Thursday 2-28-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Indiana Pacers Preview and Predictions 2019-02-28

NBA Predictions 28th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/28/2019

A day after both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers faded late in their respective losses, the teams will try to bounce back quickly when they meet Thursday in Indianapolis. The Pacers were outscored by eight points in the final five-plus minutes of a 110-101 setback at Dallas that capped their 1-2 road trip.

Bojan Bogdanovic scored 22 points for Indiana, which saw its lead over Philadelphia for third place in the Eastern Conference cut to one-half game. "The guys that are in uniform have got to play," Pacers coach Nate McMillan told reporters when asked if the absences of Domantas Sabonis (ankle) and Tyreke Evans (illness) were a factor late. "We've been dealing with this all season long, injuries. That's not an excuse. We've got to execute better." The Timberwolves had won four of their last five contests and led Atlanta by as many as 13 points late in the third quarter on Wednesday but faltered down the stretch and ended up with a 131-123 overtime defeat. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 37 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in the loss as Minnesota fell four games behind San Antonio for the final playoff spot in the West.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TNT, FS North (Minnesota), FS Indiana LINE: Pacers -4

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (29-32): Towns is averaging 35.5 points on 67.6 percent shooting and 19 rebounds in two games since returning from concussion protocol following a car accident last week. Three others finished with at least 15 points in Atlanta and Tyus Jones handed out 11 assists, but Minnesota's inability to get stops late was the story as the team fell to 9-22 on the road. "We felt good," coach Ryan Saunders told reporters about the team's mindset entering the fourth quarter. "Took our foot off the gas a little bit. They made some plays. They've got a lot of talent within that pick-and-roll."



ABOUT THE PACERS (40-22): Indiana received a boost off the bench at Dallas from forward T.J. Leaf, who hit all four of his shot attempts and hauled in a career-high seven rebounds in 17 minutes. Bogdanovic hit the 20-point mark for the ninth time in 12 games and has shot at least 50 percent from the floor in five consecutive contests. The 29-year-old finished with 20 points in a loss at Minnesota on Oct. 22.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Timberwolves PF Dario Saric is 6-for-27 from the floor over his last three games.

2. Pacers SG Wesley Matthews is averaging 18 points over a four-game stretch after scoring a total of 16 in his first two contests with the team following a trade with New York.

3. Minnesota is aiming for its first sweep of the season series since 2006-07.

PREDICTION: Pacers 111, Timberwolves 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic Preview and Predictions 2019-02-28

NBA Predictions 28th February 2019 by Gracenote
Warriors vs. Magic Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 02/28/2019

The Golden State Warriors look to post their 12th consecutive win in the all-time series when they visit the Orlando Magic on Thursday. Golden State has had its way with the Magic since dropping a 99-85 decision in Orlando on Dec. 14, 2012.

The Warriors left the arena in Miami in a stunned mood on Wednesday after Heat guard Dwyane Wade hit a miraculous 3-pointer as time expired for a 126-125 triumph. "They played harder than us all night, they played better than us," Warriors small forward Kevin Durant told reporters after his team's lead over Denver in the Western Conference was reduced to one-half game. "They really deserved to win this game." Orlando has won eight of its last 11 contests but is coming off a 108-103 loss at New York in which it was outscored 30-13 in the final quarter. "We just didn't do the things that we needed to do to finish this game off," Magic All-Star center Nikola Vucevic told reporters. "We did it in stretches to build the lead up more than 10 points, and then we go away from it and let them back into the game. If we had executed as a team, we would have been able to build a big lead and finish the game off."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (Golden State), FS Florida (Orlando) LINE: Warriors -6

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (43-18): Durant scored 49 points in a 116-110 home win over the Magic on Nov. 26 and recorded 29 against the Heat as his team trailed by 24 before staging a rally. "We didn't want to lose by 25 points," Durant said, "so guys' pride stepped up in the second half." Klay Thompson registered 36 points against Miami and has scored 20 or more in eight of his last 10 contests.



ABOUT THE MAGIC (28-34): Reserve swingman Terrence Ross averaged 21.3 points during a three-game stretch before recording just three on 1-of-10 shooting against the Knicks. Ross was far from the only bench player who fared poorly as Orlando was outscored 75-7 by New York's reserves. "We all had some words up in here after the game, and I think we're going to make a better, conscious effort of whatever is working, that's what we're going to stick to next time," Ross told reporters of the bench players. "I'm not going to get into (what was said), but we all agreed, 'Whatever is working, we're going to do it until it stops working.'"

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Warriors have won each of their last five visits to Orlando.

2. Golden State C DeMarcus Cousins will be back in the lineup after being rested on Wednesday.

3. Magic SG Evan Fournier is 6-for-31 from 3-point range over his last four games.

PREDICTION: Warriors 117, Magic 112

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks Preview and Predictions 2019-02-28

NBA Predictions 27th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/27/2019

The battle for the No. 1 overall pick in June's NBA draft will take on a head-to-head feel when the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the New York Knicks on Thursday. The teams own the two worst records in the Eastern Conference, with the Knicks sitting one game behind the Cavaliers in the standings.

The three worst teams in the league at the end of the season will all have the same odds at the No. 1 overall pick in the new formula for the draft lottery, but New York is beginning to look like a team that isn't just shooting for the top prize come draft night. The Knicks are enjoying their first winning streak since November after knocking off playoff hopefuls San Antonio and Orlando in the last two games. "To me my focus is always culture," New York coach David Fizdale told reporters. "I can't - I'm not wired to lose on purpose. That just is not, I can't even get my body to function that way or my mind to function that way. I'm lucky because (team president) Steve (Mills) and (general manager) Scott (Perry) and (owner) Mr. (James) Dolan have all said to me, you play every game to win and you don't worry about where we land in the draft and all of that stuff." The Cavaliers are enjoying their own uptick in play with wins in three of the last five, including a 107-104 home triumph over New York on Feb. 11.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cleveland), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (14-47): Cleveland had a chance to push its own winning streak to three in a row and battled back from a 23-point deficit against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday before falling 123-110, but left the arena feeling like the team is making real progress. "Early in the season, this would have been a 35- or 40-point game," forward Larry Nance Jr. told cleveland.com. "Our third quarter was outstanding. We beat them in the second half and they're competing for a championship, a chance to play for a championship. I feel very good about the way we fought, the way we stayed in and the way we hung tough. Everyone played for one another in that second half." Part of the progress is due to the health of former All-Star Kevin Love, who posted his third straight double-double on Monday while working up to 28 minutes.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (13-48): New York is winning while focusing on development and is getting strong efforts from rookie center Mitchell Robinson. The 20-year-old Western Kentucky product posted his second double-double in as many games with 17 points and 14 rebounds while blocking six shots in 33 minutes on Tuesday against Orlando, and he believes he can average six blocks in regular minutes. "I'm not putting a ceiling on him," Fizdale told reporters of Mitchell. "If he believes it, I'm with him. He's shown that he's an elite shot blocker. Obviously, I'm going to keep trying to grow him and build him up to where he's playing more and more minutes. But the sky is the limit for the kid."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Knicks C DeAndre Jordan (ankle) and PG Frank Ntilikina (groin) are not expected to play Thursday.

2. Cavaliers SG Jordan Clarkson is 2-of-11 from 3-point range over the last two games.

3. Cleveland took each of the first two meetings this season - both at home.

PREDICTION: Knicks 106, Cavaliers 104

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview and Predictions 2019-02-28

NBA Predictions 27th February 2019 by Gracenote
76ers vs. Thunder Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 02/27/2019

Two teams with NBA Finals aspirations meet when the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, though neither team is at the top of its respective game at the moment. The Thunder will be trying to avoid a third consecutive setback while the 76ers again operate shorthanded on the inside.

Oklahoma City had a chance to make a move at second-place Denver on Tuesday but instead dropped a 121-112 decision and fell four games behind the Nuggets in the standings. "We had some things that we were able to control that we didn't do a good enough job (of) and that part of it was disappointing because the guys, I thought, battled and worked so hard to get back in the game to give ourselves a chance," Thunder coach Billy Donovan told reporters. "But those were things that were self-inflicted, so to speak, that we kind of put on ourselves." Philadelphia will again be without All-Star center Joel Embiid on Thursday and is also expected to be missing backup center Boban Marjanovic, both due to knee injuries. Embiid has been out since the All-Star break while Marjanovic was injured late in Monday's 111-110 win at New Orleans.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE 76ERS (39-22): Philadelphia dropped its last 19 games against Oklahoma City, including a 119-117 home loss on Jan. 17 in which Thunder forward Paul George completed a four-point play with 5.1 seconds left. "We've lost some heartbreakers to them," 76ers coach Brett Brown told reporters. "Historically, they have been really skilled and good when we really weren't, so I think that 19 number is very much inflated because of some previous years." Philadelphia will try to make up for its disadvantage in the middle by crashing the glass from the wings, and both Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons are coming off double-doubles against the Pelicans.

ABOUT THE THUNDER (38-22): Oklahoma City won its first game after the All-Star break in double-overtime over the Utah Jazz but fell to the Sacramento Kings by three points the following night and fell short at Denver despite another strong effort from George. The All-Star forward collected 25 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and six steals in the loss but is 11-of-43 from the floor over the last two contests. Fellow All-Star Russell Westbrook is averaging 35.3 points on 52.1 percent shooting and 13 rebounds in three games since the break.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Thunder PG Dennis Schroder is 3-of-19 from 3-point range over the last three games.

2. 76ers PF Mike Scott is 7-of-9 from beyond the arc over the last two contests.

3. Oklahoma's winning streak over Philadelphia is the longest active streak for one opponent over another in the NBA.

PREDICTION: 76ers 123, Thunder 119

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Heat vs. Houston Rockets Preview and Predictions 2019-02-28

NBA Predictions 28th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/28/2019

James Harden will be on the floor with retiring Dwyane Wade for the final time when the Houston Rockets host the Miami Heat on Thursday. Harden has scored 30 points in 33 of his last 34 appearances while Wade turned back the clock with a spectacular game-winning 3-pointer as time expired to defeat Golden State on Wednesday.

Wade had his first late attempt blocked by Jordan Bell but regained possession and flicked up a hurried shot that banked in off the glass to give the Heat a stunning 126-125 victory. "I just tried to get it up and the Good Lord put it in for me," Wade said in a postgame television interview. "I'm very thankful. I'm a little overwhelmed right now. It's been a while since a moment like that against a team like that." Harden scored 30 points in Wednesday's 118-113 victory over Charlotte, but it wasn't easy as he still is dealing with a neck injury that caused him to miss a game last week. "I'm trying to figure out how to run and move my neck at the same time," Harden told reporters. "Just getting a feel for the game, but I will be all right."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Miami), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

ABOUT THE HEAT (27-33): Wade scored 25 points in Wednesday's victory, and the dramatic ending left coach Erik Spoelstra gawking. "The raw genuine emotion after that (basket) is my favorite of all the ones he hits," Spoelstra told reporters of Wade's raucous celebration. "The realization that it went in - just that raw joy, that's what it is all about." Goran Dragic contributed 27 points in 20 minutes in his third game since returning from knee surgery as Miami won for just the third time in 12 contests.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (36-25): Harden was just 10-of-29 shooting versus Charlotte - including 1-for-11 from 3-point range - as he reached 30 points for the first time since his impressive 32-game streak ended. Harden is just 17-for-50 from the field in two games since sitting out Saturday's contest against the Warriors, but coach Mike D'Antoni doesn't want to hear any chatter about the reigning MVP being in a brief funk. "He was just out of sync," D'Antoni told reporters. "It takes him about three or four games to get back into rhythm. He will be fine, and that is the least of my worries."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Heat posted a 101-99 home win over the Rockets on Dec. 20 despite Harden scoring 35 points.

2. Miami C Hassan Whiteside (hip) sat out against the Warriors and is unlikely to play on Thursday.

3. Houston PF Kenneth Faried (hip) departed Wednesday's contest and is questionable to play against Miami.

PREDICTION: Rockets 120, Heat 110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets Preview and Predictions 2019-02-28

NBA Predictions 28th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/28/2019

The Denver Nuggets look to halt their eight-game losing streak in Salt Lake City when they visit the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Denver traditionally has struggled when visiting the Jazz, losing 21 of its last 28 trips to drop to 20-77 all-time.

The Nuggets might be positioned well to end their slide as they have won five straight games and already were resting in Salt Lake City on Wednesday while the Jazz were posting a 111-105 win over the visiting Los Angeles Clippers. Denver has scored 120 or more points three times during the five-game winning streak, including Tuesday's solid 121-112 home triumph over Oklahoma City. While the Nuggets are just one-half game behind first-place Golden State in the Western Conference, Utah resides in sixth place as it begins a stretch during which eight of 13 contests are on the road. "That's a big win for us. Everybody is so close right now in the standings," Utah power forward Derrick Favors told reporters after Wednesday's win. "We need every win that we can get, and hopefully it pays off for us in the end. That was a good win for us. I think everybody is proud of that win."

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE JAZZ (34-26): Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points against the Clippers and has recorded 20 or more in 20 of his last 21 contests. Mitchell was 10-for-22 from the field and 9-for-12 from the free-throw line, with the 12 attempts matching his second-highest total of the season. "Donovan attached the rim, and when you do that, good things can happen," coach Quin Snyder told reporters. "It was good to see him doing that."

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (42-18): All-Star center Nikola Jokic recorded 36 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds to narrowly miss his 13th triple-double of the season in the win over the Thunder. Jokic is averaging 20.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 7.7 assists as the leading reason why Denver has turned into one of the top teams in the West. "When the game's on the line, we're going to one guy: Nikola Jokic," coach Michael Malone told reporters. "He's been able to score in the post against single coverage and double teams. We've won so many close games ... and a lot of those you can attribute to Nikola being effective and efficient in the post and score, make the right play or go to the foul line and make a free throw."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The teams have split two games this season with the home squad winning each time.

2. Utah PG Ricky Rubio (hamstring) departed the victory over the Clippers and his availability for Thursday contest is uncertain.

3. Denver swingman Will Barton scored 23 points against Oklahoma City after recording just three versus the Clippers two nights earlier.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 114, Jazz 109

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Preview and Predictions 2019-02-28

NHL Predictions 27th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/27/2019

The Philadelphia Flyers have dragged themselves up from the depths of despair and inserted themselves in the postseason conversation by recording at least a point in 15 of their last 18 games (14-3-1). The Flyers bid to improve their standing and avert a season sweep at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday when the Metropolitan Division rivals meet at Nationwide Arena.

Philadelphia captain Claude Giroux, who leads the team in assists (46) and points (65), has scored and set up a goal in consecutive contests and recorded five points (one goal, four assists) in three meetings with Columbus this season. Sean Couturier has tallied in two of those three outings with the Blue Jackets to raise his club-best goal total to 25, and has 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) in his last 21 games. While the Flyers' spirited surge has landed them seven points out of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, Columbus finds itself one point back of Pittsburgh for that coveted spot after dropping a 5-2 decision to the Penguins on Tuesday. Sergei Bobrovsky, who allowed four goals on 26 shots in that contest, has surrendered just nine total in winning all three meetings this season against Philadelphia to improve to 13-3-1 in 17 career encounters with his former team.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Ohio (Columbus)

ABOUT THE FLYERS (30-26-7): Ryan Hartman introduced himself to Philadelphia's vocal fans by lowering the boom on Buffalo rookie defenseman Rasmus Dahlin during his first shift in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Sabres. "He's got some skills and some grit. Orange and black is going to look good on him," Giroux told Philly.com of the 24-year-old Hartman, who finds himself with the unenviable task of replacing the popular Wayne Simmonds after the two were involved in a deal with Nashville prior to the NHL's trade deadline on Monday. Hartman, who registered four shots on goal and as many penalty minutes in his debut, had an assist on a game-tying goal in the third period for the Predators in their 4-3 overtime loss to the Blue Jackets on Jan. 10.

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (35-24-3): Cam Atkinson, who has scored in three consecutive contests to match his career-high goal total of 35, tallied twice in two of the three outings versus Philadelphia this season. Linemate Artemi Panarin has six assists and seven points in those contests to lift his team-leading totals in both categories (45, 69). Recent acquisition Matt Duchene scored for Ottawa in a 4-3 win over the Flyers on Nov. 27, while fellow former Senator-turned-Blue Jacket Ryan Dzingel has been held without a point in a pair of games with Philadelphia -- although he has one goal and three assists in his last three contests overall.

OVERTIME

1. Columbus owns a 12-0-1 record in its last 13 home games against Philadelphia.

2. Flyers interim coach Scott Gordon told reporters that Brian Elliott will face the Blue Jackets while fellow G Cam Talbot will get the nod on Friday versus New Jersey.

3. Columbus has killed off 53 of its opponents' last 57 power-play opportunities.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 4, Flyers 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Islanders Preview and Predictions 2019-02-28

NHL Predictions 27th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/27/2019

The much-ballyhooed return of John Tavares to Long Island will finally take place when the Toronto Maple Leafs pay a visit to the New York Islanders on Thursday night. Tavares, a former No. 1 overall pick of New York who played nine seasons with the Islanders, will make his first appearance at Nassau Coliseum since signing a $77 million deal with Toronto in the offseason.

Tavares did face his former teammates earlier this season, when New York ended a four-game losing streak in the series with a 4-0 victory at Toronto on Dec. 29. "I just think it will be emotional for him," Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock said. "The last time we played the Islanders, they flat-out outplayed us, we didn't play, so we'd like to do a better job." Toronto enters Thursday's matchup on a three-game winning streak after skating to a 6-2 victory over Edmonton on Wednesday night to pull within one point of Boston for second place in the Atlantic Division. New York has lost three of four but ranks as one of the league's biggest surprises, withstanding the loss of former captain Tavares to sit tied with Washington atop the Metropolitan Division.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN4 (Toronto), MSG-Plus (New York)

ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (39-20-4): Tavares scored at least 24 goals in each of his nine seasons with New York and amassed 272 tallies and 621 points in 669 games with the franchise, but he is wary of how he may be greeted by the fans. "I'm not trying to overthink it," Tavares said. "I think I'm just going to try to go out there and be myself and play and just try to help the Maple Leafs. Obviously, it's my first time back, it is what it is. Whatever reception I get, I'm just going to try to go out there and play." Tavares scored his team-leading 36th goal Wednesday night, two shy of his career high.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (36-19-7): With marquee matchups upcoming against Toronto and Washington after New York dropped a 3-1 decision to Calgary on Tuesday in the opener of a five-game homestand, coach Barry Trotz decided to scrap practice at the last minute Wednesday. "I don't think we need the exercise, we need a little bit of the mental focus," Trotz said. "We're not as sharp as we can be. It's not physical, it's mental. Sometimes, a little bit of a change in routine can help." Leading scorer Mathew Barzal had a hat trick versus Toronto in December but has one goal and two assists in the last nine games.

OVERTIME

1. The Islanders play the rest of their home games at Nassau Coliseum, where they are 6-2-2 this season.

2. Maples Leafs F Andreas Johnsson scored twice Wednesday, giving him nine goals and 14 points in 13 games this month.

3. Islanders G Robin Lehner made 36 saves in blanking Toronto in December.

PREDICTION: Islanders 3, Maple Leafs 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Edmonton Oilers vs. Ottawa Senators Preview and Predictions 2019-02-28

NHL Predictions 28th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/28/2019

Time is running out for the Edmonton Oilers to climb into playoff contention while only a few grains of sand remain in the Ottawa Senators' hourglass as the clubs meet Thursday in Canada's capital. Edmonton fell to 0-1-1 on its five-game road trip with a 6-2 loss at Toronto on Wednesday and is nine points out of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference after going 3-9-4 in its last 16 contests.

Ottawa has lost five straight, allowing 24 goals during the slide after Tuesday's 7-2 loss at Washington, and has a league-low 49 points. "Mistakes cost us goals right now. We've got to learn. It's going to be like this the whole way,'' Senators forward Magnus Paajarvi told reporters. "It's not going to be easy for us, any game now. We need to grab the wheel here and come together. We can't fold. We're not going to fold." Ottawa officially waved the white flag on the season by trading its top three scorers - Mark Stone, Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel - prior to Monday's deadline, continuing a rebuilding process that started in earnest with two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson being shipped to San Jose during the offseason. The Oilers snapped a four-game slide in the series with a 6-2 victory at Ottawa in the last meeting March 22 behind two goals and two assists from captain Connor McDavid, giving him 10 points in six games versus the Senators.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Sportsnet West (Edmonton), TSN5, RDS (Ottawa)

ABOUT THE OILERS (26-30-7): McDavid (team-high 86 points) recorded an assist against Toronto in his return after serving a two-game suspension for an illegal hit to the head of the New York Islanders' Nick Leddy. Leon Draisaitl scored his club-best 39th goal Wednesday and has three in his last two games while finishing February with 12 in 13 contests. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored his 20th goal of the season Wednesday and is on pace to surpass his career high of 24 set in 2014-15 and matched last season.

ABOUT THE SENATORS (22-36-5): Oscar Lindberg, who was acquired from Vegas as part of the Stone deal, scored Tuesday in his first game with Ottawa after finding out he was traded from his suddenly ex-Golden Knights teammates. Rookie left wing Brady Tkachuk inherits the team lead in goals with 14 while defenseman Thomas Chabot (club-most 47 points) is one of three players (Bobby Ryan, Colin White) with 13 tallies. Defenseman Mark Borowiecki blocked four shots in 15:42 of ice time in his return Tuesday after missing six games because of a foot injury.

OVERTIME

1. Edmonton has lost eight of its last nine (1-6-2) against the Eastern Conference.

2. Ottawa D Dylan DeMelo is the only full-time player on the team with a plus rating at plus-11.

3. The Oilers killed only 8-of-13 penalties in their last four games after allowing three-power play goals to Toronto, lowering the league's third-worst unit to 75.1 percent.

PREDICTION: Oilers 3, Senators 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins Preview and Predictions 2019-02-28

NHL Predictions 28th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/28/2019

The Boston Bruins are playing some of their best hockey of the season despite missing an important player as they prepare to host the NHL-best Tampa Bay Lightning for an Atlantic Division showdown on Thursday. The Bruins knocked off red-hot San Jose 4-1 on Tuesday to extend their point streak to 14 games (10-0-4), but All-Star David Pastrnak (thumb) has missed half of them.

"At this time of year, (we are) just focusing game by game," Boston's David Krejci told reporters. "Obviously, we know where we are at in the standings, and that's where we want to be. But we know that it's going to be a battle. Hockey in March is one of the hardest months of the season." The Bruins sit 19 points behind Tampa Bay in the Atlantic but are just one ahead of Toronto for second place and home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Tampa Bay set a franchise record on Wednesday with its 10th straight victory as it coughed up a two-goal lead before defenseman Victor Hedman scored in overtime for a 4-3 triumph over the New York Rangers as it matched Boston's 14-game point streak (12-0-2) - all this month. Nikita Kucherov set up Hedman's game-winner for his third assist of the contest and league-leading 104th point of the season for the Lightning, who can reach 50 wins on Thursday.

TV: 7:30 p.m. NBC Sports Network, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Ontario, TVA

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (49-11-4): Kucherov is four points shy of matching the franchise single-season record set in 2006-07 by Vincent Lecavalier while Brayden Point reached 80 for the first time in his career on Wednesday with an assist. Captain Steven Stamkos added a pair of assists in the win, giving him 16 of his 77 points in his last 10 games, and J.T. Miller has scored in three of his last four contests. Andrei Vasilevskiy recorded his 29th win on Wednesday and is 9-0-2 with a .950 save percentage in February while backup Louis Domingue has won a franchise-best 11 straight starts.

ABOUT THE BRUINS (37-17-9): Brad Marchand has picked up his production level in linemate Pastrnak's absence, collecting 17 of his team-high 74 points in the last 11 contests after scoring one goal and setting up two others on Tuesday. Krejci also has been a major factor during Boston's 14-game run, registering five goals and 10 assists over the last 12 contests to push his season total to 55 points. Marcus Johansson notched an assist in his team debut on Tuesday, telling reporters: "It's such a good team, you just go out and play, you don't have to think too much."

OVERTIME

1. The Lightning were 6-for-6 on the penalty kill during Wednesday's win and are 25-for-25 over their last seven contests.

2. Boston C Noel Acciari, who took a puck to the face in Tuesday's game, is questionable to face the Lightning while D Kevan Miller (upper body) is doubtful.

3. Tampa Bay C Tyler Johnson's goal in the first period against the Rangers was the 300th point of his career.

PREDICTION: Bruins 3, Lightning 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vancouver Canucks vs. Arizona Coyotes Preview and Predictions 2019-02-28

NHL Predictions 28th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/28/2019

The Arizona Coyotes are right in the thick of the playoff race in the Western Conference thanks to their current surge. They hope to continue their push for the postseason against another competitor when they continue a seven-game homestand Thursday versus the Vancouver Canucks.

Arizona, which is three points out of the second wild-card spot, posted its fourth straight victory and seventh in nine games on Tuesday as it rallied to top Florida 4-3 in a shootout. Derek Stepan scored his second goal of the contest late in the third period to forge a tie and the Coyotes converted all three of their attempts in the bonus format to improve to 2-0-0 on their homestand. Vancouver is five points back in the wild-card race after kicking off its three-game road trip with a 3-2 shootout loss in Colorado. Josh Leivo scored with 3:02 remaining in the third period to earn a point for the Canucks, who have dropped nine of their last 12 contests (3-6-3).

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Sportsnet Pacific (Vancouver), FS Arizona

ABOUT THE CANUCKS (27-28-9): Tanner Pearson made his team debut on Wednesday, registering two shots and a pair of hits in 14 1/2 minutes of ice time. The 26-year-old left wing, who was acquired from Pittsburgh at Monday's trade deadline after beginning the season with Los Angeles, has recorded nine goals and six assists in 62 games this campaign. Defenseman Alex Biega set up both tallies against the Avalanche, giving him five of his 10 points this season in his last six contests.

ABOUT THE COYOTES (30-28-5): Rookie Conor Garland has impressed the organization so much over his first 36 NHL games, he was rewarded with a two-year contract extension on Wednesday. The 22-year-old right wing, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 draft, has registered 12 goals and three assists since being recalled from Tucson of the American Hockey League on Dec. 2. Stepan, who trails Alex Galchenyuk (14) by one goal for the team lead, is riding a four-game point streak (two goals, three assists) and is seven assists shy of 300 for his career.

OVERTIME

1. Coyotes RW Josh Archibald, who enters Thursday with a career-best four-game point streak, has tallied in four of his last eight contests.

2. Vancouver D Alex Edler (concussion) is traveling with the team but missed his 11th consecutive game on Wednesday.

3. Arizona D Oliver Ekman-Larsson is tied with Dave Babych for 13th place on the franchise list with 321 points.

PREDICTION: Coyotes 4, Canucks 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Florida Panthers vs. Vegas Golden Knights Preview and Predictions 2019-02-28

NHL Predictions 27th February 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 02/27/2019

The Vegas Golden Knights received just the response for which they were hoping after making a blockbuster deal to acquire Mark Stone at Monday's trade deadline. After posting only their second victory in the past eight games, the Golden Knights look to post back-to-back wins for only the second time in seven weeks when they host the Florida Panthers on Thursday night.

While Stone was held without a point, Vegas had a collective spring in its step by outshooting the Dallas Stars by a 2-to-1 margin (48 to 24) in Tuesday's 4-1 victory to remain six points ahead of Arizona for third place in the Pacific. "We got a big addition (in Stone), but the entire room has to play better as a group," cautioned defenseman Shea Theodore. "Last year was special, but nothing is going to bring that back. ... We have to be better and create some new history." Florida is making a belated push for a playoff spot but is nine points back of Pittsburgh for the second wild card after suffering a 4-3 shootout loss at Arizona on Tuesday. "I can't say enough about the guys just battling and competing and finding ways at this time of year, finding ways to get the points. That's important," Panthers coach Bob Boughner said after his team improved to 5-1-1 in the last seven games.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS Florida, AT&T Sportsnet-Rocky Mountain (Las Vegas)

ABOUT THE PANTHERS (28-25-9): Backup netminder James Reimer was knocked out of Tuesday's game early in the second period due to a lower-body injury, forcing 39-year-old Roberto Luongo into the net for the second time in as many nights. Center Aleksander Barkov, the reigning NHL Second Star of the Week, continued his blistering scoring pace by netting a third-period goal Tuesday to give him seven tallies and six assists during a six-game point streak. Barkov, who scored one goal and set up another in a 3-1 victory over Vegas on Feb. 2, needs two more tallies to match his career high of 28 set in 2015-16.

ABOUT THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS (33-26-5): Stone managed to make his presence felt in his Vegas debut, registering a game-high six shots on goal to go with three takeaways, two blocks and a pair of hits. He also was paired on a line with a one-time bitter rival in Max Pacioretty, the former Montreal Canadiens standout who scored twice to reach 20 goals on the season. "It was awesome," said Stone, who scored a career-high 28 goals with Ottawa. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be in a celebration (with Pacioretty), but it has been awesome. Can't beat this crowd. It's the best place to play in the league."

OVERTIME

1. Stone has only two goals and 10 points in 16 games versus Florida.

2. Panthers F Jonathan Huberdeau has four goals and nine points in his past six games.

3. Pacioretty has 45 multiple-goal games, the third-most in the league since the 2010-11 season.

PREDICTION: Golden Knights 4, Panthers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dallas Stars vs. Los Angeles Kings Preview and Predictions 2019-02-28

NHL Predictions 27th February 2019 by Gracenote
Stars vs. Kings Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 02/27/2019

The Dallas Stars are surrendering a high volume of shots and not generating enough of their own en route to losing five of their last seven games. The Stars bid to change the narrative on Thursday when they play the third contest of their four-game road trip against the reeling Los Angeles Kings, who have lost nine in a row (0-6-3).

"It's two games in a row, we've taken a lot of penalties and that's where we've given up those shots, on the PK," Dallas coach Jim Montgomery said after Tuesday's 4-1 loss to Vegas. "But you're never happy with more than 40 shots in four of our last five games." Spending a considerable time attempting to kill penalties and playing in the defensive zone has obviously hampered the Stars, whose 29th-ranked offense has scored just 13 goals in the last seven games. The Kings and their 30th-ranked offense know those issues all too well as the club has just 10 tallies in its last six contests. "Everyone is frustrated, obviously. We've lost (nine) in a row," forward Trevor Lewis said after Tuesday's 6-1 setback to Carolina. "We have to go home and regroup and do a little bit of soul searching, get some pride going and play for each other."

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Dallas), FS West (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE STARS (31-27-5): Ben Bishop turned aside a season-high 44 shots against the Golden Knights while playing in his second game after spending two weeks on injured reserve. "There were some unlucky bounces there. Not much you can do about it," said the 32-year-old Bishop, who made 17 saves in Dallas' 2-1 setback to Los Angeles on Jan. 17 to fall to 5-4-0 with one shutout against the club. Alexander Radulov, who set up defenseman Esa Lindell's goal in that contest, has six of his club-best 33 assists in his last 11 games.

ABOUT THE KINGS (23-33-7): Captain Anze Kopitar (team-leading 17 goals, 44 points), who scored in a 4-2 loss to Dallas on Oct. 23, has been held off the scoresheet in four straight contests and is mired in an eight-game goal drought. Former captain Dustin Brown, however, scored for the second time in three outings and also had a power-play tally in the last meeting with the Stars. Jonathan Quick, who owns a 17-11-2 mark with two shutouts in his career against Dallas, has surrendered six goals in back-to-back outings and three of his last five.

OVERTIME

1. Los Angeles Drew Doughty has notched two of his club-best 28 assists against Dallas.

2. Stars captain Jamie Benn is expected to return to action Thursday after sitting out one game with an upper-body injury.

3. The Kings have surrendered 38 goals scored during their losing streak.

PREDICTION: Stars 2, Kings 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Thursday's Tip Sheet
Kevin Rogers

Xavier at St. John’s (-5 ½, 143) – 6:30 PM EST – FS1

The Red Storm (20-8 SU, 13-14-1 ATS) is on their way to their first NCAA Tournament berth under head coach Chris Mullin, while picking up 20 wins for the first time since the 2014-15 campaign. St. John’s improved to 8-7 in Big East play after holding off Seton Hall, 78-70 to cash as 2 ½-point home favorites on Saturday. The Red Storm built an 18-point halftime lead as Shamorie Ponds paced the Johnnies with 27 points to avenge a buzzer-beating loss to Seton Hall to tip off Big East action.

St. John’s seeks its fourth consecutive home win as the Red Storm welcome in Xavier (15-13 SU, 10-16-2 ATS). The Musketeers begin Thursday’s action tied for fourth place in the Big East at 7-8 with Seton Hall, as seven schools in the league own losing conference records. Xavier has come back to life following a six-game losing streak as the Musketeers have won four in a row, capped off by Sunday’s home upset of Villanova, 66-54. XU has covered in all seven conference wins, but is 0-8 ATS in eight Big East losses, meaning the spread hasn’t mattered in these contests.

Amazingly, this is the first meeting between Xavier and St. John’s, who hook up in two of the final three games of the regular season. The Musketeers have captured seven consecutive matchups, including a three-game sweep last season. The Red Storm owns a 5-3 SU and 4-3-1 ATS as a Big East favorite, while finishing UNDER the total in seven of the past eight games overall.

Nebraska at Michigan (-12 ½, 131) – 7:00 PM EST – ESPN

The race for the top spot in the Big 10 tournament will be a good one as Michigan State, Purdue, and Michigan are separated by one game. The Wolverines (24-4 SU, 15-13 ATS) squandered a golden opportunity to beat the rival Spartans last Sunday in Ann Arbor by falling to MSU, 77-70 to suffer their third loss in the last seven games. In spite of limiting the Spartans to 5-of-20 shooting from three-point range, Michigan couldn’t slow down Michigan State from two-point range as it converted 19-of-28 attempts from inside downtown.

The Wolverines have yet to lose consecutive games this season, while posting a 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS record off a defeat. Nebraska (15-13 SU, 13-13-1 ATS) has slumped to a 5-12 record in the Big 10, which includes a dreadful 1-7 road mark with the lone victory coming at Indiana in January. The Huskers grabbed only their second cover in the past 11 games in Saturday’s 75-72 home defeat to Purdue as six-point underdogs.

Michigan and Nebraska split a pair of blowouts last season as the Huskers crushed the Wolverines in Lincoln as five-point underdogs. The Wolverines picked up revenge as five-point favorites in the conference tournament at Madison Square Garden, 77-58. Michigan owns a 2-1 ATS mark as a double-digit favorite in Big 10 play, while Nebraska is receiving at least 10 points for the second time this season as the Huskers were rolled at Purdue in early February as 13-point ‘dogs.

USC at UCLA (-3, 154) – 9:00 PM EST – ESPN

These Los Angeles rivals own identical 8-7 records in Pac-12 action, as both squads sit in the upper-half of the conference with three games remaining. The Bruins (15-13 SU, 11-17 ATS) are coming back to life after dropping three consecutive games as UCLA has won three of its past four games including a home sweep of Oregon State and Oregon. UCLA hasn’t been a great team to back in February, as the Bruins have put together a 2-5 ATS mark, which includes a front-door cover as 7 ½-point favorites in an eight-point overtime victory at California.

The Trojans (15-13 SU, 13-15 ATS) fell to 1-3 at home in their last four games at the Galen Center after dropping a 67-62 decision to Oregon State on Saturday. USC has compiled an 0-8 SU/ATS record in the role of an underdog this season, while falling by three at Stanford as 1 ½-point ‘dogs in their last opportunity when receiving points on February 13. The Trojans are 0-3 SU/ATS this season on the road in the front-end of a Pac-12 trip, while losing three of the past four weekday conference games.

USC took care of UCLA in the first matchup, 80-67 at the Galen Center to cash as two-point favorites on January 19. The victory snapped a four-game skid to the Bruins dating back to February 2017, while USC seeks its first win at Pauley Pavilion since January 2016.

Gonzaga (-24 ½, 144 ½) at Pacific – 11:00 PM EST – ESPN2

The top-ranked Bulldogs (27-2 SU, 19-10 ATS) have not been tripped up yet in West Coast Conference play by compiling a 14-0 record. Since losing back-to-back games to North Carolina and Tennessee, Gonzaga has won 18 consecutive contests, while topping the 90-point mark ten times in this stretch. The most recent triumph came in last Saturday’s 102-68 rout of BYU as Gonzaga scored 51 points in each half and easily cashed as 20-point favorites to end a three-game ATS slide.

Pacific (13-16 SU, 13-14 ATS) beat Pepperdine to begin February, but the Tigers have lost five consecutive games to slip to 3-11 in WCC play. The offense has been non-existent of late as Pacific has been held to 59 points or less in four straight contests, including a 32-point spot in a 58-32 setback to St. Mary’s on February 21.

Gonzaga crushed Pacific in the first meeting in Spokane, 67-36 on January 10 to cash as 26-point favorites. The Bulldogs have never lost to the Tigers in 12 meetings since Pacific joined the WCC in 2013, but Gonzaga has covered in only one of the past four visits to Stockton.

Washington (-13, 136) at California – 11:00 PM EST – FS1

It’s the polar opposite matchup of Pac-12 squads as the Huskies (22-5 SU, 16-10-1 ATS) are on their way to the top seed in the conference tournament. UW is 13-1 inside the Pac-12, while California (5-22 SU, 9-18 ATS) is still seeking its first league win at 0-15 and last won a Pac-12 game on February 3, 2018 against Oregon State.

Washington improved to 14-0 at home after beating Utah and Colorado last week, while extending their UNDER streak to seven. The Huskies own an 8-1 ATS mark as a conference favorite, but are listed as road chalk in Pac-12 play for the third time as they failed to cash as 7 ½-point favorite in a 72-70 win at Washington State on February 16.

California jumped out to a 34-28 halftime lead at Arizona State last Sunday, but the Golden Bears fell apart in the second half of a 69-59 defeat. In spite of dropping to 0-15 in the Pac-12, Cal cashed as 16 ½-point underdogs to improve to 3-1 ATS in the last four opportunities when receiving at least 10 points. However, the Golden Bears own an 0-7 SU and 1-6 ATS record as a home ‘dog in Pac-12 action, as Cal tries to avenge a 71-52 loss in Seattle last month as 16-point underdogs.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Thursday, February 28

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XAVIER (15 - 13) at ST JOHNS (20 - 8) - 2/28/2019, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
XAVIER is 251-201 ATS (+29.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ST JOHNS is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ST JOHNS is 116-149 ATS (-47.9 Units) as a favorite since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
XAVIER is 3-2 against the spread versus ST JOHNS over the last 3 seasons
XAVIER is 5-0 straight up against ST JOHNS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NORTHEASTERN (18 - 10) at DELAWARE (16 - 13) - 2/28/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DELAWARE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in home games after scoring 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
DELAWARE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
DELAWARE is 3-3 against the spread versus NORTHEASTERN over the last 3 seasons
NORTHEASTERN is 4-2 straight up against DELAWARE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEBRASKA (15 - 13) at MICHIGAN (24 - 4) - 2/28/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEBRASKA is 99-138 ATS (-52.8 Units) in road games since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 99-138 ATS (-52.8 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) against conference opponents this season.
NEBRASKA is 27-45 ATS (-22.5 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) after a conference game this season.
NEBRASKA is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival this season.
NEBRASKA is 106-143 ATS (-51.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 62-88 ATS (-34.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 31-52 ATS (-26.2 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
MICHIGAN is 40-26 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 40-26 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MICHIGAN is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
MICHIGAN is 2-2 against the spread versus NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
MICHIGAN is 3-1 straight up against NEBRASKA 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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CONNECTICUT (13 - 14) at WICHITA ST (13 - 13) - 2/28/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WICHITA ST is 228-184 ATS (+25.6 Units) as a favorite since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 2-1 against the spread versus WICHITA ST over the last 3 seasons
WICHITA ST is 2-1 straight up against CONNECTICUT 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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ELON (9 - 20) at JAMES MADISON (13 - 16) - 2/28/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ELON is 19-36 ATS (-20.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ELON is 19-36 ATS (-20.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ELON is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ELON is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
ELON is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
ELON is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
JAMES MADISON is 101-139 ATS (-51.9 Units) in all home games since 1997.
JAMES MADISON is 101-139 ATS (-51.9 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
JAMES MADISON is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in a home game where the total is 140 to 144.5 since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
JAMES MADISON is 3-2 against the spread versus ELON over the last 3 seasons
JAMES MADISON is 3-2 straight up against ELON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WM & MARY (12 - 16) at TOWSON ST (10 - 19) - 2/28/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WM & MARY is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
WM & MARY is 3-2 against the spread versus TOWSON ST over the last 3 seasons
TOWSON ST is 3-3 straight up against WM & MARY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOFSTRA (23 - 6) at DREXEL (13 - 16) - 2/28/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOFSTRA is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
HOFSTRA is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
HOFSTRA is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in road games this season.
HOFSTRA is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in road lined games this season.
HOFSTRA is 48-25 ATS (+20.5 Units) in road games after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.
HOFSTRA is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
HOFSTRA is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
HOFSTRA is 3-2 against the spread versus DREXEL over the last 3 seasons
HOFSTRA is 4-1 straight up against DREXEL over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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IL-CHICAGO (15 - 14) at OAKLAND (14 - 16) - 2/28/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IL-CHICAGO is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
IL-CHICAGO is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 3 seasons.
IL-CHICAGO is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-2 against the spread versus IL-CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
OAKLAND is 4-1 straight up against IL-CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TEXAS ST (22 - 6) at TROY (11 - 15) - 2/28/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.
TEXAS ST is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS ST is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in a road game where the total is 135 to 139.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS ST is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS ST is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS ST is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS ST is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
TROY is 8-15 ATS (-8.5 Units) in all games this season.
TROY is 8-15 ATS (-8.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
TROY is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) against conference opponents this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
TROY is 2-2 against the spread versus TEXAS ST over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS ST is 3-1 straight up against TROY 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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ARK-LITTLE ROCK (10 - 17) at GA SOUTHERN (18 - 10) - 2/28/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARK-LITTLE ROCK is 28-43 ATS (-19.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ARK-LITTLE ROCK is 28-43 ATS (-19.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
ARK-LITTLE ROCK is 18-32 ATS (-17.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
ARK-LITTLE ROCK is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in February games over the last 3 seasons.
ARK-LITTLE ROCK is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
GA SOUTHERN is 2-1 against the spread versus ARK-LITTLE ROCK over the last 3 seasons
GA SOUTHERN is 2-1 straight up against ARK-LITTLE ROCK 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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ARKANSAS ST (12 - 15) at GEORGIA ST (19 - 9) - 2/28/2019, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARKANSAS ST is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) after a conference game this season.
ARKANSAS ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA ST is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
GEORGIA ST is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.
ARKANSAS ST is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
ARKANSAS ST is 2-1 against the spread versus GEORGIA ST over the last 3 seasons
GEORGIA ST is 2-1 straight up against ARKANSAS 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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TX-ARLINGTON (13 - 15) at S ALABAMA (13 - 14) - 2/28/2019, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S ALABAMA is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
S ALABAMA is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
S ALABAMA is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
S ALABAMA is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
S ALABAMA is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) against conference opponents this season.
S ALABAMA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
S ALABAMA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
TX-ARLINGTON is 60-33 ATS (+23.7 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
TX-ARLINGTON is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) against conference opponents this season.
TX-ARLINGTON is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
TX-ARLINGTON is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
TX-ARLINGTON is 51-32 ATS (+15.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
TX-ARLINGTON is 2-1 against the spread versus S ALABAMA over the last 3 seasons
TX-ARLINGTON is 3-0 straight up against S ALABAMA 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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APPALACHIAN ST (9 - 18) at LA-MONROE (14 - 12) - 2/28/2019, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA-MONROE is 15-8 ATS (+6.2 Units) in all games this season.
LA-MONROE is 15-8 ATS (+6.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
LA-MONROE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
LA-MONROE is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) after allowing 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
LA-MONROE is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.


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

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WRIGHT ST (18 - 11) at WI-GREEN BAY (15 - 14) - 2/28/2019, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-GREEN BAY is 59-39 ATS (+16.1 Units) in home games revenging a road loss vs opponent since 1997.
WRIGHT ST is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game this season.
WRIGHT ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games this season.
WRIGHT ST is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
WRIGHT ST is 4-2 against the spread versus WI-GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
WRIGHT ST is 5-1 straight up against WI-GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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IUPUI (16 - 13) at DETROIT (10 - 18) - 2/28/2019, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IUPUI is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 3 seasons.
IUPUI is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
IUPUI is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less or pick over the last 2 seasons.
IUPUI is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in a road game where the total is 150 to 154.5 over the last 3 seasons.
IUPUI is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
IUPUI is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
IUPUI is 2-1 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
IUPUI is 2-1 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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COASTAL CAROLINA (13 - 13) at LA-LAFAYETTE (15 - 11) - 2/28/2019, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COASTAL CAROLINA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
LA-LAFAYETTE is 2-1 against the spread versus COASTAL CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
LA-LAFAYETTE is 2-1 straight up against COASTAL CAROLINA 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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N KENTUCKY (21 - 8) at WI-MILWAUKEE (9 - 20) - 2/28/2019, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 175-139 ATS (+22.1 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 216-171 ATS (+27.9 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 210-167 ATS (+26.3 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
N KENTUCKY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games over the last 3 seasons.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games in February games over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
WI-MILWAUKEE is 4-2 against the spread versus N KENTUCKY over the last 3 seasons
N KENTUCKY is 5-1 straight up against WI-MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (17 - 11) at NORTHWESTERN (12 - 15) - 2/28/2019, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 24-35 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 24-35 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 97-130 ATS (-46.0 Units) in road games since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 97-130 ATS (-46.0 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 91-133 ATS (-55.3 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NORTHWESTERN is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
NORTHWESTERN is 2-1 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
NORTHWESTERN is 2-1 straight up against MINNESOTA 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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TULANE (4 - 22) at TULSA (16 - 12) - 2/28/2019, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULANE is 20-31 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TULANE is 20-31 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TULANE is 162-202 ATS (-60.2 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
TULANE is 159-214 ATS (-76.4 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
TULANE is 156-206 ATS (-70.6 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
TULANE is 100-141 ATS (-55.1 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
TULANE is 87-117 ATS (-41.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
TULANE is 3-2 against the spread versus TULSA over the last 3 seasons
TULSA is 5-1 straight up against TULANE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON ST (11 - 16) at STANFORD (14 - 13) - 2/28/2019, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON ST is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON ST is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON ST is 180-221 ATS (-63.1 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
STANFORD is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
STANFORD is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
STANFORD is 3-1 against the spread versus WASHINGTON ST over the last 3 seasons
STANFORD is 4-0 straight up against WASHINGTON ST 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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USC (15 - 13) at UCLA (15 - 13) - 2/28/2019, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
USC is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
USC is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
UCLA is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
UCLA is 3-3 against the spread versus USC over the last 3 seasons
UCLA is 4-2 straight up against USC over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ARIZONA (16 - 12) at OREGON ST (17 - 9) - 2/28/2019, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
ARIZONA is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARIZONA is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-1 against the spread versus OREGON ST over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 4-0 straight up against OREGON ST 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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SAN DIEGO (17 - 12) at SAN FRANCISCO (21 - 7) - 2/28/2019, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 90-65 ATS (+18.5 Units) in February games since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 181-144 ATS (+22.6 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 4-1 against the spread versus SAN FRANCISCO over the last 3 seasons
SAN DIEGO is 3-2 straight up against SAN FRANCISCO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LONG BEACH ST (11 - 18) at UC-SANTA BARBARA (19 - 8) - 2/28/2019, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LONG BEACH ST is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 32-20 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 32-20 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LONG BEACH ST is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
LONG BEACH ST is 48-25 ATS (+20.5 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent since 1997.
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 28-47 ATS (-23.7 Units) in home games in February games since 1997.
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 0-11 ATS (-12.1 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 3-2 against the spread versus LONG BEACH ST over the last 3 seasons
LONG BEACH ST is 3-2 straight up against UC-SANTA BARBARA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CAL POLY-SLO (6 - 19) at CS-FULLERTON (13 - 14) - 2/28/2019, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAL POLY-SLO is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in all games this season.
CAL POLY-SLO is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
CAL POLY-SLO is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CAL POLY-SLO is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
CAL POLY-SLO is 11-28 ATS (-19.8 Units) in a road game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.
CAL POLY-SLO is 5-23 ATS (-20.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CAL POLY-SLO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
CAL POLY-SLO is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) after a conference game this season.
CAL POLY-SLO is 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) after allowing 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CAL POLY-SLO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CAL POLY-SLO is 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
CS-FULLERTON is 71-101 ATS (-40.1 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
CS-FULLERTON is 5-0 against the spread versus CAL POLY-SLO over the last 3 seasons
CS-FULLERTON is 5-0 straight up against CAL POLY-SLO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UC-IRVINE (23 - 5) at CAL DAVIS (10 - 16) - 2/28/2019, 11:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAL DAVIS is 44-26 ATS (+15.4 Units) after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.
UC-IRVINE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
UC-IRVINE is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.
UC-IRVINE is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
CAL DAVIS is 5-1 against the spread versus UC-IRVINE over the last 3 seasons
CAL DAVIS is 4-2 straight up against UC-IRVINE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SANTA CLARA (15 - 13) at LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT (18 - 10) - 2/28/2019, 11:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SANTA CLARA is 17-9 ATS (+7.1 Units) in all games this season.
SANTA CLARA is 17-9 ATS (+7.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
SANTA CLARA is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
SANTA CLARA is 115-78 ATS (+29.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
SANTA CLARA is 109-75 ATS (+26.5 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
SANTA CLARA is 53-33 ATS (+16.7 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
SANTA CLARA is 58-37 ATS (+17.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 66-94 ATS (-37.4 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 110-146 ATS (-50.6 Units) in all home games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 110-146 ATS (-50.6 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 69-96 ATS (-36.6 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 4-1 against the spread versus SANTA CLARA over the last 3 seasons
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 3-2 straight up against SANTA CLARA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons