Karl Garrett
Georgetown at PITTSBURGH -1
G-Man now 7-2 the last 9 days with my comp plays after Miami trounced Indiana last night.
Big East battle tonight, and I am really liking the make up of this Pitt team!
The Panthers have won 8 straight, including their first 5 in conference play, and they are catching Georgetown off a tough road loss at Villanova. This will be the Hoyas 4th road game their last 6 times on court, and the Hoyas just haven't had much luck when playing Pittsburgh of late, as the Panthers have rattled off 3 straight series wins, and 3 straight series covers.
At 10-0 straight up on their home floor this season, it does not appear as though the Panthers are going to lose this game, and since the line is priced near a pick, the G-Man will side with the red-hot host to dump Georgetown for a 4th straight time.
Take Pittsburgh.
1♦ PITTSBURGH
Dominic Fazzini
Georgetown at PITTSBURGH -1'
I hit a sour note with my complimentary selection Tuesday as Northwestern fell behind early at Ohio State and never did get back on track. But I'm still 59-39-3 over the last 101 days, and I'm going to rebound today with a college hoops winner!
Pittsburgh is tied with Siena for the second-longest home winning streak in the nation at 31 games, and it also enters tonight's game against Georgetown on an eight-game winning streak overall, going 7-0 ATS in lined games.
The Panthers are probably the biggest surprise in the Big East this season, entering tonight's game 5-0 in conference play, including 4-1 ATS. And they have owned the Hoyas in the past couple of seasons, winning three straight games against their conference rivals.
Pitt is 10-0 at home this season, while Georgetown is just 3-2 on the road, and the Panthers are limiting opponents at the Petersen Events Center to just 53.9 ppg.
The backcourt of Ashton Gibbs (17.5 ppg) and Brad Wanamaker (13.1) is leading Pitt, and their quickness and outside shooting should give the Panthers the edge.
Pitt is on ATS runs of 4-0-2 at home and as a home favorite, while the Hoyas are just 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine games as an underdog and 2-5-1 as a road 'dog. Take the Panthers to keep it rolling today and cover the points.
2♦ PITTSBURGH
Jimmy Moore
Baylor @ Kansas
Pick: Baylor +14.5
The Bears are having an excellent season at 14-2 SU and 7-2 ATS. Also they have covered 5 of the last 6 games they have played at Kansas. Take the Bears plus the big number to get a win on Wednesday night.
Brett Atkins
I improved to 7-4 with my last 11 free selections after Tennessee got the win and cover at Alabama on Tuesday. Tonight I've got another college hoops winner for you as I go with Pitt at home to get the win and cover over Georgetown in a Big East showdown.
This is a tough chore for the Hoyas as they are taking on their second straight Top-10 team in the last four days on the road. It’s too much to ask and expect Pitt to pull away in the second half and win this thing by 12 at least.
Pitt comes in on a roll, having won eight straight overall and 31 straight on the home court. The Panthers rallied on Saturday and scored an 82-77 OT win as a 1 ½-point home favorite over Louisville. They trailed by 5 points with 34 seconds left but some missed free throws by the Cardinals left the door open and the Panthers were able to draw even with 1.9 seconds left and get to OT.
Pitt is 10-0 at the Petersen Events Center and outscore the opposition by more than 14 points a game and shoot 49 percent from the floor while the opposition manages just 36 percent shooting. The Panthers have won three straight over the Hoyas, including last year’s 70-54 win as a 3 ½-point road underdog.
Georgetown was at Villanova on Sunday and lost 82-77, falling as a 4 ½-point underdog. They have now lost two straight Big East road games and their defense is in a rough spot, giving up 82 and 73 in their last two games and holding the first 14 opponents to 70 or fewer.
The Hoyas are on ATS slides of 10-20-1 overall, 6-20 in Big East games and 4-11 after a straight-up loss. Pitt is on ATS runs of 6-0-1 ATS in their last seven overall and 4-0-1 ATS in Big East action, plus they are on an 8-1-2 ATS run against winning teams and 5-0-1 ATS after a straight-up win.
Pitt at home will deliver this winner, they just don’t lose at home and they’ll pull away late against a tired Georgetown squad.
5♦ PITT
Jay McNeil
I cruised to an easy victory with my free play Tuesday, backing the Heat in their 30-point home win over Indiana. That makes it three straight victories, and 17 in my last 28 plays, and I've got another NBA winner for you today!
The Nuggets have had a tough time of it on the road lately, dropping seven of their last eight, but I'm taking them tonight at Golden State.
Denver has won three straight and five of six overall coming into this game, they are rested after not having played since Sunday and they have won four straight games against the Warriors, including two already this season.
Golden State has been playing with only eight players lately, and the team's injuries, especially in the frontcourt, are going to be a big negative factor for it tonight against a big, talented Nuggets team.
The Warriors have lost three of their last four games, and are just 8-10 at home this season. Look for Carmelo Anthony to have a big game tonight, and take Denver to cover the points in a road win.
2♦ DENVER
Joel Tyson
For Wednesday, can't trust UConn right now laying this big number, as the Huskies current 3 game losing streak, coupled with Jim Calhoun handing the coaching reins over while he is on medical leave does not inspire confidence whan being asked to cover double-digits.
The Red Storm did cover last year's lone meeting, and they do come to town having won their last pair of games straight up, while covering 3 in a row, and 4 of their last 5 lined contests.
Take the Johnnies plus the points to stay close against struggling Connecticut.
2♦ ST. JOHN'S
DUNKEL
Utah at San Antonio
The Jazz look to build on their 3-0-1 ATS record in their last 4 games as a road underdog. Utah is the pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Spurs favored by only 5. Dunkel Pick: Utah (+6 1/2)
Game 701-702: Miami at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 115.519; Charlotte 129.082
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 13 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 703-704: Indiana at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 110.261; Orlando 125.527
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 15 1/2; 214
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 11 1/2; 210
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-11 1/2); Over
Game 705-706: Dallas at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 119.387; Washington 115.438
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 4; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 5; 199
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+5); Under
Game 707-708: Portland at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 121.185; Philadelphia 118.294
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 3; 202
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 709-710: Sacramento at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 110.527; Atlanta 124.235
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 13 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 10; 205
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-10); Over
Game 711-712: Boston at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 119.640; Detroit 108.901
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 10 1/2; 189
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 713-714: Memphis at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 120.163; New Orleans 121.279
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 1; 207
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 4; 203 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+4); Over
Game 715-716: Toronto at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 120.263; Milwaukee 118.169
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 2; 201
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 3; 205
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+3); Under
Game 717-718: Oklahoma City at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 121.348; Minnesota 112.338
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 9; 206
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 719-720: Utah at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 121.754; San Antonio 126.944
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 5; 198
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 6 1/2; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+6 1/2); Over
Game 721-722: New Jersey at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 106.697; Phoenix 119.820
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 13; 222
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 12; 218
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-12); Over
Game 723-724: Denver at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 120.518; Golden State 117.414
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 3; 233
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 6; 230
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+6); Over
Game 725-726: Chicago at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 116.287; LA Clippers 125.188
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 9; 199
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 3; 197
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-3); Over
NCAAB
Wake Forest at North Carolina
The Demon Deacons look to build on their 7-0 ATS record in their last 7 games as an underdog from 1 to 6 1/2 points. Wake Forest is the pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has North Carolina favored by only 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (+6 1/2)
Game 727-728: Iowa at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 54.876; Michigan State 78.806
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 24
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 22 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-22 1/2)
Game 729-730: St. John's at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: St. John's 61.521; Connecticut 71.081
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 9
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-9)
Game 731-732: Georgetown at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Georgetown 70.600; Pittsburgh 75.053
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 1
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-1)
Game 733-734: Charlotte at Richmond
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 59.258; Richmond 64.622
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Richmond by 8
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+8)
Game 735-736: Old Dominion at Delaware
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 63.167; Delaware 54.248
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 9
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Delaware (+12 1/2)
Game 737-738: NC Wilmington at Georgia State
Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 52.741; Georgia State 54.400
Dunkel Line: Georgia State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NC Wilmington (+3 1/2)
Game 739-740: James Madison at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 51.770; Drexel 56.063
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Drexel by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: James Madison (+7 1/2)
Game 741-742: Miami (OH) at Akron
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (OH) 56.185; Akron 63.242
Dunkel Line: Akron by 7
Vegas Line: Akron by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (OH) (+8 1/2)
Game 743-744: Buffalo at Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 58.839; Kent State 58.059
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 1
Vegas Line: Kent State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+4)
Game 745-746: Ohio at Bowling Green
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 55.599; Bowling Green 54.670
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 1
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Ohio
Game 747-748: Eastern Michigan at Central Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 49.134; Central Michigan 51.714
Dunkel Line: Central Michigan by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Central Michigan by 6
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+6)
Game 749-750: Western Michigan at Ball State
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 55.498; Ball State 48.459
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 7
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 3
Dunkel Pick: Western Michigan (-3)
Game 751-752: Northern Illinois at Toledo
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Illinois 47.840; Toledo 46.816
Dunkel Line: Northern Illinois by 1
Vegas Line: Northern Illinois by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+4 1/2)
Game 753-754: Southern Mississippi at UAB
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 53.293; UAB 67.532
Dunkel Line: UAB by 14
Vegas Line: UAB by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (-10 1/2)
Game 755-756: South Florida at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: South Florida 59.522; Cincinnati 69.122
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 8
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-8)
Game 757-758: St. Bonaventure at Massachusetts
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 53.858; Massachusetts 58.086
Dunkel Line: Massachusetts by 4
Vegas Line: Massachusetts by 2
Dunkel Pick: Massachusetts (-2)
Game 759-760: Northeastern at Towson
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 60.779; Towson 52.564
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 8
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 9
Dunkel Pick: Towson (+9)
Game 761-762: Wake Forest at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Wake Forest 67.754; North Carolina 71.142
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (+6 1/2)
Game 763-764: George Washington at Dayton
Dunkel Ratings: George Washington 55.825; Dayton 67.857
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 12
Vegas Line: Dayton by 10
Dunkel Pick: Dayton (-10)
Game 765-766: Duquesne at Rhode Island
Dunkel Ratings: Duquesne 56.292; Rhode Island 69.065
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 10
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (-10)
Game 767-768: Xavier at Temple
Dunkel Ratings: Xavier 66.210; Temple 70.803
Dunkel Line: Temple by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Temple by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-2 1/2)
Game 769-770: Iowa State at Texas Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 62.310; Texas Tech 67.944
Dunkel Line: Texas Tech by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas Tech by 3
Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (-3)
Game 771-772: William & Mary at VCU
Dunkel Ratings: William & Mary 60.568; VCU 64.650
Dunkel Line: VCU by 4
Vegas Line: VCU by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: William & Mary (+6 1/2)
Game 773-774: Fordham at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Fordham 41.564; St. Louis 59.732
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 18
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 16
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-16)
Game 775-776: Villanova at Rutgers
Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 72.030; Rutgers 58.783
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 13
Vegas Line: Villanova by 12
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-12)
Game 777-778: Creighton at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Creighton 56.899; Illinois State 65.438
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (-6)
Game 779-780: Wyoming at BYU
Dunkel Ratings: Wyoming 53.403; BYU 76.598
Dunkel Line: BYU by 23
Vegas Line: BYU by 21 1/2
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-21 1/2)
Game 781-782: Bradley at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 54.449; Southern Illinois 62.233
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 8
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 6
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (-6)
Game 783-784: Drake at Evansville
Dunkel Ratings: Drake 57.703; Evansville 53.090
Dunkel Line: Drake by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Evansville by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Drake (+1 1/2)
Game 785-786: Central Florida at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Central Florida 52.436; Houston 67.531
Dunkel Line: Houston by 15
Vegas Line: Houston by 12
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-12)
Game 787-788: LaSalle at Pennsylvania
Dunkel Ratings: LaSalle 55.869; Pennsylvania 41.627
Dunkel Line: LaSalle by 14
Vegas Line: LaSalle by 10
Dunkel Pick: LaSalle (-10)
Game 789-790: UTEP at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: UTEP 62.919; Memphis 70.469
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 8
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (+8)
Game 791-792: SMU at Rice
Dunkel Ratings: SMU 54.229; Rice 50.346
Dunkel Line: SMU by 4
Vegas Line: Rice by 2
Dunkel Pick: SMU (+2)
Game 793-794: Auburn at LSU
Dunkel Ratings: Auburn 55.613; LSU 60.120
Dunkel Line: LSU by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: LSU by 3
Dunkel Pick: LSU (-3)
Game 795-796: Michigan at Wisconsin
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan 65.837; Wisconsin 77.299
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (-8 1/2)
Game 797-798: Marquette at DePaul
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 69.711; DePaul 56.144
Dunkel Line: Marquette by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Marquette by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (-12 1/2)
Game 799-800: Marshall at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Marshall 61.278; West Virginia 75.183
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 14
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: West Virginia (-10 1/2)
Game 801-802: Duke at North Carolina State
Dunkel Ratings: Duke 79.140; North Carolina State 69.234
Dunkel Line: Duke by 10
Vegas Line: Duke by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina State (+11 1/2)
Game 803-804: Baylor at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 71.748; Kansas 81.530
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 10
Vegas Line: Kansas by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (+14 1/2)
Game 805-806: Colorado at Oklahoma State
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 55.560; Oklahoma State 71.487
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 16
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma State (-9 1/2)
Game 807-808: South Carolina at Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina 62.888; Mississippi 71.059
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 8
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 9
Dunkel Pick: South Carolina (+9)
Game 809-810: New Mexico at Air Force
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 65.028; Air Force 54.311
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 12
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (+12)
Game 811-812: UNLV at Colorado State
Dunkel Ratings: UNLV 64.552; Colorado State 60.509
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 4
Vegas Line: UNLV by 6
Dunkel Pick: Colorado State (+6)
Game 813-814: Nevada at Boise State
Dunkel Ratings: Nevada 63.648; Boise State 57.670
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 6
Vegas Line: Nevada by 4
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-4)
Game 815-816: Western Carolina at Davidson
Dunkel Ratings: Western Carolina 58.331; Davidson 57.047
Dunkel Line: Western Carolina by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Davidson by 4
Dunkel Pick: Western Carolina (+4)
Game 817-818: Appalachian State at Georgia Southern
Dunkel Ratings: Appalachian State 48.208; Georgia Southern 46.361
Dunkel Line: Appalachian state by 2
Vegas Line: Appalachian State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Southern (+5)
Game 819-820: Tulsa at Oral Roberts
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 64.912; Oral Roberts 58.658
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NHL
St. Louis at Montreal
The Canadiens look to take advantage of a St. Louis team that is 1-4 in its last 5 road games. Montreal is the pick (-125) according to Dunkel, which has the Canadiens favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-125)
Game 51-52: Florida at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 10.261; New Jersey 12.734
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 2 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 53-54: St. Louis at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 10.549; Montreal 11.620
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-125); Under
Game 55-56: Vancouver at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 10.890; Edmonton 12539
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+150); Under
SPORTS WAGERS
St. Louis +1.25 over MONTREAL
The Blue Notes are coming off a 4-2 loss at Columbus after a near flawless four-game winning streak. The Canadiens kick-started two struggling clubs, the Sens and Rangers and were outscored 10-4 in those two games. Montreal has now lost three of its last four with its only win over that stretch coming at home against Dallas in a game in which Marty Turco did not come up with a single big save. Certainly, the Canadiens did not outplay Dallas. The Habs have also dropped five of its last seven. One would have to think that the Canadiens will be a little more intense after allowing 10 goals in its last two including six to the Rangers but that could also be a blueprint for other teams to beat the Habs, a team that is very beatable on most nights. But what is most appealing is that the Blue Notes will make a rare appearance in Montreal and you know for sure they’ll be extra jacked up to play here. The Blues are playing great hockey at the moment and any take-back in this spot has to be considered a good one because the Blues chances of winning are just as good and probably better than the hosts’ chances. Play: St. Louis +1.25 (Risking 2 units).
Tom Stryker
OKLAHOMA ST (-) over Colorado
The home versus road dichotomy in this Oklahoma State versus Colorado game is just too juicy to pass up.
The Buffs are competitive in Boulder. However, get CU on foreign soil and this team can be beaten easily. For example, as a conference road underdog priced at +14' or less, the Buffs are a soft 35-58 ATS. In this role running with four or more days rest, CU has struggled something fierce notching an ugly 14-36 ATS record including a stunning 9-31 ATS in this set sporting a won/loss percentage of .500 or better.
On the flip side, Oklahoma State can flat out play inside Gallagher-Iba Arena. In Stillwater matched up against an opponent that checks in without momentum off a straight up loss, the Cowboys are a reliable 44-30 ATS including a strong 23-11 ATS in this role priced as a favorite of -11 or less. Equally impressive, at home in this series, OSU has won 21 of the last 22 meetings dating back to 1980 with its lone straight up loss coming back on January 21st, 2006. The Buffs won an 80-78 overtime thriller over the Pokes.
Off back-to-back SU and ATS losses to Oklahoma and Baylor and with a road war at Kansas State on deck, State knows it must have this game. Take Oklahoma State. Thank you and best of luck, Tom Stryker.
Bryan Leonard
Villanova at Rutgers
The Wildcats enter play having won seven straight games including three straight wins over Georgetown, Louisville and Marquette. They have beaten Rutgers five of the last six meetings as this is definitely a letdown spot for the visitor.The Scarlet Knights have dropped six straight games heading into play tonight. After Villanova they face Georgetown and Marquette both on the road. Therefore you can be assured that the host will be giving the better effort tonight. Besides, they have beaten the Wildcats two of the last four meetings in the Louis Brown Athletic Center, and only one of those two losses was by more than six points. Rutgers is 8-3 at home on the season and have their biggest home court advantage since the 2005-06 season in which they won 19 games.This won't be a cakewalk for the Wildcats and all the motivation is with the host. This number is simply way too high not to back the motivated homer.
PLAY RUTGERS
Tony George
Denver / Golden State Under 230
When I look at my power ratings, I have a 218 number for this game. Yes they both score and play little defense. This should be a tight game tonight and I look for Denver here to struggle somewhat on the road where Golden State is off a win. I have a 12 point overlay against the spread on my power ratings, and that is quite a difference in the Las Vegas line here.
Golden State still has injury and depth issues as well, and the first road game is always tough for a NBA team who has a road stretch coming up like Denver to open up with the kind of points to cover such a huge totals number. These 2 teams are allowing 210 ppg on defense combined right now, that is 20 points off this posted number.
Steve Merril
Iowa State vs. Texas Tech
Play: Texas Tech -3
Iowa St got some shocking news on Tuesday morning. Starting guard Lucca Staiger announced that he was leaving the team to pursue professional opportunities in his native Germany. Staiger was one of the Cyclones better players; he started all 17 games this season and averaged 9.4 points while shooting 42.5% from 3-point land. "An opportunity to play professionally in my home country has come my way and I've decided to pursue it right away. I will miss my teammates and the great fans at Iowa State and I know this is a bad time to leave,' Staiger said. And he’s right. It’s a terrible time to leave because Iowa St was already a short-handed team, and now they have virtually no bench to work with. Staiger's departure leaves the Cyclones with only seven available scholarship players. "Obviously I'm very disappointed with the timing of the decision in particular,' Iowa St head coach Greg McDermott said. "We don't have any choice but to move forward with the guys we have.' The timing is awful, and Iowa St looks to be in a bad spot tonight at Texas Tech. But there are a couple of things that keep this selection from being stronger. Sometimes a dire situation gets the best out of a team, and in their first chance to play, they come out with a ton of energy and focus. And that emotion can carry them and help keep them in a game. The other thing that is concerning is Tech’s recent run. They are just 2-4 over their last six games so they do not come in with a ton of confidence. However, they are taking a huge step down in class after facing the likes of Oklahoma St, Missouri, and Kansas in their last three games (all losses). If the Red Raiders had a bit more confidence coming into tonight’s game, then this would’ve been a Best Bet selection because of the Iowa St situation.
LT Profits
George Washington @ Dayton
The George Washington Colonials and Dayton Flyers are both off to nice starts this season thanks to very good defense, and we look for points to be at a premium when these schools square off tonight.
Dayton is 13-4 overall and a perfect 9-0 here at home, with the defense allowing 62.8 points per game on 40.5 percent shooting. The Flyers have been downright suffocating at home, allowing only 59.8 points per game on 39.2 percent shooting. They have allowed less than 70 points in five of their last six home games, and in the only game they did not, it required overtime for Duquesne to reach 72 points after they were at 63 at the end of regulation.
The Colonials are a nice 11-5 themselves while allowing 67.6 points per game on 40.2 percent shooting. More importantly George Washington has maintained their level of lay on the road, going an excellent 6-2 in their true road games while limiting those opponents to 40.1 percent shooting.
The Colonials defense is strong across the board according to the Pomeroy Ratings, as they rank 58 in turnover percentage (23.3), 54 in two-point percentage (43.7), 39 in block percentage (13.2) and 37 in steal percentage (12.4). Those same Pomeroy Ratings show that Dayton is ranked 35 in the country in defensive efficiency after adjusting for schedule, allowing only .907 points per possession.
So look for the defenses to rise up tonight in this key Atlantic 10 battle, resulting in this game staying Under.
Pick: George Washington/Dayton Under 132
Tom Freese
South Carolina at Mississippi
Prediction: Mississippi
Mississippi is 13-4 overall and and 1-2 in Conference play. The Rebels have 4 double digit scorers. Guard Chris Warren leads the team in scoring with 16.6 points a game while shooting 39% beyond the arc. Guard Jerrico White scores 15.2 points a night. Guard Zach Graham scores 12.1 points a game while shooting 46.2% from beyond the arc. Forward Murphy Holloway scores 10.1 points a game while getting 6.8 rebounds a night. The Rebels are 6-0 ATS as favorites of 7.0 to 12.5 points. South Carolina is 11-6 overall and 2-1 in Conference play. They are led by guard Devon Downey and his 20.9 points a game. Forward Dominique Archie scores 14.4 points a night while shooting 41% from three point land. Brandis Ralph buts up 10 points a night and Mike Holmes and Sam Muldrew both score 9.4 points a night. The Gamecocks are 1-6 ATS vs. a team with a win percentage of over 60% PLAY ON MISSISSIPPI -
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit on Golden State Warriors +6
I'll gladly take the Warriors catching 6 points at home tonight when you consider that they are an impressive 40-12-2 ATS in their last 54 games as a home underdog. Plus, Denver is only 1-8 ATS as a road favorite of 6 points or less this season. The Nuggets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games in the road chalk and a terrible 0-8-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a losing record. Looks like the books have overvalued Denver again. Take the points.