GC BIG 10 Conf. Play
Thursday 5* Conf. Tourney Early Evening Blowout System + Triple System ACC Side and 40-5 Double System NBA Total lead the way. Free BIG 10 Tournament play below.
On Thursday the Free Big 10 Conference Tournament Play is on Pemm.St. Game 760 at 7:30 eastern. The Nittany Lions have won 4 of the past 5 in the series and have won all 3 times this season against losing teams. They are one of the few teams to play under 5 games on their schedule vs losing teams. Tonight they take on an Indiana team that is a horrendous 1-9 straight up and against the spread in all tournaments the past 3 seasons. They are also 0-5 with home loss revenge, 3-10 vs teams who allow 65 or less points per game and 1-8 with just 2 spread wins off 3 or more losses. Look for Penn. St to win and cover in this first round Big 10 Match up. On Thursday the day leads off a with a 5* Conf. Blowout System in Early Evening Action and then continues with a Conference Tourney Triple system side and a 40-5 Double System NBA Totals play. For the Bonus Play take Penn. St. GC
Thursday 5* Conf. Tourney Early Evening Blowout System + Triple System ACC Side and 40-5 Double System NBA Total lead the way. Free BIG 10 Tournament play below.
On Thursday the Free Big 10 Conference Tournament Play is on Pemm.St. Game 760 at 7:30 eastern. The Nittany Lions have won 4 of the past 5 in the series and have won all 3 times this season against losing teams. They are one of the few teams to play under 5 games on their schedule vs losing teams. Tonight they take on an Indiana team that is a horrendous 1-9 straight up and against the spread in all tournaments the past 3 seasons. They are also 0-5 with home loss revenge, 3-10 vs teams who allow 65 or less points per game and 1-8 with just 2 spread wins off 3 or more losses. Look for Penn. St to win and cover in this first round Big 10 Match up. On Thursday the day leads off a with a 5* Conf. Blowout System in Early Evening Action and then continues with a Conference Tourney Triple system side and a 40-5 Double System NBA Totals play. For the Bonus Play take Penn. St. GC
Gold Sheet
MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT
All teams compete. Top 4 seeds get a bye. First round March 8 with #5 vs.
#12, #6 vs. #11, #7 vs. #10, and #8 vs. #9. First round at home of higher seed.
All other games at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio (neutral site; home of
NBA’s Cavaliers). Quarterfinals March 10 with #1 vs. #8-#9 winner, #2 vs. #7-
#10 winner, #3 vs. #6-#11 winner, and #4 vs. #5-#12 winner. Semifinals March
11. Final March 12. Allow Kent State & Akron 2 points for playing at Cleveland.
LY’s WINNER: Ohio +1 beat AKRON 81-75 in OT.
Tuesday’s first-round matchups:
BOWLING GREEN 59 - Northern Illinois 57—Not much to recommend
either way here, but even more reluctant to back Louis Orr’s money-burning
BGSU, which has dropped 8 of its last 9 vs. the spread. NIU has been digging
in for under-fire HC Ricardo Patton down the stretch, winning 2 of its last 3
without high-scoring G Xavier Silas (22.3 ppg), whose return status remains iffy
due to lingering ankle woes. The Huskies have been turning it up several
notches on the stop end in Silas’ absence. Even in the last game at historic
Anderson Arena, can’t trust this Falcon edition to lay any points. 10-Bgu +1' 73-
70 (OT); 09-BGU -6' 73-69
AKRON 72 - Eastern Michigan 60—Akron’s late-season uptick was cooled
last week in a pair of bitter DD defeats vs. rivals Ohio & Kent State that
unceremoniously ended the Zips’ 7-game win and cover streak and prevented
Keith Dambrot’s squad from reaching the 20-victory plateau. And not sure
Akron ready to handle this heavy impost if top scorer F Nikola Cvetinovic (held
to single digits last week vs. the Bobcats & Golden Flashes) can’t shake his
recent slump. Remember that the Zips had their hands full with EMU PF
Brandon Bowdry (20.1 ppg) in the first meeting when he scored 25 in the Eagles’
4-point triumph back on Feb. 2 at Ypsilanti. 10-EMU +4 60-56; 09-Emu +12 62-
59, AKR -6' 97-89 (2OT-CT)
BUFFALO 74 - Central Michigan 54—It’s a good thing CMU frosh star Trey
Zeigler (16.5 ppg) is coach Ernie Zeigler’s son. Otherwise, we doubt the young
Zeigler would be a Chippewa, and that CMU would have been able to scratch out the measly 10 wins it recorded this season. Buffalo capable of extending the
final margin, as it did in its 72-43 romp on Feb. 8, when the Bulls kept Zeigler
(just 3 of 13 FGs) in check and held the apt-to-misfire Chips to only 27% FGs.
10-BUF -12' 72-43; 09-CMU -1' 88-82
OHIO 82 - Toledo 63—The only question here is regarding what the final
margin might be in Athens, as Ted Kowalczyk’s hard-trying but outmanned
Toledo Rockets enter with a 13-game SU losing streak (and only 3-7 last 10 vs.
number). A better call in this one might be to look “over,” with the Bobcats going
that way in 7 of their last 10, and the Rockets in 5 of their last 7.
MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT
All teams compete. Top 4 seeds get a bye. First round March 8 with #5 vs.
#12, #6 vs. #11, #7 vs. #10, and #8 vs. #9. First round at home of higher seed.
All other games at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio (neutral site; home of
NBA’s Cavaliers). Quarterfinals March 10 with #1 vs. #8-#9 winner, #2 vs. #7-
#10 winner, #3 vs. #6-#11 winner, and #4 vs. #5-#12 winner. Semifinals March
11. Final March 12. Allow Kent State & Akron 2 points for playing at Cleveland.
LY’s WINNER: Ohio +1 beat AKRON 81-75 in OT.
Tuesday’s first-round matchups:
BOWLING GREEN 59 - Northern Illinois 57—Not much to recommend
either way here, but even more reluctant to back Louis Orr’s money-burning
BGSU, which has dropped 8 of its last 9 vs. the spread. NIU has been digging
in for under-fire HC Ricardo Patton down the stretch, winning 2 of its last 3
without high-scoring G Xavier Silas (22.3 ppg), whose return status remains iffy
due to lingering ankle woes. The Huskies have been turning it up several
notches on the stop end in Silas’ absence. Even in the last game at historic
Anderson Arena, can’t trust this Falcon edition to lay any points. 10-Bgu +1' 73-
70 (OT); 09-BGU -6' 73-69
AKRON 72 - Eastern Michigan 60—Akron’s late-season uptick was cooled
last week in a pair of bitter DD defeats vs. rivals Ohio & Kent State that
unceremoniously ended the Zips’ 7-game win and cover streak and prevented
Keith Dambrot’s squad from reaching the 20-victory plateau. And not sure
Akron ready to handle this heavy impost if top scorer F Nikola Cvetinovic (held
to single digits last week vs. the Bobcats & Golden Flashes) can’t shake his
recent slump. Remember that the Zips had their hands full with EMU PF
Brandon Bowdry (20.1 ppg) in the first meeting when he scored 25 in the Eagles’
4-point triumph back on Feb. 2 at Ypsilanti. 10-EMU +4 60-56; 09-Emu +12 62-
59, AKR -6' 97-89 (2OT-CT)
BUFFALO 74 - Central Michigan 54—It’s a good thing CMU frosh star Trey
Zeigler (16.5 ppg) is coach Ernie Zeigler’s son. Otherwise, we doubt the young
Zeigler would be a Chippewa, and that CMU would have been able to scratch out the measly 10 wins it recorded this season. Buffalo capable of extending the
final margin, as it did in its 72-43 romp on Feb. 8, when the Bulls kept Zeigler
(just 3 of 13 FGs) in check and held the apt-to-misfire Chips to only 27% FGs.
10-BUF -12' 72-43; 09-CMU -1' 88-82
OHIO 82 - Toledo 63—The only question here is regarding what the final
margin might be in Athens, as Ted Kowalczyk’s hard-trying but outmanned
Toledo Rockets enter with a 13-game SU losing streak (and only 3-7 last 10 vs.
number). A better call in this one might be to look “over,” with the Bobcats going
that way in 7 of their last 10, and the Rockets in 5 of their last 7.
Gold Sheet
Boston College 75 - Wake Forest 53—Quick rematch from last Sunday’s
“scrimmage” at Chapel Hill when BC coach Steve Donahue mercifully called off
the dogs in the second half and graciously allowed Wake the opportunity to
notch a backdoor cover. But, given that the Deacs have scored only two SU
wins since before Christmas (with one of those over Scott Cherry’s outmanned
Big South rep High Point) and that they were beaten by 14 points or more in 14
of their 15 ACC defeats, we don’t have the nerve to recommend Jeff Bzdelik’s
overmatched crew, especially with the Eagles perhaps interested in style
points, with NCAA Selection Committee watching closely. 10-BC -16' 84-68;
09-WFU -6' 92-85
Maryland 76 - NORTH CAROLINA ST. 75—Maryland has played itself off
the NCAA bubble with its recent inconsistent performances (and three straight
losses to end the regular season), caused in part by defensive breakdowns; the
Terps have allowed 7 of their last 9 foes to shoot 43% or better from the floor
after ranking high in defensive FG % stats earlier in the season. Although NCS
has lost 8 in a row SU in the series, the Wolfpack can make this interesting if sr.
F Tracy Smith bounces back from his uncharacteristic “off” effort in Sunday’s
reg.-season finale vs. Florida State, when he tallied just 8 points (snapping his
DD scoring streak at 6 games). Might also look “over,” with Maryland going that
way in 7 of its last 8 games. 10-MARY -10' 87-80; 09-MARY -9 88-64, Mary -4'
67-58 CABLE TV—ESPN2
Virginia Tech 71 - Georgia Tech 67—It wouldn’t be March without VT
riding the bubble into Selection Sunday, as the Hokies seem hellbent on
torturing their supporters once more after dropping a pair of games the past
week (vs. BC & at Clemson) after their rousing Feb. 26 home win over Duke
seemed to sew up their NCAA at-large status. Not so fast, my friend. Seth
Greenberg’s bi-polar team is capable of extending margins, but also capable of
slipping, as evidenced by its pair of wildly-different results vs. GT this season.
The Yellow Jackets (off back-to-back SU wins for first time since mid-January)
are expected to regain the services of DD scoring swingman Brian Oliver, who
has been sidelined since early February with a thumb injury. Nothing is going
to come easy for Seth this weekend. 10-GTU +3 72-57, VTU -11 102-77; 09-Vtu
Boston College 75 - Wake Forest 53—Quick rematch from last Sunday’s
“scrimmage” at Chapel Hill when BC coach Steve Donahue mercifully called off
the dogs in the second half and graciously allowed Wake the opportunity to
notch a backdoor cover. But, given that the Deacs have scored only two SU
wins since before Christmas (with one of those over Scott Cherry’s outmanned
Big South rep High Point) and that they were beaten by 14 points or more in 14
of their 15 ACC defeats, we don’t have the nerve to recommend Jeff Bzdelik’s
overmatched crew, especially with the Eagles perhaps interested in style
points, with NCAA Selection Committee watching closely. 10-BC -16' 84-68;
09-WFU -6' 92-85
Maryland 76 - NORTH CAROLINA ST. 75—Maryland has played itself off
the NCAA bubble with its recent inconsistent performances (and three straight
losses to end the regular season), caused in part by defensive breakdowns; the
Terps have allowed 7 of their last 9 foes to shoot 43% or better from the floor
after ranking high in defensive FG % stats earlier in the season. Although NCS
has lost 8 in a row SU in the series, the Wolfpack can make this interesting if sr.
F Tracy Smith bounces back from his uncharacteristic “off” effort in Sunday’s
reg.-season finale vs. Florida State, when he tallied just 8 points (snapping his
DD scoring streak at 6 games). Might also look “over,” with Maryland going that
way in 7 of its last 8 games. 10-MARY -10' 87-80; 09-MARY -9 88-64, Mary -4'
67-58 CABLE TV—ESPN2
Virginia Tech 71 - Georgia Tech 67—It wouldn’t be March without VT
riding the bubble into Selection Sunday, as the Hokies seem hellbent on
torturing their supporters once more after dropping a pair of games the past
week (vs. BC & at Clemson) after their rousing Feb. 26 home win over Duke
seemed to sew up their NCAA at-large status. Not so fast, my friend. Seth
Greenberg’s bi-polar team is capable of extending margins, but also capable of
slipping, as evidenced by its pair of wildly-different results vs. GT this season.
The Yellow Jackets (off back-to-back SU wins for first time since mid-January)
are expected to regain the services of DD scoring swingman Brian Oliver, who
has been sidelined since early February with a thumb injury. Nothing is going
to come easy for Seth this weekend. 10-GTU +3 72-57, VTU -11 102-77; 09-Vtu
Gold Sheet
SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT
All teams compete. First & second-place finishers in the East & West
Divisions receive a first-round bye. Opening round March 10 with #3 in each
division vs. #6 in the other division and #4 vs. #5 in the other division.
Quarterfinals March 11 (#4E-#5W winner vs. #1W, #4W-#5E winner vs. #1E,
#3W-#6E winner vs. #2E, and #3E-#6W winner vs. #2W). Semifinals March 12.
Final March 13. All games at the Georgia Dome, Atlanta. Allow Georgia 2
points for playing at the Georgia Dome. LY’s WINNER: Kentucky -7' beat
Mississippi State 75-74 in OT.
Thursday’s first-round matchups:
GEORGIA 64 - Auburn 60—We’re a bit more bullish on Georgia’s NCAA atlarge
chances than ESPN’s “St. Joe’s” Lunardi, who believes the Dawgs need
a couple of wins in Atlanta (especially tomorrow vs. Alabama) to wrap up a Big
Dance invitation. We do, however, concur with Lunardi that a loss to Auburn
would be devastating. But before penciling in Georgia to advance, note scrappy
Auburn’s 10 covers in its last 13 games and its narrow OT loss at Athens back
on Feb. 5. As long as star Bulldog frontliner Trey Thompkins (15.8 ppg) is not
slowed by the painful toe injury (ingrown nail...ouch!) that has somewhat limited
his minutes and effectiveness lately, the Dawgs advance, but it might not be
easy. 10-GA -17 81-72 (OT); 09-AUB -4' 82-63
Mississippi 71 - South Carolina 64—The war drums that are beating at
Andy Kennedy’s door in Oxford figure to become even louder if Ole Miss gets an
early sending-home “gift” from USC in Atlanta. But the Gamecocks’ season
unraveled in February, with 8 SU losses in last 9 games, mostly due to recurring
offensive shortcomings. Frosh PG Bruce Ellington wore down noticeably as the
the season progressed, and SC was consistently under 40% FGs as a team in
its recent slide, often helpless vs. opponent’s zones. Rebs gain revenge for
their Feb. 22 loss at Columbia (the Cocks’ only win the past month) if G Chris
Warren erupts for another 33 points, as he did in first meeting. 10-USC +1' 79-
73; 09-MISS -8' 66-57
Tennessee 70 - Arkansas 67—We’re not sure how much rope UT has left
with the NCAA Selection Committee after suffering its 13th loss of the season
Sunday (vs. Kentucky). Safe to say, a quick exit in Atlanta likely puts Bruce
Pearl’s Vols on the wrong side of the NCAA cut line. And UT can’t take anything
for granted vs. Arkansas, which beat the Vols by 3 in Fayetteville back on Jan.
8 (when Pearl was still serving his 8-game SEC suspension). Hog HC John
Pelphrey is feeling plenty of heat these days, but his troops can make things
interesting if G Rotnei Clarke continues his recent dead-eye shooting (he’s 9 of
16 on triples his last 2 games). 10-ARK +1 68-65; 09-TEN -11' 80-73
Vanderbilt 71 - Lsu 49—Vandy slipping down the NCAA seeding scale,
with three losses in its last four games, but those setbacks were all vs. SEC
contenders. Which woebegone LSU certainly isn’t these days, as Trent
Johnson completes another miserable campaign in Baton Rouge. The Dores
(who have never won an SEC Tourney) can rehab their seeding prospects
against a Tiger squad they blew out by 21 on Feb. 26 at Baton Rouge, hitting
54.4% from floor. 10-Van -9 90-69; 09-Ten -6' 59-54, TEN -12 59-49 (CT)
SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT
All teams compete. First & second-place finishers in the East & West
Divisions receive a first-round bye. Opening round March 10 with #3 in each
division vs. #6 in the other division and #4 vs. #5 in the other division.
Quarterfinals March 11 (#4E-#5W winner vs. #1W, #4W-#5E winner vs. #1E,
#3W-#6E winner vs. #2E, and #3E-#6W winner vs. #2W). Semifinals March 12.
Final March 13. All games at the Georgia Dome, Atlanta. Allow Georgia 2
points for playing at the Georgia Dome. LY’s WINNER: Kentucky -7' beat
Mississippi State 75-74 in OT.
Thursday’s first-round matchups:
GEORGIA 64 - Auburn 60—We’re a bit more bullish on Georgia’s NCAA atlarge
chances than ESPN’s “St. Joe’s” Lunardi, who believes the Dawgs need
a couple of wins in Atlanta (especially tomorrow vs. Alabama) to wrap up a Big
Dance invitation. We do, however, concur with Lunardi that a loss to Auburn
would be devastating. But before penciling in Georgia to advance, note scrappy
Auburn’s 10 covers in its last 13 games and its narrow OT loss at Athens back
on Feb. 5. As long as star Bulldog frontliner Trey Thompkins (15.8 ppg) is not
slowed by the painful toe injury (ingrown nail...ouch!) that has somewhat limited
his minutes and effectiveness lately, the Dawgs advance, but it might not be
easy. 10-GA -17 81-72 (OT); 09-AUB -4' 82-63
Mississippi 71 - South Carolina 64—The war drums that are beating at
Andy Kennedy’s door in Oxford figure to become even louder if Ole Miss gets an
early sending-home “gift” from USC in Atlanta. But the Gamecocks’ season
unraveled in February, with 8 SU losses in last 9 games, mostly due to recurring
offensive shortcomings. Frosh PG Bruce Ellington wore down noticeably as the
the season progressed, and SC was consistently under 40% FGs as a team in
its recent slide, often helpless vs. opponent’s zones. Rebs gain revenge for
their Feb. 22 loss at Columbia (the Cocks’ only win the past month) if G Chris
Warren erupts for another 33 points, as he did in first meeting. 10-USC +1' 79-
73; 09-MISS -8' 66-57
Tennessee 70 - Arkansas 67—We’re not sure how much rope UT has left
with the NCAA Selection Committee after suffering its 13th loss of the season
Sunday (vs. Kentucky). Safe to say, a quick exit in Atlanta likely puts Bruce
Pearl’s Vols on the wrong side of the NCAA cut line. And UT can’t take anything
for granted vs. Arkansas, which beat the Vols by 3 in Fayetteville back on Jan.
8 (when Pearl was still serving his 8-game SEC suspension). Hog HC John
Pelphrey is feeling plenty of heat these days, but his troops can make things
interesting if G Rotnei Clarke continues his recent dead-eye shooting (he’s 9 of
16 on triples his last 2 games). 10-ARK +1 68-65; 09-TEN -11' 80-73
Vanderbilt 71 - Lsu 49—Vandy slipping down the NCAA seeding scale,
with three losses in its last four games, but those setbacks were all vs. SEC
contenders. Which woebegone LSU certainly isn’t these days, as Trent
Johnson completes another miserable campaign in Baton Rouge. The Dores
(who have never won an SEC Tourney) can rehab their seeding prospects
against a Tiger squad they blew out by 21 on Feb. 26 at Baton Rouge, hitting
54.4% from floor. 10-Van -9 90-69; 09-Ten -6' 59-54, TEN -12 59-49 (CT)
Gold Sheet
BIG TEN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT
All teams compete. Top five seeds receive a first-round bye. Opening
round March 10 with #6 vs. #11, #7 vs. #10, and #8 vs. #9. Quarterfinals March
11 with #4 vs. #5, #1 vs. #8-9 winner, #2 vs. #7-10 winner, and #3 vs. #6-11
winner. Semifinals March 12. Final March 13. All games at Conseco
Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana. Allow Purdue two points and Indiana one
point for playing at nearby Indy. LY’s WINNER: Ohio State -4 beat Minnesota
90-61.
Thursday’s first-round matchups:
Northwestern 71 - Minnesota 67—Quick turnaround from March 2
season-ending meeting between these two in Evanston. Minnesota led 31-25
at the half, only to see the Wildcats shoot their way to victory with a 43-26
second half. Northwestern (17-12) is trying to do something it has never done,
that being earn an NCAA Tournament berth. Meanwhile, the Golden Gophers
are trying to do something that is very difficult, and that is reverse a well-defined
skid that has seen them lose (and fail to cover) 9 of their last 10 games! There
is a very old handicapping adage that might come into play in this situation—
“Don’t expect a sick cat to get well.” Thus, even though Minny owns the
quick-revenge motivation, slightly prefer well-schooled, streak-shooting
Northwestern. The Gophers, even though they lead the Big Ten in rebound
margin, are last in turnover margin. Minny hasn’t been the same since losing
key sr. PG Al Nolen (foot fracture; check status), who was not expected (at our
press time) to return from a foot fracture for this game. Gophers could have the
edge if Nolen returns close to 100%. 10-MIN -5 81-70, NWU -3' 68-57; 09-MIN
-12 65-61, NWU -1 77-74 (OT) CABLE TV—ESPN2
Michigan State 64 - Iowa 59—One of the mysteries of the 2010-11 season
has been the amazingly inconsistent play of Michigan State, which lost to
eventual champion Duke in LY’s NCAA semi-finals. Even with a solid core from
that team returning, the Spartans’ offense has struggled virtually all season,
with the speed of PG Kalin Lucas curtailed somewhat after a torn Achilles LY
and talented soph G Korie Lucious dismissed from the team in late January.
Some say 17-13 MSU (only 7-14 as a favorite TY) is still on track to make the
NCAA Tourney TY. But they might have to re-calibrate their bracket projections
should the Spartans lose this game to 10th seed Iowa. Meanwhile, the
Hawkeyes—with three frosh in the rotation and new HC Fran McCaffery fresh
from taking his last three Siena teams to the NCAAs—have been erratic enough
to beat MSU by 20 TY, then lose the payback by 19. The Spartans’ offensive
woes might allow Iowa to hang around in this one. 10-IOWA +4' 72-52, MSU -
11 85-66; 09-Msu -14 71-53, MSU -21 70-63 CABLE TV—ESPN2
Penn State 67 - INDIANA 65—Payback for Indiana, playing in the NBA
Pacers’ home of Conseco Fieldhouse. The Hoosiers are seeking revenge for a
69-60 Bloomington loss to the Nittany Lions, but that game was way back on
Dec. 27 in the Big Ten opener for both teams. Steady Penn State went on to win
two other contests on the tough big Ten road, and, in general, the low-scoring,
tough-defending Lions have been more consistent than Indiana. The Hoosiers
faced very tough scheduling at the close of the season—Purdue, Ohio State
and Wisconsin, then a trip to Illinois for an early Saturday game. Slight edge to
PSU’s sr. combo of G Talor Battle (20.4 ppg) & F Jeff Brooks (13.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg).
But Hoosier shooters Christian Watford, Verdell Jones III & Jordan Hulls (all DD
scorers who can hit the trey) capable of keeping this one in doubt if catching a
BIG TEN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT
All teams compete. Top five seeds receive a first-round bye. Opening
round March 10 with #6 vs. #11, #7 vs. #10, and #8 vs. #9. Quarterfinals March
11 with #4 vs. #5, #1 vs. #8-9 winner, #2 vs. #7-10 winner, and #3 vs. #6-11
winner. Semifinals March 12. Final March 13. All games at Conseco
Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana. Allow Purdue two points and Indiana one
point for playing at nearby Indy. LY’s WINNER: Ohio State -4 beat Minnesota
90-61.
Thursday’s first-round matchups:
Northwestern 71 - Minnesota 67—Quick turnaround from March 2
season-ending meeting between these two in Evanston. Minnesota led 31-25
at the half, only to see the Wildcats shoot their way to victory with a 43-26
second half. Northwestern (17-12) is trying to do something it has never done,
that being earn an NCAA Tournament berth. Meanwhile, the Golden Gophers
are trying to do something that is very difficult, and that is reverse a well-defined
skid that has seen them lose (and fail to cover) 9 of their last 10 games! There
is a very old handicapping adage that might come into play in this situation—
“Don’t expect a sick cat to get well.” Thus, even though Minny owns the
quick-revenge motivation, slightly prefer well-schooled, streak-shooting
Northwestern. The Gophers, even though they lead the Big Ten in rebound
margin, are last in turnover margin. Minny hasn’t been the same since losing
key sr. PG Al Nolen (foot fracture; check status), who was not expected (at our
press time) to return from a foot fracture for this game. Gophers could have the
edge if Nolen returns close to 100%. 10-MIN -5 81-70, NWU -3' 68-57; 09-MIN
-12 65-61, NWU -1 77-74 (OT) CABLE TV—ESPN2
Michigan State 64 - Iowa 59—One of the mysteries of the 2010-11 season
has been the amazingly inconsistent play of Michigan State, which lost to
eventual champion Duke in LY’s NCAA semi-finals. Even with a solid core from
that team returning, the Spartans’ offense has struggled virtually all season,
with the speed of PG Kalin Lucas curtailed somewhat after a torn Achilles LY
and talented soph G Korie Lucious dismissed from the team in late January.
Some say 17-13 MSU (only 7-14 as a favorite TY) is still on track to make the
NCAA Tourney TY. But they might have to re-calibrate their bracket projections
should the Spartans lose this game to 10th seed Iowa. Meanwhile, the
Hawkeyes—with three frosh in the rotation and new HC Fran McCaffery fresh
from taking his last three Siena teams to the NCAAs—have been erratic enough
to beat MSU by 20 TY, then lose the payback by 19. The Spartans’ offensive
woes might allow Iowa to hang around in this one. 10-IOWA +4' 72-52, MSU -
11 85-66; 09-Msu -14 71-53, MSU -21 70-63 CABLE TV—ESPN2
Penn State 67 - INDIANA 65—Payback for Indiana, playing in the NBA
Pacers’ home of Conseco Fieldhouse. The Hoosiers are seeking revenge for a
69-60 Bloomington loss to the Nittany Lions, but that game was way back on
Dec. 27 in the Big Ten opener for both teams. Steady Penn State went on to win
two other contests on the tough big Ten road, and, in general, the low-scoring,
tough-defending Lions have been more consistent than Indiana. The Hoosiers
faced very tough scheduling at the close of the season—Purdue, Ohio State
and Wisconsin, then a trip to Illinois for an early Saturday game. Slight edge to
PSU’s sr. combo of G Talor Battle (20.4 ppg) & F Jeff Brooks (13.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg).
But Hoosier shooters Christian Watford, Verdell Jones III & Jordan Hulls (all DD
scorers who can hit the trey) capable of keeping this one in doubt if catching a
Gold Sheet
PACIFIC 10 CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
California 70 - SOUTHERN CAL 67—Many Bracketologists have USC
(with numerous marquee wins) clinging to the periphery of the Big Dance bubble
despite 13 regular-season defeats. But the Trojans are an unreliable
proposition, due to recurring blackouts on the offensive end, where 6-10 F
Nicola Vucevic (17.7 ppg) has been the only truly consistent scoring element.
Kevin O’Neill’s myriad defensive tricks will not confound a Mike Montgomerycoached
team, and “Monty’s” Cal side has run off four impressive wins and
covers since bitter home loss to SC at Berkeley back on Feb. 17. Golden Bears’
L.A.-area frosh product G Allen Crabbe (23 ppg last 3; 11 of 18 triples in those
games!) has emerged as a legit go-to threat, and Monty will find ways to get him
some shots after Crabbe made only 3 of 11 from the floor (in his return game
from a concussion, it must be noted) in last meeting. 10-Cal +7' 68-66, Usc +2
78-75; 09-CAL -9' 67-59, USC -1 66-63
Washington 73 - Washington State 72—Acknowledge the questionable
status of Wazzu’s high-scoring 2-G Klay Thompson (21.4 ppg), suspended after
last week’s win over USC due to marijuana possession, although most
projections have him reinstated for this matchup vs. state rival U-Dub. The
Huskies would rather not fall into bubble trouble with the NCAA Selection
Committee by losing for a third time this season vs. the desperate Cougs (who
probably need a very deep run in L.A. to get back on the NCAA radar). It won’t
come easily, however, as Lorenzo Romar’s Husky transition game didn’t
detonate in either reg.-season meeting vs. WSU, which held UW to 37% & 34%
from the floor in that pair of Cougar upset wins. 10-WSU +3' 87-80, Wsu +11
PACIFIC 10 CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS
at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
California 70 - SOUTHERN CAL 67—Many Bracketologists have USC
(with numerous marquee wins) clinging to the periphery of the Big Dance bubble
despite 13 regular-season defeats. But the Trojans are an unreliable
proposition, due to recurring blackouts on the offensive end, where 6-10 F
Nicola Vucevic (17.7 ppg) has been the only truly consistent scoring element.
Kevin O’Neill’s myriad defensive tricks will not confound a Mike Montgomerycoached
team, and “Monty’s” Cal side has run off four impressive wins and
covers since bitter home loss to SC at Berkeley back on Feb. 17. Golden Bears’
L.A.-area frosh product G Allen Crabbe (23 ppg last 3; 11 of 18 triples in those
games!) has emerged as a legit go-to threat, and Monty will find ways to get him
some shots after Crabbe made only 3 of 11 from the floor (in his return game
from a concussion, it must be noted) in last meeting. 10-Cal +7' 68-66, Usc +2
78-75; 09-CAL -9' 67-59, USC -1 66-63
Washington 73 - Washington State 72—Acknowledge the questionable
status of Wazzu’s high-scoring 2-G Klay Thompson (21.4 ppg), suspended after
last week’s win over USC due to marijuana possession, although most
projections have him reinstated for this matchup vs. state rival U-Dub. The
Huskies would rather not fall into bubble trouble with the NCAA Selection
Committee by losing for a third time this season vs. the desperate Cougs (who
probably need a very deep run in L.A. to get back on the NCAA radar). It won’t
come easily, however, as Lorenzo Romar’s Husky transition game didn’t
detonate in either reg.-season meeting vs. WSU, which held UW to 37% & 34%
from the floor in that pair of Cougar upset wins. 10-WSU +3' 87-80, Wsu +11
Gold Sheet
New Mexico 69 - Colorado State 63—This matchup suddenly takes on
some real significance, with a depleted BYU (minus suspended key frontliner
Brandon Davies) likely on deck, an assignment New Mexico would surely
welcome after beating the Cougs twice this season. But first, the Lobos must
get past CSU, and a key will be which Philip McDonald shows up for UNM; he
scored 27 in the Lobos’ Jan. 12 win over the Rams at The Pit, then was held to
only six in their 68-62 loss at Moby on Feb. 12. CSU Gs have been struggling
in recent weeks, however. And there’s been good news for UNM, with explosive
6-7 frosh swingman Tony Snell expected to be ready to go after sitting out the
Air Force finale with sore ankle. 10-UNM -8' 68-61, CSU -1' 68-62; 09-UNM -14'
82-64, Unm -7' 72-66
San Diego State 71 - Utah 48—Rumors making the rounds in the Mountain
West are not promising for Utah HC Jim Boylen, whom many believe might be
forced to walk the plank if the Utes can’t make a miracle run through this event.
That looks extremely unlikely after Utah hardly circled the wagons in its home
finale last Saturday vs. UNLV, falling behind by 25 at the half in their eventual
lopsided defeat. Greater challenges lie ahead for SDSU, but the Aztecs are not
likely to take things to easy on the Utes, considering Utah’s upcoming departure
from conference. Note that SDSU led by 27 at the half in the most recent
meeting Feb. 8 at Viejas Arena. Utes’ MWC bon voyage not likely to be very
memorable. 10-Sds -11 71-62, SDS -17 85-53; 09-Sds +1' 70-68, SDS -11' 68-
61
UNLV 57 - Air Force 47—Memories of UNLV’s torturous 49-42 home win
over Air Force on Feb. 15 might be enough to keep the Rebels’ fans away from
the Thomas & Mack until tomorrow night’s semifinal round. Lon Kruger’s bunch
was in the throes of a debilitating shooting slump at that time (UNLV only 2 of
14 from treyland that night), although the Rebs’ 3-point shooting has improved
markedly in the last four outings, which have sealed UNLV’s at-large bid to the
Big Dance regardless what happens in this event. Still must note that the Rebs
have dropped their last 7 vs. the number at Thomas & Mack, and that the
Falcons’ precision and tempo-controlling tactics have always been
uncomfortable for UNLV. 10-Unlv -10' 64-52, UNLV -15' 49-42; 09-UNLV -18
New Mexico 69 - Colorado State 63—This matchup suddenly takes on
some real significance, with a depleted BYU (minus suspended key frontliner
Brandon Davies) likely on deck, an assignment New Mexico would surely
welcome after beating the Cougs twice this season. But first, the Lobos must
get past CSU, and a key will be which Philip McDonald shows up for UNM; he
scored 27 in the Lobos’ Jan. 12 win over the Rams at The Pit, then was held to
only six in their 68-62 loss at Moby on Feb. 12. CSU Gs have been struggling
in recent weeks, however. And there’s been good news for UNM, with explosive
6-7 frosh swingman Tony Snell expected to be ready to go after sitting out the
Air Force finale with sore ankle. 10-UNM -8' 68-61, CSU -1' 68-62; 09-UNM -14'
82-64, Unm -7' 72-66
San Diego State 71 - Utah 48—Rumors making the rounds in the Mountain
West are not promising for Utah HC Jim Boylen, whom many believe might be
forced to walk the plank if the Utes can’t make a miracle run through this event.
That looks extremely unlikely after Utah hardly circled the wagons in its home
finale last Saturday vs. UNLV, falling behind by 25 at the half in their eventual
lopsided defeat. Greater challenges lie ahead for SDSU, but the Aztecs are not
likely to take things to easy on the Utes, considering Utah’s upcoming departure
from conference. Note that SDSU led by 27 at the half in the most recent
meeting Feb. 8 at Viejas Arena. Utes’ MWC bon voyage not likely to be very
memorable. 10-Sds -11 71-62, SDS -17 85-53; 09-Sds +1' 70-68, SDS -11' 68-
61
UNLV 57 - Air Force 47—Memories of UNLV’s torturous 49-42 home win
over Air Force on Feb. 15 might be enough to keep the Rebels’ fans away from
the Thomas & Mack until tomorrow night’s semifinal round. Lon Kruger’s bunch
was in the throes of a debilitating shooting slump at that time (UNLV only 2 of
14 from treyland that night), although the Rebs’ 3-point shooting has improved
markedly in the last four outings, which have sealed UNLV’s at-large bid to the
Big Dance regardless what happens in this event. Still must note that the Rebs
have dropped their last 7 vs. the number at Thomas & Mack, and that the
Falcons’ precision and tempo-controlling tactics have always been
uncomfortable for UNLV. 10-Unlv -10' 64-52, UNLV -15' 49-42; 09-UNLV -18
Gold Sheet
teams compete. First round March 10 with #1 vs. #8, #4 vs. #5, #2 vs.
#7, and #3 vs. #6. Quarterfinals March 11. Semifinals March 12 with #1 vs.
lowest remaining seed and #2 vs. highest remaining seed. Final March 12. All
games played at the Honda Center, Anaheim, California. Allow UC Irvine, Long
Beach State, and CS Fullerton 1 point for playing at Anaheim. LY’s WINNER:
UC Santa Barbara -1 beat Long Beach State 69-64.
Thursday’s first-round matchups:
Long Beach St. 72 - UC Irvine 70—Tourney favorite Long Beach doesn’t
have the luxury of approaching this event with an NCAA at-large invitation sewn
up; the 49ers either win in Anaheim, or head to the NIT. Moreover, local rival
UCI has provided some real resistance the past two seasons, splitting four SU
meetings vs. the 49ers and covering all of those games in the process. The
Anteaters are capable of causing The Beach some more discomfort now that jr.
PF deluxe Eric Wise (has scored 20 or more in his last six outings) has returned
to action from lingering hamstring woes. 10-LBS -10 86-78, UCI +2' 86-76; 09-
LBS -7 55-53, UCI -1 71-60
UC Santa Barbara 66 - Pacific 62—Frankly, neither of these teams gets
our pulses to quicken these days, with UOP dropping its last 5, and 7 of its last
8 vs. the number, and UCSB (2-10-1 vs. the line its last 13) on its own extended
pointspread downturn. Tigers not sure what they are going to get most nights
from starters such as G Demetrece Young & C Nyika Williams (both held
scoreless in recent outings), and not convinced UOP is up to a hat trick over the
Gauchos and their explosive G, Orlando Johnson (20.3 ppg). Speaking of
Johnson, expect him to bounce back from his first non-DD scoring effort of the
season last Saturday (only 6 points) vs. Cal Poly. 10-PAC -2 57-54, Pac +2' 74-
68; 09-UCSB +1 68-67, Ucsb +10' 61-48
Cal Poly SLO 58 - UC Riverside 54—UCR covering some games lately (4
in a row) and displayed admirable spunk down the stretch when rallying to
secure a conference tourney slot. The Highlanders have been getting prime
performances from different sources (G Phil Martin and F Kevin Bradshaw both
over 20 points in recent UCR wins) in their recent uptick. Cal Poly mostly
succeeding lately vs. the number (8-1-1 last 10), too, and combo of F David
Hanson & G Shawn Lewis (15.1 ppg) should get the Mustangs into the
semifinals. But UCR capable of keeping it interesting in a likely slower-paced
affair (Mustangs “under” 7 of last 9; Highlanders; “under” 6 of last 8). 10-Slo +3'
65-60, SLO -7' 56-40; 09-SLO -2' 67-65, Slo +7' 87-84 (2OT)
CS FULLERTON 73 - CS Northridge 68—Northridge had Fullerton’s
number this season, winning and covering both vs. the Titans. But CSF
displayed some real signs of life in last weekend’s road sweep of UOP and UC
Davis, hitting 54% of its triples, with on-fire G Devon Peltier (25 ppg last 4)
nailing 11 of them himself. Similar long-range marksmanship can help the
Titans avoid a hat trick of losses against the Matadors. 10-CSN -1' 89-65, Csn
+3' 70-68; 09-Csn +6 78-72, Csf +2' 113-112 (3OT), Csf -2 84-76 (CT-neut.)
teams compete. First round March 10 with #1 vs. #8, #4 vs. #5, #2 vs.
#7, and #3 vs. #6. Quarterfinals March 11. Semifinals March 12 with #1 vs.
lowest remaining seed and #2 vs. highest remaining seed. Final March 12. All
games played at the Honda Center, Anaheim, California. Allow UC Irvine, Long
Beach State, and CS Fullerton 1 point for playing at Anaheim. LY’s WINNER:
UC Santa Barbara -1 beat Long Beach State 69-64.
Thursday’s first-round matchups:
Long Beach St. 72 - UC Irvine 70—Tourney favorite Long Beach doesn’t
have the luxury of approaching this event with an NCAA at-large invitation sewn
up; the 49ers either win in Anaheim, or head to the NIT. Moreover, local rival
UCI has provided some real resistance the past two seasons, splitting four SU
meetings vs. the 49ers and covering all of those games in the process. The
Anteaters are capable of causing The Beach some more discomfort now that jr.
PF deluxe Eric Wise (has scored 20 or more in his last six outings) has returned
to action from lingering hamstring woes. 10-LBS -10 86-78, UCI +2' 86-76; 09-
LBS -7 55-53, UCI -1 71-60
UC Santa Barbara 66 - Pacific 62—Frankly, neither of these teams gets
our pulses to quicken these days, with UOP dropping its last 5, and 7 of its last
8 vs. the number, and UCSB (2-10-1 vs. the line its last 13) on its own extended
pointspread downturn. Tigers not sure what they are going to get most nights
from starters such as G Demetrece Young & C Nyika Williams (both held
scoreless in recent outings), and not convinced UOP is up to a hat trick over the
Gauchos and their explosive G, Orlando Johnson (20.3 ppg). Speaking of
Johnson, expect him to bounce back from his first non-DD scoring effort of the
season last Saturday (only 6 points) vs. Cal Poly. 10-PAC -2 57-54, Pac +2' 74-
68; 09-UCSB +1 68-67, Ucsb +10' 61-48
Cal Poly SLO 58 - UC Riverside 54—UCR covering some games lately (4
in a row) and displayed admirable spunk down the stretch when rallying to
secure a conference tourney slot. The Highlanders have been getting prime
performances from different sources (G Phil Martin and F Kevin Bradshaw both
over 20 points in recent UCR wins) in their recent uptick. Cal Poly mostly
succeeding lately vs. the number (8-1-1 last 10), too, and combo of F David
Hanson & G Shawn Lewis (15.1 ppg) should get the Mustangs into the
semifinals. But UCR capable of keeping it interesting in a likely slower-paced
affair (Mustangs “under” 7 of last 9; Highlanders; “under” 6 of last 8). 10-Slo +3'
65-60, SLO -7' 56-40; 09-SLO -2' 67-65, Slo +7' 87-84 (2OT)
CS FULLERTON 73 - CS Northridge 68—Northridge had Fullerton’s
number this season, winning and covering both vs. the Titans. But CSF
displayed some real signs of life in last weekend’s road sweep of UOP and UC
Davis, hitting 54% of its triples, with on-fire G Devon Peltier (25 ppg last 4)
nailing 11 of them himself. Similar long-range marksmanship can help the
Titans avoid a hat trick of losses against the Matadors. 10-CSN -1' 89-65, Csn
+3' 70-68; 09-Csn +6 78-72, Csf +2' 113-112 (3OT), Csf -2 84-76 (CT-neut.)
SuperSportsGroup
St John v. Syracuse 2:30pm
9* PICK: St Johns +2.5 Game best bet of the day
8* PICK: OVER 135 Game
Colorado v. K State 3pm
8* PICK: Colorado +7.5 Game
So. Miss v. Memphis 3:30pm
10* PICK: Memphis +3 Game Hidden Gem #1
Missouri v. Texas a&M 9:30pm
9* PICK: Texas A&M +3 Game best bet of the day #2
10* PICK: OVER 137 Game Hidden Gem #2
St John v. Syracuse 2:30pm
9* PICK: St Johns +2.5 Game best bet of the day
8* PICK: OVER 135 Game
Colorado v. K State 3pm
8* PICK: Colorado +7.5 Game
So. Miss v. Memphis 3:30pm
10* PICK: Memphis +3 Game Hidden Gem #1
Missouri v. Texas a&M 9:30pm
9* PICK: Texas A&M +3 Game best bet of the day #2
10* PICK: OVER 137 Game Hidden Gem #2
