Joe Gavazzi
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
NBA
Toronto Raptors (-3) at Atlanta Hawks 7:30 ET
4% Toronto (-3)
Atlanta beat us last night for their 4th consecutive victory. BUT THOSE WERE ALL AGAINST SUB .500 TEAMS. Prior to that, the Hawks were on a run of 1-14 SU. Now, they must face a Toronto team which has been among the best in the East since they traded Rudy Gay. Since the departure of Gay, Toronto is 30-15 SU, 31-13 ATS. For the season, the Raptors are 22-10 ATS away, among the best in the NBA. On Sunday, the Raptors suffered a rare home loss. But, that sets up a situation that finds the Raptors to be 18-9 ATS following a defeat this season. The perimeter play of Lowry and DeRozan too much for the outmanned Hawks.
ROAD WARRIOR PLAY
Washington Wizards (-2) at Sacramento Kings 10:05 ET
4%Washington (-2)
The Kings are in one of my favorite NBA PLAY AGAINST situations. Specifically, Sacramento has just returned from a lengthy 7 game Eastern road trip and is playing with just 2 days’ rest. Hardly enough time to get the bags unpacked and fulfill the emotional needs of that significant other. Tonight, the Kings play on a floor where they have been 7-14 ATS as home chalk to +3. Far prefer the red hot Wiz, who has surged to the plus side of .500 with a recent 9-3 SU run. Few have been better in the NBA on the road, than this Washington team who is 21-11 ATS as road chalk to +9. With Beal expected back in the lineup for the Wizards, must feel comfortable they will get this victory.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
NIT
3% Wisconsin Green Bay -6-
Robert Morris at St. Johns (-15-) 7:00 ET
4% Robert Morris (+15-)
St. Johns fell shy of their bid for NCAA inclusion following their brilliant stretch run after a 0-5 SU ATS league start. As such, simply can’t see this team being very excited about hosting Bobby Mo. This is the same Robert Morris team who took advantage of their inclusion in this NIT field last year with a 59-57 upset of Kentucky. Back for a reprise are Karvell Anderson and Lucky Jones. These two proved they could match up with big time players last year. It is a bit of a downer after the loss to Mt. St. Mary’s on their home court in the NEC final. But, I promise Bobby Mo will be pumped for the opportunity to play a Big East team on national TV. Robert Morris HC O’Toole (not long for Moon Township) is an edge on the pine over Redman mentor Lavin.
FGCU at Florida St. (-11-) 7:00 ET ESPN2
4% FGCU (+11-)
Major downer for a Florida St. team, who failed in their bid for inclusion in the Big Dance with a QF ACC Tourney loss. As such, it is tough to see them getting pumped up for a double digit blowout which is really not the style of 12th year HC Hamilton. Far prefer FGCU who hasn’t skipped a beat for 1st year HC Dooley, who took over the Eagles’ job after being the top assistant for Bill Self at Kansas. Many of you will remember Dooley as the former top dog at E. Carolina in the early 90s. Last year, FGCU won at Mercer to seal the Big Dance invitation. This year, Mercer returned the favor (68-60) in Ft. Meyers relegating the Eagles to the NIT. But, they will be very excited about the chance to play a named foe from the state of Florida. Little is lost from the Dunk City team of last year. Four RS are led by glue guy, Brett Comer and high-flying Bernard Thompson. Remember, this was a team that made it to the Sweet 16 last year. No surprise to see them come in comfortably under the number tonight.
WVU at Georgetown (-3-) 7:00 ET ESPN
3% Georgetown (-3-)
Playing in the Big 12, the toughest league in the nation, WVU authored a solid comeback season following their debacle of last year under HC Huggins. The Mounties were good enough to beat Kansas on their home floor to close the season, but a QF loss in the CCT to Texas (my 2014 Big 12 Conference GOY winner on the Longhorns) has relegated them to the NIT. The resurgence has been led by the guard tandem of Harris and Staten, though the latter is questionable for tonight’s action with an ankle injury. Interesting venue note finds this game being played at McDonough Arena (the on campus home of the Hoyas). Georgetown was not the same team since big man, Josh Smith, became an academic casualty in early January. A Donkey Round loss to DePaul in the Big East CCT sealed their fate. But, they should be plenty hungry for redemption following a disappointing 17-14 SU season. Hoyas get this victory in a game that is a microcosm of this year’s rule changes. Two years ago, this former Big East Conference game would have involved 50+ fouls and would have taken 2 ½ hours to complete.
Georgia St. at Clemson (-5-) 9:00 ET ESPNU
3% Clemson (-5-)
Simply too much to ask of a Georgia St. team, who was prepared to advance to the Dance, when they held a comfortable double digit lead late in the 2nd half of the Sun Belt Final against LA Lafayette. In attaining that lead, the offensive quartet of Hunter, Atkins, White, and Harrow (a 30+ point personal best) had the game in control. But, a philosophical change by HC Hunter to a more conservative style changed the momentum and proved the undoing of the Panther in an eventual (82-81) OT loss. Now, they must switch gears just 48 hours later to face an ACC foe with one of the top defenses in the land. Clemson had no false hopes about receiving an invitation to dance. Thus, with 4 days to prepare following a QF loss to Duke (63-62), they will be amped against this regional rival who has been getting plenty of ink.
Davidson at Missouri (-6) 9:00 ET ESPN2
3% Missouri (-6)
Davidson was clearly the class of the SOCON with a 15-1 SU record which was 3 games clear of their nearest challenger. But, a shocking CCT Final loss to W. Carolina, a game in which they held a double digit lead at the half, saw their Big Dance invitation rescinded. Wildcats are again led by interior force, De’mon Brooks, and coached by 24th year HC McKillop. In pre-con season, there were victories against Georgia and Charlotte But, there were also disappointing double digit defeats at Duke by 34, Virginia by 13, Clemson by 31, New Mexico by 21, North Carolina by 12, Wichita by 11, and at home to Drexel by 14 and COC by 12. That does not offer much reason for hope when stepping up in class to face another upper echelon team. Rating would be stronger were it not for the disappointing season of the Tigers, which saw them finish 6-7 SU, 5-11 ATS and post a mark of 5-10 ATS on their strong home floor this season. But, the most recent appearance in post-season play was an embarrassing 1st round NCAA loss to Norfolk St. last season. We must see full focus from the Tigers, something that may not be evident from the defensively deficient visitor.
NCAA 1ST FOUR
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Mount St. Mary vs. Albany (-2-) 6:40 ET
4% Mount St. Mary (+2-)
We tip off the 2014 NCAA Tourney with a huge 10* winner. It was 1 year ago that the Albany Great Danes used a methodical pace to hang within a generous impost to cover a 1st round NCAA game against Duke in a 73-61 loss. Now, the Great Danes are back again. This time it is courtesy of 3 consecutive victories in the CCT, including upsets of the top 2 teams in the American East, Vermont and Stony Brook. That set of results, including a pair of consecutive upsets, sets up one of my favorite NCAA round 1 situations. Mount St. Mary has reached the NCAA in only the 2nd year of HC Christian. This former VCU Asst. has brought havoc to Mount St. Mary in the form of Mt. Mayhem. Their latest success is an 88-71 upset of top seeded Bobby Mo in the NEC final. Led by senior guards, Norfleet and Mack, look for “havoc light” to pull the mini-upset which will certainly be no surprise to this bureau.
NC State vs. Xavier (-3-) 9:10 ET
3% Xavier (-3-)
Don’t miss the earlier 10* play on the NCAA Lid Lifter between Mount St. Mary and Albany. It’s a winner! In the nightcap, we follow a theme of reversal which is so prevalent in my highly successful Round 1 thinking of tourney play. Most notable to viewers will be the respective stars of these teams, high-scoring TJ Warren of NC State (the ACC Player of the Year). His Wolfpack enters on a 4-1 SU, 5-0 ATS blitz with their 75-67 loss to Duke, leaving them 1 upset short of avoiding this play-in round. But, there is little balance to the NC State attack and the shooting woes of Tobacco Road have gone viral between Chapel Hill and Raleigh. For the Wolfpack knocks down a very Tarheel-like 30% from the arc and 66% from the stripe. Xavier, conversely, fell to this play-in game on the basis of a 1-3 SU ATS finish. Semaj Christon is the lead guard for X, who offsets the offensive prowess of Warren. But, this a far more balanced Musketeer team than their opponent. Key cog is interior force Stainbrook, whose recent knee injury is a major reason for the Xavier backward slide down the stretch. Nice edge on the pine with HC Mack over his Wolfpack counterpart HC Gottfried.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
NBA
Toronto Raptors (-3) at Atlanta Hawks 7:30 ET
4% Toronto (-3)
Atlanta beat us last night for their 4th consecutive victory. BUT THOSE WERE ALL AGAINST SUB .500 TEAMS. Prior to that, the Hawks were on a run of 1-14 SU. Now, they must face a Toronto team which has been among the best in the East since they traded Rudy Gay. Since the departure of Gay, Toronto is 30-15 SU, 31-13 ATS. For the season, the Raptors are 22-10 ATS away, among the best in the NBA. On Sunday, the Raptors suffered a rare home loss. But, that sets up a situation that finds the Raptors to be 18-9 ATS following a defeat this season. The perimeter play of Lowry and DeRozan too much for the outmanned Hawks.
ROAD WARRIOR PLAY
Washington Wizards (-2) at Sacramento Kings 10:05 ET
4%Washington (-2)
The Kings are in one of my favorite NBA PLAY AGAINST situations. Specifically, Sacramento has just returned from a lengthy 7 game Eastern road trip and is playing with just 2 days’ rest. Hardly enough time to get the bags unpacked and fulfill the emotional needs of that significant other. Tonight, the Kings play on a floor where they have been 7-14 ATS as home chalk to +3. Far prefer the red hot Wiz, who has surged to the plus side of .500 with a recent 9-3 SU run. Few have been better in the NBA on the road, than this Washington team who is 21-11 ATS as road chalk to +9. With Beal expected back in the lineup for the Wizards, must feel comfortable they will get this victory.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
NIT
3% Wisconsin Green Bay -6-
Robert Morris at St. Johns (-15-) 7:00 ET
4% Robert Morris (+15-)
St. Johns fell shy of their bid for NCAA inclusion following their brilliant stretch run after a 0-5 SU ATS league start. As such, simply can’t see this team being very excited about hosting Bobby Mo. This is the same Robert Morris team who took advantage of their inclusion in this NIT field last year with a 59-57 upset of Kentucky. Back for a reprise are Karvell Anderson and Lucky Jones. These two proved they could match up with big time players last year. It is a bit of a downer after the loss to Mt. St. Mary’s on their home court in the NEC final. But, I promise Bobby Mo will be pumped for the opportunity to play a Big East team on national TV. Robert Morris HC O’Toole (not long for Moon Township) is an edge on the pine over Redman mentor Lavin.
FGCU at Florida St. (-11-) 7:00 ET ESPN2
4% FGCU (+11-)
Major downer for a Florida St. team, who failed in their bid for inclusion in the Big Dance with a QF ACC Tourney loss. As such, it is tough to see them getting pumped up for a double digit blowout which is really not the style of 12th year HC Hamilton. Far prefer FGCU who hasn’t skipped a beat for 1st year HC Dooley, who took over the Eagles’ job after being the top assistant for Bill Self at Kansas. Many of you will remember Dooley as the former top dog at E. Carolina in the early 90s. Last year, FGCU won at Mercer to seal the Big Dance invitation. This year, Mercer returned the favor (68-60) in Ft. Meyers relegating the Eagles to the NIT. But, they will be very excited about the chance to play a named foe from the state of Florida. Little is lost from the Dunk City team of last year. Four RS are led by glue guy, Brett Comer and high-flying Bernard Thompson. Remember, this was a team that made it to the Sweet 16 last year. No surprise to see them come in comfortably under the number tonight.
WVU at Georgetown (-3-) 7:00 ET ESPN
3% Georgetown (-3-)
Playing in the Big 12, the toughest league in the nation, WVU authored a solid comeback season following their debacle of last year under HC Huggins. The Mounties were good enough to beat Kansas on their home floor to close the season, but a QF loss in the CCT to Texas (my 2014 Big 12 Conference GOY winner on the Longhorns) has relegated them to the NIT. The resurgence has been led by the guard tandem of Harris and Staten, though the latter is questionable for tonight’s action with an ankle injury. Interesting venue note finds this game being played at McDonough Arena (the on campus home of the Hoyas). Georgetown was not the same team since big man, Josh Smith, became an academic casualty in early January. A Donkey Round loss to DePaul in the Big East CCT sealed their fate. But, they should be plenty hungry for redemption following a disappointing 17-14 SU season. Hoyas get this victory in a game that is a microcosm of this year’s rule changes. Two years ago, this former Big East Conference game would have involved 50+ fouls and would have taken 2 ½ hours to complete.
Georgia St. at Clemson (-5-) 9:00 ET ESPNU
3% Clemson (-5-)
Simply too much to ask of a Georgia St. team, who was prepared to advance to the Dance, when they held a comfortable double digit lead late in the 2nd half of the Sun Belt Final against LA Lafayette. In attaining that lead, the offensive quartet of Hunter, Atkins, White, and Harrow (a 30+ point personal best) had the game in control. But, a philosophical change by HC Hunter to a more conservative style changed the momentum and proved the undoing of the Panther in an eventual (82-81) OT loss. Now, they must switch gears just 48 hours later to face an ACC foe with one of the top defenses in the land. Clemson had no false hopes about receiving an invitation to dance. Thus, with 4 days to prepare following a QF loss to Duke (63-62), they will be amped against this regional rival who has been getting plenty of ink.
Davidson at Missouri (-6) 9:00 ET ESPN2
3% Missouri (-6)
Davidson was clearly the class of the SOCON with a 15-1 SU record which was 3 games clear of their nearest challenger. But, a shocking CCT Final loss to W. Carolina, a game in which they held a double digit lead at the half, saw their Big Dance invitation rescinded. Wildcats are again led by interior force, De’mon Brooks, and coached by 24th year HC McKillop. In pre-con season, there were victories against Georgia and Charlotte But, there were also disappointing double digit defeats at Duke by 34, Virginia by 13, Clemson by 31, New Mexico by 21, North Carolina by 12, Wichita by 11, and at home to Drexel by 14 and COC by 12. That does not offer much reason for hope when stepping up in class to face another upper echelon team. Rating would be stronger were it not for the disappointing season of the Tigers, which saw them finish 6-7 SU, 5-11 ATS and post a mark of 5-10 ATS on their strong home floor this season. But, the most recent appearance in post-season play was an embarrassing 1st round NCAA loss to Norfolk St. last season. We must see full focus from the Tigers, something that may not be evident from the defensively deficient visitor.
NCAA 1ST FOUR
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Mount St. Mary vs. Albany (-2-) 6:40 ET
4% Mount St. Mary (+2-)
We tip off the 2014 NCAA Tourney with a huge 10* winner. It was 1 year ago that the Albany Great Danes used a methodical pace to hang within a generous impost to cover a 1st round NCAA game against Duke in a 73-61 loss. Now, the Great Danes are back again. This time it is courtesy of 3 consecutive victories in the CCT, including upsets of the top 2 teams in the American East, Vermont and Stony Brook. That set of results, including a pair of consecutive upsets, sets up one of my favorite NCAA round 1 situations. Mount St. Mary has reached the NCAA in only the 2nd year of HC Christian. This former VCU Asst. has brought havoc to Mount St. Mary in the form of Mt. Mayhem. Their latest success is an 88-71 upset of top seeded Bobby Mo in the NEC final. Led by senior guards, Norfleet and Mack, look for “havoc light” to pull the mini-upset which will certainly be no surprise to this bureau.
NC State vs. Xavier (-3-) 9:10 ET
3% Xavier (-3-)
Don’t miss the earlier 10* play on the NCAA Lid Lifter between Mount St. Mary and Albany. It’s a winner! In the nightcap, we follow a theme of reversal which is so prevalent in my highly successful Round 1 thinking of tourney play. Most notable to viewers will be the respective stars of these teams, high-scoring TJ Warren of NC State (the ACC Player of the Year). His Wolfpack enters on a 4-1 SU, 5-0 ATS blitz with their 75-67 loss to Duke, leaving them 1 upset short of avoiding this play-in round. But, there is little balance to the NC State attack and the shooting woes of Tobacco Road have gone viral between Chapel Hill and Raleigh. For the Wolfpack knocks down a very Tarheel-like 30% from the arc and 66% from the stripe. Xavier, conversely, fell to this play-in game on the basis of a 1-3 SU ATS finish. Semaj Christon is the lead guard for X, who offsets the offensive prowess of Warren. But, this a far more balanced Musketeer team than their opponent. Key cog is interior force Stainbrook, whose recent knee injury is a major reason for the Xavier backward slide down the stretch. Nice edge on the pine with HC Mack over his Wolfpack counterpart HC Gottfried.
Norm Hitzges - late selections
March 18, 2014
No Plays Yesterday.....Season: 284---327
NBA
COLLEGE
DOUBLE PLAY:
SINGLE PLAYS:
March 18, 2014
No Plays Yesterday.....Season: 284---327
NBA
- Portland -12 Milwaukee
COLLEGE
DOUBLE PLAY:
- Canisius -12 VMI
SINGLE PLAYS:
- Minnesota -`17 High Point
- W. Virginia +4 Georgetown
- Georgia St. +6 1/2 Clemson
- E. Michigan -11 1/2 Norfolk
- San Houston -11 Alabama St.
