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CNOTES
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NCAAB
Top 25 Short Sheet
Wednesday, January 16
NC State at Maryland, 7:00 ET ESPN2
NC State: 7-18 ATS after 5 or more consecutive wins
Maryland: 12-2 ATS in home games after 3 straight games with 41 or more rebounds
Richmond at Butler, 7:00 ET
Richmond: 3-11 ATS in all games
Butler: 8-1 ATS after 8 or more consecutive wins
Michigan State at Penn State, 7:00 ET BTN
Michigan State: 17-7 ATS after a conference game
Penn State: 0-6 ATS after scoring 60 points or less
New Mexico at Boise State, 8:00 ET
New Mexico: 8-0 ATS off 2 or more consecutive home wins
Boise State: 9-21 ATS after a conference game
Georgia at Missouri, 8:00 ET
Georgia: 53-76 ATS after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6
Missouri: 17-7 ATS after having won 5 or 6 of their last 7
Kansas State at TCU, 9:00 ET ESPNU
Kansas State: 29-13 Over in road games after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8
TCU: 5-16 ATS as a home underdog of 6.5 to 12 points
Seton Hall at Marquette, 9:00 ET
Seton Hall: 1-7 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points
Marquette: 16-6 ATS in January games
UNLV at San Diego State, 10:00 ET
UNLV: 5-13 ATS against conference opponents
San Diego State: 18-9 ATS after playing a game as favorite
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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01-16-13 10:40 PM |
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CNOTES
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NCAAB
Thursday, January 17
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New NCAAB coaches making and breaking bets
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Plenty of college basketball teams swapped out their head coach this offseason, hoping a change on the sideline would spark a change on the floor.
For some programs, the move has paid off - and not just for the team. Bettors are seeing the benefits of the new coaching. However, other teams are struggling to adapt to new systems and philosophies, dragging bettors down with them.
Here’s a look at three teams thriving ATS and three struggling to cover the spread under their new head coach:
Best new coaches ATS
Donnie Tyndall – Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (13-4 SU, 10-4 ATS)
Tyndall has the Golden Eagles on top of C-USA and is making Southern Miss backers happy after former coach Larry Eustachy, who took the job at Colorado State, posted a 12-18 ATS record last season. The Golden Eagles have been tough away from Hattiesburg, going 5-3 ATS on the road.
Keno Davis – Central Michigan Chippewas (8-8 SU, 10-5 ATS)
Central Michigan lost star recruit Tyler Zeigler to transfer (Pitt) and then canned Zeigler’s dad, head coach Ernie Zeigler, after an 11-21 record (14-16-1 ATS) last season. The Chippewas rolled the dice on Davis, and so far it’s paid off – at least for bettors.
Dave Pilipovich - Air Force Falcons (9-5 SU, 6-3 ATS)
Pilipovich, an assistant under fired head coach Jeff Reynolds, has Air Force contending in the stacked MWC. The Falcons covered versus Florida in December and just missed an upset win over UNLV, losing in OT last weekend. Air Force is one of the better 3-point shooting teams in the country – always music to bettor’s ears.
Worst new coaches ATS
Jerod Haase – UAB Blazers (8-9 SU, 4-10 ATS)
Haase, an assistant at North Carolina, has tried to instill an up-tempo offense at UAB (73.6 points per game) but forgot about the defensive side of the playbook (299th in the country). The Blazers have been good at home (7-1 SU) but dismal on the road (1-6 SU).
Tony Benford - North Texas Mean Green (7-11 SU, 4-9 ATS)
Benford, an assistant at Marquette, inherited a contender in the Sun Belt when Johnny Jones took the job at LSU. However, the Mean Green have fallen short of those expectations under their new head coach. Injuries and the disappointing play of star forward Tony Mitchell is to blame.
Jay Spoonhour - Eastern Illinois Panthers (3-15 SU, 4-9 ATS)
The Panthers have lost 11 straight heading into Thursday’s date with OVC power Murray State, covering the spread in two of the nine lined games during that span. Spoonhour hasn’t had it easy in Charleston, inheriting no starters and having to rely on a slew of new players. That’s the big reason EIU is among the worst offensive teams in the country - 56.7 points per game
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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01-17-13 11:32 PM |
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CNOTES
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NCAAB
Thursday, January 17
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Study group: Thursday's Top 25 NCB betting notes
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(5) Michigan Wolverines at (12) Minnesota Golden Gophers (-3)
Both the Wolverines and Golden Gophers are coming off their first losses in league play. Michigan was the last unbeaten team in the country and had the inside track on gaining the No. 1 ranking before it suffered a 56-53 setback at Ohio State on Sunday, producing its worst offensive output since last Jan. 29, also at the Buckeyes. The Wolverines averaged 90.2 points over a five-game stretch before producing 62 against Nebraska and 53 against Ohio State. Despite a furious second-half rally that nearly erased a 23-point halftime deficit, Minnesota lost at Indiana on Saturday, 88-81. Michigan is Minnesota's fourth ranked opponent in the last five games. The Golden Gophers are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games vs. Big Ten opponents.
(9) Florida Gators at Texas A&M Aggies (+9.5)
Texas A&M, hot off an outstanding performance at Kentucky last Saturday, takes a four-game win streak into its first contest against a ranked team. Elston Turner was named National Player of the Week after his 40-point explosion, including six 3-pointers, in the 83-71 victory against Kentucky. The senior guard will have to come up with another big effort against the Gators, who allow an average of 52 points and 36.5 percent shooting from the field. Florida has also won four straight, winning its first two league games by 33 and 22 points despite injury problems. Second-leading scorer Mike Rosario, who missed the last game with an ankle sprain, is expected to return to the lineup. The Aggies are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games.
Northwestern Wildcats at (22) Illinois Fighting Illini (-10.5)
Illinois started the season with 12 consecutive victories but has now lost four of six games. The 1-3 start in Big Ten play includes back-to-back thumpings by Minnesota (17 points) and Wisconsin (23). Northwestern is also is off to a 1-3 conference start and those losses have been by an average of 22 points. Illinois has won 21 of the past 25 meetings, but the teams split two meetings last season with the road team winning on each occasion. The Fighting Illini are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games following a loss.
Oregon State Beavers at (25) UCLA Bruins (-14.5)
UCLA will try to start 5-0 in conference play for the first time since 2003-04 when the Bruins host Oregon State. The Bruins have won nine in a row overall and been especially tough to beat in nail-biters this season, owning a 6-1 record in games decided by four points or less. Oregon State will be without forward Eric Moreland for this one. Moreland is the sixth-leading rebounder in the nation (11.1) and will miss his third straight game for violating team rules. The Beavers are 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at (3) Duke Blue Devils (-16.5)
Duke looks to rebound from its first loss of the season when Georgia Tech visits. The Blue Devils were without third-leading scorer Ryan Kelly (foot) in the 84-76 loss at North Carolina State last Saturday and second-leading scorer Seth Curry sprained his ankle late in the contest. Kelly is out indefinitely with a foot injury and Curry is expected to return against Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets shoot 42.1 percent from the field and average 65.5 points. They can be difficult to defend at times with four players averaging between 11 and nine points. Duke is 1-7 ATS in its last eight vs. ACC foes.
St. Joseph’s Hawks at (19) VCU Rams (-10)
The Rams have won 11 straight behind an aggressive defense. VCU hasn't allowed an opponent to score more than 70 points this season and leads the country in turnover margin (plus-8.6) and steals (13.2) - a stat the Rams also led last season. The Rams have nine double-digit victories during their current 11-game win streak and are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games.
(8) Gonzaga Bulldogs at Portland Pilots (+16.5)
The Bulldogs have won seven consecutive games and are coming off an 83-78 conference-showdown victory over Saint Mary’s. Junior forward Kelly Olynyk scored 31 points against Saint Mary’s to follow up a 33-point outing against Santa Clara. Portland is playing at home for the first time since Dec. 29 and is 6-2 on its home floor. The Pilots notched a 68-64 road win over Loyola Marymount last Saturday but have lost 18 straight games against Gonzaga.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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01-17-13 11:33 PM |
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CNOTES
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NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up
Thursday, January 17
-- Florida allowed 48 ppg in winning its first two SEC games by 33-22 points; Gators are 3-1 in true road games, with only loss at Arizona in game they led by six in last minute. Texas A&M won its first two SEC games by 18-12 point, with win at Kentucky; they're shooting 38.9% on arc (#21 in US); how did they lose at home to Southern? SEC home dogs are 3-2 against the spread.
-- Valparaiso won five of last six games vs Detroit, but lost to Titans by 20 in Horizon League title game LY, third year in row teams met in the conference tourney. Crusaders won last two visits here, by 10-2 points. 13-5 Valpo was held to 54 or less points in four of five losses this year; they're 5-4 on road, with win at Murray State. Horizon home favorites of 5 or less points are 3-1 vs spread.
-- 16-1 Michigan lost for first time at Ohio State Sunday, its first loss in three true road games; Wolverines won three in row, seven of last eight games vs Minnesota, beating Gophers in OT in conference tourney last spring. Michigan is 3-0 in last three visits here, winning by 3-8-7 points. Big Dozen road teams are 5-3 vs spread if number is 5 or less. Gophers lost last game by 7 at Indiana, after being down 52-29 at the half.
-- Middle Tennessee is 3-0 in Sun Belt home games, winning by 17-18-10 points; Blue Raiders are 5-3 in last eight games vs Little Rock- home team won four of last five. UALR is 0-6 on road this year, losing league away games by 14-9-3 points. Trojans lost last two visits here, by 17-8 points. Sun Belt home favorites are 13-6 vs spread, 3-2 if laying double digits. Middle Tennessee is forcing turnovers 24.6% of time (#22).
-- Home side won seven of last eight South Florida-Rutgers games; USF lost lost three of last four visits here, losing by 18-3-9 points. Big East home favorites of 6 or less points are 0-8 vs spread. Bulls scored 45 ppg in losing first three league games by 11-8-26 points; they're only winless team in Big East. Rutgers is 2-2 in conference, but wins were by total of seven points, with Knights scoring just 59 ppg in four games.
-- New Mexico State is 4-2 in WAC after winning pair of road games by total of 3 points last week; they won two home games by 20-11 points. Utah State is 5-0 in WAC, with three of five wins by 7 or less points. Home side won 11 of last 15 USU-NMS games, as USU lost five of last seven visits to Las Cruces, losing by 3-7-30-3-20 points. WAC home favorites are 3-11 against the spread, 1-7 if laying single digits.
-- 14-3 VCU hasn't lost since Thanksgiving weekend; they've won 12 in a row, winning first two Atlantic 16 games by 12-7 points. Rams force turnovers 30.7% of time, #1 in country. St Joe's won four of last five, losing at home by 6 to Butler. Hawks are #38 in country at protecting ball; they're 4-2 on road- only one of their five losses was by more than seven points. A-16 home favorites are 9-5 vs spread.
-- Oregon State is 0-3 in Pac-12 play, losing three home tilts; they beat UCLA in Corvallis LY, ending 13-game series losing skid. Beavers lost last eight visits here, by 11-8-18-47-35-25-9-8 points. Bruins are 14-3 after slow start, 4-0 in Pac-12, winning its home games by 14-8 points. Beavers won by 5 at Portland State in its only true road game this year. Pac-12 home favorites are 6-16 vs spread, 1-4 if laying 8+ points.
-- Fullerton won five of last seven games vs Irvine, winning last three in its home gym, all by six points; Titans are 3-1 in conference, winning its two home games by by 7-2 points. Anteaters beat Fullerton in Big West tourney last spring. Home team is 5-0 SU in Irvine's Big West games, as Anteaters lost two road games, by 3-5 points. Big West home favorites of 5 or less points are 3-8 against the spread.
-- This is USC's first game since firing O'Neill; chances are they'll play a little faster. 7-10 Trojans have played #12 schedule in country, that did not help the former coach. Oregon won last five games vs USC, winning last two here by ten points each; Ducks are 2-1 on road, with wins at UNLV/Oregon State, losing at UTEP in triple OT. Pac-12 underdogs are 21-6 vs spread, 5-0 at home. USC is 2-1 at home in conference.
-- Belmont scored 87.8 ppg in winning first four OVC games, winning at home by 35-37 points, but Eastern Kentucky is also 4-0 in OVC, while allowing only 60.8 ppg. Three of EKU's wins were at home, but they've won at Murray State, scoring 20 unanswered points in that game. OVC double digit home favorites are 4-6 vs spread. EKU lost at Illinois by 13, West Virginia by 7, in its only two top 100 games.
-- Western Illinois won its last ten games, but best team they beat in the 10 games was #149 Ill-Chicago; WIU lost its last seven games vs South Dakota State, losing to Jackrabbits in OT in Summit finals last March. State won last three visits here, by 1-31-6 points; they're 9-2 vs teams outside top 100, but just 3-6 in true road games. Summit home favorites are 5-9 vs spread, 3-5 if laying single digits.
-- Tennessee State won four of last six games vs Jacksonville State, with 66-57 road win 12 days ago, when Gamecocks shot just 34.2% at home, 19-34 from foul line. Tigers won last six games after 3-7 start; they are 5-0 in OVC, winning home tilts by 8-32-12 points. JSU allowed 57 ppg in winning all three of its conference road games. OVC home favorites are 7-9 against spread, 3-3 if laying single digits.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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01-17-13 11:37 PM |
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CNOTES
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NCAAB
Dunkel
Stony Brook at Vermont
The Seawolves look to build on their 6-0 ATS record in their last 6 road games. Stony Brook is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Seawolves favored by 6. Dunkel Pick: Stony Brook (-3). Here are all of today's games.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 18
Game 819-820: Fairfield at Iona (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Fairfield 56.441; Iona 64.220
Dunkel Line: Iona by 8; 138
Vegas Line: Iona by 6; 142 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Iona (-6); Under
Game 831-832: Stony Brook at Vermont (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Stony Brook 60.252; Vermont 54.092
Dunkel Line: Stony Brook by 6; 120
Vegas Line: Stony Brook by 3; 115 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Stony Brook (-3); Over
NCAAB
Long Sheet
Friday, January 18
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FAIRFIELD (10 - 8) at IONA (11 - 6) - 1/18/2013, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FAIRFIELD is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
FAIRFIELD is 76-52 ATS (+18.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games since 1997.
IONA is 43-65 ATS (-28.5 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
FAIRFIELD is 4-1 against the spread versus IONA over the last 3 seasons
IONA is 3-2 straight up against FAIRFIELD over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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STONY BROOK (13 - 4) at VERMONT (11 - 6) - 1/18/2013, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VERMONT is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
VERMONT is 2-1 against the spread versus STONY BROOK over the last 3 seasons
VERMONT is 4-2 straight up against STONY BROOK over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NCAAB
Top 25 Short Sheet
Friday, January 18
** No Top 25 CBB Game Scheduled for Friday **
NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up
Friday, January 18
Iona won three of last four games with Fairfield, but lost by 10 to Stags in semis of MAAC tourney last March; home teams won 10 of last 11 in series- Fairfield lost its last five visits to New Rochelle, by 15-4-10-5-5 points. Gaels won last five games, scoring 87 ppg in last three- they are 3-0 at home in MAAC, winning by 11-8-10 points. Fairfield lost its last three games by 4-5-3 points. MAAC home favorites of six points or less are 3-6 against the spread this season.
Vermont won 51-43 at Stony Brook in America East finals LY; they are 6-4 in last ten series games, with Sea Wolves losing nine of last ten visits here. Stony Brook is 10-1 vs teams outside top 100, losing November 18 to Sacred Heart by a hoop- they're 4-0 in conference this year, with all four wins by 14+ points. Catamounts are 3-0 at home in America East, winning by 25-15-24 points; they're 1-1 vs top 100 teams, losing by 18 at UConn, winning at Harvard.
NCAAB
Friday, January 18
First Post
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Trend Report
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9:00 PM
FAIRFIELD vs. IONA
Fairfield is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Iona
Fairfield is 4-7-2 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
Iona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Iona's last 5 games when playing Fairfield
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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01-19-13 12:05 AM |
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CNOTES
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NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up
Saturday, January 19
-- North Carolina won its last four games vs Maryland, winning three in row at Deandome by 17-11-24 points; they beat Terps three times LY, including 85-69 in ACC tourney. Maryland lost two of last three games, scoring 53.3 ppg; they're 1-1 on road,losing by 7 at Miami after winning at Northwestern Nov 27. Carolina is 1-2 in ACC; they're in bottom 20 in nation at getting to foul line. ACC HFs of 5 or less points are 2-4.
-- UConn won its last two games vs Pitt, but lost last three visits here, by 9-10-15 points. Huskies split two road games, losing at Marquette in OT, winning at Notre Dame- they're 5-4 vs top 100 teams. Only one of Pitt's 14 wins is by less than 13 points, but they're 2-3 last five games, losing last two home games vs Cincinnati/Marquette. Big East HFs are 7-14 vs spread, but 7-5 if laying 7+ points.
-- Mizzou big man Bowers is still out; Tigers are 13-3, but 0-2 on road, losing in OT at UCLA, by 15 at Ole Miss, in what was their first SEC road game. Florida won first three SEC games, by 33-22-21 points; they are #6 in country in eFG%, holding foes to 39.4% inside arc. SEC HFs are 6-8 vs spread, 3-3 if laying double digits. 13-2 Gators don't have win by less than 13 points this season.
-- Arizona won three of last four games vs Arizona State; they're 2-3 last five visits to Tempe, where frosh PG Carson has Sun Devils 14-3, 3-1 in Pac-12, with only loss by 3 at Oregon. 15-1 Wildcats are 3-1 away from home, losing by 4 at Oregon last week; three of their last four wins are by 3 or less points, or in OT. Underdogs are 23-6 vs spread in Pac-12 this season, 6-0 at home.
-- Wichita State is 5-3 in last eight games vs Creighton; they've done well defending Bluejay star McDermott, winning three of last four in series at home. Shockers are 3-0 at home in Valley, winning by 23-6-12 points. Creighton makes 45.4% behind arc, best in nation; they've won last 11 games, winning by 7 at Illinois State, 22 at Missouri State. MVC HFs are 6-11 vs spread, 3-3 if laying 6 or less points.
-- 15-3 UCLA is 5-0 in Pac-12, winning first three home games by 14-8-10 points; prize frosh Muhammad is making 46.7% behind arc. Oregon won four of last six games vs UCLA, but they're 1-7 last eight visits to Westwood, losing by 7-12-17-12-10-26-10 points. Ducks won all four league games, with last three wins all by 4 or less points. Underdogs are 23-6 vs spread in Pac-12, 10-3 if getting 6 or less points on road.
-- Syracuse held Louisville to 51-49 points in pair of wins LY, but they lost previous seven games vs Cardinals. Orange lost four of last five at Louisville, losing by 5-11-10-4 points. Cardinals force turnovers 28.8% of time (#2 in country); they're 4-0 in Big East, with 15 points closest win. Southerland (SU's best 3-point shooter) didn't make trip (eligibility issue). Big East HFs are 7-14 vs spread, 7-5 if laying 7+ points.
-- Ohio State won four of last six visits to Michigan State, winning last two by 7-2 points, but they lost to Spartans in Big Dozen tourney final LY. Buckeyes are 1-2 on road, losing by 5 at Duke, 19 at Illinois, with a 10-point win at Purdue. Spartans are 11-0 at home, won last four games, but against lesser teams in league. Big Dozen home teams are 4-6 against spread if number is 5 or less points.
-- Tough road spot for UNLV, after great road win at San Diego State on Wednesday- they won 16 of last 19 games vs Colorado State, but split last four; Rebels split last four visits here, losing 66-59 here LY. State is #5 experienced team in country; they're 10-0 at home, 2-2 vs teams in top 100, but wins were in November. Rams are #1 defensive rebounding team in country. MWC HFs are 5-3 vs spread.
-- San Diego State won last five games vs Wyoming, winning by 27-10 in last two visits to Laramie; Aztecs are 3-0 on road, winning at Missouri State/USC/Fresno- they lost at home to UNLV last game. Wyoming lost two of three in MWC after 12-0 pre-conference mark; they're not going to get 2nd-leading scorer Martinez (assault investigation) back, and they need him- Fresno held them to 36 points last game.
-- Clarke (neck) is still out for Butler, which won last 12 games- they're 3-0 in league, winning by 6-6-15 points, 5-2 vs top 100 teams- best win was by point at buzzer over #41 Marquette. Gonzaga won its last eight games, with five top 100 wins; four of their last five games have been on road (wins at Oklahoma State/St Mary's). Butler lost 71-55 at Gonzaga LY. A-16 is #8-ranked league, WCC is #10.
-- Belmont is 5-0 in first season in OVC, winning home games by 35-37-7 points; they've won last five games vs Tennessee State, by 13-15-28-9-11 points. Bruins make 56% of shots inside arc (#5 in country). State is 6-0 in OVC after 6-7 mark vs non-conference slate (#33 in country); Tigers are 0-4 vs top 100 teams, with four losses by 15+ points. OVC HFs of 15 or less points are 7-12 against the spread.
-- North Dakota State's leading scorer Braun is out, but Bison won last eight games, with four road wins by 17+ points. State lost three times to Western Illinois LY, including 58-53 in Summit tourney. Summit League HUs are 4-8 vs spread. 13-4 WIU had 10-game win streak snapped by South Dakota State last game; Leathernecks play slowest pace in nation, they're #9 experienced team in country.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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01-19-13 05:11 PM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 12017
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NCAAB
Saturday, January 19
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Study group: Saturday’s Top 25 NCB betting notes
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Missouri Tigers at Florida Gators (-13, 136)
For most of Billy Donovan’s first 16 seasons as the coach with No. 9 Florida, his teams have been strong offensive teams. This edition of the Gators is easily on pace to become the best defensive squad he’s had, something No. 16 Missouri may learn the hard way on Saturday when they meet for the first time ever. During his time in Gainesville, Donovan’s teams have surrendered an average of 66.8 points, but this team is ranked third in the nation in scoring defense at 51.7 points per game and coming off another fine effort in Thursday’s 68-47 victory at Texas A&M. The Tigers counter with the country’s best rebounding team, although the uncertain status of injured leading scorer Laurence Bowers looms large against the Gators’ front line. Missouri bounced back from a 15-point loss at Mississippi last Saturday with a 79-62 win over Georgia on Wednesday.
Kansas Jayhawks at Texas Longhorns (+8, 125)
With a potential marquee game on the horizon, Kansas will look to remain undefeated in Big 12 play when it visits struggling Texas on Saturday. The fourth-ranked Jayhawks enter as one of two teams without a loss in the conference. The other is No. 18 Kansas State, which hosts Kansas on Tuesday. After an overtime win against Iowa State to begin their Big 12 slate, the Jayhawks have barely been tested in victories over Texas Tech and Baylor. Freshman star Ben McLemore scored 17 points in the triumph over the Bears before exiting with a sprained right ankle. McLemore returned to practice Thursday and expects to play against the Longhorns. It has been a frustrating stretch for Texas, which lost back-to-back overtime affairs to begin Big 12 play and then lost by 20 at Iowa State last Saturday.
Arizona Wildcats at Arizona State Sun Devils (+6, 132)
An intense in-state rivalry will help take an early snapshot of the Pac-12 title race when Arizona State hosts seventh-ranked Arizona on Saturday afternoon. Both teams will look to avoid a costly second loss in what is shaping up to be a top-heavy league. The Wildcats are wrapping up a three-game road swing. They opened the stretch with their first loss - a 70-66 defeat at Oregon - but rebounded with an 80-70 win at Oregon State last Saturday. The Sun Devils also suffered their lone conference loss to the Ducks, losing 68-65 at Oregon on Sunday to snap a six-game win streak. Arizona has won 28 of the past 36 meetings in the series that dates to 1914, but Arizona State has claimed seven of the past 11, including an 87-80 home win in the most recent contest March 4.
Oklahoma Sooners at Kansas State Wildcats (-5, 124)
Oklahoma and No. 18 Kansas State are off to their best league starts in years but one will fall from the ranks of the Big 12 Conference's unbeaten on Saturday. The host Wildcats are 3-0 in Big 12 play for the second time since the league started in 1997 while the Sooners are 3-0 for the first time since an 11-0 start in 2009. Kansas State is undefeated at home and has won seven straight overall. The Sooners had five players score in double figures for the first time this year in Wednesday's 81-63 win against Texas Tech, Oklahoma's fifth straight.
Creighton Bluejays at Wichita State Shockers (-2.5, 141)
Doug McDermott and No. 10 Creighton travel to Wichita, Kan., for a matchup Saturday between the top two teams in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Bluejays are fresh off a 79-68 win over Northern Iowa on Tuesday. McDermott, the nation's second-leading scorer at 24 points per game, tallied 21 of his 31 points in the second half to turn a five-point halftime lead into a comfortable cushion. That performance came four nights after the returning consensus First Team All-American made 14 shots in a row, singlehandedly outscored Missouri State 28-24 in the second half and finished with 39 points and 10 rebounds in Creighton's 74-52 rout of the Bears. Wichita State hosts the Bluejays with only two blemishes: a 69-60 loss to Tennessee on Dec. 13 and a 71-67 defeat at the hands of Evansville on Sunday. The Shockers beat Illinois State 74-62 on Wednesday.
Syracuse Orange at Louisville Cardinals (-7, 135)
The Cardinals have breezed through their first four conference games and are coming off a 73-58 win at Connecticut on Monday, the same day they ascended to the top spot in the national polls for the third time in school history. The Orange have had a bit more trouble staying undefeated in league play, winning their past three games by 11 points or less, including a 72-61 home win over Villanova last Saturday. Louisville has won seven of the past nine meetings, but Syracuse claimed both contests last season.
Oregon Ducks at UCLA Bruins (-5, 144)
A season after struggling to put two teams into the NCAA Tournament, the Pac-12 appears to have a plethora of worthy candidates this season. Two of the conference’s best will jockey for early positioning atop the league standings on Saturday when No. 25 UCLA hosts Oregon. The Bruins have rolled off 10 consecutive wins and won their first five conference games for the first time since 2003-04 – coach Ben Howland's first season in Westwood – after defeating Oregon State 74-64 on Thursday. The 5-0 start has UCLA a half-game ahead of Washington and Oregon, the latter of which is on a six-game winning streak but nearly blew a late 10-point lead on the road in Thursday’s 76-74 triumph over USC. The Ducks’ 4-0 mark in league play is their best since the 1973-74 team began the Pac-8 season with the same record.
Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan State Spartans (Pick, 132)
No. 17 Michigan State has been on a role since dropping its Big Ten opener at Minnesota on Dec. 31. The Spartans will put their perfect January on the line Saturday, when they host No. 11 Ohio State. The Buckeyes have had six days off since hosting rival Michigan and knocking off the last unbeaten team in the country. Traditionally among the best defensive teams in the conference, Michigan State could have its hands full with Deshaun Thomas. Thomas leads the Big Ten in scoring at 20.3 points and has put up at least 20 in each of the last four contests. The Spartans got a big game from Adreian Payne following some team-imposed discipline on Wednesday and have gone over 80 points in each of their first two Big Ten home games. Michigan State is kicking off a stretch of four of five games against ranked teams with the Buckeyes.
VCU Rams at Duquesne Dukes (+12, 146)
Two nights after a hard-fought overtime win over St. Joseph's, 19th-ranked Virginia Commonwealth will shoot for its 13th consecutive victory when it travels to Duquesne on Saturday night at CONSOL Energy Center. It's a matchup of one of the preseason favorites to win the Atlantic 10 in VCU against a Duquesne squad picked to finish last in the 16-team league. The Rams outlasted St. Joseph's, 92-86, to remain undefeated in their first season of Atlantic 10 play. They haven't lost since dropping consecutive games to Duke and Missouri in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. The Dukes have dropped five straight, including their first three Atlantic 10 contests. They're coming off a 79-66 loss at Massachusetts on Thursday.
UNLV Runnin' Rebels at Colorado State Rams (-3.5, 139)
UNLV looks to snap another team’s long home winning streak when the 23rd-ranked Rebels visit Colorado State, which has won 23 straight home games at Moby Arena. UNLV ended San Diego State’s 10-game home winning streak with an 82-75 win on Wednesday, while Colorado State cruised to a 39-point win over Air Force. The Rams are ranked first nationally with a plus-14.1 rebound margin, but they’ll be tested by the physical Rebels. UNLV boasts one of the top freshmen in the country in forward Anthony Bennett, who leads the Rebels in scoring (19) and rebounds (8.9). The Rams have four players averaging at least 11.4 points, including top scorer Colton Iverson (14.9).
Marquette Golden Eagles at Cincinnati Bearcats (-7, 128)
Cincinnati will try to end a three-game home-losing streak Saturday night when the No. 24 Bearcats host Marquette in a Big East game. Cincinnati might be without one of its best players, senior point guard Cashmere Wright, who sprained his left knee early in the second half of Tuesday’s victory at DePaul and did not return. Wright did not suffer structural damage, the team reported, but is considered day-to-day in his recovery. Wright is second on the team in scoring (15.1) and leads in assists (3.7) and steals (1.9). He scored 20 points before the injury against DePaul and 23 last Saturday in a victory at Rutgers. Marquette has won six in a row, including two in overtime and the others by single digits. A win against the Bearcats would go a long way toward getting the Golden Eagles into the USA Today top 25 coaches poll.
San Diego State Aztecs at Wyoming Cowboys (-1.5, 118)
San Diego State visits Wyoming on Saturday looking to rebound from an 82-75 loss to No. 23 UNLV on Wednesday. Jamaal Franklin scored a game-high 27 points and grabbed seven rebounds, but the No. 14 Aztecs allowed the Rebels to shoot 51.6 percent and were outrebounded 41-28 in the loss. Wyoming lost to Fresno State 49-36 on Wednesday, shooting 24 percent from the field. The Cowboys lost two of their first three Mountain West games and are 2-2 since leading scorer Luke Martinez broke his right hand during a bar fight on Dec. 30. Martinez was also arrested for aggravated assault and suspended indefinitely over the weekend.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-12.5, 138)
Offensive efficiency was one of several reasons No. 20 Notre Dame was able to match its longest winning streak in coach Mike Brey’s tenure. On Saturday, the Fighting Irish hope to avoid their longest losing streak in almost three years when they host Rutgers. Notre Dame shot 53.3 percent and averaged 78.3 points during a 12-game run that ended with last Saturday’s 65-58 loss to Connecticut. The Irish fell under both marks for the second straight game in Tuesday’s 67-63 setback at St. John’s. Notre Dame hasn’t lost three in a row since Feb. 11-17, 2010, but will try to reassert its home dominance against the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers is off to its best start since beginning the 2005-06 season with a 12-4 record after Thursday’s 70-67 victory over South Florida.
Gonzaga Bulldogs at Butler Bulldogs (+2, 138)
Butler will be shorthanded when it hosts No. 8 Gonzaga in a non-conference game Saturday. The No. 13 Bulldogs will be without leading scorer Rotnei Clarke, who suffered a neck injury in last Saturday's victory at Dayton when he crashed headfirst into a support post under the basket. Clarke, a senior point guard who transferred from Arkansas, averages 16.3 points while shooting 44.4 percent from 3-point range. Alex Barlow is expected to start in his place for the second consecutive game, but the Bulldogs will need a team effort to fill his shoes in the scoring column. Gonzaga’s only loss this season came against Illinois, which also handed Butler one of its two defeats. Butler still has the size to match up with the Bulldogs. Andrew Smith, a 6-11 senior center who averages 12 points and 5.2 rebounds, will likely be locked up against Gonzaga’s leading scorer, 7-1 junior Kelly Olynyk.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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01-19-13 05:13 PM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 12017
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Exposing the Top 25: Where the polls went wrong
Each week throughout the college basketball season, Covers Expert Jesse Schule will dissect the new Top 25 rankings, looking for betting value. He'll showcase the most overrated team, along with the most underrated ranked team, and an unranked squad that he feels should be in the Top 25.
Most Underrated Top 25 Team - New Mexico Lobos (16-2 SU, 9-7-1 ATS)
The Lobos have faced three Top-25 teams so far this season, and picked up victories in each of those games against Connecticut, Cincinnati and UNLV. Despite the fact they rank among the worst shooting teams in the nation, hitting just 41.6 percent of their shots from the field, they have been a good bet. The Lobos have cashed a winning ticket, covering the points in four of their last five games.
New Mexico has a tough challenge coming up this weekend when they clash with the San Diego State Aztecs at the Aztec Bowl on Saturday. They might be catching the Aztecs at a good time though, as San Diego State is coming off back-to-back losses, and starting G Xavier Thames remains questionable with a back injury.
Most Overrated Top 25 Team - San Diego State Aztecs (14-4 SU, 7-6 ATS)
The Aztecs are coming off consecutive losses to unranked teams, losing 82-75 at home against UNLV on January 16, and then falling 58-45 at Wyoming just three days later. San Diego State is one of the poorest shooting teams in the country, ranking 158th in the nation, hitting just 43.6 percent from the field.
The Aztecs will look to avoid a third consecutive loss to a Top 25 team this Saturday when they take on the New Mexico Lobos at home. They lost earlier this season to Syracuse and Arizona in their only two games against ranked opponents.
Unranked Team That Should Be Ranked – Miami Florida (13-3 SU, 10-3 ATS)
The Hurricanes have reeled off five wins in a row, three of those on the road. They covered the spread in four of those five victories, and they have been a great bet all season with a 13-3 ATS record.
Miami will host top-ranked Duke on Wednesday and the Hurricanes are getting just three points in that game (Update: Miami upset Duke 90-63). The Hurricanes are getting respect from the books against the nation's top team, perhaps because they've covered the points in 10 of their last 13 home games. They will also be tested next week when they take on the Wolfpack in North Carolina.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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01-26-13 05:11 AM |
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