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**TheGame** · 03-14-2014, 11:52 AM

Re: NCAA Basketball Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/14

College Basketball Betting News and Notes
Covers.com

Dogs have big Thursday in AAC tournament

Underdogs went 3-1 against the spread in Thursday's tournament games in the AAC. Houston defeated SMU 68-64 as 9.5-point dogs, UCF covered the 12.5-point spread in a 61-58 loss to Cincinnati and UConn defeated Memphis 72-53 as 2.5-point underdogs.

Louisville was the lone fave to cover in the AAC Thursday and did so with ease in a 92-31 drubbing of Rutgers.

Friday has a pair of games on the board in the conference semifinals. Louisville is an 18.5-point favorite over Houston and the game between UConn and Cincy has opened as a Pick at BetOnline.com.

Under goes 12-0 in AAC, Pac-12 and Big Ten Thursday

The Under went an amazing 12-0 in AAC, Pac-12 and Big Ten Conference Tournament action Thursday.

The AAC and Pac-12 conferences have a pair of games Friday, while the Big Ten has four on the board.

**TheGame** · 03-14-2014, 11:52 AM

Re: NCAA Basketball Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/14

Big Ten Quarterfinals
By David Schwab
VegasInsider.com

The Big Ten Tournament advances to the quarterfinals this Friday and in the early games, No. 9 seed Illinois will face top-seeded Michigan in a 12 noon tip followed by No. 5 Ohio State against No. 4 Nebraska in an expected 2 p.m. start. The Fighting Illini pulled off the first minor upset of the tournament to advance to this round while the Buckeyes sweated-out a tight two-point win as 8.5-point favorites to keep their title hopes alive.

No. 9 Illinois vs. No. 1 Michigan

Illinois opened this tournament as a slight 2½-point underdog against No. 8 seed Indiana after the two teams split the regular season series 1-1 with the home team winning each game. It made an immediate statement by jumping out to a 9-0 lead, but the game tightened up as the first half wore on. In the end the fighting Illini wore the Hoosiers down to come away with the 64-54 win. This was their sixth straight-up win in eight Big Ten Tournament games against Indiana.

Getting past the top seed in this matchup is going to be a whole other story, but Illinois does have a hot hand in Tracy Adams. He scored a game-high 25 points in yesterday’s win while going 8-for-16 from the field and 2-for-5 from 3-point range. Rayvonte Rice is the team’s leading scorer with 15.7 points per game and he ended the day with 13 points. Illinois’s defense also did its part by holding Indiana to just 35.3 percent shooting from the field.

The Illini are now 6-0-1 against the spread in their last seven neutral-site games and they are 5-1 ATS in their last six games against a team with a SU winning record. The total stayed UNDER the 140-point closing total line against Indiana and it has stayed UNDER in seven of their last eight games.

Michigan claimed to top spot in this tournament by virtue of winning the Big Ten regular season title with a SU record of 15-3. The victory that clinched the title was an 84-53 romp over Illinois on March 4 as a 2½-point favorite on the road. The Wolverines have been opened as seven-point favorites this time around with the total set at 125. They ended conference play with an 11-7 record ATS and the total went OVER in 11 of the 17 games.

Nik Stauskas has been getting it done all season long for Michigan with a team-high 17.4 points and 3.4 assists a game. He put up 24 points in the win over Illinois while lighting it up from outside the perimeter with a 7-for-9 performance from 3-point range. The Wolverines shot 56.9 percent from the field in that game and outrebounded their conference foe 33-23. The defense did its part by holding Illinois’s top two scorers, Rice and Adams to a combined 18 points.

Michigan is just 1-3-1 ATS in its last five games played at a neutral site and it is 2-6 ATS in its last eight games following a SU win. The total has stayed UNDER in seven of its last 10 games against a team with a SU winning record.

Head-to-head in this matchup, the Wolverines have won the last seven meetings both SU and ATS and the total has gone OVER in three of the last five games.

No. 5 Ohio State vs. No. 4 Nebraska

It did not matter that the Buckeyes were playing the 12th seed in a 12-team tournament as solid favorites as they still found a way to make things interesting in Thursday’s 63-61 victory over Purdue. Ohio State was only able to carve out a three-point lead at the half and it was a 3-point buzzer-beating miss away from going down in defeat.

LaQuinton Ross led the Buckeyes with 19 points, but he shot just 38 percent from the field. Aaron Craft chipped in another 16 points, but he struggled as well by going 6-for-16 with his shot selection against the Boilermakers. This has been part of the problem with this team in quite a few Big Ten games this year. Ohio State is averaging 69.8 PPG while shooting just 44.7 percent from the floor.

After failing to cover the 8½-point spread against Purdue, the Buckeyes are 0-4 ATS in their last four conference games and 0-5 ATS in their last five games played at a neutral site. The total has stayed UNDER in nine of their last 12 games following an ATS loss.

Nebraska’s late season 8-1 SU run which included SU victories over Michigan State and Wisconsin in its season finale were enough to earn a first round bye for this tournament. Overall, the Cornhuskers went 11-7 SU in the Big Ten with a profitable 14-4 record ATS. The total stayed UNDER in 13 of those games.

The New Year started with an 84-53 loss to the Buckeyes as a 17-point road underdog, but that was when Ohio State was at the top of its game. The second time they met Nebraska turned the tables as a 7½-point underdog at home with a 68-62 victory on Jan. 20. Terran Petteway led the way with a game-high 18 points in that win, which mirrors his current scoring average for the season. Shavon Shields has also been a key contributor with 12.7 PPG and a team-high 5.8 rebounds. These two combined for 52 points in that stunning 77-68 victory over the Badgers this past Sunday.

The Cornhuskers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games against a team with a SU winning record and 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 conference games. The total has stayed UNDER in eight of their last 10 games following a SU win.

They have been opened as four-point underdogs against Ohio State with the total set at 125. The Buckeyes have dominated this series ever since Nebraska joined the Big Ten with a SU record of 6-1 and a 5-2 mark ATS. The total stayed UNDER the 131-point closing line the last time they met after going OVER a 130-point line in the first game this year.

Late Games

No. 7 Minnesota vs. No. 2 Wisconsin

Minnesota advanced to this round with a 63-56 victory over Penn State as a 4½-point favorite. It earned a SU split with the Badgers in the regular season by starting things off with a stunning 81-68 victory in late January as a three-point home underdog. The Gophers then hung tough as 8½-point road underdogs in a 78-70 loss on Feb. 13. Wisconsin has a 5-2 SU edge in the last seven meetings, but Minnesota is 4-0-1 ATS in the last five games of this series. The total went OVER in both contests this season.

No. 11 Northwestern vs. No. 3 Michigan State

Northwestern started this tournament as a +50000 longshot to win, which were the longest odds on the board, but it caught everyone’s attention on Thursday with a stunning 67-62 victory over Iowa as a prohibitive 13½-point dog. The Wildcats will now try and snap a three-game SU losing streak against Michigan State including two losses this season by a combined 29 points. The Spartans have won eight of the last 10 meetings SU, but the series is tied 5-5 ATS. The total was split this season after going OVER in the previous two meetings.

**TheGame** · 03-14-2014, 11:53 AM

Re: NCAA Basketball Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/14

SEC Tournament Betting Cheat Sheet: Round 3
By Covers.com

Missouri Tigers vs. Florida Gators (-11.5, 132)

The Tigers were unable to hold a nine-point lead late in regulation Thursday and also had a bad turnover that helped Texas A&M force the second overtime, but they used one of their strengths to survive, making a season-high 40-of-53 free throws.

The Gators were the first team to ever go 18-0 in SEC play, a run they capped with a rousing 84-65 win over rival Kentucky at home Saturday. Included in the unbeaten campaign was a 68-58 win over the Tigers on Feb. 4. Recently the Gators have been dominant, winning their last three games by an average of 21 points.

TRENDS:

* Missouri is 3-1-1 ATS in its last five neutral site games.
* Florida is 2-5 ATS in its last seven neutral site games.
* Over is 20-8 in Missouri's last 28 neutral site games.
* Under is 7-2 in Florida's last nine games following an ATS win.

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Tennessee Volunteers (-10, 134)

TRENDS:

* Favorite is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* South Carolina is 0-4 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Under is 7-3 in Tennessee's last 10 games vs. the SEC.
* Under is 4-0 in South Carolina's last four neutral site games.

Louisiana State Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats

Shavon Coleman had one of his best games of the season, recording 15 points, eight rebounds and three steals in the win over Alabama. Tim Quarterman came off the bench to score a career-high 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting versus the Crimson Tide. The Tigers dished out 19 assists in their first game of the tourney and improved to 13-2 when recording 15 or more this season.

Julius Randle was named the SEC Freshman of the Year by the league's coaches and is the fifth straight Wildcat to earn the accolade. Randle, who also earned All-SEC First Team honors, leads the team in scoring (15.4), rebounding (10.5) and double-doubles (18), including four straight to finish the regular season. Willie Cauley-Stein was selected to the All-SEC Defensive Team after topping Kentucky in blocks (88), including a season-high nine on two different occasions.

TRENDS:

* LSU is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Under is 4-1 in LSU's last five games overall.
* Under is 7-3 in Kentucky's last 10 games overall.

Mississippi Rebels vs. Georgia Bulldogs

Marshall Henderson poured in 21 points, including seven 3-pointers, against Mississippi State. Henderson has knocked down at least one 3-point field goal in an SEC-record 65 consecutive games. Jarvis Summers continued his stellar play as he finished with 21 points, six assists and four rebounds versus the Bulldogs.

Charles Mann was named to the All-SEC Second Team after averaging 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.2 steals per game. Mann recorded his first career double-double when he posted 22 points and 10 rebounds in a 69-61 victory over LSU in the final game of the regular season. Kenny Gaines came on strong in the last month, tying Mann for the team lead in scoring (13.4) while finishing in double figures in his last seven outings.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Mississippi is 5-11 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
* Underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Under is 8-1 in Georgia's last nine games vs. the SEC.

**TheGame** · 03-14-2014, 11:53 AM

Re: NCAA Basketball Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/14

Pac-12 Tournament Betting Cheat Sheet: Round 3
By Covers.com

Colorado Buffaloes vs. Arizona Wildcats

The Buffaloes lost both meetings against Arizona this season, but coach Tad Boyle is eager for another shot at the Wildcats. Guard Xavier Johnson, who predicted the Buffaloes would beat Arizona by 20 prior to last month’s contest and then shot 1-for-10 from the field, enters Friday’s game on a high note after scoring in double figures in five straight games.

The Wildcats likely secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament even before the week began, but Thursday’s rout over an overmatched Utah team surely improved their chances. Freshman Aaron Gordon had 23 points and eight rebounds against Colorado in last month’s meeting, when the Wildcats shot 60.3 percent from the field and 8-of-17 from 3-point range.

TRENDS:

* Colorado is 2-5 ATS in its last seven games following an ATS win.
* Arizona is 5-1 ATS in its last six neutral site games.
* Under is 5-0 in Colorado's last six games overall.
* Under is 16-5-1 in Arizona's last 22 neutral site games.

Stanford Cardinal vs. UCLA Bruins

The Cardinal likely secured their first NCAA tournament berth in six years under coach Johnny Dawkins with Thursday’s win, but a victory over UCLA would help remove any suspense on Selection Sunday. Point guard Chasson Randle, who made seven 3-pointers and scored 26 points in last month’s win over the Bruins, had a team-high 21 points against the Sun Devils.

The Bruins held the explosive Ducks to 35.5 percent shooting in the second half Wednesday, and will need another strong defensive effort against the efficient Cardinal. UCLA had five players score in double figures Thursday, with guard Jordan Adams (15 points) leading the way. Forward Tony Parker and freshman guard Zach LaVine combined for 27 points off the bench against the Cardinal last month, and the Bruins’ reserves could be the difference against a Stanford team that relies heavily on its five starters.

TRENDS:

* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Over is 20-8 in the last 28 meetings.
* Cardinal are 1-7 ATS in the last eight meetings.
* Bruins are 10-22 ATS in their last 32 neutral site games.

**TheGame** · 03-14-2014, 11:53 AM

Re: NCAA Basketball Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/14

Big East Tournament Betting Cheat Sheet: Day 3
By Covers.com

Providence Friars vs. Seton Hall Pirates (-2, 136)

The Friars entered the Big East tournament on the NCAA bubble and could use one more win to lock up their place in the field of 68. Big East second-leading scorer Bryce Cotton battled foul trouble and was held to 12 points on 1-of-9 shooting against St. John’s, but Josh Fortune helped pick up the slack with a career-high 24 points.

Seton Hall is enjoying its first two-game winning streak in the Big East tournament in more than a decade but will need to make it four in a row to gain an improbable entry to the NCAA tournament. The eighth-seeded Pirates will try to take their third straight when they face No. 4 seed Providence in the semifinals in New York on Friday. The Pirates squandered a 15-point lead before battling back to beat Villanova and have secured a pair of one-point victories in the tournament after playing their way into the quarterfinals with a 51-50 triumph over Butler.

TRENDS:

* Pirates are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Friars are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Under is 4-0 in Pirates last four overall.
* Under is 8-1 in Friars last 9 neutral site games.

Xavier Musketeers vs. Creighton Bluejays

The Musketeers are likely in good shape to make the NCAA tournament, but can seal the deal by beating the Bluejays for the second time this month. Justin Martin was the star in Xavier's 75-69 victory over Creighton less than two weeks ago, posting 19 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. Martin led the Musketeers with 19 points in Thursday's three-point win against Marquette while Semaj Christon chipped in 18 points and five assists.

Considering what Doug McDermott has accomplished in his last two games, the only question is what the Creighton star can possibly do for an encore. McDermott set a Big East tournament record with 27 first-half points en route to 35 in Creighton's 84-62 victory over DePaul. “It’s one of those feelings where you feel like you have all the energy and confidence in the world,” McDermott said after setting the record for most points by a player in his Big East tournament debut. “It’s a feeling that is the best.”

TRENDS:

* Musketeers are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Musketeers are 22-8 ATS in their last 30 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Bluejays are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 neutral site games.

**TheGame** · 03-14-2014, 11:53 AM

Re: NCAA Basketball Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/14

Big 12 Tournament Betting Cheat Sheet: Round 3
By Covers.com

Iowa State Cyclones vs. Kansas Jayhawks (-4, 157)

The No. 16 Cyclones received 24 points and 10 rebounds from Melvin Ejim while recording a 91-85 win over Kansas State. The Cyclones saw Dustin Hogue (19 points, 10 rebounds) join Ejim in posting a double-double and will need strong performances from guard DeAndre Kane and forward Georges Niang to slay the Jayhawks. Ejim has 10 double-doubles this season, including six games in which he has at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Top-seeded Kansas didn’t miss injured center Joel Embiid in its Big 12 tournament opener and attempts to claim another victory when it meets up with fourth-seeded Iowa State in Friday’s semifinals in Kansas City. Andrew Wiggins scored 30 points and Tarik Black stepped up to match a career high with 12 rebounds as the No. 10 Jayhawks notched a 77-70 overtime victory over Oklahoma State.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Iowa State is 0-4 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Kansas is 21-8-1 ATS in its last 30 games vs. the Big 12.
* Iowa State is 5-2 ATS in its last seven neutral site games.

Baylor Bears vs. Texas Longhorns

Seventh-seeded Baylor attempts to extend its impressive tournament run when it faces third-seeded Texas in Friday’s Big 12 semifinals in Kansas City. The Bears overpowered Texas Christian in the first round, then jumped all over No. 18 Oklahoma at the start of Thursday’s semifinals and finished with a 78-73 victory.

The Longhorns staggered down the stretch of the regular season but crushed sixth-seeded West Virginia 66-49 on Thursday and swept two regular-season meetings with Baylor. Texas won the two regular-season meetings by an average of 9.5 points, with freshman PG Isaiah Taylor scoring a career-best 27 points in the 74-60 road win Jan. 25.

TRENDS:

* Bears are 0-4 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Over is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings.
* Longhorns are 5-1 ATS in their last six neutral site games.

**TheGame** · 03-14-2014, 11:53 AM

Re: NCAA Basketball Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/14

ACC Tournament Betting Cheat Sheet: Round 3
By Covers.com

Florida State Seminoles vs. Virginia Cavaliers (-7, 125)

The ninth-seeded Seminoles helped their chances for an NCAA bid by edging Maryland 67-65 in the second round Thursday. Florida State dropped a pair of 12-point decisions to Virginia in the regular season and could use another big performance from 7-3 Boris Bojanovsky, who slammed home the winning basket against Maryland.

The Cavaliers lead the nation in scoring defense and will depend on a balanced offense as they attempt to snap a four-game losing streak in ACC tournament play and reach the semifinals for the first time since 1995. The Cavaliers had their 13-game win streak snapped at Maryland on Sunday, but finished with a 16-2 record in league play.

TRENDS:

* Under is 13-3 in the last 16 meetings.
* Virginia is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Underdog is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.
* Florida State is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 neutral site games.

Pittsburgh Panthers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (-1, 140)

No. 5 seed Pittsburgh rolled over Wake Forest 84-55 on Thursday in their first-ever ACC tournament game. Senior forward Talib Zanna was held to five points on 2-of-11 shooting in the first meeting with North Carolina, but he has been a force of late while averaging 15.2 points and 9.6 boards in his last five outings. The Panthers will need others such as junior Cameron Wright or freshmen Michael Young and Josh Newkirk to come up big.

North Carolina’s 12-game winning streak ended in its regular-season finale and the Tar Heels look to start another extended run. UNC started its league season 1-4 before Marcus Paige and James Michael McAdoo led a resurgence that ended with a 93-81 loss to Duke on Saturday. North Carolina is 90-42 all time in the ACC tournament with 17 titles, second only to Duke’s 19.

TRENDS:

* Pittsburgh is 4-1 ATS in its last five games overall.
* North Carolina is 0-4 ATS in its last four games vs. the ACC.
* Over is 4-0 in Pittsburgh's last four games overall.
* Over is 6-2 in North Carolina's last eight neutral site games.

North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Syracuse Orange

T.J Warren has been the most dynamic scorer in the league this season, averaging 24.8 points per game and reaching 30 or more points nine times. Ralston Turner is the lone outside shooting threat for the Wolfpack, hitting five 3-pointers in the victory over Miami. North Carolina State has won three in a row and nine of its past 14, including the narrow loss at Syracuse and a one-point overtime loss to North Carolina.

First-team All-ACC honoree Fair leads the Orange in scoring at 16.9 points (seventh in the ACC). Tyler Ennis is one of the best point guards in the country, leading the conference at 5.5 assists and 2.1 steals while ranking 10th nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.19).

TRENDS:

* Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Over is 7-0 in North Carolina State's last seven games overall.
* Syracuse is 5-1 ATS in its last six neutral site games.
* North Carolina State is 5-1 ATS in its last six games overall.

Clemson Tigers vs. Duke Blue Devils

The highlight of Clemson’s season to this point came Jan. 11 at home, when three players recorded double-doubles to spark the Tigers to a 72-59 victory over Duke. The Tigers rallied from a nine-point deficit to oust Georgia Tech 69-65 in overtime in the second round Thursday, and will take aim at beating the Blue Devils for the second time this season.

Sophomore Rodney Hood provides plenty of support for Jabari Parker on offense, averaging 16.5 points while ranking second in the ACC in 3-point shooting (42.5 percent) to teammate Andre Dawkins (43.3 percent). Duke led the ACC with 9.1 made 3-pointers per game, ranking eighth nationally. The Blue Devils closed the regular season 7-2 following a two-point overtime loss at Syracuse, including a six-point victory over the Orange on Feb. 22.

TRENDS:

* Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.
* Tigers are 1-3-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Over is 4-0 in Tigers last four vs. Atlantic Coast.
* Blue Devils are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 neutral site games.

**TheGame** · 03-14-2014, 11:54 AM

Re: NCAA Basketball Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/14

Big Ten Tournament Betting Cheat Sheet: Round 2
By Covers.com

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Michigan Wolverines (-7, 124)

Illinois' Tracy Abrams, who scored 22 points over his previous four contests, went 8-of-16 from the field and 7-of-9 from the foul line en route to a season-high 25-point performance on Thursday – the most points the junior has ever scored against a Big Ten opponent. The scoring explosion was particularly unexpected after he made only five free throws and scored a total of 22 points over the previous four games on 23.3 percent shooting. The Illini have generated at least eight steals in each of their last five victories after doing so only four times over their first 26 games.

Michigan was supposed to unravel when Mitch McGary was lost to a back injury, but it proved to be the turning point of the season instead. The top-seeded Wolverines, who eye their sixth straight win on Friday in the quarterfinal round of the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis when they meet Illinois, sported a 6-4 record when their rugged forward was ruled out indefinitely. The Wolverines rallied to win 17 of their final 20 games, including 15 in league play – the most by the school since 1993.

TRENDS:

* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
* Illinois is 0-7 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Michigan is 4-0 ATS in its last four games following an ATS loss.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers (+4, 125)

The Buckeyes managed to advance despite a 1-of-14 performance from beyond the arc, continuing a disturbing trend over their last eight games. Over that stretch, Ohio State has shot 22.6 percent from the 3-point line and made three long-range jumpers or fewer six times after converting at a 35.3-percent clip and hitting eight or more 3-pointers 10 times over its first 24 contests.

Nebraska opened conference play with four straight losses before a victory on Jan. 20 over Ohio State turned the tide of its season. The fourth-seeded Cornhuskers figure to assure themselves of their first invite to the Big Dance since 1998 if they can defeat the fifth-seeded Buckeyes again on Friday in the Big Ten quarterfinals in Indianapolis. Nebraska is 10-3 since upending Ohio State at home and coming off perhaps its most impressive win of the season – a 77-68 victory over Wisconsin.

TRENDS:

* Ohio State is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Under is 9-2 in Nebraska's last 11 games overall.
* Ohio State is 0-5 in its last five neutral site games.

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Wisconsin Badgers

Minnesota posted consecutive victories for the first time since early January with back-to-back victories over Penn State, including a 63-56 first-round triumph on Thursday. Austin Hollins, who scored 8.6 points per game over his first 15 Big Ten contests this season, is averaging 18.8 points over his last four.

The Badgers could use improved play from Sam Dekker, who has scored seven or fewer points in three straight games after reaching double figures in 24 of his first 28 games. Wisconsin’s second-leading scorer was benched for the final five-plus minutes during Sunday’s loss after forcing a runner and failed to get to the foul line for the first time in nine contests.

TRENDS:

* Minnesota is 4-0-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Underdog is 4-0-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Under is 5-0 in Wisconsin's last five neutral site games.
* Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last five neutral site games.

Northwestern Wildcats vs. Michigan State Spartans

The Wildcats, who have won back-to-back games following a seven-game losing streak, held Iowa to season lows in points and field-goal percentage (32.3). Drew Crawford and Tre Demps played every minute Thursday and carried the offense, combining for 35 points on 13-of-24 shooting – including six of Northwestern’s 11 3-pointers.

Michigan State has no concerns about qualifying for the NCAA tournament, but knows time is running out to gel entering Friday’s Big Ten tournament quarterfinal against Northwestern in Indianapolis. Thanks to a rash of injuries to key players such as Gary Harris and Adreian Payne, the Spartans have used 15 different lineups over their last 26 games. Even though Michigan State is back to full health, the lack of chemistry has played a role in the team dropping seven of its last 12.

TRENDS:

* Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
* Wildcats are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games following a ATS win.
* Spartans are 15-7 ATS in their last 22 games overall.
* Over is 9-1 in Wildcats last 10 neutral site games.

**TheGame** · 03-14-2014, 11:54 AM

Re: NCAA Basketball Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/14

College Basketball Information

ACC Tournament

North Carolina had 12-game win streak snapped at Duke Saturday; they beat Pitt 75-71 (-3) at home Feb 15, holding on after leading by 12 with 8:23 left (NC was 15-25 on line). Tar Heels won first ACC tourney tilt in eight of last nine years, with only loss in season when they were 5-11. Pitt had stress-free win over Wake Thursday, just their second win in last eight conference tourney games since winning Big East in '08.

NC State had ball and lead twice in last minute at Syracuse, gagged away 56-55 loss Feb 15 (+13); Wolfpack never trailed by more than 3 points in game that Grant played for Orange. Syracuse had 1-5 skid, then won by 16 at Florida State Sunday with Grant back in lineup; they've won first tourney game eight of last ten years- this is new tournament though, a road game. State played three starters 32:00+ in win over Miami.

Big Dozen Tournament

Minnesota/Wisconsin split two games this year; Gophers won 81-68 at home during Badgers' 1-5 meltdown, then lost 78-70 in Madison Feb 13, outscoring Gophers 30-15 on foul line. Minnesota played four subs 14+ minutes in typical Pitino-style Thursday; only two starters played 37+. Wisconsin won eight of last nine games, still has shot for a #1 seed next week- they're only 4-4 in first conference tourney game last eight years.

Atlantic 13 Tournament

St Joe's lost its last two games after a 17-3 run spurred by rotation of six guys; Hawks beat Dayton twice this year, 60-57 on road, then 79-53 at home 17 days ago, when they made 9-15 from arc, led 39-20 at halftime in game that is Flyers' only loss in their last ten games. St Joe's won its first conference tourney game eight of last nine years; in year they lost, Hawks were 5-11 in league. Dayton used one guy more than 24:00 in an easy win yesterday.

VCU/Richmond are local rivals; Rams beat then twice this year, 81-70 at home, then 56-50 at Richmond eight days ago. VCU presses all over the court; Spiders lost star guard Lindsey after first meeting, plus they used three starters 31:00+ in yesterday's 76-64 win over Duquesne, ending a 4-game skid. Rams are 16-4 in last 20 conference tourney games; they've won last four games overall, with three of the wins by 11+ points.

SEC Tournament

Kentucky is an enigma, the least experienced team in country, but full of talent; they lost 87-82 at LSU Jan 28 (O'Bryant had 29), then beat them 77-76 in OT Feb 22, when O'Bryant was 8-25 from floor, but LSU led in last minute anyway. Tigers only used their bench 31:00 in that game. Tigers haven't won consecutive games since Feb 1; they used four guys 32:00+ yesterday. Wildcats lost three of last four games since LSU win.

Conference USA Tournament

Southern Miss KO'd home team last night, so crowds here will be small rest of weekend; only one Golden Eagle played 30:00+. USM won only meeting with Louisiana Tech this year, 80-71 at home Jan 19, despite a 2-18 day from arc- they outscored Tech 28-14 on line. Bulldogs are on a 5-game win streak; they beat Charlotte easily Thursday; only two guys played more than 27:00. Eagles won their last six games, all by 8+.

AAC Tournament

UConn dispatched home team last night, holding Memphis to 26% from floor, which should keep crowds to minimum here; Huskies used three starters 31:00+, but game was 41-27 at half, fairly stress-free- they split pair with Cincinnati this year, losing 63-58 on road, then winning 51-45 at home in rematch 13 days ago. Bearcats won 61-58 yesterday against UCF; they still played four substitutes double figure minutes.

Big X Tournament

Kansas beat Iowa State twice this year, 77-70 in Ames, then 92-81 in a Jan 29 rematch, when Jayhawks led by 16 early, then saw game 46-46 at half. Kansas is 20-2 in its last 22 tourney games, but they got taken to OT by Oklahoma State yesterday- they were down hoop with 1:32 left. Cyclones played three starters 35:00+ in 91-85 win over K-State, with Wildcats shooting 58% from floor. Kansas used three starters 41:00+.

Texas beat Baylor twice this year, 74-60 in Waco, then 74-69 at home 16 days ago; Longhorns crushed West Virginia last night, leading 35-14 at half- no Longhorn played more than 28:00. Baylor won five in a row, nine of last ten games; they're probably off bubble now- they're playing third day in row, and TCU game Wednesday was little more stressful than they would like- they outscored Sooners 23-5 on line Thursday.

Pac-12 Tournament

Colorado had huge win over Cal yesterday, they're 8-4 in last 12 games, won three of last four, with all three wins 59-56- they have to think they are in- they used four starters 32:00+ vs Cal. Without Dinwiddie, Buffs aren't good enough to bear Arizona- they lost 69-57 at Tucson, then got crushed 88-61 in rematch Feb 22. Wildcats won six of last seven games; they pummeled Utah yesterday, are playing for a #1 seed next week.

UCLA hammered Stanford 91-74 at home Jan 23, then lost rematch at Maples 83-74 Feb 22, when Adams/Anderson were held to total of 14 points. Bruins pulled away from red-hot Oregon in second half last nite, using only two guys more than 27:00- they shot 59.5% from the floor. Cardinal never trailed in 79-58 win over ASU last night, but they played Wednesday too; Dawkins still used three of his starters 33:00+.

Mountain West tournament (Las Vegas)
San Diego State beat UNLV twice this year, 63-52 at Viejas, then 73-64 here nine days ago, when Shrigley hit 4-5 from arc to rally Aztecs from down 5 early in second half (Roscoe Smith sat out that game for UNLV). Rebels are as good as their guards; DeSean-Jones/D.Smith are a combined 1-19 from arc in two games vs Aztecs. UNLV is 3-4 in last seven games. San Diego State held its last two opponents to a combined 87 points.

**TheGame** · 03-14-2014, 11:54 AM

Re: NCAA Basketball Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/14

ATS Betting Trends

TULSA: 12-0 ATS after a win by 10 points or more

LOUISVILLE: 8-0 ATS in conference tournament games

PITTSBURGH: 0-6 ATS after 2 consecutive covers as a favorite

ST BONAVENTURE: 6-0 ATS when playing only their 3rd game in a week

DAYTON: 6-0 ATS in road games when playing with one or less days rest

ST JOSEPHS: 6-0 ATS off a home loss against a conference rival

Over/Under Betting Trends

MISSOURI: 9-0 OVER after a combined score of 165 points or more

PITTSBURGH: 6-0 OVER in March games

S CAROLINA: 6-0 UNDER off an upset win as an underdog

TENNESSEE: 7-0 UNDER after playing 3 consecutive games as favorite

**TheGame** · 03-14-2014, 11:55 AM

Re: NCAA Basketball Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/14

StatFox Super Situations

ARK-LITTLE ROCK at ARKANSAS ST
Play Against - Neutral court teams as a favorite or pick (ARKANSAS ST) after failing to cover the spread in 5 or more consecutive games, in a tournament game 29-8 over the last 5 seasons. ( 78.4% | 20.2 units ) 4-3 this year. ( 57.1% | 0.7 units )

S CAROLINA at TENNESSEE
Play On - Neutral court teams (S CAROLINA) after 3 or more consecutive unders, an average offensive team (67-74 PPG) against an excellent defensive team (<=63 PPG) after 15+ games 20-11 over the last 5 seasons. ( 64.5% | 20.9 units ) 0-1 this year. ( 0.0% | -2.0 units )

OHIO ST at NEBRASKA
Play Under - All teams where the first half total is 55.5 to 60.5 off an upset win over a conference rival as an underdog against opponent off a close win by 3 points or less over a conference rival 89-45 since 1997. ( 66.4% | 39.5 units ) 3-2 this year. ( 60.0% | 0.8 units )

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NCAA Basketball Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/14

NCAA Basketball Handicapping. News, notes and trends. 3/14

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