Friday's Best NCAAB Bets
By Covers.com
California Golden Bears at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (-5, 138)
THE STORY: The last time No. 23 UNLV was ranked, back in late November, the Rebels responded by losing two games in a four-game stretch to fall out of the top 25. But now, after winning three straight games — including a 64-48 whipping of then-No. 19 Illinois — the Rebels are back in the top 25 and will try to stay there. The Rebels will host California Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center, which should be a difficult test. The Bears enter on a four-game win streak and haven’t lost since falling 64-63 at San Diego State on Dec. 4. UNLV leads the all-time series 3-1.
ABOUT CALIFORNIA (10-2): Although California is off to a fast start this season, all 10 of its wins have come at home or on a neutral floor. As a result, there are still plenty of questions surrounding the Bears, who lost 92-53 to Missouri earlier this year. UNLV, much like Missouri, likes to play an up-tempo style, so it will be interesting to see if the Bears are able to make any adjustments. California has won all four of its games by 20 or more points during this most recent streak. In Monday’s 70-50 victory over UC Santa Barbara, Justin Cobbs led the way with a season-high 25 points.
ABOUT NO. 23 UNLV 12-2): In the win against Illinois, UNLV’s star forward Chace Stanback was limited to two points, both of which came on a pair of late free throws. But Stanback came out firing in the Rebels’ 81-63 victory over Louisiana-Monroe on Monday. Stanback, a senior, converted 8-of-9 3-point attempts and finished with a career-high 29 points for the Rebels, who are 7-0 at Thomas & Mack Center. UNLV made 14-of-23 3-pointers in the game, the fifth time it has converted 10 or more 3’s. Defensively, the Rebels turned in one of their best performances of the season, blocking seven shots and forcing Monroe into 18 turnovers.
TIP-INS
1. California won the last meeting 73-55 at UNLV in 2008.
2. UNLV has held three of its last five opponents to 54 points or less.
3. The Rebels are 3-0 against teams from BCS conferences.
Mississippi Valley State at Wisconsin Badgers (-30.5, 126)
THE STORY: With one game left until the start of Big Ten play, No. 14 Wisconsin is beginning to peak at just the right time. Always a strong defensive team under coach Bo Ryan, the Badgers have allowed an average of 45 points in four straight wins, capped by a 66-33 triumph over Savannah State before an eight-day break. Wisconsin is expected to challenge for the Big Ten title behind senior guard Jordan Taylor and junior center Jared Berggren and will have to be careful not to overlook Mississippi Valley State with a trip to Nebraska looming next week. The Delta Devils, who visit the Kohl Center on Friday, have dropped five straight and have not had much success against major-conference teams, falling to eight already this season.
ABOUT MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE (1-9): The Delta Devils have played an extremely challenging schedule and will be taking on their third ranked team with the Badgers. Mississippi Valley State has shown a resiliency throughout the tough stretch, continuing to battle in the second half against No. 12 Florida despite being in a 46-22 hole at the break. The Delta Devils hoist an average of 24.3 3-point attempts, connecting on 33.7 percent, in an effort to get by with only three players taller than 6-5. Center Paul Crosby, 6-8, leads the team in scoring (13.7 points).
ABOUT WISCONSIN (10-2): The Badgers held Savannah State to 14 points in the first half, marking the sixth time this season that the team had held an opponent under 20 points in the opening frame. Wisconsin consistently is able to set its own pace and is leading the nation in scoring defense. The Badgers spread the ball around offensively, with four players averaging in double figures in scoring led by Berggren’s 12.3 points. Taylor has started off slowly, shooting 37.3 percent from the field, but is averaging 5.3 assists while keeping his turnovers down.
TIP-INS:
1. The Badgers have won 10 or more non-conference games in six of the last seven seasons.
2. Wisconsin took the lone previous meeting, 115-79, on Dec. 23, 1993, and are 8-0 all-time against SWAC schools.
3. The Delta Devils have yet to play a home game.
CALIFORNIA (10 - 2) at UNLV (12 - 2) - 12/23/2011, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UNLV is 134-100 ATS (+24.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
CALIFORNIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
CALIFORNIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
CALIFORNIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
CALIFORNIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
UNLV is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in a home game where the total is 135 to 139.5 over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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W KENTUCKY (4 - 8) at LOUISVILLE (11 - 0) - 12/23/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W KENTUCKY is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.
W KENTUCKY is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOUISVILLE is 2-0 against the spread versus W KENTUCKY over the last 3 seasons
LOUISVILLE is 2-0 straight up against W KENTUCKY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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IL-CHICAGO (4 - 7) at DAYTON (8 - 4) - 12/23/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DAYTON is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
DAYTON is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
IL-CHICAGO is 60-36 ATS (+20.4 Units) in December games since 1997.
IL-CHICAGO is 88-63 ATS (+18.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
IL-CHICAGO is 89-59 ATS (+24.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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PROVIDENCE (10 - 2) at RHODE ISLAND (1 - 10) - 12/23/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PROVIDENCE is 28-46 ATS (-22.6 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 64-102 ATS (-48.2 Units) in all home games since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 64-102 ATS (-48.2 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PROVIDENCE is 2-0 against the spread versus RHODE ISLAND over the last 3 seasons
RHODE ISLAND is 1-1 straight up against PROVIDENCE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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RICHMOND (7 - 5) at UCLA (6 - 5) - 12/23/2011, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UCLA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in a home game where the total is 130 to 134.5 since 1997.
RICHMOND is 44-28 ATS (+13.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
RICHMOND is 44-28 ATS (+13.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
RICHMOND is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
RICHMOND is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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BAYLOR (10 - 0) vs. W VIRGINIA (8 - 2) - 12/23/2011, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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MISSOURI ST (7 - 3) vs. ST MARYS-CA (10 - 1) - 12/23/2011, 11:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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BALL ST (6 - 3) at MOREHEAD ST (5 - 7) - 12/23/2011, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BALL ST is 21-41 ATS (-24.1 Units) in December games since 1997.
BALL ST is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MOREHEAD ST is 30-48 ATS (-22.8 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
MOREHEAD ST is 1-0 against the spread versus BALL ST over the last 3 seasons
MOREHEAD ST is 1-0 straight up against BALL ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MANHATTAN (8 - 4) at GEORGE MASON (7 - 4) - 12/23/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGE MASON is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGE MASON is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGE MASON is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGE MASON is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGE MASON is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGE MASON is 29-12 ATS (+15.8 Units) in home games when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
GEORGE MASON is 50-31 ATS (+15.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
GEORGE MASON is 30-13 ATS (+15.7 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
MANHATTAN is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
MANHATTAN is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
MANHATTAN is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in road games after a non-conference game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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MARIST (5 - 6) at PENNSYLVANIA (5 - 6) - 12/23/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARIST is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points since 1997.
MARIST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
MARIST is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 64-92 ATS (-37.2 Units) in all home games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 64-92 ATS (-37.2 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 27-48 ATS (-25.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
MARIST is 1-0 against the spread versus PENNSYLVANIA over the last 3 seasons
MARIST is 1-0 straight up against PENNSYLVANIA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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FURMAN (6 - 5) at GEORGIA (6 - 5) - 12/23/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FURMAN is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FURMAN is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
FURMAN is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1997.
FURMAN is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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WAGNER (7 - 3) at PITTSBURGH (11 - 1) - 12/23/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 21-7 ATS (+13.3 Units) on Friday nights since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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VALPARAISO (8 - 4) at IUPUI (5 - 8) - 12/23/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VALPARAISO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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W MICHIGAN (4 - 7) at OAKLAND (8 - 5) - 12/23/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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MISS VALLEY ST (0 - 10) at WISCONSIN (10 - 2) - 12/23/2011, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WISCONSIN is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in a home game where the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
MAINE vs. BROWN
No trends available
Brown is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Brown is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
DARTMOUTH vs. ALBANY
Dartmouth is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
No trends available
CALIFORNIA vs. UNLV
The total has gone OVER in 10 of California's last 15 games on the road
California is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
UNLV is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
UNLV is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games
BETHUNE-COOKMAN vs. TENNESSEE TECH
No trends available
Tennessee Tech is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
MISS VALLEY STATE vs. WISCONSIN
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Wisconsin's last 5 games at home
Wisconsin is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
TEXAS EL PASO vs. KANSAS STATE
No trends available
Kansas State is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
BALL STATE vs. MOREHEAD STATE
Ball State is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Ball State's last 13 games on the road
Morehead State is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games at home
Morehead State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
WESTERN KENTUCKY vs. LOUISVILLE
Western Kentucky is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Western Kentucky's last 9 games on the road
Louisville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Louisville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Western Kentucky
PROVIDENCE vs. RHODE ISLAND
Providence is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Rhode Island
Providence is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
Rhode Island is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Rhode Island is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
NORTH CAROLINA A&T vs. OHIO
No trends available
Ohio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Ohio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
MANHATTAN vs. GEORGE MASON
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Manhattan's last 8 games on the road
Manhattan is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
George Mason is 21-3 SU in its last 24 games at home
George Mason is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
EAST TENNESSEE STATE vs. TENNESSEE
No trends available
Tennessee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing East Tennessee State
Tennessee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
MARIST vs. PENNSYLVANIA
Marist is 3-22 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Pennsylvania is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pennsylvania's last 6 games
WESTERN MICHIGAN vs. OAKLAND
Western Michigan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Western Michigan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
No trends available
ST. FRANCIS PA vs. ST. BONAVENTURE
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 18 of St. Bonaventure's last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Bonaventure's last 6 games
ILLINOIS-CHICAGO vs. DAYTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Illinois-Chicago's last 5 games on the road
Illinois-Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Dayton is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Dayton is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
VERMONT vs. TOWSON
No trends available
Towson is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
Towson is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
CHICAGO STATE vs. CINCINNATI
No trends available
Cincinnati is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
FURMAN vs. GEORGIA
Furman is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Georgia is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Georgia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
RADFORD vs. MARYLAND
No trends available
Maryland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Maryland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
WAGNER vs. PITTSBURGH
No trends available
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
BAYLOR vs. WEST VIRGINIA
No trends available
West Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
RICHMOND vs. UCLA
Richmond is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Richmond is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of UCLA's last 17 games at home
UCLA is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
LONG BEACH STATE vs. AUBURN
No trends available
Auburn is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
MISSOURI STATE vs. ST. MARY'S
No trends available
St. Mary's is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Friday's Top Trends
WISCONSIN is 12-1 ATS after combined score of 115 pts or less (vs Miss Valley State)
VALPARAISO is 8-0 ATS after scoring 25 pts or less 1st half last game (vs IUPUI)
RHODE ISLAND is 10-31 ATS at home off BB ATS losses (vs. Providence)
ST MARYS is 21-6 ATS off 3+ non-conf games (vs Missouri St)
RICHMOND is 13-2 ATS playing only 3rd game in a week (vs UCLA)
WEST VIRGINIA is 0-8 ATS Away off BB SU wins (vs. Baylor)
S ILLINOIS is 11-25 ATS in all games (vs. Clemson)
Games to Watch
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. No. 7 Baylor Bears
West Virginia moved to 7-2 SU on the year with an 84-64 win over Texas A&M-CC this past Saturday in a game with no posted line. The Mountaineers improved to 4-2 ATS with a 77-66 victory over Miami, Fl. the previous Saturday as seven-point home favorites. The total has gone ‘over’ in four of the six games.
Baylor continues to climb in the polls with a perfect 9-0 SU start including an 86-83 upset of BYU as a four-point road underdog this past Saturday. The Bears are 3-0 ATS and the total has gone ‘over’ in two of the games. As a team, Baylor is shooting just under 50 percent from the field.