Monday 1/16/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pelicans (16-25) at Pacers (20-19)

Date: January 16, 2017 4:00 PM EDT

INDIANAPOLIS -- After a trip to London to play the Denver Nuggets, the Indiana Pacers return home on Monday to square off against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pacers (20-19) had won five straight games before their abysmal defensive effort in London, as they gave up 140 points in the loss to Denver.

"We didn't show up," Pacers coach Nate McMillan said after the game. "I don't have a reason for that. Just total domination by Denver."

Glenn Robinson III added: "We didn't bring it defensively. We didn't play the same way that we've been playing."

Rest is rarely a bad thing in the NBA, but it might have come at a bad time for Indiana, disrupting their win streak. They'll look to get back to their winning ways Monday, in a building that has seen plenty of winning this season.

For whatever reason, the Pacers have been unable to play well away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse. They are 15-5 at home this season, and just 5-14 away from Indianapolis.

These two teams matched up earlier this season, with the Pelicans defeating the Pacers 102-95 in New Orleans. The Pacers led 90-87 with 4:28 to play, but the Pelicans finished the game on a big run. Anthony Davis had a huge night with 35 points and 16 rebounds. The Pelicans were able to hold the Pacers to 3-of-21 from behind the arc.

Solomon Hill will be playing his first game back in Indianapolis as a member of the opposition. He was drafted by the Pacers and spent his first three seasons with them.

The Pelicans (16-25) have played a lot better of late, winning six of their last 10 games. They dropped their last game, however, to the Chicago Bulls by a final of 107-99. Their trip to Indiana will wrap up their longest road trip (five games) of the season. With a win, they would have a winning road trip.

After missing Thursday's game, Anthony Davis returned to action against Chicago with another monster night despite the loss. He scored 36 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter.

"It was fine," Davis told NBA.com, referring to his injured hip. "It didn't really affect me out there."

Rebounding was the main story of the loss to the Bulls. "We just need to stop star-gazing," Davis said. "When the ball goes up, we just kind of stare at it instead of finding a body and going to get the rebound."

Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry agrees: "You can't give up 21 offensive rebounds and expect to win the game. You can't do that."

With Anthony Davis and Myles Turner both in the building, expect a lot of blocked shots. The Pelicans are second in the NBA in blocks (5.9 per game), while the Pacers are seventh (5.5 per game).

Rodney Stuckey is still out (hamstring) for Indiana, while Quincy Pondexter is out (left knee) for New Orleans.

The Pelicans have not won in Indiana since 2010.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Magic (17-25) at Nuggets (15-23)

Date: January 16, 2017 5:00 PM EDT

The Orlando Magic were leading the Utah Jazz on the road and playing well Saturday night, but a late collapse cost them what would have been a signature win.

Their reward for playing well for 45 minutes is facing a rested Nuggets team in Denver on Monday night.

The Nuggets (15-23) are travel-weary but feeling good after routing the Indiana Pacers on Thursday in London. Denver scored a season-high 140 points and had 37 assists, also a season best, in the victory.

"One of our best games of the season, obviously coming at the right time," Nuggets Michael Malone said after the game.

Now it's back to work at Pepsi Center, where Denver has struggled this season. The Nuggets are 7-11 there and 8-11 overall in home games -- they were considered the home team in London -- which cannot continue if they want to make a run at the playoffs.

If they can transfer their effort from the O2 Arena to Denver, the Nuggets have a chance to reel off some wins on their home court.

"I joked with our guys after the game, 'I think we're going to stay here in London and play our home games here," Malone said in London. "Our guys were very comfortable out there and we had one of our best performances."

Denver got a great game from Nikola Jokic, the budding star who has come close to a triple-double on several occasions. He finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists against the Pacers.

Jokic has emerged as Denver's best offensive player. While he is averaging just 13.1 points and 7.8 rebounds for the season, the 21-year-old Serbian's play in the last month has been the talk of Nuggets fans.

In Jokic's last nine games, he has averaged 18 points and 8.7 rebounds.

The Magic (17-25) had a chance to beat the Jazz and their two big men, Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert, but couldn't close it out Saturday night. Utah used a 13-0 run late in the fourth quarter to run past Orlando and pull out the win.

"It was rough, man," Magic forward Aaron Gordon told the Orlando Sentinel on Saturday. "We had defensive lapses down the stretch. That's how you give up a game."

The Magic scored 42 points in the first quarter on Saturday but couldn't sustain the pace and lost for the seventh time in nine games.

Monday's game is the fifth of sixth through the Western Conference, and they play at New Orleans on Wednesday before heading home. Two wins to wrap up the trip will give them a .500 record on the six-game swing.

The Magic will need to play better defense down the stretch if they want to stop a Nuggets team that has found its offensive rhythm during the past month.

There will be no homecoming for guard Evan Fournier, who played his first two years in Denver before being dealt to the Magic before the 2014-15 season. Fournier is out for the near future with a right heel bruise that sidelined him for Saturday's game.

"I was compensating a lot, so now it's more than just the heel," Fournier told the Orlando Sentinel. "It's just the bottom of the foot, period. It's frustrating, man. I could probably keep playing like this, but it's not getting any better and I'm playing (at) like 60 percent (of my ability)."

The Nuggets will probably be without forward Darrell Arthur because of knee soreness that kept him out of Thursday's game. Even without Arthur, Denver is hoping to build on the momentum from the win in London.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hornets (20-20) at Celtics (25-15)

Date: January 16, 2017 7:30 PM EDT

BOSTON -- Isaiah Thomas spent part of his day Friday visiting one of his favorite football teams, the Seattle Seahawks, during their walk-through in preparation for their NFL playoff loss in Atlanta.

Saturday night, Thomas was on the field pregame in Foxborough, Mass., wearing his autographed Tom Brady jersey and trying to fire up his other favorite team, the New England Patriots. Celtics coach Brad Stevens also at the game.

In between, Thomas found time for another dynamic fourth-quarter performance, this one capped by the winning basket with 2.4 seconds left that enabled the Boston Celtics to dispose of the Atlanta Hawks.

Monday night, Thomas looks to continue his rather incredible run when he leads his Celtics into a home game against the struggling Charlotte Hornets.

Thomas, who leads all NBA players in fourth-quarter scoring, has averaged 31.3 points per game in the 15 games since returning from injury. The Celtics (25-15 and winners of six straight at home) are 12-3 in those 15 games.

Friday night, he got into a war of words with Atlanta counterpart Dennis Schroder, who accused Thomas after the game of saying things about his mother.

On Sunday, Thomas, who is averaging 28.2 points per game for the season, denied the claim, saying, "I don't talk about nobody's moms, I don't cuss out nobody's moms, and I don't talk about nobody's family, so whatever he said, that's a 100 percent lie and he knows that.

"I always say, 'Keep it hoop.' When it comes to basketball, I talk about basketball. And I'm gonna trash talk, and I'm gonna compete, and I'm gonna do whatever I can to help my team win the game, but I don't bring parents in, I don't bring family.

"I don't even know his mom to curse at her like he said I did, whatever he's lying about. From this point forward I don't even want to talk about Dennis Schroder because he's not even on the level I'm trying to be on, and I'm not even focused on him no more."

Avery Bradley, who has missed four games with a sore Achilles, returned to practice Sunday for Boston, and he is listed as questionable for Monday's game. But Kelly Olynyk rolled his right ankle, tripping over an assistant coach's young son in a shooting drill, and missed practice.

The Hornets are closing out a four-game road trip -- all losses -- and have lost five in a row away from home. The losing streak has dropped them to 20-20 on the season, 0-2 against the Celtics. They are just 12-17 after an 8-3 start.

Coach Steve Clifford is disappointed with the way his team is playing defense.

"We have enough (defense)," he said. "We've proven that in stretches. We need consistency.

"... Our inability to contain penetration is killing us."

That may well work to Thomas' advantage, who loves to drive and either continue to the basket or put the ball up, often drawing fouls. He has gone 119 for 127 from the foul line in the 15-game stretch, with one game of 17 for 17 and also two straight of hitting all 13.

Charlotte will again be without swingman Jeremy Lamb, who will miss his second straight game with an inflamed metatarsal.

Bradley had 31 points and 11 rebounds the first time the teams met. Charlotte's Kemba Walker had 29 points in that contest, but it was not enough for his team in that game. In the rematch in Boston, Thomas scored 26 points and Walker wasn't with the Hornets because of personal reasons.

That was the night Thomas returned from missing four games with his groin strain. It ended a three-game Boston losing streak.

"Isaiah Thomas was the biggest part of it," Clifford said that night. "Frankly, again, the one thing we have to do, we have to make our layups and we have to make our open shots. Our game is a skill game."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cavaliers (29-10) at Warriors (34-6)

Date: January 16, 2017 8:00 PM EDT

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Golden State Warriors will be seeking a measure of revenge against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.

Again.

When the Cavaliers and Warriors meet in a nationally televised contest, it'll be more than just a rematch of the 2016 NBA Finals, won in seven games by Cleveland.

It also will be a rematch of the Christmas Day game, which also was won by the Cavaliers.

The Finals' win required a three-game sweep after trailing 3-1. The December victory came after the Cavaliers trailed by 14 points in the fourth quarter.

In both occasions, a late jumper by Kyrie Irving made him the hero.

The schedule gives the Warriors an advantage in the rematch of the rematch. They haven't left Northern California in the last three weeks, and have had three days off since beating Detroit 127-107 on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers will be playing their sixth road game in 11 days.

"They're even more dangerous," Cavaliers star LeBron James said Sunday of the Warriors, who added All-Star Kevin Durant in free agency over the summer. "They're even more dangerous than they were last year, and that's pretty hard to say because they were a damn great team last year. They're even better this year."

That's one reason James has pushed the Cavaliers to get better. And they believe they have with the addition of veteran guard Kyle Korver, acquired in a trade with Atlanta on Jan. 7.

Korver shot just 2-for-10 in losses at Utah and Portland in his first two games for the Cavaliers, but rebounded with a 7-for-10, 18-point effort that contributed to a 120-108 win at Sacramento on Friday.

The Warriors also made a recent trip to Sacramento, which is about 90 miles northeast of Oakland. That's as far as the NBA schedule has forced Golden State to travel since returning home from Cleveland following the Christmas Day game.

Golden State has gone 7-1 since the Cleveland loss, beaten only by Memphis in overtime.

Much of the focus last week following routine home wins over Miami and Detroit was on the upcoming duel with the defending champs. The Warriors made every effort to keep the regular-season meeting in perspective.

"It's more important that we play well," Warriors forward Draymond Green responded after the Detroit win when asked which would be his preference Monday: Playing well or winning.

"We need to get better," he continued. "We still have a lot of work to do."

Green then paused for a moment.

"Of course," he noted, "when we play well, we usually win."

The Cleveland game begins one of the Warriors' most interesting weeks of the season.

They'll host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday in Durant's second game against his old team and old pal Russell Westbrook. They will then get a rematch with Houston, a team that beat them in December, to tip off a four-game trip Friday.

Durant poured in 36 points in the Christmas Day loss to Cleveland. He missed 12 of his 23 shots that day, and has since connected on half or more of his attempts in six of eight games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Jazz (26-16) at Suns (13-27)

Date: January 16, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

The spotlight will be on the shooting guards Monday night when the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns meet at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Jazz flew into Phoenix on Sunday carrying a three-game winning streak that included a victory over the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

But the third of the three home wins over a five-day stretch appears to have been a costly one, as shooting guard Rodney Hood suffered a hyperextended and bruised right knee in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 114-107 win over Orlando.

The injury at first looked serious, which had the Utah players in a somber mood after completing the 3-0 homestand.

But an MRI taken Sunday revealed no significant damage, allowing the Jazz franchise to breathe a collective sigh of relief.

"Man, I know the feeling," Jazz backup Alec Burks told reporters after Saturday's game.

Burks underwent knee surgery in the offseason and had three separate ankle procedures. He has returned to play six games, and had a season-best eight points Saturday in a season-high 15 minutes.

Having started 42 games in his career, Burks is a candidate to be in the starting lineup Monday in place of Hood, who has been ruled out.

The Jazz hope to have their fourth-leading scorer back in a week or two.

"I know exactly how he's feeling," Burks insisted. "If anybody does, I do."

If there ever were a good time for a team to experience an injury, the Jazz currently have that luxury. After an injury-marred first two months of the season, Utah finally had all hands on deck for the homestand.

Eleven different players have started at least three games this season, which gives coach Quin Snyder options.

Snyder would be wise to pick someone with defensive skills, because the matchup Monday should be a tough one. Suns shooting guard Devin Booker is coming off back-to-back, 39-point efforts during Phoenix's two-game trip to Mexico City.

The Suns split the games, beating San Antonio 108-105 on Saturday night.

"Devin Booker does not want to leave Mexico," Suns coach Earl Watson gushed after the win. "I'm excited for Devin. He's only 20 years old. We are very excited about everything that he's doing."

Actually, Booker's hot streak pre-dated the trip south of the border. He has averaged 31.0 points in his last five games, hitting 56 of his 102 shots (54.9 percent) and 17 of his 28 3-pointers (60.7 percent).

Alas, nothing has been easy for the Suns in recent matchups with the Jazz. Utah has beaten Phoenix six times in a row, and has held the Suns under 90 points in six of their last seven meetings.

The Jazz lead the league in defense, having allowed 94.8 points per game. They have already held a league-best 16 opponents to 90 points or fewer.

Phoenix was the designated home team in both Mexico City games. The Suns' last true home game also was encouraging, a tightly contested 120-116 loss to the Cavaliers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

StatFox Super Situations

NBA*|*CLEVELAND*at*GOLDEN STATE
Play Under - Home teams where the total is greater than or equal to 200 well rested team - playing 6 or less games in 14 days, a top-level team (>= 75%) playing a good team (60% to 75%)
44-17*since 1997.**(*72.1%*|*25.3 units*)
2-2*this year.**(*50.0%*|*-0.2 units*)

NBA*|*UTAH*at*PHOENIX
Play Against - Home underdogs vs. the money line (PHOENIX) poor defensive team - shooting pct defense of >=46% on the season, averaging 53 or more rebounds/game on the season
187-54*since 1997.**(*77.6%*|*71.0 units*)
9-6*this year.**(*60.0%*|*-6.4 units*)

NBA*|*PORTLAND*at*WASHINGTON
Play Under - All teams where the first half total is greater than 100 in a game involving two good free throw shooting teams (76-79%), good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against an average pressure defensive team (14.5-16.5 TO's)
118-64*over the last 5 seasons.**(*64.8%*|*47.6 units*)
9-6*this year.**(*60.0%*|*2.4 units*)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marquette Golden Eagles (12-5) at Butler Bulldogs (15-3)

Date: January 16, 2017 12:00 PM EDT

INDIANAPOLIS -- Butler and Marquette delivered impressive victories Saturday afternoon, but neither team could enjoy it long because they start a five-game Martin Luther King Jr. Day televised Big East marathon.

Marquette (12-5, 3-2) will play at No. 12 Butler (15-3, 4-2) at noon ET on Monday at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Butler rallied from a 31-25 halftime deficit to defeat No. 15 Xavier 83-78 on Saturday.

Bulldogs coach Chris Holtmann was proud of his team's second-half showing but couldn't dwell on it.

"We have to get ready for a really good Marquette team in less than 36 hours, so that's going to be our focus," Holtmann said.

Butler senior Andrew Charbascz said short memories are key after wins and losses in a tough conference. The Bulldogs were dominated in a 75-64 loss at No. 8 Creighton on Wednesday.

"You want to celebrate these victories, and then you have to move on the next one," Chrabascz said. "We know we have Marquette coming in Monday, a very talented team. So we know we have to move on to the next one.

"Against Creighton, we didn't dictate anything. This game we tried to dictate a little more."

Butler pounded the basketball inside in the second half, hitting 29 of 32 free throws after intermission. The Bulldogs have won 13 consecutive home games, including 10 this season.

The Golden Eagles, who routed visiting DePaul 83-58 on Saturday, will have even less time to prepare because of travel time.

"Butler is an outstanding team," Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski said. "They've had a terrific year. Hinkle Fieldhouse is a great place to play.

"It's a very quick turnaround for us. Obviously, we're not going to be able to do a whole lot on the floor, so a lot of it is going to be film study and walk-through, so we're as fresh as we possibly can be Monday morning."

Like Butler, Marquette is playing its third game in six days. The Golden Eagles edged visiting Seton Hall 89-86 in overtime on Wednesday.

"Butler is the best team of the three we've played so far," junior guard Andrew Rowsey said. "We've got to go in there with laser focus and prepare to win."

Rowsey scored a team-high 24 points, hitting 6 of 7 3-pointers, against visiting DePaul. Marquette sank 13 of 27 3-point shots.

"I saw great ball movement and great ball movement led to some open shots and where our guys were able to set their feet and shoot in-rhythm shots," Wojciechowski said. "We played really unselfish during that (first-half) spurt, some of the most unselfish basketball we've played all year.

"One of the the things that we talk about on a daily basis is on every possession we want the ball to find the best shot and we have enough good players where that may mean one guy has a (big) day today and another guy has a day the next game. I think our guys bought into that (against DePaul) and hopefully that will continue."

Wojciechowski was pleased with the job that Marquette did defensively, too, holding DePaul to 38 percent shooting from the field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Creighton Bluejays (17-1) at Xavier Musketeers (13-4)

Date: January 16, 2017 2:00 PM EDT

CINCINNATI -- The Xavier Musketeers are in the midst of the toughest three-game stretch in program history. They are hoping to salvage one of them.

The 15th-ranked Musketeers were routed 79-54 earlier in the week at previously No. 1-ranked Villanova before losing 83-78 on Saturday at No. 12 Butler.

In both of those games, Xavier played well in the first half before crumbling at halftime. The Musketeers led by six points at halftime at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

"I'm happy that we didn't completely melt and cave like we did at Villanova," Xavier head coach Chris Mack told the Cincinnati Enquirer following the Butler loss. "But there are some things to be unhappy about. The fact that when it kept going back and forth ... we couldn't get a stop."

Next up for the Musketeers is No. 8 Creighton on Monday afternoon as part of the Big East Conference's Martin Luther King Day marathon. It's the highest ranking ever for the Bluejays, who have established themselves as a legitimate contender for the Big East title.

Among the key questions for Xavier going into Monday's matinee is the condition of point guard Edmond Sumner, who injured his shoulder in the final second of the loss at Butler. Sumner wore tape on his right shoulder throughout the game then hurt it again during a collision with a Villanova player.

"He's in some pain," Mack said. "I think he'll be fine. I asked (athletic trainer David) Fluker. ... He's in some pain. That's about all I have."

Sumner overcame a slow start on Saturday before finishing strong with 22 points on 12 of 13 from the free-throw line. He also had three assists in the loss.

If Xavier is going to snap its two-game losing streak, it needs more production from junior guard Trevon Bluiett who leads the team with 16.8 points per game but was a combined 4-of-20 shooting in the losses at Villanova and Butler.

Xavier (13-4, 3-2 Big East) will need Sumner healthy and Bluiett producing against a Creighton squad which is led by one of the top guards in the nation in Maurice Watson Jr., who had six assists on Saturday giving him 388 for his career, tied for ninth in school history.

Creighton (17-1, 4-1 Big East) stepped away from Big East play on Saturday, beating Division II Truman State 101-69 to match its best start in program history. It's the most wins to start a season with one or fewer losses since 2012-13.

The Bluejays are hoping to get senior center Zach Hanson back by February. He has been out since having foot surgery last month. Hanson has removed his protective boot and worked out on the court prior to Saturday's game against Truman State. Hanson was averaging eight points per game prior to the injury.

"It's going to be a matter of how it reacts as we stress it more," said Creighton head coach Greg McDermott. "We don't want to bring him back too early."

Xavier leads the series 12-10, but it has been hotly contested since the teams joined the Big East. The Musketeers and Bluejays split last season's series with XU winning 98-93 at Cintas Center and Creighton rolling to a 70-56 win at home earlier in the season.

Since joining the Big East, Creighton has won four of seven meetings, including winning once at Cintas Center.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Seton Hall Pirates (12-5) at Villanova Wildcats (17-1)

Date: January 16, 2017 6:30 PM EDT

VILLANOVA, Pa. -- Donte DiVincenzo has steadily moved up the depth chart as a redshirt freshman for third-ranked Villanova.

After DiVincenzo scored a career-best 19 points in a 70-57 win at St. John's on Saturday at Madison Square Garden, more minutes are surely warranted for the ever-improving guard.

DiVincenzo was 7 of 10 shots from the field and 3 of 5 from beyond the arc in a stellar 31-minute performance.

The win pushed the Wildcats to 17-1 overall and 5-1 in the Big East in preparation for a quick turnaround with a visit from Seton Hall on Monday night at 6:30 p.m. ET at The Pavilion.

"My focus is on defending and rebounding," DiVincenzo told reporters after the win over St. John's. "If the shots are falling, great."

Villanova has taken the last 14 meetings with Seton Hall at its on-campus arena but lost 69-67 in the championship game of last year's Big East tournament title game. The Wildcats rebounded in a big way to win six straight games in the NCAA Tournament on their way to a national championship.

A win over Seton Hall would give Villanova its 47th in a row at its on-campus arena, breaking the previous mark of 46 set from 2007 to 2011.

For the second straight game, Villanova got off to a slow start against St. John's before rebounding. It's a trend the Wildcats would like to halt.

"We didn't bring it," said preseason national player of the year candidate Josh Hart, who had 11 points and six rebounds against St. John's. "That's on the three seniors -- Kris (Jenkins), Darryl (Reynolds) and myself. We have to set a tone and be examples for these guys. That's something that we didn't do."

Still, the Wildcats keep winning. Only an eight-point loss at Butler has stymied what would be an unbeaten team.

"I'm not upset," Villanova coach Jay Wright said. "We've got great guys. I'm just being honest. There are a lot of positives to take out of this game.

"No one is surprised by Donte, but it's good to see him do it on the road, in a big-time setting at the Garden. Getting Eric (Paschall) going is big for us. Kris, Josh and Jalen (Brunson) have been in so many big games for us and have come through so many times, we know we've got that."

Seton Hall (12-5, 2-3 Big East) has dropped two straight games on the road -- an 89-86 overtime loss at Marquette and a 65-61 decision at Providence.

In the loss at Providence, Seton Hall was paced by junior Desi Rodriguez, who scored 20 points. Angel Delgado posted his 11th consecutive double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds, moving past Eddie Griffin, who had 10 consecutive double-doubles in 2001.

Seton Hall did manage to outrebound Providence 39-29.

Yet the reeling Pirates are beginning to frustrate coach Kevin Willard.

"It's an embarrassment," Willard said in his postgame radio interview after the loss at Providence. "We jogged around giving up easy transition buckets.

"I am so -- I wouldn't say disappointed. I am past that. I am more frustrated. ... We're going to make a little change."

Whatever change that might be will be a difficult task at Villanova.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Syracuse Orange (11-7) at North Carolina Tar Heels (16-3)

Date: January 16, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- A Final Four rematch might not look all that attractive on the surface, but players for No. 11 North Carolina know this is no time to back off.

The Tar Heels picked up a notable victory during the weekend prior to a home matchup with Syracuse on Monday night at the Smith Center.

Coming off a sizzling 96-83 conquest of ninth-ranked Florida State puts the Tar Heels in good shape in the Atlantic Coast Conference more than a quarter of the way through the conference schedule.

"The way we played, we hope we can carry it on," North Carolina forward Isaiah Hicks said. "This really shows we're capable of being a great team."

This also could be a memorable game for another reason for the Tar Heels (16-3, 4-1 ACC). Coach Roy Williams makes his first attempt at career coaching victory No. 800.

Syracuse (11-7, 3-2) has struggled at times, but the Orange has won three of its last four games and might be rounding into form just in time.

Syracuse Jim Boeheim said there hasn't been an overhaul in strategy.

"We were doing the same thing we were doing, it just worked," he said. "A couple of small things on offense, a couple of small things on defense. Nothing major."

Tar Heels guard Joel Berry said the Tar Heels should be able to refocus quickly after playing in front of Saturday's sellout crowd.

"We've got to get our legs back," he said.

North Carolina defeated Syracuse three times last year, including twice late in the season by winning on Senior Night and then in the Final Four semifinals in Houston.

Syracuse was a surprise Final Four team, but this season the surprise has gone the other way. Inconsistency has meant the Orange dropped out of the national rankings.

"We probably should have been a little bit more cautious about this team," Boeheim said of the expectations. "It may say 'senior' next to their name or 'grad student' or whatever it says, but they're first-year players for us."

He's referring to graduate transfers Andrew White and John Gillon, who each will be playing at the Smith Center for the first time.

Syracuse has been more successful recently by using a rotation of mostly six or seven players.

"We were a little stable with that," Boeheim said of the lineup. "(Gillon at point guard) really stabilized the offense and we hadn't been very stable. ... We beat (some) good (ACC) teams. We hadn't been able to beat anybody, not (to mention) a good team."

The Tar Heels had eight players log more than 10 minutes against Florida State. Playing at a high level all the time is one of their goals.

"Now it's just 40 minutes. Do it all 40 minutes. We can't have lapses where we start off good and have that lapse, they come back and we pick it back up," Hicks said. "We just have to cut that out."

North Carolina reached the 90-point mark for the 11th time this season, marking the first Florida State opponent to score that much. For the first time in six years, the Tar Heels had three players score 20 or more points in a game with Berry (26 points), Hicks (22) and Justin Jackson (22).

The Tar Heels are aware of some of the pitfalls that can be caused by Syracuse's 2-3 zone.

"They always get steals in that zone," Hicks said.

Syracuse hasn't won any of its five games played outside the Carrier Dome this season, including a 0-3 record in true road games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Kansas Jayhawks (16-1) at Iowa State Cyclones (11-5)

Date: January 16, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

The Big 12 is driven by elite point guards.

Yet Kansas senior Frank Mason has separated himself during the 5-0 start the Jayhawks (16-1 overall) have managed as the conference leader.

Entering a game on Monday against Iowa State (11-5, 3-2) in Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, Mason has led No. 2 Kansas in scoring 13 times while averaging a league-high 20.5 points. He also averages 5.5 assists and 4.4 rebounds.

His value, based on sheer consistency and the 35.2 minutes he averages, makes Mason a candidate for national player of the year.

In fact, Oklahoma State coach Brad Underwood told Mason just that in the postgame handshake line on Saturday after the Jayhawks held off the Cowboys 87-80 for their 16th straight win.

Kansas coach Bill Self, however, remains cautious about giving Mason any decorative props.

"I can get on to him and he can frustrate me. I'm not going to take him for granted," Self said after the Oklahoma State win. "He does some things, like we came out of timeouts twice trying to run something and he screwed it up.

"You guys don't ever see that. So he does plenty to get you p----- at him. But he's so competitive and he just seems to make plays. Today he was average, but he competed hard."

Hearing he was average drives Mason much more than any glowing compliments.

He conceded that Underwood's praise was nice. He also acknowledged the Big 12 is filled with good point guards, including his counterpart for Iowa State, senior Monte Morris.

Mason, however, insists he only cares about the victories that Kansas is amassing.

"It's about the team, how we play moving forward and not how I play," Mason said.

Facilitating teammates is essential too and was evident against Oklahoma State when three 20-point scorers emerged from the Jayhawks' backcourt. Mason scored a team-high 22 points, junior Devonte' Graham chipped in 21 and freshman Josh Jackson had 20.

Iowa State will attempt to confront that trio with a deep and diverse squad. The Cyclones lead the Big 12 with nine 3-point makes on average and rank second in the conference in defensive field goal percentage (.402).

They are coming off an 84-77 loss at TCU, however, in which Morris was limited to nine points on 4-of-14 shooting from the field. He did distribute eight assists and leads the Big 12 with a 5.8 average, ranking just ahead of Mason.

Another primary scorer for Iowa State, senior guard Deonte Burton (12.4 ppg.), went just 1 of 10 against TCU and scored five points. The Horned Frogs countered with 57 percent shooting from the field.

"We didn't defend them well enough to win," Iowa State coach Steve Prohm said. "We weren't locked into how we needed to guard them."

A deafening home crowd typically elevates the Cyclones' intensity against the Jayhawks. Iowa State has won two straight at home in the series and seven of the last 11 meetings overall.

"They are playing more guys, working in some bigs," Self said, "and of course Burton is a matchup nightmare -- kind of like Josh is for us -- because he is a guard and they play him at the four as well. They have a good team."

Senior guard Naz Mitrou-Long leads Iowa State with a 15.7-point average. His 41 makes from 3-point range ranks second in the Big 12.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Monday’s games

Butler won four of its last five games, with only loss by 11 at Creighton; they’re 3-0 in conference home games, winning by 17-8-5 points, including a win over Villanova. Bulldogs have #28 eFG% defense, forcing turnovers 21.3% of time. Marquette is 3-2 in Big East games, with home side winning all five games; they lost conference road games by 3 at Seton Hall, 12 at Villanova. Home side won five of six Marquette-Butler Big East games; Golden Eagles lost last three games in Hinkle Fieldhouse, by 12-21-21 points- they’re shooting 44% on arc in league games.

Xavier lost its last two games, allowing 81 pts/game; they’re 2-0 in Big East home games, with wins by 26 over Providence, 15 over St John’s. Musketeers lost a tough game at Butler two days ago; Creighton hammered Truman State to prep for this. Bluejays are making 65.5% of its shots inside arc in Big East play; they scored 84.8 pts/game in winning last four games since their only loss, by 10 at home to Villanova. Bluejays are 4-3 vs Xavier in Big East play, losing two of three here, with losses by 6-5 points; underdogs covered six of seven series games.

St John’s won three of last four games with DePaul; they beat Blue Demons 79-73 in Chicago 15 days ago, DePaul lost last seven visits to St John’s, losing by 20-25-7-5-8-8-15 points. Red Storm lost its last four games, all by 13+ points, allowing 84.3 pts/game- both their big East home losses were by 13 points. DePaul lost six of its last seven games and was down 12 with 7:22 to play in the one win; they’re 0-3 in Big East road games, losing by 3-25-31 points. Big East home favorites of 6+ points are 10-1 vs spread this season.

Villanova won its last three games by 12-25-13 points after its only loss, at Butler; Wildcats are 3-0 in Big East home games, winning by 3-12-25 points. Villanova is shooting 63.7% inside arc in league games; their eFG% is 59% in Big East play. Seton Hall lost its last two games by total of seven points; they’re 0-3 in Big East road games, losing by 14-3-4 points. Wildcats won three of last four games with Seton Hall, losing 69-67 to the Pirates in Big East tourney last March. Villanova won two of last three visits to Newark, winning by 1-16 points.

North Carolina won its last four games since getting upset by Ga Tech, winning its last two home games by 51 over NC State, 13 over Florida State. Tar Heels play fastest pace in ACC, are rebounding 43.1% of their missed shots in ACC games. North Carolina won its last three games with Syracuse by 10-11-5 points; Orangemen lost 93-83/75-70 in last two visits here. Syracuse won three of last four games but all three wins were at home; they’re 0-2 on road, losing by 15 at BC, 10 at Va Tech. ACC home faves of 8+ points are 4-5 vs spread this month.

Detroit is only 3-14, but won last game as a 20-point underdog at Oakland Friday night. Titans are 1-4 in Horizon games, losing at home to No Kentucky by 11, Wright St by 13. Detroit won its last seven games with Youngstown State, beating Penguins by 13-13 points in last two Horizon tourneys. Youngstown lost its last four visits to Motor City by 11-2-6-9 points, with two of those games going to OT. Penguins are 3-7 in their last ten games, with two of wins in OT. Horizon League home favorites of 5 or less points are 1-5 against the spread.

Valparaiso won five of its last six games, with only loss at home to Oakland; they split two home games in league, beating 3-14 Detroit by 7. Crusaders are shooting just 25.7% on arc in league games. Valparaiso won four of last five games with Green Bay; teams met in three of last four Horizon tourneys. Green Bay lost its last five visits here, by 3-12-15-4-15 points. Phoenix won last seven games, are 5-0 in Horizon, winning road games by 13 at Youngstown, at Cleveland State in OT. Horizon League home favorites are 7-9 against the spread, 3-3 if laying 8+ points.

Georgia Southern is 4-0 in Sun Belt, only unbeaten in league; they won only road game by 5 at ULL Saturday, game they trailed by 7 early in second half. Eagles play four sophs, four juniors; they’re shooting 58.8% inside arc while playing fastest place in Sun Belt. Georgia Southern split its last four games with UL-Monroe; three of four games were decided by 4 or less points- they won 57-53 in last visit here, in 2015. ULM is 0-4 in league, but losses to Little Rock, Georgia State were both in overtime. Sun Belt road favorites are 2-4 against the spread.

Home side won all five Sun Belt games between Tex-Arlington and South Alabama; Mavericks lost last three visits here, by 5-6-3 points. Arlington allowed 87 pts/game in losing its last two games, after a 12-3 start; they’re 6-5 in true road games, with three wins by 5 or less points. South Alabama split its first four league games; two were decided by one point, the other two in OT. Jaguars lost seven of last nine D-i games, with wins over teams ranked #166/244- they’re 0-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 12-34 points. Sun Belt road favorites are 2-4 vs spread.

Georgia State split its first four Sun Belt games, with last three all decided by 3 or less points or in OT. Panthers are 1-2 vs top 100 teams, losing by 8 at Purdue, 22 at Miss State, winning at Middle Tennessee. UL-Lafayette split its first four Sun Belt games, with losses decided by total of 8 points. Georgia State won three of last four games with UL-Lafayette; they won three of last four visits to Lafayette. Five of last seven series games were decided by 4 or less points. Sun Belt home favorites home favorites of 7+ points are 2-5-1 against the spread.

Providence won its last five games with Georgetown, winning by 3-4 points in last two played here. Friars beat Hoyas 76-70 at home 12 days ago, outscoring Georgetown 22-8 on foul line. Providence is 0-3 on Big East road, losing by 26 at Xavier, 17 at Butler; in the loss at DePaul Friars led by 12 with 7:22 to play. Georgetown won its last two games after a 4-game skid; they beat UConn by 3 in a non-league game Saturday. Friars are playing slowest games in Big East this year. Big East home favorites of 6+ points are 10-1 vs spread this season.

Kansas won its last 15 games since losing season opener in OT to Indiana; Jayhawks are 5-0 in Big X games, winning road games by 6 at TCU, 11 at Oklahoma. Kansas has played only one other true road game, vs a weak UNLV squad (71-53). Iowa State lost at TCU Saturday; they’re 3-2 in league, winning home games by 7 over Texas Tech, 9 over Texas. Cyclones are #4 experience team in country. Iowa State is 4-2 in its last six games with Kansas, winning 86-81/85-72 in last two games in Ames. Big X home underdogs are 4-3 vs spread this season.

Battle for first in MAAC out in Buffalo. Canisius won nine of its last ten games, is 3-0 at home in MAAC play, winning by 3-6-33 points. Griffins lost 94-88 at Monmouth Dec 4, despite making 16-31 on the arc- they led by 7 midway thru second half. Hawks won six of last seven games with Canisius; Monmouth lost two of last three visits here, losing 96-86 here LY. Home side won six of last seven series games. Monmouth won its last three games, by 18-7-7 points, scoring 84.3 pts/game. MAAC home underdogs are 8-4 against the spread.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Monday's Tip Sheet
By David Schwab

A few of the top college basketball teams in the nation will be looking to start the week with another victory as favorites in a trio of conference matchups in the Big East, ACC and Big 12.

To get the betting action underway, Villanova will play host to Seton Hall in a 6:30 p.m. (ET) tip. As part of ESPN’s Big Monday double header, Syracuse will go on the road to face North Carolina in the opener followed by Iowa State at home against Kansas.

Seton Hall Pirates at No. 3 Villanova Wildcats (FOX Sports 1, 6:30 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Villanova -14

Betting Matchup

Seton Hall will wrap up a tough three-game road trip on Monday night after losing to Marquette 89-86 as 5 ½-point underdogs and to Providence 65-61 as two-point favorites in the first two games. The Pirates are now 2-3 both straight-up and against the spread in Big East play as part of an overall record of 12-5 (7-9 ATS). The total has stayed UNDER in three of their last five road games. Junior forward Desi Rodriguez has posted a combined 50 points in his last two starts to raise his season average to 16.6 points per game.

The Wildcats have won their last three games both SU and ATS since that Jan. 4 loss to Butler, which was their only setback against 17 wins. They are 12-6 ATS this season and the total has stayed UNDER in seven of their last nine games. Freshman guard Donte DiVincezo came off the bench to score a game-high 19 points while shooting 7-for-10 from the field in this past Saturday’s 70-57 road victory against St. Johns with Villanova closing as a 12 ½-point favorite.

Betting Trends

--The Pirates are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 road games and the total has stayed UNDER in nine of their last 11 games played on a Monday.

--The Wildcats have covered in five of their last seven games following a SU win and the total has stayed UNDER in all seven of those contests.

--Head-to-head in this Big East battle, the underdog has covered in five of the last six meetings. The total has stayed UNDER in six of the last seven games between the two.

Syracuse Orange at No. 11 North Carolina Tar Heels (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: North Carolina -14.5

Betting Matchup

Syracuse (11-7 SU, 6-7 ATS) opened play in the ACC this season with a road loss to Boston College as a 10-point favorite, but it quickly avenged that loss on Saturday with a 76-53 victory over the Eagles as a 12-point favorite at home. The Orange are now 3-2 (SU and ATS) in conference play. Four Syracuse starters scored in double figures on Saturday lead by freshman guard Tyrus Battle’s career-high 21 points. Defensively, the Orange forced 20 turnovers in that win.
The Tar Heels have won their last four conference games following a stunning 75-63 road loss to Georgia Tech as 17-point favorites in this season’s ACC opener. They are now 16-3 SU (11-8 ATS) overall and the total has gone OVER in four of their last six games. In Saturday’s impressive 96-83 rout against No. 9 Florida State, junior guard Joe Berry Jr. led the way with 26 points. Junior forward Justin Jackson, who leads the team in scoring with 17.9 PPG, added 22 points to the winning cause.

Betting Trends

--The Orange are have failed to cover in their last four road games and the total has gone OVER in their last five games played on the road.

--The Tar Heels are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games at home and the total has stayed UNDER in five of their last seven home games.

--The favorite in this ACC tilt has gone 3-1-1 ATS in the last five meetings. The total has gone OVER in three of the last four meetings including North Carolina’s 83-66 victory against Syracuse in last season’s Final Four as a 10-point favorite.

No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks at Iowa State Cyclones (ESPN, 9 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Kansas -3

Betting Matchup

The Jayhawks (16-1 SU, 5-10 ATS) should lay claim to the top spot in both national polls this week following Baylor’s recent loss to West Virginia combined with their victories against Oklahoma on the road and Oklahoma State at home. However, they failed to cover as double-digit favorites in both contests to fall to 1-5 ATS in their last six games. Senior guard Frank Mason III continues to lead Kansas in both points (20.5) and assists (5.5). He posted a total of 50 points in his last two games.

Iowa State (11-5 SU, 7-6 ATS) is coming off an 84-77 loss to TCU this past Saturday as a 2 ½-point road underdog. The total went OVER the 142 ½-point closing line in that loss and it has gone OVER in four of the Cyclones’ last six games. They are scoring 81.6 PPG with four different players averaging at least 11 points a game. Senior guard Nazareth Mitrou-Long scored a team-high 19 points in Saturday’s losing cause. He has now exceeded his scoring average (15.7 PPG) in four of his last five games.

Betting Trends

--The Jayhawks are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following a SU win and the total has gone OVER or ended as a PUSH in 11 of their past 15 Monday games.

--The Cyclones are 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight games played on Monday and the total has stayed UNDER in seven of those contests.

--Iowa State has a 5-1 edge ATS in its last six games against Kansas and the total has gone OVER in 11 of the last 15 games in this Big 12 matchup.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Monday 1/16 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $40,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

PICK 5: 8/3,8,9/1,2,3,6/3,7,9/6,7,8 = $21.60

EARLY PICK 4: 3,7,9/6,7,8/1,2/2,6,8 = $54

LATE PICK 4: 2,6,8/2,10/6,8/3,4,6,7 = $48

MEET STATS: 70 - 281 / $428.30 BEST BETS: 11 - 26 / $39.10

SPOT PLAYS: 8 - 25 / $38.20

Best Bet: PODGE (1st)

Spot Play: SECOND SISTER (9th)


Race 1

(8) PODGE has been a different, much-improved horse in the Johnson barn and the step up here isn't that great; top call in the opener. (7) CEDAR DUNES hasn't been far behind the choice in the past two starts. He could turn the tables with a bit of luck. (5) DREAMFAIR MESA was used up early last time. He has a better shot here starting from the middle of the gate and returning to a 7-day cycle. (6) WHATASHOWINONTARIO should be passing a few of these late for a share.

Race 2

(9) SIBSON showed some late interest last time and he looks as good as any in a field with seemingly few contenders. (3) ANDOVERS CHOICE was coming around for Moreau before his ill-fated trip to Flamboro. He should go much better here. (8) ASTERIX is still stuck on one win, but his race last week puts him right there with these if he can replicate it. (7) LIFE STRIKES has won several races on the 'B' tracks, but she seems destined for a smaller share here.

Race 3

(1) FEARLESS MAN comes off a game front-end win and he can usually string a couple or three wins together when he is in his best form; call to repeat. (3) ITS HUW YOU KNOW went a big trip last week when finishing a close third to the choice. He could reverse that result with a slightly better trip. (2) CASH FOR GOLD should be closer early here starting from the inside. He isn't out of this. (6) WILD AND CRAZY GUY will be winding up with his late rally turning home. Any kind of mid-race battling plays into his hand.

Race 4

(9) COBALT MAN took a ton of late action in all pools last week and he converted. I'll stick with him here based on what I saw then. (3) JOSHUA MY BOY raced for Vanderkemp for one start now he moves to Allard's barn. He could wake up with a big effort here. (7) PUSH BACK is rock-solid in this class and Tackoor will be looking for an immediate return on investment here; using. (1) JIMMY BE GOOD should be closer here moving inside; for a share.

Race 5

(6) DREAM OF LUCK is sent out by trainer Gillis, who has started the year off hot. The $40K Harrisburg purchase hinted a bit of talent in a short campaign last year. He could improve sharply here. (8) REBEL VOYAGER is also sent out by a hot trainer and he has been perfect in two starts this year; using. (7) WOODACUDASHUDA should be an early speed threat - at a minimum - in his return race here. (3) SEDONA SEELSTER is usually good for a slice but is very difficult to like on top.

Race 6

(2) BATOUTAHILL was forced 3-wide on the opening turn when every hole closed quickly last week and she paid the price for it late. She should be a better price and get a better trip here; top call. (1) LMC MASS OAK took advantage of a slowing late pace to power up for the win last week but he is in top form and is a must-use here. (7) WINDSONG MAGIC woke up with a solid effort and she is another that could crack the exotics here. (4) DOTTIE had little to offer last week and she broke in the lane. She can close late for a smaller share here.

Race 7

(8) BIG PETES STYLE had plenty of early speed last week but he was ambushed early and shuffled out of the race. He should get a better trip here on or near the lead. (2) AVATARTIST will likely try to cut it again and one of these times the classy veteran will forget to stop. (6) KEYSTONE KEEN went the long mile last time and stayed game. He merits serious Pick 4 consideration here. (5) IDEAL JET can pass many of these in the back 1/2 and take a slice.

Race 8

(2) FREDDY BEAR was impressive in victory last week when he powered to a new life's mark. The step up may not stop him here; slight nod. (10) MR MATCH ON BEACH seemingly holds a pace advantage here and if he clears quickly, he could prove tough to catch. (7) AMAZING PERCH has developed a decent late kick. He will be the beneficiary if the top two hook up in a duel. (5) JRS BIG BUDDY is a good one to use on the bottom of vertical wagers.

Race 9

(8) SECOND SISTER suffered a horrible hung-out trip last week yet still was only beaten 2 1/4 lengths. She is clearly sharp and she gets her regular pilot back here; top call. (6) MEADOWBRANCH MEMO is another who is currently in terrific form and he could get the job done here if he can find live cover. (9) A ROD HALL looked good mowing them down late last week, but his gait issues can resurface at any time. (1) OLYMPIC SON drops and he will take deserved action. Include him in your late Pick 4.

Race 10

(6) RED BUGLER couldn't clear on the backside last week which cooked his chances. He was a better chance to make front early and keep going this time. (7) SHARK REALITY has a few angles going for him here: first-time McNair and dropping back into a claimer to name two; using. (4) INCOGNITO was narrowly beaten by one that stepped up and won his next start. He is another you have to toss on late Pick 4 tickets. (3) BEACH TERROR goes for Johnson here and he can be deadly off the claim. He's another in with a good shot in this contentious finale. (1) ACEFORTYFOURTALON can take a small share passing some of these late.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 1/16 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF

MEET STATS: 8 - 22 / $49.70

BEST BETS: 1 - 2 / $6.60

Best Bet: COUSIN MARY (2nd)

Spot Play: VEGAS DREAM (6th)


Race 1

(4) LATESCAPE shipped from Ohio, joined the Harris barn and promptly won at Freehold; mare could be ready for the next logical step. (1) SOMETHINGINAWATER was a good second upon arrival and is likely the one to beat. (3) RED HOT HILL qualified effectively for her 2017 debut; threat.

Race 2

(2) COUSIN MARY was an easy winner at odds-on last week and faces nothing special moving up in class. (3) RD BILLIE likely benefitted from that trip last out and could be tighter tonight. (1) FAMILY ROLL CALL seems to have ability and draws best but she's off time.

Race 3

(5) SHIFT RIGHT is bad more often than he's good but the ability is there; worth a look. (8) J K COWBOY was a good second upon arrival from the Maritimes and Stratton sticks with him. (1) COMMONDISCOURTESY hit the ticket last week at a huge price and now he draws best.

Race 4

(4) OK ICON never fired at all last week but he was off a month; gelding is back on consecutive weeks and his form at the end of last year was good. (1) SPINSTIGATOR was clearly second best last out and he draws best again. (6) VINOVIO was both lucky and good upsetting last week; Laterza trainee does have some early speed.

Race 5

(1) WINNERS OVER shook free with good pace last week and Stratton should be in line for a perfect trip from this spot. (3) SOUTHWIND TANGO fits with these but she seems to always be lacking late; use caution. (2) TWENTY THREE RED finished well in front of the top choice last out; obvious threat.

Race 6

(5) VEGAS DREAM had no realistic chance last week from post eight at 56/1; I have to believe Brennan will be on the move early tonight. (1) SHANE ADAM fits with these but never seems to win. (2) HOWMACSBLACKJACK flattened off a perfect trip last week but he will be close up again and should hit the ticket.

Race 7

(4) GIVEMEYOURHEART returns to Yonkers now with Lasix added and she raced well here last year. (3) SOUTHWIND ION steps up looking for four straight and meets a camera-shy group. (1) LYRA draws best and is a threat to win it all if she can generate some early speed.

Race 8

(3) BREAKTIME HANOVER came up a touch short after a good try last week in his local return and the Mark Ford trainee can be tighter tonight. (6) HIGGINS was Dube's choice and should be leaving the gate. (1) ROCKET J gapped winner's cover last out but gets needed post relief tonight.

Race 9

(5) CHEYENNE TRIENGEL got going a bit too late last out but closed well for second; mare should be closer in this short field and can get the job done. (3) HEAVENLY BRIDE beat these last week and is an obvious threat to repeat. (4) JACLYN HANOVER lands in this conditioned event racing for tons more money after some good efforts facing more seasoned foes.

Race 10

(7) ANWAR HANOVER absolutely stormed home last week to take his second straight and with any sort of live pace to shoot at he seems capable of doing it again. (6) BLAISE MM HANOVER keeps Bartlett after getting nailed by the top choice. (2) GRAND THEFT should save ground tonight and could escape with late pace at a price.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Spot Plays

For Monday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Aqueduct (3rd) Miss Pearl, 4-1
(6th) Megan’s Muse, 8-1


Golden Gate Fields (1st) King’s to You, 3-1
(8th) Valiant Flame, 3-1


Gulfstream Park (7th) Wildcat Gaze, 5-1
(10th) Bow Tie Affair, 4-1


Laurel Park (4th) Street Miz, 8-1
(5th) Friesan Flyer, 7-2


Mahoning Valley (4th) Strongbow, 5-1
(7th) Pure Trust, 5-1


Oaklawn Park (3rd) Black Sherry, 3-1
(9th) Langdarma, 8-1


Parx Racing (8th) Sourcesandmethods, 4-1
(10th) Gonna Wanna Wink, 4-1


Santa Anita (1st) Golden Light, 7-2
(7th) Into the Mystic, 7-2


Turf Paradise (4th) Bold at Night, 3-1
(5th) Incremental, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday’s six-pack

Odds to win the World Baseball Classic in March:

5-2— Dominican Republic

11-4— Japan

3-1— America

10-1— Puerto Rico, South Korea

13-1— Venezuela

18-1— Cuba