SAC 2*
This may help some. It is from their site so consider the source. At face value they seem legit. Of course past results are not a guarantee of future winnings. looks like they are 3-1 today with the following tonight.
Xavier
S. Miss
Utah St.
ND
Thursday March 11th
Boston College -4.5 NCAA Afternoon Play #1 Loser
Western Michigan -1.5 NCAA Afternoon Play #2 Winner
Arizona +1 NCAA Afternoon Play #3 Loser
TN -11.5 NCAA Afternoon Play #4 Loser
Pitt -2 NCAA Evening Play #1 Loser
Marshall +1 NCAA Evening Play #2 Loser
Baylor +1 NCAA Evening Play #3 Winner
Daily 2-5 -3.5 units
Month 28-23-1 +2.7 units
Overall 591-365-17 +194.48 units
Xavier
S. Miss
Utah St.
ND
Thursday March 11th
Boston College -4.5 NCAA Afternoon Play #1 Loser
Western Michigan -1.5 NCAA Afternoon Play #2 Winner
Arizona +1 NCAA Afternoon Play #3 Loser
TN -11.5 NCAA Afternoon Play #4 Loser
Pitt -2 NCAA Evening Play #1 Loser
Marshall +1 NCAA Evening Play #2 Loser
Baylor +1 NCAA Evening Play #3 Winner
Daily 2-5 -3.5 units
Month 28-23-1 +2.7 units
Overall 591-365-17 +194.48 units
Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
Utah Jazz at Milwaukee Bucks (Pick, 195.5)
Okay, so we can’t stop dismissing the Milwaukee Bucks because right now they’re playing like the fourth best team in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee is 10-1 straight up over its last 11 games and an astounding (and I don’t use that word lightly) 21-3-1 against the spread since Jan. 18.
Oh yeah, and they beat the Cavs and Celtics in their last two games.
“Our confidence is high, but we’ve still got to stay grounded,” Bucks center Andrew Bogut told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “We still have a long way to go as a franchise.”
Bogut is making some noise in the field for Defensive Player of the Year thanks to his dominating play in the paint. The Australian has blocked four or more shots six times in the last 10 games.
Runs like these don’t last for too long. Oddmakers always adjust and end these types of streaks. Utah isn’t the best team to back on the road but the value on fading Milwaukee is growing.
Pick: Bucks
Indiana Pacers at Boston Celtics (-9.5, 201)
It’s been a long time since Doc Rivers has been on the hot seat. The C’s head coach nearly got axed the year before the championship season but Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce saved his bacon. Two years later it doesn’t look that the trio can do it again.
Rivers seems unable to properly mesh the skills of his younger players with his declining vets.
“We’ve been reluctant to make many changes with our rotations and stuff like that,” the embattled coach told the Boston Herald following a blowout loss at home to the Grizzlies. “Maybe we have to think about that. Maybe not, but we have to think about it, because right now we’re just sketchy.”
Fading Boston at home against weak teams has been a profitable strategy all season but expect the Celtics play with a bit more pride Friday night.
Pick: Celtics
Utah Jazz at Milwaukee Bucks (Pick, 195.5)
Okay, so we can’t stop dismissing the Milwaukee Bucks because right now they’re playing like the fourth best team in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee is 10-1 straight up over its last 11 games and an astounding (and I don’t use that word lightly) 21-3-1 against the spread since Jan. 18.
Oh yeah, and they beat the Cavs and Celtics in their last two games.
“Our confidence is high, but we’ve still got to stay grounded,” Bucks center Andrew Bogut told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “We still have a long way to go as a franchise.”
Bogut is making some noise in the field for Defensive Player of the Year thanks to his dominating play in the paint. The Australian has blocked four or more shots six times in the last 10 games.
Runs like these don’t last for too long. Oddmakers always adjust and end these types of streaks. Utah isn’t the best team to back on the road but the value on fading Milwaukee is growing.
Pick: Bucks
Indiana Pacers at Boston Celtics (-9.5, 201)
It’s been a long time since Doc Rivers has been on the hot seat. The C’s head coach nearly got axed the year before the championship season but Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce saved his bacon. Two years later it doesn’t look that the trio can do it again.
Rivers seems unable to properly mesh the skills of his younger players with his declining vets.
“We’ve been reluctant to make many changes with our rotations and stuff like that,” the embattled coach told the Boston Herald following a blowout loss at home to the Grizzlies. “Maybe we have to think about that. Maybe not, but we have to think about it, because right now we’re just sketchy.”
Fading Boston at home against weak teams has been a profitable strategy all season but expect the Celtics play with a bit more pride Friday night.
Pick: Celtics
NCAAB WRITE-UP
Friday, March 12
Information on Friday's college basketball games........
ACC tournament
Virginia is 3-7 vs spread in last ten games as underdog; they lost 67-49 at home to Duke (+10) 12 days ago, shooting 31.4% from floor. Cavaliers snapped 9-game skid yesterday, covering for first time in last six tries as an underdog. Duke won nine of ten games since Georgetown upset; they are 7-3-1 vs spread in its last eleven games as an ACC favorite.
Home side won both Miami-Virginia Tech games; Hokies (-3.5) won the first meeting 81-66, holding 'canes to 34.4% from floor, then lost 82-75 (+2) at Miami (trailed 47-30 at half). Miami is 2-5 in last seven games, but 4-1-1 vs spread in last six games as an underdog. Tech won eight of last ten games; they're 1-3 vs spread in last four games as the favorite.
Georgia Tech (+7.5) lost 76-74 at Maryland Feb 20; Jackets were just 11-20 at foul line, offsetting 21 offensive rebounds. Tech is 3-5 in last eight games- they're 1-4 vs spread in last five games as favorite. Terps won last six games, covered last four- they're 8-1 vs spread as an ACC favorite. Tech had tough win vs Carolina last nite, Terps didn't play.
NC State won four of last five games; covering three of last four games as underdog- they upset Florida State 88-81 (+9) Jan 12. Wolfpack hit 11-23 from arc in that game. Seminoles won five of last six games, with last three games decided by total of 8 points; they're 2-8 against spread as a ACC favorite. Four Wolfpack subs played 19+ minutes last nite.
Atlantic 14 tournament
Temple won last seven games, covered last four; they won 73-55 (-7) in Olean Feb 17, holding St Bonaventure to 1-8 from arc. Owls are 10-3 vs spread an A-14 favorite this season. Bonnies made 9-12 from arc in win over Duquesne Tuesday, their fifth win in last six games; they're 3-5 vs spread in last eight games as dog. Crowd edge in AC goes to Temple.
Rhode Island (-2.5) lost 62-57 at Saint Louis Feb 17, shooting 5-13 on foul line, 35.5% from floor in game they led 30-24 at half. Rams are 3-5 in last eight games, 3-7 vs spread in last eight games as an A-14 favorite. Billikens won eight of last their ten games, with six wins by five or less points; they covered seven of last eight games as the underdog.
Dayton (-3.5) pounded Xavier 90-65 Feb 6, shooting 56% from floor in game with a 40-23 rebounding edge; they lost first meeting 78-74 (+5) at Xavier, as Musketeers were 10-19 from arc. Dayton is 3-5 in last eight games, is 2-4 vs spread this season as an underdog. Xavier won last six games, covering eight of last ten games when they're favored.
Richmond (-12) needed OT to beat UMass 70-63 at home Jan 13; both teams shot 37.1% from floor, but Spiders were +8 in turnovers (18-10). UMass won its last two games as 8/9 point underdogs- they covered five of last seven games as underdogs. Richmond's last four games were all decided by five or less points; they're 7-1 in last eight as a favorite.
Big 11 tournament
Home side won both Michigan-Ohio State games; Turner-less Buckeyes lost 73-64 in Ann Arbor (+1.5) Jan 3, then with Turner healthy, OSU beat Wolverines 66-55 (-12.5) Feb 27 (Michigan led by a point at half). Michigan is 2-4 in last six games, but 6-2 vs spread as Big 11 underdog this year. Ohio State won last four games, covered five of last seven.
Illinois lost five of last six games, losing last three by 2-16-15 points, as Coach Weber and PG McCamey got into it on sidelines last game, just five days ago. Road teams won both Illinois-Wisconsin games; Illini lost 72-57 to Badgers Sunday, after 63-56 upset win in Madison Feb 9 (+9). Wisconsin won its last four games, allowing 51.5 ppg (3-1 vs spread)/
Northwestern (+7.5) upset Purdue 72-64 in Evanston Jan 16, holding Boilers to 35.6% from floor; Wildcats lost four of last six games, but got 20th win last night, outscoring Indiana 46-28 in second half. Purdue won 12 of last 13 games, but they're 0-5 vs spread in last five, scoring 60.7 ppg in three games since Hummel tore his ACL and went out for year.
Michigan State guard Allen is suspended for this game; he averages 26.5 mpg, 9.1 ppg; Spartans beat Minnesota twice this year, 60-53 Jan 13 at home (-6), 65-64 (+1.5) on road 10 days later. Spartans won five of last six games, are 3-8 vs spread in last 11 games as favorite. Gophers are 5-2 in last seven games, but are 2-3 vs spread as a Big 11 underdog.
SEC tournament
Alabama (+15) lost 66-55 at Kentucky Feb 9, shooting jut 33.3% from floor; Crimson Tide won their last three games, by 9-12-5 points- they are 3-3-1 as SEC dog this year. Alabama played three subs 22+ minutes yesterday, so fatigue shouldn't be an issue. Kentucky won 10 of last 11 games, is 4-2 against the spread in its last six games as the favorite.
Top four teams in SEC East are 26-0 against SEC West this season, so even though Ole Miss got bye yesterday, Tennessee is better team, with six wins in last seven games, winning last four by 9-7-16-10 points- they are 2-7 vs spread in last nine games as favorite. Ole Miss won last four games- they lost 71-69 in OT in Knoxville Jan 16 (led 33-28 at the half).
Again, top four SEC East teams are 26-0 vs SEC West. Florida lost three of last four games, but most pundits agree Gators are in Field of 65 with win here, vs Mississippi State squad that split its last ten games, falling behind 17-0 on Senior Day in loss to Tennessee, allowing 79.5 ppg in its last two. Four of five Florida starters played 29+ minutes last night.
Georgia is 12-5 vs spread in SEC this year, 9-4 as underdog; they waxed Vanderbilt 72-58 at home (+4.5) Feb 6, then took Commodores to OT in Nashville, losing 96-94 Feb 25 (+12). Game is in Nashville, but not on Vandy's unusual home court. Dawgs played four starters 33+ minutes last night. Vanderbilt is 2-7 vs spread in last nine games as a favorite.
Conference USA tournament
Southern Mississippi (+8) won 57-55 at Houston Feb 6, holding Coogs to 32% from floor, 2-14 from line, in game Cougars led 29-21 at the half. Houston is just 6-8 in last 14 games, 3-7 vs spread in last ten. Southern Miss is 10-4 in last 14 games; in its first two tourney games, Golden Eagles outscored their opponents 44-9 at the charity stripe.
Host Tulsa is 4-5 in last nine games, covering three of last 14; they were down at half last two games, but won both, by 11-16 points. UTEP won last 15 games, but three of its last five wins were by four or less points; Miners beat Tulsa twice this year, 73-59 (-6) at home Feb 6, 78-70 (+1) on this floor two weeks later. Bubble teams all rooting hard for UTEP. .
Big East tournament
Georgetown is 10-3 in this event last 4+ years; Hoyas (+2) lost 62-59 at Marquette Jan 6, in game where Eagles hit 12-26 from arc. Marquette's eleven Big East road games were decided by a total of 26 points, with Eagles winning last seven, all by four or less points. Both teams playing third day in row. Georgetown shot 57.9% yesterday vs Syracuse.
Notre Dame won last six games, playing better defense- they beat West Virginia 70-68 at home (+3) Jan 9, racing to 32-12 lead, then holding on after late Mountaineer charge. West Virginia won six of last seven games; their last two games were decided by total of five points- they're 9-5 in this event last five years. Irish playing third day in row, WV second.
Big 12 tournament
Kansas (-8) won 59-54 at Texas A&M Feb 15, in game Aggies led 32-30 at half; Jayhawks won last three games by 17-21-12 points, after losing at Oklahoma State- they're 3-9 in last 12 games as favorite. Texas A&M won 10 of last 12 games (11-1 vs the spread), covering last five games as a dog. Four Aggies played 28+ minutes yesterday; bench had 9 points.
Kansas State (+2.5) won 76-74 at Baylor Jan 26, making 11-21 from arc in game where they were outscored 23-9 on foul line. Wildcats are 9-4 vs spread as a Big 12 favorite this season- they were up 25 at half last nite vs Oklahoma State. Baylor won five in row, eight of its last nine games, going 5-2 in last seven road games; Bears are 2-2 as a Big 12 underdog. .
MAC tournament
Western Michigan won five of last six games, but are 3-5 vs spread as MAC dog; they lost 79-70 (+1) at home to Akron Jan 27, as Zips shot 53% from floor, 8-16 from arc. Akron won eight of its last nine games, but escaped with win last night in double OT, making 11-19 from arc in dramatic win. Akron is 4-2 vs spread in last six games as the favorite.
Ohio is 9-1 vs spread in last ten games; they KO'd top-seeded Kent last night. Bobcats split with Miami this year, losing 79-67 at Miami (+3) in first meeting, winning rematch 70-68 (-4.5) Feb 24. Miami won its last two games after 4-game, with both wins vs Buffalo- they led by 11 at half last night, but still played four of their starters 33+ minutes.
Pac-10 tournament
UCLA lost three of last four games, but avenged pair of Arizona losses yesterday; they upset Cal in Berkeley 76-75 Jan 6 (+15), then lost to Bears 72-58 at home Feb 6 (+3.5). UC:A is 6-5-1 vs spread as underdog in Pac-10 games this season. Cal won, covered eight of last nine games; they're 10-4 against the spread in its last 14 games as a favorite.
Washington won last five road games, after after starting season 0-7 out of Seattle- they beat Stanford twice this year, 94-61 (-7.5) at home Jan 14, then 78-61 (-3.5) at Maples Feb 13. Huskies are 6-1 vs spread in last eight games as a favorite. Cardinal lost three of last four games by 8-2-10 points; they're 6-7 against the spread as a Pac-10 underdog this season.
Mountain West tournament
New Mexico won last 15 games, but failed to cover their last four games as the favorite; Lobos (+3) lost 74-64 in San Diego Jan 5, then beat the Aztecs 88-86 in OT Feb 6 (-7.5). San Diego State needs to win this game to get into NCAAs; they won nine of last eleven games- they're 3-2 as a MWC underdog, were life-and-death to beat Colorado State Thursday.
Home side won both UNLV-BYU games this year; Rebels lost 77-73 in Provo Jan 6 (+8), then beat Cougars 88-74 (-2) Feb 6 (was 56-34 at the half). UNLV won last five games (3-2 vs spread); they're 4-5 as MWC home favorite, winning at home by 10-10-14-31-16-18-12 points. BYU covered six of last eight games; they haven't won this tourney since '01.
WAC tournament
Utah State won last 16 games (13-3 against the spread); they split with Louisiana Tech, losing 82-60 in Ruston (+1) Jan 4, then beating Tech in rematch 67-61 (-12) Feb 17. Aggies jogged vs Boise State yesterday, but banged-up Tech beat Fresno by 8, just its second win in last six games. Leading scorer Gibson hampered with bum ankle; he scored seven points with six turnovers in 33 gutty minutes, making four key FTs late.
Nevaada beat New Mexico State twice this year, 77-67 in Las Cruces on Jan 4 (-3.5), 100-92 (-6.5) on this court eight days ago- Wolf Pack was only WAC team to win in Las Cruces this year. Nevada won seven of last nine games, is 4-5 as WAC home favorite, winning home games by 29-8-6-8-4-8-11-16 pts. Aggies are 1-4 in last five games as underdog.
Big West tournament
Cal-Santa Barbara beat Cal-Davis twice this year, 68-47 at home (-9.5) Jan 8, then 81-77 (even) on road Feb 6. Gauchos won six of last seven games, had bye yesterday, while Davis rallied from down 8 at half to beat Fullerton. Seven of last nine Cal-Davis games were decided by 6 points or less, or in OT. Gauchos are 0-4 in last four games as favorite.
Pacific beat Long Beach State twice, 74-52 (even) on road Feb 17, 61-51 in Stockton 10 days later (-6.5); Tigers won last three games, allowing an average of 54 ppg- they're 7-4-1 vs spread in last dozen games as fave in Big West games. 49ers won three of last four games- they're 2-1 as dog in conference games this year. 49ers are 2-5 as a tournament underdog.
Friday, March 12
Information on Friday's college basketball games........
ACC tournament
Virginia is 3-7 vs spread in last ten games as underdog; they lost 67-49 at home to Duke (+10) 12 days ago, shooting 31.4% from floor. Cavaliers snapped 9-game skid yesterday, covering for first time in last six tries as an underdog. Duke won nine of ten games since Georgetown upset; they are 7-3-1 vs spread in its last eleven games as an ACC favorite.
Home side won both Miami-Virginia Tech games; Hokies (-3.5) won the first meeting 81-66, holding 'canes to 34.4% from floor, then lost 82-75 (+2) at Miami (trailed 47-30 at half). Miami is 2-5 in last seven games, but 4-1-1 vs spread in last six games as an underdog. Tech won eight of last ten games; they're 1-3 vs spread in last four games as the favorite.
Georgia Tech (+7.5) lost 76-74 at Maryland Feb 20; Jackets were just 11-20 at foul line, offsetting 21 offensive rebounds. Tech is 3-5 in last eight games- they're 1-4 vs spread in last five games as favorite. Terps won last six games, covered last four- they're 8-1 vs spread as an ACC favorite. Tech had tough win vs Carolina last nite, Terps didn't play.
NC State won four of last five games; covering three of last four games as underdog- they upset Florida State 88-81 (+9) Jan 12. Wolfpack hit 11-23 from arc in that game. Seminoles won five of last six games, with last three games decided by total of 8 points; they're 2-8 against spread as a ACC favorite. Four Wolfpack subs played 19+ minutes last nite.
Atlantic 14 tournament
Temple won last seven games, covered last four; they won 73-55 (-7) in Olean Feb 17, holding St Bonaventure to 1-8 from arc. Owls are 10-3 vs spread an A-14 favorite this season. Bonnies made 9-12 from arc in win over Duquesne Tuesday, their fifth win in last six games; they're 3-5 vs spread in last eight games as dog. Crowd edge in AC goes to Temple.
Rhode Island (-2.5) lost 62-57 at Saint Louis Feb 17, shooting 5-13 on foul line, 35.5% from floor in game they led 30-24 at half. Rams are 3-5 in last eight games, 3-7 vs spread in last eight games as an A-14 favorite. Billikens won eight of last their ten games, with six wins by five or less points; they covered seven of last eight games as the underdog.
Dayton (-3.5) pounded Xavier 90-65 Feb 6, shooting 56% from floor in game with a 40-23 rebounding edge; they lost first meeting 78-74 (+5) at Xavier, as Musketeers were 10-19 from arc. Dayton is 3-5 in last eight games, is 2-4 vs spread this season as an underdog. Xavier won last six games, covering eight of last ten games when they're favored.
Richmond (-12) needed OT to beat UMass 70-63 at home Jan 13; both teams shot 37.1% from floor, but Spiders were +8 in turnovers (18-10). UMass won its last two games as 8/9 point underdogs- they covered five of last seven games as underdogs. Richmond's last four games were all decided by five or less points; they're 7-1 in last eight as a favorite.
Big 11 tournament
Home side won both Michigan-Ohio State games; Turner-less Buckeyes lost 73-64 in Ann Arbor (+1.5) Jan 3, then with Turner healthy, OSU beat Wolverines 66-55 (-12.5) Feb 27 (Michigan led by a point at half). Michigan is 2-4 in last six games, but 6-2 vs spread as Big 11 underdog this year. Ohio State won last four games, covered five of last seven.
Illinois lost five of last six games, losing last three by 2-16-15 points, as Coach Weber and PG McCamey got into it on sidelines last game, just five days ago. Road teams won both Illinois-Wisconsin games; Illini lost 72-57 to Badgers Sunday, after 63-56 upset win in Madison Feb 9 (+9). Wisconsin won its last four games, allowing 51.5 ppg (3-1 vs spread)/
Northwestern (+7.5) upset Purdue 72-64 in Evanston Jan 16, holding Boilers to 35.6% from floor; Wildcats lost four of last six games, but got 20th win last night, outscoring Indiana 46-28 in second half. Purdue won 12 of last 13 games, but they're 0-5 vs spread in last five, scoring 60.7 ppg in three games since Hummel tore his ACL and went out for year.
Michigan State guard Allen is suspended for this game; he averages 26.5 mpg, 9.1 ppg; Spartans beat Minnesota twice this year, 60-53 Jan 13 at home (-6), 65-64 (+1.5) on road 10 days later. Spartans won five of last six games, are 3-8 vs spread in last 11 games as favorite. Gophers are 5-2 in last seven games, but are 2-3 vs spread as a Big 11 underdog.
SEC tournament
Alabama (+15) lost 66-55 at Kentucky Feb 9, shooting jut 33.3% from floor; Crimson Tide won their last three games, by 9-12-5 points- they are 3-3-1 as SEC dog this year. Alabama played three subs 22+ minutes yesterday, so fatigue shouldn't be an issue. Kentucky won 10 of last 11 games, is 4-2 against the spread in its last six games as the favorite.
Top four teams in SEC East are 26-0 against SEC West this season, so even though Ole Miss got bye yesterday, Tennessee is better team, with six wins in last seven games, winning last four by 9-7-16-10 points- they are 2-7 vs spread in last nine games as favorite. Ole Miss won last four games- they lost 71-69 in OT in Knoxville Jan 16 (led 33-28 at the half).
Again, top four SEC East teams are 26-0 vs SEC West. Florida lost three of last four games, but most pundits agree Gators are in Field of 65 with win here, vs Mississippi State squad that split its last ten games, falling behind 17-0 on Senior Day in loss to Tennessee, allowing 79.5 ppg in its last two. Four of five Florida starters played 29+ minutes last night.
Georgia is 12-5 vs spread in SEC this year, 9-4 as underdog; they waxed Vanderbilt 72-58 at home (+4.5) Feb 6, then took Commodores to OT in Nashville, losing 96-94 Feb 25 (+12). Game is in Nashville, but not on Vandy's unusual home court. Dawgs played four starters 33+ minutes last night. Vanderbilt is 2-7 vs spread in last nine games as a favorite.
Conference USA tournament
Southern Mississippi (+8) won 57-55 at Houston Feb 6, holding Coogs to 32% from floor, 2-14 from line, in game Cougars led 29-21 at the half. Houston is just 6-8 in last 14 games, 3-7 vs spread in last ten. Southern Miss is 10-4 in last 14 games; in its first two tourney games, Golden Eagles outscored their opponents 44-9 at the charity stripe.
Host Tulsa is 4-5 in last nine games, covering three of last 14; they were down at half last two games, but won both, by 11-16 points. UTEP won last 15 games, but three of its last five wins were by four or less points; Miners beat Tulsa twice this year, 73-59 (-6) at home Feb 6, 78-70 (+1) on this floor two weeks later. Bubble teams all rooting hard for UTEP. .
Big East tournament
Georgetown is 10-3 in this event last 4+ years; Hoyas (+2) lost 62-59 at Marquette Jan 6, in game where Eagles hit 12-26 from arc. Marquette's eleven Big East road games were decided by a total of 26 points, with Eagles winning last seven, all by four or less points. Both teams playing third day in row. Georgetown shot 57.9% yesterday vs Syracuse.
Notre Dame won last six games, playing better defense- they beat West Virginia 70-68 at home (+3) Jan 9, racing to 32-12 lead, then holding on after late Mountaineer charge. West Virginia won six of last seven games; their last two games were decided by total of five points- they're 9-5 in this event last five years. Irish playing third day in row, WV second.
Big 12 tournament
Kansas (-8) won 59-54 at Texas A&M Feb 15, in game Aggies led 32-30 at half; Jayhawks won last three games by 17-21-12 points, after losing at Oklahoma State- they're 3-9 in last 12 games as favorite. Texas A&M won 10 of last 12 games (11-1 vs the spread), covering last five games as a dog. Four Aggies played 28+ minutes yesterday; bench had 9 points.
Kansas State (+2.5) won 76-74 at Baylor Jan 26, making 11-21 from arc in game where they were outscored 23-9 on foul line. Wildcats are 9-4 vs spread as a Big 12 favorite this season- they were up 25 at half last nite vs Oklahoma State. Baylor won five in row, eight of its last nine games, going 5-2 in last seven road games; Bears are 2-2 as a Big 12 underdog. .
MAC tournament
Western Michigan won five of last six games, but are 3-5 vs spread as MAC dog; they lost 79-70 (+1) at home to Akron Jan 27, as Zips shot 53% from floor, 8-16 from arc. Akron won eight of its last nine games, but escaped with win last night in double OT, making 11-19 from arc in dramatic win. Akron is 4-2 vs spread in last six games as the favorite.
Ohio is 9-1 vs spread in last ten games; they KO'd top-seeded Kent last night. Bobcats split with Miami this year, losing 79-67 at Miami (+3) in first meeting, winning rematch 70-68 (-4.5) Feb 24. Miami won its last two games after 4-game, with both wins vs Buffalo- they led by 11 at half last night, but still played four of their starters 33+ minutes.
Pac-10 tournament
UCLA lost three of last four games, but avenged pair of Arizona losses yesterday; they upset Cal in Berkeley 76-75 Jan 6 (+15), then lost to Bears 72-58 at home Feb 6 (+3.5). UC:A is 6-5-1 vs spread as underdog in Pac-10 games this season. Cal won, covered eight of last nine games; they're 10-4 against the spread in its last 14 games as a favorite.
Washington won last five road games, after after starting season 0-7 out of Seattle- they beat Stanford twice this year, 94-61 (-7.5) at home Jan 14, then 78-61 (-3.5) at Maples Feb 13. Huskies are 6-1 vs spread in last eight games as a favorite. Cardinal lost three of last four games by 8-2-10 points; they're 6-7 against the spread as a Pac-10 underdog this season.
Mountain West tournament
New Mexico won last 15 games, but failed to cover their last four games as the favorite; Lobos (+3) lost 74-64 in San Diego Jan 5, then beat the Aztecs 88-86 in OT Feb 6 (-7.5). San Diego State needs to win this game to get into NCAAs; they won nine of last eleven games- they're 3-2 as a MWC underdog, were life-and-death to beat Colorado State Thursday.
Home side won both UNLV-BYU games this year; Rebels lost 77-73 in Provo Jan 6 (+8), then beat Cougars 88-74 (-2) Feb 6 (was 56-34 at the half). UNLV won last five games (3-2 vs spread); they're 4-5 as MWC home favorite, winning at home by 10-10-14-31-16-18-12 points. BYU covered six of last eight games; they haven't won this tourney since '01.
WAC tournament
Utah State won last 16 games (13-3 against the spread); they split with Louisiana Tech, losing 82-60 in Ruston (+1) Jan 4, then beating Tech in rematch 67-61 (-12) Feb 17. Aggies jogged vs Boise State yesterday, but banged-up Tech beat Fresno by 8, just its second win in last six games. Leading scorer Gibson hampered with bum ankle; he scored seven points with six turnovers in 33 gutty minutes, making four key FTs late.
Nevaada beat New Mexico State twice this year, 77-67 in Las Cruces on Jan 4 (-3.5), 100-92 (-6.5) on this court eight days ago- Wolf Pack was only WAC team to win in Las Cruces this year. Nevada won seven of last nine games, is 4-5 as WAC home favorite, winning home games by 29-8-6-8-4-8-11-16 pts. Aggies are 1-4 in last five games as underdog.
Big West tournament
Cal-Santa Barbara beat Cal-Davis twice this year, 68-47 at home (-9.5) Jan 8, then 81-77 (even) on road Feb 6. Gauchos won six of last seven games, had bye yesterday, while Davis rallied from down 8 at half to beat Fullerton. Seven of last nine Cal-Davis games were decided by 6 points or less, or in OT. Gauchos are 0-4 in last four games as favorite.
Pacific beat Long Beach State twice, 74-52 (even) on road Feb 17, 61-51 in Stockton 10 days later (-6.5); Tigers won last three games, allowing an average of 54 ppg- they're 7-4-1 vs spread in last dozen games as fave in Big West games. 49ers won three of last four games- they're 2-1 as dog in conference games this year. 49ers are 2-5 as a tournament underdog.
NHL WRITE-UP
Friday, March 12
Hot Teams
-- Penguins won four of their last five games.
-- Washington won four of its last five games.
-- Sabres won last three games, allowing six goals.
Cold Teams
-- Devils are 0-7 in game following their last seven wins.
-- Lightning lost six of last seven games.
-- Thrashers lost last four games, outscored 14-4. Rangers lost their last four games, outscored 15-8.
-- Minnesota lost last four games, outscored 15-6.
-- Dallas Stars lost four of their last five games. Kings lost three of four.
-- Ducks lost last five games, outscored 20-9. Predators lost three of last four games.
Totals
-- Five of last six New Jersey games went over the total.
-- Last seven Tampa Bay games went over the total.
-- Last three Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Buffalo games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Dallas games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Nashville games went over the total.
Playing second of back-to-back nights
-- Penguins are 4-3 on road if they played the night before.
-- Lightning is 4-0 if they lost the night before.
-- Thrashers are 5-1 at home if they played on road the night before.
-- Minnesota is 0-4 playing its second consecutive night on road.
-- Nashville is 2-3 on road if they played the night before.
Series Records
-- Devils are 4-0 vs Pittsburgh this year, outscoring Penguins 14-2, with Pittsburgh not scoring in last two meetings. .
-- Lightning lost nine of last ten games against Washington.
-- Atlanta won last five games against the Rangers, but four of five wins came in a shootout.
-- Kings won 10 of last 13 games against Dallas.
-- Ducks won four of last five games against Nashville
Friday, March 12
Hot Teams
-- Penguins won four of their last five games.
-- Washington won four of its last five games.
-- Sabres won last three games, allowing six goals.
Cold Teams
-- Devils are 0-7 in game following their last seven wins.
-- Lightning lost six of last seven games.
-- Thrashers lost last four games, outscored 14-4. Rangers lost their last four games, outscored 15-8.
-- Minnesota lost last four games, outscored 15-6.
-- Dallas Stars lost four of their last five games. Kings lost three of four.
-- Ducks lost last five games, outscored 20-9. Predators lost three of last four games.
Totals
-- Five of last six New Jersey games went over the total.
-- Last seven Tampa Bay games went over the total.
-- Last three Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Buffalo games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Dallas games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Nashville games went over the total.
Playing second of back-to-back nights
-- Penguins are 4-3 on road if they played the night before.
-- Lightning is 4-0 if they lost the night before.
-- Thrashers are 5-1 at home if they played on road the night before.
-- Minnesota is 0-4 playing its second consecutive night on road.
-- Nashville is 2-3 on road if they played the night before.
Series Records
-- Devils are 4-0 vs Pittsburgh this year, outscoring Penguins 14-2, with Pittsburgh not scoring in last two meetings. .
-- Lightning lost nine of last ten games against Washington.
-- Atlanta won last five games against the Rangers, but four of five wins came in a shootout.
-- Kings won 10 of last 13 games against Dallas.
-- Ducks won four of last five games against Nashville
Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
Minnesota Wild at Buffalo Sabres (-200, 5.5)
After returning from the Winter Olympics and leading the Sabres to three straight wins, goalie Ryan Miller will take a much-needed rest tonight against the Wild.
But don't write off the Sabres, who will counter with veteran Patrick Lalime in the net. He will be going for his 200th career victory against the Wild, losers of three straight.
The change in the net appears to designed to give Miller a night off before returning to his home state of Michigan in Saturday's contest against Detroit, but it also makes good strategic sense.
With the Sabres playing three games in four days, including some key matchups to their playoff hopes, Lalime is the right call against the Wild. He is just 1-10 lifetime with a 4.85 goial-against average vs. the Wings but is 2-3-1 with a 2.64 GAA vs. the Wild.
"I'm looking forward to it," Lalime told the Buffalo News of his chance to hit No. 200 and contribute to the team's playoff run. "It's down the stretch for us and a chance to go back in there will be nice."
Pick: Sabres
Los Angeles Kings at Dallas Stars (-110, 5.5)
Here's one stop Kings goaltender Jonthan Quick doesn't want to make - the birth of his first child.
Quick, who has more victories than any other NHL netminder this season and owns 37 of the Kings' 39 wins, will not play tonight because he and his wife are expecting the arrival of their first born at any time.
That leaves Erik Ersberg (2-3-0-1) and AHL callup Jonathan Bernier to man the pipes in his absence. Ersberg is allowing more than a half-goal per game than Quick.
The Kings have gone over the total in four of their last five and the Stars have done so in their last five in a row. Without Quick in goal, make it six.
Pick: Over
Minnesota Wild at Buffalo Sabres (-200, 5.5)
After returning from the Winter Olympics and leading the Sabres to three straight wins, goalie Ryan Miller will take a much-needed rest tonight against the Wild.
But don't write off the Sabres, who will counter with veteran Patrick Lalime in the net. He will be going for his 200th career victory against the Wild, losers of three straight.
The change in the net appears to designed to give Miller a night off before returning to his home state of Michigan in Saturday's contest against Detroit, but it also makes good strategic sense.
With the Sabres playing three games in four days, including some key matchups to their playoff hopes, Lalime is the right call against the Wild. He is just 1-10 lifetime with a 4.85 goial-against average vs. the Wings but is 2-3-1 with a 2.64 GAA vs. the Wild.
"I'm looking forward to it," Lalime told the Buffalo News of his chance to hit No. 200 and contribute to the team's playoff run. "It's down the stretch for us and a chance to go back in there will be nice."
Pick: Sabres
Los Angeles Kings at Dallas Stars (-110, 5.5)
Here's one stop Kings goaltender Jonthan Quick doesn't want to make - the birth of his first child.
Quick, who has more victories than any other NHL netminder this season and owns 37 of the Kings' 39 wins, will not play tonight because he and his wife are expecting the arrival of their first born at any time.
That leaves Erik Ersberg (2-3-0-1) and AHL callup Jonathan Bernier to man the pipes in his absence. Ersberg is allowing more than a half-goal per game than Quick.
The Kings have gone over the total in four of their last five and the Stars have done so in their last five in a row. Without Quick in goal, make it six.
Pick: Over
<table width="100%" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="border-right: 1px dotted rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(119, 119, 119); padding: 1px 0px 1px 3px;">TOTALS:</td> <td style="border-right: 1px dotted rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(119, 119, 119);" align="center">118-65</td> <td style="border-right: 1px dotted rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(119, 119, 119);" align="center">+46.50 </td> <td style="border-right: 1px dotted rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(119, 119, 119);" align="center">64.48%</td> <td style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(119, 119, 119);" align="center">
</td></tr></tbody></table>
now 64.48 % is some serious sucking...
hno:
