SPORTS ADVISORS
BIG EAST TOURNAMENT
(at New York)
West Virginia (22-10, 14-15 ATS) vs. (2) Pittsburgh (28-3, 16-8-1 ATS)
West Virginia jumped out to an 18-point halftime lead against Notre Dame on Wednesday and cruised to a 74-62 victory, cashing as a six-point favorite. The Mountaineers, who shot just 36 percent from the field by had a 44-27 rebounding edge, are 6-2 in their last eight games (5-3 ATS), and they’ve been doing it with defense, giving up 59.7 ppg in their last six outings. The SU winner is 12-2 ATS in the team’s last 14 contests, all in Big East play.
Pittsburgh rolls in the conference tourney on a three-game SU and ATS winning streak, including Saturday’s impressive 70-60 victory over No. 1 UConn as a 4½-point home chalk. The Panthers started the season with 16 consecutive victories, and their three losses all came on the road in Big East play (69-63 at Louisville, 67-57 at Villanova and 81-73 at Providence). Despite being a heavy favorite in almost every game, Pitt is on a 10-3 ATS run (all in Big East play), and the SU winner has covered the spread in 13 of the team’s last 14 games.
The Panthers have advanced to the Big East title game seven times in the last eight years, winning two championships, including last year when they went 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS. Going back to 2006, Jamie Dixon’s squad is 9-2 SU and 8-3 ATS in this event. The Mountaineers, who advanced to the conference semifinals last year, are 3-1 (2-2 ATS) in their last four tourney contests.
Pitt swept the season series from West Virginia this year, winning 79-67 as a one-point road underdog and 70-59 as an 8½-point home chalk. The Panthers have won six of the last seven meetings (5-2 ATS) and are 13-5-1 ATS in the last 19 series clashes. Finally, the favorite is 11-4-1 ATS in the last 16.
Pitt is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 as a favorite, 7-1 ATS in its last eight against teams with a winning record, while West Virginia is 4-2 ATS as an underdog dating to last season.
The under is 6-3 in the last nine confrontations in this rivalry. Also, the under is 8-2 in West Virginia’s last 10 overall, 3-0 in its last three at neutral venues and 3-0 in Pitt’s last three neutral-site contests.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PITT and UNDER
(18) Syracuse (24-8, 15-13 ATS) at (3) Connecticut (27-3, 12-13 ATS)
Syracuse ran its SU and ATS winning streak to five in a row with Wednesday’s 89-74 beatdown of Seton Hall as a 7½-point favorite. The Orange shot 57 percent from the field, went 9-for-18 from three-point land, set a tournament record with 30 assists on 37 field goals and saw five players score in double digits, and they won easily despite a putrid 6-for-20 effort from the foul line.
UConn had a three-game winning streak snapped in Saturday’s 70-60 loss at Pitt as a 4½-point road underdog. Since losing their Big East opener to Georgetown (74-63 as a seven-point home favorite) on Dec. 29, the Huskies are 16-2 SU, with both losses coming to Pitt. However, Jim Calhoun’s squad comes into the tournament in a 2-6 ATS slump.
With their 63-49 blowout of the Orange at home a month ago, the Huskies improved to 7-4 SU and ATS in the last 11 meetings in this rivalry. The winner cashed in each of those 11 contests, and the favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last eight clashes.
Since the ugly loss at UConn on Feb. 11, the Orange have been unstoppable offensively, tallying 86 points or more in six of seven games and averaging 86.1 ppg during this stretch. Furthermore, Jim Boeheim’s squad has topped the 80-point mark in 20 of its 32 games this season, including 12 of 19 Big East contests. However, tonight they go up against a Huskies team that gives up just 62 ppg and ranks fourth in the nation in field-goal defense (37.7 percent).
Going back to 2003, Syracuse is on a 9-2 SU and 8-2-1 ATS run in the Big East tournament at Madison Square Garden. Conversely, UConn has gotten bounced in the first round of the tournament each of the last three years (0-3 ATS), and the Huskies 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS in their last five tournament contests. In fact, since winning the 2004 national championship, the Huskies have failed to cover in 12 consecutive postseason games.
UConn is 2-5 ATS in its last seven as a favorite, but the Huskies are 4-0 SU and 3-1 at neutral sites this season. Meanwhile, despite cashing in four straight games (all in conference) and going 3-0 SU and ATS at neutral venues, Syracuse is 2-6 ATS in its last eight as an underdog.
The Orange have topped the total in 12 of their 19 Big East games, including seven of the last 11, and the over is 5-1 in their last six neutral-site contests. However, the under is 15-5 in UConn’s last 20 games overall (13-5 in Big East play), and the under is 11-4 in the last 15 head-to-head battles.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
BIG 12 TOURNAMENT
(at Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Oklahoma State (21-10, 13-11-1 ATS) vs. Oklahoma (27-4, 13-12-1 ATS)
Oklahoma State blew out Iowa State 81-67 as a 10½-point favorite in Wednesday’s opening-round Big 12 tournament action for its seventh win in its last eight games (8-0 ATS). The Cowboys, who used a 46-point second half against Iowa State to rally from a three-point halftime deficit, get a quick rematch with rival Oklahoma. OSU’s only loss in the last month came Saturday in Norman, an 82-78 setback to the Sooners, though it covered as a nine-point road underdog.
Oklahoma had lost three of four SU and ATS before beating the Cowboys on Saturday. The Sooners get it done with offense, averaging 79.5 points a game and shooting 48.8 percent from the floor this season, good for seventh in the nation. Player-of-the-Year candidate Blake Griffin is a one-man wrecking crew for the Sooners, averaging 22.1 points, 14.2 rebounds and 63.4 percent shooting. Griffin went for 33 points and 14 boards in Saturday’s win over the Cowboys.
In addition to beating the Cowboys at home Saturday, Oklahoma scored an 89-81 victory at Oklahoma State back on Jan. 26, covering as a 2½-point road chalk. The Sooners have won five consecutive meetings in this rivalry (3-2 ATS) and seven of the last eight (4-3-1 ATS). Also, the favorite is on a 7-4-1 ATS run in the Bedlam Rivalry.
Oklahoma has won its opening round game in the Big 12 tournament each of the last two years, but it has failed to cover in seven straight tourney games (3-4 SU). Meanwhile, Oklahoma State is on an 11-3 SU and 8-5-1 ATS roll in the tournament, including back-to-back championships in 2003 and 2004.
Oklahoma State is on ATS streaks of15-6-2 in neutral-site games and 6-1-1 in the Big 12 tournament. Meanwhile, Oklahoma has gone 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 overall, and the Sooners are a perfect 3-0 (2-1 ATS) in neutral-site games this season.
The Cowboys have stayed under the total in four of six overall, while the Sooners have topped the total in nine of their last 13. Both matchups between these two this season also soared over the posted number after the previous four stayed under the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA STATE
Texas Tech (14-18, 10-14-1 ATS) vs. (14) Missouri (25-6, 14-10 ATS)
Texas Tech pulled off an early upset in the Big 12 tournament on Wednesday, rallying from a 19-point halftime deficit to shock Texas A&M 88-83 as a 6½-point underdog. The Red Raiders, who had lost seven of eight coming into the tourney (3-5 ATS), outscored the Aggies 59-35 in the second half to win for just the fourth time in 17 conference contests this season. Tech has now cashed in three straight and four of its last five, all as an underdog.
Missouri, which had a bye in Wednesday’s first round, closed the season with a 96-86 loss at Texas A&M on Saturday, failing as a two-point road chalk. The Tigers have followed up a seven-game winning streak (6-1 ATS) by losing two of three both SU and ATS. DeMarre Carroll is Missouri’s leader, putting up 17.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per contest while shooting 56.7 percent from the floor.
These two squared off back on Jan 24 in Missouri with the Tigers scoring a 97-86 win but coming nowhere near covering as an 18½-point favorite. The Red Raiders are 5-1 ATS in the last six head-to-heat battles.
Missouri has not won a Big 12 tourney contest since 2005, going 0-3 SU and ATS the last three years, and it is 2-5 SU and ATS in this event dating back to 2004. Texas Tech had failed to cover in three straight tournament games prior to last night.
Despite covering in three straight overall, Texas Tech is on ATS slides of 4-8-1 on a neutral court and 3-7 after a spread-cover. Meanwhile, Missouri has cashed in seven of its last 10 overall and 10 of 15 (all in the Big 12), going 6-2 ATS in its last eight as a favorite. Also, the Tigers went 2-2 SU and ATS on neutral courts this season.
The Red Raiders are on “over” runs of 22-7-2 overall, 19-7-1 in Big 12 action, 4-1-1 on a neutral court and 18-6-2 as ‘dogs, and the Tigers topped the total in three of their last four to close out the regular season. These two flew over the 159½-point total in their lone meeting this season, finishing at 193, making the over 6-2 in the last eight years in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
ACC TOURNAMENT
(at Atlanta)
N.C. State (16-13, 15-8-1 ATS) vs. Maryland (18-12, 11-10-2 ATS)
North Carolina State takes a 7-2 ATS streak into the ACC tourney but has gone just 4-5 SU in that span, all in conference play. The Wolfpack lost to Miami (Fla.) 72-64 Saturday, narrowly covering as an 8½-point road underdog to move to 3-1 ATS in their last four starts (1-3 SU). N.C. State dropped its lone neutral-court game this season to Davidson, 72-67, though it cashed as an eight-point underdog.
Maryland scored a stunning home upset of then-No. 3 North Carolina three weeks back, then went 1-3 SU and ATS in its final four games. The Terps nearly knocked off Wake Forest before falling 65-63 as a 1½-point home pup March 3, then closed with Saturday’s 68-63 road loss to Virginia as a two-point favorite.
Since winning the ACC tournament in 2004, Maryland has failed to get out of the first round in three of the last four years, going 1-4 SU and ATS. The Wolfpack have bowed out of this event twice in the last three years, including in 2008 when they fell 63-50 to Miami, Fla., as a five-point underdog. However, in 2007, N.C. State went 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS, advancing to the title game before losing to North Carolina.
Maryland has owned this rivalry lately, going 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS in the last five clashes, including a 71-60 road win as a four-point underdog less than two weeks ago.
The Terps are on ATS skids of 2-4 overall and 2-7 in neutral-site outings, though they went 2-2 SU and ATS at neutral sites this season. Meanwhile, despite cashing in seven of their last nine overall, the Wolfpack are 6-16-2 ATS in their last 24 starts following a SU defeat.
The under for Maryland is on rolls of 4-0 overall, 5-0 on neutral floors, 5-2 on Thursday and 7-2-1 after a non-cover, and the under for N.C. State is on a 4-1 stretch. Also, the under is 4-2 in the last six series meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
Virginia (10-17, 10-12 ATS) vs. Boston College (21-10, 13-13 ATS)
Virginia closed out an otherwise disappointing regular season with Saturday’s 68-63 upset win of Maryland as a two-point home underdog, ending a four-game SU and three-game ATS losing skid. In between starting the ACC season with a four-point overtime win at Georgia Tech on Dec. 28 and Saturday’s victory over Maryland, the Cavaliers went 2-12 in ACC play and 3-13 overall. During their 1-4 season-ending struggle, they averaged just 61.4 ppg on 42.2 percent shooting.
Boston College struggled with consistency throughout the ACC campaign, and that was evident down the stretch as the Eagles went 3-4 (2-5 ATS), alternating SU wins and losses in their last six games. On Saturday, they barely edged lowly Georgia Tech 67-66, falling way short as an 8½-point home favorite. B.C.’s defense was disappointing throughout the league season, giving up at least 66 points in every game.
The Eagles went to Virginia on Feb. 4 and cruised to an 80-70 victory as a one-point favorite. Prior to that, the Cavaliers had won three of four in this rivalry, going 4-0 ATS.
Boston College has won all three opening-round ACC tournament games since joining the league in 2006 (2-1 ATS), but is 1-3 ATS in its last four tourney games overall. The Cavs have dropped three straight conference tournament games (0-3 ATS), including consecutive opening-round losses the last two years.
Virginia is in ATS slumps of 1-6-1 at neutral sites, 0-5 on Thursday and 3-8 after a spread-cover. Boston College is 20-8 ATS in its last 28 neutral-site games and 7-2 ATS in its last nine on Thursday.
The under is on streaks of 6-0 for Virginia overall (all in ACC play), 9-2 for Virginia on Thursday, 4-0 for Boston College overall (all in ACC play), 4-1 for Boston College at neutral sites. However, the last three meetings in this rivalry have gone over the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON COLLEGE
PAC-10 TOURNAMENT
(at Los Angeles)
Arizona (19-12, 18-12 ATS) vs. (23) Arizona State (22-8, 16-10 ATS)
Arizona State snapped a three-game SU and 1-3 ATS losing skid with Saturday’s season-ending 83-66 rout of Cal as a seven-point favorite. The 83 points were the most scored by the Sun Devils since opening Pac-10 play with a 90-60 rout at Stanford. Prior to the slump, Arizona State had won five in a row (4-1 ATS).
Like their rivals, the Wildcats put the brakes on a lengthy losing streak Saturday, routing Stanford 101-87 as a six-point favorite to end a four-game SU slide (2-2 ATS). Arizona was a streaky team in conference play, having a seven-game Pac-10 winning streak (6-1 ATS) sandwiched around three- and four-game losing skids (3-4 ATS overall).
The Sun Devils will try to make it five in a row over their rivals from Tucson in this quarterfinal matchup, having swept the regular-season series with a 53-47 road win as a 2½-point underdog and a 70-68 home victory as an eight-point chalk. ASU is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings, and the favorite has covered in nine of the last 13 clashes.
In Pac-10 tourney action, Arizona State has dropped six straight (2-4 ATS) while the Wildcats have won four of their last five opening-round tourney contests (3-2 ATS) but overall Arizona is on a 1-3 SU and ATS slide in this event. Also, the winner has cashed in each of the Wildcats’ last nine Pac-10 tournament contests.
Arizona is on ATS runs of 9-3 overall (8-3 in Pac-10 play) and 17-8 in neutral-site games, while the Sun Devils are on positive ATS streaks of 7-3 on Thursdays and 5-2 in neutral-site games.
The Wildcats are on “over” runs of 7-1 overall, 5-0 on neutral courts, 24-11 on Thursdays and 7-1 against Pac-10 foes. For Arizona State, the over is on streaks of 4-0 on a neutral court, 4-1 overall and 4-1 on Thursdays. However, in the last seven series clashes, the under is on a 6-1 run, with the lone “over” occurring in the most recent meeting on Feb. 22.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
USC (18-12, 14-14 ATS) vs. California (22-9, 16-12 ATS)
The Trojans are trying build off a modest two-game SU and ATS winning streak to close the season after losing six of seven (2-5 ATS) Pac-10 games in February. USC crushed Oregon 80-66 as a 13-point favorite a week ago, then blew out Oregon State 68-52 on Saturday as a 12-point chalk in the season finale.
Cal alternated SU wins and losses in its last six games (2-4 ATS) and got beat soundly at Arizona State on Saturday 83-66, failing to cover as a seven-point ‘dog. The Golden Bears have failed to score more than 68 points in any of their last four defeats, but they’ve topped 77 points in five of their last six victories (5-1 ATS).
The home team won both matchups between these two this season, but the Trojans got the cash in each outing, winning 73-62 at home as five-point favorites and losing 81-78 at Cal in overtime on Feb. 26, but cashing as a four-point pup. Still, the chalk is 6-2 ATS in the last eight series meetings.
USC has won its last two opening-round Pac-10 tournament games (1-1 ATS), while the Bears are 3-0 SU and ATS the last three years in their opening tourney contest.
The Trojans come into this one 6-1 ATS in their last seven as a neutral-site ‘dog, but just 3-13 ATS in their last 16 after a spread-cover and 1-4 ATS in their last five as an underdog. Cal is 4-1 ATS in its last five as neutral-site favorite, but just 1-4 ATS in its last five overall.
USC has stayed under the total in nine of 11 neutral-site contests, but it closed the season on a 7-4 “over” run (3-1 “over” in the last four). Meanwhile, the Golden Bears are riding “over” streaks of 8-3 overall, 26-8 against Pac-10 teams, 20-8 on Thursdays and 5-0 in neutral-site games. Finally, the over is on a 7-0 run in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Washington State vs. (15) UCLA (24-7, 15-14-1 ATS)
Washington State clobbered Oregon 62-40 as a nine-point favorite in opening-round play Wednesday. The Cougars dominated across the board, outshooting the Ducks 58 percent to 26 percent and finishing with a 36-21 rebounding edge en route to their fourth win in the last five games (4-0-1 ATS).
UCLA’s run of three straight regular-season Pac-10 titles ended this year, as the Bruins finished in second place, one game behind Washington. However, they enter this year’s tournament on a four-game winning streak (3-0-1 ATS), including a pair of blowout home victories over Oregon State (79-54) and Oregon (94-68).
The SU winner is 11-1-1 in UCLA’s last 13 games and 12-0-1 in Washington State’s last 13.
The Cougars’ current 4-1 SU run began with a stunning 82-81 upset of UCLA in Los Angeles as a 13 ½-point underdog on Feb. 21, as Wazu ended a nine-game slide in this rivalry. The Bruins won the first clash in Pullman, Wash., 61-59, but failed to cover as a five-point road chalk. Prior to this season, UCLA had cashed in three consecutive meetings.
The Bruins are the defending Pac-10 tournament champs and have cut down the nets twice in the last three years, but they’ve failed to cash in three of their last four conference tourney contests. Meanwhile, Washington State has not made it out of the second round since the Pac-10 re-started the tournament early this decade, going 3-5 SU and 4-4 ATS in its last six appearances.
UCLA’s 3-0-1 ATS run comes on the heels of an 0-4 ATS slide (1-3 SU), and going back to last year’s postseason, the Bruins are 8-2 SU at neutral sites, but only 4-6 ATS. The Cougars’ recent surge comes after a 2-7 SU slump and a 4-11 ATS nosedive, and they’re 3-1 SU and ATS at neutral venues this season.
The Bruins have topped the total in 13 of their last 14 games (all in the Pac-10), with both of this year’s meetings against Washington State hurdling the posted price. Conversely, the under is 7-1 in the Cougars’ last eight (the lone “over” coming at UCLA last month).
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
SEC TOURNAMENT
(at Tampa, Fla.)
Vanderbilt (19-11, 12-14-1 ATS) vs. Alabama (17-13, 12-12-1 ATS)
Vanderbilt ended the regular season on a high note, winning and cashing in its last three games, including a 75-67 road upset of SEC regular-season champ LSU as a 9½-point pup just last week. The Commodores followed that with Sunday’s 75-58 rout of Arkansas as an eight-point home chalk and enters this tournament on a 7-3 SU (6-4 ATS) run. Vandy went 2-0 SU and ATS on neutral floors this year, though those wins came against Drake and Virginia Commonwealth.
Alabama followed a four-game losing skid with a 4-1 SU and ATS surge to end the regular season, capped by a 70-67 upset of host Tennessee as a 13-point ‘dog Sunday. Over the last five games, the Crimson Tide have averaged 81.6 ppg – after averaging just 71.2 ppg in their first 25 games – while allowing 73 ppg. But on the road this year, ‘Bama has been outscored by four ppg (77-73).
Vanderbilt is 6-3 SU and 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings in this rivalry, but Alabama has cashed in the last two contests, most recently losing 79-74 in early February but covering as a seven-point road pup. The underdog is also 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine head-to-head battles.
The Commodores have beaten the spread in nine of their last 11 neutral-site contests and they’re 3-0 ATS as a favorite of less than five points, but they are on ATS dips of 2-10 in Thursday games, 2-5 in the SEC tournament and 2-5 following a pointspread win. The Crimson Tide are on positive ATS runs of 5-1 overall (all in SEC play), 5-1 at neutral sites and 5-1 against winning teams, but they’re 1-4 SU (2-3 ATS) in the SEC tourney dating to 2005.
The over for Vandy is on streaks of 5-1 against winning teams and 8-3 on Thursday, and the over for ‘Bama is on rolls of 5-1 overall, 4-0 after a SU or ATS win, 13-3 on Thursday and 6-2 at neutral sites. Finally, the over is on a 5-2-1 run in the last eight meetings in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Arkansas (14-15, 11-11 ATS) vs. Florida (22-9, 9-14-1 ATS)
Florida limped to the regular-season finish line, going 1-3 SU and ATS in its last four games, but that victory came in Saturday’s finale, a 60-53 home win over Kentucky as a 5½-point chalk. Florida, which is on a 3-7 ATS plunge (4-6 SU), has averaged 78.2 ppg this season, an even 10 ppg better than its opponents, but over the last five starts, the Gators are in a near dead heat, scoring 72.6 ppg while allowing 72.2.
Arkansas took a 12-1 SU record into conference play this season, then went a dismal 2-14 SU and 6-10 ATS in the SEC, losing eight straight games at one point. The Razorbacks got bounced by Vanderbilt 75-58 Sunday as an eight-point road pup to end the regular season. Over the past five games, Arkansas has averaged 76.6 ppg and given up 82, and on the road this season, the Hogs have been outscored by more than 10 ppg (77.8-67.7).
The Gators were the three-time defending SEC tournament champions heading into last year’s event, winning nine straight games (7-1-1 ATS). However, they got dumped in the opening round last year, losing 80-69 to Alabama as a 3½-point favorite. Meanwhile, Arkansas has reached the tournament title game each of the last two years, falling to Florida in 2007 and Georgia in 2008.
Florida is 4-1 SU in the last five games in this rivalry – including a pair of wins in the SEC tournament – but has gone just 2-2-1 ATS, including an 80-65 home win laying 10½ points in January, this year’s lone meeting. The favorite is 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven clashes.
The Gators are on a 2-5 ATS slide overall, they’ve failed to cover in their last four neutral-site contests and they’re 5-10 ATS as a favorite of less than 15 points this season. However, they carry positive ATS streaks of 9-2 on Thursday, 5-2-1 after a SU win and 9-4 against teams with a losing record. The Razorbacks have actually split the cash in their last six SEC games, but they are in pointspread ruts of 2-6 against winning teams and 4-9-1 after a non-cover.
The over for Florida is on stretches of 5-2 overall (all in the SEC), 4-1 at neutral sites and 8-2 on Thursday, and the over for Alabama is on runs of 4-1 overall, 4-1 at neutral sites and 9-4 on Thursday. However, the under has hit in the last three clashes in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
NBA
L.A. Lakers (51-13, 33-31 ATS) at San Antonio (43-20, 33-28-2 ATS)
The Lakers finish off a three-game road trip with a stop at the AT&T Center to face the rival Spurs in a meeting of the top two teams in the Western Conference.
Thanks to a monster second-half performance, keyed mainly by Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles rallied for a 102-96 upset victory at Houston last night as a 3½-point underdog. The Lakers, who entered the game in a 2-3 SU and 1-4 ATS slump, trailed 51-40 at halftime, then outscored the Rockets 62-45 from there, with Byrant scoring 31 of his 37 points in the final 24 minutes. With the win, Phil Jackson’s squad ended a three-game SU and ATS drought on the highway.
San Antonio dropped Charlotte 100-86 Tuesday night as a 5½-point chalk for its third straight win and cover, all on its home floor, to move to 4-1 SU and ATS in its last five starts. The Spurs, with the NBA’s third-best scoring defense at 93.4 ppg, have outscored opponents by about six points per game at home (98.6-92.4) this season, and in the past five games overall, they’re outscoring opponents by nearly 13 ppg (102.2-89.4).
Los Angeles has cashed in four straight meetings in this rivalry (3-1 SU), rolling 99-85 as a 7½-point chalk at home on Jan. 25, after covering 11 days earlier as a three-point pup in a 112-111 loss at the AT&T Center. The Lakers beat the Spurs in last year’s best-of-7 conference finals in five games (3-2 ATS).
The Lakers are on ATS upswings of 20-7-2 as an underdog and 5-2 playing on no rest, but they also carry negative ATS streaks of 2-4 against the West, 2-4 against winning teams and 2-4 on the road. Meanwhile, along with their current 4-1 ATS run, the Spurs are on pointspread rolls of 6-1 at home, 7-0 as a favorite, 6-0 as a home chalk, 9-2-1 against the Pacific Division, 9-3 against winning teams and 9-3-1 after a day off.
The over for Los Angeles is on tears of 11-5-1 on the road and 6-1 going on no rest, and the over for San Antonio is on stretches of 6-0 against teams with a winning percentage above .600 and 8-3 in the Western Conference. However, the under is on streaks of 5-1 for the Lakers overall, 6-1 for the Spurs against winning teams and 15-5 for San Antonio against Pacific Division foes.
Finally, in this rivalry, the total has stayed low in six of the last seven meetings overall and nine of the last 11 clashes at the AT&T Center.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN ANTONIO
Marc Lawrence
Vanderbilt vs. Alabama Alabama
Play On: Alabama
The Crimson Tide takes on the Commodores in a SEC First Round game at the Times Forum in Tampa tonight knowing that they are 15-4 SU and 14-5 ATS versus No. 4-8 seeds in this tourney. In addition, Vandy is just 1-12 SU and 2-11 ATS in this event when playing off an ATS win of more than 3 points in its last game. Look for Alabama to improve to 8-3 ATS in this series in games in which Vanderbilt is off a win here this evening.
James Patrick Sports
USC-Cal Over
The Pac 10 Conference Tournament hits the floor at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and the Trojans and Golden Bears should hit the floor running as the last seven games in this series have gone Over the Total. Our Thursday complimentary selection in NCAA College Basketball Tournament action is USC-Cal Over the Total in PAC 10 action.
Big Al Mcmordie
Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs
Prediction: Under
At 8 pm, our member selection is on the 'under' in the game between San Antone and Los Angeles. In the last 11 meetings between these two western conference rivals in the Alamo City, only one has gone 'over' the total. That game was the first meeting this season between these two teams. Tonight, I look for a 'return to form,' and for this game to sail 'under' the total of 195.
Jeff Scott Sports
3 UNIT PLAY
Clemson -9.5 over Georgia Tech
2 UNIT PLAYS
Ole Miss +6.5 over Kentucky
Arizona/ Arizona State Over 131.5
1 UNIT PLAY
Miami -3 over Virginia Tech
Jeff Benton
For Thursday’s free play in conference tournament action in College Hoops, we’ll back Arizona plus the points against Arizona State in an early-afternoon Pac-10 affair from Los Angeles.
You know the old adage that it’s difficult to beat the same team in football or basketball three straight times in the same season? Some say it’s hogwash, but I definitely believe it to be true in one respect: when you’re dealing with archrivals. That’s the situation surrounding this showdown between Arizona and Arizona State, as the Sun Devils swept the regular-season series. In fact, ASU has won the last four meetings against Arizona, ending a lengthy stretch of dominance by the Wildcats.
Today, I say the pendulum swings back in Arizona’s direction, for a few reasons. First off, it’s not like the Sun Devils manhandled U of A in the first two meetings, winning a 53-47 snoozer in Tucson on Jan. 21, then holding off a furious Wildcats rally for a 70-68 home victory a month later. Going back to Arizona’s last victory in this rivalry – a 61-58 road win in February 2007 – the last five meetings have been decided by a total of 21 points.
Also, while both teams didn’t play very well in the final couple of weeks of the season, I’m particularly disturbed by Arizona State’s struggles, which included a 74-64 home loss to Stanford as a 10-point favorite one week ago tonight. The Sun Devils, who are built on defense, have surrendered 66 points or more in four of their last five games.
Finally, here’s a trend that’s tough to ignore: While Arizona has won at least one Pac-10 tournament game in four of the last five years, Arizona State is winless in its last six in this tournament (2-4 ATS). Bottom line: The oddsmakers have set a short number because they know that not much separates these two rivals, and after coming up short twice in the regular season, Arizona – which desperately needs a win to bolster its Big Dance hopes – will make the third time the charm.
2♦ ARIZONA
Scott Delaney
Take San Diego State, as it will go into the Thomas and Mack Center and deflate Las Vegas for the next few days, by knocking Sin City's beloved Runnin Rebels from tournament existence.
UNLV has shown signs of offensive fatigue all season, and truthfully has been the most inconsistent of the upper echelon in this conference. But it's not the Rebels' fault the Aztecs will be so motivated ... blame Cleveland State.
With the Vikings' win over Butler in the Horizon League final, it meant an at-large bid was stolen from one bubble team, and many believe that would be San Diego State.
That being said there's plenty of motivation for San Diego State to roll into Vegas and knock off Lon Kruger's bunch, which has a road win at Louisville to its credit. By doing that, the Aztecs raise one eyebrow of the Selection Commmittee. And ensuing win raise the other eyebrows and just a trip to the Mountain Finals could get them back in the mix for a tournament berth.
Take the road underdog in this one, as the Aztecs knock UNLV from the tournament being held in its own house.
SAN DIEGO STATE
Bobby Maxwell
L.A. Lakers +2' at SAN ANTONIO
Look for Los Angeles to build off Wednesday's big win in Houston and make it two in a row on this three-game road trip with a victory over the Spurs tonight in San Antonio.
Kobe Bryant got fired up by the talking of Ron Artest Wednesday night and turned it on to lead the Lakers to the 102-96 victory as a 3 1/2-point underdog. He hit five straight shots down the stretch and added seven free throws to single-handedly pull the Lakers to the victory. He finished with 37 points and was obviously motivated by Artest's trash talking.
San Antoino comes in off a 100-86 Tuesday win over Charlotte, cashing as a 5 1/2-point favorite. The Spurs have been without Manu Ginobili for a few weeks but they are getting great effort from the rest of the team to maintain their hot streak.
The Lakers have cashed in four straight against the Spurs and beat them 99-85 as a 7 1/2-point favorite at home on Jan. 25 just 11 days after going into San Antonio and getting a 112-111 win as a three-point 'dog.
Los Angeles is on ATS runs of 20-7-2 as a 'dog and 5-2 when playing the second night of a back-to-back. Look for the Lakers and Kobe to keep that passion they showed in the fourth quarter against the Rockets and come out of San Antonio with an upset tonight. Play the Lakers.
4♦ L.A. LAKERS
California -1' vs. Southern Cal, at Los Angeles
The Trojans have not looked very good down the stretch and we always like to play teams that showed some heart late in the season. This game is going to come down to the final minute, but the Golden Bears have more offensive weapons and will deliver this winner.
The favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last eight series clashes between these two and Cal has been able to get past this first-round game each of the last three years (SU and ATS).
Cal has a few offensive weapons and if the Golden Bears get off to a good start from the 3-point line, watch out as this one could turn into a blowout. USC really struggles to put points on the board. They've got to rely on defense to win games.
The Trojans are on ATS slides that include 3-13 after a spread-cover and 1-4 as an underdog. Cal is 4-1 ATS in its last five neutral site games.
We like Cal in this one as they have more offensive abilities. Play the Golden Bears.
2♦ CAL
DUNKEL
LA Lakers at San Antonio
The Lakers have allowed 102.6 points per game on the road this season and run into a San Antonio team that is 21-9 ATS against poor defensive teams (allowing 99+ ppg). The Spurs are the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has San Antonio favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-1 1/2).
Game 701-702: LA Lakers at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 122.203; San Antonio 125.622
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 3 1/2; 193 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 1 1/2; 196
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-1 1/2); Under
Game 703-704: Cleveland at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 124.045; Phoenix 121.122
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 3; 226
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 4 1/2; 219
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+4 1/2); Over
NCAAB
NC State vs. Maryland
The Wolfpack are 10-3 ATS as an underdog this season and open the ACC tournament against a Maryland team that is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 neutral court games. NC State is the underdog pick (+2) according to Dunkel, which has the Wolfpack favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: NC State (+2).
Game 705-706: Providence vs. Louisville
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 64.203; Louisville 73.863
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 707-708: Marquette vs. Villanova
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 69.260; Villanova 70.333
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 1
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 709-710: West Virginia vs. Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 72.914; Pittsburgh 75.042
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 711-712: Syracuse vs. Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 74.036; Connecticut 75.570
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 713-714: Northwestern vs. Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern 62.095; Minnesota 66.692
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-2)
Game 715-716: Iowa vs. Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 61.331; Michigan 65.817
Dunkel Line: Michigan by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Iowa (+5 1/2)
Game 717-718: Indiana vs. Penn State
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 52.869; Penn State 63.702
Dunkel Line: Penn State by 11
Vegas Line: Penn State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (-8 1/2)
Game 719-720: Miami (FL) vs. Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (FL) 65.443; Virginia Tech 65.530
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (+3 1/2)
Game 721-722: Georgia Tech vs. Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 57.516; Clemson 69.444
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 12
Vegas Line: Clemson by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-9 1/2)
Game 723-724: NC State vs. Maryland
Dunkel Ratings: NC State 65.658; Maryland 64.158
Dunkel Line: NC State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Maryland by 2
Dunkel Pick: NC State (+2)
Game 725-726: Virginia vs. Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 61.598; Boston College 65.618
Dunkel Line: Boston College by 4
Vegas Line: Boston College by 5
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (+5)
Game 727-728: St. Louis vs. Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 57.070; Xavier 66.022
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 729-730: St. Joseph's vs. Temple
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 57.527; Temple 61.678
Dunkel Line: Temple by 4
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 731-732: Duquesne vs. Rhode Island
Dunkel Ratings: Duquesne 60.748; Rhode Island 62.832
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 733-734: Richmond vs. Dayton
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 58.259; Dayton 61.322
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 3
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 735-736: Central Michigan vs. Ball State
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 50.565; Ball State 50.986
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Central Michigan by 1
Dunkel Pick: Ball State (+1)
Game 737-738: Kent State vs. Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 56.377; Buffalo 53.324
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 3
Vegas Line: Kent State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Kent State (-1)
Game 739-740: Ohio vs. Bowling Green
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 49.725; Bowling Green 56.557
Dunkel Line: Bowling Green by 7
Vegas Line: Bowling Green by 2
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (-2)
Game 741-742: Akron vs. Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 54.875; Miami (OH) 54.357
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Akron (+1 1/2)
Game 743-744: Baylor vs. Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 61.257; Kansas 73.769
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 745-746: Texas vs. Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Texas 66.524; Kansas State 66.117
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 747-748: Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 68.423; Oklahoma 70.860
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 749-750: Texas Tech vs. Missouri
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 62.061; Missouri 72.052
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 10
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 751-752: Mississippi vs. Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 59.856; Kentucky 64.982
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 5
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (+6 1/2)
Game 753-754: Georgia vs. Mississippi State
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 53.904; Mississippi State 63.345
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 9
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (-9)
Game 755-756: Vanderbilt vs. Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 67.733; Alabama 61.886
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 6
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-2 1/2)
Game 757-758: Arkansas vs. Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 57.361; Florida 65.838
Dunkel Line: Florida by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 10
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (+10)
Game 759-760: Rice vs. Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 53.562; Tulsa 64.388
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 11
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 761-762: Southern Mississippi vs. UAB
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 53.432; UAB 65.785
Dunkel Line: UAB by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 763-764: Tulane vs. Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 57.430; Memphis 76.921
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 19 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 765-766: Houston vs. UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 62.936; UTEP 62.742
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 767-768: Air Force vs. BYU
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 50.840; BYU 69.344
Dunkel Line: BYU by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 769-770: San Diego State vs. UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego State 61.919; UNLV 64.566
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 4
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (+4)
Game 771-772: TCU vs. Utah
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 54.626; Utah 67.505
Dunkel Line: Utah by 13
Vegas Line: Utah by 10
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-10)
Game 773-774: Wyoming vs. New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: Wyoming 55.814; New Mexico 68.739
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 13
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-9 1/2)
Game 775-776: New Mexico State vs. Boise State
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 55.587; Boise State 52.271
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (-1 1/2)
Game 777-778: Fresno State vs. Utah State
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 50.966; Utah State 57.890
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 7
Vegas Line: Utah State by 10
Dunkel Pick: Fresno State (+10)
Game 779-780: San Jose State vs. Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 50.359; Nevada 60.352
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 10
Vegas Line: Nevada by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose State (+11 1/2)
Game 781-782: Louisiana Tech vs. Idaho
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 56.373; Idaho 54.733
Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech
Game 783-784: Arizona vs. Arizona State
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 66.896; Arizona State 71.433
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 3
Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (-3)
Game 785-786: Stanford vs. Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 65.371; Washington 71.847
Dunkel Line: Washington by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 787-788: USC vs. California
Dunkel Ratings: USC 63.832; California 68.476
Dunkel Line: California by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: California by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: California (-1 1/2)
Game 789-790: Washington State vs. UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: Washington State 69.428; UCLA 71.882
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 791-792: UC Davis vs. Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: UC Davis 47.501; Pacific 52.963
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 793-794: CS-Fullerton vs. UC-Santa Barbara
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Fullerton 51.193; UC-Santa Barbara 52.435
Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 1
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NHL
Washington at Philadelphia
The Flyers look to build on their 9-4 record at home when the total is 6 or more. Philadelphia is the pick (-125) according to Dunkel, which has the Flyers favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-125).
Game 51-52: Phoenix at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 10.799; New Jersey 12.255
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-320); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-320); Over
Game 53-54: Calgary at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.713; Detroit 11.695
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-175); 6
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+155); Under
Game 55-56: Pittsburgh at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.165; Columbus 12.345
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (-115); Over
Game 57-58: Ottawa at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.399; Boston 11.246
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-260); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+220); Under
Game 59-60: Florida at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.612; Buffalo 11.326
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+110); Under
Game 61-62: Washington at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 10.704; Philadelphia 12.116
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-125); 6
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-125); Over
Game 63-64: Tampa Bay at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.379; Toronto 10.890
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-165); 6
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-165); Under
Game 65-66: NY Islanders at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.388; Montreal 11.285
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-290); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+250); Over
Game 67-68: NY Rangers at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.430; Nashville 12.239
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-135); Over
Game 69-70: Carolina at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 12.504; Dallas 11.183
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+115); Under
Game 71-72: San Jose at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.038; St. Louis 11.508
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+125); Over
Game 73-74: Minnesota at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 10.960; Colorado 10.308
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+105); Under
Game 75-76: Atlanta at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 12.393; Edmonton 11.254
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton (-185); 6
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+165); Over
Keith Martin Sports
Ball St over 115
last game saw 97pts but with each team shooting under 40% while both teams ave 41% plus. A weird side note to how these two teams play each other. The past 4 matchups have seen low first half scores but then an explosion in the second half in the tune of 1.5x the first half.I'm expecting about 50pts in the first half and just over 70 in the second to get this total to go over the 115 number.
LARRY NESS
Arizona @ Arizona State
PICK: Arizona State
Both Arizona schools ended losing streaks this past Saturday, as ASU beat Cal 83-66 (ending a three-game slide), while Arizona beat Stanford 101-87 (ending a four-game slide). ASU is ranked 23rd in the latest AP poll and with its 22-8 overall mark (11-7 in the Pac 10), is in no danger of NOT getting an at-large bid. However, the same cannot be said of Arizona. The Wildcats needed that Saturday win to get back to .500 in league play (9-9) and the team's overall record is 19-12. Normally, considering that Arizona is also playing with double revenge in this game, I'd be "all over" the Wildcats. However, there a few more dynamics associated with this game. Besides being bitter rivals, the Sun Devils were snubbed by last year's NCAA committee, failing to get an at-large bid (while the Wildcats did), despite owning a better overall record and a better conference record than Arizona, not to mention winning both regular season meetings against the Wildcats. ASU will be in no mood of giving Arizona any help towards notching the school's 25th straight NCAA bid. Neither team is very deep but the Wildcats are really only a three-man team, with the 6-10 Hill (18.5-11.0), the 6-7 Budinger (18.2-6.4-3.4) and guard Wise (15.0-2.4-4.6) carrying most of the load. Case in point was Saturday's win over Stanford, when Budinger scored 28, Wise added 27 plus nine assists and Hill contributed 20 points and eight boards. As for ASU, the 6-5 Harden (20.8-5.4-4.1) and the 6-9 Pendergraph (14.4-8.5) lead the way but the 6-6 Kuksiks (10.8-4.) plus guards Glasser (8.0-4.9 APG) and Abbott (6.3) are contributors. Herb Sendek's many different defensive 'looks' have mostly confused Arizona these last two seasons and in Arizona's two losses to ASU this year, the Wildcats have shot 29 and 41 percent, respectively. That's quite a departure from the amazing 70 percent Arizona shot last Saturday vs Stanford. In this case, "the third time is NOT going be the charm" for Arizona, as ASU makes it three-for-three this year vs the hated Wildcats. Take Arizona St.
VEGAS EXPERTS
Iowa at Michigan
Let's see. The Wolverines are on the bubble, laying a short number and playing with revenge. Thank you very much! Over the last three seasons, Iowas has been a terrible play in the tournament format, going 2-11 ATS. Since 1997, they are just 19-39 ATS off a home conference win. Michigan is a perfect 7-0 ATS if they were an underdog in each of their last two games. The Hawkeyes average less than 60 PPG on the road this season.
Play on: Michigan
EZ'S FREE SELECTION -ezwinners.com
Game: Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Utah State Aggies
(778) Utah State Aggies (-10)
The Bulldogs cashed in a nice free winner for us on Tuesday against Hawaii, but I don't look for them to be close in this match up with the Aggies. Utah State is 24-7 but they have a very poor strength of schedule. If they don't win this tournament there is a good chance that the committee will leave them out and they know that. I look for the Aggies to come out and establish the good defense that they were playing earlier in the season and there is no better opponent to do so against than a Fresno State team that has struggled all season. Utah State is 7-2 against the spread in their last nine neutral site games and I look for a blow out here. Lay the points.
2009 Free Selections Record 38-32 (54.3%)
ROCKETMAN
Washington State vs UCLA
Play: UCLA -8 1/2
Washington State comes in at 17-14 on the season while UCLA is 24-7 this year. Washington State is 1-6 ATS this year against good offensive teams scoring 77 points per game or more. UCLA is scoring 77.1 points per game overall this year while allowing only 63.5 points per game this season. UCLA has owned this series going 22-2 SU overall vs Washington State since 1997. Cougars are 5-12-1 ATS in their last 18 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Cougars are 5-13-1 ATS in their last 19 games as an underdog. Cougars are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games after allowing less than 50 points in their previous game. Cougars are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games as an underdog. Bruins are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win. Bruins are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite of 7.0-12.5. Bruins are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU win. Bruins are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 Thursday games. We'll recommend a small play on UCLA tonight!