Thursday 1/28/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Fighting Irish (14-5) at Orange (13-8)

Date: January 28, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

After Notre Dame's collective heart dropped when its leading scorer went down, the Fighting Irish now believe they're prepared to move forward.

Coach Mike Brey has ruled Demetrius Jackson out Thursday night when No. 25 Notre Dame looks to match its longest conference winning streak since joining the ACC and end its recent struggles at Syracuse.

Jackson also could be sidelined for this weekend's home game against Wake Forest after he suffered a right hamstring injury in the opening minutes of Saturday's 76-49 victory over visiting Boston College.

Brey said an MRI earlier this week showed no further damage, but it's a short-term setback for a Notre Dame team seeking its fifth straight ACC victory. That would match the program's longest run from Jan. 14-28, 2015.

The junior guard had averaged 20.2 points while hitting 15 of 36 (41.7 percent) from 3-point range to go along with 6.2 assists over his previous six games.

'We have to be really, really careful with this," Brey said.

Steve Vasturia will take over the ball-handling duties after he stepped up with team highs of 16 points and four assists against the Eagles. Rex Pflueger is getting his first career start after contributing 11 points by hitting all three of his field-goal attempts and going 4 for 4 from the free-throw line.

"I think we've got some veteran guys and some maturity there," Brey said. "(Steve's) so poised that he will handle the ball. We play that way in practice when we settle Demetrius, so it's not completely foreign."

Vasturia, who has averaged 17.3 points and 4.3 assists in his last three, figures to be tested as Notre Dame (14-5, 5-2) looks to move within 1 1/2 games of unbeaten ACC leader North Carolina.

The Irish lead the league with a 49.9 field-goal percentage and 9.2 turnovers per game, but they've shot 38.1 percent and averaged 13.0 turnovers while losing their last four at the Carrier Dome.

Bonzie Colson had 16 points Feb. 24 when Notre Dame shot 34.7 percent and committed 14 turnovers in a 65-60 home loss in the most recent meeting. The sophomore is playing well heading into this contest, averaging 20.7 points and 7.7 rebounds in his last three.

Syracuse (13-8, 3-5) limited foes to 52.3 points per game and 34.2 percent shooting over three straight wins before taking a step back in Sunday's 73-65 loss at then-No. 13 Virginia. The Orange allowed a season-high 56.8 field-goal percentage and 8-of-18 shooting from 3-point range.

Michael Gbinije, a fifth-year graduate student, ranks among the national leaders with 53 steals while also averaging a team-high 17.4 points. The point guard scored 24 and hit 5 of 9 from 3-point range Sunday.

'Man, he's been our guy this year," said freshman Malachi Richardson, who added season highs of 23 points and six 3-pointers. "He's like our LeBron (James). He's making everything happen for us.'

Gbinije is likely to be guarded by Pflueger, who held Boston College leading scorer Eli Carter to 1-of-6 shooting in the second half. That helped the Irish allow a season-low 28.6 field-goal percentage overall.

Syracuse has split six games against ranked foes this season, including an 84-73 loss to the then-No. 6 Tar Heels in the only one at home Jan. 9.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hawkeyes (16-3) at Terrapins (17-3)

Date: January 28, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

A school widely selected as a Big Ten preseason favorite has run into plenty of trouble lately, and one considered a mid-pack challenger is winning the league and off to its best conference start in 46 years.

There'll be more foreign territory Thursday night as No. 3 Iowa visits College Park for the first time, needing to take down eighth-ranked Maryland for a 10th straight win to add to an already impressive resume.

"We know what we have to do, and when you're in a hostile environment, all you can do is stay poised," guard Anthony Clemmons told the school's official website.

Iowa (16-3, 7-0) has won six league games by double figures, including Sunday's 83-71 victory against then-No. 22 Purdue in which the Hawkeyes went on a 23-6 run to start the second half after trailing by two.

It was their nation-leading fifth win against the Top 25, and it amounts to their first nine-game winning streak since 2004-05. They last bettered that on an 11-game run in 1998-99, and Iowa last started 7-0 in the Big Ten in 1969-70 when it finished 14-0 for the regular-season title. Voters have taken notice and moved it into the top three for the first time since reaching third in December 1987.

"(Iowa has) been dominating the league so far," Maryland guard Melo Trimble said. "We know going into this game they're more talked about more than us - they're even ranked higher than us. So it's a great opportunity."

It's also a great opportunity to see two of the conference's best talents. Iowa's Jarrod Uthoff scored 22 against the Hawkeyes and is averaging 21.7 points while shooting 53.3 percent from 3-point range in his last six. Trimble, Maryland's leader with 14.5 points per game, has been more erratic with his scoring but had 24 in Saturday's 74-65 loss at then-No. 11 Michigan State. His scoring isn't the only thing that concerns Iowa.

"(Trimble) is just as dangerous when he's looking for shots for himself as he is when he's loading other people up," Iowa coach Fran McCaffery said. "Those are the toughest guys to guard."

Maryland (17-3, 6-2) is 9-0 following a loss over the past two seasons. To keep that streak intact, the Terrapins almost certainly will have to rebound better than they have in their past two games.

In an overtime win against Northwestern on Jan. 19, Maryland gave up 16 offensive rebounds and finished with 18 fewer shots. Michigan State grabbed 17 offensive boards and outrebounded the Terrapins 46-36.

"It's a combination of everything," said coach Mark Turgeon, whose team is 11-0 at home with wins by an average of 18.7 points. "We haven't boxed out well, we've been outhustled for some. The Michigan State game, there were three or four that just bounced in their direction. But that's an excuse. We've got to do better on the boards."

Against the Spartans, Trimble and fellow guard Rasheed Sulaimon each grabbed seven rebounds, but frontcourt starters Jake Layman, Robert Carter Jr. and Damonte Dodd totaled seven.

That probably won't cut it against Iowa, though it also might not be as much of an issue considering the Hawkeyes' minus-1.3 margin ranks ninth in league play, four spots behind Maryland (3.3).

"It's a very fixable thing," Layman said. "It's not like the whole team is shooting terribly. It's just about boxing out for us right now and rebounding on the defensive end."

Maryland is 29-1 at home since the start of last season, including 13-0 in the Big Ten. The Terrapins are in third place in the conference also behind Indiana, and a loss in this one would seriously damage their bid to earn the top seed in the Big Ten tournament.

"I'll never say this early in the year it's a must-win," Turgeon insisted. "We'll be fired up to play. We'll be prepared to play. It's a great opportunity for us, playing a team that's playing as well as any anybody in the country. Just killing teams. A lot of games aren't really close."

It was Maryland who ran away with one last season - 71-55 at Iowa on Feb. 8 behind Trimble's 20.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Spartans (17-4) at Wildcats (15-6)

Date: January 28, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Having snapped its longest skid in three seasons, Michigan State is determined to continue heading in the right direction.

Following a much-needed victory over a top-10 opponent, the visiting No. 12 Spartans can send Northwestern to a fourth consecutive defeat Thursday night in its third of four straight games against ranked Big Ten foes.

Coming in a loser of three straight, including two at home, Michigan State (17-4, 4-4) overcame a season-low 36.1 percent shooting to beat then-No. 7 Maryland 74-65 on Saturday in East Lansing.

"We felt like we were on the bottom of the world," said star Denzel Valentine, who had 19 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. "But I think we're back."

Perhaps that'll be the case after Michigan State held the Terrapins to their second-worst shooting performance (38.6 percent) of the season, including 8 of 27 from 3-point range. The Spartans also owned a 17-9 advantage on the offensive boards.

"It feels great just to get over that hump," forward Kenny Gions said. "Every team has to go through it during the course of the season, but we got ours out of the way.

"Hopefully we can build off of this and keep going."

Though the Spartans have shot 41.8 percent in the last four games, three were at home. They've made 48.9 percent of their field-goal attempts while going 2-1 on the road this month and are 18 of 38 from beyond the arc in the last two.

Bryn Forbes, second on the team with 13.6 points per game, totaled 17 on 5-of-22 shooting during the losing streak, but he broke out for 25 while going 8 of 15 from the floor and hitting half of his eight 3-point attempts Saturday.

"We were going to Bryn right away and I felt like we had to do that," coach Tom Izzo said. "We had to get him going. The last few games he's really struggled, and yet every shot he's took was good ... I'm happy for him, too. There's no one that works harder at it."

Valentine has averaged 22.0 points in his last three games for the Spartans, who would appear to be in good position to keep the wins coming this week against struggling Northwestern (15-6, 3-5) and with lowly Rutgers on deck.

Michigan State has won five straight over the Wildcats and shot 46.1 percent from 3-point range over the last four meetings. It made a season-high 13 of 25 from long distance in last season's 68-44 win at Northwestern.

The Wildcats won 13 of their first 14 but have dropped five of seven and are 0-4 against ranked opponents. After falling at Maryland in overtime Jan. 19, Northwestern allowed then-No. 25 Indiana to shoot 52.6 percent in Saturday's 89-57 road defeat.

Next up is a visit to third-ranked Iowa on Sunday.

"That's the Big Ten for you," said coach Chris Collins, whose team has shot 38.1 percent and is 15 of 83 (18.1) from long range while going 1-4 at home in league play.

"There are going to be ebbs and flows and there might be a loose three in a row or maybe a winning stretch with four or five. It's a long journey of a season and this is definitely a tough stretch."

Bryant McIntosh, who leads the team with 15.1 points per game, has averaged 9.3 on 13-of-45 shooting and missed 10 of 11 3-point attempts in the last three contests. He was 2 of 12 for a season-low four points against the Hoosiers.

Tre Demps, averaging 14.1 points, totaled 43 against the Spartans last season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Ducks (16-4) at Wildcats (16-4)

Date: January 28, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

For all of Arizona's struggles on the road, it certainly knows how to return home and take it out on seemingly anyone.

Oregon knows all about that having been trounced three times last season in home, away and neutral venues by the Wildcats, and any sort of retribution Thursday night in Tucson requires overcoming the nation's longest home winning streak.

Arizona won last season's meetings by an average of 26.6 points, the most lopsided a 90-56 final in Tucson exactly a year ago. Across the three games, the Wildcats shot 54.1 percent while limiting the Ducks to 38.5 with a plus-14.7 rebounding margin.

"Ever since we got beat here, there and in the Pac-12 (tournament), I can't wait," Oregon's Dillon Brooks said. "It's going to be a great game."

The 18th-ranked Wildcats (16-4, 4-3) have won 49 straight at home by an average of 22.5 points, but that's actually only included two ranked opponents - last season against then-No. 9 Gonzaga and then-No. 8 Utah.

This season's pummelings include a 22-point victory over Washington on Jan. 14 followed two days later by a 23-point win over Washington State. The freshest result, though, is Saturday's 74-73 loss at California - Arizona's third in four road games.

"Winning on the road, winning in a game like tonight, winning with the crowd they had, we would have had to play a terrific game," said Sean Miller, whose team plays seven of its last 11 at home. "We played a good game but we needed to play better."

Across conference play, home teams were 28-14 entering Wednesday with the league's 10 best going 26-8.

Oregon held serve with Saturday's 86-72 home victory over UCLA following an 89-81 home win over then-No. 21 USC two nights before. The No. 23 Ducks (16-4, 5-2), however, are 1-2 in Pac-12 road games and 10-11 since the start of 2013-14.

"It's tough on the road," said coach Dana Altman, who was previously the boss at Creighton and Kansas State. "And the thing that makes our league tougher on the road after being in the old Big 8 and Missouri Valley for all those years, when you always have to play two on the road, it's different.

"It's tough on the road. But that's college basketball."

The Ducks might have a shot if they continue their hot shooting. They've averaged 84.8 points and shot 50.6 percent, including 44.3 from 3-point range, over a 3-1 span. Brooks has scored 20.3 on 53.8 percent and is 7 of 16 from long range in that time.

They've also gotten more from fellow forward Chris Boucher, who's averaged 17.0 points and shot 68.4 percent in his last two. Oregon again expects to face size concerns, and the 6-foot-10 Boucher is its only starter over 6-7, while the Wildcats have most recently started three players between 6-9 and 7 feet.

"I think it's just my mindset of not giving up," said Boucher. "I know they're bigger than me. I can't really do anything about it. The best thing I can do is just work harder and run the floor, stuff that they can't do that I can do."

That wasn't enough last season to get Oregon anywhere near a manageable rebounding effort, and there's no reason to think it should change now. Arizona has outrebounded its two home conference opponents by an average of 14.5, and Oregon has conceded a 4.4 edge in three road contests.

Ryan Anderson is Arizona's main man on the glass with 10.0 per game, ranked second in the Pac-12, and he wasn't even around for last season's matchups. He also leads the Wildcats with 14.9 points per game and is averaging 17.0 while shooting 73.5 percent in his previous four.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday's Top 25 Trends

Thursday, Jan. 28

Matchup Records Skinny Projection

Notre Dame
Overall: 14-5 SU, 7-9-1 ATS
ACC: 5-2 SU, 3-3-1 ATS
Totals: 10-7 O/U

Syracuse
Overall: 13-8 SU, 10-10 ATS
ACC: 3-5 SU, 4-4 ATS
Totals: 10-10 O/U

(25) Notre Dame at Syracuse (ESPN2, 7:00 p.m. ET)
The Fighting Irish have turned things around since a 1-2 start in ACC play by winning four straight games. Notre Dame routed Boston College, 76-49 on Saturday as 19 ½-point favorites in spite of losing leading scorer Demetrius Jackson to a hamstring injury two minutes into the game. Jackson will miss Thursday’s matchup at Syracuse, as the Orange have won each of the last three meetings with the Irish. Syracuse saw its three-game winning streak come to an end in Sunday’s 73-65 setback at Virginia, but the Orange has covered four straight games.

Notre Dame 71
Syracuse 73


Iowa
Overall: 16-3 SU, 10-6 ATS
Big 10: 7-0 SU, 5-2 ATS
Totals: 10-6 O/U

Maryland
Overall: 17-3 SU, 9-11 ATS
Big 10: 6-2 SU, 4-4 ATS
Totals: 9-10-1 O/U

(3) Iowa at (8) Maryland (ESPN, 7:00 p.m. ET)
Two of the top teams in the Big 10 hook up for a crucial battle in College Park. Iowa is the lone unbeaten club in the Big 10 after Indiana lost on Tuesday, as the Hawkeyes own a 7-0 SU and 5-2 ATS record. The Hawkeyes have picked up several solid road wins in the conference at Michigan State and Purdue, while pulling off the season sweep of the Boilermakers this past weekend, 83-71 as 2 ½-point home favorites. Maryland suffered its second conference loss in eight tries with a 74-65 defeat at Michigan State on Saturday. The Terps haven’t been tested at home in conference play, beating Penn State, Rutgers, Ohio State, and Northwestern, while going 2-2 ATS in those victories.

Iowa 69
Maryland 72


Michigan State
Overall: 17-4 SU, 11-9 ATS
Big 10: 4-4 SU, 3-5 ATS
Totals: 8-12 O/U

Northwestern
Overall: 15-6 SU, 9-8-1 ATS
Big 10: 3-5 SU, 4-4 ATS
Totals: 9-9 O/U

(11) Michigan State at Northwestern (ESPN, 9:00 p.m. ET)
The Spartans snapped a three-game losing streak with 74-65 home victory over Maryland to improve to 4-4 in conference play. Michigan State has won six straight meetings with Northwestern since 2013, including a 68-44 rout of the Wildcats in Evanston last season. Northwestern has dropped three in a row since getting demolished at Indiana on Saturday, 89-57. In all five Big 10 losses, the Wildcats have been limited to 62 points or less, while owning a 1-3 SU/ATS record at home in conference action.

Michigan State 71
Northwestern 61


Oregon
Overall: 16-4 SU, 10-7 ATS
Pac-12: 5-2 SU, 4-3 ATS
Totals: 7-10 O/U

Arizona
Overall: 16-4 SU, 11-9 ATS
Pac-12: 4-3 SU, 4-3 ATS
Totals: 14-6 O/U

(23) Oregon at (18) Arizona (ESPN2, 9:00 p.m. ET)
The Ducks are a perfect 4-0 at home in Pac-12 play, but have lost two of three games away from Eugene against conference foes. Oregon is coming off a home sweep of USC and UCLA to pull into a first-place tie atop the Pac-12 with Washington at 5-2. Arizona has yet to lose a home game this season (11-0), while already playing five of seven conference contests away from Tucson. The Wildcats lost their last game, 74-73 at California, their third conference defeat by three points or less. Arizona won all three meetings with Oregon last season, including a 90-56 blowout in Tucson.

Oregon 77
Arizona 84

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

College basketball betting TV guide: Must-watch, must-wager games
By STEVE MERRIL

College basketball is in full swing with conference play shaping the field for the NCAA tournament. Steve Merril has scoured the schedule for the must-watch, must-wager games for each day on the college hoops calendar so that you don’t miss any of the action.

Thursday - Iowa at Maryland

Where to watch: ESPN

Iowa is cruising along as the Hawkeyes have won nine straight games and 13 of their last 14 games overall. Iowa is a perfect 7-0 SU in Big 10 play, but this game in Maryland will be a difficult challenge for the Hawkeyes. Maryland’s loss at Michigan State on Saturday night was expected, but with a return home, the Terrapins will come with a peak effort. Maryland is 2-0 after a loss this season; they won those games by 41 and 35 points, albeit against inferior competition.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Thursday's games..........

Syracuse won six of last seven games with Notre Dame, winning three in row by 16-6-5 points; Irish lost last four visits here by 19-12-16-6, but ND won its last four games, scoring 81.5 ppg; they're 2-1 on ACC road, losing by 11 at Virginia. Orange is 3-2 since Boeheim returned from his suspension; they're 1-2 at home in ACC, with lone win over lowly BC. ACC homefavorites of 5 or less points are 5-6 vs spread.

Iowa is 7-0 in Big 14 for first time since 1980; they've won eight games in row, winning Big 14 road games by 7-17-14 points. Hawkeyes are 7-3 vs top 50 teams, sweeping Purdue. Maryland lost 71-55 at Iowa LY, in teams' first meeting as Big 14 foes; Terps split last four games after 14-1 start to season; they're 4-0 at home in league, with three wins by 13+ points. Big 14 home favorites of 6 or less points are 5-4 vs spread.

UConn won four of last five games with Cincinnati, with all four wins by six or less points; Huskies won last three games by 12-18-6 points, allowing 53.7 ppg; .they won last three home tilts. Cincinnati won five of last seven games, with both losses by a hoop; they're 2-3 in true road games. winning at VCU, South Florida. AAC home favorites of 7 or less points are 2-6 against the spread.

NC-Wilmington swept James Madison by 12-20 points LY, after they had lost six of previous seven series games. Seahawks won five games in row, scoring 77.8 ppg; they're 2-1 on CAA road, losing at Towson by 16. JMU also won last five games, with four wins by 12+ points; they won last two home games by 14-23 points, after losing firts two CAA home games. CAA home faves of 6 or less points are 3-10 vs spread.

Middle Tennessee won 56-53/90-51 in its first two C-USA games with Marshall, but Thundering Herd is much-improved this year, going 6-1 in C-USA after a 4-9 pre-conference mark. Herd is playing first home game in 19 days; they're 3-0 at home in C-USA, winning by 18-23-18 points. MTSU won their last six games, with wins at Charlotte, Old Dominion. C-USA home favorites of 5 or less points are 5-2 vs spread.

Evansville won six of last nine games with Southern Illinois, winning by 6-8 in last two visits here; these two teams are on track to meet in MVC semis in March. Purple Aces won four of last five games; they're 2-2 on Valley road, winning at Missouri State/Illinois State. Salukis won four in row and 10 of last 11 games- they're 3-1 at home in MVC, losing only to Wichita. Valley home underdogs of 3 or less points are 4-1 vs spread.

Arizona State is 12-2 in last 14 games with Oregon State; Beavers lost last seven visits here, six by 10+ points. Sun Devils lost last three tilts, all by 5 or less points; they're 1-6 in Pac-12, with only win over Wazzu at home by 11. Oregon State is 3-4 in Pac-12 despite playing five games at home; they're 0-2 on Pac-12 road, losing by 17-6 at Colorado/Utah. Arizona State has worst eFG% defense in Pac-12 this month.

Richmond-George Washington split their last eight games; Spiders lost last two visits here, 83-65/73-65. GW is 3-0 at home in conference, with wins by 6-27-4 points. Richmond lost five of last seven games; they're 1-7 vs top 100 teams, with only win over Cal on neutral floor. Spiders have worst eFG% defense in A-14; teams are shooting 43.3% on the arc against them. A-14 single digit home favorites are 9-7 vs spread.

Michigan State won its last six games with Northwestern, winning last two here 54-40/68-44; Spartans snapped 3-game skid with win against Maryland last game- they're 2-2 on Big 14 road, winning at Minnesota by 8, at Penn Sate by 27. Wildcats lost last three games, need signature win to get back on NCAA bubble; they're 1-3 at home in Big 14, with losses by 13-9-9 points. Big 14 single digit home underdogs are 4-9.

UCLA lost 96-93 in double OT at Washington Jan 1; Bruins were 38-50 on foul line. Huskies 27-40 in game UCLA led by 10 in first half- they turned ball over 25 times. U-Dub lost last three visits to Westwood by 6-2-22 points. UCLA is 3-4 in Pac-12 with wins by 3-7-9 points; they are 2-1 at home in league, losing to USC. Washington is 5-2 in Pac-12, with three games going OT; they're playing at #5 tempo in country.

Long Beach State lost six of last nine games, but won 77-67 at UCSB 8 days ago, shooting 61% inside arc. Gauchos are 3-2 in last five games in series, but are 1-6 in last seven visits here, with five losses by 12+. Big West single home favorites are 3-8 vs spread. UCSB is 2-3 in Big West, with losses by 8-9-10 points; they lost by 8 at Hawai'i, won by 3 at Cal Poly in only road games. UCSB foes are shooting 27.6% on the arc.

Arizona is 10-3 in its last 13 games with Oregon, beating Ducks LY by 18-34-28 points. Oregon lost lost five of last six visits to Tucson, losing 67-65/90-56 last two years. Wildcats split last six games after 13-1 start; they swept Washington schools by 32-24 points in only two conference games. Oregon won five of last six games; they're 1-2 on Pac-12 road, losing by 13 in Corvallis, 4 at Colorado, with lone win by 18 at Utah.

South Dakota State won five of last six games with Omaha, winning by 17-19-22 points in last three meetings. Jackrabbits can tie Omaha for 1st place here, are playing first home game in two weeks- they won all three Summit home games by 9-4-16 points. Summit League single digit home favorites are 8-14 against spread. Omaha won eight of its last nine, with only loss in OT to Fort Wayne- they're 4-0 on Summit League road.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAA Basketball Betting 3-Point Play: Three Interesting Jan. 28 Opening Lines
by Alan Matthews

I'm not sure what the best athletic season in University of Iowa history is when considering the football and men's basketball teams, but I can't remember a better one in my memory than this season. The football squad was unbeaten entering the Big Ten Championship Game, a Top-5 team and played in the Rose Bowl for the first time since Jan. 1, 1991. Yes, the Hawkeyes were crushed by Stanford in Pasadena, but still a great season. The basketball team is atop the Big Ten standings and off to its best start in years. If things break right the rest of this week, Iowa could be No. 1 in next Monday's polls. Alas, I see a loss on Thursday...


No. 3 Iowa At No. 8 Maryland (-2)

The game of the night from the Big Ten is at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. Iowa (16-3, 7-0) has won nine straight games, four of those against ranked teams. The Hawkeyes finished a season sweep of Purdue on Sunday with an 83-71 victory. Jarrod Uthoff had 22 points and Adam Woodbury added 13 points and 10 rebounds. The Hawkeyes shot 60 percent from the field in a 50-point second half, outscoring Purdue by 14. All but one of the Hawkeyes' conference wins are by double digits. Iowa's No. 3 ranking is its highest since also a No. 3 in the Associated Press poll on Dec. 8, 1987. Iowa is 7-0 in league play for the first time since 1969-70. It has five wins over ranked teams overall this season, most in the nation. The Hawkeyes' three losses are by a combined 12 points, including by one at the buzzer against ranked Iowa State.

Maryland (17-3, 6-2) had a two-game winning streak end in a 74-65 loss at a desperate Michigan State team on Saturday. Sophomore Melo Trimble had 24 points and seven rebounds, while freshman Diamond Stone had 13 points, but no other Terp did much. Maryland shot only 38.6 percent from the field and 8-for-27 from long range. Trimble is one of 20 players tagged on the Oscar Robertson Trophy list, which honors the men's national player of the year while Stone is one of 10 on the list for national freshman player of the year. The Terps and Hawkeyes played once last season and Iowa upset No. 17 Maryland 71-55 in Iowa City. Iowa opened on a 22-3 run and didn't look back.

Key trends: Hawkeyes are 8-1 ATS in their past nine vs. teams with a straight up record. Maryland is 10-4 ATS in its past 14 vs. the Big Ten.

I'm leaning: Maryland.

No. 25 Notre Dame at Syracuse (-2.5)

A 7 p.m. ET start for this ACC matchup on ESPN2. The Irish (14-5, 5-2) have won four straight, which included what looked like an incredibly impressive win at Duke -- but that doesn't look all that impressive any longer with the Blue Devils' issues. Notre Dame crushed visiting Boston College, the ACC's worst team, 76-49 on Saturday. The Irish were 25-for-27 from the free-throw line but got some bad news when guard and leading scorer Demetrius Jackson left early in the first half with a hamstring injury. He's not going to play here and might miss Sunday's game against Wake Forest as well. The junior is 10th in the ACC in scoring at 16.6 points per game and tied for second in assists at 5.0 per game. Steve Vasturia took over at point guard after Jackson exited vs. BC and had 16 points and four assists. Freshman guard Rex Pflueger played a career-high 32 minutes and had 11 points. His minutes will continue to be high with Jackson out.

Syracuse (13-8, 3-5) had a three-game winning streak end in a 73-65 defeat at No. 13 Virginia on Sunday. The Orange had rallied from a 10-ponit deficit to tie it with eight minutes left. Michael Gbinije scored 24 points and Malachi Richardson 23 for the Orange. They combined for 11 3-pointers, but SU shot just 38.9 percent from the field overall. Here's an interesting statistic: Syracuse, long known for its zone defense, hasn't given up a point in transition in four straight games. SU leads the nation in allowing opponents just 15.8 percent of their shots to come in transition. This is the only meeting with Notre Dame this regular season. Syracuse won the lone one last year, 65-60 in South Bend. The Orange have won six of the past seven meetings.

Key trends: The Irish are 2-5 ATS in their past seven after a win. They are 1-4-1 ATS in their past six against teams with a winning record. SU is 4-0 ATS in its past four overall. It has covered seven straight on Thursday.

I'm leaning: Syracuse.

Loyola Marymount at BYU (-14.5)

Your latest tip of the night is this West Coast Conference game at 11 p.m. ET on ESPNU. Loyola Marymount (10-10, 3-6) won at home vs. San Diego 67-63 on Saturday. The Lions forced 17 turnovers and committed only five themselves, finishing with an 18-5 edge in points off takeaways. Adam Jacko, who was in early foul trouble, scored 17 of his 23 points in the second half (Loyola was down six at intermission) to lead all scorers for Loyola. Jacko was named WCC Player of the Week on Monday. He averaged 24.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in two games last week while shooting 70.7 percent from the field.

BYU (14-7, 5-3) lost at Pepperdine 71-65 on Saturday, and a loss like that all but kills BYU's at-large NCAA Tournament hopes. The Waves defeated BYU for the third consecutive time and for the fourth time in five games. With 21 seconds remaining, Pepperdine's Jeremy Major blocked Chase Fischer's potential go-ahead 3-point attempt. The Cougars shot only 36 percent (23-for-64) from the floor. BYU might have to run the table in the regular season to have any shot at an at-large bid. On the bright side, seven of the Cougars' final 10 games are at home, where BYU is undefeated (8-0) this season. BYU won at Loyola last Thursday, 91-80. Kyle Collinsworth had his NCAA-leading 10th career triple-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds and a career-high 15 assists. It was his fourth this season. Jacko had a career-high 26 points on 11-of-12 shooting for the Lions, who led by 10 at halftime.

Key trends: Loyola is 3-10 ATS in its past 13 vs. the WCC. BYU is 4-0-1 ATS in its past five after a loss. The Cougars have covered six of their past seven on Thursday.

I'm leaning: BYU.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Ducks visit Wildcats'

Pac-12 leading Oregon Ducks (16-4, 10-7 ATS) look to pad their lead when the head to Tucson to take on Wldcats (16-4, 11-9 ATS). Ducks off a pair of home victories certainly have momentum on their side. But, the road ahead will be a tough one.

Ducks have not been at their best on the road this season with only one win out of four tries away from home. Additionally, this is not a place where teams like to go and play. The Wildcats are great on McKale Center hardwood, they've gone a perfect 11-0 SU this season with a 7-4 mark against the spread and have won 20 consecutive hosting a conference rival posting a profitable 14-6 record against the betting line.

Wildcats winning all three meetings vs Ducks last season, two regular season games here in Tucson and the Conference Championship cashing all three as double digit chalk the lean is Wildcats.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Previews, Streaks, Tips, Notes

Washington Huskies Vs UCLA Bruins Thursday, January 28, 10:00 EST

These two teams are pretty evenly matched, and the proof of that can be found in their earlier meeting this season when it took double OT to separate them. There is likely going to be very little separating them in the point spread, and I believe that the OVER/UNDER is the bet that could be the most intriguing here. Sportsbooks will have full odds for this game as soon as they go live.

Why bet on the Washington Huskies

The Huskies (13-6, 5-2) are a team that seems to enjoy playing the game of basketball, as they seem bound and determined to play OT as often as possible. 3 of their 7 conference games this year have gone to OT, and the Huskies have been able to pull out the win in 2 of them. One of those wins was an absolutely thrilling 96-93 2OT win over the Bruins earlier in the year, and this one figures to go along those same lines. Washington has won 2 of 3 on the road in conference play so far, with their only road loss coming at the hands of a ranked Arizona Wildcats team. This game is likely to turn into a shootout, and the Huskies certainly have the offensive firepower to win. They are averaging 84.5 PPG, but are also giving up 78.9 PPG.

Why bet on the UCLA Bruins

It was a bit of a rollercoaster ride for the Bruins (12-8, 3-4) last week, as they split a pair of road games in Oregon. They will enjoy getting back to the cozy confines of their home court, where they have won 3 of their last 4 games. Revenge will very much be on the mind of the Bruins heading into this one, as they have to still be smarting after their double OT loss to Washington earlier this season. That set off a little bit of a slide for the Bruins, and they will be hoping that a win here will have the opposite effect of that loss. This is another team that can score at will, posting an average of 79.8 PPG. They are giving up 77.7 PPG, which is not quite so good.

Expert Betting Pick and Final Score Prediction

About the only thing that seems like a given with this game is that we will see a lot of points being scored. The Huskies came away with a win in their last meeting, and I think they will do the same again on the road.

Washington Huskies 82 UCLA Bruins 81

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Dover Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 13 - Post: 8:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 90 - Purse:$9000 - HORSES/COLTS/GELDINGS NON WINNERS $9,001 IN LAST 6 STARTS THAT ARE NON WINNERS $100,001 IN 2015-16 NO. 9 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 FOUR STACES 5/1


# 5 CABBIE'S DELIGHT 6/1


# 2 FIRE IN THE BELLY 9/2


Feel pretty confident putting cash down on FOUR STACES. Worth serious consideration here given the figures in the TrackMaster Speed Rating department alone. Very likely the class of the group of horses with an average rating of 91. A nice selection. More wins than you would expect have been earned by harness racers lining up behind the 4 position at Dover Downs. CABBIE'S DELIGHT - Should be given a look based on the respectable speed fig earned in the last outing. With a 30pct ROI, this driver-handler has produced respectable payoffs in recent times for risk takers. FIRE IN THE BELLY - Very compelling driver/trainer stats make this standardbred a formidable choice. Clearly will be putting mucho dinero down in this event. Considered a solid bet based solely on his high win percent.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 6 - Post: 2:15 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$2500 - NW $250


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 IDEAL BID 5/2


# 3 WIZARD OF ART 3/1


# 4 BRANDONS ESCAPE 6/1


The consensus in this event is that IDEAL BID is the one to beat. This fine animal looks tough. Take a good look at the 85 avg TrackMaster Speed Rating. Has a bang-up shot this time, if he can perform to his back class. If effort in the most recent race is representative, this horse will have a very respectable shot in this race. High last race TrackMaster SR. WIZARD OF ART - It's risky to consider based only on class, but this gelding has among the most solid class figures of the race. Racing competently, recorded a formidable speed rating in his last race (78). BRANDONS ESCAPE - Positive feel - racing well enough to contend in this contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Gulfstream Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 9 - Maiden Special Weight - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $40000 Class Rating: 80

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 123 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 CAFETIERE 5/2


# 4 TREASURE 7/2


# 8 EVELYN'S DREAM 8/1


CAFETIERE looks to be a quite good contender. Could provide positive returns based on very good recent speed figures with an average of 86. Must be given a shot for this event if only for the very strong Equibase Speed Figure put up in the last contest. The average class fig of 86 makes this one tough to beat. TREASURE - Overall the Equibase Speed Figs of this racer look very good in this race. Has been running very well lately and ought to be close to the lead early on. EVELYN'S DREAM - Nicks has one of the top winning percentages in this group with entries running at this distance and surface. She has been running solidly and the Speed Figures are among the best in this group of animals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Santa Anita

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 3 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $17000 Class Rating: 91

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 5, 2015 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 8 FAST MAGOO 5/2


# 9 TOUGH ANNIE 12/1


# 3 FLYIN FOR A LIVIN 6/1


FAST MAGOO has a very good shot to take this race. Has quite good early speed and will probably fare well versus this group of horses. Must be carefully examined here on the basis of the numbers in the speed department alone. She has earned quite good figs under today's conditions and will almost certainly fare well versus this group of horses in this race. TOUGH ANNIE - Has been running well lately and should be on the front end early on. Has raced solidly in dirt sprint races.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #8 - Post: 9:10pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,300 Class Rating: 72

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 MUTTAK BABY (ML=5/2)
#4 ALICE ROADTRAIN (ML=7/2)
#2 KNOXY (ML=12/1)


MUTTAK BABY - Have to give this mare a fair chance. Ran a solid effort last time out within the last thirty days. ALICE ROADTRAIN - Ran in the last race against much better company at Laurel. The move down the ladder based on class rating points should suit her well. Forgive the off the board finish on the off track in the last race. On a fast track, has a good chance in today's race. Look at this pattern of improvement. 60/62/66 are the last 3 speed figures. KNOXY - The 72 last race speed figure looks strong on paper. Mare put in a good late run at 6 furlongs and should relish the added distance today. Past Performances show this racer with 3 improving speed figures. Albright should be on a live one in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 FLIGHT PATH (ML=3/1), #6 HAWAIIAN SUNSET (ML=4/1), #7 GO ON GREEN (ML=9/2),

FLIGHT PATH - Don't believe this vulnerable equine will do much running in today's event. That last speed figure was run-of-the-mill when compared with today's class figure. HAWAIIAN SUNSET - Ran somewhat erratically last time around the track on Dec 12th at Penn National. GO ON GREEN - Last performed on Oct 30th at Penn National, finishing fifth. Unlikely to move up off of that effort today.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #5 MUTTAK BABY to win. Have to have odds of at least 3/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,4,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #6 - Post: 9:18pm - Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 71

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 WICKED HEAT (ML=6/1)
#3 FROSTYS WHIRL (ML=4/1)
#1 LEOMBRUNO (ML=3/1)


WICKED HEAT - Moschonas drops him down to this level. You don't need too much more handicapping knowledge to think this one has a good chance at this level. Fits well considering the fact that the last time he tried this trip he got a rating good enough to win today. Have to give this gelding a shot. Ran a strong effort last out within the last month. Last two races were sprints. Longer races have to be his best game and he should be considered a play in this route. FROSTYS WHIRL - I wouldn't worry too much about the layoff; this gelding is ready to run today. Looking at today's Equibase class figure, this horse is meeting an easier field than last time out at Delaware Park. In my secret list of handicapping angles, this is a good one. Horse's last two speed ratings are higher than today's class rating. An indication we have a strong contender here. LEOMBRUNO - Taking a big drop in class rating points from his November 6th race at Woodbine. Based on that info, I will give this one the advantage.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 LEMON KAY (ML=7/2), #6 REACH FOR THE GOLD (ML=8/1), #9 ROMAZZINO (ML=8/1),

LEMON KAY - Shins may have pain since they added wraps in the last contest. Could be tough for this horse to beat this bunch off of that last speed rating. Doubtful to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's class rating, so put him on the likely underpriced contenders list. REACH FOR THE GOLD - Mediocre speed rating last time around the track at Charles Town at 1 1/16 miles. Don't believe this vulnerable equine will improve too much in today's event. ROMAZZINO - Not likely that this horse will finish better than he did last time when finishing fifth.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - FROSTYS WHIRL - Coming off his last race with the top speed figure of 75 at Delaware Park. He is the gelding to beat today.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #7 WICKED HEAT on the nose if you can get odds of 5/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
7 with [1,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3,7] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[1,3,7] with [1,3,7] with [1,3,6,7,8] with [1,3,6,7,8] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT RACE TRACK - 1:50 PM EASTERN POST

6.0 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES $75,000.00 OPTIONAL CLAIMING $57,000.00 PURSE

#1 CLIPTHECOUPONANNIE / #1A SURPRISE CAMEO
#5 HEAD SHRINKER
#4 OUR WHIM
#3 SPECIAL DIVIDEND

#1 CLIPTHECOUPONANNIE takes a class drop (-2), has nice early speed abilities to compliment for this inner track sprint, is the overall speed and pace profile leader, and comes of a nearly 5-length, "POWER RUN WIN" to break her maiden, facing better company in her "first asking," 38 days ago here at "The Big-A." Jockey Irad Ortiz was in her irons for that win, which produced a +155% return on investment in the process, and is back today for his 2nd ride, gunning for back-to-back "Circle Trips!" Her stablemate, #1A SURPRISE CAMEO also drops in class, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in four of her last five outings, including a "POWER RUN WIN" to break her respective maiden in her 5th race back. #5 HEAD SHRINKER, a 5-1 shot, has hit the board in four straight, winning twice, and comes off a "POWER RUN WIN" in her last start.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (1st) This Hard Land, 5-1
(2nd) Registrada, 7-2


Delta Downs (3rd) Moment to Moment, 5-1
(9th) Zarba's Charm, 3-1


Fair Grounds (3rd) Bel Air Bullet, 3-1
(8th) Cherub, 6-1


Golden Gate Fields (3rd) Tiz Fitting, 3-1
(7th) Chaotic Behavior, 7-2


Gulfstream Park (6th) Son of a Preacher, 8-1
(11th) Avalancha, 8-1


Oaklawn Park (4th) Mysterious Promise, 10-1
(9th) Ain't Got Time, 7-2


Penn National (2nd) Officer Fred, 3-1
(6th) Rick's Surprise, 8-1


Santa Anita (1st) William Crotty, 7-2
(7th) Can Can Babe, 5-1


Turfway Park (2nd) Red Hot Plot, 4-1
(9th) Nasty Girl Blues, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday's six-pack

-- Arkansas 74, Texas A&M 71-- First SEC loss for the Aggies.

-- Clemson 73, Pitt 60-- Tigers won six of last seven, are heading towards bubble.

-- East Carolina 64, Temple 61-- Owls stumble after knocking off SMU.

-- Georgia Tech 90, NC State 83-- Bottom half of ACC doesn't have much form.

-- Baylor 69, Oklahoma State 65-- Gritty road win for the Bears.

-- UNLV 87, Boise State 77-- Rebels are now 4-1 since changing coaches.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Thursday

785 EAST TENNESSEE STATE at 786 WOFFORD 7:00 PM

Take: ETSU +3

Bad habits are hard to break and right now Wofford has a very bad habit. The Terriers are having a real problem finishing games.

Take a look at the last four conference games for Wofford. They had a decent second half lead against Chattanooga but got run out down the stretch en route to a 77-68 loss. The Terriers managed to win against The Citadel, but had to hold their breath as they let a pretty late 14-point lead get all the way down to one possession. I watched that game, and Wofford was in almost panic mode down the stretch as they turned what should have been an easy win into a narrow escape. The Terriers had a 63-60 lead with just a handful of ticks remaining against Mercer and couldn’t hold it in an eventual overtime loss. Last time out, Wofford was up 60-52 against Furman with just over three minutes to play. They were outscored 11-2 in the homestretch and lost the game, 63-62.

I don’t think there’s any question this is a worrisome issue for veteran coach Mike Young. It’s certainly surprising as this is a veteran Terriers team that won 28 games last season and gave Arkansas a major scare in an NCAA Tournament thriller. But for whatever reason, this year’s squad is in a funk and it’s becoming apparent that there’s not likely to be any repeat of last season’s heroics.

Wofford is having a great deal of trouble stopping its opponents from making shots. The Terriers are among the worst teams nationally in defensive field goal percentage, and that’s on both twos and threes. That spells potential trouble against an East Tennessee State squad that can definitely shoot the ball. The Buccaneers are not exactly great stoppers themselves, but they’re the better offensive team and it would appear that they match up pretty well against the Terriers tonight.

I would expect that this will be a close game. But the power ratings favor ETSU and the end game problems for Wofford are a factor at this point. It’s a winnable game for the visitors, and East Tennessee State plus a basket or better looks appealing to me.