Wednesday 11/23/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Oregon Ducks (3-2) at Connecticut Huskies (2-3)

Date: November 23, 2016 4:30 PM EDT

LAHAINA, Hawaii -- Oregon and Connecticut were both in the Top 25 at the start of the season, but both could be out of the rankings next week.

The Ducks reached their highest spot ever in the Associated Press poll at No. 4 on Nov. 15, but then lost to unranked Baylor and Georgetown.

"We're unranked now," Oregon coach Dana Altman said after a 65-61 loss to the Hoyas in the first round of the Maui Invitational on Monday. "I don't know who the heck we think we are."

The 13th-ranked Ducks bounced back to beat Tennessee 69-65 in overtime Tuesday to improve to 3-2.

"We are not playing very well, but we had to find a way to win the game," Altman said.

Oregon will wrap up its week at the Lahaina Civic Center on Wednesday against Connecticut (2-3), which beat Chaminade 93-82 on Tuesday. The Huskies were ranked No. 16 in the preseason but fell out of the polls after losses to Northeastern and Wagner.

"I thought our guys played extremely well," UConn coach Kevin Ollie said after the win over Chaminade. "They did not get down on themselves."

Sophomore guard Jalen Adams nearly had a triple-double with 25 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds against Chaminade. He is averaging 29.5 points in two games during the tournament as he prepares to face the Ducks.

"We are definitely looking forward to playing a Top 20 team," Adams said. "It is a good challenge to see where we are at. We think we can play with the best teams."

Oregon and Connecticut were both disappointed after losing their opener in Maui, but the winner will go home with a two-game winning streak.

"They've got a good team," Ollie said of the Ducks. "They haven't been playing well as of late, but they've got a lot of great guys. We've got to come in and focus on our game plan."

Oregon got all-conference forward Dillon Brooks back after he missed the first three games of the season following foot surgery. The 6-foot-7 junior led the Ducks with 17 points in the win over Tennessee.

"I'm feeling great," Brooks said. "My foot doesn't hurt at all. I'm just ready for the next game and ready to get back and work with these guys and get better to get to that level that we need to be at."

Altman would like to see his team get back to the level that took the Ducks to the Elite Eight last season.

"We obviously read too many press clippings and we are not playing anywhere near that level we're capable of playing," he said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Michigan Wolverines (4-0) at South Carolina Gamecocks (4-0)

Date: November 23, 2016 5:00 PM EDT

Perhaps no team in college basketball has made a better first impression to the season over the last couple weeks than Michigan.

Not ranked at the beginning of the season and not getting the attention of other Big Ten programs such as Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State and Purdue, the Wolverines have started off 4-0, including an impressive performance at the 2K Classic in New York City last week.

Michigan routed Marquette (79-61) and Southern Methodist (76-54) to win that tournament title, and its reward was becoming the fifth Big Ten team in this week's Associated Press poll, cracking the rankings at No. 25.

With a little more of a target on its back, Michigan now will prepare for what could be a challenge tougher than what it faced in New York City -- its first true road game against another team off to a great start when it plays at South Carolina at 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday in Columbia, S.C.

"It's always interesting," Michigan head coach John Beilein said of his team's first road game. "In all the years we have been here, it's always been challenging."

South Carolina is also off to a 4-0 start, although those four wins have all come at home against Louisiana Tech, Holy Cross, Monmouth (70-69 in overtime) and South Carolina State.

Earning a win against a ranked team could no doubt provide a springboard to the rest of the season for the Gamecocks.

"I'm excited for the progress our team has made after the first four games," South Carolina head coach Frank Martin said. "I think we have gotten better every game offensively and defensively."

Senior guard Sindari Thornwell is off to a hot start for the Gamecocks. He is averaging 20.8 points per game and has made 10 of 21 shots from 3-point range.

Sophomore guard PJ Dozier (11.5 ppg), senior guard Duane Notice (10.8 ppg) and sophomore forward Chris Silva (10.3 ppg) are also averaging in double figures for South Carolina.

"They are going to really be very aggressive defensively trying to turn us over and get steals," Beilein said. "We are going to have to be really good with our offense and then staying in front of them on defense is going to be a challenge. They've really got some great quickness and are shooting the lights out."

The Wolverines have also received good perimeter play, relying heavily on their captains in senior guard/forward Zak Irvin (14.5 ppg) and senior point guard Derrick Walton (14.0 ppg), who has made 14 of his 28 attempts from 3-point range.

Junior guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkmann (11.3 ppg) and senior forward Mark Donnal (11.0 ppg) also are off to good starts for Michigan.

"They are a typical John Beilein team," Martin said. "They don't foul and they don't turn it over. They are so unselfish on offense and they don't take bad shots. They play through their structure and you say John Beilein, you think a 1-3-1 zone. But they are pretty darned good at man-to-man defense right now."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: College of Charleston Cougars (3-2) at Villanova Wildcats (5-0)

Date: November 23, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Undefeated defending national champion Villanova returns home with the Charleston Classic championship trophy to host College of Charleston on Wednesday at the Pavilion.

Since the 2016-17 season began, the second-ranked Wildcats (5-0) have faced little drama save for a 79-76 win in West Lafayette, Ind., over Purdue, but the plot thickens after Thanksgiving.

Charleston (3-2) is the final game for Villanova before the start of a run through the Philadelphia Big 5 that includes the Holy War against Saint Joseph's on Dec. 3 in between games at Penn (Nov. 29) and La Salle (Dec. 6).

"I feel good about where we are, our path," coach Jay Wright said as the Wildcats left South Carolina with their arms wrapped around the title hardware.

Villanova's catalyst early in the season was preseason All-American Josh Hart, the tournament MVP at the Charleston Classic who had 11 points in the second half of the championship game.

November has been a happy month for Villanova, which owns a 24-0 record the past four years in the opening month of each college basketball season. They possess four wins by double-digit margins this month.

But there are shortcomings -- quite literally -- costing the Wildcats. Height was a disadvantage on last week's road trip, especially at Purdue, and when outside shots aren't falling, second chances are not easy to come by for Villanova.

"I'm not sure we were ready for this stretch, but I like the way we've come through it," Wright said.

Final Four hero Kris Jenkins -- now 24 points shy of becoming the 63rd player in program history with 1,000 points -- encountered a cold spell at the Charleston Classic, but he gives Wright the reliability in his balanced starting five to overcome size issues.

Villanova is not expecting Phil Booth, a junior guard who did not play in the past two games, to return Wednesday. He is getting a second opinion on his left knee but was initially diagnosed with tendinitis.

Hart, averaging 19.2 points to lead Villanova this season, will be the focus of Charleston's defense.

Experience is on the Cougars' side with five starters and seven of their top eight from last year's rotation back from a 17-win team.

The Cougars are led by junior guard Joe Chealey and sophomore forward Jarrell Brantley but are one of the worst perimeter shooting teams in the nation early in the season at just 26.7 percent from long distance, contributing to lopsided losses to Wake Forest and UCF.

The programs have met twice with each team recording a victory. Villanova won the most recent meeting, 81-68 in 2006.

"Villanova is one of the best defensive teams in the country," Charleston coach Earl Grant said. "They are going to be a tremendous challenge for us."

The nonconference challenges are not long for the Cougars, who have a trip to Baton Rouge to meet LSU on Dec. 19 before digging into the Colonial Athletic Association schedule. Charleston is picked to finish fourth in the conference but has yet to record a winning record in three previous years in the league.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: William & Mary Tribe (2-1) at Duke Blue Devils (4-1)

Date: November 23, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

DURHAM, N.C. - All of Duke's depth that was trumpeted prior to the season has been mostly an afterthought through the first couple of weeks of the season.

The Blue Devils have been limited by injuries and at times nearly alarmed by the volume of ailments.

But they've mostly kept winning -- as they have been expected to do since beginning the season as the country's top-ranked team.

Even with a smaller rotation of players, the Blue Devils have made it work.

"It's more of an ironman, five-man game," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said during the weekend's Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off.

The sixth-ranked Blue Devils (4-1) are back in action Wednesday night when William & Mary (2-1) visits for a nonconference game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. This is the start of a four-game homestand for Duke.

It's unclear whether any of the three injured freshmen -- Marques Bolden, Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum -- who have yet to make their collegiate debuts will play.

"We're trying to win with the hand that's dealt us," Krzyzewski said.

In Sunday's tournament final against Rhode Island, guards Matt Jones and Luke Kennard played all 40 minutes and guard Grayson Allen, who has been bothered by toe and leg ailments, logged 39 minutes.

"I'm just proud of everybody the way we responded to that," Kennard said of the reduced available roster.

Duke has won 27 of the 30 previous meetings with the Tribe.

Across an eight-season period, William & Mary has knocked off three Atlantic Coast Conference opponents. That includes last fall's season-opening upset at North Carolina State.

However, last week's outing at ACC member Louisville didn't go well for the Tribe -- a 91-58 loss.

William & Mary coach Tony Shaver said he wasn't pleased with the team's competitiveness in the second half. He expects more from his team against another high-level opponent.

"It's a big challenge, obviously," Shaver said. "They're pretty good last time I checked. ... I think it's a neat opportunity for this club right now because we played so poorly at Louisville. (This comes) in a hostile environment against an extremely talented team."

While Shaver said Louisville dictated the game, he was happier with how the Tribe responded in defeating Presbyterian. Now, it's another test against a national power.

"I want to see us go down there and play hard," Shaver said. "I want to see us go down there and execute at the level we're capable of. It's not going to be perfect. It's not going to be pretty at times."

William & Mary's Daniel Dixon, a guard coming off a 20-point outing against Presbyterian, said: "I think we're definitely excited and ready to show we can compete. I don't think we executed well against Louisville and I think that's a big key."

This is the third season in a row that the Tribe has a road game against a Top 10 opponent.

The Tribe has connected on double-figure 3-pointers in two of its games this season. Senior swingman Omar Prewitt will appear in his 100th career game for William & Mary.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: St. John's Red Storm (2-1) at Michigan State Spartans (2-2)

Date: November 23, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Both Michigan State and St. John's have to be thrilled about spending their respective Thanksgivings in the Bahamas, but the trip will have an entirely different level of euphoria for Spartans junior guard Lourawls Nairn.

It will be special homecoming for Nairn, who was raised in Nassau before moving to the United States when he was 13 in order to pursue opportunities to play basketball.

During the three-day "Battle 4 Atlantis" on Paradise Island, this will be the first and likely only opportunity some family members and friends of Nairn's have or ever will see him play basketball in person.

"It's kind of amazing to be home," Nairn said. "Just going back to the school today brought back memories when I was a kid of all the dreams I had of playing basketball in America."

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo called it a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity for Nairn, a player he has praised constantly since he arrived on campus, saying "he's got wings" following Sunday's win over Florida Gulf Coast.

"Today we got a chance to go out in the community and visit his school and that was educational for our guys," Izzo said during a press conference on Tuesday. "Hopefully we get a little basketball, a little enjoyment and a little education. I think it's important for us to grow as a team while we are here."

The first step for No. 24 Michigan State enjoying its basketball experience over the next three days will come at 7 p.m. on Wednesday against St. John's in the first round of the tournament.

St. John's is 2-1 in the second season under Chris Mullin, the former star in the 1980's for the Red Storm who is back coaching his alma mater.

Coming off a 92-86 loss at Minnesota on Friday, the Red Storm have so far relied heavily on the freshman backcourt combination of Marcus LoVett and Shamorie Ponds.

LoVett is averaging 24.3 points a game for the first three games, while Ponds is averaging 17.3 points a game.

Michigan State (2-2) has won two straight following season-opening losses to top-10 opponents Arizona and Kentucky, although it barely squeaked by Florida Gulf Coast at home on Sunday, winning 78-77.

The Spartans have been led by freshman Miles Bridges (16.0 ppg), but the play of senior Eron Harris was a nice sight on Sunday against Florida Gulf Coast.

With Florida Gulf Coast placing a lot of emphasis on containing Bridges, Harris stepped up with 31 points, going a perfect 6-for-6 from 3-point range.

The winner will face either Baylor or Virginia Commonwealth in a semifinal on Thanksgiving Day.

This will be the first appearance for both teams at the Battle 4 Atlantis, which is now in its sixth year of existence.

"It's tournaments like this that give you a chance to do a little bonding as a team," Izzo said. "It gives you a chance to compare three days in a row, which is more like the NCAA tournament. It gives you a chance to face different kinds of teams. Win, lose or draw, it's going to be a good experience for us."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Auburn Tigers (4-0) at Purdue Boilermakers (3-1)

Date: November 23, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

The 17th-ranked Purdue basketball team will attempt to win its third November tournament in the past eight seasons Wednesday night when the Boilermakers face Auburn in the Cancun Challenge championship game.

And if coach Matt Painter's team wins, the Boilermakers will have beaten a Southeastern Conference opponent in each of those three event's title games.

Purdue (3-1) defeated Tennessee in the 2009 Paradise Jam in The Virgin Islands when current Auburn coach Bruce Pearl was coaching the Volunteers. The 2015 Boilermakers defeated Florida in the Hall of Fame Tipoff title game in Connecticut.

Now, Painter will attempt to get the best of Pearl again after Auburn defeated Texas Tech 67-65 in Tuesday's first semifinal, and Purdue pulled away from Utah State, 85-64.

Boilermaker center Isaac Haas scored a career-best 26 points against Utah State, guard Dakota Mathias added a career-best 25 on 9 of 10 field goal shooting and power forward Caleb Swanigan had 15 points.

"Dakota had a great night, and Isaac was just as good on the interior, taking his time," Painter said. "A lot of people who have some size aren't used to doubling. When they go and double, it's tough for them when they get there late. Trouble happens.

"Against Utah State, Isaac did a good job of waiting and taking his time. I thought Caleb did, too. Both of those guys really had a good night Tuesday."

Painter is hoping to get just as much perimeter help from Mathias against Auburn as he got against Utah State.

"The more you can make other teams pay -- getting them in foul trouble, playing against their backup bigs -- and then being able to step up and hit some 3s will really help us set our defense more," Painter said.

"The more consistent we can get on the offensive end, they constantly are going to be going against a set defense, which is what you want."

Mathias said Haas and Swanigan help create open shots for Purdue's perimeter players.

"They are so good when they get doubled or triple-teamed, being able to pass out of it," Mathias said. "I think especially Isaac has improved.

"When teams double our big men, we've got guys on the perimeter who can move around the horn and make shots. That is tough to guard."

Auburn improved to 4-0 for the second time in the last 10 years. In Mustapha Heron and Danjel Purifoy, the Tigers had two freshmen reach double figures in each of their first four games for the first time since Scott Pohlmam during the 1997-98 season.

"Beating Texas Tech was a great win for our program and a great win for our kids," Pearl said. "Texas Tech is an NCAA caliber team. I thought we stopped guarding in the second half, but hey, I would rather learn and win than learn and lose."

While Pearl starts three freshman and two sophomores, he is happy to have fifth-year graduate student point guard Ronnie Johnson, who was Purdue's starting point guard as a freshman and sophomore before transferring to Houston to play for Kelvin Sampson.

After earning an undergraduate degree in the spring, Johnson opted to move again -- this time to Auburn.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Old Dominion Monarchs (2-0) at Louisville Cardinals (3-0)

Date: November 23, 2016 9:30 PM EDT

Arriving on Paradise Island in the Bahamas as the favorite to win the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis, No. 10 Louisville got instructions from its coach. "Don't take Old Dominion lightly."

The Cardinals will face Old Dominion in the first game of the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m. ET.

The Monarchs (2-0) have drawn Louisville coach Rick Pitino's praise for their ability to play slow, methodical offense, rebound effectively and play stiff defense. For a 3-0 Louisville team wanting to run and press, Old Dominion could be a significant test.

"This is, for us, an opportunity to see what we are," Pitino said. "It's been very difficult to tell because we have played three good games. I'm anxious to see how we play in this tournament."

The Cardinals started the season with a 78-47 win over a short-handed Evansville team before beating William & Mary 91-58. An 88-56 win over Long Beach State last Thursday was supposed to provide more of a test, but an early Louisville run put the game out of reach with less than 10 minutes off the clock.

As for Old Dominion, coach Jeff Jones' team beat James Madison 62-55 and Richmond 64-61 to start the season. They Monarchs are currently ranked 350th in Division I basketball in tempo (64.1 possessions vs. Louisville's 71.0).

ODU was 25-13 last season and reached the Conference USA Championship game. It returned three starters and four of the top seven scorers from last season.

"It has been a positive for us in terms of preparation when you consider all the different problems Louisville presents," Jones said. "Our guys know it is a big challenge, but they also recognize it is a big opportunity for our team."

For Old Dominion, Wednesday's game represents its only scheduled shot at a Power 5 opponent this season. The Monarchs could play two or three Power 5 teams during their trip to the Bahamas.

"For a mid-major program, this is about the only opportunity we get to play against a team like Louisville and teams like (Baylor and Michigan State) that is not on their home floor," Jones said. "We want to test ourselves."

Louisville last visited the Battle 4 Atlantis during the 2012 season. The Cardinals won the 2013 NCAA title.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wisconsin Badgers (4-1) at North Carolina Tar Heels (6-0)

Date: November 23, 2016 9:30 PM EDT

Fourth-ranked North Carolina blew by its first six opponents in frightening fashion. The Tar Heels could solidify themselves as early NCAA title contenders if they can do it one more time against No. 16 Wisconsin on Wednesday in the championship game of the Maui Invitational in Lahaina, Hawaii.

The Tar Heels (6-0) surpassed the century mark in their first two games of the tournament, beating Chaminade 104-61 and Oklahoma State 107-75. They are averaging nearly 97 points per contest and winning by 29.3 points per game.

The Badgers (4-1) own three victories in a row since falling to No. 22 Creighton on the road. They won all three games by double digits. Wisconsin held its first five opponents to 59.2 points per game, but it won't be easy to slow North Carolina's high-octane offense.

Six players scored in double figures for North Carolina in the Tuesday win over Oklahoma State. The Tar Heels shot 57.8 percent from the field, made 8 of 17 from 3-point range, converted 25 of 29 free-throw opportunities and outrebounded the Cowboys 44-32. Joel Berry II had 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Justin Jackson added 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

After the game, Jackson was asked his team's form.

"You know, clicking on all cylinders, that's a scary term because it's only six games of the season," he said. "So to look down here and see, I guess, six people in double figures, you know, that's pretty crazy against a really good team."

The Tar Heels also did a nice job defensively. Oklahoma State went into the game averaging 104.5 points per game. Against North Carolina, the Cowboys shot 36.1 percent from the field and made just 6 of 22 from 3-point range.

"They played at an energy level much, much higher than anybody we've played this year, and they made us play with an energy level much higher than we've played at any other time this year," North Carolina coach Roy Williams said. "I think that they got our focus. That's encouraging to me to see how we can do when we really focus and play at that same energy level."

Wisconsin defeated Tennessee 74-62 in the opening round and beat Georgetown 73-57 in the semifinals Tuesday to reach the championship game. The Badgers amassed a huge 50-21 rebounding advantage against the Hoyas, capitalizing one of their biggest strengths.

"I think it's become the identity of this team, and there are times when it's not pretty," Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said. "In fact, there's times when we will have to win ugly, and that may be one of the areas where we can really make up with other deficiencies or deficiencies in other areas."

The Badgers eliminated North Carolina in a Sweet 16 game in the 2015 NCAA Tournament. The Tar Heels made it clear that they haven't forgotten when asked about the possibility of beating the Badgers to win the Maui Invitational.

"Wisconsin knocked us out two years ago, so, of course, it would be great," Jackson said. "But right now we're trying to just focus on Wisconsin. We know they're a really good team, so we've got to focus on them, but obviously a title would be great."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Wednesday’s games

Michigan is 4-0 with wins over Marquette by 18, SMU by 22; Wolverines are experienced but thin team playing one of 15 slowest tempos in country- they’re shooting 38.4% on arc, 85.3% on foul line (#2 in country). South Carolina is also 4-0 but has only one top 150 win (Monmouth in OT); Gamecocks are turning ball over 20.9% of time, are making 40.4% on arc. Big 14 teams are 19-17 vs spread, 11-14 as favorites. SEC teams are 21-19 vs spread, 6-4 as underdogs.

UL-Lafayette is 0-2 vs top 300 teams, losing by 12 at Minnesota, 1 at Montana State; Ragin’ Cajuns won last game by a point at home over #338 Delaware State. ULL is forcing turnovers 24.9% of time but shooting just 38.3% inside arc. James Madison is scoring 63.5 pts/game in its 0-4 start under a new coach (they were 21-11 LY but fired the coach). Dukes are turning ball over 23.9% of time and they haven’t played a top 100 team yet. CAA teams are 12-15 vs spread.

Missouri State made 46.6% of its 3’s in crushing couple of stiffs to start season; Bears also forced turnovers on 26.7% of possessions- they start two sophs, two juniors. DePaul lost by 7 at home to Rutgers in its only top 200 game so far; they beat two other stiffs. Blue Demons are making 38.6% on arc but are getting beat on boards. MVC teams are 11-10 vs spread so far this season, 5-6 as underdogs away from home. Big East home favorites are 5-4 against spread.

San Francisco won its first two games by 2-12 points with road win in Santa Barbara; young Dons turned ball over 22.3% of time while playing a lot of guys using a slow tempo- they’ve also forced turnovers 24.3% of time, but competition hasn’t been great. Troy State is 0-2 on road, losing at UAB by 23, Eastern Illinois by 4; Trojans are turning ball over 22.4% of time, shooting just 22.5% on arc, not a great combination. WCC home favorites are 8-7 vs spread; Sun Belt road underdogs are 9-10.


Battle for Atlantis

Wichita State is 4-0, playing its subs most of anyone in country; they won their two top 200 games by 37-27 points. Shockers are shooting 39.3% on arc, but this is their first game away from home this season. LSU beat three cupcakes to open season, by 22-17-8 points; they’re bottom 25 team in experience, but are playing #61 tempo and making 39.3% on arc- this is also their first game away from home. MVC teams are 5-4 vs spread a favorites; SEC teams are 21-19 vs spread, 6-4 as underdogs.

Baylor is 3-0 with home wins over Oregon/Florida Gulf Coast; Bears are playing tempo #332 while starting four juniors, one senior- think they’re little better than expectations so far. VCU won its first three games over stiffs by 15-5-39 points; they struggled to beat #249 Liberty by 5 in only road game. Rams are turning ball over 22% of time, making just 61.4% on line- they’re an experienced team playing lot of guys. VCU lost six of last seven top 100 games vs teams outside the A-14.

Michigan State is #326 in experience and struggling against too tough a schedule; they lost to Arizona/Kentucky on neutral courts, beat FGCU by 1 at home- they’ve made only 54% of foul line, are turning ball over 23.2% of time. Spartans have talent so they’ll improve, but six of their top eight players are frosh/sophs. St John’s lost at Minnesota by 6 last week despite making 11-27 on arc; Red Storm are 4th-least experienced team playing tempo #26- not easy to do.

Louisville killed first three teams they played, all ranked #157 or better; Cardinals’ eFG% is 34.1%, #4 in country- they’re also forcing turnovers 22% of time. Louisville subs a lot and defends well; they’re smothering people with defense early on. Old Dominion hasn’t played in nine days since beating JMU/Richmond by total of 10 points; Monarchs are playing a bottom 10 tempo- their possessions last 0:21.1, 9th-slowest. Louisville will try and speed them up. C-USA underdogs are 9-7 vs spread.


Maui Classic— these teams are playing for third day in row

Oregon beat Tennessee 69-65 in OT yesterday, outscoring Vols 28-18 on foul line. Ducks’ star Brooks played 25:00, after playing 14:00 in his season debut Monday. Oregon is 3-2, turning ball over 21.7% of time, making just 27.5% on arc. UConn is 2-3 but yesterday’s win was over D-II Chaminade, which led early on second half. Huskies are thin because of injuries; their one D-I win this year was by 3 at #211 LMU. Winner here goes home 2-1 and is happy with week.

Oklahoma State got doors blown off by North Carolina last night; Cowboys are playing #8 pace in country, with #24 bench minutes- they’re shooting 38.5% on arc. Georgetown held on to beat Oregon Monday, then gave up 20 offensive rebounds in 73-57 loss to Wisconsin yesterday- they looked very sluggish/tired. Hoyas are forcing turnovers 24.8% of time, but unless OSU’s star G Evans is hurt (he had 30 vs UNC, looked very healthy), Georgetown is going to need way better effort than they gave up Badgers.

North Carolina won its first five D-I games, with 15-point win at Hawai’i last week closest of the five games; Tar Heels are rebounding over half their missed shots, plus they’re making 42% on the arc- they’ve just been lot better than everyone they’ve played. Wisconsin is an experienced team with whole squad back from LY’s 22-13 squad that made Sweet 16, and was 2-0 vs ACC teams, beating Pitt/Syracuse. Badgers play tempo, have been turning ball over a lot so far this month (21.9% of time).

Rider is playing 4th road game in row to start season; they beat couple of stiffs, then lost by 5 at South Florida, after they led by 8 with 11:19 left. Broncs are starting four seniors. Fordham is #2 in country, forcing turnovers 29% of time; Rams got waxed at East Tennessee to start season, have won four in row, since, with best win by 22 over #168 St Peter’s. A-14 home favorites are 5-13 vs spread this month; MAAC road underdogs are 7-9. A-14 teams are 12-4 in last 16 games vs MAAC squads, 7-6 vs spread when favored.

Tenn-Martin went went 41-28 last two years, then their coach bolted to be an assistant at NC State; no bueno. Skyhawks are 4-1 this month, with 86-83 loss at pretty good Ole Miss team. UTM is turning ball over 24.1% of time but they beat Cleveland State/Canisius- they’re starting four seniors with an interim coach trying to keep this job. Duquesne is 2-3 with home loss to Canisius; Dukes haven’t beaten a team in top 300. A-14 teams are 15-23 vs spread; OVC teams are 21-18.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Wednesday
By Mike Dempsey

Pool 1 of the 2017 Kentucky Derby Future Wager opens on Thursday, with Classic Empire, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner the shortest price among the 22 separate betting interests at 8-1 on the morning line.

“All Others” is expected to be favored in Pool 1 and is 5-2 on the morning line. The field was reduced by one with the announcement that Juvenile runner up Not This Time suffered a right front foreleg injury and has been retired.

Wagering closes on Sunday, and it probably is a wise idea to wait for the outcome of two graded stakes for three-year-olds coming up on Saturday—the $300,000 Remsen (G2) at Aqueduct and the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs.

Both races offer up 10-4-2-1 points as part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby points series of races.

You can lock in your odds now for the Run for the Roses. They are offering 6-1 on Classic Empire and 12-1 on Mastery, Gunnevera, and Beach Bum.

Mastery was a good looking winner of the Bob Hope Stakes (G3) at Del Mar last Saturday for trainer Bob Baffert.

Gunnevera won the Delta Downs Jackpot (G3) on Saturday while Beach Bum is a Baffert trainee who was an impressive maiden winner in his debut at Santa Anita on Nov. 6.


Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1
Number Name Trainer ML Odds
1 Beach Bum Bob Baffert 15-1
2 Classic Empire Mark Casse 8-1
3 Fact Finding Todd Pletcher 20-1
4 Gormley John Shirreffs 20-1
5 Gunnevera Antonio Sano 15-1
6 Hemsworth Tom Albertrani 30-1
7 Hookup David Cannizo 50-1
8 Irish War Cry Graham Motion 50-1
9 Just Move On Patrick Byrne/td> 20-1
10 Klimt Bob Baffert 15-1
11 Lookin at Lee Steve Asmussen 30-1
12 Mastery Bob Baffert 12-1
13 McCraken Ian Wilkes 15-1
14 Mo Town Anthony Dutrow 30-1
15 No Dozing Arnaud Delacour 50-1
16 Not This Time Dale Romans SCR
17 Practical Joke Chad Brown 15-1
18 Running Mate Larry Jones 50-1
19 Saint's Fan Dallas Stewart 50-1
20 Syndergaard Todd Pletcher 15-1
21 Takaful Kiaran McLaughlin 30-1
22 Uncontested Wayne Catalano 30-1
23 Wild Shot Rusty Arnold 50-1
24 Mutuel Field -- 5-2


Here is the opening race from Aqueduct to get the day off to a good start:

AQU Race 1 Alw $---s (12:20 ET)
#3 Tiz Rae Anna 8-5
#1 Toni Tools 2-1
#4 Woundwithhereyes 3-1
#5 The Eagle Is Gone 6-1

Analysis: Tiz Race Anna dropped in for a tag last out for her third career start and picked up her diploma in a sharp effort, drawing away to win by 3 1/4 lengths. The runner up Summer of Joy came back to graduate in her next outing on Nov. 17 for a $62,500 tag. Our top pick was claimed out of her maiden score by the Toscano barn that is 28% winners (with a +ROI) first off the claim. She catches a good spot here for her first start against winners.

Toni Tools drew off to break her maiden by 7 3/4 lengths against $40,000 state breds last out in her third career start and first for a tag. She was making her first start for Pletcher after being with Schettino for her first two career starts. She has worked well since her last outing and figures to move forward off that effort.

Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 7-5 or better.
EX: 3 / 1,4
TRI: no play

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:

AQU Race 8 OClm $40,000N2X (3:47 ET)
#6 Brimstone 2-1
#3 Thirst for Glory 8-1
#2 Testoterstone 6-1
#5 Taoiseach 5-2

Analysis: Brimstone lunged at the break last out after stalking the pace came with a seven-wide run and could not make up any ground late in a sixth-place fish over a wet track at Belmont Park. The gelding passed his first state bred condition in the slop three back in gate to wire fashion and he broke his maiden over the main track here, also over an off track. I liked his effort on turf two back where he held on for third after setting the early fractions in his first start at this level. With a better break, he will be forwardly place and Castellano sticks for Terranova.

Thirst for Glory exits the same race and he also did not fire his best, weakening to finish fifth. He beat state bred Alw-1 foes over the main track here and he was a game second at this level at Belmont Park back in June. He makes his second start off a two-month break and is capable of better than his last effort.

Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 3,6 / 2,3,5,6
TRI: 3,6 / 2,3,5,6 / 2,3,4,5,6

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Aqueduct
R5: 32 Great Stuff 8-1
R6: #6 Forest Boy 10-1
R6: #4 Who Is the Giant 12-1
R7: #1 Lucky Town 15-1
R8: #3 Thirst for Glory 8-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Dover Downs

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

Race 15 - Post: 9:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 83 - Purse:$5000 - HORSES/COLTS/GELDINGS NON WINNERS $4,001 IN LAST 6 STARTS THAT ARE NON WINNERS $35,001 IN 2016 DELAWARE OWNED OR BRED NO. 9 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 3 BOBBIES POWER PLAY 5/1
# 1 LETSMAKEAWISH 2/1
# 2 PROVENANCE 4/1

The selection in this event is BOBBIES POWER PLAY. Overall numbers appear very nice. Can't throw out at this point. LETSMAKEAWISH - Could very well provide us a triumph based on great recent TrackMaster Speed Ratings - earning an average of 84. It's dangerous to consider solely based on class, but this gelding has among the most favorable class stats of the field of starters. PROVENANCE - Has a very promising shot in this event, if he can perform to his back racing class. Achieved a 80 speed rating in last race. A duplicate affair here should get the win this time.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Northfield Park

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

Race 10 - Post: 9:00 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$6800 - FILLIES & MARES NON WINNERS $4200 IN LAST 5 STARTS THAT ARE N/W $45,000 IN 2016. AE: N/W $4000 IN 2016. NO. 9 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER NORTHFIELD HN 3 SHELL BELL - ELIGIBLE AT TIME OF ENTRY
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 NUTMEGS YANKEE 2/1
# 3 SHELL BELL 9/5
# 2 SAVE MY DRAGON 7/1

The consensus in this race is that NUTMEGS YANKEE is the one to beat. Has the look of a profitable play, averaging a rather good 82 TrackMaster Speed Rating. This harness racer has shown us some ability in the past, just look at the 83 average class ranking. Should play well here. Is a clear-cut choice given the 76 TrackMaster Speed Rating from her most recent contest. SHELL BELL - She's racing in fine form, recording clear-cut TrackMaster Speed Ratings. An excellent choice. Could beat this group of animals, just look at the TrackMaster Speed Rating - 76 - from her last effort. SAVE MY DRAGON - A great win pct has been recorded by nice horses beginning from the 2 position. Running very well, achieved a sharp TrackMaster Speed Rating in her most recent affair (75).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Churchill Downs

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


Race 3 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $19000 Class Rating: 66

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000, IF FOR $12,500, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 11 GLISTENING STAR 12/1

# 2 DOMINANT CLASS 8/5

# 1 HARAMBE 10/1

GLISTENING STAR is my selection especially at 12/1. Should be given a shot as Denzik has been among the best trainers with two-year olds. She is out of a quite good stable. DOMINANT CLASS - This handler is sound with starters in two-year old races. Has strong sire profits and may be worth the precarious nature of a two-year old race. Overall the Equibase Speed Figures of this pony look respectable in this contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes

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


Race 1 - Claiming - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 74

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE OCTOBER 23 ALLOWED 2 LBS. ONE SUCH RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 6 MY FRIEND KEITH 6/5

# 3 LAUGH LOVE LIVE 7/2

# 5 HIGH NOON COCKTAIL 3/1

I think about MY FRIEND KEITH here. Demonstrates the look of a lucrative play, averaging a solid 71 Equibase Speed Figure which is one of the most favorable in this group. Handler has sharp win rate (22 percent) at this distance and surface. Recorded a quite good speed figure last time out. LAUGH LOVE LIVE - Has strong early speed and ought to fare soundly against this group of horses in this race. Could best this group of horses here, showing quite good figs of late. HIGH NOON COCKTAIL - Profitable jockey and handler team, with a +66 return on investment. Put up a decent Equibase Speed Fig last time out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Woodbine - Race #4 - Post: 8:15pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $20,000 Class Rating: 79

Rating:

#6 KAT'S GOOD SCOUT (ML=10/1)
#4 A BIT OF WHO DO (ML=3/1)


KAT'S GOOD SCOUT - This speedy sort should benefit from this shorter distance. A BIT OF WHO DO - I really like sprint horses that make a rapid turnaround. I usually like playing sprinters who are 3-4 races into a return to racing. Cruised home victorious as he wired the field just recently at Woodbine. Quickly back to the track to potentially do it again in this race. Three consecutive improved speed figures (56-63-71) make this thoroughbred a powerful contender.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 WAR EXECUTIVE (ML=4/1), #11 DAZZLING DEPUTY (ML=9/2), #1 HARDCASTLE (ML=6/1),

WAR EXECUTIVE - Difficult to keep stabbing at this sort of 'bridesmaid' horse. This mount just hasn't looked fit of late. DAZZLING DEPUTY - On a downward spiraling cycle. Speed figures keep dropping. HARDCASTLE - The Brain always cautions me to keep away from ponies in short distance races that haven't finished in the money in short distance contests of late.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#6 KAT'S GOOD SCOUT is the play if we get odds of 5/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [4,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Charles Town - Race #2 - Post: 7:29pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 57

Rating:

#1 AMAZING GRACE RVF (ML=3/1)


AMAZING GRACE RVF - Utilizing this jock/trainer combination is a good move. She finished in the place spot November 10th, but was well in front of the show horse. This horse coming off a sharp contest in the last 30 days is a serious competitor in my opinion.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 SHOOTING DOVES (ML=5/2), #1A STORM APPROVAL RVF (ML=3/1), #8 MULTIFLORA (ML=9/2),

SHOOTING DOVES - This filly is always hitting the board, but just doesn't finish on top. Difficult to bet on her on the win end. STORM APPROVAL RVF - I find it hard to back any horse in a short distance event if she hasn't finished in the money in a sprint in the last 60 days. Hard to wager on any entrant to turn things around if there is no reward to taking the risk. MULTIFLORA - This horse just hasn't looked sharp of late.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Have to go with #1 Entry on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:

None

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #8 -AQUEDUCT - 3:47 PM EASTERN POST

8.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $40,000.00 OPTIONAL CLAIMING $59,000.00 PURSE

#6 BRIMSTONE
#5 TAOISEACH
#2 TESTOSTERSTONE
#3 THIRST FOR GLORY

#6 BRIMSTONE has produced a quartet of "POWER RUNS" in his last five outings, hitting the board in three, including a "POWER RUN WIN" facing better company (+2) in his 3rd race back. #5 TAOISEACH comes off back-to-back "POWER RUN BOARD HITS" in his last two outings, and gets a return ride from Jockey Dylan Davis ... Davis has been in his irons on 10 previous occasions, hitting the board in 8 of those rides, winning three times, en route to a +645% return on investment in the process, and guns for a "Grand Slam Win" this afternoon here at "The Big-A!"

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 11/23 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet: BUCKEYE BOB (7th)

Spot Play: RADIERS BOY (8th)


Race 1

(4) HOORAY KATIE has been competitive against better on the year. The mare comes off a break but is a threat with a smooth trip. (3) HIGH FINANCE should be much closer turning for home against weaker. (2) RED ROCKS veteran trotter comes off a win against weaker; driver's choice.

Race 2

(4) BELLAS QUIK was the driver's choice and faces a really weak field. (1) RIBBONS OF COLOR gets the best starting post and will offer value. (2) CAVEAT CREEK has just been racing evenly but drops down in class; threat.

Race 3

(5) OH PLEASE was parked out last week before fading badly. The trotting mare gets a better starting post this week and owns a win at this level. (7) ELMO BLATCH well bred trotter makes his career debut off a decent qualifier. (3) ECHO'S ANNIE filly has burned cash in two straight; command a price.

Race 4

(2) KALI'S DREAM three-year-old filly makes her career debut against a suspect bunch. (4) TONOLLI owns a second place finish at this level a few starts back. (6) GRANDS TRUE REPLY will offer a big price in a field full of question marks.

Race 5

(6) CHELSEA RAY trotting mare takes a huge dropdown in class. (9) HELLO CARLO veteran trotter isn't what he used to be but can step up with a good effort from time to time. (2) TYMAL BLING just missed against a better bunch a few starts ago.

Race 6

(3) P L ADDER is capable of beating this bunch with a trouble-free trip. (1) LYNYRD keeps the top driver with the best post. (6) NOAH'S SHARK is very inconsistent from week to week; command a price.

Race 7

(4) BUCKEYE BOB sophomore pacer broke his maiden in a big way last out winning at this level by open lengths. (3) MEGALODON might be one of few threats to the top choice shipping in from out east. (6) OVERDRIVE is one of the faster pacers in the race but gets sent out for a low percentage pilot; use underneath.

Race 8

(9) RAIDERS BOY raced big last week against better. (6) DOCTOR CARTER might be able to get the jump early on the top choice. The pacer was the top driver's choice. (1) BLUEBIRD IDEAL bumps up in class off a dominating win.

Race 9

(1) CRAZOLO gelding has an excellent pedigree and should be ready for a better effort after needing a few starts. (5) MUSCLE ON BROADWAY just missed at this level three back; threat. (3) FLYING MUSCLES comes into the race off a win down in class but needs more.

Race 10

(5) NUTMEGS YANKEE pacing mare had no excuse last week but looks to find an even weaker bunch. (8) JULIANA'S DIRECTOR will look to make it three straight wins, however the 5-year-old is up against it from the far outside post. (9) MONTANA REI will offer big value and can hit the ticket with a good setup.

Race 11

In a very tough race to gauge, (4) WELL DID impeccably bred pacer will offer a big price in a weak and inconsistent field. (1) RAY'S WESTERN owns a win at this level but gets sent out for a low percentage pilot. (2) SECOND THOUGHTS dominated weaker last start. If the pacer puts forth a similar effort he's in the mix.

Race 12

(6) SANTA'S SPECIAL drops down to the bottom level and owns some back class when right. (2) LIMA RITCH had no excuse last week off of easy fractions; command a price. (9) NATHAN might be in line for a ground saving trip putting him in the mix to hit the ticket.

Race 13

(3) SHHRAYRAY isn't the most reliable pacer but does have ability. The pacer gets sent out for the top barn. (1) TEST OF WILL has been competitive against better on the year and benefits from the best post. (2) LIGHTNINGINTHESKY doesn't win often but should be in the mix with a good setup.

Race 14

(4) MCNICKELS MCDIMES should be in a better spot this week with the improved post. (6) ALWAYS DEE ONE beat a similar bunch last out; threat. (1) STORMY NOVEL filly gets the best post but is probably best used underneath facing older.

Race 15

(9) HEARTLAND DESIRE takes a huge drop in class. The pacer was the betting favorite against a much tougher bunch two back. (7) RICKY TIDWELL gelding doesn't show a line on a half mile oval but if the pacer can get over the track he can threaten. (5) D J SUPREME owns only one win on the year; use underneath.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Aqueduct (3rd) Story to Tell, 6-1
(5th) Eighty Three, 5-1


Charles Town (2nd) Home to Carrowkeel, 5-1
(5th) Sterlings Drama, 5-1


Churchill Downs (2nd) Venetian, 8-1
(10th) Ruby Osuhani, 4-1


Delta Downs (4th) Macandales, 7-2
(7th) My Girl Katherine, 7-2


Finger Lakes (2nd) Robert's Breach, 5-1
(9th) The Undersheriff, 5-1


Mahoning Valley (4th) El of a Cat, 3-1
(8th) Slammer, 4-1


Mountaineer (4th) Sunshine Valentino, 4-1
(6th) Liberty Fire, 7-2


Penn National (1st) Con Gee, 6-1
(8th) Winter, 4-1


Woodbine (5th) Shot for Shot, 4-1
(7th) Pugsley, 6-1


Zia Park (9th) Dalmore, 3-1
(10th) Ready to Confess, 9-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wednesday’s six-pack

Six interesting college basketball scores from Tuesday:

—*Oregon 69, Tennessee 65 OT— Ducks led by 11 points in second half.

— Colorado 68, Texas 54- Rough week in Brooklyn for the Longhorns.

— Notre Dame 70, Northwestern 66- Wildcats had ball and 66-65 lead wth 0:20 left; if they don’t make NCAAs this year, this game will haunt them.

— Wisconsin 73, Georgetown 57— Badgers kicked their butts, with 20 offensive rebounds.*TWENTY

— North Carolina 107, Oklahoma State 75— Tar Heels are really good.

— Auburn 67, Texas Tech 65— Big win for Bruce Pearl’s team in Cancun.