Al DeMarco
Al DeMarco Saturday's Pick 15 Dime - Villanova
I can still remember it as if it was yesterday: April 1, 1985. Villanova turning the college basketball world upside down with its shocking upset of big, bad Georgetown in the national title game with a 66-64 upset. I wasn't at Rupp Arena that day; I was at a bar on Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania that was a Villanova hangout, watching the Wildcats with particular interest because I had made one of my biggest personal wagers ever at that time, $500 on them. Hey, when you're 24-years-old and making about $16,000 a year back in 1985, believe me when I tell you $500 was a small fortune for me in those days.
Today's game isn't nearly as big, but it's a huge game nonetheless for Villanova, who by winning 9 of its last 10 games - knocking off then-No. 3 Pittsburgh, No. 10 Marquette, and No. 24 Syracuse along the way - has pulled into fifth place in the Big East Conference with an 11-4 record, just one game behind suddenly vulnerable Marquette and Pittsburgh, who both have tougher three-game schedules to close the season. The top four teams in the conference get a double first-round bye, meaning they would theoretically need to win just three games at Madison Square Garden to take the Big East title and earn the possible No. 1 seed that goes with it in the Big Dance.
The Wildcats almost made this all a moot point by nearly losing to a dreadful Depaul team on Wednesday, falling behind by eight at halftime before rallying for a razor-thin 74-72 road win. But today playing at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia they'll be focused against a Georgetown team that's fallen apart in the season's second half.
The Hoyas have dropped nine of their last 11 games with the only two victories coming against conference cellar-dwellers South Florida and Rutgers. Their offense has disappeared as they've generally been held in the mid-60 range with their highest scoring outputs coming in a road loss at Marquette (82 points) and a overtime loss at Syracuse (94 points).
Georgetown is coming off a 76-58 home loss to Louisville on Monday, its most lopsided setback of the season, a game in which the Hoyas shot just 39.2% from the field. Their leading scorer, DaJuan Summers, has been in a month-long funk, averaging just 8.8 points, dropping his season average to 13.6. He shot 1-for-8 against Louisville and finished with just four points.
While the Hoyas have been struggling to find the basket, Villanova - a team known more for its defensive prowess during Jay Wright's coaching reign - has caught fire offensively, putting 102 points on the board against Syracuse and Marquette at home, 94 at Providence, 89 at Syracuse, and 82 at home versus Rutgers. Center Dante Cunningham has been the key Wildcat all season, averaging a team-leading 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds, but guard Scottie Reynolds, who is averaging 18.4 points the past seven games, is the engine that drives the Nova offense. Plus, the Wildcats have a deep bench and tremendous depth at guard with numerous good shooters picking each other up when one is in a slump.
One popular theory is that this game means everything to Georgetown, who needs a win to keep its slim Big Dance hopes alive short of winning the Big East Tournament. But, what makes this game any more important than Monday's home contest against Louisville, which as noted earlier resulted in the team's worst loss of the season? This game is even bigger for Villanova because a loss here will ruin the progress made by its current 9-1 run. The Wildcats have more than just the homecourt advantage; they have more depth and are the better shooting team and that will enable them to pull away in the second half to win by nine points or more for the cover.
Al DeMarco Saturday's Pick 15 Dime - Villanova
I can still remember it as if it was yesterday: April 1, 1985. Villanova turning the college basketball world upside down with its shocking upset of big, bad Georgetown in the national title game with a 66-64 upset. I wasn't at Rupp Arena that day; I was at a bar on Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania that was a Villanova hangout, watching the Wildcats with particular interest because I had made one of my biggest personal wagers ever at that time, $500 on them. Hey, when you're 24-years-old and making about $16,000 a year back in 1985, believe me when I tell you $500 was a small fortune for me in those days.
Today's game isn't nearly as big, but it's a huge game nonetheless for Villanova, who by winning 9 of its last 10 games - knocking off then-No. 3 Pittsburgh, No. 10 Marquette, and No. 24 Syracuse along the way - has pulled into fifth place in the Big East Conference with an 11-4 record, just one game behind suddenly vulnerable Marquette and Pittsburgh, who both have tougher three-game schedules to close the season. The top four teams in the conference get a double first-round bye, meaning they would theoretically need to win just three games at Madison Square Garden to take the Big East title and earn the possible No. 1 seed that goes with it in the Big Dance.
The Wildcats almost made this all a moot point by nearly losing to a dreadful Depaul team on Wednesday, falling behind by eight at halftime before rallying for a razor-thin 74-72 road win. But today playing at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia they'll be focused against a Georgetown team that's fallen apart in the season's second half.
The Hoyas have dropped nine of their last 11 games with the only two victories coming against conference cellar-dwellers South Florida and Rutgers. Their offense has disappeared as they've generally been held in the mid-60 range with their highest scoring outputs coming in a road loss at Marquette (82 points) and a overtime loss at Syracuse (94 points).
Georgetown is coming off a 76-58 home loss to Louisville on Monday, its most lopsided setback of the season, a game in which the Hoyas shot just 39.2% from the field. Their leading scorer, DaJuan Summers, has been in a month-long funk, averaging just 8.8 points, dropping his season average to 13.6. He shot 1-for-8 against Louisville and finished with just four points.
While the Hoyas have been struggling to find the basket, Villanova - a team known more for its defensive prowess during Jay Wright's coaching reign - has caught fire offensively, putting 102 points on the board against Syracuse and Marquette at home, 94 at Providence, 89 at Syracuse, and 82 at home versus Rutgers. Center Dante Cunningham has been the key Wildcat all season, averaging a team-leading 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds, but guard Scottie Reynolds, who is averaging 18.4 points the past seven games, is the engine that drives the Nova offense. Plus, the Wildcats have a deep bench and tremendous depth at guard with numerous good shooters picking each other up when one is in a slump.
One popular theory is that this game means everything to Georgetown, who needs a win to keep its slim Big Dance hopes alive short of winning the Big East Tournament. But, what makes this game any more important than Monday's home contest against Louisville, which as noted earlier resulted in the team's worst loss of the season? This game is even bigger for Villanova because a loss here will ruin the progress made by its current 9-1 run. The Wildcats have more than just the homecourt advantage; they have more depth and are the better shooting team and that will enable them to pull away in the second half to win by nine points or more for the cover.
[ NBA ]
Adam H. Meyer
</TD><TD width=10> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=505 rowSpan=2>[Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 12:00 PM.]
Villanova (-6 Points) vs. Georgetown
This play is information based and not analysis driven.
Play: Villanova (-6 Points)
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[Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 2:00 PM.]
Clemson (-1 Point) vs. FSU
This play is information based and not analysis driven.
Play: Clemson (-1 Point)
[Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 4:00 PM.]
Temple (+3.5 Points) vs. Dayton
This play is information based and not analysis driven.
Play: Temple (+3.5 Points)
Villanova (-6 Points) vs. Georgetown
This play is information based and not analysis driven.
Play: Villanova (-6 Points)
[Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 2:00 PM.]
Clemson (-1 Point) vs. FSU
This play is information based and not analysis driven.
Play: Clemson (-1 Point)
[Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 4:00 PM.]
Temple (+3.5 Points) vs. Dayton
This play is information based and not analysis driven.
Play: Temple (+3.5 Points)
[ NCAA ]
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Adam Meyer
</TD><TD width=10> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=505 rowSpan=2>[Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 1:30 PM]
Texas A&M (-10 Points) vs. Iowa State
The Aggies are 14-2 at home while ISU is 2-8 on the road. The Aggie defense is too strong for Iowa State, who is prone to turnovers. Texas A and M will shut down ISU’s Brackett, their leading scorer, and win this one rather easily at home.
Play: Texas A&M (-10 Points)
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Texas A&M (-10 Points) vs. Iowa State
The Aggies are 14-2 at home while ISU is 2-8 on the road. The Aggie defense is too strong for Iowa State, who is prone to turnovers. Texas A and M will shut down ISU’s Brackett, their leading scorer, and win this one rather easily at home.
Play: Texas A&M (-10 Points)
</TD><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=615 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=style24 width=100 height=100>
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Steve Liebman
</TD><TD width=10> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=505 rowSpan=2>[Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 4:00 PM]
Purdue (-9 Points) vs. Ohio State
Purdue fell 2 games behind Michigan State when they were upset on the road at Michigan the last time out. Purdue is looking for revenge for an earlier close loss to Ohio State. Look for Purdue to shoot better at home and get their revenge today with a big win.
Play: Purdue (-9 Points)
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Purdue (-9 Points) vs. Ohio State
Purdue fell 2 games behind Michigan State when they were upset on the road at Michigan the last time out. Purdue is looking for revenge for an earlier close loss to Ohio State. Look for Purdue to shoot better at home and get their revenge today with a big win.
Play: Purdue (-9 Points)
</TD><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> [ NBA ]
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=615 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=style24 width=100 height=100>
Adam Meyer
</TD><TD width=10> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=505 rowSpan=2>[Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 7:30 PM]
Miami Heat (-5.5 Points) vs. New York Knicks
Both teams are coming off losses last night but the Heat is playing at home where they’re 19-10. The Knicks are a horrid 7-20 on the road. The Knicks are in a bad spot here and the Heat should capitalize on the home court advantage.
Play: Miami Heat (-5.5 Points)
Miami Heat (-5.5 Points) vs. New York Knicks
Both teams are coming off losses last night but the Heat is playing at home where they’re 19-10. The Knicks are a horrid 7-20 on the road. The Knicks are in a bad spot here and the Heat should capitalize on the home court advantage.
Play: Miami Heat (-5.5 Points)
</TD><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=615 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=style24 width=100 height=100>
Sam Cheng
</TD><TD width=10> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=505 rowSpan=2>[Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 8:35 PM]
Houston Rockets (+1 Point) vs. Chicago Bulls
Houston is 7-0 since Tracy McGrady went down with that injury and have won 6 in a row overall. That includes a 93-74 drubbing of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. The Bulls are playing the second game of a b2b. They lost the front end last night. The Bulls have no answers for Ron Artest or Yao Ming and the Rockets win this one rather easily.
Play: Houston Rockets (+1 Points)
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Houston Rockets (+1 Point) vs. Chicago Bulls
Houston is 7-0 since Tracy McGrady went down with that injury and have won 6 in a row overall. That includes a 93-74 drubbing of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. The Bulls are playing the second game of a b2b. They lost the front end last night. The Bulls have no answers for Ron Artest or Yao Ming and the Rockets win this one rather easily.
Play: Houston Rockets (+1 Points)
Adam H. Meyer
</TD><TD width=10> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=505 rowSpan=2>[Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 8:00 PM]
Memphia Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma Thunder
This play is information based and not analysis driven.
Play: Over 204 Points
Memphia Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma Thunder
This play is information based and not analysis driven.
Play: Over 204 Points
Dr Bob early free best bet
**BUTLER (-7) over Cleveland State
09:00 PM Pacific - Rotation 536
Butler has a tendency to relax against bad teams, but the Bulldogs play their best when challenged by a good team and they are 24-10-3 ATS when not favored by more than 10 points in 2 seasons under coach Brad Stevens, including 12-3-2 ATS this season. Cleveland State is better than their season rating in games in which guard D’Aundray Brown has played (they struggled in the 8 games he missed), but my ratings still favor Butler by 8 ½ points and the Bulldogs apply to a very good 45-7-2 ATS situation that plays on good teams against good teams that are seeking revenge (Butler won at Cleveland State by 2 points). Cleveland State has been a solid 34-23 ATS in all games the last two seasons, but the Vikings are 0-6 ATS away from home against teams with a win percentage of .666 or higher when they are not getting at least 12 points. Butler will be fired up in their final home game and a win here clinches the conference for the Bulldogs. I’ll take Butler in a 2-Star Best Bet at -7 points or less.
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**BUTLER (-7) over Cleveland State
09:00 PM Pacific - Rotation 536
Butler has a tendency to relax against bad teams, but the Bulldogs play their best when challenged by a good team and they are 24-10-3 ATS when not favored by more than 10 points in 2 seasons under coach Brad Stevens, including 12-3-2 ATS this season. Cleveland State is better than their season rating in games in which guard D’Aundray Brown has played (they struggled in the 8 games he missed), but my ratings still favor Butler by 8 ½ points and the Bulldogs apply to a very good 45-7-2 ATS situation that plays on good teams against good teams that are seeking revenge (Butler won at Cleveland State by 2 points). Cleveland State has been a solid 34-23 ATS in all games the last two seasons, but the Vikings are 0-6 ATS away from home against teams with a win percentage of .666 or higher when they are not getting at least 12 points. Butler will be fired up in their final home game and a win here clinches the conference for the Bulldogs. I’ll take Butler in a 2-Star Best Bet at -7 points or less.
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Steam On-Line Guaranteed Selections
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2009
$40.00 Guaranteed: Tonight we have isolated an ABSOLUTE BLOWOUT WINNER in College Hoops that will again be "in the bag" by HALF TIME! This play is so STRONG it can only be rated as a ONE AND ONLY COLLEGE HOOPS GAME OF THE YEAR! You can get this TOP RATED WINNER right now for just $40 and you MUST WIN this game or you will not be charged! Why should you get this game? Because we are 100-72 in Hoops this year! 2/28/2009
ONE AND ONLY COLLEGE HOOPS GAME OF THE YEAR
654 Vanderbilt -1.5 9:00 EST
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2009
$40.00 Guaranteed: Tonight we have isolated an ABSOLUTE BLOWOUT WINNER in College Hoops that will again be "in the bag" by HALF TIME! This play is so STRONG it can only be rated as a ONE AND ONLY COLLEGE HOOPS GAME OF THE YEAR! You can get this TOP RATED WINNER right now for just $40 and you MUST WIN this game or you will not be charged! Why should you get this game? Because we are 100-72 in Hoops this year! 2/28/2009
ONE AND ONLY COLLEGE HOOPS GAME OF THE YEAR
654 Vanderbilt -1.5 9:00 EST
Wunderdog
Game: Notre Dame at Connecticut (2:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Game Total UNDER 150.5 -110 (risk 3 to win 2.7)
Notre Dame has certainly displayed the firepower to put up a lot of points, but the Huskies have one of the top defenses in the country, and that has been personified at home. The Huskies have played 15 home games, and are allowing a very stingy 59.6 points per game in those games. They have allowed just three teams to make it to 70 points in the 15-game stand. The Huskies have not reached 70 points themselves in their last four Big East home games. This one will have a very difficult time getting into the 150s as the oddsmakers suggests. As a result, I will play on the UNDER here.
Game: Oklahoma at Texas Tech (3:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Texas Tech +9.5 (-110) (risk 3 to win 2.7)
Oklahoma has not been the same team without Blake Griffin. They have dropped their last two games. The Red Raiders are definitely in a down year and have not had too much success in a highly competitive Big-12 conference this season. They have been much more competitive of late as the team gains experience, and have not lost by more than 10 points in their last three games. While the Sooners are piling up the wins, that hasn't gotten them the money when playing on the road against a team with a winning home record as they are just 20-41-3 ATS in their last 64 games facing that situation. The Red Raiders are 5-2 ATS at home against a team with a winning road record. I like them to stay close and get the cover in this one.
Game: Duke at Virginia Tech (3:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Virginia Tech +6 (-110) (risk 3 to win 2.7)
The Hokies are sitting at 17-10. But, by losing three of their last four, they have put themselves firmly on the bubble for an NCAA Tournament bid. They will be a hungry team needing a quality win, and I expect an inspired performance here. Duke, at just 4-4 in the conference in their last eight games, has been a much more vulnerable team than past editions. That is especially true on the road where the Dukies are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven. They are not only 1-6 ATS, they have been outscored by a total of 14 points in those seven games. Virginia Tech may have 10 losses on the season, but they have had a lot of bad breaks as seven of the 10 losses have come by four points or less, so they have played close to just about everyone. There hasn't been a team yet to beat them on their home floor by more than four points and they are a live dog here, so I'll back them in this one.
Game: U S C at Stanford (8:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Stanford -1.5 (-110) (risk 3 to win 2.7)
There has been no place like home for this USC team on the season as the road has not been kind to them. They are now 1-6 on the road and it has cost them to slip to a 16-11 mark and on the tourney bubble. They have also been in a horrid slump as they have just one win to show for their last six games. The problem is mostly on the offensive end, where they have been held to 61 points or less in four of the six games. Stanford almost got the win at USC - dropping the game by a point and will be out to extract a bad taste from that one. The Cardinal is getting it done as a home favorite as they are 13-5 in their last 18 in that role. I like them to continue that success and get the win and cover in this one.
Game: Drake at Bradley (8:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Drake +215 (moneyline) (risk 3 to win 6.5)
The Bradley Braves have had an up-and-down season. After opening poorly at 1-2, they went on a nice run where they went 9-3. The results have not been kind to the Braves since. They have struggled over the second half of the season going just 6-8 in their last 14 games. The Bulldogs were the surprise in the MVC a year ago, but certainly haven't snuck up on anyone this season. What they have done however, is played well against the top of the conference - especially on the road. The Bulldogs own upset wins on the road at the Conference Co-leaders, Northern Iowa and Creighton. They also own a 14-point win over this same Bradley team. I like Drake to get this one on the road and will play them on the moneyline.
Game: Eastern Kentucky at Murray State (8:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Eastern Kentucky +240 (moneyline) (risk 3 to win 7.2)
I have to say the Eastern Kentucky Colonels have been a surprise in the OVC. This team has come on strong after a four-game losing streak right after the first of the year, going 11-4 since. The offense has been consistently good as they have put up 70+ points in eight of their last nine, leading to a 7-2 mark. Murray State has been playing well themselves and beat this Colonels’ team on the road by eight, but that was way back in the first week of December and E. Kentucky has made great strides since then. The key here is the E. Kentucky offense that has generated 70+ in eight of their last nine games. Murray St. has had trouble all year against teams that can score. They are just 1-6 SU on the season when they allow 70 or more, giving E. Kentucky a good chance for the upset here, and I'll take them on the moneyline.
Game: Southeast Missouri State at Austin Peay (8:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Southeast Missouri State +18.5 (-110) (risk 3 to win 2.7)
Southeast Missouri State has truly had a lost season and has played with just seven scholarship players for most of the second half of the season. They have now lost 18 straight games. The oddsmakers have certainly made it difficult to play against this team with some high lines, and their backers have certainly benefited by going 7-4 ATS in their last 11 when a dog of +8.5 or more. Austin Peay has been an extremely streaky team this season. They have sandwiched a 6-12 season around a four-game and six-game winning streak. They are just 4-5 in their last nine, and aren't on the top of their game right now. This is simply too many points and SE Missouri St. stays within the inflated number here.
Game: Florida at New Jersey (1:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Game Total UNDER 5.5 -140 (risk 3 to win 2.1)
The Florida Panthers have been a respectful .500 team on the road this season, but their offense of late has really slowed down to a crawl. The Panthers have managed just five goals in their last four games. They will be facing a Devils’ team that between Marin Brodeur and Scott Clemmenson, have recorded shutouts in three of the last four home games. The Panthers have been an UNDER-producing machine against the NHL Atlantic as they have played UNDER to a mark of 39-18-4 in their last 61. That fits well with the fact that the last seven times these teams have squared off, the UNDER is a perfect 5-0-2. I'll play this one to go UNDER the posted total.
Game: Colorado at New York Rangers (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 4 units on New York Rangers -160 (moneyline) (risk 4 to win 2.5)
There haven’t been a lot of good things happening with this Rangers’ team, who have won just twice in their last 12 times on the ice, yet they are a mid-level favorite here. They have been a very favorable team to get behind in this role as they are now 19-9-1 when favored in the -150 to -200 range. The Avalanche have not been getting it done either, with just six of their last 20 resulting in victory, and just two of those on the road. When they are off a horrible game, losing by three or more goals, they have been a no-show in their next game dropping their last seven. This is a good spot for the Rangers to right the ship, and I'll back them in this one.
Game: Detroit at Nashville (8:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 2 units on Nashville +135 (moneyline) (risk 2 to win 2.7)
The defending Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings are at it again with just 13 losses on the season, but nine of those have come on the road. Their recent road play has left a little to be desired as they are just 2-6 in their last eight. They have yielded 30 goals in the eight games, or 3.75 per contest. The Predators have played strong on home ice all season and have won their last two there. The Predators have gone 7-0 facing a team that scored two goals or less in their last game. The Red Wings have been struggling and are now playing their third game in four nights where they have struggled even more - going 1-4 in this situation. We have a live dog here, so I will back the Predators.
Game: Minnesota at Edmonton (10:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Game Total OVER 5 -130 (risk 3 to win 2.3)
The Oilers have been about the same team at home or on the road. Their offense has not produced when needed, until recently where they have averaged three goals a game for their last eight, but have allowed 3.1 over their last 10. The Wild have been nothing to rave about on the offensive end, but something seems to happen to these teams when they square off. Their last 10 games have produced some shootouts, as three of them have seen at least eight goals scored and four others have seen six or more. They have averaged 6.4 goals a game in their last 10 meetings, and the lowest output has been four. This one will go OVER the posted total.
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Game: Notre Dame at Connecticut (2:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Game Total UNDER 150.5 -110 (risk 3 to win 2.7)
Notre Dame has certainly displayed the firepower to put up a lot of points, but the Huskies have one of the top defenses in the country, and that has been personified at home. The Huskies have played 15 home games, and are allowing a very stingy 59.6 points per game in those games. They have allowed just three teams to make it to 70 points in the 15-game stand. The Huskies have not reached 70 points themselves in their last four Big East home games. This one will have a very difficult time getting into the 150s as the oddsmakers suggests. As a result, I will play on the UNDER here.
Game: Oklahoma at Texas Tech (3:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Texas Tech +9.5 (-110) (risk 3 to win 2.7)
Oklahoma has not been the same team without Blake Griffin. They have dropped their last two games. The Red Raiders are definitely in a down year and have not had too much success in a highly competitive Big-12 conference this season. They have been much more competitive of late as the team gains experience, and have not lost by more than 10 points in their last three games. While the Sooners are piling up the wins, that hasn't gotten them the money when playing on the road against a team with a winning home record as they are just 20-41-3 ATS in their last 64 games facing that situation. The Red Raiders are 5-2 ATS at home against a team with a winning road record. I like them to stay close and get the cover in this one.
Game: Duke at Virginia Tech (3:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Virginia Tech +6 (-110) (risk 3 to win 2.7)
The Hokies are sitting at 17-10. But, by losing three of their last four, they have put themselves firmly on the bubble for an NCAA Tournament bid. They will be a hungry team needing a quality win, and I expect an inspired performance here. Duke, at just 4-4 in the conference in their last eight games, has been a much more vulnerable team than past editions. That is especially true on the road where the Dukies are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven. They are not only 1-6 ATS, they have been outscored by a total of 14 points in those seven games. Virginia Tech may have 10 losses on the season, but they have had a lot of bad breaks as seven of the 10 losses have come by four points or less, so they have played close to just about everyone. There hasn't been a team yet to beat them on their home floor by more than four points and they are a live dog here, so I'll back them in this one.
Game: U S C at Stanford (8:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Stanford -1.5 (-110) (risk 3 to win 2.7)
There has been no place like home for this USC team on the season as the road has not been kind to them. They are now 1-6 on the road and it has cost them to slip to a 16-11 mark and on the tourney bubble. They have also been in a horrid slump as they have just one win to show for their last six games. The problem is mostly on the offensive end, where they have been held to 61 points or less in four of the six games. Stanford almost got the win at USC - dropping the game by a point and will be out to extract a bad taste from that one. The Cardinal is getting it done as a home favorite as they are 13-5 in their last 18 in that role. I like them to continue that success and get the win and cover in this one.
Game: Drake at Bradley (8:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Drake +215 (moneyline) (risk 3 to win 6.5)
The Bradley Braves have had an up-and-down season. After opening poorly at 1-2, they went on a nice run where they went 9-3. The results have not been kind to the Braves since. They have struggled over the second half of the season going just 6-8 in their last 14 games. The Bulldogs were the surprise in the MVC a year ago, but certainly haven't snuck up on anyone this season. What they have done however, is played well against the top of the conference - especially on the road. The Bulldogs own upset wins on the road at the Conference Co-leaders, Northern Iowa and Creighton. They also own a 14-point win over this same Bradley team. I like Drake to get this one on the road and will play them on the moneyline.
Game: Eastern Kentucky at Murray State (8:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Eastern Kentucky +240 (moneyline) (risk 3 to win 7.2)
I have to say the Eastern Kentucky Colonels have been a surprise in the OVC. This team has come on strong after a four-game losing streak right after the first of the year, going 11-4 since. The offense has been consistently good as they have put up 70+ points in eight of their last nine, leading to a 7-2 mark. Murray State has been playing well themselves and beat this Colonels’ team on the road by eight, but that was way back in the first week of December and E. Kentucky has made great strides since then. The key here is the E. Kentucky offense that has generated 70+ in eight of their last nine games. Murray St. has had trouble all year against teams that can score. They are just 1-6 SU on the season when they allow 70 or more, giving E. Kentucky a good chance for the upset here, and I'll take them on the moneyline.
Game: Southeast Missouri State at Austin Peay (8:30 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Southeast Missouri State +18.5 (-110) (risk 3 to win 2.7)
Southeast Missouri State has truly had a lost season and has played with just seven scholarship players for most of the second half of the season. They have now lost 18 straight games. The oddsmakers have certainly made it difficult to play against this team with some high lines, and their backers have certainly benefited by going 7-4 ATS in their last 11 when a dog of +8.5 or more. Austin Peay has been an extremely streaky team this season. They have sandwiched a 6-12 season around a four-game and six-game winning streak. They are just 4-5 in their last nine, and aren't on the top of their game right now. This is simply too many points and SE Missouri St. stays within the inflated number here.
Game: Florida at New Jersey (1:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Game Total UNDER 5.5 -140 (risk 3 to win 2.1)
The Florida Panthers have been a respectful .500 team on the road this season, but their offense of late has really slowed down to a crawl. The Panthers have managed just five goals in their last four games. They will be facing a Devils’ team that between Marin Brodeur and Scott Clemmenson, have recorded shutouts in three of the last four home games. The Panthers have been an UNDER-producing machine against the NHL Atlantic as they have played UNDER to a mark of 39-18-4 in their last 61. That fits well with the fact that the last seven times these teams have squared off, the UNDER is a perfect 5-0-2. I'll play this one to go UNDER the posted total.
Game: Colorado at New York Rangers (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 4 units on New York Rangers -160 (moneyline) (risk 4 to win 2.5)
There haven’t been a lot of good things happening with this Rangers’ team, who have won just twice in their last 12 times on the ice, yet they are a mid-level favorite here. They have been a very favorable team to get behind in this role as they are now 19-9-1 when favored in the -150 to -200 range. The Avalanche have not been getting it done either, with just six of their last 20 resulting in victory, and just two of those on the road. When they are off a horrible game, losing by three or more goals, they have been a no-show in their next game dropping their last seven. This is a good spot for the Rangers to right the ship, and I'll back them in this one.
Game: Detroit at Nashville (8:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 2 units on Nashville +135 (moneyline) (risk 2 to win 2.7)
The defending Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings are at it again with just 13 losses on the season, but nine of those have come on the road. Their recent road play has left a little to be desired as they are just 2-6 in their last eight. They have yielded 30 goals in the eight games, or 3.75 per contest. The Predators have played strong on home ice all season and have won their last two there. The Predators have gone 7-0 facing a team that scored two goals or less in their last game. The Red Wings have been struggling and are now playing their third game in four nights where they have struggled even more - going 1-4 in this situation. We have a live dog here, so I will back the Predators.
Game: Minnesota at Edmonton (10:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: 3 units on Game Total OVER 5 -130 (risk 3 to win 2.3)
The Oilers have been about the same team at home or on the road. Their offense has not produced when needed, until recently where they have averaged three goals a game for their last eight, but have allowed 3.1 over their last 10. The Wild have been nothing to rave about on the offensive end, but something seems to happen to these teams when they square off. Their last 10 games have produced some shootouts, as three of them have seen at least eight goals scored and four others have seen six or more. They have averaged 6.4 goals a game in their last 10 meetings, and the lowest output has been four. This one will go OVER the posted total.
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