College Cappers
CBB
30 Dime - Arkansas +1
20 Dime - Iowa +3
10 Dime - LSU +6
NBA
45 Dime - Bulls/Pacers UNDER 208.5
30 Dime - Detroit +1.5
25 Dime - Cleveland +7.5
20 Dime - Sacramento +3.5
MLB
5 Dime - NY Mets +100
FREE
1 Dime - Northeastern +8.5
ROCKDEMANSPORTS
Dog of the Day
GATORS
Paul Leiner
10* CBB Over 134 Kansas/Iowa St
5* CBB Houston -8
Lock Of Day
Miami Hurricanes +9
Miami is getting 9 points today against a team they beat last month. The Canes have won 4 in a row, and in that span have knocked off Duke, Maryland, Gtech and Vtech. Clemson has lost 2 of 4, including a drubbing at the hands of Florida State. Miami needs this win for an NCAA berth. They'll keep it close tonight.
John Fina
Selection: Texas A&M -9
Reason: Put us down on Texas A&M -9 for our Free College Basketball Selection on Wednesday. The Texas A&M offense and defense is much better then the Texas Tech offense and defense. Texas A&M (at home) is scoring an average of 77.4 points per game, while Texas Tech (on the road) scoring an average of only 63.2 points per game. Texas A&M (at home) is allowing opponents to score an average of only 60.5 points per game, while Texas Tech (on the road) is allowing opponents to score an average of 70.9 points per game. In addition, the home team has had much success in this series. In fact, the home team is 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings between these teams. We will lay the points with the home team that has the much better offense and defense. Take Texas A&M -9!
Tony Mathews
Matchup: Utah vs. TCU
Selection: TCU +4 -110
Explanation: We will side with TCU as they face-off against Utah in Wednesday's College Basketball contest.
TCU has the much better offense. TCU (at home) is scoring an average of 74.4 points per game, while Utah (on the road) is scoring an average of only 65.7 points per game. As you can see, TCU has the much better offense.
TCU has played great basketball at home this season. In fact, TCU is 12-3 when playing at home this season.
To say the least, there is much value with the underdog (TCU) tonight!
Take TCU +4
Michael Cannon
20 Dime
HOFSTRA
Take the points with Hofstra tonight when they travel to take on Delaware.
Two teams headed in opposite directions here.
Hofstra has won three straight and four of five, while Delaware has gone 3-6 SU over its last nine.
It's no coincidence the Pride?s recent streak has happened because they've found someone to compliment do-everything guard Antonio Agudio in the scoring department.
Freshman Charles Jenkins has stepped it up, scoring 22, 17 and 28 points in his last three games. His presence means teams can no longer key solely on Agudio, and the Pride have averaged 83 ppg over their last three games.
Delaware has been a money burner at home, going 0-6 ATS in its last six and 1-10 ATS in its last 11.
Hofstra is 6-2 ATS in its last eight road games.
Take the points with Hofstra as they stay within the number over Delaware.
10 Dime
ARKANSAS
Take Arkansas to get it done on the road tonight over Alabama.
Neither team has been especially consistent this year, but the Crimson Tide have been worse than the Razorbacks.
Alabama is just 3-6 ATS as a home chalk due mainly because of sloppy defense and a tendency to chuck it up instead of working for an open look on the offensive end.
Arkansas has hopes of an NCAA tournament bid, so expect them to come out flying tonight. They have an experienced frontcourt that can battle with Alabama's Richard Hendrix. The backcourt of Gary Ervin and Patrick Beverley should both rebound from a poor outing in their last game against Kentucky when the Hogs fell, 63-58.
If those two are on tonight it will open up the lanes for Sonny Weems, who averages 15.3 ppg and had 26 points against Kentucky.
Take Arkansas as they get it done on the road over Alabama.
5 Dime
UAB
Take Uab as the small road dog tonight over Utep.
The Blazers have stepped it up recently winning four of their last five, with the only setback coming in a controversial 79-78 loss versus top-ranked Memphis.
Uab is a deep, road-tested team that should be able to keep its run going tonight. Forward Lawrence Kinnard and swingman Robert Vaden will be able to take advantage of a Utep defense that allows a league-worst 71 ppg.
The Miners will be in trouble tonight if leading scorer Stefon Jackson continues his struggles from the field. Jackson is hitting only 38 percent of his shots in recent games, which will make it hard for Utep to overcome its defensive shortcomings.
Uab outrebounded Utep by 15 in its eight-point win at UAB Arena on February 9, so I doubt the Miners will get many second-chance opportunities tonight.
Take Uab for the road win over Utep.
HAWKS
Take the Hawks at home tonight minus the points over the Kings.
Former Kings guard Mike Bibby should be acclimated with Joe Johnson by now, giving Atlanta plenty of backcourt punch.
This is Sacramento's fourth road game in six days, so fatigue could be a factor tonight.
For the Hawks, this is their first home game after a six-game road trip, so they should be eager to put on a show for the partisan crowd.
Atlanta is 10-4-1 ATS in its last 15 home games.
Take the Hawks for the home win and cover.
BEN BURNS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
UNDER George Washington/Rhode Island
Game: Rhode Island vs. George Washington
Prediction: under Reason: I'm playing on Rhode Island and George Washington to finish UNDER the number. These teams played a relatively high-scoring game (81-70) against each other last month. However, that was at Rhode Island where the up-tempo Rams could more easily dictate a fast pace. With this evening's game being played at George Washington, I'm expecting a slower pace and a lower final combined score. The last four games here have produced an average of just 120 points with all four staying below the total. Looking back further and we find that none of the 11 games played here this season have produced more than 144 combined points and that those games averaged just 121 points. The Colonials held Richmond to a mere 21 points in the second half of their last game. Note that George Washington shot 0-for-12 from behind the arc in that game and that the Colonials are 13th in the conference in that category, connecting on just 32.1 percent of their 3-point attempts. In their previous home game, the Colonials kept Dayton to roughly 14 points less than it normally averages. Look for them to slow things down again here, keeping the Rams below their regular average and seeing the UNDER improve to 4-1 the last five times they attempted to avenge an earlier road loss. *Blue Chip
TEXAS A&M
Game: Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M
Prediction: Texas A&M Reason: I'm laying the points with Texas A&M. The Red Raiders (15-11) come in as the hotter team. However, I believe that the Aggies (20-7) are the "better" team. In addition to having homecourt advantage, they should be extremely motivated. For starters, they'll be trying to snap a three-game losing streak. Note that the only other time that they lost three games this season (from 1/16 to 1/23) the Aggies responded by going a perfect 5-0 SU/ATS their next five games. Further motivation will be provided by the fact that the Red Raiders embarrassed them when the teams met at Texas Tech last month. In fact, that 68-53 loss was what triggered the previous three-game skid. Additionally, listed as double-digit underdogs, the Red Raiders also upset the Aggies here last season. Note that the Aggies are 44-33 ATS over the past decade when attempting to avenge a road loss. During that stretch, they've also gone a profitable 8-2 SU/ATS when listed as home favorites in the -6.5 to -9 range. Conversely, Texas Tech is a money-burning 32-47 ATS when coming off a conference win over the past decade, going just 56-80-1 ATS when listed as an underdog over that span. The Red Raiders also have just one win in their past eight road games with six of the last seven of those losses coming by double-digits. The Aggies are coming off a huge disappointment. They're a veteran team though and they're badly in need of a blowout victory. Catching the Red Raiders looking ahead to a major "revenge" game of their own (Texas beat them 73-47) look for them to bounce back with a convincing and much-needed double-digit victory. *CBB Blowout Game of the Month
PITTSBURGH
Game: Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh
Prediction: Pittsburgh Reason: I'm laying the points with PITTSBURGH. The Panthers could badly use a blowout win and I feel that Cincinnati will represent the perfect opponent. The Bearcats lost by 20 at Georgetown over the weekend. Prior to that, they had played three of the Big East's lower tier teams, South Florida, St. John's and Rutgers. After last night, those three teams had a combined record of 8-37 in conference play and all three are well below 500 overall. The last time they faced a "good team," prior to Georgetown, was a home game vs. Marquette on 2/2 and the Bearcats lost by 15. The Bearcats have had plenty of other double-digit losses on the road this season too. Back in early December, they lost by 19 vs UAB and 10 vs. Illinois State. A month later, they lost by a dozen at St. John's and then by 17 at Notre Dame. Including those results, the Bearcats are 11-17 ATS (6-24 SU) on the road over the past three seasons. The Panthers do have a really big game at Syracuse on deck. However, off three straight losses and facing a team which already defeated them earlier this season, I don't expect there to be any looking ahead. Rather, they'll be looking for some "payback," to earn that elusive 20th win and to build some much-needed momentum. The Panthers have been excellent when attempting to avenge a road loss as we find them at 3-0 SU/ATS the last three times they faced a team which defeated them on the road in the previous meeting and 8-3 ATS (9-2 SU) in that role the past three seasons. During that stretch, the Panthers were also 13-5-1 ATS when coming off a loss vs. a conference opponent. Despite coming up short vs. a good Louisville team last time out, the Panthers still played well, particularly the guards' handling of the ball. In fact, the Panthers turned the ball over only four times, the lowest number in the Jamie Dixon era. Guard Keith Benjamin recently told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "We talk so much about how we don't want to go out like the rest of the senior classes [in previous years]. Right now, the other senior classes are up on us. They led Pitt better. Me and Ron [Ramon] have to get something done. We have to get through to these guys. And we're going to. We have to save the season. We're not going to let it go down." The Panthers won by 20 when they hosted the Bearcats last season and I'm expecting another blowout win tonight. *Big East GOW
NBA
UNDER Cavs/Celtics
Game: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics
Prediction: under Reason: I'm playing on Cleveland and Boston to finish UNDER the total. These teams have faced each other three times so far this season. The Cavaliers won both games which were played at Cleveland and both those games were extremely high-scoring. However, the lone meeting played at Boston saw a completely different result. Indeed, that game finished with a final score of just 80-70, in favor of the Celtics. With tonight's game being played at Boston, I'm expecting another low-scoring affair. Note that the Cavs' recent big trade should make them a better defensive team. With all the new faces in the lineup, the offense may not click immediately though, at least not when facing an elite defense. The Cavs saw last night's game finish above the total. That came vs. the defensively challenged Bucks though. Milwaukee allows 98.5 points per game at home and entered last night having allowed an average of 108.2 in their previous five games. While the over/under line is only a few points lower than it was last night, tonight the Cavs will be facing a Boston defense which allows just 87.5 points per game at home. Last night's result brought the "over" to 60-51-2 the past three seasons when the Cavs have faced a team with a losing record. However, during the same stretch the UNDER has gone a highly profitable 76-44 (63.3%) when they've faced a team with a winning record, including a 15-10 mark this season. The Celtics held the Clippers to just 76 points last time out. They've shown a tendency to string strong defensive performances like that together too, as we find the UNDER at 12-5-1 this season after they held their previous opponent to 85 points or less. Look for tonight's game to be lower scoring than expected once again with the UNDER improving to 17-7 the last 24 times that the Cavs were listed as road underdogs in the +6.5 to +9 range. *Eastern Conference Total of the Month
PHILADELPHIA
Game: Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers Reason: This game is arguably more important to PHILADELPHIA. The 76ers, currently in eighth in the conference standings, are in a battle for their playoff lives. On the other hand, Orlando has already all but mathematically locked up the southeast division title. Additionally, Philadelphia comes into this game looking for some "payback." The 76ers have had a fantastic February and they've gone 7-2 their last nine games. Their most recent loss came at Orlando though. Additionally, their last home loss also came at the hands of the Magic. That 108-106 loss was way back on the first day of the month though and the 76ers have won six straight games here since that time, holding opponents to a mere 84.7 points per game during that span. In fact, the 76ers are a perfect 8-0 ATS their past eight games here. The situation favors the 76ers to avenge the earlier losses, as they had the past few nights off while the Magic come off a win at New Jersey and are now playing their third game in the past four nights and sixth in the past nine. Note that Philadelphia is 11-7 ATS the past three seasons when playing with three days off between games. Additionally, note that Orlando is 1-3 SU the last four times it played the second of back to back games, most recently getting crushed by 17 points at Toronto. Look for the 76ers to be both the fresher and the hungrier team as they avenge this month's earlier losses and improve to 9-0 ATS their last nine games here. *Best Bet
NHL
SHARKS
Game: San Jose Sharks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Prediction: San Jose Sharks Reason: I'm laying the price with SAN JOSE. The Sharks are heating up, having swept the Flyers and Penguins in their tour through Pennsylvania. They got better at the trade deadline, acquiring All Star defenseman, Brian Campbell. They were already playing very well defensively though, as they'd given up more than three goals just once in its last 11 games, and have allowed just one goal in each of their last two wins. Playing in the competitive West, the Sharks know how important every point is. As veteran Jeremy Roenick noted: "You look at the standings and you see how important it is to get every single point possible, especially on this road trip. You can go from fifth to 11th in one bad week." Unlike the Sharks, the Blue Jackets dealt away veteran talent at the deadline, as they traded both Sergei Federov and Adam Foote. Playing their first game back home from a road trip, I look for them to stumble tonight, falling to 2-7 when coming off a shutout victory.
UNDER Leafs/Panthers
Game: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Florida Panthers
Prediction: under Reason: I'm playing on the Panthers and Leafs to finish UNDER the total. The Panthers come off a 5-0 loss in their last game. That game snuck below the number and brought the UNDER to 3-1 their last four games. Note that they've also seen the UNDER go a profitable 14-8-1 on the season after allowing four or more goals in their previous game. The Leafs have also been playing low-scoring games recently. They won their last game 5-0 and have now seen the UNDER go 3-0-1 their last four games. The Leafs were embarrassed 8-0 by the Panthers in the last meeting. However, that was at Toronto. This season's lone meeting in Florida had a final score of 2-1. That brought the UNDER to 4-0-2 the last six series meetings here. Toronto goalie Toskala had 31 saves against the Senators last time out, for his third shutout of the season. He has now stopped 55 of 56 shots in the last two games, both Toronto wins. He has started 15 straight for the Leafs, going 8-6-1 with a 2.35 goals-against average over that span. Prior to the blowout loss earlier this month, Toskala had been 3-0-0 with a 1.33 GAA against Florida. He'll likely be facing Vokoun, who has a 3-1-1 record and a 1.60 GAA in five career appearances against the Maple Leafs. I'm expecting solid goaltending and a low-scoring affair.
ATS Consultants
Hoops
Oklahoma over Nebraska 74-60 Best Bet (3 units)
This is an important game for Oklahoma, who needs to win these type of games to get in the NCAA Tournament. Blake Griffin is a major force inside, but the key is center Longar (leg), who is back playing to give Griffin some help inside as a shotblocker. Oklahoma is a wild card in the Big 12.
Preferred Plays (2 units)
Atlanta over Sacramento 103-91
Richmond over St. Bonaventure 74-60
Clemson over Miami-Fla. 84-67
Hockey
Preferred Plays
Over in the Vancouver/Colorado game
San Jose over Columbus
Mr.A's
Orlando Magic - 2
Boston Celtics - 7½
SportsKingz
NBA
SEATTLE +8.5 (5 UNITS)
CBB
UTAH -4 (5 UNITS)
DREXEL -4 (5 UNITS)
John Ryan's 10* NCAA Monster Game of the Year
Kansas @ Iowa State
Iowa State +11.5
Ai Simulator 10* graded play on Iowa State – AiS shows an 87% probability that Iowa State will lose this game by 11 or fewer points. AiS also shows an 89% probability that Iowa State will score 61 or more points in this game. Note that Kansas is 2-9 ATS when they allow 61 to 66 points in a game over the last 2 seasons. Iowa State does do well against top level teams, especially ones that are shooting well from the field. Note that IST is 40-20 ATS in home games versus good shooting teams making >=45% of their shots since 1997; 30-16 ATS in home games versus good teams that are outscoring their opponents by 4+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997. Kansas has had another great season, but that success works against them in this game. Note that Kansas is 0-6 ATS after having won 15 or more of their last 20 games this season. Take Iowa State
BIG Al
At 8 pm, our selection is on the Fordham Rams minus the points over Lasalle.
At 8:05 pm, our selection is on the Utah Jazz minus the points over Detroit. Detroit, along with the Los Angeles Lakers, is playing the best ball in the league
DOC'S
4 Unit Play. Take Charlotte +5 ½ over Temple
A key game for seeding takes place tonight in the A-10 conference as Charlotte heads to Philadelphia to take on the Owls. The 49ers have been a solid road squad and this year and have just one double digit loss away from Charlotte. They will take this one down to the wire as well and we will pick up four units in the process.
4 Unit Play. Take Miami +8 ½ over Clemson
Both teams are on the tournament bubble and we will side with the underdog as this one appears to be a hard fought game that goes down to the wire. Miami has already beaten Clemson this season and is coming off impressive victories against Duke and Maryland. The Tigers have been off since February 19th and will have some rust and allow the Canes to keep this low scoring and getting close to double digits is too good to pass up.
4 Unit Play. Take Georgia -1 ½ over Florida
The Gators are a completely different squad when playing on the road and this young squad will suffer yet another setback when playing in Athens tonight. Sundiata Gaines is the best player on the floor and the Dawgs may need this victory in order to save Coach Felton’s job.
5 Unit Play. Take Drexel -4 over James Madison
A simple look at the all-time series is all that you need to know about this squad. The Dragons have beaten the Dukes 11 straight times and have never lost to them in their basketball history. This is the finally home game for the Dragons and you can be sure that they want to send their seniors out in style. The Dukes are just 3-10 on the road this season and have not won a road game since December 5th, 2007. That streak will remain alive tonight, as the Dragons send Frank Elegar out in style.
4 Unit Play. Take Texas A & M -9 ½ over Texas Tech
The Aggies are falling closer and closer to the tournament bubble and need an impressive victory after three straight losses. The Red Raiders are just what the doctor as they will have revenge on their mind after suffering setback to TT earlier this season. Tech is just 2-8 on the road and this one will get ugly early and A & M takes no chances and pounds A & M.
4 Unit Play.
Take Illinois State -3 ½ over Creighton
This is an important game for the Red Birds to assure themselves the No. 2 seed in the MVC tournament. The Red Birds have won 35 of the 58 meetings between the programs and have been unstoppable @ Redbird Arena this year currently 14-1. The Blue Jays lost to ISU by double digits at home this year and this is exactly how we expect this one to go as well.
4 Unit Play.Take Davidson -15 over Appalachian State
The Wildcats have yet to lose a game in the Southern Conference and also have the player of the year Stephen Curry on the floor tonight at Belk Arena. He is averaging 25 points per game and can more then cover this number by himself. He is coming off a bad game so you can expect he will be ready for a better performance on Wednesday. Davidson moves within one game of running the table in the Southern Conference after their victory on Wednesday.
STRIKE POINT SPORTS
5-Unit Play (A-10 GOY).Take La Salle +4.5 over Fordham
Watch out for the Explorers. La Salle has run off an impressive two week stretch, winning four straight and six of their last eight overall. During that push they have gone 6-1 ATS, and even more so they are 28-10-2 against the number in their last 40 on the road. They have a nice winning record away from home this season, and face a Fordham team that is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 home games. The Explorers have covered six of their last conference games, also impressing on the road against teams with winning home records, posting a 22-6-1 ATS mark in in those games. They are play here in this A-10 clash.
FERRINGO
2-Unit Play. Take UNC-Wilmington (+12.5) over VCU
UNC-Wilmington is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games and is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 meetings. They were blasted at home in early January, but since then they have been playing much better basketball. Both of these teams shoot the lights out, so I think it will be difficult for the Rams to really pull away, even if they do have this game in control.
2.5-Unit Play. Take Rhode Island (-4.5) over George Washington
This one is kind of Keep It Simple Stupid. Rhode Island is a team I circled this year because I knew they’d be a moneymaker, and GW is a team I wanted to fade because they have just dropped dramatically from where they have been over the past two or three years. Rhode Island is a better team and they have a short number. GW has really dominated this series lately, but I think that’s because the talent disparity was so large. It’s just as large now – only the other way. The Rams have had a tough five game stretch but I think they’re ready to get back into the cash column.
2.5-Unit Play. Take Tulsa (+19) over Memphis
We saw Tennessee’s letdown last night, now the other shoe may drop. Certainly I’m not predicting a Memphis loss. But perhaps they can come out a little languid against a grinder team and coast a bit. Tulsa has been scrappy. They have lost three of their last four road games by an average of 7.3 points and they dropped their last four to the Tigers by an average of 14 points. They hung around with Memphis when they played at home and I think they can scrub their way to a 14-point loss.
2.5-Unit Play. Take UTEP (-1) over UAB
The favorite in this series is 4-1 ATS, as is the home team, in the last five meetings. UAB has had some struggles on the road in tough venues, posting an 8-17-2 ATS mark against teams with a winning home record. UTEP is a different team at home.
2-Unit Play. Take Southern Mississippi (+8) over Houston
Here we have a pair of teams going in opposite directions. Houston hasn't played that well since dropping a close game at Memphis, and Southern Miss has built up some confidence against the bottom-feeders of CUSA. These two teams have played tight, closely contested games over the past two years, with the three meetings determined by a total of just 12 points. As of this morning, this game was one of the more heavily bet contests on the board and a whopping 95 percent of the action is on the home Cougars. With no line movement. I think that's a red flag.
2-Unit Play. Take Baylor (-3.5) over Colorado
Colorado is a tricky team to beat, but the one thing that I think can trump their Princeton offense is perimeter speed on defense. Baylor's guards should be able to harass the Buffaloes into playing at a pace faster than they would like. I also don't see how the Buffs can keep Baylor from getting to the basket with ease. Baylor is 9-2 ATS on the road (compared to 9-19 ATS for Colorado at home) and has covered four of five meetings.
1.5-Unit Play. Take Cincinnati (+11.5) over Pittsburgh
Few too many points. The Bearcats have been scrappy all season long. And I will admit that Pitt is about to erupt (hello, BE Tournament) because Lavance Fields is getting his legs back. But I think this number is a bit high considering Pitt has dumped three straight and are 3-7 ATS in their L10 games.
John Ryan NHL
3* Nashville +115
3* Phoenix +110
3* Tampa Bay +110
Wolkosky Milan
10* CHARLOTTE +6½
10* PHOENIX +3
10* POR/LAC OVER 183
10* CLE/BOS UNDER 194