Cajun Sports
UCLA vs. Gonzaga
Play: UCLA +8.5
The UCLA Bruins take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Friday night in Houston Texas as the Sweet 16 teams begin their battle for a trip to the Elite 8. We want to Play AGAINST non-conference teams that have gone Over the posted total in their last two games these teams are 71-108-8 ats. If our Play AGAINST team has been installed as a favorite in the current game the record is 41-66-3 ats. With solid technical and situational support we will back the UCLA Bruins plus the points on Friday night.
Jeff Scott Sports
3 UNIT PLAY
NC State / Louisville Under 130: Earlier in the year these teams put up 139 points, but i see this one much lower scoring than that. Louisville has really been an offensively challenged team down the stretch as they have averaged just 60.2 ppg in their last 5 games and just 60.9 ppg in their last 9 games. I see them having trouble scoring vs an NC State squad that has allowed 67.4 ppg on just 40.1% shooting in their last 5 games. The Wolfpack have been a rather average offensive squad down the stretch, averaging just 66.1 ppg in their last 8 games and I will expect them to struggle vs a Louisville team that has allowed just 54 ppg in the first 2 games of the tourney and just 59.5 ppg overall for the year. This is a tough defensive team that will not give up much here. This game should be a slow paced game especially down the stretch of it and with two poor shooting team vs two solid defenses teams this one should stay in the lower 120s.
Dave Cokin
Utah Jazz +2
Right off the top, this is a game where monitoring the injury updates during the day is important. I'm operating on the assumption that the Jazz won't be too shorthanded this evening, but I would definitely get the latest info available before taking a stance.
My main thrust here is that it looks to me like the Denver regression might finally be kicking in. The Nuggets put together their best stretch of the season as soon as beleaguered Brian Shaw was finally shown the door. It was clear the players and coach were not only not on the same page, they weren't even reading from the same book. Therefore it wasn't anything resembling a coincidence to see the Nuggets suddenly get hot once the move was made by management.
Now it looks as though the regression to the norm is beginning to take place. The Nuggets have started to slip back into their mediocre ways and they were very bad down the stretch in an ugly loss last game to the 76ers. This is not surprising. The novelty of the new coach has worn off, and the reality that the team is playing want amounts to meaningless games under an interim mentor has started to take hold.
Utah won't be participating the playoffs either, but I think it's fair to say their situation is far more settled right now that that of the Nuggets. The Jazz are in rebuild mode but their foundation is in place. I'm pretty sure we're going to be seeing an overhaul of sorts in Denver once the campaign closes and when that's the case, we frequently see a stretch drive that's most weaving all over the road.
The technical aspects here favor Utah as well. The Jazz have owned this series from a spread standpoint of late, and they own considerably better situational numbers here than do the Nuggets.
Again, I'd take a look at the injury updates before wagering here. But barring Utah being down too many players tonight, this appears to me to be a good spot to back the Jazz as any kind of underdog.
Sleepyj
Northern Ariz. -1
I like this N. Arizona team..This is one team i fillowed being a big follower of the Bog Sky...This team has it all for a smaller conf school..I made this number -3.5...So -1 still has good value to me...N. Arizona is just to big down on the blocks for Kent State..The Flashes will need to shoot a high % i think in this one..problem is they stink at moving the ball and getting themselves open looks...N. Arizona will be able to buckle down on the defesne to limit them high % shots..N. Arizona will get all the rebounds they need in this one...N. Arizona has just been playing the better brand of basketball and has been tested over and over the last half of the season..They really got it together and with a nice break, I expect them to show up big tonight.
Mr Vegas
NC State vs Louisville
Play: NC State
Louisville has had an easy ride, topping UC Irvine (57-55) and a small Northern Iowa team. Now the face an ACC rival and N.C. State has won each of the last three times it has faced Louisville. NC State is 33-16-2 ATS against the ACC, as well as 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 neutral site games. N.C. State prevailed in its only meeting against the Cardinals this season, getting a 74-65 win in Louisville on Feb. 14. Louisville is 2-6 ATS against the ACC while NC State is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning record.
Sam Martin
N.C. State at Louisville
Pick: N.C. State
Louisville survived to this next round despite two unimpressive showings against Cal Irvine and Northern Iowa - in fact we would have faded the Cardinals as a premium selection if they faced a better foe than NC State here. Louisville benefited heavily from kind officiating in both of those wins, but we don't expect them to be bailed out by whistles in this round.
NC State wasn't all that impressive against LSU, but completely dominated a very good Villanova team and hung on for the outright win. Normally, beating a top-ranked team like Villanova would result in a letdown spot, however, we don't believe letdowns apply when a new "four-team tournament" begins (it would be much different if the upset happened on a Thursday or Friday, and the next game was played two days later). Don't trust a Louisville offense that hasn't done much damage for several weeks now, and we don't believe they get past NC State this Friday!
Randall the Handle
(11) UCLA (22-13) vs. (2) Gonzaga (34-2)
UCLA was not even supposed to be invited to this dance. To their credit, the Bruins have ignored such noise, reeling off two wins and will now try to pull off its biggest upset against a powerful Gonzaga squad. Gonzaga is adept at most aspects of the game, particularly up front where big men Przmek Karnowski and Domantas Sabonis give the ’Zags a distinct advantage. When a team scores an average of 79.1 points per game and only surrenders 61.5 ppg, it’s no wonder that it has such a dominant record. But hot teams are dangerous and the Bruins are sizzling right now. UCLA has won six of past seven with only loss occurring in the Pac-12 Conference Tournament, coming out at short end of 70-64 decision against top-rated Arizona. Guard play is essential for success in this tourney and UCLA’s Bryce Alford is in a zone, tallying 49 points in two games while knocking down nine three-pointers in win over SMU. Combine his hot hand with a strong rebounding club and the Bruins should compete here. Choice: UCLA +8½
(8) North Carolina St. (22-13) vs. (4) Louisville (26-8)
Tough to ignore Rick Pitino and this formidable program when facing a Wolfpack team that had a modest 22-13 record on the season and entered this tournament as an eight seed. However, this is not an N.C. State team to be overlooked. While previous games are not always a precursor of things to come, we cannot ignore a February contest between these two. As a 10-point underdog, the Wolfpack went into Louisville and upset their hosts by a 74-65 count. That was when Louisville still had guard Chris Jones, a key player for them that was subsequently dismissed from the team. In that battle, N.C. State was strong in the paint, outscoring its more physical foe by 32-16. The Wolfpack also outrebounded Louisville 47-37 in that one. Leading up to this Sweet 16 matchup, this underdog was able to knock off No. 1 seed Villanova. That’s no easy feat and it should be noted that the past three teams to dismiss No. 1-seeds in the Round of 32 went on to the Final Four. Taking the points seems is the prudent way to go. Choice: N.C. State +3
(5) Utah (26-8) vs. (1) Duke (31-4)
Tough to fade big, bad Duke, led by No. 1 NBA draft prospect Jahlil Okafor, especially at this short price. That’s not to say we can’t do it though. These Utes are no cupcakes. Only five teams rank in the top 16 both offensively and defensively and Utah is one of them. While other teams have had difficulty stopping Okafor, Utah has the personnel to do so with their tandem of seven-footers in Jakob Poeltl and Dallin Bachynski. When up against other giants (seven-feet or better), Okafor has averaged just 11.6 points per game compared to his 18.1 during the season. Strong defence and good guard play commonly equates to wins in NCAA hoops and Utah can play defence, ranking 11th in the land. They receive productive guard play from senior Delon Wright with 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.1 steals per game. Of course, Duke and Coach K are daunting opponents, but it is generally accepted that the Blue Devils drew the softest region for a No. 1, enjoying a fairly easy path so far. Let’s see if they’re up for this challenge. Choice: Utah +5½
(7) Michigan State (25-11) vs. (3) Oklahoma (24-10)
Don’t pay attention to the seedings or records here as Mo. 7 Michigan St. is every bit as good as No. 3 Oklahoma. The fact that Spartans are favoured should be a small testament to that. The two teams have similar records, but is should be noted that Sparty went 2-5 in overtime games this year and if you flip that around to 5-2, which is quite conceivable, MSU is suddenly 28-8 to this point. Records aside, there is much to like with Michigan State. There is the rocky performance by Big 12 teams (OU’s conference) as Iowa St., Baylor and Kansas all made unexpected departures earlier than anticipated. Next, there is the superb coaching of Tom Izzo in this tournament. Izzo’s teams are 11-9 when facing higher-seeded teams and that includes the win over Mo. 2-seed Virginia last weekend. Michigan St. put up 60 points against the nation’s top defensive squad in that one. With Michigan State senior point guard Travis Trice playing at an extremely high level and with MSU’s basketball acumen, spotting the cheap price is much preferred. Choice: Michigan St. –1½
Ian Hudson
Sabine Lisicki vs. Julia Georges
Play: Sabine Lisicki -150
Lisicki is at number 21 in the current world rankings, 42 places above her opponent in this match. The selection reached the last 16 in Miami in 2012 and has the superior event form over the last three years. Lisicki has won three times as many matches on hardcourts this season though Goerges had the better results on the surface in 2014. These players have met twice in the past and the score is one win each but neither of those matches were played outdoors on hardcourts but on clay. Lisicki is more suited to the conditions in Miami and can confirm her higher ranking status by progressing to the next round.
Brandon Shively
Charlotte vs. Washington
Play: Under 191
As both teams fight for playoff position, I think this will be a defensive game and I'm not letting the low posted 'total' scare me off. Bradley Beal for the Wizards is expected to miss and this is their best shooter. Beal is averaging 15 ppg on the season and shoots 42% from the 3 point line. Charlotte has a few nagging injuries also with Mo Williams and Cody Zeller. Williams is instant offense and did not practice on Thursday due to a bum knee. Williams is a guy that has hit 15+ points in 4 of his last 7 games. He takes a lot of shots and I think if he doesn't play, this gives the 'UNDER' even more value.
This will be the 4th meeting this year between the two teams. All 3 games have went UNDER and the UNDER is 7-0 the last 7 meetings. This year in the 3 games, there has been an average of only 175 points scored a game. The Totals have been 191.5,187.5, and 187.
The UNDER is 5-1 in Charlotte's last 6 games overall. They have only topped 100 points in 2 of their last 9 games, but also their defense has been good only allowing 100+ points in 2 of their last 9 games. For the Wizards, this is a team that has lost 4 straight now and is 0-4 ATS their last 4. While their last 4 home games have gone OVER, I think the loss of Beal for this game effects the starting lineup and how the offense is run. I expect to see John Wall doing more dribbling and for Paul Pierce to do his usual when he lets the shot clock wind down and settle for an outside jumper. Too much isolation in this game.
Looking at the past 5 games by both teams, they are just shooting 41% and 42% from the floor. Charlotte does a good job of guarding the perimeter and Washington does not have the threats in the post to cause any problems. Take this one UNDER the Total.
Red Dog Sports
Iowa / Baylor Under 156.5
Baylor has been playing at home and allowed just 44 in their last game. Their totals have reached 117, 109, 139, 121, 152, 140, 147, 132, 166, 127, 130, 155, 138 and 121. Their games with TCU were high scoring. Iowa just beat Miami 88-70 (158) and games beofre that were 142, 162, 139, 168 and 152. Baylor center Agbuke blocked 8 shots in their last game so she will be playing defense inside for them. Iowa played fast paced Big Ten teams like Minnesota and Ohio State. This game is played on a neutral court in Oklahoma City in the Sweet 16. Hopefully, we see a 78-72 type of game that stays under.
John Fisher
Louisville vs. NC State
Play: NC State +3
These two teams played overa month ago with the WOLFPACK taking care of business by nine Pts as 10 point Dogs. The three headed monster of Turner, Lacy, and Barber proved too much for the Cardinals. They combined for 45 points as the WOLFPACK dominated the second half. I live this play as I feel the WOLFPACK has the right incredients with tough big men defenders and great offensive guards to pull off the upset again!
MLB Predictions
Toronto Blue Jays -119
Yes the Tigers will have Justin Verlander on the mound today, but JV has struggled so far in Spring Training after a rough 2014 season for him. He has a 6.08 ERA in the spring, and his last two starts he has giving up 4 earned runs over 4 innings and 5 earned runs over 4.1 innings of work. He has 8 strikeouts to 5 walks on the spring. On the other hand we have Drew Hutchison pitching for the Blue Jays, who has been superb this spring – although with pretty limited action. Over 10 innings of work he has allowed 2 earned runs and opponents are batting just .182 against him. This game being played in Dunedin has the Tigers keeping a lot of their big hitters and regulars out of the line up, while the Blue Jays have about 8 projected everyday players in their lineup. If JV doesn’t have his stuff again this afternoon it won’t be pretty. At the price the Blue Jays are worth a regular sized small spring training wager.
Stephen Nover
Minnesota +13
I realize Minnesota is banged-up. Big man Nikola Pekovic is out. Ricky Rubio is doubtful. So is Kevin Garnett. Kevin Martin is questionable.
But the Rockets are equally battered even with Dwight Howard back playing. Terrance Jones, who played very well in Howard's absence, is out along with point guard Patrick Beverley. This forces ancient Jason Terry into playing more minutes than he probably should be logging at this stage of his career. In addition, Corey Brewer, Josh Smith and Donatas Motiejunas are all at far less than 100 percent.
Howard saw his first action this past Wednesday against New Orleans after missing the previous 27 games with a knee injury. He played for 16 minutes. There is going to be an adjustment period for Howard and his teammates as he eases his way back into playing shape.
The Rockets pulled off their biggest comeback of the season in coming from 17 points down to nip the Pelicans, 95-93. That was the Rockets' second consecutive road game and road win having defeated Indiana this past Monday. After this game, the Rockets go on the road to meet the Wizards on Sunday and Raptors on Monday.
So this is a potential flat spot for the Rockets - off their biggest comeback victory and returning home before heading out on the road again. Because of his team's multiple injuries, Kevin McHale is going to have to use his bench a lot. This should make the possibility of a backdoor cover even more plausible for the Timberwolves if they aren't playing well.
The Timberwolves have a lot of youth, including rookie-of-the-year favorite Andrew Wiggins, who is playing well along with improving point guard Zach Lavine. The plus in having so much youth is fresher legs at this late stage of the season and hungry players desperate to secure their future.
Despite its horrible record, Minnesota has been playing hard with three of its last four games going into overtime. The Timberwolves are 6-3 the past nine times they've taken eight or more points. They also have the incentive of trying to avoid a 4-0 season sweep by the Rockets.
The Timberwolves had their lowest shooting percentage of the season the last time they played the Rockets, which was in Houston on Feb. 23. Yet, even shooting just 33.3 percent from the field, the Timberwolves still only lost by 11 points, which would be enough to cover the spread here.
Dave Essler
Louisville -145
Throwing ONE on the Cardinals. When I did ALL the research and threads, the one thing that stuck out to me was the fact that L'ville lost last year to Kentucky, primarily because their inside game, both offensive and defensive, sucked. So, Pitino recruits a bunch of length and now they are just bigger. And of course there's what I see as the huge coaching mismatch. Yes, of course you've got the revenge, but I don't put too much stock in that this late in the season. Yes, you've got the over reaction to the Wolfpack beating Villanova, but with 'Nova's offense (hugely based on jump shots) they were going to get beat by someone, eventually. NC State shot woeful from deep and took advantage of a smaller interior Villanova team. Louisville, IMO, creates some serious matchup issues.
LT Profits
NC State Vs Louisville
Pick: Louisville -2.5
The eighth seeded NC State Wolfpack upset top seeded Villanova to get to this Sweet 16, and they even upset their opponents tonight, the fourth seeded Louisville Cardinals, 74-65 in Louisville as 10½-point road underdogs during the regular season. However, look for a Louisville defense ranked fifth in the country in efficiency and eighth in effective field goal percentage allowed at just 43.7 percent to make the necessary adjustments now that it matters most. Keep in mind that the Wolfpack got a couple of unlikely double-doubles from freshman Abdul-Malik Abu and sophomore Lennard Freeman vs. Villanova, and neither player figures to duplicate that vs. the stout Cardinals’ defense. Another anomaly was that Louisville’s two leading scorers Terry Rozier and Montrezl Harrell were both held to single-digits in the regular season meeting, the only time that has happened all year. Louisville is 25-10 ATS in its last 35 neutral site games.