Tuesday Service Plays

CTO

*NEW MEXICO over Colorado State...It’s often been said in hoops that if you can’t shoot, you can’t win. And it’s usually very difficult to cover. Despite the presence of valuable juco G Marcus Walker (18 ppg), Colorado State is finding that to be true, especially with 7-0 sr. C Creason out with a foot injury. The Rams have lost their first three Mountain West road games by an average of 17 ppg. With New Mexico tops in MWC games in trey marksmanship (42.2%) and CSU last (25.5%), and the Lobos first in offensive rebounds with the Rams last in reboundmargin, Steve Alford’s better-shooting, better-balanced team should extend CSU’s road woes at “The Pit.”

*NEW MEXICO 75 - Colorado State 51 RATING - 11

Alex Smart

Georgetown -19.0

Georgetown after some inconsistent efforts this season, have really turned up the heat, winning 5 straight, as they press forward in attempt at a Big East championship and a return to the big dance. South Florida their visiting opponents after showing some early season promise, have been playing at a sub par level of late, by losing 8 straight SU, and will in my opinion , be cannon fodder for a Hoyas team that is currently hitting on all cylinders. Final notes & Key Trends: South Florida is has failed to cover 12 of their L/14 as a road underdog to a pickem. Play on Georgetown

Al McMordie

Los Angeles Lakers at New Jersey Nets

At 7:35 pm, our member selection is on the New Jersey Nets plus the points over the Lakers, as the Lakers are 16-35 ATS off back to back wins and covers in the Regular Season since 2004, including 5-17 ATS vs. a foe off a SU loss, and 0-6 ATS if favored on the road vs. a foe off a SU loss.

Vernon Croy

Vancouver Canucks vs. Dallas Stars
Play: Money Line: -131 Dallas Stars

1 Unit, Take Dallas -131, The Canucks have struggled lately as they are just 1-7 in their last 8 games so we are getting great value with Dallas at home tonight. The Stars are red hot having won 3 straight games heading into tonight’s match-up and they are 9-1 this season when playing with 2 days rest. The Stars penalty kill has been very solid at home this season with opponents converting just 10.6% of their opportunities with the extra man and the Stars powerplay has been solid at home converting at 21.2% at home this season. The Stars are 20-13 in their last 33 games after playing 3 consecutive road games and Dallas is 5-2 in their last 7 games at home against the Canucks. Grab the value here tonight with the Stars as my NHL free play.

Marc Lawrence

Game: Butler at Valparaiso
Prediction: Valparaiso
Reason: Play On: Valparaiso

Note: The Crusaders return home with revenge on their minds to host Horizon Conference leader Butler in a key game for both teams. Valpo dropped an 8-point decision at Butler a month ago and needs this game like blood as they find themselves tied with two other teams (Cleveland State and Wright State) for the 2nd spot in the Horizon with four conference losses. Interestingly, both of Butler's losses this season have come on the road at Cleveland State and Wright State. The Crusaders home court (8-2 this season) is every bit as strong as the Vkings and Raiders. Playing off a previous home loss, with a 5-returning starter lineup from last season, look for Valparaiso to drop the Bulldogs to 2-9 ATS in conference games this year here tonight.

Tom Freese

Game: Butler at Valparaiso
Prediction: Butler

Reason: Butler is 31-20 ATS their last 51 games and they are 21-7 ATS after allowing 30 or less points in the first half of their last game. The Bulldogs are 21-10 ATS off an ATS win and they are 9-4 ATS their last 13 games vs. teams with a winning percentage of over 60%. Valparaiso is 1-4 ATS off a straight loss and they are 1-4-1 ATS their last 6 conference games. The Crusaders lost at to Butler last year at home 60-47. More of the same tonight. PLAY ON BUTLER -

Jimmy The Moose

Game: Detroit Red Wings at Minnesota Wild
Prediction: Detroit Red Wings

Reason: The Red Wings are 39-13 in their last 52 games overall. Detroit is a money making 19-7 in their last 26 road games. In their last 21 games vs. Northwest opponents the Wings are 17-4. The Wings are 37-15 in their last 52 games following a win. The Wild are having a very good season but tonight face a foe they always struggle vs. The Wild are 1-5 in their last 6 games hosting the Wings. Detroit is 17-5-3 in the last 25 meetings between the clubs. Play on the Red Wings -.

Bill Young

Michigan vs. Ohio State
Take Ohio State Buckeyes

1* on Ohio State -14 Ohio State is 5-0 SU and ATS in their last 5 meetings with the Wolverines. Michigan would usually be in a revenge spot here, but they have clearly given up on head coach John Beilein this season. Michigan is just 5-16 on the season and have only won 1 out of their last 10 games overall, a victory over the only team worse than the Wolverines in the Big Ten this season. That win came against Northwestern. Ohio State is coming off a heartbreaking loss at Iowa, so you can figure the Buckeyes’ will come in more determined to crush the Wolverines at home Tuesday. Ohio State is 11-1 in home games, winning by an average margin of 16 points per. Michigan is 7-19 ATS as an underdog over the last 2 seasons. Take Ohio State and lay the points.

John Martin

Butler vs. Valparaiso
Take Butler Bulldogs

1 Unit on Butler -3 You will rarely find the Butler Bulldogs as a small favorite, but since we have been given the chance Tuesday we are clearly taking advantage of it as our free play. Butler is 19-2 on the season with one of those wins coming against this same Valparaiso team by 8 points earlier in the year. Valpo has failed to cover the spread in 4 consecutive games now, including a terrible home loss to Loyola-Chicago in their last game as a 12-point favorite. Butler has now won 3 straight meetings with Valparaiso. Butler is 21-7 ATS after allowing 30 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games over the last 2 seasons. Not only can Butler light up the scoreboard, the Bulldogs are also playing tremendous defense this season. Cash in with Butler as the favorite.

Larry Cook

Florida vs. Tennessee
Take Tennessee Volunteers

3* on Tennessee -9 The Tennessee Volunteers would love to put the Florida Gators in their place again tonight. Florida is coming off a 19-point road loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks. Tennessee beat the defending champion Gators by 10 points at home last season. That Gators’ squad was much more experienced than Florida is this season, playing with way too many freshman to even compete against the Volunteers on the road tonight. Tennessee is outscoring their foes by 25 points a game en route to a perfect 11-0 home record. They have only failed to cover the spread twice at home this season. Tennessee is 15-5 ATS in all home games over the last 2 seasons. The Volunteers will want to embarrass the Gators in front of a nationally televised audience on ESPN Tuesday. Bet Tennessee at home.

MadduxSports

LA Lakers -5.5

Brandon Lang

TUESDAY

10 Dime - UAB
5 Dime - Iowa State
5 Dime - Tennessee
5 Dime - Drake

Free Pick - Northern Iowa

Ben Burns

Game: Phoenix Coyotes at Calgary Flames
Prediction: Calgary Flames

Reason: Both teams played on the road last night. I expect that to favor the home team tonight. For starters, the Flames played in Edmonton which is significantly closer than Colorado, where the Coyotes played. Perhaps more importantly, the Flames lost while the Coyotes won. That makes tonight's game arguably more important to the Flames and should ensure that they give a maximum effort. Additional motivation will be provided by the fact that the Flames were upset by the Coyotes here last month. Despite that loss, the Flames remain a healthy 6-2 the last eight times they were a host in this series. At first glance, tonight's line seems a bit on the steep side. However, when we consider that the price on the Flames ranged from -180 all the way up to -320 the last five times these teams met here, it seems a lot more reasonable. Look for the Flames to be the "hungrier" team this evening, improving to 36-14 the last 50 times they played a home game with an over/under line of five or less. Consider a play on CALGARY.

John Ryan

5*Minnesota Wild

EZ Winners

1 STAR: (504) PHILADELPHIA (+1.5) over Washington
(Risking $110 to win $100)

NCAA

3 STAR: (517) DePAUL (+7) over Providence
(Risking $330 to win $300)

3 STAR: (523) ILLINOIS STATE (-3) over Drake
(Risking $330 to win $300)

2 STAR: (519) BUFFALO (+1.5) over Northern Illinois
(Risking $220 to win $200)

2 STAR: (525) UAB (+1) over Southern Miss
(Risking $220 to win $200)

1 STAR: (528) IOWA STATE (+6.5) over Texas A&M

Locksmith Sports Comp

1 Unit on Northern Illinois -1.5

With Buffalo at just 2-11 on the road and 0-8 in conference play, we'll side with the Huskies at home. While at 5-15, N. Illinois has been far from good this season, home court has proven to be an advantage. NIU is 5-4 at home and 4-3 ATS in home lined games. Buffalo comes in with no momentum having lost 9 in a row. It has lost 3 of its last 4 and 5 of its last 7 ATS. NIU has won 5 of the last 6 home meetings in this matchup. Buffalo is 0-6 ATS off a road cover where they lost straight up as an underdog over the last 2 seasons and 2-11 ATS off a road loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons. Lay the number.

BEN BURNS

COLLEGE BASKETBAL

ILLINOIS STATE
Game: Drake vs. Illinois State Game Time: 2/5/2008 8:00:00 PM Prediction: Illinois State Reason: I'm laying the points with ILLINOIS STATE. Drake comes in with the better record and the higher national ranking. However, there is a reason that the Redbirds are the favored team. Indeed, Illinois State is a perfect 11-0 at home, outscoring opponents by an average of 16.6 points, and has beaten Drake four straight times at Redbird Arena. The Redbirds, who had lost three of four, got back on track last time out, earning an important 1-point win at Missouri State. Returning to their home floor, I expect the Redbirds to carry positive momentum from that victory into tonight's critical clash. Catching the Bulldogs for the league title is going to be difficult. However, if they want any shot of doing so, they absolutely need tonight's game. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, can easily handle a loss. Drake has been a great story. Having now reached their highest ranking since 1970, I expect the Bulldogs to be patting themselves on the back a bit here though. Keep in mind that Drake was picked to finish ninth in the MVC's 10-team preseason poll after losing four senior starters. Additionally, note that the Bulldogs haven't finished with a winning record in the league since the 1985-86 season. Obviously, that's going to change this year. My point is that this team isn't used to being in this position though. The Redbirds, who won by 15 against the Bulldogs here last season, are 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS the last four times they were attempting to avenge a road loss. Look for them to deliver an inspired effort tonight, keeping their perfect home record in tact and covering the small number along the way. *Missouri Valley Conference GOY

SOUTHERN MISS
Game: UAB vs. Southern Miss Game Time: 2/5/2008 8:00:00 PM Prediction: Southern Miss Reason: I'm playing on SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI. The Golden Eagles have had some trouble on the road. However, they've been very tough at home, going 8-2 while outscoring opponents by a 77.7 to 59.3 margin. In fact, their last three games on this floor have all resulted in double-digit blowout victories with scores of 71-54, 71-53 and most recently a 92-69 thumping of East Carolina. While the Blazers represent a significant step up in class from the Pirates, I expect the Golden Eagles to bring both confidence and momentum into tonight's big game. The Golden Eagles will also have the added motivation of playing with "revenge" from a seven point loss at UAB in mid-January. Note that they're 12-5 ATS the past few seasons when attempting to avenge a road loss, going 12-4 ATS during that stretch when coming off a win over a conference opponent. The Blazers did manage a win at UCF in their most recent road game. However, they'd lost three of their previous four true road games, with the lone victory coming by a single point. Note that UAB is just 2-6 ATS the past eight times it was listed as a road underdog (or pick'em) of three points or less. Additionally, note that the Golden Eagles are a perfect 7-0 ATS the last seven times they were listed as a home favorite (or pick'em) of three points or less. Overall, they're a highly profitable 18-7-1 ATS their last 26 lined home games. Trailing 30-18 at halftime in the loss at UAB, the Golden Eagles scored 47 points shot 61 percent from the field in the second half. Look for them to get off to a much better start in tonight's rematch, continuing their strong play on this court and improving to 9-2 ATS the last 11 times they faced a team which allows 64 points or less after 15 or more games of the season. *Conference USA GOW

BEN BURNS

HOCKEY

COLUMBUS
Game: Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Game Time: 2/5/2008 7:05:00 PM Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets Reason: I'm laying the price with COLUMBUS. Home ice is a significant advantage for both these teams. The Blue Jackets are a poor 9-15-2 on the road but a respectable 16-8-4 at home. That includes a 5-2 mark when playing a home game with an over/under line of 5.5. Likewise, the Capitals have a winning record at home but have just 10 wins in their 26 road games. That includes a 4-6 mark when playing an away game with an over/under line of 5.5. The Capitals come off a 2-0 loss vs. Atlanta on Saturday, their second shutout loss in their last three games. Note that they're 5-9 when coming off a loss by two or more goals and 1-4 the last five times that they played with two or more day's rest in between games. The Blue Jackets were also shutdown in their last game, losing 4-1 vs. Minnesota. They've done a decent job at bouncing back from that type of loss though as we find them at 10-7 (+3.4) when coming off a game in which they scored three goals or less. While the Jackets are 3-2 in non-conference games, the Caps are 2-3 when facing a team from the West. Look for a highly motivated effort from the Jackets tonight, as they snap their skid and earn a much-needed two points. *Personal Favorite

BEN BURNS

NBA BASKETBALL

NETS
Game: Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Jersey Nets Game Time: 2/5/2008 7:35:00 PM Prediction: New Jersey Nets Reason: I'm taking the points with NEW JERSEY. The betting public has been quick to back the new-look Lakers here and has driven the line up. I feel that has given us excellent value with the home underdog. Yes, as mentioned when we successfully played against them in their last game, the Nets do currently have some "issues." However, when motivated to play, they're also a lot better than their record indicates. I didn't think that they'd be particularly "up" for their road game against the Hawks and Vince Carter's post-game comments supported that: "It was our lack of effort that caused us to lose tonight..." A visit from Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and the Lakers is an entirely different matter though and I expect a significantly improved effort. The Nets upset the Lakers at LA back in late November. It's important to note that the final score of 102-100 marked the eighth straight series meeting which was decided by six points or less. Tonight's over/under line currently sits at 203.5. That's worth mentioning as the Lakers, who are a dismal 41-59 ATS the last 100 times they were road favorites in the -3.5 to -6 range, are just 6-12 ATS the last 18 times that they played a road game with an over/under line ranging from 200 to 204.5. The Nets have played well against high-scoring teams like the Lakers at this time of the season. Looking back at the last couple of years and we find them at 21-8-2 ATS in 31 games during the second half of the season when facing a team which scores 99 or more points per game. Look for the Nets to give their guests all they can handle again tonight, taking the game down to the wire and hanging within the generous and inflated number. *Best Bet

UNDER 76ers/Wizards
Game: Washington Wizards vs. Philadelphia 76ers Game Time: 2/5/2008 7:05:00 PM Prediction: under Reason: I'm playing on Washington and Philadelphia to finish UNDER the number. Both teams saw their most recent game stay below the number. The Wizards combined with the high-scoring Lakers for 194 points on Sunday. That final score (101-93 loss) fell below the number by 10 points. In their previous game, the Wizards combined with the Jazz for a mere 183 points, staying well beneath the over/under number of 200.5. Note that Washington has seen the UNDER go 3-1 when coming off three or more losses in a row and 9-1 the last 10 times it was coming off a double-digit defeat in its last game. The 76ers saw last night's game at Atlanta fall below the number with 187 combined points. That brought the UNDER to 4-2 their last six games. Note that the 76ers have seen the UNDER go 14-6 the last 20 times that they played a home game with an over/under line ranging from 190 to 194.5. That includes a very low-scoring contest (85-84 Philly) final when these teams met here back in late November. The previous meeting here was also of the low-scoring variety as Wizards and 76ers combined for only 177 points when they faced each other here last February. Look for tonight's final score to be lower scoring than expected once again with the UNDER improving to 15-6 the last 21 times that the 76ers were listed as underdogs of four points or less. *Blue Chip

Larry Ness

triple-dime bet Illinois St. -3.0 vs Drake

Drake won its seventh straight road game at Indiana State on Saturday (83-77), giving the team an overall winning streak of 19 in a row and a 20-1 mark on the season. Monday afternoon, the Bulldogs moved up one spot in the new AP poll (to 15), the school's highest ranking since being ranked No. 7 in December of 1970. It's been "quite a ride" for Dr Tom's "little boy" Keno. Davis is in his first year as Drake's head coach (first-ever head coaching job), taking over for his legendary father. Expectations were hardly high in Des Moines, as Drake was picked to finish ninth in the MVC's 10-team preseason poll after losing four senior starters and having not posted a winning record in league play since the 1985-86 season. However, Drake enters tonight's game at Illinois St at 11-0 in conference play, holding a three-game lead over the Redbirds (16-6, 8-3). A win over would give them a four-game lead plus the head-to-head advantage with just six conference games to play. Drake already has at least a five-game lead over every other MVC team, meaning the team would all but clinch its first MVC regular season title since the 1970-71 season. Drake is led by a trio of backcourt players. Sophomore Josh Young (16.1) is the team's leading scorer and is fully recovered from an injury that forced him to miss three games. Two seniors start alongside him, Houston (14.4) and Emmenecker (7.2-4.5-5.7). Drake has little size and not much depth, as joining the above three players in the starting lineup are the 6-8 Cox (11.7-8.7) and the 6-5 Korver (9.7-3.8). The 6-8 Heemskerk (5.9-3.7) is really the only other contributor. However, whatever Davis has been doing, it's working! Illinois St outplayed Drake for a good portion of the game when these schools met in Des Moines on Jan 19. The Redbirds led by 12 points with 14 minutes to go but never recovered from a 10-0 Drake run which gave the Bulldogs a 69-64 lead with 3:10 to play. Illinois St has just one player averaging in double digits and that's 6-3 guard Eldridge (15.2), who is also the team's second-leading rebounder (5.7). However, the Redbirds have lots of players making contributions. Senior guards Johnson (9.1) and Richardson (6.8) join Eldridge in the starting lineup, while up front, the 6-7 Slack (9.8-6.2) and the 6-8 Odiakosa (6.5-5.1) complete the starting five. Junior guard Holloway (4.7) provides backcourt depth, while the 6-11 Dyer (8.2) and the 6-8 Sampay (4.0-2.8) join Slack and Odiakosa inside to give the Redbirds a solid advantage in the frontcourt over the Bulldogs. I've had this game circled since that mid-January loss and more importantly, I believe the Redbirds have as well. Illinois St is a perfect 11-0 at home, outscoring opponents by an average of 16.6 PPG and Drake's winning streak ends here! LEGEND Play on Illinois St.

Winners Edge

NBA

New Jersey Nets + 7 , 2 units

CBB

Georgetown - 19 , 2 units

So. Mississippi -1 , 3 units ( game of week )

Niagara - 5 , 2 units