BRYAN LEONARD
COLLEGE BASKETBALL GAME OF THE YEAR!
Oklahoma State at Texas A&M
Terrible scheduling spot for the Cowpokes who have been through four straight emotional games before taking on the Aggies here. It all started two weeks ago to the day when Oklahoma State dropped a 98-92 overtime decision to the Baylor Bears. The Cowboys then survived a 97-95 home win over Missouri that was intense throughout. Oklahoma State then went into Lincoln and beat Nebraska 76-74 in overtime. Then on Monday the team faced instate rival Oklahoma in front of a Big Monday national television audience. The Cowboys lost that game 89-81 as their defense once again was non-existent.Oklahoma State has long struggled on the road posting a 5-25 road mark the past three seasons. This year they stand at 2-2 straight up on the road with the victories being at Texas A&M Corpus Christie and last Saturday's overtime win at Nebraska.Texas A&M is looking to avenge not only a 72-61 loss earlier this season in Stillwater, but a home loss here to the Cowboys last season. That defeat led to a three game losing streak and damaged a 15-1 home record to start the 2007-08 season. A&M currently sits at 11-1 at home this season with the only loss coming to powerful Oklahoma by 6 points. In the first meeting Oklahoma State had great success pressing the senior less Aggies but Texas A&M has grown a great deal since then. Besides it's much easier to dictate pace when playing in front of a home crowd. Home court is huge in college basketball and the Aggies have been terrific in this building. They own the better defense and unlike the Cowboys they haven't been through game after game of all out wars. With Oklahoma, Kansas State, Baylor and Texas on the horizon this becomes a must win game for the host, and the line is very favorable for a team hiding under the radar. PLAY TEXAS A&M
Cajun-Sports Executive
South Carolina vs. Kentucky
Pick: Kentucky -9.5
Rupp Arena will be the site of today’s Southeastern Conference clash between the host Kentucky Wildcats and the visiting South Carolina Gamecocks. South Carolina enters today’s game off a home win over Vanderbilt while Kentucky is looking to rebound from a road loss at Ole Miss as a 9.5 point road favorite.
South Carolina is 15-4 SU and 7-7 against the number this year. The Gamecocks have posted a record of 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS on the highway this season averaging 79.2 points per game and allowing 78.2 points per game.
Kentucky is 16-5 SU and 10-5 against the spread this season. When the Wildcats take their home floor they are 10-2 SU and 4-3 against the spread this year averaging 83.3 points per game versus teams that only allow 70.2 points per game and on the defensive end of the floor the Cats are allowing 63.8 points per game to teams that average 72.8 points per game. The shooting prowess of the Kentucky Wildcats will be too much for this Gamecock team to overcome in Rupp on Saturday.
On the technical front we find that Kentucky is 60-39-3 ATS when coming in off an ATS loss in their last game. If the Wildcats lost SU/ATS and went ‘over’ in their last game and are now installed as a favorite they are 10-1-1 ATS if they happen to be favored on their home floor their record is 7-1-1 ATS. South Carolina is 25-42 ATS (-21.2 Units) after playing 2 consecutive games as favorite since 1997, 2-5 ATS in their last seven games following a SU win and 0-5 ATS if their last game went ‘over’ the posted total.
Data base research has uncovered a system that is active for today’s contest. The system tells us to Play Against CBB road teams after scoring 80 points or more in a win over a conference rival against an opponent off an upset loss as a favorite, 58-28 ATS since 1997.
With strong fundamental, situational and technical support we will back the host here as the Wildcats get the win and cover in Rupp on Saturday.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: (4*) Kentucky Wildcats 77 South Carolina 58
Washington U vs. Arizona State
Pick:Arizona State -5
The Wells Fargo Arena will be the site of today’s Pac 10 battle between the host Arizona State Sun Devils and the visiting Washington Huskies. Washington enters today’s game off a road loss as a one point road favorite at Arizona 106 to 97. ASU is also coming in off a loss as they went down to Washington State at home as an eleven point home favorite 65 to 55.
Washington is 15-5 SU and 11-7 against the spread this season including 3-4 SU and 4-3 ATS on the road averaging 78.0 points per game and allowing 74.1 points per game. The Huskies defense allowed the Wildcats to shoot better than fifty-two percent from the field from the field in their most recent loss and if that continues today it will be a long afternoon for the Huskies.
ASU is 16-4 SU and 10-6 against the number overall this season. They are a solid 8-1 SU and 4-2 ATS at home averaging 73.3 points per game versus teams that would normally only allow 66.9 points per game. On the defensive end of the floor the Sun Devils are allowing 52.3 points per game to teams that average 69.3 points per game. Their point differential is key today and if they can continue their solid play at home they will win this one easily.
A check of the data base shows the Sun Devils are 65-44 ATS when playing with one or less days rest since 1997, 8-1 ATS in home games after playing 2 consecutive games as favorite the last 3 seasons and 13-4 ATS after a game where they failed to cover the spread the last 2 seasons. Washington is 0-6 ATS after a game where they were called for 27 or more fouls over the last 3 seasons, 1-8 ATS in road games when playing against a team with a winning percentage of 60% to 80% after 15 or more games the last 3 seasons and 1-4 ATS when facing a team with a winning record.
We have a College Basketball System that tells us to Play On CBB favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points after one or more consecutive ‘overs’, with a team that averages 67-74 points per game against a team that allows 67-74 points per game after 15+ games, 142-85 ATS the last three seasons.
With fundamental, situational and technical support for the host we will back the Devils in the desert as they roll past a Washington Huskies team that has fallen flat of late and will get rolled today.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: (4*) Arizona State 73 Washington 64
Teddy June
Texas A&M
Portland CBB
Larry Ness
20* Missouri
Sports Unlimited
7* Clippers +4'
5* USC -5
4* Depaul +3'
Fat Jack
E. Carolina
Ok. St.
Temple
Tulsa under
Yankee Capper
UNC/NC State Over 154.5
WAYNE ROOT
Millionaire- NC St
No Limit- Marquette
Insiders Circle- Providence
Perfect Play- Washington St
Chris James Sports
2* Houston +12.5
2* Utah -5
2* Oregon State -4
Jason Johnson
St Marys at Portland
Pick: Portland +4
Analysis: Call it a hunch but I feel that Portland, who are an impressive 9-1 at home, is going to upset St. Mary's tonight. They're going to do it with solid guard play, few turnovers, and strong rebounding. Portland shoots better than St. Mary's from the field and the arc. St. Mary's confidence is down after a loss to Gonzaga. Portland takes advantage in the upset.
DR BOB
2 Star Selection
**Miami-Ohio (-11) over EASTERN MICHIGAN
Eastern Michigan just can't compete against the better teams in the MAC and the Eagles have had a long history of pointspread failure at home. The Eagles are just 8-26-2 ATS as a home underdog of more than 3 points the last 9 seasons, including 2-15-2 ATS as a home dog of 6 points or more, and they're just 8-21-1 ATS in 4 season under coach Charles Ramsey when facing a team with a winning record and not getting at least 20 points, including 0-4 ATS this season. Eastern Michigan applies to a negative 3-37-3 ATS subset of a 34-90-5 ATS weak home court situation while Miami applies to a solid 144-61-5 ATS big road favorite situation. My ratings favor Miami by 11 points and I'll take Miami-Ohio in a 2-Star Best Bet at -12 points or less and for 3-Stars at -10 or less.
2 Star Selection
**NC STATE (+15) over North Carolina
North Carolina is the favorite to win the NCAA Championship, but the Tarheels are overrated and I'll go against them for a second consecutive time as a big road favorite. North Carolina tends to beat up on bad non-conference foes, but teams from the ACC aren't intimidated and league play is where the Tarheels have struggled. North Carolina is 107-73-4 ATS in all games under coach Roy Williams, but they Heels are only 22-34-2 ATS as a conference favorite after a conference victory and just 9-25-2 ATS in that situation if their opponent is coming off a win (UNC is very good against teams coming off a loss). My ratings only favor North Carolina by 12 1/2 points against an NC State team that tends to play their best under coach Sydney Lowe when they're facing good teams. The Wolfpack are just 31-40-2 ATS overall under Lowe, but they are 9-4-1 ATS as an underdog of more than 9 points (2-0-1 ATS this season), including 2-0 ATS at home. NC State also applies to a 31-4-2 ATS big underdog momentum situaiton and I'll take NC State in a 2-Star Best Bet at +13 points or more.
2 Star Selection
**Wright State (+6) over CLEVELAND STATE
Wright State is 13-2 straight up and 12-2 ATS since December 9th and the Raiders are still underrated. Cleveland State, meanwhile, hasn't been nearly as good without do everything point guard D'Aundray Brown, who shoots 51% from the field (great for a guard), averages over 5 rebounds per game to go along with playing great defense (1.8 steals per game). My ratings favor Cleveland State by just 2 1/2 points even if I include all the games for Cleveland State, but I'd make the game a pick if I only use Cleveland State's 7 games without Brown. Either way, there is plenty of line value and Wright State is 22-5 ATS under coach Brad Brownell as an underdog of less than 10 points, including their 71-62 home win over Cleveland State in the game in which Brown was injured. I'll take Wright State in a 2- Star Best Bet at +5 points or more.
2 Star Selection
**TENN CHATTANOOGA (-7 1/2) over Georgia Southern
Georgia Southern has struggled without leading scorer and assist man Willie Powers (he also led the team in steals before getting hurt), as the Eagles are playing about 3 points worse in 7 games without Powers than their overall season rating. Chattanooga, meanwhile, has been a bit better in the 13 games with Kevin Goffney in the lineup, which certainly makes sense given his 52% shooting, 6.6 boards per game and 1.4 steals per game. My ratings favor Chattanooga by 11 1/2 points and the Mocs should be hungry today after losing consecutive games and also having the revenge motive for a 4 point loss at Georgia Southern earlier this season (when Powers was playing). I'll take Chattanooga in a 2-Star Best Bet at -8 points or less.
Saturday opinions/possible Best Bets
Delaware (+13) over NORTHEASTERN
Delaware is coming off a 55-78 loss at George Mason while Northeastern just won as a 5 1/2 point dog at VCU, so naturally I like the Blue Hens. Delaware is 10-0 ATS the last 2 seasons following a doble-digit loss, so I expect them to play well today, and Northeastern applies to a negative 0-24 ATS subset of a 37-88-1 ATS big home favorite letdown situation that is based on their upset win. My ratings favor the Huskies by 14 1/2 points, so the line is pretty fair. Northeastern already beat Delaware by 20 points on the road, which gives them another reason to letdown. I'll lean with Delaware at +13 or more and I'll take Delaware in a 2-Star Best Bet at +14 points or more.
Wyoming (+16 1/2) over BYU
BYU applies to a very negative 28-102-4 ATS situation but the line isn't quite high enough to make the Cowboys a Best Bet in this game. I'll lean with Wyoming at +16 or more and I'll take Wyoming in a 2-Star Best Bet at +17 or more.
The Consensus Group Guaranteed Selections
9000* COLLEGE HOOPS BLOWOUT WINNER
UTAH -5
9000* COLLEGE HOOPS PLAY OF THE MONTH
Northwestern "pick"
JEFFERSON-SPORTS
NBA
UTAH JAZZ +9
CBB
BAYLOR OVER 161.5
TEX A&M -3
MI OH -10.5
Maddux Sports
Hockey
3 units on Pittsburgh -115
3 units on Atlanta +170
EXECUTIVE
NCAA
600% Utah -5
400% B.College -3'
300% Evansville -1'
NBA
300% LA Clippers +4'
Sports Bank
500 Mismatch Game Of Year
Southern Cal
GAME DAY SPORTS
4* NEW MEXICO STATE
3* UTEP
2* Washington
2* Nevada
2* Pacific
Dave Cokin
GTown (hat)
SD
N Mex
Auburn
Tenn Chatt
Alatex
20* Texas A&M
Erin Rynning
Playmaker Spurs Under
C-Stars Sports
5000 units PAC 10 lock Of The Year Oregon St minus the points over Oregon
5000 units SEC Rivalry Lock Of The Year Mississippi St. minus the points over Mississippi
5000 units Mismatch Lock Of The Month! Wright St. plus the points over Cleveland St.
1000 units Miami (OH) minus the points over Eastern Michigan
Kevin Rogers
LA Clippers at Washington
Play: LA Clippers +4.5
The Clippers are desperately trying to get healthy, while also looking to pick up some wins along the way, as L.A. travels to Washington to take on the Wizards. The Clips got Baron Davis and Marcus Camby back, as both came off the bench in last night's loss at Cleveland, L.A.'s 18th setback in their last 20 games. Washington has been a horrible favorite this season, going 2-8 ATS when laying points. It gets even worse for the Wizards when they play with no rest, off last night's loss at Philadelphia. Washington is 0-9 SU on the second of a back-to-back, while compiling a 2-10-1 ATS mark L13 overall. The Clippers are nothing to write home about, but this is more a case of fading the Wizards, in the home chalk role, and playing without rest. I'll take the points with the Clippers.
Jamie Tursini
Chicago at Phoenix
Play: Under 213
The Bulls are off a 109-88 road win at Sacramento last night. They are averaging a score of 100.2 to 104.2 when playing in the second of back to back games.The Suns are off a home loss to the Spurs where they just were dominated throughout. The Suns may be house cleaning soon if they don't start playing the half-court game they are trying to commit to.Look for this to be a lower paced game, as the Suns are trying to find that identity going through Shaq. When it works they win, when it doesn't they lose as they just don't have the bodies to run like they have the last few seasons.This number is too high. Under.
BIG AL
4 Tenn
3 U Mass
3 Houston
3 Mizzou
3 San Diego
1 Hofstra
1 Towson State
1 Delaware
NBA
3 Memphis
3 Portland
1 San Antonio
Andrew Powers Guaranteed Selections
COLLEGE BASKETBALL NO HYPE POWER PLAY WINNER
New Mexico St -12
N.Y.Sports Exchange
10* E.Car
7* UC Davis
7* Evan
Stu Feiner
1000 Dime High Roller on Portland U +3.5
500 Dime- Wisconsin Mil -2.5
Jeffersonsports
Mavericks -2
Youngstown Connection
Utah -5
KBHOOPS
NCAAB
5* Purdue -11.5 **POD**
5* Purdue UNDER 131.5
5* West Virginia +6.5
5* Missouri OVER 161.5 -120
5* OU Sooners OVER 134
NBA
5* New Jersey Nets +8
Frank Tapani
200 DIME VIRGINIA TECH
IndianCowboy
Chicago Bulls @ Phoenix Suns
4 units Over 213 (POD)
We are 4-1 on the week in the NBA and things are going well as we have now secured 6 straight winning weeks in the Association. That's now officially my best streak in the NBA as well. As per this game, keep in mind that Chicago embarassd the Suns at home earlier this year by 17. In fact, the Suns didn't even break 85 points in that game. Phoenix also comes off a loss to the Spurs at home by 10. So, let's just say the Suns are in no means in a good mood coming into this game. But, the Bulls are not the type of team to roll over. The Bulls at the start of they year would roll over when another team has revenge - but not this Bulls team currently. These Chicago Bulls are now healthy with the return of Deng and Kirk and are playing great basketball once again. Bear in mind that they just romped the Clippers and Kings easily and even nearly defeating the Twolves on the road as they slid inside the number. I think the Bulls are game today and in the same token the Suns want to get revenge off their loss and franly want to pummel somebody as the Bulls roll in. Consequently, I think this is going to make for a wide open game of up and down basketball as I expect both teams to exceed 110 points a peice and send this game over the posted total en route for our 5-1 week. The over is 4-1 for the Bulls when they play teams with winning records meaning they are likely to get up for this game and be an active dog to send this game over as well as the fact the over is 11-4 for the Suns when they play the NBA Central
Cajun-Sports
CBB/NBA Executive Late Report
Wisconsin vs. Northwestern
Pick: Northwestern -1.5
Welsh Ryan Arena will be the site of tonight’s Big 10 clash between the host Northwestern Wildcats and the visiting Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers are currently on a five game losing streak which includes a record of 0-4-1 ATS. The Wildcats have defeated Minnesota, Michigan State and Indiana winning three of their last four contests with their only loss coming at Michigan in a 68 to 59 road loss.
Wisconsin is 12-8 SU and 7-10 ATS overall this season. When the Badgers take to the road they have struggled posting a record of 4-5 SU and 4-4 ATS. The worst has been recently for Wisconsin with them going 0-5 SU and 0-4-1 against the spread averaging 63.0 points per game versus teams that allow 64.0 points per game and defensively they are allowing 68.9 points per game.
The Badgers just lost to Purdue in a revenge situation and they have another same-season revenge game on deck with Illinois. We see that the Badgers struggle in the game before facing the Illini going 1-8 against the spread in that situation.
Northwestern is 11-7 SU and 7-8 against the number so far in the 2008-09 campaign. The Cats have been strong when defending their home court posting a record of 9-2 SU and 5-3 against the spread averaging 69.4 points per game versus teams that only allow 64.6 points per game. Defensively the Wildcats are allowing 56.5 points per game against teams that are averaging 67.9 points per game.
The Wildcats 1-3-1 zone along with their trapping style of defensive play will be a problem for this Badgers team on Saturday night in Evanston. Wisconsin has been struggling on both ends of the floor recently and this game will be no exception as Northwestern’s ability to break the Badgers on the defensive end of the floor will lead to easy baskets in transition.
Wisconsin is 1-4-1 ATS their last 6 following a straight up loss in their last game. They are also 0-4-1 ATS their last five versus teams with a winning record on the year and 0-4-1 ATS their last five versus teams from the Big 10 Conference.
In the first meeting between these two teams back on January 7th the Badgers were installed as a seven point favorite and defeated the Wildcats 74 to 45. Today’s line has the Badgers only favored by one point with the linesmaker not showing any respect for that huge win in their last meeting. They realize like we do that the Badgers are certainly not that much better than this Wildcats team and in fact the Cats are the team playing with the most confidence and momentum at this time of the season.
Our Team Performance Ratings Index has Northwestern with a 3.5 point advantage in tonight’s contest. Our Math Model Ratings Index also signals a Cats win over the Badgers tonight by 5 points. We will back the host as the Wildcats avenge that earlier loss and roll past the Badgers in Evanston tonight.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: (6*) Northwestern 68 Wisconsin 60
New Jersey Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Under 201
New Jersey: The Nets off a SU loss and going ‘under’ in their last game and now installed as a road underdog they are 64-90-4 Under. If they are off an ATS loss and ‘under’ and now installed as a road underdog they are 57-83-5 Under. The Nets coming off a SU loss and going ‘under’ in their last game now on the division road are 18-34-2 Under, if they are an underdog the record is 1-7-1 Under and if they are a road underdog the record is 16-30-2 Under.
Philadelphia: The 76ers are 10-21 Under as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points the last 2 seasons, 26-41 Under as a favorite over the last 3 seasons, 13-26 Under as a home favorite over the last 2 seasons and 23-35 Under after one or more consecutive ‘overs’ the last 2 seasons. Series: Four of the last Five meeting in Philly have gone ‘under’ the posted total.
Systems: NBA teams off two SU losses and are now on the road are 84-120-2 Under. NBA teams coming in off a SU/ATS loss and going ‘under’ in their last game and are now installed as a division road underdog are 25-44-1 Under. Play Under NBA teams vs. division opponents when playing their 3rd game in 4 days, 29-41 Under.
Total Performance Ratings Index: 10.3 Under
GRADED PREDICTION: 4* New Jersey / Philadelphia UNDER 201
RON RAYMOND
5* Hornets Over 183.5
3-GAME NHL PICK PACK
Pittsburgh Penguins -120
New York Islanders +130
Carolina Hurricanes -180