Friday 12/4/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockets (8-11) at Mavericks (11-8)

Date: December 04, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

Off to sluggish starts, the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets are starting to show signs of coming around.

With both teams coming off wins, they meet for the second time this season Friday night at the American Airlines Center.

Houston (8-11) is looking for its fourth victory in five games thanks in large part to the resurgence of its potent attack. The Rockets have averaged 111.3 points in the past four after scoring 97.0 over the previous eight.

Balance has been the key during that stretch. Houston defeated New Orleans 108-101 on Wednesday, placing six players in double figures and getting at least six points from everyone who played. At least five players have reached double digits in each of the past three games, with the reserves averaging 42.3 in those.

That's well above the bench's season average of 26.8 - among the lowest marks in the league.

"This group, the pieces are there, the talent is there. They're working at it and we've been waiting for it to click," interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said.

Point guard Ty Lawson, struggling in his first season with the Rockets, scored 12 points and added six assists. He's gone 8 for 14 from the floor over the last two games.

'It feels a little bit more comfortable,' he said. 'I'm trying to find my way in the offense. I don't have the ball as much as I normally do, but I am figuring it out day by day.'

The Rockets blocked seven shots, led by three from Dwight Howard - who also had 16 rebounds - and scored 27 points off 23 turnovers.

Dallas (11-8) has played better than Houston in the early going, but the Mavericks had dropped three straight before winning two of their last three.

Wesley Matthews helped Dallas to its latest victory, 115-112 in overtime at Portland on Tuesday. The former Trail Blazer scored 18 points, while Deron Williams had 30 points, eight assists and six rebounds and Dirk Nowitzki scored 28.

Dallas also got 14 points and 21 rebounds from Zaza Pachulia. The veteran center is averaging a career-high 10.2 rebounds along with 11.1 points.

'He's just real smart in there. He uses his body and he's a little more athletic than he appears,' coach Rick Carlisle said. 'He's quick to the ball and his strength and timing is really uncanny.'

The Mavs outscored the Blazers 9-3 to open the extra period, showing more energy late in a matchup of teams playing on back-to-back nights.

"It was a game on the road and the second night of a back-to-back. We had a lead early, lost it, and then we just never really found a good rhythm until the end," Williams told the team's official website. "I think that says a lot about our team and about the fight we have.

"I thought it was a great team win for us. We had a lot of guys that stepped up and played huge tonight. Of course, Dirk's night. But if you look at Zaza, Wes and Ray (Felton), we had so many guys that came in and played big minutes for us. And it was a huge win for us."

Williams has scored at least 20 points four times in the past seven games after not reaching the mark at all in his first 11.

Dallas was without guard J.J. Barea for a third straight game because of a sprained right ankle.

The Mavericks won the first matchup of the season 110-98 at Houston on Nov. 14. The Rockets, though, have taken four of six meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cavaliers (13-5) at Pelicans (4-15)

Date: December 04, 2015 9:30 PM EDT

The last time Cleveland won in New Orleans, a 26-year-old LeBron James scored 38 points and was still months away from claiming a Miami address.

His return last season resulted in an even bigger offensive performance, though there was no victory against the emerging Pelicans. This New Orleans team seems incapable of overcoming that kind of individual stat line as it tries to end a four-game skid with a fifth straight home win over the Cavaliers on Friday night.

The Pelicans earned a split of last season's two-game series with a 119-114 home win Dec. 12 despite James scoring 41 points. In five games at New Orleans dating to Cleveland's win there on March 24, 2010, he's averaging 32.0 points and shooting 61.0 percent while hitting 13 of 23 from 3-point range.

Things have been more modest lately for James, who's averaging 22.2 points on 43.9 percent shooting in his last six but has a chance to break out against New Orleans.

The Pelicans (4-15) are allowing a league-high 109.1 points per game, and they're finding ways to give up points and lose even when they limit the opposition's shooting.

In Wednesday's 108-101 loss at Houston, they held the Rockets to 41.4 percent but turned the ball over a season-worst 23 times, yielding a season-high 27 points off turnovers. It's taken New Orleans two games to produce 16 points off turnovers.

"When we needed a basket, we had turnovers," said Anthony Davis, who had 29 points and 13 rebounds. "It was tough and we just have to do a better job of taking care of the ball. They came up with some stops and ... converted them on the other end."

A season after finishing eight games over .500 and making the playoffs for the first time in four years, New Orleans finds itself 11 under .500 and flirting with the bottom of the Western Conference.

The Pelicans are hoping Tyreke Evans can help send things back in the right direction. The starting guard has played two games in his return from a knee injury that cost him the start of the season and is averaging 15.0 points and 9.0 assists. He also had 31 points and 10 assists in that home win over Cleveland nearly a year ago.

"I feel alright. I'm a little sore, but this was a back-to-back and it made it tougher," Evans said. "I'm just happy to be out there, to help my team and compete and try to work my way back and get things right."

On a smaller scale, the Cavaliers (13-5) are also seeking some improvement after Tuesday's 97-85 home loss to Washington. James had 24 points and 13 rebounds, but the team shot 33.7 percent and had 19 turnovers. James was responsible for nine - one shy of his career high from 2005.

"To start off, they beat us from the beginning to the end," said James, who will return to Miami on Saturday night to complete a back-to-back set.

"With the 10-0 run in the first quarter, to the 7-0 run in the third quarter, they beat us in every facet of the game. Their pace, their speed and their ability to get the ball up the floor really quickly caused us problems tonight."

Cleveland has shot 37.1 percent and committed 39 turnovers in the last two games. J.R. Smith has been a significant part of the problem, going 6 for 27 in that time. The Cavs also aren't getting anything out of Timofey Mozgov. In three games back from a shoulder strain, the ailing center, who also underwent offseason knee surgery, is 4 for 19.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Cavs at Pelicans

Cleveland Cavaliers at New Orleans Pelicans (Off, Off)

The Cleveland Cavaliers posted a season low point total in their last contest and look to rebound with a much better effort when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. Cleveland trailed the entire game while suffering a 97-85 loss to the Washington Wizards on Tuesday to lose for just the second time in seven games.

Forward LeBron James gets upset every time the Cavaliers lose and he was one of the main culprits in the loss to the Wizards as he committed nine turnovers to go with 24 points and 13 rebounds. "We just got to get better," James said afterward. "They beat us from the beginning to the end. We've got to improve, and we've got to improve in a lot of facets of our game in order to be better." New Orleans continues to struggle with the third-worst record in the NBA after suffering a 108-101 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. The Pelicans have lost four straight games and are allowing a league-worst 109.1 points per game.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Ohio (Cleveland) FSN New Orleans

LINE HISTORY: N/A

INJURY REPORT:

Cavs - SG Iman Shumpert (Mid February, wrist), PG Kyrie Irving (Out indefinitely, knee).

Pelicans - C Kendrick Perkins (Early February, pectoral), SF Quincy Pondexter (Out indefinitely, knee).

POWER RANKINGS: Cavs (-9.8) + Pelicans (-3) + home court (-3.0) = Cavs -9.8

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "LeBron and company continue to disappoint chalk players as the Cavs are just 5-11 ATS when favored this season. At 4-15, not only are the Pelicans the league's biggest disappointment, but also a virtual lock to miss the playoffs." Power Sports.

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (13-5 SU, 7-11 ATS, 10-8 O/U): Center Timofey Mozgov has struggled in three games since returning from a shoulder injury and went scoreless while committing four turnovers in just nine minutes against Washington. Mozgov shot 59 percent from the field and averaged 10.6 points and 6.9 rebounds in 46 games with Cleveland last season after being acquired from the Denver Nuggets but has been largely ineffective this season while averaging seven points and 4.4 rebounds and shooting a woeful 44.6 percent "I think it's fairly clear that right now he's not at the same level physically that we're used to seeing him," Cavaliers coach David Blatt told reporters. "And we got to get him there."

ABOUT THE PELICANS (4-15 SU, 6-13 ATS, 8-11 O/U): The defensive play has been horrid as New Orleans has allowed 100 or more points in 17 of its 19 games. The Pelicans, who have allowed 110 or more points a whopping 10 times, showed signs of solid defense by holding Houston to 17 first-quarter points but then allowed a combined 67 points over the next two quarters. Power forward Anthony Davis had 29 points and 13 rebounds against the Rockets for his third straight double-double and 10th of the season.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings in New Orleans.
* Cavaliers are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS loss.
* Pelicans are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 games following a straight up loss.
* Over is 5-1 in Pelicans last six home games.

CONSENSUS: N/A

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's NBA Tip Sheet
By Tony Mejia

Brooklyn at New York, ESPN, 7:05 p.m. ET: New York's finest basketball teams, which although accurate, is still a term used loosely, square off for the first time this season. The nationally-televised contest gives the Knicks an opportunity to get back to .500 after their recent four-game losing streak undid some of the strong work they did prior to Thanksgiving. Rookie Kristaps Porzingis continued his unexpectedly strong start with 17 points and 10 rebounds in a 99-87 win over Philadelphia, their first win on a four-game homestand that ends tonight.

Carmelo Anthony shot 5-for-16 from the field and scored 12 points in his return after missing Sunday's game due to illness, so he enters this one mired in a 9-for-29 shooting slump. The Nets visit Manhattan in the midst of their first winning streak of the season, having defeated Detroit and Phoenix in Brooklyn to improve to 5-13 (10-7 ATS). The Nets have covered in 10 of their last 11 games, but are just 1-10 SU away from home, tied for the second-worst road mark in the NBA. We'll see if not having to hop on a plane for a road game has a positive effect. Center Brook Lopez has been the catalyst for the Nets success but squares off against twin brother Robin Lopez, who has defended him more often than anyone. The under is 12-3-1 in New York's last 16 games and has prevailed in Brooklyn's last four games.

Phoenix at Washington, 7:05 p.m.: After being unable to defeat Kobe Bryant on his farewell tour the way the 76ers managed to, the disappointing Wizards turn their attention to handling the visiting Suns. Head coach Randy Wittman has the 7-9 Wizards in last place in the Southeast Division one-fifth through a season where they were supposed to contend for first, so the buzzards are circling and he may not last much longer if things don't pick up. PG John Wall has slumped lately, closing out November with three clunkers were he shot a combined 16-for-54, but he's opened this month shoooting nearly 60 percent from the field while averaging 34.5 points and 10.5 assists. He'll deal with Eric Bledsoe, one of the more athletic guards in the league, so Wall will have his work cut out for him. The Suns are in the midst of a grueling stretch where they're playing nine road games in 11 contests over 17 days. They're 2-4 thus far, pulling off an upset in Toronto on Nov. 29, but coming off consecutive losses to the Nets and Pistons. They've been without Tyson Chandler (hamstring) and didn't have Markieff Morris (knee) for the reunion game with his brother Marcus in Detroit, a 127-122 OT loss. The over is 9-4 in the last 13 Phoenix games. The under has prevailed in five of Washington's last seven. Wizards center Marcin Gortat will miss at least two games as he's returned to his native Poland due to a family emergency.

Milwaukee at Detroit, 7:35 p.m.: The Bucks are stuck in a major rut. Although head coach Jason Kidd shook up the lineup by benching Michael Carter-Williams in favor of Jerryd Bayless, Bayless wound up getting a DNP as Tyler Ennis started in Wednesday's 95-70 loss at San Antonio. Clearly, Kidd is searching for answers after an awfully slow start that has his team bringing up the rear in the Central Division (7-12 SU, 8-11 ATS). Milwaukee comes off a season-low scoring output and has seen the over come in three consecutive times, all in games that failed to reach 170. Detroit comes off its highest-scoring game of the season in that aforementioned win over Phoenix and opened its current homestand with a 116-105 win over Houston. The Pistons will look to go 3-0 on the homestand here before Bryant comes through for his final Palace stop on Sunday. The Pistons are 6-2 SU and ATS in Auburn Hills, beating the Jazz, Bulls, Cavs and Heat before their latest conquests. Reggie Jackson has averaged 32.5 points and 12 assists on the homestand, shooting over 60 percent from the field and over 50 from 3-point range. He was held to a season-low 7 points in a 109-88 loss in Milwaukee on Nov. 23, the only time these teams have met this season.

L.A. Lakers at Atlanta, 8:05 p.m.: Bryant's final visit to Atlanta will pack them in at Philips Arena, where the Hawks have gone 7-4 SU (5-6 ATS). They've alternated wins and losses over their last nine games, so if the pattern holds, they're in line to win this one. Bryant comes off scoring a season-high 31 points in Wednesday's win over Washington and has really taken to this showman role as he visits different East coast cities and receives adulation for the final time. He's been able to get the Lakers off to strong starts in each of the last two games. L.A. is 2-9 on the road as opposed to 1-6 at Staples Center. The Lakers have the worst record in the Western Conference. They've only beaten one team with a winning record like the Hawks carry into this one.

Houston at Dallas, 8:35 p.m.: The rival Rockets, the team Mavericks fans love to boo more than any other, make their first of two visits this season. They've already met in Houston, where the Mavs stormed into town on Nov. 14 and won 110-98 despite playing their fourth game in five nights, on the second night of a second straight back-to-back. Kevin McHale was fired as Houston head coach a few days later. John Blair Bickerstaff has taken over and enters this one 4-4 in an interim role. He won't have Dwight Howard on the floor, opting to rest up with another game scheduled for Saturday at home in Sacramento. James Harden has averaged 33.8 points, eight rebounds and seven assists over the last five games, three of them Rockets wins. Dallas opened December with a 115-112 win at Portland and are in the midst of a stretch where it is playing seven of nine on the road. The Mavs are 5-2 at home. Former Rocket Chandler Parsons didn't play in the win in Portland and doesn't play back-to-backs yet as his work gradually increases following offseason knee surgery. He's had three double-digit scoring nights in his 13 games thus far.

Cleveland at New Orleans, ESPN, 9:35 p.m.: LeBron James and Anthony Davis have only taken the floor against one another five times as pros. James leads 3-2, though one of Davis' wins came in a game where he played only seven minutes, leaving after complaining of chest pains. Davis has always been on the inferior team, but seems to have a strong chance at evening the individual series if he's able to shake off a shoulder injury and suit up. Tyreke Evans returned from a six-month absence following a knee injury and finished with 20 points and 10 assists in a loss to the Grizzlies on Tuesday, so the Pelicans are as healthy as they've been all season. They've been one of the NBA's biggest disappointments, opening 4-15 (6-13 ATS). Cleveland is still without its preferred starting backcourt of Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert, but sport the Eastern Conference's top record (13-5 SU, 7-11 ATS). The Cavs had won five of six before fallin at home to the Wizards on Tuesday. They're just 5-3 on the road. The Cavs' last three games have all gone under the posted total, while three of the last for involving the Pelicans have done the same.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Hot teams
-- Detroit won its last three home games (3-3 HF, 3-0 last three).
-- Hawks won three of last four home games (4-6HF).
-- Rockets won three of last four games (1-3AU).
-- Cavaliers won five of their last seven games (1-5AF).

Cold teams
-- Nets lost last six road games (6-1 last seven AU). Knicks lost four of their last five games (2-2HF).
-- Suns lost six of their last seven games (1-1AF). Washington is 1-5 in its last six games (2-1HU).
-- Bucks lost seven of last nine games (1-5 last six AU).
-- Lakers lost seven of their last eight games (1-5 last six AU).
-- Dallas lost four of its last six games (4-1HF).
-- Pelicans lost their last four games (1-2HU).

Series records
-- Nets won their last four games with the Knicks.
-- Suns won their last three games with Washington.
-- Bucks won their last four games with Detroit.
-- Lakers won six of last nine games with Atlanta.
-- Rockets won five of last seven games with Dallas.
-- Cavaliers lost seven of last nine games with New Orleans.

Totals
-- Last four Brooklyn games stayed under total.
-- Six of last eight Phoenix games went over total.
-- Last three Milwaukee games stayed under.
-- Three of last four Laker games went over total.
-- Three of last four Dallas games stayed under.
-- Last three Cleveland games stayed under total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'NBA Favorite off blowout loss'

NBA handicapping being very situational it's always prudent to have in your handicapping tool box a list of 'What-2-Watch-4'. One situation that has proven profitable is to 'Play-On' a regular season favorite after a blowout loss (-15 or more points). The logic is pretty simple. We have a team who just got taken behind the woodshed and is still considered good enough to be favored. Not only are these teams typically going to be good, they're also going to be motivated following the beat-down.

Since 2012, favorites in this situation have cashed at a 53.8% clip (198-160-10 ATS). Not exactly the Midas Touch of NBA betting but a winner none the less. However, we can improve the hit rate to 60.6% (66-40-3 ATS) if we focus solely on a road favorite off a blowout loss.

Perhaps the best situation to keep an eye out for is to 'Play-On' a regular season road favorite off a -15 or more point loss playing a conference opponent off a win. It won't pop up often but given the hit rate paying attention can pay off handsomely. The situation has certainly passed the test of time, since 2010 these motivated road favorites have been consistent winners cashing 68.6% of tickets (24-11 ATS) including a sparkling 15-5 ATS (75.0%) streak against the betting line since 2012.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'NBA Betting: Double Disadvantage'

It's understood that NBA teams have to play a lot of back-to-back games and are at a disadvantage when facing a rested team. Playing a game the night after taking part in an NBA overtime contest is an even bigger disadvantage. This NBA hoops double disadvantage is clearly noted by the fact that since the start of the 2013-14 season teams in the situation win at a lowly 37.0% clip (17-29 SU).

As you see, playing without rest after an overtime game the previous night is not something that most players care to take part in. However, there is a spot where players are willing to keep pedal-to-metal rewarding backers. And, that's if they lost in the previous night's overtime game. That's confirmed by our trusted NBA number crunching machine telling us the unrested team off a overtime loss cashes at a solid 63.6% rate (14-8 ATS) split between 4-2 ATS as chalk, 10-6 ATS as underdogs. It won't pop up often but given the hit rate paying attention can pay off handsomely.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Flash (3-3) at Terrapins (6-1)

Date: December 04, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

Maryland coach Mark Turgeon had an even greater admiration for his team after its latest game even though the second-ranked Terrapins suffered their first loss.

They'll look to bounce back Friday night against St. Francis (Pa.) while preparing for another significant nonconference matchup.

Maryland (6-1) made a season-high 12 3-pointers and shot at least 50.0 percent overall for the fourth consecutive game Tuesday, but couldn't overcome 22 turnovers in an 89-81 defeat at No. 9 North Carolina. The Tar Heels turned those miscues into 21 points while shooting 53.2 percent and hitting nine of 13 from beyond the arc.

Melo Trimble had 23 points and a career-high 12 assists for his third career double-double, but set an unwanted personal high with eight turnovers in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge loss. Rasheed Sulaimon had 18 points and five 3-pointers, one shy of matching his career high.

"I was really proud of our guys," Turgeon said. "I told our guys after the game: I don't like our team; I love our team. And I didn't love our team until tonight. It sounds funny. We were 6-0, and we lost the game, but my guys showed me a lot tonight."

Turgeon's squad faces another test against Connecticut in the Jimmy V Classic in New York on Tuesday.

First, Maryland will try to secure an 18th consecutive home win and drop the Red Flash (3-3) to 0-4 on the road. St. Francis opened with an 87-56 loss at then-No. 19 Notre Dame on Nov. 13 and has dropped its last four games against ranked opponents by an average of 37.5 points.

The Red Flash have shot a combined 35.9 percent in their three road games, compared with 45.0 at home. They hit 45.8 percent in an 84-73 win over Lehigh on Wednesday.

Leading scorer Ben Millaud-Meunier (13.5 points per game) had a team-high 18 and freshman guard Isaiah Blackmon contributed 16, giving him 33 points in his past two games. Blackmon averaged 9.0 points in his first three collegiate contests.

"It's always a good opportunity to play a team as talented as Maryland," senior forward Ronnie Drinnon told the school's official website. "The thing is, we have to go in there, play together, defend and limit their second chances on the offensive glass. We're going to go in and give them our all."

Maryland won the only meeting between the schools Dec. 30, 1955.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Ducks (6-0) at Rebels (6-1)

Date: December 04, 2015 11:00 PM EDT

Oregon might be undefeated, but there's more than one reason for coach Dana Altman to be concerned heading into its initial game away from home.

Looking to go 7-0 for the second time in three seasons, the No. 15 Ducks face a UNLV team that's off to a solid start Friday night at the MGM Garden Arena.

Oregon averaged 78.8 points, shot 46.6 percent and held its opponents to 38.5-percent shooting from the floor while opening with six consecutive wins at Matthew Knight Arena.

"We've definitely made progress," Altman said.

In addition to being outrebounded by Arkansas State and Fresno State in the last two games, the Ducks' average of 17.0 turnovers is among the highest in the nation.

"We've got a lot of things to work on," Altman said. "Our ball-handling has got to improve tremendously."

For the third time already, the Ducks also allowed a sizable second-half cushion to almost slip away in Monday's 78-73 win over Fresno. They led by 12 at the break and by 19 with just over 14 minutes to play, but the Bulldogs shot 50 percent in the second half to outscore them by seven and make things interesting.

Oregon held a 16-point advantage in the second half of a 74-67 win over then-No. 20 Baylor on Nov. 16 and led by 10 with 5:01 left in beating Valparaiso 73-67 six days later.

"I'd like to finish games stronger," Altman said.

The Ducks will likely need a more complete effort to remain undefeated as the they play the first of three consecutive games away from the home. They should expect a stiff test against UNLV (6-1), which lost by two against UCLA in its opener of the Maui Invitational but beat then-No. 13 Indiana 72-69 two days later.

"We have a very difficult challenge against Oregon, but I'm excited moving forward," UNLV coach Dave Rice said.

Junior Ben Carter should have some extra incentive after he averaged 2.5 points and 2.4 rebounds over 62 games while playing his first two years at Oregon before transferring to UNLV following the 2013-14 season. He scored 12 points off the bench for the Ducks in their 83-79 win over the then-No. 18 Rebels in the most recent meeting Nov. 23, 2012.

Averaging 8.7 points and 6.1 rebounds, Carter has scored 26 points coming off the bench in the last two games.

"Obviously I've been looking forward to this," he said. "But I am going to go in with the same mentality I go into every game. Do whatever I can for our team and do whatever it takes to win.

"At the end of the day it's another opportunity for us to play against a ranked opponent."

Sophomore guard Patrick McCaw is shooting 21 of 45 from 3-point range and averages 19 points to lead four Rebels scoring in double figures. Freshman forward Derrick Jones has been a pleasant surprise averaging 13 points off the bench for a team that's putting up 83.6 per game.

They'll try to contain Oregon sophomore Dillon Brooks (13.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg), who recorded 21 points and 10 rebounds against Fresno State for his second double-double in the last three games.

"You have to have somebody make some plays," Altman said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Friday's games..........

Pitt won its last 13 games with Duquesne, with last five all by 11+; Pitt lost first game of year to Purdue Tuesday, after scoring 91 ppg in three D-I wins before that. Panthers are shooting 42.3% from arc (#17). Dukes are 6-1 with wins over Milwaukee/WKU; they're shooting 60.7% inside arc, have #5 eFG% in country. ACC neutral country favorites are 8-10.

Kansas State is 5-1 with a 10-point loss to North Carolina; they haven't beaten anyone of note; Wildcats lost 50-46 at home to Georgia LY, going 1-14 on arc- this is their first true road game. Georgia is 3-2 after an 86-82 win over Oakland Tuesday; Dawgs turn ball over 19.9% of time, they've lost to two best teams they play- best win was over #129 High Point.

Young Wake Forest is 5-2; none of their wins are by more than 8 points; Deacons were in Maui last week, New Jersey Monday, now are home to face team that waxed them 83-53 LY in Fayetteville. Arkansas split first six games, with losses by 8-10-3 points; their wins are over teams ranked #240/310. Razorbacks are shooting 42.5% from arc (#25).

Northern Illinois is 7-0 against 4th-easiest schedule in country; best win was they won only road game 66-59 at Idaho. 3-3 Missouri lost three of last four games; their best win was over #193 Wofford; all three Mizzou losses came to teams in top 80. SEC home favorites are 13-9 vs spread. MAC road underdogs are 4-8 against the spread.

Big West teams are 8-3 vs WCC this year, 10-1 vs spread, 5-0 as a fave. Cal-Irvine lost two of three in Fullerton last week- they won only true road game by point at UCF. Home side won both series games last two years. Pacific is 0-5 vs D-I teams, losing to Nevada/Fullerton in couple home games. WCC underdogs are 8-14 vs spread, 0-2 at home.

UNLV is 6-1 with best wins over Indiana/Cal Poly; this game is at MGM Grand Arena, not UNLV's arena- about two miles away. Ben Carter, one of Rebels' best players, is Oregon transfer. Ducks are 6-0 with six wins at home- they've beaten Baylor/Valpo. Oregon is forcing turnovers 23.2% of time- they play their conference tournament on this floor every March.

Manhattan won three of last four games with Siena, sweeping Saints LY by 8-6 points; their win here LY was its first in last eight regular season trips to Albany. Siena is 4-3; their last three games either went OT or were decided by a point- they blew game 81-80 at Cornell, after leading by 14 in second half. Manhattan is 1-3; three giys played 40:00 in their last game- they only used seven players- the 7th played 9:00.

AJ English was 13-19 on arc in Iona's 101-77 win vs Fairfield Tuesday, in first MAAC game of year. Gaels won 12 of last 13 games vs Marist, winning last six visits here, three by 5 or less points. Iona is 2-2, losing road games at Valpo/Oregon State- they scored 96.5 ppg in last two wins. Marist is 1-3, losing by 7 to Kent State, best team they've played.

Rider won last four games vs Fairfield, winning by 9-16 in last two visits to Nutmeg State; Broncs are 1-6 this year, losing road games by 13-8-25 points- they've turned ball over 21.2% of time, are shooting 30% on arc. Stags are 3-4, 2-0 at home, with both home wins in OT, over Columbia, Sacred Heart. Fairfield turned ball over 20.6% of time (#273).

Monmouth is 4-2, jumping from #186 to #101 with wins over ND, USC and UCLA; Hawks won last four games with Canisius, beating Griffins three times LY, by 5-4-6 points- they've got true road wins at Drexel and UCLA. Canisius is 2-3, losing last two games to St Bona/Buffalo by 4-2 points. Griffins' two wins are over teams ranked #215/295.

Quinnipiac won four of five games with Niagara, losing 105-100 here in OT LY; Bobcats are 2-3 with best win over #270 Holy Cross- they are shooting 36.7% inside arc (#345). Niagara are 2-5 with best wins ve #255 Brown- they're turning ball over 21.1% of time, shooting 28.1% on arc. Quinnipiac is blocking over 20% of opponents' shots, #1 in country.

North Dakota State is 3-2 vs D-I teams, losing to Illinois/Iowa St- their best win is over #177 Cal-Davis. Bison are shooting 29.8% on arc (#279) Arkansas State is 1-5 vs D-I teams, winning only home game vs Jackson State by 9. Red Wolves' coach is already quitting after season; they're #38 in experience, but overscheduled. Sun Belt underdogs are 12-15.

San Francisco won its last five games with Montana; three of five wins were by 3 or less points. Dons are 4-3 this year, splitting pair of games on road, winning by 3 at UIC, losing by 7 at Fresno. Montana won its opener over Boise State, then lost next three D-I games by 3-20-6- they are shooting 18.9% from arc, 2nd-worst in country. WCC teams are 3-3 vs Big Sky, 1-3 vs spread when favored.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds: Friday, December 4 2015 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

I don't want to call it a changing of the guard on Friday night in New Orleans, but it might be something in that ballpark when the Cavaliers visit the Pelicans. Golden State's Steph Curry most likely is going to win a second straight MVP award this season. Cleveland's LeBron James has won four of them but at his age might be done. He was the preseason betting favorite, however. Right behind him was New Orleans' Anthony Davis. The "Brow" is going to win at least one MVP in his career, probably more, and I liked his chances this season. Not going to happen, however, because the Pelicans got off to such a slow start with so many injuries. But Davis is soon to replace James as the NBA's most dominant all-around player, with all due respect to Curry, who is unmatched as a shooter.

Nets at Knicks (-3.5, 194)

This the first of an ESPN doubleheader and should have live betting at sportsbooks. Brooklyn is on its first two-game winning streak of the season, beating the visiting Suns 94-91 on Tuesday for its fourth straight home win; after this quick trip across town, the Nets start a six-game homestand. New York ended a four-game slide with a 99-87 win over the 76ers on Wednesday. New York rookie Kristaps Porzingis had another double-double (nine this season) with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Carmelo Anthony returned from missing a game with an illness but had only 12 points. Brooklyn swept the season series last year 3-0. It was the first time the Knicks were swept by the Nets in a season series since the 2006-07 season (4-0).

Key trends: The Nets are 10-1 against the spread in their past 11 games. The Knicks are 6-1 ATS in their past seven following an ATS win. The "over/under" has gone under in 13 of the past 16 meetings at the Knicks.

Early lean: Knicks and under.

Suns at Wizards (-3, 208.5)

Phoenix lost a second straight Wednesday in Detroit, 127-122 in overtime as the Suns blew a 16-point fourth-quarter lead in the second of a back-to-back. The Suns played without Tyson Chandler (hamstring) and Markieff Morris (bruised knee). Morris is more likely to return for this one. A night after playing great in an upset in Cleveland, the Wizards laid an egg at home vs. the Lakers on Wednesday, losing 108-104. John Wall's 34 points and 11 assists went to waste. Wiz center Nene (calf) missed his third consecutive game but reserve guard Gary Neal (groin) returned after missing two. The Suns won both meetings last season to capture their first two-game sweep in the series since 2010-11. The Suns have won three straight vs. Washington overall.

Key trends: The Suns are 1-6 ATS in their past seven. The over is 8-1 in Washington's past nine at home vs. teams with a losing road record. The under is 5-0 in the past five meetings.

Early lean: Wizards and over.

Bucks at Pistons (-6, 192)

Milwaukee was blown out in San Antonio on Wednesday, 95-70. The Bucks set season lows for points and field-goal percentage (33.8) in falling to 2-8 on the road. Usual starting guard Jerryd Bayless didn't play a minute due to coach's decision. Tyler Ennis started for him. Detroit rallied from a16-ponit hole for a 127-122 OT home win over Phoenix on Wednesday behind 34 points and 16 assists from Reggie Jackson. He's the first Piston with a 30-15 game sine Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas in 1988. Milwaukee won its fourth straight in the series against Detroit with a 109-88 home victory on Nov. 23. Greg Monroe, in his first game against his former club, had 20 points and 13 rebounds. He was one of seven Bucks to score in double figures. Andre Drummond had 15 points and 15 rebounds for Detroit.

Key trends: The Bucks are 7-0 ATS in the past seven meetings. The over is 4-1 in the previous five in Detroit.

Early lean: Bucks and under.

Lakers at Hawks (-11.5, 203.5)

Los Angeles won in Washington on Wednesday and Kobe Bryant played his best game of the season with 31 points and had the Wizards crowd cheering for him at the end. Julius Randle had 15 points and a career-best 19 rebounds for the Lakers, who ended a seven-game losing streak. Lakers guard Nick Young didn't play after mouthing off following Tuesday's loss to the 76ers. Atlanta lost 96-86 at home to Toronto on Wednesday, blowing a 17-point lead. The Hawks had won 35 straight at home when leading entering the fourth quarter. Might surprise you to know the Lakers actually split with the Hawks last season and won in Atlanta, 114-109. But that was in mid-November before the Hawks took off and won 60 games.

Key trends: The Lakers are 1-10 ATS in their past 11 following an ATS win. Atlanta is 4-0 ATS in its past four after a loss. The under is 10-4 in L.A.'s past 14.

Early lean: Lakers cover and under.

Rockets at Mavericks (-6.5, 209.5)

Houston beat New Orleans 108-101 on Wednesday. Ty Lawson, who had been barely playing since being benched, had 12 points and six assists. The Rockets rallied from a 14-point hole. Dallas won 115-112 in overtime at Portland on Tuesday. Deron Williams had a season-high 30 points. The Mavs were down seven with 1:40 left. Dallas won in Houston 110-98 on Nov. 14 despite playing without Dirk Nowitzki, Chandler Parsons and Wesley Matthews. Raymond Felton led Dallas with 23 points. James Harden was only 5-for-21 for Houston, which didn't have Dwight Howard. The Mavs have won two of the past three meetings after losing three in a row prior to that.

Key trends: The home team is 12-5 ATS in the past 17 meetings. The over is 5-2 in Houston's past seven after a win.

Early lean: Rockets and over.

Cavaliers at Pelicans (+6, 204.5)

Second of the ESPN doubleheader and should thus have live betting. Cleveland is likely to play pretty angry after being dominated at home on Tuesday in a 12-point loss to Washington as the Cavs didn't have any answers for the Wizards' small-ball lineup. LeBron had nine turnovers in the game. New Orleans lost its fourth straight in blowing a 14-point lead in Houston on Wednesday. Davis had 29 points and 13 rebounds. The Pelicans committed 23 turnovers that led to 27 points for Houston. These teams split two very high-scoring games last year, each winning at home. Davis was pretty quiet, averaging 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. LeBron averaged a team-high 36.5 points on .634 shooting from the floor, 8.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists.

Key trends: Cleveland is 0-6 ATS in its past six road games vs. teams with a losing home record. The Pelicans are 3-12 ATS in their past 15 after a loss. The over is 5-1 in the previous six meetings.

Early lean: Pelicans and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF Championship Game Notes

Week 14 of the college football season will be highlighted with eight championship games on tap. The action starts Friday with the MAC and concludes Saturday with seven more championships.

Check out the matchups, odds and betting notes on all seven games below.

MAC Championship - Bowling Green vs. Northern Illinois
Date: Friday, Dec. 4 (ESPN2, 8:00 p.m.)
Venue: Ford Field
Location: Detroit, Michigan

Odds: Bowling Green opened as a nine-point favorite.

Betting Notes and Trends

-- Friday’s matchup will be the 19th MAC Championship.

-- This will be the sixth straight year that Northern Illinois will be making an appearance in the title game.

-- Norther Illinois and Bowling Green will be meeting for the third consecutive season in the title game. The Huskies captured a 51-17 win last season while the Falcons captured a 47-27 win in the 2013 championship.

-- The ‘over’ has cashed in all three games during this span.

-- Underdogs have gone 11-7 against the spread in the MAC title game.

-- Bowling Green went 6-1 on the road this season, 5-2 ATS. The lone loss coming in Week 1 against SEC foe Tennessee, 59-30.

-- NIU lost its first three road games, but won its final three as visitors. The Huskies went 1-2 SU and 3-0 ATS as underdogs this season and the losses came to Power-5 schools in Ohio State (20-13) and Boston College (17-14).

Preseason Future Odds to win the MAC
Northern Illinois 7/2
Bowling Green 4/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MAC Championship
By Brian Edwards

Matchup: Bowling Green vs. Northern Illinois
Date: Friday, Dec. 4
Time/TV: 8:00 p.m. ET - ESPN2
Venue: Ford Field
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Line, Total: Falcons -12.5, 69.5

Bowling Green and Northern Illinois are set to collide Friday night at Ford Field in Detroit for the MAC Championship Game. The Huskies won the MAC West for the sixth straight season, while the Falcons took the East for a third consecutive year.

This is essentially a rubber match after these schools split the last two meetings in Motown, blowing out the other in 2013 and ’14. When Dave Clawson was at the helm for Bowling Green, his team blasted the Huskies by a 47-27 count as a four-point underdog. Then last year, NIU returned the favor by smashing the Falcons 51-17 as a 6.5-point ‘chalk.’

As of Thursday, most books had Bowling Green (9-3 straight up, 9-3 against the spread) installed as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 69.5points. The Huskies were +385 on the money line (risk $100 to win $385).

Bowling Green is dealing with the distraction of its head coach being courted by a number of schools over the last week. As of Thursday, Dino Babers was considered in the mix for a number of jobs, including the Syracuse gig.

Babers’ team is led by senior quarterback Matt Johnson, who leads the nation in passing yards (4,465) and is second in touchdown passes (41). He has only been intercepted six times this year and his career touchdown-to-interception ratio is 68/14. Johnson has rushed for 149 yards and four TDs.

Johnson’s favorite target is sophomore WR Roger Lewis, who was a first-team All-MAC selection as a true freshman last year when he had 73 receptions for 1,093 yards and seven TDs. In 2015, Lewis has made 76 catches for 1,401 yards and 14 TDs. Gehrig Dieter has 82 receptions for 882 yards and nine TDs, while Ronnie Moore has hauled in 62 catches for 815 yards and five TDs.

Babers also has a pair of quality running backs at his disposal. Travis Greene has run for 1,036 yards and 12 TDs while averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Fred Coppet has 712 rushing yards and four TDs with a 5.9 YPC average.

Bowling Green is fourth in the nation in scoring, averaging 44.2 points per game. The Falcons rank third in the country in total offense (566 yards per game) and passing yards (387.8 YPG). On the flip side, they are 90th in total defense, 101st in pass defense, 64th in run defense and 74th in scoring defense (27.8 PPG).

No. Illinois (8-4 SU, 7-3-2 ATS) saw its six-game winning streak snapped last Tuesday when it was upset by Ohio 26-21 as an 11-point home favorite. The Huskies had compiled a 5-0-1 spread record during their six-game surge. Nevertheless, they won the four-way tiebreaker between Toledo, Central Michigan and Western Michigan to take the MAC West title.

NIU finds itself in a rich underdog spot because of injuries at the QB position. Star Drew Hare suffered a season-ending injury in the first half of road game at Toledo in early November. Nevertheless, the Huskies were still able to capture a 37-32 win over the Rockets at The Glass Bowl.

Graham went down with a leg injury against the Bobcats last week. He is listed as ‘questionable’ but is expected to be available although Rod Carey has already given the starting nod to true freshman Tommy Fiedler, who hadn’t taken a collegiate snap until last week.

Filling in for Graham against Ohio, Fiedler completed 9-of-17 throws for 113 yards and one TD without an interception. He also rushed three times for 20 yards. When asked by the media this week if he expected to be starting in the MAC Championship Game, Fiedler said, “Not this year.”

NIU lost a pair of one-possession games in non-conference play, losing 20-13 at Ohio St. and 17-14 at Boston College. The Huskies have thrived as underdogs since 2005, compiling a 23-10 spread record. They are 3-0 ATS as ‘dogs this season and 6-2 ATS since Carey took over in 2013.

Look for Carey’s offense to lean on junior RB Joel Bouagnon, who has rushed for 1,213 yards and 18 TDs while averaging 4.6 YPC. Jordan Huff should get plenty of touches as well. The sophomore speedster has 617 rushing yards and eight TDs to go with an 8.1 YPC average.

Kenny Golladay, a junior who transferred in from North Dakota, has emerged as the team’s best pass catcher. Golladay has 70 receptions for 1,107 yards and 10 TDs. Tommylee Lewis has 33 catches for 387 yards and three TDs, but he’s missed three straight games with an ankle injury that has him listed as ‘questionable’ for Friday night.

The defense will be without junior DT Corey Thomas, who went down with a season-ending injury two weeks ago. Thomas had made 26 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Bowling Green lost three starters, including its place-kicker and OT Christian Piazza, to season-ending injuries earlier this year. However, the Falcons have no new injuries and come to Motown healthy.

Bowling Green has been money as a double-digit favorite, posting a perfect 5-0 spread record in those situations. The Falcons played a quality non-conference schedule, winning at Maryland (48-27) and at Purdue (35-28). They lost at home to Memphis by a 44-41 count in a thriller and also dropped a 59-30 decision at Tennessee in the season opener However, we should note that Babers’ squad trailed just 35-27 late in the third quarter at Neyland Stadium.

Totals have been an overall wash (6-6) for No. Illinois, but it has seen the ‘under’ cash in back-to-back games and three of its last four. The Huskies have seen their games average combined scores of 59.4 points per game. They have had only one total in the 70s, with the ‘over’ appearing in a 57-26 win over Murray St. that saw the 83 combined points eclipse the 77-point tally.

Totals have also been an overall wash (6-6) for Bowling Green, but it has watched the ‘under’ hit in three straight outings and four of its last five. The ‘under’ has gone 4-3 in the Falcons’ seven games with totals in the 70s. They have seen their games average combined scores of 71.9 PPG.

Kickoff is slated for 8:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2.

History

MAC Championship History
Year Location Matchup Line Score ATS Result
2015 Detroit NIU-Bowling Green - - -
2014 Detroit NIU-Bowling Green NIU -5 (64) NIU 51-17 Favorite-Over
2013 Detroit NIU-Bowling Green NIU -3 (58) BG 47-27 Underdog-Over
2012 Detroit NIU-Kent State NIU -5 (60) NIU 44-37 (2OT) Favorite-Over
2011 Detroit NIU-Ohio NIU -3.5 (71) NIU 23-20 Underdog-Under
2010 Detroit NIU-Miami (Ohio) NIU -18.5 (55) Miami (Ohio) 26-21 Underdog-Under
2009 Detroit Ohio-C. Michigan C. Michigan -14 (55.5) CMU 20-10 Underdog-Under
2008 Detroit Ball State-Buffalo Ball State -15 (63.5) Buffalo 42-24 Underdog-Over
2007 Detroit C. Michigan-Miami (Ohio) C. Michigan -3 (63.5) CMU 35-10 Favorite-Under
2006 Detroit Ohio-C. Michigan C. Michigan -3 (47) CMU 31-10 Favorite-Under
2005 Detroit Akron-NIU NIU -13 (54) Akron 31-30 Underdog-Over
2004 Detroit Toledo-Miami (Ohio) Miami (Ohio) -1 (65) Toledo 35-27 Underdog-Under
2003 Detroit Bowling Green-Miami (Ohio) Miami (Ohio) -7 (57) Miami (Ohio) 49-27 Favorite-Over
2002 Huntington Marshall-Toledo Marshall -3.5 (62.5) Marshall 49-45 Favorite-Over
2001 Toledo Toledo-Marshall Marshall -3 (62.5) Toledo 41-36 Underdog-Over
2000 Huntington Marshall-W. Michigan W. Michigan -6.5 (52) Marshall 19-14 Underdog-Under
1999 Huntington Marshall-W. Michigan Marshall -20.5 (57) Marshall 34-30 Underdog-Over
1998 Huntington, Marshall-Toledo Marshall -12 (49) Marshall 23-17 Underdog-Under
1997 Huntington Marshall-Toledo Marshall -1 (53) Marshall 34-14 Favorite-Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's MAC Championship

NORTHERN ILLINOIS HUSKIES (8-4) vs. BOWLING GREEN FALCONS (11-1)

Ford Field - Detroit, MI
Kickoff: Friday, 8:00 p.m. ET
Line: Bowling Green -12.5, Total: 70

Northern Illinois and Bowling Green will play in the MAC Championship for the third straight season when the schools collide Friday in Detroit.

In the 2013 conference title game, the Falcons were tabbed as a slight 3-point underdog and recorded a 47-27 blowout, but the Huskies returned the favor in last year's championship with an even more lopsided 51-17 result.

Northern Illinois (8-3-1 ATS) has been playing great football lately with six wins in the past seven games, but the one defeat was a shocking 26-21 loss to double-digit underdog Ohio in the regular-season finale on Nov. 24. Because of injuries to its top two quarterbacks, true freshman QB Tommy Fiedler is expected to start on Friday.

Bowling Green (9-3 ATS) also had a recent surprising loss when it fell 44-28 at home to 8-point underdog Toledo on Nov. 17, but closed out the regular season with a 48-10 blowout win over Ball State.

These teams are meeting for the 10th time since 1997 with the Huskies holding a slight 5-4 SU advantage and the Falcons keeping an even 4-4-1 ATS mark. There are more betting trends expecting Bowling Green to win big on Friday, as the school is 8-0 ATS after a conference win by 21+ points in the past three seasons and 11-1 ATS under head coach Dino Babers after gaining 6.25+ yards per play in its previous game.

However, bettors expecting a single-digit margin can point to Northern Illinois going 8-1 ATS in non-home games after playing Under the total in the past two years and its 37-17 ATS mark versus teams with 60+ penalty YPG since 1992.

On the injury front, the Falcons are in great shape with no significant ailments, while the Huskies will be without top QB Drew Hare (leg, out for season) and probably No. 2 QB Ryan Graham (leg), who is listed as highly questionable. They also lost DL Corey Thomas (knee) for the season last game and No. 2 WR Tommylee Lewis (387 rec yds) is listed as questionable with an ankle injury.

If freshman QB Ryan Graham (48-of-81, 653 yds, 8.1 YPA, 6 TD, 3 INT) isn't able to return from a leg injury he suffered when he took a sack against Ohio, third-string QB Tommy Fiedler will get his first career start. Although very green as a true freshman, the left-hander stands tall at 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds and was decent against Ohio last week in completing 9-of-17 passes for 113 yards (6.5 YPA), 1 TD and 0 INT. Fiedler also carried the football three times for 20 yards.

Whomever is throwing the football will continue to use junior WR Kenny Golladay (70 rec, 1,107 yds, 10 TD) as the top target.

The Huskies have been a strong offensive team this season with 34.6 PPG on 441 total YPG, and not all the pressure is on the quarterback because of a productive ground game that eats up 213 YPG on 4.4 YPC.

In last year's conference championship, NIU steamrolled Bowling Green for 334 rushing yards on 6.5 YPC and four touchdowns. RB Joel Bouagnon had 57 yards on just nine carries (6.3 YPC) in that win, and he has been the main back this season with a hefty 1,212 yards on 4.6 YPC with 18 touchdowns. But after rushing for at least 85 yards in six straight games, he has been limited to 107 yards on 37 carries (2.9 YPC) over the past two weeks.

The Northern Illinois defense has been average this season in allowing 24.8 PPG on 392 total YPG, but the numbers are actually better away from home (22.5 PPG on 345 total YPG). The team allows 159 rushing YPG on 3.8 YPC, and 233 passing YPG on 6.3 YPA and 56% completions. Turnovers have also been key, as the Huskies have multiple takeaways in four straight games and the Falcons committed five turnovers just two games ago.

Despite Bowling Green's five giveaways in the loss to Toledo, the team has turned the football over only six times in the other 11 games combined. This ball protection has led to stellar offensive numbers of 44.2 PPG and 566 total YPG this season.

While the team has a quality rushing attack with 178 YPG on 4.6 YPC, the Falcons prefer to air out the football with 388 passing YPG on 8.9 YPA. Senior QB Matt Johnson has completed 69% of his passes this year for 4,465 yards (9.0 YPA), 41 TD and only six interceptions. He was injured for last season's MAC title game, but in 2013 he torched the Huskies in capturing the conference crown by completing 21-of-27 throws for 393 yards and five touchdowns with no picks.

His top target this season has been sophomore WR Roger Lewis (76 rec, 1,401 yds, 14 TD) who has seven 100-yard games, including three for 200+ yards. But in the past two games, Lewis has been limited to 45.5 receiving YPG as defenses try to take him out of the equation. That has allowed junior WR Gehrig Dieter to see a ton of targets, as Dieter has 24 receptions for 184 yards and 4 TD in the past two games.

On the ground, the Falcons rely most heavily on the tandem of RBs Travis Greene (1,036 rush yds, 5.7 YPC, 12 TD) and Fred Coppet (712 rush yds, 5.9 YPC, 4 TD). Greene was the lone offensive bright spot in the loss to NIU last season when he rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries (5.8 YPC).

The Bowling Green defense gives up 27.7 PPG on 422 total YPG, but those numbers are significantly better against MAC foes (21.9 PPG on 394 total YPG). The team allows 167 YPG on 4.1 YPC on the ground, while surrendering a beefier 255 YPG on 6.7 YPA through the air. This is a very opportunistic unit though, as it has racked up 16 takeaways over the past seven contests, and is facing an NIU team with multiple giveaways in seven different games this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF

This week's games.........

Bowling Green-Northern Illinois are in MAC title game for third year in row; teams split last two years. Huskies won 51-17 LY, lost 47-27 year before; NIU was favered in both of those games. Bowling Green is 8-1 in its last nine games overall, covering seven of last eight- they scored 49.7 ppg in last seven games. NIU won six of last seven games; they're 3-0 as an underdog. Favorites are 31-19 vs spread in MAC games rhis year.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF Tech Trends - Week 14
By Bruce Marshall

Friday, Dec. 4

Matchup Skinny Edge

NORTHERN ILLINOIS vs. BOWLING GREEN
BGSU has won eight of last nine SU this season and is 8-2-1 last eleven vs. line. NIU had won and covered six in a row before running into Frank Solich last week. Huskies 3-0 as dog TY and 12-5 in role since 2010. Third straight MAC title game between these sides that have split last two in blowouts.

Slight to Bowling Green, based on recent trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Dayton Raceway

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 12 - Post: 10:15 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 87 - Purse:$12000 - FILLIES & MARES OPEN HCP. POST POSITION 9 ASSIGNED DAYTON RACEWAY


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 ROCKIN GOOD 3/1


# 2 BUCKEYE THEA 5/2


# 1 ALBANIAN ERA 6/1


The consensus in this event is that ROCKIN GOOD is the one to beat. Could provide us a victory based on respectable recent speed ratings - earning an avg of 90. Take a long look at making this horse your win wager based on very high win percent alone. Chances are greatly enhanced for contenders beginning from the 3 post at Dayton Raceway. BUCKEYE THEA - This solid standardbred looks very good. Look at the 88 average TrackMaster Speed Rating. With a 87 average class rating, this entrant has one of the best class advantages in the bunch. ALBANIAN ERA - This trainer, and the driver Smith, go together like Sonny and Cher. Their results together are top notch. Most definitely think these two have something special. Zink sending the horse out means a very good chance to get the triumph.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Woodbine

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 9 - Post: 10:10 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$18000 - NW 2


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 MARQUIS VOLO 2/1


# 6 FLEET BUMBLEBEE 4/1


# 2 KAMIKAZE LINDY 7/1


Look no further than MARQUIS VOLO as the wager in this one. The group saw this horse's name in a comic strip. Call it our coffee house play, worth a small wager. Has competitive TrackMaster SRs and definitely has to be considered for a bet in this event. Many race players strongly consider this gelding on the driver/trainer rankings alone. FLEET BUMBLEBEE - Had one of the strongest TrackMaster Speed Ratings of the bunch in his last contest. A good idea to use in your bets. Respectable driver/trainer, winning 21 percent of the time. Is tough to overlook as a strong wager. KAMIKAZE LINDY - This colt getting the trip to the winner's circle wouldn't be impossible, a chance. The knowledge group knows that speed is King in harness racing. This contender will unlock our way to a nice win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Charles Town

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 7 - Allowance - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $27000 Class Rating: 88

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, WAIVER CLAIMING OR STATE BRED RACES OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE NOVEMBER 4 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 4 ALLOWED 4 LBS. W V A


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 11 CONCORDE'S MARCH 4/1


# 4 RAZZLE DAZZLE MAN 3/1


# 8 GUARD THE ROCK 15/1


I've got to go with CONCORDE'S MARCH. Potts has him trained soundly to break rapidly out of the gate. Should definitely be given consideration in this race if only for the very strong speed rating put up in the last outing. Should keep the strong string of finishing positions intact today. RAZZLE DAZZLE MAN - Exhibits the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 78 speed fig which is one of the top in this group of animals. Always good to invest in a trainer with this kind of formidable win percentage - 34 percent - at this distance & surface.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Golden Gate Fields - Race #7 - Post: 3:44pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 72

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 DESERT MOON (ML=5/1)
#9 ATACAMA DESERT (ML=9/2)
#3 PURPLE INDY (ML=7/2)


DESERT MOON - Morey drops him down to this level. You don't need too much more information to believe this one has a shot at this level. This gelding is rounding his way back into shape. Should run well today. Dropping 6 pounds from last race. Could be a deciding factor today. ATACAMA DESERT - Gelding has shown some pace. This shorter distance should be better for him. When Miranda gives Russell 'The Muscle' Baze a leg up on any mount, you know full well that with their win percentage you have much more than a fighting chance. Miranda brings him back again. I propose you stay with this strong gelding. Trainer, Miranda, has been deliberate with this gelding off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today. PURPLE INDY - Hernandez and Moger partnered together are a punter's friend. I really like that most recent effort on Nov 13th at Golden Gate Fields where he ended up second. The last speed figure of 68 is the top last race speed rating in the group.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 HOTNABLE (ML=6/1), #7 SACRIFICIAL ACTION (ML=8/1),

HOTNABLE - Would have to improve off that fourth place finish last time out to make an impact here. Hasn't hit the board in any short distance affairs of late. Unlikely to see him doing it this time either. SACRIFICIAL ACTION - This horse likes to be there at the wire, but doesn't usually finish first. Don't put in the top spot. When looking at today's Equibase class figure, he will have to earn a much better speed fig than in the last race to compete in this dirt sprint.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #5 DESERT MOON on the win end if we get at least 2/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
5 with [3,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,5,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPER HIGH FIVE WAGERS:
None