Wednesday 3-14-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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UC Davis Aggies vs. Utah Utes Preview and Predictions 03-14-2018

13th March 2018 by Gracenote
Utah has made it to the postseason for the fifth straight year but has had to settle for its second consecutive NIT appearance. The Runnin' Utes tip off play Wednesday night with a home game against Big West Conference regular-season champion UC Davis.


In its quadrant of the 32-team bracket, Utah is seeded second while the Aggies, an automatic qualifier, drew a No. 7 seed. The Utes did outperform expectations, finishing in a tie for third in the Pac-12 after being picked to finish seventh in the preseason, but they lost in the Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinals for the second straight year. Utah, though, has plenty of familiar company in the NIT with conference rivals USC, Oregon, Stanford and Washington joining it in the field. UC Davis entered the Big West Tournament as the No. 1 seed but wound up falling 55-52 to eventual champion Cal State Fullerton in the semifinals.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN3


ABOUT UC DAVIS (22-10): The Aggies, who moved up to the Division I ranks in 2004 and joined the Big West three years later, are making their third postseason appearance in the last four seasons, including a loss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last March. UC Davis has overcome some hurdles to get here, most notably the suspension of leading scorer and rebounder Chima Moneke after an unspecified incident on Feb. 3. Still, the team is in the capable hands of guard T.J. Shorts, the Big West Player and Newcomer of the Year after averaging 15.0 points, 4.4 assists and 2.0 steals, and backcourt mate Siler Schneider, a second-team All-Big West selection, who averages 14.0 points.

ABOUT UTAH (19-11): The Utes had two All-Pac 12 selections in guard Justin Bibbins (team-high 14.6 points, 4.8 assists) and forward David Collette (12.9 points, 4.7 rebounds). Guard Sedrick Barefield (11.3 points) and forward Tyler Rawson (10.6) also average double figures, with the latter also pacing the team with 6.8 rebounds. The Utes average a modest 73.5 points but led the Pac-12 in scoring defense (68.7 points allowed) and field-goal percentage defense (41.7).


TIP-INS

1. Utah has won both previous meetings with UC Davis, with the most recent being a 94-60 home win on Nov. 15, 2013.

2. The Utes are 2-2 all-time in NIT home games, losing to visiting Boise State 73-68 in the first round last season.

3. If Utah wins Wednesday, it would host the winner of third-seeded LSU and sixth-seeded Louisiana in the second round Monday, while UC Davis would visit the victor should it win in Salt Lake City.


PREDICTION: Utah 76, UC Davis 66

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Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Preview and Predictions 03-14-2018

14th March 2018 by Gracenote
Many teams enter the postseason NIT with a chip on their shoulder, but it seems Nebraska's might be larger than most - and with good reason. After being one of the last teams bounced from the NCAA Tournament bubble, the Cornhuskers drew a surprising No. 5 seed and will open the NIT at Mississippi State on Wednesday.


Nebraska is happy to be back in the postseason for the first time in four years, but after tying for fourth place in the Big Ten, they were stunned to learn their NIT seed on the heels of being left out of the NCAA Tournament field. "If there are 16 other teams ahead of us, I'd have a real problem with the committee on that," Nebraska coach Tim Miles told reporters. "I really do feel like we got slapped in the face. It is what it is. We can still do something about it. That's the good news.'' The Bulldogs are in the postseason for the first time since 2012 following a seventh-place finish in the SEC. The teams met in an exhibition game Oct. 22 with Nebraska escaping with a 76-72 road win at Mississippi State.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2


ABOUT NEBRASKA (22-10): The Cornhuskers won eight of their last nine regular-season games to play their way onto the bubble, but a 77-58 loss to Michigan in their Big Ten Tournament opener relegated them to the NIT bracket. Nebraska hangs its hat on playing tough defense, especially on the perimeter, but the Cornhuskers also like to let it fly from 3-point range. Guards James Palmer Jr. (17.3 points) and Glynn Watson Jr. (10.5 points) along with forward Isaac Copeland Jr. (12.9 points, 6.2 rebounds) are the Huskers' three double-digit scorers, and all three have attempted more than 100 from 3-point range.

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI STATE (22-11): Like the Cornhuskers, the Bulldogs' turnaround has been focused on playing stingy defense. Guards Quinndary Weatherspoon (14.8 points, 5.8 rebounds) and Nick Weatherspoon (11.1 points) lead a quartet of double-digit scorers, and point guard Lamar Peters (10.1 points, 4.0 assists) has contributed more at the offensive end of late, averaging 23 points in two SEC Tournament games. The Bulldogs might have an edge in the paint with big men Aric Holman (10.5 points, 6.6 rebounds) and Abdul Ado (7.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.9 blocks).


TIP-INS

1. Mississippi State is 18-2 at home, including an 11-0 mark in non-conference games.

2. Nebraska's 226 3-point field goals are the third-most in program history and the Cornhuskers' most in 11 years.

3. The Bulldogs average 79.1 points in their wins compared with 62.9 points in their losses.


PREDICTION: Mississippi State 75, Nebraska 72

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boise St. Broncos vs. Washington Huskies Preview and Predictions 03-14-2018

13th March 2018 by Gracenote
Washington had a decent NCAA Tournament resume through the first 23 games, but it struggled down the stretch and now attempts to make a run in the NIT when it hosts Boise State on Wednesday night in the first round. The fifth-seeded Huskies beat Kansas, Arizona State and Arizona en route to a 17-6 start but lost six of their final nine and dropped a 69-66 overtime decision to Oregon State in the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament.

First-year coach Mike Hopkins still steered Washington to its first 20-win season since 2011-12, when the Huskies made the NIT semifinals, and does not have a prominent senior on the team. "This is a great opportunity for our team to continue to play more games, get more practices in and continue to grow in this system and culture we are putting into place here at Washington," Hopkins said. "I'm very proud of the hard work they've put in to get to this point and to be rewarded by extending our season is a great chance to keep getting better." No. 4 seed Boise State makes its sixth appearance in the NIT and second straight after losing four of its last seven games, including an upset defeat against Utah State in the Mountain West quarterfinals, but earned 20 wins for the sixth straight season. First team All-Mountain West guard Chandler Hutchinson leads the way for the Broncos in scoring (19.3), rebounds (7.5) and assists (3.5).

TV: 10 p.m. ET, ESPN3

ABOUT BOISE STATE (23-8): Hutchinson, a 6-7 senior who led the Mountain West in scoring, has cooled off of late while connecting on 12-of-38 from the field over the last three games. Hutchinson is still the main man to stop, but senior guard Lexus Williams has stepped up in the last two games to average 23 points and five assists after scoring 6.3 per contest over the previous three. Senior forward Christian Sengfelder (11.7 points) has made 28-of-45 from the field the last six games and sophomore guard Justinian Jessup (11.7) also contribute offensively.

ABOUT WASHINGTON (20-12): Freshman guard Jaylen Nowell leads the team in scoring (15.8) but will have to heat up again after averaging 11 on 10-of-34 shooting in his last three contests. Junior forward Noah Dickerson averages 15.4 points - including 19.3 in his last three - and tops the team in rebounding (8.4) while connecting on 56.5 percent from the field. David Crisp (11.7 points, 3.1 assists) is scoring 14.7 points per game in the last three, and fellow junior guard Matisse Thybulle (10.9 points) is third in the nation with 2.9 steals per game.

TIP-INS

1. The Huskies have won eight of the nine all-time meetings, including the last matchup in 1999.

2. Boise State has won four road games against Power 5 schools in its history and all have been against the Pac-12.

3. Washington is 7-8 in eight previous NIT appearances, including 5-1 at home.

PREDICTION: Washington 78, Boise State 68

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brigham Young Cougars vs. Stanford Cardinal Preview and Predictions 03-14-2018

13th March 2018 by Gracenote
Two of the most dynamic forwards in the West square off Wednesday in the first round of the NIT as Yoeli Childs and BYU visit Reid Travis and Stanford. The third-seeded Cardinal finished in a third-place tie in the Pac-12 standings while No. 6 seed BYU lost to Gonzaga in the West Coast Conference championship game.

Travis was named to the All-Pac-12 first team for the second consecutive season after finishing third in the league in scoring (19.5 points per game) and rebounding (8.5). The 6-8 junior provided valuable leadership to a young Stanford team that has four freshmen in the rotation, including point guard Daejon Davis, who is one assist away from tying Brevin Knight's school record of 150 as a freshman. Wednesday's key matchup figures to be in the frontcourt, where Travis will battle with Childs, a 6-8 sophomore who averages 18.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.9 blocks while shooting 54.8 percent from the field. The Utah native was named to the WCC All-Tournament team after averaging 25.0 points in three games, including a career-high 33 points in an 85-72 semifinal win over Saint Mary's.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT BYU (24-10): Junior guard Elijah Bryant averages 17.9 points and was named to the All-WCC First Team but struggled in last Tuesday's 74-54 loss to Gonzaga, finishing with 11 points on 5-of-14 shooting. Sophomore guard TJ Haws averages 11.8 points and 4.2 assists for the Cougars, who finished third in the WCC with an 11-7 record and ranked fourth in the league in scoring defense, allowing 67.1 points per game. Coach Dave Rose relies heavily on the trio of Childs, Bryant and Haws but will also need key minutes from 6-10 forward Luke Worthington to slow down Stanford's formidable frontline.

ABOUT STANFORD (18-15): While the Cardinal offense revolves around Travis, the team has a balanced attack with five players averaging double figures in scoring, including senior wing Dorian Pickens (14.6 points) and freshman forward KZ Okpala (10.2). Pickens missed 10 games early in the season with a foot injury but was a major factor during league play, shooting 45.5 percent from 3-point range in 18 games. Senior forward Michael Humphrey averages 9.8 points and 6.8 boards with a team-high 31 blocks for the Cardinal, who won the NIT in 2012 and 2015.

TIP-INS

1. The winner advances to face either No. 2 seed Oklahoma State or No. 7 seed Florida Gulf Coast in the second round.

2. BYU holds a 6-2 lead in the series, including a 79-77 win in the last meeting on Dec. 20, 2014.

3. Stanford is coached by Jerod Haase, who was UAB's coach when BYU beat the Blazers in an NIT opening-round game in 2016.

PREDICTION: Stanford 78, BYU 73

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #2 - Post: 7:29pm - Claiming - 4.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 85

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 CURVES THAT KICK (ML=5/1)
#1 RASTA FRIEND (BRZ) (ML=7/2)


CURVES THAT KICK - This horse probably isn't going to sit off the pace. He should bust out of the gate and be one of the first to hit that tight turn. Watch for him down the lane. The jockey and trainer combination have a lucrative ROI when they unite. Horse made up some ground down the stretch last time around the track on Feb 15th at Charles Town. That clash is better than it looked. RASTA FRIEND (BRZ) - Every now and then I take some time off, when I come back to the track I feel refreshed. I think it's the same with this gelding as he always seems to run well after a vacation. Dropping down in class figure points from his December 2nd race at Charles Town. Based on that data point, I will give this horse the advantage. Based on works, I look for this gelding to run a big race. This thoroughbred is at the top of my list of probable winners in this race. His speed, along with a favorable post on this tight track, should take him far in this one.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 PHILIPPIAN (ML=2/1), #6 PORTENT (ML=4/1), #5 FIRE CONTROL (ML=9/2),

PHILIPPIAN - Hasn't been on the Charles Town oval in the last three weeks. Cause for some concern. PORTENT - 4/1 is not offering enough value for any horse in a sprint of 4 1/2 furlongs that hasn't hit the board in a short distance contest of late. Substandard speed rating last time around the track at Charles Town at 4 1/2 furlongs. Don't believe this vulnerable equine will improve too much in today's race. FIRE CONTROL - Garnered a disappointing speed rating last race out in a $5,000 Claiming race on February 15th. Doubtful to see an improved performance off of that figure.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#3 CURVES THAT KICK is going to be the play if we are getting 5/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Gulfstream Park

Gulfstream Park - Race 8

$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 $.50 Bet 3 (Races 8-9-10) / $.50 Pick 4 (Races 8-9-10-11)


Claiming $20,000 • 1 Mile • Turf • Age 3 • CR: 80 • Purse: $30,000 • Post: 4:06P
(RAIL AT 84 FEET). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER ON THE TURF SINCE FEBRUARY 14 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $16,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT ONE MILE)
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Trailer. LA NENA DE PAPA is the Lone Trailer of the race, but has been deemed a non-contender due to a low Platinum Figure or other overall low ratings. * KEY ANGLES * LITTLE BRIDGE: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. DRAMA RUN: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. SARA'S DAY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. FAST TRACK KATHERN: Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Qu arter Horse race). MADDY'S SALSA: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
3
LITTLE BRIDGE
3/1

6/1
7
DRAMA RUN
9/2

6/1
4
SARA'S DAY
8/1

7/1
2
FAST TRACK KATHERN
6/1

8/1
5
MADDY'S SALSA
7/2

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
DRAMA RUN
7

9/2
Front-runner
78

75

76.9

73.1

67.6
5
MADDY'S SALSA
5

7/2
Front-runner
78

67

73.5

62.9

52.9
3
LITTLE BRIDGE
3

3/1
Alternator/Front-runner
79

80

56.9

5.7

0.7
4
SARA'S DAY
4

8/1
Stalker
76

75

92.7

71.1

65.1
9
COSITA RICA
9

12/1
Stalker
75

66

68.9

63.0

51.0
2
FAST TRACK KATHERN
2

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
67

89

43.6

84.4

74.4
6
LA NENA DE PAPA
6

6/1
Trailer
64

70

56.2

61.0

44.0
8
CHARMING KID
8

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
55

56

61.6

61.6

53.1
1
QUEEN LIZZIE
1

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
62

61

53.1

27.5

12.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Sam Houston - Race #9 - Post: 4:18pm - Maiden Special - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $20,000 Class Rating: 69

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 PAULA'S BUDDY (ML=4/1)
#4 TORNADO MAN (ML=8/5)


PAULA'S BUDDY - This pony should go right out to the early lead and may never look back. Could wire-to-wire the field. Have to give this thoroughbred a long hard look. In recent races, has posted the best speed figures on the turf at this distance. Taking a trip to a lower class rank; has the class ability to make his presence felt. PP data show this thoroughbred with three improving speed ratings. Rosier should be on a live one in today's race. TORNADO MAN - This racer coming off a good race in the last month is a solid contender in my book. He finished runner-up March 3rd, but was well clear of the show horse. This gelding's last speed figure is high enough to win here, I'll invest in him right back this time. I like horses that return to a similar class level after dropping at least 5 class pts like this one did last time around the track. I believe he'll be competitive at this level.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 DONTMISSTHEPRIZE (ML=3/1), #3 PLAY THE PART (ML=6/1),

DONTMISSTHEPRIZE - Tough to support since I think a 'performance bounce' is in the works this time out. PLAY THE PART - I'd like to see better recent showings with morning line odds of 6/1. Tough to wager on any horse like this that didn't hit the board after the long breather and comes right back. The speed fig last time around the track doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class rating of today's event. Mark this entrant as a likely underpriced equine.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - TORNADO MAN - Registering a speed figure of 69 two back and then following up with a rating of 73 last race on Jan 15th, this gelding is ready to do some damage.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #1 PAULA'S BUDDY to win if you can get odds of 3/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs

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

Race 2 - Claiming - 870y on the Dirt. Purse: $4500 Class Rating: 67

QUARTER HORSE 870Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 JUMPIN HIGH PUNCH 10/1

# 5 MIGHTY BAG 3/1

# 2 HR MONEY MAKER 5/2

JUMPIN HIGH PUNCH looks very good to best this group and the potential return justifies the precarious nature of the long odds. Has to be carefully examined - I like the figures from the last outing. The average class fig alone makes this one a key contender. Overall, this trainer has been profitable at this distance/surface. HR MONEY MAKER - He has recorded quite good numbers under today's conditions and ought to fare well against this field. Will probably come out very strong - I have liked the way this gelding has moved swiftly to the lead recently.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Tampa Bay Downs

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

Race 9 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $18700 Class Rating: 99

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE FEBRUARY 14 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE JANUARY 14 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000 (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY MANAGEMENT TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT ONE MILE AND


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 GREAT HARBOUR CAY 3/1

# 5 TAKETHATTOTHEBANK 9/2

# 10 FUNNY QUESTIONS 7/2

I've got to go with GREAT HARBOUR CAY. He has recorded very good figs under today's conditions and ought to fare well against this field. Lately Ferrer has been sizzling which may give the edge to this gelding. Has competitive speed figures and has to be considered for a wager in this event. TAKETHATTOTHEBANK - He has been racing admirably lately while recording very strong speed figs. Sienkewicz has him trained soundly to break quickly out of the starting gate. FUNNY QUESTIONS - The speed figure of 93 from his last race looks strong in here. Is worth serious consideration and may be a wager - strong speed figures (92 average) at today's distance and surface lately.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Will Rogers Downs

Will Rogers Downs - Race 6

Exacta / Quinella / Trifecta (.50 Min.) / Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8)


Allowance • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 77 • Purse: $25,080 • Post: 3:29P
FOR ACCREDITED OKLAHOMA-BREDS THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Paceless Race. There is no true early speed in this race. * KEY ANGLES * GOSPEL CARLO: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. SMOK'N POLICY: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and trainer's win percentage with horses coming off a layoff is at least 25. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. KIRK OF DIAMONDS: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has t he highest TrackMaster Power Rating.
2
GOSPEL CARLO
6/1

4/1
1
SMOK'N POLICY
5/1

9/2
4
KIRK OF DIAMONDS
1/1

5/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
GOSPEL CARLO
2

6/1
Stalker
76

72

73.4

65.0

60.5
3
CHEROKEE WAMPUM
3

5/2
Trailer
63

60

52.0

55.8

47.3
4
KIRK OF DIAMONDS
4

1/1
Trailer
72

70

48.3

71.1

67.6
1
SMOK'N POLICY
1

5/1
Trailer
79

72

40.0

68.2

61.7
5
GOSPEL GLITTER
5

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
72

57

49.6

50.6

44.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Wynn

Free Play: Free Pick Lamar +4½ Over Texas San Antonio

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Free Selection from Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Wednesday, March 14, 2018



3/14 05:05 PM PT / 8:05 PM ET

NBA (603) WASHINGTON WIZARDS VS (604) BOSTON CELTICS

Take: (604) BOSTON CELTICS

Reason: Your free play for Wednesday, March 14, 2018 is in the NBA scheduled contest between the Washington Wizards and the Boston Celtics. Your FREE play is on the CELTICS.

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Jeff Allen Sports

Wednesday's Free Selection is on the VGK

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Razor Sharp

YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR WEDNESDAY: TakeILL-CHICAGO -3½ over St Francis (PA)

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Totals4U

Wednesday's Free Selection: UC Davis/Utah under 139 1/2