Thursday 3-15-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Members post your personal plays in the various sports forums @ IWS and our betting trackers!

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http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...3-NFL-Football (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?53-NFL-Football)

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Camarero

Camarero - Race 3

Pick 4 (3-6) / Exacta / Trifecta / Daily Double 3-4


Claiming $14,000 • 1 Mile • Dirt • Age 3 • CR: 58 • Purse: $7,500 • Post: 3:35P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 20 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 10 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JANUARY 10 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $14,000, FOR EACH $2,000 TO $10,000 1 LB.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Paceless Race. There is no true early speed in this race. * KEY ANGLES * PROSPECT LUCK: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 day s. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. MI SOCIO SALVO: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
5
PROSPECT LUCK
3/1

3/1
2
MI SOCIO SALVO
10/1

3/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
5
PROSPECT LUCK
5

3/1
Stalker
57

49

56.9

54.0

50.0
2
MI SOCIO SALVO
2

10/1
Alternator/Stalker
59

55

52.1

52.1

47.1
4
FUEGO SALVAJE
4

2/1
Trailer
50

45

32.0

32.0

23.0
1
FIGHT FOR RAGS
1

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

58.8

24.6

15.6
3
SWAGGER STRIKE
3

5/2
Alternator/Non-contender
68

61

56.6

56.6

54.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Fair Grounds

Fair Grounds - Race 4

Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6) / Daily Double


Claiming $5,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 58 • Purse: $14,000 • Post: 2:34P
FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 15 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * TOM AND ED'S GIRL: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. TONI'S VOW: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. THATS ROGER SONG: Today is a sprin t and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.
8
TOM AND ED'S GIRL
3/1

5/2
3
TONI'S VOW
12/1

8/1
9
THATS ROGER SONG
5/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
8
TOM AND ED'S GIRL
8

3/1
Front-runner
64

55

60.0

51.8

48.8
6
INDIAN BAYOU
6

9/2
Front-runner
53

44

51.6

35.1

17.1
9
THATS ROGER SONG
9

5/1
Alternator/Stalker
54

52

53.4

41.0

27.0
2
PUTSUMDIRTONIT
2

9/2
Alternator/Stalker
56

42

37.8

42.4

35.4
1
ESTRELLA
1

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
56

47

35.8

44.0

33.5
5
FANTASY FRILLS
5

20/1
Trailer
50

55

29.4

37.0

21.5
3
TONI'S VOW
3

12/1
Trailer
61

46

21.6

45.4

36.9
10
REESE'S GLORY
10

20/1
Alternator/Trailer
66

58

25.0

35.8

24.3
4
THAT'S A SONG
4

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
54

52

65.8

30.4

18.4
7
ROMAN BIRD
7

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
46

43

61.8

38.8

24.8
11
LIL MISS GREY
11

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
47

45

36.0

36.6

20.6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Oaklawn Park

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

Race 9 - Allowance - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $79000 Class Rating: 81

FOR ARKANSAS BRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JANUARY 15, 2018 ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 GEORGIA'S REWARD 6/5

# 12 FIREWATER ROCKET 7/2

# 14 BEAUTIFUL HONDURAS 4/1

GEORGIA'S REWARD has a quite good shot to take this race. Looks solid for the conditions of this outing today, showing solid numbers in dirt sprint races lately. Could beat this field given the 91 Equibase speed fig put up in her last outing. May best this field here, showing very strong numbers of late. FIREWATER ROCKET - Has to be given a chance here on the basis of the numbers in the speed department alone. Handler has solid win rate (20 percent) at this distance and surface.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #2 - Post: 6:27pm - Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,800 Class Rating: 68

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 MYDRINKSELECTION (ML=5/1)


MYDRINKSELECTION - This filly shows a classic pattern of layoff, two sprints, and stretching to a route today. That last race at 6 furlongs was too short. She'll love the added distance today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #10 IMMERSE (ML=3/1), #8 SOUTHERN TOUCH (ML=9/2), #7 BLACKBIRDHASSPOKEN (ML=6/1),

IMMERSE - Unlikely that the speed fig she notched on February 23rd will be enough in this affair. SOUTHERN TOUCH - This thoroughbred likes to hit the board, but doesn't usually get the job done. Leave out of the top spot. This mare earned a speed figure in her last event which probably isn't good enough in today's race. BLACKBIRDHASSPOKEN - If you keep betting these sort of 'hanger' types, you're going to be frustrated most of the time.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - MYDRINKSELECTION - Took a drop in class in the last race at Parx Racing. Stays at the same class level today. Look for a strong performance.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #6 MYDRINKSELECTION to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
6 with [3,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Remington Park

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

Race 2 - Claiming - 870y on the Dirt. Purse: $14000 Class Rating: 75

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


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 APOLLO ROCKS 8/5

# 5 V OS FILO 6/1

# 1 BLUE EFFORTS 5/2

APOLLO ROCKS has a formidable shot to take this race. Very good choice to take this race going in a longer quarter horse. Has posted sound speed figs in longer quarter horse races in the past. V OS FILO - He has earned very good figures under today's conditions and will probably fare well versus this group of horses in this race. Ran a sharp last race. BLUE EFFORTS - Had one of the best speed figures of this group of horses in this race in his last contest. This bunch is much easier than the last one he faced.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Santa Anita - Race #4 - Post: 1:38pm - Maiden Special - 6.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $54,000 Class Rating: 90

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 WARM IT UP (ML=6/1)
#3 PULPITINTHESKY (ML=7/2)


WARM IT UP - Aguayo has this filly entered in the ideal event. PULPITINTHESKY - Out of the money finish last out at Golden Gate Fields was better than it looked on paper. She improved position down the lane and never gave up. Filly's last race was against tougher open company. She's in with easier 'state breds' today. This filly should improve after adding Lasix in the last race and getting it again today. This race horse has to be one of the key horses in your gambling. Her trainer Glatt excels in prepping horses to race on turf from the dirt.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 BELLA SIERRA (ML=9/2), #2 WHOA NESSIE (ML=5/1), #1 ACCEPTED (ML=6/1),

BELLA SIERRA - No picnic to back any steed in a short distance race if she hasn't hit the board in a sprint in the last 60 days. WHOA NESSIE - In all probability won't make much of an impact today. ACCEPTED - Would have to get quite a bit more than the morning line odds of 6/1 to wager on this thoroughbred.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 WARM IT UP to win at post-time odds of 7/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Rhode Island Rams Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

11th March 2018 by Gracenote
In what may go down as one of the more controversial selections of the NCAA Tournament, Oklahoma not only made it but garnered a No. 10 seed and will meet No. 7 Rhode Island on Thursday in the Midwest Region in Pittsburgh. The Sooners went 6-12 down the stretch and were bounced from the Big 12 Tournament in the first round but will still get to face the Rams, who are the Atlantic 10 regular-season champions.

The fact that they play in a major conference that sent seven teams to the tournament and have Freshman of the Year candidate Trae Young certainly helped the Sooners, who were the only team in the field, including First Four teams, to make it with fewer than 19 victories. Young led the nation in scoring (27.4 points per game) and assists (8.8) while grabbing 3.9 rebounds for coach Lon Kruger. The 6-2 guard helped his team to a 12-1 start, including three wins over ranked teams, but things started to go south in mid-January. The Rams, who were unable to capture a second straight Atlantic 10 Tournament title, got a tough draw, including a possible second-round game with No. 2 seed Duke, for a team that won 25 games, including its first 13 in the Atlantic 10.

TV: 12:15 p.m. ET, CBS

ABOUT OKLAHOMA (18-13): Everyone knows what Young can do, but it's the rest of the team that will decide if the Sooners can advance out of the first round after missing the tournament last season. Junior guard Christian James had been solid with seven straight games in double figures before going scoreless in the Sooner's 71-60 loss to Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament. Freshman forward Brady Manek is the only other player averaging in double figures for Kruger, but has only scored more than nine points once in the past seven games.

ABOUT RHODE ISLAND (25-7): Redshirt senior E.C. Matthews recorded 20 points and eight rebounds, but the Rams lost their second low-scoring game to Davidson in the last two weeks in the Atlantic 10 final. Dan Hurley's team is well-rounded with a top scorer in Jared Terrell, a defensive specialist in Stanford Robinson and a solid point guard and leader in Jeff Dowtin. Andre Berry, Cyril Langevine and Jarvis Garrett also see considerable playing time for the Rams, who are in the tournament in back-to-back seasons for the first time since going to three straight from 1997-1999.

TIP-INS

1. The Sooners made the Final Four in 2016 and the Sweet 16 in 2015 under Kruger, who has been to the tournament 17 times with five schools.

2. The Rams are 7-9 in the NCAA Tournament, including a win last season over Creighton.

3. The winner plays Duke or No. 15 seed Iona in Saturday's second round.

PREDICTION: Rhode Island 87, Oklahoma 83

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wright St. Raiders vs. Tennessee Volunteers Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

11th March 2018 by Gracenote
Third-seeded Tennessee looks to make a splash in the NCAA Tournament when it faces No. 14 seed Wright State in the first round of the South Regional on Thursday in Dallas, Texas. The Volunteers won over 20 games in the regular season for the first time since 2013-14 before advancing to the SEC Tournament final where they suffered a 77-72 loss to Kentucky on Sunday, and hope to live up to their lofty seed in their first-ever meeting with the Raiders.

"To have the kind of year to put yourself in position to play in the tournament is in itself a great accomplishment," Tennessee coach Rick Barnes told reporters. "I'm really proud of the guys to put us in that position." Wright State won three straight games en route to the Horizon League Tournament title and clinched its first NCAA Tournament berth in 11 years. The Raiders set a school record with 25 wins, but have dropped their last three meetings with SEC opponents by an average margin of 13 points and hope to buck the trend by notching their first NCAA Tournament win in program history. "It will be my job to bring them back down to earth and then get them to really believe it can happen," Wright State coach Scott Nagy told reporters. "I've seen teams at our level do it."

TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, truTV

ABOUT WRIGHT STATE (25-9): Grant Benzinger was named the Most Valuable Player of the Horizon League Tournament after averaging 14 points and 9.6 rebounds in victories over Green Bay, Milwaukee and Cleveland State. Benzinger led the way with 19 points, nine rebounds and three steals in the 74-57 win against the Vikings in the championship game while Cole Gentry and Jaylon Hall each added 11 points. Loudon Love was named to the All-Tournament team after averaging 14.6 points and 10.3 rebounds, including nine points in the final, to set a freshman record for points in a season previously held by Bill Edwards in 1990.

ABOUT TENNESSEE (25-8): Junior forward Admiral Schofield was named to the All-SEC Tournament team after averaging 17 points and 8.3 rebounds over three games. Schofield scored 22 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in the loss to Kentucky in the title game to notch his third double-double of the season while Grant Williams, who was named the SEC Player of the Year, added 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Jordan Bone tallied 12 points and reigning SEC Co-Sixth Man of the Year Lamonte Turner scored 10, but it wasn't enough as the Volunteers were held to 37.1 percent shooting.

TIP-INS

1. Tennessee has won six of its last seven games.

2. Love has posted 14 double-doubles this season.

3. The winner will play Miami or Loyola-Chicago in the second round Saturday.

PREDICTION: Tennessee 84, Wright State 70

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NC-Greensboro Spartans vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

11th March 2018 by Gracenote
When fourth-seeded Gonzaga faces No. 13 seed UNC Greensboro on Thursday in the first round of the West Region at Boise, Idaho, the Zags might have flashbacks to their former Cinderella days. Gonzaga, making its 20th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, enters as confident favorites against upset-minded UNC Greensboro, which is making its first trip to the Big Dance since 2001.

Five players average double figures in scoring for Gonzaga, which claimed its sixth consecutive West Coast Conference Tournament championship with Tuesday's 74-54 victory over BYU. The Zags fell in last season's NCAA championship game and figured to take a step back after losing four of their top five scorers, but coach Mark Few reloaded and saw his team reach the 30-win mark for the fourth time in six seasons. The Zags dominated at the WCC Tournament in Las Vegas with three wins by an average of 20.7 points, with sophomore forward Killian Tillie averaging 24.0 points on a remarkable 77.8 percent shooting to win tournament MVP honors. While the Zags are aiming for another deep run, they'll need to be careful not to overlook UNC Greensboro, which boasts a veteran backcourt and ranks sixth in the nation in scoring defense at 62.4 points per game.

TV: 1:20 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT UNC GREENSBORO (27-7): The Spartans earned an automatic bid after point guard Demetrius Troy and forward Jordy Kuiper scored 13 points apiece in a 62-47 victory over East Tennessee State in the Southern Conference Tournament championship game. The team's leading scorers, guard Francis Alonso and forward Marvin Smith, were held to a combined 13 points on 3-for-18 shooting in the title game, but the Spartans' stingy defense proved to be the difference. James Dickey, a 6-foot-10 sophomore, made the all-tournament team and will be a key factor against Gonzaga's formidable front line.

ABOUT GONZAGA (30-4): The Zags dominated the All-WCC selections as forwards Johnathan Williams and Rui Hachimura were named to the First Team along with guard Josh Perkins, while freshman guard Zach Norvell Jr. was named Newcomer of the Year. Williams, one of two seniors in the starting lineup, led the team in scoring at 13.5 points per game and had 10 points and 13 rebounds to help the Zags pull away from BYU. "That last 20 minutes was scary, and fun to be part of," Perkins told reporters. "If we keep doing that, the sky is the limit for this group. I'm feeling really confident going into the NCAA Tournament."

TIP-INS

1. The winner will play No. 5 seed Ohio State or No. 12 South Dakota in Saturday's second round.

2. Gonzaga ranks ninth in the country in scoring at 84.5 points per game and second in scoring margin at plus-17.4 while one of seven teams nationally to shoot better than 50 percent (50.3).

3. UNC Greensboro closed the season by winning 11 of its 12 final games, including six straight.

PREDICTION: Gonzaga 74, UNC Greensboro 61

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pennsylvania Quakers vs. Kansas Jayhawks Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

11th March 2018 by Gracenote
Pennsylvania's reward for winning the Ivy League is a No. 16 seed and a date in the NCAA Tournament with top-seeded Kansas in Wichita, Kan., on Thursday. The Jayhawks earned the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region by winning their 11th Big 12 tournament, which came a week after they sewed up at least a share of their 14th consecutive Big 12 regular-season crown.

Kansas was throwing up some inconsistent performances before going into the Big 12 championship game and knocking off West Virginia 81-70. "I think it should give us confidence moving forward," Jayhawks coach Bill Self told reporters after the win. "The best thing that can happen for our team right now is to get some rest, but to try to somewhat bottle the energy and how well we played together today." Kansas earned a No. 1 seed for the third straight season and the eighth time in the last 12 NCAA Tournaments while making its 29th consecutive Tournament appearance. The Quakers are not quite as storied a program when it comes to March Madness and are returning for the first time since 2007 after knocking off Harvard 68-65 in the Ivy League title game Sunday.


TV: 1:50 p.m. ET, TBS

ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA (24-8): The Quakers are bidding to become the first No. 16 seed to knock off a No. 1 in the NCAA Tournament and were surprised to get this far. "Honestly, I didn't even dream about this, I didn't think we could do it," Pennsylvania coach Steve Donahue told reporters after the win in the Ivy League title game. "I drove home last night saying, 'I gotta get that out of my head, I gotta show some confidence. I didn't think it was possible for us to get to the NCAA Tournament until that horn went off. In a building I grew up in, and watching the kids storm the floor for our guys, it's magic." The Quakers have four scorers averaging double figures, led by sophomore guard Ryan Betley (14.4 points).

ABOUT KANSAS (27-7): The Jayhawks are led by Big 12 Player of the Year Devonte' Graham but have five players averaging at least 12 points, and watched sophomore guard Malik Newman step up in the Big 12 tournament while averaging 24 points and winning Most Outstanding Player honors. "He has had a great attitude," Self told reporters of Newman. "He works hard. He's really starting to understand exactly how he needs to play in order for him to have total confidence and freedom, and I think he's buying into that better than he has all year long." Graham handed out 13 assists in the Big 12 title game and is averaging 9.8 over the last five contests.

TIP-INS

1. Kansas C Udoka Azubuike (sprained knee) missed the Big 12 Tournament but is expected back Thursday.

2. Pennsylvania's last NCAA Tournament win came in 1994.

3. The Jayhawks fell in the regional final in each of the last two seasons.

PREDICTION: Kansas 92, Pennsylvania 68

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Iona Gaels vs. Duke Blue Devils Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
With one of the most talented freshman classes in recent NCAA history, Duke earned a No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils take aim at another deep run through the bracket beginning with Thursday's date with 15th-seeded Iona in Pittsburgh.

This is the 23rd straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament for Duke, which finished second in the ACC during the regular season and then fell to rival North Carolina in the semifinals of the league tournament. Marvin Bagley Jr. (21.1 points, 11.5 rebounds per game) and Wendell Carter Jr. (13.8, 9.3) highlight the Blue Devils' young front line, while Gary Trent Jr. (14.3 points, 85 3-pointers) is their top freshman on the perimeter. Grayson Allen (15.7 points) helped Duke secure a national championship as a freshman and is back for a final go-round in hopes of bookending his career with NCAA Tournament titles. The first team in his path is a Gaels squad that won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference as the No. 4 seed in the league tournament.

TV: 2:45 p.m., ET, CBS

ABOUT IONA (20-13): The Gaels average nearly 80 points per game and were led in the MAAC championship game by a pair of transfers, Roland Griffin and Zach Lewis. Griffin, who averages 10.9 points, exploded for 29 in the title game, while Lewis had 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals. Five Iona players average at least 10 points per game, led by Rickey McGill (13.5), who made only 5-of-22 shots during the league tournament, although he had a career-high 40 points in the regular-season finale.

ABOUT DUKE (26-7): The Blue Devils will continue to feed the 6-11 Bagley, who has three straight double-doubles and is averaging 24.3 points and 15 rebounds over that stretch. Trent led the team with 20 points in the loss to North Carolina, while Carter pitched in 14 points and nine boards in a game where only four players scored for Duke, as Bagley added 19 and Allen 16. First-year point guard Trevon Duval was 0-of-6 from the field versus the Tar Heels and has not scored more than seven points in any of his last six games.

TIP-INS

1. The winner of this game will match up with either No. 7 Rhode Island or No. 10 Oklahoma in the Round of 32.

2. The Blue Devils have won five national championships and have advanced to the Final Four 12 times.

3. Duke ranks eighth nationally in scoring (84.7), and six of their top seven scorers have made at least 19 3-pointers.

PREDICTION: Duke 91, Iona 70

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Loyola-Chicago Ramblers vs. Miami-Florida Hurricanes Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

11th March 2018 by Gracenote
Miami would love nothing more than to rebound from last year's poor showing at the NCAA Tournament - and has already gone through plenty of big-game moments in preparation - as it faces Loyola-Chicago in the first round of the South Region on Thursday at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The sixth-seeded Hurricanes are also hoping to get a boost with the possible return of Bruce Brown Jr.

The Hurricanes gave fans more than their share of thrills to close out the regular season, winning each of their final four games by a combined eight points - a stretch that included a three-point triumph over North Carolina and a one-point victory over Virginia Tech. But whatever heroics Miami displayed over that stretch ran out when the ACC Tournament got underway as the Hurricanes were trounced 82-65 by the Tar Heels. Miami's quest for a first Final Four appearance begins against the No. 11 Ramblers, who locked up their sixth tournament berth in school history - and first since 1985 - by claiming the Missouri Valley Conference title. The Ramblers won the national title in 1963, but have won only four tournament games since.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, truTV

ABOUT LOYOLA-CHICAGO (28-5): The Ramblers ended their 33-year NCAA Tournament drought by playing some of the most relentless defense in the nation - they allowed the fifth-fewest points in the country (62.2) while limiting opponents to fewer than 10 made free throws per game. And Loyola-Chicago's offense wasn't so bad either as it boasted a 57.8-percent effective shooting rate that ranked in the top 10 nationally. Five players averaged double figures in scoring this season, led by Clayton Custer's 13.4 points as he'll be looking to end a frightful offensive slump that has seen him held to a total of 23 points over his past four games while shooting 4-for-20 from beyond the arc over that stretch.

ABOUT MIAMI (22-9): Brown's return would invigorate the Hurricanes' offense and rebounding as he ranks tied for second on the roster in scoring at 11.4 points while contributing a team-best 7.1 boards. But Miami hasn't had to worry much in his absence, boasting seven players who average between 8.7 and 11.5 points per game, but the Hurricanes will need to be much better from the free-throw line, where they ranked last in the ACC at 66.3 percent this season. Look for the Hurricanes to put plenty of pressure on Loyola-Chicago in the early going as Miami allowed just over 30 first-half points per game this season, ranking inside the top 30 in the country in that category.

TIP-INS

1. Brown leads the team in average playing time at 33.7 minutes.

2. Loyola-Chicago enters the NCAA Tournament on a 10-game winning streak.

3. Custer reached double figures in 14 straight games prior to his four-game scoring funk.

PREDICTION: Miami 75, Loyola-Chicago 71

[Can'tPickAWinner]

South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs. Ohio St Buckeyes Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

11th March 2018 by Gracenote
Ohio State owns the higher seed and the more recognizable name, but South Dakota State has more recent NCAA Tournament experience on its ledger entering their first-round West Regional matchup Thursday. That's the challenge awaiting the fifth-seeded Buckeyes as they take on the 12th-seeded Jackrabbits in Boise, Idaho.


A No. 12 seed has beaten a No. 5 seed in nine of the last 10 NCAA Tournaments, and 12s have won 11 of the last 24 such first-round matchups overall. The Buckeyes, who earned an at-large bid out of the Big Ten, are making their 28th Big Dance appearance overall but their first since 2015 under former coach Thad Matta. South Dakota State, meanwhile, captured an automatic NCAA bid by winning the Summit League championship and also finished first in the conference with a 13-1 league record during the regular season. It will be the third straight NCAA Tournament appearance for the Jackrabbits and fifth in the last seven seasons for the program which moved up to the Division I level in 2005.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, TNT


ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA STATE (28-6): The Jackrabbits, guided by second-year coach T.J. Otzelberger, won their 11th straight game with a 97-87 victory over South Dakota in the Summit League championship game, and also notched wins over the Big Ten's Iowa (80-72) and the SEC's Ole Miss (99-97) during non-conference play. South Dakota State does boast a national-headline name in 6-9 junior forward Mike Daum who paced the Summit League in scoring (23.8 points per game) and rebounding (10.4) while connecting on a team-most 91 pointers on 216 attempts (42.1 percent). Guards David Jenkins Jr. (16.1 points) and Reed Tellinghuisen (12.1) also average double figures for South Dakota State, which ranks sixth nationally with 84.9 points per game and shoots 40.3 percent as a team from 3-point range (12th nationally).

ABOUT OHIO STATE (24-8): The Buckeyes have had a stronger-than-expected season under new coach Chris Holtmann, finishing in a tie for second in the Big Ten at 15-3 before getting upended by Penn State in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament. That 69-68 loss March 2 in New York was the third defeat in five games for Ohio State, which boasts four double-digit scorers, led by 6-7 junior forward Keita Bates-Diop, the Big Ten's Player of the Year who averages 19.4 points and 8.8 rebounds. Forward Jae'Sean Tate (12.5 points), guard C.J. Jackson (12.2) and freshman forward Kaleb Wesson (10.8) also average double digits for the Buckeyes, who finished fourth in the conference by averaging 75.8 points per outing.


TIP-INS

1. The Ohio State roster only features seven combined games of NCAA Tournament experience and two combined starts, both by Tate, but Holtmann guided Butler to the Big Dance in each of his three seasons as the Bulldogs' coach.

2. South Dakota State is 0-4 all-time in NCAA Tournament play after suffering first-round losses to Gonzaga (66-46) and Maryland (79-74) as a 16th and 12th seeds, respectively, the last two seasons.

3. Daum has posted a double-double in five straight games and 12 of his last 13 contests and has averaged 16.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in his previous two NCAA tourney games.


PREDICTION: Ohio State 76, South Dakota State 73

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NC State Wolfpack vs. Seton Hall Pirates Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

11th March 2018 by Gracenote
Ninth-seeded North Carolina State takes on eighth-seeded Seton Hall in the first-round of the Midwest Region from Wichita, Kan., on Thursday. The Wolfpack and Pirates had successful regular seasons but both are coming off early losses in their conference tournaments, with N.C. State losing to Boston College 91-87 in its first ACC tournament game and Seton Hall being upset by Butler 75-74 in its opening match at the Big East Conference tournament.

N.C. State scored 56 second-half points as it erased a 14-point halftime deficit but BC's Jerome Robinson broke a tie with 17 seconds remaining and then forced a turnover on an inbounds play to give the Eagles the upset win. "Every time we made a basket, they would come down and make a basket," N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts told reporters after the game after he watched his team tie the contest five times late in the second half but saw its only lead on the game's opening basket. Seton Hall's loss in the Big East quarterfinal was a heartbreaker as Khadeen Carrington converted a three-point play with 11 seconds to play, giving the Pirates a one-point lead, but Butler's Tyler Wideman scored on a putback with 4 seconds remaining to give the Bulldogs the win. "It's a tough loss," Carrington told reporters after the game. "You never want to lose, but I feel like everyone put it out on the floor, but we knew it was going to be a tough battle when we came in, so it was a tough Big East game."

TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, TBS

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA STATE (21-11): Senior guard Allerik Freeman, the team's leading scorer at 15.4 points per game, had a team-high 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting -- including 5-of-7 from behind the arc -- against the Eagles while All-ACC third-team center Omer Yurtseven added 20 points and nine rebounds. Markell Johnson, the ACC assists leader with 7.4 per game, had 10 points and six helpers, but also committed a crucial mistake when he asked for a timeout with 7.3 seconds left even though the Wolfpack didn't have any, resulting in a technical foul and two made free throws for BC. "I knew in my head we didn't have any," Johnson told reporters after the loss. "I was so caught up in the game."

ABOUT SETON HALL (21-11): The Pirates are a veteran team that features four senior starters, including Carrington and leading scorer Desi Rodriguez who averages 17.8 points and 4.9 rebounds. And then there's senior center Angel Delgado, the Big East's all-time leader in rebounds and just the second player in history to lead the Big East in rebounding in three different seasons. But don't sleep on sophomore guard Myles Powell who was named the Big East Most Improved Player after averaging 15.4 points per game -- second-most on the team -- and is shot 38.5 percent from behind the 3-point arc this season.

TIP-INS

1. Seton Hall has lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in each of the last two seasons and hasn't won a tournament game since 2004.

2. The Pirates average 38.2 rebounds per game, third in the Big East.

3. The Wolfpack have allowed opponents to shoot at a generous 46-percent clip this season.

PREDICTION: North Carolina State 82, Seton Hall 80

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Radford Highlanders vs. Villanova Wildcats Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
Top-seeded Villanova starts the quest for a second NCAA Tournament championship in three years when it when takes on No. 16 seed Radford in the first round of the East Region on Thursday in Pittsburgh. The Wildcats take a five-game winning streak into the Big Dance after outlasting Providence 76-66 in overtime in the Big East title game and set their sights on the Highlanders, who advanced out of the First Four on Tuesday.

"The biggest challenge is always this first game," Villanova coach Jay Wright told ESPN. "One game at a time." Wildcats junior guard Jalen Brunson, the Big East Player of the Year, matched his career high with 31 points in the conference title game and leads the nation's most productive offense that boasts six players averaging in double figures, 87.1 points per contest and 388 made 3-pointers - second-most in the country. Villanova, which is the top seed in the East for the third time in four seasons, will face a Radford team that has won a program record 23 games and lost to Ohio State, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech earlier in the season. Ed Polite Jr. and Carlik Jones each notched double-doubles as the Highlanders won their first NCAA Tournament game by knocking off LIU Brooklyn 71-61 in Dayton on Tuesday.

TV: 6:50 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT RADFORD (23-12): Polite, a junior forward, leads the team in scoring (13.5), rebounds (7.9) and steals (1.9) while going over 1,100 points for his career after scoring 13 on Tuesday. Jones, a freshman who drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer in the Big South Tournament final to send the Highlanders to the NCAA Tournament for the third time, averages 11.8 points (13.5 in the last four) and 3.1 assists. Sophomore guard Travis Fields Jr. is averaging 12 points in the last three games (12-for-18 from the field) to push his season mark to 6.3.

ABOUT VILLANOVA (30-4): Brunson averages team highs of 19.4 points and 4.7 assists while draining 53.1 percent from the field and fellow junior guard Mikal Bridges (18.0 points, 52.1 from the field) is scoring 23 per game over the last five. Junior guard Phil Booth, who missed seven games with a hand injury earlier this season, is also a major threat but must recover from an 0-for-5 shooting effort in the Big East final. The Wildcats will also need a big tournament from sophomore guard Donte DiVicenzo (13.1 points), but he has scored only 6.3 per game in his last three outings.

TIP-INS

1. Villanova junior F Eric Paschall is averaging 11.3 points and 8.3 rebounds - both above his season marks - over the last four games.

2. It's the first meeting between the schools and the winner plays Virginia Tech or Alabama in Saturday's second round.

3. The Wildcats are making their 13th NCAA Tournament appearance in 14 seasons and are 21-11 in that stretch.

PREDICTION: Villanova 92, Radford 62

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Davidson Wildcats vs. Kentucky Wildcats Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

11th March 2018 by Gracenote
Davidson stole an NCAA Tournament bid from a bubble team with a surprising run to the Atlantic 10 tournament title and is looking for its first Tournament win since Stephen Curry led Davidson to the 2008 Elite Eight. Standing in the way is fifth-seeded Kentucky, which rolled to the SEC tournament title and hosts No. 12 seed Davidson in the first round of the South regional in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday.

Davidson picked up its first A-10 tournament title by knocking off top-seeded Rhode Island in the title game and cruises into its 14th NCAA Tournament with wins in four straight, during which it allowed an average of 62 points. Davidson won 11 of its last 13 games to come into March Madness hot and will lean on defense after forcing the Rams into 14 turnovers and 38.5 percent shooting in Sunday's 58-57 triumph. That defense will have its work cut out for it against Kentucky, which is averaging 80.4 points over its last eight games and features four players averaging double figures in scoring. "Every situation and experience is new to them, so you don't really know what they're going to do, and we need as many of these kinds of things as we can going into next weekend," Kentucky coach John Calipari told reporters of his young team. "So proud of them. Really proud of them."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBS

ABOUT DAVIDSON (21-11): Davidson will counter Kentucky's young, balanced attack with some experienced scoring in senior forward Peyton Aldridge, who averages over 21 points and was named the co-Player of the Year in the Atlantic 10. Aldridge was held to 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting in Sunday's win over Rhode Island but went over 30 points five times on the season, including a 45-point outburst in a triple-overtime loss at St. Bonaventure on Feb. 27 - the team's lone setback in the last nine contests. Davidson can't match Kentucky's young talent but does have a freshman in guard Kellan Grady averaging over 18 points.

ABOUT KENTUCKY (24-10): Freshman guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 29 points in Sunday's SEC championship game win over Tennessee and is averaging 18.4 points over the last seven games. The Canada native is also emerging as a team leader due to his hard work. "He will miss guys sometimes, but he's gotten so much better," Calipari told reporters of Gilgeous-Alexander. "But it's taken film and practice and talks and one-on-ones. The kid is a great kid in trying to do the right thing. These kids know, if a guy's - it's hard to lead if you're not the hardest guy working it. It's hard to lead if you're not the first one in there. It's hard to lead if you're not a guy that's capable to go on the court and win games. I'm not following you. Who wants to follow you? I mean, you've got to be that guy."

TIP-INS

1. Kentucky fell in the Elite Eight last season and last made the Final Four in 2015, which capped a run of four consecutive Final Fours.

2. Davidson bowed out in the first round in each of its last three NCAA Tournament appearances - 2012, 2013 and 2015.

3. Kentucky beat Davidson 75-55 in the first round of the 1986 NCAA Tournament - the only other time the teams faced off in March.

PREDICTION: Kentucky 75, Davidson 68

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Diego St. Aztecs vs. Houston Cougars Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

11th March 2018 by Gracenote
Sixth-seeded Houston will have to cool off red-hot San Diego State to win its first NCAA Tournament game in 34 years. The 11th-seeded Aztecs head to Thursday's West Region first-round game in Wichita, Kan., on a nine-game win streak.

San Diego State's streak includes two victories against Mountain West Conference regular-season champ - and NCAA Tournament at-large pick - Nevada and Saturday's 82-75 win against New Mexico in the conference tournament finals. A healthy and full roster has helped the Aztecs - who feature balanced scoring from the starting five and the bench - get hot at the right time. The Cougars are in the Big Dance for the first time since 2010 and haven't won a tournament game since reaching the championship game in 1984. Senior guard Rob Gray leads a high-scoring Houston squad that can also play tough defense, allowing 64.9 points.

TV: 7:20 p.m. ET, TBS

ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE (22-10): Senior forward Malik Pope - who missed one game after his name was included in a report for possible impermissible benefits but was later cleared by his school - leads the Aztecs with 12.9 points and 6.6 rebounds. Freshmen forwards Jalen McDaniels (10.2 points, 7.5 rebounds) and Matt Mitchell (10.7, 4.0) give the Aztecs additional options in the frontcourt, while senior playmaker Trey Kell - who had a career-high 28 points in Saturday's title game - does a little bit of everything with 10.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals. Junior guard Devin Watson (12.3 points, 3.8 assists) is the fifth Wolf Pack starter averaging double digits.

ABOUT HOUSTON (26-7): Gray leads the Cougars with 18.5 points and 4.5 assists, while senior forward Devin Davis adds 10.8 points and a team-best 6.2 rebounds. Junior Corey Davis Jr. contributes 13.5 points while shooting 44 percent from the 3-point line and sophomore Armoni Brooks - the American Athletic Conference's Sixth Man of the Year - adds 9.8 points and shoots 42.3 percent beyond the arc. The Cougars can get defensive - holding opponents to 39.6 percent shooting, forcing 13.3 turnovers and control the boards - as shown in Sunday's 56-55 loss to Cincinnati in the AAC championship.

TIP-INS

1. Corey Davis Jr. led the AAC with 3.1 made 3-pointers and the Cougars average 8.6 3s per game. They went 7-of-23 in Sunday's loss to Cincinnati.

2. The Aztecs went to the NCAA Tournament six straight years (2010-2015) - winning at least one game four times - before missing the past two tournaments.

3. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson is one of 14 coaches to take four schools (Washington State, Oklahoma, Indiana, Houston) to the NCAA Tournament.

PREDICTION: Houston 70, San Diego State 62

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

11th March 2018 by Gracenote
Texas Tech didn't win the Big 12 regular-season or tournament title, but it did earn a favorable NCAA Tournament draw. The Red Raiders, third-seeded in the East region, will stay in the Lone Star State to open the Big Dance in Dallas, facing 14th-seeded and in-state foe Stephen F. Austin on Thursday.


Coach Chris Beard's Red Raiders finished second in the Big 12 behind perennial champion Kansas and beat Texas 73-69 in their Big 12 Tournament opener before falling to third-seeded West Virginia 66-63 in the semifinals. Overall, Texas Tech enters the NCAA Tourney with a 24-9 record - its first 20-win season in 11 years and its most wins since a school-record 30-2 season in 1995-96. It also will be the second NCAA Tournament appearance in the last decade for the Red Raiders and their first since 2016 when coach Tubby Smith's eighth-seeded squad was upended 71-61 in the first round by ninth-seeded Butler. Stephen F. Austin, located in Nacogdoches, Texas, also has punched its first Big Dance ticket since 2016 and got there by winning the Southland Conference tournament title as a third seed.

TV: 7:27 p.m. ET, truTV

ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN (28-6): The Lumberjacks enter the NCAA Tournament - their fourth appearance in the last five years - with 10 wins in the their last 11 games, including a 59-55 upset win over top-seeded Southeast Louisiana in the Southland championship game. Forward T.J. Holyfield closed the Southland Tournament with consecutive double-doubles and averages 13.0 points and a team-best 6.4 rebounds per game. Guards Shannon Bogues (15.4 points) and Kevon Harris (14.6) also average double figures with the latter shooting a team-best 43.2 percent from 3-point range, which ranked second in the Southland.

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (24-9): The Red Raiders started 14-1 and were 22-4 a little more than a month later when they climbed to No. 6 in the national polls - the high-water mark in program history. But guard Keenan Evans, the team's leading scorer at 17.5 points, suffered a toe injury in a Feb. 17 loss to Baylor and totaled only 12 points in the school's final four games in February, including a Feb. 26 contest at West Virginia where he sat out entirely, contributing heavily to Texas Tech's four-game tailspin entering March. Evans has averaged 20.3 points in the Red Raiders' three games since and is joined by freshmen guards Jarrett Culver (11.7, team-best 4.8 rebounds) and Zhaire Smith (11.2) in double figures on the season.


TIP-INS

1. Texas Tech has won eight of the nine meetings over the last 21 years, but the two teams haven't met since 2011.

2. The key matchup will be the Lumberjacks' offense, tied for 35th nationally with 81.1 points per game, against the Red Raiders' defense, which led the Big 12 and is tied for 17th nationally with 64.7 points allowed per contest.

3. In two of their last three NCAA tourney appearances, the Lumberjacks have notched first-round upsets as a 13th and 12th seed, respectively, beating West Virginia (70-56 in 2016) and VCU (77-75 in 2014).


PREDICTION: Texas Tech 72, Stephen F. Austin 68

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Raptors vs. Indiana Pacers Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
The two hottest teams in the Eastern Conference tangle Thursday when the Toronto Raptors seek their 10th consecutive victory with a visit to the hard-charging Indiana Pacers. The Raptors' nine-game run is two shy of matching the franchise mark established just over two years ago and it has allowed the team to enter Wednesday with a four-game lead over Boston in the race for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Tuesday's 116-102 triumph in Brooklyn gave Toronto 50 victories for the third straight season. "There's a bigger goal," guard DeMar DeRozan told reporters after the win. "Success during the regular season is great, but we're playing for something bigger than all of us. That's to get in the postseason and win all the rounds to get that gold trophy." The Pacers hope to be in that discussion as well and scored a big win Tuesday in Philadelphia to maintain their grip on third place in the East, a half-game ahead of Cleveland. Myles Turner scored 25 points in the 101-98 triumph as Indiana won for the 10th time in the last 13 contests.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One (Toronto), FS Indiana

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (50-17): While DeRozan and fellow All-Star Kyle Lowry were limited to a total of 26 points - 14 below their combined average - at Brooklyn, center Jonas Valanciunas shouldered the load with 26 points and 14 boards as Toronto kept alive several other impressive streaks. The victory was the squad's seventh straight on the road, tying a franchise mark set early in the 2006-07 season. The Raptors also tied a franchise record for consecutive 100-point games with 20 in a row, first accomplished by the 2009-10 edition.

ABOUT THE PACERS (40-28): Turner was 9-for-12 from the floor - including 2-for-4 from long distance - and is averaging 21.3 points while shooting 61.8 percent over his last four games. Thaddeus Young added 19 points and 10 rebounds as Indiana showed its resiliency and depth in a tough road game that saw guards Victor Oladipo and Bojan Bogdanovic combine to make only 5-of-32 shots. "These guys just continue to fight. If there's time on the clock they continue to fight," head coach Nate McMillan told the media after the victory. "Tonight showed growth, playing in a hostile situation having to scrap and not give in to the adversity and play through it and continue to stay together and pulled out a big road win."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Valanciunas averages 17.3 points and 10.7 rebounds over his last six games.

2. Pacers C Domantas Sabonis suffered a sprained ankle in the win at Philadelphia and is day-to-day.

3. The teams split the first two meetings, with DeRozan scoring 26 points to lead the Raptors to a 120-115 win on Dec. 1 at home in the most recent matchup.

PREDICTION: Raptors 109, Pacers 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia 76ers are closing in on their first playoff spot since 2012 and have a run of sub-.500 teams on the schedule to help their cause. The soft stretch, which involves five in a row against losing squads, begins Thursday when the Sixers visit the New York Knicks, losers of eight in a row.

Philadelphia is 4-5 in its last nine games after dropping a painful 101-98 decision to fellow playoff contender Indiana on Tuesday at home and enters the favorable portion of the slate in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. "I think the difference between this game is maybe [they] wanted it more this game," forward Dario Saric told reporters after his team committed 21 turnovers versus the Pacers. "Maybe, you can say something like that. But I don't know, it's weird sometimes when you lose like that, you don't know where to start." The Knicks are 7-30 since just before Christmas and they've lost by an average of 15 points during their eight-game slide. Tuesday's 110-97 loss to Dallas at home dropped them to 16-16 at home, all after a 15-5 start at Madison Square Garden.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia-plus, MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE 76ERS (36-30): Philadelphia scored 128 points, 99 points, 120 points and 98 points in consecutive games as it navigates an inconsistent stretch. Joel Embiid did his part on the offensive end in Tuesday's loss - which snapped a 13-game winning streak in the Sixers' home arena - but he had eight of the 21 turnovers and missed all five of his 3-point tries as Philadelphia suffered another missed opportunity. "The fact is that we have not been able to get through the Miamis, the Washingtons, the Milwaukees and tonight the Indianas," coach Brett Brown said, citing recent losses to teams surrounding the Sixers in the standings. "With each one of those games, we learn a little bit about what we need to get better for the playoffs."

ABOUT THE KNICKS (24-44): The one highlight for New York on Tuesday was the return - at least in street clothes - of injured All-Star Kristaps Porzingis, who made his first public comments since suffering a torn left ACL in February. "Not only just getting bigger and stronger but just my movement, my body, the way my body moves and all those things," Porzingis said of his goal of coming back better than ever. "That's going to be big for me also because of how long I am. So I think I don't know how many months I have, [but] I'm going to use it as efficiently as I can to come back as a better player and also work on my mind ... and come back sharp." The organization has given no specific timetable for Porzingis' return, but the initial expectation is that the 7-3 Latvian would be out at least 10 months following the Feb. 13 surgery.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Knicks C Enes Kanter (back) returned from a one-game absence to grab 15 rebounds against Dallas but he was held to a season-low three points.

2. Sixers PG Ben Simmons recorded 10 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists against Indiana for his seventh triple-double.

3. Embiid averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds as Philadelphia took the first two meetings this season.

PREDICTION: 76ers 111, Knicks 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Charlotte Hornets are struggling, having lost six of their past seven entering Thursday's visit to the Atlanta Hawks, and defense has played a big role in their recent skid. The Hornets lost 119-115 on Tuesday at New Orleans to drop 10 games below .500 for the first time since Dec. 31, and in the past seven games have allowed 119.1 points per contest while limiting just one team to fewer than 110 points.

"In the second half we held them to 47 (points), and played the kind of defense that would allow us to play well every night," Charlotte coach Steve Clifford told reporters after Tuesday's defeat, a game in which the Hornets gave up 72 points in the opening two quarters. Atlanta began Wednesday tied with Orlando for the bottom spot in the Eastern Conference following Tuesday's 119-107 loss to Oklahoma City. The Hawks pushed the Thunder most of the night and were tied at 103 with 5:15 remaining, only to give up the game's next 16 points. "They made one last run and separated from us and closed out the game," Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer told the media afterward.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Southeast

ABOUT THE HORNETS (29-39): Former Atlanta center Dwight Howard - traded to Charlotte in the offseason - finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds Tuesday for his 41st double-double of the season. Kemba Walker also scored 22 points and ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference with 43 games of 20-plus points this season. Charlotte continues to get strong play from its bench, led by Frank Kaminsky (21 points Tuesday) and Jeremy Lamb (16 points).

ABOUT THE HAWKS (20-48): Taurean Prince followed up his career-high 38 points Sunday with 25 points Tuesday, and is 10-for-21 from 3-point range in his past two games after scoring a combined 12 points in his previous two contests. Atlanta, which has lost Kent Bazemore (knee) for the season, got 13 points from rookie Damion Lee in his NBA debut Tuesday. Rookie John Collins is averaging 10.3 points and seven rebounds per game on 57.8 percent shooting from the field.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Walker is averaging 22.7 points per game and is 14 3-pointers shy of reaching 1,000 for his career.

2. Charlotte opponents are shooting 49.9 percent from the field against the Hornets since Feb. 5.

3. Atlanta has made 42 3-pointers in its past three games, including 19 against Chicago on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Hornets 109, Hawks 102

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Bulls vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Bulls are not doing so well against teams above them in the standings of late but are not having much trouble against teams fighting for the bottom. The Bulls will try to take advantage of the worst team in the NBA and win for the fourth time in seven games when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday.

Chicago's recent run of solid play includes a 119-110 home win over the Grizzlies on March 7 and wins over Dallas and Atlanta -- two other teams fighting for draft lottery position. The Bulls put together a solid effort against a team with a winning record on Tuesday in a 112-106 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, but coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters that his team needed "to come out with more grit, more fire." The Grizzlies could use more grit and fire as they try to snap a slide that reached 18 straight with a 121-103 home loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday. "As professionals, our job is to show up every day and give our best effort," Memphis interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters. "I don't think they need to be reminded of that. Through and through, they haven't laid down yet, and I don't expect them to. They owe it to each other, to the fans, to everybody to continue to compete. Show up and compete every single night."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Southeast (Memphis)

ABOUT THE BULLS (23-44): Bulls guard Zach LaVine has been plagued by inconsistency since returning from knee surgery in mid-January and slumped to 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting on Tuesday. "It sucks to go out and not play the way you want to, but you can't dwell on it," LaVine told reporters. "I'm going to get right back in the gym, keep my head up. It's a process and I'm going to stick with it. I'm excited to get to the offseason. I didn't get one last year and that's where I really build, develop my game and get better and do things I didn't do the year before. I came in more than halfway through, so obviously (I will be) getting more continuity with the coach and the players throughout the offseason." LaVine's best game this month came against Memphis on March 7, when he scored 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (18-49): Memphis began the season with playoff aspirations but dealt with a rash of injuries throughout the campaign and is now slogging through the longest losing streak in the NBA. "It's not time to reflect on it and pinpoint what went wrong," Grizzlies center Marc Gasol told reporters. "I don't think it's one thing that went wrong, obviously it's multiple things. But, at this point it's irrelevant completely. It's about finding enough guys to go to battle and win a game. And that, to me, is the only thing that matters right now. It's to, as bad as it sounds, it's to win a game." Gasol led the team with 17 points in Monday's loss and is averaging 17.7 on 41.7 percent shooting -- the lowest shooting percentage of his career.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Grizzlies SG Ben McLemore is averaging 14.3 points over the last four games, nearly double his season mark (7.2).

2. Bulls PF Bobby Portis averaged 20 points over the last two games after managing two points on 1-of-10 shooting in a loss on Friday.

3. Chicago rookie PF Lauri Markkanen (back) is expected to miss his second straight game.

PREDICTION: Bulls 115, Grizzlies 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Houston Rockets Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Los Angeles Clippers jumped into the No. 7 spot in the Western Conference with a win in the first of a three-game road trip at the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, but the road is about to get significantly tougher. The Clippers will try to improve their position in the standings when they visit the NBA-best Houston Rockets on Thursday.

Los Angeles scraped by with a 112-106 win at the lowly Bulls but was not happy about the performance. "We haven't done this a lot," Clippers coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "We just felt like it was one of those games where guys struggled a little bit offensively and they let it affect them on the defensive end. I think they felt they were going to win anyway. We're not good enough to do that, but we did it tonight and got away with it." Los Angeles won't get away with a similar effort against the Rockets, who won 19 of their last 20 games and opened the two-game homestand by skipping past the San Antonio Spurs 109-93 on Monday, but still feel as if there's room to improve. "We don't have the luxury of just taking nights off," Houston star James Harden told reporters. "We're not where we want to be. We're not that good yet. So, we have to go out there and approach every single game, no matter who we're playing, like it's a playoff game."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBATV, FS Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (37-29): Los Angeles center DeAndre Jordan led the way with 29 points on 11-of-12 shooting and 18 rebounds in Tuesday's win. "He was great," Rivers told reporters of Jordan. "They were going to trap. We told them that before the game and we told them, 'If they trap, DJ you roll and let's keep finding him.' I think that's the one thing we did well. In the game plan, we kept finding DJ rolling down the middle of the paint and he finished for us." Jordan is averaging 19 rebounds in six games this month and grabbed 16 boards in a 105-92 home loss to Houston on Feb. 28.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (53-14): Houston point guard Chris Paul scored 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting against the Spurs in just 23 minutes. "It's about us," Paul - who is questionable for Thursday due to a sore knee - told reporters. "Every game we go into we're trying to continue to build and we don't want to start getting bad habits and start letting teams do whatever. For us, it's about consistency and building." Paul's consistency comes at the free-throw line, where he has not missed since Feb. 25 and is shooting 92.1 percent on the season.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Rockets SG Eric Gordon followed up a 26-point effort on 9-of-16 shooting on Sunday by going 0-of-7 from the floor and managing one point on Monday.

2. Clippers SG Avery Bradley is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after undergoing abdominal surgery on Tuesday.

3. Los Angeles took two of the first three meetings, including a 128-118 win at Houston on Dec. 22.

PREDICTION: Rockets 110, Clippers 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New Orleans Pelicans vs. San Antonio Spurs Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
The San Antonio Spurs are in a very different position than usual right now, staring up at eight teams above them in the race for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Spurs will get a chance to gain back a game at the expense of one of the teams they're chasing when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday.

San Antonio bashed the Orlando Magic 108-72 on Tuesday to earn just its third win in 12 games and is in a virtual three-way tie for the No. 7 spot in the West but sits percentage points below the Los Angeles Clippers and would lose a tiebreaker to the No. 8 Utah Jazz if the season ended before play on Wednesday. The Spurs will play each of their next 10 games and 12 of the final 14 against teams fighting for playoff spots in their respective conferences. The Pelicans are only 1 1/2 games ahead of San Antonio but sit tied for the No. 5 spot, a half-game behind the fourth-place Oklahoma City Thunder, after another stellar performance from Anthony Davis led them to a 119-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. "We've been dropping in pace and haven't been scoring in the 100s like we're used to do," Davis told reporters after the win. "Tonight, we got back to it -- running and pushing the pace. It was good to get back to that tonight. Also, defend a little bit -- that's the key. But even when we don't get stops, we're able to get the ball down and run it back down a team's throat -- putting them on their heels, maybe get a good look."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS New Orleans, FS Southwest (San Antonio)

ABOUT THE PELICANS (39-28): Jrue Holiday scored 10 of his 25 points in the final three minutes on Tuesday and added nine assists and six rebounds. "We've got a lot of different weapons," Holiday told reporters "We can make plays down the stretch. We've got a tough road ahead of us, but we have to take it one game at a time. A lot of weight on Anthony's (Davis) shoulders, so I think we're all trying to help lift that." Holiday scored 20 or more points in 10 of the last 13 games and is 12-of-24 from 3-point range in six games this month.

ABOUT THE SPURS (38-30): San Antonio is waiting for star forward Kawhi Leonard (quad tendinopathy) to make his way back and he is reportedly close to returning. "Like anybody else, he's frustrated," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told reporters. "He wants to be playing. He's competitive. It's been a tough year for him in that regard. But the first step is he's got to be cleared by his medical staff that he's seeing. And until he gets cleared, we can't make a decision on when he's coming back. So, once he gets cleared, then he and I can sit down and talk, and see what we think about an appropriate time to come back. But that clearance has to be obtained first." Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge is carrying the team in Leonard's absence and scored 24 points on 11-of-17 shooting in 26 minutes on Tuesday.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Pelicans PG Rajon Rondo recorded 17 assists on Tuesday and is averaging 10.1 over the last nine games.

2. Spurs G Patty Mills snapped a string of four straight games scoring in single digits by posting 13 points on Tuesday.

3. New Orleans took each of the first two meetings this season, including a 121-116 triumph in San Antonio on Feb. 28.

PREDICTION: Spurs 106, Pelicans 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Pistons vs. Denver Nuggets Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

15th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Denver Nuggets hurt their cause in the Western Conference playoff race with three losses in their last five games. With their longest road trip of the season on the horizon, Thursday's home matchup with the reeling Detroit Pistons is practically a must-win scenario for the Nuggets.

Denver fell 112-103 at the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday to sink into 10th place in the West, just one game out of a playoff spot but on the cusp of seven consecutive contests away from home, beginning Saturday at Memphis. "We've just got to win games," center Mason Plumlee told reporters after the second chippy contest with the Lakers in less than a week. "We've got to go home and beat Detroit. We're done with the Lakers for the season, so you've got to move on." The Pistons lost 11 of their last 14 games and opened a six-game road trip in dismal fashion, falling 110-79 at Utah on Tuesday. Detroit's starters combined for 43 points on 16-of-43 shooting as the team fell 5 1/2 games out of a playoff spot entering Wednesday.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, Altitude (Denver)

ABOUT THE PISTONS (30-37): Tuesday's lopsided affair allowed rookie Luke Kennard to see a personal-high 36 minutes and he responded with 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting. He also had one of the team's 14 steals as Detroit forced 24 turnovers. "It just shows we can defend at a high level," Kennard told reporters. "But we just need to do that for 48 minutes. There are positive things that can come out of it, but we just have to stay consistent with it."

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (37-31): Denver led by 13 points with just over two minutes left in the third quarter at Los Angeles before fading down the stretch. "I thought we had some guys out there in that end of the third quarter that were not ready to play," coach Mike Malone told the media. "That hurt us to close that quarter in a big way." Wilson Chandler was one of the bright spots with 26 points and he's averaging 21 on 68 percent shooting in two games since returning from a hip injury.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Detroit has lost 10 straight on the road.

2. Denver PF Nikola Jokic is shooting 33-for-46 from the floor over a four-game span.

3. Nuggets PG Jamal Murray scored 28 points to lead his team to a 103-84 win at Detroit earlier this season.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 110, Pistons 93

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

15th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Utah Jazz have a golden opportunity to continue their rise in the Western Conference while facing a string of lesser opponents at home. They began the stretch in dominant fashion against the stumbling Detroit Pistons and look to make it two in a row on the homestand when the Phoenix Suns visit on Thursday.

Utah used a 42-point first quarter and shot 55.3 percent overall in a 110-79 rout of the Pistons on Tuesday, its seventh straight win and 19th in the past 21 games. "We haven't moved the ball like that all season in my opinion," guard Donovan Mitchell told reporters after the win. "We were clicking and hitting shots." That figures to continue as the homestand progresses against the Suns - losers of six straight - and then Sacramento and Atlanta, two other teams playing out the string. Phoenix has allowed an average of 121.3 points during its losing streak and sits percentage points ahead of Memphis in the race for the worst record in the NBA.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah)

ABOUT THE SUNS (19-50): Devin Booker represents the future for Phoenix and the young star was candid about the team's current struggles after the 129-107 loss to Cleveland at home Tuesday night. "We have been babied a little bit and it shows," the 21-year-old Booker told the media. "I think our whole team has been spoiled enough, including myself, with playing time at a young age to where you get to play through mistakes. We still have to learn basketball. A lot of one-and-dones on this team. Nineteen, twenty, 21-year-olds, including myself that are still learning the game." Booker averaged 21 points in three earlier meetings with Utah but shot just 34.9 percent in those games.

ABOUT THE JAZZ (38-30): Utah improved to 20-4 since center Rudy Gobert returned from a knee injury in mid-January and he has six double-doubles in seven games this month after posting 22 points and 12 rebounds versus Detroit. Five others scored in double figures, with Jonas Jerebko contributing 16 points to go along with eight boards in just 19 minutes off the bench. "It just gets better and better the longer the season goes, the more time we play together, the more we start getting to know each other," Jerebko told reporters. "We're clicking right now and we're just going to keep building."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Suns PG Elfrid Payton is 0-for-7 from 3-point range in March and 4-for-20 since being traded to Phoenix last month.

2. Mitchell averaged 32 points in Utah's two victories over the Suns in February.

3. Jazz PF Derrick Favors shot at least 50 percent from the field in eight straight games.

PREDICTION: Jazz 116, Suns 103

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Portland Trail Blazers can't seem to lose, and they are finally beginning to gain a little separation from the pack of teams chasing them for the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who visit the Trail Blazers on Thursday, already ceded the No. 3 spot in the East and are 2-2 on a six-game road trip.

Portland sits 1 1/2 games ahead of the fourth-place Oklahoma City Thunder in the West and 3 1/2 games clear of the trio of teams tied for the No. 7 spot after extending its winning streak to 10 straight with a 115-99 romp over the Miami Heat on Monday. "We just care about the next game and that's how we approach," Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic told reporters. "Every next game is going to be important for us and we're not looking that far out. We're in a great position and just trying to do every game to keep that spot." The Cavaliers sit in fourth place in the East, a half-game behind the Indiana Pacers, but are feeling better about themselves after a 129-107 thrashing of the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. LeBron James notched his 14th triple-double of the season in the win and told reporters, "I'm like fine wine; I get better with age."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cleveland), NBCS Northwest (Portland)

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (39-28): James does not appear to be slowing down at all at age 33 and collected 28 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals and two blocks in Tuesday's win. "It's just being around the court and being reliable to my teammates," James told reporters. "For me to be able to clean glass and get my guys good looks where they were able to just catch and shoot or catch and lay it up, it made it a lot easier for me, for sure. With the scoring, I just tried to be aggressive and got to the free-throw line tonight and was able to knock those down, too." James is on pace to play in all 82 regular-season games for the first time in his career and is averaging 26.9 points, nine assists and 8.5 rebounds.

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (41-26): All-Star guard Damian Lillard continues to come up big for Portland and led the way with 32 points and 10 assists on Monday, but Nurkic's effort on the inside stood out. The 23-year-old delivered 27 points on 12-of-18 shooting and 16 rebounds to mark his fifth double-double of the winning streak. "(Nurkic) was huge," Lillard told reporters. "That's the Nurk that we need, just a beast, taking his time scoring on the block, making plays off the block, rebounding the ball, blocking shots. I think his presence was really felt on both ends of the floor."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Cavaliers SG Rodney Hood (back) and SF Cedi Osman (hip) both sat out Tuesday and are day-to-day.

2. Lillard is 25-of-46 from 3-point range over the last four games.

3. The home team took the last eight in the series, with Cleveland earning a 127-110 home win on Jan. 2

PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 128, Cavaliers 116

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic Preview and Predictions 03-16-2018

15th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Boston Celtics are falling off the pace in the race for the top seed in the Eastern Conference and are coming off a pair of tough losses to fellow East playoff contenders. The Celtics will try to get back in the win column when they begin a stretch of eight of 10 on the road by visiting the lowly Orlando Magic on Friday.

Boston dropped a 99-97 decision to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday and went to double overtime against Washington at home on Wednesday before falling 125-124. The Celtics, who are comfortably ahead of the third-place Pacers in the standings, are more concerned with getting healthy in the last month before the start of the postseason and were missing Kyrie Irving (knee), Al Horford (illness), Jaylen Brown (concussion) and Marcus Smart (thumb) against the Wizards. The Magic are battling to stay out of the East basement and stayed just ahead of the Atlanta Hawks by snapping a five-game slide with a 126-117 win over Milwaukee on Wednesday. "What we do right now is very important on the basketball court," Orlando coach Frank Vogel told reporters. "It's a time of growth. We're giving some of our younger guys bigger-than-usual opportunities for them to grow, but it's also an important time for our veterans to grow within our system as well and develop habits. There's going to be carry over into next year and everything we do right now is building toward that."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Boston, FS Florida (Orlando)

ABOUT THE CELTICS (46-22): Missing two All-Stars among five rotation players on Wednesday gave some other players a chance to shine, and power forward Marcus Morris stood out with 31 points and nine rebounds. Morris was one of three players along with forward Jayson Tatum and point guard Terry Rozier to log at least 44 minutes in the setback. Veteran center Greg Monroe chipped in 16 points on 8-of-9 shooting off the bench and is shooting 70.6 percent from the floor in five games this month.

ABOUT THE MAGIC (21-48): Vogel implored his players to keep fighting and finish the season the right way after Orlando was embarrassed in a 108-72 loss at the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, a message the team took to heart. "Once we stepped on that court, we all played with pride and showed how much we wanted to win," veteran guard D.J. Augustin told the team's website. "All of the guys on our team want to win, want to do the right thing and have pride, so we bounced back. (Tuesday) was a rough game for us and it happens to everybody now and then. We just got ready for tonight and it showed." Augustin poured in 32 points in the win while Jonathon Simmons buried seven 3-pointers en route to a team-high 35 points.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Magic PF Aaron Gordon (concussion) missed the last four games and is questionable for Friday.

2. Horford is the only one of the Celtics' injured players expected back on Friday.

3. Boston took two of the first three meetings, including a 104-88 triumph at Orlando on Nov. 5.

PREDICTION: Celtics 113, Magic 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Washington Capitals are not going to win a third consecutive Presidents' Trophy but they are in a tug-of-war with two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh for first place in the Metropolitan Division. The Capitals will look to win three in a row for the first time in two months when they visit the New York Islanders on Thursday night.

It is the first leg of a home-and-home, back-to-back for Washington, which will honor captain Alex Ovechkin for scoring his 600th goal prior to Friday's rematch against the Islanders. "You look at the standings and every point matters now," Capitals goaltender Philipp Grubauer said. "You lose one, you drop. You win one, you're back in first (place). So we've got to play the right way. We keep playing teams that are fighting for (playoff) spots, and so are we. We are fighting for the points here." New York spiraled out of playoff contention with an eight-game losing streak (0-4-4), a slide it finally halted with a 5-2 victory at Calgary on Tuesday night. "We know we've got to go on a big run," coach Doug Weight said. "It's going to start with one game. We have to plan for Thursday like it's April 8 and go from there."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet 360, NBCS Washington, MSG Plus (New York)

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (39-23-7): Ovechkin became the fourth player to reach 600 goals in fewer than 1,000 games when he scored twice in Monday's 3-2 win over Winnipeg to boost his NHL-leading total to 42. "He said the other day 40's good but 50's nicer and he's going to get 50 goals," Washington owner Ted Leonsis said. "You can just tell he's very, very determined and he is a historic player." Backup Grubauer will make his fourth consecutive start in Thursday's game, with slumping Braden Holtby set to start Friday.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (30-29-10): New York is in 11th place in the East but has a chance to make up some ground by playing six of its next seven and nine of its final 13 at home. The Islanders got a huge lift from rookie Christopher Gibson, who turned aside 50 shots against the Flames in his third start since he was acquired from Toronto. "He's been playing really well," defenseman Johnny Boychuk said. "When he's been in net, he's been stopping a lot of pucks. Even the one in Edmonton went off a stick and off his head and in."

OVERTIME

1. Islanders F Anders Lee scored twice Sunday and needs one goal to match his career high of 34 set last season.

2. Ovechkin has been blanked in both meetings against the Islanders this season but has 34 goals in 48 career matchups.

3. New York is 2-for-22 on the power play over the past 10 games.

PREDICTION: Islanders 4, Capitals 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Philadelphia Flyers Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Columbus Blue Jackets can pull into a tie in points for third place in the Metropolitan Division on Thursday should they extend their winning streak to a season high-tying six games with a regulation victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. The Blue Jackets have outscored the opposition 21-11 during their win streak, although offense has been in short supply as the teams have played to three 2-1 decisions, with the Flyers winning two of them.

"We get on a little bit of a run here, now it puts us in the picture to compete for the playoffs," Columbus coach John Tortorella said. "That's all it's done. We're not in, but it gives you a chance." Sergei Bobrovsky posted his eighth win in 12 decisions after turning aside 38 shots in Monday's 5-2 triumph over Montreal, and the two-time Vezina Trophy winner has dominated his former team to the tune of posting a 9-3-1 career mark with two shutouts. The Flyers defeated Bobrovsky in a pair of meetings in February, but have slumped to a 1-5-1 mark in March. Petr Mrazek made 19 saves to highlight his Philadelphia debut in a 2-1 victory over the Blue Jackets on Feb. 22, but has yielded 22 goals for an .878 save percentage in his last six outings.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Columbus), NBCS Philadelphia

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (37-28-5): Seth Jones became just the sixth defenseman in NHL history to record the game-winning goal in three consecutive team games when he tallied against the Canadiens. The 23-year-old pushed his point total to 12 (seven goals, five assists) in the past nine games and to 48 overall, three shy of tying James Wisniewski (2013-14) for the most by a defenseman in franchise history. Jones exited with an upper-body injury versus Montreal and missed Wednesday's practice with a maintenance day, but Tortorella expects him in the lineup against Philadelphia.

ABOUT THE FLYERS (35-24-11): Captain Claude Giroux, who scored and set up a goal in Monday's 3-2 setback to Vegas, has three goals and five assists during his seven-game point streak while former Blue Jacket Jakub Voracek has two of each during his four-game stretch. While those two have been consistent, others have been mired in pronounced goal droughts - most notably Sean Couturier (team-leading 29 goals), who has failed to score in a 12-game stretch since tallying 1:52 into overtime against Columbus on Feb. 16. The 25-year-old Couturier is not alone as Valtteri Filppula is mired in a 24-game goal drought, defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere has failed to score in his last 19 and Michael Raffl hasn't scored in his last 15.

OVERTIME

1. Columbus LW Artemi Panarin has scored six goals and set up nine others over his last 12 games to bolster his team lead in goals (21), assists (40) and points (61).

2. Giroux has scored a goal and set up two others versus the Blue Jackets this season to extend his point total to 21 (seven goals, 14 assists) in 24 career encounters.

3. Columbus' 24th-ranked penalty kill has thwarted 30 of its last 34 short-handed situations over the last 14 contests.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 3, Flyers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

While All-Star center Auston Matthews (shoulder) could return to the lineup soon, another injury concern popped up Wednesday night as the Toronto Maple Leafs were edging Dallas 6-5 in a shootout. The Maple Leafs will be without No. 1 goalie Frederik Andersen because of an upper-body injury when they visit the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night.

Matthews (28, points, 50 points, 53 games) is practicing, but still considered day-to-day, after missing his seventh game and Andersen left Wednesday's contest in the second period before Toronto won its franchise-record 11th straight home game. The Maple Leafs have lost four straight on the road (0-2-2) as they prepare to play their second game in 19 days against the Sabres, who have not played since Saturday when they lost to Vegas 2-1 in a shootout to start a six-game homestand. Buffalo has fallen to the bottom of the league with 56 points despite a 5-3-1 record over the last nine contests, and held a 1-0 lead on Vegas until the final five minutes. "I think we played well against one of the better teams," Sabres goalie Robin Lehner told reporters. ". ... It's a 1-1 game, we lost in a shootout. That's the unfortunate part, but there was a lot of good things (against Vegas)."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN 4 (Toronto), MSG Buffalo

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (41-22-7): James van Riemsdyk snapped a four-game point drought Wednesday with a hat trick to tie Matthews for first on the team with 28 goals while Nazem Kadri recorded his 27th and has four in his past four contests. Mitch Marner continue his scoring surge with two assists against Dallas and owns five of his team-leading 58 points in the last three games. Coach Mike Babcock told reporters after the game of Andersen's injury, "it sure didn't seem like much" as Curtis McElhinney (8-4-1) will get the start Thursday after stopping 13-of-15 shots Wednesday.

ABOUT THE SABRES (22-35-12): Leading scorer Jack Eichel (53 points), out since Feb. 10 with an ankle injury, is not expected to play Thursday but has been practicing and may be back soon. Center Ryan O'Reilly is the top active scorer (50 points) after registering a goal and five assists in the last seven contests while forward Sam Reinhart is next with five of his 38 points in a five-game span. Forward Justin Bailey made his first appearance with the Sabres since October on Saturday, after ankle and thumb injuries along with a stint in the minors, and scored against Vegas.

OVERTIME

1. Toronto F William Nylander was held to one shot Wednesday and has gone 12 games without a goal, with five assists in that span.

2. Buffalo recalled G Linus Ullmark from Rochester of the AHL and is expected to get some playing time down the stretch.

3. The Sabres have won three of the last five meetings, including a 5-3 victory on March 5.

PREDICTION: Maple Leafs 4, Sabres 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
Coming off one of the most stunning comeback victories in recent memory, the Boston Bruins resume their chase of Atlantic Division leader Tampa Bay when they visit the Florida Panthers on Thursday night. It is the third stop on a four-game road trip for Boston, which trails the Lightning by four points with two games in hand.

The Bruins won for the seventh time in eight games by scoring five unanswered goals in a 6-4 win at Carolina on Tuesday, marking the first time since April 1995 they overcame a third-period deficit of three goals to win in regulation. "Everything clicked for us," said forward David Pastrnak, who ignited the comeback. "I guess we all wish we knew how to turn this click. But I think a big part of it is just that we have a good team with a lot of very good players." The Panthers have been among the league's hottest teams but had their eight-game home winning streak snapped in Monday's 5-3 loss to Ottawa. It was the first regulation loss in 10 games (8-1-1) for Florida, which is in ninth place in the Eastern Conference and hasn't lost two in a row at home since the first week of December.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TVAS, NESN (Boston), FS Florida

ABOUT THE BRUINS (44-16-8): Pastrnak registered his first career hat trick in style, scoring all three goals in the final 10 minutes of the third period against Carolina to give him 13 points in seven games in March. The victory came at a cost, however, as defenseman Zdeno Chara and Torey Krug exited the game with injuries, as did forward Jake DeBrusk. "Hopefully everybody is all right. I don't have any updates ... but we hope it's nothing serious," Boston coach Bruce Cassidy said. "But I guess we'll see."

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (34-26-7): Center Vincent Trocheck, who collected a pair of assists to run his point streak to four games, did not practice Wednesday but coach Bob Boughner expects him back in the lineup against Boston. The outlook is not as clear for defenseman Alexander Petrovic, who also did not practice Wednesday and is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Boughner had Maxim Mamin on the fourth line in place of Micheal Haley at practice and said the Russian rookie is "more likely" to play Thursday.

OVERTIME

1. Boston has won five straight overall against the Panthers and its last five visits to Florida.

2. Panthers F Jonathan Huberdeau has scored in three straight games and five of the last eight.

3. Bruins F Brad Marchand has six goals and eight assists during a six-game point streak.

PREDICTION: Bruins 4, Panthers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

15th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Pittsburgh Penguins missed a chance to take over sole possession of first place in the Metropolitan Division last time out and gives it another shot Thursday when they visit the Montreal Canadiens. The Penguins coughed up a two-goal lead in the third period and fell 4-3 in overtime against the New York Rangers on Wednesday to settle into a tie for first in the division with Washington at 85 points.

Pittsburgh did not get a point from its top three scorers Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel and captain Sidney Crosby on Wednesday and is likely to have Tristan Jarry back in net against the Canadiens after sitting out the last two games. It will be the first of three matchups in 17 days as Montreal visits the Penguins on March 21 and 31 after Pittsburgh won two of three last season. The Canadiens took Eastern Conference-best Tampa Bay to the shootout before losing Saturday and knocked off Dallas, which is in playoff position in the West, 4-2 on Tuesday with three-power-play goals. "We came out in the beginning of the game in the way we wanted, and we came out hard and put the forecheck on them," Montreal forward Artturi Lehkonen told reporters Tuesday. ". ... It was a really good game for us."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, RDS (Montreal)

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (40-26-5): Malkin's six-game point streak came to an end Wednesday, but the big Russian has still accumulated 11 of his team-leading 87 points over the last seven games. Kessel owns 12 of his 78 points in the past 10 contests while Crosby (76 points) boasts a goal and five assists in the last four games for a Pittsburgh offense that is fifth in the league (3.24). Forward Bryan Rust returned Wednesday after missing two games with a concussion and scored his 11th goal of the season while posting five shots on net.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (26-32-12): Goalie Antti Niemi, who allowed seven goals in his last four outings, could get the start against the team he started the season and struggled mightily with (0-3-0, .797 save percentage). Brendan Gallagher scored one of three power plays for Montreal on Tuesday and leads the team with 26 tallies - five in the last seven games - and 43 points while Alex Galchenyuk is one point behind. Center Andrew Shaw suffered a head injury in a collision with Dallas' Greg Pateryn and is out indefinitely.

OVERTIME

1. Pittsburgh RW Patric Hornqvist needs two points to reach 400 in his career and Crosby is two shy of 700 assists.

2. Montreal recalled F Michael McCarron from Laval of the AHL on Wednesday.

3. The Penguins lead the league in power-play percentage (25.6), but are 3-for-25 over the last eight games.

PREDICTION: Penguins 5, Canadiens 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Colorado Avalanche strengthened their playoff positioning by continuing their domination of one Central Division rival and will hope to keep the momentum going against a major nemesis. Riding an eight-game point streak (5-0-3), Colorado wraps up a two-game road trip with a visit to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night.

The Avalanche beat up on the Minnesota Wild for the third straight time on Tuesday but they have lost all three meetings this season against St. Louis and have one win over the Blues in the last 10 meetings. "St. Louis is another building that hasn't been great to us, it's been tough to win in and we got to find a way to do it," Colorado defenseman Tyson Barrie said. "So, we will be just as excited and ready to go for that one." The Blues nearly torpedoed their postseason hopes by dropping nine of 10 (1-7-2) but they rebounded with a pair of impressive wins to wrap up a four-game road trip and pull within three points of the Avalanche. "We could have ... buried ourselves almost to the point of not really having a chance," St. Louis coach Mike Yeo said. "We still have got a lot of work to do, we're still on the outside looking in, but we're a little bit closer."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Altitude2 (Colorado), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (37-24-8): Colorado has scored a total of five goals in three meetings versus the Blues in 2017-18 and has produced more than two goals once in the last 10 matchups against them. Nathan MacKinnon ran his point streak to nine games, scoring eight times in that span, with his 33rd goal against Minnesota, but he has been held off the scoresheet and is a minus-4 in two games against St. Louis this season. Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov, who has appeared in 14 straight games, is 9-9-2 with a 2.37 goals-against average versus St. Louis and will be in net again as Jonathan Bernier continues to deal with a neck injury.

ABOUT THE BLUES (37-27-5): Jake Allen has been in net for the past three games and will start again Thursday after Carter Hutton was unable to practice Wednesday when his neck issue flared up. "We were expecting that Carter was gonna be able to practice today," Yeo said. "(He) woke up this morning and was starting to have some troubles again. So he'll have an appointment ... and we'll see what we find from that." Defenseman Joel Edmundson could be back in the lineup since fracturing his forearm against Colorado on Feb. 8. Rookie forward J.T. Compher ended a 14-game point drought by scoring twice Tuesday night, his first goals in the last 17 games.

OVERTIME

1. The Blues are 1-for-25 on the power play over the past eight games.

2. MacKinnon has amassed 17 points during his nine game streak.

3. Blues F Ivan Barbashev has goals in three of the last four games and is coming off back-to-back two-point contests.

PREDICTION: Blues 3, Avalanche 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Winnipeg Jets Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Winnipeg Jets host the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday following a six-game road trip where their chances for a Central Division title were weakened thanks in part to a rash of injuries. Tuesday's 3-1 loss at division leading Nashville, which puts the Jets eight points out with 12 games remaining, featured center Paul Stastny getting hurt in warmups and goaltender Michael Hutchinson being injured in the first period.

Nonetheless, the Jets battled hard after giving up three goals in nine minutes to open the game, as head coach Paul Maurice told reporters afterward, "In a tough situation, I really liked the way we stayed with it. There wasn't anything easy there for us tonight." The Blackhawks almost certainly are going to miss the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons, going 6-13-1 in their past 20 games to drop to the bottom of the Central standings. Chicago responded from Saturday's 7-4 defeat at Boston to beat the Bruins at home Sunday 3-1, getting a goal and an assist from Patrick Kane. "We had really good jump in practice," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville told the media Wednesday. "We did some good things in the majority of the back-to-back against Boston."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, TSN3 (Winnipeg)

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (30-32-8): Goaltender Anton Forsberg, who made 31 saves in Sunday's victory, is expected to start Thursday. Center Jonathan Toews recorded three assists Sunday, and has nine points (three goals) in seven games this month after recording eight in each of the season's first five months. Chicago has struggled on the power play, ranking 28th in the league at 15.9 percent, but broke a 2-for-22 drought by going 2-for-5 with the man advantage Sunday.

ABOUT THE JETS (41-19-10): Winnipeg has lost three in a row (0-2-1) but maintains a seven-point lead on Minnesota for second place in the Central. Center Mark Scheifele, who the Jets hope is close to returning, has missed the past four games with an upper-body injury, and Winnipeg promoted goaltender Eric Comrie from Manitoba of the AHL on Wednesday. Connor Hellebuyck, third in the NHL with 35 wins, made 30 saves in relief of Hutchinson and will start Thursday.

OVERTIME

1. Chicago F Anthony Duclair (leg) remains sidelined after a collision in Saturday's loss to Boston.

2. Jets F Patrik Laine did not score Tuesday to end his goal-scoring streak at six games, but picked up an assist to extend his point streak to 13 games (16 goals, 23 points).

3. The Blackhawks lead the season series 2-0, outscoring the Jets 7-2 as Kane has one goal and one assist.

PREDICTION: Jets 3, Blackhawks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Red Wings vs. Los Angeles Kings Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Los Angeles Kings let down their guard in their last game and dropped a decision to an opponent that is languishing in the standings. It's a situation that they hope doesn't repeat itself on Thursday as the Kings host the spiraling Detroit Red Wings, who have lost a season high-tying seven in a row.

Jeff Carter scored two third-period goals in Tuesday's 4-3 shootout loss to Arizona to extend his point total to eight (six goals, two assists) in nine games since missing 55 with an ankle injury. Carter's production aside, Los Angeles has answered winning six of eight by losing three of its last five to cling to third place in the congested Pacific Division. Detroit's second seven-game losing skid of the season has all but doused any faint flicker of a chance for a postseason berth, but coach Jeff Blashill isn't willing to make it easy on the Kings -- or any other club on the team's five-game road trip. "Every team we've played out here and will play out there is obviously fighting for their playoff lives," Blashill said. "I think our biggest challenge is playing our best hockey."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, FS Detroit, Sportsnet360

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (26-32-11): Frans Nielsen plans to return on Thursday from a three-game absence due to a hit to the head from Boston forward David Backes, who subsequently was suspended three contests by the NHL. "Yeah, passed the test," the 33-year-old Dane said. "... You never know how bad it is. It can be small symptoms that can turn into something way worse. I guess I was lucky it wasn't that bad." Nielsen set up defenseman Mike Green for Detroit's lone tally in a 4-1 setback to Los Angeles on Nov. 27.

ABOUT THE KINGS (38-26-6): Captain Anze Kopitar set up Carter's second-period goal on Tuesday to extend his point streak to five games (one goal, six assists). The 30-year-old Slovene resides three assists shy of his career high of 51, established in 2011-12, while his 76 points are five short of his personal best set in 2009-10. Kopitar had two goals and an assist in the first encounter versus Detroit, with Jonathan Quick's 23-save performance improving his mark to 9-13-1 against the Red Wings.

OVERTIME

1. Los Angeles sports a sizzling 20-9-1 mark versus Eastern Conference representatives.

2. Detroit LW Tyler Bertuzzi set up all three goals in Monday's 5-3 setback to San Jose, boosting his assist total to seven in his last seven games.

3. Kings D Drew Doughty has seven points (one goal, six assists) in the past nine games.

PREDICTION: Kings 4, Red Wings 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Nashville Predators vs. Arizona Coyotes Preview and Predictions 03-15-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Nashville Predators are breathing rarefied air as an 11-0-1 stretch has allowed the team to reach triple digits in points in just 69 games, signifying the fastest mark in franchise history. Tied with Tampa Bay in the race for the Presidents' Trophy, the Predators aim to continue their torrid stretch on Thursday as they open a three-game road trip against the Arizona Coyotes.

"As we sit here and push toward it late in the season, we're trying to battle for what we need to do in order to better ourselves for the playoffs, and obviously, the division and the conference," Nashville coach Peter Laviolette said. Pekka Rinne has played a big role in the Predators' ascent to an eight-point lead over second-place Winnipeg, turning aside 32 shots in Tuesday's 3-1 victory over the Jets to improve his save percentage to a scintillating .945 in his past nine starts. Although separated from Nashville by a staggering 43 points, Arizona owns an 11-3-2 mark in its last 16 contests to escape the NHL's cellar by moving past Buffalo. "You want to get the fans excited about coming and watching and getting wins on home ice," Coyotes defenseman Alex Goligoski said of the club's 8-2-1 record in its past 11 games at Gila River Arena.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS Tennessee (Nashville), FS Arizona-Plus

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (45-14-10): Captain Roman Josi has answered a four-game absence due to an upper-body injury by notching an assist in back-to-back contests, giving him 14 points (one goal, 13 assists) in his last eight outings. The 27-year-old Switzerland native also set up two goals in Nashville's 3-2 shootout win over Arizona on Jan. 18. Austin Watson scored versus the Jets to increase his point total to six (five goals, one assist) in his last nine games.

ABOUT THE COYOTES (23-35-11): Antti Raanta participated in Arizona's optional practice on Wednesday, although assistant coach John MacLean wasn't ready to declare the 28-year-old Finn ready to return from a five-game absence due to a lower-body injury. "He felt better but I think you just have to wait on these things and how it responds afterward. We'll just kind of go day by day with all the goalie stuff," MacLean said. As for MacLean, he is expected to return to his traditional role as head coach Rick Tocchet will rejoin the team on Thursday after dealing with a family illness.

OVERTIME

1. Nashville C Craig Smith scored in his team's 3-2 overtime loss to Arizona on Jan. 4 and netted the eventual winner in the shootout between the teams in the next encounter.

2. Coyotes C Derek Stepan has one goal and four assists in his past six games.

3. The Predators are 0-for-12 on the power play in the last four contests and 0-for-5 against Arizona this season.

PREDICTION: Predators 5, Coyotes 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Wynn

Free Play: Free Pick Early Kansas -13½ Over Pennsylvania

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Free Selection from Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Thursday, March 15, 2018



03/15 06:05 PM PT / 9:05 PM ET

NBA (715) DETROIT PISTONS VS (716) DENVER NUGGETS

Take: (716) DENVER NUGGETS

Reason: Your free play for Thursday, March 15, 2018 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets. Your Free play is on the NUGGETS.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jeff Allen Sports

Thursday's Free Selection is on the Philadelphia Flyers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Razor Sharp

YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR EARLY THURSDAY: Take WRIGHT ST/TENNESSEE OVER the total of 132

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Totals4U

Early Thursday's Free Selection: Montana/Michigan over 135

[Can'tPickAWinner]

John Anthony Sports

Early Thursday's Free Selection: LA Clippers + 11 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlantic Sports

Early Thursday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: Kansas - 13 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

#1 Sports

Early Thursday's Free Selection: Detroit Pistons + 7 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Easy Money Sports

Lee's Free Early Thursday Selection Is

UL-Monroe +3½

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Nevada Sharpshooter

Your free winner for Thursday: Take KENTUCKY/DAVIDSON UNDER the total of 143

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Huddle Up Sports

Free Play: LA Clippers +11'

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hawkeye Sports

Thursday's Free Pick: Utah Jazz - 12 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Golden Dragon Sports

Free Pick Atlanta +4 NBA

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arthur Ralph Sports

FREE play: THURS Montana + 11 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Platinum Plays

Free Pick the Duke Blue Devils -20½ over Iona

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Vegas Steam Line

Your free winner for Thursday: Take UL-MONROE +3½ over Austin Peay

[Can'tPickAWinner]

High Stakes Syndicate

Free Selection for Early Thursday: Austin Peay Governors - 3 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Free Selection from Kenny Towers

Florida + 105 - NHL

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sharp Bettor

Sharp Bettor FREE Play for Thursday, March 15, 2018

3/15 05:05 PM NBA (709) CHICAGO BULLS VS (710) MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Take : Grizzlies

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Roz Wins

Roz's Thursday March 15, 2018, Free Pick


3/15 07:05 PM NBA (717) CLEVELAND CAVALIERS VS (718) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Take : Trailblazers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Total Winner Sports

NCAA Basketball KANSAS JAYHAWKS ‑13.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DONNY ACTION

NHL CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS/WINNIPEG JETS +105 o6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Power Play Wins

NBA INDIANA PACERS ‑4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wise Guy Insider

NCAA Basketball NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK +3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tommy King Wins

NCAA Basketball OHIO STATE BUCKEYES ‑8

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Top Dog LB

NCAA Basketball ST. BONAVENTURE BONNIES +210

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pinnacle Sports Picks

NBA ATLANTA HAWKS +5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ace / V.I.P.

NCAA Basketball KANSAS JAYHAWKS ‑13.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Thursday's NCAA Tournament first round betting preview: South Region

(14) Wright St. Raiders vs (3) Tennessee Volunteers (-12, 132)

Game to be played at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 3 Tennessee vs. No. 14 Wright State
The No. 3 Tennessee Volunteers are 13-point favorites versus No. 14 Wright State in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.

Third-seeded Tennessee looks to make a splash in the NCAA Tournament when it faces No. 14 seed Wright State in the first round of the South Regional on Thursday in Dallas, Texas. The Volunteers won over 20 games in the regular season for the first time since 2013-14 before advancing to the SEC Tournament final where they suffered a 77-72 loss to Kentucky on Sunday, and hope to live up to their lofty seed in their first-ever meeting with the Raiders.

"To have the kind of year to put yourself in position to play in the tournament is in itself a great accomplishment," Tennessee coach Rick Barnes told reporters. "I'm really proud of the guys to put us in that position." Wright State won three straight games en route to the Horizon League Tournament title and clinched its first NCAA Tournament berth in 11 years. The Raiders set a school record with 25 wins, but have dropped their last three meetings with SEC opponents by an average margin of 13 points and hope to buck the trend by notching their first NCAA Tournament win in program history. "It will be my job to bring them back down to earth and then get them to really believe it can happen," Wright State coach Scott Nagy told reporters. "I've seen teams at our level do it."

TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, truTV

LINE HISTORY: Tennessee opened as 13-point favorites and as of Wednesday night that pointspread was down slightly to -12. The total hit betting boards at 131.5 and went up to 132 before falling back to the opening number. Check out the complete line history here.

BETTING STATS:

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ABOUT WRIGHT STATE: Grant Benzinger was named the Most Valuable Player of the Horizon League Tournament after averaging 14 points and 9.6 rebounds in victories over Green Bay, Milwaukee and Cleveland State. Benzinger led the way with 19 points, nine rebounds and three steals in the 74-57 win against the Vikings in the championship game while Cole Gentry and Jaylon Hall each added 11 points. Loudon Love was named to the All-Tournament team after averaging 14.6 points and 10.3 rebounds, including nine points in the final, to set a freshman record for points in a season previously held by Bill Edwards in 1990.

ABOUT TENNESSEE: Junior forward Admiral Schofield was named to the All-SEC Tournament team after averaging 17 points and 8.3 rebounds over three games. Schofield scored 22 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in the loss to Kentucky in the title game to notch his third double-double of the season while Grant Williams, who was named the SEC Player of the Year, added 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Jordan Bone tallied 12 points and reigning SEC Co-Sixth Man of the Year Lamonte Turner scored 10, but it wasn't enough as the Volunteers were held to 37.1 percent shooting.

MATCHUP CHART:

http://i67.tinypic.com/bhdjc8.jpg

TRENDS:

* Raiders are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Volunteers are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 NCAA Tournament games.
* Over is 4-1 in Raiders' last 5 neutral site games.
* Under is 5-0 in Volunteers' last 5 non-conference games.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 58 percent of bettors taking the underdogs from Wright State, while 52 percent of totals wagers are on the Under.




(11) Loyola-Chicago Ramblers vs (6) Miami-Florida Hurricanes (-1.5, 133)

Game to be played at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 6 Miami vs. No. 11 Loyola-Chicago
The No. 6 Miami Hurricanes face No. 11 Loyola-Chicago as 2.5-point favorites in the Round of 64 in the NCAA tournament.

Miami would love nothing more than to rebound from last year's poor showing at the NCAA Tournament - and has already gone through plenty of big-game moments in preparation - as it faces Loyola-Chicago in the first round of the South Region on Thursday at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The sixth-seeded Hurricanes are also hoping to get a boost with the possible return of Bruce Brown Jr.

The Hurricanes gave fans more than their share of thrills to close out the regular season, winning each of their final four games by a combined eight points - a stretch that included a three-point triumph over North Carolina and a one-point victory over Virginia Tech. But whatever heroics Miami displayed over that stretch ran out when the ACC Tournament got underway as the Hurricanes were trounced 82-65 by the Tar Heels. Miami's quest for a first Final Four appearance begins against the No. 11 Ramblers, who locked up their sixth tournament berth in school history - and first since 1985 - by claiming the Missouri Valley Conference title. The Ramblers won the national title in 1963, but have won only four tournament games since.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, truTV

LINE HISTORY: Miami opened as 3-point favorites and early money on the underdog Ramblers has pushed that number down to -1.5. The total hit betting boards at 133.5 and has dropped slightly to 133 as of Wednesday night.

BETTING STATS:

http://i67.tinypic.com/25kixbc.jpg

ABOUT LOYOLA-CHICAGO: The Ramblers ended their 33-year NCAA Tournament drought by playing some of the most relentless defense in the nation - they allowed the fifth-fewest points in the country (62.2) while limiting opponents to fewer than 10 made free throws per game. And Loyola-Chicago's offense wasn't so bad either as it boasted a 57.8-percent effective shooting rate that ranked in the top 10 nationally. Five players averaged double figures in scoring this season, led by Clayton Custer's 13.4 points as he'll be looking to end a frightful offensive slump that has seen him held to a total of 23 points over his past four games while shooting 4-for-20 from beyond the arc over that stretch.

ABOUT MIAMI: Brown's return would invigorate the Hurricanes' offense and rebounding as he ranks tied for second on the roster in scoring at 11.4 points while contributing a team-best 7.1 boards. But Miami hasn't had to worry much in his absence, boasting seven players who average between 8.7 and 11.5 points per game, but the Hurricanes will need to be much better from the free-throw line, where they ranked last in the ACC at 66.3 percent this season. Look for the Hurricanes to put plenty of pressure on Loyola-Chicago in the early going as Miami allowed just over 30 first-half points per game this season, ranking inside the top 30 in the country in that category.

MATCHUP CHART:

http://i68.tinypic.com/ay502c.jpg

TRENDS:

* Ramblers are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Hurricanes are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 NCAA Tournament games.
* Under is 5-0 in Ramblers' last 5 overall.
* Over is 11-2 in Hurricanes' last 13 NCAA Tournament games.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 51 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Miami, while 65 percent of totals wagers are on the Under.




(12) Davidson Wildcats vs (5) Kentucky Wildcats (-5, 143)

Game to be played at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 5 Kentucky vs. No. 12 Davidson
The No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats take on the No. 12 Davidson Wildcats a 6-point favorites in the Round of 64 of the NCAA tournament.

Davidson stole an NCAA Tournament bid from a bubble team with a surprising run to the Atlantic 10 tournament title and is looking for its first Tournament win since Stephen Curry led Davidson to the 2008 Elite Eight. Standing in the way is fifth-seeded Kentucky, which rolled to the SEC tournament title and hosts No. 12 seed Davidson in the first round of the South regional in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday.

Davidson picked up its first A-10 tournament title by knocking off top-seeded Rhode Island in the title game and cruises into its 14th NCAA Tournament with wins in four straight, during which it allowed an average of 62 points. Davidson won 11 of its last 13 games to come into March Madness hot and will lean on defense after forcing the Rams into 14 turnovers and 38.5 percent shooting in Sunday's 58-57 triumph. That defense will have its work cut out for it against Kentucky, which is averaging 80.4 points over its last eight games and features four players averaging double figures in scoring. "Every situation and experience is new to them, so you don't really know what they're going to do, and we need as many of these kinds of things as we can going into next weekend," Kentucky coach John Calipari told reporters of his young team. "So proud of them. Really proud of them."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBS

LINE HISTORY: Kentucky opened the betting Sunday night as 6-point favorites however early money on the upset-minded Davidson Wildcats has pushed that number down to -5. The total hit betting boards at 142.5 and was bumped up to 143.5 before dropping back slightly to 143 on Wednesday.

BETTING STATS:

http://i66.tinypic.com/2vkj62p.jpg

ABOUT DAVIDSON: Davidson will counter Kentucky's young, balanced attack with some experienced scoring in senior forward Peyton Aldridge, who averages over 21 points and was named the co-Player of the Year in the Atlantic 10. Aldridge was held to 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting in Sunday's win over Rhode Island but went over 30 points five times on the season, including a 45-point outburst in a triple-overtime loss at St. Bonaventure on Feb. 27 - the team's lone setback in the last nine contests. Davidson can't match Kentucky's young talent but does have a freshman in guard Kellan Grady averaging over 18 points.

ABOUT KENTUCKY: Freshman guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 29 points in Sunday's SEC championship game win over Tennessee and is averaging 18.4 points over the last seven games. The Canada native is also emerging as a team leader due to his hard work. "He will miss guys sometimes, but he's gotten so much better," Calipari told reporters of Gilgeous-Alexander. "But it's taken film and practice and talks and one-on-ones. The kid is a great kid in trying to do the right thing. These kids know, if a guy's - it's hard to lead if you're not the hardest guy working it. It's hard to lead if you're not the first one in there. It's hard to lead if you're not a guy that's capable to go on the court and win games. I'm not following you. Who wants to follow you? I mean, you've got to be that guy."

MATCHUP CHART:

http://i64.tinypic.com/2usx73a.jpg

TRENDS:

* Davidson is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games.
* Kentucky is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* Under is 4-0 in Davidson's last 4 NCAA Tournament games.
* Over is 8-0 in Kentucky's last 8 non-conference games.

CONSENSUS: Covers consensus data is showing 64 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Kentucky, while 63 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.




(13) Buffalo Bulls vs (4) Arizona Wildcats (-8.5, 158.5)

Game to be played at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 4 Arizona vs. No. 13 Buffalo
The No. 4 Arizona Wildcats take on the No. 13 Buffalo Bulls as 9.5-point favorites in the Round of 64 in the NCAA tournament.

After a controversy-filled few weeks, Arizona has regained its swagger just in time for the NCAA Tournament. The fourth-seeded Wildcats claimed both the Pac-12 regular-season title and the conference tournament championship but will need to be careful not to overlook No. 13 seed Buffalo when the teams meet Thursday in the first round of the South Region in Boise, Idaho.

Buffalo set a school record for wins and owns the No. 6 scoring offense in the nation at 84.8 points per game, but the Bulls face an uphill battle against national player of the year candidate Deandre Ayton, a 7-1 freshman who averaged 32 points and 16 rebounds in back-to-back wins over UCLA and USC in the Pac-12 Tournament. “Deandre, the dominance that he put forth – if there’s another player better, I’d like to meet him,” coach Sean Miller told reporters. “He absolutely was a one-man wrecking crew.” The Wildcats extended their winning streak to five with Saturday's 75-61 victory over USC in Las Vegas, while Buffalo defeated Toledo in the Mid-American Conference Tournament title game in Cleveland. Four different players average double figures in scoring for Arizona, which dropped three straight games in the Bahamas in late November without injured guard Rawle Alkins but had little trouble during Pac-12 play.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, CBS

LINE HISTORY: Arizona opened as 8.5-point favorites and as of Tuesday evening that pointspread has yet to move. The total hit betting boards at 158 and was bet down to 157.5 before bouncing to 158.5 on Wednesday.

BETTING STATS:

http://i65.tinypic.com/n6b8ut.jpg

ABOUT BUFFALO: Senior guard Wes Clark, a transfer from Missouri, was named Mid-American Conference Tournament MVP after scoring 26 points in the 76-66 win over Toledo. The Bulls’ impressive backcourt includes junior guard CJ Massinburg, who led the team in scoring at 16.9 points per game but was held to four points on 1-of-7 shooting in the championship game against Toledo. Junior forwards Nick Perkins and Jeremy Harris combined for 26 points against the Rockets, but the undersized duo will be tested early and often by Arizona’s imposing frontline.

ABOUT ARIZONA: In addition to Ayton, the Wildcats' frontcourt includes 7-foot senior Dusan Ristic, who averages 12.1 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 56.1 percent from the field. Junior guard Allonzo Trier ranks second on the team in scoring at 18.4 points per game and will be looking to get untracked after averaging nine points while shooting 5-of-19 from the field against UCLA and USC in the Pac-12 Tournament. Senior point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright started all 34 games and provides steady leadership for the Wildcats, who averaged 81.1 points per game but struggled defensively at times during the regular season.

MATCHUP CHART:

http://i65.tinypic.com/wrxezp.jpg

TRENDS:

* Bulls are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
* Wildcats are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games.
* Over is 11-4 in Bulls' last 15 non-conference games.
* Under is 8-2 in Wildcats' last 10 overall.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 65 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Arizona, while 59 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Thursday's NCAA Tournament first round betting preview: West Region

(13) NC-Greensboro Spartans vs (4) Gonzaga Bulldogs (-12.5, 136)

Game to be played at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 4 Gonzaga vs. No. 13 UNC Greensboro
The No. 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs take on No. 13 No. 13 UNC Greensboro as 12.5-point favorites in the Round of 64 of the NCAA tournament.

When fourth-seeded Gonzaga faces No. 13 seed UNC Greensboro on Thursday in the first round of the West Region at Boise, Idaho, the Zags might have flashbacks to their former Cinderella days. Gonzaga, making its 20th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, enters as confident favorites against upset-minded UNC Greensboro, which is making its first trip to the Big Dance since 2001.

Five players average double figures in scoring for Gonzaga, which claimed its sixth consecutive West Coast Conference Tournament championship with Tuesday’s 74-54 victory over BYU. The Zags fell in last season’s NCAA championship game and figured to take a step back after losing four of their top five scorers, but coach Mark Few reloaded and saw his team reach the 30-win mark for the fourth time in six seasons. The Zags dominated at the WCC Tournament in Las Vegas with three wins by an average of 20.7 points, with sophomore forward Killian Tillie averaging 24.0 points on a remarkable 77.8 percent shooting to win tournament MVP honors. While the Zags are aiming for another deep run, they’ll need to be careful not to overlook UNC Greensboro, which boasts a veteran backcourt and ranks sixth in the nation in scoring defense at 62.4 points per game.

TV: 1:20 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: Gonzaga opened as 13-point favorites and that number has been bet down slightly to -12.5. The total hit betting boards at 135.5 and has been bumped up slightly to 136. Check out the complete line history here.

BETTING STATS:

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ABOUT UNC GREENSBORO (27-7): The Spartans earned an automatic bid after point guard Demetrius Troy and forward Jordy Kuiper scored 13 points apiece in a 62-47 victory over East Tennessee State in the Southern Conference Tournament championship game. The team’s leading scorers, guard Francis Alonso and forward Marvin Smith, were held to a combined 13 points on 3-for-18 shooting in the title game, but the Spartans’ stingy defense proved to be the difference. James Dickey, a 6-foot-10 sophomore, made the all-tournament team and will be a key factor against Gonzaga’s formidable front line.

ABOUT GONZAGA (30-4): The Zags dominated the All-WCC selections as forwards Johnathan Williams and Rui Hachimura were named to the First Team along with guard Josh Perkins, while freshman guard Zach Norvell Jr. was named Newcomer of the Year. Williams, one of two seniors in the starting lineup, led the team in scoring at 13.5 points per game and had 10 points and 13 rebounds to help the Zags pull away from BYU. “That last 20 minutes was scary, and fun to be part of,” Perkins told reporters. “If we keep doing that, the sky is the limit for this group. I’m feeling really confident going into the NCAA Tournament.”

MATCHUP CHART:

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TRENDS:

* Spartans are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
* Bulldogs are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 NCAA Tournament games.
* Under is 18-8 in Spartans' last 26 non-conference games.
* Over is 7-1 in Bulldogs' last 8 non-conference games.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 74 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Gonzaga, while 63 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.




(12) South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs (5) Ohio St. Buckeyes (-7.5, 147)

Game to be played at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 5 Ohio State vs. No. 12 South Dakota State
The No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes are 8-point favorites facing No. 12 South Dakota State in the Round of 64 in the NCAA tournament.

Ohio State owns the higher seed and the more recognizable name, but South Dakota State has more recent NCAA Tournament experience on its ledger entering their first-round West Regional matchup Thursday. That’s the challenge awaiting the fifth-seeded Buckeyes as they take on the 12th-seeded Jackrabbits in Boise, Idaho.

A No. 12 seed has beaten a No. 5 seed in nine of the last 10 NCAA Tournaments, and 12s have won 11 of the last 24 such first-round matchups overall. The Buckeyes, who earned an at-large bid out of the Big Ten, are making their 28th Big Dance appearance overall but their first since 2015 under former coach Thad Matta. South Dakota State, meanwhile, captured an automatic NCAA bid by winning the Summit League championship and also finished first in the conference with a 13-1 league record during the regular season. It will be the third straight NCAA Tournament appearance for the Jackrabbits and fifth in the last seven seasons for the program which moved up to the Division I level in 2005.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: Ohio St. opened as 7-5-point favorites and early action on the Buckeyes push the pointspread to -8 before returning to the opening number Wednesday night. The total hit betting boards at 148.5 and was been dropped considerably to 146.5 before rebounding slightly to 147 on Wednesday. Check out the complete line history here.

BETTING STATS:

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ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA STATE: The Jackrabbits, guided by second-year coach T.J. Otzelberger, won their 11th straight game with a 97-87 victory over South Dakota in the Summit League championship game, and also notched wins over the Big Ten’s Iowa (80-72) and the SEC’s Ole Miss (99-97) during non-conference play. South Dakota State does boast a national-headline name in 6-9 junior forward Mike Daum who paced the Summit League in scoring (23.8 points per game) and rebounding (10.4) while connecting on a team-most 91 pointers on 216 attempts (42.1 percent). Guards David Jenkins Jr. (16.1 points) and Reed Tellinghuisen (12.1) also average double figures for South Dakota State, which ranks sixth nationally with 84.9 points per game and shoots 40.3 percent as a team from 3-point range (12th nationally).

ABOUT OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes have had a stronger-than-expected season under new coach Chris Holtmann, finishing in a tie for second in the Big Ten at 15-3 before getting upended by Penn State in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament. That 69-68 loss March 2 in New York was the third defeat in five games for Ohio State, which boasts four double-digit scorers, led by 6-7 junior forward Keita Bates-Diop, the Big Ten’s Player of the Year who averages 19.4 points and 8.8 rebounds. Forward Jae’Sean Tate (12.5 points), guard C.J. Jackson (12.2) and freshman forward Kaleb Wesson (10.8) also average double digits for the Buckeyes, who finished fourth in the conference by averaging 75.8 points per outing.

MATCHUP CHART:

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TRENDS:

* Jackrabbits are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Buckeyes are 5-21 ATS in their last 26 neutral site games.
* Over is 6-2 in Jackrabbits' last 8 vs. Big Ten.
* Under is 8-1 in Buckeyes' last 9 neutral site games.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 68 percent of bettors taking the underdogs from South Dakota State, while 52 percent of totals wagers are on the Under.




(11) San Diego St. Aztecs vs (6) Houston Cougars (-4, 142.5)

Game to be played at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 6 Houston vs. No. 11 San Diego State
The No. 6 Houston Cougars are 4-point favorites facing No. 11 San Diego State in the Round of 64 of the NCAA tournament.

Sixth-seeded Houston will have to cool off red-hot San Diego State to win its first NCAA Tournament game in 34 years. The 11th-seeded Aztecs head to Thursday's West Region first-round game in Wichita, Kan., on a nine-game win streak.

San Diego State's streak includes two victories against Mountain West Conference regular-season champ - and NCAA Tournament at-large pick - Nevada and Saturday's 82-75 win against New Mexico in the conference tournament finals. A healthy and full roster has helped the Aztecs - who feature balanced scoring from the starting five and the bench - get hot at the right time. The Cougars are in the Big Dance for the first time since 2010 and haven't won a tournament game since reaching the championship game in 1984. Senior guard Rob Gray leads a high-scoring Houston squad that can also play tough defense, allowing 64.9 points.

TV: 7:20 p.m. ET, TBS

LINE HISTORY: Houston opened as 4-point favorites for this opening round matchup and as of Wednesday afternoon that pointspread has not moved. The total hit betting boards at 142.5 and has also been steady in early betting.

BETTING STATS:

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ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE: Senior forward Malik Pope - who missed one game after his name was included in a report for possible impermissible benefits but was later cleared by his school - leads the Aztecs with 12.9 points and 6.6 rebounds. Freshmen forwards Jalen McDaniels (10.2 points, 7.5 rebounds) and Matt Mitchell (10.7, 4.0) give the Aztecs additional options in the frontcourt, while senior playmaker Trey Kell - who had a career-high 28 points in Saturday's title game - does a little bit of everything with 10.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.1 steals. Junior guard Devin Watson (12.3 points, 3.8 assists) is the fifth Wolf Pack starter averaging double digits.

ABOUT HOUSTON: Gray leads the Cougars with 18.5 points and 4.5 assists, while senior forward Devin Davis adds 10.8 points and a team-best 6.2 rebounds. Junior Corey Davis Jr. contributes 13.5 points while shooting 44 percent from the 3-point line and sophomore Armoni Brooks - the American Athletic Conference's Sixth Man of the Year - adds 9.8 points and shoots 42.3 percent beyond the arc. The Cougars can get defensive - holding opponents to 39.6 percent shooting, forcing 13.3 turnovers and control the boards - as shown in Sunday's 56-55 loss to Cincinnati in the AAC championship.

MATCHUP CHART:

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TRENDS:

* Aztecs are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Cougars are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games.
* Over is 6-1 in Aztecs' last 7 neutral site games.
* Over is 4-1 in Cougars' last 5 vs. Mountain West.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 59 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Houston, while 52 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.




(14) Montana Grizzlies vs (3) Michigan Wolverines (-11, 135)

Game to be played at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 14 Montana
The No. 3 Michigan Wolverines are 11-point chalk versus No. 14 Montana in the Round of 64 of the NCAA tournament.

Third-seeded Michigan looks to continue its winning ways when it faces No. 14 seed Montana in the first round of the West regional on Thursday in Wichita, Kan. The Wolverines have ripped off nine consecutive wins, including four victories in four days in New York City to claim their second Big Ten tournament title in as many years, and hope a 10-day layoff doesn't rob them of their momentum as they strive to advance to the second round of March Madness for the fourth time in their last five appearances.

"We got back to the gym to be competitive and get motivated for a really tough tournament," Michigan forward Moritz Wagner told reporters. "We've been doing a great job and I don't think this team needs a lot of help to be hungry." Michigan is 11-4 in the NCAA Tournament since 2013 and hopes to make another deep run by taming the Grizzlies in the first-ever matchup between the teams. Montana went 16-2 in Big Sky Conference play before winning three straight in the conference tournament, including an 82-65 triumph over Eastern Washington in the final, to punch its Big Dance ticket for the first time since 2013. The Grizzlies have dropped 11 of their last 14 meetings with teams currently in the Big Ten and hope to notch their first win in the tournament since knocking off Nevada 87-79 in 2006.

TV: 9:50 p.m. ET, TBS

LINE HISTORY: Michigan opened as 12-point favorites as as of Wednesday afternoon that number has been bet down to -11. The total hit betting boards at 134.5 and has been bumped up slightly to 135.

BETTING STATS:

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ABOUT MONTANA: Michael Oguine was named the Big Sky tournament's Most Outstanding Player after averaging 21 points and five rebounds in wins against North Dakota, Northern Colorado and Eastern Washington. Oguine scored 15 of his team-leading 21 points in the second half while Ahmaad Rorie added 15 points and five assists to help the Grizzlies overcome a 10-point halftime deficit to win the conference tournament title. "We have a senior (Fabijan Krslovic) who has given his all to the program," Rorie told reporters. "We didn't want to play in the NIT as we wanted to get him in the tournament."

ABOUT MICHIGAN: Wagner was named the MVP of the Big Ten tournament after averaging 15.7 points and 6.5 rebounds over four games at Madison Square Garden. Wagner scored 17 points while Muhammad-Ali-Abdur Rahkman, who was also named to the Big Ten All-Tournament team, added 15 points and four assists as the Wolverines knocked off Purdue 75-66 in the title game to avenge two regular-season losses to the Boilermakers. Starting forward Isaiah Livers suffered an ankle sprain early in the first half against the Boilermakers, but practiced during the week and is expected to be available Thursday.

MATCHUP CHART:

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TRENDS:

* Grizzlies are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
* Wolverines are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Over is 4-0 in Grizzlies' last 4 neutral site games.
* Over is 5-0-2 in Wolverines' last 7 overall.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 66 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Michigan, while 55 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Thursday's NCAA Tournament first round betting preview: East Region

(16) Radford Highlanders vs (1) Villanova Wildcats (-23.5, 140)

Game to be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The No. 1 Villanova Wildcats are 22-point chalk facing No. 16 in the Round of 64 of the NCAA tournament.

Top-seeded Villanova starts the quest for a second NCAA Tournament championship in three years when it when takes on No. 16 seed Radford in the first round of the East Region on Thursday in Pittsburgh. The Wildcats take a five-game winning streak into the Big Dance after outlasting Providence 76-66 in overtime in the Big East title game and set their sights on the Highlanders, who advanced out of the First Four on Tuesday.

“The biggest challenge is always this first game,” Villanova coach Jay Wright told ESPN. “One game at a time.” Wildcats junior guard Jalen Brunson, the Big East Player of the Year, matched his career high with 31 points in the conference title game and leads the nation’s most productive offense that boasts six players averaging in double figures, 87.1 points per contest and 388 made 3-pointers - second-most in the country. Villanova, which is the top seed in the East for the third time in four seasons, will face a Radford team that has won a program record 23 games and lost to Ohio State, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech earlier in the season. Ed Polite Jr. and Carlik Jones each notched double-doubles as the Highlanders won their first NCAA Tournament game by knocking off LIU Brooklyn 71-61 in Dayton on Tuesday.

TV: 6:50 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: Villanova opened the betting for this matchup as massive 23.5-point favorites and as of Wednesday afternoon that number has yet to move. The total hit betting boards at 141 and has been bet down slightly to 140.

BETTING STATS:

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ABOUT RADFORD: Polite, a junior forward, leads the team in scoring (13.5), rebounds (7.9) and steals (1.9) while going over 1,100 points for his career after scoring 13 on Tuesday. Jones, a freshman who drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer in the Big South Tournament final to send the Highlanders to the NCAA Tournament for the third time, averages 11.8 points (13.5 in the last four) and 3.1 assists. Sophomore guard Travis Fields Jr. is averaging 12 points in the last three games (12-for-18 from the field) to push his season mark to 6.3.

ABOUT VILLANOVA: Brunson averages team highs of 19.4 points and 4.7 assists while draining 53.1 percent from the field and fellow junior guard Mikal Bridges (18.0 points, 52.1 from the field) is scoring 23 per game over the last five. Junior guard Phil Booth, who missed seven games with a hand injury earlier this season, is also a major threat but must recover from an 0-for-5 shooting effort in the Big East final. The Wildcats will also need a big tournament from sophomore guard Donte DiVicenzo (13.1 points), but he has scored only 6.3 per game in his last three outings.

MATCHUP CHART:

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TRENDS:

* Highlanders are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Wildcats are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games.
* Under is 6-1 in Highlanders' last 7 neutral site games.
* Over is 10-2 in Wildcats' last 12 games following a straight up win.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 70 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Villanova, while 66 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.




(14) Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs (3) Texas Tech Red Raiders (-11, 137.5)

Game to be played at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 3 Texas Tech vs. No. 14 Stephen F. Austin
No. 3 Texas Tech is an 11.5-point favorite facing No. 14 Stephen F. Austin in the Round of 64 of the NCAA tournament.

Texas Tech didn’t win the Big 12 regular-season or tournament title, but it did earn a favorable NCAA Tournament draw. The Red Raiders, third-seeded in the East region, will stay in the Lone Star State to open the Big Dance in Dallas, facing 14th-seeded and in-state foe Stephen F. Austin on Thursday.

Coach Chris Beard’s Red Raiders finished second in the Big 12 behind perennial champion Kansas and beat Texas 73-69 in their Big 12 Tournament opener before falling to third-seeded West Virginia 66-63 in the semifinals. Overall, Texas Tech enters the NCAA Tourney with a 24-9 record – its first 20-win season in 11 years and its most wins since a school-record 30-2 season in 1995-96. It also will be the second NCAA Tournament appearance in the last decade for the Red Raiders and their first since 2016 when coach Tubby Smith’s eighth-seeded squad was upended 71-61 in the first round by ninth-seeded Butler. Stephen F. Austin, located in Nacogdoches, Texas, also has punched its first Big Dance ticket since 2016 and got there by winning the Southland Conference tournament title as a third seed.

TV: 7:27 p.m. ET, truTV

LINE HISTORY: Texas Tech opened as 11-point favorites for this opening round matchup and that number was not high enough for bettors as steady early action on the Raiders pushed the pointspread up slightly to -11.5. Some buy-back on the underdog brought the number back down to the opener Wednesday evening. The total hit betting boards at 139 and was quickly bet down to 137.5.

BETTING STATS:

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ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN: The Lumberjacks enter the NCAA Tournament – their fourth appearance in the last five years – with 10 wins in the their last 11 games, including a 59-55 upset win over top-seeded Southeast Louisiana in the Southland championship game. Forward T.J. Holyfield closed the Southland Tournament with consecutive double-doubles and averages 13.0 points and a team-best 6.4 rebounds per game. Guards Shannon Bogues (15.4 points) and Kevon Harris (14.6) also average double figures with the latter shooting a team-best 43.2 percent from 3-point range, which ranked second in the Southland.

ABOUT TEXAS TECH: The Red Raiders started 14-1 and were 22-4 a little more than a month later when they climbed to No. 6 in the national polls – the high-water mark in program history. But guard Keenan Evans, the team’s leading scorer at 17.5 points, suffered a toe injury in a Feb. 17 loss to Baylor and totaled only 12 points in the school’s final four games in February, including a Feb. 26 contest at West Virginia where he sat out entirely, contributing heavily to Texas Tech’s four-game tailspin entering March. Evans has averaged 20.3 points in the Red Raiders’ three games since and is joined by freshmen guards Jarrett Culver (11.7, team-best 4.8 rebounds) and Zhaire Smith (11.2) in double figures on the season.

MATCHUP CHART:

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TRENDS:

* Lumberjacks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Red Raiders are 0-6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
* Under is 7-1 in Lumberjacks' last 8 neutral site games.
* Over is 5-0 in Red Raiders' last 5 games following a straight up loss.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 54 percent of bettors taking the underdogs from Stephen F. Austin, while 53 percent of totals wagers are on the Under.




(9) Alabama Crimson Tide vs (8) Virginia Tech Hokies (-2, 141.5)

Game to be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 8 Virginia Tech vs. No. 9 Alabama
The No. 8 Virginia Tech Hokies face the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide as 2-point favorites in the Round of 64 of the NCAA tournament.

A pair of high-scoring teams will do battle in the NCAA Tournament's East Region first round when No. 8 seed Virginia Tech takes on No. 9 Alabama on Thursday in Pittsburgh. The Hokies average 79.7 points and have five double-figure scorers, while the Crimson Tide averages 72.4 with both teams allowing at least 70 points a contest.

Alabama is powered by one of the top freshmen in the country, guard Collin Sexton, who leads the team in scoring (19 points) and assists (3.5) and is able to take games over, as he did with 21 second-half points in a quarterfinal win over Auburn in the SEC tournament. Coach Avery Johnson will need to get more offense from the rest of the lineup as the Hokies will certainly focus on stopping Sexton and forcing other Alabama players to beat them. Guard Justin Robinson paces the high-powered Hokies attack, averaging 13.8 points and 5.6 assists, both team-highs. Four different players -- Robinson, Justin Bibbs, Ahmed Hill and Nickeil Alexander-Walker -- have hit at least 50 3-pointers this season, which will stretch the Alabama defense.

TV: 9:20 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: Virginia Tech opened as 2-point favorites and as of Tuesday evening that number has yet to move. The total hit betting boards at 142 and has come down slightly to 141.5.

BETTING STATS:

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ABOUT ALABAMA: Crimson Tide coach Avery Johnson is confident he'll have forward Donta Hall available for the NCAA Tournament after Hall suffered a concussion in the team's quarterfinal win over Auburn in the SEC tournament Friday. Hall missed the semifinal loss to Kentucky on Saturday, but Johnson says the 6-10 junior is in concussion protocol and he's optimistic he'll have the team's second-leading scorer (10.9 points per game) and top rebounder (6.8) and shot-blocker (2.1) against the Hokies. Freshman Alex Reese started in Hall's place against Kentucky, finishing with five points and four rebounds in 19 minutes in his first-ever collegiate starting assignment.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH: Coach Buzz Williams is hoping his team got their postseason stinker out of its system at the ACC tournament, when the Hokies led Notre Dame by 21 with just over 15 minutes to play and lost. Virginia Tech likes to dare teams to beat it from the outside because of the small lineup Williams plays, trying to pack the lane and prevent easy drives to the basket, and the Irish were able to take advantage from the perimeter. Williams will certainly be on the lookout for a hot shooting team, whether it be Alabama or any future opponent, and try to extend the defense more, but the Hokies have at least learned that no lead is safe in a one-and-done situation.

MATCHUP CHART:

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TRENDS:

* Crimson Tide are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 non-conference games.
* Hokies are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
* Under is 14-6 in Crimson Tide's last 20 overall.
* Under is 9-0 in Hokies' last 9 overall.

CONSENSUS: Covers consensus data is showing 63 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Virginia Tech, while 53 percent of totals wagers are on the Under.




(11) St. Bonaventure Bonnies vs (6) Florida Gators (-5.5, 143)

Game to be played at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 6 Florida vs. No. 11 St. Bonaventure
No. 6 Florida opened a pick and is now a 5.5-point favorite versus No. 11 St. Bonaventure in the Round of 64 of the NCAA tournament.

Sixth-seeded Florida hopes to find the best version of itself when it begins play in the NCAA Tournament against No. 11 seed St. Bonaventure in the first round of the East Region on Thursday in Dallas. The Gators owns impressive victories over Gonzaga, Cincinnati, Kentucky (two) and Auburn, but dropped five of their last eight games against non-NCAA teams before falling in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals against Arkansas.

“We have competitors, there’s no doubt about that. We see that every day at practice,” Florida senior guard Igor Koulechov told Floridagators.com. “Where we’re lacking sometimes is with our emotion.” As Koulechov said, it’s back to the rollercoaster for the Gators as they try to put strong performances on both sides of the floor together and make a run with a capable group that boasts four players averaging at least 11 points. St. Bonaventure will create quite a challenge after the Bonnies knocked off UCLA 65-58 on Tuesday in the First Four at Dayton, Ohio, for its school-record 26th win and first NCAA Tournament victory since 1970. St. Bonaventure advanced without big nights from its leading scorers - senior guards Jaylen Adams (19.4) and Matt Mobley (18.4), who finished with 22 points combined against the Bruins.

TV: 9:57 p.m. ET, truTV

LINE HISTORY: Florida opened as 5.5-point favorites and as of Wednesday morning that pointspread has yet to move. The total hit betting boards at 143 and has also been steady.

BETTING STATS:

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ABOUT ST. BONAVENTURE: Mobley recorded 14 points Tuesday, but was 2-for-7 from 3-point range and 4-for-12 overall, while Adams missed 14 of his 16 field goals attempts and all five of his tries from behind the arc. Courtney Stockard (13.3 points) stepped up by scoring 26 and is averaging 23.8 over the last five contests, but the 6-5 junior lauded the team’s defense Tuesday. “We played the same defense all year,” Stockard told reporters. “UCLA is a good offensive team, high-scoring team. But. … we did a good job taking away their knowns, making them take contested shots.”

ABOUT FLORIDA: The Gators got hammered on the boards against Arkansas 43-28 and shot 41.7 percent from the field after winning the final three regular-season games in impressive fashion. Junior guard Jalen Hudson (15.3 points) scored 22.7 per game during those wins, but went 2-for-9 from the field against Arkansas while Koulechov (13.6 points) missed nine of 11 shots from the floor against the Razorbacks. Junior guard KeVaughn Allen (11.3) is averaging 14.8 points over the last four contests and experienced senior point guard Chris Chiozza (11.2 points, team-high 6.1 assists) runs the show.

MATCHUP CHART:

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TRENDS:

* Bonnies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
* Gators are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 Thursday games.
* Under is 6-1 in Bonnies' last 7 non-conference games.
* Under is 14-3 in Gators' last 17 games following a straight up loss.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 63 percent of bettors taking the favorites from St. Bonaventure, while 58 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Thursday's NCAA Tournament first round betting preview: Midwest Region

(10) Oklahoma Sooners vs (7) Rhode Island Rams (-2, 158)

Game to be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 7 Rhode Island vs. No. 10 Oklahoma
No. 7 Rhode Island is a 2-point favorite versus No. 10 Oklahoma in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.

In what may go down as one of the more controversial selections of the NCAA Tournament, Oklahoma not only made it but garnered a No. 10 seed and will meet No. 7 Rhode Island on Thursday in the Midwest Region in Pittsburgh. The Sooners went 6-12 down the stretch and were bounced from the Big 12 Tournament in the first round but will still get to face the Rams, who are the Atlantic 10 regular-season champions.

The fact that they play in a major conference that sent seven teams to the tournament and have Freshman of the Year candidate Trae Young certainly helped the Sooners, who were the only team in the field, including First Four teams, to make it with fewer than 19 victories. Young led the nation in scoring (27.4 points per game) and assists (8.8) while grabbing 3.9 rebounds for coach Lon Kruger. The 6-2 guard helped his team to a 12-1 start, including three wins over ranked teams, but things started to go south in mid-January. The Rams, who were unable to capture a second straight Atlantic 10 Tournament title, got a tough draw, including a possible second-round game with No. 2 seed Duke, for a team that won 25 games, including its first 13 in the Atlantic 10.

TV: 12:15 p.m. ET, CBS

LINE HISTORY: Rhode Island opened as 1-point favorites and that number has been bet up slightly to -2. The total hit betting boards at 160.5 and has been bet down to 158.

BETTING STATS:

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ABOUT OKLAHOMA: Everyone knows what Young can do, but it's the rest of the team that will decide if the Sooners can advance out of the first round after missing the tournament last season. Junior guard Christian James had been solid with seven straight games in double figures before going scoreless in the Sooner's 71-60 loss to Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament. Freshman forward Brady Manek is the only other player averaging in double figures for Kruger, but has only scored more than nine points once in the past seven games.

ABOUT RHODE ISLAND: Redshirt senior E.C. Matthews recorded 20 points and eight rebounds, but the Rams lost their second low-scoring game to Davidson in the last two weeks in the Atlantic 10 final. Dan Hurley's team is well-rounded with a top scorer in Jared Terrell, a defensive specialist in Stanford Robinson and a solid point guard and leader in Jeff Dowtin. Andre Berry, Cyril Langevine and Jarvis Garrett also see considerable playing time for the Rams, who are in the tournament in back-to-back seasons for the first time since going to three straight from 1997-1999.

MATCHUP CHART:

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TRENDS:

* Sooners are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
* Rams are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
* Over is 9-2 in Sooners' last 11 non-conference games.
* Under is 5-1 in Rams' last 6 overall.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 58 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Rhode Island, while 54 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.




(16) Pennsylvania Quakers vs (1) Kansas Jayhawks (-13.5, 146)

Game to be played at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.

The No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks are 14-point favorites versu No. 16 Penn in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.

Pennsylvania's reward for winning the Ivy League is a No. 16 seed and a date in the NCAA Tournament with top-seeded Kansas in Wichita, Kan., on Thursday. The Jayhawks earned the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region by winning their 11th Big 12 tournament, which came a week after they sewed up at least a share of their 14th consecutive Big 12 regular-season crown.

Kansas was throwing up some inconsistent performances before going into the Big 12 championship game and knocking off West Virginia 81-70. "I think it should give us confidence moving forward," Jayhawks coach Bill Self told reporters after the win. "The best thing that can happen for our team right now is to get some rest, but to try to somewhat bottle the energy and how well we played together today." Kansas earned a No. 1 seed for the third straight season and the eighth time in the last 12 NCAA Tournaments while making its 29th consecutive Tournament appearance. The Quakers are not quite as storied a program when it comes to March Madness and are returning for the first time since 2007 after knocking off Harvard 68-65 in the Ivy League title game Sunday.

TV: 1:50 p.m. ET, TBS

LINE HISTORY: No. 1 seed Kansas opened as 15-point favorites and that number appears to be too high for early bettors as books were forced to drop the number down to -13.5. The total hit betting boards at 147.5 and has been dropped to 146.

BETTING STATS:

http://i68.tinypic.com/2ed5uu0.jpg

ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA: The Quakers are bidding to become the first No. 16 seed to knock off a No. 1 in the NCAA Tournament and were surprised to get this far. "Honestly, I didn't even dream about this, I didn't think we could do it," Pennsylvania coach Steve Donahue told reporters after the win in the Ivy League title game. "I drove home last night saying, 'I gotta get that out of my head, I gotta show some confidence. I didn't think it was possible for us to get to the NCAA Tournament until that horn went off. In a building I grew up in, and watching the kids storm the floor for our guys, it's magic." The Quakers have four scorers averaging double figures, led by sophomore guard Ryan Betley (14.4 points).

ABOUT KANSAS: The Jayhawks are led by Big 12 Player of the Year Devonte' Graham but have five players averaging at least 12 points, and watched sophomore guard Malik Newman step up in the Big 12 tournament while averaging 24 points and winning Most Outstanding Player honors. "He has had a great attitude," Self told reporters of Newman. "He works hard. He's really starting to understand exactly how he needs to play in order for him to have total confidence and freedom, and I think he's buying into that better than he has all year long." Graham handed out 13 assists in the Big 12 title game and is averaging 9.8 over the last five contests.

MATCHUP CHART:

http://i63.tinypic.com/fjf3wi.jpg

TRENDS:

* Quakers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 NCAA Tournament games.
* Jayhawks are 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Over is 6-0 in Quakers' last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Under is 5-0 in Jayhawks' last 5 vs. Ivy League.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 65 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Kansas, while 63 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.




(15) Iona Gaels vs (2) Duke Blue Devils (-20.5, 157)

Game to be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 2 Duke vs. No. 15 Iona
The No. 2 Duke Blue Devils are 19.5-point favorites facing No. 15 Iona in the Round of 64 of the NCAA tournament.

With one of the most talented freshman classes in recent NCAA history, Duke earned a No. 2 seed in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils take aim at another deep run through the bracket beginning with Thursday's date with 15th-seeded Iona in Pittsburgh.

This is the 23rd straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament for Duke, which finished second in the ACC during the regular season and then fell to rival North Carolina in the semifinals of the league tournament. Marvin Bagley Jr. (21.1 points, 11.5 rebounds per game) and Wendell Carter Jr. (13.8, 9.3) highlight the Blue Devils' young front line, while Gary Trent Jr. (14.3 points, 85 3-pointers) is their top freshman on the perimeter. Grayson Allen (15.7 points) helped Duke secure a national championship as a freshman and is back for a final go-round in hopes of bookending his career with NCAA Tournament titles. The first team in his path is a Gaels squad that won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference as the No. 4 seed in the league tournament.

TV: 2:45 p.m., ET, CBS

LINE HISTORY: Duke opened as massive 19.5-point favorites and as of Wednesday afternoon that number has been bet up even further to -20.5. The total hit betting boards at 156.5 and has been bumped up slightly to 157.

BETTING STATS:

http://i67.tinypic.com/o6yblh.jpg

ABOUT IONA: The Gaels average nearly 80 points per game and were led in the MAAC championship game by a pair of transfers, Roland Griffin and Zach Lewis. Griffin, who averages 10.9 points, exploded for 29 in the title game, while Lewis had 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals. Five Iona players average at least 10 points per game, led by Rickey McGill (13.5), who made only 5-of-22 shots during the league tournament, although he had a career-high 40 points in the regular-season finale.

ABOUT DUKE: The Blue Devils will continue to feed the 6-11 Bagley, who has three straight double-doubles and is averaging 24.3 points and 15 rebounds over that stretch. Trent led the team with 20 points in the loss to North Carolina, while Carter pitched in 14 points and nine boards in a game where only four players scored for Duke, as Bagley added 19 and Allen 16. First-year point guard Trevon Duval was 0-of-6 from the field versus the Tar Heels and has not scored more than seven points in any of his last six games.

MATCHUP CHART:

http://i68.tinypic.com/2h7i8au.jpg

TRENDS:

* Gaels are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 NCAA Tournament games.
* Blue Devils are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Metro Atlantic Athletic.
* Over is 10-3-1 in Gaels' last 14 overall.
* Over is 11-1 in Blue Devils' last 12 non-conference games.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 58 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Duke, while 67 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.




(9) NC State Wolfpack vs (8) Seton Hall Pirates (-2.5, 157.5)

Game to be played at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.

March Madness Betting Breakdown: No. 8 Seton Hall vs. No. 9 North Carolina State
No. 8 Seton Hall is a 2.5-point favorite versus No. 9 NC State in the Round of 64 of the NCAA tournament.

Ninth-seeded North Carolina State takes on eighth-seeded Seton Hall in the first-round of the Midwest Region from Wichita, Kan., on Thursday. The Wolfpack and Pirates had successful regular seasons but both are coming off early losses in their conference tournaments, with N.C. State losing to Boston College 91-87 in its first ACC tournament game and Seton Hall being upset by Butler 75-74 in its opening match at the Big East Conference tournament.

N.C. State scored 56 second-half points as it erased a 14-point halftime deficit but BC's Jerome Robinson broke a tie with 17 seconds remaining and then forced a turnover on an inbounds play to give the Eagles the upset win. "Every time we made a basket, they would come down and make a basket," N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts told reporters after the game after he watched his team tie the contest five times late in the second half but saw its only lead on the game's opening basket. Seton Hall's loss in the Big East quarterfinal was a heartbreaker as Khadeen Carrington converted a three-point play with 11 seconds to play, giving the Pirates a one-point lead, but Butler's Tyler Wideman scored on a putback with 4 seconds remaining to give the Bulldogs the win. "It's a tough loss," Carrington told reporters after the game. "You never want to lose, but I feel like everyone put it out on the floor, but we knew it was going to be a tough battle when we came in, so it was a tough Big East game."

TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, TBS

LINE HISTORY: Seton Hall opened as 2.5-point favorites and as of Wednesday afternoon that number has yet to move. The total hit betting boards at 157 and has been bumped up slightly to 157.5. Check out the complete line history here.

BETTING STATS:

http://i63.tinypic.com/vx2bme.jpg

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA STATE: Senior guard Allerik Freeman, the team's leading scorer at 15.4 points per game, had a team-high 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting -- including 5-of-7 from behind the arc -- against the Eagles while All-ACC third-team center Omer Yurtseven added 20 points and nine rebounds. Markell Johnson, the ACC assists leader with 7.4 per game, had 10 points and six helpers, but also committed a crucial mistake when he asked for a timeout with 7.3 seconds left even though the Wolfpack didn't have any, resulting in a technical foul and two made free throws for BC. "I knew in my head we didn't have any," Johnson told reporters after the loss. "I was so caught up in the game."

ABOUT SETON HALL: The Pirates are a veteran team that features four senior starters, including Carrington and leading scorer Desi Rodriguez who averages 17.8 points and 4.9 rebounds. And then there's senior center Angel Delgado, the Big East's all-time leader in rebounds and just the second player in history to lead the Big East in rebounding in three different seasons. But don't sleep on sophomore guard Myles Powell who was named the Big East Most Improved Player after averaging 15.4 points per game -- second-most on the team -- and is shot 38.5 percent from behind the 3-point arc this season.

MATCHUP CHART:

http://i64.tinypic.com/2hqcxh1.jpg

TRENDS:

* Wolfpack are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games.
* Pirates are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
* Under is 10-4 in Wolfpack's last 14 NCAA Tournament games.
* Over is 6-1-1 in Pirates last 8 NCAA Tournament games.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 55 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Seton Hall, while 52 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

These First Round tourney totals have had sharps salivating
Patrick Everson

Plenty of teams are drawing plenty of action on the NCAA Tournament’s 16-game dockets for Thursday and Friday. But there are certainly opportunities to be had on totals, as well. Patrick Everson checks in on a few games seeing such action, with insights from Matthew Holt, CEO of CG Analytics; Jeff Stoneback, director of trading for MGM Resorts sportsbooks; and Nick Bogdanovich, director of trading for William Hill US.

No. 14 Wright State Raiders vs. No. 3 Tennessee Volunteers – Open: 132; Move: 131

Wright State rolled to the Horizon League title to nab an automatic NCAA berth. The Raiders (25-9 SU, 18-13-1 ATS) dropped Cleveland State 74-57 as a 9.5-point favorite in the March 6 final. While that game cleared the total of 126.5, it’s worth noting that the Under is 20-12 for Wright State this season.

Tennessee is one of the more surprising teams of the year, rising up among the best in a very competitive Southeastern Conference. The Volunteers (25-8 SU, 18-13 ATS) lost in the SEC title game to Kentucky, 77-72 as a 2-point favorite. That Over hit in that game and in Tennessee’s semifinal win over Arkansas, ending a five-game run of Unders, and for the season, the Under is 18-13 for the Vols.

“We’re seeing Under action on Tennessee vs Wright State,” Holt said of activity at CG books, including at The Cosmopolitan and Venetian on the Vegas Strip. “The market is 132 or at least 131.5, and we are at 131 due to large sharp action on Under.”

The Raiders-Vols contest is among the earliest tipoffs Thursday, at 12:40 p.m. ET.

No. 13 North Carolina-Greensboro vs. No. 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs – Open: 136; Move: 135

Gonzaga rolled through the West Coast Conference Tournament here in Vegas. The Bulldogs (30-4 SU, 14-16-1 ATS) dropped Brigham Young 74-54 laying 9 points in the March 6 final, with the 128 points falling well short of the 141.5 total. However, the Zags are basically 50/50 on the Over/Under this year, at 15-16.

UNC-Greensboro won the Southern Conference automatic bid with a run in which all three of its SoCon Tournament games went Under. In the March 5 final, the Spartans rolled over East Tennessee State 62-47 as a 2-point underdog, going way Under despite a low 125.5-point total. For the season, the Under is 16-11 for UNC-Greensboro.

“Sharp action on UNC-Greensboro vs. Gonzaga Under, which is not a surprise, as both teams are so good defensively,” Holt said of this 1:30 p.m. ET tip Thursday.

Virginia, Cincinnati, and Arizona top the odds board in the NCAA tournament South Regional
The South Regional has some basketball heavyweights atop the odds board in Las Vegas, but it could be No.1 seed Virginia that has the toughest time cashing in for bettors. We're inside the Wynn Las Vegas talking March Madness odds and action with Johnny Avello, executive director of race and sports.

No. 16 Pennsylvania Quakers vs. No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks – Open: 147.5; Move: 146.5

Kansas claimed the Big 12’s regular-season and tournament titles, finishing with an 81-70 victory over West Virginia as a 1.5-point underdog in Saturday’s conference final. Penn (24-8 SU, 13-14 ATS) won the Ivy League Tournament by edging Harvard 68-65 as a 2.5-point fave in Sunday’s final.

The Jayhawks (27-7 SU, 18-14-1 ATS) are split on the Over/Under this year, at 16-16, though the Over is 5-1-1 in their last seven. The Over is 4-1 in the Quakers’ last five outings and 17-10 on the year.

However, Stoneback said sharp action on the Under for this 2 p.m. ET start took the total down a point at MGM books, including his home base at The Mirage on the Vegas Strip.

No. 10 Butler Bulldogs vs. No. 7 Arkansas Razorbacks – Open: 153; Move: 152.5; Move: 151.5

Butler reached the Big East Tournament semifinals, then got blown out by Villanova 87-68 catching 8 points on Friday. The Bulldogs (20-13 SU, 15-17 ATS) tend to play more to the Over this season, with a 19-13 mark (59.4 percent).

Arkansas (23-11, 17-16-1 ATS) made it to the SEC semifinals before getting run by Tennessee 84-66 as a 3-point pup. The Over is 6-2 in the Razorbacks’ last eight games, but early activity on this one is heading the other way.

“Someone liked the Under. That’s the biggest move of them all,” Bogdanovich said of activity that led to a 1.5-point dip on the total at William Hill. “I’d imagine that’s sharp play. It looks like the total moved basically everywhere.”

Indeed, Holt said CG books also had a 1.5-point move, from 152.5 to 151, and MGM books went from 152.5 to 151.5 for this 3:10 p.m. ET Friday start.

“That’s all sharp money right there,” Stoneback said. “The sharps usually come in on the Under, and the public likes to come in and bet the Over.”

No. 10 Texas Longhorns vs. No. 7 Nevada Wolf Pack – Open: 144; Move: None

Texas squeaked into the NCAA Tournament, likely bolstered by a home overtime win against West Virginia in the regular-season finale. The Longhorns (19-14 SU, 15-14 ATS) got to the second round of the Big 12 Tourney, losing to Texas Tech 73-69 as a 6.5-point ‘dog.

Nevada (27-7 SU, 16-14-3 ATS) was the top seed in the Mountain West Tournament, but got blown out by San Diego State in the semis, 90-73 as a 2-point chalk.

The Longhorns and Wolf Pack are in the middle on Over/Under this season, at 14-14 and 17-15 respectively. CG books have seen an early lean from bettors, but not enough to move the total for this 4:30 p.m. ET Friday matchup.

“Sharp action on Texas-Nevada Under,” Holt said. “Nevada has not been as efficient offensively since point guard Lindsey Drew (torn Achilles) went down for the season, and Texas is not a great offensive team.”

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Thursday, March 15


Radford @ Villanova

Game 719-720
March 15, 2018 @ 6:50 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Radford
52.338
Villanova
77.867
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Villanova
by 25 1/2
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Villanova
by 23
140 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Villanova
(-23); Over

Alabama @ Virginia Tech

Game 721-722
March 15, 2018 @ 9:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Alabama
65.019
Virginia Tech
69.562
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Virginia Tech
by 4 1/2
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Virginia Tech
by 1 1/2
141 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Virginia Tech
(-1 1/2); Over

Oklahoma @ Rhode Island

Game 723-724
March 15, 2018 @ 12:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma
63.418
Rhode Island
62.529
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma
by 1
154
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Rhode Island
by 2
161
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma
(+2); Under

Iona @ Duke

Game 725-726
March 15, 2018 @ 2:45 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Iona
57.819
Duke
75.439
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Duke
by 17 1/2
152
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Duke
by 21
156 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Iona
(+21); Under

Pennsylvania @ Kansas

Game 727-728
March 15, 2018 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pennsylvania
60.418
Kansas
70.895
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas
by 10 1/2
152
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas
by 16
147
Dunkel Pick:
Pennsylvania
(+16); Over

NC State @ Seton Hall

Game 729-730
March 15, 2018 @ 4:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NC State
68.563
Seton Hall
67.449
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NC State
by 1
162
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seton Hall
by 2 1/2
157
Dunkel Pick:
NC State
(+2 1/2); Over

San Diego St @ Houston

Game 731-732
March 15, 2018 @ 7:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego St
67.117
Houston
73.675
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 6 1/2
138
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 3 1/2
144
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-3 1/2); Under

Montana @ Michigan

Game 733-734
March 15, 2018 @ 9:50 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montana
61.394
Michigan
74.512
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Michigan
by 13
128
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Michigan
by 11
135
Dunkel Pick:
Michigan
(-11); Under

Loyola-Chicago @ Miami-FL

Game 735-736
March 15, 2018 @ 3:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Loyola-Chicago
64.578
Miami-FL
68.552
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami-FL
by 4
128
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami-FL
by 1 1/2
135
Dunkel Pick:
Miami-FL
(-1 1/2); Under

Wright State @ Tennessee

Game 737-738
March 15, 2018 @ 12:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Wright State
57.717
Tennessee
72.808
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tennessee
by 15
127
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tennessee
by 12 1/2
132 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tennessee
(-12 1/2); Under

St Bonaventure @ Florida

Game 739-740
March 15, 2018 @ 9:55 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St Bonaventure
65.409
Florida
68.583
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida
by 3
148
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Florida
by 5 1/2
143
Dunkel Pick:
St Bonaventure
(+5 1/2); Over

Stephen F Austin @ Texas Tech

Game 741-742
March 15, 2018 @ 7:25 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Stephen F Austin
59.548
Texas Tech
68.421
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas Tech
by 9
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas Tech
by 12
138 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Stephen F Austin
(+12); Over

Davidson @ Kentucky

Game 743-744
March 15, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Davidson
65.534
Kentucky
73.609
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kentucky
by 8
149
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kentucky
by 5 1/2
143
Dunkel Pick:
Kentucky
(-5 1/2); Over

Buffalo @ Arizona

Game 745-746
March 15, 2018 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Buffalo
61.409
Arizona
72.528
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 11
163
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
by 9
157 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-9); Over

South Dakota St @ Ohio State

Game 747-748
March 15, 2018 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
South Dakota St
62.785
Ohio State
68.563
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ohio State
by 6
142
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ohio State
by 8 1/2
149 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
South Dakota St
(+8 1/2); Under

NC-Greensboro @ Gonzaga

Game 749-750
March 15, 2018 @ 1:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NC-Greensboro
60.375
Gonzaga
69.784
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Gonzaga
by 9 1/2
130
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Gonzaga
by 12 1/2
136 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NC-Greensboro
(+12 1/2); Under

LA-Monroe @ Austin Peay

Game 755-756
March 15, 2018 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA-Monroe
52.019
Austin Peay
51.127
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA-Monroe
by 1
138
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Austin Peay
by 3 1/2
144 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA-Monroe
(+3 1/2); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Thursday, March 15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RADFORD (23 - 12) vs. VILLANOVA (30 - 4) - 3/15/2018, 6:50 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VILLANOVA is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
VILLANOVA is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
VILLANOVA is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
VILLANOVA is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
VILLANOVA is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


ALABAMA (19 - 15) vs. VIRGINIA TECH (21 - 11) - 3/15/2018, 9:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA TECH is 34-23 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 34-23 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 46-30 ATS (+13.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


OKLAHOMA (18 - 13) vs. RHODE ISLAND (25 - 7) - 3/15/2018, 12:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
OKLAHOMA is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 this season.
OKLAHOMA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) after a conference game this season.
OKLAHOMA is 30-48 ATS (-22.8 Units) in road games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
OKLAHOMA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OKLAHOMA is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


IONA (20 - 13) vs. DUKE (26 - 7) - 3/15/2018, 2:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IONA is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
DUKE is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
DUKE is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
DUKE is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
DUKE is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) after a conference game this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


PENNSYLVANIA (24 - 8) vs. KANSAS (27 - 7) - 3/15/2018, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


NC STATE (21 - 11) vs. SETON HALL (21 - 11) - 3/15/2018, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NC STATE is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SETON HALL is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
NC STATE is 53-34 ATS (+15.6 Units) in road games in March games since 1997.
NC STATE is 63-40 ATS (+19.0 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SAN DIEGO ST (22 - 10) vs. HOUSTON (26 - 7) - 3/15/2018, 7:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO ST is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO ST is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
SAN DIEGO ST is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) after a conference game this season.
SAN DIEGO ST is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
SAN DIEGO ST is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MONTANA (26 - 7) vs. MICHIGAN (28 - 7) - 3/15/2018, 9:50 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
MICHIGAN is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
MICHIGAN is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) after a conference game this season.
MICHIGAN is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
MICHIGAN is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


LOYOLA-IL (28 - 5) vs. MIAMI (22 - 9) - 3/15/2018, 3:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 144-111 ATS (+21.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
LOYOLA-IL is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in all games this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) after a conference game this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
MIAMI is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 11-26 ATS (-17.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) after a conference game this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




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WRIGHT ST (25 - 9) vs. TENNESSEE (25 - 8) - 3/15/2018, 12:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in road games after a conference game this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


ST BONAVENTURE (26 - 7) vs. FLORIDA (20 - 12) - 3/15/2018, 9:55 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST BONAVENTURE is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 132-99 ATS (+23.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 77-50 ATS (+22.0 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
ST BONAVENTURE is 1-0 against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 1-0 straight up against ST BONAVENTURE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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SF AUSTIN ST (28 - 6) vs. TEXAS TECH (24 - 9) - 3/15/2018, 7:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS TECH is 29-48 ATS (-23.8 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) in a neutral court game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in road games in March games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS TECH is 82-120 ATS (-50.0 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 29-48 ATS (-23.8 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) off a loss against a conference rival this season.
TEXAS TECH is 107-139 ATS (-45.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


DAVIDSON (21 - 11) vs. KENTUCKY (24 - 10) - 3/15/2018, 7:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KENTUCKY is 89-60 ATS (+23.0 Units) in March games since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 19-11 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games this season.
DAVIDSON is 19-11 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
DAVIDSON is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) after a conference game this season.
DAVIDSON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
DAVIDSON is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 159-123 ATS (+23.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 100-60 ATS (+34.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


BUFFALO (26 - 8) vs. ARIZONA (27 - 7) - 3/15/2018, 9:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games in March games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 36-22 ATS (+11.8 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
ARIZONA is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


S DAKOTA ST (28 - 6) vs. OHIO ST (24 - 8) - 3/15/2018, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S DAKOTA ST is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games this season.
S DAKOTA ST is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
S DAKOTA ST is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
S DAKOTA ST is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
S DAKOTA ST is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


UNC-GREENSBORO (27 - 7) vs. GONZAGA (30 - 4) - 3/15/2018, 1:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GONZAGA is 36-25 ATS (+8.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
UNC-GREENSBORO is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
UNC-GREENSBORO is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
UNC-GREENSBORO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
UNC-GREENSBORO is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


LA-MONROE (16 - 15) at AUSTIN PEAY (18 - 14) - 3/15/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA-MONROE is 47-69 ATS (-28.9 Units) after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB

Thursday, March 15

Day Games
Oklahoma is 4-11 in its last 15 games after starting season 14-2; they haven’t played since Wednesday. Sooners are #303 experience team with no senior starters. In their last three games, Oklahoma is 22-82 (26.8%) behind the arc. Rhode Island split its last eight games; they lost A-14 final on Sunday. Rams start four seniors; they’re 4-6 vs top 100 teams. URI forces turnovers 22.8% of time (#5). Over last five years, favorites are 12-8 vs spread in #7-10 seed 1st round games. Over last three years, Big X teams are 12-2 SU vs A-14 teams, 9-4 vs spread.

Tennessee is in NCAAs for 1st time since 2014; Barnes is in for 14th time in last 17 years, but first time since ’15- he is 9-4 in his last 13 1st-round games. Vols played SEC title game Sunday, now has early tip time on Thursday; pretty quick turnaround. Tennessee is 8-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100, with six wins by 10+. Wright State coach Nagy was 1-2 vs spread in 1st-round when he was at South Dakota St. Raiders finished 2nd in Horizon; their last game was March 6. Horizon League reps are 2-4 vs spread in 1st-round games the last six years.

Gonzaga will have big crowd support in this game in Boise; Zags won their last nine 1st-round games (5-4 vs spread). Gonzaga is #239 experience team that won its last 14 games; they lost national title game 71-65 LY, re-tooled, are 30-4 this year- they’re 8-4 vs top 100 teams, but aren’t great defending arc (#210 in 3-pt %age). NC-Greensboro lost by 12 to Virginia, by 6 to Wake Forest in its high-profile games; they get 40% of their points from arc (35.5% on 3’s). SoCon teams lost last nine 1st-round games, going 1-3 vs spread last four years.

Ivy League teams covered seven of last eight 1st-round games, going 3-2 SU in last five, with all five decided by 6 or fewer points, but this is first time since ’89 that Ivy League rep is a 16-seed. Penn lost 90-62 to Villanova, 60-51 to Temple in its top 100 games this year; Quakers are #135 experience team. Kansas is 3-5-1 vs spread in last one 1st-round games; Jayhawks are 7-0 vs teams ranked outside top 100, with five wins by 30+ points. Kansas makes 40.3% on arc; they won eight of last nine games. Penn opponents shot only 29.6% on arc this season.

Duke is 2-4 vs spread in its last six first round games; they’re 8-0 vs teams ranked lower than #100, with seven wins by 17+ points. Blue Devils are 2nd-least experienced team in country but they do have senior G in Allen. Iona is #26 experience team that is in NCAAs for third year in row- they lost 1st round games 93-77 (Oregon), 94-81 (Iowa St) last two years. Gaels finished 4th in MAAC this year; they lost 71-62 to Syracuse of ACC. Iona shoots 38.8% on arc. Over last six years, #2 seeds are 12-11-1 against the spread in 1st round games.

Last six years, ACC teams are 13-25 vs spread in 1st-round games. Loyola is in NCAAs for first time since 1985; Ramblers won at Florida- they lost 87-53 in Boise, 73-56 in Milwaukee in non-MVC games (9-2). MVC teams won last eight 1st-round games; 6 of 8 wins were Wichita/Creighton, who have moved on. Miami won five of last six 1st-round games; they’re experience team #307, starting two frosh and a soph. Miami is 11-1 outside ACC (#283 NC sked), losing to New Mexico St in Diamond Head. Last 4 years, dogs are 9-7 vs spread in #6-11 seed games.

South Dakota State is in NCAA’s for 5th time in seven years, going 2-2 vs spread in previous four 1st-round games. Jackrabbits are #49 experience team that turns ball over least of any team in country (13.8%)- they beat Big 14’s Iowa 80-72 in November. Ohio State is 24-8 but lost three of last five games; Holtmann won/covered his three 1st-round tourney games while at Butler. Buckeyes are 9-4 outside Big 14, with all four losses to top 30 teams. Summit teams are 1-14 SU in this round, 5-4 vs spread the last nine years, covering only two times they were a #12-seed.

Seton Hall is #55 experience team that lost six of last 10 games; three of their last four games were decided either by 1 point or in OT. Pirates are 10-2 outside ACC, losing to Louisville of ACC by a hoop. NC State is 5-4 in its last nine games; they start frosh/soph guards- they’re #179 experience team. State is in NCAAs for first time since ’15; Keatts is in for 3rd year in row, losing but covering his 1st-round game last two years for UNCW. Last three years, Big East teams are 17-12 SU vs ACC teams. Last five years, favorites are 11-8 vs spread in #8-9 seed games.

Night Games
Last nine years, 16-seeds who won their play-in game are 7-11 vs spread in their next game, vs a #1-seed. Radford played only two guys more than 26:00 Tuesday, in their 8th straight win; Highlanders are 0-4 vs top 100 games, losing by 10-12-27-15 points. Villanova won its last five games; they’re 13-0 outside the Big East, Radford plays slow (#346 pace); they finished T2 in Big South; Wildcats are 11-0 vs teams outside top 100; three of their last six games went to OT. Last three years, #1-seeds are 7-5 against the spread in first round games.

Kentucky is least experienced team in country, starting four freshman, one soph; Wildcats won seven of last eight games- they’re 10-2 outside the SEC (NC sked #43), 7-9 vs top 50 teams, 4-7 vs spread in its last 11 first round games. Davidson won 8 of its last 9 games; they’re 5-6 outside A-14, 2-4 vs top 50 teams. Wildcats shoot 39.1% on arc, have #11 eFG% in country. Last three years, A-14 teams are 10-7–1 vs spread when getting points from an SEC squad. Last five years, A-14 teams are 7-5 vs spread when getting points in this round.

Houston is in NCAAs for first time since ’10; Cougars won 10 of last 12 games- they’re #48 experience team that is 10-2 outside AAC (#250 NC sked), 10-4 vs top 100 teams- they’ve got #9 eFG% defense in country. San Diego State won last nine games after PG Kell got healthy; Aztecs are 3-2 vs top 50 teams, 7-3 outside Mountain West- they’re in NCAA’s for first time since ’15, won last three first-round games. Last three years, AAC teams are 3-5 SU in this round, 2-3 vs spread when favored. Last 4 years, dogs are 9-7 vs spread in #6-11 seed games.

Texas Tech lost five of its last seven games; they had some players banged-up but they’re back now. Tech is 11-1 outside tough Big X, beating Abilene Christian of Southland 74-47 back in December. Red Raiders are 9-1 vs teams not ranked in top 100, with all nine wins by 18+ points. SF Austin is in tournament for 4th time in five years; they upset VCU, West Virginia in two of three 1st round games, lost other game by 7. Lumberjacks won 10 of last 11 games; they played three SEC teams this year (1-2), with three games decided by total of seven points.

Alabama lost six of last eight games, finished T9 in SEC, but upset Auburn in SEC tourney; they’re #348 experience team, 8-4 outside SEC (#84 NC sked). Crimson Tide shoots 32.4% on arc- their frosh PG Sexton is their best player. Virginia Tech is #156 experience team that finished 7th in ACC; Hokies beat Ole Miss by 3, lost by 7 at Kentucky in two SEC games. Bama is in NCAA’s for first time since 2012; Tech lost by 10 to Wisconsin LY, their first NCAA game in decade. Last three years, ACC teams are 32-23 SU vs SEC, 17-12 vs spread when favored.

Arizona won Pac-12 tourney last week, winning by 16-11ot-14 points; last two times Arizona won Pac-12 tourney, Wildcats won first NCAA tourney game by 21-18 points (1-0-1 vs spread)- Wildcats are 2-4-1 vs spread overall in last seven first round games. Arizona won seven of its last eight games; three of their last seven went to OT. Buffalo won 19 of its last 22 games; they’re 0-5 vs top 100 teams this season, losing by 6-14-11-7-16 points. Bulls are in 3rd NCAA in four years, losing last two by 6-7 points. MAC teams are 6-3 vs spread in last nine NCAAs.

Big Sky teams haven’t won an NCAA tourney game since 2006; they’re 1-5-1 vs spread in first round last seven years. Montana is in for first time in five years; they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five NCAA first round games. Griz won 19 of last 21 games; they’re 0-4 vs top 100 teams, losing by 13-16-3-3 points- they lost 70-57 to Big 14’s Penn State. Michigan won its last four first round game (2-2 vs spread); they’ve won nine games in row, have been off for 10 days since winning Big 14 tourney. Wolverines are #202 experience team; they’re 18-2 vs teams outside top 50.

#11-seeds who win the play-in games are 8-6 vs spread in their next game. St Bonaventure finished 2nd in A-14 this year; they’re #32 experience team, with pair of senior G’s- they won 14 of last 15 games, are 11-2 outside A-14, 8-4 vs top 100 teams. Florida covered six of its last eight first round games; they’ve made Elite 8 in their last five NCAA’s. Gators make 37.5% of their 3’s; they take lot of them. Florida is 8-4 outside the SEC (#54 NC sked). Bonnies played four kids 35:00+ in their win over UCLA- they survived their best player Adams going 2-16 from floor. Florida beat St. Bonaventure 73-66 in November ’16.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB

Thursday, March 15

Trend Report

OKLAHOMA @ RHODE ISLAND
OKLAHOMA

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma's last 6 games
Oklahoma is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
RHODE ISLAND

Rhode Island is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Rhode Island's last 6 games
WRIGHT STATE @ TENNESSEE
WRIGHT STATE

Wright State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Wright State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
TENNESSEE

Tennessee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tennessee's last 7 games
UNC GREENSBORO @ GONZAGA
UNC GREENSBORO

UNC Greensboro is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of UNC Greensboro's last 5 games
GONZAGA

Gonzaga is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Gonzaga's last 5 games
PENNSYLVANIA @ KANSAS
PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pennsylvania's last 5 games
KANSAS

Kansas is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Kansas is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
IONA @ DUKE
IONA

Iona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Iona's last 8 games
DUKE

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Duke's last 8 games
Duke is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
LOYOLA-CHICAGO @ MIAMI
LOYOLA-CHICAGO

Loyola-Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Loyola-Chicago's last 5 games
MIAMI

Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE @ OHIO STATE
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE

South Dakota State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
South Dakota State is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
OHIO STATE

Ohio State is 19-5 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Ohio State's last 14 games
NORTH CAROLINA STATE @ SETON HALL
NORTH CAROLINA STATE

North Carolina State is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
North Carolina State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
SETON HALL

Seton Hall is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Seton Hall's last 10 games
RADFORD @ VILLANOVA
RADFORD

No trends to report
VILLANOVA

Villanova is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Villanova's last 15 games
DAVIDSON @ KENTUCKY
DAVIDSON

Davidson is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Davidson is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
KENTUCKY

Kentucky is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Kentucky is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
SAN DIEGO STATE @ HOUSTON
SAN DIEGO STATE

San Diego State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
San Diego State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
HOUSTON

Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN @ TEXAS TECH
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

No trends to report
TEXAS TECH

Texas Tech is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Stephen F. Austin
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas Tech's last 6 games
LOUISIANA-MONROE @ AUSTIN PEAY
LOUISIANA-MONROE

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Louisiana-Monroe's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Louisiana-Monroe's last 6 games
AUSTIN PEAY

The total has gone OVER in 7 of Austin Peay's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Austin Peay's last 9 games at home
ALABAMA @ VIRGINIA TECH
ALABAMA

The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Alabama's last 20 games
Alabama is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
VIRGINIA TECH

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Virginia Tech's last 5 games
Virginia Tech is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
BUFFALO @ ARIZONA
BUFFALO

Buffalo is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Buffalo is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
ARIZONA

Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games
MONTANA @ MICHIGAN
MONTANA

Montana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montana's last 7 games
MICHIGAN

Michigan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Michigan's last 5 games
ST. BONAVENTURE @ FLORIDA
ST. BONAVENTURE

St. Bonaventure is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games
St. Bonaventure is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
FLORIDA

The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Florida's last 11 games

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Follow the biggest line moves and sharpest plays for the opening Thursday of March Madness betting
Patrick Everson

“This game’s got the most money in the pot so far for first-day games. Sharps are on Davidson, but it’s pretty much two-way action now.” - Nick Bogdanovich, William Hill U.S.

For those about to bet – and those who already have – we salute you. The NCAA Tournament is rolling out its 16-game Thursday slate, with ostensibly 12 uninterrupted hours of hoops.

Patrick Everson checks in on the matchups drawing the most interest, with insights from Nick Bogdanovich, director of trading for William Hill US; Tony Nevill, sportsbook director at Treasure Island; Jeff Stoneback, director of trading for MGM Resorts sportsbooks; D.J. Fields, odds consultant for offshore sportsbook Bookmaker.eu; and Scott Cooley, odds consultant for offshore site BetDSI.eu.

No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners vs. No. 7 Rhode Island Rams – Open: Pick; Move: -1; Move: -1.5; Move: -2; Move: -1.5; Move: -2

Right out of the gate, Oklahoma will get a chance to prove it deserved an NCAA Tourney bid, since this 12:20 p.m. ET Midwest Region tip is the first of the day. The Sooners (18-13 SU, 10-20 ATS) are one of the worst spread-covering outfits in the nation and imploded the last two months of the season, yet somehow made it into the field of 64.

Lon Kruger’s squad went 2-8 SU and ATS in its last 10 games and is 3-13 ATS in its last 16 games. The Sooners lost in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament, 71-60 as a 1-point favorite against Oklahoma State on March 7.

By comparison, Rhode Island looks awesome, though it did lose twice in nine days to fellow NCAA Tourney team Davidson. The Rams (25-7 SU, 16-13-1 ATS) fell at Davidson in the regular-season finale, then were dealt a 58-57 setback as a 2.5-point favorite in the Atlantic 10 championship game Sunday.

“Smart money has been pouring in on Rhode Island from the moment we opened this game,” Fields said of activity at Bookmaker.eu. “Oklahoma's lackluster play late in the year seems to have left our bettors questioning if Lon Kruger's team has the depth needed to escape the first round. One-way action has driven Rhode Island to 2-point favorites.”

William Hill opened the Rams -1.5 and moved to -2.

“This game’s got pretty good two-way action,” Bogdanovich said of betting at William Hill’s 100-plus shops cross Nevada. “Pretty good handle too.”

No. 14 Wright State Raiders vs. No. 3 Tennessee Volunteers – Open: -12.5; Move: -11.5; Move: -12

Tennessee lost its last game, but prior to that was on a six-game run in a very strong Southeastern Conference. The Vols (25-8 SU, 18-13 ATS) came up short to Kentucky 77-72 as a 2-point chalk in Sunday’s SEC Tourney final.

Wright State made a three-game run through the Horizon League Tourney to grab an automatic NCAA bid. The Raiders (25-9 SU, 18-13-1 ATS) dumped Cleveland State 74-57 laying 9.5 points in the March 6 final.

“They’re playing Tennessee,” Nevill said of bettors at Treasure Island. “I think everybody believes Tennessee is the best team out of the SEC, even though the Vols lost to Kentucky in that final.”

Bookmaker.eu opened earlier and significantly higher for this 12:40 p.m. ET South Region contest, leading to quite the opposite of what Nevill saw at Treasure Island.

“Wiseguys seem to think we were too aggressive in opening up Tennessee as a 14-point favorite, as the early action was all on Wright State,” Fields said of wagering that dropped the line to 12. “Wright State cruised through the Horizon League Tournament, but faces a Tennessee team with regular-season wins over both Purdue and Kentucky. The public is backing the favorite Volunteers, while the smart money is taking the points with the Raiders.”

No. 11 Loyola-Chicago Ramblers vs. No. 6 Miami Hurricanes – Open: -3; Move: -2.5; Move: -2; Move: -1.5; Move: -2: Move: -1.5; Move: -2; Move: -1.5

Loyola-Chicago, champion of the Missouri Valley Conference, has been talked up quite a bit this week. The Ramblers (28-5 SU, 19-9-1 ATS) have won 10 in a row and 17 of their last 18, going 14-4 ATS in that stretch. In the March 4 MVC Tourney final, Loyola rolled over Illinois State 65-49 giving 8.5 points.

Miami snapped a three-game skid with a four-game run to end the regular season. However, the Hurricanes couldn’t keep it going in a tough ACC Tourney quarterfinal, tumbling to North Carolina 82-65 catching 6 points last Thursday.

“You've heard the rumblings, and they're only getting louder as the bets come in,” Cooley said of Ramblers action at BetDSI.eu for a 3:10 p.m. ET South Region meeting. “Loyola is a team many believe can make a serious run in this tournament, and the action has supported that. Despite being matched up against a household program like the Hurricanes, even the public is backing the Ramblers. Currently, we have 78 percent of the handle on the underdog.”

No. 14 Montana Grizzlies vs. No. 3 Michigan Wolverines – Open: -12; Move: -11.5; Move: -11; Move: -10.5; Move: -11

Michigan is on fire and well-rested heading into one of the final games of the day, a 9:50 p.m. ET start in the West Region. The Wolverines (28-7 SU, 22-11-1 ATS) are on a nine-game tear (8-1 ATS), including a four-games-in-four-days Big Ten Tournament run that culminated with a 75-66 win over Purdue as a 4-point pup on March 4.

Montana has won six in a row but is just 3-6 ATS in its last nine outings. The Grizzlies (26-7 SU, 19-11-1 ATS) rolled to the Big Sky title with an 82-65 victory over Eastern Washington laying 4.5 points Saturday.

“They’re betting Michigan, even though it opened 12 and went down to 10.5,” Stoneback said from MGM’s home base at The Mirage, while noting Wednesday Wolverines action took the line back up to 11. “It looks like the public is all over Michigan. Ticket count is 4/1 on Michigan and the money is 2/1 on Michigan, and there are a lot of parlays on the Wolverines, too.”

Right next door at Treasure Island, the line opened Michigan -12 and dipped to 11, but the underdog is carrying the torch.

“They’re ready to anoint Cinderella. They’re taking the points. I’ve got a feeling we’ve got some folks from Montana in the house,” Nevill said. “All we’ve heard all week long is how Michigan, Michigan State and Purdue had all this time off, and how it might be bad for them. I don’t know if betting against those teams is such a wise thing.

“When everybody is on one side, from the talking heads through the crowd here, you start thinking, ‘Oh no, herd mentality, herd mentality.’”

No. 12 Davidson Wildcats vs. No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats – Open: -6; Move: -5.5; Move: -5

Kentucky was the No. 4 seed in the SEC Tournament, but rolled to the title as part of a 7-1 SU and ATS run. The blue-and-white-clad Wildcats (24-10 SU, 17-17 ATS) topped Tennessee 77-72 as a 2-point ‘dog in Sunday’s conference final.

Davidson took the Atlantic 10’s automatic bid by beating regular-season champ Rhode Island in Sunday’s conference final. The red-and-white-clad Wildcats (21-11 SU, 18-12-1 ATS) edged the Rams 58-57 as a 2.5-point pup.

“This game’s got the most money in the pot so far for first-day games,” Bogdanovich said of a 7:10 p.m. ET clash in the South Region. “Sharps are on Davidson, but it’s pretty much two-way action now.”

MGM books also opened Kentucky -6 and dipped to 5, then bounced between 5.5 and 5 Wednesday night.

“The public is laying the points with Kentucky,” Stoneback said. “Sharp money coming in on the ‘dog drove it down, but the public is coming back on Kentucky. It’s a Pros vs. Joes game here.”

BetDSI.eu opened Kentucky -7, with Davidson cash forcing the line down to 5.5.

“This was one of the more difficult lines to set, and honestly, we were a point too high on the outset,” Cooley said. “Again, the underdog is seeing the majority of sharp money, while the casual bettors think anything less than double digits with Kentucky is a gift. Personally, I think the Wildcats from North Carolina are getting a tad too much respect in this one.”

Let’s wrap it up with some quick hitters on a few other Thursday games of note:

• No. 11 San Diego State vs. No. 6 Houston: “This Cougars club is one the wiseguys are high on,” Cooley said, noting Houston opened -3 and moved to -4 at BetDSI. “We've taken a few more bets on the Aztecs and the money is almost dead even, but we're bumping this spread because of the steady sharp action on Houston. This number could climb another point or so with the way action is trending.” This West Region contest tips at 7:20 p.m. ET.

• No. 12 South Dakota State vs. No. 5 Ohio State: William Hill US opened Ohio State -8, and the number ticked down to 7.5 Wednesday for this 4 p.m. ET West Region matchup. “Sharps took the 8 with the ‘dog,” Bogdanovich said.

• No. 16 Pennsylvania vs. No. 1 Kansas: Said Bookmaker.eu’s Fields: “Kansas opened as a 16-point favorite, but questions about the availability of Jayhawks center Udoka Azubuike (sprained MCL) dropped the line down to 13.5. It wasn't until we moved the line 2.5 points that we finally started to see some buyback from the public on Kansas.” That pushed the line back up to 14 Wednesday night for today’s 2 p.m. ET start in the Midwest Region.

• No. 9 North Carolina State vs. No. 8 Seton Hall: “They’re all betting Seton Hall, and it seems like everybody who’s playing the side is playing Seton Hall moneyline too,” Nevill said of this Midwest Region matchup. The Pirates opened -1.5 and late Wednesday night moved to -2.5 at Treasure Island for the 4:30 p.m. ET start.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Dunkel

Thursday, March 15


Toronto @ Indiana

Game 701-702
March 15, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
127.508
Indiana
120.537
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 7
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 3 1/2
213 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-3 1/2); Over

Charlotte @ Atlanta

Game 703-704
March 15, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
111.508
Atlanta
109.491
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 2
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
by 5
219 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+5); Over

Philadelphia @ New York

Game 705-706
March 15, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
120.836
New York
107.655
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 13
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 9
217 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-9); Under

LA Clippers @ Houston

Game 707-708
March 15, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
121.060
Houston
129.485
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 8 1/2
220
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 11 1/2
224 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
(+11 1/2); Under

Chicago @ Memphis

Game 709-710
March 15, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
111.395
Memphis
110.418
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 1
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 2
212 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+2); Under

New Orleans @ San Antonio

Game 711-712
March 15, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
120.563
San Antonio
119.498
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 1
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 4
219 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(+4); Under

Phoenix @ Utah

Game 713-714
March 15, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
103.892
Utah
127.381
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 23 1/2
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 12 1/2
213
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(-12 1/2); Under

Detroit @ Denver

Game 715-716
March 15, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
114.966
Denver
119.763
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 5
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 8
216
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+8); Under

Cleveland @ Portland

Game 717-718
March 15, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
117.660
Portland
128.268
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 10 1/2
227
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 4
222
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(-4); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, March 15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TORONTO (50 - 17) at INDIANA (40 - 28) - 3/15/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 192-240 ATS (-72.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
INDIANA is 39-29 ATS (+7.1 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season.
INDIANA is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 68-47 ATS (+16.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 39-28 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) after scoring 115 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 9-7 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 10-6 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHARLOTTE (29 - 39) at ATLANTA (20 - 48) - 3/15/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 27-37 ATS (-13.7 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs this season.
ATLANTA is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 8-2 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 7-4 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHILADELPHIA (36 - 30) at NEW YORK (24 - 44) - 3/15/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 86-61 ATS (+18.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-25 ATS (+11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 21-30 ATS (-12.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW YORK is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
NEW YORK is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEW YORK is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-3 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 6-4 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA CLIPPERS (37 - 29) at HOUSTON (53 - 14) - 3/15/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 216-270 ATS (-81.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
HOUSTON is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 116-85 ATS (+22.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
HOUSTON is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
HOUSTON is 51-70 ATS (-26.0 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 107-140 ATS (-47.0 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents since 1996.
HOUSTON is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-5 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 5-5 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO (23 - 44) at MEMPHIS (18 - 49) - 3/15/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 27-37 ATS (-13.7 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 3-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 3-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW ORLEANS (39 - 28) at SAN ANTONIO (38 - 30) - 3/15/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 1037-910 ATS (+36.0 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 827-706 ATS (+50.4 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 528-443 ATS (+40.7 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 188-147 ATS (+26.3 Units) in March games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 211-163 ATS (+31.7 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 183-141 ATS (+27.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) vs. division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 7-3 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 6-4 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOENIX (19 - 50) at UTAH (38 - 30) - 3/15/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after allowing 85 points or less this season.
UTAH is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
UTAH is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
UTAH is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 171-124 ATS (+34.6 Units) after allowing 115 points or more since 1996.
PHOENIX is 54-37 ATS (+13.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 5-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 9-1 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (30 - 37) at DENVER (37 - 31) - 3/15/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 29-43 ATS (-18.3 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
DETROIT is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in road games in March games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 3-2 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 3-2 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLEVELAND (39 - 28) at PORTLAND (41 - 26) - 3/15/2018, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 22-44 ATS (-26.4 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
CLEVELAND is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 22-37 ATS (-18.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CLEVELAND is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) after scoring 115 points or more this season.
PORTLAND is 36-25 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games in the second half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 18-4 ATS (+13.6 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 3-2 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 3-2 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Thursday, March 15

Home side won last nine Toronto-Indiana games; Raptors are 1-4 vs spread in their last five visits here, all of which stayed under. Toronto won its last nine games; they’re 6-1 vs spread in last seven games as road favorites. Six of their last eight games stayed under. Pacers won six of their last seven games; they’re 5-5 as home underdogs. Nine of their last ten games went under the total.

Hornets won six of last seven games with the Hawks; they’re 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Atlanta. Eight of last ten series games stayed under. Charlotte lost six of its last seven games; they’re 4-2 as road favorites. Over is 7-2-1 in their last ten games. Hawks lost eight of their last ten games; they’re 4-6 in last 10 games as home underdogs. Seven of their last ten games went under the total.

Knicks lost three of last four games with Philly; five of last six series games stayed under total. 76ers covered their last four visits to Manhattan. Philly split its last 10 games; they’re 2-6 in last eight games as road favorites. Seven of their last nine games stayed under. New York lost its last eight games (1-7 vs spread); they failed to cover last seven games as home underdogs. Over is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Clippers won three of last four games with Houston; they’re 2-2 vs spread in last four visits here. Four of last five series games stayed under. Clippers won seven of their last nine games; they’re 11-3 vs spread in last 14 games as road underdogs. Over is 7-3 in their last ten games. Rockets won 19 of their last 20 games; they’re 5-9 in last 14 games as home favorites. Last four series games stayed under.

Road team won seven of last ten Chicago-Memphis games; Bulls covered three of last four trips to Memphis. Over is 4-2-1 in last seven series games. Chicago lost seven of its last ten games; they’re 1-8 in last nine games as road underdogs. Four of their last six games stayed under the total. Grizzlies lost their last 18 games (last win Jan 29); they’re 6-10 as home favorites. Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Pelicans won three of last four games with the Spurs; they’re 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to the Alamo. Under is 6-3-1 in last ten series games. New Orleans won eight of its last 10 games; they’re 7-2 in last nine games as road underdogs. Eight of their last ten games went over total. San Antonio lost seven of its last ten games; they’re 1-5 in last six games as home favorites. Spurs’ last five games all stayed under.

Jazz won nine of last ten games with Phoenix but Suns covered four of last five; Phoenix is 2-2-1 vs spread in last five visits to SLC. Six of last nine series games stayed under. Phoenix lost its last six games; they’re 4-6 in last ten games as road underdogs. Three of their last four games went over total. Utah won its last seven games; they’re 3-6 in last nine games as home favorites. Eight of their last ten games stayed under.

Nuggets are 5-3 in last eight games with Detroit; last seven series games stayed under the total. Pistons are 1-3 vs spread in last four visits to Denver. Detroit lost eight of its last ten games; they are 1-10 in last 11 games as road underdogs. Four of their last five games went under the total. Denver split its last ten games; they’re 5-7 in last dozen games as home favorites. Over is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Home side won last eight Cleveland-Portland games; Cavaliers are 1-4 vs spread in last five visits to Oregon. Under is 5-3 in last eight series games. Cleveland is 3-4 in its last seven games; they’re 7-4 vs spread as road underdogs. Under is 6-4 in their last ten games. Trailblazers won their last 10 games; they covered last five games as home favorites. Under is 6-3 in their last nine games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Thursday, March 15

Trend Report

TORONTO @ INDIANA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games

CHARLOTTE @ ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Charlotte's last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Charlotte is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing at home against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Atlanta's last 12 games when playing Charlotte

PHILADELPHIA @ NEW YORK
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing New York
New York is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

CHICAGO @ MEMPHIS
Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Memphis's last 8 games

LA CLIPPERS @ HOUSTON
LA Clippers is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
LA Clippers is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 19-1 SU in its last 20 games

NEW ORLEANS @ SAN ANTONIO
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games
San Antonio is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against New Orleans

PHOENIX @ UTAH
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Phoenix's last 22 games when playing Utah
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Utah is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games

DETROIT @ DENVER
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Detroit

CLEVELAND @ PORTLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
Cleveland is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Portland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, March 15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLUMBUS (37-28-0-5, 79 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (35-24-0-11, 81 pts.) - 3/15/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 59-56 ATS (+122.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 21-7 ATS (+11.6 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-16 ATS (-11.1 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-34 ATS (+57.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 7-4 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 7-4-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.3 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TORONTO (41-22-0-7, 89 pts.) at BUFFALO (22-35-0-12, 56 pts.) - 3/15/2018, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 6-4 (+3.3 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 6-4-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.7 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON (39-23-0-7, 85 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (30-29-0-10, 70 pts.) - 3/15/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 164-95 ATS (+18.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 41-20 ATS (+11.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 8-17 ATS (-10.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 21-35 ATS (-14.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 5-6 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-5-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.7 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOSTON (44-16-0-8, 96 pts.) at FLORIDA (34-26-0-7, 75 pts.) - 3/15/2018, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-1 (+7.2 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 8-1-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.7 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (40-26-0-5, 85 pts.) at MONTREAL (26-32-0-12, 64 pts.) - 3/15/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 5-16 ATS (+21.1 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 108-62 ATS (+18.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 20-8 ATS (+8.3 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
MONTREAL is 26-45 ATS (-54.7 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 9-25 ATS (+37.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 4-2 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 4-2-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.3 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO (30-32-0-8, 68 pts.) at WINNIPEG (41-19-0-10, 92 pts.) - 3/15/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 30-41 ATS (-15.7 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 4-12 ATS (-11.0 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 12-23 ATS (+35.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WINNIPEG is 30-20 ATS (+9.8 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WINNIPEG is 12-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-5 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-5-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.9 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLORADO (37-24-0-8, 82 pts.) at ST LOUIS (37-27-0-5, 79 pts.) - 3/15/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 4-22 ATS (+42.2 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 24-8 ATS (+14.5 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 38-32 ATS (+76.4 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 19-13 ATS (+33.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLORADO is 23-20 ATS (+48.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
COLORADO is 15-11 ATS (+29.2 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
COLORADO is 17-11 ATS (+29.9 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
ST LOUIS is 9-15 ATS (-12.2 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 13-18 ATS (-15.7 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 9-4 (+2.6 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 9-4-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NASHVILLE (45-14-0-10, 100 pts.) at ARIZONA (23-35-0-11, 57 pts.) - 3/15/2018, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 4-4 (+1.3 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 4-4-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.0 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (26-32-0-11, 63 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (38-26-0-6, 82 pts.) - 3/15/2018, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 10-24 ATS (+35.7 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 7-19 ATS (+30.1 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
DETROIT is 18-40 ATS (+61.4 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 20-10 ATS (+7.5 Units) in non-conference games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 36-41 ATS (-34.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 3-2-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.9 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Thursday, March 15

Trend Report

TORONTO @ BUFFALO
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Buffalo
Buffalo is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Toronto
Buffalo is 19-4 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Toronto

WASHINGTON @ NY ISLANDERS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
NY Islanders is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Washington
NY Islanders is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

COLUMBUS @ PHILADELPHIA
Columbus is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Columbus

BOSTON @ FLORIDA
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Florida
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Florida is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

PITTSBURGH @ MONTREAL
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Montreal is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home

COLORADO @ ST. LOUIS
Colorado is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Colorado is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
St. Louis is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Colorado

CHICAGO @ WINNIPEG
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 7 games on the road
Chicago is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Winnipeg
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 5 games at home

NASHVILLE @ ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing at home against Nashville

DETROIT @ LOS ANGELES
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Detroit's last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 6 games

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Dunkel

Thursday, March 15


Columbus @ Philadelphia

Game 1-2
March 15, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Columbus
10.401
Philadelphia
11.878
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
-120
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-120); Under

Toronto @ Buffalo

Game 3-4
March 15, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
00.000
Buffalo
00.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto

Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
( );

Washington @ NY Islanders

Game 5-6
March 15, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
11.636
NY Islanders
10.035
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-140
6
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-140); Under

Boston @ Florida

Game 7-8
March 15, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
00.000
Florida
00.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston

Dunkel Pick:
Boston
( );

Pittsburgh @ Montreal

Game 9-10
March 15, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
10.790
Montreal
12.150
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Montreal
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-175
6
Dunkel Pick:
Montreal
(+155); Under

Chicago @ Winnipeg

Game 11-12
March 15, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
12.087
Winnipeg
11.100
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Winnipeg
-175
6
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+155); Under

Colorado @ St. Louis

Game 13-14
March 15, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
12.418
St. Louis
11.335
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-170
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+150); Under

Nashville @ Arizona

Game 15-16
March 15, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Nashville
00.000
Arizona
00.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nashville

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nashville

Dunkel Pick:
Nashville
( );

Detroit @ Los Angeles

Game 17-18
March 15, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
9.121
Los Angeles
11.019
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles
-240
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles
(-240); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Dunkel

Thursday, March 15


Toronto @ Buffalo

Game 3-4
March 15, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
11.167
Buffalo
10.019
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-140
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-140); Under

Boston @ Florida

Game 7-8
March 15, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
11.212
Florida
12.332
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-130
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Florida
(+110); Under

Nashville @ Arizona

Game 15-16
March 15, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Nashville
12.104
Arizona
10.253
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nashville
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Nashville
-165
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Nashville
(-165); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vegas Investment Picks

NCAA Basketball NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK/SETON HALL PIRATES u157.5

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Mikey Sports

NBA LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS +11.5

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R and R Totals

NCAA Basketball PENNSYLVANIA QUAKERS/KANSAS JAYHAWKS o146

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Tys Terrific Tips

NCAA Basketball KANSAS JAYHAWKS ‑13.5

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VIP Sports Picks Las Vegas

NCAA Basketball ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE +2.5

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Best Sports Capper

NBA DENVER NUGGETS ‑8

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MVP Lock Club

NBA NEW ORLEANS PELICANS +4

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Top Shelf Sports Pick

NCAA Basketball RHODE ISLAND RAMS ‑130

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Picks 2 Play

NBA CHICAGO BULLS +2

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Pure Lock

NHL CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS +155

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The Circled Game

NCAA Basketball TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS ‑11.5

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The Last Call

Late Thursday's Free Play: Nashville Predators - 170

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Teyas Sports

FREE PICK 3/15 S.DAKOTA ST. +8 1/2