THE SPORTS ADVISORS
NCAA TOURNAMENT
EAST REGION
(at Boston)
(3) Villanova (29-7, 18-14 ATS) vs. (1) Pittsburgh (31-4, 16-12-1 ATS)
Villanova rumbled to its second straight blowout victory in Thursday’s Sweet 16 round, ripping second-seeded Duke 77-54 behind a 51-point second half to pull the mild upset as a 2½-point underdog. Dante Cunningham doubled up with 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Scottie Reynolds had 16 points. Villanova shot a mediocre 42.2 percent, but its defense stifled the Blue Devils into a 16-for-60 effort from the floor (26.7 percent), including 5-for-27 from three-point range (18.5 percent). The Wildcats are now on a 6-1 SU run (4-3 ATS).
Pittsburgh faced a far greater challenge than Villanova in its Sweet 16 contest, trailing in the final minute against fourth-seeded Xavier before Levance Fields knocked down a deep three-pointer, then got a steal and layup to ignite an 8-1 game-ending run in a 60-55 victory. However, the Panthers fell short as a 6½-point chalk, dropping to 0-3 ATS in this year’s Big Dance. In an extremely even contest, Pitt shot just 33.8 percent – though Sam Young had 19 points on 7-for-16 shooting – while the Musketeers, who started the second half with a six-minute scoreless drought, were even worse at 32.8 percent.
These Big East rivals met just once this regular season on Jan. 28, with Villanova winning outright 67-57 as a 3½-point home pup to end a four-game ATS run by Pitt in this rivalry (3-1 SU). Furthermore, the underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five contests. However, since March 2004, ‘Nova has faced Pitt just once outside Philadelphia, with the Panthers rolling 69-57 as a seven-point home chalk in January 2008.
Villanova, in its 29th NCAA appearance, has reached the Elite Eight for the first time since 2006, when it lost to eventual champion Florida 75-62 as a one-point favorite. Pittsburgh, in its 21st NCAA Tourney, has been in the Big Dance six straight years under coach Jamie Dixon, but this is the first time the Panthers have gotten to the Elite Eight in that stretch. In fact, with Thursday’s win over Xavier, Pitt advanced past the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1974.
The Wildcats are on ATS rolls of 12-5 against winning teams, 15-7 as a neutral-site pup, 4-1 as an NCAA ‘dog, 9-3 after an ATS win and 11-4 against teams with a winning percentage above .600.
The Panthers are on an 8-3 ATS run against Big East opponents, but their pointspread numbers tail off from there, including slumps of 0-4 overall (all at neutral sites), 1-5 in the Tournament (0-4 in the last four), 1-5 as a Tourney favorite, 1-6 laying less than seven points in the NCAAs and 2-5 after a SU win.
The under for Villanova is on stretches of 6-0 against winning teams, 24-8-1 as an underdog, 19-7-1 as a pup of less than seven points and 4-0 as a neutral-site ‘dog. Likewise, the under for Pittsburgh is on tears of 4-1 overall, 6-0 against winning teams and 6-1 on neutral courts. Finally, the last six meetings in this rivalry have stayed low, with none of the six contests featuring more than 127 combined points.
ATS ADVANTAGE: VILLANOVA and UNDER
WEST REGIONAL
(at Phoenix)
(3) Missouri (31-6, 20-10 ATS) vs. (1) Connecticut (30-4, 15-15 ATS)
Red-hot Missouri ran its winning streak to six in a row both SU and ATS after knocking off second-seeded Memphis on Thursday, building up a 24-point second-half lead, then fending off a furious rally for a 102-91 win as a 4½-point underdog. All five Mizzou starters scored in double figures, led by J.T. Tiller’s 23 points, and the Tigers shot 53.2 percent to break the century mark against the nation’s seventh-ranked scoring defense (58.8 ppg) and No. 1-ranked shooting defense (37.2 percent). Memphis had been riding a national-best 27-game win streak and was on a 15-5 ATS run.
Connecticut wasn’t distracted by off-court recruiting issues, dropping fifth-seeded Purdue 72-60 as a seven-point chalk Thursday to move to 3-0 SU and ATS in this year’s Tournament. Craig Austrie scored 17 points, going 3-for-3 on three-pointers, and 7-foot-3-inch center Hasheem Thabeet had a big night with 15 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks, helping hold the Boilermakers to just 36.4 percent from the field. The Huskies, meanwhile, shot 44.6 percent and had a 42-31 rebounding edge. UConn has outrebounded its three Tournament foes by a combined 134-86.
Missouri is in its 22nd NCAA Tournament and its first since 2003. However, the Tigers have never reached the Final Four in its previous 21 appearances.
UConn, meanwhile, is a two-time national champion under Jim Calhoun and is in its 29th Big Dance. The Huskies have reached the Elite Eight for the first time since 2006, when they were upset by Tournament darling George Mason 86-84 in overtime as an eight-point chalk. Both of UConn’s national championships came with the team playing in the West Region.
The Tigers are on a 14-2 SU and 13-3 ATS blitz, and they are on additional pointspread sprees of 16-5 overall, 5-0 against winning teams, 9-2 in the Tournament and 5-1 as an NCAA pup. Mizzou’s current 6-0 SU and ATS surge has all come on neutral courts, beginning with its run to the Big 12 tourney title and continuing with its three victories in the NCAAs. The Tigers’ 31 victories are a single-season best for the school.
The Huskies were an ATS mess entering the Tournament, having dropped 13 straight postseason pointspread decisions, including seven in a row (all as a favorite) in the NCAAs. However, along with their 3-0 ATS mark in this year’s Tourney, they are riding positive ATS streaks of 6-1 on neutral courts, 5-1 as a neutral-site favorite and 6-2 outside the Big East.
The over for Missouri is on a plethora of hot streaks, including 9-1 in the Tournament, 15-7 in non-conference clashes, 7-0 with the Tigers catching points in the Tournament and 8-2 when the Tigers are a neutral-site ‘dog. UConn is also on a bundle of “over” runs, including 6-1 in the Tournament, 4-0 against the Big 12, 21-8 on neutral floors and 14-4 as a neutral-site chalk.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
NBA
Phoenix (40-32, 29-41-2) at Utah (44-27, 37-34 ATS)
Two days after seeing their six-game winning streak end in blowout fashion, the Suns continue a three-game road swing with a stop at Energy Solutions Arena, where the Jazz have won 13 in a row.
After knocking off Utah 118-114 as a three-point favorite Tuesday for its sixth consecutive victory, the Suns went to Portland on Thursday and got clobbered 129-109 as a 6½-point road underdog. It marked Phoenix’s sixth loss in its last seven road games (2-5 ATS), and its only victories in its last 10 roadies have come at Pacific Division bottom-feeders the Warriors and Clippers.
Prior to Tuesday’s loss in Phoenix, Utah had won three in a row (2-1 ATS) after an 0-3 SU and ATS slide. Although the Jazz are on a 19-6 SU run, including that 13-game home winning streak, they’ve followed up a 10-2 ATS romp (8-0 at home) by cashing in just five of their last 13 contests (1-4 ATS at home).
The host has taken all three meetings in this season series, with the Jazz rolling 109-97 as a two-point home chalk on Nov. 17 before Phoenix took the last two at home by a total of six points. With the Suns barely cashing in this week’s clash in the desert, it ended Utah’s 5-0 ATS run in this rivalry. Going back several years, the visitor is 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings and the ‘dog is on a 15-7 ATS roll.
The scoreboard figures to get a workout in this one, as the Jazz have hit triple digits in 20 of their last 26 games and Phoenix has done so in 27 of its last 31 contests. In fact, the Suns have scored at least 109 points in nine straight games, averaging 120.8 ppg during this stretch. Since Alvin Gentry took over as coach Feb. 17, Phoenix has scored at least 98 points in 21 consecutive games, but 25 of the team’s last 29 opponents – including 19 of 21 since Gentry took over – have hit the century mark.
The Suns are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven roadies, 4-11 ATS in their past 15 against teams with a winning record and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 as an underdog, but otherwise they’re on positive pointspread stretches of 5-2 overall, 7-2 on Saturday, 5-2-1 after a double-digit loss and 6-0 after allowing more than 125 points in their previous outing.
Utah carries negative ATS streaks of 2-5 overall, 1-4 at home, 1-5 on Saturday, 1-6 against winning teams, 3-7 after a SU defeat and 0-4 when giving up 100 points or more in their last game. On the bright side, the Jazz are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 as a favorite and 58-28-2 ATS in their last 88 as a home chalk.
The high-scoring Suns are riding a bevy of “over” streaks, including 15-7 overall, 4-1 on the road, 4-0 against winning teams, 9-4 versus the Western Conference, 20-7 as a road underdog and 4-0 against teams with a winning record. The over is also 4-0 in Utah’s last four against winning teams and 32-14 in its last 46 versus Pacific Division foes. Finally, the last four series meetings – including all three this season – have hurdled the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
NCAA TOURNAMENT
EAST REGION
(at Boston)
(3) Villanova (29-7, 18-14 ATS) vs. (1) Pittsburgh (31-4, 16-12-1 ATS)
Villanova rumbled to its second straight blowout victory in Thursday’s Sweet 16 round, ripping second-seeded Duke 77-54 behind a 51-point second half to pull the mild upset as a 2½-point underdog. Dante Cunningham doubled up with 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Scottie Reynolds had 16 points. Villanova shot a mediocre 42.2 percent, but its defense stifled the Blue Devils into a 16-for-60 effort from the floor (26.7 percent), including 5-for-27 from three-point range (18.5 percent). The Wildcats are now on a 6-1 SU run (4-3 ATS).
Pittsburgh faced a far greater challenge than Villanova in its Sweet 16 contest, trailing in the final minute against fourth-seeded Xavier before Levance Fields knocked down a deep three-pointer, then got a steal and layup to ignite an 8-1 game-ending run in a 60-55 victory. However, the Panthers fell short as a 6½-point chalk, dropping to 0-3 ATS in this year’s Big Dance. In an extremely even contest, Pitt shot just 33.8 percent – though Sam Young had 19 points on 7-for-16 shooting – while the Musketeers, who started the second half with a six-minute scoreless drought, were even worse at 32.8 percent.
These Big East rivals met just once this regular season on Jan. 28, with Villanova winning outright 67-57 as a 3½-point home pup to end a four-game ATS run by Pitt in this rivalry (3-1 SU). Furthermore, the underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five contests. However, since March 2004, ‘Nova has faced Pitt just once outside Philadelphia, with the Panthers rolling 69-57 as a seven-point home chalk in January 2008.
Villanova, in its 29th NCAA appearance, has reached the Elite Eight for the first time since 2006, when it lost to eventual champion Florida 75-62 as a one-point favorite. Pittsburgh, in its 21st NCAA Tourney, has been in the Big Dance six straight years under coach Jamie Dixon, but this is the first time the Panthers have gotten to the Elite Eight in that stretch. In fact, with Thursday’s win over Xavier, Pitt advanced past the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1974.
The Wildcats are on ATS rolls of 12-5 against winning teams, 15-7 as a neutral-site pup, 4-1 as an NCAA ‘dog, 9-3 after an ATS win and 11-4 against teams with a winning percentage above .600.
The Panthers are on an 8-3 ATS run against Big East opponents, but their pointspread numbers tail off from there, including slumps of 0-4 overall (all at neutral sites), 1-5 in the Tournament (0-4 in the last four), 1-5 as a Tourney favorite, 1-6 laying less than seven points in the NCAAs and 2-5 after a SU win.
The under for Villanova is on stretches of 6-0 against winning teams, 24-8-1 as an underdog, 19-7-1 as a pup of less than seven points and 4-0 as a neutral-site ‘dog. Likewise, the under for Pittsburgh is on tears of 4-1 overall, 6-0 against winning teams and 6-1 on neutral courts. Finally, the last six meetings in this rivalry have stayed low, with none of the six contests featuring more than 127 combined points.
ATS ADVANTAGE: VILLANOVA and UNDER
WEST REGIONAL
(at Phoenix)
(3) Missouri (31-6, 20-10 ATS) vs. (1) Connecticut (30-4, 15-15 ATS)
Red-hot Missouri ran its winning streak to six in a row both SU and ATS after knocking off second-seeded Memphis on Thursday, building up a 24-point second-half lead, then fending off a furious rally for a 102-91 win as a 4½-point underdog. All five Mizzou starters scored in double figures, led by J.T. Tiller’s 23 points, and the Tigers shot 53.2 percent to break the century mark against the nation’s seventh-ranked scoring defense (58.8 ppg) and No. 1-ranked shooting defense (37.2 percent). Memphis had been riding a national-best 27-game win streak and was on a 15-5 ATS run.
Connecticut wasn’t distracted by off-court recruiting issues, dropping fifth-seeded Purdue 72-60 as a seven-point chalk Thursday to move to 3-0 SU and ATS in this year’s Tournament. Craig Austrie scored 17 points, going 3-for-3 on three-pointers, and 7-foot-3-inch center Hasheem Thabeet had a big night with 15 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks, helping hold the Boilermakers to just 36.4 percent from the field. The Huskies, meanwhile, shot 44.6 percent and had a 42-31 rebounding edge. UConn has outrebounded its three Tournament foes by a combined 134-86.
Missouri is in its 22nd NCAA Tournament and its first since 2003. However, the Tigers have never reached the Final Four in its previous 21 appearances.
UConn, meanwhile, is a two-time national champion under Jim Calhoun and is in its 29th Big Dance. The Huskies have reached the Elite Eight for the first time since 2006, when they were upset by Tournament darling George Mason 86-84 in overtime as an eight-point chalk. Both of UConn’s national championships came with the team playing in the West Region.
The Tigers are on a 14-2 SU and 13-3 ATS blitz, and they are on additional pointspread sprees of 16-5 overall, 5-0 against winning teams, 9-2 in the Tournament and 5-1 as an NCAA pup. Mizzou’s current 6-0 SU and ATS surge has all come on neutral courts, beginning with its run to the Big 12 tourney title and continuing with its three victories in the NCAAs. The Tigers’ 31 victories are a single-season best for the school.
The Huskies were an ATS mess entering the Tournament, having dropped 13 straight postseason pointspread decisions, including seven in a row (all as a favorite) in the NCAAs. However, along with their 3-0 ATS mark in this year’s Tourney, they are riding positive ATS streaks of 6-1 on neutral courts, 5-1 as a neutral-site favorite and 6-2 outside the Big East.
The over for Missouri is on a plethora of hot streaks, including 9-1 in the Tournament, 15-7 in non-conference clashes, 7-0 with the Tigers catching points in the Tournament and 8-2 when the Tigers are a neutral-site ‘dog. UConn is also on a bundle of “over” runs, including 6-1 in the Tournament, 4-0 against the Big 12, 21-8 on neutral floors and 14-4 as a neutral-site chalk.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
NBA
Phoenix (40-32, 29-41-2) at Utah (44-27, 37-34 ATS)
Two days after seeing their six-game winning streak end in blowout fashion, the Suns continue a three-game road swing with a stop at Energy Solutions Arena, where the Jazz have won 13 in a row.
After knocking off Utah 118-114 as a three-point favorite Tuesday for its sixth consecutive victory, the Suns went to Portland on Thursday and got clobbered 129-109 as a 6½-point road underdog. It marked Phoenix’s sixth loss in its last seven road games (2-5 ATS), and its only victories in its last 10 roadies have come at Pacific Division bottom-feeders the Warriors and Clippers.
Prior to Tuesday’s loss in Phoenix, Utah had won three in a row (2-1 ATS) after an 0-3 SU and ATS slide. Although the Jazz are on a 19-6 SU run, including that 13-game home winning streak, they’ve followed up a 10-2 ATS romp (8-0 at home) by cashing in just five of their last 13 contests (1-4 ATS at home).
The host has taken all three meetings in this season series, with the Jazz rolling 109-97 as a two-point home chalk on Nov. 17 before Phoenix took the last two at home by a total of six points. With the Suns barely cashing in this week’s clash in the desert, it ended Utah’s 5-0 ATS run in this rivalry. Going back several years, the visitor is 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings and the ‘dog is on a 15-7 ATS roll.
The scoreboard figures to get a workout in this one, as the Jazz have hit triple digits in 20 of their last 26 games and Phoenix has done so in 27 of its last 31 contests. In fact, the Suns have scored at least 109 points in nine straight games, averaging 120.8 ppg during this stretch. Since Alvin Gentry took over as coach Feb. 17, Phoenix has scored at least 98 points in 21 consecutive games, but 25 of the team’s last 29 opponents – including 19 of 21 since Gentry took over – have hit the century mark.
The Suns are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven roadies, 4-11 ATS in their past 15 against teams with a winning record and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 as an underdog, but otherwise they’re on positive pointspread stretches of 5-2 overall, 7-2 on Saturday, 5-2-1 after a double-digit loss and 6-0 after allowing more than 125 points in their previous outing.
Utah carries negative ATS streaks of 2-5 overall, 1-4 at home, 1-5 on Saturday, 1-6 against winning teams, 3-7 after a SU defeat and 0-4 when giving up 100 points or more in their last game. On the bright side, the Jazz are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 as a favorite and 58-28-2 ATS in their last 88 as a home chalk.
The high-scoring Suns are riding a bevy of “over” streaks, including 15-7 overall, 4-1 on the road, 4-0 against winning teams, 9-4 versus the Western Conference, 20-7 as a road underdog and 4-0 against teams with a winning record. The over is also 4-0 in Utah’s last four against winning teams and 32-14 in its last 46 versus Pacific Division foes. Finally, the last four series meetings – including all three this season – have hurdled the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Doug Williams
Saturday March 28, 2009 - 4:40 pm EDT
Missouri Tigers at Connecticut Huskies
Line: Connecticut -5.5 (149 O/U)
Missouri ruined my March Madness bracket and probably a lot more people's too. They upset Memphis on Thursday, but they’ll have face one of the nation’s best teams on Saturday in the Elite Eight, when they take on top seeds Connecticut as big underdogs. Hasheem Thabeet was huge for the Huskies with 15 points, 15 boards and four blocks as they covered the spread for the third game in a row beating Purdue 72-60.
Connecticut are 5.5 point favorites in this game, but they’ll have to be aware of the Tigers, who upset Memphis. Missouri better hit all their shots because the Huskies will have a huge rebounding advantage. I really don't see this game going any other way than with Connecticut.
Pick: Take Connecticut to cover the spread.
Saturday March 28, 2009 - 7:05 pm EDT
Villanova Wildcats at Pittsburgh Panthers
Line: Pittsburgh -2 (142 O/U)
Bye bye Duke! I hope you took my advice and took the Wildcats to upset Duke, I had a feeling their inexperience would show. Villanova won the rebounding battle against Duke but Pittsburgh will be another story. Villanova beat Pittsburgh in their only matchup earlier in the season but that didn't really count.
Pitts didn't cover on Thursday for me but with the line at -2 I'm confident they can in this game. I'm sure Sam Young will keep his scoring average (21.6 per game) - he leads Pitts in scoring in the tournament with 65 points. I can see DeJuan Blair picking up his game too when it really matters like he did on opening game. I'm hoping Jermaine Dixon can get his act together too. Levance Fields will be great as usual. With guys like these on the team I don't see Nova having what it takes to get by the Panthers.
Pick: Take Pittsburgh to cover the spread and take the OVER - I can see this being a high scoring game...
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Saturday March 28, 2009 - 4:40 pm EDT
Missouri Tigers at Connecticut Huskies
Line: Connecticut -5.5 (149 O/U)
Missouri ruined my March Madness bracket and probably a lot more people's too. They upset Memphis on Thursday, but they’ll have face one of the nation’s best teams on Saturday in the Elite Eight, when they take on top seeds Connecticut as big underdogs. Hasheem Thabeet was huge for the Huskies with 15 points, 15 boards and four blocks as they covered the spread for the third game in a row beating Purdue 72-60.
Connecticut are 5.5 point favorites in this game, but they’ll have to be aware of the Tigers, who upset Memphis. Missouri better hit all their shots because the Huskies will have a huge rebounding advantage. I really don't see this game going any other way than with Connecticut.
Pick: Take Connecticut to cover the spread.
Saturday March 28, 2009 - 7:05 pm EDT
Villanova Wildcats at Pittsburgh Panthers
Line: Pittsburgh -2 (142 O/U)
Bye bye Duke! I hope you took my advice and took the Wildcats to upset Duke, I had a feeling their inexperience would show. Villanova won the rebounding battle against Duke but Pittsburgh will be another story. Villanova beat Pittsburgh in their only matchup earlier in the season but that didn't really count.
Pitts didn't cover on Thursday for me but with the line at -2 I'm confident they can in this game. I'm sure Sam Young will keep his scoring average (21.6 per game) - he leads Pitts in scoring in the tournament with 65 points. I can see DeJuan Blair picking up his game too when it really matters like he did on opening game. I'm hoping Jermaine Dixon can get his act together too. Levance Fields will be great as usual. With guys like these on the team I don't see Nova having what it takes to get by the Panthers.
Pick: Take Pittsburgh to cover the spread and take the OVER - I can see this being a high scoring game...
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BeatYourBookie
Daily Premium Hoops & Hockey Winners for Saturday
NCAA Basketball
100* Play Pittsburgh (-2) over Villanova (NCAA)
Pittsburgh is 7-0 SU when playing with one day of rest
Pittsburgh is 7-0 SU when the total posted is between 140 and 149.5
Pittsburgh is 16-0 SU coming off a non-conference game this season
Pittsburgh is 22-1 SU after allowing 55 points or less
100* Play Connecticut (-5.5) over Missouri (NCAA)
Connecticut is 15-0 SU in non-conference games this season
Connecticut is 5-0 SU after covering the spread in 3 of the last 4 games
Connecticut is 18-1 SU coming off a win by 10 points or more
Connecticut is 19-2 SU when playing their 2nd game in a week
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Other Hoops & Hockey Plays
30* Play Chicago (-8) over Indiana (NBA)
30* Play Calgary (-230) over Minnesota (NHL)
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Daily Premium Hoops & Hockey Winners for Saturday
NCAA Basketball
100* Play Pittsburgh (-2) over Villanova (NCAA)
Pittsburgh is 7-0 SU when playing with one day of rest
Pittsburgh is 7-0 SU when the total posted is between 140 and 149.5
Pittsburgh is 16-0 SU coming off a non-conference game this season
Pittsburgh is 22-1 SU after allowing 55 points or less
100* Play Connecticut (-5.5) over Missouri (NCAA)
Connecticut is 15-0 SU in non-conference games this season
Connecticut is 5-0 SU after covering the spread in 3 of the last 4 games
Connecticut is 18-1 SU coming off a win by 10 points or more
Connecticut is 19-2 SU when playing their 2nd game in a week
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Other Hoops & Hockey Plays
30* Play Chicago (-8) over Indiana (NBA)
30* Play Calgary (-230) over Minnesota (NHL)
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DESTROYTHEBOOK SPORTS
SATURDAYS HORSE SELECTIONS
Dubai World Cup
Post 9:40 am
Race 2
#13- Gayego
Race 4
#12- Indian Blessing
#2- Big City Man
#6- Black Seventeen
Race 7
#7- Well Armed
#8- Casino Drive
Gulfstream
Race 2
#1- Stomp
Race 9
#1- This Ones For Phil
Race 10
Florida Derby
#4- Dunkirk
#1- Toby The Coal Man
Race 11
#2- Vanquisher
Aqueduct
Race 8
#6- Muffy
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
SATURDAYS HORSE SELECTIONS
Dubai World Cup
Post 9:40 am
Race 2
#13- Gayego
Race 4
#12- Indian Blessing
#2- Big City Man
#6- Black Seventeen
Race 7
#7- Well Armed
#8- Casino Drive
Gulfstream
Race 2
#1- Stomp
Race 9
#1- This Ones For Phil
Race 10
Florida Derby
#4- Dunkirk
#1- Toby The Coal Man
Race 11
#2- Vanquisher
Aqueduct
Race 8
#6- Muffy
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
Halfbets.com
Looks like SSG split yesterday with a win on Michigan State 7* and a loss on Gonzaga 7* on Halfbets.. here are their plays for today
Missouri vs UCONN - 4:40pm
PICK: Over 150.5 (8*)
PICK: UCONN -5.5 (6*)
Villanova vs Pittsburgh - 7:00pm
PICK: Villanova 1H +1 (7*)
NBA:
Indiana v. Chicago 2pm
PICK: Pacers +4.5 1H (6*)
Looks like SSG split yesterday with a win on Michigan State 7* and a loss on Gonzaga 7* on Halfbets.. here are their plays for today
Missouri vs UCONN - 4:40pm
PICK: Over 150.5 (8*)
PICK: UCONN -5.5 (6*)
Villanova vs Pittsburgh - 7:00pm
PICK: Villanova 1H +1 (7*)
NBA:
Indiana v. Chicago 2pm
PICK: Pacers +4.5 1H (6*)
adam meyer
NCAA ]
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[ International Soccer: World Cup Qualifier ]
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Julio Bianchi
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NCAA ]
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Adam Meyer
</TD><TD width=10> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=505 rowSpan=2>[Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 7:00 PM]
Pittsburgh (-1.5 Points) vs. Villanova
Pittsburgh has looked beatable in the tournament so far-but so did Louisville until they smoked Arizona by 39 points last night. Pitt not only has a trip to the Final Four at stake it is seeking revenge for a 10-point loss to Villanova earlier this year. The guard play on both sides is stellar but Pitt has an advantage in the front court with the athletic Sam Young and the “Beast”, DeJuan Blair in its lineup. Look for Pitt to play a big game today and move on to the Final next Saturday.
Play: Pittsburgh (-1.5 Point)
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Pittsburgh (-1.5 Points) vs. Villanova
Pittsburgh has looked beatable in the tournament so far-but so did Louisville until they smoked Arizona by 39 points last night. Pitt not only has a trip to the Final Four at stake it is seeking revenge for a 10-point loss to Villanova earlier this year. The guard play on both sides is stellar but Pitt has an advantage in the front court with the athletic Sam Young and the “Beast”, DeJuan Blair in its lineup. Look for Pitt to play a big game today and move on to the Final next Saturday.
Play: Pittsburgh (-1.5 Point)
</TD><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=615 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=style24 width=100 height=100>
Roy Jackson
</TD><TD width=10> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=505 rowSpan=2>[Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 7:00 PM]
Charlotte Bobcats (-6.5 Points) vs. NY Knicks
Charlotte still has a shot at the playoffs while the Knicks’ playoff chances are a fading fantasy. Both teams are playing the second game of a b2b but the Bobcats are at home. The Knicks are 10-24 on the road this season. Charlotte is getting good play from Gerald Wallace and Raymond Felton now and the trade that brought Boris Diaw has worked out well for them.
Play: Charlotte Bobcats (-6.5 Point)
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Charlotte Bobcats (-6.5 Points) vs. NY Knicks
Charlotte still has a shot at the playoffs while the Knicks’ playoff chances are a fading fantasy. Both teams are playing the second game of a b2b but the Bobcats are at home. The Knicks are 10-24 on the road this season. Charlotte is getting good play from Gerald Wallace and Raymond Felton now and the trade that brought Boris Diaw has worked out well for them.
Play: Charlotte Bobcats (-6.5 Point)
</TD><TD> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>[ International Soccer: World Cup Qualifier ]
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=615 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=style24 align=middle width=100 rowSpan=2>
Julio Bianchi
World Cup Qualifier
[ NCAA ]
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[ NCAA ]
Adam H. Meyer
</TD><TD width=10> </TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=505 rowSpan=2>[Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 4:40 PM]
Missouri (+6.5 Points) vs. U. Conn
This play is information based and not analysis driven.
Play: Missouri (+6.5 Points)
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Missouri (+6.5 Points) vs. U. Conn
This play is information based and not analysis driven.
Play: Missouri (+6.5 Points)
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[ NCAA ]
</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width=505 rowSpan=2>[Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 7:00 PM]
<TABLE width=450 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=210>Mexico
</TD><TD width=19> </TD><TD width=207>Costa Rica
</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle> </TD><TD>vs</TD><TD align=middle> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Mexico currently is going through their worst stretch in recent memory. They are also losing their identity (whatever is left of it) by hiring a very defensive European coach. For this game, they will be without Rafael Marquez, their All-World Defenseman and also their best player on corner kicks.
PLAY: Costa Rica (-1, -110)
PLAY: Costa Rica (-1, -110)
Greg Shaker
NBA: New York Knicks at Charlotte Bobcats - Knicks +7 -110
Game Date: 3/28/2009
Note: The Bobcats are playing some of the best basketball of the their season right now and once again get the cover and outright win at Philly last night. That followed two snafus from this team and had to have given them much pleasure with the road win. New York is in town tonight and both are playing back to back. that usually means fatigue factors and that is not a good scenerio for these Bobcats. The Knicks not only love to play away from the Garden at 21-12-1 ATS this year, they thrive on ZERO DAYS REST, at 10-4 ATS. The reason is a simple one. They do throw a lot of people at you and they do have a much better bench than what Charlotte will bring to the table. In addition, these Knicks can hang tight with anyone because of their scoring spurts that we all know about. They have covered their last 3 of 4 and they have not lost by more than 7 in their last 7 tries on the road. That does include games with Orlando, Cleveland, and Detroit. Considering the dynamics of this one, an outright win is very possible, and certainly these points look very spiffy indeed. I am still waiting for the status on Nate Robinson with a possible suspension but I do not think that is going to be a big factor one way or another. It certainly was not last night in the Knicks win verses the Hornets, playing just 19 minutes of that contest. Let's get these points
NBA: New York Knicks at Charlotte Bobcats - Knicks +7 -110
Game Date: 3/28/2009
Note: The Bobcats are playing some of the best basketball of the their season right now and once again get the cover and outright win at Philly last night. That followed two snafus from this team and had to have given them much pleasure with the road win. New York is in town tonight and both are playing back to back. that usually means fatigue factors and that is not a good scenerio for these Bobcats. The Knicks not only love to play away from the Garden at 21-12-1 ATS this year, they thrive on ZERO DAYS REST, at 10-4 ATS. The reason is a simple one. They do throw a lot of people at you and they do have a much better bench than what Charlotte will bring to the table. In addition, these Knicks can hang tight with anyone because of their scoring spurts that we all know about. They have covered their last 3 of 4 and they have not lost by more than 7 in their last 7 tries on the road. That does include games with Orlando, Cleveland, and Detroit. Considering the dynamics of this one, an outright win is very possible, and certainly these points look very spiffy indeed. I am still waiting for the status on Nate Robinson with a possible suspension but I do not think that is going to be a big factor one way or another. It certainly was not last night in the Knicks win verses the Hornets, playing just 19 minutes of that contest. Let's get these points
JOSH NAGEL
West Regional Preview and Pick
Connecticut Huskies vs. Missouri Tigers (+5.5, 150)
Missouri's breakout season and run to the Elite Eight has been a nice sidebar in the NCAA tournament. Connecticut's dominance has been the lead headline.
After they face each other for a trip to the Final Four Saturday, neither story should change.
Both clubs rolled in their Sweet 16 contests, Connecticut toppling Purdue 72-60 and Missouri dismantling the nation's stingiest defense in a 102-91 romp over Memphis.
Even so, each result spells bad news for the Tigers. For starters, UConn practically slept walk through its game against a gritty Purdue club and still won by double figures.
Guard A.J. Price was just 5-for-15 from the field, getting most of his points late in the second half. Hasheem Thabeet got 15 points and 15 rebounds despite looking disinterested a good portion of the night.
Jeff Adrien missed all the wide-open 15-footers, which were cash over the past few weeks, and the Huskies turned the ball over repeatedly while generally looking out of sync.
They were fortunate that Purdue struggled to hit shots or they might have been in trouble. You can count on coach Jim Calhoun emphasizing the point that another such sub-par performance will result in a trip home.
It's not going to happen against Missouri, which saw all five starters score in double figures. It broke down the Memphis defense with surprising ease on its way to a 24-point lead, then held on for dear life as Memphis fought back.
The Tigers, like every team that faces the Huskies, will have matchup problems, but maybe more than most. This is because everything they like to do, on both ends of the floor, is negated by Connecticut's strength.
Purdue learned the hard way that full-court pressure isn't the way to rattle the Huskies. The Boilermakers tried it a few times in the second half and it resulted in uncontested dunks which took Purdue out of the game. The Huskies are athletic and gifted enough to punish Missouri's pressure with easy layups.
Missouri's offense relies on DeMarre Carroll and J.T. Tiller getting into the lane and making something happen with either a driving shot attempt or a dump-off pass. Thabeet will wipe away all such forays into the paint. Missouri will be forced to take more outside shots than it wants. Matt Lawrence, who scored 13 against Memphis, is Missouri's main outside threat. He will have to step up for the Tigers to have a chance.
Taking Thabeet out of the game with foul trouble would free up the lane, but also would result in trips to free throw line, where Missouri struggles.
In the end, all signs point toward a Connecticut victory and a trip to the Final Four.
Final score prediction: Connecticut 88, Missouri 76
West Regional Preview and Pick
Connecticut Huskies vs. Missouri Tigers (+5.5, 150)
Missouri's breakout season and run to the Elite Eight has been a nice sidebar in the NCAA tournament. Connecticut's dominance has been the lead headline.
After they face each other for a trip to the Final Four Saturday, neither story should change.
Both clubs rolled in their Sweet 16 contests, Connecticut toppling Purdue 72-60 and Missouri dismantling the nation's stingiest defense in a 102-91 romp over Memphis.
Even so, each result spells bad news for the Tigers. For starters, UConn practically slept walk through its game against a gritty Purdue club and still won by double figures.
Guard A.J. Price was just 5-for-15 from the field, getting most of his points late in the second half. Hasheem Thabeet got 15 points and 15 rebounds despite looking disinterested a good portion of the night.
Jeff Adrien missed all the wide-open 15-footers, which were cash over the past few weeks, and the Huskies turned the ball over repeatedly while generally looking out of sync.
They were fortunate that Purdue struggled to hit shots or they might have been in trouble. You can count on coach Jim Calhoun emphasizing the point that another such sub-par performance will result in a trip home.
It's not going to happen against Missouri, which saw all five starters score in double figures. It broke down the Memphis defense with surprising ease on its way to a 24-point lead, then held on for dear life as Memphis fought back.
The Tigers, like every team that faces the Huskies, will have matchup problems, but maybe more than most. This is because everything they like to do, on both ends of the floor, is negated by Connecticut's strength.
Purdue learned the hard way that full-court pressure isn't the way to rattle the Huskies. The Boilermakers tried it a few times in the second half and it resulted in uncontested dunks which took Purdue out of the game. The Huskies are athletic and gifted enough to punish Missouri's pressure with easy layups.
Missouri's offense relies on DeMarre Carroll and J.T. Tiller getting into the lane and making something happen with either a driving shot attempt or a dump-off pass. Thabeet will wipe away all such forays into the paint. Missouri will be forced to take more outside shots than it wants. Matt Lawrence, who scored 13 against Memphis, is Missouri's main outside threat. He will have to step up for the Tigers to have a chance.
Taking Thabeet out of the game with foul trouble would free up the lane, but also would result in trips to free throw line, where Missouri struggles.
In the end, all signs point toward a Connecticut victory and a trip to the Final Four.
Final score prediction: Connecticut 88, Missouri 76
DAVE CAREY
East Region Preview and Pick
No. 3 Villanova Wildcats vs. No. 1 Pittsburgh Panthers (-2, 142)
After three rounds of the NCAA tournament and an 0-3 ATS record, I think it's pretty safe to assume two things about Pittsburgh: They hate dopes like me who keep expecting them to explode and they don't care about style points.
"Survive and advance" has become the motto for the grind-it-out Panthers (31-4 SU, 16-12-1 ATS), who escaped Xavier thanks to a clutch 3-pointer by guard Levance Fields. A big problem for Pittsburgh has been defensive rebounding where they've allowed the opposition to grab a staggering 40 rebounds on Pittsburgh's glass in the tournament.
Center DeJuan Blair had 10 points and 17 rebounds against Xavier but was far from dominant, missing easy shots inside and getting out-worked and out-positioned for rebounds. If he doesn't toughen up and get some help from his teammates, it will be tough for the Panthers to reach the Final Four.
Villanova (29-7 SU, 18-14 ATS) has advanced by finding its identity on offense during the second half of a 14-point comeback against American in the opening round. The Wildcats have become relentless at attacking off turnovers and don't settle for jump shots on offense, as they take the ball to the rim and draw contact or create open looks for teammates.
In a beat down of Duke on Thursday night, Villanova allowed the Blue Devils to shoot just 26.7 percent from the floor and just 5-of-27 from beyond the arc. Duke's big three of Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler and Gerald Henderson were a combined 9-of-45 from the field.
The pressure of Villanova's smaller, guard-oriented lineup has given opponents fits in the tournament and did the same to Pittsburgh in a 67-57 win in Philadelphia earlier this season.
The Wildcats forced 17 turnovers and allowed Pitt to make just 3-of-16 3-pointers. Villanova trailed by five at the half, but continually got to the line in the final stanza and held a commanding edge in free throws, making 19-of-28 attempts compared to just 10-of-17 from the Panthers.
Pittsburgh is too talented and plays at such a slow pace it is nearly impossible to blow the team out, but the pressure on Fields and the rest of the guards will be too much. The Panthers will be run out of the tournament in the second half by Villanova's depth and talented guards.
Scottie Reynolds and Dante Cunningham will be cutting down the nets in Beantown.
Final score prediction: Villanova 70, Pittsburgh 62
East Region Preview and Pick
No. 3 Villanova Wildcats vs. No. 1 Pittsburgh Panthers (-2, 142)
After three rounds of the NCAA tournament and an 0-3 ATS record, I think it's pretty safe to assume two things about Pittsburgh: They hate dopes like me who keep expecting them to explode and they don't care about style points.
"Survive and advance" has become the motto for the grind-it-out Panthers (31-4 SU, 16-12-1 ATS), who escaped Xavier thanks to a clutch 3-pointer by guard Levance Fields. A big problem for Pittsburgh has been defensive rebounding where they've allowed the opposition to grab a staggering 40 rebounds on Pittsburgh's glass in the tournament.
Center DeJuan Blair had 10 points and 17 rebounds against Xavier but was far from dominant, missing easy shots inside and getting out-worked and out-positioned for rebounds. If he doesn't toughen up and get some help from his teammates, it will be tough for the Panthers to reach the Final Four.
Villanova (29-7 SU, 18-14 ATS) has advanced by finding its identity on offense during the second half of a 14-point comeback against American in the opening round. The Wildcats have become relentless at attacking off turnovers and don't settle for jump shots on offense, as they take the ball to the rim and draw contact or create open looks for teammates.
In a beat down of Duke on Thursday night, Villanova allowed the Blue Devils to shoot just 26.7 percent from the floor and just 5-of-27 from beyond the arc. Duke's big three of Jon Scheyer, Kyle Singler and Gerald Henderson were a combined 9-of-45 from the field.
The pressure of Villanova's smaller, guard-oriented lineup has given opponents fits in the tournament and did the same to Pittsburgh in a 67-57 win in Philadelphia earlier this season.
The Wildcats forced 17 turnovers and allowed Pitt to make just 3-of-16 3-pointers. Villanova trailed by five at the half, but continually got to the line in the final stanza and held a commanding edge in free throws, making 19-of-28 attempts compared to just 10-of-17 from the Panthers.
Pittsburgh is too talented and plays at such a slow pace it is nearly impossible to blow the team out, but the pressure on Fields and the rest of the guards will be too much. The Panthers will be run out of the tournament in the second half by Villanova's depth and talented guards.
Scottie Reynolds and Dante Cunningham will be cutting down the nets in Beantown.
Final score prediction: Villanova 70, Pittsburgh 62
Dwayne Bryant
CBB Money Line
520 UConn (-120) Bookmaker.com vs 519 Missouri
5.5-point Mixed Teaser
CBB #520 Connecticut -.5 (4:40 pm ET)
NBA #514 Utah Jazz -3.5 (9:05 pm ET)
Quick Analysis: We're just asking the #1 seed (UConn) to win the game. I've been impressed with Mizzou, but I think their "run" (pun intended) ends today. Look for UConn to control the tempo and make this a half-court game. Mizzou has nobody to match up with the 7'3" Thabeet (66% FG) inside.
The Jazz (30-6 SU at home) will be looking to avenge a 4-point loss at Phoenix from just 3 days ago. Utah has won 13 straight at home, allowing about 90 points per game during the streak. Utah already owns a 12-point home win over the Suns this season. The Suns are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.
CBB Money Line
520 UConn (-120) Bookmaker.com vs 519 Missouri
5.5-point Mixed Teaser
CBB #520 Connecticut -.5 (4:40 pm ET)
NBA #514 Utah Jazz -3.5 (9:05 pm ET)
Quick Analysis: We're just asking the #1 seed (UConn) to win the game. I've been impressed with Mizzou, but I think their "run" (pun intended) ends today. Look for UConn to control the tempo and make this a half-court game. Mizzou has nobody to match up with the 7'3" Thabeet (66% FG) inside.
The Jazz (30-6 SU at home) will be looking to avenge a 4-point loss at Phoenix from just 3 days ago. Utah has won 13 straight at home, allowing about 90 points per game during the streak. Utah already owns a 12-point home win over the Suns this season. The Suns are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.
