Michael Cannon
30 Dime
BAYLOR
10 Dime
FLORIDA
TENNESSEE
Sports Gambling Hotline
We are taking the points with the scrappy LaSalle Explorers tonight, as LaSalle may only be 8-11 straight up this year, but they are a whopping 6-0-1 against the spread away from home this season.
Xavier has covered their last pair of games, but they are are just 5-4 against the spread at the Cintas Center this year thanks to the fact they have been asked to cover some pretty steep imposts.
We feel this impost is also pretty steep, especially when you consider LaSalle has actually split the last 4 series meetings straight up against the Musketeers, and the Explorers have covered the last pair of meetings, and 4 of the last 5.
We are taking the points once again, as the numbers we just mentioned are too good to pass up, especially getting near 20 points tonight. Play on LaSalle.
1* LA SALLE
Karl Garrett
Boston College comes into LittleJohn reeling, as they were just blasted at North Carolina 91-69 for their third straight conference loss both straight up and against the spread.
The G-Man has to believe the Eagles will not get blown out tonight, and will show some pride and keep this conference clash close until the final buzzer.
Clemson hasn't exactly been tearing things up of late, as Oliver Purnell's team has dropped 4 of their last 7 straight up, and have failed 3 in a row against the spread, and 4 of their last 5 overall against the spread.
Series numbers show BC winning 3 of the last 4 meetings. The setback came in January of '07 when the Eagles were routed by 20 as the 7 1/2-point dog. Have to believe the Eagles will improve on their recent play, and their most recent visit to Clemson.
The G-Man is taking the points as Boston College gives Clemson a challenge.
3* BOSTON COLLEGE
Chris Jordan
Ive been talking about this Baylor team all season, telling everyone this would be the time of the year it would make statements against Big 12 rivals. Whether or not it wins this game, I cannot tell you, but I do believe the Bears will be in this to the end, and will put themselves in a position to win outright late in this contest.
While Baylor comes in off a loss to Oklahoma, 77-71, laying 4? points at home last Saturday, Texas was drilled by A&M on Wednesday night by 17 points. For Baylor it was just its first loss in conference play, and it was only because of a rare low-percentage night from the field. Realistically, this team is firing a healthy 46.0 percent for the season while its stingy defense is limiting foes to a mere 40.7 percent.
Though Texas won all three meetings last season, Baylor cashed the ticket each time, and come into this series on a 4-1 ATS run the past five meetings. And guys, this is the best Baylor team of them all. Rolling in on ATS runs of 14-5 on the wood, 16-5 on the highway and 21-8 in conference play, I?ll side with the Bears in this one.
3* BAYLOR
First it was the boys from Tucson, tonight it?ll be the troops from Tempe.
Arizona snapped USC?s four-game winning streak, and I think it may be a sign of things to come with this Trojans team for a while. Especially since the Sun Devils will be looking to snap a four-game skid ? and should be able to with that stifling defense we became familiar with as recent as last month.
Remember, ASU won 10 straight games ? four of them in Pac 10 play, both SU and ATS ? and it?s still capable of producing the same kind of output. It just needs to be against the right team. Tonight?s the night, as USC is a sub-par 1-2 SU and ATS at home in league action.
The underdog has been the cash cow in this series most recently, having cashed eight straight - including seven outright upsets. And making matters better ? for us ? it?s been Arizona State tht has punched the ticket in each of the last three. ASU is 5-1 ATS in games against teams with a winning record, and are still 10-4 ATS in their last 14 Pac-10 games dating back to last season. Take the points as this is an awful lot for USC to be laying to a very similar team.
3* ARIZONA STATE
Bob Balfe
NBA Basketball
Hawks -6 over Nets
College Basketball
Baylor +7.5 over Texas
Savannah Sports
3* Mississippi State +2.0
3* Boston College +11
2* Michigan State -11
2* Tenn Tech -5.5
AntonWins
4 unit Cincinnati +2
Brandon Lovell
20* Maryland +4.5
Cash & Profit Experts
CBB
Connecticut -3.5
Arkansas -3.5
Purdue +5
Cincinnati +2
Jim Feist Comp
Seattle
Sports Unlimited
7* Marquette
4* Syracuse
GAMBLERS WORLD
TIP OF THE DAY Sport: NBA Game:New Jersey Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks
Prediction: Atlanta Hawks Current Line: -5.5 Over/Under: 189.5 Reason: The New Jersey Nets and the Atlanta Hawks will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Philips Arena. Oddsmakers currently have the Hawks listed as 5.5-point favorites versus the Nets, while the game's total is sitting at 189.5. New Jersey forced 16 Miami turnovers in Friday's 94-85 win, covering the 3-point road spread. The 179 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 193. Richard Jefferson had 25 points, while Jason Kidd added 11 points and 12 assists for the Nets. The Hawks lost 95-88 to the Clippers on Wednesday, as 2-point favorites. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 186. Josh Smith had 21 points with 10 boards for a double-double in a losing effort. Current streak: New Jersey has won 2 straight games. Atlanta has lost 3 straight games. Team records: New Jersey: 20-26 SU, 18-27-1 ATS Atlanta: 19-24 SU, 21-22 ATS New Jersey most recently: When playing on Saturday are 5-5 Before playing LA Lakers are 7-3 After playing Miami are 5-5 After a win are 6-4 Atlanta most recently: When playing on Saturday are 1-9 Before playing Philadelphia are 4-6 After playing LA Clippers are 3-7 After a loss are 3-7 A few trends to consider: New Jersey is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta New Jersey is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta The total has gone OVER in 7 of New Jersey's last 10 games when playing on the road against Atlanta Atlanta is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home Atlanta is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games at home The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 10 games when playing at home against New Jersey The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
John Ryan
Game: Minnesota Wild at Columbus Blue Jackets
Prediction: Minnesota Wild
Reason: Ai Simulator 5* graded play on the Minnesota Wild - Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 65-19 and has made 37.1 units since 1996. Play against home dogs against the money line revenging a close loss versus opponent of 1 goal or less and is a marginal losing team with a winning percentage of 40% to 49% playing a winning team in the second half of the season. JACQUES LEMAIRE is 14-9 against the money line( 6.2 Units) in road games when playing against a marginal losing team with a winning percentage of 40% to 49% in the second half of the season as the coach of the WILD. Take Minnesota.
Black Magic
NCAA Basketball
5 Unit Black Magic CBB Big Dog of the Month on Denver +18.5
Denver has won 3 out of their last 5 games overall. To be receiving 18.5 points tonight is an absolute joke. Denver is 6-0 ATS after 2 straight games with 26 or less rebounds this season. Denver is 9-0 ATS after scoring 65 points or less 2 straight games this season. Denver doesn't score a ton of points, but they are holding opponents to just 59.7 points a game this season. Their defensive effort behind this 15-0 System will lead to a Denver cover against he spread Saturday. Cash in with Denver as the underdog.
3 Unit Sharp Play on Creighton -12.5
Creighton will come into this game furious over losing 3 close games in a row. Two to the MVC's best team in Drake and then a close road loss to Southern Illinois will have the Blue Jays coming out hungry for a big win Saturday. Wichita State is just 3-6 in road games and 9-12 on the season. They are scoring just 58 points a game on the road. Creighton is 10-2 at home averaging 80 points a game. The Bluejays are outscoring their opponents by 16 points per game at home. Wichita State is just 1-6 in their last 7 games overall and playing a pissed off Creighton team gives them no chance of competing. Creighton is 22-9 ATS against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons. Wichita State is 1-9 ATS after playing 2 consecutive games as a home favorite over the last 3 seasons. Cash in with Creighton as the favorite.
3 Unit Sharp Play on New Orleans -6.5
New Orleans wins this game by double-digits easily Saturday. Troy State is 2-7 in road games this year, allowing their opponents to go off for 82 points per game. New Orleans is 21-9 ATS off 2 or more consecutive road losses since 1997. New Orleans is 10-2 ATS off 2 consecutive road losses of 10 or more since 1997. Catching New Orleans at home Saturday will produce a blowout win over Troy State. Cash in with New Orleans as the favorite.
3 Unit Sharp Play on Cincinnati +2
Cincinnati continues to get no respect and it makes no sense. After a 62-39 road victory over West Virginia as a 14-point underdog, you would think odds makers would get the clue. Cincinnati is the real deal as indicated by their 10-2 ATS mark over their last 12 games overall. In all of these games the Bearcats have been the underdog. They love this role and will pull off another upset in the Big East over Marquette Saturday. Cincinnati is 6-0 ATS as a home underdog or pick this season. Cash in with Cincinnati as the home underdog.
3 Unit Sharp Play on Tennessee State +6.5
Tennessee State catches Austin Peay in a great spot Saturday. Austin Peay is coming off an emotional home win in overtime against Murray State, a conference power house. They will have a hard time getting up for this game following this big home win. Tennessee State will take advantage as they have all season on the road. Their 7-3 ATS mark in road games cannot be ignored. Tennessee State is 8-2 ATS after 1 or more consecutive losses this season. Austin Peay is 1-9 ATS in Saturday games this season. Cash in with Tennessee State as the underdog.
North Coast Button
Scott Spreitzer 3* Bradley
Young Guns 4* West Virginia
BEN BURNS
HOCKEY
Tampa Bay
Game: Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game Time: 2/2/2008 7:35:00 PM Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning Reason: I'm laying the price with TAMPA BAY. The Panthers aren't particularly scary on the road at the best of times and they're in a tough spot tonight. That's because they're coming off a 4-3 overtime/shootout win last night. That game was especially emotional too as it marked the first time that former goalie Roberto Luongo had returned to Florida. Off that dramatic victory and playing their third game in the past four nights, I expect the Panthers, who are 4-13 the last 17 times they played the second of back to back games, to stumble tonight. The Lightning have had some trouble on home ice the past few weeks. However, they won their last game here (also against Vancouver) and have now won four of their last six overall. Note that the Lightning have thrived at this time of year in recent seasons, going 15-3 with one tie their last 19 home games played in the month of February. The Lightning have already won both home meetings with the Panthers this season taking those games by scores of 3-1 and 2-1. Looking back further and we find the Lightning at 10-4 with two ties the last 16 times they were a host in this series. Its also interesting to note that the Panthers are 0-10 the last 10 times they played on a Saturday and 1-13 the last 14. Look for the Lightning to be the fresher and hungrier team tonight, earning a much-needed two points. *Southeast Division GOM
BEN BURNS
NBA BASKETBALL
ATLANTA (-7 or better)
Game: New Jersey Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks Game Time: 2/2/2008 7:00:00 PM Prediction: Atlanta Hawks Reason: I'm laying the points with ATLANTA. The Nets have won a couple in a row. However, let's not forget that they had lost nine straight before that. Additionally, note that the two teams (Milwaukee and Miami) which they defeated have a combined record of just 27-65. In other words, don't think that the Jason Kidd "distraction" is no longer an issue and that everything is suddenly OK in New Jersey. The Hawks aren't exactly the class of the league either. However, they are a respectable 12-9 at home. That includes convincing victories over the likes of Cleveland, Denver and Chicago in the month of January. The Hawks should be extremely hungry this evening as they'll be playing with "double-revenge," losing a pair of earlier games while the Nets were playing better basketball. Note that the Hawks, who were upset by the Clippers last time out, are 3-1 SU/ATS this season when coming off a SU loss as a favorite. The Hawks also have the schedule in their favor as they had the past two nights off while the Nets played at Miami yesterday. That's worth mentioning as the Nets lost by double-digits each of the last two times that they played the second of back to back games and are 3-6 SU/ATS their last nine in that situation. Look for the Hawks to be both the hungrier and fresher team as they avenge the earlier losses in a big way. *Best Bet
BEN BURNS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
WASH. STATE (-6 or better)
Game: Stanford vs. Washington St. Game Time: 2/2/2008 3:00:00 PM Prediction: Washington St. Reason: I'm laying the points with WASHINGTON STATE. I believe that this game means more to the Cougars than it does to the Cardinal. Stanford comes in on a a roll and off a big win at Washington. While the Cardinal players may be patting themselves on the back a little, the Cougar players are desperate to bounce back from an upset loss to Cal in their last game here. Note that Washington State has not lost consecutive games since the end of the 2005-06 season. These teams split last season's meetings. Stanford managed a 3-point win at home but the Cougars returned the favor with a 13-point blowout (58-45) when the teams faced each other here at Pullman. The Cougars are allowing less than 50 points per game on this floor this season and I expect them to be at their best on that side of the ball again today. Look for homecourt to be the difference as the Cougars bounce back earning a much-needed win and cover. *Personal Favorite
MISS. STATE (pick'em or better)
Game: Tennessee vs. Mississippi State Game Time: 2/2/2008 7:00:00 PM Prediction: Mississippi State Reason: I'm taking the points with MISSISSIPPI STATE. The Volunteers are a strong team and they're almost unbeatable at home. However, they're a little more vulnerable away from Tennessee and they'll be playing at one of the toughest venues around today. They'll also be facing one of the better defenses in the conference, if not the country. Although they managed to pull out the victory, the Vols were challenged the entire way at Alabama last time out, committing a season-high 23 turnovers along the way. Note that was the Vols first win at Alabama since 1998. Off that emotional victory and with Florida on deck, I won't be surprised if the Vols, 0-2 SU/ATS the last two times they were road favorites of two points or less, come out a bit flat here. In their previous road game prior to Alabama, the Vols lost at Kentucky. These days, playing at Humphrey Coliseum is arguably an even more difficult place to play. Indeed, the Bulldogs are 5-0 here since Christmas. Four of the five victories came by double-digits, including last week's 88-68 rout of rival Mississippi. Looking back further and we find the Bulldogs at an impressive and profitable 28-11 ATS (32-7 SU) their last 39 home lined games. Like the Rebels, the Vols are a high-scoring up-tempo team. That seemed to suit State just fine last Saturday though. While they'll look to slow the Vols down, they're also capable of running with them when it suits them. With Jamont Gordon running the show, the Bulldogs are much more adept at running in transition than most people believe them to be, demontrasting that nicely with last week's 88 point outburst. The Bulldogs are 13-7 ATS the last 20 times they were underdogs of two points or less. With the support of the home fans in what should be a sold-out Humprhey Collisseum, look for the Bulldogs to bounce back from Wednesday's loss at Arkansas, scoring the minor upset and earning their coach his 200th win. *SEC GOY
IOWA (+4 or better)
Game: Ohio State vs. Iowa Game Time: 2/2/2008 6:00:00 PM Prediction: Iowa Reason: I'm taking the points with IOWA. The Hawkeyes will have plenty of motivation here as they were embarrassed 79-48 at Columbus a few weeks ago. The Hawkeyes are better than they showed in that game (they beat Michigan State the very next time out!) and they'll be anxious to prove that point today. Note that Iowa has won 40 of its last 47 games in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the start of the 2004-05 season, including win streaks of 21 straight overall wins and 12 straight Big Ten Conference wins. The Hawkeyes have even won 10 of their last 12 home games against ranked opponents. Iowa will be playing this game before an emotional Saturday night crowd and the school is using the contest to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Carver-Hawkeye Arena. In their most recent game here, they pounded Penn State. The Hawkeyes followed that up with an easy cover at Purdue, losing by a single point. As coach Lickliter noted: "We've responded well this season after a loss. These guys have a lot of pride and they want to get back on track..." Looking back the last few years and we find the Hawkeyes at 10-6 SU/ATS when attempting to avenge a road loss and 13-4 ATS (14-4 SU) when coming off a loss vs. a conference opponent. Yes, the Hawkeyes are young. They're also improving quickly though. Expect them to be extremely hungry this evening as they feed off the energy of the home crowd and improve to 3-0 ATS the last three times they were attempting to avenge a blowout loss of 20 points or more. *Big 10 GOM
BIG AL
At 12 Noon, our selection is on the Marquette Golden Eagles minus the points over Cincinnati.
At 12 Noon, our Big East Game of the Month is on the Villanova Wildcats, who fall into a 52-21 ATS system of mine that plays on certain teams off 3 SU/ATS losses, who are matched up against a foe off a SU/ATS win.
At 7 pm, our NBA Game of the Week is on the Atlanta Hawks minus the points over New Jersey.
At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Chicago Bulls plus the points over Sacramento.
Gator's NBA/CBB 70% Report
CBB
Saturday: Play Against CBB home favorites of 10 or more points off a home win against a conference rival, a team with a win percentage of >= 80%) playing a team with a win percentage of 60% to 80% on the year.63-23 ATS the last 5 seasons (73.3%) PLAY: Miami-Florida +15
STRIKE POINT SPORTS (8-UNIT GAME OF YEAR INCLUDED)
3-Unit Play. #741 Take Massachusetts -4 over St. Louis (2 pm)
The one thing that makes this game pointed in the direction of the Minutemen is their scoring ability. UMass averages in the 80s, while St. Louis is not even above 60 per game. In fact, the Billikens have cracked 80 points just three times this year, twice against D-I teams. Massachusetts responded nicely with a 14-point victory over Duquesne after their home loss to Xavier last Sunday. They stay on track with a nice victory here over St. Louis.
8-Unit Game of the Year. #793 Take Cal Poly SLO -2.5 over UC Riverside (5 pm)
This Big West match-up has been long one-sided in favor of the Mustangs. Cal Poly SLO has won the last six meetings by an average of over ten points. They are 9-1 SU in the last ten meetings and 7-3 ATS in those games. Last season Cal Poly rolled to a 16-point victory in UC Riverside as a six-point favorite. That's more like what the line should have been, but this year's road match-up will yield a similiar result. The lowly Highlanders have just three D-I victories all season, and the combined record of the teams they knocked off is 13-46. I love a balanced offense, and with two players averaging nine, two with eight and three players at seven per game, this Cal Poly squad is exactly that. Off its biggest win of the season at a good Pacific team as a double digit underdog, the Mustangs will carry momentum over and cash their third consecutive victory and climb back to .500 in Big West play.
3-Unit Play. #823 Take Tennesee -2 over Mississippi State (7 pm)
Two teams that play very different brands of basketball, the Vols are more likely to dictate tempo, mainly because they are the more talented team and employ the best full court pressure in the nation. Tennessee has won the last three meetings, and they'll be fired up to redeem themselves for blowing a very winable game against Kentucky last time out on the road. As a small favorite it will be the Volunteers that cash in this SEC match-up.
3-Unit Play. #851 Take Illinois State +2 over Missouri State (8 pm)
The Bears have been a mess of late, and I am someone who does not think just because they are home that this team will automatically turn things around. Illinois State has been a strong MVC program, and the best in the league in my opinion, even over Drake. A mediocre 11-11 says plenty about this Missouri State team, and its 5-13 ATS mark is even worse. At 15-6, the Redbirds are the better team, and they will take this one outright.
Johnny Guild
1:00 p.m. Virginia (11-8) at Virginia Tech (13-8) Virginia Tech Hokies - 5
1:45 p.m. Baylor (16-3) at No. 10 Texas (16-4) Baylor Bears + 7.5
3:30 p.m. No. 2 Kansas (20-1) at Colorado (9-11) Kansas Jayhawks - 20
5:00 p.m. Auburn (12-7) at No. 18 Vanderbilt (17-4) Auburn Tigers + 11.5
Tom Stryker's Rare 6* College Best Bet
ILLINOIS CHICAGO (-) over Youngstown State at 8 PM EST
Back on January 3rd, Illinois Chicago made the trek to Penguins country and got embarrassed by Youngstown State 80-68. This is one payback payday that must be made.
At the UIC Pavilion, the Flames have been automatic in this series posting a perfect 8-0 SU record. Home cookin' has been kind to Josh Mayo and the boys too. In the Windy City this year, UIC holds a sparkling 9-1 SU record and is lighting it up from the floor. The Flames are shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 51.6 percent from three-point land! Of course, it's the margin of victory at the Pavilion that has this handicapper's attention - now 13.6 points per game!
Technically speaking, there are two solid angles that back this investment as well. At home matched up against an opponent that is NOT off a double-digit straight up loss, UIC has been money posting a sweet 46-26 ATS record including 13-4 SU and ATS in this role running with same season single revenge. Meanwhile, as a guest matched up against a foe that enters off a straight up win, Youngstown State is a shocking 0-16 SU and 4-11 ATS in its last 16 tries!
The Penguins got beat by a last second three-pointer by Loyola on Thursday night and enter this contest emotionally drained. The Flames won't be tired. UIC plays a different brand of basketball at the Pavilion and this team wants its revenge! Take Illinois Chicago. Thank you and best of luck, Tom Stryker.