Friday 1-18-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Tampa Bay Downs - Race #5 - Post: 2:48pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $13,200 Class Rating: 70

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#14 FIESTA MOON (ML=6/1)
#5 RECONSIDER IT (ML=3/1)


FIESTA MOON - Nice return on investment for this jock and trainer tandem. Speed ratings on the turf point to this thoroughbred as a legit contender. Has the best in the field for this dist-surf. A definite class advantage goes to this horse. A pretty good sign she will be very competitive in this race on the turf. RECONSIDER IT - A repeat of that last performance on December 30th where she notched a speed rating of 64 looks good enough to win in this event. Have to make this mare a solid contender; she comes off a good effort on Dec 30th. Note that although this mare finished second in her last race, she was well ahead of the third place horse. This is a classic positive angle. The improved speed figs over the last 3 races is solid. Sweezey drops her in this clash fit and ready to go. This mare is utmost in earnings per start. Take a long look at this one in the paddock.

Vulnerable Contenders: #11 OVER TO YOU (ML=4/1), #12 THEA AFRODITI (ML=5/1), #7 YOU ARE INVITED (ML=6/1),

OVER TO YOU - This filly recorded a rating in her last event which probably isn't good enough in today's race. THEA AFRODITI - Nice race on Dec 30th at Tampa Bay Downs, but the fact that there are no workouts since has to make one a little worried. This pony ran a somewhat easily forgotten speed rating last out. She shouldn't improve and will probably get beat today running that fig. YOU ARE INVITED - This runner ran a pedestrian speed figure last time out. She shouldn't run better and will likely get beat in today's event running that figure.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #14 FIESTA MOON to win if you can get at least 2/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,14]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
Skip

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Montreal Canadiens vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Preview and Predictions 2019-01-18

NHL Predictions 17th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/17/2019

The Columbus Blue Jackets have ascended to the top of the Metropolitan Division on the heels of four consecutive victories and will look to match a season-best winning streak when they host the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night in the finale of a three-game homestand. Winners of five of six overall, the Blue Jackets are also riding a four-game win streak at home.

Two-time Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky on Thursday declined to address a report that he is willing to waive his no-trade clause but did praise the recent play of backup Joonas Korpisalo. "He's playing well for the team," Bobrovsky said of Korpisalo, who has started three times during the current winning streak. "It's good for him. It's good for the team." Montreal also received a boost from its backup netminder, extending its winning streak to three games as Antti Niemi made a career-best 52 saves in Tuesday's 5-1 win over Florida. The Canadiens will be without forward Paul Byron, who will serve the first contest of a three-game suspension for his hit on Panthers defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, RSN2, RDS (Montreal), FS Ohio (Columbus)

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (26-17-5): Carey Price will be back in net for Montreal after posting two of his better back-to-back performances of the season, registering a shutout against Colorado before turning aside 41 shots in a 3-2 win at Boston. Coach Claude Julien said he plans to replace Byron with either Charles Hudon and Matthew Peca, who each practiced on the third line alongside Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Joel Armia. "When you lose Byron, you also lose a penalty-killer," Julien said. "So it's not always who should go in, but who is the right guy to put in. So they will definitely get an opportunity."

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (28-15-3): Columbus' No. 1 line of Artemi Panarin, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Cam Atkinson have sparked the team's latest surge -- all three have points in the past four games while Panarin has five goals during a four-game streak and Atkinson has scored in three straight to boost his team-leading total to 27. Forward Brandon Dubinsky, sidelined since hurting his hamstring on Jan. 8, was activated off injured reserve Thursday and is expected to rejoin the lineup. Bobrovsky is 9-5-1 with a 2.00 goals-against average versus Montreal, but coach John Tortorella declined to name a starter Thursday.

OVERTIME

1. Price is 7-3-1 with a 2.07 goals-against average versus Columbus.

2. Panarin has mustered just one goal in 13 matchups against the Canadiens.

3. Montreal's league-worst power play is 2-for-23 over the last nine games.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 3, Canadiens 2

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Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers Preview and Predictions 2019-01-18

NHL Predictions 17th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/17/2019

The Florida Panthers have had no reason to celebrate since New Year's Eve, losing each of their first seven games of 2019. They vie for their first win of the calendar year when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday.

Florida has gone 0-5-2 since recording a shootout victory in Detroit on Dec. 31 and scored one goal in each of its last two setbacks, including a 5-1 defeat at Montreal on Tuesday. Mike Hoffman scored his team-leading 22nd goal, matching his total in 82 games with Ottawa last season, as the Panthers concluded their 0-4-1 road trip. Toronto avoided a third straight loss and fourth in five contests by posting a 4-2 victory at Tampa Bay on Thursday. Patrick Marleau and Nazem Kadri each scored and set up another while Mitch Marner extended his goal-scoring streak to four games - and increased his team-leading point total to 60 - with his 19th of the season.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet Ontario (Toronto), FS Florida

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (29-15-2): Kadri's goal against the Lightning was his 10th of 2018-19, marking the seventh straight season he has reached double digits. It also ended his 10-game drought and followed a stretch during which he tallied twice in 27 contests. John Tavares registered his eighth multi-point performance in 13 contests Thursday as he notched a pair of assists after being kept off the scoresheet in three of his previous four games.

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (17-20-8): Florida will be without defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, who was placed on injured reserve Thursday after exiting the loss to the Canadiens and being put in concussion protocol following a high hit from Paul Byron, who received a three-game suspension for his actions. The 25-year-old Weegar has recorded a goal and six assists in 42 contests this season. Vincent Trocheck, who hasn't placed since Nov. 19 because of a broken right ankle, participated in his first full practice since suffering the injury Thursday and likely will return to action after the All-Star break.

OVERTIME

1. The Panthers recalled D Josh Brown, who was a sixth-round pick in the 2013 draft but has yet to make his NHL debut, from Springfield of the American Hockey League to replace Weegar on the roster.

2. Marleau ended his nine-game point drought with Thursday's performance.

3. Florida's slide is its longest since a nine-game skid (0-5-4) from Oct. 22-Nov. 10, 2013.

PREDICTION: Maple Leafs 5, Panthers 2

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Ottawa Senators vs. Carolina Hurricanes Preview and Predictions 2019-01-18

NHL Predictions 17th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/17/2019

After enduring another loss in their personal house of horrors at Madison Square Garden, the Carolina Hurricanes look to reclaim their momentum when they host the Ottawa Senators on Friday night. Carolina lost for only the second time in the past nine games when it dropped a 6-2 decision at the New York Rangers -- its 16th consecutive road defeat in that series.

"It's something that's frustrating this time of year when we need the points, but it's a long year," Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour told reporters. "We've got to regroup and put it behind us." Carolina has won five straight overall at home and pushed its winning streak over the Senators to five games with a 5-4 win at Ottawa on Jan. 6. Buoyed by the return of two of their top players, the Senators made it three wins in four games by rolling to a 5-2 victory over Colorado on Wednesday night. Starting goaltender Craig Anderson, sidelined the past 11 games due to a concussion, will join the team on the two-game trek, although Anders Nilsson is expected to start versus the Hurricanes.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, RDS2, TSN5 (Ottawa), FS Carolina

ABOUT THE SENATORS (18-24-5): Matt Duchene, out the past three games following the birth of his son, returned to the lineup for the first time since scoring at Ottawa and had a pair of goals and an assist to spark the win over Colorado. "My main focus coming in today was to just try and meld back into the lineup the best I could and fit in with what the guys had been doing on the road," said Duchene, who has scored five goals during a four-game streak. "They had been playing so well." All-Star defenseman Thomas Chabot also returned after missing eight games and recorded an assist and eight shots on goal.

ABOUT THE HURRICANES (22-19-5): Carolina made a move to bolster its offense on Thursday by acquiring Nino Niederreiter from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Victor Rask in what amounted to a swap of underachieving forwards. The No. 5 overall pick of the New York Islanders in the 2010 draft, the 26-year-old Niederreiter notched three consecutive 20-goal seasons with the Wild before dipping to 18 in 2017-10 and only nine in 46 games this season. "We're excited to welcome a proven goal-scorer and veteran presence in Nino Niederreiter," general manager Don Waddell said. "We wish Victor the best moving forward."

OVERTIME

1. Hurricanes F Sebastian Aho, who has five goals in his last three games, has seven points in seven meetings versus Ottawa.

2. The Senators have lost six straight against Metropolitan Division teams.

3. Hurricanes backup G Curtis McElhinney is dealing with a knee issue that will keep him out a few days.

PREDICTION: Hurricanes 4, Senators 3

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New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals Preview and Predictions 2019-01-18

NHL Predictions 18th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/18/2019

All eyes will be on coach Barry Trotz when his red-hot New York Islanders visit the struggling Washington Capitals on Friday. Trotz, who returns to Capitol One Arena for the first time since leading Washington to its first Stanley Cup championship last spring and leaving the club two weeks later over financial differences, has New York near the top of the Metropolitan Division with a much-improved defense.

"You can't say enough about Barry and the impact that he had as the head coach,'' Capitals first-year coach Todd Reirden told the Washington Post. "I wouldn't be here in this organization if it wasn't for Barry, so I have a ton of respect for him. But that being said, we would really like to use that as a time to respond to our little rough patch here and make sure that we're ready to finish the final four games the right way here before the All-Star break, so it's an important game for us." The Capitals have lost three straight following a 7-2 beatdown at Nashville on Tuesday - a streak coinciding with the absence of Braden Holtby. Washington's No. 1 goaltender, however, was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and is expected to start in what would be his first appearance since leaving Saturday's 2-1 overtime loss to Columbus after Cam Atkinson's stick struck him in the left eye. The Islanders moved into sole possession of third place in the Metropolitan - one point behind Columbus and Washington - after their 10th victory in 12 games, a 4-1 win over New Jersey on Thursday that was powered by two goals from captain Anders Lee.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet East, MSG Plus (New York), NBCS Washington

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (27-15-4): Michael Dal Colle, the fifth overall pick in the 2014 draft, scored his first NHL goal Thursday in his 10th game. Mathew Barzal, the team's only All-Star representative, has registered a club-leading 43 points, including a goal and four assists in his last five games, while Lee's 18 tallies pace the team. Defenseman Nick Leddy has notched half of his 16 points this season - all assists - in his last 10 contests after collecting two on Thursday and owns a plus-1 rating after finishing minus-42 last season.

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (27-14-5): Captain Alex Ovechkin (league-high 33 goals this season) has collected three goals and two assists during his four-game point streak while his 640 career tallies are 50 shy of Mario Lemieux, who ranks 10th on the all-time list. Nicklas Backstrom, whose 46 points are six behind team-leader Ovechkin, has notched only two points - both goals - in six games this month. Defenseman John Carlson, who along with Holtby will represent Washington on the Metropolitan Division All-Star team, has recorded four of his 43 points in the last five contests and possesses a plus-21 rating.

OVERTIME

1. New York owns the stingiest defense in the league at 2.52 goals allowed per game after yielding an NHL-high 3.57 last season.

2. The Islanders are 12-for-12 on the penalty kill in their last four contests.

3. Washington posted its third straight win in the all-time series on Nov. 26, a 4-1 triumph in the first of four meetings this season thanks to a pair of goals by RW Tom Wilson and 32 saves from Holtby, who is 15-4-3 with a 2.39 goals-against average and .922 save percentage against the Islanders.

PREDICTION: Capitals 3, Islanders 2

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Detroit Red Wings vs. Calgary Flames Preview and Predictions 2019-01-18

NHL Predictions 17th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/17/2019

The Calgary Flames have catapulted to the top of the Western Conference standings on the strength of an 8-1-2 run, however, Bill Peters' team was left with a sour taste in its mouth after sustaining its first home loss in three weeks. The Flames vie to get back to their winning ways on Friday when they complete their five-game homestand against the Detroit Red Wings to Scotiabank Saddledome.

"We were good there for a while winning a bunch in a row, but we've got to start a new streak here," Matthew Tkachuk said after extending his goal-scoring run to four games and point streak to six (six goals, two assists) following Wednesday's 4-3 overtime loss to Buffalo. Fellow forward Johnny Gaudreau collected a goal and an assist against the Sabres to push his point streak to nine games (nine goals, 11 assists) heading into Friday's tilt versus the Red Wings, against whom he scored a goal and set up three others in a 5-3 win in Detroit on Jan. 2. The Red Wings answered a dismal 1-7-2 stretch by recording back-to-back wins for the first time since Nov. 28-Dec. 1 to put a bit of a spring in their step ahead of a three-game trek through Western Canada. "It's been a long time, so that feels nice, obviously," Gustav Nyquist said following wins over Minnesota and ice-cold Anaheim. "I think we've been trending in the right direction for quite a while, to be honest with you, and not getting the wins. At the same time, it feels like we stand here talking about that and at some point, you've got to prove it. Hopefully, we can use these two wins and build on them."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN-Plus, FS Detroit-Plus, TVAS, Sportsnet West (Calgary)

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (18-23-7): Detroit reportedly is asking for a first-round pick in exchange for either Gustav or goaltender Jimmy Howard prior to the trade deadline, according to Ansar Khan of MLive.com. The pending unrestricted free agents likely won't be leaving the Motor City, however, and Khan reported that the team intends to sign both to contract extensions over the next month. Gustav's 40 points (11 goals, club-best 29 assists) trail only fellow forward Dylan Larkin on the team while the 34-year-old Howard has yielded just three goals in back-to-back wins to improve to 13-12-5 in a season that will bring about an appearance in his second career All-Star Game later this month.

ABOUT THE FLAMES (30-13-5): Although captain Mark Giordano followed up his NHL First Star of the Week honor by setting up a goal versus Buffalo to boost his point streak to five games (three goals, six assists), the blue-liner lamented a few defensive lapses following the loss. "We know we can be better. We gave up a few breakaways we don't usually do," the 35-year-old Giordano said. Elias Lindholm is also riding a five-game point streak (one goal, six assists) heading into the matchup with Detroit, against which he scored a goal and set up two others in the first encounter.

OVERTIME

1. Calgary announced on Thursday that it will retire former captain Jarome Iginla's No. 12 jersey on March 2.

2. Larkin saw his 14-game point streak halted versus the Flames, but has rebounded with one goal and five assists in his last six outings to boost his team-leading point total to 45.

3. Calgary C Sean Monahan has 18 points (four goals, 14 assists) in his last 11 contests, including a goal and an assist against Detroit on Jan. 2.

PREDICTION: Flames 4, Red Wings 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Arizona Coyotes Preview and Predictions 2019-01-18

NHL Predictions 17th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/17/2019

The Pittsburgh Penguins answered their longest losing skid in nearly three years with a dominating performance against the Arizona Coyotes in November. After dropping back-to-back three-goal decisions, the Penguins hope that a visit to the Coyotes will once again cure what ails them when the teams get together at Gila River Arena on Friday.

Captain Sidney Crosby collected a goal and an assist in a 4-0 triumph on Nov. 10, giving Pittsburgh its seventh win in its last nine encounters with Arizona. The two-time Hart Trophy winner wasn't as fortunate in Tuesday's 5-2 setback in San Jose, as he was held off the scoresheet after recording 23 (five goals, 18 assists) of his team-leading 55 points in his previous 15 games. While the Penguins had won 10 of 11 before their modest slide, Arizona recorded its fourth win in five outings following Wednesday's 6-3 victory versus the Sharks to crawl within earshot of the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. "If you look at the standings right now, it's wide open," captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson said. "We're right there. I don't know how, to be honest with you, with a lot of injuries. We're just finding ways right now to get points and that's what we have to do."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, FS Arizona

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (25-15-6): Phil Kessel, who has five points (one goal, four assists) in his last five contests overall, set up Crosby's second-period goal to extend his point streak to 10 games against Arizona. Jake Guentzel notched a pair of goals in that meeting and has 18 points (11 goals, seven assists) in his last 16 outings overall. Matt Murray, who saw his career-high nine-game winning streak halted versus the Sharks, has turned aside 71 of 74 shots to win all three of his lifetime contests versus the Coyotes.

ABOUT THE COYOTES (21-22-3): Ekman-Larsson scored his sixth goal of the season on Wednesday to boost his career total to 108, matching Teppo Numminen for the franchise record among defensemen. "He was a good player for a long time here," the 27-year-old Swede said of Numminen, who played with the Winnipeg/Phoenix organization for 15 seasons before suiting up with Dallas and Buffalo. "Tying his record means a lot to me. I'm fortunate enough, like I've said before, being here for nine years. I have been playing with a lot of good players along the way and they've been helping me, so it's a lot of fun." Clayton Keller (team-leading 23 assists, 32 points) is also on the cusp of history as he has 99 points in 131 games -- with one more, he will pass Max Domi (154 games) as the quickest in franchise history to 100.

OVERTIME

1. Arizona G Darcy Kuemper has yielded eight goals during his four-game winning streak, but has permitted seven while going 0-2-0 in his career versus Pittsburgh.

2. Penguins had posted a 7-1-1 mark against Pacific Division foes prior to their 5-2 setbacks to Los Angeles (Saturday) and San Jose.

3. Coyotes C Alex Galchenyuk has recorded 14 of his 25 points in the last 12 games.

PREDICTION: Penguins 3, Coyotes 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Buffalo Sabres vs. Vancouver Canucks Preview and Predictions 2019-01-18

NHL Predictions 17th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/17/2019

It looks like the Vancouver Canucks will be a bit more patient with rookie phenom Elias Pettersson as they continue a six-game homestand Friday against the Buffalo Sabres. Pettersson, who is a prohibitive favorite to win the Calder Trophy, is expected to miss his fifth straight game with a knee injury, according to coach Travis Green, after piling up 22 goals and 42 points - numbers that dwarf all other NHL rookies.

Vancouver, which is 1-0-2 on its homestand after Wednesday's 3-2 shootout loss to Edmonton, and Buffalo sit just outside wild-card position in their respective conferences with the Sabres potentially facing less of a logjam. Buffalo snapped a three-game losing streak Wednesday with a 4-3 victory over Calgary on captain Jack Eichel's overtime goal, improving to 10-3-1 versus the Pacific Division this season. "Every win is very important for us at this time of the season,'' Sabres goaltender Linus Ullmark told reporters after making 30 saves. "We want to get to the (Stanley Cup) playoffs, and getting to the playoffs means winning these games.'' Buffalo prevailed 4-3 in a shootout Nov. 10 in the first of two meetings this season behind 36 saves from Carter Hutton, who is 2-1-0 with a 1.80 goals-against average and .943 save percentage versus Vancouver.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, MSG Buffalo, Sportsnet Pacific (Vancouver)

ABOUT THE SABRES (24-17-6): Eichel (16 goals, team-high 51 points) was kept off the scoresheet for five straight games before recording a goal and an assist Wednesday. Jeff Skinner's 30 goals were second in the league to Washington's Alex Ovechkin (33) entering Thursday's games, but he hasn't scored in three contests since recording four in the first four January matches. Rasmus Dahlin scored his fifth goal of the season Wednesday and leads NHL rookie defenseman with 26 points - six during a five-game point streak.

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (21-21-6): Bo Horvat, who is second on the team in goals (17) and points (37), hasn't scored in 10 games and recorded three assists during that span. Brock Boeser, the 2018 Calder Trophy runner-up, has 15 goals but only one in his last seven contests. Jacob Markstrom (18-12-5, 2.80, .908) has allowed a total of three goals in his last two games and has permitted three or fewer in 13 of his past 15 contests, going 10-3-2, 2.11, .926 in that time.

OVERTIME

1. Vancouver is 1-for-16 with the man advantage while killing 9-of-10 penalties in its last five games.

2. Buffalo has allowed four goals in six short-handed situations over the last three contests while going 0-for-11 on the power play during that span and 1-for-20 in its past seven games.

3. The Canucks acquired Luke Schenn and a seventh-round draft pick in 2020 from Anaheim for fellow D Michael Del Zotto (plus-3, 17:57 in 23 games). Schenn will be assigned to AHL Utica.

PREDICTION: Canucks 3, Sabres 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Maryland Terrapins vs. Ohio St Buckeyes Preview and Predictions 2019-01-18

NCAAB Predictions 17th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/17/2019

The Big Ten is such a challenge this season, with as many as nine of the conference's 14 programs showing up in the rankings at some point, that teams such as Ohio State and No. 22 Maryland can experience a downturn in a week's time. Going into a Friday night matchup, the Buckeyes have lost three straight since the new year began after starting 12-1 and the surging Terrapins realize what could happen on a tough road trip that starts in Columbus and ends at No. 6 Michigan State.

Ohio State was ranked in the top 15 before losing to Michigan State, Rutgers and No. 24 Iowa in succession, but they've spent this week trying to regroup since last playing Saturday. Maryland has climbed back into the rankings after an impressive run that includes six consecutive wins (five against Big Ten opponents) since a Dec. 22 loss at home to Seton Hall. The Terrapins began the week with a 64-60 victory at home over Wisconsin on Monday in a game in which they allowed 15 first-half points, the fewest since holding Michigan State to 14 in 2014. Sophomore Bruno Fernando has played like a beast for Maryland, averaging 17.5 points, 12.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 73 percent from the field in two victories last week.

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

ABOUT OHIO STATE (12-4, 2-3 Big Ten): The Buckeyes have already matched their loss total in the conference from 2017-18 during coach Chris Holtmann's inaugural season and face the prospect of dropping several more with games upcoming at home against Purdue and on the road at Nebraska and No. 4 Michigan. Kaleb Wesson, Ohio State's big man and low-post threat at 6 feet 9, 270 pounds, has struggled with foul trouble and managed two points in Saturday's loss at Iowa. The Buckeyes need Wesson on the floor and he needs more help, but guards C.J. Jackson, Keyshawn Woods and Luther Muhammad have been inconsistent on offense.

ABOUT MARYLAND (15-3, 6-1): If it's not Fernando impacting the game, it's Anthony Cowan, the first Terrapins player to score 20 points or more in three consecutive Big Ten regular-season games. He averaged 24.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in wins over Minnesota, No. 25 Indiana and Wisconsin - and hit a key 3-pointer with 44 seconds left after Maryland blew a 21-point lead to help the Terrapins hold off the Badgers. Maryland has one of the youngest teams in the nation and yet it has gone 4-0 when trailing at the half in Big Ten games.

TIP-INS

1. Fernando was the Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week on Jan. 15, the first Maryland player to receive the award since it began in the 2009-10 season, and also was named Big Ten Player of the Week on Monday.

2. Maryland has started 6-1 in Big Ten play for the third time in the past four seasons.

3. Kaleb Wesson is the only Ohio State player with a double-figures scoring average in Big Ten play at 14.6 points per game.

PREDICTION: Maryland 74, Ohio State 68

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Northwestern Wildcats vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Preview and Predictions 2019-01-18

NCAAB Predictions 17th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/17/2019

There are very few easy wins available in the Big Ten, and the schedule hasn't afforded Northwestern many breaks in that regard yet, as five of its first six conference foes are ranked at the moment. The Wildcats hope to regain some confidence following consecutive double-digit losses Friday when they visit Rutgers.

Northwestern began league action in early December with back-to-back two-point setbacks against Top 25 teams in Indiana and Michigan before returning to Big Ten play with its most lopsided defeat of the season - an 81-55 decision at No. 6 Michigan State on Jan. 2. The Wildcats edged Illinois by two in their next contest before falling by 10 to No. 24 Iowa and, most recently, by 20 at fourth-ranked Michigan on Sunday without injured leading scorer Vic Law (lower-body injury). The Scarlet Knights were able to pull off an upset win over Ohio State on Jan. 9 but are in desperate need of a victory after losing their other three conference games - since returning to Big Ten play on Jan. 5 - by an average of 22.3 points. Some of Rutgers' recent struggles can be blamed on the absence of leading scorer and rebounder Eugene Omoruyi, who missed a second straight game due to a dislocated kneecap in Tuesday's 89-54 loss at Purdue.

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

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (10-7, 1-5 Big Ten): After combining for 16 points in his last two outings against Illinois and Michigan, Dererk Pardon (13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds) tallied 20 points Sunday - his fourth conference outing with at least 19 points - on 10-of-16 shooting. Fellow senior Ryan Taylor (12.5 points) was the only other Wildcat to finish in double figures with 15 points and has found his stroke from 3-point range, going 11-of-22 over the last three contests while knocking down at least three 3-pointers in each game. Northwestern announced about 45 minutes prior to game time Sunday that Law (team-high 17.3 points, 6.5 boards, 1.2 steals) would be unable to play, allowing Pete Nance to make his first career start in Law's absence; the 6-10 freshman tallied four blocks in 30 minutes.

ABOUT RUTGERS (8-8, 1-5): While Omoruyi (team-high marks of 14.6 points, 7.5 rebounds) has missed two games and most of a third with an injury that coach Steve Pikiell hopes he can return from next week, two freshmen (Myles Johnson and Montez Mathis) and junior newcomer (Shaq Carter) have posted career-high scoring efforts. Mathis has stepped up the most of the trio, topping his previous personal best of 16 points versus the Buckeyes by contributing 19 against the Boilermakers. Geo Baker (13.0 points, 4.4 assists) is the only other Scarlet Knight averaging more than eight points and has reached double figures in three straight outings, but the sophomore guard has committed 12 turnovers over that stretch and is shooting only 35.8 percent for the season.

TIP-INS

1. Northwestern has won nine of 11 in the all-time series, although Rutgers pulled off a 67-58 overtime victory at home in their only meeting last season.

2. The Scarlet Knights have been outscored 40-12 in points off turnovers over the last two games combined, including 24-6 against Purdue.

3. The Wildcats rank second in the Big Ten and 16th in the country in 3-point percentage defense (28.6).

PREDICTION: Northwestern 65, Rutgers 58

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ohio Bobcats vs. Toledo Rockets Preview and Predictions 2019-01-18

NCAAB Predictions 16th January 2019 By Charles Jay for Scores And Stats
by Charles Jay Scores & Stats on 01/16/2019

The Toledo Rockets have bounced back after a stinging pair of losses and performed rather convincingly in beating Miami of Ohio last time out. In doing so, they evened their Mid-American Conference record at 2-2.

The Ohio Bobcats are one of those teams about which it can be said that they blow hot and cold. Last time out they were cold, so the jury is still out as to what the future really holds for them.

These MAC squads get together for Friday night action at Toledo's Savage Arena.

TV: CBS Sports Network, 7 PM ET. LINE: Check Intertops for the latest line

ABOUT OHIO: It was most definitely "Brick City" for the Bobcats as they took the floor against Kent State on Tuesday night. All told, they hit just 20 of 63 shots from the field (31.7%) and went down to a decisive 66-52 defeat at home. Teyvion Kirk, the 6-4 sophomore guard, took 21 of the team's 43 shots from two-point range and made only four of them. And Ohio, not known for its long-range prowess, went just 4-of-20 from beyond the arc. The good news was that they managed 18 offensive rebounds, but they were able to do very little with it, in the process of dropping to 9-7 straight-up (4-11 against the points). They have now beaten the spread in only one of their last seven games. Ohio has blown away Marshall and Ball State by 17 and 18 points, respectively, but they are also capable of double-digit losses like they have sustained at the hands of South Florida, Bowling Green and now the Golden Flashes. That's the kind of scenario that is altogether possible, as this team is vulnerable to opponents who can get out to a big lead. After all, the Bobcats do not shoot three-pointers very well (just 30.1%, 315th in the nation) and they are one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the country (63.6%). They have to be able to get stops and can capitalize on that since they have held foes to just 23.4% in offensive rebounding opportunities (17th nationally). But they are essentially right at the national Division I average in defending both two-pointers and three-pointers, which does not inspire a lot of confidence. Jason Carter (16.9 ppg) and the aforementioned Kirk (16.3) are 1-2 in scoring, and if they can't get considerable contributions from one of the other players, they are in trouble.

ABOUT TOLEDO: Since being TKO'd to the tune of 110-80 by nationally-ranked Buffalo, the Rockets (14-3 SU, 10-6 ATS) have put together back-to-back wins over Western Michigan and Miami of Ohio. Tuesday's affair was a 71-59 decision over the RedHawks, and it came even through shooting that might have been slightly below standard. They got 19 points from Jaelan Sanford, who leads UT with 16.8 ppg, and there was a pretty good rebounding effort, where three different players (Willie Jackson, Spencer Littleson, Luke Knapke) had seven caroms apiece. Miami shot below 40% and had just four assists on the evening. Nate Navigato, however, shot just 2-of-12 from the field, and he has been shut down in a couple of these games since the MAC slate began. What makes the Rockets such a potentially tough opponent for Ohio is that they do two things extremely well that can help them to stretch leads - they hit three-pointers (39.2%, 19th-best in the country) and they are seventh in the nation in free throw shooting at 78.3%. And they don't put opponents on the line very often (14.2% of all points allowed), which means they have some of the components that can preclude big comebacks on the part of the opposition.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ohio's freshman forward Ben Vander Plas, who had been such a big asset coming off the bench in the early part of the schedule, continued his struggles. In 17 minutes, he had only two points, and he's now tallied just 23 in his last five games.

2. Toledo will get its return match with Buffalo (currently ranked 16th by the Associated Press and 17th in the Coaches' poll) on February 16 at the Savage Arena, and they'll have an entire week to prepare for it.

3. The lack of production on the part of Vander Plas is magnified when you consider that coach Saul Phillips apportions only 24% of the minutes to his bench, which is 324th among the 353 teams in Division I.

PREDICTION: Toledo 77, Ohio 60

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Buffalo Bulls Preview and Predictions 2019-01-18

NCAAB Predictions 17th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/17/2019

Buffalo will be in search of its 20th consecutive home victory Friday when it battles Eastern Michigan in a Mid-American Conference game. The No. 17 Bulls haven't tasted defeat at Alumni Arena in more than a year and haven't lost to the Eagles at home since the 2003-04 season while winning four straight overall in the series.

Jeremy Harris has been the Bulls' best player since the calendar turned to January, ranking second in the conference in scoring in league games at 20.5 points per contest, but without the contributions from some younger players, Nate Oats' team probably wouldn't have a chance to open 5-0 in the MAC for the second straight season. The Bulls survived a back-and-forth battle at Western Michigan on Tuesday thanks to some key plays from freshmen Jeenathan Williams and Ronaldo Segu. The duo combined for only seven points and two rebounds, but each hit a big bucket in the second half to help the Bulls hold the lead. Eastern Michigan's Elijah Minnie opened MAC play with three straight 20-point games, including 21 points and five 3-pointers in a 74-58 home loss to Buffalo on Jan. 4, but he had only eight as the Eagles scored 49 points, their fourth game this season with fewer than 50 points, in a loss to Akron on Tuesday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT EASTERN MICHIGAN (8-9, 2-2 MAC): Coach Rob Murphy can usually count on what he will get from the likes of Minnie, James Thompson IV - the nation's active career leader in rebounds (1,278) and double-doubles (65) - and Paul Jackson, but it is the other players that often leave him scratching his head. In the first meeting against Buffalo, the trio accounted for 45 points. Boubacar Toure, a transfer from Grand Canyon, has picked up the pace of late with 30 points and 18 rebounds in the last two games, but the 6-11 junior center had amassed nine total points in the four prior contests for the Eagles.

ABOUT BUFFALO (16-1, 4-0): Harris, who had 11 rebounds against Western Michigan to record his first double-double of the season, is taking advantage of the extra attention being paid to senior CJ Massinburg. Once the leading scorer in the MAC after coming up big against the likes of West Virginia (43 points) and Syracuse (25), Massinburg has slipped to No. 5 in the conference after averaging 13 points in league games, more than five off his average in non-conference tilts. The Dallas native has not allowed the lack of scoring to affect the rest of his game, judging by the seven rebounds and seven assists he had against Toledo and the nine boards he snared against Miami (Ohio) for the Bulls, whose last home loss came against St. Bonaventure on Dec. 2, 2017.

TIP-INS

1. Harris, who has averaged 8.3 rebounds in four MAC games, trails only Bowling Green's Justin Turner (22.5) in scoring in MAC games.

2. Thompson IV needs 148 rebounds and 13 double-doubles to pass Kennedy McIntosh (1967-71) as the program's all-time leaders in both categories.

3. Eastern Michigan, which has played the seventh most-difficult schedule in the nation according to kenpom.com, including games against No. 2 Duke and No. 8 Kansas, hasn't beaten a ranked team during the regular season since an 89-83 upset of No. 21 Michigan in December, 1997.

PREDICTION: Buffalo 84, Eastern Michigan 70

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Xavier Musketeers vs. Villanova Wildcats Preview and Predictions 2019-01-18

NCAAB Predictions 18th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/18/2019

After a mid-December hiccup, Villanova is starting to round into championship form. The 21st-ranked Wildcats continue their Big East schedule Friday when they host Xavier.

Villanova lost to Pennsylvania and Kansas in back-to-back games last month before rallying to win each of its last five games. The defending national champions slipped by Creighton 90-78 on Sunday as Phil Booth scored 19 of his 28 points in the second half. "He's got an incredible humility about him where when you need him, he's there," Villanova coach Jay Wright said of his senior point guard. "If you don't need him, he's doing all the little things and he's not complaining. It's what makes him a great leader and great player." Booth seeks his fourth straight 20-point effort when he faces a Xavier team that has won its last two games in exciting fashion.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

ABOUT XAVIER (11-7, 3-2 Big East): Xavier has rallied to win its last two games after trailing by double digits in both outings, including a 70-69 victory over Butler last weekend in which the team closed the game on a 16-5 run. Paul Scruggs made 5-of-8 3-pointers en route to 23 points and contributed eight rebounds to go along with six assists while playing all 40 minutes for the second straight game. Scruggs is tied with Naji Marshall for the team scoring lead (13.2 points), while Quentin Goodin contributes 12.6 points and a team-high 5.4 assists but has missed the last two games with a knee injury.

ABOUT VILLANOVA (13-4, 4-0): Villanova is the only unbeaten team in Big East play, having won its first three league games by six or fewer points before the comeback win against Creighton. In addition to Booth's big game against the Bluejays, fellow senior Eric Paschall contributed 21 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore Collin Gillespie had 14 points - his most in nearly a month - and matched his career high with four made 3-pointers.

TIP-INS

1. Goodin has missed 20 of his last 25 shots from the field.

2. Villanova won last season's two meetings with Xavier by 24 and 16 points.

3. After playing at least 16 minutes in the first 15 games, Villanova F Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree has played only five minutes in each of the last two contests.

PREDICTION: Villanova 77, Xavier 70

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Friday, January 18

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MARYLAND (15 - 3) at OHIO ST (12 - 4) - 1/18/2019, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARYLAND is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
MARYLAND is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MARYLAND is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MARYLAND is 2-1 against the spread versus OHIO ST over the last 3 seasons
MARYLAND is 2-1 straight up against OHIO ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ST JOSEPHS (8 - 9) at SAINT LOUIS (13 - 4) - 1/18/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAINT LOUIS is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 3 seasons.
SAINT LOUIS is 30-14 ATS (+14.6 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAINT LOUIS is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
SAINT LOUIS is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
SAINT LOUIS is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAINT LOUIS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAINT LOUIS is 2-0 against the spread versus ST JOSEPHS over the last 3 seasons
SAINT LOUIS is 2-0 straight up against ST JOSEPHS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NORTHWESTERN (10 - 7) at RUTGERS (8 - 8) - 1/18/2019, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
RUTGERS is 2-2 against the spread versus NORTHWESTERN over the last 3 seasons
NORTHWESTERN is 3-1 straight up against RUTGERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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E MICHIGAN (8 - 9) at BUFFALO (16 - 1) - 1/18/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E MICHIGAN is 24-43 ATS (-23.3 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 since 1997.
E MICHIGAN is 162-207 ATS (-65.7 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
E MICHIGAN is 72-101 ATS (-39.1 Units) in January games since 1997.
E MICHIGAN is 122-161 ATS (-55.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
BUFFALO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games this season.
BUFFALO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
BUFFALO is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
BUFFALO is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
E MICHIGAN is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 3-0 against the spread versus E MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 3-0 straight up against E MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OHIO U (9 - 7) at TOLEDO (14 - 3) - 1/18/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO U is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in all games this season.
OHIO U is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
OHIO U is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 this season.
OHIO U is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OHIO U is 104-68 ATS (+29.2 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TOLEDO is 3-1 against the spread versus OHIO U over the last 3 seasons
TOLEDO is 3-1 straight up against OHIO U over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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XAVIER (11 - 7) at VILLANOVA (13 - 4) - 1/18/2019, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VILLANOVA is 38-19 ATS (+17.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 38-19 ATS (+17.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 34-14 ATS (+18.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
XAVIER is 360-305 ATS (+24.5 Units) in all games since 1997.
XAVIER is 360-305 ATS (+24.5 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
XAVIER is 247-195 ATS (+32.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
VILLANOVA is 4-0 against the spread versus XAVIER over the last 3 seasons
VILLANOVA is 4-0 straight up against XAVIER over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MARIST (6 - 10) at IONA (5 - 10) - 1/18/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IONA is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in all games this season.
IONA is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
IONA is 66-96 ATS (-39.6 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
IONA is 58-86 ATS (-36.6 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.
IONA is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MARIST is 2-1 against the spread versus IONA over the last 3 seasons
IONA is 3-0 straight up against MARIST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB


Friday, January 18

Maryland won its last six games, is 6-1 in Big 14, 2-1 on road, with only loss by hoop at Purdue. Terps are turning ball over 19.2% of time in league play, but making 38.8% on arc. Ohio State lost its last three games after a 12-1 start; Buckeyes were held to 61-62 points in last two games. Maryland won four of last five games with OSU; teams split four meetings played here. Favorites are 4-1-1 vs spread in series games. Terrapins are 10-5 in last 15 games as a Big 14 road underdog, 2-0 this year; under Holtmann, OSU is 6-3 as a home favorite, 1-0 this year.

St Joe’s lost four of its last five games; their last two games were both decided by a single point. Hawks are 0-2 in A-14 road games, losing by 1-26 points. Saint Louis won its last five games, is 4-0 in A-14, winning home games by 7-3 points. Billikiens are forcing turnovers 22.1% of time in A-14 games. SLU won 11 of last 12 games with St Joe’s; underdogs covered last three series games. Hawks lost their last five trips to St Louis. Last 5+ years, St Joe’s is 21-9 as an A-14 road underdog, 1-0 this year; Billikens are 7-2 in last nine games as a home favorite.

Northwestern is 5-1 vs Rutgers in Big 14 play, winning two of three visits to the Garden State. Wildcats lost four of their last six games; they’re 1-5 in big 14 games, with only win by hoop vs Illinois. Northwestern is 0-3 in Big 14 road games, with losses by 2-26-20 points. Rutgers lost three of last four games; they’re also 1-5 in Big 14 tilts. Scarlet Knights ae shooting 45.3% inside arc in Big 14 games, 29.9% outside arc. Wildcats are 4-2 in last six games as a Big 14 road favorite; Rutgers is 10-7 in its last 17 games as a home underdog, 1-2 this year.

Buffalo held Eastern Michigan to 33.3% from floor in 74-58 win in Ypsilanti two weeks ago; Bulls led by 25 with 1:24 left to play. Buffalo won last four series games; Eagles lost their last eight visits to western NY. EMU split its first four MAC games, with both road games decided by a basket. Eagles are turning ball over 25.4% of time in MAC games. Bulls won their last five games, is 4-0 in MAC, winning home games by 30-24 points. Under Oats, Buffalo is 17-9 as a MAC home favorite, 2-0 this year; EMU covered seven of its last nine games as a road underdog.

Ohio U lost four of last six games, is 1-3 in MAC games; Bobcats are shooting 44.4% inside arc, 51.5% on foul line in MAC play- they’re 1-2 vs top 100 teams, with losses by 21-28 points. Toledo is 14-3 vs schedule #263 but split its first four MAC tilts, winning last two, by 8-12 points. Rockets won three of their last four games with Ohio; Bobcats lost three of last four visits here. Underdogs covered last three series games. Last 4+ years, Ohio is 9-17 as a MAC road underdog, 1-1 this year; Rockets are 4-7 in last 11 games as a home favorite, 1-1 this year.

Xavier is 11-7 vs schedule #52; they’re 3-2 in Big East, splitting pair of road games. Musketeers are 3-5 vs top 100 teams, 1-3 in true road games, with win at DePaul. Villanova won its last five games, winning first two Big East home games, by 5-5 points. Villanova is 10-1 vs Xavier in Big East play, winning last four meetings, all by 16+ points. Musketeers are 0-5 at Villanova, losing by 23-13-31-25-24 points. Xavier is 9-15 as a Big East road underdog, 0-1 this year; last 3+ years, Wildcats are 13-16 vs spread as home favorites, 0-2 this year.

Iona won its last nine games with Marist, winning last four series games here, by 9-22-10-13 points. Marist lost five of its last six games, is 1-3 in MAAC games, losing its only MAAC road game by 9 at St Peter’s- they’re 2-7 overall in true road games. Iona won three of its last four games after a 2-9 start; Gaels are scoring 94 ppg in MAAC games, making 48.5% of their 3-point shots. Last 5+ years, Marist is 28-20-1 vs spread as a MAAC road underdog; Gaels are 11-25 in last 36 games as a home favorite, but 2-0 this season.