Vegas Experts
Atlanta Hawks at New Jersey Nets
Hawks recent wins were at New York against the lowly Knicks and then an upset win the next night in Washington. Even with those the club is 9-25 on the road. It is also 1-2 vs. the Nets who lost the last meeting after winning the first two so come in with revenge. Nets trail the Hawks by just a game in the Eastern Conference standings and will look to rebound off last night's 112-96 loss in Chicago. Nets have taken the last two from the Hawks here at home.
Play on: New Jersey
James Patrick Sports
Miami Ohio vs. Tulsa
Doug Wojcek knows how to win basketball games because he played on a winning team with David Robinson at the Naval Academy. In his third year at Tulsa Wojcek’s team plays great defense and rebounds well, a combination that has led them to (9) ATS wins in their past (11) decisions. The Golden Hurricane played a lot of basketball in Memphis last weekend before falling to CUSA Champion Memphis but with (4) returning starters and in the friendly confines of the Reynolds Center we look for Tulsa to advance with a win over the Redhawks. This team has held opponents to a season low in points in (26) of (31) contests. Our Wednesday CBI Tournament selection is #670 Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
Dave Cokin
UNCC @ Nebraska
Play: Nebraska -8.5
UNCC made a nice run in the A-10 tournament last week before getting knocked out by Temple. Nebraska topped Missouri in the Big XII tourney before being sent home by Kansas. I have to think the Huskers will be the fresher entry. They're also a considerably better team and they're at home. Nebraska has a decent shot to win this event, and should get things started with a pretty easy win tonight. I'll spot the points with the Cornhuskers.
Marc Lawrence
Play On: Florida
Note: The two-time defending NCAA tourney champs play host to San Diego State in an NIT opening round contest at the O'Connell Center. A quick check of the history book shows the Gators 18-1 SU and 14-4-1 ATS in post-season play the last three years. With the Aztecs 0-15 ATS in their last fifteen losses against non-conference foes, look for Florida to get back on track here tonight.
Tom Scott
Morgan State at VIRGINIA TECH - 7:00 PM EST
Play ON: VIRGINIA TECH minus the points
Seth Greenburg was livid after being snubbed by the NCAA tourney selection committee and our scouts report that he has passed that fire on to his players. That's bad news for a Morgan State team that is 1-101 SU on the road against lined teams since 1990, allowing an average of 89 points per game. Not only do the Bears lose on the road, they get toasted with an average defeat of 28 points per game in the 101 losses. Virginia Tech has 20 consecutive home wins over non-conference opponents with an average win margin of 21 but it's Tech's 50-5 ATS log when scoring 80 or more, including 25-1 ATS when coming off a loss that has us interested here. Yes, the Hokies are angry and when they're angry, they can be merciless. Expect Greenburg and his Gobblers to eat Morgan State for dinner tonight.
PREDICTION: VIRGINIA TECH 89 - Morgan State 61
Jimmy The Moose
Game: Minnesota Wild at San Jose Sharks
Prediction: San Jose Sharks
Reason: Minnesota has won their last games but prior to that had dropped 5 in a row. In their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning record the Wild are 1-4. Tonight they face a Sharks team that had won 11 of their last 12 games prior to last night's game vs. the lowly Kings. In their last 8 games vs. Western Conference opponents San Jose is 7-1. In their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record the Sharks are 5-0. Minnesota is 0-6 in the last 6 meetings with San Jose. Play on the San Jose Sharks -.
Bill Young
Birmingham vs. Virginia Commonwealth
Take Alabama - Birmingham Blazers
1* on UAB +6 The UAB Blazers are a very talented squad that had some very nice wins this season that nearly earned them a trip to the Big Dance. UAB will notch another good win under their belt over VA Commonwealth Wednesday. UAB is 14-4 ATS versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=37% of their attempts after 15+ games since 1997. UAB is a great defensive team in guarding the perimeter. The Blazers are giving up just over 32% from behind the arc on the season. VA Commonwealth is 5-14 ATS in home games after playing 2 consecutive games as favorite over the last 3 seasons.
Take UAB and the points.
Larry Cook
Cincinnati vs. Bradley
Take Cincinnati Bearcats
3* on Cincinnati +6 Cincinnati has the advantage of playing in the tough Big East Conference. They take on a Bradley team that could hardly compete in the Missouri Valley. With just a 17-15 record on the year, the Bradley Braves are extremely vulnerable against their Big East foe in the Bearcats tonight. Cincinnati went 8-5 ATS in all road games this season. Cincinnati is 13-6 ATS as an underdog this season. Cincinnati is 14-4 ATS after playing a game as an underdog this season. The Bearcats love the role of the dog.
Bet Cincinnati on the road.
Vegas Sports Pics
Cleveland State Vikings + 8.5 over Dayton Flyers
Dayton (21-10) is 2-2 (SU & ATS) last four home games. Cleveland State (21-12) pulled off a solid feat this season going from a 21 loss team to a 21 win team which included a 56-52 home win over No.11 (now 29-3) Butler on 01/17. Vikings are 2-1 (3-0 ATS) last three road games.
Big Al McMordie
Morgan State vs Va Tech
Pick: Morgan state
Reason: At 7 pm, on Wednesday, our complimentary selection is on Morgan State plus the points over Virginia Tech. On the surface, this game doesn't look very attractive to bettors, but there is a super situation in this game that warrants our attention. The Hokies come into the contest off a string of seven consecutive pointspread covers. The knee-jerk reaction might be to play on Va Tech here against an over-manned Morgan State squad. But more often than not, knee-jerk reactions are wrong. Consider that, since 1991, teams on a seven-game ATS win streak are a miserable 8-24 ATS in the post-season vs. foes which are NOT off back-to-back wins, including 0-5 when playing on their home court. Look for Morgan State to keep this game close. Take the points.
Ross Benjamin
San Diego St. @ Florida
Pick: Florida –9.0
Reason: Any NIT home favorite of 8.0 or more that is off BB SU losses the last coming in the conference tournament at a neutral site as a favorite, and has a .550 or better winning percentage is 7-0 SU and ATS since 1990. The favorite has won those 7 games by an average of 18.0 points per game.
Sportsbettingstats
San Diego State Aztecs (20-12) at Florida Gators (20-11)
San Diego State comes into the first round of the NIT Tournament after losing to BYU in the semifinals of the MWC Conference tournament, while Florida loss to Kentucky 75-70 in the SEC Tournament in their last game. The Aztecs played great in the first half of the season but fell apart in the second half losing 8 of their last 14 games, but still won 20 games. Florida's fall from grace has been well publicized, as they are the first school since Kansas in 1989, who had probation problems, to miss the NCAA Tournament after being the National Champion the previous year. Florida lost 8 of their last 11 games and will miss the Big Dance for the first time since 1998. Coach Billy Donovan recently booted the team out of their practice facility and banned the team from wearing the team colors or anything with a Florida logo. Florida has talent, as they are led by two tweener players in G/F Nick Calathes (15.7 ppg) and F/C Marreese Speights (14.4 ppg). In their last loss, which probably cost them an invite to the Big Dance, Marreese Speights was the high scorer for the Gators with 20 points. In that game the Gators shot 25/52 for a field goal percentage of 48.1% and out rebounded Kentucky 33-22. On defense the Gators played poorly allowing Kentucky to shoot 28/48 for a field goal percentage of 58.3%. San Diego State is led by their frontcourt with 4 Forwards averaging at least 10 ppg. Their go to guy in their loss to BYU was Forward Ryan Amoroso with 18 points. In that game the Aztecs shot 22-53 for a field goal percentage of 41.5% and were out rebounded by BYU 31-25. On defense the Gators held BYU to 21/47 shooting for a field goal percentage of 44.7%.
Staff Pick: It will be interesting to see how the Gators respond to their late season collapse and recent barring from their practice facility. Will it be a wake up call? It will be hard for the team to get fired up for the NIT, considering they are two-time defending National Champions. San Diego State has no real backcourt to speak of, as their leading scorer in the backcourt is averaging only 7.6 ppg. Florida has a much better team, but if they play like they did at the end of the season this game will be close. Look for the youngsters of Florida to wake up and get back on track and crush the Aztecs. Here's another prediction: if the Gators can break out of their funk and win the NIT look for them to be a challenger for the National Title next season.
Gators 73 Aztecs 57
WINNING POINTS
Wednesday, March 19
*Philadelphia over Denver by 1
The Nuggets rolled past the 76ers, 109-96, at home in early January. Philly is playing
much better lately, winning 11 of its last 14 games through the first week of this
month. PHILADELPHIA 109-108.
*Orlando over Washington by 8
This would set up as a revenge spot for the Wizards, but Washington is too shorthanded to pull the upset. The Magic buried the Wizards on the road two weeks ago,122-92. ORLANDO 109-101.
**PREFERRED
*Toronto over Miami by 17
The Raptors destroyed the Heat in Miami, 114-82. Toronto proved that large victory
wasn’t a fluke, sailing to a 108-83 win two weeks ago also at Miami. The Raptors
achieved that victory without Chris Bosh. It’s apparent the Heat just doesn’t match up
well to Toronto. This is Toronto’s only home matchup during a seven-game span. So
they should be motivated. Miami, on the other hand, is playing its fourth game in six
days. TORONTO 112-95.
*Indiana over Charlotte by 1
The Bobcats are in serious contention for an Eastern Conference playoff spot. No, this isn’t a rebroadcast of Orson Wells doing “War of the Worlds.” Charlotte actually put itself in this unheard of position by winning five straight times – all in underdog roles – through March 11. INDIANA 106-105.
*New Jersey over Atlanta by 1
The Nets were averaging just 86.6 points per game during their last five games heading into Week 2 of this month. Atlanta had gone ‘under’ in 19 of its first 31 road
matchups. NEW JERSEY 92-91.
*Minnesota over Memphis by 6
The safest play in basketball has become fading the Grizzlies. They had failed to cover in 10 of their last 11 games through March 10. At least the Timberwolves have a future. MINNESOTA 98-92.
**PREFERRED
*New Orleans over Houston by 11
This is one revenge angle we do want to play. The Rockets were blazing hot when they defeated the Hornets in Houston 11 days ago for their 18th straight victory, 106-96. Tracy McGrady was on fire, hitting 17-of-27 shots from the field while scoring 41 points. The Hornets were missing David West, their second-leading scorer and
rebounder, who was out with an ankle injury. The Rockets hosted the Lakers on
Sunday and followed that up with a home contest last night against the Celtics. That’s
not exactly easing into this matchup. NEW ORLEANS 104-93.
*Cleveland over Detroit by 2
This should provide a good test to see how far the Cavaliers have come following their huge trades. They catch Detroit playing its fourth game in six days and second in two nights. CLEVELAND 99-97.
Phoenix over *Seattle by 5
Phoenix has beaten Seattle in all three meetings this season. However, the Sonics have covered all three games and each game has gone ‘under’ the total. PHOENIX 102-97.
Golden State over *Los Angeles Clippers by 8
The Clippers had covered only two of their last nine matchups through March 9. This
is their first game back from a five-game road swing. GOLDEN STATE 114-106.
CAJUN
Play: 3* Washington +8
Comments: The Magic have won and covered both meetings versus the Wizards this season and in the last affair completely blew them out 122 to 92 at the Verizon Center back on March 5th. One significant difference in this meeting is Orlando will have to deal with Caron Butler and his 21 points and 7 rebounds per game because he was injured and not active in the last meeting. It’s also possible that Gilbert Arenas will make his long awaited return in this game but how effective he will be will be a question only time can tell. The one positive for the Wizards in their previous meetings with the Magic is they have been able to hold Dwight Howard in check, holding him below his season averages in every category. This is a situation where the Magic having just defeated this Wizards team in dramatic fashion may take them for granted and not give an all out effort, NBA teams have been known to take a night or two off from time to time and this is the perfect spot for them to let their guard down. We know that Orlando after playing their last two games at home and now involved in a contest with a line range of 7 to 10 points are only 16-31-1 ATS. If the won their last 3 games SU and are now facing a division opponent they are 0-5 ATS. If the Magic went Under in their last game at home they are 143-183-6 ATS. Washington has proven to be a money maker for their backers when they are coming off 4 games where they went Over the total, if they are now installed as a conference road dog of 7 to 10 points they are a perfect 6-0 ATS. We have another strong technical set for Washington, if they are off a SU loss at home and the game went Over the total and are now facing a division foe with a line range of 7 to 10 points they are a solid 105-66-3 ATS. If they are installed as an Underdog in that role the record stands at 75-43-3 ATS and if they are on the highway the record is 66-38-2 ATS. If Washington has gone Over the total at home their last four times to post and are now facing a division opponent with a line range of 7 to 10 points the Wizards are a perfect 5-0 ATS their last 5. Washington has 'covered' seven of its last eight on the road and 19 of 26 off a straight up loss. Take the generous points here as the Wizards cash the winning ticket on Mickey Mouse tonight.
Arthur Ralph
Super Picks NC Charlotte
900 GOLD KEY winner SAN DIEGO STATE
Free Play: UAB
Black Magic Sports
1 Unit on Indiana Pacers -6
The Indiana Pacers are playing for too much to lose this game tonight. Indiana has a great shot at making the postseason and they aren’t about to let Charlotte spoil their party tonight. The Bobcats are one of the worst road teams in the league, losing to the lowly Memphis Grizzlies their last time out by 18 points. Charlotte is 6-26 in all road games this season, going 11-19 ATS in those games. Charlotte is 5-13 ATS after a loss by 10 points or more this season. Charlotte is 28-43 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points over the last 2 seasons. Charlotte is 4-12 ATS in road games after having lost 4 or 5 of their last 6 games this season. The Bobcats have lost 4 straight road games by at least 7 points a piece heading into this one. Cash in with Indiana as the favorite.
Black Widow Sports
1* on UAB +6
The UAB Blazers are a very talented squad that had some very nice wins this season that nearly earned them a trip to the Big Dance. UAB will notch another good win under their belt over VA Commonwealth Wednesday. UAB is 14-4 ATS versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=37% of their attempts after 15+ games since 1997. UAB is a great defensive team in guarding the perimeter. The Blazers are giving up just over 32% from behind the arc on the season. VA Commonwealth is 5-14 ATS in home games after playing 2 consecutive games as favorite over the last 3 seasons. Take UAB and the points.
InfoPlays
3* on Cincinnati +6
Cincinnati has the advantage of playing in the tough Big East Conference. They take on a Bradley team that could hardly compete in the Missouri Valley. With just a 17-15 record on the year, the Bradley Braves are extremely vulnerable against their Big East foe in the Bearcats tonight. Cincinnati went 8-5 ATS in all road games this season. Cincinnati is 13-6 ATS as an underdog this season. Cincinnati is 14-4 ATS after playing a game as an underdog this season. The Bearcats love the role of the dog. Bet Cincinnati on the road.