Cnotes NCAA Basketball Picks Thru March Madness & Madness GOY !!

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Thursday, March 20

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NCAA Round 2 betting cheat sheet: West region Day 2
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(11) Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. (6) Baylor Bears (-3.5, 131)

The Cornhuskers had won eight of their last nine games before falling to Ohio State. Terran Petteway, who led the Big Ten in scoring during the regular season with 18.1 points, tallied double figures in all but two games and will look to continue that run in his first tournament appearance. Before leaving the Big 12, Nebraska suffered three straight losses to the Bears.

The Bears rolled off six straight wins and were in a prime position to win their second straight over the Iowa State with a five-point halftime lead on the Cyclones, who they beat 74-61 on March 4. The second half featured a completely different Iowa State team, however, and Baylor's zone defense was no match for a squad that shot 63.8 percent after the break. Fatigue may have played a part in the loss as Baylor was playing its fourth game in four days.

TRENDS:

*Cornhuskers are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 overall
*Bears are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 non-conference games
*Underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings


(16) Weber State Wildcats vs. (1) Arizona Wildcats (-20, 127.5)

Arizona bobbled a bit after a school-record 21-0 start, going 7-3 down the stretch before losing to UCLA in the Pac-12 tournament final. Those speed bumps coincided with a season-ending foot injury to starting forward and third-leading scorer Brandon Ashley, leaving freshman Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to try and fill his shoes. The Wildcats' last run as a No. 1 seed ended with a loss to second-seeded Kansas in the Elite Eight.

The Weber State Wildcats won their first conference tournament title in seven years with a 21-point victory Saturday night against North Dakota. The player to watch for Weber State is conference tournament MVP Davion Berry, a 6-4 wing who averages 19.1 points with 21 straight games of 12 or more.

TRENDS:

* Weber State Wildcats are 1-6 ATS in their last seven Friday games.
* Arizona Wildcats are 6-0 ATS in their last six NCAA Tournament games.
* Under is 4-1 in Arizona's last 5 vs. Big Sky.


(14) Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns vs. (3) Creighton Bluejays (-14, 154.5)

The Ragin' Cajuns like to get up and down the floor, averaging 81.4 points and allowing 75.1 per contest. They don't defend the perimeter especially well (33.2 percent), which could be a disaster against McDermott and the sharp-shooting Bluejays.

The Bluejays are making their third straight NCAA tournament appearance and have gone 1-1 each of the past two years. That run has coincided with what likely will soon become three consecutive All-America campaigns from McDermott, who has reached double-digit points an NCAA-record 133 times and has scored 20 or more points in 13 straight games.

TRENDS:

* Ragin' Cajuns are 1-4 ATS in their last five Friday games.
* Bluejays are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight NCAA Tournament games.
* Under is 19-7-1 in Bluejays last 27 non-conference games.


(9) Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. (8) Gonzaga Bulldogs (+2.5, 139)

The ninth-seeded Cowboys watched star guard Marcus Smart go from potential top-five NBA draftee to perceived head case in a matter of months, and the controversy aided in the team's slide out of contention. The Cowboys haven't won a tournament game since 2009, when it beat Tennessee 77-75 in the opening round.

The Bulldogs will make their 16th consecutive tournament appearance, but under far different circumstances than their previous one. Armed with a 31-2 record and the top seed in the West Region a year ago, Gonzaga saw its title hopes dashed with a stunning loss to No. 9 Wichita State in the third round. The Bulldogs sputtered their way to an unimpressive 2-4 record versus teams in the top 50 of the RPI rankings this season, but they still prevailed in the WCC tournament with dominant victories over Saint Mary's and Brigham Young.

TRENDS:

* Cowboys are 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.
* Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Under is 21-6 in Cowboys last 27 Friday games.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Thursday, March 20

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NCAA West Regional betting news and notes: Zona's Miller sterling in tourney
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No. 16 Weber State Wildcats vs. No. 1 Arizona Wildcats (-20, 127.5)

Arizona, the No. 1 seed in the West Region, shouldn’t have any problem winning against No. 16 seed Weber State. No. 1 seeds are a spotless 116-0 SU against No. 16 seeds. Another stat that favors the Wildcats (30-4 SU, 20-13 ATS) well beyond Friday’s game: In 10 years as a head coach (previously at Xavier, currently at Arizona), Sean Miller has never lost SU to a worse-seeded team in the NCAA tournament. This will be Miller’s seventh trip to the Big Dance.


No. 11 Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. No. 6 Baylor Bears (-3.5, 131)

Nebraska has never won an NCAA tournament game, going 0-6 SU. So picking the 11th-seeded Huskers to pull the outright upset of No. 6 Baylor might not be the best move. On the flip side, the Huskers (19-12 SU) have a 20-10 ATS mark this year, eighth nationally.


No. 14 UL Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns vs. No. 3 Creighton Bluejays (-14, 154.5)

Experience can count for a lot this time of year, and Creighton has plenty of it. This is the Bluejays’ third straight NCAA tournament and they have four seniors, including likely National Player of the Year Doug McDermott. Those four seniors are all starters (guard Austin Chatman is a junior) and of Creighton’s top eight players, seven have NCAA tournament experience. The Ragin’ Cajuns, meanwhile, are in the Big Dance for the first time since 2005 and have just two seniors among their starters and top reserves.


No. 9 Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs (+2.5, 139)

Cowboys star Marcus Smart (18.7 points. 6.0 assists, 5.7 rebounds in his last seven games) has been all the rage in getting his squad to the NCAA tournament. But the key for Oklahoma State could be less-heralded Phil Forte, according to the Daily Oklahoman’s John Helsley.

The 5-foot-11 guard was named co-Sixth Man of the Year in the Big 12, but he’s been a starter the past 10 games. His sharpshooting from 3-point range – hitting 44.5 percent (98 of 220) and is 24th nationally in made 3-pointers per game (2.97) – has stretched defenses, opening up things for Smart and standout teammates Markel Brown and Le’Bryan Nash.

 

[CNOTES]

March Madness Record:

9- 14.....................*****

7- 6.....................DOUBLE PLAY

3 - 2 - 1 ....................TRIPLE PLAY





Friday, March 21

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Mercer - 12:15 PM ET Mercer +13 500 *****
Duke - Over 140 500

Nebraska - 12:40 PM ET Baylor -3.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Baylor - Over 130.5 500

Stanford - 1:40 PM ET New Mexico -2.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
New Mexico - Over 137 500

Weber St. - 2:10 PM ET Weber St. +19.5 500 *****
Arizona - Under 128 500

Tennessee - 2:45 PM ET Tennessee -5.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Massachusetts - Over 137 500

 

[CNOTES]

2ND SET OF NOON GAMES:


Louisiana-Lafayette - 3:10 PM ET Creighton -13.5 500 *****
Creighton - Over 155 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Eastern Kentucky - 4:10 PM ET Kansas -12.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Kansas - Under 152 500

Oklahoma St. - 4:40 PM ET Oklahoma St. -3 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Gonzaga - Over 139 500

George Washington - 6:55 PM ET Memphis -4 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Memphis - Under 142 500

 

[CNOTES]

3RD SET OF GAMES:


Towson - 7:00 PM ET East Tennessee St. +3 500 DOUBLE PLAY
East Tennessee St. - Under 150 500

Cal Poly SLO - 7:10 PM ET Wichita St. -16.5 500 *****
Wichita St. - Over 125 500

Providence - 7:20 PM ET Providence +4.5 500 *****
North Carolina - Over 142.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Stephen F. Austin - 7:27 PM ET Stephen F. Austin +6 500 TRIPLE PLAY
VCU - Over 135

 

[CNOTES]

4th SET OF THE NIGHT:


Robert Morris 0 1st 20:00 Belmont -9 500 *****
Belmont 0 Over 150 500

Kansas St. 0 0th Kentucky -6 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Kentucky 0 Over 132.5 500

North Carolina Central - 9:50 PM ET North Carolina Central +8 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Iowa St. - Over 145 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Tulsa - 9:57 PM ET Tulsa +8 500 *****
UCLA - Over 147.5 500

 

[CNOTES]

UConn, Villanova meet again

March 21, 2014


No. 7 UConn (27-8) vs. No. 2 Villanova (29-4)

NCAA Tournament: East Regional, Round of 32
Venue: First Niagara Center
Location: Buffalo, NY
Tip-off: Saturday, 9:40 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Villanova -3.5, Total: 132.5

No. 7 seed Connecticut survived a scare from Saint Joseph’s in the Round of 64, but prevailed in overtime for a chance to try and upset a familiar foe on Saturday in second-seeded Villanova.

The Wildcats blew past Milwaukee in the second half of their tourney opener to earn their berth into the Round of 32, holding the Panthers to 28.6% shooting with a +9 rebounding margin. They covered a lofty 16.5-point spread in the 73-53 victory, improving to an impressive 22-9 ATS on the season. Villanova is now 4-1 (SU and ATS) in neutral-site games and 10-2 ATS (13-1 SU) against non-conference opponents.

The Huskies entered halftime down five to Saint Joseph’s, but tied it up and then won in OT, covering a 5.5-point spread. Connecticut is 18-15 ATS overall on the season, including 6-6 ATS (13-1 SU) against non-conferences foes. The club is 7-1 SU, but just 3-5 ATS, at neutral sites.

Formerly in the Big East together, these two programs used to face each other every year, but did not play this season with the Huskies now in the American Athletic Conference. Connecticut won four of the past five meetings between these two schools, but went 1-3-1 ATS in the process, with the SU loss coming in the most recent matchup on Feb. 16, 2013.

Connecticut’s offense averages a pedestrian 71.9 PPG (144th in Div. I) on 44.8% shooting (142nd in nation), but knocks down 39.9% threes (27th in Div. I), including 11-of-24 in Thursday's victory. The strength of this team is a stingy defense that holds opponents to 63.6 PPG (37th in nation) on 39.0% shooting (11th in Div. I), thanks in part to 6.2 BPG (8th in nation). They won their first game of the Big Dance despite letting the Hawks shoot 50% from the field.

Per usual, PG Shabazz Napier (17.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 5.0 APG) led the way for the Huskies, tallying 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals to help make up for a 7-of-22 shooting night, which was his fifth straight game of shooting under 45% FG. Napier struggled mightily in Connecticut's loss last year to Villanova, scoring a season-low two points on 1-of-8 shooting. He did have 10 assists, however.

Napier joined in the backcourt by SG Ryan Boatright (12.0 PPG, 3.5 APG, 3.4 RPG), who shoots 39% from three, but just 38% from inside the arc this season. He drained 4-of-6 threes for 17 points in Thursday's victory.

Down low, versatile SF DeAndre Daniels (12.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG) is their primary weapon, though he’s also a threat from the perimeter, knocking down 44% of his threes. He scored 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting last year against Villanova, and opened the tournament with 18 points on 6-of-11 FG (3-of-6 threes).

He can go outside because 7-foot freshman C Amida Brimah (4.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG) is such a good post defender, blocking 2.5 shots per game in only 16.4 MPG. He had nine points and six boards in Thursday's victory.

Villanova’s offense averages 78.5 PPG (30th in Div. I) on 45.9% shooting (86th in nation) with an unselfish 15.6 APG (20th in Div. I). The Wildcats defense isn’t bad either, yielding only 66.2 PPG (73rd in nation) on 40.3% shooting.

Their hero last year against Connecticut was PG Ryan Arcidiacono (9.7 PPG, 3.4 APG), who scored 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-8 threes. But the sophomore has struggled shooting this season at 39.5% FG.

The Wildcats offense is led by senior SG James Bell (14.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG), who has struggled lately with a putrid 28% FG clip, including 2-of-23 threes, in his past five games. He is 0-for-13 from long range in his past two contests, including an 0-for-8 performance against Milwaukee.

SG Darrun Hilliard II (14.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG) rounds out the backcourt as a deft three-point shooter, making 41% of his treys. Bell, PF JayVaughn Pinkston (14.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG) and SF Daniel Ochefu (5.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG) pace the team’s rebounding efforts. Pinkston recorded his fifth straight game of 11+ points on Thursday (13 points, eight boards), while Ochefu is the team’s top post defender with 1.5 BPG.

 

[CNOTES]

Texas, Michigan collide

March 21, 2014


No. 7 Texas (24-10) vs. No. 2 Michigan (26-8)

NCAA Tournament: Midwest Regional, Round of 32
Venue: BMO Harris Bradley Center
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Tip-off: 5:15 p.m. EST
Sportsbook.ag Line: Michigan -4.5, Total: 139

No. 7 seed Texas needed a last-second tip-in to beat Arizona State on Thursday, which earned the team a shot at the Sweet 16 against No. 2 seed Michigan.

The Wolverines suffocated Wofford in their first game, winning 57-40 to cover a 15-point spread. They held the Terriers to 20 points in each half and 34% shooting, including a terrible 1-of-19 from three-point range. With the win, Michigan improved to 17-14-1 ATS on the season, 6-2 SU (3-4-1 ATS) at neutral sites. They are 9-4 SU and 5-5-1 ATS against non-conference opponents.

Texas failed to cover the 2.5-point spread in its win against the Sun Devils, dropping its fifth game ATS in its past six tries. The recent run has set the Longhorns back to 14-17 ATS on the season, but they are still 6-5 ATS this season against non-conference foes, and 4-2 SU (3-3 ATS) on neutral courts. Texas won against Arizona State despite getting outrebounded, a rare occasion for the team that averages 41.8 RPG (4th in Div. I) and outrebounds its opponents by +7.3 RPG.

Both teams are saddled with negative betting trends in this contest, as the Longhorns are 17-31 ATS (35%) after playing a game as a favorite over the past two seasons, but the Wolverines are 1-7 ATS following a comfortable win by 15+ points this season.

Behind its solid rebounding, Texas’ offense averages 74.1 PPG (84th in Div. I) despite shooting only 43.1% (238th in Div.). Defensively, the Longhorns hold opponents to 70.1 PPG on a paltry 40.1% FG. Head coach Rick Barnes plays a 10-deep rotation with no player averaging more than 30 MPG.

PF Jonathan Holmes (12.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG) and C Cameron Ridley (11.4 PPG, 8.2 RPG) lead the team down low, with Ridley notching the game-winning, put-back basket on Thursday. Ridley posted a team-high 17 points and 12 rebounds in the contest, to go along with four blocks, as all five starters finished in double figures.

PG Isaiah Taylor (12.4 PPG, 4.0 APG) is their leading scorer in the backcourt and top passer, dishing six dimes against the Sun Devils.

He’s not a good three-point shooter (26%), and neither is SG Javan Felix (11.8 PPG, 2.8 APG), who makes just 34% threes and rounds out the top-four scorers for the Longhorns. SG Demarcus Holland (7.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG) is the team’s final starter and scored 14 points on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting in the team’s opening game.

Michigan’s offense averages a solid 75.0 PPG (73rd in Div. I) on 48.1% shooting (21st in nation) and 14.4 APG (63rd in Div. I). The Wolverines really struggle on the boards though with 31.9 RPG (303rd in nation), but still outrebound their opponents by +1.0 RPG. They also limit opponents to only 64.6 PPG (49th in Div. I) on 44.2% shooting. The rebounding issues are because of the back injury suffered by PF Mitch McGary, and without him, nobody on the Wolverines averages more than five boards per game.

SF Glenn Robinson III (13.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG), PF Jordan Morgan (5.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG) and PF Jon Horford (3.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG) are their top rebounders, but they may struggle against Ridley and Holmes.

To compensate, Michigan will need a strong performance from its backcourt, led by SG Nik Stauskas (17.4 PPG, 3.2 APG). The sophomore is hitting 2.5 threes per game on a 45% clip, going 10-for-19 in the team’s past three games from deep. Stauskas is complemented by 6-foot-6 swingman Caris LeVert (13.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG), who is making 41% of his threes, has been struggling offensively in the past two games with a mere 6.5 PPG on 25% shooting.

 

[CNOTES]

Saturday's Early Tips

March 22, 2014


(9) Pittsburgh vs. (1) Florida – 12:15 PM EST

South Regional – Orlando, FL

Pittsburgh: 26-9 SU, 13-17-2 ATS
Florida: 33-2, 16-14-1 ATS

The Gators took care of their business in the dreaded 1/16 matchup on Thursday, knocking out a feisty Albany squad, 67-55. Florida failed to cover as 21 ½-point favorites, but Billy Donovan’s squad won their 27th straight game, while holding its fourth straight opponent to 60 points or less. UF beat plenty of cupcakes in non-conference play, but also knocked off Kansas and Memphis, who are headed to the round of 32.

Pittsburgh put together a dominating performance in Thursday’s 77-48 rout of Colorado to easily cash as six-point favorites, as the Panthers built a 46-18 advantage at the half. Jamie Dixon’s team bounced back after losing in the ACC quarterfinals to conference champion Virginia by limiting Colorado to 35% shooting from the floor to improve to 6-1-1 ATS the last eight games.

The Panthers have been a hot and cold club from an ATS standpoint this season, as Pitt has suffered through a six-game ATS skid in December and a seven-game ATS skid in February. Pitt is riding the hot hand off late, which includes covers against North Carolina, Clemson, and Notre Dame away from western Pennsylvania. The last time the Panthers faced an SEC squad was in December 2011, winning at Tennessee as a short favorite, 61-56.

Since late January, Florida is 8-8 ATS in the last 16 games, but the Gators are currently on a 5-2 ATS run. The defense has stepped up by posting an 11-6 mark to the ‘under’ in the past 17 contests, while going 8-2 to the ‘under’ in the last 10 games away from Gainesville. In the lone game against an ACC foe this season, the Gators got past rival Florida State, 67-66 at the O’Connell Center in late November, but the Seminoles covered as 8 ½-point underdogs.

The Gators are listed as 5 ½-point favorites, while the total is set at 124. The game can be seen on CBS.

(5) St. Louis vs. (4) Louisville – 2:45 PM EST

Midwest Regional – Orlando, FL

St. Louis: 27-6 SU, 10-19-1 ATS
Louisville: 30-5 SU, 19-14 ATS

Both these teams survived a scare in their opening games, as the Cardinals go for their eighth consecutive victory in the NCAA Tournament. The defending champions held off Manhattan, 71-64, as the Cardinals failed to cover as 16-point favorites. Rick Pitino’s club shot just 36% from the floor, while their five-game ATS winning streak came to a halt. Even though Louisville has won six consecutive contests, this was the first time during this hot stretch that the Cardinals won a game by single-digits.

St. Louis overcame a 14-point deficit with five minutes remaining in regulation to stun North Carolina State in the second round, 83-80 in overtime. The Billikens pushed as three-point favorites, while the Atlantic 10 regular season champions found a way to win despite shooting 12-of-26 from the foul line (N.C. State shot 20-of-37 from line). After winning 19 straight games from December through late February, the Billikens have lost four of their last six contests, while putting together a dreadful 1-8-1 ATS record the past 10 games overall.

These former Conference USA rivals haven’t met since 2005, when Louisville dominated St. Louis, 84-66, but the Cardinals wrapped up that season at 33-5, while the Billikens stumbled to a 9-21 finish. Louisville is currently on a 5-1 ATS run the last six games, while going 6-1 to the ‘over’ the past seven tournament contests since last season’s title run. Meanwhile, the Billikens compiled a 2-2 ATS record in the underdog role, with the largest amount of points received a game being four in a loss at VCU earlier this month.

Louisville is currently a nine-point favorite with a total of 132 ½. The game will be televised on CBS.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

-- Jets apparently embrace being a sideshow; they signed Michael Vick and released Mark Sanchez. Headline writers are stretching as we speak.

-- Thunder 119, Raptors 118 2ot-- Kevin Durant scored 51 points.

-- Texans traded QB Matt Schaub to Oakland; poor guy had one of the worst seasons I can remember last year. Why does Oakland want him?

-- 76ers lost their 23rd game in row but if you're an optimist, they're 5-2 vs spread in their last seven games.

-- Warren Buffett can relax; no one in his bracket contest got out of the first round with a perfect bracket. Someone is ESPN's contest has one.

-- Buzz Williams left Marquette for Virginia Tech; have to think about this one for a couple days. Very unusual job change.

*****

Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Wrapping up Day 2 of March Madness

Mercer 78, Duke 71-- Duke's first true road game this year was January 4, a loss at Notre Dame; they played four neutral court games before that.

If you wonder why upsets like this happen, well part of it is that Duke does not challenge itself in pre-conference play. Explains a lot- they were 7-27 inside the arc in this game, 15-37 from the arc. Against an Atlantic Sun team.

Baylor 74, Nebraska 60-- Bears are 11-2 in last 13 games; they were 38-48 on foul line in this game, Nebraska 10-16, which annoyed Tim Miles enough that he got thrown out midway thru second half. Nebraska made progress in Miles' second season, but they're now 0-7 in NCAA tournament history.

Stanford 58, New Mexico 53-- Kendall Williams was 1-9, Alex Kirk 0-3 as Lobos lost another first round game and looked feeble doing it. Teams from the Mountain West are now 18-39 in the NCAA tournament.

Arizona 68, Weber State 59-- Weber had 13 offensive rebounds, got to foul line 23 times and didn't look like a team that lost six Big Sky games. Fouls are going to make Sean Miller grumpy as he prepares to meet Gonzaga next.

Tennessee 86, UMass 67-- Three days ago, Vols were playing play-in game in Dayton; Sunday, they face a 14-seed to get into the Sweet 16, so there is no excuse for them not getting there. Mercer won at Ole Miss this year, so they will have confidence going up against an SEC squad.

Creighton 76, UL-Lafayette 66-- If Doug McDermott somehow winds up as the #2 all-time scorer in college basketball history, both #1/#2 will be guys who played for their fathers in college. Thought that was interesting. By the way, McDermott gave up his scholarship this year, so Grant Gibbs could get one when he got his sixth year of eligibility. Thats $44,000 well-spent.

Kansas 80, Eastern Kentucky 69-- Jayhawks were 0-7 behind arc; game was tied at half, but rebounds were 43-19. Stanford will test Kansas' lack of defensive presence inside with Embiid hurt. EKU couldn't do it, but they did make 12-31 behind the arc.

Gonzaga 85, Oklahoma State 77-- No one pays to watch referees blow their whistles; there were 61 fouls in this debacle, with Gonzaga way better prepared to play- they led 9-0 off the bat. Gonzaga has college players who care about winning. Oklahoma State has guys who think they're NBA stars already; they did have nice sneakers, though.

Memphis 71, George Washington 66-- Colonials will regret going 14-24 on the foul line in contest that got very close late. Would've been a long summer for Josh Pastner had Memphis blown this game-- now he faces Virginia on Sunday with very little to lose.

North Carolina 79, Providence 77-- Tremendous game. Bryce Cotton was a WARRIOR for the Friars; 36 points, 8 assists, but its hard to beat really good teams when you only play six guys. Nothing but respect for Ed Cooley and his team this season; he got every drop out of them.

Wichita State 64, Cal Poly 37-- Total ass-kicking. I chart lots and lots of boxscores; can't remember a college team shooting 20.7% from the field, but that is what Cal Poly shot here. Wichita-Kentucky is main event Sunday.

Stephen F Austin 77, VCU 75 ot-- Its easier to be the hunter than hunted; Rams gagged this game away by fouling a 3-point shooter when up 4 with 0:03.6 left, after bricking three of four foul shots in last 0:21. Kid who made the stupid foul had a wide-open trey to win game in OT; not even close.

Virginia 70, Coastal Carolina 59-- Chanticleers were just 9th #16 seed to lead a #1 seed at halftime, but Virginia pulled away for win despite having no offensive rebounds. None. Coastal Carolina has a young team and might be back in the next couple of years; they played really well for half a game.

Kentucky 56, Kansas State 49-- Craig Sager had an awesome bracket tie on last night; I'd love to get one, if anyone knows who sells them. Julius Randle had 19 points, 15 rebounds as Kentucky moves on to face unbeaten Wichita State Sunday in a game that will get major amounts of hype.

Iowa State 93, North Carolina Central 75-- Georges Dieng got hurt, was on crutches after the game, potential horrible news for a Cyclone squad that took NCC's best shot, still won easily. Fred Hoiberg seems mild mannered, but he did not look happy near the end of the first half.

UCLA 76, Tulsa 59-- Bruins play 13-seed SF Austin Sunday for a trip to the Sweet 16. Southern Miss, La Tech, Middle Tennessee were better teams in C-USA, but Tulsa won the conference tourney and were an easy out here, especially basically playing a road game in San Diego.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Connecticut vs. Villanova
The Huskies needed overtime to get past St. Joseph's and now face a Villanova team that is 5-1-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings between the two teams. Villanova is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Wildcats favored by 6. Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-3 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

Game 517-518: Dayton vs. Syracuse (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 62.536; Syracuse 72.193
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 9 1/2; 121
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 7; 127 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-7); Under

Game 519-520: Connecticut vs. Villanova (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 68.501; Villanova 74.492
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 6; 139
Vegas Line: Villanova by 3 1/2; 132 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-3 1/2); Over

Game 521-522: Pittsburgh vs. Florida (12:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 66.735; Florida 77.170
Dunkel Line: Florida by 10 1/2; 118
Vegas Line: Florida by 5; 124
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-5); Under

Game 523-524: St. Louis vs. Louisville (2:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 67.964; Louisville 75.059
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 7; 139
Vegas Line: Louisville by 9 1/2; 133
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+9 1/2); Over

Game 525-526: Oregon vs. Wisconsin (7:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon 71.611; Wisconsin 70.567
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 1; 142
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 5; 145
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (+5); Under

Game 527-528: Texas vs. Michigan (5:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 64.675; Michigan 72.486
Dunkel Line: Michigan by 8; 144
Vegas Line: Michigan by 4 1/2; 139
Dunkel Pick: Michigan (-4 1/2); Over

Game 529-530: Harvard vs. Michigan State (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Harvard 65.147; Michigan State 69.338
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 4; 144
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 7 1/2; 137
Dunkel Pick: Harvard (+7 1/2); Over

Game 531-532: North Dakota State vs. San Diego State (6:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Dakota State 62.212; San Diego State 70.812
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 8 1/2; 123
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 3; 125 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-3); Under

Game 533-534: Louisiana Tech at Georgia (11:00 a.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 64.415; Georgia 67.815
Dunkel Line: Georgia by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia by 1
Dunkel Pick: Georgia (-1)

Game 541-542: IPFW at VMI (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: IPFW 54.462; VMI 55.823
Dunkel Line: VMI by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: IPFW by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: VMI (+1 1/2)

Game 543-544: Wright State at Ohio (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 58.065; Ohio 55.477
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio by 3
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (+3)

Game 545-546: Yale at Holy Cross (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 47.938; Holy Cross 53.875
Dunkel Line: Holy Cross by 6
Vegas Line: Holy Cross by 4
Dunkel Pick: Holy Cross (-4)

Game 547-548: Eastern Michigan at Columbia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 55.065; Columbia 53.401
Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Columbia by 2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+2)

Game 549-550: San Diego at Sam Houston State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 59.803; Sam Houston State 50.660
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 9
Vegas Line: San Diego by 1
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-1)

Game 551-552: TX-Corpus Christi at Pacific (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: TX-Corpus Christi 50.406; Pacific 51.462
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 1
Vegas Line: Pacific by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: TX-Corpus Christi (+8 1/2)

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Saturday, March 22

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

DAYTON (24 - 10) vs. SYRACUSE (28 - 5) - 3/22/2014, 7:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SYRACUSE is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SYRACUSE is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
DAYTON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




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


CONNECTICUT (27 - 8) vs. VILLANOVA (29 - 4) - 3/22/2014, 9:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in all games this season.
VILLANOVA is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
VILLANOVA is 19-4 ATS (+14.6 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
VILLANOVA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) on Saturday games this season.
VILLANOVA is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
VILLANOVA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
VILLANOVA is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.


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




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


PITTSBURGH (26 - 9) vs. FLORIDA (33 - 2) - 3/22/2014, 12:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 104-76 ATS (+20.4 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 64-39 ATS (+21.1 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




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


SAINT LOUIS (27 - 6) vs. LOUISVILLE (30 - 5) - 3/22/2014, 2:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAINT LOUIS is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) in all games this season.
SAINT LOUIS is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
SAINT LOUIS is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.
SAINT LOUIS is 15-34 ATS (-22.4 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1997.
LOUISVILLE is 42-30 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 42-30 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing with one or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




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


OREGON (24 - 9) vs. WISCONSIN (27 - 7) - 3/22/2014, 7:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WISCONSIN is 119-87 ATS (+23.3 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
OREGON is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
OREGON is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




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


TEXAS (24 - 10) vs. MICHIGAN (26 - 8) - 3/22/2014, 5:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




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


HARVARD (27 - 4) vs. MICHIGAN ST (27 - 8) - 3/22/2014, 8:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HARVARD is 14-28 ATS (-16.8 Units) in March games since 1997.
MICHIGAN ST is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
MICHIGAN ST is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
MICHIGAN ST is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MICHIGAN ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
HARVARD is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games this season.
HARVARD is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
HARVARD is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) on Saturday games this season.
HARVARD is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
HARVARD is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




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


N DAKOTA ST (26 - 6) vs. SAN DIEGO ST (30 - 4) - 3/22/2014, 6:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N DAKOTA ST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
N DAKOTA ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO ST is 120-90 ATS (+21.0 Units) on Saturday games since 1997.
N DAKOTA ST is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games when playing with one or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
N DAKOTA ST is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1997.
N DAKOTA ST is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




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


LOUISIANA TECH (28 - 7) at GEORGIA (20 - 13) - 3/22/2014, 11:00 AM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGIA is 35-24 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA is 35-24 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all home games this season.
GEORGIA is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in home lined games this season.
GEORGIA is 108-73 ATS (+27.7 Units) on Saturday games since 1997.
LOUISIANA TECH is 56-34 ATS (+18.6 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




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


IUPU-FT WAYNE (25 - 10) at VMI (20 - 12) - 3/22/2014, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games this season.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) on Saturday games this season.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 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
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




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


WRIGHT ST (21 - 14) at OHIO U (24 - 11) - 3/22/2014, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WRIGHT ST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
WRIGHT ST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
OHIO U is 25-8 ATS (+16.2 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
OHIO U is 120-88 ATS (+23.2 Units) in all home games since 1997.
OHIO U is 120-88 ATS (+23.2 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
OHIO U is 52-32 ATS (+16.8 Units) in home games on Saturday games since 1997.
OHIO U is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO U is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO U is 58-38 ATS (+16.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
WRIGHT ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.


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




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


YALE (16 - 13) at HOLY CROSS (20 - 13) - 3/22/2014, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
YALE is 2-0 straight up against HOLY CROSS over the last 3 seasons




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


E MICHIGAN (22 - 14) at COLUMBIA (20 - 12) - 3/22/2014, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E MICHIGAN is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBIA is 44-25 ATS (+16.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




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


SAN DIEGO (17 - 16) at SAM HOUSTON ST (24 - 10) - 3/22/2014, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




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


TEXAS A&M CC (18 - 15) at PACIFIC (16 - 15) - 3/22/2014, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PACIFIC is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) on Saturday games this season.
PACIFIC is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, March 22

NCAA games

Syracuse is playing couple hours from home in Buffalo, its an arena, not a dome, so their home court edge is even bigger here. Orange stumbled to 3-5 finish after being 25-0 at one point, but having Grant back in lineup opens up shots for Cooney and makes Syracuse potent on offense. Dayton is 4-6 vs top 50 teams; they've won 11 of last 13 games overall, are off dramatic win vs in-state rival Ohio State that had refused to play them. Flyers beat Ga Tech by 10, its only game with an ACC opponent. Over last four years, #11 seeds are 5-3 vs spread in this round. Last five years, second round favorites of 6+ points are 20-13-1 vs spread.

Villanova was 1-19 from arc before hitting three of last four vs Milwaukee in first round; Wildcats won four of last five second round games- they beat UConn 70-61 LY in last Big East meeting, ending 4-game series skid. Over last nine years, favorites are 8-11-1 vs spread in 2-7 second round games. UConn needed OT to beat St Joe's Thursday, despite making 11-24 on arc; Boatright/Napier both played 42:00 vs St Joe's; three others played 30:00+. Last five years, second round favorites of 6+ points are 20-13-1 vs spread. UConn won six of last seven first round games, but those with Calhoun as coach- Thursday was Ollie's first tournament win.

Pitt crushed shorthanded Colorado Thursday; Panthers are 1-3 in last four second round games, and weren't underdog in any of them, losing by 11-1-3 points. Over last five years, #1 seeds are 12-7-1 vs spread in this round. Florida was tested by Albany for 30:00 Thursday; Gators beat Florida State by point in only game vs ACC team. Panthers didn't play an ACC team but they also played Albany and beat Danes by same 12 points that Florida did. Over last six seasons, second round favorites of 6 or less points are 30-20 vs spread. Florida hasn't lost since Dec 2 vs UConn. #1 seeds are 33-3 SU in this round the last nine years.

Defending champ Lousiville was tested in fierce struggle with Manhattan Thursday, tough game for Pitino against old friend. Cardinals won 12 of last 13 games, face offensively-challenged Saint Louis squad that rallied to beat NC State after being down 16 with 8:13 to go- they lost four of last six games after being 25-2 at one point; nine of last ten games were decided by 7 or less points. Over last six years, second round favorites of 8+ points are 15-10-1 vs spread. Billikens are very good at defending arc (29.1%, #3) Billikens have edge in experience; they're 8-5 vs top 100 teams, 19-1 vs everyone else.

Over last nine years, favorites are 8-11-1 vs spread in 2-7 second round games. Wisconsin is 17-12 in NCAA tourney under Ryan, but 13 of 17 wins were against teams seeded 10th or lower; Badgers had 40-5 run vs American Thursday; they won 10 of last 12 games. Oregon won eight of last nine games, getting beat by UCLA in Pac-12 tourney; Ducks beat Illinois 71-64 on December, its only game vs Big Dozen opponent this season. Wisconsin is #2 in country at protecting ball, turning it over only 12.6% of time. Ducks are 13-0 outside Pac-12; they're 4-0 in OT games this season.

Michigan State is finally healthy, winning last four games after going 5-7 in last dozen regular season games; Spartans beat Columbia by 9 back in November, its only game vs Ivy foe. Harvard beat Cincinnati, lost by 5 at UConn in its only top 50 games. #12 seeds covered five of their last six second round games when facing a #4 seed. Crimson made 38.8% on arc this season (#26 in US); they were only 6-17 from arc vs Cincinnati, but all seemed to come in key spots when Bearcats were making runs at them. Spartans have lot of depth because of all the injuries they've had; they're average defending the 3, but Harvard won't push them around.

North Dakota State won its last ten games and 24 of last 27; they've got #23 team in country in experience here, starting three seniors and junior- they won at Notre Dame before Grant got hurt, but they also lost by 17 at Ohio State, 13 at St Mary's, 1 at home to Southern Miss. Aztecs won seven of last eight games, losing to Lobos in Mountain West tourney in Vegas; they don't shoot ball especially well, but after losing in this round to Florida Gulf Coast LY, they won't be overlooking Bison. #12 seeds covered five of their last six second round games when facing a #4 seed. Bison were down 4 with 0:38 left vs Oklahoma, rallied for unlikely win.

Beilein vs Barnes is immense tactical mismatch. Michigan lost by 7 at Iowa State in its one game vs Big X opponent. Texas is 6-6 in its last 12 games; biggest indictment I can think of them were last five points they scored vs Arizona State, getting rebounds off missed shots, neither of which hit rim- they got lucky. Longhorns lost by 14 to Michigan State in its one Big Dozen game- they're 2-4 in last six NCAA tourney games, with all four losses hy 5 or less points- they do not have senior in their rotation, are 12-2 outside Big X. Both these teams are in bottom 20 in country in terms of experience. Michigan is 8-1 in last nine games, 20-4 in last 24 games overall.

Other games
Louisiana Tech won seven of last eight games; they're 4-3 in last seven true road games. Georgia won its last six home games; its last home loss was Jan 29 to Vandy; Dawgs won four of last games overall.

Fort Wayne won six of last seven games, losing to North Dakota State by 3 in Summit final; Mastadons won last three true road games- they're #19 in country, making 39.1% from arc. VMI scored 84+ points in its last five wins, 78 or less in last four losses.

Wright State won seven of last eight games, losing Horizon final at home to Milwaukee; Raiders split pair of 3-point decisions with MAC teams this season. Ohio split pair of games with Horizon teams, beating Valpo by 4, losing at Oakland by 17.

Yale lost four of last six games but edged Quinnipiac by point at home in last game; Bulldogs won by 3 at Lafayette in its only games with Patriot League foe. Holy Cross split pair of games with Ivy League opponents.

Columbia won four of last five home games; Lions are 11-6 in non-Ivy games. Eastern Michigan won seven of its last nine games, but lost last three true road games. Columbia makes 37.7% of its 3's, which helps going against Syracuse-like 2-3 zone.

San Diego tied for 6th in down year in WCC; Toreros are last team that beat Gonzaga- they lost six of last nine true road games. Sam Houston won five of last six games- they lost to SF Austin in Southland final, after finishing third during regular season.

Corpus Christi finished 2nd in Southland; they've won eight of last nine games overall. Islanders won their last five home games. Pacific has all five starters back from LY but went 6-12 in first year in WCC, which is lot stronger than Big West, their old league.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Saturday, March 22

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

11:00 AM
LOUISIANA TECH vs. GEORGIA
Louisiana Tech is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Georgia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Georgia's last 6 games at home

See more trends!
MARCH 22, 12:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. FLORIDA
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 6 games
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

See more trends!
MARCH 22, 2:00 PM
WRIGHT STATE vs. OHIO
Wright State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Wright State is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Ohio is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ohio's last 6 games

See more trends!
MARCH 22, 2:45 PM
SAINT LOUIS vs. LOUISVILLE
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Louisville's last 5 games
Louisville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

See more trends!
MARCH 22, 5:15 PM
TEXAS vs. MICHIGAN
No trends available
Michigan is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Michigan's last 6 games

See more trends!
MARCH 22, 6:10 PM
NORTH DAKOTA STATE vs. SAN DIEGO STATE
No trends available
San Diego State is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego State's last 5 games

See more trends!
MARCH 22, 7:00 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. SAM HOUSTON STATE
San Diego is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
No trends available

See more trends!
MARCH 22, 7:00 PM
EASTERN MICHIGAN vs. COLUMBIA
Eastern Michigan is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Eastern Michigan's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbia's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbia's last 6 games

See more trends!
MARCH 22, 7:00 PM
YALE vs. HOLY CROSS
Yale is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Yale's last 8 games on the road
No trends available

See more trends!
MARCH 22, 7:10 PM
DAYTON vs. SYRACUSE
No trends available
Syracuse is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Syracuse's last 5 games

See more trends!
MARCH 22, 7:45 PM
OREGON vs. WISCONSIN
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wisconsin's last 5 games
Wisconsin is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games

See more trends!
MARCH 22, 8:40 PM
HARVARD vs. MICHIGAN STATE
No trends available
Michigan State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Michigan State's last 6 games

See more trends!
MARCH 22, 9:00 PM
TEXAS A&M C.C. vs. PACIFIC
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pacific's last 6 games at home
Pacific is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games

See more trends!
MARCH 22, 9:40 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. VILLANOVA
No trends available
Villanova is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Connecticut
Villanova is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Connecticut

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Saturday, March 22

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NCAA East Regional betting news and notes: Harvard's defense overrated?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Round of 32 opens in the East Regional Saturday. We look at the biggest betting news and notes coming out of that side of the bracket.

No. 4 Michigan State Spartans vs. No. 12 Harvard Crimson (+7, 137)

In 10 career meetings, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is 7-3 versus Harvard’s Tommy Amaker (who coached the Michigan Wolverines from 2001-02 to 2006-07) winning by an average of 15.2 points.

Looking at the stats one would think the Crimson, the nation’s 15th-best defense this season, managed to find another notch against Cincinnati Thursday. But it may have been a case of the Bearcats just shooting terribly, going just 13 for 33 in the paint, getting just seven second-chance points on 15 offensive rebounds, and missing 13 dunks, layups, or tip ins.


No. 2 Villanova Wildcats (-3.5) vs. No. 7 Connecticut Huskies (+3.5, 132.5)

Senior guard Shabazz Napier was everything for the Huskies Thursday having a hand in 46 percent of Connecticut’s points after being involved in 36 percent of his team’s buckets in the team’s previous six games. However, Villanova prides itself on its on-ball pressure that seeks to contain quick, skilled ball handlers like Napier. In its opener Thursday, Villanova held UW-Milwaukee’s leading scorer to just six points on 1-for-15 shooting.

All week long, the Wildcats talked about getting off to fast starts. Yet, against UW-Milwaukee they started slowly, scoring just 18 points before going on a 9-0 run into the half at 27-23. It was the second slow start in a row for the Wildcats and a repeat performance could have dire consequences Saturday. Connecticut has the nation’s 33rd-best defense overall and the 23rd best second-half defense, holding teams to just 32.9 points in the game's second 20 minutes.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Saturday, March 22

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NCAA South Regional betting news and notes: D will decide Pitt-Florida outcome
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eight teams remain in the South Regional portion of the NCAA tournament. Here's a look at Saturday's third-round matchups:

No. 9 Pittsburgh Panthers vs. No. 1 Florida Gators (-5, 124)

Fans hoping for a high-scoring shootout will likely disappointed; the Gators and their stifling press-heavy defense allowed the third-fewest points in the country heading into the tournament (57.9 per game), while the Panthers ranked 20th in the nation (61.9) and limited Colorado to 48 points in their tournament-opening 77-48 rout of the Buffaloes.

With both teams boasting potent half-court defenses, added emphasis will be placed on their ability to hit from outside - and judging by their performances in their respective tournament openers, that could prove daunting. The Gators shot just 4-for-12 from 3-point range in an unimpressive win over Albany, while the Panthers were just 4-of-14 in their one-sided victory over Colorado.

No. 11 Dayton Flyers vs. No. 3 Syracuse Orange (-6.5, 128)

The Flyers are one of the few teams in the tournament not shy about rotating as many as 11 players in a given game; they did just that in their tournament-opening 60-59 upset of Ohio State, and it caught the attention of Syracuse assistant coach Mike Hopkins. "They played 11 guys, they've got a lot of depth, they kept rotating guys in and out," Hopkins told the Syracuse Post-Standard.

The Orange do have some familiarity with the Flyers: star guard Tyler Ennis played with Dayton guard Dyshawn Pierre for CIA Bounce of the AAU. Ennis' dad was the head coach. "I'm kind of familiar with his game," Ennis said of Pierre, who had three free throws down the stretch to help the Flyers eliminate the Buckeyes. "He's one of the most underrated players in the country. He always hits big shots."

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Saturday, March 22

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NCAA Midwest Regional betting news and notes: Michigan bullied on the glass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Midwest Regional opens the Round of 32 Saturday. Before you place your wagers, scan these quick-hitting betting news and notes for the Midwest matchups.

No. 2 Michigan Wolverines vs. No. 7 Texas Longhorns (+5, 139)

Michigan will be favored heading into its second-round matchup when the Wolverines go up against the Texas Longhorns. However, the Wolverines may be feeling the impact of the season-ending injury of Mitch McGary for the first time in months. The Wolverines are 303rd in the nation in rebounding while the Longhorns are one of the NCAA's best interior teams at 41.4 rebounds per game - good for fourth in the nation.

Texas outworked a tough Arizona State squad on the boards in their opener, with 10 of its 30 rebounds coming on the offensive end. No offensive rebound was more important than Cameron Ridley's putback at the buzzer that gave the Longhorns the 87-85 win. Ridley finished with 12 rebounds to go along with 17 points.

No. 4 Louisville Cardinals vs. No. 5 St. Louis Billikens (+9, 133)

Saint Louis head coach Jim Crews hopes his Billikens can return to form at the free-throw line Saturday after going 12 for 26 from from the stripe in Thursday's opener against North Carolina State. Typically, Saint Louis shoots an average 70 percent from the line, and if it wants to stay with the defending national champions, the Billikens will have to improve from the charity stripe.

"We missed a ton of free throws tonight, and we missed some other opportunities both defensively and offensively, but I thought during the process it was pretty good," Crews said of Saint Louis performance Thursday. "We were getting what we wanted to get, but we weren't cashing in on it. I can't salute these guys enough in terms of how they just stayed with it."

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Saturday, March 22

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NCAA West Regional betting news and notes: Homecourt for Badgers
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The West Regional kicks off the Round of 32 Saturday. Check out these quick-hitting betting news and notes before placing your wagers on the West side of the bracket.

No. 12 North Dakota State Bison vs. No. 4 San Diego State Aztecs (-3, 125.5)

North Dakota State has only been in Division I since 2004, but the Bison have slayed a few dragons, with the biggest coming in Thursday’s 80-75 overtime upset of Oklahoma in the NCAA Tournament’s West Regional. NDSU’s first huge win came at Wisconsin in January 2006. The Bison then won at Marquette in December 2006, and in nonconference play this year, they stunned host Notre Dame. San Diego State – a 3-point favorite, just like Oklahoma – will have its hands full in Saturday’s Round of 32.

San Diego State knows this scenario all too well. Just a year ago, in the Round of 64, the Aztecs beat Oklahoma – the same team North Dakota State stunned on Thursday night – and it appeared No. 15 seed Florida Gulf Coast did San Diego State a huge favor by shocking No. 2 seed Georgetown. Instead, FGCU became the first No. 15 seed to reach the Sweet 16 by bouncing the Aztecs 81-71 in the Round of 32. Another year, another Cinderella opponent for SDSU.

No. 7 Oregon Ducks vs. No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers (-5, 142)

Wisconsin’s defense could be a huge key today, based on a stat thrown out on Twitter by Jim Polzin, Badgers beat writer for the Wisconsin State Journal. In Wisconsin’s 75-35 blowout of No. 15 seed American Thursday, the Eagles averaged a meager 0.61 points per possession. Polzin noted that was a season low by a Badgers opponent. Wisconsin, meanwhile, averaged more than twice that at 1.29 points per possession, including 1.48 in the second half.

The Badgers will have a huge homecourt advantage playing in Milwaukee Saturday, a fact not lost at all on Oregon coach Dana Altman. Steve Mims, Oregon basketball beat writer for the Eugene Register-Guard, tweeted out Altman’s thoughts: “We basically have a road game. They’ll have 20,000 fans cheering, we will have 300.”

Oregon pounded Brigham Young 87-68 laying 4.5 points in Thursday’s Round of 64. But that’s not the only momentum the Ducks carry into today’s tilt with Wisconsin. As Steve Mims of the Oregon Register-Guard tweeted out, Thursday’s win marked the first time in school history that the Ducks have won a game in back-to-back NCAA Tournaments.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Saturday, March 22

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Round 3 betting cheat sheet: East Region Day 3
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(12) Harvard Crimson vs. (4) Michigan State Spartans (-7, 137)

While the Spartans leaned heavily on Adreian Payne, the Crimson relied upon a balanced attack and their usual stout defense to get past Cincinnati. Wesley Saunders led the way with 12 points and four of his team's nine assists and Harvard improved to 15-0 when holding its opponent under 60 points. Head coaches Tommy Amaker of Harvard and Tom Izzo of Michigan State will be renewing acquaintances - Amaker was 3-7 against Izzo as coach of Michigan from 2001-07.

Payne had four free throws and one basket to his credit with just over eight minutes left in the first half before he began to author one of the great tournament showings in history. He produced a personal 12-0 run with three 3-pointers and a three-point play, finished the first half with 23 points and scored eight straight Spartans points down the stretch to help fend off a minor threat from the Blue Hens.

TRENDS:

* Crimson are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.
* Spartans are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games overall.
* Under is 5-0 in Crimson last five non-conference games.


(7) UConn Huskies vs. (2) Villanova Wildcats (-3.5, 132.5)

Senior point guard Shabazz Napier scored 19 of his 24 points after halftime in the win over Saint Joseph’s, which led for much of the game before the Huskies took control in overtime. Guard Ryan Boatright had 17 points, including four 3-pointers, and 7-foot freshman center Amida Brimah had nine points, six rebounds and one block in 30 minutes, including a key three-point play late in regulation.

Villanova is 8-of-42 from 3-point range over its last two games, but the Wildcats prevailed against Milwaukee by holding the Panthers to 28.6 percent shooting. The Wildcats won the Big East regular-season title and set a school record with 28 regular-season victories. They are one victory away from tying the school’s single-season record of 30.

TRENDS:

* Wildcats are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 non-conference games.
* Huskies are 5-1 ATS in their last six vs. Big East.
* Under is 13-3 in Huskies last 16 overall.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Saturday, March 22

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Round 3 betting cheat sheet: South Region Day 3
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(9) Pittsburgh Panthers vs. (1) Florida Gators (-5, 124)

The Panthers have won six of eight and part of that turnaround can be attributed to their recent offensive efficiency and senior forward Talib Zanna, who is averaging 16 points and shooting 67.6 percent from the field over that stretch. Pittsburgh has shot at least 50 percent six times in that timeframe and scored 77 or more points in each of its last five victories.

Although Florida extended its school-record winning streak to 27 games, the Gators face an uphill battle to fulfill their national championship aspirations as none of the previous 20 No. 1 seeds that won their opening game by 12 points or fewer went on to win it all. Florida is seeking its fourth straight visit to the Sweet 16 while Pittsburgh eyes its first trip to the regional semifinals since 2009.

TRENDS:

* Panthers are 1-6 ATS in their last seveb non-conference games.
* Gators are 0-3-1 ATS in their last four non-conference games.
* Under is 10-1 in Gators last 11 vs. Atlantic Coast.


(11) Dayton Flyers vs. (3) Syracuse Orange (-6.5, 128)

The Flyers' last three losses have all come against Saint Joseph's - a stretch that goes back nearly two months and features wins against George Washington, Massachusetts, Saint Louis and, most recently, Ohio State. One of Dayton's keys to defeating the Buckeyes was the team's ability to rebound, as Ohio State managed only three offensive rebounds on 26 missed shots. Dayton played one ACC team this season, winning by 10 points at Georgia Tech in late November.

Despite entering the NCAA tournament with a 2-5 record in its last seven games, Syracuse resembled the team that opened the season 25-0 on Thursday. Jerami Grant contributed 16 points and C.J. Fair added 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Orange, who dominated the glass, 41-25, and will look to continue that trend against the guard-heavy Flyers. Fair has not posted back-to-back double-doubles since February 2013.

TRENDS:

* Flyers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Orange are 3-14 ATS in their last 17 vs. Atlantic 10.
* Over is 5-0 in Orange last five overall.