Tuesday 2/2/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAA Basketball Betting 3-Point Play: Three Interesting Feb. 2 Opening Lines
by Alan Matthews

Here's something I certainly didn't expect to write this season: "unranked Duke." The defending National Champions dropped out of the Associated Press Top 25 on Monday (and USA Today poll) for the first time since 2007-08. Duke had been in the poll for 167 straight weeks, the fifth-longest run since the AP poll debuted in 1948-49. The record is UCLA's 221 straight polls from 1966 to 1980. It's actually possible that Duke misses the NCAA Tournament entirely with five games left against teams currently ranked as well as a potential loss at Pittsburgh on Feb. 28.


LSU at Auburn (+5)

SEC matchup is at 7 p.m. ET on the SEC Network. It would really be a shame if LSU (13-8, 6-2) missed the NCAA Tournament as I'd certainly like to see freshman phenom Ben Simmons, the lock No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft, on the big stage. The Tigers' at-large resume nearly got a huge boost on Saturday when No. 1 Oklahoma visited Baton Rouge, but the Sooners escaped with a 77-75 win. Simmons only took seven shots and just one in the game's final 10 minutes. He finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists, but OU's Buddy Hield probably locked up the National Player of the Year Award in the game with 32 points. The Tigers had a chance to tie at the end but a driving layup by Tim Quarterman was blocked by Khadeem Lattin. It did look like Quarterman might have been fouled, but there was no call. LSU hasn't beat the nation's top team in a regular-season game since December 2002.

Auburn (9-11, 3-5) lost a third straight on Saturday, 73-63 to an Oklahoma State team that had lost seven straight road games dating to last season. The Tigers played without third-leading scorer and top rebounder Cinmeon Bowers as he was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. But Coach Bruce Pearl seemed to indicate that Bowers would play Tuesday. He's averaging 10.7 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Freshman Horace Spencer got the start in his place vs. OSU and turned in career highs in minutes, rebounds and blocks. Auburn has trailed by at least 10 points in each of its past eight games and is 2-6 in those.

Key trends: LSU is 1-7 against the spread in its past eight road games. Auburn is 6-2 ATS in its past eight at home. The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings.

I'm leaning: Auburn.

Duke at Georgia Tech (+3.5)

This ACC game is at 9 p.m. ET on ESPNU. Duke (15-6, 4-4) lost for the fourth time in five games last Monday, 80-69 at then-No. 15 Miami. So maybe the week off is a good thing for Coach K's squad. Freshman Brandon Ingram, likely the No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft behind Simmons, led Duke with 19 points and 10 rebounds. It was Duke's first loss this season when outrebounding its opponent. Duke has not forced an opponent into double-digit turnovers in four straight games. Defense has largely been the problem, not offense. Duke is ninth in the NCAA in scoring offense (84.9 ppg) and leads the country in adjusted offensive efficiency (122.7).

Georgia Tech (12-9, 2-6) lost at Syracuse 60-57 on Saturday. Adam Smith missed a desperation 3 at the buzzer for the Yellow Jackets. Their six ACC losses have been by a combined 29 points, so they are competitive. Tech is 9-3 at home this year, including 1-2 in ACC play. The three losses have occurred by a total of six points. Charles Mitchell's 12 double-doubles this season are tied for the ACC lead. He's looking to become the first Tech player to average double figure points and rebounds since Alvin Jones in 2000-01. Mitchell is averaging 11.3 points and 10.7 boards. Georgia Tech has dropped eight straight vs. Duke. This is the only regular-season meeting.

Key trends: The Blue Devils are 11-4 ATS in their past 15 after an ATS loss. Tech is 7-1 ATS in its past eight after a loss.

I'm leaning: Duke.

Colorado State at San Diego State (-11.5)

This Mountain West matchup is the latest tip of the night at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Colorado State (12-9, 4-4) had a two-game winning streak snapped Saturday, 83-76 at Wyoming. The game was tied at halftime, but the Cowboys had 21-6 run over the first seven-plus minutes of the second half and never looked back. CSU never got closer than four after that. The Rams shot a season-low 56.7 percent (17-of-30) from the free-throw line. CSU only turned it over seven times but forced just two by Wyoming. Guard Antwan Scott led CSU with 19 points. Here's an interesting stat: Colorado State is now 1,210-1,210 all-time. The team lost its top three scorers off last year's team.

San Diego State (16-6, 9-0) is running away with the Mountain West regular-season title as every other school has at least two conference losses. The Aztecs won their ninth straight game Saturday, 67-52 at UNLV. It was SDSU's largest margin of victory ever in Vegas against the Rebels and seventh in a row in the series. UNLV's last lead was at 9-8. San Diego State crushed UNLV on the boards, 44-27, and had 27 free-throw attempts to UNLV's nine. It was SDSU's eighth straight Mountain West road win, a conference record. It has won a school-record 11 consecutive MW games overall. San Diego State won two of three meetings vs. CSU last year. The Rams haven't won in San Diego since 2002-03.

Key trends: The Rams are 1-5 ATS in their past six games. The favorite is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. CSU is 1-4 ATS in its past five in San Diego.

I'm leaning: San Diego State.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Tuesday's games..........

Akron won its last four games since losing consecutive road games with Central Michigan/Toledo; they're 2-2 on MAC road, winning at Buffalo by 4, Ball State by 9. Zips won six of last eight games with Ohio, losing 83-82 here LY. Ohio won three of last four games, is 3-1 in MAC home games, losing to Bowling Green. Bobcats' home wins are by 6-8-11. MAC home underdogs of less than 5 points are 3-8 vs spread.

Auburn lost its last three games, by 32-17-11 points, scoring exactly 63 in all three games; Tigers are 4-2 in last six games with LSU, winning by 3 in OT in SEC tourney LY, last series meeting. LSU is 2-4 in its last six visits here. LSU is 9-4 in last 13 games, 2-2 in SEC road games, losing at Florida by 6, A&M by 14. LSU lost tough home games to #1 Oklahoma Saturday. SEC home underdogs of 4+ points are 5-2 vs spread.

Kentucky won eight of last nine games with Tennessee, winning three of last four visits here. Both sides lost on road to Big X teams on Saturday. Wildcats are 9-5 in last 14 games, 2-3 in last five on road, with road wins at Alabama by 16, Arkansas by 14 in SEC play. Tennessee lost five of last seven games; they're 2-2 at home in SEC, beating South Carolina and Miss State. SEC home underdogs of 4+ points are 5-2 vs spread.

Georgia won six of its last eight games with South Carolina, beating USC in SEC tourney LY after losing by 17-6 to Gamecocks during the regular season. Dawgs are 3-1 at home in SEC, losing to Texas A&M by 34 in only loss- their wins are by 18-9-3 points. SEC home teams are 5-11 vs spread in games where spread was 3 or less points. Carolina 4-0 at home in SEC, winning by 4-9-10-14 points.

UMass lost its last seven games, losing in OT at home to Fordham last game; Minutemen won seven of last eight games with Rhode Island, but lost 75-59 at URI in last meeting. Rams lost last five visits here, by 2-6-10-28-3 points. URI lost four of its last six games after starting season 10-5; Rams are 0-3 on A-14 road, losing by 5-5-4 points. A-14 home underdogs of 6 or less points are 1-10 vs spread.

Butler is 3-6 in Big East games, splitting four home games; their wins in conference are over DePaul (2), St John's. Bulldogs are 1-4 in last five games with Georgetown, losing by 3-6 points in two in Hinkle. Hoyas lost three of last five games with all three losses by 6 or less points; they are 3-1 on Big East road, losing by 13 at Creighton. Big East home faves of 6 or less points are 5-7 against the spread.

Clemson won six of its last eight games but lost last two on road, by 11-7 points; Tigers won last six gmes with Wake Forest, winning 78-58 in only one of the six played here. Deacons lost last six games, blowing 7-point lead with 0:16 left to Virginia in last home game. Wake's one ACC win was by 3 at home over NC State. ACC home teams are 10-5 vs spread in games where spread was 4 or less points.

UL-Lafayette lost 81-70 at UL-Monroe Dec 3, going 2-18 on arc while ULM was 9-15. Cajuns lost last three series games by 2-12-11 points. ULL won its last six games, all by 9+ points; they're 5-0 at home in Sun Belt, with all five wins by 10+. Sun Belt double digit home favorites are 7-4 vs spread. ULM is 6-0 at home, 0-4 on road in Sun Belt, losing four road tilts by 3-1-14-15 points. This is their first road game in 17 days.

UNLV lost PF Carter (ACL) for year, big blow; Rebels won 86-64 over New Mexico in first meeting three weeks ago- this series has been split the last four years. UNLV won by 3-8 in last two visits here, in series where home side lost four of last five meetings. Lobos are 3-1 at home in MW, losing to Wyoming- three wins are all by 12+. Mountain West home favorites of 5 or less points are 3-7 vs spread.

Alabama won its last five games with Mississippi State, winning by 32-4 in last two visits here. Crimson Tide lost six of last eight games; they are 0-4 on SEC road, losing by 8-8-6-14 points. SEC home teams of 5 or less points are 7-3 vs spread. Bulldogs won two of last three games after starting SEC play 0-5; they're 0-9 vs teams in top 100, with best win vs #102 Ole Miss. MSU is 1-2 at home in SEC, losing to A&M/Tenn.

Duke lost four of last five games, is out of top 25 for first time in nine years. Blue Devils are 17-2 in last 19 games with Georgia Tech, taking last two visits here, 81-74/68-51. Tech lost six of last eight games, with losses by 1-4 points to Va Tech/Louisville in their last two home games. Duke is 2nd-worst defensive rebounding team in ACC. ACC home dogs of 5 or less points are 5-2 against the spread.

West Virginia is 2-3 in last five games after starting season 15-1; they've suspended Holton, who plays top of their press- not sure how long he is out for. WVa is 1-5 vs Iowa State in Big X play, losing by 17-2 points in two visits here. Cyclones won four of last five games, winning by 13-5 in last two home games. Big X home favorites of 6 or less points are 6-4 vs spread. West Virginia lost two of its last three road games.

Indiana is 13-1 in its last 14 games after starting season 5-3; Hoosiers are 3-1 on Big 14 road, losing in OT at Wisconsin in last road tilt. Indiana won four of last five games with Michigan but lost four of last five here, winning 81-73 in '14; home side won 10 of last 11 series tilts. Michigan won its last four games; they're 4-0 at home in Big 14, winning by 23-3-5-11. Big 14 faves are 13-7 vs spread in games with spread of 5 or less.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Northfield Park

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


Race 3 - Post: 6:40 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 74 - Purse:$3200 - NON WINNERS $1500 IN LAST 5 STARTS THAT ARE N/W $25,000 IN 2015-16. NO. 9 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER NORTHFIELD


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 MAC'S DEVIL 2/1


# 8 C C STORMEY 7/5


# 9 THE CLASSIC Z TAM 12/1


MAC'S DEVIL is the finest bet in this affair. Take a look at this standardbred's avg speed ranking of 78 and compare to today's class rating. Looks like a really good wager. A competitive class horse can't be passed over. With an avg class figure of 79 all signs point to this one being the winner. Had one of the most respectable speed figures of the group of animals in his last race. Must use in your wagers. C C STORMEY - Farina has a good ROI when his charges go down in class. Many horse players know speed is of the utmost importance. This interesting entrant has credentials with a 82 avg ranking. THE CLASSIC Z TAM - With a 24pct ROI, this driver/trainer has produced respectable gains lately for punters.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Miami Valley

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


Race 10 - Post: 5:05 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 73 - Purse:$17500 - SURVIVOR SERIES $5000 CLAIMING W/ALLOWANCES FILLIES & MARES CHAMPIONSHIP LEG


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 CINDEROSA 8/1


# 2 EASTER SURPRIZE 5/2


# 5 MAKE WAY 9/2


Hard not to give the nod to CINDEROSA as the top selection this time especially at a long price. Positive feeling - racing well enough to contend in this race. Good for a win wager just off the outstanding prior class numbers. Have to like this race horse. Drawing the 4 post at this track has lead to an above average win percent. EASTER SURPRIZE - This race could very well be controlled by this mare. One look at the avgerage TrackMaster Speed Rating will verify that. Could beat this race, just look at the speed figure - 80 - from her most recent performance. MAKE WAY - Could most likely best this group given the 75 TrackMaster Speed Rating achieved in her most recent race. The 5 position is on fire here at Miami Valley. More wins than you would expect.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs

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


Race 2 - Claiming - 870y on the Dirt. Purse: $3800 Class Rating: 73

QUARTER HORSE 870Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 CAPTAIN CREED 5/2


# 5 MINESWEEPER 10/1


# 3 JJ HAS SECRETS 9/2


I think CAPTAIN CREED is a very good choice. Must be carefully examined - I like the figures from the last contest. Has been racing strongly and has among the strongest speed in the race for today's distance. Has a strong record at the distance and surface, which makes me back this gelding. JJ HAS SECRETS - He has been racing quite well recently while recording sharp speed figs. Looks to have a quite good class edge based on the most recent company kept.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Portland Meadows

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


Race 4 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $5100 Class Rating: 57

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED AT THE 2015-16 PORTLAND MEADOWS MEET AND NOT FINISHED 1ST, 2ND, OR 3RD AT THE CURRENT MEET. HORSES THAT HAVE STARTED IN THIS CONDITION AT THE CURRENT MEET AND HAVE NOT WON THIS CONDITION REMAIN ELIGIBLE. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $2,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 WETHERBEE LAKE 8/1


# 6 MIDKNIGHT MATTY 2/1


# 4 ZAFARI NATION 4/1


My choice in this event is WETHERBEE LAKE especially at such a decent 8/1. She has been racing solidly lately while recording solid Equibase Speed Figures. Should come out strong - I have liked the way this mare has moved promptly to the lead recently. This mare is a solid choice based on her earnings per start in dirt sprint contests. MIDKNIGHT MATTY - Hard to pass on this mare with Guglielmino in the saddle. Put up a strong speed rating in the last race. Can run another good one in this contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Sam Houston - Race #6 - Post: 3:18pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,500 Class Rating: 63

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 LITTLE ROYALITY (ML=6/1)
#5 RED BLEND (ML=2/1)


LITTLE ROYALITY - Diego should be able to place this filly right behind the leaders. Ideally, Diego will rate behind the leaders, then make a move on the turn. It looks like Diego had to learn about this filly on January 15th when riding her for the first time. Back on board again today. Was in an Allowance race at Sam Houston last time out. That contest had a class rating of 68 and she is moving down in this event. A certain solid contender. RED BLEND - The December 11th event at Turfway Park was at a class level of (86). Dropping to a lower level considerably, so she should be in a good spot.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 E Z'S PLAYGIRL (ML=3/1), #4 TAYLORS VALLEY (ML=4/1), #3 WITT'S SO BOSSY (ML=5/1),

E Z'S PLAYGIRL - This filly hasn't had any strong finishes in sprint affairs in the last couple of months. Doesn't seem inspiring to me after the lack of any kind of closing ability on Sep 26th. TAYLORS VALLEY - The speed figure last time around the track doesn't fit very well in this affair when I look at the class figure of today's race. Mark this horse as a questionable contender. WITT'S SO BOSSY - Not easy to bet on any steed in a sprint affair if she hasn't hit the board in a sprint in the last sixty days.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - LITTLE ROYALITY - Analysis shows this filly's last speed number of 69 is as good as any. Don't overlook this filly in your wagering.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 LITTLE ROYALITY is the play if we get odds of 2/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turf Paradise - Race #2 - Post: 1:08pm - Maiden Optional Claiming - 7.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $12,500 Class Rating: 75

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 ROYAL BRIAR (ML=2/1)


ROYAL BRIAR - Looking at this gelding's running lines, I see he's almost always on the board. Earned a nice turf number on December 8th at Turf Paradise. A repeat in this event, and this one has a great shot to win.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 FEASIBILITY (ML=9/5), #5 INDESTRUCTIBLE (ML=5/1), #1 SCAT CITY (ML=6/1),

FEASIBILITY - This gelding hasn't been showing me anything positive in the last couple of outings. INDESTRUCTIBLE - 5/1 odds isn't enough for this participant when scrutinizing the most recent efforts. Not easy to play this steed in today's event. Make him show you something in a short distance race before you wager on him in a race of 7 1/2 furlongs. SCAT CITY - In the last affair this runner finished third. Doesn't look promising for his chances this time around.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - ROYAL BRIAR - This gelding's superior last speed number of 82, against these horses, makes him the overwhelming choice.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #3 ROYAL BRIAR to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Tuesday 2/2 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 36 - 126 / $238.80

BEST BETS: 2 - 10 / $10.70

Best Bet: MASTERSON (12th)

Spot Play: BRED TO RACE (3rd)


Race 1

(2) BOX CAR JOHNNIE could not get going when sitting in the pocket turning for home last out; he does fit with these and hopefully Lachance will choose different tactics; worth a shot. (1) LITTLE MICHAEL B raced evenly in his latest holding the third spot; could make some noise in here. (7) R CANN was first up on the backside to grab the lead, but was nailed in the final yards for win honors last out; tough post but is very capable.

Race 2

(2) FOUR STARZ CREDIT gets serious post relief and that should help this trotter's chances; we shall see. (5) FLIRTING DUEZY has good early trot but will need to have enough gas in the tank to contend with these; maybe. (3) DIVINATION seems to be better when racing from the back of the pack; watch out.

Race 3

(5) BRED TO RACE leaves his Meadowlands headquarters for the half-mile oval; has tactical speed and with a favorable trip, he can top these at his best. (3) SB IDEAL IN ART Monticello invader rallied strongly for the score last time around. (2) PHAMILY APPLE was late on the scene to nail down the placing recently.

Race 4

(6) BIG PAYOUT had live cover and rallied to take home the runner up spot last time out; clearly this trotter is capable of getting the job done. (1) JUSTICE BOY moves to the fence and drops slightly; that should help his cause. (3) SCOTTISH CROSS proves she can be ready to fire as she returns to a flat mile.

Race 5

(7) COPPER COAST A had an even trip as the chalk last out; he is good enough to make some serious noise with a covered up trip and should that be the case, gelding can take this. (1) ROCK STAR was charging down the lane to grab the show spot in his last try. (4) COLONIAL ROAD got the job done against lesser company at big odds last out.

Race 6

Consistent trotter (7) STAR STUDDED CAST was sharp in his most recent outing; so nice to see Brennan with the return call; very capable of moving forward. (1) JUSTA REBEL moves down the ladder and draws the rail slot; dangerous. (5) ANDRIY FORTUNA Qualifier here was sharp enough for this trotter to have a say in the outcome.

Race 7

(1) BLADE SEELSTER's last trip might have shown this guy is heading in the wrong direction, but will give him another chance with the move to the fence and Holland knows him; we shall see. (4) I SCOOT SAM has good early zip and was sharp in his last three starts; big threat. (2) THEREISAPACEFORUS leaves the 8-hole for this event and could be square in the mix with a return to his January 14th try.

Race 8

(2) HUNCHIE put in a mild rally in his last trip; should fare much better from the 2-hole and Brennan keeps the faith. (5) INTHENAMEOFJAMES led most of the way but turning for home the gelding did not have enough gas in the tank to take home top honors last week. (4) INTHEPERFECTSTORM was sitting a 3-hole trip, but could not get his best done missing the victory by a 1/2 of length recently.

Race 9

(3) PIER HO TEMPTATION was fourth best at his Woodbine headquarters last time out; now his moves his trade to the Hilltop and trainer Messenger calls on Brennan to get this gelding back to glory. (1) HEADSUP YANKEE seems to be better when he moves inside; has speed to contend with these. (2) INTREPID HALL did not have the best of trips of late, but is capable of landing a share of the purse.

Race 10

(4) TRUE BLUE HALL was sharp in victory at the Big M last out; makes his return to Yonkers and fits well with these; gets the call. (7) IWILLMAKEYOUSAYWOW was caught in the final strides for win honors last out; will be the one to catch. (5) PAN STREET USA If you throw out his latest, gelding's resume is respectable; watch out.

Race 11

(3) CLASSY HILL flashed good speed in his last try; with a covered up trip, this guy could zoom on by these for all the glory. (6) SPORTS BETTOR is knocking at the door based on his last three outings. (5) MIDNIGHT LIGHTNING Jersey shipper has some promise and should fit well in here; not out of this.

Race 12

(2) MASTERSON made his 2016 debut a sharp one just missing the victory by only 1/2 length so a move forward is not out of the cards; threat at his best. (1) GRATIAN HANOVER Sharp qualifier at the Meadowlands puts this guy right in the mix. (3) BEACHY DREAM Gelding just got up for all the marbles last out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Mahoning Valley (4th) Miss Venezuela, 3-1
(8th) Eildon Hall, 3-1


Sam Houston (3rd) Echo Warrior, 3-1
(10th) Eventhescore Rose, 4-1


Turf Paradise (3rd) Zenergy, 7-2
(8th) My Grandson, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tuesday's six-pack

Six of the best minor league prospects for the Atlanta Braves........

1Az) Dansby Swanson, SS--Acquired in Shelby Miller trade.

2Az) Aaron Blair, P-- Went 7-2, 3.16 in 12 AAA starts.

1) Kyle Newcomb, P-- Acquired from Angels in Andrelton Simmons deal.

2) Hector Olivera 3B/OF-- Cuban defector will be 31 on April 5.

8) Mallex Smith, OF-- Hit .340 in AA, .281 in AAA last season.

12) Manny Banuelos, P-- Was 1-4, 5.13 in six starts in majors LY.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Tuesday

761 UTAH STATE @ 762 BOISE STATE 9:00 PM

Take: 762 BOISE STATE -9

Turn back the clock twelve months, and there’s no chance I’d be making this play. But Stew Morrill is no longer the head basketball coach at Utah State, and the fear of laying a substantial price against the Aggies is no longer the major concern it used to be.

The current Utah State edition has some limitations. The Aggies actually posted the best non-conference record of any MWC team, but that was misleading as they faced a very soft schedule early on and their only good win came against a weary North Dakota State squad. Utah State was no match for the three quality programs they faced, and it’s therefore not a surprise that this team has struggled since league play got rolling.

The Aggies would appear to be arriving in Boise on the wrong night. The Broncos are off back to back losses. They got rolled in the second half last week here in Las Vegas, and followed that up with a home loss to New Mexico. In both instances, Boise State got burned on a regular basis defensively. I’d be very surprised if there’s not a little more focus on that aspect of the game this evening.

Boise State did pretty much what they wanted to in the first meeting with the Aggies. That will often eliminate the possibility of spotting a good sized number in the rematch as complacency become an intangible that often comes into play. But off the two losses, I have to believe we’re going to get a good level of intensity from the Broncos this evening.

That’s really what this come down to. I’ve seen enough of Utah State to have arrived at a determination that, while they’re solid when it comes to handling teams at their own level or below, they aren’t especially capable of stepping up in class and getting the same results. If Boise State is again lethargic on the defensive end, then anything can happen. But off the back to back defeats in what can only be described as less than inspired efforts, I expect a good Broncos showing tonight. If that’s the case, this should be a comfortable win for the hosts. I’ll lay it with Boise State.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp NBA Pick, Tuesday, Feb 2, 2016 9:05 PM ET

(705) TORONTO RAPTORS VS (706) PHOENIX SUNS

Take: OVER

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Tuesday, February 2, 2016 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns. Two clubs going in totally different directions. The Phoenix Suns have lost four straight games and 10 of their last 11 games. Meanwhile, the Raptors are on a 11-game win streak. Moreover, Toronto has covered five of the last seven and eight of the last 11. The Raptors are also scoring lots of points, eclipsing 100 in each of their last eight games. The clubs met once this year in Toronto, with the Suns taking the game, 107-102 and going over the 203 total. Toronto has gone over in seven of its last nine road games and when playing with no rest they are 35-16 O/U. The last five meetings between these clubs have gone OVER and I like the OVER here again on Tuesday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play: TUES Auburn + 7 1/2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Heath Mac

West Virginia vs Iowa State

Free Pick UNDER 157

This should be a great game between two very good teams. Both teams have some nice wins this season and are capable of beating anyone on their day. Iowa State has the better offense, but West Virginia has the better defense. The Mountaineers full court press can prove very disruptive to even the most organised offenses and does run valuable clock time off every possession.

These teams played twice last season and neither final score came close to this total. This is an important game for both teams and we expect to see the intensity levels up. The fact that Iowa State has gone UNDER in 5 straight games while scoring at least 72 points in 4 of those 5 games shows us that the books are setting the totals on the high side for the Cyclone’s games.

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Iowa State's last 6 games when playing West Virginia

For our free pick, take the UNDER 157 points here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Lundin

Bucks vs Blazers

5* NBA Free Pick Portland Trail Blazers

You just gotta love the surging Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday night when they take the Milwaukee Bucks home at Moda Center. Milwaukee has lost five of its last six and is off a 111-104 setback at Sacramento last night. We can expect to see some tired legs here, and that does not bode well against a Portland team that has finished games very strong lately. The Trail Blazers are off four straight wins home in Portland and they're 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum are on fire and the latter ranks eighth in the NBA with 113 3-pointers on the season while Lillard has topped 30 points in four of his past 11 contests.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Marc Lawrence

Western Michigan vs Toledo

Play - Toledo

Edges - Rockets: 16-7-2 ATS home in this series, including 10-2 ATS off a loss. Broncos: 1-5 ATS off a win this season, including 0-3 ATS in conference games. With the Rockets 4-0 ATS at home in games off BB home losses in their last two games, we recommend a 1* play on Toledo. Thank you and good luck as always.