Basketball Handicapping Info. 2/13/2014

[TheGame]

NBA information

Hot teams
-- Nets won four of their last five games. Chicago won three of last four.
-- Thunder won 14 of its last 16 games.

Cold Teams
-- Lakers lost 21 of their last 26 games (3-6 vs spread last nine).

Series records
-- Bulls won seven of last ten games with Brooklyn.
-- Lakers lost 11 of last 14 games with Oklahoma City.

Totals
-- Four of last five Chicago-Brooklyn games went over total; seven of last nine Chicago games overall stayed under.
-- Over is 8-3 in last eleven Thunder-Laker games; four of Lakers' last five games stayed under

Back to backs
-- Nets are 3-6 vs spread if they won the night before.

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping Info. 2/13/2014

Game of the Day: Thunder at Lakers
By Covers.com

Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers (+11.5, 206.5)

The Los Angeles Lakers will attempt to avoid being saddled with the longest home losing streak in franchise history when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. The Lakers lost to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday for their sixth straight home loss, equaling a dismal stretch from the 1992-93 season. Oklahoma City owns the best record in the Western Conference and has been soaring with 14 victories in its last 16 games.

Thunder star Kevin Durant has recorded 32 30-point games this season and the latest effort was a 36-point outing in Tuesday’s victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Durant has picked us his scoring prowess even more than usual with point guard Russell Westbrook (knee) out and he continues to lead the NBA with a 31.2 scoring average. The injury riddled Lakers will be without point guard Steve Nash (back, hamstring) and second-leading scorer Nick Young (knee) but point guard Steve Blake (elbow) is expected to play.

LINE HISTORY: Oklahoma City opened -11 and was bet up to -11.5. The total opened 207 and dropped to 206.5.

COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Thunder (-14.5) - Lakers (+1.0) + Home Court (-3.0) = Thunder -12.5

INJURY WATCH: Thunder - Russell Westbrook (Out - knee). Lakers - Steve Blake (Prob. - arm), Xavier Henry (Out - knee), Pau Gasol (Out - groin), Steve Nash (Out - leg), Nick Young (Out - knee), Kobe Bryant (Out - knee)

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "From our standpoiint, the love is gone with the lakers. People used to play them regardless and now, depedning on the line, you wont get a bet at all. There is no public love with the lakers. No loyalty. Durant has caught that public interest for OKC, even more so than the Heat because you don't know who the Heat are going to start from one night to the next. The thunder are by far the most popular play right now." - Steve Mikkelson, sportsbook manager Atlantis Reno.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "Five of the (Lakers') top six scorers sat out Tuesday vs. the Jazz, their record-tying sixth straight at home. The sixth, Pau Gasol, is still rumored to be dealt. This is easily the worst team out West." - Covers Expert Bryan Power.

ABOUT THE THUNDER (42-12 SU, 32-22 ATS, 27-27 O/U): Few people thought Oklahoma City could sail into the All-Star break with the best record in the West with Westbrook out but that is indeed the case. “We’re a resilient team,” Durant said after the win over Portland. “We’ve kept our heads up through adversity and tough times. That’s just how we are as an organization.” Guard Reggie Jackson (13.6) has expanded his game with Westbrook out and reserve Jeremy Lamb (10 points per game) has added scoring punch off the bench.

ABOUT THE LAKERS (18-34 SU, 27-24-1 ATS, 28-24 O/U): Nash’s injury issues have started a clamor in which observers and fans are calling on him to retire. The 40-year-old Nash is under contract for next season and he told reporters on Wednesday that he isn’t paying any attention to the opinions about his future. “I’m kind of oblivious to the noise,” Nash said. “I think after 18 years, you’re not really as affected by it anyways. I didn’t pound my chest when people told me I was great for a long time in my career and I’m not going to let it affect me when people think that I should look at myself in the mirror.”

TRENDS:

* Over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.
* Thunder are 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.
* Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven vs. Western Conference.
* Thunder are 7-2 ATS in their last nine road games.

COVERS CONSENSUS: 61 percent of bets are on the Thunder (-11.5) and 65 percent are on the Over 206.5

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping Info. 2/13/2014

College Basketball information

SMU (-12) beat Rutgers 70-56 at home Jan 18, holding Knights to 33% from floor, forcing 18 turnovers; Mustangs are in top 25 for first time in 28 years- they're 7-1 in last eight games, 9-1 in last ten vs spread, 1-1 as road favorites (2-2 SU on road). Rutgers won two of last three games, is 2-1 as home dogs. Home teams are 9-2 against spread in their conference games. AAC home underdogs are 6-11 vs spread.

Missouri (+6.5) had 16 offensive boards, made 7-15 from arc in 75-71 win at Arkansas Jan 28; Tigers are 2-1 vs Arkansas, coached by former Mizzou coach Anderson. Hogs' 77-75 win at Vandy last week was its first in five road games; they're 2-5 vs spread in last seven games. SEC home favorites of 6 or less points are 13-5 vs spread. Mizzou lost last three games, is 1-2 as an SEC home favorite.

Green Bay won three in row, nine of last 11 vs Youngstown State; they beat Penguins 85-69 (-9) Jan 4, despite going 0-9 outside arc- they shot 63.3% inside arc. Phoenix is 0-5 vs spread in last five games, splitting last four SU- they're 2-2 as road favorites. Horizon home underdogs are 3-6 vs spread. Youngstown lost last three games by 1-18-2 points; they are 3-1 at home in Horizon, with only loss to Valparaiso by 3.

Creighton (-10.5) waxed Butler 88-60 Jan 14, shooting 64% inside arc in game with total of only 7 turnovers; Bluejays lost at St John's last game, are 0-3 vs spread in last three- they're 2-2 as road favorites, winning by 13-19-28 points on foreign soil. Big East home underdogs of less than 5 points are 5-5 vs spread. Butler is 2-9 vs spread in last 11 games, 1-6 in last seven as a dog- they lost last two home games by 17-14 points.

St John's (-4.5) nipped Seton Hall 78-77 Jan 23, forcing 19 turnovers (+8 )in game where both teams shot 58% inside arc. Home teams won 11 of last 12 series games; Red Storm lost their last six visits to this arena, but won five of last six Big East games after 0-5 start- they covered last five games overall. Pirates are 1-4 at home in Big East, with only win vs DePaul. Big East home underdogs of 5+ points are 1-6 vs spread.

UCLA (+1) won 69-56 at Colorado Jan 16, forcing 17 (+6) turnovers; Bruins are 3-0 vs Buffs in Pac-12 play, winning by 17-3-13- they're 4-0 as home favorites, with three of four home wins by 12+ points. UCLA covered six of last eight games, is 5-1 as Pac-12 favorite. Pac-12 double digit home favorites are 11-8 vs spread. Colorado lost last three games on road by 17-12-21 games, but won last three overall, all at home.

Minensota (+3) beat Wisconsin 81-68 Jan 22, shooting 59% inside arc, 4-7 from arc, 11-11 from line; home side won seven of last eight series games, with Gophers losing last three visits here, by 8-1-7 points. Big Dozen home favorites of 9 or less points are 10-17 vs spread. Badgers lost three of last four home games, are 2-3 as home favorites- they're 2-6 vs spread in last eight games overall. Minnesota is 0-3 as a road dog.

UCSB (-6.5) beat Long Beach 64-51 at home Jan 16, ending a five-game series skid; Gauchos lost last five visits to Pyramid, with four of five by 12+ points. UCSB won three in row overall and six of last seven games; they're 3-1 on Big West road, with only loss by hoop at Fullerton. Big West home favorites of 4 or less points are 4-1 vs spread. 49ers are 5-1 in last six games- they covered all four games as a Big West favorite.

Utah shot 60% inside arc, was +9 in turnovers in 84-66 win over USC Jan 16; they're 2-2 vs Trojans in Pac-12 play, losing by 17 in only visit here in '12. Utes are 0-5 on Pac-12 road, with dogs covering four of the five games. USC is 3-2 vs spread in last five games, but 1-4 as home dog with all four home losses by 8+ points, only win vs Cal. Pac-12 home underdogs of 5 or less points are 10-5 vs spread.

BYU (-12.5) beat Pacific 88-78 at home Jan 30, grabbing 17 offensive boards in game where Pacific shot 60% inside arc. Cougars won last four games, three by 10+ points; they're 1-5 vs spread in last six games, 2-4 on WCC road, beating USF/Santa Clara. WCC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 3-4 vs spread. Pacific is 3-2 in last five games, covering six of last eight- they've lost three of five WCC home games.

Manhattan (-10) held Rider to 26.5% from floor in 67-51 home win Jan 24, just its 4th win in last 14 series games, but they did win last two in Broncs' Zoo by 16-11 points. Jaspers won last three games, are 2-3 as a MAAC road favorite- three of their four (4-3) MAAC road wins are by 11+ points. Rider is 4-2 at home in MAAC, losing to St Peter's/Marist. MAAC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 4-7 vs spread.

Omaha (+5.5) shot 63% inside arc in 80-71 win at South Dakota State Jan 18; Mavericks won three of last four games, are 1-2 as home faves in Summit play, winning home games by 4-11. Jackrabbits won/covered last four games, allowing 59.3 ppg in last three; they're 3-1 on Summit road, with only loss by 7 at Fort Wayne. Summit League home favorites of 5 or less points are 6-2 against the spread.

Northern Colorado (+5) won 84-73 at Montana Jan 18, ending a 5-game skid to Griz in game where Montana shot 20-26 (77%) inside arc. Griz won last two visits here by 7-8 points; they've won last four games, last three by 6 or less points and won three of last four on road, Bears lost last four games, are 0-5 vs spread in last five, but are 5-0 at home. Big Sky home teams are 16-9 vs spread when spread was 4 or less points.

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping Info. 2/13/2014

Today's NBA Picks

Brooklyn at Chicago

The Nets (24-26) head to Chicago tonight to face a Bulls team that is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games against a team with a losing SU record. Chicago is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulls favored by 12. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Time Posted: 10:30 a.m. EST

Game 501-502: Brooklyn at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 116.846; Chicago 122.853 Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 6; 177 Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 3 1/2; 183 Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-3 1/2); Under

Game 503-504: Oklahoma City at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 123.995; LA Lakers 116.235 Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 8; 212 Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 12; 205 1/2 Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+12); Over

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping Info. 2/13/2014

NCAA Basketball Picks

Arkansas at Missouri

The Tigers look to snap a three-game losing streak as they host a Razorback team that is 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings between the two teams. Missouri is the pick (-5) according to Dunkel, which has the Tigers favored by 7. Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-5). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Time Posted: 10:30 a.m. EST

Game 505-506: SMU at Rutgers (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: SMU 71.195; Rutgers 57.749 Dunkel Line: SMU by 13 1/2; 152 Vegas Line: SMU by 8; 144 Dunkel Pick: SMU (-8); Over

Game 507-508: Texas State at Georgia State (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Postponed Dunkel Line: Vegas Line: Dunkel Pick:

Game 509-510: Arkansas at Missouri (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 62.884; Missouri 69.767 Dunkel Line: Missouri by 7; 144 Vegas Line: Missouri by 5; 150 Dunkel Pick: Missouri (-5); Under

Game 511-512: WI-Green Bay at Youngstown State (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: WI-Green Bay 59.372; Youngstown State 56.188 Dunkel Line: WI-Green Bay by 3 Vegas Line: WI-Green Bay by 1 Dunkel Pick: WI-Green Bay (-1)

Game 513-514: Louisville at Temple (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 78.225; Temple 57.627 Dunkel Line: Louisville by 20 1/2; 157 Vegas Line: Louisville by 14; 152 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Louisville (-14); Over

Game 515-516: Creighton at Butler (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Creighton 71.771; Butler 65.628 Dunkel Line: Creighton by 6; 132 Vegas Line: Creighton by 8; 136 Dunkel Pick: Butler (+8); Under

Game 517-518: Northwestern at Michigan State (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Northwestern 59.493; Michigan State 78.626 Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 19; 109 Vegas Line: Michigan State by 14 1/2; 115 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-14 1/2); Under

Game 519-520: Old Dominion at North Texas (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 54.712; North Texas 52.679 Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 2 Vegas Line: North Texas by 1 Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (+1)

Game 521-522: Drexel at College of Charleston (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 50.259; College of Charleston 55.465 Dunkel Line: College of Charleston by 5; 119 Vegas Line: College of Charleston by 3 1/2; 124 Dunkel Pick: College of Charleston (-3 1/2); Under

Game 523-524: Illinois-Chicago at Cleveland State (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 47.363; Cleveland State 63.250 Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 16 Vegas Line: Cleveland State by 14 Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (-14)

Game 525-526: Tulane at Middle Tennessee State (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 50.519; Middle Tennessee State 61.884 Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 11 1/2 Vegas Line: Middle Tennessee State by 15 Dunkel Pick: Tulane (+15)

Game 527-528: East Carolina at Tulsa (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 47.945; Tulsa 62.462 Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 14 1/2 Vegas Line: Tulsa by 11 Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (-11)

Game 529-530: TX-Arlington at UL-Monroe (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: TX-Arlington 50.690; UL-Monroe 49.755 Dunkel Line: TX-Arlington by 1 Vegas Line: UL-Monroe by 1 1/2 Dunkel Pick: TX-Arlington (+1 1/2)

Game 531-532: Florida International at TX-San Antonio (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Florida International 50.699; TX-San Antonio 48.036 Dunkel Line: Florida International by 2 1/2 Vegas Line: Florida International by 1 Dunkel Pick: Florida International (-1)

Game 533-534: Arkansas State at South Alabama (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 55.251; South Alabama 50.624 Dunkel Line: Arkansas State by 4 1/2 Vegas Line: Arkansas State by 1 Dunkel Pick: Arkansas State (-1)

Game 535-536: AR-Little Rock at UL-Lafayette (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: AR-Little Rock 48.477; UL-Lafayette 58.366 Dunkel Line: UL-Lafayette by 10 Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: UL-Lafayette (-8 1/2)

Game 537-538: Troy at Western Kentucky (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Troy 46.809; Western Kentucky 54.985 Dunkel Line: Western Kentucky by 8 Vegas Line: Western Kentucky by 10 Dunkel Pick: Troy (+10)

Game 539-540: Florida Atlantic at UTEP (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 51.876; UTEP 65.808 Dunkel Line: UTEP by 14 Vegas Line: UTEP by 10 1/2 Dunkel Pick: UTEP (-10 1/2)

Game 541-542: St. John's at Seton Hall (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: St. John's 69.319; Seton Hall 65.651 Dunkel Line: St. John's by 3 1/2; 142 Vegas Line: St. John's by 1 1/2; 136 1/2 Dunkel Pick: St. John's (-1 1/2); Over

Game 543-544: Colorado at UCLA (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 61.808; UCLA 76.130 Dunkel Line: UCLA by 14 1/2; 144 Vegas Line: UCLA by 10 1/2; 147 Dunkel Pick: UCLA (-10 1/2); Under

Game 545-546: Minnesota at Wisconsin (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 64.962; Wisconsin 74.888 Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 10; 139 Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 8; 136 Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (-8); Over

Game 547-548: Pepperdine at Gonzaga (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Pepperdine 58.167; Gonzaga 70.281 Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 12 Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 15 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Pepperdine (+15 1/2)

Game 549-550: Southern Mississippi at UAB (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 65.609; UAB 55.287 Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 10 1/2 Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 4 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-4 1/2)

Game 551-552: Loyola Marymount at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Loyola Marymount 53.290; Portland 56.152 Dunkel Line: Portland by 3 Vegas Line: Portland by 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Loyola Marymount (+7 1/2)

Game 553-554: Hawaii at UC-Riverside (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Hawaii 55.972; UC-Riverside 51.840 Dunkel Line: Hawaii by 4 Vegas Line: Hawaii by 6 Dunkel Pick: UC-Riverside (+6)

Game 555-556: UC-Davis at CS-Fullerton (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: UC-Davis 44.247; CS-Fullerton 51.913 Dunkel Line: CS-Fullerton by 7 1/2 Vegas Line: CS-Fullerton by 5 Dunkel Pick: CS-Fullerton (-5)

Game 557-558: UC-Santa Barbara at Long Beach State (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 59.843; Long Beach State 59.240 Dunkel Line: UC-Santa Barbara by 1 Vegas Line: Long Beach State by 2 Dunkel Pick: UC-Santa Barbara (+2)

Game 559-560: Cal Poly at CS-Northridge (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cal Poly 49.107; CS-Northridge 52.230 Dunkel Line: CS-Northridge by 3 Vegas Line: Pick Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge

Game 561-562: Utah at USC (10:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Utah 65.762; USC 60.917 Dunkel Line: Utah by 5; 133 Vegas Line: Utah by 3 1/2; 139 Dunkel Pick: Utah (-3 1/2); Under

Game 563-564: BYU at Pacific (11:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: BYU 64.129; Pacific 59.221 Dunkel Line: BYU by 5 Vegas Line: BYU by 3 Dunkel Pick: BYU (-3)

Game 565-566: San Diego at St. Mary's (11:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 52.686; St. Mary's 65.455 Dunkel Line: St. Mary's by 13; 135 Vegas Line: St. Mary's by 11 1/2; 127 Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (-11 1/2); Over

Game 567-568: Denver at IUPUI (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Denver 56.618; IUPUI 42.319 Dunkel Line: Denver by 14 1/2 Vegas Line: Denver by 10 Dunkel Pick: Denver (-10)

Game 569-570: Western Carolina at Chattanooga (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Postponed Dunkel Line: Vegas Line: Dunkel Pick:

Game 571-572: Manhattan at Rider (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Manhattan 55.348; Rider 56.868 Dunkel Line: Rider by 1 1/2 Vegas Line: Manhattan by 4 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Rider (+4 1/2)

Game 573-574: Samford at Appalachian State (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Samford 43.300; Appalachian State 48.143 Dunkel Line: Appalachian State by 5 Vegas Line: Appalachian State by 3 Dunkel Pick: Appalachian State (-3)

Game 575-576: South Dakota at IPFW (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: South Dakota 49.068; IPFW 53.640 Dunkel Line: IPFW by 4 1/2 Vegas Line: IPFW by 6 1/2 Dunkel Pick: South Dakota (+6 1/2)

Game 577-578: Montana State at North Dakota (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Montana State 45.266; North Dakota 49.789 Dunkel Line: North Dakota by 4 1/2; 138 Vegas Line: North Dakota by 8 1/2; 142 Dunkel Pick: Montana State (+8 1/2); Under

Game 579-580: Eastern Kentucky at Tennessee Tech (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Kentucky 50.930; Tennessee Tech 50.133 Dunkel Line: Eastern Kentucky by 1 Vegas Line: Eastern Kentucky by 3 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Tennessee Tech (+3 1/2)

Game 581-582: Morehead State at Jacksonville State (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Morehead State 49.484; Jacksonville State 50.583 Dunkel Line: Jacksonville State by 1 Vegas Line: Morehead State by 3 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville State (+3 1/2)

Game 583-584: Eastern Illinois at Austin Peay (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Illinois 46.347; Austin Peay 47.416 Dunkel Line: Austin Peay by 1 Vegas Line: Austin Peay by 6 Dunkel Pick: Eastern Illinois (+6)

Game 585-586: SIU-Edwardsville at Murray State (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: SIU-Edwardsville 46.880; Murray State 56.919 Dunkel Line: Murray State by 10 Vegas Line: Murray State by 12 Dunkel Pick: SIU-Edwardsville (+12)

Game 587-588: South Dakota State at NE-Omaha (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: South Dakota State 52.550; NE-Omaha 57.849 Dunkel Line: NE Omaha by 5 1/2 Vegas Line: NE-Omaha by 3 Dunkel Pick: NE-Omaha (-3)

Game 589-590: North Dakota State at Western Illinois (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: North Dakota State 56.811; Western Illinois 53.280 Dunkel Line: North Dakota State by 3 1/2 Vegas Line: North Dakota State by 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Western Illinois (+7 1/2)

Game 591-592: Quinnipiac at Fairfield (8:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Quinnipiac 53.383; Fairfield 51.287 Dunkel Line: Quinnipiac by 2 Vegas Line: Quinnipiac by 3 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Fairfield (+3 1/2)

Game 593-594: Tennessee State at Belmont (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 42.650; Belmont 55.640 Dunkel Line: Belmont by 13; 154 Vegas Line: Belmont by 16 1/2; 150 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Tennessee State (+16 1/2); Over

Game 595-596: Sacramento State at Eastern Washington (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento State 45.844; Eastern Washington 54.223 Dunkel Line: Eastern Washington by 8 1/2 Vegas Line: Eastern Washington by 6 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Eastern Washington (-6 1/2)

Game 597-598: Weber State at Southern Utah (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Weber State 55.155; Southern Utah 40.113 Dunkel Line: Weber State by 15 Vegas Line: Weber State by 12 Dunkel Pick: Weber State (-12)

Game 599-600: Montana at Northern Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Montana 48.166; Northern Colorado 55.133 Dunkel Line: Northern Colorado by 7 Vegas Line: Northern Colorado by 4 Dunkel Pick: Northern Colorado (-4)

Game 601-602: Northern Arizona at Portland State (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Northern Arizona 49.789; Portland State 50.921 Dunkel Line: Portland State by 1 Vegas Line: Portland State by 3 Dunkel Pick: Northern Arizona (+3)

Game 603-604: Northeastern at NC-Wilmington (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 51.438; NC-Wilmington 48.057 Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 3 1/2 Vegas Line: NC-Wilmington by 1 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (+1 1/2)

Game 605-606: Vanderbilt at South Carolina (4:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Vanderbilt 62.967; South Carolina 62.321 Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 1 Vegas Line: South Carolina by 2 Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (+2)

Game 607-608: Boston College at Georgia Tech (5:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Boston College 58.189; Georgia Tech 57.298 Dunkel Line: Boston College by 1 Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 2 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Boston College (+2 1/2)

Game 799-800: NC-Greensboro at Georgia Southern (2:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NC-Greensboro 43.258; Georgia Southern 49.277 Dunkel Line: Georgia Southern by 6 Vegas Line: Georgia Southern by 4 Dunkel Pick: Georgia Southern (-4)

Game 611-612: NC-Asheville at Radford (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NC-Asheville 47.397; Radford 52.106 Dunkel Line: Radford by 4 1/2 Vegas Line: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping Info. 2/13/2014

Playoff Push - East
By Joe Nelson
VegasInsider.com

As the NBA All-Star Break approaches, it is a chance for the teams sitting outside of the playoff picture to regroup and focus on making a big second half run. Here are the first five teams on the outside of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference and an assessment of the chances they have to get it done.

Detroit Pistons (22-30): Fifty games into the season, the Pistons have recently fired head coach Maurice Cheeks. President Joe Dumars has now fired eight coaches in less than 14 seasons in charge of the Pistons and the somewhat high profile move of hiring Cheeks did not last even a season. Assistant coach John Loyer has taken over the team and the Pistons won in his debut Monday, the third win in a row for Detroit. The Pistons had a rough month of January, but the schedule played a role in the 5-13 run before the recent win streak with eight of those losses coming in road games. Loyer steps into a pretty favorable situation to do well as Detroit is only a half game out of the final playoff position in the Eastern Conference and seven of the next 10 games are at home to help improve the chances of getting back into the mix.

Detroit is only -2.0 points per game in average point differential, superior to that of Brooklyn and Charlotte, the teams that hold the #7 and #8 spots in the East currently. Detroit is the third highest scoring team in the Eastern Conference and only Indiana has been a better rebounding team in the conference, while Detroit has posted a solid 18-14 record against the Eastern Conference. Expect Detroit to climb into the playoff field in March, but a tough late season schedule could make it challenging to hold a spot, closing with six of the final eight on the road with a few very tough games.

New York Knicks (21-31): The Knicks are 11-9 the last 20 games, but it has come in streaks with a five-game win streak and a four-game win streak so far in 2014, but with a five-game slide in between those runs. New York has very solid defensive numbers on the season and for as much negative press as the team has faced, they are only 2.5 games out of the last playoff spot in the weak Eastern Conference. New York has the seventh-best per game point differential in the Eastern Conference despite sitting 10th in the standings. New York has the most remaining games against Western Conference teams of any Eastern Conference team as the remaining schedule will provide a great challenge. Nineteen of the remaining games for the Knicks are road games for a team that is just 8-14 on the road this season including eight of the next 11 games. New York will not play more than two consecutive home games at any point for the rest of the season as it appears less likely that the Knicks will be the team making a charge into the playoff picture from this group despite the high profile and expectations.

Cleveland Cavaliers (20-33): The Cavaliers were expected to be a breakthrough team this season and while the results have been very poor, Cleveland is still in the playoff mix, only four games out. Cleveland recently fired general manager Chris Grant but the team has responded, matching a season-high streak with four straight wins in the last four games. Cleveland has a favorable schedule out of the break before a very difficult stretch of games in mid-March and the April schedule also looks promising for the Cavaliers, so this team should not be counted out.

Andrew Bynum clearly proved to be a disastrous signing for the Cavaliers and now with Luol Deng and the rest of the team getting healthier, this could be a team that makes a run. Even disappointing top pick Anthony Bennett has shown some life of late as Cleveland is a team to watch in the coming weeks. The Cavaliers have a lot of a ground to make up and several teams to jump before being a serious threat for the playoffs, but the current lineup has a high ceiling and things can’t get any worse than they were in the first half of the season.

Boston Celtics (19-35): The Celtics opened the season looking like a viable playoff team under Brad Stevens, but the team went on a 4-19 run over a six-week span from mid-December through January. Boston is 4-2 so far in February and while the wins have all come in close games against losing teams, those are the types of games the Celtics had been losing much of the season. The Celtics will head west right after the All-Star break, but three of four games will be against losing teams and only eight games remain against the current 10 best teams in the league. Boston is the best defensive team of the squads sitting just outside of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference and Rajon Rondo missed most of the first half of the season, having only played in nine games so far this year.

The current roster looks much more promising moving forward as Boston dealt with a lot of injuries during the periods of struggle the past two months. Rondo has not quite been the same offensive player he was before the injury-plagued past two seasons, but he could lead this team on a nice second half run once he finds his shot again. There is a lot of ground to make up for the Celtics, but this team should be expected to hang around the edge of playoff picture, currently less than five games out with a pretty favorable slate ahead.

Orlando Magic (16-38): The Magic likely would not be on this list if this article was written last week, but they have won three of four, including beating the top two teams in the NBA in succession with one-point home wins over Oklahoma City and Indiana last weekend. Orlando is 13-15 at home this season, featuring the best home record of any Eastern Conference team outside of the playoff field, but the Magic are incredibly just 3-23 on the road. Orlando has been outscored by over five points per game this season, but the schedule ahead is promising. Remaining are four games against Milwaukee and Philadelphia, the two worst teams in the East as well as several other game against losing teams.

If Orlando is to make a miraculous run, they will need to get it done on the road as they will face 12 of the first 18 games in the second half on the road. Only five of those road games will be against winning teams and the Magic close the season with eight of the final 11 games at home. Injuries have been a constant for the Magic this season with Jameer Nelson, Arron Afflalo, Nokola Vucevic, and Glen Davis missing time this season. Tobias Harris has also emerged in recent weeks playing a bigger role and Victor Oladipo continues to be one of the most impressive rookies as this is a team heading in the right direction in the big picture. It would take a pretty incredible run for Orlando to entertain serious playoff hopes, but this team is playing better of late and they faced the toughest rated schedule of the five teams on this list in the first half.

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping Info. 2/13/2014

Hoop Trends - Thursday
By Vince Akins
VegasInsider.com

ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

Teams are 16-0 ATS (10.84 ppg) since Mar 22, 2013 off a win in which the game was tied at the end of the third quarter as a dog. Active on Oklahoma City.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

The Nets are 10-0-1 OU (20.8 ppg) since Feb 02, 2011 in the regular season after a double digit win at home in which they shot at least 50% from the field.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

The Bulls are 0-9 OU (-15.89 ppg) since Nov 14, 2009 after Taj Gibson was the Bulls’ high scorer.

CHOICE TREND:

The Bulls are 0-10 ATS (-9.45 ppg) since Nov 12, 2012 as a favorite after a win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

The Nets are 0-7 ATS (-4.93 ppg) since Feb 12, 2011 with no rest after a game in which they had at least five fewer turnovers than their season-to-date average.

Teams are 0-9 ATS (-13.33 ppg) since Dec 18, 2013 at home after playing the Jazz.

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping Info. 2/13/2014

StatFox Super Situations

OKLAHOMA CITY at LA LAKERS
Play On - Any team (LA LAKERS) revenging a road blowout loss vs opponent of 20 points or more, off an upset loss by 15 points or more as a favorite 37-13 since 1997. ( 74.0% | 22.7 units )

BROOKLYN at CHICAGO
Play Against - Underdogs vs the money line (BROOKLYN) revenging a loss vs opponent of 10 points or more, playing on back-to-back days 332-89 over the last 5 seasons. ( 78.9% | 106.2 units ) 20-6 this year. ( 76.9% | 1.2 units )

OKLAHOMA CITY at LA LAKERS
Play Against - Road favorites vs. the 1rst half line (OKLAHOMA CITY) excellent team - shooting >=46% with a defense of <=43% on the season, hot shooting team - 3 straight games making >=47% of their shots 67-31 since 1997. ( 68.4% | 32.9 units ) 4-3 this year. ( 57.1% | 0.7 units )

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping Info. 2/13/2014

8:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. CHICAGO
Brooklyn is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Brooklyn is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Brooklyn

10:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. LA LAKERS
Oklahoma City is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing Oklahoma City
LA Lakers are 2-4-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping Info. 2/13/2014

Minnesota at Wisconsin
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

Wisconsin (19-5 straight up, 13-11 against the spread) will have revenge on its mind tonight when it hosts Minnesota in a Big Ten showdown. As of early this morning, most betting shops had the Badgers installed as 8.5-point favorites.

Bo Ryan's team raced out to a 16-0 start to the season before losing five of its next six games. Since then, Wisconsin has bounced back with consecutive wins, including Sunday's 60-58 non-covering triumph over Michigan St. as a four-point home favorite. Nigel Hayes paced the winners with 14 points.

Wisconsin hasn't been as tough at home this season. In fact, the Badgers had lost three in a row at Kohl Center before knocking off the Spartans. They are 11-3 SU and 6-8 ATS at home for the year.

Minnesota (16-8 SU, 8-11-1 ATS) has been an underdog eight times this year, posting a 3-5 record both SU and ATS. In seven true road assignments, the Gophers are 2-5 both SU and ATS. However, both of those stats are a big misleading.

That's because two of Minnesota's outright defeats and non-covers as a road underdog came in overtime. In fact, Richard Pitino's team lost by 12 to Michigan St. in OT at Breslin Center as a 10.5-point 'dog (now that's a brutal beat for gamblers that were on Minnesota!). In addition, the Gophers lost by three in OT at Purdue as 2.5-point puppies just last week.

The loss to the Boilermakers was the team's third straight, but it responded Saturday with a 66-60 home win over Indiana as a 4.5-point 'chalk.' Deandre Mathieu led Minnesota, which trailed IU by six at intermission, with 16 points and five assists. Maurice Walker added 14 points and eight rebounds.

Wisconsin is sixth in the RPI Rankings thanks to a 5-3 record against the Top 50 and 11-4 versus the Top 100. Minnesota is No. 39 in the RPI, going 3-4 against the Top 50 and 5-6 versus the Top 100.

Although the 'under' has cashed in four of its last five games, the 'over' is 12-11 overall for Wisconsin, 7-7 in its home games.

The 'under' is 10-8-1 overall for the Gophers.

Even though its leading scorer Andre Hollins injured his ankle in the first minute of the game and didn't return, Minnesota beat Wisconsin 81-68 as a three-point home underdog when these team met at The Barn on Jan. 22. The 149 combined points surged 'over' the 133.5-point total.

Walker led the Gophers with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Mathieu finished with 18 points, five board and three assists. The Gophers shot 58.9 percent from the field and were a perfect 11-of-11 from the charity stripe. Sam Dekker scored a game-high 20 points in the Badgers' losing effort.

Tip-off tonight in Madison is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

B.E.'s Bonus Nuggets

When Syracuse and Pitt met at the Carrier Dome last month, the Orange's freshman point guard Tyler Ennis took over at crunch time to lead his team to victory. On Wednesday at Pitt, the 'Cuse basically trailed the entire game. The Panthers went ahead by six with 1:55 remaining on a Lorenzo-Charles like tip-in (circa N.C. St. 1983) by Talib Zanna just before the shot clock expired. But a 7-0 run by the Orange put it briefly in front, only to see the Panthers regain a one-point lead on two free throws by Zanna with 4.4 seconds remaining. From there, Ennis took the ball into the frontcourt off the bounce and launched a running leaner in traffic from about 35 feet. As the buzzer sounded, the ball splashed the nets to allow Jim Boeheim's team to escape with its unbeaten record intact.

Pitt previously owned a perfect 9-0 record against top-five foes at the Petersen Events Center.

I thought the whistle that put Ennis at the free-throw line with 10.8 seconds remaining was total garbage. It was clearly a clean block up top and the other defender didn't move as Ennis created the contact. You shouldn't get the call on the road. He converted both to temporarily put the Orange in front by one.

When I try to think of a Syracuse point guard during Boeheim's tenure to compare Ennis to, I see some reminders of several school legends. He's got a little of the dribbling/penetration skills of Pearl Washington, some of the passing and decision-making of Sherman Douglas and the poise and shooting of Gerry McNamara (well, not quite as lethal from 3 as McNamara, but you get the point).

The Duke at UNC game that was postponed last night will be played next Thursday.

Bad Bubble Losers from last night: LSU (at Texas A&M), Stanford (at Washington) and UMass (vs. George Mason).

Big Bubble Winners from last night: California (at Washington St. in OT), Boise St. (vs. New Mexico), Toledo (vs. Ohio) and Indiana St. (at Bradley).

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping Info. 2/13/2014

StatFox Super Situations

IL-CHICAGO at CLEVELAND ST
Play On - Road underdogs of 10 to 19.5 points (IL-CHICAGO) off a cover where the team lost straight up as an underdog against opponent off 2 or more consecutive road wins 67-31 since 1997. ( 68.4% | 32.9 units ) 4-2 this year. ( 66.7% | 1.8 units )

BYU at PACIFIC
Play Against - Any team (PACIFIC) off an upset win by 10 points or more as an underdog against opponent off 2 or more consecutive home wins 252-163 since 1997. ( 60.7% | 82.6 units ) 12-8 this year. ( 60.0% | 0.0 units )

IL-CHICAGO at CLEVELAND ST
Play On - Underdogs of 6 to 11 points vs. the first half line (IL-CHICAGO) off a road loss against a conference rival, playing with 7 or more days rest 41-15 since 1997. ( 73.2% | 24.5 units ) 1-0 this year. ( 100.0% | 1.0 units )

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping Info. 2/13/2014

7:00 PM
DREXEL vs. COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
Drexel is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Drexel is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of College of Charleston's last 5 games
College of Charleston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
NORTHWESTERN vs. MICHIGAN STATE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Northwestern's last 6 games when playing on the road against Michigan State
Northwestern is 1-16 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Michigan State
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Michigan State's last 9 games when playing Northwestern
Michigan State is 18-2 SU in its last 20 games when playing Northwestern

7:00 PM
LOUISVILLE vs. TEMPLE
Louisville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Louisville's last 10 games on the road
Temple is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Temple is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home

7:00 PM
WESTERN CAROLINA vs. CHATTANOOGA
Western Carolina is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chattanooga
Western Carolina is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chattanooga
Chattanooga is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Western Carolina
Chattanooga is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Western Carolina

7:00 PM
SAMFORD vs. APPALACHIAN STATE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Samford's last 5 games on the road
Samford is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Appalachian State is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Samford
Appalachian State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Samford

7:00 PM
MANHATTAN vs. RIDER
Manhattan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Manhattan is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Rider's last 7 games when playing at home against Manhattan
Rider is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Manhattan

7:00 PM
TEXAS STATE vs. GEORGIA STATE
Texas State is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Texas State is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Georgia State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Georgia State is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home

7:00 PM
ARKANSAS vs. MISSOURI
Arkansas is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arkansas's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Missouri's last 6 games at home
Missouri is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
CREIGHTON vs. BUTLER
Creighton is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Creighton's last 19 games on the road
Butler is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Butler is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
SOUTHERN METHODIST vs. RUTGERS
Southern Methodist is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Southern Methodist's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Rutgers's last 5 games at home
Rutgers is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games

7:05 PM
WISC-GREEN BAY vs. YOUNGSTOWN STATE
Wisc-Green Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Wisc-Green Bay's last 5 games when playing on the road against Youngstown State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Youngstown State's last 5 games when playing at home against Wisc-Green Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Youngstown State's last 8 games when playing Wisc-Green Bay

7:30 PM
ILLINOIS-CHICAGO vs. CLEVELAND STATE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Illinois-Chicago's last 5 games on the road
Illinois-Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Cleveland State's last 15 games when playing Illinois-Chicago
Cleveland State is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing Illinois-Chicago

8:00 PM
OLD DOMINION vs. NORTH TEXAS
Old Dominion is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games on the road
North Texas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
North Texas is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home

8:00 PM
TROY vs. WESTERN KENTUCKY
Troy is 4-20 SU in its last 24 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Troy's last 5 games on the road
Western Kentucky is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Troy
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Western Kentucky's last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
CHICAGO STATE vs. TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN
Chicago State is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Texas-Pan American is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago State
Texas-Pan American is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
SIU EDWARDSVILLE vs. MURRAY STATE
SIU Edwardsville is 1-18 SU in its last 19 games on the road
SIU Edwardsville is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Murray State
Murray State is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing SIU Edwardsville
Murray State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against SIU Edwardsville

8:00 PM
EASTERN ILLINOIS vs. AUSTIN PEAY
Eastern Illinois is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Eastern Illinois is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Austin Peay is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing Eastern Illinois
Austin Peay is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Eastern Illinois

8:00 PM
TULANE vs. MIDDLE TENNESSEE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tulane's last 8 games on the road
Tulane is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Middle Tennessee is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
Middle Tennessee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
TEXAS-ARLINGTON vs. LOUISIANA-MONROE
Texas-Arlington is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Texas-Arlington is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Louisiana-Monroe
Louisiana-Monroe is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Texas-Arlington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Louisiana-Monroe's last 6 games

8:00 PM
MONTANA STATE vs. NORTH DAKOTA
Montana State is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Montana State is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of North Dakota's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of North Dakota's last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL vs. TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO
Florida International is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Texas-San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Texas-San Antonio is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

8:00 PM
MOREHEAD STATE vs. JACKSONVILLE STATE
Morehead State is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Jacksonville Stat
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Morehead State's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Jacksonville State's last 11 games when playing Morehead State
Jacksonville State is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Morehead State

8:00 PM
EASTERN KENTUCKY vs. TENNESSEE TECH
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Eastern Kentucky's last 7 games on the road
Eastern Kentucky is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Tennessee Tech is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Eastern Kentucky
Tennessee Tech is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Eastern Kentucky

8:05 PM
EAST CAROLINA vs. TULSA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of East Carolina's last 7 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
East Carolina is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tulsa's last 5 games when playing East Carolina
Tulsa is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing East Carolina

8:05 PM
ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK vs. LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
Arkansas-Little Rock is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Arkansas-Little Rock is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games on the road
Louisiana-Lafayette is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Louisiana-Lafayette is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home

8:05 PM
ARKANSAS STATE vs. SOUTH ALABAMA
Arkansas State is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against South Alabama
Arkansas State is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
South Alabama is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
South Alabama is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home

8:30 PM
QUINNIPIAC vs. FAIRFIELD
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Quinnipiac's last 5 games on the road
Fairfield is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Fairfield is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home

9:00 PM
SOUTHERN MISS vs. UAB
Southern Miss is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against UAB
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Southern Miss's last 8 games when playing on the road against UAB
UAB is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Southern Miss
The total has gone OVER in 5 of UAB's last 7 games when playing Southern Miss

9:00 PM
TENNESSEE STATE vs. BELMONT
Tennessee State is 1-14 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Tennessee State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Belmont
Belmont is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Belmont is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

9:00 PM
UMKC vs. NEW MEXICO STATE
UMKC is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games on the road
New Mexico State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
New Mexico State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

9:00 PM
PEPPERDINE vs. GONZAGA
Pepperdine is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pepperdine's last 6 games on the road
Gonzaga is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Gonzaga is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

9:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. WISCONSIN
Minnesota is 1-15 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Wisconsin
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Wisconsin
Wisconsin is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games when playing Minnesota
Wisconsin is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Minnesota

9:00 PM
ST. JOHN'S vs. SETON HALL
St. John's is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. John's last 5 games when playing on the road against Seton Hall
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seton Hall's last 5 games when playing St. John's
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seton Hall's last 5 games when playing at home against St. John's

9:00 PM
COLORADO vs. UCLA
Colorado is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Colorado is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of UCLA's last 7 games
UCLA is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games at home

9:00 PM
WEBER STATE vs. SOUTHERN UTAH
Weber State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Southern Utah
Weber State is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Southern Utah is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Weber State
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Southern Utah's last 16 games

9:05 PM
MONTANA vs. NORTHERN COLORADO
Montana is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Northern Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montana's last 5 games on the road
Northern Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Montana
Northern Colorado is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Montana

9:05 PM
FLORIDA ATLANTIC vs. TEXAS EL PASO
Florida Atlantic is 2-16 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Texas El Paso is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Texas El Paso is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

9:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. UTAH VALLEY
Seattle is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Utah Valley is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
Utah Valley is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games

9:05 PM
SACRAMENTO STATE vs. EASTERN WASHINGTON
Sacramento State is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento State's last 5 games on the road
Eastern Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Eastern Washington is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games

10:00 PM
UC DAVIS vs. CS FULLERTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of UC Davis's last 5 games on the road
UC Davis is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
CS Fullerton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
CS Fullerton is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

10:00 PM
CAL POLY vs. CS NORTHRIDGE
Cal Poly is 1-7-1 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Cal Poly is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games on the road
CS Northridge is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cal Poly
CS Northridge is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cal Poly

10:00 PM
HAWAII vs. UC RIVERSIDE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Hawaii's last 6 games on the road
Hawaii is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of UC Riverside's last 5 games when playing Hawaii
UC Riverside is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Hawaii

10:00 PM
SANTA BARBARA vs. LONG BEACH STATE
Santa Barbara is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Santa Barbara's last 6 games when playing on the road against Long Beach State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Long Beach State's last 6 games when playing at home against Santa Barbara
Long Beach State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Santa Barbara

10:00 PM
IDAHO vs. CS BAKERSFIELD
Idaho is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
CS Bakersfield is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
CS Bakersfield is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

10:00 PM
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT vs. PORTLAND
Loyola Marymount is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Portland
Loyola Marymount is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Portland's last 11 games
Portland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

10:05 PM
NORTHERN ARIZONA vs. PORTLAND STATE
Northern Arizona is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Portland State
Northern Arizona is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Portland State
Portland State is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Northern Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland State's last 7 games when playing Northern Arizona

10:30 PM
UTAH vs. USC
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games on the road
Utah is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
USC is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Utah
USC is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

11:00 PM
BYU vs. PACIFIC
BYU is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games on the road
BYU is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Pacific is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pacific's last 5 games at home

11:00 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ST. MARY'S
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 6 games on the road
San Diego is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
St. Mary's is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against San Diego
St. Mary's is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego

[TheGame]

Re: Basketball Handicapping Info. 2/13/2014

STATSYSTEMS SPORTS STAT/SHEETS, 2/13/14
NCAA COLLEGE BASKETBALL
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
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***** Thursday, 2/13/14 NCAACB Knowledge *****
(ALL RESULTS ATS) - Against The Spread - and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Each and every day during the 2013-14 NCAA College Basketball season we will analyze all of your daily basketball action, featuring all our Highly-Rated (Situational & Match-up) Power Trends, along with some of our Situational Analysis (Betting Systems) that pertain to some of that days match-ups.
__________________________________________________ ___


Thursday's Notebook
•SMU (-12) beat Rutgers 70-56 at home Jan 18, holding Knights to 33% from floor, forcing 18 turnovers; Mustangs are in top 25 for first time in 28 years- they're 7-1 in last eight games, 9-1 in last ten versus spread, 1-1 as road favorites (2-2 SU on road). Rutgers won two of last three games, is 2-1 as home dogs. Home teams are 9-2 against spread in their conference games. AAC home underdogs are 6-11 versus spread.


•Missouri (+6.5) had 16 offensive boards, made 7-15 from arc in 75-71 win at Arkansas Jan 28; Tigers are 2-1 versus Arkansas, coached by former Missouri coach Mike Anderson. Razorbacks' 77-75 win at Vanderbilt last week was its first in five road games; they're 2-5 versus spread in last seven games. SEC home favorites of 6 or less points are 13-5 versus spread. Missouri lost last three games, is 1-2 as an SEC home favorite.


•Green Bay won three in row, nine of last 11 versus Youngstown State; they beat Penguins 85-69 (-9) Jan 4, despite going 0-9 outside arc- they shot 63.3% inside arc. Phoenix is 0-5 versus spread in last five games, splitting last four SU- they're 2-2 as road favorites. Horizon League home underdogs are 3-6 versus spread. Youngstown lost last three games by 1-18-2 points; they are 3-1 at home in conference play, with only loss to Valparaiso by 3.


•Creighton (-10.5) waxed Butler 88-60 Jan 14, shooting 64% inside arc in game with total of only 7 turnovers; Bluejays lost at St John's last game, are 0-3 versus spread in last three- they're 2-2 as road favorites, winning by 13-19-28 points on foreign soil. Big East home underdogs of less than 5 points are 5-5 versus spread. Butler is 2-9 versus spread in last 11 games, 1-6 in last seven as a dog- they lost last two home games by 17-14 points.


•St John's (-4.5) nipped Seton Hall 78-77 Jan 23, forcing 19 turnovers (+8 ) in game where both teams shot 58% inside arc. Home teams won 11 of last 12 series games; Red Storm lost their last six visits to this arena, but won five of last six Big East games after 0-5 start- they covered last five games overall. Pirates are 1-4 at home in Big East, with only win versus DePaul. Big East home underdogs of 5+ points are 1-6 versus spread.


•UCLA (+1) won 69-56 at Colorado Jan 16, forcing 17 (+6) turnovers; Bruins are 3-0 versus Buffaloes in Pac-12 play, winning by 17-3-13- they're 4-0 as home favorites, with three of four home wins by 12+ points. UCLA covered six of last eight games, is 5-1 as Pac-12 favorite. Pac-12 double digit home favorites are 11-8 versus spread. Colorado lost last three games on road by 17-12-21 games, but won last three overall, all at home.


•Minnesota (+3) beat Wisconsin 81-68 Jan 22, shooting 59% inside arc, 4-7 from arc, 11-11 from line; home side won seven of last eight series games, with Gophers losing last three visits here, by 8-1-7 points. Big Dozen home favorites of 9 or less points are 10-17 versus spread. Badgers lost three of last four home games, are 2-3 as home favorites- they're 2-6 versus spread in last eight games overall. Minnesota is 0-3 as a road dog.


•UC-Santa Barbara (-6.5) beat Long Beach 64-51 at home Jan 16, ending a five-game series skid; Gauchos lost last five visits to Pyramid, with four of five by 12+ points. UCSB won three in row overall and six of last seven games; they're 3-1 on Big West Conference road, with only loss by hoop at Fullerton. Big West home favorites of 4 or less points are 4-1 versus spread. 49ers are 5-1 in last six games- they covered all four games as a Big West favorite.


•Utah shot 60% inside arc, was +9 in turnovers in 84-66 win over Southern Cal Jan 16; they're 2-2 versus Trojans in Pac-12 play, losing by 17 in only visit here in '12. Utes are 0-5 on Pac-12 road, with dogs covering four of the five games. USC is 3-2 versus spread in last five games, but 1-4 as home dog with all four home losses by 8+ points, only win versus California. Pac-12 home underdogs of 5 or less points are 10-5 versus spread.


•BYU (-12.5) beat Pacific 88-78 at home Jan 30, grabbing 17 offensive boards in game where Pacific shot 60% inside arc. Cougars won last four games, three by 10+ points; they're 1-5 versus spread in last six games, 2-4 on West Coast Conference road, beating USF/Santa Clara. WCC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 3-4 versus spread. Pacific is 3-2 in last five games, covering six of last eight- they've lost three of five conference home games.


•Manhattan (-10) held Rider to 26.5% from floor in 67-51 home win Jan 24, just its 4th win in last 14 series games, but they did win last two in New York by 16-11 points. Jaspers won last three games, are 2-3 as a MAAC road favorite- three of their four (4-3) conference road wins are by 11+ points. Rider is 4-2 at home in league play, losing to St Peter's/Marist. MAAC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 4-7 versus spread.


•Nebraska-Omaha (+5.5) shot 63% inside arc in 80-71 win at South Dakota State Jan 18; Mavericks won three of last four games, are 1-2 as home favorites in Summit League play, winning home games by 4-11. Jackrabbits won/covered last four games, allowing 59.3 ppg in last three; they're 3-1 on conference road, with only loss by 7 at Fort Wayne. Summit League home favorites of 5 or less points are 6-2 against the spread.


•Northern Colorado (+5) won 84-73 at Montana Jan 18, ending a 5-game skid to Grizzlies in game where Montana shot 20-26 (77%) inside arc. Grizzlies won last two visits here by 7-8 points; they've won last four games, last three by 6 or less points and won three of last four on road, Bears lost last four games, are 0-5 versus spread in last five, but are 5-0 at home. Big Sky home teams are 16-9 versus number when spread was 4 or less points.


•Situational Trends of The Day
-- UTAH is 14-1 ATS (+12.9 Units) after allowing 30 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was UTAH 71.7, OPPONENT 61.0.


-- SOUTHERN UTAH is 10-0 UNDER (+10.0 Units) after scoring 30 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games this season.
The average score was SOUTHERN UTAH 51.5, OPPONENT 66.9.


-- CREIGHTON is 1-10 against the 1rst half line (-10.0 Units) after 4 straight games forcing opponent to commit 11 or less turnovers over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was CREIGHTON 31.9, OPPONENT 30.6.


-- NORTHWESTERN is 18-4 UNDER (+13.6 Units) the 1rst half total after 5 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was NORTHWESTERN 24.7, OPPONENT 26.7.


-- STEVE LAVIN is 2-17 ATS (-16.7 Units) after a game committing 8 or less turnovers as the coach of ST JOHNS.
The average score was LAVIN 65.1, OPPONENT 67.3.


•Matchup Trends of The Day
-- MISSOURI is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home games versus excellent ball handling teams - committing <=12 turnovers/game after 15+ games since 1997.
The average score was MISSOURI 80.1, OPPONENT 65.5.


-- CLEVELAND ST is 9-0 OVER (+9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was CLEVELAND ST 76.3, OPPONENT 69.7.


-- GEORGIA TECH is 12-2 against the 1rst half line (+9.8 Units) versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game this season.
The average score was GEORGIA TECH 32.4, OPPONENT 30.8.


-- COLORADO is 18-4 OVER (+13.6 Units) the 1rst half total in road games versus top caliber teams - outscoring their opponents by 12+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
The average score was COLORADO 30.0, OPPONENT 41.7.


-- TAD BOYLE is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) versus very good shooting teams - making >=48% of their shots as the coach of COLORADO.
The average score was BOYLE 74.4, OPPONENT 71.3.


•Situation Analysis of The Day
-- Play Against - Any team with a money line of +135 to -155 (WI-GREEN BAY) - after being beaten by the spread by 48 or more points total in their last seven games against opponent after going over the total by 30 or more points total in their last five games.
(41-15 over the last 5 seasons.) (73.2%, +36.3 units. Rating = 5*)


The average money line posted in these games was: Team underdog with a money line of: +125.2
The average score in these games was: Team 70.9, Opponent 67.3 (Average point differential = +3.6)


The situation's record this season is: (2-3, -1 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (18-6, +10.8 units).
Since 1997 the situation's record is: (94-63, +20.4 units).


-- Play Against - Underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (BUTLER) - average defensive team (42.5-45%) against a good defensive team (40-42.5%), revenging a road blowout loss versus opponent of 20 points or more, off 3 straight losses against conference rivals.
(49-15 over the last 5 seasons.) (76.6%, +32.5 units. Rating = 4*)


The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (55-11 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Team favored by 6.5
The average score in these games was: Team 73.4, Opponent 64.5 (Average point differential = +8.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 18 (27.7% of all games.)


The situation's record this season is: (5-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (23-11).
Since 1997 the situation's record is: (150-102).


-- Play Under - Road teams where the total is between 140 and 149.5 points (WI-GREEN BAY) - good defensive team (63-67 PPG) against an excellent offensive team (>=76 PPG), off an upset loss as a home favorite of 12 points or more, in February games.
(52-14 since 1997.) (78.8%, +36.6 units. Rating = 4*)


The average total posted in these games was: 139
The average score in these games was: Team 64.7, Opponent 65.9 (Total points scored = 130.6)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 39 (59.1% of all games.)


The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (6-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (18-5).


-- Play Against - Favorites of 6 to 11 points versus the first half line (MURRAY ST) - good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defensive team (<=14.5 TO's), off a road win against a conference rival against opponent after scoring 80 points or more in a win over a conference rival.
(28-5 since 1997.) (84.8%, +22.5 units. Rating = 4*)


The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 7.7
The average first half score in these games was: Team 32.1, Opponent 35 (Average first half point differential = -2.9)


The situation's record this season is: (1-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (3-1).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (6-2).


-- Play On - Underdogs of 6 to 11 points versus the first half line (SIU EDWARDSVL) - terrible defensive team (>=47.5%) against a good shooting team (45-47.5%), after scoring 80 points or more in a win over a conference rival against opponent off a road win.
(30-6 since 1997.) (83.3%, +23.4 units. Rating = 4*)


The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 7.7
The average first half score in these games was: Team 31.8, Opponent 35.1 (Average first half point differential = -3.3)


The situation's record this season is: (1-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (3-1).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (8-2).


-- Play Under - All teams where the first half total is 60.5 or less (TULANE) - good foul drawing team - attempting >=25 free throws/game, after 2 straight close wins by 3 points or less against opponent after a win by 6 points or less.
(31-6 over the last 5 seasons.) (83.8%, +24.4 units. Rating = 4*)


The average first half total posted in these games was: 57.5
The average first half score in these games was: Team 26.7, Opponent 25.8 (Total first half points scored = 52.4)


The situation's record this season is: (2-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (10-3).
Since 1997 the situation's record is: (42-18).
___________________________________________


Thursday's Match-ups


#509 ARKANSAS @ #510 MISSOURI
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, ESPN2 - Line: Missouri -5, Total: N/A) - During his tenure at Missouri, Mike Anderson's teams were dominant at Mizzou Arena, and he hopes his Arkansas team has the same experience when the Razorbacks visit the Tigers for a key Southeastern Conference matchup Thursday. That might be too much to ask of an Arkansas squad that's 1-9 on the road, though the Razorbacks are coming off a 77-75 win at Vanderbilt on Saturday. Missouri won 75-71 at Arkansas on Jan. 28 and is trying to win three straight in the series for the first time since 1971.


The Tigers are reeling from three straight losses that have pushed their postseason hopes into a precarious position, but they're hopeful for a boost from three straight home games over the next week. Missouri, which lost 84-79 to Kentucky in its last home contest, has not dropped back-to-back home games since the 2007-08 season, Anderson's second with the Tigers. Like the Tigers, the Razorbacks desperately need a win to bolster their slim hopes of an NCAA Tournament berth, especially because of their poor road mark.


•ABOUT ARKANSAS (15-8 SU, 10-10-0 ATS, 4-6 SEC): The Razorbacks' postseason aspirations were in a world of trouble before winning their last two games, but with a win at Missouri and home victories over LSU and South Carolina in the next week, they could improve their case. Arkansas has only three players who average double-digit scoring with freshman forward Bobby Portis (13.1 points, 6.6 rebounds) leading the way, but they average 81 points — 20th-most in the nation. Much of the offense comes from Anderson's signature pressure defense, as Arkansas forces 17.7 turnovers per game — second-most in the country behind VCU (19).


•ABOUT MISSOURI (16-7 SU, 9-10-2 ATS, 4-6 SEC): The Tigers boast a trio of high-scoring guards in Jabari Brown (20.1 points), Jordan Clarkson (18.9 points) and Earnest Ross (14.1 points, 6.5 rebounds), but they don't get much offensive production from anyone else. Brown has topped 20 points in seven of the last eight games, and all three scored 20 or more in Saturday's 91-88 loss at Mississippi. If Missouri is going to have a successful March, though, it needs more from the frontcourt duo of freshman Johnathan Williams III (6.2 points, 7.3 rebounds) and sophomore Ryan Rosburg (five points, 4.6 rebounds).


•PREGAME NOTES: Both Brown and Clarkson have scored in double figures in all 23 games this season, matching Melvin Booker's streak to open the 1993-94 season. The last Missouri player to hit double digits in the first 24 games was Doug Smith, who did so in all 30 contests in 1990-91.... Anderson's teams are 80-1 all-time when recording at least 20 assists.... Fifteen of Missouri's last 16 games have been decided by 10 points or fewer, while seven of Arkansas' last nine SEC games have been decided by seven points or fewer.... The Tigers are 2-11 versus the spread when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) after 15 or more games over the last two seasons.... The Razorbacks are 9-19 against the spread in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last three seasons.


StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.


--In 1000 simulated games, ARKANSAS covered the spread 532 times, while MISSOURI covered the spread 432 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, MISSOURI won the game straight up 593 times, while ARKANSAS won 380 times. In 1000 simulated games, ARKANSAS covered the first half line 552 times, while MISSOURI covered the first half line 448 times. *No EDGE.


•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--MISSOURI is 5-3 against the spread versus ARKANSAS since 1997.
--ARKANSAS is 5-3 straight up against MISSOURI since 1997.
--4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997.


--MISSOURI is 5-3 versus the first half line when playing against ARKANSAS since 1997.
--5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.


--Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Razorbacks are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings.


•RECENT TRENDS
--ARK is 22-54 ATS in their last 76 road games.
--ARK is 3-8 ATS in their last 11 vs. Southeastern.
--Over is 7-2 in ARK last 9 road games.


--Under is 11-5 in MIZZ last 16 overall.
--Over is 8-2 in MIZZ last 10 Thu. games.
--Under is 7-2 in MIZZ last 9 home games.
_______________________________


#515 CREIGHTON @ #516 BUTLER
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, CBS Sports Network - Line: Creighton -8, Total: N/A) - A Big East showdown looms for Creighton as the No. 17 Bluejays prepare for Thursday’s home contest against struggling Butler. Creighton is in second place in the conference and Big East leader Villanova visits on Sunday amid great anticipation, making the game against the Bulldogs one in which a letdown needs to be avoided. Butler has lost five of six games and was largely noncompetitive when it suffered an 88-60 beating at Creighton on Jan. 14.


The Bulldogs’ struggles continued with a 64-50 home loss to Xavier on Tuesday – the squad’s fifth loss in its last six home games. “That’s basketball. There are ups and downs in seasons,” Butler coach Brandon Miller said afterward. “You have to be able to handle the good with the bad and we’ve had some close games and games that haven’t gone our way.” Creighton had a four-game winning streak snapped by losing to St. John’s on Sunday and the next victory will be the 100th for the senior class, which will set a school mark for most wins in a four-season span.


•ABOUT CREIGHTON (19-4 SU, 13-8-0 ATS, 9-2 Big East): All-American forward Doug McDermott had 28 points in last month’s victory over Butler and figures to move into 15th place on the NCAA career scoring list on Thursday. McDermott, who ranks second in the nation in scoring this season at 25.3 per game, is three points behind former Tennessee star Allan Houston (2,801) and six behind former U.S. International scoring machine Kevin Bradshaw (2,804). Forward Ethan Wragge (11.6) is the only other player averaging in double digits and his 82 3-pointers are fifth most in a season in program history.


•ABOUT BUTLER (12-12 SU, 10-11-1 ATS, 2-10 Big East): It has been a tough transition year for the former mid-major darlings who are taking their lumps after stepping up in status. Coach Brad Stevens perhaps saw the writing on the wall and cashed in by taking the Boston Celtics’ coaching gig and Butler has been outmatched in Big East play, with just two wins over the past six-plus weeks. Guard Kellen Durham (16.8) and forward Khyle Marshall (14.9) are the lone double-digit scorers, but Dunham had just two points on 1-of-10 shooting in the loss to Xavier.


•PREGAME NOTES: Creighton leads the series 5-3 and has won the past four meetings.... Butler is just 7-5 at famed Hinkle Fieldhouse this season and its streak of 18 consecutive seasons of winning 10 or more home games is in jeopardy.... A victory would make Bluejays coach Greg McDermott (134 games) the second-fastest coach to reach 100 wins at Creighton, ranking behind Arthur Schabinger, who reached the milestone in 133 games with a win over Marquette on Feb. 17, 1930.... The Bulldogs are 13-3 against the spread versus teams who attempt 21 or more 3-point shots/game on the season over the last two seasons.... Creighton 1-9 versus the spread in February games over the last two seasons.


StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.


--In 1000 simulated games, CREIGHTON covered the spread 561 times, while BUTLER covered the spread 412 times. *EDGE against the spread =CREIGHTON. In 1000 simulated games, CREIGHTON won the game straight up 773 times, while BUTLER won 204 times. In 1000 simulated games, CREIGHTON covered the first half line 506 times, while BUTLER covered the first half line 494 times. *No EDGE.


•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--CREIGHTON is 1-0 against the spread versus BUTLER since 1997.
--CREIGHTON is 1-0 straight up against BUTLER since 1997.
--1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.


--CREIGHTON is 1-0 versus the first half line when playing against BUTLER since 1997.
--1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.


•RECENT TRENDS
--CRE is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Thursday games.
--CRE is 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
--Under is 13-5 in CRE last 18 road games.


--BUT is 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. Big East.
--BUT is 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
--Over is 4-0 in Bulldogs last 4 Thursday games.
_______________________________


#517 NORTHWESTERN @ #518 MICHIGAN ST
(TV: 7:00 PM EST, Big Ten Network - Line: Michigan State -14.5, Total: N/A) - Whether or not Michigan State defeats visiting Northwestern on Thursday, don't expect the Spartans' players to be tweeting immediately after the game. Coach Tom Izzo, whose 10th-ranked Spartans have lost three of five, has asked his players to remove social media from their phones, noting that "the phone has become like a drug." "I still have my account, but it's off my phone," said sophomore forward Matt Costello. "I can't get on it from my phone. I don't have it right now - a couple guys on the team don't have it right now. No distractions. We got a job to do."


Michigan State has battled injuries for much of the season, including earlier setbacks for leading scorers Gary Harris (17.6 points) and Adreian Payne (16.4) and a current wrist injury to Keith Appling (15 points, 4.9 assists). Appling will not play Thursday, creating more playing time for Travis Trice, who bounced back from consecutive poor showings with a 13-point effort in Sunday's two-point loss to Wisconsin. Northwestern also enters this game on a sour note after falling to Nebraska on Saturday following a 4-1 mark over its previous five games.


•ABOUT NORTHWESTERN (12-12 SU, 9-14-0 ATS, 5-6 Big Ten): The Wildcats are among the nation's worst offensive teams, ranking 345th in scoring average (60.8) and 334th in field-goal percentage (39.8) entering Wednesday's action. They have not scored 70 points in a game since mid-December and are coming off a 49-point effort against Nebraska in which they had nearly as many turnovers (13) as made baskets (17). Leading scorer Drew Crawford (16.1 points) has landed in double figures in 15 of his last 16 games - the exception being a six-point effort in the first meeting with Michigan State.


•ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (20-4 SU, 13-8-2 ATS, 9-2 Big Ten): The Spartans' three losses in their last five games have come by a total of 11 points, including Sunday's heart-breaking defeat to the Badgers in which Michigan State shot only 5-of-19 from 3-point range. Harris was 0-of-7 from behind the arc and is shooting 32.7 percent from long range after knocking down 3s at a 41.1 percent clip as a freshman. Conversely, Payne has made 36 3-pointers over the last two seasons - including 20-of-45 (44 percent) this season - after making a total of one 3-pointer during his first two years at Michigan State.


•PREGAME NOTES: The teams met Jan. 15 at Northwestern, with the Spartans winning 54-40 behind Harris' 14 points. Payne (foot) did not play in that game.... Payne has committed at least two turnovers in each of his last eight games.... Crawford has made multiple 3-pointers in four straight contests following a three-game stretch during which he went 0-of-12 from behind the arc.... Northwestern is 1-10 against the spread versus excellent teams - shooting more than 45% with a defense of less than 42% this season.... Michigan State is 7-0 versus the spread versus bad pressure defensive teams - forcing less than 12 turnovers/game this season.


StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.


--In 1000 simulated games, MICHIGAN ST covered the spread 585 times, while NORTHWESTERN covered the spread 415 times. *EDGE against the spread =MICHIGAN ST. In 1000 simulated games, MICHIGAN ST won the game straight up 913 times, while NORTHWESTERN won 70 times. In 1000 simulated games, NORTHWESTERN covered the first half line 512 times, while MICHIGAN ST covered the first half line 488 times. *No EDGE.


•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--MICHIGAN ST is 15-13 against the spread versus NORTHWESTERN since 1997.
--MICHIGAN ST is 25-3 straight up against NORTHWESTERN since 1997.
--12 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.


--MICHIGAN ST is 14-14 versus the first half line when playing against NORTHWESTERN since 1997.
--13 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.


--Road team is 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings.
--Wildcats are 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Michigan St.


•RECENT TRENDS
--Over is 24-7 in NW last 31 Thu. games.
--Under is 27-11-1 in NW last 39 overall.
--Under is 19-7-1 in NW last 27 vs. Big Ten.


--MSU is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. Big Ten.
--MSU is 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games overall.
--Over is 4-1 in MSU last 5 home games.
_______________________________


#541 ST JOHNS @ #542 SETON HALL
(TV: 9:00 PM EST, Fox Sports 1 - Line: St. John's -1.5) - St. John's has recovered from a wretched start in Big East Conference play and will go for its fourth consecutive victory when it visits Seton Hall on Thursday. The Red Storm lost their first five league games but bounced back nicely, winning six of their last seven overall, including a one-point home victory over Seton Hall on Jan. 23. "I knew we would struggle but I didn't think we'd start 0-5 in the league," St. John's coach Steve Lavin told reporters. "I have always thought we could keep getting better."


The Pirates' perplexing woes at home continued in a 77-66 loss to Marquette on Tuesday, a game in which they led by six points with less than 9 1/2 minutes to play. Seton Hall is 3-3 in conference road games but are a mystifying 1-4 versus Big East foes at the Prudential Center - the lone victory coming against ninth-place DePaul. "It’s disappointing on many levels, to be honest," coach Kevin Willard said. "They haven’t seized the opportunities which they’ve had. And I don’t think they’ve understood their opportunities."


•ABOUT ST. JOHN'S (15-9 SU, 10-12-0 ATS, 5-6 Big East): The Red Storm have received stellar play from the starting backcourt duo of leading scorer Angelo Harrison and freshman Rysheed Jordan during the current three-game win streak. Harrison, who is third in the conference in scoring at 18.3 points, scored 19 in Saturday's win over Creighton and is averaging 22.7 points in the past three. Jordan has struggled with his shot during that span but his biggest contribution has been directing the offense, handing out 20 assists against only six turnovers.


•ABOUT SETON HALL (13-11 SU, 11-12-0 ATS, 4-7 Big East): The Pirates did a lot of things right against Marquette, shooting 53.3 percent and knocking down 10-of-21 3-pointers, but were beat up on the boards and failed to do any of the little things to fend off a comeback. "It’s frustrating," forward Brandon Mobley said. "They got a lot of offensive rebounds. All the hustle plays. They beat us to all the 50-50 balls. All the plays that we are supposed to make at home." Fuquan Edwin has struggled in the past two games, scoring a combined 17 points after averaging 20.8 in the previous five contests.


•PREGAME NOTES: The Pirates have won six straight at home versus St. John's.... Red Storm C Chris Obekpa, who leads the Big East in blocks (3.3), has scored in double figures in three of the last four games after failing to eclipse seven points in his first 20 this season.... Pirates G Brian Oliver broke out of a slump with five 3-pointers against Marquette. He also hit five 3-pointers in last month's meeting with St. John's.... Seton Hall is 1-10 versus the spread in home games versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 4+ points/game over the last two seasons, including 0-7 ATS after 15+ games.... The Red Strom is 12-4 against the spread versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing less than 14 turnovers/game after 15+ games over the last two seasons.


StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.


--In 1000 simulated games, SETON HALL covered the spread 584 times, while ST JOHNS covered the spread 416 times. *EDGE against the spread =SETON HALL. In 1000 simulated games, SETON HALL won the game straight up 523 times, while ST JOHNS won 448 times. In 1000 simulated games, SETON HALL covered the first half line 566 times, while ST JOHNS covered the first half line 395 times. *EDGE against first half line =SETON HALL.


•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--SETON HALL is 15-8 against the spread versus ST JOHNS since 1997.
--SETON HALL is 13-10 straight up against ST JOHNS since 1997.
--10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997.


--SETON HALL is 15-8 versus the first half line when playing against ST JOHNS since 1997.
--9 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.


--Red Storm are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Red Storm are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Seton Hall.


--Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings
--Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Seton Hall.


--Home team is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
--Favorite is 12-4 ATS in the last 16 meetings.


•RECENT TRENDS
--SJU is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big East.
--Over is 8-3 in SJU last 11 Thu. games.
--Under is 9-3 in SJU last 12 road games.


--Over is 7-1 in HALL last 8 home games.
--Over is 19-7 in HALL last 26 Thu. games.
--HALL are 7-20-1 ATS in their last 28 home games.
_______________________________


#543 COLORADO @ #544 UCLA
(TV: 9:00 PM EST, ESPN2 - Line: UCLA -10.5, Total: N/A) - Colorado can claim a victory over every team in the Pac-12 since joining the conference three years ago with a win Thursday at UCLA. The Buffaloes are 0-3 against the Bruins in conference play and 1-7 overall, with their only triumph coming in 1962. This would be a good opportunity for Colorado to end the streak as it has won its last three contests to pull within one-half game of UCLA for second place in the Pac-12 standings.


UCLA traveled to Colorado last month and beat the Buffaloes by 13 points, the first full game after Colorado lost its best player, Spencer Dinwiddie, to a season-ending knee injury. Askia Booker scored 21 points in that contest and has stepped up in the last three as well, averaging 21.3 points to boost his season average to 14.2. Colorado did a good job slowing down UCLA’s top two scorers - Jordan Adams and Kyle Anderson - in the first meeting, but fellow guard Norman Powell burned it for 19 points and is coming off a season-high 21 against USC on Saturday.


•ABOUT COLORADO (18-6, 13-10-0 ATS, 7-4 Pac-12): Josh Scott should be able to have success against the Bruins, who don’t have a post player with his skill in their rotation. Scott took advantage of his 6-10 frame in the first meeting with UCLA by scoring 19 points and he’s also coming in hot, having matched his career high of 21 in Sunday’s win over Washington. Scott also has done a remarkable job avoiding foul trouble this season, compiling more than three fouls in a game only twice.


•ABOUT UCLA (18-5, 14-8-0 ATS, 7-3 Pac-12): It will be up to the Wear twins to keep Scott and fellow Mater Dei High School alum Xavier Johnson from getting too comfortable in the paint. David Wear has enjoyed a much better senior season than his brother Travis, shooting 52 percent from the floor while averaging 7.4 points and 4.2 rebounds. Travis Wear missed the first three games of the campaign after undergoing an emergency appendectomy and things haven’t clicked for him since, as he’s averaging just six points and 3.1 rebounds after posting close to 11 and six the previous two seasons.


•PREGAME NOTES: Colorado is 10-1 this season in games decided by less than 10 points.... The Buffaloes have had multiple 20-point scorers in three games after having none the last two seasons.... Anderson has a conference-leading 12 double-doubles, one with points and assists and the rest with points and rebounds.... The Buffaloes are 16-6 versus the spread versus good 3-point shooting teams - making more than 37% of their attempts over the last three seasons.... The Bruins are 9-22 against the spread off a road win by 10 points or more since 1997.


StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.


--In 1000 simulated games, COLORADO covered the spread 534 times, while UCLA covered the spread 466 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, UCLA won the game straight up 774 times, while COLORADO won 197 times. In 1000 simulated games, COLORADO covered the first half line 528 times, while UCLA covered the first half line 428 times. *No EDGE.


•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--UCLA is 3-0 against the spread versus COLORADO since 1997.
--UCLA is 3-0 straight up against COLORADO since 1997.
--1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.


--UCLA is 2-1 versus the first half line when playing against COLORADO since 1997.
--1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.


•RECENT TRENDS
--COLO is 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 road games.
--Under is 16-5 in COLO last 21 Thu. games.
--Under is 19-7 in COLO last 26 road games.


--UCLA is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
--UCLA is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Pacific-12.
--Over is 4-1 in UCLA last 5 home games.
_______________________________


#545 MINNESOTA @ #546 WISCONSIN
(TV: 9:00 PM EST, ESPN - Line: Wisconsin -8.5, Total: N/A) - Two teams coming off impressive wins meet Thursday when Minnesota visits No. 21 Wisconsin, which snapped a three-game home losing streak with Sunday’s 60-58 victory over Michigan State. The Badgers have won back-to-back games since losing five of six, and are one victory away from their eighth straight 20-win season. They’re facing a Minnesota team that kept its NCAA Tournament hopes alive by ending a three-game losing streak with a 66-60 victory over Indiana on Saturday.


Wisconsin forward Nigel Hayes wasn’t the most highly touted freshman entering the season, but is quickly become a difference-maker in Big Ten play. The 6-7 Hayes was named the league’s freshman of the week for the third time after averaging 14 points and shooting 66.7 percent in wins over Illinois and Michigan State. “I said a lot of times for those who care to listen that Nigel is pretty special,” coach Bo Ryan told reporters. “He has really given us a big boost.”


•ABOUT MINNESOTA (16-8 SU, 8-11-1 ATS, 5-6 Big Ten): The Golden Gophers are looking for their first season sweep of the Badgers since 2008-09 after DeAndre Mathieu and Maurice Walker scored 18 points apiece in an 81-68 victory Jan. 22. Walker, who lost 60 pounds in the offseason, has been the team’s leading scorer (14.2) and rebounder (6.4) over the last five games, including a team-high 17 points against Purdue on Feb. 5. Guard Andre Hollins is averaging a team-high 14.9 points and appears fully recovered from a sprained ankle that forced him to miss two games.


•ABOUT WISCONSIN (19-5 SU, 13-11-0 ATS, 6-5 Big Ten): The Badgers will never be known for having an explosive offense, but they’re averaging 73 points and five players are scoring at least 10.1 points per game in league play. Point guard Traevon Jackson, averaging 10.8 points and four assists, hit a 12-foot jumper with 2.1 seconds left against Michigan State and made a similar game-winning shot against the Golden Gophers last season. Guard Josh Gasser added to his reputation as one of the nation’s top defenders Sunday when he held the Spartans’ Gary Harris to six points, well below his Big Ten-leading average of 18.2.


•PREGAME NOTES: Wisconsin has won 15 of the last 16 games against Minnesota in Madison.... Minnesota is 13-2 when holding its opponent to less than 70 points.... The Badgers have won 74 of their last 76 games when leading or tied with five minutes remaining.... The Golden Gophers are 4-11 against the spread versus good ball handling teams - committing less than 14 turnovers/game this season.... Wisconsin is 4-17 versus the spread when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) over the last two seasons, including 3-11 ATS after 15 or more games.


StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.


--In 1000 simulated games, WISCONSIN covered the spread 596 times, while MINNESOTA covered the spread 404 times. *EDGE against the spread =WISCONSIN. In 1000 simulated games, WISCONSIN won the game straight up 807 times, while MINNESOTA won 165 times. In 1000 simulated games, WISCONSIN covered the first half line 492 times, while MINNESOTA covered the first half line 462 times. *No EDGE.


•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--MINNESOTA is 14-13 against the spread versus WISCONSIN since 1997.
--WISCONSIN is 20-8 straight up against MINNESOTA since 1997.
--12 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997.


--MINNESOTA is 15-11 versus the first half line when playing against WISCONSIN since 1997.
--13 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.


--Golden Gophers are 3-0-1 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
--Golden Gophers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Wisconsin.


--Road team is 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Underdog is 3-0-1 ATS in the last 4 meetings.


•RECENT TRENDS
--MINN is 6-14-1 ATS in their last 21 vs. Big Ten.
--MINN is 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 games overall.
--Over is 6-2-1 in MINN last 9 road games.


--WIS is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
--WIS is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. Big Ten.
--Over is 7-3 in WIS last 10 Thu. games.
_______________________________


#561 UTAH @ #562 USC
(TV: 10:30 PM EST, Pac-12 Network - Line: Utah -3.5, Total: N/A) - While Utah has enjoyed a solid breakthrough season, the Utes are still looking for their first win away from home when they visit struggling USC on Thursday. Utah, which has not had a winning campaign since 2008-09, is 16-1 on its home court to go along with six losses on the road by a combined 24 points. The Trojans have dropped four straight – two of them in overtime -- and nine of 10, but held a lead in the second half in each of their last four outings.


Los Angeles-area products Delon Wright, Brandon Taylor and Dakarai Tucker – three of the Utes’ four top scorers – will feel at home against the Trojans and at UCLA on Saturday. Utah gained some momentum after an overtime loss at Colorado by sweeping Washington and Washington State last week. USC’s leading scorer Byron Wesley, who averages 17.3, was held to eight points in Utah’s 84-66 victory Jan. 16.


•ABOUT UTAH (16-7 SU, 13-4-1 ATS, 5-6 Pac-12): Wright, Taylor and Jordan Loveridge helped carry the Utes through victories last weekend, combining to convert 62 percent from the field. Wright averages 16 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists and shoots 59.7 percent from the field – fourth in the Pac-12 – for a team that ranks third in the nation at 50.4. Loveridge made 11-of-13 shots last week, stands second on the team in scoring (15.8) and leads the way in rebounding (7.7) while Taylor averaged 17.7 points the last three outings.


•ABOUT USC (10-13 SU, 9-11-1 ATS, 1-9 Pac-12): Wesley rebounded from two straight single-digit scoring performances – including Utah – by averaging 20.2 points over the last five contests after pouring in 27 in Saturday’s loss to UCLA. J.T. Terrell has averaged 12.3 points over the previous four games to raise his average to 10.5, just ahead of Pe’Shon Howard (10.4). The Trojans are 8-1 when Nikola Jovanovic scores in double figures, but the 6-10 freshman has only 14 points combined since recording a career-high 23 against California.


•PREGAME NOTES: Wright (38.8) and Loveridge (38) are 1-2 in the Pac 12 in average minutes played during league games.... USC’s 7-2 C Omar Oraby from Egypt leads the conference in field goal percentage (61) and is second in blocks (2.5).... Utah has won by double digits 13 times among its 16 victories and is second behind Arizona in the league with a plus-16 scoring margin.... The Trojans are 3-12 versus the spread versus top caliber teams - outscoring their opponents by 12+ points/game over the last two seasons.... Utah is 14-1 against the spread after allowing 30 points or less in the first half in two straight games over the last two seasons.


StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.


--In 1000 simulated games, UTAH covered the spread 551 times, while USC covered the spread 449 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, UTAH won the game straight up 632 times, while USC won 339 times. In 1000 simulated games, UTAH covered the first half line 503 times, while USC covered the first half line 454 times. *No EDGE.


•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--UTAH is 3-2 against the spread versus USC since 1997.
--USC is 3-2 straight up against UTAH since 1997.
--2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.


--USC is 4-1 versus the first half line when playing against UTAH since 1997.
--2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.


--Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
--Home team is 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.


•RECENT TRENDS
--UTAH is 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 Thursday games.
--UTAH is 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 vs. Pacific-12.
--Over is 4-1 in Utes last 5 vs. Pacific-12.


--USC is 3-11 ATS in their last 14 vs. Pacific-12.
--USC is 3-7-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
--Over is 10-3-1 in USC last 14 Thu. games.
_______________________________


#607 BOSTON COLLEGE @ #608 GEORGIA TECH
(TV: 5:00 PM EST, New England Sports Network, Fox Sports South, ESPN3 - Line: Georgia Tech -3, Total: N/A) - Very little has gone well for Boston College and Georgia Tech since ACC play began, and when the Yellow Jackets host the Eagles on Thursday after a one-day delay due to a winter storm, both squads will look to find something positive heading into the stretch run of conference action. Boston College has lost six of its past seven, including a 68-60 loss at home to Georgia Tech on Jan. 21. The Yellow Jackets could not parlay that victory into much success, dropping four of their five games since holding off the Eagles.


One positive sign for the Yellow Jackets was the return of Robert Carter Jr. in Saturday’s 64-45 home loss to Virginia. Carter, who missed 10 games after injuring his knee Dec. 29 at Charlotte, was leading the ACC in rebounding before getting hurt. The Eagles never led in an 89-68 loss to Duke on Saturday, but saw leading scorer Olivier Hanlan bust out of a slump with 25 points on 8-of-16 shooting.


•ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (6-17 SU, 7-14-0 ATS, 2-8 ACC): The Eagles have been competitive through most of their recent skid, pushing unbeaten Syracuse in a 10-point loss, falling in overtime at Notre Dame and losing by 10 points at No. 21 Virginia. Hanlan had scored just 30 points in his three previous games on 40 percent shooting before getting back on track against the Blue Devils. The Eagles are next-to-last in ACC play in scoring defense, allowing 72.2 points per contest.


•ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (12-12 SU, 9-9-0 ATS, 3-8 ACC): Leading scorer Trae Golden played just 18 minutes Saturday with a pulled groin, going scoreless as the Yellow Jackets were outscored 22-1 in the final 9:51. Carter scored five points with two rebounds in 16 minutes, and Georgia Tech hopes to get both players more minutes against the Eagles. Daniel Miller is second in the ACC in blocked shots at 2.4.


•PREGAME NOTES: Both teams were in Atlanta but the game was postponed Wednesday afternoon due to severe winter weather conditions.... Golden scored 24 points against the Eagles last month as the Yellow Jackets held on after nearly blowing a 19-point lead; Hanlan scored 19 points for Boston College.... The Yellow Jackets ended a three-game losing streak to the Eagles in last month’s meeting, and lead the all-time series 10-8.... The Eagles are 33-11 against the spread in road games after five straight games forcing opponent to commit 14 or less turnovers since 1997.... Georgia Tech is 22-9 versus the spread in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.


StatSystems Sports has searched its database for all past games where the posted line or total were similar to this game's and where the final game statistics were comparable to the estimator's projections. (Points/Per Possession, Turnovers, along with Free-Throw Shooting Percentages). The number of simulations in which each team covered the current spread, won the game straight up, and number of simulations which went over or under the current total are listed below. Edges are indicated where one side enjoyed a significant advantage against the line or total.


--In 1000 simulated games, GEORGIA TECH covered the spread 538 times, while BOSTON COLLEGE covered the spread 432 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, GEORGIA TECH won the game straight up 629 times, while BOSTON COLLEGE won 347 times. In 1000 simulated games, GEORGIA TECH covered the first half line 524 times, while BOSTON COLLEGE covered the first half line 476 times. *No EDGE.


•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--GEORGIA TECH is 7-7 against the spread versus BOSTON COLLEGE since 1997
--GEORGIA TECH is 7-7 straight up against BOSTON COLLEGE since 1997
--8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997


--GEORGIA TECH is 9-4 versus the first half line when playing against BOSTON COLLEGE since 1997.
--7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.


--Eagles are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
--Road team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
--Underdog is 12-2 ATS in the last 14 meetings.


•RECENT TRENDS
--BC is 22-10 ATS in their last 32 Thu. games.
--BC is 7-15 ATS in their last 22 games overall.
--Over is 7-1 in BC last 8 Thu. games.


--GT is 1-9 ATS in their last 10 Thu. games.
--Under is 8-3 in GT last 11 Thu. games.
--Under is 9-2 in GT L11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.