Tuesday Service Plays

DUNKEL

New York at Charlotte
The Bobcats look to take advantage of a New York team that is 0-3 ATS in road games where the total is between 205 and 209 1/2. Charlotte is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bobcats favored by 7. Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-4 1/2).

Game 501-502: New York at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: New York 112.279; Charlotte 119.364
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 7; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 4 1/2; 205 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-4 1/2); Under

Game 503-504: Atlanta at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 121.478; Indiana 119.166
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 205
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-1); Under

Game 505-506: Cleveland at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 126.213; Miami 120.256
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 6; 184 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 4 1/2; 183 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-4 1/2); Over

Game 507-508: Washington at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 111.204; New Orleans 123.267
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 12; 179
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 509-510: Phoenix at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 119.061; Memphis 115.719
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 3 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 5 1/2; 207
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+5 1/2); Under

Game 511-512: Milwaukee at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 118.626; San Antonio 124.542
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 6; 190 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 8 1/2; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+8 1/2); Over

Game 513-514: Minnesota at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 110.986; Dallas 123.301
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 12 1/2; 188 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 12; 197
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-12); Under

Game 515-516: LA Clippers at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 112.981; Sacramento 112.403
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 1; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 2; 191
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+2); Over

Game 517-518: Boston at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 128.285; Portland 123.360
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 5; 176 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 3; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-3); Under

NCAAB

Illinois at Purdue
The Boilermakers look to build on a 25-11 ATS record against conference opponents as they host the Illini tonight. Purdue is the pick (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Boilermakers favored by 10 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-8 1/2).

Game 519-520: Clemson at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 70.877; South Carolina 67.382
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Clemson by 3
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-3)

Game 521-522: Cleveland State at Wright State
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 61.115; Wright State 58.081
Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 3
Vegas Line: Cleveland State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (-1)

Game 523-524: George Mason at Dayton
Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 59.052; Dayton 68.670
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Dayton by 7
Dunkel Pick: Dayton (-7)

Game 525-526: Toledo at Delaware
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 48.897; Delaware 54.979
Dunkel Line: Delaware by 6
Vegas Line: Delaware by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+8 1/2)

Game 527-528: Illinois at Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 66.540; Purdue 77.131
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Purdue by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-8 1/2)

Game 529-530: WI-Green Bay at Western Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Green Bay 58.518; Western Michigan 57.096
Dunkel Line: WI-Green Bay by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 1
Dunkel Pick: WI-Green Bay (+1)

Game 531-532: UAB at Butler
Dunkel Ratings: UAB 61.741; Butler 69.831
Dunkel Line: Butler by 8
Vegas Line: Butler by 6
Dunkel Pick: Butler (-6)

Game 533-534: Seton Hall at Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: Seton Hall 58.838; Syracuse 74.169
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 15
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Syracuse (-13 1/2)

Game 535-536: WI-Milwaukee at Illinois-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Milwaukee 54.618; Illinois-Chicago 62.920
Dunkel Line: Illinois-Chicago by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois-Chicago by 11
Dunkel Pick: WI-Milwaukee (+11)

Game 537-538: BYU at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 69.038; Tulsa 64.088
Dunkel Line: BYU by 5
Vegas Line: BYU by 2
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-2)

Game 539-540: Mississippi at Southern Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 61.532; Southern Mississippi 64.311
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 3
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 1
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-1)

Game 541-542: Oklahoma at Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 71.250; Arkansas 67.309
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 4
Vegas Line: Oklahoma by 6
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas (+6)

Game 543-544: Massachusetts at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 61.337; Houston 69.487
Dunkel Line: Houston by 8
Vegas Line: Houston by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-8)

Game 545-546: San Diego at Mississippi State
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 57.018; Mississippi State 66.753
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 8
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (-8)

Game 547-548: New Mexico at New Mexico State
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 60.419; New Mexico State 64.146
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 4
Vegas Line: New Mexico State by 1
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (-1)

Game 549-550: Dartmouth at UC Davis
Dunkel Ratings: Dartmouth 41.903; UC Davis 49.214
Dunkel Line: UC Davis by 7
Vegas Line: UC Davis by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dartmouth (+13 1/2)

Game 563-564: Niagara at TN-Chattnooga
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 61.104; TN-Chattanooga 52.744
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 565-566: Elon at Maryland
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 48.032; Maryland 69.709
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: Maryland by 19
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (-19)

Game 567-568: Tennessee State at Georgia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 50.210; Georgia Tech 67.331
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 17
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 19
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee State (+19)

Game 569-570: Pacific at Sacramento State
Dunkel Ratings: Pacific 55.094; Sacramento State 44.351
Dunkel Line: Pacific by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Pacific by 11
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento State (+11)

SPORTS ADVISORS

HUMANITARIAN BOWL

Nevada (7-5, 5-6 ATS) vs. Maryland (7-5, 5-6 ATS) (at Boise, Idaho)

Maryland, which stumbled in the second half of the season, looks to end the year on a high note when it travels cross-country to face Nevada at Bronco Stadium on the Boise State campus.

The Terrapins went 1-3 SU and ATS in their final four games, quickly sliding down the bowl game pecking order to land in this lower-tier contest. In the Nov. 29 regular-season finale, Maryland lost to Boston College 28-21 as a 6½-point road underdog, despite rallying on two Chris Turner touchdown passes. However, sandwiched between those two scores, Turner threw an INT that was returned 36 yards for BC’s final score with 1:42 remaining, leaving only enough time for one more Terps TD drive.

The Wolf Pack won three of their last four games (2-2 ATS) to gain bowl eligibility. In fact, their only loss in that stretch was to undefeated Boise State, and they put up a strong fight before falling 41-34 as a 6½-point home pup. A week later, on Nov. 29, they finished with a 35-31 victory at Louisiana Tech, failing to cover as a 4½-point chalk. QB Colin Kaepernick (24 of 42, 397 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT) had a monster day as Nevada put up 500 yards, but the defense also allowed 443 yards (185 rushing).

This will be the first meeting between Maryland, out of the ACC, and Nevada, out of the Western Athletic Conference. The Terrapins are in their sixth bowl game in the last eight years, and they are 3-1 SU in their last four and 3-2 SU and ATS in bowl games under coach Ralph Friedgen. In last year’s the Emerald Bowl, Maryland lost to Oregon State 21-14 catching five points.

The Wolf Pack are in a school-record fourth straight postseason contest, going 1-2 SU and ATS the past three seasons. Last year, Nevada got blanked by New Mexico 23-0 as a two-point ‘dog in the New Mexico Bowl. Two years ago, playing in this contest in Boise, the Pack lost to Miami 21-20 but covered as a 3½-point ‘dog, marking the only other time Nevada has played an ACC school. Nevada coach Chris Ault is on a 1-7 SU and 3-5 ATS skid against BCS-conference schools.

Maryland, which finished tied for fourth in the ACC’s Atlantic Division, is averaging 20.1 points and 342.2 total yards per game (134.8 rushing ypg). Turner has completed 57.9 percent of his passes for 2,320 yards, but his 11 TD throws have been offset by 10 INTs. On the other side of the ball, the Terps are allowing 355.6 total ypg (150 rushing ypg) and are outside the top 50 nationally in every major defensive category other than scoring defense, where they are at 36th, giving up 21.4 ppg.

Nevada sports the nation’s second-best rushing attack at a whopping 290.8 ypg and also ranks 12th in scoring offense (37.8 ppg) and fifth in total offense (510 ypg). Kaepernick (2,479 passing yards, 54.9 completion percentage) has a 19-5 TD-to-INT differential, and he’s also rushed for 1,103 yards (7.2 ypc) and another 16 TDs. Wolf Pack RB Vai Taua has rushed for 1,432 yards (6.7 ypc) and 13 TDs. Defensively, the Pack allow 396.5 ypg and are particularly susceptible to the pass (321.2 ypg), but despite getting run over in the finale at Louisiana Tech, they allow just 75 yards rushing, good for third in the country.

The Terrapins are on a 5-1 ATS surge following a SU loss, but they are on ATS slides of 1-4 overall and 0-4 on turf. The Wolf Pack are just 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games after a SU victory, but they are on positive pointspread runs of 5-0 on turf, 23-11 as a favorite, 5-1 as a chalk of three points or less and 13-4 coming off a pointspread setback.

The under for Maryland is on tears of 6-2 overall, 4-0 in bowl games, 5-1 against winning teams and 13-6 in non-conference play. On the flip side, the over for Nevada is on runs of 4-1 overall, 4-0 after a SU win and 5-1 against winning teams.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NEVADA

TEXAS BOWL

Western Michigan (9-3, 5-6 ATS) vs. Rice (9-3, 8-4 ATS) (at Houston)

Rice hopes to continue its strong second-half run when it plays a virtual home game against Western Michigan at Reliant Stadium.

The Owls ripped off victories in their last six games (5-1 ATS), putting up no less than 35 points per game in the process. In their regular-season finale on Nov. 29, they matched their season high in points with a 56-42 victory over Houston as a 3½-point home pup, scoring early in the fourth quarter to go up 56-28 before letting off the gas the rest of the way. QB Chase Clement (28 of 41, 381 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT) had a huge day, and Rice also rushed for 198 yards to finish with 591 total yards – yet the Owls still got outgained, allowing 634 yards, including 494 passing yards and five TDs from Houston QB Case Keenum.

After opening the year with a loss at Nebraska, Western Michigan went 9-2 SU the rest of the way (5-5 ATS in lined games). However, the Broncos got shelled by then-undefeated Ball State 45-22 as a 10-point road ‘dog in their Nov. 25 regular-season finale, ending a 3-0 SU run (2-1 ATS). The Broncos were outgained 452-343, and QB Tim Hiller (15 of 32, 145 yards, 1 TD) had a inordinately rough outing, with one of his two INTs returned for a touchdown.

Rice, which fell just short of playing in the Conference USA title game by finishing second in the West Division, is in a bowl game for the second time in three years, after experiencing a 45-year postseason drought. In the 2006 New Orleans Bowl, the Owls tumbled to Troy 41-17 as a five-point chalk.

Western Michigan, which took second in the Mid-American Conference’s West Division, is also in its second postseason contest in the last three years and just its fourth bowl game ever. In their most recent bowl appearance in the 2006 International Bowl, the Broncos lost to Cincinnati 27-24, but they cashed as a seven-point ‘dog.

Rice is in the top 10 nationally in three offensive categories, with per-game averages of 41.6 points (ninth), 472.2 total yards (10th) and 327.8 passing yards (fifth). Clement has had a monster year, completing 66.4 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards, with 41 TDs and just seven INTs, and he has also ran for 621 yards and 11 scores. Jarett Dillard (79 catches, 1,224 yards, 19 TDs, 15.5 ypc) has been Clement’s primary target.

Western Michigan has the nation’s 10th-best passing offense, at 301.2 ypg, and is averaging 420 total ypg (25th) and 29.8 ppg (37th). Like Clement, Hiller has had a huge season, completing 66.7 percent of his throws for 3,527 yards and 34 TDs, against just eight INTs. RB Brandon West (970 yards rushing, 5.1 ypc, 255 yards receiving) leads the Broncos with 11 TDs.

Both teams struggle defensively. The Owls rank outside the Top 100 in scoring defense (34.9 ppg, 108th), total defense (466.8 ypg, 115th) and passing defense (273.8 ypg, 114th), and they also give up 192.9 ypg on the ground. Western Michigan yields just 23.8 ppg, but 390.3 total ypg, including 249.4 passing ypg, which ranks 97th in the nation.

Rice went 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS as a chalk this year and won those contests by an average of 17 ppg, and the Owls are also on a 4-1 ATS uptick following a SU win. However, they are in pointspread funks of 5-16 in non-conference play and 2-6 against winning teams. The Broncos are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five games as an underdog of three points or less, but they are on ATS skids of 2-5-1 after a SU loss, 2-5-1 against winning teams and 3-7-1 after a pointspread setback.

The over for Rice is on sprees of 42-9 overall, 13-3 when the Owls are favored, 5-1 on grass, 17-5 after a SU win and 23-8 outside Conference USA, and the over for Western Michigan is on rolls of 9-1 in non-conference play, 9-1 with the Broncos as a ‘dog, 4-1 against winning teams and 12-4 on grass.

ATS ADVANTAGE: RICE and OVER

HOLIDAY BOWL

(15) Oregon (9-3, 6-6 ATS) vs. (13) Oklahoma State (9-3, 8-3 ATS) (at San Diego)

For the second time in a week, Qualcomm Stadium hosts a matchup of ranked teams, as surging Oregon travels down the Pacific Coast to face Oklahoma State.

The Ducks won five of their last six regular-season games, closing with a three-game winning streak (2-1 ATS) that saw them score a total of 155 points the last three in a row. In their finale against archrival Oregon State, the Ducks rumbled to a 65-38 road as a 2½-point road underdog to keep the Beavers out of the Rose Bowl. QB Jeremiah Masoli (17 carries, 219 yards, 1 TD) and RB LeGarrette Blount (17 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD) led a rushing attack that racked up 385 yards (7.5 ypc), and Masoli added another 274 yards and three TDs through the air on just 11 completions as Oregon finished with an eye-popping 694-463 edge in total yards.

Oklahoma State was firmly in the BCS mix until losing three of its last five games (2-3 ATS) in the hotly contested Big 12 South Division. The Cowboys were dealt a respectable loss at then-No. 1 Texas (28-24 catching 11½ points). But two weeks later, they got blasted at Texas Tech 56-20 as a 3½-point underdog, then got run off their home field in the Nov. 29 season finale against archrival Oklahoma, a 61-41 whipping as a 10-point home underdog. In that contest, QB Zac Robinson (17 of 26, 254 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT) had a decent outing, as he also rushed for 90 yards and a TD, but Oklahoma State got outgained 557-452 and allowed the Sooners to score the last 17 points of the game.

Oregon, which finished second in the Pac-10, is in a bowl game for the 11th time in the past 12 seasons, and it’s the program’s first-ever contest against Oklahoma State. Coach Mike Bellotti is just 6-5 SU and 5-6 ATS in the postseason, but his Ducks pounded South Florida 56-21 as a six-point pup in last year’s Sun Bowl. Oregon is playing in the Holiday Bowl for the third time (1-1 SU and ATS).

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy has his team in a bowl game for third time in his four-year tenure (2-0 SU and ATS), and the Cowboys are looking for just their fourth 10-win season in the program’s history. In last year’s Insight Bowl in Arizona, Oklahoma State hammered Indiana 49-33 as a six-point favorite. This is the Cowboys’ second trip to the Holiday Bowl, with the first coming 20 years ago in a 62-14 rout of Wyoming as a 2½-point chalk – with Gundy leading the way at quarterback for OSU.

Oregon put up 31 points or more in 10 of its 12 games, and the offense ranks in the top 10 nationally in scoring (41.9 ppg, 7th), total yards (478.2, 8th) and rushing yards (277.8, 4th). The Ducks played musical chairs at quarterback for much of the season, with Masoli (nine starts) proving most effective as a dual threat. He’s completing 57 percent of his passes for 1,486 yards with 12 TDs and just four INTs, and he’s rushed for 612 yards (5.5 ypc) and seven more scores. RBs Jeremiah Johnson (156 carries, 1,082 yards, 12 TDs, 6.9 ypc) and Blount (130 carries, 928 yards, 7.1 ypc, 16 TDs) combined for 2,010 rushing yards on the year.

Oklahoma State, which ended up fourth in the Big 12 South, has a steady balance of pass and run, averaging 233.5 yards through the air and a healthy 255.8 on the ground (seventh-best in the nation). The Cowboys, who put up 30 or more nine times in 12 contest, also rate in the top 10 in scoring offense (41.6 ppg, 8th) and total offense (489.2 ypg, 7th). Robinson completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,735 yards, with 24 TDs and just eight INTs, and the mobile QB also rushed for 508 yards (3.9 ypc) and seven scores. RB Kendall Hunter has rolled up 1,518 yards (6.7 ypc) and 14 TDs, and WR Dez Bryant has 74 catches for 1,313 yards and (17.7 ypc) and 18 TDs.

Defensively, the Ducks are fair against the run (119.4 ypg, 24th nationally), but they allow 383 total ypg (263.6 passing, 109th) and 28 ppg (78th). Like Oregon, the Cowboys are decent against the run (124 ypg, 26th), but their drop-offs are also similar to the Ducks, as they allow 392.5 ypg, including 268.5 passing ypg (111th). Oklahoma State allows an average of 26.9 ppg, outscoring teams by nearly 15 ppg.

The Ducks are on ATS streaks of 5-1 as a bowl underdog, 13-5 catching three points or less and 5-2 in non-conference play. However, they were 1-2 SU and ATS as an underdog this season, with the win and cover coming in the season-ending rout of Oregon State, and they carry further negative ATS trends of 2-5 in December, 2-5 on grass and 2-5 against winning teams.

The Cowboys went 8-0 SU and 7-1 as a chalk this season, and they are on additional positive pointspread stretches of 9-3 overall, 4-0 outside the Big 12, 41-20-2 in their last 63 games as a favorite, 6-1 after a double-digit home loss, 7-2 after a SU loss and 5-2 against winning teams.

The over for Oregon is on runs of 4-1 overall, 4-0-1 outside the Pac-10 and 6-2-1 against winning teams, and the over for Oklahoma State is on tears of 4-1 in non-conference play, 8-3 against winning teams, 12-5 when the Cowboys are favored and 14-6 after a SU loss.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA STATE and OVER

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

(20) Clemson (12-0, 4-3 ATS) at South Carolina (9-1, 2-3 ATS)

South Carolina looks to knock Clemson from the ranks of the unbeatens when these instate rivals continue their annual non-conference series at the Colonial Center in Columbia, S.C.

The Gamecocks roll into this contest on a five-game winning streak (2-1 ATS), though they’ve fattened up entirely on weak competition, including a 75-56 rout of Division II Presbyterian in a non-lined home game a week ago today. During the streak, South Carolina has averaged 80.2 points per game (47.4 percent shooting) and given up 54.2 ppg (37.1 percent), with all five wins coming by at least 14 points. The ‘Cocks’ only loss this season was against Charlotte on a neutral court, an 82-80 overtime setback as a one-point favorite.

Like South Carolina, Clemson has built its sterling record against mostly subpar opponents. However, in their most recent game on Dec. 21, the Tigers opened up ACC play with a dominating 92-71 victory at Miami, Fla., as a three-point underdog. Clemson’s other quality wins came on the road against Illinois (76-74 as a one-point underdog) and Charlotte (71-70 as a four-point chalk).

Clemson is on a 4-0 SU and ATS streak in this rivalry, including last year’s 85-74 victory as a nine-point home favorite. The Tigers have prevailed in their last two trips to Columbia, winning 74-53 as a three-point favorite in 2006 and 63-62 in overtime as an eight-point underdog in 2004. The SU winner has covered in each of the last 10 battles going back to 1998.

While the Tigers have are 2-0 SU and ATS on the road, South Carolina is unbeaten through eight games on its home court, but only three were against Division I opponents (1-2 ATS).

Clemson is on ATS runs of 4-1 on the highway, 6-1 against SEC competition and 5-0 on the road against teams with a winning home record. South Carolina has cashed in seven of its last 10 on Tuesday, but otherwise is in pointspread funks of 2-6 in non-conference play and 1-5 at home.

The over is on streaks of 14-6-1 for Clemson in lined non-conference games, 4-1 for Clemson against the SEC, 5-1 for the Gamecocks overall and 5-2 for the Gamecocks in non-league action. However, South Carolina has stayed low in nine of its last 12 at home, and the total has alternated in the last four meetings in this rivalry, with last year’s going over the posted price.

ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEMSON and OVER

Illinois (12-1, 6-4 ATS) at (9) Purdue (11-2, 5-5)

Two teams coming off successful non-conference campaigns open Big Ten play, with Illinois traveling to Mackey Arena for a matchup with 10th-ranked Purdue.

The Illini arrive in West Lafayette, Ind., carrying a six-game winning streak (3-1 ATS in lined games), most recently knocking off Eastern Michigan 62-53 on Sunday but falling way short as a 22-point home favorite, the first time during the streak they failed to post a double-digit rout. Illinois, whose only blemish so far was a 76-74 home loss to Clemson as a one-point favorite in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, has played just one true road game, knocking off Vanderbilt 69-63 as a six-point underdog.

Since suffering back-to-back losses to No. 11 Oklahoma (87-82 in New York) and No. 4 Duke (76-60 at home), the Boilermakers have ripped off six straight double-digit wins (2-2 ATS in lined games). On Sunday, they concluded their non-conference schedule with a 59-45 rout of Valparaiso, failing to cover as a 25-point home favorite. Purdue is 9-1 at Mackey Arena, but just 3-3 ATS in lined action (1-3 ATS last four at home).

These teams met three times last year. Purdue won the first two regular-season battles 74-67 as a three-point home favorite and 83-75 as a 4½-point road underdog, but the Illini knocked the Boilermakers out of the Big Ten tournament with a 74-67 overtime win as a 4½-point pup. Purdue is still 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings overall and 5-1-1 in the last seven clashes at Mackay Arena. Finally, the host is 4-1 SU (2-3 ATS) in the last five regular-season battles.

Both squads are among the best in the nation on the defensive end of the court. Illinois ranks 14th in the nation in scoring defense (55.8 ppg allowed) and fourth in 3-point defense (26.4 ppg allowed), while the Boilermakers are 15th in scoring defense (56 ppg allowed) and fourth in overall field-goal defense (35 percent). Also, both the Illini (71.4 ppg) and Purdue (74.2 ppg) average better than 70 points per contest offensively.

Illinois is on ATS tears of 6-3 overall, 5-1 on the road, 5-3 after a SU win and 5-0 after a non-cover. Purdue has followed up an 18-4-1 ATS run by failing to cash in five of its last seven lined games. However, the Boilermakers remain on pointspread streaks of 22-6-1 in conference play, 8-2-1 on Tuesdays and 11-5-1 versus teams with a winning record.

The under is on runs of 5-1 for the Illini overall, 19-9-1 for the Illini on the road, 6-2 for the Illini in Big Ten action, 4-1 for Purdue overall, 5-2 for Purdue at home and 5-2 for Purdue when playing on Tuesdays. Conversely, the over has been the play in four of the last five meetings in this rivalry.

ATS ADVANTAGE: PURDUE

(4) Oklahoma (12-0, 4-4 ATS) at Arkansas (9-1, 2-2 ATS)

Player-of-the-year candidate Blake Griffin leads unbeaten Oklahoma into Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark., for a non-conference clash with the Razorbacks, who are undefeated at home this year.

Oklahoma has been idle since Dec. 22, when it dumped Rice 70-58, falling just short as a 16½-point road favorite. The Sooners have posted five straight double-digit wins (2-2 ATS) prevailing by an average of 19 ppg (74-55), and they’ve given up less than 60 points in four of the victories. Also, OU has scored at least 69 points in every game this season, tallying 80 or more six times, with Griffin (23 points, 14.1 rebounds per game, 68.3 percent shooting) leading the charge.

Arkansas is riding a seven-game winning streak, the last six coming at home by an average of 23 ppg (86-63). However, five of those six wins came against Division II competition, including Saturday’s 95-56 rout of Northwestern State in a non-lined game. The Razorbacks, whose only loss was a 62-57 setback at Missouri State on Nov. 22, are 8-0 at home, but only two of those wins came against Division I opponents (1-1 ATS).

These teams met last year for the first time since 2001, and the Sooners rolled to an 83-72 victory as a four-point home favorite. Going back to 1998, Oklahoma is 5-0 SU and ATS against Arkansas.

Both squads can fill the bucket, with the Sooners averaging 78.7 ppg on 47.4 percent shooting, while the Razorbacks net 81 ppg (46.7 percent). Oklahoma gives up 63.2 ppg (37.9 percent), slightly better than Arkansas, which yields 66.4 ppg (41.5 percent).

Oklahoma is 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS on the highway this year, but the Sooners are just 16-36-2 ATS in their last 54 road games and 1-10 ATS in their last 11 contests on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Arkansas is mired in pointspread funks of 3-14 versus the Big 12, 1-6-1 on Tuesday and 1-5 when coming off a victory of more than 20 points, but the Hogs have cashed in four of their last five versus winning teams.

The over is 10-4-1 in Oklahoma’s last 15 non-conference contests and 5-1 in its last six on Tuesday, but the under is 7-1-1 in its past nine lined roadies. For Arkansas, the under is 9-4 in its last 13 games on Tuesday, but otherwise the over is on streaks of 4-1 overall and 5-1 against the Big 12.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA

NBA

Boston (28-4, 18-14) at Portland (19-12, 15-16 ATS)

The Celtics conclude a somewhat disappointing four-game West Coast road trip with a stop at the Rose Garden as they look to defeat the Trail Blazers for the eighth straight time.

Boston embarked on its West Coast swing with a team-record 19-game winning streak, but suffered its first two-game losing skid of the season with a Christmas Day loss at the Lakers (92-83 as two-point underdog) and a stunning defeat the next night at Golden State (99-89 as an 11-point favorite). However, the Celtics got back on track Sunday, posting their most lopsided win of the season in a 108-63 rout of Sacramento as a 12½-point favorite, Boston has scored 108 points or more in each of its last four victories.

Portland has alternated SU and ATS wins and loses in its last five, most recently downing the Raptors 102-89 Saturday, cashing as an eight-point favorite. The Blazers have topped the century mark in each of their last four victories, and the SU winner is 9-0 ATS in Portland’s last nine contests, with the Blazers going just 4-5 SU and ATS during this stretch.

Boston is on a 7-0 SU and 8-0 ATS roll against the Blazers, including three straight wins and four straight covers at the Rose Garden. In fact, during the Celtics’ seven-game winning streak in this rivalry, five have been double-digit blowouts, including a 93-78 rout as an eight-point home chalk back on Dec. 5. Last year, Boston went to Portland as a 5 ½-point favorite and prevailed 112-102. Finally, the Celtics have been favored in six of the last seven clashes with the Blazers, and the road team has covered in 12 of the last 17 meetings.

The Celtics are now 11-3 on the highway this year, but just 7-7 ATS, including 2-5 ATS in the last seven. Portland is 11-3 at home (9-5 ATS), including 4-1 SU and ATS in its last four at the Garden.

Aside from its recent road slide, Boston carries a slew of ATS streaks into this game, including 21-7 versus the Western Conference, 15-6 against teams with a winning record, 13-6 after a victory, 20-8 on Tuesdays and 4-1 when playing after a day of rest.

Going back to last season, the Blazers are 13-5 ATS at home. However, they’re on negative pointspread nosedives of 4-9 overall, 2-6 against the Atlantic Division, 1-5 versus the Eastern Conference and 1-6 after a SU win.

The over is 5-2 in the last seven series meetings. However, the under is on runs of 4-0 for Boston on the road, 6-0-1 for Boston against the Northwest Division, 5-0-1 for Boston against the Western Conference, 12-6 for Portland overall and 19-8 for Portland after a SU win.

ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON

Masterbets

Bet on NEVADA to cover the spread

The match ups for this game really favor Nevada, and the only reason the spread isn't far bigger than -2 points is that Maryland plays in a more high-profile conference. But look at how these two teams got to this point and you'll quickly see that they're headed in opposite directions. Maryland lost their last 2 games, played their way out of the Orange Bowl, and can't be happy about this minor Bowl berth. Nevada won 3 of their last 4 and the sole loss was against a very tough Boise State team, and even that loss was close.

The smart play here is to take NEVADA to cover the spread as their tough run defense should nullify Maryland and lead to a fairly comfortable victory.

Karl Garrett

Oklahoma -6 at ARKANSAS

Tonight in college basketball look for the Oklahoma Sooners to run their early season mark to 13-0 with the win, and cover at Arkansas tonight.

The Razorbacks are a "nice-looking" 9-1, but John Pelfrey's team has padded their win total with victories against the likes of Northwestern State, Stephen Austin, NC Central, and Texas Southern recently.

The Hogs lost 6 seniors off of last year's Big Dance squad, and tonight they will be in over their heads on their home hardwood against the battle-tested Sooners.

Jef Capel's team has done the job away from Norman early this season with a 4-0 straight up mark, and a 3-1 spread mark in those roadies. The Sooners have also faced the way tougher competition, and did defeat Arkansas 83-72 last season at home as the 4-point favorite.

Different venue tonight, but the same result, Oklahoma to get the win, and cover.

Take the Boomer-Sooners minus the number.

4♦ OKLAHOMA

Sports Gambling Hotline

Nevada vs. MARYLAND +2 - at Boise, Idaho

Today in college football we will take any points they are giving with Maryland over Nevada.

All we have to say is, what kind of a slap in the face is it that an ACC rep is in the underdog role to a team from the WAC!?!?!?

You don't think Ralph Friedgen has been telling his charges the country thinks his Terps are going to lose this game?

We will gladly take any points they are giving with the Terrapins in this spot, as defending Chris Ault's "pistol" attack will become easier as this game goes along.

We trust the ACC pedigree to rise to the top in this spot, and we are also well aware of the fact the Wolf Pack of Nevada were shut out in their bowl loss last season to New Mexico.

Play on the Terps to take this one plus the points.

4♦ MARYLAND

Chris Jordan

UW GREEN BAY -1 at Western Michigan

We’re taking a shot with an 8-4 team laying low chalk on the road against a 3-9 team that comes in having lost four of five and some extensive road trips. This month the Broncos have been to the East Coast to play VCU and Holy Cross, a trip out here to Vegas for a date with the Runnin’ Rebels, back home to play Iona and then back on the road to take on Southern Illinois.

Trust me, despite this one being at home, Green Bay is going to be a bit more fired up for the win thanks to senior Ryan Tillema, who has sparked the Phoenix since returning from an injury to average 17 points off the bench. He’s drained 17-of-34 treys in five games, and certainly sparks this team with his athleticism and knack for turning up the heat from the perimeter.

This is also a revenge game from last season’s BracketBuster contest in Green Bay, where the Broncos stole a 74-67 victory. This is a chance for both teams to nab a decent win heading into conference play, and with the Phoenix riding ATS streaks of 4-1 in non-conference play, 26-8 against teams with a losing record on the floor and 6-1 overall, I’ll lay the slim number on the highway.

1♦ UW GREEN BAY

Oregon +3 vs. Oklahoma State, at San Diego

Tough call to go against a Big 12 team, but something tells me the Ducks are going to be well-prepared to challenge the Cowboys’ high-octane offense. After all, this is one of the Pac 10 teams that annually gets lost in Southern Cal’s shadow, but has gone to a bowl game in 11 of the past 12 seasons under coach Mike Bellotti.

Quite frankly, this is one of the best kept secrets in college football from year to year, because when you have a staff that has stuck together and understands one another and is always on the same page, it’s games like this you see meticulous preparation.

We all know the Big 12 ranked in four of the nation’s top seven slots in total offense, but sitting at No. 8 was Oregon. The Ducks also have the fourth-best rushing game in the country and seventh-best scoring game. They closed the season with a total of 120 points in season-closing wins over two bowl teams - Arizona and Oregon State. And as far as I’m concerned, the pressure is on the Cowboys and their 86th-ranked stop unit and 69th-ranked scoring defense.

Looking inside the betting numbers, the Ducks are on a 5-1 run as an underdog, 5-2 in non-conference games and 13-5 as a pup in this price range. On the other hand, Okie State is on a 1-4 ATS skid when laying up to a field goal.

I like the dog here boys, so grab the Ducks and hope for the outright win.

3♦ OREGON

Bobby Maxwell

Oklahoma -6 at ARKANSAS

The Sooners are the fourth-ranked team in the country and tonight you'll see why when they go into Fayetteville, Ark. and dominate the Razorbacks in this non-conference matchup.

Arkansas has been enjoying way too much home cooking lately, winning their last six at home by an average of 23 points. But look at the opponents and you'll see that five of those six wins came against Division II competition, including a 95-56 rout of Northwestern State on Saturday. They are 8-0 at home this season but only two of those opponents have even been Division I opponents.

Now they not only get a Division I opponent but the fourth-ranked team in the country. Oklahoma has been idle since Dec. 22 and they have won five straight games by double digits. The Sooners' ofense has gone over the 80-point mark six times this seson and they've got a stud in Blake Griffin who averages 23 points, 14 rebounds and 68 percent shooting.

These teams met last year with Oklahoma getting an 83-72 win as a four-point favorite. Go back to 1998 and you'll see the Sooners are 5-0 SU and ATS against Arkansas.

The Sooners are 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS on the road this year and the Razorbacks are not good at the betting window, going 3-14 ATS against Big 12 foes and 1-6-1 ATS on Tuesdays.

We love Oklahoma in this matchup. Play the Sooners.

2♦ OKLAHOMA

Nevada vs. Maryland +2, at Boise, Idaho

Maryland fought through a touch conference and was right in the thick of things until a 1-3 stretch in their final four games to put them in fourth place in the ACC.

The Terps will use that conference experience to beat up on Nevada today and not let them get that rushing attack going. Maryland has a balanced offensive attack and their defense gave up just 21.4 points per game this season.

Ralph Friedgen has taken Maryland to bowl games in six of the last eight seasons and they are 3-1 Su in their last four. They are 5-1 ATS after an ATS loss and will rebound today with a big win.

Nevada is just 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games after a straight-up victory and while the Wolf Pack is in its fourth straight bowl game, they are just 1-2 in postseason action and just 1-7 SU and 3-5 ATS against BCS-conference schools.

Take the big school to get this one and stop the rushing game. Maryland's defense controls this one. Play the Terps.

3♦ MARYLAND

Jeff Benton

My four-day overall and four-game NBA free-play winning streaks came to a halt with Monday’s loser on the Nuggets. We’ll try to start another streak by taking Oklahoma State over Oregon in the Holiday Bowl.

I’d be lying to you if I said I wasn’t a bit concerned about supporting the Cowboys, what with the way the Big 12’s first bowl entrant performed last night (Missouri was dreadful against Northwestern and had no business winning that game against a clearly inferior opponent). However, I still like the Cowboys to get it done in San Diego against Oregon, which has been mediocre in bowl games under coach Mike Bellotti (6-5 SU, 5-6 ATS) and which played in a much weaker conference than Oklahoma State.

With the exception of a very impressive season-ending 65-38 win at Oregon State (and you know you can throw out rivalry games, especially when Oregon State had so much pressure on them to win that day), who have the Ducks beaten? I’ll tell you: Just one other bowl team, Arizona (55-45 home win). Against its other bowl-caliber opponents, Oregon got roughed up by Cal (26-16), USC (44-10) and Boise State (37-32, a game they were losing 37-13).

Meanwhile, Oklahoma State came out of the ridiculously tough Big 12 South, facing the likes of Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma over the final five weeks, plus a cross-divisional game against Missouri and a non-conference game against Houston (bowl team). Yes, the Cowboys came out of the Texas-Texas Tech-Oklahoma gauntlet with a win, but how do you think Oregon’s defense – which gave up 24 points to Utah State, 26 to Purdue, 37 to Boise, 44 to USC, 24 to lowly UCLA, 28 to Stanford, 45 to Arizona and 38 to Oregon State – would’ve fared against those three offenses? Answer: Not good!

In fact, because both offenses are about dead-even, this one comes down to the team that can get a few defense stops, and in my mind, Oklahoma State is that team. The Cowboys held Houston, Troy, Texas A&M, Missouri, Baylor, Texas, Iowa State and Colorado well below their season point averages, giving up 22.5 ppg in those eight particular games. Well, if Oklahoma State’s D can hold Oregon under its season average of 42 ppg, it will cover this spread, as I don’t see the Ducks’ spotty defense keeping OSU under 45 points because I can’t see them containing Cowboys’ dual-threat QB Zac Robinson. The Big 12 has won three of the last four Holiday Bowls vs. the Pac-10, and you can make that four of five after tonight. Play the small favorite in this one.

4♦ OKLAHOMA STATE (Holiday Bowl)

Scott Delaney

NEVADA vs. MARYLAND

Do not miss out on today's game whatever you do!!!

Alright, so there’s key intangibles to look at with this game: one is that Nevada is not the same ol’ pass happy team that fires away endlessly, albeit it still ranks 12th in the nation in scoring – it runs the ball constantly and ranks second in the nation on the ground.

That means ball control and clock management. On the other hand, Maryland has the 36th ranked scoring defense and will need to count on limiting the Pack to stay in this game. And the other way to do that is to play keep away by running the pill constantly, using dink and dunk passes and controlling the clock on its own.

The Pack definitely have some positive runs with the over going for them, but that’s playing in Western Athletic Conference games. This is the postseason against a physical ACC team that is on under runs of 4-1 as an underdog, 5-1 against winning teams, 4-0 in bowl games 13-6 in non-conference play and 6-2 overall.

We might see a late surge, like in yesterday’s Rutgers-North Carolina game, but just like that one fell short of the total, this one will too.

UNDER Nevada/Maryland

Matt Rivers

For Tuesday take the Grizzlies at home.

There is no team that a back-to-back should affect more than the Phoenix Suns. No doubt the Suns still have a ton of talent and can run you to death (especially realizing that Memphis is playing for a second straight day as well) but after playing in Oklahoma City last night I see this being a difficult spot for the Suns tonight. Shaq is getting older by the day and Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire are no longer spry young chickens either. With that said Mike D'Antoni's former team is the more talented squad today but in this spot I will back the home dog for sure. Plus both the Diesel and Nash may not even play!?!?!

Memphis is still far from being a good team but there are a couple of pieces in place led by budding superstar OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol. This team did have a very rough three week stretch about a month ago where they lost 11 of 12 but they have shown some competitive signs recently as they had that four game winning streak a few weeks ago and just cashed in three of four and are 7-2-1 at the window in the past 10.

All in all far from the lock of my life but getting a home dog in a situation like this is enough to give it a go!

Jake Timlin

Your Tuesday selection is Oklahoma St. & Oregon OVER.

All signs point toward a high scoring game and with that I say take the Over in San Diego tonight. First sign is the fact both teams know how to put points on the board and do so in a hurry as both teams average more than 41 points per game. Meanwhile, thanks to both teams allowing 27 plus points per game, including the Cowboys giving up 61 points in their last game out it’s not like either offense is going to face much of a challenge. Flat out, the Holiday Bowl is known for wild high scoring game and tonight won’t be any different. Our play tonight in San Diego is the Over.

LT Profits

Rice -3

The Rice Owls had a very solid season going 9-3 overall including 6-0 at home, and they should simply have too much firepower for the Western Michigan Broncos, who come out of a MAC conference that has struggled in the bowls so far.

We mention the Rice home record because this contest is being played in their back yard in Houston. The Owls averaged an impressive 41.6 points and 472.2 total yards of offense per game this season, and their three losses came on the road at Texas, Vanderbilt and Tulsa, all of whom are bowl teams.

Rice also enters this game on a six-game winning streak after beginning the year at 3-3, and they have scored at least 35 points in every game during this streak. They have an outstanding dual threat at quarterback in Chase Clement, as not only did he pass for over 3800 yards with an incredible 41 touchdown passes vs. just seven interceptions this season, but he also added 621 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground!

Clement and the rest of a very versatile Rice offense presents a nightmarish matchup for a Western Michigan defense that struggled on the road all year, allowing 31.5 points on a horrendous 405.3 yards per game away from home. It also hurts the cause of Western Michigan that the MAC is 0-2 both straight up and against the spread this bowl season with the losses coming to a couple of the lesser teams to qualify for a bowl (Florida Atlantic, Louisiana Tech).

Rice is much stronger than those two clubs, so this seems like an extremely tough chore for the Broncos, especially with the contest being a virtual home game for Rice.

Pick: Rice -3

Dennis Hill

Western Michigan vs. Rice
Play: Rice -3

Believe it or not this should be a fun game to watch. Both teams can't play a lick of defense. So I am not going out on a limb to predict a huge winner. This is a home game for Rice. The favorites in this bowl are 5-0-1 in the last 6 played.