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CNOTES
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NCAAB
Top 25 Short Sheet
Thursday, December 27
New Mexico at Cincinnati, 9:00 ET ESPN2
New Mexico: 15-4 ATS after playing as a home favorite
Cincinnati: 0-7 ATS at home off a win by 10+ points
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NCAAB
Thursday, December 27
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Fast Break: Wyatt shines vs. Syracuse, Muhammad finds rhythm, more
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by Seth Davis
The Christmas rush has not slowed down the Fast Break. We're flying this week with a high-scoring Owl and a pair of sticky Hawks. We've got jumping Jackrabbits and galloping Griffins. And if you're in the mood for a little holiday inspiration, we have a visit with a midmajor coach who won over hearts and minds by seizing a microphone in Columbus. So climb aboard, little elves, and fill the lanes with me. Ho ho ho!
Player of the Week: Khalif Wyatt, six-foot-four senior guard, Temple
These are weekly awards, not single-game awards, but Wyatt's effort against third-ranked Syracuse on Saturday was too sublime to pass up. Coming just three days after the Owls lost at home to Canisius (Wyatt had 17 points in that game, although he needed 16 shots to do it), the 6-foot-4 senior went for 33 points, four assists and three rebounds in the 83-79 upset. The best part of Wyatt's afternoon was his use of the foul line, where made all 15 of his attempts. Wyatt and his teammates obviously have consistency issues, but give him credit for being a giant slayer. Last season, he had 22 points, five steals and three assists in a 78-73 upset of No. 3 Duke.
Team of the Week: South Dakota State
There was no logical reason to believe the Jackrabbits could win at New Mexico on Saturday. In their previous outing, they had lost by 27 points at Belmont. Inclement weather canceled their connecting flight to Chicago, forcing them to take a 20-hour bus ride to Albuquerque. Moreover, the team's best player, 6-4 senior guard Nate Wolters, was playing on a bum ankle. And they were playing an undefeated, ranked team in one of the toughest road environments in the country. So of course, they won, 70-65, thanks to Wolters's 28-point, seven-assist, four-rebound effort. I'd say they earned a chartered flight back to Brookings.
Glue Guy of the Week: Travis Releford and Kevin Young, Kansas (tie)
These were the two tone-setters in the Jayhawks' 74-66 win at Ohio State on Saturday. While freshman Ben McLemore was racking up 22 points and senior center Jeff Withey was dominating the paint as usual, Releford and Young were the ones who held Kansas together despite a 14-0 Ohio State run midway through the first half. As usual, Releford drew the toughest defensive assignment, harassing the Buckeyes' leading scorer, Deshaun Thomas, into a 4-for-11 shooting day. Young, meanwhile, made just one field goal, but he grabbed ten rebounds to go along with three assists and one steal. It's not a coincidence that both these guys are fifth-year seniors. They're versatile, smart, tough and unselfish -- the very intangibles that turn a good team into a championship team.
Freshman of the Week: Shabazz Muhammad, UCLA
You remember this guy, right? It took a couple of weeks for Muhammad to get into a rhythm after missing the first three games with an NCAA suspension, but he is rounding into form. The 6-6 swingman from Las Vegas had a total of 48 points and 13 rebounds in UCLA's wins over Long Beach State and Fresno State. He has now scored more than 20 points in three straight games, and on the season he is averaging 18.8 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting 47.8 percent from three-point range. I sure hope that all those people who wrote the Bruins off two weeks ago did so in pencil.
Under-the-Radar Player of the Week: Billy Baron, Canisius
If I'm gonna give Wyatt some love, the least I can do is throw a bone to the guy who beat the Owls earlier in the week. Baron is literally Buffalo's favorite son. He transferred to Canisius over the summer because the school hired his father, Jim, after Jim was fired from Rhode Island. Previously, Billy left Virginia midway through his freshman season to join his dad at Rhode Island. Baron was terrific against the Owls, finishing with 19 points, five assists and four rebounds in the ten-point road win. He followed that up by scoring 30 points (on 4-for-7 three-point shooting) to go along with six assists and five rebounds in an 89-74 loss at UNLV. The Golden Griffins' 8-3 start includes two conference road wins. They've established themselves as the favorite in the MAAC, and Billy Baron is the biggest reason why.
Best Win: Kansas State 67, Florida 61
We knew the Wildcats had some players, but we didn't know how good of a team they were (and frankly, how good of a coach Bruce Weber was going to be for this group). In their only two tests of the season, they were badly outclassed by Michigan and Gonzaga. Both of those games were away from home, so if this team had suffered another pratfall against Florida in Kansas City, it could have damaged its confidence. Will Spradling, the 6-2 junior who grew up nearby in Overland Park, had arguably the finest game of his career (17 points, six rebounds, five assists and zero turnovers) against the Gators, while Jordan Henriquez added five blocks in 18 minutes off the bench. Kansas State pounded the Gators on the glass and locked up their three-point shooters. That's a nice dose of karma heading into the holidays.
Worst Loss: Old Dominion 63, Virginia 61
The Monarchs came into this game having lost nine consecutive games and owning a 1-10 record. It's understandable the Cavaliers might take them lightly, but to outright lose the game is unacceptable, especially since Virginia was up by 10 points early in the second half. Defensively, the Cavs allowed Old Dominion sophomore guard Dimitri Batten score a career-high 23 points. The loss snapped Virginia's eight-game win streak. Not exactly the way a team wants to head into conference play.
Most Hopeful Sign: Ryan Harrow, Kentucky
Sure, it was a home game against a Marshall team that was playing without leading scorer DeAndre Kane, who is out indefinitely with a hand injury. Still, given how rocky Harrow's season has been early on, his performance sent ripples of hope across the Commonwealth. Harrow, a 6-2 sophomore point guard who transferred from N.C. State, missed four games earlier this season because of a lingering flu and the ever-mysterious "personal issues" that prompted him to spend a few days back home in Georgia. He has been steadily more productive since returning six games ago, but he had a breakout game against Marshall, scoring a career-high 23 points. Harrow also had four rebounds, four assists and three steals in the 82-54 win. We'll find out more about this player and this team when they visit Louisville this weekend, but it looks like Harrow may finally be ready for his close-up.
Stat Line of the Week: Derrick Nix, Michigan State vs. Texas
Over his previous ten games, Nix attempted a total of 25 free throws. So it was pretty surprising to see him take 13 against the Longhorns. But what was truly stunning was that he made 13 of those en route to a career-high 25 points. When Nix was a freshman, he made just 27.1 percent from the foul line. As a junior, he made 58.1 percent. For good measure, Nix added 11 rebounds and four steals against the Longhorns. Pretty good day's work, I'd say.
Five Games I'm Psyched To See This Week
Arizona vs. San Diego State, Tuesday, 10 p.m. As if you have something better to do on Christmas night than watch this game. I can't wait to see Mark Lyons and Jamaal Franklin go at it.
New Mexico at Cincinnati, Thursday, 9 p.m. It looked like this was going to be the battle of unbeatens before the Lobos' loss at home to South Dakota State over the weekend. Cincinnati still hasn't lost, but the team has had a bear of a time scoring the ball. The Bearcats play great D, but they're going to need buckets if they want to stay perfect.
Missouri at UCLA, Friday, 10 p.m. As I mentioned earlier, the Bruins have been playing better the last two weeks, but those wins came against relatively weak competition. There's nothing weak about Missouri, but the Tigers don't have the same incentive. If UCLA really wants to turn its season around, it needs to win this one in Pauley.
UNLV at North Carolina, Saturday, 2 p.m. The Tar Heels are in a similar must-win position as the Bruins, only they're facing a UNLV team that is without one of its most important players in Mike Moser, the 6-8 junior forward who is out with a dislocate elbow. Still, the Tar Heels are really weak at center, so they'll have to shoot well from three to win this one.
Kentucky at Louisville, Saturday, 4 p.m. This is one major nonconference rivalry that John Calipari can't bring to an end. Thank goodness for that.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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12-27-12 09:40 PM |
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CNOTES
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Cincinnati Aims To Stay Undefeated Against New Mexico
New Mexico Lobos at Cincinnati Bearcats
College Basketball Betting Preview
Date: 12/27/2012 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: Cincinnati -8, O/U 136½
Television: ESPN2
New Mexico: Coach Steve Alford and the Lobos (12-1 straight-up, 5-6-1 against the spread) suffered their first loss of the season last Saturday with a 70-65 setback at home vs. South Dakota State. New Mexico was giving up 14½ points in the defeat that cost the Lobos a spot in the rankings after entering No. 16 and No. 17, respectively, according to the AP and Coaches Poll. South Dakota State's upset also stopped a 4-0-1 run against the spread for the Lobos, who began the campaign covering just one of their first six lined affairs. New Mexico is tied for 70th in the country, committing 12.4 turnovers per game, but in the bottom 20 percent coming up with just 5.3 steals per contest. Kendall Williams leads the Lobos in scoring, averaring nearly 15 points per game, and the junior point guard also tops the team charts with five assists each outing. Seven-foot sophomore Alex Kirk is New Mexico's leading rebounder with 7.5 per game.
Cincinnati: One of only five undefeated squads coming out of the Christmas break, the 'Cats (12-0 SU, 5-3 ATS) are ranked eighth in both polls released this past Monday. Thursday's clash with the Lobos is the last before Coach Mick Cronin's crew begins the Big East slate at Pittsburgh on New Year's Eve. Cincinnati struggled on the offensive end in its final two games before the holiday, combining to shoot just 35.6 percent (47-of-132) in victories vs. Xavier and Wright State, including 10-of-42 from outside the arc. The Bearcats rank 18th in scoring, averaging 79.8 points per game despite those shooting woes, and are second in rebounding (46.4 per game). Free-throw shooting has been an issue all season with Cincy 321st in the country, converting just over 61 percent of its charity tosses. Sean Kilpatrick leads the Bearcats with 19.2 ppg, and he is also second on the team in rebounding (6.3 per game). Cashmere Wright (14.2 ppg) and JaQuon Parker (11.6 ppg) follow Kilpatrick on the scoring list.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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12-27-12 09:43 PM |
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CNOTES
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NCAAB
Long Sheet
Friday, December 28
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DETROIT (7 - 5) at TEMPLE (9 - 2) - 12/28/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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PROVIDENCE (8 - 3) at BROWN (3 - 6) - 12/28/2012, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
PROVIDENCE is 2-0 against the spread versus BROWN over the last 3 seasons
PROVIDENCE is 2-0 straight up against BROWN over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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BAYLOR (8 - 3) at GONZAGA (11 - 1) - 12/28/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BAYLOR is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
GONZAGA is 1-0 against the spread versus BAYLOR over the last 3 seasons
GONZAGA is 1-0 straight up against BAYLOR over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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YALE (4 - 7) at NEVADA (8 - 4) - 12/28/2012, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEVADA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
NEVADA is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
YALE is 29-13 ATS (+14.7 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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MISSOURI (10 - 1) at UCLA (9 - 3) - 12/28/2012, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSOURI is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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AUSTIN PEAY (4 - 8) vs. UTAH VALLEY ST (6 - 8) - 12/28/2012, 4:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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HIGH POINT (4 - 6) at UT-CHATTANOOGA (3 - 8) - 12/28/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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HOWARD (3 - 10) at UCF (7 - 3) - 12/28/2012, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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BOSTON U (5 - 6) vs. BELMONT (8 - 3) - 12/28/2012, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON U is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
BOSTON U is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
BOSTON U is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
BELMONT is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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IONA (6 - 5) at ST JOSEPHS (5 - 4) - 12/28/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IONA is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
IONA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ST JOSEPHS is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ST JOSEPHS is 1-0 against the spread versus IONA over the last 3 seasons
IONA is 1-0 straight up against ST JOSEPHS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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RIDER (6 - 6) at RUTGERS (8 - 2) - 12/28/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RIDER is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
RUTGERS is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
RUTGERS is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) on Friday nights since 1997.
RUTGERS is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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SOUTHERN MISS (8 - 4) at MOREHEAD ST (5 - 7) - 12/28/2012, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MOREHEAD ST is 34-54 ATS (-25.4 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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BOWLING GREEN (5 - 6) at N DAKOTA (2 - 8) - 12/28/2012, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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SIU EDWARDSVL (4 - 5) at SAINT LOUIS (8 - 3) - 12/28/2012, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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JACKSONVILLE (5 - 7) at INDIANA (11 - 1) - 12/28/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
INDIANA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
INDIANA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points this season.
INDIANA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all home games this season.
INDIANA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home lined games this season.
INDIANA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
INDIANA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
INDIANA is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games after scoring 80 points or more this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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12-29-12 01:01 AM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up
Friday, December 28
-- 5-5 Detroit won four of last five games after 1-4 start (also have two non-D-I wins); Titans are 1-5 on road, with only win at #331 Akron- they're 1-4 vs top 100 teams, beating Akron at home, losing by 3-15-13-4 points. Temple just upset Syracuse after losing to Canisius; six of its nine wins are by 11+ points.
-- Providence won last five games with crosstown rival Brown by 31-27-16-24-19 points; Friars only play seven guys, are 4-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 1-32-10-34 points. Brown lost five of last six tilts, losing by 27 to Notre Dame, 21 to Northwestern in last two; they turn ball over 21.8% of time- this is their second game in last 20 days.
-- Gonzaga beat Baylor 68-64 in Texas two years ago, in last meeting in series; Bears are 4-2 vs top 100 teams, but Kentucky (64-55 Baylor win in inly road game) was only one of six that is ranked above #45. Gonzaga is 6-1 vs top 100 teams, 1-1 vs top 70, losing by 11 to Illinois at home, before beating K-State by 16- they shoot 57.5% inside the arc.
-- 7-4 Nevada won its last three games; they're 3-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 18-1-13 points; all four Wolf Pack losses are vs teams ranked from 138-165, so they're no superpower- they still haven't been in a top 100 game. 3-7 Yale is playing first D-I game in 20 days; they're turning ball over 23.6% of time, have one loss by more than 13 points.
-- First true road game for 10-1 Missouri's whose only loss was to #2 Louisville on neutral court; they beat rival Illinois in St Louis last game; Tigers' other top 100 win was by 3 over VCU on neutral floor. UCLA won last four games, scoring 91.7 ppg in last three; they're 1-2 against top 100 teams, with only win by a basket over Texas in Houston.
-- Underachieving Iona is 6-5, losing by 14 at LaSalle in only game with A-16 squad; they're 1-2 on road, winning by 3 at Georgia, losing by 2 at St Peter's. Gaels allowed 81+ points in four of five losses. St Joe's has also disappointed at 5-4, losing at home to MAAC's Fairfield last game; Hawks lost 104-99 in double OT at Iona last season.
-- 6-6 Rider scored 52-45 points in losing last two games; they turn ball over 24.9% of time, are 2-3 on road, losing by 12-13-17 points, winning at Drexel/Siena. Rutgers is playing better with Coach Rice suspended- this is last game of his sentence. Knights won four in row, eight of last nine games- they start Big East play with game at Syracuse next week.
-- Morehead State lost five of last six games, is putting opponents on the foul line more than any team in country; their old coach Tyndall comes to town here with new team Southern Miss which is 8-4 but turning ball over 25.9% of time. All four USM losses are against teams ranked in top 110- they're 4-0 vs teams not in top 200, with wins by 12-18-38-2.
-- Bowling Green lost last game in triple OT at South Florida; they're 0-2 on road, also losing by 11 at Robert Morris. North Dakota is 0-8 against D-I teams, losing last three games by 29-12-9 points; they make 28.9% of shots behind arc, lost home games vs D-I teams by 3-9 points. BG allowed average of 50.5 ppg in its four Division I wins.
-- Veteran Saint Louis squad won last five games, allowing 46.7 ppg in its last three; Billikens are 2-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 22-27 points- they've got New Mexico visiting Monday. SI-Edwardsville is 0-4 on road vs D-I teams, losing by 14-11-11-19 points; they're making only 39% of 2-point shots, turning ball over on 22% of possessions.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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12-29-12 01:03 AM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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NCAAB
Friday, December 28
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First look: UCLA vs. Missouri basketball
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by Peter Yoon
What: No. 7 Missouri Tigers (10-1) vs UCLA Bruins (9-3)
When: Friday, 7 p.m. PT
Where: Pauley Pavilion
TV: ESPN 2
Radio: AM 570
Scouting the Bruins: UCLA is on a season-best four-game win streak, but is looking for its first victory over a ranked opponent this season. Offensively, the Bruins have been on a tear the past three games as they are averaging 91.6 points per game and shooting 57.6 percent over that stretch. Freshmen Shabazz Muhammad (18.8 points per game) and Jordan Adams (18.2) continue to battle for the team’s scoring lead and both have scored 20 or more in consecutive games. Kyle Anderson joined the 20-point club last time out and is also the team’s top rebounder at 8.7 per game.
Scouting the Tigers: Missouri enters on a six-game win streak and is coming off of an impressive 82-73 victory over then-No. 10 Illinois. The Tigers have a lot of size and strength inside and are leading the nation in rebounding with 47.2 per game. Alex Oriakhi, a 6-9 forward, is averaging 9.1 rebounds per game while 6-7 forward Laurence Bowers is averaging 6.7. They have out-rebounded opponents by more than 14 per game. Bowers also leads the team in scoring with 16.9 points per game and has made 13 of 23 3-point attempts (56.5 percent). The Tigers average 78.2 points per game with quick point guard Phil Pressey running the offense. This will be Missouri’s first road game of the season, though the Tigers are 3-1 in neutral-site games. Their lone loss came against No. 4 Louisville.
The series: UCLA leads the series 5-1, though Missouri won the last time out with an 82-73 victory in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament. UCLA’s best memory in the series came during the 1995 run to the NCAA championship when Tyus Edney dribbled the length of the court in 4.8 seconds and scored the game-winning basket in a 75-74 victory in the second round of the NCAA tournament. This will be the first time since 1975 that the teams have met in Pauley Pavilion.
Quick quote: "We need a win over anybody we play, ranked or unranked,” UCLA coach Ben Howland on the importance of getting a win over a ranked opponent.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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12-29-12 01:06 AM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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NCAAB
Friday, December 28
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Sizing up the remaining unbeatens
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by Andy Katz
The beauty of the college basketball regular season is that a team can lose a few games and still be in fine position for a national championship run.
But there is always an allure about those who enter their conference season unblemished to see how invincible they will be entering the New Year.
Prior to Thursday night's games, there were five remaining unbeaten teams and 19 one-loss teams, as well as two others (Florida, 8-2) and (Kentucky, 8-3) that cannot and should not be dismissed from any Final Four discussion. Both the Wildcats and Gators have played a much more difficult schedule than the majority of one-loss and undefeated teams.
There are a slew of one-loss teams that are more than capable of winning the national title such as Kansas (10-1), Louisville (11-1), Syracuse (10-1), Indiana (11-1), Creighton (11-1), UNLV (11-1), Missouri (10-1) and Gonzaga (11-1). And it's easy to make the argument that those teams, such as Kansas, Louisville, Syracuse and Indiana, are more likely to challenge for the national title than the five remaining undefeated teams.
But for the purposes of this argument, let's look at the remaining unbeatens as they stand today:
Duke (11-0)
Most impressive wins: Minnesota, VCU and Louisville in successive days in Atlantis; Kentucky in Atlanta; Ohio State at home and Temple in New Jersey.
Biggest question answered: Quinn Cook is a starting point guard and has been a stable presence.
National player of the year candidate: Mason Plumlee. Plumlee has been a double-double machine for the Blue Devils. He may be the most reliable player at his position in the country.
Difference-maker: When Seth Curry is making 3s, the Blue Devils are even harder to beat.
What to watch for: How will Duke handle true road games in the ACC? The three toughest games on the schedule would seem to be at NC State (Jan. 12), at Maryland (Feb. 16) and at North Carolina (March 9).
Final Four potential: Duke has to be considered a favorite to land in Atlanta. The team possesses experience at key positions, younger players who are becoming increasingly comfortable, there is size inside and now a growing confidence that it can win the championship.
Michigan (12-0)
Most impressive wins: Pitt in New York at the NIT Season Tip-Off and NC State in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.
Biggest question answered: The Wolverines don't miss Stu Douglass and Zach Novak as much as was predicted. The youthful Wolverines have bought into John Beilein's defensive concepts.
National player of the year candidate: Trey Burke is an exceptional point guard. He gets the Wolverines up and running as efficiently as any point in the country. His play has allowed Tim Hardaway Jr., to flourish in his natural position.
Difference-maker: The continued development of the Michigan big men in Jordan Morgan, Mitch McGary and Glen Robinson III as well as the stretch shooting of Nik Stauskas.
What to watch for: How does Michigan get through the Big Ten gauntlet? The Big Ten is the toughest conference this season, and Michigan will have to navigate trips to Ohio State (Jan. 13), Minnesota (Jan. 17), Illinois (Jan. 27), Indiana (Feb. 2), Wisconsin (Feb. 9) and Michigan State (Feb. 12). I would put that conference road schedule against any other contender in the country. It's not close. This is the toughest.
Final Four potential: Michigan has proved that it has the point guard play, the shooting, the power play inside and can defend well enough to get to Atlanta.
Arizona (12-0)
Most impressive wins: Florida in Tucson and San Diego State in the final of the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu.
Biggest question answered: Mark Lyons has adjusted as well as any one-year transfer I can remember. He was handed a leadership role and has excelled, making a game-winning shot to beat Florida. He has proved to be a consistent presence for the Wildcats at the point.
National player of the year candidate: Lyons, Solomon Hill and Nick Johnson have all had their moments and will be in contention for Pac-12 player of the year. But none will get enough momentum for consideration for national player of the year.
Difference-maker: Johnson. He has been the ultimate glue guy, making key plays in a variety of ways, none bigger than blocking Chase Tapley's potential game-winning layup in the Diamond Head final.
What to watch for: Arizona is the favorite in the Pac-12 and enters the conference doing more than enough to raise the conference's profile. The road wins at Texas Tech and Clemson were games the Wildcats should have won and they did. The comeback win over Florida was a tremendous effort and confidence boost. Getting through the rugged Diamond Head proved they had the stamina. Now, Arizona has to rise to the challenge of being the team to beat in the Pac-12. It is more than doable based on the inconsistency of the rest of the conference.
Final Four potential: This squad has it. The key will be the continued development of the newcomers, notably Kaleb Tarczewski, who is getting featured more and more as he improves his activity on the court.
Cincinnati (12-0)
Most impressive wins: Oregon in Las Vegas; Xavier in a rivalry game and Alabama at home when the Tide were playing well.
Biggest question answered: The Bearcats are never going to be a dominant low-post scoring team. But when needed, the Bearcats have been able to finish around the basket. Titus Rubles, JaQuon Parker, Justin Jackson and Cheikh Mbodj can take care of business of scoring and defending the post when locked in to the task at hand. The Bearcats have bigs serviceable enough to get by in the Big East.
National player of the year candidate: Sean Kilpatrick will enter the Big East as a legit player of the year contender. He has the ability to score in bunches. He flourishes playing off Cashmere Wright, who has stabilized the point.
Difference-maker: Wright. Mick Cronin has the confidence to hand him the ball and let him make a play, as he did against Alabama. Wright is a senior and has asserted himself as much more of a leader on a team that desperately needed to be led.
What to watch for: The Bearcats take possessions off and sometimes go through the motions. That cannot happen in the Big East with a host of teams that could easily knock them from their perch. Cincinnati believes it is in the same category as Louisville and Syracuse and above Pitt, Georgetown and Notre Dame in the pecking order of Big East title contenders. Now the Bearcats have to prove it. The schedule didn't do them any favors since they go to Syracuse (Jan. 21) and Louisville (March 4) without a return game. Cincinnati will find out about itself early at Pitt (Dec. 31) and at home against Notre Dame (Jan. 7).
Final Four potential: The Bearcats have it, but I'd be surprised. The lack of a proven post player may cost them in trying to win four in the NCAA tournament. Their lack of focus at times could bite them in an early round.
Wyoming (12-0)
Most impressive wins: Colorado and at Illinois State.
Biggest question answered: Leonard Washington has been a leader for the Cowboys despite all his issues, including a suspension last year. The Cowboys weren't sure who they could rely on early on but Washington has done everything asked of him so far.
National player of the year candidate: Washington is a Mountain West Conference Player of the Year candidate, but he won't be in the conversation for the national honor.
Difference-maker: Larry Nance Jr. The sophomore has played up in the big games for Wyoming, scoring 14 against Colorado, 19 in the win over Illinois State and 21 in a win over rival Denver. The Cowboys' staple has been their defense, as you'd expect from a Larry Shyatt-coached team, but it's their surprisingly-balanced offense that has been a pleasant plus.
What to watch for: Wyoming may be in the most balanced league in the country. It has to deal with two games against UNLV, San Diego State, New Mexico, Colorado State and Boise State, let alone playing Nevada and Air Force. There are zero easy games on this schedule. To expect Wyoming to get through this without getting beaten up is unrealistic.
Final Four potential: No shot. But the Cowboys are going to the postseason. Shyatt has already put the Cowboys in the NIT conversation, barring a complete collapse. An NCAA berth is hardly out of the question if they can hold serve at the Arena Auditorium.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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12-29-12 01:08 AM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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NCAAB
Long Sheet
Sunday, December 30
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ILLINOIS ST (9 - 3) at INDIANA ST (7 - 4) - 12/30/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS ST is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA ST is 3-1 against the spread versus ILLINOIS ST over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA ST is 3-1 straight up against ILLINOIS ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PRINCETON (5 - 6) at AKRON (7 - 4) - 12/30/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AKRON is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
AKRON is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
AKRON is 16-3 ATS (+12.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
AKRON is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
AKRON is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
AKRON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
AKRON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
AKRON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.
AKRON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PRINCETON is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 65-44 ATS (+16.6 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.
PRINCETON is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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YALE (4 - 8) at ST MARYS-CA (9 - 3) - 12/30/2012, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST MARYS-CA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
YALE is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games in December games since 1997.
YALE is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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TULANE (10 - 3) at ALABAMA (7 - 4) - 12/30/2012, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULANE is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
ALABAMA is 27-46 ATS (-23.6 Units) in December games since 1997.
ALABAMA is 0-10 ATS (-11.0 Units) when playing with 7 or more days rest since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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N IOWA (7 - 5) at WICHITA ST (11 - 1) - 12/30/2012, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N IOWA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
WICHITA ST is 2-1 against the spread versus N IOWA over the last 3 seasons
WICHITA ST is 3-1 straight up against N IOWA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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S ILLINOIS (7 - 4) at MISSOURI ST (2 - 10) - 12/30/2012, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S ILLINOIS is 26-40 ATS (-18.0 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
S ILLINOIS is 26-40 ATS (-18.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
S ILLINOIS is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
S ILLINOIS is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 24-43 ATS (-23.3 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
MISSOURI ST is 45-70 ATS (-32.0 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
MISSOURI ST is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) after scoring 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games over the last 3 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MISSOURI ST is 2-2 against the spread versus S ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
MISSOURI ST is 5-0 straight up against S ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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DAYTON (9 - 3) at USC (4 - 8) - 12/30/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
USC is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
USC is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
USC is 4-17 ATS (-14.7 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
USC is 4-17 ATS (-14.7 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
USC is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) after scoring 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
USC is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
USC is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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WOFFORD (6 - 6) at VIRGINIA (9 - 3) - 12/30/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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CANISIUS (9 - 3) at DETROIT (7 - 5) - 12/30/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 21-41 ATS (-24.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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E KENTUCKY (10 - 2) at W VIRGINIA (6 - 5) - 12/30/2012, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W VIRGINIA is 20-3 ATS (+16.7 Units) as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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FURMAN (3 - 8) at SMU (9 - 4) - 12/30/2012, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FURMAN is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
FURMAN is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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LOYOLA-MD (9 - 4) at MEMPHIS (8 - 3) - 12/30/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in home games when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 189-144 ATS (+30.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 98-52 ATS (+40.8 Units) in road games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 98-52 ATS (+40.8 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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12-30-12 05:28 PM |
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CNOTES
FoxDen Hall of Famer
Registered: Feb 2006
Posts: 10543
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NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up
Sunday, December 30
-- Illinois State makes 59% of 2-point shots, best in country; they won last four games overall, but they've lost five visits to Terre Haute, by 6-15-7-5-4 points, with two of losses in OT. Redbirds are 2-1 on the road, with two wins by total of three points. Indiana State won two of three last week in Hawai'i, with both wins in OT vs teams in top 35.
-- 5-6 Princeton is second-tallest team in country; they're 3-2 on road, losing by 20 at Syracuse, 6 in OT at Wagner. Tigers beat Bucknell in last game, their second vs top 100 team. Akron won last three games, by 30-30-15 points; they're 1-2 vs top 100 teams, with best win over Middle Tennessee in OT. This is first game in eight days for Princeton.
-- 3-8 Yale lost by 26 at St Joe's in only game vs top 100 team; Bulldogs lost by 10 at Nevada Friday in first game of western swing. Yale turns ball over 23.3% of time. St Mary's is 6-0 at home, with 18 points closest of six games; Gaels are #2 in country with 58.8eFG%- they've won all three games vs teams not in top 200, winning by 19-18-53-23 points.
-- 10-3 Tulane has played 3rd-easiest schedule in country, as their coach tries to build confidence thru winning; they lost by 18 at Georgia Tech in only game vs top 100 team. Green Wave is 0-3 on road, also losing by 4-6 points at Nebraska/San Diego. Alabama lost four of its last five games, with bad home loss to Mercer last game; they're #311 experienced team that has played #59 schedule.
-- Northern Iowa lost three of last four visits to Wichita, with losses by 25-9-8 points; Panthers won in OT at George Mason, lost at UNLV by 14 in their only road games this season. First game in 8 days for Shocker squad that is 7-0 at home, with one win by less than 12 points. UNI has five losses, all vs teams in top 50, by 5-16-5-14-7 points.
-- Former Missouri State coach Hinson returns to Springfield with Saluki team that lost last six games vs State, losing last three visits here, by 12-18-5 points. So. Illinois is forcing turnovers on 25.8% of possessions, is 4-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 17-16-13-12 points. Bears are 0-10 vs D-I teams, losing home games by 16-6-20-8 points.
-- USC lost seven of last eight games, with only win vs #341 Riverside; Trojans are 1-5 vs top 100 teams, with losses by 30-8-6-8-14 points and only win over #53 Texas in OT. Dayton is 7-0 vs teams not in top 125, with 8 points closest win; they won 81-76 at Alabama in only true road games this season. Flyers force a turnover on 25% of foes' possessions.
-- Wofford pulled upset at Xavier last game, its first win in five games vs top 100 teams, with losses by 15-23-6-7 points. Terriers are 0-5 when they allow 60+ points, a figure Virginia hit in eight of last nine contests. Cavaliers are playing first game in 8 days; they had 8-game win streak snapped by ODU last game. UVa's 40.3 eFG% is #5 in country.
-- Much-improved Canisius finished LY at #311; right now, they're #111 and 9-3, with two of three losses at top 25 teams. Griffins are 4-3 away from home; they're #15 in country, making 39.9% behind arc. Detroit is 5-0 at home, with win over Akron; they've won four of last five overall, with only loss at Syracuse by 4. Titans have played #28 schedule.
-- 6-5 West Virginia struggles on offense, shooting 28.2% from arc, 45% inside arc; WVU is 6-1 vs teams not in top 100, but last four wins were all by 10 or less points. 10-2 Eastern Kentucky runs Princeton offense; they're worst team in country on defensive boards, which will be issue vs physical Mountaineers- they lost by 13 at Illinois in only game they played against a team in top 200- they've played schedule #336.
-- Larry Brown's SMU team is 9-4; they haven't played team ranked in top 150. Mustangs' best win is over #169 Utah, who they also later got beat by on road. Brown ran LY's PG off team; SMU now turns ball over 23.8% of time. Furman is 1-8 vs D-I teams, with only win vs #340 team; they lost last three games, by 14-24-12 points.
-- 9-4 Loyola Md just lost by 20 at home to Bucknell, its first game vs a top 100 team; three of Greyhounds' four losses are by 15+ points, with road losses by 22 at Washington, 15 at Florida Gulf Coast. Memphis is won six of last seven games; they're 6-0 vs teams not in top 100, with wins by 15-11-28-18-6-15 points- they play Tennessee next game.
Believe in the 3 G's
GIRLS, GOLF,GAMBLING not in any particular order.
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12-30-12 05:29 PM |
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