Tweet
Malinski
6- Gonzaga -10
5- Villanova -1.5
4- Purdue +1
6- Gonzaga -10
5- Villanova -1.5
4- Purdue +1
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Re: 3-21-09
Karl Garrett
40 DIMER - MARYLAND TERPS....10 DIMERS - DUKE, & VILLANOVA
40 DIMER - MARYLAND TERRAPINS
The enigmatic Terps seem to finally have ALL the lights on the marquee on these days, and I am thinking they will give Memphis a game from start to finish in this spot.
The Terrapins played a solid 40-minutes in their opening round win over Cal, obviously Memphis presents a totally different challenge, but after watching Cal State Northridge extend the Tigers, I don't see any reason the Terps can't duplicate that effort.
Maryland has now covered their last 4 games overall, and their last 4 when dressed as the dog. 5-1 is Maryland's underdog mark their last 6, and with the Tigers riding that massive winning streak, they are going to be overpriced pretty much in every game they play in this Big Dance.
Terps have been battled-tested playing in the ACC, and they are there all the way today!
40 Dime Dog Shocker winner # 9 in a row on MARYLAND!
10 DIMER - DUKE BLUE DEVILS
I am not a believer in Texas, and while they are getting a few points here against # 2 seed Duke, I can't back the Longhorns who are on a 4-10-1 against the spread run their last 15 games overall.
Duke has a way of playing teams close, then all of the sudden they are up by double-digits, and cover games they have no business covering. This game sets up exactly that way, and in the end, the Devils will find a way to get on top of this number.
The Blue Devils have dropped just 1 of their last 10 games straight up, and they have covered in 6 of their last 9 against the spread. With this game being played in the "friendly" confines of Greensboro, I have no issue laying an extra point or two with Coach K's squad.
Longhorns heading home after this one, take Duke.
10 DIMER - VILLANOVA WILDCATS
Jay Wright's Wildcats were certainly put to the test by American the other night, but it appears as though they got their wake-up call in coming all the way back from 14-points down to win going away by 13.
UCLA's inability to decisively close out their game versus VCU shows they are vunerable here. This is pretty much a home game for the Wildcats, and I expect them to have even more support in the stands then they did on Thursday, as it is going to be hard for the west coast Bruins to get any love in the building this afternoon.
The game is pretty much a pick-em battle, and although 'Nova has failed their last 3, and 5 of 7 against the spread, I think they come through here and advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
Take the Wildcats.
Today's Complimentary Selection
Well, the G-Man gave you Gonzaga as a free play loser on Thursday, but I will come right back with them tonight, as the Bulldogs did enjoy a 19-point lead on Akron around the 2-minute mark on Thursday, only to leave the back-door open for the Zips.
That won't be the case tonight, as I expect Mark Few's team to be focused from the get-go in this one, and I expect the 'Zags to make this one look easy.
Western Kentucky's near collapse against Illinois tells me all I need to know about this game, as the Hilltoppers had more late game turnovers than the Pillsbury Doughboy, and I suspect if Goinzaga applies a little early defensive pressure, this is the 'Zags game to lose.
Of course playing in Portland also helps matters for the Bulldogs who have now won 10 straight, and 19 of their last 20 overall.
The Bulldogs are also on a 5-2 spread run their last 7 lined games.
Going to play Gonzaga to once again put up a double-digit win, only this time they get the cover!
4? GONZAGA
(on a 1? to 5? basis)Comment
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Re: 3-21-09
boo din
SATURDAY'S PICK
25 DIME
VILLANOVA
This line ranges between Villanova -1 1/2 and -2 as this play is released.
If you have Villanova -1 1/2, I suggest you buy down the 1/2 point to -1 so you get the push should Villanova win by one.
If your line is -2, buy down the 1/2 point to -1 1/2 so you get the win should Villanova win by two.
If this line moves to -2 1/2, even after shopping around, buy down the 1/2 point to
-2 so you get the push should Villanova only win by twoComment
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Re: 3-21-09
THE SPORTS ADVISORS
EAST REGION
(at Greensboro, N.C.)
(7) Texas (23-11, 12-18-1 ATS) vs. (2) Duke (29-6, 17-16-1 ATS)
Duke drubbed 15th-seeded Binghamton 86-62 to open the tournament Thursday, narrowly covering as a heavy 23½-point chalk. The Blue Devils had six players reach double-figure scoring, paced by Jon Scheyer’s 15 points, and they were particularly effective from 3-point range, going 9-for-20 (45 percent). Duke also nearly doubled up Binghamton on the glass, with a 35-18 rebounding edge, improving to 9-1 SU (6-4 ATS) in its last 10 starts.
Texas topped Minnesota 76-62 laying 4½ points Thursday, covering for the first time in its last five games (1-3-1 ATS). The Longhorns were even more effective than Duke with the long ball, racking up 33 points on 11-for-20 shooting (55 percent), with A.J. Abrams connecting on eight 3-pointers en route to 26 points. Despite the win and cover, though, Texas is still just 6-14-1 ATS in its last 21 games.
Duke is 3-0 SU and ATS in three meetings this decade with Texas, winning all three by at least 26 points, including a 97-66 pounding as a 2½-point home chalk in December 2005.
Duke, in its 33rd NCAA Tournament, bowed out in the second round last year with a 73-67 loss to West Virginia as a four-point favorite – a year after getting shocked in the first round by Virginia Commonwealth – so the Blue Devils are looking to get a second NCAA win for the first time since 2006. Texas, on its 26th NCAA trip, is now 4-1 SU (3-2 ATS) in its last five tourney starts, having reached the Elite Eight last year.
Despite Thursday’s effort, the Blue Devils are still on ATS slides of 2-8 in the NCAAs and 2-9 as a chalk in the Big Dance, but they sport positive pointspread streaks of 6-2 after a SU win and 5-2 at neutral sites. The Longhorns remain in ATS ruts of 4-10-1 overall, 2-12 after a spread-cover, 1-5 getting points and 7-19-2 after a SU win.
Favorites went 10-6 SU but just 5-10-1 ATS on Friday, giving the chalks a 22-10 SU mark for the first round, but the underdogs went 19-12-1 ATS.
The under for Duke is on tears of 10-3 at neutral sites, 9-3 with the Blue Devils a Tournament favorite and 13-6 after a SU win. On the flip side, the over for Texas is on runs of 4-0 in the Tournament, 8-0-1 with the ‘Horns a neutral-site pup, 5-1 against the ACC and 7-2 following a SU win.
The under was 10-5-1 in Friday’s games and is 16-15-1 through the first round.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DUKE
EAST REGION
(at Philadelphia)
(6) UCLA (26-8, 16-16-1 ATS) vs. (3) Villanova (27-7, 16-14 ATS)
Villanova, playing ostensibly home games this weekend at the Wachovia Center, got all it could handle from 14th-seeded American in the opening round Thursday. The Wildcats fell behind by 14 points before rallying in the second half for an 80-67 victory, falling just short as a 15-point chalk. Dante Cunningham and Dwayne Anderson each scored 25, but Villanova failed to cover for the third straight game and is just 3-7 ATS in its last 10 starts (7-3 SU).
UCLA was on the brink of speedy elimination until Virginia Commonwealth’s Eric Maynor came up short on a last-second jumper, giving the Bruins a 65-64 win laying 8½-points. Josh Shipp (16 points) led five players in double figures for UCLA, which hit 17 of 19 free throws (89.5 percent) to improve to 6-1 SU and 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven games.
These two programs played a home-and-home in 2001 and 2002, with the home team winning each time and UCLA going 1-0-1 ATS.
Villanova, in its 29th NCAA tourney, will look to reach the third round for the second straight year today, having beaten Siena 84-72 as a 5½-point favorite in the second round last year. UCLA, on its 43rd NCAA trip, is seeking its fourth consecutive trip to the Final Four. Last year, the Bruins escaped the second round with a 51-49 win over Texas A&M as a 9½-point chalk.
The Wildcats are still 10-5 ATS in their last 15 starts against winning teams, but they are on ATS dips of 2-6 at neutral sites (0-4 this year), 1-6 as a Tournament chalk and 2-7 overall in the Tournament. The Bruins are on a 23-9-1 run in their last 32 starts from the underdog role, but they are on pointspread purges of 0-4-1 after a non-cover, 1-4 in the Tournament and 2-5-1 against winning teams.
The over for Villanova is on rolls of 9-4 overall, 8-1 against teams with a win percentage above .600 and 7-2 as a neutral-site chalk, and the over for UCLA is on runs of 13-4 overall, 5-0 with the Bruins a ‘dog and 8-3 after a SU win. However, the under is 8-1 in the Wildcats’ last nine non-conference outings, 4-1 in the Bruins’ last five on neutral floors and 9-3 in UCLA’s last 12 games against Big East foes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: VILLANOVA
SOUTH REGION
(at Greensboro, N.C.)
(8) LSU (27-7, 14-12-1 ATS) vs. (1) North Carolina (29-4, 12-19-0 ATS)
North Carolina was without star guard Ty Lawson (toe) for its NCAA opener, but still rumbled to a 101-58 win over Radcliffe laying 25 points, snapping a four-game ATS slide. Wayne Ellington and Tyler Hansbrough had 25 and 22 points, respectively, and Danny Green doubled up with 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Tar Heels, who covered for just the second time in their last nine starts – all from the favorite’s role.
LSU held off No. 9 seed Butler 75-71 to cover as a 1½-point favorite, halting a 1-3 SU and ATS skid in the process. Marcus Thornton went off for 30 points on 10-for-15 shooting (3-for-4 from 3-point range) and added six rebounds, four assists and four steals for the Tigers, who shot nearly seven percent better than the Bulldogs (49.1 percent-42.3 percent).
North Carolina, playing in the Big Dance for the 41st time, is pursuing its second straight Final Four berth. Last year, the Heels won their first four NCAA starts SU and ATS, including a 108-77 second-round blitzing of Arkansas as a 9½-point favorite. LSU, which missed the Tournament the past two years, is looking to reach the second week after getting to the Final Four in 2006.
The Tar Heels remain on ATS dives of 1-10 after a spread-cover, 1-7 against winning teams and 4-17 following a SU win, but they carry positive ATS streaks of 8-0 against the SEC, 5-1 in the NCAAs, 7-3 at neutral sites and 41-18 outside the ACC. The Tigers, meanwhile, are on pointspread skids of 2-7 on neutral courts, 11-30-1 on Saturday, 2-5 after a SU win and 4-9 in non-conference action.
The over for Carolina is on streaks of 9-4 after a SU win, 12-5-1 after a spread-cover and 6-2 against the SEC, and the over for LSU is on rolls of 4-0 outside the SEC, 4-1 after a SU win, 12-4 after a spread-cover and 8-3 on neutral floors.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NORTH CAROLINA and OVER
SOUTH REGION
(at Kansas City, Mo.)
(10) Michigan (21-13, 16-11 ATS) vs. (2) Oklahoma (28-5, 14-13-1 ATS)
Oklahoma shook off a 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS skid to rip Morgan State 82-54 Thursday in the first round, easily covering as a 15-point favorite to halt a three-game pointspread dip. Double-double stud Blake Griffin had 28 points and 13 rebounds on 11-for-12 shooting as the Sooners hit a scorching 60.4 percent from the floor (29 of 48), while holding the Bears to a dismal 28.6 percent (22-for-77).
Michigan got the mini-upset over seventh-seeded Clemson with a 62-59 victory as a 4½-point underdog, giving the Wolverines a 5-1 ATS mark (4-2 SU) in their last six games. Michigan got whipped on the boards (40-28), giving up 20 offensive rebounds, but the Wolverines hit 10 of their 26 3-pointers and held the Tigers to just 32.3 percent shooting, including 5 of 22 from long distance (22.7 percent).
These two teams last met in the second round of the 2004 NIT, with Michigan winning 63-52 as a 3½-point home favorite.
Oklahoma is in its 26th NCAA Tournament and looking to reach the Sweet 16 after getting drubbed in the second round last year, losing to Louisville 78-48 catching seven points. Michigan is just hoping to extend its first NCAA appearance since 1998, when the Wolverines bowed out in the second round.
Despite the Sooners’ effort Thursday, they are still mired in ATS funks of 2-5 overall, 1-5 against winning teams, 8-19 on neutral courts and 6-13 as a neutral-site chalk. The Wolverines have gone 3-7 ATS in their last 10 starts as a neutral-court pup, but along with their current 5-1 ATS run, they are on pointspread upswings of 4-0 outside the Big Ten, 5-1 against winning teams and 4-1 getting points.
The under has hit in Michigan’s last three starts and is on further rolls of 12-5-1 overall, 7-0 on neutral floors, 7-2 after a SU win, 16-5-1 with the Wolverines a ‘dog and 6-0 with the Wolverines a neutral-site pup.
Likewise, the under for Oklahoma is on stretches of 4-1 overall, 8-3-1 at neutral sites and 5-1 with the Sooners a neutral-floor chalk, but the over is on runs of 11-5-1 in Oklahoma’s last 17 non-conference starts and 9-4 with the Sooners favored.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
SOUTH REGION
(at Portland, Ore.)
(12) W. Kentucky (25-8, 17-12-1 ATS) vs. (4) Gonzaga (27-5, 15-14 ATS)
Western Kentucky sprung the seemingly annual 12-5 upset, holding off Illinois 76-72 Thursday as a 5½-point ‘dog to move to 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS in its last eight games. The Hilltoppers hit 9 of 19 3-pointers (47.4 percent), compared with 5 of 18 for Illinois (27.8 percent), and had five players in double-figure scoring, led by Steffphon Pettigrew’s 17 points. Western Kentucky also beat the Illini on the boards 35-28, including 9-4 on the offensive end.
Gonzaga got pushed around into the second half against Akron before finally taking control with a 24-4 run en route to a 77-64 victory, narrowly failing to cover as a 13½-point chalk but improving to 7-1 SU (5-3 ATS) at neutral sites this season. Forward Josh Heytvelt finished with 22 points and eight rebounds, and the Bulldogs shot 52.3 percent for the game while holding the Zips to just 36.8 percent.
These two teams got together early last season, with Gonzaga eking out a 74-71 home win but Western Kentucky getting the cash as a six-point pup.
The Zags are in their 12th Tournament, shaking off one-and-done performances in each of their past two NCAA appearances to reach the second round for the first time since 2006, when they picked up two wins to earn a Sweet 16 berth. Western Kentucky, in its 21st Tournament, is looking to reach the third round for the second straight year, as it won a pair of games in 2008 before falling to UCLA in the round of 16.
The Hilltoppers are on several ATS hot streaks, including 6-0 overall, 5-0 in the Tournament, 17-5 on neutral courts, 6-1 as a neutral-site ‘dog, 20-7-1 against winning teams and 41-17-1 outside the Sun Belt Conference. On the flip side, the Bulldogs are on pointspread purges of 2-7 in the NCAAs, 1-5 as a Tournament favorite, 1-6 in non-conference action and 4-10 against winning teams.
The under for Western Kentucky is on a 4-1 run, but the over is on rolls of 5-1 with the Hilltoppers a neutral-site pup and 4-1 with the ‘Toppers a Tournament ‘dog. In addition, the over for Gonzaga is on streaks of 7-2 overall, 5-1 in the Tournament and 6-2 after a SU win. Plus, both these team’s first-round games cleared the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: WESTERN KENTUCKY and OVER
WEST REGION
(at Kansas City, Mo.)
(10) Maryland (21-13, 16-10-2 ATS) vs. (2) Memphis (32-3, 22-12 ATS)
Memphis stretched the nation’s longest active winning streak to 26 games, but with much more of a fight than it expected in an 81-70 victory over Cal State-Northridge as a 20-point chalk. The Tigers led by just three at the half and needed a monster game from reserve guard Roburt Sallie, who had averaged just 4.5 ppg, but hit 10 of 15 3-pointers on his way to a 35-point effort against the Matadors. Memphis had held four straight opponents under 50 points prior to Thursday, and it was the first time in nearly a month that the Tigers gave up more than 60 points.
Maryland dropped seventh-seeded California 84-71 Thursday as a 1½-point pup, notching its fourth straight spread-cover (3-1 ATS) after a 2-4 SU and ATS skid. Greivis Vasquez led the way with 27 points as four Terrapins scored in double figures, and Maryland outshot the Golden Bears by nearly seven percent, going 31 of 63 from the floor (49.2 percent), while holding Cal to 25 of 59 from the field (42.4 percent).
These two squads haven’t squared off since November 2004, when Maryland earned an 84-61 rout as a 3½-point home favorite.
Memphis, which brought the nation’s fourth-ranked defense to its 22nd NCAA Tournament, reached the national championship game last year before falling short to Kansas in overtime. The Tigers have made it to at least the Elite Eight each of the last three years. Maryland, in its 23rd Tournament after missing out last year, looks to get past the second round, where it lost to Butler in 2007.
Despite failing to cash Thursday, the Tigers remain on a plethora of positive pointspread streaks, including 14-5 overall, 5-1 in non-conference play, 11-3 against winning teams, 14-5 after a SU win and 5-0 after a non-cover. Likewise, the Terrapins are on pointspread rolls of 4-0 overall, 5-0 on neutral floors, 4-1 catching points and 8-3-2 in non-conference action.
The over is on a 7-1 tear for Memphis in NCAA Tournament play, and the over was the play in the first-round game for both these teams. But the under for the Tigers is on streaks of 19-7 overall, 8-1 after a SU win, 4-1 on neutral courts and 5-2 outside Conference USA, and the under for the Terps is on pushes of 6-2 overall, 4-0 after a SU win, 5-1 with Maryland a ‘dog and 7-2 at neutral sites.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MEMPHIS and UNDER
WEST REGION
(at Philadelphia)
(9) Texas A&M (24-9, 16-9 ATS) vs. (1) Connecticut (28-4, 13-15 ATS)
UConn, playing its first game since suffering a heartbreaking six-overtime loss to Syracuse in the quarterfinals of the Big East tournament on March 12, completely annihilated Chattanooga 103-47 as a 20½-point favorite for its first postseason win in three years. With coach Jim Calhoun watching from a hospital bed because of an illness, the Huskies outshot the Mocs 52.1 percent to 25.8 percent in posting the third-largest margin of victory in Tournament history.
Texas A&M jumped out to a 26-8 lead against eighth-seeded BYU in Thursday’s first-round contest at the Rose Garden and was never really threatened en route to a 79-66 upset win as a three-point underdog. It marked the second straight year that the Aggies eliminated BYU in a first-round Tournament matchup. Going back to the regular season, A&M has now won seven of its last eight games and is also riding an 11-3 ATS hot streak.
UConn, which is in the Tournament for the 29th time in school history, had lost two straight NCAA Tournament and three consecutive Big East tournament games before Thursday’s blowout win. The Huskies last advanced past the first round of the Big Dance in 2006, when they lost 86-84 to Cinderella story George Mason as an eight-point favorite in the Elite Eight.
Texas A&M, which is in the Tournament for the fourth consecutive year, gave top-seeded UCLA all it could handle in the second round last year but came up short 51-49, cashing as a 9½-point underdog.
UConn had failed to cover in 13 consecutive postseason games before easily getting the cash against Chattanooga, including going 0-7 ATS in the Big Dance (all as a favorite). Still, the Huskies remain on ATS droughts of 3-7 overall, 7-15 in non-conference play, 7-19 at neutral sites, 2-5 as a favorite, 1-4 when laying 7 to 12½ points, 5-16 when favored at neutral venues and 0-5 on Saturday.
In addition to their 11-3 ATS streak overall, the Aggies are on a plethora of positive pointspread runs, including 18-5 at neutral sites, 9-3 in non-conference play, 7-0 as an underdog, 7-1 in the NCAA Tournament, 11-1 as a neutral-site ‘dog, 54-26 against teams with a winning record and 4-0 on Saturday.
Both teams topped the total in their first-round games. Also, the Aggies are now on a 5-0 “over” streak overall, and UConn is on “over” stretches of 20-7 at neutral sites and 5-0 in the NCAA Tournament. However, the under is still 14-7 in the Huskies’ last 21 overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS A&M and OVER
WEST REGION
(at Portland, Ore.)
(5) Purdue (26-9, 14-17 ATS) vs. (4) Washington (26-8, 18-11-2 ATS)
Washington dominated 13th-seeded Mississippi State in Thursday’s opening round, rolling 71-58 as a six-point favorite at the Rose Garden. Quincy Pondexter had a game-high 23 points and seven rebounds, and the Huskies held the Bulldogs to just 34.5 percent shooting. They’re now on a 10-2 SU run, going 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11.
Purdue won its 11th consecutive first-round NCAA Tournament game Thursday, holding off frisky Northern Iowa 61-56, but it came up short as an 8½-point favorite. The Boilermakers, who nearly blew a 12-point halftime lead and led by just two points with 17 seconds left, shot only 41.2 percent from the field (3-for-15 from 3-point range), yet still won their fourth in a row. However, Purdue is now just 5-9 ATS in its last 14 outings.
Washington is in its 14th NCAA Tournament but its first since 2006, when it won its first two games before falling to UConn in the Sweet 16. Purdue, whose 11 consecutive first-round tourney wins date back to 1993, have bowed out of the Big Dance in the second round each of the last two years, including last year’s 85-78 loss to Xavier as a 2½-point underdog.
Purdue is in ATS ruts of 2-6 in non-conference play, 1-5 after a SU victory and 1-4 against teams from the Pac-10, but the Boilermakers have cashed in 11 of their last 15 on Saturday and they’re 4-1 ATS in the Tournament as an underdog of less than six points.
Washington is on pointspread runs of 7-3-1 overall, 4-0 in the Tournament, 6-1 in non-conference play, 5-1-1 on Saturday and 4-0 as a favorite at neutral sites.
Despite staying way under the total in Thursday’s win over Mississippi State, the Huskies are still on strong “over” runs of 17-6 overall, 5-1 at neutral sites, 5-3 in the Tournament, 14-3 as a favorite, 9-1 when laying less than seven points, 10-1 after a spread-cover and 14-4 on Saturday.
Purdue’s first-round game also stayed low, making the under 5-1 in its last six non-conference games, but otherwise the Boilermakers are still on “over” streaks of 7-3 at neutral sites, 6-2-1 in the Tournament and 7-2 as an underdog.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVERComment
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Re: 3-21-09
Nick Parsons
North CarolinaComment
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Re: 3-21-09
Kiki Sports
1 unit LSU +11
1 unit Washington -1.5
1 unit Memphis -9
1 unit Michigan/Oklahoma UNDER 137
1 unit Gonzaga -10.5Comment
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Re: 3-21-09
Jorge Gonzalez
25* NIT High Roller Release
Baylor vs. Virginia Tech
Play: Virginia Tech
The Virginia Tech Hokies will be playing host in their second game in the NIT tournament. They will be taking on a Baylor Bear team that does not travel well with a record of of 2-8 away from home losing by an average margin of 7.8 points per game. The Bears are coming of a close victory 74-72 victory over Georgetown. The Hokies had several big wins and come into this game having covered four of their last five games. The Hokies are coming off a dramatic 116-108 overtime victory over Old Dominion. The Hokies are 4-0 ATS after scoring 90 points in the previous game. Baylor has covered just once in their last eight games played on Saturday and covered the spread just twice in their last 12 games after failing to cover the spread in their previous game. Take the Hokies.Comment
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Re: 3-21-09
THE SOCCER EXPERTS
German Bundesliga:
Bayer Leverkusen v Eintracht Frankfurt
Bet:Bayer Leverkusen to win
England premier league:
West Brom v Bolton
Bet:Over 2.5
France premier league:
Le Havre v Bordeaux
Bet:Bordeaux to win
NCAAB Teaser:
Texas A&M(9) vs Connecticut(1)
Bet:Connecticut -5
Maryland(10) vs Memphis(2)
Bet:Memphis -4Comment
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Re: 3-21-09
DCI
NCAA Tournament
2nd Round
East Region
at Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
Duke 77, Texas 67
at Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA
Villanova 73, Ucla 71
South Region
at Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
North Carolina 89, Lsu 77
at Rose Garden Arena, Portland, OR
Gonzaga 75, Western Kentucky 66
at Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO
Oklahoma 71, Michigan 67
West Region
at Rose Garden Arena, Portland, OR
Washington 70, Purdue 68
at Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO
Memphis 72, Maryland 62
at Wachovia Center, Philadelphia, PA
Connecticut 74, Texas A&M 68
National Invitation Tournament
2nd Round
Auburn Bracket
at Blacksburg, VA
VIRGINIA TECH 80, Baylor 73Comment
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Re: 3-21-09
Joe Wiz Free Plays
Virginia Tech
Knicks
Atlanta HawksComment
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Re: 3-21-09
Jeff Scott
4 UNIT PLAY
Oklahoma -6.5 over Michigan
The Wolverines are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 neutral site games as an underdog, while the Sooners are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5. Michigan has had a nice year, going 21-13 overall, but struggling whenthey take to the road as they are just 7-10. Michigan has played well defensively this year as they have allowed just 63.2 ppg overall and 57.6 ppg in their last 5 games, but if this team hopes to compete in this one they will have to do a better job offensively. Michigan comes in averaging66.7 ppg overall, but just 60.6 ppg away from home and 61.8 ppg in their last 5 games. Today they wil be facing a Sooner squad that does allow 67.4 ppg overall, but they are 20th in the nation in defensive FG% as they have allowed teams to shoot for just 39.4%. The Sooners offense is where the biggest edge in this game goes to. Oklahoma has averaged a healthy79.3 ppg overall (11th) and they are 3rd in FG% (49.1%), plus they have averaged 75.2 ppg on 49.6% shooting in ther neutral site games and 75.4 ppg on 50.6 ppg in their last 5 games. No way Michigan can match the Sooners point for point in this one and just lie the UConn game the Wolverines will run out of gas down the stretch, as Oklahoma pulls away for a solid double digit win.
3 UNIT PLAY
Maryland/ Memphis Over 132
The Over is 4-0 in Terrapins last 4 NCAA Tournament games as an underdog and 22-8 in their last 30 Saturday games, while the Over is 7-1 in Tigers last 8 NCAA Tournament games. Ok we all know about how strong the Memphs defense has been down the stretch, but they did just allow CS Northridge to get 70 points in their first round game. Memphis has allowed just 57.6 ppg in their neutral site games this year, but that number jumps to 68.5 ppg when they face a non- Conference USA opponent. THeir 4 neutral site games vs non-conf opponents have averaged 145 ppg. Memphis has allowed just 57.3 ppg overall, but 61.3 ppg vs non-conf opponents. Maryland has put up 71.8 ppg overall, 69.6 ppg in their neutral site games and 73.5 ppg in their last 4 games. I feel that Maryland has an excellent shot at hitting 62+ points in this one. That's good news as the Memphis Tigers should be good for at least 70+. Memphis has averaged 74.3 ppg overall and 70.7 ppg in their neutral site games, plus they have averaged 76.7 ppg vs non-conf opponents this year. The will be facing a maryland team that has struggled on defense when not playimg on their home floor as they have allowed 71.9 ppg when traveling this year. Memphis' non conf games have averaged 138 ppg, while Maryland's games have averaged 140.3 ppg overall. I see this one in the 140's as well.
2 UNIT PLAY
UConn/ Texas A$M over 139
The Over is 5-0 in Aggies last 5 overall, while the Over is 10-2-1 in Huskies last 13 games following a SU win of more than 20 points and 13-3 in their last 16 neutral site games as a favorite. A&M's neutral sirte games have averaged 144 ppg, while UConn's neutral games have averaged 167.8 ppg. UConn has averaged 78.1 ppg on the year, including 89 ppg in their last 5 games and 91.5 ppg on a neutral floor. The Aggies have averaged 83.4 ppg in their last 5 games 71.8 ppg overall and 73.4 ppg on a neutral floor. Both teams can push the ball and I see this one in the 150's.
1 UNIT PLAY
UCLA/ Villanova Under 145
The Under is 4-1 in Bruins last 5 neutral site games and 9-3 in their last 12 vs. Big East, while the Under is 8-1 in Wildcats last 9 non-conference games. The Bruins had been involved in higher scoring than tey were accustomed to during the middle part of the year, but things have reverted back to normal down the stretch as their last 6 games have averaged just 133.5 ppg. The Bruin defense is starting to assert itself once again as they have allowed just 60.8 ppg on just 40% shooting in their last 5 games, while they have allowed just 59.4 ppg on 41.7 shooting in their neutral site games. Villanova has allowed just 67 ppg on the year, including just 67.8 pg in their last 6 games. I just see too much defense in this one to think the teams can top 145 points.Comment
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Re: 3-21-09
Jim Feist
(511) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
(512) MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Take "(511) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS"
Cleveland has only one loss at home all season, and they almost got another the last game, as the talented Blazers took them to overtime. The Cavs escaped with the 97-92 win. "Our guys stepped up. Fought hard. In a nasty game," said Roy, who nearly matched James' triple double with 24 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Now they face a far easier opponent, the banged up Bucks. Portland is healthier with Greg Oden back, and in a tight playoff race for seeding. Milwaukee has lost 3 of 4 games. with the defensive getting smoked by the Magic, Hornets and Knicks. Play the Blazers.Comment
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Re: 3-21-09
Dave Cokin
527) PURDUE
(528) WASHINGTON
Take "(528) WASHINGTON"
Purdue looked okay in their opening round win over Northern Iowa, but Washington was better as they dispatched Mississippi State. The performance thus far of the Big 10 in comparison to the PAC 10 can certainly be factored into this game, and the site clearly favors the left coast squad as well. This should be one of the best second round games as Purdue is a very capable entry and the Huskies are a solid team. It's too close on paper for me to take a strong stand, but I'll lean to Washington to move on to the Sweet 16.Comment
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Re: 3-21-09
Rob Rosenhaus
50,000 DIME TOURNEY DOG
50,000 DIME MarylandComment
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