DUNKEL INDEX
Virginia vs. Auburn
The Cavaliers look to take advantage of an Auburn team that is 1-7-1 ATS in its last 9 games against ACC opponents. Virginia is the pick (+2) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: Virginia (+2)
Game 237-238: Texas A&M vs. Northwestern (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 104.900; Northwestern 92.720
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 12; 69
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 9 1/2; 65
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (-9 1/2); Over
Game 239-240: Utah vs. Georgia Tech (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 89.540; Georgia Tech 91.387
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 2; 47
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 3 1/2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+3 1/2); Under
Game 241-242: UCLA vs. Illinois (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UCLA 87.586; Illinois 85.928
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 2; 52
Vegas Line: Illinois by 2 1/2; 47
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (+2 1/2); Over
Game 243-244: Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 91.338; Vanderbilt 97.492
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 6; 45
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 2 1/2; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-2 1/2); Under
Game 245-246: Virginia vs. Auburn (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 88.190; Auburn 88.591
Dunkel Line: Even; 51
Vegas Line: Auburn by 2; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (+2); Over
NBA
Philadelphia at Golden State
The Sixers look to take advantage of a Golden State team that is coming off a 92-78 win over New York and is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games following a win of more than 10 points. Philadelphia is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sixers favored by 3. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-1 1/2)
Game 501-502: Denver at LA Lakers (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 119.866; LA Lakers 125.974
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 6; 199
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 5 1/2; 197 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-5 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: Indiana at Detroit (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 117.869; Detroit 117.739
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 180
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 2 1/2; 183
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+2 1/2); Under
Game 505-506: Atlanta at Houston (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 120.060; Houston 123.194
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 3; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 192
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+2 1/2); Under
Game 507-508: New York at Sacramento (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 117.869; Sacramento 113.786
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 4; 205
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 2; 197
Dunkel Pick: New York (-2); Over
Game 509-510: Phoenix at Oklahoma City (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 112.316; Oklahoma City 128.415
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 16; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 11 1/2; 200 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-11 1/2); Over
Game 511-512: Utah at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 113.596; San Antonio 125.609
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 12; 191
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 13 1/2; 196
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+13 1/2); Under
Game 513-514: Philadelphia at Golden State (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 119.012; Golden State 116.202
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 3; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 190
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-1 1/2); Under
NHL
Vancouver at Los Angeles
The Kings look to build on their 5-1 record in their last 6 home games against teams with a road winning percentage greater than .600. Los Angeles is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Kings favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+115)
Game 51-52: Edmonton at NY Islanders (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 10.971; NY Islanders 10.131
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+100); Under
Game 53-54: Pittsburgh at New Jersey (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 13.447; New Jersey 12.202
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-125); Over
Game 55-56: Carolina at Tampa Bay (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 12.472; Tampa Bay 11.686
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+130); Over
Game 57-58: Phoenix at Minnesota (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 10.888; Minnesota 11.647
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-130); Under
Game 59-60: Montreal at Florida (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.501; Florida 11.717
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-140); Over
Game 61-62: Ottawa at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.505; Buffalo 10.276
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+125); Under
Game 63-64: Toronto at Winnipeg (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 11.614; Winnipeg 12.194
Dunkel Line & Total: Winnipeg by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Winnipeg (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (-130); Over
Game 65-66: Washington at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 11.838; Columbus 12.427
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+120); Under
Game 67-68: St. Louis at Detroit (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 12.372; Detroit 11.972
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+150); Under
Game 69-70: Colorado at Anaheim (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.138; Anaheim 11.722
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-120); Under
Game 71-72: Boston at Dallas (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 13.575; Dallas 10.273
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 3 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-170); Over
Game 73-74: Vancouver at Los Angeles (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.287; Los Angeles 12.798
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+115); Under
DUNKEL INDEX
NCAAB
Louisville at Kentucky
The Wildcats look to take advantage of a Louisville team that is 0-6-1 ATS in its last 7 games against teams with a winning percentage above .600. Kentucky is the pick (-9) according to Dunkel, which has the Wildcats favored by 11 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-9)
Game 541-542: Virginia Tech at Oklahoma State (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 64.536; Oklahoma State 66.542
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 2; 122
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 1; 125
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma State (-1); Under
Game 543-544: St. John's at Connecticut (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. John's 58.748; Connecticut 70.630
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 12; 139
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 14 1/2; 135
Dunkel Pick: St. John's (+14 1/2); Over
Game 545-546: Louisville at Kentucky (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 68.907; Kentucky 80.602
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 11 1/2; 140
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 9; 135
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-9); Over
Game 547-548: Bradley at Indiana State (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 52.163; Indiana State 60.369
Dunkel Line: Indiana State by 8; 122
Vegas Line: Indiana State by 10; 129
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (+10); Under
Game 549-550: Iowa at Wisconsin (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 60.676; Wisconsin 80.426
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 20; 127
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 18; 124 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (-18); Over
Game 551-552: Utah State at Mississippi State (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 58.563; Mississippi State 66.849
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 8 1/2; 131
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 10; 135
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (+10); Under
Game 553-554: Providence at Georgetown (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 58.038; Georgetown 74.527
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 16 1/2; 142
Vegas Line: Georgetown by 14; 137 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgetown (-14); Over
Game 555-556: Florida International at Western Kentucky (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 49.070; Western Kentucky 50.671
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 1 1/2; 123
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 5; 126 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+5); Under
Game 557-558: Detroit at Loyola-Chicago (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 54.906; Loyola-Chicago 49.794
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 5; 120
Vegas Line: Detroit by 3 1/2; 126
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-3 1/2); Under
Game 559-560: Yale at Florida (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 52.489; Florida 71.506
Dunkel Line: Florida by 19; 149
Vegas Line: Florida by 21; 144 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Yale (+21); Over
Game 561-562: WI-Milwaukee at Butler (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Milwaukee 60.384; Butler 65.400
Dunkel Line: Butler by 5; 115
Vegas Line: Butler by 3; 117 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Butler (-3); Under
Game 563-564: Youngstown State at Cleveland State (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Youngstown State 46.532; Cleveland State 58.086
Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 11 1/2; 139
Vegas Line: Cleveland State by 13 1/2; 131
Dunkel Pick: Youngstown State (+13 1/2); Over
Game 565-566: Wright State at Illinois-Chicago (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 49.825; Illinois-Chicago 48.409
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 1 1/2; 123
Vegas Line: Pick; 120 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wright State; Over
Game 567-568: Rice at Texas (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 57.173; Texas 70.270
Dunkel Line: Texas by 13; 137
Vegas Line: Texas by 14; 141
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+14); Under
Game 569-570: Louisiana Tech at SMU (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 47.702; SMU 54.679
Dunkel Line: SMU by 7; 118
Vegas Line: SMU by 9; 122
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech (+9); Under
Game 571-572: Drake at Missouri State (3:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Drake 54.928; Missouri State 66.612
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 11 1/2; 135
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 9; 133
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State (-9); Over
Game 573-574: Idaho vs. Boise State (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 57.890; Boise State 64.428
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 6 1/2; 145
Vegas Line: Boise State by 5; 139 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boise State (-5); Over
Game 575-576: Michigan State at Nebraska (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 70.314; Nebraska 64.577
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 5 1/2; 122
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 7 1/2; 126 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nebraska (+7 1/2); Under
Game 577-578: South Alabama at Middle Tennessee State (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Alabama 53.566; Middle Tennessee State 66.075
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 12 1/2; 135
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 11 1/2; 132 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Middle Tennessee State (-11 1/2); Over
Game 579-580: UCLA at California (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UCLA 66.009; California 70.521
Dunkel Line: California by 4 1/2; 122
Vegas Line: California by 7; 128 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (+7); Under
Game 581-582: Illinois at Purdue (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 63.603; Purdue 72.001
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 8 1/2; 134
Vegas Line: Purdue by 7; 128 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-7); Over
Game 583-584: St. Joseph's at Harvard (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 65.914; Harvard 68.694
Dunkel Line: Harvard by 3; 122
Vegas Line: Harvard by 6; 127 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph's (+6); Under
Game 585-586: Troy at North Texas (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 51.069; North Texas 56.002
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 5; 151
Vegas Line: North Texas by 4; 148
Dunkel Pick: North Texas (-4); Over
Game 587-588: Arizona State at Arizona (5:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 57.152; Arizona 66.910
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 10; 126
Vegas Line: Arizona by 12 1/2; 129 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona State (+12 1/2); Under
Game 589-590: Florida Atlantic at UL-Lafayette (5:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 54.947; UL-Lafayette 55.492
Dunkel Line: UL-Lafayette by 1; 139
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 3 1/2; 137 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (+3 1/2); Over
Game 591-592: Arkansas State at UL-Monroe (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 50.798; UL-Monroe 46.517
Dunkel Line: Arkansas State by 4 1/2; 120
Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 3 1/2; 123
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas State (-3 1/2); Under
Game 593-594: WI-Green Bay at Valparaiso (5:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Green Bay 54.716; Valparaiso 58.555
Dunkel Line: Valparaiso by 4; 127
Vegas Line: Valparaiso by 6; 133
Dunkel Pick: WI-Green Bay (+6); Under
Game 595-596: St. Louis at New Mexico (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 67.172; New Mexico 74.818
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 7 1/2; 131
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 6; 120 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-6); Over
Game 597-598: Creighton at Wichita State (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Creighton 65.996; Wichita State 75.947
Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 10; 158
Vegas Line: Wichita State by 6 1/2; 151
Dunkel Pick: Wichita State (-6 1/2); Over
Game 599-600: Arkansas-Little Rock at Denver (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas-Little Rock 49.498; Denver 63.005
Dunkel Line: Denver by 13 1/2; 120
Vegas Line: Denver by 15; 122 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas-Little Rock (+15); Under
Game 601-602: San Diego at BYU (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 48.339; BYU 70.461
Dunkel Line: BYU by 22; 150
Vegas Line: BYU by 24; 147 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+24); Over
Game 603-604: St. Mary's at Pepperdine (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Mary's 69.429; Pepperdine 55.938
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's by 13 1/2; 119
Vegas Line: St. Mary's by 12; 126 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (-12); Under
Game 605-606: Oregon State at Washington State (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 60.548; Washington State 65.567
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 5; 154
Vegas Line: Washington State by 2; 148
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-2); Over
Game 607-608: Utah at Colorado (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 44.234; Colorado 58.158
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 14; 129
Vegas Line: Colorado by 16 1/2; 133
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+16 1/2); Under
Game 609-610: Ohio State at Indiana (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 78.897; Indiana 72.224
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 6 1/2; 130
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 5; 139 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (-5); Under
Game 611-612: Loyola-Marymount at San Francisco (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-Marymount 51.291; San Francisco 55.952
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 4 1/2; 145
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 6; 142 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Marymount (+6); Over
Game 613-614: USC at Stanford (6:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: USC 60.411; Stanford 65.602
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 5; 107
Vegas Line: Stanford by 8 1/2; 111
Dunkel Pick: USC (+8 1/2); Under
Game 615-616: Tulsa at TCU (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 57.232; TCU 53.826
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 3 1/2; 138
Vegas Line: Pick; 136
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa; Over
Game 617-618: UNLV at Hawaii (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UNLV 72.631; Hawaii 55.915
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 16 1/2; 142
Vegas Line: UNLV by 11; 150
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-11); Under
Game 619-620: Gonzaga at Xavier (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Gonzaga 65.860; Xavier 71.720
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 5; 148
Vegas Line: Xavier by 2 1/2; 142
Dunkel Pick: Xavier (-2 1/2); Over
Game 621-622: Charlotte at Memphis (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 55.673; Memphis 70.201
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 14 1/2; 148
Vegas Line: Memphis by 11; 143
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-11); Over
Game 623-624: Oregon at Washington (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon 62.436; Washington 63.212
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 149
Vegas Line: Washington by 8 1/2; 154
Dunkel Pick: Oregon (+8 1/2); Under
Game 625-626: Austin Peay at Morehead State (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Austin Peay 51.898; Morehead State 49.200
Dunkel Line: Austin Peay by 2 1/2; 139
Vegas Line: Pick; 134 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Austin Peay; Over
Game 627-628: Tennessee State at Eastern Kentucky (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 50.668; Eastern Kentucky 52.412
Dunkel Line: Eastern Kentucky by 2; 120
Vegas Line: Pick; 126 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Kentucky; Under
Game 629-630: Western Carolina at NC State (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Carolina 50.501; NC State 67.426
Dunkel Line: NC State by 17; 140
Vegas Line: NC State by 14; 143
Dunkel Pick: NC State (-14); Under
Game 631-632: Samford at Maryland (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Samford 44.297; Maryland 57.999
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 13 1/2; 139
Vegas Line: Maryland by 15; 136
Dunkel Pick: Samford (+15); Over
Game 633-634: Jacksonville State at SIU-Edwardsville (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville State 45.681; SIU-Edwardsville 43.246
Dunkel Line: Jacksonville State by 2 1/2; 129
Vegas Line: Jacksonville State by 4; 126
Dunkel Pick: SIU-Edwardsville (+4); Over
Game 635-636: Tennessee Tech at Tennessee-Martin (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Tech 51.876; Tennessee-Martin 45.182
Dunkel Line: Tennessee Tech by 6 1/2; 139
Vegas Line: Tennessee Tech by 5 1/2; 140
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee Tech (-5 1/2); Under
Game 637-638: Sacramento State at Weber State (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento State 43.744; Weber State 61.290
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 17 1/2; 144
Vegas Line: Weber State by 15 1/2; 140 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Weber State (-15 1/2); Over
Game 639-640: Northern Arizona at Northern Colorado (9:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Arizona 49.983; Northern Colorado 55.275
Dunkel Line: Northern Colorado by 5 1/2; 133
Vegas Line: Northern Colorado by 7 1/2; 139 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Arizona (+7 1/2); Under
Game 651-652: North Dakota at Kansas (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Dakota 43.066; Kansas 78.305
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 35; 140
Vegas Line: Kansas by 33; 145
Dunkel Pick: Kansas (-33); Under
Hollywood Sports
UCLA at Illinois
Play: Under
The Bruins (6-7) come off their 49-31 loss to Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship and do not want to find themselves in another shootout. Look for UCLA to get back to running the football and playing the field position game that leans heavily on their defense to make big plays. The Bruins have played a decisive 41 of their last 60 games Under the Total after a loss. They also have played 5 of their last 7 games Under the Total as a small underdog of three points or less. Illinois (6-6) will certainly oblige in playing the field position game as they averaged a mere17.2 PPG along with gaining just 332.5 total YPG when away from home. The Fighting Illini closed the season by losing six straight games that culminated in their 22-7 loss at Minnesota ? and they have played 6 straight games Under the Total after a defeat. The Illini have also played 4 straight games Under the Total as a small favorite of three points or less. And Illinois has played 5 straight games Under the Total against teams outside the Big Ten.
Tradeline Sports
UCLA vs Illinois
Play: Illinois -134
Fading any underdog (Bruins) that has a losing record on the season playing on a neutral field/venue. The simple trend has been money in the bank since 1992 cashing at a 32-3 clip. The situation so far this year is 3-1. Some of the numbers in this situation are amazing. That simply playing against an underdog in this scenario (which speaks volumes to oddsmakers overall skills) can be extremely profitable considering the average money line posted in these games was: 35 situations the favorite was a near pick’em team at -123 with the average final score having an 18-plus point differential in the end.
Marc Lawrence
Oregon @ Washington
PICK: Oregon
The visiting Ducks took it on the bill in the PAC 10 tourney against the Huskies last season and are anxious to settle that score when they invade Seattle in the 2nd leg of their annual trip to the neighboring state of Washington. Good news for OU coach Dana Altman has been the insertion of senior G Devoe Joseph, a transfer from Minnesota who was forced to sit out a year. Joseph sparked the Ducks to a 4-point win in his debut over Fresno State and is averaging 14.3 PPG in his six games as a starter, leading the Ducks to a 5-1 run since his return to the court. Oregon is 13-4 ATS in this series when seeking revenge, including 8-1 ATS as a dog of less than 12 points. Toss in UDub's dismal 1-3 SU and ATS mark against conference foes looking to avenge a P10 tourney loss and this game has all the makings of a full force quack attack. We recommend a 1-unit play on Oregon.
Matt Fargo
Illinois @ Purdue
PICK: Purdue
Illinois started the season 10-0 but it has lost two of its last four games and I think the real Illini team is coming to the forefront. A win over Gonzaga was definitely a good one but it was a good situation as Illinois was catching the Bulldogs in their first road game of the season. The Illini did defeat Maryland in its only true road game this season but the Terrapins will be battling Boston College as the worst team in the ACC. A loss against Missouri by four points was a quality loss but that was on a neutral floor in St. Louis.
Purdue finished 26-8 last season but was bumped in the second round of the NCAA Tournament by VCU. It was a tough ending in the careers of JaJuan Johnson and E'Twaun Moore and their presence we knew would be missed but this team is still pretty loaded. Forward Robbie Hummel returned to the lineup following a second ACL injury on his right knee and he has been awesome, averaging 17.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg. The backcourt is loaded led by point guard Lewis Jackson.
Purdue does have three losses this season but all three came on a neutral floor against two solid teams in Alabama and Xavier and a rival in Butler thanks to a big comeback by the Bulldogs. The Boilermakers are a perfect 8-0 at home and they have won 25 straight games at Mackey Arena which is the fifth longest winning home court streak in the country. This is the first true home test of the season for Purdue but it is a game it should pass with flying colors.
Taking care of the ball has been a staple for Matt Painters teams and this year is no exception. The Boilermakers are averaging just 9.5 tpg, and have five games on the season in which they've committed seven turnovers of fewer. Purdue is +5.6 in turnover margin this season and its 1.53 assist/turnover ratio is ninth best in the country. Purdue has won but not covered the last two home meetings with Illinois but this is the lowest line of the three and the Boilermakers should cruise to victory here.
Jim Feist
Raptors at Mavericks
Pick: Over
Toronto still runs a breakneck pace, scoring 104 points in the opener. They face a Dallas team that has a ton of scoring options, but the defense has been a problem allowing 110 ppg -- 30th in the NBA. The over is 13-5 in the Mavericks last 18 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. And when these teams meet the over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in Dallas. Play the Raptors/Mavericks Over the total.
Rob Vinciletti
Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs
Play: San Antonio Spurs -13
The Spurs fit the nice system below that plays on home favorites that scored 90 or less as a road favorite of 4 or less last out while shooting 40% or less and are playing an opponent that was a home dog in their last game. The Spurs have won and covered both home games this season while the Jazz have been non competitive on the road in 2 blowout losses to Denver and LA. They come in with no rest off a home game vs the Sixers last night. Look for the Spurs to move to 11-4 ats after a game in which they were held to 85 or less.
Dave Price
1 Unit UCLA/Illinois Under 47
Illinois, which finished the regular season ranked 42nd in the nation with 171.2 rushing yards per game, will play to its strength and look to run the football against a UCLA defense ranked 95th against the run with 191.5 yards allowed per contest. This scenario plays in our favor in terms of the under as "plays under" on any average rushing team (140-190 yards/game) when matched up against a team with a poor rushing defense (190-230 yards/game), provided they were held to 100 or less rushing yards last game, are 40-19 the last 5 seasons. In addition, the under is 6-0 in the Fighting Illini's last 6 games and 6-2 in the Bruins' last 8 games. We'll take the Under.
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit Utah +3
This will be Georgia Tech's 15th straight bowl appearance. That's quite an impressive stat. What's not so impressive is the fact the Yellow Jackets have lost their last six bowl games. Recently, the Yellow Jackets' regular season success hasn't translated into the postseason. With a month to game-plan, teams have been able to slow down Tech's one-dimensional offense. I expect Utah, which is giving up the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game (98.3) nationally, to have success in slowing down Georgia Tech's run-heavy triple-option offense. The Yellow Jackets, meanwhile, who are tied for 70th in the country with an average of 162.9 rushing yards allowed, may have a more difficult time slowing down a Utah running attack led by John White, who finished ninth nationally in the regular season with 1,404 rushing yards to go along with 16 total touchdowns. Utah has won 9 of its last 10 bowl games and is 6-1 in bowls under coach Whittingham. Last year's loss to Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl ended the Utes' run, but I expect them to start a new one Saturday. The Utes are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 bowl games and 36-15-1 ATS in their last 52 games as an underdog. The Yellow Jackets are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 bowl games. We'll take Utah.
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit Illinois -3
Illinois checks in off 6 straight losses, but it didn't completely collapse. It gave formidable foes Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin all they could handle down the stretch. UCLA played in a weaker conference (top-to-bottom) and was blown out each time it took a step up in class. The Pac-12 was definitely a weaker conference defensively, and I expect UCLA to have a great deal of trouble moving the football on an Illinois stop unit ranked No. 7 in the nation with 291.8 yards allowed per game. Offense was an issue for Illinois this season, but I like their chances covering this small number against a UCLA defense ranked 91st with 424.2 yards allowed per contest. The Bruins are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 games overall, 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games as an underdog and 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog of 3.0 points or less. Lay the number.
Brad Diamond
UCLA vs. Illinois
Play: Illinois -2
This Saturday the most confusing bowl game of the season takes place in San Francisco. The Fight Hunger Bowl has Illinois (5-6) facing UCLA (6-7). Now, just from the geographic perspective, you would normally consider the Bruins. However, with QB Prince a little banged up and the players still feeling the affect of losing head coach Rick Neuheisel, the lines makers have installed the Illini as a 3-point favorite. This is a major challenge for the Illini considering their horrible numbers on offense, ranked #86 generating 5.1 yards per play. Defensively, the Big-10 unit is ranked #7. I feel Illinois will want this encounter more knowing they have been besieged by local writers mocking their losing record. The Bruins are 5-12 ATS as an UNDERDOG, while the Illini show at 10-2 ATS off an ATS loss. Look for the tenacious Illini defense to keep this a low scoring game with a win in the cards for the Big-10.
Larry Ness
Ohio State vs Indiana
Pick: Indiana
The Hoosiers have been down for quite some time now and even last year, Tom Crean could no better than 12-20 (3-15 in the Big 10). That left him 28-66 in his three years at Bloomington. However, the Hoosiers opened this year 12-0, including the team's last-second 73-72 win over then-No. 1 Kentucky on December 10. The recruiting coup of bringing the 6-11 Cody Zeller to Bloomington was HUGE, as he leads the team in scoring and rebounding (14.2-6.9). The other major contributors are the 6-9 Watford (13.2-5.5), swingmen Oladipo (12.0-5.4) and Sheehy (10.7) plus guards Hulls (11.5-3.7 APG) and Jones III (8.6-3.0-3.5). The Hoosiers average 83,3 PPG (7th) on 50.5% shooting (6th), 45.0% (1st) on threes plus make 73.6% from the FT line. However, Indiana was greeted to a rude awakening in its Big Ten opener. Indiana made just 42.2 percent from the floor at East Lansing against the Spartans (6-of-17 on threes) and were beaten soundly, 80-65. The team now returns home to host No. 2 Ohio St, whose only loss this year came at Kansas 78-67, a game in which Sullinger missed. Ohio St's losses were huge from last year, as Diebler (12.6), Lighty (12.1-4.0-3.3) and the 6-8 Lauderdale (4.2-3.2) were four-year and valuable contributors. However, when Sullinger decided to come back for his sophomore season, Thad Matta knew his team would be among the nation's best. The 6-9 Sullinger is averaging 16.3 & 9.6 but Buford (16.6-4.3-3.6) actually leads the team in scoring. Sullinger isn't the only freshman back for his sophomore season, as the 6-6 Thomas (15.9-4.1) and guard Craft (7.8-4.5 APG) are also major 'pieces' to this year's team. I'm a HUGE fan of this Ohio St team but just like Kentucky found out, winning in Bloomington during the 2011-12 CBB season, will NOT come easy. Indiana is 9-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents 85.4-to-56.8 PPG. I'm taking the points.
SPORTS WAGERS
TEXAS A&M –9½ over Northwestern
Both these teams barely made the post-season with the minimum amount of wins required to qualify. Northwestern has some nice pieces but they’re also an extremely flawed team that possesses a non-existent pass rush and that’s big time trouble against an Aggies team that allowed fewer sacks than any FBS team. The Wildcats did not have a notable win on their résumé all season long. When they did win, it was against some poor competition and that includes a narrow three-point win against the overrated Cornhuskers. Northwestern lost every big game they played (Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa and Penn State) and they even lost to Army. Meanwhile, the Aggies 6-6 record is without doubt, the nations most disappointing. This team was supposed to be a powerhouse but instead kept coming up with nothing most weeks. That said, the talent is there and with this game being in Houston, the Aggies can at least get some dignity back with a strong performance. They played an incredibly tough schedule, they beat some good teams, they lost to some outstanding teams and they ranked 18th and 19th in the country, respectively in passing and rushing. The Aggies should put up points at will here and the Wildcats aren’t likely to counter punch often. This is a buy low opportunity. Play: Texas A&M –9½ (Risking 2.16 units to win 2).
Utah +111 over Georgia Tech
It’s certainly tough to pull the trigger on a Utah team that is so offensively challenged that one has to wonder how they’ll score anything. Thing is, the same could be said for the Yellow Jackets and as a result, this could be the one of the lowest scoring games of the Bowl season. So, where do the Utes have an edge? We can start at coaching. Utah has one of the nations most capable and successful bowl coaches in Kyle Whittingham while the Yellow Jackets have labored badly in bowl games under Paul Johnson. Utah also has a big edge on special teams and that combo of coaching and special teams edge has been money thus far in this year’s bowl season. Throw in the Utes seventh ranked pass defense in the nation and what we envision is a frustrated Tech team that will be forced into mistakes when they can’t move the ball with their triple-option rushing attack. When teams have had time to prepare for Georgia Tech, that being in the season opener, after a bye and in Bowl games, Tech has been awful and there’s no reason to believe this one will be any different. Play: Utah +111 (Risking 2 units).
Cincinnati +104 over Vanderbilt
The Commodores are another one of those teams that did not record a single notable win on their résumé all season. They didn’t have a tough schedule either, yet managed to go just 2-6 in the conference and 6-6 overall. When they played a couple of quality teams in South Carolina and Alabama, they were outscored by a combined 55-3. Vandy blew out Kentucky and Wake late in the season but how can we put much weight on easy wins over that pair? The Bearcats’ are balanced offensively and they possess an outstanding defense that led the nation in sacks and negative yards on single plays. The Bearcats have a potent pass rush, they have a beast running back in Isaiah Pead and if the Commodores load the box, they’ll get burned through the air. The Commodores are getting way too much credit here and based on everything we’ve seen from both these clubs, they are wrongly being billed as a very slight favorite. Play: Cincinnati +104 (Risking 2 units).
UCLA +125 over Illinois
Rarely is it a good idea to lay points with any team that limped into the Bowl season and limping in is an understatement when it comes to the Illini. Illinois comes into this Hunger Bowl with six straight losses. They lost to Purdue and to Penn State. They lost to Minnesota and to Ohio State and they beat a bunch of nobodies to open the year 6-0. Then there’s Illini QB, Nathan Scheelhaase. The kid looks lost out there. He’s gets little protection and when he does throw, he looks awkward and very uncomfortable. One has to figure the Bruins to pin their ears back and bring pressure against a team and QB that can’t deal with it. UCLA comes in with some problems too. They, too, have allowed too many sacks and they run an offense that has you shaking your head half the time. Having said that, they are much more battle tested after playing some of the top programs in the nation. The Bruins played Oregon, Southern Cal, Arizona, California, Stanford and Texas and while they were blown out in most of them, they hung around in others and they did beat ASU and Cal. Now the Bruins take a huge step down from those powerful and explosive Pac-12 teams they saw during the regular season and as a result, this one should appear in slow motion for them. The partisan home crowd doesn’t hurt either. Play: UCLA +125 (Risking 2 units).
Virginia +136 over Auburn
Credit Auburn with managing a 7-5 season against one of the nation's toughest schedules in an obvious rebuilding year with just six starters returning from 2010's championship squad. Thing is, this is in no way a top-25 outfit. The signature win came courtesy of South Carolina's worst performance of the year and against the top four teams in the SEC the Tigers were outscored by 125 points. Even in victory Auburn was unimpressive. The Tigers were outgained by 150 yards against Mississippi State, required a miracle to get past Utah State and allowed Florida Atlantic and Samford to stay in the game deep into the second half. On the season, Auburn was outscored by five points per game and outgained by nearly 1,000 yards. The Tigers surrendered more than 200 rushing yards a half-dozen times and managed fewer than 280 total yards of their own in four of their last five games against FBS foes. This is an average team masquerading as a ranked squad and a number we intend to take full advantage of. Virginia isn’t likely to light up the scoreboard but what they will do is come in here well prepped like always, play a methodical game like always and slowly but surely wear down the opposition and impose its will…like always. Play: Virginia +136 (Risking 2 units).
Sean “Paddy” Murphy
Toronto Maple Leafs @ Winnipeg
PICK: Toronto Maple Leafs
This is a strong motivational spot for the Leafs.
Toronto opened its current road trip with a win on Long Island, but followed it up with back-to-back losses in Florida and Carolina. I expect a positive response from the Leafs tonight as they look to avenge an earlier shootout loss to these same Jets on home ice.
Toronto isn't a bad road team by any stretch. The Leafs are an even 10-10 on the highway this season.
The Jets have won three of their last four games, but as we saw in Thursday night's 1-0 overtime win over the Kings, they're playing with little margin for error.
While Winnipeg owns an excellent 13-7 home record this season, it has gone just 3-3 over its last six games at the MTS Centre. Note that the Jets have scored only five goals in regulation time over their last three games.
I'll also point out that the Jets will likely be without two key cogs on Saturday night, as both Bryan Little and Dustin Byfuglien are expected to sit due to injury.
Look for the Leafs to put forth their best showing in over a week on Saturday, as they aim to end their road trip on a high note.