The Duke's Sports
Wichita State (-2') for 1.5 Units
The Shockers are playing a good stretch of tournament basketball with impressive wins over Nebraska and Virginia Tech. And we like the way the Shockers control the boards sporting an impressive +7.9 rebound margin to Washington State's -1.3. This should come into play on a neutral floor (MSG) tonight. Moreover, the Shockers' bench is stronger and have a few quality defenders in addition to Toure' Murry to run on Washington State's key player Klay Thompson. Wichita State is 7-1 ATS as a neutral favorite and should deliver.
Wichita State (-2') for 1.5 Units
The Shockers are playing a good stretch of tournament basketball with impressive wins over Nebraska and Virginia Tech. And we like the way the Shockers control the boards sporting an impressive +7.9 rebound margin to Washington State's -1.3. This should come into play on a neutral floor (MSG) tonight. Moreover, the Shockers' bench is stronger and have a few quality defenders in addition to Toure' Murry to run on Washington State's key player Klay Thompson. Wichita State is 7-1 ATS as a neutral favorite and should deliver.
Gold Sheet
Alabama 79 - Colorado 71—Credit both teams for handling their
business on the court after being bypassed by the NCAA Tourney Selection
Committee. Too often the squads that are disappointed at not surviving the
final cut for the Big Dance only strengthen the argument for their exclusion
with sub-par efforts in these lower-profile events. Not so these two. And,
Virginia Commonwealth’s subsequent surprising run to the Final Four
notwithstanding, Alabama and Colorado each had a strong case for an atlarge
invitation to the NCAAs.
Speaking of VCU’s Rams, their respected former mentor, Anthony Grant,
has quickly rejuvenated the sagging Crimson Tide program in just two seasons
at the helm in Tuscaloosa. Grant led Bama to 20 regular-season victories and
the top of the SEC West this year. And even though the Tide was denied a Big
Dance bid after losing to Final Four-bound Kentucky in its conference tourney
semifinals, Grant’s troops recovered to win three straight NIT clashes at
friendly Coleman Coliseum and earn this trip to Madison Square Garden.
Long-dormant Colorado experienced its own resurgence this season
(their final Big XII campaign before heading to the Pac-12), as the Buffaloes
quickly embraced the uptempo style of new head coach Tad Boyle (from
Northern Colorado). CU has already notched victories over Kansas State
(times three!), Texas, and Missouri so far this campaign. And, after giving
powerful Kansas all it could handle before falling in its conference tourney
semifinals, the Buffaloes didn’t let their Big Dance snub linger, riding their own
strong home-court advantage in Boulder to three straight NIT triumphs.
So, which side is more likely to continue its post-season march now that
the tourney has moved to neutral New York? The answer appears to be
Alabama. First and foremost, the Tide are MUCH more conscientious on the
defensive end, permitting just 59 ppg on a seriously-stingy 38% FGs (No. 3 in
the nation). Colorado’s star 6-6 soph G Alec Burks (20.5 ppg) and his 6-5
senior backcourt mate Cory Higgins (16.1 ppg) will “get theirs,” but it definitely
won’t come easy, especially with the Buff starting PG Nate Tomlinson
compromised by a shoulder injury. And Bama has a burgeoning attack arsenal
of its own. 6-8 jr. F JaMychal Green (15.4 ppg & 7.7 rpg) is an NBA prospect
and the top low-post threat on the court. CU will be hard-pressed to keep
Green and slashing 6-6 soph leading scorer Tony Mitchell (15.5 ppg & 7 rpg)
from doing major damage on the offensive glass. Plus, the Tide’s touted true
frosh PG Trevor Releford (42 points in the last two games) is consistently
playing up to the potential that made him one of the most highly-regarded
backcourt prospects in the country coming out of high school. With sr. G
Charvez Davis (17 three-pointers in last six games) providing a little more
perimeter punch lately, we look for Bama to eventually pull away from potent
but defensively-vulnerable Colorado.
Alabama 79 - Colorado 71—Credit both teams for handling their
business on the court after being bypassed by the NCAA Tourney Selection
Committee. Too often the squads that are disappointed at not surviving the
final cut for the Big Dance only strengthen the argument for their exclusion
with sub-par efforts in these lower-profile events. Not so these two. And,
Virginia Commonwealth’s subsequent surprising run to the Final Four
notwithstanding, Alabama and Colorado each had a strong case for an atlarge
invitation to the NCAAs.
Speaking of VCU’s Rams, their respected former mentor, Anthony Grant,
has quickly rejuvenated the sagging Crimson Tide program in just two seasons
at the helm in Tuscaloosa. Grant led Bama to 20 regular-season victories and
the top of the SEC West this year. And even though the Tide was denied a Big
Dance bid after losing to Final Four-bound Kentucky in its conference tourney
semifinals, Grant’s troops recovered to win three straight NIT clashes at
friendly Coleman Coliseum and earn this trip to Madison Square Garden.
Long-dormant Colorado experienced its own resurgence this season
(their final Big XII campaign before heading to the Pac-12), as the Buffaloes
quickly embraced the uptempo style of new head coach Tad Boyle (from
Northern Colorado). CU has already notched victories over Kansas State
(times three!), Texas, and Missouri so far this campaign. And, after giving
powerful Kansas all it could handle before falling in its conference tourney
semifinals, the Buffaloes didn’t let their Big Dance snub linger, riding their own
strong home-court advantage in Boulder to three straight NIT triumphs.
So, which side is more likely to continue its post-season march now that
the tourney has moved to neutral New York? The answer appears to be
Alabama. First and foremost, the Tide are MUCH more conscientious on the
defensive end, permitting just 59 ppg on a seriously-stingy 38% FGs (No. 3 in
the nation). Colorado’s star 6-6 soph G Alec Burks (20.5 ppg) and his 6-5
senior backcourt mate Cory Higgins (16.1 ppg) will “get theirs,” but it definitely
won’t come easy, especially with the Buff starting PG Nate Tomlinson
compromised by a shoulder injury. And Bama has a burgeoning attack arsenal
of its own. 6-8 jr. F JaMychal Green (15.4 ppg & 7.7 rpg) is an NBA prospect
and the top low-post threat on the court. CU will be hard-pressed to keep
Green and slashing 6-6 soph leading scorer Tony Mitchell (15.5 ppg & 7 rpg)
from doing major damage on the offensive glass. Plus, the Tide’s touted true
frosh PG Trevor Releford (42 points in the last two games) is consistently
playing up to the potential that made him one of the most highly-regarded
backcourt prospects in the country coming out of high school. With sr. G
Charvez Davis (17 three-pointers in last six games) providing a little more
perimeter punch lately, we look for Bama to eventually pull away from potent
but defensively-vulnerable Colorado.
Gold Sheet
Houston 107 - NEW JERSEY 96—Houston gallantly hanging in Western
playoff chase with SU wins in five of its last six games, and Rockets continue to
overachieve vs. the number on the road, covering 9 of last 11 away from Toyota
Center. And if Houston continues to score rapidly with its ball movement and
balanced offense, not sure New Jersey can keep pace any better than it did
when losing 123-108 at Toyota Center on Feb. 26, when Rockets hit 51% from
floor and Kevin Martin led a Houston scoring barrage with 30 points. Especially
with Nets HC Avery Johnson looking for healthy bodies these days, with Deron
Williams probably sidelined again with wrist problems and SF Damion James
likely out for a fifth straight game with recurring foot problems resulting from
December surgery. And with key reserves Sundiata Gaines and Quinton Ross
also recently sidelined, Johnson might be tempted to suit up Kris Humphries’
squeeze, Kim Kardashian, if necessary. Kim could probably draw a few fouls,
but her defense and rebounding could be real liabilities. 10-HOU -8' 123-108
(206); 09-Hou -8' 98-93 (195), HOU -9' 116-108 (202)
OKLAHOMA CITY 114 - Golden St. 97—Given that Ok City is probably
satisfied with the 4th seed it comfortably occupies in the West playoff queue
(which also means likely missing the Lakers until the conference finals),
Thunder getting to the point where they can start fine-tuning for the postseason.
But don’t expect Ok City to go into cruise control just yet, with Kendrick Perkins
working his way back into the offensive mix and at least another week or so
before Scott Brooks might be tempted to give a few of his stars some added rest
before the playoffs begin. Thunder also should be on alert after a couple of
tough earlier battles vs. Golden State (both Warrior covers, including a G.S. win
at Oracle Arena on Feb. 13), and must note that Keith Smart’s team hardly put
up a fight in most-recent road trip when losing and failing to cover all four
outings, by a hefty 18 ppg. Warriors also not likely to rally now that they have
been officially eliminated from playoffs, especially with Andris Biedrins nursing
a sore ankle, as the focus in Oakland now turns to Smart and GM Larry Riley,
the last holdovers from the Don Nelson regime who were both thought to be on
one-year trials from new owner Joe Lacob before determining if they deserve
longer contracts. Have they done enough? Stay tuned. 10-OKLA -7 114-109
(216), GS -2 100-94 (216); 09-OKLA -7 104-88 (222), OKLA -8' 112-104 (214),
Okla -4 104-95 (215), GS +7' 120-117 (227)
SACRAMENTO 103 - Phoenix 98—Sacto remarkably reinvigorated lately,
winning and covering 4 of 5 on just-completed road trip, including triumphs in
the last three. And now the Kings face a reeling Phoenix team they have beaten
two games in row, dominating the glass (with a 21.5 pg rebound edge!) in the
process. While Sacto has found an extra gear, Suns haven’t, dropping 7 of their
last 10 to all but fall out of West playoff contention. Phoenix not generating its
normal offense lately, scoring 100 or fewer in six of its last ten games, with a
banged-up Steve Nash (only nine points total on 4 of 20 FG shooting in the last
two games) slowing noticeably. Kings have reprised that rebounding theme in
recent games, including winning the battle of the boards by a whopping 22 at
Philly on Sunday, while trade deadline acquisition Marcus Thornton continues
to post big numbers, scoring 22 ppg since arriving from New Orleans and
netting 32 on Sunday in the win over the Sixers. Maybe the Kings are inspired
(as HC Paul Westphal has stated) by the fact there has been an outpouring of
support from the Sacto fan base that is worried the team is about to leave town;
whatever the reason, Kings have been a different team the last week. 10-PHO
-7' 103-89 (215), SAC +5 94-89 (207), Sac +9' 113-108 (206); 09-PHO -11' 115-
107 (226), Pho -2' 113-109 (226), Pho -2' 114-102 (223), PHO -10 104-88 (216)
Houston 107 - NEW JERSEY 96—Houston gallantly hanging in Western
playoff chase with SU wins in five of its last six games, and Rockets continue to
overachieve vs. the number on the road, covering 9 of last 11 away from Toyota
Center. And if Houston continues to score rapidly with its ball movement and
balanced offense, not sure New Jersey can keep pace any better than it did
when losing 123-108 at Toyota Center on Feb. 26, when Rockets hit 51% from
floor and Kevin Martin led a Houston scoring barrage with 30 points. Especially
with Nets HC Avery Johnson looking for healthy bodies these days, with Deron
Williams probably sidelined again with wrist problems and SF Damion James
likely out for a fifth straight game with recurring foot problems resulting from
December surgery. And with key reserves Sundiata Gaines and Quinton Ross
also recently sidelined, Johnson might be tempted to suit up Kris Humphries’
squeeze, Kim Kardashian, if necessary. Kim could probably draw a few fouls,
but her defense and rebounding could be real liabilities. 10-HOU -8' 123-108
(206); 09-Hou -8' 98-93 (195), HOU -9' 116-108 (202)
OKLAHOMA CITY 114 - Golden St. 97—Given that Ok City is probably
satisfied with the 4th seed it comfortably occupies in the West playoff queue
(which also means likely missing the Lakers until the conference finals),
Thunder getting to the point where they can start fine-tuning for the postseason.
But don’t expect Ok City to go into cruise control just yet, with Kendrick Perkins
working his way back into the offensive mix and at least another week or so
before Scott Brooks might be tempted to give a few of his stars some added rest
before the playoffs begin. Thunder also should be on alert after a couple of
tough earlier battles vs. Golden State (both Warrior covers, including a G.S. win
at Oracle Arena on Feb. 13), and must note that Keith Smart’s team hardly put
up a fight in most-recent road trip when losing and failing to cover all four
outings, by a hefty 18 ppg. Warriors also not likely to rally now that they have
been officially eliminated from playoffs, especially with Andris Biedrins nursing
a sore ankle, as the focus in Oakland now turns to Smart and GM Larry Riley,
the last holdovers from the Don Nelson regime who were both thought to be on
one-year trials from new owner Joe Lacob before determining if they deserve
longer contracts. Have they done enough? Stay tuned. 10-OKLA -7 114-109
(216), GS -2 100-94 (216); 09-OKLA -7 104-88 (222), OKLA -8' 112-104 (214),
Okla -4 104-95 (215), GS +7' 120-117 (227)
SACRAMENTO 103 - Phoenix 98—Sacto remarkably reinvigorated lately,
winning and covering 4 of 5 on just-completed road trip, including triumphs in
the last three. And now the Kings face a reeling Phoenix team they have beaten
two games in row, dominating the glass (with a 21.5 pg rebound edge!) in the
process. While Sacto has found an extra gear, Suns haven’t, dropping 7 of their
last 10 to all but fall out of West playoff contention. Phoenix not generating its
normal offense lately, scoring 100 or fewer in six of its last ten games, with a
banged-up Steve Nash (only nine points total on 4 of 20 FG shooting in the last
two games) slowing noticeably. Kings have reprised that rebounding theme in
recent games, including winning the battle of the boards by a whopping 22 at
Philly on Sunday, while trade deadline acquisition Marcus Thornton continues
to post big numbers, scoring 22 ppg since arriving from New Orleans and
netting 32 on Sunday in the win over the Sixers. Maybe the Kings are inspired
(as HC Paul Westphal has stated) by the fact there has been an outpouring of
support from the Sacto fan base that is worried the team is about to leave town;
whatever the reason, Kings have been a different team the last week. 10-PHO
-7' 103-89 (215), SAC +5 94-89 (207), Sac +9' 113-108 (206); 09-PHO -11' 115-
107 (226), Pho -2' 113-109 (226), Pho -2' 114-102 (223), PHO -10 104-88 (216)
