Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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01-12-19 | Washington v. Colorado -1.5 | Top | 77-70 | Loss | -106 | 14 h 16 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Colorado at 10:00 ET. The Washington Huskies will travel to the CU Events Center to take on the Colorado Buffaloes this Saturday night in Pac-12 action. Washington (11-4 / 2-0 Pac-12) is heating up at a good time as it will carry a season-best four-game win streak into tonight's road test at Colorado. Three of Washington’s last four wins have been by at least 16 points, including Thursday night’s 69-53 smothering of Utah, which snapped the Huskies’ five-game losing streak in Salt Lake City. Colorado is hoping it has its season back on track, after a 92-60 rout of visiting Washington State on Thursday night. The 10-5 Buffs (1-2 Pac-12) had lost four of their previous five contests and failed to top 68 points in any of those outings. Washington played its matchup zone defense to near-perfection, holding the Utes to season-low 53 points on 33.3-percent shooting, including 6-of-30 from three-point range. The Huskies are allowing the second-fewest points (65.6 per game / that's 48th in the nation) in the conference and are tied with Oregon for the field-goal percentage defensive lead at 39.3 (27th). Offensively, PG Jaylen Nowell (16.5 & 3.4 APG) and fellow David Crisp (10.9), plus 6-9 forward Noah Dickerson (14.4 & 6.6) are averaging double figures. Sophomore forward Nahziah Carter (8.5 & 3.5)also got into the act Thursday, scoring a career-high 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting. 6-7 sophomore swingman Tyler Bey (11.7 & 9.0) had a career-high 26 points in Colorado's win over Wash St, plus the Buffs received a season-high 17points from reserve guard Shane Gatling (8.5). PG McKinley Wright leads in scoring (13.6) and assists (5.4), while 6-10 center Siewert (11.8 & 5.1) gives the Buffs three double digit scorers. Colorado shot 54.7 percent in topping 90 points for the first time since Nov 28. Washington has won seven of the 12 meetings since Colorado joined the Pac-12 in 2011, including 82-59 (home) and 72-62 (road) wins to sweep the season series a year ago. However, the Huskies are playing just their fourth true road game of the season (Utah victory was the team's first win), while the Buffaloes’ victory Thursday was their first home game since Dec 8. The win upped their record in Boulder to 7-0 on the season, where the Buffs have outscored opponents 89.0-to-69.3 PPG. A handful of tech trends note that Washington is just 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games following an ATS win, while the Buffaloes are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games and 13-3 ATS in their last 16 home games vs a team with a losing road record.Colorado gets the cash. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-12-19 | Western Kentucky v. Marshall | 69-70 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 9 m | Show | |
My 8* Revenge Rout is on Western Kentucky at 7:00 ET. The 9-6 Marshall Thundering Herd host the 8-7 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in Saturday's C-USA action. Western Kentucky fell to 1-1 in the C-USA play, after a narrow 69-66 defeat at Old Dominion as a 3.5 point underdog. The Marshall squeezed by Charlotte 85-84 as a nine point road favorite, improving to 2-0 in the conference play. Guard Tavion Hollingsworth (15.5 & 5.1) and 6-11 center Charles Bassey kept the Hilltoppers within striking distance of ODU with 19 points apiece (Bassey grabbed 12 rebounds). Guards Jared Savage (14.2 & 4.3) and Josh Anderson (9.3) are also steady contributors. Anderson had 17 points vs ODU but Savage contributed only eight points. Marshall just couldn’t shake the stubborn 49ers, as CJ Burks (17.2) carried the Thundering Herd with 25 points. PG Jon Elmore leads the team in scoring (18.9) and assists (5.2) and added 16 points and five assists. The 6-9 Jannson Williams (9.5 & 4.7) had 13 points and six rebounds. Bottom line here is the revenge factor. Western Ky has had to have this date circled since last March. The top-seeded Hilltoppers were beaten 67-66 by underdog Marshall in the C-USA Tourney, costing Western Ky a spot in the Dance, as the 27-win Hilltoppers had to settle for the NIT (did make semis). This time around, Marshall will have to deal with WKU’s emerging 6-11 frosh Charles Bassey, a possible future lottery pick who has recently scored 19 points against Wisconsin and ODU (Western KY upset Wisconsin!). The Hilltoppers beat the Thundering Herd 85-74 at home and 112-87 at Marshall last season. Deja vu! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-12-19 | Texas A&M v. Alabama -6.5 | 81-80 | Loss | -109 | 7 h 35 m | Show | |
My 9* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Alabama at 3:30 ET. Alabama began SEC play with an upset win at home over Kentucky last weekend but the Tide fell Tuesday night at LSU, 88-79. Alabama shot just 7-for-24 from three-point range and its failure to keep LSU from scoring inside proved to be too much to overcome. Alabama will now welcome Texas A&M to Tuscaloosa, standing 10-4 (1-1 in SEC play). The Aggies are the only SEC school with a losing record entering the weekend (6-7 / 0-2 SEC) and have dropped three straight following a five-game winning streak. Their latest setback came Tuesday at Kentucky, committing 19 turnovers in an 85-74 loss to the Wildcats. Point guard TJ Starks (14.5 & 3.8 APG) has scored at least 14 points in four straight contests and is averaging 20.5 in two conference outings, since returning to the starting lineup after coming off the bench the previous two games. Fellow sophomore Savion Flagg, a 6-7 swingman, averages 12.7 PPG plus his 8.3 RPG ranks fourth in the conference. Tennessee State transfer, the 6-8 Christian Mekowulu (9.9 & 5.8) has totaled just eight points in two league games, after averaging 16 over his previous three games. Alabama is a perimeter-dominated team, led by Lewis (14.8). Fellow guard Petty (10.6 & 5.1) joins him in double digits, while guards Mack (9.6), Ingram (7.9 & 4.5) and Jones (7.7 & 4.9) round out the major backcourt contributors. The 6-9 Donta Hall (10.8 & 8.1) saw the first three-game double-double streak by an Alabama player in 11 years come to an end Tuesday with seven points and six rebounds. How good is Avery Johnson's Alabama team? We will find out soon, as the schedule after today (thru Feb 2) features four road contests out of six games, including road games at No. 3 Tenn and No. 11 Auburn, plus a home game vs No. 14 Miss St. A&M is easily the least difficult opponent over this challenging seven-game span and in two true road games this season, is allowing 89.5 PPG. This is a great matchup for the Tide, as A&M does a poor job of getting to the foul line (260th in FT attempts) and converting threes (29.5% ranks 331st). Meanwhile, Alabama has won the battle of the boards in 13 of its 14 games and boasts a plus-6.4 rebounding margin, good for 34th in Division I. Blowout alert! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-12-19 | Ole Miss v. Mississippi State -5.5 | Top | 81-77 | Loss | -115 | 7 h 23 m | Show |
My 10* Rivalry Game of the Month is on Miss St at 1:00 ET. What's going on here? Ole Miss was picked to finish last in the SEC preseason media poll but the Rebels, under first-year head coach Kermit Davis have opened the season 12-2, including 2-0 in SEC play. More importantly to sports bettors, Ole Miss is a remarkable 13-1 ATS (so much for the experts!). Ole Miss has yet to enter the AP top-25 but would if it could win here in Starkville against in-state rival Miss St. The Bulldogs are also 12-2 but 0-1 in SEC play, as they saw their nine-game winning streak come to an end in stunning fashion with an 87-82 overtime loss at South Carolina this past Tuesday. Junior guard Breein Tyree (team-high 17.4 PPG) was named SEC Player of the Week after scoring a career-high 31 points against Vanderbilt on Jan. 5 but was held to five and was 1-for-10 from the floor in Ole miss' 82-67 home win over No. 11 Auburn on Tuesday. Senior guard Terence Davis (16.0 PPG and team-highs of 5.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists) is averaging 19.3 points in his last three games. 6-7 freshman KJ Buffen (6.6 & 5.4) scored 16 versus Auburn and has helped the Rebels to a plus-7.1 rebounding margin that was 25th nationally through Thursday's games. A third guard, sophomore Shuler (10.6 & 4.1) make three double digit scorers for the Rebels, who average 79.7 PPG (62nd). Senior guard Quinndary Weatherspoon (17.1 & 5.5) is MSU's leading scorer (team averages 80.3 PPG to rank 53rd). Two more guards average in double digits, PG Peters (13.4 & 6.2 APG ) and a second Weatherspoon, Nick (10.6) The 6-10 Holman (13.0 & 8.7) makes it four players in double digits and is the Bulldogs' leading rebounder. Here's a couple of notes to consider. The Bulldogs have won 12 straight when Quinndary Weatherspoon scores 20 or more points, something he's done six times this season. Mississippi State is also 9-0 this season when junior guard Tyson Carter (9.9 PPG) scores 10 or more and his average is fourth-best among SEC bench players. The Bulldogs lead the series 143-115 but the Rebels have won EIGHT of the last 10 meetings in the SEC's most-played rivalry. However, I have to believe the Rebels are not quite as good as their record (how could they be?). Ole Miss beat one ranked team on Wednesday, can it really beat another on Saturday? Here's the rub. If the Bulldogs had hit another shot or two, they could have beaten South Carolina. Instead, they missed an opportunity to win in regulation and another to tie at the end of overtime in that 87-82 road loss on Tuesday. The Bulldogs had an chance to win at the end of regulation, but a contested driving layup by Lamar Peters rimmed out in the final seconds. They were down three in the final 10 seconds of overtime when a turnover by Quinndary Weatherspoon turned into a dunk for the Gamecocks. Notably, MSU's bench scored a season-low two points, making just 1 of 6 shots from the floor. A date with hated-Ole Miss is "just what the doctor ordered" for the Bulldogs. Miss St in a R-O-U-T! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-12-19 | Kansas State v. Iowa State -9.5 | 58-57 | Loss | -115 | 6 h 27 m | Show | |
My 9* CBB Eye-Opener is on Iowa St at 12:00 ET. Kansas St got off to 0-2 start to Big 12 play, as the 6-10 Wade (13.6 & 7.7) has been sidelined since sine mid-December. The Wildcats lost by 20 points at home to Texas and then by six at then-No. 11 Texas Tech. However, KSU rebounded in a big way on Wednesday night by rallying from a 21-point second-half deficit to defeat West Virginia, 71-69. Kansas St will take an 11-4 (1-2 Big-12) record into tonight's game in Ames, when the Wildcats face No. 20 Iowa St (12-3 / 2-1). The Cyclones beat then-No. 5 Kansas 77-60 last Saturday but then suffered a letdown after that HUGE win by dropping a 73-70 decision at Baylor on Tuesday night. Senior guard Barry Brown Jr. scored 29 points in the win over West Virginia, including the go-ahead layup with 28.9 seconds remaining, while sophomore guard Mike McGuirl added 18 points. Brown leads the team in scoring (14.7) and steals (31). Fellow guard Kamau Stokes (10.9) and 6-5 small forward Xavier Sneed (10.6 & 5.6) are the only other player in double digits, with Wade still out. Head coach Weber expects Wade to return as soon as next week. "He's done workouts, he's done running, he's done walking, he's done jumping in the water," Weber said of Wade's recovery from a torn ligament in his foot Dec. 15. "So now get him on the court and practice a little bit. I don't want to say yes or no, but we're moving forward, so hopefully, if there's no major setback, I would say in the next week or 10 days, we hope to have him back." "Golly, we could have taken a huge step right here, and then coming back to a home game," head coach Steve Prohm said after the Baylor loss. "But if you look at it, if you win your home games and split on the road, you're probably going to be in good position to challenge for a league championship." Senior guard Marial Shayok leads the Big 12 in scoring (20.1) and also is tied for second on the team in rebounding (5.5) with junior forward Michael Jacobson (13.9 & 5.5), sophomore guard Lindell Wigginton (12.8) and freshman guard Talen Horton-Tucker (12.6) also averaging in double digits. The Wildcats return most of the key pieces from a team that advanced to the Elite Eight last season (of course, no Wade at the moment) but one wonders how they will react off the team's historic comeback vs West Va (note: it was the largest comeback in school history). The Wildcats were limited to just 21 points in the first half, then exploded for 50 points after halftime and used a 17-0 run to get back into the game. That AIN'T happening here Hilton Coliseum where ISU is 42-12 under Prohm and is 30-10 in its last 40 Big 12 contests on its home floor. Iowa St averages 81.3 PPG and allows 65.0 PPG on the season (40th). Kansas St is 0-3 on the road, having averaged 58.0 PPG, while Iowa St is 8-0 SU (5-1-2 ATS) at home, outscoring opponents on average, 85.2-to-59.6 PPG, Lay it! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-10-19 | Pepperdine v. Santa Clara -2 | Top | 64-67 | Win | 100 | 17 h 18 m | Show |
My 10* CBB Game of the Week is on Santa Clara at 11:00 ET. The 8-8 Pepperdine Waves and the 9-7 Santa Clara Broncos meet in WCC college basketball action from the Leavey Center in Santa Clara on Thursday night. Both schools are 1-1 in league play. Pepperdine comes into this game looking to get back above .500 after falling to 8-8 with a 72-69 loss to 14-2 San Francisco in its last outing. 6-6 guard Kameron Edwards has been in and out of the lineup this season but had 19 points along with team-highs of 11 rebounds and four assists. He's played in just seven games but is averaging 14.7 & 6.3. Santa Clara Broncos needs to rebound as well, getting blown out in a 91-48 loss at Gonzaga in its last outing. PG Ross leads Pepperdine in scoring (18.9) and assists (7.2), leading six double digit scorers. Kameron's younger brother Kessler (a 6-8 freshman), is among that group of six, averaging 10.7 & 4.9. The Waves average a so-so 78.9 PPG (75th) and struggle on the defensive end, allowing 74.2 PPG (247th). The Broncos were totally outclassed by the Bulldogs, with SF Keshawn Justice leading the team with 14 points, the 6-8 while Josip Vrankic added 11 points and Tahj Eaddy added 10 points, rounding out a trio of double-digit scorers for the Broncos in the loss. Guard Eaddy (16.3) leads the team in scoring, teamed with PG Trey Wertz (11.8 & 4.9 APG). Joining Justice (10.8) in the frontcourt are the 6-8 Vrankic (12.9 & 5.5) and the 6-7 Martin (6.9 & a team-high 9.6 RPG). SE Missouri transfer Eaddy (16 ppg) plus freshman wings Wertz & Justice have upped the athleticism quotient for Santa Clara, allowing head coach Herb Sendek to not miss the team's leading returning scorer KJ Feagin (17.5). Santa Clara couldn't stay with Gonzaga but the Broncos had won EIGHT of nine prior o that loss (including SIX straight). It's worth noting that Sendek had his team play a challenging early season schedule. The Broncos own wins over USC and Washington St plus have played Pac-12 schools Cal and Washington, along with the Big Ten's Minnesota. Meanwhile, Lorenzo Romar's Waves have yet to play a Power-5 opponent. What's more, Santa Clara must surely have this date circled, losing badly in last year's WCC tourney to Pepperdine (85-69), after winning both regular season meetings. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-09-19 | Iowa v. Northwestern -2.5 | 73-63 | Loss | -115 | 14 h 43 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Northwestern at 9:00 ET. The Iowa Hawkeyes have won six of their last seven games, including an impressive 93-84 triumph against then 24th-ranked Nebraska on Sunday to earn their second victory over a ranked team this season. The 12-3 Hawkeyes just missed out on entering Monday's AP top-25 but did earn a ranking of No. 25 in the coaches poll. Iowa travels to Evanston, Illinois on Wednesday, to take of the 10-5 Northwestern Wildcats. Northwestern bounced back from a humbling 81-55 defeat to current No. 6 Michigan State by edging Illinois 68-66 on Sunday.Note taht both teams picked up their first Big Ten win (1-3) in their last outings. Jordan Bohannon (11.3) scored 22 of his season-high 25 points in the second half and dished out five assists in the win against Nebraska. The 6-9 Tyler Cook added 16 points and seven rebounds against the Cornhuskers and leads the team in scoring (17.3) and rebounding (8.3) on the season. The 6-9 Ryan Kriener tallied 14 points in his first career start but the game figures to be an outlier, as he averages just 5.3 & 2.9 on the season. The 6-11 Garza averages 12.3 & 4.6 off the bench, while junior forward Isaiah Moss produced 12 points, 10 rebounds and five assists to register the first double-double of his career (averages 9.1 PPG on the season). 6-7 senior forward Vic Law (17.6 & 6.3) scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the win against Illinois to record his first double-double of the season and the fifth of his career. A.J. Turner added 12 points, including the go-ahead three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining to lift the Wildcats past the Fighting Illini and averages 9.5 & 3.3 APG on the year. Fellow guard Ryan Taylor knocked down four 3-pointers en route to 12 points (right at his average of 12.5 PPG). Joining Law up front is the 6-8 Dererk Pardon (13.9 & 8.3), who contributed 10 points and eight rebounds to finish in double figures in scoring for the 15th straight game (the longest streak of his career).. The Hawkeyes hope to knock off the Wildcats for the first time in Evanston since Jan 25, 2014 but why should we expect that? After all, Iowa has lost 12 of its last 13 true road games dating back to the start of 2017-18, including its only two this season, 90-68 at Mich St and 86-70 at Purdue. Iowa may be averaging 82.9 PPG on the season but in true roads games (yes, just two), the Hawkeyes are averaging 69.0 PPG. That bodes poorly up against an excellent defensive team like Northwestern, which is allowing just 63.2 PPG (26th), whlle holding opponents to 27.6% on threes (9th). Northwestern comes in 8-2 at home, where the Wildcats are allowing only 59.0 PPG. Cheap price in this one. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-09-19 | Butler v. Seton Hall -3 | Top | 75-76 | Loss | -115 | 13 h 16 m | Show |
My 10* Big East Game of the Year is on Seton Hall at 8:30 ET. Seton Hall finished with 22 wins last season, after losing in the NCAA's second round. However, Kevin Willard's Pirates lost four starters off that team. Seton Hall served notice as a Big East contender by bolting out of the blocks to begin conference play before getting tripped up in its last contest (a 75-74 loss at Depaul), halting the school's seven-game winning streak. The 11-4 Pirates look to get back on track on Wednesday, when they host Butler at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Butler won 21 games last season and like Seton Hall, lost in the NCAA's second round. The 10-5 Bulldogs snapped a two-game skid with an 84-69 triumph versus Creighton on Saturday, evening their Big East record at 1-1 (Seton Hall is 2-1 in league play). Junior guard Kamar Baldwin (16.5 & 5.4) erupted for a season-high 28 points for Butler on Saturday, making 11-of-18 shots. Senior guard Paul Jorgensen ranks second on the team in scoring at 13.5 PPG with two big men splitting time at center. The 6-11 Joey Brunk (8.5 & 4.5) and the 6-10 Nate Fowler (5.3 & 3.9) are a solid duo plus the 6-7 Tucker (a Duke transfer) just became eligible and and is adding 7.7 & 4.5 in six games. Junior guard Myles Powell (22.2) struggled to find his shot with a 4-for-13 performance from the floor and finished with 16 points in Seton Hall's 75-74 loss to DePaul on Sunday. Powell is surrounded by guards McKnight (8.8 & 3.1 APG) amd Cale (9.2 & a team-high 7.8 RPG). Seton Hall's size will give Butler's frontcourt fits, led by the trio of 6-10 Mamukelashvili (9.7 & 7.3), the 6-8 Nzei (9.6 & 5.3) and the 6-11 Thompson (6.2 & 2.4). Seton Hall won both regular season meetings with Butler last season, then lost 75-74 in the Big East Tourney. Powell mad just 3-of-9 shots in that Big East tournament quarterfinal loss.I had butler on Saturday (against Creighton) and noted the team's prowess at home, as Butler's win make the Bulldogs 8-1 at Hinkle Fieldhouse this season, after going 53--12 at home the previous four seasons. However, Butler's played just two true road games this season, losing at St Louis and Florida, getting outscored 70.5-to-47.5 PPG! Seton Hall showed its potential with an 84-83 win over Kentucky at MSG back on Dec 8 and makes a statement here, in the Big East. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-09-19 | Marquette v. Creighton -3.5 | 106-104 | Loss | -109 | 9 h 5 m | Show | |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Creighton at 7:00 ET. Marquette rebounded from an 89-69 humbling at St. John's in its conference opener with a 70-52 victory over Xavier on Sunday to boost its home record to 11-0 (Marquette is 12-3 overall and ranked No. 21 in the latest AP poll). "I'm proud of my team, especially on the defensive end," Golden Eagles coach Steve Wojciechowski said. "Obviously we can play a lot better offensively. But, winning with defense is OK." The Golden Eagles will visit 10-5 Creighton on Wednesday night in a Big East Conference matchup. The Bluejays (1-1 in Big East play) are coming off an 84-69 loss at Butler, with Creighton giving up 48 first-half points to fall behind by 19. “We played three really good halves the last couple games," head coach Greg McDermott said after his team's three-game winning streak was halted. "Unfortunately, we had a really bad one to start this game.” Leading scorer Markus Howard (24.0-3.9-4.2) scored 26 points against Xavier, although 6-5 senior Sacar Anim played a huge supporting role. Anim ended a five-game slump by scoring a season-high 20 points to go along with seven rebounds, two assists and a steal. Amin averages just 7.3 & 3.4 on the season. Howard is typically supported by brothers Sam and Joey Hauser. The 6-8 Sam averages 13.5 & 6.8, while his younger brother Joey (a 6-9 freshman), averages 10.5 & 6.1. Creighton averages 83.7 PPG (25th), while shooting 51.6%, including 43.5% on threes (both rank 3rd-best in the nation). The Bluejays have four players averaging in double figures and Damien Jefferson is at 9.9 points, so they have plenty of balance to help offset the loss of sophomore Jacob Epperson. The 6-foot-11 Epperson, who was sidelined for the past five games with a knee issue that requires surgery, will miss the remainder of the season due to a stress fracture in his back. Leading scorer Ty-Shon Alexander (16.7-3.1-3.0) matched his season low with nine points at Butler, finishing 1 of 10 from beyond the arc, although he extended his streak to 19 consecutive games with at least one 3-pointer. PG Ballock (10.9-3.9-3.4), fellow guard Marcus Zegarowski (10.3) and the 6-9 Krampelj (10.3 & 5.7) round out the double digit scorers. Marquette may be perfect on its home court this season but the Golden Eagles have lost 96-73 at Indiana and 89-69 at St John's in its only two true road games. Creighton can "light it up," as evidenced by the Blue Jays winning all three games in the Cayman Islands (over Boise St, Ga State and Clemson), while averaging 91.3 PPG. Here at home against the Golden Eagles (allowing 92.5 PPG in two true road games TY), expect Creighton to roll. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-08-19 | Alabama v. LSU -6 | Top | 79-88 | Win | 100 | 13 h 23 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on LSU at 9:00 ET. Alabama's football team got 'punked' by Clemson in last night's CFP championship game and the school's basketball team will visit Baton Rogue tonight, looking to avoid a letdown off its 77-75 home win this past Saturday over then-No. 13 Kentucky. The 10-3 Crimson Tide (1-0 SEC) will take on 10-3 LSU, which will be playing its SEC opener. The Tigers problem could be 'rust,' as LSU hasn't played a game since defeating Louisiana Monroe 81-69 back on Dec 28. Alabama coughed up a 22-point lead with just over 14 1/2 minutes remaining back on Dec 4 in an 83-80 loss to Georgia State when the Panthers buried a three-pointer as time expired. I was almost, "deja vu all over again" this past Saturday, as Kentucky nearly clawed all the way back from an 11-point deficit with just over three minutes left at Alabama. However, the Crimson Tide got the stop they needed this time, when Kentucky guard Tyler Herro's three-point attempt bounced off the rim in the waning seconds. Guard Tevin Mack (9.9 PPG) almost single-handedly kept the Crimson Tide in the game early Saturday, going 6-for-6 from three-point range en route to 20 of his team's 38 first-half points (he scored just two pints in the second-half but finished with a season-high 22 points). the 6-9 Donta Hall (11.1 &8.3 rebounds) produced this third consecutive double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore guard Herbert Jones (7.5 & 4.8) enjoyed the best all-round performance of his career against Kentucky, finishing with 10 points, eight rebounds and a career-best six assists without a turnover in 23 minutes.'Bama's leading scorer, freshman PG Lewis (14.8 & 3.1 APG), made just 4 of 14 shots (14 points). LSU averages 80.7 PPG ((50th) on some excellent shooting (49.0% ranks 25th). Head coach Will Wade uses an eight-man rotation, with players averaging from 6.0-to-13.5 PPG. Guard Mays (13.5 & 3,4) leads the way, followed by the 6-10 Reid (12.6 & 5.8), PG Waters (12.5 & 5.5 APG) and guard Smart (10.2) in double digits. After finding his groove while coming off the bench the previous two games, Waters returned to the starting lineup against ULM and scored 11 points, added 10 assists and produced a career-high tying eight steals. The Tigers' four freshmen - Naz Reid, Emmitt Williams, Ja'vonte Smart and Darius Days - combined for 50 points, 27 rebounds and five blocks! Alabama almost surely can be expected to have a letdown here and LSU is a perfect 8-0 SU at home on the season, outscoring opponents 84.4-to-66.2 PPG. The Tigers have won 15 straight in the Maravich Center and win No. 16 ina row comes "with room to spare!" Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-08-19 | Iowa State v. Baylor +3 | 70-73 | Win | 100 | 13 h 36 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Baylor at 7:00 ET. Iowa State made a strong statement this past Saturday, with a resounding 77-60 victory over then-No. 5 over Kansas. It was Iowa State's fifth straight win, lifting the 12-2 Cyclones to their first national ranking since the 2016-17 season (ISU checks in at No. 20 in the latest AP poll). The Cyclones will vie for their first 3-0 start in conference play since the 1999-2000 campaign, when they visit 8-5 Baylor on Tuesday at the Ferrell Center in Waco, Texas. Scott Drew's teams had won 20-plus games for nine of the previous 10 seasons but finished just 19-15 last season. Four starters are gone from that team and hence, the school's 8-5 start. Marial Shayok is averaging a team-best 20.1 PPG (5.6 RPG, too) and had 24 vs the Jayhawks on 9-for-12 shooting to receive Big 12 Player of the Week honors. Freshman Tyrese Haliburton (8.7-4.l4-4.3) was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week after making 4-of-4 three-point attempts in scoring 14 points. The Cyclones shot 13-of-25 on threes (52.0%) against Kansas. Michael Jacobson (14.1 & 6.5) and Talen Horton-Tucker (12.9 & 5.5) are two more guards in coach Steve Prohm's four-guard offense. Iowa St averages 82.1 PPG (37th) and has topped 100 points twice. Defensively, the Cyclones are strong as well, allowing just 64.4 PPG (also ranks 37th). Baylor nearly pulled off quite the comeback in its conference opener, as its bid to erase a 19-point second-half deficit fell just a bit short in Saturday's 85-81 loss to TCU. "Down (19), we could have never made a run, but these guys are going to fight to the end," Bears coach Scott Drew said. "You just want to pull it out when you get there." 6-9 sophomore forward Tristan Clark (started all but four games LY) answered his first double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds in the Bears' 84-44 romp over New Orleans on Dec 29 by scoring a team-high 18 against the Horned Frogs. The sophomore forward has made at least 50 percent of his shots in every game and at least 60 percent in all but two contests this season. He leads the team in scoring (14.5) and rebounds (6.5). Guard Makai Mason, a graduate transfer from Yale (you don't hear that often), is averaging 14.1 PPG and has recorded double-digit scoring performances in nine of 10 games. Senior guard McClure checks in at 10.5 & 4.8. Iowa St is ripe for a letdown here and don't forget, Baylor plays some outstanding D, holding opponents to just 62.3 PPG (21st). The Bears are limitng opponents to 39.2 percent from the floor (31st), including 30,7 percent from three-point range. Baylor has won 13 of 15 all-time home meetings with Iowa State (beat the Cyclones 81-67 at this venue LY), with the ISU's last victory coming in the 2012-13 season. Home dog barks LOUDLY in this one! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-08-19 | St. John's v. Villanova -5.5 | 71-76 | Loss | -112 | 12 h 52 m | Show | |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Villanova at 7:00 ET. Who'da thunk it? Villanova is the defending NCAA champion (actually, the Wildcats have won two national titles in the last three years) but when the 11-4 Wildcats welcome the St John's Red Storm to Finneran Pavilion for this Big East showdown, it's the 14-1 Red Storm who are the ranked team. St. John's is having a season more reminiscent of a championship campaign, as the school entered the top-25 Monday (at No. 24) for the first time since sitting No. 15 back in the 2014-15 season. Chris Mullin's team entered the top-25 following a terrific first two months of the season that has featured only one loss, a controversial two-point defeat against Seton Hall. . “I think there’s tremendous excitement, optimism, and a good feeling,” Mullin said. “I think it’s great that our fan base has watched us throughout. They watched us struggle, improve, and now watch them have success. It’s a genuine and authentic way to go about it.” St John's beat Georgetown 97-94 in overtime in its last outing, thanks to Shamorie Ponds' 37 points. The junior PG is averaging 20.4 points (also 4.7 RPG & 6.0 APG) while shooting 50.3 percent from the floor and better than 40 percent from the three-point line, way up from his shooting percentages from the field (42.0) and the arc (25.3) a season ago. He's surrounded by big gaurds Heron (15.6 & 5.1), Figueroa (14.7 & 6.9) and Simon (10.2 & 5.2) plus 6-7 forward Clark (13.1 & 5.2). Guard Phil Booth (17.3-3.5-3.5) and the 6-8 Eric Paschall (15.7) are the senior leaders of a mostly inexperienced Wildcats team, one in which only sophomore guard Gillespie (11.0) joins the senior duo in double digits. Villanova was ranked No. 9 to start this season but early-season consecutive losses to now-second-ranked Michigan and Furman sent Villanova tumbling down the rankings to the mid-20s. The Wildcats moved back up to No. 17 after six straight wins but were bounced form the rankings after two more consecutive losses at Penn and at then-No. 1 Kansas in mid-December. However, I wonder if anyone really believes that St John's is the better team? I sure don't. 'Nova head coach Jay Wright won’t have to be remind his team about St. John’s, after the Red Storm notched a shocking upset of the national-champs-to-be as a 16-point dog at the Pavilion last season, 79-75. My bet says the Wildcats REMEMBER it well!. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-06-19 | Illinois v. Northwestern -7.5 | Top | 66-68 | Loss | -105 | 6 h 10 m | Show |
My 10* Daytime Dominator is on Northwestern at 1:00 ET. Both Illinois and Northwestern 'limp' into this Sunday afternoon game. Illinois has the worst record in the Big Ten at 4-10 and is one of five teams (Northwestern included) without a conference victory. However, while Northwestern is still seeking its first conference win, the Wildcats are a respectable 9-5 on the season, overall. The Illini have dropped three straight games overall, after hanging around in a 73-65 loss on Thursday night at Indiana. Illinois has four double digit scorers plus two others averaging 8.6 and 7.1 PPG. Guards Frazier (15.5) and Jordan (10.1 & 5.2) are joined by freshman SF Dusunmu (12.5 & 4.5) and the 6-9 Bezhanishvili (10.3 & 4.9). However, for all that offensive balance, the Illini average only 73.9 PPG, which ranks 181st. The Wildcats weren't able to handle Michigan State the last time out, in an 81-55 beatdown. The 6-7 Vic Law averages a team-high 17.9 PPG but was held to season-low five points vs the Spartans. The 6-8 Dererk Pardon (14.2 & 8.4) is is one of the most accurate shooters in the country (6.8%) and made 9-of-15 shots while scoring 19 points in the loss to MSU. He's joined up front by the 6-10 Taylor (12.5) and the 6-7 Turner (9.4). Northwestern is easily the much better team and coming off that humiliating 81-55 loss at powerful Michigan State (Spartans are 13-2 and ranked 8th), should bounce back here vs an Illinois team that is now 4-17 in Big Ten play since the start of last season. It didn't show in the game at Michigan St but Northwestern is a defensive-minded team, allowing just 63.0 PPG (24th), whlel holding opponents to 28.9% on threes (25th). Northwestern comes in 7-2 at home, where the Wildcats are allowing only 58.2 PPG. Lay it! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-06-19 | Xavier v. Marquette -8 | 52-70 | Win | 100 | 5 h 12 m | Show | |
My 9* Eye-Opener is on Marquette at 12:00 ET. The Marquette Golden Eagles are 11-3 (No. 16 in the AP poll) and will host 9-6 Xavier at noon ET at the brand-new Fiserv Forum. Marquette saw its eight-game win streak end in Tuesday's 89-69 loss to St. John’s (note: Red Storm are 14-1) in the Golden Eagles’ Big East opener. The Musketeers opened their Big East schedule with a 74-65 win at DePaul on Dec 29 but Xavier is coming off an 80-70 home loss to Seton Hall on Wednesday. To say the least, Xavier has exhibited a drop-off this season under first-year coach Travis Steele, who took over after Chris Mack "took his talents" to Louisville. That said, the Musketeers still have good players, just not as many of them as they had the last few years. Xavier boasts one of the most balanced offenses in the country, as five players average in double digits, while graduate transfer Ryan Welage contributes 9.5 PPG. PG Goodin leads in scoring (13.5) and assists (5.7) plus the 6-7 Marshall (12.6 & 8.0) and the 6-9 Jones (10.0 & 7.1) are the best frontcourt players. The Golden Eagles entered conference play ranked in the top-30 nationally in field goal percentage defense (38.7) but allowed the Red Storm to shoot 53.6 percent from the floor. Guard Markus Howard (23.9-3.9-3.9 is Marquette's best player but he failed to reach double figures in scoring for the first time this season, as the Marquette junior finished with eight points on 2-of-15 shooting versus the Red Storm . He's supported by brothers Sam and Joey Hauser. The 6-8 Sam averages 14.7 & 6.9, while his younger brother Joey (a 6-9 freshman), averages 10.0 & 6.1. I noted that Xavier owns excellent scoring balance but the Musketeers average a modest 75.0 PPG (161st). That's not good enough, when they allow 70.7 (171st). It's been a strong start to the season for Marquette, as its two losses are to Kansas and St John's (see above). That said, Marquette would be well-advised to take this game VERY seriously, as a visit to Creighton is next (Wednesday night), followed by a home date with Seton Hall on Jan. 12. An "L" here and the Golden Eagles could start 0-4 in in conference play. Expect Marquette to play well, as the Golden Eagles are 10-0 SU and 8-2 ATS at home, outscoring opponents 82.1-to-61.2 PPG. Xavier's lost 62-47 at Cincy and 71-56 at Missouri. Those finals seem about right, here. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-05-19 | BYU v. St. Mary's -6.5 | Top | 66-88 | Win | 100 | 17 h 56 m | Show |
My 10* WCC Game Of The Year is on St. Mary’s (11:00 EST). Randy Bennett's first six seasons at St Mary's resulted in just one postseason appearance (a first round NCAA loss in 2005). However, he's led the Gaels to 11 straight postseason berths entering this season. That streak could end in 2019, as St Mary's checks in just 9-7, after a 76-72 loss at San Francisco (note the Dons are 13-2 TY). BYU comes in 9-7 as well, after a 90-87 win at Pacific. BYU can score, averaging 84.9 PPG (19th), as the the 6-8 Childs leads the Cougars in scoring (21.7) and rebounding (10.1). Guards Haws (17.7 & 5.1 APG) and Hardnett (11.6) check in behind him. However, BYU allows 79.3 PPG (318th). Guard Jordan Ford has doubled his average from last season (up to 22.8 from 11.1 PPG) and up front, the 6-8 Fitts (14.3 & 8.2) and the 6-10 Hunter (10.1 & 5.9) are a formidable duo. St Mary's entered this season 54-5 at McKeon Pavilion the previous three seasons and even in this 'down' year, St Mary's is still winning at home, going 7-2, while outscoring its opponents by 82.2-to-64.6 PPG. BYU's win at Pacific (a non-cover) was its first road win of the season, as the Cougars limp in 1-5 SU and 0-6 ATS on the road this year, allowing a whopping 95.2 PPG. What's more, the Gaels have this game circled after BYU beat them 85-72 in the WCC tourney, following a series sweep in the regular season by St Mary's. The loss was a 'killer,' as despite a 30-6 record, St Mary's didn't get an at-large NCAA bid. Throw in the fact that the favorite is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings between the two rivals and I'm "all over" St Mary's. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-05-19 | Colorado v. Arizona State -6.5 | 61-83 | Win | 100 | 12 h 55 m | Show | |
My 8* Weekend Wipeout Winner is on Arizona State at 6:00 ET. 9-4 Colorado will be at 9-4 Arizona State on Saturday in OPac-12 play. Both schools opened their respective season 8-1 but each has dropped three of its last four games. Colorado lost its Pac-12 opener 64-56 at Arizona ,as the Buffaloes shot 35.8 percent and had 17 turnovers against only seven assists. That same night (Thursday), ASU took a 28-11 lead over Utah in Tempe, only to lose, 96-86! The Sun Devils were badly out-shot from the perimeter, 53.3-to-39.3 percent. The Buffs averaged 84.1 PPG in their 8-1 start but haven’t scored more than 68 in their last four contests (1-3), including scoring a season-low of 56 points Thursday at Arizona. on Thursday, which followed a nine-day layoff. PG McKinley Wright scored a game-high 17 points and leads the team in scoring (14.0) and assists (5.5). 6-7 wing Tyler Bey adds 10.9 PPG plus a team-high 9.2 rebounds, while the 6-10 Siewert averages 12.8 & 5.2. ASU guard Remy Martin (13.1) had a career-high 22 points and 6-8 forward Zylan Cheatham (11.8 & 9.7) had 17, combining for 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting but the rest of the Sun Devils combined for 47 points on 15-of-42 shooting. Leading scorer Luguentz Dort (17.8) scored 14 Thursday but that’s been his best outing in his last five games as he’s averaged 11 points during that span while hitting only 14-of-59 shots (23.7 percent). The 6-7 Lawrence (11.2 & 4.) is the team's fourth double digit scorer. Colorado would like to blame Thursday's effort on its nine-day layoff but that doesn't explain the team averaging 63.3 PPG in losing three of four, after an 8-1 start (averaged 84.1 PPG). The Buffs are 7-6 against Arizona State since joining the Pac-12 in 2011 but that includes 1-5 in Tempe during that span, including an 80-66 loss last season. “It’s frustrating because it was a game we had control of,” Arizona State haed coach Bobby Hurley said in his post-game news conference after the loss to Utah. “We let them cut it to four at halftime, and it snowballed from there.” The Sun Devils generated national headlines by handing then-top-ranked Kansas its first loss, 80-76, on Dec. 22 but since then, they’ve suffered home setbacks against Princeton (67-66) and Utah (96-86). Is this deja vu all over again? The Sun Devils started 12-0 last season, including a win over No. 2 Kansas, and then dropped three of their first four Pac-12 games en route to an 8-10 conference finish. Sound familiar? It sure does but my bet says ASU rebounds here in a BIG WAY against the poor-traveling Buffs. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-05-19 | Utah v. Arizona -8.5 | 81-84 | Loss | -109 | 8 h 56 m | Show | |
My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on Arizona at 2:00 ET. The 7-6 Utah Utes and the 10-4 Arizona Wildcats square off in Pac-12 play Saturday in Tuscon at the McKale Center. Both schools opened conference play on Thursday, with Utah rallying from a 17-point deficit to stun Arizona State 96-86, while Arizona held off visiting Colorado, 64-56. Utah's 96-86 victory set several records as Utah hit a program Pac-12 scoring high while overcoming the largest deficit to win in eight seasons under coach Larry Krystkowiak. As for Arizona, it was the ninth straight Pac-12-opening win for the Wildcats under coach Sean Miller. The Utes connected on 16-of-33 three-point attempts for a season-best 53.3-percent success rate. Leading scorers, guard Sedrick Barefield (15.7) and 6-7 forward Donnie Tillman (10.9) combined for 46 points on 14-of-26 shooting, including 11-of-19 from long range. Forwards Allen (9.7 & 3.5) and Gach (7.8 & 2.4) plus 7-0 center Johnson (5.8 & 5.5) add size but Barefield has little help on the perimeter. Arizona’s two backcourt Brandons – Williams and Randolph – combined to score 25 points versus Colorado. The 6-6 Randolph averages 16.2 to lead the team, while PG Williams averages 11.2 PPG and 3.9 APG. Center Chase Jeter failed to score in double digits (seven points) for the first time since the Dec 15 loss to Baylor, but did pull down a team-high eight rebounds and is shooting a team-best 64.8 percent from the floor this season (12.4 & 7.1 on the year). Utah scored 96 points at ASU (Utes average 75.2 PPG on the season), while shooing 53.3% on threes (season average is 37.4). Expect the Utes to "return to earth" in this one and note that Utah has lost 12 of the 13 meetings with Arizona since joining the Pac-12 in 2011. The win over Arizona State was the Utes’ first in three road games this season, and they are 8-19 all-time at the McKale Center with their last win coming in 1986! Arizona was shook by seeing its 52-game non-conference home win streak end in a 58-49 loss to Baylor on Dec. 15 but the Wildcats won three straight since. The Wildcats enter this contest a national-best 90-4 at the McKale Center since 2013 and for some reason, are laying fewer points at home to Utah than ASU was, just two night ago.Lay it! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-05-19 | Creighton v. Butler -4.5 | 69-84 | Win | 100 | 6 h 30 m | Show | |
My 9* Eye-Opener is on Butler at 12:00 ET. Creighton and Butler each won 21 games last season, advancing to the Big Dance (Bluejays lost their first game, with the Bulldogs losing in the second round). Creighton won its Big East opener 79-68 December 31 at Providence, while Butler looks to avoid an 0-2 start to its Big East season, after losing 84-76 to Georgetown on Wednesday (Bulldogs' first home loss of the season). Head coach Greg McDermott's Creighton team can score, averaging 84.7 PPG (20th) on 52.0% shooting (4th). Sophomore guard Ty-Shon Alexander, after averaging just 5.5 PPG as a freshman, has stepped into the leading-scorer role for the Bluejays, averaging 17.3 points and shooting 44.2 percent from three-point range. Three players, guard Mitch Ballock (10.7-4.8-3.4), guard Marcus Zegarowski (10.4) and swingman Damien Jefferson (10.4 & 5,5) are also in double digits. The 6-9 Krampelj (9.9 & 5.5) plus guard Mintz (8.7) are not far behind. Junior guard Kamar Baldwin leads Butler with 15.7 PPG, while senior guard Paul Jorgensen is just behind him at 13.9 per. The Bulldogs have three starters who are 6-2 or shorter but 6-10 Nate Fowler (4.9 & 4.2) and 6-11 Joey Brunk (8.1 & 4.4) split time at center plus the 6-7 Tucker (a Duke transfer) just became eligible and and is adding 8.2 & 4.6 in five games. Butler head coach LaVall Jordan said his team was "over-anxious" against Georgetown. It must not be so aggressive on the defensive end. After all, Butler "knows defense," allowing 65.9 PPG and commits the fewest turnovers among Big East teams at 10.9 per game this season. Creighton can "light it up," as evidenced by the Blue Jays winning all three games in the Cayman Islands (over Boise St, Ga State and Clemson), while averaging 91.3 PPG. However, here in Hinkle Fieldhouse, the Bulldogs are tough to beat. I noted that they are 7-1 SU this season (outscoring opponents 80.6-to-66.9) plus will add that Butler has gone 53--12 at home the previous four seasons (clearly, settling into Big East play). Butler beat Creighton 93-70 last year in this venue and while I don't expect that big of a margin today, I do expect a comfortable win. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-04-19 | Ball State v. Toledo -6 | Top | 79-64 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 0 m | Show |
My 10* CBB Game of the Week is on Toledo at 7:00 ET. Buffalo has rightly been stealing all the MAC headlines (20th-ranked Bulls are 12-1) and Buffalo should easily take the MAC East. However, the MAC West likely features the league's second-best team. Toledo, coming off a 23-11 season, has opened 12-1 and enters its MAC opener on a 10-game winning streak. The Rockets' opponent will be Ball State, which comes in 9-4, off a 19-13 year last season. Ball State can score, averaging 84.5 PPG (211st) on outstanding 51.3% shooting (6th). Guards Persons (16.8-4.0-5.2) and Walton (15.0 & 4.8) form an excellent duo with the 6-8 Teague (14.5 & 7.2) being the team's top front-court performer. However, injuries have sidelined the 6-8 Hazen (6.4 & 4.7) and guard El-Amin (6.3), greatly affecting the team's depth. Defensively, Ball State is worse than average, allowing 72.8 PPG (210th). It's hard not to be impressed by Toledo's start, as the Rockets' most recent game (win) came 77-45 over Penn. That's the same Penn team which earlier this year beat Villanova. Toledo held Penn to 30.5% from the floor, including 5-of-22 three-pointers. Toledo's defense allows just 65.2 PPG (51st) and has been excellent defending the perimeter, as opponents are shooting only 29.2% (28th). Senior guard Jaelan Sanford leads a team with five double digits scorers (great balance) at 17.8 PPG. The 6-6 Willie Jackson averages 11.1 PPG and a team-high 10.7 PPG, while PG Marreon Jackson leads with 4.6 APG (just misses double digits in scoring at 8.8 per). Toledo's early season schedule has been fairly easy but this team has the talent to replicate the 2013-14 team, which won 27 games. Here at home (Savage Arena), the Rockets have opened 7-0, outscoring opponents 84.7-to-60.0 PPG (closest margin has been 13 points!). Ball State could be the MAC's third-best team but I believe there is quite a gap between the Cardinals and Buffalo and Toledo. Ball was highly disappointing in mid-November at the Charleston Classic, losing 73-64 to Va Tech and 79-61 to Alabama, while sqeaking by Appalachian St, a 5-9 team, in OT. The fact that Toledo lost BOTH meetings to Ball State, makes sure the Rockets will be FULLY focused on their MAC opener. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-03-19 | Stanford v. UCLA -5.5 | Top | 70-92 | Win | 100 | 16 h 36 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on UCLA at 11:00 ET. UCLA dismissed coach Steve Alford ahead of Thursday’s Pac-12 opener against visiting Stanford, hoping for "new day," following four straight losses. Murry Bartow (son of former UCLA coach Gene Bartow) was named interim coach for the 7-6 Bruins. The 7-5 Stanford Cardinal visit Pauley Pavilion tonight. Stanford's only two losses in its recent stretch have come at Kansas in OT and at San Francisco, which sits a surprising 12-2 on the season to date! Senior 7-2 center Josh Sharma received Pac-12 player of the week honors after recording career highs in points (23) and rebounds (18) in last Saturday’s 93-86 victory over Long Beach State. He struggled offensively early in the season but has averaged 9.7 points over his last seven games and ranks sixth in the conference in field goal percentage at 60.6. He's joined up front by the 6-9 Okpala (16.8 & 6.1), the team's leading scorer, and the 6-9 Da Silva (9.7 & 5.9). Sophomore guard Daejon Davis added 17 points and five assists againts LB State and is the only other player in double digits, averaging 11.8 PPG Bartow takes over a team that has dropped its last four games by an average margin of 15 points and hit a new low with the loss to Liberty, which forced 24 turnovers and dominated the paint. Sophomore guard Kris Wilkes averages 17.5 points to lead the Bruins and fellow sophomore, PG Hands, chips in 11.5 PPG and a team-high 7.0 APG. That perimeter duo is joined by 7-1 freshman Moses Brown, who is averaging 11.5 points and 8.8 rebounds. This UCLA team has the talent and note that the Bruins were picked to finish second in the Pac-12 preseason poll. Doubt that Bartow will get the gig but he figures to be an excellent steadying influence. That's what UCLA needs, RIGHT NOW. Stanford lost its top-two players from last season, forward Travis Reid (19.5 & 87.), who is a graduate transfer at Kentucky, and guard Pickens (14.5). Stanford is 4-12 ATS in the last 16 meetings between these two teams and just 1-8 ATS in the last nine meetings at UCLA. Just what the doctor ordered for the Bruins. UCLA has won 37 of 42 games in Pauley Pavilion since the start of the 2016-17 season. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-03-19 | Iowa v. Purdue -7.5 | 70-86 | Win | 100 | 12 h 37 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Purdue at 7:00 ET. Iowa is coming off a 14-19 season but returned all five starters from that team and has opened an impressive 11-2. Meanwhile, Purdue is off a 30-win season (made it to the Swet 16) but lost four starters from that team. Despite that fact, the Boilermakers were ranked 24th in the AP's preseason poll, so Purdue's 8-5 start has to be considered VERY disappointing. Iowa comes into this contest having won five in a row, while Purdue is hoping to put together all the pieces it needs to be a contender around All-American candidate Carsen Edwards. Iowa's 6-9 Junior forward Tyler Cook (16.8 & 8.5) will be the best big man on the court tonight but his partner up front, the 6-11 Luka Garza (12.7 & & 4.9) will be a game-time decision Thursday, after missing the last two contests with an ankle injury. 6-7 senior Nicholas Baer (7.0 & 4.7) would take his place in the lineup if he can’t go. Iowa has a four-guard rotation that sees players averaging between 7.1 and 11.2 PPG. Edwards scored 24 while the Boilermakers held Belmont to almost 30 points below its average in last Saturday's 73-62 win. Edwards (25.8) is the nation's second-leading scorer but only fellow guard Cline (13.1 & 3.5 APG) joins him in double figures. Similar to Iowa, Purdue has five others contributing between 4.5 and 7.6 PPG, with the 6-6 Eifert averaging a team-high 5.2 RPG. Iowa comes in off wins over W, Carolina, Savannah St and Bryant, which hardly prepares them for this visit to West Lafayette. The Hawkeyes shot the ball poorly in losses to Wisconsin (39 percent) at home and at Michigan State (32.8) to open their conference campaign plus note that the team's 22-point loss at Michigan St, represents Iowa's lone true road so far this season. Iowa was just 1-10 SU on the road last season, so that hardly bodes well (Iowa is 9-23-1 ATS in its last 33 road games). Purdue is 6-0 SU at home, outscoring opponents on average, 81.3-61.2 PPG. That continues a trend which has seen Matt Painter's team go 48-4 SU at Mackey Arena the previous three seasons. Throw in that the home team is 13-4 ATS in the last 17 meetings between these two teams and Purdue is clearly the play. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-02-19 | Indiana State +7 v. Loyola-Chicago | 44-79 | Loss | -109 | 15 h 36 m | Show | |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Indiana St at 9:00 ET. 8-4 Indiana St is on the road Wednesday night for its MWC opener against 7-6 Loyola-Chicago. The Sycamores were just 13-18 last year and had won a total of just 41 games the previous three seasons (that's just 13.7 per), so TY's 8-4 start is impressive. As for Loyola, it goes without saying that this is not the same Ramblers' team which made an improbable run to last year's Final 4. You think? Loyola finished last season 32-6 and has already matched its loss total through only 13 games of the current season. Indiana St reached the final in last week’s Diamond Head Classic, before running into hot TCU in the title game, for the second time in as many weeks (note: TCU has won EIGHT straight and is 11-1 on the season). However, there are a number of positives shining through for this team. Junior guard Barnes (20.8-4.5-4.2) and senior guard Key (16.9 & 4.7) have just recently been joined on the perimeter by Iowa transfer, Williams. The 6-5 guard just gained eligibility in mid-December and in four games is providing a viable third scoring option (11.3 PPG) plus his 7.5 RPG are a team-high. Loyola still has major contributors from last year in in senior guards Custer (13.8) and Townes (12.8 & 5.4) plus 6-9 sophomore center Krutwig (13.5 & 7.5). However, it's become obvious that the Ramblers have not been able to compensate for the loss of versatile players like Donte Ingram (11.0 & 6.4) and Aundre Jackson (11.0 & 3.2). Loyola just doesn't score enough (67.8 PPG ranks 304th) and in its last game, lost 45-42 at the Palestra to St Joe's. Loyola hasn't played since Dec 22 (rusty?) and is just 2-5 ATS at home this season, with the team's two ATS wins coming over a pair of 5-10 teams, UMKC (WAC) and Norfolk St (MEAC). ISU's perimeter game is really strong with the addition of Williams and the Sycamores come in making 45.0 percent from three-point range, the nation;'s second-best percentage. Take the points! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-02-19 | Texas v. Kansas State -3.5 | Top | 67-47 | Loss | -108 | 15 h 37 m | Show |
My Big 12 Game of the Year is on Kansas St at 9:00 ET. 8-4 Texas and 10-2 Kansas State square off in the Big 12 opener for both teams tonight in Manhattan, Ks at Bramlage Coliseum.Texas opened the season 5-0, after beating then-No. 7 North Carolina 92-89 in the Las Vegas Invitational (late Nov), before losing 78-68 to Michigan St in the championship game. Texas is just 3-4 since that 5-0 start, with two of those wins coming against Grand Canyon and Texas-Arlington. Kansas St opened December with back-to-back road losses at Marquette and Tulsa, but has won three straight to reach 10-2. “Texas looked like one of the best teams in the country around Thanksgiving, but then they have really struggled at times,” Kansas St head coach Weber told reporters. He's right. Five guards see significant minutes, led by Roach (14.0 & 4.9) and Coleman (10.3). Up front, 6-9 senior Dylan Osetkowski (10.1 & 8.5) and 6-11 freshman Jaxson Hayes (9.9 & 4.8) will give K-St all it wants, especially since 6-10 senior Dean Wade remains out. Wade (13.6 & 7.7) is out of a walking boot and inching closer to a return, but it won't be here. Senior guard Barry Brown Jr. 13.9 & 4.5) has played in 117 straight games, tying Mike Evans for the fourth-longest run in school history (record is 135) and he's joined in the backcourt by PG Stokes (11.1 & 3.2 APG). 6-5 junior forward Xavier Sneed (11.5 & 5.8) has averaged 10.6 RPG in the three contests since Wade's injury but he will need some help from the 6-9 Mawien (6.9 & 4.2) inside against the Texas big men. The bottom line here is, Kansas St is one of the nation's best defensive teams, allowing just 57.8 PPG (6th) on 38.8% shooting (30th), which includes only 27.4% on threes, 13th-best in the nation. The Wildcats have allowed only ONE team to score more than 68 points through 12 games (Marquette got 83) and check in 6-0 SU at home this season (went 14-3 at home LY), allowing only 53.8 PPG. It's Jan 2 and this marks Texas' first true road game of the season. Expect the Wildcats to earn their FIFTH straight victory over the Longhorns, "with room to spare!" Good luck...Larry | |||||||
01-02-19 | Tulsa +13.5 v. Houston | 56-74 | Loss | -108 | 14 h 35 m | Show | |
My 8* Underdog Shocker is on Tulsa at 8:00 ET. Tulsa visits No. 19 Houston in the American Athletic Conference opener for both schools. The 10-3 Golden Hurricane are off to their best start under fifth-year head coach Frank Haith and take a five-game winning streak into the contest. As for Houston, the 13-0 Cougars are one of just FOUR remaining Division I unbeatens plus own the nation's second-longest active home winning streak (26 games). Tulsa won 19 games last year but surely has its sights on a 20-win season, this time around. The Golden Hurricane opened December with 69-64 loss at Utah (an ATS win, though) but have won five in a row, since (6-1 ATS run their last seven). Senior wing DaQuan Jeffries (13.6 & 5.8 rebounds), 6-8 junior forward Martins Igbanu (12.8 & 5.9) and PG Sterling Taplin (9.5 & 5.1 APG) are the glue that holds the team together. Houston will open conference play ranked ninth nationally in scoring defense (58.1 PPG) and third in FG percentage defense (35.8 percent). The Cougars rely on their defense to help create offense, averaging 16.5 points off 13 opponent turnovers per game. Speaking of that offense, senior guard Corey Davis Jr. leads the Cougars with 15.4 PPG, while junior guard Armoni Brooks adds 14.8 points and a team-high 7.2 RPG. Senior PG Galen Robinson Jr. contributes 8.8 points along with 5.4 assists per contest and leads the team in three-point shooting (40.7 percent). Up front, 6-5 SF Cedrick Alley Jr. (7.2 & 4.7) and the 6-9 Breaon Brady (7.2 & 4.9) are the two main contributors. Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson is trying to manage (hold down?) expectations. "Being 13-0 is tremendous, but last time I checked they don't hand out any medals for being undefeated in non-conference play," Sampson said. "We never talk about it, it's not something that's mentioned. I don't ever remember talking to (my players) about it. We just talk about our next game. Our next game is Tulsa. We just move on" I realize winning at Fertitta Center may be a stretch for Tulsa and will note that Tulsa hasn't won a road game against a ranked team since February 2016 (at SMU). However, Tulsa is 2-0 ATS in true road games this season, extending its run to SIX straight ATS wins in true road games (going back to the end of last season). Take those HUGE points (note: road team is on a 4-1 ATS run in this series). Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-30-18 | Massachusetts v. Georgia -6.5 | Top | 72-91 | Win | 100 | 11 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Georgia at 6:00 ET. The 7-5 UMass Minutemen visit the Stegeman Coliseum on Sunday to face the 7-4 Georgia Bulldogs.UMass comes in 2-2 its last four, with both wins coming by one point and the losses coming by just two and four points. Georgia wraps up its non-conference schedule Sunday and enters this game 4-1 SU & 5-0 ATS (lone loss by two points to Arizona St). Junior guard Luwane Pipkins (19.8-5.4-6.2) hit the go-ahead layup to cap a rally from 14 points down in the second half against Fairleigh Dickerson in the team's last game, an 85-84 win. 6-11 Rashaan Holloway, the team's junior center, leads the A-10 in field-goal percentage (72.6 percent), while averaging 9.8 & 6.1. 6-6 SF Laurent checks in averaging 12.1 & 5.4. UMass has two guards in double digits, Cobb and Pierre (both at 10.7), but Cobb is currently suspended. Holloway will have his hands full with Georgia' 6-11 sophomore, Nicolas Claxton (12.6 & 10.1). He impact a game in so many ways. Claxton leads the SEC in rebounding and blocked shots (3.1 per) plus also leads the Bulldogs in assists (2.6) and steals (1.4), making him one of only THREE players in the country to pace their team in those four categories.As a freshman, he averaged just 3.9 & 3.9. Another sophomore, the 6-8 Rayshaun Hammonds, has also improved leaps and bounds from last year, when he averaged 6.7 & 4.9. He leads Georgia in scoring (14.7) and adds 6.8 RPG. Guard Crump comes off the bench to lead all backcourt players with 11.0 PPG. Georgia head coach Tom Crean hopes (expects?) to continue to build momentum with the team's SEC opener at Tennessee (currently No. 3 in the nation) up next on Jan 5. UMass is just 5-11 ATS in the team's last 16 games against the SEC and as noted above, Georgia is 5-0 ATS in its last five overall (4-0 ATS in its last four at home). Georgia is a strong team at home, as its five wins have all come by double digits, with the team's lone loss coming in a two-point defeat to No. 17 Arizona State (Sun Devils beat Kansas!). Bulldogs roll. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-29-18 | Oregon v. Boise State +2 | Top | 62-50 | Loss | -109 | 12 h 16 m | Show |
My CBB 10* Game of the Week is on Boise St at 7:30 ET. The 8-4 Oregon Ducks and the 5-7 Boise State Broncos meet Saturday at the Taco Bell Arena. These schools met Dec 15 in Eugene, as the Ducks played their first game without 7-2 freshman Bol Bol. Oregon won 66-54, even without Bol. The rematch takes place, tonight. Oregon's Dana Altman "knows how to coach basketball," but it's pretty tough to lose one's top scorer (21.0), rebounder (9.6), best shooter (56.1%) and best three-point shooter (52.0), all in one! Bol has been wearing a protective boot after injuring his left foot and is out indefinitely. Without Bol, junior guard Pritchard (13.103.9-4.5) is Oregon's lone double digit scorer. The Ducks rely on a defense which is holding opponents to 63.6 PPG (35th). Boise head coach Leon Rice has led the Broncos to 21 wins or more is SIX of his seven seasons but getting to 21 wins seems like a huge stretch this season. He lost three productive seniors from last year, including the 6-7 Chandler Hutchison (20.0 & 7.7), who was the 22nd pick in last year's NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. This year's team has balance (seven players average between 6.8 and 15.2 PPG) but is that good enough? In this revenge spot against Oregon, I think it is, at least for tonight! The 6-7 Williams (15.2 & 6.9) is a "big guard" and a tough matchup for most teams. He was an awful 0-6 from the floor vs the Ducks but has since scored 38 points in the two games, since. Oregon's 0-2 in its only true road games this season (has averaged a woeful 54.0 PPG in those contests). Meanwhile, the Broncos are 18-2 SU since 2017-18 at hostile Taco Bell Arena. The small home dog 'BARKS' in this one. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-29-18 | Kentucky v. Louisville +3 | 71-58 | Loss | -115 | 8 h 1 m | Show | |
My 9* Rivalry Rout is on Louisville at 2:00 ET. The Kentucky Wildcats opened their season at No. 2 in the AP poll but lost their season-opener 118-84 to Duke. However, the Wildcats are now 9-2 and up to No. 16 in the latest poll, fresh off their best performance of the year, an 80-72 upset of then-No. 9 North Carolina last Saturday. Kentucky will face its toughest road test to date, when the Wildcats travel to face arch-rival Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center this afternoon. Louisville is 9-3 on the season, under new head coach Chris Mack (formerly the coach at Xavier). The Wildcats have been best-known for their "one & done" players in the Calipari era. Yes, 6-6 freshman guard Keldon Johnson (16.5 & 5.4) is the team's leading scorer but this year's team would be in "big trouble" without senior 6-8 forward Reid Travis (15.1 & 6.5) and veteran sophomore 6-8 forward PJ Washington (13.3 & 8.5) . Travis is a graduate transfer from Stanford and Washington leads the team in rebounding. Chris Mack's first Louisville team is averaging 80.2 PPG (63rd) but has just one player scoring in double figures. That's 6-8 sophomore Jordan Nwora (17.8). He also leads in rebound at 8.5 per game. However, SEVEN other players chip in between 6.1 and 9.7 PPG, giving this team excellent depth and balance I'm well aware that the Wildcats have won five of the last six meetings (won 90-61 last year in Lexington) and are 9-2 against Louisville during coach John Calipari's nine-plus seasons at the school. However, Louisville is a PERFECT 8-0 at home this season, outscoring opponents on average, 83.9 to 65.0 PPG. The Cardinals have won 37 of their last 39 non-conference home games and the bet here is that Mack gets his first "signature win" at Louisville, right here! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-29-18 | Butler v. Florida -4.5 | 43-77 | Win | 100 | 4 h 59 m | Show | |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Florida at 4:00 ET. 9-3 Butler will visit Gainesville Saturday to take on 7-4 Florida. The two schools met Nov 23 in the Battle 4 Atlantis, with Butler coming away with a 61-54 win. This contest marks the first-ever encounter between the two schools outside of tournament play. Senior guard Kamar Baldwin leads Butler in scoring (16.2) and rebounding (5.3). He's joined in double digits by guard Jorgensen (15.2 & 4.2) and forward Sean McDermott (11.6). 6-7 SF Jordan Tucker, a transfer from Duke who became eligible Dec. 15 and is adding 9.0 & 4.3. Size comes in the form of the 6-11 Brunk (8.4 & 4.6) and the 6-10 Fowler (5.3 & 4.2). Senior guard KeVaughn Allen (10.3) is Florida's lone double digit scorer but SEVEN players average between 6.2 and 9.5 PPG. Florida head coach Mike White is sure glad to see 6-6 senior 6-6 Jalen Hudson has finally regained his shooting touch after a protracted slump. He led teh team in scoring last year (15.5) but had not scored in double figures since Nov 14 against La Salle, before scoring 14 points in the 77-56 win over Florida Gulf Coast last Saturday. Revenge is a key aspect of this play but more importantly, Florida leads the SEC in scoring defense (61.4 PPG) and it has shown excellent balance on offense. The Gators open SEC play against South Carolina on Jan 5 and should really want to keep their positive mojo going. Florida has won four of its last five contests, with the only loss coming against then-No. 10 Michigan State (now No. 8), 63-59 back on Dec 8 at home. Gators "get the cash!" Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-22-18 | UNLV v. Hawaii +1 | Top | 73-59 | Loss | -107 | 11 h 41 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Hawaii at 5:00 ET. The first round of the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu opens Saturday with four games. It's a modest field and with Hawaii being the host team (all games will be played on its homecourt, the Stan Sheriff Center), the Rainbow Warriors have (and should have), high expectations. Hawaii is a modest 6-4 and draws 5-4 UNLV in the first round. UNLV arrives off a dramatic 92-90 overtime upset of BYU in the Neon Hoops Showcase Tourney in Las Vegas (T-Mobile Arena, not the home Thomas & Mack Center). The Rebels led 47-30 at the half but BYU battled back in the second half to send it into OT. However, UNLV's Amauri Hardy (11.6 PPG) drained the three-pointer as time expired for the win. UNLV has just three double-digit scorers but the team's best isnide player, the 6-7 Shakur Juiston (10.8 PPG and a team-leading 8.8 RPG) is sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury. The Rainbow Warriors own a nice starting-five, beginning with guards Stansberry (11.8), Stepteau (11.1) and PG Buggs (8.7 & 5.4 APG). The 6-9 Purchase (11.4 & 6.4) and the 6-8 Raimo (10.1 & 6.20 start up front. Hawaii is a disciplined team, averaging only 12 turnovers per game (in comparison, UNLV ranks 332nd in TOs per game). The team also defends the three-point line well (opponents are shooting 30.2%, ranking 54th in the nation). This will be just UNLV's second true road game, having lost previously 77-74 at Illinois, which is just 4-7. Not sure why Hawaii is NOT laying a few buckets here but I won't argue with the line. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-22-18 | North Carolina -2 v. Kentucky | Top | 72-80 | Loss | -113 | 10 h 6 m | Show |
The third pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on UNC 10* (5:15 EST). Chicago's United Center is the site of the CBS Sports Classic. The second game features a "Battle of the Blue-Bloods,” No. 19 Kentucky up against No. 9 North Carolina. The schools are two of college basketball's most prestigious programs, with the two combining to play in five national championship games over the last 10 seasons, with the Tar Heels winning two titles and the Wildcats claiming one during that span. They represent two of the top three winningest men's basketball programs all-time, with Kentucky topping the list with 2,271 victories. Kentucky opened the season on a big stage, getting routed 118-84 by Duke in the Champions Classic at Indianapolis back on Nov 6. Kentucky also lost Dec 8 in MSG, 84-83 to Seton Hall. Freshman guard Keldon Johnson is averaging a team-best 16.1 points and Tyler Herro, another highly regarded freshman guard, is averaging 12.1 points. Stanford graduate transfer, the 6-8 Reid Travis 14.6 & 6.4,) has been trying to instill some needed toughness at both ends of the court. Kentucky checks in averaging 84.6 PPG (22nd in the nation). North Carolina's senior power forward Luke Maye is averaging 14.3 points and 10.1 rebounds. Senior guard Cameron Johnson is averaging a team-leading 16.6 PPG while freshman guard Coby White is contributing 15.2 per game, while PG Williams averaged 7.7 & 4.8 APG. North Carolina averages 94.3 PPG, which ranks third in the nation. Hard NOT see this as a high-scoring game and the Tar Heels know about those kind of contests, having recently knocked off Gonzaga, 103-90.Meanwhile, Kentucky has failed its two toughest test away from Rupp, in neutral-site games against Duke and Seton Hall (see above). North Carolina leads the all-time series by 24-15 but Kentucky has won five of eight meetings since Calipari became coach.That said, Coach Cal does NOT have the better team here. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-22-18 | Loyola-Chicago v. St. Joe's -3 | 42-45 | Push | 0 | 10 h 51 m | Show | |
The second pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on St. Joes 9* (5:00 EST). It's an all-Jesuit battle on Saturday in Philadelphia's Palestra, as 7-5 Loyola-Chicago takes on 5-5 St Joe's. It goes without saying that this is not the same Ramblers' team which made an improbable run to last year's Final 4, as Loyola, which finished last season 32-6, already owns five losses. As for St Joe's, the school is off back-to-back poor seasons (won 16 games last year and just 11, the year before) but head coach Phil Martelli (in his 24th year at the school), is optimistic about this year's group. Loyola is missing two key cogs from last year's team, swingman Donte Ingram (11.0 & 6.4) & PF Aundre Jackson (11.0 & 3.2). Hence, the FIVE losses after just 12 games. Guards Custer (13.9) and Townes (13.1 & 5.5) are back, plus so is the 6-9 Krutwig (13.8 & 7.1). They lead the way but Loyola's most impressive win this year is probably against UIC (not saying much). St Joe's features two high-quality players, the 6-7 Brown (22.0 & 4.6) and guard Kimble (18.4 & 3.6). Brown has been nursing a sore ankle but he's listed as probable. Let me add that PG Bynum (13.4-3.6-3.9) and the 6-9 Funk (11.5 &6.0) are solid contributors. Loyola has had a 'target on its back' all season and expect St Joe's to earn a fairly easy win in the "friendly confines' of The Palestra. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-22-18 | Boston College v. DePaul -4 | 65-62 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 21 m | Show | |
The first pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on DePaul 9* (3:30 EST). A pair of 8-2 teams will square off Saturday afternoon at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, when the Boston College Eagles visit the DePaul Blue Demons. The two schools have not met since Boston College knocked off No. 1 seed DePaul 82-75 en route to an Elite Eight appearance in the 1982 NCAA Tournament. BC is led by the high-scoring backcourt of Ky Bowman (19.6 & 7.6) and ACC Rookie of the Week Wynston Tabbs (15.8 & 4.6). Guard Chatman (13.9) and teh 6-11 Popovic (13.1 & 7.8) are also quality contributors.Bowman's already a star but in speaking about Tabbs, Boston College's fifth-year coach Jim Christian told the media. "The game is so different and moves so fast, most freshmen don't figure it out until January or so, but Wynston has figured it out quicker than most. He's picked up some of the nuances." The Blue Demons counter BC's backcourt with a pair of senior guards, Max Strus and Eli Cain. The 6-6 Strus averages 20.1 & 8.0, while Cain is enjoying his finest season, averaging 14.2 points and 4.9 assists. Junior guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (9.6) missed the first of what is expected to be several games after he injured his left hand in a win Dec. 14 against Illinois-Chicago but the Blue Demons got by without the Illinois transfer against Incarnate Word. That said, his absence could make things tougher against the Eagles. "However, DePaul owns a trio of 6-9 players who are all solid complements to the team's dynamic backcourt. Olujobi (10.9 & 4.9), Reed (8.1 & 6.6) and Butz (7.5 & 5.6) can all play! This will clearly be DePaul's biggest test of the season but the Blue Demons are 8-0 at home so far, averaging 83.2 PPG. Meanwhile, this marks BC's FIRST true road game. Home cookin' works. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-22-18 | Connecticut v. Villanova -6 | 58-81 | Win | 100 | 7 h 30 m | Show | |
My 9* Eye-Opener is on Villanova at 12:30 ET. Villanova won 13 of its final 14 games last season, on it's way to a second national title in three years (won six straight in the "Big Dance," with its average margin of victory coming by 17.7 PPG!). Not sure at all that the Wildcats will storm through the Big East like last year when the calendar turns to 2019, as the Wildcats need to defeat UConn at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, just to avoid ending the year on a three-game losing streak. UConn comes into this game 9-3, quite an improvement from the last two season, when the Huskies finished 14-18 and 16-17. Let's give kudos to new head coach Danny Hurley but we shouldn't be surprised. After all, Hurley turned around programs first at Wagner and then, Rhode Island. UConn is coming off a season-high 32-point win over Drexel. Leading scorer Jalen Adams (17.6) is scoring slightly less than a season ago (18.1) but his efficiency is way up this year. Adams is shooting 54.6 percent overall after shooting around 43 percent in each of his first three seasons. UConn is a guard-oriented team, with Adams joined by a trio of perimeter players in Gilbert (12.1 & 4.2 APG), Vital (11.9 & 5.3) and Smith (10.8). Guard Phil Booth (16.9) leads three double-digit scorers on the season for 'Nova. He's joined by the 6-8 Paschall (14.8 & 5.6) and fellow guard Gillespie (11.9). The 6-9 Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree adds 6.3 & 7.8. Booth scored a career-high 29 points against Kansas but thee Wildcats missed 20 of their 28 three-pointers and barely cracked 40 percent shooting overall vs the Jayhawks.Note that Gillespie has scored 36 points in the last two games and has only had two games all season in which he has committed more than two turnovers. Villanova has fallen to local rival Pennsylvania (ending a 25-game winning streak vs Big-Five rivals) and at top-ranked Kansas in a pair of three-point decisions the last two times out. A meeting with former Big East rival UConn should be "just what the doctor ordered" for the Wildcats to get a win. Why not? Villanova is 16-1 in its last 17 games at Madison Square Garden. Lay it! Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-21-18 | Buffalo v. Marquette -2.5 | Top | 85-103 | Win | 100 | 14 h 51 m | Show |
My 10* CBB Game of the Month is on Marquette at 8:30 ET. Buffalo was one of the 'belles' of LY's NCAA Tourney, as the 13th-seeded Bulls upset 4th-seeded Arizona by 21 points in the first round. The team's 27 wins set a single-season record. Buffalo stayed unbeaten on Tuesday, winning at Syracuse, 71-59 (note: It was the Bulls' first win over the Orange since the 1962-63 season! Buffalo (11-0 SU and 7-2-1 ATS) is one of just NINE Division 1 schools still undefeated, as the Bulls travel to Milwaukee Friday night to take on the 9-2 Marquette Golden Eagles. Marquette is as hot as any team in the country over the last month, reeling of six consecutive victories since a 77-68 loss Nov 21 against now-No.1 Kansas at Barclays Center (NIT Season Tip-Off). Buffalo is led by guard Massinburg (17.1 & 7.1), 6-8 forward Perkins (13.1 & 8.2) and swingman Harris (12.6 & 4.9). Massinburg came up big against Syracuse as the Bulls earned their first win over the Orange since 1963. He had 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists, including 12 points as the Bulls turned a 45-40 deficit into a 67-57 lead in the second half. It reminded some of what Massinburg did against a then-No. 13 West Virginia squad Nov 19, when he had 43 points and 14 rebounds in a 99-94 overtime victory, Massinburg just could be the best player in the MAC. Speaking of Mid-American Conference, Buffalo is the first MAC team to begin 11-0 since Toledo started 12-0 in 2013-14. Guard Markus Howard (23,2-4.2-4.5) is Marquette's best player. supported by brothers Sam and Joet Hauser. The 6-8 Sam is a junior averages 14.7 & 6.8, while his younger brother Joey (a 6-9 freshman), averages 10.2 & 5.7. Howard has averaged 26.2 points during the school's win streak, which began following that loss to Kansas. The Golden Eagles have taken down then-No. 12 Kansas St (Dec 1) and then-No.12 Wisconsin (Dec 8) in their six-game streak. Some have 'wondered aloud' whether this contest may just be the best chance for Buffalo to suffer a loss until it reaches the Big Dance in March. However, I say that question is moot. Marquette tops in the Big East in FG defense (39.5 percent) and has held eight visitors to Fiserv Forum to 36 percent shooting from the floor, including just 26.3 percent from three-point range. Marquette rules. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-20-18 | James Madison v. Fordham -3.5 | Top | 48-75 | Win | 100 | 12 h 54 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Fordham at 7:00 ET. The 7-5 James Madison Dukes will be looking for their eighth win of the season when they travel to Rose Hill Gymnasium to take on the Fordham Rams. James Madison comes in off a listless 66-53 loss at George Mason, the school's third straight road defeat. Fordham is 8-3 after just 11 games, quite a turnaround from last year, when the Rams finished 9-22! The Dukes' inconsistencies continue to haunt them. They are 3-3 in their last six games, averaging 77.3 points in their last three wins but putting up only 54.7 PPG in their three losses. Stucky Mosley (17.1 PPG) lead the way for three double-digit scorers. The Rams are led by a pair of freshman guards, Nick Honor (top scorer at 17.6 PPG) and Jalen Cobb (11.1 PPG), who have joined FIVE returning starters. Fordham has taken advantage of a 'soft' early season schedule and has played EIGHT of its first 11 games at home. The Rams are 7-1 SU in those contests, holding opponents to just 63.3 PPG. As noted above, JMU has been wildly inconsistent but the Dukes have been sadly consistent in losing their last three road game, while averaging only 54.7 PPG. Lay the points with the revved-up Rams! Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-19-18 | Boise State v. Loyola Marymount -4.5 | Top | 69-70 | Loss | -106 | 16 h 49 m | Show |
My 10* CBB Game of the Week in on Loyola Marymount 10:00 ET. The 4-6 Boise State Broncos will visit the Albert Gersten Pavilion Wednesday night to take on the 10-1 Loyola Marymount Lions. Boise head coach Leon Rice has led the Broncos to 21 wins or more is SIX of his seven seasons but getting to 21 wins seems like a huge stretch this season. He lost three productive seniors from last year, including the 6-7 Chandler Hutchison ((20.0 & 7.7), who was the 22nd pick in last year's NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. This year's team has balance (seven players average between 6.7 and 14.3 PPG) but I'm not sure that's good enough. Loyola-Marymount's Mike Dunlap entered his fifth year at the school this season with a 48-75 (.390) record but he was optimistic about the year, after his team played an exhibition schedule this summer in Australia. All five starters are back and this year's team is led by senior guard James Batemon (19.5) and 7-3 junior center Mattias Markusson (10.7 & 8.7). Most notably, the team's defense has been outstanding, allowing a modest 58.3 PPG (9th). Opponents have shot just 38.5% overall (31st), including only 24.7% on threes (3rd0. Boise is 0-3 in true road games this season although the Broncos did win one of three neutral-site games in the Cayman Islands Classic from Nov 19-21. Pretty sure that doesn't bode well against the Lions, whose only loss this season came at UCLA. The Lions have won at UNLV and beat Georgetown in the Jamaica Classic back on Nov 16. The Lions are 5-0 at home and this will be the team's first home game in almost a month (last played at home on Nov 29). Lay the modest points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-18-18 | Buffalo v. Syracuse -3.5 | Top | 71-59 | Loss | -101 | 13 h 23 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on Syracuse at 8:00 ET. The Buffalo/Syracuse rivalry (schools are separated by a 152-mile drive across I-90) began way back to the 1917-18 season. Buffalo scored its first win over Syracuse in the final game of the 1918-19 season but Syracuse leads 27-5 all-time in a series. Syracuse and Buffalo played every year from 1965-66 until 1977-78 but the two schools have played just twice since then, on Dec. 18, 1997 and again on Dec. 30, 2001. Buffalo's last win over Syracuse came in overtime, way back during the 1962-63 season! However, as the teams get set to meet tonight at the Carrier Dome, 10-0 Buffalo, not 7-3 Syracuse, comes in ranked. No. 14 Buffalo remained one of NINE undefeated Division I teams with a 73-65 victory over Southern Illinois on Saturday. Meanwhile, then-No. 25 Syracuse fell out of the AP top-25 after a 68-62 home loss to Old Dominion, when the Orange lost a 13-point lead and were outscored by 16 in the second half. The Bulls have defeated then-No. 13 West Virginia as part of their undefeated start (last won 10 straight back in 1964-65), but the team will be tested with this game at Syracuse and Friday's game at current No. 20 Marquette. Buffalo is led by guard Massinburg (17.1 & 7.1), 6-8 forward Perkins (13.1 & 8.2) and swingman Harris (12.6 & 4.9). The famous Jim Boeheim zone is again doing its job, holding opponents to 62.8 PPG (29th). IGuard Battle (18.5), along with forwards Brissett (14.9 & 8.2) and Hughes (14.3 & 4.4), give Syracuse enough 'punch' to get the job done against Buffalo.. Buffalo was one of the 'belles' of LY's NCAA Tourney, as the 13th-seeded Bulls upset 4th-seeded Arizona by 21 points in the first round. The team's 27 wins set a single-season record. As noted Buffalo is unbeaten (10- 0 SU and 6-2-1 ATS) but is coming off its second-lowest scoring output of the season, as the Bulls scored 73 in Saturday's non-covering win over Southern Illinois. So just which team is David and which Goliath in this matchup? The Bulls have lost the last 18 games in the series, including an 81-74 defeat last season in which Syracuse closed on a 14-6 run. The Bulls have not beaten the Orange since 1963. Syracuse was 17-4 SU at home last year and is 6-1 SU at home, this year. With this modest impost, LAY IT! Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-16-18 | St. Louis +8.5 v. Houston | Top | 64-68 | Win | 100 | 9 h 37 m | Show |
My 10* CBB Game of the Week is on St Louis at 3:00 ET. St Louis is 7-2 and will visit Houston (9-0 and ranked 24th in the AP poll) on Sunday. This marks the 38th meeting between the two former MVC and C-USA rivals, with St Louis holding a 24-13 lead in the series. However, in the most recent meeting last year, Houston won 77-58 at St Louis. In that game, the Billikens had two starters foul out and coughed up 16 TOs in the 19-point loss. Houston has yet to lose and considering that the Cougars enter on a 22-game home win streak (the nation's second-longest!), a 10-0 start would not come as a surprise (note: This is the third time the Cougars have started 9-0. Houston was also 9-0 in 1969-70 and won all 28 regular-season games in 1967-68 on the way to a Final Four appearance and 31-2 record). However, I think the Billikens will keep this one a lot closer than what this spread would suggest. In its first game since entering the national polls last Monday, Houston rallied from a 15-point second-half deficit to beat LSU 82-76 on Wednesday. That comes on the heels of another emotionally-draining 63-53 win at Okla State on Dec 8. St Louis has lost twice this season, by two points to Pittsburgh (in Brooklyn) on Nov 21 and by five points at Southern Illinois on Dec 5. Houston has struggled lately from behind the three-point line, hitting 25.5 percent during its past four home games. That doesn't bode well against a St Louis defense holding opponents to 26.9% on threes (12th-best) and 61.7 PPG, overall (20th). I feel that the Billikens' aggressive defensive play keeps this game competitive until the final moments. It’s also worthy of note to that the road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five in this series. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-15-18 | Cincinnati v. Mississippi State -5 | Top | 59-70 | Win | 100 | 15 h 7 m | Show |
My 10* Revenge Rout is on Miss St at 8:30 ET. Cincinnati looks primed for a letdown here in my opinion after nine straight wins. Mississippi State comes into this one ranked No. 18 and on a five-game win streak of its own. In closing, Cincinnati has yet to crack the top-25 this season despite a 9-1 record. Meanwhile, Mississippi St is 8-1 coming off an impressive 82-71 win last week over Clemson on a neutral court in Newark, N.J. and is ranked 18th. Note that this will be Bearcats' most challenging away game of the year (by far) and that the Bulldogs' confidence is running high after not only the Clemson win (19 made three-pointers were a school record) but also a 65-58 road win at Dayton (Nov. 30). Cincinnati won 65-50 over Miss St last year at home, a game in which MSU head coach Ben Howland claimed his team did too much standing around and not enough ball movement vs the Cincy zone. Expect that to change here and remember, the Bearcats are missing players that produced 49 of their 65 points in Jacob Evans III, Kyle Washington and Gary Clark. Two are NBA players and the other is playing professionally overseas. REVENGE works in a big way here! Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-15-18 | Washington +6.5 v. Virginia Tech | 61-73 | Loss | -115 | 14 h 34 m | Show | |
My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Washington at 7:00 ET. Virginia Tech is 8-1 and it most recently enters off an 81-44 victory over lowly South Carolina State. Washington on the other hand almost beat then No. 1 Gonzaga to take down Seattle 70-62 this past weekend. Washington and Va Tech squared off last year at Madison Square Garden and the result was a 103-79 Hokies' romp! No wonder, as Va Tech connected on 60 percent from the floor, including making 15 of 22 three-pointers. Yes, Va Tech remains an excellent three-point shooting team (44.9% ranks 2nd in the nation) but I expect Washington's zone defense (similar to Syracuse's zone, as Mike Hopkins is a Boeheim disciple) will do a much better job this time around. A Dec 5 loss at the buzzer (81-79) to then-No. 1 Gonzaga proves that Washington can play against the nation’s elite. Take the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-15-18 | Villanova +8.5 v. Kansas | 71-74 | Win | 100 | 7 h 41 m | Show | |
My 9* Eye-Opener is on Villanova at 12:00 ET. Revenge will be in the air at Allen Fieldhouse today, as Villanova made a Final Four-record 18 three-pointers last spring in a 95-79 win over Kansas, two days before clinching its second national championship in three seasons. However, the revenge angle doesn't always work. Kansas opened the season at No. 1 and is back atop the poll after Gonzaga lost last week. However, while the Jayhawks are 8-0, three of the their last four wins have come by six points or fewer, two in OT plus a 63-60 triumph over New Mexico State last Saturday as a 14.5-point favorite. An ankle injury to junior center Udoka Azubuike has created a delicate balance in Kansas' rotation. Villanova was been ranked as high as No. 8 but was bounced out of the polls after back-to-back losses Nov 14 & 17. The now 17th-ranked Wildcats ripped off SIX consecutive wins after that but then a 78-75 loss to Penn on Tuesday ended that winning streak, as well as a 25-game streak against Philadelphia Big-Five rivals.I believe the challenge of facing the nation's No. 1 team is just what the doctor ordered for Villanova. Remember, Kansas has trailed in ALL of its games with the largest deficits averaging out at 8.1 points. Take the points! | |||||||
12-09-18 | Purdue v. Texas +1.5 | Top | 68-72 | Win | 100 | 10 h 24 m | Show |
My 10* Game Of The Week is on Texas (6:00 EST). Analysis posted at least six hours before game time. Texas comes in as the “hungrier” team here after three straight losses. After a 5-0 start, the Longhorns come in desperate and focused. Purdue comes in off an upset win over Maryland on Thursday, breaking a two-game slide. The Boilermakers are averaging only 64 PPG over their last three games. Carsen Edwards had 20 points in the most recent victory. Texas has quality wins this year (92-89 victory over UNC on Nov. 22nd), but it’s since fallen on hard times. The talent is there though to turn things around, as Jericho Sims is a force to be reckoned with on most nights, scoring 14 in the most recent setback to VCU. Purdue though has struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 1-4 ATS in its last five after scoring 65 points or less in two straight games. Conversely, the Longhorns have responded well in this spot by going 6-1 ATS in their last seven off an upset loss as a home favorite. For all the reasons listed above, play on Texas. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-09-18 | Arizona +1.5 v. Alabama | 73-76 | Loss | -115 | 6 h 48 m | Show | |
My 9* Wipeout Winner is on Arizona (1:00 EST). Arizona enters off an 80-69 win over Utah Valley, while Alabama enters off a deflating 83-80 loss to Georgia State. If recent history is any precedence then the visitors have to be liking their chances today, as they’d post the 88-82 home win in this matchup last year. The Wildcats have won three straight. Overall they’re averaging 78.8 PPG and conceding just 67.6. Brandon Randolph is averaging 17.1 PPG. Alabama is averaging 75.8 PPG and it’s allowing 71.9. Dazon Ingram was a bright spot in the most recent upset loss with 17 points on five of six shooting. I’ll point out though that the Crimson Tide are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven at home and only 1-5 ATS in their last six following an ATS loss, while Arizona is interestingly 7-3 ATS in its last ten non-conference road games after a three games or more SU unbeaten streak. For all the reasons listed above, play on Arizona. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-08-18 | Notre Dame v. UCLA -6 | Top | 62-65 | Loss | -115 | 15 h 17 m | Show |
My 9* Rivalry Rout is on UCLA (10:30 EST). The Irish’s four game win streak was snapped in an 85-80 loss to Oklahoma last time out and I think ND will suffer a predictable letdown here as well in this difficult road venue. UCLA on the other hand avoided any “traps” heading into this one with back-to-back convincing victories over Hawaii and Loyola Marymount. The Irish were completely dominated by the Sooners on both ends of the court in their latest setback. They’d go on to shoot just 28.0 percent from range. TJ Gibbs was a bright spot in defeat with 18 points, three assists and three boards. UCLA was led by 17 points from both Kris Wilkes and Jaylen Hands in the Bruins most recent win. UCLA has done well in this spot for bettors as well, going 5-1 ATS in their last six non-conference home games following a two games or more unbeaten streak, while Notre Dame has struggled, going just 2-5 ATS in its last seven non-conference contests. For all the reasons listed above, lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-08-18 | Michigan State -3 v. Florida | 63-59 | Win | 100 | 6 h 56 m | Show | |
My 8* Eye-Opener is on Michigan State (12:00 EST). MSU posted a 90-68 home win over Iowa in its latest action, while Florida beat WVU 66-56. Michigan State is averaging 87.2 PPG and it’s conceding 68.7. After a loss to Louisville the Spartans have won two straight. In the latest victory Nick Ward had 26 points and went 10 from 10 from the floor. Florida is averaging only 71 PPG and it’s allowing 61.6. KeVaughn Allen had 19 points in the win over the Mountaineers. Note though that the Gators are only 1-4 ATS in their last five following an ATS victory, while Michigan State is 4-0 ATS In its last four vs. teams with a win percentage above .600 and 4-1 ATS in its last five following a SU victory. I have a hard time seeing the Gators’ offense matching pace down the stretch. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-05-18 | Utah State v. BYU -1.5 | 80-95 | Win | 100 | 13 h 43 m | Show | |
My 9* Rivalry Rout is on BYU (9:00 EST). BYU comes in as the “hungrier” team after a three-game losing streak. Utah State on the other hand is primed for a predictable letdown here in my opinion after back-to-back victories. The Aggies currently rank among the nation’s best in scoring and rebounding, but strength of schedule has to be taken into account in my opinion. In their 89-65 blowout win over UC Irvine last Saturday, Quinn Taylor had 21 points, six boards and one assist. The Cougars have lost three straight after winning five straight. Most recently BYU lost 113-103 to Weber State. Yoeli Childs had 31 points, seven boards and three assists. I’ll point out as well that Utah State is just 3-7 ATS in its last ten as a road underdog of six points or less or pick, while BYU is a perfect 5-0 ATS in its last five after failing to cover the spread in four of its last five games. For all the reasons listed above, play on BYU. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-05-18 | Nebraska v. Minnesota +3 | 78-85 | Win | 100 | 13 h 42 m | Show | |
My 8* Showdown is on Minnesota (9:00 EST). Minnesota comes in as the “hungrier” team after losing two of its last three. The competition has been stiff though, most recently to Ohio State and Boston College. The Cornhuskers come in complacent here in my opinion after three straight wins over Illinois, Clemson and Western Illinois. Nebraska comes in off a satisfying 75-60 win over Illinois. Guard James Palmer Jr. had 23 points. Minnesota had a difficult time moving the ball vs. the No. 17 ranked scoring defense in Ohio State. But the Golden Gophers come in hungry and focused and I think they make the most of the home court advantage. I’ll point out as well that Nebraska is just 8-9 ATS in its last 17 after covering two of its last thee vs. the spread. while Minnesota is already a perfect 3-0 ATS at home this season. For all the reasons listed above, grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-05-18 | Ohio State v. Illinois +5.5 | Top | 77-67 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 43 m | Show |
My 10* Underdog Shocker is on Illinois (7:00 EST). Ohio State enters off a satisfying 79-59 home win over Minnesota and I think it’ll get caught looking past its lowly opponent today. Illinois is hungry here, off a 75-60 loss to Nebraska in its Big Ten opener. The Illini play with revenge here as well (not surprisingly), after Ohio State posted the 75-67 home win last season. The Buckeyes are 7-1 and averaging 78.4 PPG, while conceding 60.1. Kaleb Wesson was a standout in the latest victory with 15 points. The Illini are averaging 77.4 PPG and they’re allow 77.1. Illinoishas faced a stiff opening schedule though and I think a little home cooking is just what the doctor ordered. Trent Frazier leads the nightly charge and he’ll be eager to return to form after posting a combined 15 points over the last two games. I’ll printout though that Ohio State has struggled in this spot for bettors, going just 9-10 ATS in its last 19 off a home win of ten points or more. Illinois on the other hand is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 after a loss by ten points or more. I’m grabbing the points. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
12-04-18 | West Virginia v. Florida -1.5 | 56-66 | Win | 100 | 14 h 46 m | Show | |
My 8* Wipeout Winner is on Florida (9:30 EST). WVU comes in contented after four straight wins. The Gators lost 61-54 to Butler, but then bounced back to beat North Florida 98-66. This is Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden and i think the defensive minded Gators have the upper hand. Overall Florida averages 71.7 PPG and it concedes 62.4. West Virginia has indeed won four in a row, but against pretty middling competition (St. Joes, Valparasio, Rider and Youngstown State.) Overall the Mountainteers are averaging 86.4 PPG and conceding 75.9. I’ll point out though that WVU just 6-14-1 ATS in its last 21 following an ATS win, while Florida is 7-2 ATS in its last nine neutral site games after scoring 80 points or more in its previous outing. For all the reasons listed above, play on the Gators. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-04-18 | Georgia State v. Alabama -7.5 | Top | 83-80 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 16 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Alabama (8:00 EST). Analysis posted at least six hours before game time. Alabama comes in off an upset loss to UCF and I believe it’ll take its frustrations out on Georgia State. The Panthers enter off a blowout loss to Liberty. But a little “home cooking” is just what the doctor ordered for the Tide to get back on track, as their only two losses have come on the road this year. D’Marcus Simonds had 22 points, five assists and three boards in Georgia State’s loss to the Flames. Leading scorer Damon Wilson though was held to just four points. The Tide have had a week off since their upset loss to the Golden Knights. It was a bad shooting night for the Tide, going 37.9 percent from the floor and 20.8 percent from range. Kira Lewis Jr. was a stand out in the defeat with 14 points, two boards and two assists. I’ll point out though that Alabama is 4-0 ATS in its last four following a SU loss, while Georgia State is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven following a SU loss of more than 20 points and just 1-4 ATS in its last five road games vs. teams with winning home records. The Panthers lack the size and depth to compete with this rested and focused Alabama side. But outside of Simonds, the visitors lack scoring punch and I have a hard time seeing the under-manned visitors keeping pace down the stretch. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-01-18 | Wake Forest +1 v. Richmond | 74-84 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 56 m | Show | |
My 9* Late Breaking Play is on Wake Forest (7:30 EST). Wake Forest enters off a 71-64 home win over Western Carolina and I think the Demon Deacons carry that momentum over here. Richmond comes in off a 90-82 road loss to Georgetown and I think it’s primed for another letdown here as well. Wake Forest averages 76 PPG and it concedes 74.3. Brandon Childress leads the nightly charge with 17.5 points and 4.7 assists per night, while Jaylen Hoard adds 16.8 points and 8.7 boards. Richmond averages 72 PPG and it allows 75. Grant Golden leads the way with 20.3 points and 6.9 boards per game. I’ll point out though that Richmond has struggled mightily in this spot for bettors, going just 1-3-1 ATS in its last five home games and only 1-5 ATS in its last six home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600, while Wake Forest is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after holding its previous opponent to 65 points or less. The Spiders are dealing with significant injuries and I believe this continues to hurt them here as well. Play on Wake Forest. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
12-01-18 | Nevada v. USC +5.5 | Top | 73-61 | Loss | -105 | 10 h 37 m | Show |
My 10* Unranked Shocker is on USC (4:30 EST). While an outright upset is obviously not out of the question, I will in the end recommend grabbing the points in a contest which I envision being decided by whichever of these hungry teams has its hands on the ball last. Nevada comes in unbeaten after getting the better of Loyola-Chicago 79-65, while USC enters off a 75-65 home win over LBSU on Wednesday. Nevada is averaging 90.1 PPG and it’s conceding 69. Caleb Martin leads the nightly charge with 21 points and 4.7 boards per game, while Jordan Carolina adds 17.7 points and 9.9 boards. The Trojans won’t be going down without a fight today. They come in on top form having won three straight. USC averages 83.3 PPG and it concedes 71.6. Bennie Boatwright leads the team with 16.8 points and 6.4 boards per game. I’ll point out as well that Nevada is just 4-5 ATS in its last nine after covering five of six of its last seven ATS, while USC is 3-1 ATS in its last four at home and 18-8 ATS in its last 26 after having won three of its last four games SU. For all the reasons listed above, grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-28-18 | San Diego +6 v. Ole Miss | 86-93 | Loss | -109 | 13 h 6 m | Show | |
The second pick in my Superstar Triple Play is on San Diego (8*) 7:30 EST. San Diego enters off a 76-58 home win over Jackson State, while Ole Miss was smashed 71-57 to Cincinnati in the title game of the Emerald Coast Classic. The Toreros come in under the radar here in my opinion after three straight wins. San Diego averages 77.2 PPG and it concedes only 59.7. Isaiah Piniero leads the way with 22 points and 8.7 boards per game. Ole iss is averaging 75.2 PPG and it’s conceding 68.6. Breein Tyree leads the nightly charge with 16.6 PPG. I’ll point out though that the Rebels are a terrible 2-8 ATS in their last ten following an ATS loss, while the Toreros are 7-1 ATS in their last eight road games following three or more consecutive home games and 4-1 ATS in their last five non-conference contests. I think San Diego has a legitimate shot at taking this one outright, but in the end I’m grabbing the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-28-18 | Syracuse v. Ohio State -5.5 | Top | 72-62 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 51 m | Show |
The third pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Ohio State (10*) 7:15 EST. Syracuse enters off a 77-56 win at home over Colgate, while Ohio State demolished Cleveland State 89-62 at home in its latest action. The Orange have plenty of talent, but I have a hard time seeing the visitors matching pace down the stretch. Syracuse averages 73.6 PPG and it concedes 64.6. Tyus Battle leads the nightly charge with 17.6 PPG. Ohio Sate averages 81.3 PPG and it concedes only 58.3. That’s tied for 15th in the country. Kaleb Wesson leads the way with 14.7 points and 5.8 boards per game. I’ll point out that Syracuse has struggled mightily in this spot as well for bettors for quite some time, going 0-9 ATS in its last nine following a SU win of more than 20 points. The Buckeyes depth on both ends of the floor is the difference maker here. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-28-18 | Bradley -4 v. IUPU-Indianapolis | 73-85 | Loss | -102 | 13 h 37 m | Show | |
The pick in my Superstar Triple Play is on Bradley (8*) 7:00 EST. Bradley beat IUPUI last year and I think it’ll get the job done this season as well. The Braves are 6-1, including wins over SMU and Penn State in Mexico to win the Cancun Classic. After that they won two straight, including an 86-70 victory over Chicago State on Saturday. Darrell Brown had 16 points in the one, while Elijah Childs added 12 points and 11 boards. Bradley has been sharp defensively as well, holding opponents to just 62.7 PPG on 38.5 percent shooting. IUPUI is 4-2 and its off to its best start in nine years. The Jaguars have won two straight, most recently an 80-69 victory over Grambling on Saturday. Ahmed Ismail had 16 points and ten boards. I’ll point out though that IUPUI is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven following a two games or more unbeaten streak, while Bradley is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 as s road fav between 0.5 and 6.5 points. This is a bad matchup for IUPUI. Look for Bradley to pull away down the stretch. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-27-18 | NC State +8 v. Wisconsin | 75-79 | Win | 100 | 13 h 54 m | Show | |
My 8* Underdog Shocker is on NC State (9:00 EST). NC State enters off a 78-74 home win over Mercer, while the Badgers enter off a poor 53-46 loss to Virginia. These teams haven’t played each other since 2010 and in my opinion, I believe their a little more evenly matched than what the oddsmakers would like us to think. NC State can score, and it’s the reason why I like the Wolfpack here. NC State averages 90.8 PPG, and it allows only 57.8. Torin Dorn had 19 points and nine boards in the latest win. Off their first loss of the year, I think the Badgers are susceptible for another letdown here as well, Wisconsin averages 74 PPG and it concedes 57.8. Additionally note that NC State is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 non-conference games. NC State has nothing to lose here except its perfect record (6-0.) The Wolfpack may not win this one outright, but they have the defense and offense to keep it competitive. I’m grabbing the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-27-18 | Temple v. Missouri -3 | Top | 79-77 | Loss | -105 | 13 h 54 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Missouri (9:00 EST). Temple comes in off a 76-59 win over Cal and I think it stumbles in this difficult non-conference road venue. The Tigers on the other hand come in as the “hungrier” team after they fell 82-67 to K-State. Temple averages 74.5 PPG and it concedes 65.7. Quinton Rose had 32 points in the win over the Golden Bears. Missouri is averaging 63.6 PPG, but it’s allowing just 65.6. The Tigers numbers are skewed though in my opinion to open the season, due to the level of the competition. I’ll point out as well that Temple is a poor 6-9 ATS in its last 15 after allowing 60 points or less, while Missouri is 9-5 ATS in its last 14 after allowing 80 points or more. I think the hungrier team prevails and I believe the Owls finally have a letdown here. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-25-18 | Miami-FL v. Seton Hall +6 | 81-83 | Win | 100 | 11 h 16 m | Show | |
My 9* Late Breaking Play is on Seton Hall (10:30 EST). Miami is 5-0 to open the year, while Seton Hall is 3-2. Both teams have won two games in the Wooden Legacy tournament to advance to the championship match-up tonight and I’m expecting an all out war until the final buzzer from these two hungry sides. Miami held on for a tight 78-76 win over Fresno State to advance, while Seton Hall got the better of Hawaii 64-54. The Hurricanes come into this one averaging 84 PPG and conceding 63. Chris Lykes leads the nightly charge with 19.6 points and 3.6 assists per game. The Pirates average 71.2 PPG and they allowing 64.8. Myles Powell less the way with 25.8 PPG and I think he’ll prove a tough matchup for Miami. Miami has a great and experienced starting five, but the Hurricanes are very thin after that. The team has been playing at such a high level for a long time now and it comes in off a last second victory. In my opinion, there’s no question this sets up as a classic “letdown” spot for these tired Hurricanes. Seton Hall has more depth and I think it has a legitimate shot at taking this one outright. That said, grab the points! Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-25-18 | Oklahoma State v. LSU -4 | Top | 90-77 | Loss | -105 | 5 h 54 m | Show |
My 10* Tourney Takedown is on LSU (4:00 EST). These teams are playing for third place in the AdvoCare Invitationals. Oklahoma State enters off a humbling 77-58 loss to Villanova and I believe the Cowboys will stumble again here as well. LSU enters off a tight 79-76 loss in OT to No. 14 Florida State on Friday and I believe the Tigers come in hungry and focused off that near epic upset. The Cowboys enter averaging 71.4 points and conceding 65. Cameron McGriff leads the nightly charge with 15 points and eight boards per game. LSU is averaging 82.2 PPG and it’s allowing 71.8. Naz Reid is averaging 13.2 points and 4.2 boars per game. I’ll point out though that LSU is 5-1 ATSin its last six following a SU loss, while Oklahoma State is just 2-6 ATS in its last eight after failing to score 60 points in its previous outing. Lay the points and expect a rout. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-23-18 | Tennessee +3.5 v. Kansas | Top | 81-87 | Loss | -109 | 15 h 11 m | Show |
My 10* Showdown is on Tennessee (9:30 EST). No. 5 Tennessee is led by Grant Williams, who is averaging 22.5 PPG. He most recently had 24 points against Louisville in Wednesday’s semi final victory of the NIT Season Tip-Off. Five players went on to score double figures for the Vols in the 92-81 win. Overall Tennessee is averaging 82.8 PPG and conceding just 60. Kansas is allowing teams to hit 40.5 percent from behind the arc. The Jayhawks are terrible at defending the three-ball, but they make up for it on the offensive end by hitting 47.2 percent from range. The Jayhawks most recently rallied for a bit win over Marquette, getting 26 points from Dedric Lawson in the eventual 77-68 victory. I’ll point out though that Kansas is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven following a SU win, while Tennessee is a strong 11-2 ATS in its last 13 after scoring 90 points or more in its previous contest. While the outright win is clearly not out of the question, I’ll recommend to grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-22-18 | Hawaii v. Utah -9.5 | Top | 90-79 | Loss | -105 | 16 h 26 m | Show |
This is a 10* Tourney Takedown on Utah (11:30 EST). Hawaii enters off an 85-68 victory over Northern Arizona at home, while Utah comes in off a 98-63 win over Mississippi Valley State on Thursday. If recent history is any precedence though, then the Utes have to be loving their chances tonight to extend their win stark, as they’d cruise to an easy 80-60 home victory in this matchup last year in early December. Hawaii is averaging 72.7 PPG and it’s averaging 66.7. Zigmars Raimo leads the nightly charge with 16 points and 6.3 boards. The Warriors are horrible at the free-throw line, averaging only 59.5 percent. Utah is averaging 80.7 PPG and it’s allowing 67.3. Sedrick Barefield leads the way with 12 points per game. The Utes aren’t great at the line, but much better at 68 percent. Additionally note that Utah is 9-4-1 ATS in its last 14 following a SU win, while Hawaii is a poor 6-13 ATS in its last 19 vs. teams with a winning SU record. Utah has six different players that score in double figures and I think that the Warriors will struggle to keep pace down the stretch. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-22-18 | Oklahoma State v. Memphis +2.5 | 84-64 | Loss | -106 | 9 h 57 m | Show | |
This is a 9* Situational Stunner is on Memphis (4:00 EST). This is the first round of the AdvoCare Invitational. Oklahoma State enters off a 70-58 win over Charleston, while Memphis enters off a big 109-102 double OT win at home over Yale. So far the Cowboys are averaging 72 PPG, while conceding 61.3. Cameron McGriff leads the nightly charge with 17.7 points and 7.7 boards per game. Oklahoma State’s numbers are skewed a little because of early vanilla competition though in my opinion and note that it’s been terrible at the free-throw line this year, hitting only 63.2 percent. Memphis bounced back from a loss to LSU with a big victory over the experienced Bulldogs. Overall the Tigers are averaging 87 PPG and conceding 82.3. Jeremiah Martin leads the way with 17.7 points per game in the early going. I’ll point out as well that Memphis 5-0 ATS in its last five vs. teams with a winning percentage above .600, while Oklahoma State is just 1-4 ATS in its last five after two or more SU victories. The Cowboys have struggled with consistency this year (blew a 24 points second half lead to lose to Charlotte and struggled to put away lowly UTSA.) Memphis on the other hand has gone toe to toe with both LSU and Yale and I look for its depth and grit to prove to be the difference here. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-21-18 | Harvard v. San Francisco -6 | 57-61 | Loss | -103 | 15 h 4 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on San Francisco (10:00 EST). Harvard has to make the long trek across country for this late night West coast trip and I think the Crimson will stumble. Harvard most recently fell 76-74 in Rhode Island on Friday, while San Francisco remained unbeaten after an 84-52 win over LIU Brooklyn. The Crimson average 74.3 PPG and they allow 73.5. Chris Lewis leads the nightly charge with 15.8 points and 2.3 blocks per night. The Dons average 85.3 PPG and they concede just 49.5. Granted those numbers are somewhat skewed due to the level of some of the competition, but overall San Francisco has been excellent thus far. Charles Minlend leads the way with 15 PPG. Note as well that San Francisco is 4-1 ATS in its last five at home and 7-2 ATS in its last nine following a SU win of more than 20 points. The Dons experience proves to be the difference maker in the end in this one. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-21-18 | Loyola-Chicago -4.5 v. Boston College | Top | 66-78 | Loss | -105 | 14 h 44 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on Loyola Chicago (7:30 EST). The Ramblers are 4-1 and the BC Eagles are 3-1. This is the championship game for the Fort Myers Tip-Off from the Suncoast Credit Union Arena on Wednesday night. The Loyola Chicago Ramblers most recently posted an 82-66 win over Richmond to advance. Lucas Williamson led the charge in that one with 23 points, while Marques Townes added 15 points. Overall the Ramblers are averaging 74.2 PPG. BC enters the championship game off an 88-76 win over Wyoming, led by 38 points from Ky Bowman. Overall BC is averaging 76 PPG in the early going. I’ll point out though that Loyola-Chicago is 7-1 ATS in its last eight neutral site affairs, while BC is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven non-conference contests and only 1-4 ATS in its last five vs. teams with winning records. BC may have the best player on the floor in Bowman, but he can’t do it by himself. The depth the Ramblers bring to the table is the difference. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-21-18 | Utah Valley -3 v. Long Beach State | 87-72 | Win | 100 | 11 h 15 m | Show | |
My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Utah Valley (5:00 EST). The 2-3 Utah Valley Wolverines get ready to battle the 2-3 LBSU 49ers at 5:00 EST in the MGM Resorts CBB tourney. The Wolverines got back into the winners circle with a 72-65 win over Hartford on Monday. Conner Toolson led the way in that one with 12 points, four boards and three assists, while TJ Washington added 11 points, four assists and three steals. LBSU enters off a tough 86-85 upset win over Ioan on Monday. It wasn’t pretty, as the 49ers would commit 24 turnovers. Temidayo Yussuf had 18 points, three boards and three steals. Utah Valley sports plenty of veteran experience and note that it’s done well in this spot for bettors, going 6-2 ATS in its last eight none conference games and 3-1 ATS in its last four as a favorite, while LBSU has struggled in this spot, going only 15-21 ATS in its last 36 as an underdog and only 12-17 ATS in is last 29 non-conference games. Lay the points, play on Utah Valley. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-20-18 | Pacific v. UNLV -3.5 | 70-96 | Win | 100 | 12 h 6 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on UNLV (10:00 EST). These teams are matched evenly on the offensive side of the court, but the Runnin Rebels have a distinct advantage defensively and I believe that’ll be the difference in the end in this particular matchup. Pacific most recently won 83-76 vs. Idaho State, while UNLV posted a 74-61 home win over Oakland. Last year the Rebels won 81-76 in this game. The Tigers are averaging 77.2 PPG and they’re conceding 72.5. Anthony Townes had 14 points and seven boards in the win over Idaho State. The Rebels are averaging 65.3 PPG, but they’re conceding only 57.7. Shakur Juiston had 18 points and ten boards in the win over Oakland. Note that the Rebels are 4-2 ATS in their last six following a two games or more unbeaten streak, while Pacific is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven vs. the MWC. I think the Tigers’ struggle against UNLV’s suffocating defensive play. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-20-18 | Colorado v. San Diego -5 | Top | 64-70 | Win | 100 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on San Diego (10:00 EST). The Buffs enter off a tougher than expected 79-75 win over Nebraska-Omaha, while San Diego comes in off a 95-47 destruction of San Diego Christian. If recent history is any precedence though, then the Toreros have to be loving their chances today as they’d win this match-up last year on the road 69-59. So far the Buffs are averaging 89.5 PPG and they’re conceding 73. Namon Wright had 11 pints and four boards in the most recent victory. San Diego is averaging 79.2 PPG, but the Toreros are allowing only 59. Isaiah Pineiro already has 53 points combined over the first two games. I’ll point out as well that San Diego is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 non-conference games and 5-0 ATS in its last five following a SU win of more than 20 points, while Colorado is a poor 10-26-1 ATS in its last 37 following a SU win. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-19-18 | VCU v. Temple -2.5 | Top | 57-51 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 24 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker’s Error is on Temple (9:30 EST). This is the second game of the Legends Classic from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and in my opinion this spread could easily be a lot larger. This s Fran Dunphy’s last year as head coach of the Temple Owls and he has 561 career wins under his belt. The team is gunning for 580 to send him off and so far Temple is out to a 4-0 start, most recently downing Maryland 81-67 on Friday. Shizz Alston Jr. leads the nightly charge with 21.5 points and he’s made 14 from range over his last three games alone. Overall the Owls are averaging 80 PPG and conceding 69.5. VCU is averaging only 70 PPG, but it makes up for it on the other end by conceding only 58.3. Those numbers are skewed of ours because of some of the recent competition, most recently a 72-61 home win over Bowling Green. I’ll point out though that VCU is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven neutral site affairs, while Temple is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 in the same position. The Owls have faced the tougher schedule to this point and they have the better numbers across the board. Lay the points and expect a rout. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-19-18 | Old Dominion -4 v. Northern Iowa | 53-54 | Loss | -106 | 9 h 34 m | Show | |
My 9* Daytime Dominator is on Old Dominion (3:00 EST). This is part of the 2018 Paradise Jam tournament in the Virgin Islands. Both teams come in at 2-2. ODU enters off a 65-47 win over Kennesaw State, led by 14 points from Ahmad Caver. BJ Stith would go on to add 13 points and ten boards. Overall the Monarchs have been getting strong defensive play and are averaging 63 PPG. Northern Iowa comes in off a 90-85 win over Eastern Kentucky. AJ Green led the way with 23 points, while Spencer Haldeman added 16. In the early going the Panthers are averaging 80.8 PPG. But now UNI faces its stiffest defensive competition to date. Note as well that the Panthers are 0-6 ATS in their last six non-conference games, while ODU is 7-2 ATS in its last nine after holding its previous opponent to 50 points or less. I’m banking on ODU’s experience and superior defensive play to prove to be the difference here. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-18-18 | UCF -1 v. Western Kentucky | Top | 78-62 | Win | 100 | 13 h 44 m | Show |
My 10* Takedown is on UCF (6:30 EST). I play against the UCF Knights on the College Gridiron last night and lost badly with Cincinnati. But I think the Knights are the correct call on the hardwood vs. the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky in the championship game of the Myrtle Beach Invitational. UCF beat St. Joe’s 77-57 on Friday, while the Hilltoppers bested WVU 63-57 Friday The Knights shot 55 percent from the floor in their win Friday, led by 22 points from Terrell Allen. Overall UCF is averaging 77 PPG and allowing just 64.8. WVU is riding a three-game win streak as well, but after Friday’s upset win over the Mountaineers, I’m expecting a predictable letdown here. WKU is averaging 71.8 PPG and it’s conceding 68. I’ll point out though that the Mountaineers are just 1-4 ATS in their last three after a three games or more non-conference unbeaten streak, while UCF is 6-1 ATS in its last seven non-conference games and 4-1 ATS in its last five neutral site affairs. I think UCF wears down WVU and pulls away down the stretch for the comfortable ATS cover. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-17-18 | St. Louis +6 v. Seton Hall | Top | 66-64 | Win | 100 | 12 h 7 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on St. Louis (8:00 EST). While I wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset here, I’ll recommend grabbing the points in a contest which I envision coming down to whichever team has its hands on the ball last. Saint Louis is 3-0, most recently taking care of North Alabama 69-58. Javon Bess had 16 points and ten boards, leading four players in double figures in scoring. Note that the Billikens have five players with at least six assists and it also has a 1.64 assist-to-turnover ratio. Seton Hall lost four starters from last year and it showed in a humbling 80-57 loss to Nebraska on Wednesday. Myles Powell was a bright spot with 24 points. I’ll point out as well that Seton Hall is just 1-4 ATS in its last five following an ATS loss, while St. Louis is 14-5 ATS in its last 19 as a road underdog and 7-3 ATS in its last ten following an ATS loss. This one has outright upset written all over it my opinion, but as stated off the top, I’m going to grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-16-18 | Connecticut v. Iowa -4 | Top | 72-91 | Win | 100 | 7 h 31 m | Show |
My 10* Champ Game Crusher is on Iowa (6:30 EST). Both teams are 3-0 to open the year. This is the championship game of the 2K classic from New York. UConn got here by upsetting Syracuse 83-76 last night. Jalen Adams and Alterique Gilbert each had 16 points. Overall the Huskies are averaging 85.7 PPG. I played on the Hawkeyes in their 77-69 upset victory over Oregon. Jordan Bohannon was a standout with 16 points, while Luke Garza added 12. Overall Iowa is averaging 85 PPG. I’ll point out though that the UConn is just 1-4 ATS in its last five neutral site affairs and 3-9 ATS in its last 12 non-conference games, while Iowa is 6-0 ATS in its last six neutral site games and 5-2-1 ATS in its last eight non-conference contests. I think the Hawkeyes find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Play on Iowa. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-15-18 | Oregon v. Iowa +4 | Top | 69-77 | Win | 100 | 14 h 9 m | Show |
My 10* Takedown is on Iowa (9:30 EST). The No. 13 Oregon Ducks take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the semi finals of the 2K Classic at MSG tonight. Oregon enters off an 81-47 victory over Eastern Washington, while Iowa comes in off a 93-82 win at home over Green Bay. The Ducks are aerating 82.5 PPG and allowing 52. Bol Bol leads the nightly charge with 17.5 points, 12.5 boards and 3.5 blocks per game. Iowa would love to pull of the upset obviously to reach the championship game. The Hawkeyes come in averaging 85 PPG and conceding 72.5. Tyler Cook averages 14.5 points and seven boards per game. I’ll point out as well that Oregon is just 7-10 ATS in its last 17 neutral site affairs, while Iowa is a solid 6-4 in all neutral court contests. This one has the feel that whichever team has its hands on the ball last will find a way to get the job done in the end. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-15-18 | UCF v. CS-Fullerton +4 | 68-52 | Loss | -104 | 8 h 37 m | Show | |
My 8* Daytime Dominator is on CS Fullerton (2:00 EST). UCF enters off an 89-79 home loss to FAU, while CS Fullerton posted a 106-53 win over non-division 1 West Coast Baptist. UCF is now 1-1, averaging 81.5 PPG and conceding 75. BJ Taylor had 29 points in a losing cause to FAU. CS Fullerton is 1-1, getting 35 points from Kyle Allman Jr. in the opening win. Over two games the Titans have averaged 100 points per game and conceded 77.5. I’ll point out that UCF is just 2-4 ATS in its last six neutral court contests, while CS Fullerton is 19-12 ATS in its last 31 as an underdog and 7-4 ATS in its last 11 after allowing 60 points or less. Grab the points and expect a “nail biter.” Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-14-18 | Seton Hall +8.5 v. Nebraska | Top | 57-80 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 48 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Seton Hall (7:30 EST). I’m not calling for an outright upset, but I think the Pirates have what it takes to keep this one competitive until the final moments. Seton Hall lost most of its starting line-up from last year, but it returns one and the Pirates opened with a convincing 89-49 win over Wagner to open the year. Myles Powell had 30 points, going 5 of 7 from range, while Michael Nzei had 11 points and seven boards. The Pirates were on a five game win streak against the Big Ten before falling 71-65 to Rutgers last December. Nebraska missed out on the Tournament last year, but it’s opened the season with back to back blowout wins. Can anyone say letdown spot?! The Huskers have held both opponents to under 40 points, but I think the step up in competition today will catch Nebraska off guard. I’ll point out as well that Seton Hall is 7-2 ATS in its last nine non-conference road games as an underdog in the +7.5 to +10.5 points range. For all the reasons listed above, play on Seton Hall. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-13-18 | Rhode Island v. College of Charleston -1.5 | 55-66 | Win | 100 | 11 h 56 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider on the College Of Charleston (7:00 EST). I think Rhode Island comes up short in this tough non-conference mach up. The Rams lost several key figures over the offseason that contributed to their back-to-back NCAA Tournament teams (which includes head coach Dan Hurley, who went to UConn.) The Charleston Cougars though went to the tournament for the first time since 1999 last year and they return several key members, including Grant Riler, who averaged 18.6 PPG and Jarell Brantley, who added 17.3. Charleston most recently beat Western Carolina 73-70 with Riler leading the way with 28 points. The Cougars are averaging 104.9 PPG per 100 possessions and they’re allowing 99.9 points per 100 possessions. Rhode Island did open the year with a win over lowly Bryant on Tuesday, taking down the Bears 97-63. Fatts Russell had 21 points. So far the Rams have averaged 103.4 points per 100 possessions, while giving up 97.4 points per 100 possessions. I’ll point out though that Charleston is 6-2-1 ATS in its last nine against teams with winning SU records, while Rhode Island is just 2-5 ATS in its last seven in the same position. The Cougars depth and experience wins the game. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-13-18 | Western Michigan +4 v. Oakland | Top | 85-77 | Win | 100 | 11 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Western Michigan (7:00 EST). WMU comes in off a 90-64 road loss to Ole Miss, while the Golden Grizzlies fell flat in an 87-86 setback at home Toledo. Note that this is a revenge game for the Broncos after Oakland posted a 78-73 road win over WMU last year. Over two games this year the Broncos have so far averaged 76.5 PPG, while holding their opposition to 73.4. Josh Davis has so far posted 26 points over the two contests. Oakland is averaging 78.2 PPG and it’s allowing 76.2. Jaevin Cumberland scored 14 points in the loss to the Rockets. I’ll point out though that that Golden Grizzlies are just 1-12 ATS in their last 13 at home and 0-5 ATS following an ATS victory, while WMU is 5-0 ATS in its last five following a SU loss of more than 20 points. For all the reasons listed above, play on Western Michigan. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-12-18 | Utah v. Minnesota -7.5 | Top | 69-78 | Win | 100 | 14 h 43 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE MONTH is on Minnesota (9:00 EST). Utah opened with a 75-61 win over Maine on Thursday, but it’s clearly going to have its hands full here against a Golden Gophers team which comes in off a convincing victory itself on Opening night. In my opinion, this one has “blowout” written all over it. The Utes were led by Sedrick Barefield, who had 18 points. Donnie Tillman added 15. Utah held Maine to 40 percent shooting and held a 42-26 rebounding advantage. Note though that the Utes are just 4-13 in non-conference road games since 2011/12. The Golden Gophers smashed Omaha 104-76, as Amir Coffey shined with 18 points, four assists and two steals. Dupre McBreyer was another standout with 17 points. Note that the Gophers are 46-4 at home in non-conference games once 2013, winning 20 of the last 21. I’ll point out as well that Utah is just 10-11 ATS in its last 21 as an underdog, while Minnesota is 23-17 ATS In its last 40 as a favorite. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-11-18 | Vanderbilt +2.5 v. USC | Top | 82-78 | Win | 100 | 9 h 43 m | Show |
This is a 10* play on Vanderbilt (9:00 EST). Both teams come into this one at 1-0, as USC routed Robert Morris and Vandy smashed Winthrop. Vanderbilt is led by Darius Garland, who had 24 points, four assists and two steals in the season opening victory. Simi Shittu was a stand out as well with 18 points, ten boards, two blocks and two steals. USC is led by Kevin Porter Jr, who had 15 points and five boards in the win over Robert Morris. But note that the Trojans were sloppy, committing 15 turnovers, a result of point guard Jordan McLaughlin being absent. Last year he was the Pac 12 assists leader. These are two evenly matched teams, but Vanderbilt plays with revenge after a 93-89 OT loss last year in Nashville. USC’s top player Bennie Boatwright did not play in the opener and if he does get the call tonight, his overall health is still a concern. I like Garland to lead his team to a victory, but that said, I’m going to grab the points in the end. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-10-18 | Loyola Marymount v. UNLV -4 | Top | 61-50 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 45 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on UNLV (10:00 EST). UNLV improved to 20-13 last season and I think it’ll “bring the heat” on Opening night. Loyola Marymount was 11-20 last year and the Lions haven’t had a winning season since 2012. The Rebels have three capable seniors in Noah Robtham, Kris Clyburn and Shakur Julston. Last year Julston averaged 14.6 points and ten boards per game. The Lions are already 1-0, coming into this one contented off a 75-43 win over lowly Westcliff. Previous to last year’s disastrous overall start, Loyola Marymount actually went 15-15. But last season was a major step back, especially against the conference, finishing 5-13 in league play. The Rebels have the more experienced senior group of players and on opening night, I think that’s going to be more than enough to take care of the “thin” Lions. Loyola Marymount shot only 35.7 percent from behind the arc in their opening victory, which isn’t going to get the job done tonight. I’m banking on a blowout. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-09-18 | Yale -3 v. California | 76-59 | Win | 100 | 16 h 13 m | Show | |
The third pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Yale (9*) (11:00 EST). This is the 2018/19 Pac-12 China Game in Shanghai. This is the season opener for both teams. Yale comes in with plenty of veteran leadership this year and I ultimately believe that that factor will prove to be the difference maker on Opening night “across the pond.” Miye Oni averaged 15.1 points and six boards last year, while Alex Copeland averaged 11.2 PPG. Overall 95 percent of their offensive production from last year returns for the Bulldogs. Yale has a 42-14 Ivy League record over the last four years and it’s won two league titles in that time. Cal posted only eight wins last year and it’s once again in re-building mode this season for the most part as well. The Bears were one of the worst shooting teams in the country and also one of the worst at turning it over. Paris Austin, a Boise State transfer, is expected to bring some stability to the back-court. Note though that Cal is just 4-11-1 ATS in its last 16 neutral site affairs, while Yale is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 neutral site games. This one has blowout written all over it, lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-09-18 | Missouri v. Iowa State -8 | 59-76 | Win | 100 | 12 h 13 m | Show | |
The first pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on Iowa State (8*) (7:00 EST). Missouri lost Michael Porter Jr. to the NBA, but the Tigers return several key players, including Jeremiah Tillmon and Kevin Puryear. Missouri got 19 points and ten boards from Mark Smith in the opener vs. Central Arkansas. Overall it was a poor shooting game though, as the team would combine to go just 3 of 18 from beyond the arc. Iowa State was just 4-14 in Big 12 play last season, but anything short of a tournament spot this year would be considered a disappointment. Iowa State opened with a 79-53 win over Alabama State, as four players would go on to score in double figures, led by Michael Jacobson with 17. So far Iowa State is averaging 111 points per 100 possessions so far this season, while allowing 93 per 100 possessions. The Tigers lost Jontay Porter to injury and I think he’ll be missed here against a Cyclones team looking to send a message. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-09-18 | Stanford v. NC-Wilmington +2.5 | 72-59 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 13 m | Show | |
The second pick of my Superstar Triple Play is on NC Wilmington (8*) (7:00 EST). The Cardinal were 19-16 last year and they opened this season with a 96-74 home win over Seattle on Tuesday. NC Wilmington was just 11-21 last season and it enters hungry after a 97-93 OT road loss to Campbell in its opener. Last year Stanford averaged 75.9 PPG and it conceded 74.9. KZ Okpala had 29 points in the season opening victory. Last year UNC Wilmington averaged 79.4 PPG and it conceded 83.4. Ty Taylor II had 29 points in the season opening loss including six three-pointers. I’ll point out though that Stanford is just 2-7 ATS in its last nine non-conference road games after scoring 95 points or more in a victory in its previous outing. I think the “hungrier” team is NC Wilmington. The Seahawks return plenty of talent and in a contest which i see coming down to whichever of these teams has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-09-18 | Arkansas v. Texas -6.5 | Top | 71-73 | Loss | -108 | 13 h 34 m | Show |
My 10* Rivalry Rout is on Texas at 7;00 ET. Arkansas and Texas will renew their old Southwest Conference rivalry Friday in the Armed Forces Classic at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas returns FOUR of five starters from last year and has a game under its belt, a 71-59 victory against Eastern Illinois. As for Arkansas (playing its season-opener), the Razorbacks lost 79.6 percent of their scoring and 64.7 percent of their rebounding from last year. The Razorbacks lost eight players, including five of their top six scorers, from last season's 23-win NCAA Tournament team. All-SEC first team selection Daniel Gafford ( sophomore forward) averaged 11.8 & 6.2 last season is one of just three scholarship players returning. Meanwhile, PG Jalen Harris, who redshirted last season after transferring from New Mexico, is the only Arkansas guard with any Division I experience. The good news for the Razorbacks is that there are some impressive recruits coming in, including 4-star players Isaiah Joe, Ethan Henderson and Keyshawn Embery. We'll see. The Longhorns finished just 19-15 last season, after blowing a 14-point second-half lead against Nevada in the team's first NCAA contest. Texas does return four of five starters but the loss was a big one, as the 7-0 Bamba (12.9-10.5-3.7 BPG) was the sixth pick of the NBA Draft. However, Texas not only returns four starters but the Longhorns have six freshman. Its crop of freshman was ranked EIGHTH nationally by 247Sports. Both schools own quality head coaches. Arkansas' Mike Anderson has led UAB, Missouri and now Arkansas, to NCAA berths plus is one of just four current Division I coaches with 15-plus years of experience and no losing seasons. Roy Williams, Tom Izzo and Mark Few are the others. That's pretty sweet company! Texas' Shaka Smart was an impressive 163-56 (.744) at VCU, leading the Rams to the CBI championship in 2010 (his first year as a head coach) and then to the NCAA Final 4 in 2011, as an 11-seed. He's taken the Longhorns to the "Big Dance" in two of his three years at Austin but his overall record was just 50-50 entering the current season. Nobody is saying Smart needs to win in 2018-19 to keep his job but I bet plenty of Texas people are "thinking it!' Texas has much more experience plus the Longhorns have a game under their belt. The El Paso site is pretty much a home game and as noted above, the Razorbacks have a ton of rebuilding to do. Maybe James Street (or for that matter, Randy Peschel) will be in the stands? If you don't know those names, you are too damn young! Lay the points with Texas. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-06-18 | Duke +2 v. Kentucky | 118-84 | Win | 100 | 14 h 2 m | Show | |
My 9* Champs Classic play is on Duke (9:30 EST). Duke posted a 29-8 record last year and a 13-5 record in ACC action, while the Wildcats went 26-11 with a 10-8 record in SEC action. Both teams feature plenty of new faces, but I think the depth and skill that Duke brings to the table will be just too much for the Wildcats to hang with on Opening Night. Duke lost its top five scorers from last year, but it recruited Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett, who are considered two of the best talents in the country. It also features 6 foot 8 forward Cam Reddish and leading scorer Marquez Bolden also returns. Last year the Blue Devils averaged 84.4 PPG and allowed 69.6. Kentucky comes into the new season ranked No. 2. The Wildcats lost many big names to the NBA over the offseason, but they still feature plenty of talent as well in Quade Gren and PJ Washington. Last year the Wildcats averaged 76.8 PPG and allowed 70.2. That was ranked 116th overall. I’ll point out as well that the Blue Devils are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 non-conference games and 11-5 ATS in their last 16 neutral site affairs. Kentucky returns just 31.5 percent of its scoring from last year and on Opening Night, I think the Blue Devils will take advantage. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
11-06-18 | Florida +4 v. Florida State | Top | 60-81 | Loss | -108 | 15 h 8 m | Show |
My 10* CBB TIP OFF OPENER is on Florida (9:00 EST). Florida has won 27 straight season openers but it’ll have its hands full here. In a contest which I envision being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to grab the points. Note that this is a big time revenge game as well for the Gators after the Seminoles embarrassed them 83-66 in Gainesville last year. Three starters return for the Gators though, a team which averaged 75.8 PPG. KeVaughn Allen averaged 11.0 points last year. FSU is predicted to finish seventh in the difficult 15-team ACC this year. The Seminoles also return three starters. One of those starters though, Phil Cofer, won’t be playing tonight because of a foot injury. Cofer averaged 12.8 points and 5.1 boards last year. This one is very evenly matched, but I think the absence of Cofer is a significant one for the Seminoles. The Gators play with revenge and I think they’ll keep this one competitive until the final moments. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
04-02-18 | Michigan +7 v. Villanova | Top | 62-79 | Loss | -110 | 36 h 20 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on Michigan (9:20 EST). I had a play on Villanova in the Final Four in its 95-79 win over Kansas, but I think the Wildcats are going to stumble here against the depth and defensive pressure that the Wolverines bring to the table. The Wolverines were down by ten with 14:10 left to go in the second half before rallying for their victory over Loyola-Chicago. Michigan went down early, but its confidence never waivered and its relentless defensive pressure proved to be just too much for the Ramblers to handle in the end, holding Loyola-Chicago to just one made 3-pointer. Mortiz Wagner finished with 24 points and 15 boards for the Wolverines in the victory as Michigan would go on to score 47 points in the second half while shooting 57 percent. Villanova was red hot in the first half of its Final Four win over the Jayhawks, connecting on 17 of 33 shots, including going 13 of 26 from range. The Wildcats enter the National Championship Game as the No. 1 offense with an average of 87 PPG. Michigan though presents difficult matchup problems on the wings and its defense is playing at an elite level right now. Outright win? It’s not out of the question obviously. But in a game which I think is more even than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe, one which could very well be decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last, I’m going to grab the points. Play on Michigan. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-31-18 | Kansas v. Villanova -5 | Top | 79-95 | Win | 100 | 131 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* 34-CLUB PLAY is on Villanova (8:45 EST). I had a play on Kansas last weekend, but I’m going against the Jayhawks in the Final Four. The Jayhawks advanced with an 85-81 OT win over Duke, while Villanova advanced with a 71-59 victory over Texas Tech. Kansas averages 81.4 PPG and it concedes 71. Malik Newman had 32 points in the Elite Eight victory. Overall the Jayhawks won the rebounding battle as well 47-32, helping to overcome 18 turnovers. And sloppy play like that won’t get the job done against the Wildcats, who enter as the nation’s No. 1 offense with 87 PPG. The defense has been decent as well, conceding 70.5. Jalen Bruson led the way in the most recent victory with 15 points. (Additional supporting ATS stats to be added shortly) These teams are very evenly matched, with plenty of veteran experience. But the Wildcats’ depth (six players averring double figures) will prove to ultimately be too much for Kansas to overcome in my opinion. The Jayhawks battled tooth and nail against the Blue Devils, but I have a hard time seeing Kansas matching pace down the stretch. Villanova’s top ranked offense wins out in the end. Lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-31-18 | Loyola-Chicago +5.5 v. Michigan | 57-69 | Loss | -116 | 128 h 15 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Loyola Chicago (6:05 EST). No. 11 Loyola-Chicago is looking for another upset here taking on No. 3 Michigan in the Final Four on Saturday from San Antonio. So far the Ramblers have advanced with wins over Miami, Tennessee, Nevada and Kansas State. The Wolverines have made it to this point with victories over Montana, Houston, Texas A&M and Florida State. Loyola Chicago averages 72 PPG and it concedes 62.4. The Ramblers shot 57% in their 78-62 destruction of K-State, led by 23 points from Ben Richardson. Loyola Chicago would also hold the Wildcats to just 34 percent shooting. Michigan averages 74.1 PPG and it concedes 63.1. The Wolverines shot just 38.8 percent in their win over FSU, but they’d go on to hold the Seminoles to an even worse 32 percent. Charles Matthews was an offensive bright spot with 17 points and eight boards. (Additional supporting ATS trends to be added shortly) The Ramblers have shot at least 50 percent from the floor in their last three games, all coming against very strong defensive teams. Loyola Chicago’s defense has also looked very stout as well. The Wolverines struggled offensively last time out and it’s not going to get any easier here. The Ramblers appear to be a team of destiny right now and while I’ll stop short in calling for the outright upset, everything points to this one being decided by whichever team has its hands on the ball last. Grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-31-18 | Loyola-Chicago v. Michigan OVER 128 | Top | 57-69 | Loss | -125 | 128 h 18 m | Show |
My 9* O/U Oddsmakers Error is the over Loyola Chicago/Michigan (6:05 EST). No. 11 Loyola-Chicago is looking for another upset here taking on No. 3 Michigan in the Final Four on Saturday from San Antonio. So far the Ramblers have advanced with wins over Miami, Tennessee, Nevada and Kansas State. The Wolverines have made it to this point with victories over Montana, Houston, Texas A&M and Florida State. Loyola Chicago averages 72 PPG and it concedes 62.4. The Ramblers shot 57% in their 78-62 destruction of K-State, led by 23 points from Ben Richardson. Loyola Chicago would also hold the Wildcats to just 34 percent shooting. Michigan averages 74.1 PPG and it concedes 63.1. The Wolverines shot just 38.8 percent in their win over FSU, but they’d go on to hold the Seminoles to an even worse 32 percent. Charles Matthews was an offensive bright spot with 17 points and eight boards. These teams are known for their defensive prowess, but I think the value has swung the other way here. The Ramblers have shot at least 50 percent from the floor in their last three games, all coming against very strong defensive teams. Loyola Chicago will be looking to get the Wolverines out of their comfort zone, which means a faster paced affair. Faster pace = more shots and more shots = more points. (Additional O/U ATS supporting trends to be added shortly) With the extra time off to prepare and rest, I look for these two hungry teams to push the tempo and for this one to sneak over as it comes down the stretch. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-29-18 | Penn State v. Utah OVER 135 | Top | 82-66 | Win | 100 | 32 h 59 m | Show |
My 10* O/U PERFECT STORM is the over Penn State/Utah (7:00 EST). Penn State advanced with a 75-70 win over Mississippi State, while Utah would rally to take down Western Kentucky 69-64. The Nittany Lions average 74.6 PPG and they allow 66.7. Penn State has averaged 75.2 PPG and conceded 69.1 in all neutral court affairs this year. The Nittany Lions’ defense looked sharp in holding the Bulldogs to just 39.6 percent shooting. Leading the offensive attack was Tony Carr with 21 points, while Shep Garner added 18. Utah has looked great in this tournament as well, going on the road to take out a tough St. Mary’s team, before then gutting out the victory over WKU. Utah averages 73.7 PPG and it concedes 68.1. The Utes have averaged 69 PPG and allowed 72 in all neutral site match ups this season. Utah hit 47.9 percent from the floor in its latest win led by 19 points from Justin Bibbins. I’ll point out that Penn State has seen the total go over the number in eight of 13 on the road this year and in 15 of 26 against schools with winning records, while Utah has seen the total eclipse the posted number in seven of its last nine after holding its previous opponent to 64 points or less. These are two teams which predicate themselves on their tough defensive play, but I’m anticipating a faster paced Final. This can still be a tight, lower-scoring game and go over this very low total, and that’s exactly what I’m expecting. This number is just a little low, play the over. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-28-18 | Illinois-Chicago +6.5 v. Liberty | 67-51 | Win | 100 | 57 h 13 m | Show | |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on UIC (7:00 EST). The winner of this game will advance to the CIT Championship Game. Illinois Chicago comes in red hot, putting up at least 81 points in each of its first two tournament wins. Liberty averages only 71.4 PPG, but it put up 84 in its latest victory. The Flames most recently beat Austin Peay 83-81, putting up 52 points in the second half, while shooting 43.5 percent from range. Marcus Ottey led the way in the victory with 17 points, but in all four of five starters would post double figures in scoring. Liberty comes in off the 84-71 home win over Central Michigan, also using a big second half to pull away for good, outscoring the Chips by 13 points after the break. Liberty would go on to shoot 56.1 percent from the floor, including 44 percent from range. Four players would reach double figures in scoring, led by Ryan Kemrite with 21. Note though that Liberty is 0-2 ATS in its last two after scoring 80 points or more in its previous contest, while Illinois Chicago is 5-1 ATS this season when playing with five or six days of rest. The Flames come in playing at an extremely high level offensively right now and I believe that chemistry will keep this one competitive until the final moments. Everything point to a “nail biter,” so grab the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-27-18 | Mississippi State +2.5 v. Penn State | Top | 60-75 | Loss | -100 | 36 h 8 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Mississippi State (9:30 EST). It’s No. 4 Mississippi State against No. 4 Penn State in the semifinal of the NIT from Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the team from the SEC. The Bulldogs average 74 PPG, while shooting 47 percent from the floor collectively. Quinndary Weatherspoon leads the nightly charge with 15 PPG. Note that Mississippi State is stout defensively, conceding just 64 PPG. The Nittany Lions average 75 PPG on 46 percent shooting, led by 20 points and five assists a night from guard Tony Carr. Penn State’s offense might be slightly better, but its defense has been its weak point this season. Additionally I’ll point out that Mississippi State is 27-20 ATS in its last 47 when playing the role of underdog, while Penn State is just 3-6 ATS this season after scoring 80 points or more in its previous contest. I think the Bulldogs’ fough defense slows down the Nittany Lions here and while I obviously wouldn’t be shocked by an outright upset, I will in the end recommend grabbing as many points as you can as I look for this one to be a “nail biter.” Play on Mississippi State. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-27-18 | Western Kentucky v. Utah +1 | 64-69 | Win | 102 | 34 h 42 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Utah (7:00 EST). It’s the 27-10 WKU Hilltoppers against the 21-11 Utah Utes in the semi finals of the NIT at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night and for a for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the team from the Pac 12. WKU enters off a 92-84 win over Oklahoma State, led by 30 points and eight boards from Taveion Hollingsworth. Dwight Coleby was another bright spot with 16 points, 13 boards and three blocks. The Hilltoppers come into this one averaging 78.8 PPG. Utah comes into this one averaging only 73.8 PPG, but it makes up for it on the defensive end. Utah looked particularly stingy last time out in its 67-58 victory over St. Mary’s. Sedrick Barefield was a bright spot offensively with 19 points and four assists in that one, while Ryler Rawson would add 17 points. Saint Mary’s is one of the toughest offenses in the nation, so the Hilltoppers are going to have their hands full here. Defense doesn’t always win championships and the Utes may not ultimately go on to win the entire NIT, but I do think their smothering play will ultimately prove to be too much for WKU to overcome this time. Play on Utah. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-26-18 | North Texas +3.5 v. San Francisco | Top | 62-72 | Loss | -105 | 36 h 2 m | Show |
My 10* GAME OF THE WEEK is on North Texas (10:00 EST). This is Game 1 of the best of three championship series for the CBI Tournament crown, with North Texas facing off against San Francisco. The Mean Green advanced by taking down Jacksonville State 90-68 at home on Wednesday, while the Dons held on for a 65-62 win over Campbell in their semi-final matchup. North Texas averages 74.5 PPG and it concedes 71.4. Roosevelt Smart had 20 points in the most recent victory as the Mean Green would go on to hit a smoking 61.5 percent from the floor in the win, including going a lights out 14 of 20 from range (also won the rebound battle decisively, 38-23.) San Francisco comes into this one averaging 68.9 PPG, while conceding 68.4. The Dons have won three straight close ones to advance, with the victories coming by a total of 12 combined points. Frankie Ferrari was a bright spot in the most recent with 18 points and six assists. I’ll point out though that home court has been anything but an advantage for the Dons this year, as they come in at just 6-11 ATS at home this season (and only 7-13 ATS when playing the role of favorite). And that’s bade news facing a Mean Green team which has excelled away from friendly confines this season, as UNT is 12-4 ATS on the road thus far (also note that it’s 14-6 ATS as an underdog this year as well.) I think UNT is playing the best overall ball in this tournament right now and while the Dons do have a great defense, I can’t see San Francisco keeping pace offensively. Grab the points, play on the Mean Green. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-25-18 | Duke v. Kansas +3.5 | Top | 81-85 | Win | 100 | 33 h 31 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on Kansas (5:05 EST). Duke enters the Elite Eight off a much tougher than expected 69-65 win over Syracuse, while Kansas advanced with a tougher than expected 80-76 victory over Clemson. Duke averages 84.4 PPG and it concedes 69.2. The Blue Devils allowed the Orange to hit 49 percent of their shots, but they’d give up just four three-pointers. Duke also forced 15 turnovers, while committing only seven of its own. The Blue Devils though shot just 39.3 percent from the floor in the victory, including only 19.4 percent from range. Marvin Bagley III led the way with 22 points, while Grayson Allen added 15. Kansas averages 81.4 PPG and it concedes 71. The Jayhawks needed to hit free throws down the stretch to hold off Clemson in the Round of 16. Overall though Kansas looked pretty good, hitting 46.7 percent from the floor, including 45.5 percent from range. The Jayhawks have struggled defensively in the tournament, but they looked better against the Tigers by holding them to 43.1 percent shooting, including only 30 percent from range. (Additional supporting ATS stats to be added shortly) Both teams struggled more than they should have in the Sweet 16, but each managed to dig down and gut out the victory. Kansas though has gotten progressively better as the tournament has worn on, while it appears Duke is heading in the opposite direction. I’m banking on these trends continuing as I believe the Jayhawks will be just too much for the Blue Devils to handle down the stretch. That said, grab the points! Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-25-18 | Texas Tech v. Villanova UNDER 144.5 | 59-71 | Win | 100 | 30 h 47 m | Show | |
My 9* O/U PERFECT STORM is the under Texas Tech/Villanova (2:20 EST). Texas Tech comes in off a 78-65 win over Purdue, while Villanova advanced off a high-scoring 90-78 victory over WVU. These schools have never met before, but in my opinion this one has the feel of a “chess match,” rather than a “run-and-gun shootout.” Texas Tech averages 75 PPG and it concedes just 64.6. The Red Raiders would force the Boilermakers into 17 turnovers, while committing just ten of their own. Texas Tech has turned up the heat on the defensive end of the floor so far in The Big Dance, allowing just 63.7 thus far. Keenan Evans led the way in the latest victory with 16 points, while Zach Smith added 14. Villanova averages 87 PPG and it concedes 70.5. The Wildcats own the No. 1 offense in the nation, but I think they’ll have difficulties today against the Aggies aggressive attack. Note that Villanova did commit 16 turnovers in the latest win, but overall the defense looked good by holding the high-flying Mountaineers to just 38.6 percent shooting. (updated supporting O/U trends to be added shortly) Fatigue is a very real factor at this point of the tournament and after each team played to such a high-scoring victory last time out, I think we’re going to see a more methodical pace this afternoon as these two hopeful sides battle to the end. This number is a little high, play the under. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-24-18 | Florida State v. Michigan -4.5 | Top | 54-58 | Loss | -105 | 36 h 6 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on Michigan (8:40 EST). It’s the 23-11 Florida State Seminoles against 31-7 Michigan in the Elite Eight on Saturday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the Wolverines. FSU upset Gonzaga 75-60 on Thursday, holding the Bulldogs to just 33.9 percent shooting. Terance Mann led the way with 18 points, five boards, two assist and one block in the victory. The Seminoles enter the Elite Eight averaging 81.1 PPG, while conceding 73.7. The Wolverines average 73.8 PPG and they concede just 63.1. Michigan’s offense though was firing on all cylinders in its 99-72 destruction of Texas A&M on Thursday (I had the Wolverines in that one), another school which predicates itself on its tough defensive play. Michigan shot an unreal 61.9 percent from the floor in the victory, including a blistering 58.3 percent from range and I’m fully expecting the team to carry that confidence and momentum over here. Mhaummad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman led the way in the win with 24 points, five boards, seven assists and a steal. (Additional supporting ATS trends added shortly.) FSU has looked good on both ends of the court, but it runs into a “buzz saw” in Michigan right now. The Wolverines have one of the best defenses in the nation, and now their offense is firing on all cylinders as well. All signs point to a blowout, lay the points. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-24-18 | Loyola-Chicago v. Kansas State +1 | Top | 78-62 | Loss | -100 | 33 h 27 m | Show |
My 10* ELITE 8 GAME OF THE YEAR is on Kansas State (6:05 EST). It’s the 31-5 Loyola Chicago Ramblers vs. the 25-11 K-State Wildcats on Saturday night in the Elite Eight and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors Kansas State. The Ramblers are on one of those “Cinderalla” runs right now after getting the better of Nevada 69-68 in the regional semifinal on Thursday. Marques Townes led the way in that one with 18 points, including the last second three-pointer to seal the deal. Loyola Illinois averages just 71.8 PPG, making up for it on the defensive end by conceding only 62.4. Kansas State averages 71.6 PPG and it concedes just 63.4. The Wildcats looked particularly impressive in their 61-58 win over Kentucky, led by 22 points and nine boards from Xavier Sneed, while Barry Brown added 13 points. Loyola Illinois has been the biggest surprise of The Tournament so far, but I think it’s set up for a big letdown here. Beating Nevada is no small feat, but K-State is playing at an entirely different level right now in my opinion, as its dominating win over Kentucky has me convinced. (Additional supporting ATS stats to be posted shortly.) I think Kansas State is the better overall team and I look for it to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Good luck…Larry | |||||||
03-23-18 | Texas Tech +2 v. Purdue | Top | 78-65 | Win | 100 | 34 h 35 m | Show |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on Texas Tech (9:55 EST). It’s No. 2 Purdue against No. 3 Texas Tech in the final game of the Sweet 16 on Friday night and for a number of different reasons, I think this one favors the defensive minded Aggies. Purdue advanced to this point off wins against CS Fullerton and Butler, while Texas Tech beat Stephen F. Austin and Florida. The Red Raiders’ dynamic defense was on full display in their 69-66 win over the Gators on Saturday. Texas Tech would go on to shoot 44 percent from the floor, while holding Florida to just 39 percent. Keenan Evans led the way in the victory with 22 points, while Zhaire Smith added 18 points and nine boards. For the season Texas Tech averages 74.9 points and it concedes 64.6. The Boilermakers average 80.8 PPG and they concede 65.4. Purdue would hold on for a 76-73 win over Butler, but I think it’s going to come up short here against the Red Raiders’ relentless defense. Purdue lost the services of 7-foot center Isaac Haas in Round 2 to injury and its depth carried it in the win over the Bulldogs, but I have a hard time seeing the the Boilermakers maintaining that same drive against a Texas Tech team that’s simply firing on all cylinders right now. Vincent Edwards was a bright sot in the win over Butler with 20 points, while Carsen Edwards, the team’s leading scorer, was held to just 13. I’ll point out as well that Texas Tech has done well in this spot for bettors of late by going 7-3 ATS in its last ten following a SU victory, while Purdue has struggled in this position by going just 1-7-1 ATS in its last eight against a team with a wining percent above .600. The table is set for another outright upset, but in the end I’ll recommend that you grab as many points as you can. Play on the Red Raiders. Good luck…Larry |
Service | Profit |
---|---|
William Burns | $1,395 |
Joey Tron | $617 |
Ray Monohan | $607 |
Ross Benjamin | $583 |
Big Al McMordie | $401 |
Matt Fargo | $327 |
Ricky Tran | $297 |
Sean Higgs | $140 |
Jesse Schule | $98 |
Kyle Hunter | $66 |