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Study group: Wednesday's Top 25 NCAAB betting notes
DePaul Blue Demons at Syracuse Orange (-22, 148)
Syracuse will try to stop its slide down the Big East standings and snap a three-game skid when the 16th-ranked Orange host DePaul on Wednesday night. Syracuse has slipped into a tie for fifth in the conference with three straight losses to ranked opponents, but it has a prime opportunity to get on track with a visit from struggling DePaul.
The Blue Demons have lost four straight and 13 of 14 after an 83-73 loss at South Florida on Sunday. DePaul has lost 42 consecutive games against ranked opponents since knocking off No. 16 Villanova on Jan. 3, 2008. Syracuse has won the past six meetings dating to 2006. The Orange have lost two straight at the Carrier Dome after a 38-game home winning streak.
Michigan Wolverines at Purdue Boilermakers (+6, 134)
Michigan’s Trey Burke has been a model of consistency. The sophomore guard has scored at least 15 points in all 16 Big Ten games as the eighth-ranked Wolverines prepare to play at Purdue on Wednesday. Burke came through with 21 points and had two clutch steals late as Michigan beat rival Michigan State 58-57 on Sunday, rebounding from a damaging loss at Penn State. The Wolverines need help to catch Indiana for a share of the league title, but would like to break out of a four-way tie for second in the conference.
Purdue helped Michigan by winning at second-place Wisconsin 69-56 on Sunday and has won two of three as it attempts to find a way into postseason play. The Boilermakers, who led by a point at halftime on Jan. 24 in Michigan before losing 68-53, stand first in the Big Ten in rebounding and Michigan is eighth.
Oklahoma State Cowboys at Iowa State Cyclones (-2, 151)
Oklahoma State looks to win its fourth straight game when the No. 14 Cowboys visit Iowa State on Wednesday night. Oklahoma State, which is 5-4 on the road, is coming off a 78-65 victory at home against Texas on Saturday. The Cowboys are 63-53 in the series against Iowa State and have won the last two meetings, including a 78-76 victory Jan. 30 in Stillwater.
Iowa State is on a two-game losing streak. The Cyclones are coming off an 86-69 loss at Oklahoma on Saturday. Iowa State is 15-1 at home, its only loss a 108-96 overtime defeat to Kansas on Feb. 25.
Georgetown Hoyas at Villanova Wildcats (+1, 118)
On the doorstep of its longest winning streak in over a decade, No. 5 Georgetown can also clinch at least a share of its first regular-season Big East title since 2007-08 on Wednesday with a win at Villanova. The Hoyas, who have twice amassed 11-game winning streaks under coach John Thompson before this season, have a shot of enjoying their longest streak since the 2000-01 team opened up its season with 16 straight victories. Georgetown holds a half-game lead over second-place Louisville and can win the conference outright with two more victories.
Each of the Hoyas’ aforementioned winning streaks have come to an end on the road against Big East foes – a fate they hope to avoid against the Wildcats, who have already defeated two top-five teams this season. Villanova registered consecutive home wins against then-No. 5 Louisville and then-No. 4 Syracuse in late January, but is 5-5 since and has dropped two straight after Sunday’s 73-64 overtime loss at Pittsburgh.
Richmond Spiders at VCU Rams (-13, 136)
No. 19 Virginia Commonwealth doesn't control its own destiny for an Atlantic 10 regular-season championship, but a win over Richmond at home Wednesday would keep the Rams' chances alive. The last time these crosstown rivals met, Jan. 24, the Spiders snapped Virginia Commonwealth's 13-game win streak with an 86-74 overtime victory.
The Rams enter this edition of the Black & Blue Classic having won two of three in a crucial stretch against first-place No. 15 Saint Louis, Butler and Xavier. For Richmond, the win over VCU wasn't the turning point it had hoped. Since then, the Spiders have gone 4-5 with just one road win. But with wins in their last two games -- Richmond closes with last-place Duquesne on Saturday -- the Spiders can improve their conference tournament seed.
Vanderbilt Commodores at Florida Gators (-21, 113)
Ninth-ranked Florida seeks consistency as it takes the floor for its final regular-season home game Wednesday against Vanderbilt. The Gators have dropped two of their past four games, but hold a two-game lead over Kentucky and Alabama and already have clinched a share of the SEC’s regular-season title. Florida needed a 15-0 run to overtake Alabama on Saturday, 64-52, as the Gators shot 2-for-13 from 3-point range.
Vanderbilt is tied with Texas A&M for 10th in the conference, but the Commodores have won three in a row and four of their past five. Vanderbilt beat Georgia and Auburn last week by a combined eight points.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Miami Hurricanes (-14, 120)
After losing at Duke on Saturday, Miami (Fla.) has a chance for a big celebration at home. The seventh-ranked Hurricanes can clinch their first outright ACC title with a victory over visiting Georgia Tech on Wednesday. Miami has dropped its last two on the road, but has yet to lose in 13 games at its BankUnited Center. Sophomore point guard Shane Larkin continues to enhance his candidacy for ACC player of the year, recording 25 and 22 points in the last two games for the Hurricanes.
Georgia Tech has shown progress, going 5-6 in the last 11 games since starting with five straight losses in ACC play. The Yellow Jackets struggle offensively, but have played pretty well on the other side of the court -- ranking fourth in the league in scoring defense and field-goal percentage defense.
Saint Louis Billikens at Xavier Musketeers (+3.5, 118)
No. 15 Saint Louis can claim at least a share of its first regular-season conference title in 42 seasons on Wednesday when it travels to Xavier. The Billikens, who have won 11 straight, are on their longest winning streak since a 14-game winning streak during the 1993-94 season. St. Louis owns a one-game lead over second-place Virginia Commonwealth and can also gain the top seed in the Atlantic-10 Conference tournament with a victory in one of its final two regular-season games.
In order for the Billikens to secure a share of its first regular-season title since finishing in a three-way tie for first in the Missouri Valley Conference during the 1970-71 season, Billikens interim coach Jim Crews will need to get a win over Musketeers coach Chris Mack, who he coached as a player at Evansville for two seasons. Xavier is 1-2 heading into the final game of its four-game homestand and coming off Saturday’s 77-72 loss against Massachusetts after ending Memphis’ 18-game winning streak on Feb. 26.
New Mexico Lobos at Nevada Wolf Pack (+7.5, 131)
No. 11 New Mexico can rest easy heading into the final week of Mountain West play after clinching its fourth conference title in five seasons as well as the No. 1 seed for next week's Mountain West tourney in Las Vegas. "This is a special group of young men to be in a league that's arguably the best in the country and to lead it wire to wire and win it speaks volumes," head coach Steve Alford told the Albuquerque Journal after the Lobos' title-clinching 53-42 victory over visiting Wyoming on Saturday. The Lobos, who are hoping to garner at least a No. 2 seed for the NCAA Tournament with a strong finish, have won five straight since a 64-55 loss at UNLV on Feb. 9.
It's a entirely different story for Nevada, which limps into the contest in ninth (last) place in its first year in the Mountain West and needs a sweep of the Lobos and at Colorado State on Saturday to have any chance of avoiding the dreaded 8 vs. 9 play-in game on Tuesday. The Wolf Pack have dropped a season-high five straight, including a 80-63 home loss to in-state rival UNLV on Saturday, and eight of their last nine. This despite returning three starters from a squad that went 13-1 and won the WAC a year ago. -
Bulls at Spurs: What bettors need to know
Chicago Bulls at San Antonio Spurs (-7.5, 190.5)
The San Antonio Spurs seek their ninth victory in 11 games when they host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. San Antonio has the top record in the NBA and will be playing its second game since losing standout point guard Tony Parker for approximately a month with an ankle injury. Chicago also has ailing players and will be without forward Taj Gibson (knee) and guard Richard Hamilton (back) while point guard Kirk Hinrich (foot) is doubtful.
The Bulls lost at Indiana on Sunday to begin a stretch in which they play five of six games on the road. Chicago has been without star point guard Derrick Rose (knee) all season and the recent injuries have further depleted the team’s depth. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said he doesn’t want the injuries to be used as an excuse. “It’s the NBA,” Thibodeau said after the loss to the Pacers. “We’ve got plenty in that locker room. We’ve got to get the job done.” San Antonio is 24-3 at home and has won 20 of its last 21 home games as it plays the fourth contest of a six-game homestand.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Fox Sports Southwest (San Antonio)
ABOUT THE BULLS (34-26, 27-33-0 ATS): Center Joakim Noah has recorded three straight double-doubles and has 30 on the season. Noah is averaging 19.3 points, 13.7 rebounds and 5.3 blocks during the stretch. He had 15 rebounds when Chicago lost to San Antonio last month but tallied just seven points. Guard Marco Belinelli scored 20 points against Indiana after a dismal three-game stretch in which he averaged seven points and shot 29.6 percent from the field. Forward Jimmy Butler also fared well against the Pacers with a season-best 20 points.
ABOUT THE SPURS (47-14, 34-25-2 ATS): Second-year guard Cory Joseph drew the start in place of Parker against the Pistons and had eight points, four assists and one turnover in 18 minutes. Joseph was recently recalled from the Austin Toros of the D-League and impressed San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich with this showing against Detroit. “I thought he did a fine job,” Popovich said afterward. “He played a good floor game. I like his defense. I like his aggressive attitude, as far as loose balls and sticking his nose in. He’s a really committed, physical player and runs the show well.” Gary Neal will see more time at the point as his leg injury improves. Neal played 8 1/2 minutes off the bench against the Pistons after sitting out the previous three games.
TRENDS:
* Bulls are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 vs. Western Conference.
* Spurs are 38-16-3 ATS in their last 57 home games.
* Under is 6-0 in the last six meetings in San Antonio.
* Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The teams have split the last 12 meetings but San Antonio has won eight of its last 11 home games against the Bulls.
2. Spurs F Kawhi Leonard scored a career-best 26 points in a 104-94 victory in Chicago on Feb. 11.
3. Chicago F Luol Deng is shooting just 35.1 percent from the field over the last three games.Comment
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Senators at Maple Leafs: What bettors need to know
Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs (-145, 5)
Injuries appear to be finally catching up with the Ottawa Senators, who are winless three games into a five-game road trip. Ottawa continues its trip with a visit to Toronto to face the Northeast Division rival Maple Leafs for the third time this season on Wednesday. Toronto defeated the Senators 3-0 at home on Feb. 16 for the first of two consecutive shutout performances by Ben Scrivens, but Ottawa won at home against the Maple Leafs 3-2 one week later as part of a five-game winning streak. Now the Maple Leafs and Senators find themselves tied with 28 points apiece midway through their five-game season series.
The Senators, who are missing top center Jason Spezza, Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson and starting goaltender Craig Anderson, have yet to face Toronto netminder James Reimer this season. Reimer has won both his starts since returning from a strained MCL and is 5-1-1 with two shutouts in his career against Ottawa. The Senators have split their last four starts between Ben Bishop, who was in net for Ottawa’s home win over Toronto, and rookie Robin Lehner, who is 0-0-2 this season.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TSN, RDS
ABOUT THE SENATORS (12-7-4): Despite suffering his season-ending achilles injury three weeks ago, Karlsson still leads the team with six goals. Jim O’Brien, who has one goal in his last seven games, is second with five. Ottawa hasn’t scored more than three goals in a game since Feb. 5 - a span of 13 contests. Bishop and Lehner have performed well in Anderson’s absence. Lehner has allowed two goals in each of his two overtime losses, while Bishop has a goals-against average of 2.15 and a .938 save percentage in seven games.
ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (14-9-0): Nazem Kadri has four goals and nine points on a five-game scoring streak and leads the team with 23 on the season. Kadri’s linemate Clarke MacArthur has six points on a five-game streak. James van Riemsdyk has a team-leading 12 goals. Matt Frattin, who scored seven goals in 10 games this season and showed great chemistry with Kadri before being injured, has been cleared for contact at practice and could return to the lineup on Wednesday.
TRENDS:
* Under is 18-7-1 in the last 26 meetings.
* Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Toronto.
* Maple Leafs are 4-1 in their last five home games.
* Senators are 1-8 in their last nine road games.
OVERTIME:
1. Toronto signed D Korbinian Holzer to a two-year contract extension on Tuesday. Holzer has appeared in 16 games this season, with two goals, 39 hits and 35 blocked shots.
2. Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson hasn’t recorded a point in five games but has 70 in 77 career games against the Maple Leafs.
3. Ottawa and Toronto will meet again in Ottawa on March 30 and close their season series in Toronto on April 20.Comment
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Mighty Quinn
Mighty hit with Missouri (-9 1/2) Tuesday.
Wednesday it’s South Carolina. The surplus is 185 sirignanos.Comment
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Goldsheet
ST. BONAVENTURE by 2 over Dayton (Wednesday, March 6)
HOUSTON by 28 over Rice (Wednesday, March 6)
N.CAROLINA STATE by 26 over Wake Forest (Wed., March 6)
BROOKLYN by 21 over Charlotte (Wednesday, March 6)
NEW YORK by 15 over Detroit (Wednesday, March 6)Comment
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DAVE ESSLER
CBB Wednesday Cliff Notes
Oklahoma State at Iowa State: Cowboys probably a #5 seed unless they can win the Big 12 title, which if Kansas and/or K-State have their eyes looking too far forward is not out of the question. But here they run into an ISU team that's only lost at home in OT to Kansas, and is technically in as a lower at-large seed, but could play themselves out of it with a loss here and at WVU (which is not out of the question) so there is considerably motivation for the home team. A win over Oklahoma State would be huge. Part of me wants them to roll so we can fade them at West Virginia. Anyway, the Cowboys won the earlier match up this season by two points in a game that was close all the way. ISU was by far the better offensive unit that night, and lost simply due to 18 turnovers, or more than twice as many as Oklahoma State had. That game, aside from the Kansas game, was the last close game the Cowboys had, which of course tells me they are good, but it ALSO might make me question whether or not they know how to win close games, especially on the road. Obviously Senior night for ISU, and they are loaded with them, as one of the most experienced teams in the nation, actually. With Oklahoma State being young, it's ISU or nothing. With both teams have rebounding issues at times, and given the pace this game will be played at, I cannot take the under. The number will be bet up fairly quickly, I would think.
North Carolina at Maryland: Almost without even looking (see first paragraph) I can tell you it's the Terps (gulp) or nothing here. With UNC having a friendly pick-up game at home against Duke on Saturday, I really question their focus. It's not that Williams isn't a great coach (I do think he's a bit over rated) it's that the Heels are just that young. Of course Maryland is too, but they are one of the few teams that are probably willing and able to run with UNC, and of course have the length to play with anyone, and of course they have the deeper bench. Just sayin'. UNC did beat the Terps by ten at home earlier, and in what I would think was a surprisingly low scoring game. I don't have time to look up that total, but I'd lay -1000 that it was significantly more than the 114 points they scored. If we did take the Terps, we'd be be backing the offense that's turned it over more than any other ACC team, playing the defense that's created the most, so maybe, just maybe, I could be convinced not to take the Terps here. One thing that also might make me NOT take the Terps is the fact that they suck worse from the line than UNC does. With that in mind, I do think that although they may score more than 114 points between them, it might well stay under whatever number they post, simply because of turnovers and lack of free throws. However, that's a number I'd wait on, because I would expect the initial number to go up. If it starts to go DOWN, I will most assuredly grab it. I think if I could get 145 I'd play the under right away.
G-Town at Villanova: Not only is this 'Nova's last home game, it's their last regular season game, period, and what a big game it is. Currently they sit as a "first four out" in most brackets, so this is clearly a must-win game for them. That loss at Seton Hall (which is one of the ones we got right last weekend, actually) really hurt them badly. The Hoyas have a game at home against Syracuse on Saturday, which is a real quick turnaround for them, having just beaten the Orange in the Carrier Dome. G-Town is playing for the regular season Big East crown and number one seed (which means very little in this particular tournament) but I really wonder if they aren't looking ahead, because OMFG do they have reason(s) to. And they're not the most experienced team around, either. Obviously the more talented ones, but this one to me falls squarely on which coach can have their team ready to play. If the Hoyas do have weaknesses, it's turning it over and/or offensive rebounding. (Things to remember when they tournament starts) The latter of those two might concern me here given that Villanova WILL run when given the chance. This is PROBABLY going to be a game of horse between Arcidiacono and Starks. What does concern me about G-Town is the fatigue level. Porter played all 40 minutes of the game against Syracuse, 49 of 50 in the double OT game at UConn, and all 40 against Rutgers. With that in mind, not only can I not take the Hoyas, but may well be looking to fade them early in the Big East Tournament, hope the get bounced and rest, and play ON them early in the bigger tournament. Just sayin'.
Michigan at Purdue: Michigan needs to win this game more than it may appear. They're actually on the verge of being out of the Top Four in the Conference, hence more games and no bye. Truly, the youth here may be wearing down. Remember that these Freshmen were playing about 15 less games and for two less months in High School last year. And it's not like Purdue isn't capable under the right set of circumstances. the Wisconsin win not withstanding, they did beat Iowa here, and even in losing at Ann Arbor earlier this season, Purdue was ahead of the Wolverines at halftime. Obviously they weren't taking Purdue too seriously, since it was a sandwich game around a couple of tough road games, but that's not to say that Purdue doesn't have the confidence here, especially after beating Wisconsin, to at the very least keep this game close. With a home game against Indiana on Sunday, I cannot imagine Michigan being "Michigan" here, especially after the emotional win over Michigan State. Purdue's done a good job of not turning the ball over, and with Michigan's slower tempo, I can see this being closer than most might expect. Purdue or nothing, but probably nothing.
St. Louis at Xavier: St. Louis trying to hold on to the #1 seed in the A-10 with a one game lead over VCU, and with the Rams playing at Temple to close out the season and St. Louis getting LaSalle at home, they ought to win regardless. Looking for motivation here from Xavier and the likely home dog, but it's tough to find beyond it ebing their last home game. Truth be told there's perhaps more motivation for St. Louis if they choose to use it, since it was Xavier who knocked them out of the A-10 Tournament last season. I'd like to get in front of the Billiken train, but we tried that last week against George Washington, and even though St. Louis was statistically outplayed in every area, they simply didn't make mistakes down the stretch and were able to both win and cover, the latter was simply not an option til very, very late. It's tough to fade teams that don't beat themselves, and once bitten and twice shy for me. Because Xavier has some length, best case I could make in this game would be the under. Right now, as Semaj Christon goes, so goes Xavier. The kids' really played well lately, and really cut down on his turnovers. But, he needs another year to NOT be compared to Tu Holloway and honestly, that was a big part of his undoing early in the season.
UConn at South Florida: Yes, I know how offensively challenged South Florida can be, but they may be a live home dog here, especially if Napier doesn't play. Giffey broke his finger and is likely done, and although he didn't get the press, he did play about 20 minutes a game. Without Napier AND Giffey, that's really going to shorten and already short bench. These two met in Storrs and USF actually hung around, so they have got to think they CAN win this. I do say first team to about 45 may well do it. The Bulls have at least got to be one SOME sort of high after winning a game (over DePaul) and they DID somehow beat Georgetown and this IS their last home game, so how much chance really is there of taking the Huskies, who've obviously now got nothing to play for and have lost two straight tough games. Perhaps the reality of the situation is starting to set in, and they wait to play Providence on Saturday. I did just notice that BetOnline hasn't put out a number yet, no doubt pending Napier's status. Regardless, I do think USF can win this game, or if Napier plays they can stay within what ought to be an inflated number in a low scoring game.Comment
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Revolving - Door Top Spot Could Mean More NCAA Upsets
by Jason Logan
The Gonzaga Bulldogs are the latest team to reign over the college basketball Top 25, becoming the fifth different program to be ranked No. 1 so far this season.
Gonzaga, which is ranked No. 1 for the first time in school history, joins Indiana, Duke, Louisville, and Michigan (Kansas was ranked No. 1 in the USA Today Coaches Poll in Week 13) among those that have shared top billing in the country.
The last time the top spot saw such a turnover was the 2003-04 season, when five different schools split time as the nation’s No. 1. That year’s NCAA tournament was ripe with early-round upsets and many are predicting a wide-open bracket this March.
Here’s a look at the four biggest Cinderella schools from the 2004 tournament and which teams could follow in their footsteps when the Madness begins on March 19:
No. 9 UAB Upset No. 8 Washington (+1) and No. 1 Kentucky (+10.5)
Who could do it this year?: Creighton Bluejays (24-7 SU, 15-13-1 ATS)
Numerous bracket predictors have the Bluejays pegged as a No. 9 seed in the NCAA. Creighton was a regular in the Top 25 until hitting a three-game skid in early February. The Bluejays have the experience and star power – forward Doug McDermott – to shock their way into the Sweet 16.
No. 12 Pacific Upset No. 5 Providence (+7)
Who could do it this year?: Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (27-4 SU, 14-13 ATS)
Barring another collapse in the Sun Belt tournament, MTSU should be dancing come Selection Sunday. The Blue Raiders cut their postseason teeth with a strong run in the NIT last year and are among the toughest defensive programs in the country (57.4 points allowed per game – 16th overall).
No. 10 Nevada Upset No. 7 Michigan State (+2.5) and No. 2 Gonzaga (+9)
Who could do it this year?: Oklahoma Sooners (19-9 SU, 16-8 ATS)
Some bracketologist have the Sooners on the NCAA bubble but stamped as a No. 10 seed. Oklahoma has upset potential, knocking off Kansas, and has been one of the best bets in college hoops this year. The Sooners’ biggest weapon may be their free-throw shooting (76 percent), which is key in tournament upsets.
No. 12 Manhattan Upset No. 5 Florida (+4.5)
Who could do it this year?: Akron Zips (23-5 SU, 13-9-1 ATS)
The Zips had a 19-game winning streak snapped this past weekend, a nice wakeup call heading into the final week of the schedule. Akron is one of the better balanced teams – offense and defense – in the country and nearly knocked off No. 14 Oklahoma State in overtime early in the season.Comment
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Handicapping This Week's Mid - Major Conference Tournaments
For some, March Madness doesn’t begin until Selection Sunday. For others, it starts with the big conference tournaments. But for numerous mid-major leagues around the country, March Madness starts this week with conference tournaments kicking off.
Here’s what to watch for in the mid-major conference tournaments beginning this week:
America East – March 9-16
Favorite: Stony Brook (23-6 SU, 1-1 ATS) – The Seawolves have been the class of the America East since jumping to Div. I in 1999 but have never gone to the NCAA.
Upset watch: Vermont (19-10 SU, 3-0 ATS) – The Catamounts won the America East last year and split the season series with Stony Brook this season.
Atlantic Sun – March 6-9
Favorite: Mercer (21-10 SU, 0-3 ATS) – The Bears not only come into the A-Sun tournament as the top seed but are also playing hosts at the Hawkins Center.
Upset watch: Stetson (14-15 SU, 0-0 ATS) – The Hatters come in as a No. 3 seed and took a recent win over No. 2 Florida Gulf Coast. Stetson can run up the score in a hurry.
Big South – March 5-10
Favorite: Charleston Southern (17-11 SU, 0-1 ATS) – The Buccaneers have the offensive firepower to leave the other contenders in the dust. They caught a break with the injury to High Point’s John Brown.
Upset watch: Coastal Carolina (14-14 SU, 0-1 ATS) – The Chanticleers play host to the Big South tournament and were nearly unbeatable on their home court during conference play.
Colonial Athletic Association – March 9-11
Favorite: Northeastern +200 (19-11 SU, 13-12 ATS) – The Huskies clinched the No. 1 seed before last weekend’s loss to Old Dominion, however, their wheels have wobbled with a 2-3 record (1-4 ATS) in their last five.
Upset watch: Delaware +220 (18-13 SU, 13-13-1 ATS) – The Blue Hens enter the CAA tournament on fire, winning four straight and eight of their last 10 games.
Horizon League – March 5-12
Favorite: Valparaiso -200 (24-7 SU, 17-10-1 ATS) – The Crusaders took advantage of a down year and Butler’s defection this season. It’s them or Detroit +175.
Upset watch: Green Bay +350 (16-14, 16-12 ATS) – The Phoenix, the No. 4 seed, will turn to big man Alec Brown and Keifer Sykes to shake up the Horizon postseason.
MAAC – March 8-11
Favorite: Niagara +250 (18-12, 13-13 ATS) – The Purple Eagles enter as a slight favorite, having won the MAAC regular season title – just one game in front of Iona (+275).
Upset watch: Loyola-Maryland +275 (21-10 SU, 12-12-1 ATS) – The Greyhounds are kind of the odd man out when it comes to MAAC contenders. They defeated Niagara and were a solid 7-4-1 ATS on the road this season.
Missouri Valley Conference – March 7-10
Favorite: Creighton EVEN (24-7 SU, 15-13-1 ATS) – The Bluejays took their spot back atop the MVC with a dominant win over Wichita State last weekend.
Upset watch: Evansville +1,000 (18-13 SU, 17-11 ATS) – The Purple Aces could be a wildcard in the MVC tournament. Evansville has thrived as an underdog and has two wins over WSU.
Northeast Conference – March 6-12
Favorite: Robert Morris (22-9 SU, 2-1 ATS) – The Colonials ran away with the NEC regular season crown and are looking to get over the postseason hump after losing in the title game the past two years.
Upset watch: Bryant (19-10 SU, 0-1 ATS) – The Bulldogs nearly took both meetings with Robert Morris this season, winning back in January and losing by two points last week.
Ohio Valley Conference – March 6-9
Favorite: Belmont -300 (24-6 SU, 14-13 ATS) – The Bruins played a who’s-who of mid-major darlings as well as Kansas, Stanford and VCU in non-conference play before dominating the OVC.
Upset watch: Murray State +350 (20-9 SU, 11-15 ATS) – The Racers will need to win the OVC to get back into the NCAA, losing their last two games. That should be more than enough motivation for star guard Isaiah Canaan.
Patriot League – March 6-13
Favorite: Bucknell (25-5 SU, 2-1 ATS) – The Bison benefit from the injury to Lehigh star C.J. McCollum, who isn’t expect to play in the tournament.
Upset watch: Lafayette (17-14, 1-0 ATS) – The Leopards roll into the postseason on a five-game winning streak which started with an upset win over Bucknell – one of only two conference losses for the Bison.
Southern Conference – March 8-11
Favorite: Davidson -300 (23-7, 14-14-1 ATS) – The Wildcats remain the class of the SoCon and strut into the postseason on a 13-game winning streak.
Upset watch: Charleston +350 (22-9 SU, 11-15-1 ATS) – If momentum is the maker of upsets, the Cougars may present some upset value after winning four of their last five and eight of 10 to end the season.
Summit League – March 9-12
Favorite: North Dakota State +125 (22-8, 16-11 ATS) – The Bison boast the No. 8 defense in the country, limiting opponents to 55.4 points per game. They’re just ahead of rival South Dakota State at +140.
Upset watch: Oakland +400 (16-15 SU, 13-15 ATS) – The Grizzlies have wins over NDSU, SDSU and Western Illinois this year and have a potent offense that spreads the love around.
Sun Belt Conference – March 8-11
Favorite: Middle Tennessee State -375 (27-4 SU, 14-13 ATS) – The Blue Raiders are fueled by last year’s upset in the conference tournament and lost just one game in league play.
Upset watch: Arkansas Little Rock +1,500 (17-14 SU, 15-13 ATS) – The Trojans enter the postseason off a big win over Arkansas State. WKU’s run last year proves anything can happen in the Sun Belt tournament.
West Coast Conference – March 6-11
Favorite: Gonzaga -400 (29-2 SU, 16-11-2 ATS) – The new No. 1 team in the nation could get caught looking ahead to a top seed in the NCAA in the WCC tournament.
Upset watch: St. Mary’s +280 (26-5 SU, 15-12-1 ATS) – The Gaels come into the tournament on a five-game winning run, with their only loss in the past 10 outings coming to Gonzaga.Comment
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NBA
Hot Teams
-- Indiana won seven of its last eight games (7-4 last 11 HF). Celtics won four of last five games (5-3 last eight AU).
-- Knicks won four of their last five games (5-3-1 last nine AF).
-- Miami won its last fifteen games (5-7 last 12 HF).
-- Wizards won four of their last six games (9-4 last 13 AU).
-- Grizzlies won nine of last ten games (7-10 last 17 HF). Portland won three of its last four games (2-6 last eight AU).
-- Lakers won five of their last seven games (6-8-1 AF).
-- Rockets won four of their last six games (5-1 last six AU).
-- Suns won their last three games (3-6 last nine HU).
-- Spurs won 19 of their last 22 games (11-6-1 last 18 HF).
-- Milwaukee won its last four games, last two in OT (3-0 last three as AU). Clippers won eight of their last ten games (3-6 last nine HF).
Cold Teams
-- Charlotte lost its last seven games (2-6 last eight HU). Nets lost four of their last five games (2-2 AF).
-- Jazz lost four of their last five games (4-3 AF). Cleveland lost five of its last seven home games (8-12 HU).
-- Pistons lost five of last six games (5-8 last 13 HU).
-- Philly lost nine of its last ten games (3-6 last nine AU). Hawks lost their last three games (4-3-1 last eight HF).
-- Magic lost eight of their last ten games (3-6 last nine AU).
-- Minnesota lost its last six games (3-5 last eight HF).
-- New Orleans lost six of its last eight games (3-11-1 last 15 HU).
-- Mavericks lost four of last five games (10-5 last 15 HF).
-- Raptors lost their last five games (0-1 as AF).
-- Bulls lost five of last eight road games (9-3 last 12 AU).
-- Sacramento lost 16 of last 21 games (5-10 last 15 AU). Warriors lost four of their last five games (11-6 HF).
Totals
-- Four of last five Boston road games went over the total.
-- Seven of last ten Charlotte games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Utah games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Detroit games.
-- Last four Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Orlando games went over the total.
-- Under is 8-1-1 in last ten Washington games.
-- Eight of last ten Portland games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Laker games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Phoenix games stayed under.
-- Three of last four Chicago games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Clipper games stayed under total.
-- Over is 10-1-1 in last twelve Sacramento games.
Back-to-backs
-- Celtics are 3-7-2 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Philadelphia is 4-8 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- Lakers are 4-6-2 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Sacramento is 4-7 vs spread if it played the night before.Comment
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CBB
-- Georgetown won six of last seven games with Villanova, winning three of last four visits here, with wins by 3-2-3 points; Hoyas won 11 games in row, winning SU last four times they were underdog. Big East home teams are 15-28 if spread is 5 or less points. Villanova lost its last two games but won five of last six at home- they're 4-3 as Big East favorite. Georgetown hasn't lost since Jan 19 at South Florida.
-- Iowa State (+6.5) lost 78-76 at Oklahoma State Jan 30, despite going 13-24 behind arc; Cyclones lost six of last seven games with OSU, with last five series games decided by 5 or less points, or in OT. Big X home favorites of 6 or less points are 10-8 vs spread. ISU lost its last couple games, needs this win to enhance shaky resume- they're 6-1 as favorite in Big X home games. Cowboys are won 10 of their last 11 games.
-- North Carolina won/covered its last five games; they beat Maryland 62-52 (-6) in first meeting, game they led 42-20 at half. UNC won last five series games, but lost three of last four visits here, and since Terps are heading to Big Dozen, this is Tar Heels' last visit here. Maryland is 5-1 in last six home games, losing to Virginia; they're 3-3 in last six tilts overall. ACC home teams are 12-4 if spread is 2 or less points.
-- LSU (-1) fell behind 21-7 early, but forced 24 Texas A&M turnovers and rallied to beat Aggies 58-54 Jan 23; Tigers were 0-4 at time, are 8-4 since. LSU is 2-6 on SEC road, but 3-2 as road underdog. Aggies are 5-9 in last 14 games, but won three of last four at home- they're 3-2 as SEC favorites. SEC home favorites of 5 or less points are 12-11 vs spread. LSU covered nine of its last twelve games overall.
-- VCU led by 7 with 0:37 left, lost 86-74 in OT Jan 24 at Richmond, its second loss in last nine series games; Spiders lost last five trips here, by 5-8-20-8-22 points. Rams won last four games by 16+ points, covering last three; they're 4-3 as A-16 home favorites. A-16 home favorites of 8+ points are 14-16 vs spread. Richmond is 1-6 on A-16 road, with four losses by 7 or less points- they're 2-4 as A-16 road underdogs.
-- NC State (-7.5) lost 86-84 at Wake Forest Jan 22, game Wolfpack led by 12 at half; Wake lost last seven visits here, last two by 21-11- home teams won 10 of last 12 series games. ACC double digit home favorites are 15-4 vs spread. Deacons are 0-8 on ACC road, covering once in last five away games (6 of 8 road losses by 14+). State won five of last six games, is 4-2 as home favorite (home wins by 13-8-4-8-4-18-18).
-- Minnesota (-17) shot 59.6% inside arc, beat Nebraska 84-65 Jan 29, Gophers' 4th straight series win- they won by 9-8 in last two visits here. Cornhuskers lost six of last eight games, but are 3-2 in last five at home, covering all five games (4-2 as home dog). Big Dozen single digit home underdogs are 11-14 vs spread. Minnesota lost six games in row on road since beating Illinois 84-67 (-1.5) in Big Dozen road opener Jan 9.
-- Xavier beat Saint Louis 71-64 in A-16 tourney LY, after getting swept in season series by Billikens, their only two wins in last 12 series games. SLU won/covered its last 11 games; they're 4-0 as A-16 road fave, with five of last six road wins by 8+ points. Xavier is 2-3 in last five games; three of their last four losses are by 5 or less points- they're 4-3 as a dog. A-16 home dogs of 5 or less points are 6-11 against the spread.
-- Cal Bears won last seven games, covered last five at home; they're 6-2 as Pac-12 home favorites, with last four home wins by 8+. Stanford (-6) outscored Cal 25-11 from foul line, beat Bears 69-59 Jan 19; home teams won last five series games, as Cardinal lost last four visits here, by 7-26-19-10 points. Stanford is 2-3 as a Pac-12 road underdog. Pac-12 home favorites of 5 or less points are 11-21 against the spread.
-- USC (-1.5) beat Washington 71-60 Feb 10, just third win for hosts in last 10 series games; Huskies were 4-14 from foul line that day- they've won three of last four games, are 4-3 at home, winning last two here by 10-4 points. USC won six of last eight games overall; they're 3-2 in last five visits here. Pac-12 home favorites of 5 or less points are 11-21 vs spread. Trojans are 4-3 as Pac-12 road underdog, 2-3 under Cantu.
-- Portland is only 4-12 in WCC, but they swept LMU this year, with 68-64/69-60 wins; Pilots are 8-4 in last 12 series games- they made 15 of 25 3-pointers vs LMU this year. Lions lost last 14 games, with four of last six losses by 3 or less points. Portland is 3-4 in its last seven games, after 7-game skid- they're 3-9 in WCC tourney last nine years. LMU won its first tourney game last two years, by 3-4 points.
-- Eastern Illinois is 8-3 in last 11 games, after starting season 3-16; they split pair with SE Missouri this year, winning first game at home in OT, then trailing by 25 at half in rematch. Panthers are 2-6 vs spread in last eight games as an underdog. Redhawks won five of last seven games with an upset of Murray State last week; they won game in this event LY for first time in seven years. OVC double digit favorites are 11-16.
-- Morehead State (-6.5) beat UT-Martin 88-74 Jan 19 in only meeting this year, despite UTM going 28-37 on four line- they shot 29% inside arc. Eagles are 8-2 in this event last four years, winning it twice; they're 3-6 in last nine games overall. Skyhawks upset Murray as 20-point dogs last week; they're 5-8 vs spread as OVC underdogs, but 4-1 if getting double digits. OVC favorites of less than 5 points are 16-14 vs spread.Comment
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NHL
Hot teams
-- Maple Leafs won three of their last four games.
-- Blackhawks won their last ten games, three of last five in OT/SO.
-- Sharks won three of their last four games. Calgary won last three home games, giving up a total of seven goals.
-- Coyotes won three of their last four games.
Cold teams
-- Senators lost last three games, scoring four goals.
-- Avalanche lost five of their last six games.
-- Anaheim is 2-3 in last five games, but they've won eight in row at home.
Totals
-- Under is 7-0-2 in last nine Ottawa games. Last four Toronto tilts went over.
-- Over is 11-5 in last sixteen Colorado-Chicago games; five of Blackhawks' last seven games stayed under.
-- Under is 8-0-1 in last nine San Jose games.
-- Last five Phoenix games went over the total.
Series records
-- Senators lost three of last four games against Toronto.
-- Chicago lost its last three games against the Avalanche.
-- Sharks won eight of last eleven games with Calgary.
-- Coyotes won last three games with Anaheim; they beat Ducks twice in last week, both 5-4 games in SO.Comment
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DCI College Basketball
The Daniel Curry Index
03/06/13 Predictions
Season
Straight Up: 3534-1199 (.747)
ATS: 1636-1668 (.495)
ATS Vary Units: 4652-4970 (.483)
Over/Under: 461-431 (.517)
Over/Under Vary Units: 479-505 (.487)
Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament
Quarterfinals at University Center, Macon, GA
Florida Gulf Coast 73, North Florida 68
MERCER 78, Lipscomb 59
Northeast Conference Tournament
Quarterfinals at campus sites
BRYANT 79, Mount St. Mary's 77
LONG ISLAND 84, Quinnipiac 80
ROBERT MORRIS 80, St. Francis (N.Y.) 66
WAGNER 85, Central Connecticut State 72
Ohio Valley Conference Tournament
1st Round at Nashville Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, TN
Morehead State 83, UT Martin 73
Southeast Missouri 72, Eastern Illinois 68
Patriot League Tournament
Quarterfinals at campus sites
ARMY 70, American 58
BUCKNELL 65, Navy 40
LAFAYETTE 72, Holy Cross 60
LEHIGH 75, Colgate 56
West Coast Conference Tournament
1st Round at Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Loyola Marymount 66, Portland 65
Atlantic 10 Conference
Charlotte 75, DUQUESNE 72
DAYTON 78, St. Bonaventure 74
LA SALLE 74, George Washington 61
SAINT JOSEPH'S 71, Rhode Island 60
Saint Louis 65, XAVIER 58
Temple 81, FORDHAM 68
VCU 78, Richmond 64
Atlantic Coast Conference
MIAMI (FLA.) 69, Georgia Tech 52
NC STATE 82, Wake Forest 64
North Carolina 75, MARYLAND 70
Big 12 Conference
OKLAHOMA 76, West Virginia 62
Oklahoma State 78, IOWA STATE 75
Big East Conference
Connecticut 65, SOUTH FLORIDA 58
Georgetown 62, VILLANOVA 58
SYRACUSE 84, DePaul 61
Big Ten Conference
Michigan 67, PURDUE 63
Minnesota 62, NEBRASKA 56
Conference USA
EAST CAROLINA 77, Tulane 69
HOUSTON 81, Rice 67
TULSA 68, Smu 62
UAB 74, Ucf 67
Mountain West Conference
Colorado State 61, WYOMING 58
New Mexico 70, NEVADA 57
SAN DIEGO STATE 72, Air Force 60
Pacific-12 Conference
CALIFORNIA 70, Stanford 61
Ucla 72, WASHINGTON STATE 66
WASHINGTON 68, Usc 64
Southeastern Conference
FLORIDA 66, Vanderbilt 49
SOUTH CAROLINA 66, Mississippi State 61
Tennessee 69, AUBURN 59
TEXAS A&M 68, Lsu 64
Non-Conference
Seattle 70, CSU Bakersfield 66Comment
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DCI Pro Basketball
The Daniel Curry Index
03/06/13 Predictions
Tuesday
Straight Up: 3-0 (1.000)
ATS: 2-1 (.667)
ATS Vary Units: 5-2 (.714)
Over/Under: 0-3 (.000)
Over/Under Vary Units: 0-3 (.000)
Season
Straight Up: 579-285 (.670)
ATS: 461-424 (.521)
ATS Vary Units: 1196-1068 (.528)
Over/Under: 451-434 (.510)
Over/Under Vary Units: 632-572 (.525)
Boston 91, PHILADELPHIA 90
OKLAHOMA CITY 112, L.A. Lakers 100
Denver 114, SACRAMENTO 107Comment
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DCI Pro Hockey
The Daniel Curry Index
03/06/13 Predictions
Season: 118-84 (.584)
TORONTO 3, Ottawa 2
CHICAGO 4, Colorado 2
San Jose vs. CALGARY: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
ANAHEIM 3, Phoenix 2Comment
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