17:30:00
Play AGAINST SOUTHERN UTAH using money line in All games in all games
The record is 3 Wins and 17 Losses for the this season (-15.4 units)


CBB > (729) SOUTHERN UTAH@ (730) N DAKOTA | 2016-03-08 17:30:00 - 2016-03-08 17:30:00
Play AGAINST SOUTHERN UTAH using money line in All games in all lined games
The record is 3 Wins and 17 Losses for the this season (-15.4 units)


CBB > (745) FARLEIGH DICKINSON@ (746) WAGNER | 2016-03-08 19:00:00 - 2016-03-08 19:00:00
Play AGAINST FARLEIGH DICKINSON using money line in Road games in all tournament games
The record is 1 Wins and 13 Losses for the since 1992 (-13.55 units)


CBB > (715) WAKE FOREST@ (716) NC STATE | 2016-03-08 12:00:00 - 2016-03-08 12:00:00
Play AGAINST NC STATE using money line in All games after a conference game
The record is 4 Wins and 12 Losses for the this season (-14.5 units)

CBB > (735) N DAKOTA ST@ (736) S DAKOTA ST | 2016-03-08 21:00:00 - 2016-03-08 21:00:00
Play ON N DAKOTA ST using money line in All games in all neutral court games
The record is 21 Wins and 6 Losses for the since 1992 (+19.4 units)

CBB > (725) GONZAGA@ (726) ST MARYS-CA | 2016-03-08 21:00:00 - 2016-03-08 21:00:00
Play AGAINST ST MARYS-CA using money line in Road games in all tournament games
The record is 2 Wins and 6 Losses for the last three seasons (-14.25 units)


CBB > (715) WAKE FOREST@ (716) NC STATE | 2016-03-08 12:00:00 - 2016-03-08 12:00:00
Play ON NC STATE using money line in Road games off a loss against a conference rival
The record is 11 Wins and 6 Losses for the last three seasons (+16.8 units)


CBB > (731) SACRAMENTO ST@ (732) MONTANA ST | 2016-03-08 20:30:00 - 2016-03-08 20:30:00
Play AGAINST MONTANA ST using money line in All games when the total is 140 to 149.5
The record is 20 Wins and 50 Losses for the since 1992 (-37.55 units)

CBB > (713) PENNSYLVANIA@ (714) PRINCETON | 2016-03-08 20:00:00 - 2016-03-08 20:00:00
Play AGAINST PRINCETON using money line in Home games on Tuesday nights
The record is 6 Wins and 14 Losses for the since 1992 (-18 units)


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

CBB FIRST HALF


CBB > (771) WI-GREEN BAY@ (772) WRIGHT ST | 2016-03-08 19:00:00 - 2016-03-08 19:00:00
Play ON WRIGHT ST ?>in the first halfin Road games when playing with one or less days rest
The record is 8 Wins and 0 Losses for the this season (+8 units)


CBB > (731) SACRAMENTO ST@ (732) MONTANA ST | 2016-03-08 20:30:00 - 2016-03-08 20:30:00
Play AGAINST SACRAMENTO ST ?>in the first halfin All games after a conference game
The record is 3 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (-13.5 units)


CBB > (731) SACRAMENTO ST@ (732) MONTANA ST | 2016-03-08 20:30:00 - 2016-03-08 20:30:00
Play AGAINST SACRAMENTO ST ?>in the first halfin All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 1 Wins and 10 Losses for the this season (-10 units)


CBB > (733) N ARIZONA@ (734) E WASHINGTON | 2016-03-08 23:00:00 - 2016-03-08 23:00:00
Play ON E WASHINGTON ?>in the first halfin All games when the first half total is 70.5 to 75.5
The record is 12 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+9.8 units)

CBB > (771) WI-GREEN BAY@ (772) WRIGHT ST | 2016-03-08 19:00:00 - 2016-03-08 19:00:00
Play ON WRIGHT ST ?>in the first halfin All games when playing with one or less days rest
The record is 12 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+9.8 units)


CBB > (727) N COLORADO@ (728) PORTLAND ST | 2016-03-08 15:00:00 - 2016-03-08 15:00:00
Play AGAINST N COLORADO ?>in the first halfin All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 5 Wins and 19 Losses for the last two seasons (-15.9 units)


CBB > (733) N ARIZONA@ (734) E WASHINGTON | 2016-03-08 23:00:00 - 2016-03-08 23:00:00
Play ON E WASHINGTON ?>in the first halfin Road games after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games
The record is 24 Wins and 6 Losses for the since 1992 (+17.4 units)


CBB > (725) GONZAGA@ (726) ST MARYS-CA | 2016-03-08 21:00:00 - 2016-03-08 21:00:00
Play ON ST MARYS-CA ?>in the first halfin All games when playing with one or less days rest
The record is 25 Wins and 8 Losses for the last three seasons (+16.2 units)


CBB > (729) SOUTHERN UTAH@ (730) N DAKOTA | 2016-03-08 17:30:00 - 2016-03-08 17:30:00
Play AGAINST SOUTHERN UTAH ?>in the first halfin All games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 2 Wins and 10 Losses for the this season (-9 units)


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


CBB TOTALS


CBB > (733) N ARIZONA@ (734) E WASHINGTON | 2016-03-08 23:00:00 - 2016-03-08 23:00:00
Play UNDER N ARIZONA on the totalin Road games when playing on a neutral court
The record is 3 Overs and 17 Unders for the since 1992 (+13.7 units)


CBB > (733) N ARIZONA@ (734) E WASHINGTON | 2016-03-08 23:00:00 - 2016-03-08 23:00:00
Play UNDER N ARIZONA on the totalin All games when playing on a neutral court
The record is 3 Overs and 17 Unders for the since 1992 (+13.7 units)


CBB > (727) N COLORADO@ (728) PORTLAND ST | 2016-03-08 15:00:00 - 2016-03-08 15:00:00
Play UNDER PORTLAND ST on the totalin All games off a win against a conference rival
The record is 6 Overs and 22 Unders for the last three seasons (+15.4 units)


CBB > (735) N DAKOTA ST@ (736) S DAKOTA ST | 2016-03-08 21:00:00 - 2016-03-08 21:00:00
Play UNDER S DAKOTA ST on the totalin All games off a win against a conference rival
The record is 2 Overs and 11 Unders for the this season (+8.8 units)


CBB > (721) TX-SAN ANTONIO@ (722) FLA ATLANTIC | 2016-03-08 17:00:00 - 2016-03-08 17:00:00
Play UNDER FLA ATLANTIC on the totalin All games on Tuesday nights
The record is 0 Overs and 8 Unders for the last three seasons (+8 units)


CBB > (735) N DAKOTA ST@ (736) S DAKOTA ST | 2016-03-08 21:00:00 - 2016-03-08 21:00:00
Play UNDER N DAKOTA ST on the totalin All games after a conference game
The record is 14 Overs and 36 Unders for the last three seasons (+20.6 units)


CBB > (715) WAKE FOREST@ (716) NC STATE | 2016-03-08 12:00:00 - 2016-03-08 12:00:00
Play OVER NC STATE on the totalin All games after a conference game
The record is 14 Overs and 4 Unders for the this season (+9.6 units)


CBB > (771) WI-GREEN BAY@ (772) WRIGHT ST | 2016-03-08 19:00:00 - 2016-03-08 19:00:00
Play OVER WI-GREEN BAY on the totalin All games after scoring 80 points or more
The record is 14 Overs and 4 Unders for the this season (+9.6 units)


CBB > (717) BOSTON COLLEGE@ (718) FLORIDA ST | 2016-03-08 14:30:00 - 2016-03-08 14:30:00
Play UNDER FLORIDA ST on the totalin All games as a favorite vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 60 Overs and 119 Unders for the since 1992 (+53 units)


CBB > (733) N ARIZONA@ (734) E WASHINGTON | 2016-03-08 23:00:00 - 2016-03-08 23:00:00
Play UNDER N ARIZONA on the totalin All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game
The record is 1 Overs and 10 Unders for the last three seasons (+8.9 units)


CBB > (717) BOSTON COLLEGE@ (718) FLORIDA ST | 2016-03-08 14:30:00 - 2016-03-08 14:30:00
Play UNDER FLORIDA ST on the totalin All games off a win against a conference rival
The record is 3 Overs and 13 Unders for the last two seasons (+9.7 units)


CBB > (717) BOSTON COLLEGE@ (718) FLORIDA ST | 2016-03-08 14:30:00 - 2016-03-08 14:30:00
Play UNDER BOSTON COLLEGE on the totalin All games revenging a home loss vs opponent
The record is 2 Overs and 11 Unders for the last two seasons (+8.8 units)


CBB > (715) WAKE FOREST@ (716) NC STATE | 2016-03-08 12:00:00 - 2016-03-08 12:00:00
Play OVER NC STATE on the totalin All games off a loss against a conference rival
The record is 10 Overs and 2 Unders for the this season (+7.8 units)

 

[CNOTES]

UNCO at PRST 03:05 PM


UNCO +4.0


O 162.5




GRAM at MVSU 03:30 PM


GRAM +0.0




MORG at UMES 04:30 PM


UMES -2.0




UTSA at FAU 05:00 PM


FAU -3.5




SUU at UND 05:35 PM


SUU +7.0


O 147.0

 

[CNOTES]

FDU at WAG 07:00 PM


WAG -9.0


O 141.0




HOW at NCCU 07:00 PM


NCCU -5.0




GB at WRST 07:00 PM


WRST +0.0




PENN at PRIN 08:00 PM


PRIN -16.0




CSUS at MTST 08:35 PM


CSUS +2.5








NDSU at SDST 09:00 PM


SDST -5.5


O 127.0






GONZ at SMC 09:00 PM


SMC +2.0




ARPB at AAMU 09:30 PM


ARPB +4.5




NAU at EWU 11:05 PM


EWU -12.5

 

[CNOTES]

Conference Championship Odds
March 8, 2016


Odds to win ACC Tournament
North Carolina 7/4
Virginia 2/1
Miami FL 4/1
Duke 5/1
Notre Dame 12/1
Syracuse 25/1
Field (Any Other Team) 25/1
Pittsburgh 30/1
Clemson 50/1
Virginia Tech 50/1
Georgia Tech 75/1


Odds to win Big Ten Tournament
Michigan State 7/5
Indiana 3/1
Iowa 5/1
Maryland 5/1
Purdue 6/1
Wisconsin 10/1
Michigan 30/1
Ohio State 50/1
Northwestern 75/1
Field (Any Other Team) 75/1
Penn State 100/1

Odds to win Pac-12 Tournament
Arizona 2/1
Oregon 3/1
Utah 7/2
California 4/1
USC 12/1
Colorado 20/1
UCLA 25/1
Oregon State 30/1
Washington 30/1
Stanford 50/1
Arizona State 75/1
Washington State 100/1


Odds to win Big 12 Tournament
Kansas 6/5
Oklahoma 7/2
West Virginia 7/2
Baylor 10/1
Iowa State 10/1
Texas 15/1
Field (Any Other Team) 20/1


Odds to win Big East Tournament
Villanova 6/5
Xavier 5/2
Butler 8/1
Seton Hall 8/1
Creighton 15/1
Providence 15/1
Field (Any Other Team) 20/1


Odds to win SEC Tournament
Kentucky 7/5
Texas A&M 5/2
Vanderbilt 3/1
South Carolina 8/1
Florida 12/1
LSU 15/1
Georgia 40/1
Mississippi 40/1
Alabama 50/1
Arkansas 50/1
Field (Any Other Team) 50/1
Mississippi State 60/1
Tennessee 60/1


Odds Subject to Change - Updated 3.8.16

 

[CNOTES]

Wide-open SEC field looks challenging
March 8, 2016


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Southeastern Conference Tournament features something that coaches and players are looking forward to in Music City, at least everyone not playing against Kentucky and the horde of fans the Wildcats bring.


That something is a neutral court.


That's significant since winning on the road in the SEC this season was difficult. Teams successfully defended homecourts in 69.8 percent (88-38) of league games. Only the Pac-12 had better home success (71.3 percent, 77-31). Throw in the parity factor - four teams had a chance to split the regular season title on the final day - and this tournament is as wide open as it has been in years.


''I don't think there's a lead from anybody as to what might happen,'' South Carolina coach Frank Martin said. ''We all know, the coaches in this league, just how good this league is, how balanced it is, and we all know we're all prepared to have to play these teams again. These games are going to be incredible and should make for a great tournament.''


Only Missouri, sitting out the postseason over NCAA violations, can be counted out before Auburn and Tennessee tip off Wednesday night.


Here's a look at those with a chance to win along with those playing to improve their seed in the NCAA Tournament and those hoping to play their way into the tournament:


---


LEADING TITLE CONTENDERS


Kentucky and No. 17 Texas A&M are considered the favorites to win the SEC tournament after sharing the regular-season title.


KENTUCKY: The 16th-ranked Wildcats also are the defending champs at a tournament they've won three times since John Calipari was hired. His Wildcats also lost in the title game twice, in 2014 and 2012.


Calipari knows adding the 29th tournament title is what his fans want from the Wildcats (23-8).


''It's a huge thing for Kentucky fans,'' Calipari said. ''We're going to play as well as we can play. We're using the tournament to improve our seed in the NCAA Tournament.''


TEXAS A&M: The Aggies (24-7) come in with the league's longest winning streak at six straight and also posted the only winning road record in SEC play. They have yet to win this tournament since moving to the SEC, but coach Billy Kennedy knows nothing is a given, especially this season.


''It definitely is wide open, and obviously Kentucky to me is playing as well as anybody in the country right now,'' Kennedy said. ''With the people they bring in that arena, it's definitely going to be a challenge.''


---


PLAYING FOR SEEDING


South Carolina and Vanderbilt, along with Kentucky and Texas A&M, seem to be NCAA Tournament locks, but a strong showing at the SEC Tournament could improve the seed they get.


SOUTH CAROLINA: Martin's Gamecocks won at Texas A&M and also beat Vanderbilt and LSU this season. But they finished the regular season losing four of their final seven games. The Gamecocks (24-7) start Friday night, so two wins would put them in the title game with a chance to make a strong impression.


VANDERBILT: Coach Kevin Stallings has his best team since upsetting then-No. 1 Kentucky in the 2012 title game, and the Commodores (19-12) come in having won four of five. This tournament is just a couple miles from Memorial Gym. They open against either Tennessee or Auburn with LSU waiting in the quarterfinals.


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ON THE BUBBLE


Florida and Alabama are firmly on the NCAA Tournament bubble, while the rest of the league likely needs to win the SEC Tournament for a spot.


The GATORS: Florida's spot looked secure after beating West Virginia to wrap up January. Instead, they finished the regular season losing five of their last seven. The Gators (18-13) open against Arkansas on Thursday. Then Texas A&M looms on Friday.


ALABAMA: The Crimson Tide (17-13) notched big wins over South Carolina and Texas A&M during the season, the kind good for any resume in March. Alabama opens against Mississippi on Thursday night with Kentucky awaiting the winner on Friday. A win against the Wildcats likely would push the Tide off the bubble, but first things first.


''None of that's going to come into play unless we're able to be successful against Ole Miss,'' Alabama coach Avery Johnson said.


The best ticket for Ben Simmons and LSU (18-13), Mississippi (20-11), Georgia (17-12), Arkansas (16-15) will be the automatic berth that goes to the SEC tournament champ.

 

[CNOTES]

Iowa State seeks strong postseason run
March 8, 2016


AMES, Iowa (AP) Iowa State's lack of depth made its hopes for a regular-season Big 12 title unrealistic.


Perhaps the postseason will be kind again to the 21st-ranked Cyclones.


Iowa State (21-10, 10-8 Big 12) will begin its quest for a third straight conference tournament title Thursday against third-seeded Oklahoma (24-6, 12-6), ranked sixth nationally.


The Cyclones are the sixth seed - which could be lower than the one they'll receive for the NCAA tournament if they replicate their previous success in Kansas City.


''You can't look ahead. We're just trying to beat Oklahoma ... we're not worried about fatigue. We're not worried about minutes,'' coach Steve Prohm said. ''Hopefully we can make a great run there, and then get ready for the next run in the NCAAs.''


Iowa State's well-known depth issues were exacerbated when starter Naz Mitrou-Long chose to seek a medical redshirt in December because of hip issues. Junior Matt Thomas blossomed in Long's absence, averaging 10.6 points a game while shooting 43 percent on 3-point attempts.


But transfer Hallice Cooke couldn't adequately replace Thomas's production off the bench, which left Prohm with as few as six reliable players at times.


Cooke has recently shown flashes of the player the Cyclones thought he could be after transferring from Oregon State.


Cooke's breakout game came in a win over Kansas State on Feb. 27, when he scored 10 points in a season-high 24 minutes. Though he scored just three points in last weekend's 85-78 loss at top-ranked Kansas, the fact that Prohm has come to trust Cooke enough to play more significant minutes in the last three games is encouraging for the Cyclones.


''He's just the ultimate team guy these past few weeks,'' forward Georges Niang said. ''That's what it's all about at this point. You're going to get your opportunities. But what are you going to do with them? Hallice has relished every opportunity.''


Cooke's resurgence should also allow Prohm to feel a bit better about giving banged-up point guard Monte Morris some rest.


Prohm said Monday that Morris will sit out two days of practice after straining his right rotator cuff in Saturday's loss to the Jayhawks. It'll be the first time that Morris, who has played all but 17 minutes in Big 12 games, has rested on multiple days since June.


Morris said he will be back against the Sooners.


''My mom is going to be there. I'm going to tell her I'm at 100 percent even if I'm at 50 percent. That's just the love for this team. I'm going to lay it all on the line, hurt or not,'' Morris said.


Despite seeing Morris get hurt and Niang finish his career without a win at Allen Fieldhouse, Iowa State was encouraged by its play late in its final regular-season game. The Cyclones got a strong performance from center Jameel McKay, whose 19 points and nine rebounds suggested his struggles in Big 12 play might be behind him.


''Our guys are playing well. We're up one with three minutes to go at Kansas, where they've lost nine times in the last 13 years,'' Prohm said. ''I think we'll go into the (Big 12) tournament with a lot of confidence, and we'll go into the NCAA Tournament with a lot of confidence because we know we've got a good team. We've just got to continue to finish.''

 

[CNOTES]

Larranaga hopes Miami can be like GM
March 8, 2016


FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) Before his Miami Hurricanes practiced at his old arena on George Mason's campus, coach Jim Larranaga gathered players at center court and pointed to the 2006 Final Four banner. He told them stories about his team's improbable run and the sacrifices and the joy that came out of it.


Ten years later, Larranaga beamed with pride as he returned to the scene of so many of his mid-major triumphs. On Thursday his team opens the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament at Verizon Center, where George Mason beat Connecticut to reach the Final Four.


Even though No. 11 Miami isn't the off-the-map underdog George Mason was, the teams share plenty of parallels.


''Our George Mason team had three seniors in the starting lineup,'' Larranaga said. ''This year's team has three seniors and a redshirt senior in the starting lineup. I would say the common denominator is experience. We have older guys, and I think they have a great deal of confidence in themselves and their ability to play at the highest level.''


The highest level is yet to come for redshirt senior guards Sheldon McClellan and Angel Rodriguez, senior center Tonye Jekiri and Co. They have work to do before Miami fans remember them the way George Mason - and college basketball - fans remember the likes of Tony Skinn, Jai Lewis and Lamar Butler from their Cinderella run in 2006.


It starts with experience and continues with cohesive play.


Miami assistant Chris Caputo and director of basketball operations James Johnson gave players a ''crash course'' in George Mason, but they also see a team that's just as close as the Patriots were.


''The George Mason team was one of the closest groups of guys that I've been around,'' Johnson said. ''I think we have a close-knit group here - a talented group and also they really get along and like each other, they like playing for each other.''


Growing up together plays a role in that.


Skinn, now an assistant at Louisiana Tech, remembered the 2004-05 George Mason team being just a younger version and could feel the difference the second time March rolled around.


''We were seldom rattled outside of our game plan,'' Skinn said in a phone interview. ''I think that says enough about experience - having guys that's been in those situations before, just knowing what to do to get out of a ballgame. The year before we didn't.''


A year ago Miami went through what Caputo said was a series of ups and strange downs and was bound for the NIT. Caputo said each team was ''hardened'' by its experiences over two seasons, and the Hurricanes started this season 11-1 and rolled to the third seed in the ACC Tournament behind only North Carolina and Virginia.


''In our situation this year we had a veteran group, so we got off to a great start,'' Larranaga said. ''Almost we're following the mid-major formula for success. The difference being in the mid-major once you get into conference play, you're not playing very many teams in the top 50 or top 100. In the ACC you're playing a top 50 team every night and a lot of times it's not even top 50 it's top 20 or top 10.''


Miami has faced tougher competition and won't be on the bubble like George Mason was in 2006 after losing in the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament.


But after getting in as a No. 11 seed, George Mason upset Michigan State, North Carolina, Wichita State and Connecticut to reach the Final Four in Indianapolis, where it lost to eventual national champion Florida.


Like George Mason in 2006, Miami has had its share of doubters. Larranaga hasn't forgotten that initial bracket projections in September had his Hurricanes not even making the NCAA Tournament this season.


''The amount of media exposure that the NCAA Tournament gets and everything leading up to it, yeah, there's going to be some information we can use to motivate our team,'' Larranaga said.


Larranaga knows how to motivate and also how to get his players in the ''right mental frame of mind.'' He watches other teams' benches during games and can sense pressure, and the veteran coach always wants to deflect enough pressure off his players to get them to relax.


''You have a team like that competing at that level with a coach like Coach Larranaga, I don't think the philosophy changes,'' Skinn said. ''He sets the game plan for those guys and I can see even on video he's still dancing with those dudes, so I'm sure they're just as loose as we were. ... Put that all together on a neutral floor, man, and anything can happen.''