SPORTS WAGERS
ST. LOUIS -½ +1.33 over N.Y. Rangers
The Rangers had a nice little run but it’s over and unless something dramatic happens over the next little while, this is a team in trouble. They not only lost to Ottawa in its last game they were outplayed for 60 minutes and there’s no excuse for that. A close look shows the Rangers with recent losses to Atlanta, Carolina and the aforementioned Sens. Even more disturbing is the fact they haven’t scored in two games and now they rank dead last in the NHL in goals scored. Meanwhile, the Blue Notes have found new life. They’ve reeled off three in a row and have only allowed four goals against in that trio of wins. The Blues shot total against is way down and this team has responded to its new coach and are now primed to make a playoff run. There is little doubt they underachieved under Andy Murray, a guy they said did not have a good rapport with his players. The Blues are good enough and hungry enough to have a big second half and could be a team to keep an eye on. Play: St. Louis -½ +1.33 (Risking 2 units).
Atlanta +1.15 over CAROLINA
Anytime a price is offered against the Canes it has to looked at closely. The Canes have won three of its last four with only loss over that stretch coming in Detroit at the Joe and that mini-run has their stock up way too high. Those three wins however, came against Colorado in a game they managed just 20 shots on net and were swarmed in the third period only to be bailed out by Cam Ward. The Av’s know all to well how a goalie can win you games. Carolina’s other two wins came against a crippled Ottawa team and a Maple Leafs team that loses far more games than they win. So, really what have the Canes done that makes them worthy of laying juice to a superior team? The Thrashers were in a horrible funk and as a result, its stock shot down. However, they’re on the verge of breaking out if in fact they haven’t already done so. They’ve picked up points in three of its last four games with only regulation loss over that stretch being that ugly 8-1 thumping by the Caps. However, they rebounded with a 6-1 win over Ottawa and in its last game they took the Sabres to OT before losing 2-1. The Canes are still without a ton of key players that include Scott Walker, Erik Cole, Joe Corvo, Tuomo Ruutu, Chad Larose and Sergei Samsonov and in no way do they deserve this billing. Play: Atlanta +1.15 (Risking 2 units).
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on Iowa Hawkeyes +3.5
Both of these teams are still in search of their first conference win, but look for Iowa to rise up and get it today. Penn State has the best player on the floor in Taylor Battle, but he hasn't been getting enough help. Plus, the Nittany Lions have really struggled against the Hawkeyes, going 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings and 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Iowa City. In addition, Penn State has shown that it can't be trusted laying points as it is only 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games as a favorite. Both of these teams rely heavily on the 3-point shot, but Penn State is only shooting it at a 30% clip on the road while allowing its opponents to shoot it at a 40% clip in those games. Look for Iowa to win the 3-point field goal battle and the game. Take the points.
Wunderdog
Arizona at New Orleans
Pick: Arizona +7
New Orleans was an incredible team early in the season. They started 13-0 and were putting up numbers that rivaled the 2007 New England Patriots. But they simply peaked too soon. This team hung a 40 spot on four of their first six opponents, but didn't touch 40 the rest of the season. Their ensuing six games saw them in the 30s on five occasions as well, but since week 13, they have failed to even get to 27 over the last four weeks. The troubles actually started sooner than most think. After week six, the Saints went just 2-8 ATS! This is an offense that was lethal early in the season, but fell off after the mid-point in the season and dramatically in the last quarter of the season. Now, they must try to put it together after three weeks of not having any competitive action. The Arizona Cardinals are looking more and more like one of those teams that can flip the switch. They seem to fall asleep during the season in an easy division, but now two years in a row they have risen vs. the top teams. We saw it in the regular season a year ago at home vs. Dallas, and we saw it this year vs. Minnesota. Everyone is aware of what they did in the playoffs last year, and they did it again vs. Green Bay last week in what was the trap game of the week. The Cards are sensational underdogs as they are now a perfect 10-0 ATS in their last 10 posted in that role, and an even more amazing 8-2 straight-up as well! They have the experience and certainly have proven they can win playoffs games on the road, while the Saints have all the question marks here. Kurt Warner is as good as it comes in crunch time so there is no reason why he can't outperform the mighty Drew Brees here. The Cardinals will be playing the no-respect card as they did last week and I think it pays off. The Cards are 6-2 on the road this season, giving up just 17 points per game and they are 15-6 ATS now the past three seasons vs. winning teams including 8-1 ATS vs. the cream of the crop (teams at .750 or better). Give me the Cardinals and the points here.
DUNKEL
Arizona at New Orleans
The Cardinals look to build on their 6-0 ATS record in their last 6 games as an underdog between 3 1/2 and 10 points. Arizona is the pick (+7) according to Dunkel, which has the Saints favored by only 2. Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+7)
Game 109-110: Arizona at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 134.110; New Orleans 135.929
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 2; 55
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 7; 57 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+7); Under
Game 111-112: Baltimore at Indianapolis
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore 134.997; Indianapolis 143.727
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 8 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 6; 44
Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (-6); Over
NCAAB
Syracuse at West Virginia
The Orange look to build on their 10-2 ATS record in their last 12 Big East games. Syracuse is the pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (+4 1/2)
Game 517-518: Dayton at Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: Dayton 63.987; Xavier 71.299
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Xavier by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Xavier (-6 1/2)
Game 519-520: Clemson at North Carolina State
Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 73.083; North Carolina State 65.768
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Clemson by 4
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-4)
Game 521-522: Syracuse at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 74.916; West Virginia 74.710
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (+4 1/2)
Game 523-524: Towson at Delaware
Dunkel Ratings: Towson 46.808; Delaware 54.248
Dunkel Line: Delaware by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Delaware by 5
Dunkel Pick: Delaware (-5)
Game 525-526: Louisville at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 68.975; Pittsburgh 76.023
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 7
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-2)
Game 527-528: Ohio at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 55.599; Miami (OH) 57.472
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 2
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 4
Dunkel Pick: Ohio (+4)
Game 529-530: NC Wilmington at Northeastern
Dunkel Ratings: NC Wilmington 51.913; Northeastern 65.784
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 14
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 12
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (-12)
Game 531-532: Penn State at Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 62.958; Iowa 58.876
Dunkel Line: Penn State by 4
Vegas Line: Penn State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (-3 1/2)
Game 533-534: Missouri at Oklahoma
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 73.084; Oklahoma 66.667
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-3 1/2)
Game 535-536: Mississippi at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 66.299; Tennessee 77.568
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 7
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-7)
Game 537-538: Alabama at Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama 64.323; Arkansas 59.670
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Arkansas by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama (+1 1/2)
Game 539-540: Texas Tech at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 63.944; Kansas 81.530
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 21
Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (+21)
Game 541-542: Georgia Tech at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 63.788; North Carolina 77.075
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 7
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-7)
Game 543-544: Rhode Island at Fordham
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 63.546; Fordham 44.953
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 17
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (-17)
Game 547-548: George Mason at James Madison
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 55.848; James Madison 54.313
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: James Madison by 1
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (+1)
Game 549-550: Central Michigan at Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 49.895; Western Michigan 53.399
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+5 1/2)
Game 551-552: Youngstown State at Butler
Dunkel Ratings: Youngstown State 50.046; Butler 68.090
Dunkel Line: Butler by 18
Vegas Line: Butler by 20
Dunkel Pick: Youngstown State (+20)
Game 553-554: Cleveland State at Valparaiso
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 55.772; Valparaiso 54.470
Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Valparaiso by 1
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (+1)
Game 555-556: Denver at UL-Monroe
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 50.062; UL-Monroe 49.284
Dunkel Line: Denver by 1
Vegas Line: Denver by 3
Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (+3)
Game 557-558: Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 49.134; Northern Illinois 51.840
Dunkel Line: Northern Illinois by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Illinois by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Michigan (+3 1/2)
Game 559-560: California at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: California 69.041; Washington 69.609
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1
Vegas Line: Washington by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: California (+1 1/2)
Game 561-562: Georgia at Mississippi State
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 60.759; Mississippi State 71.839
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 11
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia (+14 1/2)
Game 563-564: Missouri State at Bradley
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri State 63.270; Bradley 58.449
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 5
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State
Game 565-566: Illinois at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 66.619; Michigan State 78.604
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 12
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-10 1/2)
Game 567-568: New Mexico at Wyoming
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 62.533; Wyoming 56.634
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 6
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wyoming (+7 1/2)
Game 569-570: Kentucky at Auburn
Dunkel Ratings: Kentucky 74.697; Auburn 59.026
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-10 1/2)
Game 571-572: Notre Dame at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Notre Dame 63.975; Cincinnati 70.040
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 6
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 5
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-5)
Game 573-574: Kansas State at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 71.742; Colorado 63.174
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-6)
Game 575-576: Columbia at Cornell
Dunkel Ratings: Columbia 43.263; Cornell 66.909
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 23 1/2
Vegas Line: Cornell by 19
Dunkel Pick: Cornell (-19)
Game 577-578: LaSalle at Richmond
Dunkel Ratings: LaSalle 55.964; Richmond 64.710
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Richmond by 9
Dunkel Pick: LaSalle (+9)
Game 579-580: Oklahoma State at Baylor
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 64.659; Baylor 72.485
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 11
Vegas Line: Baylor by 5
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-5)
Game 581-582: Maryland at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 67.537; Boston College 63.810
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston College by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (+1 1/2)
Game 583-584: Arizona at Oregon
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 64.655; Oregon 62.669
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 2
Vegas Line: Oregon by 4
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+4)
Game 585-586: Stanford at Washington State
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 56.962; Washington State 67.796
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 11
Vegas Line: Washington State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-6)
Game 587-588: Wichita State at Creighton
Dunkel Ratings: Wichita State 64.274; Creighton 60.196
Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 4
Vegas Line: Creighton by 1
Dunkel Pick: Wichita State (+1)
Game 589-590: Purdue at Northwestern
Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 72.754; Northwestern 67.890
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 5
Vegas Line: Purdue by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northwestern (+6 1/2)
Game 591-592: Virginia Tech at Florida State
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 68.375; Florida State 70.476
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 2
Vegas Line: Florida State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (+5)
Game 593-594: VCU at Georgia State
Dunkel Ratings: VCU 62.108; Georgia State 54.400
Dunkel Line: VCU by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: VCU by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: VCU (-6 1/2)
Game 595-596: Colorado State at BYU
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado State 56.509; BYU 76.598
Dunkel Line: BYU by 20
Vegas Line: BYU by 19
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-19)
Game 597-598: Texas A&M at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 66.790; Texas 80.424
Dunkel Line: Texas by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas by 14
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (+14)
Game 599-600: Vanderbilt at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 70.188; South Carolina 65.416
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 5
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 1
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-1)
Game 601-602: Arizona State at Oregon State
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 65.137; Oregon State 60.970
Dunkel Line: Arizona State by 4
Vegas Line: Arizona State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+5)
Game 603-604: St. Joseph's at St. Bonaventure
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 49.426; St. Bonaventure 61.565
Dunkel Line: St. Bonaventure by 12
Vegas Line: St. Bonaventure by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (-7 1/2)
Game 605-606: Tulane at Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 51.974; Marshall 65.058
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 13
Vegas Line: Marshall by 14
Dunkel Pick: Tulane (+14)
Game 607-608: Houston at East Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 60.766; East Carolina 55.531
Dunkel Line: Houston by 5
Vegas Line: Houston by 9
Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+9)
Game 609-610: Hofstra at William & Mary
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 55.536; William & Mary 61.796
Dunkel Line: William & Mary by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: William & Mary by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (+7 1/2)
Game 611-612: Drexel at Old Dominion
Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 53.233; Old Dominion 68.615
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 13
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (-13)
Game 613-614: Cal Poly at Long Beach State
Dunkel Ratings: Cal Poly 47.667; Long Beach State 60.950
Dunkel Line: Long Beach State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Long Beach State by 13
Dunkel Pick: Long Beach State (-13)
Game 615-616: Rutgers at South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 54.023; South Florida 64.095
Dunkel Line: South Florida by 10
Vegas Line: South Florida by 8
Dunkel Pick: South Florida (-8)
Game 617-618: USC at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: USC 67.308; UCLA 62.347
Dunkel Line: USC by 5
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: USC
Game 619-620: LSU at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 56.738; Florida 69.348
Dunkel Line: Florida by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 11
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-11)
Game 621-622: UL-Lafayette at AR-Little Rock
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Lafayette 49.170; AR-Little Rock 49.630
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: AR-Little Rock by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UL-Lafayettte (+1 1/2)
Game 623-624: Florida International at Western Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 45.453; Western Kentucky 59.454
Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 14
Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 16
Dunkel Pick: Florida International (+16)
Game 625-626: Arkansas State at North Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 48.140; North Texas 54.260
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 6
Vegas Line: North Texas by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas State (+6 1/2)
Game 627-628: Wisconsin at Ohio State
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 74.279; Ohio State 73.757
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 1
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (+5)
Game 629-630: Miami (FL) at Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (FL) 64.493; Virginia 69.644
Dunkel Line: Virginia by 6
Vegas Line: Virginia by 3
Dunkel Pick: Virginia (-3)
Game 631-632: UAB at SMU
Dunkel Ratings: UAB 64.569; SMU 57.191
Dunkel Line: UAB by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: UAB by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UAB (-5 1/2)
Game 633-634: Memphis at Rice
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 67.033; Rice 53.431
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 13
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-13)
Game 635-636: Wright State at WI-Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 64.865; WI-Milwaukee 58.739
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 6
Vegas Line: Wright State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-2)
Game 637-638: Detroit at WI-Green Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 57.396; WI-Green Bay 58.831
Dunkel Line: WI-Green Bay by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: WI-Green Bay by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+3 1/2)
Game 639-640: Indiana State at Northern Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 56.809; Northern Iowa 66.654
Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 10
Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 13
Dunkel Pick: Indiana State (+13)
Game 641-642: Southern Illinois at Evansville
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Illinois 58.711; Evansville 53.324
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 5
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (-5)
Game 643-644: Iowa State at Nebraska
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 62.310; Nebraska 67.209
Dunkel Line: Nebraska by 5
Vegas Line: Nebraska by 3
Dunkel Pick: Nebraska (-3)
Game 645-646: Troy at South Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 50.744; South Alabama 59.776
Dunkel Line: South Alabama by 9
Vegas Line: South Alabama by 2
Dunkel Pick: South Alabama (-2)
Game 647-648: Florida Atlantic at Middle Tennessee State
Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 52.529; Middle Tennessee State 52.541
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Florida Atlantic (+7)
Game 649-650: Central Florida at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: Central Florida 54.090; Tulsa 68.429
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 15
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (+15)
Game 651-652: Southern Mississippi at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 50.977; UTEP 67.440
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: UTEP by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UTEP (-12 1/2)
Game 653-654: CS-Northridge at CS-Fullerton
Dunkel Ratings: CS-Northridge 50.319; CS-Fullerton 52.202
Dunkel Line: CS-Fullerton by 2
Vegas Line: CS-Fullerton by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (+5 1/2)
Game 655-656: Gonzaga at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Gonzaga 67.545; San Diego 58.162
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 7
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-7)
Game 657-658: Fresno State at New Mexico State
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 58.391; New Mexico State 59.081
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 1
Vegas Line: New Mexico State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fresno State (+2 1/2)
Game 659-660: Boise State at Utah State
Dunkel Ratings: Boise State 54.015; Utah State 69.508
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Utah State by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (-13 1/2)
Game 661-662: UC-Riverside at UC-Santa Barbara
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 46.814; UC-Santa Barbara 57.603
Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 11
Vegas Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 6
Dunkel Pick: UC-Santa Barbara (-6)
Game 663-664: Portland at St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 59.523; St. Mary's (CA) 72.519
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 13
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (CA) (-8)
Game 665-666: San Francisco at Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 52.697; Pepperdine 51.360
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco
Game 667-668: Idaho at Nevada
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 55.025; Nevada 63.730
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Nevada by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Idaho (+11 1/2)
Game 669-670: UC-Irvine at Pacific
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 47.381; Pacific 59.702
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Pacific by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (+13 1/2)
Game 671-672: TCU at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 53.771; San Diego State 69.041
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-12 1/2)
Game 673-674: Utah at UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 58.314; UNLV 71.607
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: UNLV by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-11 1/2)
Game 675-676: Santa Clara at Loyola-Marymount
Dunkel Ratings: Santa Clara 50.262; Loyola-Marymount 56.550
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Marymount by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Spartan
Creighton -1 vs Wichita St
This is a quick rematch for Dana Altman's Blue Jays who were just beaten by the Shockers a week ago in Wichita by a 70-58 score. No doubt this season thus far has been a real challenge for Altman, the dean of coaches in the MVC. Today is a crucial game for the Jays in their quest to turn their season around. They did rebound from the loss against Wichita State and came home to defeat Southern Illinois in a nail biter. Had they dropped that decision I likely would not be supporting them today but I feel it gave this team a much needed boost of restored confidence and momentum to prevail in a close, hard fought battle such as they had with the Salukis. Plus, Creighton has now defeated Wichita State every single game at home since 1992 guys, that's 16 straight years. I don't hang my hat on trends exclusively but that is a hard one to ignore. It will not come easily as Gregg Marshall has the Shockers playing outstanding ball on both ends of the floor. I had a play on them just this past Wednesday as they traveled to and handled Indiana State. My feeling however is that the joint will be hopping tonight in Omaha and Creighton comes to play and defend the streak.
Great Lakes Sports
Wichita State at Creighton
Pick: Wichita State
The Wichita State Shockers are a very solid 7-4 ATS this year, and the Shockers are a stellar 3-1 ATS when playing on the road this year. The Wichita State Shockers is also a perfect 5-0 ATS after a conference game this year, and the are an outstanding 5-1 ATS vs conference opponents this year. We look for the Wichita State Shockers to dismantle the Creighton Bluejays for the road ATS Win & Cover tonight.
Drew Gordon
Phoenix +2 at CHARLOTTE
38-24-3 roll L65 Free Plays, incl. 6-1 L7 (76ers over Kings Friday)! For today's complimentary play, we're looking at the Suns/Bobcats match up.
Classic letdown spot for the Bobcats here, as they crushed the Spurs last night, and now everyone is giddy to jump on them again here tonight - big mistake! Guys, this falls under the "too little, too late" theory, where average bettors jump aboard a surging team too late... Vegas has adjusted for this contest, and Bobcats-backers will pay the price!
Yes, I'm well aware the Suns have been struggling recently, but let's not get carried away! They're 6-2-1 ATS in their L9 meetings, so you know they match up well. Not to mention, they'll be highly motivated to avoid a 3rd straight road loss tonight. On the flip side, I seriously doubt Charlotte can sustain anywhere near the level of energy they showed Friday. Say it with me: L-E-T-D-O-W-N!
Finally, we saw from their last meeting that Bobcats had real trouble guarding anyone in the Suns backcourt, from Nash to Richardson to Barbosa (yes I know Richardson is a forward, but he does enough ball-handling to be in the backcourt). This inability to slow what are the catalyst of this Phoenix offense will be the downfall of the Bobcats in this one.
Take Phoenix plus the points over Charlotte in this NBA match up.
2♦ PHOENIX
Dominic Fazzini
Colorado State at BYU -19
I came up well short with my complimentary selection Friday as the favored Warriors lost outright at home to Milwaukee, but I'm still a very respectable 40-25-2 over the past 67 days.
I'm going with a college hoops play to get back on track, taking BYU to cruise to a home victory today against Colorado State.
The Cougars have won 12 straight games overall, 15 straight at home and 11 straight in Provo against the Rams, who are just 1-5 on the road this season.
BYU is averaging 83.6 ppg, hitting 50.9 percent from the field with four players averaging at least 10 ppg, led by standout guard Jimmer Fredette, who is averaging 19.9 points and 5.2 assists per game.
The Cougars are on ATS runs of 4-1 overall, 4-1 at home and 4-1 as a home favorite. The favorite is 3-0-1 ATS in the last four meetings between the teams, and the Rams are 1-3-1 ATS in their last five games at BYU and 0-3-1 ATS in the last four teams' last four meetings. Take the Cougars to take control early today and cover the points in a rout.
4♦ BYU
Michael Cannon
Notre Dame +5 at CINCINNATI
I’m now 64-45-3 with my last 112 overall free plays.
Take the points with Notre Dame on the road this afternoon over Cincinnati.
This line is too much for the Bearcats to cover. I know the Irish aren’t a great defensive team, but they do have Luke Harangody and they can hold their own on the offensive end.
Cincinnati was pegged to be a contender in the Big East this year, but after a home loss to Pitt and a road loss to St. John’s you have to wonder how much of that was just false hype for Mick Cronin’s group.
One thing Notre Dame will do is hustle. They may not be the most talented team in the conference, but they will bring the hustle factor into every game. When playing against an overrated opponent, that could be the difference maker.
The Irish have won five of their last six overall, including impressive wins over UCLA, Providence and West Virginia.
Cincinnati is on ATS slides of 1-8 in its last nine overall and its last nine against the Big East.
Take the points with the Irish as they stay within the number.
3♦ NOTRE DAME
Nite Owl Sports
Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints
3 Units: Arizona Cardinals +7
We’ve read for years all of this crap about playoff teams playing at home off a bye week against a team that played and won the week before having a big advantage, especially if their opponent won on the road. And we recall once about 10-15 years ago when former LA Rams Head Coach George Allen had all the “talking heads’ at ESPN nodding in agreement as he lectured them about how important it was for playoff teams to get that extra week off, to rest and “heal” before resuming battle in the playoffs, and he predicted that all four “rested” home teams in the second round would “win easily.” Well guess what? Not only did none of those four rested home faves cover ATS, none of them even won SU. And we don’t buy into that “extra rest BS” now any more than we did 20 years ago (which was not at all). Instead, we believe that both positive and negative momentum are much more significant, especially in this round. And this WE, AZ clearly has a ton of positive momentum and confidence after their thrilling OT win over a GB team that had “trashed them in Phoenix the week before, in a game that the Pack obviously cared more about than the Cards, who had nothing to gain (except injuries) with a win in that final regular season game., On the other hand, the NO Saints still appear to be in “no man’s land,” momentum wise, after losing their “perfect” (to that point) season three weeks ago with a home loss to a Dallas team that is suddenly victorious in “playoff time” TY, followed by a “no show’ the following week, a shocking OT loss AT HOME to the lowly Tampa Bay Bucs, one of their three wins TY. And no momentum was regained in losing their regular season finale at Carolina, a game where Saints’ HC Sean Payton decided to rest most of his starters and protect them from injury. And while we have no doubt that the NO players are more healthy now than they have been in awhile, this team has totally lost all of the positive momentum they had earlier in the season, which they started out like a house on fire, putting up numbers and racking up ATS covers that rivaled the 2007 New England Patriots. But they peaked too soon, especially on offense, having scored 40> points on four of their first six opponents, but not reaching the 40 point mark the rest of the season. And since week 13, they have failed to even get to 27 over the last four weeks. But like NE in 2007, the Saints’ troubles at the ‘pay window” actually started in mid-season, as after week six, the Saints went just 2-8 ATS! Sound familiar? In 2007, NE was everybody’s point spread darling in September and October, going 8-0 ATS in the first half of the season, with no point spread to large of an obstacle for them, but then cooled off along with the NE weather in November, going just 2-6 ATS in the second half of the season, followed by a money-burning 0-3 ATS in the playoffs. And now that NO offense which was so productive early in the season, but fell off after the mid-point in the season and dramatically in the last quarter of the season, tries to re-create that early season “magic,” after three weeks of not having any competitive action. And as most astute sports cappers know, and the betting public was reminded by NE in 2007, momentum is best built up naturally over time, and is very difficult to turn on “with a switch.”
But if any team can “flip the momentum switch” for the playoffs, it has to be the Arizona Cardinals, who played with only moderate success in a weak division the last two years, but have ‘turned it on” vs. the top teams, LY at home vs. Dallas, and TY vs. Minnesota, again at home. And LY they rode three straight playoff upset wins (two at home and one away) into the Super Bowl, which they were 30 seconds and a spectacular catch (by Steeler WR Hines Ward) away from victorious “the big one” as well. The Cards recently have been “money in the bank” as underdogs, as they are now a perfect 10-0 ATS in their last 10 in that role, and 8-2 straight-up as well in those same ten games! Moreover, the Cards have improved significantly TY over LY on the road, TY going an impressive 6-2 SU away this season, and giving up just 17 points per game in those 8 roadies. But looking at their road record TY, they played nobody even close to the Saints’ talent level, and LY they were 1-2-1 ATS away vs playoff caliber teams, with their only SU and ATS win out of the four being that playoff game in Carolina which was “gift-wrapped” for them by Panther QB “shaky Jake” Delhomme, who tossed five INTs, three in the 1H, as Cards bolted to a 20 point HT lead on their way to that 33-13 “upset” win. So we are not totally sold on Cards in this road dog role, especially given that these two teams hooked up in the Superdome not that long ago, in December 2007, with NO coming away with a 7 point win and ATS cover as 4 point faves. And in that game, the “numbers” were pretty even, with the main differences being that Brees threw for about 80 more YP than Warner, and AZ was penalized ten times for 78 yards, compared to just 3 for 15 yards for NO (some Creole home cooking?).
Bottom line, AZ and veteran QB Curt Warner (who has played in 3 Super Bowls and is as good as it comes in crunch time) are more experienced in the playoffs than the Saints and Drew Brees (just two playoff games L2Y, at end of 2006 season, and 1-1 SU and 0-2 ATS in those two), and Cards have proven they can win playoffs games, but keep in mind that all of those playoff wins but one were at home, not on the road in front of a throng of noisy hostile fans like the Superdome is sure to have for this game. So while we like Saints’ QB Drew Brees as a “clutch” performer, the Saints seem to have more question marks here than Arizona. And it will be interesting to see if Kurt Warner can outperform Drew Brees here and lead his team to another playoff victory. While we have not yet decided if we will take the Cards and the big plus ML odds to win this game SU, we will take them ATS with this comfy 7 point “cushion,” knowing that AZ is 15-6 ATS over the past three seasons vs. victorious teams, including 8-1 ATS vs. top teams (those with a W-L record of .750 or better).
So based on the above, we’ll take the Cards and the 7 points here for 3 units.
Chris Jordan
Mississippi at TENNESSEE -7'
I'm going to side with the Volunteers today, as they roll in on a five-game winning streak, including a win over top-ranked and unbeaten Kansas last Sunday.
Bruce Pearl has his troops looking Final Four-esque right now, and I won't deny him the chance to beat up on another Top 25 foe.
Mississippi has won two of three true road games this season, but is 1-2 against the number in those games - and this will be the toughest of them all.
The Rebels are 0-2 SU and ATS against ranked opponents already, losing to No. 5 Villanova 79-67 as a three-point neutral-site pup and sixth-ranked West Virginia 76-66, cashing as an 11-1/2-point road underdog.
The Vols' streak has been paced by a whopping scoring average of 82 points per game while allowing just 66.2 ppg. They’re 9-0 on the hardwood and 4-2 versus the number at Thompson-Boling Arena.
In this rivalry, the home team has won six straight (4-2 ATS) and is 10-1 SU in the last 11 clashes (8-3 ATS).
Take the Volunteers today.
4♦ TENNESSEE
Stephen Nover
Georgia Tech at NORTH CAROLINA -7'
Look for North Carolina to be extra motivated for this key ACC matchup after being embarrassed by Clemson on the road, 83-64.
That was the most lopsided loss the Tar Heels have suffered in conference since 2003.
North Carolina committed a ghastly 26 turnovers, the most they've had in a game during Roy Williams' seven seasons.
Georgia Tech doesn't have the great guard play to take advantage of North Carolina's backcourt. You know Williams will be all over his guards. Expect a much better result this time.
The Tar Heels are unbeaten in Chapel Hill this season going 11-0. They have won their last 19 home contests.
Georgia Tech has already lost road games to Virginia and Georgia by seven points each in its previous ACC away matchups. Going back to last season, the Yellow Jackets are 0-9 during their past nine ACC road games.
North Carolina has won its last five home games by an average of 22.2 points. The Tar Heels have the talent and motivation to cover this number at home.
4♦ NORTH CAROLINA
Tony Weston
Bad call with the Spurs last night as San Antonio gets destroyed against the Bobcats.
I’m not making that mistake today as I’m handing you a strong Comp Play winner as I’m taking the Over in the Saints-Cardinals game.
Last week, in the first round of the playoffs the Cardinals and the Packers put up 96 points, doubling the 48-point set total.
Including that game, the Cardinals have gone Over the Total in 5 of their last 6 playoff games and have seen the Over go 4-1 their last 5 playoff games when installed as an underdog.
In the postseason, the Saints have seen the Over go 3-0-1 their last 4 playoff appearances.
Going back a little further, the Cardinals have seen the Over come in 42 of their last 59 games when installed as an underdog. When catching points on the road, the Over has gone 38-14 the team’s last 52 games.
The Total for this game is hovering around 57 points, depending on where you’re playing it, and these two will cruise well Over the Total.
3♦ CARDINALS-SAINTS OVER
Craig Davis
I'm going to ride them until they quit being hot, regardless of what their road record is. Let me ask you a question... have you seen a team in NCAA Division I play defense the way the Sun Devils do? I haven't... and I've seen a lot of college basketball. Herb Sendek preaches defense, and apparently his team is now listening. After a tough road trip to Los Angeles, the Devils have reeled off three straight wins SU and ATS and they're doing all with defense. Did you know they've allowed 57, 46, and 51 points in their last three games and have allowed an average of just 55 in their last six. Only BYU and UCLA have scored more than 70 points against ASU and as the season goes on, more and more people will catch on. No, Arizona State is not a defensive juggernaut, but playing a pitiful offense like Oregon State, no matter where the game is played, should keep this money train rolling. If they can manage 60 points today, the Sun Devils should win this game by double digits and get us an easy ATS winner. I'm siding with Arizona State until they let me down.
4♦ ARIZONA STATE
Tony George
Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts
Play: Under 44
Yes there are playmakers on offense for the Colts, but how sluggish is the offense going to be, especially when based on timing, after basically 3 weeks off? Enough to get off to slow start against a stout defense of the Ravens, who DESTROYED an above average Pats team last week and give us an advantage on the under the points play here.
The Ravens are not a juggernaut on offense themselves and need to run it and eat clock to compete. Flacco had just 34 yards passing last week, which is deplorable, but the Colts have trouble against the run and will see plenty of Ray Rice today.
All in all a 20-17 type ball game one way or the other, although I think the Colts prevail.