Friday 3/20/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #6 - 3:45 PM

8.0 FURLONGS FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STARTER ALLOWANCE $50,000.00 PURSE

#5 PRIZE TAKER
#8 TOO GOOD TO B TRUE
#7 VIOLINIST
#1 MY ONE AND ONLY

#5 PRIZE TAKER is the overall speed leader in this allowance field racing at today's distance of a mile on the dirt, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in each of her last three outings. #8 TOO GOOD TO B TRUE, a 12-1 BOMB, has produced a quartet of "POWER RUNS" in her last five outings, #7 VIOLINIST, a 5-1 shot, is the pace profile leader in this field, and has hit the board in two of her four career starts to date, including a win to break her maiden in her last "adventure."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Friday 3/20 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

2,7,10/8/7,8,9/3,8,9 = $27

MEET STATS: 113 - 343 / $608.50 BEST BETS: 15 - 33 / $84.50

SPOT PLAYS: 6 - 32 / $59.20

Best Bet: VELOCITY LANA (5th)

Spot Play: PINOT GRIGIO (8th)


Race 1

(4) AFTER ALIMONY drops back to a class where she last won on February 27 at big odds. There doesn't appear too many early leavers in this field and she may be able to control things throughout. (3) WINDSONG JACOBA is one of few foes that also possesses some early foot and this mare could be poised to strike out of the pocket turning home. (7) BOAT HOUSE ROW dropped to this class last time and was much more aggressive which produced a better result. She fits here.

Race 2

(2) EXEMPLAR was so hot in February that he raced as an odds-on favorite in the top class. Gait issues in two straight however necessitated him having to requalify. He will be a big favorite here and win if he stays flat - for which there is no guarantee. This looks like a race to tread lightly any way you play it. (1) ARCTIC TALE missed almost a month of action after upsetting at 20/1 in his penultimate start. He could go much better back in action in 6 days. (8) POWER MOVE has been the model of consistency this winter despite changing hands frequently. He is most likely to capitalize if the top two falter.

Race 3

(9) TAROT has been flawless since joining Tyrrell's stable and last week showed a new dimension by finishing quickly for the first time. Catch him to visit the cashier. (8) FASHION GODDESS produced a much better effort leading to an easy win last week - as did many of Ballargeon's pupils. Beware the suddenly-hot barn that had been cold for the entire meet virtually previously. (10) STAR OF THUNDER has shown much-improved late speed in both starts for Moreau. He is an exotics threat even from out here.

Race 4

(10) BADLANDS LOVE is again entered in a claimer by Moreau who looks to capitalize on her good form entering her in fields where she has an edge. The 10-hole is no picnic in here, but she is priced to win and gets top call vs. these. (7) MAKE WAY has two easy wins in her last three and a loss to the choice. She is the main foe and merits inclusion in the early pick 4. (2) ONE BADLAND NIGHT switches pilots and perhaps Jamieson can ration her speed out better leading to a higher placing.

Race 5

(8) VELOCITY LANA continues to show improvement every week and should make short work of these as tonight's Best Bet. (10) NIPPY W HANOVER was boss in the Miss Vera Bars series but returns from the 10-hole after a 3-week break which makes beating the choice a tough task here. (3) PEPPERMINT PATTI is win-shy but a consistent earner and should get a good piece of this, too.

Race 6

(8) JUSTCALLMERONALD was a nice winner first time for Moreau two back then faced better than these last out and couldn't gain late. He has a much better chance vs. this NW3 group; top call. (7) BAGS FOR ALL dropped out of the General Brock series and trotted to an easy win now has been off for 4 weeks. He hasn't missed the exacta all year and likely won't here either despite the respite. (9) MUSICAL SPELL continues to display good late speed every start. He need only be within striking range at the 3/4 pole to garner a share.

Race 7

(8) GIVE ME AN AMEN returned from a break with a tightener in the F & M Preferred and gets to face mostly easier here after missing a check. Expect her to be much more forwardly-placed early. (3) ROCK N ROLL EXAMPLE closed like a jet in the final 1/16th last week to get up vs. slightly easier. She can contend here, too, with that kind of late speed. (9) BULLET POINT won easily last time she faced similar and should not be underestimated.

Race 8

(9) PINOT GRIGIO was visibly vaulting past horses late last out while pacing one of the fastest last 1/4s of the night. The switch to Jamieson is a plus and there is every reason to believe she can handle these; top billing. (2) HIGH FASHION MEL paced a very good first-over mile to finish second to a dominant winner and is the obvious main threat. (4) YOUR MY SECRET has had two rough trips in a row from outside posts but can benefit from the move inside and go closer here.

Race 9

(4) REGALLY READY got too much cover to follow last out and by the time she tipped late she just couldn't get to the winner. She is obviously sharp and takes these with a more aggressive steer. (7) MACHYNBYRD PRINCESS lost some of the wind in her sails after being forced first-up but can rebound here from on the lead or out of the pocket. (6) OCEANVIEW BINDI dropped, popped, now steps back up. She is much sharper now and will contend here.

Race 10

(4) PACIFIC WINE gets top call in this head-scratcher of a finale after pacing her best mile of the year last week in this class. (7) AN ANGEL SHES NOT won in a similar class at Flamboro then was beaten only 5 lengths from an outer post in their Mares Preferred. She fits here and can get a good share. (1) JEREMEYES JEWEL has been showing good late speed in her past few starts and can share here if kept close enough early. (6) LIFES CALL put up some big early fractions then faded. She could last longer with a better-rated steer. (8) MACHET ROCKET switches barns off a vet scratch but fits this class and should be closing for a minor share.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 3/20 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

MEET STATS: 129 - 497 / $708.00 BEST BETS: 17 - 41 / $65.40

Best Bet: MODEST PRINCE (8th)

Spot Play: BIG BANG HANOVER (1st)


Race 1

(8) BIG BANG HANOVER comes off a solid second behind a much-the-best winner in his first start since August. Any small step forward makes him the one to beat. (4) STONEHAM has a lifetime mark of 2:04 1/5 but still could be bet off the board in his debut for Burke/Gingras; huge underlay? (2) MUSCULARITY could be a player if ever able to stay trotting in a pari-mutuel race.

Race 2

(1) GLOBAL POWER clearly needed the start coming north from Pompano in Florida. This field severely lacks form and this gelding should be close to the action for capable amateur driver Mitchell Walker. (5) KEYSTONE WALLACE has been a solid check-getter of late here. (3) PERMANENT JOY could blow this field away if he was on his game. Maybe he wakes up? (2) HOMER JAY comes off a decent mile and looks playable underneath in the exotics. (8) MAJESTIC GINGER is more than fast enough to win if he can somehow stay trotting.

Race 3

(5) BLACK MAGIC EYES is clearly in good form and seems versatile enough to show early speed in a field lacking that quality. (6) DREAM'S BAR comes off a good effort and lured David Miller off (1) MISSSOMEBEACH BLUE, who won by seven-plus lengths last time.

Race 4

(4) HELLO MY DREAM is facing easier company this week and could have the opportunity to cut a soft pace. (3) SUMMER SNOW only needs a smooth trip to have a shot at the top prize. (7) PAN LUIS OBISPO sprinted home from the back last week; needs a live flow. (2) HOT LIST tries the big track for Burke.

Race 5

(2) WALLTOCOUSINS couldn't have asked for a much better spot. Veteran gelding should come out no worse than second and sit in prime position. (4) CAVEAT EMPTOR drops into the basement condition and really has no excuses. (8) STARSABOVEALLERAGE is another moving down in class that should show more. (3) DONATO'S WISH moves into a new barn that is having a good meet.

Race 6

(2) WIND OF THE NORTH showed early speed and raced even in the stretch a week ago. He'll need to pick up his game to best the obvious chalk (7) MELADY'S MONET, but at least the price will be right. The latter has won two straight and does seem to mind a tough trip. (6) MASTER OF LAW is hard to leave off your tickets.

Race 7

(1) SCANDALICIOUS raced very well while challenging for the lead last Friday. Four-year-old mare was making her first start in three months and should be tighter now. (5) SOUTHWIND SERENITY displayed clear improvement last time. (2) ADDYS WAY beat the top two a week ago and would be no shock once again. (8) INITTOWINAFORTUNE drops out of the Open and into a much better spot.

Race 8

(3) MODEST PRINCE came back from a six week vacation and wound up over his head against open company. Linda Toscano charge drops down a notch and should take care of business easily enough. (2) TEAM SIX was a decent second versus a fellow class-dropper last time; threat on best. (4) LAUDERDALE has early speed and should get a nice share. (1) MY MUSCLEMAN is another I'm using underneath in my exotics.

Race 9

(2) BALLINEEN closed well from an impossible spot in this class last time. She draws much better this week and was Zeron's choice. (4) BELLA BEA comes over from Yonkers where he had no shot from outside posts. Don't be surprised if he perks up. (3) BROWNSVILLE BOMBER drops down in search of form and might just find it. (6) MOJARRA HANOVER has proven more than capable of bringing a big mile when in cheap.

Race 10

(1) FOR YOU ALMOSTFREE drops back down to the level of his last win and deserves the call. (2) CASHAHALLIC follows the same pattern as the top choice and might offer more value of the two with Smith in the bike. (5) CHINESE CUISINE should flash speed and last for an exotics reward. (10) SWEET JUSTICE is capable of destroying this group and did lure David Miller off my top choice. I'll respect his chances and use on some multi-race tickets. (4) LUKAS HALL is a moment away from a break at any time and this tougher field could stress him into a miscue.

Race 11

(5) CASH FOR GOLD continues to close well and may just be in line for a cover trip at big odds from this post. Or maybe he shows speed and gets involved that way. Either way, he has an outside shot if the favorite has road trouble. (1) OPULENT YANKEE should pushy away from the cones and make a brush to the front; major player. (2A) JL CRUZE is a lock to make the final and gets stuck in post 10. Is he just so much better that he wins regardless of trip? Does he get an easy mile in order to wait for the final? I have enough questions to pass on him at 2-5.

Race 12

(3) FALCOR BLUESTONE has been racing better than his lines show since joining the Harmon barn. Amateur driver Roy Marohn has already shown he knows what he is doing on the track. (5) POUNCE HANOVER comes off a win and has an aggressive driver in the bike. (7) CASANOVA LINDY couldn't be in much better form and rates a huge chance. (2) CURRENT CRISIS has been racing just okay of late, but has one of the top amateur drivers behind the lines.

Race 13

(5) TOP BRAND drops down again after a poor effort due to a tough trip. I'm going to give this gal one more shot. (8) ALWAYS AS FAST raced better than it looks when last here and comes off a confidence-building win at Saratoga. (1) CRAZY ON YOU gets post and class relief. (7) JANIE BAY was flat after missing a few weeks and word has it some equipment changes are coming. (11) BEACH GRANNY moves from the far outside to the second tier.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 3/20 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 37 - 226 / $318.70 BEST BETS: 3 - 19 / $14.10

Best Bet: MAGIC WILL WORK (2nd)

Spot Play: GROUNDED (8th)


Race 1

(6) NOBLES GRAND SLAM fit well in here. Can knock these off with another golden trip. (4) DANISHDUJOUR Speedy pacer will be seeking his second straight score. (8) BAZILLION sent down the road last out for all the glory.

Race 2

(1) MAGIC WILL WORK moves down in class and gets serious post relief; the pick. (3) SIM BROWN should do much better from the 3-hole. (2) ROYAL MALINDA was second best in her last trip.

Race 3

(7) REPORT FOR DUTY N Old pro is very capable of mowing these down. (1) AUTOMATIC SLIMS is clearly knocking at the door; threat. (3) IM THE REAL MAJOR took the pocket route home to victory recently.

Race 4

(2) HANDSOFFMYCOOKIE did not fire in her latest but she can turn things around against this select group. (4) CHARISMA HANOVER rallied strongly for the show spot last time around. (6) YAGONNAKISSMEORNOT has wheeled off two straight victories.

Race 5

(2) CAMILLE She has been very consistent and now she draws much better. Ready to boss these at her best. (1) CAROLSIDEAL leaves from the 8-hole to the fence; main danger. (5) FOR THE LADIES N could land a share.

Race 6

(3) SOMWHEROVRARAINBOW Sharp speed puts this gal right in the mix. With a relaxing trip, it's game over for the rest. (4) MONKEY ON MY WHEEL has scored in her last two; big player. (2) KRISPY APPLE makes her 2015 debut; not out of this.

Race 7

(1) ONE MORE KID If he can revert back to his 3-8 trip, the rest will have to settle for second money. (5) DEWYCOLORINTHELINE got the job done in his last two at Saratoga. (4) LUCKY COLBY Easy score last time out; can't be counted out.

Race 8

(3) GROUNDED is better than her last trip to the post. Pacing mare can put her best foot forward tonight. (8) ROCKAROUND SUE Post hurts, but she is very capable against this group. (5) MARATHON DAY put in a late rally for the show spot last time around.

Race 9

(2) THIRTY TWO RED His last try might be an indication he is ready to fire his best. (1) BE PACIFIC returns to the rail slot and that can help his cause. (4) GRAND MASTER got the job done down the road recently.

Race 10

(2) HANDSOFFMYCUPCAKE moves down the scale and retains the 2-hoie; ready to roll. (6) MAGIC STARLIGHT has sharp speed and is very consistent; big threat. (1) MARTY PARTY Pocket-rocket trip got this guy back into the winner's circle last time out.

Race 11

(5) ITS A MIRACLE showed some speed in her latest and could make tonight a winning one given a golden trip. (1) KEYSTONE WANDA should fare well from the rail slot. (4) OUR ELS DREAM N closed well for the show spot.

Race 12

(4) ROLLWITHITHARRY put in two nice tries and this pacer is very capable of getting the job done. (1) SOURCE OF PRIDE has good early zip and his last two trips to the post makes this guy a big threat. (5) REAL NICE should be right in the thick of it.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Aqueduct (2nd) Canoe Club, 8-1
(4th) Dariel, 6-1

Charles Town (1st) Dynamonds Forever, 4-1
(2nd) Kasa, 4-1


Fair Grounds (4th) Yakov, 4-1
(8th) Timeslikethese, 4-1

Golden Gate Fields (2nd) Awesome Silver, 7-2
(3rd) Neon Blue, 7-2

Gulfstream Park (7th) Wild Force, 3-1
(8th) Northern Call, 5-1

Hawthorne (3rd) Media Star, 7-2
(5th) Meghan's Faith, 4-1


Laurel Park (1st) Brush Creek, 9-2
(4th) Harrythenavigator, 3-1

Oaklawn Park (2nd) Poseidon's Way, 7-2
(3rd) Moon Gun, 9-2

Penn National (4th) Harlington Romance, 4-1
(7th) For Scipion, 3-1

Santa Anita (6th) Pure, 7-2
(8th) Ruby N Diamonds, 4-1


Tampa Bay Downs (5th) Maggie McSwain, 3-1
(7th) Jersey Blue Giant, 4-1


Turfway Park (2nd) Damascene, 3-1
(9th) Borealis Way, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Preview: Wizards (40-28) at Clippers (44-25)

Date: March 20, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

John Wall has achieved some notable firsts this season, including beating Chris Paul for the first time.

The surging Washington Wizards superstar will try to get another victory over Paul and earn his first road win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.

Washington (40-28) has won five straight to move within one game of a season-high run set Dec. 8-19. That streak included a 104-96 home victory over the Clippers (44-25) on Dec. 12 in which Wall finished with 10 points and 11 assists while Paul had 19 and six but also a season high-tying six turnovers.

Although his point total was more than seven below his season average, Wall poked the ball away from Paul and off Paul's leg to win possession for Washington twice in the contest. Paul's teams had been 6-0 against Wall's Wizards.

These point guards like the ball in their hands, with Wall averaging a league-high 8.2 minutes of possession and Paul at 7.8.

Wall has notched other milestones this season, including his first victories over Derrick Rose and first win over Tony Parker and the Spurs. Now he'll try to help the Wizards end a six-game road slide in this series.

The Wizards seem capable of doing it after extending their streak by opening this four-game trip with Wednesday's 88-84 victory over Utah. Wall scored 19 of his 24 points in the second half, and finished with six assists and nine rebounds.

'John was big,' coach Randy Wittman said. 'Made some big plays. Made some big shots. And defended. The whole gamut there."

Wall is averaging 22.4 points and 58.9 percent shooting in the win streak. He sprained his ankle late Wednesday yet stayed in the game.

"I want to play, I want to compete," Wall said. "I tightened my shoe as tight as possible and ran it off."

Paul was similarly spectacular in his last game with 30 points and 11 assists in Wednesday's 116-105 win at Sacramento. He has averaged 23.6 points and 50.0 percent shooting in his last five contests.

J.J. Redick added 27 points, making a season-high seven 3-pointers - five off assists from Paul.

'J.J. is one of the best shooters I've ever played with,' Paul said. 'He's a lights-out shooter.'

The Clippers are 2-1 since Blake Griffin returned from a 15-game absence after surgery to remove a staph infection in his right elbow. Griffin has turned in back-to-back 19-point efforts.

Washington comes to town with a red-hot shooter in Paul Pierce, who has averaged 17.0 points and 62.2 percent shooting in his last four games and made 12 of his last 19 3-pointers.

"I'm only third all-time on the 3-point list or fourth," he joked. "If they're going to leave me open, I'm going to continue to shoot."

Los Angeles is second in the NBA in field-goal percentage at 47.0, with Washington third at 46.8. The Wizards have the edge in defensive field-goal percentage (43.5 to 44.5) and have held their last five opponents to 39.8 percent, with Utah finishing at 41.5.

"It should build our confidence going into it since this is a tough road trip," Pierce said. "It doesn't get any easier, you got the Los Angeles Clippers, who are playing well."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dunkel

NBA


Toronto Raptors
vs
Chicago Bulls

Game 813-814
March 20, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:

Toronto Raptors
117.978
Chicago Bulls
122.113

Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:

Chicago Bulls
by 4
186

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:

Chicago Bulls
by 1 1/2
No Total

Dunkel Pick:

Chicago Bulls
(-1 1/2); N/A



New York Knicks
vs
Philadelphia 76ers

Game 801-802
March 20, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:

New York Knicks
107.978
Philadelphia 76er
116.173

Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:

Philadelphia 76ers
by 8
185

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:

Philadelphia 76er
by 5
189

Dunkel Pick:

Philadelphia 76er
(-5); Under



Portland Trail Blazers
vs
Orlando Magic

Game 803-804
March 20, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:

Portland Trail Bl
123.089
Orlando Magic
112.099

Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:

Portland Trail Blazers
by 11
182

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:

Portland Trail Bl
by 6 1/2
No Total

Dunkel Pick:

Portland Trail Bl
(-6 1/2); N/A



Denver Nuggets
vs
Miami Heat

Game 805-806
March 20, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:

Denver Nuggets
117.735
Miami Heat
121.165

Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:

Miami Heat
by 3 1/2
204

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:

Miami Heat
by 6 1/2
No Total

Dunkel Pick:

Denver Nuggets
(+6 1/2); N/A



Milwaukee Bucks
vs
Brooklyn Nets

Game 807-808
March 20, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:

Milwaukee Bucks
115.407
Brooklyn Nets
114.295

Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:

Milwaukee Bucks
by 1
196

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:

Brooklyn Nets
by 3
191

Dunkel Pick:

Milwaukee Bucks
(+3); Over



Indiana Pacers
vs
Cleveland Cavaliers

Game 809-810
March 20, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:

Indiana Pacers
119.603
Cleveland Cavalie
125.368

Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:

Cleveland Cavaliers
by 6
205

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:

Cleveland Cavalie
by 11
201 1/2

Dunkel Pick:

Indiana Pacers
(+11); Over



Atlanta Hawks
vs
Oklahoma City Thunder

Game 811-812
March 20, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:

Atlanta Hawks
121.763
Oklahoma City Thu
126.722

Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:

Oklahoma City Thunder
by 5
214

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:

Atlanta Hawks
by 2
No Total

Dunkel Pick:

Oklahoma City Thu
(+2); N/A



Memphis Grizzlies
vs
Dallas Mavericks

Game 815-816
March 20, 2015 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:

Memphis Grizzlies
117.064
Dallas Mavericks
122.603

Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:

Dallas Mavericks
by 5 1/2
187

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:

Dallas Mavericks
by 3
No Total

Dunkel Pick:

Dallas Mavericks
(-3); N/A



Boston Celtics
vs
San Antonio Spurs

Game 817-818
March 20, 2015 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:

Boston Celtics
117.847
San Antonio Spurs
128.419

Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:

San Antonio Spurs
by 11
204

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:

San Antonio Spurs
by 9
208 1/2

Dunkel Pick:

San Antonio Spurs
(-9); Under



Charlotte Hornets
vs
Sacramento Kings

Game 819-820
March 20, 2015 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:

Charlotte Hornets
115.886
Sacramento Kings
111.886

Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:

Charlotte Hornets
by 4
190

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:

Charlotte Hornets
by 1 1/2
No Total

Dunkel Pick:

Charlotte Hornets
(-1 1/2); Over



New Orleans Pelicans
vs
Golden State Warriors

Game 821-822
March 20, 2015 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:

New Orleans Pelic
119.237
Golden State Warr
125.949

Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:

Golden State Warriors
by 6
209

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:

Golden State Warr
by 9 1/2
204 1/2

Dunkel Pick:

New Orleans Pelic
(+9 1/2); Over



Washington Wizards
vs
Los Angeles Clippers

Game 823-824
March 20, 2015 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:

Washington Wizard
124.703
Los Angeles Clipp
129.147

Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:

Los Angeles Clippers
by 4 1/2
207

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:

Los Angeles Clipp
by 7
201 1/2

Dunkel Pick:

Washington Wizard
(+7); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's Early Tips
By Kevin Rogers

Friday's Matchups

Midwest Regional - No. 15 New Mexico State vs. No. 2 Kansas (CBS, 12:15 p.m.)
Venue: CenturyLink Arena
Location: Omaha, NE
Betting Odds: Kansas -10 ½, 132

Kansas (26-8 SU, 17-15-1 ATS) is making its 26th consecutive appearance in the NCAA tournament, including the 12th straight under head coach Bill Self. The Jayhawks were on their way to a Big 12 tournament title, building a 17-point lead over Iowa State last Saturday, but the Cyclones rallied for a 70-66 to capture the automatic bid. Junior forward Perry Ellis has been dealing with a knee injury, while scoring seven points on 2-for-10 shooting in the loss to Iowa State. KU has covered just two of their last nine games, but owns a solid 5-2-1 ATS record when listed as a double-digit favorite. The Jayhawks have struggled to cover numbers in the tournament since the 2012 National Championship, posting a 1-5 ATS mark in the last six tourney contests.

New Mexico State (23-10 SU, 8-5 ATS) is back in the Big Dance for the fourth straight season, as the Aggies fell in overtime last March to San Diego State, 73-69 as eight-point underdogs. The Aggies claimed the Western Athletic Conference championship with a pair of wins in the conference tournament over Cal-State Bakersfield and Seattle. Four Aggies are averaging double-figures, led by forwards Remi Barry (13.3 ppg) and Pascal Siakam (13.0 ppg), while NMSU is riding a 13-game winning streak. The Aggies covered in five of seven opportunities as an underdog this season, including as a double-digit ‘dog at Baylor in December.

East Regional - No. 10 Georgia vs. No. 7 Michigan State (TruTv, 12:40 p.m.)
Venue: Time Warner Cable Arena
Location: Charlotte, NC
Betting Odds: Michigan State -5 ½, 127

This almost seems like more of a New Year’s Day bowl between SEC and Big 10 foes as opposed to a second round NCAA tournament game. Michigan State (23-11 SU, 18-16 ATS) enters the Big Dance with nine non-conference wins, all against teams that didn’t qualify for the tournament, while getting tripped up by Texas Southern at home as 24-point favorites in December. Tom Izzo’s club closed the regular season with nine wins in the final 12 games, while beating a solid Maryland team in the Big 10 semifinals before falling to Wisconsin in the tournament final. The Spartans weren’t a good bet as a favorite of four points or more since late December, going 3-7 ATS.

Georgia (21-11 SU, 18-11-2 ATS) was the one team that had a legitimate shot to hand Kentucky its first loss of the season, as the Bulldogs led the Wildcats by nine points with nine minutes remaining in regulation earlier this month. UGA couldn’t hold on in a 72-64 setback, but the Bulldogs are back in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2011. Mark Fox’s club put together an impressive 9-3-2 ATS record in the underdog role, including victories at Ole Miss, Alabama, and Texas A&M, while covering twice against Kentucky. Past knocking off Ole Miss twice, the Bulldogs don’t own any other wins over teams that qualified for the NCAA tournament.

East Regional - No. 12 Wyoming vs. No. 5 Northern Iowa (TBS, 1:40 p.m.)
Venue: Key Arena
Location: Seattle, WA
Betting Odds: Northern Iowa -6, 110 ½

A pair of teams that won mid-major conference tournaments meet up for a 10:40 AM local start in Seattle. Northern Iowa (30-3 SU, 19-9-3 ATS) finished in second place in the Missouri Valley Conference, but the Panthers knocked off top-seed Wichita State in the conference championship to claim the automatic bid to the Big Dance. Two of UNI’s three losses came to tournament teams, falling to Wichita State in the final regular season game and losing at VCU in overtime back in December. The Panthers have taken care of business as a favorite recently, putting together an 8-1-1 ATS record the last 10 when laying points.

Wyoming (25-9 SU, 10-18-1 ATS) began the season on fire at 15-2, but lost five of its final eight regular season contests. The Cowboys rolled to a Mountain West tournament title by beating Utah State, Boise State, and San Diego State, as Larry Shyatt’s team edged the Aztecs, 45-43 as six-point underdogs. Wyoming has been a solid ‘over’ bet in the past month, cashing in nine of the past 11 games, while the only victory in non-conference play over a tournament team came against New Mexico State in late November.

Midwest Regional - No. 12 Buffalo vs. No. 5 West Virginia (TNT, 2:10 p.m.)
Venue: Nationwide Arena
Location: Columbus, OH
Betting Odds: West Virginia -4 ½, 150

A popular underdog the public is looking at in the second round is Buffalo (23-9 SU, 16-13 ATS), who beat Akron and Central Michigan en route to a Mid-American Conference tournament championship. The Bulls lost three straight games in mid-February, but Bobby Hurley’s club is riding a season-high eight-game winning streak, while covering six times in this stretch. Buffalo covered as huge underdogs in non-conference play at Kentucky and Wisconsin, as the lone win over a tournament team came against Robert Morris on the road in December.

West Virginia (23-9 SU, 17-13 ATS) will look to cure the ills of the Big 12 after Baylor, Iowa State, and Texas were bounced on Thursday. The Mountaineers enter the tournament with losses in three of their past four games, including a 10-point defeat to Baylor in the Big 12 tournament. WVU has cashed nine of its last 13 in the favorite role, as Bob Huggins’ squad is back in the Big Dance for the first time since 2012, when the Mountaineers lost to Gonzaga by 23 points. Guard Juwan Staten (14 ppg) is expected back in the lineup for WVU after missing the last three games with a knee injury.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's Afternoon Tips
By David Schwab

Friday's Matchups

West Regional- No. 10 Indiana vs. No. 7 Wichita State (CBS, 2:45 p.m.)
Venue: CenturyLink Arena
Location: Omaha, NE
Betting Odds: Wichita State -5 ½, Total 139 ½

Indiana relied heavily on a strong overall resume to earn a spot in this year’s NCAA Tournament after sliding to a 5-9 record in its last 14 games both straight-up and against the spread. It failed to cover its last time out in a 75-69 loss to Maryland in the Big Ten Tournament as a 2 ½-point underdog. The Hoosiers are still a potent scoring team with an average of 77.5 points per game while shooting 46.6 percent from the field.

The Shockers are always a betting public favorite come tournament time, but they have failed to cover in their last two games as favorites. They dropped a 65-62 decision to Illinois State in the Missouri Valley Tournament as 8 ½-point favorites after going 17-1 SU in conference play. Wichita State has a trio of players scoring in double figures led by junior guard Ron Baker’s 15 PPG.

Betting Trends:

-- The Hoosiers are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five NCAA Tournament games and the total has gone OVER in four of their last five games played at a neutral site.

-- The Shockers have covered in six of their last seven games in the NCAA Tournament and the total gone OVER in five of those contest.

East Regional: No. 15 Belmont vs. No. 2 Virginia (truTV, 3:10 p.m.)
Venue: Time Warner Cable Arena
Location: Charlotte, NC
Betting Odds: Virginia – 16 ½, Total 124

Belmont ran its current SU winning streak to seven games in a thrilling 88-87 victory over Murray State in the Ohio Valley Tournament Championship. The Bruins closed as six-point underdogs and they are now a perfect 6-0 ATS in their last six games. Junior guard Craig Bradshaw eclipsed his 18.1 point season average in the win against Murray State with 25 points while going 5-for-10 from three-point range.

The Cavaliers’ bid to add an ACC Tournament title to their regular season crown came up short in a stunning 71-67 loss to Notre Dame as 4 ½-point favorites. They are still a solid 10-2 SU in their last 12 games, but a costly 4-1-7 ATS. Virginia comes into this year’s tournament with the top-ranked defense in the nation in points allowed (50.8).

Betting Trends:

-- The Bruins are 1-5 ATS in their last six NCAA Tournament games and the total has gone OVER in four of their last five games.

-- The Cavaliers are 6-0 ATS in their last six games following a SU loss and the total has stayed UNDER in seven of their last 10 games following a SU loss.

-- These two teams last played one another in 1999 with Virginia cruising to a 94-74 win.

East Regional: No. 13 UC Irvine vs. No. 4 Louisville (TBS. 4:10 p.m.)
Venue: Key Arena
Location: Seattle, WA
Betting Odds: Louisville -8, Total 124 ½

The Anteaters got hot at the right time with a three-game run both SU and ATS through the Big West Tournament. They beat Hawaii 67-58 as 4 ½-point favorites in the title game. UC Irvine is averaging 67.9 PPG and shooting 46.1 percent from the field. Senior forward Will Davis II has led the way with a team-high 12.9 points and 7.0 rebounds a game.

Louisville’s inaugural season in the ACC ended with a SU record of 12-6. Its initial run in the conference tournament ended with a 70-60 loss to North Carolina as a three-point underdog. The Cardinals are 4-4 SU in their last eight games while going just 2-6 ATS. Sophomore guard Terry Rozier scored 20 points in the loss to the Tar Heels and he leads the team in scoring with an average of 17.1 PPG.

Betting Trends:

-- The Anteaters have covered ATS in their last five neutral-site games and the total has stayed UNDER in 14 of their last 17 nonconference games.

-- The Cardinals are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games in the NCAA Tournament and the total has gone OVER in seven of their last nine tournament games.

Midwest Region: No. 13 Valparaiso vs. No. 4 Maryland (TNT, 4:40 p.m.)
Venue: Nationwide Arena
Location: Columbus, OH
Betting Odds: Maryland -5, Total 124

The Crusaders won the Horizon League this season at 13-3 SU and they added a conference tournament title to the mix with a 54-44 victory against Wisconsin-Green Bay as four-point favorites. They have covered in five of their last seven contests with the total staying UNDER in every game. Valparaiso is averaging 69.8 PPG and allowing an average of 59.7 points on defense. Both Keith Carter and Darien Walker are listed as probable for Friday’s game.

Maryland’s first run through the Big Ten ended with a SU 14-4 record while going 8-9-1 ATS. The Terrapins lost to Michigan State 62-58 in the conference tournament, but they covered as 4 ½-point underdogs. Freshman guard Melo Trimble has led the way with an average of 16.3 PPG and he put-up 22 points in the loss to the Spartans.

Betting Trends:

-- The Crusaders have failed to cover in their last four NCAA Tournament games and the total has stayed UNDER in five of their last seven games played at a neutral site.

-- The Terrapins are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 neutral-site games and the total has gone OVER in their last four NCAA Tournament games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's Evening Tips
By Tony Mejia

Friday's Matchups

East Regional - No. 8 Oregon vs. No. 9 Oklahoma State (TBS, 6:50 p.m.)
Venue:CenturyLink Center
Location: Omaha, NE
Betting Odds: Oregon -1.5, Total 136.5


This wasn’t expected to be a great year for the Ducks, whose offseason was marred by scandal as multiple players were kicked out of school due to rape allegations. Their first three games against major conference opponents all resulted in losses, but they wound up with 25 wins. Guard Joseph Young wound up a surprise winner of Pac-12 Player of the Year honors despite worthy candidates at Arizona and Utah, but anyone who watched him all season will tell you he’s deserving. He’s averaging 20.2 points and shooting nearly 92 percent from the free-throw line, a clip that ranks fourth in the country. He averaged 24.7 points in leading the Ducks to a berth in the conference tournament final, shooting 3-for-8 from 3-point range in all three contests. Junior forward Elgin Cook emerged as Young’s primary tag-team partner, scoring in double-figures in 14 of the Ducks last 16 games. Despite not being much of a shooter, he’s an efficient scorer who has demonstrated a knack for getting to the free-throw line. Freshman Dillon Brooks is Oregon’s third double-digit scorer, though he hit the wall, as most first-year players do, around January. Brooks averaged 12.7 points in the Pac-12 Tourney, so the hope is he’s snapped out of it. The Ducks won 11 of their last 13 games under head coach Dana Altman, who will be coaching his third straight NCAA Tournament at Oregon, reaching the Sweet 16 in ‘13. He coached Creighton to seven NCAA appearances and Kansas State to one. This was his 17th consecutive winning season. The Ducks had covered seven straight games before losing to Arizona by 28 in the Pac-12 final.

Oklahoma State benefited from how highly rated the rest of the Big 12 was, allowing it to skate into the field in spite of a sub-.500 record in league play and losses in six of seven. Senior wing LeBryan Nash, blessed with a college power forward’s body and an ability to handle that creates matchup problems, became the catalyst the second Marcus Smart went pro and hasn’t disappointed, averaging a career-bests in points (17.1), rebounds (5.6) and assists (2.0). He comes off a huge 27-point, 12-rebound game against Oklahoma in the Big 12 Tournament loss, so it’s clear he’s up to the challenge of putting the team on his back. He’ll need help from shooter Phil Forte, Smart’s former prep teammate, who is capable of lighting anyone up. He was 0-for-7 in the loss to the Sooners and has found it more difficult to get open looks in his junior season. Senior Michael Cobbins, the Cowboys’ top rebounder and rim protector, must avoid foul trouble due to a lack of interior depth. Head coach Travis Ford has won only one NCAA Tournament game in his career, back in his first year at OK State. This is his fifth trip in seven years and he’s also been once with Eastern Kentucky. He’s 1-6. The Cowboys have failed to cover in six of seven and have seen six of the last eight go over the posted total.

South Regional - No. 1 Duke vs. No. 16 Robert Morris (CBS, 7:10 p.m.)
Venue:TimeWarner Cable Arena
Location: Charlotte, NC
Betting Odds: Duke -22.5, Total 144

The Blue Devils picked up a top seed in spite of faltering in the ACC Tournament semifinals, snapping a 12-game winning streak. Freshman Jahlil Okafor remains the likely No. 1 pick in June’s NBA draft and overcame some bumps and bruises down the stretch to pour in 28 points against Notre Dame. He would’ve put up more if he hadn’t gone 2-for-8 from the free-throw line, an Achilles heel that could be an issue in this tournament. He’s made nine of his last 34. Fellow freshman Justice Winslow isn’t much better, shooting 61 percent from the stripe, but he changes games with his energy. For all the hype Kentucky gets for employing freshmen, Mike Krzyzewski has four playing key roles in an eight-man rotation. Tyus Jones has been excellent running the point alongside veteran Quinn Cook , while Grayson Allen has replaced dismissed wing Rasheed Sulaimon coming off the bench and scored 27 points in 24 minutes in a 94-51 blowout of Wake Forest earlier this month. Krzyzewski has won four national championships and coached in 11 Final Fours.

The Colonials have won seven consecutive games after rallying from a 14-point deficit against North Florida in the opening pairing of the First Four. Senior wing Lucky Jones, led the way with 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists off the bench against the Ospreys and is the team’s unquestioned leader. Despite being only 6-foot-5, he’s the program’s all-time leading rebounder and doubles as the top perimeter defender. Forward Rodney Pryor has emerged as this season’s top scorer, but fearless freshman Marcquise Reed is definitely the x-factor. Head coach Andrew Toole may be getting some calls from bigger schools sooner than later. The 34-year-old is coaching in his first NCAA Tournament but already has amassed four straight 20-win seasons.

South Regional - No. 7 Iowa vs. No. 10 Davidson (TNT, 7:20 p.m.)
Venue:KeyArena
Location: Seattle, WA
Betting Odds: Iowa -2, Total 145.5

The Hawkeyes made an early exit in the Big Ten Tournament, but were safely in these NCAAs after finishing the regular season with six consecutive wins to wind up 12-6 in conference play. Senior Aaron White has been a steady leader and really picked it up down the stretch, scoring over 20 points in each of his last five contests, the longest such streak of his career. White, an athletic forward who does a lot of things well, has channeled his aggressiveness and is really getting to the rim, shooting 41-for-78 over his last six. Small forward Jarrod Uthoff has scored in double-digits in eight of the last nine games and is extremely dangerous when his shot is falling. Head coach Fran McCaffery is looking for his first NCAA Tournament victory at the helm of the Hawkeyes after losing in the First Four last year. He’s taken Siena, UNC Greensboro and Lehigh to the Big Dance and pulled off a pair of upsets with the Saints.

The Wildcats won the Atlantic 10 regular-season title in their first year in the league, going 14-4. Despite an A-10 Tourney loss to VCU, building a 10-game winning streak prior to that setback helped solidify their case . Senior Tyler Kalinoski led Davidson in scoring (17.0) and ranked second in rebounding (5.6) and assists (4.1) . He’s got plenty of help, leading four others in double-figures. Despite what you might envision out of the former mid-major darling best known for producing Stephen Curry, there’s plenty of talented depth on the roster. Sophomore Jack Gibbs isn’t even 6-feet tall, but he’s shot a perfect 7-for-7 from 3-point range just this month, bouncing back from a seven-game absence in February. Brian Sullivan is another key cog who averages nearly three 3-pointers made a game. The Wildcats are coached by Bob McKillop, who is taking his team to the NCAA for the eighth time, having reached the Elite Eight in ’08.

East Regional - No. 3 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 Albany (TruTV, 7:27 p.m.)
Venue:Nationwide Arena
Location: Columbus, OH
Betting Odds: Oklahoma -13, Total 130

The Sooners had their coming out party at the Battle 4 Atlantis, beating UCLA and Butler by double-digits before playing Wisconsin tough. They were then able to go 12-6 in the loaded Big 12, so you can definitely say this team is battle-tested. Guard Buddy Hield has been one of the best guards in the country this season, averaging 17.5 points and serving as the driving force to a team that plays with a lot of pace. Fellow guards Jordan Woodard and Isaiah Cousins can also get up and down the floor, though Cousins is by far the better shooter. Up front, there isn’t much depth, but Houston transfer TaShawn Thomas and Ryan Spangler are versatile guys who can alter shots and rebound, but they must be wary of avoiding foul trouble all tournament. Lon Kruger has taken Kansas State, Florida, Illinois, UNLV and Oklahoma dancing, though he’s yet to win a game with the Sooners. His highest finish is reaching the 1994 Final Four with the Gators.

Albany stunned Stony Brook 51-50 in the America East title game when Peter Hooley had a loose ball skate out to him for an open 3-point look just before the buzzer. Hooley is one of the better 3-point shooters in his league, but not as prolific as Evan Singletary, a junior who leads the team in minutes. Senior Sam Rowley does the dirty work up front and is as tough as they come. Despite being undersized at 6-6, he averaged team-highs with 14.0 points and 7.7 rebounds Will Brown will be coaching in his third consecutive NCAA Tournament and has won a First Four game with many in this group. They won't be intimidated, but it remains to be seen if they're overmatched. The only NCAA team on this year's schedule is Providence, who the Great Danes lost to 64-60 way back in the season opener.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's Late-Night Tips
By Brian Edwards

Friday's Matchups

South Regional - No. 8 San Diego St. vs. No. 9 St. John's (CBS, 9:40 p.m. )
Venue: Time Warner Arena
Location: Charlotte, N.C.
Betting Odds: San Diego St. -4, Total: 122.5

-- St. John's (21-11 straight up, 13-14-2 against the spread) took a crushing blow when the school announced that starting center Chris Obepka would be suspended for two weeks. Therefore, his season is done unless the Red Storm make it to the Final Four without him. Obepka averages 5.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.1 blocked shots per game.

-- St. John's has lost back-to-back games by 54 combined points, including a 74-57 loss to Providence in its first game in the Big East Tournament. Steve Lavin's squad got absolutely smashed by a 105-68 count at Villanova in its regular-season finale.

-- St. John's is led by D'Angelo Harrison, who averages 17.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. The Johnnies have four main scorers, including Rysheed Jordan and Sir'Dominic Pointer, who average 14.3 and 13.5 PPG, respectively. Phil Greene IV is scoring at a 13.5 PPG clip.

-- St. John's has been an underdog 10 times this year, going 4-5-1 ATS with four outright victories.

-- San Diego St. (26-8 SU, 14-17-1 ATS) is mired in a 2-5 ATS slump and saw its four-game (SU) winning streak snapped in the Mountain West Conference Tournament finals. The Aztecs lost a 45-43 decision to Wyoming at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, losing outright as six-point 'chalk.' Malik Pope had 13 points in the losing effort.

-- Steve Fisher's team has been a single-digit favorite 15 times, going 7-7-1 versus the number.

-- San Diego St. is led by Winston Shepard, who averages 11.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Aqueel Quinn averages 11.1 PPG, while J.J. O'Brien scores at a 10.0 PPG clip. The Aztecs are all about defense, ranking second in the nation by giving up just 53.1 PPG.

-- San Diego St. is No. 27 in the RPI Rankings, going 4-5 vs. the Top 50 and 7-6 vs. the Top 100. The Aztecs have played just seven games against teams in the NCAA Tournament field, losing outright in five of those matchups.

-- St. John's is No. 36 in the RPI, producing a 5-8 record against the Top 50 and a 9-9 mark vs. the Top 100. The Red Storm has played 13 games against the field, winning just five times.

-- Totals have been an overall wash (14-14-1) for the Red Storm.

-- The 'under' is 17-11 overall for the Aztecs, 5-1 in their last six games.

East Regional - No. 6 Providence vs. No. 11 Dayton (TruTV, 9:55 p.m. )
Venue: Nationwide Arena
Location: Columbus, OH.
Betting Odds: Providence -3.5, Total: 131

-- Dayton (26-8 SU, 16-16 ATS) was extremely fortunate to advance by remaining unbeaten at home (17-0) with Wednesday's comeback win over Boise St. The Flyers failed to cover the spread as four-point home favorites in a 56-55 win. They trailed by nine with six minutes remaining, but Jordan Sibert buried a go-ahead trey with 34 seconds remaining. Then in the waning moments, Archie Miller's team came up with a pair of stops to eke out the victory. Kendall Pollard scored 17 points and pulled down six rebounds. Sibert finished with 13 points despite playing just 24 minutes due to foul trouble.

-- Providence (22-11 SU, 18-11-1 ATS) is 4-1 ATS in its last five games, falling to Villanova 63-61 in the Big East Tournament as an 8.5-point underdog. Kris Dunn had a monster game in defeat, tallying 22 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and a pair of steals. Ben Bentil had 12 points and 10 boards.

-- Dayton uses just a seven-man rotation due to injuries and suspensions, so fatigue could be an issue. Remember, Miller's team played three games in three days from Thursday through Saturday. Then it had to play from behind nearly the entire game against BSU. Dyshawn Pierre and Scoochie Smith both played 40 minutes apiece versus the Broncos.

-- Sibert is the catalyst for the Flyers, averaging a team-best 16.4 points and 1.8 steals per game.

-- Dunn is one of the best players in the nation. He averages 15.8 points, 7.6 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game.

-- Dayton has been an underdog seven times, compiling a 3-4 spread with two outright victories.

-- Providence is No. 23 in the RPI, going 6-8 against the Top 50 and 12-8 versus the Top 100.

-- Dayton has an RPI of 32, producing a 2-2 record against the Top 50 and a 8-6 mark vs. the Top 100.

-- The 'over' is 16-12 overall for Dayton.

-- The 'over' is 16-11 overall for the Friars, but the 'under' has cashed in their last three games.

West Regional - No. 1 Wisconsin vs. No. 16 Coastal Carolina (TBS, 9:20 p.m.)
Venue: Century-Link Arena
Location: Omaha, Nebraska.
Betting Odds: Wisconsin -19.5, Total: 130

-- Wisconsin (31-3 SU, 18-15-1 ATS) has won six in a row, going 4-2 ATS, winning the Big Ten Tournament by capturing an 80-69 win over Michigan St. The spread cover for the Badgers was miraculous, taking the cash as seven-point favorites in a game that went to overtime. Nigel Hayes scored a game-high 25 points, while Frank Kaminsky finished with 19 points, five rebounds and four assists. Bronson Koenig produced 18 points and nine assists.

-- Coastal Carolina (24-9 SU, 6-3 ATS) is back in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year. As a No. 16 seed last season, the Chanticleers led top-seeded Virginia by double digits in the first half and UVA didn't pull in front until the game was nearly 30 minutes old. Ellis has taken four different schools to the NCAAs, including South Alabama, Clemson and Auburn.

-- Coastal Carolina won the Big South Conference Tournament, beating Winthrop by an 81-70 score as a four-point 'chalk.' Warren Gillis was the catalyst with 22 points and six assists, while Elijah Wilson had 19 points.

-- Coastal Carolina is led by Gillis, who averages 13.1 points, 3.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game.

-- Coastal Carolina played only two teams in the field, losing 84-71 at UCLA and 71-68 at Ole Miss. We should note that the Chanticleers led in Oxford nearly the entire game and took the money as 7.5-point underdogs. Also, they covered at Pauley Pavilion as 15.5-point puppies.

-- Wisconsin has been a double-digit favorite 23 times, going 11-11-1 ATS. In their last 14 such spots, however, the Badgers have limped to a 3-10-1 spread record.

-- Kaminsky leads Wisconsin in scoring (18.2 PPG), assists (2.7 APG), rebounds (8.0 RPG), field-goal percentage (55.3%), steals (0.9 SPG) and blocked shots (1.6 BPG).

-- The 'over' is 3-2-1 overall for Coastal Carolina.

-- The 'under' is 19-15-1 overall for the Badgers.

South Regional - No. 2 Gonzaga vs. No. 15 North Dakota St. (TNT, 9:50 p.m. )
Venue: Key Arena
Location: Seattle, WA.
Betting Odds: Gonzaga -18, Total: 128.5

-- Gonzaga (32-2 SU, 16-13-2 ATS) has been to the NCAA Tournament in every season of Mark Few's tenure that began in 2000. However, it has not gone beyond the Round of 32 in five consecutive years and is looking for its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2009.

-- Gonzaga won the WCC Tournament by taking out BYU in the finals, 91-75. The Bulldogs pulled away late to hook up their supporters as eight-point 'chalk.' Kyle Wiltjer led six double-figure scorers with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Kevin Pangos added 16 points and five assists while playing all 40 minutes. Gary Bell Jr. and Domantas Sabonis scored 15 points apiece.

-- Gonzaga leads the country in field-goal percentage, making 52.5 percent of his attempts. The Bulldogs are fifth in the nation from 3-point land (40.9%) and 11th in scoring (79.1 PPG).

-- North Dakota St. (23-9 SU, 6-4 ATS) is back in the NCAA Tournament just one year after upsetting Oklahoma 80-75 in overtime of an opening-round game. This is the Bison's third NCAA invite in school history.

-- North Dakota St. won the Summit League Tournament by beating South Dakota St. 57-56 in the finals. Senior guard Lawrence Alexander scored 17 of his 25 points in the second half. Alexander is averaging 18.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. The Bison also have freshman A.J. Jacobson, who scores at a 11.9 PPG clip.

-- Gonzaga has been a double-digit favorite 24 times, compiling an 11-12-1 spread record.

-- North Dakota St. has been an underdog 11 times, posting a 5-6 spread record with four outright victories. The Bison lost by 35 at Texas and by 31 at Iowa.

-- The 'over' is 10-9 overall for the Bison, but it has seen the 'under' go 5-1 in their last six games.

-- The 'over' is 17-12-2 overall for the Bulldogs, cashing in each of their last three contests.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's NCAAB South Region betting cheat sheet


(16) Robert Morris Colonials vs. (1) Duke Blue Devils (-22.5, 144)

The Colonials, who have defeated top-seeded teams in Kentucky (2013) and St. John’s (2014) in their last two trips to the NIT, have been at their ball-hawking best over the last three games, averaging 13.3 steals after recording 12 against the Ospreys. Thanks to its 14th game with 10 or more steals, Robert Morris held a plus-14 edge in turnover margin and a significant 21-5 advantage in points off miscues.

Jahlil Okafor, who leads the team in scoring (17.7 points), rebounds (nine) and field-goal percentage (66.9), became the first freshman in league history to be named ACC Player of the Year. Justise Winslow (12.3 points, 5.9 boards) and Tyus Jones (11.6 points, 5.8 assists) each joined Okafor on the league’s all-freshman team, marking the first time that one school landed three players on the squad in conference history.

TRENDS:

* Colonials are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Under is 5-0 in Blue Devils last five neutral site games.
* Blue Devils are 2-6 ATS in their last eight NCAA Tournament games.

(10) Davidson Wildcats vs. (7) Iowa Hawkeyes (-2.5, 145.5)

Bench scoring has been a weak point the last two games for Davidson, and that lack of depth may hurt the Wildcats going forward. Davidson had a total of five points from the reserves compared to 27 for VCU on Saturday. Leading scorers Tyler Kalinoski (17.0) and Jack Gibbs (16.3) will have to carry the Wildcats if they plan on making it past the Hawkeyes to the second round.

The Hawkeyes concluded the regular season on a six-game winning streak but were knocked out of the Big Ten tournament early by Penn State. Leading scorer Aaron White enters the tournament on a recent hot streak, totaling at least 21 points in five straight games. Iowa had the second-best scoring defense in the Big Ten, limiting opponents to 61.9 points per game.

TRENDS:

* Under is 6-0 in Hawkeyes last six neutral site games.
* Wildcats are 7-0 ATS in their last seven non-conference games.
* Wildcats are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six vs. Big Ten.

(9) St. John's Red Storm vs. (8) San Diego State Aztecs (-4, 122.5)

The Red Storm will open the NCAA Tournament without the services of center Chris Obekpa, who was suspended for two weeks for violating team rules. Obekpa, St. John's all-time blocks leader with 321, is averaging 5.8 points and seven rebounds this season but coach Steve Lavin said he treated the violation as he would for any player, telling reporters, "All of the young men associated with our program are held to standards consistent with the aims and mission of our university. It is our hope Chris will learn from this experience."

The Aztecs were left deflated after the narrow defeat in the Mountain West championship game as coach Steve Fisher bluntly expressed. "I'm disappointed we're not the ones out chopping the nets down, but we're not and that's the reality of it," he said. "That feeling truly has no boundaries."

TRENDS:

* Red Storm are 0-4 ATS in their last four NCAA Tournament games.
* Aztecs are 1-5 ATS in their last six non-conference games.
* Over is 6-2 in Aztecs last eight NCAA Tournament games.

(15) North Dakota State Bison vs. (2) Gonzaga Bulldogs (-18, 128.5)

The Bison are making their third trip to the Big Dance and know what it takes to spring an upset as they defeated Oklahoma 80-75 in overtime in the 2014 NCAA Tournament before being eliminated by San Diego State 63-44. Lawrence Alexander, a 6-3 senior guard, scored 17 of his 25 points in the second half against South Dakota and averages a team-best 18.9 points while contributing 4.6 rebounds.

Gonzaga was in contention for a No. 1 seed before losing to BYU 73-70 on Feb. 28 in its regular-season finale - snapping win streaks of 41 at home and 22 overall, but exacted revenge from the Cougars with a 91-75 victory in the West Coast Conference tournament final on March 10. “This is a resilient group, a battle-tested group,'' Bulldogs coach Mark Few told The Spokesman-Review after the WCC tournament. "We kind of grinded our way through the league, and we got back to being in attack mode (in Las Vegas). Without a doubt, that’s when we’re at our best.”

TRENDS:

* Bulldogs are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight neutral site games.
* Under is 5-1 in Bison last six overall.
* Over is 23-8 in Bulldogs last 31 NCAA Tournament games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's NCAAB East Region betting cheat sheet


No. 10 Georgia Bulldogs vs. No. 7 Michigan State Spartans (-6, 127)

As Michigan State prepares for its 18th consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament, the Spartans must shake off a disappointing finish to the Big Ten tournament title game. Michigan State led by 11 with under eight minutes left against Wisconsin on Sunday before the Badgers closed regulation with a 23-12 run and then blanked the Spartans 11-0 in the extra session. Despite the loss, Tom Izzo's crew earned a No. 7 seed in the East Region and will face 10th-seeded Georgia on Friday in Charlotte, N.C.

Michigan State has won its first NCAA Tournament game in seven of the last eight seasons, while Georgia will be making its first trip to the field of 68 since 2011. The Bulldogs tied for third in the SEC standings and had won five of six before falling to Arkansas in the semifinals of the conference tournament. The Spartans had captured eight of 10 prior to the late collapse against the Badgers, although they still have the experience to make a deep run in the Big Dance.

TRENDS:

* Georgia is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven non-conference games.
* Michigan State is 5-1 ATS in its last six non-conference games.
* Under is 6-1 in Georgia's last seven games versus the Big Ten Conference.
* Over is 5-0 in Michigan State's last five games versus the Southeastern Conference.

No. 12 Wyoming Cowboys vs. No. 5 Northern Iowa Panthers (-6, 110.5)

A standout season for Northern Iowa keeps getting better. The Panthers, who won the Missouri Valley Conference tournament and have matched the program’s single-season record for victories, followed up those feats Sunday by garnering the highest NCAA Tournament seed in its history. Northern Iowa is the fifth seed in the East Region and will face 12th-seeded Wyoming on Friday in Seattle.


The Cowboys, meanwhile, stole an NCAA bid and knocked an at-large team off the bubble by winning the Mountain West Conference tournament as a fourth seed Saturday in Las Vegas. The Cowboys finished 11-7 during Mountain West play but regrouped to post three hard-fought wins in the conference tourney and send Larry Shyatt to his first Big Dance in his 10 seasons as a head coach. Overall, it was the program's first conference tournament title since 1988 and its first trip to the NCAAs since 2002.

TRENDS:

* Wyoming is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 games after scoring less than 50 points in its previous game.
* Northern Iowa is 13-3-3 in its last 19 games overall.
* Over is 19-4 in Wyoming's last 23 games after scoring less than 50 points in its previous game.
* Over is 4-1 in Northern Iowa's last five games overall.

No. 15 Belmont Bruins vs. No. 2 Virginia Cavaliers (-17, 123)

Regular season ACC champion Virginia had its sights set on a second straight tournament title and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament until getting stopped 61-57 by North Carolina in the conference semifinals. That loss dropped the Cavaliers to a two-seed in the East Region where they will open play against No. 15 Belmont on Friday in Charlotte, N.C. Virginia, which is in the field for back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1994-95, lost 61-59 to Michigan last season in the Sweet 16.

Virginia will be facing a seasoned Belmont squad that finished second in the Ohio Valley Conference but became the first team to qualify for the tournament when Taylor Barnette drilled a contested 3-pointer with 3.2 seconds left for an 88-87 victory over conference top-seed Murray State, which was a perfect 16-0 in regular-season play. Although the Bruins' 22 wins was their fewest since the 2008-09 season, Belmont qualified for the the NCAA tournament for the fourth time in five years and for the seventh time in the last 10 years. The Bruins are still seeking their first win in the Big Dance, although they did take second-seeded Duke to the brink in 2008 before dropping a 71-70 decision.

TRENDS:

* Belmont is 6-0 ATS in its last six games overall.
* Virginia is 6-0 ATS in its last six games following a SU loss.
* Over is 5-1 in Belmont's last six games following an ATS win.
* Under is 4-0 in Virginia's last four games following an ATS loss.

No. 13 UC Irvine Anteaters vs. No. 4 Louisville Cardinals (-8, 125)

When it comes to teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference, most of the attention will fall on Virginia and Duke - but don't sleep on the Louisville Cardinals, who open their 41st NCAA Tournament appearance Friday afternoon against UC Irvine in the East Regional in Seattle. Rick Pitino's crew comes into the tournament in a minor slump, splitting its last eight games. But the Cardinals turn it on at tournament time, reaching the Final Four in two of the past three years and winning it all in 2013.

The 13th-seeded Anteaters will be in tough spot against No. 4 Louisville, but come in on a 7-2 stretch and won three games in as many days - the last a 67-58 triumph over Hawaii - to capture the Big West title and earn their first-ever Tournament appearance. UC Irvine excelled at the defensive end, limiting opponents to an effective field goal percentage of 39.8. But the Cardinals are defensive powerhouses themselves, holding foes to 59.5 points per game.

TRENDS:

* UC Irvine is 5-0 ATS in its last five neutral site games.
* Louisville is 0-4-1 ATS in its last five non-conference games.
* Under is 14-3 in UC Irvine's last 17 non-conference games.
* Under is 4-1 in Louisville's last five non-conference games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's NCAAB Midwest Region betting cheat sheet


No. 15 New Mexico St. Aggies vs. No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks (-10.5, 132)

After losing the Big 12 title game, Kansas looks to regroup as the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region with a second-round matchup against No. 15 seed New Mexico State on Friday in Omaha, Neb. The Jayhawks, who have made 26 straight appearances, fell 70-66 to Iowa State on Saturday, which killed their chances at a No. 1 seed and may have factored in their tough road to the Final Four. Kansas could meet Wichita State in the third round and undefeated Kentucky looms as the region's top seed.

By the time Friday rolls around, the Aggies will have gone more than two months since their last defeat as they carry a 13-game winning streak into their fourth consecutive appearance in the Big Dance. Led by a pair of WAC first-teamers in Freshman of the Year Pascal Siakam and senior Daniel Mullings, New Mexico State is looking to end a string of seven straight losses in the Tournament since a win over Nebraska in 1993. The victor meets either No. 7 seed Wichita State or No. 10 seed Indiana in the third round Sunday.

TRENDS:

* New Mexico St. is 1-4 ATS in its last five versus the Big 12.
* Kansas is 1-5 ATS in its last six NCAA Tournament games.
* Under is 4-1 in New Mexico St.'s last five NCAA Tournament games.
* Under is 5-0 in Kansas' last five neutral site games.

No. 12 Buffalo Bulls vs. No. 5 West Virginia Mountaineers (-4.5, 149.5)

West Virginia, a No. 5 seed from the Big 12 Conference, faces Buffalo, a No. 12 seed from the Mid-American Conference, in an NCAA Tournament second-round Midwest Regional game Friday in Columbus, Ohio. The Mountaineers are back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012, when they lost their opener to Gonzaga 77-54. West Virginia has dropped three of its last four games, including an 80-70 setback against Baylor in a Big 12 Conference tournament quarterfinal Thursday.

Buffalo, which is coached by former Duke star player Bobby Hurley, is in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. The Bulls beat Central Michigan 89-84 on Saturday to win the Mid-American Conference tournament title and earn an automatic bid. Buffalo has an eight-game winning streak.

TRENDS:

* Buffalo is 4-0 ATS in its last four non-conference games.
* West Virginia is 6-2 ATS in its last eight versus the Mid-American conference.
* Over is 6-1 in Buffalo's last seven Friday games.
* Over is 4-0 in West Virginia'slast four games overall.

No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers vs. No. 7 Wichita State Shockers (-6, 140.5)

Indiana was considered a bubble team for the NCAA Tournament after finishing tied for seventh in the Big Ten regular season and winning one game at the conference tournament. The Hoosiers were awarded the No. 10-seed in the Midwest Region, however, and will open play Friday against No. 7 Wichita State in Omaha, Neb. Indiana started 5-1 in the Big Ten, including a win over conference runner-up Wisconsin, but hasn’t been able to string together two straight wins since.

The Shockers are coming off a loss to Illinois State in the Missouri Valley Conference semifinals - denying them a chance to defend their title - and face a key matchup at the starting point guard position, as red-hot Wichita State junior Fred VanVleet matches up against veteran Yogi Ferrell of the Hoosiers, a unanimous all-Big Ten first-team selection. VanVleet is averaging 16.4 points in the last five games to bump his season mark to 12.7, while Ferrell is averaging 18.7 in the last three to nudge his average to 16.1. Both players also have reliable sidekicks in the backcourt as Ron Baker averages a team-high 15 points for the Shockers and fellow shooting guard James Blackmon Jr. ranks second on Indiana at 15.8 points a game.

TRENDS:

* Indiana is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games versus the Missouri Valley Conference.
* Wichita State is 6-1 ATS in its last seven NCAA Tournament games.
* Over is 13-3 in Indiana's last 16 non-conference games.
* Over is 4-1 in Wichita State's last five versus the Big Ten Conference.

No. 13 Valparaiso Crusaders vs. No. 4 Maryland Terrapins (-4.5, 123.5)

Maryland looks to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament when it begins its journey against Valparaiso in the second round in Columbus, Ohio. The Terrapins won a school-record 26 regular-season games in their inaugural campaign in the Big Ten before being bounced in the semifinals of the conference tournament by Michigan State. Fourth-seeded Maryland has won eight of its last nine games overall and hopes to make a splash in its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2010.

Thirteenth-seeded Valparaiso looks to advance to the round of 32 at the NCAA Tournament for the first time since making the Sweet 16 in 1998. The Crusaders won the Horizon League regular-season title before claiming the conference tournament championship to earn an automatic bid for the second time in three years. Valparaiso has won 10 of its last 11 games and would love nothing more than to add another tournament upset to its memorable collection.

TRENDS:

* Valparasio is 6-0 ATS in its last six games versus a team with a SU winning record.
* Maryland is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 neutral site games.
* Under is 4-0 in Valparasio's last four games versus the Big Ten Conference.
* Over is 4-0 in Maryland's last four NCAA Tournament games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's NCAAB West Region betting cheat sheet


(9) Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. (8) Oregon Ducks (-1.5, 136)

Le'Bryan Nash comes into the tournament after scoring a season-high 27 points and matching his career best of 12 rebounds in the previous game, a 15-point loss to Oklahoma in a Big 12 tournament quarterfinal. Nash, a 6-7, 235-pound wing, has accomplished something even Young hasn’t and that’s score in double figures in every game this season.

The Ducks were picked to finish eighth in the Pac-12 preseason media poll. One of the keys to slowing the Ducks is limiting the open looks by senior guard Joseph Young. He comes in tied for 12th in the nation at 20.2 points per game on a nation-leading 552 field goal attempts and has been held to fewer than 10 field goal attempts in just one game this season.

TRENDS:

* Over is 6-2 in Ducks last eight NCAA Tournament games.
* Cowboys are 1-4 ATS in their last five vs. Pacific-12.
* Ducks are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 Friday games.

(16) Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. (1) Wisconsin Badgers (-19.5, 129.5)

Senior guard Warren Gillis, who leads the Chanticleers with 13.1 points and 3.2 assists per game, poured in a game-high 22 points and handed out six assists in the win over Winthrop. Elijah Wilson scored 19 in a reserve role and was named the tournament MVP after averaging 20.3 points in three games. Coastal Carolina ranks fifth nationally with 39.8 rebounds per game, with Tristian Curtis corralling 30 in his last three outings.

Big Ten Player of the Year Frank Kaminsky, who tops the team in scoring (18.2) and rebounding (8.1), has finished in double digits in 27 straight games. Nigel Hayes went 12-of-12 from the foul line en route to 25 points as the Badgers came from behind to beat Michigan State 80-69 in overtime for their first Big Ten tournament title since 2008.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0 in Chanticleers last four neutral site games.
* Chanticleers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven neutral site games.
* Over is 4-0 in Chanticleers last four neutral site games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's NCAAB tournament betting cheat sheets

Now that we've all been thrown head first into the madness that is the NCAA Tournament, it's time for the second day to kick-off. Friday features 14 more games to get you jumping out of your seat. We know just how hectic all this college hoops can be so we brought you all that you need-to-know in one space.

Friday's NCAAB Midwest Region betting cheat sheet

No. 15 New Mexico St. Aggies vs. No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks (-10.5, 132)
No. 12 Buffalo Bulls vs. No. 5 West Virginia Mountaineers (-4.5, 149.5)
No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers vs. No. 7 Wichita State Shockers (-6, 140.5)
No. 13 Valparaiso Crusaders vs. No. 4 Maryland Terrapins (-4.5, 123.5)

Friday's NCAAB East Region betting cheat sheet

No. 10 Georgia Bulldogs vs. No. 7 Michigan State Spartans (-6, 127)
No. 12 Wyoming Cowboys vs. No. 5 Northern Iowa Panthers (-6, 110.5)
No. 15 Belmont Bruins vs. No. 2 Virginia Cavaliers (-17, 123)
No. 13 UC Irvine Anteaters vs. No. 4 Louisville Cardinals (-8, 125)

Friday's NCAAB West Region betting cheat sheet

(9) Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. (8) Oregon Ducks (-1.5, 136)
(16) Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. (1) Wisconsin Badgers (-19.5, 129.5)

Friday's NCAAB South Region betting cheat sheet

(16) Robert Morris Colonials vs. (1) Duke Blue Devils (-22.5, 144)
(10) Davidson Wildcats vs. (7) Iowa Hawkeyes (-2.5, 145.5)
(9) St. John's Red Storm vs. (8) San Diego State Aztecs (-4, 122.5)
(15) North Dakota State Bison vs. (2) Gonzaga Bulldogs (-18, 128.5)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Round of 64'

The second-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs (32-2, 13-11-1 ATS) begin the quest of winning its first NCAA Tournament Friday by taking on 15-seed North Dakota State Bison (23-9, 14-14 ATS) in the South Regional in Seattle. Bulldogs powered by four double digit scorers net 79.1 points/game on a nation best 52.5% shooting. On the defensive end Bulldogs allow opponents 60.9 per/game. Bison behind two double digit scorers drop 64.5 through the hoop per/contest and surrender 61.6 points/game. The discrepancy in offense oddsmakers have North Dakota State 17.5 to 18 point underdogs. Experience will rule the day, Zags have won 10 of 12 NCAA Tournament opener's since 2003. However, you bet Bulldogs at some risk as they're just 6-6 against the betting line in those round of 64 contest. It's also worth noting that after Arizona failed to cover vs Texas Southern on Thursday #2-seeds laying 17.5 or more points in this round have failed to cash tickets in nine of the past eleven occurrences and are a cash draining 3-13 ATS the last sixteen handing an opponent 17.5 or more points of offense.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Friday's NCAA games
Belmont/Virginia play similar styles but Cavaliers obviously have better athletes; Bruins G Barnette transferred to Belmont from Virginia so he could play more- he hit winning shot in OVC title game vs Murray State after Bruins also won semifinal game by point. Belmont won seven games in row. Virginia beat OVC's Tennessee State by 43 but TSU was worst team in that league. #2 seeds. 2-seeds are 18-15 vs spread in first round games since '07. OVC teams are 7-3 vs spread in first round last decade, but lost in first round last two years by 17-11 points.


Kentucky was outrebounded only five times this season, but Georgia did it twice; Dawgs are 7-6 in last 13 games after starting season 14-5- they lost to Minnesota by 4 on neutral floor in only game vs Big 14 opponent. Michigan State won seven of last eight first round games, covering last three in wins by 22-11-15 points; Spartans won four of last five games, losing Big 14 final in OT to Wisconsin.. Dawgs are in NCAAs for first time since '11- they've lost last four first round games, with last tourney win in 1996. Underdogs are 17-7-1 vs spread in 7-10 games last 6+ years.

Robert Morris won its 7th game in row in play-in game after they trailed by 13 in second half; Colonials beat Kentucky in NIT two years ago and that has to help their confidence here. Duke lost in first round two of last three years, but last seven times they were #1 seed, they went 5-2 vs spread in first round. Blue Devils had its 12-game win streak snapped by Notre Dame in ACC semis. NEC teams covered six of last nine non-play-in games, losing last two by 22-13 points. #1 seeds are 2-7 vs spread in last nine first round games. Duke is #330 experience team, so youngsters get feet wet in tourney action here.

Over last 8+ years, underdogs are 23-10 vs spread in 8-9 games; St John's is without big man Obekpa (suspension). Red Storm are in for first time since 2011; they're #9 experience team in country but bench plays only 21.3% of time, 7th-least in country, so Obekpa's absence stings. Aztecs won eight of last ten games but lost Mountain west final to Wyoming by hoop. San Diego State shoots only 63% from line, 32.1% from arc; they are strong defensive team with more depth than Johnnies. Aztecs are 3-2 in last five first round games. Reserve F Polee played for St John's as a freshman, playing in 33 games.

Buffalo is popular upset pick; Hurley has them in NCAAs in his second year as coach. Bulls won last seven games- they led Kentucky at half in Rupp Arena Nov 16, but they play fast which is going to be hard against West Virginia team that forces turnovers 28.2% of time and grabs 40.9% of its own missed shots. Mountaineers are 4-2 vs spread in their last six first round games but they lost three of last four games overall, though losses were Baylor (2), Kansas. MAC teams are 7-5 vs spread in last 12 first round games, but lost last two years by 46-24 points. Underdogs covered eight of last ten 5-12 games.

Horizon teams are 0-3 in NCAAs since Butler skipped town, losing by 15-11-20 points; Valparaiso lost by 11 to Michigan State two years ago in 3-14 game. Crusaders won 10 of last 11 games; they played the #283 non-conference schedule, despite being in midwest. Maryland went 15-5 in its first season in Big 14; they beat Oakland of Summit League by 16. Over last 6+ years, first round favorites of less than five points are now 28-56-1 vs spread, after going 2-3 yesterday. Over last 3+ years, faves are 9-5 vs spread in 4-13 games. Maryland had 8-game win streak ended by Michigan State in Big 14 semifinals.

Albany is in fifth NCAA's; their only win came in play-in game, but they did cover three of four losses, losing by 12-27-12-12 points. Thursday's debacle for #3 seeds (two losses, 4-point win) adds pressure for Sooner squad that lost in first round last two years (to North Dakota State LY); their last tourney win was in '09. Underdogs are 7-4 vs spread in last 11 3-14 games. Great Danes were 5-7 on New Year's Day, are 19-1 since-- they rallied back from 7 down with 2:24 left to win conference tourney final on home court. Overall, America East teams are 6-5 vs spread in the first round the last eleven years.

Dayton was down nine at half Wednesday, won 56-55 at home vs Boise State in play-in game. Flyers advanced to Elite 8 LY, beating Ohio State in this same spot- they've won eight of last 11 games overall, losing A-14 final to VCU Sunday. Providence lost by hoop to North Carolina as an 11-seed LY, Friars led by 7 with 4:34 left. PC is an experienced team but their FT% has dropped 7% from LY, down to #108 in US; their subs play third-least minutes in country. Friars beat UMass by 20 in only game with an Atlantic 14 opponent. Favorites are 10-4-1 vs spread in 6-11 games last 3+ years.

Kansas covered only once in last six first round games; 2-seeds are 18-15 vs spread in first round games since '07. Young Jayhawks (#338 team in experience) are just 5-4 in last nine games; New Mexico State won WAC four of last five years but lost tourney games by 3-13-20 points previous three visits. Aggies won last 13 games; they lost season opener at Wichita State by 17, St Mary's by 12, Baylor by 11- they have solid senior PG in Mullings. hold opponents to 29.5% from arc, are sold team on offensive boards, average on defensive end. Rough day for Big X Thursday, losing all three games they played.

Wichita State had 9-game win streak snapped by Illinois State in semis of Arch Madness; Shockers get shot at Kansas if they win here. Jayhawks have refused to schedule Wichita in regular season. Shockers won in first round last two years by 18-27 points; they have edge in expereence over Indiana club that is one of 20 least experienced teams in nation. Hoosiers are 5-9 in last 14 games, limping into tourney with five of last six losses by 7 or less points. Underdogs are 17-7-1 vs spread in 7-10 games last 6+ years. Over last 6+ years, first round favorites of six or less points are 30-59-1 vs spread.

Coastal Carolina won seven of its last eight games, is 9-3 in non-league games, but four of those were non-D1 wins. Chanticleers covered spread in 70-59 first round loss to Virginia LY; teams from Big South are 7-3 vs spread in last ten non-play-in games. Wisconsin won seven of last eight first round games, with last two wins by 24-40 points. Coastal lost by 13 at UCLA, 3 at Ole Miss; they have some talent; coach Ellis has led four schools into NCAAs. Badgers won Big 14 title Sunday; they'll likely be looking ahead to Okla St-Oregon winner on Sunday. #1 seeds are 2-7 vs spread in last nine first round games.

Oklahoma limped into field losing six of last seven games; they won by 13 over Oregon State in only game vs a Pac-12 opponent. Travis Ford is 1-5 in NCAA tourney games, losing to sub-par Gonzaga team LY when he had Marcus Smart. Oregon got waxed in Pac-12 title game by Arizona; Ducks won 11 of last 13 games; they're 10-3 out of conference, losing to Michigan, VCU, Ole Miss. Oregon won last two first round games by 13-19 points. Over last 8+ years, underdogs are 23-10 vs spread in 8-9 games; over last 4+ years, the 8-seed is 12-5 SU against the 9-seed.

Wyoming is in field after upset win of Mountain West tourney; they had been 3-5 in last eight games before the tournament. Cowboys are the #13 team in experience but star Nance was ill during season; they play #344 tempo, Northern Iowa plays #348, which explains how this total opened at 109 ( is 111 as I type this). Panthers won Arch Madness after tying Wichita State for regular season title; UNI has #7eFG% in country and shoots 39.7% from arc (#10)- they're #35 in experience. Underdogs were 10-4-1 yesterday; they covered eight of last ten 5-12 games.

Cal-Irvine is in NCAAs for first time; they have pair of 7-footers, with a 7-6 Ndiaye tallest player in America. Big West teams lost last nine first round games (they won a play-in game LY): last win by Big West squad in first round was Pacific in 2005. Louisville struggled mightily after it tossed PG Jones off team for off-court concerns. Cardinals are 0-5-1 vs spread in last six first round games, struggling to beat Manhattan 71-64 in first round LY. Louisville went 12-7 in first ACC season, losing in first round of ACC tourney last week, after winning conference tournament in last three years before that.

Gonzaga is expected to make its first Final Four this year; Bulldogs won last six first round games- they have #2 eFG% in country, shoot 40.8% on arc and have #9 defensive eFG%. North Dakota State has new coach, very good PG but #282 team in experience; Bison upset Oklahoma LY in tournament, first Summit League win in NCAAs (3-3 vs spread last six years). State opened season with losses by 35-31 points to Texas/Iowa but they've won 10 of last 12 games, nipping south Dakota State by one point in Summit Tournament final. #1 seeds are 2-7 vs spread in last nine first round games.

Davidson looked lost in its first A-14 tourney last week, winning 67-66 over LaSalle (trailed by 18 in first half), then losing by 20 to VCU next day, ending 10-game win streak. Wildcats aren't real athletic, they're very well coached and shoot 39.6% (#16) from arc while holding opponents to 29.8% on arc. Iowa had won six in row before bad loss to Penn State in first conference tourney game; Hawkeyes are #345 in exsperience, bench plays a lot, they're #6 in height but over last decade, they're 0-3 in first round games, losing in OT in play-in game to Tennessee LY, game they led by 12 points early on.


First of all, nobody in these next three tournaments wants to be here; they all want to be in the NCAAs. Once teams win a game or two, it'll get better, but it is impossible to know who is motivated in the first round. Crowds will be smaller, teams don't travel first class in these events.

NIT games
South Dakota State made 12-28 on arc in 86-76 win at Colorado State on Wednesday; quick turnaround here at Vanderbilt team that won out west at St Mary's Wednesday, shooting 59.5% inside arc in game they trailed by 8 early on. won four of last six true road games. Vandy won four of last five home games, with only loss in that stretch to rival Tennessee, who they beat in SEC tourney.


CBI games


CIT tournament
Eastern Kentucky won nine of last 11 games; they made 13-31 on arc in 81-75 home win over Norfolk State squad that shot 61.1% inside the arc. EKU has experienced team, which helps in tournaments like this. High Point had lost its last two games in OT before beating UMES at home by 6 in CIT opener; Panthers shoot 38.7% on arc (#25) are coached by the old North Carolina sub Scott Cherry, who is from Saratoga.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

BELMONT (22 - 10) vs. VIRGINIA (29 - 3) - 3/20/2015, 3:10 PM

Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
BELMONT is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA is 29-48 ATS (-23.8 Units) in March games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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GEORGIA (21 - 11) vs. MICHIGAN ST (23 - 11) - 3/20/2015, 12:40 PM

Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN ST is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA is 36-25 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA is 36-25 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GEORGIA is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGIA is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGIA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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ST JOHNS (21 - 11) vs. SAN DIEGO ST (26 - 8) - 3/20/2015, 9:40 PM

Top Trends for this game.
ST JOHNS is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) on Friday nights since 1997.
ST JOHNS is 40-22 ATS (+15.8 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.

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

BUFFALO (23 - 9) vs. W VIRGINIA (23 - 9) - 3/20/2015, 2:10 PM


Top Trends for this game.
W VIRGINIA is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.
BUFFALO is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
W VIRGINIA is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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VALPARAISO (28 - 5) vs. MARYLAND (27 - 6) - 3/20/2015, 4:40 PM

Top Trends for this game.
VALPARAISO is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in first round tournament games since 1997.
MARYLAND is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
MARYLAND is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
MARYLAND is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
MARYLAND is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
VALPARAISO is 29-13 ATS (+14.7 Units) on Friday nights since 1997.
VALPARAISO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VALPARAISO is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
MARYLAND is 35-54 ATS (-24.4 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.

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

ALBANY (24 - 8) vs. OKLAHOMA (22 - 10) - 3/20/2015, 7:25 PM

Top Trends for this game.
ALBANY is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
ALBANY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ALBANY is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

NEW MEXICO ST (23 - 10) vs. KANSAS (26 - 8) - 3/20/2015, 12:15 PM

Top Trends for this game.
NEW MEXICO ST is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) in March games since 1997.
NEW MEXICO ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

INDIANA (20 - 13) vs. WICHITA ST (28 - 4) - 3/20/2015, 2:45 PM

Top Trends for this game.
WICHITA ST is 41-20 ATS (+19.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 41-20 ATS (+19.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 39-20 ATS (+17.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 28-11 ATS (+15.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WICHITA ST 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.
WICHITA ST is 34-16 ATS (+16.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.

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

COASTAL CAROLINA (24 - 9) vs. WISCONSIN (31 - 3) - 3/20/2015, 9:20 PM

Top Trends for this game.
WISCONSIN is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

OKLAHOMA ST (18 - 13) vs. OREGON (25 - 9) - 3/20/2015, 6:50 PM

Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA ST is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in road games in March games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 102-71 ATS (+23.9 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
OREGON is 29-49 ATS (-24.9 Units) after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.

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

WYOMING (25 - 9) vs. N IOWA (30 - 3) - 3/20/2015, 1:40 PM

Top Trends for this game.
N IOWA is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
N IOWA is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
N IOWA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all neutral court games this season.
N IOWA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) after a conference game this season.
N IOWA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing on a neutral court this season.
N IOWA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in non-conference games this season.
N IOWA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
N IOWA is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
N IOWA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
N IOWA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games this season.
N IOWA is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.
N IOWA is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games this season.
N IOWA is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game this season.

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

UC-IRVINE (21 - 12) vs. LOUISVILLE (24 - 8) - 3/20/2015, 4:10 PM

Top Trends for this game.
LOUISVILLE is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
UC-IRVINE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a conference game this season.
UC-IRVINE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
UC-IRVINE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
UC-IRVINE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.

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

N DAKOTA ST (23 - 9) vs. GONZAGA (32 - 2) - 3/20/2015, 9:50 PM

Top Trends for this game.
N DAKOTA ST is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) on Friday nights since 1997.
N DAKOTA ST is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.

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

DAVIDSON (24 - 7) vs. IOWA (21 - 11) - 3/20/2015, 7:20 PM

Top Trends for this game.
DAVIDSON is 21-7 ATS (+13.3 Units) in all games this season.
DAVIDSON is 21-7 ATS (+13.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
DAVIDSON is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after a conference game this season.
DAVIDSON is 34-16 ATS (+16.4 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DAVIDSON is 79-45 ATS (+29.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.
IOWA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
IOWA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.

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

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Trends

12:15 PM
NEW MEXICO STATE vs. KANSAS
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas's last 6 games
Kansas is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games

12:40 PM
GEORGIA vs. MICHIGAN STATE
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Michigan State's last 7 games
Michigan State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

1:40 PM
WYOMING vs. NORTHERN IOWA
No trends available
Northern Iowa is 19-1 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Northern Iowa's last 5 games

2:10 PM
BUFFALO vs. WEST VIRGINIA
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 5 of West Virginia's last 6 games
West Virginia is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games

2:45 PM
INDIANA vs. WICHITA STATE
No trends available
Wichita State is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games

3:10 PM
BELMONT vs. VIRGINIA
No trends available
Virginia is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games
Virginia is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 games

4:10 PM
UC IRVINE vs. LOUISVILLE
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Louisville's last 12 games
Louisville is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games

4:40 PM
VALPARAISO vs. MARYLAND
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Maryland's last 6 games
Maryland is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

6:50 PM
OKLAHOMA STATE vs. OREGON
No trends available
Oregon is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oregon's last 9 games

7:20 PM
DAVIDSON vs. IOWA
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Iowa's last 6 games
Iowa is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

7:27 PM
ALBANY vs. OKLAHOMA
No trends available
Oklahoma is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma's last 5 games

9:20 PM
COASTAL CAROLINA vs. WISCONSIN
No trends available
Wisconsin is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Wisconsin's last 12 games

9:40 PM
ST. JOHN'S vs. SAN DIEGO STATE
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego State's last 6 games
San Diego State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

9:50 PM
NORTH DAKOTA STATE vs. GONZAGA
No trends available
Gonzaga is 24-1 SU in its last 25 games