SPORTS ADVISORS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
ACC TOURNAMENT
(at Greensboro, N.C.)
North Carolina (16-15, 10-19 ATS) vs. Georgia Tech (19-11, 13-10-1 ATS)
North Carolina, which enters the ACC tourney at Greensboro Coliseum with its lowest seeding (10th) in school history, will have to run the table to get a shot at defending its national championship. The Tar Heels went a dismal 4-11 SU and ATS in their last 15 games, including an 80-52 thumping at the hands of archrival and fourth-ranked Duke as a 15-point road pup in Saturday’s regular-season finale. Roy Williams troops went just 3-10 SU and 4-9 ATS away from home this year, including 1-3 SU and ATS at neutral sites, where they alloweda whopping average of 87.7 ppg while scoring 79.3 ppg.
Georgia Tech, seeded seventh, finished the regular season on a 1-3 SU and ATS skid, including SU and ATS losses in its last two outings. In Saturday’s finale against Virginia Tech, the Yellow Jackets tumbled 88-82 as a five-point home favorite. Paul Hewitt’s squad went 3-8 in true road games in the regular season, but 2-1 SU and ATS at neutral sites, averaging 71.3 ppg on a stout 51.0 percent shooting, while allowing 64.0 ppg on 37.1 percent shooting.
Tech has cashed in eight of the last 11 clashes in this rivalry (6-5 SU), including four of the last five, taking both of this year’s meetings SU and ATS. On Jan. 16, the Jackets eked out a 73-71 road win getting 6½ points, and on Feb. 16, they blasted Carolina 68-51 as a six-point home chalk. The SU winner is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
The Tar Heels are 7-2 ATS in their last nine neutral-site starts, 6-2 ATS in their last eight Thursday games and 32-13-1 ATS in their last 46 coming off a SU loss, but they also own negative ATS streaks of 5-14 overall, 7-20 in the ACC and 4-10 against winning teams. The Yellow Jackets are 4-1 ATS in their last five at neutral sites and 5-2 in their last seven on Thursday, but carry ATS skids of 2-6-1 overall (all in the ACC), 1-4 after a SU loss, 2-6-1 against winning teams and 1-3-1 after a non-cover.
Carolina is on “under” stretches of 17-5 overall, 11-2 after a SU loss, 9-2 after a non-cover, 5-1 against winning teams and 16-5 in the ACC. On the flip side, the over has hit in Georgia Tech’s last four games (all in the ACC). Finally, the total stayed low in both of this year’s Tar Heels-Yellow Jackets meetings, following “over” runs of 4-1 and 3-0.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
N.C. State (17-14, 14-13-1 ATS) vs. Clemson (21-9, 14-13 ATS)
North Carolina State shook off a five-game SU slide (1-4 ATS), all in the ACC, to finish the regular season on a 3-1 SU and ATS surge, including Sunday’s 66-54 win over Boston College as a two-point home chalk. The Wolfpack, seeded 11th, went 3-0 SU (2-1 ATS) at neutral sites this year, averaging 64.0 ppg and giving up just 54.0, but the competition was hardly noteworthy: a lackluster Auburn squad, along with Akron and Austin Peay.
Clemson, the No. 6 seed, went 5-2 SU (4-3 ATS) in its last seven games, all in conference action, but it fell at Wake Forest 70-65 as a one-point road ‘dog Sunday to cap the regular season. The Tigers went 2-1 SU on neutral courts this year – beating Butler and Long Beach State, and losing to Texas A&M – but failed to cover in all three games, averaging 72.3 ppg and giving up exactly that same number of points.
Clemson has won five in a row against N.C. State, going 3-1-1 ATS in that span, including a 73-70 road win on Jan. 16, though the ‘Pack cashed as a five-point pup. The chalk is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six clashes in this rivalry, and the SU winner is on a 10-1-1 ATS tear.
The Wolfpack are on a 4-8 ATS dive in their last dozen games and are 2-5 ATS in their last seven following a SU win, while the Tigers have failed to cash in their last eight neutral-site outings and are 1-4 ATS in their last five Thursday games. Clemson, though, does sport ATS upticks of 4-0 after a non-cover and 5-2 coming off a SU loss.
The over is 21-10 in N.C. State’s last 31 games following a SU win, but the Wolfpack are on “under” runs of 6-1 overall (all in the ACC) and 4-1 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. In addition, Clemson is on “under” rolls of 7-2 after a non-cover and 5-2 after a SU loss. In this rivalry, the January meeting cleared the 139-point posted price, ending a 3-0 “under” streak.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEMSON
BIG EAST TOURNAMENT
(at New York)
Notre Dame (22-10, 15-10-1 ATS) vs. (16) Pittsburgh
The Irish advanced to the quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament with Wednesday’s 68-56 rout of Seton Hall at Madison Square Garden, easily cashing as a 2½-point favorite for their fifth straight victory and sixth consecutive spread-cover. Notre Dame fell behind 9-2 to start the game, but dominated from there as star forward Luke Harangody (knee injury) saw his most extensive action in more than a month, finishing with game-highs of 20 points and 10 rebounds in 24 minutes.
Notre Dame has matched its season-long winning streak thanks to a renewed commitment defensively, as it has yielded just 56.6 ppg in the last five, with four opponents behind held to 60 points or less. Prior to this run, the Irish were surrendering 72.7 ppg.
Pitt, which got two byes into the quarterfinals by virtue of being the Big East’s No. 4 seed, closed the regular season on a three-game winning streak and went 8-1 SU (6-2 ATS) over its final nine contests. The only loss came at Notre Dame on Feb. 24, an ugly 68-53 whipping, with the Irish cashing as a one-point home underdog. During their 8-1 season-ending surge, the Panthers scored 70 points or more in seven of the eight victories.
These teams have split their last four meetings, with the Irish going 3-1 ATS. Notre Dame’s 15-point win over the Panthers two weeks ago started its current five-game winning streak.
In addition to cashing in six straight games overall (all in league play), the Irish are on ATS runs of 6-0 against winning teams and 5-1 on Thursday. However, despite last night’s romp over Seton Hall, Notre Dame is still just 3-5 ATS in its last eight neutral-site contests. Pitt’s riding ATS streaks of 6-2 overall, 15-5-2 against winning teams and 9-4-1 following a SU victory, but the Panthers have failed to cover in seven of nine at neutral sites.
Notre Dame sports “under” runs of 5-0 overall (all inside the Big East), 20-8 in conference, 7-0 at neutral sites, 8-1 after a SU win, 18-4 after a spread-cover and 9-2 against teams with a win percentage above .600. Similarly, the Panthers are on “under” runs of 4-1 after a victory, 4-0 after a spread-cover and 5-0 on Thursday. However, the “over” is on streaks of 7-2 for the Irish on Thursday, 5-1 for the Irish against winning teams and 5-1 for Pitt versus winning opponents.
Finally, these teams stayed way under the posted total in their one battle this season, ending a 5-0 “over” stretch in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Cincinnati (18-14, 8-19 ATS) vs. (7) West Virginia (24-6, 13-16 ATS)
After surviving a scare in Tuesday’s opening round of the Big East tournament, edging Rutgers 69-68 as an eight-point favorite, Cincinnati pulled off an upset in Wednesday’s second round, rallying from a 10-point halftime deficit to eliminate Louisville 69-66 as a six-point ‘dog. The Bearcats shot just 35 percent from the floor, but dominated the glass, outrebounding the Cardinals 46-28, including 21-8 on the offensive end. After finishing the regular season losing five of six (SU and ATS), Cincinnati will try to win three in a row for the first time since Jan. 2.
West Virginia won three straight to close the regular campaign (2-1 ATS), capped by Saturday’s 68-66 overtime thriller at Villanova with the Mountaineers cashing as a three-point pup. The Mountaineers play stellar defense, allowing just 64.8 ppg this season and limiting the opposition to 42.9 percent shooting from the floor.
In the only meeting this season, West Virginia edged the Bearcats 74-68 in Morgantown, falling well short as a 13-point chalk. Cincinnati has won four of the last six series clashes overall, cashing in three straight and four of the past five.
Cincinnati is 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven as a neutral-site underdog, but otherwise is on ATS skids of 8-23 overall, 6-21 against Big East teams, 9-25 against teams with a winning percentage better than .600 and 8-21 against teams with a winning record. The Mountaineers are 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine Thursday contests, but they’re just 3-6 ATS as a favorite of less than seven points this season.
The Bearcats have stayed below the posted total in five of seven neutral-site contests, but they’re otherwise on “over” runs of 10-4 on Thursday and 6-2 after a straight-up win. Meanwhile, West Virginia has topped the total in six of nine overall and six of eight on Thursday. In this series, the “over” has been the play in four of the last six meetings overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CINCINNATI
BIG 12 TOURNAMENT
(at Kansas City)
Oklahoma State (21-9, 14-9-1 ATS) vs. (9) Kansas State (24-6, 16-8-1 ATS)
The Cowboys kicked off the postseason by pummeling archrival Oklahoma 81-67 as a seven-point favorite at the Sprint Center. Four players scored in double figures, highlighted by Keiton Page’s game-high 24 points, as Oklahoma State shot a blistering 53.6 percent from the field. The Cowboys have won two in a row and six of their last eight, all SU and ATS and all in conference.
Kansas State stumbled to the finish line, dropping consecutive decisions last week to Kansas (82-65 as an 8½-point road underdog) and lowly Iowa State (85-82 as a 15-point home favorite). Those two defeats came on the heels of a seven-game winning streak. Also, prior to last week the Wildcats had been on a 15-4-1 ATS run, never once failing to cover in consecutive contests. K-State hasn’t had three straight non-covers since ending last year in a 0-7-2 ATS slump.
At neutral sites this season, Oklahoma State is now 4-1 SU and ATS, while the Wildcats are 3-1 (2-2 ATS). Also, the winner has cashed in each of the Cowboys’ last 24 lined games and each of Kansas State’s last five.
The Cowboys handed Kansas State one of its three home losses this season, winning 73-69 in Manhattan on Jan. 23 as a 9 ½-point underdog. Oklahoma State is 7-1 in the last eight meetings and 5-1 ATS in the last six.
Oklahoma State is on a slew of positive pointspread streaks, including 26-10-1 overall, 22-8-2 at neutral venues, 7-2 on Thursday and 21-10-1 against teams with a winning record. Despite coming up short in two games last week, the Wildcats are still on a 15-6-1 overall ATS roll, going 13-5-1 ATS against winning teams.
The Cowboys topped the total last night against Oklahoma, but the under is still 6-2 in its last eight at neutral venues, while K-State carries “under” trends of 3-1-1 overall (all in conference) and 4-1 versus winning teams. Finally, the last two meetings and four of the last six in this rivalry have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA STATE and UNDER
Texas (24-8, 10-18 ATS) vs. Baylor (24-6, 15-8 ATS)
After eliminating Iowa State from the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday night with an 82-75 win as a nine-point favorite, the Longhorns now get a rematch with the team that crushed them in the regular-season finale on Saturday. Texas has alternated wins and losses over its five games (1-4 ATS) but got drilled by the Bears 92-77 on Saturday, falling well short as a three-point underdog.
Baylor’s LaceDarius Dunn went for 30 points and six boards against the Longhorns as the Bears closed the regular season with four straight wins (3-1 ATS). Baylor has now taken three in a row from Texas (SU and ATS), including an 80-77 overtime win as a nine-point pup in Austin back on Jan. 30 and a 76-70 upset as 4½-point underdog in last season’s Big 12 tourney.
The underdog has cashed in seven of the last 10 in this rivalry.
The Longhorns had cashed in five straight neutral-site games prior to last night’s non-cover. In fact, they now sport negative ATS streaks of 3-16 overall, 5-21-1 against Big 12 foes, 3-14 against teams with winning records, 2-7-1 on Thursday, and 2-12 against teams with a winning percentage above .600.
Baylor carries nothing but positive ATS streaks into this one, including 15-7 overall, 17-5 in neutral-site games and 11-5 against opponents with a winning percentage better than .600.
Texas has topped the total in six straight neutral-site contests and eight of nine against teams with winning records. The Bears are on “over” runs of 13-5 overall, 12-4 in Big 12 play, 6-1 against winning teams and 11-2 versus opponents with a winning percentage above .600. In this rivalry, the “over” has cashed in six of the last seven meetings, including both matchups this season.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BAYLOR and OVER
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT
(at Indianapolis)
Penn State (11-19, 14-13-1 ATS) vs. Minnesota (18-12, 14-15 ATS)
The Nittany Lions finished dead last in the Big Ten standings with a 3-15 record (10-8 ATS), but after dropping their first 12 league contests they rebounded to split the final six, going 5-1 ATS (3-0 ATS last three). Penn State’s three wins came against Northwestern (twice) and Michigan, but it finished the regular season with narrow losses to No. 11 Michigan State (67-65 as a 12½-point road underdog) and No. 7 Purdue (64-60 as a six-point home pup). After a 75-70 loss at Minnesota in the Big Ten opener, the Nittany Lions scored 65 points or fewer in 12 of their final 17 games.
Minnesota finished in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten at 9-9 (7-11 ATS), but it won four of six (5-1 ATS) to close the regular season, capped by Sunday’s 88-53 rout of Iowa as a 14-point home favorite. The Golden Gophers split the cash in their first four league games, then dropped eight in a row ATS before covering in five of the final six. Take away an 83-55 loss at Michigan on March 2, and Minnesota stepped things up defensively down the stretch, holding its final five opponents to 52, 58, 59, 60 and 53 points.
Minnesota edged Penn State twice this season, winning 75-70 at home in the league opener and 66-64 in State College, Pa., on Feb. 6, but the Lions got the cash both times as 13-point and four-point underdog. Penn State has cashed in the last three meetings, following a 4-1 ATS run by the Gophers.
Penn State sports a trio of 5-1 ATS runs: overall (all in conference), after a SU defeat and when facing opponents with a winning record. Minnesota is also 5-1 ATS in its last six overall (all in league play and 6-1 ATS in its last seven after a victory of more than 20 points, but the Gophers are in pointspread slumps of 1-4 at neutral sites and 2-5 after a SU victory.
At neutral sites, the under is on runs of 5-2 for Penn State and 7-3 for Minnesota. Conversely, the over is on streaks of 10-1 for the Lions against winning teams, 5-1 for the Gophers versus winning opponents, 5-1 for the Gophers against losing teams and 4-1 for the Gophers after a SU victory. Finally, these teams had topped the total in 11 of 12 head-to-head meetings (including five in a row) before last month’s contest at Penn State barely stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PENN STATE and OVER
MOUNTAIN WEST TOURNAMENT
(at Las Vegas)
Utah (14-16, 12-14-1 ATS) at UNLV (23-7, 18-10 ATS)
The Utes struggled with consistency throughout the season, never winning or losing more than three consecutive games, and they finished 7-9 SU and 7-8-1 ATS in the Mountain West. In fact, Utah split its final eight games (4-3-1 ATS), ending with a pair of losses to archrival BYU (71-51 as a 6½-point home underdog) and at Colorado State on Saturday (76-67 as a 2½-point road pup). With Saturday’s result, the Utes and Colorado State finished tied for fifth in the Mountain West, but the Rams got the higher seed in this tournament by virtue of sweeping the season series.
UNLV, which is looking to make the Big Dance for the third time in the last four years, closed the season strong, following up a three-game SU and ATS losing streak with four straight double-digit wins (3-1 ATS) to clinch the third seed in the Mountain West. However, those four victories – which were by an average of 23.8 ppg – came against teams (Colorado State, TCU, Air Force and Wyoming) that finished in the bottom half of the league with a combined conference record of 16-48. The Runnin’ Rebels, who get this tournament on their home floor, are 13-3 at the Thomas & Mack Center (8-6 ATS).
Utah surprisingly swept the season from the Rebels, winning 73-69 as an 11½-point road underdog and 66-61 as a four-point home pup. The Utes were the only Mountain West team to sweep UNLV and one of just two conference squads to beat the Rebels in Las Vegas. Still, the home team is 7-1 in the last eight meetings (6-1-1 ATS), and prior to its victory at the Thomas A&M in mid-January, Utah had lost six straight games at UNLV (3-2-1 ATS). Finally, the favorite is 6-2-1 ATS and the SU winner is 8-0-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.
Utah has cashed in six of its last eight after a SU defeat, but it is 1-4 ATS in its last five on Thursday. The Rebels also have failed to cash in four of their last five on Thursday, but they’re 6-2 ATS in their last eight when coming off a non-cover.
The Utes are on “under” runs of 7-2 overall (all in conference) and 4-1 after a SU defeat, but the Utes topped the total in five of seven Mountain West road games. Meanwhile, UNLV carries “under” trends of 5-2 overall (all in conference) and 4-0 after a non-cover, but the Rebels are 6-1-2 “over” in their last nine on Thursday. Finally, the over is 5-1 in the last six meetings between these teams in Las Vegas.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
SEC TOURNAMENT
(at Nashville, Tenn.)
Auburn (15-16, 12-11-2 ATS) vs. Florida (20-11, 14-12 ATS)
Auburn struggled in SEC play this year, winning consecutive games just once over its final 16 games as it notched SU and ATS victories at home against LSU on Feb. 27 and Mississippi State on March 3, before ending the season with Saturday’s 73-61 loss at Alabama as a five-point underdog. The Tigers, who finished fifth in the SEC West, won just three of 14 games away from home, going 1-7 SU and 4-3-1 ATS in SEC road games, giving up at least 80 points in six of those eight contests.
Florida’s chances of sneaking into the Big Dance are likely slim after it finished the season on a three-game SU losing skid (1-2 ATS), including Saturday’s 74-66 loss at Kentucky, though it cashed as an 11-point ‘dog. The Gators, who are the No. 4 seed in the SEC East, split their 14 road/neutral-site games (6-6-1 ATS in lined contests), averaging 69 ppg on neutral courts but allowing 68.2. However, Florida dropped three of its last four on the SEC highway (2-2 ATS).
The Gators have won 11 of the last 12 meetings in this rivalry (7-4-1 ATS), going off as the chalk in the last 11. However, Auburn has covered the last two clashes, including a 78-70 setback in Gainesville on Feb. 18 as a nine-point underdog.
The Tigers are on ATS rolls of 9-3-2 overall, 19-6-2 in the SEC and 4-0-1 after a SU loss, but they’re just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 neutral-site starts. The Gators have covered in 12 of their last 16 Thursday outings, but they are 3-5 ATS in their last eight overall and are mired in a 7-16 pointspread funk coming off a SU loss.
Auburn is on “over” stretches of 7-2 overall (all inside the SEC), 11-5 on neutral floors, 4-0 against teams with a win percentage above .600, 6-1 on Thursday and 5-2 coming off a SU loss. The over is also 11-4 in Florida’s last 15 Thursday games, and last month’s meeting between these two went high, following a 5-1 and 3-0 “under” run in this rivalry. On the flip side, the Gators sport “under” streaks of 19-9 overall, 4-1 on neutral courts and 8-3 coming off a SU loss.
ATS ADVANTAGE: FLORIDA
NBA
Chicago (31-32, 30-31-2 ATS) at Orlando (45-20, 34-30-1 ATS)
Two Eastern Conference teams heading in opposite directions hook up at Amway Arena where the Magic look to extend a six-game winning streak and hand the Bulls their sixth straight loss.
Chicago dropped its fifth in a row SU and ATS on Tuesday, getting hammered by the Jazz 132-108 as a five-point home underdog, ending a woeful four-game homestand. The Bulls have been outscored by 15.4 ppg during their five-game slide, averaging 100.4 ppg (47.3 percent shooting) while giving up 115 ppg (51 percent). In fact, seven straight opponents have scored in triple digits against Chicago. The Bulls kick off a four-game road trip with this game, and they’ve dropped two in a row SU and ATS on the highway.
Orlando followed up Sunday’s thrilling, last-second 96-94 home win over the Lakers with Tuesday’s 113-87 rout of the Clippers, cashing as a 12½-point home favorite. Five of the Magic’s six victories during their winning streak have been double-digit blowouts, winning by margins of 26, 10, 27, 21 and 16 points. Also, Orlando has won five straight at home (4-1 ATS). Overall, Stan Van Gundy’s squad has won eight of its last nine (6-3 ATS).
These teams have split two meetings this season, both in Chicago. The Bulls took the first 101-93 as a 3½-point underdog on Jan. 2, but got destroyed in the rematch five weeks later 107-87 as a 4½-point road chalk. Orlando is 8-2 SU and 6-4 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The Bulls are 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine games when coming off a double-digit home defeat, but otherwise they’re in pointspread slumps of 0-5 overall, 0-4 against winning teams and 9-25 versus Southeast Division foes. Conversely, the Magic are on ATS upticks of 4-1 at home, 4-1 against the Eastern Conference, 5-1 against the Central Division and 5-1 versus teams with a losing record. However, Orlando has failed to cover in four straight marquee Thursday contests.
Chicago is on “over” runs of 5-2 overall, 5-1 after a SU defeat, 44-21 following a double-digit home loss and 4-0 after a day of rest. However, the Bulls also carry “under” streaks of 4-0-1 on Thursday and 4-1 against Southeast Division foes, while the Magic are on low-scoring surges of 19-6-1 overall, 5-0-1 at home, 9-3 against the Eastern Conference, 6-2 versus the Central Division, 14-5 on Thursday and 46-18-1 after a day off.
Finally, the last five Bulls-Magic clashes in Orlando have stayed low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO and UNDER
DUNKEL INDEX
Atlanta at Washington
The Hawks look to take advantage of a Washington team that is 0-4 ATS in its last 4 home games. Atlanta is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Hawks favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-7)
Game 701-702: Chicago at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 118.498; Orlando 128.085
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 9 1/2; 209
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 703-704: Portland at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 122.715; Golden State 116.289
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 6 1/2; 210
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 799-800: Atlanta at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 123.079; Washington 115.504
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 7 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 7; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-7); Over
NCAAB
Georgetown vs. Syracuse
The Orange look to build on their 13-3 ATS record in their last 16 games as a favorite between 1 and 6 1/2 points. Syracuse is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Syracuse favored by 9. Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-5 1/2)
Game 705-706: Georgetown vs. Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: Georgetown 66.191; Syracuse 75.077
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 9
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-5 1/2)
Game 707-708: Marquette vs. Villanova
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 68.286; Villanova 71.292
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 3
Vegas Line: Villanova by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+5 1/2)
Game 709-710: Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Notre Dame 72.347; Pittsburgh 68.319
Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 4
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 711-712: Cincinnati vs. West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 64.027; West Virginia 70.312
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 713-714: Virginia vs. Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 60.364; Boston College 67.876
Dunkel Line: Boston College by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston College by 5
Dunkel Pick: Boston College (-5)
Game 715-716: Miami (FL) vs. Wake Forest
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (FL) 63.677; Wake Forest 65.653
Dunkel Line: Wake Forest by 2
Vegas Line: Wake Forest by 4
Dunkel Pick: Miami (FL) (+4)
Game 717-718: North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina 62.087; Georgia Tech 68.774
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Tech (-3 1/2)
Game 719-720: NC State vs. Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: NC State 64.346; Clemson 71.628
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Clemson by 7
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-7)
Game 721-722: Western Michigan vs. Central Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 51.624; Central Michigan 50.977
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 1
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+1 1/2)
Game 723-724: Eastern Michigan vs. Akron
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 53.613; Akron 57.085
Dunkel Line: Akron by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Akron by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+6 1/2)
Game 725-726: Ohio vs. Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 56.411; Kent State 60.630
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 4
Vegas Line: Kent State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ohio (+4 1/2)
Game 727-728: Buffalo vs. Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 54.928; Miami (OH) 53.532
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo
Game 729-730: Texas Tech vs. Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 59.469; Kansas 78.961
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 19 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 17
Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-17)
Game 731-732: Nebraska vs. Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Nebraska 61.340; Texas A&M 69.341
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 8
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 733-734: Oklahoma State vs. Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 68.722; Kansas State 74.956
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 6
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 735-736: Texas vs. Baylor
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 67.571; Baylor 72.425
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 5
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 737-738: Houston vs. Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 56.841; Memphis 64.597
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 8
Vegas Line: Memphis by 6
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-6)
Game 739-740: Southern Mississippi vs. UAB
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 58.722; UAB 62.434
Dunkel Line: UAB by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 741-742: Tulsa vs. Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 58.403; Marshall 64.426
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 6
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 743-744: Central Florida vs. UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: Central Florida 56.309; UTEP 66.385
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 10
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 745-746: South Carolina vs. Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina 58.990; Alabama 65.159
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 6
Vegas Line: Alabama by 2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (-2)
Game 747-748: LSU vs. Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 56.998; Tennessee 64.574
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 12
Dunkel Pick: LSU (+12)
Game 749-750: Auburn vs. Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 62.212; Florida 66.994
Dunkel Line: Florida by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Auburn (+5 1/2)
Game 751-752: Georgia vs. Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 62.672; Arkansas 61.149
Dunkel Line: Georgia by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Georgia
Game 753-754: Iowa vs. Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 61.402; Michigan 63.887
Dunkel Line: Michigan by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan by 8
Dunkel Pick: Iowa (+8)
Game 755-756: Indiana vs. Northwestern
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 54.669; Northwestern 59.559
Dunkel Line: Northwestern by 5
Vegas Line: Northwestern by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+8 1/2)
Game 757-758: Penn State vs. Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 64.639; Minnesota 69.547
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 5
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 6
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (+6)
Game 759-760: UCLA vs. Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: UCLA 60.315; Arizona 61.627
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Arizona
Game 761-762: Oregon vs. California
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon 60.150; California 67.512
Dunkel Line: California by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 763-764: Oregon State vs. Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 61.662; Washington 70.296
Dunkel Line: Washington by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington by 9
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+9)
Game 765-766: Stanford vs. Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 61.060; Arizona State 65.578
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (+7 1/2)
Game 767-768: Air Force vs. New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 50.234; New Mexico 65.966
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 769-770: Colorado State vs. San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 56.136; San Diego State 66.860
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 10
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-10)
Game 771-772: TCU vs. BYU
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 55.134; BYU 71.233
Dunkel Line: BYU by 16
Vegas Line: BYU by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BYU (+16 1/2)
Game 773-774: Utah vs. UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 56.616; UNLV 67.713
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 11
Vegas Line: UNLV by 13
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+13)
Game 775-776: Boise State vs. Utah State
Dunkel Ratings: Boise State 59.756; Utah State 66.973
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 7
Vegas Line: Utah State by 11
Dunkel Pick: Boise State (+11)
Game 777-778: Fresno State vs. Louisiana Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 49.345; Louisiana Tech 56.409
Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 7
Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech (-4 1/2)
Game 779-780: Idaho vs. Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 53.889; Nevada 59.565
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Nevada by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (+9 1/2)
Game 781-782: San Jose State vs. New Mexico State
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 53.907; New Mexico State 60.126
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 6
Vegas Line: New Mexico State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (-4 1/2)
Game 783-784: Cal Poly vs. Long Beach State
Dunkel Ratings: Cal Poly 48.552; Long Beach State 54.726
Dunkel Line: Long Beach State by 6
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 785-786: CS-Fullerton vs. UC Davis
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 48.501; UC Davis 53.996
Dunkel Line: UC Davis by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 787-788: MD-Eastern Shore vs. South Carolina State
Dunkel Ratings: MD-Eastern Shore 38.105; South Carolina State 43.537
Dunkel Line: South Carolina State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 789-790: Hampton vs. Norfolk State
Dunkel Ratings: Hampton 52.544; Norfolk State 46.613
Dunkel Line: Hampton by 6
Vegas Line: Hampton by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hampton (-2 1/2)
Game 791-792: TX-Corpus Christi vs. Stephen F. Austin
Dunkel Ratings: TX-Corpus Christi 48.818; Stephen F. Austin 54.386
Dunkel Line: Stephen F. Austin by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 793-794: SE Louisiana vs. Sam Houston
Dunkel Ratings: SE Louisiana 49.674; Sam Houston 58.285
Dunkel Line: Sam Houston by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 795-796: Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama A&M 33.815; Alabama State 42.484
Dunkel Line: Alabama State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Alabama State by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama State (-5 1/2)
Game 797-798: Texas Southern vs. Prairie View
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Southern 42.531; Prairie View 37.525
Dunkel Line: Texas Southern by 5
Vegas Line: Texas Southern by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas Southern (-2 1/2)
NHL
St. Louis at NY Islanders
The Islanders look to build on their 8-2 record in their last 10 home games versus teams with a winning road record. New York is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Islanders favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+115)
Game 51-52: Edmonton at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 11.165; Montreal 11.024
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-240); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+200); Under
Game 53-54: St. Louis at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 10.498; NY Islanders 10.620
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+115); Over
Game 55-56: Boston at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 10.710; Philadelphia 12.308
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 57-58: Pittsburgh at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.604; Carolina 11.765
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-140); Over
Game 59-60: Atlanta at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 10.546; Columbus 10.267
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 61-62: Tampa Bay at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.271; Toronto 11.750
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-140); Over
Game 63-64: Minnesota at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 10.942; Detroit 10.827
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-230); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+190); Under
Game 65-66: Florida at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.818; Colorado 12.905
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-190); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-190); Over
Game 67-68: Ottawa at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.776; Calgary 11.560
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+115); Under
Game 69-70: Nashville at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 10.906; San Jose 11.997
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-230); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-230); Over
Great Lakes Sports
Ohio U. vs Kent State
Play: Kent State
The Kent State Golden Flashes are on a nice roll going 6-3-1 in their last ten games, and the Kent State Golden Flashes are a stunning 7-3 when the total is between 130 to 139.5 this year. The Kent State Golden Flashes is also 10-5 ATS vs conference opponents this year, and they are 7-4 ATS off of a win against a conference rival this year. We look for the Kent State Golden Flashes to grab the MAC tournament ATS Win&cover tonight.
Stephen Nover
UNC vs. Georgia Tech (-3'), at Greensboro
Beat four ACC teams in four days. It ain't happening for North Carolina. And the Tar Heels know it.
North Carolina doesn't have the talent or confidence to pull off upsets. The Tar Heels are NIT-bound being one game above .500. They have covered just 34 percent of their games.
Georgia Tech, on the other hand, has everything to play for being a bubble team. The Yellow Jackets are 19-11. They have covered 56 perccent of their games.
The Yellow Jackets have two of the more underrated players in the ACC, Gani Lawal and Derrick Favors. In his last five games, Favors is averaging 16.4 points and 9.6 rebounds. No freshman scored more points in ACC action this season than Favors.
Georgia Tech has the motivation and confidence entering this matchup having gone 2-0 against North Carolina. Payback is long due. The Yellow Jackets haven't swept the Tar Heels since 1995-96. They beat North Carolina, 68-51, in Atlanta. That was the fewest points North Carolina had scored in the Roy Williams era until its final regular-season game.
That game was this past Saturday when Duke destroyed and humiliated its long-time bitter rival. The Blue Devils buried the Tar Heels, 82-50. The last time North Carolina lost a game that bad was 2003. So the Tar Heels are not entering this matchup in a very confident state. There's certainly no reason for the Tar Heels to have any confidence about their abilities.
2♦ GEORGIA TECH
Colorado St. vs. San Diego St. (-10), at Las Vegas
San Diego State hasn't been able to crack an invite to the "Big Dance" the past three seasons. The Aztecs may have been the final cut from the "Big Dance" last season.
The Aztecs own 22 victories, play in what has become a respected conference - the Mountain West - and have a 33 Ratings Percentage Index placement. They are playing well, too, with 10 victories in their last 13 games.
Yet, San Diego State finds itself very much a bubble team. The feeling is unless the Aztecs show well in the Mountain West Conference Tournament, they are going to be left out of the "Big Dance" once again.
I expect San Diego State to be fully motivated for this first-round tournament matchup against Colorado State, a team that has failed to cover seven of the past 10 times it has been an underdog.
San Diego State should control the boards with a solid front line of Kawhi Leonard, Billy White and Malcolm Thomas. Leonard ranked fourth in the Mountain West in scoring and second in rebounding.
The Aztecs have won 10 straight regular-season meetings against the Rams. The Rams have struggled when stepping up in class.
The Mountain West has four strong teams in New Mexico, BYU, UNLV and San Diego State. Colorado State was 0-8 versus those schools, losing by an average of 19.3 points.
2♦ SAN DIEGO STATE
Michael Cannon
Marquette (+5) vs. Villanova, at NEW YORK
I'm 5-2 with my last seven overall free plays!
Take the points with Marquette over Villanova.
The Golden Eagles actually match up quite well with the Wildcats.
The last three meetings in this rivalry have been decided by a total of five points.
I realize Villanova won all three of those matchups, but I don’t see them getting past the number today.
Marquette is 14-6-1 ATS in its last 21 versus the Big East and 11-5-1 ATS in its last 17 games overall. The Golden Eagles are also on a 7-2 ATS run in their last nine versus Villanova.
The Wildcats are just 2-9 ATS in their last 11 Thursday games.
Take the points with Marquette as they stay within the number.
3♦ MARQUETTE
Indiana vs. Northwestern (-8'), at INDIANAPOLIS
Take Northwestern minus the points over Indiana.
Big revenge spot for Northwestern. The Hoosiers upset the Wildcats last Saturday, 88-80 in overtime and there isn’t a better spot for Northwestern to take out its frustrations than this.
Indiana is just awful. They are a young team that needs more time to gel. Maybe next season they’ll have a better showing, but today they are going to find out how difficult it is to advance in the Big Ten tournament.
Northwestern destroyed Indiana in the first meeting this year, 78-61, so you know they have it in them to get past this number.
Take Northwestern minus the points as they grab the win and cover.
3♦ NORTHWESTERN
Karl Garrett
Virginia vs. BOSTON COLLEGE (-4') - at Greensboro, NC
G-Man on a 13-6-1 comp play run coming into Thursday's action.
With 9 straight losses, and the loss of Sylven Landesberg because of academic violations, the G-Man has a feeling it is going to be a short afternoon for the Virginia Cavaliers.
Boston College just beat Virginia, 68-55 back on March the 3rd as the 6 1/2-point home favorite, and the Eagles also dumped the Cavaliers in the ACC Tourney's opening round last March, 76-63 as the 5-point favorite to make it 3 straight series wins and covers against the Wahoos.
BC picked up a little updraft to end the regular season, winning 3 of their last 5 straight up, while covering in 4 of those 5.
With UVa just 1-8 against the spread during their current 9 game slide, expect things to get away from Coach Bennett's team.
Lay it with the Eagles.
4♦ BOSTON COLLEGE
LSU vs. TENNESSEE (-12) - at Nashville, TN
G-Man going to eat the chalk with the peaking Volunteers this Thursday afternoon, as Tennessee comes into the Sommet Center having won their last 3 games, and 5 of their last 6 overall. Of course playing in-state will also assure Bruce Pearl's team of seeing plenty of orange in the stands today which cannot hurt.
LSU has won just twice in their last 16 games, and they are on a 7-16 spread run their last 23 lined games. True, the Bayou Bengals did cover in the lone meeting this season against the Vols, losing by 5 at home as the 6 1/2-point underdog.
I don't expect LSU to be as lucky today. Tennnessee is looking for a Big Dance springboard, and I expect a deep run in this SEC tourney to give them just that.
Lay the lumber!
2♦ TENNESSEE
Bobby Maxwell
Miami vs. Wake Forest (-3'), at Greensboro, NC
I scored the FREE winner on the Bobcats on Wednesday to improve my free record to 65-32-3 witih my last 100 comp plays. Today I have a winner for you on Wake Forest as the Demon Deacons will win and cover in their opening-round ACC game against Miami.
These two teams split their regular season meetings and it you asked me to pick which team is coming in hotter right now – I don’t think either one is playing very well or is going to be a factor in this tournament. But in this head-to-head showdown, I love Wake Forest. The matchup definitely favors them today.
Wake ended the regular season with a 70-65 win over Clemson as a one-point home favorite. They have cashed in seven of their last nine games and they’ve got some players that have been through this before and who know how to win ACC tourney games.
The pair of Ishmael Smith and Aminu Al-Farouq can be deadly. Throw in Chas McFarland and if they all get it going, this one could be a blowout. Smith is the leader and he will do whatever it takes to win while the other two dominate the boards. They beat Miami 62-53 as a six-point chalk back on Feb. 2 with Smith controlling things with 11 points, nine boards and six assists.
The Hurricanes lost five of six down the stretch, including ugly losses to Carolina and N.C. State. They are 1-4 ATS in their last five as a ‘dog of up to 6 ½ points.
The Demon Deacons are on ATS runs of 4-0 0after a straight-up win, 7-1 against winning teams and 5-1 as a chalk of up to 6 ½ points. Go ahead and lay the chalk as this one finishes as a 10-point Wake victory.
4♦ WAKE FOREST
UCLA vs. Arizona (pk), at Los Angeles
I'm 65-32-3 with my last 100 FREE selections and today I have a college hoops freebie for you as I go with Arizona to get the win and cover over UCLA in the opening round of the Pac-10 tournament.
These two teams squared off a week ago and even though the Wildcats spotted the Bruins a 10-point halftime lead, they were still able to come back strong and win the game by five as 4 ½-point favorites.
Arizona swept the regular-season series, including a dominating 77-63 win in Los Angeles on Feb. 2, cashing as six-point underdogs. The Wildcats have won three straight and cashed in four of five against the Bruins.
The Wildcats became the cardiac kids down the stretch, beating Stanford, UCLA and USC after falling behind early and rallying to score the win and cover in the first two but just missing by half a point against the Trojans. Three players make the difference for the ‘Cats – MoMo Jones, Dondre Wise and Kyle Fogg. Those three guards have taken to their roles and are so much better than anybody the Bruins have, it’s not even a close contest.
UCLA struggled all season, but lost three straight to close out the campaign and they know there is no postseason for them. When they fall behind today, you’ll see a team just pack it in. They don’t have talented offensive players to start with, but falling behind early is not going to help.
Play Arizona to make it four straight over their rivals from UCLA and advance to the next round.
3♦ ARIZONA
Chris Jordan
Houston vs. Memphis (-6), at Tulsa
While everyone keeps saying this is Alabama-Birmingham, Tulsa or UTEP’s tournament to lose, I’m not convinced we can write off these Tigers so quickly. Memphis went 13-3 and finished the season winning seven of its last eight. And just in the last week, Memphis dealt fellow bubble resident UAB a crushing home loss and then savaged Tulsa by 22.
However, it’s a loss that’ll be the motivating factor for the Tigers, who played their worst game of the year in a 92-75 loss at Houston on Feb. 24. Memphis will be out for revenge for that loss, knowing it plays much better – and is much better and is as good as its 23-8 overall record.
Prior to the opening round, Memphis sophomore forward was even quoted in saying: “We want another shot at Houston. Things didn't go as planned when we went down there. If we got another shot at them, we'd love to have it.”
Well they’ve got it, and it’s not going to be pretty, as I expect the Tigers to correct what they did wrong on that trip to Houston.
Don’t count the Tigers out, as this is a team that has faced Kansas, Tennessee and Syracuse in non-conference play, and competed well against Conference USA foes.
I’m laying the chalk with Memphis.
3♦ MEMPHIS
Penn State vs. Minnesota, at Indianapolis
This is such a crappy game out of the Big 10, but there is something about Penn State that is intriguing.
Minnesota has been hot and cold this season, including a couple of devastating blowout losses to Ohio State and Michigan, with the one to Michigan coming just about a week ago.
Though Penn State had a rough start in Big 10 action – it lost 12 straight until finally beating Northwestern (twice) and Michigan – this was a scrappy team that found ways to play competitive. The Nittany Lions lost three of their last six to Ohio State, Michigan State and Purdue; the last two were by a combined six points.
Again, this is a hunch, as the Lions look like the right play in the right spot in this game. Penn State is going to end up being a very dangerous competitor in this tournament. The Lions have been close to pulling out victories all season and you’d think it’s just a matter of time before they pull one out.
Well, no time like the present, against a vulnerable Gophers team.
1♦ PENN STATE
Chuck O'Brien
Iowa vs. Michigan (+8), at Indianapolis
Back-to-back comp-play winners with George Washington on Monday and Oregon last night. For Thursday, take Michigan and lay the points against Iowa in the opening round of the Big Ten tournament.
I have been going against Iowa consistently all season and made a small fortune doing so, including Sunday’s 20 Dime winner on Minnesota, which spanked the Hawkeyes 88-53 as a 14-point favorite. In its game prior to that, Iowa lost 67-40 at Wisconsin as an 18-point underdog. As I said Sunday, the Hawkeyes (who have two wins in their last nine games) have quit on the season, and I don’t expect that to suddenly change today in the Big Ten tournament. If anything, Iowa may tank this game worse than any other just so this miserable season finally comes to an end.
Like Iowa, Michigan has had a very disappointing season, but for an entirely different reason. See, the Wolverines actually have some talent, and that talent has shown through at times this season. The problem has been consistency, and for examples of that, just look at their final two regular season games: an 83-55 home win over Minnesota, followed by a 64-48 loss at Michigan State.
I’m banking on the “good” Wolverines to show up today, as they actually have the ability to make a little bit of noise in this tournament. Also, Michigan swept the season series from Iowa and has won three in a row and six of the last seven in this rivalry (5-2 ATS). The Wolverines have also cashed in eight of their last 10 games when coming off a loss and 11 of 12 games on Thursday, while Iowa is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 neutral-site games, including 1-8 ATS as an underdog, and the Hawkeyes have failed to cover in four straight Thursday contests.
Iowa’s last six games away from home ended in losses by 25, 27, 17, 23, 10 and 14 points (the latter coming at Michigan).
4♦ MICHIGAN
Lenny Del Genio
Boise St. at Utah St.
Prediction: Utah St.
This ain't football and this ain't the blue turf. Top seed Utah State opens WAC Tournament play by drawing eight seed Boise State, whom they swept during the regular season. In fact, since losing its first two conference games of the year, the Aggies have rattled off 15 straight victories, covering the spread in all but three of those games. USU did not cover as seven-point road chalk in Boise in the prior meeting as the Broncos moved to 7-0 ATS in revenge spots this year, but note that when the home court advantage was taken away in mid-January, Utah State was an 81-59 winner. That non-cover last meeting was a rarity for the Aggies, who are 15-8 ATS as favorites this season. Take Utah State.
Marc Lawrence
Oklahoma State at Kansas State
Prediction: Oklahoma State
When the Cowboys battle the Wildcats in a Big 12 Quarterfinals matchup this evening they will do so knowing OSU has been brilliant in this tournament when facing an opponent off a loss, going 5-0 ATS. Okie State is also 11-1 ATS in its 2nd game this event. Meanwhile, KSU limps in off back-to-back losses - including a 3-point defeat as 15-point favorites against iowa State - owning a dismal 1-3 SU and ATS mark as a favorite in this tournament. Back the underdog playing the better ball here tonight.
VEGAS EXPERTS
Portland Trail Blazers at Golden State Warriors
The Warriors return home following a disastrous road trip that saw the team lose all five games while also going 0-5 ATS. They continued to stake their claim as the NBA's worst defensive club, yielding 110, 117, 127, 101 and 135 in the five games to run their average to 111.2 points allowed per game. Portland is much more sound defensively, not to mention will be looking to snap a five-game losing streak in Oakland. They recently beat Golden State by 16 at the Rose Garden. The Warriors could be without Monta Ellis.
Play on: Portland
Sean Higgs
Eastern Michigan vs. Akron
Play: Akron -6.5
Eastern Michigan upset Akron on the road as 12 point dogs back on February 1st. Akron will put the clamps down early and end any thought of another upset. Akron won the MAC Title last year, and would like to stay around awhile and defend it.
Charlie Scott
Utah U vs. UNLV
Play: Over 131.5
A couple of solid reason for this play, In the first 2 matchups between these teams this season the oddsmaker had the total at 135 tonight it's down to 131. Utah won both games, so we know UNLV will be focused for the Tournament opener. Both teams know each other well and have had plenty of time to game plan on how to attack on offense vs this low total. Utah center 7-3 Foster is doubtful for the Tournament which means Freshman Washburn will see plenty of playing time. The oddsmaker expects UNLV to have a lead at the end of the game, however in tournament play there is no tomorrow, expect Utah with Head Coach Boylen to play and foul to the very end.