SPORTS ADVISORS
BIG EAST TOURNAMENT
(at New York)
Rutgers (11-20, 11-11 ATS) vs. Notre Dame (17-13, 8-16 ATS)
Notre Dame closed out a disappointing regular season with Friday’s 74-55 rout of St. John’s, cashing as an 11½-point home chalk. The Irish followed up seven-game losing skid by winning five of their last eight games, but they finished in a 4-12 ATS slump, alternating spread-covers in their last six.
Rutgers snapped an eight-game SU losing streak with Saturday’s 45-42 victory over South Florida, but came up just short as a 3½-point home favorite. The Scarlet Knights have failed to cover in three straight games after going 6-2 ATS in their previous eight (6-1 ATS as an underdog).
The Scarlet Knights went to South Bend, Ind., on Feb. 25 and put a scare into the Irish before falling 70-65. However, Rutgers easily covered as a 14-point road underdog, improving to 9-1 ATS in the last 10 series meetings, including a 72-65 upset win as a seven-point underdog in the 2005 Big East tournament.
Going back to the 2005 tournament loss to Rutgers, Notre Dame is 1-3 SU and ATS in opening-round Big East tournament games. The Scarlet Knights have won their last two opening-round contests (2-0 ATS), most recently qualifying for the event in 2005-06.
Rutgers is on ATS slides of 1-4 overall (all in the Big East), 2-5 on Tuesday and 1-4 at neutral sites. Aside from a 5-0 ATS run on Tuesday, Notre Dame carries nothing but negative pointspread slumps, including 4-12 overall, 4-11 in Big East play, 4-9 as a favorite this season, 2-5 at neutral sites and 3-7 against teams with a losing record.
The under is on streaks of 11-1 for Rutgers overall (all in conference), 5-2 for Rutgers on Tuesday, 6-0 for Rutgers after a non-cover, 4-0 for Notre Dame overall (all in conference), 4-0 for Notre Dame after a SU win and 4-1 for Notre Dame after a spread-cover. Also, the last two series meetings stayed under the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: RUTGERS and UNDER
South Florida (9-21, 16-13 ATS) vs. Seton Hall (16-14, 16-9 ATS)
South Florida went 1-7 SU down the stretch, including Saturday’s 45-42 loss at Rutgers, though it cashed as a 3½-point road underdog for its second straight spread-cover. The Bulls, who are appearing in their first Big East tournament, won just four of 18 conference games, with two of those wins coming against DePaul, which went winless in the Big East. Also, South Florida, which set a season-low for points scored at Rutgers on Saturday, tallied 62 points or fewer in 15 of 18 league games.
Seton Hall also struggled to the finish line, losing five of its last seven, though one of the Pirates’ victories came Saturday at Cincinnati, a 67-63 overtime triumph as a 6½-point underdog. On the bright side, Seton Hall capped the regular season on a 12-4 ATS run, all in Big East action, including 8-2 ATS in the last 10 and 3-0 ATS in the last three as a favorite. However, the school has lost four straight opening-round Big East tournament games (0-4 ATS) since 2004.
The Pirates crushed South Florida 75-60 as a seven-point home favorite on Feb. 25. Seton Hall has won all six meetings since the Bulls joined the Big East three years ago, getting the money in each of the last five. The winning team has averaged 80.2 ppg in the six head-to-head matchups.
In addition to ATS runs of 12-4 overall and 3-0 as a favorite, Seton Hall is 4-1 ATS in its last five on Tuesday, 4-1 ATS in its last five after a SU win and 5-2 ATS in its last seven after a spread-cover. The Pirates have failed to cover in 18 of their last 24 neutral-site outings, while South Florida is 5-1 ATS in its last six at neutral sites.
The over is 5-1 in the six all-time series meetings. Also, the over is 4-1 in the Bulls’ last five against teams with a winning record and 5-1 in Seton Hall’s past six against losing teams.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SETON HALL and OVER
HORIZON LEAGUE TOURNAMENT
(at Indianapolis)
Cleveland State (24-10, 17-12 ATS) vs. (16) Butler (26-4, 16-11-1 ATS)
Butler advanced to the Horizon League tournament championship game for the fourth straight year by holding off Wright State 62-57 on Saturday, and the Bulldogs have now followed up a two-game slide with four straight wins. However, they failed to cash as a 10-point favorite against Wright State and are now in a 2-4 ATS funk (1-4 ATS as a favorite in conference play).
Cleveland State advanced to its second straight Horizon League title tilt with Saturday’s 73-67 upset win over Wisconsin-Green Bay as a one-point underdog. The Vikings have won three in a row and 11 of 13, going 12-1 SU in conference play during this stretch. The lone loss was a 58-56 setback at Butler as a seven-point underdog in the regular-season finale Feb. 28. Cleveland State also lost to the Bulldogs by two points at home way back on Dec. 4, 50-48 as a 2½-point chalk.
Butler has won four straight meetings in this rivalry and eight of the last nine (5-4 ATS). Last year, the Bulldogs crushed Cleveland State 70-55 as a 10-point favorite to claim their second consecutive tournament championship. Butler can match the Horizon League record of six tournament titles with a victory tonight.
The Vikings are in ATS slumps of 5-16 on Tuesday and 3-7 at neutral sites, while Butler has covered in 11 of its last 16 at neutral venues and 12 of its last 17 versus winning teams.
The under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in this rivalry, but otherwise the “over” is on stretches for Butler of 7-2 in Horizon League action, 5-0 on Tuesday and 6-0 at neutral sites, while the over for Cleveland is on runs of 8-3 overall (7-3 in league play), 6-1 at neutral sites and 11-3 after a SU win.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BUTLER
NBA
Dallas (38-25, 30-33 ATS) at Phoenix (34-29, 24-37-2 ATS)
The Mavericks, losers of five straight road games both SU and ATS, kick off a four-game Western Conference road trip at America West Arena against the Suns, who return home after a winless four-game trip of their own.
Dallas used a big fourth quarter to crush the Wizards 119-103 as a 12½-point home chalk Saturday. The Mavericks have alternated SU wins and losses in their last five games and alternated ATS wins and losses in their last 14. Rick Carlisle’s club has been a disaster on the highway recently, getting outscored 100-85 during their five-game SU and ATS road losing streak, scoring 87, 86, 76, 87 and 88 points against the Jazz, Rockets, Spurs, Thunder and Hornets.
Phoenix battled back from a double-digit halftime deficit at San Antonio on Sunday, but still came up short 103-98 as a 4½-point road underdog, ending its four-game journey to Orlando, Miami, Houston and San Antonio at 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS. On the bright side, the Suns have won seven of their last eight at home (6-1-1 ATS), including the last three in a row SU and ATS. The winner is 25-1-2 ATS in the Suns’ last 28 games, including 12-1-1 ATS in its last 14 at home.
The home team has dominated the first two meetings of the season between these rivals, with Dallas rolling 112-97 as a four-point home chalk on Dec. 4 and the Suns returning the favor in Phoenix with a 128-110 rout as a seven-point favorite a month later. The host has won five of the last six meetings (4-1-1 ATS), and the winner is 8-1-1 ATS in the last 10 battles. Also in this rivalry, the favorite is 4-1-1 ATS In the last six and Phoenix is 5-2-1 ATS in the last seven.
In addition to failing to cash in five straight road outings, the Mavericks are on pointspread declines of 1-4 against the Western Conference and 1-6 after a SU win, and they’ve gone 16 straight games without covering in back-to-back contests. Phoenix is on ATS tears of 6-1-1 at home, 12-5-1 on Tuesday and 4-1 after a non-cover.
The over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings between these squads (2-0 this year), and four of the last five clashes at America West Arena have hurdled the total. Also, the over is on runs of 5-2 for Dallas overall, 9-4 for Phoenix overall, 4-2 for Phoenix at home and 5-2 for Phoenix against the Western Conference.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHOENIX and OVER
DUNKEL
New York at Milwaukee
The Bucks look to build on their 6-4 ATS record at home when favored by 3 1/2 to 6 points against a New York team that is just 5-8 ATS against the Central Division. Milwaukee is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bucks favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-3 1/2).
Game 551-552: Utah at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 124.895; Indiana 122.365
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 2 1/2; 215 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 553-554: New York at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: New York 114.442; Milwaukee 119.555
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 5; 220
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 3 1/2; 221
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-3 1/2); Under
Game 555-556: Charlotte at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 117.953; San Antonio 126.392
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 8 1/2; 186
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 6; 177 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-6); Over
Game 557-558: Dallas at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 118.898; Phoenix 121.840
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 3; 214
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 559-560: Oklahoma City at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 115.032; Sacramento 115.313
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 208
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 561-562: Cleveland at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 123.005; LA Clippers 111.493
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 11 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NCAAB
South Florida vs. Seton Hall
The Pirates open the Big East tournament with a 12-6 ATS mark in the conference this season and 4-0 ATS against South Florida over the last three seasons. Seton Hall is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Pirates favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (-5 1/2).
Game 563-564: Princeton at Pennsylvania
Dunkel Ratings: Princeton 49.790; Pennsylvania 48.778
Dunkel Line: Princeton by 1
Vegas Line: Pennsylvania by 3
Dunkel Pick: Princeton (+3)
Game 565-566: DePaul vs. Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Depaul 50.756; Cincinnati 61.801
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 11
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 8
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-8)
Game 567-568: Georgetown vs. St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: Georgetown 63.848; St. John's 60.928
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 3
Vegas Line: Georgetown by 6
Dunkel Pick: St. John's (+6)
Game 569-570: Rutgers vs. Notre Dame
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 56.295; Notre Dame 68.977
Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 12
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Notre Dame (-10 1/2)
Game 571-572: South Florida vs. Seton Hall
Dunkel Ratings: South Florida 55.554; Seton Hall 62.971
Dunkel Line: Seton Hall by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Seton Hall by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (-5 1/2)
Game 573-574: Eastern Michigan vs. Central Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 46.183; Central Michigan 50.554
Dunkel Line: Central Michigan by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Central Michigan by 2
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (-2)
Game 575-576: Northern Illinois vs. Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Illinois 46.168; Kent State 56.525
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Kent State by 11
Dunkel Pick: Northern Illinois (+11)
Game 577-578: Ohio vs. Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 52.774; Western Michigan 47.233
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio by 4
Dunkel Pick: Ohio (-4)
Game 579-580: Toledo vs. Akron
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 43.644; Akron 57.864
Dunkel Line: Akron by 14
Vegas Line: Akron by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Akron (-12 1/2)
Game 581-582: Cleveland State vs. Butler
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 60.460; Butler 63.813
Dunkel Line: Butler by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Butler by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (+3 1/2)
Game 583-584: South Alabama vs. Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 52.943; Western Kentucky 58.934
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 6
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 585-586: Fresno State vs. Hawaii
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 50.966; Hawaii 49.891
Dunkel Line: Fresno State by 1
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 587-588: Idaho State vs. Portland State
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho State 49.799; Portland State 54.452
Dunkel Line: Portland State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Portland State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Idaho State (+6)
Game 589-590: Montana State vs. Weber State
Dunkel Ratings: Montana State 44.062; Weber State 60.955
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 17
Vegas Line: Weber State by 12
Dunkel Pick: Weber State (-12)
Game 591-592: Oakland vs. North Dakota State
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 59.703; North Dakota State 61.295
Dunkel Line: North Dakota State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
NHL
Buffalo at Philadelphia
The Flyers look to build on their 8-4 record at home when the total is 6 or more. Philadelphia is the pick (-170) according to Dunkel, which has the Flyers favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-170).
Game 51-52: Boston at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 11.257; Columbus 12.220
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+120); Over
Game 53-54: Calgary at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 12.674; New Jersey 11.400
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+135); Under
Game 55-56: Buffalo at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 10.692; Philadelphia 11.954
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-170); 6
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-170); Under
Game 57-58: Florida at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.498; Pittsburgh 12.286
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-165); Over
Game 59-60: Phoenix at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 10.888; Detroit 12.435
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-360); 6
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-360); Over
Game 61-62: NY Islanders at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.597; Toronto 10.579
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-150); 6
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+130); Under
Game 63-64: Edmonton at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 10.855; Montreal 11.896
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-170); Over
Game 65-66: Washington at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 10.914; Nashville 12.014
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-125); 6
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+115); Over
Game 67-68: San Jose at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 10.770; Minnesota 11.175
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-165); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+145); Under
Game 69-70: Dallas at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 10.705; St. Louis 12.026
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-135); Under
Game 71-72: Atlanta at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 12.167; Colorado 10.972
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-155); 6
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+135); Over
Bob Harvey
Cleveland State vs. Butler
Play: Under 120
The Horizon League tournament championship will be decided tonight as top seed and defending tourney champion Butler, faces Cleveland State. For CSU, they face a must win situation. They need a victory to get their ticket punched for the “Big Dance” while the Bulldogs, with an RPI in the top 20, are expected to draw an at-large invite to the NCAA tournament regardless of whether it beats the Vikings. Butler swept the season series, but both games went right down to the wire. Butler won at Cleveland State by two and then held on at home for a four point victory.
If you’re looking for a motivation angle for Butler consider that this team was picked to finish fifth in the Horizon League. That was probably a bit generous given that the team started three freshmen. But Bulldogs coach Brad Stevens has guided this young team to a regular season title and are one victory from a tournament title. Don’t look for a letdown tonight from the “Dogs. In fact, it will probably be just the opposite. Look for Butler to ratchet up its defensive intensity for this one.
Both series meetings this season played to the UNDER. Butler is 5th in the nation in points allowed (57.4 ppg) and in field-goal percentage allowed (38%). With the stakes even higher tonight, nerves could play a part early. But the deciding factor will be defense. And that ball is definitely in Butlers court
Cajun Sports
Montana State vs. Weber State
Play: Weber State -12
Weber State will host the second game of the Big Sky Conference double-header on Tuesday night when they face-off against Idaho State. The winner of this semifinal matchup will get the winner of the early game between Montana State and Portland State. Idaho State comes into tonight’s contest riding a three-game straight up and against the spread streak while their opponent is riding an amazing ten-game straight up and against the spread streak someone’s streak is coming to an end tonight. Idaho State is 13-18 SU and 13-17 ATS overall on the season which includes a record of 2-14 SU and 6-10 ATS on the road averaging 61.8 points per game and allowing 72.3 points per game. Not only are they facing the hottest team in their conference Weber State is 51-27 ATS over the last three seasons. That record includes a 24-6 ATS mark when they are installed as a home favorite, they are also perfect when favored by 10 or more points going 2-0 ATS this season. Weber State is 12-2 ATS off a win by ten or more points versus a conference rival and 6-0 ATS the last three years after a road favorite win. This Weber State team very seldom has a flat performance, in most cases teams that get caught do so after winning against a conference rival or winning several games in a row, that’s not the case for Weber State they are a perfect 7-0 ATS after winning 8 or more of their last ten games. Weber State is 21-8 SU and 19-7 ATS on the year including a record of 10-2 SU and 8-3 ATS at home. Over their last five games they have won and covered all five averaging 79.6 points per game and allowing 60.4 points per game, outscoring their opponents by 19.2 points per game. These two teams have met twice this season the first meeting took place on January 29th at Idaho State with Weber winning 76 to 67 as a 2 point road underdog. The second meeting was on January 31st with Weber State winning as a home favorite of 6.5 points 75 to 61. Weber State has proven they can push the ball against this Idaho State team and dictate the tempo on both ends of the floor. No reason to believe Idaho State has found the “silver bullet” in the last month or so and momentum is definitely on the side of Weber State. Lay the chalk here as Weber State makes it 3-0 both SU and ATS versus Idaho State this season and advance to the finals.
Graded Selection: 2* Weber State 78 Idaho State 57
LT Profits
St John's +6
The St. Johns Red Storm exceeded expectations in the Big East this season while the Georgetown Hoyas underperformed badly, and we look for both of those trends to continue today.
The Red Storm finished at 15-16 overall and 6-12 in the conference, and while that may not seem like much, consider that they were picked to finish near the bottom of the conference before the season, when a nearly .500 season overall would have been considered a surprise.
More importantly, the Johnnies beat Georgetown 59-56 in overtime at Carnesecca Arena just last week, and they ended the regular season on a 5-2 run against the spread. They now get to face the Hoyas in their second home at Madison Square Garden, and the last time the Red Storm played here, they came within seven points of upsetting Duke.
Georgetown was nationally ranked at the start of the year, but they were one of the biggest disappointments in the entire country at 16-13, and they may not have many supporters left after going a money-burning 8-16-1 ATS. In fact, after upsetting Connecticut in their Big East opener back on December 29, the Hoyas went a horrendous 3-14 ATS over the rest of their conference schedule.
We do not expect Georgetown to suddenly rise up now in a virtual road game, so do not be shocked if they lose this game outright to seal their NIT fate.
CBB Free Pick: St. Johns +6
James Patrick Sports
Toledo vs. Akron 9:20 p.m.est. (MAC Tournament Opening Round)
The Zips and the Rockets go at it in opening round action at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio in opening round action of the MAC Tournament. Our Tuesday selection in NCAA Men's College Basketball Tournament action is Akron Zips whom own a 17-4 ATS record in Tuesday action and we look for Head Coach Keith Dambrot to send a message as his team was jolted in the finals of this tournament last season.
Great Lakes Sports
Toledo vs Akron
Play: Akron
The Akron Zips are an outstanding 18-7 ATS when playing on Tuesdays, and they are a very solid 25-10 ATS when playing a team with a losing record the last three years while the Toledo Rockets are a terrible 6-18 ATS in the role of an underdog this year, and they are a terrible 3-8 ATS when playing a team with a winning record this year. We look for the Akron Zips to roll over the Toledo Rockets for the Tournament ATS Win & Cover tonight.
Marc Lawrence
South Alabama at Western Kentucky
Prediction: Western Kentucky
When the Hilltoppers take on the Jaguars in the Sun Belt Conference championship game Tuesday night they will do so knowing that No. 1 seeds in conference tourney title games are 12-1 SU and 9-4 ATS when taking on an opponent off back-to-back underdog wins since 1996. With South Alabama riding a 2-10 ATS streak before entering this tourney, look for Western Kentucky to be cutting down the nets tonight.
Jimmy The Moose
Buffalo Sabres at Philadelphia Flyers
Prediction: Over
These two team's can be very good defensive but when they face one another the D is thrown away. The over is a profitable 9-2 in the last 11 meetings between the clubs. The over is 8-0-1 in Buffalo's last 9 trips to Philadelphia. The Sabres have played over the total in 8 of their last 10 games vs. an Atlantic Division opponent. The over is 4-1-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. The over is 7-1-1 in the Flyers last 9 vs. an Eastern Conference opponent. The over is 6-2 in their last 8 home games. Play the over.
Nick Parsons
Atlanta Thrashers at Colorado Avalanche
Prediction: Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche owns a 29-36-1 record after snapping a six-game losing streak Sunday at Chicago. The Avalanche needs 23 points in the remaining 16 games -- nine at home -- to finish at .500 and avoid its first losing record since arriving in Denver in 1995-96; while they may not end up accomplishing this, I do expect them to string some wins together and build on recent momentum. Atlanta is 13-21 its last 34 when playing against a team with a losing record; play on COLORADO!
Ben Burns
Edmonton Oilers @ Montreal Canadiens
PICK: Under
Montreal General Manager Bob Gainey fired coach Guy Carbonneau yesterday and is taking over the head coaching job. Gainey had a stellar playing career for Canadiens, winning five Stanley Cups. Known as a defensive specialist, he won four consecutive Frank J. Selke Trophies, the award which is given to the league's best defensive forward. With one of the league's all-time great defensive forwards taking over, I expect the Canadiens to improve their overall defensive play. They should be particularly motivated to do so tonight.
Not only is it Gainey's first game (in his second stint) behind the bench, but the Oilers scored seven goals against the Canadiens last month. Naturally, nobody in a Montreal uniform wants to see a repeat performance. Note that the 'under' is a profitable 19-7-2 the last 28 times that the Canadiens were attempting to avenge an earlier loss.
The Canadiens were actually starting to play well defensively, even before the coaching change. They've held six of their last seven opponents to three goals or less, allowing just three combined goals over their last two games. Not surprisingly, both those game stayed below the number, bringing the 'under' to 3-0-1 their last four games.
Currently, this total is listed at 5.5o130 or 5.5o135. That means that we're getting a generous +110 or +115 on the 'under.' Note that the 'under' is 14-8 on the season, when the Canadiens have played a home game with a total of 5.5. With the majoriy of the betting public betting on the 'over,' it's possible that the line could even climb to six. Either way, I feel that we're getting reasonably solid value. Consider the UNDER
JIM FEIST
DALLAS MAVERICKS / PHOENIX SUNS
Take Over
Two teams ranked in the top 10 in points scored with uptempo offenses, and not stellar defensively. The Mavericks will have to defend better than they did against the Wizards, who shot 53 percent and scored 103 points the last game....and now comes a team that KNOWS how to score! Dallas is on a 5-2 run over the total, while Phoenix is on a 2-1 run over. These teams have met twice with both games going over the total. The last game went 18 points over the total in a 128-100 Suns win. Play the Mavericks/Suns over the total!
Dave Cokin
Northern Illinois vs. Kent State
Play: Kent State -11
Kent State has been okay, but certainly not what they were expected to be prior to the season. I think the coaching change has to be partly responsible for this, and that's not terrible surprising as good teams frequently slip a bit when the coach who recruited them leaves for supposedly greener pastures. In any event, the Golden Flashes get a clean slate as the MAC Tourney gets underway. I'm not picking them to win this tournament, but they're definitely talented enough to run the table. And they should not have a problem today. Northern Illinois gave Kent State a huge battle in their one regular season meeting, as the Golden Flashes needed two OT's to get the win. But that was in Rockford, and the Huskies have been terrible on the road. Kent State should have good focus here and they're good enough to win this big, so I'll lean Kent State's way for the Tuesday free opinion.
Ted Sevransky
Northern Illinois @ Kent State
PICK: Northern Illinois
Kent State played 15 games away from home this year. They lost ten of those games outright. Three times they earned narrow victories, winning in overtime at St Louis, in overtime at the same Northern Illinois team they’ll face today and by seven at Ball State. Only twice in those 15 non-home games did the Golden Flashes beat anyone by this type of margin; with only one of those victories coming in MAC play. Six of their last seven victories overall came by seven points or less. Even for the superior team, this pointspread looks awfully high.
Northern Illinois has gotten better as the season has progressed, and they enter MAC tournament play having won three of their last five and four out of seven. There was nothing fraudulent about the Huskies taking the Golden Flashes to overtime in the lone previous meeting between these two teams this year. Northern Illinois shot only 37% from the floor in that game, and they missed a whopping 18 free throws, yet they were still able to hang around for 45 full minutes. Kent State didn’t own the paint, they didn’t get good offensive looks all evening long, and the Huskies defensive pressure forced 23 Golden Flashes turnovers. Expect this game to be more competitive than the betting marketplace expects. 2* Take Northern Illinois.
Jeff Scott Sports
2 UNIT PLAY
St John's/ Georgetown Under 123.5
The Under is 26-12 in Hoyas last 38 games as a favorite of 0.5-6.5 and 5-1 in their last 6 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record, while the Under is 22-7-1 in Red Storm last 30 vs. Big East and 8-2 in their last 10 games as an underdog of 0.5-6.5. The last 5 meeting in this series have all gone under the total, with an average of 114.4 ppg being scored. In the last meeting between these two teams (a week ago) they needed OT to decide the game, but still only put up 115 points. The Hoya's offnes has struggled down the stretch as they have aveaged just 58.8 ppg in their last 5 games, while their last 3 games have averaged just 104.3 ppg. St John's offense has also struggled down the stretch as they have put up just 60.2 pg in their last 9 games. I just don't see how this game will go Over the total.
1 UNIT PLAY
Cincinnati -8 over Depaul