Sunday 3/15/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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Auto CampingWorld.com 500
By Micah Roberts

Are you kidding me with Kevin Harvick? This guy is on some kind of major roll right now and things will get only tougher for the rest of the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers as Harvick goes to his best track, Phoenix, this weekend.

All Harvick has done after winning his first Sprint Cup title in 2014 is finish second-place in the first two races of 2015 and then win his first Las Vegas Cup race on Sunday. If we go back to the final three races of 2014, Harvick has finished first or second in six straight races now. He's won in four of his last nine starts.

And now he goes to Phoenix where he's won six times over his career including the last three races there and four of the last five. How do you bet anyone else this week? The only problem with betting Harvick is that the sports books know all this past history as well and you'll be lucky to get 7/2 odds (Bet $100 to win $350).

So let's see if we can make a case for anyone else and to begin with we'll take a look at Jimmie Johnson who will be the second choice to win at 5/1 odds.

All Johnson has done at Phoenix is win four times and average a 7.7 finish which is tops in the series. The only problem with Johnson is that his last Phoenix win was 2009. He's gone 10 races there without winning -- his longest Phoenix drought.

Carl Edwards is the only driver other than Harvick to win at Phoenix over the past five races there. In addition to his 2013 win, he also won in 2010 and has a 12.2 average finish. The problem with Edwards is that he's yet to have a top-10 in three starts in his first year with Joe Gibbs Racing. Because of his past history, you'll only get 12 to-1 odds him which isn't attractive enough considering his slow start to 2015.

Another driver having an awful time of it thus far has been Jeff Gordon who is currently 29th in points. He's had a great car in all three races so far, but has had every kind of bad luck imaginable. On Saturday at Las Vegas, his pole winning car was struck by Danica Patrick in practice and he was forced into a back-up car which had to start from the rear. He's had 32 starts at Phoenix and captured two wins and an 11th-place average finish. His car will be good once again and at 10-to-1 odds, he's an attractive wager. But the bad luck part of his season looms large and might have a few bettors shy away from him at the bet window.

Denny Hamlin also has a career average of 11th-place at Phoenix in his 19 career starts, which includes a win in 2012. Hamlin's best type of tracks over his career has been the flat variety and Phoenix is about as flat as they get. He's had four top-5 finishes in his last six Phoenix starts. He presents good value at 12-to-1 odds.

Brad Keselowski hasn't won at Phoenix before but he did win on similar flat tracks at Richmond and New Hampshire last year. He's finished sixth or better in five of his last six Phoenix starts.

The driver that will probably give Harvick his most competition is Keselowski's Penske Racing teammate Joey Logano who had his best season of racing at Phoenix last year with a fourth and sixth-place finish. Logano has the look of a being a force all season long and he should find himself with his third top-5 finish of the season, and maybe his first win on the track.

The only driver to have top-5 finishes in all three races this season besides Harvick has been Dale Earnhardt Jr., who will get 8-to-1 odds this week. He won at Phoenix in the 2003 and 2004 season and is on a run of finishing eigth or better in his past four starts there, including runner-up in this race last season.

A driver everyopne can't help but root for is Martin Truex Jr. who has shown extraordinary power in the first three races of 2015 and currently sits fifth in points. It's rare to see a single car team have success in NASCAR and it's even rarer to see a team have any success when their garage isn't in Charlotte -- Furniture Row Racing is based out of Denver. If including the two non-points races at Daytona, Truex Jr. has finished eighth or better in all five races, including runner-up at Las Vegas Sunday. His best run at Phoenix was fifth-place in 2009.

Top-5 Finish Prediction:

1) #4 Kevin Harvick (7/2)
2) #22 Joey Logano (8/1)
3) #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8/1)
4) #48 Jimmie Johnson (5/1)
5) #11 Denny Hamlin (12/1)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Auto: Drivers to Watch - Phoenix

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Campingworld.com 500
Sunday, March 15 – 3:30 p.m. EDT
Phoenix International Raceway – Avondale, AZ

The fourth race of the 2015 Sprint Cup Series will be the Campingworld.com 500 in Phoenix. Despite the 500 in the name, this race is just 312 laps on the one-mile course as it is one of four races on the schedule that is measured in kilometers. This event has been held in the desert since 2005 and opened as the Subway Fresh 500. The track has progressive banking with 10-11 degree bankings in turns one and two and 8-9 degree bankings in turns three and four.

There have been two multiple-time winners at this event, with Jeff Gordon taking the checkered flag in both 2007 and 2011 as Kevin Harvick did so in 2006 and 2014. In last year’s win he nearly broke the course record with a time of 2:51:23, less than a minute slower than Denny Hamlin’s record (2:50:35) from 2012. Let’s see who can put up an impressive performance this week and dominate the field at PIR.

Drivers to Bet

Jimmie Johnson (7/1) - Johnson has dominated this track in his career and has by far the best rating here at 114.0 behind an average finish of 7.7. He’s only won this specific event once (2008), but owns four checkered flags when circling PIR and has a total of 14 top-fives in 23 races. The six-time Sprint Cup Series Champion is always a solid bet with a victory in 71 of his 474 career races (15%) and he already has a win this year when he took the Fold of Honor QuikTrip 500 just a few weeks ago. He is the safest bet of the top racers this week.

Denny Hamlin (12/1) - Hamlin owns the course record here when he won back in 2012 and ranks sixth among his peers with an average finish of 11.2 at this event. Overall in his time at Phoenix, he has raced 19 times, getting nine top-fives in that time and owns an impressive driver rating of 96.6. Already on the year he has a fourth and a fifth-place finish in the past three weeks and despite an average start of 21.7, is getting in at an average of 15.7. The 34-year-old last won at Talladega last year and has a good chance at adding to his 24 career victories this week.

Martin Truex Jr. (20/1) - Truex Jr. hasn’t had the most success at this track with just one top-five finish in his 18 attempts, but still possesses a decent average finish of 17.7. What really makes him a solid pick this week is his performances so far in the 2015 season as he’s finished eighth, sixth and second in his last three races. He had an average start of 10.7 during that time and looks poised to make this a career season with his best finish in the Sprint Cup Series being 11th in both 2007 and 2012. Truex Jr. has led only 101-of-5,063 laps (2%) when racing at this track, but should build on this number come Sunday evening.

Tony Stewart (33/1) - Stewart is one of the more well-known racers in the Sprint Cup Series as he has tallied 48 career victories and three Sprint Cup Championships. He hasn’t done well at all this year, with his best showing being a 30th finish when in Atlanta, but has shown affection for this track with 11 career top-10’s in his 25 visits, yet has failed to grab a win despite his average finish of 12.2. Stewart’s average green flag speed of 126.052 MPH ranks him as fifth among the field and should allow him to compete throughout the entirety of the 312 laps.

A.J. Allmendinger (100/1) - For his odds, Allmendinger has a very respectable average finish of 16.6 at this racetrack over 11 career attempts. He has two top-10’s as well while owning a driving rating of 80.2 and earned his first career pole back in 2011. He owns just one career victory when he took the Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen last year, but has been breaking out so far in 2015 as he comes off back-to-back top-seven performances at Atlanta and Vegas. It may be worth it to drop a unit on this 33-year-old veteran as he looks to continue a great campaign.

Odds to win Campingworld.com 500

Kevin Harvick 3/1
Brad Keselowski 7/1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 8/1
Jeff Gordon 8/1
Jimmie Johnson 8/1
Joey Logano 8/1
Carl Edwards 12/1
Denny Hamlin 12/1
Matt Kenseth 12/1
Kasey Kahne 20/1
Clint Bowyer 25/1
Kyle Larson 25/1
Martin Truex Jr. 25/1
Ryan Newman 25/1
David Ragan 40/1
Jamie McMurray 40/1
Tony Stewart 40/1
AJ Allmendinger 100/1
Aric Almirola 100/1
Austin Dillon 100/1
Brian Vickers 100/1
Greg Biffle 100/1
Paul Menard 100/1
Regan Smith 200/1
Field (Any Other Driver) 200/1
Danica Patrick 300/1
Sam Hornish Jr. 300/1
Casey Mears 500/1
Ricky Stenhouse 500/1
Trevor Bayne 500/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Golf Moore leads Spieth by one at Valspar
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Ryan Moore made four birdies down the stretch to shoot a bogey-free 67 on Saturday and took a one-stroke lead over Jordan Spieth into the final round of the Valspar Championship on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Fla.

Moore, who has won four times on the PGA Tour including the CIMB Classic in Malaysia the last two years, carded 12 consecutive birdies before holing eight-foot birdie putts on the 13th and 14th holes. Then he rolled in a 31-footer on No. 16 and a five-footer on the final hole.

"I just started hitting it closer (to the hole)," said Moore, who played college golf at UNLV. "I missed a lot of greens on the front nine but hit some good chips and made some good par saves.

"I was finally able to get some birdie chances and put them in the hole. You can't force things on this course. It dictates what you do on a lot of holes."

Spieth, who has become one of the top 10 players in the world despite winning only the 2012 John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour, made his only bogey on the third hole while posting a 68.

Derek Ernst holed a 16-foot eagle putt on the third hole to start his 69 and was two shots back in third, followed another stroke behind by Sean O'Hair, who birdied two of the last three holes and also had a 69.

Patrick Reed carded a second straight 68 and was four shots behind in a tie for fifth with Matt Kuchar, who also had a 68, and Henrik Stenson of Sweden, who finished at 71.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Betting against each NBA title contender's fatal flaw
By JOE FORTENBAUGH

As of Friday morning, we are now just 36 days away from the start of the NBA Playoffs. The Western Conference postseason shakedown is heating up while the Hawks and Cavaliers continue to distance themselves from the rest of the pack in the Eastern Conference.

Today we’re going to take a look at the key weaknesses of six playoff contenders while identifying the teams most likely to expose those flaws.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: 51-12, 9/2 to win title

Biggest flaw: Rebounding

Despite leading the Association in scoring, assists per game and winning percentage - among a myriad of other statistics - the rare instances in which Steve Kerr’s Warriors ran into trouble this season came when the club got worked on the glass.

In 12 defeats through 63 contests, Golden State has been out-rebounded eight times by an average of 7.2 boards per game, with the team currently ranking 23rd in the NBA in offensive rebound percentage (23.8 percent) and 19th in defensive rebound percentage (74.1 percent).

Opponents who pose the biggest threat to the Warriors’ run for the title include Memphis, San Antonio, Oklahoma City and Cleveland.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: 42-25, 2/1 to win title

Biggest flaw: Postseason experience

Between a roster spot occupied by the best player on the planet as well as a zip code located in the less-then-daunting Eastern Conference, it’s no surprise to see LeBron James and the Cavaliers atop the NBA championship odds board.

But there’s a big difference between tearing through the league’s regular season and finding an abundance of success in the playoffs. Integral components Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love combine for exactly zero career postseason appearances and midseason addition Timofey Mozgov has just five playoff starts under his belt since entering the league in 2010.

Cleveland emerging from the gauntlet as the last squad standing would go down as James’ greatest accomplishment considering his supporting cast, but whoever claims the West will pose a serious threat to that line on the King’s resume.

ATLANTA HAWKS: 50-14, 6/1 to win title

Biggest flaw: Star power

San Antonio, Miami and Boston each had their own edition of a “Big 3” triumvirate, Oklahoma City had Westbrook and Durant, Dallas rolled with Nowitzki and the Lakers fell in line behind Kobe Bryant.

Those aforementioned teams and superstars comprised the 10 squads to qualify for the NBA Finals over the last five seasons. Basketball is a team game, but the history of the sport is overflowing with championship squads led by bona fide superstar talent.

And while the Hawks have had a Cinderella-like run through the NBA’s regular season, how likely is it that a club led by Paul Millsap, Kyle Korver and Jeff Teague will put it all together to win four straight series in the playoffs, especially with LeBron James and the Cavaliers standing in the way of a trip to the Finals?

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: 35-29, 6/1 to win title

Biggest flaw: Endurance

As of the close of business Thursday night, the Thunder stood a half game behind New Orleans for the Western Conference’s final playoff spot. Granted, integral injuries to the team’s superstar talent has played a significant role in Oklahoma City’s shortcomings, as Kevin Durant has appeared in just 27 of 64 games this season while Russell Westbrook has missed 15 starts.

But that doesn’t change the fact that this organization will have to grind it out tooth and nail every single night for the rest of the regular season just to earn the right to play a Golden State squad in the first round that is 28-2 at home and 3-1 against the Thunder this season.

OKC should find its way into the playoffs, but how much gas will this team have left in the tank to make its way through a loaded Western Conference that offers no margin for error?

SAN ANTONIO SPURS: 40-24, 8/1 to win title

Biggest flaw: Age

The first rule when trying to identify flaws within the San Antonio power structure is to realize that this team is never to be counted out. Recent history serves as an excellent example, as the Spurs took a four-game losing streak from February 19-February 25 and a national narrative of “This isn’t their year,” and transformed it into a six-game winning streak that ended Thursday night in overtime against Cleveland.

That being said, Tim Duncan is now 38 years old, Manu Ginobili is 37 and Tony Parker turns 33 in May. San Antonio is still the most well-coached and fundamentally sound team in the NBA, but you have to wonder whether or not these long-in-the-tooth superstars can find a way to outrun the Western Conference’s youthful Warriors, skyscraping Grizzlies and explosive Rockets.

HOUSTON ROCKETS: 43-22, 20/1

Biggest flaw: Turnovers/ Big-game shortcomings

James Harden has been an absolute monster this season, but if you take a close look at the 43-22 record that Houston is currently boasting you’ll notice that the Rockets are an anemic 7-14 against the seven other Western Conference teams currently in possession of a postseason berth.

Houston has no trouble beating up on the little guy, but the big spots are where this team tends to crumble, as evidenced by a 0-4 record against league-leading Golden State this season. Additionally, it doesn’t help the cause when you rank second-last in the NBA in turnovers per game (16.2).

The Rockets are one of the most exciting team’s in the league to watch in HD, but this franchise has yet to prove it has the fortitude to seal the deal when it matters most.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Preview: Hawks (51-14) at Lakers (17-47)

Date: March 15, 2015 9:30 PM EDT

The Atlanta Hawks have won all but five of their 24 games against Western Conference teams this season.

One of those defeats came against the lowly Lakers, who they also haven't beat in their last eight visits to Los Angeles.

After knocking off another opponent from the West, the Hawks try to end their road slide to the Lakers on Sunday night.

Atlanta (51-14) avoided a third straight road defeat with Friday's 96-87 win at Phoenix. Paul Millsap had 23 points as the Hawks shook off some early shooting struggles to hit five of their final six 3-pointers and outscore the Suns 31-14 in the fourth quarter.

'We believe in our shooters,' coach Mike Budenholzer said about the Hawks, whose 47.4 field-goal percentage and 40.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc against opponents from the West are both the best among East teams.

'We believe in moving the ball and keeping the court spaced," he added. "At some point, most nights it turns and the percentages, if they are not with you early, they are going to come late.'

Atlanta's 21 road wins are tied with Memphis for second-most in the league, but they haven't beaten the Lakers (17-47) on the road since a 114-110 win Feb. 15, 2006. The last three meetings at Staples Center, though, were decided by eight or fewer points and the last two by a combined three.

Considering the East-leading Hawks are the first team to clinch a playoff spot and Los Angeles is set to miss the postseason in back-to-back years for the first time since 1975-76, they should have a good chance of ending that skid despite falling 114-109 to the Lakers on Nov. 18.

That defeat might have provided a wake-up call for Atlanta, which is 46-9 since and won't have to face Kobe Bryant this time. The five-time NBA champion scored 28 as the Lakers shot a season-high 54.0 percent, but his season ended in January when he opted for shoulder surgery.

Los Angeles has dropped six of seven, including three of four at home, after Friday's 101-94 loss to New York in ex-Laker Derek Fisher's first visit as Knicks coach.

The Knicks are one of three teams with a worse record than the Lakers, but the hosts went 5 of 18 from 3-point range while New York was 9 of 18 and forced 13 turnovers.

"If we haven't learned our lesson about looking at other teams and thinking that we're better than them, then we're not very bright, obviously," said Los Angeles coach Byron Scott, whose team has shot 42.4 percent while playing the last two games at home. "You still have to have a fear of losing games like that.

"I think we were just selfish as a basketball team. I think a lot of our guys came in here looking at New York thinking 'this is going to be an easy win, so I'm going to get my points,' which showed in our shooting percentage."

Forward Jordan Hill was one of the few Lakers to consistently convert, going 8 of 14 to finish with 19 points plus 10 boards.

He's totaled 39 points on 16-of-25 shooting and recorded 19 rebounds in the last two against the Hawks.

Millsap scored 29 and Jeff Teague added 23 versus Los Angeles this season.

Teague, however, has scored eight in each of the last two games and went 4 of 13 from the floor Friday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cavs open as 10.5-point faves vs. Magic
Stephen Campbell

The Cleveland Cavaliers have opened as 10.5-point road favorites versus the Orlando Magic.

Both sides enter the game heading in opposite directions. The Magic (21-46 straight-up) have dropped seven out of their last 10 contests and have covered half of those games.

Cleveland is 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS in their last 10. The total has opened at 2015.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

aim for consecutive wins'

Toronto Raptors finally putting together a solid effort at both ends of the court defeated Heat last time out snapping a four game losing steak while winning for just the second time in eleven attempts. NBA handicappers looking at Toronto's Sunday matchup against visiting Portland will certainly have doubts as to whether Raptors win streak extends to two games. Blazers currently ridding a 7-1 (6-2 ATS) stretch have enjoyed success vs the Atlantic Division as they're 7-1 (5-3 ATS) this season, 16-2 (12-6 ATS) the past two seasons. This being a game against Toronto is yet another nod towards Portland, as Blazers have compiled a 10-1 record against Raptors the past 11 meetings posting a profitable 9-2 mark at the betting window. Adding more doubt Toronto pulls this one off. Raptors have not responded facing a team with a .600 or better winning record going 9-14 on the year with a cash draining 7-15-1 ATS record against the betting line and just 3-7 SU/ATS revenging a loss this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapping Cinderella
By Bruce Marshall

Following are straight up and against the spread results for all of the "off" conferences in NCAA Tournament play since 1994.

While straight-up wins are certainly not common for these lower-echelon conference reps in NCAA action, they are not unheard of, as the best of this lot has been able to cause real damage in recent years.

Some of those who have famously succeeded in sub-regionals over the past decade include Mercer, North Dakota State, and Stephen F. Austin a year ago, Florida Gulf Coast in 2013, plus several others from recent years such as Morehead State, Siena, Winthrop, Bucknell, Vermont, Northwestern State, Montana, Lehigh, and Norfolk State.

Keep in mind that the lower-rung leagues have often tended to cover spreads, or not cover the spread, en masse during sub-regional action. And 2014 was one of those postseasons when the lower-rung teams showed some bite, with aforementioned Mercer, North Dakota State, and Stephen F. Austin going one better and notching straight-up wins.

In the Round of 64 at the top of the sub-regionals last March, the lower-echelon leagues also posted an 8-3 ATS mark, though that performance vs. the line had been reversed several times in previous years.

While each game must be handicapped upon its own specifics, these tourney-wide trends often seem to appear, and we might suggest a close watch on the Thursday action in next week's sub-regionals, which could provide similar clues about the Friday games.

"Ws" and "Ls" below reflect the ATS result for the "off" team in the matchup:
*Signifies conference team has already qualified as of Friday, March 13.

*AMERICA EAST (SU 4-22, ATS 10-16 since 1994):
1994-Drexel (+9½) 39-61 L vs. Temple 39-61;
1995-Drexel (+16) 49-73 L vs. Ok. State;
1996-Drexel (+6) 75-63 W vs. Memphis;Drexel (+6) 58-69 L vs. Syracuse;1997-Bucknell (+7½) 52-81 L vs. Tulsa;
1998-Delaware (+16) 56-95 L vs. Purdue;
1999-Delaware (+10½) 52-62 W vs. Tennessee;
2000-Hofstra (+12½) 66-86 L vs. Ok. State;
2001-Hofstra (+7) 48-61 L vs. UCLA;
2002-Boston U. (+24) 52-90 L vs. Cincinnati;
2003-Vermont (+25½) 51-80 L vs. Arizona;
2004-Vermont (+20) 53-70 W vs. UConn;
2005-Vermont (+20) 60-57 (OT) W vs. Syracuse;Vermont (+8½) 61-72 L vs. Michigan State;
2006-Albany (+21½) 59-72 W vs. UConn;
2007-Albany (+8½) 57-84 L vs. Virginia;
2008-UM-Baltimore County (+16½) 47-66 L vs. Georgetown;
2009-Binghamton (+22) 62-86 L vs. Duke;
2010-Vermont (+16) 56-79 L vs. Syracuse;
2011-Boston U (+22½) 53-72 W vs. Kansas;
2012-Vermont (-4) 71-59 W play-in vs. Lamar;Vermont (+16) 58-77 L vs. North Carolina;
2013-Albany (+19) 61-73 W vs. Duke;2014-Albany (-2½) 71-64 W play-in game vs. Mount Saint Mary's, Albany (+22) 55-67 W vs. Florida.

*ATLANTIC SUN (SU 5-22, ATS 14-12-1):
1994-Charleston (+9) 58-68 L vs. Wake Forest; Central Florida (+23½) 67-98 L vs. Purdue 67-98;
1995-Florida International (+31) 56-92 L vs. UCLA;
1996-Central Florida (+30) 70-92 W vs. UMass;
1997-Charleston (+6½) 75-66 W vs. Maryland, Charleston (+5½) 69-73 W vs. Arizona;
1998-Charleston (+14) 57-67 W vs. Stanford;
1999 Samford (+15½) 43-69 L vs. St. John's;
2000-Samford (+13½) 65-79 L vs. Syracuse;
2001-Georgia State (+7½) 50-49 W vs. Wisconsin, Georgia State (+14) 60-79 L vs. Maryland;
2002-Florida Atlantic (+18) 78-86 W vs. Alabama;
2003-Troy State (+12) 59-71 N vs. Xavier;
2004-Central Florida (+14) 44-53 W Pittsburgh;
2005-Central Florida (+18) 71-77 W vs. UConn;
2006-Belmont (+24) 44-78 L vs. UCLA;
2007-Belmont (+16½) 55-80 L vs. Georgetown;
2008-Belmont (+20) W 70-71 W vs. Duke;
2009-East Tennessee State (+20) 62-72 W vs. Pitt;
2010-East Tennessee State (+19) 71-100 L vs. Kentucky;
2011-Belmont (+4) 58-72 L vs. Wisconsin;
2012-Belmont (+3½) 59-74 L vs. Georgetown;
2013-Florida Gulf Coast (+13½) 78-68 W vs. Georgetown, Florida Gulf Coast (+7) 81-71 W vs. San Diego State, Florida Gulf Coast (+13) 50-62 W vs. Florida;
2014-Mercer (+13) 78-71 W vs. Duke, Mercer (+8) 63-83 L vs. Tennessee.
Note: known as Trans-America Conference until 2001.

BIG SKY (SU 3-21, ATS 11-12-1):
1994-Boise State (+18) 58-67 W vs. Louisville;
1995-Weber State (+15) 79-72 W vs. Michigan State, Weber State (+7½) 51-53 W vs. Georgetown;
1996-Montana St. (+9) 55-88 L vs. Syracuse;
1997 Montana (+20½) 54-92 L vs. Kentucky;
1998-Northern Arizona (+14½) 62-65 W vs. Cincinnati;
1999-Weber State (+13) 76-74 W vs. North Carolina, Weber State (+8) 72-80 OT N vs. Florida;
2000-Northern Arizona (+14) 56-61 W vs. St. John's;
2001-CS Northridge 75-99 L (+12½) vs. Kansas;
2002-Montana (+20½) 62-81 W vs. Oregon;
2003-Weber State (+6½) 74-81 L vs. Wisconsin;
2004-Eastern Washington (+16½) 56-75 L vs. Oklahoma;
2005-Montana (+20½) 77-88 W vs. Washington;
2006-Montana +7) 87-79 W vs. Nevada, Montana (+10½) 56-69 L vs. Boston College;
2007-Weber State (+20) 42-70 L vs. UCLA;
2008-Portland State (+22) 61-85 L vs. Kansas;
2009-Portland State (+10½) 59-77 L vs. Xavier;
2010-Montana (+9) 57-62 W vs. New Mexico;
2011-Northern Colorado (+14½) 50-68 L vs. San Diego State;
2012-Montana (+9) 49-73 L vs. Wisconsin;
2013- Montana (+12 ½) 34-81 (L) vs. Syracuse;
2014-Weber State (+20) 59-68 W vs. Arizona.

*BIG SOUTH: (SU 3-19, ATS 9-13):
1996-UNC Greensboro (+18) 61-66 W vs. Cincinnati;
1997-Charleston Southern (+18) 75-109 L vs. UCLA;
1998-Radford (+31) 63-99 L vs. Duke 63-99;
1999-Winthrop (+28) 41-80 L vs. Auburn;
2000-Winthrop (+16½) 50-74 L vs. Oklahoma;
2001-Winthrop (-2½) 67-71 L play-in vs. Northwestern State;
2002-Winthrop (+33½) 37-84 L vs. Duke;
2003-UNC Asheville (+1) 82-74 W play-in vs. Texas Southern, UNC Asheville (+27½) 61-82 W vs. Texas;2004-Liberty (+24) 63-82 W vs. Saint Joseph's;
2005-Winthrop (+13½) 64-74 W vs. Gonzaga;
2006-Winthrop (+7) 61-63 W vs. Tennessee;
2007-Winthrop (-3½) 74-64 W vs. Notre Dame, Winthrop (+3) 61-75 L vs. Oregon;
2008-Winthrop (+9½) 40-71 L vs. Washington State;
2009-Radford (+25½) 58-101 L North Carolina;
2010-Winthrop (-3) 44-61 L play-in vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff;
2011-UNC Asheville (-4½) 81-77 L play-in vs. UA-Little Rock, UNC Asheville (+18) 51-74 L vs. Pittsburgh;
2012-UNC Asheville (15½) W 65-72 vs. Syracuse;
2013-Liberty (+2½) 72-73 W play-in vs. North Carolina A&T;
2014-Coastal Carolina (+21) 59-70 W vs. Virginia.
No reps ''94-95.

*METRO-ATLANTIC (SU 6-22, ATS 13-15):
1994-Loyola Md. (+24½) 55-81 L vs. Arizona;
1995-St. Peter's (+22) 51-68 W vs. UMass, Manhattan (+7½) 77-67 W vs. Oklahoma, Manhattan (+6½) 54-64 L vs. Arizona;
1996-Canisius (+13) 43-72 L vs. Utah;
1997-Fairfield (+27) 74-82 W vs. North Carolina;
1998-Iona (+5½) 61-63 W vs. Syracuse 61-63 W;
1999-Siena (+7) 80-94 L Arkansas;
2000-Iona (+14½) 59-74 L vs. Maryland;
2001-Iona (+10½) 70-72 W vs. Ole Miss;
2002-Siena (-4½) 81-77 L play-in vs. Alcorn State;Siena (+28½) 70-85 W vs. Maryland;
2003-Manhattan (+7½) 65-76 L vs. Syracuse;
2004-Manhattan (+5) 75-60 W vs. Florida, Manhattan (+7) 80-84 W vs. Wake Forest;
2005-Niagara (+12) L 67-84 vs. Oklahoma;
2006-Iona (+7½) 64-80 L vs. LSU;
2007-Niagara (-2½) 77-69 W play-in vs. Florida A&M, Niagara (+19) 67-107 L vs. Kansas;
2008-Siena (+6½) 83-62 W vs. Vanderbilt, Siena (+5½) 72-84 L vs. Villanova;
2009-Siena (+3) 74-72 W 2-OT vs. Ohio State, Siena (+12) 72-79 W vs. Louisville;
2010-Siena (+4½) 64-72 L vs. Purdue;
2011-St. Peter's (+14½) 43-65 L vs. Purdue;
2012-Loyola Md. (+17½) 59-78 L vs. Ohio State;
2013-Iona (+14½) 70-95 L vs. Syracuse;
2014-Manhattan (+16½) 64-71 W vs. Louisville.

MEAC (SU 5-20, ATS 13-12):
1994-NC A&T (+29) 79-94 W vs. Arkansas;
1995-NC A&T (+23) 47-79 L vs. Wake Forest;
1996-S.C. State (+30½) 54-92 L vs. Kansas;
1997-Coppin State (+18½) 78-65 W vs. South Carolina, Coppin State (+11½) 81-82 W vs. Texas;
1998-S.C. State (+26½) 67-82 W vs. Kentucky;
1999-Florida A&M (+46) 58-99 W vs. Duke;
2000-S.C. State (+31½) 65-84 W vs. Stanford;
2001-Hampton (+17½) 58-57 W vs. Iowa State, Hampton (+13) 57-76 L vs. Georgetown;
2002-Hampton (+12½) 67-78 W vs. UConn;
2003-S.C. State (+27) 54-71 W vs. Oklahoma;
2004-Florida A&M (+4) 72-57 W play-in vs. Lehigh, Florida A&M (+28) 76-96 W vs. Kentucky;
2005-Delaware State (+26½) 46-57 W vs. Duke;
2006-Hampton (+3½) 49-71 L play-in game vs. Monmouth;
2007-Florida A&M (+2½) 69-77 L play-in vs. Niagara;
2008-Coppin State (+3) 60-69 L play-in vs. Mount Saint Mary's;
2009-Morgan State (+16) L 54-82 vs. Oklahoma;
2010-Morgan State (+16½) 50-77 L vs. West Virginia;
2011-Hampton (+23) 45-87 W vs. Duke;
2012-Norfolk State (+21½) 86-84 W vs. Missouri;Norfolk State (+14½) 50-84 L vs. Florida;
2013-North Carolina A&T (-2½) 73-72 L play-in vs. Liberty, North Carolina A&T (+26) 48-79 L vs. Louisville;
2014-NC Central (+8½) 75-93 L vs. Iowa State.

*NORTHEAST (SU 2-21, ATS 12-10-1):
1994-Rider (+19) 46-64 W vs. UConn;
1995-Mt. St, Mary's (+31) 67-113 L vs. Kentucky;
1996-Monmouth (+14) 44-68 L vs. Marquette;
1997-Long Island (+13½) 91-101 W vs. Villanova;
1998-FDU (+14½) 85-93 W vs. UConn;
1999-Mt. St. Mary's (+26) 53-76 W vs. Michigan State;
2000-Central Connecticut (+18) 78-88 W vs. Iowa State;
2001-Monmouth (+35½) 52-95 L vs. Duke;
2002-Central Connecticut (+15) 54-71 L vs. Pittsburgh;
2003-Wagner (+20½) 61-87 L vs. Pittsburgh;
2004-Monmouth (+20½) 52-85 L vs. Mississippi State;
2005-Fairleigh Dickinson (+26) 55-67 W vs. Illinois;
2006-Monmouth (-3½) 71-49 W play-in vs. Hampton, Monmouth (+19½) 45-58 W vs. Villanova;
2007-Central Connecticut (+21) 57-78 N vs. Ohio State;
2008-Mount Saint Mary's (-3) 69-60 W play-in vs. Coppin State;Mount Saint Mary's (+25) 74-113 L vs. North Carolina;
2009-Robert Morris (+17) 62-77 W vs. Michigan State;
2010-Robert Morris (+17) 70-73 W (OT) vs. Villanova;
2011-Long Island (+18) 87-102 W vs. North Carolina;
2012-Long Island (+19) 67-89 L vs. Michigan State;
2013-Long Island (+1) L 55-68 play-in vs. James Madison;
2014-Mount Saint Mary's +2½ 64-71 L play-in game vs. Albany.

*OHIO VALLEY (SU 4-21, ATS 15-10):
1994-Tennessee State (+18½) 70-83 W vs. Kentucky;
1995-Murray State (+20) 70-80 W vs. North Carolina;
1996-Austin Peay (+15) 79-90 W vs. Georgia Tech;
1997-Murray State (+23½) 68-71 W vs. Duke;
1998-Murray State (+12½) 74-97 L vs. Rhode Island;
1999-Murray State (+8) 58-72 L vs. Ohio State;
2000-SE Missouri State (+12½) 61-64 W vs. LSU;
2001-Eastern Illinois (+21½) 76-101 L vs. Arizona;
2002-Murray State (+9) 68-85 L vs. Georgia;
2003-Austin Peay (+16) 64-86 L vs. Louisville;
2004-Murray State (+9) 53-72 L vs. Illinois;
2005-Eastern Kentucky (+16½) 64-72 W vs. Kentucky;
2006-Murray State (+11½) 65-69 W vs. North Carolina;
2007-Eastern Kentucky (+27½) 65-86 W vs. North Carolina;
2008-Austin Peay (+15½) 54-74 L vs. Texas: 2009-Morehead State (-3) 58-43 W play-in vs. Alabama State, 58-43, Morehead State (+21) W vs. Louisville, 54-74;
2010-Murray State (+2½) 66-65 W vs. Vanderbilt, Murray State (+4½) 52-54 W vs. Butler;
2011-Morehead State (+9½) 62-61 W vs. Louisville, Morehead State (+4) 48-65 L vs. Richmond;
2012-Murray State (-5) 58-41 W vs. Colorado State;Murray State (+5) 53-62 L vs. Marquette;
2013-Belmont (+4½) 64-81 L vs. Arizona;
2014-Eastern Kentucky (+14) 69-80 W vs. Kansas.

*PATRIOT (SU 3-21, ATS 12-12):
1994-Navy (+20½) 53-76 L vs. Missouri;
1995-Colgate (+27) 68-82 W vs. Kansas;
1996-Colgate (+28) 59-68 W vs. UConn;
1997-Navy (+19½) 61-75 W vs. Utah;
1998-Navy (+28) 52-88 L vs. North Carolina;
1999-Lafayette (+17½) 54-75 L vs. Miami Florida;
2000-Lafayette (+21½) 47-73 L vs. Temple;
2001-Holy Cross (+20) 68-72 W vs. Kentucky;
2002-Holy Cross (+28½) 59-70 W vs. Kansas;
2003-Holy Cross (+10) 68-72 W vs. Marquette;
2004-Lehigh (-4) 57-72 L play-in vs. Florida A&M;
2005-Bucknell (+13½) 64-63 W vs. Kansas, Bucknell (+8) 62-71 L vs. Wisconsin;
2006-Bucknell (+5) 59-55 W vs. Arkansas, Bucknell (+8) 56-72 L vs. Memphis;
2007-Holy Cross (+7½) 51-61 L vs. Southern Illinois;
2008-American (+19½) 57-72 W vs. Tennessee;
2009-American (+16) 67-80 W vs. Villanova;
2010-Lehigh (+25½) 74-90 W vs. Kansas;
2011-Bucknell (+20) 52-81 L vs. UConn;
2012-Lehigh (+12) 75-70 W vs. Duke;Lehigh (+4) 58-70 L vs. Xavier;
2013-Bucknell (+3½) 56-58 L vs. Butler;
2014-American (+14) 35-75 L vs. Wisconsin.

*SOUTHERN (SU 5-21, ATS 17-8-1):
1994-UT Chattanooga (+12) 73-102 L vs. Kansas;
1995-UT Chattanooga (+16) 71-100 L vs. UConn;
1996-Western Carolina (+20) 71-73 W vs. Purdue;
1997-UT Chattanooga (+9) 73-70 W vs. Georgia, UT Chattanooga (+10) 75-63 W vs. Illinois, UT Chattanooga (+8) 65-71 W vs. Purdue;
1998-Davidson (+15) 61-80 L vs. Michigan;
1999-Charleston (-2) 53-62 L vs. Tulsa;
2000-Appalachian State (+13½) 61-87 L vs. Ohio State;
2001-UNC Greensboro (+30) 60-89 W vs. Stanford;
2002-Davidson (+12½) 64-69 W vs. Ohio State;
2003-East Tennessee State (+12½) 73-76 W vs. Wake Forest;
2004-East Tennessee State (+9) 77-80 W vs. Cincinnati;
2005-Chattanooga (+17½) 54-70 W vs. Wake Forest;
2006-Davidson (+10½) 62-70 W vs. Ohio State;
2007-Davidson (+7) 70-82 L vs. Maryland;
2008-Davidson (-2) 82-76 W vs. Gonzaga, Davidson (+5) 74-70 W vs. Georgetown, Davidson (+4½) 73-56 W vs. Wisconsin, Davidson (+9½) 57-59 W vs. Kansas;
2009-Chattanooga (+20½) 47-103 L vs. UConn;
2010-Wofford (+10) 49-53 W vs. Wisconsin;
2011-Wofford (+8½) 66-74 W vs. BYU;
2012-Davidson (+7) 62-69 N vs. Louisville;
2013-Davidson (+3½) 58-59 W vs. Marquette;
2014-Wofford (+15) 40-57 L vs. Michigan.

SOUTHLAND (SU 4-21, ATS 10-14-1):
1994-SW Texas State (+16) 60-78 L vs. UMass;
1995-Nicholls State (+13½) 72-96 L vs. Virginia;
1996-NE Louisiana (+19½) 50-62 W vs. Wake Forest;
1997-SW Texas State (+22) 46-78 L vs. Minnesota;
1998-Nicholls State (+26) 60-99 L vs. Arizona;
1999-UT San Antonio (+26½) 66-91 W vs. UConn;
2000-Lamar (+32½) 55-82 W vs. Duke;
2001-Northwestern State (+2½) 71-67 W play-in vs. Winthrop, Northwestern State (+26½) 54-96 L vs. Illinois;
2002-McNeese State (+10½) 58-70 L vs. Mississippi State;
2003-Sam Houston (+19) 55-85 L vs. Florida;
2004-UT San Antonio (+24) 45-71 L vs. Stanford;
2005-SE Louisiana (+18½) 50-63 W vs. Oklahoma State;
2006-Northwestern State (+6½) 64-63 W vs. Iowa, Northwestern State (+8) 54-67 L vs. West Virginia;
2007-Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (+13) 63-76 N vs. Wisconsin;
2008-UT-Arlington (+25) 63-87 W vs. Memphis;
2009-Stephen F. Austin (+12) 44-59 L vs. Syracuse;
2010-Sam Houston State (+12½) 59-68 W vs. Baylor;
2011-UT San Antonio (-3) 70-61 W play-in vs. Alabama State, UT San Antonio (+24½) 46-75 L vs. Ohio State;
2012-Lamar (+4) 59-71 L play-in vs. Vermont;
2013-Northwestern State (+20) 47-79 L vs. Florida.;
2014-Stephen F. Austin (+6½) 77-75 W in OT vs. Virginia Commonwealth, Stephen F. Austin (+9½) 60-77 L vs. UCLA.

SWAC (SU 1-21, ATS 9-13):
1994-Texas Southern (+20) 70-82 W vs. Duke;
1995-Texas Southern (+18) 78-79 W vs. Arkansas;
1996-Miss. Valley St. (+26) 56-93 L vs. Georgetown;
1997-Jackson State (+35½) 64-78 W vs. Kansas;
1998-Prairie View (+36½) 52-110 L vs. Kansas;
1999-Alcorn State (+22) 57-69 W vs. Stanford;
2000-Jackson State (+27½) 47-71 W vs. Arizona;
2001-Alabama State (+28½) 35-69 L vs. Michigan State;
2002-Alcorn State (+4½) 77-81 W play-in vs. Siena;
2003-Texas Southern (-1) 74-82 L play-in vs. UNC Asheville;
2004-Alabama State (+34) 61-96 L vs. Duke;
2005-Alabama A&M (+6) 69-79 L play-in vs. Oakland;
2006-Southern U (+24½) 54-70 W vs. Duke;
2007-Jackson State (+28) 69-112 L vs. Florida;
2008-Mississippi Valley State (+31½) 29-70 L vs. UCLA;
2009-Alabama State (+3) 43-58 L play-in vs. Morehead State;
2010-Arkansas-Pine Bluff (+3) 61-44 W play-in vs. Winthrop, Arkansas Pine-Bluff (+14½) 44-73 L vs. Duke;
2011-Alabama State (+3) 61-70 L play-in vs. UT San Antonio;
2012-Mississippi Valley State (-1) 58-59 L vs. Western Kentucky;
2013-Southern U (+22½) 58-64 W vs. Gonzaga;
2014-Texas Southern (+3½) 69-81 L play-in game vs. Cal Poly.

*SUMMIT (SU 4-19, ATS 8-14-1):
1996-Valparaiso (+18) 51-90 L vs. Arizona;
1997-Valparaiso (+10) 66-73 W vs. Boston College;
1998-Valparaiso (+12) 70-69 W vs. Ole Miss, Valparaiso (+7½) 83-77 OT W vs. Florida State, Valparaiso (+8) 68-74 W vs. Rhode Island;
1999-Valparaiso (+20) 60-82 L vs. Maryland;
2000-Valparaiso (+25½) 38-65 L vs. Michigan State;
2001-Southern Utah (+14) 65-68 W vs. Boston College;
2002-Valparaiso (+7½) 68-83 L vs. Kentucky;
2003-IUPUI (+26½) 64-95 L vs. Kentucky;
2004-Valparaiso (+18½) 49-76 L vs. Gonzaga;
2005-Oakland (-6) W 79-69 play-in vs. Alabama A&M;Oakland (+27½) L 68-96 vs. North Carolina;
2006-Oral Roberts (+12) 78-94 L vs. Memphis;
2007-Oral Roberts (+6½) 54-70 L vs. Washington State;
2008-Oral Roberts (+8½) 63-82 L vs. Pittsburgh;
2009-North Dakota State (+10) 74-84 N vs. Kansas;
2010-Oakland (+10) L 66-89 vs. Pittsburgh;
2011-Oakland (+10) 81-85 W vs. Texas;
2012-South Dakota State (+7½) 60-68 L vs. Baylor;
2013-South Dakota State (+11) L 56-71 Michigan;
2014-North Dakota State (+3½) 80-75 W in OT vs. Oklahoma, North Dakota State (+4) 44-63 L vs. San Diego State (+22)
No reps '94-95. Note: known as Mid-Continent Conference until 2007.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SEC Championship
By Brian Edwards

Kentucky vs. Arkansas

Finally, for the first time in 16 years, Kentucky and Arkansas will meet again in the SEC Tournament finals. When the Razorbacks entered the SEC in 1992, Nolan Richardson and Rick Pitino had Arkansas and UK rolling. They were two of the premier programs in the country and easily the class of the league.

But Arkansas has fallen on hard times since inexplicably firing Richardson, who took the Hogs to back-to-back national-title games in 1994 and '95 and won it all over Duke in '94. Since ousting Richardson in 2002, Arkansas has one -- ONE!! -- NCAA Tournament victory in 12 seasons.

In 17 years at the helm, Richardson went to 13 NCAAs, six Sweet 16's, four Elite Eight's and three Final Fours. He won 26 Tournament games. Since his departure, the Razorbacks are 3-for-12 in terms of NCAA invites.

However, in the fourth season of Mike Anderson's tenure, Arkansas is finally going to get its first NCAA bid on Anderson's watch. The coach's style of play is exactly the same as Richardson's. Now to be clear, this year's Hogs won't immediately make you start thinking of Scotty Thurman, Corliss Williamson, Corey Beck, Al Dillard and Darnell Robinson.

But Arkansas does feature the SEC Player of the Year in Bobby Portis, in addition to a high-flying slasher named Michael Qualls. They press, create turnovers and shoot well from 3-point range (second in the SEC with 35.3 percentage).

But they'll be up against it at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Sunday when they faced unbeaten and top-ranked Kentucky, which disposed of Florida and Auburn en route to the finals.

As of early Saturday night, a few books had Kentucky (33-0 straight up, 17-14-2 against the spread) favored by 13.5 or 14 points.

John Calipari's team won a 64-49 decision over Florida as a 13.5-point favorite in Friday's SEC Tournament quarterfinals. Then on Saturday in the semifinals, UK cruised to a 91-67 win as a 24-point 'chalk.' The Wildcats led by as many as 28, but their betting supporters had to settle for the push, while the 158 combined points soared 'over' the 137-point total.

Willie Cauley-Stein led five UK players in double figures with 18 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots. Andrew Harris contributed 15 points and four assists, while Devin Booker added 12 points and six boards. Trey Lyles and Andrew Harrison finished with 12 points apiece.

Not to imply it would've mattered, but UK was facing an Auburn team playing its fourth game in four days. Making matters worse for Bruce Pearl's club, Jordon Granger and Cinmeon Bowers were suspended for the semifinals. Granger threw a punch in the overtime win over LSU in the quarterfinals, while Bowers possibly committed a rules violation Friday night.

Arkansas advanced to its first SEC Tournament finals since 2008 with a 60-49 win over Georgia as a 2.5-point favorite. The Bulldogs played without starting guard Kenny Gaines, who Mark Fox wanted to save for the NCAA Tournament because he's dealing with a sprained foot. The 109 combined points never threatened the 145-point tally to produce a thunder 'under.'

Portis had a horrible game, making just 1-of-14 shots and scoring a season-low four points. He did have 12 rebounds, though. Qualls scored a game-high 15 points and grabbed six rebounds. Defense was the story for the Hogs, who limited UGA to 16-of-49 shooting from the field (32.7%).

When these teams met at Rupp Arena on Feb. 18, UK raced out to a 16-point halftime lead and coasted to an 84-67 win as a 15.5-point home favorite. Trey Lyles and Andrew Harrison scored 18 points apiece, while Tyler Ulis had 14 points and three assists without a turnover. Booker was also in double figures with 10 points.

In the losing effort, Qualls registered team-highs with 17 points and nine rebounds. Portis finished with 15 points and eight boards.

Arkansas has been an underdog six times, going 4-2 ATS with three outright victories.

The 'over' had hit in five consecutive Arkansas games before the win over UGA saw the 'under' cash easily. Nevertheless, the 'over' is 18-13 overall for the Hogs.

The 'under' is 19-14 overall for the 'Cats, but the 'over' is 5-2 in their last seven outings.

There's no pressure on either team whatsoever. In fact, the Selection Committed announced Saturday that UK is the No. 1 overall seed for the NCAA Tournament. As for Arkansas, it is comfortably in the Tournament and will probably be a No. 4 or No. 5 seed. A win might catapult the Hogs into a three seed.

Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

College Basketball: Streaks, Tips, Notes -

Arkansas Razorbacks vs Kentucky Wildcats March 15 1:00 EST

Cali's top-ranked Cats continue to roll along steamrolling over Auburn 91-67 Saturday upping the mark to a school-record 33-0 (17-14-2 ATS) and 21-0 (10-9-2 ATS) in the SEC play. Cats have been pegged 13-point favorite to complete the perfect season when they face Hogs (26-7, 17-15 ATS) in the SEC Championship.

Wildcats are an effective offensive team netting 74.8 points/game but their strength comes at the defensive end with it's third-ranked scoring defense (53.7 PPG) and top ranked field-goal defense (35.2%). Arkansas can keep pace offensively as they drop 78.5 through the iron but Razorbacks are not as stingy on the defense end allowing 69.9 per/contest on 42.8% from the field.

This series has been a challenge for Wildcats. Despite winning an earlier meeting 84-67 and cashing as 15.5 point favorite the Wildcats remain 3-4 SU/ATS vs Razorbacks since Calipari took over in Kentucky. A few betting trends to consider when handicapping this contest. The Wildcats have thrived as double digit chalk of late going 6-0-2 ATS and have a sparkling 11-2-3 ATS stretch at a neutral site venue. The 'Over' is 5-2 in Wildcats last seven. Arkansas has been an underdog six times this season going 4-2 ATS with three outright victories. The 'Over' is 5-1 in Razorbacks last six games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Big 14 tournament, Chicago
Michigan State won this tournament two of last three years; they are 8-2 in last ten games overall, but lost 68-61 at Wisconsin two weeks ago in teams' only meeting this season- Badgers were +11 on boards, shot 61% inside arc and turned ball over only eight times. Wisconsin won this event in '04/'08; are they playing for #1 seed? Badgers won last five games, last four by 11+ points; its been four years since 1-seed won this tournament. Spartans won nine of last ten conference tournament games.

SEC tournament, Nashville
Arkansas/Kentucky kids were jawing in between games Saturday, so this game could more heated than you might think. Kentucky rolled Hogs by 17 at home Feb 28, turning ball over only nine times. Arkansas won 10 of its last 12 games; they've won two games this week, after not having won SEC tourney game since 2008. Kentucky won this tourney seven of nine years from 2003-11, but hasn't won it last three years. Arkansas needs to score to set up their press; they shot 38% in first meeting.

Sun Belt tournament, New Orleans
Georgia State won 12 of its last 14 games; Panthers were beaten favorite in finals here LY, now they face Georgia Southern squad they split with this season, losing 58-54 on road Feb 5 (State led by 9 with 11:06 left), then winning 72-55 a week ago at home- Panthers were 7-32 from arc in two games. Eagles rallied back from down 8 with 13:08 left to win ugly 44-43 game with ULM yesterday; Georgia Southern is 4-3 in last seven games- they start three seniors, State starts one senior, three juniors.

Atlantic 14 tournament, Brooklyn
VCU is now 21-5 in its last 26 conference tournament games, winning its last four games, but Rams are playing for 4th day in row, Dayton only its 3rd day in row. VCU made 12-24 from arc in 93-73 win over a Davidson team that looked lost in both games this weekend; Rams shot 34.1% on arc for season, so 12-24 doesn't happen much. VCU forced 9 turnovers vs Davidson; they lost 59-55 at home to Dayton Feb 28, going 6-25 on arc, forcing nine turnovers. Flyers won eight of last ten games.

AAC tournament, Hartford
UConn can steal NCAA bid by upsetting SMU in Hartford, its second home; Huskies are playing for 4th day in row, winning last two days by total of eight points. SMU won 17 of 20 AAC games this year, winning last three by 5-6-13 points; Mustangs beat UConn 73-55 at home (scored 1.20 ppp), then lost 81-73 in Storrs two weeks ago (Huskies were 9-20 on arc, trailed by 2 with 8:10 left). SMU won its last three games by 5-6-13 points. SMU forces turnovers 21.5% of time, best in AAC.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday's six-pack

-- Albany 51, Stony Brook 50-- Great Danes go to fifth NCAA D-I tournament, in a bitter loss for Seawolves, who blew 7-point lead in last 2:24.

-- SF Austin 83, Sam Houston State 70-- Lumberjacks are 29-4; they won a game in LY's NCAA tournament. Could they do it again?

-- Harvard 53, Yale 51-- Crimson go to NCAAs for fourth year in a row.

-- Hampton 82, Delaware St. 61-- Pirates are 16-17, probably headed to Dayton.

-- Check out YouTube for a video of Northern Arizona coach Jack Murphy almost inciting a melee after his team got hosed at Montana Friday night. It is OK to scream at the refs, but not at the other coach. They tend to yell back.

-- New Mexico State 80, Seattle 61-- Big West needs to re-claim Aggies; they're a good team in this bizarre mish-mash of teams called the WAC. They deserve better.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

#1 Sports

Sunday's free selection: Columbus Yellow Jackets - 150

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Wynn

Bonus Play: Portland +2 Over Toronto

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Totals4U

Sunday's Free Selection: St Louis Blues/Dallas Stars over 5 1/2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Atlantic Sports

Sunday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: Anaheim Ducks

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Platinum Plays

Free Pick: Phoenix Suns -12 over New York

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Golden Dragon Sports

Bonus Play: NY/Phoenix over 196

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Huddle Up Sports

Bonus Play: Portland +2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hawkeye Sports

Sunday's Free Pick: San Antonio Spurs