Sunday 2/15/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Sunday
By Mike Dempsey

Aqueduct canceled racing for Sunday with frigid temperatures along with a couple of inches of snow that fell in the area. Monday is a question mark as well, as the temperature at post time is forecast to be 17 degrees with a wind chill of 1 degrees.

Not to worry, for Sunday we will head to warmer climates for our Best Plays Report, heading to Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita. On Monday, we will look at Oaklawn Park including the $300,000 Southwest (G3).

Metaboss picked up 10 Derby points with his victory in the El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday as my second choice in the race. The winner returned $15.20 for the win.

The Jeff Bonde trainee, ridden by Alex Solis, was in no hurry early and came with a good late rally while wide to pull off the slight upset. My top pick Conquest Typhoon was sent off as the 9-5 favorite and landed third, as we missed out on the recommended exacta by a neck. Cross the Line completed a $2 exacta that paid $89.20.

The $7.20 exacta was Merry Meadow beating my top pick More Than a Party in the Hurricane Bertie (G3) at Gulfstream Park. I thought our top pick might be able to shake loose and wire the field, but she had to settle for second and was no match for the winner, who drew away to win by 9 ½ lengths.


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

GP Race 6 Md Sp Wt (3:00 ET)
2 Tapitry 4-1
10 Barbadia 8-1
3 Mysterious Ways 8-1
1 Killer Partner 7-2

Analysis: Tapitry makes her second career start for the Shug barn that usually does not have them fully cranked first time out. The filly was bumped coming out of the gate, came up the inside with a good middle move and did not have enough punch left late in a fourth place finish The barn is 26% winners (with a +ROI) with second out maidens. She is out of the stakes winner My Trust Cat ($902,753) who has dropped three other foals to race but no winners to date.

Barbadia was bumped coming out of the gate, dueled for the early lead and tired to finish fifth last out going long on the main track. She comes back with lasix added and she should take to turf. She is by Speightstown out of a Nureyev mare that has dropped six winners including four turf winners, top earner stakes winner Etoile Montante ($659,277)

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 2,10 / 1,2,3,10
TRI: 2,10 / 1,2,3,10 / 1,2,3,4,10

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Santa Anita:

SA Race 8 The Baffle (4:03 PT)
9 No Problem 7-2
2 Bench Warrant 5-2
4 Serbian Syclone 4-1
1 Diamond Majesty 6-1

Analysis: No Problem makes his first start since tiring to finish fifth in the Los Al Futurity (G1) where he ran into Dortmund. This will be his first go on turf but he did win on poly two back in the Bob Hope (G3) at Del mar and broke his maiden here on the main track. He is by Munnings out of a Orientate mare, her first foal to race. He has a couple of decent looking works on turf for former Pletcher assistant McCarthy.

Bench Warrant exits the San Vicente (G2) on dirt where the colt stalked the early pace and finished evenly in a fourth place finish, beaten 2 1/4 lengths for the top spot. His lone go on turf came here on the downhill two back where he beat Alw-1 optional claimers in a game effort. The switch back to turf should suit and this guy still looks as if he has plenty of upside.

Wagering
WIN: #9 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 2,9 / 1,2,4,9
TRI: 2,9 / 1,2,4,9 / 1,2,4,6,9

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Balmoral: Sunday 2/15 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet (3 - 5 / $8.60): PAROLE OFFICER (1st)

Spot Play: FOX VALLEY SHIVER (7th)


Race 1

(6) PAROLE OFFICER made a break last out and still almost got the victory. The lightly raced trotter makes his second start back and will win for fun if he stays trotting. (7) MUSCULAR YANKEE also needed his last start and has some upside in a weak field. (1) PIZZALICIOUS sophomore trotter makes his second start off a long layoff and has room to improve.

Race 2

(3) EARTHLY DESIRE mare will look to make it three straight at the same level. (2) ROCK N KILO well bred mare looks to be one of few threats to the top choice. (6) BABYSHOEBUYER mare had to need her last start and picks up a significant driver change.

Race 3

(7) PHANTASM wasn't ready last out off a layoff. However the pacing colt will offer a huge price and just needs some racing luck for a piece; fires late. (8) ARLO GRAM should probably be considered the horse to beat but will offer low value. (5) PAST THE SHOOTER owns a decent late kick with a good setup but is one for thirty-seven lifetime; command a price.

Race 4

(4) ALWAYS A JEWEL four-year-old mare makes her first start for proven connections; big chance. (1) MIRIAM'S JET lagged the gate last out before showing a nice burst of speed. The 4-year-old needs a good drive from a low percentage pilot. (3) IF I DIDNT DREAM mare has had some issues but could be ready to roll with a start under her belt after the layoff; threat.

Race 5

(4) MYKINDAPRINCESS raced well last out having been off a month and should be tighter. (5) GREEN VALEY mare showed good ability at age two and should be sitting on an improved effort second start back after a long layoff. (6) PARKLANE SPARKLE mare will be a short price and has a hard time sealing the deal with any adversity; vulnerable late.

Race 6

(6) FLYING ROCKET paced a good mile last out and faces a much easier bunch. (5) MEADOWBROOK SAMSON gets a good driver change and has shown good closing ability in recent weeks. (3) GOLDEN-NUGGET could be the sleeper in the race at a big price and didn't miss by much to the top choice two starts ago.

Race 7

(9) FOX VALLEY SHIVER mare was the driver's choice of three, takes a big drop in class, and has been competitive against much better. (5) KIMBERLEY R rarely wins but is capable at this level. (6) GETOUTTHEWAYANMOVE owns a big move when timed right but has had a tendency to lack stamina late; use underneath.

Race 8

(6) MAYFAIR SOPHIE trotting mare has talent and will look to go coast to coast. (7) HOT ROD RILEY MAE veteran mare needed her start last and could bounce back at a price. (1) LOCK AND GO gets the best post and looks to be in line for an ideal trip; fires late.

Race 9

(7) JM'SDUKEOFDELIGHT gelding makes his second start in a new barn and should have some of the kinks worked out. (4) ITS A BIG SECRET four-year-old owns a good brush and just needs some pace to close into. (8) SPEED RACER pacer has been sharp and should be ready to roll third start off a layoff.

Race 10

(1) MACKENZIE'S POWER mare drops to the bottom level and is capable of jumping up with a big effort. (6) HOTMONES mare should be more effective with a smoother trip; threat. (9) LA SEMANA HANOVER mare makes her third start in a week but finds a suspect bunch.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Sunday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (2nd) Resentment, 3-1
(3rd) Two Seventeen, 3-1

Fair Grounds (2nd) My Smooth Talker, 7-2
(6th) Go Bonnie Go, 7-2

Golden Gate Fields (6th) Leadership, 9-2
(8th) Rosarita, 3-1

Gulfstream Park (5th) Starship Hostility, 9-2
(6th) Killer Partner, 7-2


Laurel Park (4th) Wild for Love, 4-1
(5th) Nose Job, 7-2


Oaklawn Park (1st) Chilean Queen, 3-1
(6th) Lady Margarita, 9-2


Parx Racing (3rd) Passionforall, 5-1
(5th) Luckyneva, 7-2


Santa Anita (3rd) Privileged One, 3-1
(9th) Racing Hope, 4-1


Tampa Bay Downs (3rd) Tax Breaker, 3-1
(6th) Hike, 7-2


Turfway Park (5th) Helton, 6-1
(8th) Better By Far, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - February

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.

NHL GRAND SALAMI

Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
2/1 4 22.5 22 UNDER
2/2 3 15.5 25 OVER
2/3 11 60 55 UNDER
2/4 3 16.5 11 UNDER
2/5 9 49.5 43 UNDER
2/6 5 27 25 UNDER
2/7 11 58 57 UNDER
2/8 8 43 45 OVER
2/9 5 25.5 28 OVER
2/10 9 50.5 47 UNDER
2/11 3 16.5 23 OVER
2/12 9 49.5 57 OVER
2/13 5 26.5 26 UNDER
2/14 10 53 63 OVER
2/15 5 - - -
2/16 8 - - -
2/17 7 - - -
2/18 6 - - -
2/19 7 - - -
2/20 7 - - -
2/21 11 - - -
2/22 8 - - -
2/23 2 - - -
2/24 11 - - -
2/25 3 - - -
2/26 9 - - -
2/27 6 - - -
2/28 10 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Preview: Lightning (34-17) at Sharks (29-20)

Date: February 15, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

The Tampa Bay Lightning have ridden their dynamic offense toward the top of the Eastern Conference, but a recent inability to defend has them in danger of a season-worst losing streak.

The San Jose Sharks will try to take advantage of Tampa Bay's struggles when the teams square off Sunday night in northern California.

Tampa Bay (34-17-6) has been largely pedestrian since entering the All-Star break alone atop the East as one of the most dangerous teams in the league, losing five of nine and three of its last four.

The Lightning are looking to avoid losing three in a row for the first time since March after falling 6-3 at home to St. Louis on Thursday.

"We didn't play well defensively," star Steven Stamkos told the Lightning's official website. "We were giving pucks away and not winning battles, kind of the opposite of the way we wanted to come out ... That's not acceptable, especially in front of our fans."

After allowing 2.52 goals per game through 52 contests, Tampa Bay has surrendered an average of 3.80 in its last five and allowed at least three goals in all of them.

Now looking to avoid a season-high three-game losing streak, the Lightning embark on a five-game road trip, where poor defensive play has plagued them all season. They have given up only 2.17 goals per game at home, but sit near the bottom of the NHL with 3.11 allowed on the road.

Ben Bishop was pulled Thursday for the second time in three starts and owns a 5.50 goals-against average in that span. Backup Andrei Vasilevskiy is 4-1-1 with a 2.00 GAA in eight appearances including a scoreless third period in relief of Bishop on Thursday.

San Jose (29-20-8) poses a formidable challenge for whichever goaltender gets the nod Sunday. The Sharks have scored a league-best 3.50 goals per game since Jan. 21.

That offense, however, has not directly led to wins, as San Jose had lost five of six before overcoming a two-goal deficit to beat Arizona 4-2 on Friday. Joe Pavelski led the comeback with three goals and is approaching the league lead with 31 this season.

"There aren't many nights that (Pavelski) doesn't bring that emotion and drive to the game," coach Todd McLellan told the Sharks' official website. "He and a couple of others are our poster children for preparation and professionalism.

"If I'm a young player or an old player, I'm taking a look his way and asking 'What is this guy doing, and am I emulating it?' And if I'm not, I should be banging my head against the wall trying to figure out why not."

Pavelski has nine goals and five assists in his last 12 games. He also had a hat trick in a 5-4 win over Tampa Bay on Jan. 18, 2014, and he went without a point in the teams' first matchup this season but San Jose won 2-1 on Nov. 13.

The Sharks are 9-1-1 in the last 11 meetings, and the Lightning have been outscored 27-7 in losing five straight at San Jose since March 24, 2003.

Antti Niemi is 5-0-1 lifetime against Tampa Bay but has lost his last four home starts with a 3.90 GAA.

Stamkos scored his 29th goal Thursday and has totaled seven along with three assists in seven career meetings with San Jose.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Game of the Day: Penguins at Blackhawks

Pittsburgh Penguins at Chicago Blackhawks (-144, 5.5)

Marian Hossa has been an integral part of the Chicago Blackhawks' success of late, scoring a staggering seven times over the last four games. The 36-year-old looks to continue his torrid stretch as the Blackhawks play the fourth contest of their season-high eight-game homestand against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday afternoon. Hossa scored a goal and set up captain Jonathan Toews for the eventual game-winning tally in a 3-1 triumph over New Jersey on Friday and also collected a goal and an assist in Chicago's 3-2 shootout win against Pittsburgh on Jan. 21.

"On fire," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said of Hossa. "He's got it going. He's got that touch." While Chicago is riding a five-game point streak (3-0-2), Pittsburgh posted its second straight win and fourth in five outings with a 5-4 shootout victory over Ottawa on Thursday. Captain Sidney Crosby tallied twice while playing in his 600th career contest, but was held off the scoresheet in the first meeting against the Blackhawks.

TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, NBC, TVA, City

LINE HISTORY: The opening line had a total of 5.5, with a moneyline of Chicago -144.

INJURY REPORT: Penguins - D Christian Erhoff (Ques-Concussion), RW Steve Downie (Ques-Undisclosed) Blackhawks - D Michal Rozsival (Ques-Shoulder), D Tim Erixon (Ques-Lower Body)

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "Of course, having Malkin available for this rematch, and in the Pens’ lineup in general, is huge. Both of these squads are by and large “public teams” so we weren’t trying to entice money on either side by adjusting what is a pretty fair line. We’re getting down to crunch time for the season so nobody in contention, or jockeying for seeding, can afford to take games off. We always see the defenses tighten up at this time of the year so the under is certainly worth a look here in my opinion." - John Lester

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (32-15-8 SU, 21-31-3 O/U): Evgeni Malkin scored for the second time in five games since returning from a lower-body injury and has six points (two goals, four assists) in five career meetings with Chicago. Perhaps the former Hart Trophy winner could ignite an ailing power play, which is 0-for-13 in February and failed to score on two opportunities in the first meeting with the Blackhawks. Marc-Andre Fleury has helped mask some of those problems with sterling play, following up back-to-back shutouts by stopping 23-of-24 shots in a 4-1 victory over Detroit on Wednesday.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (34-18-4 SU, 20-29-7 O/U): Patrick Kane has recorded a team-high 27 goals this season and 205 in his career, but not one has come at the expense of Pittsburgh. The 2013 Conn Smythe Trophy winner was held off the scoresheet in the first meeting with the Penguins this season and has notched just four assists in six career encounters. Kane enters Sunday's contest on a high, collecting two goals and five assists over his last five games.

TRENDS:

*Penguins are 6-2 in their last 8 vs. Central.
*Blackhawks are 2-7 in their last 9 games following a win.
*Under is 6-1-1 in Penguins last 8 overall.
*Over is 5-0 in Blackhawks last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

CONSENSUS: 73.53 percent are backing the Blackhawks, with the total split nearly 50/50.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL: Streaks, Trends, Notes -

Tampa Bay Lightning at San Jose Sharks February 15, 08:00 EST

There are all sorts of reasons to back Sharks in this one. The home team has dominated the series last eight (6-2). Sharks netminder Antti Niemi is 5-1 career vs Tampa. Bolts have had recent trouble when they’ve stepped off home ice posting a 1-5 mark the past six away from Amalie Arena in Tampa. Bolts are also on an 0-5 skid playing on Sharks ice surface.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Betting the 2015 Oscars

87th Academy Awards (2/22/14)

Odds to win Best Picture

Birdman 5/9
Boyhood 6/5
American Sniper 25/1
The Grand Budapest Hotel 25/1
The Imitation Game 50/1
Theory of Everything 100/1
Whiplash 100/1
Selma 200/1

Odds to win Best Actor

Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) 1/15
Michael Keaton (Birdman) 3/1
Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game) 25/1
Bradley Cooper (American Sniper) 25/1
Steve Carell (Foxcatcher) 100/1

Odds to win Best Actress

Julianne Moore (Still Alice) 1/100
Field (Any other Nominee) 20/1

Odds to win Best Supporting Actor

JK Simmons (Whiplash) 1/30
Edward Norton (Birdman) 10/1
Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher) 35/1
Ethan Hawke (Boyhood) 60/1
Robert Duvall (The Judge) 100/1

Odds to win Best Supporting Actress

Patricia Arquette (Boyhood) 1/60
Emma Stone (Birdman) 20/1
Keira Knightley (The Imitation Game) 75/1
Laura Dern (Wild) 75/1
Meryl Streep (Into the Woods) 75/1

Odds to win Best Director

Alejandro G Inarritu (Birdman) 5/6
Richard Linklater (Boyhood) 5/6
Wes Anderson (The Grand Budapest Hotel) 50/1
Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game) 75/1
Bennett Miller (Foxcatcher) 100/1

How to Read the Odds:
Ex. Bet $100 on Boyhood (2/3) to win $66
Ex. Bet $100 on Amercian Sniper (30/1) to win $3,000

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Win Total Update - All-Star Break

All-Star Break

We’ve reached the All-Star break of the 2014-15 NBA regular season and every team has played at least 50 games.

Before the marathon of the 82-game regular season began, the LVH SuperBook at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort released NBA Win Totals for all 30 teams.

We checked in on teams after the 1st quarter (20 games) and took notice that the Western Conference was dominating with nine teams on pace to go 'over' their win total expectations set by the oddsmakers. Since then, a lot has changed in the West and the East.

Last season, Phoenix was the first team to earn a result on its win total. This year's version of the Suns is Milwaukee, who posted a 30-23 record in the first-half of the season.
Along with the Bucks, the Atlanta Hawks have eclipsed their season win total.

The Knicks became the first team to cash for ‘under’ bettors. New York had a win total of 40.5 and it sits at 10-43 at the All-Star break.

The second-half begins on Feb. 19 and there a few teams on the cusp for both ‘over’ and ‘under’ outcomes.

‘Over’

Philadelphia – needs 4 wins
Utah – needs 6 wins
Boston – needs 7 wins

‘Under’

Cleveland – needs 2 losses
Chicago – needs 6 losses
San Antonio – needs 7 losses
L.A. Clippers – needs 7 losses



2014-15 NBA Win Totals (**Records as of 1/31/15**)

Team Win Total Current Record Record on 1/31/15 Projection
Atlanta Hawks 40.5 43-11 40-8
Boston Celtics 26.5 20-31 16-29
Brooklyn Nets 41.5 21-31 18-28
Charlotte Hornets 45.5 22-30 20-27
Chicago Bulls 55.5 33-20 30-19
Cleveland Cavaliers 58.5 33-21 29-20
Dallas Mavericks 49.5 36-19 32-17
Denver Nuggets 40.5 20-33 19-29
Detroit Pistons 36.5 21-33 18-30
Golden State Warriors 50.5 42-9 37-8
Houston Rockets 49.5 36-17 33-15
Indiana Pacers 32.5 21-33 17-32
Los Angeles Clippers 55.5 35-19 33-15
Los Angeles Lakers 31.5 13-40 13-34
Memphis Grizzlies 48.5 39-14 35-12
Miami Heat 43.5 22-30 20-26
Milwaukee Bucks 24.5 30-23 25-22
Minnesota Timberwolves 25.5 11-42 8-39
New Orleans Pelicans 41.5 27-26 25-22
New York Knicks 40.5 10-43 9-38
Oklahoma City Thunder 57.5 28-25 23-24
Orlando Magic 28.5 17-39 15-35
Philadelphia 76ers 15.5 12-41 10-38
Phoenix Suns 42.5 29-25 28-21
Portland Trail Blazers 48.5 36-17 32-16
Sacramento Kings 30.5 18-34 17-29
San Antonio Spurs 56.5 34-19 30-18
Toronto Raptors 49.5 36-17 33-15
Utah Jazz 25.5 19-34 17-30
Washington Wizards 49.5 33-21 31-17

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Betting Report! Western Conference vs Eastern Conference (February 12, 2015) -

West vs East!!

The NBA’s All-Star Weekend is February 13-15 at New York City. A lull in NBA action due to the annual showcase, time to breakdown straight-up and spread results in non-conference play for the season. The West has long been considered the dominant conference and the records continue to show that. For the most part to this point the West has handled the East with ease winning at a 57.9% clip (182-132). However, add the great equalizer (point spread) the West is cashing just 46.5% in non-conference action (146-161-7) split between 98-104-7 as chalk, 48-57 in an underdog roll. Total players have seen the 'Under' dominate with 130 'Over', 178 'Under' and 6 'Push' in these West vs East tilts. Breaking numbers down further our trusted NBA Database spits out these betting nuggets.

Best Non-Conference Bets
Hawks 14-5 (7-3 H, 7-2 R)
Suns 14-7 (6-6 H, 8-1 R)

Worst Non-Conference Bets
Kings 4-13-1 (2-7-1 H, 2-6 R)
TWolves 8-14 (4-6 H, 4-8 R)

Best/Worst Non-Conference Home Dog
Sixers 10-1
Heat 0-5

Best/Worst Non-Conference Road Dog
Celtics 6-2
Blazers 0-3

Best/Worst Non-Conference Home Favorite
Pelicans 5-1
Kings 2-6-1

Best/Worst Non-Conference Road Favorite
Suns 6-1
Pelicans 0-5

Best Non-Conference 'UNDER'
Pistons 7-14-1 O/U
Spurs 6-15 O/U

Best Non-Conference 'OVER'
TWolves 13-8-1 O/U

Best/Worst Non-Conference with No-Rest
Bucks, Pistons 5-1
Raptors, Celtics, Hawks 3-0
Wizards 0-4
Knicks 1-5

Non-Conference Bits & Pieces
Grizzlies 5-0-1 as chalk off loss
Thunder 0-3 as chalk off loss
Jazz 9-2 as dog off loss
Sixers 7-1 as home dog off loss
Caves 0-5 as dog off loss
Nets 2-0 after playing Overtime
Kings 0-4 after playing Overtime

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

All-Stars head to New York

NBA All-Star Game Betting Preview

Line West -2.5, Total: 295.5

The 2015 All-Star game heads to the “Big Apple” in its 64th edition as the West looks to avenge an eight-point loss last year.

The All-Star game always brings out the best players for a game that is mainly all about entertainment. While the players clearly are all competitive and want to win, there are some that go above-and-beyond even in games like this. Last year, it was the SF LeBron James-led Eastern Conference team that was able to end a three-year losing streak in a 163-155 victory. It wasn’t LeBron who took home the MVP honors though, which he has done twice before (2006, 2008), but rather his current teammate, PG Kyrie Irving, who made 14-of-17 shots for 31 points as he added 14 assists and five rebounds.

There will be five players who were voted in this year that have been to double-digit All-Star contests, but two of them (SGs Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant) will not play due to injuries. The other three are PF Tim Duncan (15), LeBron James (11) and PF Chris Bosh (10). Besides Wade and Bryant, PF Blake Griffin will also be absent with an injury and was replaced by Damian Lillard as C DeMarcus Cousins and SG Kyle Korver are the other replacements for the injured veterans. Both Cousins and Korver will be making their first All-Star game appearances and be joined by four other first-timers with PG Kyle Lowry getting a starting nod. PF Anthony Davis is also out for this game, allowing PF Dirk Nowitzki to play in his 13th All-Star game.

The West had three players (Curry, Davis, Bryant) who earned over a million votes for this game, but Bryant is not playing and Davis isn’t either. PG Stephen Curry (23.6 PPG, 7.9 APG, 4.7 RPG) has led the Warriors to the best record through the first half of the year and will hope to improve on his 2-of-11 shooting for 12 points as he added 11 assists in his All-Star game debut last year. He will be leading an amazing group of guards that can both get to the rim and shoot.

PG Russell Westbrook (25.8 PPG, 7.6 APG, 2.2 SPG) is maybe the most explosive of this group and he is playing in his fourth All-Star contest after ranking third in the league in scoring. PGs Chris Paul (17.7 PPG, 9.7 APG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG) and Damian Lillard (21.5 PPG, 6.3 APG, 4.6 RPG) will join Westbrook to round off the point guards and were both also reserves in last year’s game as Paul earned the most minutes off the bench (24) and scored 11 points with 13 assists and three steals.

The fun continues with SG James Harden (27.4 PPG, 6.8 APG, 5.7 RPG, 2.0 SPG) who is the top scorer in the NBA and is a threat to go for a triple-double on any given night. He was a starter last year but played poorly with just eight points and five rebounds in 24 minutes on the court. SG Klay Thompson (22.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.2 SPG) will join Curry and head coach Steve Kerr to represent the Warriors and ranks 10th in the league in scoring and is one of the most deadly three-point shooters (44% 3PM, 5th in league).

PF LaMarcus Aldridge (23.7 PPG, 10.3 RPG), PF Tim Duncan (14.6 PPG, 10.1 RPG) and SF Kevin Durant (25.9 PPG, 66 RPG, 4.0 APG) will boost the forward position as both Aldridge and Duncan are averaging double-doubles on the year.

The starting center position will be manned by the versatile Marc Gasol (18.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.7 BPG) who made it here for the first time back in the 2011-12 campaign and played just 14 minutes. C DeMarcus Cousins (23.6 PPG, 12.3 RPG) rightfully made it into this game as an injury replacement and should provide a dominating presence in the middle. PF Dirk Nowizki (18.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG) was also a late addition to this team. He has as good a chance as anybody to light it up in this one.

The Eastern Conference team will be led by SF LeBron James (26.0 PPG, 7.4 APG, 5.5 RPG, 1.5 SPG) once again and he will be going into his 11th All-Star appearance as he ranks second in the league in scoring and always fills up the stat sheet in other areas. He came up big in last year’s game with 22 points, seven assists and seven rebounds, but was cold (0-for-7) from behind the arc.

Joining him at the forward position will be the ambassador for this one as SF Carmelo Anthony (24.2 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.1 APG) makes his eighth appearance in this game with the fewest votes (647,005) among all starters. He has continued to be a scoring despite his poor team play and netted 30 points as he hit 8-of-13 threes last year.

The guard position will be manned by a couple of driving aficionados with PG John Wall (17.4 PPG, 10.1 APG, 1.9 SPG) getting his second All-Star nod and PG Kyle Lowry (18.6 PPG, 7.2 APG, 1.6 SPG) earning his first trip here. Both are on top Eastern Conference teams and Wall is currently the NBA’s assist leader.

Finishing off the starting rotation will be PF Pau Gasol (18.4 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 2.1 BPG) who has rejuvenated his career with the Chicago Bulls. The bench this year is basically the Atlanta Hawks’ starting lineup as C Al Horford (15.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.4 BPG), PF Paul Millsap (16.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.8 SPG), PG Jeff Teague (17.0 PPG, 7.5 APG, 1.7 SPG) and SG Kyle Korver (12.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.7 APG) all made it in. Horford (3) and Millsap (2) are the only ones of the four to have been here before and Korver made it in as an injury replacement as they couldn’t ignore his absurd shooting performance (52% FG, 53% 3PM, 92% FT).

PF Chris Bosh (21.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG) frequents this game nearly every year but has done little (6.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG) in the past three installments. Rounding out the team will be SG Jimmy Butler (20.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.8 SPG) who has came out of nowhere to add an offensive game to an already elite defense as he heads to his first All-Star game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

How do books set the NBA All-Star Game odds?

Let’s take 25 of the best basketball players on the planet, set up an exhibition game that some will care about and some won’t, and hold it in one of the biggest cities in the world with plenty of distractions to keep the players awake for 72 hours before hand.

Now try and handicap the game.

That’s the task oddsmakers faced when they set the spread and total for Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game in Brooklyn - a game, despite its exhibition nature, the books certainly don’t want to take for granted.

“This game, like baseball, draws a ton of action for the simple reason it’s the only thing on at the time,” says Michael Stewart , who set the West as 2.5-point favorites and the total at 295.5. “Nothing like, say, a NBA playoff game but definitely more than a regular season game being played in the same time slot. Bettors love betting the professional sports.”

The biggest factor the books use in setting the line is history and, in this regard, there have been some interesting trends prevailing over the recent history of this game.

Most significantly, total scores have been on an upward climb over the last 11 years with the Over hitting in five of the last six All-Star Games. Last season, the East and West combined for 318 points, blowing away the 291-point total set in New Orleans.

Another trend that could have factored into the books’ reckoning is that the ASG seems to be played at a more competitive level since the West trounced the East 146-119 in Phoenix in 2009.

The average margin of victory, since that game, has been 4.6 points with East winning 141-139 win in Dallas in 2010 and 163-155 last February. The average margin of victory was over 10 points in the five games previous to the Phoenix All-Star event.

“This game won’t be competitive because the NBA has done nothing to make it competitive,” says Stewart. “All the NBA wants is to see their stars dunk the ball, hit long-range 3-point shots and a bunch of no-look passes. It’s all about offense and show. There is zero competitiveness unless the game is in the balance with a few minutes left then you will see some defense.”

Stewart also put little stock in the West’s dominance of the East this season citing the fact it’s a game versus the league’s best players – something the East has in ample supply.

One thing the oddsmaker doesn't want to overlook is the performance of individual players - in particular, a showdown between MVP candidates LeBron James (+250) of the Eastern Conference and the West’s Stephen Curry (-160) and James Harden (+400) – the top three favorites to win the league’s top individual honor.

Stewart says if any of those players take the court with the motivation to swing the NBA MVP voting, there could be an uptick in competitiveness and that has an impact on the ASG odds.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Top teams at All-Star break go on to win Championship
Justin Hartling

With the NBA All-Star break upon us, teams and basketball fans alike are gearing up for the stretch run and the playoffs. Over the past several years, the top teams in the association heading into All-Star weekend, have ended the season hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy.

The past seven NBA champions have reached the All-Star break with a winning percentage of 70 percent or better. The Golden State Warriors (82.4 percent), Atlanta Hawks (79.6 percent) and the Memphis Grizzlies (73.6 percent) are the only teams in the NBA this season with a winning percentage over 70 at All-Star weekend.

The Warriors are currently +350 to win the NBA championship with the Hawks at +600 and the Grizz at +1200.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB Finding Future Value
By Kyle Hunter

With the NFL and college football in the rear view mirror and the NBA playoffs still in the distant future, college basketball is now on center stage in the sports world.

March Madness is the next main event, which means the betting public is paying attention to the college hardwood.

Since there are just a few weeks left in the regular season, it’s a great time to look at college basketball futures that have value. Before we get deeper into this article, I do want to point out that it is crucial to remember that when it comes to playing futures the team you have selected doesn't have to win it all for you to profit. There are plenty of chances to hedge out of longshot plays and still make some significant cash. This is why the most important thing is just to look for value on a relative basis.

Top-ranked Kentucky (24-0) is the huge favorite to cut down the nets this year, deservingly so.

Most betting shops have them listed as a 5/7 favorite (Bet $140 to win $100). The Wildcats are a clear favorite for a reason, but anything can happen in the NCAA Tournament and there's no way I'm playing a future in the middle of February on a team to win the NCAA Tournament at minus money.

I’m looking for value elsewhere and it lies with a handful of teams.

Future Odds listed in parenthesis

1) Duke Blue Devils (8/1) - There aren't many times where I would call a Duke basketball team underrated, but I think this team fits the bill right now. Duke's recent lack of success in the NCAA Tournament has some people sour on this team's chances, but look at their wins this year. I would argue they have the two best wins of anyone in the entire nation. Duke beat Virginia and Wisconsin on the road. I realize that Duke has also slipped up a couple times against teams that aren't great, but you don't win at Charlottesville and Madison unless you are a really good basketball team. Coach K is obviously one of the best (if not the best) coaches in the country. He has a team that is far more committed on the defensive end this year, and that should be able to help them advance deep into the tournament.

2) Gonzaga Bulldogs (12/1) - Mark Few said before this season that he believes this is the best team he's had at Gonzaga. He was right! Gonzaga has only one loss on the year, and that was when they failed to close the deal at Arizona. The Bulldogs have five or six guys who can lead them in scoring on any given night. Kentucky transfer Kyle Wiltjer has been a tremendous addition to the team as has Byron Wesley. In Karnowski and Sabonis, the Bulldogs have two very skilled big men. The knock on Gonzaga is the fact that they play a weaker schedule during the season. This is certainly true in conference play, but the Bulldogs did a good job testing themselves with a tough non-conference schedule. This team is extremely good.

3) Wisconsin Badgers (9/1) - Bo Ryan's team was very close to reaching the title game last year, and this year's version is at least as good. They have battled through some injuries this year, but the team has a bunch of solid contributors. Sam Dekker has been stepping up recently, and if he continues to play at such a high level that makes this team far more difficult to beat. Frank Kaminsky is one of the toughest guys in the nation to guard. The Badgers style of play can be frustrating for opponents, and Wisconsin wins the turnover battle almost every game. Their efficiency on offense is amazing.

4) Iowa State (60/1) - Iowa State hasn't been quite as good as I expected them to be so far this year, but the upside potential is huge for this team. Fred Hoiberg is an underrated coach, and he has done a nice job helping his team peak at the right time in recent years. Last year, Iowa State had to play without their best player, Georges Niang, in the NCAA Tournament, and they still reached the Sweet Sixteen. Monte Morris is an ultra-efficient point guard that takes great care of the basketball. The Cyclones aren't a team that the top seeds will want to see in their bracket this March.

5) San Diego State Aztecs (100/1) - This one is obviously my really long shot. I know San Diego State isn't going to cut down the nets this year. Their offense isn't good enough. I still think they could pull off an upset or two in the NCAA Tournament. Steve Fisher is a tremendous coach, and his players work so hard on the defensive end. There isn't a team in the country that is better on a consistent basis on the defensive end. The Aztecs know how to slow the tempo down and turn the game into a race to 50 or 55. Make a note that this team beat a quality Utah in non-conference play and lost to Arizona, but by just two points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

College hoops conference tournaments add buzz to Sin City
By MARC MELTZER

The first weekend of March Madness (this year March 19-22) is one of the biggest sports betting weekends in Las Vegas.

Sin City is buzzing with energy that’s not matched by many other sports weekends. In fact, it’s only matched by the Super Bowl, as far as parties and wagering is concerned. There’s no denying the popularity of this weekend in Vegas but the serious bettors get down before the Madness.

There are over 30 season-ending college basketball conference tournaments that begin play on March 3 and end on March 14. These 11 days offer college hoops bettors hundreds of opportunities to wager.

This was largely a Vegas locals secret but that’s no longer the case. The weeks leading into March Madness are growing in popularity in Vegas for locals and tourists alike. It’s not only sports bettors that are getting in on the action either.

College basketball fans from around the western part of the country descend upon Las Vegas between March 5 and March 12 for 4 different conference tournaments:

March 5-10: West Coast Conference at The Orleans
March 11-14: Pac-12 at MGM Grand
March 11-14: Mountain West at Thomas & Mack Center
March 12-14: Western Athletic Conference (WAC) at The Orleans

If you’re a basketball fan of the WCC, Pac-12, Mountain West or WAC you'll certainly enjoy the conference tournaments in person in Las Vegas. This is a rare opportunity in Vegas to see so much live basketball and every game has meaning - to get into the Big Dance. Unlike regular season games, teams are – technically - playing on the road. Tickets may be easier and less expensive to access than traditional venue games.

The Pac-12 conference, being the largest conference, may be the most-attended tournament but that doesn’t mean it will sell out in advance. You can probably still likely find tickets for this and most of the tournaments on the day of the games.

That first weekend of March Madness is seriously one of the most fun times to be in Las Vegas but the crowds can grow tiresome if you’ve done it before. Waking up at 7 a.m. to grab coffee, shower and be one of the lucky to score a seat in the sportsbook for a 9 a.m. tipoff can get old.
Paying $75-$100 per day for a viewing party can also get old.

Experienced locals and hoops crazy visitors are shifting more of their time in a Vegas sportsbook to the less popular, but still fun, college basketball conference tournaments.

From March 3-10 you’ll find wall-to-wall smaller conferences like the Horizon League, MAAC and West Coast Conference playing their tournaments from morning until night. Even though there’s college hoops action all day and night, the sportsbook doesn’t get nearly as rowdy or crowded as March Madness. There's a buzz but it isn't quite as crazy as the Big Dance.

Lots of wagering opportunities + small crowds = fun in the book.

More people are coming to find the formula above a great one and a great excuse to visit Vegas before the Madness. Living in Las Vegas, I find myself looking forward to watching and wagering on conference tournaments in the casino almost as much as I do that first weekend of March Madness.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB Sunday's Pac-12 Tip Sheet
By David Schwab

The battle for this season’s Pac-12 regular season title has pretty much turned into a two-team race between Arizona and Utah as the only two nationally ranked teams in this conference. Both of these powers will be back in action this Sunday starting with the Wildcats going on the road to face Washington State. Later on Sunday, the Utes will play host to the California Golden Bears.

No. 7 Arizona Wildcats vs. Washington State Cougars (FOX Sports 1, 6:30 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Arizona -16

The Wildcats bounced back from a stunning 81-78 loss to Arizona State last Saturday as eight-point road favorites with a dominating 86-62 romp over Washington as 11 ½-point favorites on the road this past Friday night. They are now 9-2 straight-up in conference play with a solid 8-3 record against the spread. Five different players scored in double figures in Friday’s win led by freshman forward Stanley Johnson’s 20 points. He leads Arizona in scoring this season with 14.8 points per game and the team, as a whole, is averaging 75.5 points while shooting an impressive 49.3 percent from the field.

Washington State is also coming off a big win this past Friday night after upsetting Arizona State 74-71 as a 4 ½-point home underdog. It is still buried in the Pac-12 standings at 5-7 SU in conference play, but it has now covered in three of its last four outings. Senior guard Dexter Kernich-Drew had a big night against the Sun Devils with 27 points and the Cougars shot 51.9 percent from the field as opposed to a season average of just 42.9 percent. Senior guard DaVonte Lacy (16.9 PPG) and sophomore guard Josh Hawkinson (14.8 PPG) continue to lead the way on a Washington State team that is averaging 70.6 points this season.

Betting Trends

-- The Wildcats have covered in four of their last five games against a team with a SU losing record and they are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a SU win. The total has gone OVER in five of their last seven games on the road.

-- The Cougars are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games and they are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games against a team with a SU winning record. The total has gone OVER in eight of their last 10 home games.

-- The favorite in this matchup has won the last six meetings both SU and ATS and the total has stayed UNDER in the last two meetings after going OVER in the previous four games. Arizona’s SU winning streak against the Cougars stands at seven games.

California Golden Bears at No. 11 Utah Utes (ESPNU, 8:30 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Utah -17

The Golden Bears are in the bottom half of the Pac-12 standings at 6-6 SU, but they are riding a five-game winning streak while going a profitable 4-1 ATS. This past Thursday, they upset Colorado 68-61 as seven-point road underdogs to improve to 6-5 ATS as underdogs this season. The turnaround in fortunes after a 1-6 SU start in conference play can be largely attributed the elevated play of junior guard Tyrone Wallace and sophomore guard Jordan Mathews. Wallace leads the team across the board in points (17.4), rebounds (7.8) and assists (3.7). Mathews came up big in the win against the Buffaloes with 19 points and he is averaging 15.1 PPG.

Utah improved to 9-2 both SU and ATS in conference play with Thursday’s 75-59 romp over Stanford as a 10 ½-point home favorite. The Utes are now 10-3 ATS at home this season and a profitable 14-4 ATS when closing as favorites. The total has stayed UNDER in three of their last four games. Utah is averaging 74.2 PPG and shooting an effective 50 percent from the field, but the real strength of this team could actually be on the other end of the court with an defense that is ranked 10th in the nation in points allowed (56.2). Senior guard Delon Wright has been a force with 14.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists a game.

Betting Trends

-- The Golden Bears are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 conference games, but they are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games on the road. The total has stayed UNDER in seven of their last nine road games.

-- The Utes have covered ATS in their last five games played on a Sunday and they are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 home games against a team with a SU winning record on the road. The total has gone OVER in nine of their last 12 games played at home.

-- Head-to-head in this matchup, the underdog has covered in five of the last seven meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in four of the last five games. Utah has won the last two meetings both SU and ATS to snap a SU five-game losing streak to Cal.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB Illinois, Wisconsin clash

ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI (17-8) at WISCONSIN BADGERS (22-2)

Kohl Center - Madison, WI
Tip-off: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Line: Wisconsin -13

No. 5 Wisconsin looks to continue its recent dominance over Illinois when these two Big Ten rivals meet on Sunday for the only time this season.

No. 5 Wisconsin is historically one of the most dominant home teams in the country, and this season is no exception (12-1 SU) although the covers haven’t been as consistent at the Kohl Center, especially in conference play (6-6-1 ATS; 1-4-1 ATS in-conference). Wisconsin has owned Illinois recently, though, going 7-0 SU and ATS since Illinois’ last win against the Badgers in Jan. 2011. The last 10 games in this series have predominantly hit the Over (8-2), but the average line has been only 122.5. The Illini do own the biggest win at the Kohl Center since its opening, a Jan. 2005 win during their Final Four season, when they snapped the Badgers’ 38-game home winning streak. Illinois is (2-8 SU, 3-7 ATS) in its last 10 trips to the Kohl Center dating back to Jan. 2006.

The Illini are fresh off a 64-52 overtime victory Thursday over Michigan in Champaign, a payback win for Michigan’s home overtime victory in December. Much like that December game, the home team (in this case, Illinois) took control in the extra period (Illinois dominated overtime, 14-2). C Nnanna Egwu (7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.8 BPG) scored all six of his points Thursday in the extra period, out-muscling the smaller Wolverines in the paint.

Wisconsin continued cruising along in conference play with a 65-55 win in Lincoln versus Nebraska on Tuesday. The Badgers have proven they can play at any pace and still be successful: Speed them up and they’ll beat you like they beat Indiana on Feb. 3, 92-78. Try to grind the pace down and Wisconsin will gladly play at their preferred pace as they did in the aforementioned Nebraska win and last weekend’s 65-50 home win over Northwestern, as they held both of those opponents under 40% FG and 30% 3PT.

Illinois got a boost on Thursday when leading scorer, G Rayvonte Rice (16.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG) returned. Rice didn’t make a huge impact on the box score in his first game back since Jan. 3, but he played 27 minutes. Illini G Aaron Crosby (7.8 PPG 1.7 threes/gm) is still suspended indefinitely. Wisconsin G Traevon Jackson (ankle) (9.7 PPG, 2.7 APG) is still out indefinitely, as he has been for the past seven games.

Don’t look now, but Illinois is making a serious postseason push and has a modest four-game win streak going (3-1 ATS). Incorporating team-leader, Rice, back into the fold after they’ve been so successful without him obviously is something that Coach John Croce would deem a “good” problem to have.

G Malcolm Hill (14.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG) was a main beneficiary of having to lead by example with Rice down. Hill expanded his game, hitting a career-high four threes in a game three separate times in the nine games that Rice missed (his previous career high was two in a game). Hill struggled, however, with Rice’s return on Thursday, only mustering 11 points on 4-16 from the field.

One player who was able to keep his game clicking on all cylinders on Thursday was G Kendrick Nunn (11.8 PPG, 42% 3PT), as Nunn led the Illini with 21 points while hitting the overtime-forcing three with a minute left in regulation. With the suspended Crosby’s future in question, Nunn has taken the starting off-guard role by the horns and doesn’t show any signs of relinquishing it.

G Ahmad Starks (7.8 PPG, 2.6 APG) is equally comfortable starting (when the Illini go small) or coming off the bench – as he did on Thursday to the tune of 12 points and four assists in 36 minutes. C Egwu, as mentioned earlier, is an x-factor for Illinois, and will be especially needed to continue his strong play against the versatile frontline of the Badgers. Egwu hasn’t fouled out of a game since the calendar flipped to 2015 (11 games) and is coming off a season-high 12 rebounds on Thursday night.

The pace of this game (Wisconsin plays the seventh -slowest pace in the nation and Illinois hasn’t exceeded 63 possessions in six games) should be very predictable, and will be a true test of whether the Illini’s recent defensive success on a points-per-possession basis (.89 points allowed-per-poss, last four games) is for real. Wisconsin leads the nation with 1.26 points per-possession scored in conference play.

The book on Wisconsin is the same as it’s ever been: Bo Ryan’s teams play slow, yet insanely effective (see above points-per-possession stats). Their first-string point guard gets injured; doesn’t matter, they’ll still lead the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.93) in conference play with their backup (G Bronson Koenig, 7.2 PPG; 12.7 PPG, 52% 3PT in seven games as the starter). The fastest game they’ve played in conference was 64 possessions, and when “sped up” past their comfort zone of 58 possessions-per-game all they did was hang 92 points on Indiana on 60% FG and 54% FT. Wisconsin’s bend-don’t-break defense has scoring numbers largely boosted by the slow pace the Badgers play (60.6 PPG allowed, tie 1st Big Ten; 45% FG allowed, only 13th Big Ten). All signs point to another grind-it-out affair in Madison.

The cast of characters leading the Badgers is a familiar one: C Frank Kaminsky (17.3 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 54% FG) leads the charge. Kaminsky is so unique because he never fails to make his imprint on the game or the box score. For instance, he struggled (by his standards) scoring against Nebraska on Tuesday (13 points, 4-9 FG), but still added 12 rebounds, three blocks, and a game-high four assists.

Consistency is the one issue that’s always bugged uber-talented F Sam Dekker (13.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 52% FG), but Dekker is putting together the best stretch of basketball in his career during conference play, as he’s averaged 15 points per game over his past eight, never failing to score in double figures in that period. Dekker led the Badgers with 21 points (8-for-13 FG) in the win over Nebraska.

F Nigel Hayes (12.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 53% FG) has struggled from the field over his last two games (2-for-8 FG, 0-for-6 3PT at Nebraska) but also doesn’t need to score from the field to help the Badgers, as he’s gone 20-for-24 from the charity stripe over his last three games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB Top 25 roundup: Kentucky ties school record at 25-0
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Coach John Calipari already had won 90 of 99 games when coaching a No. 1 team and his undefeated Wildcats weren't about to spoil No. 100 Saturday afternoon at Rupp Arena.

Jumping ahead by 20 points within the first 12 minutes, Kentucky cruised to a 77-43 victory over South Carolina before a sellout crowd of 24,305.

At 25-0, Kentucky (12-0 SEC) tied the school record for best start to a season. The 1954 team finished 25-0 behind two future Basketball Hall of Famers, Cliff Hagan and Frank Ramsey.

Junior forward Willie Cauley-Stein paced Kentucky with 14 points, hitting 6 of 10 shots, and seven rebounds. Sophomore guard Aaron Harrison added 11 points, all in the first half, and sophomore center Dakari Johnson had a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds in just 21 minutes.

Guard Sindarius Thornwell paced South Carolina (12-12, 3-9) by scoring 20 of his team's 43 points, though he made only 5 of 17 shots. No other player scored more than six.

Earlier in the day, Calipari learned that he had been named a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and his team seemed determined to validate that recognition by crushing South Carolina from the opening tip.

"I told (my players), 'You just tied a record of the most storied program in history,'" Calipari said. "I'm telling you: Winning is so much more fun than losing. You have no idea. Losing stinks."


Virginia 61, Wake Forest 60

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- The second-ranked Cavaliers overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to survive Wake Forest.

Playing its second full game without junior swingman Justin Anderson, Virginia (23-1, 11-1) had to create offense from other spots on the floor and used a 27-12 run at the start of the second half to eventually escape the Demon Deacons.

Wake Forest (12-14, 4-9) had the final possession of the game with the chance to pull off the upset, but guard Codi Miller-McIntyre was unable to get off a shot, turning the ball over as time expired.

Virginia led by as many as 13 points in the second half. Forward Anthony Gill paced the Cavaliers with a game-high 19 points. Guard Malcolm Brogdon added 11 points and nine rebounds, and stole the ball from Miller-McIntyre to prevent a potential game-winning shot.



Gonzaga 56, Pepperdine 48

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Point guard Kevin Pangos scored 19 points to lead third-ranked Gonzaga over Pepperdine in West Coast Conference play.

The Bulldogs (26-1, 14-0 WCC) have won 19 consecutive games, 28 straight over Pepperdine and 40 in a row at home. Gonzaga's home winning streak is the longest in the nation.

Forward Stacy Davis topped Pepperdine (15-11, 8-7) with 13 points. The Waves, who lost 78-76 to Gonzaga at home Jan. 15, were held to a season low for points and held the Bulldogs to their lowest total.


Duke 80, Syracuse 72

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Withstanding a 3-point barrage from one of its former players, No. 4 Duke outlasted Syracuse at the Carrier Dome in front of one of the largest on-campus crowds in college basketball history.

The Blue Devils went on a 26-7 run at the end of the first half and start of the second half to turn an 11-point deficit into an eight-point lead. The Orange had built their lead behind the lights-out shooting of junior guard Michael Gbinije, a Duke transfer who made 5 of 6 from behind the arc in the first half. He finished with a career-high 27 points for the Orange (16-9, 7-5 ACC), who lost for the fifth time in their last eight ACC games.

Duke (22-3, 9-3) won its fifth consecutive game before the sellout crowd of 35,466, which tied last year's Duke-Syracuse game at the Carrier Dome for biggest on-campus crowd in college basketball history. Naismith Award finalist Jahlil Okafor, a freshman, led the Blue Devils with 23 points.


Villanova 68, Butler 65

INDIANAPOLIS -- Guard Darrun Hilliard's 3-pointer from the right wing with 1.5 seconds remaining lifted No. 6 Villanova over No. 18 Butler in Hinkle Fieldhouse.

It was the Big East-leading 12th 3-pointer for the Wildcats (23-2, 10-2). Hilliard finished with a game-best 31 points, including Villanova's final six. He was fouled shooting a 3-pointer with 1:24 left and sank all three free throws to give the Wildcats a 65-63 lead. Butler guard Roosevelt Jones' driving layup with 17.5 seconds left tied it at 65, setting the stage for Hilliard's heroics.

Butler forward Kelan Martin had a 3-point attempt at the buzzer to tie it, but the shot bounced off the left side of the rim.

Guards Kellen Dunham and Alex Barlow each had 19 points to lead the Bulldogs (18-7, 8-4), who were up by as many as five in the second half but could not hold on.


Kansas 74, Baylor 64

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Forward Perry Ellis surpassed the 1,000-point mark for his career by leading Kansas with 18 points as the No. 8 Jayhawks downed No. 16 Baylor.

Kansas overcame a six-point halftime deficit to claim its 21st consecutive win at home and climb to 21-4 overall and 10-2 as the Big 12 leaders. It marked the 20th straight season the Jayhawks have won at least 10 games in conference play.

Freshman guard Kelly Oubre also scored 18 points to share team-high honors with Ellis. Guard Wayne Selden added 15 for the Jayhawks, who claimed a sweep of the season series against the Bears (18-7, 6-6).

Forward Rico Gathers had 18 points and eight rebounds to lead Baylor. Point guard Kenny Chery added 17 points, but made just 6 of 15 shots.


N.C. State 74, Louisville 65

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Sophomore guard Cat Barber orchestrated a number of key plays and made several critical free throws down the stretch, helping inexperienced North Carolina State to a big road win over No. 9 Louisville.

The Wolfpack opened an 11-point lead and then held on in front of a packed house of 22,000 at the KFC Yum Center. Barber hit 9 of 10 free throws and had an assist in the final 2:40 for the Wolfpack (15-11, 6-7 ACC). He had 21 points, four assists and three rebounds.

Louisville (20-5, 8-4) suffered its third home loss of the season. The Cardinals, which led 31-30 at halftime, lost for the first time this season when it was ahead after 20 minutes.

Senior guard Chris Jones led Louisville with 20 points. Senior forward Wayne Blackshear had 19 points and sophomore guard Terry Rozier, who is second in the ACC in scoring, fouled out with 4:56 left and just seven points. Cardinals All-American Montrezl Harrell was held to seven points but had 13 rebounds.



Pittsburgh 89, North Carolina 76

PITTSBURGH -- Sheldon Jeter had a career-high 22 points to lead six Pittsburgh scorers in double figures as the hot-shooting Panthers downed No. 12 North Carolina.

Jeter, a sophomore forward who transferred from Vanderbilt, made his first start for Pitt on Wednesday night in a loss at Louisville and scored six points. He more than tripled that total Saturday as he made 10 of 14 shots from the field, and Pitt shot 64.9 percent (37 of 57) as a team.

Also scoring in double figures for Pitt (17-9, 6-6) were senior guard Cameron Wright (15), sophomore forward Michael Young (13), junior guard James Robinson (12), sophomore forward Jamel Artis (11) and sophomore guard Chris Jones (10).

North Carolina (18-7, 8-4), which lost for the third time in four games, was led by junior forward Brice Johnson's 19 points. Sophomore forward Kennedy Meeks added 15 points.


Iowa State 79, West Virginia 59

AMES, Iowa -- Point guard Monte Morris scored 19 points and sparked No. 14 Iowa State's second-half surge against No. 21 West Virginia.

Forward Abdel Nader added 15 points off the bench and forward Jameel McKay added 12 points and eight rebounds for the Cyclones (18-6, 8-4 Big 12), who swept the home-and-home season series.

Guard Juwan Staten produced 16 points and seven assists for West Virginia (19-6, 7-5), which trailed by only four at halftime but suffered its fourth consecutive blowout against a ranked team.


Wichita State 68, Illinois State 62

NORMAL, Ill. -- Guard Ron Baker scored 19 points and guard Fred VanVleet added 15 as No. 15 Wichita State held off a late Illinois State surge at Redbird Arena.

The Shockers (23-3, 13-1 Missouri Valley) moved one-half game ahead of idle Northern Iowa atop the conference standings.

Guard DeVaug Akoon-Purcell scored 18 points, including 15 in the second half, for Illinois State (15-11, 7-1), which dropped its third straight game.


Kansas State 59, Oklahoma 56

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Marcus Foster hit the winning 3-pointer against Oklahoma for the second time this season and Kansas State overcame horrible shooting from the field to defeat No. 17 Oklahoma in Bramlage Coliseum.

The Wildcats (13-13, 6-7 Big 12) completed a season sweep of the Sooners.

With the score tied at 56 after a 7-0 Oklahoma run in the final 2:59, Kansas State worked for the last shot. Just like Foster did in a 66-63 overtime win on Jan. 10 in Norman, Okla., the Wildcats' leading scorer drained the go-ahead 3-pointer with 3.4 seconds left.

Kansas State shot just 26.5 percent from the field (13 of 49) but held a huge advantage from the free throw line. The Wildcats was 28 of 36 from the stripe and the Sooners (17-8, 8-5) was 13 of 17.

Kansas State was led by Foster with 14 points and forward Nino Williams with 13. Oklahoma was paced by guard Buddy Hield, who scored 14 points.


Maryland 76, Penn State 73

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- No. 19 Maryland had just two field goals during the final 10 minutes, but the Terrapins did enough work at the free-throw line to break a three-game road losing streak.

Guard Dez Wells had 22 points, including seven during a 22-8 Maryland run that opened the second half. Melo Trimble, a freshman guard, finished with 20 points, six rebounds and four assists and was a perfect 12 of 12 at the free-throw line.

Maryland (21-5, 9-4 Big Ten) made eight of its first 10 shots from the field in the second half and led 55-42 with just under 14 minutes left before Penn State (15-11, 3-10) surged back to take a 62-60 lead on a dunk by forward Ross Travis with 7:52 left. Of the Terrapins' final 16 points, all were scored by Wells, Trimble or forward Jake Layman, and all but four of them came at the free-throw line. Maryland was 21 of 26 at the stripe.

Penn State, which had its three-game home winning streak snapped, got 25 points and four assists from senior guard D.J. Newbill, the Big Ten's leading scorer.


VCU 79, George Washington 66

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Starting guard Melvin Johnson scored 14 of his 17 points in the first half and Virginia Commonwealth reserve guards made some big second-half shots as the No. 20 Rams pulled away from George Washington.

With the win, first-place VCU (19-6, 9-3) won for just the second time in five games. The Rams have won eight of their past road conference games.

George Washington (17-8, 7-5) lost for the first time this season at home and saw their 12-game home winning streak come to an end. Guard-forward Patricio Garino had 22 points to pace the Colonials.


TCU 70, Oklahoma State 55

FORT WORTH, Texas -- TCU outscored Oklahoma State 14-2 in the last 3:50 to snap a seven-game losing streak and upset the No. 21 Cowboys at Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center.

Guard Kyan Anderson scored a team-high 14 points and guard Trey Zeigler added 13 for the Horned Frogs (15-10, 2-10 Big 12).

The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Oklahoma State (17-8, 7-6), which was led by forward Le'Bryan Nash's game-high 19 points.


Michigan State 59, Ohio State 56

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Denzel Valentine scored a game-high 17 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with four seconds remaining, to send Michigan State over No. 23 Ohio State.

Valentine, a junior guard, added three assists and made five 3-pointers for the Spartans (17-8, 8-4 Big Ten), who recorded their first victory this season over a Top 25 opponent. Valentine has made 19 3-pointers in his last four games.

Forward Branden Dawson supplied 15 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks and four assists while guard Travis Trice contributed nine points and five assists for Michigan State.

Guard Shannon Scott led the Buckeyes (19-7, 8-5) with 15 points, five assists and five rebounds.


Arkansas 71, Ole Miss 70

OXFORD, Miss. -- Sophomore guard Manuale Watkins hit a game-winning floater with eight seconds left and No. 24 Arkansas took over sole possession of second place in the SEC.

The winning play capped a fast-paced, chaotic game that saw Arkansas (20-5, 9-3 SEC), which has won seven of its past eight games, lead for a majority of the game before Ole Miss took a late lead.

Ole Miss (17-8, 8-4) had two turnovers in the final 1:30. A block by Arkansas senior forward Alandise Harris set up the Razorbacks' final possession.

Junior guard Stefan Moody and senior forward M.J. Rhett each scored 16 points to lead the Rebels, who outrebounded the Razorbacks 45-31.

Junior guard Michael Qualls led the Razorbacks with 15 points and nine rebounds.


SMU 73, Connecticut 55

DALLAS -- CenterYanick Moreira collected 13 points and 10 rebounds and No. 25 SMU strengthened its grip on the American Athletic Conference lead after the win over Connecticut.

Forward Markus Kennedy added 13 points and eight boards off the bench and guard Sterling Brown scored 13 points for SMU (21-5, 12-2 AAC), which moved a game ahead of Tulsa for first place in the AAC.

Guard Ryan Boatright scored 19 points for UConn (14-10, 7-5), which had a three-game winning streak ended.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Pac-12 foes square off'

Arizona Wildcats (21-3, 14-10 ATS) and Washington State Cougars (11-13, 11-12-1 ATS) will meet for the only time in the regular season conference play. Both teams are coming off victories. The Wildcats crushed Huskies 86-62 last time out as 11.5 point favorite upping the mark to 9-2 (8-3 ATS) within the conference behind a robust 74.5 points/game while allowing Pac-12 foes 58.1 per/contest. The Cougars defeated Sun Devils 74-71 as 5 point underdogs moving its record to 5-7 (6-5-1 ATS) in Pac-12 on 61.1 points/game with conference opponents dropping a 78.0 through the iron. Wildcats handing Cougars an embarrassing 60-25 thrashing in their only meeting last season have won/covered seven consecutive in the series. When handicapping this contest there are a couple of interesting trends that you should consider. Wildcats have an 0-5 skid as road favorite of 15 to 20 points, Cougars are on a smart 6-1 stretch as home underdogs. Total players should be aware that Cougars have trended 'Over' all season (14-5 O/U) and have a 10-1 O/U stretch at home facing a visitor with a .600 or better road record. Wildcats have trended 'Over' last 10 on the road vs the conference (6-3-1 O/U).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

TOWSON ST (11 - 15) at COLL OF CHARLESTON (7 - 19) - 2/15/2015, 12:30 PM

Top Trends for this game.
TOWSON ST is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TOWSON ST is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TOWSON ST is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in all games this season.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in February games over the last 3 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) after scoring 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TOWSON ST is 3-1 against the spread versus COLL OF CHARLESTON over the last 3 seasons
TOWSON ST is 3-1 straight up against COLL OF CHARLESTON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

ILLINOIS (17 - 8) at WISCONSIN (22 - 2) - 2/15/2015, 1:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
WISCONSIN is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WISCONSIN is 4-0 against the spread versus ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
WISCONSIN is 4-0 straight up against ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

HOUSTON (9 - 14) at UCF (10 - 13) - 2/15/2015, 2:00 PM

There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UCF is 3-0 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
UCF is 3-1 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

LOYOLA-IL (15 - 10) at BRADLEY (8 - 18) - 2/15/2015, 2:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
BRADLEY is 43-25 ATS (+15.5 Units) in home games in February games since 1997.
LOYOLA-IL is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.
BRADLEY is 18-32 ATS (-17.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BRADLEY is 18-32 ATS (-17.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BRADLEY is 2-2 against the spread versus LOYOLA-IL over the last 3 seasons
BRADLEY is 2-2 straight up against LOYOLA-IL over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

VALPARAISO (23 - 4) at WI-MILWAUKEE (10 - 15) - 2/15/2015, 2:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 174-132 ATS (+28.8 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 168-130 ATS (+25.0 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) revenging a blowout loss vs opponent of 20 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VALPARAISO is 5-1 against the spread versus WI-MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
VALPARAISO is 5-1 straight up against WI-MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

N IOWA (23 - 2) at MISSOURI ST (9 - 16) - 2/15/2015, 4:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
MISSOURI ST is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 33-18 ATS (+13.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
N IOWA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MISSOURI ST is 2-2 against the spread versus N IOWA over the last 3 seasons
N IOWA is 5-0 straight up against MISSOURI ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

ST JOSEPHS (11 - 12) at FORDHAM (6 - 16) - 2/15/2015, 2:30 PM

Top Trends for this game.
ST JOSEPHS is 86-61 ATS (+18.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
FORDHAM is 192-237 ATS (-68.7 Units) in all games since 1997.
FORDHAM is 192-237 ATS (-68.7 Units) in all lined games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST JOSEPHS is 3-1 against the spread versus FORDHAM over the last 3 seasons
ST JOSEPHS is 4-0 straight up against FORDHAM over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

IOWA (15 - 9) at NORTHWESTERN (10 - 14) - 2/15/2015, 3:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
NORTHWESTERN is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
IOWA is 5-1 against the spread versus NORTHWESTERN over the last 3 seasons
IOWA is 5-1 straight up against NORTHWESTERN over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

DETROIT (12 - 15) at OAKLAND (12 - 14) - 2/15/2015, 3:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
OAKLAND is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
OAKLAND is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a conference game this season.
OAKLAND is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games in February games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
OAKLAND is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-1 against the spread versus OAKLAND over the last 3 seasons
OAKLAND is 2-1 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

YOUNGSTOWN ST (10 - 17) at WRIGHT ST (11 - 14) - 2/15/2015, 3:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
YOUNGSTOWN ST is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) in all games this season.
WRIGHT ST is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
WRIGHT ST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after a conference game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WRIGHT ST is 5-1 against the spread versus YOUNGSTOWN ST over the last 3 seasons
WRIGHT ST is 4-2 straight up against YOUNGSTOWN ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

IL-CHICAGO (7 - 19) at CLEVELAND ST (15 - 11) - 2/15/2015, 3:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
IL-CHICAGO is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CLEVELAND ST is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND ST is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND ST is 52-91 ATS (-48.1 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND ST is 4-2 against the spread versus IL-CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND ST is 5-1 straight up against IL-CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

STANFORD (16 - 8) at COLORADO (11 - 12) - 2/15/2015, 4:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
STANFORD is 44-25 ATS (+16.5 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-0 against the spread versus STANFORD over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 3-0 straight up against STANFORD over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

HOFSTRA (16 - 10) at DREXEL (10 - 14) - 2/15/2015, 5:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
DREXEL is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
DREXEL is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
DREXEL is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOFSTRA is 4-1 against the spread versus DREXEL over the last 3 seasons
DREXEL is 4-1 straight up against HOFSTRA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

NEBRASKA (13 - 11) at PURDUE (16 - 9) - 2/15/2015, 5:15 PM

Top Trends for this game.
NEBRASKA is 77-114 ATS (-48.4 Units) in road games since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 77-114 ATS (-48.4 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEBRASKA is 48-71 ATS (-30.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
PURDUE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games this season.
PURDUE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
PURDUE is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all home games this season.
PURDUE is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in home lined games this season.
PURDUE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
PURDUE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after a conference game this season.
NEBRASKA is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEBRASKA is 3-1 against the spread versus PURDUE over the last 3 seasons
PURDUE is 2-2 straight up against NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

ARIZONA ST (12 - 12) at WASHINGTON (14 - 10) - 2/15/2015, 5:30 PM

There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-0 against the spread versus ARIZONA ST over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 3-0 straight up against ARIZONA ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

MIAMI (15 - 9) at BOSTON COLLEGE (9 - 14) - 2/15/2015, 6:30 PM

Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 56-35 ATS (+17.5 Units) after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 90-64 ATS (+19.6 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
MIAMI is 108-73 ATS (+27.7 Units) in road games since 1997.
MIAMI is 108-73 ATS (+27.7 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
MIAMI is 100-64 ATS (+29.6 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
MIAMI is 99-63 ATS (+29.7 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-2 against the spread versus BOSTON COLLEGE over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 5-0 straight up against BOSTON COLLEGE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

ARIZONA (21 - 3) at WASHINGTON ST (11 - 13) - 2/15/2015, 6:30 PM

There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-0 against the spread versus WASHINGTON ST over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 3-0 straight up against WASHINGTON ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

MINNESOTA (16 - 9) at INDIANA (17 - 8) - 2/15/2015, 7:30 PM

Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 75-103 ATS (-38.3 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
INDIANA is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-0 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 2-1 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

CALIFORNIA (16 - 9) at UTAH (19 - 4) - 2/15/2015, 8:30 PM

Top Trends for this game.
CALIFORNIA is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all games this season.
UTAH is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
UTAH is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
UTAH is 21-6 ATS (+14.4 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 21-6 ATS (+14.4 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
UTAH is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a conference game this season.
UTAH is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in home games after allowing 60 points or less this season.
UTAH is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CALIFORNIA is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 2-2 against the spread versus CALIFORNIA over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 2-2 straight up against CALIFORNIA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

RIDER (17 - 9) at NIAGARA (4 - 20) - 2/15/2015, 2:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
RIDER is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 54-35 ATS (+15.5 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
RIDER is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
RIDER is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
NIAGARA is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) in all games this season.
NIAGARA is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
NIAGARA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after a conference game this season.
NIAGARA is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival this season.
NIAGARA is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
RIDER is 3-1 against the spread versus NIAGARA over the last 3 seasons
RIDER is 4-0 straight up against NIAGARA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

ST PETERS (13 - 13) at CANISIUS (12 - 12) - 2/15/2015, 2:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
ST PETERS is 20-33 ATS (-16.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 39-19 ATS (+18.1 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
ST PETERS is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
ST PETERS is 39-21 ATS (+15.9 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CANISIUS is 4-1 against the spread versus ST PETERS over the last 3 seasons
CANISIUS is 5-0 straight up against ST PETERS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

FAIRFIELD (6 - 19) at MANHATTAN (12 - 12) - 2/15/2015, 2:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
MANHATTAN is 36-22 ATS (+11.8 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
FAIRFIELD is 34-16 ATS (+16.4 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MANHATTAN is 4-2 against the spread versus FAIRFIELD over the last 3 seasons
MANHATTAN is 4-2 straight up against FAIRFIELD over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

IONA (20 - 6) at QUINNIPIAC (14 - 10) - 2/15/2015, 4:00 PM

Top Trends for this game.
IONA is 44-67 ATS (-29.7 Units) in February games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
QUINNIPIAC is 3-1 against the spread versus IONA over the last 3 seasons
QUINNIPIAC is 2-2 straight up against IONA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
__________________________________________________ ________

VMI (9 - 16) at THE CITADEL (9 - 15) - 2/15/2015, 5:30 PM

Top Trends for this game.
VMI is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
THE CITADEL is 23-41 ATS (-22.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
THE CITADEL is 2-2 against the spread versus VMI over the last 3 seasons
VMI is 3-1 straight up against THE CITADEL over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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BUCKNELL (14 - 12) at ARMY (14 - 10) - 2/15/2015, 4:00 PM

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Head-to-Head Series History
ARMY is 3-0 against the spread versus BUCKNELL over the last 3 seasons
BUCKNELL is 5-2 straight up against ARMY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons