Saturday 2/20/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #6 - Post: 3:00pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $8,300 Class Rating: 84

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 BEST ASSET (ML=9/2)
#6 CYBER STAR (ML=3/1)
#10 PRINCE GALLOVIC (ML=5/2)


BEST ASSET - This rider and trainer have a profitable ROI when they combine forces. I seem to always make money betting McFarlane horses on the grass. That barn has a solid win percent for this distance/surface. When I handicap a grass race, I think sometimes class ratings are more important than speed figs. This thoroughbred has the highest average class in the entire field. CYBER STAR - Have to give this gelding a fair chance. Ran a strong contest last time out within the last 30 days. Last affair at Turf Paradise on January 27th was a big class drop for this equine. Facing similar foes in this event. He should do well this time. PRINCE GALLOVIC - Nice return on investment for this jock and trainer tandem. Look at this pattern of improvement. 62/69/71 are the last 3 speed ratings.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 BERTRANE (ML=4/1), #3 AIRSHIP (ML=8/1), #8 FAIR TRADE (ML=8/1),

BERTRANE - Tough to put your dough on the win end of any horse that finishes second and third as regularly as this one does. AIRSHIP - This gelding is always close, but just doesn't win. Hard to wager on him on the top end. FAIR TRADE - Difficult to put your cash on the win end of any mount that finishes second and third as often as this one does.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #2 BEST ASSET on the win end if we get at least 7/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,6,10] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT RACE TRACK - 1:50 PM EASTERN POST


The Franklin Square Stakes

6.0 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $125,000.00 PURSE

#6 FROSTY MARGARITA
#1 CLIPTHECOUPONANNIE
#4 WONDERMENT
#3 ABSATOOTLY

Well folks ... a little New York City trivia. This race is named for a "hamlet" in the Hempsted region of Queens, near Aqueduct Race Track. In 1790, George Washington passed through the town while touring Long Island. He wrote in his diary that the area was "entirely treeless except for a few scraggly fruit trees." Walt Whitman spent three months in the spring of 1840 as the schoolmaster of the Trimming Square school district, in the area where Franklin Square, Garden City South and West Hempstead intersect. Here in hist the 2nd running of this stakes test, #6 FROSTY MARGARITA has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in each of her last five outings, including back-to-back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in her last three outings. Jockey Jose Ortiz and Trainer Rudy Rodriguez send her to the post ... they've hit the board with 55% of their entries saddled as a team to date. #1 CLIPTHECOUPONANNIE, the morning line favorite, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," is the overall speed leader in this field, and is undefeated in a two race career to date, winning both in "POWER RUN FASHION."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Saturday 2/20 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT PICK 5: 2,3,6/3,5,7/1,4,6/5,6,8/2,8 = $32.40

EARLY PICK 4: 5,6,8/2,8/2,7,8/4,5,7,9 = $72

LATE PICK 4: 4,5,7,9/1,2,4,6/2,4/5,6 = $64

MEET STATS: 248 - 778 / $1319.00 BEST BETS: 41 - 72 / $146.80

SPOT PLAYS: 17 - 72 / $191.30

Best Bet: NICKLE BAG (9th)

Spot Play: DOUBLE OLIVES (5th)


Race 1

(2) MITT JAGGER's two qualifiers signal that he might be ready to producing a mile close to his impressive debut win. He can handle this group if all systems are go. (3) SMALLTOWN TERROR has raced great since McNair took over and he has a good shot in here. (6) SABINE PASS was an impressive winner last out and is another that has to be considered.

Race 2

(3) RAFA was an unlucky loser last time after doing all the roadwork. He should be formidable in the stakes series final. (7) CAJON LIGHTNING beat the choice after enjoying a sweet following trip last time. He's a contender but the trip will be different here. (5) NATURESCAPE was hung the mile from a worse post last time. He could sit a good trip here and has upset possibilities.

Race 3

(4) WIZARD OF OSNEY rolled up late to win in his first start in Moreau's barn. These aren't much tougher; call to repeat. (1) FASHION GODDESS was a big winner last time and although victories have been rare for her, she must be considered in her current form. (6) HERBIES WILDFLOWER went out too fast early and tired late in his first Woodbine start. She could get a better trip here which would make her a win threat.

Race 4

(8) GRIN FOR MONEY gets class relief here and should have plenty of early speed to chase down late; slight nod. (6) MCKINNEY also faces easier and will no doubt be blasting early looking for good position. (5) BIG CITY JEWEL is one of the best closers in a race that could very well fall apart late; using.

Race 5

(8) DOUBLE OLIVES wasn't pushed last week but this time she should get a preferred pace scenario with two main contenders lined up on the outside. Her price will go up here; note the upset win in the Blizzard final on Jan. 22. (2) SHOW SOME LEG draws much better here and has the ability to score an upset here, too. Expect a more aggressive drive. (9) AMAZING CONTROL is another contender that should be asked for more early here than she was last week.

Race 6

(2) ZUKAV raced okay twice from the 10-hole now moves back inside where he won from at a huge price three back. He should be right there vs. these. (7) TRUE DAY DREAM was a good second to a class-dropping winner that bossed her rivals last time. She looks like one of the better ones in here. (8) TWIGGYS TWICK is dangerous with the early speed she has been showing of late.

Race 7

(4) MACHAL JORDAN takes a class drop here which is when he usually does his best work; top call. (5) THUNDER STEELER also drops from the top class to face his easiest competition in a while. He will be dangerous from close range here, but he will also be heavily bet. (9) DALTON BROMAC N went a big uncovered trip to win in his second start since shipping overseas; don't take lightly.

Race 8

(1) BRINGHOME THEBLUE faces easier here and has already won in this class several times. He should be tough starting from the inside. (4) SPORTSMANSHIP roared home in his qualifier and this group is well within his range if he can produce close to his best off the shelf. (6) HOUSE OF TERROR has been flying at the end of his miles and is another to consider for Pick 4 tickets as is (2) SHADES OF BAY, who was flawless in the Snowshoe series.

Race 9

(4) NICKLE BAG is at the top of his game and will take some beating here again. (2) PRESCOTTS HOPE went a big uncovered trip vs. the choice last week and appears to be the only legitimate challenger here. (1) NIRVANA SEELSTER has been racing well and looks best of the rest.

Race 10

(5) BETTER ART did all the work last time and was nailed right on the money by the pocket-sitter who needed every inch of the stretch to catch him. He can turn the tables here. (6) STIMULUS SPENDING was closing late but poor cover thwarted his chances. He can take this if he can latch onto an advancing helmet. (1) GRITS N GRAVY beat the choice last time off a perfect trip. He may have to do more work here. (8) LETS WAIT N SEE almost won in this class two starts beck when flying late. He fits here. (9) DEETZY drops out of a stakes series and should contend vs. these, but a smaller award is often his ceiling due to his racing style.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Saturday 2/20 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 3 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 5 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 9 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

MEET STATS: 94 - 313 / $544.70 (-$81.30) BEST BETS: 12 - 23 / $49.90 (+$3.90)

Best Bet: ROCKEYED OPTIMIST (8th)

Spot Play: CONNECTING FLIGHT (2nd)


Race 1

(8) MESMERIZED came up flat in his debut for this barn but perhaps that can be attributed to missing more than two months of action. I'm going to take another shot at what seems likely to be a decent price. (1) BJANTHONY blew them away a week ago and is clearly the one to beat again. (5) LAZURUS has been knocking at the door. Maybe the addition of Gingras in the bike will get him over the top.

Race 2

(8) CONNECTING FLIGHT showed no signs of bad behavior and dominated at this level last week. The best part is that he should still offer fair value due to the presence of (5) MISSILE J, who looked like he was shot out of a cannon in the stretch in his last start. (3) CHILLN MATISSE wasn't bad in his career debut; more now?

Race 3

(2) WORLD CUP came up empty in the stretch last time but there were a few from this barn that raced similarly (see first race pick). Classy 7-year-old is in cheap and should show what he is made of tonight. (4) TWO HIP DIP couldn't sustain his rally on the rim when dropped to this condition last week. I'm not giving up on him yet. (7) STONEBRIDGE IDOL moves down in class and has the early speed to make some noise.

Race 4

(7) BO'S SO HOT was sneaky good in his qualifier. In a field lacking form, I'll take a shot. (8) MR DE LUCA has displayed enough at times to win here but has yet to get that elusive trip to the winner's circle. (3) BRISK CLIPPER is 0 for 27 since the start of 2015, but he does have a couple of third-place finishes in his last three starts.

Race 5

(4) STRATOCASTER has proven himself a major contender in this condition and only needs a reasonable trip to win. (1) ADDWATER moves back to the inside and seems to be in a prime spot to attempt one brush to the front. (2) ESCAPE THE NEWS will enjoy the move back to an inside post.

Race 6

(1) SPEED TRAP clearly needed the race last time after missing three months of action. He is fast enough to compete and should offer some value. (5) MUDSLIDE looks fine on paper if you ignore the recent scratched-sick line. (7) GIANT SLAYER has been awesome in consecutive weeks. Can he handle another class rise? (10) LATE NIGHT JOKE returns to the Big M at a much reduced level; worth including on your pick 4 and 5 tickets.

Race 7

(4) ALEX BULLVILLE was flat last week but that was a spot where I wasn't expecting a big effort. Now he returns to the basement condition and gets Gingras in the bike. (3) JUNGLE OF TERROR & (5) HERE COMES SWIFTY are also dropping down the class ladder and either seems capable. (1) FOR A BETTOR TIME should stick close from the inside and get a piece of the pie.

Race 8

(7) ROCKEYED OPTIMIST raced very well off the bench and actually better than I expected in his 2016 debut. This guy should be ready to roll now. (6) ASLAN wasn't going far from post eight at Yonkers. This looks like a spot that should be up his alley. (4) SWEET BEACH went a serious mile on the engine while finishing third last out. I wouldn't be shocked if he raced well again at a good price.

Race 9

(7) ART HISTORY is another Steve Elliott trainee who put in a credible effort after a long layoff last week. One would think this 5-year-old will be showing some early speed this week and take the field a long way. (1) JET AIRWAY is clearly sharp but can't seem to get his picture taken. (9) KINGOFTHEJUNGLE wasn't as bad as the seventh-place finish looks last week and he does drop down a notch this time.

Race 10

(5) ROCKIN THE HOUSE has plenty of mile track experience and has won at the Meadowlands in the past. He ships in sharp for a solid barn and should have a big shot in a competitive race. (4) ALLSTAR LEGEND was locked in the pocket last Saturday and while he looks like a serious contender tonight, you know he'll be overbet. (6) HOPE FOR BADLANDS drops back down to the level of his last win, but this is a better field than he beat that night. (9) ROCK OUT almost went down the road in his first start since September; improvement is likely. (2) FIRST OF ITSKIND came home fast with no chance last week; another contender.

Race 11

(3) MCARDLES LIGHTNING had no shot but flew home in 26 2/5 in his first start since September. He is just another of many Elliott-trained horses that have a big chance. (1) COBALT MAN finds a field without a ton of early speed and could take charge. (5) DUNE DUDE has been looming week after week and could get over the top at some point.

Race 12

(3) YIPPITY HANOVER added Lasix and responded with a strong late rally last time. He could finally be ready to win again. (6) INTHEBLINKOFANEYE has high early speed and plenty of form; must use. (2) GOLD ROCKS & (1) LENNON BLUE CHIP are both dropping back down to the NW5000 condition and either seems capable.

Race 13

(4) PIECE OF THE ROCK never got into the action from post 10 last week. This time around he gets in against a field that seems ripe for a down the road winner and he should have every opportunity if those tactics are taken. (2) UF LARRY ALLTHEWAY hasn't exactly had the smoothest of trips recently but is clearly in form and should stick close to the action. (6) WAYWARD SON has a chance to surprise if they surprisingly mix it up on the front; using underneath.

Race 14

(4) THAT'S MY OPINION seems to pace the same speed week after week and it just comes down to whether the rest of the field can go quicker. This race shapes up as a slow one on paper and should suit him nicely. (3) BOOGIEWOOGIEBRIAN has early speed and could take this dull group a long way. (6) THE GREEN KNIGHT took a tour of the track after a long break; more now? (1) DREAMZZZ R FOR U should try to stick close from his inside post.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Saturday 2/20 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 38 - 129 / $231.00

BEST BETS: 5 - 11 / $18.00

Best Bet: MELMERBY BEACH (7th)

Spot Play: SUPREME MACH N (12th)


Race 1

(1) SANTANNA ONE has raced well in recent efforts and gets the post relief he needs to get over the top. (3) TERROR TIME A is up in class off a win and seems sharp enough to contend. (4) MCARDLE ROYALE N has yet to duplicate his winning U.S. debut but the talent is certainly there and he can improve.

Race 2

(7) LORENZO DREAM has solid early speed and is sure-gaited; veteran should be in line for a live trip. (1) MARABOU ships in and draws best; mare could be a good fit here but her last couple have been a bit flat. (4) SPIDER BLUE CHIP toured the track in debut new connections; expect more tonight.

Race 3

(6) SAPPHIRE CITY was used very hard last out and understandably tired; veteran is classiest here and can take this with good rating. (3) STOLEN CAR went evenly upon bumping to this level after taking two straight prior; post improvement can help. (2) CAUTION SIGNS also gets needed post relief and looks like a player.

Race 4

(4) YOU'RE MAJESTIC has impressed in her two local starts since arriving and she seems capable here despite facing some tough ones. (2) ALLERAGE STAR ships from The Meadowlands, lands a good inside spot and may be the one to beat. (3) WARRAWEE ONYX has been super since moving to the DiDomenico barn but he gets a real class test here.

Race 5

(3) PANCHESTER UNITED has never been one of my favorites but he was very impressive in his debut for new connections and he can build off that effort. (4) THE COURT JESTER A paced willingly from a tough spot in his U.S. debut and he should be much more involved tonight; expect tote action. (1) ONE THROUGH TEN is a speedy type who draws best; threat.

Race 6

(8) CRAZSHANA is banished to the eight hole tonight but he's been so good in his first two starts for Bamond I'm going to endorse him on top. Price should be ok, too. (2) MONEY MAVEN has been super for Julie Miller and he gets a generous spot. (7) RED HOT HERBIE is back with Dube, who steered this trotter to his last two victories.

Race 7

(1) MELMERBY BEACH paced a big middle half versus Open types last out before giving way; the class drop plus the inside draw will make him very tough to beat. (6) SUNFIRE BLUE CHIP should try to be aggressively handled off the gate and if he can drop in behind the winner he can be second best. (3) TEXAS TERROR N has hit the board in all four U.S. starts but has been burning money; use caution.

Race 8

(7) PHIL YOUR BOOTS has shown little from his last two poor posts, with a solid front-end victory in between; let’s hope for some early action from him off the gate tonight. (2) ROLAND N ROCK steps up to this level off back-to-back big winning efforts. (3) HUGH HEFNER N rallied for a piece versus these last out; could do so again.

Race 9

(1) CYCLONE KIWI N was very game in defeat last out and the Bamond trainee clearly deserves top billing from this spot. (3) BIT OF A LEGEND N took tote action in his U.S. debut and didn't disappoint in disposing of lesser; import was a big earner Down Under. (4) ROYAL HEART was used up in the early action last out.

Race 10

(2) ONEDIN MACH N gave way on the front end last out after showing some nice efforts on the big track; from the inside post he deserves another look, likely at an improved price. (5) CAROL'S COMET didn't fire in last after some decent efforts starts prior; Allard trainee gets some class relief here. (6) FOOL ME ONCE also drops after a needed start but his programmed driver opted elsewhere.

Race 11

(2) CLEMENTINE DREAM has been solid at this level and she gets another good post to work with. (1) TWEET ME hasn't been awful with Open types and she gets class relief. (6) TAKE MY PICTURE was flying late to just miss last week but these are tougher.

Race 12

(1) SUPREME MACH N squandered a perfect trip last out but he gets another crack from the rail and now Dube is back driving. (3) THESEYESRCRYING was denied the front when hiked to this level and flattened; sharp sort could be tough if he makes the lead. (5) MACHS BEACH BOY is likely best here but the Lachance trainee will definitely need a start off the layoff; use underneath.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (3rd) Wonderment, 7-2
(7th) American Progress, 3-1

Charles Town (4th) Lorilee, 3-1
(5th) Unbridled Ghost, 9-2


Delta Downs (3rd) Wild Bandit, 4-1
(9th) Rain Expectations, 3-1


Fair Grounds (1st) Chapter and Verse, 7-2
(2nd) Hero Force, 7-2


Golden Gate Fields (8th) Giant Mark, 10-1
(9th) Southern Loyalty, 10-1


Gulfstream Park (1st) Duchess Bird, 3-1
(8th) Baby Antonella, 4-1


Mahoning Valley (2nd) War Dress, 6-1
(9th) Alpha Wolf, 8-1


Oaklawn Park (3rd) Roan Feathers, 4-1
(9th) Legal Eagle, 4-1

Penn National (5th) Uncle Teddy, 8-1
(8th) Rocky Garland, 6-1

Sam Houston (7th) Winged Mercury, 3-1
(9th) Jet Over, 10-1


Santa Anita (3rd) Dalmore, 5-1
(5th) Skye Diamonds, 7-2


Tampa Bay Downs (1st) West of Eden, 3-1
(2nd) Corinthian Spire, 8-1

Turf Paradise (3rd) Attack Mode, 9-2
(6th) Cyber Star, 3-1


Turfway Park (4th) French Badge, 6-1
(9th) Regal Market, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saturday's six-pack

Six of the best minor league prospects for the Washington Nationals:

1) Lucas Giolito, P-- Made eight starts in AA last year as a 21-year old.

2) Trea Turner, SS-- Hit .322 in minors; got his first 40 MLB at-bats LY.

4) Erick Fedde, P-- UNLV alum has already had Tommy John surgery.

7) AJ Cole, P-- Nats traded him away in 2011, got him back 16 months later.

21) Rhett Wiseman OF-- Why does Vanderbilt have such a good baseball program?

29) Mariano Rivera Jr, P-- Allowed 51 hits in 33 IP in his first pro season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sharp Bettor

Sharp Bettor's Free Pick for Saturday, February 20, 2016, NHL.

Colorado has a winning record overall and plenty to play for. They've won 3 of 4, topping Montreal the last game, 3-2. The win pulled the Avalanche (30-26-4) two points ahead of idle Nashville, the other team sitting in what would be a Western Conference wild-card spot. The Avalanche are 9-3 in their last 12 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Rebuilding Edmonton has plenty of holes, No. 22 in scoring, No. 26 in goals allowed. They've lost 3 in a row and the Oilers are 17-65 vs. the Western Conference.

Play Colorado.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Roz Wins

Roz's Saturday, February 20, 2016, Free NHL Pick:

St. Louis plays its 7th road game over the last 12 contests. Arizona is a home dog but has a strong offense, No. 9 in the NHL in goals scored. They are 16-11-4 at home and off a big win over Dallas. Max Domi had two goals and an assist, Tony Duclair had three assists on the same line and the Coyotes beat Dallas at its own game with a 6-3 victory over the Stars on Thursday night.

Play Arizona.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Saturday

559 CLEMSON @ 560 NORTH CAROLINA STATE 3:00 PM

Take: CLEMSON +2

If there’s an award for grit, this Clemson entry is a definite nominee. This team can grind with the best of them, and that attitude has served the Tigers well all season. Nevertheless, they’re currently just on the outside looking in as far as that proverbial bubble is concerned. So this is a very big road test for Clemson, and one they really need in the win column for their at-large resume.

North Carolina State is an enigma to me. Not that the Wolfpack were supposed to be an elite ACC entry this season, but I don’t know anyone who was envisioning this team sitting at 3-10 in league play heading down the homestretch. There has been the occasional flash of brilliance. NC State has a very impressive win over Miami, and they blew out Pittsburgh on the road. But the good has been overwhelmed by the bad, and if I had to point the finger at one area that has been the culprit, it’s shoddy defense.

Next up for the Wolfpack is a home date with North Carolina. In what is basically a lost season to this point, it’s entirely possible that NC State will be looking past Clemson today in a game that really doesn’t mean all that much. Of course, if NC State comes out of the gate fast, that all goes out the window and all their focus will be on this opponent. On the flip side, if Clemson gets out of the gate in good fashion today, I think they’ll have a decent chance to maintain control throughout the game.

The numbers favor Clemson. They’re winners on all three sets of projections I utilize at this time of the season. When that takes place and my side is also cast as the underdog, it’s pretty much an auto-play for me unless there are some mitigating circumstances that come into play. In this instance, those intangibles also favor the visitors. So it’s Clemson plus the bucket for me.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp NBA Pick, Saturday, Feb 20, 2016 8:05 PM

(505) NEW YORK KNICKS VS (506) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Take: Over the total

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Saturday, February 20, 2016 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the NY Knicks and the Timberwolves in Minnesota. New York is in the middle of the pack defensively in points allowed. The Over is 6-2 in the Knicks last 8 games vs. a team with a winning percentage below .400. They allowed 111 points in a loss to Brooklyn and play the second of a back to back spot here, so the home team will run right at 'em. Young Minnesota pays no attention to defense, No. 23 in points allowed, No. 26 in field goal shooting defense. But they can score, topping 102 points in 5 straight recently, part of a 10-1-1 run over the total. Minnesota is 5-0 over the total at home and 18-7-1 over playing on no days rest. And when these teams clash the overt is 4-1. Play the NY Knicks/Minnesota Over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play: SAT Duquesne +9

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Heath Mac

Duke vs Louisville

Bonus Play UNDER 144

A big game here and one we are looking forward to. Duke are coming off a thrilling 1 point win over arch rivals North Carolina 74-73. That win came at a cost though, with Matt Jones going down injured and with the Blue Devils already playing a 7 man rotation with Amile Jefferson out, the Blue Devils are in a bad position. Jones was playing over 32 minutes per game and will be tough to replace. As such, we think it will be the offense that suffers as Jones leads the Blue Devils in 3 point attempts on the season and helps space the floor. Dukes road defense is solid, allowing 72.5 ppg (ranked 118th).

Louisville is in great form and getting the W’s against all comers. However Duke did beat them 2 weeks ago on the road 72-65 and the Cards will be keen to atone here. It is their defense (60.7 ppg, ranked 7th) that will be the key to a Louisville win. The Cards are a defensive juggernaut, but particularly at home where they are allowing a measly 55.3 ppg, good enough for 2nd in the country. In their last 2 home games, they have allowed 58 and 47 points. This will be a tight game and with a restricted line up, the Blue Devils may be happy to play at the Cards slower pace.

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Duke's last 5 games on the road. The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Louisville's last 6 games and UNDER in 5 of Louisville's last 7 games at home.

For our free pick, take the UNDER 144 points here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jimmy Adams

Butler vs Villanova

Bonus Play Villanova

This may very well be the year that Villanova makes their run in the NCAA tournament. The Wildcats have a history of going out early in the Big Dance, but this is Coach Jay Wright's most talented team in quite some time. In their last game, the Cats went into Temple and dominated the Owls, winning by a score of 83-67. Temple may not be a top notch team, but they have knocked off some strong competition at home this season.

Turnovers have been a focus in practice this week for Nova. Despite tearing apart most of their opponents, the Wildcats have been turning the ball over too often. Focusing on cutting down on giving the ball away can only be a positive for us, as this team is clearly playing like the best team in the country.

The Bulldogs are a team that doesn't pass the "eye test." Basically, they beat lower competition to keep their record respectable, but when asked to step up in class they just don't have the talent level to compete. Expect the Wildcats to easily take care of business at home against an inferior Butler squad. Take Villanova.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Kyle Hunter

Ole Miss vs Auburn

*3 Star College Basketball Free Pick* Ole Miss

The Auburn Tigers are extremely short-handed in the backcourt without Kareem Canty. Auburn's offense was a joke in their first 3 games without Canty. They shot horrific percentages against mediocre defenses in Georgia, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt. Last game Auburn buried 15 out of 23 shots from 3 point range. The Tigers won in shocking fashion at Arkansas. I don't expect them to be able to keep that pace up.

Ole Miss is getting healthier again with Saiz playing again in the post. Stefan Moody should play here as he has improved from a previous hamstring injury. The Rebels offense is fully capable of putting up a big number against a poor Auburn defense. I don't think Auburn has the firepower to keep up. With 5 being a very important number in college basketball, I recommend laying no more than 5 points here. Take Ole Miss.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bob Harvey

Bucks vs Hawks (7:30 PM ET)

Bonus Play OVER 205

Two teams harboring playoff hopes collide tonight in Atlanta where the Hawks host the Milwaukee Bucks. Game time is 7:30 PM ET at Phillips Arena where Atlanta is favored by -8.5 with the total at 205. The Two teams coming off close losses square off tonight

The Bucks (22-23, 27-27 ATS) suffered a self-inflicted 98-95 home loss to the Charlotte Hornets. They committed nine turnovers in the fourth quarter that the Hornets converted into 15 points.

The Hawks (31-25, 27-28 ATS) are coming off a 115-111 home loss to the Miami Heat. Kyle Korver, who led the NBA in 3-point shooting each of the past two years, has finally found his stroke finished 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and is 12-of-21 from 3-point range in his past four games. Backcourt mate Jeff Teague scored 23 points with seven assists and is averaging 21.3 points and 6.3 assists in his past four games.

The OVER is 17-8 in the Bucks last 25 vs. Eastern Conference. The OVER is 8-3 in the Hawks last 11 vs. the NBA Central. Atlanta is also 9-4 to the high side in their past 13 home games.

The UNDER is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Atlanta and 4-1 in the past five meetings overall.

The Bucks are 5-11 ATS in the past 16 meetings and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games. Milwaukee is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 vs. the Eastern Conference.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Marc Lawrence

Play - Syracuse

Edges - Orange: 5-1 ATS with same season loss revenge of 10 or more points in this series. Panthers: 0-4 ATS versus conference opponents off a loss this season. With Pittsburgh 0-9 ATS in games off a win when facing a winning opponent off a loss, including 0-5 this season, we recommend a 1* play on Syracuse. Thank you and good luck as always.

 

[Hart]

Rob vinciletti free pick ok st -1