SPORTS ADVISORS
NFL
Pittsburgh (6-6, 4-8 ATS) at Cleveland (1-11, 6-6 ATS)
The freefalling Steelers, looking nothing like the defending Super Bowl champions, look to halt a four-game losing skid and get back in the playoff hunt when they make the quick trip to Cleveland on a short week to face the division rival Browns.
Pittsburgh is coming off Sunday’s shocking 27-24 loss to Oakland as an overwhelming 14½-point home favorite, giving up the game-winning TD pass with nine seconds remaining. The Steelers, who are now four spots out of even earning a wild-card playoff bid, allowed the pedestrian Raiders offense to roll up 396 total yards and score 21 points in the final 8½ minutes. Mike Tomlin’s troops have lost four in a row (1-3 ATS) by a total of 15 points, the last three defeats being three-point setbacks, and they had a fourth-quarter lead in all four games.
Cleveland rallied from a 27-7 fourth-quarter deficit to San Diego on Sunday but eventually fell short 30-23, though it managed to cover as a heavy 13½-point home underdog for its third straight ATS win. It was just the second time all season that the Browns scored more than 20 points, and they have now lost seven in a row (4-3 ATS).
Although Pittsburgh’s vaunted defense has surrendered 27, 20 and 27 points the last three weeks to sub-par offenses (Kansas City, Baltimore and Oakland), the Steelers are still allowing just 297.3 total ypg, which still ranks fifth in the NFL. Pittsburgh is also still in the top half of the league in offense, averaging 22.7 ppg (14th), 374.8 total yards per game (7th) and 258 passing ypg (10th).
Cleveland ranks dead last in total offense (242.4 ypg) and 30th in scoring (12.1 ppg), and the Browns are also last in total defense, allowing a whopping 400.2 ypg, and 27th in scoring defense (25.8 ppg).
Pittsburgh has won the last dozen meetings in this rivalry (8-3-1 ATS), including a 27-14 home victory Oct. 18, though the Browns narrowly cashed as a 14-point pup. The Steelers are 4-1-1 ATS on their last six trips to Cleveland, and Pittsburgh has been the favorite in the last 11 contests, going 7-3-1 ATS.
Along with their current 1-3 ATS purge, the Steelers are on pointspread skids of 4-9 overall, 2-6 on the road, 0-5 against losing teams, 3-9 as a favorite and 1-6 as a road chalk. The lone bright spot: a 4-1 ATS mark in their last five Thursday games.
The Browns have dropped 17 of their last 18 regular-season games (6-11-1 ATS) and are on pointspread slides of 2-7-1 at home, 1-4 in December and 3-7 when catching double digits, but they still sport positive ATS runs of 5-1 against AFC foes, 4-1 after a spread-cover and 8-2-1 as an underdog of 3½ to 10 points.
The over for Pittsburgh is on a bundle of tears, including 7-3 overall, 4-1 on the highway, 4-0 against losing teams, 5-0 after a SU loss, 5-1 after a non-cover and 19-7 against AFC foes. The over is also 6-2-1 in the last nine meetings in this rivalry. However, for Cleveland, the under is on streaks of 9-2-1 in December, 5-2 in the AFC North and 7-3 in AFC action.
Finally, the total has stayed low in all six Thursday contests this season.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PITTSBURGH
NBA
Orlando (17-4, 13-8 ATS) at Utah (12-9, 11-10 ATS)
The red-hot Magic continue a four-game Western Conference road trip with their only visit of the season to EnergySolutions Arena for a battle with the Jazz.
Orlando dumped the Clippers 97-86 as a seven-point road favorite on Tuesday, its sixth consecutive victory (4-2 ATS). Going back to the middle of November, the Magic have won 11 of their last 12 games overall (8-4 ATS), and they’ve won eight straight road games (6-2 ATS). During its current six-game winning streak, Stan Van Gundy’s squad has posted five wins of nine points or more, with an average margin of victory of 10.3 ppg (108-97.3).
Utah is coming off Wednesday’s 101-77 loss to the Lakers as a 10½-point road underdog. The Jazz, who led 52-48 at halftime, managed just 25 points in the second half, including only six points on two field goals in the fourth quarter. Despite the ugly second half last night, Utah is still 9-4 SU and ATS in its last 13 contests, and it has won and covered five straight home games.
The Magic swept the season series from the Jazz last year, winning 103-94 in Salt Lake City as a 7½-point road underdog exactly one year ago, then rolling 105-87 as a 5½-point home chalk three months later. Orlando is 5-2 SU and 6-1 ATS (3-0 ATS last three) in the past seven meetings, and going back further, the Magic are on a 13-3-1 ATS roll against the Jazz, including 6-0-1 ATS in the last seven trips to Utah. Finally, the underdog has covered in five of the last six series clashes.
For the season, the Magic are 10-2 SU and 8-4 ATS on the road, allowing an average of just 93.6 ppg (43.3 percent shooting), while Utah is 9-3 SU and 8-4 ATS at home, scoring 104.2 ppg (51.2 percent shooting).
The Magic are riding positive ATS streaks of 7-3 overall, 6-2 on the highway, 5-1 when playing on one day of rest and 6-2 against the Northwest Division. The Jazz are on ATS runs of 5-2 overall, 5-0 at home, 4-0 on Thursday and 5-1 against the Eastern Conference, but Jerry Sloan’s squad is also just 10-25-2 ATS in its last 37 contests against Southeast Division opponents and 8-20 ATS in its last 28 when playing on back-to-back nights.
Orlando has gone over the total in four of its last five games, but otherwise the Magic are on “under” runs of 10-4 on the road, 10-4 against the Western Conference, 4-1 against the Northwest Division, 14-3 on Thursday and 5-1 against winning teams. Utah has topped the total in four of its last six overall and five of its last seven at home, but the under is 4-1 in its last five against teams from the Southeast Division and 5-2 in its last seven in the marquee Thursday slot.
The under is 5-1 in the last six matchups between these teams and 5-2 in the last seven battles at EnergySolutions Arena.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO and UNDER
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
(7) Syracuse (8-0, 5-1 ATS) vs. (10) Florida (8-0, 4-1 ATS)
(at Tampa, Fla.)
A matchup of unbeaten Top 10 opponents is slated for the St. Pete Times Forum, where Florida serves as the official host against Syracuse in an SEC/Big East Invitational contest.
Not only are the Orange off to a perfect 8-0 start, but they’ve won all eight games by at least 15 points. Six of the eight victories came against below-average competition at home (Robert Morris, Albany, Cornell, Columbia, Colgate and Maine). The other two wins were against Top 15 competition in the NIT Season Tip-Off at Madison Square Garden – a 95-73 triumph over then-No. 13 Cal in a pick-em game on Nov. 19, followed the next day by an 87-71 rout of then-No. 6 North Carolina as a 1½-point underdog.
Like Syracuse, the Gators have fattened up on a cupcake schedule, facing only three teams from quality conferences: instate rival Florida State (68-52 win as a 1½-point home favorite), Michigan State (77-74 win as a 3½-point neutral-site underdog) and Rutgers (73-58 as a 12½-point neutral-site ‘dog). With the exception of the Michigan State win, Florida – like the Orange – has posted nothing but double-digit blowout victories.
These teams met in a preseason tournament in Kansas City last November, with Syracuse winning 89-83 as a 3½-point underdog. The only other meeting this decade came in November 2005 at Madison Square Garden, with the Gators prevailing 75-70 as a three-point chalk.
The Orange are averaging 90.4 points per game (55.8 percent shooting) and giving up 61.6 ppg (35.7 percent), and since a season-opening 75-43 win over Albany, Jim Boeheim’s club has scored at least 85 points in every game.
Florida puts up 75.8 ppg (46.7 percent shooting) and yields just 57.9 ppg (38.7 percent). Six of the Gators’ eight foes have been held under 60 points, and Billy Donovan’s team has scored at least 68 points in every game.
Syracuse has failed to cover in eight of its last 10 games against SEC opponents, but otherwise is on positive ATS runs of 14-3 overall in lined games, 5-1 in non-conference action, 4-1 at neutral sites, 10-3 against winning teams and 6-0 when coming off a victory of more than 20 points. Florida is riding positive pointspread streaks of 4-0 overall, 7-1 against the Big East, 10-2 on Thursday and 4-0 against winning teams.
The Orange sport “over” trends of 8-2 overall, 10-2 at neutral sites, 4-1 against the SEC, 20-7 after a SU win and 4-0 on Thursday. Florida also has topped the total in seven of 10 against the Big East and eight of 11 on Thursday, but the Gators have also stayed under the total in seven straight lined games overall and 21 of 28 after a SU win.
Finally, both meetings between these schools this decade topped the posted total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
DUNKEL
Pittsburgh at Cleveland
The Steelers look to take advantage of a Cleveland team that is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 home games. Pittsburgh is the pick (-10) according to Dunkel, which has the Steelers favored by 13 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-10)
Game 101-102: Pittsburgh at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 133.738; Cleveland 120.331
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 13 1/2; 38
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 10; 32 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-10); Over
NBA
Boston at Washington
The Celtics look to take advantage of a Washington team that is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games as an underdog. Boston is the pick (-7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Celtics favored by 11 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-7 1/2)
Game 501-502: Denver at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 122.562; Detroit 113.023
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 9 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 503-504: Boston at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 125.112; Washington 113.484
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 11 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 7 1/2; 193
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-7 1/2); Under
Game 505-506: Orlando at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 124.576; Utah 118.844
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 5 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 3; 203 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-3); Over
NCAAB
Syracuse vs. Florida
The Orange are coming off a 101-55 win over Maine and look to build on their 6-0 ATS record in their last 6 games following a SU win by more than 20 points. Syracuse is the pick (-2) according to Dunkel, which has the Orange favored by 6. Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-2)
Game 507-508: DePaul vs. Mississippi State
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 56.966; Mississippi State 70.442
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (-10 1/2)
Game 509-510: Northeastern at Rhode Island
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 57.072; Rhode Island 62.758
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 7
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (+7)
Game 511-512: Miami (OH) at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (OH) 51.526; Cincinnati 69.842
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 18 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-14 1/2)
Game 513-514: Syracuse vs. Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 78.722; Florida 72.770
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 6
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 2
Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-2)
Game 515-516: Colorado at Colorado State
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 57.829; Colorado State 55.329
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado by 2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-2)
Game 517-518: Montana at Loyola Marymount
Dunkel Ratings: Montana 58.917; Loyola Marymount 54.500
Dunkel Line: Montana by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Montana
Game 519-520: Oakland at Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 54.357; Michigan State 75.291
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 21
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 22
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+22)
NHL
Phoenix at Los Angeles
The Coyotes are coming off a 2-0 win over Minnesota and look to build on their 5-0 record in their last 5 games after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Phoenix is the pick (+120) according to Dunkel, which has the Coyotes favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+120). Here are all of today's picks.
Game 1-2: Ottawa at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 10.703; Philadelphia 10.669
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+160); Under
Game 3-4: Toronto at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 11.438; Boston 11.904
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-175); 6
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-175); Under
Game 5-6: Pittsburgh at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.376; Montreal 11.681
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+145); Over
Game 7-8: Columbus at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.153; Nashville 11.658
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-160); Under
Game 9-10: Atlanta at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 11.430; Vancouver 11.366
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-210); 6
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+180); Under
Game 11-12: Phoenix at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 12.336; Los Angeles 12.173
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+120); Under
Jim Feist
Boston Celtics vs. Washington Wizards
Play: Under 193
Washington is playing some defense this season after neglecting it for decades. The Wizards are 9th in the NBA in field goal shooting percentage defense, just behind the Celtics in 8th place. They are 11-7-1 under the total this season. Boston comes to town and after giving up over 100 points in three straight games, it's clear the Celtics got a lashing from their coach and are now focused on Big 'D'. They've allowed 85, 90, 83, 87 and 89 points the last five games (3-2 under). Look for more defense than oddsmakers expect in this one; Play the Celtics/Wizards Under the total.
Randall the Handle
Steelers @ Browns
Can't get too excited about the Brownies these days but certainly cannot rationalize an endorsement for the Steelers here either. Pittsburgh is not the same without its best player as Troy Polamalu remains out indefinitely.. Without Polamalu, the Steelers have lost four straight. In addition, the Steelers tend to play to their opponent's level as shown with their 0-6 record versus number against losing teams. Cleveland has little to play for but in what is likely its last prime time game for the foreseeable future, we'll expect it best possible effort. TAKING: Cleveland +10 (No bet)
SPORTS WAGERS
CLEVELAND +10 over Pittsburgh
The Brownies played a prime time game four weeks ago when they hosted the Ravens and lost 16-0. They couldn’t move five yards and they couldn’t cross the 50-yard line the whole game. The score doesn’t look that bad when in fact it was, as the Brownies never stood a chance and they may as well been losing 50-0 because that’s the way it seemed. The point is that it was an embarrassing and humiliating showing and now they get a little shot at redemption. The problem is that the Steelers have been somewhat humiliated themselves over the past few weeks and that was topped off last Sunday when they were beaten at home by the Raiders as a 14½-point choice. The Steelers playoff lives are on the line but laying 10 road points on a short week cannot be recommended. At least the Brownies have shown a little life the past three weeks with decent showings in Detroit Cincinnati and last week at home to the Chargers. That’s three straight covers for Cleveland while the Steelers have lost outright to both Oakland and Kansas City and they’ve dropped four in a row. No way can a team that is dropping faster than Tiger Woods’ endorsements be recommended as a big favorite on the road. Losing is one thing but losing to the Chiefs and Raiders is about as bad as it gets and you can double that on a short week. If they can lose to Oakland at home and Kansas City they can most certainly lose this one as well and the 10 points is massive insurance. Play: Cleveland +10 (Risking 2.12 units to win 2).
WASHINGTON +2.71 over Boston
The Celtics are perfect on the road with a 9-0 record and along with the Magic and Cav’s they’re the class of the East. However, they’re certainly not invincible and it’s worth mentioning again that their rebounding or lack thereof is going to cost them at some point. The Wizards have their shortcomings too but the threesome of Arenas, Butler and Jamison makes them a dangerous team that can go off at any time. Home teams get a little extra jacked up to play the best, especially storied franchises like the Lakers and Celtics and the Wizards have the talent to pull the upset. The Celtics have been going just a little too good these days and with no urgency in its game whatsoever, they’re just about ready to get upset and it’s going to happen any day now. It says here this is that day. Play: Washington +2.71 (Risking 2 units).
BOSTON –½ -1.05 over Toronto
It’s almost not fair. The Leafs will play its third game since facing the Bruins last Saturday while the Bruins have been sitting at home, not having played since then. They buried the Leafs 7-2 under less favorable circumstances in that game and while another five-goal win is unlikely, an outright win is not. The Bruins are heating up with seven wins in its last nine games and they’ll catch the Leafs playing three games in four nights and the tail end of back-to-backs. Play: Boston -½ -1.05 (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).
NASHVILLE -½ +1.05 over Columbus
With just a single win in nine games prior to last night the Jackets were in urgency mode and while they did pick up the win, the were he second best team on the ice. They got some outstanding goaltending from Steve Mason and were fortunate to fend off the Panthers. That’s alarming and now they’ll travel to Tennessee to play a very difficult Preds squad. Mathieu Garon gets the call in net for the Blue Jackets and he’s hit and miss. The Jackets defense leaves plenty to be desired and when pressured they cough it up with ease and that plays right into the Predators strength. Nashville is a relentless fore-checking squad that executes the cycle as well as anyone. They’ve been playing solid and winning hockey for the past six weeks and they’re also getting rock solid goaltending. The Preds last two last wins have come against Vancouver and Chicago, they always come to play and this match-up is a good one for them. Play: Nashville -½ +1.05 (Risking 2 units).
Jeff Benton
Pittsburgh at Clevleand
For Thursday’s free play, I’ll take the Steelers-Browns game UNDER the total.
This has “snoozer” written all over it, and the main reason is the weather, which is expected to be nasty with heavy snow, high winds and frigid temperatures. The wind (especially if combined with blowing snow) will be the biggest impediment to scoring, as wind and heavy snow render the deep passing game and field-goal kicking pretty much useless. That means we’ll probably see a lot of running, which will chew up the clock, reduce possessions and the number of plays, and limit scoring chances.
The last five meetings between these teams in Cleveland have all been relatively low-scoring, with final scores of 24-10, 41-0, 24-20, 34-7 and 10-6. That means not one game has had more than 44 combined points, and only one has had more than 41. And the last two times these teams met in December featured combined totals of 16 points (last year in Cleveland) and 34 points (in 2006 in Pittsburgh).
Finally, offenses have struggled for the most part in this year’s first six Thursday NFL games, and you have to believe it’s because of the short week of preparation. Four of those six Thursday games finished with 32 points or less and the other two featured 41 points (in warm-weather Carolina) and 46 points (in a dome in Detroit). All six were played in ideal weather, and yet all six went UNDER the total.
Throw in the fact that the UNDER has cashed in five straight Monday Night Football games, and that makes the UNDER on an 11-0 run on Thursday and Monday nights!
6♦ UNDER
Karl Garrett
Pittsburgh at CLEVELAND
The total on this Pittsburgh-Cleveland game has been dipping based on the windy, snowy, and cold temperatures that are expected off the shores of Lake Erie this evening.
G-Man has a strong inclination that tonight's game will stay UNDER the posted total regardless.
ALL 3 previous Thursday night games - Chicago-San Francisco, Miami-Carolina, and NY Giants-Denver - have all stayed UNDER the posted price, and 5 straight Monday night games have also played LOW.
With gusty winds expected throughout this game, I don't think you will be seeing too many successful passes or field goals.
With the ball expected to be on the ground, and the clock running, I have to go UNDER the total this Thursday between the Steelers and Browns.
3♦ UNDER
Bobby Maxwell
Syracuse vs. Florida -1, at Tampa, Fla.
Improved to 23-12 with my last 25 FREE selections as the Lakers used a huge fourth quarter to get the win and cover over the Jazz on Wednesday. Tonight I'm coming with a comp winner on the Gators as Florida takes on Syracuse in Tampa.
This is a matchup of two early season unbeatens as the Orange head down the coast to Florida for a nice matchup in the SEC/Big East Invitational in Tampa.
Remember the headlines Syracuse made when they lost their exhibition game to that tiny New York college? That was the best thing to happen to the Orange. The Orangemen have rattled off eight straight wins to open the season (5-1 ATS) and they are a scoring machine, averaging 90.4 points a game and shooting 55.8 percent from the floor.
But the problem for Syracuse is they haven’t played a real road game this season. They’ve played two neutral site games, but those were still in New York. Now they travel to hostile territory where the crowd will definitely be pro-Florida.
The Gators are 8-0 to open the season (4-1 ATS), with some big wins over Michigan State and Rutgers. They are doing it with defense, holding the opposition to 57.9 percent from the floor and 38.7 percent shooting, including an icy 21.4 percent from the three-point line.
Very good balance for Florida in this lineup with four players that easily get to double-digits, and a trio of leaders in Kenny Boynton, Dan Werner and Erving Walker. The Gators are on ATS runs of 7-1 against the Big East, 10-2 on Thursdays and 4-0 overall.
I think Syracuse is going to come out cold in a true highway game. Play the Gators tonight
3♦ FLORIDA
Dominic Fazzini
Colorado -2 at COLORADO STATE
I dropped my complimentary selection Wednesday as Connecticut couldn't make the plays down the stretch against Kentucky. Even with that loss, however, I'm still 38-23 over the past 61 days, including wins in 21 of the last 31 days!
It may seem surprising that I'm supporting Colorado in this spot tonight, seeing as the Buffaloes have lost 19 straight road games against Division I opponents. But I see a few things that led me to back the Buffs here.
First, Colorado has given some good opponents a good battle away from Boulder this season. The Buffaloes narrowly lost to both Gonzaga and Arizona at the Maui Classic, and also gave Oregon State a battle before losing by five points in Corvallis.
Second, Colorado has a pretty good backcourt, with junior Cory Higgins leading the team in scoring at 20.6 ppg and hitting 57 percent of his shots, including 56 percent from 3-point range. And freshman guard Alec Burks is second on the team with 15.4 ppg, hitting 56.3 percent from the field, and he has scored in double figures in every game this season.
Third, the Buffaloes are 13-0 all time against opponents from the state of Colorado under coach Jeff Bzdelik, and Colorado's last road win against a Division I team was a 73-70 victory at Colorado State on Dec. 22, 2007.
The Buffaloes are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games against the Rams, and the favorite is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings between the teams. CSU also is 3-13 ATS in its last 16 games vs. Big 12 opponents, and 9-19-1 ATS in its last 29 games as a home underdog. Take Colorado to end its road losing streak today and cover the points.
2♦ COLORADO
Chris Jordan
Montana at LOYOLA MARYMOUNT
Revenge will be on the brain for the Lions tonight, as these two have already tussled once. Montana escaped with a 64-63 victory over Loyola Marymount on Nov. 15, in the final game of the Grizzly Tournament. And since LMU had three chances at the end of the game to win, but blew all three chances, I'm thinking it'll be aiming for the blowout tonight.
The Grizzlies are in off a 59-48 home loss to Northern Colorado last Saturday, and roll into this one in a bit of a shooting slump - especially from beyond the arc.
After shooting 47 percent from three-point range in their first three games - all victories - the Griz are shooting 22 percent since, and have gone 2-3.
No one has particularly stepped up offensively either, as the Gizzlies are dealing with being short-handed and are seemingly lost without a goto guy to depend on.
No, I like the revenge factor and I like the fact there's consistency with the Lions, who have four players averaging double digits, led by 6-foot-5 forward Drew Viney at 17.3 points per game.
This one is all Loyola.
3♦ LOYOLA MARYMOUNT
Tony Weston
Bad call with the Cavaliers as LeBron’s crew is nowhere to be found.
Well, I’m coming through tonight as I’m taking Syracuse against Florida in some men’s college basketball action.
Both teams come into this game a perfect 8-0 SU with Syracuse having covered in 5 of its 6 lined games.
Overall this season the Orange have been beating their opponents, on average, by nearly 30 points per game (28.8).
Keep in mind, too, Syracuse has covered in 14 of its last 17 games overall, going back to last season. The team has also covered in 4 of its last 5 games playing at neutral sites and the team is 5-1 ATS its last 6 games against non-conference opponents.
The Orange will do it again and get over on the Gators tonight.
3♦ SYRACUSE