Wednesday 2/17/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hawkeyes (20-5) at Nittany Lions (12-13)

Date: February 17, 2016 6:30 PM EDT

Iowa is back in sole command of the Big Ten, but that could quickly change if it becomes Penn State's next upset victim.

The fourth-ranked Hawkeyes blew out the Nittany Lions earlier this month and will seek another dominant performance Wednesday night.

Iowa (20-5, 11-2) moved one game ahead of Indiana and Maryland on Sunday with a 75-71 victory against last-place Minnesota. Peter Jok hit a 3-pointer with 2:46 remaining to give the Hawkeyes enough breathing room en route to finishing with 27 points, two shy of his career high.

Jarrod Uthoff shook off an 0-for-7 start from the floor to register 24 points along with a career-high 15 rebounds and six blocks. He became the third Big Ten player in the last 20 years with at least 20 points, 15 boards and five blocks in a game.

"We understand we're going to go through hard-fought games like this, physical games. We're trying to make sure we have our minds mentally right each and every day," guard Anthony Clemmons told the school's official website. "Whenever you get a win in this league, it's a big win. It makes you that much closer to your ultimate goal."

Iowa has lost two of three on the road with both defeats coming against its closest pursuers in the Big Ten.

The Hawkeyes will play three of their final five games away from home with trips to Ohio State and Michigan. Penn State (12-13, 3-9) would appear to serve as their easiest matchup of that bunch, but the Nittany Lions knocked off then-No. 22 Indiana 68-63 in their latest home game Feb. 6.

They failed to build on that victory Saturday, falling 70-54 at Nebraska for their fifth defeat in six games.

Penn State also lost 73-49 at then-No. 5 Iowa on Feb. 3. The Hawkeyes limited Penn State to 30.4 percent shooting - a season low for any opponent - and a 1-for-20 performance from 3-point range.

Nittany Lions coach Patrick Chambers is hoping for a better showing in a more familiar setting. Penn State is averaging 69.2 points at home compared with 58.6 on the road.

"Being home and knowing the rims and knowing the arena like we do, I hope it gives us confidence that we can succeed, and we can go on a little bit of a run here to finish out the season," Chambers said. "Typically, our teams finish strong. They become the best teams they can be in February. I'm banking on that still."

The Nittany Lions, 8-3 on their own floor, have lost in each of the last three visits from Iowa but took the Hawkeyes to overtime in an 81-77 defeat last season.

Iowa has claimed five of the past six overall matchups with the lone defeat coming in last year's Big Ten tournament.

Penn State leading scorer Brandon Taylor (16.5) had 24 points in the upset over Indiana to match his best effort in Big Ten play. He had a more pedestrian 15 at Iowa - the only Nittany Lions player in double figures - but also grabbed 11 rebounds.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orange (18-8) at Cardinals (19-6)

Date: February 17, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Eight wins in nine games have given Syracuse a strong case to return to the NCAA Tournament a year after a self-imposed postseason ban that should sound awfully familiar to Louisville.

The Orange look to stay hot Wednesday night as they visit the 18th-ranked Cardinals, whose own voluntary exclusion from tournament play could wind up helping out Syracuse.

Syracuse (18-8, 8-5) opened the ACC schedule with four straight losses but has suddenly won five in a row. That turnaround has the Orange in good shape to make the tournament after missing out last season through a self-imposed suspension stemming from an NCAA investigation.

"A lot better place," guard Trevor Cooney said of the team's recent mindset. "It all comes down to winning games and we're winning games now."

After sweeping a three-game homestand against unranked opponents, Syracuse returned to the road Sunday with a 75-61 win at last-place Boston College.

Tyler Lydon led the way with 20 points off the bench, giving him an average of 16 while making 65.4 percent from the floor over the last three games. The freshman forward was averaging 6.7 and shooting 37.3 percent over the previous 10.

Lydon is the Orange's most efficient 3-point shooter, connecting on 44.7 percent of his 76 attempts.

"I practice that a lot," Lydon said. "We definitely focus on that a little knowing I can shoot it and stretch the floor."

Michael Gbinije is also capable of that, making 39.6 percent from long range while leading the team with an average of 17.4 points. He converted 3 of 6 3s and finished with 18 points, six assists and five rebounds in a 69-59 win over the Cardinals on Feb. 18.

Syracuse has won its last two visits to Louisville, most recently when the Cardinals were ranked No. 1 and both teams were in the Big East on Jan. 19, 2013.

That loss was the first of three straight for Louisville (19-6, 8-4), which is on the verge of matching that for the first time since.

The Cardinals followed a 72-65 loss at Duke on Feb. 8 with Saturday's 71-66 defeat at Notre Dame. They're 1-2 since announcing their self-imposed postseason ban in response to the investigation surrounding major recruiting violations from 2010-14.

Louisville's absence from the ACC tournament, which gives double byes to the top four teams, could benefit the Orange. North Carolina leads the conference with Miami right behind, while the Cardinals are one of four ACC teams with four league losses.

Since coach Rick Pitino expressed his objections to the ban earlier this month, he was more concerned with the correlation between Louisville's 39.7 percent shooting and the lack of defensive effort against the Fighting Irish.

"This team has one major flaw that they have to get over. If they miss a shot, they put their head down and they don't think about defense," Pitino said. "That's probably the No. 1 hurdle we have to get over this year."

Perhaps getting back to the comforts of the KFC Yum! Center can give Louisville a spark. The Cardinals are 15-1 there, beating opponents by an average of 28.6 points while hitting 50.5 percent from the floor.

Damion Lee connected on 8 of 12 field goals while scoring 24 points in a 71-65 over then-No. 2 North Carolina on Feb. 1. However, the senior guard came one point short of that total while going 7 for 28 over the past two games, scoring a team-high 13 points Saturday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Friars (19-7) at Musketeers (22-3)

Date: February 17, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Xavier's Trevon Bluiett and Jalen Reynolds have enjoyed recent success against Providence, and similar standout performances in this meeting might help each get back on track.

It would also help the Musketeers realign their Big East title hopes.

After up-and-down performances last week, No. 8 Xavier seeks its third straight victory over No. 23 Providence on Wednesday night in Cincinnati.

Xavier (22-3, 10-3) experienced split results last week after getting tabbed at No. 5 for the second time this season - the highest ranking in program history. The Musketeers fell 70-56 at Creighton on Feb. 9 before regrouping with Saturday's 74-57 victory at Butler.

Bluiett leads Xavier with an average of 15 points, but he combined for that number while shooting 31.8 percent last week. Reynolds played only eight minutes against the Bulldogs due to foul trouble and finished with six points and matched a season low with two rebounds.

Xavier earned the win anyway behind 25 points off the bench between J.P. Macura and Edmond Sumner and 12 more from Remy Abell, though past performances point to Bluiett and Reynolds as the offensive catalysts come Wednesday.

Each scored 15 points in a 75-68 win at Providence on Jan. 26 and finished with 19 apiece in last February's 78-69 home victory. Reynolds made 16 of 20 shots between the two games and has averaged 16 points and 10.3 rebounds in his last three against the Friars.

Xavier has taken three of five meetings against Providence since moving to the Big East in 2013-14, including both at Cintas Center where the Musketeers are 12-1. Another would keep them within striking distance of top-ranked Villanova, which is two games up in the Big East but still has to travel to Cincinnati on Feb. 24.

Xavier is 4-1 against the Top 25, while Providence has beaten four of the seven ranked opponents it has faced - including wins over then-No. 9 Butler and then-No. 4 Villanova.

But Providence (19-7, 7-6) will likely drop out of the Top 25 next week with a loss. The Friars snapped a three-game losing streak with Saturday's 75-72 win over the Hoyas, the only team they have beaten while going 2-4 since Jan. 26.

"You know what, rankings don't really mean anything," Xavier senior James Farr said. "We lost to Creighton, we lost to Georgetown. Those teams aren't ranked. I think a lot of people don't give enough teams in this conference credit to what they have."

An extended offensive slump led to Providence's Big East struggles as it made just 37 percent of its shots during a 4-6 stretch from Jan. 5-Feb. 10. The Friars shot better than 40 percent for the first time in four games to build a 26-point first-half lead against Georgetown before holding off a furious rally late.

'Our goal is to try and be a tournament team and this helps us get closer to that,' coach Ed Cooley said. 'I think the magic number for Big East is nine or 10 wins. That's how competitive our league is.'

Ben Bentil finished with 16 points and nine rebounds to follow his 42-point, 12-board effort in a 96-91 double-overtime loss at Marquette on Feb. 10 - the Friars' second straight road loss after winning their first six. Rodney Bullock had 23 and Kris Dunn added 20.

Dunn has averaged 15.7 points, 8 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 4 steals in three games against Xavier, while Bentil has averaged 20.5 points in his last two.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wildcats (22-3) at Owls (16-8)

Date: February 17, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

College basketball's top-ranked team playing a non-conference game in mid-February certainly seems odd. Villanova struggling to win it - even against an unranked foe - wouldn't be so strange.

The nation's No. 1 takes on the American Athletic Conference's No. 1 and a longtime rival Wednesday night when the Wildcats visit surging Temple, which can likely assure itself of an NCAA Tournament bid by pulling off the upset.

The nationally televised game is part of ESPN's rivalry week.

"When we had the offer from ESPN to schedule this and play it this late in the year, we really thought that on the road, at Temple, in February, that it isn't going to get any tougher than that," coach Jay Wright told Villanova's official website. "We'll see where we are as a team.

"I just think it's a great test. We look at it like you can't play a tougher opponent anywhere in the country."

Counterpart Fran Dunphy is just as eager for the showdown at Temple's Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, about 15 miles from Villanova.

"It's a spectacular opportunity in that they are the No. 1 team in the country, a city school that's been a terrific program over the years and recently has had phenomenal success," the Owls coach said. "It's a great opportunity for our team, our fans, and the challenge will be great."

It's a pretty big one for Villanova, too. The Wildcats (22-3) can clinch the outright Big 5 crown for a third consecutive season, but Temple (16-8) could share it by winning Wednesday. Villanova is 3-0 in the annual intracity series, the Owls are 2-1 and both enter on five-game winning streaks.

Though Temple's run may be less impressive because it came against AAC schools, the Owls have won three straight over Top 25 opponents. However, only one is currently ranked (No. 21 SMU), and Temple is 1-4 against the power conferences, so it could use a statement win to steer well clear of the NCAA Tournament bubble despite leading the AAC at 10-3.

Villanova leads the Big East by two games but is coming off a subpar effort at home against the conference's worst team. The Wildcats led by one at halftime Saturday in a hard-fought 73-63 win over St. John's, which has lost a Division I-worst 16 straight.

"I don't think there was any added pressure," point guard Ryan Arcidiacono said of playing as No. 1. "... That's something we don't even think about or talk about."

Wright was unhappy with his team's 15 turnovers, a total the Wildcats have reached in four of the past six games.

"Our value of the basketball and taking care of the basketball, it's been a problem for us," Wright said. "We have been sloppy with the ball."

Freshman Jalen Brunson had a season-worst seven turnovers, and now the son of former Temple star Rick Brunson gets his first taste of this near century-old rivalry.

The Wildcats dominated the last two meetings, winning by a combined 39 points as they shot 52.7 percent while limiting the Owls to 35.5.

Quenton DeCosey had 18 points in both games but shot 9 for 33. He's averaged 20.2 points during Temple's five-game win streak.

The Owls are 11-0 when shooting at least 40 percent, while the three teams that beat the Wildcats shot 46 percent or better.

As for Villanova's offense, perimeter players Josh Hart, Kris Jenkins, Brunson and Arcidiacono remain the focus. However, they've all been somewhat inconsistent lately, so they may continue dumping the ball down to Daniel Ochefu after he had a career-high 25 points against St. John's.

The Wildcats are 34-2 when the 6-foot-11 senior scores in double figures.

He'll go up against Owls senior Jaylen Bond, who had his seventh double-double of the season with 18 points and 14 rebounds in Sunday's 77-65 win over South Florida.

"I think we match up with them pretty well," Temple guard Josh Brown said. "... We're just gonna treat it like every other game, but the No. 1 ranking definitely has a factor."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cornhuskers (14-12) at Hoosiers (20-6)

Date: February 17, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

Indiana lost its share of the Big Ten lead after faltering once again on the road but will get to play its next two games on its own floor.

The No. 22 Hoosiers could get back into first place by remaining unbeaten at home Wednesday night against Nebraska and getting some help.

Indiana (20-6, 10-3) fell one game behind Iowa with an 88-69 loss at No. 8 Michigan State on Sunday, its third in four road games. The Hoosiers shot 37.7 percent and have connected at 37.1 percent in back-to-back losses outside Bloomington.

They're the Big Ten's best shooting team at home - 53.9 percent in 14 games - and among the national leaders with a 90.6-point average.

Indiana topped No. 4 Iowa 85-78 in its latest game at Assembly Hall on Thursday. The Hawkeyes play Wednesday at Penn State, which knocked off the Hoosiers 68-63 in its most recent home game Feb. 6.

Another Nittany Lions upset would open the door for Indiana.

"We need to be better, and we were much better (against Iowa)," Hoosiers coach Tom Crean said. "Now we turn around and get ready to play Nebraska."

Indiana won 79-69 at Nebraska on Jan. 2 and could use another win over the Cornhuskers (14-12, 6-7) before a difficult closing stretch. The Hoosiers will face three Top 25 teams in their final four games, including Iowa and fellow Big Ten contender Maryland, ranked sixth.

After this game, they face in-state rival and No. 17 Purdue at home Saturday.

Having Yogi Ferrell end his shooting funk could be a huge momentum boost. The Hoosiers' leading scorer has gone 8 of 34 from the floor in his last three games and 4 of 21 from 3-point range.

Ferrell shot 1 for 6 beyond the arc and 3 for 10 overall while finishing with nine points at Michigan State.

"I think he pressed a little bit tonight. I think he pressed a little bit in the Iowa game too, no question about it," Crean said. "It's probably just a matter of trying to make too many things happen."

Ferrell made 8 of 13 shots, including 4 of 5 on 3-pointers, while scoring 24 points at Nebraska. He also had seven assists, and freshman Thomas Bryant added 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting.

The Hoosiers connected at 54.9 percent and went 9 of 18 from beyond the arc in their second straight win in the series. Indiana had taken all four home meetings until a 70-60 loss in March 2014.

Nebraska has dropped its two road games since upsetting then-No. 11 Michigan State 72-71 on Jan. 20. The Cornhuskers lost 89-74 at then-No. 21 Purdue on Jan. 30 and 72-61 at Wisconsin last Wednesday.

They bounced back with a 70-54 victory against Penn State on Saturday, with Andrew White III scoring a career-best 35 points. White, averaging a team-leading 17.6 points, was dealing with a cold and a minor ear infection while second-leading scorer Shavon Shields missed a second straight game because of a concussion.

Shields' status is unclear for this game.

"The coaches tell me I'm the guy, that I have to lead the team now," White said.

White, a transfer from Kansas, had 16 points and six rebounds in last month's loss to Indiana. Jack McVeigh, averaging 4.9 points, matched a career high with 16.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sooners (20-4) at Red Raiders (15-9)

Date: February 17, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Buddy Hield and Oklahoma have bounced back from each of their defeats this season, but a meeting with Texas Tech on Wednesday night could make continuing that difficult.

The third-ranked Sooners seek a seventh win in eight games against the improving Red Raiders, who aim to beat a third straight Top 25 opponent for the first time in nearly two decades.

Oklahoma (20-4, 8-4 in Big 12) hasn't lost consecutive games since Jan. 19 and 24, 2015, and Hield is among the biggest reasons for that. The guard has averaged 25.7 points on 59.5 percent from the field and 52.0 from 3-point range in the three victories following defeats this season.

He'll need another big performance after the Sooners shot 33.3 percent and fell 76-72 to then-sixth-ranked Kansas on Saturday. Hield needed to score 18 points in the second half to finish with 24, going 5 for 15 from the floor.

He's drawing a lot more attention as the nation's second-leading scorer (25.6).

"They're going to stay on Buddy and not leave him, and Buddy has realized that the last couple of games," coach Lon Kruger said.

Hield didn't have any such problems in a 91-67 rout of Texas Tech on Jan. 26, pouring in 30 points on 9-of-12 shooting and 5 of 8 from long range.

Things didn't go nearly as smoothly in the last visit to Lubbock on Feb. 21, with Hield scoring eight points while Isaiah Cousins picked up the slack with 22 in a 79-75 overtime win.

Cousins had 19 points against the Red Raiders last month, one of his eight consecutive double-digit performances. He had 21 in Saturday's loss and has averaged 17.9 points on 54.5 percent during that span.

Texas Tech (15-9, 5-7) has bounced back from a 2-8 stretch with wins over then-No. 14 Iowa State and then-No. 21 Baylor, putting it in position to beat three straight ranked teams for the first time since Nov. 30-Dec. 21, 1996.

The Red Raiders had dropped 13 in a row to Top 25 foes before last Wednesday's 85-82 overtime victory over the Cyclones. They shot 57.8 percent - their second-best total of the season - in an 84-66 win over the Bears on Saturday.

"Whether it's Top 25 or not, we're getting better," coach Tubby Smith said. "Our players are maturing and starting to understand, and they're experienced enough to know what we needed to do in order to win. ... They're getting stronger, and getting smarter and getting better."

Keenan Evans is worthy of such praise, scoring a career-high 21 points with five assists and four steals against Baylor after he scored 17 against Iowa State.

Evans has averaged 17.3 points on 60.9 percent in his last three games after scoring 7.3 on 36.5 through the first 19.

Evans was abysmal at Oklahoma last month, missing 5 of 6 from the floor and finishing with two points.

Justin Gray scored 20 off the bench in that matchup, adding seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks. He's connected on 12 of 17 attempts while totaling 32 points over the past two games.

The Red Raiders are 11-3 at home, yielding an average of 66.1 points but will be facing a Sooners team that leads the conference with 83.6 per game.

"You have stop their transition," Smith said. "That's number one because they score a bunch of points out of their fastbreak. Then, you have to worry about Buddy Hield. That'll be a tough task for our team."

Hield, Cousins, Ryan Spangler and Jordan Woodard have started 92 straight games together for the longest active streak for any foursome in Division I men's basketball.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hokies (13-12) at Hurricanes (20-4)

Date: February 17, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Of Miami's final six regular-season games, four straight will come against teams currently in the Top 25. Struggling Virginia Tech provides the bookends for that daunting stretch.

The first of which is Wednesday night, when the surging No. 11 Hurricanes can remain perfect at home in the ACC by handing the Hokies a fifth straight road defeat.

One game behind league leader and fifth-ranked North Carolina, Miami (20-4, 9-3) has won four in a row and seven of eight since dropping back-to-back games at then-No. 13 Virginia and Clemson last month. Following this contest, the Hurricanes visit the Tar Heels on Saturday, then host the seventh-ranked Cavaliers, No. 18 Louisville and travel to No. 19 Notre Dame before closing the regular season at Virginia Tech (13-12, 5-7) on March 5.

"We know the margin for error is very, very small," Miami assistant coach Chris Caputo said. "We have a very difficult stretch coming up here in ACC play."

Though the Hurricanes won last season's three meetings with the Hokies by an average of 13 points, they're hardly looking ahead. Especially after winning both of last week's games by two points each.

After a putback by point guard Angel Rodriguez with 1.4 seconds left gave Miami a 65-63 home victory over Pittsburgh last Tuesday, it squandered an 11-point halftime lead before winning 67-65 at Florida State on Sunday.

"In league play it's so competitive that you can be playing pretty well and it can come down to one or two possessions - whether it's home or away," Caputo said. "But I think our group has had a good focus and lock-in."

Though Miami shot 38.2 percent Sunday, it made 53.5 percent of its attempts in home wins over then-No. 24 Duke and the Irish before hitting 45.1 percent against Pitt. Undefeated in 10 home games since being stunned 78-77 by Northeastern on Nov. 27, the Hurricanes are looking to go 7-0 there in conference play for the second time in four seasons.

"(Miami is) so good," said Virginia Tech coach Buzz Williams, whose team allowed the Hurricanes to shoot 51 percent in last season's 76-52 road defeat. "Great experience, per position. Playing at very high level. We'll have problems from the very beginning."

Virginia Tech has lost four road games during its current 1-6 stretch. That slump started with an 83-81 loss at Notre Dame on Jan. 20, and the Hokies also fell in overtime at Syracuse on Feb. 2. They haven't played since shooting a season-low 35.6 percent in last Tuesday's 67-49 defeat at Virginia.

"The teams that our playing well at this time of year can win games on the road," said Williams, whose squad has allowed 48.1 percent shooting while dropping five of six on the road in the ACC.

Miami's Sheldon McClellan (16.3 ppg) scored 20 despite going 4 of 14 from the field Sunday, but went 7 of 10 and finished with 21 points in last season's home win over the Hokies.

Virginia Tech's Zach LeDay shot 50 percent and averaged 18.4 points in 10 games prior to scoring seven on 1-of-7 shooting and dealing with foul trouble at Virginia. Talented freshman Chris Clarke (10.6 ppg) scored 11 after missing 12 games with a broken foot.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Devils (19-6) at Tar Heels (21-4)

Date: February 17, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Duke is on a roll, back among the nation's elite and looking to deal North Carolina another defeat at Chapel Hill.

Brice Johnson and the Tar Heels are more concerned with widening their lead atop the ACC.

The No. 20 Blue Devils attempt to knock off a third straight ranked opponent Wednesday night and prevent fifth-ranked North Carolina from a 14th straight home victory.

Duke (19-6, 8-4) tumbled out of the AP poll for the first time since 2007 thanks to a 1-4 stretch before regaining a spot behind a four-game winning streak. The last two were the most impressive, beating then-No. 13 Louisville 72-65 on Feb. 8 before Grayson Allen hit a controversial bank shot at the buzzer for a 63-62 win over seventh-ranked Virginia on Saturday.

While Allen might have traveled on the decisive shot, the Blue Devils are showing they weren't doomed without forward Amile Jefferson, who's out indefinitely with a broken foot suffered two months ago.

"The best way to learn is through experience, and during January, after losing Amile, we had to become a different team and they were learning that - there wasn't a preseason to learn it," coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "You're thinking about what you have to do, and not what we have to do, and as we've gone further ... in conference play, our guys are thinking about what we have to do and making spontaneous corrections, instant corrections, on the court instead of waiting until halftime or the end of the game."

For the fourth straight year, Duke brings at least a four-game winning streak into the first UNC game.

"Our sense of urgency these past couple of weeks has been excellent," guard Matt Jones said, "and we need to carry our momentum over to the Dean Dome."

Duke has won three of the last four visits, including an 84-77 victory in last year's regular-season finale on March 7.

The Tar Hells (21-4, 10-2) have won 13 straight at home since, averaging 87.2 points on 49.6 percent from the floor. They connected on a season-best 59.3 percent - 8 of 15 from 3-point range - in an 85-64 rout of Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Brice Johnson had 19 points and shot 9 of 12 as he continues to make a case to be ACC player of the year. The 6-foot-10 senior forward leads North Carolina with 16.4 points per game, is shooting an ACC-best 61.4 percent and ranks fourth in the conference with 10 rebounds.

Johnson, however, is focused on expanding the Tar Heels' one-game lead on second-place Miami with six left.

"My whole motivation this year was just winning the ACC championship and winning a national championship," Johnson said. "Those honors, I would love to be a part of those things. It's just I'd rather win something with my teammates because you're remembered with your teammates more than anything."

Johnson has performed very well during North Carolina's three-game losing streak to Duke, averaging 16.7 points on 71.0 percent shooting with 9.3 boards.

Teammate Marcus Paige had a 24 and 23-point performance in that skid sandwiched around a 5-point effort in a loss in Durham on Feb. 18, 2015.

North Carolina is going to see a lot more of Allen, who has nine total points on 1-of-8 shooting in two career matchups as a reserve. The sophomore guard is second in the ACC with 20.6 points per game, and is shooting 48.9 percent from long range to rank among the league's top seven in that category with Jones (41.3) and Brandon Ingram (40.9).

"They make over 10 3s a game (actually 9.0), and their perimeter players are really good shooters and they space the floor well," Paige said. "Our emphasis will be guarding the ball and not having the support so that we can defend the 3-point line better."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sun Devils (14-12) at Wildcats (21-5)

Date: February 17, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Arizona's chances at a Pac-12 three-peat are suddenly revived thanks to a return to the type of play at home that led to its recently fallen streak there.

The 12th-ranked Wildcats hope to extend their new run at McKale Center with a sixth straight home win over rival Arizona State on Wednesday night.

Arizona (21-5, 9-4) was in danger of falling out of the conference race early when a 4-4 start was capped by an 83-75 home loss to then-No. 23 Oregon on Jan. 28, snapping the Wildcats' nation-high 49-game winning streak in Tucson.

The Ducks, though, dropped back-to-back games last week while Arizona continued its run of five straight by opening a three-game homestand with victories of 81-75 over UCLA on Friday and 86-78 over then-No. 23 USC on Sunday.

'We expect ourselves to be at the top and competing for the title,' leading scorer Ryan Anderson said. 'This is what we have done the last couple of years, this is what we plan to do this year.'

Arizona earned outright Pac-12 titles with only five total league losses the last two seasons, even while splitting four games against Arizona State (14-12, 4-9). The Wildcats, though, won the last five meetings in Tucson and took the first this season 94-82 in Tempe on Jan. 3.

"This is a necessary step in us being able to say that we in fact are competing for (a conference title)," coach Sean Miller said of Wednesday's matchup.

Miller says its a slight defensive improvement that has fueled Arizona's run. In the Wildcats' first eight conference games, opponents averaged 77.4 points on 44.2 percent shooting while turning the ball over 10 times per game.

Since, opponents are averaging 70.4 points on 41 percent shooting with 12.6 turnovers per game. Arizona State is the third-worst shooting team in Pac-12 play at 41.9 percent while averaging 75.5 points.

The Wildcats average 83.8 points in conference play, shy of only Washington's 85.5, while shooting a league-best 49.7 percent. Helping is the addition of Allonzo Trier, who has played the last three games after missing a month with a broken hand.

The freshman standout was just hitting his stride before the injury, averaging 19.5 points over a four-game stretch. Although he's shooting 35.7 percent while averaging 13 points since his return, Trier's presence adds much-needed depth.

Trier had 20 points in the first meeting against Arizona State while senior guard Gabe York made 4 of 7 3-pointers and scored 22. Sophomore guard Tra Holder led the way with 24 points for the Sun Devils in their conference-opening defeat that was part of a 1-6 start.

Arizona State has won two of its last three games, tallying its second victory over a ranked opponent with Friday's 74-67 win over the Trojans. It took a step back quickly, though, with a 78-65 loss to the Bruins two days later.

The Sun Devils shot 38.6 percent Sunday, including makes on 10 of 30 shots from inside the 3-point line.

'I felt like we were on the verge of something after Friday night and, like has happened most of the year, there's progress and there's regression,' coach Bobby Hurley said. 'We regressed again.'

Arizona State will try to improve on its 3-6 road record during a three-game trip. The Sun Devils also have a 67-54 win Dec. 5 over then-No. 18 Texas A&M on their resume, and their previous two victories over Top 25 teams came against Arizona.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wednesday's Top 25 Trends

Wednesday, Feb. 17
Matchup Records Skinny Projection

Dayton
Overall: 21-3 SU, 12-10-1 ATS
Atlantic 10: 11-1 SU, 7-4-1 ATS
Totals: 9-13-1 O/U

St. Joseph's
Overall: 21-4 SU, 17-6-1 ATS
Atlantic 10: 10-2 SU, 9-3 ATS
Totals: 12-11-1 O/U

(15) Dayton at St. Joseph's (CBSSN, 6:00 p.m. ET)
Two of the top teams in the Atlantic 10 hook up for a huge showdown in Philadelphia. The Flyers are riding a nine-game winning streak after holding off Rhode Island on Friday night, 68-66. Dayton has won four straight road contests since losing at La Salle as 12-point favorites on January 9, while looking to snap a four-game skid at St. Joe’s dating back to 2010. The Hawks are red-hot of late by winning 10 of their past 11 contests, while covering nine times in this stretch. St. Joe’s are riding a four-game ‘over’ streak, as the Hawks have topped the 82-point mark in three consecutive trips to the court.

Dayton 75
St. Joseph's 78


Iowa
Overall: 20-5 SU, 13-9 ATS
Big 10: 11-2 SU, 8-5 ATS
Totals: 12-10 O/U

Penn State
Overall: 12-13 SU, 11-12-1 ATS
Big 10: 3-9 SU, 5-7 ATS
Totals: 11-13 O/U

(4) Iowa at Penn State (BTN, 6:30 p.m. ET)
The Hawkeyes sit alone atop the Big 10 with an 11-2 record after sneaking past Minnesota as 19 ½-point favorites on Sunday, 75-71. Iowa owns a 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS record as a road favorite this season, including a 77-65 victory at Illinois on February 11 as 7 ½-point favorites. Iowa goes for the season sweep of Penn State after dominating the Nittany Lions two weeks ago, 73-49 as 15 ½-point home favorites. PSU has dropped five of its last six games, but won and covered in its last opportunity as a home underdog against Indiana on February 6 in a five-point victory.

Iowa 72
Penn State 63


Syracuse
Overall: 18-8 SU, 13-12 ATS
ACC: 8-5 SU, 7-6 ATS
Totals: 13-12 O/U

Louisville
Overall: 19-6 SU, 10-11 ATS
ACC: 8-4 SU, 4-8 ATS
Totals: 8-12-1 O/U

Syracuse at (18) Louisville (ESPN, 7:00 p.m. ET)
The Orange is surging towards the NCAA Tournament following a five-game winning streak. Four of those five victories came at the Carrier Dome with the latest win coming at Boston College, who owns an 0-12 ACC record. The Cardinals have gone backwards of late by dropping consecutive games at Duke and Notre Dame to fall to 8-4 in the ACC. Louisville has cashed the ‘under’ in five straight contests, while going 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS at home in conference action. Syracuse is making its first trip to Louisville since 2013 when the Orange pulled out a 70-68 triumph as seven-point underdogs.

Syracuse 71
Louisville 75


Providence
Overall: 19-7 SU, 13-12 ATS
Big East: 7-6 SU, 6-7 ATS
Totals: 15-10 O/U

Xavier
Overall: 22-3 SU, 15-10 ATS
Big East: 10-3 SU, 6-7 ATS
Totals: 14-11 O/U

(23) Providence at (8) Xavier (FS1, 7:00 p.m. ET)
Providence snapped a three-game losing streak against Georgetown, but the Friars blew a 26-point lead in a 75-72 victory as four-point favorites. The Friars own a 1-5 ATS record the last six games, which includes a 75-68 home loss to Xavier last month. The Musketeers bounced back from an ugly loss at Creighton to rout Butler on Saturday, 74-57 as 3 ½-point underdogs. Xavier has won five of six conference home games, but is 0-4 ATS the last four as a favorite at the Cintas Center. Five of the past six home contests have sailed ‘over’ the total for Xavier, while scoring at least 84 points five times in this span.

Providence 77
Xavier 80


Villanova
Overall: 22-3 SU, 12-11-1 ATS
Big East: 12-1 SU, 6-7 ATS
Totals: 9-14-1 O/U

Temple
Overall: 16-8 SU, 13-9 ATS
Atlantic 10: 10-3 SU, 8-5 ATS
Totals: 12-9-1 O/U

(1) Villanova at Temple (ESPN2, 7:00 p.m. ET)
Villanova remains the top team in the country for the second straight week as the Wildcats play their final game against a Big Five rival. ‘Nova crushed St. Joe’s, Pennsylvania, and La Salle already, while coming off a 73-63 victory over St. John’s on Saturday as a hefty 26 ½-point favorite. The Owls have lost each of the last two meetings with the Wildcats, including a 23-point setback last season as 16 ½-point ‘dogs. Temple has won five consecutive games since losing at East Carolina, while posting an impressive 8-2 ATS record this season in the underdog role.

Villanova 65
Temple 60


Nebraska
Overall: 14-12 SU, 13-8 ATS
Big 10: 6-7 SU, 8-5 ATS
Totals: 14-6-1 O/U

Indiana
Overall: 20-6 SU, 13-13 ATS
Big 10: 10-3 SU, 6-7 ATS
Totals: 13-13 O/U

Nebraska at (22) Indiana (BTN, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Indiana has yet to lose a home game this season, compiling a perfect 14-0 record at Assembly Hall, while covering four of its last five in Bloomington. The Hoosiers were steamrolled at Michigan State on Sunday, 88-69 as seven-point underdogs to allow their most points since a 94-74 setback at Duke in December. IU cruised past Nebraska in their first matchup in Lincoln, 79-69 in January, while finishing ‘under’ the total for the fifth straight meeting since 2013. The Huskers have stumbled to a 2-4 SU and 3-3 ATS record since a four-game winning streak in January, including double-digit road losses to Wisconsin and Purdue.

Nebraska 71
Indiana 78


Oklahoma
Overall: 20-4 SU, 10-12 ATS
Big 12: 8-4 SU, 4-8 ATS
Totals: 13-9 O/U

Texas Tech
Overall: 15-9 SU, 11-10 ATS
Big 12: 5-7 SU, 5-7 ATS
Totals: 11-10 O/U

(3) Oklahoma at Texas Tech (ESPNU, 9:00 p.m. ET)
The Sooners have dropped two of their last three games, including Saturday’s 76-72 home defeat to Kansas. Oklahoma has posted a 3-9 ATS record the last 12 games, including a 1-4 ATS mark away from Norman. The Sooners hope to turn things around while going for the season sweep of Texas Tech after demolishing the Red Raiders in Norman, 91-67 last month. Texas Tech has been the epitome of an up-and-down team in Big 12 play, losing four of five games prior to outright underdog wins over Iowa State and Baylor. The Red Raiders have lost three of five home conference contests with both victories coming in overtime against Iowa State and Oklahoma State.

Oklahoma 78
Texas Tech 72


Virginia Tech
Overall: 13-12 SU, 11-8 ATS
ACC: 5-7 SU, 9-3 ATS
Totals: 10-8-1 O/U

Miami, FL
Overall: 20-4 SU, 14-8-1 ATS
ACC: 9-3 SU, 6-5-1 ATS
Totals: 11-12 O/U

Virginia Tech at (11) Miami, FL (ESPN3, 9:00 p.m. ET)
The Hurricanes are creeping closer to the top of the ACC standings following a four-game winning streak. Miami trails North Carolina by one game for first place in the conference after picking up its second straight two-point victory by holding off rival Florida State on Sunday. The ‘Canes own a perfect 6-0 home conference mark, while posting a 4-1-1 ATS ledger in these games. The Hokies have been one of the top ATS teams in conference play with a 9-3 ATS record, but Virginia Tech has lost six times in the last seven trips to the court. VT has won just once in six ACC road games, while putting together a 1-3 ATS mark as a double-digit away ‘dog.

Virginia Tech 66
Miami, FL 78


Duke
Overall: 19-6 SU, 11-12-1 ATS
ACC: 8-4 SU, 6-6 ATS
Totals: 12-12 O/U

North Carolina
Overall: 21-4 SU, 10-14-1 ATS
ACC: 10-2 SU, 4-8 ATS
Totals: 14-11 O/U

(20) Duke at (5) North Carolina (ESPN, 9:00 p.m. ET)
The Blue Devils swept their rivals last season, including a 84-77 triumph at Chapel Hill last March. Duke has come back to life following a 1-4 SU/ATS run to close January by winning four straight, including Saturday’s buzzer-beating victory over Virginia. The Blue Devils have won four of six road games against ACC foes, but all four victories came against the bottom four teams in the conference (Boston College, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, and N.C. State). The Tar Heels have won back-to-back games since consecutive losses, as UNC dominated Pittsburgh, 85-64 as 10 ½-point favorites on Sunday. North Carolina has cashed the ‘under’ in seven of its last eight games, while posting a 2-4 ATS mark in home conference action.

Duke 75
North Carolina 80


Arizona State
Overall: 14-12 SU, 12-12-1 ATS
Pac-12: 4-9 SU, 5-7-1 ATS
Totals: 15-9 O/U

Arizona
Overall: 21-5 SU, 14-12 ATS
Pac-12: 9-4 SU, 7-6 ATS
Totals: 17-9 O/U

Arizona State at (12) Arizona (ESPN2, 9:00 p.m. ET)
The Wildcats have rebounded nicely since losing at home to Oregon in late January by winning five straight games. Arizona pulled off a sweep of the Los Angeles teams at home (UCLA and USC) this past weekend, but failed to cover in each win. The Wildcats took care of the Sun Devils in the Pac-12 opener in Tempe, 94-82, while Arizona has won five straight home matchups with Arizona State since 2011. ASU lost its first five conference road games before beating Washington State earlier this month, 67-55. The Sun Devils are listed as a double-digit underdog for just the second time this season after losing at Kentucky in December, 72-58 as 13-point ‘dogs.

Arizona State 69
Arizona 79

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Duke at North Carolina

Duke Blue Devils at North Carolina Tar Heels (-6.5, OFF)

Duke’s latest surge has it back in the Top 25 and pointed up in the ACC with six games left in the regular season. The Blue Devils will get a chance to prove their four-game winning streak is for real when they visit North Carolina on Wednesday for the latest chapter in the historic rivalry.

Duke is up to No. 19 in the latest rankings and recovered from its stretch of four losses in five games by knocking off back-to-back ranked teams last week to extend the winning streak to four. Grayson Allen played the hero with an off-balance, buzzer-beating bank shot in the 63-62 victory over Virginia on Saturday and ranks second in the ACC in scoring at an average of 20.6 points. The Tar Heels are up to No. 4 in the rankings and first place in the ACC after opening a three-game homestand by crushing Pittsburgh 85-64 on Sunday in a game that included 26 assists on 32 made field goals and five different scorers in double figures. “When you play with a lot of effort and a lot of energy, it becomes a lot more fun, and it just becomes a lot more easy on the defensive end,” North Carolina forward Brice Johnson told reporters. “Everyone is just flying around and playing great together.”

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE HISTORY: North Carolina opened as 6.5-point home faves against rival Duke. The total is currently off the board.

INJURY REPORT:

Duke - F A. Jefferson (out indefinitely, foot).

North Carolina - No injuries to report.

ABOUT DUKE (19-6, 11-12-1 TAS, 12-12 O/U): The Blue Devils had a chance to win on the final play against Virginia thanks to a solid effort on the glass and a solid defensive effort down the stretch. It was a continuation of an uptick in effort that has been noticeable of late. “There are certain portions of the game where I don’t care how you draw up your offense or defense, you just have to be tough,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski told reporters about the team’s change in attitude. “You have to fight through tired, fight through somebody not playing as well and get them going at that point. … We’ve talked about it, we’ve met on it, and they’re doing it now. It has paid off.”

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (21-4, 10-14-1 ATS, 14-11 O/U): Tar Heels sophomore forward Justin Jackson failed to score in double figures in six of eight games before breaking out of the slump in the last two contests. Jackson went 9-of-11 from the field as North Carolina pulled out a 68-65 win at Boston College on Feb. 9 and burned Pittsburgh for 14 more points on Sunday. “I started to shoot it like I knew it was going in,” Jackson told reporters. “So I think I definitely relaxed a little bit, and it’s just a different attitude honestly. Just going out there and trying to have fun instead of just going out there and feeling like I have to do something.”

TRENDS:

* Duke is 4-1 ATS in its last five meetings at North Carolina.
* Underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings at North Carolina.
* Under is 4-0 in North Carolina's last four games overall.

CONSENSUS: Early on the public is backing North Carolina in the Tobacco Road rivalry, with 59 percent of wagers on the Tar Heels.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAA Basketball Betting 3-Point Play: Three Interesting Feb. 17 Opening Lines
by Alan Matthews

Sure, Duke-North Carolina will get all the publicity on Wednesday night. But the Blue Devils aren't winning the ACC regular-season title and that game likely won’t be the most consequential one on the board. That title should be reserved for game that will decide the top spot in the Atlantic 10 Conference, as Dayton visits Saint Joseph's for a big-time matchup. Have both teams done enough to earn at-large NCAA Tournament bids if they don't win the conference tournament? Regardless, someone is going to walk away with a major victory Wednesday night.

No. 15 Dayton at Saint Joseph's (-4)

This matchup is an A-10 game at 6 p.m. ET on the CBS Sports Network. Dayton (21-3, 11-1) is going to be in the Big Dance no matter what. The Flyers have won nine straight since one of the most puzzling losses this season anywhere: a loss to sorry La Salle. Dayton's other two losses are to a very good Chattanooga team and ranked Xavier. UD is 11-0 this year when both Kendall Pollard and Dyshawn Pierre play. The Flyers have been playing with fire in their past two games, winning by just two at home vs. Duquesne and by two at Rhode Island last Friday. They are No. 13 in the USA Today Poll, their highest mark since 1967. In both polls, Dayton is the only Top 25 team from outside the Power 5 conferences and the Big East.

Saint Joseph's (21-4, 10-2) is on a three-game winning streak, all by at least 18 points. It pummeled La Salle by 26 on Saturday. Hawks senior Isaiah Miles had a big last week, averaging 20.0 pts and 8.5 rebounds. He shot 58.3 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range. Miles leads the team in scoring and rebounding. Saint Joseph's has faced one ranked team this season, losing by 14 at home to Villanova back on November. The Hawks haven't lost at home to Dayton since Jan. 29, 2000, a streak of seven straight wins.

Key trends: The Flyers are 4-0-1 against the spread in their past five road games vs. teams with a winning home record. The Hawks are 9-2 ATS in their past 11 Wednesday games. Dayton is 0-4 ATS in the past four meetings.

I'm leaning: Dayton.

No. 1 Villanova at Temple (+7)

Here is a nonconference matchup at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2. This concludes the Philly Big 5 schedule for Villanova (22-3), which is No. 1 in the polls for a second straight week. Nova has already routed Saint Joseph's, Penn and La Salle this season. The Cats might have been caught looking ahead to this tough test a bit last Saturday as they were 27-point home favorites over a wretched St. John's team and won by just 10. That game was only a one-point lead at the half. Daniel Ochefu had a career-high 25 points to go with nine rebounds in the win. He is 15-of-20 from the field in two games since returning to the lineup after missing three games with a concussion. Villanova is 8-1 on the road this season and has won seven straight since a loss to Virginia on Dec. 19.

Temple (16-8) is atop the American Athletic Conference but probably not an NCAA Tournament lock yet. A win here would essentially punch the Owls' ticket for at worst an at-large bid. Temple also perhaps was looking ahead to this one in its last game, a 77-65 home win over a really bad South Florida team. Jaylen Bond had 18 points and 14 rebounds and Obi Enechionyia added 18 points for the Owls, who had five players score in double figures for the first time since a loss at Houston on Feb. 9, 2014. This is Temple's second game this season against the No. 1 team. The Owls opened their season with a 91-67 loss to North Carolina.

Key trends: Villanova is 1-4 ATS in its past five following an ATS loss. Temple is 7-1 ATS in its past eight vs. teams with a winning record.

I'm leaning: Temple, which has won his past three this season vs. ranked teams (all in AAC play). Villanova is 3-4 all-time at Temple's Liacouras Center.

No. 20 Duke at No. 5 North Carolina (-5)

This game is an ACC showdown at 9 p.m. on ESPN. Just nine miles separate these two spectacular campuses, which is quite amazing when you think about it. It's the 156th consecutive meeting in the series when at least one of the two schools was ranked in a national poll. I don't see that ending as long as Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams are on the two benches. Duke and UNC also will close the regular season against one another as usual.

Duke (19-6, 8-4) was given a bit of a gift in Saturday's 63-62 home win over No. 7 Virginia as Grayson Allen hit a leaning bank shot at the buzzer even though he clearly traveled on the play. It was Duke's first win at the buzzer since a game I remember very well: Austin Rivers hit a 3-pointer with no time on the clock against North Carolina on Feb. 8, 2012. The best player on the floor in this one, at least from an NBA potential perspective, is Duke freshman Brandon Ingram. He had 25 points and seven rebounds vs. UVA and could be the one matchup problem for UNC. Justin Jackson likely gets the call most possessions on guarding him. North Carolina (21-4, 10-2) leads the ACC by a game over Miami. The Heels played their best game in weeks on Sunday, an 85-64 thumping of Pitt. UNC shot 59.3 percent overall and had 26 assists and 10 steals.

Key trends: The Blue Devils are 1-4 ATS in their past five after a win. The Heels are 4-1 ATS in their past five home games vs. teams with a winning road record. The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings.

I'm leaning: Duke has won 10 of the past 13 in the series and both last year. But this Blue Devils team isn't as good and UNC is much better. Take the Heels in what should be a shootout.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Wednesday
By Mike Dempsey

Nyquist made his three-year-old debut a winning one, taking Monday’s $200,000 San Vicente (G3), which was not a Derby points race, but with 30 points already in the bank, it’s likely last year’s juvenile champ is already in the field for the Run for the Roses.

The Doug O’Neill trainee was perfect in five starts last year, capping off the year by winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and becoming the early betting favorite for the Kentucky Derby.

While he was on the shelf Mohaymen became the betting favorite after a win in the Holy Bull (G2) at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 30. He is currently the betting favorite at 3-1.

Nyquist has closed the gap, his price dropping to 5-1 after his victory in the San Vicente. His next start is up in the air, but his connections would like to ship him to Gulfstream Park for the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) on April 2. Since he went through a Fasig-Tipton sale, he is eligible for a $1 million bonus if he wins the race.

Exaggerator ran a good second in the San Vicente and is currently listed at 20-1 in early Derby betting.

A newcomer to the top ten is Suddenbreakingnews, who went last to first to win Monday’s $500,000 Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park in impressive style. His next start likely will come in the $900,000 Rebel (G2) on March 19.
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.

Kentucky Derby Odds.
Mohaymen 3-1
Nyquist 5-1
Mor Spirit 9-1
Brodys Cause 13-1
Airoforce 14-1
Smokey Image 15-1
Exaggerator 20-1
Greenpointcrusader 20-1
Suddenbreakingnews 20-1
Shagaf 28-1


Here is today’s opening race from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:

GP Race 1 Clm $6,250 (12:35 ET)
1 Candy's Lady 3-1
3 Skippy Is Back 2-1
5 Twinkling Time 7-2
7 Corinthian's Glory 4-1

Analysis: Candy's Lady won for this tag last out in the slop going 5 1/2 furlongs with a good late rally, her third win in 14 trips over the main track here. She earned a career top speed fig and gets an extra half furlong to run them down. Her style is not perfect for his distance here but she should get an honest pace to run at.

Skippy Is Back set the early fractions and could not hold off the winner late in a runner up finish last out. She was making her first start off the claim by the Lopez barn. Her last win came against restricted claimers at Tampa Bay Downs last December. She fits with her best but tends to land for minor shares and it could be more of the same here.

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

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:

GP Race 8 Clm $30,000N2L (4:05 ET)
6 Natural Order 4-1
1 Veya 9-2
7 Sunset District 12-1
3 Dave Hoeght 8-1

Analysis: Natural Order prompted the early pace and could not go with the top pair late in a third place finish against $50,000 non-winners of two over good ground. The gelding makes his third start of his current form cycle and now adds lasix. He has had a lot of chances to beat winners but now drops in for $35,000 and looks primed for a good effort here in his third start of his current form cycle.

Veya made a good late rally and just missed by a neck last out winning at this level. Two back for a $50,00 tag he headed home with a clear lead but ran out of gas and weakened to finish fifth. It took 17 tries for this guy to break his maiden and he is now 0 for 6 at the non-winners of two level, but he runs consistent numbers and fits here.

Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 1,6 / 1,3,6,7
TRI: 1,6 / 1,3,6,7 / 1,3,5,6,7

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.

Gulfrstream Park
R2: #1 Changing Direction 10-1
R3: 32 Tiz a Diamond 10-1
R4: #1 C.P. Warrior 12-1
R6: #8 Tizacinch 12-1
R7: #2 A Woman With Pants 10-1
R8: #7 Sunset District 12-1
R8: #3 Dave Hoeght 8-1
R10: #1 Rosebud’s Tiger 10-1
R10: #5 Catindog 12-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at The Meadows

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


Race 7 - Post: 3:00 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 77 - Purse:$13200 - CD 3-6YO NW 4 EXT PM RACES OR $20,000 LIFE


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 EXPLOSIVE LEGGS 5/2


# 10 BUZZ 6/1


# 8 UP THE ALLEY 5/1


EXPLOSIVE LEGGS appears to be our best wagering option in this contest. Overall figures appear really good. Can't throw out at this point. He has been racing solidly and the speed figures are among the best in the group of animals. Loved this gelding's last race. Ran a solid 80 speed rating. Major player. BUZZ - This harness racer looks very good. Look at the 84 average speed figure. UP THE ALLEY - That 79 TrackMaster SR clocked in the most recent affair puts this horse in the mix for this one. Have to make Merriman the wager here if only for the last thirty days win pct. Big probability for the ultimate prize.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pompano Park

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


Race 4 - Post: 8:24 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 75 - Purse:$3500 - CLAIMING $4,000 MICALLEF PICKED 8 OVER 4


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 8 MODERN DAY CLYDE 7/2


# 5 STURGEON SEELSTER 10/1


# 6 ALLIE'S DRAGON 6/1


Hard not to lean toward MODERN DAY CLYDE as the top selection for this one. His 85 avg has this gelding among the most respectable speed ratings in this contest. A competitive class horse should not be be forgotten. With an average class statistic of 84 all signs point to yes. Could be considered in this event if only for the really strong speed rating recorded in the most recent race. STURGEON SEELSTER - Certainly should be given a look based on the really strong speed figure earned in the most recent outing. Hands down the best post at Pompano Park is the 5. The win percentage is exemplary. ALLIE'S DRAGON - Can't miss based on TrackMaster Speed Ratings which have been excellent (78 avg) recently. It's sometimes tricky to consider solely based on class, but this gelding has among the best class stats of the field of starters.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mahoning Valley Race Course

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


Race 4 - Allowance - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $17500 Class Rating: 86

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JANUARY 17 ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 8 MY FRIEND DAVID 5/1


# 1 SKY FIRE 4/1


# 3 DANCING RICO 9/2


I back MY FRIEND DAVID here. Going in a dirt sprint race gives this colt a competitive shot. Could beat this group of horses given the 86 Equibase Speed Figure put up in his last outing. Solid average speed figs in dirt sprint races make this pony a definite contender. SKY FIRE - A solid 85 avg class rating may give this colt a distinct class edge versus this field. With a solid 79 average speed figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's competition. DANCING RICO - With a solid 83 Equibase Speed Figure last time out, will surely be a factor in this contest. He must be given consideration given the respectable speed figures.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Turf Paradise

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


Race 3 - Maiden Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $6300 Class Rating: 64

FOR CERTIFIED ARIZONA BREDS) FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 115 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 6 ISTA ONE 8/5


# 1 GUYBRUSH 4/1


# 4 FIFTYSHADESFREE 8/1


I think ISTA ONE is a decent choice. Strong average Speed Figures in dirt route races make this equine a key contender. Garnered a sound speed figure in the most recent race. Can run another good one in this affair. Could best this group here, showing very good figures of late. GUYBRUSH - He has recorded respectable figures under today's conditions and will probably fare well versus this group of horses. He has very good class ratings, averaging 75, and has to be considered in this event. FIFTYSHADESFREE - Treasure has this gelding racing well and is a respectable pick based on the competitive Equibase Speed Figs garnered in route races lately. Earned a competitive Equibase Speed Fig last time out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park - Race #5 - Post: 2:35pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $21,000 Class Rating: 74

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 BOSS HAWG (ML=6/1)
#2 NEUK (ML=7/2)


BOSS HAWG - Racing at a similar level as last race on January 8th at Gulfstream Park. I think Kenneally has found a good spot for him, and I like his chances in this event. NEUK - I like that most recent contest on January 29th at Gulfstream Park where he ran second. I usually like playing sprinters who are 3-4 races into a come back.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 FLASHING LIGHT (ML=3/1), #5 INKY DINKY DO (ML=5/1), #9 DEAN OF SALSA (ML=6/1),

FLASHING LIGHT - You should normally wager against morning-line choices that haven't raced or show no activity in the morning over the last few weeks. When examining today's class figure, he will have to register a better speed figure than last race out to be competitive in this dirt sprint. INKY DINKY DO - This gelding notched a fig in his last race which probably isn't good enough in today's race. DEAN OF SALSA - Difficult to bet on any thoroughbred in a sprint affair at 6/1 when he hasn't shown any on the board results in sprints in the last 60 days. When looking at today's class rating, he will have to garner a much better fig than last race out to compete in this dirt sprint.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #7 BOSS HAWG on top if we're getting at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #5 - Post: 7:49pm - Maiden Special - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $33,300 Class Rating: 86

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 HAVERSACK (ML=5/2)
#1 BEDVILLE (ML=15/1)


HAVERSACK - Colt is a few starts into a comeback here. Should give a big race today. BEDVILLE - This colt has been working out well, and the recent bullet work says he's primed for a top effort today. Sanchez adds Lasix to this one today. I'd look for a chance at a big improvement.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 ECOM (ML=9/5), #7 LAY DOWN THE LAW (ML=3/1),

ECOM - Not probable that the rating he earned on January 27th will be good enough in this race. LAY DOWN THE LAW - This gelding recorded a speed figure in his last event which likely isn't good enough today.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #6 HAVERSACK on the nose if you can get odds of 7/5 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 2/17 Analysis + Pick Four ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s $1 Pick Four Play:

9 / 6 / 1,4,5 / ALL =$27


Best Bet: YAWANNASEESUMMUSCLE (3rd)

Spot Play: MONARCH BLUECHIP (12th)


Race 1

(2) DREAMANOTHERDREAM will look to drop and pop down in class. (4) POPPA'S PICK ships in from out east and faces easier; threat. (6) NINO MARINO doesn't look the best on paper but is capable of picking up the pieces in the right scenario.

Race 2

(4) CHICKENWITHABANJO has just been racing evenly but finds a weak field full of question marks. (6) BOSSY AUSSIE has been competitive against similar and will offer a big price. (5) REAL EVIDENCE filly makes her career debut on lasix for the first time. She is one of few in the race with upside.

Race 3

(7) YAWANASEESUMMUSCLE well bred filly makes her second career start off a big first effort showing a nice burst. (4) UP CHUCKIE is tough to endorse on the top spot but could hit the ticket underneath. (8) HANGIN JUDGE burned cash last week but should offer much better value from a tough spot.

Race 4

(2) BUPA BRUSIER has yet to win in thirteen career starts but has been much improved in his last few efforts. (1) ROYAL FINALE gets the best post off a nice win. (9) DO WHAT picks up a positive driver change and will offer a big price.

Race 5

(5) HEMLOCK TOUGH GUY just missed at this level last week and should offer the best price of the contenders. (3) ROCKIN H CHEERY O has been competitive against much tougher but looks to offer low value. (1) S F SCORPION gets the best post against a weak bunch.

Race 6

(5) ARNIES KICK START faces weaker competition for new connections and is back on lasix; threat. (3) LIMA RITCH doesn't look the best on paper but is capable of a good brush. (9) BOLD SECRET is probably the horse to beat dropping in class but has made some miscues recently; use caution.

Race 7

(2) MEADOWVIEW ARTY went a big three-quarters of a mile last start against much better. (3) VAYA CON DIOS gets sent out second start for a new barn against easier. (4) BUCKEYE PATTY comes into the race off a scratch and is best used underneath.

Race 8

(9) OUR MCLOVIN takes a huge drop in class and keeps the top driver. (8) REAL SAMART is another dropper in the field but needs to find a way into the race. (2) MODERN WARFARE might have needed the start last week and has room to improve.

Race 9

(6) DAYPLANNER trotting mare owns a class edge on most of the field when right. (4) QUANTUM CASHMAN should have had more to offer in his last few but is capable with a good effort. (2) SAY IT BEST comes off a win against easier and is best used underneath.

Race 10

(1) T M MAJOR STORM adds second time lasix with the best post. (5) ONEMORELASTCHANCE was an easy winner at this level a few weeks ago. (4) PRVO was the top driver's choice; threat.

Race 11

In one of the toughest races to handicap on the card, (9) UP ALL NIGHT needs a good setup but will offer a big price. (3) BUMMED OUT has been competitive against better; threat. (2) GORDIEISANARTIST should not be played on top especially at a short price.

Race 12

(2) MONARCH BLUECHIP nice looking trotter makes his first start in the top barn. (5) NED PEPPER was tremendous last week off the layoff. If the trotter races like that he has a big shot. (4) ROSE RUN QUASAR will look to make it four wins in five starts but needs more.

Race 13

(2) D J SUPREME will look to drop and pop against easier. (9) MODEL NINETYFOUR also takes a significant drop in class and has a good history at this level. (5) BET ON ART has just been racing evenly; use underneath.

Race 14

(5) ROCKIN SOCKEM makes his first start for new connections against easier; driver's choice. (4) TOYS LEGACY has been racing gamely against similar. (9) MYSTICAL BAY has hit the board in three straight starts; threat.

Race 15

In a weak and inconsistent field, (1) LANSDOWNE ROAD will look to take no prisoners down in class for the top driver. (2) RIVER N ONIONS at one time would have been a heavy favorite in this class but has just been racing evenly. (9) SONIC RAIDER owns wins against better but hasn't been right for a few weeks.