Wednesday 2-20-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Northwestern Wildcats vs. Ohio St Buckeyes Preview and Predictions 2019-02-20

NCAAB Predictions 19th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/19/2019

Ohio State needs to keep the air in its NCAA Tournament bubble after a deflating loss at No. 11 Michigan State last weekend and Northwestern could provide the helium Wednesday night in the first of two regular-season meetings this season. Northwestern would just be satisfied with any win after six consecutive Big Ten losses.

Ohio State has dropped consecutive games against Illinois and Michigan State after winning three in a row to start the month. In the loss at Michigan State, Ohio State led at halftime and the score was tied at 42 with 7:26 left, but the Buckeyes were outscored 20-2 the rest of the way in their late flame-out. In the second half, Ohio State's shooting woes surfaced when the team went 4-for-21 from the field in the final 20 minutes and 1-for-9 on 3-pointers. Still, Ohio State is in a better position than Northwestern, which last won 73-66 over Indiana on Jan. 22.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (12-13, 3-11 Big Ten): An experienced roster with four seniors accounting for more than 70 percent of the Wildcats' points this season hasn't helped them succeed in the competitive Big Ten. Senior Vic Law leads Northwestern at 15.5 points per game, senior Dererk Pardon is behind him at 13.6, and Law (45 of 137) and senior Ryan Taylor (55 of 160) have taken more than half of Northwestern's 563 3-point shots this season. The Wildcats are a poor shooting team, connecting on 40.9 percent from the field in 25 games, but a marker of success is when they've made nine or more 3-pointers, they are unbeaten.
ABOUT OHIO STATE (16-9, 6-8): The Buckeyes hit a wall Sunday in the loss at Michigan State when point guard C.J. Jackson suffered an ankle injury in the second half and couldn't finish the game after briefly returning. Jackson, who averages 12.8 points and 4.2 rebounds and has team highs of 87 assists and 65 turnovers, said Tuesday that the ankle should be fine for Wednesday. Leading scorer Kaleb Wesson (14.4 points per game) has done a better job of staying away from early foul trouble, but his production has continued to slide in recent games.

TIP-INS

1. Sixty could be the magic number in the matchup between Northwestern, which is 0-9 when it has been held below 60 points in a game, and Ohio State, which is 9-0 when its defense allows the opponents 61 or fewer points.

2. Neither team has a prolific offense, but Ohio State (70.6 points per game) is slightly better than Northwestern (67.0).

3. Luther Muhammad has averaged the second-most minutes (29.8) for Ohio State this season as a freshman and is the team's third-leading scorer (9.5 points) and top 3-point shooter percentage-wise (42.3) despite finishing with only two points on 1-of-9 shooting from the field against Michigan State.

PREDICTION: Ohio State 68, Northwestern 59

[Can'tPickAWinner]

North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Duke Blue Devils Preview and Predictions 2019-02-20

NCAAB Predictions 19th February 2019 by Gracenote
The 2018-19 season gets its first installment of the Tobacco Road rivalry Wednesday night when North Carolina visits Duke. The Blue Devils, who were just crowned the No. 1 team in the country in this week's edition of the rankings, put their nine-game win streak on the line, while the ninth-ranked Tar Heels can pull into a tie atop the ACC standings with a victory.

Freshman RJ Barrett recorded the first triple-double by a Duke player in 13 years Saturday with 23 points, 11 rebounds and a season-best 10 assists in the Blue Devils' 94-78 victory over North Carolina State. "My teammates were obviously finishing, and it was great to play with them, especially Zion (Williamson) especially at the end, just grabbing everything, finishing everything," Barrett told reporters after his historic performance. North Carolina bounced back from its home loss to No. 3 Virginia two games ago with the most lopsided conference road win in program history in smacking Wake Forest 95-57 on Saturday. "We jumped on them early," senior Kenny Williams told reporters afterward. "I think our defense was really focused and we made everything tough on them."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN LINE: Check Intertops for the latest line

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (20-5, 10-2 ACC): Senior guard and leading scorer Cameron Johnson (16.3 points per game) had 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting, including 7-of-10 from long range, while also chipping in with three rebounds, three assists and three steals Saturday. Luke Maye and Coby White each added 10 points as 13 Tar Heels recorded points in the blowout. North Carolina shot 62.3 percent from the floor, including 74.1 percent in the first half, and 64 percent from the 3-point line - a program record for any road game in which they attempted 20 or more 3s.

ABOUT DUKE (23-2, 11-1): Barrett continues to lead the ACC in scoring at 22.7 points per game, though Williamson's 32-point outburst against N.C. State has him closing in on Barrett as he is now averaging 22.4 points. Tre Jones added 13 points as the Blue Devils were able to score 94 despite shooting 3-of-16 from the 3-point line. Duke dominated on the glass against the Wolfpack, winning the rebounding battle 44-26 and the Blue Devils sit second in the conference at 42.2 rebounds per game, just behind North Carolina's 42.5.

TIP-INS

1. North Carolina leads the series 96-83. The teams split a pair of regular-season games last year, with the home team winning each time, and the Tar Heels won the rubber match in the semifinals of the ACC tournament.

2. The Tar Heels are 6-0 on the road in ACC play, while the Blue Devils' only conference loss came at home.

3. North Carolina leads the ACC in scoring at 87.5 points per game and Duke is second at 86.4.

PREDICTION: Duke 87, North Carolina 85

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Stanford Cardinal vs. Arizona State Sun Devils Preview and Predictions 2019-02-20

NCAAB Predictions 19th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/19/2019

Arizona State has proven to be one of the most inconsistent teams in the country, but few players have been as reliable as forward Zylan Cheatham. The San Diego State transfer looks to continue his strong senior campaign Wednesday when the Sun Devils host Stanford, which has won five of its last six games to move into a three-way tie for fourth place in the Pac-12.

Cheatham recorded his league-leading 11th double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds in last Saturday's 98-87 win over Utah while junior guard Rob Edwards added a season-high 28 points. Cheatham is averaging 12 points and 11 boards in conference play for the Sun Devils, whose NCAA Tournament resume includes wins over Kansas, Mississippi State and Washington along with surprising losses to Princeton, Vanderbilt and Washington State. Coach Bobby Hurley's squad also lost 85-71 at Stanford on Jan. 12 in a game that featured 11 lead changes and 18 ties. Oscar da Silva and KZ Okpala scored 21 points apiece in the victory for Stanford, which is aiming for one of the four first-round byes at next month's Pac-12 tournament.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2

ABOUT STANFORD (14-11, 7-6 Pac-12): Senior center Josh Sharma continued to impress with 22 points and 12 rebounds in last Saturday's 104-80 win over UCLA while Okpala added 20 points and freshman Cormac Ryan finished with a career-high 19 points while shooting 5-of-9 from 3-point range. Sophomore point guard Daejon Davis returned after missing two games due to injury and recorded 12 points and 11 assists in 38 minutes. Sharma was named Pac-12 player of the week after averaging 18 points and 10.5 boards in a sweep of the Los Angeles schools.

ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (17-8, 8-5): Edwards had just four points on 1-of-7 shooting in last week's 77-73 loss to Colorado but was 9-of-14 shooting in the win over Utah, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range and 6-of-7 from the foul line. "We got a special performance from Rob Edwards," Hurley told reporters. "When he plays like that we're very tough to deal with." Guard Luguentz Dort had 17 points against Utah and has quietly put together a strong freshman season, averaging 16.4 points and 4.5 rebounds while leading the team with 38 steals.

TIP-INS

1. Stanford holds a 50-38 lead in the series, but Arizona State has won five of the last seven meetings.

2. Stanford is 9-2 at home but 5-9 away from Maples Pavilion.

3. Arizona State leads the Pac-12 in rebounding margin at plus-6.5.

PREDICTION: Arizona State 79, Stanford 74

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Butler Bulldogs vs. Marquette Golden Eagles Preview and Predictions 2019-02-20

NCAAB Predictions 19th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/19/2019

Tenth-ranked Marquette and high-scoring junior guard Markus Howard continue their push toward a potential Big East title and a high seed in the NCAA Tournament when they host Butler on Wednesday. Howard, who is fourth in the nation at 25.6 points per game, scored 36 in the Golden Eagles' last contest - a 92-73 victory at DePaul on Feb. 12 that left them one-half game behind No. 16 Villanova for conference supremacy.

"When I think about that, I think of how great of teammates I have," Howard told reporters about how his 1,744 points are approaching the school standard of 1,985 set by Jerel McNeal in four seasons (2005-09). "I wouldn't even be able to be on that list if it wasn't for my teammates. How selfless they are. How each and every day they trust me and my abilities and they're just happy with my success. We're all happy for each other's success." The Bulldogs have won three of their last four games after Saturday's 91-78 victory over DePaul, featuring 25 points from junior guard Kamar Baldwin, and sit fifth in the conference while squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Butler's resurgence began after a 76-58 setback to Marquette on Jan. 30 - its most lopsided home loss since joining the Big East in 2013-14 - marked its third straight setback and concluded a 3-6 January. "It was a terrible way to remind ourselves of what we should be doing," Bulldogs coach LaVall Jordan told reporters. "But ever since then, win or lose, the spirit and effort and enthusiasm and energy ... guys are sacrificing and playing Butler basketball."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

ABOUT BUTLER (15-11, 6-7 Big East): Baldwin is sixth in the conference in scoring at 17.5 points game and in free-throw percentage (85.1 percent). Senior guard Paul Jorgensen (11.8 points) has reached double figures in five straight contests - all as a reserve, averaging 13.2 in a span that began 10 against Marquette. Sophomore forward Joey Brunk (8.0 points, 4.0 rebounds) is third in the Big East in field-goal percentage (64.8) while sophomore guard Aaron Thompson (6.2 points) is fourth in the conference at 4.2 assists.

ABOUT MARQUETTE (21-4, 10-2): Howard (team-high 4.1 assists) has scored 31 or more points in four of his last five games, including 32 versus the Bulldogs last month. Junior forward Sam Hauser (15.3 points, club-high 6.8 rebounds) bounced back from a four-point effort in a 66-65 victory over Villanova on Feb. 9 with 17 versus DePaul, giving him double-figure points in nine of his last 10 games. Junior forward Sacar Anim (8.3 points) has reached double figures in four straight games for the first time in his career, averaging 13.8 during that span, after accomplishing the feat five times in the first 21 contests this season.

TIP-INS

1. Golden Eagles sophomore C Theo John leads the Big East in blocks at 2.36 per game and 2.67 in conference contests.

2. Butler's bench has outscored its opponents' reserves by an average of 16.6 points in Big East games.

3. Marquette is second in the Big East in points allowed at 69.0 after finishing last at 78.5 in 2017-18.

PREDICTION: Marquette 82, Butler 69

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Creighton Bluejays vs. DePaul Blue Demons Preview and Predictions 2019-02-20

NCAAB Predictions 19th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/19/2019

Ty-Shon Alexander continues to climb the ranks in terms of 3-point shooting for Creighton, which travels to face DePaul on Wednesday in a Big East game. Alexander has a chance to set the mark for most 3-pointers by a sophomore and most consecutive games with a triple for the Bluejays, who will be in search of their ninth straight victory over the Blue Demons.

The 6-4 guard from Charlotte, N.C., who showed his scoring prowess by racking up 20 points over a six-minute span in the second half of Sunday's loss to Seton Hall, needs 19 3-pointers to pass Kyle Korver for the most 3-pointers by a sophomore and three more games with a trey to eclipse the streak of 31 consecutive games set by Booker Woodfox. Alexander currently sits in eighth place for the most 3-pointers in a season in Creighton history with 81 triples and the only Creighton sophomores in the last 40 years to average more than Alexander's 16.5 points were Doug McDermott, Rodney Buford and Bob Harstad. "You've got to let a scorer go," Creighton coach Greg McDermott said of Alexander, who had struggled, going 9-of-35 in the previous three games. "You don't talk about it. You encourage them because as soon as I doubt them, that's when the doubt is going to creep in their own mind." Femi Olujobi made it 12 consecutive games in double figures and Max Strus broke the 20-point barrier for the first time in six games, but the Blue Demons were no match for Butler on Saturday on the road.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FSN

ABOUT CREIGHTON (13-13, 4-9 Big East): The Bluejays have struggled to win Big East games but it is of no fault of Martin Krampelj, who is one of the top players in several statistical categories. The junior from Slovenia is one of four players along with Villanova's Eric Paschall, Georgetown's Jessie Govan and Marquette's Sam Hauser in the top 10 in scoring and rebounding in league games and only he and Govan are also in the top 10 in blocked shots. The last Creighton player to average at least 16 points, eight rebounds and one block for an entire conference season was Chad Gallagher in 1989-90.

ABOUT DEPAUL (13-11, 5-8): Strus has been a model of consistency in his two seasons with the Blue Demons, scoring in double figures in 47 of 54 career games. The senior guard from Hickory Hills, Ill., needs 83 points for 1,000 at DePaul and five points for 2,000 in his collegiate career, which includes two seasons at Division II Lewis University. Strus had made 146 3-pointers at DePaul, good for seventh in school history, and needs 19 more to climb into third place behind Drake Diener (216) and Will Walker (195).

TIP-INS

1. Eli Cain needs 11 points to pass Sammy Mejia (1,494 points) for 12th all-time in DePaul history and 130 to reach the top 10.

2. The Bluejays have posted an 11-1 mark against the Blue Demons since joining the Big East and have averaged 80.8 points in those games, their most against any conference foe.

3. Alexander's streak of 29 straight games with a 3-pointer is tied for 11th longest in the nation, well behind the likes of Eastern Illinois' Mack Smith (44 games), Lafayette's Justin Jaworski (43) and Campbell's Chris Clemons (38).

PREDICTION: Creighton 83, DePaul 72

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wichita St. Shockers vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane Preview and Predictions 2019-02-20

NCAAB Predictions 19th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/19/2019

After a disappointing 1-6 start to conference play, Wichita State reeled off four straight victories before falling 72-62 to No. 25 Cincinnati on Sunday. The Shockers are hoping a date with a familiar foe will get them back in the win column as they visit Tulsa on Wednesday for the 130th all-time meeting between the programs - with Wichita State winning 11 of the last 12 in the series.

Although the Shockers suffered through their worst shooting performance in two months on Sunday (26.8 percent), they had a positive outcome on the glass as they outrebounded the Bearcats 51-42 and turned 19 offensive boards into 24 second-chance points. "It's about small victories for us," Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall told reporters after his team fell to 1-7 in true road games. "We didn't win (Sunday's) game - we weren't supposed to win the game. (The Bearcats are) a very good team with a great home-court advantage. But we saw positives." Tulsa's only setback in its last five contests was a 79-68 defeat at Wichita State on Feb. 2 and it will be seeking revenge on its home court, where it owns a 12-2 record this season - losing only to conference-leader Cincinnati and eighth-ranked Houston. The Golden Hurricane needed overtime on Sunday to extend their winning streak to three games as they posted a 77-73 road triumph over East Carolina that saw six players hit double digits in scoring - including junior Martins Igbanu, who was 7-for-8 from the floor en route to team highs of 16 points and eight rebounds.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT WICHITA STATE (12-12, 5-7 American): Dexter Dennis recorded team highs of 14 points and 13 rebounds on Sunday for his first career double-double and the first by a Shockers freshman in 11 years. Wichita State got encouraging contributions from its three centers - Jaime Echenique, Asbjorn Midtgaard and Isaiah Poor Bear-Chandler, who combined for 17 points, 25 rebounds and six blocks against the Bearcats. In the Shockers' victory over the Golden Hurricane on Feb. 2, Markis McDuffie finished with a game-high 27 points - the most by a member of the Shockers against Tulsa since 1991.

ABOUT TULSA (16-10, 6-7): The Golden Hurricane received a dominant performance from their bench on Sunday as they outscored ECU's reserves 33-2, with Jeriah Horne registering 12 points. Tulsa's defense fueled its offense early in the contest, limiting the Pirates to 1-of-10 shooting and forcing five turnovers over the first eight minutes en route to a 17-3 lead. The Golden Hurricane continue to give a strong effort on the defensive end as their 40.1 field-goal percentage defense has them ranked third in the conference and 24th nationally.

TIP-INS

1. The Golden Hurricane have increased their 3-point accuracy during league play as they're shooting a league-best 37.9 percent from beyond the arc in 13 games, compared to 32.5 percent over their 13 non-conference contests.

2. McDuffie has made at least one 3-pointer in a career-high 15 straight games and is shooting 40.1 percent from long distance over that span.

3. Tulsa G/F DaQuan Jeffries leads the team in scoring (13.8 points), rebounds (5.5), steals (1.2) and blocks (1.2).

PREDICTION: Tulsa 75, Wichita State 72

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Preview and Predictions 2019-02-20

NCAAB Predictions 19th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/19/2019

Neither Pittsburgh nor Georgia Tech will enter the ACC tournament in three weeks with realistic chances of a championship run, considering the Panthers bring a nine-game losing streak into Wednesday's matchup at the Yellow Jackets, who have dropped seven in a row. But Wednesday constitutes a chance for one of the struggling teams to at least experience a victory while trying to build something positive entering the final games of league play.

The Panthers lost by six points or fewer for the third time in four games Saturday, falling 70-64 at home to No. 18 Virginia Tech as freshman guard Xavier Johnson scored 18 points, but the Panthers were unable to get over the hump after pulling close to the Hokies several times in the second half. "I understand how hard this is going to be, and it's not a quick fix," Pittsburgh coach Jeff Capel told reporters after the game, citing how the Panthers' surprising 2-2 start to ACC play may have altered some expectations about his program's potential this season. "It's frustrating. We want to be better and we're getting better." It's a similar story in Atlanta, where the Yellow Jackets sat at 3-3 in conference action before the current losing streak that continued with Saturday's 69-47 home loss to No. 17 Florida State. "Our guys give everything they have on the defensive end," Georgia Tech coach Josh Pastner told the media postgame. "We have just had a real issue with scoring."

TV: 9 p.m. ET, AT&T Sportsnet Pittsburgh, FS South (Atlanta)

ABOUT PITTSBURGH (12-14, 2-11 ACC): Johnson begins the week ninth in the ACC in scoring at 16.7 points per game, rebounding nicely from a 3-of-19 shooting performance against Boston College to hit 5-of-9 attempts against the Hokies. Senior guard Jared Wilson-Frame ranks fourth in the ACC in 3-point percentage at 38.4 percent, but is 5-of-21 from long range in his past two games after hitting 9-of-17 attempts in his previous two contests. The Panthers average 72.5 points per game, but they have failed to surpass that mark seven times during their losing streak.

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (11-15, 3-10): The Yellow Jackets remain one of the toughest teams in the nation to score on, holding opponents to 39.2 percent shooting from the field - 13th nationally - but offense is a huge problem. Sophomore guard and leading scorer Jose Alvarado (11.6 points per game) scored 17 points Saturday, but Georgia Tech shot 27.1 percent from the field and scored a season low in points. Junior forward James Banks III ranks second in the ACC in blocked shots per game (2.4) and leads the Yellow Jackets in scoring in league games at 11.6 points per game.

TIP-INS

1. The Panthers average 14 turnovers per game, 14th in the ACC and one spot ahead of last-place Georgia Tech (15.1 per game).

2. The Yellow Jackets are averaging just 53.1 points during their losing streak, failing to reach 50 points three times.

3. Pittsburgh has lost 18 consecutive ACC road games and 21 in a row overall.

PREDICTION: Georgia Tech 63, Pittsburgh 60

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Buffaloes vs. Washington St. Cougars Preview and Predictions 2019-02-20

NCAAB Predictions 19th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/19/2019

Colorado has gone from afterthought to contender in the Pac-12 in the span of a little more than two weeks. The Buffaloes now take the conference's longest active win streak (five games) on the road for Wednesday night's contest at Washington State.


The two-game road trip, which concludes with a Saturday night date at conference-leading Washington, will be the final road venture of the regular season for Colorado. On Jan. 31, following a 76-74 home loss to Oregon State, the Buffaloes were 2-6 and sitting 10th in the Pac-12, but five consecutive wins have followed, and the Buffs now find themselves tied for fifth place only a game out of a coveted top-four spot in the conference standings. "It's hard to win games any time of year, but in February it's really hard," Colorado coach Tad Boyle said after practice earlier this week. "What I'm pleased with is our team has kind of embraced and accepted an identity in terms of our defense, our rebounding, our toughness, our grit. Those are the things you have to have to win games. These guys have really turned the corner when it comes to that." Washington State also was looking like it had turned a corner a little more than a week ago with an impressive road sweep of Arizona State and Arizona - both wins of least 14 points - but the Cougars couldn't maintain the momentum Saturday as the visiting Huskies rallied for a 72-70 victory in Pullman.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network


ABOUT COLORADO (16-9, 7-6 Pac-12): The Buffs have shot an even 50 percent from the field, 85.4 percent from the free-throw line and outrebounded the opposition by an average of 6.4 per game during their five-game run. Sophomore point guard McKinley Wright, who a month ago was struggling with a shoulder injury, has averaged 15.8 points during the win streak to up his team-leading average to 13.5 while fellow sophomore Tyler Bey has averaged 15.2 and 10.8 rebounds during the roll. Along with Wright and Bey (12.3 points), forward Lucas Siewert (11.2) and guard Shane Gatling (10.3) also have double-digit season scoring averages for Colorado, whose weakness remains long-range shooting (conference-worst 31.3 3-point percentage in Pac-12 play).

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (10-15, 3-9): Despite a 14-point first-half lead and a career night from sophomore forward Marvin Cannon (25 points, eight rebounds), the Cougars fell short late against the Huskies. Forward Robert Franks, the Pac-12's leading scorer at 22.3 points and the team's leading rebounder (7.5), had an off night with 16 points, three rebounds, three fouls and five turnovers and so did freshman forward CJ Elleby (15.0 points, 6.6 rebounds), who finished with as many turnovers (five) as points (five) or rebounds (four). Defense and rebounding continue to be issues for Washington State which ranks 11th in the conference in points allowed (77.4) and average rebound margin (minus-2.4).


TIP-INS

1. Colorado holds a decisive 13-4 advantage in the series, but Washington State has won three of the last four meetings in Pullman.

2. The Buffaloes rolled to a 92-60 win on Jan. 10 - their most lopsided Pac-12 victory this season as Bey led the way with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Cannon scored 14 to pace the Cougars, but Franks missed the contest with a hip injury.

3. Washington State is 1-4 at home this season in Pac-12 play while Colorado is 3-4 in conference road contests.


PREDICTION: Washington State 75, Colorado 74

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Utah Utes vs. Washington Huskies Preview and Predictions 2019-02-20

NCAAB Predictions 19th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/19/2019

Washington is seeking its first Pac-12 regular-season championship in seven years while Utah is hoping to hang on to one of the top four spots in the conference. Those are the stakes when the Runnin' Utes visit the Huskies on Wednesday night.


Entering the week, Washington owns only one Pac-12 loss and has a three-game lead on second-place Oregon State. With three weeks remaining in the regular season, that means the Huskies are two wins and a Beavers loss away from clinching a share of the conference crown this week, and head coach Mike Hopkins said his team's plan is to stick with what's gotten it to this point. "There's nothing that we're going to put in that's any different," Hopkins said last Saturday after the Huskies rallied for a 72-70 win at Washington State. "Everybody knows we're playing zone. The bottom line is we have to be able to have our energy. We've got to be together, and that's going to be a huge part of being successful, especially down the stretch." Utah, meanwhile, is tied for third place with Arizona State, a half-game back of second-place Oregon State and a game ahead of Colorado, Stanford and USC.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1


ABOUT UTAH (14-11, 8-5 Pac-12): The Utes brought a three-game win streak into Saturday's home matchup with the Sun Devils but surrendered a season-high 98 points, missed 13 free throws and had 13 turnovers in an 11-point loss. Guards Sedrick Barefield and Parker Van Dyke had 17 points and four assists apiece as the Utes shot 53.8 percent from the field. Van Dyke, a senior reserve, is averaging 8.1 points per game on the season, but that figure is up at 18.3 over his last three games in which he's connected on 15-of-27 3-point attempts.

ABOUT WASHINGTON (20-5, 11-1): The Huskies suffered their only Pac-12 loss on Feb. 9, falling at Arizona State 75-63 and looked to have a hangover Saturday in falling behind the rival Cougars 34-20 in the first half. Washington, however, regrouped and wound up forcing 19 Washington State turnovers while receiving 20 points from leading scorer Jaylen Nowell (16.5 per game) and 18 points and 10 rebounds from steady forward Noah Dickerson. Hopkins' crew, though, has mainly got it done with defense as the Huskies' 2-3 zone ranks second in the conference in points (64.7) and field-goal percentage (41.1) allowed while forcing a Pac-12-most 16.1 turnovers per outing.


TIP-INS

1. Washington dominated the first meeting, rolling to a 69-53 win in Salt Lake City on Jan. 10 to halt Utah's six-game series win streak. The Utes hit a season scoring low and shot a season-worst 33.3 percent from the field to go along with 16 turnovers.

2. The Huskies boast the Pac-12's only undefeated home record at 12-0 while Utah is 5-3 on the road, including a 5-1 mark in conference play.

3. Washington is seeking only its third Pac-12 regular-season title in the last 33 years after winning the conference in 2011 and 2009.


PREDICTION: Washington 76, Utah 66

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Nevada Wolf Pack vs. San Diego St. Aztecs Preview and Predictions 2019-02-20

NCAAB Predictions 19th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/19/2019

Sixth-ranked Nevada has won 10 straight games by an average of 22 points since suffering its lone loss of the season at New Mexico. But the Wolf Pack, who begin the week with a 1 1/2-game lead in their quest to become the first team in Mountain West history to win three consecutive outright conference titles, now must travel to old nemesis San Diego State on Wednesday night.

The Aztecs are not only hot, having won six of their last seven games overall, but they also have won 12 straight conference games at Viejas Arena, arguably the toughest home court in the Mountain West. San Diego State is the only conference school with a winning record against Nevada since Eric Musselman took over four years ago, compiling a 5-2 mark including two in a row at Viejas Arena, and also has defeated the Wolf Pack twice in the last three years in the Mountain West Tournament in Las Vegas. Toss in the fact the game has also been designated as a "blackout" and it's easy to see why Nevada will have its work cut out for it. "The crowd in San Diego is going to be incredible," Musselman told nevadasportsnet.com. "(San Diego State) is long, athletic and last year they beat Gonzaga, and Gonzaga was (top 10) in the country. ... They're as talented as any team we've played all year, and we know that."

TV: 11 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network

ABOUT NEVADA (24-1, 11-1 MW): The Wolf Pack's 24-1 record after 25 games is tied with the 2010-11 San Diego State team that featured a 6-7 sophomore forward named Kawhi Leonard for the best start in Mountain West history so expect SDSU's rowdy student section, nicknamed "The Show", to be extra motivated for this one. Reigning Mountain West Player of the Year Caleb Martin leads Nevada in scoring (19 points per game) but finished with just 13 points on 5-of-18 shooting, including 0-for-9 from 3-point range, in the last meeting with the Aztecs, a 90-73 loss in the semifinals of last season's Mountain West tourney. Senior forward Jordan Caroline is averaging nearly a double-double, scoring 18.8 points to go with 9.8 rebounds per game, while guard Jazz Johnson (11.3 points) and senior point guard Cody Martin (11.1) also are averaging in double figures with Cody Martin also leading the conference in assists at 5.4 per game.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE (16-9, 8-4): The Aztecs, behind 19 points by guard Devin Watson and 18 points, seven rebounds and three steals from 6-10 sophomore forward Jalen McDaniels come in off a 71-65 home win over Boise State and enter the game in fourth place three games behind the Wolf Pack. McDaniels, a potential first-round NBA pick, leads the team in scoring (17.2), rebounding (8.6) and steals (1.3) with Watson (16.4 points), who is shooting 40 percent from 3-point range, and sophomore forward Matt Mitchell (10.5) also averaging in double figures. "We're excited for our opportunity ... (to play) a team capable of making a run to the Final Four," Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher said. "It will be a great challenge. I'm sure we will get their full attention also, having been fortunate to beat them twice at the end of last year. I know that we have been circled on their schedule for a long time."

TIP-INS

1. Nevada is 0-5 at Viejas Arena since moving to the Mountain West in 2012.

2. Caroline has 15 double-doubles this season and a Mountain West-best 42 in his career. Nevada is 40-2 when he posts a double-double.

3. San Diego State is 79-11 in Mountain West home games over the last 11 seasons.

PREDICTION: Nevada 75, San Diego State 70

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Charles Town
Charles Town - Race 3

Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Daily Double / Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5) Pick 6 (Races 3-4-5-6-7-8)


Claiming $5,000 • 7 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 66 • Purse: $10,000 • Post: 7:57P
FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JANUARY 20 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000, IF FOR $4,500, ALLOWED 2 LBS. (W V A RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY) (WINNERS PREFERRED).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. CATCH MY CABOOSE is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * CATCH MY CABOOSE: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the dis tance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. GRIFF'S GHOST: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and trainer's win percentage with horses coming off a layoff is at least 25. Horse is droppi ng into a race which has an Class Rating at least five points lower than the Class Rating of its last race. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
7
CATCH MY CABOOSE
9/5

5/2
6
GRIFF'S GHOST
5/2

3/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
CATCH MY CABOOSE
7

9/5
Front-runner
71

73

80.2

66.6

62.6
6
GRIFF'S GHOST
6

5/2
Front-runner
80

75

79.3

62.5

56.0
9
MARCH TO MY TUNE
9

15/1
Alternator/Stalker
69

61

57.8

51.6

43.1
8
AIRPORT ROAD
8

10/1
Alternator/Stalker
68

61

43.0

54.6

43.1
5
ADDYS CASTLE
5

15/1
Trailer
77

58

28.0

52.6

41.6
1
DECADENCE
1

8/1
Trailer
60

55

0.0

46.6

31.6
4
PRO RIOT
4

4/1
Alternator/Trailer
67

64

48.4

57.2

52.7
3
SANCHO DEL PUEBLO
3

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
66

60

61.4

43.6

30.1
2
RIOTOUS RULER
2

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
60

59

37.7

47.0

34.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Delta Downs
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 2 - Allowance - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $47000 Class Rating: 81

FOR ACCREDITED LA BRED FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR TRIAL OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JANUARY 21 ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 MY WISE CAT 7/2

# 12 BITSY'S CARLOS 8/1

# 6 IT'S MIKE'S TURN 5/2

I've got to go with MY WISE CAT. Should be given a shot in this race if only for the decent Equibase Speed Figure recorded in the last contest. Has performed quite well recently in sprint races, posting a nifty 71 avg speed figure. This handler has done very well recently with entries racing at this distance and surface. BITSY'S CARLOS - Overall the speed figures of this equine look solid in this affair. IT'S MIKE'S TURN - A solid 91 avg class rating may give this gelding a distinct class edge against this group. Should be considered - I like the figures from the last contest.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

02/20/19, GP, Race 5, 2.37 ET
5F [Turf] 00.53.03 CLAIMING. Purse $33,000.
Claiming Price $25,000 (Races Where Entered For $20,000 Or Less Not Considered In Allowances). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS
$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 - $.50 Bet 3 (Races 5-6-7) / $2 HRR - (RED 3,5: 4/5. BLK 1,4,6,8,10: 6/5. GRN 2,7,9: 8/1.)
Top Horse(100.0000) - Races 478, Win Percent 27.82, $1 ROI 0.97, For Race Category Non-Maiden Turf
Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
After scratches, a horse with stats MUST be the top rated horse for the profitable condition to be valid.
Profits are for $2 Win bets. ROI is based on $1. Stats are exclusive to GP.
Rating P# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer Flags Profit ROI WPC W# Occ Condition
100.0000 6 Money Come 10-1 Jaramillo E Barboza. Jr. Victor JTSF 66.40 1.13 24.33 64 263 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
099.1429 3 Honolulu Express 1-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Cadahia Benny C. EC 60.30 1.11 32.27 91 282 Race Entries Are Not GT 9
099.0733 8 King Leo 6-1 Gaffalione T Sano Antonio 66.40 1.13 24.33 64 263 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
098.0684 7 Notcho Daddy 12-1 Castellano J Dini Michael W 66.40 1.13 24.33 64 263 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
097.0743 10 Yodel E. A. Who 10-1 Sanchez H Hayford- Quinones Jenn 66.40 1.13 24.33 64 263 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
095.9490 4 Felon 10-1 Vasquez M A Azpurua. Jr. Eduardo 66.40 1.13 24.33 64 263 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
094.6117 2 Gyoza 15-1 Jimenez A Eppler Mary E. 66.40 1.13 24.33 64 263 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
094.4960 1 Marcelino 6-1 Rodriguez A Arias Juan D. L 66.40 1.13 24.33 64 263 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
094.0953 5 Hollywood Overdogs 12-1 Reyes L Braddy J. David 66.40 1.13 24.33 64 263 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
093.3113 9 Never Bad 15-1 Bravo J Spatz Ronald B. 66.40 1.13 24.33 64 263 Horse Is Not Morning Line Favorite (not entry)
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse(100.0000) - Races 539, Win Percent 30.80, $1 ROI 0.82, For Race Category Non-Maiden Dirt
Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
After scratches, a horse with stats MUST be the top rated horse for the profitable condition to be valid.
Profits are for $2 Win bets. ROI is based on $1. Stats are exclusive to GP.
Rating P# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer Flags Profit ROI WPC W# Occ Condition
100.0000 6 Money Come 10-1 Jaramillo E Barboza. Jr. Victor T
099.9275 8 King Leo 6-1 Gaffalione T Sano Antonio FW
099.3043 3 Honolulu Express 1-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Cadahia Benny C. JEC 8.80 1.11 45.00 18 40 Race Entries Are Not GT 5
099.0314 7 Notcho Daddy 12-1 Castellano J Dini Michael
097.8252 10 Yodel E. A. Who 10-1 Sanchez H Hayford- Quinones Jenn
097.2384 1 Marcelino 6-1 Rodriguez A Arias Juan D. L 8.80 1.11 45.00 18 40 Race Entries Are Not GT 5
095.9104 2 Gyoza 15-1 Jimenez A Eppler Mary E. S 8.80 1.11 45.00 18 40 Race Entries Are Not GT 5
095.8697 9 Never Bad 15-1 Bravo J Spatz Ronald B.
095.7264 4 Felon 10-1 Vasquez M A Azpurua. Jr. Eduardo 8.80 1.11 45.00 18 40 Race Entries Are Not GT 5
095.2530 5 Hollywood Overdogs 12-1 Reyes L Braddy J. David 8.80 1.11 45.00 18 40 Race Entries Are Not GT 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Sam Houston - Race #8 - Post: 3:50pm - Maiden Special - 5.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $20,000 Class Rating: 48

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 SHAWNA MORGAN (ML=6/1)
#7 MIMEOGRAPH (ML=7/2)


SHAWNA MORGAN - I like to play horses that faced open company in their last race and drop into state bred races. This filly fits the bill. The addition of the 'hood' should keep her mind on business today. I always like to see a filly getting Lasix for the second time. This one fits the bill. May be extremely hard to beat this mount on the turf today. Last out scored a nice turf figure, the highest of any of these animals. MIMEOGRAPH - Dupuy brings her back again. I propose you stick with this live filly. Ran against 'open' company last time around the track, in with state breds today. This filly is tops in (EPS) earnings per start. Give the once over to this one in the saddling ring. Three consecutive improved speed figs (24-29-38) make this animal a solid contender.

Vulnerable Contenders: #10 ROCK HARD SONG (ML=3/1), #6 BELKNAP CREEK (ML=9/2), #11 EBONY NIGHTS (ML=8/1),

ROCK HARD SONG - In any contest of 5 furlongs, I like to back a contender that has been looking good in short distance races recently. BELKNAP CREEK - One should normally not invest in a pony in the next run after finishing off the board following a extended time off. Tough to wager on any entrant to turn things around if there is no reward to taking the chance. EBONY NIGHTS - Not likely for this participant to make a winning move with no recent good showings in a sprint event. Awfully hard to invest in this mount when she hasn't been showing any gumption recently.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - SHAWNA MORGAN - The clash on July 13th had a class rating of 62 while today's class rating is 48. I got to bet this one on such a big drop.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #3 SHAWNA MORGAN to win. Have to have odds of at least 3/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Penn National
Penn National - Race 6

W-P-S / Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta / Daily Double $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8)


Allowance • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 85 • Purse: $31,600 • Post: 8:28P
FOR REGISTERED PA-BRED FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JANUARY 20 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 20 ALLOWED 4 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $16,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Trailer. OBROTHER ITSYLVIA is the Lone Trailer of the race, but has been deemed a non-contender due to a low Platinum Figure or other overall low ratings. * KEY ANGLES * NAKU KA NI WAY RA: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. CARDCOUNTER: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. HANDSOME BOY: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. OWIN I AM: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. TRIUMPHANT JOY: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
3
NAKU KA NI WAY RA
15/1

5/1
6
CARDCOUNTER
2/1

7/1
8
HANDSOME BOY
3/1

7/1
5
OWIN I AM
7/2

8/1
1
TRIUMPHANT JOY
10/1

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
6
CARDCOUNTER
6

2/1
Front-runner
80

83

85.6

72.0

61.5
1
TRIUMPHANT JOY
1

10/1
Front-runner
80

84

79.8

68.6

60.1
7
FIFTY FLAGS
7

6/1
Stalker
82

80

52.8

72.6

62.1
3
NAKU KA NI WAY RA
3

15/1
Alternator/Stalker
97

77

73.8

76.4

69.9
8
HANDSOME BOY
8

3/1
Alternator/Stalker
86

79

59.0

74.6

68.1
5
OWIN I AM
5

7/2
Alternator/Stalker
85

78

56.6

79.2

70.2
2
OBROTHER ITSYLVIA
2

12/1
Trailer
82

74

52.4

71.4

59.9
4
WHERE YOU WAS
4

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
83

82

71.2

71.4

63.9