Sports Gambling Hotline
Illinois-Chicago at BUTLER -12'
Going tonight look for Butler to roll up the big number on conference rival Illinois-Chicago. The Bulldogs are looking to beef up their Big Dance credentials, and a big double-digit win is the order of the day for the Bulldogs who have yet to lose at home this season.
Butler handled the Flames 59-52 back on January 17th, at Illinois-Chicago, as the 'Dogs have now won 5 in a row in this series, and they have gone 4-0-1 against the spread in those 5 meetings covering anywhere from 3 to 14 1/2-points along the way.
The Flames just snapped a 5-game losing streak with a win over Detroit their last time out, but are just 3-10 against the spread overall their last 13 times on court.
With the favorite in this series on a 14-3-1 spread run, and the host a profitable 8-3-1 against the spread the last 12 times these teams have met, we have to lay the points with the Bulldogs this Friday night.
Play on Butler.
5♦ BUTLER
Illinois-Chicago at BUTLER -12'
Going tonight look for Butler to roll up the big number on conference rival Illinois-Chicago. The Bulldogs are looking to beef up their Big Dance credentials, and a big double-digit win is the order of the day for the Bulldogs who have yet to lose at home this season.
Butler handled the Flames 59-52 back on January 17th, at Illinois-Chicago, as the 'Dogs have now won 5 in a row in this series, and they have gone 4-0-1 against the spread in those 5 meetings covering anywhere from 3 to 14 1/2-points along the way.
The Flames just snapped a 5-game losing streak with a win over Detroit their last time out, but are just 3-10 against the spread overall their last 13 times on court.
With the favorite in this series on a 14-3-1 spread run, and the host a profitable 8-3-1 against the spread the last 12 times these teams have met, we have to lay the points with the Bulldogs this Friday night.
Play on Butler.
5♦ BUTLER
Big Al
Villanova vs. West Virginia
Play: West Virginia -4
At 9 pm, our selection is on the West Virginia Mountaineers minus the points over Villanova. Since 2006, West Virginia is a solid 46-6 straight-up and 25-14 ATS (with 13 non-lined games). And if the Mountaineers are priced from -3.5 to -13.5 points at home, then WVU is 18-5 ATS. West Virginia is 5-1 ATS its last six at home vs. Villanova, and I look for WVU to improve on these numbers today.
Villanova vs. West Virginia
Play: West Virginia -4
At 9 pm, our selection is on the West Virginia Mountaineers minus the points over Villanova. Since 2006, West Virginia is a solid 46-6 straight-up and 25-14 ATS (with 13 non-lined games). And if the Mountaineers are priced from -3.5 to -13.5 points at home, then WVU is 18-5 ATS. West Virginia is 5-1 ATS its last six at home vs. Villanova, and I look for WVU to improve on these numbers today.
Bob Harvey
Illinois Chicago vs. Butler
Play: Under 126½
The Butler Bulldogs (21-2) will be out for a sweep of the UIC Flames (11-13) tonight when the teams collide at Hinkle Fieldhouse. This season Butler is 11-0 at home SU, but just 5-4 ATS at home.
Coaches have come and gone at Butler, but still the Bulldogs remain of the top basketball programs in America. They’ve posted at least 20 wins 11 times in 13 seasons. That’s consistency.
Defense is the bread and butter for this Butler team. Nationally they’re ranked third in scoring defense (56.3) and fourth in field-goal percentage defense limiting opponents to just 37% shooting.
Illinois Chicago has struggled against the number going just 8-13. They’re also 3-7 ATS vs. good defensive teams, a department in which Butler certainly qualifies.
The last five series meetings, including there first encounter have all played to the UNDER and by plenty.
Butler beat UIC 59-52 on January 17, covering as a -3 point favorite. However these team never came close to the total of 128. In that game the Bulldogs held the Flames to just 33% shooting.
Consider these trends. Butler has won and covered the last three meetings at home and is 5-1 ATS and SU over the past three years.
UIC is just 11-26 all-time against Butler and has lost eight of the last nine meetings.
Butler has burned me in the past when I've layed double-digit wood, so I’m shying away from the side even though the trends support a play. I’m going with the UNDER and looking for Butler to provide one of their stellar defensive efforts.
Illinois Chicago vs. Butler
Play: Under 126½
The Butler Bulldogs (21-2) will be out for a sweep of the UIC Flames (11-13) tonight when the teams collide at Hinkle Fieldhouse. This season Butler is 11-0 at home SU, but just 5-4 ATS at home.
Coaches have come and gone at Butler, but still the Bulldogs remain of the top basketball programs in America. They’ve posted at least 20 wins 11 times in 13 seasons. That’s consistency.
Defense is the bread and butter for this Butler team. Nationally they’re ranked third in scoring defense (56.3) and fourth in field-goal percentage defense limiting opponents to just 37% shooting.
Illinois Chicago has struggled against the number going just 8-13. They’re also 3-7 ATS vs. good defensive teams, a department in which Butler certainly qualifies.
The last five series meetings, including there first encounter have all played to the UNDER and by plenty.
Butler beat UIC 59-52 on January 17, covering as a -3 point favorite. However these team never came close to the total of 128. In that game the Bulldogs held the Flames to just 33% shooting.
Consider these trends. Butler has won and covered the last three meetings at home and is 5-1 ATS and SU over the past three years.
UIC is just 11-26 all-time against Butler and has lost eight of the last nine meetings.
Butler has burned me in the past when I've layed double-digit wood, so I’m shying away from the side even though the trends support a play. I’m going with the UNDER and looking for Butler to provide one of their stellar defensive efforts.
Brian Hansen
Montreal Canadiens at Colorado Avalanche
Prediction: Colorado Avalanche
Montreal is really struggling right now and I expect that trend to continue this evening! Colorado is coming off a 3-2 loss to Minnesota but I expect it to turn things around this evening in front of the hometown crowd. Colorado is 5-3 its last 8 after 3 or more consecutive losses; play on the AVALANCHE!
Montreal Canadiens at Colorado Avalanche
Prediction: Colorado Avalanche
Montreal is really struggling right now and I expect that trend to continue this evening! Colorado is coming off a 3-2 loss to Minnesota but I expect it to turn things around this evening in front of the hometown crowd. Colorado is 5-3 its last 8 after 3 or more consecutive losses; play on the AVALANCHE!
Ben Burns
Vancouver Canucks at Dallas Stars
Prediction: Dallas Stars
After an extended skid, the Canucks are playing well again these days and they showed some spirit in rallying to come back and defeat Phoenix last night. This is their third game since Tuesday though, while the Stars are playing just their second since Monday. Advantage Dallas. Indeed, the Canucks are just 5-10 the last 15 times that they played the second of back to back games, including 0-2 in 2009.
The Stars were beaten 1-0 last time out. That's not necessarily cause for concern though, as they had won seven of their previous eight games. Additionally, they're 7-4 (+3.8) on the season, after scoring one goal or less in their previous game. Looking back further and we find that Dallas has always been profitable in that situation. Since 1996, the Stars are a highly profitable 140-83 (+39.1) after scoring one goal or less in their previous game. Consider backing the favorite.
Vancouver Canucks at Dallas Stars
Prediction: Dallas Stars
After an extended skid, the Canucks are playing well again these days and they showed some spirit in rallying to come back and defeat Phoenix last night. This is their third game since Tuesday though, while the Stars are playing just their second since Monday. Advantage Dallas. Indeed, the Canucks are just 5-10 the last 15 times that they played the second of back to back games, including 0-2 in 2009.
The Stars were beaten 1-0 last time out. That's not necessarily cause for concern though, as they had won seven of their previous eight games. Additionally, they're 7-4 (+3.8) on the season, after scoring one goal or less in their previous game. Looking back further and we find that Dallas has always been profitable in that situation. Since 1996, the Stars are a highly profitable 140-83 (+39.1) after scoring one goal or less in their previous game. Consider backing the favorite.
DCI
NCAAB
Big East Conference
Villanova vs. WEST VIRGINIA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Horizon League
BUTLER 69, Uic 49
VALPARAISO 62, Loyola (Chicago) 55
Ivy League
BROWN 69, Penn 65
COLUMBIA 63, Dartmouth 54
CORNELL 79, Harvard 57
Princeton 53, YALE 52
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
LOYOLA (MD.) 66, Iona 62
Rider 69, Saint Peter's 57
NCAAB
Big East Conference
Villanova vs. WEST VIRGINIA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Horizon League
BUTLER 69, Uic 49
VALPARAISO 62, Loyola (Chicago) 55
Ivy League
BROWN 69, Penn 65
COLUMBIA 63, Dartmouth 54
CORNELL 79, Harvard 57
Princeton 53, YALE 52
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
LOYOLA (MD.) 66, Iona 62
Rider 69, Saint Peter's 57
LT Profits
Yale -2
The Princeton Tigers are off to a 4-0 start both straight up and against the spread in Ivy League play, and they have won seven straight overall, but we feel those streaks will come to an end when they visit the Yale Bulldogs tonight.
Yale is 3-3 in Ivy play and just 8-12 overall, keep in mind that they have played just one conference home game so far, which was a win. Their other two conference wins came on the road at Brown and at Harvard, and the Bulldogs are 4-1 here at home this season, losing only to a Stanford team that totally outclasses and Ivy League club.
Now Princeton is 4-4 SU on the road overall, but three of those four wins came vs. teams ranked in the 300s in the Pomeroy Ratings (Army, Fordham, Dartmouth) and the fourth win came vs. number 273 Harvard. This make Yale the highest rated team the Tigers will have faced on the road to this point, and remember also that the Bulldogs are 4-0 straight up in all the head-to-head meetings the last two seasons.
Look for Yale to make it five straight in this series as small home chalk tonight.
Pick: Yale -2
Yale -2
The Princeton Tigers are off to a 4-0 start both straight up and against the spread in Ivy League play, and they have won seven straight overall, but we feel those streaks will come to an end when they visit the Yale Bulldogs tonight.
Yale is 3-3 in Ivy play and just 8-12 overall, keep in mind that they have played just one conference home game so far, which was a win. Their other two conference wins came on the road at Brown and at Harvard, and the Bulldogs are 4-1 here at home this season, losing only to a Stanford team that totally outclasses and Ivy League club.
Now Princeton is 4-4 SU on the road overall, but three of those four wins came vs. teams ranked in the 300s in the Pomeroy Ratings (Army, Fordham, Dartmouth) and the fourth win came vs. number 273 Harvard. This make Yale the highest rated team the Tigers will have faced on the road to this point, and remember also that the Bulldogs are 4-0 straight up in all the head-to-head meetings the last two seasons.
Look for Yale to make it five straight in this series as small home chalk tonight.
Pick: Yale -2
Jeff Benton
Illinois-Chicago +13 at BUTLER
Obviously, on paper, Butler would appear to be the easy call here. For starters, the 15th-ranked Bulldogs are 21-2, including 11-0 at home and 12-1 in Horizon League play, while Illinois-Chicago is 11-13 overall, including 5-7 on the road and 4-10 in conference, and the Flames have lost five of their last six SU and are 3-10 ATS in their last 13, including 1-5 ATS in their last six on the road. Furthermore, Butler is on a 5-0 SU and ATS run in this rivalry, including a 16-point home win last year and a 26-point home victory in 2007, and the favorite has cashed in 14 of the last 18 meetings.
However, take a look at what these teams have done recently. Yes, Illinois-Chicago is in a 1-5 funk, but the victory came Tuesday, a 64-53 rout of Detroit as a 9½-point home favorite. Prior to that the Flames were competitive in losses to Youngstown State (68-60), Cleveland State (66-63) and Wisconsin-Milwaukee (63-62). Meanwhile, the Bulldogs looked very impressive in Saturday’s 69-51 rout of Wright State as a two-point road favorite, but before that they struggled to put away both Detroit (66-61) and Valparaiso (59-51), and lost outright at Wisconsin-Green Bay (75-66). During that three-game stretch, Butler went 0-3 ATS.
Also, these teams played a very competitive game nearly a month ago at Illinois-Chicago, with Butler rallying from a 28-17 halftime deficit to win 59-52 despite getting outrebounded (34-27) and shooting just 18-for-54 (33.3 percent) from the field. In fact, Butler made just seven two-point shots in the whole game. And although the Bulldogs covered that night, they were only favored by three points. Tonight, they’re a healthy double-digit chalk.
Speaking of which, Butler hasn’t exactly thrived in the role of big favorite this year, going just 2-5 ATS when laying double digits. Conversely, the Flames have been an underdog of more than 10 points just once all season. The result? A 74-55 rout of Vanderbilt as a 10½-point road pup on Dec. 3.
Do I see another outright upset here? Probably not, but it wouldn’t be the biggest shock in the world. Regardless, we’ve got a ton of wiggle room with the points we’re getting, and with Butler winning just two of its last seven games by double digits, this line is seriously inflated. Grab the value with the road underdog.
2♦ ILLINOIS-CHICAGO
Illinois-Chicago +13 at BUTLER
Obviously, on paper, Butler would appear to be the easy call here. For starters, the 15th-ranked Bulldogs are 21-2, including 11-0 at home and 12-1 in Horizon League play, while Illinois-Chicago is 11-13 overall, including 5-7 on the road and 4-10 in conference, and the Flames have lost five of their last six SU and are 3-10 ATS in their last 13, including 1-5 ATS in their last six on the road. Furthermore, Butler is on a 5-0 SU and ATS run in this rivalry, including a 16-point home win last year and a 26-point home victory in 2007, and the favorite has cashed in 14 of the last 18 meetings.
However, take a look at what these teams have done recently. Yes, Illinois-Chicago is in a 1-5 funk, but the victory came Tuesday, a 64-53 rout of Detroit as a 9½-point home favorite. Prior to that the Flames were competitive in losses to Youngstown State (68-60), Cleveland State (66-63) and Wisconsin-Milwaukee (63-62). Meanwhile, the Bulldogs looked very impressive in Saturday’s 69-51 rout of Wright State as a two-point road favorite, but before that they struggled to put away both Detroit (66-61) and Valparaiso (59-51), and lost outright at Wisconsin-Green Bay (75-66). During that three-game stretch, Butler went 0-3 ATS.
Also, these teams played a very competitive game nearly a month ago at Illinois-Chicago, with Butler rallying from a 28-17 halftime deficit to win 59-52 despite getting outrebounded (34-27) and shooting just 18-for-54 (33.3 percent) from the field. In fact, Butler made just seven two-point shots in the whole game. And although the Bulldogs covered that night, they were only favored by three points. Tonight, they’re a healthy double-digit chalk.
Speaking of which, Butler hasn’t exactly thrived in the role of big favorite this year, going just 2-5 ATS when laying double digits. Conversely, the Flames have been an underdog of more than 10 points just once all season. The result? A 74-55 rout of Vanderbilt as a 10½-point road pup on Dec. 3.
Do I see another outright upset here? Probably not, but it wouldn’t be the biggest shock in the world. Regardless, we’ve got a ton of wiggle room with the points we’re getting, and with Butler winning just two of its last seven games by double digits, this line is seriously inflated. Grab the value with the road underdog.
2♦ ILLINOIS-CHICAGO
Dwayne Bryant
W.Virginia -4 vs Villanova
Villanova visits West Virginia at 9 pm ET in a Big East clash that will be televised on ESPN. Is there a hotter team in college basketball right now than Villanova? The Wildcats have won six straight and have covered eight straight. 'Nova has averaged 99.3 points per game over their last three games. On the other side, West Virginia is struggling. The Mountaineers have lost three of their last four games and four of their last six.
Given Villanova's SU & ATS streaks, 'Nova's gaudy recent offensive numbers, and West Virginia's recent struggles, it looks pretty easy to take Villanova +4. But you know what they say -- "If something looks too good to be true, it probably is."
Motivation is clearly on West Virginia's side tonight. They need this game a lot more than 'Nova. Having the home crowd and a national TV audience watching should only add to WVU's fire tonight. This game reminds me a lot of last night's Notre Dame-Louisville Big East matchup, which the Irish won in huge fashion. Louisville was hot and Notre Dame was struggling mightily, but that home cooking on national TV in a must-win game sparked the Irish. I see the same thing happening tonight in Morgantown.
Look for West Virginia's defense (56 ppg allowed on 39.1% shooting at home) to stop 'Nova's offensive spree and give the Mountaineers a much-needed win. The Mountaineers are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games as a home favorite of 6.5 or less. Make it 21-7 ATS after tonight. Villanova may also come out a bit flat tonight after a big win against Marquette in their last outing. Lay the points with West Virginia.
W.Virginia -4 vs Villanova
Villanova visits West Virginia at 9 pm ET in a Big East clash that will be televised on ESPN. Is there a hotter team in college basketball right now than Villanova? The Wildcats have won six straight and have covered eight straight. 'Nova has averaged 99.3 points per game over their last three games. On the other side, West Virginia is struggling. The Mountaineers have lost three of their last four games and four of their last six.
Given Villanova's SU & ATS streaks, 'Nova's gaudy recent offensive numbers, and West Virginia's recent struggles, it looks pretty easy to take Villanova +4. But you know what they say -- "If something looks too good to be true, it probably is."
Motivation is clearly on West Virginia's side tonight. They need this game a lot more than 'Nova. Having the home crowd and a national TV audience watching should only add to WVU's fire tonight. This game reminds me a lot of last night's Notre Dame-Louisville Big East matchup, which the Irish won in huge fashion. Louisville was hot and Notre Dame was struggling mightily, but that home cooking on national TV in a must-win game sparked the Irish. I see the same thing happening tonight in Morgantown.
Look for West Virginia's defense (56 ppg allowed on 39.1% shooting at home) to stop 'Nova's offensive spree and give the Mountaineers a much-needed win. The Mountaineers are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 games as a home favorite of 6.5 or less. Make it 21-7 ATS after tonight. Villanova may also come out a bit flat tonight after a big win against Marquette in their last outing. Lay the points with West Virginia.
Drew Gordon
Loyola-Chicago +4' at VALPARAISO
Neither one of these teams is very good, but Valpo is on a whole other level of bad when you're talking about this match up. Guys, how can you possibly lay points with this Crusaders team? Yes, I know they covered 3 in a row, but that was on the road, as a double-digit dog in two of the three contests... So let's not get too carried away laying points with one of the worst teams in the Horizon (Detroit maybe worse, but Valpo just lost there SU in their last one).
I'm not saying the Ramblers are that much better, but looking over their 5-game losing streak, the only loss I didn't like was against Youngstown State, otherwise they haven't been nearly as bad as Valpo. And fact of the matter is Loyola-Chicago has OWNED this series, going 5-0 SU & 3-0 ATS!
From a match up standpoint, we saw what happened in their last meeting - a 71-56 Ramblers home win and cover January 17th. The Ramblers backcourt dominated the Crusaders, with Cerasoli and Blount combining for 43 points on 16 of 29 shooting and 6 steals! Look for more of the same in this contest, as Cerasoli is coming off a terrible 1 of 11 shooting effort and will be looking to bounce back strong.
Bottom line, in a pick between the lesser of two evils, the play here rests squarely on the road dog. I could easily see the Ramblers winning this one outright, but based on their recent play, we'll take the points and play it safe.
Take Loyola-Chicago plus the points over Valparaiso in this college hoops match up.
2♦ LOYOLA-CHICAGO
Loyola-Chicago +4' at VALPARAISO
Neither one of these teams is very good, but Valpo is on a whole other level of bad when you're talking about this match up. Guys, how can you possibly lay points with this Crusaders team? Yes, I know they covered 3 in a row, but that was on the road, as a double-digit dog in two of the three contests... So let's not get too carried away laying points with one of the worst teams in the Horizon (Detroit maybe worse, but Valpo just lost there SU in their last one).
I'm not saying the Ramblers are that much better, but looking over their 5-game losing streak, the only loss I didn't like was against Youngstown State, otherwise they haven't been nearly as bad as Valpo. And fact of the matter is Loyola-Chicago has OWNED this series, going 5-0 SU & 3-0 ATS!
From a match up standpoint, we saw what happened in their last meeting - a 71-56 Ramblers home win and cover January 17th. The Ramblers backcourt dominated the Crusaders, with Cerasoli and Blount combining for 43 points on 16 of 29 shooting and 6 steals! Look for more of the same in this contest, as Cerasoli is coming off a terrible 1 of 11 shooting effort and will be looking to bounce back strong.
Bottom line, in a pick between the lesser of two evils, the play here rests squarely on the road dog. I could easily see the Ramblers winning this one outright, but based on their recent play, we'll take the points and play it safe.
Take Loyola-Chicago plus the points over Valparaiso in this college hoops match up.
2♦ LOYOLA-CHICAGO
VEGAS EXPERTS
Illinois-Chicago at Butler
Friday, February 13th, 7:00 ET
Don't be afraid about laying the points with the Bulldogs here as they are 12-3 ATS in this price range (12.5 to 18 points). Illinois Chicago let one slip away the first time these teams met, getting dominated in the 2nd half. UIC is just 1-7 ATS playing with revenge this season. Butler has covered five of the last six meetings overall and is playing great defense right now, allowing just 52.5 points per game at home this season.
Play on: Butler
Illinois-Chicago at Butler
Friday, February 13th, 7:00 ET
Don't be afraid about laying the points with the Bulldogs here as they are 12-3 ATS in this price range (12.5 to 18 points). Illinois Chicago let one slip away the first time these teams met, getting dominated in the 2nd half. UIC is just 1-7 ATS playing with revenge this season. Butler has covered five of the last six meetings overall and is playing great defense right now, allowing just 52.5 points per game at home this season.
Play on: Butler
