Pittsburgh at Connecticut
By Judd Hall
We’re still a month away from the big tournament, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a game that can match the gravitas of Pittsburgh (23-2 straight up, 12-6-1 against the spread) facing off against the Huskies with Big East bragging rights on the line.
The Panthers and Connecticut (24-1 SU, 10-9 ATS) have stormed through their respective schedules. And the bracketologists have taken notice by installing both programs as No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament.
Pitt comes into this game winning five straight contests and seven of its last eight outings this season. They’ve made bettors pretty happy in that stretch by going 6-1 ATS in its last seven tilts that were on the board.
Pittsburgh was in a trap spot against the Bearcats, but they could’ve fooled me by the display they put on last Saturday. The Panthers put on a shooting clinic by tying a school record by hitting 67.4 percent of their shots from the field to win as 15 ½-point home favorites, 85-69.
The Panthers had five players in double digits against Cincinnati. Levance Fields put in 11 points and 13 assists to be Pitt’s top performer. This was just the latest in a line of solid appearances for Fields, who has 56 assists to just six turnovers in his last five games. DeJuan Blair did his level best to get top honors with 17 points and seven rebounds.
While Fields will be tasked with keeping the offense moving, Jamie Dixon will look to Blair and his presence around the boards to help Pitt win on Monday night. The six-foot seven-inch tall sophomore forward is second in the Big East with 12.6 total boards per contest this year. But he shines on the offensive glass, leading the nation with 5.8 rebounds per game when on that side of the court. Blair only had one offensive rebound against Cincy, but that was due to his teammates hitting damn near every shot they took.
Blair and company will have their work cut out for them against the Huskies. Connecticut has won three straight matches, 12 of those being against Big East competition. The Huskies haven’t been friendly to the folks that back them at the betting shops going 1-2 ATS in their last three. Although, UConn has posted an 8-4 ATS mark for the season when playing teams in the Big East.
Connecticut started life without Jerome Dyson (knee) and his 13.2 points per game this past Saturday as a 9 ½-point road “chalk” against the Pirates. So far life looks good as Hasheem Thabeet scored 25 points, 20 rebounds and nine blocked shots in the Huskies’ 62-54 win against Seton Hall. Jeff Adrien also chimed in with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
The Huskies failed to cover the spread in this game, largely in part to their inability to convert freebies. UConn shot just 15 of 27 from the free throw line, which had to drive bettors crazy when you consider they normally hit 69.5 percent of those shots.
Thabeet has become one of the most dominant big men in the country this season, ranking fourth in the NCAA and first in the Big East with 4.1 blocks per game. He’ll be charged with stopping Pitt’s Blair in one of the most intriguing battles we’re going to see this season. If Thabeet can stop Blair, that will allow Adrien to get some key rebounds…especially on defense. It’s easier said than done, however.
Blair essentially won the battle against UConn’s starting center last season, snaring 13 rebounds with 13 points. Thabeet wound up with five blocks and seven rebounds, while scored 14 points. Despite winning the statistical battle, Pittsburgh wound up losing as a four-point road pup, 60-53.
Las Vegas Sports Consultants have installed the Huskies as 4 ½-point home favorites with the total coming in at 133.
Connecticut has won three of its last four home tilts against the Panthers, covering the spread in just once. The ‘under’ is 4-2 in the past six meetings of these conference foes.
The ‘over’ is 10-9 for the Panthers this season...they’ve seen the ‘over’ go 3-1in their last four matches. However, Pitt has watched the ‘under’ post a 6-3 record when playing away from home.
Jim Calhoun’s Huskies have posted a 13-6 record for the ‘under’ this year. UConn has catered to low scores in its last four games and six of its past seven.
UConn has watched the ‘under’ go 6-2 in the eight home games that were on the board this season.
Tip-off at the XL Center is schedule for 7:00 p.m. EST on ESPN.
vegasinsider.com
(4) Pittsburgh (23-2, 12-6-1 ATS) at (1) Connecticut (24-1, 11-10 ATS)
The top two teams in the Big East are set to battle it out in Connecticut when Pitt visits the Huskies in a matchup of two of the country’s Top-5 teams.
The Panthers have won five straight games (3-0-1 ATS) and scored an 85-69 win over Cincinnati on Saturday, pushing as a 16-point favorite. The Pitt offense has been clicking on all cylinders lately, averaging 86.4 points per game on 53.7 percent shooting during the five-game winning streak, but defensively Jamie Dixon’s squad has surrendered nearly 70 ppg on 48 percent shooting.
UConn comes into this one riding a 13-game winning streak (7-5 ATS), including Saturday’s 62-54 victory at Seton Hall, with the Huskies falling short as 9½-point favorites. Jim Calhoun’s team has been held under 70 points in four straight games, but it has given up 61 points or fewer in seven straight games and 10 of 12 during the winning streak, yielding an average of 58.5 ppg during this stretch. The Huskies, who are playing without third-leading scorer Jerome Dyson (knee injury), are 12-1 at home this season but just 2-6 ATS.
UConn sits alone atop the league standings at 12-1 (8-5 ATS), including 6-1 at home (3-3 ATS). Pitt is 10-2 in conference (7-4-1 ATS), including 4-2 on the road (3-3 ATS).
These rivals are nearly identical statistically, with Pitt averaging 78 ppg and 48.5 percent shooting while UConn averages 76.9 ppg and 48 percent shooting. Defensively, the Panthers allow 62.2 ppg on 40.6 percent shooting, while the Huskies yield 60.5 points a game and limit the opposition to 37.3 percent from the field.
The home team is on a 3-0 run in this rivalry (2-1 ATS), with Connecticut getting a 60-53 win last year as four-point favorites. However, the Panthers are 6-3 ATS in the last nine meetings, including 3-1 in their last four trips to Connecticut. In fact, the visitor has cashed in five of the last eight regular-season meetings.
The Panthers are on ATS streaks of 4-0 overall, 7-3 ATS on the road, 3-0-1 in Big East action, 4-1 on Mondays and 3-1-1 after a straight-up victory. UConn is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven at home, but they are on ATS upticks of 5-2 overall, 5-1 in Big East play and 9-3-1 on Mondays.
For Pitt, the over is on runs of 16-6 in Big East games and 5-2 after a spread-cover, but the under is 7-3 in its last 10 against teams with a winning record. The Huskies are on “under” streaks of 4-0 overall, 5-2 at home, 5-1 in Big East play, 6-1 on Mondays and 7-3 against teams with a winning record, The under has also been the play in seven of the last 10 meetings in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Texas (17-7, 9-12 ATS) at Texas A&M (17-8, 10-7 ATS)
Archrivals do battle at Reed Arena when the Longhorns roll into College Station, Texas, to meet Texas A&M in a Big 12 showdown.
Texas snapped its three-game funk with two straight wins last week, beating Oklahoma State 99-74 and cashing as an 8½-point home favorite on Tuesday and then scoring an 85-76 overtime road win in Colorado on Saturday, falling short as an 11½-point chalk. The Longhorns are just 1-4 ATS in their last five, averaging 77 ppg but giving up 72.4.
Texas A&M has lost three straight and six of its last eight, including Saturday’s 72-68 setback at Baylor on Saturday, but the Aggies got the cash as 5½-point road ‘dogs. Texas A&M, which has lost its last three games by a total of 15 points, is 5-1 ATS in its last six contests (all in conference) despite an offense that averages just 69.3 ppg.
The Longhorns are 6-4 in conference play, but just 3-7 ATS, including 3-2 SU and 2-3 ATS as a visitor. Texas A&M is 3-7 SU and 6-4 ATS in the Big 12, including 3-2 SU and ATS at home.
The home team is a perfect 9-0 (7-2 ATS) in this series dating back to 2005, including Texas’ 67-58 win back on Jan. 24, but the Aggies cashed as 12-point pups. Last year in College Station, A&M prevailed 80-63 and easily covered as 3½-point favorites. In fact, the Aggies are 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
Texas is 19-7 ATS in its last 26 Monday games, but it is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 against teams with a winning record, in addition to its ongoing 1-4 ATS slump (all in Big 12 play). The Aggies are on pointspread runs of 5-1 overall (all in Big 12 action), 7-3 after a spread-cover, 6-3 as an underdog this season, 9-2 after a straight-up loss and 5-1 against teams with a winning record.
The ‘Horns have stayed under the total in six of their last seven Monday games, but they have topped the posted price in four of their last five after a straight-up win. For the Aggies, the under is on streaks of 6-2 overall, 6-2 at home, 5-1 on Mondays and 5-2 after a spread-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS A&M and UNDER
Gametimepicks.com
Canisius Golden Griffins vs. Loyola Greyhounds
Current streak:
Canisius has lost 6 straight games.
Loyola has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Canisius: 7-18 SU, 8-11-1 ATS
Loyola: 11-16 SU, 11-12 ATS
Canisius most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
After playing Niagara are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
Loyola most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Drexel are 1-0
After playing Iona are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Canisius's last 5 games when playing Loyola
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Canisius's last 5 games
Canisius is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Loyola
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Canisius's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Loyola's last 5 games when playing Canisius
Loyola is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Canisius
Loyola is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Canisius
Loyola is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home
Next up:
Canisius at Bowling Green, Saturday, February 21
Loyola at Drexel, Saturday, February 21
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Connecticut Huskies
Pittsburgh held a nine point lead at halftime as they rolled to an 85-69 win over Cincinnati on Saturday. Pittsburgh failed to cover the 15.5-point spread, but the 154 points sailed OVER the posted total of 136.5.
Levance Fields led the way with 11 points and 13 assists, while DeJuan Blair had 17 points in that win.
Haseem Thabeet tossed in 25 points with 20 rebounds for Connecticut on Saturday, as they defeated Seton Hall 62-54. Connecticut covered the 9.5-point spread on the road, while the game's combined 116 points went UNDER the posted total of 145.
Jeff Adrien also had a double-double with 14 points and 15 boards in that win.
Current streak:
Pittsburgh has won 5 straight games.
Connecticut has won 13 straight games.
Team records:
Pittsburgh: 23-2 SU, 13-6 ATS
Connecticut: 24-1 SU, 12-9 ATS
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing DePaul are 3-1
After playing Cincinnati are 5-0
After a win are 8-2
Connecticut most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing South Florida are 2-1
After playing Seton Hall are 4-6
After a win are 10-0
A few trends to consider:
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 10 games when playing Connecticut
Connecticut is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Connecticut is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Connecticut is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Connecticut's last 7 games
Next up:
Pittsburgh home to DePaul, Saturday, February 21
Connecticut home to South Florida, Saturday, February 21
Siena Saints vs. Iona Gaels
Current streak:
Siena has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Siena: 20-6 SU, 11-13 ATS
Iona: 12-14 SU, 11-10-1 ATS
Siena most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-4
Before playing Northern Iowa are 1-1
After playing Manhattan are 8-2
After a win are 8-2
Iona most recently:
When playing on Monday are 2-7
After playing Loyola are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Siena is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Iona
Siena is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
Siena is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Iona
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Siena's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Iona's last 11 games
Iona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Iona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Iona is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Siena
Next up:
Siena home to Northern Iowa, Saturday, February 21
Iona at Boston University, Saturday, February 21
College of Charleston Cougars vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers
Current streak:
Appalachian State has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
College of Charleston: 18-7 SU, 9-11 ATS
Appalachian State: 10-14 SU, 9-12 ATS
College of Charleston most recently:
When playing on Monday are 8-2
Before playing Georgia Southern are 7-3
After playing The Citadel are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4
Appalachian State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing UNC Greensboro are 7-3
After playing Western Carolina are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of College of Charleston's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of College of Charleston's last 5 games on the road
College of Charleston is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games
College of Charleston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Appalachian State's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Appalachian State's last 6 games at home
Appalachian State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing College of Charleston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Appalachian State's last 6 games when playing College of Charleston
Next up:
College of Charleston at Georgia Southern, Thursday, February 19
Appalachian State at UNC Greensboro, Thursday, February 19
Marist Red Foxes vs. Saint Peter's Peacocks
Current streak:
Saint Peter's has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Marist: 8-19 SU, 8-15 ATS
Saint Peter's: 8-17 SU, 11-5-1 ATS
Marist most recently:
When playing on Monday are 3-5
After playing Fairfield are 5-5
After a win are 3-7
Saint Peter's most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-5
After playing Rider are 4-6
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Marist is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Saint Peter's
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Marist's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Marist's last 12 games
Marist is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Saint Peter's
Saint Peter's is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Saint Peter's last 13 games
Saint Peter's is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Marist
Saint Peter's is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
Next up:
Marist home to Hartford, Saturday, February 21
Saint Peter's at Youngstown State, Saturday, February 21
Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M Aggies
Texas outscored Colorado 13-4 in overtime and sealed an 85-76 victory on Saturday. Texas failed to cover the 11-point spread, and the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 127.
A.J. Abrams led Texas with a team-high 29 points, and Damion James chipped in with 21.
Josh Carter had a game-high 20 points in Texas A&M's 72-68 loss to Baylor on Saturday night.
The Bears failed to cover the 5.5-point spread in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (143).
Current streak:
Texas has won 2 straight games.
Texas A&M has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Texas: 17-7 SU, 9-12 ATS
Texas A&M: 17-8 SU, 9-8-1 ATS
Texas most recently:
When playing on Monday are 7-3
Before playing Oklahoma are 9-1
After playing Colorado are 6-4
After a win are 6-4
Texas A&M most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing Texas Tech are 6-4
After playing Baylor are 3-7
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Texas is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games when playing Texas A&M
Texas is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games
Texas is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Texas A&M
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games
Texas A&M is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Texas
Texas A&M is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home
Texas A&M is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas A&M's last 8 games
Next up:
Texas home to Oklahoma, Saturday, February 21
Texas A&M at Texas Tech, Saturday, February 21
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. New Mexico State Aggies
Current streak:
New Mexico State has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Louisiana Tech: 10-15 SU, 12-7-1 ATS
New Mexico State: 13-12 SU, 10-14 ATS
Louisiana Tech most recently:
When playing on Monday are 4-6
After playing Fresno State are 1-9
After a win are 3-7
New Mexico State most recently:
When playing on Monday are 5-5
Before playing CS Fullerton are 3-3
After playing Fresno State are 7-0
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Louisiana Tech is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Louisiana Tech's last 7 games
Louisiana Tech is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Louisiana Tech's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Mexico State's last 5 games at home
New Mexico State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Louisiana Tech
New Mexico State is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games at home
New Mexico State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Next up:
Louisiana Tech home to Houston Baptist, Thursday, February 19
New Mexico State home to CS Fullerton, Saturday, February 21
PITTSBURGH (23 - 2) at CONNECTICUT (24 - 1)
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 1-1 against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 1-1 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LOUISIANA TECH (10 - 15) at NEW MEXICO ST (13 - 12)
Top Trends for this game.
LOUISIANA TECH is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all games this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in road games this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in road lined games this season.
LOUISIANA TECH is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISIANA TECH is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISIANA TECH is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
LOUISIANA TECH is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOUISIANA TECH is 3-2 against the spread versus NEW MEXICO ST over the last 3 seasons
NEW MEXICO ST is 4-1 straight up against LOUISIANA TECH over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS (17 - 7) at TEXAS A&M (17 - 8)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS A&M is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS A&M is 3-2 against the spread versus TEXAS over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS is 3-2 straight up against TEXAS A&M over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CANISIUS (7 - 18) at LOYOLA-MD (11 - 16)
Top Trends for this game.
CANISIUS is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-MD is 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) in home games in February games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-MD is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOYOLA-MD is 3-2 against the spread versus CANISIUS over the last 3 seasons
LOYOLA-MD is 5-0 straight up against CANISIUS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
COLL OF CHARLESTON (18 - 7) at APPALACHIAN ST (10 - 14)
Top Trends for this game.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) after a conference game this season.
APPALACHIAN ST is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 54-34 ATS (+16.6 Units) in road games since 1997.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 54-34 ATS (+16.6 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
APPALACHIAN ST is 4-2 against the spread versus COLL OF CHARLESTON over the last 3 seasons
APPALACHIAN ST is 3-3 straight up against COLL OF CHARLESTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SIENA (20 - 6) at IONA (12 - 14)
Top Trends for this game.
SIENA is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) against conference opponents this season.
SIENA is 66-45 ATS (+16.5 Units) in road games since 1997.
SIENA is 66-45 ATS (+16.5 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
IONA is 30-48 ATS (-22.8 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
IONA is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in home games in February games since 1997.
IONA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
IONA is 3-2 against the spread versus SIENA over the last 3 seasons
SIENA is 5-0 straight up against IONA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MARIST (8 - 19) at ST PETERS (8 - 17)
Top Trends for this game.
ST PETERS is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) against conference opponents this season.
ST PETERS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after a conference game this season.
ST PETERS is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ST PETERS is 29-48 ATS (-23.8 Units) in all home games since 1997.
ST PETERS is 29-48 ATS (-23.8 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
MARIST is 3-2 against the spread versus ST PETERS over the last 3 seasons
MARIST is 5-0 straight up against ST PETERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CANISIUS vs. LOYOLA
Canisius is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Loyola
Canisius is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Loyola
Loyola is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Canisius
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Loyola's last 5 games when playing Canisius
PITTSBURGH vs. CONNECTICUT
Pittsburgh is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Connecticut
Pittsburgh is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Connecticut
Connecticut is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Connecticut's last 8 games at home
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON vs. APPALACHIAN STATE
College of Charleston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Appalachian State
College of Charleston is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Appalachian State
Appalachian State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Appalachian State is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games at home
SIENA vs. IONA
Siena is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Iona
Siena is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Iona is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Iona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
MARIST vs. SAINT PETER'S
Marist is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Saint Peter's
Marist is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Saint Peter's is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Marist
Saint Peter's is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
LOUISIANA TECH vs. NEW MEXICO STATE
Louisiana Tech is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Louisiana Tech is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games on the road
New Mexico State is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Louisiana Tech
New Mexico State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Louisiana Tech
TEXAS vs. TEXAS A&M
Texas is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Texas A&M
Texas is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Texas A&M
Texas A&M is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Texas
Texas A&M is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games when playing Texas
Tips and Trends
#4 Pittsburgh at #1 Connecticut
Pitt: The Panthers are coming off an 85-69 rout of Cincinnati on Saturday and may have an edge in the backcourt against the Huskies. Without third-leading scorer Jerome Dyson, UConn will battle the NCAA leader in assist-to-turnover ratio in Pitt's Levance Fields, who is averaging 12 points, 12.5 assists and 1.5 turnovers in his last four games. “Everything we do on offense flows through him and he’s really just leading us perfectly right now,” said Panthers head coach Jamie Dixon of Fields. The Huskies lack quality depth behind A.J. Price, as senior Craig Austrie made only 2-of-10 shots and scored six points filling in for Dyson on Saturday.
Pitt is 7-3-1 ATS in its last 11 road games.
The UNDER is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 64 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
UConn (-3, O/U 136): Hasheem Thabeet is coming off a career game for the Huskies, totaling 25 points, 20 rebounds and nine blocks in a 62-54 win over Seton Hall on Saturday. The 7-foot-3 center has played like a man among boys lately, earning high praise from both head coaches. “The difference tonight was there were nine players and Hasheem,” UConn's Jim Calhoun said after beating the Pirates. “Every once in a while you see that.” “Hasheem Thabeet is a great player who’s really improved tremendously as his career has gone on,” Dixon said. “He started against us here his freshman year. Now, two years later they’re the number-one ranked team in the country riding him very hard. That shows great improvement.”
UConn is 9-3-1 ATS in its last 13 Monday games.
The UNDER is 8-2 in UConn's last 10 games overall.
Key Injuries - G Jerome Dyson (knee) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 67
Texas at Texas A&M
Texas (-2.5, O/U 131): The Longhorns will try to win three in a row following a three-game losing streak and hope to have an easier time than they did on Saturday in an 85-76 overtime win at Colorado. That likely won't be the case though considering Texas A&M is 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings with Texas. The Longhorns are just 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall with leading scorer A.J. Abrams scoring more than 20 points only once during that stretch.
Texas is 19-7 ATS in its last 26 Monday games.
The OVER is 4-2 in the last 6 meetings
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 65
Texas A&M: The Aggies will be looking to end a three-game skid, something the Longhorns have just rebounded from in winning their last two games. Texas A&M suffered a 72-68 loss at Baylor on Saturday but covered the spread to improve to 5-1 ATS in its last six games. Rebounding could again decide this matchup with Texas. The Aggies have out-rebounded their last five opponents and have been out-rebounded by the Longhorns just once in the last five meetings.
Texas A&M is 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
The UNDER is 12-4 in Texas A&M's last 16 games vs. Big 12.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 66 (Side Play of the Day)
Game of the day: Pittsburgh Panthers at Connecticut Huskies
By DAVE CAREY
GAME: Pittsburgh Panthers at Connecticut Huskies
LINE: (UConn -3)
Big East’s best = Nation’s best?
Pittsburgh (23-2 SU, 12-6-1 ATS) already has been the top ranked team in the country this season and Connecticut (24-1 SU, 10-9 ATS) currently occupies that spot.
But even as the Panthers, 10-2 in the Big East, and Connecticut, 12-1 in the Big East, vie for a conference title, this matchup will go a long way to determining a No. 1 seed in next month’s NCAA Tournament.
Connecticut is led by guard A.J. Price (12.1 ppg, 4.4 apg, 3.4 rpg) and center Hasheem Thabeet. Price had scored in double figures in eight straight games before finishing with just six points in a 62-54 win over Seton Hall on Saturday.
Pittsburgh guard Levance Fields (11.1 ppg, 7.7 apg) is one of the best ball handlers in the country and he has 56 assists against just six turnovers the past five games, including 13-0 assist-turnover ration Saturday against Cincinnati. The Panthers shot a school-record tying 67.4 percent in the win.
Bettors should also use caution if they are thinking about Pittsburgh and the moneyline: The Panthers are 0-13 all-time vs. the No. 1 ranked team with their last three meetings coming against Connecticut.
Life without Dyson
Huskies junior guard Jerome Dyson, one of the team’s best outside shooters, was averaging 13.2 points per game before tearing the lateral meniscus in his right knee against Syracuse on Wednesday. He is expected to undergo surgery on Monday and likely will miss the rest of the season.
"I was more disappointed than anything," Dyson told the Connecticut Post. "It seems like every time I get off to a good start, something happens that pulls me back down. I just have to come back and start fresh next season."
The injury forced coach Jim Calhoun to shift to a six-man rotation, with senior Craig Austrie taking Dyson’s place as a starter. Austrie, Thabeet, Price, Jeff Adrien and Kemba Walker each played more than 30 minutes with reserve Stanley Robinson (20 minutes) the only other player to make a noticeable contribution on Saturday.
Austrie finished with six points on just 2-of-10 shooting against Seton Hall.
Thabeet vs. Blair
In the team’s only meeting last year, a 60-53 win by Connecticut in Hartford, Pittsburgh’s DeJuan Blair dominated Thabeet, finishing with 13 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and a block in a battle of two of the nation’s best big men. But Thabeet’s team won behind his seven-rebound, six-point and five-block performance.
“Thabeet, to me, might be the best player in the country," Seton Hall coach Bobby Gonzalez told reporters. "I don't know who has a better player than him, who is a more dominant guy than him in the country. He, to me, is the No. 1 player in America. In my opinion from what I have seen, you know I am not trying to push him out the door, have him go pro, but if I was an NBA franchise I would take him No. 1 in the draft."
Thabeet, who had 11 points, 15 rebounds and a career-high 10 blocks against Providence on Jan. 31, played one of his best games of the season against Seton Hall, finishing with 25 points, 20 rebounds and nine blocks, just missing his second career triple-double in two weeks.
This season, the 7-foot-3, 263-pound junior averages 13.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 4.4 blocks per game, third-most nationally. Behind Thabeet, the Huskies have yet to be outrebounded this season.
Blair, a 6-foot-7, 265 pound sophomore, has a more polished offensive game, with averages 15.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.
"That was DeJuan? I thought that was Shaq," IUP coach Joe Lombardi told reporters after an 86-60 loss earlier this season. "He was a man in waiting last year, but he's arrived. He's immovable, and his dexterity and skills allow him to get rebounds outside of his area on the floor."
No place like the XL Center
"Obviously, everybody's talking about that UConn game and kind of overlooking the Cincinnati one, but we did a great job preparing for this," Fields told reporters. “Now the stage is set."
Since 2003, the Panthers and Huskies have split 10 meetings. Connecticut has a slim lead in the all-time series, 30-24. But one of the hidden factors in the series history is where the game is played.
Hartford Civic Center, now know has the XL Center, has been very kind to the Huskies when they host the Panthers. They are 10-4 against their Big East rivals at the venue, including last year’s win. Dating back to 1998, Connecticut has won its past five games there against Pittsburgh, each by an average of more than 15 points.
And for any bettors thinking about playing the over/under, Connecticut is playing its best defense of the season. The Huskies have held their past six conference opponents to season-low point totals, including most recently Syracuse (49 points) and Seton Hall (54 points). Connecticut is yielding just 60.8 points per game this season, 29th-best nationally.
Neither Connecticut (6-13 O/U) or Pittsburgh (10-9 O/U), however, have been strong over/under plays this season.
Texas at Texas A&M Preview
By Sportspic
Longhorns have bounced back from a rough stretch winning their last two over Oklahoma State (99-74) and most recently an 85-76 overtime win over Colorado.
Lead by A.J. Abrams' (49 pts, 55.0%FG, 75.5% 3pt) and Damion James (40 pts, 60.7%FG, 50.0% 3pt) the Longhorns shot a sizzling 58% (65-112) from the field, a whopping 65% (13-20) from long range over the two games. With the double victories, the team moved to 17-7 (9-12 ATS) and 6-4 (3-7 ATS) in league play.
Meanwhile, Aggies continued their freefall Saturday with a 72-68 loss a Baylor marking three consecutive defeats moving it's record to 17-8 (10-7 ATS) on the season, 3-7 (6-4 ATS) in Big-12 play.
Longhorns have had great success vs Aggies winning 15-of-20 meetings but it is well to note Longhorns are in dangerous territory when it comes to covering the number. Longhorns have cashed just five times (5-9-1 ATS) the past fifteen in this series including 1-6 ATS running the hardwood in College Station and Aggies enter 9-2 ATS after a straight-up loss.
Monday Research
By Indiancowboy
Pitt vs. Uconn
This is a big game. These two teams have not met this year as they meet for the first time, and note, they will meet again as the regular season comes to a close on March 7th for both of these squads. Pitt comes in ranked #4 visiting the top ranked Huskies catching 3 points as 62% favor the home Huskies here. Pitt on the road has been a bit up and down as they are 23-2, but their 2 road losses, were in conference play and both were on the road. This tem lost to Villanova 57-67 on the road and lost to Louisville 63-69 on the road as well. Uconn has had just 1 loss and that was to Georgetown at home in midseason and besides that is a spotless 24-1 in conference play. To their credit, they did beat Louisville by 17 on the road, WVU on the road and beat this team by 7 last year at home in a very low scoring contest. I'm not a big total guy, but I would not be surprised to see this game dip underneath the total like it did last year. I would not be a bit surprised to see Pitt win this game SU on the road as they match up well with Uconn. But rather than a side, I think a total is more appealing in this game.
Canisius vs. Loyola Maryland
Canisius hitis the road to Loyola Maryland today as a 6 point dog. Loyola Maryland spanked this team fairly well last time out so this is a big revenge game for Canisius who looks to return the favor on the highway. Canisius has lost 6 straight in a row coming into this game. Loyola has lost 4 in a row and they look to bounce-back at home after a 12 point loss at home to Iona. This game can ago either way, but I actually lean on Canisius to get insidet the number of to play considerably better than the last time these two met.
Charleston vs. App. State
The Southern conference features these two teams here. Note, that C of C came off a huge win over Citadel by 2 on the road (props) and followed it up with another win over Western Carolina by defeating them by 11 points. But, this team lost to the Citadel by double-digits at home. Now, this team looks to bounce-back on the road at App. State. These two teams faced each other earlier this year and Charleston won by 8 points on the road. Now, App. State comes into this game losing in OT to Citadel on the road and lost by 5 to Western Carolina on the road. So, what you have is two teams on the bounce-back, App. State with revenge - but, C of C is the slightly better team and does well on bounce-backs. Frankly, a toss-up and the line reflects that.
Siena vs. Iona
Siena is nearing the end of their conference play and they are a top 75 team. They face a top 150 team in Iona today on the road. These two teams hooked up earlier this year, and note, that Siena only beat this Iona team by 1 last time around. Siena beat Manhattan by 24 points at home earlier this year in a rout - so now, this team faces Iona on the road after such a big home win. Iona just comes off a 12 point win over Loyola MD and is a quite capable team - remember, this team beat Niagara on the road. Although Siena hasn't lost many games in conference this year (or overall), as they ar 20-6 and 14-1 in conference play, if Iona can beat Niagara on the road Outright - and lose by just 1 at Siena - why can't they get it done Outright at home today?
Marist vs. St. Peter
Marist is a top 250 team that faces the Peacocks today. Note, that St. Peter is a top 275 team, but is at home, which makes the difference of about 50 slots usually - especially in the Metro Atlantic. These two teams hooked up earlier this year when Marist won by 6 points at home. Now, St. Peter looks to get revenge as they are a -2.5 point favorite at home with such revenge - and 66% of the public will like to take them at this spot here. Remember, St. Peter can ball out - they just beat Canisius, Rider and Iona on the road Outright. Without a doubt, this is impressive. Lean on St. Peter to get it done here as I think the -2.5 is a fair price with the revenge and given how well they are playing. Marist does come off a win at home - so it's not as if they are coming off a bounce-back. A lean on St. Pete here.
Pittsburgh - Connecticut Betting Preview
by Dwayne Bryant
Big East powers collide tonight when Pittsburgh (23-2 SU, 12-6-1 ATS), formerly the #1-ranked team in the nation, visits Connecticut (24-1 SU, 10-9 ATS), the current #1 team in the country. This game on ESPN will go a long way in determining a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Much will be made about UConn being without junior guard Jerome Dyson, who tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee against Syracuse on Wednesday. He is expected to undergo surgery on Monday and likely will miss the rest of the season. Dyson was averaging 13.2 points per game on the season. Coach Jim Calhoun will now go with a six-man rotation and senior Craig Austrie will start in place of the injured Dyson.
Pittsburgh comes into this matchup having won five straight games and seven of their last eight. The Panthers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven lined games. The Panthers are also 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Connecticut. Also in Pittsburgh's favor is the fact that the road team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
But Pittsburgh lost their two biggest road tests this season -- by 10 at Villanova on 1/28/09 and by 6 at Louisville on 1/17/09. So I have to question whether or not Pittsburgh can win on the road against a Top 15 opponent, let alone the #1 team in the nation in front of a national TV audience.
UConn comes into this one riding a 13-game winning streak. While the Huskies have an impressive 22-8-1 ATS mark in their last 31 games as a home favorite of 6.5 or less, it should also be noted that they are just 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage greater than .600.
I can't get a good feel for this game. In my opinion, Pitt hasn't passed a difficult road test like this one. By the same token, UConn hasn't faced a team anywhere near as good as Pitt since losing Dyson. Since I'm so selective in my plays, I will be laying off this one. It should be a great game to watch.
NCAAB Today
Notes on today's games.
UConn won three of last four games vs Pitt, winning by 9-4-7 points-- Panthers lost three of last four visits here, by 3-4-7; underdogs are 5-3 vs spread in last eight series games. Huskies won last 13 games, are 5-1 vs spread in last six league games, but are playing second game without injured Dyson. Panthers split last four road games, losing by 6-10.
Louisiana Tech is 5-1 as WAC road dog, losing away games by 1-17-5- 8 points, while winning at San Jose/Nevada. New Mexico State won four of last five games, but they're just 1-5 as WAC home favorite, winning at home by 3-8-10-8 points, with losses to Nevada/Utah State. Aggies won in OT Saturday at home. WAC home favorites are 14-21 vs spread.
Texas A&M (+13) lost 67-58 at Texas Jan 24 (was 30-28 at half); A&M covered five of last six games, they're 3-2 at home in Big 12, losing by 6 to Oklahoma, 5 to K-State, with wins vs Baylor/Texas Tech/Oklahoma State. Texas is 2-3 in last five games and needed OT to win at Colorado Saturday- they're 1-4 vs spread in last five games as a favorite.
Loyola Md (+3.5) crushed Canisius 86-62 Jan 3 in Buffalo, but Loyola has now lost last four games, by 14-7-13-12 points- they put other side on foul line 135 times in those four games- they foul too much. Griffins lost last six games (0-5 vs spread in last five); they're 4-3 as road dog in MAAC play, losing road games by 18-24-11-3-6-18-13 points.
Appalachian State (+10.5) lost 88-80 in Charleston Jan 21; Cougars hit 11-21 from arc, shot 55% for game, but they're 3-4 since that game, 1-2 on road. ASU lost three of last four games, with all three losses by five points or in OT- they're 2-4 in last six home games. Home favorites are 26-31 against the spread in Southern Conference games.
Siena (-10) nipped Iona 69-68 at home Jan 26, a game they led 42-31 at half; Saints are 1-5 as MAAC road favorite, winning away games by 7- 4-6-16-11 points (lost at Rider). Siena's four wins since the Iona win are all by 11+ points. Iona is 2-4 in last six games; they're just 7-8 in league, this is first time they're home dog this year. MAAC home dogs: 11-8.
St Peter's (+10) lost 60-54 at Marist Jan 2 (was 34-19 at half), but Red Foxes have now lost eight of last nine games, with three OT losses- they are 2-4 as MAAC road dog, losing away games by 17-11-6-10-1-5 pts. Peacocks are 9-3 vs spread in last 12 games, 2-2 SU in last four, but this is first time they're favored in a MAAC game this season.
#4 Pitt at #1 UConn Betting Preview
by Lenny Del Genio
The best two teams from the Big East do battle Monday night in Hartford when the top-ranked Connecticut Huskies take on the fourth-ranked Pitt Panthers, a former #1 team themselves. The early money has come in on UConn, who is up to a 3.5-point favorite as of press. The total for this exciting matchup is 135.5.
UConn is 40-7 SU all-time when ranked #1 in the country and will be looking for their 14th consecutive win. As a home favorite of six points or less, the Huskies are on a tremendous pointspread run of 16-4 ATS.
After we saw a three-week period where no top-ranked team was able to hold onto the #1 spot for consecutive weeks, Connecticut will remain in that position for a third consecutive week when the new poll comes out this afternoon.
One of those teams that were unable to hold onto the #1 spot was Pitt, who has since rallied for five consecutive wins (4-0 ATS). Every victory during the current win streak has come by double-digits.
Although they have won four of their last five against Top 5 opponents, the Panthers have never beaten a #1 ranked team in 13 all-time tries, including an 80-76 loss at UConn back on January 31, 2006.
The host has won three straight in this series, including a 60-53 win by the Huskies last year right here in Hartford. These teams will meet again in Pittsburgh in the regular season for both on March 7th.
While UConn F Jerome Dyson has now been ruled out for the season with a knee injury, the recent play of C Hasheem Thabeet has made Dyson?s absence almost a non-factor. Thabeet has 25 points, 20 rebounds and nine blocks in Saturday?s 62-54 win over Seton Hall.