Road Traps
By Judd Hall
We’ve had a few teams come through with some big wins this week. And on the other side of the spectrum there were clubs that were dealt a harsh defeat in the last seven days. All told, there are four programs that will be on the road this Sunday that fall into that time honored trap play the bettors love.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Indiana Hoosiers
--Las Vegas Sports Consultants have installed the Fighting Illini as 10-point road favorites with a total of 121.
--Illinois (20-5 straight up, 11-8-1 against the spread) is poised to make the NCAA Tournament as they sit in second place in the Big Ten. The Illini have won five of their last seven games, but bettors have pulled their hair out as they’re just 2-4-1ATS in that time.
--The Fighting Illini needed all 40 minutes to find a way past Northwestern last Thursday as two-point road favorites, 60-59. The Wildcats actually held a 31-25 lead into halftime. But Illinois’ Trent Meacham put the team on his shoulders by scoring 12 of his 15 points in the final five minutes to come away winners.
--Anytime a squad plays such a hotly contested battle, it’s bound to help out their next opponent…even if it’s Indiana (6-17 SU, 9-8 ATS).
--Tom Crean’s Hoosiers have dropped two straight after a home win over Iowa at the beginning of the month and 13 of their last 14 games in general. As bad as they’ve played recently, they’ve gone 4-2 ATS in their last six tilts.
--Indiana’s latest setback came against the Golden Gophers as a 17 ½-point road ‘dog on Feb. 10, 62-54. The Hoosiers had just four of the nine players that were on the court against Minnesota hit a field goal.
--To be fair, IU was without its top scorer, Devan Dumes (13.8 points per game), who was suspended due to throwing elbows against Michigan State on Feb. 7. There is no word yet if he’ll be on the court against the Illini.
--I know that the Hoosiers are fielding lousy squad, but they have won three of their last four in Bloomington against Illinois SU. But the Fighting Illini are 3-1 ATS in those tilts.
--Illinois is 7-4 SU and ATS when playing on the road or at a neutral site this season. Bettors have watched the ‘under’ go 7-4 in those matches as well.
--CBS is set to broadcast this Big Ten showdown at 1:00 p.m. EST.
Clemson Tigers at Virginia Cavaliers
--Most betting shops have made Clemson a 7 ½-point road fave with a total coming in at 144.
--The Tigers went into their game against Boston College as 3 ½-point road faves last Tuesday looking for a quick me up. You see, Clemson (20-3 SU, 9-8-1 ATS) had taken a tough 65-61home loss against the Seminoles as a big 9 ½-point home “chalk” back on Feb. 7…especially after choking away a 19-point lead. But the Tigers found themselves down 39-35 at the half against the Eagles.
--One of the problems for Clemson in that first 20 minutes was that Terrence Oglesby had just three points. The Tigers were able to rebound in the second half thanks to Trevor Booker scoring 21 points and Oglesby pouring in 18 points to get a 87-77 win over BC. It was the fourth time in their last five games that they covered the number.
--Oliver Purnell’s squad will now have to avoid the let down against the downtrodden Cavaliers.
--Virginia (7-13 SU, 6-9 ATS) has dropped eight straight contests, covering the spread in just three. The ‘under’ is on a 3-1 run for the Cavs though.
--The Cavaliers have not done too well when listed as underdogs at home, going 0-7 SU and 1-6 ATS in those matches since last season. The ‘under’ has gone 5-2 in that time frame as well.
--Clemson is 10-4 SU and 8-7 ATS when it comes to being installed as a road favorite over the last two seasons. The ‘under’ went 8-7 for the Tigers as well.
--You can catch this contest through ESPN Gameplan at 1:00 p.m. EST.
Duke Blue Devils at Boston College Eagles
--The Blue Devils were listed by LVSC as seven-point road favorites with a total of 146 ½.
--Duke (20-4 SU, 11-11-1 ATS) was riled and ready for its showdown against the Tar Heels as a two-point home ‘dog last Wednesday. The Blue Devils jumped out to a 52-44 lead after the first half. It wasn’t to be for the Dukies as they scored just six points in the first five minutes of the second half, allowing North Carolina to tie it up at 58 all. By then the damage was done as the Heels cruised to a 101-87 victory.
--Kyle Singler made five of his eight shots in the final 20 minutes as he paced the Blue Devils with 22 points, six rebounds and three assists. If you had to pick any real reason for Duke losing this battle, it would be that nobody helped Singler out in the second half. It’s not hard to come to that conclusion when the rest of the Devs connected on eight of their 28 shots from the field to close out the game.
--The Blue Devils’ shooting woes should get a reprieve on Sunday against Boston College (18-8 SU, 11-10 ATS). That’s because the Eagles are 10th in the Atlantic Coast Conference on field goal defense, letting clubs his 41.9 percent of their shots. But keep in mind that BC has been tough on teams that shoot three-pointers, ranking second in the league with .305 average.
--Duke has won seven straight against the Eagles. However, it’s Boston College who has cashed tickets more often by covering the spread in four of those meetings. The ‘over’ has hit in all seven tilts.
--The Eagles don’t make a compelling case for themselves to be backed at the betting shops by going 10-10 SU and 8-10-2 ATS when facing ACC foes in Chestnut Hill. The ‘over’ is 13-6-1 in that frame as well.
--Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. EST on Fox Sports Net.
North Carolina Tar Heels at Miami Hurricanes
--North Carolina was tabbed by many betting shops as a 9 ½-point road “chalk” with the total rolling in at 158.
--Roy Williams’ Tar Heels are primed for a let down after dominating Duke on Feb. 11, 101-87. North Carolina (22-2 SU, 10-12 ATS) wound up hitting 54.8 percent from the field against the Blue Devils. But where the Heels dominated the Dukies was on the defensive boards, outrebounding them 23-16 in that category.
--Miami (15-8 SU, 9-8-1 ATS) will be looking to catch the Heels napping here in hopes of getting out of a funk that has caused them to lose four of its last five tilts. Yet the Hurricanes have gone 2-0 ATS in their last two games against Top 10 squads Wake Forest and Duke.
--The ‘Canes are 10-3 SU in Coral Gables this season, covering just twice in eight affairs that were on the board.
--North Carolina has won six of its last seven meetings with the Hurricanes, covering the number in four of those tilts. The ‘over’ is 5-2 in that stretch.
--You can catch this battle on Fox Sports Net at 7:45 p.m. EST.
vegasinsider.com
(6) Duke (20-4, 11-11-1 ATS) at Boston College (18-8, 11-10 ATS)
Duke attempts to rebound from Wednesday’s humbling home loss to third-ranked North Carolina when it treks north to Chestnut Hill, Mass., for an ACC battle with Boston College.
The Blue Devils got outscored 57-35 in the second half Wednesday en route to a 101-87 loss to the Tar Heels as a two-point home underdog. Duke shot 48.6 percent from the field, but allowed North Carolina to connect on 54.8 percent of its shots and 27 of 31 free throws. The Blue Devils, who had given up more than 80 points just once all season – when Michigan scored 81 – have now dropped three of their last five games (1-4 ATS) following a 10-game winning streak.
Boston College has followed up a five-game winning streak (4-1 ATS) with back-to-back SU and ATS setbacks to Wake Forest (93-76 as an 11-point road underdog) and Clemson (87-77 as a 3½-point home pup). The Eagles have surrendered nearly 84 ppg in their five ACC defeats compared with 68.8 ppg in their six conference wins.
Duke dropped to 7-3 SU and 4-6 ATS in ACC play with the loss to North Carolina, and it has lost its last two conference road games (0-2 ATS) at Wake Forest (70-68) and Clemson (74-47). B.C. is 6-5 SU and 5-6 ATS in league action, but only 2-3 SU and 1-4 ATS at home.
The Eagles are winless in seven meetings with Duke going back to 2001, including 0-3 at home, but they’re 4-2-1 ATS (2-1 ATS at home). In last year’s lone meeting, the Blue Devils prevailed 90-80 at home, but came nowhere near covering as an 18-point chalk. The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six series clashes.
Duke’s 1-4 ATS slump has all come in ACC play, and it is also 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games following an outright loss, 0-4 ATS in its last four against winning teams and 1-4 ATS this season as a single-digit favorite. However, the Blue Devils have cashed in four straight contests following a double-digit home defeat. Boston College carries a slew of ATS slumps into this one, including 1-5 at home, 0-5 after a double-digit home loss, 1-4 after a SU defeat of any kind and 3-7 against winning teams.
All seven meetings between these teams have gone over the total. Also, for B.C., the over is on runs of 6-1-1 overall (all in the ACC), 20-6 at home and 7-0 versus teams with a winning record. The over is also 7-0 in Duke’s last seven against winning teams, but the under is 21-7 in its last 28 overall, 13-3 in its last 16 ACC games and 4-0 in its last four on Sunday.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
(3) North Carolina (22-2, 10-12 ATS) at Miami, Fla. (15-8, 9-8-1 ATS)
Four days after an impressive 14-point win at archrival Duke, North Carolina heads back on the road when it visits Miami, Fla., in ACC action.
The Tar Heels overcame an eight-point halftime deficit and throttled the Blue Devils 101-87 as a two-point road chalk Wednesday, running their winning streak – all in ACC play – to eight in a row (4-4 ATS). All five UNC starters scored in double figures against Duke, led by point guard Ty Lawson, who had a game-high 25 points while also contributing four rebounds and five assists. Both teams finished with 34 field goals, but the Heels won the game at the free-throw line, going 27-for-31 compared with 11-for-18 for Duke.
Miami has been idle since last Saturday, when it squandered a 32-19 halftime lead at Duke and lost 78-75 in overtime, but covered as a 14-point underdog. It was the fourth defeat in the Hurricanes’ last five games (2-3 ATS), with three of them coming in overtime. On the bright side, the last time the ‘Canes were at home, they throttled Wake Forest 79-52 as a 2½-point home pup.
The Tar Heels have won 21 of their 22 games by 14 points or more and are averaging 91.7 ppg (48.4 percent shooting) and allowing 72 ppg (40.4 percent). Miami puts up 74.6 ppg (43.7 percent shooting) and gives up 66.1 ppg (39.1 percent).
Since losing its first two conference games to Boston College and Wake Forest, North Carolina has won eight in a row and now sits alone atop the ACC standings at 8-2, but only 4-6 ATS. On the road in conference, Roy Williams’ squad is 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS.
These teams met Jan. 17 in Chapel Hill, N.C., and the Tar Heels rolled to an 82-65 win, but came up a hair short as a 17½-point home favorite. North Carolina has won the last four meetings (3-1 ATS) and six of the last seven (4-3 ATS), including consecutive double-digit routs the last two years in South Beach (98-82 as an eight-point road chalk in 2007; 80-70 as a one-point road pup in 2006). The visitor has cashed in five of the last six series clashes.
North Carolina is 9-4 ATS as a favorite of less than 20 points this season and has also covered in 31 of its last 46 games against teams with a winning record. On the downside, the Heels are mired in pointspread funks of 4-10 following a SU win, 0-6 after a spread-cover, 4-9 in ACC play, 1-4 on Sunday and 0-4 following a game in which they scored more than 90 points. Miami is 6-2-1 ATS in its last nine after a SU loss and 5-2 ATS as an underdog this year, but 1-4-1 ATS in its last six at home.
Last month’s meeting between these teams stayed under the total, ending a 4-0 “over” stretch in this rivalry. The over is also on runs for UNC of 5-1 overall (all in the ACC), 4-1 on the road and 13-3 on Sunday. Miami is also riding “over” streaks of 5-1 overall (all in the ACC), 19-9 after a SU loss and 4-1 versus winning teams.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NORTH CAROLINA and OVER
USC (15-8, 10-11 ATS) at (18) Arizona State (19-5, 13-7 ATS)
Fresh off an impressive home win over No. 11 UCLA, Arizona State returns to Wells Fargo Arena looking to avenge a loss to USC and further damage the slumping Trojans’ NCAA Tournament hopes.
The Sun Devils pulled away in the final couple of minutes against UCLA on Thursday, winning 74-67 as a 1½-point home underdog to become the first Pac-10 team to sweep a season series from the Bruins in three years. Arizona State, which is trying to win its first-ever Pac-10 title, shot an astounding 60 percent from the field, making 11 of 18 tries from three-point range. Star forward James Harden led the way with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
After closing out January with three straight wins, the Trojans have opened February with consecutive losses, including Thursday’s 83-76 setback at Arizona as a 2½-point road pup. USC had a 27-19 rebounding edge and made 51.8 percent of its shots in the defeat, going 10-for-17 from three-point range. However, the Trojans couldn’t get a stop, as Arizona shot 59.1 percent from the field (12-for-20 on three-pointers).
Arizona State is tied for second place in the Pac-10 at 8-4 SU and ATS, including 3-2 SU and ATS at home, and the SU winner has covered the spread in each of the team’s last 14 lined games. The Trojans are 6-5 SU and 5-6 ATS in league action (2-4, 3-3 ATS on the road).
The Sun Devils went to USC on Jan. 15 as a one-point road favorite and fell 61-49, as Harden missed all eight of his field-goal attempts and was held to just four points (all on free throws). USC has won the last two meetings, including a four-point victory in last year’s Pac-10 tournament, but Arizona State is still 5-2 ATS in the last seven clashes. Also, the home team has won five consecutive regular-season battles, cashing in each of the last four. Finally, the underdog has covered in 10 of the last 12 meetings.
Despite Thursday’s setback at Arizona, the Trojans are still on positive pointspread upticks of 24-11 on the road, 22-10 on the road versus teams with a winning home record, 20-8 after a SU loss and 6-2 after an ATS setback. However, they have failed to cover in four consecutive Sunday games. ASU is on ATS runs of 5-2 overall and 11-4-1 in Pac-10 play.
The over has hit six of the last seven times USC has played at Arizona State. Additionally, the over is on stretches of 5-2 for the Sun Devils at home, 4-0 for the Trojans overall (all in Pac-10 play) and 5-2 for the Trojans on the road. Conversely, the under is 5-1 in USC’s last six Sunday contests, 7-3 in ASU’s last 10 overall (all in the Pac-10), 5-2 in ASU’s last seven on Sunday and 7-2 in the last nine head-to-head meetings overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Gametimepicks.com
ILLINOIS (20 - 5) at INDIANA (6 - 17)
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ILLINOIS is 5-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 3-3 straight up against ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CLEMSON (20 - 3) at VIRGINIA (7 - 13)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEMSON is 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
CLEMSON is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 129-164 ATS (-51.4 Units) in all games since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 129-164 ATS (-51.4 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
VIRGINIA is 1-1 against the spread versus CLEMSON over the last 3 seasons
VIRGINIA is 1-1 straight up against CLEMSON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
LOYOLA-IL (12 - 15) at BUTLER (22 - 2)
Top Trends for this game.
LOYOLA-IL is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in all games this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) against conference opponents this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
BUTLER is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) in all games this season.
BUTLER is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOYOLA-IL is 4-2 against the spread versus BUTLER over the last 3 seasons
BUTLER is 5-1 straight up against LOYOLA-IL over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO (17 - 5) at BALL ST (10 - 12)
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
BALL ST is 30-45 ATS (-19.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BALL ST is 30-45 ATS (-19.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
BALL ST is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
BALL ST is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
BALL ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
BALL ST is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
BALL ST is 2-0 against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
BALL ST is 2-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
S FLORIDA (8 - 15) at NOTRE DAME (13 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
NOTRE DAME is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) after a conference game this season.
NOTRE DAME is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
NOTRE DAME is 2-1 against the spread versus S FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
NOTRE DAME is 2-1 straight up against S FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
AKRON (16 - 8) at N ILLINOIS (6 - 16)
Top Trends for this game.
AKRON is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
AKRON is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
AKRON is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
AKRON is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
N ILLINOIS is 1-1 against the spread versus AKRON over the last 3 seasons
N ILLINOIS is 1-1 straight up against AKRON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
TOWSON ST (9 - 17) at DREXEL (13 - 10)
Top Trends for this game.
DREXEL is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) in all games this season.
DREXEL is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
DREXEL is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
DREXEL is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
DREXEL is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DREXEL is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games in February games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DREXEL is 3-2 against the spread versus TOWSON ST over the last 3 seasons
DREXEL is 4-1 straight up against TOWSON ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
TEMPLE (14 - 9) at DUQUESNE (15 - 8)
Top Trends for this game.
TEMPLE is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 56-33 ATS (+19.7 Units) in February games since 1997.
TEMPLE is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DUQUESNE is 28-47 ATS (-23.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
DUQUESNE is 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
DUQUESNE is 1-0 against the spread versus TEMPLE over the last 3 seasons
DUQUESNE is 1-1 straight up against TEMPLE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MICHIGAN (15 - 10) at NORTHWESTERN (13 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 49-72 ATS (-30.2 Units) in road games since 1997.
MICHIGAN is 49-72 ATS (-30.2 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
MICHIGAN is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MICHIGAN is 3-1 against the spread versus NORTHWESTERN over the last 3 seasons
MICHIGAN is 3-1 straight up against NORTHWESTERN over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
IL-CHICAGO (11 - 14) at VALPARAISO (7 - 18)
Top Trends for this game.
VALPARAISO is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
IL-CHICAGO is 3-0 against the spread versus VALPARAISO over the last 3 seasons
IL-CHICAGO is 2-1 straight up against VALPARAISO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DEPAUL (8 - 17) at LOUISVILLE (18 - 5)
Top Trends for this game.
DEPAUL is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) in all games this season.
DEPAUL is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
DEPAUL is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
DEPAUL is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) against conference opponents this season.
DEPAUL is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) after a conference game this season.
DEPAUL is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival this season.
DEPAUL is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
DEPAUL is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DEPAUL is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
DEPAUL is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.
LOUISVILLE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in February games over the last 3 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOUISVILLE is 2-0 against the spread versus DEPAUL over the last 3 seasons
LOUISVILLE is 2-0 straight up against DEPAUL over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
DUKE (20 - 4) at BOSTON COLLEGE (18 - 8)
Top Trends for this game.
DUKE is 134-92 ATS (+32.8 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
DUKE is 2-1 against the spread versus BOSTON COLLEGE over the last 3 seasons
DUKE is 3-0 straight up against BOSTON COLLEGE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
E MICHIGAN (3 - 21) at BOWLING GREEN (14 - 9)
Top Trends for this game.
E MICHIGAN is 6-13 ATS (-8.3 Units) in all games this season.
E MICHIGAN is 6-13 ATS (-8.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
E MICHIGAN is 91-121 ATS (-42.1 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
E MICHIGAN is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
E MICHIGAN is 51-76 ATS (-32.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
BOWLING GREEN is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games after scoring 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
E MICHIGAN is 2-0 against the spread versus BOWLING GREEN over the last 3 seasons
E MICHIGAN is 2-0 straight up against BOWLING GREEN over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
ILLINOIS ST (20 - 5) at DRAKE (15 - 11)
Top Trends for this game.
DRAKE is 30-19 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DRAKE is 30-19 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DRAKE is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DRAKE is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DRAKE is 4-1 against the spread versus ILLINOIS ST over the last 3 seasons
DRAKE is 4-2 straight up against ILLINOIS ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
N CAROLINA (22 - 2) at MIAMI (15 - 8)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 85-58 ATS (+21.2 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
MIAMI is 54-35 ATS (+15.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
N CAROLINA is 54-37 ATS (+13.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 54-37 ATS (+13.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 53-37 ATS (+12.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 66-45 ATS (+16.5 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
N CAROLINA is 30-14 ATS (+14.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 23-39 ATS (-19.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
N CAROLINA is 2-1 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
N CAROLINA is 3-0 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
USC (15 - 8) at ARIZONA ST (19 - 5)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
USC is 49-34 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
USC is 49-34 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
USC is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
USC is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
USC is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
USC is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after allowing 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
USC is 40-26 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA ST is 4-2 against the spread versus USC over the last 3 seasons
USC is 4-2 straight up against ARIZONA ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
RIDER (14 - 10) at MANHATTAN (14 - 11)
Top Trends for this game.
MANHATTAN is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MANHATTAN is 3-2 against the spread versus RIDER over the last 3 seasons
RIDER is 4-1 straight up against MANHATTAN over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CLEMSON vs. VIRGINIA
Clemson is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Clemson is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games
Virginia is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Clemson
Virginia is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Clemson
ILLINOIS vs. INDIANA
Illinois is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Illinois is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games
Indiana is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Illinois
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Illinois
BUFFALO vs. BALL STATE
Buffalo is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Ball State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing Ball State
Ball State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Ball State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
LOYOLA OF CHICAGO vs. BUTLER
Loyola of Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Butler
Loyola of Chicago is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Butler
Butler is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Butler's last 6 games at home
RIDER vs. MANHATTAN
Rider is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Manhattan
Rider is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Manhattan
Manhattan is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Manhattan is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
SOUTH FLORIDA vs. NOTRE DAME
South Florida is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of South Florida's last 10 games on the road
Notre Dame is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
Notre Dame is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games
AKRON vs. NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Akron is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Northern Illinois
Akron is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Northern Illinois
Northern Illinois is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Northern Illinois's last 7 games at home
MICHIGAN vs. NORTHWESTERN
Michigan is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Michigan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Northwestern is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Michigan
Northwestern is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Michigan
TEMPLE vs. DUQUESNE
Temple is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Duquesne
Temple is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Duquesne
Duquesne is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Duquesne's last 9 games
TOWSON STATE vs. DREXEL
Towson State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Towson State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Drexel is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Towson State
Drexel is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Towson State
DEPAUL vs. LOUISVILLE
DePaul is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
DePaul is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Louisville is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against DePaul
Louisville is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against DePaul
ILLINOIS-CHICAGO vs. VALPARAISO
Illinois-Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Valparaiso
Illinois-Chicago is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Valparaiso is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Valparaiso is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
DUKE vs. BOSTON COLLEGE
Duke is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Duke is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games
Boston College is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Duke
Boston College is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Duke
EASTERN MICHIGAN vs. BOWLING GREEN
Eastern Michigan is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Eastern Michigan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Bowling Green is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Eastern Michigan
Bowling Green is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Eastern Michigan
ILLINOIS STATE vs. DRAKE
Illinois State is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
Illinois State is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games
Drake is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Illinois State
Drake is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Illinois State
NORTH CAROLINA vs. MIAMI
North Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of North Carolina's last 6 games
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing North Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing North Carolina
USC vs. ARIZONA STATE
USC is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of USC's last 7 games
Arizona State is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing at home against USC
Arizona State is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing USC
Game of the day: Blue Devils at Golden Eagles
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Duke has a losing record since taking over the No. 1 ranking in the country three weeks ago. While each loss in that stretch has been discouraging for its own reasons, the Blue Devils seem particularly deflated by their most recent defeat.
The sixth-ranked Blue Devils look to bounce back from a home loss to their archrivals and avoid consecutive defeats for the first time this season Sunday when they visit ACC rival Boston College.
Duke (20-4, 7-3) claimed the No. 1 ranking in the AP poll Jan. 26 following an 18-1 start during which it went 3-0 against ranked teams.
Since then, however, the Blue Devils have dropped three of five games, with each loss coming against a Top 25 opponent. They gave up a wide-open layup in the final second of a 70-68 road loss to then-No. 6 Wake Forest on Jan. 28 before getting routed 74-47 at previously 10th-ranked Clemson on Feb. 4.
While both those outcomes were frustrating, the Blue Devils could have an even harder time rebounding from their 101-87 home loss to No. 3 North Carolina on Wednesday night.
Duke allowed an opponent to reach 100 points for the first time since Jan. 5, 2000, in its fourth straight home loss to its archrival.
"We come to Duke to win these games," said senior guard Greg Paulus, whose career will end without a home victory over the Tar Heels. "It hurts. It really does, and now I don't get another chance to do it at home."
The Blue Devils, though, still have plenty of chances to get back on track before their rematch at Chapel Hill to close the season and, eventually, a trip to the NCAA tournament.
"This game is kind of an emotional game and we're coming off an exhausting game, win or lose," sophomore forward Kyle Singler said Wednesday. "You just have to refocus yourself and move on to the next game and, as Coach (Mike Krzyzewski) would say, 'Next play.'
"This game is not going to kill us. It was a very good game and the type of game that you're going to play in March. We're going to get them again at the end of the season, and hopefully we just don't run into another bump in the road. We just have to get better from here on out."
Duke has to like its chances of beginning that process Sunday. Though they've faltered lately, the Blue Devils have lost back-to-back games only once since the start of last season. They're 8-1 in games following losses in that stretch.
The Blue Devils have also dominated the Eagles - winning all three games at Conte Forum, four straight in the regular season in ACC play since Boston College joined the conference in 2005, eight in a row overall and nine of 10 all-time meetings.
Boston College (18-8, 6-5) had won five straight ACC games before suffering consecutive defeats last week. The Eagles lost 93-76 to seventh-ranked Wake Forest on Sunday before falling 87-77 against No. 12 Clemson on Tuesday, dropping to 1-4 against ranked opponents.
That's a record Boston College coach Al Skinner hopes to improve upon Sunday.
"That's the great thing about this league," he said. "Of course I'm disappointed about this loss, but there's another opportunity coming up. It gives us a chance to reboot."
Singler, who had 22 points and went 9-for-15 from the field against North Carolina after being held to 9.3 points and 23.7 percent (9-for-38) shooting over his previous three games, led Duke with 24 points and 10 rebounds in a 90-80 win over Boston College last Feb. 9.
Eagles guard Tyrese Rice had 28 points and seven assists in that game, and is averaging 25.0 points and shooting 59.3 percent (16-for-27) in his last two games against the Blue Devils.
NCAAB Today
Notes on today's games.
Illinois coach Weber has no love for Indiana after recruiting battles that involved Eric Gordon; Illini (-11.5) drilled Hoosiers 76-45 Jan 10 in first meeting, making 13-25 from arc, but Illini got first road win in last five tries Thursday, pulling out 60-59 win at Northwestern when they were down 13 in last 5:00. Indiana is 3-2 as a Big 11 home underdog.
Clemson won four of last five games; they're 3-1 on ACC road, winning by 19-4-10 points- they're 3-2 as an ACC favorite. Virginia lost its last eight games (2-5 vs spread in last seven); they're 0-3 at home in league, losing by 22-11-10 points. Cavaliers shot less than 37% from the floor in four of last five games. ACC home underdogs are 9-7 vs spread.
Butler (-6) hammered Loyola 78-55 in first meeting, making 11-22 from arc, holding Ramblers to 34% from floor. Bulldogs are 13-1 in Horizon, 4-2 as home favorite, with home wins by 16-4-9-30-8-19 points. Home favorites in Horizon play are 28-14 vs spread. Loyola lost its last five games, is 2-6 as road dog, losing by 14-26-21-14-19 points on road.
Buffalo won last nine games (5-2 vs spread in last seven); they're 4-1 on MAC road, losing at Bowling Green, then winning by 2-12-3-9 points in next four on the road. Ball State lost last three games, by 18-7-8 points, losing to Kent by 7 for first home loss in five MAC games; they're 5-3 as MAC dog this season. MAC home underdogs are 4-8 vs spread.
Notre Dame ended 7-game skid with 90-57 win over Louisville in their last game, now they're double digit favorite over South Florida team that is 3-2 as Big East road dog, losing away games by 13-3-26-17 pts, with a win at winless DePaul. Irish are 2-4 as Big East favorite- their Big East wins are by 10-6-9-33 pts. Big East home favorites are 34-28 vs spread.
Akron won its last six games (5-1 vs spread); they're 5-2 as favorites in MAC, 2-0 on road, with road wins by 10-9-37 points. Northern Illinois has had off-court issues; they've lost last six games, losing last game in double OT. Huskies are 2-3 at home, 1-1 as home dog, with home losses by 13-8-3 points. Northern Illinois is 17-80 from arc in last five games.
Drexel (-3) won 60-53 at Towson in first meeting 15 days ago; they lost two of three since, with dog covering all three games. Drexel is 4-1 as a CAA home favorite, winning home games by 18-10-13-17 points, but they've also lost three CAA home games. Towson is 4-3 as road dog in CAA games, losing road games by 15-22-11-9-3 points (2-5 SU).
Temple is 2-3 on A-14 road, winning by 9 at Richmond, 2 at St Joe's; Owls are 3-3-1 as A-14 favorite, 0-3 on road. Duquesne is 4-1 at home in A-14, losing only to Dayton, winning other home games by 5-5-16-4 points- Dukes are 2-2 as A-14 underdog, 1-0 at home- they're 30-104 on arc in last five games. A-14 home underdogs are 9-10 against spread.
Northwestern had horrible loss to Illinois in last game, losing when they had double digit lead at home with 5:00 left; Wildcats lost at Michigan in first meeting 68-59 (+6), getting outscored 15-1 on foul line. Wildcats had won three in row at home before Thursday- they're 1-1 as a Big 11 fave. Michigan lost six of last eight games, is 0-4 as Big 11 road dog.
Valparaiso (+11) got smoked 77-52 at UIC in first meeting, shooting just 38% from floor, 4-16 from arc; Crusaders lost six of last eight games, but got coach Drew his 600th win Friday. Ill-Chicago lost six of last seven games, is 0-4-1 as Horizon road dog, losing away games by 10-10-26-11- 1-19 points. Valparaiso is 3-0 as a Horizon favorite this season.
Louisville lost by 33 Thursday, its second loss in three games since 8-0 start in Big East; Cardinals are 3-2 as Big East home favorite, winning at home by 14ot/6-26-6 points, before losing its last home game to UConn. DePaul is 0-12 in Big East, 2-3 as road dog, losing away games by 8-17- 9-9-19 points. Big East home favorites are 34-28 against the spread.
Duke is 2-3 in last five games, allowing 74-75-101 points in its last three games; Blue Devils lost last two road games, scoring 57.5 ppg at Wake, Clemson. Boston College allowed 90 ppg in losing last two games, also vs Wake/Clemson; they're 3-4 as ACC underdog, 0-2 at home, dropping home games by 6 to Miami, 20 to Wake, 10 to Clemson.
Bowling Green won its last six games, covered last four; they're 1-3 as a MAC home favorite, winning by 4-4-7 at home, with two losses. Key to know that every team in MAC East has better record than every team in MAC West, and Eastern Michigan is worst team in west-- Eagles are 1-3 as MAC road dog, losing away games by 12-20-22-12 points.
Drake (+8) lost 65-61 at Illinois State in first meeting, as Redbirds made 12-27 from arc; Bulldogs lost six of last eight games, are 3-3 as road dog in MVC, losing road games by 11-4-21-16-12 points, with couple wins, at SIU/Creighton. State's last five games were all decided by four points or less, or in OT; they led by 21 at half in last game, but won by a hoop.
Miami (+17) lost 82-65 in Chapel Hill Jan 17; Hurricanes are 2-4 since that game, but three of their last four losses came in OT- they beat Wake by 27 in last home game. Dog is 5-0 vs spread in Miami's home games in ACC, wuth 'canes 3-2 SU. North Carolina won last eight games, last four all by 14+ points. Tar Heels are 3-2 as an ACC road favorite.
Arizona State's Harden got shut down by Hackett at USC in first game between these teams, a 61-49 Trojan win; ASU won last three games, by 9-11-7 points- they're 2-2 as home favorite, winning by 31-18-7 points, with losses to both Washington teams. USC lost four of last five on road they're 2-3 as Pac-10 underdog. Pac-10 home favorites are 22-17.
Manhattan (+6.5) lost 76-73 at Rider way back on Dec 7; Broncs made 52% from floor in that game. Jaspers won three of last four games; they are 5-3 at home in MAAC, winning three of last four. Rider is 5-2 in last seven games, losing by point to St Peter's Friday, when Peacocks made 11-17 from arc. Rider won last three road games, by 17-11-13 points.
Sunday Research
By Indiancowboy
Big 10:
Michigan vs. Northwestern
NW comes off a shocking loss to Illinois after leading nearly from start to finish to their dissappointment. They ended up losing the game by 1 after they had come back home losing to Iowa by 5 on the road. Thus, they are now 4-7 after back to back conference losses and faces a Michigan team who they have revenge against after losing by 9 on the road earlier this year. Michigan however too, comes off back to back losses including a very competitive game they played against #1 UConn and losing by double-digits at home to Michigan State. Sure, NW is nice with revenge, but in such a low scoring game (total placed at 124), the 4.5 could become significant here. Nevertheless, small lean on Michigan.
Atlantic 10:
Temple vs. Duquesne
For starters, the public is split on this game. In fact, they slightly favor Temple. When you look at the power rankings, note that Temple is top 50 and the Dukes are top 100. Usually my spreadsheets indiciate home court gives you about a 50 spot boost in the power ranking with the crowd behind you and some home cooking calls via the officials. So, with that in mind, this game is a tossup. These two teams have not met this year. Temple actually beat this team by 5 last year (covering the -4.5 spread) and now the Dukes look to get revenge at home. Temple comes off some big wins including Rhode Island at home and St. Josephs another top 100 team who they bea tby 2 points on the road. Hence, that is why the spread is 2 here. This is b/c Duquesne and St. J's have very similar rankings. But, the catch is, the Dukes come off a tough loss at Richmond, a game they were leading early and then got caught from behind. Remember, if the Dukes can beat conference leader Xavier by 4 points at home who is a top 25 team, why can they not beat Temple coming off a loss (same situation as to when they beat Xavier coming off a loss to St. Louis in OT). Lean on the Dukes for an outright here or who knows, maybe even lose by 1.
Metro Atlantic:
Rider vs. Manhattan
Rider has quickly scaled the heights of the power rankings. This team is a top 175 team now. Remember, this is a 14-10 team, that comes off a shocking loss to St. Peters on the road by 1 point, after having beaten Marist, conference contender Siena who is a top 75 team at home, and Canisius at home. They face a Manhattan team coming off the SU loss, who they beat by 3 points earlier this year at home in a 76-73 fashion. So, Manhattan undoubtedly has revenge coming into this game. Manhattan is a to 200 team coming off one of their worst conference losses of the year by losing by 24 to Siena on the road. Manhattan had defeated Marist, Loyola Maryland on the road and Iona at home prior to that. But, looks like this team had a bit of a let down after their 12 point win over Iona (holding Iona to just 39 points worth of offense). Rider swept this team winning by 3 and 7 last year. I would not be surprised to see Manhattan pull the upset here at home as both teams come off a loss, but Manhattan come home after one of their worst losses of the season in conference play and they do have revenge against a Rider team who has beaten them several times in the past few years in a row.
Colonial Athletic:
Towson vs. Drexel
For starters, 66% of the public favor Drexel here as they return home. Towson is a top 250 team that is catching 11 points here in conference play vs. Drexel. Towson comes off a big win against Ga State getting revenge on State from an earlier seaosn loss by about 20 to the hands of State on the road. This team lost by 7 to Drexel at home earlier this year and now faces off against them on the road. Just note that Drexel comes off a 4 point win at Northeastern which was a huge win for this team, after losing at home to ODU and Deleware on the road. This reminds me a bit of the LSU vs. Ole Miss game yesterday as I think as bad as Drexel is, they matched up relatively well earlier this year and I wouldn't be surprised if they squeak in for the cover here against Drexel who comes off a huge road win and might have a bit of a let down in the early going against Towson who will play with a chip on their shoulder.