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**TheGame** · 02-15-2014, 06:18 AM

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

Florida at Kentucky
By Brian Edwards
VegasInsider.com

Florida can make the SEC regular-season race a landslide if it can go into Rupp Arena and win Saturday night for the first time since 2007. Billy Donovan's team travels to Kentucky with a two-game lead over the Wildcats in the league standings.

Most betting shops opened Kentucky (19-5 straight up, 11-9-2 against the spread) as a 2.5-point home favorite.

While a Florida (22-2 SU, 10-9-1 ATS) victory would basically end the SEC race, a win by Kentucky would allow it to control its own destiny to capture yet another conference title.

John Calipari's team is unbeaten in 14 home games with an 8-4 spread record. As for UF, it has won six of its eight true road games while posting a 4-3 spread record.

Kentucky has only been a single-digit home favorite once, failing to cover in a win over Tennessee.

Florida has been an underdog three times this year, going 1-2 SU and 2-1 ATS. The Gators won outright at Arkansas as 3.5-point underdogs, lost on a buzzer-beater but covered at UConn and dropped a 59-53 decision at Wisconsin as 5.5-point road 'dogs.

We should add that this is the first underdog situation for Florida with its entire roster healthy and eligible. In the loss at Wisconsin, Dorian Finney-Smith, Scottie Wilbekin and Chris Walker were out. Kasey Hill was out against the Huskies and Wilbekin was injured in the second half and couldn't play at crunch time.

Walker hasn't been getting much playing time in his first three games. The McDonald's All-American out of Bonifay has played just 16 minutes. Walker has scored eight points, grabbed six rebounds and blocked two shots. He has made 4-of-5 shot attempts from the field.

UF has won 16 in a row and hasn't tasted defeat since a Dec. 2 loss at UConn. The Gators are coming off a solid road win Tuesday over Tennessee.

Florida beat the Volunteers by 26 in Gainesville a few weeks ago, but it was a different story at Thompson-Boling Arena. UT led by one at intermission and trailed by just a point with 4:32 remaining.

But Michael Frazier II and Scottie Wilbekin drained back-to-back 3's to stretch the lead to seven and UF pulled away for a 67-58 win as a two-point road 'chalk.' Wilbekin finished with 21 points, six assists and four steals. Frazier finished with 11 points, while Casey Prather had nine points and eight rebounds.

Since losing at LSU on Jan. 28, Kentucky has won four consecutive games while compiling a 3-1 spread record. The Wildcats won 64-56 Wednesday at Auburn, hooking up their backers as 7.5-point road favorites.

Andrew Harrison led the way against the Tigers with 16 points. Julius Randle added 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Randle is UK's go-to guy on a team that consists mainly of freshmen and sophomores. He is averaging 15.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.

Randle has a size and strength advantage over just about all defenders that go against him, but that won't be the case with Patric Young. In fact, Young will have the advantage in the muscle department.

From the fourth row behind the Kansas bench at the The O-Dome in December, I saw first-hand how Young's muscle rendered KU's Joel Embiid completely ineffective.

Florida likes to play a lot of zone and I'm sure that'll be the case Saturday night. Kentucky struggles from the perimeter, ranking No. 272 in the nation in 3-point percentage (32.2%).

Since Calipari was hired by UK, the 'Cats have won eight of 10 meetings against Florida. The long-time rivals split a pair of regular-season meetings last year, with UK winning a 61-57 decision at home.

The 'under' has cashed in five of the last six head-to-head encounters between these schools and is 8-3 in the last 11.

The 'under' has been a winner in three straight UK games to improve to 12-8-1 overall. The 'under' is 7-3-1 for the 'Cats in their home games.

The 'under' has been a major money maker in Florida games all season. The 'under' is 14-5-1 overall for the Gators, 5-2 in their road assignments.

GameDay will be in Lexington and tip-off on ESPN is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

B.E.'s Bonus Nuggets

Michigan State senior center Adreian Payne is back and 100 percent healthy (and lethal) after missing seven games. Payne led the Spartans to Thursday's 85-70 home win over Northwestern by scoring 20 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Payne scored 24 points in last Sunday's loss at Wisconsin. Tom Izzo is happy to have Payne back, but he's now without starting guard Keith Appling, who has a wrist injury that has forced him to miss the first three games of his career. Appling averages 15.0 points and 4.9 assists per game. He continues to get treatment but is probably at least a week away from returning. Branden Dawson remains out (hand) and won't be back for at least two more weeks.

Kansas freshman center Joel Embiid is listed as 'questionable' for Saturday's home game vs. TCU, but I'll be very surprised if he plays. Bill Self clearly indicated after Monday's loss at Kansas St. that Embiid needed some rest before the stretch drive. Embiid has been bothered by a sprained knee and an ailing back, and his presence certainly isn't required against the Horned Frogs. Embiid averages 10.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots per game. Also, the status of Jamari Taylor is in question after Self benched him at KSU due to an off-the-court issue. Taylor averages 4.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.

Texas forward Jonathan Holmes (13.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG) is a question mark for Saturday's home game versus West Virginia. Holmes injured his knee in last Saturday's loss at Kansas St. and did not play in a win over Oklahoma St. earlier this week.

UMass stud point guard Chaz Williams is questionable Saturday against George Washington due to a hip injury. Williams is the catalyst for the Minutemen, averaging 15.7 points and 7.3 assists per game.

I'm wondering if the court at Thompson-Boling is ok after taking that crash landing from Patric Young's body Tuesday night? With UF leading by six at the 1:32 mark, Young missed a shot that went off the rim and bounced toward the sideline. Two Tennessee players were in better position to grab the rebound, but Young wanted it more. The senior center fully extended his 6-foot-9, 240-pound frame to dive at the ball. His momentum was carrying him out of bounds, but he immediately threw the ball to a teammate and the Gators got a fresh 35 seconds. Donovan called it 'the play of the year.'

I'll be filing Thursday's finish of Boston College at Ga. Tech as one of my top miracle covers of all-time. At the same time, those backing BC will add it to their list of bad beats. Hopefully those of you on the Eagles got a push, as Ga. Tech was favored by 2.5 early Thursday but eventually moved to three. BC took a one-point lead with 3.4 seconds remaining on a baseline jumper from Olivier Hanlan. Ga. Tech had no timeouts remaining, but it caught a monster break when Steve Donahue inexplicably decided to call a timeout. Why, you ask? Well, of course, to make sure his defense was so prepared for the play the Yellow Jackets now had time to draw up. Donahue did such a good job of prepping his players that they committed the most cardinal sin possible --fouling a 3-point shooter -- in this scenario. Marcus Georges-Hunt buried the trey with 0.7 seconds remaining to put Ga. Tech up by two. In this situation, especially when given the amount of time that was available since the refs had to go to the monitor and review where the clock should've stopped after Georges-Hunt's 3-ball, Ga. Tech head coach Brian Gregory should've advised Georges-Hunt to miss the free throw on purpose. As long as he hit the rim, this would've resulted in BC having to attempt a heave from 80-plus feet. This is an absolute no-brainer coaching move, but Gregory and his staff fell asleep at the wheel. Therefore, when Georges-Hunt made the free throw, Ga. Tech backers were able to cash the miracle winner. Also, BC had a decent look at a potential tying 3-pointer at the buzzer, but it was off the mark. I'm glad it didn't go in, but it sure would've been fitting because Donahue and Gregory both did an abysmal job of handling the clock and their timeouts at crunch time of this scrub game that I'll never forget.

**TheGame** · 02-15-2014, 06:18 AM

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

Saturday's Tip Sheet
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com

The NBA All-Star break is this weekend and the NHL is in the middle of a two-week hiatus for the Winter Olympics, so men’s college basketball should have the betting public’s full attention this Saturday. Lucky for them there are a number of intriguing matchups on the schedule starting with No. 20 Memphis on the road against No. 24 Connecticut in a high noon clash in the AAC.

No. 20 Memphis Tigers at No. 24 Connecticut Huskies

There is a logjam in the AAC at this point of the season with half the teams in the conference ranked in the Top 25. The Tigers are right in the thick of things with an 8-3 straight-up record and they are 19-5 overall. They have been busy the past few days starting with last Saturday’s 60-54 nonconference victory over then-No. 23 Gonzaga as four-point home favorites followed by a tight 76-70 win against Central Florida as 13½-point favorites at home on Wednesday night.

Memphis has gone 5-2 against the spread in its last seven games to improve to 13-8 ATS on the year. It is a profitable 8-2 ATS on the road this season and the total has stayed UNDER in three of its last four road games.

The Tigers have relied heavily on an offense that is averaging 79.7 points a game and shooting 48.1 percent from the field to help cover up some issues with a defense that has allowed 68.7 PPG to its opponents.

Earlier this month, they tagged Rutgers with 101 points in a 32-point romp but this was after giving up 87 points to SMU in a 15-point loss in their previous outing. The duo of Joe Jackson and Shaq Goodwin has done most of the damage with a combined 28.1 points a game.

Connecticut shocked the Tigers in mid-January with an 83-73 victory in the first meeting this season as a seven-point road underdog. Since that point, the Huskies have lost to Louisville and Cincinnati in their only other two games against a ranked opponent as part of an overall SU record of 7-4 in conference play. Despite this up and down play on the court, Connecticut has been one of the most profitable plays in the AAC lately with an 8-1 record ATS in its last nine contests.

Overall, the Huskies are 19-5 SU with a 13-9 record ATS. They have covered in eight of 12 home games this season and the total has stayed UNDER in eight of 11 games at home with a posted line. The total has now stayed UNDER in their last four contests.

Shabazz Napier and DeAndre Daniels have been the big two for Connecticut this season with a combined 30.8 points and 11.4 rebounds a game. The team is averaging 75.6 PPG while shooting 46.5 percent from the field. It has picked things up a notch or two in its last two games by outscoring Central Florida and South Florida by a combined 63 points. The Huskies have done a good job on the other end of the court as well by holding teams to an average of 63.4 PPG. They have played even better defense at home with this average dropping to 59.2 PPG.

Connecticut opened as a 3 ½-point home favorite to pull-off the season sweep over the Tigers on Saturday.

Other than this year’s first tilt, the only other time these two met in recent memory was Memphis’s 81-70 victory in the 2007-08 season as a 7½-point home favorite.

Bonus Games

No. 17 Virginia Cavaliers at Clemson Tigers

The Cavaliers have been rolling along with eight-straight victories since a four-point loss to Duke on Jan. 13. This run includes wins over North Carolina and Pittsburgh both SU and ATS. They are now just one game in back of Syracuse in the ACC standings at 11-1 SU and they are 20-5 SU overall.

Virginia has covered in its last six road games and it is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 matchups in the ACC. Despite this impressive run both SU and ATS, there has to be some genuine concern heading into this Saturday’s game as a 3½-point road favorite. The Cavaliers have gone 2-5 ATS in the last seven meetings and they have failed to cover in their last four trips to Clemson.

The total has stayed UNDER in five of the last seven meetings.

No. 16 Iowa Hawkeyes at Penn State Nittany Lions

Iowa trails both Michigan State and Michigan in the Big Ten standings by two games with a SU conference record of 7-4. After losing to both of these teams as part of a 2-3 SU slide, the Hawkeyes served notice that they are still a factor in the Big Ten regular season title race by hammering the Wolverines 85-67 this past Saturday as 5 ½-point home favorites.

The big question for this game is can Iowa maintain the momentum from that victory or does it suffer a letdown as a 7½-point road favorite? Recent betting trends suggest the latter when you consider that the home team in this matchup is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings. Making matters worse is the fact that the Hawkeyes are just 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings and 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games against Penn State.

**TheGame** · 02-15-2014, 06:19 AM

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB Cheat Sheet: Late Games
By Covers.com

Here's a quick look at the marquee late games on Saturday's NCAA basketball schedule:

TCU Horned Frogs at Kansas Jayhawks (-24)

Kyan Anderson continues to be the bright spot in the Horned Frogs' struggling offense, averaging a team-high 16.3 points after scoring at least 20 points in four of his last six games. Amric Fields has scored in double figures in 13 of his 16 appearances and averages 13.6 points and 6.1 rebounds. The Horned Frogs are ranked last in the Big 12 in scoring, field-goal percentage and rebounding.

Freshman Andrew Wiggins leads the first-place Jayhawks with 16 points and Perry Ellis adds 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds. Ellis has had two double-doubles in the past three games for Kansas, which is 9-2 at home. Joel Embiid averages 10.7 points, a team-high 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 22.3 minutes but has been limited to 7.5 points in 17.3 minutes the past three games.

TRENDS

* Horned Frogs are 7-20 ATS in their last 27 games vs. Big 12 opponents.
* Jayhawks are 5-0 ATS in their last five games vs. teams with losing records.
* Under is 4-0 in TCU's last four games following an ATS loss.
* Over is 8-0 in Kansas' last eight Saturday games.

Maryland Terrapins at Duke Blue Devils (-13.5)

The Terrapins put up a fight before fading in the second half of a 61-53 loss at Virginia on Monday, two days after putting up 83 points on one of the best defensive teams in the ACC in a win over Florida State. Seth Allen went for a career-high 32 points in the victory over the Seminoles and had 15 against the Cavaliers on 7-of-14 shooting.

The Blue Devils know a few things about getting hot from 3-point range and lead the ACC with a 3-point field-goal percentage of 42. Duke went 11-of-21 from beyond the arc in last Saturday’s 89-68 win at Boston College but freshman Jabari Parker did not need any 3-pointers to post season highs of 29 points and 16 rebounds. Parker has 21 or more points in three of the last four contests.

TRENDS

* Terrapins are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 Saturday games.
* Blue Devils are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games.
* Under is 4-0 in Maryland's last four road games.
* Favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.

West Virginia Mountaineers at Texas Longhorns (-6)

West Virginia's Juwan Staten scored 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting but the rest of the team struggled to 30.9 percent shooting in the loss to Texas, with Terry Henderson and Eron Harris combining to go 1-of-13 from 3-point range. Staten’s 19 points against Iowa State snapped a string of three straight games reaching at least 20. He had 23 in the first meeting with Texas.

The Longhorns were missing leading scorer Jonathan Holmes on Tuesday but Javan Felix picked up the slack with 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. The sophomore guard was 6-of-24 from 3-point range over his previous five games but got help from a sagging defense and confidence from his teammates. Texas suffered a 57-53 overtime loss at home to West Virginia last season.

TRENDS

* Mountaineers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a win.
* Longhorns are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 Saturday games.
* Over is 4-0 in West Virginia's last four games.
* Over is 13-6 in Texas' last 19 games vs. the Big 12.

Ohio State Buckeyes at Illinois Fighting Illini (+4.5)

The Buckeyes allowed 70 or more points for only the fourth time this season against Michigan to stall their momentumt. Ross leads the team in scoring (14.6), followed by Lenzell Smith Jr. (12) while point guard Aaron Craft stirs the pot for the Ohio State, averaging 9.3 points, 4.7 assists and 2.5 steals. Ohio State C Amir Williams leads the league in field goal percentage at 61.8 and paces the Buckeyes in rebounding (6.2).

Guard Rayvonte Rice has been a bright spot during a rough stretch for the Fighting Illini, reaching 20 points in three of the last five games while leading the team in scoring (16.8) and rebounding (six) at 6-4. Illinois’ only win during its slump came Feb. 9 at Penn State, but followed that up with a 67-58 loss at Nebraska on Wednesday. Joseph Bertrand, 2-of-8 shooting the last two games, had 19 points against Ohio State

TRENDS

* Buckeyes are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games.
* Fighting Illini are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games.
* Under is 7-1 in Ohio State's last eight games following an ATS loss.
* Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.

Loyola Marymount Lions at Gonzaga Bulldogs (-17.5)

The Lions opened West Coast Conference play with consecutive victories but have since dropped 11 of 12, including a 10-point decision to the visiting Bulldogs on Jan. 18. Anthony Ireland leads the team in points (18.4) and assists (5.5) but is just 15-for-44 from the field over his last three games and is shooting just over 30 percent from 3-point range for the season.

Gonzaga bounced back nicely from a six-point loss at Memphis, shooting 52.5 percent while placing four players in double figures en route to a 15-point victory over Pepperdine. Junior guard Kevin Pangos paces the team in scoring at 15.1 points per game, but had averaged just 8.3 over a four-game stretch before breaking out with 18 against the Waves.

TRENDS

* Lions are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games.
* Bulldogs are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Under is 9-1 in Loyola Marymount's last 10 games vs. teams with winning records.
* Under is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings.

Air Force Falcons at San Diego State Aztecs (-17.5)

The Falcons held San Jose State to 30.2 percent shooting Wednesday and edged the Spartans 51-48 for their first victory in nearly a month. Leading scorer Tre' Coggins returned to the starting lineup for the first time since serving a three-game suspension and finished with three points on 1-of-12 shooting. Coggins averages 16.8 points while shooting 47.1 percent from the field.

The Aztecs’ dynamic frontcourt has become even stronger in recent weeks with the emergence of forward Dwayne Polee II, who made three 3-pointers and scored 15 points against Wyoming. Polee was one of the few bright spots against the Cowboys, whose zone defense frustrated Thames and forced 13 turnovers. San Diego State has won 10 of the last 12 games against Air Force.

TRENDS

* Falcons are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.
* Aztecs are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games.
* Under is 13-3 in San Diego State's last 16 home games.
* Home team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.

Florida Gators at Kentucky Wildcats (-2)

Florida enters this game on a 16-game winning streak. Patric Young will move into a tie for eighth for the most games played at Florida (136) when he takes the floor against Kentucky. The Gators will be trying to snap an opponent's home-winning streak of at least 20 games for the second time this season after ending Arkansas’ 25-game streak with an overtime win Jan. 14.

Many expected Willie Cauley-Stein to continue in his starting role after he took over for Noel following his injury last season, but Johnson stole the job in the preseason and the 7-foot Cauley-Stein hasn’t done much to prove he belongs with the starting five. Cauley-Stein has been held to single digits in eight of the last nine games, scoring three points or fewer in five of those contests.

TRENDS

* Wildcats are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games.
* Under is 10-2 in Gators' last 12 Saturday games.
* Under is 4-1-1 in Kentucky's last six Saturday games.
* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.

**TheGame** · 02-15-2014, 06:19 AM

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB Cheat Sheet: Early Games
By Covers.com

Here's a quick look at the marquee early games on Saturday's NCAA basketball schedule:

Virginia Cavaliers at Clemson Tigers (+4.5)

The conference championship very well could come down to Virginia's showdown with the visiting Syracuse Orange on March 1. But the Cavaliers have made it known they aren't looking past anyone - putting together its best start in conference play since opening 12-1 in 1981-82. Virginia guard Malcolm Brogdon has scored in double digits in 12 consecutive games.

K.J. McDaniels has been the lone offensive star on a Clemson squad that has struggled to score all season. He's the only player on the team to average double digits in points (17) and also leads the club in rebounding (7.5), steals (1.1) and blocks. The Tigers shoot just 41.1 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from beyond the arc but limit opponents to 38.2 percent from the floor.

TRENDS

* Cavaliers are 6-0 ATS in their last six road games.
* Tigers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven Saturday games.
* Under is 5-1 in Virginia's last six games.
* Home team is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.

Memphis Tigers at Connecticut Huskies (-5)

Named to the Wooden Award midseason list, Memphis' Joe Jackson leads the conference with an average of two steals while also remaining atop the club in points (14.6), assists (4.5) and minutes (32). While the senior guard's presence is felt in every contest, freshman reserve forward Dominic Woodson will sit out as he serves a one-game suspension for inappropriate language.

The Huskies' Shabazz Napier also was named to the Wooden Award midseason list, which consists of the top 30 players in the nation. The guard leads the conference in assists (5.5) while also topping his own team in points (17.3) and rebounds (5.9). Guard Ryan Boatright is dealing with an admittedly injured shoulder but sits one point shy of reaching 1,000 for his career.

TRENDS

* Tigers are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games following an ATS win.
* Huskies are 6-0 ATS in their last six games.
* Under is 10-4 in Memphis' last 14 road games.
* Over is 19-9-1 in Connecticut's last 29 games following a win of more than 20 points.

Pittsburgh Panthers at North Carolina Tar Heels (-3.5)

Even though they went to both overtime and double-overtime in their last five contests, the Panthers only are averaging 57.4 points during that stretch. Talib Zanna broke out of a slump with 16 points and 14 rebounds against Syracuse, but Patterson - the team's leading scorer at 17 points - continued to struggle from the field. Patterson is shooting just 28.5 percent over the last five games.

The Tar Heels have been remarkably consistent during their five-game winning streak, as they've scored between 73 and 84 points in each game while allowing between 61 and 70. Of course, Wednesday's postponement means North Carolina has not played in a week since posting a 73-62 road win over Notre Dame. James Michael McAdoo led the team with 18 points in that contest.

TRENDS

* Panthers are 0-5 ATS in their last five games.
* Tar Heels are 5-0 ATS in their last five games.
* Under is 4-0 in Pittsburgh's last four games.
* Over is 5-2 in North Carolina's last seven games.

Iowa Hawkeyes at Penn State Nittany Lions (+7)

The Hawkeyes, who have alternated wins and losses in the last six games, are third in the standings with trips to Indiana, Minnesota and Michigan State on the horizon - along with a home game versus Wisconsin. Devyn Marble made six 3-pointers in last weekend's win against Michigan and averages 16.5 points to lead the team. Aaron White is the only other player averaging in double figures (13.2)

The Nittany Lions forced 20 turnovers in Wednesday's victory at Indiana, where they finished the game with a 15-2 run and denied the Hoosiers a field goal over the final five minutes. D.J. Newbill, who averaged 23 points in two games against Iowa last season, leads Penn State in scoring (17.2) and Frazier is next (16.1) while topping the Big Ten with six assists per game.

TRENDS

* Hawkeyes are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 Saturday games.
* Nittany Lions are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games.
* Over is 9-2 in Iowa's last 11 games following an ATS win.
* Home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.

Texas Tech Red Raiders at Iowa State Cyclones (-10)

The Red Raiders scored 30 points in the paint Monday and are averaging 35.4, ahead of the school-record pace set in 1995-96 (34.3). Texas Tech’s ability to score inside has overshadowed its woes from the 3-point line during its three-game winning streak, during which time the Red Raiders are shooting 23 percent beyond the arc. Jaye Crockett leads the team in scoring at 14.5 points per game.

The Cyclones remained the only team in Division I to score at least 70 points in every contest, but little else went right two days after conference player of the year candidate Melvin Ejim exploded for a Big 12-record 48 points against Texas Christian. Ejim managed only six points in a game coach Fred Hoiberg called “the worst effort we have had by far this season”.

TRENDS

* Red Raiders are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Cyclones are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games.
* Under is 7-0 in Texas Tech's last seven Saturday games.
* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.

Oklahoma Sooners at Oklahoma State Cowboys (-2.5)

Buddy Hield leads the fourth-place Sooners with 16.4 points but was held to single-digits for just the second time this season. Ryan Spangler adds 10.4 points and 9.8 rebounds after being held to five points and four rebounds. Cameron Clark has back-to-back 16 point games, hitting 13-of-16 shots during that span, and averages 15.8 points.

Markel Brown averages 16.7 points and Phil Forte adds 12.2 points after scoring eight in his first start. Le'Bryan Nash, who adds 14.8 points and a team-high 5.9 rebounds, has shot 50 percent or better in his last six games and is averaging 19.5 points during that span. Kamari Murphy averages 6.1 points and 5.8 rebounds after his first double-double of the year.

TRENDS

* Sooners are 6-0 in their last six games following an ATS loss.
* Cowboys are 1-6 ATS in their last seven Saturday games.
* Under is 4-1 in Oklahoma's last five road games.
* Over is 6-0 in the last six meetings in Stillwater.

VCU Rams at Saint Louis Billikens (-4.5)

The Rams feature three double-digit scorers in guard Treveon Graham (15.6 points, 6.9 rebounds), forward Juvonte Reddic (12.4 points, 8.3 rebounds) and guard Melvin Johnson (10.7). Guard Rob Brandenberg (9.4) had failed to reach double digits in five of six games – including back-to-back 3-point outings – before breaking out with 15 points in the victory over George Washington.

The Billikens allow just 58.8 points per game and limit opponents to 39 percent shooting from the field but also possess two potent offensive players in forward Dwayne Evans (14.5 points, 6.3 rebounds) and point guard Jordair Jett (13.2 points, 4.9 assists). Jett scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half against La Salle and ranks fifth in school history with 375 career assists.

TRENDS

* Rams are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 road games.
* Billikens are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 7-1 in Saint Louis' last eight Saturday games.
* Favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.

Houston Cougars at Cincinnati Bearcats (-15)

Cougars forward TaShawn Thomas averages 16.2 points and 8.8 rebounds but has occasionally been passive in games and the coaching staff urged him to be more aggressive against Temple and he responded with 25 points and nine rebounds. Guards Danuel House (12.9) and Jherrod Stiggers (10 per game) also average in double digits.

Cincinnati's Sean Kilpatrick scored 22 points against SMU for his fourth 20-point outing in five games but was just 5-of-18 from the field. The senior guard is averaging 22.9 points over the last eight games and was named to the Naismith Trophy Midseason Top 30 list Thursday. Forward Justin Jackson averages 11.4 points and seven rebounds.

TRENDS

* Cougars are 1-5 ATS in their last six games.
* Bearcats are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games.
* Under is 40-11 in Cincinnati's last 51 games.
* Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.

N.C. State Wolf Pack at Syracuse Orange (-14)

Since missing a game due to a sprained ankle, Wolf Pack standout T.J. Warren (23.1 points, 7.4 rebounds) has posted an average of 26.4 points and 7.6 boards over his last five contests. Warren has shot 58.4 percent during that stretch, including a 15-of-26 performance en route to a career-high 34 points in Tuesday's 15-point win over Wake Forest.

The 58-56 win over Pittsburgh gave Syracuse its 24th straight victory - a new school record - as the team erased a six-point deficit in the final two minutes. The Orange won despite the absence of center Baye Moussa Keita, a stalwart in the middle of Jim Boeheim's 2-3 zone defense, and the senior's status is up in the air for Saturday.

TRENDS

* Wolfpack are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 Saturday games.
* Orange are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a win.
* Over is 4-1 in N.C. State's last five games.
* Road team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.

**TheGame** · 02-15-2014, 06:19 AM

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

College Basketball Injury Report
By Brian Edwards
Sportsmemo.com

Michigan State senior center Adreian Payne is back and he's 100 percent healthy (and lethal) after missing seven games. Payne led the Spartans to Thursday's 85-70 home win over Northwestern by scoring 20 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Payne scored 24 points in last Sunday's loss at Wisconsin. Tom Izzo is happy to have Payne back, but he's now without starting guard Keith Appling, who has a wrist injury that has forced him to miss the first three games of his career. Appling averages 15.0 points and 4.9 assists per game. He continues to get treatment but is probably at least a week away from returning. Branden Dawson remains out (hand) and won't be back for at least two more weeks.

Kansas freshman center Joel Embiid is listed as 'questionable' for Saturday's home game vs. TCU, but I'll be very surprised if he plays. Bill Self clearly indicated after Monday's loss at Kansas St. that Embiid needed some rest before the stretch drive. Embiid has been bothered by a sprained knee and an ailing back, and his presence certainly isn't required against the Horned Frogs. Embiid averages 10.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots per game. Also, the status of Jamari Taylor is in question after Self benched him at KSU due to an off-the-court issue. Taylor averages 4.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.

Texas forward Jonathan Holmes (13.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG) is a question mark for Saturday's home game versus West Virginia. Holmes injured his knee in last Saturday's loss at Kansas St. and did not play in a win over Oklahoma St. earlier this week.

UMass stud point guard Chaz Williams is questionable Saturday against George Washington due to a hip injury. Williams is the catalyst for the Minutemen, averaging 15.7 points and 7.3 assists per game.

Louisville forward Wayne Blackshear (9.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG) hasn't played since taking an elbow to the head earlier this month, but he is expected to play Friday at Temple.

Texas A&M freshman guard Davonte Fitzgerald is out for the rest of the season after injuring his knee in the first half of Wednesday's home win over LSU. Fitzgerald had scored 11 points and knocked down 3-of-4 from 3-point range before the injury. He was averaging 9.0 points per game in SEC games.

Colorado's Wesley Gordon (6.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG) is 'questionable' for Sunday's game against USC due to an ankle injury.

UConn's Omar Calhoun (5.5 PPG) is a question mark for Saturday's home game vs. Memphis after suffering a concussion.

Memphis reserve big Dominic Woodson has been suspended indefinitely by Josh Pastner for using inappropriate language in Wednesday's win over UCF.

Notre Dame guard Demetrius Jackson (6.1 PPG) missed this week's double-overtime win over Clemson due to an academic issue. Jackson is considered 'doubtful' for Sunday's game against Boston College.

Two Seton Hall starters, center Eugene Teague and forward Brian Olive, were suspended for Thursday's one-point home loss to St. John's. The Pirates, who have lost three in a row and four of their last five, don't play again until Thursday at home vs. Georgetown. Going off of the post-game quotes from Kevin Willard, I think the suspensions were just a one-game deal. Willard indicated that Olive and Teague needed to work on their attitudes.

Georgia Tech starting point guard and leading scorer Trae Golden (13.4 PPG, 3.2 APG) couldn't go in Thursday's home win over Boston College. Golden has been bothered by a groin injury since a Feb. 1 win at Wake Forest. The Tennessee transfer missed one game after the win over Wake, but he returned and played 18 minutes in a Feb. 8 home loss to Virginia. Bettors should check his status leading into Tuesday's home game vs. Duke.

Drexel's Kazembe Abif has a broken hand and will miss the remainder of the season. Abif was averging 7.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per contest.

Wisconsin-Green Bay has suspended Vincent Garrett (6.5 PPG) for the next three games due to a violation of team policy. Garrett will return against Oakland on Feb. 27.
Marshall's TyQuane Goard is 'questionable' Saturday against Charlotte due to a shoulder injury. Goard averages 7.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest.

Arkansas Little Rock has three key players listed as 'questionable' with injuries for Saturday's game at ULM. The trio includes its best player Will Neighbour, who averages a team-high 16.7 PPG.

**TheGame** · 02-15-2014, 08:06 AM

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

StatFox Super Situations

LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT at GONZAGA
Play On - A road team (LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT) after being beaten by the spread by 48 or more points total in their last ten games against opponent after going under the total by 24 or more points total in their last three games 41-15 over the last 5 seasons. ( 73.2% | 24.5 units ) 4-2 this year. ( 66.7% | 1.8 units )

VALPARAISO at WI-MILWAUKEE
Play On - Any team (WI-MILWAUKEE) revenging a loss where opponent scored 75 or more points, off an upset win as a road underdog of 12 points or more 62-51 since 1997. ( 54.9% | 34.3 units )

CAL POLY-SLO at LONG BEACH ST
Play On - Road underdogs of 2 to 3.5 points vs. the first half line (CAL POLY-SLO) revenging a close loss vs opponent of 3 points or less, a bad team, winning 20% to 40% of their games on the season 46-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 71.9% | 26.2 units ) 2-1 this year. ( 66.7% | 0.9 units )

**TheGame** · 02-15-2014, 08:07 AM

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

6:00 PM
CENTRAL MICHIGAN vs. KENT STATE
Central Michigan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Central Michigan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Kent State
Kent State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Central Michigan
Kent State is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games at home

6:00 PM
MARYLAND vs. DUKE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Maryland's last 9 games when playing on the road against Duke
Maryland is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Duke
Duke is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Duke's last 5 games

6:05 PM
NEVADA vs. NEW MEXICO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nevada's last 5 games on the road
Nevada is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
New Mexico is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
New Mexico is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

7:00 PM
NORTHEASTERN vs. COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
Northeastern is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Northeastern's last 5 games on the road
College of Charleston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of College of Charleston's last 6 games

7:00 PM
NORTHERN ILLINOIS vs. AKRON
Northern Illinois is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Northern Illinois's last 13 games on the road
Akron is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Akron is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games

7:00 PM
SAMFORD vs. ELON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Samford's last 6 games on the road
Samford is 2-15 SU in its last 17 games on the road
Elon is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Samford
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Elon's last 6 games when playing Samford

7:00 PM
DARTMOUTH vs. COLUMBIA
Dartmouth is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Dartmouth is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Columbia
Columbia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Columbia is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home

7:00 PM
CS NORTHRIDGE vs. SANTA BARBARA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of CS Northridge's last 6 games when playing on the road against Santa Barbara
CS Northridge is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Santa Barbara
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Santa Barbara's last 10 games when playing CS Northridge
Santa Barbara is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing CS Northridge

7:00 PM
MARSHALL vs. CHARLOTTE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Marshall's last 5 games on the road
Marshall is 1-14 SU in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games
Charlotte is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
IDAHO STATE vs. SOUTHERN UTAH
Idaho State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Idaho State is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Southern Utah
Southern Utah is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Idaho State
Southern Utah is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Idaho State

7:00 PM
STANFORD vs. WASHINGTON STATE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Stanford's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Stanford's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington State
Washington State is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing Stanford
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington State's last 5 games when playing at home against Stanford

7:00 PM
KANSAS STATE vs. BAYLOR
Kansas State is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas State's last 6 games when playing on the road against Baylor
Baylor is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Baylor is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games

7:00 PM
HARVARD vs. CORNELL
Harvard is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Harvard's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cornell
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cornell's last 6 games when playing at home against Harvard
Cornell is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Harvard

7:05 PM
BRADLEY vs. ILLINOIS STATE
Bradley is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Bradley is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Illinois State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Bradley
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Illinois State's last 5 games when playing at home against Bradley

7:05 PM
ILLINOIS-CHICAGO vs. YOUNGSTOWN STATE
Illinois-Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Illinois-Chicago's last 6 games on the road
Youngstown State is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Illinois-Chicago
Youngstown State is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing Illinois-Chicago

8:00 PM
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT vs. GONZAGA
Loyola Marymount is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Gonzaga
Loyola Marymount is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Gonzaga
Gonzaga is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Loyola Marymount
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Gonzaga's last 5 games when playing at home against Loyola Marymount

8:00 PM
TULANE vs. UAB
Tulane is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tulane's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of UAB's last 5 games when playing Tulane
UAB is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tulane

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

8:00 PM
OHIO STATE vs. ILLINOIS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Ohio State's last 10 games on the road
Ohio State is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Illinois is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Ohio State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Illinois's last 6 games

8:00 PM
EAST CAROLINA vs. NORTH TEXAS
East Carolina is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
East Carolina is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
North Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of North Texas's last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
UMKC vs. TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN
UMKC is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Texas-Pan American is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games at home
Texas-Pan American is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM
RICE vs. LOUISIANA TECH
Rice is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Rice's last 6 games on the road
Louisiana Tech is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Rice
Louisiana Tech is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Rice

8:00 PM
BYU vs. ST. MARY'S
BYU is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
BYU is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Mary's last 7 games when playing BYU
St. Mary's is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing BYU

8:00 PM
FLORIDA STATE vs. WAKE FOREST
Florida State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Florida State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Wake Forest's last 8 games when playing at home against Florida State
Wake Forest is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Florida State

8:00 PM
WEST VIRGINIA vs. TEXAS
West Virginia is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of West Virginia's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games at home
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
VALPARAISO vs. WISC-MILWAUKEE
Valparaiso is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Valparaiso is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Wisc-Milwaukee
Wisc-Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Valparaiso
Wisc-Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Valparaiso

8:05 PM
AIR FORCE vs. SAN DIEGO STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Air Force's last 5 games on the road
Air Force is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Diego State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Air Force
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Diego State's last 9 games when playing at home against Air Force

8:05 PM
LOYOLA OF CHICAGO vs. DRAKE
Loyola of Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Loyola of Chicago's last 6 games on the road
Drake is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Drake's last 6 games at home

8:15 PM
ARKANSAS STATE vs. LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
Arkansas State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Louisiana-Lafayet
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Arkansas State's last 8 games when playing on the road against Louisiana-Lafayet
Louisiana-Lafayette is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Louisiana-Lafayette's last 6 games at home

8:30 PM
EASTERN ILLINOIS vs. MURRAY STATE
Eastern Illinois is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Murray State
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Eastern Illinois's last 8 games when playing on the road against Murray State
Murray State is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Eastern Illinois
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Murray State's last 9 games when playing Eastern Illinois

8:30 PM
SIU EDWARDSVILLE vs. AUSTIN PEAY
SIU Edwardsville is 1-19 SU in its last 20 games on the road
Austin Peay is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Austin Peay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

8:30 PM
MOREHEAD STATE vs. TENNESSEE TECH
Morehead State is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Tennessee Tech
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Morehead State's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tennessee Tech
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tennessee Tech's last 6 games at home
Tennessee Tech is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home

8:30 PM
TEXAS STATE vs. TEXAS-ARLINGTON
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
Texas-Arlington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Texas State
Texas-Arlington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas State

9:00 PM
CHICAGO STATE vs. NEW MEXICO STATE
Chicago State is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games on the road
New Mexico State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago State
New Mexico State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

9:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. KENTUCKY
Florida is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Kentucky
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Florida's last 11 games when playing on the road against Kentucky
Kentucky is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kentucky's last 6 games when playing Florida

9:00 PM
HAWAII vs. CS FULLERTON
Hawaii is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Hawaii's last 5 games on the road
CS Fullerton is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
CS Fullerton is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games

9:00 PM
NORTHERN IOWA vs. MISSOURI STATE
Northern Iowa is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Northern Iowa's last 5 games on the road
Missouri State is 2-14 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against Northern Iowa
Missouri State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Northern Iowa

9:05 PM
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL vs. TEXAS EL PASO
Florida International is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas El Paso's last 6 games at home
Texas El Paso is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

9:05 PM
MONTANA STATE vs. NORTHERN COLORADO
Montana State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Northern Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montana State's last 6 games when playing on the road against Northern Colorado
Northern Colorado is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Northern Colorado's last 7 games at home

9:05 PM
IDAHO vs. UTAH VALLEY
Idaho is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Utah Valley is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games at home
Utah Valley is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games

10:00 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. PACIFIC
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Diego's last 7 games on the road
San Diego is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Pacific is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
Pacific is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home

10:00 PM
COLORADO STATE vs. FRESNO STATE
Colorado State is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Colorado State is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Fresno State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Fresno State's last 5 games when playing Colorado State

10:00 PM
UC RIVERSIDE vs. UC IRVINE
UC Riverside is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against UC Irvine
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of UC Riverside's last 9 games when playing on the road against UC Irvine
UC Irvine is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing UC Riverside
UC Irvine is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing UC Riverside

10:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. CS BAKERSFIELD
Seattle is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
CS Bakersfield is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
CS Bakersfield is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games

10:05 PM
SACRAMENTO STATE vs. PORTLAND STATE
Sacramento State is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento State's last 6 games on the road
Portland State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland State's last 5 games

10:30 PM
CAL POLY vs. LONG BEACH STATE
Cal Poly is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cal Poly's last 5 games on the road
Long Beach State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cal Poly
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Long Beach State's last 6 games when playing at home against Cal Poly

11:00 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SANTA CLARA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games when playing on the road against Santa Clara
Santa Clara is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Santa Clara's last 9 games when playing at home against San Francisco

**TheGame** · 02-15-2014, 08:07 AM

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

11:00 AM
SAINT JOSEPH'S vs. LA SALLE
Saint Joseph's is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against La Salle
Saint Joseph's is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against La Salle
La Salle is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
La Salle is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home

12:00 PM
VIRGINIA vs. CLEMSON
Virginia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Clemson
Virginia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Clemson
Clemson is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Virginia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Clemson's last 5 games when playing at home against Virginia

12:00 PM
DUQUESNE vs. RHODE ISLAND
Duquesne is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Duquesne is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Rhode Island
Rhode Island is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Duquesne
Rhode Island is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Duquesne

12:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. CONNECTICUT
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Memphis's last 15 games on the road
Connecticut is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Connecticut is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games at home

12:00 PM
UNC WILMINGTON vs. JAMES MADISON
UNC Wilmington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against James Madison
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of UNC Wilmington's last 5 games when playing on the road against James Madison
James Madison is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
James Madison is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

1:00 PM
IOWA vs. PENN STATE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Iowa's last 7 games on the road
Iowa is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Penn State
Penn State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Iowa
Penn State is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing Iowa

1:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. NORTH CAROLINA
Pittsburgh is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
North Carolina is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
North Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

1:05 PM
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS vs. INDIANA STATE
Southern Illinois is 3-19 SU in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Southern Illinois's last 7 games on the road
Indiana State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Southern Illinois
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indiana State's last 8 games when playing Southern Illinois

1:30 PM
CENTRAL FLORIDA vs. SOUTH FLORIDA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Central Florida's last 5 games on the road
Central Florida is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
South Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Central Florida
South Florida is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home

1:30 PM
TEXAS A&M vs. VANDERBILT
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas A&M's last 8 games on the road
Texas A&M is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Vanderbilt is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Vanderbilt's last 7 games

1:30 PM
MISSISSIPPI STATE vs. AUBURN
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Mississippi State's last 19 games on the road
Mississippi State is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Auburn's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Auburn's last 7 games

1:45 PM
TEXAS TECH vs. IOWA STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Texas Tech's last 9 games on the road
Texas Tech is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Iowa State is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Texas Tech
Iowa State is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Texas Tech

2:00 PM
MASSACHUSETTS vs. GEORGE WASHINGTON
Massachusetts is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Massachusetts is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games on the road
George Washington is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Massachusetts
George Washington is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Massachusetts

2:00 PM
TOLEDO vs. EASTERN MICHIGAN
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toledo's last 9 games when playing on the road against Eastern Michigan
Toledo is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Eastern Michigan
Eastern Michigan is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games at home
Eastern Michigan is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Toledo

2:00 PM
DAVIDSON vs. GEORGIA SOUTHERN
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Davidson's last 7 games on the road
Davidson is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Georgia Southern's last 5 games when playing at home against Davidson
Georgia Southern is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Davidson

2:00 PM
OKLAHOMA vs. OKLAHOMA STATE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma's last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma State
Oklahoma is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Oklahoma
Oklahoma State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oklahoma

2:00 PM
DEPAUL vs. PROVIDENCE
DePaul is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Providence
The total has gone OVER in 4 of DePaul's last 6 games when playing on the road against Providence
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Providence's last 6 games when playing DePaul
Providence is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing DePaul

2:00 PM
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH vs. SAINT LOUIS
Virginia Commonwealth is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Virginia Commonwealth's last 6 games on the road
Saint Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Saint Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

2:00 PM
SOUTHERN MISS vs. MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Southern Miss is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Southern Miss's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Middle Tennessee's last 9 games
Middle Tennessee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

2:30 PM
OHIO vs. BUFFALO
Ohio is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ohio's last 6 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Buffalo is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Ohio
Buffalo is 7-17 ATS in its last 24 games when playing Ohio

3:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. CINCINNATI
Houston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 10 games

3:00 PM
MONTANA vs. NORTH DAKOTA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montana's last 6 games on the road
North Dakota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Montana
North Dakota is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home

3:00 PM
CALIFORNIA vs. WASHINGTON
California is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of California's last 5 games on the road
Washington is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against California
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing California

3:00 PM
NORTH CAROLINA STATE vs. SYRACUSE
No trends available
Syracuse is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Syracuse's last 7 games at home

3:00 PM
ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK vs. LOUISIANA-MONROE
Arkansas-Little Rock is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arkansas-Little Rock's last 6 games when playing on the road against Louisiana-Monroe
Louisiana-Monroe is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Arkansas-Little Rock
Louisiana-Monroe is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arkansas-Little Rock

4:00 PM
ALABAMA vs. SOUTH CAROLINA
Alabama is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against South Carolina
Alabama is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against South Carolina
South Carolina is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Alabama
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of South Carolina's last 10 games when playing Alabama

4:00 PM
FLORIDA ATLANTIC vs. TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO
Florida Atlantic is 3-16 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Texas-San Antonio is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas-San Antonio's last 6 games

4:00 PM
MISSISSIPPI vs. GEORGIA
Mississippi is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Mississippi is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Georgia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Mississippi
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Georgia's last 6 games when playing Mississippi

4:00 PM
INDIANA vs. PURDUE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games on the road
Indiana is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Purdue is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
Purdue is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Indiana

4:00 PM
THE CITADEL vs. FURMAN
The Citadel is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Furman
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of The Citadel's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Furman's last 7 games
Furman is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

4:00 PM
BOWLING GREEN vs. BALL STATE
Bowling Green is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Ball State
Bowling Green is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ball State's last 6 games at home
Ball State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

4:00 PM
WISC-GREEN BAY vs. CLEVELAND STATE
Wisc-Green Bay is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Wisc-Green Bay is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland State's last 5 games at home
Cleveland State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

4:00 PM
RIDER vs. FAIRFIELD
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Rider's last 5 games on the road
Fairfield is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Rider
Fairfield is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

4:00 PM
TENNESSEE vs. MISSOURI
Tennessee is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Tennessee is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Missouri is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Missouri's last 7 games

4:00 PM
PEPPERDINE vs. PORTLAND
Pepperdine is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pepperdine's last 8 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pepperdine
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 7 games when playing Pepperdine

4:00 PM
TCU vs. KANSAS
TCU is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Kansas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing TCU
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas's last 5 games at home

4:00 PM
TOWSON vs. WILLIAM & MARY
Towson is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of William & Mary's last 5 games at home
William & Mary is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

4:00 PM
XAVIER vs. MARQUETTE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Xavier's last 6 games on the road
Marquette is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Marquette is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

4:05 PM
OLD DOMINION vs. TULSA
Old Dominion is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Old Dominion is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Tulsa is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tulsa's last 7 games

4:05 PM
UNLV vs. UTAH STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of UNLV's last 7 games on the road
UNLV is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Utah State is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah State's last 6 games at home

4:30 PM
MIAMI (OHIO) vs. WESTERN MICHIGAN
Miami (Ohio) is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Miami (Ohio) is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Western Michigan
Western Michigan is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami (Ohio)
Western Michigan is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Miami (Ohio)

4:30 PM
WOFFORD vs. APPALACHIAN STATE
Wofford is 2-2-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Appalachian State
Wofford is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Appalachian State is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games at home
Appalachian State is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games

5:00 PM
WYOMING vs. SAN JOSE STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wyoming's last 6 games on the road
Wyoming is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games on the road
San Jose State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
San Jose State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home

5:00 PM
UTAH vs. UCLA
Utah is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
UCLA is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of UCLA's last 6 games at home

5:00 PM
LSU vs. ARKANSAS
LSU is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Arkansas
LSU is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arkansas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arkansas's last 5 games when playing LSU
Arkansas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing LSU

5:05 PM
NORTHERN ARIZONA vs. EASTERN WASHINGTON
Northern Arizona is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Northern Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Eastern Washingto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Eastern Washington's last 6 games when playing Northern Arizona
Eastern Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Northern Arizona

5:30 PM
EASTERN KENTUCKY vs. JACKSONVILLE STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Eastern Kentucky's last 8 games when playing on the road against Jacksonville Stat
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Eastern Kentucky's last 8 games on the road
Jacksonville State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Eastern Kentucky
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Jacksonville State's last 15 games when playing Eastern Kentucky

6:00 PM
PRINCETON vs. YALE
Princeton is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Yale
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Princeton's last 5 games when playing on the road against Yale
Yale is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Yale is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

6:00 PM
PENNSYLVANIA vs. BROWN
Pennsylvania is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Pennsylvania is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Brown is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pennsylvania
Brown is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Pennsylvania

6:00 PM
MIAMI vs. VIRGINIA TECH
Miami is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
Virginia Tech is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami

6:00 PM
GEORGIA STATE vs. TROY
Georgia State is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Troy
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Georgia State's last 5 games on the road
Troy is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Troy's last 5 games

6:00 PM
ST. BONAVENTURE vs. GEORGE MASON
St. Bonaventure is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Bonaventure's last 7 games on the road
George Mason is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games at home
George Mason is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games at home

6:00 PM
FORDHAM vs. RICHMOND
Fordham is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Fordham is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Richmond is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Fordham
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Richmond's last 6 games when playing Fordham

**TheGame** · 02-15-2014, 08:50 AM

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

NBA Fact or Fiction
By Mike Rose
VegasInsider.com

It's time for the NBA's All-Star Break, and that means that the NBA's trade deadline is just around the corner. There are a lot of teams which could be big time players to watch out for, and today, we're going to go over that and more in the "halftime" edition of NBA Fact or Fiction.

FACT

The Phoenix Suns Would Be Legitimate Contenders With One More Piece: Easier said than acquired, though. There's a question as to what is really out there at the moment, and Pau Gasol seems to be the best bet. Just one problem. Gasol hasn't played a game in quite some time thanks to a groin injury, and before Phoenix dismisses its best asset, an insurance-protected Emeka Okafor in order to get a big piece to the puzzle, it would really want to see the Spaniard play a game. That said, the Suns are close – very close, in fact, to perhaps sneaking up on the rest of the field in the Pacific Division.

These Might Be The Worst Los Angeles Lakers Ever: There's a lot of history here for the Lakers, but this is about as dim as that history gets. The team has lost seven home games in a row, marking the first time ever that that has happened in team history. Kobe Bryant is going to come back to the lineup eventually, but it's all going to be fool's gold. The rest of this team around him is just downright terrible, and Bryant is probably only going to make things worse for NBA bettors in the second half of the season.

Paul George Is Going To Become a Super-Superstar on Saturday: Does the Slam Dunk Contest REALLY matter? No, not really. However, there are times that legends can be made, and George can certainly do that if he can put together one of these epic dunks that becomes iconic in NBA history. We've all seen the pictures of Dominique Wilkins’ windmills and Michael Jordan flying through the air, and George could be the next on that list, especially with LeBron James not partaking in this event; again. There isn't much importance from a competition standpoint, but don't think for one second that George doesn't know that he can cement his place in history with a great showing on Saturday night. He's a great bet at +120!

FICTION

The Miami Heat Are Going To Put Their Foot on the Gas Pedal in the Second Half: You hear all these pundits all the time talking about how the Heat are going to be rested for the playoffs, and they are going to really step on the gas in the second half of the season to try to earn the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Though it's true that Indiana could be run down, the motivation to do it just can't be there. The Heat still have to be careful with LeBron James and his minutes, and Dwyane Wade is going to need to rest his ailing body more often than not. There's a reason this team is just 8-16 ATS at home on the season, and we don't think that's getting any better in the second half.

The Detroit Pistons Doing Right By Mo Cheeks: The firing of Cheeks was a disgrace by the Pistons. They are what they are. They aren't a very good team. They have spent a lot of money by overpaying for players who don't really deserve "franchise" recognition, and they have turned out to be a woeful team as a result. That said, Cheeks didn't do anything to deserve getting fired, and though Detroit has started to look alright in the post-Mo era, it probably wasn't the right long-term move for the franchise.

Second Round Picks Mean Nothing: Not this year, anyway. There is a ton of talent in this draft class, and there very well could be 40-50 legitimate NBA players in this crop coming out. That's why, contrary to what most think is going to be a quiet deadline, there could be a lot of late movement. Keep a very close eye on deadline day about what's going on with some of the smaller deals. Some of the best teams won't be afraid to send off their second round picks to get that one last asset, and there are plenty of bottoming out teams who are willing to send off their best players now for the shot of getting a star in this draft class.

**TheGame** · 02-15-2014, 08:50 AM

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

Playoff Push - West
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 four teams on the outside of the playoff picture in the Western Conference and an assessment of the chances they have to get it done.

Memphis Grizzlies (29-23): After a 10-15 start through mid-December it was easy to forget that Memphis was in the Western Conference finals last season. This is a different team however as Head Coach David Joerger replaced a very successful Lionel Hollins in the off-season due to some internal differences. Memphis enters the All Star break as one of the hottest teams in the entire NBA, going 14-4 in the last 18 games to climb to the edge of the Western Conference playoff picture. Despite the winning record Memphis barely owns a positive point differential on the season and the Grizzlies are only 14-14 in home games as the only team in the NBA with a winning record that does not have a winning record at home.

On the flipside the Grizzlies are 15-9 on the road, better than everyone but Oklahoma City and San Antonio in the Western Conference. The Southwest division is certainly a difficult group and Memphis has been hurt by going just 2-11 in those division games but going 15-7 against the rest of the Western Conference. Memphis has had to play a top 10 schedule this season and the schedule in the second half starts favorably with only two of the first 10 games coming against winning teams. The Grizzlies do have a brutal gauntlet of games in the late March and early April part of the calendar but this team appears poised to climb into the postseason field.

Minnesota Timberwolves (25-28): In a season where Minnesota was expected to break through the Wolves have disappointed, playing right around .500 all season and unable to get over the hump. Minnesota has statistics that suggest a much better performance but this team has been burned by a great deal of close losses. Minnesota has also been outclassed in most games against the top teams in the league, going just 3-17 against the top 10 teams in the Sagarin ratings but 22-11 against the rest of the league.

Whether Minnesota can get back into the picture should be determined early in the second half with a very tough late February schedule, opening the second half with a home date with the Pacers and then going on a tough five-game road trip out west. March should be a strong month for Minnesota with a favorable schedule but there is not much more room for error needing to jump two teams and seeing how well Memphis has played lately. Minnesota should have a good chance to get above .500 which would be a nice step forward for the team but given the nature of the roster and the elevated expectations it might not be enough to stave off major changes in the offseason as this was supposed to be the year to make the leap.

Denver Nuggets (24-27): The Nuggets had the fourth best record in the NBA last season including an incredible 38-3 record at home. Brian Shaw replaced George Karl last summer and so far the results have not matched the great success that Karl had with the Nuggets. Denver is tied with Minnesota sitting six games behind Golden State for the last spot in the playoffs in the West at the break with surging Memphis sitting ahead in the race as well. The Nuggets have had to play one of the toughest rated schedules in the league so far and it has shown with a negative point differential and just a 14-11 record at home after the dominant results last season. After a strong month of January Denver is slumping into the break with four straight losses including a blowout loss at Minnesota on Wednesday in a key game in the standings.

Opportunity is ahead for the Nuggets in late February however as seven of the next 10 games will be at home. Denver will face one of the toughest closing schedules in the league however as the final 12 games on schedule feature two games each with the Grizzlies, Spurs, Rockets, and Warriors, as well as single matches with the Thunder and Clippers. Even if the Nuggets make a run in March it seems unlikely that this team will be able to hold on to a playoff spot.

New Orleans Hornets (23-29): The Pelicans are just 1-17 against the Sagarin top 10 this season but New Orleans enters the break with some growing confidence, having won eight of the final 13 games of the first half of the season. Jrue Holiday should return to action soon and the schedule lines up with some favorable opportunities ahead. New Orleans will be on the road for seven of the first nine games in the second half but only four of the first 11 games out of the break will be against winning teams. In March the Pelicans will play a stretch with 10 of 11 games at home so the schedule does line up with some promise, although sitting 7.5 games out currently with four teams to pass will make it a great long shot.

New Orleans has a closing schedule featuring Portland, Phoenix, and Oklahoma City and Houston twice each in the final six games for a brutal finish, though many of those teams could be locked into a playoff position in the final two weeks. While New Orleans is the deepest sleeper to have a chance to climb into the playoff picture, they are also much less likely to face an internal implosion like Minnesota and Denver appear to be on the verge of. Keeping up with Memphis and seeing Dallas, Phoenix, or Golden State crash out of the field seems unlikely but it has been a positive season for the Pelicans as they have almost topped last season’s win count at the break and this team has a bright future.

**TheGame** · 02-15-2014, 08:51 AM

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

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** · 02-15-2014, 09:05 AM

Re: Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

STATSYSTEMS SPORTS STAT/SHEETS, 2/15/14
NCAA COLLEGE BASKETBALL
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
_________________________________________

***** Saturday, 2/15/14 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.
____________________________________________

Saturday's Notebook
•LaSalle won four of last six games with St Joe's, but Explorers lost five of last six games overall, are 1-2 as home favorites, 3-2 SU at home, with home wins by 4-10-8 with losses to VCU/St Louis. A-13 favorites are 12-9 versus spread in games with spread of 3 or less points. Hawks are 7-2 in last nine games, 3-2 as A-13 underdogs- they've been off for week, a good thing for team playing a six-man rotation.

•Connecticut (+6.5) won 83-73 at Memphis Jan 16, making 64.9% of shots inside arc, overcoming -6 (15-9) turnover ratio. Huskies won five of last six games, are 4-0 as home favorites, with four wins by 23+ points and a loss to Louisville. Memphis won five of last six games, is 4-1 on road in AAC, with only loss by 15 at SMU- they won at Louisville. AAC home favorites of 5 or less points are 7-3 versus spread.

•North Carolina got snowed out Wednesday; they've won/covered five in a row, winning last four home games by 11-19-14-12 points. Pitt had its heart torn out by last-second 35-footer Wednesday; they're 2-3 in last five games (0-5 vs. spread) but all three losses were at home. Pittsburgh's last four games were all decided by 3 or less points, or in OT. ACC home favorites of 5 or less points are 4-13 versus spread. UNC is 3-2 as a HF.

•Home side won 11 of last 13 Iowa-Penn State games; Hawkeyes are 1-5 in last six visits here, winning by hoop LY. PSU is 4-2 in last six games after starting 0-6 in league play; they're 2-4 at home- its last three home losses were by 3-3-5 points. Iowa is 3-3 in last six games, with two of three losses at home; they're 2-0 as road favorites, with all three road wins (3-2) by 7+ points. Big Dozen home underdogs are 8-9 versus spread.

•Oklahoma State lost by 19 at Texas in first game of Smart's suspension; Cowboys lost last five games, are 0-6 versus spread in last six- they lost at Oklahoma 88-76 (-4) Jan 27; Sooners were 30-42 on line, State 15-22. OSU lost last two home games; they're down two starters and a backup PG. Oklahoma lost three of last four games- they're 4-2 as a road dog. Big X home favorites of less than 5 points are 6-2 versus spread.

•Saint Louis beat VCU twice LY in Rams' first year in A-13, winning by 14-6 points, including win in A-13 tourney finals. Billikens won all nine A-13 games- they're 2-2 as home favorites, winning home games by 6-22-20-6 points. VCU avenged a loss to GW with Wednesday's win, its 7th win in last eight games; Rams are 2-2 on A-13 road, losing last home game to St Joe's. A-13 home favorites of 5 or less points are 11-9.

•George Washington is 5-0 SU/ATS at home in A-13, with all five wins by 10+ points; Colonials are 3-2 in last five games with UMass, but lost to Minutemen in A-13 tourney LY. Massachusetts is 3-4 in its last seven games after a 16-1 start; star G Williams got hurt last game, is a questionable here. A-13 home favorites of 5 or less points are 11-9 versus spread. Minutemen lost three of last four A-13 road games with lone win at URI.

•Middle Tennessee won its last six games (4-1-1 vs. spread); they've won last four home games, all by 16+ points, are 4-2 as home favorites in its first year in Conference-USA. Southern Miss had its 7-game win streak snapped at UAB Thursday; they're 3-2 on road, with all three wins by 10+; other loss was at Tulsa. C-USA home teams are 17-15 against the spread, in games where spread was 5 or less points.

•Buffalo won five of last six games, is 5-0 as home favorites, with four of five wins by 11+ points, but they've lost six games in row to Ohio, with Bobcats winning last three visits here by 3-7-11 points. Ohio lost two of last three games, is 1-4 versus spread in last five, losing last two road games, by 16 at Western Michigan, 6 at Toledo. Bobcats are 2-1 as underdogs. MAC single digit home favorites are 12-18 versus spread.

•Green Bay won its last four games versus Cleveland State, winning 66-55 at home Jan 2 (-7.5), game they trailed by 6 at half; its 66-59 win here LY ended 0-5 skid in this gym. Vikings were just 3-21 from arc in that game. Green Bay is 3-2 in last five games, 1-5 versus spread in last six. Horizon League home favorites of 5 or less points are 4-14 versus spread. Vikings won and covered last six games; they won four of last five home games.

•Missouri snapped 3-game skid with hectic 86-85 win over former coach Anderson's Razorbacks Thursday; Tigers won three of last four at home, losing to Georgia/Kentucky at home this year- they're 1-3 as favorites at home. Tennessee lost two of last three games, is 3-2 on SEC road, but they've had two extra days to prepare for this game. SEC home teams are 22-11-1 versus spread in games where spread was 5 or less points.

•BYU (-6) beat St Mary's 84-71 at home two weeks ago, after trailing by 14 in first half; it was Cougars' first win in five games versus St Mary's- they lost last two visits here, by 16-7 points. BYU is 2-5 on West Coast Conference road, with losses by 4-15-7 in last three. WCC home favorites of less than 4 points are 8-5 versus spread. St Mary's won last three games, is 3-3 as home favorite, with three of five wins in Moraga by 12+ points.

•Florida is 11-0 in SEC with only three wins by 6 or less points; Gators lost six of last seven games with Kentucky, losing last five visits here, with four losses by 8 or less points. Florida won its last 16 games- last loss was Dec 2 by point at Connecticut. Kentucky won its last four games; they're 5-0 at home in SEC- its losses are by 2 at Arkansas, at LSU by 5. SEC home favorites of 5 or less points are 10-5 versus spread.

•Situational Trends of The Day
-- IOWA is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) after 2 straight games giving up 9 or less offensive rebounds over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was IOWA 75.8, OPPONENT 65.7.

-- S ILLINOIS is 11-0 OVER (+11.0 Units) after covering 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was S ILLINOIS 67.8, OPPONENT 71.9.

-- HOUSTON is 23-5 against the 1rst half line (+17.5 Units) in road games off a win by 10 points or more over a conference rival since 1997.
The average score was HOUSTON 34.7, OPPONENT 34.3.

-- VA COMMONWEALTH is 10-0 UNDER (+10.0 Units) the 1rst half total after playing a game as a home favorite this season.
The average score was VA COMMONWEALTH 32.4, OPPONENT 28.1.

-- TODD HOWARD is 2-16 ATS (-15.6 Units) after 2 straight games forcing opponent to commit 11 or less turnovers as the coach of IUPUI.
The average score was HOWARD 65.2, OPPONENT 75.2.

•Matchup Trends of The Day
-- SYRACUSE is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - shooting pct defense of <=42% this season.
The average score was SYRACUSE 66.6, OPPONENT 55.9.

-- JAMES MADISON is 20-3 UNDER (+16.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was JAMES MADISON 64.6, OPPONENT 61.6.

-- LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 12-2 against the 1rst half line (+9.8 Units) in road games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT 31.3, OPPONENT 31.0.

-- TENNESSEE TECH is 23-2 UNDER (+20.8 Units) the 1rst half total versus good rebounding teams - outrebounding opponents by 4+ per game since 1997.
The average score was TENNESSEE TECH 31.6, OPPONENT 34.7.

-- MARK MONTGOMERY is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in road games versus poor passing teams, averaging <=12 assists/game as the coach of N ILLINOIS.
The average score was MONTGOMERY 55.2, OPPONENT 58.5.

•Situation Analysis of The Day
-- Play Against - Underdogs of +145 to +350 versus the money line (THE CITADEL) - poor rebounding team (-3 to -6 reb/game) against an average rebounding team (+/-3 reb/game), in a game involving two poor defensive teams (45-47.5%), after a game where a team made 20% of their 3 point shots or worse.
(64-6 since 1997.) (91.4%, +51.7 units. Rating = 5*)

The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -216.7
The average score in these games was: Team 74.7, Opponent 64.1 (Average point differential = +10.6)

The situation's record this season is: (2-0, +2 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (15-1, +13.2 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (22-3, +16.4 units).

-- Play On - Home favorites of -165 to -500 versus the money line (AUBURN) - revenging a straight up loss versus opponent as a road favorite against opponent off a home loss against a conference rival, in a game involving two average defensive teams (67-74 PPG).
(147-21 since 1997.) (87.5%, +89.2 units. Rating = 4*)

The average money line posted in these games was: Team favored with a money line of: -275.5
The average score in these games was: Team 71.8, Opponent 62.6 (Average point differential = +9.2)

The situation's record this season is: (4-0, +4 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (41-3, +31.8 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (66-8, +45.2 units).

-- Play On - Road teams as an underdog or pick (VA COMMONWEALTH) - a good offensive team (74-78 PPG) against an average offensive team (67-74 PPG), in a game involving two average three point shooting teams (32%-36.5%) after 15+ games, after a game making 13 or more 3 point shots.
(34-7 over the last 5 seasons.) (82.9%, +26.3 units. Rating = 4*)

The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (21-21 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 7.5
The average score in these games was: Team 67, Opponent 67.6 (Average point differential = -0.5)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 18 (43.9% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (7-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (25-5).
Since 1997 the situation's record is: (55-41).

-- Play On - Road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (UNC-WILMINGTON) - poor three point shooting team (<=32%) against an average 3PT defense (32-36.5%), after allowing 65 points or less 4 straight games against opponent after scoring 65 points or less 2 straight games.
(29-5 over the last 5 seasons.) (85.3%, +23.5 units. Rating = 4*)

The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (15-20 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 6.2
The average score in these games was: Team 69.1, Opponent 69.6 (Average point differential = -0.5)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 14 (40% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (5-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (20-4).
Since 1997 the situation's record is: (65-35).

-- Play Over - Home teams where the total is between 150 and 159.5 points (DUKE) - an explosive offensive team (>=76 PPG) against an average offensive team (67-74 PPG), after going over the total by 30 or more points total in their last three games, in February games.
(29-6 since 1997.) (82.9%, +22.4 units. Rating = 3*)

The average total posted in these games was: 154.4
The average score in these games was: Team 85.5, Opponent 76.2 (Total points scored = 161.7)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 18 (51.4% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (5-1).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (11-2).

-- Play Under - Road teams where the total is between 120 and 129.5 points (KANSAS ST) - an excellent defensive team (<=40%) against a good shooting team (45-47.5%), after a home game where both teams scored 75 points or more against opponent off a road win.
(39-12 since 1997.) (76.5%, +25.8 units. Rating = 3*)

The average total posted in these games was: 125.7
The average score in these games was: Team 56.9, Opponent 62.6 (Total points scored = 119.5)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 26 (52% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (2-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (12-3).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (18-7).

-- Play On - Underdogs of 2 to 3.5 points versus the first half line (TEXAS A&M) - a good defensive team (63-67 PPG) against a poor offensive team (63-67 PPG), off an upset win over a conference rival as a home underdog, with 3+ more starters returning from last year than opponent.
(28-3 since 1997.) (90.3%, +24.7 units. Rating = 5*)

The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 3.5
The average first half score in these games was: Team 31.2, Opponent 29.3 (Average first half point differential = +1.9)

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

-- Play Against - Favorites of 2 to 5.5 points versus the first half line (S DAKOTA ST) - an average offensive team (67-74 PPG) against an excellent defensive team (<=63 PPG), after 3 straight games - allowing a shooting pct. of 37% or less.
(25-4 over the last 5 seasons.) (86.2%, +20.6 units. Rating = 3*)

The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 2.9
The average first half score in these games was: Team 31.8, Opponent 28.9 (Average first half point differential = +2.9)

The situation's record this season is: (2-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (16-3).
Since 1997 the situation's record is: (42-24).

-- Play Under - Road teams where the first half total is 60.5 or less (KANSAS ST) - a poor FT shooting team (61-65%) against an average FT shooting team (65-69%), after a home game where both teams scored 75 points or more against opponent off a road win.
(45-11 since 1997.) (80.4%, +32.9 units. Rating = 4*)

The average first half total posted in these games was: 58
The average first half score in these games was: Team 25.5, Opponent 28.3 (Total first half points scored = 53.9)

The situation's record this season is: (2-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (14-5).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (23-7).
___________________________________________

Saturday's Match-ups

#507 VIRGINIA @ #508 CLEMSON
(TV: 12:00 PM EST, ESPN2 - Line: Virginia -4.5, Total: N/A) - The Virginia Cavaliers were the fastest-rising team in last week's USA TODAY coaches poll, thanks to an eight-game winning streak that includes an impressive triumph at Pittsburgh. The 16th-ranked Cavaliers look to extend that run Saturday afternoon as they visit a Clemson Tigers team that has dropped two straight games and four of its last six. Virginia improved to 10-1 in Atlantic Coast Conference action Monday with a 61-53 win over Maryland.

The Tigers have had a rough five days, dropping a double-digit decision to the top-ranked Syracuse Orange before losing a 68-64 double-overtime heartbreaker to Notre Dame. Clemson rallied twice from large late deficits against the Fighting Irish but ultimately fell short despite a career-best 30-point, 14-rebound performance from K.J. McDaniels. "We're going to learn from this," McDaniels told reporters after the game.

•ABOUT VIRGINIA (20-5 SU, 13-8-0 ATS, 11-1 ACC): The conference championship very well could come down to Virginia's showdown with the visiting Orange on March 1. But the Cavaliers have made it known they aren't looking past anyone - putting together its best start in conference play since opening 12-1 in 1981-82. The win over the Terrapins presented a rare opportunity for Virginia to play in a tightly contested game; the Cavaliers led by at least 19 points in nine of their previous 10 victories but only had a double-digit advantage once against Maryland.

•ABOUT CLEMSON (15-8 SU, 10-7-1 ATS, 6-5 ACC): McDaniels has been the lone offensive star on a Clemson squad that has struggled to score all season. He's the only player on the team to average double digits in points (17) and also leads the club in rebounding (7.5), steals (1.1) and blocks. The Tigers shoot just 41.1 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from beyond the arc - and those struggles were on full display in the loss to Notre Dame, as Clemson went 34.3 percent from the floor while connecting on 7-of-29 3-point attempts.

•PREGAME NOTES: McDaniels averages 17.3 points and 8.4 rebounds in conference play.... Both teams limit opponents to 38.2 percent shooting from the field, the best mark in the ACC.... Virginia G Malcolm Brogdon has scored in double digits in 12 consecutive games.... The Tigers are 0-8 versus the spread after scoring 65 points or less five straight games over the last two seasons.... The Cavaliers are 6-0 against the spread versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 4+ points/game after 15+ games 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, CLEMSON covered the spread 584 times, while VIRGINIA covered the spread 416 times. *EDGE against the spread =CLEMSON. In 1000 simulated games, VIRGINIA won the game straight up 573 times, while CLEMSON won 398 times. In 1000 simulated games, CLEMSON covered the first half line 558 times, while VIRGINIA covered the first half line 442 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--CLEMSON is 14-13 against the spread versus VIRGINIA since 1997.
--VIRGINIA is 17-11 straight up against CLEMSON since 1997.
--7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--CLEMSON is 15-13 versus the first half line when playing against VIRGINIA since 1997.
--8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
--Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Clemson.

--Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
--Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Clemson.

--Favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
--Home team is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--UVA is 24-8 ATS in their last 32 Sat. games.
--UVA is 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
--Under is 5-1 in UVA last 6 road games.

--CLEM is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games.
--CLEM is 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
--Under is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 home games.
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#509 MEMPHIS @ #510 CONNECTICUT
(TV: Noon EST, ESPN - Line: Memphis -5, Total: N/A) - Memphis has won seven of its last eight games after suffering an 83-73 loss to Connecticut on Jan. 16. The 22nd-ranked Tigers look to exact revenge against their new American Athletic Conference foe when they visit the XL Center in Hartford (Conn.) on Saturday afternoon. Joe Jackson scored a team-high 18 points and Shaq Goodwin added 14 and six rebounds as Memphis recorded its third straight victory with a 76-70 win over Central Florida on Wednesday.

For the Tigers to continue their ascent, they'll need to slow down DeAndre Daniels and surging Connecticut. The junior forward torched Memphis by scoring 18 of his 23 points in the second half and added what then was a career-high 11 rebounds in the meeting last month. Daniels wasn't required to do as much on Wednesday as his 12 points led a balanced attack in the Huskies' 83-40 victory over South Florida.

•ABOUT MEMPHIS (19-5 SU, 13-8-0 ATS, 8-3 AAC): Named to the Wooden Award midseason list, Jackson leads the conference with an average of two steals while also remaining atop the club in points (14.6), assists (4.5) and minutes (32). While the senior guard's presence is felt in every contest, freshman reserve forward Dominic Woodson will sit out as he serves a one-game suspension for inappropriate language. "You're not going to use it on my bench, so I said, 'See ya,'" coach Josh Pastner said of his exchange with Woodson during Wednesday's contest. "No one is bigger than the program. That's the bottom line."

•ABOUT CONNECTICUT (19-5 SU, 13-9-0 ATS, 7-4 AAC): Shabazz Napier also was named to the Wooden Award midseason list, which consists of the top 30 players in the nation. The guard leads the conference in assists (5.5) while also topping his own team in points (17.3) and rebounds (5.9). Guard Ryan Boatright is dealing with an admittedly injured shoulder but sits one point shy of reaching 1,000 for his career.

•PREGAME NOTES: Connecticut senior G-F Lasan Kromah scored 13 points in the last meeting, his third-largest output of the season.... Goodwin leads the conference with a 62.2 field-goal percentage, although he was just 4-of-9 for his lowest mark (44.4) in his last 11 contests.... The Huskies have won eight of their last 10 games.... Memphis is 25-8 against the spread versus very good defensive teams - shooting percent defense of less than 39% after 15+ games since 1997.... The Huskies are 7-1 versus the spread versus good ball handling teams - committing less than 14 turnovers/game after 15+ games 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, CONNECTICUT covered the spread 832 times, while MEMPHIS covered the spread 145 times. *EDGE against the spread =CONNECTICUT. In 1000 simulated games, CONNECTICUT won the game straight up 704 times, while MEMPHIS won 263 times. In 1000 simulated games, CONNECTICUT covered the first half line 753 times, while MEMPHIS covered the first half line 247 times. *EDGE against first half line =CONNECTICUT.

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

--CONNECTICUT is 2-0 versus the first half line when playing against MEMPHIS since 1997.
--2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

•RECENT TRENDS
--MEM is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.
--Under is 13-6 in MEM last 19 overall.
--Under is 10-4 in MEM last 14 road games.

--UCONN is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
--UCONN is 10-4 ATS in their last 14 Sat. games.
--Under is 9-3 in UCONN last 12 home games.
_______________________________

#513 PITTSBURGH @ #514 N CAROLINA
(TV: 1:00 PM EST, CBS - Line: North Carolina -3, Total: N/A) - No. 23 Pittsburgh and North Carolina, two teams that endured major letdowns on Wednesday - albeit in totally different fashions, square off Saturday on the Tar Heels' home court. The Panthers led No. 1 Syracuse by one point with 4.4 seconds to play before Orange guard Tyler Ennis drained a 35-footer at the buzzer to stun the Pitt crowd. North Carolina's disappointment came in the form of a postponed game, as their much-anticipated showdown with No. 9 Duke was rescheduled due to a winter storm.

"I've been thinking about it all week," Tar Heels guard Marcus Paige told the team's website leading up to the Duke game. North Carolina has won five games in a row while Pittsburgh has dropped three of its last five - with both wins coming in extra time. The Panthers will try to remain upbeat after their crushing loss, as senior Lamar Patterson said afterward, "We played a great game, and when the No. 1 team has to hit a shot like that to win, you know we did a good job."

•ABOUT PITTSBURGH (20-5 SU, 7-14-1 ATS, 8-4 ACC): Even though they went to both overtime and double-overtime in their last five contests, the Panthers only are averaging 57.4 points during that stretch. Talib Zanna broke out of a slump with 16 points and 14 rebounds against Syracuse, but Patterson - the team's leading scorer at 17 points - continued to struggle from the field. Patterson is shooting just 28.5 percent over the last five games and also has committed 18 turnovers during that span.

•ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (16-7 SU, 12-11-0 ATS, 6-4 ACC): The Tar Heels have been remarkably consistent during their winning streak, as they've scored between 73 and 84 points in each game while allowing between 61 and 70. Of course, Wednesday's postponement means North Carolina has not played in a week since posting a 73-62 road win over Notre Dame. James Michael McAdoo led the team with 18 points in that contest and has scored in double figures every game since managing eight in a triumph over then-No. 1 Michigan State on Dec. 4.

•PREGAME NOTES: The North Carolina-Duke game was rescheduled for Feb. 20, meaning this contest kicks off a stretch during which the Tar Heels play four games in eight days.... Paige is a 90.5-percent foul shooter who also has made 51 of his team's 88 3-pointers.... Pitt PG James Robinson has recorded more than two turnovers in a game only once this season.... North Carolina is 12-2 versus the spread in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last three seasons.... The Panthers are 0-7 versus the spread after three straight games committing 11 or less turnovers 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, PITTSBURGH covered the spread 634 times, while N CAROLINA covered the spread 339 times. *EDGE against the spread =PITTSBURGH. In 1000 simulated games, PITTSBURGH won the game straight up 542 times, while N CAROLINA won 420 times. In 1000 simulated games, PITTSBURGH covered the first half line 615 times, while N CAROLINA covered the first half line 385 times. *EDGE against first half line =PITTSBURGH.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
All games in this series since 1997: There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

•RECENT TRENDS
--PITT is 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 Sat. games.
--PITT is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
--Over is 61-30-1 in PITT last 92 Sat. games.

--UNC is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
--Over is 5-2 in UNC last 7 overall.
--Over is 5-2 in UNC last 7 vs. Atlantic Coast.
_______________________________

#515 IOWA @ #516 PENN ST
(TV: 1:00 PM EST, ESPNU - Line: Iowa -7, Total: N/A) - Iowa looks to build its first winning streak in almost a month when it begins a tough road stretch with a visit to improving Penn State on Saturday. The 15th-ranked Hawkeyes have had a week of rest since notching a huge 85-67 home victory over No. 18 Michigan behind a 26-point performance from Roy Devyn Marble and play four of the next six on the road. Penn State has won four of its last six contests, including a 66-65 comeback victory at Indiana on Wednesday.

Iowa leads the league in scoring (83.7) and the Nittany Lions are last in average points allowed, but they yielded only an average of 60.7 over their last three games at home. The Hawkeyes could have an advantage on the boards, where they stand second in the Big Ten in rebounding margin while the Nittany Lions rank 10th. Penn State’s Tim Frazier and Mike Gesell of Iowa also will provide a key matchup at point guard.

•ABOUT IOWA (18-6 SU, 14-8-0 ATS, 7-4 Big Ten): The Hawkeyes, who have alternated wins and losses in the last six games, are third in the standings with trips to Indiana, Minnesota and Michigan State on the horizon - along with a home game versus Wisconsin. Marble made six 3-pointers against Michigan and averages 16.5 points to lead the team. Aaron White is the only other player averaging in double figures (13.2) while Gesell, who matched a career high with eight assists against Michigan, leads the Big Ten in assist-turnover ratio (3.2).

•ABOUT PENN STATE (13-12 SU, 11-10-1 ATS, 4-8 Big Ten): The Nittany Lions forced 20 turnovers in the victory at Indiana, where they finished the game with a 15-2 run and denied the Hoosiers a field goal over the final five minutes. D.J. Newbill, who averaged 23 points in two games against Iowa last season, leads Penn State in scoring (17.2) and Frazier is next (16.1) while topping the Big Ten with six assists per game. Brandon Taylor (37 3-pointers) and Ross Travis, who leads the team in rebounds (6.9), must give the Nittany Lions additional scoring.

•PREGAME NOTES: The Hawkeyes are third in the nation in rebounds (43.1) without anyone averaging more than 6.5.... Frazier has 608 career assists, four behind former Iowa G Jeff Horner for ninth on the Big Ten’s all-time list.... Iowa has registered at least 20 assists in seven games this season, including 22 against Michigan.... Penn State is 6-17 versus the spread in home games versus dominant rebounding teams - outrebounding opponents by 7+ per game since 1997.... The Hawkeyes are 18-6 versus the spread when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more 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, PENN ST covered the spread 498 times, while IOWA covered the spread 472 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, IOWA won the game straight up 686 times, while PENN ST won 290 times. In 1000 simulated games, PENN ST covered the first half line 509 times, while IOWA covered the first half line 491 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--IOWA is 14-13 against the spread versus PENN ST since 1997.
--IOWA is 18-9 straight up against PENN ST since 1997.
--11 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--IOWA is 14-12 versus the first half line when playing against PENN ST since 1997.
--10 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Hawkeyes are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Hawkeyes are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Penn St..
--Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

--Home team is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--IOWA is 19-7 ATS in their last 26 Sat. games.
--IOWA is 20-8 ATS in their last 28 vs. Big Ten.
--IOWA is 37-15 ATS in their last 52 games overall.

--PSU is 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games.
--PSU is 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
--Over is 10-4-1 in PSU last 15 Sat. games.
_______________________________

#523 TEXAS TECH @ #524 IOWA ST
(TV: 1:45 PM EST, ESPN3 - Line: Iowa State -10.5, Total: N/A) - Just as No. 14 Iowa State seemed to be regaining the form that saw it begin the season with 14 straight wins, it played easily its worst game of the season. After enduring their most lopsided loss in over three years, the Cyclones return home on Saturday to face Texas Tech. Iowa State downed a pair of top-25 foes during its three-game winning streak before West Virginia pounded the Cyclones 102-77 on Monday, handing Iowa State its worst defeat since a 26-point setback at Colorado in February 2011.

The Red Raiders appeared to be headed toward another long season after a conference-opening home loss to the Cyclones on Jan. 4 began a stretch in which they lost six of eight. Instead, Texas Tech has won three in a row following Wednesday’s 68-60 victory at Oklahoma in which it held the conference’s second-highest scoring offense to its lowest output of the season. “It certainly validates and confirms that we’re doing things well and doing things the right way,” Texas Tech coach Tubby Smith said following the game.

•ABOUT TEXAS TECH (13-11 SU, 13-8-0 ATS, 5-6 Big 12): The Red Raiders scored 30 points in the paint Monday and are averaging 35.4, ahead of the school-record pace set in 1995-96 (34.3). Texas Tech’s ability to score inside has overshadowed its woes from the 3-point line during its winning streak, during which time the Red Raiders are shooting 23 percent beyond the arc. Texas Tech recorded 10 steals for the second straight contest, symbolic of a defensive effort in which Smith estimated his team generated 37-40 deflections – including 27 in the first half alone.

•ABOUT IOWA STATE (18-5 SU, 10-11-0 ATS, 6-5 Big 12): The Cyclones remained the only team in Division I to score at least 70 points in every contest, but little else went right two days after conference player of the year candidate Melvin Ejim exploded for a Big 12-record 48 points against Texas Christian. Ejim managed only six points in a game coach Fred Hoiberg called “the worst effort we have had by far this season." Hoiberg told reporters after the game that his team allowed seven 3-pointers and eight layups by halftime while his offense missed nine layups and six free throws.

•PREGAME NOTES: Iowa State is the highest-scoring team in the Big 12, although Texas Tech held Oklahoma and Oklahoma State – second and third in the league in scoring, respectively – to a combined 43 points below their season averages over the last two games.... F Jaye Crockett is four steals shy of becoming the fifth Red Raider to record 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, 100 assists and 100 steals.... Cyclones freshman G Monte Morris is on pace to break the NCAA single-season record for assist-to-turnover ratio (5.21), set by Utah State’s Tyler Newbold (3.96) in 2009.... The Red Raiders are 7-1 versus the spread when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.... Iowa State is 0-7 against the spread versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing less than 14 turnovers/game after 15+ games 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, TEXAS TECH covered the spread 503 times, while IOWA ST covered the spread 497 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, IOWA ST won the game straight up 781 times, while TEXAS TECH won 205 times. In 1000 simulated games, TEXAS TECH covered the first half line 524 times, while IOWA ST covered the first half line 434 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--TEXAS TECH is 12-7 against the spread versus IOWA ST since 1997.
--TEXAS TECH is 11-9 straight up against IOWA ST since 1997.
--7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--TEXAS TECH is 11-8 versus the first half line when playing against IOWA ST since 1997.
--6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
--Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
--Red Raiders are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--TTU is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 vs. Big 12.
--TTU is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
--Under is 9-1 in TTU last 10 road games.

--ISU is 1-8 ATS in their last 9 vs. Big 12.
--ISU is 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
--Over is 21-5 in ISU last 26 vs. Big 12.
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#525 OKLAHOMA @ #526 OKLAHOMA ST
(TV: 2:00 PM EST, ESPN2 - Line: Oklahoma State -2, Total: N/A) - No. 25 Oklahoma and host Oklahoma State are both skidding heading into Saturday's Bedlam rematch. Several Sooners had off nights in a 68-60 home loss to Texas Tech on Wednesday, their third loss in four games. The Cowboys have lost five straight, starting with last month's 88-76 loss to Oklahoma, to fall to eighth place in the Big 12 Conference.

The Cowboys will be without leading scorer Marcus Smart, who is serving the second of a three-game suspension after having an altercation with a Texas Tech fan last week. Center Michael Cobbins' injury, guard Stevie Clark's dismissal and Smart's absence leaves the Oklahoma State roster thin. Phil Forte started in place of Smart on Tuesday, leaving the Cowboys' available bench players averaging a combined 6.6 points.

•ABOUT OKLAHOMA (18-7 SU, 12-10-1 ATS, 7-5 Big 12): Buddy Hield leads the fourth-place Sooners with 16.4 points but was held to single digits for just the second time this season versus Texas Tech. Ryan Spangler adds 10.4 points and 9.8 rebounds after being held to five points and four rebounds against the Red Raiders. Cameron Clark has posted back-to-back 16-point games, hitting 13-of-16 shots during that span, and averages 15.8 points.

•ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (16-8 SU, 8-12-0 ATS, 4-7 Big 12): Markel Brown averages 16.7 points and Forte adds 12.2 points after scoring eight in his first start. Le'Bryan Nash, who adds 14.8 points and a team-high 5.9 rebounds, has shot 50 percent or better in his last six games and is averaging 19.5 points during that span. Kamari Murphy averages 6.1 points and 5.8 rebounds after his first double-double of the year against Texas on Tuesday.

•PREGAME NOTES: Oklahoma State is facing its longest losing streak since former coach Sean Sutton's team lost six straight in January and February 2008.... The home team has won the past 10 regular-season meetings since Oklahoma's last win at Oklahoma State in 2009.... Oklahoma freshman G Jordan Woodard had his hot streak snapped - 15 points and 6.2 assists over his previous five games - with a two-point, one-assist performance against Texas Tech.... The Sooners are 33-55 versus the spread in road games versus good ball handling teams - committing less than 14 turnovers/game after 15+ games since 1997.... The Cowboys are 2-12 against the spread versus good shooting teams - making more than 45% of their shots 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, OKLAHOMA ST covered the spread 666 times, while OKLAHOMA covered the spread 302 times. *EDGE against the spread =OKLAHOMA ST. In 1000 simulated games, OKLAHOMA ST won the game straight up 725 times, while OKLAHOMA won 253 times. In 1000 simulated games, OKLAHOMA ST covered the first half line 593 times, while OKLAHOMA covered the first half line 360 times. *EDGE against first half line =OKLAHOMA ST.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--OKLAHOMA is 19-16 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA ST since 1997.
--OKLAHOMA is 19-17 straight up against OKLAHOMA ST since 1997.
--12 of 24 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--OKLAHOMA is 23-13 versus the first half line when playing against OKLAHOMA ST since 1997.
--14 of 24 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Sooners are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
--Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
--Over is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in Oklahoma St.

--Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--OKLA is 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 road games.
--OKLA is 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 Sat. games.
--Under is 7-3 in OKLA last 10 overall.

--OKST is 0-6 ATS in their last 6 vs. Big 12.
--OKST is 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games.
--Over is 14-5 in OKST last 19 Sat. games.
_______________________________

#527 VA COMMONWEALTH @ #528 ST LOUIS
(TV: 2:00 PM EST, ESPN2 - Line: Saint Louis -4.5, Total: N/A) - Saint Louis puts its 16-game winning streak on the line when it hosts Virginia Commonwealth in Saturday’s clash of the top two Atlantic 10 programs. The No. 12 Billikens have set a school mark for consecutive victories and their only losses this season have come against ranked foes Wisconsin and Wichita State. The Rams are streaking with seven victories in their last eight games and routed George Washington on Wednesday.

This is the first meeting between the teams with the other slated for March 1 in Richmond, Va. Saint Louis has had the whole week to prepare after squeaking out a road win at La Salle and has held opponents to 60 or fewer points in six of its conference victories. VCU will attempt to push the pace and is a potent scoring team, having reached 80 or more points in five of its last eight games.

•ABOUT VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH (20-5 SU, 11-12-0 ATS, 8-2 Atlantic 10): Guard Rob Brandenberg (9.4) had failed to reach double digits in five of six games – including back-to-back 3-point outings – before breaking out with 15 points in the victory over George Washington. “After that Saint Joe’s game, he was called out by multiple people in our program,” coach Shaka Smart told reporters. “He could have sulked and felt sorry for himself. He stepped up.” The Rams feature three double-digit scorers in guard Treveon Graham (15.6 points, 6.9 rebounds), forward Juvonte Reddic (12.4 points, 8.3 rebounds) and guard Melvin Johnson (10.7).

•ABOUT SAINT LOUIS (22-2 SU, 9-12-0 ATS, 9-0 Atlantic 10): The Billikens allow just 58.8 points per game and limit opponents to 39 percent shooting from the field but also possess two potent offensive players in forward Dwayne Evans (14.5 points, 6.3 rebounds) and point guard Jordair Jett (13.2 points, 4.9 assists). Jett scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half against La Salle and ranks fifth in school history with 375 career assists. Evans ranks fourth on the career rebounding list (872) and has posted 23 career double-doubles, including five this season.

•PREGAME NOTES: Saint Louis won both meetings last season, including a victory in the A-10 tournament title game.... Rams PG Briante Weber tied a season high with seven steals against George Washington and averages a nation-leading 3.8 thefts per game.... The Billikens have won 44 of their last 48 home games.... VCU is 2-12 versus the spread in road games versus good defensive teams - shooting percent defense of less than 42% over the last two seasons.... Saint Louis is 12-3 against the spread when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) after 15 or more 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, SAINT LOUIS covered the spread 533 times, while VA COMMONWEALTH covered the spread 467 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, SAINT LOUIS won the game straight up 650 times, while VA COMMONWEALTH won 321 times. In 1000 simulated games, SAINT LOUIS covered the first half line 506 times, while VA COMMONWEALTH covered the first half line 494 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--SAINT LOUIS is 2-2 against the spread versus VA COMMONWEALTH since 1997.
--SAINT LOUIS is 2-2 straight up against VA COMMONWEALTH since 1997.
--2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--SAINT LOUIS is 3-1 versus the first half line when playing against VA COMMONWEALTH since 1997.
--3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--VCU is 6-14 ATS in their last 20 road games.
--Under is 18-8 in VCU last 26 overall.
--Under is 14-6 in VCU last 20 Sat. games.

--Under is 19-7 in SLU last 26 overall.
--Under is 7-1 in SLU last 8 Sat. games.
--Under is 10-3 in SLU last 13 vs. Atlantic 10.
_______________________________

#539 HOUSTON @ #540 CINCINNATI
(TV: 3:00 PM EST, ESPNU - Line: Cincinnati -16, Total: N/A) - Cincinnati was the victim of a thumping in its last outing and attempts to rebound and complete a season sweep of Houston when it hosts the Cougars on Saturday in American Athletic Conference play. The No. 11 Bearcats had won 15 consecutive games before being buried 76-55 by improving Southern Methodist last weekend for their first loss since mid-December. Houston ended a five-game losing streak by posting an 88-74 victory over Temple on Sunday.

The Cougars gave Cincinnati a good battle earlier this season before falling 61-60 at home on Jan. 7 and coach James Dickey remains hopeful of notching an upset win. “We know what a challenge we’ll have going into Cincinnati, but that’s why you’re in a league like this,” Dickey told reporters. “It’s a great league.” The Bearcats are 16-0 at home and are led by conference scoring leader Sean Kilpatrick, who averages 19.8 points.

•ABOUT HOUSTON (12-12 SU, 9-10-0 ATS, 4-7 AAC): Forward TaShawn Thomas averages 16.2 points and 8.8 rebounds but has occasionally been passive in games and the coaching staff urged him to be more aggressive against Temple and he responded with 25 points and nine rebounds. “There were times I was feeling selfish but I was more looking for my teammates to get off more than me,” Thomas said afterward. “If I had an open shot, I took it.” Guards Danuel House (12.9) and Jherrod Stiggers (10 per game) also average in double digits.

•ABOUT CINCINNATI (22-3 SU, 10-9-0 ATS, 11-1 AAC): Kilpatrick scored 22 points against SMU for his fourth 20-point outing in five games but was just 5-of-18 from the field. The senior guard is averaging 22.9 points over the last eight games and was named to the Naismith Trophy Midseason Top 30 list Thursday. Forward Justin Jackson averages 11.4 points and seven rebounds to go with 79 blocked shots while forward Titus Rubles (6.3 rebounds, 22 blocks) also fares well on the boards and defensive end.

•PREGAME NOTES: Cincinnati has won the last 11 meetings and 23 of 24 overall.... Kilpatrick is 61 points away from joining legendary Oscar Robertson (2,973 from 1957-60) as the only Bearcats to reach 2,000 career points.... Stiggers is averaging 17 points over the last two games after a four-game slump in which he averaged 4.3 points on 6-of-32 shooting.... The Bearcats are 5-16 against the spread versus good ball handling teams - committing less than 14 turnovers/game after 15+ games over the last two seasons.... Houston is 6-17 versus the spread in road games against conference opponents 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, HOUSTON covered the spread 496 times, while CINCINNATI covered the spread 472 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, CINCINNATI won the game straight up 875 times, while HOUSTON won 111 times. In 1000 simulated games, HOUSTON covered the first half line 566 times, while CINCINNATI covered the first half line 385 times. *EDGE against first half line =HOUSTON.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--CINCINNATI is 5-3 against the spread versus HOUSTON since 1997.
--CINCINNATI is 8-0 straight up against HOUSTON since 1997.
--2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--CINCINNATI is 7-1 versus the first half line when playing against HOUSTON since 1997.
--2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--HOU is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games.
--HOU is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
--Under is 11-5 in HOU last 16 overall.

--CIN is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 home games.
--Under is 40-11 in CIN last 51 overall.
--Under is 40-12 in CIN last 52 home games.
_______________________________

#547 N CAROLINA ST @ #548 SYRACUSE
(TV: 3:00 PM EST, ESPN3 - Line: Syracuse -14, Total: N/A) - When the vice president of the United States is on the phone, it's clear that something historic is happening. Tyler Ennis received a call from Joe Biden on Thursday, one day after preserving Syracuse's undefeated season with a 35-foot buzzer-beater against Pittsburgh, and will look to somehow author an encore performance Saturday when he leads the top-ranked Orange against visiting North Carolina State. "Tyler came up with a play to go down in history," said Syracuse senior C.J. Fair, who scored five points in the final two minutes to set up the freshman's heroics. "That was a big shot.'

The Wolfpack, meanwhile, have won five of their last six games following a three-game slide. The team's hot stretch has included a four-point victory over Florida State, a one-point win against Miami and a two-point overtime triumph against Georgia Tech. T.J. Warren, the leading scorer in the ACC, has been particularly outstanding over his last five games, including a career-best performance his last time out.

•ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA STATE (16-8 SU, 10-10-1 ATS, 6-5 ACC): Since missing a game due to a sprained ankle, Warren (23.1 points, 7.4 rebounds) has posted an average of 26.4 points and 7.6 boards over his last five contests. Warren has shot 58.4 percent during that stretch, including a 15-of-26 performance en route to a career-high 34 points in Tuesday's 15-point win over Wake Forest. One area in which Warren does not excel is 3-point shooting, as the sophomore has connected on 29.1 percent of his long-range attempts this season, right near the Wolfpack's team average of 30 percent.

•ABOUT SYRACUSE (24-0 SU, 13-6-1 ATS, 11-0 ACC): The 58-56 win over Pittsburgh gave Syracuse its 24th straight victory - a new school record - as the team erased a six-point deficit in the final two minutes. The Orange won despite the absence of center Baye Moussa Keita, a stalwart in the middle of Jim Boeheim's 2-3 zone defense, and the senior's status is up in the air for Saturday. The Orange played only six guys against the Panthers, but fortunately Fair (16.7 points, 5.8 rebounds) and Ennis (11.9 points, 5.6 assists) - two of the front-runners for ACC Player of the Year - were two of them.

•PREGAME NOTES: Ennis had two turnovers against Pittsburgh and has committed two or fewer in 23 of Syracuse's 24 games.... Among the Wolfpack's top seven scorers, only two - Warren (52.1) and Jordan Vandenberg (74.6) have shot above 43 percent from the field this season.... Orange G Trevor Cooney is 17-of-29 from 3-point range over his last four games.... The Wolfpack are 11-3 versus the spread in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing less than 64 points/game after 15+ games over the last three seasons.... The Orange are 6-0 against the spread versus good defensive teams - shooting percent defense of less than 42% after 15+ games 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, NC STATE covered the spread 506 times, while SYRACUSE covered the spread 460 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, SYRACUSE won the game straight up 851 times, while NC STATE won 135 times. In 1000 simulated games, NC STATE covered the first half line 552 times, while SYRACUSE covered the first half line 402 times. *EDGE against first half line =NC STATE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--SYRACUSE is 2-2 against the spread versus NC STATE since 1997.
--SYRACUSE is 3-1 straight up against NC STATE since 1997.
--2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.

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

--Road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--NCST is 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 Sat. games.
--Over is 4-1 in NCST last 5 overall.
--Over is 4-1 in Wolfpack last 5 vs. Atlantic Coast.

--SYR is 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
--Under is 10-2 in SYR last 12 overall.
--Under is 9-2 in SYR last 11 vs. Atlantic Coast.
_______________________________

#563 TCU @ #564 KANSAS
(TV: 4:00 PM EST, Big 12 Network, ESPN3 - Line: Kansas -23, Total: N/A) - No. 7 Kansas probably doesn't have much to worry about from visiting Texas Christian on Saturday, but Jayhawks coach Bill Self knows his team can't underestimate the last-place Horned Frogs. "They're going to beat somebody," Self said during a Thursday press conference. "I honestly believe that. They're much improved over last year. Last year they beat us and beat Oklahoma both, handily. They'll get one." TCU has lost 11 straight and has been outscored (minus-16.5) and outrebounded (minus-14.7) by double digits in Big 12 Conference play.

Joel Embiid's status is up in the air after the 7-foot Kansas freshman spent the week resting his sore back and knee. Embiid's production has dropped in the last three games but MRIs this week showed no structural damage. Self said if Embiid doesn't practice Friday, he probably won't play against TCU.

•ABOUT TCU (9-14 SU, 9-9-0 ATS, 0-11 Big 12): Kyan Anderson continues to be the bright spot in the Horned Frogs' struggling offense, averaging a team-high 16.3 points after scoring at least 20 points in four of his last six games. Amric Fields has scored in double figures in 13 of his 16 appearances and averages 13.6 points and 6.1 rebounds. The Horned Frogs are ranked last in the Big 12 - and near the bottom of the national rankings - in scoring, field-goal percentage and rebounding.

•ABOUT KANSAS (18-6 SU, 12-11-1 ATS, 9-2 Big 12): Freshman Andrew Wiggins leads the first-place Jayhawks with 16 points and Perry Ellis adds 13.2 points along with 6.8 rebounds per game. Ellis has had two double-doubles in the past three games for Kansas, which is 9-2 at home. Embiid averages 10.7 points, a team-high 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 22.3 minutes but has been limited to 7.5 points in 17.3 minutes the past three contests.

•PREGAME NOTES: Kansas has beaten TCU in back-to-back games, including January's 91-69 win, after losing to the Horned Frogs in their first meeting as conference foes last year.... TCU has only outrebounded an opponent once (Texas Tech by 26-24) during Big 12 play.... Kansas senior reserve F Justin Wesley plays Wilt Chamberlain in a movie about the cultural impact of basketball on the city of Lawrence, Kan., during the start of the civil rights movement. "Jayhawkers," directed by Kansas faculty member Kevin Willmott, debuted at the Lied Center of Kansas on Friday.... TCU is 8-18 against the spread versus good defensive teams - shooting percent defense of less than 42% 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, TCU covered the spread 596 times, while KANSAS covered the spread 366 times. *EDGE against the spread =TCU. In 1000 simulated games, KANSAS won the game straight up 916 times, while TCU won 75 times. In 1000 simulated games, TCU covered the first half line 657 times, while KANSAS covered the first half line 343 times. *EDGE against first half line =TCU.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--KANSAS is 4-1 against the spread versus TCU since 1997.
--KANSAS is 5-1 straight up against TCU since 1997.
--2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.

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

•RECENT TRENDS
--TCU is 4-12 ATS in their last 16 Sat. games.
--TCU is 7-20 ATS in their last 27 vs. Big 12.
--Under is 4-0 in TCU L4 games following a ATS loss.

--Over is 7-1 in KU last 8 overall.
--Over is 7-1 in KU last 8 vs. Big 12.
--Over is 8-0 in KU last 8 Sat. games.
_______________________________

#585 MARYLAND @ #586 DUKE
(TV: 6:00 PM EST, ESPN - Line: Duke -13.5, Total: N/A) - Maryland is moving to the Big Ten next season, but before it leaves the ACC it will have to make one final trip to Cameron Indoor Stadium to visit Duke on Saturday. The Terrapins had more success than most teams in the legendary arena during the Gary Williams era, though little of late. The Blue Devils will be a well-rested squad in search of their third straight win after a rivalry game at North Carolina on Wednesday was postponed due to snow.

Duke could not even make it the 11 miles to the North Carolina campus on Wednesday and will have to endure a busy stretch with the rescheduled contest sandwiched into next week between a trip to Georgia Tech and a visit from top-ranked Syracuse. The influx of teams into the ACC this season means that the Blue Devils will face the Terrapins only once during the regular season before waving goodbye to the longtime rivals, and the postponement gives them a full week off since an easy win at Boston College. Maryland is just 1-5 on the road in conference play.

•ABOUT MARYLAND (14-11 SU, 11-10-0 ATS, 6-6 ACC): The Terrapins put up a fight before fading in the second half of a 61-53 loss at Virginia on Monday, two days after putting up 83 points on one of the best defensive teams in the ACC in a win over Florida State. Seth Allen went for a career-high 32 points in the victory over the Seminoles and had 15 against the Cavaliers on 7-of-14 shooting. The difference came from beyond the arc, where Allen went 7-of-10 against Florida State before slumping to 1-of-6 two days later. The sophomore guard is shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc on the season.

•ABOUT DUKE (19-5 SU, 16-8-0 ATS, 8-3 ACC): The Blue Devils know a few things about getting hot from 3-point range and lead the ACC with a 3-point field-goal percentage of 42. Duke went 11-of-21 from beyond the arc in last Saturday’s 89-68 win at Boston College but freshman Jabari Parker did not need any 3-pointers to post season highs of 29 points and 16 rebounds. Parker got off to a slow start in ACC play but is coming on strong of late with 21 or more points in three of the last four contests.

•PREGAME NOTES: Maryland has not won at Cameron Indoor Stadium since Feb. 28, 2007.... The Blue Devils are beginning a stretch of five games in 11 days that includes the rescheduled trip to North Carolina.... Terrapins F Evan Smotrycz is struggling to 3-of-17 from the field over the last two games.... The Blue Devils are 12-3 versus the spread in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing less than 14 turnovers/game over the last two seasons.... Maryland is 7-0 against the spread off a cover where the team lost straight up as an underdog 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, DUKE covered the spread 601 times, while MARYLAND covered the spread 399 times. *EDGE against the spread =DUKE. In 1000 simulated games, DUKE won the game straight up 872 times, while MARYLAND won 115 times. In 1000 simulated games, DUKE covered the first half line 492 times, while MARYLAND covered the first half line 468 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--DUKE is 21-17 against the spread versus MARYLAND since 1997.
--DUKE is 27-12 straight up against MARYLAND since 1997.
--19 of 36 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--MARYLAND is 21-17 versus the first half line when playing against DUKE since 1997.
--20 of 36 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
--Terrapins are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--MD is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 Sat. games.
--Over is 43-20 in MD last 63 Sat. games.
--Over is 43-20 in MD last 63 Saturday games.

--DUKE is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Saturday games.
--DUKE is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 vs. Atlantic Coast.
--Over is 5-1 in DUKE last 6 Saturday games.
_______________________________

#621 LOYOLA MARYMOUNT @ #622 GONZAGA
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, Root Sports - Line: Gonzaga -17.5, Total: N/A) - While No. 24 Gonzaga has other players capable of taking it deep into the NCAA Tournament, its success could ultimately ride on the shoulders of sophomore Przemek Karnowski. The 7-1 center hopes to build on the momentum of one of the top offensive games of his career as the Bulldogs try to get closer to their 13th West Coast Conference regular-season championship in the last 14 years when they host last-place Loyola Marymount on Saturday. Gonzaga has won 24 straight home games and 27 WCC contests in a row at the McCarthey Athletic Center and leads second-place Saint Mary's by three games with five WCC contests to play.

Karnowski had 17 points and seven rebounds in the Bulldogs' 83-68 victory over Pepperdine on Thursday, and while Gonzaga's strength lies in its backcourt, a stronger presence down low will help when March rolls around. “I thought he was really good in the second half. I challenged him a little bit at halftime ... ," coach Mark Few told the school website about Karnowski, who scored seven straight points during a decisive 13-2 run. The Lions have lost five straight and 11 of their last 12 contests following a 71-64 setback at Portland on Thursday, and have dropped eight in a row against Gonzaga.

•ABOUT LOYOLA MARYMOUNT (11-15 SU, 8-17-0 ATS, 3-11 WCC): The Lions have only seven scholarship players because of injuries, but senior Anthony Ireland (team-best averages of 18.4 points and 5.5 assists) has never missed a game as he puts the final touches on his stellar career. The 5-10 guard has scored 2,054 career points in a school-record 123 games and is seven points shy of moving into third on Loyola Marymount's all-time scoring list ahead of Forrest McKenzie, and behind the late Hank Gathers (2,490) and Terrell Lowery (2,201). Freshmen Evan Pane (15 points) and Gabe Levin (11 points, team-high 7.3 rebounds) are the other key cogs offensively.

•ABOUT GONZAGA (22-4 SU, 12-11-1 ATS, 12-1 WCC): Few called Thursday's game a workmanlike performance as his team prepares for the NCAA Tournament despite playing inferior competition. The Bulldogs, though, play their final four regular-season games on the road - including contests at Saint Mary's and third-place Brigham Young, so that should toughen them up a bit prior to the WCC tournament in Las Vegas. A concern for Gonzaga is the health of junior guard Kevin Pangos (team-best 15.1 points per game), who has dealt with a turf toe issue for most of the season and a nagging ankle injury which he re-aggravated during practice last week.

•PREGAME NOTES: Saturday will mark the final home game for the Bulldogs' Sam Dower Jr., Drew Barham, Brian Bhaskar and David Stockton, son of Basketball Hall of Famer John Stockton.... Dower (14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds per game) was held to seven points Thursday, snapping a streak of 10 contests in double figures in which he averaged 17.4 points.... Gonzaga has won 37 of the last 39 meetings dating to 1996 after the teams split the first 42 encounters.... The Lions are 12-3 against the spread versus top caliber teams - outscoring their opponents by 12+ points/game over the last three seasons.... The Bulldogs are 7-0 versus the spread when playing with one or less days rest 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, GONZAGA covered the spread 521 times, while LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT covered the spread 479 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, GONZAGA won the game straight up 916 times, while LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT won 63 times. In 1000 simulated games, LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT covered the first half line 544 times, while GONZAGA covered the first half line 407 times. *EDGE against first half line =LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--GONZAGA is 22-16 against the spread versus LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT since 1997.
--GONZAGA is 35-3 straight up against LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT since 1997.
--15 of 22 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 19-18 versus the first half line when playing against GONZAGA since 1997.
--15 of 22 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Under is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings.
--Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Gonzaga.
--Road team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--LMU is 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games.
--LMU is 5-16 ATS in their last 21 games overall.
--LMU is 1-12 ATS in their last 13 vs. West Coast.

--Under is 36-13-3 in GONZ last 52 Sat. games.
--Under is 36-14-2 in GONZ last 52 home games.
--Under is 38-13-1 in GONZ last 52 vs. West Coast.
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#627 AIR FORCE @ #628 SAN DIEGO ST
(TV: 8:05 PM EST, CBS Sports Network - Line: San Diego State -17, Total: N/A) - San Diego State looks to move past its first loss in nearly three months on Saturday when the fifth-ranked Aztecs host Air Force, which just ended a six-game losing skid. The Aztecs had their school-record tying streak of 20 straight wins snapped with Tuesday’s 68-62 loss at Wyoming, which shot 58 percent against the Mountain West’s top scoring defense. San Diego State leads the league by one game over New Mexico, which faces the Aztecs twice in the final three weeks of the regular season.

The Aztecs are sure to drop in the national rankings following the Wyoming loss, but coach Steve Fisher expects his team will return to form against Air Force. “We’ve got veteran leadership and we’ve got high character kids,” Fisher told U-T San Diego. “Hopefully we’ll learn from it and go on another long winning streak.” Guard Xavier Thames, a leading Mountain West player of the year candidate, needs a bounce-back performance after shooting 3-of-16 against Wyoming, including 0-for-8 from 3-point range.

•ABOUT AIR FORCE (10-13 SU, 11-7-0 ATS, 4-8 Mountain West): The Falcons held San Jose State to 30.2 percent shooting Wednesday and edged the Spartans 51-48 for their first victory in nearly a month. Leading scorer Tre' Coggins returned to the starting lineup for the first time since serving a three-game suspension and finished with three points on 1-of-12 shooting. Coggins, averaging 16.8 points while shooting 47.1 percent from the field, made five 3-pointers and scored 29 points in the Falcons’ 79-72 loss to the Aztecs on Jan. 12.

•ABOUT SAN DIEGO STATE (21-2 SU, 12-8-0 ATS, 10-1 Mountain West): The Aztecs’ dynamic frontcourt has become even stronger in recent weeks with the emergence of forward Dwayne Polee II, who made three 3-pointers and scored 15 points against Wyoming. Polee was one of the few bright spots against the Cowboys, whose zone defense frustrated Thames and forced 13 turnovers. The Aztecs’ frontline includes forwards Winston Shepard (12.8 points, five rebounds) and JJ O’Brien, who had 18 points and 11 rebounds in last month’s matchup with the Falcons.

•PREGAME NOTES: San Diego State has won 10 of the last 12 games against Air Force and leads the all-time series 49-22.... Air Force is 4-80 against ranked opponents in program history.... The Aztecs are 41-1 since Feb. 10, 2010 when scoring at least 76 points.... The Falcons are 41-23 versus the spread as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points, including 16-5 ATS as a road underdog of 15.5 to 18 points since 1997.... San Diego State is 56-35 against the spread versus teams who average 33 or less rebounds/game on the season 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, AIR FORCE covered the spread 500 times, while SAN DIEGO ST covered the spread 468 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, SAN DIEGO ST won the game straight up 906 times, while AIR FORCE won 83 times. In 1000 simulated games, AIR FORCE covered the first half line 590 times, while SAN DIEGO ST covered the first half line 410 times. *EDGE against first half line =AIR FORCE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--SAN DIEGO ST is 19-14 against the spread versus AIR FORCE since 1997.
--SAN DIEGO ST is 21-12 straight up against AIR FORCE since 1997.
--13 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--SAN DIEGO ST is 19-14 versus the first half line when playing against AIR FORCE since 1997.
--11 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Falcons are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
--Under is 13-4 in the last 17 meetings.
--Under is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings in San Diego St.

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

•RECENT TRENDS
--Under is 8-0 in AFA last 8 overall.
--Under is 6-2 in AFA last 8 Sat. games.
--Under is 8-0 in AFA last 8 vs. Mountain West.

--Under is 20-6 in SDSU last 26 overall.
--Under is 13-3 in SDSU last 16 home games.
--Under is 12-4 in SDSU last 16 vs. Mountain West.
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#635 OHIO ST @ #636 ILLINOIS
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, Big Ten Network - Line: Ohio State -4.5, Total: N/A) - Ohio State begins a stretch of five straight games against teams sitting lower in the Big Ten standings with a visit to last-place Illinois on Saturday night. The 20th-ranked Buckeyes saw their three-game winning streak end with a 70-60 loss to Michigan at home Tuesday and face an Illinois squad which has dropped nine of its last 10 after a 2-0 league start. Ohio State beat the Fighting Illini 62-55 on Jan. 23 at home and leads the league in least points allowed per contest (59.3).

Illinois averaged 79 points in two wins to open the Big Ten campaign and averaged 58.9 since to drop to 11th out of 12 teams in the league in scoring and field goal percentage. The Buckeyes won their last two games on the road against No. 21 Wisconsin and No. 15 Iowa. Ohio State’s LaQuinton Ross had 18 points in the victory over Illinois last month and recorded 24 on Tuesday.

•ABOUT OHIO STATE (19-6 SU, 12-12-0 ATS, 6-6 Big Ten): The Buckeyes allowed 70 or more points for only the fourth time this season against Michigan to stall their momentum, but they remain confident. “We have a tough group of guys,” Ross told the Columbus Dispatch after the loss. “Guys will be down about it tonight, but we’ve got to look forward.” Ross leads the team in scoring (14.6), followed by Lenzell Smith Jr. (12) while point guard Aaron Craft stirs the pot for Ohio State, averaging 9.3 points, 4.7 assists and 2.5 steals.

•ABOUT ILLINOIS (14-11 SU, 9-11-4 ATS, 3-9 Big Ten): Guard Rayvonte Rice has been a bright spot during a rough stretch for the Fighting Illini, reaching 20 points in three of the last five games while leading the team in scoring (16.8) and rebounding (6.0) at 6-4. Illinois’ only win during its slump came Feb. 9 at Penn State, but followed that up with a 67-58 loss at Nebraska on Wednesday. Joseph Bertrand, 2-of-8 shooting the last two games, had 19 points against Ohio State and Jon Ekey’s last double-figure game (11) was against the Buckeyes.

•PREGAME NOTES: Ohio State C Amir Williams leads the league in field goal percentage at 61.8 and paces the Buckeyes in rebounding (6.2).... Illinois G Tracy Abrams, who is second on the team in scoring at 11.1 per game, is 2-of-17 from the field in the last three contests.... Craft boasts 310 career steals, second all time in the Big Ten behind former Illinois standout Bruce Douglas (324 from 1983-86).... The Illini are 13-24 versus the spread versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 4+ points/game over the last two seasons.... The Buckeyes are 12-3 against the spread after a game committing eight or less turnovers 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, ILLINOIS covered the spread 550 times, while OHIO ST covered the spread 450 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, OHIO ST won the game straight up 582 times, while ILLINOIS won 386 times. In 1000 simulated games, ILLINOIS covered the first half line 540 times, while OHIO ST covered the first half line 460 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--OHIO ST is 16-13 against the spread versus ILLINOIS since 1997.
--OHIO ST is 18-13 straight up against ILLINOIS since 1997.
--14 of 27 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--ILLINOIS is 18-12 versus the first half line when playing against OHIO ST since 1997.
--17 of 27 games in this series have gone OVER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

•RECENT TRENDS
--OSU is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games.
--OSU is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games.
--Under is 11-3 in OSU last 14 Sat. games.

--ILL is 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
--ILL is 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 Sat. games.
--Over is 7-2 in ILL last 9 home games.
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#637 W VIRGINIA @ #638 TEXAS
(TV: 8:00 PM EST, Longhorn Network - Line: Texas -6, Total: N/A) - Texas is moving up the Big 12 standings and is coming off a convincing home victory over Oklahoma State on Tuesday. West Virginia, which visits the 19th-ranked Longhorns on Saturday, demolished a ranked opponent in Iowa State on Monday and has taken four of five to make its way back toward the NCAA Tournament bubble. A road triumph against a ranked Texas squad would certainly improve the Mountaineers’ position.

West Virginia put a 102-77 whipping on the 14th-ranked Cyclones on Monday as Remi Dibo stepped up with six 3-pointers to join Juwan Staten, Eron Harris and Terry Henderson with at least 16 points apiece in a strong offensive effort. The Mountaineers will have a more difficult time putting up points against the Longhorns, who lead the Big 12 in defensive field-goal percentage (.397) and have held seven of their last nine opponents under 70 points. That stretch includes an 80-69 triumph at West Virginia on Jan. 13.

•ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA (15-10 SU, 12-10-0 ATS, 7-5 Big 12): Staten scored 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting but the rest of the team struggled to 30.9 percent shooting in the loss to Texas, with Henderson and Harris combining to go 1-of-13 from 3-point range. That setback came during a stretch of four losses in five games that seemed to knock the Mountaineers out of contention before the recent turn of fortune. West Virginia posted some big offensive numbers in wins over Kansas State and Oklahoma earlier this month but put everything together on that end against Iowa State, including a 13-of-22 effort from 3-point range.

•ABOUT TEXAS (19-5 SU, 11-10-0 ATS, 8-3 Big 12): The Longhorns were missing leading scorer Jonathan Holmes on Tuesday but Javan Felix picked up the slack with 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. The sophomore guard was 6-of-24 from 3-point range over his previous five games but got help from a sagging defense and confidence from his teammates. “I know I can make those shots and it’s just a matter of me taking them,” Felix told reporters. “That’s something my teammates got on me about, about stopping passing up shots.” Felix put up 19 points in the Jan. 13 meeting.

•PREGAME NOTES: Staten’s 19 points against Iowa State snapped a string of three straight games reaching at least 20. He had 23 in the first meeting with Texas.... The Mountaineers lead the Big 12 in turnover margin at plus-3.72 while the Longhorns struggle in the category at minus-0.12.... Texas suffered a 57-53 overtime loss at home to West Virginia last season.... The Mountaineers are 26-13 versus the spread off a home win scoring 85 or more points since 1997.... The Longhorns are 16-28 against the spread as a favorite, and 15-27 ATS after playing a game as favorite 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, W VIRGINIA covered the spread 617 times, while TEXAS covered the spread 356 times. *EDGE against the spread =W VIRGINIA. In 1000 simulated games, TEXAS won the game straight up 505 times, while W VIRGINIA won 463 times. In 1000 simulated games, W VIRGINIA covered the first half line 576 times, while TEXAS covered the first half line 380 times. *EDGE against first half line =W VIRGINIA.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--W VIRGINIA is 3-2 against the spread versus TEXAS since 1997.
--TEXAS is 3-2 straight up against W VIRGINIA since 1997.
--3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL since 1997.

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

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

•RECENT TRENDS
--WVU is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Big 12.
--WVU is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Saturday games.
--Over is 16-5 in WVU last 21 vs. Big 12.

--TEX is 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 Sat. games.
--Over is 9-3 in TEX last 12 Sat. games.
--Over is 13-5 in TEX last 18 home games.
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#647 FLORIDA @ #648 KENTUCKY
(TV: 9:00 PM EST, ESPN - Line: Kentucky -3, Total: N/A) - Florida can take a big step toward defending its SEC regular-season title Saturday night when the No. 4 Gators travel to No. 13 Kentucky. Florida heads into the showdown with a two-game lead over the Wildcats with seven games remaining, including a rematch with visiting Kentucky in the regular-season finale March 8. The Gators also remain in position to join the Wildcats as the only teams to finish unbeaten in SEC play.

Kentucky upset the visiting Gators in their last meeting in March, a 61-57 victory that came a month after the Wildcats fell to the host Gators and lost starting center Nerlens Noel to a season-ending knee injury in the process. Florida enters this game on a 16-game winning streak and one of its most valuable players has been point guard Scottie Wilbekin, who won’t light up the stat sheet on the offensive end but is one of the top on-ball defenders in the SEC. Kentucky has won four in a row and can match its longest win streak of the season with another victory

•ABOUT FLORIDA (22-2 SU, 10-9-1 ATS, 11-0 SEC): Patric Young will move into a tie for eighth for the most games played at Florida (136) when he takes the floor against Kentucky. He may have made the hustle play of the year in Tuesday’s win at Tennessee, sprinting for a loose ball under his own basket and diving between two opponents before saving it to a teammate just before sliding out of bounds. The 22-year-old Young should be able to take advantage of his matchup against 7-0 freshman Dakari Johnson, who turned 18 in September.

•ABOUT KENTUCKY (19-5 SU, 11-9-2 ATS, 9-2 SEC): Many expected Willie Cauley-Stein to continue in his starting role after he took over for Noel following his injury last season, but Johnson stole the job in the preseason and the 7-foot Cauley-Stein hasn’t done much to prove he belongs with the starting five. Cauley-Stein has been held to single digits in eight of the last nine games, scoring three points or less in five of those contests. Wednesday’s game against Auburn was typical of his recent play as he finished with five points and six rebounds in 20 minutes.

•PREGAME NOTES: The Gators will be trying to snap an opponent's home-winning streak of at least 20 games for the second time this season after ending Arkansas’ 25-game streak with an overtime win Jan. 14.... Florida’s program record for consecutive wins is 17, accomplished three times.... Kentucky has started five freshmen in the last three games and are 4-0 this season with that lineup.... Florida is 13-28 versus the spread versus poor passing teams, averaging less than 12 assists/game after 15+ games since 1997.... The Wildcats are 7-18 against the spread versus teams who are called for 17 or less fouls/game 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, FLORIDA covered the spread 496 times, while KENTUCKY covered the spread 474 times. *No EDGE. In 1000 simulated games, KENTUCKY won the game straight up 569 times, while FLORIDA won 403 times. In 1000 simulated games, FLORIDA covered the first half line 518 times, while KENTUCKY covered the first half line 482 times. *No EDGE.

•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--KENTUCKY is 17-17 against the spread versus FLORIDA since 1997.
--KENTUCKY is 22-14 straight up against FLORIDA since 1997.
--20 of 33 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL since 1997.

--KENTUCKY is 20-16 versus the first half line when playing against FLORIDA since 1997.
--17 of 32 games in this series have gone UNDER THE FIRST HALF TOTAL since 1997.

--Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
--Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in Kentucky.

•RECENT TRENDS
--Under is 24-8-1 in FLA last 33 overall.
--Under is 10-2 in FLA last 12 Sat. games.
--Under is 16-5-1 in FLA last 22 vs. Southeastern.

--UK is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Southeastern.
--Under is 5-2-1 in UK last 8 overall.
--Under is 5-2-1 in UK last 8 vs. Southeastern.

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Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

Basketball Handicapping. News, Notes and Trends. 2/15

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