BIG AL
CONFERENCE GAME OF THE YEAR!
St Mary's
Dwayne Bryant
Gonzaga at Saint Mary's CA
Bet: Saint Mary's CA -4.5
The "sharps" hit this one almost right away. This line opened at Saint Mary's -3 and was hit within minutes, pushing it to -3.5. And just minutes after that it was hit again, pushing it to -4. And that line move is despite the fact that most of the bets coming in have been on Gonzaga, including money-line bets and exotics. I'm disappointed that I missed out on the -4, but I feel we still have a strong play at -4.5.
Gonzaga has only played two true road games this season, and they were beaten by Michigan State in their only big road test. St. Mary's has been extremely tough at home, and I like the fact that the Gaels are one of very few teams that can match Gonzaga's size. St. Mary's actually has the 4th-best effective height rating in thenation at +5.3, which tops the Bulldogs' #13 ranking at +3.9.
When looking at Gonzaga's road performances compared to Saint Mary's home performances, I see several huge edges for the Gaels. First, the Gaels score 87.8 ppg on 52.2% shooting at home, and they'll be going against a Gonzaga road defense allowing 76.5 ppg on 47% shooting. But Gonzaga's road offense, which averages 76 points on 41.7% shooting, would face a Gaels' home defense allowing only 64.1 ppg on just 40% shooting. Even if we look at overall numbers, Saint Mary's holds edges in rebound margin, free-throw shooting, and 3-point shooting.
Bottom line: The "sharps" definitely have their money on the Gaels. And looking at the stats from these two teams, I can see why. Gonzaga's #14 ranking is just a bull's eye for the unranked Gaels. And having the game on national TV (ESPN2) only adds to the Gaels' motivation. Lay it with Saint Mary's.
NHL PRO PICKS
Ottawa +165
Dallas +115
Edmonton +146
The Duke's Sports
Washington (-8') for 2 Units
A pretty good Washington team is overdue to get on track after a three game slide, and it should come here. Washington is 9-3 ATS off a SU loss and sports a 6-2 ATS mark vs the Cardinal. Washington should be able to impose tight defense at home and open up their scoring vs a Stanford team that allows a generous 85 ppg on the road. Stanford, which is coming off two impressive wins vs rebuilding USC and UCLA, has lost six straight vs teams above .500. Washington the call.
California Sports
5* Celtics
4* N Texas
3* Cleve St
3* Long Beach St
Bob Balfe
Jazz -1 over Cavs
Gonzaga +4 over St. Marys
PowerPlayWins
Boise St +2
Kelso
3 Units Indiana +14
4 Units Seton Hall +6
5 Units Jazz (PK)
10 Units St Mary's -4.5
10 Units Loy Mariemnt -6
25 Units Wofford -16
RAS
Will & Mary Un 131
Ron Raymond
5* Cavaliers / Jazz Under 195
National Sports Service
4* Georgetown -7 over Seton Hall
3* Arkansas +14 over Mississippi St.
3* S. Alabama -1.5 over Louisiana-Monroe
SPORTS UNLIMITED
7* WRIGHT ST
KB Hoops
5* James Madison +9.5 **POD**
4* Fresno State +8.5
4* San Francisco +6
4* Michigan -14
4* Seton Hall +6.5
3* St. Marys -4
Trey Scott
*200 Michigan -14
*300 St Mary's -4
*200 Samford -3
RAS
1* Auburn Tigers, UNDER 153
1* Morehead State Eagles, UNDER 134.5
1* William & Mary Tribe, UNDER 131
1* Wofford Terriers, OVER 143