SPORTS WAGERS
ST. JOHN’S +6 over Villanova
Make no mistake about it, the Wildcats are a strong team that has a chance to go very deep into this year’s dance and maybe even win it all. They have great balance and every time down the floor they have options because every player on the floor can drain it. Having said that and after its win over the Hoyas and its dismantling of Rutgers, the Wildcats stock is soaring and that is the absolute worst time to lay road points, especially with a ranked vs unranked. Remember, this is the first Saturday in a long, long time that pro or college football is not being offered and the result is going to be a ton of college basketball action and this is the first game of the day to be seen on ESPN. The point is, the books have put out a sharp line here and it’s not like the Johnny’s are pushovers. They’ve played a slew of tough games that includes a nine-point loss at #5 Duke, a seven-point loss at #14 Georgetown and they’re coming off a loss against #21 UConn. The Johnny’s also have a 7-point win over Temple, the only team that has beaten Wildcats this season. These ranked Big East teams on the road vs unranked in its own conference does not have a very good history at all and when you play ranked vs unranked you’re going to pay a premium to do so and that’s something that can’t be recommended. Play: #524 St. Johns +6 (Risking 2.04 units to win 2).
MINNESOTA –2 over Michigan St.
This is another early game that the public will be all over and this one is a little more interesting because what we see here is an unranked team favored over a ranked one. The Spartans come in ranked #7 in the nation with a 6-0 conference record and a 16-3 overall record. The Spartans have also won seven straight and that includes a win over these same Gophers just 10 days ago. Meanwhile, the Golden Gophers are just 3-3 in the conference and 12-6 overall and they’ve dropped three of its last four, which begs the question why oh why are they favored over this ranked opponent. Again, we have a sharp line in one of the two early games on ESPN that will be bet heavily by the wagering public. Remember, the Spartans only beat the Gophers by 7 and that game was played in Lansing at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Also, the Spartans just might not be as good as advertised. All three of its losses were against quality opponents and frankly, they really don’t have a signature win yet unless you want to count a seven-point win over Wisconsin but that, too, was in Lansing. Minnesota has a nine–point win over Butler and an 11-point win over Ohio St. So, while the Spartans résumé is decent, this line suggests there’s going to be another glitch on it and with a crazed crowd behind them, expect the Gophers to be rock-solid again. Play: #522 Minnesota –2 (Risking 2.08 units to win 2).
Arkansas Little Rock -1 over FLORIDA INTERN'L
Well, Isiah Thomas certainly has what he wants in complete control over the Florida International program. The last time that happened he turned the New York Knicks into a sideshow and while Isiah hasn’t gotten his hands dirty yet it’s only going to be a matter of time before he bungles yet another job. The man has failed everywhere he has been and this season is no different. Florida International is 6-16 and has one of the worst defenses in the country, which isn’t a big surprise considering Thomas’ legacy towards “laissez fair” defense. The Golden Panthers allows opponents to shoot 54.6% on two point shots, 38% on three point shots and rank 321st in the country in defensive efficiency. They shoot an embarrassing 25.9% on threes themselves and their best “win” this year came over Louisiana Monroe. They are stratospheres away from being a legitimate program and having Isiah at the helm actually decreases its chances. Arkansas Little Rock isn’t the next coming of Duke but they do one thing extremely well and that’s shoot the three at a solid 39.2%. Given the atrocious state of the Florida International defense, its safe to say those shots will be dropping here without much problem. It’s the only advantage Little Rock can exploit and the result should be a much needed conference win over an opponent who has some pedigree but is far and away one of the worst teams in College Basketball. Play: #641 Arkansas Little Rock –1 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
Carolina +2.36 over PHILADELPHIA
The Canes looked real sharp in its last game in Atlanta and part of their motivation could be that if they play well, they’ll get traded to a contender in need of a couple of missing parts. You can expect quite a few scouts to be on hand for this one, as the Canes have made it known that they want to unload some players. This is such a great spot for the Canes to catch the Flyers napping too. You see, Philly is coming off a very physical game against the Rangers in which Daniel Carcillo took a run at Marion Gaborik. Things really heated up after that and the Flyers went on to win 2-0. This game is sandwiched between that game against the Rangers and tomorrow’s 12:30 PM game against the Penguins. That game will be featured on NBC and don’t think for a second that the players aren’t aware of that because they are. Lastly, these Saturday afternoon dogs (this one goes at 1:00 PM EST) have been absolute gold all year and there’s not a single reason not to play the Canes in this spot at this price. Play: Carolina +2.36 (Risking 2 units).
NY ISLANDERS +1.04 over New Jersey
The Islanders have won six straight at home and six of its last seven. Overall, the Islanders have won 10 of its last 14 games. They’re scoring goals, they’re not allowing much and they play with as much enthusiasm and heart as any team in the league and you can double that when the Devils are in town. Meanwhile, the Devils played last night at home and lost 3-1 to the Canadiens. New Jersey has now lost four of five with only win over that stretch coming against Florida. Furthermore, the Devils have scored 12 lousy goals over its last eight games and four goals over its last four games. If that’s not enough and you need more incentive, the Devils will play its third game in four days, and its fifth game in seven days. This past Monday they were here for a Martin Luther King holiday matinee game and lost 4-0 while being outshot 46-20. This one is unlikely to be much different. Play: NY Islanders +1.04 (Risking 2 units).
Los Angeles +1.56 over DETROIT
This is another great spot for the road team and it’s also a great price on the Kings. These two met in L.A. just 2½ weeks ago and the Red Wings won 2-1. The local media and the coaches all agreed that it was perhaps the Kings best game of the year. They absolutely dominated Detroit for 60 minutes but Jimmy Howard had his best game as a pro. In fact, the Kings outshot Detroit 52-24 and most of the shots were of the quality variety. Now the Kings will take to the road for the first time in awhile, as they’ve been home for seven straight games over 19 days. Surely, they’re looking forward to both the trip and this first game. Meanwhile, the Red Wings last played consecutive home games on Dec 23 and Dec 26. That’s a span of 12 consecutive games in which they’ve had to board a plane to its next destination and this will be the 13th consecutive time after they played in Minnesota on Thursday. That has to take its toll on the players. So, what we have here is a rested and raring to go Kings squad playing a team that has to be exhausted from all that travel. Throw in a take-back of better than 3-2 and this one becomes a must play. Big overlay. Play: Los Angles +1.56 (Risking 2 units).
ST. JOHN’S +6 over Villanova
Make no mistake about it, the Wildcats are a strong team that has a chance to go very deep into this year’s dance and maybe even win it all. They have great balance and every time down the floor they have options because every player on the floor can drain it. Having said that and after its win over the Hoyas and its dismantling of Rutgers, the Wildcats stock is soaring and that is the absolute worst time to lay road points, especially with a ranked vs unranked. Remember, this is the first Saturday in a long, long time that pro or college football is not being offered and the result is going to be a ton of college basketball action and this is the first game of the day to be seen on ESPN. The point is, the books have put out a sharp line here and it’s not like the Johnny’s are pushovers. They’ve played a slew of tough games that includes a nine-point loss at #5 Duke, a seven-point loss at #14 Georgetown and they’re coming off a loss against #21 UConn. The Johnny’s also have a 7-point win over Temple, the only team that has beaten Wildcats this season. These ranked Big East teams on the road vs unranked in its own conference does not have a very good history at all and when you play ranked vs unranked you’re going to pay a premium to do so and that’s something that can’t be recommended. Play: #524 St. Johns +6 (Risking 2.04 units to win 2).
MINNESOTA –2 over Michigan St.
This is another early game that the public will be all over and this one is a little more interesting because what we see here is an unranked team favored over a ranked one. The Spartans come in ranked #7 in the nation with a 6-0 conference record and a 16-3 overall record. The Spartans have also won seven straight and that includes a win over these same Gophers just 10 days ago. Meanwhile, the Golden Gophers are just 3-3 in the conference and 12-6 overall and they’ve dropped three of its last four, which begs the question why oh why are they favored over this ranked opponent. Again, we have a sharp line in one of the two early games on ESPN that will be bet heavily by the wagering public. Remember, the Spartans only beat the Gophers by 7 and that game was played in Lansing at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Also, the Spartans just might not be as good as advertised. All three of its losses were against quality opponents and frankly, they really don’t have a signature win yet unless you want to count a seven-point win over Wisconsin but that, too, was in Lansing. Minnesota has a nine–point win over Butler and an 11-point win over Ohio St. So, while the Spartans résumé is decent, this line suggests there’s going to be another glitch on it and with a crazed crowd behind them, expect the Gophers to be rock-solid again. Play: #522 Minnesota –2 (Risking 2.08 units to win 2).
Arkansas Little Rock -1 over FLORIDA INTERN'L
Well, Isiah Thomas certainly has what he wants in complete control over the Florida International program. The last time that happened he turned the New York Knicks into a sideshow and while Isiah hasn’t gotten his hands dirty yet it’s only going to be a matter of time before he bungles yet another job. The man has failed everywhere he has been and this season is no different. Florida International is 6-16 and has one of the worst defenses in the country, which isn’t a big surprise considering Thomas’ legacy towards “laissez fair” defense. The Golden Panthers allows opponents to shoot 54.6% on two point shots, 38% on three point shots and rank 321st in the country in defensive efficiency. They shoot an embarrassing 25.9% on threes themselves and their best “win” this year came over Louisiana Monroe. They are stratospheres away from being a legitimate program and having Isiah at the helm actually decreases its chances. Arkansas Little Rock isn’t the next coming of Duke but they do one thing extremely well and that’s shoot the three at a solid 39.2%. Given the atrocious state of the Florida International defense, its safe to say those shots will be dropping here without much problem. It’s the only advantage Little Rock can exploit and the result should be a much needed conference win over an opponent who has some pedigree but is far and away one of the worst teams in College Basketball. Play: #641 Arkansas Little Rock –1 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
Carolina +2.36 over PHILADELPHIA
The Canes looked real sharp in its last game in Atlanta and part of their motivation could be that if they play well, they’ll get traded to a contender in need of a couple of missing parts. You can expect quite a few scouts to be on hand for this one, as the Canes have made it known that they want to unload some players. This is such a great spot for the Canes to catch the Flyers napping too. You see, Philly is coming off a very physical game against the Rangers in which Daniel Carcillo took a run at Marion Gaborik. Things really heated up after that and the Flyers went on to win 2-0. This game is sandwiched between that game against the Rangers and tomorrow’s 12:30 PM game against the Penguins. That game will be featured on NBC and don’t think for a second that the players aren’t aware of that because they are. Lastly, these Saturday afternoon dogs (this one goes at 1:00 PM EST) have been absolute gold all year and there’s not a single reason not to play the Canes in this spot at this price. Play: Carolina +2.36 (Risking 2 units).
NY ISLANDERS +1.04 over New Jersey
The Islanders have won six straight at home and six of its last seven. Overall, the Islanders have won 10 of its last 14 games. They’re scoring goals, they’re not allowing much and they play with as much enthusiasm and heart as any team in the league and you can double that when the Devils are in town. Meanwhile, the Devils played last night at home and lost 3-1 to the Canadiens. New Jersey has now lost four of five with only win over that stretch coming against Florida. Furthermore, the Devils have scored 12 lousy goals over its last eight games and four goals over its last four games. If that’s not enough and you need more incentive, the Devils will play its third game in four days, and its fifth game in seven days. This past Monday they were here for a Martin Luther King holiday matinee game and lost 4-0 while being outshot 46-20. This one is unlikely to be much different. Play: NY Islanders +1.04 (Risking 2 units).
Los Angeles +1.56 over DETROIT
This is another great spot for the road team and it’s also a great price on the Kings. These two met in L.A. just 2½ weeks ago and the Red Wings won 2-1. The local media and the coaches all agreed that it was perhaps the Kings best game of the year. They absolutely dominated Detroit for 60 minutes but Jimmy Howard had his best game as a pro. In fact, the Kings outshot Detroit 52-24 and most of the shots were of the quality variety. Now the Kings will take to the road for the first time in awhile, as they’ve been home for seven straight games over 19 days. Surely, they’re looking forward to both the trip and this first game. Meanwhile, the Red Wings last played consecutive home games on Dec 23 and Dec 26. That’s a span of 12 consecutive games in which they’ve had to board a plane to its next destination and this will be the 13th consecutive time after they played in Minnesota on Thursday. That has to take its toll on the players. So, what we have here is a rested and raring to go Kings squad playing a team that has to be exhausted from all that travel. Throw in a take-back of better than 3-2 and this one becomes a must play. Big overlay. Play: Los Angles +1.56 (Risking 2 units).
NCAAB DUNKEL
Michigan at Purdue
The Boilermakers look to take advantage of a Michigan team that is 3-8 ATS in the last 11 meetings. Purdue is the pick (-11 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Boilermakers favored by 16 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-11 1/2). Here are all of today's early games.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23
Game 521-522: Michigan State at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 74.806; Minnesota 72.702
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 2
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (+2)
Game 523-524: Villanova at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 72.030; St. John's 65.521
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Villanova by 6
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-6)
Game 525-526: Rutgers at Georgetown
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 54.513; Georgetown 69.695
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 15
Vegas Line: Georgetown by 19 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (+19 1/2)
Game 527-528: Hofstra at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 54.999; Drexel 56.063
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 1
Vegas Line: Drexel by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (+5 1/2)
Game 529-530: Akron at Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 59.242; Kent State 63.742
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Kent State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Kent State (-2)
Game 531-532: Mississippi State at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 68.943; Alabama 65.800
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 3
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State
Game 533-534: Middle Tennessee State at Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Middle Tennessee State 51.224; Western Kentucky 59.635
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (-7 1/2)
Game 535-536: Temple at Fordham
Dunkel Ratings: Temple 65.605; Fordham 45.564
Dunkel Line: Temple by 20
Vegas Line: Temple by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-18 1/2)
Game 537-538: Colorado at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 60.031; Texas A&M 70.790
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 11
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 9
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (-9)
Game 539-540: Boston College at Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Boston College 62.203; Virginia Tech 70.151
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 8
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-6 1/2)
Game 541-542: Auburn at Vanderbilt
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 56.514; Vanderbilt 73.648
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 17
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-12 1/2)
Game 543-544: Mississippi at LSU
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 67.981; LSU 59.219
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 9
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 6
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-6)
Game 545-546: Oregon State at California
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 56.030; California 70.576
Dunkel Line: California by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: California by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+16 1/2)
Game 547-548: Kansas at Iowa State
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas 77.530; Iowa State 67.505
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 10
Vegas Line: Kansas by 11
Dunkel Pick: Iowa State (+11)
Game 549-550: DePaul at Notre Dame
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 52.871; Notre Dame 67.975
Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 15
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: DePaul (+16 1/2)
Game 551-552: Charlotte at LaSalle
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 58.499; LaSalle 60.526
Dunkel Line: LaSalle by 2
Vegas Line: LaSalle by 3
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+3)
Game 553-554: Marquette at Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 72.174; Syracuse 78.292
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 6
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+9 1/2)
Game 555-556: VCU at Northeastern
Dunkel Ratings: VCU 60.827; Northeastern 67.460
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 3
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (-3)
Game 557-558: Ohio State at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 73.290; West Virginia 75.182
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 2
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 6
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (+6)
Game 559-560: Buffalo at Ohio
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 58.839; Ohio 56.487
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 2
Vegas Line: Ohio by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+4 1/2)
Game 561-562: Toledo at Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 42.098; Western Michigan 55.926
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 14
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 18
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+18)
Game 563-564: Ball State at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 48.933; Eastern Michigan 51.991
Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan by 3
Vegas Line: Eastern Michigan by 7
Dunkel Pick: Ball State (+7)
Game 565-566: Wichita State at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: Wichita State 62.995; Drake 61.703
Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Wichita State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Drake (+5)
Game 567-568: Wright State at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 59.196; Detroit 64.474
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Detroit
Game 569-570: Butler at Illinois-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 67.613; Illinois-Chicago 53.520
Dunkel Line: Butler by 14
Vegas Line: Butler by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois-Chicago (+14 1/2)
Game 571-572: Georgia State at Delaware
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia State 50.400; Delaware 54.248
Dunkel Line: Delaware by 4
Vegas Line: Delaware by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Delaware (-1 1/2)
Game 573-574: Richmond at George Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 60.735; George Washington 59.042
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: George Washington by 1
Dunkel Pick: Richmond (+1)
Game 575-576: Illinois State at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois State 59.669; Southern Illinois 59.717
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (+2 1/2)
Game 577-578: Evansville at Bradley
Dunkel Ratings: Evansville 49.090; Bradley 63.038
Dunkel Line: Bradley by 14
Vegas Line: Bradley by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (-11 1/2)
Game 579-580: Bowling Green at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 54.435; Miami (OH) 57.472
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 3
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (+7 1/2)
Game 581-582: Rice at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 47.249; Tulsa 68.429
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 21
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 20
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (-20)
Game 583-584: Colorado State at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 52.718; New Mexico 69.306
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-15 1/2)
Game 585-586: Arkansas at Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 61.186; Kentucky 76.354
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 15
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (+16 1/2)
Game 587-588: Washington State at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: Washington State 64.271; UCLA 61.756
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: UCLA by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (+1 1/2)
Game 589-590: Valparaiso at Loyola-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Valparaiso 53.742; Loyola-Chicago 55.410
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Chicago by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Loyola-Chicago by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Valparaiso (+4 1/2)
Game 591-592: Michigan at Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan 62.656; Purdue 79.086
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Purdue by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-11 1/2)
Game 593-594: George Mason at Towson
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 57.405; Towson 50.702
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: George Mason by 6
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (-6)
Game 595-596: Massachusetts at Baylor
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 53.556; Baylor 72.485
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 19
Vegas Line: Baylor by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-17 1/2)
Game 597-598: Virginia at Wake Forest
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 67.329; Wake Forest 70.891
Dunkel Line: Wake Forest by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Wake Forest by 7
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (+7)
Game 599-600: Texas at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 75.199; Connecticut 71.081
Dunkel Line: Texas by 4
Vegas Line: Texas by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-2 1/2)
Game 601-602: Oklahoma State at Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 64.711; Kansas State 78.374
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-9 1/2)
Game 603-604: East Carolina at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 47.339; Southern Mississippi 60.380
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 13
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 11
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-11)
Game 605-606: Tennessee at Georgia
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 72.614; Georgia 65.239
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 6
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-6)
Game 607-608: UTEP at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: UTEP 61.106; Central Florida 60.605
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 1
Vegas Line: UTEP by 4
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (+4)
Game 609-610: South Carolina at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina 62.115; Florida 69.299
Dunkel Line: Florida by 7
Vegas Line: Florida by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-6 1/2)
Game 611-612: South Alabama at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 50.191; Denver 56.682
Dunkel Line: Denver by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Denver by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (+7 1/2)
Game 613-614: Nebraska at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 62.325; Missouri 77.858
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 13
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-13)
Game 615-616: UNLV at TCU
Dunkel Ratings: UNLV 64.695; TCU 58.395
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-5 1/2)
Game 617-618: Air Force at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 49.523; Utah 65.284
Dunkel Line: Utah by 16
Vegas Line: Utah by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-14 1/2)
Game 619-620: Dayton at St. Joseph's
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 63.857; St. Joseph's 54.846
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 9
Vegas Line: Dayton by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dayton (-7 1/2)
Game 621-622: Rhode Island at Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 65.065; Xavier 69.929
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 5
Vegas Line: Xavier by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (+6 1/2)
Game 623-624: North Carolina State at Maryland
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina State 61.768; Maryland 74.793
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 13
Vegas Line: Maryland by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (-8 1/2)
Game 625-626: Northern Illinois at Central Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Illinois 47.840; Central Michigan 54.274
Dunkel Line: Central Michigan by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Central Michigan by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (-5 1/2)
Game 627-628: UAB at Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: UAB 62.445; Marshall 65.572
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 3
Vegas Line: Marshall by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (+5 1/2)
Game 629-630: Cornell at Columbia
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 62.909; Columbia 47.047
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 16
Vegas Line: Cornell by 13
Dunkel Pick: Cornell (-13)
Game 631-632: Harvard at Dartmouth
Dunkel Ratings: Harvard 59.539; Dartmouth 44.820
Dunkel Line: Harvard by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Harvard by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dartmouth (+15 1/2)
Game 633-634: Old Dominion at William & Mary
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 65.982; William & Mary 62.360
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: William & Mary (+4 1/2)
Game 635-636: St. Bonaventure at Duquesne
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 53.858; Duquesne 60.678
Dunkel Line: Duquesne by 7
Vegas Line: Duquesne by 5
Dunkel Pick: Duquesne (-5)
Game 637-638: Arkansas State at Florida Atlantic
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 48.140; Florida Atlantic 56.529
Dunkel Line: Florida Atlantic by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida Atlantic by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (-3 1/2)
Game 639-640: UL-Monroe at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Monroe 47.655; New Orleans 45.953
Dunkel Line: UL Monroe by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (+1 1/2)
Game 641-642: AR-Little Rock at Florida International
Dunkel Ratings: AR-Little Rock 47.381; Florida International 46.090
Dunkel Line: AR-Little Rock by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: AR-Little Rock by 1
Dunkel Pick: AR-Little Rock (-1)
Game 643-644: Santa Clara at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Santa Clara 50.262; San Francisco 52.677
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Santa Clara (+6 1/2)
Game 645-646: Loyola-Marymount at Gonzaga
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Marymount 53.501; Gonzaga 71.326
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 18
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 20 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Marymount (+20 1/2)
Game 647-648: Oregon at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon 55.196; Stanford 60.962
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Stanford by 6
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-6)
Game 649-650: Oklahoma at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 64.283; Texas Tech 64.854
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Texas Tech by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (+4 1/2)
Game 651-652: James Madison at NC Wilmington
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 51.770; NC Wilmington 54.500
Dunkel Line: NC Wilmington by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: NC Wilmington by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (+5 1/2)
Game 653-654: Utah State at Idaho
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 63.724; Idaho 58.715
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 5
Vegas Line: Utah State by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (+5 1/2)
Game 655-656: Illinois at Northwestern
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 66.174; Northwestern 70.276
Dunkel Line: Northwestern by 4
Vegas Line: Northwestern by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northwestern (-1 1/2)
Game 657-658: Houston at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 63.531; Memphis 68.396
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 5
Vegas Line: Memphis by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+8 1/2)
Game 659-660: South Florida at Providence
Dunkel Ratings: South Florida 58.950; Providence 65.819
Dunkel Line: Providence by 7
Vegas Line: Providence by 5
Dunkel Pick: Providence (-5)
Game 661-662: Troy at UL-Lafayette
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 52.800; UL-Lafayette 51.584
Dunkel Line: Troy by 1
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 1
Dunkel Pick: Troy (+1)
Game 663-664: Duke at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Duke 76.125; Clemson 77.083
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 1
Vegas Line: Duke by 1
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (+1)
Game 665-666: Arizona at Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 62.038; Arizona State 74.177
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 12
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 10
Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-10)
Game 667-668: Pepperdine at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Pepperdine 53.097; Portland 64.212
Dunkel Line: Portland by 11
Vegas Line: Portland by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pepperdine (+15 1/2)
Game 669-670: Nevada at Fresno State
Dunkel Ratings: Nevada 65.645; Fresno State 59.434
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 6
Vegas Line: Nevada by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-4 1/2)
Game 671-672: UC Davis at Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: UC Davis 46.405; Pacific 60.384
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 14
Vegas Line: Pacific by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (-12 1/2)
Game 673-674: BYU at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 72.598; San Diego State 66.640
Dunkel Line: BYU by 6
Vegas Line: BYU by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-2 1/2)
Game 675-676: CS-Northridge at Cal Poly
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 52.132; Cal Poly 51.667
Dunkel Line: CS-Northridge by 1
Vegas Line: Cal Poly by 2
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (+2)
Game 677-678: CS-Fullerton at UC-Santa Barbara
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 51.330; UC-Santa Barbara 57.603
Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Santa Barbara (-3 1/2)
Game 679-680: New Mexico State at San Jose State
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 56.974; San Jose State 55.369
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: San Jose State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (+3 1/2)
Game 681-682: Washington at USC
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 68.270; USC 68.735
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: USC by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+2 1/2)
Game 683-684: UC-Riverside at UC-Irvine
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 48.913; UC-Irvine 50.532
Dunkel Line: UC-Irvine by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Irvine by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Riverside (+4 1/2)
Game 685-686: Louisiana Tech at Hawaii
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 61.589; Hawaii 57.331
Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech by 8
Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (+8)
Michigan at Purdue
The Boilermakers look to take advantage of a Michigan team that is 3-8 ATS in the last 11 meetings. Purdue is the pick (-11 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Boilermakers favored by 16 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-11 1/2). Here are all of today's early games.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23
Game 521-522: Michigan State at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 74.806; Minnesota 72.702
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 2
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (+2)
Game 523-524: Villanova at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 72.030; St. John's 65.521
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Villanova by 6
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-6)
Game 525-526: Rutgers at Georgetown
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 54.513; Georgetown 69.695
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 15
Vegas Line: Georgetown by 19 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (+19 1/2)
Game 527-528: Hofstra at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 54.999; Drexel 56.063
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 1
Vegas Line: Drexel by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (+5 1/2)
Game 529-530: Akron at Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 59.242; Kent State 63.742
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Kent State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Kent State (-2)
Game 531-532: Mississippi State at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 68.943; Alabama 65.800
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 3
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State
Game 533-534: Middle Tennessee State at Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Middle Tennessee State 51.224; Western Kentucky 59.635
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (-7 1/2)
Game 535-536: Temple at Fordham
Dunkel Ratings: Temple 65.605; Fordham 45.564
Dunkel Line: Temple by 20
Vegas Line: Temple by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-18 1/2)
Game 537-538: Colorado at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 60.031; Texas A&M 70.790
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 11
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 9
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (-9)
Game 539-540: Boston College at Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Boston College 62.203; Virginia Tech 70.151
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 8
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-6 1/2)
Game 541-542: Auburn at Vanderbilt
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 56.514; Vanderbilt 73.648
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 17
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-12 1/2)
Game 543-544: Mississippi at LSU
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 67.981; LSU 59.219
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 9
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 6
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-6)
Game 545-546: Oregon State at California
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 56.030; California 70.576
Dunkel Line: California by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: California by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+16 1/2)
Game 547-548: Kansas at Iowa State
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas 77.530; Iowa State 67.505
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 10
Vegas Line: Kansas by 11
Dunkel Pick: Iowa State (+11)
Game 549-550: DePaul at Notre Dame
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 52.871; Notre Dame 67.975
Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 15
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: DePaul (+16 1/2)
Game 551-552: Charlotte at LaSalle
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 58.499; LaSalle 60.526
Dunkel Line: LaSalle by 2
Vegas Line: LaSalle by 3
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+3)
Game 553-554: Marquette at Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 72.174; Syracuse 78.292
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 6
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+9 1/2)
Game 555-556: VCU at Northeastern
Dunkel Ratings: VCU 60.827; Northeastern 67.460
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 3
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (-3)
Game 557-558: Ohio State at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 73.290; West Virginia 75.182
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 2
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 6
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (+6)
Game 559-560: Buffalo at Ohio
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 58.839; Ohio 56.487
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 2
Vegas Line: Ohio by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+4 1/2)
Game 561-562: Toledo at Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 42.098; Western Michigan 55.926
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 14
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 18
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+18)
Game 563-564: Ball State at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 48.933; Eastern Michigan 51.991
Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan by 3
Vegas Line: Eastern Michigan by 7
Dunkel Pick: Ball State (+7)
Game 565-566: Wichita State at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: Wichita State 62.995; Drake 61.703
Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Wichita State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Drake (+5)
Game 567-568: Wright State at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 59.196; Detroit 64.474
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Detroit
Game 569-570: Butler at Illinois-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 67.613; Illinois-Chicago 53.520
Dunkel Line: Butler by 14
Vegas Line: Butler by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois-Chicago (+14 1/2)
Game 571-572: Georgia State at Delaware
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia State 50.400; Delaware 54.248
Dunkel Line: Delaware by 4
Vegas Line: Delaware by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Delaware (-1 1/2)
Game 573-574: Richmond at George Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 60.735; George Washington 59.042
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: George Washington by 1
Dunkel Pick: Richmond (+1)
Game 575-576: Illinois State at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois State 59.669; Southern Illinois 59.717
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (+2 1/2)
Game 577-578: Evansville at Bradley
Dunkel Ratings: Evansville 49.090; Bradley 63.038
Dunkel Line: Bradley by 14
Vegas Line: Bradley by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (-11 1/2)
Game 579-580: Bowling Green at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 54.435; Miami (OH) 57.472
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 3
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (+7 1/2)
Game 581-582: Rice at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 47.249; Tulsa 68.429
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 21
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 20
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (-20)
Game 583-584: Colorado State at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 52.718; New Mexico 69.306
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-15 1/2)
Game 585-586: Arkansas at Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 61.186; Kentucky 76.354
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 15
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (+16 1/2)
Game 587-588: Washington State at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: Washington State 64.271; UCLA 61.756
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: UCLA by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (+1 1/2)
Game 589-590: Valparaiso at Loyola-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Valparaiso 53.742; Loyola-Chicago 55.410
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Chicago by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Loyola-Chicago by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Valparaiso (+4 1/2)
Game 591-592: Michigan at Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan 62.656; Purdue 79.086
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Purdue by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-11 1/2)
Game 593-594: George Mason at Towson
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 57.405; Towson 50.702
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: George Mason by 6
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (-6)
Game 595-596: Massachusetts at Baylor
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 53.556; Baylor 72.485
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 19
Vegas Line: Baylor by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-17 1/2)
Game 597-598: Virginia at Wake Forest
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 67.329; Wake Forest 70.891
Dunkel Line: Wake Forest by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Wake Forest by 7
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (+7)
Game 599-600: Texas at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 75.199; Connecticut 71.081
Dunkel Line: Texas by 4
Vegas Line: Texas by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-2 1/2)
Game 601-602: Oklahoma State at Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 64.711; Kansas State 78.374
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-9 1/2)
Game 603-604: East Carolina at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 47.339; Southern Mississippi 60.380
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 13
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 11
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-11)
Game 605-606: Tennessee at Georgia
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 72.614; Georgia 65.239
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 6
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-6)
Game 607-608: UTEP at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: UTEP 61.106; Central Florida 60.605
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 1
Vegas Line: UTEP by 4
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (+4)
Game 609-610: South Carolina at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina 62.115; Florida 69.299
Dunkel Line: Florida by 7
Vegas Line: Florida by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-6 1/2)
Game 611-612: South Alabama at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 50.191; Denver 56.682
Dunkel Line: Denver by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Denver by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (+7 1/2)
Game 613-614: Nebraska at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 62.325; Missouri 77.858
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 13
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-13)
Game 615-616: UNLV at TCU
Dunkel Ratings: UNLV 64.695; TCU 58.395
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-5 1/2)
Game 617-618: Air Force at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 49.523; Utah 65.284
Dunkel Line: Utah by 16
Vegas Line: Utah by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-14 1/2)
Game 619-620: Dayton at St. Joseph's
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 63.857; St. Joseph's 54.846
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 9
Vegas Line: Dayton by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dayton (-7 1/2)
Game 621-622: Rhode Island at Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 65.065; Xavier 69.929
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 5
Vegas Line: Xavier by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (+6 1/2)
Game 623-624: North Carolina State at Maryland
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina State 61.768; Maryland 74.793
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 13
Vegas Line: Maryland by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (-8 1/2)
Game 625-626: Northern Illinois at Central Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Illinois 47.840; Central Michigan 54.274
Dunkel Line: Central Michigan by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Central Michigan by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (-5 1/2)
Game 627-628: UAB at Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: UAB 62.445; Marshall 65.572
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 3
Vegas Line: Marshall by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (+5 1/2)
Game 629-630: Cornell at Columbia
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 62.909; Columbia 47.047
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 16
Vegas Line: Cornell by 13
Dunkel Pick: Cornell (-13)
Game 631-632: Harvard at Dartmouth
Dunkel Ratings: Harvard 59.539; Dartmouth 44.820
Dunkel Line: Harvard by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Harvard by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dartmouth (+15 1/2)
Game 633-634: Old Dominion at William & Mary
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 65.982; William & Mary 62.360
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: William & Mary (+4 1/2)
Game 635-636: St. Bonaventure at Duquesne
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 53.858; Duquesne 60.678
Dunkel Line: Duquesne by 7
Vegas Line: Duquesne by 5
Dunkel Pick: Duquesne (-5)
Game 637-638: Arkansas State at Florida Atlantic
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 48.140; Florida Atlantic 56.529
Dunkel Line: Florida Atlantic by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida Atlantic by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (-3 1/2)
Game 639-640: UL-Monroe at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Monroe 47.655; New Orleans 45.953
Dunkel Line: UL Monroe by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (+1 1/2)
Game 641-642: AR-Little Rock at Florida International
Dunkel Ratings: AR-Little Rock 47.381; Florida International 46.090
Dunkel Line: AR-Little Rock by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: AR-Little Rock by 1
Dunkel Pick: AR-Little Rock (-1)
Game 643-644: Santa Clara at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Santa Clara 50.262; San Francisco 52.677
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Santa Clara (+6 1/2)
Game 645-646: Loyola-Marymount at Gonzaga
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Marymount 53.501; Gonzaga 71.326
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 18
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 20 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Marymount (+20 1/2)
Game 647-648: Oregon at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon 55.196; Stanford 60.962
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Stanford by 6
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-6)
Game 649-650: Oklahoma at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 64.283; Texas Tech 64.854
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Texas Tech by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (+4 1/2)
Game 651-652: James Madison at NC Wilmington
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 51.770; NC Wilmington 54.500
Dunkel Line: NC Wilmington by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: NC Wilmington by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (+5 1/2)
Game 653-654: Utah State at Idaho
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 63.724; Idaho 58.715
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 5
Vegas Line: Utah State by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (+5 1/2)
Game 655-656: Illinois at Northwestern
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 66.174; Northwestern 70.276
Dunkel Line: Northwestern by 4
Vegas Line: Northwestern by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northwestern (-1 1/2)
Game 657-658: Houston at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 63.531; Memphis 68.396
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 5
Vegas Line: Memphis by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+8 1/2)
Game 659-660: South Florida at Providence
Dunkel Ratings: South Florida 58.950; Providence 65.819
Dunkel Line: Providence by 7
Vegas Line: Providence by 5
Dunkel Pick: Providence (-5)
Game 661-662: Troy at UL-Lafayette
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 52.800; UL-Lafayette 51.584
Dunkel Line: Troy by 1
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 1
Dunkel Pick: Troy (+1)
Game 663-664: Duke at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Duke 76.125; Clemson 77.083
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 1
Vegas Line: Duke by 1
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (+1)
Game 665-666: Arizona at Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 62.038; Arizona State 74.177
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 12
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 10
Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-10)
Game 667-668: Pepperdine at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Pepperdine 53.097; Portland 64.212
Dunkel Line: Portland by 11
Vegas Line: Portland by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pepperdine (+15 1/2)
Game 669-670: Nevada at Fresno State
Dunkel Ratings: Nevada 65.645; Fresno State 59.434
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 6
Vegas Line: Nevada by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-4 1/2)
Game 671-672: UC Davis at Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: UC Davis 46.405; Pacific 60.384
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 14
Vegas Line: Pacific by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (-12 1/2)
Game 673-674: BYU at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 72.598; San Diego State 66.640
Dunkel Line: BYU by 6
Vegas Line: BYU by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-2 1/2)
Game 675-676: CS-Northridge at Cal Poly
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 52.132; Cal Poly 51.667
Dunkel Line: CS-Northridge by 1
Vegas Line: Cal Poly by 2
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (+2)
Game 677-678: CS-Fullerton at UC-Santa Barbara
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 51.330; UC-Santa Barbara 57.603
Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Santa Barbara (-3 1/2)
Game 679-680: New Mexico State at San Jose State
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 56.974; San Jose State 55.369
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: San Jose State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (+3 1/2)
Game 681-682: Washington at USC
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 68.270; USC 68.735
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: USC by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+2 1/2)
Game 683-684: UC-Riverside at UC-Irvine
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 48.913; UC-Irvine 50.532
Dunkel Line: UC-Irvine by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Irvine by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Riverside (+4 1/2)
Game 685-686: Louisiana Tech at Hawaii
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 61.589; Hawaii 57.331
Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech by 8
Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (+8)
NCAAB WRITE-UP
Saturday, January 23
Information on the best of Saturday's college basketball games........
Minnesota is without PG Nolen (grades) here; they've lost seven in row, 11 of last 12 vs Michigan State, 1-4 in last five here, with losses by 14-1-5-12 points. Gophers (+6) lost 60-53 in East Lansing 10 days ago, as State won despite shooting 36%. Spartans are 6-0 in Big 11, 2-0 as road favorite, winning away games by 21 at Northwestern, 18 at Iowa.
Iowa State F Staiger (26 mpg, 9 ppg, 42% from arc) skipped out on the Cyclones to go back to Germany and play pro ball, leaving ISU without its best 3-point threat vs team they've lost to eight times in row, losing last five here by 5-10-4-11-15 points. Kansas is 3-0 in Big 12, winning by 12-26-6 points. Both of ISU's Big 12 losses are by seven points.
Marquette is 2-4 in Big East, with the four losses by total of six points; Eagles lost last three games vs Syracuse by 12-15-7 points- they lost in OT at home LY. Road team is 5-0-1 vs spread in Syracuse's conference games. Orangemen won last four games (three by 10+ points) they have rivalry game with Georgetown Monday. Big East home faves: 16-15.
Northeastern won last ten games; they upset Rams 62-57 at VCU (+6) Jan 4, holding VCU to 38.7% from floor, 6-21 from arc. Huskies are 3-1 as CAA home favorite, winning home games by 12-25-4-23 pts. Rams won last four games; they're 2-2 on CAA road, losing at Wm Mary by a point, Drexel by 3. Rams are a CAA underdog for first time this year.
West Virginia is just 3-3 this month, as they struggle without true PG; two of their last three home games were decided by a point each. Ohio State won its last three games, allowing 57.7 ppg; they're 1-4 against the spread as a road underdog this season. Big East home favorites are 30-37 vs spread in non-league games; Big 11 road underdogs are 9-10.
Home side won eight of last ten Wichita-Drake games; Shockers lost last two visits here by 10-5 points. Drake shot 23% in 61-38 loss at Wichita Jan 1, going 2-22 from arc (Shockers had 23 turnovers). After 0-4 start in MVC, Drake won last four games (were dog in all four). Wichita is 6-1 in its last seven games. MVC home underdogs are 4-7 against the spread.
UCLA won 10 of last 11 games vs Washington State, but Coogs upset Bruins 82-81 here LY (+13); underdog is 5-0-1 vs spread in Coogs' last six visits to Westwood. Road team is 6-1 vs spread in Wazzu's Pac-10 games; Coogs won at Arizona/USC, lost at ASU. Bruins are 3-3 so far in league, but their three wins are by combined total of just four points.
Wake Forest won last three games vs Virginia; Cavaliers lost last four in this arena by 13-22-6-16 points, as home side won seven of last nine in series. Virginia won last seven games, is 3-0 in ACC, winning by 8-7-18 points with a win at NC State. Wake is 3-2 in ACC, winning at home by 8 over NC State, 2 over Maryland. ACC home favorites are 10-13.
Texas lost for first time Monday at Kansas State, now heads east to face UConn team that beat St John's by 16 Wednesday in first game this year without Calhoun as head coach. Longhorns are 3-1 on road, winning at Rice, Arkansas, Iowa State. Big East home favorites are 30-37 against the spread in non-league games. Big 12 road underdogs are 14-15.
Kansas State beat Texas Monday, now faces Oklahoma State team they lost to five of last six times, though Cowboys lost by 21 in last visit to Little Apple. Wildcats scored 82 ppg in winning last three games; they're 2-0 as Big 12 home fave, winning by 23-9 points. Home side covered all four OSU Big 12 games; Cowboys are 0-2 on road, losing by 5-13 pts.
Tennessee won last ten games vs Georgia, winning last five games here by 7-5-6-3-9 points, Vols won last seven games overall, with road wins at Memphis/Alabama. Dawgs covered eight of last nine games; they are 3-0 as SEC dog, losing all three games by 8-4-3 points, even though they led all three at the half. SEC home underdogs are 2-4 against spread.
Xavier won six of last seven games vs Rhode Island, winning two games here by 14-26 points, but last two wins were by total of six points. URI won 11 of last 12 games, scoring 87 ppg in winning last three- they are 2-0 as an underdog this year. Xavier is 5-0 in A-14, 1-1 as a home fave, winning home games by 12-4 points. A-14 home favorites are 6-17.
15-3 Marshall is 4-0 in C-USA behind shot blocking center Whiteside, winning conference home games by 13-10 points. Herd lost last game by 8 to West Virginia; they've lost five of last six games vs UAB, dropping last three by 19-2-18 points. Blazers are also 4-0 in C-USA rallying to win last two games by point each, after being down 14, 7 at the half.
Old Dominion won 11 of last 13 games vs Wm Mary, winning last five here by 16-5-9-13-12 points. Monarchs won last six games overall, are 3-1 as CAA road favorite, losing only at George Mason, winning other three by 16-18-19 points. Tribe won four of last five games; underdog is 3-1 vs spread in their CAA home games (W&M 3-1 SU at home).
Home side won last six Oregon-Stanford games; Ducks lost last six trips to Maples by 21-19-2-19-29-22 points (1-5 vs spread). Oregon lost its last four games by average of 18 points, scoring just 58 ppg. Road team is 5-1 vs spread in its Pac-10 games. Cardinal is 3-0 at home in Pac-10, winning by 1-11-24 points. Pac-10 home favorites are 8-14 vs spread.
Duke won eight of last ten games vs Clemson, waxing the Tigers 74-53 Jan 3, game they led 30-12 at halftime, but Blue Devils lost here 74-47 LY, so Tigers will be confident, especially after winning first two ACC home games by 16-19 points over BC/North Carolina. Duke is 0-3 in its true road games, losing at Wisconsin/Georgia Tech/NC State.
Arizona State won its last five games vs Arizona, after losing previous eight; Wildcats lost last two visits here by 5-2 points. Underdog is 6-0 vs spread in Arizona's Pac-10 games; Wildcats are 4-0 as road dog, with road losses by 6-3 points. Sun Devils won last four games, all by 15+ points; they won their two Pac-10 home games by 17-25 points.
Nevada won eight of last ten games vs Fresno; they're 3-2 in last five in this arena, with all three wins by 13 points- they lost here by hoop last year. Wolf Pack won four of last five games; they're 2-0 as WAC road favorite, winning by 6 at Boise, 10 at New Mexico State. Fresno lost its last three games by 8-9-26 points; they're 1-2 as a WAC underdog.
Home side won eight of last nine BYU-San Diego State games; Cougars won here LY for first time in last six visits, then got upset by Aztecs in MWC tourney. Cougars won last 12 games; they're 4-0 in MWC, with only road win by 18 at Air Force. Aztecs are 3-2 in league, winning its two home games, by 10 vs New Mexico, 5 over TCU.
Washington won eight of last 11 games vs USC, but Huskies have yet to win game outside of Seattle this season; they had hearts torn out when a UCLA sub hit buzzer beating 17-footer to win game 62-61 Thursday in Westwood. Trojans lost three of last four games after blowing 10-point halftime lead in loss to Wazzu Thursday. Pac-10 home faves: 8-14.
Saturday, January 23
Information on the best of Saturday's college basketball games........
Minnesota is without PG Nolen (grades) here; they've lost seven in row, 11 of last 12 vs Michigan State, 1-4 in last five here, with losses by 14-1-5-12 points. Gophers (+6) lost 60-53 in East Lansing 10 days ago, as State won despite shooting 36%. Spartans are 6-0 in Big 11, 2-0 as road favorite, winning away games by 21 at Northwestern, 18 at Iowa.
Iowa State F Staiger (26 mpg, 9 ppg, 42% from arc) skipped out on the Cyclones to go back to Germany and play pro ball, leaving ISU without its best 3-point threat vs team they've lost to eight times in row, losing last five here by 5-10-4-11-15 points. Kansas is 3-0 in Big 12, winning by 12-26-6 points. Both of ISU's Big 12 losses are by seven points.
Marquette is 2-4 in Big East, with the four losses by total of six points; Eagles lost last three games vs Syracuse by 12-15-7 points- they lost in OT at home LY. Road team is 5-0-1 vs spread in Syracuse's conference games. Orangemen won last four games (three by 10+ points) they have rivalry game with Georgetown Monday. Big East home faves: 16-15.
Northeastern won last ten games; they upset Rams 62-57 at VCU (+6) Jan 4, holding VCU to 38.7% from floor, 6-21 from arc. Huskies are 3-1 as CAA home favorite, winning home games by 12-25-4-23 pts. Rams won last four games; they're 2-2 on CAA road, losing at Wm Mary by a point, Drexel by 3. Rams are a CAA underdog for first time this year.
West Virginia is just 3-3 this month, as they struggle without true PG; two of their last three home games were decided by a point each. Ohio State won its last three games, allowing 57.7 ppg; they're 1-4 against the spread as a road underdog this season. Big East home favorites are 30-37 vs spread in non-league games; Big 11 road underdogs are 9-10.
Home side won eight of last ten Wichita-Drake games; Shockers lost last two visits here by 10-5 points. Drake shot 23% in 61-38 loss at Wichita Jan 1, going 2-22 from arc (Shockers had 23 turnovers). After 0-4 start in MVC, Drake won last four games (were dog in all four). Wichita is 6-1 in its last seven games. MVC home underdogs are 4-7 against the spread.
UCLA won 10 of last 11 games vs Washington State, but Coogs upset Bruins 82-81 here LY (+13); underdog is 5-0-1 vs spread in Coogs' last six visits to Westwood. Road team is 6-1 vs spread in Wazzu's Pac-10 games; Coogs won at Arizona/USC, lost at ASU. Bruins are 3-3 so far in league, but their three wins are by combined total of just four points.
Wake Forest won last three games vs Virginia; Cavaliers lost last four in this arena by 13-22-6-16 points, as home side won seven of last nine in series. Virginia won last seven games, is 3-0 in ACC, winning by 8-7-18 points with a win at NC State. Wake is 3-2 in ACC, winning at home by 8 over NC State, 2 over Maryland. ACC home favorites are 10-13.
Texas lost for first time Monday at Kansas State, now heads east to face UConn team that beat St John's by 16 Wednesday in first game this year without Calhoun as head coach. Longhorns are 3-1 on road, winning at Rice, Arkansas, Iowa State. Big East home favorites are 30-37 against the spread in non-league games. Big 12 road underdogs are 14-15.
Kansas State beat Texas Monday, now faces Oklahoma State team they lost to five of last six times, though Cowboys lost by 21 in last visit to Little Apple. Wildcats scored 82 ppg in winning last three games; they're 2-0 as Big 12 home fave, winning by 23-9 points. Home side covered all four OSU Big 12 games; Cowboys are 0-2 on road, losing by 5-13 pts.
Tennessee won last ten games vs Georgia, winning last five games here by 7-5-6-3-9 points, Vols won last seven games overall, with road wins at Memphis/Alabama. Dawgs covered eight of last nine games; they are 3-0 as SEC dog, losing all three games by 8-4-3 points, even though they led all three at the half. SEC home underdogs are 2-4 against spread.
Xavier won six of last seven games vs Rhode Island, winning two games here by 14-26 points, but last two wins were by total of six points. URI won 11 of last 12 games, scoring 87 ppg in winning last three- they are 2-0 as an underdog this year. Xavier is 5-0 in A-14, 1-1 as a home fave, winning home games by 12-4 points. A-14 home favorites are 6-17.
15-3 Marshall is 4-0 in C-USA behind shot blocking center Whiteside, winning conference home games by 13-10 points. Herd lost last game by 8 to West Virginia; they've lost five of last six games vs UAB, dropping last three by 19-2-18 points. Blazers are also 4-0 in C-USA rallying to win last two games by point each, after being down 14, 7 at the half.
Old Dominion won 11 of last 13 games vs Wm Mary, winning last five here by 16-5-9-13-12 points. Monarchs won last six games overall, are 3-1 as CAA road favorite, losing only at George Mason, winning other three by 16-18-19 points. Tribe won four of last five games; underdog is 3-1 vs spread in their CAA home games (W&M 3-1 SU at home).
Home side won last six Oregon-Stanford games; Ducks lost last six trips to Maples by 21-19-2-19-29-22 points (1-5 vs spread). Oregon lost its last four games by average of 18 points, scoring just 58 ppg. Road team is 5-1 vs spread in its Pac-10 games. Cardinal is 3-0 at home in Pac-10, winning by 1-11-24 points. Pac-10 home favorites are 8-14 vs spread.
Duke won eight of last ten games vs Clemson, waxing the Tigers 74-53 Jan 3, game they led 30-12 at halftime, but Blue Devils lost here 74-47 LY, so Tigers will be confident, especially after winning first two ACC home games by 16-19 points over BC/North Carolina. Duke is 0-3 in its true road games, losing at Wisconsin/Georgia Tech/NC State.
Arizona State won its last five games vs Arizona, after losing previous eight; Wildcats lost last two visits here by 5-2 points. Underdog is 6-0 vs spread in Arizona's Pac-10 games; Wildcats are 4-0 as road dog, with road losses by 6-3 points. Sun Devils won last four games, all by 15+ points; they won their two Pac-10 home games by 17-25 points.
Nevada won eight of last ten games vs Fresno; they're 3-2 in last five in this arena, with all three wins by 13 points- they lost here by hoop last year. Wolf Pack won four of last five games; they're 2-0 as WAC road favorite, winning by 6 at Boise, 10 at New Mexico State. Fresno lost its last three games by 8-9-26 points; they're 1-2 as a WAC underdog.
Home side won eight of last nine BYU-San Diego State games; Cougars won here LY for first time in last six visits, then got upset by Aztecs in MWC tourney. Cougars won last 12 games; they're 4-0 in MWC, with only road win by 18 at Air Force. Aztecs are 3-2 in league, winning its two home games, by 10 vs New Mexico, 5 over TCU.
Washington won eight of last 11 games vs USC, but Huskies have yet to win game outside of Seattle this season; they had hearts torn out when a UCLA sub hit buzzer beating 17-footer to win game 62-61 Thursday in Westwood. Trojans lost three of last four games after blowing 10-point halftime lead in loss to Wazzu Thursday. Pac-10 home faves: 8-14.
Goldsheet
NBA
Orlando 93 - CHARLOTTE 92
Both teams played last night, and while
Orlando has been a bit sluggish in back-to-backs (1-4-1 vs. number last 6
chances), Charlotte has performed well (covered last 5, and 8 of 10). Granted
the Bobcats have had a tough time against the Magic, dropping 9 of last 10 SU,
but Larry Brown’s defensively-oriented club has more firepower this season with
the arrival of Stephen Jackson. Charlotte pivots Nazr Mohammed & Desanga
Diop have enough fouls between them to keep Dwight Howard on the foul line.
“Under” 8-2 last 10 when these two meet. 09-Orl -3' 93-81 (181), OR -12' 97-91
(183); 08-Ol -6' 90-85 (188), OR -8' 107-102 (OT-188), Orl -2' 92-80 (189), OR -3' 98-73 (184)
INDIANA 92 - Philadelphia 91
Philly has exhibited some of its best efforts
when unrested and on the road, as is the situation for the Sixers in this game.
When rumors of Sixer HC Eddie Jordan’s imminent demise with the club started
to swirl, the players responded with a couple of home wins to take a little
pressure off him. Pacers, who played last night in Detroit, lost 7 in a row SU
when unrested prior to visiting Orlando on Wednesday. The “under” is 7-1 last
8 in this series. 08-Phi +1 94-92 (198), Ind +10' 95-94 (200), PHI -5' 99-94 (215),
IND -2 100-91 (211)
MIAMI 95 - Sacramento 93
Sacramento situation in a downward spiral, and
even the return of G Kevin Martin couldn’t pull Kings out of a 1-8 SU run through
Jan. 17. Kings are a team with a roster stocked with expiring contracts (6), with
speculation on the composition of next season’s team running wild. Miami is in
a similar situation in terms of expiring contracts, and Heat had to play at
Washington last night. Dwyane Wade won’t dominate King backcourt of Martin
and exceptional rookie Tyreke Evans. Realize Miami 11-1 SU & vs. number last
6 seasons against Kings, but Heat just 3-9 last 12 laying points at American
Airlines Arena. 09-Mia -1' 115-102 (204); 08-MIA -7 103-77 (206), Mia -3' 119-115
(OT-194)
Portland 96 - DETROIT 91
Both teams played last night, and prior
performances indicate that would favor Portland. Provided Brandon Roy’s
hamstring injury allows him to play, matchups appear good for Blazers, as
they’ve been hurt by offensive minded centers taking advantage of converted
forward Juwan Howard, and Ben Wallace doesn’t qualify (5 ppg). 09-PORT -10'
87-81 (179); 08-Port +4' 96-85 (186), PORT -3 84-83 (177)
CLEVELAND 99 - Oklahoma City 96
At first look, this is a bit of a tall order
for OKC and Kevin Durant, coming off a game in Memphis last night and
catching a rested LeBron James and the Cavs. Cleveland has won and
covered 4 straight at Quicken Loans Arena against Thunder, and whipped OKC
at Ford Center by 13 back on Dec. 13. That being said, Durant is having an allstar
season, and the Cavs are just 2-5 last 7 as a home favorite through Jan. 18.
Cleveland still having problems with turnovers (-1.4 per game despite 31-11
mark first 42 games), and OKC capable of absorbing travel demands (4-2 as an
unrested visitor). 09-Cle -3' 102-89 (191); 08-CLE -15' 117-82 (200), Cle -13 102-91 (194)
HOUSTON 100 - Chicago 89
If Houston lost in San Antonio last night, this
would be a solid technical spot for the Rockets. Houston covered 11 of first 17
chances in the next game after a SU loss this season. Chicago, conversely, is
coming off a game last night in Phoenix, and the Bulls have had little success this
season when unrested, dropping 7 of first 9 spread decisions in that situation. 08-
HOU -7' 107-100 (198), CHI P 105-102 (197) TV—NBA NETWORK
MILWAUKEE 114 - Minnesota 105
Fact that Milwaukee is expected to
sign vet Jerry Stackhouse prior to this game is a sign that HC Scott Skiles isn’t
giving up on the Bucks. Both teams playing second of back-to-back games,
and Milwaukee has definitely handled that scheduling well, especially at home
where the Bucks are 4-1 vs. the number when unrested. Minny’s defense (107 ppg)
a real problem, and soft interior defense of T-wolves could be exploited by Andrew
Bogut. 09-Mil +2' 87-72 (185); 08-MIN -2 106-104 (199), Min +3' 90-83 (205)
3* DENVER 109 - New Orleans 91
Denver had dominated this series
until losing a 98-92 decision at New Orleans on Dec. 20, providing partial
payback for Hornets after last spring’s lopsided first-round playoff series won
by Nuggets. Hornets pushing pace more since New year’s but their shooting
% has sagged, as Chris Paul (43%), Peja Stojakovic and Devin Brown (both
40%) all missing the mark thru mid-January. Fact N.O. is unrested and altitude
should work in Denver’s favor. “Under” 9-3 last 12 in series. 09-NO +1 98-92
(203); 08-No +1 105-101 (197), DEN -4' 105-100 (198), NO -4 94-81 (199), Den
+4' 101-88 (196), DEN -6' 113-84 (195), DEN -6' 108-93 (200), NO -4' 95-93
(198), Den +2 121-63 (194), DEN -10' 107-86 (198)
PHOENIX 126 - Golden St. 106
Golden State’s short bench, no rest and
the frenetic pace that figures to dominate this game would appear to point to a
Sun blowout. Phoenix HC Alvin Gentry should have his troops fired up after the
Warriors handed his crew a 132-127 loss in Dec. 26 meeting. G.S. HC Don
Nelson has been hamstrung with nagging injuries to his support players,
chipping away at the amount of rest he can give his stars and the flexibility he
has defensively. Revenge-minded Suns should put a hurting on Warriors. 09-
PHO -5' 123-101 (232), GS +3 132-127 (232); 08-GS +4 124-112 (227), PHO -
10 115-105 (230), Pho +1' 154-130 (245), PHO -9' 117-113 (239)
UTAH 109 - New Jersey 89
This is a tough row to hoe for offensivelychallenged
New Jersey, as Nets played last night at Golden State and must
face surging Utah playing its best ball of the season. Jazz have G Deron
Williams back in action (56% first 6 games on his return), and continuing trade
rumors don’t seem to be affecting Jazz F Carlos Boozer’s play (18 ppg, 11 rpg
in January). Williams and Boozer combined for 46 points in first meeting this
season, as the Jazz shot 56% as a team in 16-point rout at Meadowlands Dec.
16. Nets won’t have the legs to keep pace for a full 48 minutes. 09-Utah -8' 108-
92 (200); 08-Nj +8' 105-88 (209), Utah -2' 103-92 (199)
NCAA
Day Games
Michigan State over MINNESOTA by 1 to 2
09-MSU -6 60-53; 08-Msu -1
70-58, MSU -8' 76-47, Msu -7 64-56 (CT-neut.) REGIONAL TV—CBS
Villanova 85 - ST. JOHN’S 71
Big East scouts report SJ has some
chemistry issues expressed by 6-8 jr. F Evans, who says, “Some of us want to
win, but some are like, whatever happens happens.” Doubt everything is hunkydory
despite 61-60 Jan. 13 win vs. Cincy, which went 0-12 from arc. Now that
high-powered ‘Nova (84 ppg) has a burgeoning post threat in highly-touted 6-9
frosh Yarou (recovered from hepatitis) to complement its dynamic perimeter
game (is Scottie Reynolds special, or what?), Wildcats capable of DD win at
familiar MSG, home of Big East tourney. 08-VIL -14’ 76-57 CABLE TV—ESPN
GEORGETOWN over Rutgers by 19 to 22
08-GTWN -16 57-47
Hofstra 61 - DREXEL 55
With Drexel HC Bruiser Flint looking as puzzled as
a Philadelphia politician as he seeks in vain for some offensive consistency,
Dragons appear a very unreliable favorite these days. G Jamie Harris still the
only Drexel player scoring DDs, and it’s worth noting some recent Dragon
debacles on attack end (such as 24% shooting in Jan. 9 loss vs. W&M, and no
scorers in DDs in Jan. 16 loss vs. ODU). Upper echelon of Colonial has
remained outside Hofstra’s reach, but the Pride can outscore mid-level CAA
foes such as Drexel, especially with 6-3 jr. hotshot Charles Jenkins (18.2 ppg)
around. 08-Dre +5' 63-56, DRE -4 70-52
KENT ST. over Akron by 1 to 2
08-AKR -4' 68-54, KSU -3 67-63 CABLE
TV—ESPNU
Mississippi St. 72 - ALABAMA 66
At short price, lean to seasoned,
defensively-stout MSU (SEC-leading 58 ppg, 36% FGs), which has already
notched impressive road wins at Houston & Ole Miss. Well-organized Bulldogs
will welcome Bama’s fast-paced style under new HC Anthony Grant, especially
with MSU’s speedy soph PG Bost attacking the hoop with greater frequency
after recent prodding by HC Stansbury. MSU’s shot-blocking king, 6-9 C
Varnado (14 ppg, 11 rpg, 5 bpg!), will greatly hinder Tide’s top inside scorer, 6-9 F
J. Green (16 ppg). 08-MSU -7 83-74, ALA +1 87-85 (2OT) REGIONAL TV—CBS
WESTERN KENTUCKY over Middle Tenn. St. by 8 to 11
09-Check 1/18
result; 08-WKY -3' 63-61, Wky +2 68-49
Temple over FORDHAM by 20 to 23
08-TEM -25 72-45
TEXAS A&M 71 - Colorado 68
Though A&M’s 6-3 sr. G Sloan has become
a more vocal leader following the loss of valuable backcourt mate sr. Roland
(ace defender), Aggies likely in for another dogfight (as they were LY) vs. CU
squad that’s growing in confidence after snapping Baylor’s 9-game win streak in
78-71 triumph at Boulder Jan. 12. Buffs’ emerging newcomers 6-5 frosh G
Burks (17 ppg) & 6-7 juco F Relphorde (11 ppg) have made a seamless
transition to Div.-I, while A&M’s main post scorer 6-9 F Davis (11 ppg LY, 9 TY)
hasn’t shown much development. 08-TAM -6' 72-66
VIRGINIA TECH over Boston College by 7 to 11
08-TECH -4 79-71, BC -
3' 67-66
VANDERBILT 78 - Auburn 60
Without a legit post presence, AU still
waaaayy too reliant on the 3-point bomb (11 of 35 treys vs. Tennessee Jan. 14).
And with the Tigers often succumbing to presses (37 combined TOs vs. South
Carolina & UT), surging, defensively active Vandy (on 7-game cover streak)
figures to hand Auburn another DD setback. Watch the good-shooting ‘Dores
(49% FGs) effectively pound ball inside to 6-11, 250 C Ogilvy (13 ppg, 24 vs.
Florida Jan. 9), while athletic 6-7 soph F Walker has become a real “glue guy” for
HC Stallings. 08-Van +6’ 82-75
Mississippi over LSU by 4 to 6
08-Lsu -1' 83-51, LSU -12 73-66
CALIFORNIA over Oregon St. by 12 to 15
08-Osu +17' 69-65, OSU +4' 65-
54 REGIONAL TV—CBS
Kansas 82 - IOWA ST. 66—ISU HC McDermott moans, “I thought our team
would be further along than we are.” And with the Cyclones showing they aren’t
ready for prime-time in their 86-65 blowout loss vs. Duke in Chicago Jan. 6,prefer high-scoring (86 ppg) and defensively-stingy KU (59 ppg), which has won
the last five in series by DD margins. Cyclones’ main weapon 6-10 C Brackins
will be “bracketed” by Jayhawks’ active 6-11 C Aldrich & 6-9 F Markieff Morris.
ISU a woeful 4-13 last 17 as a dog! 08-Kan -7' 82-67, KAN -17' 72-55 CABLE
TV—ESPN
NOTRE DAME over DePaul by 15 to 18
08-Und -7 92-82
LA SALLE over Charlotte by 4 to 6
08-Las +4' 68-61
SYRACUSE over Marquette by 7 to 9
08-Syr +6 86-79 (OT) CABLE TV—
ESPNU
NORTHEASTERN 62 - Va. Commonwealth 60
NE (won 9 straight thru Jan.
19) the hottest CAA rep at the moment, but not sure Huskies are going to be able
to extend the margin on dangerous VCU. Rams getting increasing contributions
from 6-9 Wake Forest transfer Jamie Skeen (scored 16 in Jan. 16 win at Georgia
State), and new HC Shaka Smart displayed some “smarts” of his own when
effectively deploying VCU in a seldom-used zone “D” during recent win over
Panthers. 09-Neu +6' 62-57; 08-Neu +6' 68-63
WEST VIRGINIA 73 - Ohio St. 72
With OSU buoyed by its inspired comeback
victory (down 13 in second H!) at Purdue Jan. 13 and subsequent revenge triumph
over rugged Wisconsin, payback-minded Buckeyes can hang tough with WV squad
that’s a subpar 8-10 vs. line last 18 as Morgantown chalk. Big East scouts believe
coach Huggins’ trademark aggressive “D” has suffered some lapses (Notre Dame
hit 54% FGs in Jan. 9 WV loss). Buckeyes’ potential A-A 6-7 swingman Turner &
sharp-shooting 6-6 sr. G Diebler eager to atone for ugly 6 of 27 shooting in 28-pt.
home loss to Mounties year ago. 08-Wva +1 76-48 REG. TV—CBS
3* Buffalo 75 - OHIO 64
Must continue to recommend MAC contender
UB, which possesses the needed experience (seven srs. on roster), depth, and
quality G play to add to its notable 5-1 SU mark away from home. Youthful Ohio
(only 1 sr.; starting 3 underclassmen), which is 0-2 in MAC home games so far,
sorely misses athletic 6-5 soph F Coleman (11 ppg, 4 rpg), who is out indefinitely
with a broken bone in his shooting hand. Note that Reggie Witherspoon’s
underrated Bulls have already sprung minor upsets at Towson, Niagara &
Wisconsin-Green Bay TY. Double revenge doesn’t work for Bobcats. 08-BUF
-4' 70-66, Buf +3' 68-66
WESTERN MICHIGAN over Toledo by 15 to 18
08-WMU -10' 70-52, TOL
+1' 63-62
EASTERN MICHIGAN over Ball St. by 8 to 11
08-Bsu +2 46-42, Emu +7'
55-53 (OT)
Wichita St. over DRAKE by 6 to 9
09-WSU -14' 61-38; 08-DRA -8' 74-69,
WSU -2' 63-47
DETROIT 72 - Wright St. 64
UD mentor Ray McCallum’s statement that his
team learned a lot and gained confidence in combative 64-62 home loss vs.
Butler Jan. 10 seemed prophetic after a decisive win at UW-Milwaukee in next
game. Now, Horizon contender UD primed to snap six-game losing streak vs.
WSU, playing third straight on road. Titans’ physical frontline of 6-10 C Holman
(13 ppg, 9 rpg) and 6-7 Fs Keeling & Kennedy (combined 37 ppg, 18 rpg) will
control paint vs. G-oriented Raiders. 08-Wsu -4' 60-51, WSU -12' 61-48
Butler over ILL.-CHICAGO by 13 to 16
08-But -3 59-52, BUT -12' 80-61
Georgia St. over DELAWARE by 1 to 3
08-DEL -5' 60-48, GSU -2' 70-67,
Gsu +2 54-41 (CT-neut.)
Richmond over GEORGE WASHINGTON by 3 to 5
08-Rich +1' 60-48,
Gwu +7' 66-57
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS over Illinois St. by 2 to 4
09-ISU -5' 68-61; 08-ISU
-7' 70-63, Isu -1 60-57 (OT)
BRADLEY over Evansville by 8 to 11
08-BRAD -5' 86-79, EVA -4' 56-49
MIAMI-OHIO over Bowling Green by 9 to 12
08-Mia -3' 67-60, MIA -8' 50-
45 (OT)
TULSA over Rice by 20 to 24
08-Tls -8 60-50, Tls -12 73-51 (CT-neut.)
NEW MEXICO over Colorado St. by 15 to 18
08-UNM -16' 68-50, Unm -8'
81-79 (2OT)
KENTUCKY 92 - Arkansas 81
John Calipari doing everything he can to
keep his unbeaten but precocious UK troops focused (“Play like they’re going to
strip you of all these wins,” coach Cal recently told his charges...hmmm). But
despite all of the firepower on hand, even Calipari would admit that the Cats are
far from a finished product on the defensive end. With explosive 5-11 soph G
Courtney Fortson (17 ppg) now back in lineup to team with backcourt mate
Rotnei Clarke (18.4 ppg), Arkansas has enough punch to stay within reach. 08-Ky -4 79-63
Washington St. 70 - UCLA 62
Bleak UCLA season became even bleaker
in the Bruins’ lopsided home loss last weekend to rival Southern Cal. Decided
firepower edge is held by Wazzu and high-scoring 6-6 soph swingman Klay
Thompson (Mychal’s son; 22.9 ppg). 08-Ucla -5' 61-59, Wsu +13' 82-81
Valparaiso 57 - LOYOLA-CHICAGO 56
Will take any available points with
capable Valpo, which began to regain its swagger with recent home wins over
Youngstown State & Cleveland State following a series of hard-to-digest losses.
Crusaders’ potent 1-2 combo of G Brandon Wood (18.9 ppg) & Iowa State transfer
F Cory Johnson (15.7 ppg) enough to make any available points work vs. Jim
Whitesell’s well-coached but low-variance Loyola. 08-LOY -7 71-56, VAL -4 71-47
PURDUE over Michigan by 13 to 16
08-PUR -12 67-49, MICH +2' 87-78
CABLE TV—ESPN
George Mason over TOWSON by 5 to 7
08-Gmu -6' 71-59, GMU -14' 71-
59, Gmu -9' 56-48 (CT-neut.)
BAYLOR over Massachusetts by 17 to 20
08-DNP CABLE TV—ESPNU
WAKE FOREST 68 - Virginia 66
Since streaking UVa (first 6-game win
skein since 2006-07!) has fully incorporated first-year HC Tony Bennett’s
mantra of scrappy defense, tough rebounding and good shot selection, Cavs
can stay tight with Wake team that lacks much KO power. Deac G Harris is
Wake’s only DD scorer hitting better than 29% beyond the arc. Note UVa’s
lethal 6-6 G Landesberg (17 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg) had an off night (only 3 of 10 FGs)
& 7-0 soph C Sene was out with injury in 70-60 loss at John Paul Jones Arena
LY. 08-Wfu -6' 70-60
Texas over CONNECTICUT by 1 to 3
08-DNP TV—CBS
KANSAS ST. over Oklahoma St. by 8 to 11
08-OSU -5' 77-71
SOUTHERN MISS over East Carolina by 10 to 13
08-ECU +3 82-79, USM
-8' 69-59
GEORGIA 69 - Tennessee 68
With Mark Fox’s evolving UGa upsetting rival
Georgia Tech and battling Kentucky & Ole Miss tooth and nail (covering both
games) in recent weeks, will look to take points. Dawgs formidable 6-9 soph F
Thompkins (17 ppg, 8 rpg) benefiting from soaring backcourt duo of 6-4 soph
Leslie (14 ppg, 6 rpg) & 6-1 sr. McPhee (14 ppg in recent games). Vols could get
in foul trouble with UGa effectively attacking the hoop, evidenced by 34 free
throw attempts in narrow Rebel loss to Ole Miss Jan. 13. 08-Ten -8' 86-77, TEN
-17 79-48
Utep over UCF by 2 to 4
08-UTEP -8' 73-68
Night Games
FLORIDA over South Carolina by 10 to 13
08-USC -1 70-69, FLA -8 97-93
CABLE TV—ESPN
DENVER over South Alabama by 6 to 8—08-DEN -1 56-54
MISSOURI over Nebraska by 9 to 12
08-NEB +3 56-51, MO -11' 70-47
Unlv over TCU by 4 to 6
08-TCU +3' 80-73, UNLV -13 71-57
UTAH over Air Force by 17 to 20
08-Utah -8 57-36, UTAH -19' 74-59
Dayton 67 - SAINT JOSEPH’S 50
A-10 sources continue to be amazed at
the regression of St. Joe’s, as any dividends from the Jameer Nelson-Delonte
West glory years have long since been cashed in by Phil Martelli. Dayton’s
conscientious defense should have no trouble slowing the smallish Hawks,
whose supporters are wondering if they’ll even qualify for March’s A-10 Tourney.
08-DAY -5 69-58 TV—ESPNU
XAVIER over Rhode Island by 5 to 7
08-Xav -1' 67-65
MARYLAND over North Carolina St. by 5 to 7
08-Mary +4 71-60, Mary -2
74-69 (CT-neut.) TV—ESPN2
CENTRAL MICHIGAN over Northern Illinois by 7 to 9
08-Cmu +4' 58-45,
CMU -8 63-44
MARSHALL over Uab by 2 to 4
08-Uab -5 75-73 (OT), UAB -12 70-52
Cornell over COLUMBIA by 17 to 20—09-CORN -19 ‘ 74-53; 08-Cor -7’ 71-
59, COR -14 83-72
3* Harvard 72 - DARTMOUTH 45
Even by Ivy standards, Dartmouth is
a mess following HC Terry Dunn’s recent resignation, which came in the wake
of player mutiny after the squad told the administration it would not play another
game with Dunn in charge. Doubt interim HC Mark Graupe will fare much better
with Big Green squad that doesn’t have anyone scoring more than swingman
David Rufful’s 7.9 ppg. Tommy Amaker’s surging Harvard team already rolled
past Dartmouth by 29 at Cambridge Jan. 9 when the Crimson shot 55% from
floor. 09-HAR -21' 76-47; 08-Har -7' 63-62, Dart +15' 75-66 (OT)
WILLIAM & MARY 61 Old Dominion 60
Can’t knock W&M, which has
built a pretty good NCAA case with a series of impressive non-league wins and
a fast CAA start. But versatile ODU capable of making it a 40-minute battle at
nearby Williamsburg. Shrewd Monarch HC Blaine Taylor making key
adjustments, with the move of 6-5 swingman Bazemore into the starting lineup
paying immediate dividends, giving ODU extra length out front, while forcing
adjustments from foes on defensive end. 08-Odu -3' 62-50, ODU -12 64-63
DUQUESNE over St. Bonaventure by 5 to 7
08-Duq -1 98-80, DUQ -11'
74-68
FLORIDA ATLANTIC over Arkansas St. by 1 to 3
08-ASU -10' 62-60
NEW ORLEANS over La.-Monroe by 5 to 7
08-ULM +1' 72-66, Ulm +5 61-56
FLORIDA INTL. over Arkansas-L.R. by 1 to 3
08-Alr -2 78-57
Santa Clara 66 - SAN FRANCISCO 61
Hard-working Santa Clara has been
surviving on short rations ever since star soph G Kevin Foster went down in early
December. But the Broncos have uncovered a new star of the future in true frosh
PG Robert Smith (12.2 ppg), and rugged 6-9 Canadian soph import Marc
Trasolini (13.6 ppg) is providing a legit interior presence. Can’t trust USF,
especially since HC Walters has resorted to benching top scorer Lowhorn (17.7
ppg) after recent lackadaisical play. 08-SCU -8 70-54, USF +2' 67-66 (OT)
GONZAGA over Loyola-Marymount by 17 to 20
08-Gon -27' 93-60, GON
-35 91-54
STANFORD over Oregon by 7 to 10
08-STAN -12 77-55, ORE +5 68-60
TEXAS TECH over Oklahoma by 4 to 6
08-OKLA -17 95-74, Okla -9 78-63
James Madison over NC WILMINGTON by 3 to 5
08-JMU -15 79-58, Jmu
-6 79-73
Utah St. over IDAHO by 1 to 3
08-USU -13' 70-61, Usu -5' 62-53
NORTHWESTERN over Illinois by 1 to 2
09-ILL -8 89-83 (OT); 08-Ill -2 60-59
MEMPHIS over Houston by 7 to 9
08-MEM -13 83-68, Mem -7 69-60, MEM
-14 74-49 (CT) CABLE TV—ESPN2
PROVIDENCE over So. Florida by 5 to 7
08-Prov -1' 77-62 TV—ESPNU
LA.-LAFAYETTE over Troy by 3 to 5
08-Ull +2 83-81, Troy +2 81-67
CLEMSON over Duke by 1 to 2
09-DUKE -11' 74-53; 08-CLEM +4 74-47
CABLE TV—ESPN
ARIZONA ST. 69 - Arizona 53
ASU knows how to turn the screws on the
stop end, as its sticky matchup zone has limited its last five foes to mere 48 ppg
and 36% FG shooting. Meanwhile, Herb Sendek not overburdening sr. PG
Derek Glasser with excessive set plays on attack, and the result has been a 4-
game win streak to put the Sun Devils back in the thick of Pac-10 race.
Meanwhile, youthful UA exhibiting an expected zig-zag pattern for new HC Sean
Miller, and doubt the Cats can reverse rival ASU’s recent series domination (Sun
Devils have won last five meetings!). 08-Asu -2' 53-47, ASU -7' 70-68, Asu -4'
68-56 (CT-neut.)
PORTLAND over Pepperdine by 13 to 16
08-Port -8' 73-58, PORT -15 74-
45, Port -11 69-45 (CT-neut.)
Nevada over FRESNO ST. by 1 to 3—08
NEV -11' 65-60, FSU +3' 68-66
PACIFIC over UC Davis by 7 to 10—08-Pac +1 80-65, PAC -8' 72-57, Pac -
7' 67-60 (CT-neut.) CABLE TV—ESPNU
Byu 80 - SAN DIEGO ST. 71
Mountain West sources remain wary of Steve
Fisher’s collection of athletes at SDSU, but they’re more impressed by the
varied offensive weaponry and overall marksmanship of BYU, off to the best
start (18-1) in school history. Cougars’ jr. star G Fredette (scored 21 Jan. 16 vs.
Colorado State) recovering nicely from recent bout with mono, and depth at HC
Rose’s disposal is such that former top scorer 6-6 sr. Tavernari is now reduced
to reserve role. 08-BYU -7 77-71, Byu +1 69-59, Sds +2' 64-62 (CT-neut.)
CS Northridge over CAL POLY SLO by 4 to 6
08-Csn -3 79-68, CSN -11'
67-55
UC SANTA BARBARA over CS Fullerton by 1 to 3—08-Csf +5 62-58, CSF
-5 72-65, Ucsb -1 73-64 (CT)
SAN JOSE ST. over New Mexico St. by 4 to 6
08-Nms +2 75-73, NMS -6
89-81
Washington over SOUTHERN CAL by 1 to 3
08-WASH -6 78-73, Wash +2' 60-51
UC IRVINE over UC Riverside by 2 to 4
08-Uci +6 71-66, UCI -4 78-72 (OT)
Louisiana Tech over HAWAII by 5 to 7
08-HI -6 65-64, Hi +5' 54-53
NBA
Orlando 93 - CHARLOTTE 92
Both teams played last night, and while
Orlando has been a bit sluggish in back-to-backs (1-4-1 vs. number last 6
chances), Charlotte has performed well (covered last 5, and 8 of 10). Granted
the Bobcats have had a tough time against the Magic, dropping 9 of last 10 SU,
but Larry Brown’s defensively-oriented club has more firepower this season with
the arrival of Stephen Jackson. Charlotte pivots Nazr Mohammed & Desanga
Diop have enough fouls between them to keep Dwight Howard on the foul line.
“Under” 8-2 last 10 when these two meet. 09-Orl -3' 93-81 (181), OR -12' 97-91
(183); 08-Ol -6' 90-85 (188), OR -8' 107-102 (OT-188), Orl -2' 92-80 (189), OR -3' 98-73 (184)
INDIANA 92 - Philadelphia 91
Philly has exhibited some of its best efforts
when unrested and on the road, as is the situation for the Sixers in this game.
When rumors of Sixer HC Eddie Jordan’s imminent demise with the club started
to swirl, the players responded with a couple of home wins to take a little
pressure off him. Pacers, who played last night in Detroit, lost 7 in a row SU
when unrested prior to visiting Orlando on Wednesday. The “under” is 7-1 last
8 in this series. 08-Phi +1 94-92 (198), Ind +10' 95-94 (200), PHI -5' 99-94 (215),
IND -2 100-91 (211)
MIAMI 95 - Sacramento 93
Sacramento situation in a downward spiral, and
even the return of G Kevin Martin couldn’t pull Kings out of a 1-8 SU run through
Jan. 17. Kings are a team with a roster stocked with expiring contracts (6), with
speculation on the composition of next season’s team running wild. Miami is in
a similar situation in terms of expiring contracts, and Heat had to play at
Washington last night. Dwyane Wade won’t dominate King backcourt of Martin
and exceptional rookie Tyreke Evans. Realize Miami 11-1 SU & vs. number last
6 seasons against Kings, but Heat just 3-9 last 12 laying points at American
Airlines Arena. 09-Mia -1' 115-102 (204); 08-MIA -7 103-77 (206), Mia -3' 119-115
(OT-194)
Portland 96 - DETROIT 91
Both teams played last night, and prior
performances indicate that would favor Portland. Provided Brandon Roy’s
hamstring injury allows him to play, matchups appear good for Blazers, as
they’ve been hurt by offensive minded centers taking advantage of converted
forward Juwan Howard, and Ben Wallace doesn’t qualify (5 ppg). 09-PORT -10'
87-81 (179); 08-Port +4' 96-85 (186), PORT -3 84-83 (177)
CLEVELAND 99 - Oklahoma City 96
At first look, this is a bit of a tall order
for OKC and Kevin Durant, coming off a game in Memphis last night and
catching a rested LeBron James and the Cavs. Cleveland has won and
covered 4 straight at Quicken Loans Arena against Thunder, and whipped OKC
at Ford Center by 13 back on Dec. 13. That being said, Durant is having an allstar
season, and the Cavs are just 2-5 last 7 as a home favorite through Jan. 18.
Cleveland still having problems with turnovers (-1.4 per game despite 31-11
mark first 42 games), and OKC capable of absorbing travel demands (4-2 as an
unrested visitor). 09-Cle -3' 102-89 (191); 08-CLE -15' 117-82 (200), Cle -13 102-91 (194)
HOUSTON 100 - Chicago 89
If Houston lost in San Antonio last night, this
would be a solid technical spot for the Rockets. Houston covered 11 of first 17
chances in the next game after a SU loss this season. Chicago, conversely, is
coming off a game last night in Phoenix, and the Bulls have had little success this
season when unrested, dropping 7 of first 9 spread decisions in that situation. 08-
HOU -7' 107-100 (198), CHI P 105-102 (197) TV—NBA NETWORK
MILWAUKEE 114 - Minnesota 105
Fact that Milwaukee is expected to
sign vet Jerry Stackhouse prior to this game is a sign that HC Scott Skiles isn’t
giving up on the Bucks. Both teams playing second of back-to-back games,
and Milwaukee has definitely handled that scheduling well, especially at home
where the Bucks are 4-1 vs. the number when unrested. Minny’s defense (107 ppg)
a real problem, and soft interior defense of T-wolves could be exploited by Andrew
Bogut. 09-Mil +2' 87-72 (185); 08-MIN -2 106-104 (199), Min +3' 90-83 (205)
3* DENVER 109 - New Orleans 91
Denver had dominated this series
until losing a 98-92 decision at New Orleans on Dec. 20, providing partial
payback for Hornets after last spring’s lopsided first-round playoff series won
by Nuggets. Hornets pushing pace more since New year’s but their shooting
% has sagged, as Chris Paul (43%), Peja Stojakovic and Devin Brown (both
40%) all missing the mark thru mid-January. Fact N.O. is unrested and altitude
should work in Denver’s favor. “Under” 9-3 last 12 in series. 09-NO +1 98-92
(203); 08-No +1 105-101 (197), DEN -4' 105-100 (198), NO -4 94-81 (199), Den
+4' 101-88 (196), DEN -6' 113-84 (195), DEN -6' 108-93 (200), NO -4' 95-93
(198), Den +2 121-63 (194), DEN -10' 107-86 (198)
PHOENIX 126 - Golden St. 106
Golden State’s short bench, no rest and
the frenetic pace that figures to dominate this game would appear to point to a
Sun blowout. Phoenix HC Alvin Gentry should have his troops fired up after the
Warriors handed his crew a 132-127 loss in Dec. 26 meeting. G.S. HC Don
Nelson has been hamstrung with nagging injuries to his support players,
chipping away at the amount of rest he can give his stars and the flexibility he
has defensively. Revenge-minded Suns should put a hurting on Warriors. 09-
PHO -5' 123-101 (232), GS +3 132-127 (232); 08-GS +4 124-112 (227), PHO -
10 115-105 (230), Pho +1' 154-130 (245), PHO -9' 117-113 (239)
UTAH 109 - New Jersey 89
This is a tough row to hoe for offensivelychallenged
New Jersey, as Nets played last night at Golden State and must
face surging Utah playing its best ball of the season. Jazz have G Deron
Williams back in action (56% first 6 games on his return), and continuing trade
rumors don’t seem to be affecting Jazz F Carlos Boozer’s play (18 ppg, 11 rpg
in January). Williams and Boozer combined for 46 points in first meeting this
season, as the Jazz shot 56% as a team in 16-point rout at Meadowlands Dec.
16. Nets won’t have the legs to keep pace for a full 48 minutes. 09-Utah -8' 108-
92 (200); 08-Nj +8' 105-88 (209), Utah -2' 103-92 (199)
NCAA
Day Games
Michigan State over MINNESOTA by 1 to 2
09-MSU -6 60-53; 08-Msu -1
70-58, MSU -8' 76-47, Msu -7 64-56 (CT-neut.) REGIONAL TV—CBS
Villanova 85 - ST. JOHN’S 71
Big East scouts report SJ has some
chemistry issues expressed by 6-8 jr. F Evans, who says, “Some of us want to
win, but some are like, whatever happens happens.” Doubt everything is hunkydory
despite 61-60 Jan. 13 win vs. Cincy, which went 0-12 from arc. Now that
high-powered ‘Nova (84 ppg) has a burgeoning post threat in highly-touted 6-9
frosh Yarou (recovered from hepatitis) to complement its dynamic perimeter
game (is Scottie Reynolds special, or what?), Wildcats capable of DD win at
familiar MSG, home of Big East tourney. 08-VIL -14’ 76-57 CABLE TV—ESPN
GEORGETOWN over Rutgers by 19 to 22
08-GTWN -16 57-47
Hofstra 61 - DREXEL 55
With Drexel HC Bruiser Flint looking as puzzled as
a Philadelphia politician as he seeks in vain for some offensive consistency,
Dragons appear a very unreliable favorite these days. G Jamie Harris still the
only Drexel player scoring DDs, and it’s worth noting some recent Dragon
debacles on attack end (such as 24% shooting in Jan. 9 loss vs. W&M, and no
scorers in DDs in Jan. 16 loss vs. ODU). Upper echelon of Colonial has
remained outside Hofstra’s reach, but the Pride can outscore mid-level CAA
foes such as Drexel, especially with 6-3 jr. hotshot Charles Jenkins (18.2 ppg)
around. 08-Dre +5' 63-56, DRE -4 70-52
KENT ST. over Akron by 1 to 2
08-AKR -4' 68-54, KSU -3 67-63 CABLE
TV—ESPNU
Mississippi St. 72 - ALABAMA 66
At short price, lean to seasoned,
defensively-stout MSU (SEC-leading 58 ppg, 36% FGs), which has already
notched impressive road wins at Houston & Ole Miss. Well-organized Bulldogs
will welcome Bama’s fast-paced style under new HC Anthony Grant, especially
with MSU’s speedy soph PG Bost attacking the hoop with greater frequency
after recent prodding by HC Stansbury. MSU’s shot-blocking king, 6-9 C
Varnado (14 ppg, 11 rpg, 5 bpg!), will greatly hinder Tide’s top inside scorer, 6-9 F
J. Green (16 ppg). 08-MSU -7 83-74, ALA +1 87-85 (2OT) REGIONAL TV—CBS
WESTERN KENTUCKY over Middle Tenn. St. by 8 to 11
09-Check 1/18
result; 08-WKY -3' 63-61, Wky +2 68-49
Temple over FORDHAM by 20 to 23
08-TEM -25 72-45
TEXAS A&M 71 - Colorado 68
Though A&M’s 6-3 sr. G Sloan has become
a more vocal leader following the loss of valuable backcourt mate sr. Roland
(ace defender), Aggies likely in for another dogfight (as they were LY) vs. CU
squad that’s growing in confidence after snapping Baylor’s 9-game win streak in
78-71 triumph at Boulder Jan. 12. Buffs’ emerging newcomers 6-5 frosh G
Burks (17 ppg) & 6-7 juco F Relphorde (11 ppg) have made a seamless
transition to Div.-I, while A&M’s main post scorer 6-9 F Davis (11 ppg LY, 9 TY)
hasn’t shown much development. 08-TAM -6' 72-66
VIRGINIA TECH over Boston College by 7 to 11
08-TECH -4 79-71, BC -
3' 67-66
VANDERBILT 78 - Auburn 60
Without a legit post presence, AU still
waaaayy too reliant on the 3-point bomb (11 of 35 treys vs. Tennessee Jan. 14).
And with the Tigers often succumbing to presses (37 combined TOs vs. South
Carolina & UT), surging, defensively active Vandy (on 7-game cover streak)
figures to hand Auburn another DD setback. Watch the good-shooting ‘Dores
(49% FGs) effectively pound ball inside to 6-11, 250 C Ogilvy (13 ppg, 24 vs.
Florida Jan. 9), while athletic 6-7 soph F Walker has become a real “glue guy” for
HC Stallings. 08-Van +6’ 82-75
Mississippi over LSU by 4 to 6
08-Lsu -1' 83-51, LSU -12 73-66
CALIFORNIA over Oregon St. by 12 to 15
08-Osu +17' 69-65, OSU +4' 65-
54 REGIONAL TV—CBS
Kansas 82 - IOWA ST. 66—ISU HC McDermott moans, “I thought our team
would be further along than we are.” And with the Cyclones showing they aren’t
ready for prime-time in their 86-65 blowout loss vs. Duke in Chicago Jan. 6,prefer high-scoring (86 ppg) and defensively-stingy KU (59 ppg), which has won
the last five in series by DD margins. Cyclones’ main weapon 6-10 C Brackins
will be “bracketed” by Jayhawks’ active 6-11 C Aldrich & 6-9 F Markieff Morris.
ISU a woeful 4-13 last 17 as a dog! 08-Kan -7' 82-67, KAN -17' 72-55 CABLE
TV—ESPN
NOTRE DAME over DePaul by 15 to 18
08-Und -7 92-82
LA SALLE over Charlotte by 4 to 6
08-Las +4' 68-61
SYRACUSE over Marquette by 7 to 9
08-Syr +6 86-79 (OT) CABLE TV—
ESPNU
NORTHEASTERN 62 - Va. Commonwealth 60
NE (won 9 straight thru Jan.
19) the hottest CAA rep at the moment, but not sure Huskies are going to be able
to extend the margin on dangerous VCU. Rams getting increasing contributions
from 6-9 Wake Forest transfer Jamie Skeen (scored 16 in Jan. 16 win at Georgia
State), and new HC Shaka Smart displayed some “smarts” of his own when
effectively deploying VCU in a seldom-used zone “D” during recent win over
Panthers. 09-Neu +6' 62-57; 08-Neu +6' 68-63
WEST VIRGINIA 73 - Ohio St. 72
With OSU buoyed by its inspired comeback
victory (down 13 in second H!) at Purdue Jan. 13 and subsequent revenge triumph
over rugged Wisconsin, payback-minded Buckeyes can hang tough with WV squad
that’s a subpar 8-10 vs. line last 18 as Morgantown chalk. Big East scouts believe
coach Huggins’ trademark aggressive “D” has suffered some lapses (Notre Dame
hit 54% FGs in Jan. 9 WV loss). Buckeyes’ potential A-A 6-7 swingman Turner &
sharp-shooting 6-6 sr. G Diebler eager to atone for ugly 6 of 27 shooting in 28-pt.
home loss to Mounties year ago. 08-Wva +1 76-48 REG. TV—CBS
3* Buffalo 75 - OHIO 64
Must continue to recommend MAC contender
UB, which possesses the needed experience (seven srs. on roster), depth, and
quality G play to add to its notable 5-1 SU mark away from home. Youthful Ohio
(only 1 sr.; starting 3 underclassmen), which is 0-2 in MAC home games so far,
sorely misses athletic 6-5 soph F Coleman (11 ppg, 4 rpg), who is out indefinitely
with a broken bone in his shooting hand. Note that Reggie Witherspoon’s
underrated Bulls have already sprung minor upsets at Towson, Niagara &
Wisconsin-Green Bay TY. Double revenge doesn’t work for Bobcats. 08-BUF
-4' 70-66, Buf +3' 68-66
WESTERN MICHIGAN over Toledo by 15 to 18
08-WMU -10' 70-52, TOL
+1' 63-62
EASTERN MICHIGAN over Ball St. by 8 to 11
08-Bsu +2 46-42, Emu +7'
55-53 (OT)
Wichita St. over DRAKE by 6 to 9
09-WSU -14' 61-38; 08-DRA -8' 74-69,
WSU -2' 63-47
DETROIT 72 - Wright St. 64
UD mentor Ray McCallum’s statement that his
team learned a lot and gained confidence in combative 64-62 home loss vs.
Butler Jan. 10 seemed prophetic after a decisive win at UW-Milwaukee in next
game. Now, Horizon contender UD primed to snap six-game losing streak vs.
WSU, playing third straight on road. Titans’ physical frontline of 6-10 C Holman
(13 ppg, 9 rpg) and 6-7 Fs Keeling & Kennedy (combined 37 ppg, 18 rpg) will
control paint vs. G-oriented Raiders. 08-Wsu -4' 60-51, WSU -12' 61-48
Butler over ILL.-CHICAGO by 13 to 16
08-But -3 59-52, BUT -12' 80-61
Georgia St. over DELAWARE by 1 to 3
08-DEL -5' 60-48, GSU -2' 70-67,
Gsu +2 54-41 (CT-neut.)
Richmond over GEORGE WASHINGTON by 3 to 5
08-Rich +1' 60-48,
Gwu +7' 66-57
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS over Illinois St. by 2 to 4
09-ISU -5' 68-61; 08-ISU
-7' 70-63, Isu -1 60-57 (OT)
BRADLEY over Evansville by 8 to 11
08-BRAD -5' 86-79, EVA -4' 56-49
MIAMI-OHIO over Bowling Green by 9 to 12
08-Mia -3' 67-60, MIA -8' 50-
45 (OT)
TULSA over Rice by 20 to 24
08-Tls -8 60-50, Tls -12 73-51 (CT-neut.)
NEW MEXICO over Colorado St. by 15 to 18
08-UNM -16' 68-50, Unm -8'
81-79 (2OT)
KENTUCKY 92 - Arkansas 81
John Calipari doing everything he can to
keep his unbeaten but precocious UK troops focused (“Play like they’re going to
strip you of all these wins,” coach Cal recently told his charges...hmmm). But
despite all of the firepower on hand, even Calipari would admit that the Cats are
far from a finished product on the defensive end. With explosive 5-11 soph G
Courtney Fortson (17 ppg) now back in lineup to team with backcourt mate
Rotnei Clarke (18.4 ppg), Arkansas has enough punch to stay within reach. 08-Ky -4 79-63
Washington St. 70 - UCLA 62
Bleak UCLA season became even bleaker
in the Bruins’ lopsided home loss last weekend to rival Southern Cal. Decided
firepower edge is held by Wazzu and high-scoring 6-6 soph swingman Klay
Thompson (Mychal’s son; 22.9 ppg). 08-Ucla -5' 61-59, Wsu +13' 82-81
Valparaiso 57 - LOYOLA-CHICAGO 56
Will take any available points with
capable Valpo, which began to regain its swagger with recent home wins over
Youngstown State & Cleveland State following a series of hard-to-digest losses.
Crusaders’ potent 1-2 combo of G Brandon Wood (18.9 ppg) & Iowa State transfer
F Cory Johnson (15.7 ppg) enough to make any available points work vs. Jim
Whitesell’s well-coached but low-variance Loyola. 08-LOY -7 71-56, VAL -4 71-47
PURDUE over Michigan by 13 to 16
08-PUR -12 67-49, MICH +2' 87-78
CABLE TV—ESPN
George Mason over TOWSON by 5 to 7
08-Gmu -6' 71-59, GMU -14' 71-
59, Gmu -9' 56-48 (CT-neut.)
BAYLOR over Massachusetts by 17 to 20
08-DNP CABLE TV—ESPNU
WAKE FOREST 68 - Virginia 66
Since streaking UVa (first 6-game win
skein since 2006-07!) has fully incorporated first-year HC Tony Bennett’s
mantra of scrappy defense, tough rebounding and good shot selection, Cavs
can stay tight with Wake team that lacks much KO power. Deac G Harris is
Wake’s only DD scorer hitting better than 29% beyond the arc. Note UVa’s
lethal 6-6 G Landesberg (17 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg) had an off night (only 3 of 10 FGs)
& 7-0 soph C Sene was out with injury in 70-60 loss at John Paul Jones Arena
LY. 08-Wfu -6' 70-60
Texas over CONNECTICUT by 1 to 3
08-DNP TV—CBS
KANSAS ST. over Oklahoma St. by 8 to 11
08-OSU -5' 77-71
SOUTHERN MISS over East Carolina by 10 to 13
08-ECU +3 82-79, USM
-8' 69-59
GEORGIA 69 - Tennessee 68
With Mark Fox’s evolving UGa upsetting rival
Georgia Tech and battling Kentucky & Ole Miss tooth and nail (covering both
games) in recent weeks, will look to take points. Dawgs formidable 6-9 soph F
Thompkins (17 ppg, 8 rpg) benefiting from soaring backcourt duo of 6-4 soph
Leslie (14 ppg, 6 rpg) & 6-1 sr. McPhee (14 ppg in recent games). Vols could get
in foul trouble with UGa effectively attacking the hoop, evidenced by 34 free
throw attempts in narrow Rebel loss to Ole Miss Jan. 13. 08-Ten -8' 86-77, TEN
-17 79-48
Utep over UCF by 2 to 4
08-UTEP -8' 73-68
Night Games
FLORIDA over South Carolina by 10 to 13
08-USC -1 70-69, FLA -8 97-93
CABLE TV—ESPN
DENVER over South Alabama by 6 to 8—08-DEN -1 56-54
MISSOURI over Nebraska by 9 to 12
08-NEB +3 56-51, MO -11' 70-47
Unlv over TCU by 4 to 6
08-TCU +3' 80-73, UNLV -13 71-57
UTAH over Air Force by 17 to 20
08-Utah -8 57-36, UTAH -19' 74-59
Dayton 67 - SAINT JOSEPH’S 50
A-10 sources continue to be amazed at
the regression of St. Joe’s, as any dividends from the Jameer Nelson-Delonte
West glory years have long since been cashed in by Phil Martelli. Dayton’s
conscientious defense should have no trouble slowing the smallish Hawks,
whose supporters are wondering if they’ll even qualify for March’s A-10 Tourney.
08-DAY -5 69-58 TV—ESPNU
XAVIER over Rhode Island by 5 to 7
08-Xav -1' 67-65
MARYLAND over North Carolina St. by 5 to 7
08-Mary +4 71-60, Mary -2
74-69 (CT-neut.) TV—ESPN2
CENTRAL MICHIGAN over Northern Illinois by 7 to 9
08-Cmu +4' 58-45,
CMU -8 63-44
MARSHALL over Uab by 2 to 4
08-Uab -5 75-73 (OT), UAB -12 70-52
Cornell over COLUMBIA by 17 to 20—09-CORN -19 ‘ 74-53; 08-Cor -7’ 71-
59, COR -14 83-72
3* Harvard 72 - DARTMOUTH 45
Even by Ivy standards, Dartmouth is
a mess following HC Terry Dunn’s recent resignation, which came in the wake
of player mutiny after the squad told the administration it would not play another
game with Dunn in charge. Doubt interim HC Mark Graupe will fare much better
with Big Green squad that doesn’t have anyone scoring more than swingman
David Rufful’s 7.9 ppg. Tommy Amaker’s surging Harvard team already rolled
past Dartmouth by 29 at Cambridge Jan. 9 when the Crimson shot 55% from
floor. 09-HAR -21' 76-47; 08-Har -7' 63-62, Dart +15' 75-66 (OT)
WILLIAM & MARY 61 Old Dominion 60
Can’t knock W&M, which has
built a pretty good NCAA case with a series of impressive non-league wins and
a fast CAA start. But versatile ODU capable of making it a 40-minute battle at
nearby Williamsburg. Shrewd Monarch HC Blaine Taylor making key
adjustments, with the move of 6-5 swingman Bazemore into the starting lineup
paying immediate dividends, giving ODU extra length out front, while forcing
adjustments from foes on defensive end. 08-Odu -3' 62-50, ODU -12 64-63
DUQUESNE over St. Bonaventure by 5 to 7
08-Duq -1 98-80, DUQ -11'
74-68
FLORIDA ATLANTIC over Arkansas St. by 1 to 3
08-ASU -10' 62-60
NEW ORLEANS over La.-Monroe by 5 to 7
08-ULM +1' 72-66, Ulm +5 61-56
FLORIDA INTL. over Arkansas-L.R. by 1 to 3
08-Alr -2 78-57
Santa Clara 66 - SAN FRANCISCO 61
Hard-working Santa Clara has been
surviving on short rations ever since star soph G Kevin Foster went down in early
December. But the Broncos have uncovered a new star of the future in true frosh
PG Robert Smith (12.2 ppg), and rugged 6-9 Canadian soph import Marc
Trasolini (13.6 ppg) is providing a legit interior presence. Can’t trust USF,
especially since HC Walters has resorted to benching top scorer Lowhorn (17.7
ppg) after recent lackadaisical play. 08-SCU -8 70-54, USF +2' 67-66 (OT)
GONZAGA over Loyola-Marymount by 17 to 20
08-Gon -27' 93-60, GON
-35 91-54
STANFORD over Oregon by 7 to 10
08-STAN -12 77-55, ORE +5 68-60
TEXAS TECH over Oklahoma by 4 to 6
08-OKLA -17 95-74, Okla -9 78-63
James Madison over NC WILMINGTON by 3 to 5
08-JMU -15 79-58, Jmu
-6 79-73
Utah St. over IDAHO by 1 to 3
08-USU -13' 70-61, Usu -5' 62-53
NORTHWESTERN over Illinois by 1 to 2
09-ILL -8 89-83 (OT); 08-Ill -2 60-59
MEMPHIS over Houston by 7 to 9
08-MEM -13 83-68, Mem -7 69-60, MEM
-14 74-49 (CT) CABLE TV—ESPN2
PROVIDENCE over So. Florida by 5 to 7
08-Prov -1' 77-62 TV—ESPNU
LA.-LAFAYETTE over Troy by 3 to 5
08-Ull +2 83-81, Troy +2 81-67
CLEMSON over Duke by 1 to 2
09-DUKE -11' 74-53; 08-CLEM +4 74-47
CABLE TV—ESPN
ARIZONA ST. 69 - Arizona 53
ASU knows how to turn the screws on the
stop end, as its sticky matchup zone has limited its last five foes to mere 48 ppg
and 36% FG shooting. Meanwhile, Herb Sendek not overburdening sr. PG
Derek Glasser with excessive set plays on attack, and the result has been a 4-
game win streak to put the Sun Devils back in the thick of Pac-10 race.
Meanwhile, youthful UA exhibiting an expected zig-zag pattern for new HC Sean
Miller, and doubt the Cats can reverse rival ASU’s recent series domination (Sun
Devils have won last five meetings!). 08-Asu -2' 53-47, ASU -7' 70-68, Asu -4'
68-56 (CT-neut.)
PORTLAND over Pepperdine by 13 to 16
08-Port -8' 73-58, PORT -15 74-
45, Port -11 69-45 (CT-neut.)
Nevada over FRESNO ST. by 1 to 3—08
NEV -11' 65-60, FSU +3' 68-66
PACIFIC over UC Davis by 7 to 10—08-Pac +1 80-65, PAC -8' 72-57, Pac -
7' 67-60 (CT-neut.) CABLE TV—ESPNU
Byu 80 - SAN DIEGO ST. 71
Mountain West sources remain wary of Steve
Fisher’s collection of athletes at SDSU, but they’re more impressed by the
varied offensive weaponry and overall marksmanship of BYU, off to the best
start (18-1) in school history. Cougars’ jr. star G Fredette (scored 21 Jan. 16 vs.
Colorado State) recovering nicely from recent bout with mono, and depth at HC
Rose’s disposal is such that former top scorer 6-6 sr. Tavernari is now reduced
to reserve role. 08-BYU -7 77-71, Byu +1 69-59, Sds +2' 64-62 (CT-neut.)
CS Northridge over CAL POLY SLO by 4 to 6
08-Csn -3 79-68, CSN -11'
67-55
UC SANTA BARBARA over CS Fullerton by 1 to 3—08-Csf +5 62-58, CSF
-5 72-65, Ucsb -1 73-64 (CT)
SAN JOSE ST. over New Mexico St. by 4 to 6
08-Nms +2 75-73, NMS -6
89-81
Washington over SOUTHERN CAL by 1 to 3
08-WASH -6 78-73, Wash +2' 60-51
UC IRVINE over UC Riverside by 2 to 4
08-Uci +6 71-66, UCI -4 78-72 (OT)
Louisiana Tech over HAWAII by 5 to 7
08-HI -6 65-64, Hi +5' 54-53
Winning Points
NBA
***BEST BET
*Charlotte over Orlando by 7
Charlotte had scored exactly as many points as it had allowed through 36 games.
However, the Bobcats outscored their opponents by an average of 5.8 points at home
in winning 15 of their first 19 home matchups. Vince Carter was shooting a careerlow
39.2 percent from the floor. It’s probably no coincidence that the scoring averages
of Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson are all down, too. Orlando’s
road play has slipped noticeably. The Magic had lost eight of their last 10 road contests
through Jan. 17. CHARLOTTE 98-91.
*Indiana over Philadelphia by 4
Don’t be surprised if the Pacers make a move now that Danny Granger, Troy Murphy
and Mike Dunleavy are healthy and have had time to get in sync with each other.
Indiana has won and covered in four of its last five home games knocking off Orlando,
a hot Toronto club and Phoenix during this span. The problem for the Pacers is this
is their fourth game in five nights and first following a three-game road trip that concluded
last night. INDIANA 108-104.
*Miami over Sacramento by 6
Kevin Martin should have the rust knocked off after missing 32 games. The Kings,
however, are going to have weary legs and serious fatigue issues as this is their sixth
road game in nine days. Miami, though, is playing for the fourth time in five days.
MIAMI 103-97.
*Detroit over Portland by 1
Both teams have been battered by injuries. Detroit was 4-7 ATS in the second of backto-
back matchups. DETROIT 93-92.
*Cleveland over Oklahoma City by 9
It was no contest last month when the Cavaliers visited Oklahoma City. LeBron James
scored 44 and Cleveland won, 102-89, as 3 _-point favorites. Kevin Durant scored 29,
but his teammates couldn’t stop James, who sank 16-of-29 shots from the floor.
CLEVELAND 103-94.
*Houston over Chicago by 7
The Rockets have protected their home turf well winning eight of the past nine times
at the Toyota Center, going 7-2 ATS. Chicago is playing its fourth road opponent in
six days. HOUSTON 99-92.
***BEST BET
Minnesota over *Milwaukee by 6
Al Jefferson is averaging 22.3 points in his last six games heading into the middle of
the month. The Timberwolves have proven to be profitable as a road ‘dog going 30-
12-1 ATS when facing a foe with a winning home mark. The Timberwolves also are
13-4 ATS when getting five-to-10 points on the road if the line should get that high
in this matchup. Milwaukee is back to relying on rookie Brandon Jennings to provide
heavy backcourt scoring with Michael Redd out for the season. Jennings had a great
first month, but hasn’t been near as effective since then.
MINNESOTA 101-95.
*Denver over New Orleans by 8
Bit of a revenge spot for Denver. The Nuggets fell to the Hornets 98-92 on the road
around five weeks ago minus Chauncey Billups. The Hornets are much better to back
when they are home. This is New Orleans’ sixth game in nine days. The high altitude
might do in the Hornets. DENVER 106-98.
*Phoenix over Golden State by 7
The teams put up 259 points when they last met on Dec. 26 with the Warriors winning
132-127 at home. Golden State was 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games through Jan.
17. PHOENIX 122-115.
*Utah over New Jersey by 10
The Jazz haven’t been good as big chalk failing to cover 10 of the past 16 times it has
been favored by 7 _ or more points. Deron Williams has been dealing with a sore
wrist. UTAH 102-92.
NCAA
Minnesota* over Michigan State by 6
"It's not going to get any easier," said MSU boss Izzo after the recent 60-53 home win
over the Tubsters. Tubby will be rubbing his kids' noses in the fact that they only
attempted 7 free throws in that loss. MINNESOTA, 65-59.
Villanova over St. John's* by 8
Anyone in the habit of playing St. John's against good, quick foes that know how to
score is not a happy person. VILLANOVA, 76-68.
Georgetown* over Rutgers by 19
Rutgers' head coach Fred "Beleaguered" Hill keeps talking in vague terms about his
"vision" for the program and nobody can see what he's talking about. GEORGETOWN, 76-57.
Drexel* over Hofstra by 2
Bruiser knows he can press Hofstra into turnovers and the more tape that exists of
Hofstra's freshmen guard Williams and forward Kanacevic playing way too many
minutes, the less effective the team will be, especially on the road. DREXEL, 49-47.
Kent State* over Akron by 2
Mississippi State over Alabama* by 2
The visiting Stansburys conducted many non-conference burials but since SEC play
started, you'll note wins by 5, 2 and 3 points, which followed the non-conference
finale, a 3-point loss at a good team, Western Kentucky. Reality hits. MISSISSIPPI STATE, 69-67.
Western Kentucky* over Middle Tennessee by 19
Temple over Fordham* by 25
Texas A&M* over Colorado by 18
Let Colorado prove the have the guts to keep it together for two halves on the road
before you get suckered onto the big number simply for the sake of the number.
TEXAS A&M, 89-72.
Virginia Tech* over Boston College by 11
BC has been incredibly lame-o for shame-o but V-Tech has always had a nasty habit
of playing to the level of competition.
VIRGINIA TECH, 80-69.
***BEST BET
Vanderbilt* over Auburn by 29
Made to order foe for Vandy -- small, won't push 'em around, won't look to score
much in the paint, and won't offer much resistance to Vandy's big guards when they
look to go to the rim off the dribble. Plenty of open looks for Vandy's forwards who
play like guards against opponents like this, and like girls against more physical foes.
VANDERBILT, 92-63.
Mississippi over LSU* by 6
LSU is loaded...with horrible shooters. MISSISSIPPI, 71-65.
California* over Oregon State by 11
The Cal boobs managed to lose twice to OSU last season so let Jerome "Overrated"
Randle prove he can perform well enough vs. the aggressive zone before laying points
in this match-up. CALIFORNIA, 71-60.
Kansas over Iowa State* by 15
Notre Dame* over DePaul by 21
LaSalle* over NC Charlotte by 3
Syracuse* over Marquette by 14
VCU over Northeastern* by 2
Both teams are longer than you think and neither has a guard that can attack the rim
and finish in this kind of match-up. NU needs to get 6'7" guard Janning shooting over
little Frankie Rodriguez of VCU, but F-Rod and his buddies have oh-so quick hands
on defense. Under the Total.
VCU, 53-51.
West Virginia* over Ohio State by 9
Ohio* over Buffalo by 5
Western Michigan* over Toledo by 21
Eastern Michigan* over Ball State by 11
Wichita State over Drake* by 6
Wright State over Detroit* by 3
Mercy, mercy. Detroit was wronged by Wright twice last season but is off to a 12-5
ATS start this season.
WRIGHT STATE, 57-54.
Butler over Illinois-Chicago* by 15
Delaware* over Georgia State by 2
George Washington* over Richmond by 1
Illinois State over Southern Illinois* by 1
Bradley* over Evansville by 6
Miami-OH* over Bowling Green by 11
Tulsa* over Rice by 24
New Mexico* over Colorado State by 18
CSU's -5 A/T ratio is a major red flag for the road. NEW MEXICO, 81-63.
Kentucky* over Arkansas by 18
Arkansas has given Texas, Baylor, UAB, and Mississippi State some pretty good battles
in defeat but do they have guts for the road?
KENTUCKY, 82-64.
UCLA* over Washington State by 5
It will be a hard week of practice for the Bruins after the whipping USC gave them a
week ago, and if Ben Howland isn't preparing a box-and-one against WSU's Klay
Thompson, then he and his people aren't working hard enough.
UCLA, 60-55.
Loyola-Chicago* over Valparaiso by 2
Purdue* over Michigan by 14
George Mason over Towson* by 3
Towson finally meets a foe that won't dominate them on the glass. GEORGE
MASON, 64-61.
***BEST BET
Baylor* over Massachusetts by 32
This doesn't figure to go very well for the A-10 visitor. Baylor is a very fine offensive
team whose defensive deficiencies show up against elite opponents, which UMass is
not. After three straight losses in conference play, UMass will be sandwiched between
St. Bonnie's and St. Joe's, in a strange place with a defense that doesn't get turnovers
but would need to in order to make some stops. Baylor's guards are more talented and
in the paint, 7' Lomers and 6-10 Udoh have it all against so-so UMass forwards.
BAYLOR,92-60.
Wake Forest* over Virginia by 7
Connecticut* over Texas by 3
Kansas State* over Oklahoma State by 5
Southern Miss* over East Carolina by 14
Tennessee over Georgia* by 5
Re-instated suspendees are anticipated for the Vols but they are still probably overvalued
for SEC play. TENNESSEE, 72-67.
UTEP over Central Florida* by 3
Florida* over South Carolina by 1
Denver* over South Alabama by 7
Missouri* over Nebraska by 15
UNLV over TCU* by 6
Utah* over Air Force by 14
Dayton over St. Joseph's* by 4
Xavier* over Rhode Island by 8
This is a hump that RIU never seems to be able to jump. XAVIER, 87-79.
Maryland* over North Carolina State by 9
Central Michigan* over Northern Illinois by 10
Marshall* over UAB by 2
Cornell over Coumbia* by 11
Harvard over Dartmouth* by 15
William & Mary* over Old Dominion by 1
**PREFERRED
St. Bonaventure over Duquesne* by 3
Youth and lack of depth make Duquesne a shaky favorite. Their 60% free-throw
shooting and very poor 25% 3-point shooting means they need to play better defense
than they are capable of doing when three players are getting 79% to 87% of the maximum
minutes possible. ST. BONAVENTURE, 67-64.
Florida Atlantic* over Arkansas State by 3
New Orleans* over UL-Monroe by 4
Arkansas-LR over Florida International* by 5
San Francisco* over Santa Clara by 10
Gonzaga* over Loyola-Marymount by 14
Oregon over Stanford* by 3
**PREFERRED
Texas Tech* over Oklahoma by 16
Oklahoma, unmasked and exposed from successful, back-to-back home muggings
while Tech opened conference play 0-3 but had Iowa State here a couple of days ago.
Don't take a lousy-shooting team with no depth and a gimpy-legged guard Crocker
on the road against a deeper home team. Texas Tech ain't much, but every ordinary
collection of bodies has its moments. TEXAS TECH, 80-64.
NC-Wilmington* over James Madison by 3
Idaho* over Utah State by 1
Northwestern* over Illinois by 1
Memphis* over Houston by 12
Providence* over South Florida by 5
UL-Lafayette* over Troy by 4
Clemson* over Duke by 6
Fake-tough Dukies are already fighitng among themselves trying to avoid being put
on Anthony Booker, who figures to eat two of 'em, one for dinner and the other for
dessert. CLEMSON, 80-74.
Arizona State* over Arizona by 11
Portland* over Pepperdine by 20
Fresno State* over Nevada by 1
Pacific* over Cal-Davis by 7
The Davis boys have Mark Payne back and they also have nine days to prepare for their
invasion of the Pacific, whereas the home boys have only one day to get ready after
attempting to brush off the Fullertons on Thursday. PACIFIC, 74-67.
***BEST BET
San Diego State* over BYU by 8
The Aztecs don't run around without a purpose as much as they once did under Steve
Fisher. They have some low-post anchors to do the dirty work and won't be outquicked
in most of the match-ups. Top 3 scorers for SDSU are fowards, in position to
be hooping and harming while making the game more deliberate than the visitors
would prefer. They can also clog the paint and take away Fredette's dribble-driving
that sparks BYU's offense. SAN DIEGO STATE, 74-66.
CS Northridge over Cal Poly-SLO* by 3
Cal-Santa Barbara* over CS Fullerton by 7
San Jose State* over New Mexico State by 11
One of the few times of the year to consider San Jose is when the other team is hung
over from having played at Hawaii the other night. It's way too soon for NMS to come
back as a trustworthy team. SAN JOSE STATE, 80-69.
Washington over USC* by 5
"I became, out of necessity, a guy that believes in man-to-man defense," said USC
coach O'Neill in the giddiness following last Saturday's pasting of UCLA. Dude, don't
do it in this match-up or you'll be sorry! WASHINGTON, 79-74.
Cal-Irvine* over Cal-Riverside by 1
Louisiana Tech over Hawaii* by 7
NBA
***BEST BET
*Charlotte over Orlando by 7
Charlotte had scored exactly as many points as it had allowed through 36 games.
However, the Bobcats outscored their opponents by an average of 5.8 points at home
in winning 15 of their first 19 home matchups. Vince Carter was shooting a careerlow
39.2 percent from the floor. It’s probably no coincidence that the scoring averages
of Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson are all down, too. Orlando’s
road play has slipped noticeably. The Magic had lost eight of their last 10 road contests
through Jan. 17. CHARLOTTE 98-91.
*Indiana over Philadelphia by 4
Don’t be surprised if the Pacers make a move now that Danny Granger, Troy Murphy
and Mike Dunleavy are healthy and have had time to get in sync with each other.
Indiana has won and covered in four of its last five home games knocking off Orlando,
a hot Toronto club and Phoenix during this span. The problem for the Pacers is this
is their fourth game in five nights and first following a three-game road trip that concluded
last night. INDIANA 108-104.
*Miami over Sacramento by 6
Kevin Martin should have the rust knocked off after missing 32 games. The Kings,
however, are going to have weary legs and serious fatigue issues as this is their sixth
road game in nine days. Miami, though, is playing for the fourth time in five days.
MIAMI 103-97.
*Detroit over Portland by 1
Both teams have been battered by injuries. Detroit was 4-7 ATS in the second of backto-
back matchups. DETROIT 93-92.
*Cleveland over Oklahoma City by 9
It was no contest last month when the Cavaliers visited Oklahoma City. LeBron James
scored 44 and Cleveland won, 102-89, as 3 _-point favorites. Kevin Durant scored 29,
but his teammates couldn’t stop James, who sank 16-of-29 shots from the floor.
CLEVELAND 103-94.
*Houston over Chicago by 7
The Rockets have protected their home turf well winning eight of the past nine times
at the Toyota Center, going 7-2 ATS. Chicago is playing its fourth road opponent in
six days. HOUSTON 99-92.
***BEST BET
Minnesota over *Milwaukee by 6
Al Jefferson is averaging 22.3 points in his last six games heading into the middle of
the month. The Timberwolves have proven to be profitable as a road ‘dog going 30-
12-1 ATS when facing a foe with a winning home mark. The Timberwolves also are
13-4 ATS when getting five-to-10 points on the road if the line should get that high
in this matchup. Milwaukee is back to relying on rookie Brandon Jennings to provide
heavy backcourt scoring with Michael Redd out for the season. Jennings had a great
first month, but hasn’t been near as effective since then.
MINNESOTA 101-95.
*Denver over New Orleans by 8
Bit of a revenge spot for Denver. The Nuggets fell to the Hornets 98-92 on the road
around five weeks ago minus Chauncey Billups. The Hornets are much better to back
when they are home. This is New Orleans’ sixth game in nine days. The high altitude
might do in the Hornets. DENVER 106-98.
*Phoenix over Golden State by 7
The teams put up 259 points when they last met on Dec. 26 with the Warriors winning
132-127 at home. Golden State was 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games through Jan.
17. PHOENIX 122-115.
*Utah over New Jersey by 10
The Jazz haven’t been good as big chalk failing to cover 10 of the past 16 times it has
been favored by 7 _ or more points. Deron Williams has been dealing with a sore
wrist. UTAH 102-92.
NCAA
Minnesota* over Michigan State by 6
"It's not going to get any easier," said MSU boss Izzo after the recent 60-53 home win
over the Tubsters. Tubby will be rubbing his kids' noses in the fact that they only
attempted 7 free throws in that loss. MINNESOTA, 65-59.
Villanova over St. John's* by 8
Anyone in the habit of playing St. John's against good, quick foes that know how to
score is not a happy person. VILLANOVA, 76-68.
Georgetown* over Rutgers by 19
Rutgers' head coach Fred "Beleaguered" Hill keeps talking in vague terms about his
"vision" for the program and nobody can see what he's talking about. GEORGETOWN, 76-57.
Drexel* over Hofstra by 2
Bruiser knows he can press Hofstra into turnovers and the more tape that exists of
Hofstra's freshmen guard Williams and forward Kanacevic playing way too many
minutes, the less effective the team will be, especially on the road. DREXEL, 49-47.
Kent State* over Akron by 2
Mississippi State over Alabama* by 2
The visiting Stansburys conducted many non-conference burials but since SEC play
started, you'll note wins by 5, 2 and 3 points, which followed the non-conference
finale, a 3-point loss at a good team, Western Kentucky. Reality hits. MISSISSIPPI STATE, 69-67.
Western Kentucky* over Middle Tennessee by 19
Temple over Fordham* by 25
Texas A&M* over Colorado by 18
Let Colorado prove the have the guts to keep it together for two halves on the road
before you get suckered onto the big number simply for the sake of the number.
TEXAS A&M, 89-72.
Virginia Tech* over Boston College by 11
BC has been incredibly lame-o for shame-o but V-Tech has always had a nasty habit
of playing to the level of competition.
VIRGINIA TECH, 80-69.
***BEST BET
Vanderbilt* over Auburn by 29
Made to order foe for Vandy -- small, won't push 'em around, won't look to score
much in the paint, and won't offer much resistance to Vandy's big guards when they
look to go to the rim off the dribble. Plenty of open looks for Vandy's forwards who
play like guards against opponents like this, and like girls against more physical foes.
VANDERBILT, 92-63.
Mississippi over LSU* by 6
LSU is loaded...with horrible shooters. MISSISSIPPI, 71-65.
California* over Oregon State by 11
The Cal boobs managed to lose twice to OSU last season so let Jerome "Overrated"
Randle prove he can perform well enough vs. the aggressive zone before laying points
in this match-up. CALIFORNIA, 71-60.
Kansas over Iowa State* by 15
Notre Dame* over DePaul by 21
LaSalle* over NC Charlotte by 3
Syracuse* over Marquette by 14
VCU over Northeastern* by 2
Both teams are longer than you think and neither has a guard that can attack the rim
and finish in this kind of match-up. NU needs to get 6'7" guard Janning shooting over
little Frankie Rodriguez of VCU, but F-Rod and his buddies have oh-so quick hands
on defense. Under the Total.
VCU, 53-51.
West Virginia* over Ohio State by 9
Ohio* over Buffalo by 5
Western Michigan* over Toledo by 21
Eastern Michigan* over Ball State by 11
Wichita State over Drake* by 6
Wright State over Detroit* by 3
Mercy, mercy. Detroit was wronged by Wright twice last season but is off to a 12-5
ATS start this season.
WRIGHT STATE, 57-54.
Butler over Illinois-Chicago* by 15
Delaware* over Georgia State by 2
George Washington* over Richmond by 1
Illinois State over Southern Illinois* by 1
Bradley* over Evansville by 6
Miami-OH* over Bowling Green by 11
Tulsa* over Rice by 24
New Mexico* over Colorado State by 18
CSU's -5 A/T ratio is a major red flag for the road. NEW MEXICO, 81-63.
Kentucky* over Arkansas by 18
Arkansas has given Texas, Baylor, UAB, and Mississippi State some pretty good battles
in defeat but do they have guts for the road?
KENTUCKY, 82-64.
UCLA* over Washington State by 5
It will be a hard week of practice for the Bruins after the whipping USC gave them a
week ago, and if Ben Howland isn't preparing a box-and-one against WSU's Klay
Thompson, then he and his people aren't working hard enough.
UCLA, 60-55.
Loyola-Chicago* over Valparaiso by 2
Purdue* over Michigan by 14
George Mason over Towson* by 3
Towson finally meets a foe that won't dominate them on the glass. GEORGE
MASON, 64-61.
***BEST BET
Baylor* over Massachusetts by 32
This doesn't figure to go very well for the A-10 visitor. Baylor is a very fine offensive
team whose defensive deficiencies show up against elite opponents, which UMass is
not. After three straight losses in conference play, UMass will be sandwiched between
St. Bonnie's and St. Joe's, in a strange place with a defense that doesn't get turnovers
but would need to in order to make some stops. Baylor's guards are more talented and
in the paint, 7' Lomers and 6-10 Udoh have it all against so-so UMass forwards.
BAYLOR,92-60.
Wake Forest* over Virginia by 7
Connecticut* over Texas by 3
Kansas State* over Oklahoma State by 5
Southern Miss* over East Carolina by 14
Tennessee over Georgia* by 5
Re-instated suspendees are anticipated for the Vols but they are still probably overvalued
for SEC play. TENNESSEE, 72-67.
UTEP over Central Florida* by 3
Florida* over South Carolina by 1
Denver* over South Alabama by 7
Missouri* over Nebraska by 15
UNLV over TCU* by 6
Utah* over Air Force by 14
Dayton over St. Joseph's* by 4
Xavier* over Rhode Island by 8
This is a hump that RIU never seems to be able to jump. XAVIER, 87-79.
Maryland* over North Carolina State by 9
Central Michigan* over Northern Illinois by 10
Marshall* over UAB by 2
Cornell over Coumbia* by 11
Harvard over Dartmouth* by 15
William & Mary* over Old Dominion by 1
**PREFERRED
St. Bonaventure over Duquesne* by 3
Youth and lack of depth make Duquesne a shaky favorite. Their 60% free-throw
shooting and very poor 25% 3-point shooting means they need to play better defense
than they are capable of doing when three players are getting 79% to 87% of the maximum
minutes possible. ST. BONAVENTURE, 67-64.
Florida Atlantic* over Arkansas State by 3
New Orleans* over UL-Monroe by 4
Arkansas-LR over Florida International* by 5
San Francisco* over Santa Clara by 10
Gonzaga* over Loyola-Marymount by 14
Oregon over Stanford* by 3
**PREFERRED
Texas Tech* over Oklahoma by 16
Oklahoma, unmasked and exposed from successful, back-to-back home muggings
while Tech opened conference play 0-3 but had Iowa State here a couple of days ago.
Don't take a lousy-shooting team with no depth and a gimpy-legged guard Crocker
on the road against a deeper home team. Texas Tech ain't much, but every ordinary
collection of bodies has its moments. TEXAS TECH, 80-64.
NC-Wilmington* over James Madison by 3
Idaho* over Utah State by 1
Northwestern* over Illinois by 1
Memphis* over Houston by 12
Providence* over South Florida by 5
UL-Lafayette* over Troy by 4
Clemson* over Duke by 6
Fake-tough Dukies are already fighitng among themselves trying to avoid being put
on Anthony Booker, who figures to eat two of 'em, one for dinner and the other for
dessert. CLEMSON, 80-74.
Arizona State* over Arizona by 11
Portland* over Pepperdine by 20
Fresno State* over Nevada by 1
Pacific* over Cal-Davis by 7
The Davis boys have Mark Payne back and they also have nine days to prepare for their
invasion of the Pacific, whereas the home boys have only one day to get ready after
attempting to brush off the Fullertons on Thursday. PACIFIC, 74-67.
***BEST BET
San Diego State* over BYU by 8
The Aztecs don't run around without a purpose as much as they once did under Steve
Fisher. They have some low-post anchors to do the dirty work and won't be outquicked
in most of the match-ups. Top 3 scorers for SDSU are fowards, in position to
be hooping and harming while making the game more deliberate than the visitors
would prefer. They can also clog the paint and take away Fredette's dribble-driving
that sparks BYU's offense. SAN DIEGO STATE, 74-66.
CS Northridge over Cal Poly-SLO* by 3
Cal-Santa Barbara* over CS Fullerton by 7
San Jose State* over New Mexico State by 11
One of the few times of the year to consider San Jose is when the other team is hung
over from having played at Hawaii the other night. It's way too soon for NMS to come
back as a trustworthy team. SAN JOSE STATE, 80-69.
Washington over USC* by 5
"I became, out of necessity, a guy that believes in man-to-man defense," said USC
coach O'Neill in the giddiness following last Saturday's pasting of UCLA. Dude, don't
do it in this match-up or you'll be sorry! WASHINGTON, 79-74.
Cal-Irvine* over Cal-Riverside by 1
Louisiana Tech over Hawaii* by 7
Rotation: 593
George Mason (-6)
Rating: 2.00
Game Time: 01:00pm PST
Released at: 7:30:00am PST
Rotation: 646
Gonzaga (-20.5)
Rating: 1.00
Game Time: 05:00pm PST
Released at: 7:32:30am PST :think2:
Rotation: 671
UC Davis (+12.5)
Rating: 1.00
Game Time: 07:00pm PST
Released at: 7:35:00am PST
3 Sides so far, including my editorial thumbs up or down.
