2-1-14

[Can'tPickAWinner]

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB Cheat Sheet: Early Games

Here's a quick look at the marquee early games on Saturday's NCAA basketball schedule:

*Ohio State Buckeyes at Wisconsin Badgers (-5)
The Buckeyes held an 11-point lead in the second half against Penn State but were doomed by missed free throws and poor defense down the stretch to drop a stunner at home and fall to 1-5 since beginning the season with 15 straight victories. Ohio State shot 28 percent from the floor in the second half Wednesday and is averaging 61.8 points over its last four contests - nearly 11 points below its season average.

The Badgers built their reputation under coach Bo Ryan on defense but have allowed an average of 71.2 points in the last five games and surrendered 43 in the second half of Wednesday’s loss to Northwestern. The offense is not holding up its end, either, and leading scorer Sam Dekker is 2-of-16 from 3-point range over the last four games. Wisconsin ranks third in the Big Ten conference in 3-point shooting at 37.3 percent.

TRENDS:
* Buckeyes are 0-5 ATS in their last five games.
* Badgers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS win.
* Over is 6-2 in Wisconsin's last eight games.
* Favorite is 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.

*Kentucky Wildcats at Missouri Tigers (+1.5)
The Wildcats are coming off an 87-82 loss at LSU in which star freshman forward Julius Randle was limited to a season-low six points on 3-of-11 shooting. Kentucky allows an average of 66.6 points but has surrendered 85.3 points in its last three losses - all on the road. Wildcats G James Young has shot 50 percent or better from the field in three straight games after failing to make half his shots in any of the previous nine contests.

The Tigers sit a game behind the Wildcats in the SEC standings and are looking at their toughest stretch of the conference slate with a trip to No. 4 Florida coming up after the Kentucky contest. Jabari Brown, Earnest Ross and Jordan Clarkson combined for 59 points in the win over Arkansas on Tuesday and did a strong job of spreading out the shots between the three. Brown leads the SEC in scoring at an average of 19.8 points

TRENDS
* Wildcats are 9-19-1 ATS in their last 29 games vs. the SEC.
* Tigers are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.
* Under is 7-1 in Missouri's last eight home games.
* Under is 3-0-1 in Kentucky's last four Saturday games.

*Memphis Tigers at SMU Mustangs (-2)
The Tigers' four senior guards all have made major contributions during the team's four-game winning streak. Joe Jackson led Memphis with 17 points against Central Florida while Michael Dixon Jr. is 13-of-21 from the floor - 7-of-11 from beyond the arc - over the last four games. Geron Johnson (9.5 points, 5.5 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals during the winning streak) continues to be the "glue guy" for Memphis.

Coach Larry Brown knows basically what he is going to get from his team offensively, as the Mustangs average 71.9 points and have scored between 70-75 points in five of their last six games. Kennedy has scored in double figures in 12 straight games and has grabbed at least seven rebounds in each of those contests. Reserve forward Ben Moore has been a major factor as a freshman, shooting 72.4 percent on the season.

TRENDS
* Tigers are 6-0 ATS in their last six road games.
* Mustangs are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games.
* Under is 7-1 in Memphis' last eight games following an ATS win.
* Home team is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.

*Baylor Bears at Oklahoma State Cowboys (-11)
The Bears entered conference action as one of the top shooting teams in the nation at 50.4 percent (while holding opponents to 38.8 percent), but those figures have shifted to 40.5 and 47.4, respectively, during their forgettable seven-game conference run. Baylor lost the turnover battle 17-6 against West Virginia and has created more than 10 takeaways only twice in league play.

Since the loss of forward Michael Cobbins to an Achilles’ injury seven games ago, the Cowboys have averaged a conference-high 22.8 fouls, mostly as a result of players sliding into unfamiliar roles. Three players (Le'Bryan Nash, Kamari Murphy and Stevie Clark) fouled out against Oklahoma, with Nash and Clark doing so in a combined 28 minutes.

TRENDS
* Bears are 6-17 ATS in their last 23 Saturday games.
* Cowboys are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games following a loss.
* Over is 7-2 in Oklahoma State's last nine games.
* Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.

*George Mason Patriots at Saint Louis Billikens (-15)
The Patriots have struggled badly in their first year in the A-10 after having unparalleled success in the Colonial Athletic Association. Guards Byron Allen (14.2 points per game) and Sherrod Wright (14) lead a veteran backcourt that also features Patrick Holloway, who ranks fifth in the A-10 in 3-point shooting (41.9). Redshirt freshman forward Jalen Jenkins is averaging 7.1 points and 6.5 rebounds.

The Billikens do it with defense, leading the A-10 in scoring defense (58 points per game), field goal percentage defense (38.2) and 3-point percentage defense (27.6). Senior forward Dwayne Evans (15) leads the team in scoring and rebounding (6.3) while Jett also is averaging in double figures (12.6) and leads the team in assists (4.8) and steals (1.5).

TRENDS
* Patriots are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games.
* Billikens are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games vs. teams with losing records.
* Over is 15-5 in George Mason's last 20 road games.
* Under is 10-4 in Saint Louis' last 14 home games.

*Evansville Purple Aces at Wichita State Shockers (-20)
Evansville sophomore guard D.J. Balentine, who has made 31-of-33 free throws over the last two games, leads the conference with a 23-point scoring average and has taken more than twice as many shots as any other player on the team. He has scored at least 20 points 15 times and also leads the team in assists (4.2) and 3-pointers made (51).

Wichita State's subpar showing against Chicago-based Loyola included 6-of-26 shooting in the second half that erased the joy over a well-played opening 20 minutes. Forward Cleanthony Early scored 23 points to raise his season average to 16.1 and is joined in double digits by guard Ron Baker (13.4) and VanVleet (12.8). The Shockers allow 59 points per game and have held 10 opponents under 60.

TRENDS
* Purple Aces are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six games.
* Shockers are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 5-2 in Evansville's last seven games following a defeat.
* Underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.

*Michigan State Spartans at Georgetown Hoyas (+7.5)
Without Adreian Payne and fellow big man Branden Dawson, who is out for several more games with a broken hand, the Spartans have given increased minutes to forward Matt Costello and the results have been positive. Costello posted career highs in both points (11) and rebounds (12) in the win at Iowa while recording two more blocked shots to bump his average to 1.6 per game -- eighth in the Big Ten entering Thursday.

A dismal slide for the Hoyas continued with a 65-60 loss at home to No. 9 Villanova on Monday, which saw Georgetown lose another player to suspension in the form of center Moses Ayegba, who was banned one game for an NCAA violation. Senior guard Markel Starks has done his best to shoulder the load, averaging 23 points over the last three games while ranking third in minutes played during Big East games (38.9).

TRENDS
* Spartans are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games.
* Hoyas are 0-4 ATS in their last four games following an ATS win.
* Under is 4-0 in Michigan State's last four games vs. Big East foes.
* Over is 4-1 in Georgetown's last five neutral-site games.

*Texas A&M Aggies at Florida Gators (-18)
The Aggies come in on a four-game losing skid punctuated by an 80-52 laugher at the hands of South Carolina on Wednesday night. Texas A&M was a disaster offensively in that one, shooting just 35.6 percent from the field while hitting on 4-of-16 3-point attempts and 16-of-29 free-throw opportunities. Junior guard Jamal Jones (11.7) is the only player averaging in double figures, but shoots just 37.4 percent from the field.

The Gators bounced back nicely from back-to-back narrow victories over Auburn and Alabama, trouncing Tennessee 67-41 and following that up with a double-digit victory at Mississippi State. Casey Prather's 16 points paced the win over the Bulldogs, as Florida prevailed despite shooting 6-of-20 from beyond the arc and 8-of-19 from the line. Prather (16.7 ppg) leads a balanced attack for the Gators, who have won 12 straight.

TRENDS
* Aggies are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 Saturday games.
* Gators are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 7-0 in Texas A&M's last seven games following a loss of more than 20 points.
* Under is 21-7-1 in Florida's last 29 games.

*Villanova Wildcats at Temple Owls (+11)
Since losing to Creighton by 28 points, Villanova has snuck past the Golden Eagles in overtime before holding off the Hoyas on Monday. The Wildcats are one of the nation's most balanced teams, with four players averaging between 10.2 and 15.1 points, five players chipping in between 4.0 and 5.9 rebounds and eight players averaging at least one assist.

Owls coach Fran Dunphy recently chatted about the importance of unselfish play with point guard Will Cummings, who responded with 21 points and eight assists against Rutgers. One of Cummings' top options on the kick-outs is swingman Dalton Pepper (18 points per game), who has made nearly half of the Owls' 3-pointers this season.

TRENDS
* Wildcats are 7-1 ATS in their last eight non-conference games.
* Owls are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games vs. Big East opponents.
* Over is 18-7-1 in Temple's last 26 Saturday games.
* Villanova is 0-4 ATS in the last four meetings.

*Kansas Jayhawks at Texas Longhorns (+4)
Jayhawks star Andrew Wiggins is 18-of-29 shooting over the past two outings and finally displaying the ability to take over games. He struggled with the adjustment early in the season but is now settling in to average a team-best 16.5 points as one of four double-digit scorers. Center Joel Embiid has been the team’s top player most of the season and averages 11.4 points, a team-best 7.6 rebounds and has 54 blocks.

The Longhorns have thrived behind a balanced attack in which four players average in double digits after they were expected to experience a second straight down campaign. Forward Jonathan Holmes averages a team-best 12.9 points, following by guard Javan Felix (12.2), guard Isaiah Taylor (11.7) and center Cameron Ridley (11.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 48 blocks).

TRENDS
* Jayhawks are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven games.
* Longhorns are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 Saturday games.
* Over is 4-0 in Kansas' last four games vs. the Big 12.
* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.

*Oklahoma Sooners at Iowa State Cyclones (-8.5)
The Sooners are the only team in the country to use the same starting lineup in every game and have all five of those players scoring at least 10 points per game. Ryan Spangler is averaging 13.2 points and 13.5 rebounds over his last six games, beginning with his 16-point, 15-rebound effort in the first meeting against Iowa State. Oklahoma has scored at least 80 points in 14 games.

Two common themes have emerged in the Cyclones’ four losses: below-average 3-point shooting and rebounding margin. Iowa State has converted 37.2 percent beyond the arc in its victories and enjoyed a plus-3.1 advantage on the glass in its wins, but has shot 28.4 percent from long range and been outrebounded by 7.8 boards in its setbacks. Melvin Ejim leads the conference with 27 career double-doubles.

TRENDS
* Sooners are 5-0 ATS in their last five Saturday games.
* Cyclones are 21-9 ATS in their last 30 home games.
* Over is 8-0 in Iowa State's last eight home games vs. teams with winning road records.
* Over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB Cheat Sheet: Late Games

*Massachusetts Minutemen at St. Joseph's Hawks (-2.5)
Minutemen point guard Chaz Williams, who struggled with foul trouble against St. Bonaventure, was the difference in the first meeting, scoring eight points in the final six minutes as the Minutemen erased a nine-point deficit. In the most recent game, Williams went 3-of-10 from the field and had 11 points and six assists. The Minutemen have won four of the last five meetings and lead the series 34-29.

St. Joseph's forward Halil Kanacevic had eight points and 11 rebounds against Dayton to surpass 1,000 points and 900 rebounds in his career, which included his freshman season at Hofstra. The victory was the second on the road in conference play for the Hawks, who also lost at Richmond. The Hawks have won five of six since losing at Massachusetts Jan. 8.

TRENDS
* Minutemen are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 road games.
* Hawks are 2-5 ATS in their last seven Saturday games.
* Under is 6-1 in Massachusetts' last seven games vs. Atlantic 10 foes.
* Home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.

*Duke Blue Devils at Syracuse Orange (-2.5)
Blue Devils freshman sensation Jabari Parker endured an inconsistent month of January, but closed on a high note with three straight double-doubles, including 21 points and 11 rebounds in Monday's 80-65 victory over Pittsburgh. Parker is the team's leading scorer (18.8) and rebounder (8.1) while Rodney Hood (17.4 points) has emerged as a terrific complement to Parker.

The Orange, who hold a one-game lead over Virginia and sit 1 1/2 games up on Duke and Pittsburgh, have won 15 games by double digits. Two big reasons why are the play of freshman Tyler Ennis (12.3 points, 5.4 assists) and senior C.J. Fair (16.7 points, six rebounds), both of whom play big minutes on a nightly basis. Reserve center Baye Moussa Keita had six points, eight rebounds and five blocks in Wednesday's victory over Wake Forest.

TRENDS
* Blue Devils are 4-0 ATS in their last four games vs. the ACC.
* Orange are 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games.
* Over is 17-8 in Duke's last 25 Saturday games.
* Under is 25-9 in Syracuse's last 34 games following an ATS win.

*Colorado State Rams at San Diego State Aztecs (-12)
The Rams learned earlier this week that they will gain the services of Louisville transfer Chane Behanan next season and that will only make a solid rebounding club even better. Colorado State outrebounds opponents by 5.3 per game with forward J.J. Avila (18.4 points, 7.6 rebounds) and guard Daniel Bejarano (16.5 points, nine rebounds) leading the way.

SDSU point guard Xavier Thames averages a team-high 17.6 points and has scored more than 20 points five times, including recording 23 points and matching a season best with five steals in the earlier victory over Colorado State. A suspect shooter in the past, Thames has made a career-best 39 3-pointers while shooting an impressive 45.9 percent from behind the arc.

TRENDS
* Rams are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 Saturday games.
* Aztecs are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS win.
* Under is 17-5 in Colorado State's last 22 games.
* Home team is 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.

*Iowa Hawkeyes at Illinois Fighting Illini (+6)
Coach Fran McCaffery questioned his team’s toughness after the Michigan State game as the Hawkeyes were held to 28 points in the paint. Illinois can’t match the Spartans’ physical style, so forwards Aaron White (averaging 13.5 points, 6.5 rebounds) and Melsahn Basabe (6.6 rebounds) should find the terrain a little smoother Saturday. Forward Jarrod Uthoff has been the team’s top reserve, averaging 8.9 points.

Drake transfer Rayvonte Rice ended an extended slump in Sunday’s 56-46 loss at Indiana by scoring 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including four 3-pointers. The Illini will look to slow the game down against the high-scoring Hawkeyes and hope the frontline of Jon Ekey and 6-11 center Nnanna Egwu can avoid foul trouble. Guard Joseph Bertrand is seeking a bounce-back game after missing 10 of his 11 shots against the Hoosiers.

TRENDS
* Hawkeyes are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games following an ATS win.
* Illini are 1-5 ATS in their last six games vs. Big Ten foes.
* Under is 5-1 in Illinois' last six games following a loss.
* Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.

*Central Florida Knights at Louisville Cardinals (-20.5)
The Knights are coming off an encouraging 69-59 loss to No. 22 Memphis on Wednesday, when senior guard Isaiah Sykes collected 24 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Sykes, who scored 19 points against Louisville in the first meeting, is the only AAC player in the top 15 in the league in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and field-goal percentage.

Point guard Chris Jones returned against Cincinnati after missing three games with an oblique injury and scored six points on 3-of-11 shooting. Freshman Terry Rozier started for the fourth straight game in place of Jones and had 10 points and zero assists in 22 minutes, but Jones is expected to return to the starting lineup as early as Saturday.

TRENDS
* Knights are 0-7 ATS in their last seven games.
* Cardinals are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS loss.
* Over is 9-3 in Central Florida's last 12 Saturday games.
* Under is 19-6-1 in Louisville's last 26 games following a win.

*Gonzaga Bulldogs at San Francisco Dons (+6)
The Bulldogs blew a 10-point lead in the game's final minutes before Sam Dower rescued them with a 3-pointer with two seconds to play to give them a 54-52 win at Santa Clara. Dower had taken just nine 3-pointers before hitting the game-winner for the Bulldogs, who scored a season-low 54 points. Gonzaga rolled over San Francisco earlier in the season despite missing starters Dower and Gary Bell Jr.

San Francisco has won three straight to move into second place in the WCC. San Francisco never trailed knocking off Portland last time out to complete a season sweep of the Pilots. Portland is the only conference team to beat Gonzaga this season. Saturday's game wraps up a five-game homestand for the Dons who are 11-4 on their home court.

TRENDS
* Bulldogs are 17-5-1 in their last 23 games following an ATS loss.
* Dons are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 Saturday games.
* Under is 5-0 in San Francisco's last five games against teams with winning records.
* Underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six games.

*Arizona Wildcats at California Golden Bears (+4)
A key for the Wildcats will be how well their frontcourt can hold up against California’s, which features one of the top rebounders in the Pac-12 in Richard Solomon, as well as a solid sidekick in David Kravish. Aaron Gordon will have to play as big as he did Sunday against Utah, when the 6-9 freshman for the Wildcats produced 10 points and 12 rebounds in the nine-point victory.

Solomon and Kravish should do their part on the glass, leaving it up to Justin Cobbs and Tyrone Wallace to continue stepping up offensively. Cobbs scored 21 points against Arizona State and, in the process, moved past three former Golden Bears on the program’s all-time scoring list to No. 19. Wallace matched his career high with 20 points against the Sun Devils.

TRENDS
* Wildcats are 16-7 ATS in their last 23 games.
* Golden Bears are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games vs. teams with winning road records.
* Under is 25-5 in Arizona's last 30 Saturday games.
* Over is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in California.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Conference Cash: Five teams cashing in conference play

Conference play is officially in full swing and the cream has been rising to the top as teams begin to make their tournament cases for March with February conference play tipping off this weekend.

Today we look at five teams who are currently stepping up their play when it matters outside of the conference leaders.

Nebraska (3-5 Big Ten, 7-1 ATS)
Nebraska has a new-found excitement around their basketball program that has led to inspired play from a squad that plans to compete in the tough Big Ten after joining the conference for football purposes. A tough, but unspectacular, team has won three of its last four, beating Ohio State, Minnesota and Indiana at home. Those three wins have Nebraska hopeful it can turn the corner in February, and their 7-1 ATS record proves their worth as a good underdog bet that can stick with teams in the ultra-competitive Big Ten.

UCLA (6-2 Pac-12, 6-2 ATS)
UCLA, a run and gun team that has been one of the breakout teams of the season so far, hasn't slowed down in conference play. With a narrow home loss to Arizona and a road loss to an always tough Utah team being their only blemishes, UCLA is eying a high Pac-12 tournament seed behind 83.6 points per game scoring. At home they have their best value as they are 9-4 ATS all season.

Utah (3-5 Pac-12, 6-1-1 ATS)
Utah's inclusion in this list is solely based on their ATS record as the Utes have been covering all season on their way to a 12-2-1 record. They've stayed on course during conference play as the Utes are 6-1-1 to date. With a +9 rebounding margin per game and a 50 percent field goal rate, Utah is always tough to play and stick in most games even with a lack of talent. Keep a look out for when Utah are underdogs for the rest of Pac-12 play.

Stanford (4-4 Pac-12, 5-3 ATS)
After a shaky start to Pac-12 play, Stanford has finally began to start playing with a sense of urgency. Currently, Stanford is on a 4-2 stretch with wins over Oregon, USC and both Washington schools and the program is 5-1 ATS during that span. A near upset over Arizona may push Stanford to new heights during a stretch where they face Arizona State and Cal before making their Washington swing.

Tennessee (4-3 SEC, 5-2 ATS)
The Vols have fallen off the map a bit since Bruce Pearl was forced out of the program, but recently had a season changing win over Ole Miss where they won 86-70. Led by Jordan McCrae (18.8 PPG) and Jarnell Stokes (9.8 RPG), the Vols have hung tough so far in SEC play and have a chance to make a push for a higher SEC tournament seed if they can beat lower ranked opponents Alabama, Vandy and South Carolina over their next three games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Inside the stats: Hoops edition
Marc Lawrence

Let’s take a look at what’s happening on the hardwood as we enter the weekend. All results are ATS (Against The Spread) through January 29, unless noted otherwise.


Spread Beaters

For your perusal, here is a list of college basketball teams taking the floor this weekend that own the best ATS marks in all games versus fellow Division-1 opponents (minimum five results) this season:

Home Games:

Buffalo 5-0, George Washington 5-1, Hawaii 5-1, Kansas State 8-1-1, Nebraska 5-1, Oklahoma State 5-1, South Carolina 5-0-1, SMU 5-0, St. Bonaventure 5-1, Utah 9-0 and Wichita State 6-1-1.

Road Games:

Creighton 5-1, Delaware 8-1, Illinois Chicago 5-1, Kent State 5-1, Michigan State 6-0, North Texas 5-1, Nevada 8-0, Ohio U 5-0, Seton Hall 5-0 and Wichita State 6-0.



Spread Eaters:

Here is a list of college basketball teams taking the floor this weekend that own the worst ATS marks in all games versus fellow Division-1 opponents (minimum seven results) this season:

Home Games:

Boston College 1-6, Central Florida 1-5, Colorado State 1-6, Drexel 0-6, East Carolina 0-5, Kent State 1-5, Miami Florida 1-5, Northern Illinois 1-6, Purdue 1-5 and Toledo 1-5.

Road Games:

Central Florida 1-5, Cal Davis 1-5, Colorado State 1-5, Fullerton State 1-6, Kentucky 0-4-1, Louisiana Lafayette 1-5, Maryland 1-5, Mississippi State 0-5, Northern Iowa 1-8, South Alabama 1-8, Texas State 1-6 and Washington State 0-4-1.


Putting On The ‘D’

Once again, here is a list of the Top 5 college hoops teams on the defensive front, in Defensive Field Goal percentage and Rebound Margin. Look to ‘play on’ these teams in either revenge or underdog roles:

Defensive Field Goal Percentage:

1. SMU 37.0
2. Arizona 37.2
3. Florida State 37.7
4. Iowa 37.9
5. San Diego State 38.0

Rebounding Margin:

1. Quinnipiac +13.0
2. Indiana +11.5
2. Kentucky +11.2
4. Arizona +10.9
5. Iowa +10.7

Here is a list of the Top 5 NBA defensive teams:

Scoring Defense:

1. Pacers 90.2
2. Bulls 92.8
3. Grizzlies 95.5
4. Raptors 96.7
5. Spurs 96.8

Rebounding Margin:

1. Thunder +4.7
2. Pacers +4.5
3. Trailblazers +3.6
4. Grizzlies +3.5
5. Bulls +3.2


January Showers

After opening the season 12-18 SU and 11-19 ATS in all games through Dec. 31 this season, the Chicago Bulls welcomed the New Year in style, going 11-4 SU and 9-5-1 ATS in games during January.

With the blue collar Bulls ranking in the Top 5 in the league in team defense and rebound margin, look for them to improve on an already stellar 6-3 SU mark in games with same season loss revenge in their forward movement.


Stat Of The Week

Illinois is 18-0 SU at home in games versus Iowa in which the Illini own a winning record.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

No. 2 Syracuse hosts No. 17 Duke on Saturday
by Robert Livingston

Carrier Dome - Syracuse, NY
Tip-off: Saturday, 6:30 p.m. ET
Line: Syracuse -2.5

Anticipating a record crowd at the Carrier Dome, No. 2 Syracuse will host No. 17 Duke on Saturday night in a matchup between two legendary coaches squaring off for the first time ever as conference foes.

Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski and Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim have coached against each other only twice, the last coming in the 1998 NCAA Tournament when the Blue Devils prevailed 80-67. This season, the Orange have yet to lose despite some close calls, and have now covered in six consecutive games. They are 12-4 ATS overall (6-1 ATS in ACC) with a 5-3 ATS record at home. The Blue Devils initially struggled in conference play with bad road losses to Notre Dame and Clemson, but since then they have rattled off five consecutive wins. They have also covered in four straight, including their impressive road win on Monday against No. 18 Pittsburgh. Duke is 13-8 ATS overall (5-3 ATS in ACC) and 2-2 ATS on the road this season.

The Blue Devils rank 20th in the nation with 81.5 PPG, hitting 47.2% FG (51st in Div. I) and 41.4% of their threes (5th in nation). Though rebounding has been a problem at times this season with 35.4 RPG (167th in Div. I), they have outrebounded each of their past four opponents by an average of 11.3 RPG. Leading that effort has been freshman PF Jabari Parker (18.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG) who has three consecutive double-doubles, averaging 13.3 RPG in that span. Hitting more than one three-pointer per game, Parker has the size and skill to score from anywhere on the floor, much like SF Rodney Hood (17.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG), who is nailing 45% of his threes this year. PG Quinn Cook (12.4 PPG, 5.5 APG) rounds out the team’s double-digit scorers. He’s joined by some lethal shooters on the perimeter in SGs Andre Dawkins (9.4 PPG) and Rasheed Sulaimon (8.3 PPG), who are both hitting more than 46% of their treys on the season. Dawkins was on fire in Monday's win against Pittsburgh, hitting 6-of-7 from long distance en route to 20 points. The other key factor is sophomore C Amile Jefferson (6.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG), who is a rebounding machine in his 20.1 MPG.

The Syracuse offense doesn’t put up gaudy numbers with 71.4 PPG (189th in Div. I) on 45.5% FG (116th in Div. I). But Boeheim makes his name for his dangerous 2-3 zone on defense that is holding teams to 57.8 PPG, the sixth fewest in the nation. A lot of that, however, is due to the team’s slow pace of play, as opponents are hitting 41% of their shots against the Orange, a figure that is good but not elite. They key for Syracuse on both sides of the ball is freshman PG Tyler Ennis (12.3 PPG, 5.4 APG) who leads the team in passing and defense with 2.5 SPG. Senior PF C.J. Fair (16.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG) is the team’s top scorer, though he’s making only 28.1% of his three-point attempts this season hoisting up 2.9 per game. SF Jerami Grant (12.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG) joins him down low as the team’s top rebounder, posting a double-double in Wednesday’s win against Wake Forest. SG Trevor Cooney (13.2 PPG) is the team’s most aggressive shooter, making 40.1% of his three-pointers and putting up 7.1 per game, hitting 2.9 of them.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

No. 11 Kentucky visits Missouri on Saturday
by Robert Livingston

Mizzou Arena - Columbia, MO
Tip-off: Saturday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Line: Missouri +1.5

Coming off a loss to LSU, No. 11 Kentucky will face Missouri on Saturday looking to avoid a two-game losing skid and third SEC defeat.

The Wildcats have struggled mightily on the road this season, going 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS. Both of their conference losses, to LSU and Arkansas, came on the road. They are 8-10 ATS overall and 3-4 ATS in the SEC. Missouri has won two in a row since falling at LSU, which was its third SEC defeat, also having lost to Georgia and Vanderbilt. Like Kentucky, the Tigers are 8-10 ATS overall and 3-4 ATS in the SEC. They have also struggled to cover at Mizzou Arena with a 3-6 ATS mark. These two teams met once last year in Lexington, where Kentucky won 90-83 in overtime as a 2.5-point favorite.

The Wildcats rank fourth in the nation with 42.4 RPG, outrebounding their opponents by a hefty 10.6 RPG. They’ve even outrebounded their opponents in each of their past three losses. On the offensive end, the Wildcats average 79.8 PPG (28th in Div. I) on 47.1% shooting (52nd in nation) despite shooting a paltry 32.3% from three-point range. Freshman PF Julius Randle (16.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG) leads the Wildcats in points and rebounds, but he really struggled against LSU on Tuesday, going 3-for-11 from the field for six points and five rebounds. He also can be sloppy with the ball, turning it over 3.2 times per game this season. Randle has the benefit of playing down low with C Willie Cauley-Stein (7.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG), who is a defensive beast with 3.2 BPG. In addition to Randle, three fellow freshmen round out the double-digit scorers in guards James Young (14.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG), Aaron Harrison (13.8 PPG, 1.1 SPG) and Andrew Harrison (11.0 PPG, 3.5 APG). Young was the team’s bright spot against LSU with 23 points on 9-of-18 shooting while the Harrison twins went a combined 7-of-20 from the field with just two assists and five turnovers. Also watch out for SF Alex Poythress (6.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG), who has scored in double digits in three consecutive games and dropped 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting last season against the Tigers.

Missouri isn’t too shabby on the boards either, pulling down 39.4 RPG (25th in Div. I) for a +7.3 RPG margin. The Tigers score 74.8 PPG (96th in Div. I) on 46.1% FG (89th in nation) with a mere 10.7 APG (316th in Div. I). SG Jabari Brown (19.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG) paces the Tigers offense, and he’s been red-hot lately with five consecutive 20-point games, averaging 24.4 PPG in that span. In those games, he has hit 20-of-29 three-pointers (69%), putting him at 48% on the season. He’s joined by another dynamic scorer in the backcourt in SG Jordan Clarkson (18.5 PPG, 3.5 APG), who is a much less polished shooter making only 29.2% of his threes. SG Earnest Ross (14.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG) rounds out the double-digit scorers, while freshman PF Jonathan Williams III (6.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG) will also play a key role as the team’s top rebounder. Brown and Ross were the only Tigers to play significant minutes in last year’s contest against Kentucky and combined for a lackluster 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

No. 24 Ohio State visits No. 14 Wisconsin Saturday
by Mark Kern

Kohl Center - Madison, WI
Tip-off: Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET
Line: Wisconsin -5.5

Two teams looking to get things turned back around meet in Madison on Saturday, as No. 24 Ohio State takes on No. 14 Wisconsin at the Kohl Center.

Last season, these two teams played three times, with Ohio State winning two of the meetings, which included a 50-43 Big Ten Tournament championship win. However, the one loss came in Madison, as the Badgers won a blowout by 22 points, 71-49. The Buckeyes moved up to No. 3 in the polls earlier in the season, starting the season 15-0 SU, but the wheels have come off since then with five SU defeats in the past six games. Ohio State (9-11 ATS overall, 3-2 ATS on the road) is coming off a 71-70 overtime loss to 13-point underdog Penn State on Wednesday night. One of the biggest problems is the fact that the Buckeyes do not have a player they can go to in the post when they need a basket. Five of the six top scorers for Ohio State are perimeter players, and C Amir Williams (9.0 PPG, 61% FG, 6.5 RPG) is a guy that gets his points off offensive rebounds. While Thad Matta’s bunch has had its struggles recently, Bo Ryan's Badgers have had their problems as well, starting the season 16-0 SU before dropping four of their past five games (SU and ATS). They are coming off a stunning 65-56 home loss to 17-point underdog Northwestern on Wednesday. Wisconsin (10-9-2 ATS overall, 5-6-1 ATS at home) shot only 26 percent in the game, including 5-of-24 from the three-point line. While the offense has struggled the past few games, the Badgers defense has not been up to the normal standards of a Bo Ryan team. In the past five contests, Wisconsin has given up 71.2 PPG.

If the Buckeyes are going to get back on the winning track, they are going to have get things going on the offensive end. The Buckeyes enter Saturday ranked 152nd in the nation in scoring (72.6 PPG), 126th in shooting (45.4% FG), and 166th in passing (12.9 APG). PF LaQuinton Ross (14.2 PPG, 41% threes, 5.7 RPG) is a very capable offensive player who has been the most consistent scorer for the Buckeyes. Ross is averaging 17.8 PPG in the past five games. SG Lenzelle Smith Jr. (12.2 PPG, 37% threes, 4.9 RPG) is another talented offensive player that can create mismatches on the offensive end. The main player that gets the talk on the Buckeyes is PG Aaron Craft (9.2 PPG, 4.9 APG, 2.4 SPG), but he has to start playing better if Ohio State is going to start performing like the team that started the season 15-0. PG Shannon Scott (7.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.7 APG) and PF Sam Thompson (7.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 43% FG) both have shown the potential in their careers to be big-time players, but have not shown the consistency needed to take their games to the next level.

Like Ohio State, Wisconsin had everything going the right way for them during their 16-0 start. This Badgers team has as much if not the most offensive talent that any Bo Ryan team has had at Wisconsin, scoring 74.3 PPG on 45.9% FG and 37.3% threes. A big problem for the Badgers this season has been the team’s inability to rebound the basketball, grabbing only 33.9 RPG (242nd in nation). But Wisconsin still holds opponents to 63.5 PPG (36th in nation) on 42.5% FG (32.3% threes) and commits the fewest turnovers in Division I with 8.3 per game. SF Sam Dekker (14.0 PPG, 48% FG, 6.4 RPG) and SG Ben Brust (13.2 PPG, 40% threes, 4.8 RPG) are the leaders of the team with great scoring ability. Seven-foot C Frank Kaminsky (13.1 PPG, 43% threes, 6.0 RPG) also has the ability to step out and the three-point shot. PG Traveon Jackson (11.0 PPG, 4.0 APG, 3.9 RPG) and PG Josh Gasser (8.8 PPG, 40% threes, 3.8 RPG) are two more players capable of putting up big numbers on any given night. Both of these teams are in a desperate need for a victory in a wide-open Big Ten conference.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

World Class Capper

England soccer
3* Cardiff vs Norwich - over 2.5 goals @ +112
Starts at 10:00 AM est

Germany soccer
3* Borussia Monchedgladbach vs Hannover - over 2.5 goals @ -128
Starts at 12:30 PM est

France soccer
3* St Etienne -1 goal spread @ -115
Starts at 2:00 PM est

Italy soccer
3* AC Milan vs Torino - over 2.5 goals @ -115
Starts at 2:45 PM est

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Hot teams
-- Boston won four of last five games. Oilers won last three games, allowing three goals.
-- Canadiens won their last two games, allowing one goal.
-- Colorado won seven of its last nine games.
-- Toronto won eight of last ten games. Senators won four of their last six road games.
-- Predators won six of their last nine games. St Louis won three of last four.
-- Penguins won six of their last eight games.
-- Calgary won its last four games, scoring total of 17 goals. Minnesota is 5-0 in the game following its last five losses.
-- Anaheim won 22 of its last 26 games.

Cold teams
-- Lightning lost last two games, 5-3/3-2.
-- Sabres lost seven of their last nine games.
-- LA lost seven of its last eight games. Flyers lost five of their last six.
-- Panthers/Blue Jackets both lost three of their last four games.
-- Phoenix lost four of its last six games.
-- Dallas Stars lost last five road games, outscored 18-8.
-- San Jose lost its last three games, scoring one goal. Blackhawks lost four of last five games.

Totals
-- Over is 5-1-2 in last eight Boston games.
-- Five of last six Tampa Bay games went over.
-- Seven of last nine Buffalo games went over total.
-- Seven of last nine Philly games went over total.
-- Three of last four Ottawa games went over total.
-- Five of last six Florida games went over total.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Nashville games.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Phoenix home games.
-- Under is 6-3-1 in last ten Calgary-Minnesota games.
-- Seven of last ten Anaheim home games went over.
-- Under is 8-1-1 in last ten San Jose games.

Series records
-- Bruins won their last four games with Edmonton.
-- Canadiens won five of last six games with Tampa Bay.
-- Avalanche won their last three games with Buffalo.
-- Road team won last four LA-Philadelphia games.
-- Toronto won eight of last nine games with Ottawa, winning both meetings this year in SO.
-- Blue Jackets won their last five games with Florida.
-- Blues won seven of their last eight games with Nashville.
-- Penguins won five of last seven games with Phoenix.
-- Flames lost three of last four games with Minnesota.
-- Dallas Stars lost four of last six games with Anaheim.
-- Blackhawks won four of last five games with San Jose.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Hot teams
-- Washington is 11-3 vs spread in its last 14 road games. Thunder won its last ten games (9-1 vs spread).
-- Atlanta won four of last six games, covered last three. Timberwolves won five of their last seven games.
-- Rockets won five of their last seven games.
-- Memphis won nine of last ten games, covered last five.
-- Bulls won five of their last seven games. Pelicans won three of four.
-- New York won/covered its last four games. Miami won three of last four games, covered one of last five.
-- Phoenix won/covered six of its last seven games. Bobcats won/covered four of last six games.
-- Raptors won five of their last six games.
-- Jazz are 6-2-1 vs spread in game following its last nine losses.

Cold Teams
-- Indiana lost three of its last five games. Nets lost last two games after winning 10 of previous 11.
-- 76ers won/covered once in last five games.
-- Cavaliers won/covered once in last six games.
-- Bucks lost nine of last ten games (0-5 vs spread last five).
-- San Antonio lost five of its last seven games. Kings lost last six games (4-2-1 vs spread on road).
-- Portland lost four of its last six games.
-- Clippers are 4-5 in their last nine games.

Series records
-- Pacers are 3-0 vs Brooklyn this year, winning by 15-17-14 points.
-- Thunder won seven of last nine games with Washington.
-- Hawks won eight of last nine games with Minnesota.
-- 76ers lost five of last six games with Detroit.
-- Rockets won four of last five games with Cleveland.
-- Grizzlies won last six games with Milwaukee (4-2 vs spread).
-- Bulls won nine of last 11 games with New Orleans; Chicago won last five visits to Bourbon Street.
-- Spurs won seven in row, 17 of last 18 vs Sacramento (7-5 vs spread in last 12 meetings).
-- Knicks won five of last seven games with Miami.
-- Suns won last four games with Charlotte, covered last three.
-- Trailblazers won nine of last ten games with Toronto.
-- Clippers won last seven games with Utah (3-4 vs spread).

Totals
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Indiana games.
-- Seven of last eight Thunder-Wizard games went over.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Minnesota games.
-- Four of last five Detroit games went over total.
-- Five of last six Cleveland games stayed under total.
-- Last six Milwaukee-Memphis games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Chicago games stayed under total.
-- Over is 8-2-1 in last eleven Sacramento-San Antonio games.
-- Five of last six Miami games went over the total.
-- Eight of last twelve Phoenix games went over total.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Portland games.
-- 13 of last 16 Clipper-Jazz games went over the total.

Back to backs
-- Nets are 3-2 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Thunder is 6-2 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Atlanta is 3-6 vs spread if they played night before.
-- 76ers are 1-7 vs spread if they lost the night before.
-- Bucks are 3-11 vs spread if they played the night before. Memphis is 4-0 vs spread if they played on road the night before.
-- Sacramento is 4-6 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Charlotte is 1-7 vs spread if it played on road night before.
-- Toronto is 5-2 vs spread if it played on road night before.
-- Utah is 3-1 vs spread on road if it played at home night before.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAA Basketball Picks

Kansas at Texas

The Jayhawks head to Texas today coming off a 92-81 win over Iowa State and carrying a 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games after scoring more than 90 points in the previous game. Kansas is the pick (-4) according to Dunkel, which has the Jayhawks favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-4). Here are all of today's early games.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Time Posted: 6:30 a.m. EST

Game 525-526: Richmond at VCU (11:00 a.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 59.775; VCU 70.804 Dunkel Line: VCU by 11 Vegas Line: VCU by 9 Dunkel Pick: VCU (-9)

Game 527-528: Ohio State at Wisconsin (12:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 70.633; Wisconsin 70.260 Dunkel Line: Even Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (+5 1/2)

Game 529-530: NC-Wilmington at Delaware (12:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NC-Wilmington 45.702; Delaware 55.852 Dunkel Line: Delaware by 10 Vegas Line: Delaware by 12 1/2 Dunkel Pick: NC-Wilmington (+12 1/2)

Game 531-532: Florida Atlantic at Marshall (12:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 55.438; Marshall 50.169 Dunkel Line: Florida Atlantic by 5 1/2 Vegas Line: Marshall by 3 Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (+3)

Game 533-534: Georgia Tech at Wake Forest (12:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 59.522 Wake Forest 61.815 Dunkel Line: Wake Forest by 2 1/2 Vegas Line: Wake Forest by 5 Dunkel Pick: Georgia Tech (+5)

Game 535-536: Seton Hall at Xavier (12:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Seton Hall 60.965; Xavier 72.970 Dunkel Line: Xavier by 12 Vegas Line: Xavier by 8 Dunkel Pick: Xavier (-8)

Game 537-538: Maryland at Virginia Tech (12:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 62.087; Virginia Tech 54.879 Dunkel Line: Maryland by 7 Vegas Line: Maryland by 5 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Maryland (-5 1/2)

Game 539-540: Boston College at Notre Dame (12:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Boston College 56.435; Notre Dame 59.956 Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 3 1/2 Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 7 Dunkel Pick: Boston College (+7)

Game 541-542: Akron at Kent State (6:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Akron 57.867; Kent State 54.144 Dunkel Line: Akron by 3 1/2 Vegas Line: Pick Dunkel Pick: Akron

Game 543-544: Toledo at Ohio (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 59.675; Ohio 58.702 Dunkel Line: Toledo by 1 Vegas Line: Ohio by 2 Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+2)

Game 545-546: Marquette at St. John's (12:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 62.012; St. John's 69.133 Dunkel Line: St. John's by 7 Vegas Line: St. John's by 2 Dunkel Pick: St. John's (-2)

Game 547-548: George Washington at Dayton (12:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: George Washington 60.186; Dayton 66.205 Dunkel Line: Dayton by 6 Vegas Line: Dayton by 3 Dunkel Pick: Dayton (-3)

Game 549-550: Providence at DePaul (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Providence 68.270; DePaul 59.813 Dunkel Line: Providence by 8 1/2 Vegas Line: Providence by 4 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Providence (-8 1/2)

Game 551-552: Kentucky at Missouri (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Kentucky 71.318; Missouri 72.405 Dunkel Line: Missouri by 1 Vegas Line: Kentucky by 2 Dunkel Pick: Missouri (+2)

Game 553-554: South Carolina at Mississippi (1:45 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina 57.312; Mississippi 68.363 Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 11 Vegas Line: Mississippi by 9 Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-9)

Game 555-556: Georgia at Auburn (1:45 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 63.887; Auburn 61.139 Dunkel Line: Georgia by 2 1/2 Vegas Line: Auburn by 4 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Georgia (+4 1/2)

Game 557-558: TCU at Texas Tech (1:45 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: TCU 52.090; Texas Tech 66.687 Dunkel Line: Texas Tech by 14 1/2 Vegas Line: Texas Tech by 10 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (-10 1/2)

Game 559-560: Kansas State at West Virginia (1:45 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 64.211; West Virginia 68.610 Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 4 1/2 Vegas Line: West Virginia by 3 Dunkel Pick: West Virginia (-3)

Game 561-562: Baylor at Oklahoma State (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 66.682; Oklahoma State 74.321 Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 7 1/2 Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 11 Dunkel Pick: Baylor (+11)

Game 563-564: Northwestern at Minnesota (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern 59.493; Minnesota 72.761 Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 13 1/2 Vegas Line: Minnesota by 11 Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-11)

Game 565-566: NC State at North Carolina (1:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NC State 58.718; North Carolina 70.233 Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 11 1/2 Vegas Line: North Carolina by 9 1/2 Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-9 1/2)

Game 567-568: Memphis at SMU (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 68.893; SMU 67.294 Dunkel Line: Memphis by 1 1/2 Vegas Line: SMU by 2 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+2 1/2)

Game 569-570: Central Michigan at Western Michigan (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 45.741; Western Michigan 52.103 Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 6 1/2 Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 9 Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+9)

Game 571-572: Northern Illinois at Ball State (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Northern Illinois 48.806; Ball State 48.100 Dunkel Line: Northern Illinois by 1 Vegas Line: Ball State by 2 Dunkel Pick: Northern Illinois (+2)

Game 573-574: Utah at Colorado (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Utah 64.640; Colorado 69.081 Dunkel Line: Colorado by 4 1/2 Vegas Line: Colorado by 3 Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-3)

Game 575-576: George Mason at St. Louis (2:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 54.132; St. Louis 72.330 Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 18 Vegas Line: St. Louis by 15 Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-15)

Game 577-578: Michigan State vs. Georgetown (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 70.626; Georgetown 65.820 Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 5 Vegas Line: Michigan State by 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Georgetown (+7 1/2)

Game 579-580: Bradley at Missouri State (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 55.336; Missouri State 56.109 Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 1 Vegas Line: Missouri State by 6 Dunkel Pick: Bradley (+6)

Game 581-582: Evansville at Wichita State (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Evansville 53.485; Wichita State 70.325 Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 17 Vegas Line: Wichita State by 20 Dunkel Pick: Evansville (+20)

Game 583-584: Eastern Michigan at Miami (OH) (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 57.276; Miami (OH) 55.375 Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan by 2 Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 1 Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+1)

Game 585-586: East Carolina at UAB (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 47.945; UAB 61.023 Dunkel Line: UAB by 13 Vegas Line: UAB by 10 1/2 Dunkel Pick: UAB (-10 1/2)

Game 587-588: Loyola-Chicago at Southern Illinois (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Chicago 52.051; Southern Illinois 58.191 Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 6 Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 4 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (-4 1/2)

Game 589-590: Valparaiso at Illinois-Chicago (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Valparaiso 56.595; Illinois-Chicago 49.180 Dunkel Line: Valparaiso by 7 1/2 Vegas Line: Valparaiso by 4 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Valparaiso (-4 1/2)

Game 591-592: Drake at Illinois State (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Drake 54.345; Illinois State 56.323 Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 2 Vegas Line: Illinois State by 4 Dunkel Pick: Drake (+4)

Game 593-594: Louisiana Tech at TX-San Antonio (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 64.394; TX-San Antonio 52.316 Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 12 Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech by 15 Dunkel Pick: TX-San Antonio (+15)

Game 595-596: North Texas at Tulsa (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: North Texas 52.948; Tulsa 59.404 Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 6 1/2 Vegas Line: Tulsa by 10 Dunkel Pick: North Texas (+10)

Game 597-598: Pacific at San Diego (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Pacific 56.653; San Diego 57.703 Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 Vegas Line: San Diego 4 Dunkel Pick: Pacific (+4)

Game 599-600: Texas A&M at Florida (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 53.455; Florida 77.480 Dunkel Line: Florida by 24 Vegas Line: Florida by 17 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Florida (-17 1/2)

Game 601-602: Oklahoma at Iowa State (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 69.333; Iowa State 73.952 Dunkel Line: Iowa State by 4 1/2 Vegas Line: Iowa State 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (+8 1/2)

Game 603-604: Kansas at Texas (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Kansas 75.782; Texas 69.386 Dunkel Line: Kansas by 6 1/2 Vegas Line: Kansas by 4 Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-4)

Game 605-606: Villanova at Temple (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 74.491; Temple 58.297 Dunkel Line: Villanova by 16 Vegas Line: Villanova by 11 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-11 1/2)

Game 607-608: Clemson at Florida State (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 65.250; Florida State 68.084 Dunkel Line: Florida State by 3 Vegas Line: Florida State by 8 Dunkel Pick: Clemson (+8)

Game 609-610: Duquesne at LaSalle (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Duquesne 51.252; LaSalle 65.811 Dunkel Line: LaSalle by 14 1/2 Vegas Line: LaSalle by 9 1/2 Dunkel Pick: LaSalle (-9 1/2)

Game 611-612: Arizona State at Stanford (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 68.175; Stanford 69.871 Dunkel Line: Stanford by 1 1/2 Vegas Line: Stanford by 5 Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (+5)

Game 613-614: Hofstra at College of Charleston (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 47.279; College of Charleston 53.434 Dunkel Line: College of Charleston by 6 Vegas Line: College of Charleston by 9 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (+9 1/2)

Game 615-616: Drexel at Towson (4:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 53.259; Towson 54.939 Dunkel Line: Towson by 1 1/2 Vegas Line: Towson by 3 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Drexel (+3 1/2)

Game 617-618: Houston at Rutgers (4:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Houston 58.894; Rutgers 57.749 Dunkel Line: Houston by 1 Vegas Line: Rutgers by 4 Dunkel Pick: Houston (+4)

Game 619-620: AR-Little Rock at South Alabama (5:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: AR-Little Rock 46.581; South Alabama 56.144 Dunkel Line: South Alabama by 9 1/2 Vegas Line: South Alabama by 5 Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (-5)

Game 621-622: Mississippi State at Vanderbilt (5:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 56.891; Vanderbilt 60.972 Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 4 Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 6 Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (+6)

Game 623-624: Arkansas at LSU (5:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 67.067; LSU 67.036 Dunkel Line: Even Vegas Line: LSU by 5 Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (+5)

Game 625-626: Washington at Washington State (6:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Washington 61.541; Washington State 60.482 Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 Vegas Line: Washington by 3 Dunkel Pick: Washington State (+3)

Game 627-628: Loyola-Marymount at Pepperdine (6:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Marymount 53.290; Pepperdine 59.139 Dunkel Line: Pepperdine by 6 Vegas Line: Pepperdine by 3 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Pepperdine (-3 1/2)

Game 629-630: Wright State at WI-Green Bay (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 55.280; WI-Green Bay 63.049 Dunkel Line: WI-Green Bay by 8 Vegas Line: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 631-632: Columbia at Brown (6:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Columbia 54.056; Brown 55.304 Dunkel Line: Brown by 1 Vegas Line: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 633-634: Air Force at Nevada (6:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 52.640; Nevada 64.654 Dunkel Line: Nevada by 12 Vegas Line: Nevada by 10 Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-10)

Game 635-636: Old Dominion at Middle Tennessee State (6:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 56.420; Middle Tennessee State 60.548 Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 4 Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 9 Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (+9)

Game 637-638: Utah State at Wyoming (6:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 60.426; Wyoming 60.372 Dunkel Line: Even Vegas Line: Wyoming by 2 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Utah State (+2 1/2)

Game 639-640: Massachusetts at St. Joseph's (6:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 66.024; St. Joseph's 63.495 Dunkel Line: Massachusetts by 2 1/2 Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 2 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Massachusetts (+2 1/2)

Game 641-642: Duke at Syracuse (6:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Duke 77.793; Syracuse 77.061 Dunkel Line: Duke by 1 Vegas Line: Syracuse by 3 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Duke (+3 1/2)

Game 643-644: Rhode Island at Fordham (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 55.545; Fordham 56.402 Dunkel Line: Fordham by 1 Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 1 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Fordham (+1 1/2)

Game 645-646: UC-Irvine at Cal Poly (11:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 59.728; Cal Poly 54.472 Dunkel Line: UC-Irvine by 5 1/2 Vegas Line: Pick Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine

Game 647-648: Colorado State at San Diego State (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 57.487; San Diego State 72.617 Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 15 Vegas Line: San Diego State by 11 1/2 Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-11 1/2)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

J. Clifton saturday ncaab

Ucentral florida + 20 1/2
iupu + 6 1/2
richmond + 9
syracuse -3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

Free winner Sat Illinlois +6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gamblers Data

Free Plays Saturday

Blackhawks/Sharks under 5.5

L.A. Kings -165