Big XII Tip Sheet
By Judd Hall
Championship week is in full gear and it reaches the Big XII conference as their tournament begins on Wednesday at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. Don’t worry about not going without action since they’ll be starting play early in the afternoon.
Let’s take a look at the four tilts we have on tap.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Baylor Bears
--Las Vegas Sports Consultants have installed Nebraska (18-11 straight up, 10-11 against the spread) as a slight one-point favorite with a total of 130.
--The Cornhuskers are entering this contest on a positive with two straight victories and covering the number in three consecutive matches. As good as they might feel right now, a trip to the NCAA Tournament seems like a longshot. An invite to the NIT, however, is a possibility.
--Baylor (17-13 SU, 7-15 ATS) had high hopes for this season. They were an up and coming team after last season’s NCAA berth…even started the 2008-2009 campaign by winning 12 of its first 14 games. The Bears faded in league play though with a 5-11 SU and 3-13 ATS and are most likely NIT bound; a hard fall for a program that was picked to finish third in the Big XII.
--One of the reasons that Scott Drew’s squad has failed this year was their play from beyond the arch. Last season, Baylor was third in the league by shooting 37.8 percent from the three-point line. This year the Bears are connecting just 36.2 percent of the time from downtown.
--This game will be a big test for the Bears in the fact that they won just once on the road in conference this season, an 83-65 decision over Kansas State as 3 ½-point underdogs on Jan. 21.
--These two teams are trending for a low scoring conference. Baylor has cashed the ‘under’ in seven straight tilts. Meanwhile, the ‘Huskers are on a 7-2 ‘under’ run.
--This is a quick rematch as these clubs closed out the regular season against one another. In that game the Cornhuskers won as six-point home ‘dogs on March 7, 66-62.
--You can catch this game on ESPN360.com at 12:30 p.m. EDT. The winner of this game gets to take on Kansas tomorrow.
Texas Longhorns vs. Colorado Buffaloes
--LVSC opened up with the Longhorns as heavy 15-point favorites with the total coming in at 132.
--Texas (20-10 SU, 11-16 ATS) enters this tourney on a bit of a sour note as they’ve gone 1-2 SU and ATS in its last three fixtures. Making matters worse for bettors is the ‘Horns are 3-8 ATS in their past 11 tilts. Despite those numbers, wins against UCLA and Oklahoma highlight a resume that will surely get them into the field of 65.
--The long, hard campaign is about to come to its finale for Colorado (9-21 SU, 13-13 ATS). The Buffs have lost 11 straight matches. As bad as this skid has been, they’ve done well at the betting shops with a 7-3-1 ATS mark.
--The Longhorns are practically automatic when the sportsbooks make them double-digit favorites as evidenced by an 8-1 record SU. However, they have cashed many tickets for people backing them by going 3-6 ATS.
--Bettors have seen the Buffaloes cash the ‘under’ in 15 of their 25 games that were on the board.
--Texas has won four straight against the Buffs, covering in two of them. Yet Colorado won the last time they played the ‘Horns in the Big XII Tournament in 2005 as 9 ½-point pups, 81-69.
--Tip-off for this game is set for 3:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN360.com with the victor taking on Kansas State in the second round.
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Iowa State Cyclones
--LVSC has listed Oklahoma State (20-10 SU, 12-11-1 ATS) as a 10-point “chalk” with a total of 145.
--The Cowboys are coming into this game off of an 82-78 loss to Oklahoma as nine-point underdogs on March 7. That loss snapped a six-game win streak that OSU had going. But gamblers should take heart in knowing the ‘Pokes are on a 7-0 ATS run.
--Iowa State (15-16 SU, 9-14-3 ATS) closed out its regular season on a high note by dropping the Red Raiders last Saturday as a four-point home favorite, 78-76. Craig Brackins scored 21 points and pulled in 14 rebounds for the Cyclones in a winning effort. ISU failed to cover the line, the third straight game they’ve didn’t cash tickets for its backers.
--Oklahoma State is 4-0 SU, but just 2-2 ATS when tabbed as a double-digit favorite. The Cyclones are 1-4 SU and 2-4-1 ATS this season as double-digit pups.
--The ‘over’ has hit in three straight games for Iowa State. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have watched the ‘over’ cash tickets in three of their last four road affairs.
--Bettors should take note of OSU going 8-2 SU but 5-5 ATS in its last 10 head-to-head meetings with the Cyclones. That includes a 2-0 SU and 1-1 ATS mark in the Big XII Tournament.
--The matchup is set to start at 7:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN360.com with the winner to take on the Sooners on Thursday.
Texas A&M Aggies vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders
--Texas A&M (23-8 SU, 15-8 ATS) has been installed as a 6 ½-point favorite with a total of 148 by LVSC.
--The Aggies closed out the season on fire with six straight wins. But more important for us is the fact that they’re 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games. That includes a 96-86 win over Mizzou as two-point home underdogs on March 7.
--It’s been a bad year for the Red Raiders as they finished the regular season with a 2-11 SU record. They were marginally better when it comes to covering by going 6-7 ATS. We should note that Texas Tech (13-18 SU, 9-14-1 ATS) has covered the spread in three of its last four games.
--The ‘over’ is 4-1 in the Aggies’ last five league contests. The Red Raiders were on a six-game ‘over’ streak before seeing the ‘under’ cash in their last two matches.
--Texas A&M is 6-3 SU and ATS in its last nine matchups with Texas Tech. The ‘over’ is 7-2 in those meetings.
--This tilt is set for a 9:30 p.m. EDT tip-off with the winner taking on Missouri in the second round.
vegasinsider.com
Big East Tips, Day 2
By Brian Edwards
**Depaul vs. Providence**
--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Providence (18-12 straight up, 11-15 against the spread) as a nine-point favorite with a total of 145.
--Depaul (9-23 SU, 8-17 ATS) snapped an 18-game losing streak and won for the first time since late December on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. The Blue Demons opened the Big East Tournament by sending Cincinnati packing by virtue of a 67-57 clubbing as nine-point underdogs. The 124 combined points fell ‘under’ the 128-point total.
--Will Walker and Dar Tucker scored 17 points apiece to lead Depaul past the Bearcats. Mac Koshwal added 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists for the winners.
--Keno Davis’s team absolutely has to have this game and possibly one more in order to garner an at-large invitation to the NCAA Tournament. As of Tuesday, ESPN.com’s Joe Lunardi had the Friars among his “next four out,” meaning they have at least four teams in front of them that are “out” of the Big Dance. Lunardi’s words aren’t gospel by any means, but his history at predicting the bracket is solid.
--When these schools met on Jan. 3 Providence captured a 62-54 victory, but Depaul took the cash as a nine-point road underdog. The 116 combined points remained ‘under’ the 151-point total.
--The Friars lost their regular-season finale 97-80 at Villanova on March 5. The Wildcats covered the number as 10-point home favorites. Weyinmi Efejuku had 29 points for PU in the losing effort.
--Providence has 50/1 future odds to win the Big East Tournament. Depaul had a number of 1,000/1 going into the event.
--The ‘over’ is 13-11-1 overall for Depaul, 14-11-1 for Providence.
--The ‘under’ has cashed in four consecutive head-to-head meetings between these Big East rivals.
--ESPN will have the telecast in hi-definition at noon Eastern. The winner will advance to face Louisville at noon Thursday.
**St. John’s vs. Marquette **
--LVSC opened Marquette (23-8 SU, 12-13-1 ATS) as a seven-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 138.
--Until UConn came to Milwaukee on Feb. 25, Marquette appeared to be on the cusp of its best season since Dwyane Wade led Tom Crean’s team to the 2003 Final Four. On that night, the Golden Eagles’ senior point guard Dominic James went down with a broken foot. The injury ended the collegiate career of James, who finished second in assists and third in scoring in school history. Although Marquette led the Huskies at around the six-minute mark, UConn would eventually take a 93-82 victory.
--Since that defeat, Buzz Williams and Co. have lost more games. However, bettors shouldn’t dismiss Marquette, which covered in a narrow loss at Louisville in its first game without James. The Golden Eagles also hung tough at Pitt before the Panthers pulled away for a 90-75 win as a 10-point home ‘chalk.’ In the regular-season finale, Syracuse needed overtime before stealing a victory at Marquette. So, this team comes to the Big Apple limping, but it’s not like Jerel McNeal, Wesley Matthews and Lazar Hayward all of a sudden forgot how to play. This team can still make the Sweet 16.
--With all that said, I’m obligated to point out Marquette’s abysmal 2-7 ATS record in its last nine games.
--St. John’s (15-16 SU, 11-13-1 ATS) showed Georgetown an early exit thanks to Tuesday’s 64-59 win as a 6 ½-point underdog. Paris Horne led the Red Storm with a team-high 23 points, while Sean Evans added 12 points and 13 rebounds.
--Marquette has won five in a row over the Red Storm, posting a 4-1 spread record in the process. St. John’s took the money in this season’s encounter, losing 73-59 as a 16-point road underdog.
--The ‘over’ is on a 4-1 run for Marquette, which has 25/1 odds to the cut the nets down at MSG.
--The ‘under’ is 14-10-1 for the Red Storm.
--ESPN will provide television coverage 30 minutes after the Depaul-Providence game ends. The Marquette-St. John’s winner will square off against Villanova on Thursday afternoon.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
--For their wretched performances Tuesday, I think Georgetown and Cincy should both be relegated to the CBI rather than the NIT.
--Cincy’s loss to Depaul was a disgraceful performance. The Bearcats haven’t tasted the NCAA Tournament since Bob Huggins’ departure. (No wonder they miss Huggs so much!)
--Coach on the Hot Seat going into next year: Cincy’s Mick Cronin.
Editor's note: Brian Edwards will add previews for Wednesday's night games after the matchups are determined late Tuesday, so be sure to check back. You can click here for Brian's Big East Tournament picks!
vegasinsider.com
Pac-10 Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
**Stanford (9) versus Oregon State(8)**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants installed Stanford as a 5 ½-point ‘chalk’ over Oregon State, with the total set at 126. This Pac-10 first-round tournament game is slated to tipoff at 9:00 p.m. ET from Staples Center in Los Angeles, with FOX Sports Net providing coverage.
-Stanford (17-12 straight up, 15-10 against the spread) concluded the regular season by losing to Arizona Saturday as a 6 ½-point road underdog, 101-87. The Cardinal had won back-to-back outings SU and ATS heading into that matchup.
-The Cardinal lost despite shooting a solid 49 percent (32-of-65) from the field, and 46 percent (15-of-33) from behind the arc. Jeremy Green stepped up with 22 points off the bench, while forward Lawrence Hill contributed 21 and 10 rebounds.
-Stanford sports a 4-8 SU and 6-6 ATS road record, dropping those affairs by an average score of 74-70.
-Oregon State (13-16 SU, 11-13 ATS) enters this matchup mired in a three-game SU and ATS losing skid after Saturday’s setback to Southern Cal as a 12-point road underdog, 68-52.
-The Beavers were outrebounded by the Trojans, 32-23, while shooting 39 percent (20-of-51) from the field and 21 percent (3-of-14) from behind the arc. Seth Tarver had 16 points and six rebounds in the loss, while Roeland Schaftenaar added 11 and four.
-Oregon State is 4-9 SU and 5-7 ATS away from home, dropping those games by an average score of 66-58.
-Oregon State has won the last two matchups with Stanford SU, and the previous three meetings ATS. The Beavers beat the Cardinal January 24 as a 16-point road underdog, 77-62, and February 19 as a four-point home ‘dog, 66-54.
**Oregon (10) versus Washington State (7)**
-LVSC opened Washington State as an 8 ½-point favorite over Oregon, with the total listed at 120. FOX Sports Net will provide coverage of this Pac-10 Tournament first-round game beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET.
-Oregon (8-22 SU, 9-20 ATS) wrapped up the regular season by getting routed by UCLA Saturday as a 21-point road underdog, 94-68.
-The Ducks trailed the Bruins by just seven points at halftime, 47-40, before getting blown out in the second half, 47-28. Oregon was on the short end of the rebounding battle, 43-22, while shooting 39 percent (26-of-67) from the field.
-The Ducks are a dismal 2-13 SU and 4-11 ATS away from home, dropping those affairs by an average score of 78-66.
-Washington State (16-14 SU, 12-16 ATS) was riding a three-game SU winning streak before falling to rival Washington Saturday as a 7 ½-point road underdog, 67-60. The Cougars have covered their last four games.
-Wazzu dropped the rebounding battle, 36-27, while connecting at a 37-percent clip (20-of-54) from the field and 31 percent (4-of-13) from 3-point land. Guard Taylor Rochestie led all scorers with 23 points, while center Aron Baynes added 16 and 11 rebounds.
-The Cougars are 6-7 SU and ATS when playing on the road. Wazzu has been dropping those matchups by an average score of 61-60.
-Washington State is 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS the previous five meetings with Oregon after sweeping the season series. The Cougars prevailed Jan. 17 as a 1 ½-point road ‘chalk,’ 74-62, and Feb. 12 as an 11-point home favorite, 67-38.
vegasinsider.com
Big 12 tournament: Round 1 preview and picks
By JASON LOGAN
All games are being held at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Baylor Bears (-1, 130)
The Huskers and Bears get to do it one more time after closing the regular season against each other Saturday. Nebraska stole a four-point win in the final minutes to spoil Baylor’s senior day and keep the Bears spiraling into the postseason.
Baylor was once picked to finish third in the Big 12 and was even ranked in the national polls. But the Bears crumbled under that pressure, going an awful 5-11 in conference play.
They fell apart again in the crunch, committing three of their 16 turnovers in the frantic final moments of Saturday’s loss. They have the second-worst assist-to-turnover ratio in the conference and blindly turn to chucking up 3-pointers when down on the scoreboard.
Nebraska surprised a lot of teams who underestimated its tiny frontcourt. It didn’t allow Baylor to find its stride by slowing down the tempo. The Huskers average just under 65 possessions which limits the amount of costly mistakes.
Final score prediction: Nebraska 63, Baylor 58
Colorado Buffaloes vs. Texas Longhorns (-13.5, 129.5)
Texas has waited all season for one of its talented role players to step up.
Forward Gary Johnson is the frontrunner after showing burst of offensive prowess. Unfortunately, most of those big games came against lower-level conference foes. Johnson wrapped an up-and-down season with an ankle injury that held him out for three games and limited his work against Kansas.
Not having Johnson has kept coach Rick Barnes’ rotation in flux. He’s still trying to create space for guard A.J. Abrams. Abrams had to take over the point guard duties for most of the year until Turkish sophomore Dogus Balbay was ready for serious minutes.
Texas escaped Colorado with an overtime victory on Valentine’s Day. Big body Dexter Pittman picked up four fouls in 12 minutes in that game. He’s struggled to stay out of foul trouble all season, even forcing the Horns to go to zone when he’s on the floor. However, he’s limited his whistles in the last five games and will be too much for the Buffaloes frontcourt.
Final score prediction: Texas 72, Colorado 58
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (-10, 145)
Oklahoma State is bringing a bazooka to a knife fight. The Cowboys’ high-powered offense pushed them into tournament consideration and nearly knocked off Oklahoma in the season finale.
The Cowboys averaged almost 79 points during conference play behind the play of guard Byron Eaton and underrated talent James Anderson. Backcourt supporters Obi Muonelo and Terrel Harris round out the offensive punch.
Oklahoma State’s turnaround began with a one-sided win over ISU. Since then, the Cowboys have shot 49 percent from the field including a 24-of-47 night against Oklahoma’s stingy defense.
Final score prediction: Oklahoma State 83, Iowa State 67
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Texas A&M Aggies (-6, 147.5)
No team is playing better basketball than Texas A&M. The Aggies have reeled off six straight wins heading into the Big 12 tournament including an upset over Missouri in the final regular season game. That win pushed Texas A&M off the bubble and into the NCAA.
Coach Mark Turgeon’s team is firing on all cylinders. They’re averaging more than 78 points during this stretch, rebounding well and playing great defense. It seems nothing can stop the Aggies now.
Well, maybe an ankle injury to leading scorer Josh Carter.
He sprained his left ankle against the Tigers and is a game-time decision for Wednesday’s tournament opener. Carter is scoring 14 points per game and has saved his best for this stretch. He came back into the game after the injury and dropped 13 points on senior day. However, that gutsy performance may have done more damage than first suffered. He was in a walking boot this week but Turgeon is optimistic his senior leader will play.
With a less-than-healthy star, Texas A&M could be content with its regular season accomplishments and fall flat in this meeting with a hungry rival.
Final score prediction: Texas Tech 74, Texas A&M 73
DEPAUL (8 - 23) vs. PROVIDENCE (18 - 12) - 3/11/2009, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DEPAUL is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all games this season.
DEPAUL is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
DEPAUL is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
DEPAUL is 25-46 ATS (-25.6 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
DEPAUL is 2-1 against the spread versus PROVIDENCE over the last 3 seasons
PROVIDENCE is 2-1 straight up against DEPAUL over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MARQUETTE (23 - 8) at ST JOHNS (15 - 16) - 3/11/2009, 2:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARQUETTE is 50-30 ATS (+17.0 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 74-49 ATS (+20.1 Units) in road games since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 74-49 ATS (+20.1 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
MARQUETTE is 2-1 against the spread versus ST JOHNS over the last 3 seasons
MARQUETTE is 3-0 straight up against ST JOHNS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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SAINT LOUIS (17 - 13) vs. LASALLE (18 - 12) - 3/11/2009, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LASALLE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LASALLE is 2-1 against the spread versus SAINT LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
SAINT LOUIS is 2-1 straight up against LASALLE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CHARLOTTE (11 - 19) vs. ST JOSEPHS (16 - 14) - 3/11/2009, 2:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) against conference opponents this season.
CHARLOTTE is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) on Wednesday games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after a conference game this season.
CHARLOTTE is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in road games in all tournament games since 1997.
CHARLOTTE is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
ST JOSEPHS is 2-1 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
ST JOSEPHS is 2-1 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MASSACHUSETTS (12 - 17) vs. DUQUESNE (18 - 11) - 3/11/2009, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MASSACHUSETTS is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
MASSACHUSETTS is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
DUQUESNE is 2-1 against the spread versus MASSACHUSETTS over the last 3 seasons
MASSACHUSETTS is 2-1 straight up against DUQUESNE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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ST BONAVENTURE (15 - 14) vs. RICHMOND (17 - 14) - 3/11/2009, 8:50 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RICHMOND is 31-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
RICHMOND is 31-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
RICHMOND is 3-2 against the spread versus ST BONAVENTURE over the last 3 seasons
RICHMOND is 3-2 straight up against ST BONAVENTURE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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BAYLOR (17 - 13) vs. NEBRASKA (18 - 11) - 3/11/2009, 12:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BAYLOR is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in all games this season.
BAYLOR is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
BAYLOR is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) against conference opponents this season.
BAYLOR is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) after a conference game this season.
BAYLOR is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) off a loss against a conference rival this season.
BAYLOR is 6-13 ATS (-8.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BAYLOR is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
BAYLOR is 2-1 against the spread versus NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
BAYLOR is 2-1 straight up against NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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COLORADO (9 - 21) vs. TEXAS (20 - 10) - 3/11/2009, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-1 against the spread versus TEXAS over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS is 3-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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IOWA ST (15 - 16) vs. OKLAHOMA ST (20 - 10) - 3/11/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IOWA ST is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) against conference opponents this season.
IOWA ST is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) after a conference game this season.
IOWA ST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent this season.
IOWA ST is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
IOWA ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games this season.
IOWA ST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
OKLAHOMA ST is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
IOWA ST is 2-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA ST over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA ST is 2-1 straight up against IOWA ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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TEXAS TECH (13 - 18) vs. TEXAS A&M (23 - 8) - 3/11/2009, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS TECH is 65-92 ATS (-36.2 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 43-68 ATS (-31.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 43-67 ATS (-30.7 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
TEXAS A&M is 51-33 ATS (+14.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 51-33 ATS (+14.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS TECH is 3-2 against the spread versus TEXAS A&M over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS A&M is 3-3 straight up against TEXAS TECH over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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RICE (9 - 21) vs. MARSHALL (15 - 16) - 3/11/2009, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RICE is 11-30 ATS (-22.0 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
RICE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
RICE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
MARSHALL is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MARSHALL is 44-70 ATS (-33.0 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
MARSHALL is 43-69 ATS (-32.9 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
MARSHALL is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MARSHALL is 3-0 against the spread versus RICE over the last 3 seasons
MARSHALL is 3-0 straight up against RICE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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SOUTHERN MISS (14 - 16) vs. UCF (17 - 13) - 3/11/2009, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SOUTHERN MISS is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in all games this season.
SOUTHERN MISS is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
SOUTHERN MISS is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) as an underdog this season.
SOUTHERN MISS is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) against conference opponents this season.
SOUTHERN MISS is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) after a conference game this season.
SOUTHERN MISS is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
UCF is 2-2 against the spread versus SOUTHERN MISS over the last 3 seasons
UCF is 3-1 straight up against SOUTHERN MISS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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E CAROLINA (13 - 16) vs. TULANE (13 - 16) - 3/11/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E CAROLINA is 26-41 ATS (-19.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
E CAROLINA is 26-41 ATS (-19.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
E CAROLINA is 21-37 ATS (-19.7 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 17-32 ATS (-18.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
E CAROLINA is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) on Wednesday games over the last 3 seasons.
E CAROLINA is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
E CAROLINA is 31-53 ATS (-27.3 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
E CAROLINA is 32-53 ATS (-26.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
TULANE is 5-1 against the spread versus E CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
TULANE is 5-1 straight up against E CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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SMU (9 - 20) vs. HOUSTON (19 - 10) - 3/11/2009, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SMU is 26-46 ATS (-24.6 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent since 1997.
SMU is 39-67 ATS (-34.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
SMU is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-1 against the spread versus SMU over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 6-0 straight up against SMU over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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AIR FORCE (9 - 20) vs. COLORADO ST (9 - 21) - 3/11/2009, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AIR FORCE is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) against conference opponents this season.
AIR FORCE is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) after a conference game this season.
AIR FORCE is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) off a loss against a conference rival this season.
AIR FORCE is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) after scoring 60 points or less this season.
AIR FORCE is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO ST is 5-1 against the spread versus AIR FORCE over the last 3 seasons
AIR FORCE is 4-2 straight up against COLORADO ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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STANFORD (17 - 12) vs. OREGON ST (13 - 16) - 3/11/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
STANFORD is 199-159 ATS (+24.1 Units) in all games since 1997.
STANFORD is 199-159 ATS (+24.1 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
STANFORD is 128-97 ATS (+21.3 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
STANFORD is 127-96 ATS (+21.4 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
OREGON ST is 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) on Wednesday games since 1997.
OREGON ST is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 47-74 ATS (-34.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
OREGON ST is 3-3 against the spread versus STANFORD over the last 3 seasons
STANFORD is 4-2 straight up against OREGON ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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OREGON (8 - 22) vs. WASHINGTON ST (16 - 14) - 3/11/2009, 11:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OREGON is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in all games this season.
OREGON is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
OREGON is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
OREGON is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) against conference opponents this season.
OREGON is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) after a conference game this season.
OREGON is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) off a loss against a conference rival this season.
OREGON is 4-18 ATS (-15.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OREGON is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
OREGON is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.
WASHINGTON ST is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) after scoring 60 points or less this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON ST is 4-3 against the spread versus OREGON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON ST is 5-2 straight up against OREGON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CAL DAVIS (12 - 18) vs. UC-IRVINE (12 - 18) - 3/11/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UC-IRVINE is 35-24 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
UC-IRVINE is 35-24 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
UC-IRVINE is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
UC-IRVINE is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
CAL DAVIS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after allowing 80 points or more this season.
UC-IRVINE is 33-52 ATS (-24.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
CAL DAVIS is 3-1 against the spread versus UC-IRVINE over the last 3 seasons
UC-IRVINE is 3-3 straight up against CAL DAVIS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CS-FULLERTON (14 - 16) vs. UC-RIVERSIDE (17 - 12) - 3/11/2009, 11:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CS-FULLERTON is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CS-FULLERTON is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
UC-RIVERSIDE is 5-2 against the spread versus CS-FULLERTON over the last 3 seasons
CS-FULLERTON is 5-2 straight up against UC-RIVERSIDE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MOUNT ST MARYS (19 - 12) at ROBERT MORRIS (23 - 10) - 3/11/2009, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
ROBERT MORRIS is 6-2 straight up against MOUNT ST MARYS over the last 3 seasons
12:00 PM
SAINT LOUIS vs. LA SALLE
Saint Louis is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games
Saint Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
La Salle is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
La Salle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
12:30 PM
BAYLOR vs. NEBRASKA
Baylor is 1-10-1 ATS in its last 12 games
Baylor is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games
Nebraska is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Baylor
Nebraska is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baylor
1:00 PM
RICE vs. MARSHALL
Rice is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Rice is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Marshall is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Marshall is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
2:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. SAINT JOSEPH'S
Charlotte is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Charlotte is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Saint Joseph's is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Saint Joseph's is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
3:00 PM
COLORADO vs. TEXAS
Colorado is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Texas is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado
3:30 PM
SOUTHERN MISS vs. CENTRAL FLORIDA
Southern Miss is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 games
Southern Miss is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Central Florida is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Central Florida's last 5 games when playing Southern Miss
5:00 PM
AIR FORCE vs. COLORADO STATE
Air Force is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Colorado State
Air Force is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Colorado State
Colorado State is 8-17 ATS in its last 25 games
Colorado State is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
6:30 PM
MASSACHUSETTS vs. DUQUESNE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Massachusetts's last 6 games
Massachusetts is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Duquesne
Duquesne is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Massachusetts
Duquesne is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Massachusetts
7:00 PM
EAST CAROLINA vs. TULANE
East Carolina is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Tulane
East Carolina is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Tulane
Tulane is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tulane's last 10 games
7:00 PM
IOWA STATE vs. OKLAHOMA STATE
Iowa State is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Iowa State is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games
Oklahoma State is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Iowa State
Oklahoma State is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Iowa State
9:00 PM
ST. BONAVENTURE vs. RICHMOND
St. Bonaventure is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Richmond
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Bonaventure's last 8 games when playing Richmond
Richmond is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Richmond is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
9:00 PM
STANFORD vs. OREGON STATE
Stanford is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Stanford is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Oregon State is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Stanford
Oregon State is 3-17 SU in its last 20 games when playing Stanford
9:00 PM
UC DAVIS vs. UC IRVINE
UC Davis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
UC Davis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
UC Irvine is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
UC Irvine is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
9:30 PM
SOUTHERN METHODIST vs. HOUSTON
Southern Methodist is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Southern Methodist is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Houston is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
9:30 PM
TEXAS TECH vs. TEXAS A&M
Texas Tech is 5-13-1 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Texas A&M
Texas Tech is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Texas A&M
Texas A&M is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Texas A&M is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
11:30 PM
CS FULLERTON vs. UC RIVERSIDE
CS Fullerton is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing UC Riverside
CS Fullerton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing UC Riverside
UC Riverside is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
UC Riverside is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
11:30 PM
OREGON vs. WASHINGTON STATE
Oregon is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Oregon is 2-16 SU in its last 18 games
Washington State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oregon
Washington State is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Oregon
NCAAB Today
Notes on the best of today's games.
Big East tournament (NYC)
DePaul went 0-18 in Big East, then beat Cincinnati Tuesday; they lost 62-54 (+9) at Providence Jan 3, shooting 35% from floor, making 3-19 on arc. 12 of DePaul's last 13 losses were by 8+ points. A must-win for bubblicious Friars, 2-3 in last five games and 4-3 vs spread as a Big East favorite. Providence is 1-8 in first game in this event the last nine years. .
St John's is 4-2 in last six games, winning three of last four at home, but is 3-9 vs spread in last 12 games as a dog- they lost 73-59 at Marquette Feb 14 (+16). Eagles lost last four games with James out for year- they are 0-4 vs spread in last four tries as a favorite. Marquette won its first Big East tourney game the last two years, by 9-13 points.
Notre Dame (+9) lost 79-68 at West Virginia Feb 18, in game that West Virginia called three timeouts in first 7:55 due to the coach being upset. Notre Dame is 6-3 in last nine games; they covered three of last four as a dog. Mountaineers won five of last seven games, but covered one of last four as a favorite. Weak Irish defense against limited WVa offense.
Syracuse is just 5-4 in first game of Big East tourney last nine years, but three of five wins were by 11+ points; they won this event in both 2005 and '06, winning four games behind McNamara. Orange drilled Pirates in Big East opener, 100-76 Dec 30 (-12), making 12-22 from arc, shooting 57% from floor. Seton Hall is 8-3 vs spread in its last eleven games.
Atlantic 14 tournament (Atlantic City)
LaSalle (+3) just won 68-62 at Saint Louis Saturday, after being down 6 at half; they held Billikens' two senior guards to 5-22 from floor. LaSalle won, covered its last four games- they're 3-4 vs spread as an A-14 fave. Saint Louis lost last three games, by 17-2-6 points, but they covered 9 of last 11 games. Billikens covered last four tries as an underdog.
Charlotte lost four of last five games, covered two of last ten as an A-14 underdog, and lost 78-69 at St Joe's Jan 18, in game that was tied at half. Hawks were 10-18 from arc in that game, 49ers 10-31. Hawks won two of last three games after losing previous five; they're 2-4 vs spread in last six tries as favorite. Hawks won first A-14 tourney game last four years.
Duquesne is 4-5 in last nine games, UMass 3-4 in its last seven- Dukes won 94-77 at UMass Feb 25, forcing 20 turnovers, making 12-26 from arc, while UMass was 16-35 from arc- they're 5-4 as a A-14 dog, Dukes are 3-4 as favorite. Duquesne is 1-8 in first tourney game last nine years. UMass is 0-6 in this event since 2003, losing by 8-3-6-9-3-4 points.
Richmond won five of last six games but covered just two of seven as an A-14 favorite; Spiders (-11) lost 71-67 at home to St Bonaventure back on Jan 17. Bonnies covered six of last eight games, are 7-4 vs spread in last 11 tries as an underdog. This is first time in four years Bonnies are in this event. Richmond lost its first game in last three tournaments.
Big 12 tournament (Oklahoma City)
Nebraska (+7) just beat Baylor 66-62 Saturday in Waco, as McCray led Huskers with 18 points in 27 minutes off bench. Huskers won last two games, but covered just one of last five as favorite. Disappointing Bears lost 10 of last 12 games, are 0-6 vs spread in last six games as underdog. Nebraska won its first game in two of last three Big 12 tourneys.
Texas (-10.5) needed OT to win 85-76 in Boulder Feb 14; Longhorns are 4-8 vs spread as Big 12 favorite- they split last six games SU. Colorado lost last 11 games, but is 10-4 vs spread in last 14. Last six Texas wins in their first Big 12 tourney game have all been by seven or less points. Colorado covered six of last seven as an underdog in this tournament. ,
Oklahoma State won six of last seven games (7-0 vs spread); they're 7-1 vs spread as Big 12 favorite this year; Cowboys (--10) drilled Iowa State 86-67 Feb 14 in Stillwater. Cyclones are 3-8 vs spread in last 11 games as an underdog- six of their last seven losses are all by 14+ pts. OSU is 5-0 in first game here the last five years, winning by 8-2-9-15-4 points. .
Texas A&M beat Texas Tech twice this year, 79-70 at home (-8) Jan 24, 79-73 in Lubbock Feb 21 (-2.5); Aggies won last six games (5-1 against spread)- they're 4-2 as Big 12 favorite. Tech covered three of last four as an underdog; three of their last four losses are by six or less pts. Six of Aggies' last eight Big 12 tourney games were decided by 6 or less points.
Pac-10 tournament (Staples Center)
Oregon State beat Stanford twice by double figures, 77-62 in Maples Jan 24 (+16), then 66-54 in Corvallis Feb 19 (+2.5); Beavers lost last three games, by 10-25-16 points- they covered only two of their 11 losses in Pac-10 play (3-5 in last eight as dog). Cardinal lost nine of their last 12 games, are 4-3 as Pac-10 fave, 4-3 in their first game in Pac-10 tourney.
Washington State pounded Oregon twice, 74-62 in Eugene Jan 17 (-1.5), 67-38 at home Feb 12 (-11), when Ducks shot just 21%. Cougars won three of last four games, are 3-2 vs spread in last five games as a favorite. Oregon is 2-12-1 vs spread in last 15 games as underdog. Oregon lost in first round to Wazzu LY, their first 1st-game loss in six tournaments.
Big Sky final (Ogden, UT)
Home side won both Portland State-Montana State games this year, as Bobcats (+5.5) upset PSU 85-82 Feb 1, making 56% of shots, then lost in Portland 64-58 (+13). MSU shocked host Weber State last night, and is headed to Dayton for Tuesday's play-in game if they win this. PSU is on 4-game win streak, winning by 3-6-4-8 pts. MSU covered six of 10 as a Big Sky underdog. Game is in Weber State's gym, a very neutral floor.
Big East Tournament 2nd Round - New York, NY
DEPAUL vs. PROVIDENCE, 12:00 PM ET ESPN
DEPAUL: 7-14 ATS as an underdog
PROVIDENCE: 14-5 Over off road game
MARQUETTE at ST JOHNS, 2:20 PM ET ESPN
MARQUETTE: 18-8 Under off an Over
ST JOHNS: 12-5 Under vs. conference
Atlantic 10 Tournament First Round - Atlantic City, NJ
SAINT LOUIS vs. LASALLE, 12:00 PM ET
SAINT LOUIS: 12-4 Over off conference loss
LASALLE: 6-0 Over off 3+ ATS wins
CHARLOTTE vs. ST JOSEPHS, 2:20 PM ET
CHARLOTTE: 0-6 ATS off BB Unders
ST JOSEPHS: 11-3 Under in March
MASSACHUSETTS vs. DUQUESNE, 6:30 PM ET
MASSACHUSETTS: 1-7 ATS when the line is +3 to -3
DUQUESNE: 9-2 Under in tournament games
ST BONAVENTURE vs. RICHMOND, 8:50 PM ET
ST BONAVENTURE: 8-1 Over off SU dog win
RICHMOND: 11-3 ATS off home game
Big 12 Tournament First Round - @ Oklahoma City, OK
BAYLOR vs. NEBRASKA, 12:30 PM ET
BAYLOR: 3-13 ATS vs. conference
NEBRASKA: 6-0 Under off road win
COLORADO vs. TEXAS, 3:00 PM ET
COLORADO: 7-0 ATS Away playing with same season revenge
TEXAS: 19-9 Under off ATS loss
IOWA ST vs. OKLAHOMA ST, 7:00 PM ET
IOWA ST: 0-12 ATS Away off Over
OKLAHOMA ST: 10-3 ATS as favorite
TEXAS TECH vs. TEXAS A&M, 9:30 PM ET
TEXAS TECH: 0-7 ATS Away off BB ATS wins
TEXAS A&M: 23-8 ATS off BB conference wins
Conference USA Tournament First Round - Memphis, TN
RICE vs. MARSHALL, 1:00 PM ET
RICE: 10-2 ATS on neutral court
MARSHALL: 1-12 ATS as neutral court favorite
SOUTHERN MISS vs. UCF, 3:30 PM ET
SOUTHERN MISS: 2-9 ATS as underdog
UCF: 7-1 ATS off an Under
E CAROLINA vs. TULANE, 7:00 PM ET
E CAROLINA: 16-32 ATS playing with same season revenge
TULANE: 20-6 Under Away off conference loss
SMU vs. HOUSTON, 9:30 PM ET
SMU: 26-46 ATS revenging road loss
HOUSTON: 7-0 Over Away off home game
Mt West Tournament First Round - Las Vegas, NV
AIR FORCE vs. COLORADO ST, 5:00 PM ET MTN
AIR FORCE: 4-12 ATS vs. conference
COLORADO ST: 2-8 ATS off road loss
Pac 10 Tournament First Round - Los Angeles, CA
STANFORD vs. OREGON ST, 9:00 PM ET FSN
STANFORD: 10-3 ATS off an Over
OREGON ST: 0-7 ATS in March
OREGON vs. WASHINGTON ST, 11:30 PM ET FSN
OREGON: 5-16 ATS as underdog
WASHINGTON ST: 8-2 Under off ATS win
Big West Tournament First Round - Anaheim, CA
CAL DAVIS vs. UC-IRVINE, 9:00 PM ET
CAL DAVIS: 9-1 Over when the line is +3 to -3
UC-IRVINE: 20-9 ATS off Under
CS-FULLERTON vs.UC-RIVERSIDE, 11:20 PM ET
CS-FULLERTON: 13-5 ATS Away vs. conference
UC-RIVERSIDE: 6-16 ATS if road underdog L3 games
Northeast Conference Tournament - Championship Game
(TC) MOUNT ST MARYS at ROBERT MORRIS, 8:30 PM ET ESPN2
MOUNT ST MARYS: 5-1 ATS in tournament games
ROBERT MORRIS: 4-7 ATS since 1997
Conference Tournament Thoughts
By Indiancowboy
Big East
Notre Dame vs. West Virginia
There is no line in this game but ND lost to this team by 11 on the road earlier this year. This is on neutral footing in MSG. Remember, WVU comes off that tough loss to Louivsille this year but ND played well together in their first game against Rutgers. Regardless, of the line, I am staying away as i think the cover will be dicey as WVU starts off slow and then starts to pull ahead.
Seton Hall vs. Syracuse
There is no line here but this will be a home game of sorts for Syracuse. I call it a semi-home game in smoe ways. The Hall has played sound in the last two games beating Cinci in OT and South Florida in round 1. This team lost to Syracuse by 20+ on the road and 'Cuse has been rocking and rolling winning their last 4 straight, beating Marquette on the road in OT, defeating Rutgers by 30 at home, beating Cincy by 24, St. Johns by nearly 30 on the road, defeating WVU and the list goes on and on. A lean on 'Cuse despite whatever line coems out here.
Conference USA
Rice vs. Marshall
Conference USA game here that features a Rice team that lost to Marshall by 14 earlier this year. It's not like Memphis needs another advantage but this game is held in Memphis. Marshall beat Rice by double-digits at home and they are itching to play after a DD loss to UAB on the road. The short spread is nice but it is tough to go with 66% of the public here. Just laying off altogether although I think Marshall will likely do well as they are about 75 spots in the power ranking better than Rice.
Southern Miss vs. Central Florida
People love Central Florida in this contest as the public is heavily on them. Central Florida defeated East Carolina at home earlier this year by 3, faced Southern Miss and beat them by 12 at home, went 7-9 in conference play and faces a Southern Miss team lost their last 5 conference games and last 10 of 11 conference. Sure, a lean on Central Florida to get it done, but I just hate going with the public.
East Carolina vs. Tulane
East Carolina comes in losing their last 5 and lost to this Tulane team by 9 on the road earlier this year. Sure, East Carolina has some revenge, they will likely have a larger home crowd their today, Tulane comes off a horrendous loss to Memphis on the road, so a lean on Tulane despite East Carolina having revenge, but tough to take such a public fav as well.
Big 12
Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State
Given that this game is in Norman, Oklahoma State should have a large backing for this game there. The total stands at 145 which is always nice to get 11 points from a dog. Over 70% of the public favors Oklahoma State here as this team finished 9-7 in conference play, winning their last 6 of 7 in conference play including defeating Texas and Kansas State. This team beat Iowa State by 19 at home earlier this year. Iowa State is a solid team at home winning 4 conference games, but on the road, they have clearly struggled. A small lean on Iowa State, but they have been so dismal away from home this year and Oklahoma State is coming off a loss with that high powered offense, but they are still a huge public darling today.
Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M
TT has been dismal this year in conference, but tehy have played A&M tough for the most part and this is a neutral site. I saw in two consensus polls that bets were being favored to a tune of 80% on Texas A&M which is a bit scary and TT did beat Kansas to their credit, of course, A&M has made a huge surge of late and has bee playing lights out - just staying away.
Baylor vs. Nebraska
I love handicapping the Big12. These games are held in Oklahoma. The public is actually split on this game. I like Nebraska as they just beat this team by 4, but you better beleive Baylor remembers this most recent loss and shows up today as this team if they get their shooting from the outside rolling, they can be tough to beat. No play for me as I can see it either way.
Colorado vs. Texas
Texas getting about 60%+ of the backing here. Colorado lost their last 9 conference games but believe it or not, they lost to Texas by 9 in OT earlier this year at home. So catching 13.5 points on a neutral footing is not all that bad. Texas comes off that tough loss to Kansas on the road where they played well and I can see this either way. I don't wan to bet against Barnes's boys though so simply based on that, just staying away.
Atlantic 10
St. Bonny vs. Richmond
St. Bonny actually defeated this Richmond team earlier this year and although Richmond has revenge, it is St. Bonny that comes in with a chip on its shoulder as the dog. The 5.5 line usually favors the dog, so a lean on St. Bonny to hang tough and bury the public in the process.
UMass vs. Duquesne
Duquesne is favored by a 70% or later percent of the public. And, why not? This is on neutral floor and Duquesne is a top 100 team, beat Umass by 17 on the road earlier this year and lost to Dayton in an ugly game their last contest. Umass comes in beating Rhode Island on the road and the line is a bit eerily low from me as Umass is typically very strong on revenge games (i.e. Rhode Island adn covering against La Salle on the road losing by just 1).
St. Louis vs. La Salle
The Atlantic-10 games are in New Jersey. This is the early Noon game. La Salle is a top 110 team that shoots 68.5% from the line and faces a St. Louis team that is top 150. Do note though that La Salle is favored by 66% of the public and beat this St. Louis team by 6 on the road earlier this year. La Salle comes into this game winning 4 straight and St. Louis comes into the contest have dropped 3 straight. St. Louis has revenge but a lean on La Salle given how well they are playing. Reminds me a bit of the Seton Hal vs. South Florida game yesterday.
Charlotte vs. St. Josephs
The public loves St. Josehps today to a tune of over 75%. The Atlantic 10 games again are held in Jersey. Charlotte comes into this game having lost 4 of 5 and is only dogged by 3.5 points after losing to this team by 9 on the road earlier this year. St. Josephs has struggled losing their last 6 of 8 conference games. From the looks of things, it certainly seems Vegas is counting on a Charlotte Outright here and consequently, I lean on the outright for Charlotte as the public just might get buried here today.
Mountain West
Air Force vs. Colorado State
This is the only Mountain West game on the docket today. This game is held in Nevada and the public has a liking to Air to Colorado State here today. Air Force did not win a single conference game as they went 0-16 similar to Depaul. Having said that though, their last 2 games have been solid losing by 5 to BYU and 3 to UNLV, 2 of the toughest teams in the league. This team lost to Colorado State by 5 at home and 9 on the road. No play for me, but I would not be a bit surprised given how well Air Force is playing now, they can ge it done, but Colorado State is the better FT shooting team as well shooting over 72%.
Tips and Trends
Big East Tournament: Notre Dame vs. West Virginia
Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish won their opening-round game 61-50 over Rutgers on Tuesday and is trying to do the impossible by winning five games in five days. This is the first year every Big East team has qualified for the conference tournament, and Notre Dame knows it must keep winning in order to have any shot at going to the NCAA tournament for the third year in a row. “It’s never been done before, but somebody’s got to go out and try to take it, so why not us?” Irish senior guard Ryan Ayers said. “It’s not going to be easy, but we’ve got a lot of veteran guys who want it.”
Notre Dame is 3-1 ATS in its last 4 games overall.
The UNDER is 7-1 in Notre Dame's last 8 games overall.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 66 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
West Virginia (-4.5, O/U 139.5): Defense will be the key for the Mountaineers in the Big Apple, as they have surrendered 70 points or more just three times this season. In fact, opponents have hit the 70-point mark just seven times in West Virginia's last 30 games, and young forwards Kevin Jones and Devin Ebanks stepped up down the stretch to give the team more options than second-team All-Big East performer Da'Sean Butler. “They’re just going to get better and better,” Mountaineers head coach Bob Huggins said. “They’re still learning how to play."
West Virginia is 1-3 ATS in its last 4 games overall.
The UNDER is 8-0 in the last 8 meetings.
Key Injuries - G Jonnie West (foot) is OUT.
PROJECTED SCORE: 70