Wednesday 1-16-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Buffalo Sabres vs. Calgary Flames Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NHL Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

The Calgary Flames are atop the Pacific Divsion and have matched their longest winning streak of the season as they prepare to resume a five-game homestand against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night. Calgary has won five in a row overall, outscoring its opponents 25-12 in that span, and owns an eight-game point streak at home (7-0-1) against the Sabres.

Flames captain Mark Giordano scored twice and set up another goal in Sunday's 7-1 mauling of Arizona and the following day became the first defenseman to earn NHL First Star of the Week honors after amassing three tallies and eight points in four games. "One of the best captains I've played for, for sure, over my career," goaltender Mike Smith said. "The way he competes on the ice, the way he practices, is just the epitome of being a true professional." The Sabres' five-game road trip got off to an ominous start as they were thrashed by Edmonton 7-2 to tumble to their third loss in a row. "It seems like earlier in the year we were going through a patch where everything was going our way and now everything is going the opposite way," Buffalo captain Jack Eichel said. "At this point, we have to stick together and find a way out of it."

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN-Plus, MSG-Buffalo, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet1

ABOUT THE SABRES (23-17-6): When a team gives up seven goals, it's hard not to point a finger at the defense, but rookie Rasmus Dahlin -- the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft -- was one of the few bright spots against Edmonton. Dahlin, who will not turn 19 until April 13, had an assist, registered six shots on goal and played a team-high 22:46. "Last night was the best game that I've seen him play," fellow blue-liner Zach Bogosian said. "A lot of people will probably argue that because we didn't win, but last night was the best game I've ever seen Ras play. Super confident, playing well and it's great to see."

ABOUT THE FLAMES (30-13-4): Calgary, which became the second team in the league to 30 wins, has scored at least seven goals on six occasions this season -- the most for the franchise since accomplishing it eight games in 1992-93. Matthew Tkachuk has five goals during a five-game point streak to give him 23 on the season -- one shy of his career high -- and 12 points over the last eight contests. Tkachuk's run pales in comparison to leading scorer Johnny Gaudreau, who scored once and set up another against Arizona to extend a binge that has seen his rack up eight goals and 10 assists during an eight-game point streak.

OVERTIME

1. Flames C Sean Monahan has 17 points in 10 games since the All-Star break.

2. Eichel, who has been held off the scoresheet in five straight games, has three goals in four meetings versus Calgary.

3. Flames Fs James Neal (illness) and Travis Hamonic (family illness) each missed practice Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Flames 5, Sabres 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Jose Sharks vs. Arizona Coyotes Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NHL Predictions 16th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/16/2019

Celebrations were in abundance for the San Jose Sharks last time out, and they hope for more Wednesday as they seek their eighth straight win when they visit the Arizona Coyotes. San Jose remained unbeaten since the calendar changed to January when it posted a 5-2 home triumph over Pittsburgh on Tuesday behind Tomas Hertl's hat trick.

The 25-year-old Czech reached a milestone in the win as his second career hat trick gave him 100 goals in the NHL. Joe Thornton celebrated playing in his 1,000th game with the Sharks by scoring for the fourth time in five contests. Arizona had its three-game winning streak halted Sunday as it suffered a 7-1 loss in Calgary, ending its hopes for a perfect three-game road trip. Defenseman Jordan Oesterle scored for the second time in two contests, giving him four points in as many games.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network

ABOUT THE SHARKS (28-13-7): Another member of the team that had reason to rejoice Tuesday was Martin Jones, who registered his career high-tying eighth consecutive victory. The 39-year-old goaltender won his first eight NHL games from Dec. 3-21, 2013 while with Los Angeles. Evander Kane registered three assists against the Penguins, giving him five goals and nine assists over his last nine contests.

ABOUT THE COYOTES (20-22-3): Rookie Conor Garland was kept off the scoresheet by the Flames for only the third time in his last 11 contests, putting an end to his four-game goal-scoring streak. The 22-year-old right wing, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 draft, has netted eight tallies in his first 18 NHL contests - six during his recent run. Clayton Keller, who leads the team with 31 points, has notched only two over his last six games and is two shy of 100 for his career.

OVERTIME

1. Coyotes C Derek Stepan notched an assist Sunday for his second point in 10 games.

2. Sharks C Dylan Gambrell, who appeared in two contests with the club earlier this season, was recalled from the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League.

3. Arizona assigned G Adin Hill, who has gone 7-5-0 with a 2.76 goals-against average and one shutout in 13 games - 11 starts - this season, to Tucson of the AHL.

PREDICTION: Coyotes 3, Sharks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Edmonton Oilers vs. Vancouver Canucks Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NHL Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

The top-heavy Edmonton Oilers received significant contributions from a pair of unlikely sources to enjoy one of their most lopsided wins of the season. Fueled by a rash of secondary scoring, the Oilers bid to record back-to-back victories for the first time in over five weeks when they visit the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday.

Vancouver native Milan Lucic and Zack Kassian each tallied twice to double their respective season goal totals as Edmonton matched its highest scoring output of the campaign with Monday's 7-2 romp over Buffalo. "The main thing is we found a way to win the game and that's got to be the mindset going into (Wednesday) as well," the 30-year-old Lucic said. "This is a time of year where we need to string a few wins together, especially with four games before the break." The Oilers have won four of seven to find themselves even in points with the Canucks, who are keeping their fingers crossed that rookie star Elias Pettersson (club-best 22 goals, 42 points) will return to the lineup after missing the last three games with a sprained right knee. "He wants to play, we want him to play," Vancouver coach Travis Green said of the 20-year-old Swede. "But we're not going to rush him back and have him play where he's at risk because he's not moving around well enough. We're going to do right by him."

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet West (Edmonton), Sportsnet Pacific (Vancouver)

ABOUT THE OILERS (22-21-3): Captain Connor McDavid scored and set up a goal versus the Sabres to push his point streak to five games (five goals, three assists) and increase his team-leading totals in tallies (28), assists (41) and points (69). The former Hart Trophy recipient registered three assists in a pair of 4-2 losses to the Canucks last month while fellow former top overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored a goal in each contest. Leon Draisaitl, who collected a goal and an assist in the Dec. 27 loss to Vancouver, has scored eight times in his last 11 games to reside one tally shy of 100 for his career.

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (21-21-5): A date with Edmonton could be just what the doctor ordered for Bo Horvat, as the 23-year-old has mustered just two of his club high-tying 20 assists (with Pettersson) in his last seven outings. "This has a big-game feel to it," Horvat said following Tuesday's practice. "We're tied in points, so tomorrow is a four-point game. We need those points. We skated hard today, and we'll be ready to go tomorrow." Horvat notched a goal and two assists over the first two meetings while Jacob Markstrom totaled 50 saves in those outings to improve his career mark to 7-4-1 versus Edmonton.

OVERTIME

1. Edmonton G Mikko Koskinen, who has turned aside 91 of 100 shots in four starts this month, will look to avenge his last game versus Vancouver in which he yielded four goals on six shots before being pulled on Dec. 27.

2. Canucks RW Brock Boeser has two goals and two assists versus the Oilers this season.

3. Edmonton claimed F Colby Cave (one goal, four assists in 20 games) off waivers from Boston on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Canucks 3, Oilers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Creighton Bluejays vs. St. John's Red Storm Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NCAAB Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

Two teams in dire need of a conference victory and a boost of confidence meet Wednesday night when Creighton pays a visit to injury-hampered St. John's for a Big East battle. The Bluejays have dropped three straight after winning their league opener at Providence while St. John's has lost three of five, including Saturday's 79-71 setback against DePaul without leading scorer Shamorie Ponds (back).

Ponds, who ranks third in Big East in scoring (20.6) and leads the conference in both assists (6.0) and steals (2.7), is considered day-to-day and would really help a Red Storm team that had 11 turnovers to go along with 10 assists and made just 5-of-19 from 3-point range Saturday. "He's a great, great player, so without him you approach things a little differently," St. John's coach Chris Mullin told reporters. "Anytime you take your best player off the team, it has an affect." Creighton looks to extend its winning streak to seven games against the Red Storm after consecutive losses to Butler (84-69) and Marquette (106-104 in overtime), followed by a 90-78 setback against Villanova on Saturday in which the Bluejays allowed 53.4 percent shooting from the field. "This is the Big East. This is how it rolls," Creighton sophomore guard Ty-Shon Alexander told the Omaha World-Herald. "We've got one of the toughest conferences in the nation. We're just going to fight back."

TV: 6:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

ABOUT CREIGHTON (10-7, 1-3 Big East): The Bluejays entered Tuesday second in the nation in 3-point shooting percentage (43.9) and third in 3-point goals per game (12.2) after connecting on 14 against Villanova. Alexander leads the team in scoring (17.4) after averaging 22.5 the past two contests and sophomore guard Mitch Ballock (11.3 points), who is shooting 49.1 percent from behind the arc, has drained 18 shots from 3-point range in a four-game stretch. Junior forward Martin Krampelj is averaging 16.1 per game over the last seven to push his season mark to 11.0 and freshman guard Marcus Zegarowski adds 10.5 points per contest.

ABOUT ST. JOHN'S (14-3, 2-3): The Red Storm not only lose their top player if Ponds can't go, their depth takes a hit as four starters combined for 68 of the 71 points scored against DePaul with two reserves going 0-for-4 from the field. Junior guard Mustapha Heron is second on the team in scoring (14.9) while connecting on 44.3 percent from 3-point range and sophomore guard L.J. Figueroa averages 14.8 points per game, after recording 23 on Saturday, to go along with a team-high 6.6 rebounds. Senior forward Marvin Clark II adds 12.8 points per game and junior guard Justin Simon is also in double figures (10.9) after pouring in 20 against the Blue Demons.

TIP-INS

1. Creighton sophomore F Damien Jefferson (calf), who averages 9.4 points, is questionable after missing the Villanova game.

2. Figueroa (55.5 percent) and Simon (50.7) are both making more than half their field-goal attempts to lead the St. John's regulars.

3. The Bluejays lead the league in scoring (84.5) and field-goal percentage (51.1), but are last in free-throw percentage (66.2).

PREDICTION: St. John's 78, Creighton 74

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Connecticut Huskies vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NCAAB Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

Coming off its most lopsided defeat of the season, Tulsa will attempt to snap a two-game losing streak when it hosts Connecticut on Wednesday night in an American Athletic Conference matchup. The Golden Hurricane are off to a 1-3 start in conference play after a 20-point drubbing at SMU but they have won all four home matchups against the Huskies.

Tulsa is 9-1 at the Reynolds Center, its lone loss coming in overtime to Cincinnati, which also beat Connecticut in OT last time out. The Golden Hurricane swept the season series against the Huskies in 2017-18 but each of the past three meetings was decided by two points, including two that went beyond regulation. UConn also has lost three of its four league games and has yet to post a true road victory, although first-year coach Dan Hurley lauded his team's effort at Cincinnati. "The guys showed the type of grit that you love to see, especially in Year One of what we're trying to build here," Hurley said after the 74-72 setback.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNews

ABOUT CONNECTICUT (10-7, 1-3 AAC): Although senior guard and top scorer Jalen Adams fouled out late in regulation, the Huskies still received great production from their backcourt at Cincinnati. Christian Vial notched his second double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 boards while second-leading scorer Alterique Gilbert had a team-high 18 points and came up big down the stretch with a 3-pointer and tying layup at the buzzer to force the extra season. "We lost the game, but we're taking steps I feel a lot of people can't see," Gilbert said. "We're coming together."

ABOUT TULSA (11-6, 1-3): The Golden Hurricane couldn't carry over the momentum from their strong performance against Cincinnati, falling behind by as many as 16 points in the first half at SMU and prompting coach Frank Haith to say how "disappointed" he was with the team's effort. DaQuan Jeffries and Martins Igbanu, who rank 1-2 in scoring, were held to a combined 11 points while Tulsa was manhandled on the boards by a staggering 44-29 margin. "I think our hearts were there. We've just got to continue to work," said forward Jeriah Horne, who netted 14 points off the bench.

TIP-INS

1. Vital scored 42 points in the two matchups last season.

2. Tulsa PG Sterling Taplin, averaging 9.6 points, scored a career-best 30 versus UConn last season.

3. UConn ranks third in the AAC with 133 3-pointers made.

PREDICTION: Tulsa 76, UConn 73

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Auburn Tigers vs. Texas A&M Aggies Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NCAAB Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

No. 12 Auburn goes after its first true road victory of the season Wednesday night when the Tigers pay a visit to Texas A&M, which is coming off one of its best performances of the campaign. Auburn has dropped road contests to North Carolina State and Ole Miss within the last month, but will try to break that string by snapping a three-game losing streak against the Aggies in the SEC battle.

"I think, for us, we want to go on the road and play better," Tigers coach Bruce Pearl told the Auburn Plainsman. "We want to handle the ball better and not turn the ball over as much. We're going to play with the same effort, energy and confidence that we do at home. From that standpoint, it's a great opportunity for us." The Tigers seek to gain some momentum from Saturday's 93-78 victory over Georgia at home, in which they shot 50 percent from the field and made 12-of-25 from 3-point range, while Texas A&M rallied from an 11-point deficit to win at Alabama 81-80 on the same day. "Hopefully, this (victory) gives us some energy and confidence," Aggies coach Billy Kennedy told reporters after his team registered just three turnovers. Sophomore guard T.J. Starks leads Texas A&M in scoring (14.4) and drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer to decide Saturday's contest, but must rebound from a 4-for-17 shooting performance against the Crimson Tide.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT AUBURN (12-3, 1-1 SEC): Senior guard Bryce Brown is averaging 18.7 points over the last three games to improve his season mark to a team-high 15.8 with a team-best 51 makes from behind the arc. Junior guard Jared Harper had 22 points and dished out seven assists against Georgia to push his season totals to 15.0 and 6.7 (first in the SEC), respectively, and junior center Austin Wiley also scores in double figures (11.3). Sophomore forward Chuma Okeke managed just nine points in the past two games combined, but is averaging 9.9 overall to go along with 6.1 rebounds per contest.

ABOUT TEXAS A&M (7-7, 1-2): Sophomore guard Savion Flagg is the only other player in double figures scoring (12.9) for the Aggies and he is averaging 16.5 over the last four games while leading the team at 8.2 rebounds per contest overall. Junior forward Josh Nebo (8.0 points per game) stepped up by scoring a season-high 21 on 10-of-12 from the field to go along with seven rebounds and four blocks against Alabama. Junior guard Wendell Mitchell, who added 18 points versus Alabama, and senior forward Christian Mekowulu (53.1 percent from the field overall) both average 9.5 points per game.

TIP-INS

1. Texas A&M sophomore G Jay Jay Chandler scored 18 in the loss to Kentucky on Jan. 8, but was held to four by Alabama.

2. Auburn senior G Malik Dunbar is averaging 11 points on 12-of-21 from the field over the last three games.

3. The Tigers are first in the SEC in offensive rebounds per game (15.5) and the Aggies are second (12.8).

PREDICTION: Auburn 78, Texas A&M 70

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston College Eagles vs. Louisville Cardinals Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NCAAB Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

Louisville will try to avoid a letdown following its most impressive win of the season when it hosts Boston College on Wednesday in an ACC matchup. The Cardinals showed no ill effects from an overtime loss at Pittsburgh last week when they visited North Carolina on Saturday and steamrolled the 15th-ranked Tar Heels.

Louisville led by as many as 15 points in the first half en route to an 83-62 victory, handing North Carolina its most lopsided home loss in 16 seasons under coach Roy Williams. "I've been around the game enough to know you can be humbled on any given night and then erase a bitter feeling a few nights later," coach Chris Mack told the media after the win. "I don't know how football coaches do it - they get one game a week." Mack's crew hopes to avoid the pendulum swing back the other way when it hosts an Eagles team that has lost four straight, including Saturday's 69-66 setback at Notre Dame. Junior guard Ky Bowman had 24 points and a career-high 16 rebounds in the loss.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ACC Network

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (9-6, 0-3 ACC): Bowman entered Tuesday third in the ACC in scoring (20.3 points per game) and tied for fifth in rebounding (8.0) after his big performance Saturday. Freshman guard Wynston Tabbs averages 14.1 points after scoring 13 against the Fighting Irish in his second game back from a leg injury that caused him to miss one contest and most of another. Sophomore forward Steffon Mitchell averages a team-high 8.5 rebounds but has missed three of the last four games with a leg issue.

ABOUT LOUISVILLE (11-5, 2-1): Juniors Steven Enoch (17 points, 11 rebounds) and Dwayne Sutton (17, 10) both had double-doubles at North Carolina, while sophomore forward Jordan Nwora was right on his team-leading scoring average (17.3) with 17 of his own. Senior guard Christen Cunningham made all four of his shot attempts versus the Tar Heels and is averaging 16 points on 67.6 percent shooting over a four-game span. Nwora produced 15 points, five rebounds and an assist in 16 minutes in last season's only meeting with the Eagles, a 77-69 win at home.

TIP-INS

1. Eagles senior G Jordan Chatman scores 12.1 points per game but is averaging 8.5 while making 11-of-37 shots - 2-of-19 from 3-point range - in four contests since returning from an ankle injury.

2. Sutton has back-to-back double-doubles after not recording one over his previous 21 games dating to last season.

3. Louisville has won the last five meetings.

PREDICTION: Louisville 74, Boston College 67

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kansas State Wildcats vs. Oklahoma Sooners Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NCAAB Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

Kansas State guard Barry Brown Jr. was named Big 12 Player of the Week for the first time in his career Monday after the senior scored the game-winning baskets in both of his team's victories last week. The Wildcats will look to build off their first road win of the season, a 58-57 upset over then-No. 21 Iowa State on Saturday, when they visit No. 19 Oklahoma on Wednesday.

Brown scored a season-high 29 points to lead Kansas State to a school record 21-point comeback in last Wednesday's 71-69 win against West Virginia and followed that up by scoring 18 of the Wildcats' last 21 points in Saturday's victory. Kansas State received a boost from the return of 6-10 forward Dean Wade, who scored just two points on 1-of-5 shooting after missing six games with an injury, but made his impact by grabbing a team-high nine rebounds. Oklahoma junior Kristian Doolittle hit the game-winning basket with less than three seconds left to help the Sooners claim a 76-74 victory over TCU Saturday to remain undefeated in their six home games this season. Doolittle recorded his first double-double since his freshman season as the 6-7 forward finished with team highs of 24 points and 10 rebounds against TCU while shooting 9-for-12 from the floor.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2

ABOUT KANSAS STATE (12-4, 2-2 Big 12): The Wildcats grabbed 13 offensive rebounds Saturday while only allowing seven to Iowa State and won the rebounding battle 39-31. Junior Xavier Sneed was a menace in the victory as he recorded three of the Wildcats' four blocks and two of the team's three steals. Sneed led a solid defensive effort that saw Kansas State hold the Cyclones - the Big 12's top scoring offense (79.5 points per game) - to a season-low 57 points.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA (13-3, 2-2): Doolittle's development was halted by an academic suspension that forced him to miss the fall semester of his sophomore season, but he finally seems to be finding his rhythm as the junior has scored at least 12 points in five of six games after failing to record double-figures in the team's first 10 games. "I knew I had to be more aggressive, regardless of where I started off," Doolittle told reporters after his game-winning shot against Iowa State. "I've just been doing what the team needed me to do." The Sooners' defense came through when it mattered Saturday as they allowed TCU to grab 17 offensive rebounds but only score eight second-chance points.

TIP-INS

1. Kansas State has outrebounded its opponent 11 times in 16 games this season after winning the rebounding battle 10 times in 37 games a season ago.

2. Oklahoma G Christian James sits fourth in the Big 12 in scoring (16.8) and fifth in rebounding (7.7).

3. Kansas State's victory over Iowa State was head coach Bruce Weber's 23rd over a top-25 opponent in his seven seasons, passing former coach Jack Hartman (1970-86) for the most in school history.

PREDICTION: Oklahoma 68, Kansas State 61

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Temple Owls vs. East Carolina Pirates Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NCAAB Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

In the midst of an impressive stretch, Temple aims to ride the momentum into Wednesday's road game against East Carolina. The Owls have won six of seven and have defeated a pair of quality conference foes (Houston and South Florida) in their last two outings.

Its last time out, Temple outlasted USF 82-80 in overtime as Nate Pierre-Louis and Shizz Alston Jr. combined for 42 points. Quinton Rose added 16 for the Owls, who also barely escaped the previously unbeaten Cougars earlier in the week. "If you have truly a very good season, you need games like this where you somehow figure out how to win the game," Temple coach Fran Dunphy said. The Pirates have lost three of their first four league games -- all of those defeats coming on the road -- but upset Cincinnati in their lone home AAC contest thus far.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3

ABOUT TEMPLE (13-3, 3-1 AAC): The Owls get nearly 50 points per game from Alston (19.0), Rose (16.8) and Pierre-Louis (14.1), all of whom average at least two assists per game as well. The trio also combines for 6.2 steals and Temple averages a dozen swipes per game as a squad. Alston has made multiple 3-pointers in 14 of the Owls' 16 games and has knocked down 47 3s - 32 more than his next-closest teammate (Pierre-Louis).

ABOUT EAST CAROLINA (8-8, 1-3): East Carolina fell at Central Florida 76-65 in its last game as the team shot poorly from the field (39.7 percent), the 3-point line (5-of-19) and the foul line (14-of-24). Jayden Gardner continued to enjoy a terrific freshman campaign with 35 points and 20 rebounds, as he made more baskets than all of his teammates combined and pulled down more than half of the team's rebounds. The 35 points marked a career high for the 6-foot-6, 245-pound forward, while the 20 rebounds also were a career high as Gardner notched his seventh double-double.

TIP-INS

1. East Carolina F Seth LeDay (11.7 points) is coming off a three-point performance on 0-of-3 shooting versus UCF.

2. Temple won last season's only meeting 90-73 as Rose scored 23 points.

3. Nobody on Temple has more than eight blocks this season.

PREDICTION: Temple 72, East Carolina 66

[Can'tPickAWinner]

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Vanderbilt Commodores Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NCAAB Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

South Carolina looks to stay perfect in the SEC when it visits Vanderbilt on Wednesday. The Gamecocks have won four in a row, including their first three SEC contests, while the Commodores are still looking for their first victory in league play after three losses.

South Carolina senior forward Chris Silva leads a balanced offense for coach Frank Martin, averaging 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. Freshman forward A.J. Lawson chips in 12.6 points while senior guard Hassani Gravett averages 11.3 points but has upped his average to 17 in league play. Vanderbilt coach Bryce Drew's squad is led by 6-10 freshman forward Simisola Shittu, who paces the team in scoring (14.1) and rebounding (8.1). Sophomore guard Saben Lee runs the Commodores' offense, scoring 12.0 points and dishing out 3.6 assists, though Vanderbilt is hoping to find the basket more often in this one after scoring a season-low 47 points in a loss at No. 14 Kentucky on Saturday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network

ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA (8-7, 3-0 SEC): Silva had 14 points in the Gamecocks' win over Missouri on Sunday, but it was a dominant performance for all that Silva does on the floor. South Carolina outscored the Tigers by 29 points when Silva was on the court, and he finished with four rebounds, four blocks, three steals and two assists in the contest, using his physical style to help foul out Missouri center Jeremiah Tilmon. Martin - always a defensive-minded coach - loves the way Silva protects the rim on the defensive end, allowing his teammates to be more aggressive going for steals and turnovers knowing they have him backing them up.

ABOUT VANDERBILT (9-6, 0-3): The Commodores were a respectable sixth in the SEC in rebounding entering Tuesday, grabbing 38.8 per contest for all games this season. But that average has taken a hit in league play, with the Commodores grabbing 32.3, while opponents are getting 39 rebounds per contest. Part of it could have to do with Vanderbilt's poor shooting in its three SEC games (36.2 percent from the floor, 60.7 percent from the free-throw line), which allows opponents chances at more defensive rebounds, but Drew will need to get his team not just shooting better but battling on the boards stronger if the Commodores are going to start getting some league wins.

TIP-INS

1. Gravett was 0-of-6 from the field Sunday but was 12-of-12 from the free-throw line, setting career bests with both totals.

2. Vanderbilt shot 36.2 percent from the field against Kentucky, its second straight game of sub-.400 shooting.

3. The Gamecocks were forcing 13.6 turnovers per game prior to conference play but have upped that average to 17 in SEC contests, leading to 20.7 points per contest.

PREDICTION: South Carolina 78, Vanderbilt 69

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Penn St. Nittany Lions Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NCAAB Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

Iowa has authored quite a turnaround from an 0-3 start in Big Ten play, and the 24th-ranked Hawkeyes will try to keep their run going when they visit last-place Penn State on Wednesday. Behind 16 points from sophomore forward Luka Garza, Iowa raced past then-No. 17 Ohio State on Saturday for its third consecutive victory - all by at least nine points - since a loss at Purdue on Jan. 3.

"We've really come together as a group," coach Fran McCaffery told reporters. "But we're not there yet. We've got to keep going." The Nittany Lions are headed in the other direction with the conference's worst offense, which shot 36.7 percent from the floor in Sunday's 71-56 home loss to No. 6 Michigan State. Patrick Chambers' team is averaging just 58 points in its six Big Ten defeats while shooting a league-worst 38.2 percent and just 56.6 percent from the line, which ranks 13th out of 14 teams in conference action. "We haven't brought it all together yet," Chambers told reporters. "We still have 14 (games) to go and we can turn this ship around right away."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

ABOUT IOWA (14-3, 3-3 Big Ten): Junior forward Tyler Cook leads the Hawkeyes in scoring (17.1 points per game) and rebounding (8.3), but he missed last Wednesday's win at Northwestern with a knee issue and left Saturday's tilt early due to an ankle injury. "He's a little sore," McCaffery told reporters after the game. "We'll see how he does in the next couple of days." Garza is second on the team in scoring (12.9) and junior guard Jordan Bohannon is fourth (10.8), but he has just 14 total points on 3-of-14 shooting over his last two games.

ABOUT PENN STATE (7-10, 0-6): Junior forward Lamar Stevens scored 20 points in the loss to the Spartans, the eighth time he's reached that mark this season, and he entered Tuesday ranked fifth in the Big Ten in scoring (18.6). Freshman guard Rasir Bolton is second on the team with 11.8 points per game but he has seemingly hit a wall with a total of 11 on 3-of-21 shooting over his last three games, receiving just six minutes of action Sunday as Chambers looked for points elsewhere. "I'm trying to manage him right now [and] put him in the best position to be successful," Chambers told the media of Bolton. "We all struggle sometimes."

TIP-INS

1. Penn State's bench has produced a total of six points on 2-of-25 shooting over the last three games.

2. Hawkeyes junior F Ryan Kriener averages 5.4 points but has scored in double figures in three of his last four contests.

3. The Nittany Lions took both meetings last season, including an 82-58 triumph at home behind 19 points and 10 rebounds by F Mike Watkins, who is averaging 11.5 points and 10.8 rebounds during his team's current four-game slide.

PREDICTION: Iowa 68, Penn State 65

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Butler Bulldogs vs. DePaul Blue Demons Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NCAAB Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

Butler's pronounced struggles away from home are putting their path to a fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in peril. The Bulldogs look to snap a seven-game road losing streak and continue their dominance of DePaul on Wednesday when the Big East Conference rivals meet in Chicago.

"We just have to stay after it and keep pounding the rock. Just looking for a breakthrough, and you just keep believing, keep fighting, keep playing, and do everything you can until that moment comes," coach LaVall Jordan said after watching Butler see a late 10-point lead evaporate against Xavier en route to its fourth loss in five outings. Junior guard Kamar Baldwin scored 18 points to lead the team in scoring for the fourth straight contest and totaled 28 in double-digit victories over DePaul last season to run the Bulldogs' winning streak in the series to nine games. The Blue Demons have answered a three-game slide with back-to-back victories over Seton Hall and St. John's, with senior forward Femi Olujobi collecting a season-high 27 points and eight rebounds in a 79-71 over the Red Storm on Saturday. "We're at the most important stage of our program in that we're figuring out how to win, particularly late-game situations," coach Dave Leitao said.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS1

ABOUT BUTLER (10-7, 1-3 Big East): Paul Jorgensen drilled 4 of 7 3-point attempts -- including two during the Bulldogs' 10-0 surge in the first half -- to provide 14 points off the bench versus the Musketeers. The senior guard's sharpshooting from the outside came on the heels of a 3-for-12 performance from 3-point range over his last four games. Highly touted sophomore forward Jordan Tucker put forth his best all-around performance (12 points, eight rebounds) in a career-high 25 minutes of action against Xavier after sinking just 4 of 23 shots in his previous three games combined.

ABOUT DEPAUL (10-5, 2-2): The Blue Demons are led by the senior trio of Max Strus (team-leading 18.4 points per game, 7.6 rebounds), Eli Cain (13.7, club-best 4.0 assists) and Olujobi (11.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg). Strus, in fact, recorded his second double-double in a seven-game stretch by collecting 14 points and 12 rebounds against St. John's and erupted for 27 points on 8-of-17 shooting -- including 5-for-10 from 3-point range -- in DePaul's 79-67 loss to Butler on Jan. 20, 2018. Cain, who had 14 points and seven assists in that contest, scored 14 on Saturday to reach double digits for the 11th time this season.

TIP-INS

1. Sophomore Fs Paul Reed (7.3 rpg) and Jaylen Butz (5.9 rpg) are aggressive on the glass for a DePaul team that holds a distinct size advantage over Butler.

2. The Bulldogs' last 1-3 start to conference play occurred in 2015-16, although that team went on to finish 10-8 and secure an NCAA Tournament bid.

3. Blue Demons sophomore G Devin Gage answered a 9-for-17 performance from the field in his previous two games by making just one of his six shots against St. John's as well as missing all four free throw attempts.

PREDICTION: Butler 69, DePaul 63

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Iowa State Cyclones vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NCAAB Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

One game after ending a 22-game road losing streak to Texas, No. 9 Texas Tech attempts to become the first team in school history to begin Big 12 play with five consecutive wins when they host high-scoring Iowa State on Wednesday. The Cyclones, who debuted in the national rankings a week ago after topping No. 8 Kansas for a fifth straight victory, fell out of the polls after losses to Baylor and Kansas State by a combined four points.

Texas Tech leads the nation by limiting opponents to 33.8 percent shooting and ranks 28th by forcing 16.9 turnovers per game -- which adds up to the second-best scoring defense in the nation at 54 points per contest -- while Iowa State is the Big 12's top scoring team at 79.8 points per game. The Red Raiders, just the second team in school history to begin a season 15-1, got 22 points from Matt Mooney to help overcome a four-point halftime deficit for a 68-62 victory Saturday. Despite allowing Kansas State to shoot just 35.7 percent from the floor, Iowa State lost 58-57 on Saturday after the Wildcats used a 6-0 run to close the game. Nick Weiler-Babb was the lone Cyclones player in double figures with 11 points as Big 12 leading scorer Marial Shayok was held to just nine.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT IOWA STATE (12-4, 2-2 Big 12): Shayok, who is averaging 19.4 points per game despite his lowest scoring performance this season against Kansas State, is shooting 51.8 percent from the floor, 38.5 percent on 3-pointers and 85.7 percent at the line - the only player in the nation averaging at least 19 points and shooting 51-38-85 percent. Freshman Tyrese Haliburton has been among the biggest surprises in the Big 12 this season, ranking among the league's leaders in assists (3rd, 4.1), field goal percentage (7th, 55.7), steals (1st, 2.1), 3-point percentage (1st, 46.8) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1st, 4.7). The Cyclones are shooting 48.1 percent from the field, which ranks second among Big 12 teams, leads the conference in free-throw shooting at 72.1 percent, turnover margin (plus-4.1) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.5).

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (15-1, 4-0): Mooney shot 8-of-10 from the floor against the Longhorns, including two 3-pointers to open the second half while Jarrett Culver had 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists and Tariq Owens scored 12 points. Culver leads the Red Raiders with 18.7 points (third in the Big 12), 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while Owens (8.1 points, 5.1 rebounds) ranks 11th nationally and first in the Big 12 with 42 total blocks and 2.63 per game. Mooney (11.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists) is third in the Big 12 with 1.88 steals per game.

TIP-INS

1. Iowa State owns a 19-14 edge in the series, but Texas Tech leads 10-5 in games played in Lubbock. The Cyclones have won five of the last seven meetings, including three of the last four.

2. Iowa State owns six wins against Top-10 schools under Steve Prohm. His next win against a Top-10 team will match him with Fred Hoiberg for the second-most in school history.

3. Texas Tech is 10-0 at home this season and 43-4 on its home court under coach Chris Beard.

PREDICTION: Texas Tech 71, Iowa State 58

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Clemson Tigers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NCAAB Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

Georgia Tech is off to an encouraging start in ACC play, pushing No. 7 Virginia Tech in a three-point home loss and upsetting Syracuse on the road heading into Wednesday's contest at struggling Clemson. The Yellow Jackets preach defense as the path to competitiveness and that was on display against the Orange, as Georgia Tech limited Syracuse to 31.6 percent shooting from the field - even more impressive considering Syracuse upset No. 2 Duke on Monday.

"We just mix and match and we do the best we can," Georgia Tech coach Josh Pastner told reporters postgame, praising a defense that ranks 16th nationally in points allowed per game (62.1). "Our mentality is through defense and through our defensive mindset." The Tigers are 0-3 in the ACC for the first time since 1999-2000 and were suffocated in a 63-43 home loss to top-ranked Virginia on Saturday. Clemson hit just 25.9 percent of its shots from the field and only placed one player in double figures. "We've got 15 (ACC) games left," Clemson forward David Skara told the media afterward. "We're still a good team."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS South

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (10-6, 2-1 ACC): The Yellow Jackets pulled away in the second half against Syracuse, combining their strong defense with 68.2 percent shooting from the field and 5-of-7 from 3-point range. Jose Alvarado scored 19 points in the victory and the team's leading scorer at 13.9 points per contest is averaging 17.3 points in conference play. James Banks III struggled in the Virginia Tech loss, but in the two ACC victories is averaging 18 points, 5.5 rebounds and three blocks per game.

ABOUT CLEMSON (10-6, 0-3 ACC): Slow starts have hindered the Tigers in their first three league contests, and even after drawing within 29-27 early in the second half Saturday, Clemson scored just 16 points the rest of the way. Marcquise Reed scored a team-best 14 points Saturday and added eight rebounds, while Elijah Thomas pulled down 12 rebounds in the loss. Reed ranks fourth in the ACC in scoring at 18.9 points per game, but the Tigers are 14th in the league and 242nd nationally in scoring offense (71.4 points per game).

TIP-INS

1. Reed is third in the ACC in free-throw percentage at 82.9, while teammate Shelton Mitchell ranks fourth at 82.5 percent.

2. Banks averages 2.47 blocks per game, ranking third in the ACC and 15th in the nation.

3. The Yellow Jackets are shooting 55.3 percent from the field and 36 percent from 3-point range in their past five games.

PREDICTION: Clemson 72, Georgia Tech 68

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Preview and Predictions 2019-01-16

NCAAB Predictions 15th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/15/2019

Minnesota travels to Illinois on Wednesday in a battle between one of the best rebounding teams in the Big Ten and one the worst. The Golden Gophers, who are second in the conference with 13.4 offensive rebounds per game, are 11-0 when winning the battle of the boards, and they hope to take down the Fighting Illini for the third time in as many seasons while notching back-to-back Big Ten road victories in the process following an 88-70 victory against Rutgers on Saturday.


A lot of guys are doing a lot of good things," Minnesota coach Richard Pitino told reporters. "I think when we're fully healthy that we're a really good team." Illinois put up a brave fight against the fourth-ranked team in the nation before succumbing to a 79-69 setback to Michigan on Thursday. The Fighting Illini, who are averaging a Big Ten-worst 33.6 rebounds per game, have dropped five consecutive contests and hope to salvage a season that is quickly spiralling out of control by knocking off Minnesota for the first time since Mar. 9, 2016. "This is a very good basketball team and Richard is doing a great job," Illinois coach Brad Underwood told reporters. "They're a team that hurts you the old fashion way as they try to smash you on the boards."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network


ABOUT MINNESOTA (13-3, 3-2 Big Ten): Amir Coffey is in the midst of a breakout year as the junior guard poured in a game-high 29 points on 10-of-14 shooting to go along with four assists in the win against Rutgers. Jordan Murphy added 15 points and 14 rebounds against the Scarlet Knights to register his 10th double-double of the season while moving past Draymond Green (1,096) for fourth place on the Big Ten's all-time rebounding list with 1,104. Dupree McBrayer also scored 15 points and dished out 10 assists to record the first double-double of his career while Gabe Kalscheur finished with 11 points.

ABOUT ILLINOIS (4-12, 0-5): Ayo Dosunmu continues to be a bright spot on offense as the freshman guard racked up 19 of his game-high 23 points in the first half against Michigan to finish with over 20 for the third time in four games. Dosunmu added seven rebounds and a pair of blocked shots while fellow freshman Giorgi Bezhanishvili added 15 points against the Wolverines to finish in double figures for the seventh time. Trent Frazier knocked down three 3-pointers en route to 13 points after going 3-for-16 from beyond the arc in his previous three games.


TIP-INS

1. Coffey is averaging 23.4 points in Big Ten play.

2. Illinois is 4-19 in conference games since the start of the 2017-18 season.

3. Murphy has notched 55 double-doubles in his career.


PREDICTION: Illinois 76, Minnesota 75