jeff benton
1-8 since sunday...0-2 last night.....guys he hasnt had a sustained winning streak (several months) in over two years. i've had his plays all of 09, 10, and now one month into 2011. we should give him kudos for his consistency with the losing end.
Jeff Benton Saturday's College Hoops Action
30 Dime college basketball seleation on UCONN minus the points vs. Louisville. The Huskies are laying between 3 and 3½ points both here in Vegas and offsihore, but be sure you shop around and get the best of the number.
10 Dime college basketball selection on NORTH CAROLINA minus the points vs. North Carolina State. The Tar Heels are laying 10½ points both here in Vegas and offshore. Again, be sure to shop around and grab the Tar Heels at the lowest podsible number.
UCONN
I knew as soon as Louisville was forced to go on the road and face some quality teams that Rick Pitino’s squad would prove to be a fraud. Sure enough, the Cardinals started out 13-1 – with 13 of those games played inside the state of Kentucky and the other being a nine-point win at South Florida – but then they took trips to Villanova and Providence and they got exposed, losing 88-74 to the Wildcats as a four-point underdog and 72-67 at Providence last Saturday as a five-point favorite.
In fact, since beating South Florida, Louisville has looked good only once (88-63 home win over St. John’s). Other than that, there were the two losses at ‘Nova and Providence and a pair of one-point home wins over Marquette (Louisville had to close the game on a 29-5 run to rally for that win) and West Virginia (Louisville was down 11 at the half and scored the winning basket with less than 5 seconds to play). It doesn’t take a genius to figure out the Cardinals could easily be in a 1-4 slump right now, and if that was the case, this line would be four points higher.
As for UConn, here’s all you need to know: It is riding a six-game winning streak (including four impressive victories over Texas, Villanova, Tennessee and Marquette); it is 17-2 on the season and 11-0 at home (where it averages 75 ppg but more remarkably holds opponents to just 58.6 ppg on less than 36 percent shooting); it owns one of the best pointspread records in the country (10-3 ATS); and it features the best player in the country not named Jimmer Fredette (Huskies guard Kemba Walker averages 24.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game).
From a matchup persipective, Louisville has nobody that can handle Walker, and the Cardinals will be at a major disadvantage in the front court, as the Huskies are +7.4 in rebounding differential, including +12.5 at home!
UConn is the better free-throw shooting team (76.6%-66.3%, including 77.5%-63.4% over the past five games), and the Huskies are in a double-revenge situation (Louisville swept last year’s season series, including a 78-76 road win as a four-point underdog).
One final stat to sink your teeth into: UConn has covered the number in 10 of its last 12 against teams with a winning record. Louisville is 1-6 ATS in its last seven against winning teams.
This pointspread is a JOKE, guys – UConn rolls BIG in this one!
NORTH CAROLINA
If not for a slip-up at Georgia Tech on Jan. 16 (and that 78-58 loss looks even more bizarre in retrodpect) and a two-point loss to Texas (now ranked 7th in the country), North Carolina would be riding a 12-game winning streak right now. As it is, the Tar Heels have won eight of nine and 11 of 13, most recently gutting out a 74-71 road victory over Miami (Fla.) as a one-point chalk.
That win in South Beach puts UNC at 4-1 in ACC play (only misstep at Georgia Tech). On the other hand, N.C. State is just 1-4 SU (0-5 ATS) in its last five games, all in conference. Three of those losses were convincing road setbacks (75-66 at Boston College; 84-71 at Florida State; 60-50 at Clemson), and the other was a 14-point home loss to Duke.
And while UNC is a perfect 9-0 inside the Dean Dome (and netting 81.3 ppg), the Wolfpack are just 1-5 in true road games this season (averaging 63.5 ppg), and the one victory was at Elon University (yawn!). In addition to the three ACC road losses, N.C. State got drilled at Wisconsin (87-48) and lost at Syracuse (65-59) in early December.
Last year, the Wolfpack had a chance to grab the upper hand in this rivalry (UNC was a team in transition in 2009-10 and failed to make the Big Dance last spring), but instead it was the Tar Heels wo rolled to easy wins of 77-63 in Raleigh and 74-61 in Chapel Hill. Going back to 2007, North Carolina is on an eight-game winning streak against the Wolfpack, going 5-1 ATS in the last six.
Easy call here, guys, as the Tar Heels’ athleticism and home-court edge will be too much for a poor road team like N.C. State to deal with.
1-8 since sunday...0-2 last night.....guys he hasnt had a sustained winning streak (several months) in over two years. i've had his plays all of 09, 10, and now one month into 2011. we should give him kudos for his consistency with the losing end.
Jeff Benton Saturday's College Hoops Action
30 Dime college basketball seleation on UCONN minus the points vs. Louisville. The Huskies are laying between 3 and 3½ points both here in Vegas and offsihore, but be sure you shop around and get the best of the number.
10 Dime college basketball selection on NORTH CAROLINA minus the points vs. North Carolina State. The Tar Heels are laying 10½ points both here in Vegas and offshore. Again, be sure to shop around and grab the Tar Heels at the lowest podsible number.
UCONN
I knew as soon as Louisville was forced to go on the road and face some quality teams that Rick Pitino’s squad would prove to be a fraud. Sure enough, the Cardinals started out 13-1 – with 13 of those games played inside the state of Kentucky and the other being a nine-point win at South Florida – but then they took trips to Villanova and Providence and they got exposed, losing 88-74 to the Wildcats as a four-point underdog and 72-67 at Providence last Saturday as a five-point favorite.
In fact, since beating South Florida, Louisville has looked good only once (88-63 home win over St. John’s). Other than that, there were the two losses at ‘Nova and Providence and a pair of one-point home wins over Marquette (Louisville had to close the game on a 29-5 run to rally for that win) and West Virginia (Louisville was down 11 at the half and scored the winning basket with less than 5 seconds to play). It doesn’t take a genius to figure out the Cardinals could easily be in a 1-4 slump right now, and if that was the case, this line would be four points higher.
As for UConn, here’s all you need to know: It is riding a six-game winning streak (including four impressive victories over Texas, Villanova, Tennessee and Marquette); it is 17-2 on the season and 11-0 at home (where it averages 75 ppg but more remarkably holds opponents to just 58.6 ppg on less than 36 percent shooting); it owns one of the best pointspread records in the country (10-3 ATS); and it features the best player in the country not named Jimmer Fredette (Huskies guard Kemba Walker averages 24.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game).
From a matchup persipective, Louisville has nobody that can handle Walker, and the Cardinals will be at a major disadvantage in the front court, as the Huskies are +7.4 in rebounding differential, including +12.5 at home!
UConn is the better free-throw shooting team (76.6%-66.3%, including 77.5%-63.4% over the past five games), and the Huskies are in a double-revenge situation (Louisville swept last year’s season series, including a 78-76 road win as a four-point underdog).
One final stat to sink your teeth into: UConn has covered the number in 10 of its last 12 against teams with a winning record. Louisville is 1-6 ATS in its last seven against winning teams.
This pointspread is a JOKE, guys – UConn rolls BIG in this one!
NORTH CAROLINA
If not for a slip-up at Georgia Tech on Jan. 16 (and that 78-58 loss looks even more bizarre in retrodpect) and a two-point loss to Texas (now ranked 7th in the country), North Carolina would be riding a 12-game winning streak right now. As it is, the Tar Heels have won eight of nine and 11 of 13, most recently gutting out a 74-71 road victory over Miami (Fla.) as a one-point chalk.
That win in South Beach puts UNC at 4-1 in ACC play (only misstep at Georgia Tech). On the other hand, N.C. State is just 1-4 SU (0-5 ATS) in its last five games, all in conference. Three of those losses were convincing road setbacks (75-66 at Boston College; 84-71 at Florida State; 60-50 at Clemson), and the other was a 14-point home loss to Duke.
And while UNC is a perfect 9-0 inside the Dean Dome (and netting 81.3 ppg), the Wolfpack are just 1-5 in true road games this season (averaging 63.5 ppg), and the one victory was at Elon University (yawn!). In addition to the three ACC road losses, N.C. State got drilled at Wisconsin (87-48) and lost at Syracuse (65-59) in early December.
Last year, the Wolfpack had a chance to grab the upper hand in this rivalry (UNC was a team in transition in 2009-10 and failed to make the Big Dance last spring), but instead it was the Tar Heels wo rolled to easy wins of 77-63 in Raleigh and 74-61 in Chapel Hill. Going back to 2007, North Carolina is on an eight-game winning streak against the Wolfpack, going 5-1 ATS in the last six.
Easy call here, guys, as the Tar Heels’ athleticism and home-court edge will be too much for a poor road team like N.C. State to deal with.
BURNS
[COLOR=#000000 !important]Brigham Young vs New Mexico
Take: New Mexico +3½-110
Florida State vs Clemson
Take: Clemson -2½-110
Louisville vs Connecticut
Take: Total 143 ov-110
Toronto Raptors vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Take: Minnesota Timberwolves -4½-110
New Orleans Hornets vs Sacramento Kings
Take: Total 186½ ov-110[/COLOR]
[COLOR=#000000 !important]Brigham Young vs New Mexico
Take: New Mexico +3½-110
Florida State vs Clemson
Take: Clemson -2½-110
Louisville vs Connecticut
Take: Total 143 ov-110
Toronto Raptors vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Take: Minnesota Timberwolves -4½-110
New Orleans Hornets vs Sacramento Kings
Take: Total 186½ ov-110[/COLOR]
Cleveland Insider
NCAABB
3* Central Florida +1 (buy 3)
3* SE Missouri State +6.5 (buy 3)
2* Davidson +6 (buy 3)
2* Cornell +15 (buy 3)
2* Brown +12 (buy 3)
2* Stanford -5 (buy 3)
1* Saint Joes +16 (buy 3)
1* Fordham +7.5 (buy 3)
1* Syracuse +5.5 (buy 3)
1* Wake Forest +7 (buy 3)
1* Florida International +5 (buy 3)
1* Troy +4.5 (buy 3)
1* Loyola Marymount +1 (buy 3)
1* Gonzaga -21 (buy 3)
1* LSU +17.5 (buy 3)
1* Iowa State -7 (buy 3)
1* San Jose +1 (buy 3)
4* chase system
NCAABB
3* Central Florida +1 (buy 3)
3* SE Missouri State +6.5 (buy 3)
2* Davidson +6 (buy 3)
2* Cornell +15 (buy 3)
2* Brown +12 (buy 3)
2* Stanford -5 (buy 3)
1* Saint Joes +16 (buy 3)
1* Fordham +7.5 (buy 3)
1* Syracuse +5.5 (buy 3)
1* Wake Forest +7 (buy 3)
1* Florida International +5 (buy 3)
1* Troy +4.5 (buy 3)
1* Loyola Marymount +1 (buy 3)
1* Gonzaga -21 (buy 3)
1* LSU +17.5 (buy 3)
1* Iowa State -7 (buy 3)
1* San Jose +1 (buy 3)
4* chase system
Dr. Bob
Saturday Daytime College Opinion
Oklahoma State (-2) over TEXAS TECH
Rotation #579 – 1 pm Pacific
Oklahoma State is an incredible 31-5-2 ATS and 36-2 straight up as a favorite in 3 seasons under coach Travis Ford (30-0 straight up as a favorite of 2 or more), including 8-1 ATS this season. The Cowboys are an even better 28-2-1 ATS as a favorite of less than 11 points (8-0 ATS this season). All 6 of Oklahoma State’s losses this season have been against teams that are at least 8 points better than Texas Tech (all teams in the top 60 in my ratings). Texas Tech is coming off a couple of quality wins, but my ratings still favor the Cowboys by 2 ½ points and I’ll lean with Oklahoma State based on their great record as a favorite under Ford.
Saturday Daytime College Opinion
Oklahoma State (-2) over TEXAS TECH
Rotation #579 – 1 pm Pacific
Oklahoma State is an incredible 31-5-2 ATS and 36-2 straight up as a favorite in 3 seasons under coach Travis Ford (30-0 straight up as a favorite of 2 or more), including 8-1 ATS this season. The Cowboys are an even better 28-2-1 ATS as a favorite of less than 11 points (8-0 ATS this season). All 6 of Oklahoma State’s losses this season have been against teams that are at least 8 points better than Texas Tech (all teams in the top 60 in my ratings). Texas Tech is coming off a couple of quality wins, but my ratings still favor the Cowboys by 2 ½ points and I’ll lean with Oklahoma State based on their great record as a favorite under Ford.
John Chang
of bookie assassin
VILLANOVA WILDCATS -4.5 over Georgetown Hoyas, 10 dimes
Nova is without a doubt the better coached, more talented, and more consistent team than the Hoyas. Plus, Nova is playing at home. They've had a bit of a rough stretch, if you want to call it that, as they have lost 2 out of their last 3 on the road. We cannot forget however, this is the Big East, and the two road losses came at tough venues in Connecticut and Providence. Nova returns to Philly tonight, and I expect them to bounce back in a big way at home against a ranked team. After all, the Wildcats are 7-3 ATS when playing at the Villanova Pavilion. Georgetown has shown an inability at times in the season to get ready for big games, and I expect that to happen today. Take the home favorite here.
St. Bonaventure Bonnies -4.5 at FORDHAM RAMS, 10 dimes
Fordham just isn't a poor team, this is a talentless and heartless squad that hasn't won a conference game in 32 attempts. This year they are 6-12, and a predictable 0-6 in the A10 conference. The Rams fortunes probably won't change at home against the Bonnies. While Bonaventure is a pedestrian 10-9 overall, they've shown grittiness when playing on the road this season. They've covered in all three of their road games that were lined this year, and they play remarkably tough defense on the road, allowing under 62 ppg in that respect. Junior Andrew Nicholson can carry the bulk of the scoring for the Bonnies, but they also are getting fantastic guard play to supplement Nicholson's offensive presence. Fordham has gotten blown out in all of its losses this year, so look for the Bonnies to gradually shut them out of this game.
VALPARAISO CRUSADERS +2.5 over Butler Bulldogs, 10 dimes
It's still quite a shock to me to look at the Horizon Conference standings and not see Butler in the top spot. Several teams such as Valpo, Wright State, and especially Cleveland State are sending a message to Butler that their reign of dominance is over. I love Valpo in this spot at home. They just suffered a tough loss to an inferior team at home, and they're motivation level should be high here. Especially because everyone in this conference loves a good chance to tee off on the Bulldogs at home. Valpo shoots and shares the ball well, as they are ranked in the top 30 in the nation in these categories. They know how to shoot from the perimeter, and they also play ridiculous defense at home (allowing under 57 ppg.) The home team is getting points here? Let's grab em up and expect an outright win.
Cleveland State Vikings -3.5 over LOYOLA CHICAGO RAMBLERS, 10 dimes
I guess my theme for the day is defense, since that's the main reason I'm backing Cleveland State on the road here. The dominant Vikings are holding opponents under 60 points on average this season, good enough for 16th in the nation. They've already blasted Loyola Chicago by double digits earlier this season, and we can expect Cleveland State to secure their 20th win of the season tonight.
BYU Cougars-3.5 over NEW MEXICO LOBOS, 10 dimes
Jimmer Fredette continues to wow the nation, picking up another 40 point performance last game against Colorado State. With Fredette's scoring prowess paired up with the inside presence of Brandon Davies, the BYU offensive attack is working like a well-oiled machine. I'd almost be willing to take BYU against anyone at this point, home or away. Today they visit a Lobos team that is 2-4 in the conference. BYU has covered in all three of their in-conference road games, and things should change in New Mexico tonight.
New Orleans Hornets -5 over SACRAMENTO KINGS, 10 dimes
We have to ride the Hornets here. They're red hot overall, being winners of ten straight, and they've amazingly covered in 8 straight road contests. The Kings are set up for the textbook letdown in this spot. They just got off a stunning road upset of the Lakers, and should return home riding on a high horse. They'll fall off that horse pretty quick when they run into the top ranked defense in the NBA. The Kings have owned this series against the spread, but that trend should be bucked tonight. Lay the road chalk!
of bookie assassin
VILLANOVA WILDCATS -4.5 over Georgetown Hoyas, 10 dimes
Nova is without a doubt the better coached, more talented, and more consistent team than the Hoyas. Plus, Nova is playing at home. They've had a bit of a rough stretch, if you want to call it that, as they have lost 2 out of their last 3 on the road. We cannot forget however, this is the Big East, and the two road losses came at tough venues in Connecticut and Providence. Nova returns to Philly tonight, and I expect them to bounce back in a big way at home against a ranked team. After all, the Wildcats are 7-3 ATS when playing at the Villanova Pavilion. Georgetown has shown an inability at times in the season to get ready for big games, and I expect that to happen today. Take the home favorite here.
St. Bonaventure Bonnies -4.5 at FORDHAM RAMS, 10 dimes
Fordham just isn't a poor team, this is a talentless and heartless squad that hasn't won a conference game in 32 attempts. This year they are 6-12, and a predictable 0-6 in the A10 conference. The Rams fortunes probably won't change at home against the Bonnies. While Bonaventure is a pedestrian 10-9 overall, they've shown grittiness when playing on the road this season. They've covered in all three of their road games that were lined this year, and they play remarkably tough defense on the road, allowing under 62 ppg in that respect. Junior Andrew Nicholson can carry the bulk of the scoring for the Bonnies, but they also are getting fantastic guard play to supplement Nicholson's offensive presence. Fordham has gotten blown out in all of its losses this year, so look for the Bonnies to gradually shut them out of this game.
VALPARAISO CRUSADERS +2.5 over Butler Bulldogs, 10 dimes
It's still quite a shock to me to look at the Horizon Conference standings and not see Butler in the top spot. Several teams such as Valpo, Wright State, and especially Cleveland State are sending a message to Butler that their reign of dominance is over. I love Valpo in this spot at home. They just suffered a tough loss to an inferior team at home, and they're motivation level should be high here. Especially because everyone in this conference loves a good chance to tee off on the Bulldogs at home. Valpo shoots and shares the ball well, as they are ranked in the top 30 in the nation in these categories. They know how to shoot from the perimeter, and they also play ridiculous defense at home (allowing under 57 ppg.) The home team is getting points here? Let's grab em up and expect an outright win.
Cleveland State Vikings -3.5 over LOYOLA CHICAGO RAMBLERS, 10 dimes
I guess my theme for the day is defense, since that's the main reason I'm backing Cleveland State on the road here. The dominant Vikings are holding opponents under 60 points on average this season, good enough for 16th in the nation. They've already blasted Loyola Chicago by double digits earlier this season, and we can expect Cleveland State to secure their 20th win of the season tonight.
BYU Cougars-3.5 over NEW MEXICO LOBOS, 10 dimes
Jimmer Fredette continues to wow the nation, picking up another 40 point performance last game against Colorado State. With Fredette's scoring prowess paired up with the inside presence of Brandon Davies, the BYU offensive attack is working like a well-oiled machine. I'd almost be willing to take BYU against anyone at this point, home or away. Today they visit a Lobos team that is 2-4 in the conference. BYU has covered in all three of their in-conference road games, and things should change in New Mexico tonight.
New Orleans Hornets -5 over SACRAMENTO KINGS, 10 dimes
We have to ride the Hornets here. They're red hot overall, being winners of ten straight, and they've amazingly covered in 8 straight road contests. The Kings are set up for the textbook letdown in this spot. They just got off a stunning road upset of the Lakers, and should return home riding on a high horse. They'll fall off that horse pretty quick when they run into the top ranked defense in the NBA. The Kings have owned this series against the spread, but that trend should be bucked tonight. Lay the road chalk!
