NCAAB Preview
Big East Tournament (New York)
UConn was 11-24 from line, 8-13 from arc in fairly easy win Tuesday, but they still played three guys 33+ minutes; Huskies (-5.5) beat West Virginia 64-57 Jan 9 in Hartford. Three of last five UConn games were decided by 3 or less points, or in OT. West Virginia lost in first round here LY, after being 7-2 previous three years; they won last game down at South Florida, but could still use this win to cement status in NCAAs. UConn has a 6-game winning streak in this event.
From 2003-8, Pitt was 14-4 in Big East tourney, getting to finals in five of six years, but they're 1-3 last 3+ years, despite getting double bye last three years. Panthers played four guys 29+ minutes yesterday, but had three subs play 13+ also. Pitt (-1) beat Georgetown 72-60 at home Jan 28, maybe best game they played this season. This year, Pitt fell apart as their defense weakened- they lost six of last eight games. Over the last seven years, Hoyas are 3-1 in this round.
Seton Hall is squarely on bubble; they probably have to have this game, against Louisville team that beat them 60-51 (+1) in Newark Jan 28, as Pirates shot 27.6% from floor (Theodore was 6-20), in a game where the Cardinals had 23 turnovers. Hall had fairly stress-free win last night, but Theodore still played 33 minutes. In the six years since joining Big East, Louisville is 1-4 in this event when they didn't get the double-bye, 5-1 if they did. Hall covered four of last five games as an underdog.
Villanova is 2-5 in its last seven games but won handily last night; they got whacked twice by South Florida this season, 74-57 (-7.5) in Philly Jan 5, then 65-51 (+3.5) in St Pete Feb 15. Wildcats are 1-3 in this event last three years, with three of four games decided by 4 or less points; its been eight years since Villanova won two games in a Big East tourney. USF is 2-3 in this event, with losses by 14-20-26 points. Bulls are 6-2 in last eight games, but weak schedule has them on bubble.
Conference USA Tournament (Memphis)
Houston won four of its last five games, with three wins by 3 points or less; home side won both Houston-UTEP games this year, winning by 5 in OT Jan 28, after losing 70-50 (+5.5) in El Paso Jan 7. Cougars are 8-4 in this tournament last five years, winning this round two of last three years. UTEP is 12-7 in conference tourneys last eight years; this is first time in four years they didn't get a bye. UTEP lost its last three games, scoring an average of 51.3 ppg.
UAB won/covered seven of its last nine games, covering last three tries as the favorite. Tulane lost its last seven games (0-6 vs spread last six) after starting off season 12-2 (lost 13 of its last 16 overall); Green Wave (+7) lost 81-73 at UAB Feb 18, as hosts made 34-41 on foul line, Tulane 20-25. Blazers are just 1-5 in this event last five years, with only win by point in OT; Green Wave is 2-3 in this round last six years, losing last two years by 10-16 points.
Pac-12 Tournament (Los Angeles)
Oregon State lost twice to Washington State this year, 81-76 on road on Dec 31 (-1), then 83-73 (-10) at home Feb 9; Beavers snapped five-game skid with pair of home wins last weekend- they're 4-7 as Pac-12 favorite this season, failing to cover last four tries. Coogs scored 55-46-43 points in last three games; Moten had 27 of their 43 points in ugly 43-38 win at USC last game. Wazzu is 3-7 in this event, losing first game by hoop in each of last two years. Beavers are 1-3 in this round last five years.
USC was truly awful this season, 1-17 in Pac-12, 1-6 vs spread in last seven; they lost twice to crosstown rival UCLA, 66-47 (+3) at home on Jan 15, then 64-54 (+13) at Sports Arena Feb 15, only game they beat spread in last eight games. Trojans are 7-3 in this event last four years, but this is first time they didn't get first round bye. UCLA won eight of last 12 games, covering seven of last nine when favored. Bruins are 2-3 in this event last three years; this is their first year without a bye.
Arizona State is 2-8 in Pac-12 tourney last nine years, with only couple wins when James Harden was at ASU; Sun Devils are 6-8 as underdog in Pac-12 this year, losing 68-44 (+13) at Stanford Feb 2, in only meeting this season- they did win last two games, upsetting rival Arizona in last game. Cardinal won four of last six games, beating rival Cal in last game; Stanford is 4-4 in this tournament last four years, 1-1 when not getting a bye in last nine years- they're 5-7 as a Pac-12 favorite.
Utah is a historically bad team- they were down 52-14 at half last game, at Oregon, but at least had covered last six games before that; Utes lost twice to Colorado this season, 73-33 in Boulder in Pac-12 debut (+15.5), then 55-48 (+10.5) in SLC Feb 18. Utes are 10-8 as Pac-12 underdog for season. Utah lost its first game in MWC tourney last two years, by 12-14 points; Buffaloes were 5-3 in first round of Big 12 tourney last nine years, but they've lost three of their last four games overall.
Big X Tournament (Kansas City)
Texas A&M (-3.5) beat Oklahoma 81-75 in OT in first meeting back on Jan 21, then lost 65-62 (+5) in rematch four days ago in Norman. OU is 3-1 in this event when they haven't gotten a first round bye, winning by 4-5-17 points- they split last four games overall, after losing six in a row before that. Aggies are 1-4 in this round when they haven't gotten a bye, losing by 27-6-6-5 points- they've lost last five games overall, are 2-4 in last six games as underdog, after covering six of first seven.
Oklahoma State is 6-0 in first round of Big X tournament last six years, winning by 9-15-4-14-14-1 points; Cowboys (-11) beat Texas Tech in Big X opener 67-59 at home, then won 80-63 (-3) in Lubbock rematch Jan 31. Tech is 4-2 in this round of Big X tourney last six years, with both losses by four points- they've lost last six games overall, are 6-11-1 vs spread as Big X underdog, 1-5 in last six tries. OSU covered its last four tries as a conference favorite, winning by 7-17-2-18 points.
Big Sky Tournament
Weber State/Montana are far/away best two teams in Big Sky, but both struggled mightily in semifinals last night. Home side won both Weber-Montana games this year; Griz (+4.5) lost 80-64 in Ogden Jan 14, then beat Wildcats 70-52 (-5.5) eight days ago. Montana is 5-3 vs spread as conference home favorite this season. Montana star Cherry was limping pretty badly at end of game last night after hard fall; not sure of extent of injury. Weber State is 1-4 vs spread as an underdog this season.
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Pac-12 Opening Round
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
The Pac-12 conference expanded by two teams in the offseason, but that didn't help the quality of play. The conference tournament begins on Wednesday at Staples Center in Los Angeles, as the Pac-12 may get no more than two teams playing in the Big Dance. We'll take a look at the four contests for the opening round of the Pac-12 tournament, starting with a pair of Pacific Northwest schools hooking up for an early tip-off.
[8] Washington State vs. [9] Oregon State (-4½, 151½)
Both these clubs struggled down the stretch by going 4-6 in their final 10 games of the regular season. The Beavers overcame a five-game skid by beating Colorado and Utah at home, but Oregon State finished at 1-6 ATS the last seven games. Washington State knocked off dreadful USC twice and Arizona State over the last 11 contests, while posting an 0-4 ATS record the previous four games in the underdog role.
The Cougars swept the season series against the Beavers, winning both times as a 'dog. On New Year's Eve in Pullman, Wazoo shot 54% from the floor in an 81-76 triumph to pick up its first conference victory of the season. The Cougars finished off the sweep in Corvallis with an 83-73 win as 10-point underdogs on February 9, while building a 15-point halftime lead. Washington State has lost in the opening round of the Pac-12 tournament each of the last two seasons, while Oregon State is 3-0 ATS in its previous three conference tournament games (all as an underdog).
[12] USC vs. [5] UCLA (-14, 114)
The two Los Angeles teams have had their share of issues both on and off the court this season. The Bruins are the subject of off-court improprieties, but UCLA wrapped up the season with three wins in its final four games. Meanwhile, USC has been a train-wreck by posting a 6-25 SU and 9-20 ATS mark, while picking up just one victory in conference play against Utah. The Trojans haven't helped backers since that win by going 1-8 ATS, but that cover came against their cross-town rivals.
The last time USC and UCLA hooked up at the L.A. Sports Arena on February 15, the Bruins failed to cash as 14-point favorites in a 64-54 win. UCLA led by 15 at halftime, while the Wear brothers (David and Travis) combined from 30 points and 24 rebounds for the Bruins. Things were easier the first time around at Galen Arena for the Bruins, who cruised to a 66-47 rout of the Trojans on January 15 as three-point 'chalk.' USC shot 36% from the floor, while going a dreadful 9-of-21 from the free throw line.
The Trojans have failed to bust the 60-point mark in 11 of their previous 12 games, but the 'over' is 7-5 in this span. USC went 1-1 SU/ATS in last season's Pac-12 tournament, while UCLA has won and covered its first conference tournament contest in three of the last four seasons.
[10] Arizona State vs. [7] Stanford (-8, 123)
The Cardinal alternated wins and losses in their final five games of the season, capping things off with a 75-70 victory over rival Cal in the finale. Stanford goes for its 21st win, while likely staring at a postseason berth for the first time since qualifying for the CBI in 2009. Arizona State picked up its largest upset of the season by knocking off rival Arizona, 87-80 as 8½-point home underdogs.
The Sun Devils finished the season by winning consecutive games for the first and only time with wins over USC and Arizona, while compiling a 1-8 SU and 2-7 ATS record away from Tempe in conference play. In the only meeting between ASU and Stanford this season in Palo Alto, the Cardinal dominated the Sun Devils in a 68-44 drubbing, while covering as 14½-point favorites. ASU had only one player score in double-figures, as the Sun Devils shot just 34% from the field.
Stanford has won and covered its first Pac-12 tournament game in three of the last four seasons, while getting tripped up by Oregon State last March as 4½-point 'chalk.' Arizona State hasn't picked up a victory in this tournament since 2009 when the Sun Devils advanced to the tournament title game against USC, as the Trojans won 66-63 as two-point 'dogs.
[11] Utah vs. [6] Colorado (-13, 121)
The Utes turned into a solid bet down the stretch by covering six straight games before putting up a clunker in a 94-48 setback at Oregon as 17-point 'dogs. In fact, the Utes trailed, 34-2 out of the gate to the Ducks, while falling behind, 52-14 at halftime. Utah looks to get back in the ATS win column against Colorado in both teams' debut in the Pac-12 tournament.
The Buffaloes wrapped up the season with losses in three of their last four games, including consecutive defeats at Oregon and Oregon State. Colorado began Pac-12 play at 4-0 ATS, but stumbled to a 5-9 ATS finish over the last 14 contests. Tad Boyle's team did some damage in their final Big 12 tournament last season by advancing to the semifinals, while bowing out in the Final Four of the NIT to Alabama. The Buffs look to start another run this time around in the Pac-12, but CU won just five of 14 games away from Boulder this season.
Colorado dominated Utah in both meetings this season, including a 73-33 thrashing of the Utes at the Coors Event Center on New Year's Eve as 16-point favorites. The Buffaloes finished off the sweep in Salt Lake City, 55-48 on February 18, but Utah cashed as 10½-point home underdogs.
Pac 12 Tournament: Day 1 Preview and Picks
By Covers.com
Oregon State Beavers vs. Washington State Cougars (3.5, 146.5)
THE STORY: The eighth-seeded Cougars look to beat No. 9 seed Oregon State for the third time this season in a Pac-12 tournament first-round game featuring the league's top two scorers. The Beavers’ Jared Cunningham and Washington State center Brock Motum were both named to the All-Pac-12 first team, and both were part of the Player of the Year discussion. Washington State has won four straight against Oregon State, which averages 79.6 points to lead the Pac-12. The Beavers aren’t nearly as strong on defense, where they allow a conference-worst 72.8 points. The winner plays No. 1 seed Washington on Thursday.
LINE: Washington State is set around -3.5 or -4 with a 146.5-point total.
ABOUT OREGON STATE (17-13, 7-11 Pac-12): Cunningham averaged 27 points in two games against Washington State this season, and he’s scored in double figures in 22 consecutive games. He leads the Pac-12 in scoring (18.2) and steals (2.6). Ahmad Starks is 10 of 16 from 3-point range over his last three games, but he was 2 of 13 beyond the arc in his last game against Washington State on Feb. 9, when the Beavers lost 83-73. Center Eric Moreland leads the team in rebounding (6.4) and blocked shots (1.8). Oregon State closed the regular season with back-to-back home wins over Utah and Colorado, and the Beavers have clinched a winning campaign for just the second time since 1990.
ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (15-15, 7-11 Pac-12): After a demoralizing 32-point loss to UCLA last week, the Cougars rebounded with a 43-38 win at Southern California on Saturday. Motum, who was named the league’s Most Improved Player, averaged 25 points and 8.5 rebounds in two games against Oregon State this season. The 6-foot-10 forward is the only Pac-12 player to rank in the top 10 in scoring (18.1), rebounding (6.5) and field goal percentage (54.9). DaVonte Lacy averages 8.7 points, and he scored 18 in the Cougars’ 81-76 win over Oregon State on New Year’s Eve. Point guard Reggie Moore averages 5.3 assists to lead the league, and he had 20 in the two games against the Beavers.
TRENDS:
- Washington State has covered in the last four meetings between the two teams.
- The over is 14-6 in Oregon State's last 20.
- Oregon State is 1-6 against the spread in its last seven.
TIP-INS:
1. After facing the Los Angeles schools last weekend, Washington State remained in Southern California this week instead of returning to Pullman before the Pac-12 tournament.
2. Oregon State is 11-3 when scoring 80 or more points.
3. Motum scored 50.6 percent (45 of 89) of Washington State’s points versus UCLA and Southern California last weekend.
PICK: Over
USC Trojans at UCLA Bruins (-12.5, 114)
THE STORY: UCLA enters the Pac-12 tournament in Los Angeles with a chip on its shoulder and a strong finish to the regular season. The Bruins, who won four of their last five conference games, meet cross-town rival USC in the first round. UCLA hasn’t lost since a Sports Illustrated story revealed alleged issues in the program, including incidents which led to the dismissal of top player Reeves Nelson earlier this season. USC has lost nine straight and is down to six scholarship players after injuries decimated its roster. The Bruins won both meetings this season by a combined 29 points.
LINE: The Bruins are set as 12.5-point or 13-point favorites. The total is sitting around 114.
ABOUT UCLA (18-13, 11-7 Pac-12): The fifth-seeded Bruins concluded the regular season with a 75-69 victory over Washington – the No. 1 seed in the tournament – on Saturday. Senior guard Lazeric Jones, a Pac-12 second-team selection, leads in scoring at 13.4 points, while sophomore forward David Wear, a Pac-12 honorable mention, paces the rebounders (6.1). UCLA, which was picked to win the Pac-12 in the preseason poll, has won two of the past six Pac-12 tournaments (2006, 2008).
ABOUT USC (6-25, 1-17 Pac-12): The 12th-seeded Trojans have lost 18 of their last 19 games, and five scholarship players have gone down with season-ending injuries. Freshman guard Byron Wesley averaged 17.0 points in his last four games, including 23 against Washington on Thursday. Sophomore Maurice Jones, who scores a team-high 13.2 points, leads the Pac-12 in minutes at 38.1 The Trojans allowed the fewest points in the league at 59.8 per game, but were last in points scored (53.0). USC won the Pac-12 tournament in 2009.
TRENDS:
- USC is 9-23 against the spread in its last 32 overall.
- UCLA has covered in three straight.
- USC has covered in six of its last eight against UCLA.
TIP-INS:
1. USC is also last in the Pac-12 in free throw percentage (.610), field goal percentage (.390), 3-point field goal percentage (.275), rebounds (26.9 per game) and rebounds allowed (36.1).
2. In seven of their losses, the Trojans have produced more field goals than their opponent, but were outscored 110-46 at the free throw line in those games.
3. The winner plays No. 4 Arizona on Thursday in the quarterfinals.
PICK: UCLA
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Stanford Cardinal (-9.5, 124.5)
THE STORY: The 10th-seeded Sun Devils have lost four straight against No. 7 seed Stanford, including a 68-44 rout on Feb. 2 at Maples Pavilion. Arizona State finished a dismal regular season with back-to-back wins, while Stanford beat California on Sunday to keep the Bears from claiming a share of the Pac-12 regular-season title. The Sun Devils are coming off their best game, an 87-80 upset of rival Arizona on Sunday. Arizona State shot 55.8 percent in the win, and they’ll need another strong outing against Stanford, which ranks third in the Pac-12 in scoring defense.
LINE: Stanford opened as a 9-point favorite but can now be found around -9.5 or -10. The total is sitting at 124.5.
ABOUT STANFORD (20-10, 10-8 Pac-12): Forward Josh Owens, who was named to the All-Pac-12 second team, averages 9.8 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 64.2 percent in five career games against the Sun Devils. Aaron Bright scored a team-high 16 points against Arizona State last month, and he’s averaging 9.3 points in three career games against the Sun Devils. Stanford outrebounded Arizona State 38-24 in last month’s win, and the Cardinal lead the Pac-12 in rebounding margin at plus-6. Chasson Randle, who was named to the Pac-12 all-freshmen team, is averaging 17.4 points over the past five games. He tallied 14 against Arizona State in February.
ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (10-20, 6-12 Pac-12): The Sun Devils are entering on a high note after scoring 49 points in the second half and recording season-highs in points (87), 3-point percentage (58.3) and free throw percentage (91.7) against Arizona. Carrick Felix scored a career-high 23 points against the Wildcats, but against Stanford last month he shot 1 of 9 for two points. Jordan Bachynski scored 20 points in the win, but leading rebounder Trent Lockett missed the game with an ankle injury. Lockett averages 13.8 points and 5.8 boards, and he had 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals Sunday against Arizona.
TRENDS:
- The under is 9-3-1 in Arizona State's last 13.
- Stanford has covered in four straight against Arizona State.
- The under is 8-3 in Stanford's last 11.
TIP-INS:
1. The winner faces No. 2 seed California in the tournament quarterfinals on Thursday in Los Angeles.
2. Arizona State has gone 1-8 in Pac-12 tournament first-round games since 2002.
3. Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins has used 13 different starting lineups in 18 conference games, and 10 players average at least 10.5 minutes.
PICK: Under
Utah Utes vs. Colorado Buffaloes (-13, 119)
THE STORY: It is fitting that the two conference newcomers – Colorado and Utah – meet in the first round of the Pac-12 tournament. Both teams are headed in the wrong direction, though. The sixth-seeded Buffaloes were in strong contention for a first-round bye before losing three of their last four games and all hope of receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. The 11th-seeded Utes have dropped 10 of 11, including a 46-point blowout at Oregon on Saturday. Colorado won both meetings this season, including an eye-popping 73-33 victory on Dec. 31. Colorado sophomore forward Andre Roberson was a Pac-12 first-team and all-defensive team selection.
LINE: The Buffaloes are pegged as 13-point favorites with a 119-point total.
ABOUT COLORADO (19-11, 11-7 Pac-12): Roberson is fourth in the country with 11.2 rebounds per game and tied for 10th with 16 double-doubles. Senior guard Carlon Brown, who leads the Buffaloes in scoring at 12.2 points, was picked for the Pac-12 second team, while guard Spencer Dinwiddie was voted to the all-freshmen squad. Dinwiddie (10.3) is among five Buffaloes who contribute more than 9.4 points. Colorado will need to rely on its depth to make a run in the tournament. Nine players average 10.2 minutes or more.
ABOUT UTAH (6-24, 3-15): Junior center Jason Washburn is coming off a career-high 26-point performance against Oregon on Saturday and must have another big game for the Utes to win. He leads the team with outputs of 10.9 points and 6.1 rebounds. Junior guard Chris Hines provides an outside threat with 9.6 points per game and is first in the conference with 2.7 3-pointers made per Pac-12 contest. The Utes are last in the Pac-12 in scoring margin at minus-14.3 and are in the bottom three in virtually every offensive and defensive category.
TRENDS:
- Utah has covered in six of its last seven.
- Colorado is 1-4 against the spread in its last five.
- The under has cashed in five straight meetings between these two teams.
TIP-INS:
1. Roberson hasn’t recorded a double-double in four games, missing by one point, two points, two rebounds and one rebound.
2. Utah is 0-15 on the road, including 0-3 on neutral courts.
3. The winner plays No. 3 Oregon on Thursday in the quarterfinals at Los Angeles.
PICK: Utes
Big 12 Tournament: Day 1 Preview and Picks
By Covers.com
Texas A&M Aggies vs. Oklahoma Sooners (-1.5, 123)
THE STORY: Back when Texas A&M was projected as a co-favorite with Kansas to win the Big 12 prior to the season, it was virtually unthinkable that the Aggies would tumble as far as the No. 9 seed in the Big 12 tournament. But while Kansas lived up to its billing, that’s what happened to Texas A&M, which takes on eighth-seeded Oklahoma in the first round in Kansas City. The winner advances to play the Jayhawks, who won the league for a record eighth consecutive time. These teams met just four days ago in the regular-season finale, with the Sooners holding on for a 65-62 home victory.
LINE: Oklahoma opened as a 1.5-point favorite with the total at 123.
ABOUT TEXAS A&M (13-17, 4-14 Big 12): The 17 losses are the most for Texas A&M since 2004, when the Aggies lost 21, including an 0-16 record in Big 12 play. This is the first time in the past eight years that Texas A&M will be the lower-seeded team for its tournament opener. The problems came on the offensive end, where the Aggies ranked ninth in the league in both scoring (60.9) and field-goal percentage (43.5), and dead last in free-throw percentage (64.5). Junior Elston Turner was the most consistent threat, averaging a team-high 14 points.
ABOUT OKLAHOMA (15-15, 5-13 Big 12): The Sooners need a miracle run to make the NCAA tournament, but another win over Texas A&M could perhaps place them in the NIT — not bad for first-year coach Lon Kruger in a rebuilding season. The junior trio of guard Steven Pledger and forwards Andrew Fitzgerald and Romero Osby accounted for 64 percent of Oklahoma’s scoring and 49 percent of the rebounding. Pledger led the way with 16.6 points, which ranked sixth in the conference.
TRENDS:
- Texas A&M is 9-4 against the spread in its last 13 overall.
- The under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings between these two teams.
- Texas A&M is 5-0 against the spread in the last five meetings between the two teams.
TIP-INS:
1. Texas A&M is the only current Big 12 team to never appear in the championship game of this tournament.
2. The first meeting this season was an 81-75 Texas A&M victory in overtime on Jan. 21 in College Station.
3. In five Big 12 wins, Oklahoma held opponents to 39 percent shooting. In 13 losses, opponents shot 47.5 percent.
PICK: Under
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (-8.5, 123.5)
THE STORY: A pair of teams that haven't won four consecutive games all season will try to do just that in their last hope of reaching the NCAA tournament. The Cowboys swept the season series, winning 67-59 at home and 80-63 at Texas Tech. The Cowboys lead the all-time series 35-15 and have won three straight against the Red Raiders. No. 2 seed Missouri awaits the winner in a quarterfinal game at 7 p.m. Thursday at Kansas City.
LINE: The Cowboys are set around -8 or -8.5 with a 123.5-point total.
ABOUT TEXAS TECH (8-22, 1-17 Big 12): The 10th-seeded Red Raiders are the least likely candidate for a surprise run through the Big 12 tournament after winning only one of 18 league games. They lost their last six regular-season games, including blowouts at Baylor and at home against Missouri to end the season. Freshman Jordan Tolbert (11.4 points) is the only Texas Tech player scoring double digits, and he also paces the team with 5.7 rebounds.
ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (14-17, 7-11 Big 12): The seventh-seeded Cowboys are led by senior Keiton Page, the sharpshooter who owns the school record and is the Big 12's active leader with 291 3-pointers made. Page averages 16.8 points, boosted to 18.8 in league play. The Cowboys aren't a one-man team, but it might seem that way if freshman Le'Bryan Nash (13.3 points, 5.0 rebounds) is unable to play. Nash is listed as doubtful with an injury to his non-shooting hand.
TRENDS:
- Oklahoma State is 7-2-1 against the spread in its last 10 neutral-site games.
- Texas Tech is 1-5 against the spread in its last six.
- The under is 17-8 in Texas Tech's last 25 games overall.
TIP-INS:
1. Oklahoma State has never lost a first-round game in the Big 12 tournament, going 8-0 on the first day. Four of those wins have come as the No. 7 seed.
2. The Cowboys have won four of the five meetings in the Big 12 tournament, most recently in 2008, when they beat the Red Raiders 76-72.
3. Only three players on Texas Tech's roster - senior Robert Lewandowski and sophomores Jaye Crockett and Javarez Willis - have experience in the Big 12 tourney.
PICK: Cowboys
CONNECTICUT (18 - 12) vs. W VIRGINIA (19 - 12) - 3/7/2012, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in road games against conference opponents this season.
CONNECTICUT is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
W VIRGINIA is 22-39 ATS (-20.9 Units) in road games on Wednesday games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 2-1 against the spread versus W VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 2-1 straight up against W VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PITTSBURGH (16 - 15) vs. GEORGETOWN (22 - 7) - 3/7/2012, 2:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGETOWN is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGETOWN is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGETOWN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after allowing 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGETOWN is 121-163 ATS (-58.3 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
GEORGETOWN is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 against the spread versus GEORGETOWN over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 straight up against GEORGETOWN over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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E CAROLINA (14 - 15) vs. RICE (17 - 14) - 3/7/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E CAROLINA is 146-190 ATS (-63.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 146-190 ATS (-63.0 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 38-60 ATS (-28.0 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 97-149 ATS (-66.9 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 90-140 ATS (-64.0 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 86-115 ATS (-40.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 43-74 ATS (-38.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
E CAROLINA is 3-1 against the spread versus RICE over the last 3 seasons
E CAROLINA is 3-1 straight up against RICE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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SMU (13 - 18) vs. MARSHALL (18 - 12) - 3/7/2012, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SMU is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
SMU is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
SMU is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
MARSHALL is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.
SMU is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
MARSHALL is 58-82 ATS (-32.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
MARSHALL is 56-81 ATS (-33.1 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
MARSHALL is 27-44 ATS (-21.4 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
MARSHALL is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
MARSHALL is 2-1 against the spread versus SMU over the last 3 seasons
MARSHALL is 3-0 straight up against SMU over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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HOUSTON (15 - 14) vs. UTEP (14 - 16) - 3/7/2012, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-2 against the spread versus UTEP over the last 3 seasons
UTEP is 4-3 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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TULANE (15 - 15) vs. UAB (14 - 15) - 3/7/2012, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULANE is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TULANE is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TULANE is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
TULANE is 5-19 ATS (-15.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
UAB is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) against conference opponents this season.
UAB is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) on Wednesday games this season.
UAB is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
UAB is 4-0 against the spread versus TULANE over the last 3 seasons
UAB is 4-0 straight up against TULANE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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WASHINGTON ST (15 - 15) vs. OREGON ST (17 - 13) - 3/7/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON ST is 4-2 against the spread versus OREGON ST over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON ST is 5-1 straight up against OREGON ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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USC (6 - 25) vs. UCLA (18 - 13) - 3/7/2012, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
USC is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all games this season.
USC is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
USC is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) when the total is 119.5 or less this season.
USC is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
USC is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) against conference opponents this season.
USC is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) after a conference game this season.
USC is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent this season.
USC is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) off a loss against a conference rival this season.
USC is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
USC is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) after scoring 60 points or less this season.
USC is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) in March games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
UCLA is 3-3 against the spread versus USC over the last 3 seasons
UCLA is 3-3 straight up against USC over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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ARIZONA ST (10 - 20) vs. STANFORD (20 - 10) - 3/7/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA ST is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all games this season.
ARIZONA ST is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
ARIZONA ST is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 this season.
ARIZONA ST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent this season.
ARIZONA ST is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.
STANFORD is 58-38 ATS (+16.2 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
STANFORD is 4-2 against the spread versus ARIZONA ST over the last 3 seasons
STANFORD is 4-2 straight up against ARIZONA ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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UTAH (6 - 24) vs. COLORADO (19 - 11) - 3/7/2012, 11:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-1 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 2-0 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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N ILLINOIS (5 - 25) vs. W MICHIGAN (13 - 19) - 3/7/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N ILLINOIS is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
W MICHIGAN is 59-85 ATS (-34.5 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
W MICHIGAN is 22-38 ATS (-19.8 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
N ILLINOIS is 3-2 against the spread versus W MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
W MICHIGAN is 5-1 straight up against N ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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C MICHIGAN (11 - 20) vs. TOLEDO (17 - 15) - 3/7/2012, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
C MICHIGAN is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
C MICHIGAN is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
C MICHIGAN is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
C MICHIGAN is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
C MICHIGAN is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
TOLEDO is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TOLEDO is 38-17 ATS (+19.3 Units) when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
C MICHIGAN is 5-1 against the spread versus TOLEDO over the last 3 seasons
C MICHIGAN is 5-1 straight up against TOLEDO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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TEXAS A&M (13 - 17) vs. OKLAHOMA (15 - 15) - 3/7/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS A&M is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) on Wednesday games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 62-41 ATS (+16.9 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent since 1997.
TEXAS A&M is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in road games versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS A&M is 5-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS A&M is 5-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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TEXAS TECH (8 - 22) vs. OKLAHOMA ST (14 - 17) - 3/7/2012, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS TECH is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all games this season.
TEXAS TECH is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
TEXAS TECH is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) as an underdog this season.
TEXAS TECH is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) after a conference game this season.
TEXAS TECH is 23-41 ATS (-22.1 Units) in road games after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.
OKLAHOMA ST is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 55-36 ATS (+15.4 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
OKLAHOMA ST is 55-36 ATS (+15.4 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
OKLAHOMA ST is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in first round tournament games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS TECH is 4-2 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA ST over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA ST is 4-2 straight up against TEXAS TECH over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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SAM HOUSTON ST (13 - 18) vs. SF AUSTIN ST (19 - 11) - 3/7/2012, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAM HOUSTON ST is 2-0 against the spread versus SF AUSTIN ST over the last 3 seasons
SAM HOUSTON ST is 4-3 straight up against SF AUSTIN ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NORTHWESTERN ST (16 - 15) vs. LAMAR (20 - 11) - 3/7/2012, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LAMAR is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
LAMAR is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
NORTHWESTERN ST is 4-1 straight up against LAMAR over the last 3 seasons
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NICHOLLS ST (10 - 19) vs. TX-ARLINGTON (23 - 7) - 3/7/2012, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
NICHOLLS ST is 2-1 straight up against TX-ARLINGTON over the last 3 seasons
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TX-SAN ANTONIO (18 - 13) vs. MCNEESE ST (15 - 14) - 3/7/2012, 9:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
TX-SAN ANTONIO is 1-0 against the spread versus MCNEESE ST over the last 3 seasons
TX-SAN ANTONIO is 3-1 straight up against MCNEESE ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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ALABAMA A&M (7 - 20) vs. TEXAS SOUTHERN (12 - 17) - 3/7/2012, 1:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ALABAMA A&M is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
ALABAMA A&M is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
TEXAS SOUTHERN is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS SOUTHERN is 6-0 straight up against ALABAMA A&M over the last 3 seasons
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JACKSON ST (7 - 23) vs. MISS VALLEY ST (17 - 13) - 3/7/2012, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MISS VALLEY ST is 1-0 against the spread versus JACKSON ST over the last 3 seasons
JACKSON ST is 4-2 straight up against MISS VALLEY ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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HAMPTON (10 - 20) vs. SAVANNAH ST (21 - 10) - 3/7/2012, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAVANNAH ST is 1-0 straight up against HAMPTON over the last 3 seasons
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HOWARD (9 - 20) vs. NORFOLK ST (22 - 9) - 3/7/2012, 8:25 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
NORFOLK ST is 2-1 against the spread versus HOWARD over the last 3 seasons
NORFOLK ST is 5-1 straight up against HOWARD over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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ROBERT MORRIS (24 - 9) at LONG ISLAND (24 - 8) - 3/7/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ROBERT MORRIS is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ROBERT MORRIS is 1-0 against the spread versus LONG ISLAND over the last 3 seasons
LONG ISLAND is 3-3 straight up against ROBERT MORRIS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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LEHIGH (25 - 7) at BUCKNELL (24 - 8) - 3/7/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LEHIGH is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LEHIGH is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
LEHIGH is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
LEHIGH is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
LEHIGH is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LEHIGH is 1-0 against the spread versus BUCKNELL over the last 3 seasons
BUCKNELL is 5-2 straight up against LEHIGH over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
EAST CAROLINA vs. RICE
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Rice's last 7 games when playing East Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Rice's last 10 games
WASHINGTON STATE vs. OREGON STATE
No trends available
Oregon State is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Oregon State's last 18 games
SOUTHERN METHODIST vs. MARSHALL
No trends available
Marshall is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Southern Methodist
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Marshall's last 6 games when playing Southern Methodist
USC vs. UCLA
No trends available
UCLA is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
UCLA is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing USC
TEXAS A&M vs. OKLAHOMA
No trends available
Oklahoma is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games
Oklahoma is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing Texas A&M
NORTHERN ILLINOIS vs. WESTERN MICHIGAN
Northern Illinois is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Western Michigan
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Northern Illinois's last 7 games on the road
Western Michigan is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
Western Michigan is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Northern Illinois
HOUSTON vs. TEXAS EL PASO
No trends available
Texas El Paso is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Texas El Paso is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Houston
ARIZONA STATE vs. STANFORD
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Stanford's last 9 games when playing Arizona State
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Stanford's last 11 games
CENTRAL MICHIGAN vs. TOLEDO
No trends available
Toledo is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Toledo's last 16 games
TEXAS TECH vs. OKLAHOMA STATE
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma State's last 7 games
Oklahoma State is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Texas Tech
TULANE vs. UAB
No trends available
UAB is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tulane
The total has gone OVER in 4 of UAB's last 6 games when playing Tulane
UTAH vs. COLORADO
No trends available
Colorado is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games
Wednesday's Top College Basketball Trends
ARIZONA ST is 0-10 ATS (-11 Units) after one or more consecutive overs (vs Arizona St)
NEW MEXICO is 13-1 ATS (+11.9 Units) after allowing 65 points or less 2 straight games (vs Air Force)
SMU is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) in all neutral court games (vs Marshall)
VILLANOVA is 1-10 ATS (-10 Units) after 1 or more consecutive wins (vs S Florida)
USC is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) after playing 2 consecutive games as an underdog (vs UCLA)
HAWAII is 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) off 2 consecutive home losses (vs Hawaii)