1-25-09

[Mr. IWS]

Scott Spreitzer's CBB SLAM DUNK GAME OF THE MONTH! *14-7, 67% Run!

I'm laying the points with Syracuse. I have to give Louisville some credit up front. The Cardinals looked like a team that was far from a 5-0 Big East start when they lost at home to UNLV in December. But they have run off five straight conference wins, including a home win over national championship contender Pittsburgh. But winning again, in one of the best environments in college baskets is going to be too tough for the Cards, as far as I'm concerned. The Orange don't get their just-due on the defensive end because they score a lot of points. And it's that offense that keeps the opposition constantly on their heels and off-balance. Syracuse is averaging over 80 ppg this season, hitting a ridiculous, 50.4% from the field! They have scored 85 or more on nine occasions this season. I expect a supreme effort on the offensive end on Sunday following a 60-point season-low in an 18-point loss to Pitt last time out. They trailed by just three at halftime, but couldn't overcome a rare, but poor shooting night. In fact, they finished the game with a 41% mark. The Orange also caught Pitt in an incredibly tough situation. The Panthers had lost to Louisville in their previous game, blowing a 10-point lead in the process. This time it's the Orange who're in the strong spot. Not only are they looking to hang close to Marquette and Louisville in the Big East standings, but the Cardinals have not shot too well away from home. In fact, Rick Pitino's squad has made just 40.2% of their FGA in six road games this season. They're hitting just 25% from area code three, and even struggle at the charity stripe, where they're making just 63.4% of their shots. Now they have to face a fired-up Syracuse team that has held their 14 visitors to 38.3% from the field, and under 29% from behind the arc. The Orange backcourt has been tremendous inside the dome. They know how to draw fouls and stay away from picking up PFs on the other end. Syracuse has averaged 26 FTA per game at home while their opponents have averaged just 14! Add it up and the Orange are in a strong "play-on" situation on Sunday. This is almost a "must win" spot for Syracuse, and while I don't get involved in a lot of those, I feel extremely confident in doing so today. I'm laying the points with Syracuse on Sunday. Thanks! GL! Scott

[Mr. IWS]

Re: 1-25-09

Larry Ness Sunday

Las Vegas Insider - NCAA

The 24th-ranked Gators (16-3) are the SEC's lone top-25 team but after a 10-game win streak got them back into the poll this past Monday (Florida was ranked for the first four weeks of this season), the Gators lost 70-69 Wednesday night in South Carolina. The loss was 'killer,' as Florida missed the front end of a one-and-one in the game's final seconds and the Gamecocks won it at the buzzer. Florida plays in Nashville this afternoon vs Vandy, a team which has dropped three of its last four, including a 76-63 home loss to Tennessee on Tuesday, which ended Vandy's nine-game home winning streak against conference foes. The Gators have won 13 of their last 16 series matchups against the Commodores but the teams have split the last four with each team winning on its home court last year. Florida's star is the 6-6 Calathes (17.8-5.1-6.6) but Billy Donovan's team doesn't lack for talent or depth. The backcourt starters are senior Hodge (7.7) and 5-8 freshman Walker (8.8) with another freshman, Shipman (4.2), coming off the bench. Up front it's the 6-8 Tyus (12.2-6.6), the 6-7 Werner (9.3-4.3), the 6-9 Parsons 9.0-5.5) and 6-10 freshman Kadji (5.4-2.7). Florida is scoring 78.4 PPG and shooting 49.1 percent but Vandy is holding opponents to 59.8 PPG on 37.3 percent shooting. The 6-10 Ogilvy (15.8-6.8) and guard Beal (11.9-4.1-3.1) are the key returning players from LY's 26-win team but two freshman have made a major impact this year. The 6-7 Taylor averages 12.2 PPG and 6.2 RPG and guard Tinsley averages 10.2 PPG and 2.6 APG. Those four double digit scorers combined to make just SIX of their 30 shots in Tuesday's home loss to Tennessee and I surely don't expect a "repeat performance!" Despite that 'ugly' loss to the Vols, Vandy is 9--3 at home, outscoring opponents on average, 69.8-to-58.3 PPG. This contest will be Vanderbilt's first this year vs a ranked opponent and the Commodores have won EIGHT of their last 12 vs top-25 teams. Make that NINE of their last 13!


Las Vegas Insider on Vanderbilt


Weekend Wipeout Winner - NCAA

Donnie Jones is a second-year head coach at Marshall and after going 16-14 (8-8 in C-USA) in his first season at Huntington, he's 9-9 (2-2) through the first 18 games of his second season. In comparison, UCF's head coach Kirk Speraw is in his 16th year at the Orlando-based school. His team is also 2-2 in C-USA but is a more impressive 12-6 overall. UCF will have the best player on the floor in the 6-4 Taylor, who after averaging 20.8 PPG and 4.7 RPG as a junior, is averaging 23.6 PPG and 5.3 RPG this season.He's the team's lone double digit scorer but the Knights are a fairly deep team. Seven other players are averaging between 14 and 25 MPG, with 6-7 freshman Davis (9.0-5.5) being the second-leading scorer. Also in the frontcourt is 6-9 vet Zondervan (5.7-4.3) and the 6-9 Tyler, who comes off the bench to average 6.4 PPG and 3.8 RPG. Other than Taylor, the backcourt is very young, with three freshman and a sophomore. Sosa (8.6) is the leading scorer of the bunch (although he doesn't start), joined by fellow freshman Rompza (5.3-4.8 APG) and Baez (4.3) plus sophomore Young (3.8). The Thundering Herd also have a young backcourt as freshman Pitts (11.1-4.0 APG) and Johnson (9.1) both start. Lutz (8.4) is a junior and two 6-6 swingman, Pena (4.3-2.1) and Baines (7.9-4.5) round out Marshall's perimeter game. The 6-8 Wilkerson (10.9-6.1) and the 6-6 Humphrey (9.8-4.4) are the team's two best inside players. Marshall is NOT a good road team (1-6 SU on the season) and since Dec 1 has lost all FIVE of its road games, by margins of 12, 10, 23, 11 and 19. Meanwhile, UCF moved into a brand new arena last season and after playing well at home LY, is 9-2 SU and 5-1 ATS at home this year. Since Dec 1, the Knights have won NINE of 12 games overall, losing only to Florida and Memphis (at home) plus at UAB. Taylor leads the way here to an easy win over the poor-traveling team from Huntington, which UCF beat last year at this site, 77-63. Second verse, same as the first.

Weekend Wipeout Winner on UCF

Larry's 9* College Hoops 'Perfect Storm'

I've always like Seth Greenberg (particularly that hairline of his) and was happy to see his Hokies upset No. 1 Wake Forest on Wednesday (it was my free play that day). However, this is a BRUTAL spot for his team. The Hokies have three terrific players, 6-6 senior Vassallo (17.8-6.5-3.1) plus sophomores Delaney (16.9-4.4-3.9) and Allen (13.9--8.8). PG Delaney had 21 points in the upset of Wake, the "tough as nails" 6-7 Allen had 16 points and seven rebounds and the team's lone veteran, Vassallo, had 16-6-4. The other two starters, the 6-6 Thompson (5.1-3.8) and the 6-8 Davila (4.5-2.4) combined for just 10 points while the bench contributed 15 points. Behind the team's "Big Three," only Thompson averages more than five PPG. This is an obvious "let down" spot and Miami-Florida is hardly the 'right' opponent. In fact, for the Hokies, they are absolutely the 'wrong' one. The Hurricanes are very deep. McClinton (17.8-3.0-3.1) leads a backcourt which also includes Dews (8.8) and Hurdle (7.6). The frontcourt starters are the 6-8 Collins (11.7-7.8), 6-6 freshman Jones (3.7) and 6-8 senior Graham (3.4-5.8). However, the 6-9 McGowan (6.7-5.8), the 6-7 Asbury (6.2-4.7) and the 6-7 Thomas (4.4) are all pretty talented as well. The 'Canes won 23 games last season and put a real 'scare' into Texas in their second-round NCAA meeting and enter this game 14-4 on the year. However, the 'Canes have flopped in just about everyone of their "step-up" games so far. They lost to U Conn 76-63 in the Paradise Jam tourney in late November, lost at home to Ohio St (73-68) in the ACC/Big 10 Challenge in early Dec, lost at home to then-unbeaten Clemson 91-72 on Dec 21 and a week ago Saturday, lost 82-65 at North Carolina. A win here over a Va Tech team, which just beat No. 1 Wake Forest is "just what the doctor ordered." Miami is even playing with a nice "revenge motive," as the Hokies beat them 63-49 in LY's ACC tourney. I'm calling this a 'Perfect Storm' on Miami-Fla

9* Perfect Storm Play on Miami-FL



Larry's NBA TV Game of the Week

When the Spurs and Lakers get together it's no ordinary game, as the two teams have combined to win NINE of the last 10 Western Conference titles and SEVEN of 10 championships. These teams met Jan 14 in San Antonio with the Spurs winning 112-111. The Lakers overcame an 11-point 4th-quarter deficit in that game and took the lead on a Kobe three-pointer with 12 seconds left, but Roger Mson (who's made a habit of these things TY), hit the game-winner shortly after Kobe's shot. The Lakers are in much better shape this time around, as both Vujacic (6.2) and Walton (3.8) are back in the lineup and don't think that's not important. Both are key reserves and with "all hands on deck," LA's main edge over the Spurs these days is not only its youth but its quality depth (an advantage the Spurs used to have over the Lakers). Also, unlike in that meeting in San Antonio when the Lakers were off a tough 105-100 win the night before in Houston, the Lakers are well-rested (off since Thursday). The Spurs have won four straight coming in but this aging team opens a tough three-game road trip with this contest (Jazz and Suns up next) and this marks San Antonio's SIXTH game in 10 days, four of which have come on the road. The Lakers won all FIVE home games vs the Spurs last year (including the playoffs) and will show that there really is a 'class difference' between these two teams in 2009!

TV Game of the Week on LA Lakers

[Mr. IWS]

Re: 1-25-09

SCOTT SPREITZER 25* Afternoon Annihilator

laying the points with Boston on Sunday. I jumped on the defending champs shortly after they corrected their ways and have watched them tear through the league on a current seven-game win streak. I have mentioned several times on these pages that while Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce are obviously the main ingredients, it's Rajon Rondo who stirs the drink. During their 2-7 slide, Rondo couldn't get out of his own way. He truly struggled. But during their incredible run to start the season and once again over the last seven games, Rondo has been fantastic. The former Kentucky Wildcat has averaged 11.6 ppg, 9.1 apg, and just 3.3 tpg during the win streak. His solid, mistake-free play has allowed the stars on the team to concentrate solely on their own game, rather than having to pick up the slack. And for those who thought Boston's win streak was coming against a favorable stretch of opponents, take a look at their most recent win, a statement for sure in their 90-80 win at Orlando. The Celtics were simply nasty on the defensive end once again. They held the Magic to 38% shooting on their home floor. Boston also out-rebounded the Dwight Howard-led Magic, and forced Orlando into an 11-14 assist/turnover night. On Sunday afternoon, Boston plays host to a Dallas team that has been a tale of two teams this week. The Mavs were thoroughly embarrassed in a 133-99 loss to Milwaukee, then rebounded with a 112-91 blowout win at Detroit. But this will be their fourth roadie in seven days, not good for a team that's inconsistent on the defensive end. This month alone, the Mavs have held four opponents to 94 points or less. Yet two opponents have scored 128 points or more. The mental "let-ups" on the defensive end is one of the main reasons they can't get "over the hump." Playing defense every other time down the floor will not get it done against Boston. The Celtics play hard every second of every game. They're holding the opposition to 91 ppg at home, while scoring 104 ppg themselves. During the seven-game win streak, Boston has out-scored the opposition by an average of 103.4-to-88.3. In fact, six of their seven victims have scored 88 points or less! When Boston is on their game, specifically Rajon Rondo, they're as tough as it gets and they win by wide, spread-covering margins. Until I see a sign to "sell' - they're either a "play-on" team, or if the number is too high, a pass. The number is just fine on Sunday, and I'm playing ON the Boston Celtics. Thanks! GL! Scott.

[Mr. IWS]

Re: 1-25-09

Scott Spreitzer
3* Central Florida

[Mr. IWS]

Re: 1-25-09

Brandon Lang

Sunday Trifecta ...
20-Dime Syracuse Orangemen - In Big East games this season, Syracuse ranks second in the conference in scoring with 79 points per game. And though Louisville leads the Big East in scoring defense, allowing just 62.4 points per contest, I am not so sure Pitino's boys will be up for this task tonight - especially inside the Carrier Dome.


Nine Big East teams have one loss or no losses at home this season, but only two are perfect on the road. All but four teams have at least two road losses. The Big East road is a monster, and that'll be the difference for us today.


Syracuse has good balance, and I've become fond of watching center Arinze Onuaku, whose 70.2 shooting percentage leads the nation. The Orangemen shoot 50.4 percent as a team, and while Onuaku accuracy is spot-on, Andy Rautins has led Syracuse in scoring five times. He's averaged 13.8 points in the nine games he's started. And though point guard Jonny Flynn is coming off his worst game of the season, shotting a dismal 3-for-14 against Pittsburgh, he's the type of kid who can bounce back quick - and will.


Look for the inside-outside game to be our friend today, look for the offense to prevail in this one and bank on a six- to eight-point win for the Orange.


5-Dime Miami Hurricanes - Letdown scenario here, as the Hokies come in fresh off their win over soon-to-not-be #1 Wake Forest, and stay now face a very tough customer in Miami. Believe me when I tell you the Hurricanes are a very good team that appears to make a run at the NCAA tournament for the second year in a row. The Hurricanes have one of the top players in the ACC in Jack McClinton, and he'll be able to keep his team in this one. Besides, Miami is battle-tested, as it's played some of the toughest teams in the country, sporting four setbacks to some prominent squads: Connecticut, Ohio State, Clemson and North Carolina. They have a lot of veterans on this team, they have an all-upperclassman stating rotation and they have a solid group of role players. Miami is well-balanced and will get this one done for us.


5-Dime Los Angeles Lakers - Another battle between the Western Conference's most dominant teams the past decade, and another win for Kobe and company. This is revenge for the 112-111 road loss that sparked a little mini-slump for the Purple and Gold, who ended up losing to Orlando two days later. San Antonio, which I know has won five of its last six on the road, has lost its last five inside the Staples Center against the Lakers, including the playoffs. LA is on ATS runs of 8-3 versus the Southwest Division and 7-3 when taking on a team with winning record on the floor, while the Spurs are stuck in a number of ATS ruts, including being 2-5 against winning teams, 1-4 off a SU win and 2-5 overall. Take the Lakers today in this matinee.

[Mr. IWS]

Re: 1-25-09

spritzer

celtics
lakers

syr
mia fla
c fla
gtown

[Mr. IWS]

Re: 1-25-09

ROOT

Chairman- Pitt
Millionaire- Mich St
No Limit- St Louis

[Mr. IWS]

Re: 1-25-09

ppp
4 bulls, c fla, duquesne
3 lakers, pistons, clemson, gtown, minn (ncaa)