Saturday's Slate
Brian Edwards
Here’s your Stat of the Day: There are 102 board games on Saturday’s college hoops card. Holy Gambling Opportunities! Let’s check out some of the big games and explore a few Bonus Nuggets.
**Miami at Duke**
--Duke (18-1 straight up, 12-6 against the spread) is back in action less than 48 hours after capturing a 92-72 win over N.C. St. as an 18-point home favorite. The Blue Devils rallied from a 46-37 deficit at intermission to collect the improbable spread cover. Greg Paulus scored a team-high 22 points, draining 5-of-8 shots from 3-point land. Paulus also dished out six assists and had three steals.
--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Duke as a 15-point favorite with a total of 148. The Blue Devils are hoping to improve to 7-0 in ACC action. They hold a one-game lead over UNC in the conference race, as the Tar Heels are 5-1 in ACC play after trouncing Boston College at home Thursday night.
--Miami (15-5 SU, 9-3 ATS) is 2-3-1 ATS in six underdog spots this season. This is the first time the Hurricanes have been double-digit ‘dogs.
--Not only is Duke unbeaten in six ACC games, but it has also taken the money in all six conference contests. The Blue Devils are 6-3 ATS as double-digit favorites this year.
--Miami’s totals have been streaky. The ‘Canes saw their first six games with totals go ‘under,’ only to see five consecutive ‘overs’ after that. Since then, the ‘under’ has cashed in back-to-back contests, leaving UM with an 8-5 record for the ‘under.’
--Since Miami joined the ACC, Duke has won all five head-to-head meetings, posting a 4-1 spread record in the process. The ‘over’ has cashed in the last three encounters and four of five.
--Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern with ABC providing regional coverage.
**Tennessee at Mississippi State**
--Just as LVSC oddsmaker John “The Coach” Harper and I suggested on Thursday’s edition of the Power Hours, Tennessee has been installed as a real short ‘chalk.’ To be exact, UT opened as a 1½-point favorite.
--Since losing at Kentucky on Jan. 22, Tennessee (18-2 SU, 9-7 ATS) has won back-to-back games, including Tuesday’s 93-86 win at Alabama that snapped a 10-year drought in Tuscaloosa. The Volunteers covered the number as five-point road favorites. Senior guard Chris Lofton scored a game-high 23 points.
--Mississippi State (14-6 SU, 9-8 ATS) saw its nine-game winning streak snapped in Wednesday’s 78-58 loss at Arkansas as a two-point underdog.
--Rick Stansbury’s team owns a 9-2 SU record and a 5-4 ATS mark at home this year.
--Mississippi State’s Jamont Gordon is making a strong push for SEC Player of the Year honors. Gordon, who tested the waters of the NBA Draft before wisely opting to return to school, is averaging 17.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
--Mississippi State sophomore center Jarvis Varnado leads the nation in blocked shots with 101. That’s good for an average of five rejections per game.
--Mississippi State’s Ben Hansbrough is “out” with mono and isn’t expected to return for at least another week. Hansbrough averages 9.7 points per game.
--The Vols have won six of the last eight head-to-head meetings against Mississippi State both SU and ATS. They have won each of the last three.
--The ‘under’ is 9-6 overall for the Bulldogs, 9-7 for the Vols. However, both squads have seen the ‘over’ hit in back-to-back contests.
--Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern with gamblers in SEC country getting this game either on FSN or Lincoln Financial Sports.
**Arizona at UCLA**
--UCLA (19-2 SU, 12-6 ATS) has won three in a row both SU and ATS since losing at home to USC two weeks ago. The Bruins dealt out woodshed treatment Thursday, blasting Arizona State by an 84-51 count as 13 ½-point home favorites. Josh Shipp scored a game-high 21 points, while Kevin Love added 20 points and 10 rebounds.
--Arizona (15-6 SU, 11-7 ATS) has won four consecutive games, including Thursday’s 80-69 win at USC as a 3 ½-point underdog. Chase Budinger paced the Wildcats with 29 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
--Ben Howland’s team is 11-2 SU and 5-5-1 ATS at home this season.
--The Wildcats have taken the cash in six straight games. They are 6-2 ATS in eight games as underdogs.
--UCLA has won five in a row over Arizona, cashing tickets at a 4-1 ATS clip.
--The ‘over’ has hit in five consecutive UCLA games, four straight Arizona contests. Both teams have seen the ‘over’ go 10-9 overall this season.
--LVSC opened UCLA as an eight-point ‘chalk.’ ESPN will provide television coverage at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
--As of early Friday evening, it was unclear whether or not Missouri head coach Mike Anderson was going to lift any of the indefinite suspensions he levied against five of his players following an altercation that left Stefhon Hannah, the team’s leading scorer (14.7 PPG), with a broken jaw that will keep him out 4-6 weeks. Without five players, the Tigers lost a 66-62 decision to Nebraska at home on Wednesday.
--Gamblers can get started early with a pair of games at noon Eastern on ESPN’s family of networks. ESPN will televise Syracuse at Villanova at noon. The Wildcats, who are mired in a three-game slide both SU and ATS, are three-point home favorites.
--Georgia Tech will play host to Maryland in the noon game on ESPN2. The Yellow Jackets are 4½-point home favorites.
--Cincinnati has been an underdog in 14 consecutive games, compiling an 11-2-1 spread record. The Bearcats, who are off a dominating 62-39 win at West Virginia as 14-point underdogs, will play host to Marquette as 1 ½-point home ‘dogs.
--Kentucky’s Joe Crawford (16.0 PPG) is “questionable” at Georgia. The Wildcats are 2½-point underdogs at most books.
--UConn guard Doug Wiggins (6.6 PPG) was reinstated to the team Friday by head coach Jim Calhoun, who said Wiggins will "dress out and we'll go from there." Wiggins and UConn's leading scorer Jerome Dyson (14.3 PPG) were both suspended a week ago on the eve of an upset win at Indiana. Both sophomores also missed this past week's home win over Louisville. According to multiple reports, Dyson tested positive for marijuana for a second time and won't be able to play again until late February. Calhoun has disputed that assertion, telling the press that "Dyson is suspended indefinitely. There's no set number of games he'll miss."
--Clemson point guard Demontez Stitt will miss the next two weeks after undergoing knee surgery. Stitt (8.9 PPG) is out for Saturday’s game against Boston College. The Tigers are 11-point home favorites.
--Please forgive the shameless self-promo, but I went 5-0 Wednesday on the heels of Tuesday’s 4-1 performance. Thursday was a wash at 2-2, as N.C. St. failed to cover for me as an 18-point 'dog despite going to intermission with a nine-point lead at Duke. Dating back to Jan. 22, my college basketball picks have cashed at a 19-6 clip. That’s 76 percent by my math. Click here for Saturday's winners (more plays on the way), including a pay-if-it-wins-only selection!
vegasinsider.com
Wiggins returns to Huskies, Dyson still out
February 1, 2008
STORRS Conn. (AP) -Connecticut guard Doug Wiggins was reinstated to the team by coach Jim Calhoun on Friday, but starting guard Jerome Dyson remained suspended indefinitely.
The 20-year-old sophomores were suspended Jan. 25, a day after campus police said they found them in a car in a parking lot with a bottle of vodka and a bottle of cognac.
Both players were cited for possession of alcohol by a minor. Wiggins also was charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. He is due in court Monday to face that charge.
Campus police said they also found a small amount of marijuana near the car, but neither player was charged with any drug violation.
Wiggins and Dyson were given drug tests as part of the school's policy. Those results have not been made public, but several published reports said Dyson failed and was automatically suspended for 30 days.
Calhoun said that while Wiggins will be on he bench when the Huskies play Pittsburgh Saturday, he has not decided whether he will play.
Drca suspended for striking opponent
Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah guard Luka Drca was suspended for one by the Mountain West Conference on Thursday for elbowing a TCU player Saturday.
Drca will sit out the Utes' game Saturday against Colorado State.
Nuggets F Carmelo Anthony said he will play on Saturday even though his left ankle still isn't 100 percent.
Georgetown F DaJuan Summers (11 ppg; ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game.
Kentucky G Joe Crawford (16 ppg; foot) is probable for Saturday's game, but is expected to only see limited action.
Missouri's leading scorer G Stefhon Hannah (15 ppg; suspension) will miss Saturday's game.
Iowa State's leading scorer F Wesley Johnson (14 ppg; ankle) is doubtful for Saturday's game.
TCU G Henry Salter (14 ppg; knee) is questionable for Saturday's game.
Clemson G Demontez Stitt (9 ppg; knee) is listed as out of Saturday's game.
Saturday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
Orlando Magic at Indiana Pacers
* Magic are 23-8-2 ATS in their last 33 road games.
* The OVER is 6-2 in Orlando's last 8 games vs. Central Division.
* The OVER is 7-3 in Orlando's last 10 road games.
* The OVER is 8-3-1 in Indiana's last 12 Saturday games.
* The UNDER is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.
Los Angeles Clippers at Cleveland Cavaliers
* Cavs are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* Cavs are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 Saturday games.
* Home team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Houston Rockets at Milwaukee Bucks
* Bucks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* Home team is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.The OVER is 19-8 in Milwaukee's last 27 Saturday games.
* The OVER is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
* The OVER is 12-4 in Milwaukee's last 16 games vs. Southwest Division.
* The UNDER is 9-2 in Houston's last 11 games vs. Central Division.
Chicago Bulls at Sacramento Kings
* Bulls are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 Saturday games.
* Bulls are 6-23 ATS in their last 29 vs. Pacific Division.
* Kings are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 Saturday games.
* Road team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* The OVER is 7-3-2 in Sacramento's last 12 game overall.
* The UNDER is 7-3-2 in SAC last 12 Saturday games.
* The UNDER is 8-2 in Chicago's last 10 Saturday games.
CBB
Syracuse at Villanova
* Syracuse is 7-3-1 ATS in its last 11 Saturday games.
* Villanova is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games overall.
* Villanova is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 vs. Big East.
* Road team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Maryland at Georgia Tech
* Maryland is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 road games.
* Georgia Tech is 20-8 ATS in its last 28 home games.
* The OVER is 19-7-1 in Maryland's last 27 Saturday games.
#21 Pittsburgh at Connecticut
* Pittsburgh is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 Saturday games.
* Pittsburgh is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
* Pittsburgh is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 vs. Big East.
* Pittsburgh is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
* UConn is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 Saturday games.
* UConn is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 home games.
Kentucky at Georgia
* Kentucky is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 Saturday games.
* Kentucky is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games overall.
Oklahoma State at Texas Tech
* Oklahoma State is 3-14 ATS in its last 17 road games.
* Oklahoma State is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 Saturday games.
* The UNDER is 7-2 in Oklahoma State's last 9 games vs. Big 12.
Rider at Siena
* Rider is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 Saturday games.
* Rider is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
* The OVER is 10-4-1 in Rider's last 15 games overall.
* The UNDER is 13-3 in Siena's last 16 games overall.
* Underdog is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
#14 Stanford at #9 Washington State
* Home team is 10-3-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
* The UNDER is 14-2 in Stanford's last 16 games overall.
* The UNDER is 7-3 in Washington state's last 10 home games.
#2 Kansas at Colorado
* Kansas is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games overall.
* Kansas is 19-9 ATS in its last 28 road games.
* Kansas is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
* Colorado is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games vs. Big 12.
* Colorado is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 home games.
* Favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
* The OVER is 7-2 in Colorado's last 9 Saturday games.
* The OVER is 7-1 in Kansas' last 8 overall.
Miami (Fla.) at #3 Duke
* Miami is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 road games.
* Duke is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 home games.
* Duke is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 Saturday games.
* The OVER is 28-11 in Duke's last 39 vs. Atlantic Coast.
South Alabama at Louiana-Monroe
* South Alabama is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 road games.
* UL-Monroe is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 home games.
* UL-Monroe is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games overall.
* The OVER is 7-3 in South Alabama's last 10 road games.
* The UNDER is 7-3 in UL-Monroe's last 10 games overall.
Arizona at #5 UCLA
* UCLA is 5-0 SU in the last 5 meetings, going 4-1 ATS.
* Arizona is 6-0 ATS in its last 6 games overall.
* The UNDER is 11-5 in ARZ last 16 road games.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings at UCLA.
Seton Hall (15-6, 8-8-1 ATS) at (6) Georgetown (17-2, 8-8 ATS)
Seton Hall looks to keep a five-game winning streak going when it travels to Washington D.C. for a Big East battle against the Hoyas, who have won four in a row.
Seton Hall ran away from Rutgers in overtime on Wednesday, prevailing 84-71 as a two-point road favorite, moving to 4-1 ATS in its last five starts. The Pirates, who opened Big East play 0-3, are now 5-3 SU and ATS in conference action. They give up a lot of points, at 77.5 per game, but they also rank 14th in the nation at 81.8 per game.
Georgetown plastered St. John’s 74-42 Wednesday night and easily covered as a 10½-point road chalk to move to 3-1 ATS in its last four contests. The Hoyas (7-1, 4-4 ATS Big East) lead the nation in field-goal defense (35.2 percent) and rank fourth in scoring defense (56.7 points per game), and they really put the clamps on the Red Storm, who shot a putrid 21.3 percent (10 of 47). St. John’s went 1 of 14 from three-pointer range (7.1 percent).
The Hoyas haven’t given up more than 69 points in any game this season.
In the only battle between these two last season, Georgetown dumped Seton Hall 74-58 giving 5½ points on the road. The Hoyas are 3-0 SU and ATS in the last three meetings, and the straight-up winner has covered the number in each of the last 10 clashes.
The Pirates are 5-3-1 ATS on the highway this season, including a 3-1 ATS when visiting Big East opponents.
The Hoyas are just 3-4 ATS at home this season (1-2 ATS Big East). They’re also just 2-7 in their last nine Saturday outings. On a positive note, going back to last year, Georgetown is on a 17-6-2 ATS in Big East play.
For Georgetown, the under is on runs of 11-5 for the season, 3-0 in the last three and 10-3 on Saturdays. Also, each of the last four series meetings have stayed low. On the flip side, for Seton Hall, the over is on spurts of 39-18-1 overall (4-2 last six), 13-5 in league play and 19-7 on Saturdays.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Maryland (13-8, 6-10 ATS) at Georgia Tech (10-9, 9-8 ATS)
The Terrapins, winners of seven of their last nine games, head south to Atlanta for an ACC meeting against Georgia Tech, which has won three in a row.
Maryland held off Virginia 85-75 Wednesday as a six-point home chalk, bouncing back from Sunday’s 93-84 home loss to Duke as a six-point pup. The Terrapins (3-2 SU and ATS in ACC) have shot 50.9 percent over the last three games, including a 27-for-52 effort against the Cavaliers (51.9 percent). They also rank ninth in the nation defensively in allowing just 37.5 percent shooting from the field.
Georgia Tech is also coming off a win over Virginia, outlasting the Cavaliers 92-82 in overtime Sunday as a 4½-point road underdog to improve to 4-0 ATS in its last four games (3-1 SU). After dropping their first three ACC contests, the Yellow Jackets have evened their league mark at 3-3 (4-2 ATS).
Maryland is on a 5-0 run in this series (4-1 ATS), posting an 80-65 home win in last year’s only meeting as a 3½-point favorite. However, Georgia Tech is 5-1 ATS in the last six battles in Atlanta.
The Terrapins, who have alternated ATS wins and losses over their last five games, are 3-3 ATS in road/neutral-site affairs this season. However, all three spread-covers came in Maryland’s last three roadies, with the Terps most recently stunning then-top-ranked and unbeaten North Carolina 82-80 as a huge 18-point pup two weeks ago.
Dating to last season, Maryland is 7-3 ATS on the highway. Also, the Terps are on spread-covering streaks of 10-4 in ACC play and 6-1 on Saturdays. However, they haven’t covered in back-to-back games all season.
The Yellow Jackets are 5-2 ATS at home this season and 20-8 ATS in their last 28 in Atlanta.
The over is 5-1 in Maryland’s last six lined contests, including 3-0 in the last three and 3-0 in the Terps’ only true road contests. For Georgia Tech, the over is 12-5 for the season, including 6-0 in the last six (2-0 at home).
ATS ADVANTAGE: GEORGIA TECH and OVER
(18) Pitt (17-4, 11-5 ATS) at UConn (15-5, 6-9-1 ATS)
Pittsburgh, which has alternated SU and ATS wins and losses over its past five games, aims to end that trend when it travels to Storrs for a Big East meeting with Connecticut, which is riding a four-game winning streak.
Pittsburgh held off Villanova 69-57 laying seven points at home Wednesday, avenging a 64-63 loss at Villanova in January as a three-point ‘dog. The win also relieved the hangover of a stunning 77-64 home loss last Saturday to lowly Rutgers as an 18-point chalk. The Panthers improved to 6-2 ATS in league play (5-3 SU).
Connecticut squeaked past Louisville 69-67 on Monday, pushing as a two-point home favorite. The Huskies (6-3, 5-3-1 ATS in the Big East) got it done on the boards against the Cardinals, holding a 36-23 rebounding advantage, including 14 on the offensive glass.
Pitt and UConn have met just once each of the past two seasons, splitting the two contests but with the Panthers going 2-0 ATS. Last year, Pittsburgh prevailed 63-54 at home giving seven points to move to 6-2 ATS in the last eight series battles.
The Panthers are 4-3 ATS in true road games this year, including 3-1 ATS on the road in Big East play, pounding St. John’s 81-57 as a six-point favorite on their last trip. However, Pitt is just 3-10 ATS in its last 13 Saturday contests.
The Huskies, 2-1-1 ATS during their current win streak, are a middling 3-3-1 ATS at home this season. Going back to last year, they’re 3-7-1 ATS in Stoors. Also, UConn is 2-7 ATS in its last nine Saturday outings.
For Connecticut, the under is on a 2-0 run overall and is 5-2 in Storrs this season. Also, the under is 6-3 in the last nine series meetings, with the total alternating in each of the last seven clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
(22) Kansas State (15-4, 8-5 ATS) at Missouri (12-9, 6-9 ATS)
Kansas State, coming off one of the biggest wins in the program’s history, travels across the state line for a Big 12 battle against the Tigers.
Kansas State upset unbeaten and second-ranked Kansas 84-75 as a seven-point home underdog Wednesday, the Wildcats’ first home win over their archrival since 1983. They are on a six-game winning streak and are the only team in the Big 12 with that’s still unbeaten in league play (5-0 SU and ATS). Against Kansas, the Wildcats, who allow 39.6 percent shooting for the year – were uncharacteristically outshot 48.1 percent to 42.9 percent. But they hit 12 of 26 three-pointers (46.2 percent), while the Jayhawks were just 6 of 17 from long range (35.3 percent).
Missouri, with two starters and three key reserves suspended following a nightclub altercation last weekend, lost to Nebraska 66-62 Wednesday as a 4½-point home favorite. Leading scorer Stefhon Hannah (14.6 ppg) suffered a broken jaw in the nightclub incident and is likely done for the season. Missouri, which is 0-3 ATS in its last three starts, dropped to 2-4 SU and ATS in the Big 12.
Kansas State is 5-1 SU and ATS in the last six meetings in this series, winning and cashing twice last season, including an 85-81 win in Columbia as a four-point pup. The Wildcats are 4-1-2 ATS in their last seven trips to Columbia, and the straight-up winner is 8-0-2 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head matchups.
The Wildcats are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 starts, including 2-0 ATS in Big 12 road contests. On their last trip, they rolled past Colorado 72-56 giving three points. Also, K-State is on ATS tears of 22-7 in conference and 40-14-3 on Saturdays.
The Tigers are 4-2 ATS at home this season. On the downside, they’re mired in pointspread slumps of 10-25-1 against the Big 12 and 5-16 on Saturdays.
The over is 9-4 for Kansas State this season, including 2-0 in the last two, and 11-4 in the Wildcats’ last 15 road contests. Also each of the last four series meetings have topped the total. However, for Missouri, the under is 4-1 in its last five (2-0 last two) and 4-2 at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS STATE
(25) Baylor (16-3, 7-4 ATS) at (10) Texas (16-4, 7-8 ATS)
Baylor, which had its five-game win streak snapped last weekend, travels to Austin for an in-state Big 12 matchup against the Longhorns, who are also coming off a loss.
Baylor fell to Oklahoma 77-71 laying 4½ points at home last Saturday, its first Big 12 setback of the season (4-1, 3-2 ATS). The Bears, who also halted a 3-0 ATS run in the loss, are shooting 46.0 percent for the season while allowing just 40.7 percent. However, against Oklahoma, they got outshot 46.3 percent to 37.7 percent and were held to their lowest point total in nine games.
Texas got rolled by archrival Texas A&M 80-63 on Wednesday night as a 3½-point road ‘dog, snapping a three-game SU win streak and dropping the Longhorns to 2-7 ATS in their last nine overall and 1-4 ATS in the Big 12 (3-2 SU). Texas’ offense, averaging 78.0 ppg, has dropped off in conference play, scoring 73 or less in the last four games, including three games in the 60s.
These two teams met three times last year – twice in the regular season, once in the Big 12 tournament – with Texas winning all three and Baylor getting the cash each time, all as an underdog. The Longhorns are on a 5-0 run in this series, but the Bears are 4-1 ATS (1-1 ATS in Austin).
The Bears are on ATS tears of 14-5 overall, 16-5 on the road and 20-8-1 in conference. This year, they’re 7-1 SU in road/neutral site games this season (6-0 ATS in lined contests), including 2-0 SU and ATS when visiting Big 12 foes. Baylor defeated Nebraska 72-70 catching four points and outlasted Texas A&M 116-110 in a five-overtime thriller as a nine-point pup.
The Longhorns are just 3-4 ATS in Austin this season, though they easily cashed in their last home start, ripping Texas Tech 73-47 as a 10½-point favorite last Saturday.
For Baylor, the over is on runs of 5-0 overall, 3-0 on the road and 5-0 on Saturday. Conversely, for Texas, the under is 9-6 overall this season, including 6-2 in the last eight overall and 6-1 in Austin (5-0 last five at home). Finally, the total has stayed low in five of the last seven meetings, including two of three last year.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BAYLOR and UNDER
(14) Stanford (17-3, 10-10 ATS) at (9) Washington State (17-3, 10-9 ATS)
Stanford goes for a two-game Pac-10 sweep of the Washington schools when it visits the Cougars, who are coming off their first home loss of the season.
The Cardinal routed Washington 65-51 as a two-point road chalk on Thursday, their fourth straight victory and third consecutive spread-cover. Stanford is 6-2 in league play (4-4 ATS), including 3-1 SU and ATS on the road.
While Stanford was winning in Seattle on Thursday, Washington State was suffering a 69-64 loss to Cal as a 10-point home chalk. The Cougars (5-3, 3-5 ATS in the Pac-10) have split their last six games, all in league play, going 1-5 ATS, including four straight non-covers.
These teams split their season series last year, with Stanford winning 71-68 in overtime as a one-point home favorite and Washington State prevailing 59-45 as a 5½-point home chalk. Prior to the Cougars’ victory, the Cardinal had won four straight in the series. Finally, the home team is on a 10-3-1 ATS roll in this rivalry, with Stanford going 1-6 ATS in their last seven trips to Pullman, Wash.
Stanford is 6-2 SU and 5-3 ATS on the highway this year. Meanwhile, Washington State dropped to 8-1 (4-4 ATS) at home with Thursday’s loss, going 1-4 ATS in the last five.
The Cardinal have been an underdog just one other time this year, losing 71-66 at Oregon as a two-point pup.
Both teams are also 2-5 ATS in their last seven games on Saturday.
The under is 14-2 in Stanford’s last 16 overall, 6-1 in its last seven on the highway and 7-3 in Washington State’s last 10 at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
(20) Florida (18-3, 9-3 ATS) at Arkansas (15-5, 6-9 ATS)
The two-time defending NCAA champion Gators aim to keep their three-game winning streak going on a trip to Fayetteville to face Southeastern Conference rival Arkansas, which has won its last two.
Florida blasted Vanderbilt 86-64 Sunday as a 5½-point home favorite, cashing for the seventh consecutive time (6-1 SU) and remaining a perfect 6-0 ATS in the SEC (5-1 SU). Florida, which is shooting a solid 50.2 percent from the floor (6th in the nation), is averaging 81.1 ppg this season and has hardly slowed down during its current 7-1 run, cracking 80 points six times. The Gators, who cracked the Top 25 this week for the first time all season, are allowing just 63.8 ppg.
Arkansas ripped Mississippi State 78-58 Wednesday as a two-point home chalk for its second straight win and cover, following an 0-4 ATS slide. The Razorbacks improved to 4-2 in the SEC (2-4 ATS) and ran their home record to 10-2, but just 3-5 ATS.
Florida is on a 3-0 run in this series (2-1 ATS), including two wins last season. The Gators posted a 79-72 home victory but failed to cash as a 12½-point favorite last January, then routed Arkansas 77-56 in the SEC tournament as a nine-point chalk. The host is 6-1 in the last seven regular-season meetings (4-2-1 ATS).
The Gators are on ATS streaks of 17-5 overall, 10-1 in SEC play, 6-2 on Saturdays and 3-0 on the road.
The Razorbacks haven’t covered two straight home contests all season. In fact, the win over the Bulldogs marked the first time they’ve covered back-to-back games all season.
Florida is 6-2 ATS in its last eight Saturday games, while Arkansas is 15-7-1 ATS in its last 23 on Saturdays.
Florida has followed up a 4-1 “over” roll by staying under in each of its last two. For Arkansas, the under is 9-6 on the year and 8-3 in its last 11 at home. However, the over is 5-1-1 in the last six series meetings (2-0-1 at Arkansas).
ATS ADVANTAGE: FLORIDA
Miami, Fla. (15-5, 9-3-1 ATS) at (3) Duke (18-1, 12-6 ATS)
Duke looks to remain perfect in ACC play when it hosts the struggling Hurricanes at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The Blue Devils trailed N.C. State 46-37 at the half on Thursday night, then turned on the jets in the final 20 minutes, outscoring the Wolfpack 55-26 en route to a 92-72 home victory. They even managed to cash as a hefty 18-point chalk, improving to 6-0 SU and ATS in league play, all as a favorite. Overall, Duke has won eight straight games (6-2 ATS) since suffering its only loss of the year, a 65-64 overtime setback to Pitt.
Miami has dropped four of its last five, including Tuesday’s 70-68 loss at Wake Forest, coming up just short as a 1½-point underdog. The Hurricanes, who started the season 14-1, are only 2-4 in ACC action (2-3-1 ATS), including 0-3 on the road (0-2-1 ATS).
The Blue Devils have owned this rivalry since Miami joined the ACC back in 2004, going 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS, including 3-0 at home (2-1 ATS). In last year’s lone clash, Duke rolled 85-63 as a 6½-point road chalk.
Duke ranks fourth in the nation in scoring at 85.6 ppg, and it is averaging 89.8 ppg in the last four. Also, the Blue Devils put up 92.6 ppg while allowing just 63.9 at home, where they are 10-0 (8-1 ATS).
Miami is on ATS runs of 11-3-1 overall, 7-2-1 ATS in road/neutral-site games and 5-0-1 following a non-cover. However, this season, the Hurricanes are only 2-3 ATS as an underdog, including 1-3-1 ATS in ACC play.
The over is 4-1 in the last five series meetings, 5-2 in Miami’s last seven overall, 4-0 in Duke’s last four overall and 28-11 in Duke’s last 39 league contests.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DUKE and OVER
(7) Tennessee (18-2, 9-7 ATS) at Mississippi State (14-6, 9-8 ATS)
Fresh off its first victory at Alabama in a decade, the seventh-ranked Vols now travel to Starkville, Miss., to face Mississippi State in a battle of SEC rivals that lead their respective divisions.
Tennessee held off the Crimson Tide 93-86 on Tuesday, cashing as a five-point road favorite to move to 5-1 in league play (4-2 ATS). The Vols, who are tied with Florida atop the SEC East standings, are 13-1 in their last 14 games and 6-3 ATS in their last nine.
Mississippi State had a nine-game winning streak snapped in Wednesday’s ugly 78-58 loss at Arkansas as a two-point underdog. With that defeat, the Bulldogs are now 5-1 in conference (4-2 ATS) and they lead the SEC West.
The Vols have won three straight against Mississippi State, cashing in all three contests. In last year’s lone meeting, they took a 92-84 decision as a five-point home chalk, improving to 5-1 ATS in the last six series clashes. The host is 6-1 SU in the last seven (4-3 ATS).
Tennessee is 7-2 away from home, but just 4-5 ATS. However, they have cashed in four of their last five on the highway, and four of their last five on Saturday.
The Bulldogs are 9-2 on their own floor (5-4 ATS), but they’re 23-10 ATS in their last 33 at home. They’re also on ATS upticks of 4-1 on Saturday and 12-5 in conference play.
The over is 12-5-1 in Mississippi State’s last 18 games in Starkville. Also, each of the last two meetings topped the posted price, and both teams have gone over in each of their last two overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
(16) Drake (19-1, 13-3 ATS) at Indiana State (10-10, 8-10 ATS)
Drake goes for its 19th consecutive victory, and 11th in a row in league action, when it visits Missouri Valley Conference rival Indiana State, which is undefeated at home.
The Bulldogs pulled away late to get past Creighton 75-65 on Wednesday as a five-point chalk. Drake sits atop the MVC standings at 10-0 (7-3 ATS). That includes a 4-0 record when visiting conference foes (2-2 ATS).
Indiana State limps into this contest having lost two in a row, four out of five and five out of seven (3-4 ATS). However, all five defeats came on the road, including last Saturday’s 65-62 loss at Illinois State as an 11½-point underdog and Wednesday’s 63-44 setback at Bradley as a 6½-point ‘dog.
The Sycamores’ current 2-5 slump began with an ugly 75-50 loss at Drake on Jan. 9, with the Bulldogs easily covering as a 10½-point chalk. Drake is 7-2 in the last nine in this series, but only 4-5 ATS. However, the Bulldogs have cashed in six of their last eight visits to Indiana State.
Indiana State is perfect through nine home games (5-2 ATS in lined games). That includes a 4-0 SU and ATS mark when hosting MVC rivals.
Indiana State is 2-8 ATS as an underdog of five points or more, while Drake is 8-3 ATS as a favorite.
Although they hurdled the total in Wednesday’s win over Creighton, the Bulldogs are still 13-3 “under” this season, including 6-1 “under” on the road. Meanwhile, the total has alternated in each of Indiana State’s last nine contests, but the under is 12-4 in its last 16 at home and 14-6 in its last 20 in Missouri Valley action.
Conversely, the over is 7-2 in the last nine series meetings, though last month’s battle stayed under the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DRAKE
Arizona (15-6, 11-7-1 ATS) at (5) UCLA (19-2, 12-6-2 ATS)
Two teams coming off impressive victories meet up at Pauley Pavilion as UCLA looks to beat Arizona for the sixth straight time.
The Bruins destroyed Arizona State 84-51 on Thursday, easily covering as a 13½-point home favorite. UCLA has won three in a row SU and ATS and leads the Pac-10 with a 7-1 mark (6-2 ATS).
Arizona spanked USC 80-69 as a 3½-point road underdog on Thursday, its fourth consecutive win and its sixth straight spread-cover. The Wildcats, who started off 1-3 SU and ATS in league play, are now 5-3 SU and ATS in the Pac-10, including back-to-back upset wins on the road.
The Bruins have recorded five straight wins over Arizona (4-1 ATS), with four of the victories coming by double digits. The straight-up winner has covered the number in eight of the last 10 clashes, with the victor scoring at least 71 points in all 10, including topping the 80-point barrier seven times.
Arizona is 6-2-1 ATS on the highway, all as an underdog, including 4-0 ATS in the last four.
UCLA has been a single-digit chalk just three times this year, cashing in all three games.
Both teams enter this contest red-hot offensively. Over the last five games, UCLA is averaging 78.6 ppg on 48.9 percent shooting (38.6 from three-point land), and the Wildcats are putting up 74.2 ppg on 50 percent shooting (48.1 from beyond the arc). Defensively, Arizona is giving up 66.6 ppg in its last five, while the Bruins are yielding 66.8. Overall, though, UCLA fields the nation’s eighth-best scoring defense (57.8 ppg allowed).
UCLA has topped the total in five straight games, while Arizona has hurdled the number in each of its last four and six of its eight conference games. However, the under is still 11-5 in Arizona’s last 16 road games dating to last season and 6-2 in the last eight head-to-head matchups.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Arizona State (14-6, 9-7 ATS) at USC (13-7, 11-7 ATS)
Arizona State will try to halt a four-game slide when it visits USC in a Pac-10 clash between teams coming off double-digit defeats.
The Sun Devils, who got blown out of Pauley Pavilion by UCLA on Thursday (84-51), have followed up a 10-game winning streak (4-0 SU and ATS in the Pac-10) with four straight league losses (1-3 ATS). ASU’s offense has gone into the toilet, as it has scored 52, 61, 55 and 51 points during the losing skid, shooting just 37.8 percent from the field.
The Trojans saw their four-game SU and ATS winning streak go up in smoke in Thursday’s 80-69 home loss to Arizona as a 3½-point favorite. USC is 4-4 in the Pac-10 (5-3 ATS), but just 1-2 SU and ATS at home.
This rivalry in recent years has belonged to the underdog, which has cashed in eight consecutive meetings, including seven outright upsets. Arizona State has gotten the coin in each of the last three against USC, including both of last year’s meetings when it lost 58-49 as a 12-point road underdog and won 68-58 as a six-point home pup.
The Trojans are on positive ATS streaks of 4-1 following a non-cover, 14-2 after a SU loss and 4-0 when coming off a double-digit home defeat.
Prior to the loss at UCLA, Arizona State had cashed in five straight games against teams with a winning record. The Sun Devils are also still 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 Pac-10 outings going back to last year. On the downside, they’ve failed to cash in five of their last seven on the road.
For Arizona State, the under is on runs of 20-9 overall, 19-7 in Pac-10 play and 11-4 on the road. However, the over is 20-7 in USC’s last 27 conference contests and 9-3 in its last 12 on Saturday. Finally, the under is 4-1 in the last five series meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ARIZONA STATE and UNDER
gametimepicks.com
Saturday's Tip Sheet
By Chris David
Only one day remains before Super Bowl XLII, which gives gamblers another chance to build their bankroll for the big game. Eight games highlight the hardwood and all of the contests feature at least one team playing in a back-to-back spot.
Let’s break down the card with an emphasis on teams’ success on zero days rest.
**Orlando at Indiana**
Orlando will be looking to avenge a 115-109 home loss to Indiana on Dec. 7, when the two clubs square off on Saturday. The Pacers have had the Magic’s number in recent meetings, winning and covering six of the previous eight. Orlando (8-4 SU, 9-3 ATS) and Indiana (7-6 SU, 9-4 ATS) both played on Friday and each team has played well in back-to-back spots, especially against the number. Total players should be aware that the ‘under’ has gone 7-1 in the last eight contests between the two squads. The Magic defeated the Sixers 108-106 on Friday, while the Pacers dropped their fifth straight game in a 106-103 loss to Houston.
**New Jersey at Atlanta**
New Jersey will be playing their second game in two nights after the club stopped Miami 94-85 on Friday. Lawrence Frank's team is 4-6 both SU and ATS on zero days rest. The ‘under’ has produced a 6-4 mark in these spots. The Nets have a good shot to stay hot on Saturday with a road matchup against Atlanta, who is a formidable 13-9 SU and 12-10 ATS mark at home. The Nets have won and covered four straight against the Hawks, including a 113-107 road win on Jan. 5. The ‘under’ is 3-1 in the last four.
**L.A. Clippers at Cleveland**
Los Angeles takes its road struggles to Cleveland on Saturday, where the team has posted a dismal 5-14 SU and 8-11 ATS mark on the road. The Cavaliers are 13-7 SU at home, but only 7-13 ATS. The Clippers are playing the second end of a back-to-back spot after getting walloped on Friday to Minnesota, 104-83. Another loss appears in order, as the Clips are just 2-7 SU and 5-4 ATS on zero days rest. Plus, Cleveland is 3-0 both SU and ATS in its last three meetings against L.A., which includes a 103-95 triumph at Staples Center on Nov. 11.
**Utah at Memphis**
Utah will be playing its second game in two nights as well, and unfortunately Jerry Sloan’s team has gone 4-8 SU and 5-7 ATS during these situations. The Jazz have been on a roll, but the club is just 9-15 both SU and ATS on the road this year, which includes last night's 96-87 win over Washington. Another win seems doable Saturday for Utah considering Memphis is 9-16 SU and 9-15 ATS at home this year. And, the Grizzlies just traded its best player, center Pau Gasol, to the L.A. Lakers on Friday. Total players should know that Utah has watched the ‘over’ go 14-10 on the road, while Memphis has seen the 'over' jump to a 14-10 ledger. Utah is 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS in the last three encounters against Memphis, winning all three by double digits.
**Houston at Milwaukee**
Houston stays on the road Saturday after beating Indiana 106-103 last night. The Rockets are 5-6 SU and 6-5 ATS on zero days rest. Houston has produced a solid 14-11 both SU and ATS mark away from home, but faces a Milwaukee squad that has gone 13-7 SU and 9-10 ATS at home. Houston is 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS in its last five battles against Milwaukee. Four of the six wins have come by double digits.
**Charlotte at Denver**
Charlotte continues its West Coast trip on Saturday after getting trounced by Golden State 127-96 on Friday. The Bobcats are 2-9 SU and 5-6 ATS in back-to-back situations. Offensively, the team has only been put able to put up 93.3 PPG on zero days rest. Charlotte hasn’t been good on the road either, going 4-15 SU and 6-12 ATS. That’s not good news, considering Denver owns an outstanding 19-5 SU and 14-10 ATS mark at Pepsi Center. Be aware that the Bobcats have captured two straight victories against the Nuggets, including a 119-116 win on Jan. 14 as 4 ½-point home underdogs.
**Chicago at Sacramento**
Looks like a mismatch in this one, especially when comparing road and home records between these clubs. Chicago is 8-14 both SU and ATS away from home, while Sacramento owns a respectable 14-9 both SU and ATS mark at ARCO Arena. Even though the Kings have been hot (3-0 SU, 2-1 ATS run), the club is 3-6 SU and 5-4 ATS when playing on zero days rest. Sacramento has covered five straight against the Bulls, winning four of those games. The ‘under’ is 4-1 in the previous five meetings.
**New York at Seattle**
After dropping 14 straight games, Seattle has posted two wins in a row. The Sonics look for their third straight on Saturday against a very beatable Knicks team. New York has been outscored 104-95 on the road this year en route to 4-18 SU and 11-11 ATS record. The Knicks fell to the Trail Blazers on Friday 94-88 in overtime, blowing an 11-point halftime lead. The Sonics are only 7-16 SU at Key Arena, but a respectable 14-9 ATS. N.Y. is playing in a back-to-back spot as well, and surprisingly the team has notched a decent 4-7 SU and 6-5 ATS mark. More importantly, gamblers should know that New York is only averaging 89.4 PPG on zero days rest, which has helped the ‘under’ go 8-3.
vegasinsider.com
BEHIND THE LINES
Memphis is just winning
Unbeaten Tigers struggling to cover big point spreads.
College basketball's only unbeaten Division I team, Memphis, has had a good run beating up on Conference USA opponents and will attempt to continue that trend today against Texas El Paso at FedEx Forum.
Ranked No. 1 for the first time since 1983, the Tigers are 20-0 overall and have won 29 in a row against Conference USA teams. But the Tigers -- who have won 43 consecutive home games -- have struggled to cover inflated point spreads this season, sporting an 11-7-2 record against the spread. They're favored by 20 1/2 today.
Only five times has Memphis -- which has been a favorite in every game -- had to cover a point spread less than 10 points this season. It should be noted, however, that after starting out 0-3-1 against the point spread at home this season, Memphis is 6-1 against the spread over its last seven games at FedEx. That's not good news for the Miners, who are 4-9-1 against the spread in their last 14 road games and 5-12-1 against the spread in their last 18 Conference USA games.
While oddsmakers have enjoyed giving Memphis big points to cover throughout its streak, Drake has quietly been winning for supporters and takes an 18-game winning streak into today's game at Indiana State. The Bulldogs are 19-1 overall and 13-3 against the spread, including a 5-1 mark over their last six road games against a team with a winning home record. But Indiana State, 10-10 overall and 8-10 against the spread, could be a tough matchup for bettors.
The Sycamores are 4-0 against the spread in their last four home games and are 6-1-1 against the spread in their last eight home games versus a team with a winning road record.
latimes.com
USC's Hackett is not expected to play against Sun Devils
Point guard suffered injury in loss to Arizona.
Even though USC sophomore Daniel Hackett was relieved to learn that he had not seriously injured his pelvis during a fall Thursday night, Coach Tim Floyd said Friday that he "just can't imagine it at this point" that the point guard would play tonight against Arizona State.
Hackett said he was diagnosed with a deep pelvis bruise after diving in an attempt to keep the ball from going out of bounds along the baseline in the first two minutes of the Trojans' 80-69 loss to Arizona.
Weekend warrior?
Weekend warrior?
click to enlarge
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Hackett said he was already moving better and was no longer suffering from the spasms that plagued him Thursday, but he didn't know whether he would be able to play against the Sun Devils at the Galen Center.
"It's a day-by-day thing and I'm working with the doctors and the team trainer," said Hackett, who averages 10.5 points and a team-high 3.8 assists. "They're going to decide when to get me on the court."
Said Floyd: "It can loosen up, I guess, after a while, but it depends on how he receives treatment and how it responds to treatment as to whether the back spasms stop and he gets more mobility. . . . We're going to hope for his recovery and I don't know that it will be [tonight]."
Hackett said he initially feared that he had suffered an injury similar to a broken vertebra that kept him off the court for nearly two months during his junior year at Bellflower St. John Bosco High. He couldn't breathe because he had the wind knocked out of him and experienced spasms every time he tried to run.
"Obviously it was tough because you want to go out there and do whatever it takes to help the team win," said Hackett, who watched the rest of the game from behind the team bench. "But I couldn't go. The doctors tried everything."
If Hackett cannot play, the Trojans would likely use freshman guard Angelo Johnson as a starter and bring sophomore walk-on Ryan Wetherell off the bench. Beyond that, there don't appear to be any alternatives.
"We don't have real options in terms of creating new people," Floyd said. "I'm sure there's going to be some unconventional looks as this thing proceeds until Daniel's return."
Freshman guard Marcus Simmons aggravated his sprained left ankle earlier this week and had his foot placed in a walking boot. He could be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Could Floyd move 6-10 junior Keith Wilkinson to small forward to help on the perimeter?
"I don't think Keith's going to go chase [Arizona's Chase] Budinger off those screens," Floyd said. "That's probably not his deal."
Floyd said Hackett's absence affected his team in more ways than depth.
"I think everybody is impacted because of his defensive ability, his ability to penetrate and kick and create plays for everybody else and make shots for everybody else," Floyd said.
TONIGHT
vs. Arizona State, 7:30, FSN Prime
Site -- Galen Center.
Radio -- 710.
Records -- USC 13-7, 4-4 Pacific 10; Arizona State 14-6, 4-4.
Update -- The Sun Devils have lost four consecutive games and are coming off an 84-51 drubbing at UCLA. Arizona State freshman guard James Harden scored only nine points, ending a streak of 13 consecutive games in double figures.
latimes.com
NBA Gameday
By David Harrison
The Saturday NBA schedule is void of any top-flight matchups, but there are still a few games bettors can take interest in such as New Jersey at Atlanta, Orlando at Indiana and Charlotte at Denver.
New Jersey at Atlanta
The Nets got a gift on Friday night in the form of a game versus the lowly Miami Heat. Right now New Jersey will take any wins it can get while battling for the final playoff position in the East. The Nets have a tenuous grip on eighth place in the Conference but have at least four other teams within striking distance. The Nets held on to eighth after they got past Milwaukee 87-80 as a 6-point favorite earlier in the week. Richard Jefferson led the Nets with 20 points, while trade-in-waiting Jason Kidd had nine points and 11 assists.
The Hawks were just ahead of the Nets by mere percentage points in the Eastern Conference standings heading into Friday night. Atlanta is seventh despite a sub-.500 record at 18-24. The Hawks dropped a winnable game on Wednesday night when they fell to the Clippers 95-88 as a 3.5-point favorite. Josh Smith led the Hawks with 21 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Joe Johnson netted 17 points.
The Nets and Hawks have clashed twice already this season with the Nets winning and covering both games. Back in November the Nets dumped the Hawks 87-82 as a 4-point favorite behind 25 points from Jefferson, while in January New Jersey knocked off Atlanta 113-107 as a 4-point road underdog. Jason Kidd posted a triple-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists in that win.
Orlando at Indiana
The Magic rolled through Philadelphia on Friday night before heading to Indiana on Saturday. Earlier in the week Orlando was the latest team to stomp Miami in a 107-91 win as a 16-point favorite. Hedo Turkoglu continued his recent strong play with a team-high 27 points and 12 rebounds, while Rashard Lewis added 19 points and eight rebounds.
The Pacers are another team currently in the running for eighth place in the East. Indiana took a four-game losing streak into Friday night’s game against Houston. Indiana kept it close in a 110-104 loss to Detroit as a 7.5-point underdog on Tuesday night. Mike Dunleavy led the Pacers with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Travis Diener and Troy Murphy each had 18 points. Jamaal Tinsley missed his third straight game with a sore knee, but he was expected to return on Friday night.
Orlando and Indiana met up back in December when the Pacers upset the Magic 115-109 as an 8-point underdog. Seven different Pacers’ players scored in double-digits in the win, with Danny Granger scoring a team-high 27 points. Dwight Howard led the Magic with 30 points and 15 rebounds in the loss.
Charlotte at Denver
The Bobcats slipped back to 12th in the Eastern Conference after a 105-91 loss to Sacramento as an 8.5-point underdog on Friday. Even though they sit in 12th place, the Bobcats are only 1.5 games back of eighth place. Against the Kings, Gerald Wallace led the Bobcats with 25 points and Emeka Okafor added 13 points and 15 rebounds. Before visiting Denver on Saturday Charlotte had a stopover in Golden State on Friday night.
The Nuggets are 27-18 on the season, but that’s only good enough for seventh place in the competitive Western Conference. Denver defeated Memphis 106-102 as a 3-point favorite last time out. Allen Iverson led the Nuggets with 32 points and 12 assists, while Marcus Camby had a huge game with 13 points, 19 rebounds and five blocks. A lingering sprained ankle caused Carmelo Anthony to miss his fifth straight game against Memphis, and there’s a chance he could miss at least a few more games.
Charlotte and Denver clashed back in mid-January when the Bobcats upset the Nuggets 119-116 as a 4-point home underdog. Wallace exploded for 40 points for Charlotte, while Anthony led the Nuggets with 35 points.
College Hoops Matchups –Trendy Talk
Syracuse at Villanova
First it was the defense, now the offense has gone into a funk for Villanova (13-6, 5-11 ATS), who has lost three Big East games in a row and covered one oddsmaker’s number once since December 10. In conference play, the Wildcats rank 13th in the Big East with a field-goal percentage of 41.3 percent. With Syracuse (15-7, 10-10 ATS) in town, ‘Nova has failed to cover last six home games. The Orangemen are playing essentially a six man rotation with all the injuries and will try for second consecutive true road win after posting first at DePaul 60-55 this week. With so few players, it doesn’t figure the Orangemen can turn the tide on being 3-8 ATS off a spread win.
Villanova is 2-11 ATS after failing to cover five or six of their last seven against the spread over the last three seasons.
Key Players in this contest – Arinze Onuaku– Syracuse, Scottie Reynolds – Villanova
Maryland at Georgia Tech
Maryland (13-8, 6-10 ATS) and Georgia Tech (10-9, 9-8 ATS) are in a large cluster of ACC teams with three losses. One of the two will fall further into the conference abyss. The Terps had no hangover from Duke disappointment in beating Virginia by 10 as 6.5-point favorites. Maryland will seek to improve to 8-3 ATS in road games. The Yellow Jackets have won three in a row, the last two as road underdogs and covered four straight. The turnaround has come, with less dribbling and more passing, leading to easier shots. Georgia Tech is 8-1 ATS in home games after playing a game as an underdog.
The Terps are 15-2 ATS versus good shooting teams - making 45 percent or of their shots after 15 or more games.
Key Players in this contest – Bambale Osby –Maryland, D’Andre Bell– GT
Pittsburgh at Connecticut
Both these Big East teams have three defeats and the loser falls even further behind league leader Georgetown. After a shameful defensive performance at home against Rutgers, Pittsburgh (17-4, 11-5 ATS) bounced back and held Villanova to 36.5 percent. They will need more of the same at Connecticut (15-5, 7-9 ATS); the top scoring team in Big East play, through the first half of the conference schedule. The Huskies are averaging 79.7 points per game and are shooting an impressive 46 percent from the field. Pitt is 19-9 ATS in road games against conference opponents. The suspensions of two key performers have galvanized the Huskies, who have won four straight. Connecticut has had there problems when well-rested, being 4-13 ATS when playing only their second game in eight days over the last two seasons.
Pittsburgh is 0-9 ATS in road games on Saturday games.
Key Players in this contest – Sam Young– Pittsburgh, Robbie A.J. Price- UConn
Rider at Siena
First place is on the line in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Rider (16-6, 11-7 ATS) lost to Marist to start the year and hasn’t looked back sense, reeling off eight wins in a row and 6-2 ATS record. The Broncos are riding high with 7-3 (6-3 ATS) road record, winning by 6.3 PPG. Jason Thompson has had NBA scouts following his progress all season and has been MAAC Player of the Week for the five times for Rider. The Saints of Siena (13-7, 11-7 ATS) were almost as good with 6-3 SU and ATS record last month. When Siena wins in conference, they do so decidedly, winning by 15.3 PPG. Few would remember, the Saints have handed Stanford one of its losses back in November, 79-67. Siena has tallied 4-1 ATS mark in last five home encounters.
Siena is only 5-6 ATS off a straight up conquest.
Key Players in this contest – Jason Thompson –Rider, Alex Franklin – Siena
Stanford at Washington State
Twin brothers Brook and Robin Lopez are starting to terrorize the Pac-10 and the Stanford (17-3, 10-10 ATS) team is reaping the benefits. Brook scored career high 31 points against Washington, while Robin held Jon Brockman to six points below high season average of 19 PPG. The Cardinal is 29-14 ATS in road games in February games over the last 11 seasons and goes for the Apple State sweep in Pullman. The Washington State (17-3, 10-9 ATS) offense and defense has bogged down for coach Tony Bennett, explaining 2-2 record in last four, and zero covers against the number. Shooting droughts have led to mental lapses on defense for the Cougars. Wazzou is 6-15 ATS versus good ball handling teams committing 14 or less turnovers a game after 15 or more contests.
The Cougars are 12-2 ATS versus teams who average 40 or more rebounds a game on the season after 15 or more ballgames.
Key Players for this contest – Anthony Goods - Stanford, Aron Baynes –WSU
Miami-Fl at Duke
Miami-FL. players and coaches return to Durham looking to do better than just improving on 9-3-1 ATS record this season. The Hurricanes (15-5) have dropped three consecutive ACC road tilts by a total of 14 points. Miami will be a large-sized dog, which usually has backers howling with joy with 22-9 ATS as an underdog of 10 or more points. Duke (18-1, 12-6 ATS) could hardly be playing any better in winning by average of 20 PPG. Besides a roster of great shooters, the Blue Devils players are outstanding beating defenders off the dribble and making layups. The Dukies are 12-4 ATS as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points over the last two seasons.
The favorite is 4-1 ATS in this ACC conflict.
Key Players for this contest – Jack McClinton – Miami, Gerald Henderson – Duke
Cal State- Fullerton at Cal-Northridge
This could be Cal-State- Fullerton’s last opportunity to catch front running Cal-Northridge is Big West action. The Titans (13-6, 9-6 ATS) who trail by two games, will have to do the hard way, on the road. CS-Fullerton has not been impressive in beating teams they should and losing when not favored. At least the Titans offer value with 6-2 ATS road record. Northridge (15-4, 7-5 ATS) sits a top of the conference, without a loss. The Matadors are perfect 8-0 at home (against some substandard competition), with 3-1 ATS record. CS-Northridge is 2-5 ATS against Cal-Fullerton.
The Titans are 2-13 ATS versus team with 60 percent or higher win percentage.
Key Players for this contest –Josh Akognon –CS-Full., Calvin Chitwood- Cal-North.
North Carolina at Florida State
North Carolina (20-1, 14-4 ATS) makes one more trip to the Sunshine State, taking on Florida State. The Tar Heels dominated Miami-Fl in last visit and is 13-3 ATS off a straight up victory. Coach Roy Williams has been especially pleased with point guard Ty Lawson, who is performing back to early season levels. The Seminoles are glad to see January disappear, with 2-5 mark and never covering spread. In fact. Florida State owns one cover since November 27. A lack of confidence has led to slow starts, causing the ‘Noles to play catch-up the rest of the game. Another rough opening signals game over against North Carolina.
The Tar Heels are 9-1 and 7-1 ATS with two days between games.
Key Players in this contest – Ty Lawson –UNC, Toney Douglas – FSU
Playbook.com
Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers
- The Orlando Magic and the Indiana Pacers will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Orlando shot 54.1% from the field in Friday's 108-106 win at Philadelphia, failing to cover the 4-point road spread. The 214 points scored were OVER the posted total of 197.
Hedo Turkoglu led the way with 23 points, and Dwight Howard added 17 points and 14 rebounds for the Magic.
Indiana had 15 turnovers in Friday's 106-103 loss to Houston, falling as 4-point home underdogs. The 209 points scored were OVER the posted total of 202.
Danny Granger netted 22 points, while Jeff Foster put up 13 points and 17 boards for the Pacers.
Current streak:
Orlando has won 3 straight games.
Indiana has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 30-18 SU, 30-17-1 ATS
Indiana: 19-28 SU, 23-23-1 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing San Antonio are 5-5
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando's last 9 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Orlando's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games at home
Next up:
Orlando home to Dallas, Monday, February 4
Indiana home to San Antonio, Tuesday, February 5
New Jersey Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks
- The New Jersey Nets and the Atlanta Hawks will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Philips Arena.
New Jersey forced 16 Miami turnovers in Friday's 94-85 win, covering the 3-point road spread. The 179 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 193.
Richard Jefferson had 25 points, while Jason Kidd added 11 points and 12 assists for the Nets.
The Hawks lost 95-88 to the Clippers on Wednesday, as 2-point favorites. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 186.
Josh Smith had 21 points with 10 boards for a double-double in a losing effort.
Current streak:
New Jersey has won 2 straight games.
Atlanta has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 20-26 SU, 18-27-1 ATS
Atlanta: 19-24 SU, 21-22 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing LA Lakers are 7-3
After playing Miami are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 1-9
Before playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After playing LA Clippers are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
New Jersey is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 7 of New Jersey's last 10 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Atlanta is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 10 games when playing at home against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Next up:
New Jersey home to LA Lakers, Tuesday, February 5
Atlanta home to Philadelphia, Monday, February 4
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
- The Los Angeles Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Quicken Loans Arena.
The Clippers were outscored 52-27 in the second half of Friday's 104-83 loss at Minnesota, falling as 7-point road underdogs. The 187 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 187.5.
Sam Cassell had 16 points, and Cuttino Mobley fired in 16 points for the Clippers.
The Cavaliers were upset 101-95 by the SuperSonics on Thursday, as 2.5-point favorites. The 196 points fell UNDER the posted total of 197.
Larry Hughes led the Cavaliers with 28 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 14-29 SU, 19-24 ATS
Cleveland: 25-20 SU, 21-24 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing New York are 5-5
After playing Minnesota are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Seattle are 2-8
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Cleveland
LA Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
LA Clippers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
LA Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers at New York, Monday, February 4
Cleveland home to Boston, Tuesday, February 5