NCAAB
Write-Up
Saturday, February 12
Syracuse lost its last six games vs Louisville, losing last three here by 5-11-10 points; Orangemen are 2-5 in last seven games overall- they gave up less than 60 points in last six wins, 64+ in last five losses. Louisville is 5-0 SU at home in Big East, 2-3 as home fave. Big East home teams are 12-7 vs spread if number is 3 or less points; home favorites are 8-5.
Kentucky won its last four games vs Vanderbilt, winning last two here by 13-2 points; Wildcats are just 1-4 on SEC road, with last three losses on road by two points- their only road win was 67-58 at South Carolina. Vanderbilt is 1-4 as SEC home favorite (4-1 SU) with wins by 7-10-18-4 points. Kentucky had two more days to prepare for this than Vandy.
North Carolina (-6.5) held Clemson to 35% from floor in 75-65 win Jan 18, its 11th win in last 12 series games; UNC won three of last four at Littlejohn, with wins by 19-2-22 points. Clemson is 5-0 at home, with home wins by 7-25-10-18-8 points, allowing 59.4 ppg. Home teams are 3-7-1 vs spread in ACC games where spread is 3 or less points.
Old Dominion lost six of last seven visits to VCU, losing last two here by 17-12 points; home side won four of last five series games. VCU won 11 of last 12 games, winning last game in double OT- they won 59-50 at ODU in first meeting Jan 22 (+6.5). CAA home favorites of less than 4 points are 4-9-1. Monarchs won five of their last six games.
Ohio State is 0-5 at Wisconsin since Bo Ryan has been coach, as host is 9-2 in last 11 series games, but OSU is 11-0 in Big 11, with four of last five road wins by 5 or less points. Favorites are 7-3-1 vs spread in Big 11 games where spread is 3 or less points. Badgers won five of last six games; they're 6-0 at home in Big 11, 5-1 as a home favorite.
Texas is 9-0 in Big 12, covering six of last seven games; they're 2-2 as a home favorite, winning by 20-21-13-16 points- they've lost last four vs Baylor, losing in last two Big 12 tourneys. Baylor won three of last four games, with all three wins by 4 or less points- they're 1-2 as road dog in Big 12. Double digit home favorites are 3-5 vs spread in Big 12 games.
Southern Miss (-6) led by 18 in first half, lost 76-75 at home Jan 19 to Memphis, its 14th straight series loss; Eagles lost last seven visits here, by 17-14-3-39-46-16-7 points. Memphis won its last two games, both on road, by total of 5 points. USM won/covered its last four games.
C-USA home favorites of less than 5 points are 7-4-1 vs spread.
Florida won six of last seven games, winning last three at home by 32-4-2 points; Gators (+3.5) won 81-75 at Tennessee Jan 11, its second win in row vs Vols, after six straight losses- Vols won four of last six visits here. Tennessee lost its last two games, scoring 60-61 points; they're 2-1 as a dog. SEC home favorites of less than 7 points are 5-9 vs spread.
UNLV was 1-18 from arc in 55-49 loss at San Diego State (-4.5) Jan 12, its sixth loss in last seven series games; home team won seven of nine in series. Aztecs won last four games overall, allowing 54.3 ppg. UNLV is 4-1 in last five games- they're 3-2 at home in MWC. Home teams are 3-7 vs spread in MWC games when spread is less than 5 points.
New Mexico (-8.5) was +16 on boards, held Colorado State to 38% on night in 68-61 home win over Rams Jan 12, its eighth consecutive series win. Lobos won last four games, all by 9+ points; they've lost three of four on MVC road. MWC home favorites of less than 5 points are 1-5 vs spread. Last four State games were decided by 6 or less points.
Home side won last four Pitt-Villanova games; Panthers lost last couple visits here, by 1-10 points. Villanova is 3-4 in last seven games, blowing 10-point lead in last 2:52 at Rutgers Wednesday; they're 5-1 at home in Big East, losing to Georgetown. Big East home teams are 12-7 vs spread if number is 3 or less points. Panthers are 5-0 on Big East road.
Northern Iowa (+8) shot 57% in 77-74 win at Wichita Jan 19, third win in row over Shockers, who've lost their last four visits here, by 12-2-24-3 points. UNI won last six home games but lost last two overall, scoring 69-62 points. Wichita State is 6-0 on MVC road, winning five of last six overall. MVC home teams are 4-8 in games where spread of 2 or less.
Northern Colorado (+2) held Montana to 33% from floor in 63-45 win Jan 6, Bears' third win in last five series games- they lost three of four in this building, losing by 21-15-9 points. Big Sky home favorites of less than 6 points are 7-2-1 vs spread. Montana is 6-0 at home (4-2 against spread) in Big Sky. Northern covered two of three as Big Sky dog.
Write-Up
Saturday, February 12
Syracuse lost its last six games vs Louisville, losing last three here by 5-11-10 points; Orangemen are 2-5 in last seven games overall- they gave up less than 60 points in last six wins, 64+ in last five losses. Louisville is 5-0 SU at home in Big East, 2-3 as home fave. Big East home teams are 12-7 vs spread if number is 3 or less points; home favorites are 8-5.
Kentucky won its last four games vs Vanderbilt, winning last two here by 13-2 points; Wildcats are just 1-4 on SEC road, with last three losses on road by two points- their only road win was 67-58 at South Carolina. Vanderbilt is 1-4 as SEC home favorite (4-1 SU) with wins by 7-10-18-4 points. Kentucky had two more days to prepare for this than Vandy.
North Carolina (-6.5) held Clemson to 35% from floor in 75-65 win Jan 18, its 11th win in last 12 series games; UNC won three of last four at Littlejohn, with wins by 19-2-22 points. Clemson is 5-0 at home, with home wins by 7-25-10-18-8 points, allowing 59.4 ppg. Home teams are 3-7-1 vs spread in ACC games where spread is 3 or less points.
Old Dominion lost six of last seven visits to VCU, losing last two here by 17-12 points; home side won four of last five series games. VCU won 11 of last 12 games, winning last game in double OT- they won 59-50 at ODU in first meeting Jan 22 (+6.5). CAA home favorites of less than 4 points are 4-9-1. Monarchs won five of their last six games.
Ohio State is 0-5 at Wisconsin since Bo Ryan has been coach, as host is 9-2 in last 11 series games, but OSU is 11-0 in Big 11, with four of last five road wins by 5 or less points. Favorites are 7-3-1 vs spread in Big 11 games where spread is 3 or less points. Badgers won five of last six games; they're 6-0 at home in Big 11, 5-1 as a home favorite.
Texas is 9-0 in Big 12, covering six of last seven games; they're 2-2 as a home favorite, winning by 20-21-13-16 points- they've lost last four vs Baylor, losing in last two Big 12 tourneys. Baylor won three of last four games, with all three wins by 4 or less points- they're 1-2 as road dog in Big 12. Double digit home favorites are 3-5 vs spread in Big 12 games.
Southern Miss (-6) led by 18 in first half, lost 76-75 at home Jan 19 to Memphis, its 14th straight series loss; Eagles lost last seven visits here, by 17-14-3-39-46-16-7 points. Memphis won its last two games, both on road, by total of 5 points. USM won/covered its last four games.
C-USA home favorites of less than 5 points are 7-4-1 vs spread.
Florida won six of last seven games, winning last three at home by 32-4-2 points; Gators (+3.5) won 81-75 at Tennessee Jan 11, its second win in row vs Vols, after six straight losses- Vols won four of last six visits here. Tennessee lost its last two games, scoring 60-61 points; they're 2-1 as a dog. SEC home favorites of less than 7 points are 5-9 vs spread.
UNLV was 1-18 from arc in 55-49 loss at San Diego State (-4.5) Jan 12, its sixth loss in last seven series games; home team won seven of nine in series. Aztecs won last four games overall, allowing 54.3 ppg. UNLV is 4-1 in last five games- they're 3-2 at home in MWC. Home teams are 3-7 vs spread in MWC games when spread is less than 5 points.
New Mexico (-8.5) was +16 on boards, held Colorado State to 38% on night in 68-61 home win over Rams Jan 12, its eighth consecutive series win. Lobos won last four games, all by 9+ points; they've lost three of four on MVC road. MWC home favorites of less than 5 points are 1-5 vs spread. Last four State games were decided by 6 or less points.
Home side won last four Pitt-Villanova games; Panthers lost last couple visits here, by 1-10 points. Villanova is 3-4 in last seven games, blowing 10-point lead in last 2:52 at Rutgers Wednesday; they're 5-1 at home in Big East, losing to Georgetown. Big East home teams are 12-7 vs spread if number is 3 or less points. Panthers are 5-0 on Big East road.
Northern Iowa (+8) shot 57% in 77-74 win at Wichita Jan 19, third win in row over Shockers, who've lost their last four visits here, by 12-2-24-3 points. UNI won last six home games but lost last two overall, scoring 69-62 points. Wichita State is 6-0 on MVC road, winning five of last six overall. MVC home teams are 4-8 in games where spread of 2 or less.
Northern Colorado (+2) held Montana to 33% from floor in 63-45 win Jan 6, Bears' third win in last five series games- they lost three of four in this building, losing by 21-15-9 points. Big Sky home favorites of less than 6 points are 7-2-1 vs spread. Montana is 6-0 at home (4-2 against spread) in Big Sky. Northern covered two of three as Big Sky dog.
SPORTS WAGERS
VANDERBILT –1 over Kentucky
These two are mirror images of one another in that they’re both 16-6 overall and 5-4 in the conference. They both have shooters and rebounders and frankly, there’s not a lot that separates them. The difference is that the Commodores are at home where they’re 13-1 while the Wildcats are just 3-5 on the road. Also note that Kentucky is much more popular with the betting public and if this game were in Kentucky the Wildcats would probably be about a 4-4½-point choice and Vandy should be the exact same price that Kentucky would be at home but they’re not, thus creating the underlay. The Wildcats have dropped three of its last four on the road with only win over that span coming against the last place Gamecocks. Big game but the home side offers up the true value. Play: Vanderbilt –1½ (Risking 2.06 units to win 2).
Syracuse +116 over LOUISVILLE
Which Syracuse team is going to show up today is anyone’s guess but one thing is certain and that is that the Orange are simply the better team and it might not be close. The Cardinals are having a great year and one beyond expectations but their bubble is starting to burst. It’s crunch time in the Big East and this time of year the cream usually rises to the top. Louisville is just 3-3 over its last six games with wins over West Virginia (by a point), UConn (in double OT by a point) and DePaul at home by just four. Those three narrow wins are a little disturbing when you consider that UVA can’t score, everyone is beating UConn these days and the Blue Demons are 0-11 in the conference. The Cardinals have played six very intense and close games in a row and that takes its toll. Now they’ll play a Syracuse team that’s superior to the last six teams that they’ve faced. The Orange has just two wins in their last six contests. However, they’ve had a difficult schedule and after a tough home loss to the Hoyas we expect to see the Orange come out completely amped up and ready to go. This is a team they can beat, as the Cardinals are not as good as their #15 ranking suggests. Play: Syracuse +116(Risking 2 units).
VANDERBILT –1 over Kentucky
These two are mirror images of one another in that they’re both 16-6 overall and 5-4 in the conference. They both have shooters and rebounders and frankly, there’s not a lot that separates them. The difference is that the Commodores are at home where they’re 13-1 while the Wildcats are just 3-5 on the road. Also note that Kentucky is much more popular with the betting public and if this game were in Kentucky the Wildcats would probably be about a 4-4½-point choice and Vandy should be the exact same price that Kentucky would be at home but they’re not, thus creating the underlay. The Wildcats have dropped three of its last four on the road with only win over that span coming against the last place Gamecocks. Big game but the home side offers up the true value. Play: Vanderbilt –1½ (Risking 2.06 units to win 2).
Syracuse +116 over LOUISVILLE
Which Syracuse team is going to show up today is anyone’s guess but one thing is certain and that is that the Orange are simply the better team and it might not be close. The Cardinals are having a great year and one beyond expectations but their bubble is starting to burst. It’s crunch time in the Big East and this time of year the cream usually rises to the top. Louisville is just 3-3 over its last six games with wins over West Virginia (by a point), UConn (in double OT by a point) and DePaul at home by just four. Those three narrow wins are a little disturbing when you consider that UVA can’t score, everyone is beating UConn these days and the Blue Demons are 0-11 in the conference. The Cardinals have played six very intense and close games in a row and that takes its toll. Now they’ll play a Syracuse team that’s superior to the last six teams that they’ve faced. The Orange has just two wins in their last six contests. However, they’ve had a difficult schedule and after a tough home loss to the Hoyas we expect to see the Orange come out completely amped up and ready to go. This is a team they can beat, as the Cardinals are not as good as their #15 ranking suggests. Play: Syracuse +116(Risking 2 units).
VegasTout Hoops for Saturday
NCAA
Play Notre Dame -6 over South Florida—NCAA TOP PLAY
Notre Dame has covered the spread in 5 of the last 6 games and they are also 6-1 ATS coming off a conference win. Notre Dame is 4-0 ATS coming off a combined score of 155 points or more and they are averaging over 76 points a game over the last five games.
Play Georgia -2 over South Carolina—NCAA TOP PLAY
South Carolina has lost 4 of the last 5 games and they are also 6-17 ATS when playing as a home underdog of three points or less. South Carolina is 0-2 ATS vs. Georgia at home and they are only averaging 61 points a game on offense over the last five games.
NCAA
Play Notre Dame -6 over South Florida—NCAA TOP PLAY
Notre Dame has covered the spread in 5 of the last 6 games and they are also 6-1 ATS coming off a conference win. Notre Dame is 4-0 ATS coming off a combined score of 155 points or more and they are averaging over 76 points a game over the last five games.
Play Georgia -2 over South Carolina—NCAA TOP PLAY
South Carolina has lost 4 of the last 5 games and they are also 6-17 ATS when playing as a home underdog of three points or less. South Carolina is 0-2 ATS vs. Georgia at home and they are only averaging 61 points a game on offense over the last five games.
TheSportsCapper Hoops
100* Play Florida (-6) over Tennessee (NCAA TOP PLAY)
Florida has won 6 of the last 7 games and they are also 6-1 SU & ATS in home games when the total posted is between 130 and 134.5 points. Florida is 15-2 SU after having won three of the last four games and they are only allowing 61 points a game on defense this season.
5* Play Notre Dame (-6) over South Florida (NCAA BONUS)
5* Play West Virginia (-18) over Depaul (NCAA BONUS)
5* Play Oklahoma City (-4.5) over Sacramento (NBA BONUS PLAY)
100* Play Florida (-6) over Tennessee (NCAA TOP PLAY)
Florida has won 6 of the last 7 games and they are also 6-1 SU & ATS in home games when the total posted is between 130 and 134.5 points. Florida is 15-2 SU after having won three of the last four games and they are only allowing 61 points a game on defense this season.
5* Play Notre Dame (-6) over South Florida (NCAA BONUS)
5* Play West Virginia (-18) over Depaul (NCAA BONUS)
5* Play Oklahoma City (-4.5) over Sacramento (NBA BONUS PLAY)
Prophet
Manchester United/Manchester City over 1 1st half
Blackpool/Aston Villa over 1 1st half
Frankfurt/Leverkusen over 1 1st half
Bayern Munich/Hoffenheim over 1.5 1st half
Stuttgart/Nurnberg over 1 1st half
Wolfsburg/Hamburg over 1 1st half
Kaiserslaughtern/Dortmund over 1 1st half
Atletico Madrid/Valencia over 1 1st half
Barcelona -1 1st half
AZ Alkmaar/PSV over 2.5
Bristol City/Leeds United over 2.5
Watford/Burnley over 2.5
Capitals
ODU/VCU over 127
Ore St/UCLA under 136
Temple/Dayton over 131
Manchester United/Manchester City over 1 1st half
Blackpool/Aston Villa over 1 1st half
Frankfurt/Leverkusen over 1 1st half
Bayern Munich/Hoffenheim over 1.5 1st half
Stuttgart/Nurnberg over 1 1st half
Wolfsburg/Hamburg over 1 1st half
Kaiserslaughtern/Dortmund over 1 1st half
Atletico Madrid/Valencia over 1 1st half
Barcelona -1 1st half
AZ Alkmaar/PSV over 2.5
Bristol City/Leeds United over 2.5
Watford/Burnley over 2.5
Capitals
ODU/VCU over 127
Ore St/UCLA under 136
Temple/Dayton over 131
MMA Professor -Strikeforce Picks
Ok, for the first time ever, we have MMA picks outside of the UFC. The Strikeforce tournament is for real, and we have 1 pick:
Andrei Arlovski (+125) over Sergei Kharitonov
Yes, Arlovski has lost 3 in a row, but all to very top level competition. Look for him to outbox the overrated Kharitonov.
Ok, for the first time ever, we have MMA picks outside of the UFC. The Strikeforce tournament is for real, and we have 1 pick:
Andrei Arlovski (+125) over Sergei Kharitonov
Yes, Arlovski has lost 3 in a row, but all to very top level competition. Look for him to outbox the overrated Kharitonov.
NHL Dunkel
Chicago at Phoenix
The Coyotes look to take advantage of a Chicago team that is 1-6 in its last 7 games as a favorite from -110 to -150. Phoenix is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Coyotes favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-105). Here are all of today's picks.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Game 1-2: Los Angeles at Washington (12:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.885; Washington 12.243
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-145); Under
Game 3-4: Ottawa at Edmonton (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 10.692; Edmonton 10.010
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+110); Over
Game 5-6: Toronto at Montreal (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.349; Montreal 11.296
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-160); Under
Game 7-8: Carolina at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.929; Tampa Bay 10.962
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-160); 6
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+140); Over
Game 9-10: Chicago at Phoenix (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.556; Phoenix 12.289
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-105); Over
Game 11-12: Colorado at Nashville (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.031; Nashville 10.344
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+145); Under
Game 13-14: St. Louis at Minnesota (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.804; Minnesota 10.649
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+110); Under
Game 15-16: Calgary at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.979; Vancouver 13.142
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-200); Over
Chicago at Phoenix
The Coyotes look to take advantage of a Chicago team that is 1-6 in its last 7 games as a favorite from -110 to -150. Phoenix is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Coyotes favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-105). Here are all of today's picks.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Game 1-2: Los Angeles at Washington (12:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.885; Washington 12.243
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-145); Under
Game 3-4: Ottawa at Edmonton (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 10.692; Edmonton 10.010
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+110); Over
Game 5-6: Toronto at Montreal (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.349; Montreal 11.296
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-160); Under
Game 7-8: Carolina at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.929; Tampa Bay 10.962
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-160); 6
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+140); Over
Game 9-10: Chicago at Phoenix (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.556; Phoenix 12.289
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-105); Over
Game 11-12: Colorado at Nashville (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.031; Nashville 10.344
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+145); Under
Game 13-14: St. Louis at Minnesota (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.804; Minnesota 10.649
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+110); Under
Game 15-16: Calgary at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.979; Vancouver 13.142
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-200); Over
BOOKIEASSASSIN
John Chang
Notre Dame Fighting Irish -6 over SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS, 20 dimes
Defensive pressure will be the key to the Irish taming the Bulls today in South Florida. The Irish have not been impressive offensively on the road, but they have the ability to create points off of defensive pressure and turnovers. Unfortunately for South Florida, that's exactly the kind of defense they faced when they blew a 14 point lead last game against Marquette. There just isn't enough talent or depth on this Bulls team to keep up with Notre Dame and the other contenders in the Big East. They turn the ball over way too often, ranking dead last in the conference in this category. Expect Notre Dame to lay the hammer down big time today in order to keep pace with Pitt in the Big East Conference standings.
Portland Pilots -1.5 over LOYOLA MARYMOUNT LIONS, 10 dimes
Here's another great line. Loyola Marymount hasn't been able to do anything right of late. This highly-touted preseason team has completely fallen off the radar with this last losing skid, dropping 8 out of 9 SU and 6 out of 7 ATS. Normally, I wouldn't like to take Portland on the road, but the Lions have pretty much thrown in the towel for this season. Coach Max Good has constantly rotated his starting lineup, and now he's starting three freshmen, probably in an effort to give them experience for next season. If you ask me, that's a sign that the coach has given up on this campaign, and is building for the future. Take the more talented and stable team here at the nice price.
COLORADO BUFFALOES -1 over Kansas State Wildcats, 10 dimes
The Wildcats are dealing with a distraction hanging over their heads as star forward Curtis Kelly is being investigated for receiving improper benefits. While Kelly is expected to play, the distraction cannot be a good thing considering the fact that Kansas State has played atrociously on the road this season. The Wildcats are 2-8 overall ATS and haven't covered the number in their last 5 road games. Colorado isn't enjoying any kind of picnic of late either, they are in the depths of a 1-7 SU skid. But they have covered in 3 out of their last 5 games, and they've been playing some very stiff competition in Texas A&M, Baylor, Mizzou, and Kansas. I expect the Wildcats poor road play to continue in Colorado. Take the home team in this near pickem matchup.
Dallas Mavericks -1 over Houston Rockets, 10 dimes
John Chang
Notre Dame Fighting Irish -6 over SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS, 20 dimes
Defensive pressure will be the key to the Irish taming the Bulls today in South Florida. The Irish have not been impressive offensively on the road, but they have the ability to create points off of defensive pressure and turnovers. Unfortunately for South Florida, that's exactly the kind of defense they faced when they blew a 14 point lead last game against Marquette. There just isn't enough talent or depth on this Bulls team to keep up with Notre Dame and the other contenders in the Big East. They turn the ball over way too often, ranking dead last in the conference in this category. Expect Notre Dame to lay the hammer down big time today in order to keep pace with Pitt in the Big East Conference standings.
Portland Pilots -1.5 over LOYOLA MARYMOUNT LIONS, 10 dimes
Here's another great line. Loyola Marymount hasn't been able to do anything right of late. This highly-touted preseason team has completely fallen off the radar with this last losing skid, dropping 8 out of 9 SU and 6 out of 7 ATS. Normally, I wouldn't like to take Portland on the road, but the Lions have pretty much thrown in the towel for this season. Coach Max Good has constantly rotated his starting lineup, and now he's starting three freshmen, probably in an effort to give them experience for next season. If you ask me, that's a sign that the coach has given up on this campaign, and is building for the future. Take the more talented and stable team here at the nice price.
COLORADO BUFFALOES -1 over Kansas State Wildcats, 10 dimes
The Wildcats are dealing with a distraction hanging over their heads as star forward Curtis Kelly is being investigated for receiving improper benefits. While Kelly is expected to play, the distraction cannot be a good thing considering the fact that Kansas State has played atrociously on the road this season. The Wildcats are 2-8 overall ATS and haven't covered the number in their last 5 road games. Colorado isn't enjoying any kind of picnic of late either, they are in the depths of a 1-7 SU skid. But they have covered in 3 out of their last 5 games, and they've been playing some very stiff competition in Texas A&M, Baylor, Mizzou, and Kansas. I expect the Wildcats poor road play to continue in Colorado. Take the home team in this near pickem matchup.
Dallas Mavericks -1 over Houston Rockets, 10 dimes
