Maddux Sports
Basketball
#510 - NBA - 3 units on Milwaukee +3.5
#529 - NCAA - 3 units on Fordham +13
#533 - NCAA - 5 units on Miami +14
#551 - NCAA - 3 units on Oklahoma State +12
#636 - NCAA - 3 units on Ohio State -4.5
#638 - NCAA - 3 units on New Mexico -4.5
#661 - NCAA - 3 units on Air Force +18.5
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Basketball
#510 - NBA - 3 units on Milwaukee +3.5
#529 - NCAA - 3 units on Fordham +13
#533 - NCAA - 5 units on Miami +14
#551 - NCAA - 3 units on Oklahoma State +12
#636 - NCAA - 3 units on Ohio State -4.5
#638 - NCAA - 3 units on New Mexico -4.5
#661 - NCAA - 3 units on Air Force +18.5
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THE SPORTS ADVISORS
(20) Syracuse (18-5, 9-10 ATS) at (17) Villanova (18-4, 11-7 ATS)
Surging Villanova goes after its fifth straight win when it takes on Syracuse in a Big East battle at the Wachovia Center.
The Wildcats won a shootout at Providence 94-91 Wednesday night, narrowly covering as a 2½-point chalk for their sixth consecutive spread-cover (5-1 SU), with the lone blemish in that stretch being a five-point road loss at current No. 1 Connecticut. Over the past six games, Villanova has held four opponents to 61 points or less and posted three double-digit victories, outshooting opponents 47.7 percent to 38.3 percent.
The Orange had a week off to regroup from a three-game SU and ATS skid, then ended that slump Wednesday by topping West Virginia 74-61 as a 1½-point home underdog. For the season, Syracuse has averaged 79.5 ppg on a sturdy 49.6 percent shooting, while allowing 70.7 ppg on 40.4 percent shooting. But the Orange have lost their last three roadies – all in Big East play – by an average of 12.7 ppg, despite shooting 47 percent from the floor.
Villanova has won three of the last four clashes in this rivalry (2-2 ATS), including an 82-63 blowout as a 2½-point pup in last year’s Big East tournament. The underdog has cashed in each of the last four meetings.
Along with their current 6-0 ATS run, the Wildcats are on a handful of positive pointspread streaks, including 8-3 as a favorite of less than 15 points, 5-0 against winning teams, 4-0 after a SU win, 5-0 after a spread-cover and 5-1 on Saturday. The Orange have cashed in five straight Saturday contests, but they are just 1-5 ATS in their last six following a spread-cover.
The over is on a 7-3 run in conference play for Villanova and is on a 6-2 run for Syracuse in Saturday games, but the under for the Wildcats is on rolls of 22-10-1 overall, 6-1 on Saturday and 10-3 after a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: VILLANOVA
Notre Dame (12-9, 4-11 ATS) at (15) UCLA (18-4, 11-10 ATS)
Freefalling Notre Dame takes a break from the rigorous Big East for a West Coast trek to face UCLA at Pauley Pavilion.
The Fighting Irish tumbled to Cincinnati 93-83 Wednesday laying 2½ points on the road for their sixth consecutive SU loss and seventh straight setback at the betting window. During the six-game skid, Notre Dame has lost by no less than seven points and has fallen by double figures four times (all on the road). The Irish are averaging 72.4 ppg in their last five outings – nearly six points below their season average – while giving up an eye-opening 83.8 ppg.
The Bruins have been enjoying the comforts of home lately, ripping off a three-game SU and ATS streak, with all three wins coming by double digits. UCLA whipped archrival Southern Cal 76-60 Wednesday as an eight-point favorite to follow up a 15-point win over California and a 34-point pounding of Stanford. In their last five outings – including an 11-point loss at Washington – the Bruins are outscoring opponents by an average of 13 ppg (78-67) and shooting 51.5 percent from the floor, including 47.5 percent from three-point range.
These two teams have met just twice this decade, with both going 1-1 SU and ATS, and the road team winning and covering each time. In February 2004, Notre Dame traveled to Pauley Pavilion and scored a 75-60 victory in a pick ‘em, and a year later, UCLA went to South Bend, Ind., and prevailed 75-65 as a seven-point road pup.
In addition to their 0-7 ATS slump overall, the Irish carry on nothing but negative ATS streaks, including 0-5 on the highway, 1-5 as a ‘dog this season 0-6 against teams with a winning percentage above .600, 1-5 against the Pac-10 and 7-19-1 on Saturday. The Bruins are just 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games coming off a spread-cover, but they are on ATS upticks of 4-1 at home and 9-3 against winning teams.
The under is 5-0-1 in Notre Dame’s last six games against Pac-10 foes, but aside from that, the over for the Irish is on stretches of 5-2 overall, 4-0 on the road, 15-3 in roadies against teams with a winning home record, 18-7 against teams with a win percentage above .600 and 23-11 on Saturday. The under is 9-2 in UCLA’s last 11 tilts against the Big East, but the over for the Bruins is on surges of 5-0 overall, 4-1 at home, 4-1 after a SU win and 11-4 on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UCLA and OVER
Miami, Fla. (15-7, 8-8-1 ATS) at (4) Duke (19-3, 11-9-1 ATS)
Duke aims to bounce back from its worst loss in nearly 18 years when it welcomes Miami to Cameron Indoor Stadium for an ACC contest.
The Blue Devils got hammered at No. 10 Clemson 74-47 as a four-point chalk Wednesday, their worst setback since getting drummed 103-73 by UNLV in the 1990 NCAA title game. Duke has now lost two of its last three SU and ATS, with both losses coming on the road as it shot a combined 32.2 percent in the defeats. However, Duke is 13-0 SU at home this year, winning by an average of 25 ppg (83-58).
A couple of hours before Duke got spanked at Clemson on Wednesday, the unranked Hurricanes bashed No. 7 Wake Forest 79-52 as a 2½-point home pup, ending a three-game SU and ATS decline, which included back-to-back overtime losses to Virginia Tech (home) and North Carolina State (road). Miami, looking to snap a three-game skid in ACC road games, has averaged 72.3 ppg as a visitor this season, just a tick better than its opponents (72.2).
Duke is on a 6-1 SU run (4-2-1 ATS) in this rivalry, but Miami pulled off a 96-95 home win last February as a 6½-point underdog, a couple weeks after the Blue Devils prevailed 88-73 as a 15-point home favorite.
The Blue Devils are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games after a non-cover, 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight home games and 7-2 ATS when favored between 10 and 19½ points, but they are on pointspread back-slides of 1-5-1 against teams with a winning percentage above .600, 2-6-1 on Saturday and 4-9 after a SU loss. The Hurricanes are on ATS runs of 8-2-3 in Saturday contests and 4-1 after a SU win of more than 20 points.
The under for Duke is on rolls of 21-5 overall, 21-8 at Cameron Indoor, 14-3 in the ACC, 4-0 against teams with a win percentage above .600 and 4-0 after a SU loss. Conversely, the over for Miami is on streaks of 4-1 overall, 5-0 against winning teams and 9-3 on Saturday, and in this rivalry, the total has gone high in each of the last five meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DUKE
Oklahoma State (14-7, 5-9-1 ATS) at (21) Kansas (18-4, 11-5 ATS)
Defending national champion Kansas goes after its eighth consecutive win when it squares off against Oklahoma State in a Big 12 contest at Allen Fieldhouse.
The Jayhawks dropped Baylor 75-65 catching 1½ points on the road Monday, cashing for the sixth time during their seven-game winning streak – all in Big 12 play – to keep their perfect conference record intact. Kansas has outscored its opponents by an average of 13 ppg for the season (78-65), and that margin is still in double digits during the Jayhawks’ current unbeaten run, as they are averaging 74.9 ppg while allowing 64.1.
The Cowboys held off Texas Tech 81-80 Wednesday to halt a two-game SU skid, but they never came close to covering as a healthy 12½-point home chalk in dropping their third straight ATS decision. Oklahoma State has put up an average of 84.0 ppg this season and allowed 75.1, but on the road, the Cowboys drop off more than eight points per game, getting outscored 78.0-75.8.
Oklahoma State is on a 5-2 ATS run (3-4 SU) in this rivalry, including a 61-60 upset last February as an 11-point home underdog, which ended a three-game SU run for Kansas in this series and was the last loss the Jayhawks would suffer on its way to the national championship.
The Jayhawks are on a plethora of positive pointspread streaks, including 20-8 overall, 6-2 at home, 7-1 in conference play, 8-1 as a favorite of 12 points or less, 5-0 against teams with a winning percentage above .600, 5-1 after a SU win, 4-1 after a spread-cover and 6-2 on Saturday. The Cowboys are 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight Saturday starts but are otherwise on pointspread dips of 1-5 overall (all in the Big 12), 1-5 against winning teams, 8-22-1 on the highway and 1-6 as an underdog this season.
The under is on a trio of 8-3 runs: for Kansas against winning teams; for Oklahoma State against winning teams; and in the last 11 clashes in this rivalry. Furthermore, the under for the Jayhawks is on rolls of 5-1 overall, 6-1 after a SU win and 6-2 on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS and UNDER
Michigan (15-8, 9-8-1 ATS) at (1) Connecticut (21-1, 9-8 ATS)
UConn, which is looking to become the first team in more than a month to hold onto the nation’s No. 1 ranking for longer than a week, puts its 10-game winning streak on the line when it hosts Michigan in a non-conference battle at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Conn.
Hours after ascending to the top spot in the polls, the Huskies went out and justified their new ranking with a 68-51 rout of No. 7 Louisville, cashing as a 2½-point road underdog, their fourth consecutive spread-cover. During its winning streak, UConn has been rock-solid defensively, giving up 61 points or less to eight of 10 opponents, allowing just 55.5 ppg on 29 percent shooting in the last four. Offensively, the Huskies are putting up 78.2 ppg on 46 percent shooting in their last five outings.
The Wolverines halted a two-game SU and ATS slide in dominating fashion Thursday, crushing Penn State 71-51 as a 4½-point home favorite. Despite the win, Michigan remains just 2-5 SU and ATS in its last seven games – all in Big Ten action – including 0-4 SU and ATS away from home. John Beilein’s squad has been held to 61 points or fewer in seven of its eight defeats, averaging only 54 ppg in its last five setbacks.
UConn is a perfect 11-0 in non-conference play this season, but just 3-4 ATS in lined games, including 6-0 SU and 0-2 ATS at home. Michigan is 10-2 outside of the Big Ten, including 5-1-1 ATS in lined games. In their one true non-conference roadie, the Wolverines fell 75-70 at Maryland, pushing as a five-point underdog. Also, Michigan, which was ranked at one point this season, is 2-2 SU and ATS against Top 25 teams.
Despite its success covering pointspreads in non-league games, Michigan is mired in ATS slumps of 11-28-2 on the road, 3-9-1 against Big East foes, 2-5 against winning teams and 7-22-2 on the highway against teams with a winning home record. The Huskies are 5-0 ATS in their last five on Saturday, but 6-14 ATS in their last 20 contests outside the Big East, 1-4 ATS in their last five at home and 2-6 ATS as a double-digit chalk this season.
Michigan has stayed under the total in three straight games, and the under is 6-1-1 in its last eight outings, including 3-0-1 on the road. In fact, the under is 11-2-1 in the Wolverines’ last 14 on the highway dating to last year. Also, the under is 8-3 in UConn’s last 11 overall. However, the over is on streaks of 12-5 for Michigan in non-conference games, 6-1 for UConn against the Big Ten and 4-1 for UConn on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UCONN and UNDER
Florida State (17-5, 10-5-1 ATS) at (10) Clemson (19-2, 8-7-1 ATS)
Two teams clogged in the middle of the ACC standings do battle at Littlejohn Coliseum, where Clemson goes after its fourth consecutive victory when it hosts Florida State.
The Tigers ended a 22-game regular-season losing streak to Duke in emphatic fashion Wednesday, rolling to a 74-47 victory over the fourth-ranked team in the nation, cashing as a four-point home underdog. Clemson, which is on a 3-0 SU and ATS surge, had a 46.7 percent to 30.8 percent edge in shooting and a 38-28 rebounding advantage as it handed the Blue Devils their worst loss since a 30-point beatdown against UNLV in the 1990 national championship game.
The Seminoles held off Georgia Tech 62-58 on Thursday, but came up short as an 8½-point home chalk, ending a modest two-game ATS run. The 58 points allowed were the fewest Florida State has given up in ACC play, but their 62 points were the second-fewest scored in conference. The ‘Noles have alternated SU wins and losses in their last five games (2-2-1 ATS), averaging 71.4 ppg (42 percent shooting) while giving up 69.6 ppg (39 percent).
Clemson is 5-2 in ACC action (4-2-1 ATS), including 3-1 (2-0-1 ATS) at home. Florida State is a game behind at 4-3 in league play (4-2-1 ATS), including 2-1 SU and ATS as a visitor.
This has been an evenly matched rivalry in recent years, with Clemson winning six of the last 10 meetings both SU and ATS, and the SU winner cashing in all 10 contests. During this 10-game stretch, the host is on a 7-3 SU and ATS run. One edge for the Tigers: They’re 5-1 ATS the last six times hosting the Seminoles at Littlejohn.
Florida State is on a plethora of pointspread streaks, including 5-2-1 overall, 9-1-1 on the road, 8-2-2 in ACC play, 6-2 as an underdog, 4-1 on Saturday, 4-1-1 against winning teams, 8-1-1 on the road against teams with a winning home mark and 4-0-1 after a non-cover. The Tigers are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 league games and 9-4 ATS when coming off a victory of more than 20 points, but they’re 0-4-1 ATS in their last five on Saturday.
The over is 9-4 in Florida State’s last 13 games on Saturday, but Clemson is riding “under” streaks of 6-2 overall, 7-0 at home, 8-0 on Saturday and 8-1 against winning teams. Finally, the under is 6-1 in the last seven series meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
(19) Minnesota (18-4, 9-7-1 ATS) at Ohio State (16-5, 10-7 ATS)
Minnesota will try to bounce back from its worst loss of the year when it visits Value City Arena for a matchup with Ohio State.
The Golden Gophers went to Michigan State on Wednesday and had the unfortunate luck of facing a ticked-off Spartans team that had lost two straight home games, as Minnesota got drubbed 76-47, never threatening to cover as an 8½-point road underdog. In scoring a season-low in points, Minnesota shot just 28.8 percent from the field (15-for-52), allowed Michigan State to shoot 51 percent and got outrebounded 39-21.
Since a four-game SU and ATS surge that pushed them into the Top 25, the Gophers are just 2-3 SU and 1-4 ATS in their last five, averaging 60 ppg (37.8 percent shooting) and allowing 63.8 ppg (43.5 percent).
Ohio State needed overtime to dispatch 12th-ranked Purdue on Tuesday, prevailing 80-72 as a two-point home underdog .The Buckeyes have followed up a two-game SU and ATS slide with three straight wins and covers, and their offense has come to life during this stretch, putting up 81.7 ppg while shooting a sizzling 60 percent from the floor. Thad Matta’s team has now split its eight games against ranked opponents this season (5-3 ATS).
These foes are tied in the middle of the pack of the Big Ten standings at 6-4, with Minnesota going 5-5 ATS and Ohio State posting a 6-4 ATS mark (6-2 ATS in the last eight). The Gophers are 3-2 in Big Ten road games but 2-3 ATS, including three straight non-covers, while the Buckeyes are 4-1 when hosting conference rivals (3-2 ATS).
Minnesota tonight will be looking to sweep the season series from Ohio State for the first time in four years, as the Gophers topped the Buckeyes 68-59 as a 3½-point home chalk on Jan. 3. Tubby Smith’s squad has won and covered the last two meetings after going 0-3 SU in the previous three and 0-4 ATS in the previous four. Ohio State has won the last two battles at home by margins of 16 and 14 points, and the host is 5-0 ATS in the last five series clashes.
The Gophers have proven they can bounce back from bad losses, going 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 after a defeat of more than 20 points, and they’re 14-6 ATS in their last 20 Saturday outings. Ohio State is on solid ATS stretches of 6-2 overall (all in Big Ten action), 11-5 at home, 9-2 after a spread-cover and 4-1 after an outright victory.
The under has hit in seven of the last nine head-to-head matchups between these schools. Also, the under is on runs of 38-14 for Minnesota on Saturday, 6-2 for Minnesota against winning teams, 10-3 for Minnesota after an ATS setback, 7-2 for Minnesota after a SU win, 6-1 for Ohio State against winning teams and 40-18-1 for Ohio State on Saturday. However, the over is 4-1 in the Buckeyes’ last five home games and 5-2 in the Gophers’ last seven overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OHIO STATE
(14) Memphis (19-3, 13-8 ATS) at (18) Gonzaga (17-4, 10-9 ATS)
The marquee matchup on the Saturday slate comes from McCarthy Athletic Center in Spokane, Wash., where Gonzaga and Memphis meet in a non-conference clash between two of the nation’s hottest teams.
The Tigers, on the road for the fourth time in their last five games, are coming off Wednesday’s 79-66 rout at SMU, but they failed to cover as a 17-point road chalk, ending a 5-0 ATS run. Memphis is riding a 13-game winning streak (9-3 ATS in lined action), going 5-0 SU and 2-3 ATS on the road. During the streak – which is the second longest in the nation behind Utah State – John Calipari’s squad has played stifling defense, giving up just 58.8 ppg, with only one opponent (Division II Lamar) scoring more than 68 points on the Tigers.
Gonzaga ran its winning streak to nine in a row with Thursday’s 93-78 thumping of Portland as a 10-point road underdog. The Bulldogs are just 5-4 ATS during their winning streak, including 2-3 ATS at home and 4-4 ATS as a favorite. Prior to Thursday’s shootout at Portland, Gonzaga had held seven straight opponents under 70 points, giving up 56 ppg during that stretch.
These teams have faced off three times in regular-season action since 2005, and the Tigers have won all three, but Gonzaga got the cash in the last two. Two years ago, Memphis went to Spokane and needed overtime to salt away a 78-77 victory as a 4½-point favorite, then last season the Tigers prevailed 81-73, but failed as a 13-point home favorite.
All three of Memphis’ losses have come in non-conference action, where it is 10-3 SU and 7-5 ATS, including 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS in road/neutral-site contests. Likewise, the Zags’ four defeats all came against non-league foes. Gonzaga started the season with seven consecutive non-conference victories (5-1 ATS), then went 1-4 SU (0-4 ATS) in the next four before outlasting Tennessee 89-79 in overtime as a four-point underdog on Jan. 7 prior to starting West Coast Conference play.
Memphis has faced just two ranked opponents this season, losing 79-70 at Georgetown in overtime as a six-point pup and falling 72-65 to Syracuse at home as a nine-point chalk. The Bulldogs are 3-1 SU and ATS versus Top 25 foes, beating Tennessee twice as well as conference rival St. Mary’s, while falling 88-83 to then-No. 2 UConn as a three-point favorite in nearby Seattle.
For the season, Memphis averages 77 ppg on 44.2 percent shooting (33 percent from three-point range) while Gonzaga puts up 78.8 ppg on 47.9 percent shooting (38 percent from beyond the arc). Defensively, the Tigers give up 61.5 ppg (37.6 percent overall, 31.4 percent on three-pointers) and Gonzaga yields 62.4 ppg (36.6 percent overall, 32.7 percent on three-pointers).
Memphis has cashed in four straight non-conference games and is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 Saturday outings and 4-0 ATS in its last four against winning teams. The Tigers have been an underdog just twice this season, going 1-1 SU and ATS. Gonzaga is on ATS runs of 23-10 on Saturday and 5-1 against Conference USA opponents, but the Zags are mired in pointspread funks of 2-5 at home, 2-7 against winning teams, 4-8 as a chalk and 1-5 after a non-cover.
The under is on runs of 4-1 for Memphis in non-conference games, 4-1 for Gonzaga at home and 9-1 for Gonzaga after a spread-cover. However, the over is 15-6 in the Bulldogs’ last 21 on Saturday, and these teams topped the total in their meetings the last two seasons.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
NBA
Miami (26-22, 23-23-2 ATS) at Philadelphia (24-24, 23-23-2 ATS)
The 76ers continue a seven-game homestand that goes all the way to next weekend’s All-Star break when they welcome the Heat to the Wachovia Center for a battle of Eastern Conference foes searching for consistency.
Philadelphia held off Indiana 99-94 on Thursday, pushing as a five-point home favorite to end a two-game SU slide. Since ripping off seven-straight victories and an 8-0 ATS run, the Sixers have split their last eight contests (2-4-2 ATS), and they’re 3-3 at home during this stretch (1-3-2 ATS). Also, Philadelphia learned Thursday that it will play the rest of the season without injured big man Elton Brand.
Miami has been idle since Wednesday’s 93-90 loss at Detroit, though it covered as a 4½-point road underdog. The Heat are just 1-3 (2-2 ATS) in their last four, the lone triumph being Monday’s 24-point home blowout of the sad-sack Clippers. Going back to Dec. 28, they’ve split their last 20 games (12-8 ATS), going 4-7 on the highway, but 7-4 ATS.
The Heat snapped a five-game SU and ATS losing skid to Philadelphia with a 106-83 rout as a three-point home underdog back on Nov. 5, but Miami is 0-4 SU and ATS in its last four trips to the City of Brotherly Love. In this rivalry, the host is on an 11-3 ATS run, the underdog is on a 5-3 SU and ATS surge and the winner has cashed in each of the last 10 battles.
Miami is on ATS tears of 10-4 overall, 6-2 as a visitor, 5-1 after a SU loss and 9-4-1 after a spread-cover. Conversely, the team is in pointspread funks of 2-5 on Saturday, 8-23 against Atlantic Division opponents and 6-13-1 when playing on two days’ rest. Meanwhile, Philadelphia carries positive ATS trends of 10-4-2 overall, 7-2 against winning teams, 5-2-2 against the Eastern Conference, 4-0-1 versus the Southeast Division and 29-13 when playing on Saturday.
For the Heat, the “over” is on runs of 4-0 overall, 8-1 on the highway, 7-1 on Saturday, 9-0 after an outright loss and 5-1 when facing Atlantic Division foes. However, the under is 20-9-1 in Philly’s last 30 home games, 5-2 in its last seven on Saturday and 4-1 in its last five when playing on one day of rest. Finally, the under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in this rivalry and 10-4-1 in the last 15 tussles at the Wachovia Center.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA and UNDER
(20) Syracuse (18-5, 9-10 ATS) at (17) Villanova (18-4, 11-7 ATS)
Surging Villanova goes after its fifth straight win when it takes on Syracuse in a Big East battle at the Wachovia Center.
The Wildcats won a shootout at Providence 94-91 Wednesday night, narrowly covering as a 2½-point chalk for their sixth consecutive spread-cover (5-1 SU), with the lone blemish in that stretch being a five-point road loss at current No. 1 Connecticut. Over the past six games, Villanova has held four opponents to 61 points or less and posted three double-digit victories, outshooting opponents 47.7 percent to 38.3 percent.
The Orange had a week off to regroup from a three-game SU and ATS skid, then ended that slump Wednesday by topping West Virginia 74-61 as a 1½-point home underdog. For the season, Syracuse has averaged 79.5 ppg on a sturdy 49.6 percent shooting, while allowing 70.7 ppg on 40.4 percent shooting. But the Orange have lost their last three roadies – all in Big East play – by an average of 12.7 ppg, despite shooting 47 percent from the floor.
Villanova has won three of the last four clashes in this rivalry (2-2 ATS), including an 82-63 blowout as a 2½-point pup in last year’s Big East tournament. The underdog has cashed in each of the last four meetings.
Along with their current 6-0 ATS run, the Wildcats are on a handful of positive pointspread streaks, including 8-3 as a favorite of less than 15 points, 5-0 against winning teams, 4-0 after a SU win, 5-0 after a spread-cover and 5-1 on Saturday. The Orange have cashed in five straight Saturday contests, but they are just 1-5 ATS in their last six following a spread-cover.
The over is on a 7-3 run in conference play for Villanova and is on a 6-2 run for Syracuse in Saturday games, but the under for the Wildcats is on rolls of 22-10-1 overall, 6-1 on Saturday and 10-3 after a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: VILLANOVA
Notre Dame (12-9, 4-11 ATS) at (15) UCLA (18-4, 11-10 ATS)
Freefalling Notre Dame takes a break from the rigorous Big East for a West Coast trek to face UCLA at Pauley Pavilion.
The Fighting Irish tumbled to Cincinnati 93-83 Wednesday laying 2½ points on the road for their sixth consecutive SU loss and seventh straight setback at the betting window. During the six-game skid, Notre Dame has lost by no less than seven points and has fallen by double figures four times (all on the road). The Irish are averaging 72.4 ppg in their last five outings – nearly six points below their season average – while giving up an eye-opening 83.8 ppg.
The Bruins have been enjoying the comforts of home lately, ripping off a three-game SU and ATS streak, with all three wins coming by double digits. UCLA whipped archrival Southern Cal 76-60 Wednesday as an eight-point favorite to follow up a 15-point win over California and a 34-point pounding of Stanford. In their last five outings – including an 11-point loss at Washington – the Bruins are outscoring opponents by an average of 13 ppg (78-67) and shooting 51.5 percent from the floor, including 47.5 percent from three-point range.
These two teams have met just twice this decade, with both going 1-1 SU and ATS, and the road team winning and covering each time. In February 2004, Notre Dame traveled to Pauley Pavilion and scored a 75-60 victory in a pick ‘em, and a year later, UCLA went to South Bend, Ind., and prevailed 75-65 as a seven-point road pup.
In addition to their 0-7 ATS slump overall, the Irish carry on nothing but negative ATS streaks, including 0-5 on the highway, 1-5 as a ‘dog this season 0-6 against teams with a winning percentage above .600, 1-5 against the Pac-10 and 7-19-1 on Saturday. The Bruins are just 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games coming off a spread-cover, but they are on ATS upticks of 4-1 at home and 9-3 against winning teams.
The under is 5-0-1 in Notre Dame’s last six games against Pac-10 foes, but aside from that, the over for the Irish is on stretches of 5-2 overall, 4-0 on the road, 15-3 in roadies against teams with a winning home record, 18-7 against teams with a win percentage above .600 and 23-11 on Saturday. The under is 9-2 in UCLA’s last 11 tilts against the Big East, but the over for the Bruins is on surges of 5-0 overall, 4-1 at home, 4-1 after a SU win and 11-4 on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UCLA and OVER
Miami, Fla. (15-7, 8-8-1 ATS) at (4) Duke (19-3, 11-9-1 ATS)
Duke aims to bounce back from its worst loss in nearly 18 years when it welcomes Miami to Cameron Indoor Stadium for an ACC contest.
The Blue Devils got hammered at No. 10 Clemson 74-47 as a four-point chalk Wednesday, their worst setback since getting drummed 103-73 by UNLV in the 1990 NCAA title game. Duke has now lost two of its last three SU and ATS, with both losses coming on the road as it shot a combined 32.2 percent in the defeats. However, Duke is 13-0 SU at home this year, winning by an average of 25 ppg (83-58).
A couple of hours before Duke got spanked at Clemson on Wednesday, the unranked Hurricanes bashed No. 7 Wake Forest 79-52 as a 2½-point home pup, ending a three-game SU and ATS decline, which included back-to-back overtime losses to Virginia Tech (home) and North Carolina State (road). Miami, looking to snap a three-game skid in ACC road games, has averaged 72.3 ppg as a visitor this season, just a tick better than its opponents (72.2).
Duke is on a 6-1 SU run (4-2-1 ATS) in this rivalry, but Miami pulled off a 96-95 home win last February as a 6½-point underdog, a couple weeks after the Blue Devils prevailed 88-73 as a 15-point home favorite.
The Blue Devils are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games after a non-cover, 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight home games and 7-2 ATS when favored between 10 and 19½ points, but they are on pointspread back-slides of 1-5-1 against teams with a winning percentage above .600, 2-6-1 on Saturday and 4-9 after a SU loss. The Hurricanes are on ATS runs of 8-2-3 in Saturday contests and 4-1 after a SU win of more than 20 points.
The under for Duke is on rolls of 21-5 overall, 21-8 at Cameron Indoor, 14-3 in the ACC, 4-0 against teams with a win percentage above .600 and 4-0 after a SU loss. Conversely, the over for Miami is on streaks of 4-1 overall, 5-0 against winning teams and 9-3 on Saturday, and in this rivalry, the total has gone high in each of the last five meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DUKE
Oklahoma State (14-7, 5-9-1 ATS) at (21) Kansas (18-4, 11-5 ATS)
Defending national champion Kansas goes after its eighth consecutive win when it squares off against Oklahoma State in a Big 12 contest at Allen Fieldhouse.
The Jayhawks dropped Baylor 75-65 catching 1½ points on the road Monday, cashing for the sixth time during their seven-game winning streak – all in Big 12 play – to keep their perfect conference record intact. Kansas has outscored its opponents by an average of 13 ppg for the season (78-65), and that margin is still in double digits during the Jayhawks’ current unbeaten run, as they are averaging 74.9 ppg while allowing 64.1.
The Cowboys held off Texas Tech 81-80 Wednesday to halt a two-game SU skid, but they never came close to covering as a healthy 12½-point home chalk in dropping their third straight ATS decision. Oklahoma State has put up an average of 84.0 ppg this season and allowed 75.1, but on the road, the Cowboys drop off more than eight points per game, getting outscored 78.0-75.8.
Oklahoma State is on a 5-2 ATS run (3-4 SU) in this rivalry, including a 61-60 upset last February as an 11-point home underdog, which ended a three-game SU run for Kansas in this series and was the last loss the Jayhawks would suffer on its way to the national championship.
The Jayhawks are on a plethora of positive pointspread streaks, including 20-8 overall, 6-2 at home, 7-1 in conference play, 8-1 as a favorite of 12 points or less, 5-0 against teams with a winning percentage above .600, 5-1 after a SU win, 4-1 after a spread-cover and 6-2 on Saturday. The Cowboys are 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight Saturday starts but are otherwise on pointspread dips of 1-5 overall (all in the Big 12), 1-5 against winning teams, 8-22-1 on the highway and 1-6 as an underdog this season.
The under is on a trio of 8-3 runs: for Kansas against winning teams; for Oklahoma State against winning teams; and in the last 11 clashes in this rivalry. Furthermore, the under for the Jayhawks is on rolls of 5-1 overall, 6-1 after a SU win and 6-2 on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS and UNDER
Michigan (15-8, 9-8-1 ATS) at (1) Connecticut (21-1, 9-8 ATS)
UConn, which is looking to become the first team in more than a month to hold onto the nation’s No. 1 ranking for longer than a week, puts its 10-game winning streak on the line when it hosts Michigan in a non-conference battle at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Conn.
Hours after ascending to the top spot in the polls, the Huskies went out and justified their new ranking with a 68-51 rout of No. 7 Louisville, cashing as a 2½-point road underdog, their fourth consecutive spread-cover. During its winning streak, UConn has been rock-solid defensively, giving up 61 points or less to eight of 10 opponents, allowing just 55.5 ppg on 29 percent shooting in the last four. Offensively, the Huskies are putting up 78.2 ppg on 46 percent shooting in their last five outings.
The Wolverines halted a two-game SU and ATS slide in dominating fashion Thursday, crushing Penn State 71-51 as a 4½-point home favorite. Despite the win, Michigan remains just 2-5 SU and ATS in its last seven games – all in Big Ten action – including 0-4 SU and ATS away from home. John Beilein’s squad has been held to 61 points or fewer in seven of its eight defeats, averaging only 54 ppg in its last five setbacks.
UConn is a perfect 11-0 in non-conference play this season, but just 3-4 ATS in lined games, including 6-0 SU and 0-2 ATS at home. Michigan is 10-2 outside of the Big Ten, including 5-1-1 ATS in lined games. In their one true non-conference roadie, the Wolverines fell 75-70 at Maryland, pushing as a five-point underdog. Also, Michigan, which was ranked at one point this season, is 2-2 SU and ATS against Top 25 teams.
Despite its success covering pointspreads in non-league games, Michigan is mired in ATS slumps of 11-28-2 on the road, 3-9-1 against Big East foes, 2-5 against winning teams and 7-22-2 on the highway against teams with a winning home record. The Huskies are 5-0 ATS in their last five on Saturday, but 6-14 ATS in their last 20 contests outside the Big East, 1-4 ATS in their last five at home and 2-6 ATS as a double-digit chalk this season.
Michigan has stayed under the total in three straight games, and the under is 6-1-1 in its last eight outings, including 3-0-1 on the road. In fact, the under is 11-2-1 in the Wolverines’ last 14 on the highway dating to last year. Also, the under is 8-3 in UConn’s last 11 overall. However, the over is on streaks of 12-5 for Michigan in non-conference games, 6-1 for UConn against the Big Ten and 4-1 for UConn on Saturday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UCONN and UNDER
Florida State (17-5, 10-5-1 ATS) at (10) Clemson (19-2, 8-7-1 ATS)
Two teams clogged in the middle of the ACC standings do battle at Littlejohn Coliseum, where Clemson goes after its fourth consecutive victory when it hosts Florida State.
The Tigers ended a 22-game regular-season losing streak to Duke in emphatic fashion Wednesday, rolling to a 74-47 victory over the fourth-ranked team in the nation, cashing as a four-point home underdog. Clemson, which is on a 3-0 SU and ATS surge, had a 46.7 percent to 30.8 percent edge in shooting and a 38-28 rebounding advantage as it handed the Blue Devils their worst loss since a 30-point beatdown against UNLV in the 1990 national championship game.
The Seminoles held off Georgia Tech 62-58 on Thursday, but came up short as an 8½-point home chalk, ending a modest two-game ATS run. The 58 points allowed were the fewest Florida State has given up in ACC play, but their 62 points were the second-fewest scored in conference. The ‘Noles have alternated SU wins and losses in their last five games (2-2-1 ATS), averaging 71.4 ppg (42 percent shooting) while giving up 69.6 ppg (39 percent).
Clemson is 5-2 in ACC action (4-2-1 ATS), including 3-1 (2-0-1 ATS) at home. Florida State is a game behind at 4-3 in league play (4-2-1 ATS), including 2-1 SU and ATS as a visitor.
This has been an evenly matched rivalry in recent years, with Clemson winning six of the last 10 meetings both SU and ATS, and the SU winner cashing in all 10 contests. During this 10-game stretch, the host is on a 7-3 SU and ATS run. One edge for the Tigers: They’re 5-1 ATS the last six times hosting the Seminoles at Littlejohn.
Florida State is on a plethora of pointspread streaks, including 5-2-1 overall, 9-1-1 on the road, 8-2-2 in ACC play, 6-2 as an underdog, 4-1 on Saturday, 4-1-1 against winning teams, 8-1-1 on the road against teams with a winning home mark and 4-0-1 after a non-cover. The Tigers are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 league games and 9-4 ATS when coming off a victory of more than 20 points, but they’re 0-4-1 ATS in their last five on Saturday.
The over is 9-4 in Florida State’s last 13 games on Saturday, but Clemson is riding “under” streaks of 6-2 overall, 7-0 at home, 8-0 on Saturday and 8-1 against winning teams. Finally, the under is 6-1 in the last seven series meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
(19) Minnesota (18-4, 9-7-1 ATS) at Ohio State (16-5, 10-7 ATS)
Minnesota will try to bounce back from its worst loss of the year when it visits Value City Arena for a matchup with Ohio State.
The Golden Gophers went to Michigan State on Wednesday and had the unfortunate luck of facing a ticked-off Spartans team that had lost two straight home games, as Minnesota got drubbed 76-47, never threatening to cover as an 8½-point road underdog. In scoring a season-low in points, Minnesota shot just 28.8 percent from the field (15-for-52), allowed Michigan State to shoot 51 percent and got outrebounded 39-21.
Since a four-game SU and ATS surge that pushed them into the Top 25, the Gophers are just 2-3 SU and 1-4 ATS in their last five, averaging 60 ppg (37.8 percent shooting) and allowing 63.8 ppg (43.5 percent).
Ohio State needed overtime to dispatch 12th-ranked Purdue on Tuesday, prevailing 80-72 as a two-point home underdog .The Buckeyes have followed up a two-game SU and ATS slide with three straight wins and covers, and their offense has come to life during this stretch, putting up 81.7 ppg while shooting a sizzling 60 percent from the floor. Thad Matta’s team has now split its eight games against ranked opponents this season (5-3 ATS).
These foes are tied in the middle of the pack of the Big Ten standings at 6-4, with Minnesota going 5-5 ATS and Ohio State posting a 6-4 ATS mark (6-2 ATS in the last eight). The Gophers are 3-2 in Big Ten road games but 2-3 ATS, including three straight non-covers, while the Buckeyes are 4-1 when hosting conference rivals (3-2 ATS).
Minnesota tonight will be looking to sweep the season series from Ohio State for the first time in four years, as the Gophers topped the Buckeyes 68-59 as a 3½-point home chalk on Jan. 3. Tubby Smith’s squad has won and covered the last two meetings after going 0-3 SU in the previous three and 0-4 ATS in the previous four. Ohio State has won the last two battles at home by margins of 16 and 14 points, and the host is 5-0 ATS in the last five series clashes.
The Gophers have proven they can bounce back from bad losses, going 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 after a defeat of more than 20 points, and they’re 14-6 ATS in their last 20 Saturday outings. Ohio State is on solid ATS stretches of 6-2 overall (all in Big Ten action), 11-5 at home, 9-2 after a spread-cover and 4-1 after an outright victory.
The under has hit in seven of the last nine head-to-head matchups between these schools. Also, the under is on runs of 38-14 for Minnesota on Saturday, 6-2 for Minnesota against winning teams, 10-3 for Minnesota after an ATS setback, 7-2 for Minnesota after a SU win, 6-1 for Ohio State against winning teams and 40-18-1 for Ohio State on Saturday. However, the over is 4-1 in the Buckeyes’ last five home games and 5-2 in the Gophers’ last seven overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OHIO STATE
(14) Memphis (19-3, 13-8 ATS) at (18) Gonzaga (17-4, 10-9 ATS)
The marquee matchup on the Saturday slate comes from McCarthy Athletic Center in Spokane, Wash., where Gonzaga and Memphis meet in a non-conference clash between two of the nation’s hottest teams.
The Tigers, on the road for the fourth time in their last five games, are coming off Wednesday’s 79-66 rout at SMU, but they failed to cover as a 17-point road chalk, ending a 5-0 ATS run. Memphis is riding a 13-game winning streak (9-3 ATS in lined action), going 5-0 SU and 2-3 ATS on the road. During the streak – which is the second longest in the nation behind Utah State – John Calipari’s squad has played stifling defense, giving up just 58.8 ppg, with only one opponent (Division II Lamar) scoring more than 68 points on the Tigers.
Gonzaga ran its winning streak to nine in a row with Thursday’s 93-78 thumping of Portland as a 10-point road underdog. The Bulldogs are just 5-4 ATS during their winning streak, including 2-3 ATS at home and 4-4 ATS as a favorite. Prior to Thursday’s shootout at Portland, Gonzaga had held seven straight opponents under 70 points, giving up 56 ppg during that stretch.
These teams have faced off three times in regular-season action since 2005, and the Tigers have won all three, but Gonzaga got the cash in the last two. Two years ago, Memphis went to Spokane and needed overtime to salt away a 78-77 victory as a 4½-point favorite, then last season the Tigers prevailed 81-73, but failed as a 13-point home favorite.
All three of Memphis’ losses have come in non-conference action, where it is 10-3 SU and 7-5 ATS, including 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS in road/neutral-site contests. Likewise, the Zags’ four defeats all came against non-league foes. Gonzaga started the season with seven consecutive non-conference victories (5-1 ATS), then went 1-4 SU (0-4 ATS) in the next four before outlasting Tennessee 89-79 in overtime as a four-point underdog on Jan. 7 prior to starting West Coast Conference play.
Memphis has faced just two ranked opponents this season, losing 79-70 at Georgetown in overtime as a six-point pup and falling 72-65 to Syracuse at home as a nine-point chalk. The Bulldogs are 3-1 SU and ATS versus Top 25 foes, beating Tennessee twice as well as conference rival St. Mary’s, while falling 88-83 to then-No. 2 UConn as a three-point favorite in nearby Seattle.
For the season, Memphis averages 77 ppg on 44.2 percent shooting (33 percent from three-point range) while Gonzaga puts up 78.8 ppg on 47.9 percent shooting (38 percent from beyond the arc). Defensively, the Tigers give up 61.5 ppg (37.6 percent overall, 31.4 percent on three-pointers) and Gonzaga yields 62.4 ppg (36.6 percent overall, 32.7 percent on three-pointers).
Memphis has cashed in four straight non-conference games and is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 Saturday outings and 4-0 ATS in its last four against winning teams. The Tigers have been an underdog just twice this season, going 1-1 SU and ATS. Gonzaga is on ATS runs of 23-10 on Saturday and 5-1 against Conference USA opponents, but the Zags are mired in pointspread funks of 2-5 at home, 2-7 against winning teams, 4-8 as a chalk and 1-5 after a non-cover.
The under is on runs of 4-1 for Memphis in non-conference games, 4-1 for Gonzaga at home and 9-1 for Gonzaga after a spread-cover. However, the over is 15-6 in the Bulldogs’ last 21 on Saturday, and these teams topped the total in their meetings the last two seasons.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
NBA
Miami (26-22, 23-23-2 ATS) at Philadelphia (24-24, 23-23-2 ATS)
The 76ers continue a seven-game homestand that goes all the way to next weekend’s All-Star break when they welcome the Heat to the Wachovia Center for a battle of Eastern Conference foes searching for consistency.
Philadelphia held off Indiana 99-94 on Thursday, pushing as a five-point home favorite to end a two-game SU slide. Since ripping off seven-straight victories and an 8-0 ATS run, the Sixers have split their last eight contests (2-4-2 ATS), and they’re 3-3 at home during this stretch (1-3-2 ATS). Also, Philadelphia learned Thursday that it will play the rest of the season without injured big man Elton Brand.
Miami has been idle since Wednesday’s 93-90 loss at Detroit, though it covered as a 4½-point road underdog. The Heat are just 1-3 (2-2 ATS) in their last four, the lone triumph being Monday’s 24-point home blowout of the sad-sack Clippers. Going back to Dec. 28, they’ve split their last 20 games (12-8 ATS), going 4-7 on the highway, but 7-4 ATS.
The Heat snapped a five-game SU and ATS losing skid to Philadelphia with a 106-83 rout as a three-point home underdog back on Nov. 5, but Miami is 0-4 SU and ATS in its last four trips to the City of Brotherly Love. In this rivalry, the host is on an 11-3 ATS run, the underdog is on a 5-3 SU and ATS surge and the winner has cashed in each of the last 10 battles.
Miami is on ATS tears of 10-4 overall, 6-2 as a visitor, 5-1 after a SU loss and 9-4-1 after a spread-cover. Conversely, the team is in pointspread funks of 2-5 on Saturday, 8-23 against Atlantic Division opponents and 6-13-1 when playing on two days’ rest. Meanwhile, Philadelphia carries positive ATS trends of 10-4-2 overall, 7-2 against winning teams, 5-2-2 against the Eastern Conference, 4-0-1 versus the Southeast Division and 29-13 when playing on Saturday.
For the Heat, the “over” is on runs of 4-0 overall, 8-1 on the highway, 7-1 on Saturday, 9-0 after an outright loss and 5-1 when facing Atlantic Division foes. However, the under is 20-9-1 in Philly’s last 30 home games, 5-2 in its last seven on Saturday and 4-1 in its last five when playing on one day of rest. Finally, the under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in this rivalry and 10-4-1 in the last 15 tussles at the Wachovia Center.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA and UNDER
Info Plays
3* on Miami Heat +4.5
Reasons why Miami covers the spread Saturday:
1.) The 76ers suffered a big blow when Elton Brand was pronounced out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. That news came prior to Saturday's home match-up with Miami, and the 76ers are really getting short-handed.
2.) The Heat are coming off a heartbreaking loss at Detroit 90-93. We look for the Heat to bounce back tonight against a 76ers' team that squeaked by Indiana 99-94 last time out. Miami is 17-8 ATS when the total is between 190 and 199.5 points this season. Philly will struggle to find points tonight after losing Brand for the season.
3.) System Play. We'll Play Against - Home favorites (PHILADELPHIA) - poor three point shooting team (<=33%) against a poor 3PT defense (>=36.5%), average ball handling team (14.5-16.5 TO's) against a good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's). This is a 33-9 ATS System hitting 78.6% over the last 5 seasons. Philly really relies on getting points in the paint, but they will have to rely on more perimeter shooting tonight to try and take down the Heat and it won't work. Philly shoots just 32.7% from 3-point range on the season. Bet Miami on the road.
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3* on Miami Heat +4.5
Reasons why Miami covers the spread Saturday:
1.) The 76ers suffered a big blow when Elton Brand was pronounced out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. That news came prior to Saturday's home match-up with Miami, and the 76ers are really getting short-handed.
2.) The Heat are coming off a heartbreaking loss at Detroit 90-93. We look for the Heat to bounce back tonight against a 76ers' team that squeaked by Indiana 99-94 last time out. Miami is 17-8 ATS when the total is between 190 and 199.5 points this season. Philly will struggle to find points tonight after losing Brand for the season.
3.) System Play. We'll Play Against - Home favorites (PHILADELPHIA) - poor three point shooting team (<=33%) against a poor 3PT defense (>=36.5%), average ball handling team (14.5-16.5 TO's) against a good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's). This is a 33-9 ATS System hitting 78.6% over the last 5 seasons. Philly really relies on getting points in the paint, but they will have to rely on more perimeter shooting tonight to try and take down the Heat and it won't work. Philly shoots just 32.7% from 3-point range on the season. Bet Miami on the road.
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Lee Kostroski
<!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->REASON FOR PICK:1* PLAY ON Florida State + vs. Clemson, Saturday at 7:00 PM EST
Clemson is coming off the win that basically put their basketball program on the map. Their 27 point beat-down of Duke was one of those games in which EVERYTHING went right for Clemson (and EVERYTHING went wrong for the Blue Devils). Duke shot just 30.8% and lost the rebounding margin by 10. We expect Clemson to have a hangover from that game and overlook a good Florida State squad coming to town.
Florida State is one of the most underrated teams in the ACC; at 17-5, they are just a few bad breaks away from having 2-3 more wins. The Seminoles lost to Duke by 8, Pittsburgh by 8, @Miami FL by 6, and on a buzzer-beating shot to North Carolina. The Seminoles boast one of the best defenses in the country. They allow 63.1 points per game on 37.8% shooting (and the fact that they play in the ACC makes it all that much more impressive). G Toney Douglas is quietly having himself an All-ACC caliber season. Douglas averages 20.2 points per game on 44% shooting.
Other than their dominating performance against Duke, Clemson has faltered in their other “big” games; falling by 10 to Wake Forest at home, and @North Carolina by 24. Looking ahead in their schedule, they have a rather “easy road,” so it would be easy for them to get caught up in the emotional victory over Duke. The Seminoles are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 road games and we expect that Florida State will continue to fly under the ACC-radar and get the ATS victory in Clemson. Go with Florida State.
<!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->REASON FOR PICK:1* PLAY ON Florida State + vs. Clemson, Saturday at 7:00 PM EST
Clemson is coming off the win that basically put their basketball program on the map. Their 27 point beat-down of Duke was one of those games in which EVERYTHING went right for Clemson (and EVERYTHING went wrong for the Blue Devils). Duke shot just 30.8% and lost the rebounding margin by 10. We expect Clemson to have a hangover from that game and overlook a good Florida State squad coming to town.
Florida State is one of the most underrated teams in the ACC; at 17-5, they are just a few bad breaks away from having 2-3 more wins. The Seminoles lost to Duke by 8, Pittsburgh by 8, @Miami FL by 6, and on a buzzer-beating shot to North Carolina. The Seminoles boast one of the best defenses in the country. They allow 63.1 points per game on 37.8% shooting (and the fact that they play in the ACC makes it all that much more impressive). G Toney Douglas is quietly having himself an All-ACC caliber season. Douglas averages 20.2 points per game on 44% shooting.
Other than their dominating performance against Duke, Clemson has faltered in their other “big” games; falling by 10 to Wake Forest at home, and @North Carolina by 24. Looking ahead in their schedule, they have a rather “easy road,” so it would be easy for them to get caught up in the emotional victory over Duke. The Seminoles are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 road games and we expect that Florida State will continue to fly under the ACC-radar and get the ATS victory in Clemson. Go with Florida State.
Jim Feist
TV Bailout Blowout
BAYLOR / TEXAS TECH
Take: 3* TEXAS TECH
This is a classic home/road disparity game in college basketball. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are winless on the road, but a stellar 10-3 at home. They come off a 1-point loss at Oklahoma State as a double digit dog and face a Baylor squad that is 2-3 on the road. Baylor is 3-5 in the Big 12 and in a freefall, on an 0-4 SU/ATS run despite being favored twice! The defense has been horrible, allowing 95, 78, 89 and 75 points in those games. Texas Tech has a terrific offense and will score a bundle in front of the home fans. Play Texas Tech.
TV Bailout Blowout
BAYLOR / TEXAS TECH
Take: 3* TEXAS TECH
This is a classic home/road disparity game in college basketball. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are winless on the road, but a stellar 10-3 at home. They come off a 1-point loss at Oklahoma State as a double digit dog and face a Baylor squad that is 2-3 on the road. Baylor is 3-5 in the Big 12 and in a freefall, on an 0-4 SU/ATS run despite being favored twice! The defense has been horrible, allowing 95, 78, 89 and 75 points in those games. Texas Tech has a terrific offense and will score a bundle in front of the home fans. Play Texas Tech.
Ben Burns NCAA
UNDER UCLA/Notre Dame
Game: Notre Dame vs. UCLA Game Time: 2/7/2009 1:00:00 PM Prediction: under *Blue Chip
DUQUESNE
Game: Xavier vs. Duquesne Game Time: 2/7/2009 7:00:00 PM Prediction: Duquesne *A-10 GOY
GONZAGA
Game: Memphis vs. Gonzaga Game Time: 2/7/2009 9:00:00 PM Prediction: Gonzaga *Personal Favorite
GEORGETOWN
Game: Cincinnati vs. Georgetown Game Time: 2/7/2009 12:00:00 PM Prediction: Georgetown I expect another double-digit victory this afternoon.
OREGON
Game: Arizona vs. Oregon Game Time: 2/7/2009 3:30:00 PM Prediction: Oregon *Best Bet
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UNDER UCLA/Notre Dame
Game: Notre Dame vs. UCLA Game Time: 2/7/2009 1:00:00 PM Prediction: under *Blue Chip
DUQUESNE
Game: Xavier vs. Duquesne Game Time: 2/7/2009 7:00:00 PM Prediction: Duquesne *A-10 GOY
GONZAGA
Game: Memphis vs. Gonzaga Game Time: 2/7/2009 9:00:00 PM Prediction: Gonzaga *Personal Favorite
GEORGETOWN
Game: Cincinnati vs. Georgetown Game Time: 2/7/2009 12:00:00 PM Prediction: Georgetown I expect another double-digit victory this afternoon.
OREGON
Game: Arizona vs. Oregon Game Time: 2/7/2009 3:30:00 PM Prediction: Oregon *Best Bet
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EAST COAST SPORTS CONSULTANTS
WILLIE "D"
NBA Triple Elite GOY HOUSTON
CBB Insider VILLANOVA
CBB Blue Chip DUKE
"LEGS" DIAMOND
WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME OF THE YEAR HOUSTON ROCKETS
BOOKIE MASSACRE DALLAS MAVERICKS
RANDY MITCHEL
CBB Platinum GEORGETOWN
NBA Gold DALLAS
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WILLIE "D"
NBA Triple Elite GOY HOUSTON
CBB Insider VILLANOVA
CBB Blue Chip DUKE
"LEGS" DIAMOND
WESTERN CONFERENCE GAME OF THE YEAR HOUSTON ROCKETS
BOOKIE MASSACRE DALLAS MAVERICKS
RANDY MITCHEL
CBB Platinum GEORGETOWN
NBA Gold DALLAS
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TodaysPicks
<!-- / icon and title --><!-- message --># Game Date: Game: Pick:
1. 02/07/2009 7:30 p.m. ET Arkansas State Indians -2 vs Florida International Golden Panthers Arkansas State Indians
2. 02/07/2009 10:00 p.m. ET Pepperdine Waves -1 vs Loyola Marymount Lions Pepperdine Waves
NBA
# Game Date: Game: Pick:
1. 02/07/2009 7:05 p.m. ET Philadelphia 76ers -4.5 vs Miami Heat Philadelphia 76ers
<!-- / icon and title --><!-- message --># Game Date: Game: Pick:
1. 02/07/2009 7:30 p.m. ET Arkansas State Indians -2 vs Florida International Golden Panthers Arkansas State Indians
2. 02/07/2009 10:00 p.m. ET Pepperdine Waves -1 vs Loyola Marymount Lions Pepperdine Waves
NBA
# Game Date: Game: Pick:
1. 02/07/2009 7:05 p.m. ET Philadelphia 76ers -4.5 vs Miami Heat Philadelphia 76ers
Winning Angle Plays for Saturday
NCAA
Play Auburn (+3.5) over Tennessee* (Top NCAA Play)
Play Florida State (+9.5) over Clemson* (Top NCAA Play)
Play Miami (+14) over Duke (Bonus NCAA Play)
NBA Hoops
Play Miami (+4) over Philadelphia* (NBA Bonus Play)
NHL
Play Detroit (-300) over Edmonton* (NHL Bonus Play)
NCAA
Play Auburn (+3.5) over Tennessee* (Top NCAA Play)
Play Florida State (+9.5) over Clemson* (Top NCAA Play)
Play Miami (+14) over Duke (Bonus NCAA Play)
NBA Hoops
Play Miami (+4) over Philadelphia* (NBA Bonus Play)
NHL
Play Detroit (-300) over Edmonton* (NHL Bonus Play)
