DUNKEL
Michigan State at Penn State
The Spartans look to take advantage of a Penn State team that is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 home games. Michigan State is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Spartans favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-7)
Game 501-502: Cincinnati at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 61.217; Connecticut 70.991
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 10
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-6 1/2)
Game 503-504: Delaware at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: Delaware 50.985; Drexel 63.036
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 12
Vegas Line: Drexel by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Delaware (+14 1/2)
Game 505-506: Michigan State at Penn State
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 72.644; Penn State 63.177
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-7)
Game 507-508: Miami (FL) at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (FL) 63.301; Clemson 71.317
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 8
Vegas Line: Clemson by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (FL) (+9 1/2)
Game 509-510: Kent State at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 55.742; Buffalo 55.686
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Kent State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+2)
Game 511-512: George Washington at Fordham
Dunkel Ratings: George Washington 56.645; Fordham 44.138
Dunkel Line: George Washington by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: George Washington by 10
Dunkel Pick: George Washington (-10)
Game 513-514: Maryland at Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 68.104; Duke 81.966
Dunkel Line: Duke by 14
Vegas Line: Duke by 10
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-10)
Game 515-516: LSU at Vanderbilt
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 54.637; Vanderbilt 70.726
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 16
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 17
Dunkel Pick: LSU (+17)
Game 517-518: Missouri at Baylor
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 70.300; Baylor 76.397
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 6
Vegas Line: Baylor by 4
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-4)
Game 519-520: Oklahoma at Oklahoma State
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 60.008; Oklahoma State 72.595
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 8
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma State (-8)
Game 521-522: Providence at Villanova
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 62.441; Villanova 76.134
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Villanova by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Providence (+14 1/2)
Game 523-524: Richmond at St. Bonaventure
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 60.623; St. Bonaventure 58.130
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Richmond by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (+3 1/2)
Game 525-526: Indiana at Wisconsin
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 58.645; Wisconsin 74.793
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 16
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+17 1/2)
Game 527-528: Drake at Indiana State
Dunkel Ratings: Drake 59.963; Indiana State 59.098
Dunkel Line: Drake by 1
Vegas Line: Indiana State by 3
Dunkel Pick: Drake (+3)
Game 529-530: Northern Iowa at Bradley
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Iowa 66.032; Bradley 59.887
Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 6
Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 5
Dunkel Pick: Northern Iowa (-5)
Game 531-532: Butler at Cleveland State
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 68.710; Cleveland State 60.209
Dunkel Line: Butler by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Butler by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Butler (-6 1/2)
Game 533-534: WI-Milwaukee at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Milwaukee 57.877; Detroit 60.906
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 3
Vegas Line: Detroit by 5
Dunkel Pick: WI-Milwaukee (+5)
Game 535-536: Illinois State at Creighton
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois State 59.008; Creighton 62.751
Dunkel Line: Creighton by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Creighton by 3
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (-3)
Game 537-538: Evansville at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Evansville 49.744; Southern Illinois 60.500
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 11
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 13
Dunkel Pick: Evansville (+13)
Game 539-540: TCU at Wyoming
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 54.397; Wyoming 53.300
Dunkel Line: TCU by 1
Vegas Line: Wyoming by 1
Dunkel Pick: TCU (+1)
Game 541-542: Tulane at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 49.956; Central Florida 54.942
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 5
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 9
Dunkel Pick: Tulane (+9)
Game 543-544: Rhode Island at Temple
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 63.306; Temple 65.576
Dunkel Line: Temple by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Temple by 5
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (+5)
Game 545-546: UNLV at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: UNLV 63.908; San Diego State 70.230
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-3 1/2)
Game 547-548: Ball State at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 49.886; Northern Illinois 54.765
Dunkel Line: Northern Illinois by 5
Vegas Line: Northern Illinois by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Illinois (-3 1/2)
Game 549-550: Arkansas at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 66.275; Alabama 67.152
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 1
Vegas Line: Alabama by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (+6 1/2)
Game 551-552: Washington State at California
Dunkel Ratings: Washington State 62.772; California 70.685
Dunkel Line: California by 8
Vegas Line: California by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (+11 1/2)
Game 553-554: South Carolina at Georgia
Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina 62.447; Georgia 69.981
Dunkel Line: Georgia by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia (-2 1/2)
Game 555-556: George Mason at Old Dominion
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 57.265; Old Dominion 67.500
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 10
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (+13 1/2)
Game 557-558: Dayton at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 62.368; St. Louis 59.807
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Dayton by 5
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+5)
Game 559-560: North Carolina State at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina State 64.303; North Carolina 66.627
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 7
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina State (+7)
Game 559-560: North Carolina State at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina State 64.303; North Carolina 66.627
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 7
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina State (+7)
Game 561-562: Georgia State at Towson
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia State 52.673; Towson 45.663
Dunkel Line: Georgia State by 7
Vegas Line: Georgia State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia State (-1 1/2)
Game 563-564: Nebraska at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 59.381; Texas 77.189
Dunkel Line: Texas by 18
Vegas Line: Texas by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-14 1/2)
Game 565-566: Iowa at Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 57.554; Purdue 78.589
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 21
Vegas Line: Purdue by 19
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-19)
Game 567-568: Texas A&M at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 65.121; Texas Tech 67.744
Dunkel Line: Texas Tech by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas Tech by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (-1 1/2)
Game 569-570: SMU at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: SMU 59.292; Houston 63.699
Dunkel Line: Houston by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston by 8
Dunkel Pick: SMU (+8)
Game 571-572: Rice at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 51.810; Southern Mississippi 59.962
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 8
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+11 1/2)
Game 573-574: Oregon at Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon 58.781; Arizona State 68.135
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 12
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (+12)
Game 575-576: Air Force at BYU
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 51.567; BYU 73.118
Dunkel Line: BYU by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: BYU by 23 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (+23 1/2)
Game 577-578: Cornell at Princeton
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 63.889; Princeton 59.212
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 579-580: Colorado at Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 62.667; Kansas State 75.911
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 13
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 15
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+15)
Game 581-582: VCU at James Madison
Dunkel Ratings: VCU 66.520; James Madison 51.909
Dunkel Line: VCU by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: VCU by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: VCU (-10 1/2)
Game 583-584: Xavier at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Xavier 65.907; Florida 71.033
Dunkel Line: Florida by 5
Vegas Line: Florida by 4
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-4)
Game 585-586: Northeastern at William & Mary
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 64.871; William & Mary 60.531
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 1
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (-1)
Game 587-588: Long Beach State at UC-Santa Barbara
Dunkel Ratings: Long Beach State 52.866; UC-Santa Barbara 55.813
Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 3
Vegas Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 4
Dunkel Pick: Long Beach State (+4)
Game 589-590: Dartmouth at Yale
Dunkel Ratings: Dartmouth 39.453; Yale 49.069
Dunkel Line: Yale by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 591-592: Columbia at Pennsylvania
Dunkel Ratings: Columbia 42.892; Pennsylvania 46.902
Dunkel Line: Pennsylvania by 4
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 593-594: Harvard at Brown
Dunkel Ratings: Harvard 55.937; Brown 47.053
Dunkel Line: Harvard by 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 595-596: WI-Green Bay at Wright State
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Green Bay 55.737; Wright State 65.659
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 10
Vegas Line: Wright State by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: WI-Green Bay (+12 1/2)
Game 597-598: Memphis at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 64.155; Tulsa 64.510
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+2)
Game 599-600: Hofstra at NC Wilmington
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 52.818; NC Wilmington 53.726
Dunkel Line: NC Wilmington by 1
Vegas Line: Hofstra by 1
Dunkel Pick: NC Wilmington (+1)
Game 601-602: Valparaiso at Youngstown State
Dunkel Ratings: Valparaiso 50.969; Youngstown State 52.413
Dunkel Line: Youngstown State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Youngstown State
Game 603-604: Auburn at Mississippi State
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 57.217; Mississippi State 69.098
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 12
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (-10 1/2)
Game 605-606: Western Kentucky at AR-Little Rock
Dunkel Ratings: Western Kentucky 56.679; AR-Little Rock 49.928
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 6
Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (-6)
Game 607-608: Florida International at Troy
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 45.929; Troy 54.330
Dunkel Line: Troy by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Troy by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+12 1/2)
Game 609-610: Oregon State at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 60.052; Arizona 68.093
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 8
Vegas Line: Arizona by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+8 1/2)
Game 611-612: Washington at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 71.418; Stanford 63.021
Dunkel Line: Washington by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-3 1/2)
Game 613-614: Denver at North Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 50.487; North Texas 54.785
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: North Texas by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+5 1/2)
Game 615-616: UL-Lafayette at South Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Lafayette 54.711; South Alabama 49.874
Dunkel Line: UL-Lafayette by 5
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UL-Lafayette (-1 1/2)
Game 617-618: Marshall at UAB
Dunkel Ratings: Marshall 58.844; UAB 68.100
Dunkel Line: UAB by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: UAB by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (-5 1/2)
Game 619-620: Illinois-Chicago at Loyola-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 48.460; Loyola-Chicago 53.378
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Chicago by 5
Vegas Line: Loyola-Chicago by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois-Chicago (+6 1/2)
Game 621-622: Cal Poly at UC-Riverside
Dunkel Ratings: Cal Poly 47.274; UC-Riverside 49.559
Dunkel Line: UC-Riverside by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Riverside by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cal Poly (+6 1/2)
Game 623-624: Iowa State at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 61.223; Kansas 81.762
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 20 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 21
Dunkel Pick: Iowa State (+21)
Game 625-626: Virginia at Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 68.994; Virginia Tech 69.804
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 1
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (+6 1/2)
Game 627-628: Georgia Tech at Wake Forest
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 70.766; Wake Forest 70.915
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Wake Forest by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Tech (+2 1/2)
Game 629-630: South Florida at Marquette
Dunkel Ratings: South Florida 67.475; Marquette 72.729
Dunkel Line: Marquette by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Marquette by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Florida (+8 1/2)
Game 631-632: East Carolina at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 50.012; UTEP 71.041
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 21
Vegas Line: UTEP by 22
Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+22)
Game 633-634: New Mexico at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 66.854; Utah 63.725
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 3
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+3 1/2)
Game 635-636: St. Mary's (CA) at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: St. Mary's (CA) 64.881; Portland 69.351
Dunkel Line: Portland by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Portland by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-1 1/2)
Game 637-638: Hawaii at Louisiana Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Hawaii 45.163; Louisiana Tech 62.985
Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 18
Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech by 16
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech (-16)
Game 639-640: Tennessee at Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 65.809; Kentucky 78.598
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 13
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 9
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-9)
Game 641-642: Loyola-Marymount at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Marymount 50.541; San Francisco 59.412
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 9
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-4 1/2)
Game 643-644: Boise State at Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: Boise State 51.673; Nevada 64.537
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 13
Vegas Line: Nevada by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-11 1/2)
Game 645-646: San Diego at Gonzaga
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 49.970; Gonzaga 73.680
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 23 1/2
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 18
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-18)
Game 647-648: Pepperdine at Santa Clara
Dunkel Ratings: Pepperdine 52.180; Santa Clara 53.606
Dunkel Line: Santa Clara by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Santa Clara by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pepperdine (+6 1/2)
Game 649-650: UC-Davis at UC-Irvine
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Davis 43.780; UC-Irvine 52.930
Dunkel Line: UC-Irvine by 9
Vegas Line: UC-Irvine by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (-6 1/2)
Game 651-652: CS-Fullerton at CS-Northridge
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 52.572; CS-Northridge 53.589
Dunkel Line: CS-Northridge by 1
Vegas Line: CS-Northridge by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: CS-Fullerton (+2 1/2)
Game 653-654: Utah State at San Jose State
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 69.595; San Jose State 59.352
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 10
Vegas Line: Utah State by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (-6 1/2)
Game 655-656: Idaho at Fresno State
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 54.146; Fresno State 61.142
Dunkel Line: Fresno State by 7
Vegas Line: Fresno State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Fresno State (-5)
NHL
Ottawa at Detroit
The Red Wings look to build on their 10-3 record in their last 13 games as a home favorite from -110 to -150. Detroit is the pick (-125) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Wings favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-125)
Game 51-52: Tampa Bay at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.559; NY Islanders 11.302
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (-110); Over
Game 53-54: San Jose at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.786; Buffalo 10.257
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 2 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-110); Under
Game 55-56: Ottawa at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 10.374; Detroit 11.290
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-125); Over
Game 57-58: Boston at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 10.752; Florida 11.018
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+110); Under
Game 59-60: Philadelphia at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.270; Montreal 12.110
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+100); Over
Game 61-62: New Jersey at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.102; Carolina 12.480
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 63-64: Washington at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 13.300; St. Louis 11.920
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-185); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-185); Over
Game 65-66: Dallas at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 12.819; Phoenix 11.468
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 67-68: Atlanta at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 11.400; Chicago 12.626
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-290); 5 1.2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-290); Under
Game 69-70: Anaheim at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 10.292; Calgary 10.894
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 71-72: Colorado at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.758; Los Angeles 12.318
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Tony George
South Florida +8.5
South Florida has a good team that competes at a high level and plays 40 minutes of basketball in every game. This line puzzles me somewhat getting over 8 points here as the value is in the line. Both teams are 4-1 their last 5, with South Florida having a nice win at Georgia Tech in there but losing to Notre Dame on the road. They both have managed 77 ppg their last 5 and the defenses almost even. Marquette 11-2 SU at home, but South Florida is a 9-3 ATS cover team on the road, and this should be a tight one, I am grabbing the points.
SPORTS WAGERS
Richmond –3½ over ST BONAVENTURE
All the talk in the A-10 this season has been about Xavier but what Richmond’s been doing deserves attention. This is a team that is 8-2 in conference play after going 9-7 last season and the key has been the much improved defense. The Spiders allows opponents to shoot a miniscule 29.1% on three’s and 42.9% on two’s, a massive improvement from last season and good enough to rank third in the A-10 in defensive efficiency. St. Bonaventure is 10-12 on the season but also needs to get some credit for turning around their program, which was slapped with NCAA probation because of rampant cheating. However, they are no match for a team like Richmond, who they haven’t yet faced. Against comparable teams like Dayton, the Bonnies lost easily and didn’t put up much of a fight. Richmond’s suffocating defense has stifled offensively prolific teams like Missouri, Old Dominion and Florida. St Bonaventure isn’t in the same class as any of those squads and with precious at large bids at stake Richmond won’t take them lightly. The Spiders are very likely a tournament team whether they win or lose the conference tournament but a loss tomorrow would be devastating to its portfolio. Lay the small chalk on the road in a game that is much more important to Richmond than St. Bonaventure. Play: #523 Richmond –3½ (Risking 2.06 units to win 2).
Tampa Bay –1.04 over NY ISLANDERS
2:00 PM start time. The Lightning are coming off a loss at home to the Bruins but if there’s such a thing as a good loss, this was it. They trailed 5-0 and they trailed 5-1 in the third and nearly took the game to OT. They ended up losing 5-4 but give them a ton of credit for not quitting and making a game of it. That strong third period combined with its four wins in its last five games give the Bolts momentum and confidence, something the Islanders are lacking. The Islanders three-headed goaltender situation is a problem and now they’re not even playing DiPietro because he’s staying. They’re keeping him not because they love him but because he has a $67M contract and nobody will take that on. As a result the Islanders are now “showcasing” both Biron and Roloson and since Roloson played last games you can expect Biron in the nets here. Regardless, the Islanders handled this situation inadequately. The Isles were right in the thick of it and playing great hockey while Ricky was healing. Instead of letting things be and allowing the team to remain intact, they send Biron down for a couple of games before they realized nobody will trade if he’s on the farm. Roloson is relegated to backup and the whole mood of the team changes. Why not allow DiPietro to practice with the team and stick with the two goaltenders that got you to this point and that the players are familiar with both on and off the ice? You know the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. You can always throw DiPietro in if the team starts losing but they were hot when he was ready. In fact, they were in the midst of a run that saw them win five of its last six and 10 of its last 14. The Islanders have now lost nine of its last 11, they lost its swagger and they’re simply not the same team. Bad management decision and they’re paying for it. Play: Tampa Bay –1.04 (Risking 2.06 units to win 2).
VEGAS EXPERTS
Missouri at Baylor
Baylor did not get to play host in either of last year's meetings with Missouri, losing in Columbia and in the Big 12 Tournament. Look for them to get revenge here as the Tigers not covering vs. a depleted Iowa State team was not a good sign + Mizzou is only 4-5 on the road to begin with. Baylor has gone 11-3 ATS in this head to head series since the Big 12 was formed, including a perfect 6-0 ATS here at home. We all know about the home court dominance Big 12 teams are enjoying this year.
Play on: Baylor
Sean Higgs
New Mexico vs. Utah U
Play: New Mexico -3.5
New Mexico has covered 6 of the last 7 overall in the series and 4-1-1 ATS last 6 in Utah. Lobos have been playing well reeling off 8 SU wins, 6-2 ATS since a pair of back to back losses in early January. Utah has been inconsistant at best this year. Look for the Lobos to win again with thier hustle, rebounding and 3pt shooting.
Steve Merril
Hawaii vs. Louisiana Tech
Play: Louisiana Tech -15
Hawaii is a tired and beat-up team right now. The Warriors have lost five straight games, and eight of their last ten overall. They’ve yet to win a game on the road this season (0-6), and with their longest trip going into Ruston here, things do no look too promising for Hawaii tonight. Not only are they in bad current form, but the Warriors are also missing two experienced guards, Jeremy Lay and Dwain Williams. Those two guys brought a lot of offense to Hawaii as they had the ability to hit outside shots consistently, especially from beyond the arc. Hawaii ranks last in the WAC with 115 three-pointers made, and Williams (31) and Lay (28) combined to make 59 of those. That’s more than 50% of their long-range scoring missing, and when teams are out-classed, the 3-point shot can often keep them close. However, without Lay and Williams on the court, Hawaii will be hard-pressed to hit enough three’s to stay close here. Louisiana Tech possesses two of the stronger offensive players in the WAC in Kyle Gibson and Magnum Rolle. Gibson averages 21 points per game while Rolle contributes 15 points per game, and considering the Bulldogs have scored 71 points or more in every home game this season, Hawaii’s lack of offensive firepower will leave them playing from behind all night long. There are a few reasons why this selection isn’t rated stronger. LA Tech has only one conference home win by more than 8 points this season. Also is the fact that Hawaii has played in a lot of close games this season. Of their 14 losses, only four have come by more than 15 points which shows that they have ‘hang around’ capability because of their stud guard Roderick Flemings who is usually the best player on the court in the majority of WAC games. Hawaii also won here last season 54-53 which gives them some confidence despite playing with a short-handed lineup.
LT Profits
Drake +2
Drake is playing with revenge after losing at home to Indiana State last month, and they have a very efficient offense that can take advantage of a sometimes shaky Sycamores defense.
The Indiana State Sycamores went into Drake and beat the Bulldogs last month, but we look for Drake to get some revenge here by returning the favor on the Sycamores� home floor.
Drake may be just 4-8 straight up away from home, but they have been very competitive most of the time, going 8-3-1 against the spread on the road. In fact, the Bulldogs are on a nice 9-2 ATS run overall regardless of the venue. Drake is average 67.2 points per game, and they have the third best offensive efficiency rating in the conference according to the Pomeroy Ratings, averaging 1.061 points per possession.
Meanwhile, the Indiana State defense ranks just 184 in the country with a defensive PPP of 1.013, which makes for a nice matchup for a Drake offense that is excellent at protecting the ball, turning the ball over on only 15.8 percent of possessions, which is remarkably fifth best in the entire country.
The Bulldogs should have their way with a Sycamores defense that only forces turnovers on 18.0 percent of possessions, ranking 311 out of 342 Division I teams. Also, while Indiana State is 8-3 at home, some of that success came vs. non-board teams as they are just 4-4 ATS in their lined home games.
Look for Drake to get their revenge for that hone loss to the Sycamores on January 3 here.
Hollywood Sports
Washington at Stanford
Prediction: Washington
While Washington (16-8) has been winless on the road up to this point of the season, they should finally earn a victory away from home against Stanford. The Huskies look to bounce back from a 93-81 loss at California -- and they have covered ten of their last fourteen games coming off a loss. Washington had won four games in a row before that defeat while owning a dominant +18.4 net point differential over their last five games. During this stretch, the Huskies have averaged 91.2 PPG while holding their opponents to just 38.6% shooting from the field. Stanford (11-13) had lost four games in a row before defeating Washington State by two points on Thursday. But the Cardinal has covered only twice in their last seven games coming off a win. And in their last five games, Stanford is averaging only 64 PPG on poor 40.4% shooting. That will not get it done against this Huskies' club that outclassed Stanford last month by a 94-61 score. Stanford has failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games when playing a team with a winning percentage over 60%. Given the Huskies trouble on the road this season, they should be very focused to prove that they can be effective away from their home court. Lay the points with Washington.
Tom Freese
Utah St. at San Jose State
Prediction: Utah St.
San Jose St is 12-11 overall and 5-6 in League Play. Adrian Oliver scores 22.3 points a game. Center Chris Oakes scores 11.3 points and 9.6 rebounds a game. Guard Robert Owens scores 10.2 points a game. Guard Justin Graham scores 10 points a game. The Spartans score 74 points a game. San Jose is 3-7 ATS their last 10 Saturday games and they are 1-8 ATS in home games with revenge from a loss of 10 or more points. Utah St is 19-6 overall and 9-2 in League Play. Forward Tai Wesley scores 13.2 points a game and 6.6 rebounds a game. Forward Nate Bendell scores 10.3 points a game. Three other players score between 8.7 and 7.1 points a game. The Aggies are 8-1 ATS their last 9 games overall and they are 7-1 ATS their last 8 games as favorites. PLAY ON UTAH ST -
BEN BURNS
Anaheim Mighty Ducks @ Calgary Flames
PICK: Calgary Flames
Yesterday's complimentary play resulted in a winner with a revenge-minded New Jersey team which was 'desperate' to snap a losing streak. Today, we'll back another team playing with 'revenge,' one which is arguably even more desperate to get back on track.
The Flames badly need a victory. They played hard last time out and appeared to tie the game at 2-2 with 29 seconds left in the game. However, after a lengthy review, the goal was disallowed. This is their final game before the break. Playing against a team which has already beaten them in both meetings this season, I expect them to deliver a highly motivated effort.
With the exception of Thursday/Monday night football games, I don't normally place much/any emphasis on how teams fare on specific days of week. Saturday night hockey games in Canada are a little different though. Players and fans grew up watching "Hockey Night in Canada" every Saturday night and there's still a little added excitement in the rink on a Saturday. The Flames have thrived in that environment as they've gone 10-3 (+7.2) on Saturdays. On the other hand, the Ducks are just 6-8 when playing on Saturday.
The Ducks did win here earlier this season. However, they haven't won two in a row here for nearly 15 years. Before that victory, they were 6-18 with a tie in their previous 25 trips here. I feel that they've got a great shot at avenging the earlier losses and resuming that home ice series dominance here. Consider Calgary
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit on Oregon +12
Odds makers are certainly expecting a better performance out of the Ducks than they had in mid-January when they lost at home to the Sun Devils by 19 points based on this line, and I am too. Here's the major key: plays on an underdog after going under the total by more than 6 points in three consecutive games against an opponent that has gone over the total by 42 or more points total in their last seven games are 54-18 ATS the last 5 seasons, 36-11 ATS the last 3 seasons and 10-2 ATS this season. While ASU is 13-3 at home on the season, it is only 5-7 ATS in home lined games. Plus, the Sun Devils are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games as a home favorite of 7.0-12.5. We'll side with the underdog here.
Info Plays
3* on Florida -4
Reasons why Florida covers:
1.) System Play. We'll Play On - Home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (FLORIDA) - team from a major division 1-A conference against a team from a second tier conference, off a loss against a conference rival. This is a 30-8 ATS System hitting 78.9% since 1997. This system is 1-0 this season and 7-3 over the last 3 seasons.
2.) Florida is 11-2 at home this season, winning by 14.7 PPG. Xavier is just 4-7 on the road, giving up 74.5 PPG. Florida allows just 58.8 PPG at home this season. Bet Florida at home.
Black Widow
1* on Richmond -3.5
We'll lay the points with Richmond here Saturday, a team that has gone under the radar all season, but a team that is fully capable of making the NCAA Tournament. The Spiders are 19-6 this season and they face 10-12 St. Bonaventure this afternoon. Richmond is 5-0 S.U. & 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games, including 3 road wins over George Washington, St. Joseph's and Rhode Island. St. Bonaventure is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games after 2 straight games - attempting 10+ less free throws than opponent since 1997. Richmond is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) versus good shooting teams - making >=45% of their shots over the last 2 seasons. St. Bonaventure is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - shooting pct defense of <=42% over the last 2 seasons. Take Richmond and lay the points.
Jack Jones
North Carolina -6.5
Look for the Tar Heels to bounce back in a big was with a sizable win over NC State Saturday. North Carolina hasn't been the dominant team that they have been in the past, but they have been strong at home and have already beat NC State by 14 points this season.
North Carolina is scoring 81.9 points per game at home, compared to NC State's 69.2 points per game. The Tar Heels have slightly worse defensive numbers, but that is mostly because they give their opponents so many more opportunities to score with their quick buckets.
Four straight losses for UNC is not sitting well for the North Carolina coaches, players, or fans. They'll take out that frustration on their in-state rivals on Saturday.
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on San Diego +18
System Play: Plays against a favorite (Gonzaga); an explosive offensive team averaging 78 or more ppg, against a poor offensive team averaging 63 or fewer ppg, after 15-plus games, and after allowing 65 points or less 2 straight games, are 24-6 ATS since 1997 for an 80% win rate. In this situation, the favorite has been favored by an average of 18.3 points but it is only winning by an average of 15.5. After an absolutely huge win over St. Mary's, I expect a bit of a letdown from the Zags here. Plus, while Gonzaga has won 12 of its last 13 at home against SD, it is only 4-9 ATS in those games. We'll take the points.