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OKLAHOMA ST. (367) AT TEXAS (368)
Latest Line: Texas +3.0; Total: 63.5
Not only does Texas have to stick with unimpressive backup QB Case McCoy with top QB David Ash out indefinitely with a concussion, but now the school will be without top RB Johnathan Gray who tore his Achilles' last week. The Longhorns have also suffered two huge losses on defense in LB Jordan Hicks (Achilles') and now DT Chris Whaley (knee), which doesn't bode well facing an Oklahoma State team that has piled up 50.7 PPG in its past three games. This offensive explosion began with a 31-point win at Iowa State, the same team Texas beat by 1 point after a bogus non-fumble call extended the game-winning drive. These schools have played 13 common opponents in the past two seasons with OSU going 8-5 ATS and Texas going 4-8-1 ATS. Also, the Cowboys under Mike Gundy are 49-21 ATS (70%) when favored, and 17-6 ATS (74%) after scoring at least 37 points in 2+ straight games, averaging 44.2 PPG in these instances. Oklahoma State is 18-7 SU (72%) in its past 25 road games, and will also leave Austin with a 10-point win on Saturday.
PLAY ON: Oklahoma St.
Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic
5* Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs have been one of the best road teams in the NBA under HC Carlisle. Though they failed in their first 3 efforts as road dog this season, at Houston, OKC and Minn., they succeeded as road favorite (unrested) in a 91-83 victory at Milwaukee. Now, they come off a loss at Miami last night in the short road chalk role once again. Mavs have been one of the most resilient teams in the NBA with a recent mark of 30-14 ATS following a defeat. That includes 2-1 ATS this season. Orlando has returned to earth following their torrid 5-0 ATS break from the gate. Orlando enters tonight on an 0-4 ATS slide.
5* Indiana Pacers
Indiana had the benefit of facing a wounded Milwaukee team last night while Chicago was in a competitive game against Toronto. Rose is still shooting under 35%and ailing hamstring may not respond well on consecutive nights. Indiana is looking like the best team in the East with 9 consecutive victories. That is in large part the result of an 84/39 defense (No. 1 in the NBA).
Philadelphia 76ers at New Orleans Pelicans
5* New Orleans Pelicans
Shocking start by Philly has seen them go 5-5 SU through the first 10 games. Remember, this was a team that was expected to win fewer than 20 games. Even when rookie phenom MCW missed earlier this week, Wroten responded with the first triple-double of his life. Tonight, however, they may be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Rested New Orleans has a strong guard tandem of Holliday and Eric Gordon. The former will be particularly eager to welcome his ex-mates to the Bayou. Anthony Davis (up front) and Tyreke Evans (on the wing) will make it a very unpleasant visit for a Sixers team that plays little defense.
NCAA HOOPS
Creighton at St. Josephs
5*Creighton
Fear not the Hawk House especially with the departure of shot blocking CJ Aiken who took his talents to the Pro ranks. Without his presence, player of the year candidate, McDermott, will dominate inside (and out). Last year, Creighton won this matchup 80-51. Now, the Blue Jays may be better, with 4 RS than their 28-8 team of last year. And why fear the Hawk House where St. Joes is 26-16 SU 3+Y.
N. Iowa at George Mason
4*George Mason
By conference season, 8th year NIU HC Jacobsen will have molded his Panthers into a contending unit. He always does. In years gone by, Jacobsen was an absolute must play in these situations as underdog. But in the last 3+ years, the Panthers record has slipped to just 17-21 ATS as short. Last Saturday, we faded the rebuilding team at Ohio U and were rewarded with a 75-64 Bobcat victory. This weekend, we must pay a bit more of a price with a heavily veteran team. In the 3rd year under HC Hewitt, the Patriots make a move to the A10 where they will no longer challenge for conference superiority as they did in their former Colonial home. Though never a big Hewitt fan, must give him his due in coaching his Patriots to the CBI Final last year. Five RS, from a 22 win, team well remember the 82-77 loss at Cedar Falls last year.
Drake at St. Mary’s
4*St. Mary’s
Shame on me for passing up Randy Bennett and the Gaels in their 3 early season non-conference home routes of quality visitors LA Tech, Akron and N. Dakota St. Without the now departed Matt Delavedova, the Gaels have barely skipped a beat. The record of 13th year HC Bennett is now 89-65 ATS in non-conference games. New Drake HC Giacolleti is well in tune with St. Mary’s from his time on the Gonzaga staff. But with just 2 RS from a 15 win team of last year, little is expected from his Bulldogs who figure to spiral toward the basement of the Valley come February. Certainly, they are not prepared for the momentum they will face in McKeon.
Marist at Providence
5*Providence
Not sure it is the wisest choice to back the Friars as double digit chalk after they have squeezed by winless Boston College by 4 and Brown by a like margin, both on this court. Especially with Kris Dunn still not scheduled to suit up. But we have faded Marist in both their contests with huge profit. That includes Red Fox losses of 27 at home to Elon and 19 on the road to St. Joes. We will play against them with house money until we fail.
Weber St. at Colorado St.
4*Weber St.
Last year, Colorado St. 2nd year HC Eustachy stepped into an ideal situation at Colorado St. He rode 5 RS to a 26-9 season and to the 3rd round of the NCAA. Now, those 5 starters have departed and Eustachy saw just how far he has to go with a 93-61 road loss at Gonzaga Monday night. It may get no better against a veteran Weber St. team who will be hungry to get to the winning side of the ledger after dropping an opening night 81-72 verdict at high-powered BYU. Weber has 3 RS from a 30-17 who lost the CIT Championship game and is slated to win the Big Sky this season. Too much returning fire power for the rebuilding Rams.
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