GOLD SHEET CONFIDENTIAL TIP-OFF BASKETBALL
Saturday,December 8
MARQUETTE over *Wisconsin (Day Game)...G-oriented Marquette at size disadvantage vs. Wisconsin. But veteran Warriors (all 5 starters back) will effectively use their uptempo attack & aggressive defense, just as smaller, quicker Duke did in 82-58 home win vs. Badgers on Nov.27. Marquette’s imperturbable sr. PG D. James (15 ppg, 3 apg, 42% treys) will score, dish & keep squad composed in hostile Kohl Center, while Big East Defensive Player of Year, 6-3 sr. G McNeal (16 ppg, 4 apg), hounds Wiscy’s new go-to scorer, 6-1 soph G Hughes (18 ppg). Badgers miss “T&T Boys” (departed stars 6-7 F Tucker & G Taylor) in Warrior payback game. MARQUETTE 73 - *Wisconsin 60 RATING - 11
TEXAS over *Rice...Wrong place, wrong time scenario for Willis Wilson’s rebuilding Rice bunch that is having a hard time adjusting to life without graduated sharpshooter Morris Almond (NBA 1st-round draftee). With Owls hitting only 34% from floor (and icy 28% beyond arc) and suffering numerous one-sided beatings already, the last thing Rice needs is to face a roaring Texas squad that’s flying high after win at topranked UCLA. Horns’ firepower (85 ppg) and accuracy (54% from floor!) way too much for Owls to handle.
TEXAS 96 - *Rice 57 RATING - 10 (at Toyota Center)
BOSTON over *Chicago (NBA)...Intense Boston has cooled off a bit vs. the points, but Chicago has problems the Celtics will exploit. Bulls are last in the league in scoring and are shooting horrendous 39.7% (also ranks last). Interestingly, Boston is playing the best defense in the league, holding foes to 87 ppg & 40.5% (both league lows). Both teams played last night, but Chicago is 0-3 when unrested, while the Celtics covered 3 of first 4 playing 2nd of back-to-back games. Celtics competence too much for struggling Bulls.
BOSTON 100 - *Chicago 82 RATING - 10
Pointwise
ARIZONA over Illinois (Sat) RATING: 1
NEW MEXICO over San Diego (Sat) RATING: 3
TOLEDO over Drexel (Sat) RATING: 4
WINNING POINTS
***BEST BET
*Minnesota over Phoenix by 1
The Suns have a convenient excuse for overlooking the Timberwolves since this is their final game of a five-game road trip. They may very well take the Timberwolves too lightly. It’s Phoenix’s fourth game in five nights. Phoenix’s weakness is its weak bench.The Timberwolves won’t be home again until Friday. They have three days off after this matchup so the focus should be there. Al Jefferson provides scoring punch inside and could get foul-prone Amare Stoudamire in foul trouble. MINNESOTA 114-113.
COLLEGE HOOPS:
Saturday, December 8
***BEST BET
Kansas* over DePaul by 24
After Jerry Wainwright’s lousy-shooting DePaul team beat Kansas 64-57 in Chicago
last season (right after Kansas had beaten Florida), Jayhawks’ coach Self said, “We
couldn’t play good defense without fouling.” Translation: “We got hosed.” DePaul
guard Draelon Burns shot 8-for-8 from three-point range in DePaul’s last game, which will seem like an eternity ago when he has trouble making the range in this building against this opponent. Wainwright is committed to an up-tempo change this season and says the worst thing to do would be to put on the brakes. Which would seem to indicate mistakes forthcoming at a rapid pace. KANSAS, 89-65.
***BEST BET
Ohio* over Delaware by 31
Balanced Bobcats scoring and the ability to spread the floor with good outside shooting range will make it very hard for scoring-challenged Delaware to hang in there.What little air had been in this program went out of it two or three seasons ago and if they are not getting steals, they’re not gonna be putting points on the board and even then, they’re 50-50 to make an uncontested layup. Four Delaware players recently played 32 to 39 minutes in a loss at Iona (2-27 SU in 2006-07). "There's a level of excitement about the team because we have new players and transfers becoming eligible December 16," coach Monte Ross said recently. A check of the calendar reveals the shocking truth: that’s eight days from today. OHIO, 95-64.
***BEST BET
Rhode Island over Syracuse* by 10
It’s so nice to have national TV commentators dishing out the superlatives about
Syracuse’s untested freshmen and sophomore guards as if they were Pearl Washington assists. Our EXECUTIVE decision-makers used that edge for a 5-STAR winner with UMass +7.5 vs. Boeheim’s NIT Orange Blossoms last week, and this Rhode Island team is deeper into its running sets than Massachusetts was. When four of your guys score 20 on your home floor and you still lose, you obviously have some work to do.If he no longer wants to play zone, then he’ll be out-rebounded and out-breaked withtrigger-muscle from Rhodie’s upperclassmen muscle Daniels, Seawright and Mbang.RHODE ISLAND, 85-75.
THE SPORTS REPORTER COLLEGE BASKETS:
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
BEST BET
SETON HALL over *PENN STATE by 8
Bobby Gonzalez finally gets his shot to command a program with a measure of pedigree, and have every expectation he’ll make the most of it, with his knack for effective recruiting.Nittany Lions are a modest representative of a “down” conference, and barring last weekend’s Palestra outing against St. Joe’s, they’ve kept themselves as far as possible from any severely-testing competition. Trust the under-the-radar Pirates to heat things up, with a significant road win more than theoretically-conceivable. SETON HALL, 74-66.
BEST BET
*INDIANA over KENTUCKY by 16
Appears to be an appealing regional brand-name barnburner at first glance, but you’d better confirm the proof-power of what’s inside that so-called bottle of bonded Kentucky before you swallow it whole. Now, Billy Gillespie’s cashed some parlay, running through the raindrops at UTEP and A&M to find himself in the promised land of Lexington. But Lexington’s among the game’s most brightly-lit stages, and current dropoff is farther than team’s performance should have endured after mere departure of Bobby Perry and Randolph Morris. Gillespie’s game plan against Carolina to Hack Hansbrough failed utterly, as ’Heels made free throws, and ’Cats could barely get to the line themselves until game was well out of reach. Lexington locals will be uncomfortable all year, during transition
Scott Spreitzer
Back in the day posting at your forum meant something. In today's world all the forums are alike and are basically the same. You have the guys who buy the plays and then the guys who copy and paste. It takes the drive out of me to post any more. Which is why I stay away. There is one thing I knew back then is the ones who posted you knew their plays were correct. And at this point of the forum state, if you asked a guy where he got the play he couldn't answer it. I have lost track of the ones who actually paid for the plays here.
I actually pay for the plays I post here.The handicappers I get them from are starting to take it out on the ones who pay for their plays. By not posting till just about game time. I believe this place and other forums are changing the way the real good handicappers will get their plays out and it will start to effect us all. So copy and bring it where you must atleast you know it's correct. GL
Scott Spreitzer's CBB 25* Saturday Slam Dunk! *51-15, 77% ATS!
I'm laying the lumber with the Longhorns. The season of futility that began in the off-season, continues for the Rice Owls. Two assistant coaches left the program this past summer, and even coach Willis Wilson searched for a different address after 15 seasons in Houston. But Wilson didn't get the jobs he interviewed for, and reluctantly returned for season 16 at Rice. The Owls lost their top three scorers from last season and also have no one to lead the team at the point. Three different guards have taken a turn as floor general. None have panned out. In fact, every player who has appeared in more than one game for Rice has a negative assist-to-turnover ratio! I played against Rice earlier this season and cashed an 86-59 win with single-digit fave, Duquesne. While we are obviously paying a more expensive price this time, I expect another absolute blowout. Texas is seriously piling up the points, showing that there's life in Austin after Kevin Durant. The Longhorns are 8-0 to start the season, winning by an average score of 91.3-to-68.5 in their last six. Unlike Rice, Texas has strong leadership in the backcourt. Abrams, Augustin, and Mason are averaging a combined 11.8 assists per game, with just 5.7 turnovers per night. Five players are scoring between 11 and 19 PPG. Texas has also shown, they can win at any pace. The athletic and uptempo Longhorns beat UCLA at Bruin-speed (63-61) one of two wins at a slower pace. Rice will try to slow things down, but don't own the leadership on the floor to dictate the pace. The Longhorns are off for the next six days with a date next Saturday against Texas State, so there are no distractions from this one. UT beat a better Rice squad by 27 points two seasons ago. I expect an even bigger beaddown on Saturday. I'm laying the points with the Longhorns, my 25* release. Thanks! GL! Scott.
Tony Mathew's Free College Basketball Selection for December 8, 2007.
Matchup: Duquesne vs. West Virginia
Selection: West Virginia -12 (-110)
Explanation: We will lay the points with West Virginia as they face-off against Duquesne in Saturday's College Basketball contest.
Don't be fooled by Duquesne 6-2 overall record. Duquesne (on the road) is scoring an average of 82.5 points per game, while allowing opponents to score an average of 77 points per game. This offense and defense is simply not good enough to beat a very strong West Virginia team.
West Virginia has played great basketball so far this season (6-1 overall record. 4-0 at home record). Their solid record is due to their strong offense and defense. West Virginia (at home) is scoring an average of 95.3 points per game, while allowing opponents to score an average of only 46 points per game. We expect another solid performance from the West Virginia offense and defense today.
Dating back to last season, West Virginia is a solid 17-5 ATS in their last 22 home games. We see West Virginia getting another against the spread win at home today!
Reply With Quote
Vegas Experts Tip Of The Day
Utah went all out last night in a revenge spot and came up short versus San Antonio. Now it faces a Dallas club coming off a loss. Can the Jazz stay within the number in Big D?
Mavs have troubles on both ends of the court. They are 0-7 ATS this year when the total is 200+. The total on this one opened at 210. Jazz won and covered two-of-three in the series last year. DALLAS is 7-17 ATS versus explosive offensive teams - scoring 103+ points/game over the last 2 seasons. The Jazz average 107.
Play on: Utah
GamblersWorld
Tip of the Day - December 8, 2007
TIP OF THE DAY
Sport: NHL
Game: 8:00PM, Anaheim Ducks vs. Nashville Predators
Prediction: Nashville Predators
Reply With Quote
Burns college hoops
ILLINOIS (-4 or better)
Game: Arizona vs. Illinois Game Time: 12/8/2007 12:00:00 PM Prediction: Illinois Reason: I'm laying the points with ILLINOIS. The Wildcats are a talented athletic team and they've been playing well. However, I expect them to have their hands full against a well-coached and extremely motivated Illinois squad this afternoon. While dubbed a "neutral court game" by the NCAA, the Illini have an obvious advantage with the game being played at the United Center. The early start time also figures to work in their favor. I feel that Illinois coach Bruce Weber will really view this as a "statement game." His team has already lost both games when stepping up against top tier teams (Duke and Maryland) and they'll also be playing with "revenge" from a 84-72 loss at Arizona last season. The Illini had a big 16 point lead in that game so they know they can play with this team and Weber will be sure to remind them to maintain focus the entire way this time. Senior forward Brian Randle is an excellent defender and I expect him to be able to slow down Arizona star Chase Budinger. As a team, the Illini are always strong defensively and that's the case once again this season. They'll be slowing the tempo down here and that doesn't bode well for the Wildcats as they're just 9-19 ATS since 2005 when facing a team which allows 64 points or less per game. Look for the Illini to play their best game of the season as they avenge last year's loss and prove they can beat the nation's top teams.
BYU (-4 or better)
Game: Michigan State vs. BYU Game Time: 12/8/2007 4:00:00 PM Prediction: BYU Reason: I'm laying the points with BYU. The Spartans won 76-61 when these teams faced each other last season. However, that was at the Palace of Auburn Hills while today's game will be played at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City. In other words, home crowd and elevation will both be on BYU's side. This is also a much stronger BYU team, one which has been playing very well. Indeed, the Cougars are 7-1 for the season and six of those victories came by double-digits. The lone loss came on a neutral court vs. North Carolina and that was only after the Cougars had beaten nationally ranked Louisville the previous day. The Cougars played the Tar Heels tough in that game too The Spartans are also playing well at 7-1. However, they're playing their second straight road game here and they don't have any victories as impressive as BYU's win over Louisville. The Spartans, who lost vs. UCLA, were tested by both Bradley (five point win) and Missouri (3 point win). They also beat Oakland by only four points and that game didn't even have a line. The Cougars, currently listed as slight favorites, are 38-3 SU and 27-13-1 ATS since 2005 when listed as favorites. That includes a perfect 3-0 SU/ATS mark in the 2007 calendar year when listed as favorites of four points or less. Behind the support of their home fans, look for the Cougars to continue their strong play and avenge last season's loss.
WISCONSIN (-4 or better)
Game: Marquette vs. Wisconsin Game Time: 12/8/2007 6:00:00 PM Prediction: Wisconsin Reason: I'm laying the points with WISCONSIN. This is a huge instate rivalry between two excellent programs. The Golden Eagles have been playing very well and bring a higher ranking into today's clash. They've got quickness across the board and scored a whopping 100 points in their last game. However, the Badgers have a size advantage and they've won four straight against the Golden Eagles at the Kohl Center, and two straight overall in the series. The Badgers size advantage figures to be even more pronounced if Senior F Dan Fitzgerald can't go for the Golden Eagles. Fitzgerald missed Marquette's last game with a sprained left wrist, and it's currently unclear if he'll play against Wisconsin. Without Fitzgerald the Golden Eagles are missing not only one of their best perimeter shooters but also another big body; at 6-foot-9 he is one of the team's most versatile players on the front line. Note that the Badgers, who start four players 6-foot-7 or taller, enter this game leading the Big Ten with a plus-13.1 rebounding margin and averaging 15.0 offensive rebounds. Both teams suffered their only loss of the season vs. Duke. Since Marquette played Duke very tough and Wisconsin was blown out, the perception will be that Marquette is the better team. I don't see it that way. Not at the Kohl Center, at least. In seven tries as underdogs of six points or less in the 2007 calendar year, the Golden Eagles have one just once, going 2-5 ATS. Meanwhile, the Badgers have won 28 in a row at the Kohl Center, the third-longest active home winning streak in the country and third-longest in school history. They're also 97-5 at home under Coach Ryan, including 13-2 against ranked opponents and 51-3 versus non-conference teams. Look for homecourt to be the difference as they slow down their guests and earn an important win and cover. *Main Event
Burns NBA
UNDER bulls/celtics (179 or better)
Game: Boston Celtics vs. Chicago Bulls Game Time: 12/8/2007 8:35:00 PM Prediction: under Reason: I'm playing on Boston and Chicago to finish UNDER the total. Both teams saw their respective games finish above the number last night. However, with both playing the second of back to back games, I'm expecting a significantly lower-scoring contest this evening. Both teams are excellent defensively. The Celtics are #1 in the league in terms of points allowed, while the Bulls rank third in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics have seen two of their last three games stay below the number when they've played the second of back to back games. Those three games averaged 177 points. More impressive, we find the UNDER at a profitable 11-3 the last 14 times that the Bulls played the second of back to back games, including a perfect 3-0 mark so far this season. Those three games all fell below the number by double-digits with scores of 150, 184 and 171. Additionally, although the Celtics are obviously a much different team, its worth noting that the last four games in this series have ALL fallen below the total. I'm expecting another defensive affair with the UNDER improving to 6-1 the last seven times that the Bulls played on a Saturday. *Blue Chip
Larry Ness' 20* Revenge Game of the Month-CBB (4-1 start this week in college hoops!)-Day
My 20* play is on Missouri at 4:00 ET. Revenge is a great motivator in college sports. When the matchups and game situation also favor the team playing with a revenge motive, it's time to "step out" with a big play. Such is the case here. Purdue lost two fifth-year seniors from LY's 22-win team which lost in the 2nd round of the NCAAs. Forward Landry (18.9) and guard Teague (14.3) are gone, replaced by a great group of freshman. Four of the team's top-six producers in the early going are freshman. Guard Moore is teamed with senior Crump (8.2) in the backcourt and three of Purdue's four-best frontcourt players are also first-year players. The 6-8 Martin (12.8-5.0) is the team's leading scorer, the 6-8 Hummel (8.2-5.8) its leading rebounder and the 6-10 Johnson (7.8-3.8) has looked just fine. Purdue has not really been tested yet, as its lone road game was at Clemson, when the Tigers' best player (center Mays) sat out in a 61-58 Clemson win. In Missouri, the Boilermakers will face a veteran team which is talented and deep. Former UAB coach Mike Anderson had nine players average at least 13.6 MPG in his first season LY and this year, nine players are getting at least 12.5 MPG. PG Hannah (16.1-5.4 APG) runs the show and 6-8 Vandy transfer Carroll (15.9-7.0) is the best inside player. Missouri went 11-0 at Columbia last year vs non-conference opponents and the Tigers will well-remember that their 9-0 start last season came to an abrupt halt in West Lafayette last year, in a 79-62 trouncing by Purdue. Turnabout is fair play. Revenge Game of the Month 20* Missouri.
Kelso Sturgeon Sports
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Home Team In CAPS
All Starting Times Eastern
COLLEGE BLOWOUT GAME OF WEEK
25 Units
DUKE (-22 ½) over Michigan
Prediction: Duke by 33-35
Starting Time: 2:00
TV: CBS
Played at Cameron Indoor Stadium (9,314) in Durham, North Carolina
Burns NHL
NASHVILLE
Game: Anaheim Ducks vs. Nashville Predators Game Time: 12/8/2007 8:05:00 PM Prediction: Nashville Predators Reason: I'm laying the price with NASHVILLE. The situation favors the Predators here. In addition to playing on home ice and playing with "revenge," the Predators also had yesterday off. The Ducks, on the other hand, come off a win at Chicago last night and will now be playing their third game in the past four nights, all in different cities. Note that the Ducks were outshot 42-22 last night and this will be the third time this season that the defending champions will have played a road game, after having played the previous day. They were 0-2 in the first two games, losing 5-4 at Pittsburgh and 5-1 at Edmonton. The Predators took both meetings here last season, winning 5-4 and 3-0. Look for them to have the fresher legs this evening as they avenge a 3-1 loss at Anaheim from six weeks ago. *Western Conf. GOM
Big Al
At 8:35 pm, our NBA Game of the Month is on the Chicago Bulls plus the points over Boston.
At 7 pm, our selection is on the winless Ball State Cardinals plus the points over the Indiana State Sycamores.
At 7 pm, our selection is on the 13th-ranked Butler Bulldogs minus the points over Wright State, as Butler seeks revenge from three losses to the Raiders last season, including one that gave Wright State the Horizon League Championship.
Reply With Quote
stan sharp..
Sat, 12/08/07 - 3:00 PMStan Sharp | CBB Sides
triple-dime bet735 Pittsburgh -2.5 (-110) BetUS vs 736 Washington
Analysis: Today all 3 of Stan's Top College Bettors and Stan all agree that PITTSBURGH will WIN by 13-17 points as Vegas has set this line too low based on PITT's close game the other night and last years score against Washington. Fact is last year's close score will insure that Pitt doesn't look past Washington as they did last year. Also note that Pitt has held 7 of 8 opponents to 40% or less Shooting from the floor this year. This is Pitt's first true road game of the Year as their only other road game was in Pittsburgh. Pitt will be ready for their first Big Road Test and they pass with flying colors. TAKE PITTSBURGH as STAN'S NON-CONFERENCE BIG BET OF THE MONTH and make them a TRIPLE DIME PLAY.