LARRY NESS
Oklahoma @ Texas Tech
PICK: Texas Tech -4.5
The Sooners knew this season would be no "walk in the park," after last year's Elite Eight 30-win team lost player-of-the-year Blake Griffin (22.7-14.4), his brother Taylor (9.6-5.8) and PG Johnson (8.6-3.0-3.9). The 6-4 Willie Warren (17.6-3.6-4.4) was expected to be the team's leader and he has been but the 6-6 Crocker (11.8-6.5) has not been 100 percent healthy plus Davis (8.6) has proven to be little more than an average player. Freshman forward "Tiny" Gallon (11.2-8.9) plus guards Mason-Griffin (10.8-4.8 APG) and Pledger (7.1) have performed reasonably well but the Sooners (preseason No. 16 in the coaches poll and 17 in the AP) are just 11-7 after losing down the stretch 65-62 on January 19 at Texas A&M . Oklahoma has show little ability to compete away from Norman, going 1-4 SU in true road games (lost by 13 at VCU, 14 at Gonzaga and 31 at Baylor) and 1-3 SU in neutral settings. The Red Raiders are no bargain, although they did open 9-0. Tech beat Iowa State 78-71 on Wednesday and takes a 13-5 mark into this contest. A closer look reveals that the five losses have come to Wichita St, New Mexico, Okla St, Missouri and those teams are a combined 79-15 or .8340 (that's tough sledding!). The 6-6 Singletary, who had 43 points in last year's Big 12 tourney win over Texas A&M, leads the team averaging 14.9-6.7 and PG Roberson (14.2-5.3 APG) is the only other regular starter as "Bobby's little boy" has used all sorts of combinations on the floor. Tairu (10.9) and Okorie (8.9) are the best of the guards with the 6-7 Roberts (7.7-6.8), the 6-6 Reese (7.3) and the 6-9 Cohadarevic (7.2-5.3) are producing the best results in the frontcourt. Expect Oklahoma's road woes to continue and lay the small number with the Red Raiders.
Jimmy Moore
Michigan State @ Minnesota
Pick: Michigan State +2.5
The Spartans have owned this series lately going 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS against Minnesota in the past few seasons. Also Michigan State is undefeated in the Big 10 while the Golden Gophers have lost 3 of their last 4 games. Take the points with the red hot Spartans in this one.
Great Lakes Sports
Orlando at Charlotte
Pick: Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic are a very nice 39-18 ARS in the role of an road underdog the lastthree years including a stellar 16-5 ATS record as a road underdog of three points or less the last three years. The Orlando Magic is also a very respectable 9-4 ATS in their last thirteen games vs the Southeast Division, and the road team is a stellar 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings. We look for the Orlando Magic to grab the road ATS Win & Cover tonight.
Triple Threat Sports
Michigan (+) over Purdue
Wolverines starting to heat up from three point range the last couple of weeks, and Purdue is allowing 39% from beyond the arc this season. UM is 5-0 ATS as a dog this year while Purdue is 0-3 both SU and ATS agains defensive teams of this class. Finally, Boilers might be less than 100% focused for Michigan here since they have a payback game against Wisconsin up next. Take the points!
SPORTS WAGERS
ST. JOHN’S +6 over Villanova
Make no mistake about it, the Wildcats are a strong team that has a chance to go very deep into this year’s dance and maybe even win it all. They have great balance and every time down the floor they have options because every player on the floor can drain it. Having said that and after its win over the Hoyas and its dismantling of Rutgers, the Wildcats stock is soaring and that is the absolute worst time to lay road points, especially with a ranked vs unranked. Remember, this is the first Saturday in a long, long time that pro or college football is not being offered and the result is going to be a ton of college basketball action and this is the first game of the day to be seen on ESPN. The point is, the books have put out a sharp line here and it’s not like the Johnny’s are pushovers. They’ve played a slew of tough games that includes a nine-point loss at #5 Duke, a seven-point loss at #14 Georgetown and they’re coming off a loss against #21 UConn. The Johnny’s also have a 7-point win over Temple, the only team that has beaten Wildcats this season. These ranked Big East teams on the road vs unranked in its own conference does not have a very good history at all and when you play ranked vs unranked you’re going to pay a premium to do so and that’s something that can’t be recommended. Play: #524 St. Johns +6 (Risking 2.04 units to win 2).
MINNESOTA –2 over Michigan St.
This is another early game that the public will be all over and this one is a little more interesting because what we see here is an unranked team favored over a ranked one. The Spartans come in ranked #7 in the nation with a 6-0 conference record and a 16-3 overall record. The Spartans have also won seven straight and that includes a win over these same Gophers just 10 days ago. Meanwhile, the Golden Gophers are just 3-3 in the conference and 12-6 overall and they’ve dropped three of its last four, which begs the question why oh why are they favored over this ranked opponent. Again, we have a sharp line in one of the two early games on ESPN that will be bet heavily by the wagering public. Remember, the Spartans only beat the Gophers by 7 and that game was played in Lansing at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Also, the Spartans just might not be as good as advertised. All three of its losses were against quality opponents and frankly, they really don’t have a signature win yet unless you want to count a seven-point win over Wisconsin but that, too, was in Lansing. Minnesota has a nine–point win over Butler and an 11-point win over Ohio St. So, while the Spartans résumé is decent, this line suggests there’s going to be another glitch on it and with a crazed crowd behind them, expect the Gophers to be rock-solid again. Play: #522 Minnesota –2 (Risking 2.08 units to win 2).
Arkansas Little Rock -1 over FLORIDA INTERN'L
Well, Isiah Thomas certainly has what he wants in complete control over the Florida International program. The last time that happened he turned the New York Knicks into a sideshow and while Isiah hasn’t gotten his hands dirty yet it’s only going to be a matter of time before he bungles yet another job. The man has failed everywhere he has been and this season is no different. Florida International is 6-16 and has one of the worst defenses in the country, which isn’t a big surprise considering Thomas’ legacy towards “laissez fair” defense. The Golden Panthers allows opponents to shoot 54.6% on two point shots, 38% on three point shots and rank 321st in the country in defensive efficiency. They shoot an embarrassing 25.9% on threes themselves and their best “win” this year came over Louisiana Monroe. They are stratospheres away from being a legitimate program and having Isiah at the helm actually decreases its chances. Arkansas Little Rock isn’t the next coming of Duke but they do one thing extremely well and that’s shoot the three at a solid 39.2%. Given the atrocious state of the Florida International defense, its safe to say those shots will be dropping here without much problem. It’s the only advantage Little Rock can exploit and the result should be a much needed conference win over an opponent who has some pedigree but is far and away one of the worst teams in College Basketball. Play: #641 Arkansas Little Rock –1 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
Carolina +2.36 over PHILADELPHIA
The Canes looked real sharp in its last game in Atlanta and part of their motivation could be that if they play well, they’ll get traded to a contender in need of a couple of missing parts. You can expect quite a few scouts to be on hand for this one, as the Canes have made it known that they want to unload some players. This is such a great spot for the Canes to catch the Flyers napping too. You see, Philly is coming off a very physical game against the Rangers in which Daniel Carcillo took a run at Marion Gaborik. Things really heated up after that and the Flyers went on to win 2-0. This game is sandwiched between that game against the Rangers and tomorrow’s 12:30 PM game against the Penguins. That game will be featured on NBC and don’t think for a second that the players aren’t aware of that because they are. Lastly, these Saturday afternoon dogs (this one goes at 1:00 PM EST) have been absolute gold all year and there’s not a single reason not to play the Canes in this spot at this price. Play: Carolina +2.36 (Risking 2 units).
NY ISLANDERS +1.04 over New Jersey
The Islanders have won six straight at home and six of its last seven. Overall, the Islanders have won 10 of its last 14 games. They’re scoring goals, they’re not allowing much and they play with as much enthusiasm and heart as any team in the league and you can double that when the Devils are in town. Meanwhile, the Devils played last night at home and lost 3-1 to the Canadiens. New Jersey has now lost four of five with only win over that stretch coming against Florida. Furthermore, the Devils have scored 12 lousy goals over its last eight games and four goals over its last four games. If that’s not enough and you need more incentive, the Devils will play its third game in four days, and its fifth game in seven days. This past Monday they were here for a Martin Luther King holiday matinee game and lost 4-0 while being outshot 46-20. This one is unlikely to be much different. Play: NY Islanders +1.04 (Risking 2 units).
Los Angeles +1.56 over DETROIT
This is another great spot for the road team and it’s also a great price on the Kings. These two met in L.A. just 2½ weeks ago and the Red Wings won 2-1. The local media and the coaches all agreed that it was perhaps the Kings best game of the year. They absolutely dominated Detroit for 60 minutes but Jimmy Howard had his best game as a pro. In fact, the Kings outshot Detroit 52-24 and most of the shots were of the quality variety. Now the Kings will take to the road for the first time in awhile, as they’ve been home for seven straight games over 19 days. Surely, they’re looking forward to both the trip and this first game. Meanwhile, the Red Wings last played consecutive home games on Dec 23 and Dec 26. That’s a span of 12 consecutive games in which they’ve had to board a plane to its next destination and this will be the 13th consecutive time after they played in Minnesota on Thursday. That has to take its toll on the players. So, what we have here is a rested and raring to go Kings squad playing a team that has to be exhausted from all that travel. Throw in a take-back of better than 3-2 and this one becomes a must play. Big overlay. Play: Los Angles +1.56 (Risking 2 units).
Terron Chapman
Michigan State vs. Minnesota U
Play: Minnesota U -2
The Minnesota Golden Gophers (12-6) will play host to the #7 ranked Michigan St Spartans (16-3) Saturday afternoon at Williams Arena, but they’ll have to do so without point guard Al Nolen who has been ruled academically ineligible by the NCAA. That’s a tough break for a Gophers team that lost to the Spartans just 10 days ago, 70-63 in East Lansing as a 6.5-point underdog.
Oddsmakers have listed the Gophers as a slight 2-point favorite for the rematch with the total listed at 137. This series has been one sided the last few years with the Spartans winning nine of the last 10 straight-up, while going 8-2 ATS in the process. The Spartans have started 6-0 in conference for the first time during coach Izzo’s tenure while the Gophers are in danger of dropping their third straight and fourth in their last five with a loss. To say this is a big game for the home team is an understatement. The loss of Nolen could prove to be big as the season goes on, but Tubby Smith is one of the best coaches in the business, and I fully expect him to find a way to manage this afternoon. When a key player goes down, teammates usually respond by stepping up their level of play and today should be no exception.
What’s concerning for Spartans backers is they enter this game not playing their best basketball of the season. They struggled in their last outing as 21.5-point home chalk against a lowly Hawkeyes team, holding on for a 70-63 win. They’re not defending away from home like coach Izzo would like, allowing opponents to shoot 46% from the field. The Gophers have yet to drop a home game and should have plenty of motivation to not only avenge the loss 10 days ago, but stay relevant in the Big Ten standings as well. Look for an inspired performance from the host to be the difference. Play on the Minnesota Golden Gophers for 1 unit.
Richard Witt
MINNESOTA - 1.5 over Michigan State
Yes, Gophers' starting PG is suspended probably indefinitely but the barn remains a brutal place for foes to function, and Tubby can rouse the troops to rally around and come up big against a Spartan team which will be looking to peak later, rather than sooner. Not really an "upset".
DUNKEL
Michigan at Purdue
The Boilermakers look to take advantage of a Michigan team that is 3-8 ATS in the last 11 meetings. Purdue is the pick (-11 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Boilermakers favored by 16 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-11 1/2)
Game 521-522: Michigan State at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 74.806; Minnesota 72.702
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 2
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (+2)
Game 523-524: Villanova at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 72.030; St. John's 65.521
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Villanova by 6
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-6)
Game 525-526: Rutgers at Georgetown
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 54.513; Georgetown 69.695
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 15
Vegas Line: Georgetown by 19 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (+19 1/2)
Game 527-528: Hofstra at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 54.999; Drexel 56.063
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 1
Vegas Line: Drexel by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (+5 1/2)
Game 529-530: Akron at Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 59.242; Kent State 63.742
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Kent State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Kent State (-2)
Game 531-532: Mississippi State at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 68.943; Alabama 65.800
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 3
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State
Game 533-534: Middle Tennessee State at Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Middle Tennessee State 51.224; Western Kentucky 59.635
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (-7 1/2)
Game 535-536: Temple at Fordham
Dunkel Ratings: Temple 65.605; Fordham 45.564
Dunkel Line: Temple by 20
Vegas Line: Temple by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-18 1/2)
Game 537-538: Colorado at Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 60.031; Texas A&M 70.790
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 11
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 9
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (-9)
Game 539-540: Boston College at Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Boston College 62.203; Virginia Tech 70.151
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 8
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-6 1/2)
Game 541-542: Auburn at Vanderbilt
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 56.514; Vanderbilt 73.648
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 17
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-12 1/2)
Game 543-544: Mississippi at LSU
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 67.981; LSU 59.219
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 9
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 6
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-6)
Game 545-546: Oregon State at California
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 56.030; California 70.576
Dunkel Line: California by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: California by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+16 1/2)
Game 547-548: Kansas at Iowa State
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas 77.530; Iowa State 67.505
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 10
Vegas Line: Kansas by 11
Dunkel Pick: Iowa State (+11)
Game 549-550: DePaul at Notre Dame
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 52.871; Notre Dame 67.975
Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 15
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: DePaul (+16 1/2)
Game 551-552: Charlotte at LaSalle
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 58.499; LaSalle 60.526
Dunkel Line: LaSalle by 2
Vegas Line: LaSalle by 3
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+3)
Game 553-554: Marquette at Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 72.174; Syracuse 78.292
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 6
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+9 1/2)
Game 555-556: VCU at Northeastern
Dunkel Ratings: VCU 60.827; Northeastern 67.460
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 3
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (-3)
Game 557-558: Ohio State at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 73.290; West Virginia 75.182
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 2
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 6
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (+6)
Game 559-560: Buffalo at Ohio
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 58.839; Ohio 56.487
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 2
Vegas Line: Ohio by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+4 1/2)
Game 561-562: Toledo at Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 42.098; Western Michigan 55.926
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 14
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 18
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+18)
Game 563-564: Ball State at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Ball State 48.933; Eastern Michigan 51.991
Dunkel Line: Eastern Michigan by 3
Vegas Line: Eastern Michigan by 7
Dunkel Pick: Ball State (+7)
Game 565-566: Wichita State at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: Wichita State 62.995; Drake 61.703
Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Wichita State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Drake (+5)
Game 567-568: Wright State at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 59.196; Detroit 64.474
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Detroit
Game 569-570: Butler at Illinois-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 67.613; Illinois-Chicago 53.520
Dunkel Line: Butler by 14
Vegas Line: Butler by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois-Chicago (+14 1/2)
Game 571-572: Georgia State at Delaware
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia State 50.400; Delaware 54.248
Dunkel Line: Delaware by 4
Vegas Line: Delaware by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Delaware (-1 1/2)
Game 573-574: Richmond at George Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 60.735; George Washington 59.042
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: George Washington by 1
Dunkel Pick: Richmond (+1)
Game 575-576: Illinois State at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois State 59.669; Southern Illinois 59.717
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (+2 1/2)
Game 577-578: Evansville at Bradley
Dunkel Ratings: Evansville 49.090; Bradley 63.038
Dunkel Line: Bradley by 14
Vegas Line: Bradley by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (-11 1/2)
Game 579-580: Bowling Green at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 54.435; Miami (OH) 57.472
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 3
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (+7 1/2)
Game 581-582: Rice at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 47.249; Tulsa 68.429
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 21
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 20
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (-20)
Game 583-584: Colorado State at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 52.718; New Mexico 69.306
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-15 1/2)
Game 585-586: Arkansas at Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 61.186; Kentucky 76.354
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 15
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (+16 1/2)
Game 587-588: Washington State at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: Washington State 64.271; UCLA 61.756
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: UCLA by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (+1 1/2)
Game 589-590: Valparaiso at Loyola-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Valparaiso 53.742; Loyola-Chicago 55.410
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Chicago by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Loyola-Chicago by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Valparaiso (+4 1/2)
Game 591-592: Michigan at Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan 62.656; Purdue 79.086
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Purdue by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-11 1/2)
Game 593-594: George Mason at Towson
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 57.405; Towson 50.702
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: George Mason by 6
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (-6)
Game 595-596: Massachusetts at Baylor
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 53.556; Baylor 72.485
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 19
Vegas Line: Baylor by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-17 1/2)
Game 597-598: Virginia at Wake Forest
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 67.329; Wake Forest 70.891
Dunkel Line: Wake Forest by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Wake Forest by 7
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (+7)
Game 599-600: Texas at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 75.199; Connecticut 71.081
Dunkel Line: Texas by 4
Vegas Line: Texas by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-2 1/2)
Game 601-602: Oklahoma State at Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 64.711; Kansas State 78.374
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-9 1/2)
Game 603-604: East Carolina at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 47.339; Southern Mississippi 60.380
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 13
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 11
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-11)
Game 605-606: Tennessee at Georgia
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 72.614; Georgia 65.239
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 6
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-6)
Game 607-608: UTEP at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: UTEP 61.106; Central Florida 60.605
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 1
Vegas Line: UTEP by 4
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (+4)
Game 609-610: South Carolina at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina 62.115; Florida 69.299
Dunkel Line: Florida by 7
Vegas Line: Florida by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-6 1/2)
Game 611-612: South Alabama at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 50.191; Denver 56.682
Dunkel Line: Denver by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Denver by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (+7 1/2)
Game 613-614: Nebraska at Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 62.325; Missouri 77.858
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 13
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-13)
Game 615-616: UNLV at TCU
Dunkel Ratings: UNLV 64.695; TCU 58.395
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-5 1/2)
Game 617-618: Air Force at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 49.523; Utah 65.284
Dunkel Line: Utah by 16
Vegas Line: Utah by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-14 1/2)
Game 619-620: Dayton at St. Joseph's
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 63.857; St. Joseph's 54.846
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 9
Vegas Line: Dayton by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dayton (-7 1/2)
Game 621-622: Rhode Island at Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 65.065; Xavier 69.929
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 5
Vegas Line: Xavier by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (+6 1/2)
Game 623-624: North Carolina State at Maryland
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina State 61.768; Maryland 74.793
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 13
Vegas Line: Maryland by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (-8 1/2)
Game 625-626: Northern Illinois at Central Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Illinois 47.840; Central Michigan 54.274
Dunkel Line: Central Michigan by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Central Michigan by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (-5 1/2)
Game 627-628: UAB at Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: UAB 62.445; Marshall 65.572
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 3
Vegas Line: Marshall by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (+5 1/2)
Game 629-630: Cornell at Columbia
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 62.909; Columbia 47.047
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 16
Vegas Line: Cornell by 13
Dunkel Pick: Cornell (-13)
Game 631-632: Harvard at Dartmouth
Dunkel Ratings: Harvard 59.539; Dartmouth 44.820
Dunkel Line: Harvard by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Harvard by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dartmouth (+15 1/2)
Game 633-634: Old Dominion at William & Mary
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 65.982; William & Mary 62.360
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: William & Mary (+4 1/2)
Game 635-636: St. Bonaventure at Duquesne
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 53.858; Duquesne 60.678
Dunkel Line: Duquesne by 7
Vegas Line: Duquesne by 5
Dunkel Pick: Duquesne (-5)
Game 637-638: Arkansas State at Florida Atlantic
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 48.140; Florida Atlantic 56.529
Dunkel Line: Florida Atlantic by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida Atlantic by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (-3 1/2)
Game 639-640: UL-Monroe at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Monroe 47.655; New Orleans 45.953
Dunkel Line: UL Monroe by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (+1 1/2)
Game 641-642: AR-Little Rock at Florida International
Dunkel Ratings: AR-Little Rock 47.381; Florida International 46.090
Dunkel Line: AR-Little Rock by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: AR-Little Rock by 1
Dunkel Pick: AR-Little Rock (-1)
Game 643-644: Santa Clara at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Santa Clara 50.262; San Francisco 52.677
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Santa Clara (+6 1/2)
Game 645-646: Loyola-Marymount at Gonzaga
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Marymount 53.501; Gonzaga 71.326
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 18
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 20 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Marymount (+20 1/2)
Game 647-648: Oregon at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon 55.196; Stanford 60.962
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Stanford by 6
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-6)
Game 649-650: Oklahoma at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 64.283; Texas Tech 64.854
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Texas Tech by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (+4 1/2)
Game 651-652: James Madison at NC Wilmington
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 51.770; NC Wilmington 54.500
Dunkel Line: NC Wilmington by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: NC Wilmington by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (+5 1/2)
Game 653-654: Utah State at Idaho
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 63.724; Idaho 58.715
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 5
Vegas Line: Utah State by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (+5 1/2)
Game 655-656: Illinois at Northwestern
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 66.174; Northwestern 70.276
Dunkel Line: Northwestern by 4
Vegas Line: Northwestern by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northwestern (-1 1/2)
Game 657-658: Houston at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 63.531; Memphis 68.396
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 5
Vegas Line: Memphis by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+8 1/2)
Game 659-660: South Florida at Providence
Dunkel Ratings: South Florida 58.950; Providence 65.819
Dunkel Line: Providence by 7
Vegas Line: Providence by 5
Dunkel Pick: Providence (-5)
Game 661-662: Troy at UL-Lafayette
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 52.800; UL-Lafayette 51.584
Dunkel Line: Troy by 1
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 1
Dunkel Pick: Troy (+1)
Game 663-664: Duke at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Duke 76.125; Clemson 77.083
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 1
Vegas Line: Duke by 1
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (+1)
Game 665-666: Arizona at Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 62.038; Arizona State 74.177
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 12
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 10
Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-10)
Game 667-668: Pepperdine at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Pepperdine 53.097; Portland 64.212
Dunkel Line: Portland by 11
Vegas Line: Portland by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pepperdine (+15 1/2)
Game 669-670: Nevada at Fresno State
Dunkel Ratings: Nevada 65.645; Fresno State 59.434
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 6
Vegas Line: Nevada by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-4 1/2)
Game 671-672: UC Davis at Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: UC Davis 46.405; Pacific 60.384
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 14
Vegas Line: Pacific by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (-12 1/2)
Game 673-674: BYU at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 72.598; San Diego State 66.640
Dunkel Line: BYU by 6
Vegas Line: BYU by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-2 1/2)
Game 675-676: CS-Northridge at Cal Poly
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 52.132; Cal Poly 51.667
Dunkel Line: CS-Northridge by 1
Vegas Line: Cal Poly by 2
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (+2)
Game 677-678: CS-Fullerton at UC-Santa Barbara
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 51.330; UC-Santa Barbara 57.603
Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Santa Barbara (-3 1/2)
Game 679-680: New Mexico State at San Jose State
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 56.974; San Jose State 55.369
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: San Jose State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (+3 1/2)
Game 681-682: Washington at USC
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 68.270; USC 68.735
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: USC by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+2 1/2)
Game 683-684: UC-Riverside at UC-Irvine
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 48.913; UC-Irvine 50.532
Dunkel Line: UC-Irvine by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Irvine by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Riverside (+4 1/2)
Game 685-686: Louisiana Tech at Hawaii
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 61.589; Hawaii 57.331
Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech by 8
Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (+8)
Bob Wingerter
St Bonaventure vs. Duquesne
Play: St Bonaventure +5
Youth and lack of depth make Duquesne a shaky favorite. Their 60% free-throw shooting and very poor 25% 3-point shooting means they need to play better defense than they are capable of doing when three players are getting 79% to 87% of the maximum minutes possible. The Duquesne Dukes are ranked 238 for offensive field goal percentage shooting 41.6% while attempting 58.9 shots per game. The Dukes shooting percentages include 59.8% for free throw percentage and 24.5% for three point percentage so far this season. The St. Bonaventure Bonnies are ranked 29 for offensive field goal percentage shooting 47.9% while attempting 55.9 shots per game. The Bonnies shooting percentages include 65.2% for free throw percentage and 30.6% for three point percentage so far this season.
Nick “The BookieKiller” Parsons
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Florida Panthers
PICK: Florida Panthers -140
Florida looks for points in its fifth straight home game Saturday night when it faces the Maple Leafs, who have had two road wins since early December; for a number of different reasons I believe the value in this matchup is on the home-side:
Toronto snapped a three-game home losing streak to the Panthers with a 3-2 victory on Jan. 5th; however its been giving up an average of 4.0 goals in its last four games.
The Maple Leafs, who are 2-10-1 on the road since Dec. 3, have given up a league-high 180 goals this season.
Toronto is a brutal 2-7 its last nine overall.
On the other side of the rink: Goaltender Tomas Vokoun has been doing his part to help Florida win, posting a 1.90 goals-against average while making 11 straight starts; but he's just 5-4-2 in these contests due to an offense that has averaged 2.6 goals during this stretch.
Florida always plays Toronto tough though; 4-2 its last six vs. the Leafs.
Bottom line: Undisciplined, inconsistent play has hurt the Leafs all year and I expect this sloppy play to continue over this evening; a determined FLORIDA team offers great value in this situation.
Drew Gordon
Illinois State at S. ILLINOIS -2'
43-26-3 roll L72 Free Plays (11-3 L14), incl. the 76ers outright over the Mavs last night! For today's complimentary play, we're looking at the Illinois State- Southern Illinois match up.
A lot of things to like about the Salukis in this rematch. These two schools just played each other about 3 weeks ago, with the Illinois State getting the 68-61 home win and cover... Now its payback time! I know bettors have watched the Salukis lose 5 of their L6 games (2-4 ATS), and are unwilling to lay the points. But often times you find the most value with a team that's reeling, but more on that later.
Next, let's discuss their last meeting and how today will be different. Clearly, the Salukis were ready for the Redbirds star G Eldridge, limiting him to 3 of 9 shooting and forcing 5 turnovers in their last meeting. They got hurt in that contest by the other members of the Redbirds backcourt, namely Philips (21 points). Look for an improved defensive effort at the one place the Salukis are VERY respectable on D, in Carbondale, allowing 60 ppg on 40% shooting. Not only that, but if you saw Illinois State's pathetic defensive effort in their last road game (at Drake), you'd know why the Salukis are favored here.
Finally, back to the value of this Southern Illinois team. Guys, everyone in the betting public has the Salukis on their fade list. And consequently are grossly underestimating them in this contest. Not only is this a revenge game, but the Salukis are DESPERATE for a home win (0-3 L3), and that my friends is the reason I'm happy to back them in this spot. In the end, the public may have lost faith in Southern Illinois, but I haven't. Lay the points, as the Salukis snap their slump Saturday afternoon!
Take Southern Illinois over Illinois State in this college hoops match up.
3♦ SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
Tony Weston
Solid call yesterday as the Blazers take the Celtics to the brink before falling in overtime. Still, Portland did just enough and stayed close enough to cash in, giving us a solid Comp Play winner.
I’m handing you another one today as I’m taking Kentucky at home against visiting Arkansas.
The Wildcats come into this game a perfect 18-0 SU this season, having beat their opponents by nearly 17 points per game (82.2-65.3) and having been even better at home. When playing in Lexington, Kentucky is beating its opponents by about 20 points per game (84.8-65.3), which bodes well for the Wildcats, who are laying about 17 points today.
Most importantly, in this SEC matchup when Kentucky and Arkansas get together, recently it’s been a one-sided affair, with the Wildcats getting the better of the Razorbacks.
Kentucky is 7-2 ATS its last 9 games against Arkansas and has cashed in 3 straight meetings. Now, with John Calipari and John Wall, the Wildcats will make it 4 straight.
3♦ KENTUCKY
Nelly
Purdue - over Michigan
The three-game losing streak should be out of the system for Purdue as the Boilers appeared shell-shocked coming off its first loss but the offense bounced back on Tuesday with an 84-point output. Michigan enters this game coming off a big week with a huge win over Connecticut at home and then a brutally tough road loss to Wisconsin, in a game the Wolverines led most of the way. The emotional toll should carryover into this very tough match-up in a series that the home team has won nine of the last ten in. Michigan is 1-4 S/U on the road this season with the one win coming against a weak Penn State team and this will now be a second straight road game. Purdue has lost three of the last four games but the schedule has been incredibly tough in that span and the Boilers still maintain an 8-1 S/U record at home. This will be a revenge game for Purdue as Michigan won at home late last season but the Boilers have been dominant in the recent home games in this series.
Cajun Sports
Mississippi vs. LSU
Play: Mississippi -6
The Ole Miss Rebels make the short trip to Baton Rouge for an afternoon battle with SEC foe LSU Tigers. LSU has struggled in conference play this season they enter this game off a loss to Auburn at home 84 to 80 as a three-point home favorite. That loss comes after a two-game SEC road trip that saw the Bengal Tigers lose at Florida 72 to 58 and South Carolina 67 to 58. Prior to that short road swing they were demolished at home by Alabama 66 to 44 as a two-point home favorite. That’s four straight conference losses and only one cover against the spread during that span. The Tigers are young and very limited in the talent department not good news when facing a team that plays solid transition basketball and averages over 81 points per game. Ole Miss enters today’s matchup off a home victory over South Carolina 66 to 57 as an 8.5 point home favorite this came on the heels of a tough defeat at Tennessee 71 to 69 as a seven-point road underdog. The Rebels should have no trouble in dictating the pace on both ends of the floor and we expect LSU to struggle trying to trade baskets with this Ole Miss squad. LSU has no choice but to try and play slow because they do not have a bevy of players that can score the ball they rely on Spencer who is really their only true outside threat averaging 17 points per game. The Rebels will take him out of his game and force the Tigers into a much faster pace than they are comfortable playing. We have no reservations in laying the points with the Rebels as this LSU team will continue to struggle in conference play as Ole Miss notches another SEC victory in Baton Rouge on Saturday.
PROJECTED FORECAST: 2* Mississippi Rebels 70 LSU Bengal Tigers 59
Wunderdog Sports
Villanova vs. ST John's
Play: Villanova -6
I think many have noticed that St. John's is a vastly improved team from a year ago, especially getting Mason Jr. back. What is forgotten is just how improved this Villanova team is as well because they were so good last year. They have played some tough teams but have emerged as a 17-1 team, and are poised to be a Final Four contender. St. John's, as much as they have improved, will have a tough time even making it to the bubble in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats not only have a star in Scottie Reynolds, they have four other 10+ point scorers, so if he is doubled, the options just simply out-weigh what St. John's can do here. I like the Wildcats in this one.