Eafra Soccer 2/27
2* Bayer Leverkusen -1.5 (Ev), German Bundesliga at 12:30pm EST
1* Chelsea -1 (-145), England Premier League at 7:45am EST
1* Monchengladbach -0.5 (-130), German Bundesliga at 9:30am EST
1* Bolton UNDER 2.5 (-125), England Premier League at 10am EST
1* Birmingham -0.5 (-115), England Premier League at 10am EST
1* Stoke OVER 2.5 (-115), England Premier League at 12:30pm EST
2* Bayer Leverkusen -1.5 (Ev), German Bundesliga at 12:30pm EST
1* Chelsea -1 (-145), England Premier League at 7:45am EST
1* Monchengladbach -0.5 (-130), German Bundesliga at 9:30am EST
1* Bolton UNDER 2.5 (-125), England Premier League at 10am EST
1* Birmingham -0.5 (-115), England Premier League at 10am EST
1* Stoke OVER 2.5 (-115), England Premier League at 12:30pm EST
Craig Davis
Saturday's Lineup
50 Dime – WASHINGTON STATE
15 Dime – ILLINOIS STATE
WASHINGTON STATE --- Loving the dogs here today, and I'll start with Washington State at home. Major revenge game, rivalry game, home game. All of these things play in our favor tonight as the Cougar fans have all day to get nice and "waspy" from their pre-game parties so they'll be extra loud when this game tips off. Though it doesn't get as much notoriety as Duke/UNC or Georgetown/Syracuse, the folks up in the Pacific Northwest know how much this means to both teams. And after the beating that Washington put on the Cougars in the last meeting, the coaches, fans and players will be more than motivated to get revenge in their own building tonight.
Washington beat Washington State by 28 in their earlier meeting this year, but a closer look at the numbers saw that Washington State actually owned a 40-36 halftime lead and played well the first few minutes of the second half. But, for whatever reason, Washington State decided they didn't want to play the final 16 minutes and got run out of the gym. This isn't the first time Washington has done this to an opponent and it wasn't the last. That's what they do. They feed off the crowd, especially in the second half, and have often times ruined an opponents' visit to Seattle. But this game, in particular, also showed me that WSU is more than capable of hanging with, and beating, their arch-rival.
Watch for youngster Klay Thompson to absolutely go nuts in front of the home fans tonight. Two reasons. First off, he owes Washington. In the last game vs. Washington he struggled to get 7 total points, including 2-15 shooting from the field and 1-6 from downtown. Thompson has been up and down this year, but he's never posted three straight bad games this season... and since he was very "pedestrian" in his last two games vs. USC and UCLA, he's more than overdue for a big night tonight. Remember, Thompson scored 43 points against San Diego back in November and he started the Pac 10 Conference season with 33 points against Oregon. He was once considered one of the league's best underclassmen, but has fallen on some hard times averaging just 16.3 PPG in conference play.
But if you talk to Washington HC Lorenzo Romar, Thompson is his biggest concern. Romar said he has no doubts Thompson will play better in the rematch because he's seen a couple of shooters like Thompson struggle against the Huskies in Seattle, but then shoot "light's out" in their own gym. Cal's Jerome Randle scored 5 points in Washington but 33 at home while Arizona State's Rihards Kuksiks score 8 at Washington but 27 at home. I'm telling you... watch Thompson tonight... I'm expecting big things.
The Cougars are a respectable 9-4 at home while we all know the struggles the Huskies have away from Edmundson Pavilion (1-6). Not only do they lose on the road, they don't cover either (1-7 ATS in games away from home). Like I said, a home rivalry game with revenge on their minds is enough for me. Plus, I know Washington doesn't play defense, especially on the road, and Washington State does. The Huskies are one team at home and another on the road, and although they don't play good defense at home, it's even worse as a visitor. I'm taking the Cougars as my top play of the day.
ILLINOIS STATE --- Don't often get revenge on the road, but I'm liking my chances with the Redbirds getting nearly ten points today. Northern Iowa destroyed Illinois State in their first meeting, but the Redbirds shot only 37% from the field as a team and 16% from the free throw line. I'm not sure what's more insulting.... the fact they shot 16% or the fact they only got to the line 6 times. Both are pitiful, and I guarantee both will change today. Northern Iowa shot 13 of 16 in the first meeting from the line and although they are a good free throw shooting, they don't often get to the line that much more than their opponent. I think two things are playing against the Panthers in this game other than revenge. First, I'm guessing Northern Iowa isn't really excited about this game. How can they be? They've already wrapped up the regular season conference crown, and they showed just how excited they were about playing out the rest of the schedule by losing to lowly Evansville in their last game. I expect the same team to come out today.
Secondly, without Jordan Eglseder in the lineup because of his suspension, this defense just isn't the same. He scored 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the last meeting with Illinois State, leading the team in both categories. Without him, the Panthers just aren't the same team. I'm telling you right now, the Redbirds won't score only 44 points again today and I just don't believe the Panthers have the offense to score outside the 50s. ISU has won six straight SU and has covered three of their last four games. Meanwhile, Northern Iowa has lost two of their last four both SU and ATS. Illinois State has quietly crept to #2 in the conference with Wichita State, and a win today would help them in their quest to lock up the second seed in the conference tourney. Bottom line: The Redbirds want this more and are playing better right now.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED-------GL GUYS
Saturday's Lineup
50 Dime – WASHINGTON STATE
15 Dime – ILLINOIS STATE
WASHINGTON STATE --- Loving the dogs here today, and I'll start with Washington State at home. Major revenge game, rivalry game, home game. All of these things play in our favor tonight as the Cougar fans have all day to get nice and "waspy" from their pre-game parties so they'll be extra loud when this game tips off. Though it doesn't get as much notoriety as Duke/UNC or Georgetown/Syracuse, the folks up in the Pacific Northwest know how much this means to both teams. And after the beating that Washington put on the Cougars in the last meeting, the coaches, fans and players will be more than motivated to get revenge in their own building tonight.
Washington beat Washington State by 28 in their earlier meeting this year, but a closer look at the numbers saw that Washington State actually owned a 40-36 halftime lead and played well the first few minutes of the second half. But, for whatever reason, Washington State decided they didn't want to play the final 16 minutes and got run out of the gym. This isn't the first time Washington has done this to an opponent and it wasn't the last. That's what they do. They feed off the crowd, especially in the second half, and have often times ruined an opponents' visit to Seattle. But this game, in particular, also showed me that WSU is more than capable of hanging with, and beating, their arch-rival.
Watch for youngster Klay Thompson to absolutely go nuts in front of the home fans tonight. Two reasons. First off, he owes Washington. In the last game vs. Washington he struggled to get 7 total points, including 2-15 shooting from the field and 1-6 from downtown. Thompson has been up and down this year, but he's never posted three straight bad games this season... and since he was very "pedestrian" in his last two games vs. USC and UCLA, he's more than overdue for a big night tonight. Remember, Thompson scored 43 points against San Diego back in November and he started the Pac 10 Conference season with 33 points against Oregon. He was once considered one of the league's best underclassmen, but has fallen on some hard times averaging just 16.3 PPG in conference play.
But if you talk to Washington HC Lorenzo Romar, Thompson is his biggest concern. Romar said he has no doubts Thompson will play better in the rematch because he's seen a couple of shooters like Thompson struggle against the Huskies in Seattle, but then shoot "light's out" in their own gym. Cal's Jerome Randle scored 5 points in Washington but 33 at home while Arizona State's Rihards Kuksiks score 8 at Washington but 27 at home. I'm telling you... watch Thompson tonight... I'm expecting big things.
The Cougars are a respectable 9-4 at home while we all know the struggles the Huskies have away from Edmundson Pavilion (1-6). Not only do they lose on the road, they don't cover either (1-7 ATS in games away from home). Like I said, a home rivalry game with revenge on their minds is enough for me. Plus, I know Washington doesn't play defense, especially on the road, and Washington State does. The Huskies are one team at home and another on the road, and although they don't play good defense at home, it's even worse as a visitor. I'm taking the Cougars as my top play of the day.
ILLINOIS STATE --- Don't often get revenge on the road, but I'm liking my chances with the Redbirds getting nearly ten points today. Northern Iowa destroyed Illinois State in their first meeting, but the Redbirds shot only 37% from the field as a team and 16% from the free throw line. I'm not sure what's more insulting.... the fact they shot 16% or the fact they only got to the line 6 times. Both are pitiful, and I guarantee both will change today. Northern Iowa shot 13 of 16 in the first meeting from the line and although they are a good free throw shooting, they don't often get to the line that much more than their opponent. I think two things are playing against the Panthers in this game other than revenge. First, I'm guessing Northern Iowa isn't really excited about this game. How can they be? They've already wrapped up the regular season conference crown, and they showed just how excited they were about playing out the rest of the schedule by losing to lowly Evansville in their last game. I expect the same team to come out today.
Secondly, without Jordan Eglseder in the lineup because of his suspension, this defense just isn't the same. He scored 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the last meeting with Illinois State, leading the team in both categories. Without him, the Panthers just aren't the same team. I'm telling you right now, the Redbirds won't score only 44 points again today and I just don't believe the Panthers have the offense to score outside the 50s. ISU has won six straight SU and has covered three of their last four games. Meanwhile, Northern Iowa has lost two of their last four both SU and ATS. Illinois State has quietly crept to #2 in the conference with Wichita State, and a win today would help them in their quest to lock up the second seed in the conference tourney. Bottom line: The Redbirds want this more and are playing better right now.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED-------GL GUYS
Anthony Redd
Saturday's Plays 60 Dime - Illinois State
15 Dime - N.C. Charlotte
15 Dime - Providence
FYI - I've won 8 of the past 10 days, turning 216.5 Dimes Net Profit.
+ 381 Dimes Net Profit L/60 days
And I'm 66-44 lifetime with plays rated 25 dimes or higher
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED------GL GUYS
Saturday's Plays 60 Dime - Illinois State
15 Dime - N.C. Charlotte
15 Dime - Providence
FYI - I've won 8 of the past 10 days, turning 216.5 Dimes Net Profit.
+ 381 Dimes Net Profit L/60 days
And I'm 66-44 lifetime with plays rated 25 dimes or higher
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED------GL GUYS
Ats Lock Club
8 Units on Kansas St. (-5) over Missouri, 8:00pmET
8 Units on Illinois St. (+8.5) over Northern Iowa, 8:00pmET
2 Unit Parlay Kansas St./Illinois St.
6 Units on Rutgers (-5) over Depaul, 4:00pmET
5 Units on Hofstra (-8) over Georgia St., 4:00pmET
5 Units on Ball St. (-5) over Toledo, 7:00pmET
8 Units on Kansas St. (-5) over Missouri, 8:00pmET
8 Units on Illinois St. (+8.5) over Northern Iowa, 8:00pmET
2 Unit Parlay Kansas St./Illinois St.
6 Units on Rutgers (-5) over Depaul, 4:00pmET
5 Units on Hofstra (-8) over Georgia St., 4:00pmET
5 Units on Ball St. (-5) over Toledo, 7:00pmET
Steven Budin-CEO
SATURDAY'S PLAY 25 Dime Release
Texas A&M in a virtual pick-em game at home in revenge versus Texas. $,.The game tips off at 2:00 P.M. Eastern. This is their 16th play the past three years, and seven this season, of which they are 5-1 so far (all of which I've brought you).
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED-------GL GUYS
SATURDAY'S PLAY 25 Dime Release
Texas A&M in a virtual pick-em game at home in revenge versus Texas. $,.The game tips off at 2:00 P.M. Eastern. This is their 16th play the past three years, and seven this season, of which they are 5-1 so far (all of which I've brought you).
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED-------GL GUYS
JOHNNY GUILD
Saturday, February 27th, 2010 7:00 PM EST.
Chicago Bulls (31-27) at Indiana Pacers (19-39)
The surging Bulls have won eight of their last ten games and are 3-0 against the struggling Pacers this season. Take the Bulls for a season sweep. Indiana has dropped three straight, seven of its last eight and is 0-4 ATS in the last 4 clashes versus the Bulls.
Chicago Bulls +1.5
Saturday, February 27th, 2010 (Eastern Time)
Time Selections
12:00 PM Kentucky Wildcats -2.5
2:00 PM Wake Forest Demon Deacons -7
2:00 PM West Virginia Mountaineers -12
8:00 PM Missouri (21-7) at No. 6 Kansas St. (23-4) Over -151.5
Saturday, February 27th, 2010 7:00 PM EST.
Chicago Bulls (31-27) at Indiana Pacers (19-39)
The surging Bulls have won eight of their last ten games and are 3-0 against the struggling Pacers this season. Take the Bulls for a season sweep. Indiana has dropped three straight, seven of its last eight and is 0-4 ATS in the last 4 clashes versus the Bulls.
Chicago Bulls +1.5
Saturday, February 27th, 2010 (Eastern Time)
Time Selections
12:00 PM Kentucky Wildcats -2.5
2:00 PM Wake Forest Demon Deacons -7
2:00 PM West Virginia Mountaineers -12
8:00 PM Missouri (21-7) at No. 6 Kansas St. (23-4) Over -151.5
SPORTS WAGERS
BYU –8 over New Mexico
Let’s see if we have this right. Both these teams play in the Mountain West and they’re #1 and #2 in the conference. They virtually have identical records at 26-3 overall. They’re both also ranked nationally, as the Lobos come in ranked #12 while the Cougars come in ranked #13. These two also played a month ago in New Mexico and the Lobos won by four. As for strength of schedule, give a significant edge to New Mexico, as its out of conference schedule included ranked teams, California, Texas Tech and Texas A&M while the Cougars have not faced a ranked team all season long. In fact, one could not argue that the Lobos are much more battle tested. Why then are the Cougars so heavily favored? Reputation counts for something but not that much when talking about the Mountain West. This looks like a line designed to attract money on the Lobos and it’s for that reason the Cougars are a play. The Cougars are deeper, they play better defense and with 22,000+ screaming fans on hand and its 15-0 home record, look for the Cougars to make a statement. The line says so. Play: BYU –8 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
TEXAS A&M –1 over Texas
The Aggies have lost one game at home all year and that lone loss came at the hand of the #1 team in the country, Kansas. They lost by five points but could’ve won it too, as they allowed the Jayhawks just 59 points. The Aggies are just so tough to beat and you can triple that at home. They played four ranked teams in its out of conference schedule, including three in a row in four days in late November. They also played another ranked team, Washington in December and went 2-2 in those four games. They beat Clemson and nearly beat West Virginia. The Aggies went into Texas on Jan 16 and lost by five. Now the venue switches and the Longhorns have been dropping in its ranking for weeks now. This is a very beatable team and even in its last game against Oklahoma St., they won by 10 but that score is flattering to the Longhorns, as OSU hung around all game and the Longhorns could not shake them off. This is a team that can go cold for long stretches at a time and usually do. Furthermore, its free-throw shooting is a huge problem, especially when they’re in the 1 and 1 situation because more times than not they’ll miss that first one. The Longhorns have gone just 5-6 over its last 11 games and what we have here is a team on the rise, the Aggies, playing at home against a team on the decline and frankly, the Aggies should put this intruder away. Texas are imposters and will be exposed as such once again. Play: Texas A&M –1 (Risking 2.06 units to win 2)
BYU –8 over New Mexico
Let’s see if we have this right. Both these teams play in the Mountain West and they’re #1 and #2 in the conference. They virtually have identical records at 26-3 overall. They’re both also ranked nationally, as the Lobos come in ranked #12 while the Cougars come in ranked #13. These two also played a month ago in New Mexico and the Lobos won by four. As for strength of schedule, give a significant edge to New Mexico, as its out of conference schedule included ranked teams, California, Texas Tech and Texas A&M while the Cougars have not faced a ranked team all season long. In fact, one could not argue that the Lobos are much more battle tested. Why then are the Cougars so heavily favored? Reputation counts for something but not that much when talking about the Mountain West. This looks like a line designed to attract money on the Lobos and it’s for that reason the Cougars are a play. The Cougars are deeper, they play better defense and with 22,000+ screaming fans on hand and its 15-0 home record, look for the Cougars to make a statement. The line says so. Play: BYU –8 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
TEXAS A&M –1 over Texas
The Aggies have lost one game at home all year and that lone loss came at the hand of the #1 team in the country, Kansas. They lost by five points but could’ve won it too, as they allowed the Jayhawks just 59 points. The Aggies are just so tough to beat and you can triple that at home. They played four ranked teams in its out of conference schedule, including three in a row in four days in late November. They also played another ranked team, Washington in December and went 2-2 in those four games. They beat Clemson and nearly beat West Virginia. The Aggies went into Texas on Jan 16 and lost by five. Now the venue switches and the Longhorns have been dropping in its ranking for weeks now. This is a very beatable team and even in its last game against Oklahoma St., they won by 10 but that score is flattering to the Longhorns, as OSU hung around all game and the Longhorns could not shake them off. This is a team that can go cold for long stretches at a time and usually do. Furthermore, its free-throw shooting is a huge problem, especially when they’re in the 1 and 1 situation because more times than not they’ll miss that first one. The Longhorns have gone just 5-6 over its last 11 games and what we have here is a team on the rise, the Aggies, playing at home against a team on the decline and frankly, the Aggies should put this intruder away. Texas are imposters and will be exposed as such once again. Play: Texas A&M –1 (Risking 2.06 units to win 2)
GREG SHAKER
Northern Illinois/Eastern Michigan Under 145
This number is actually up from the scout opening of 144 and the number is not going anywhere right now. My CBB Math Model has it handicapped at 138 and strong enough to take a look at it. Northern ILL has a very strong pace rating of #25 in this country and the primary reason why we have such a large number. EMich tempo is midrange and both squads have less than average offensive efficiency. What draws me to this game is the fact that while the home team has a higher percentage of shooting over their last 5 played, their scoring numbers are down both offensively and defensively. Averaging just 128 ppg over the last 5, while averaging allowing almost 47% shooting. They have simply been pacing down recently and they have certainly controlled the pace here on this court, with just 125 ppg all year right here and UNDER hitting at 6-3. I am going to look further into this one but for now, a pretty strong lean in UNDER.
Oregon State/USC Over 106
An amazing opening line of 104.5 for this game as we have two Pac 10 crawlers on the court and the line has been driven upward. By who I don't know, but I would suspect both sharp and square betting. My Math Model has this one handicapped at 111.5 but it is not taking into account of the recent happenings with Trojan contests as they continue to play very good D. Combined these teams are 15-8 UNDER in the Away/Home Situation that they are in today but I will discount that a bit since there has been Oddsmaker re-adjustment for this total. In fact, the first contest this year had a closing line of 111 which is about where I have it handicapped. That game produced just 96 though and with USC limiting opponents to a measly 35% shooting here at this arena perhaps we will see that type of game again. However, for Value Orienting I have a small lean right now to OVER.
Syracuse -5.5
Let me just first say that I will be staying away from this Extraoridary High Profile Game but I thought I would give you my thoughts on the possible outcome. My Handicapping Model has a 10 point win by the Orangemen but I am not sure that I trust that due to the intangibles involved here in this contest. The Wildcats have had some letdowns this year but they have played most of Big Games well and I have had them a couple times this year including their Big Win over West Va. Syracuse however is treating this one like it is the game of the century and with their combined strong D and uncanny shooting ability I have to lean that they will find a way to win this game. Interestingly though they have been the much better road squad at 10-1 ATS while covering around the 50% mark here in the Dome. That suggests that they are a "Do what it takes to win" type squad and perhaps these points could hold up to be a winner. However, I will put a small lean on Syracuse -5.5 based on the short line here compared to what they have been laying, what is going to be a vocal and active crowd situation, and a strong desire to show the visitors that they are the better team.
Northern Illinois/Eastern Michigan Under 145
This number is actually up from the scout opening of 144 and the number is not going anywhere right now. My CBB Math Model has it handicapped at 138 and strong enough to take a look at it. Northern ILL has a very strong pace rating of #25 in this country and the primary reason why we have such a large number. EMich tempo is midrange and both squads have less than average offensive efficiency. What draws me to this game is the fact that while the home team has a higher percentage of shooting over their last 5 played, their scoring numbers are down both offensively and defensively. Averaging just 128 ppg over the last 5, while averaging allowing almost 47% shooting. They have simply been pacing down recently and they have certainly controlled the pace here on this court, with just 125 ppg all year right here and UNDER hitting at 6-3. I am going to look further into this one but for now, a pretty strong lean in UNDER.
Oregon State/USC Over 106
An amazing opening line of 104.5 for this game as we have two Pac 10 crawlers on the court and the line has been driven upward. By who I don't know, but I would suspect both sharp and square betting. My Math Model has this one handicapped at 111.5 but it is not taking into account of the recent happenings with Trojan contests as they continue to play very good D. Combined these teams are 15-8 UNDER in the Away/Home Situation that they are in today but I will discount that a bit since there has been Oddsmaker re-adjustment for this total. In fact, the first contest this year had a closing line of 111 which is about where I have it handicapped. That game produced just 96 though and with USC limiting opponents to a measly 35% shooting here at this arena perhaps we will see that type of game again. However, for Value Orienting I have a small lean right now to OVER.
Syracuse -5.5
Let me just first say that I will be staying away from this Extraoridary High Profile Game but I thought I would give you my thoughts on the possible outcome. My Handicapping Model has a 10 point win by the Orangemen but I am not sure that I trust that due to the intangibles involved here in this contest. The Wildcats have had some letdowns this year but they have played most of Big Games well and I have had them a couple times this year including their Big Win over West Va. Syracuse however is treating this one like it is the game of the century and with their combined strong D and uncanny shooting ability I have to lean that they will find a way to win this game. Interestingly though they have been the much better road squad at 10-1 ATS while covering around the 50% mark here in the Dome. That suggests that they are a "Do what it takes to win" type squad and perhaps these points could hold up to be a winner. However, I will put a small lean on Syracuse -5.5 based on the short line here compared to what they have been laying, what is going to be a vocal and active crowd situation, and a strong desire to show the visitors that they are the better team.
