Wednesday 3/2/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Lakers (12-49) at Nuggets (23-37)

Date: March 02, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Kobe Bryant turned back the clock in his last appearance at the Pepsi Center, saying "I can still play a little bit" but stopping short of having second thoughts about retirement.

Now the future Hall of Famer is hoping to put on one final show there Wednesday night.

Returning to an area that likely conjures up some mixed emotions, Bryant is expected to return from a sore right shoulder against the Denver Nuggets as he tries to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to back-to-back victories.

Although the 37-year-old guard has missed the past two games for the Lakers (12-49), Bryant has made a concerted effort to play when visiting an arena for the last time.

He's averaged 29.8 points in eight playoff road games spanning three series against the Nuggets (23-37), including a six-gamer in the 2009 Western Conference finals.

Bryant scored 51 there Feb. 12, 2003, but was accused in a publicized sexual assault case in Colorado that same year. The charges were dropped, and a civil suit was settled out of court.

The 18-time All-Star looked like he did in his glory years as his 31 points led the Lakers to a 111-107 road win over the Nuggets on Dec. 22. He also held guard Will Barton to two second-half points after he had poured in 23 over the first two quarters.

"We didn't have anybody that could guard (Kobe),' Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.

This time, Bryant is expected to receive a tribute and more love from the crowd in his final visit. He's also hoping to help West-worst Los Angeles snap a six-game road losing streak and win two in a row overall for only the second time since a three-game run from Dec. 30-Jan. 3.

D'Angelo Russell had season highs of 39 points and eight 3-pointers - including two in the final minute - in Tuesday's 107-101 home win over Brooklyn that snapped an eight-game losing streak.

The point guard finished with the most points by a rookie this season and the most by a Lakers rookie in a regular-season game since Elgin Baylor had 55 on March 11, 1959.

'He just had one of those games where everything seemed to be falling in place for him,' coach Byron Scott said.

The Nuggets are 0-3 at home and 1-5 overall since the All-Star break. They shot 53.3 percent Monday but had 20 turnovers in a 103-96 loss to Memphis to open a seven-game homestand.

Denver is averaging 17.8 turnovers and allowing 109.5 points per game during this stretch.

'It's hard to beat a team when they shoot 36 free throws and we give up 30 points on turnovers,' said Gary Harris, who had 15 points. "We've just got to clean up those areas.'

Kenneth Faried has averaged 19 points and 11.3 rebounds over three straight double-doubles, but he's questionable with a sore back. The power forward led the way with a season-high 28 points and 15 rebounds in Denver's 120-109 road win over the Lakers on Nov. 3.

Harris finished with a career-high 21 points in the December matchup when the Nuggets lost for only the second time in the past 12 meetings. They'll be without leading scorer Danilo Gallinari for at least one month because of torn ligaments in his ankle.

Lakers guard Lou Williams is out after suffering a strained hamstring against the Nets.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Thunder (42-18) at Clippers (39-20)

Date: March 02, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

The Oklahoma City Thunder remain ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers, partly because they've been a whole lot healthier.

Doc Rivers wishes that still wasn't the case with his Clippers about to see a lot more of the Thunder.

Blake Griffin could be joined in street clothes by fellow starting forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute on Wednesday night at Staples Center for Los Angeles' first matchup with Oklahoma City in 2016 and the first of three this month.

These teams are in a bit of a bubble for the 3-4 spots in the Western Conference. The Thunder have a 2 1/2-game lead on the Clippers for the No. 3 seed - and potentially avoiding Golden State in the West semifinals. Oklahoma City (42-18) is 8 1/2 behind second-place San Antonio, and Los Angeles (39-20) is four ahead of fifth-place Memphis.

On the surface, the potential absence of Mbah a Moute might not seem like a big deal considering he's not among the Clippers' top eight scorers or rebounders.

Don't tell that to Chris Paul.

"People look at the boxscore and don't really see how valuable he is to our team," Paul said. "We really need him."

Rivers said he didn't think they would have him for this game after Mbah a Moute suffered a left eye laceration in Monday's 105-95 win over Brooklyn. That absence could be problematic considering he's helped limit Kevin Durant to 34 points on 13-of-35 shooting the last two times they faced each other.

The most recent contest came Dec. 21, though Durant got the best of the Clippers by hitting a jumper with 5.8 seconds left and blocking Paul's potential game-winner as time expired in a 100-99 victory.

Rivers was asked Monday if he liked facing a team of the Thunder's caliber three times late in the season, including next Wednesday and March 31 in Oklahoma City.

"I'm not even sure," he said. "If you're at full strength, yeah for sure. But we're really not, so I'd rather play those teams when we're ready."

Rivers' son, Austin, could return after missing 10 games with a fractured hand, but the Clippers remain short-handed and the Thunder continue at full strength. Oklahoma City's top six scorers have a combined nine player games missed due to injury, compared to 53 for Los Angeles.

The depth of the healthy Thunder was on display Monday in a 131-116 win in Sacramento. Their 64 bench points were a season high, with Enes Kanter scoring 23 and Dion Waiters 22.

Oklahoma City is 38-3 when its reserves score at least 30.

'A lot of times our bench doesn't get this kind of scoring opportunity,' coach Billy Donovan said. 'The second unit with Kevin in there was really moving the ball."

Durant got to watch the final six minutes after scoring 27 for the Thunder, who had lost four of five.

'It's been an up-and-down roller coaster the last couple of weeks, so it was nice to chill and coast to a victory,' Durant said.

He was in part referencing Saturday's 121-118 loss to the Warriors, decided on Stephen Curry's 32-footer with 0.6 seconds left in overtime. Oklahoma City visits Golden State on Thursday but won't overlook Los Angeles, which is 23-7 since Christmas despite losing Griffin that day.

"I love where we're at," Rivers said. "I love the way we've played overall. We've played through a lot of adversity this year."

Paul has stepped up with averages of 26.1 points and 11.4 assists in the last seven games. He scored 32 against Oklahoma City in December while Russell Westbrook had 33.

Westbrook had his ninth triple-double Monday with 20 points despite only eight field-goal attempts. The Thunder are 22-3 when he attempts 17 or fewer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers

Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers (-1, 220)

The Oklahoma City Thunder have halted a mini-slump while the Los Angeles Clippers have a winning streak for the first time since Feb. 5-8. The two squads square off in Los Angeles on Wednesday when All-Star point guards Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul figure to wage another fierce battle.

Westbrook had 33 points to Paul's 32 and that one point was the difference as the Thunder posted a 100-99 victory over the Clippers on Dec. 21. Westbrook tuned up for the outing on Monday by posting his ninth triple-double of the campaign - 20 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists - as Oklahoma City opened a four-game road trip with a 131-116 win over the Sacramento Kings. The Thunder had dropped four of five games before that victory while Los Angeles recorded a 105-95 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday for its second straight victory. Paul had 23 points and 12 assists against the Nets for his fourth straight double-double.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Oklahoma, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

LINE: The early overnight odds out of Nevada have this game pegged as a pick'em with the total set at 222 points. Books opened with the Clippers as 1-point home favorites with the total at 220.

POWER RANKINGS: Oklahoma City (-10.7) - Los Angeles (-9) + home court (-3.0) = Los Angeles = -1.3

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "Oklahoma City has played a much tougher schedule than the Los Angeles Clippers since the All-Star break. The Thunder haven’t fared well in those step-up games, but I expect they’ll be ready for this game against the Clippers. Los Angeles is just 2-2 SU in its last four home games, and Oklahoma City won on this court back in mid-December." - Steve Merril.

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "The Thunder roll into the Staples center on the first game of a back to back (in Golden State Thursday). The Clippers have been on a bit of a roll as of late, winning 7 out of their past 10. The Thunder are +1 dogs on the road but are getting the bulk of the early action so far." - Michael Stewart.

ABOUT THE THUNDER (42-18): All-Star forward Kevin Durant had 27 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the victory over the Kings and he wasn't shy about expressing why the win was important. "It was huge for us," Durant told reporters. "We'd lost four of five, so if we lose, you guys are going to act like the world is going to end, and nobody in here is laughing or feeling good. It's been an emotional roller coaster for us the past couple of weeks. It was nice to come in here and chill after coasting to a win." Oklahoma City's offense was clicking as it shot 57.3 percent from the field and made 14 3-pointers, while backup center Enes Kanter scored 23 points on 11-of-11 shooting.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (39-20): Los Angeles has won consecutive games for the first time since a three-game winning streak in early February and trail the Thunder by 2 1/2 games in the battle for third place in the Western Conference. Backup shooting guard Jamal Crawford poured in 26 points against the Nets and he has been superb with 10 20-point outings in the past 14 games. "I got in a pretty good rhythm," Crawford said after the Brooklyn game. "We just see what's working for us on a particular night. I have the easy part of just shooting. Those guys are drawing up plays and getting open, so credit to them as well."

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Los Angeles.
* Thunder are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Los Angeles.
* Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
* Road team is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
* Underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds: Wednesday, March 2 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

Suddenly not everything is kosher in Cleveland. J.R. Smith pushed the panic button after a recent loss, and on Monday you heard a report from Stephen A. Smith that point guard Kyrie Irving wants out of Cleveland. Does Stephen A. Smith irritate me beyond words? He does. But Smith is right more often than not when he says these things; he was the guy who first reported LeBron James would go to Miami back in 2010. Irving has denied any problems and winning will cure all there. Even with a loss to Toronto over the weekend, the Eastern Conference-leading Cavs are still clear favorites to get back to the NBA Finals. Now, could I see Kevin Love in a different uniform next season? No question. But not Irving. Perhaps firing David Blatt wasn't the answer, though.

Bulls at Magic (TBA)

Chicago was in Miami on Tuesday night with Derrick Rose likely to return from a hamstring injury. Hard to see him playing both ends of a back-to-back with that injury. Orlando was in Dallas on Tuesday. The Bulls won the first meeting this season, 92-87 in Chicago on Nov. 1. The Bulls led by as many as 15, but after Orlando cut the lead to one with 3:36 left in the game Chicago scored five unanswered points. The Magic had lost eight straight matchups in Orlando against the Bulls before winning on April 8, 2015.

Key trends: The Bulls are 0-5 against the spread in the past five meetings. The "over/under" has gone under in 11 of the past 15 meetings in Orlando.

Early lean: Orlando wins this.

Hornets at 76ers (TBA)

Charlotte hosted Phoenix on Tuesday. Philadelphia lost a ninth straight game Monday, 116-108 in Washington. The Sixers actually led entering the fourth quarter, which counts as success lately. Rookie center Jahlil Okafor missed the game with a bruised right shin and is day-to-day. The Sixers have officially been eliminated from the playoffs. And the sky is blue. The Hornets beat the visiting 76ers 113-88 on Nov. 20, leading wire-to-wire. Al Jefferson led all scorers with 26 points, while also grabbing 10 rebounds. Kemba Walker added 20 points. Charlotte has won two in a row overall in the series but did lost their most recent trip to Philly last year.

Key trends: Charlotte is 1-4 ATS in its past five playing the second of a back-to-back. The under is 6-2 in the past eight meetings in Philly.

Early lean: Might give the Sixers a shot at a win here if Okafor plays.

Trail Blazers at Celtics (-5.5, 218.5)

Portland was at the Knicks on Tuesday. Boston won its third straight game overall and 11th in a row at home on Monday, 100-95 over Utah. Jae Crowder led the C's with 22 points and put the team ahead for good on a 3-pointer with less than a minute left. Boston is the only team Portland hasn't played this season. The Blazers have won four of the past five in the series and two straight in Boston.

Key trends: The road game is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The over is 11-2 in Boston's past 13 vs. the West.

Early lean: Celtics and over.

Jazz at Raptors (-5.5, 197)

Utah lost a third straight Monday, 100-95 in Boston. The Jazz have been held under 100 points in each game of the skid. Trey Burke didn't play a minute vs. Boston despite being healthy. Reserve forward Trevor Booker was out for personal reasons but should play here. Toronto opted to rest All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry on Sunday in Detroit and lost 114-101 to end a four-game winning streak. I don't get that because the Raptors had closed within two games of Cleveland's East lead and then had two days off before this game. Lowry will be back in there Wednesday as the Raptors start a seven-game homestand. Utah beat Toronto 93-89 on Nov. 18. Alec Burks made the go-ahead jumper with 1:12 left and scored nine of his 13 points in the fourth quarter. Derrick Favors had 18 points, 11 rebounds and a clinching three-point play for the Jazz. Utah lost by 18 in Toronto last season.

Key trends: Utah has covered seven of its past nine in Toronto. The over is 6-2 in the past eight meetings overall.

Early lean: Raptors and under.

Pelicans at Rockets (TBA)

New Orleans lost 112-110 at home to Minnesota on Saturday -- the Pelicans can't lose those types of games and still hope to make the playoffs. They did play without star Anthony Davis after he sprained his right big toe in pregame warm-ups. He should be back here but why the TBA. Houston lost a second straight Monday, 128-121 in Milwaukee. James Harden had 26 points, nine rebounds and six assists. The Rockets reportedly are working on a buyout with point guard Ty Lawson, who has been a mega-bust. Houston has won two of three high-scoring meetings this season. The Rockets have won eight of the past nine at home vs. New Orleans.

Key trends: The Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 13-3 in Houston's past 16 after a loss.

Early lean: Rockets win another high-scoring game, Davis or not.

Kings at Grizzlies (TBA)

Sacramento lost a third straight Monday, 131-116 at home to Oklahoma City. DeMarcus Cousins tweaked his ankle but played through it, finishing with 35 points and 12 rebounds. But he's why the TBA here. Rajon Rondo was one rebound shy of a triple-double. He reached double-digits assists for a 39th time this season, tying the franchise record. Memphis won in Denver 103-96 on Monday behind 22 points from Zach Randolph. This is the final meeting of the season with Memphis leading 2-0. The Grizzlies have won the last 11 meetings against the Kings in Memphis.

Key trends: The favorite is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 8-2 in the previous 10.

Early lean: Wait on Cousins.

Pacers at Bucks (+2, 206)

Indiana dropped its third straight Monday, 100-96 in Cleveland. Monta Ellis scored 28 points and Paul George had 23 for the Pacers. Swingman C.J. Miles missed a fifth straight game with a strained left calf but is getting close. Milwaukee beat Houston 128-121 on Monday behind a career-high 36 points from Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo's second career triple-double (18 points, 17 rebounds and 11 assists). It was the first time in NBA history that one player 21 or younger scored 35 points and another of that age recorded a triple-double in the same game. These teams have split two meetings in Indianapolis. Indiana's 37-point win on Nov. 21 was the largest margin of victory ever over the Bucks for the Pacers.

Key trends: The road team is 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings. The over is 4-0 in the past four.

Early lean: Bucks and over.

Wizards at Timberwolves (+2, 218.5)

Washington won a third straight Monday, 116-108 over Philadelphia. John Wall had 16 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter. Markieff Morris had 16 points and 13 rebounds in his first double-double with Washington in what was also his first start with the team. Wizards center Nene and forward Alan Anderson sat out after playing Sunday. They should be back in there. Minnesota was routed 128-101 in Dallas on Sunday to fall to 1-10 on the second night of a back-to-back. First meeting of season between these two. The home team has won 10 of the past 11 in the series.

Key trends: Washington is 0-5 ATS in its past five in Minnesota. The under is 4-1 in those five.

Early lean: Wizards and under.

Pistons at Spurs (-10, 201)

First of an ESPN doubleheader and will have live betting at sportsbooks. Detroit won a fourth straight Sunday, 114-101 against Toronto. Andre Drummond had 15 points and 18 rebounds. The Pistons had lost five in a row before this streak. San Antonio completed its eight-game Rodeo Road Trip at 7-1 with a 104-94 win in Houston on Saturday. It was win No. 50 on the season, extending the Spurs' NBA record of 17 straight 50-win seasons. The Spurs haven't played at home since Feb. 6. San Antonio won in Detroit 109-99 on Jan. 12. Tony Parker had 31 points and LaMarcus Aldridge 22 points and 13 rebounds. The Spurs did lose at home to Detroit last season.

Key trends: The road team is 4-0 ATS in the past four meetings. The over has hit in four of the past five in San Antonio.

Early lean: Pistons and under.

Lakers at Nuggets (TBA)

Los Angeles hosted Brooklyn on Tuesday with Kobe Bryant questionable. Denver, which has lost leading scorer Danilo Gallinari for at least a month if not the season, lost a second in a row Monday, 103-96 at home to Memphis. Gallinari has two torn ligaments in his ankle. JaKarr Simpson started for him vs. the Grizzlies. These teams have split two meetings, each winning on the road. This will be Kobe's final trip to Denver -- if he plays.

Key trends: The Lakers are 3-9 ATS in the past 12 meetings. The over is 7-1 in the past eight in Denver.

Early lean: Nuggets whether Kobe plays or not.

Thunder at Clippers (+1.5, 221.5)

Second ESPN game. Oklahoma City bounced back from that crushing home loss to Golden State on Saturday with a 15-point win in Sacramento on Monday. Russell Westbrook had 20 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists for his ninth triple-double of the season. Enes Kanter was 11-for-11 from the field for 23 points. He's only the second player in the past six seasons to be perfect from the field and make at least 11 shots. Oklahoma City won the first meeting 100-99 on Dec. 21. Kevin Durant hit a 19-foot jumper with 5.8 seconds left before blocking a potential game-winning 18-footer by Chris Paul as time expired.

Key trends: The Thunder are 5-1 ATS in their past six in L.A. The under is 5-2 in the past seven meetings.

Early lean: Clippers -- might OKC be looking ahead to Thursday's rematch with Golden State?

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Wednesday's hot teams
-- Hornets won six of their last eight games (3-5AF).
-- Portland won eight of its last nine games (5-2 last 7AU). Boston won four of its last five games (8-2 last 10HF).
-- Toronto won four of its last five games (6-2 last 8HF).
-- Kings won five of their last seven games (4-2 last 6HF).
-- Pelicans won five of their last eight games (5-3 last 8AU).
-- Wizards won six of their last eight games (3-2AF).
-- Minnesota won four of last six home games (5-0 last 5HU).
-- Spurs won their last five games (11-6 last 17HF). Detroit won its last four games (5-4 last 9AU).
-- Clippers won three of last four games (6-4 last 10HF).

Cold teams
-- Bulls lost their last five road games (2-6 last 8AU). Orlando lost three of its last five games (6-7HF).
-- 76ers lost last nine games, covered one of last six.
-- Utah lost four of its last five games (2-8 last 10AU).
-- Sacramento lost its last three games (0-4 last 4AU).
-- Rockets lost six of their last eight games (1-4 last 5HF).
-- Minnesota lost four of its last six games (5-1 last 6HU).
-- Pacers lost four of their last five games (4-2 last 6AF).
-- Denver lost five of its last six games (1-5HF). Lakers lost seven of their last eight games (4-0 last 4AU).
-- Thunder lost four of its last six games (2-2AU).

Series records
-- Bulls won five of last seven games with Orlando.
-- Hornets won five of last six games with Philly.
-- Celtics lost four of last five games with Portland.
-- Raptors won four of last five games with Utah.
-- Grizzlies won nine of last ten games with Sacramento.
-- Pelicans lost four of last five games with Houston.
-- Home side won last six Washington-Minnesota games.
-- Pacers won seven of last ten games with Milwaukee.
-- Spurs won three of last four games with Detroit.
-- Lakers lost eight of last ten games with Denver.
-- Clippers lost six of last nine games with Oklahoma City.

Totals
-- Five of last six Orlando games went over total.
-- Four of last five Charlotte games stayed under.
-- Seven of last eight Portland games went over.
-- Five of last seven Toronto games went over.
-- Eight of last nine Sacramento games went over.
-- Six of last eight New Orleans games went over.
-- Nine of last ten Minnesota games went over.
-- Last four Indiana-Milwaukee games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Detroit games stayed under total.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Laker-Denver games.
-- Under is 5-2 in last seven Thunder-Clipper games.

Back/backs
-- Chicago covered two of last nine if it played night before. Orlando lost five of last six games, if it played night before.
-- Charlotte is 2-7 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Portland covered four of last six on road if it played night before.
-- Lakers are 8-5 vs spread if they played night before.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Previews, Streaks, Tips, Notes

Detroit Pistons at San Antonio Spurs March 2, 8:00 EST

After a brutal eight game road swing (7-1, 4-4 ATS) the Spurs return to the AT&T Center in San Antonio where they've enjoyed 'Home Cookin' recording a perfect 28-0 (15-17-1 ATS) record this season. Not difficult making a case for San Antonio on its own court. However, you do bet Spurs at some risk. Pistons have been firing on all cylinders winning/covering four straight including a pair vs Raptors, Cavaliers the top two clubs in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, Pistons have a habit of cashing tickets in Alamo City (7-2 ATS).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Raiders (18-10) at Mountainers (22-7)

Date: March 02, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

West Virginia coach Bob Huggins wanted to make one thing clear ahead of a matchup against a surprising Texas Tech team picked to finish last in the Big 12.

"I didn't pick 'em last, for the record," Huggins said.

His 10th-ranked Mountaineers already posted a hard-fought victory over Tubby Smith's Red Raiders heading into Wednesday night's rematch in Morgantown.

These teams have surpassed preseason expectations with West Virginia (22-7, 11-5) picked to finish sixth and Texas Tech (18-10, 8-8) in last. The Mountaineers are in second place in the season's final week while the Red Raiders are in seventh but in good position for an NCAA Tournament berth thanks to a strong RPI and strength of schedule.

At least West Virginia has a strong history under Huggins, who has reached the NCAAs in six of his first eight seasons there with one Final Four appearance. Texas Tech last played in the NCAA Tournament in 07, with Smith losing 37 games in his first two seasons there before this one.

"Anybody that knows Tubby, and Tubby and I go back a long way, knows that he was going to get it going," Huggins said. "What I think it was a matter of those guys that he recruited just to mature a little bit and understand what he wanted done."

The Red Raiders won five straight before shooting a season-low 31.6 percent in Saturday's 67-58 loss at then-No. 2 Kansas. That hasn't dented the confidence of Smith's club.

"They're very excited knowing that we're playing late, we're playing for something this time of the year," he said. "Last couple years we were not."

The Mountaineers have taken five straight over the Red Raiders, improving to 8-1 in the all-time series with an 80-76 victory Jan. 23. Texas Tech was up by four with under a minute left before allowing West Virginia's Tarik Phillip to score the game's final eight points.

Jaysean Paige scored 22 and Phillip added 20 as West Virginia shot 51.0 percent.

Paige is the Mountaineers' top scorer and leads all Big 12 reserves with 14.5 points per game.

"He's a kid that coming off the bench for such a long time just has a heart of a lion," Smith said. "He's an excellent shooter, he looks for his offense, he can go either way, he's athletic, he's just a hard to guard guy."

West Virginia has two players averaging at least 10 points with Devin Williams at 13.3. Texas Tech has four, with Toddrick Gotcher at 11.2 and Devaugntah Williams and Aaron Ross each at 10.6.

"Gotcher's had a great year for them, Ross is really a hard guard and they just continue to get better," Huggins said. "Williams gives them somebody who can get it at the rim and they're playing really, really well."

The Mountaineers have won back-to-back games by double digits, cruising past Oklahoma State 70-56 on Saturday behind Paige's 17 points.

Huggins wants to see West Virginia, which forces an average of 18.2 turnovers to lead all major conference teams, execute better as the postseason nears.

"We've gotta be more consistent," Huggins said. "Our execution still at times is not good and we've definitely got to do a better job in transition."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hurricanes (23-5) at Fighting Irish (19-9)

Date: March 02, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Miami's Jim Larranaga says he hasn't been around the game long enough to anticipate how a team will play in March.

He's only in his 32nd season as a head coach.

'I'm going to have to do this 20 or 30 more years before I get a feel,' Larranaga said with a smile Monday.

It's an unpredictable business, but Larranaga does have a good feeling about this year's Hurricanes. Consecutive wins last week over ranked teams propelled them to a season-high No. 7 in the poll and allowed them to forge a tie with No. 8 North Carolina atop the ACC.

The Tar Heels moved back in front by half a game Monday when they beat Syracuse. But if the Hurricanes (23-5, 12-4) win on the road in their final two regular-season games against struggling Notre Dame (19-9, 10-6) on Wednesday night and at Virginia Tech on Saturday, they would be assured of at least a share of their second league title in four years.

And Larranaga said his balanced, experienced team has the talent to win the national championship.

'There is that potential,' he said. 'The reason I say that is because right now there's nobody ahead of us. It's not like I look around and there are five or 10 teams much better than us. We think we're in the strongest league in the country, and yet in a week we could be regular-season champions.'

One reason for Larranaga's optimism is that he considers guard play critical in March. The Hurricanes' backcourt includes leading scorer Sheldon McClellan and Angel Rodriguez, the catalyst in their 73-65 comeback victory Saturday over No. 11 Louisville.

The Hurricanes remain in a come-from-behind frame of mind.

'We're still the chasers,' forward Kamari Murphy said. 'We still call ourselves that. We have a lot of self-motivation. We've got to finish strong.'

Murphy and teammate Davon Reed smiled when informed they had climbed five spots in the latest poll and were back in the top 10 for the first time since midseason.

'I believe we lost the last time we were in the top 10,' Reed said. 'It would be nice to be there for two weeks instead of one.'

The Hurricanes climbed to eighth in mid-January and promptly endured back-to-back losses for the only time this season - at Virginia and at Clemson.

They've gone 10-2 since, with a 79-70 victory over the Fighting Irish during that span.

'We're feeling very good,' Reed said. 'Things are clicking at the right time. We're definitely hitting our stride right now. Everybody is very confident and playing very well together.'

Miami will play this week without sixth man Ja'Quan Newton, who is serving a three-game suspension for a violation of team rules.

'We don't replace him. We just tell Angel to play a lot more minutes,' Larranaga said. 'Ja'Quan just had a fantastic regular season. I believe he should win the ACC sixth man of the year award.'

Newton will be back for the ACC tournament next week. The Hurricanes say they will still be 'the chasers' then - and even if they reach the Final Four.

'The goal,' Reed said, 'is to win it all.'

Less than two weeks ago, the Fighting Irish were still aiming for a league title. However, they went 1-2 on a recent road trip while being limited to an average of 62.3 points. Notre Dame is coming off Saturday's 77-56 loss to Florida State where it had a season low in points and shot 35.7 percent.

'We just haven't been very efficient offensively,' coach Mike Brey said. 'You can talk about our defense or our ball-screen defense - and it's been an area where we wanted to improve, and I think we made some progress. But so much is based on our offensive efficiency and we just haven't been as good.'

The Irish can clinch a double bye in the league tournament with home wins against the Hurricanes and North Carolina State on Saturday.

Brey said Miami, like Florida State, took advantage of the Irish in the first meeting by continually driving the ball inside. But his concern is more on the offensive end, saying this week in practice he returned to some offensive drills they hadn't used recently.

'I think we have to get back to offensive stuff, passing the ball, getting guys in better positions and just kind of go back to stressing some break-down drills that we do when we're building our offense,' he said.

Point guard Demetrius Jackson said the Irish need to return to the style of play they are known for.

'I think just having more purposeful movement, just being sharp with the ball, keeping it sharp with our cuts, our screens and stuff like that,' he said.

But he also thinks the Irish need to do a better job defensively against the Hurricanes, who are shooting 47.5 percent and hit 56.4 percent of their attempts in the first matchup.

'We have to get consecutive stops. Then, also, we have to keep people in front of us and sliding our feet and keeping people out of the lane,' he said.

The Irish will be seeking to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time since finishing the 2013-14 season with three straight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Spartans (24-5) at Scarlet Knights (6-23)

Date: March 02, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

When his team last took on Rutgers, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo complained about uncharacteristic defensive deficiencies overcome by an outstanding shooting effort.

That certainly hasn't been the trend entering a rematch with the low-scoring Scarlet Knights, who are expected to get a boost from the return of star Corey Sanders.

With two games left in the regular season, the second-ranked Spartans will try to win their fifth in a row and deal Rutgers a 32nd straight league defeat Wednesday night at the RAC.

Although his team shot 17 for 32 from 3-point range and outrebounded Rutgers 56-27, Izzo wasn't pleased with its defense in a 96-62 home win Jan. 31 even though it held the Scarlet Knights to 36.9 percent shooting. The Spartans have since tightened things up further, holding opponents to 35.7 percent during a four-game winning streak.

They continue to play well offensively, averaging 84.6 points on 49.4 percent shooting - including a 50.6 mark from 3-point range - in the last seven of an 8-1 stretch. Denzel Valentine has scored 23.4 per game and hit 20 of 41 from beyond the arc in his last five, while Bryn Forbes has averaged 19.7 points and made 15 of 24 from 3-point range over his past three.

Valentine missed his first six shots and Michigan State (24-5, 11-5) was off to a 3-of-15 start before connecting 14 of its next 18 in Sunday's 88-57 home win over Penn State. The Spartans also held the Nittany Lions to 32.2 percent shooting and outrebounded them 51-33.

Valentine is on pace to become the first player to average 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists since the NCAA started tracking assists in 1983-84.

After Indiana clinched the regular-season title outright on Tuesday, the Spartans are focused on making a run through the postseason. They lead the nation in 3-point percentage (43.3), assists (20.6), rebounding margin (plus-11.5) and defensive field-goal percentage (37.1).

That doesn't bode well for a Rutgers team that ranks 13th in the Big Ten with 67.3 points per game and at the bottom with a minus-6.6 rebounding margin. The squad is also allowing a league-high average of 80.4 points following Saturday's 98-59 loss at Northwestern.

"If we're going to try to keep getting better every day, we shouldn't worry about any other things but us and realize that we can't flip the switch on come tournament time," Izzo said.

The Scarlet Knights have dropped 31 in a row in conference play by an average of 18.6 points since a 67-62 home win over No. 4 Wisconsin on Jan. 11, 2015. With two games left, they're trying to avoid becoming the first Big Ten team to go winless since Northwestern in 1999-2000.

Rutgers (6-23, 0-16), though, will likely have Sanders back from a four-game suspension for violating team rules. The guard has been one of the team's few bright spots, leading all Big Ten freshmen in points per game (16.2) and ranking second in steals (1.6) and assists (4.1).

Fellow freshman Jonathan Laurent is averaging 15.5 points and 10 rebounds over his last four games.

"I think they'll be hungry for a victory," Izzo said. "We have to remember a year ago that Wisconsin was winning pretty regularly and all the sudden went out there and got beat."

The Spartans have won all three meetings. Forbes led the way with 18 points and went 4 of 6 from beyond the arc in a 71-51 win Jan. 29, 2015, in the last matchup in Piscataway.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Ducks (23-6) at Bruins (15-14)

Date: March 02, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Oregon is back in the top 10 of the AP poll for the first time in nine years.

One more win and it will be celebrating its first conference title in 14.

The ninth-ranked Ducks look to earn a share of the Pac-12 crown Wednesday night when they visit slumping UCLA.

Oregon (23-6, 12-4) has a half-game lead over No. 13 Utah and needs to beat the Bruins (15-14, 6-10) or win at USC in Saturday's finale to secure a piece of its first regular-season title since 2002.

'We just want to finish out strong,' senior forward Elgin Cook said after matching a career high with 26 points in Sunday's 86-73 win over Washington. 'We just want to take our home mentality and go on the road with it.'

By sweeping the Washington schools last week, Oregon finished 18-0 at home, the first time it went undefeated on its own court since 2001-02.

The Ducks were swept by California and Stanford in their last trip, but coach Dana Altman points to road victories over two of the conference's top teams as a confidence booster.

'I think those guys have that experience to draw from,' he said. 'We've also won at two of the most difficult places to play in Arizona and Utah, but it's going to be difficult. Both UCLA and USC are battling for their lives.'

The Bruins' postseason aspirations don't have much life after falling to 10th place in the conference. The Trojans, though, are very much alive in the NCAA Tournament conversation as one of three teams tied for sixth.

Oregon beat UCLA 86-72 on Jan. 23 behind Dillon Brooks' 25 points and Chris Boucher's 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Ducks dominated the Bruins inside, outscoring them 42-30 in the paint and holding a 42-32 advantage on the boards.

They used a similar recipe for success Sunday, scoring 44 points in the paint to the Huskies' 26 while outrebounding them by 14.

Oregon held Bryce Alford in check in the first matchup, limiting him to 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting. The junior sharpshooter is 14 of 29 from 3-point range over his last four games.

Alford is sixth in the conference in scoring at 16.2 per game while teammate Isaac Hamilton is fourth with a 16.9 average. Hamilton, the only Pac-12 player to reach double figures in all 16 conference games, is averaging 19.5 points over the last four while making 11 of 22 3-pointers.

Although Alford and Hamilton are dialed in from long range, it hasn't led to many wins. The Bruins have dropped five of seven and are trying to avoid losing three consecutive conference games in a season for the first time since 2010.

'Same old stuff. We've got to figure out what we have to do,' Alford said after Saturday's 79-70 loss at Stanford. 'As a team, we're kind of a lost cause right now. We're trying to stay together and that's the hardest part.'

Defense was UCLA's biggest issue Saturday as the Cardinal shot 61.2 percent - the highest mark by an opponent since Oregon was at 62.3 last January.

The Ducks have been rolling offensively in three wins since the hiccup in the Bay Area, averaging 84.3 points.

Cook has totaled 50 in the last two while Brooks is averaging 20.7 points in the last six.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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

Do you realize that the First Four in Dayton will conclude just two weeks from tonight? Season has flown by. ESPN Bracketology expert Joe Lunardi claims that "realistically" 59 of the NCAA Tournament field's 68 spots are gone and there are 24 teams competing for the final nine. If Louisville and SMU were eligible for the Big Dance, that would leave just seven spots. Kansas is the new No. 1 team in the polls and is now the +600 favorite to cut down the nets in April.

No. 7 Miami at Notre Dame (-1)

ACC game at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2. North Carolina coaches surely will be watching this one as the Heels would at worst clinch a share of the ACC regular-season title if Miami (23-5, 12-4) loses. But the Canes might be in good shape to win the outright title if they can pull this out because they finish with a very winnable game at Virginia Tech, while UNC closes at Duke. UM closed its home schedule unbeaten in ACC play with a 73-65 win over No. 11 Louisville on Saturday to improve to 5-2 this season against ranked teams. The Cardinals missed nine consecutive shots as their 62-58 lead turned into a 70-62 deficit. The Hurricanes were without sixth man Ja'Quan Newton, who began a three-game suspension for a violation of team rules. He averages 10.9 points per game.

Notre Dame (19-9, 10-6) still has a shot at Top 4 seed for next week's ACC Tournament -- it would earn one by winning out (closes at home vs. NC State). But the Irish played maybe their worst game of the season Saturday, getting routed 77-56 at Florida State to fall out of the Top 25. The 56 points were a season low as was the Irish's 35.7 percent shooting. The Irish have not lost back-to-back games since the end of the 2013-14 season and have set the school record of 68 consecutive games without suffering back-to-back defeats. Notre Dame is 3-3 vs. ranked teams this season. It lost 79-70 at No. 17 Miami on Feb. 3.

Key trends: Miami is 2-5 against the spread in its past seven road games. The Irish are 4-0 ATS in their past four at home. The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings.

I'm leaning: Notre Dame.

No. 2 Michigan State at Rutgers (+23)

Big Ten game at 7 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network. This clearly looks to be the mismatch of the night. MSU (24-5, 11-5) will know by Tuesday night if it can still share the Big Ten regular-season title. Sparty needs Indiana to lose at Iowa, which I think happens, to still have a shot this weekend. MSU is in a group of teams two games back of the Hoosiers. Michigan State closes the season Saturday at home against Ohio State. The Spartans are peaking right now, having won four straight by at least 12 points. Their only loss in the past nine was in overtime at Purdue. Michigan State star and Big Ten Player of the Year favorite Denzel Valentine has a chance to become the first player in at least 30 years to average 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a season. He's at 19.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 7.2 apg. He was only considered a second-round pick entering this season but has worked his way into the first round of the NBA draft.

Rutgers (6-23, 0-16) is comically bad. It was destroyed at Northwestern 98-59 on Saturday. Jonathan Laurent scored 17 for Rutgers, which lost its 31st consecutive Big Ten game and 16th straight game overall. No team has gone winless in the Big Ten since Northwestern was 0-16 in 1999-2000. There was a bright spot from that latest loss as freshman Ibrahima Diallo played for the first time since Dec. 12 due to injury. And Rutgers is supposed to get back freshman and leading scorer Corey Sanders from a four-game suspension here. He's averaging 16.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. Sanders scored 17 points in the first matchup between the two teams, a 96-62 home MSU win on Jan. 31. The Spartans set a school record by making 17 3-pointers.

Key trends: MSU is 1-4 ATS in its past five on Wednesday. Rutgers is 6-23 ATS in its past 29 Big Ten games.

I'm leaning: Upset of the century? Sorry, can't see that. I think I might take the points, though. MSU probably will be looking ahead to its home finale.

Oregon State at USC (-5)

Pac-12 game is one of the latest-starting of the night at 11 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1. It's a must-have for Oregon State (17-10, 8-8), which is currently listed among ESPN's "Last Four In" and playing Florida in a First Four game. The Beavers close the regular season at struggling UCLA. OSU star Gary Payton II did something cool on Sunday in a 69-49 win over Washington State on Senior Day in Corvallis. His Hall of Fame father was in attendance for his son's final home game, and Payton II wore dad's retired No. 20 Oregon State jersey for it. He had 13 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Oregon State has at least 17 wins in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1989 and 1990.

USC (19-10, 8-8) is projected as a No. 8 seed in the Big Dance. That seems generous. The Trojans lost their third straight game and fifth in the past six on Sunday, 87-65 at California. No shame in losing at Cal, which is unbeaten at home. But it was the third double-digit loss in a row for USC. Reserve forward Darion Clark, a good rebounder, missed his seventh straight game with a separated shoulder. The Trojans remain one victory shy of their first 20-win season since 2009. They better win this because they host No. 9 Oregon on Saturday, and a loss there too probably knocks USC out of the NCAA field. Southern Cal lost at Oregon State 85-70 on Jan. 24. Payton II had 22 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists and four steals. The Trojans led 40-36 at the break.

Key trends: OSU is 5-15 ATS in its past 20 road games. It has failed to cover nine straight on Wednesday. USC is 13-4-1 ATS in its past 18 at home.

I'm leaning: USC, which has just one home loss.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Wednesday's games..........

West Virginia outscored Texas Tech 8-0 over last 1:10 to nip Tech by 4 Jan 23 in Lubbock; WVU is 7-1 against Raiders in Big X play, winning three in row here, by 2-6-19 points- they won four of last five at home, with all four wins by 10+ points. Big X home favorites of 9+ points are 13-11 vs spread. Tech won five of last six games, losing at Kansas by 9 in last game; Red Raiders covered last three games as a road underdog.

Miami won seven of last eight games; they beat Notre Dame 79-70 at home Feb 3, scoring 1.25 ppp, shooting 64% inside arc. Teams are 2-2 in ACC play; 'canes lost only ACC visit 75-70 here LY. Miami is 3-4 on ACC road; Florida State was best of three victims. ACC home favorites of 3 or less points are 10-6 vs spread. Irish won last six home tilts- this is their first home game in 18 days. ND's subs play 8th-least minutes in entire country.

VCU raced out to 29-7 lead, won 79-69 at Davidson Jan 29; Rams were +19 on boards, have won three of four series games, winning 71-65 here LY. This is Senior Night for VCU squad that starts three seniors- they won four of last five games, are 7-1 at home in A-14, losing to GW by 3. A-14 home favorites of 8+ points are 19-18 vs spread. Davidson is 2-6 on A-14 road, winning at Richmond/Duquesne- losing last two on road, to George Mason/Fordham, isn't good.

St Joe's is 24-5, but lost 83-73 at home to St Bonaventure Feb 3, fourth straight series win for Bonnies, who made 13-34 on arc, had 2 turnovers in first meeting, scoring 1.22 ppp. St Joe's is 6-1 since that games; they are 7-1 on A-4 road, losing at Davidson. A-14 home underdogs of less than 5 points are 4-12 vs spread. Bonnies won last five home games since home loss to Dayton, but most of those were vs bottom of A-14.

Seton Hall won eight of last nine games, winning last three road games; Pirates beat Xavier in last game, are 4-0 since Butler beat them 81-75 in Jersey Feb 10. Bulldogs are 5-1 vs Hall in Big East play, winning by 17-20 in two tilts here. Big East home favorites of 5 or less points are 8-10 vs spread. Butler won five of last seven games overall; they've won four of last five home games, after losing first two Big East road games.

Thin, young Providence squad lost five of last seven games, is wearing down late in season; Friars won 50-48 at Creighton Jan 12, after trailing 32-23 with 13:21 left. Friars won five of six Creighton in Big East play, winning by 13-12 in two games here. Bluejays lost three of last four on road, after winning first three Big East road games. Big East home teams are 9-13 vs spread in games with spread of 4 or less points.

Alabama won six of last eight games, four of last five at home; they are 5-2 in last seven games with Arkansas. Hogs scored 81.3 ppg in winning last three games to even SEC mark at 8-8; they're 2-6 on SEC road, with wins at Mizzou/Tennessee. Arkansas is shooting 40.3% on arc. Crimson Tide is #1 in SEC defending the 3-ball. SEC home favorites of 4 or less points are 11-7 vs spread. Alabama could be a dangerous team in NIT.

Boise State won its last three home games; they won 74-67 at Nevada Jan 13, outscoring Wolf Pack 26-10 on foul line in Reno. Broncos won five of last six games with Nevada, winning by 26-32 in last two here. Wolf Pack won five of last six games, with last four wins by six points or less, or in OT- they're 4-4 on MW road. Mountain West home faves of 8+ points are 9-13 against the spread.

Long Beach State won seven of last eight games after a 9-12 start; they beat Fullerton 70-57 at home Feb 20, with +12 turnover ratio. 49ers are 8-1 in last nine series games, splitting last four visits here- they won in OT here LY. Titans lost 12 of last 14 games; their last four losses were all by 13+ points. Long Beach is 4-3 on big West road; all four wins are by 9+ points. Big West home underdogs are 4-12 vs spread

Oregon is 8-3 in last 11 games with UCLA; they spanked Bruins 86-72 at home Jan 23, scoring 1.32 ppg, making 10-28 on arc. Ducks won two of last three visits here. Pac-12 home underdogs of 3 or less points are 12-3 vs spread. UCLA lost seven of last ten games; they're 4-3 at home in Pac-12, they've allowed 75+ points in all 14 losses this year- they're a bad defensive team. Oregon won nine of its last eleven games overall.

Oregon State is 17-10, much-improved, but they're 1-6 on Pac-12 road, with only win at Stanford; Beavers beat USC 85-70 Jan 24 in Corvallis, after trailing by 4 at half. Trojans lost five of last six games, giving up an average of 83.7 ppg in losing last three- they're 6-1 at home in Pac-12, losing to Utah in last home game. Beavers force turnovers 21% of time, best in league. Pac-12 home favorites of 6 or less points are 16-12.

Ohio Valley Conference tournament
Tennessee Tech won 72-66 at Austin Peay Jan 9, making 12-24 on arc in only series meeting this year. Teams split last 12 series games. Tech lost three of last five games overall; they're 5-5 in OVC tourney since 2008, 7-2 in last nine first round games. Peay didn't make it to last three OVC tourneys; they're 1-3 in OVC tourney since '10. State is 5-2 in last seven games, losing last two on road. Peay won four of its last six games.

Home side won both Eastern Illinois-Murray State games this year; EIU won last meeting 85-74, shooting 69% inside arc, after losing at Murray 68-58 Jan 26. Murray's loss at EIU is its only loss in its last five games; Racers are 7-4 in OVC tourney since '10, winning title in '10/'12. EIU is 2-7 in conference tourneys since '03. Panthers lost at home to Austin Peay, Edwardsville- bad losses, then they beat Murray State-- erratic.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 3/2 Analysis + Pick Four ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s $1 Pick Four Play:

5,9 / 3 / 1,4,8 / 1,4,5,7,9 = $30


Best Bet: ERGO HANOVER (7th)

Spot Play: M T UR POCKETS (5th)


Race 1

(8) FORT COMMANDER will be tough to beat with a similar effort to his last, even with the tough post. (4) IM gets sent out for a low percentage pilot but could have a shot late. (3) VAYA CON DIOS can hit the ticket if he minds his manners.

Race 2

(3) TIDEWATER TOMCAT just missed at this level two back and looks to offer value. (6) IMPRESSIVE JET has been competitive against better but rarely wins. (7) ASTOUNDING HANOVER raced better last week but still needs to find a way into the race.

Race 3

(7) NEELY SPRING takes a huge dropdown in class against much weaker. (4) SENATOR SAM did show improvement last week but looks to offer low value; use caution. (5) HEMLOCK TOUGH GUY is just now back in racing shape; threat.

Race 4

(1) SJ'S BLISSFUL GUY gets the best post down in class; big chance. (7) REAL FUTURE needed the start last out after being off a few weeks. The pacer should be ready for an improved effort against weaker. (6) TREV ADAMS ATTACK nine-year-old makes his second start off the bench and also has room to improve.

Race 5

(9) M T UR POCKETS just missed last week and has a good history at the track. (5) ZORGWIJK MERCEDES mare is probably the horse to beat if she minds his manners. (3) MISS PANTHERS trotting mare comes into the race off a miscue but can contend with a good effort.

Race 6

(2) BUPA BRUSIER has been much improved in his last three efforts and looks to make it two straight at this level. (1) BOSSIE AUSSIE will offer a nice price and should be in line for a nice trip up close. (4) WOLF CREEK PEGASUS should have had more to offer last week; use underneath.

Race 7

(8) ERGO HANOVER will be very tough to beat with a similar effort to his last victory. (4) TSUNAMI DREAM owns a win at this level and should be forwardly placed. (1) BLUSHING HANOVER gets the best post in a field full of question marks.

Race 8

In a tough race to gauge, (9) JUMPIN JACK J just missed at this level two back and will offer a nice price. (5) MIDNIGHT DRAGON might have needed his last start off the scratch. The 7-year-old stallion is capable of crushing this field when right. (8) SOMEKINDAPARTY well bred pacer should be primed for a better effort third start back off the layoff.

Race 9

(3) ROSE RUN QUASAR will look to make it five wins in seven starts on the year; short price. (4) CHAMBORO AS adds second time lasix and is one of few threats to the top choice. (1) GREEN ACRELOLLYPOP picks up a huge driver change with the best post.

Race 10

(8) GRANDKIDS ATTACK dominated a softer bunch last week and can make it two straight with a similar effort; driver's choice. (1) STATUS QUO impeccably bred pacer gets a big post edge on the top choice; threat. (4) LOGAMOTION should have more to offer second start back off a layoff.

Race 11

(9) LIMA RITCH always offers a big price and does have a history at popping at big prices. (4) SLIDN TO YA RONNIE keeps the top driver but has just been racing evenly; command a price. (1) AUGIE'S drops down in class with the best post.

Race 12

(4) HARD COLD CASH showed nice closing ability last week off slow fractions; threat. (3) DO WHAT will look to make it two straight wins against similar. (7) TOYS LEGACY has been competitive at this level but has some question marks coming off a scratch.

Race 13

(3) ROSSRIDGE HANDSOME picks up a top driver facing much weaker. (4) JIMMY RIP fits in nicely with this bunch and just needs a smooth trip for a piece. (1) UNADORNED HANOVER gets the best post with a slight upgrade in the bike; threat.

Race 14

In the toughest race to handicap on the card, (1) LOGAN COUNTY RALPH probably needed his last start and should be in line for a much easier trip. (2) DIAMOND BRADY will offer a big price for a capable trainer. (3) TERROR OF THETRACK has been very competitive at this level; threat.

Race 15

(3) STAMPED BY DESIGN has been camera shy the last few years but finds a very suspect bunch. (2) BLACKBIRD SINGING raced well last week and has room to improve second start back off the layoff. (1) MARK MARA gets the best post coming off a nice qualifier.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Charles Town (3rd) Mr. Prosecutor, 4-1
(8th) Half a Bushel, 10-1


Delta Downs (1st) North Light Ridge, 4-1
(9th) Private Flight, 10-1


Mahoning Valley (5th) Fifty Shades, 9-2
(6th) Golden Athena, 8-1


Penn National (3rd) Cold, 4-1
(6th) Lucky Empress, 4-1


Tampa Bay Downs (5th) Diamond Rose, 3-1
(9th) Fionetta, 3-1


Turf Paradise (3rd) Ian a Wolverine, 7-2
(7th) Come On Cozzene, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wednesday's six-pack

-- Stetson 82, NJIT 67-- #7-seed upsets #2-seed in Atlantic Sun.

-- Lipscomb 92, Jacksonville 89 OT-- #6-seed will face Stetson in next round.

-- Oklahoma 73, Baylor 71-- Sooners led 26-5 early, survived huge comeback.

-- Indiana 81, Iowa 78-- Hawkeyes lost five of their last six games.

-- Dayton 85, Richmond 84-- Flyers were down 11 in second half.

-- Warriors 109, Hawks 105 OT-- Golden State won its last 43 home games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sharp Bettor

Sharp Bettor's Free Pick for Wednesday, March 2, 2016, CBB.

3/02 06:30 PM CB (773) EASTERN ILLINOIS VS (774) MURRAY STATE

Eastern Illinois is 4-9 away from home and the Panthers are 16-34-1 ATS in their last 51 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record. Play Murray State Racers (16-13) are the No. 6 seed after finishing tied with UTM atop the OVC West Division at 10-6. Jeffery Moss is one of the top candidates bucking for a spot on the All-OVC team. Moss is the seventh leading scorer in OVC games with a 16.9 points per game average and could become MSU's seventh straight selection to the All-OVC First Team.

Play Murray State.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Roz Wins

Roz's Wednesday, March 2, 2016, Free NBA Pick:

Indiana is a strong offensive team, No. 12 in scoring. The Over is 6-1 in the Pacers last 7 vs. a team with a losing straight up record. They face a weak Milwaukee defense that is No. 19 in points allowed and No. 16 in field goal shooting defense. Milwaukee is 19-9 over the total against the Eastern Conference and when these teams meet the over is 4-0.

Play Indiana/Milwaukee Over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Wednesday

793 LIU-BROOKLYN @ 794 SACRED HEART 7:00PM

Take: 793 LIU-BROOKLYN +2.5

The NEC post-season event gets rolling tonight with the four higher-seeded qualifiers getting to play home games. One of those games is LIU-Brooklyn visiting Sacred Heart and I’ll be on the underdog in this one.

This is a weak conference and I think it’s fair to offer that the 2015-16 NEC is the worst its been overall in some time. Wagner is the only team rated inside the top 200 nationally. But that could make this a really interesting tournament, as the other seven participants are really close in terms of talent and there should be some exciting games.

Among those seven, I’ll say that LIU-Brooklyn is potentially the best of the bunch. It’s also fair to assess that the Blackbirds are the most erratic as well. Fact is, this team swept conference champ Wagner, so that’s a halfway decent indicator they have some ability.

Statistically, there’s not much to choose between these two teams. They split the two regular season meetings, and interestingly enough, each game was decided by eight points and followed very similar patterns.

One thing that I found notable in the two regular season games was that Sacred Heart, normally a very poor shooting team from beyond the arc, went 21-49 on its threes. That’s not really their game, but that was really how they won the one game and hung around in the other. I think that could bode well for the Blackbirds tonight.

The key tonight is LIU being absolutely diligent when it comes to working the ball inside and avoiding getting reliant on shooting the three. The Blackbirds are very good at drawing fouls and they’re a good team at the stripe. They need to maintain that discipline tonight. If that mission gets accomplished, I believe the visitors will advance with a win this evening. I’ll back that opinion by playing LIU-Brooklyn plus the small spot.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp NBA Pick, Wednesday, March 2, 2016 7:05 PM EST

(701) CHICAGO BULLS VS (702) ORLANDO MAGIC

Take: (702) ORLANDO MAGIC

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Wednesday, March 2, 2016 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the Chicago Bulls and the Magic in Orlando. A tough situational spot for a struggling Chicago team, the second of a back to back spot after playing at Miami last night. The Bulls are 2-7 ATS playing on no days rest, plus 6-20 ATS against the NBA Southeast division. Orlando is healthier and at home. The Magic are on a 9-4 ATS run and they are 5-0 ATS against Chicago, plus the Bulls are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Orlando. Play Chicago.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Lundin

Bulls vs Magic

5* NBA Free Pick Orlando Magic -3

This looks like a reasonable spot to back the Orlando Magic. The Chicago Bulls are coming into this contest on the back of three consecutive defeats, the most recent a 129-111 setback at Miami last night.

They're 2-7 ATS in their last nine games playing with no rest and 2-8 ATS in their last 10 on the road after a game on the road. The Magic were also in action last night when they fell 121-108 at Dallas. They're a solid 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall though and a perfect 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings with Chicago.

The Bulls are struggling without injured All-Star Jimmy Butler and Nikola Mirotic and they've given up 100 or more points in 14 consecutive games. The Magic are 3-1 ATS as a home favorite of 3 points or less and should be able to defeat the depleted Bulls tonight.