Tuesday 11/15/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hawks (7-2) at Heat (2-7)

Date: November 15, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

MIAMI -- The Atlanta Hawks, who were eliminated from the playoffs two years in a row by the Cleveland Cavaliers, are playing as if they want another shot at LeBron James and friends.

The Hawks, who visit the struggling Miami Heat (2-7) on Tuesday night at AmericanAirlines Arena, are off to a 7-2 start, tied for second in the Eastern Conference with the Toronto Raptors.

Cleveland (8-1) is alone in first place.

The Hawks, who have been off since beating the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, are playing better defense this season, in part due to the addition of shot-blocking center Dwight Howard.

So far, the Hawks lead the NBA -- by a wide margin -- in terms of fewest points allowed in the fourth quarter, 20.1. The second-best fourth-quarter defense belongs to the Boston Celtics, who are allowing 25.8.

"We try to wear teams down with our depth -- maybe that's what it is," Hawks small forward Kent Bazemore told Atlanta media when asked about the fourth-quarter play. "The fourth quarter is when you hone your focus. That's winning time."

Howard leads the team in the paint. He is averaging 15.2 points, 12.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.

He will face talented Heat center Hassan Whiteside, who has eight double-doubles in nine games this season.

But while the Howard-Whiteside matchup bears watching, the Hawks figure to have a big advantage at power forward with Paul Millsap, who leads the team in scoring (16.7 points per game). Millsap was also a second-team All-Defense player last season, and the Heat don't really have an answer for him at that spot.

Hawks point guard Dennis Schroder, who averages 16.3 points, leads the team in assists (6.2 per game) and gets the offense going with his great speed. He, too, figures to have an edge since the Heat are missing point guard Goran Dragic, who sat out the past two games due to a sprained left ankle.

Bazemore averages 11.3 points, and Hawks wing guard Kyle Korver, who is one of the best shooters in the league, spreads the floor by averaging 9.8 points, including 45.0 percent accuracy on 3-pointers.

Leading the Hawks' bench brigade is Miami native Tim Hardaway Jr., who is averaging 12.3 points. Hardaway, whose dad was a former Heat star, is playing very well, shooting 61.5 percent on 2-pointers and 34.8 percent on 3-pointers.

Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer, who did not attend Monday's practice due to a personal issue but is expected to be at Tuesday's game, preaches defense.

"Any time we hold a team to 20 or less points in a quarter, he lets us know it's well-appreciated," Bazemore said. "That's what he loves. That's what a lot of our guys love. It's our calling card."

On Tuesday, the Hawks will try to shut down a team that is already sputtering.

The Heat, after falling at San Antonio 94-90 on Monday, have lost five in a row and will now have to face a more-rested team in the talented Hawks.

Dragic, who has been replaced in the starting lineup by Josh Richardson, had a walking boot removed from his foot on Monday, when he rode an exercise bike for the first time since his injury.

The Heat likely will try to get Dragic back in time for their Thursday home game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

In the meantime, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra made a lineup change Monday, starting Derrick Williams at power forward and benching Luke Babbitt.

Williams, who played a combined total of just three minutes in Miami's first seven games as Spoelstra went with Babbitt and others in the rotation, scored five points in 16 minutes against the Spurs.

"He gives us a good burst of energy and athleticism," Spoelstra said of Williams, who likely will match up against Millsap. "He just needs to continue to build and do what he is doing, which is working to get better."

Williams showed his athleticism in Miami's first possession Monday, working off a screen, taking one bounce and hitting a corner mid-range jumper.

"I just want to play hard and be consistent," Williams said. "I want to bring energy, effort and efficiency."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bulls (6-4) at Trail Blazers (7-4)

Date: November 15, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The matchup between the Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night at the Moda Center features a duel between two of the better shooting guards in the NBA.

Chicago's Jimmy Butler collected 37 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and three steals Saturday in a 116-105 win over the Washington Wizards.

Portland's CJ McCollum scored 21 points to help the Trail Blazers defeat Denver 112-105 at home Sunday night.

Butler is the first Bull to reach those figures since Scottie Pippen had 37, eight and eight in December 1995. The 2016 U.S. Olympian, who is averaging 24.3 points, is the first Bull who has scored at least 20 points with three steals in four straight games since Pippen (1994-95).

"I can't express how much easier it makes it on everyone else having someone like that on both sides of the floor," Chicago center Robin Lopez said.

Over the past four games, Butler is averaging 29 points, seven rebounds, 5.3 rebounds and four steals and is a collective 42 for 46 at the line.

"We're putting the ball in his hands bringing the ball down the floor a lot more than we did a year ago," second-year Bulls coach Fred Holberg said. "Last year, we'd bring him off action to get him to the top of the floor. Now he's bringing it down and going to work. We want the ball in Jimmy's hands because of his ability to draw contact."

Butler is providing more vocal leadership, too, than ever before for the Bulls (6-4).

"The thing I love about him is how he has continued to talk and been a great leader with his voice this year," Holberg said.

Said Butler: "It's going to have to be me to lead the charge when it comes to coming out with the right energy, making sure we're doing everything we're supposed to do at both ends. I'm definitely capable of doing that."

McCollum also is on a scoring tear of late, with three 30-plus-point games in his past five games for the Blazers (7-4).

"CJ seems to have found his rhythm," Portland coach Terry Stotts said of the 2015-16 NBA Most Improved Player Award recipient. "I go back to when everybody was so concerned about him in preseason. He has showed he is picking up where he left off last year."

That was a breakout season for McCollum in his first year as a starter. He averaged 20.8 points while shooting 44.8 percent from the field, 41.7 percent from 3-point range and 82.7 percent from the free-throw line.

So far this season, McCollum is boasting better numbers across the board -- a 22.1-point average while shooting 47.2 percent from the field, 43.1 percent on 3-point attempts and 85.7 percent from the line. He is also averaging 4.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists as a combo guard, since Stotts is employing him at the point when Damian Lillard is out of the game.

"I just want to do whatever it takes to get on the court," McCollum said. "When I'm playing alongside 'Dame,' I get a lot of opportunities off the ball, a lot of shots in the flow of the offense. When I play (as point guard) with the second unit, I'm trying to make the right decisions on the pick-and-roll, and when 'Dame' comes back in, to get him off the ball some as well, because he's a unique scorer."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hornets (6-3) at Timberwolves (3-6)

Date: November 15, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

MINNEAPOLIS -- Andrew Wiggins' career-best, 47-point outburst on Sunday for the Minnesota Timberwolves flashed the immense potential and the continuing growth in the third-year swingman.

With Wiggins leading the charge, Minnesota has been among league's best offensive teams. The Timberwolves are ninth in the league in scoring, averaging 107.9 points per game.

The Charlotte Hornets have their own breakout star emerging in point guard Kemba Walker. Walker is a sixth-year pro who's had plenty of big moments in the NBA, but he's taken his scoring to another level by averaging a career-best 25.3 points per game.

Wiggins, who begins the week as the NBA's ninth-best scorer at 26.3, and Walker (12th in the league in scoring) will lead their teams against each other Tuesday at Minnesota.

With Wiggins setting career bests in points in two of the past four games, the Timberwolves (3-6) have won two of their past three games. Wiggins has asserted himself more on the offensive end this season and picked up the scoring slack in Saturday's 125-99 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers.

"He's smart. He's driven," Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau said. "I think sometimes mistakenly people take him as laid back. He's competitive. I think he's just scratching the surface. I think he can do a lot more."

Wiggins shot 14 of 21 in Sunday's win, hit two 3-pointers and went to the line 22 times, knocking down 17 free throws. One of Wiggins' weaknesses in the past had been his 3-point shooting, but he leads the league hitting 54.8 percent of his 3-pointers.

"I'm finding myself; finding the things I'm good at, the things I need to work at," Wiggins said. "The game's just kind of slowed down for me a little bit. I'm able to read a lot of different defenses and how people are playing me, the defensive set."

Walker isn't exactly new to his role as Charlotte's go-to man. He averaged more than 20 points per game last season but he's expanded his impact this year. Walker is also averaging 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game, while hitting a career-best 47 percent of his 3s.

The Hornets started the season 6-1 but have lost two in a row to the favorites in the Eastern Conference in Toronto and Cleveland. Walker scored a season-high 40 points in a loss to Toronto on Thursday before going extending his streak to eight games with at least 20 points with 21 in Saturday's loss to the Cavaliers.

Walker was so frustrated by the loss on Saturday that he sat in front of his locker in his uniform shorts for more than 20 minutes.

"We just let the game get away from us," he said. "They made some great plays and just found guys when they needed to. They were just making big plays down the stretch."

Charlotte forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist returned to the lineup after missing a game with a strained back to notch 11 points and 10 rebounds while defending LeBron James. Kidd-Gilchrist could see much of Wiggins on the defensive end on Tuesday, but Minnesota's injury situation bears watching for matchups.

Wiggins' big game on Saturday came without starting shooting guard and third-leading scorer Zach LaVine, who was held out with a sore right knee. Thibodeau wasn't sure about the status of LaVine or backup swingman Shabazz Muhammad, who also missed the game with a sore right knee. With Brandon Rush also dealing with a sprained right big toe, the Timberwolves' depth is being tested.

The 6-foot-8 Wiggins moved to shooting guard against the Lakers with 6-10 Nemanja Bjelica getting his first start and playing small forward. Kidd-Gilchrist stands 6-7 while starting shooting guard Nicolas Batum is 6-8.

Bjelica responded well to the unexpected assignment, scoring a career-high 24 with five 3s.

"The only thing, here everything is possible and you have to be ready every night," Bjelica said. "I think I needed this game, especially for myself, because I had, last summer, many issues. First my injury, then I miss the Olympic Games, then I put lots of work. That's it. I just played the best game so far that I'm here."

Charlotte will still be without guard Jeremy Lamb, but the hope is he could return by Friday against Atlanta. Center Roy Hibbert has soreness in his right knee and is expected to have his minutes limited.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nets (4-6) at Lakers (6-5)

Date: November 15, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES -- After getting blown out by the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers will try to regroup at home.

The Lakers open a four-game homestand Tuesday night beginning with the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center.

Energy was an issue for the Lakers during their last outing, which resulted in a 126-99 loss Sunday to the host Timberwolves behind a career-high 47 points from Andrew Wiggins. Although the Lakers finished the three-game trip with a 2-1 mark and earned double-digit victories over the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings, the journey took its toll in Minnesota.

"There's not many teams in the NBA that go three in four nights on the road and can bring it on that last night," Lakers coach Luke Walton said, according to the Los Angeles Times, referring to the debacle against the Timberwolves. "We'll continue to get better. At that point it becomes more mental than anything else. We didn't have that (Sunday)."

Despite the defeat, the Lakers (6-5) have been one of the NBA's early surprises. Los Angeles didn't record its sixth win until Dec. 30, 2015, at Boston en route to a franchise-worst 17-65 campaign.

Their improved play has been mainly the by-product of their up-tempo offense, a system Walton incorporated here after two seasons with the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers ranked fifth in points per game (108.6) heading into Monday's games. They also were third in field-goal percentage (47.6), a category they trailed the Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks, two teams they beat earlier this season. Los Angeles also was the third-best free-throw shooting club at 81.7 percent.

However, the Lakers have been careless handling the basketball. They were 25th in turnovers at 16.6 per game before Monday.

They've also experienced problems defensively, allowing 107.5 points per game, which ranked 20th. Opponents have shot 46.6 percent (25th) against Los Angeles.

Brooklyn (4-6) will be playing the second game of a back-to-back. The Nets were handed a 127-95 spanking by the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.

"It happens in the NBA. The good thing about it is you play the next night," said Nets forward Trevor Booker, who managed just four points and a first-half technical foul for his frustrations during the rout.

Against the Clippers, the Nets played without center and leading scorer Brook Lopez, who the club rested because of the back-to-backs it is playing.

"It's just our plan for him, big picture," Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said of the team's plan to consistently boost Lopez's peak performance level, according to Newsday.

Lopez appears to be on board with the plan.

"We've been having meetings throughout the process," Lopez told Newsday. "We had a schedule kind of planned out, but it's pretty tentative. We've mostly been playing it by ear. We felt it would be best to take one of these (two games in Los Angeles) off and just go for it after that."

The Lakers swept the Nets in their two meetings last season.

After Tuesday's contest, the host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday and the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. They cap their stay at home with a contest Nov. 22 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NBA Picks: Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

We have our second somewhat substantial trade rumor of the young season: the Kings are reportedly open to dealing second-year center Willie Cauley-Stein, the team's No. 6 overall pick out of the 2015 draft. I never understood why Sacramento took Stein there since they already had another former Kentucky star big man in DeMarcus Cousins. I guess there was some thought then that the two could play together with Cousins more of a power forward. But Cauley-Stein is averaging just 4.7 points and 1.8 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per night as Kosta Koufos has supplanted him on the depth chart. The Kings also took a couple of big guys in this year's draft, Skal Labissiere (also from Kentucky) and Georgios Papagiannis, for some reason. WCS would like to be dealt somewhere he can play, and he'd certainly bring back decent value as WCS has potential to be a difference-making defender and rebounder. Sacramento could package him with Rudy Gay, because Gay is definitely being dealt at some point this season (the first trade rumor). The Kings need backcourt help, so you have heard of a possible match with the Boston Celtics.

Raptors at Cavaliers (-6.5, 208)

First of an NBA TV doubleheader and a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference Finals. These teams played in Toronto on Oct. 28 as well and the Cavs won 94-91. Kyrie Irving scored 26 points and hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 44.3 seconds remaining. Toronto, which was led by DeMar DeRozan's 32, missed its last five shot attempts in the final minute. The Raptors bring a three-game winning streak into this one, last playing Saturday and beating the visiting Knicks 118-107. DeRozan had 33 and joined Michael Jordan, World B. Free and Tiny Archibald as the only players in the past 50 years to score 30-plus points in eight of the first nine games of a season. DeMarre Carroll got the night off for the Raptors in the second of a back-to-back. Cleveland has the East's best record and has won two straight following a 100-93 home victory over the Hornets on Sunday. LeBron James, Cleveland's only starter on the floor in the fourth quarter, scored 11 of his 19 points in the final period. J.R. Smith sat out with a sore right ankle.

Key trends: The home team is 8-2 against the spread in the past 10 meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in six of the Cavs' past eight vs. the East.

Early lean: Cavs and under.

Hawks at Heat (+6.5, 198.5)

Second of a back-to-back for Miami as it was most likely losing in San Antonio on Monday. The Heat were again without starting point guard Goran Dragic, so he surely won't play here. Atlanta won a fourth in a row Saturday, 117-96 over Philadelphia. Tim Hardaway Jr. had 20 points and Dwight Howard 10 points and 11 rebounds. Last season, Miami won the season-series 3-1 and has won three straight against Atlanta.

Key trends: The Hawks are 7-3-1 ATS in the past 11 meetings. The under is 5-1 in the previous six.

Early lean: Hawks and under.

Hornets at Timberwolves (TBA)

Charlotte lost a second in a row Sunday, 110-93 at home to Cleveland. The Hornets led by a point entering the fourth. Kemba Walker led Charlotte with 21 points. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist scored 11 points after missing Friday's game against Toronto with a sore back. Minnesota blasted the Lakers 125-99 on Sunday behind a career-high 47 points from Andrew Wiggins. He was 14-for-21 from the field and had as many points as all the Lakers starters combined. The Wolves were without starting guard Zach LaVine and reserve forward Shabazz Muhammad as both had sore knees and it was the second of a back-to-back. Charlotte has won five straight over the Timberwolves, including two on the road.

Key trends: The Hornets are 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings and the under is 4-1 in those five.

Early lean: Hornets and under regardless of those two Wolves.

Bulls at Trail Blazers (-5, 211.5)

Second NBA TV game. Chicago won a second straight game Saturday, 106-95 over visiting Washington. Jimmy Butler had 37 points and added a season-high nine assists along with eight rebounds. Robin Lopez had 10 points and 13 rebounds. Doug McDermott left in the fourth with a concussion, already his second this season. Portland is also on a two-game winning streak after beating Denver 112-105 on Sunday. Damian Lillard had 32 points and C.J. McCollum 21. Portland and Chicago split the 2015-16 season series, 1-1, with each team winning on the other team's home court. The Blazers are 13-4 against the Bulls dating back to the start of the 2007-08 season. They are 7-1 in the past eight meetings at home.

Key trends: The favorite is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The over is 9-0 in Portland's past nine at home.

Early lean: Blazers and over.

Nets at Lakers (-7, 220.5)

Brooklyn was at the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, but hey if you are going to play a back-to-back then doing the L.A. double is the way to go with no travel. The Lakers are playing much better than expected but are still a young team that's going to lay an egg every once in a while, and that happened on Sunday in the 26-point loss in Minnesota in the second of a back-to-back. Lou Williams led the Lakers with 17 points -- he's the team's top scorer despite coming off the bench. Brandon Ingram was iffy to play with a sprained ankle but did and had 10 points. The Lakers won both meetings last year vs. Brooklyn by six points each.

Key trends: The favorite has covered three of the past five meetings. The under is 8-3 in the Lakers' past 11 vs. the East.

Early lean: Lakers and under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Tuesday’s games

Ottawa lost three of last four visits to Philly, under is 4-1-1 in last six series games. Flyers are 6-4 in last ten series games overall. Senators are 3-3 on road with four of last five away games staying under total; they’re 5-3 in last eight games overall. Flyers lost three of last four games; over is 5-1-1 in their last seven home games. Philly split its eight home games this season.

Carolina won six of last eight games with San Jose; last three series games went over total. Sharks lost three of last four visits to Raleigh. San Jose won its last three games by combined score of 10-3; they won last three away games. Under is 6-1 in their last seven road games. Carolina lost five of its last seven games, losing three of last four at home. Over is 3-0-1 in their last four home games.

Washington won four of its last five games with Columbus; over is 5-1-1 in last seven series games. Caps won three of last four visits to Ohio. Washington won six of last eight games overall; over is 3-1-1 in their last five. Caps are 4-2 at home this year. Blue Jackets won five of their last seven games, including last five at home; four of their last six home games stayed under the total.

Tampa Bay won seven of last eight games with Detroit; home side won nine of last 10 series games. Lightning lost three of last four visits to Motor City, but won last one- they’re 4-3 in last seven games overall, but lost four of last six road games. Last four Tampa Bay games stayed* under total. Detroit lost six of its last eight games, with three of last four staying under total. Red Wings lost four of their last five home games.

Florida won its last four games with Montreal, winning 4-1/4-1 in last two visits here. Five of last eight series games pushed the total. Panthers are 4-3 in last seven games overall; they’re 1-5 on road (over 3-2-1). Over is 3-1-1 in their last five games overall. Canadiens won eight of last 10 games; their last four games all pushed the total. Montreal is 10-0 at home this season.

Nashville won four of last five games with Toronto; road team won seven of last ten series tilts. Predators won last three visits to Toronto, outscoring Leafs 16-6 in those games. Nashville won its last three games by combined total of 11-2; under is 6-1-1 in their last eight games. Preds are 1-6 on the road. Maple Leafs won four of last six games with three of last four going over the total.

Blues won their last eight games with Buffalo; under is 3-1-1 in last five series games. Sabres lost last four visits to St Louis, outscored 15-6. Sabres lost last four games, outscored 12-4; they’re 4-5 on road. Nine of last ten Buffalo games stayed under total. St Louis lost its last three games, outscored 13-6; Blues won three of last four home games. Under is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Minnesota won six of its last seven games with Calgary; three of last four series games went over total. Flames lost four of their last five visits to Minnesota. Calgary lost its last four games, outscored 17-4; they’re 3-5 on road. Four of Flames’ last five games stayed under. Minnesota is 5-3 in its last eight games overall, 4-1 at home; under is 6-1-1 in their last eight games.

Chicago won six of its last seven games with Winnipeg; four of last five series games stayed under total. Blackhawks won four of last five games in this building. Chicago won eight of its last nine games; under is 3-1-2 in their last six- they won last three road games. Jets won three of their last four games, with last three staying under. Winnipeg is 5-4 at home this season.

Dallas Stars won three of last four games with New Jersey; over is 2-0-1 in last three series games. Devils lost three of last four visits to Texas. New Jersey won its last four games, allowing six goals, with two wins in OT/SO; they’re 2-5 on road, but won last two road tilts. lost seven of last ten games with four of last five going over total; they’re 3-3 at home this season.

Colorado won its last two games with Los Angeles after losing previous six; three of last four series games stayed under total. Kings won three of last four visits to Denver. LA lost its last four games, outscored 9-4; they’re 2-7 on road. Under is 8-1-1 in Kings’ last 10 games. Avalanche lost five of their last seven games; under is 6-3 in their last nine. Colorado is 3-4 at home this season.

Vancouver won three of last four games with the Rangers; over is 3-1-1 in last five series games. New York won three of last four visits here, in series where road team won four of last six series games. Rangers won seven of last eight games with four of last six going over total- they’re 4-2 on road. Canucks lost eight of last ten games, with four of last five going over the total.

Anaheim won eight of last nine games with Edmonton; three of last four series games stayed under the total. Oilers lost three of last four games in this building. Edmonton lost three in row and six of last eight games; under is 7-3 in their last ten games. Oilers are 5-3 on road. Ducks are 3-2 in their last five games; over is 3-2 in their last five home games. Anaheim is 4-2 at home this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wisconsin Badgers (0-0) at Creighton Bluejays (0-0)

Date: November 15, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

OMAHA, Neb. -- Contrasting styles of play will be on display Tuesday when ninth-ranked Wisconsin visits No. 22 Creighton in one of the Gavitt Tipoff Games.

While the Badgers favor a disciplined, halfcourt type of game, the Bluejays like to get out and run, forcing teams to try to keep up with them in transition.

Wisconsin's philosophy has worked well, even last season when Greg Gard stepped in as head coach at midseason and led the Badgers to their fifth trip to the Sweet 16 in the past six years.

The Badgers return all five starters from that team, including preseason Big Ten player of the year Nigel Hayes. Wisconsin (1-0) blew out Central Arkansas 79-47 in its opener.

The Tipoff Games are an annual series between Big Ten and Big East conference teams and are named in honor Dave Gavitt, the founder of the Big East. This is the second year of an eight-year run for the event that is played during the first full week of the regular season.

That level of success Wisconsin has enjoyed this decade is a standard the Bluejays are trying to reach. Creighton has missed the NCAA tournament the past two seasons and has not made it past the second round since 1974 when the Bluejays lost to Kansas in a regional semifinal.

Junior guard Maurice Watson said this is the kind of game Creighton has been preparing for, to show this is the season the Bluejays can get past the round of 32.

"Basically It's just us testing our will and proving that we're an elite team," Watson said. "That we can hang with the teams that are in the top 10, top 15 in the country. It's about us going out there to prove to ourselves and our fans that we can hang at this level."

Freshman center Justin Patton also is confident Creighton will be able to play a faster pace than Wisconsin prefers and get one of those coveted wins against a top 10 team.

"I just hope that as a team we can keep our composure and execute down the stretch," Patton said. "If we just stay to our game plan, it will work out. Probably not early in the game, but late in the second half, things are going to start going our way. We're going to wear them down."

Patton and Watson agree with Bluejays coach Greg McDermott that CenturyLink Center, the building that Creighton has turned into a formidable home court, will be the place to be in Omaha Tuesday night.

McDermott can see the pros and cons of playing a game of this magnitude so early in the season.

"I think part of me would like a little more time to get ready for a test like this," McDermott said. "On the other side of the coin, when you play good teams, and especially experienced teams, your weaknesses are exposed, so you have a chance to fix them early in the season.

"To play a team the quality of Wisconsin, with their experience and their veteran leadership, it's great for our program and great for our fan base. This place will be rockin' tomorrow."

Watson is hopeful that the noise levels will rise because things are going Creighton's way.

"They run their offense all the way through," Watson said. "Everything moves at pace, they're calculated. They kind of run through their bigs. They don't want to run like us.

"All we can do is play our game, and playing our game is going to make a lot of teams uncomfortable."

Creighton (1-0) got past UMKC 89-82 in its opener.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Michigan State Spartans (0-1) at Kentucky Wildcats (2-0)

Date: November 15, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Four of college basketball's elite programs will gather at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night for the renewal of the Champions Classic. Kentucky faces Michigan State at 7 p.m. ET followed by Duke vs. Kansas at 9:15.

For No. 2-ranked Kentucky, it will be the first true test for John Calipari's young team, which features three McDonald's All-American freshmen in the starting lineup. The Wildcats defeated Stephen F. Austin 87-64 on Friday and Canisius 93-69 on Sunday before heading to New York City.

Michigan State, preseason ranked No. 12, opened its season Friday with a last-second 65-63 loss to No. 10 Arizona in the Armed Forces Classic in Honolulu. The Spartans jumped out to a 17-2 lead but could not hold it.

"Michigan State just lost," Calipari said. "So we're going to be playing a mean dog up in New York."

It will be an interesting test for such a young Kentucky squad.

"It will be hard," Calipari said Sunday night. "We got to practice and travel tomorrow. Have dinner in New York City, and you play the next day. How much can I do?"

Calipari said Sunday he knows what to expect from a Tom Izzo-coached team.

"Go play a team that you know is going to play hard, you know is going to rebound, you know is going to fly," Calipari said. "If you don't get back on defense, they're going to shoot layups. You know they get back. They rebound like crazy, that's their hallmark. They rebound, they bang.

"Tom does a great job with his team and puts them in great positions like always and it will be a war," Calipari said. "It's going to be a tough game for us. We may start four freshmen, that's a tough place to start four freshmen walking into Madison Square Garden in that level of a game."

Izzo's club, like Kentucky, is depending heavily on freshmen. Miles Bridges scored 21 points in the Arizona loss and was the only player to reach double figures in scoring. Nick Ward added nine points, Josh Langford scored five and Cassius Winston had three assists but failed to score.

For Kentucky, sophomore Isaiah Briscoe is the leading scorer through two games at 19.0 points per game, including a career-best 21 points Sunday against Canisius. After that, three freshmen follow Briscoe. Point guard De'Aaron Fox checks in at 16.5 points followed by Malik Monk at 13.0 and 'Bam' Adebayo at 9.5 points and 6.0 rebounds.

Tuesday's game will mark the renewal of one of the greatest basketball rivalries on the national stage. Kentucky and Michigan State have faced off four times in the NCAA Tournament and each time with a berth in the Final Four at stake. The Spartans won three times.

The most memorable might have been 2005, when Michigan State and Kentucky battled into double overtime before the Spartans prevailed 94-88 in Austin, Texas. In 1999, Michigan State kept Kentucky from defending its national title with a 73-66 win. In 1957, Michigan State upset third-ranked Kentucky 80-68.

Kentucky's lone NCAA Tournament win over Michigan State was a big one. The Wildcats topped the Spartans 52-49 en route to the 1978 NCAA Tournament championship.

Overall, Kentucky and Michigan State have faced off 23 times with 12 wins for the Wildcats and 11 for the Spartans. The last meeting was in this same Champions Classic event, a 78-74 win by Michigan State in a battle of No. 1 vs. No. 2 on Nov. 12, 2013. Kentucky would go on to reach the national championship game, losing to Connecticut.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Long Beach State 49ers (1-1) at North Carolina Tar Heels (2-0)

Date: November 15, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

Not that North Carolina coach Roy Williams wants to be comparing this season's team with the group from a year ago, but some similarities might bode well for the Tar Heels.

There's already the notion that sharing the basketball could bring good things again.

"I think that we've emphasized from Day 1 that this group has got to be a team now as well," Williams said.

No. 5 North Carolina will play seven games in less than a two-week span, so there will be ample opportunity for players to contribute. Next up is Tuesday night's home game against Long Beach State at Chapel, Hill, N.C.

The Tar Heels had 26 assists on 34 field goals in Sunday's 97-57 rout of Chattanooga.

"We're returning a lot of guys from last year and that's one thing we did last year was share the ball, not turn it over much and get shots," guard Joel Berry said. "I think having people back from last year helps with it and just getting the open shot is what Coach wants."

Those are signs that the Tar Heels are clicking early in the season, something that was expected with a core group of returners, but is always worth monitoring as roles change.

"It just shows we're working together," forward Isaiah Hicks said. "I know the coaches were talking about the assists on points were really good. Those are things we emphasize, working together."

The Tar Heels already say they're comfortable with how freshmen have transitioned into roles.

"The freshmen, they're ready," Hicks said. "They already impressed me over the summer."

The biggest impression among the newcomers has come from post player Tony Bradley. Williams said Bradley is absorbing a lot in a short amount of time.

"He's just going to get better," Williams said. "He wants to learn. We are throwing about a thousand things at him, but he's doing a really nice job."

Through two games, the lineup change of note has come at guard, with sophomore Kenny Williams starting the opener at Tulane and senior Nate Britt with the starting unit in the second game. The coach said he's interested in how the duo reacts, mentioning that Kenny Williams has had good offensive moments while Britt's defensive work has been noted by the coaching staff.

"I'm just giving guys some chances," Coach Williams said. "When you get in there, you need to play well and do some good things."

Long Beach State is coming off Sunday's 92-55 loss at Wichita State. That began a stretch of nine consecutive games away from home, when the team will log 4,492 miles during that span.

The second game for the 49ers was vastly different than the 95-59 home victory against Division II Cal State-Los Angeles to begin the season two nights earlier.

"I think the biggest thing is consistency," Long Beach State coach Dan Monson said of what his team must strive to achieve.

Monson said he's emphasizing defense with his team because he senses that's where immediate gains would be most beneficial. But the offense could use a tuneup as well, particularly after the 49ers made only six of their last 28 shots in the Wichita State game.

North Carolina has some future travel on its agenda as well. After Tuesday, the Tar Heels will play their next four games in Hawaii.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Tuesday’s games

Cleveland won/covered five of last seven games with Toronto; four of last six series games stayed under total. Raptors lost last four visits to Cleveland (0-4 vs spread), losing games on road by 22-31-19-38 points. Toronto won six of its last seven games (over 5-2); they’re 2-0 as a road underdog this year. Cavaliers won eight of last nine games with three of last four staying under total; they’re 1-4 as a home favorite.

Miami won its last three games with Atlanta; five of last six series games stayed under the total. Hawks won three of last four visits to Miami- road team won five of last seven series games. Atlanta won its last four games, with last three going over total; Hawks are 2-1 on road, 1-0 as road favorite. Heat lost in Alamo last night; they’ve lost five in row, seven of last eight games. Miami is 1-4 at home, 0-2 as a home underdog.

Charlotte won its last five games with Minnesota; under is 7-3 in last ten series games. Hornets won three of last four visits to Twin Cities. Charlotte lost its last two games after a 6-1 start; they are 3-1 on road, 1-1 as road favorites- over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Timberwolves are off to a 3-6 start; they’re 2-2 at home, 0-1 as a home underdog. Minnesota’s last four games all went over the total.

Portland won eight of last ten games with Chicago (7-3 vs spread); four of last five series games stayed under total. Bulls lost four of last five visits to Portland (2-3 vs spread). Chicago won three of its last four games; they’re 1-3 as a road underdog. Under is 4-1 in their road games this year. Trailblazers won five of their last six games; three of their last four went over the total. Portland is 2-2 as a home favorite.

Lakers won seven of last ten games with Brooklyn, winning last two by 6 points each; Nets did win two of last three against the Lakers in Staples Center, plus they played Clippers here last night. Brooklyn is 1-4 on road, 3-1 as road underdog; over is 3-1 in their road games. Lakers are 3-1 at home, 1-1 as a home favorite; three of their four home games stayed under the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Kansas Jayhawks (0-1) at Duke Blue Devils (2-0)

Date: November 15, 2016 9:30 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- Kansas did not get off to a flying start in more than one sense.

By going to overtime in a season-opening loss to Indiana in the Armed Forces Classic, the No. 3 Jayhawks were left scrambling to make a flight out of Hawaii.

They flew to New York both frazzled and disappointed while forced to get ready for another elite showdown Tuesday against top-ranked Duke in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden.

"We need to get ready and think about Duke," Kansas coach Bill Self said, "but certainly you come all the way over here (to Honolulu), you play 45 minutes, you've got to win. I mean, that's the bottom line and we just didn't do it."

Instead, four starters fouled out and the Jayhawks fell 103-99 to the Hoosiers, despite forcing an overtime by overcoming a five-point deficit with slightly more than a minute remaining.

Senior guard Frank Mason posted a career-best 30 points while also leading Kansas with nine assists and seven rebounds.

"He missed a big one," Self said of a free throw by Mason with 40 seconds left in regulation, "but other than that, he was great. He had some mental lapses defensively, but Frank's so tough."

Defensive breakdowns were most concerning for Self after his team allowed Indiana to drain 15 bombs from 3-point range. He also was not pleased with the Jayhawks' shot selection.

"The reality of it is, there's so many possessions that you've got to be able to guard your man and you've got to pay attention to the scouting report," Self said. "I didn't think we were. We played like it was the first game."

That variable no longer exists, and the competition only stiffens after Kansas lost a season opener for the first time in Self's 14 seasons as coach.

Duke played two home games last weekend as part of the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic. The Blue Devils (2-0) played without three injured freshman post players but had no trouble pounding Marist and Grand Canyon.

"I like my team a lot," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "We just have to keep getting better, and then once these injuries are taken care of in some time, we can become a different team. Right now, we have to be this team and not think about who we could be. Our complete focus has got to be how to win this team."

That directive requires perimeter players to crash the boards. Junior guard Grayson Allen snagged 10 rebounds as part of a double-double that included 25 points against Grand Canyon. The Blue Devils trailed by six early, but five scorers netted double figures to lead the 96-61 blowout.

"We know the big guys that we do have in the game, they're going to be battling, boxing out the other bigs, so the perimeter, we need to crash in and rebound and clean up all the loose stuff," Krzyzewski said.

None of the injured freshman big men -- Harry Giles (knee), Marques Bolden (lower leg) and Jayson Tatum (foot) -- are expected to play against Kansas.

The absence of Giles prevents a showdown between two of the nation's most coveted recruits, though Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson struggled in his debut, scoring nine points on 3-of-11 shooting fromt he field against Indiana.

"Whatever amount of time, whatever it is, let's just get well," Krzyzewski added. "And while you guys are getting well and supporting the team, let's become a team with these nine (healthy) guys. We made that a priority this past week."

The lone Kansas victory in the Champions Classic since its inception in 2011 was a 94-83 victory against Duke in 2013. The Blue Devils leads the all-time series 7-3.

Tipoff for the Duke-Kansas clash will follow a matchup between Kentucky and Michigan State. The Spartans also opened their season on Nov. 11 in Honolulu, losing at the wire to Arizona.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Oregon Ducks (1-0) at Baylor Bears (1-0)

Date: November 15, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

Four days into the college basketball season, fourth-ranked Oregon faces a test that concerns coach Dana Altman.

After opening the season with an uninspiring 91-77 win over Army, the Ducks will head to Baylor on Tuesday afternoon.

"We've got a lot of work to do and I've been telling the guys that for the last two or three weeks," Altman said. "I liked the first couple weeks, but then we got stuck in gear and have had a hard time getting out of that. We had better figure out a way to get in another gear before Tuesday."

Oregon has a difficult early schedule as it returns home from Baylor to face Valparaiso before heading to the Maui Invitational.

"We knew we had some super tough games this year from the jump that are away from home so we won't have the home crowd to help us win," Ducks junior forward Jordan Bell said. "So we have been going extra hard in practice and working on rebounding."

Oregon beat Baylor 74-67 last season in Eugene, Ore.

"I don't think we will be that excited like we were last year when we were licking our chops because we knew we were the underdog," Bell said. "This year people are saying we are good so I think we need to take the mentality last year like we were underdogs. We will get everyone's best game so we have to come out with energy and go for it."

Last year, Baylor was in the Top 25 when it lost to Oregon, but now the Ducks are the ranked team in the matchup.

"They were ranked and we weren't and it was a big ballgame for us," Altman said. "It is a big one for us to go down there, it will be tough on the road. We are not playing very well and we will be the underdogs going down there. Whether they think they are the favorites or not, we are going down there and it will be a tough game."

Oregon will once again be without All-Pac-12 Conference junior forward Dillon Brooks, who is expected to miss the first few weeks of the season following foot surgery.

"That is no excuse, we have not had him for the summer or the preseason," Bell said. "When he comes back, he will help us a lot."

Baylor opened the season with a 76-61 win at home over Oral Roberts.

"This will be a tough game for us, our first real test against a good team," Oregon forward Roman Sorkin said. "We are really excited and want to play."

Junior guard Al Freeman led the Bears with 16 points against Oral Roberts, including three 3-pointers. Baylor shot 10 of26 from behind the 3-point line.

"That's something when you play guards, you hope they make those threes," Baylor coach Scott Drew said. "I thought we had some good looks, and in the second half I thought we did a good job getting to the paint and getting to the 3-point line and mixing that up. I thought guys got a little more comfortable at the 3-point line in the second half, so that was good."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview and Prediction: Ohio Bobcats (7-3) at Central Michigan Chippewas (5-5)
By Randy Chambers
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 7:00 pm (Kelly/Shorts Stadium)
The Line: Central Michigan Chippewas +1 -- Over/Under:
TV: ESPN2

The Ohio Bobcats and Central Michigan Chippewas meet Tuesday night in a MAC college football game at Kelly/Shorts Stadium on ESPN2.

The Ohio Bobcats look for their fourth straight win in order to keep their lead in the MAC East division. The Ohio Bobcats have won three straight road games. Greg Windham is completing 56.4 percent of his passes for 1,366 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions. Windham remains questionable due to an ankle injury after missing last week. Sebastian Smith and Papi White have combined for 1,109 receiving yards and seven touchdowns while Jordan Reid has 33 receptions. The Ohio Bobcats ground game is averaging 195.6 yards per contest, and Dorian Brown leads the way with 656 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, Ohio is allowing 23 points and 380.5 yards per game. Blair Brown leads the Ohio Bobcats with 89 tackles, Tarell Basham has nine sacks and Javon Hagan has three interceptions.

The Central Michigan Chippewas hope to snap a three-game losing streak and become bowl eligible with their last home game. The Central Michigan Chippewas have won seven of their last 10 home games. Cooper Rush is completing 59.6 percent of his passes for 2,775 yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Rush has one or less touchdown passes in four of his last six games. Corey Willis and Tyler Conklin have combined for 1,283 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns while Mark Chapman has 32 receptions. The Central Michigan Chippewas ground game is averaging 127.9 yards per contest, and Devon Spalding leads the way with 652 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, Central Michigan is allowing 29.3 points and 361.9 yards per game. Malik Fountain leads the Central Michigan Chippewas with 77 tackles, Joe Ostman has six sacks and Amari Coleman has three interceptions.

The Bobcats are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 road games and 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall. The Chippewas are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games and 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall. The Bobcats are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 meetings and the road team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

Central Michigan has won six of the last seven games against Ohio, which includes a 28-10 victory in the last meeting in 2014. You also have to factor in the injury and questionable status with Windham. This is also Central Michigan's last home game and a chance to become bowl eligible. It's going to be a huge game for the seniors and the Central Michigan Chippewas overall. I'm going to side with Central Michigan in this spot, as I expect Rush to have a big game.

RANDY'S PICK
Central Michigan Chippewas +1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview and Prediction: Kent State Golden Flashes (3-7) at Bowling Green Falcons (2-8)
By Randy Chambers
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 7:00 pm (Doyt Perry Stadium)
The Line: Bowling Green Falcons +2 -- Over/Under:
TV: ESPNU

The Kent State Golden Flashes and Bowling Green Falcons meet Tuesday night in a MAC college football game at Doyt Perry Stadium on ESPNU.

The Kent State Golden Flashes could use a feel good victory after losing five of their last seven games. The Kent State Golden Flashes have lost five of their last seven road games. Nick Holley is completing 50.4 percent of his passes for 741 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Holley has just one touchdown pass in his last five games. Justin Rankin and Raekwon James have combined for 516 receiving yards and one touchdown while Brice Fackler has 11 receptions. The Kent State Golden Flashes ground game is averaging 181.3 yards per contest, and Holley leads the way with 916 yards and 10 touchdowns. Defensively, Kent State is allowing 27.1 points and 356.8 yards per game. Nate Holley leads the Kent State Golden Flashes with 111 tackles, Terence Waugh has eight sacks and Jerrell Foster has three interceptions.

The Bowling Green Falcons look for back-to-back victories for the first time this season to rebound from a 2-8 record. The Bowling Green Falcons have lost three straight home games. James Morgan is completing 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,759 yards, 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Morgan has three or more touchdown passes in three of his last four games. Scott Miller and Ronnie Moore have combined for 1,294 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns while Teo Redding has 28 receptions. The Bowling Green Falcons ground game is averaging 140.4 yards per contest, and Fred Coppet leads the way with 765 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, Bowling Green is allowing 43.4 points and 491.6 yards per game. Trenton Greene leads the Bowling Green Falcons with 96 tackles, Gus Schwieterman has four sacks and Jamari Bozeman has three interceptions.

The Golden Flashes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in November and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on fieldturf. The Falcons are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games and 13-5-1 ATS in their last 19 games in November. The Golden Flashes are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings in Bowling Green and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 meetings overall.

Two of the worst teams in the MAC, so good luck picking this contest. However, Bowling Green has won the last three games against Kent State, including a 48-0 beatdown last season on the road. Bowling Green also has a passing game with Morgan putting up some impressive numbers the last few weeks. This is a toss-up, but given the recent history between these two teams and the fact the Bowling Green Falcons are at home, I'll side with the points and predict an outright victory as well.

RANDY'S PICK
Bowling Green Falcons +2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview and Prediction: NIU Huskies (3-7) at Eastern Michigan Eagles (6-4)
By David Racey
Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 8:00 pm (Rynearson Stadium)
The Line: Eastern Michigan Eagles +3 -- Over/Under:
TV: ESPNU

The Northern Illinois Huskies will travel to play the Eastern Michigan Eagles in a MAC college football game on Wednesday night.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles are 6-4 (3-3) this season after beating Ball State by a score of 48-41 in their last game. Eastern Michigan fell down early in this game but was able to come back in the second half for the win. The Eastern Michigan offense is averaging 31.5 points per game with 142.4 rushing yards and 301 passing yards per game. Brogan Roback is completing 59.8% of his passes for 1855 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions for Eastern Michigan. Ian Eriksen has rushed for 570 yards and 7 touchdowns, while Todd Porter has rushed for 173 yards and 1 touchdown for Eastern Michigan. Sergio Bailey II has caught 46 passes for 655 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Antoine Porter has added 38 catches for 454 yards and 4 scores for the Eagles. The Eastern Michigan defense is giving up 31.2 points per game with 152.1 rushing yards and 284.2 passing yards per game. Jason Beck has led the Eastern Michigan defense with 81 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks, while Vince Calhoun has added 57 tackles and 2 interceptions. Paul Fricano has gone 14-17 on field goals, with a long of 46 yards.

The Northern Illinois Huskies are 3-7 (3-3) this season after losing to Toledo by a score of 31-24 in their last game. Northern Illinois had the lead in the fourth quarter but let Toledo outscore them by a total of 14-3 in the final frame. The Northern Illinois offense is averaging 30.4 points per game with 233.8 rushing yards and 226.9 passing yards per game. Ryan Graham is completing 55.6% of his passes for 622 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions for Northern Illinois. Joel Bouagnon has rushed for 728 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Jordan Huff has added 490 yards and 1 touchdown for the Huskies. Kenny Golladay has caught 79 passes for 1029 yards and 8 scores, while Aregero Turner has added 36 catches for 324 yards and 2 scores for Northern Illinois. The Northern Illinois defense is giving up 31.9 points per game with 193.1 rushing yards and 262.1 passing yards per game. Sean Folliard has led the Huskies defense with 75 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks, while Jamaal Payton has added 62 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 1 interception. Christian Hagan has gone 9-14 on field goals, with a long of 41 yards.

Northern Illinois is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on turf and 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games against a team with a winning record. The over is 4-1 in the last 5 road games for Northern Illinois. Eastern Michigan is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS win. The under is 4-1 in Eastern Michigan’s last 5 home games. The road team is 11-3-1 ATS in these two teams last 15 meetings.

Eastern Michigan comes into this game as a home underdog, despite having the better record. Northern Illinois has struggled at times this season, but has had some close losses. Eastern Michigan has had success throwing the ball and should find some success against the NIU secondary. I like Eastern Michigan at home.

DAVID'S PICK
Eastern Michigan Eagles +3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners (1-0) at Arizona Wildcats (1-0)

Date: November 15, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Freshmen scored more than half of Arizona's points in its opening victory over Michigan State.

But coach Sean Miller put the ball in the hands of a fifth-year senior with the game on the line.

Guard Kadeem Allen delivered with a coast-to-coast layup in the final seconds as 10th-ranked Arizona 65-63 beat No. 12 Michigan State last Friday night in Honolulu. Miller will continue to look to Allen to guide a young team, which opens its home schedule Tuesday night against Cal State Bakersfield in McKale Center, starting at 10 p.m. ET.

"He is the guy that every coach in the country would love to have on their team, because he really only cares about one thing, and that is winning," Miller said.

Allen, the team's only available senior, starts at shooting guard after spending most of last season a bit miscast as the starting point guard. The move off the ball allows Allen to focus on his defense, where Miller says he might be the best perimeter defender he's coached.

"Being off the ball, I feel I have a lot more energy to guard the other team's best player and not really have to focus on the offense as much," Allen said.

Arizona played its opener, and its two exhibitions, without sophomore guard Allonzo Trier, who averaged 14.8 points per game last season. He is reportedly dealing with eligibility issues, although school officials have declined to comment on his status or any timetable for a potential return.

As for the freshmen, guard Kobi Simmons, taking advantage of Trier's absence, led the Wildcats with 18 points, including 15 in the first half. Power forward Lauri Markkanen scored 13, including making 2 of 3 3-pointers. Wing Rawle Alkins scored three.

"Kobi stepped up big-time," Allen said. "The first half, he really carried the team on his back. We fed off his energy."

Without Trier, Arizona has eight available scholarship players, so the three freshmen, plus junior college transfer forward Keanu Pinder, have to continue to play big roles.

Cal State Bakersfield went 24-9 last season and earned its first NCAA Tournament berth since moving to NCAA Division I for the 2007-08 season. The Roadrunners beat New Mexico State in the 2016 WAC tournament title game to qualify for the NCAAs.

The Roadrunners lost to second-seeded Oklahoma 82-68 in the first round, but they led with 14:26 to go and were down only four with 4:18 remaining.

CSUB won this season's opener, 96-54, over visiting San Diego Christian on Saturday night. The Roadrunners were led by a newcomer, wing Shon Briggs, who spent last season at City College of San Francisco. He scored 21 points on 9 of 12 shooting in his Roadrunners debut.

"We've put him in a lot of positions where he can just do what he likes to do," said coach Rod Barnes. "We've kind of figured him out a little bit in where he likes to get the ball, and he's really dangerous once he catches it."

Senior guard Dedrick Basile, who had 11 points in the opener, is on the preseason watch list for the Lou Henson Award, given to the nation's top Division I mid-major player. Basile averaged 12.0 points, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals last season, when he had a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to win the WAC title game.

Arizona's game against CSUB is the first of three home games in a span of six days for the Wildcats. They play Sacred Heart on Friday night and Northern Colorado on Monday, Nov. 21.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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

Race 9 - Post: 3:05 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$4000 - N/W $300 P/S L/5 OR P/S IN 2016 $5000 P/C L/S AE: N/W 7 PM LT
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 4 FOR KEVIN'S SAKE 5/2
# 6 TOBINS FUSION 3/1
# 2 PRINCE ALAND 9/2

Hey, listen up! FOR KEVIN'S SAKE is the sharp wager if you like to win. Positive feel - squaring off well enough to contend in this contest. Could be considered here if only for the respectable speed fig earned in the last competition. Huge driver/trainer ratings make this interesting entrant a bang-up choice. Unquestionably will be putting money down for this race. TOBINS FUSION - Outstanding win stat combined with recent competitive performances. We think he can handle this group. Most definitely think these two have something special. Gill sending the horse out means a really strong chance to get the score. PRINCE ALAND - Really liked this gelding's last race. Ran a solid 77 TrackMaster Speed Rating. Major player. Can't gloss over the connections here, a 27 winning figure, one of the best at getting into the winners circle.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Tuesday’s games– not a lot of info early on. I’m giving you what I have.

Dayton pummeled Alabama 80-48 at home LY, holding Crimson Tide to 29.8% from floor- they led by 16 at half. Flyers beat Austin Peay by 28 in their opener; Flyers have four starters back from 25-8 team. Avery Johnson is in his 2nd year at Alabama; he’s upgraded the talent level from LY, but they’re still a work in progress. Bama beat Coastal Carolina by 17 in their opener. A-14 teams are 5-4 in last nine games vs SEC (4-5 vs spread). SEC teams are 5-6 vs spread so far this season; A-14 teams are 6-9.

Oregon shot 60% inside arc in 74-67 home win over Baylor LY; Ducks beat Army by 14 in their opener. Oregon has four starters back from a 31-7 team LY, but Brooks has been banged up. Baylor made 10-26 on arc in its 76-61 win over Oral Roberts in their opener; Bears lost three starters from a 22-12 team that got upset in first round of NCAAs by Yale last spring. Big X teams are 7-4 in last 11 games vs Pac-12 (6-5 vs spread). Pac-12 teams are 8-5 vs spread so far this season; Big 14 teams are 6-6.

Indiana State won four of last five games with Ball State, losing 70-63 in last visit here; they beat Cardinals 73-61 at home LY. Sycamores brought in a freshman PG to run things after they were 15-17 LY, 8-10 in the MVC. Ball State has four starters back from LY’s 21-14 team that was Cardinals’ first postseason tourney team since 2002- they jumped 130 points in RPI LY. MVC teams are 4-3 in last seven games vs MAC clubs (5-2 vs spread). MAC teams are 7-6 vs spread so far this season; MVC teams are 2-5.

Wisconsin has its whole team back from LY’s 22-13 team that made Sweet 16 in NCAAs after they changed coaches in December. Badgers whacked Central Arkansas by 32 in their opener (34-22 at half). Creighton has four starters back from a 20-15 team that lost in NIT quarterfinals; Bluejays beat UMKC 89-82 in their opener- they were up by 28 with 13:09 left, let Kangaroos back in the game. Big East teams are 11-9 in last 20 games vs Big East teams (10-10 vs spread). Big 14 teams are 6-6 vs spread so far this season. Big East teams are 5-0.

Stanford was in China four days ago, beating Harvard by 10; Cardinal was 29-43 on line, was just 1-6 on arc. Cal-Northridge lost 102-87 at UCLA Sunday; Matadors were up by a hoop at the half. CSUN has three starters back from LY and finally has decent depth in Year 4 for coach Theus. Stanford has four starters back from a 15-15 team; they’ve got a new coach. Pac-12 teams are 11-8 vs spread in last 19 games vs Big West teams. Big West teams are 4-8 vs spread this season, 1-4 as road underdogs. Pac-12 teams are 8-4.

Michigan State raced out to 17-2 lead, then lost 65-63 to Arizona on Pearl Harbor in their opener Friday; Spartans were outscored 20-5 on foul line, made just 8-25 on arc. MSU is younger than usual; they lost three starters from LY, but has very talented freshmen. Kentucky won its first two games by 23-24 over SF Austin/Canisius; Wildcats are obviously young/talented; they forced turnovers on 30.3% of opponents’ possessions. Big 14 teams are 8-1 (5-3-1 vs spread) in last nine games vs SEC squads. Big 14 teams are 6-6 vs spread; SEC teams are 5-7. This is in NYC; lot of travel for Michigan State- they played in Hawai’i Friday night.

Kansas was also in Hawai’i Friday, losing 103-99 in OT to Indiana in foulfest where 74 Its were taken; Indiana made 15-31 on arc in game Jayhawks led by 9 early in second half. Kansas PG Mason is indispensable; he played all 40:00, got to line 15 times himself vs Hoosiers. Duke is a loaded team that has injury issues early one; Blue Devils whacked Marist/Grand Canyon to start their season- this is obviously a big jump in class. ACC teams were 3-3 (2-4 vs spread) vs Big 14 teams LY. Big 14 teams are 6-6 vs spread this season; ACC teams are 8-3. Duke will have crowd edge with game being in NYC, where Blue Devils play every year.

Monmouth scheduled games like this to up their non-league profile so they can get an at-large bid to NCAAs; Hawks have four starters back from a 28-8 team that lost MAAC final by 3 to Iona, then got sent to NIT- they beat Drexel by 13 in their opener this year. South Carolina scored 83 pts/game in beating LA Tech/Holy Cross to start season; Gamecocks made half their 3’s in those two games. Carolina lost three starters from a 25-9 team that was 15-0 at one point. MAAC teams are 1-6 vs spread so far this season; SEC teams are 5-6.

Siena beat Cornell by 11 in its opener Sunday; Saints beat St Bonaventure of A-14 at home LY. Siena has three starters back from 21-13 team, is expected to challenge Monmouth, Iona for MAAC crown. George Washington fired its coach in late summer, has an interim coach for this year. Colonials almost blew a 19-point lead in their opener, holding off Md-Eastern Shore 75-71. A-14 teams are 9-3 in last 12 games vs MAAC teams (6-6 vs spread). MAAC teams are 1-6 vs spread this month. A-14 teams are 6-9. GW has 8 new players this season.

Little unusual that this is Iona’s opener; they’re off to Reno to play Reno after this game. Gaels lost three starters from 22-11 team that won MAAC tourney LY- they’ve been in NCAA’s 3 of last 5 years. Florida State beat a cupcake by 21 in their opener; Seminoles are deep, athletic but they’ve got to play better defense than they did LY. FSU has had two excellent recruiting classes in a row. ACC teams are 3-1 (2-2 vs spread) in last four games vs MAAC. MAAC teams are 1-6 vs spread so far this season; ACC teams are 8-3.

Belmont, Vanderbilt are both in Nashville but are playing for first time in six years; Bruins are the smaller school, have to be more excited about this. This is Belmont’s opener; they’ve got four starters back from 20-12 team that went 4-5 in its last nine games, losing in OT in OVC tourney.* Vandy got whacked by 24 by Marquette in its opener; Commodores turned ball over 19 times, have new coach- it takes time sometimes to adjust. SEC teams won their last 10 games (5-5 vs spread) vs OVC opponents. OVC teams are 7-7 vs spread; SEC teams are 6-9.

Murray State beat Middle Tenneseee by 19-11 points the last two years. Racers beat Illinois State 73-70 in their opener, a solid win- Murray forced 18 turnovers, was 12-33 on arc- they’ve got three starters back from a disappointing 17-14 team. Middle Tennessee wound up making NCAAs LY and upsetting Michigan State in first round; Blue Raiders played a stiff in their first game this year- they’ve got three starters back from that 25-10 team. C-USA teams are 8-6 in last 14 games vs OVC teams (5-8-1 vs spread). OVC teams are 7-7 vs spread; C-USA teams are 8-1.

Weber State actually played Antelope Valley (who??) in their opener; Wildcats have four starters back from a 26-9 team that lost by 18 to Xavier in NCAAs LY- they’re expected to contend for another Big Sky title. Pepperdine beat Cal Poly by 9 in its opener; Waves were just 11-21 on foul line- they’ve got three starters back from an 18-14 team. Pepperdine is struggling to break into WCC’s top 3; hard to do. WCC teams are 8-7 in last 15 games vs Big Sky foes (9-6 vs spread). Big Sky teams are 7-7 vs spread this week; WCC teams are 6-8.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview and Prediction: Ball State Cardinals (4-6) at Toledo Rockets (8-2)
By David Racey
Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 7:00 pm (Glass Bowl)
The Line: Toledo Rockets -18 -- Over/Under:
TV: ESPN2

The Ball State Cardinals will travel to play the Toledo Rockets in a MAC College Football Game on Wednesday night.

The Toledo Rockets are 8-2 (5-1) this season after beating Northern Illinois by a score of 31-24 in their last game. Toledo had to come from behind in the fourth quarter to get this win and stay in the hunt for a MAC Title. The Toledo offense is averaging 39.4 points per game with 200.2 rushing yards and 339.5 passing yards per game. Logan Woodside is completing 70.8% of his passes for 3328 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions for Toledo. Kareem Hunt has rushed for 1048 yards and 7 touhdowns, while Terry Swanson has added 525 yards and 3 touchdowns for the Rockets. Corey Jones has caught 53 passes for 631 yards and 5 touchdowns, while Michael Roberts has added 38 catches for 448 yards and 12 scores for Toledo. The Toledo defense is giving up 22.9 points per game with 160.6 rushing yards and 229.5 passing yards per game. DeJuan Rogers has led the Toledo defense with 61 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks, while John Stepec has added 50 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. Jameson Vest has gone 10-15 on field goals, with a long of 47 yards.

The Ball State Cardinals are 4-6 (1-5) this season after losing to Eastern Michigan by a score of 48-41 in their last game. Ball State jumped out to an early lead in this game but could not hold onto it in the second half. The Ball State offense is averaging 28.5 points per game with 226 rushing yards and 230.2 passing yards per game. Riley Neal is completing 60.1% of his passes for 2093 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions for Ball State. James Gilbert has rushed for 1196 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Riley Neal has added 359 yards and 7 scores for the Cardinals. KeVonn Mabon has caught 67 passes for 794 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Damon Hazelton Jr. has caught 38 passes for 388 yards and 3 touchdowns for Ball State. The Ball State defense is giving up 30.3 points per game with 156.6 rushing yards and 313.1 passing yards per game. Sean Wiggins has led the Cardinals defense with 87 tackles and 4 tackles for loss, while Martez Hester has added 70 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 interception. Morgan Hagee has gone 11-15 on field goals, with a long of 44 yards.

Ball State is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 conference games. The under is 4-1 in Ball State’s last 5 road games. Toledo is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 November games and 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games against a team with a losing record. The under is 3-0-1 in Toledo’s last 4 games. The under is 4-0 in these two teams last 4 meetings.

Toledo comes into this game as a big favorite and for good reason. Toledo will be at home for this game and has a very explosive offense. Ball State needs to win their remaining two games in order to get to a bowl game, but will have a tall task in this one. Toledo should come out more focused than last week and get the job done.

DAVID'S PICK
Toledo Rockets -18

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview and Prediction: NIU Huskies (3-7) at Eastern Michigan Eagles (6-4)
By David Racey
Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 8:00 pm (Rynearson Stadium)
The Line: Eastern Michigan Eagles +3 -- Over/Under:
TV: ESPNU

The Northern Illinois Huskies will travel to play the Eastern Michigan Eagles in a MAC college football game on Wednesday night.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles are 6-4 (3-3) this season after beating Ball State by a score of 48-41 in their last game. Eastern Michigan fell down early in this game but was able to come back in the second half for the win. The Eastern Michigan offense is averaging 31.5 points per game with 142.4 rushing yards and 301 passing yards per game. Brogan Roback is completing 59.8% of his passes for 1855 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions for Eastern Michigan. Ian Eriksen has rushed for 570 yards and 7 touchdowns, while Todd Porter has rushed for 173 yards and 1 touchdown for Eastern Michigan. Sergio Bailey II has caught 46 passes for 655 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Antoine Porter has added 38 catches for 454 yards and 4 scores for the Eagles. The Eastern Michigan defense is giving up 31.2 points per game with 152.1 rushing yards and 284.2 passing yards per game. Jason Beck has led the Eastern Michigan defense with 81 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks, while Vince Calhoun has added 57 tackles and 2 interceptions. Paul Fricano has gone 14-17 on field goals, with a long of 46 yards.

The Northern Illinois Huskies are 3-7 (3-3) this season after losing to Toledo by a score of 31-24 in their last game. Northern Illinois had the lead in the fourth quarter but let Toledo outscore them by a total of 14-3 in the final frame. The Northern Illinois offense is averaging 30.4 points per game with 233.8 rushing yards and 226.9 passing yards per game. Ryan Graham is completing 55.6% of his passes for 622 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions for Northern Illinois. Joel Bouagnon has rushed for 728 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Jordan Huff has added 490 yards and 1 touchdown for the Huskies. Kenny Golladay has caught 79 passes for 1029 yards and 8 scores, while Aregero Turner has added 36 catches for 324 yards and 2 scores for Northern Illinois. The Northern Illinois defense is giving up 31.9 points per game with 193.1 rushing yards and 262.1 passing yards per game. Sean Folliard has led the Huskies defense with 75 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks, while Jamaal Payton has added 62 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 1 interception. Christian Hagan has gone 9-14 on field goals, with a long of 41 yards.

Northern Illinois is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on turf and 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games against a team with a winning record. The over is 4-1 in the last 5 road games for Northern Illinois. Eastern Michigan is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS win. The under is 4-1 in Eastern Michigan’s last 5 home games. The road team is 11-3-1 ATS in these two teams last 15 meetings.

Eastern Michigan comes into this game as a home underdog, despite having the better record. Northern Illinois has struggled at times this season, but has had some close losses. Eastern Michigan has had success throwing the ball and should find some success against the NIU secondary. I like Eastern Michigan at home.

DAVID'S PICK
Eastern Michigan Eagles +3