View Full Version : 3-21-09
Mr. IWS
03-21-2009, 03:39 AM
Malinski
6- Gonzaga -10
5- Villanova -1.5
4- Purdue +1
Mr. IWS
03-21-2009, 03:40 AM
ras for saturday
under Mich/Okla 137
Mr. IWS
03-21-2009, 08:33 AM
Karl Garrett
40 DIMER - MARYLAND TERPS....10 DIMERS - DUKE, & VILLANOVA
40 DIMER - MARYLAND TERRAPINS
The enigmatic Terps seem to finally have ALL the lights on the marquee on these days, and I am thinking they will give Memphis a game from start to finish in this spot.
The Terrapins played a solid 40-minutes in their opening round win over Cal, obviously Memphis presents a totally different challenge, but after watching Cal State Northridge extend the Tigers, I don't see any reason the Terps can't duplicate that effort.
Maryland has now covered their last 4 games overall, and their last 4 when dressed as the dog. 5-1 is Maryland's underdog mark their last 6, and with the Tigers riding that massive winning streak, they are going to be overpriced pretty much in every game they play in this Big Dance.
Terps have been battled-tested playing in the ACC, and they are there all the way today!
40 Dime Dog Shocker winner # 9 in a row on MARYLAND!
10 DIMER - DUKE BLUE DEVILS
I am not a believer in Texas, and while they are getting a few points here against # 2 seed Duke, I can't back the Longhorns who are on a 4-10-1 against the spread run their last 15 games overall.
Duke has a way of playing teams close, then all of the sudden they are up by double-digits, and cover games they have no business covering. This game sets up exactly that way, and in the end, the Devils will find a way to get on top of this number.
The Blue Devils have dropped just 1 of their last 10 games straight up, and they have covered in 6 of their last 9 against the spread. With this game being played in the "friendly" confines of Greensboro, I have no issue laying an extra point or two with Coach K's squad.
Longhorns heading home after this one, take Duke.
10 DIMER - VILLANOVA WILDCATS
Jay Wright's Wildcats were certainly put to the test by American the other night, but it appears as though they got their wake-up call in coming all the way back from 14-points down to win going away by 13.
UCLA's inability to decisively close out their game versus VCU shows they are vunerable here. This is pretty much a home game for the Wildcats, and I expect them to have even more support in the stands then they did on Thursday, as it is going to be hard for the west coast Bruins to get any love in the building this afternoon.
The game is pretty much a pick-em battle, and although 'Nova has failed their last 3, and 5 of 7 against the spread, I think they come through here and advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
Take the Wildcats.
Today's Complimentary Selection
Well, the G-Man gave you Gonzaga as a free play loser on Thursday, but I will come right back with them tonight, as the Bulldogs did enjoy a 19-point lead on Akron around the 2-minute mark on Thursday, only to leave the back-door open for the Zips.
That won't be the case tonight, as I expect Mark Few's team to be focused from the get-go in this one, and I expect the 'Zags to make this one look easy.
Western Kentucky's near collapse against Illinois tells me all I need to know about this game, as the Hilltoppers had more late game turnovers than the Pillsbury Doughboy, and I suspect if Goinzaga applies a little early defensive pressure, this is the 'Zags game to lose.
Of course playing in Portland also helps matters for the Bulldogs who have now won 10 straight, and 19 of their last 20 overall.
The Bulldogs are also on a 5-2 spread run their last 7 lined games.
Going to play Gonzaga to once again put up a double-digit win, only this time they get the cover!
4? GONZAGA
(on a 1? to 5? basis)
Mr. IWS
03-21-2009, 08:53 AM
boo din
SATURDAY'S PICK
25 DIME
VILLANOVA
This line ranges between Villanova -1 1/2 and -2 as this play is released.
If you have Villanova -1 1/2, I suggest you buy down the 1/2 point to -1 so you get the push should Villanova win by one.
If your line is -2, buy down the 1/2 point to -1 1/2 so you get the win should Villanova win by two.
If this line moves to -2 1/2, even after shopping around, buy down the 1/2 point to
-2 so you get the push should Villanova only win by two
THE SPORTS ADVISORS
EAST REGION
(at Greensboro, N.C.)
(7) Texas (23-11, 12-18-1 ATS) vs. (2) Duke (29-6, 17-16-1 ATS)
Duke drubbed 15th-seeded Binghamton 86-62 to open the tournament Thursday, narrowly covering as a heavy 23½-point chalk. The Blue Devils had six players reach double-figure scoring, paced by Jon Scheyer’s 15 points, and they were particularly effective from 3-point range, going 9-for-20 (45 percent). Duke also nearly doubled up Binghamton on the glass, with a 35-18 rebounding edge, improving to 9-1 SU (6-4 ATS) in its last 10 starts.
Texas topped Minnesota 76-62 laying 4½ points Thursday, covering for the first time in its last five games (1-3-1 ATS). The Longhorns were even more effective than Duke with the long ball, racking up 33 points on 11-for-20 shooting (55 percent), with A.J. Abrams connecting on eight 3-pointers en route to 26 points. Despite the win and cover, though, Texas is still just 6-14-1 ATS in its last 21 games.
Duke is 3-0 SU and ATS in three meetings this decade with Texas, winning all three by at least 26 points, including a 97-66 pounding as a 2½-point home chalk in December 2005.
Duke, in its 33rd NCAA Tournament, bowed out in the second round last year with a 73-67 loss to West Virginia as a four-point favorite – a year after getting shocked in the first round by Virginia Commonwealth – so the Blue Devils are looking to get a second NCAA win for the first time since 2006. Texas, on its 26th NCAA trip, is now 4-1 SU (3-2 ATS) in its last five tourney starts, having reached the Elite Eight last year.
Despite Thursday’s effort, the Blue Devils are still on ATS slides of 2-8 in the NCAAs and 2-9 as a chalk in the Big Dance, but they sport positive pointspread streaks of 6-2 after a SU win and 5-2 at neutral sites. The Longhorns remain in ATS ruts of 4-10-1 overall, 2-12 after a spread-cover, 1-5 getting points and 7-19-2 after a SU win.
Favorites went 10-6 SU but just 5-10-1 ATS on Friday, giving the chalks a 22-10 SU mark for the first round, but the underdogs went 19-12-1 ATS.
The under for Duke is on tears of 10-3 at neutral sites, 9-3 with the Blue Devils a Tournament favorite and 13-6 after a SU win. On the flip side, the over for Texas is on runs of 4-0 in the Tournament, 8-0-1 with the ‘Horns a neutral-site pup, 5-1 against the ACC and 7-2 following a SU win.
The under was 10-5-1 in Friday’s games and is 16-15-1 through the first round.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DUKE
EAST REGION
(at Philadelphia)
(6) UCLA (26-8, 16-16-1 ATS) vs. (3) Villanova (27-7, 16-14 ATS)
Villanova, playing ostensibly home games this weekend at the Wachovia Center, got all it could handle from 14th-seeded American in the opening round Thursday. The Wildcats fell behind by 14 points before rallying in the second half for an 80-67 victory, falling just short as a 15-point chalk. Dante Cunningham and Dwayne Anderson each scored 25, but Villanova failed to cover for the third straight game and is just 3-7 ATS in its last 10 starts (7-3 SU).
UCLA was on the brink of speedy elimination until Virginia Commonwealth’s Eric Maynor came up short on a last-second jumper, giving the Bruins a 65-64 win laying 8½-points. Josh Shipp (16 points) led five players in double figures for UCLA, which hit 17 of 19 free throws (89.5 percent) to improve to 6-1 SU and 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven games.
These two programs played a home-and-home in 2001 and 2002, with the home team winning each time and UCLA going 1-0-1 ATS.
Villanova, in its 29th NCAA tourney, will look to reach the third round for the second straight year today, having beaten Siena 84-72 as a 5½-point favorite in the second round last year. UCLA, on its 43rd NCAA trip, is seeking its fourth consecutive trip to the Final Four. Last year, the Bruins escaped the second round with a 51-49 win over Texas A&M as a 9½-point chalk.
The Wildcats are still 10-5 ATS in their last 15 starts against winning teams, but they are on ATS dips of 2-6 at neutral sites (0-4 this year), 1-6 as a Tournament chalk and 2-7 overall in the Tournament. The Bruins are on a 23-9-1 run in their last 32 starts from the underdog role, but they are on pointspread purges of 0-4-1 after a non-cover, 1-4 in the Tournament and 2-5-1 against winning teams.
The over for Villanova is on rolls of 9-4 overall, 8-1 against teams with a win percentage above .600 and 7-2 as a neutral-site chalk, and the over for UCLA is on runs of 13-4 overall, 5-0 with the Bruins a ‘dog and 8-3 after a SU win. However, the under is 8-1 in the Wildcats’ last nine non-conference outings, 4-1 in the Bruins’ last five on neutral floors and 9-3 in UCLA’s last 12 games against Big East foes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: VILLANOVA
SOUTH REGION
(at Greensboro, N.C.)
(8) LSU (27-7, 14-12-1 ATS) vs. (1) North Carolina (29-4, 12-19-0 ATS)
North Carolina was without star guard Ty Lawson (toe) for its NCAA opener, but still rumbled to a 101-58 win over Radcliffe laying 25 points, snapping a four-game ATS slide. Wayne Ellington and Tyler Hansbrough had 25 and 22 points, respectively, and Danny Green doubled up with 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Tar Heels, who covered for just the second time in their last nine starts – all from the favorite’s role.
LSU held off No. 9 seed Butler 75-71 to cover as a 1½-point favorite, halting a 1-3 SU and ATS skid in the process. Marcus Thornton went off for 30 points on 10-for-15 shooting (3-for-4 from 3-point range) and added six rebounds, four assists and four steals for the Tigers, who shot nearly seven percent better than the Bulldogs (49.1 percent-42.3 percent).
North Carolina, playing in the Big Dance for the 41st time, is pursuing its second straight Final Four berth. Last year, the Heels won their first four NCAA starts SU and ATS, including a 108-77 second-round blitzing of Arkansas as a 9½-point favorite. LSU, which missed the Tournament the past two years, is looking to reach the second week after getting to the Final Four in 2006.
The Tar Heels remain on ATS dives of 1-10 after a spread-cover, 1-7 against winning teams and 4-17 following a SU win, but they carry positive ATS streaks of 8-0 against the SEC, 5-1 in the NCAAs, 7-3 at neutral sites and 41-18 outside the ACC. The Tigers, meanwhile, are on pointspread skids of 2-7 on neutral courts, 11-30-1 on Saturday, 2-5 after a SU win and 4-9 in non-conference action.
The over for Carolina is on streaks of 9-4 after a SU win, 12-5-1 after a spread-cover and 6-2 against the SEC, and the over for LSU is on rolls of 4-0 outside the SEC, 4-1 after a SU win, 12-4 after a spread-cover and 8-3 on neutral floors.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NORTH CAROLINA and OVER
SOUTH REGION
(at Kansas City, Mo.)
(10) Michigan (21-13, 16-11 ATS) vs. (2) Oklahoma (28-5, 14-13-1 ATS)
Oklahoma shook off a 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS skid to rip Morgan State 82-54 Thursday in the first round, easily covering as a 15-point favorite to halt a three-game pointspread dip. Double-double stud Blake Griffin had 28 points and 13 rebounds on 11-for-12 shooting as the Sooners hit a scorching 60.4 percent from the floor (29 of 48), while holding the Bears to a dismal 28.6 percent (22-for-77).
Michigan got the mini-upset over seventh-seeded Clemson with a 62-59 victory as a 4½-point underdog, giving the Wolverines a 5-1 ATS mark (4-2 SU) in their last six games. Michigan got whipped on the boards (40-28), giving up 20 offensive rebounds, but the Wolverines hit 10 of their 26 3-pointers and held the Tigers to just 32.3 percent shooting, including 5 of 22 from long distance (22.7 percent).
These two teams last met in the second round of the 2004 NIT, with Michigan winning 63-52 as a 3½-point home favorite.
Oklahoma is in its 26th NCAA Tournament and looking to reach the Sweet 16 after getting drubbed in the second round last year, losing to Louisville 78-48 catching seven points. Michigan is just hoping to extend its first NCAA appearance since 1998, when the Wolverines bowed out in the second round.
Despite the Sooners’ effort Thursday, they are still mired in ATS funks of 2-5 overall, 1-5 against winning teams, 8-19 on neutral courts and 6-13 as a neutral-site chalk. The Wolverines have gone 3-7 ATS in their last 10 starts as a neutral-court pup, but along with their current 5-1 ATS run, they are on pointspread upswings of 4-0 outside the Big Ten, 5-1 against winning teams and 4-1 getting points.
The under has hit in Michigan’s last three starts and is on further rolls of 12-5-1 overall, 7-0 on neutral floors, 7-2 after a SU win, 16-5-1 with the Wolverines a ‘dog and 6-0 with the Wolverines a neutral-site pup.
Likewise, the under for Oklahoma is on stretches of 4-1 overall, 8-3-1 at neutral sites and 5-1 with the Sooners a neutral-floor chalk, but the over is on runs of 11-5-1 in Oklahoma’s last 17 non-conference starts and 9-4 with the Sooners favored.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
SOUTH REGION
(at Portland, Ore.)
(12) W. Kentucky (25-8, 17-12-1 ATS) vs. (4) Gonzaga (27-5, 15-14 ATS)
Western Kentucky sprung the seemingly annual 12-5 upset, holding off Illinois 76-72 Thursday as a 5½-point ‘dog to move to 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS in its last eight games. The Hilltoppers hit 9 of 19 3-pointers (47.4 percent), compared with 5 of 18 for Illinois (27.8 percent), and had five players in double-figure scoring, led by Steffphon Pettigrew’s 17 points. Western Kentucky also beat the Illini on the boards 35-28, including 9-4 on the offensive end.
Gonzaga got pushed around into the second half against Akron before finally taking control with a 24-4 run en route to a 77-64 victory, narrowly failing to cover as a 13½-point chalk but improving to 7-1 SU (5-3 ATS) at neutral sites this season. Forward Josh Heytvelt finished with 22 points and eight rebounds, and the Bulldogs shot 52.3 percent for the game while holding the Zips to just 36.8 percent.
These two teams got together early last season, with Gonzaga eking out a 74-71 home win but Western Kentucky getting the cash as a six-point pup.
The Zags are in their 12th Tournament, shaking off one-and-done performances in each of their past two NCAA appearances to reach the second round for the first time since 2006, when they picked up two wins to earn a Sweet 16 berth. Western Kentucky, in its 21st Tournament, is looking to reach the third round for the second straight year, as it won a pair of games in 2008 before falling to UCLA in the round of 16.
The Hilltoppers are on several ATS hot streaks, including 6-0 overall, 5-0 in the Tournament, 17-5 on neutral courts, 6-1 as a neutral-site ‘dog, 20-7-1 against winning teams and 41-17-1 outside the Sun Belt Conference. On the flip side, the Bulldogs are on pointspread purges of 2-7 in the NCAAs, 1-5 as a Tournament favorite, 1-6 in non-conference action and 4-10 against winning teams.
The under for Western Kentucky is on a 4-1 run, but the over is on rolls of 5-1 with the Hilltoppers a neutral-site pup and 4-1 with the ‘Toppers a Tournament ‘dog. In addition, the over for Gonzaga is on streaks of 7-2 overall, 5-1 in the Tournament and 6-2 after a SU win. Plus, both these team’s first-round games cleared the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: WESTERN KENTUCKY and OVER
WEST REGION
(at Kansas City, Mo.)
(10) Maryland (21-13, 16-10-2 ATS) vs. (2) Memphis (32-3, 22-12 ATS)
Memphis stretched the nation’s longest active winning streak to 26 games, but with much more of a fight than it expected in an 81-70 victory over Cal State-Northridge as a 20-point chalk. The Tigers led by just three at the half and needed a monster game from reserve guard Roburt Sallie, who had averaged just 4.5 ppg, but hit 10 of 15 3-pointers on his way to a 35-point effort against the Matadors. Memphis had held four straight opponents under 50 points prior to Thursday, and it was the first time in nearly a month that the Tigers gave up more than 60 points.
Maryland dropped seventh-seeded California 84-71 Thursday as a 1½-point pup, notching its fourth straight spread-cover (3-1 ATS) after a 2-4 SU and ATS skid. Greivis Vasquez led the way with 27 points as four Terrapins scored in double figures, and Maryland outshot the Golden Bears by nearly seven percent, going 31 of 63 from the floor (49.2 percent), while holding Cal to 25 of 59 from the field (42.4 percent).
These two squads haven’t squared off since November 2004, when Maryland earned an 84-61 rout as a 3½-point home favorite.
Memphis, which brought the nation’s fourth-ranked defense to its 22nd NCAA Tournament, reached the national championship game last year before falling short to Kansas in overtime. The Tigers have made it to at least the Elite Eight each of the last three years. Maryland, in its 23rd Tournament after missing out last year, looks to get past the second round, where it lost to Butler in 2007.
Despite failing to cash Thursday, the Tigers remain on a plethora of positive pointspread streaks, including 14-5 overall, 5-1 in non-conference play, 11-3 against winning teams, 14-5 after a SU win and 5-0 after a non-cover. Likewise, the Terrapins are on pointspread rolls of 4-0 overall, 5-0 on neutral floors, 4-1 catching points and 8-3-2 in non-conference action.
The over is on a 7-1 tear for Memphis in NCAA Tournament play, and the over was the play in the first-round game for both these teams. But the under for the Tigers is on streaks of 19-7 overall, 8-1 after a SU win, 4-1 on neutral courts and 5-2 outside Conference USA, and the under for the Terps is on pushes of 6-2 overall, 4-0 after a SU win, 5-1 with Maryland a ‘dog and 7-2 at neutral sites.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MEMPHIS and UNDER
WEST REGION
(at Philadelphia)
(9) Texas A&M (24-9, 16-9 ATS) vs. (1) Connecticut (28-4, 13-15 ATS)
UConn, playing its first game since suffering a heartbreaking six-overtime loss to Syracuse in the quarterfinals of the Big East tournament on March 12, completely annihilated Chattanooga 103-47 as a 20½-point favorite for its first postseason win in three years. With coach Jim Calhoun watching from a hospital bed because of an illness, the Huskies outshot the Mocs 52.1 percent to 25.8 percent in posting the third-largest margin of victory in Tournament history.
Texas A&M jumped out to a 26-8 lead against eighth-seeded BYU in Thursday’s first-round contest at the Rose Garden and was never really threatened en route to a 79-66 upset win as a three-point underdog. It marked the second straight year that the Aggies eliminated BYU in a first-round Tournament matchup. Going back to the regular season, A&M has now won seven of its last eight games and is also riding an 11-3 ATS hot streak.
UConn, which is in the Tournament for the 29th time in school history, had lost two straight NCAA Tournament and three consecutive Big East tournament games before Thursday’s blowout win. The Huskies last advanced past the first round of the Big Dance in 2006, when they lost 86-84 to Cinderella story George Mason as an eight-point favorite in the Elite Eight.
Texas A&M, which is in the Tournament for the fourth consecutive year, gave top-seeded UCLA all it could handle in the second round last year but came up short 51-49, cashing as a 9½-point underdog.
UConn had failed to cover in 13 consecutive postseason games before easily getting the cash against Chattanooga, including going 0-7 ATS in the Big Dance (all as a favorite). Still, the Huskies remain on ATS droughts of 3-7 overall, 7-15 in non-conference play, 7-19 at neutral sites, 2-5 as a favorite, 1-4 when laying 7 to 12½ points, 5-16 when favored at neutral venues and 0-5 on Saturday.
In addition to their 11-3 ATS streak overall, the Aggies are on a plethora of positive pointspread runs, including 18-5 at neutral sites, 9-3 in non-conference play, 7-0 as an underdog, 7-1 in the NCAA Tournament, 11-1 as a neutral-site ‘dog, 54-26 against teams with a winning record and 4-0 on Saturday.
Both teams topped the total in their first-round games. Also, the Aggies are now on a 5-0 “over” streak overall, and UConn is on “over” stretches of 20-7 at neutral sites and 5-0 in the NCAA Tournament. However, the under is still 14-7 in the Huskies’ last 21 overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS A&M and OVER
WEST REGION
(at Portland, Ore.)
(5) Purdue (26-9, 14-17 ATS) vs. (4) Washington (26-8, 18-11-2 ATS)
Washington dominated 13th-seeded Mississippi State in Thursday’s opening round, rolling 71-58 as a six-point favorite at the Rose Garden. Quincy Pondexter had a game-high 23 points and seven rebounds, and the Huskies held the Bulldogs to just 34.5 percent shooting. They’re now on a 10-2 SU run, going 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11.
Purdue won its 11th consecutive first-round NCAA Tournament game Thursday, holding off frisky Northern Iowa 61-56, but it came up short as an 8½-point favorite. The Boilermakers, who nearly blew a 12-point halftime lead and led by just two points with 17 seconds left, shot only 41.2 percent from the field (3-for-15 from 3-point range), yet still won their fourth in a row. However, Purdue is now just 5-9 ATS in its last 14 outings.
Washington is in its 14th NCAA Tournament but its first since 2006, when it won its first two games before falling to UConn in the Sweet 16. Purdue, whose 11 consecutive first-round tourney wins date back to 1993, have bowed out of the Big Dance in the second round each of the last two years, including last year’s 85-78 loss to Xavier as a 2½-point underdog.
Purdue is in ATS ruts of 2-6 in non-conference play, 1-5 after a SU victory and 1-4 against teams from the Pac-10, but the Boilermakers have cashed in 11 of their last 15 on Saturday and they’re 4-1 ATS in the Tournament as an underdog of less than six points.
Washington is on pointspread runs of 7-3-1 overall, 4-0 in the Tournament, 6-1 in non-conference play, 5-1-1 on Saturday and 4-0 as a favorite at neutral sites.
Despite staying way under the total in Thursday’s win over Mississippi State, the Huskies are still on strong “over” runs of 17-6 overall, 5-1 at neutral sites, 5-3 in the Tournament, 14-3 as a favorite, 9-1 when laying less than seven points, 10-1 after a spread-cover and 14-4 on Saturday.
Purdue’s first-round game also stayed low, making the under 5-1 in its last six non-conference games, but otherwise the Boilermakers are still on “over” streaks of 7-3 at neutral sites, 6-2-1 in the Tournament and 7-2 as an underdog.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Nick Parsons
North Carolina
Kiki Sports
1 unit LSU +11
1 unit Washington -1.5
1 unit Memphis -9
1 unit Michigan/Oklahoma UNDER 137
1 unit Gonzaga -10.5
Jorge Gonzalez
25* NIT High Roller Release
Baylor vs. Virginia Tech
Play: Virginia Tech
The Virginia Tech Hokies will be playing host in their second game in the NIT tournament. They will be taking on a Baylor Bear team that does not travel well with a record of of 2-8 away from home losing by an average margin of 7.8 points per game. The Bears are coming of a close victory 74-72 victory over Georgetown. The Hokies had several big wins and come into this game having covered four of their last five games. The Hokies are coming off a dramatic 116-108 overtime victory over Old Dominion. The Hokies are 4-0 ATS after scoring 90 points in the previous game. Baylor has covered just once in their last eight games played on Saturday and covered the spread just twice in their last 12 games after failing to cover the spread in their previous game. Take the Hokies.
THE SOCCER EXPERTS
German Bundesliga:
Bayer Leverkusen v Eintracht Frankfurt
Bet:Bayer Leverkusen to win
England premier league:
West Brom v Bolton
Bet:Over 2.5
France premier league:
Le Havre v Bordeaux
Bet:Bordeaux to win
NCAAB Teaser:
Texas A&M(9) vs Connecticut(1)
Bet:Connecticut -5
Maryland(10) vs Memphis(2)
Bet:Memphis -4
DCI
NCAA Tournament
2nd Round
East Region
at Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
Duke 77, Texas 67
at Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA
Villanova 73, Ucla 71
South Region
at Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
North Carolina 89, Lsu 77
at Rose Garden Arena, Portland, OR
Gonzaga 75, Western Kentucky 66
at Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO
Oklahoma 71, Michigan 67
West Region
at Rose Garden Arena, Portland, OR
Washington 70, Purdue 68
at Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO
Memphis 72, Maryland 62
at Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA
Connecticut 74, Texas A&M 68
National Invitation Tournament
2nd Round
Auburn Bracket
at Blacksburg, VA
VIRGINIA TECH 80, Baylor 73
Joe Wiz Free Plays
Virginia Tech
Knicks
Atlanta Hawks
Jeff Scott
4 UNIT PLAY
Oklahoma -6.5 over Michigan
The Wolverines are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 neutral site games as an underdog, while the Sooners are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5. Michigan has had a nice year, going 21-13 overall, but struggling whenthey take to the road as they are just 7-10. Michigan has played well defensively this year as they have allowed just 63.2 ppg overall and 57.6 ppg in their last 5 games, but if this team hopes to compete in this one they will have to do a better job offensively. Michigan comes in averaging66.7 ppg overall, but just 60.6 ppg away from home and 61.8 ppg in their last 5 games. Today they wil be facing a Sooner squad that does allow 67.4 ppg overall, but they are 20th in the nation in defensive FG% as they have allowed teams to shoot for just 39.4%. The Sooners offense is where the biggest edge in this game goes to. Oklahoma has averaged a healthy79.3 ppg overall (11th) and they are 3rd in FG% (49.1%), plus they have averaged 75.2 ppg on 49.6% shooting in ther neutral site games and 75.4 ppg on 50.6 ppg in their last 5 games. No way Michigan can match the Sooners point for point in this one and just lie the UConn game the Wolverines will run out of gas down the stretch, as Oklahoma pulls away for a solid double digit win.
3 UNIT PLAY
Maryland/ Memphis Over 132
The Over is 4-0 in Terrapins last 4 NCAA Tournament games as an underdog and 22-8 in their last 30 Saturday games, while the Over is 7-1 in Tigers last 8 NCAA Tournament games. Ok we all know about how strong the Memphs defense has been down the stretch, but they did just allow CS Northridge to get 70 points in their first round game. Memphis has allowed just 57.6 ppg in their neutral site games this year, but that number jumps to 68.5 ppg when they face a non- Conference USA opponent. THeir 4 neutral site games vs non-conf opponents have averaged 145 ppg. Memphis has allowed just 57.3 ppg overall, but 61.3 ppg vs non-conf opponents. Maryland has put up 71.8 ppg overall, 69.6 ppg in their neutral site games and 73.5 ppg in their last 4 games. I feel that Maryland has an excellent shot at hitting 62+ points in this one. That's good news as the Memphis Tigers should be good for at least 70+. Memphis has averaged 74.3 ppg overall and 70.7 ppg in their neutral site games, plus they have averaged 76.7 ppg vs non-conf opponents this year. The will be facing a maryland team that has struggled on defense when not playimg on their home floor as they have allowed 71.9 ppg when traveling this year. Memphis' non conf games have averaged 138 ppg, while Maryland's games have averaged 140.3 ppg overall. I see this one in the 140's as well.
2 UNIT PLAY
UConn/ Texas A$M over 139
The Over is 5-0 in Aggies last 5 overall, while the Over is 10-2-1 in Huskies last 13 games following a SU win of more than 20 points and 13-3 in their last 16 neutral site games as a favorite. A&M's neutral sirte games have averaged 144 ppg, while UConn's neutral games have averaged 167.8 ppg. UConn has averaged 78.1 ppg on the year, including 89 ppg in their last 5 games and 91.5 ppg on a neutral floor. The Aggies have averaged 83.4 ppg in their last 5 games 71.8 ppg overall and 73.4 ppg on a neutral floor. Both teams can push the ball and I see this one in the 150's.
1 UNIT PLAY
UCLA/ Villanova Under 145
The Under is 4-1 in Bruins last 5 neutral site games and 9-3 in their last 12 vs. Big East, while the Under is 8-1 in Wildcats last 9 non-conference games. The Bruins had been involved in higher scoring than tey were accustomed to during the middle part of the year, but things have reverted back to normal down the stretch as their last 6 games have averaged just 133.5 ppg. The Bruin defense is starting to assert itself once again as they have allowed just 60.8 ppg on just 40% shooting in their last 5 games, while they have allowed just 59.4 ppg on 41.7 shooting in their neutral site games. Villanova has allowed just 67 ppg on the year, including just 67.8 pg in their last 6 games. I just see too much defense in this one to think the teams can top 145 points.
Jim Feist
(511) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
(512) MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Take "(511) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS"
Cleveland has only one loss at home all season, and they almost got another the last game, as the talented Blazers took them to overtime. The Cavs escaped with the 97-92 win. "Our guys stepped up. Fought hard. In a nasty game," said Roy, who nearly matched James' triple double with 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Now they face a far easier opponent, the banged up Bucks. Portland is healthier with Greg Oden back, and in a tight playoff race for seeding. Milwaukee has lost 3 of 4 games. with the defensive getting smoked by the Magic, Hornets and Knicks. Play the Blazers.
Dave Cokin
527) PURDUE
(528) WASHINGTON
Take "(528) WASHINGTON"
Purdue looked okay in their opening round win over Northern Iowa, but Washington was better as they dispatched Mississippi State. The performance thus far of the Big 10 in comparison to the PAC 10 can certainly be factored into this game, and the site clearly favors the left coast squad as well. This should be one of the best second round games as Purdue is a very capable entry and the Huskies are a solid team. It's too close on paper for me to take a strong stand, but I'll lean to Washington to move on to the Sweet 16.
Rob Rosenhaus
50,000 DIME TOURNEY DOG
50,000 DIME Maryland
Mike Collins's Tourney Game of the Decade
100 Dime - Villanova Wildcats
Mr. IWS
03-21-2009, 10:19 AM
Evan Altemus NCAAB
Reply
Selection: WESTERN KENTUCKY +11
Profile: This game is a match-up of two very hot teams. However, I feel that Gonzaga is slightly over-rated here. The Bulldogs weren?t particularly impressive against Akron in the 1st round, which is notable given how weak the MAC is this season. Meanwhile, Western Kentucky was very impressive against Illinois, controlling the game by double digits for a good portion of the game. The Hilltoppers have excellent guard play and balanced scoring, which will make defending them a very difficult job for Gonzaga. In addition, even though that several players left from last year?s tournament team, a bulk of this year?s team got experience playing in the tournament last year. Therefore, they have the confidence of knowing that they were here last year, so the Hilltoppers know that they have capability to make another deep run. Gonzaga is being priced like a top five team here, however I feel that they are a step below the best teams in the country. Particularly in the way they were absolutely blown out by Memphis, as well as allowing UCONN to fly the whole way across the country and still beat them at home. Look for Western Kentucky to keep this game close throughout.
3 UNIT SELECTION
Evan Altemus NCAAB
Reply
Selection: WESTERN KENTUCKY +11
Profile: This game is a match-up of two very hot teams. However, I feel that Gonzaga is slightly over-rated here. The Bulldogs weren?t particularly impressive against Akron in the 1st round, which is notable given how weak the MAC is this season. Meanwhile, Western Kentucky was very impressive against Illinois, controlling the game by double digits for a good portion of the game. The Hilltoppers have excellent guard play and balanced scoring, which will make defending them a very difficult job for Gonzaga. In addition, even though that several players left from last year?s tournament team, a bulk of this year?s team got experience playing in the tournament last year. Therefore, they have the confidence of knowing that they were here last year, so the Hilltoppers know that they have capability to make another deep run. Gonzaga is being priced like a top five team here, however I feel that they are a step below the best teams in the country. Particularly in the way they were absolutely blown out by Memphis, as well as allowing UCONN to fly the whole way across the country and still beat them at home. Look for Western Kentucky to keep this game close throughout.
3 UNIT SELECTION
Mr. IWS
03-21-2009, 10:19 AM
ATS Lock
6* Villanova
5* Texas A & M
5* Oklahoma
5* Washington
Sean Micheal's (Lang's Site)
25 Dime Villanova
Lang
30 Dime
Villanova
Sebastian-Milwaukee
Winner Line-Over Connecicut
OTM-UNDER Connecticut
Gary Sanders-UNDER Oklahoma
Kevin Kennedy-Washington(college)
BobbyClarkeSports : Tourney record 10-7 +$2320
Saturday's Plays
LSU +11 Wager 990 to win 900
Texas +7.5 Wager 990 to win 900
Texas A&M / Conn UNDER 138.5 Wager 990 to win 900
UCLA +2 Wager 990 to win 900
Maryland +9 Wager 990 to win 900
Michigan / Oklahoma UNDER 136 Wager 990 to win 900
Washington -1 Wager 990 to win 900
Western Kentucky +11 Wager 990 to win 900
Bob Balfe
NBA Basketball
Lakers -4 over Bulls
NCAA Basketball
LSU +11 over UNC
Duke -7 over Texas
Texas A&M + 10 over UConn
UCLA +2 over Villanova
Maryland +9 over Memphis
Michigan +6.5 over Oklahoma
Washington -1.5 over Purdue
Gonzaga -10.5 over Western Kentucky
Gina
Saturday, March 21st, 2009 8:30 p.m. est.
Los Angeles Lakers (54-14) at Chicago Bulls (32-37)
Los Angeles has won and covered the spread in five of the last six battles against Chicago, including two of three at United Center. However, Chicago needs this game hanging on to eighth and final playoff spot in the East and have played tough at home.
The Bulls are 7-0 both straight-up and against the spread in their last 7 home games. Meanwhile, the Lakers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10. Look for the Bulls to make this a close hard fought battle. Take the points! The underdog in this series is 10-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
Chicago Bulls +4
Johnny Guild
Memphis Tigers -9
Texas A&M Aggies +10
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers +10.5
Glenn McGrew's 2ND ROUND NCAA TOURNEY GOY!!!
(521) UCLA
(522) VILLANOVA
Take " (522) VILLANOVA "
2nd Round NCAA Tourney GOY - Villanova...... UCLA and Villanova clash early Saturday morning in the Wachovia Center, both looking to advance into next week's Sweet 16 action. HUGE home court advantage for the Philadelphia-based Wildcats, not to mention the early morning tipoff that gives the west coast Bruins the feel of a 7am start. Looking for more reasons to play the Cats in this particular matchup? How about the fact that in most games, Villanova foes have an edge depth-wise, as the Big East entry generally goes just 8 deep. But in UCLA's last two games, both life and death contests vs USC and Virginia Commonwealth, head coach Ben Howland has almost totally ignored his bench, playing his starters AN AVERAGE of 33.3 minutes per game! Also, there are severe matchup problems in the backcourt for the Bruins. Against VCU, Howland relied on star defender Darren Collison to blanket the Rams Eric Maynor. But Villanova owns FOUR top notch guards in Scottie Reynolds, Corey Stokes, Corey Fisher and Reggie Redding. Additionally, with much improved 6' 8', 230 lb. Dante Cunningham (16.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg) now getting more help on the blocks from senior Shane Clark and Antonio Pena, the Wildcats are, at the very least, the equal of the Bruins in the frontcourt. Play Villanova
Dave Cokin's NCAA GOY
(529) WESTERN KENTUCKY
(530) GONZAGA
Take " (530) GONZAGA "
My NCAA Tournament Game of the Year! Nice job by Western Kentucky in downing Illinois, but it gets much tougher for the Hilltoppers here. They got by a team that has no offense in round one, and the Illini could not have been more inept for most of that game. Gonzaga is an entirely different story. This is probably the best ever Zags entry, and they're going to be able to force a much faster pace than Western Kentucky saw in that first round win. Gonzaga has the better athletes and I really like this team's ability to go on extended runs, just as they did once again in knocking out Akron. The number here is cheap, as I have the Zips rated higher than Western Kentucky, yet the number is three points fewer. Major site advantage for the Zags can't hurt, either. Look for Gonzaga to win this game big as my NCAA Tournament Game of the Year!
SmashYourBook
Villanova
Memphis
Two other bonus picks from Cokin...
(517) TEXAS
(518) DUKE
Take " (517) TEXAS "
Trouble spot for Duke. The Blue Devils may well win this game, but I can't see where it will be easy and I only give them the outright edge because of the site. Man for man, I see the Longhorns matching up well with Duke, and if the Texas backcourt has another hot shooting game they can win this straight up. At the very least, this sure looks like a game that goes to the last couple of possessions, and that makes Texas plus a healthy number of points worth backing.
(523) MARYLAND
(524) MEMPHIS
Take " (524) MEMPHIS "
Memphis got caught up in the hype and controversy about getting snubbed for a #1 seed, and they were completely lacking in focus against CSUN in the opening round. Concentration should not be an issue here. Maryland was impressive against Cal, but this is a bad matchup for the Terrapins. They can be pressured into turnovers and Memphis will likely be relentless in hounding them all over the court. The Tigers may have gotten a blessing in disguise in that shaky opening win as they located another legit scoring option along the way. Look for the Tigers to get a much better effort all around here and I will lay the points with Memphis in what I believe will be a relatively easy win.
Joe Nelson
Michigan vs. Oklahoma
Pick: Michigan +7
Michigan nearly blew a big lead in the opening round but that might actually be a good thing heading into a tough second round match-up. Coach Beilien will have plenty to work on with his team and the Wolverines should avoid the pitfalls that often hit underdogs that win the opening tournament game. Oklahoma cruised to a fairly easy win in the opening game as Morgan State had no answers for Blake Griffin inside but the Sooners looked out of synch in the backcourt with a lot of poor shots and turnovers. The Sooners did not play great ball late in the year, losing five of the final six games ATS and suffering four of five S/U losses on the year in that span. Oklahoma shot over 60 percent in the opening game and many of those looks were uncontested shots inside. The Sooners also benefited from 32 cracks at the free throw line but this is not a strong free throw shooting team and that is a weakness that could be a problem in this match-up. Although there is valid reason to doubt the Big Ten in the big dance, Michigan is a team that has proven itself against top notch competition from the other power conferences with wins over Duke and UCLA. Oklahoma struggled to beat Purdue in non-conference play, needing overtime and the Sooners are not playing as well at this point in the year.
Smooth 44
Knockout Punch Of The Day - Ucla +2
All Picks
(cbb) 11:00am Est
Baylor +5 -120
(nba) 1:05pm Est
Atlanta +9-120
(cbb) 3:20pm Est
Maryland +10-120
(cbb) 5:50pm Est
Meeeechigan +7
(cbb) 3:25pm Est
Uconn -10
(cbb) 8:00pm Est
Gonzaga -10 -120
(cbb) 5:45pm Est
Lsu +12 -120
(cbb) 5:40pm Est
Purdue +2 -120
UCLA at Villanova Mar 21 2009 1:05PM
Prediction: UCLA
Reason: Ai Simulator 15* graded play on UCLA as they take on Villanova slated to start at 1:05 EST. AiS shows an 86% probability that UCLA will win this game. Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 37-12 ATS for 76% winners since 1997. Play on any team that is a good offensive team scoring 74-78 PPG facing a good defensive team allowing 63-67 PPG and after scoring 65 points or less 3 straight games. AiS shows a 95% probability that UCLA will get between 34 and 39 rebounds in this game. Note that UCLA is a near perfect 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when they grab 34 to 39 rebounds in a game this season. They are also a very strong 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) after a game where they made 88% of their free throws or better since 1997. I also like an optional and alternative wager splitting the 15* amount into a 10* amount on the game line and a 5* amount on the first half line. Since this is a huge 15* play there is NO advantage to adding even more investment. My program is designed for the long haul and has served us very well over 16 years so never do we ever want to load up our success on just a few 15* games. Take UCLA
VERNON CROY TOP PLAY
Take Villanova ATS, Villanova is the better overall team on the court here Saturday and the Bruins are just 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against a team with a winning record over .600. Villanova is 13-1 SU in their last 14 non-conference games. UCLA depends on their 3 point shot but Villanova's perimeter defense has been solid this season while UCLA's perimeter defense has been anything but solid with opponents shooting 40.1% against them from beyond the arc. I have Villanova winning this game by 6-8 points Saturday so take them as your NCAA Free Play and make sure you get on my NCAA Hardcore Hoops Smash that cashes hands down Saturday afternoon.
EZ Winners
2* Villinova -2
2* North Carolina -11.5
2* W. Kentucky +10.5
sportsguru
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NCAA BB
5 units UCLA +2
3 units UConn/Texas AM Under 139
3 units UCLA/Villanova Over 144
3 units Michigan/Oklahoma Over 135
Raging Bull
NBA:
Memphis Grizzlies +8
Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers under 185
NCAA:
Michigan +7
Western Kentucky +7
Texas A&M vs. UCONN over 138
Michigan vs. Oklahoma under 136
Totals 4 You selections for Saturday, March 21st
2009 NCAA Tournament Total of the Year!!!!!
UCLA/Villanova under 145
College Best Bets
Texas/Duke over 139 1/2
Texas A&M/Connecticut under 139 1/2
Maryland/Memphis under 131 1/2
Purdue/Washington under 139 1/2
Dr. Canada
Game 1 - Stars/Sharks over 5.5
Game 2 - Leafs/Canadiens over 6
Game 3 - Caps/Canes over 6
Game 4 - Panthers -125
Anthony Redd
Saturday's Card 30 Dime Oklahoma
15 Dime Texas
Las Vegas Sport Picks
NBA:
2* Hawks/Cavs under 185
4* Lakers -4
NCAA:
3* Michigan/Oklahoma under 136
5* WKU +11
8* Villanova -2
8* Washington -1
10* Maryland/Memphis over 132 (NCAA Tourney TOY)
Jim Hurley
2 stars each on
ucla
maryland
michigan
washington huskies
atlanta hawks
free play on the magic
ATS Sports Club
NCAA:
UCLA +2.5
Michigan +7
Maryland +9.5
Purdue/Washington under 140
Bill Hilton's Gameday
3 Duke -7'
2 Maryland +9
2 Oklahoma -6'
Best Sports Picks
Purdue At Washington pick: Washington by -1 points.
Texas AM At Connecticut pick: Connecticut by -10 points.
Baylor At Virginia Tech pick: Baylor by +4.5 points.
Scott Rickenbach
Atlanta Hawks @ Cleveland Cavaliers
PICK: Atlanta Hawks
Oftentimes the best value with a team in the NBA is when they’re on the road as the point spread tends to get too much shading toward the home team. In other words, if the Hawks were hosting the Cavaliers here, Cleveland would likely be laying a very small number but we’ll be very comfortable grabbing a large number of points in this match-up since the Hawks are at Cleveland. One of the keys here is that the Cavaliers have continued to win games so they’re getting a lot of respect from odds makers and bettors alike. What is somewhat “hidden” here is that many of the wins are coming by tight margins and so there is value right now in going against Cleveland.
From March 1st through March 16th the Cavaliers went 8-1 and yet six of those eight wins came by single digit margins. In fact, Cleveland’s average margin in those six wins was less than five points per victory. This included a one point win at Atlanta on March 1st! That makes this a revenge game for the Hawks and it is also is likely to be a point spread filled with value! This is also a tough scheduling spot for Cleveland. The Cavaliers are off of big games with Orlando Tuesday and Portland Thursday. Also, the Cavs have a road game on deck at New Jersey tomorrow. The Hawks should definitely be able to test Cleveland in this spot! Atlanta, through games of March 16th, had a five game winning streak in place and the last four losses the Hawks have suffered have come by an average margin of just 3 points per defeat. They definitely are playing their best basketball of the season as of games through March 16th and they will be up for LeBron James and Company in this spot! Not only is that because of LeBron, it’s also because this is the only game the Hawks have against a conference opponent from March 14th to March 26th. With the Hawks trying to cling to the #4 spot in the conference plus having revenge here, Atlanta is absolutely going to be a “tough out” for the Cavs to “put away” here. Consider a small play on the HAWKS on Saturday afternoon.
Johnnie's Picks
3/21/09
MLB:
Cincinnati -113
Chi. Cubs +100
Texas -113
Washington/Carolina == O/6
Texas A&M == O/138
W. Kentucky == +11.5
Oklahoma == -6
Purdue == +1.5
Cleveland Cavs == U/185
Ethan Law
Memphis CBB
Wash CBB
M@linsky added
6 TexAM/Uconn Under 138
4 Boston/Memphis Under 191.5
SMTM Sports Picks
3* Baylor +5 in progress
3* UCLA +3
NHL DUNKEL
Buffalo at NY Rangers
The Sabres dropped their third straight last night against Philadelphia and run into a New York team that is 5-2 in March. The Rangers are the pick (-175) according to Dunkel, which has New York favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-175). Here are all of today's picks.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
Game 1-2: Dallas at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 10.796; San Jose 11.168
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-250); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-250); Under
Game 3-4: Toronto at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.621; Montreal 11.113
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-230); 6
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-230); Over
Game 5-6: NY Islanders at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.592; Ottawa 11.463
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-240); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+200); Over
Game 7-8: Columbus at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 12.007; Florida 10.969
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+110); Under
Game 9-10: Buffalo at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.080; NY Rangers 13.070
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-175); Under
Game 11-12: Washington at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.260; Carolina 12.057
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-120); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-120); Over
Game 13-14: Atlanta at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 11.489; Tampa Bay 10.730
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-115); 6
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-105); Over
Game 15-16: Vancouver at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.128; Phoenix 10.615
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-170); Under
Donnie Black
Black Magic: Memphis Under 191.5
Michael Smiley
Washington - Western Kentucky
Lincoln - Maryland
Hamilton - Uconn
Jackson - Oklahoma
Great lakes
5* W Kent
4* Okl
3* Duke
4* Orl
3* Atl
3* Lakers
The Prezz NA
Western Kentucky r529
Gonzaga r530
o143.0 (-110) / 5 units
The Prezz NA
Oklahoma r526
-6.0 (-110) / 5 units
A-Play:
Vegas Hotline - Michigan
Double Play - UCLA
Chip Shots - Gonzaga, Memphis, Chicago Bulls
Maryland at Memphis Mar 21 2009 3:20PM
PICK: Memphis
Your pick will be graded at: -9.5 Belmont
EXPERT: Lee Kostroski
TITLE: 9* HIGHEST RATED MASSIVE MISMATCH- 100% RUN
REASON FOR PICK: PLAY ON 9* Memphis (-) vs. Maryland, Saturday at 3:20 PM EST
The Tigers definitely got their scare in round one. The Cal State Northridge Matadors played mighty Memphis close the entire game until a late spurt by the Tigers gave them an 11-point win. It was a poorly played game by Memphis, especially on the defensive end, and head coach John Calipari was not happy with his team’s effort. After the game he insinuated his team got “a little full of themselves” and didn’t play with the toughness and effort that got them to this point. Calipari will REALLY get his team’s attention during their short one day break and expect the Tigers to play very well on Saturday.
Maryland came out with a nice win in round one over California. The Terps shot very well at 49%, however you must consider the defense they faced. The Bears had allowed an average of 44.2% on the year (203rd nationally) and opposing offenses up 1.002 points per possession on their porous stop unit (200th nationally). Keep in mind, this is not a potent Maryland offense. They shot only 42% on the year overall and just 41% in ACC play (11th in the league). Look for them to come back to earth as they now face off against the best defense in the nation so look for a huge drop off from their previous output. The Tigers allow opponents to shoot only 36.4% and just 0.827 points per possession (both #1 nationally). Prior to Thursday’s game, Memphis had allowed more than 60 points just once in their previous 12 games.
Another huge advantage for Memphis is this game will be rebounding. The Tigers are very strong and athletic up front which resulted in them being one of the best rebounding teams on the country. That’s not a good match up for Maryland who finished 11th in the ACC on the boards. The Terps were actually out rebounded in 9 of their last 10 games. Memphis will get a bunch of extra shots because of their effort on the boards and on defense. That will push them to an easy win on Saturday. Remember, this team is mad and their coach let them have it after Thursday’s win. The Tigers get back to what got them here and coast on Saturday.
Best of Luck, Lee.
Yankee Capper
NHL
Toronto/Montreal Over 6
Vancouver/Phoenix Over 5.5
NBA
Cleveland Cavaliers -8.5
Chicago Bulls +4
NCAA HOOPS
LSU/UNC Over 158
Michigan/Oklahoma Under 135
Villanova -2.5
All Sports Picks
Sens -230
Panthers -125
Paul Leiner:
500* CBB Over 139 UConn/Texas A&M
50* NBA Over 85 Cle/Atl
50* CBB Oklahoma -6.5
50* CBB Texas +7
50* CBB W. Kentucky +10.5
25* CBB Villanova -2
Ferrrringo
3-Unit Play. Take #522 Villanova (-2) over UCLA (1 p.m., Saturday, March 21)
1-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 145.0 UCLA vs. Villanova (1 p.m., Saturday, March 21)
UCLA looked like garbage against VCU on Thursday. The Rams had exactly one player and UCLA couldn't stay with him or stop them. Villanova didn't play much better. But they are still at home, in front of a favorable crowd, playing a West Coast team at 1 p.m. The Wildcats are the better team. And if they play at all up to their capabilities then they should run the Bruins. They have better guards, more interior scoring, and they have competed against better competition all year. This is a short number and a win should cover it.
1-Unit Play. Take #517 Texas (+7.5) over Duke (8 p.m., Saturday, March 21)
Texas's guards are going to get manhandled by Duke. AJ. Abrams is going to get hounded. But this is a type of team - large, athletic, and dominating in the post - that has given the Blue Devils fits in the past. Texas should control the boards and be able to defend the basket. So it's all about whether or not Duke hits their outside shots. I'm ready to bank on UT coming to play today and putting up a fight. Win or lose, I think they can play with the Blue Devils and I think they will.
1-Unit Play. Take #528 Washington (-1.5) over Purdue (5:40 p.m., Saturday, March 21)
1.5-Unit Play. Take 'Under' 140.0 Purdue vs. Washington (5:40 p.m., Saturday, March 21)
I really liked the energy and the passion that Washington played with on Thursday. Their guards are more aggressive and much more experienced. I love it that they are playing in front of, essentially, a home crowd. Mississippi State was playing as well as anyone in the country coming into the tournament and Washington smothered them. Purdue is playing great. I had them as one of a couple teams to come out of this region. But they were lackluster against Northern Iowa and I'm curious how they are going to perform against someone who matches their defensive intensity. We're going with the home team, going with the seniors and experience, and we're going with the team that played better in the opening round.
1.5-Unit Play. Take #526 Oklahoma (-6.5) over Michigan (5 p.m., Saturday, March 21)
I know that everyone thinks that Michigan is super-sleeper and is ready to make a run in this tournament. Well, I'm still not buying. Clemson played awful against the Wolverines on Thursday and didn't come close to exploiting their size advantage on the interior. Oklahoma is going to do that. The Sooners have played these types of perimeter teams before - Baylor and Nebraska come to mind - and they have had great success.
1.5-Unit Play. Take #529 Western Kentucky (+11) over Gonzaga (8 p.m., Saturday, March 21)
Gonzaga is overrated. I mean, Akron was awful and the Zags were in danger of losing to them. They didn't cover the spread in that game and they aren't a legitimate Final Four contender. Gonzaga is soft inside. They are a good team from a small conference and there are plenty of those out there. I didn't think that WKU is much this year. But they've been an ATM machine over the last month and I think that this number is thick.
1-Unit Play. Take #515 LSU (+12.5) over North Carolina (5:45 p.m., Saturday, March 21)
North Carolina put on a display in the first round. But LSU is a team that can actually score with them. The Heels likely won't still have Ty Lawson, and if they do he won't be 100 percent. That's driving the line up and I have to think that the Tigers will at least put up a fight this evening.
1-Unit Play. Take #523 Maryland (+9.5) over Maryland (3:20 p.m., Saturday, March 21)
I think I've made my feelings pretty clear on how I feel about Memphis. They aren't very good, they aren't making it to the Final Four, and I'll be playing against them as long as they are playing. It's about that simple.
DOC
3-Unit PlayTake Atlanta +8 Over Cleveland
3-Unit Play Take New York +11 ½ Over Orlando
4-Unit Play Take Chicago +4 Over LA Lakers
NHL
6 Unit Play.Take Florida -110 over Columbus
Florida gets Columbus at home fighting for that last spot in the eastern conference race. After a flat effort earlier in the week vs the Capitols the Panthers bounced back to beat the Maple Leafs 3-1 breaking a four game losing streak. Florida can't afford to come out flat and to get points in your home building becomes heighten this time of the year. Columbus comes into Florida looking in good shape for the playoffs for their first time in franchise history winners of seven of their last eleven, the Blue Jackets are off a see-saw win vs the Blackhawks and get the Panthers in desperate mode. I think Florida understands the importance of these points with a tough game on deck vs Carolina. I made this number slight higher at Florida being a thirty cent favorite, so I will back the Panthers here tonight.
The Hammer Guaranteed Selections
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2009
MEGA NCAA ROUND TWO TOURNAMENT PLAY OF THE YEAR
527 Purdue +1 5:40 EST
Special K
15* Western Kentucky
Chris James Sports
2* Villanova
2* OKlahoma
2* Washington U
MIKEY SPORTS
4* Magic
3* Bobcats
3* Bulls
Stu's Big Dance 5000 Dime Tournament Games of the Year - Early Edition
UCLA (145) vs Villanova (-2) @ Philadelphia - 1:05 p.m. EST
In what will be a like a home game this afternoon at the Wachovia Center in Philly, Jay Wright's Wildcats will give Ben Howland's Bruins a dose of their own tough-as-nails defense medicine as Villanova pulls away and blasts this UCLA bunch. The Bruins have failed to cover in two straight after just barely surviving against VCU Thursday night. It will be a different story against this Nova team that plays tough, physical defense and will get after this at times offensively-challenged UCLA team. The Bruins can play good defense, too, but they have not been as stout in that department as in recent years as witnessed by UCLA allowing its opponents to make 44.4% percent of their shots this year including 36.3% from beyond the arc. The Cats have three top-notch guards and this team can sink the trey. They've won seven of their last nine straight-up and while UCLA went just 4-7 ATS this year on one day rest, Nova went 10-5 ATS its last 15 versus teams with winning records. The home crowd helped Nova in its second half comeback over American Thursday and they'll be there again to support unsung senior forward Dante Cunningham and the Wildcats as Villanova blows out the Bruins in the second half.
VILLANOVA (-2) 5000 Dime High Roller
Stu's Big Dance 5000 Dime Tournament Games of the Year - Late Edition
Texas A&M (+10) vs UConn (139') @ Philadelphia - 3:35 p.m. EST
UConn just hasn't looked the same since losing floor general Jerome Dyson to a season-ending knee injury and the Huskies will not be able to cover this big number today. In fact, I expect coach Mark Turgeon's Aggies to make the winning plays down the stretch and to win this one outright. The well-balanced Aggies whipped BYU on Thursday and are now on runs of 7-1 SU and 7-2 ATS. They played in the rugged Big 12, which produced two No. 3 seeds and one second-seed for this tournament. Last year they lost to UCLA in the second round in Anaheim. Two years ago they beat Louisville in Lexington. This is a solid team that has covered seven of its last eight Big Dance games and went 10-3 ATS as a dog this year. They've covered three of four against Big East competition and 12 of their last 16 neutral court games, Meanwhile, the Dyson-less Huskies no longer have their best on-ball defender and they got a free pass in the first round in facing a horrid UTC team. Overconfident, UConn, which had dropped two straight on the scoreboard while failing to cover in three straight and six of seven before Thursday, will quickly find that the bulky Aggies will bang with the Huskies inside. Look for big games from both Donald Sloan and Josh Carter as A&M pulls the upset later today.
TEXAS A&M (+10) 5000 Dime High Roller
Stu's 100 Dime Big Dance Five Pack - Game #1
Maryland (131') vs Memphis (-9) @ Kansas City - 3:20 p.m. EST
Here's the deal, outside of Roburt Sallie and his 35 points off the bench, not one Memphis Tiger played up to his potential in the Tigers' opening round win over scrappy Cal State-Northridge. John Calipari's club will not turn in two straight clunkers and the Tigers, winners of 26 straight and 32-3 SU and 21-12 ATS this year, will steamroll this Maryland team that leans way, way too much on one player. Maryland's Greivis Vasquez will see plenty of Tyreke Evans and the Tigers today and the Terps' season comes to a close. Maryland is just 4-7 SU and 3-8 ATS on one or less days rest this year and the much deeper and much more athletic Tigers will win this game by at least 15 points.
MEMPHIS (-9) 100 Dimes
Stu's 100 Dime Big Dance Five Pack - Game #2
Michigan (+6') vs Oklahoma (137) @ Kansas City - 5:50 p.m. EST
The bottom line is that this is just too many points for Oklahoma to cover as the Sooners depend on one player way too much. Of course that one player, Blake Griffin, is a stud, but Michigan is used to playing grind-it-out games in the Big Ten with lots of banging inside. The Sooners got past Morgan State on Thursday, but are still just 3-4 SU and 2-5 ATS in their last seven games and on a 6-9 ATS slide when playing on one or less day's rest. John Beilein's Wolverines have covered seven of their last eight non-conference games and did beat the likes of Duke and UCLA this year. Their quirky offense and unorthodox 1-3-1 zone defense will give the Sooners fits and DeShawn Sims and the Wolverines will easily stay inside this number.
MICHIGAN (+6') 100 Dimes
Stu's 100 Dime Big Dance Five Pack - Game #3
Purdue (139') vs Washington (-1') @ Portland - 5:40 pm EST
Purdue took advantage of a home crowd advantage in Indianapolis last week to win the Big Ten tournament championship, and Washington will take advantage of a home crowd advantage Saturday at the Rose Garden in Portland to win and cover and move onto the Sweet 16. The Boilermakers went 0-2 SU/ATS as a dog this year while Jon Brockman and the Huskies have won four straight and are 7-3 ATS playing on one days rest this season. Washington has a decided edge in the backcourt with Justin Dentmon and Isaiah Thomas the Pac-10 regular season champs will make the plays down the stretch to score this second round win and cover.
WASHINGTON (-1') 100 Dimes
Stu's 100 Dime Big Dance Five Pack - Game #4
LSU (+11) vs North Carolina (157') @ Greensboro - 5:45 pm EST
As per the norm, the Tar Heels are being asked to cover too many points and they will again come up short covering this steep impost. UNC has losing spread marks this year overall, as a favorite and is just 4-10 ATS its last 14 versus teams with winning records. And of course, the status of ACC Player of the Year Ty Lawson is still uncertain as even if he and his much-talked about jammed big toe can go, he will be nowhere near 100 percent. The SEC regular season champion Tigers felt slighted by their seeding for this tournament, but make no mistake, the Bayou Bengals can play. Conference Player of the Year Marcus Thornto will come big as will upperclassmen Garrett Temple and Tasmin Mitchell as the Tigers keep this one close.
LSU (+11) 100 Dimes
Stu's 100 Dime Big Dance Five Pack - Game #5
Western Kentucky (143') vs Gonzaga (-10') @ Portland - 8:10 pm EST
The Hilltoppers won a below average Sun Belt tournament title this year and took advantage of an injured Illinois team Thursday, but Western Kentucky's season comes to a halt tonight as Gonzaga wins this game by at least 15 points. Last year the Bulldogs routed WKU by the tune of 74-51 as the taller and more technically skilled Zags will again handle this Hilltopper team that will not catch Gonzaga off guard. Plenty of Bulldog faithful will be on hand from nearby Spokane and Mark Few's Bulldogs will dominate in the pain in covering this number.
GONZAGA (-10') 100 Dimes
Helmut
3/21/09
CBB
Washington Under 140 -110 (528)
STAN SHARP
TRIPLE DIME
PURDUE +1.5 OVER WASHINGTON @ 540 est
JUST LIKE YESTERDAYS WINNER ON WISCONSIN STAN FEELS THE WRONG TEAM IS FAVORED HERE . PURDUE IS THE BETTER TEAM AND IS ONLY THE UNDERDOG BECAUSE OF THE PERCEPTION THAT THE PAC-10 IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE BIG -10 . PURDUE WINS THIS BY 6-8 POINTS . ** SECOND ROUND G.O.Y. * *
Killer Move has 3 regular plays for Saturday:
North Carolina,
Connecticut
Gonzaga.
KM went 2-0 yesterday, and is 9-2 over the last 7 days
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