3-5-14

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

Four teams sportsbooks don't want to win NCAA tournament
by Jason Logan

Sportsbooks try to stay impartial when it comes to outcomes. They don’t want to be cheering for one side or the other – which is the basic principle behind setting a good line.

When it comes to the futures market, however, books can quickly find themselves rooting against teams that would do the most damage if they were to win the championship. And with March Madness clawing at the door, there are a numbers of college basketball teams that sportsbooks don’t want to have their “One Shining Moment” at the end of the NCAA tournament.

Here are four college hoops squads sportsbooks are cheering against this March:

Wichita State Shockers (+1,000)

Wichita State didn’t taste defeat all season and heads into the Missouri Valley Conference tournament as the No. 2 team in the country. The Shockers, who went to the Final Four last year, opened at +6,000 to win the NCAA tournament in Las Vegas last April and took the bulk of their action at +1,200 this season. Many people poo-poo WSU’s strength of schedule, but this team has just as good a chance as any to win the Big Dance.

Michigan State Spartans (+800)

The Spartans have battled injuries all season and have slid back in the Big Ten race with three losses in their last four games. However, this is MSU and Tom Izzo we’re talking about. The Green and White are always a threat to roll deep into the tournament. Michigan State opened at +1,200 and was bet heavily between +700 and +1,000. The Spartans are finally healthy and could be booking their tickets to Arlington if Izzo can coach up his troops once again.

San Diego State Aztecs (+6,000)

The Aztecs have become one of the most dangerous mid-major programs the past few seasons. San Diego State topped the Mountain West Conference with a dominating defense and proved it can run with the big boys, taking wins over Creighton, Marquette, Washington, and Kansas during non-conference play. The Aztecs opened as +10,000 NCAA long shots last spring and were up as high as +30,000 before oddsmakers quickly chopped those prices down.

Florida Gators (+450)

Rarely does the tournament favorite pose that big a threat to the futures book, with the price normally skewed on the best team in the country. But, in the topsy-turvy world of college hoops, Florida didn’t emerge as the consensus No. 1 until later in the year, when the damage was already done. The Gators opened around +1,200 to win the NCAA tournament and early-season issues puffed those odds to +1,500. But once conference play kicked off, bettors pounded Billy Donovan’s kids and have bookies biting their nails when it comes to the SEC’s top team.

Other notables:

Oklahoma State Cowboys (+3,500)
Oklahoma Sooners (+10,000)
Cincinnati Bearcats (+10,000)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapping this week's mid-major conference tournaments
by Chase Ruttig

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 8-15

Favorite: Vermont (21-9 SU, 3-3 ATS) – Vermont, an NCAA tournament staple that has a Cinderella moment to its name already, won the regular season title by two games. It will be looking forward to cashing in home-court advantage in the championship to do the conference double.

Upset watch: Albany (15-14 SU, ATS N/A) – Albany is the defending America East Tournament champ and will be looking to defend its title with a string of upsets.

Atlantic Sun – March 4-9

Favorite: Mercer -160 (21-8 SU, 0-2ATS) – Mercer comes into the Atlantic Sun tournament with the regular season title over Florida Gulf Coast and will be trying to avoid watching FGCU win the conference tournament and roll into the NCAA for a second year.

Upset watch: North Florida +7,000 (16-15 SU, 1-2 ATS) – The Osprey earned a 79-76 overtime win on Mercer's home court last week and are peaking at the right time.

Big South – March 5-9

Favorite: Coastal Carolina +280 (18-12 SU, 1-1 ATS) – Coastal Carolina is the winner of the South conference and has a narrow 72-70 non-conference loss to Ole Miss that shows its talent level.

Upset watch: Radford +650 (20-11 SU, 2-1 ATS) – With 20 wins, Radford has the most wins of any team in the Big South despite its 10-6 conference record.

Colonial Athletic Association – March 7-10

Favorite: Delaware +190 (22-9 SU, 14-8-1 ATS) – Delaware is 26th in the nation in scoring and is a sexy pick to be one of the Cinderella schools in the NCAA tournament. First it has to survive the Colonial tournament.

Upset watch: William & Mary +700 (18-11 SU, 15-7-1 ATS) – It’s 17th in the country from downtown and posting a solid 15-7-1 ATS mark. The Tribe are the team outside of 22-9 Delaware and Towson that could make a run in this tournament.

Horizon League – March 4-11

Favorite: Green Bay -210 (24-5 SU, 15-10 ATS) – Leading the way with leading scorer Keifer Sykes, Green Bay is the class of the Horizon League and could be a dangerous seed in the NCAA tournament in a couple of weeks.

Upset watch: Oakland +3,500 (12-19, 10-18 ATS) – Senior Travis Bader owns the NCAA career 3-point record for makes and could be a problem should he heat up this week.

MAAC – March 7-10

Favorite: Iona +165 (20-9, 14-13 ATS) – Iona clinched the regular season Metro title with a big road win over Manhattan over the weekend which edges them as the favorite over the Jaspers.

Upset watch: Canisius +525 (20-11 SU, 18-9 ATS) – While it may have lost out on the Metro regular season title by three games, Canisius hit the 20-win plateau and is in the Top 50 in many offensive categories in addition to a stellar ATS record.

Missouri Valley Conference – March 6-9

Favorite: Wichita State -400 (31-0 SU, 21-6-1 ATS) – Undefeated after the regular season, Wichita State will be looking to avoid being handed their first loss of the year in the conference tournament.

Upset watch: Indiana State +900 (21-9 SU, 11-17 ATS) – The Sycamores are considered the best challenge in the MVC to Wichita State's dominance.

Northeast Conference – March 5-11

Favorite: Robert Morris +110 (19-12 SU, 1-3 ATS) – After winning the 2013 NEC regular season title, Robert Morris failed to win the conference title for the third year after two straight championship game appearances. This year it hopes the fourth time is a charm.

Upset watch: St. Francis +750 (NY) (18-13 SU, 1-1 ATS) – St. Francis has one of the best defenses in the NEC and could be tough to break down during the conference tournament.

Ohio Valley Conference – March 5-8

Favorite: Belmont +110 (23-8 SU, 13-15 ATS) – Belmont always play a tough non-conference schedule and this year has managed to still get 23 wins, winning the OVC East by three games.

Upset watch: Morehead State +500 (19-12 SU, 11-16 ATS) – Always one of the toughest rebounding teams out there, you can never count out the fight of the Morehead State players.

Patriot League – March 3-12

Favorite: Boston University -115 (22-9 SU, 4-3 ATS) – Regular season champs, Boston University has talented all-around guard Maurice Watson Jr. who is averaging 13 points, six assists and two steals per game.

Upset watch: Bucknell +510 (16-13, 2-1 ATS) – Never count out the Bison, who did the conference double last year.

Southern Conference – March 7-10

Favorite: Davidson (19-11, 15-13 ATS) – The Wildcats remain the class of the SoCon and are once again favorites after a regular season title.

Upset watch: Elon (18-13, 11-16-ATS) – Elon handed Davidson its only conference loss this season and will be counting on that experience to prevent the Wildcats from another double.

Summit League – March 8-11

Favorite: North Dakota State (23-6, 11-13 ATS) – The Bison have the best field goal percentage in the nation at 50.1 percent and will be tough to knock off in the tournament. They are consistent as ever, winning seven straight to end the season.

Upset watch: Denver (15-14 SU, 11-13-1 ATS) – Denver is 21st in the nation from behind the 3-point line, and is the last team to knock off the Bison.

West Coast Conference – March 6-11

Favorite: Gonzaga -115 (25-6 SU, 15-13-1 ATS) – They may not be as highly regarded as they were last year, but once the Bulldogs are once again the class of the WCC heading into the tournament after a regular season title.

Upset watch: San Francisco +1,100 (20-10 SU, 15-11 ATS) – The Dons are on a five-game winning streak heading into the WCC tournament and could find a way to knock off favorites Gonzaga and BYU to shock the world and make the NCAA tournament.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wednesday's Tips
By Kevin Rogers

NBA
Grizzlies at Nets – 7:35 PM EST

Memphis: 34-25 SU, 27-30-2 ATS
Brooklyn: 29-29 SU, 30-28 ATS

The Grizzlies continue their push towards the Western Conference playoffs after starting their three-game road trip with a 110-104 triumph at Washington on Monday. Amazingly, Memphis sits in ninth place inside the West in spite of a 19-6 straight-up record the last 25 games, but the Grizzlies own a 3-4 SU and 4-3 ATS record the past seven away contests. Dave Joerger’s club has pushed the tempo lately by hitting the ‘over’ in seven straight games, while busting the 107-point mark in each of the last four contests. The Grizzlies are playing with revenge on Wednesday after getting tripped up by the Nets in late November as seven-point home favorites, 97-88.

Brooklyn returned home from a 4-2 road swing to dominate Chicago on Monday, 96-80 to beat the Bulls for the first time in three tries this season. Jason Kidd’s team has won five straight games at the Barclays Center, while winning five of the last six at home against Western Conference foes. The Nets are 6-2-1 to the ‘over’ the past nine opportunities after scoring less than 100 points in the previous contest, while scoring at least 105 points in the last four times in this situation.

Bulls at Pistons – 7:35 PM EST

Chicago: 33-27 SU, 31-29 ATS
Detroit: 24-36 SU, 27-32-1 ATS

These two division rivals are meeting up for the first time in nearly three months, as the road team has taken each of the first two matchups. The Bulls have won nine of their last 11 games, with the two losses coming on the highway to the Nets and Heat by double-digits. Since suffering a four-game skid in December, Chicago has compiled a 10-1 SU and 9-2 ATS record off a loss, while dropping consecutive road games just twice since December.

The Pistons snapped a four-game skid in Monday’s 96-85 triumph over the slumping Knicks, while limiting an opponent to less than 100 points for the first time in eight games. Detroit has hit the ‘over’ in 10 of the past 13 games, including six of the last nine at the Palace of Auburn Hills. In four home contests against Central Division foes, the Pistons have lost three times, including a 99-79 setback to the Bulls in late November.

Mavericks at Nuggets – 8:05 PM EST

Dallas: 36-25 SU, 34-27 ATS
Denver: 25-34 SU, 25-34 ATS

The Nuggets continue to crash and burn after losing their sixth straight game on Monday to the Wolves. Denver managed a cover as 5 ½-point home ‘dogs with a 45-point fourth quarter, but the Nuggets’ defense has allowed at least 100 points in 16 of the last 17 games. Brian Shaw’s club has dropped five consecutive contests at the Pepsi Center since the All-Star break, as Denver lost just three regular season home games all of last season. In two matchups this season, the Nuggets have bested the Mavericks, including a 102-100 triumph as five-point underdogs on November 23.

The Mavs have lost consecutive games just three times since Christmas, as Dallas is coming off back-to-back losses to Chicago and San Antonio. Rick Carlisle’s squad picked up a late cover as 6 ½-point road ‘dogs against the Spurs on Sunday, improving to 6-3 ATS the last nine when receiving points away from the American Airlines Center. Dallas has broken the 100-point mark in seven of the past nine games on the highway, while cashing the ‘over’ seven times in this span.

Hawks at Blazers – 10:35 PM EST

Atlanta: 26-32 SU, 27-30-1 ATS
Portland: 41-19 SU, 32-28 ATS

The Hawks have fallen apart at the seams, dropping 11 of their past 12 games to drop into the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Atlanta continues its six-game road swing, which has started with losses at Boston and Phoenix. Defensively, the Hawks have been atrocious, seeing the ‘over’ hit in seven straight games, while giving up at least 106 points in six of the past seven contests. Atlanta has dropped seven of its previous nine games to Western Conference opponents, while last beating a Western squad on the road on November 5 at Sacramento.

Portland’s five-game winning streak went up in smoke in Monday’s shocking home defeat to the Lakers as 12-point favorites, 107-106. The Blazers have drilled the ‘under’ in six straight contests, but four of those totals closed at 214 or above, including the loss to Los Angeles, which closed at 222 ½. Terry Stotts’ team has not lost consecutive home games this season, but the Blazers are 2-5 ATS the last seven contests as a home favorite of seven points or more. Portland has beaten 10 of 12 Eastern Conference opponents at the Moda Center, but one of those losses did come to a horrid Philadelphia squad back in January.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Game of the Day: Louisville at SMU

Louisville Cardinals at SMU Mustangs +2

Southern Methodist plays one of the most anticipated home games in school history Wednesday when defending champion Louisville pays a visit. The 18th-ranked Mustangs are 15-0 at home, including 9-0 at Moody Coliseum, which re-opened in January following a major renovation. SMU tuned up for No. 9 Louisville by defeating Central Florida 70-55 on Saturday.

"I want people to dread coming in here," SMU coach Larry Brown said after the win over the Knights. "We're not going to be able to hang with Louisville unless we have a better crowd than we had with Cincinnati, and I didn't think that was possible. But we'll see." Brown was referring to the Mustangs' 76-55 rout of the Bearcats back on Feb. 8 - part of a 12-2 stretch over the last seven weeks. The Cardinals were on fire themselves, having won 11 of 12 before losing to Memphis on Saturday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

LINE HISTORY: The line and total for this game are currently off the board.

POWER RANKINGS: Louisville (-17.2) - SMU (-11.2) + Home Court (-3.0) = Louisville -3.0

INJURY WATCH: SMU - Yanick Moreira (Ques. Knee). Kevin Ware (Out. Shin).

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "This is perhaps the biggest home game ever for SMU basketball as they are a perfect 13-0 SU at home this season and playing their final home game of the season against the defending national champs. Both teams have been excellent on defense this season, but Louisville is the better offensive team when factoring in pace and opponents played." - Steve Merril.

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "Two of the top teams in the AAC, SMU looks to avenge their loss to Louisville back in January, but this time SMU has home-court advantage. Can they use it to their advantage?" -- Michael Stewart, CarbonSports.

ABOUT LOUISVILLE (24-5, 13-3 AAC, 14-13 ATS, 13-12 O/U): The Cardinals had topped 75 points in six of their previous seven games before the 72-66 loss to the Tigers. Louisville was fortunate that the final score was as close as it was, given that the team shot only 4-of-23 from 3-point range and 12-of-20 from the foul line, not to mention committing 14 turnovers. One bright spot continues to be the splendid sophomore season of Montrezl Harrell, who has averaged 22.3 points and 9.3 rebounds over the last three games.

ABOUT SOUTHERN METHODIST (23-6, 12-4 AAC, 17-8 ATS, 9-15 O/U): The Mustangs trail the Cardinals and Bearcats by one game for first place in the AAC with each team having two games remaining. SMU hopes that it can do a better job on Louisville's Luke Hancock, who torched the Mustangs for a career-high 23 points in the first meeting - an eight-point home win by Louisville on Jan. 12. Nic Moore leads the Mustangs in points (14.1) and assists (4.7) while Markus Kennedy (11.9 points) paces the team in rebounding - seven per game.

TRENDS:
* Cardinals are 2-7 ATS in their last nine games following a loss.
* Mustangs are 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games.
* Under is 5-0 in Cardinals' last five road games.
* Under is 6-2 in Mustangs' last eight home games.

CONSENSUS: There is no consensus yet for this game.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Capitals and Flyers light the lamp in Philly, solid Over play
Justin Hartling

When the Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers meet they bring the offense. In the past 28 contests in Philly, the teams have gone Over 21 times. Both games this season between the Caps and Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center resulted in seven goals apiece.

The Caps and Flyers open with a puckline of 5.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GOLD SHEET

★★★★★ COLLEGE KEY RELEASES ★★★★★
MISSOURI by 19 over Texas A&M (Wednesday, March 5)
SAINT JOSEPH’S by 7 over George Washington (Wed., March 5)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GOLD SHEET

★★★★★ NBA KEY RELEASES ★★★★★
CHICAGO by 14 over Detroit (Wednesday, March 5)
DALLAS by 15 over Denver (Wednesday, March 5)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Hot teams
-- Pacers won five of last six games, covered one of last seven.
-- Rockets won 12 of their last 14 games.
-- Wizards won six of their last seven games.
-- Warriors won six of their last eight games.
-- Grizzlies won seven of their last nine games. Brooklyn won four of its last five games.
-- Chicago won four of its last five games.
-- Minnesota won six of its last seven games.
-- Trailblazers won five of their last six games.

Cold Teams
-- Bobcats lost last three games by 10-17-17 points.
-- Magic lost six of last nine games, are 10-20-2 vs spread on road.
-- Utah lost last three games by 20-3-26 points.
-- Celtics lost six of their last seven games.
-- Pistons lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Bucks lost 22 of their last 27 games. Sacramento lost three of its last four games.
-- Knicks lost their last seven games (1-6 vs spread).
-- Denver lost its last six games, covered last two. Mavericks lost last two games, by 9-6 points.
-- Hawks lost 11 of their last 12 games (1-10-1 vs spread).

Series records
-- Pacers won five in row, 14 of last 15 games with Charlotte.
-- Rockets won last three games with Orlando by 8-8-10 points.
-- Jazz won last four games with Washington, by 14-7-4-3 points.
-- Warriors lost last four visits to Boston, by 8-14-4-8 points.
-- Nets won four of last six games with Memphis.
-- Pistons won two of last three vs Chicago, after losing previous seven.
-- Kings lost three of last four visits to Milwaukee.
-- Knicks won their last four games with Minnesota.
-- Nuggets won four of last five games with Dallas.
-- Hawks won eight of last ten games with Portland.

Totals
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Indiana games.
-- Six of last eight Houston games went over total.
-- Three of last four Utah games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last eight Golden State games stayed under.
-- Last seven Memphis games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Detroit games went over the total.
-- Seven of last eight Milwaukee games went over.
-- Seven of last ten New York games went over total; under is 5-2-1 in last eight Minnesota games.
-- Five of last seven Dallas games went over the total.
-- Last seven Atlanta games went over the total.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Hot teams
-- Washington won four of its last five games.
-- Flyers won six of their last seven games.
-- Anaheim won its last three games, allowing a total of five goals. Canadiens won five of their last seven games.


Cold teams
-- Maple Leafs lost last three games, all by one goal, two in OT. Rangers lost their last two games, allowing ten goals.
-- Senators/Flames both lost three of their last four games.

Totals
-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Toronto-Ranger games.
-- Eight of last ten Washington games went over.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Calgary games.
-- Under is 33-20-10 in Montreal games this season.

Series records
-- Rangers won six of last seven games with Toronto.
-- Flyers won seven of last ten games with Washington.
-- Calgary/Ottawa split their last four meetings; its been two years since they met.
-- Ducks won five of last six games with Montreal.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cappers Access

Duke -12
Stanford -8
Utah +3

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Gamblers Data

Free Plays Wednesday

Twolves -9

Mavs -4

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Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

Free Play 16-6 RUN WED OVER Denver 216

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NCAA Basketball Picks

Louisville at SMU

The Cardinals (24-5) head to SMU tonight to face a Mustangs team that is 8-0 ATS in its last 8 games versus a team with a winning SU record. SMU is the pick (+2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Mustangs favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: SMU (+2 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 Time Posted: 8:30 a.m. EST

Game 721-722: Nebraska at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 65.260; Indiana 72.895 Dunkel Line: Indiana by 7 1/2; 126 Vegas Line: Indiana by 5 1/2; 131 Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-5 1/2); Under

Game 723-724: Massachusetts at Duquesne (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 60.800; Duquesne 63.467 Dunkel Line: Duquesne by 2 1/2 Vegas Line: Massachusetts by 4 Dunkel Pick: Duquesne (+4)

Game 725-726: Fordham at Rhode Island (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Fordham 49.955; Rhode Island 64.892 Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 15 Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 10 Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (-10)

Game 727-728: Duke at Wake Forest (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Duke 72.699; Wake Forest 63.159 Dunkel Line: Duke by 9 1/2; 152 Vegas Line: Duke by 12; 145 Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (+12); Over

Game 729-730: Louisville at SMU (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 72.792; SMU 73.844 Dunkel Line: SMU by 1; 133 Vegas Line: Louisville by 2 1/2; 136 Dunkel Pick: SMU (+2 1/2); Under

Game 731-732: Rutgers at Connecticut (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 56.391; Connecticut 69.498 Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 13; 143 Vegas Line: Connecticut by 15 1/2; 138 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (+15 1/2); Over

Game 733-734: Mississippi State at Georgia (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 53.969; Georgia 62.818 Dunkel Line: Georgia by 9 Vegas Line: Georgia by 12 Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (+12)

Game 735-736: Texas Tech at Kansas (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 62.329; Kansas 81.277 Dunkel Line: Kansas by 19 Vegas Line: Kansas by 14 Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-14)

Game 737-738: Mississippi at Arkansas (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 63.238; Arkansas 68.161 Dunkel Line: Arkansas by 5 Vegas Line: Arkansas by 8 Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (+8)

Game 739-740: Tennessee at Auburn (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 69.591; Auburn 62.366 Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 7 Vegas Line: Tennessee by 4 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-4 1/2)

Game 741-742: TCU at Texas (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: TCU 51.693; Texas 66.816 Dunkel Line: Texas by 15 Vegas Line: Texas by 18 Dunkel Pick: TCU (+18)

Game 743-744: Texas A&M at Missouri (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 62.101; Missouri 67.129 Dunkel Line: Missouri by 5 Vegas Line: Missouri by 9 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (+9 1/2)

Game 745-746: Colorado at Stanford (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 65.787; Stanford 71.009 Dunkel Line: Stanford by 5; 132 Vegas Line: Stanford by 8; 143 Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+8); Under

Game 747-748: Dayton at St. Louis (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 63.489; St. Louis 66.767 Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 3 1/2; 128 Vegas Line: St. Louis by 7 1/2; 132 Dunkel Pick: Dayton (+7 1/2); Under

Game 749-750: St. Joseph's at George Washington (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 61.970; George Washington 67.328 Dunkel Line: George Washington by 5 1/2 Vegas Line: George Washington by 3 1/2 Dunkel Pick: George Washington (-3 1/2)

Game 751-752: West Virginia at Oklahoma (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 64.877; Oklahoma 75.207 Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 10 1/2; 168 Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 8; 162 Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (-8); Over

Game 753-754: Purdue at Wisconsin (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 62.425; Wisconsin 72.977 Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 10 1/2; 144 Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 13 1/2; 138 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Purdue (+13 1/2); Over

Game 755-756: Air Force at New Mexico (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 49.902; New Mexico 71.744 Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 22 Vegas Line: New Mexico by 18 Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-18)

Game 757-758: Nevada at Boise State (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Nevada 55.180; Boise State 64.073 Dunkel Line: Boise State by 9 Vegas Line: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 759-760: San Jose State at Colorado State (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 47.620; Colorado State 59.289 Dunkel Line: Colorado State by 11 1/2 Vegas Line: Colorado State by 14 1/2 Dunkel Pick: San Jose State (+14 1/2)

Game 761-762: Wyoming at Utah State (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Wyoming 53.763; Utah State 64.545 Dunkel Line: Utah State by 11 Vegas Line: Utah State by 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Utah State (-8 1/2)

Game 763-764: Arizona at Oregon State (11:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 76.962; Oregon State 60.718 Dunkel Line: Arizona by 16; 128 Vegas Line: Arizona by 9 1/2; 135 Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-9 1/2); Under

Game 765-766: Utah at California (11:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Utah 69.271; California 65.538 Dunkel Line: Utah by 3 1/2; 133 Vegas Line: California by 3 1/2; 139 Dunkel Pick: Utah (+3 1/2); Under

Game 767-768: San Diego State at UNLV (11:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 67.013; UNLV 61.247 Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 6; 122 Vegas Line: San Diego State by 3; 128 1/2 Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-3); Under

Game 769-770: SIU-Edwardsville vs. Tennessee Tech (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: SIU-Edwardsville 42.987; Tennessee Tech 50.572 Dunkel Line: Tennessee Tech by 9 1/2 Vegas Line: Tennessee Tech by 5 Dunkel Pick: Tennessee Tech (-5)

Game 771-772: Eastern Illinois vs. SE Missouri State (9:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Illinois 47.374; SE Missouri State 48.032 Dunkel Line: SE Missouri State by 1 Vegas Line: SE Missouri State by 6 Dunkel Pick: Eastern Illinois (+6)

Game 781-782: Liberty vs. Winthrop (12:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Liberty 40.363; Winthrop 48.347 Dunkel Line: Winthrop by 8 Vegas Line: Winthrop by 4 Dunkel Pick: Winthrop (-4)

Game 783-784: Presbyterian vs. Radford (2:25 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Presbyterian 32.557; Radford 48.680 Dunkel Line: Radford by 16 Vegas Line: Radford by 13 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Radford (-13 1/2)

Game 785-786: Charleston Southern vs. Campbell (6:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Charleston Southern 45.496; Campbell 41.517 Dunkel Line: Charleston Southern by 4 Vegas Line: Charleston Southern by 6 Dunkel Pick: Campbell (+6)

Game 787-788: Longwood vs. Gardner-Webb (8:25 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Longwood 40.328; Gardner-Webb 46.510 Dunkel Line: Gardner-Webb by 6 Vegas Line: Gardner-Webb by 13 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Longwood (+13 1/2)

Game 789-790: Lafayette at Boston U (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Lafayette 50.174; Boston U 61.177 Dunkel Line: Boston U by 11 Vegas Line: Boston U by 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Boston U (-8 1/2)

Game 791-792: Army at Bucknell (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Army 47.588; Bucknell 58.119 Dunkel Line: Bucknell by 10 1/2 Vegas Line: Bucknell by 6 Dunkel Pick: Bucknell (-6)

Game 793-794: Lehigh at Holy Cross (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Lehigh 49.664; Holy Cross 54.773 Dunkel Line: Holy Cross by 5 Vegas Line: Holy Cross by 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Lehigh (+7 1/2)

Game 795-796: Colgate at American (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Colgate 53.531; American 56.300 Dunkel Line: American by 3 Vegas Line: American by 6 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Colgate (+6 1/2)

Game 797-798: Fairleigh Dickinson at Robert Morris (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Fairleigh Dickinson 44.505; Robert Morris 57.487 Dunkel Line: Robert Morris by 13 Vegas Line: Robert Morris by 11 Dunkel Pick: Robert Morris (-11)

Game 799-800: Central Connecticut at Wagner (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Central Connecticut 44.642; Wagner 58.467 Dunkel Line: Wagner by 14 Vegas Line: Wagner by 11 Dunkel Pick: Wagner (-11)

Game 801-802: St. Francis (PA) at Bryant (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: St. Francis (PA) 38.657; Bryant 52.643 Dunkel Line: Bryant by 14 Vegas Line: Bryant by 11 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Bryant (-11 1/2)

Game 803-804: St. Francis (NY) at Mt. St. Mary's (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: St. Francis (NY) 50.575; Mt. St. Mary's 56.523 Dunkel Line: Mt. St. Mary's by 6 Vegas Line: Mt. St. Mary's by 3 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Mt. St. Mary's (-3 1/2)

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NCAAB

Wednesday, March 5

Nebraska (-1) beat Indiana 60-55 at home Jan 30, making 8-19 from arc in game they trailed by 16 in first half. Cornhuskers won six of seven, are 5-2 as road underdogs, despite being 2-5 SU on road. Hoosiers won three of last four games; dogs covered five of their last six home tilts. Big Dozen home favorites of 8 or less points are 15-22 vs spread. Home side won all three series games; Huskers lost 76-47 in last visit here.

Louisville (-13) beat SMU 71-63 at home Jan 12, after their first loss to Memphis. Cardinals made 10-23 from arc, SMU 2-11, but Mustangs are 8-0 at home in ACC and won seven of last eight games overall. Louisville also won seven of last eight games, is off another loss to Memphis; they are 5-3 as road favorites, but failed to cover last two. AAC home teams are 9-4 vs spread in games where spread was 3 or less points.

Ole Miss won six in row, nine of last ten games with Arkansas, but they lost five of last six games overall, with three of five losses by 4 points or less. Rebels lost last five road games, are 2-3 as road dogs. Arkansas won its last five games, covered five of last seven; they're 4-4 as favorites at home, with five of their six home wins by 7+ points. SEC home faves of 7+ points are 22-19 against the spread.

Missouri won three of last four games with Texas A&M, after losing its last eight games vs Aggies before that; Tigers lost two of their last three games, are 2-5 vs spread in last seven- they're 3-4 as favorites at home. SEC home favorites of 5 or less points are 16-10 vs spread. Aggies won three of last four games, covered five of last six, but they covered only once in last five games as a road underdog.

Stanford-Colorado split their first four Pac-12 games, with three of four games decided by 15+ points. Buffs are 1-3 as road underdogs- they're 6-7 SU since Dinwiddie got hurt, with all seven losses by 11+ points. Pac-12 home favorites of 8+ points are 19-16 vs spread. Stanford is 5-1 as a home favorite- they covered last six home games- four of their last five home wins are by 9+ points.

Saint Louis (+2) won 67-59 at Dayton Jan 11, holding Flyers to 30.6% from floor, but Billikens lost their last two games after having an 15-0 start in league. SLU is 2-5 as a home favorite, is 0-6 vs spread in its last six games. A-13 home favorites of 8 or less points are 22-17 vs spread. Dayton won seven of last eight games, as they try to claw way onto the bubble; they've lost seven of last nine games with Saint Louis.

St Joseph's won six of last seven games with George Washington, with Hawks winning last three by 12-7-12 points. A-13 home favorites of 4 or less points are 13-10 vs spread. GW is just 2-3 in its last five games, failing to cover last two games as a home favorite. Hawks won last three visits here by 2-9-7 points; they've won last six games (5-1 vs spread) and covered four of five games as a road underdog.

West Virginia (-1.5) beat Oklahoma 91-86 in OT at home Feb 5, after it blew a 14-point second half lead. Mountaineers lost 83-70 here LY in their first Big X visit to Norman. Sooners won three of last four games, are 8-2 vs spread in last 10- they're 2-2 as home favorites. Big X home favorites of 8 or less points are 14-12 vs spread. WVU lost four of last six games, losing last three away games by 14-17-17 points.

Boise State (-3.5) made 9-20 from arc, won 74-65 in Reno Jan 14; Wolf Pack won five of last seven visits here. Broncos won four of last five, are 2-6 as home favorites- their last three home games were decided by total of four points. Mountain West double digit home favorites are 8-11 vs spread. Nevada lost five of its last six games; they covered once in last four games as a road dog, after covering first three tries.

Wyoming (-2.5) beat Utah State 74-57 in Laramie Feb 1, in first league series meeting; Cowboys lost last three games by 5-2-9 points, are 0-5 vs spread in last five games- they're 3-3 as road underdogs. Utah State is 5-3 as home favorites, but they've lost four of last five games overall, are 2-4 SU in last six home games. Nance's knee injury crippled Wyoming. Mountain West home favorites of 8+ points are 10-16 vs spread.

Arizona (-15) beat Oregon State 76-54 Feb 9, shooting 56% inside arc; Wildcats clinched top seed in Pac-12 tourney, but are playing for a #1 seed in NCAAs- they've won last three games by 4-27-28 points- two of their last three road games went OT (1-4 in last five as road favorite). Pac-12 home underdogs of 6+ points are 2-6 vs spread. Oregon State is 3-1 as a home underdog, but lost five of last seven games overall.

Cal won four of five Pac-12 games with Utah, but lost to Utes by 10 in LY's conference tourney; Bears lost three of last four games, are 2-9 vs spread in last 11 games, 0-4 in last four tries as home favorite. Utah won five of last seven games, is 12-3 vs spread in last 15; they're 3-2 as road dog- four of their six road losses are by 4 or less points. Pac-12 home favorites of 5 or less points are 9-7 against the spread.

UNLV's ace rebounder Smith (concussion) is out here, tough blow for a UNLV squad that lost 63-52 (+9) at Viejas Jan 18, in brickfest that saw teams go combined 4-29 from arc. Mountain West home underdogs of 5 or less points are 6-13 vs spread. Aztecs lost last two visits here by 2-2 points; they've lost two of last three road games but are 4-2 as favorites on road. UNLV won eight of last 11 games, covered four of last five.