Saturday’s college basketball cheat sheet
COVERS.com
Gonzaga at Memphis
Gonzaga has continued its annual dominance of the WCC, winning its first four conference games at a canter. The average margin of victory over those four contests was 25.3 points and the Bulldogs broke the 90-point barrier twice. Gonzaga lost 78-77 in overtime the last time it faced Memphis.
The unbeaten Tigers have cruised through the past two months and have not had a close game since their overtime win against Southern California on Dec. 4. They have covered the spread in seven of their 10 games since then while outscoring opponents by an average of 26.9 points over that period.
Notre Dame at Villanova
The Fighting Irish endured a tough stretch last week, losing two of their three games. First was a blowout 92-66 home loss to Marquette before a comfortable 91-74 win over Cincinnati. Then they went to Georgetown and were handed another embarrassing defeat (84-65).
The Wildcats have won three of their last four games behind the red-hot Scottie Reynolds. The sophomore leads the team in points (17.5), assists (4.2) and steals (1.6) this season and has broken the 20-point mark in three straight contests.
Connecticut at Indiana
The inconsistent Huskies proved that they are no match for most teams when they’re on, by beating Marquette 89-73 last Sunday. It was the first time since the Sweet 16 of the 2006 NCAA Tournament that they beat a ranked team and it came on the back of a shocking 77-65 loss to Providence.
Indiana has won 10 straight games including 27 in a row at home. The Hoosiers have won all but one of their 15 games this season behind dominant freshman Eric Gordon. He is averaging 22.4 points per game and had 25 in last weekend’s blowout win over Penn. State.
Nebraska at Kansas
Nebraska has made a winless start to its Big 12 campaign, dropping three straight games. The Huskers faced Kansas at home just last week and were handed a 79-58 defeat, their worst home loss of the season so far. They haven’t beaten Kansas since 2004.
Kansas is one of only two unbeaten teams left in college basketball and it has yet to be troubled by a Big 12 team. The Jayhawks have won their first three conference games by a combined total of 57 points, covering the spread in two of them. The Jayhawks are 82-7 in Big 12 home games since the 1996-97 season.
Mississippi at Mississippi State
Freshmen Chris Warren and senior Dwayne Curtis have led Ole Miss to a 15-2 record this season. Warren has team highs in points (15.9) and assists (5.3), while Curtis has the same in rebounds (8.6) and field goal percentage (68.7).
Mississippi State has a 13-5 record this season, but has made a blistering 4-0 start to its conference schedule. The Bulldogs are one of the best defensive teams in the nation and allow their opposition to shoot just 35.9 percent from the field.
Georgia at Tennessee
The Bulldogs have been one of the most consistent ATS teams in college basketball over the last few weeks, covering the spread in five of their last six games with odds since a Dec. 22 win over Hawaii. Last season, they lost both home and away to Tennessee without covering the spread.
The Vols were on the verge of the first 17-1 start to a season in team history, but they blew it against Kentucky on Tuesday night. They were defeated 72-66 by the Wildcats in their first road loss of the season, shooting just 38.6 from the field on the night.
Washington State at Arizona State
The Cougars scored a huge victory when they beat the Oregon Ducks for the first time in 14 attempts on Sunday. Washington State has one of the best defenses in the nation (52 points per game) and held Oregon to 21 points below its season average in the 69-60 win.
Arizona State is sweating on the health of star guard James Harden who has been limited for the past week with a groin injury. Harden has a team-leading 18.6 points per game and is a major reason why the Sun Devils have won 14 of their 17 games this season.
Saturday's Slate
By Josh Jacobs
A quiet Saturday in the NBA won’t be without some hops to the hoop.
Four games are slated to take place, and while three of the contests scheduled aren’t expected to be previews of postseason play, an 8:30 evening affair between New Orleans and San Antonio should be the meat and potatoes of the day.
Compared to the last few weeks, the ‘dog hasn’t faired too well. From Monday up until Thursday of this week, underdogs have chased tickets with a 12-18 ATS record.
**Indiana at Miami**
I’ve officially ran through the English vocabulary of negative words to describe this Miami team.
Not only have the Heat dropped 15 straight games, but a 3-18 ATS free fall in the last 21 games has taken down many of gamblers. I’m not trying to sway your betting habits, but my advice is let Miami pass on bye when filling out your selections.
Scoring a lonely 90 points per game and giving up 99.8 PPG in their last five outing, the Heat continue to struggle on all fronts. About the only positive trend that bettors can say they have cashed in on is a 6-3 ATS record on the road versus teams with a winning record (playing over .500).
In the totals department, Miami is 5-3 on the ‘over’ in its last eight.
Indiana is another group struggling to enter the mid-season with some dignity. Entering Saturday with four wins in their last 16, the Pacers have wedged 11½ games between themselves and first place in the Central Division.
There has been some good news however, with bettors collecting dividends off a 5-3 ATS tab. A 10-15 SU road performance in 15 contests this season has translated into a 12-13 ATS record.
One positive point coming out of Indiana’s action on the hardwood is 103.3 PPG on offense.
In the two teams last 10 head-to-head meetings the road squad has gone an impressive 9-1 ATS, while the underdog is 19-7-2 ATS in the last 28.
Miami’s Shaquille O’Neal has been listed as day-to-day with a sore knee, and Indiana’s Daequan Cook missed Thursday’s game with the flu. His status remains ‘questionable’.
**Philadelphia at Charlotte**
In another matchup displaying two unremarkable teams, Philadelphia ends a mini road trip in Charlotte.
Averaging 90.5 PPG in its last eight loses, the 76ers have increased their deficit to 18½ games out of first place in the Atlantic Division.
Witnessing games hitting 190 total points 45% of the time, 200 points 41% and 205 points 23% of the time, it’s apparent that Philly is far from scoring out of control. The defense has floundered, allowing 102.8 PPG on the road and 28.8 defensive rebounds per game ranks the Sixers 29th worst in the Association.
Philadelphia enters this contest with a 22-6 ATS billing in its last 28 Saturday games.
While the Bobcats have gone an average 5-5 SU in their 10, tickets have been cashing with gusto. A 7-3 ATS run in the same 10 games have been a warm welcome for a team that’s 18-24 ATS on the season.
Individually, Charlotte’s Gerald Wallace has been effective with 22.6 PPG 8.8 RPG in his last five appearances. This production comes at the same time that Wallace is playing with a sore left calf.
At home this season, Charlotte has gone 6-6 ATS when paired up at home with teams playing under .500.
Total players keep an eye out for the ‘over’ with Philly going 6-2 on the ‘over’ in the last eight games.
Most books have installed Charlotte as a five-point home favorite, with a total set at 191.
**L.A. Clippers at Memphis**
Since dropping six straight loses from mid to late December, the Clippers are 4-6 SU and 6-4 ATS in their last 10. Shifting its attention to a Memphis team suffering from its own woes, L.A. will look to stop the bleeding that its defense has been responsible for.
In their last 14 defeats, the Clippers anemic ‘D’ squad has been responsible for giving up 100.7 PPG (2.7 points more then their seasonal average).
The Grizzlies are far more lax then its name relation to the animal indicates (the Grizzle bear of course). Not only has it ditched 13 loses in its last 26 games, but Memphis has ripped through tickets with a 4-10 ATS deficit in its last 14 home games and a 2-6 ATS record in its last eight versus teams in the Pacific Division.
Beginning with a loss in Charlotte last Saturday (105-87), the Grizzlies have seen high totals in their last three hit the ‘under’ (all three totals have been no less then 205 points).
When heading to Memphis, L.A. is 4-1 ATS in its last five meetings, while the road team in this head-to-head matchup has gone a solid 11-5-1 ATS in its last 17.
Memphis is a debilitating 4-7 ATS at home versus teams playing with a losing record this season.
Bodog.com has opened the early line at four points in favor of the Grizzlies, while the total has been set at 201.
**New Orleans at San Antonio**
The game everyone has been waiting for (when compared to the other three matches on Saturday) will pit a surging New Orleans crew traveling to San Antonio. Gametime is schedule to tip-off at 8:30 p.m. EST.
Slipping past the down and out Miami Heat on Thursday by the score of 90-89, San Antonio added its seventh loss in its last 10 on the ATS financial statement. Four of the team's ATS loses in the same period of time have touchdown when most books have set the line to no less then seven points in favor of the Spurs.
Here’s a surprise that you might not be aware of; San Antonio is averaging 91.4 PPG in its last five showdowns. This is 5.7 PPG lower then the 97.1 PPG yearly average!
Ok, so you maybe getting tired of the SU stats, but how can I leave out the run that New Orleans is producing. In the last 16 contests, the Hornets have stung their opponents for an incredible 14-2 SU record. Sprinkle in a golden 16-4 ATS trip in its last 20 and you can bet the smiles on backers’ faces recently.
Coming off zero days rest, New Orleans is an impressive 6-1-1 ATS and 21-5-1 ATS in its last 27 road visits.
On an injury note, Hornets’ guard Bobby Jackson has missed the last two games with a strained right hamstring. Since his absence, New Orleans is 2-0 ATS and 1-1 on the ‘over’.
San Antonio has held a major edge with eight straight wins and nine victories in the last 10 head-to-head meetings. In their last contest together in November, the Spurs waltz into New Orleans shooting 52% from the field. Not only did they score 97 points with precision, but the ‘D’ prevented New Orleans from finding its offensive tactics. The Hornets were held to 85 points and a 43% success rate from the field. San Antonio covered the three-point spread with ease.
Most books have opened the line at 5½-points in favor of the Spurs. A total of 182 ½has been set.
vegasinsider.com
Spurs' Brent Barry to miss 3-4 weeks
January 25, 2008
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -Spurs guard Brent Barry will miss three to four weeks after injuring his left calf for the second time in a month.
The latest injury was a muscle strain in the third quarter of San Antonio's 90-89 victory against Miami on Thursday.
The 36-year-old Barry tore a different muscle in his left calf Dec. 26 against Chicago and missed nine games. The game against Miami was his fifth since returning from last month's injury.
Dyson, Wiggins suspended indefinitely
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — UConn sophomore guards Jerome Dyson and Doug Wiggins were suspended indefinitely after practice Friday and did not make the trip for today's game against No. 7 Indiana.
Coach Jim Calhoun said the suspension was not related to any legal issue and was not handed down by the university.
Dyson started all 18 games and averages 14.3 points per game, second on the team. He scored 20 points Thursday night against Cincinnati, breaking out of a shooting slump. Wiggins averages 19.7 minutes per game and 6.6 points. His 48 assists are second only to A.J. Price's 112.
For Wiggins, it is the second suspension of the season. He was booted from the UConn lockerroom for about a month prior to the official start of practice because of a violation of team rules. He was reinstated soon after practice began.
rep-am.com
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Notre Dame (13-4, 7-7 ATS) at (18) Villanova (13-4, 5-9 ATS)
Two Big East squads looking to put losses behind them meet up on the outskirts of Philadelphia, where Villanova hosts the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame got pounded at Georgetown 84-65 on Saturday catching 8½ points, falling to 3-2 SU and ATS in conference play. For the season, the Irish are averaging 78.6 points per game, but they’ve scored 73 or less in three of four Big East contests. Defensively, the Irish allow an average of 65.1 ppg, but that number has ballooned to 79.3 in conference action.
Villanova comes in off an 80-68 upset loss at Rutgers on Wednesday as a nine-point road chalk, failing to cover for the seventh time in its last eight games (5-3 SU). The Wildcats’ averages have also slipped a notch in Big East play (3-3 SU, 1-5 ATS). For the season, they’ve scored 77.5 per game and allowed 69.8. In conference play, however, they are down to 71.8 ppg on offense and are allowing 72.7.
The home team won both meetings last year, with Villanova rolling 102-87 as a five-point chalk last January, and Notre Dame squeaking out a 66-63 win 10 days later, pushing as a three-point favorite. Notre Dame is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six series battles
The Irish are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 Big East matchups, dating to last season, and they are on further positive ATS runs of 4-1-1 against teams with a winning record and 7-2-1 off an ATS loss. On the negative side, they are 1-4 ATS in their last five following a SU loss and 1-4 ATS in their last five on the highway.
The Wildcats carry a bevy of negative ATS trends into this contest, including 4-10 against teams with a winning percentage above .600, 2-6 coming off a SU loss, 1-6 in the Big East and 0-5 at home. Also, Villanova is 3-7 ATS this season as a favorite of up to 12 points.
For Notre Dame, the over in on runs of 6-2 overall (3-0 in the last three), 7-2 in Big East action, 5-1 on Saturday and 4-1 on the highway. The over is also 18-7 coming off a Notre Dame loss. Conversely, for Villanova, the under is on streaks of 6-0 at home, 5-0 on Saturday, 4-0 coming off a loss and 4-1 in the Big East.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NOTRE DAME
Gonzaga (15-4, 9-10 ATS) at (1) Memphis (18-0, 10-6-2 ATS)
Gonzaga takes a lengthy non-conference road trip to Tennessee for a meeting with the top-ranked Tigers, one of just two remaining unbeaten teams.
Gonzaga held off San Francisco 72-64 Monday night but failed to cash as a 19½-point home favorite, its second straight ATS setback after consecutive spread-covers. The Bulldogs have won six consecutive games, but they’re 2-7 ATS in their last nine, though they were underdogs in just one of those contests.
Memphis provides yet another tough non-conference opponent for the ‘Zags, who have wins over Georgia, Connecticut, St. Joseph’s and Virginia Tech, and losses to Tennessee, Oklahoma, Washington State and Texas Tech.
Memphis’ offense slowed down a bit at Tulsa on Wednesday, but the Tigers still covered the 13-point spread with a 56-41 victory. Memphis is 8-1 ATS in its last nine starts, covering double digits seven times. The Tigers are stifling teams defensively, allowing just 36.8 percent shooting (5th in the nation) and 58.7 ppg (14th). None of their last seven opponents have cracked 60 points, and three were held under 50.
These two teams met up last year in Spokane, with Memphis narrowly taking a 78-77 overtime decision, but Gonzaga got the cash as a 4½-point pup.
In addition to their current 2-7 ATS slump, the Bulldogs are on additional negative pointspread trends of 2-6 following a SU win, 0-5 in non-conference action and 0-5 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. On the positive side, Gonzaga is 4-1 ATS in its last five roadies, 4-1 ATS in its last five against Conference USA and 17-5 ATS in its last 22 on Saturday.
The Tigers hold positive ATS streaks of 6-0 at home, 5-0 on Saturday, 4-0 in non-conference play and 4-0 against teams with a winning percentage better than .600. They are also a sterling 8-2 ATS as a favorite of up to 24½ points. One unusual negative note: They are 1-4 ATS after allowing less than 50 points in their previous outing.
The over is 8-2 in Gonzaga’s last 10 Saturday starts, but the under is 5-2 in its last seven non-conference games. For Memphis, the under is on streaks of 4-0 overall, 4-0 on Saturday and 18-4 at home against teams with a winning road record (Gonzaga is 6-3 in road/neutral-site games).
ATS ADVANTAGE: MEMPHIS and UNDER
UConn (13-5, 5-9 ATS) at (7) Indiana (17-1, 8-6-1)
Connecticut steps away from Big East play for a road trip to Bloomington and a now-annual meeting with the red-hot Hoosiers.
UConn edged Cincinnati 84-83 Wednesday for its second straight victory, but the Huskies didn’t cover as a 4½-point road chalk in moving to 4-3 SU and ATS in the Big East. Although the Huskies are averaging 80.9 ppg (19th nationally), defense is a strong point, as they allow just 37.9 percent shooting (14th) and grab 25.2 defensive rebounds per game (18th).
Indiana pounded Iowa 65-43 Wednesday to easily cover as a 16-point favorite, the Hoosiers’ 13th straight victory (6-4-1 ATS in lined games). Kelvin Sampson’s squad is a perfect 12-0 at home (4-4-1 ATS), where they’re outscoring opponents by an average of nearly 24 points per game (84-60). Like the Huskies, Indiana hits the defensive boards, averaging 25.9 per game (9th).
These two schools have met each of the last three seasons, with UConn going 2-1 SU and Indiana going 2-1 ATS. Last January, the Hoosiers prevailed 77-73 as a four-point road underdog.
The Huskies are mired in ATS funks of 8-21 overall, 3-11 on the highway, 1-7 ATS in Saturday contests, 4-13 when coming off a win, 1-4 against the Big Ten and 1-10 in non-conference action.
The Hoosiers are on pointspread rolls of 5-2-1 overall, 5-1 ATS on Saturday and 4-1-1 ATS against teams with a winning percentage over .600. However, they are 2-6 ATS after allowing less than 50 points in the previous game.
For Connecticut, the over is on runs of 4-1 overall, 5-0 against the Big Ten, 7-1 following a SU win, 6-1 on the highway and 3-0 versus the Hoosiers. But for Indiana, the under is 4-1 on Saturday, 6-2 following a spread-cover and 5-2 in non-conference play.
ATS ADVANTAGE: INDIANA
Nebraska (11-5, 2-6 ATS) at (2) Kansas (19-0, 12-5 ATS)
Nebraska seeks to end a long head-to-head losing streak to Kansas when it travels to Lawrence for a Big 12 matchup against one of just two remaining unbeaten teams.
The Cornhuskers have been idle since last Saturday, when they lost to Baylor 72-70 as a four-point home chalk, falling to 0-3 SU and ATS in their last three, all in the Big 12. Nebraska averages 47.3 percent shooting for the season, but is shooting just 37.5 percent in its three losses and was outrebounded by an average of eight per game.
Kansas bounced Iowa State 83-59 on Wednesday, getting a meaningless basket with 0.4 seconds remaining to narrowly cover as a 23½-point home favorite and move to 6-2 ATS in its last eight starts. The Jayhawks (4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS in the Big 12) are shooting a sturdy 49.3 percent in conference play, while allowing just 35.4 percent shooting.
Kansas has won nine straight games in this series (8-1 ATS), all as a chalk, including a 79-58 rout in Lincoln on Jan. 12 as a 9½-point favorite. Nebraska is 1-7 ATS in its last eight trips to Lawrence, including last year’s 92-39 whipping as a 16-point underdog, the second-worst loss in the Huskers’ 110-year basketball history.
The Huskers are 8-22-1 ATS in their last 31 road starts, including 1-3 ATS in road/neutral site games this season. Among myriad other negative ATS trends, Nebraska is 0-7 against teams with a winning record, 0-4 in the Big 12, 1-5 overall and 1-4 on Saturday. Only eight of Nebraska’s 16 contests have been against Division I opponents.
In addition to cashing in six of their last eight overall, the Jayhawks are on positive ATS runs of 7-0 against teams with a winning record, 5-1 at home and 5-1 on Saturday.
For Nebraska, the over is 6-0 in its last six Saturday contests, 5-1-1 in its last seven against winning teams and 6-2 in Big 12 play. But the under is 8-2-1 in the Huskers’ last 11 road trips. For Kansas, the over is on streaks of 5-1 overall, 4-1 at home and 4-1 in league action. Finally, in this series, the over is 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS and OVER
(18) Texas A&M (15-4, 5-8 ATS) at Oklahoma State (10-8, 4-6 ATS)
The Aggies, aiming to halt a three-game slide and keep from falling out of the Top 25, travel to Stillwater for a Big 12 battle against Oklahoma State.
Texas A&M came out on the short end of a five-overtime thriller against Baylor on Wednesday, falling 116-110 as a nine-point home chalk in the longest game in conference history. With the defeat, the Aggies dropped to 0-4 ATS in the Big 12 (1-3 SU). On the current three-game losing streak, they have shot just 36.5 percent from the field, including a dismal 35-of-94 effort against the Bears (37.2 percent).
Oklahoma State brings a three-game losing skid into this contest after losing 63-61 to Texas on Monday, but a made three-pointer with less than a second to go allowed the Cowboys to cash as a three-point home underdog, halting a two-game ATS skid. The Cowboys (1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS Big 12) are shooting 43.8 percent in conference play – right on their season average.
These two teams met three times last season, with A&M going 2-1 SU and ATS. The Aggies won 67-49 at home laying 10 points and 66-46 in Stillwater giving 4½, but Oklahoma State notched a 57-56 upset as a nine-point underdog in the conference tournament in Oklahoma City.
The Aggies are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 Saturday contests and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 when coming off a loss. However, they are on negative ATS slides of 1-5 on the highway and 0-5 against the Big 12.
The Cowboys are 4-0 ATS in their last four home starts, but they carry negative ATS trends of 9-20-1 overall, 7-15-1 in Big 12 play, 3-7 on Saturdays and 7-17-1 against teams with a winning percentage above .600.
For Texas A&M, the under is on runs of 4-1 against winning teams, 4-1 on the road and 5-2 on Saturday. For Oklahoma State, the under is 4-0 in the last four against winning teams and 5-2 in the last seven in Big 12 play. Finally, seven of the last eight series meetings have stayed low, including the last four in a row.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
(11) Wisconsin (16-2, 7-8 ATS) at Purdue (14-5, 8-8 ATS)
The Badgers, who haven’t lost since Dec. 8, take a 10-game winning streak to West Lafayette, Ind., for a Big 12 meeting with Purdue.
Wisconsin bested Michigan 64-61 on Tuesday but could not cash as a heavy 17-point home favorite, dropping to 1-4 ATS in its last five starts. The Badgers (6-0 SU, 2-4 ATS in the Big Ten) are 0-4 ATS in league home games (all as a double-digit favorite), but 2-0 ATS when visiting Big Ten rivals, beating Michigan 70-54 laying 8½ points and ripping Penn State 80-55 as a 4½-point favorite.
The Badgers field the country’s third-best scoring defense, allowing just 54.4 ppg, and Michigan was the first Big Ten team to top 60 points against Wisconsin this season.
Purdue whipped Penn State 64-42 on Wednesday as a one-point road chalk for its fifth straight spread-cover (4-1 SU). The Boilermakers, who average 70 ppg in league play, are off to a 5-1 SU and ATS start in the Big Ten.
These two teams met just once last season, with Wisconsin winning 69-64 at home, but Purdue getting the cash as a 13½-point underdog. The Boilermakers are on a 3-0 ATS run in the series (1-2 ATS) and are 6-4 ATS in the last 10 meetings. The home team is 9-1 SU and 7-3 ATS during this 10-game stretch.
The Badgers have cashed in four straight road games, and they’re 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 after a non-cover. But they are 1-5 ATS in their last six on Saturday.
The Boilermakers are 16-5 ATS in Big Ten play going back to last season. They are also 20-9 ATS in their last 29 Saturday contests and 7-2 ATS in their last nine against teams with a winning percentage over .600. On a negative note, Purdue is just 3-6 ATS at home for the season.
For Wisconsin, the under is on runs of 8-2 overall, 10-3 in Big Ten play and 6-2 on the highway. Also, the last three series meetings have remained under the number. However, Purdue is on over streaks of 4-1 overall and 9-3 at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PURDUE
UNLV (14-4, 9-5-1 ATS) at San Diego State (14-5, 10-6 ATS)
The top two teams in the Mountain West Conference duke it out for the first time this year as San Diego State hosts UNLV at Cox Arena.
UNLV rallied past Wyoming 78-71 on Wednesday, but failed to cash as a 16-point home chalk. The Rebels are 7-1 in their last eight games, including 3-1 in conference. However, they’ve followed up a 7-0-1 ATS run by going 1-3 ATS in the last four, all in league play.
The Aztecs started off the Mountain West season with three straight wins and covers over New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. However, they went to BYU on Wednesday and fell 59-56, matching a season-low in points. Steve Fisher’s team did cash as an 8½-point underdog at BYU to remain perfect against the number in league action, after ending non-conference play on an 0-5 ATS slide.
San Diego State is on runs of 4-1 SU and 6-2-1 ATS versus the Rebels. Last year, UNLV won 68-61, pushing as a seven-point home favorite, while the Aztecs prevailed 67-52 as a three-point home chalk.
The Aztecs are 10-1 at home (5-3 ATS), including 2-0 SU and ATS against Mountain West rivals. Their only blemish at Cox Arena was a stunning 62-56 loss to Northern Colorado as a 16½-point favorite.
UNLV is 3-2 SU and ATS on the road this year (0-2 ATS in league play). However, the Rebels are on positive extended ATS streaks of 21-10 on the highway and 35-17-2 on Saturdays.
Both teams are defensive-oriented, with SDSU giving up 62.8 ppg on 43 percent shooting, including 59.3 ppg at home (41 percent), and UNLV surrendering 60.8 ppg on 39.6 percent shooting (63.8 ppg, 44.3 percent on the road).
The under is on runs of 10-1 overall for San Diego State, 21-6 at home for San Diego State and 3-0 in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN DIEGO STATE and UNDER
(17) Mississippi (15-2, 6-7 ATS) at Mississippi State (13-5, 8-7 ATS)
Mississippi State shoots for its ninth consecutive win when it hosts archrival and 17th-ranked Mississippi in the hoops version of the Egg Bowl in Starkville.
The Bulldogs have been idle since last Saturday, when they routed Alabama 66-56 as a one-point road underdog to improve to 4-0 in SEC play (3-1 ATS). During its eight-game winning streak, Mississippi State has played six lined contests, going 5-1 ATS.
The Rebels are coming off last Saturday’s 80-77 loss at Auburn, failing as a 5½-point road chalk, their third consecutive non-cover. Since starting the season 13-0, Ole Miss is just 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS, all in SEC play.
The home team has dominated this rivalry, going 7-2 SU in the last nine, including five consecutive wins. The host has also cashed in four straight meetings (all as a favorite), including both of last year’s battles as Mississippi State won 77-67 as a 7½-point chalk and the Rebels prevailed 85-73 as a 2½-point choice. The favorite is 8-1 ATS in the last nine.
The Bulldogs are 22-10 ATS in their last 32 home games, but just 4-4 ATS in Starkville this year (8-2 SU). They’ve won both of their SEC home games (1-1 ATS), and they’re 11-4 ATS in their last 15 conference contests overall.
In league play, Ole Miss is 2-0 at home but 0-2 on the road (1-1 ATS). Going back to last year, the Rebels are 3-7 ATS on the highway.
Mississippi State has stayed under the total in all four SEC games this year, and the under is 9-4-2 in its 15 lined contests this year. However, the over is on runs of 11-5-1 for Mississippi State at home, 5-2 for Ole Miss overall (3-1 in league games), 7-2-1 for Ole Miss on Saturdays and 7-0-1 in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MISSISSIPPI STATE and OVER
(9) Georgetown (15-2, 6-8 ATS) at West Virginia (15-4, 7-6 ATS)
West Virginia puts a four-game winning streak on the line when it welcomes the ninth-ranked Hoyas to Morgantown in a key Big East showdown.
Georgetown escaped with a 64-62 home win over Syracuse on Monday to improve to 5-1 in league play. However, the Hoyas never threatened to cover as a 12-point favorite, and they’re just 2-4 ATS in league play (1-2 ATS on the road).
The Mountaineers stepped out of conference on Wednesday and barely survived against Marshall, winning 66-64 on a neutral court, but coming up way short as a 15½-point favorite. Since starting the season 4-0 ATS, West Virginia is 3-6 ATS in its last nine, alternating spread-covers in their last seven contests.
West Virginia is 4-2 in the Big East (3-3 ATS), including 3-0 at home (2-1 ATS).
Georgetown crushed the Mountaineers 71-53 as a nine-point chalk in last year’s lone meeting. The host has won four of the last five clashes both SU and ATS, with the winner covering the spread in each contest.
The Hoyas are 5-2 SU (3-4 ATS) on the road this year, putting up 65.4 points per game and yielding 59.4 ppg. In their most recent trip, they fell 69-60 at Big East rival Pitt as a one-point favorite.
The Mountaineers are 9-0 at home (3-1 ATS), averaging 87.1 ppg and giving up just 57.1 ppg. Going back a couple of years, West Virginia is on a 20-8 ATS roll in Morgantown.
Georgetown ended an 0-7 ATS run on Saturdays with last week’s 84-65 home rout of Notre Dame as a nine-point favorite.
The under is 6-1 in West Virginia’s last seven and 9-4 in its 13 lined games this season. For Georgetown, the under is 9-5 this year, including 6-1 on the road. Also, the under is 3-0 in the last three series meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: WEST VIRGINIA and UNDER
(6) Washington State (16-2, 10-7 ATS) at (24) Arizona State (14-4, 8-6 ATS)
Two teams coming off blowout league losses meet up in Tempe, Ariz., where the Sun Devils host sixth-ranked Washington State.
The Cougars were down the road at Arizona on Thursday and fell 76-64 to the Wildcats as a two-point road underdog. Washington State is 4-2 in the Pac-10 (3-3 ATS), with the straight-up winner going 5-1 ATS in those six contests.
Arizona State has followed up a 10-game winning streak (5-2 ATS) with consecutive losses at Stanford (67-52 last Saturday) and to Washington at home (72-61 on Thursday). The Sun Devils are now 4-2 SU and ATS in the Pac-10, with the winner covering the spread in all six contests.
Washington State swept the season series last year, winning 75-55 as a 12½-point home favorite and 48-47 in Tempe, failing as a 7½-point chalk. Prior to the latter contest, the home team had won five in a row in this rivalry. Also, the host is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
After winning their first eight road/neutral-site games (6-0 ATS) – including Pac-10 road wins at Washington and USC – the Cougars have dropped two in a row on the highway both SU and ATS.
Thursday’s loss to Washington dropped Arizona State to 11-1 at home this year. The Sun Devils are still 10-3 ATS in their last 13 in Tempe dating to last season.
For Arizona State, the under is on runs of 19-8 overall (3-1 at home) and 17-5 in Pac-10 play (4-2 this year). However, the over is 7-3 in Washington State’s 10 road games and 3-1 in the last four head-to-head battles at Arizona State.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ARIZONA STATE
Georgia (11-5, 7-5 ATS) at (3) Tennessee (16-2, 7-7 ATS)
Tennessee will attempt to rebound from Tuesday’s loss at Kentucky when it hosts SEC rival Georgia at the Thompson Boling Center in Knoxville.
The Vols took an 11-game winning streak to Kentucky and had a 36-30 lead at halftime, but fell apart in the final 20 minutes, losing 72-66 as a 5½-point road favorite. Tennessee, which has failed to cash in back-to-back games, is 3-1 in the SEC (2-2 ATS).
Georgia is coming off back-to-back home wins over SEC foes Alabama (61-54) and Arkansas (82-69). The Bulldogs cashed in both games, and they’re 5-1 ATS in their last six lined contests. The only non-cover came in their only league road game, a 60-49 loss at Mississippi State as a 10-point pup.
Tennessee owns a six-game winning streak against Georgia, going 5-1 ATS, including four consecutive spread-covers the last two years. The Vols, who have scored at least 72 points in the last six meetings, are also 5-0 SU (4-1 ATS) in their last five home games against the Bulldogs, including four straight double-digit routs.
Tennessee is 10-0 at home (4-2 ATS in lined games), averaging 88.2 points per game and giving up 65.8 ppg.
The Bulldogs are just 1-5 on the highway (2-4 ATS), scoring just 58 ppg in their four true road contests. Dating to last season, Georgia is mired in a 6-13 ATS slump as a visitor.
The Vols have stayed under the total in four straight games. Also, the under is 36-17-1 in Georgia’s last 54 road/neutral-site contests, including 4-2 in the last six. However, the over is 7-2 in the last nine lined meetings between these schools, including 4-0 in Knoxville. The winner has topped the 70-point barrier in each of the last 10 head-to-head clashes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TENNESSEE
Texas Tech (11-7, 9-4 ATS) at (12) Texas (15-3, 6-7 ATS)
After scoring pair of narrow league victories over Colorado and Oklahoma State, Texas takes the court tonight as a significant favorite against Texas Tech.
The Longhorns edged Colorado 69-67 last Saturday, falling way short as a 17½-point home chalk, then held off Oklahoma State 63-61 on Monday, barely missing as a three-point road favorite. Texas is 2-1 in Big 12 action, but 0-3 ATS. In fact, Rick Barnes’ squad is 1-6 ATS in its last seven contests, including 1-4 ATS at home.
Texas Tech pounded Missouri 92-84 as a one-point home favorite on Wednesday. The Red Raiders have alternated wins and losses in their last five games, including their first four Big 12 contests. Bobby Knight’s troops have cashed in three straight games overall and are 9-3 ATS in their last 12.
Texas has won the last five meetings in this rivalry and is 6-1 ATS in the last seven clashes. Last year, the Longhorns posted a pair of double-digit wins over the Red Raiders, prevailing 76-64 as a 2½-point road underdog and 80-51 as a seven-point home favorite.
Going back several years, Texas is on a 13-3 ATS roll against Texas Tech, and the road team is 6-3 ATS in the last nine battles.
The 63 points the Longhorns scored on Monday at Oklahoma State tied for their second-lowest output of the season. Texas has failed to score at least 70 points just six times this season, but four times in the last six outings.
Texas Tech is 2-6 away from home (3-2 ATS) and averaging just 59.8 ppg in six true road contests (1-5 SU).
The Longhorns are 10-1 on their home floor, but only 2-4 ATS in lined games. They average 76.2 ppg in Austin and yield 60.4 ppg.
The under is on runs of 8-4 for Texas Tech this year (5-1 in the last six), 8-5 for Texas this year (5-1 in the last six), 5-1 for Texas at home this year and 5-1 in this rivalry (5-0 in regular-season meetings).
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
gametimepicks.com
Balanced Pac-10 tough on bettors
For college basketball fans who love close matchups, the Pacific 10 Conference, which has nine teams playing above .500, has been the league to follow.
From USC's victory at UCLA to Washington State's loss at Arizona, the conference's parity has made things tough for bettors looking to win money.
Consider this: All 10 teams in the league have won between seven to 10 games against the point spread and only Oregon State has failed to cover more than 10 times. That's balance.
It's also a reason why the best betting action for Pac-10 games has been the over/under, which features stronger trends than playing the point spread.
A good example is today's game between Stanford (15-3 overall and 4-2 in league) and California (11-6, 2-4).
The under is 14-3-1 in games involving Stanford and 5-0 in the last five road games involving the Cardinal. The under is also 9-1 in Cal's last 10 games vs. a team with a winning record.
Want more? The under is 10-2 in the last 12 games between Stanford and Cal.
Another Pac-10 over/under special today will be USC's game at Oregon. The over is 5-0 in the Trojans' last five games against a team with a winning record and the over is 7-1 in the Ducks' last eight games against a team with a winning record.
Pro Football
A variety of proposition bets are getting a load of attention for this year's Super Bowl.
Here are a few from Bodoglife.com: Which Manning will finish with more passing yards? Eli Manning (Super Bowl XLII) -115 or Peyton Manning (247 yards in Super Bowl XLI) -115; Which Manning will have the most completions? Eli (-130) or Peyton (even), who had 25 in Super Bowl XLI.
How long will it take Jordin Sparks to sing the National anthem? Over 1:42 (-125) or under 1:42 (-115); Who will the MVP of the Super Bowl thank first? Teammates (3-1), God (2-1), family (2-1), coach (4-1), no one (6-1).
Pro Basketball
The updated odds on winning the NBA Western Conference title still have San Antonio as favorite but the Lakers have moved up as a legitimate contender, according to Bodoglife.com.
The Spurs are listed at 9-4 and the Lakers are at 4-1. Phoenix and Dallas are at 5-2 and Denver is listed at 6-1. The Clippers? 100-1.
latimes.com
College Basketball Gameday
By David Harrison
A Top 25 battle between No. 6 Washington State and No. 24 Arizona State highlights this weekend’s college basketball action. Also worth a look on Saturday is No. 9 Georgetown at West Virginia and Gonzaga at No. 1 Memphis.
Washington State (6) at Arizona State (24)
Both the Cougars and Sun Devils are coming off Thursday night losses heading into their Saturday showdown.
Washington State lost to Arizona 76-64 as a 2-point road underdog on Thursday. Kyle Weaver and Aron Baynes each netted 15 points for the Cougars, while leading scorer Derrick Low was held to only five points on 2-of-9 shooting.
Arizona State was upset by Washington 72-62 as a 5.5-point home favorite on Thursday. James Harden scored 17 points to lead the Sun Devils, despite playing on a strained right groin. Jamelle McMillan was the only other Sun Devils’ player to score in double digits with 11 points, while Jeff Pendergraph added nine points.
The Cougars and Sun Devils met up twice last season in two games that ended very differently. In their first matchup Washington State bombed Arizona State 75-55 as a 12.5-point home favorite. In the rematch the Cougars barely edged the Sun Devils 48-47 as a 6.5-point road favorite.
Georgetown (9) at West Virginia
The Hoyas nearly began the week with an upset loss after edging Syracuse 64-62 in overtime as a 12-point favorite on Monday night. Jonathan Wallace and Roy Hibbert each poured in 15 points for the Hoyas, with the seven-foot Hibbert also pulling down nine rebounds. Jessie Sapp turned in a solid all-around performance for Georgetown with 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Mountaineers also survived a near upset last time out in their 66-64 win over Marshall as a 15.5-point favorite on Wednesday. Da’Sean Butler delivered the game-winning shot and led West Virginia with 18 points and six rebounds in the win. Alex Ruoff chipped in with 11 point and 11 rebounds, while Darris Nichols deposited 10 points.
The Hoyas and Mountaineers met up once last season when Georgetown smothered West Virginia 71-52 as a 9-point favorite.
Gonzaga at Memphis (1)
The Bulldogs head out on a long east coast road trip to try and become the first team this season to hand the Tigers a loss.
Gonzaga sits in their usual spot atop the West Coast Conference after starting the season 15-4 (4-0 in conference play). The Bulldogs defeated San Francisco 72-64 as a 20-point favorite on Monday night to extend their winning streak to six games. Steven Gray led Gonzaga with 16 points and also played stellar defense with five steals. Matt Bouldin and Auston Daye each added 10 points for the Bulldogs in the win.
The No. 1 Tigers cruised to 18-0 on Wednesday night after downing Tulsa 56-41 as a 13-point favorite. Chris Douglas-Roberts scored a game-high 20 points for Memphis, while Derrick Rose and Shawn Taggart each had 14 points. Joey Dorsey had a killer night on the glass with 19 rebounds.
Last season the Tigers travelled west to take on the Bulldogs and handed Gonzaga a 78-77 loss as a 4-point underdog.
TGS COLLEGE HOOP UPDATE: "SPECIAL TICKER" REPORT...
ARIZONA...6-6 sr. F Bret Brielmaier, a valuable reserve, has been frequently unavailable in recent weeks due to a lingering shoulder problem. ARKANSAS STATE...Jr. F Shawn Morgan (9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2 spg) was unable to play in the 89-80 home loss to Troy last Saturday after turning his ankle during the shootaround prior to the game. AUBURN...The Tigers have had as few as 7 scholarship players available in recent weeks and are especially shorthanded up front. 6-7 jr. F Josh Dollard, who had led the team in scoring & rebounding last year, was lost for the season prior to the start of the campaign. 6-7 jr. F Korvotney Barber (left; 13 ppg on 72% FGs & 7 rpg through first 9) broke his hand at the end of December and will be sidelined up to two months. And 7-1 frosh C Boubacar Sylla (ankle) hasn’t played since early in the season. Still, Jeff Lebo’s resilient crew managed to upset both LSU (at Baton Rouge) & Ole Miss last week, as soph PG Dewayne Reed (41 points, 8 of 13 from 3-point arc in those 2 games) is picking up scoring slack while 6-6 frosh F Lucas Hargrove (10 ppg & 5 rpg in last 4 through Jan. 21) emerges as a steady contributor. BALL STATE...Star jr. F Anthony Newell’s return to action is helping BSU get back on track after the squad opened the season with 11 straight losses. Newell, who missed more than a month with a foot fracture, has led the Cardinals to wins in 3 of their last 5 through Jan. 21, contributing 16 ppg & 8 rpg during that span. BOWLING GREEN...Sr. swingman Ryne Hamblet (13 ppg & 5.4 apg), the Falcons’ best playmaker, was ruled academically ineligible in mid-December. BGU has 135 turnovers and only 88 assists in the 8 games (through Jan. 22) since Hamblet was lost. BRADLEY...Star sr. PG Daniel Ruffin (14 ppg, 6.2 apg, 2 spg, 93% FTs) has missed the last 7 games (through Jan. 22) and is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to repair a sports hernia injury. The Braves, winners of 22 games in each of the previous 2 seasons, are 2-7 straight up & vs. the pointspread their last 9. BUFFALO...6-9, 260 jr. Vadim Fedotov (6 ppg & 4.6 rpg) was lost to a season-ending knee injury during 76-68 home loss to Akron Jan. 12. CS NORTHRIDGE...6-8 sr. F Calvin Chitwood (12 ppg on 52% FGs, 6 rpg, 1.7 bpg) sat out 66-62 win at UC Riverside Jan. 16 and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with a sprained ankle. COLORADO STATE...7-0 sr. C Stuart Creason (12 ppg on 58% FGs, 6.4 rpg) hasn’t played in the last couple weeks and is out indefinitely.
DAYTON...6-8 frosh F Chris Wright (right), the Flyers’ 2nd-leading scorer & top rebounder, missed Jan. 12 overtime win at Saint Louis and Jan. 16 home loss to UMass with an ankle injury and isn’t expected back for at least another month. 6-6 jr. F Charles Little (8 ppg & 5 rpg) also won’t be available for several weeks due to a foot fracture he suffered vs. the Minutemen. DENVER...6-6 sr. F David Kummer, the Pioneers’ leading scorer & rebounder, is through for season after breaking his leg/ankle in 54-40 home win over Ark.-Little Rock Jan. 13. Soph G Tyler Bullock, UD’s best playmaker and leading returning scorer from last season, quit the squad during the first month of the this year’s campaign. DETROIT...The reeling Titans haven’t won a game since November, dropping 12 straight (2-8-1 vs. the pointspread) through Jan. 25. High-scoring sr. G Brandon Cotton (18 ppg in each of the previous 3 seasons!) unexpectedly quit the team just as the campaign was getting underway, then longtime head coach Perry Watson announced earlier this month that he was taking an indefinite leave of absence due to medical reasons. DRAKE...The streaking Bulldogs have won 15 straight games through Jan. 21 even though sharpshooting soph G Josh Young (team-high 16 ppg, 46% from beyond the 3-point arc) has missed the last 3 with a sprained ankle. DUKE...7-1 soph C Brian Zoubek (4 ppg & 4 rpg), the only Blue Devil taller than 6-8, is expected back in action soon after missing the last couple weeks with a foot injury. FRESNO STATE...The shorthanded Bulldogs had only 8 players available during road losses at San Jose & Hawaii last week. 6-5 soph swingman Bryan Harvey (11 ppg & 5 rpg), a Louisville transfer, and 6-11 sr. C Shawn Taylor (ankle) sat out both games, and Harvey is through for the season due to academic problems. High-scoring jr. G Dwight O’Neil broke his wrist early in campaign, and 6-8 sr. F Rekalin Sims, a Kentucky transfer, was kicked off the team before seeing any action. GEORGETOWN...Blue-chip frosh G Chris Wright, who’s been out since the end of December with a foot/ankle injury, is expected to return soon. Wright averaged 18 minutes, 6 points, 2.6 boards, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in the Hoyas’ first 11 games. HAWAII...6-11 sr. C Stephen Verwers (6 ppg & 4 rpg) broke his leg at the end of December and won’t be back this season. IDAHO...The Vandals are hoping to soon regain the services of jr. G Trevor Morris (8 ppg), who’s been sidelined by a foot injury the last few weeks. ILLINOIS-CHICAGO...Forced to use a PG-by-committee approach since soph Spencer Stewart broke his hand near the end of December, the Flames have dropped 4 of their last 6 games (through Jan. 23). Scouts expect Stewart (7 ppg & 4.4 apg) to be back in the lineup soon, however. IOWA...Promising 6-7, 250 frosh F Jarryd Cole (7 ppg on 67% FGs, 5 rpg) was lost to a season-ending knee injury just before New Year’s. JAMES MADISON...The Dukes have cooled after a hot start, losing 4 of their last 5 both straight up & vs. the spread (through Jan. 22). 6-7 jr. F Kyle Swanston (knee; 9 ppg) has missed the last 3 games.
LONG BEACH STATE...Jr. G Artis Gant, one of the 49ers’ top playmakers, returned to action Jan. 19 at UC Riverside after missing more than a month with a knee injury. Gant had 7 points & 4 assists in 24 minutes off the bench during the 70-66 loss to the Highlanders. LOUISIANA TECH...6-7 sr. F Keith Smith (8 ppg & 5 rpg) did not play in 63-54 loss at New Mexico State last Saturday and has been dismissed from the Bulldog squad. LSU...Attrition has been a significant problem for the toothless Tigers, who have dropped 8 of their last 9 games (both straight up & vs. the spread) through Jan. 25. 6-7 jr. F Tasmin Mitchell (left; 15 ppg & 6 rpg last season), one of the best all-around players in the SEC, suffered a season-ending ankle injury during the first week of the campaign, sr. swingman Dameon Mason was recently declared academically ineligible, and 6-11 jr. C Chris Johnson (12 ppg on 62% FGs, 5 rpg, 2 bpg) has missed the last 5 games after fracturing his shooting hand during loss at Tulane the day after New Year’s. MARQUETTE...The once-soaring Eagles, who won 13 of their first 15 games, nosedived last week, absorbing double-digit road losses at Louisville (71-51) & UConn (89-73). Star jr. G Dominic James (sore wrist) contributed a total of just 12 points & 1 assist in those lopsided road losses. MARSHALL...All-conference jr. F Markel Humphrey (team-high 14 ppg, 5.6 rpg) is out indefinitely with a foot fracture, and sr. G Taurean Marshall was lost to a season-ending knee injury earlier this month. Nevertheless, demanding rookie head coach Donnie Jones, who was hired at Huntington after winning back-to-back NCAA titles on Billy Donovan’s Florida staff, was able to notch a 62-57 home win over UAB last Saturday, coaxed a 62-57 home win won back-to-back a couple of NCAA titles ( Florida assistant under Billy DonBilly Dono vs. UAB in 62-57 home win over UAB Jan. 19 and is out indefinitely due to a foot fracture. Sr. G. MARYLAND...Starting soph G Eric Hayes saw limited action off the bench (8 points in 13 minutes) during 82-80 upset over top-ranked North Carolina Jan. 19 after sitting out the previous 3 games with a sprained ankle. MIAMI-OHIO...6-5 jr. swingman Michael Bramos (16 ppg & 4 rpg) did not play in 64-57 home win over Buffalo last Sunday after aggravating a lingering ankle injury during the RedHawks’ 74-62 home loss to Kent State Jan. 17. MICHIGAN...The Wolverines are in major transition under new head coach John Beilein (right; formerly at Canisius, Richmond, & West Virginia), winning just 3 of their last 16 games (2-13 vs. the spread) through Jan. 21. A sore foot limited star frosh G Manny Harris (team-leading 16 ppg) to just 16 total points in the last 2 games, while sr. F Ron Coleman (6 ppg & 4 rpg) has been far less than 100% over the last couple weeks due to a sore ankle. Jr. G Jerret Smith, one of UM’s best 3-point shooters, was kicked off the team in early December, and frosh swingman K’Len Morris quit the squad soon after that. MISSOURI STATE...6-9 sr. C Drew Richards (8 ppg on 60% FGs, 4 rpg, 1.5 bpg) has missed the last couple weeks due to a bout with mononucleosis, but should be able to return to action soon. The Bears (just 58 ppg last 3 through Jan. 22) have been getting little production in the paint with Richards sidelined. NEW MEXICO STATE...Although touted juco G Paris Carter was declared academically ineligible the week before Christmas, versatile blue-chip 6-8 frosh F Herb Pope has finally been cleared to play. Pope saw his first action of the season last Saturday, scoring 5 points, grabbing 9 boards, dishing out 4 assists, and coughing up 6 turnovers in 23 minutes off the bench during 63-54 home win over Louisiana Tech. Also on the court vs. the Bulldogs after sitting out 6 games with his own academic problems was 6-9 sr. C Hatila Passos, who scored 10 points on 5 of 6 shooting and snagged 7 rebounds during 20 minutes off the bench. NORTHERN ILLINOIS...The Huskies have been hit hard by attrition during the first half of the campaign. Oft-injured sr. Ryan Paradise (team-leading 11 ppg) decided to give up basketball after an early-season broken nose that required surgery, and academic shortcomings sidelined soph G Cody Yelder (10 ppg on 52% FGs last year) at the end of November. 6-4 sr. swingman Zach Pancratz (9 ppg last season) was lost to a shoulder injury before the start of the campaign, and 6-7 sr. swingman Ben Rand (foot) has missed the last 3 games (through Jan. 21) and is sidelined indefinitely.
OKLAHOMA...Star 6-10 frosh F Blake Griffin (left), the Sooners’ leading scorer (15 ppg on 59% FGs) & rebounder (8.6 pg), did not play in 63-61 home win over Texas Tech Jan. 19 and will miss about a month after hurting his knee very early in 85-55 blowout loss at Kansas Jan. 14. OREGON STATE...With his downtrodden Beavers mired in an 8-game losing streak, head coach Jay John was fired earlier this week. Interim head coach Kevin Mouton announced the dismissal of underachieving 6-11 jr. C C.J. Giles, a celebrated Kansas transfer who was contributing only 6 ppg on 42% FGs and 5.6 rpg. PENN STATE...Star 6-5 sr. swingman Geary Claxton, a 4-year starter and the Lions’ leading scorer (18 ppg) & rebounder (8.4 pg), suffered a season-ending knee injury very early in 80-55 home loss to Wisconsin Jan. 15. PEPPERDINE...Second-year head coach Vance Walberg abruptly stepped down last week following 92-57 home drubbing at the hands of Gonzaga, and his son, sr. G Jason (9 ppg), quit the team in the wake of his father’s resignation. The Waves put up a strong fight last Saturday at St. Mary’s, falling by just 5 (as a 20½-point dog) in their first game under interim head coach Eric Bridgeland. PITTSBURGH...The Panthers will have to survive the brutal Big East wars with a depleted rotation, as steady veteran starters jr. PG Levance Fields (foot) & sr. swingman Mike Cook (knee) were lost to major injuries before New Year’s. PROVIDENCE...Star sr. PG Sharaud Curry (broken foot) has so far seen only very brief action during just one game back in December, although the Friars do expect Curry to return to the lineup before the end of the season. Dwain Williams is back in action after missing a couple weeks with an ankle injury, and the blossoming soph PG poured in 23 points (including 6 of 9 from 3-point arc) during PC’s 77-65 upset win at UConn Jan. 17.
RICE...When starting soph G Rodney Foster sat out a couple of recent games with a sore knee, the paper-thin Owls had only 6 scholarship players available. Foster has returned to action, but talented frosh G Jasen Williams (10 ppg) was declared academically ineligible about a month ago, jr. G Cory Pflieger (foot; 8 ppg) hasn’t played since November because of a foot injury, and soph G Chris Hagan (5 ppg last season) blew out his knee very early in the campaign. SAINT JOSEPH’S...Jr. PG Tasheed Carr (12 ppg, 6.6 apg, 5 rpg, 1.6 spg) has missed the last 2 games due to a sprained ankle and is questionable for Wednesday’s clash against UMass. SAINT LOUIS...6-7, 250 sr. F Barry Eberhardt (ankle; 8 ppg & 4.6 rpg), a touted juco transfer, played only 3 minutes during 54-53 OT home loss to Temple Jan. 20 after sitting out 68-61 home win over Rhode Island Jan. 17. SAN FRANCISCO...Heading into Saturday’s home game against St. Mary’s, “interim” Don head coach Eddie Sutton (right) needs just one more win to reach 800 victories in his storied career. The legendary Sutton, out of coaching since stepping down at Oklahoma State after an DUI arrest, surprisingly took over at USF in late December after the school announced that current mentor Jesse Evans was taking a leave of absence. SAN JOSE STATE...Redshirt frosh PG Justin Graham (team-leading 12 ppg) fractured his elbow during 65-64 loss at Hawaii Jan. 15 and is expected to miss about a month. SETON HALL...Jr. G Paul Gause (9 ppg, 3.2 spg), an ace defender, has missed the last 5 games (through Jan. 23) with a broken hand, but he should be back in action soon. SOUTH CAROLINA...Head coach Dave Odom announced last week that he will retire at the end of the season. SYRACUSE...Led by precocious frosh Donte Green (18 ppg & 8 rpg) & Jonny Flynn (15 ppg & 5 apg), the depth-shy Orange are one of the youngest teams in the Big East, with head coach Jim Boeheim relying on a core a core rotation of just 6 frosh & sophs. Early attrition stripped SU of key veterans—sharpshooting sr. G Andy Rautins blew out his knee during the off-season, sr. PG Josh Wright (24 mpg, 4 apg last year) was lost to academic problems in early December, then high-scoring jr. G Eric Devendorf (17 ppg) suffered a season-ending knee injury a couple weeks before Christmas.
TENNESSEE...Soph F Duke Crews (left; 8 ppg on 52% FGs, 5 rpg last season) has been cleared to play after sitting out more than a month with a heart condition. TOLEDO...The sputtering Rockets have lacked strong floor leadership so far this season, as longtime head coach Stan Joplin was caught with a dearth of experienced PGs on his roster when stalwart sr. Kashif Payne unexpectedly left the team after the first week of practice. Without Payne—last season’s MAC Defensive Player of the Year who dished out more than 4 apg in each of the previous 2 campaigns as Joplin’s starting PG—UT ranks last in the conference in assist/TO ratio, its stagnant attack producing just over 9 apg. UAB...The addition of dead-eye jr. swingman Robert Vaden (21 ppg, including 44% from 3-point arc!), an Indiana transfer who followed Blazer head coach & former Hoosier mentor Mike Davis to Birmingham, has helped the Blazers soften the blow of losing not only star sr. PG Paul Delaney, but also physical 6-9, 245 Mississippi State transfer Walter Sharpe. Delaney (16 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 apg last season) blew out his knee during the first week of the season, and Sharpe, who contributed 14 ppg & 7 rpg through the first 12 contests of the current campaign, was declared academically ineligible the week before Christmas. UC IRVINE...The Anteaters lost 3 expected contributors early on, as touted 6-6 juco transfer Adam Rodenberg left team before ever suiting up, and sr. G Chuma Awaji (8 ppg) & G Trey Harris, another juco transfer, were declared academically ineligible several weeks ago. VIRGINIA TECH...Bruising 6-7, 260 frosh F Jeff Allen (13 ppg on 51% FGs, 8 rpg, 2 spg) will sit out the Hokies’ next 2 games (Jan. 24 vs. Duke and Jan. 26 at BC) after being suspended for bumping a ref near the end of last Saturday’s 81-70 loss at Georgia Tech.
WEST VIRGINIA...6-8 jr. F Joe Alexander (right; 16 ppg, 6 rpg, 1.8 bpg), the Mountaineers’ top rebounder & 2nd-leading scorer, did not play in 69-52 win at South Florida Jan. 20 and is doubtful for Wednesday’s clash against in-state rival Marshall. at South Florida Jan. 20. WICHITA STATE...The Shockers have dropped 6 of their last 7 games both straight up & vs. the spread (through Jan. 22), their offense frequently sputtering with steady sr. PG Matt Braeuer (10 ppg, 4 rpg, 3.5 apg) sidelined by concussion problems since the end of December. And scouts say stalwart sr. F P.J. Couisnard (only 10 points in last 2 games) is far less than 100% due to a shoulder injury. WIS.-GREEN BAY...Starting frosh PG Rahmon Fletcher played only 12 mins. in 65-61 home loss to rival Wis.-Milwaukee Jan. 19 after spraining his foot a week earlier during 82-73 loss at Valparaiso. WIS.-MILWAUKEE...The Panthers have surprisingly pounced into strong contention in the Horizon League chase, winning 7 of their last 8 (through Jan. 23) after some major housecleaning by head coach Rob Jeter early on. Sr. G Avery Smith, UWM’s leading returning scorer, was booted off the squad before the start of the campaign. Then, F Torre Johnson, a touted juco transfer originally at Oklahoma State, was dismissed from the team after averaging 18 points & 8 boards in the first 10 games. Frosh Fs Tim Flowers (6 ppg) & Kevin Johnson and soph F Roman Gentry (5 ppg) are also no longer with the squad.
goldsheet.com
Saturday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat
* Miami is riding its 2nd-longest losing streak of all-time, dropping 15 in a row after a 90-89 setback at home on Thursday to San Antonio. The Heat are just 2 losses short of the franchise record. They are 2-13 ATS during that stretch. EDGE: PACERS
* Indiana has dropped 12 of 16 and could again be without starting point guard Jamaal Tinsley due to a sore knee. The Pacers are already playing without forward Jermaine O'Neal with a knee injury. Travis Diener filled in for Tinsley in a 104-92 loss at Milwaukee on Thursday, totaling 15 points and 9 assists with just 1 turnover in a career-high 40 minutes. "Travis does a good job when he's in there whether he's playing 10 minutes or 40 minutes," Indiana forward Mike Dunleavy said. "He knows how to play and pushes the ball to get guys involved. He's capable of taking over the reins when we need him to." EDGE: PACERS
* Pacers are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games against a losing team.
* Pacers are 7-0 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Miami.
* Heat are 1-11-1 ATS in their last 13 games against the Central Division.
* The road team is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Philadelphia 76ers at Charlotte Hornets
* 76ers are 22-6 ATS in their last 28 Saturday games.
* Bobcats are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games against the Eastern Conference.
* The home team is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies
* Clippers are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 games against a team winning below 40%.
* Grizzlies are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 home games.
* The road team is 11-5-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
New Orleans Hornets at San Antonio Spurs
* Hornets are 21-5-1 ATS in their last 27 road games.
* Spurs is 21-8-1 ATS in their last 30 games when playing on 1 days rest.
* The road team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
CBB
Gonzaga at #1 Memphis
* Memphis passed North Carolina to be ranked the No. 1 team in the Country, and the only other time Gonzaga has faced a No. 1 was against Cincinnati in a 75-68 loss on Dec. 4, 1999. Memphis will be the third Top 10 team the Zags have played this season. They previously lost to No. 6 Washington State 51-47 and to No. 3 Tennessee 82-72. EDGE: MEMPHIS
* Memphis is led by Chris Douglas-Roberts (16 ppg), Derrick Rose (14 ppg), Robert Dozier (11 ppg) and Joey Dorsey (8 points, 10 rebounds per game). Gonzaga’s defense is allowing 65 ppg over its last five games alone. EDGE: MEMPHIS
* Gonzaga is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games against a team winning above 60%.
* Memphis is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games following a SU win.
* The UNDER is 18-4 in Memphis’s last 22 home games against a winning road team.
Connecticut at #8 Indiana
* UConn is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 non-conference games.
* Indiana is 5-2-1 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
* The UNDER is 6-2 in Indiana’s last 8 games following an ATS win.
#16 Texas A&M at Oklahoma State
* Texas A&M is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games against the Big 12.
* Oklahoma State is 7-17-1 ATS in its last 25 games against a team winning above 60%.
* The road team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
Southeast Missouri State at Murray State
* Southeast Missouri State is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 road games.
* Murray State is 3-0 ATS in its last 4 games against the Ohio Valley Conference.
* The underdog is 11-0-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
#11 Wisconsin at Purdue
* Wisconsin is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games against the Big Ten.
* Purdue is 20-9 ATS in its last 29 Saturday games.
* The home team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Utah State at New Mexico State
* Utah State is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 road games.
* New Mexico State s 5-14 ATS in its last 19 games overall.
* New Mexico State is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
#9 Georgetown at West Virginia
* Georgetown is 19-7 ATS in its last 26 games following an ATS loss.
* West Virginia is 20-8 ATS in its last 28 home games.
* The UNDER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
USC at Oregon
* USC is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 road games.
* Oregon is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games against the Pac-10.
* The road team is 8-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
Creighton at Southern Illinois
* Creighton is 36-17 ATS in its last 53 games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
* Southern Illinois is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 Saturday games.
* The road team is 13-3 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
Pregame.com
Eastern Illinois leading scorer G Romain Martin (16 ppg; foot) is probable for Saturday, but is also expected to be limited in action.
Wofford's leading scorer G Shane Nichols (16 ppg; ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game.
Marshall's leading scorer F Markel Humphrey (14 ppg; foot) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game.
Northridge F Calvin Chitwood (12 ppg; ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game.
Miami-Ohio's leading scorer F Michael Bramos (16 ppg; ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game.