Sunday 1/31/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Demon Deacons (10-10) at Fighting Irish (14-6)

Date: January 31, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

Notre Dame's previous stint as a ranked team lasted four weeks, but this one could prove even shorter - especially if leading scorer Demetrius Jackson remains out.

Jackson will likely sit again as the No. 25 Fighting Irish look to avoid back-to-back defeats Sunday against scuffling Wake Forest.

Notre Dame was ranked in the first three polls this season but dropped out after losing two of three to finish November. The Irish (14-6, 5-3 ACC) crept back in following a season-high four consecutive victories, most notably a 95-91 win at then-No. 9 Duke on Jan. 16.

That streak ended with an 81-66 loss at Syracuse on Thursday that Jackson missed because of an ailing right hamstring.

"In this league, you have to forget about a win at Duke. You have to forget a loss at the Carrier Dome," coach Mike Brey said. "You get thumped, you get your butt kicked, it only counts as one league loss. If we could get through the first half of the season at 6-3 ... I'd be absolutely thrilled."

V.J. Beachem scored a career-high 22 points while going 5 of 8 from beyond the arc, but Steve Vasturia (16 points) was the only other Notre Dame player in double figures. Vasturia moved over to point guard because of Jackson's injury, and the Irish committed nine of their 11 turnovers in the first 15 minutes.

"We were a little rudderless at times without Demetrius, no question, and we may have to keep playing without him for a while," Brey said.

Notre Dame is 10-1 at home and could survive without Jackson against the Demon Deacons (10-10, 1-7), losers of five in a row, but things get much tougher after Sunday's game. The Irish will face three top-20 teams in their next four along with a Clemson squad that's 6-2 in the ACC.

The Irish lost both meetings with Wake Forest in 2013-14 but won 88-75 on Feb. 17, the Deacons' first trip to South Bend, while making 27 of 28 free throws.

Wake Forest heads into Notre Dame this time 0-4 in ACC road games with three of those against ranked opponents. The Deacons are playing their fourth consecutive Top 25 team after a nearly unfathomable loss to No. 11 Virginia on Tuesday.

The Cavaliers escaped with a 72-71 win when Darius Thompson banked in a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Wake Forest blew a 10-point lead in the final 77 seconds.

"This is a very disappointing and tough 'L' to take. They're all tough," coach Danny Manning said. "To be in a situation where we have a lead for 35 minutes of a game and not come away with a win, it's just tough."

Freshman guard Bryant Crawford scored a career-high 22 points and leading scorer Devin Thomas (16.4 ppg) had 19. Thomas had 26 points - the second-most in his career - and 11 rebounds in last season's loss to Notre Dame.

Wake Forest has lost 12 straight road games against ranked ACC opponents since beating No. 24 North Carolina in January 2010.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wildcats (15-7) at Hawkeyes (16-4)

Date: January 31, 2016 3:00 PM EDT

The positive aspect from Iowa's first conference loss is that any pressure it felt to live up to its lofty ranking and continue the school's best start in Big Ten play in 46 years fades a bit.

That's just the way coach Fran McCaffery likes it.

The third-ranked Hawkeyes look to extend their home winning streak to 14 Sunday by dealing Northwestern a fifth consecutive defeat.

Iowa (16-4, 7-1) responded to a heartbreaking 83-82 loss at then-No. 4 Iowa State on Dec. 10 by winning its next nine, including a pair of victories over Purdue and Michigan State, the latter of which held the top ranking in their Dec. 29 meeting.

The Hawkeyes won their first seven Big Ten games for the first time since going 14-0 in 1969-70, and Jarrod Uthoff emerged in a national player of the year candidate. But Uthoff, who is tied for the conference scoring lead (18.4 points per game) and leads in blocks per game (2.85), went 2 of 13 from the floor and finished with a season-low nine points in Thursday's 74-68 loss at eighth-ranked Maryland.

Iowa was 5 of 24 from 3-point range in its first game as the nation's No. 3 team since 1987 after shooting 45.2 percent from beyond the arc over its previous four.

"I don't panic either way and neither do (the players)," McCaffery said. "We take a business-like approach. That's how we were Thursday night after the game and before the game.

"That's how we'll be before and after the Northwestern game. If you get too emotional, it makes for a long season."

The Hawkeyes had won 13 straight conference games since Northwestern beat them 66-61 in overtime Feb. 15. Iowa avenged that loss with a 69-52 home victory in the regular-season finale and has won six of the last eight matchups.

The Wildcats (15-7, 3-6) are capping their first stretch of four straight against ranked opponents since 1989-90. They began that run by pushing Maryland to overtime Jan. 19 before falling 62-56, but followed that with an 89-57 loss at then-No. 25 Indiana on Jan. 19 and Thursday's 76-45 home loss to 12th-ranked Michigan State.

Northwestern shot 20.7 percent from the field, its worst mark since hitting 17.9 percent against the Spartans on Jan. 27, 2000. Tre Demps missed all seven of his 3-point attempts and finished with four points, and leading scorer Bryant McIntosh went 4 of 15 from the floor.

McIntosh leads the Big Ten with 6.8 assists per game, but he had only two as the Wildcats finished with more free throws made (17) than field goals (12).

'I can sit up here for an hour and we can talk about a lot of things, but if you can't put the ball in the basket you're not going to win against really good teams,' coach Chris Collins said. "You're going to have some bumps in the road and some tough nights, especially when you play in the Big Ten."

Uthoff is averaging 19.3 points and shooting 52.4 percent from 3-point range over his last three against the Wildcats, but McCaffery isn't taking Northwestern lightly.

"Northwestern is a team you have to defend," McCaffery said. "It all starts with McIntosh, and they run good stuff. They'll rotate guys and (Collins) has some pieces and can get you with bodies. He has more size and length than he has ever had."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Shockers (15-5) at Aces (18-4)

Date: January 31, 2016 4:00 PM EDT

Wichita State has easily handled all of its Missouri Valley Conference rivals this season except for Evansville.

The No. 22 Shockers will seek a more decisive result while attempting to spoil the Purple Aces' perfect home record Sunday and push coach Gregg Marshall into a tie for the school wins record.

Wichita State (15-5, 9-0) has won its conference games by an average of 21.1 points following an 80-54 rout of Loyola of Chicago on Wednesday.

The only conference game they didn't win by at least 16 points was a 67-64 home victory over Evansville on Jan. 6. The Aces never trailed by more than nine and rallied to tie the game with 3:32 to play but couldn't get a lead in the second half. Missouri Valley leading scorer D.J. Balentine turned it over in the waning seconds before getting off a potential game-tying shot.

"I think we both showed why we were (voted) No. 1 and 2 in the preseason (MVC poll)," Shockers senior Fred VanVleet said.

VanVleet and Anton Grady both made key layups in the final three minutes after Evansville had pulled within one. Grady scored 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting and had a team-best seven rebounds. VanVleet was the only starter in double figures with 16 points and had a season-high nine assists.

Ron Baker was held to nine points - well below his team-leading average of 14.7 - while missing seven of 10 shots. Still, he's averaging 17.0 points in Wichita's six-game winning streak in the series.

The Aces (18-4, 7-2) are tied for second place in the MVC with Southern Illinois, two games behind the Shockers. With a matchup against the Salukis at home Wednesday, Wichita State has a prime chance to build some cushion atop the conference.

The Shockers can also push Marshall past Ralph Miller's school record of 220 victories by winning the next two games.

"That would be wonderful. It would be an honor because I know how well thought of (Miller) is," Marshall said. "He's the only non-player that's hanging in the rafters at (Koch Arena)."

Wichita has won its four conference road games by an average of 21.7 points and its past two at Evansville by an average of 18.0. In last season's visit, the Shockers held the Aces to their fewest points in the past eight seasons in a 61-41 victory.

The Aces are 11-0 at home this season and have won 14 straight at the Ford Center. They're among the nation's top shooting teams at 52.1 percent from the field.

They shot 55.4 percent against Southern Illinois on Thursday but needed overtime for an 85-78 victory. Mislav Brzoja scored a career-high 25 points and Balentine matched that output.

Balentine, averaging 21.3 points, had a season-low 14 on 6-of-17 shooting with five turnovers at Wichita. Jaylon Brown scored 18 points, one shy of his career high, to begin his current streak of seven straight games in double figures.

"Fred was told going into the game to help off of (Brown) a little more," Marshall said after the win. "We're going to have to adjust that scouting report."

However, Marshall's team did a solid job defensively on Egidijus Mockevicius, who was held to nine points but grabbed 16 rebounds. The senior center leads the nation with 14.2 boards per game while averaging 16.7 points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Scarlet Knights (6-15) at Spartans (18-4)

Date: January 31, 2016 5:15 PM EDT

Michigan State wants to get into its halfcourt sets as fast as possible, often inbounding the ball quickly following an opponents' basket or throwing a long outlet pass after grabbing a rebound.

It's also a style that occasionally leads to turnovers, though the 12th-ranked Spartans don't feel as much wrath from their coach if they're converting regularly on other opportunities.

It certainly wouldn't be a surprise if Michigan State puts a big number on the scoreboard Sunday when it hosts a Rutgers team allowing the most points per game in the Big Ten.

The Spartans (18-4, 5-4) are averaging 12 turnovers and ranked eighth or worse in the conference in giveaways per game each season from 2006-14. They're back to eighth after finishing sixth last season and committed 15 turnovers at Northwestern on Thursday.

Michigan State overcame those mistakes, though, by hitting 16 of 26 3s in a 76-45 victory as Denzel Valentine went 5 of 7 from long distance and finished with 19 points, six rebounds and seven assists.

The Spartans rank last in the Big Ten with a minus-2.7 average turnover differential, but it leads the conference with a plus-11.2 field-goal percentage differential. That's part of the reason coach Tom Izzo was able to live with Valentine's season high-tying six turnovers against the Wildcats.

'As I'm learning more and more, and I don't really say I like it, but you make a shot, it takes away all evils,' Izzo said after his team shot 50 percent for the first time in five games. "And we made a lot of shots.'

The Spartans have gotten it done defensively, too, ranking second in the nation in field-goal percentage defense (36.7) and rebound differential (plus-11.9 per game). Freshman Deyonta Davis has been in the starting lineup for the last four and finished with eight points, a season high-tying 11 rebounds and a season-high six blocks against the Wildcats.

He's third in the Big Ten with an average of 2.05 blocks per game, which also ranks sixth in the country among freshmen.

'I'm starting to understand,' Davis said. 'But I give credit to my teammates because they help me along with my coaches.'

The Spartans are fourth in the conference in field-goal percentage (47.8) and points per game (81) while leading the nation by assisting on 71.4 percent of their field goals. That offensive efficiency could present fits for Rutgers, which is allowing a Big Ten-high 77.5 points per game.

The Scarlet Knights (6-15, 0-8) were better Wednesday, falling 68-57 at Michigan after dropping their previous six by an average of 28.5 points and allowing at least 90 in each of the previous four.

Mike Williams scored 17 points and freshman Corey Sanders added 15 for Rutgers, which has dropped 22 straight Big Ten games since beating Wisconsin last January at home. It is winless in 13 conference road games since joining the league last season.

Sanders has been a bright spot, though, averaging a team-high 14.1 points and ranking third in the Big Ten with 1.75 steals per game.

'We can take a lot of positives out of our last couple of games,' coach Eddie Jordan said. 'There has been a lot of growth from our young players. Every game and every film session, we get more and more positive clips.'

Bryn Forbes had 18 points to help Michigan State overcome a 2-for-13 shooting performance from Valentine in last season's 71-51 victory at Rutgers.

The Scarlet Knights have lost 26 straight road games to ranked opponents since winning at No. 13 Pittsburgh on Jan. 26, 2008.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Ducks (17-4) at Sun Devils (12-9)

Date: January 31, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

Oregon hasn't won a regular-season conference championship in 14 years, but it has emerged as one of the favorites following three consecutive quality victories.

First-year coach Bobby Hurley is trying to rebuild Arizona State into a contender in the Pac-12, and he's seen some improvement lately.

The 23rd-ranked Ducks look to beat the Sun Devils for the seventh time in eight meetings when they square off Sunday night in Tempe.

Oregon (17-4, 6-2) began conference play in mediocre fashion, losing at rival Oregon State, and had a three-game win streak snapped Jan. 17 at Colorado. It bounced back by sweeping a two-game homestand, beating then-No. 21 USC and knocking off UCLA.

The Ducks followed with their biggest statement victory Thursday, ending No. 18 Arizona's 49-game home winning streak with an 83-75 win. The Wildcats shot 61 percent from the field - the best mark for an Oregon opponent in 15 years - but the Ducks forced 19 turnovers and committed a season-low six.

Oregon hasn't won the regular-season conference crown since 2001-02, but Arizona coach Sean Miller believes the Ducks have what it takes to end that drought.

'They are a hard-playing unit, together as a team, and they love each other," Miller said. "You can tell they care a lot about their university and they care a lot about their program. You can kind of feel that they're playing for a cause, and that cause is to win.'

Dillon Brooks scored 24 points, and the sophomore forward is averaging 21.0 over his last five. He's shooting 53.6 percent in that span while going 9 of 21 from 3-point range after previously hitting 13 of 54 (24.1 percent).

'I was shooting it bad in non-conference (games). I worked on it, worked on it, worked on it and it paid off," Brooks said. "It's an amazing feeling."

Elgin Cook added 13 against the Wildcats, and his 23 points helped Oregon win 68-67 in overtime at Arizona State in the last meeting Jan. 30, 2015. The Ducks are hoping this contest isn't nearly as competitive with the Sun Devils (12-9, 2-6) sitting near the bottom of the conference.

Hurley took over a program that has made just one NCAA Tournament appearance in the last six seasons and knows he needs to be patient before Arizona State reaches that level again.

The Sun Devils had dropped six of seven before impressing Hurley with Thursday's 86-68 home win over Oregon State. They shot a season-high 59.3 percent from the field and had five players score in double figures, led by Obinna Oleka's 17 points.

Arizona State held the Beavers to 43.1 percent and was much better defensively after allowing an average of 80.3 points through its first seven conference games.

Leading scorer Tra Holder finished with eight points and took only six shots after averaging 14.4 attempts over his previous seven, but he held Beavers star Gary Payton II to two points.

"It's a good feeling right now to see the team play that way," Hurley said. "It started on defense, how we guarded them in the first half. The numbers reflected that. I thought we had great energy, getting deflections and generating stops."

Holder could be tasked in this contest with guarding Cook, who is averaging 17.5 points in the last four games.

Cook has attempted a team-high 102 free throws and now must deal with the ASU student section's "Curtain of Distraction," which on Thursday featured a shirtless Michael Phelps trying to distract opposing shooters. Oregon is among the Pac-12's worst free-throw shooting teams at 69.2 percent. Oregon State went 9 of 20 on Thursday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday's Top 25 Trends

Sunday, Jan. 31

Matchup Records Skinny Projection

Villanova
Overall: 17-3 SU, 9-9-1 ATS
Big East: 7-1 SU, 3-5 ATS
Totals: 8-10 O/U

St. John's
Overall: 7-14 SU, 8-10-1 ATS
Big East: 0-8 SU, 3-5 ATS
Totals: 10-10 O/U

(6) Villanova at St. John's (FOX, 12:00 p.m. ET)
The Wildcats are coming off their first loss of 2016, falling in OT against Providence last Sunday in a game that ranks among the season's most entertaining, snapping a 22-game Big East winning streak. Jay Wright's team is 5-1 in true road games (2-3-1 ATS) and haven't lost to a team with a losing record all season. Teams 'Nova has lost to are a combined 53-10. Chris Mullin's Red Storm haven't won since Dec. 13, carrying an 11-game losing streak into Madison Suare Garden, where the Wildcats won a conference tournament title last time they took the floor. Shot blocking center Yankuba Sima remains out for St. John's.

Villanova 82
St. John's 58


Maryland
Overall: 18-3 SU, 10-11 ATS
Big 10: 7-2 SU, 5-4 ATS
Totals: 9-11 O/U

Ohio State
Overall: 14-8 SU, 12-8-1 ATS
Big 10: 6-3 SU, 6-3 ATS
Totals: 9-12 O/U

(8) Maryland at Ohio State (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
The Terps bounced back from last weekend's loss at Michigan State by handing Iowa its first Big Ten loss. They're looking to complete a season sweep of the Buckeyes after a 100-65 dismantling in College Park barely two weeks ago. Versatile PF Robert Carter shot 4-for-4 from 3-point range and scored 25 points, while All-America candidate Melo Trimble dished out nine assists. Ohio State expects to hang around by locking down on the defensive end since it's among the best in the conference in field goal percentage defense and blocked shots. OSU's last two games have gone under. Eight of Maryland's last 10 have finished below the posted total.

Maryland 72
Ohio State 67


Northwestern
Overall: 15-7 SU, 9-9-1 ATS
Big 10: 2-6 SU, 3-5 ATS
Totals: 9-10 O/U

Iowa
Overall: 16-4 SU, 10-7 ATS
Big 10: 7-1 SU, 5-3 ATS
Totals: 10-7 O/U

Northwestern at (3) Iowa (Big Ten, 3:00 p.m. ET)
A 74-68 loss at Maryland snapped Iowa's nine-game winning streak and supplied its first loss of 2016, but it maintains a perfect 10-0 (5-2 ATS) home record, winning all but one by double-digits. Considering both Michigan schools and Purdue are among the victims, it's clear the Hawkeyes get loose at home. Dating back to last year, they've won 13 straight in Iowa City. Northwestern has dropped four consecutive games and has lost its last two outside of Evanston, but is an impressive 5-1-1 ATS in true road games. The Wildcats are 4-26 all-time in Carver-Hawkeye Arena, losing there 69-52 last March. Iowa's Jarrod Uthoff leads the Big Ten in scoring and blocked shots.

Northwestern 67
Iowa 80


Wichita State
Overall: 15-5 SU, 11-7 ATS
MVC: 9-0 SU, 8-1 ATS
Totals: 10-8 O/U

Evansville
Overall: 18-4 SU, 9-7-1 ATS
MVC: 7-2 SU, 6-3 ATS
Totals: 10-8 O/U

(22) Wichita State at Evansville (ESPNU, 4:00 p.m. ET)
These are the top two teams in the Missouri Valley. The Shockers are a spotless 9-0 (8-1 ATS) and failed to cover only the initial meeting against the Aces, a 67-64 home win that represents the only league game they haven't won by at least 16 points. Evansville comes off an 85-78 OT win at Southern Illinois and was tied at Wichita State with less than 4 minutes to go on Jan. 6. UE center Egidijus Mockevicius has recorded 16 double-doubles and leads the nation in rebounding average (14.2). Wichita State lost its first four games away from home, but have since won and covered in five of six. Wichita has seen the over prevail in four of six. The Aces have seen it come in four of the last five.

Wichita State 74
Evansville 70


Rutgers
Overall: 6-15 SU, 8-8 ATS
Big 10: 0-8 SU, 3-5 ATS
Totals: 9-7 O/U

Michigan State
Overall: 18-4 SU, 12-9 ATS
Big 10: 5-4 SU, 4-5 ATS
Totals: 8-13 O/U

Rutgers at (12) Michigan State (Big Ten, 5:15 p.m. ET)
The Spartans come off a 31-point home win at Northwestern and have prevailed in two straight, putting an empahtic end to a three-game skid. Tom Izzo's team faces no mid-week games before next Saturday's date at rival Michigan, so there's no chance they might be looking ahead. If flat, it's because they took a day off against a Rutgers that has lost all eight of its Big Ten games, hanging within single-digits only once. The Scarlet Knights did win and cover in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, losing just 68-57, but they've dropped four league games by at least 25 points, including a 107-57 home loss to Purdue. They're 0-6 on the road (2-4 ATS) and 3-10 overall since F Deshawn Freeman was lost for the season.

Rutgers 54
Michigan State 81


Oregon
Overall: 17-4 SU, 11-7 ATS
Pac-12: 6-2 SU, 5-3 ATS
Totals: 8-10 O/U

Arizona State
Overall: 12-9 SU, 10-9-1 ATS
Pac-12: 2-6 SU, 3-4-1 ATS
Totals: 13-6 O/U

(23) Oregon at Arizona State (ESPNU, 8:30 p.m. ET)
If the Ducks pull off a sweep of the Arizona schools, they'll have sole possession of first place in the Pac-12 entering February. Oregon is still just 2-3 (3-2 ATS) on the road despite ending Arizona's 49-game home winning streak, but has beaten a murderer's row of conference foes since losing its opener at Oregon State on Jan. 3. Top scorer Dillon Brooks has averaged 20.2 points over the last five, shooting 54 percent. The Sun Devils rank last in the Pac-12 in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense. Oregon averages 77.7 points per game. The over has prevailed in nine of the last 10 ASU games, including six straight. This is the lone scheduled meeting between the teams this season.

Oregon 75
Arizona State 72

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Sunday's games..........

George Washington is 4-0 in A-14 games with George Mason, winning 75-69/67-51 in two visits here. Colonials lost in double OT at home to Richmond Thursday; four starters played 40:00+, fifth played 36:00 in wild game. GW split its last six games; they're 2-3 in last five road tilts. George Mason lost six of last seven games, losing last three at home by 19-14-11. A-14 single digit home underdogs are 2-12 vs spread.

Maryland pounded Ohio State 100-65 at home 15 days ago, making 11-21 on arc, scoring 1.35 ppp; Terps lost 80-56 at Ohio State LY in first Big 14 meeting. Maryland is 3-2 in last five games after 15-1 start, losing last two road games to Michigan schools. Buckeyes are 4-0 at home in Big 14, but wins are over four worst teams in league. Big 14 single digit home underdogs are 4-9 vs spread.

Wake Forest lost its last five games, blowing 7-point lead in last 0:16 of last game vs Virginia; Deacons are 0-4 on ACC road, with three losses by 8+ points. Home side won both Wake Forest-Notre Dame ACC tilts; Wake lost 88-75 here LY, after beating Irish twice year before. ND won four of last five games; they won last three home ghames, by 8-2-27 points. ACC single digit home favorites are 11-14 vs spread.

Home side won six of last seven Richmond-St Bonaventure games, with Spiders losing two of last three visits here- they won last three overall in series, winning 71-56 here LY. Richmond won in double OT Thursday at GW; they're 3-5 in last eight games, but two of three wins came away from home. A-14 home teams are 6-12 vs spread in games where spread was 4 or less points. Bonnies lost three in row, allowing 88 ppg.

Southern Illinois made 13-22 on arc, nipped Northern Iowa 75-73 Jan 2 in Carbondale; Salukis are 4-3 in last seven games with UNI, but are 0-12 in last dozen visits to UNI, with four of its last five losses here by 13+. Panthers lost six of last eight games, scoring 48 ppg while losing last two home games- all three of their Valley wins are vs Drake, Bradley. MVC home favorites of 6 or less points are 3-8 vs spread.

Wichita State nipped Evansville 67-64 at home Jan 6, game that was tied at half; Shockers are 14-2 in last 16 games with Purple Aces, winning by 16-20 points in last two visits here. Wichita won last 10 games, are 4-0 on road in Valley, winning all four by 16+ points. MVC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 5-3 vs spread. Evansville is 11-2 in last 13 games, winning all four MVC home games- they shoot 39.4% on arc.

Cal shot 62% inside arc in 79-65 home win over Colorado at home Jan 1; Cal won four of last five games with Buffs, but lost two of three visits here in Pac-12 play. Colorado won four of last five games, winning three in row at home- their only home loss is Utah. Cal lost all four of its road games in conference, all by nine or less points. Pac-12 home favorites of 6 or less points are 7-8 against the spread.

Virginia Tech lost its last three games, is 4-4 in ACC; seven of its eight ACC games were decided by 8 or less points. Hokies are 1-2 on road in ACC, losing by 24 at Duke, 2 at Notre Dame. Pitt is 2-3 in its last five games after a 14-1 start; they're 3-1 at home in ACC, winning by 11-5-23 points. Home side won both Va Tech-Pitt ACC games, with both games going OT. ACC single digit home favorites are 11-14 vs spread.

Wm & Mary won last four games with James Madison, winning by 22-8 in last two played here; Tribe won its last three home games by 8-18-22 points, after losing to Towson- winning side scored 89+ in their last four games. Dukes are 6-3 in CAA; all three losses came at home- they're 4-0 on road in conference, with wins at Northeastern, Hofstra. CAA home favorites of 5 or less points are 3-8 vs spread.

Wisconsin won its last eight games with Illinois, winning last three visits here by 4-6-12 points. Badgers won last three games, beating Michigan State/Indiana at home; they're 1-2 on Big 14 road, beating Penn State by 6. Illinois lost six of last eight games; they split pair of OT decisions in last two games- they're 1-3 at home in Big 14, with upset of Purdue. Big 14 home underdogs of 5 or less points are 3-7 vs spread.

Oregon ended Arizona's 49-game home win streak Thursday; they won last three games, six of last seven games, are 2-2 on Pac-12 road, losing at Colorado/OSU. Ducks won six of last seven games with Arizona State, but lost five of last six visits here- home team is 12-3 in last 15 games in series. ASU is 2-2 at home in Pac-12, beating Wazzu/Oregon State. Pac-12 home underdogs of 4 or less points are 11-5 vs spread.

Rider won four of last five games after starting season 4-12; Broncs won last three home games, by 2-4-23 points; they won six of last nine games with Canisius; road team won five of last seven series games. Griffs lost six of last nine games, but all three wins were on road. Canisius allowed 70+ points in last six losses, 62 or less in last three wins. MAAC home favorites of 3 or less points are 3-6 against the spread.

North Dakota State won its last six games with IUPUI, winning by 38-23-8 in last three visits here. Bison won three of last four games; they're 1-2 on Summit road, with only win at Western Illinois. IUPUI won five of last six games after starting season 5-12; Jaguars won three of last four at home, with win over South Dakota State. Summit home teams are 4-7 vs spread in games where spread was 4 or less points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Wildcats claw Red Storm'

Villanova Wildcats (17-3, 9-9-1 ATS) look to rebound from their 82-76 OT loss against Providence when they take on St. John’s Red Storm (7-14, 6-14 ATS) Sunday afternoon. Wildcats averaging 75.6 points/game and giving up just 61.7 per/contest, Red Storm ridding an eleven game (3-8 ATS) skid netting a lowly 66.0 PPG while giving up a whopping 79.7 PPG during the slide this has the markings of a lopsided affair.

Villanova with the first conference blemish of the season still fresh in their minds along with having it's 22-game Big East winning streak snapped the Wildcats aren't likely to show much mercy against this inferior Red Storm team they've dominated winning seven consecutive meetings (6-1 ATS) and thirteen of fourteen encounters (10-4 ATS).

Life on the road in college basketball is never easy. But, with Red Storm getting blown out of the water in conference play (0-8, 3-5 ATS) Villanova is the choice. The Wildcats enter a sparkling 7-1 ATS as visitor in this series, 5-1 ATS after a straight-up regular season loss, a profitable 7-1 ATS record running the hardwood vs a team with a winning % below .400.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

College Basketball Betting:

Maryland Terrapins at Ohio State Buckeyes January 31, 1:00 EST

One of the toughest things to do in sports is play another game right after a huge win. There is almost a bit of a letdown that can lead to problems if you don’t head into that next game totally focused on the task at hand. That is what the Maryland Terrapins will be facing on Sunday after their feat of beating Iowa and snapping Hawkeyes nine game winning streak.

How to bet Maryland Terrapins Vs Ohio State Buckeyes

It would be easy to look at the record of the Terrapins and how well they played on their last game and simply assume they will waltz away with the win here. As I mentioned earlier, there is always the chance of an emotional letdown, and the Buckeyes will be looking to jump on the first sign of that.

Why bet on the Maryland Terrapins

This teams showed just how though they are mentally when they bounced back from a loss to Michigan State with a win over the #3 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes on Thursday night. That is a win, which when combined with another one over Ohio State, might see Maryland (18-3, 7-2) move up a little higher than their current #8 ranking. The goal of every team is to finish as highly ranked as possible, so that in itself should be enough to help Maryland stay focused for this one. They already have a win, and a big one at that, over Ohio State this season, as they knocked off the Buckeyes 100-65 back in the middle of the month. That was well above their 77.3 PPG scoring average, so I don’t really see them matching that sort of total this time around.

Why bet on the Ohio State Buckeyes

You might look at the last 2 games that the Buckeyes (14-8, 6-3) played against ranked opponents and think that they have no shot here, but this is a team playing well right now. Yes, they lost both of those games, but they have bounced back nicely with back to bac wins, including a gritty 68-63 win on the road in Illinois earlier this week. The Buckeyes already have the scalp of a ranked team in the back pockets this season, knocking off Kentucky in a major upset back in mid-December. The biggest loss that Ohio State have suffered this season came at the hands of Maryland, and you can bet they will want to exact some revenge in front of their home fans. Ohio State are averaging 71.1 PPG, and are giving up 65.8 PPG this season.


Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I am perhaps one of the few people who believe that this will be a close one. Maryland will automatically relax after that huge win, and will also be looking at how easily they disposed of Ohio State last time out. That sort of thinking can lead to potential problems.

Maryland 72 Ohio State 69

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Sunday
By Mike Dempsey

Mohaymen remained undefeated and solidified his position as the early betting favorite for the Kentucky Derby with a very impressive win in yesterday’s Holy Bull (G2) at Gulfstream Park.

The $2.2 million Keeneland purchase trained by Kiaran McLaughlin was a much the best winner over five overmatched foes, drawing away to win by 3 ½ lengths under jockey Junior Alvarado.

The colt is now perfect in four starts and stopped the timer for the 1 1/16 mile race in 1:42.07. He earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 95, matching his career best which he earned winning the Remsen (G2) on Nov. 28 at Aqueduct.

The colt is still listed at 5-1 for the Run for the Roses as of Saturday evening, but if you were impressed you may want to jump on that price before it goes down.

The colt earned 10 points toward entry into the Derby and is now second in the Road to the Kentucky Derby points standings with 20. Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) champ Nyquist is first with 30 points.

Next up likely will be the Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 27.

At Aqueduct, Sunny Ridge prompted the early pace and finished gamely to win the Withers (G2) picking up 10 Derby points. The Jason Servis trainee earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 87 for his win, his third in six career starts. Previously he ran second in the Delta Jackpot (G3), missing by a neck.

The colt was still listed at betting odds of 100-1 in Derby future wagering, which looks like an enticing value.


Here is today’s opener from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:

GP Race 1 Clm $6,250B (12:35 ET)
#8 Acapulquito 7-2
#6 Fastidia's Sun 2-1
#3 Benny Likes Girls 5-2
#5 Deer Dog 12-1

Analysis: Acapulquito tracked the early pace and faded to finish seventh last out in the slop in his first go off a 2 1/2 month break. He gets a jock upgrade from the bug and owns solid early and mid pace numbers. He should be tighter in this spot as he catches a pretty weak group.

Fastidia's Sun cuts back form a mile where for a $12,500 tag he tired to finish sixth. His last win came at seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park West and the cut back in distance here should suit him. Two of his three wins have come over the surface. The barn is having a tough meeting (28-0-7-3) but this colt owns back numbers good enough to win here.

Wagering
WIN: #8 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 6,8 / 3,5,6,8
TRI: 6,8 / 3,5,6,8 / 3,4,5,6,8

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:

GP Race 9 Alw $44,000N1X (4:35 ET)
#7 Outlash 3-1
#8 Deep Sea 4-1
#5 Unbridled Juan 2-1
#4 Imperia 9-2

Analysis: Outlash set the early fractions and battled on gamely in the stretch, weakening inside the final furlong to finish in the runner up spot, beaten 3/4 of a length for the top spot. The colt caught a racing strip that was playing to horse sin the outer paths and he was making his first start off a seven month layoff. The $390,000 Keeneland purchase should be tighter for the Pletcher barn that is 23% winners with runners making their second start off a +180-day layoff.

Deep Sea was a smart looking maiden winner last out in his second career start, hammered down to the chalk. The runner up Grey Glory came back to break his maiden in his next start here on Jan. 27. The Casse trainee should only get better with extra ground as he is bred to run all day, by Mineshaft out of a FuPeg mare.

Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 7,8 / 4,5,7,8
TRI: 7,8 / 4,5,7,8 / 2,4,5,7,8

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Gulfstream Park
R1: #5 Deer Dog 12-1
R2: #6 Rmilliondollarbaby 10-1
R4: #7 Dixie Conqueror 12-1
R6: #3 Harlan’s Bear 8-1
R7: #6 J C’s Not Brown 12-1
R8: #7 Akron Gold 8-1
R11: #5 Rockemagain 8-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct
RACE #9 - AQUEDUCT - 4:20 PM EASTERN POST
The Busanda Stakes
8.3 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#8 SCATOOSH
#1 FLORA DORA
#5 ALTO BELLE
#3 LOST RAVEN

F.Y.I. folks ... The Busanda is named for Ogden Phipps' filly who not only beat the colts in the Suburban Handicap of 1951, but also bested the males twice in the Saratoga Cup. She posted 10 victories from ages 2 to 5. Against females, she won races like the Alabama, Top Flight, New Castle, and Diana. Perhaps Busanda's greatest renown was as a broodmare. She was the dam of Buckpasser, 2-year-old champion of 1965 and Horse of the Year in 1966. Among her other foals were Bupers and Bureaucracy. Here in the 43rd renewal of this stakes event which was originally scheduled for last week, #8 SCATOOSH, a 4-1 shot, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in four straight, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her last start. #1 FLORA DORA, drops in class, is the overall speed leader racing at, or about, today's distance of a mile and seventy yards on the dirt, and has produced "POWER RUNS" in three straight, hitting the board in a pair, including a "POWER RUN WIN" to break her maiden (facing better company +7) in her 3rd race back

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fair Grounds
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 7 - Optional Claiming - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $41000 Class Rating: 89

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR STATE BRED OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $50,000. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE DECEMBER 1 ALLOWED 2 LBS. ONE SUCH RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $50,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 HARLAN PUNCH 8/5

# 4 DOLPHUS 3/1

# 5 SPIKES SHIRL 9/2

HARLAN PUNCH is the strongest wager in this race. Has run soundly when racing a dirt route race. Ran a strong last race. Could best this group of horses here, showing very good numbers of late. DOLPHUS - Earnings per start at the distance/surface is a very good handicapping key. This one ranks at the top in this bunch. Could beat this field given the 87 speed figure put up in his last outing. SPIKES SHIRL - Is a definite contender - given the 89 speed figure from his most recent race. Has solid Equibase Class Figures relative to this group - worth a look.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park - Race #5 - Post: 2:35pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $26,000 Class Rating: 71

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 ROCK SOLID LADY (ML=8/1)
#7 DIPLOMATIC AFFAIR (ML=7/2)


ROCK SOLID LADY - Have to make this filly a contender; she comes off a good effort on Jan 8th. This is a classic 'Lone Front-runner' scenario. If Meneses gets him out of the gate cleanly it'll likely be smooth sailing. That 67 fig this filly ********** in her last event tells me she's a chief player in today's event. DIPLOMATIC AFFAIR - I like this horse. Should be familiar with this class since she ran against the same type in the last race at Gulfstream Park. After the event aboard this equine on December 18th, the jock is going to 'know' the filly much better.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 OPTIMISTIC OUTCOME (ML=3/1), #1 SOIGNE (ML=4/1), #5 B B SEA (ML=5/1),

OPTIMISTIC OUTCOME - This filly notched a speed rating in her last race which probably isn't good enough in today's race. SOIGNE - This filly finished outside the top 3 on Oct 29th and wasn't close in the last race either. This filly recorded a speed rating in her last event which likely isn't good enough in today's race. B B SEA - Unlikely that the speed figure she recorded on Jan 2nd will be enough in this race.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - DIPLOMATIC AFFAIR - This filly is tops in the bunch in earnings per start. I'm betting on this one.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #9 ROCK SOLID LADY to win if you can get at least 8/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [7,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Oaklawn Park - Race #1 - Post: 1:30pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $24,000 Class Rating: 63

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 SEA LUCY'S REALITY (ML=9/2)
#11 ANDREA REESE (ML=10/1)
#8 FLAMING SHADOW (ML=12/1)


SEA LUCY'S REALITY - Dropping 11 pounds from last race. Could be a deciding factor today. ANDREA REESE - When Quinonez and Cline unite on animals the ROI has been terrific at +297. Generally speaking, horses on Lasix for the first time should be considered. That's what we have here. FLAMING SHADOW - State bred races are generally easier than 'open' company, and this filly's move into the 'state bred' class today should make her tough in here. Hale is trying the 'shades' on today. Note that this animal worked from the gate in a morning prep, most likely in blinkers.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 MARY LOU (ML=7/2), #4 INNOCENT STORM (ML=5/1), #1 EL I DECLAIRE (ML=8/1),

MARY LOU - Really had to show me much more last time around the track. Never made much of an impact. The Equibase speed figures are going downward. I'm not throwing a few bucks at this less than sharp equine off of that trend. INNOCENT STORM - Hasn't hit the board in any short distance races of late. Improbable to see her doing it this time out either. EL I DECLAIRE - Trying to beat this one this time around at the price of 8/1.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#3 SEA LUCY'S REALITY is going to be the play if we are getting 5/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
3 with [8,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,8,11] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 6 - Maiden Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $6500 Class Rating: 41

FOR NATIVE MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 120 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 CASANOVA'S GHOST 5/2

# 1 BREVISIMO 5/1

# 5 PRECIOSO DE ISRAEL 20/1

CASANOVA'S GHOST is the strongest wager in this race. With Diaz getting the mount, watch out for this animal. This pony enters today's contest with second time Lasix. BREVISIMO - The Lasix change (with second time Lasix) may spark a return to the races for this colt. Difficult to pass on this colt with Gonzalez in the irons.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Horse Racing Spot Picks

SPOT PLAYS

For Sunday
TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Aqueduct (7th) Dad'z Laugh, 3-1
(8th) Goodtolook, 5-1

Fair Grounds (4th) Euroboss, 6-1
(8th) Sheikh of Sheikhs, 3-1

Golden Gate Fields (3rd) Sir Irish Danny, 9-2
(9th) Wagered, 9-2

Gulfstream Park (2nd) Almost an Angel, 9-2
(5th) Rock Solid Lady, 8-1

Laurel Park (2nd) Cindy S., 4-1
(4th) Imperial Me, 5-1

Oaklawn Park (4th) Glacken's Ghost, 5-1
(7th) Bon Heir, 8-1

Santa Anita (3rd) Angel Lane, 3-1
(8th) Husband's Folly, 7-2

Tampa Bay Downs (4th) Roundupthelute, 7-2
(6th) Think He's Gone, 5-1

Turf Paradise (2nd) Great Selection, 4-1
(7th) Nora's Song, 7-2

Turfway Park (1st) Black Butterfly, 4-1
(4th) In My Book, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hawthorne Harness: Sunday 1/31 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Best Bet: DAKOTA ROADSTER (10th)

Spot Play: FEEL LIKE DANCING (7th)


Race 1

(1) BELL VALLEY TIGER was flying late last week off a slow middle half. The pacer gets sent out for a capable barn and might offer the better price of the contenders. (2) BOHEMIA gelding had his tire popped turning for home last week by the winner who was DQ'd. The pacer went a big effort but might offer low value. (4) REALLY ROCKIN ten-year-old makes his first start off a long layoff coming off a solid qualifier.

Race 2

(5) DARN SKIPPIE pacer owns only one win in a very long time, however the 12-year-old finds a really weak field and should offer a big price. (2) RUSSELL L owns a good burst when timed right; threat. (1) ROCKET DOG pacer has room to improve after a few starts off a layoff.

Race 3

(8) DUNESIDE PERTTIE has been knocking on the door against better. (9) GRACIE ON MY MIND lightly raced 4-year-old was super in the qualifier and finds a field full of question marks. (5) REAL COOL DESIRE sophomore filly makes her career debut and also kicked home nicely in the qualifier; use underneath.

Race 4

(4) WESTERN DAME mare owns ability and should be in a much better position turning for home. (7) DAWN OF NEW MONEY paced a decent mile last week against slightly better. (9) FOX VALLEY AMANDA well bred mare has been off her game as of late but makes her second start in for a tag.

Race 5

(4) WINDY CITY DIANE put in a good effort last week and can score with a good setup. (8) LOVE LIVE LAUGH showed a lot of fight last week just missing at this level. (7) MOLLY GO LIGHTLY bumps up in class off a solid second place finish; use underneath.

Race 6

(5) MT UR POCKETS might be ready for a slump-busting mile down in class. (2) MACIE RAE gets sent out for a low percentage pilot but also drops down off a nice effort against better. (4) SHOW STOPIN MONKEY is another dropper in the race but has had little fight late for quite sometime; use underneath.

Race 7

(8) FEEL LIKE DANCING mare has been knocking heads against tougher and will offer value; versatile. (7) OUR MISS LILY probably should be considered the horse to beat off a big effort last week. (5) ALL PINK has been off a few weeks but was racing gamely in most of her starts.

Race 8

In a wide open race, (7) PARKLANE INDY just needs to bounce back from the scratch for a chance against a suspect bunch. (9) MR MATLOCK has shown a decent burst in the past but needs to find a way into the race. (1) SPECIALS FINALHOPE takes a significant drop but has just been racing evenly; use caution.

Race 9

(8) AS SEELY PROMISED owns a big brush when timed right and can sweep past late with a good setup. (9) FOX VALLEY CHARM should be primed for a better effort this week at a price. (5) SEXY CARD SHARK hasn't been able to seal the deal at this level yet but has been close.

Race 10

(9) DAKOTA ROADSTER was in too tough last week and finds a much softer spot; big chance. (6) CONZO does his best racing from far back and should could find a fast pace to close into. (2) JO JO SPUR has been racing gamely against similar; threat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday's six-pack

Six of the best minor league prospects for the Oakland A's........

1) Franklin Barreto SS-- Acquired in Donaldson trade; may move to 2B someday.

2) Sean Manaea, P-- Went 6-0, 1.90 in hitter-friendly Texas League LY.

4) Renato Nunez 1B/3B-- Has 75 HRs in 440 minor league games.

6) Matt Olson 1B/OF-- Much better defensively at 1B than in RF.

11) Jacob Nottingham, C-- .284 BA in 785 minor league ABs.

17) Joey Wendle, 2B-- Acquired from Indians in Brandon Moss trade.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp NBA Pick, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016 9:05 PM

(841) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES VS (842) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Take: Over the total

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Sunday, January 31, 2016 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Blazers from Portland. Minnesota has plenty of offense, losing by 7 at Cleveland and by 3 to Oklahoma City. The Timberwolves are young and like to run, on a 5-0-1 run over the total, plus 9-1-1 over against a team with a losing straight up record. Portland is home but has been outscored on the season and not impressive on defense, No. 17 in points allowed, No. 23 in field goal shooting defense. And the over is 10-4 in the Trail Blazers last 14 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. Play Minnesota/Portland Over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play: Sun IOWA -13