Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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02-21-19 | Oregon v. USC -2.5 | 49-66 | Win | 100 | 14 h 50 m | Show | |
My 9* Revenge Rout is on USC at 9:00 ET. Oregon was the Pac-12's preseason favorite but a regular season Pac-12 championship is no longer a realistic goal for the Ducks. Oregon is 15-10 overall, including just 6-6 in the Pac 12. The Ducks trail first-place Washington (12-1) by FIVE games with just six games remaining to go. The eighth-place Ducks travel to USC on Thursday night. The 14-12 Trojans begin the week in a three-way tie for fifth at 7-6 and are still within striking distance of a top-four finish and a key first round bye in next month's Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas. Oregon comes in off a 72-57 Civil War loss at second-place Oregon State on Saturday. Oregon still has games at home against Arizona State and at likely Pac-12-champ Washington on the agenda, as it tries to build its case for an NCAA at-large berth. However, an at-large bid is likely a stretch. Senior forward Paul White told The Oregonian on Saturday, "We have six regular-season games and then a huge part of our season, which is the (Pac-12) tournament."A top-four finish is not impossible but it won't be easy, either. Oregon lost its best player, 7-2 freshman center and likely lottery pick Bol Bol, to a left-foot injury before conference play started. Bol was leading the the team in scoring (21.0), rebounding (9.6) and blocks (2.7) while also shooting an eye-popping 52 percent from three-point range. Louis King, a 6-9 freshman forward, has helped pick up some of the slack, averaging 16.0 points in Pac-12 action which is tops for any freshman (he averages 12.3 & 5.4 RPG on the season). Junior PG Payton Pritchard (11.8-3.9-4.4) runs the team and the 6-9 White (10.5 & 3.8) is the other double digit scorer. USC comes into this contest after snapping a three-game losing streak with a 89-66 victory at California on Saturday (note: Cal is 0-13 in league play), 6-10 senior forward Bennie Boatwright leads the team in scoring (18.4) and made a USC record 10, 3-pointers on 13 attempts in the win at Cal which also tied the Pac-12 record for treys. Boatwright is averaging 21.3 points in conference play, which ranks second to Washington State's Robert Franks (22.4). He's joined up front by 6-11 junior forward Nick Rakocevic (15.5 & 9.8). Junior guard Jonah Mathews (12.7) is also averaging in double figures, while shooting 42.6 percent from three-point range. Four more guards average between 8.0 and 9.3 PPG. USC has lost its last two home games to Utah (77-70) and Colorado (69-65) but I believe that makes them even more dangerous in this one (Trojans opened the season 11-2 at the Galen Center and had won SEVEN straight at home before stumbling vs the Utes!). I doubt that USC needs "extra motivation" (a possible top-four seed should be enough) but I will note that the Trojans will be trying to avenge their worst defeat of conference play this season, an 81-60 loss on Jan 13 in Eugene. REVENGE works in this one. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-21-19 | San Francisco v. BYU -4 | Top | 77-71 | Loss | -108 | 14 h 52 m | Show |
My CBB 10* Game of the Week is on BYU at 9:00 ET. No one is surprised that Gonzaga sits atop the WCC at 12-0 (25-2 Zags are currently No. 2 in the AP poll). Tonight in WCC play, the 20-6 San Francisco Dons will travel to the Marriott Center in Provo to take on the 18-10 BYU Cougars. The Dons won their third straight game this past Saturday when they edged Portland 68-63 in OT. At 8-4, San Francisco is tied for third in the WCC with St Mary's. The Cougars come in off winning their fifth in a row after defeating Loyola Marymount 70-62 this past Saturday. BYU sits 10-3 in WCC play, second to only Gonzaga. San Francisco had trouble on the offensive end in regulation against the Pilots but Dons found their offensive rhythm in the extra period and were able to pull away after taking a 63-58 lead with 2:21 left in OT. San Francisco starts guards Mineland (14.9 & 4.8), Ferrari (14.3-5.4 APG) and Ratinho (9.7), with the 7-0 Lull (8.5 & 5.3) and the 6-8 Renfro (7.2 & 5.2) up front. However, the 6-9 McCarthy comes off the bench to average 9.4 PPG and a team-high 6.5 RPG. BYU trailed by a 36-30 margin at halftime vs the Lions but was outstanding defensively in the second half and was able to pull away after a 14-0 Cougars run gave BYU a 66-58 lead with just :51 seconds left in regulation. BYU can score, averaging 80.1 PPG (39th in the nation). The 6-8 Childs leads the Cougars in scoring (21.1) and rebounding (9.6) but the biggest percentage of BYU's offense comes from the perimeter. PG Haws averages 17.5 PPG and 5.2 APG and Hardnett just misses out on double digits with 9.7 PPG, Another trio of guards combine for about 20 PPG. BYU's problem is a defense that allows 75.1 PPG (264th) BYU's Hardnett has been sidelined by a hand injury (expected to be out here) but the Cougars haven't missed a beat. BYU lost at St Mary's by 20 points back on Jan 5 but has since gone 9-2, losing badly at San Francisco and at home to Gonzaga. Since the loss to the Zags, BYU has won FIVE in row (4-1 ATS), Hard to believe the Cougars WON'T well-remember their loss at San Francisco and it's impossible to ignore the fact that the Dons are 0-7 ATS in seven WCC road games. Make that 0-8! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-20-19 | North Carolina +9 v. Duke | 88-72 | Win | 100 | 14 h 54 m | Show | |
My 9* Underdog Shocker is on North Carolina at 9:00 ET. There isn't a bigger rivalry in college hoops than NC/Duke. The 2018-19 season gets its first installment of the Tobacco Road rivalry Wednesday night when 20-5 North Carolina (10-2 in the ACC) visits 23-2 Duke (11-1 in the ACC). The Blue Devils are back atop the AP poll (released Monday) and will put their NINE-game win streak on the line against the Tar Heels. As for No. 8 North Carolina, the Tar Heels can move into a tie atop the ACC standings with a victory. Not a bad set up, right? North Carolina bounced back from its home loss to then-No. 3 Virginia two games ago with the most lopsided conference road win in program history. The Tar Heels routed Wake Forest 95-57 on Saturday. "We jumped on them early," senior Kenny Williams told reporters afterward. "I think our defense was really focused and we made everything tough on them." Senior guard and leading scorer Cameron Johnson (16.3 & 5.4) had 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting, including 7-of-10 from long range. Joining Johnson in double digits on the season are freshman guard Coby White (15.7 & 4.2) and 6-8 senior forward Luke Maye (14.5 & 9.6). Williams has a bothersome knee but he adds 8.9 PPG and 3.7 APG. Chipping in up front with Maye are the 6-6 Little (9.6 & 4.4) and the 6-9 Brooks (8.2 & 6.2). Few are unaware of Duke's Fabulous freshman. 6-7 swingman Barrett averages 22.7 & 7.4. the 6-7 Wiliamson is a 'highlight reel' nightly, adding 22.4 & 9.2. Then there is 6-7 guard Reddish (13.8) and PG Jones (8.7 & 5.4 APG), who also checks in as Duke's best 'on-ball" defender. Barrett recorded the first triple-double by a Duke player in 13 years Saturday with 23 points, 11 rebounds and a season-best 10 assists in the Blue Devils' 94-78 victory over North Carolina State. This is the 149th consecutive meeting with at least one of the teams ranked and surprisingly (it was to me), Duke holds the No. 1 ranking for a matchup with the Tar Heels for the first time in 13 years! North Carolina leads the ACC in scoring at 87.5 PPG and Duke is second at 86.4. Expect a racehorse pace and Duke has on occasion, shown some defensive liabilities. Carolina is 8-1 SU on the road this year, including 6-0 SU & ATS on the ACC road. Meanwhile, Duke is 6-6 ATS in conference play, including 2-4 ATS at home. Take the big points, as Carolina vets like Johnson and Maye keep this one close against the "Fabulous Freshman." Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-20-19 | Stanford v. Arizona State -7 | 62-80 | Win | 100 | 14 h 57 m | Show | |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Arizona St at 9:00 ET. Bobby Hurley's Sun Devils generated national headlines by handing then-top-ranked Kansas its first loss of teh season, 80-76, back on Dec. 22. However, Arizona State has proven to be one of the most inconsistent teams in the country. 17-8 ASU is just 8-6 after its 9-2 start (record after teh Kansas win), including 8-5 in Pac-12 play. The Sun Devils will welcome 14-11 Stanford to Tempe, a team which has won five of its last six games to move into a three-way tie for fourth place in the Pac-12 at 7-6. Stanford is off an impressive 104-80 win over UCLA on Saturday, as 7-0 senior center Josh Sharma (9.4 & 6.2) had 22 points and 12 rebounds. The 6-9 Okpala (17.6 & 5.8) added 20 points and freshman guard Cormac Ryan (9.1) finished with a career-high 19 points while shooting 5-of-9 from three-point range. Good news came in the form of sophomore PG Daejon Davis (12.5 & 4.5 APG) returning after missing two games due to injury. He recorded 12 points and 11 assists in 38 minutes. Joining Davis and Ryan in the backcourt are Wills (6.2) and Sheffield (5.3). The 6-9 Da Silva (9.5 & 6.0) joins Sharma and Okpala, up front. While ASU may be an up-and-down team, that can't be said of senior forward Zylan Cheatham. The San Diego State transfer recorded his league-leading 11th double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds in last Saturday’s 98-87 win over Utah and checks in averaging 12.0 & 11.0 on the season. Freshman guard Luguentz Dort is the leading scorer at 16.4 PPG (also adds 4.5 RPG) plus two more ASU players score in double digits. PG Martin checks in at 13.0 & 5.1 APG and guard Edwards at 11.0 PPG. The 6-7 Lawrence (9.7 & 3.8) plus the White (9.2 & 5.6) are quality frontcourt players. I love the way Stanford has come on (I had them against UCLA on Saturday) but I expect ASU to avenge its 86-71 loss at Stanford back on Jan 12 in this one. The Sun Devils are 11-3 SU at home, where they average 81.9 PPG. Then again, ASU's NCAA Tournament resume includes wins over Kansas, Mississippi State and Washington but also surprising losses to Princeton, Vanderbilt and Washington State. Sun Devils DON'T need a hiccup, here. Lay it. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-20-19 | Wichita State v. Tulsa -2.5 | Top | 81-60 | Loss | -111 | 14 h 60 m | Show |
My 10* Conference Crusher (AAC) is on Tulsa at 9:00 ET. Two also-rans in the AAC meet Wednesday night, as 12-12 Wichita St travels to 16-10 Tulsa. The Shockers are just 5-7 in league play, although after a disappointing 1-6 start, Wichita State reeled off four straight victories before falling 72-62 to then-No. 25 Cincinnati on Sunday. Tulsa sits 6-7 in conference play and the Golden Hurricane's only setback in their last five games is a 79-68 defeat at Wichita State on Feb 2 Dexter Dennis recorded team highs of 14 points and 13 rebounds on Sunday in the 10-point loss to the Bearcats. It was for his first career double-double and the first by a Shockers freshman in 11 years (note; Dennis averages just 7.0 & 4.5 on the season). Wichita State got encouraging contributions from its three centers, Jaime Echenique, Asbjorn Midtgaard and Isaiah Poor Bear-Chandler, who combined for 17 points, 25 rebounds and six blocks against Cincy. However, on the season, only the 6-11 Echenique (8.4 & 5.9) has been a somewhat consistent contributor. The 6-8 McDuffie (18.7 & 4.9) plus PG Haynes-Jones (12.4 & 2.8 APG) are Wichita State's lone double digit scorers. The Shockers average only 69.4 PPG (271st) on 40.7% shooting (331st). The Golden Hurricane needed overtime on Sunday to extend their winning streak to three games, as they posted a 77-73 road triumph over East Carolina. SIX players reached double digits in scoring, including 6-8 junior Martins Igbanu, who was 7-for-8 from the floor en route to team highs of 16 points and eight rebounds. Igbanu (12.0 & 5.5) is joined up front by the 6-7 Horne (9.9 & 4.). Tulsa's strength is a backcourt led by Jeffries (13.8 & 5.5) and PG Taplin (10.1 & 4.3 APG) plus a trio of other guards combining for just over 18 PPG. This marks the 130th all-time meeting between the two programs and the Shockers have won 11 of the last 12, including 79-68 at Wichita State on Feb 2. However, this year's Wichita St team is a woeful 1-7 SU in true road games, averaging a pathetic 59.2 PPG. Meanwhile, Tulsa is a robust 12-2 SU at home, losing only to AAC 'heavyweights' Cincinnati and Houston. Wichita St is NO 'heavyweight' this season. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-19-19 | Florida State v. Clemson -1 | 77-64 | Loss | -105 | 15 h 37 m | Show | |
The 3rd play of my STP is a 9* on Clemson at 9:00 ET. It's been a heart-breaking week for Clemson, as the Tigers suffered back-to-back one-point losses on the road to Miami (Fl) 65-64 and Louisville 56-55. The going won't get any easier on Tuesday night, as 15-10 Clemson (5-7 in the ACC) hosts surging Florida State. The Seminoles know about trying to pull out of a slump. Florida State lost 80-78 to then-No. 1 Duke on Jan 12 and spiraled after that, dropping its next two games at unranked Pitt and Boston College. However, the Seminoles returned home on Jan 22 to beat Clemson 77-68. That victory sparked a SEVEN-game winning streak (note: the seven consecutive league wins matches the school record). The Seminoles come in off a -22point win over Ga Tech, in which FSU held Tech to just 47 points, the school's lowest in an ACC game since it limited Clemson to 41 back in 2014. One game after producing his first career double-double (20 points, 12 rebounds) against Wake Forest, 7-4 senior center Christ Koumadje (6.6 & 5.7) did it again against Georgia Tech with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Senior guard Terance Mann (11.8 & 6.6) remains a team leader but the Seminoles continue to get strong play from a deep bench. In fact, leading scorer Mfiondu Kabengele (a 6-10 sophomore) averages a team-high 13.7 PPG (also adds 5.4), while not starting. "That's our third one this year (by one point)," Clemson head coach Brad Brownell told reporters after the Louisville game. "I'm just incredibly proud of our players. … Obviously we fought for the full 40 minutes. We defended great, about as well as you can guard them. Our kids played extremely hard." The Tigers fell short despite holding Louisville to just 19 points before intermission, the fourth time in the last 10 halves that Clemson held an opponent under 20 points and the Cardinals wound up with their lowest point total (56) and shooting percentage (35.2) of the season. Brownell continues to rely on his seniors, with guard Marcquise Reed (18.6-5.4-3.0), the 6-9 Elijah Thomas and guard Shelton Mitchell (11.8). Joining Thomas up front are the 6-7 Simms (8.8 7 4.6) and the 6-8 Skara (7.3 & 4.2). I realize FSU is on a roll but Clemson enters with an 11-2 SU home record. The Tigers are allowing just 63.8 PPG (21st) on the season and that includes allowing only 60.2 PPG in home contests. Clemson has outscored opponents 277-217 in winning its last four home games.That 15-point winning margin sounds about right, here. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-19-19 | Maryland v. Iowa -1.5 | 66-65 | Loss | -115 | 14 h 38 m | Show | |
The 2nd play of my STP is an 8* on Iowa at 8:00 ET. It's a battle of ranked teams tonight in Iowa City, as No.24 Maryland (19-7 / 10-5 Big Ten) takes on No. 21 Iowa (20- / 9-5 Big Ten). Iowa looks to extend its winning streak to five in a row but the Hawkeyes have won four in a row by 'living on the edge.' Joe Wieskamp banked in a desperation three-pointer as time expired to lift the Hawkeyes past Rutgers 71-69 on Saturday, a game that followed one in which Jordan Bohannon drilled a game-winning triple in an 80-79 victory against Northwestern on Feb 10. As for Maryland, the Terps are coming off a 65-52 road loss at Michigan on Saturday. Aaron Wiggins was one of the lone bright spots on offense against the Wolverines, as the freshman guard led the Terrapins with 15 points to go along with six rebounds and three assists in the loss.PG Cowan (15.8-3.8-4.5_ leads Maryland in scoring and assist, while Wiggins is part of a trio of supporting guards (Ayala & Morsell as the others), combining for right around 25 points per game. The 6-10 Bruno Fernando (14.5 & 10.6) missed out on recording his eighth straight double-double vs Michigan, finishing with 12 points and eight rebounds against the Wolverines. Fellow 6-10 forward Jalen Smith (11.8 & 6.8) added eight points but Maryland was held to 36.4 percent shooting from the floor. "It was a big shot, but we still got six Big Ten games left plus we want to play deep into the postseason," Wieskamp told reporters after his game-winner vs Rutgers. "It's been a lot of fun out there and coach (Fran McCaffery) has a lot of confidence in me." Wieskamp (11.8 & 4.8) is joined on the perimeter by Bohannon (11.4) and Moss (9.8). Up front, Iowa features the 6-9 Cook (16.3 & 8.1), the 6-11 Garza (13.5 & 4.8) and the 6-87 Baer (6.4 & 4.6). With Saturday's loss at Michigan, the Terrapins fell to 0-19 in road games against top-25 opponents under head coach Mark Turgeon. "If I had the answer I would fix it," Turgeon told reporters. "Hopefully we learn from it and do better on Tuesday." The trouble is, Maryland's road woes against ranked teams extend before Turgeon, with the Terps having dropped 27 consecutive road games against ranked opponents! Hard to see Maryland's road woes against ranked teams ending here at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, where Iowa is 13-2 SU and averaging 83.3 PPG (note: Maryland is averaging 66.7 PPG in true road games). Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-19-19 | Nebraska v. Penn State -3 | 71-95 | Win | 100 | 13 h 38 m | Show | |
The 1st play of my STP is an 8* on Penn St at 7:00 ET. Penn State is just 9-16 overall and at 2-12 in Big Ten play, sit 14th of 14 Big Ten schools. The Nittany Lions welcome 15-11 Nebraska to Happy Valley Tuesday night and the Cornhuskers are not all that much better in league play, entering this contest 5-10. While noting the above, both schools have shown "signs of life" in February. Eight of Penn State's 10 losses during its 0-10 start in conference play took place in January. However, the Nittany Lions offered hints of their improved play with three close defeats to end that month and then finally broke through with a 59-52 victory at Northwestern on Feb 4. Penn State followed a four-point loss at Ohio State three days later with a stunning upset of then-No.6 Michigan last Tuesday, before dropping a 12-point decision at then-No. 11 Purdue on Saturday. As for the Cornhuskers, they have snapped a seven-game losing streak with home wins over Minnesota and Northwestern. The loss of Nebraska's best big man has been tough to overcome. The 6-9 Copeland (14.0 & 5.4) has not played since late January and won't return. The 6-8 Isaiah Roby (11.2 & 7.2) had 19 points, a career-high 16 rebounds, a season high-tying five blocks and two steals in the win over Northwestern. He became the first Cornhusker since Aleks Maric in 2008 to produce at least 19 points and 16 rebound in a game. Nebraska relies on a strong perimeter group led by Palmer (18.8-4.3-3.2). Glynn Watson Jr. (12.1 & 4.0) has returned to form offensively following a four-game stretch in which he totaled 15 points on 6-of-37 shooting, averaging 15.5 points while converting 13 of his 28 field-goal attempts over the last two contests (both wins). The third member of Nebraska's guard trio is Allen (8.9).. The 6-8 Lamar Stevens (19.2 & 8.0) ranks second in the conference in scoring and became only the 11th Nittany Lion to reach 1,500 career points with 18 against the Boilermakers, although he was also responsible for half of his team's 16 turnovers. He's complemented up front by the 6-9 Watkins (7.7 & 7.7). Like Nebraska, Penn St owns a trio of solid guards, Bolton (12.2), Reaves (10.0-4.4-3.1) and Dread (8.9). Of note as of late is freshman guard Bolton, who is averaging 15.4 PPG over his last five outings, topping his season scoring average each time. There is a school of thought that says a strong Nebraska finish ('Huskers face four consecutive ranked teams to end the regular season) would get them back into NCAA Tournament consideration. However, I believe that theory is flawed. I believe Nebraska is at best, headed to the NIT. The 'Husker only beat Penn St 70-64 back on Jan 10 (in Lincoln) but now face a Penn St team on the road that is playing MUCH better. The Nittany Lions look to move to 3-2 in Feb. Expect the home team to win and get the CA$H! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-17-19 | Missouri State v. Loyola-Chicago -5.5 | 65-61 | Loss | -115 | 9 h 30 m | Show | |
My 9* Revenge Rout is on Loyola-Chi at 4:00 ET. It goes without saying that this is not the same Ramblers team which made an improbable run to last year's Final 4. Loyola finished last season 32-6 but had six losses (against only seven wins) this season, before Christmas. 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 six losses through 13 games. However, Loyola is currently 16-10 overall, including a MVC-best 9-4. The Ramblers welcome the 14-12 Missouri State Bears to Chicago on Sunday. The Bears enter having won SIX of their last seven to get to 8-5 in MVC play (third behind Loyola and 9-5 Drake). Missouri State features a quartet of guards, surrounding the 6-8 Da Silva (14.9 & 7.0). Cook (13.2 & 4.3), Dixon (13.1), Kreklow (8.0) and PG Webster (7.6 & 5.2 APG) man the perimeter. The Bears average a modest 71.3 PPG but allow only 68.2 PPG (94th). Key returnees from Loyola's Final 4 team of a year ago are guards Townes (15.3-4.8-3.7) and Custer (11.8) plus the 6-9 Krutwig (14.3 & 7.6). An odd stat is Loyola shooting 49.3% from the floor (8th in the nation) but averaging only 66.6 PPG (317th). However, Loyola still plays great D, allowing 60.8 PPG (7th-best). Missouri State beat Loyola-Chicago 70-35 Jan 23 in Springfield, with the Ramblers shooting 34.3% overall (just 2-of-10 on threes), while getting held to just 11 points in the second half. Meanwhile, Mo St connected on 63.4% (12 of-23 threes!) in the win. Anyone think the Bears can replicate that here in Chicago? NOT likely! See above for Loyola's defensive numbers on the season and then note that the Ramblers are 11-3 SU at home, where opponents average only 59.2 PPG. Yes, REVENGE works in this one! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-17-19 | Seton Hall v. Creighton -4.5 | Top | 81-75 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 36 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on Creighton at 3:00 ET. Villanova (11-1) and Marquette (10-2) have separated themselves from the rest of the pack in the 10-team Big East this season. Seton Hall was picked to finish eighth in the 10-team conference by league coaches in late October but "The Hall" made more than a little 'noise' back in December with upset wins over Kentucky and Maryland, laying the groundwork for what appeared to be the beginning of the school's fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. However, the Pirates inability to win away from home during Big East play has ninth-year head coach Kevin Willard's team flirting with bubble status at 15-9 (6-6 in league play). The Pirates travel to Creighton on Sunday afternoon to take on the disappointing 13-12 Bluejays. Creighton is coming off a winless road trip in which it dropped a pair of overtime affairs, and lost all three games by seven points or fewer. Yes, the 4-8 Bluejays are in a three-way tie for last place but they are only two games out of third in the tightly packed Big East (Seton Hall and St John's are tied for third at 6-6). Seton Hall turned in its most complete performance during league play Wednesday, taking down Georgetown 90-75 triumph over Georgetown. Myles Powell (22.0) is the Big Easts second-leading scorer and posted his fifth 30-point game of the season vs the Hoyas, sinking all 10 of his free-throw attempts for the second straight contest to extend his streak at the foul line to 25 in a row. PG McKnight (10.2 & 4.0 APG) and Cale (9.7 & 4.5) start with Powell in the backcourt. Up front, it's the 6-8 Nzei (9.6 & 5.1) and the 6-10 Mamukelashvili (8.5 & 7.2). Senior forward Michael Nzei enjoyed one of his best all-around performances of the season against the Hoyas, finishing with 18 points and nine rebounds (eight on offensive end). Alexander leads the team in scoring (16.4) while five other players average between 8.2 and 12.8 PPG. The Bluejays own a deep perimeter, as Zegarowski (10.9), Ballock (10.0-4.1-3.4 & 3.6) and Mintz (9.8) join Alexander at the guard position. The 6-9 Krampelj (12.8 & 6.7) and SF Jefferson (8.2 & 5.1) have been the best frontcourt contributors. .Ty-Shon Alexander has made at least one 3-pointer in 28 straight contests, tied for the second-longest streak in school history. Junior forward Martin Krampelj is averaging 16.3 points and 8.2 rebounds over his last 15 games (note: He compiled a career-high 25 points and season-best 11 rebounds in the Feb 9 meeting against the Pirates) . Seton Hall still has at-large aspirations but I believe that's 'fool's gold.' Seton Hall hopes to end a five-game road slide in this contest, as the Pirates begin a stretch in which they play three of four on the road, before wrapping up the regular season with home contests against No. 10 Marquette and No. 13 Villanova. These teams just met eight days ago (Feb 9) at the Prudential Center, with the Pirates edging the Bluejays 63-58. In this quick turnaround rematch, expect Creighton to easily get the better of Seton Hall. The Pirates have averaged only 67.2 PPG in eight true road games this season, while Creighton averages an impressive 81.5 PPG at CenturyLink Center. Lay it! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-16-19 | UCLA v. Stanford | Top | 80-104 | Win | 100 | 15 h 8 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Stanford at 10;00 ET. UCLA dismissed head coach Steve Alford on December 31, 2018, two days after the Bruins' ugly 73-58 loss to Liberty. It marked the first time the program ever had made a coaching change in the middle of the season. Murry Bartow (son of former UCLA coach Gene Bartow) was named interim coach for the Bruins and in his first game (at home vs Stanford), UCLA ended a four-game slide with a 92-70 win over the Cardinal. Two more wins followed but the 'honeymoon' period is over for UCLA's interim coach, as following that 3-0 start in the conference, UCLA has dropped SIX of its last nine Pac-12 games and finds itself 13-12 overall, including 6-6 in Pac-12 play. Stanford looks to avenge that earlier loss to UCLA, while hoping to continue its climb up the Pac-12 standings when the teams meet at Maples Pavilion on Saturday night. The Cardinal have won FOUR of their last five games, after Wednesday’s 79-76 home win over USC. Stanford is 13-11 overall and like UCLA, 6-6 in Pac-12 play. UCLA needed overtime to get past last-place California on Wednesday, snapping a three-game losing streak. The Bruins avoided a disastrous loss to Cal after interim coach Murry Bartow took his starters out just three minutes into the contest and replaced them with five backups – including freshman guard David Singleton, who finished with 12 points on four 3-pointers. Throughout the season, UCLA's "Core 4" have been forward Kris Wilkes (17.7 & 4.8), guards Hands (12.4-3.6-6.3) and Ali (9.7) plus freshman center Moses Brown (10.7 & 8.9). The Cardinal rallied from a 14-point deficit to post their fifth straight win over the Trojans on Wednesday, as guard Marcus Sheffield scored a season-high 16 points. Senior center Josh Sharma had 14 points and nine rebounds in the victory and is averaging 10.7 points and eight rebounds over the past seven games (8.9 & 6.0 on the season). Sharma is joined up front by 6-9 sophomore forward KZ Okpala (17.5 & 5.7) and the 6-9 Da Silva (9.6 & 5.8). PG Daejon Davis (12.6-3.1-4.2) is suffering with a head injury (questionable here), giving more "PT" to Ryan (8.5), Wills (6.0) and the aforementioned Sheffield (5.2). The Bruins are a mess (needed OT to escape vs 5-19 / 0-12 in Pac-12 Cal), while the Cardinal are finding their 'sea legs,' with FOUR wins in their last five. Stanford is 8-2 SU at home, while UCLA's only road wins have come at Cal (see above), Wash St (3-8 in Pac-12) and in OT vs Oregon (trailed by 17 in the second half and were down 76-68 with 45 seconds to go in regulation!). Don't expect any 'miracles' here by fading UCLA. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-16-19 | Tennessee v. Kentucky -3.5 | Top | 69-86 | Win | 100 | 13 h 14 m | Show |
My 10* Conference Crusher (SEC) is on Kentucky at 8:00 ET. It was No. 2 Duke at No. 3 UVa last Saturday night and this Saturday night, it's No. 1 Tennessee at No. 5 Kentucky. 23-1 Tennessee owns a perfect 11-0 SEC record and takes a school-record 19-game winning streak into Lexington (only three of the contests have been decided by fewer than 10 points) but things figure to get a bit tougher down the final month of the season. The top-ranked Volunteers open a stretch in which they play three of the teams sitting directly below them in the SEC standings a total of four times over the next two weeks, beginning Saturday with this visit to No. 5 Kentucky. The 20-4 Wildcats (10-2 in SEC play) are likely still smarting from LSU's controversial tip-in at the buzzer to upend the Wildcats 73-71 on Tuesday. the loss ended Kentucky's 10-game winning streak and the defeat was also Kentucky's first in its last 17 home games, including 14 this season. The Volunteers rolled to their sixth consecutive double-digit victory with Wednesday's 85-73 win over South Carolina. Tennessee is defeating its opponents by an average of 18.1 points during its school-record, 19-game run. The 6-7 Grant Williams (19.4-7.4-3.5) is the reigning SEC player of the year and is a 2019 national player of the year candidate. He's surrounded by a plethora of perimeter players in 6-6 guard Schofield (16.7 & 6,4), PG Bone (13.2 & 6.5 APG) plus fellow guards Turner (11.7) and Bowden (11.5), There is also 6-11 center Alexander (8.5 & 6.9). As always, Coach Cal has impact freshman in guards Johnson (14.0 & 5.3) and Herro (13.0 & 4.0). However, 6-8 sophomore PJ Washington (14.4 & 8.1) and 6-8 senior transfer Travis (11.6 & 7.0) may be the keys to Kentucky's success this season. Washington has emerged as the team's primary offensive option and Tuesday marked the sixth time in his last seven outings he reached 20 points and the fourth time in the last six games he corralled at least nine rebounds. Reid Travis, who finished third in the Pac-12 in scoring (19.5 points) last season at Stanford but he has been held to fewer than 10 points in eight of 11 SEC outings. Coach Cal needs more from him! Kentucky is 90-17 all-time in Lexington against Tennessee but the Volunteers won 61-59 at Rupp Arena last season, as part of their regular-season sweep of the Wildcats. Tennessee is attempting to become the first school to win in back-to-back seasons in Lexington since Vanderbilt and Florida did it in 2005-06 and 2006-07. That's a tall order. I'm on the 'Cats, "Big Time!" Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-16-19 | Boise State v. San Diego State -4.5 | 65-71 | Win | 100 | 10 h 41 m | Show | |
My 9* Revenge Rout is on SD State at 7:00 ET. The 11-14 Boise State Broncos and the 15-9 San Diego State Aztecs meet in MWC action from Viejas Arena at the Aztec Bowl on Saturday evening in San Diego. Boise comes in off a 65-63 loss to Fresno State, falling to 6-6 in league play. Meanwhile, San Diego State is off a 71-60 win over Colorado State, the Aztecs' FIFTH win in their last six (SDSU is 7-4 in MWC play). Boise head coach Leon Rice has led the Broncos to 21 wins or more is SIX of his seven seasons but he's NOT getting TY's team to 21 wins. Rice 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 is loaded on teh perimeter with four guards averaging between 10.5 and 12.9 PPG (Jessup leads the way). Two more guards chip in 6.8 & 6.1 PPG but the only size the Broncos have is the 6-11 Haney (8.4 & 4.2). PG Devin Watson (16.3 & 4.5 APG) led the Aztecs with 21 points on 8 of 14 shooting in the win over CSU, while the 6-10 Jalen McDaniels (17.1 & 8.6) added 18 points with a team-high 12 rebounds. Watson is joined by Hemsley (9.4) and Schakel (8.0) in the backcourt .The 6-6 Mitchell (10.4 & 3.3) chips in up front with McDaniels. Boise St is just 3-7 SU on the road this season and is just 6-16-1 ATS in its last 23 games against a team with a winning record. SDSU could be without Schakel (achilles) but I have to be impressed with SDSU's play at home, where the Aztecs are 11-2 SU, holding opponents to 65.5 PPG, while averaging 79.3 PPG. SDSU has some revenge on its mind from an ugly 88-64 loss in Boise back on Jan 5 plus note that the Aztecs are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 conference games. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-16-19 | Memphis v. UCF -5.5 | 72-79 | Win | 100 | 11 h 22 m | Show | |
My 2nd play of Saturday's STP is an 8* on UCF at 6:00 ET. Central Florida was the preseason favorite in the AAC but the 18-5 Knights are currently 8-3 in league play, trailing 9-2 Cincy and 11-1 Houston, which is 24-1 overall and ranked 9th in the latest AP poll. A 13-point victory over South Florida on Wednesday has UCF 2 1/2 games behind first-place Houston and just a game back of second-place Cincinnati, as the Knights welcome 15-10 Memphis (7-5 in AAC) to Orlando. UCF suffered its most lopsided loss of the season at Memphis back on Jan 27 (77-57) but have won three of four since. Memphis followed up the big win over the Knights with three straight losses but the Tigers have rebounded with back-to-back victories over UConn and East Carolina. Senior guard Jeremiah Martin (17.4-4.0-4.3) had just 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting in the win over UCF but is since averaging 24.8 in five games, after pouring in 31 in Wednesday's 79-69 win over the Pirates. 6-8 senior forward Kyvon Davenport is second to Martin in scoring (14.3) and leads the team in rebounding (7.0). However, he was held to a season-low three points at East Carolina. Freshman guard Harris adds 11.9 PPG but note that Hardaway likes to use his bench, as Memphis has six more players averaging between 5.3 and 8.6 PPG. 7-6 senior center Tacko Fall put up a season-high 21 points to go along with nine rebounds and five blocks in Wednesday's win. He's averaging 10.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG and 2.7 BPG on the season (he makes 75.6% of his FGs) and head coach Johnny Dawkins noted after the game, "He played 26 minutes; I thought it was probably the most assertive 26 minutes he's played since I've coached him here. I felt his presence throughout the entire time he was out there on the floor. That's a tribute to him." Fall is obviously important to the team's success but the team's 'backbone' is its guard duo of Senior B.J. Taylor (16.5) and junior Aubrey Dawkins (15.3 & 5.2). Expect the revenge motive to be HUGE in this one and UCF had won four straight meetings over the Tigers prior to that loss at Memphis late last month. UCF is 12-2 SU at home, allowing just 66.4 PPG. Meanwhile, the Tigers have been an awful defensive team on the road, allowing 83.9 PPG in true road games. The Knights get their revenge. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-16-19 | Temple v. South Florida +1 | 70-69 | Push | 0 | 11 h 18 m | Show | |
My 3rd play of Saturday's STP is a 9* on USF at 6;00 ET. No. 9 Houston is atop the American Athletic Conference at 11-1 with just over a month remaining until Selection Sunday. Cincy is at 9-2, UCF at 8-3 and the 18-7 Temple Owls check in at 8-4. Temple knows that it has little margin for error if it hopes to reach the NCAA Tournament. The Owls pay a visit to Tampa on Saturday to face USF, which is 17-7 overall, including 7-5 in AAC play. Temple's off an eight-point home win over SMU, while USF is off a 78-65 loss at UCF. However, Temple should take note the Bulls team nearly beat the Owls in Philadelphia back on Jan 12, before ultimately dropping an 82-80 decision in overtime. It's nothing new that the Owls got the bulk of their scoring in their win over SMU from their trio of guards (59 of the team's 82 points), Shizz Alston, Quinton Rose and Nate Pierre-Louis. Alston, the team's leading scorer at PPG, registered 28 points in that contest and made multiple 3-pointers for the 16th time in his last 17 games. Rose (16.6) added 15 points and Pierre-Louis (13.9 & 6.0) added 16 points.That said, other Temple players contributed, as well. The 6-10 Ernest Aflakpui (6.2 & 7.1) grabbed 10 rebounds, the 6-7 J.P. Moorman II (5.6 & 3.7) had a career-high seven assists with nine rebounds plus guard Alani Moore (4.9) pitched in four assists and two steals off the bench. The Bulls are led offensively by guard David Collins (15.4), who enters this contest with four straight 20-point efforts while shooting nearly 57 percent from the floor over that stretch. The 6-8 Alexis Yetna is just shy of averaging a double-double on the season (12.5 & 9.9) and he also shoots 44.1 percent from the three-point line. Justin Brown (8.4) has knocked down a team-leading 45 three-pointers, including nearly 60 percent of his long-range attempts over the last five outings. Junior transfer Laquincy Rideau continues to shine at the point, averaging 13.7 points along with league highs of 5.8 assists and 3.1 steals per game. However, Rideau was awful against UCF, shooting 3-of-17 in the road loss. That said, Rideau notched 18 points, 10 assists and 10 steals against Temple last month. It was just the SIXTH points-assists-steals triple-double in Division I over the last 20 seasons! Expect South Florida to continue its climb into the top half of the American Athletic Conference with a win here. The Bulls have already won their most contests (17) since 2011-12 and have clearly left the recent past in the rear-view mirror. USF is off seasons of 10, 7, 8, 9 and 12 wins.The Bulls allow just 66.1 PPG (46th) on the season and here at home, are 13-2 SU, allowing only 63.3 PPG. Home teams gets this win. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-16-19 | Baylor v. Texas Tech -7 | 61-86 | Win | 100 | 7 h 18 m | Show | |
My 1st play of Saturday's STP is an 8* on Texas Tech at 2:00 ET. No. 15 Texas Tech is surging up the Big 12 standings with five wins in its last six games. The 20-5 Red Raiders are 8-4 in league play (tied with Kansas), 1 1/2-games back of conference leading Kansas St (9-2). Texas Tech welcomes 16-8 Baylor (7-4 in Big 12) to Lubbock on a three-game winning streak in which the Red Raiders have won by an average of 23.7 PPG. Baylor beat Texas Tech at home 73-62 back on Jan 19, a victory which was part of a six-game winning streak for the Bears. However, they then lost two in a row before upending Oklahoma 59-53 at home Monday night. The Bears had allowed an average of 77 points in losses to Texas and Kansas State, before limiting the Sooners to 22 second-half points in Monday's win Junior guard Devonte Bandoo (averaging just 7.7 PPG on the season) connected on a career-high five 3-pointers, en route to 19 points. Leading scorer Makai Mason (15.6) returned from a one-game layoff to make just two of his 14 shot attempts, but the senior led the way with a career high-tying eight assists. Injuries just HAVE to be an issue for Baylor down the stretch, as the Bears lost the 6-9 Clark (14.6 & 6.2). to a season-ending knee injury on Jan 8 and senior G King McClure (9.9 & 5,4) has missed two straight games with a knee injury and is listed day-to-day. Sophomore "do-everything" guard Jarrett Culver leads Tech with 17.7 PPG (ranks third in the Big 12) plus adds 6.2 RPG and 3.6 APG. Senior guard Matt Mooney (10.8) and sophomore guard Davide Moretti (10.6) nicely complement Culver on the perimeter for Tech. Up front, the 6-10 Owens (8.3 & 5.4) and 6-8 center Odiase (4.1 & 5.3) are the biggest contributors. The Bears have had to reinvent themselves after losing sophomore big man Tristan Clark and now head coach Scott Drew doesn't know when guard King McClure will return from a knee injury. This hardly seems like the best time to visit Lubbock, with the Red Raiders seeking revenge from that January loss in Waco. Head coach Chris Beard's Red Raiders identity is unabashedly defense. The Red Raiders are first in the nation in defensive field goal percentage (36.2) and second in scoring defense (57.0). Here in Lubbock, Tech is 13-1 SU, outscoring opponents 74.6-to-52.8 PPG. Lay it! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-16-19 | Oklahoma v. TCU -5.5 | 71-62 | Loss | -109 | 5 h 11 m | Show | |
My 9* Eye-Opener is on TCU at 12:00 ET. Oklahoma is 15-10 overall but a woeful 3-9 in Big-12 play (ahead of only 2-9 Okla St & WVa). The Sooners visit Ft Worth on Saturday afternoon to take on the 17-7 TCU Horned Frogs, who sit 5-6 in Big 12 play. The Sooners enter on a season-high five-game losing streak, after a 59-53 setback Monday at Baylor. As for TCU, the Horned Frogs saw their 12-game conference home winning streak come to an end, as TCU was outlasted 82-77 by Kansas on Monday, its first home loss to a Big 12 opponent in over a year. Late-game execution once again was the Sooners’ downfall on Monday, as Oklahoma was held scoreless in the final two minutes. “You’ve got to play really well to have a chance, and we haven’t played enough 40 minutes of basketball,” Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger said after the defeat. “It seems like every game, we find a stretch or something that hurts us, and we’ve got to try to work through that.” The Sooners were an 'ugly' 3-for-18 from three-point range vs Baylor, setting season lows for makes and three-point percentage (16.7). 6-4 senior guard Christian James leads in scoring (15.4) and rebounding (7.0), while the 6-9 Manek (11.6 & 6.5) is the only other Sooner in double digits. However, six Oklahoma players chip in between 4.2 and 9.4 PPG. TCU lost on Monday but freshman Kendric Davis has recorded consecutive double-digit scoring performances for the first time, as he finished with 16 points while adding a career-high seven assists on Monday. He's filled in nicely for guard Fisher (12.9), who is out for the season and will transfer. Davis averages 6.5 PPG and backs up junior guard Bane (15.7 & 5.4) and senior PG Robinson (12.9 & 7.3 APG) on the perimeter. Up front, the 6-7 Noi (14.8 & 4.1) and the 6-8 Miller (10.4 & 6.5) surround 6-11 freshman center Samuel (7.3 & 7.2). TCU has way more offensive options than Oklahoma, as only James and Manek are in double digits. What's more, James is only 15 of 51 from floor (29.4%), averaging a mere 10 PPG his last five contests. The five days off between games will be much needed by the Horned Frogs, as three players set career highs in minutes played during Monday’s overtime loss, Bane (44), Davis (36) and Noi (42). Lay the points with TCU, which is 11-2 SU at home, allowing just 67.3 PPG. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-15-19 | Harvard v. Princeton -1.5 | 78-69 | Loss | -109 | 12 h 48 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Princeton at 7:00 ET. 15-4 Yale sits atop the Ivy League at 5-1, with Cornell, Harvard and Princeton a game back at 4-2. Harvard (a 10-point home favorite) appeared to be in complete control with a 13 point lead at the half last Saturday but the Big Red went on a 46-27 second half run, as Cornell snapped Harvard's five-game winning streak. With Harvard's five-game homestand now in the rear-view mirror, the Crimson take to the Ivy road the next two weekends, beginning with tonight's game in Princeton against the Tigers. Princeton (also 4-2 in Ivy play) is 12-7 overall (Harvard is 11-8). The Tigers just completed four road games the last two weekends and now (in direct contrast to Harvard), will be home these next two weekends. Harvard's Bryce Aiken did not play in the Crimson's Ivy opening loss on Jan 12 to Dartmouth but he made his junior season debut on Jan 21 at Howard, 348 days to the date he went down in agony in Morningside Heights, as the Crimson suffered a rare loss to the Columbia Lions (his left knee would require offseason surgery). Aiken averaged 14.1 PPG last season and in six games this season, is averaging 19.2 PPG. The 6-9 Chris Lewis (11.9 & 4,3) and guard Bassey (10.3 & 7.3) have been stalwarts this season, although Bassey did not play in the loss to Cornell (?). Guards Juzang (9.7) and Kirkwood (9.2) plus the 6-8 Djuricic (7.3 & 4.1) round out the main contributors. Princeton's senior guard Cannady (19.8) is one of the Ivy's best backcourt players and is joined in the backcourt by fellow senior Stephens (12.6), who is also the team's leading rebounder (6.5). Freshman guard Llewellyn joined the team in December and is closing in on averaging double digits at 9.3 PPG. 6-9 center Aririguzoh averages 11.4 & 5.9. The winner here keeps it close with Yale (the Bulldogs are a big road favorite tonight at Columbia) and note that Harvard is just 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games overall plus enters this game 1-5 ATS in its last six away games (lone cover at Howard of the MEAC). Princeton had a seven-game winning streak snapped with back to back road losses last weekend and the Tigers will be happy to get back home, The Tigers won 67-66 at then-No. 17 Arizona State during their seven-game winning streak and I like them here at home vs the overrated Crimson. The price is cheap! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-15-19 | Brown v. Cornell | Top | 66-70 | Win | 100 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
My 10* Conference Crusher (Ivy League) is on Cornell at 7:00 ET. The Brown Bears and the Cornell Big Red meet in Ithaca, NY for Ivy League action from the Newman Arena at Bartels Hall on Friday night. The Brown Bears beat Princeton 78-70 in its last outing and comes in 14-8 overall but just 2-4 in Ivy League play. Meanwhile, Cornell swept Dartmouth and Harvard on the Ivy road last weekend and while the Big Red are 12-10 overall, they are 4-2 in conference play (tied with Harvard and Princeton), just one-game back of first-place Yale (5-1). Desmond Cambridge led Brown in scoring as a freshman (17.3) and tops the team again this season, averaging 16.4 PPG. That said, 6-5 SF Choh (12.8), could be the team's best all-around player, leading in rebounds (8.9) and assists (3.5). Senior guard Okolie (11.0) is the the team's third double-digit scorer. Cornell's Matt Morgan has led the Ivy League in scoring in each of the last three seasons and the senior is well on his way to making if FOUR times in four years. He enters the season having scored in double digits in 51 straight games and has extended that streak to 73 in a row, this season (he's averaging 23.5 PPG and 4.5 RPG). 6-8 swingman Warren adds 10.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG and 3.1 APG. Jimmy Boeheim (Coach Boeheim's son) rounds out the double digit scorers at 10.6 PPG and the 6-6 Julian is the team's top rebounder at 6.5 per game (adds just a modest 4.0 PPG). "The Ancient Eight" (as the Ivy used to be called) joined the rest of the college hoops world by holding a postseason tourney a few years back but only the top-four teams get in. onA loss here by Brown (would fall to 2-5) could put the Bears' tourney hopes on 'life-support.' However, "must win" doesn't mean "will win." It's hardly good news that Brown's leading scorer (Cambridge) comes in shooting just 12 of 61 (19.7%) from the floor in his last four contests. Cornell's "road sweep" last weekend (see above) is a good sign for the Big Red, as is Cornell's recent domination of Brown (won both meetings last year). In fact, Cornell is 15-5-2 ATS in the last 22 meetings between these two schools and Brown limps in 1-9-1 ATS in its last 11 Ivy games. Go Big Red! | |||||||
02-14-19 | BYU v. San Diego -3.5 | Top | 88-82 | Loss | -108 | 14 h 53 m | Show |
My 10* LEGEND play is on San Diego at 10:00 ET. It's live from the Jenny Craig Pavilion in San Diego on Thursday night, as 16-win teams BYU and San Diego square off in WCC action. The Cougars are 16-10 overall and their 8-3 league mark puts them in second -place behind only the No. 3-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs, who are 23-2 (including 10-0 in WCC play). BYU looks to build on their current 3-game winning streak, after a 69-59 win over Pacific in the team's last outing. San Diego is hoping for a little more consistency, after alternating wins and losses in each of its last four games. The Toreros lost 70-67 at Pepperdine in their last outing, failing to avenge their LONE home loss of the season (more on that, later).. The 6-8 Yoeli Childs led the Cougars with 19 points along with 13 rebounds for the double-double in BYU's win over Pacific. Guard Connor Harding (13 points) was the only other BYU player to finish in double figures. BYU can score, averaging 80.2 PPG (36th). Childs leads the Cougars in scoring (21.0) and rebounding (9.7) but the biggest percentage of BYU's offense comes from the perimeter. PG Haws averages 17.0 PPG and 5.0 APG and Hardnett just misses out on double digits with 9.7 PPG, Another trio of guards combine for about 20 PPG. bYU's problem is a defense that allows 75.4 PPG (272nd) San Diego's 6-7 Isaiah Pineiro(19.2 & 9.0) will be a excellent counter to BYU's Childs. As for the backcourt, Carter averages 16.0 PPG, Wright 13.4 & 4.0 and PG Williams 8.8 & 3.1 APG. Helping out Pineiro up front are the 6-10 Massalski (7.6 & 5.9) and the 6-8 Floresca (5.2 & 3.1). San Diego doesn't score as much as BYU, as the Toreros check in averaging 73.5 PPG but they play better D, allowing 68.0 PPG (91st) BYU owns lots of firepower but the Cougars have been betrayed by theri porous D, especially on the road. BYU is 3-7 SU in true road games this season, allowing 86.5 PPG. BYU is 3-11 ATS in their last 14 road games and 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games against a team with a winning record. Sure, it's slightly uncomfortable laying points with an inconsistent San Diego team but the Toreros are 11-1 SU at home (lone loss to Pepperdine) and BYU's only conference road wins have come at Pacific, Pepperdine and Portland, teams which have combined to go 8-25 in WCC play. BYU's play against higher-quality opposition has seen them lose three times by 19 or more vs WCC 'heavies' Gonzaga, USF, & Saint Mary’s. San Diego is clearly NOT in Gonzaga's class but the Toreros are on par with the latter two. San Diego easily beat BYU at Jenny Craig last year (75-62) and is BYU is 4-0 ATS in BYU's last four visits to this venue. Also note that BYU's third-leading scorer (Hardnett) is sidelined with hand injury. Make that 5-0! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-13-19 | Arizona State v. Colorado -1 | Top | 73-77 | Win | 100 | 12 h 31 m | Show |
My 10* Conference Crusher (Pac 12) is on Colorado a7%) run with all CBB plays since Saturday.t 10:30 ET. The Colorado Buffs opened the season 9-3 in non-conference games but when Pac-12 play began, Colorado started 2-6. However, the Buffs have rebounded from their poor Pac-12 start to post impressive double-digit wins over Oregon and UCLA, before winning 69-65 at USC Saturday as a 5 1/2-point underdog. Suddenly, Colorado is the hottest team in the Pac-12. The 14-9 Buffaloes (5-6 in Pac-12 play) will try to build on their positive mojo Wednesday night when they host 16-7 Arizona State. The Sun Devils have won five of their last seven contests and are tied with Utah and Oregon State for second place at 7-4. That’s still a full three games in back of Washington but Arizona State is fresh off handing the Huskies their first conference setback, winning 75-63 at home Saturday night. Two days have struggling through one of their worst shooting games of the season (33.8-percent in a 91-70 home loss to Washington State), the Sun Devils shot a season-best 61.7 percent in beating Washington. Forward Romello White had 17 points to lead four Arizona State players in double figures and also was one of three Sun Devils to collect at least eight rebounds. ASU dominated the Washington 40-23 on the boards. Led by guards Luguentz Dort (16.2 points per game) and Remy Martin (13.1), five players are averaging double figures for Arizona State. Senior forward Zylan Cheatham (11.5 & 11.0) plus guard Edwards at 10.4 and the 6-7 Lawrence at 10.O are the other two. White (9.3 & 5.7, just misses. ASU leads the conference in overall scoring at 78.9 PPG (that's 52nd nationally) and average rebound margin (7.1). As for Colorado, even with its win streak, the Buffaloes haven’t gained much ground in the Pac-12 standings. They are currently part of a four-way tie for seventh place at 5-6. Only Washington State (3-8) and hapless California (0-11) are worse. That said, the Buffs have dominated defensively during their current three-game win streak, holding Oregon, UCLA and USC to a combined 39.6 shooting, including 17-of-70 from three-point range (24,3%). PG McKinley Wright leads the team with 13.0 PPG and 4.9 APG. Swingman Tyler Bey adds 12.0 PPG and a team-high 8.9 RPG. 6-10 forward Lucas Siewert (11.3 & 5.1) and guard Gatling (10.7) round out the double digit scorers. I noted Colorado's excellent defensive play earlier but the Buffs have played excellent D all season long. Colorado is third in the conference in allowing 68.8 PPG and is limiting the opposition to 30.5-percent shooting from three-point range (33rd nationally). Arizona State’s 61.7-percent shooting outing versus Washington marked its first 60-pecent showing in a Pac-12 game since 2013.DO NOT expect a repeat performance here in Boulder, where the Buffs are 8-2 SU. No real pointspread to worry about here. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-13-19 | Ole Miss v. Auburn -8 | 60-55 | Loss | -112 | 12 h 29 m | Show | |
My 9* Revenge Rout is on Auburn at 8:30 ET. Ole Miss was picked to finish last in the SEC preseason media poll but the Rebels, under first-year head coach Kermit Davis, opened the season 13-2 and a near-perfect 14-1 ATS. The Rebels have cooled since that incredible start but at 16-7 (6-4 in the SEC) are making a serious bid for their first trip to the NCAA Tournament in four seasons. Ole Miss has answered a four-game losing streak with back-to-back victories and looks to complete a season sweep of the Tigers tonight in Auburn. The Tigers won NINE of their first 10 games but have gone 7-6, since. Auburn was ranked 14th at 13-3, when it lost to Kentucky, the first of a three-game skid. The Tigers snapped that three-game losing skid by winning three in a row but then blew an early 16-point lead in Saturday's 83-78 loss at LSU (currently ranked 19th). Ole Miss rode a 31-point performance from Breein Tyree to an 80-64 win at Georgia on Saturday, moving them to 6-4 in conference play, the first time it has been above .500 through 10 games in the SEC since last going to the NCAAs in 2014-15. Tyree is Ole Miss' leading scorer (18.5) and has been on a tear over the past five games, averaging 24.0 points. Backcourt mate Davis is second on the team in scoring (16.2) plus leads in rebounding (6.3) and assist (3.6). He has scored in double figures in 12 consecutive games but note that no other Rebel averages more than 9.3 PPG. Senior guard Bryce Brown (16.7) is the Auburn's leading scorer and junior PG Jared Harper (15.6) leads the SEC in assists (6.3), 6-8 sophomore forward Chuma Okeke (10.5 7 6.7) has stepped up with 6-11 junior Austin Wiley's missing four straight with a leg injury. Wiley's hardly played the last two games but still checks in at 9.6 & 5.5 on the season. Okeke has 12 points in the loss to LS( he's been in double digits on SEVEN of his last eight) plus added a season-high 14 rebounds. Auburn was CLEARLY rusty in its 82-67 Jan 9 loss at Ole Miss, as that contest followed an extended 11-day layoff. In this rematch (or should I say, "revenge" match?), expect the Tigers to be energized at Auburn Arena, where they are 12-1 SU (lone loss a two-point one vs Kentucky), outscoring opponents 87.5-to-63.8 PPG. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-13-19 | Syracuse v. NC State -3 | 58-73 | Win | 100 | 8 h 5 m | Show | |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout Winner is on NC Stata at 8:00 ET. It's an ACC clash Wednesday in Raleigh, as 17-7 Syracuse (8-3 in league play) visits 17-7 NC State (5-6 in league play). Syracuse bounced back from an 'ugly' 82-60 home loss to Florida State a week ago Tuesday with a 67-56 home win over Boston College on Saturday. The Wolfpack struggled through a rough stretch that saw them lose four of five — all to ranked teams — but managed to hold off the late-charging Pitt Panthers for the 79-76 road win on Saturday. Buddy Boeheim, a freshman guard averaging 13.5 minutes and 5.7 PPG, had a career-high 16 points in the win over BC. "He's helping us," Boeheim’s father and head coach Jim Boeheim told reporters after the game. "He's making shots. We need somebody to make shots out there and he's making shots." Junior guard and leading scorer Tyus Battle (17.9 points per game) once again led the Orange with 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Up front, it's forwards Elijah Hughes (14.0 & 4.3) and Oshae Brissett (13.6 & 8.0). Boeheim's zone D is giving opponents fits this season (as always), as Syracuse allows just 64.0 PPG (21st on 39.4% shooting (15th). Kevin Keatts' Wolfpack like to put as many as four guards on the floor at a time and push the tempo. Swingman Torin Dorn is the team’s top scorer (13.6) and rebounder (6.6) despite being just 6-6, while C.J. Bryce (12.5 & 5.0) and PG Markell Johnson (11.1 & 4.0 APG) both shoot better than 40 percent from three-point range. Devon Daniels (9.5) and Braxton Beverly (9.8) also contribute to a talent-rich backcourt. 6-10 sophomore Funderbunk (8.5 & 4.1) is NC State's best inside player. The Wolfpack were in desperate need of a win, as their losing streak saw them drop out of the top-25 and to the bottom half of the ACC standings. They got one by competing hard at both ends of the court in the win over BC. Now, it's time to beat a quality opponent. The last time the Wolfpack played at home (Feb 2), they were held to 24 points by Virginia Tech.However, they are averaging 87.5 points over their last two games (both on the road). Despite NC State's 'nigthmare' of game vs Va Tech, the Wolfpack are 12-3 SU at home, outscoring opponents 82.9-to-64.7 PPG. Expect an easy win for NC State, here. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-13-19 | SMU v. Temple -4.5 | 74-82 | Win | 100 | 11 h 2 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Temple at 7:00 ET. It's an AAC contest Wednesday night as the SMU Mustangs (4-7 in AAC play) travel to Philly to take on the 17-7 Temple Owls (7-4 in AAC play). SMU most recently lost by six points to UCF and enters this contest having lost SIX of its last seven games.As for Temple, the Owls were crushed 76-58 by Tulsa 76-58 on Saturday, as leading scorers Shizz Alston Jr., Quinton Rose and Nate Pierre-Louis combined to shoot 8-of-31 from the floor (26%). The Mustangs hope to break a four-game losing streak in tonight's game at Temple. Jimmy Whitt Jr. had a career-high 23 points for SMU against UCF but he went scoreless in five minutes against UCF. Head coach Tim Jankovich said, "He was late for practice yesterday, so that was a big part of it. And it's been hard for him to practice. Last week he didn't one time and then this two days before the game he only practiced once because he's a little dinged up. Hopefully he'll get healthy quickly." If McMurray is hurting against Temple, can guard Whitt (12.9-6.4-4.5) and the 6-8 Isiaha Mike (12.3 & 5.1) step up? Mike notched his first double-double of the season (18 points, 10 boards) against the Knights. The 6-9 Chargois (12.3 & 6.7) also averages in double digits. Temple owns a three-headed scoring attack on the perimeter in PG Shizz Alston Jr. (18.1 & 5.0 APG) plus fellow guards Quinton Rose (16.6) and Nate Pierre-Louis (13.8 & 5.9) The Owls endured a putrid effort against Tulsa, as only Alston (4-of-14) made more than two field goals and the team as a whole managed a total of five two-point baskets in the game. Rose committed seven turnovers and shot just 2-of-12 from the floor. Pierre-Louis (12 points) has scored in double figures in 12 of the last 13 games but is just 4 of 22 from three-point range in the previous seven games. Temple is still very much alive for a third-place finish in the AAC (behind Houston and Cincy) and is 9-2 SU at home. This price seems very "doable," as I expect Temple's perimeter trio (see above), to return to form. Lay the short price. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-12-19 | Alabama v. Mississippi State -5.5 | 62-81 | Win | 100 | 15 h 7 m | Show | |
My 8* Las Vegas Insider is on Miss St at 9:00 ET. Alabama’s 83-79 home win over then-No. 22 Mississippi State on Jan 29 helped the Crimson Tide right the ship in the SEC. 15-8 Alabama has won three of its last four games to climb into a tie for fifth place in the SEC standings at 6-4. As for the Miss St Bulldogs, they have headed in the opposite direction by losing three of their last four contests. Miss St (16-7 / 4-6) let two close home games against ranked opponents slip away last week. The Bulldogs lost 92-88 in overtime against No. 21 LSU and then pushed No. 5 Kentucky to the brink of a 71-67 defeat. Alabama is a perimeter-based team, led by freshman PG Lewis (14.3 & 3.0 APG) and sophomore guard Petty (11.7 & 4.1). That duo is joined by Mack (9.0 & 3.7) and Ingram (7.6 & 4.0). Alabama's lone inside threat is the 6-9 Hall (10.9 & 8.7). Miss St opened 12-1 but enters this contest just 4-6 in its last 10. The Bulldogs are led by one of the SEC’s most dynamic players. The 6-5 Quinndary Weatherspoon averages 17.9 PPG (5.5 RPG) and can score in numerous ways. PG Lamar Peters (12.4 & 5.7 APG) is a solid play-maker and the duo is joined by Weatherspoon's brother Nick (9.8) on the perimeter. Starting up front are the 6-11 Perry (8.7 & 6.4) and the 6-11 Aldo (5.0 & 4.8). However, the Bulldogs' best frontcourt player comes off the bench, as the 6-10 Holman averages 10.6 PPG and a team-high 7.0 RPG. Revenge should work here, as Miss St is 10-3 SU at home, while averaging 84.2 PPG. Freshman forward Reggie Perry has moved into the starting lineup in the last three games and is averaging 14.4 points and nine rebounds over his last five contests. Miss St has way more depth up front and the Bulldogs' guard trio of the Weatherspoon brothers and Peters is more than a match for Alabama's guards. Home team wins with "room to spare.!" Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-12-19 | Butler v. St. John's -3.5 | Top | 73-77 | Win | 100 | 15 h 48 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on St John's at 8:30 ET. Marquette edged Villanova on Saturday, 66-65. The result left the Wildcats at 10-1 and moved the Golden Eagles to 9-2. Those schools are well ahead of the rest of the pack in the conference, as the Big East has five teams tied for third at 5-6 in league play. Two of that quintet of teams, which all look up at Villanova and Marquette, will meet Tuesday night when 14-10 Butler visits 17-7 St. John's. All five of those schools will need a strong stretch run if they plan on making this year's NCAA Tournament. Butler rebounded from a three-game losing streak by winning its last two contests by just a combined six points. The Bulldogs' leading scorer Kamar Baldwin had 18 points to help Butler to a 73-69 victory at Georgetown on Saturday. The junior guard leads the team in scoring (17.2) and rebounding (5.0) and is joined on the perimeter by Jorgensen (11.8) and PG Thompson (6.1 & 4.2 APG). 6-7 sophomore forward Jordan Tucker (Duke transfer) scored 14 of his 15 points prior to the break in the win at Georgetown and is now averaging 10.0 & 5.2 since becoming eligible 15 games ago. 6-6 forward McDermott adds 9.9 & 3.8 while the center duo of the 6-11 Brunk (8.1 & 4.1) and the 6-10 Fowler (5.5 & 4.0) complete Butler's major contributors. St John's is coming off a damaging 70-56 home loss to Providence on Saturday. That 56-point effort was the Red Storm's worst in Big East action since it was held to 45 in a loss at Butler last season. The absence of second-leading scorer Mustapha Heron (15.0 & 4.9) with a knee issue was a factor. Junior PG Shamorie Ponds scored 20 points and checks in at 20.7-4.6-5.3 on the season. Fellow guard Figueroa averages 14.3 PPG and a team-high 6.5 RPG plus another guard, Simon, adds 10.1-4.8-3.5. St John's doesn't have much size up front, as the 6-7 Clark (11.4 & 5.8) is the team's best frontcourt player. Butler has won seven of the last nine meetings with St John's, including 80-71 at home back on Jan 19 (Baldwin had 30 points). Yes, Butler has made the "Big Dance" in 10 of the previous 12 years but the prospects for a 2018 invite are bleak. Butler has won just two of seven road games this season (averaging only 65.7 PPG), while St John's checks in 9-3 SU at home, where the Red Storm are outscoring opponents 80.7-to-69.6 PPG. More good news comes St John's way in that Heron is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday (see above). Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-12-19 | Purdue v. Maryland +1 | 56-70 | Win | 100 | 13 h 42 m | Show | |
My 9* Conf Crusher (Big Ten) is on Maryland at 6:30 ET. 17-6 Purdue will be in College Park on Tuesday night to play 18-6 Maryland. The Boilermakers come in off an 81-62 win over the Cornhuskers on Saturday night, the school's EIGHTH in a row. Purdue sits 10-2 in Big Ten play, a half-game back of first-place Michigan. The Terps have had six days off since last Wednesday's 60-45 victory at Nebraska and sit 9-4 in league play, tied for fourth-place. The Boilermakers eked out a 62-60 victory in the first meeting between the two teams back on Dec 6 in West Lafayette. Preseason All-American guard Carsen Edwards scored 20 points in that first meeting, while sophomore guard Nojel Eastern's blocked Darryl Morsell's potential game-winning three-point try at the buzzer. Edwards leads the Big Ten in scoring (24.6), which also ranks seventh nationally, He's joined on the perimeter by Cline (12.7) and Eastern (7.0 & 5.3), while the 7-3 Haarms gives the Boilermakers a big inside presence, averaging 7.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Four forwards combine to add about 23 points and 16 rebounds per contest. Maryland begins a stretch where it plays three consecutive top-20 ranked teams with this game vs No. 12 Purdue. The 24th-ranked Terrapins then hit the road to play at No. 6 Michigan and No. 21 Iowa,. Junior PG Anthony Cowan Jr. had 18 points and six assists in the first meeting. He leads the Maryland in scoring (16.2) and assists (4.5). He gets help in the backcourt from Ayala (8.9), Wiggins (8.3) and Morsell (8.0). 6-10 sophomore Bruno Fernando is second on the team in scoring (14.8) plus adds a team-high 10.7 RPG (ranks second in the Big Ten). 6-10 freshman forward Jalen Smith (11.8 & 7.0) is coming in off his third double-double (18 points & 11 rebounds) in the win at Nebraska. Purdue was an underachieving 9-6 in early January but an 84-80 OT win at Wisconsin on Jan 11, jump started an eight game win skein (7-1 ATS). The Boilermakers a good team but far from great. Maryland is an outstanding defensive team (64.9 PPG ranks 37th in the nation) and is 12-2 SU at home. The 6-10 Fernando has recorded a double-double in 15 games this season, including the last six in a row, leading the way for a team which leads the Big Ten and was tied for second in the nation entering the week in rebounding margin (plus-10.4). This is the first of a tough three-game stretch for the Terps (see above) and the ONLY one of the three that the Terps get at home. Expect the home team to prevail. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-10-19 | Stanford v. Oregon -6 | 46-69 | Win | 100 | 12 h 46 m | Show | |
My 9* Conference Crusher (Pac-12) is on Oregon at 8:00 ET. Stanford is 12-10 (5-5 in Pac-12) and Oregon is 14-9 (also 5-5 in Pac-12). However, both schools are still alive for a top-four seed and a first-round bye in next month’s Pac-12 Tournament. Washington is running away with things at 10-1 but the winner of tonight's game will tie USC at 6-5, leaving them just one game behind 7-4 schools Ore St, Utah and Arz St, who are all tied for 2nd-place in the conference. The Cardinal look to build on one of their most complete efforts of the season, after shooting 54 percent from the floor and out-rebounding the Beavers 41-26 in Thursday’s 83-60 win at Oregon State. The Ducks bounced back from an ugly 73-51 loss at Colorado, by defeating last-place California 73-62 on Wednesday. The Cardinal have won four of their last five and with just one senior on the roster, Stanford has relied heavily on young players. 6-9 sophomore forward Oscar da Silva (10.0 & 5.7) recorded a career-high 23 points, nine rebounds and a career-high seven assists against OSU. Fellow 6-9 sophomore forward KZ Okpala ranks third in the league in scoring (17.7) while shooting 41 percent from three-point range (he adds 6.0 RPG). However, he was held to 10 points on 2-of-9 shooting against Oregon State. Stanford played much of the game without starting PG Daejon Davis (12.6-3.1-4.2), as he suffered an apparent head injury early in the second half and is listed as day-to-day. 7-0 center Josh Sharma (8.7 & 5.6) leads the Pac-12 in field-goal percentage at 67.5 percent and had 20 points along with eight rebounds in Thursday’s victory. Oregon obviously misses the 7-2 Bol Bol (21.0 & 9.6) but 6-9 freshman Louis King is thriving, averaging 11.6 & 5.1. Junior guard Payton Pritchard (11.8-4.0-3.1) snapped out of a shooting slump by recording his second career double-double with 20 points and a career-high 10 rebounds against Cal. However, Pritchard has handed over point guard duties to freshman Will Richardson (6.8), who had a season-high nine assists in Wednesday’s victory. The Ducks own an athletic frontcourt, as 6-9 senior forward Paul White (10. 7 & 3.7) and the 6-9 Wooten (6.7 & 4.5) join King (note: White has scored in double figures in NINE of the last 11 games). Don't think much of Stanford, while Oregon is still a capable home team, going 10-4 SU and winning by an average of 11 PPG. This pointspread is more than manageable. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-10-19 | Georgia Tech v. Notre Dame -5.5 | 59-69 | Win | 100 | 10 h 50 m | Show | |
My 9* Revenge Rout is on Notre Dame at 6:00 ET. Two struggling ACC teams square off Sunday when 11-12 Georgia Tech (3-7 ACC) travels to South Bend to take on 12-11 Notre Dam (2-8 ACC).Wins have been difficult to come by for both schools, as the Yellow Jackets have lost FOUR straight games since knocking off Notre Dame 63-61 in Atlanta back on Jan 22, while the Fighting Irish have dropped SIX of their past seven games while The win over ND was the last time the Yellow Jackets were truly at full strength, as sophomore guard Jose Alvarado continues to battle nagging injuries while going 1-for-20 from the floor in the past two games, losses to Florida State and Clemson. “PG Alvarado (12.0-3.9-3.4) is Georgia Tech’s leading scorer and only the 6-9 Banks joins him in double digits at 10.5 PPG (plus a team-high 7.3 RPG). Ga Tech is one of the nation's lowest-scoring teams, averaging 65.8 PPG, ranking 326th! Things aren’t much better for the Fighting Irish on the offensive end. They shot a season-worst 32 percent from the floor while going 4-for-28 from three-point range in a 62-47 loss Wednesday at Miami. Notre Dame's offensive woes have been a season-long challenge, as the Irish rank 14th in the ACC and 327th nationally in field-goal percentage (40.5 percent). Standing out from the rest, 6-9 junior forward John Mooney leads the conference in rebounds and is the only ACC player to average a double-double (14.3 & 10.7), quite a jump from his 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game averages from a season ago. The Irish do feature two solid PGs, in junior Temple Gibbs (13.1 & 3.6 APG) and freshman Prentiss Hubb (7.5 & 3.6 APG). This game figures to be the best chance for either school to get a win in the near future. The Yellow Jackets play three of their next six games after Sunday against ranked teams: at No. 11 Virginia Tech on Tuesday, vs No. 22 Florida State on Feb 16 and at No. 3 Virginia on Feb 27. Notre Dame’s schedule is even tougher, with four of its next five opponents ranked in the top-25: at Virginia on Feb 16, vs Virginia Tech on Feb. 23, at Florida State on Feb 25 and at No. 16 Louisville on Mar 3. Ga Tech has averaged a woeful 59.7 PPG in its seven true road games this season, while Notre Dame is averaging 73.1 PPG in its 15 home contests. Throw in the "revenge angle" (ND lost by two at Ga Tech) and the Irish get the win with "room to spare." Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-10-19 | Connecticut v. Memphis -7 | Top | 71-78 | Push | 0 | 6 h 58 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Memphis at 2:00 ET. UConn began the season 6-1, including a win against Syracuse. It seemed as if players and fans alike were attracted to first year head coach Dan Hurley's intense attitude and aggressive play on the court. However, to put it mildly, Connecticut has had its share of ups-and-downs and comes into Sunday's game at Memphis 13-10 overall, including 4-6 in AAC play. What's more, senior guard Jalen Adams (17.0-3.8-3.) is out for the next four to six weeks, which basically means the season. Memphis also features a first-year head coach but Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway is facing NONE of the issues Hurley is dealing with. The well-liked mentor has his Tigers at 13-10 as well, including 5-5 in league play. Adams was coming off an altercation with Hurley in UConn's previous game and then played just six minutes in the team's 81-63 loss at Temple on Wednesday, before suffering a sprained MCL in his left knee. 6-9 sophomore forward Josh Carlton (8.6 & 5.9) didn't post a double-double in his first 54 games at UConn but he had 18 points and 13 rebounds against Temple for his second straight, following a 20 & 16 performance against East Carolina. Junior guard Christian Vital (14.0 & 6.0) had 18 points and 13 rebounds against the Owls, while Eric Cobb (4.0 & 4.2) added 13 points and five rebounds. He's getting extra time because Alterique Gilbert (13.0 & 3.8 APG) has missed three straight games with a shoulder injury. Memphis knows all about star guards, as the Tigers feature PG Jeremiah Martin. He made a career-high eight, three-pointers while scored a game-high 26 points against No. 25 Cincinnati on Thursday. However, it wasn't enough, as the Bearcats rallied from an 11-point deficit early in the second half for a 69-64 victory. "We didn't rebound the ball (well) in the second half and they got a couple of easy baskets," said Martin, who was coming off a career-high 41-point effort at South Florida. Martin is averaging 16.7-4.0-4.3 on the season.The 6-8 Davenport chips in 14.3 & 7.4 plus freshman guard Harris adds 12.1 PPG. Hardaway likes to use his bench and Memphis has six more player averaging between 5.5 and 8.8 PPG. UConn is an un-perfect 0-5 SU in true road games and that streak doesn't figure to end here (especially without Adams) against a Memphis team which is 11-2 SU at home, averaging a whopping 87.7 PPG. Memphis is 8-3 as a home favorite, including a PERFECT 6-0 when laying less than double digits! Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-09-19 | Washington v. Arizona State -1 | Top | 63-75 | Win | 100 | 13 h 0 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on Arizona St at 10;00 ET. Washington returned all five starters from LY's 21-win team (NIT, not NCAA bid) but did anyone expect 12 straight wins and a 10-0 conference start, the school's best since 1952-53? Washington won at Arizona for the first time in seven years 67-60 on Thursday, despite senior forward Noah Dickerson (12.6 & 6.7) struggling with an ankle issue plus senior guard Matisse Thybulle (10.0) and senior forward Dominic Green (6.8) struggling with the flu (entire coaching staff was ill). The 19-4 Huskies (10-0 Pac 12) head to Tempe tonight to face the 15-7 Arizona State Sun Devils (6-4 in Pac-12). Arizona State is coming off its worst loss of the season, a stunning 91-70 home loss against Washington State on Thursday (ASU was favored by 15 points!) Sophomore guard Jaylen Nowell averages team highs of 16.4 points and 3.4 assists, while adding 5.4 RPG. Dickerson battled through an ankle injury to score 10 points in 26 minutes against Arizona, while Thybulle had five steals on Thursday. Washington is off to its best conference start since going 14-0 in 1952-53, boasts the stingiest defense in the Pac-12 at 64 points per game (60.4 during its winning streak) and hasn't allowed more than 70 in a conference game Head coach Bobby Hurley told the media after the Wash St loss, "There really wasn't anything overly positive that you can say. It was a pretty damaging loss for us." Senior forward Zylan Cheatham (11.6-1.1-3.5) entered the week one of 18 players nationally averaging a double-double, but only one other is also averaging at least three assists (Wisconsin's Ethan Happ). Freshman guard Luguentz Dort is the leading scorer at 16.2 PPG, with three more ASU players scoring in double digits. PG Martin checks in at 13.1 (5.1 APG), 12.4), guard Edwards at 10.3 and the 6-7 Lawrence at 10.2 & 4.0). Bobby Hurley's Sun Devils generated national headlines by handing then-top-ranked Kansas its first loss, 80-76, back on Dec. 22. However, ASU is just 6-5 its last 10. That said, off the team's embarrassing home loss to Wash St, Washington and its unbeaten Pac-12 record should bring out the VERY best in the Sun Devils. They are 10-3 SU at home, while averaging 82.5 PPG. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-09-19 | Colorado v. USC -4.5 | Top | 69-65 | Loss | -109 | 13 h 58 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on USC at 10:00 ET. The Colorado Buffs opened the season 9-3 in non-conference games but when Pac-12 play began, Colorado started 2-6. However, the Buffs have rebounded from their poor Pac-12 start to post impressive double-digit wins over Oregon and UCLA in their last two outings. In the 22-point win over the Ducks on Feb 2, Colorado dominated defensively, holding Oregon to a season-low 51 points and a nine-year low 31 percent shooting from the floor. At UCLA this past Wednesday, Colorado shot 53.8 percent from the floor, including 13-of-24 from three-point range plus recorded a season-high 22 assists on 28 made baskets in an 84-73 win. The 13-9 Buffaloes (4-6 Pac-12) will try to maintain that momentum Saturday night when they visit USC. The Trojans are 13-10 overall (6-4 in Pac-12 play), after a 77-70 home loss to Utah on Wednesday night. In contrast to Colorado, USC has dropped two of its last three games following a 5-2 Pac-12 start. The Buffs received a huge boost Wednesday from junior-college transfer Shane Gatling who connected on 8-of-10 shots, including 7-of-9 three-pointers, in scoring a season-high 28 points. Sophomore swingman Tyler Bey also stayed hot with 16 points and 10 rebounds, giving him his third double-double in the last five games. Gatling (10.5) and Bey (12.4 & 9.0) are two of the four Buffaloes averaging double figures, with sophomore PG McKinley Wright leading the way (12.7 PPG) plus a team-high 5.0 APG. 6-10 forward Lucas Siewert (11.3 & 5.1 points) rounds out the main contributors. The Trojans fell behind Utah by 23 points midway through the second half and finished with a 38.0 field-goal percentage, including 9-of-26 from three-point range. “That was our worst effort in a long time,” USC head coach Andy Enfield said afterward. “I’m disappointed in our team, (but) I’ll take the blame for that.” USC has a set of "twin towers" in the 6-10 Boatwright (17.3 & 6.7) and the 6-11 Nick Rakocevic (16.0 & 9.9). Guard Jonah Mathews scored 18 points to pace the Trojans vs Utah and he tops a four-man guard rotation by averaging 12.9 PPG on the season. Porter (9.2) is back in the lineup after missing more than a month and joins Aaron (8.8 & 4.6) and PG Thornton (8.4 & 5.0 APG). I still don't trust Colorado away from Boulder and its win over erratic UCLA is not a mind-changer, as it was just the Buffs' second in their last nine Pac-12 road games. Sure, USC is a bit of an underachiever but note that the Trojans had won SEVEN straight at Galen Center before stumbling vs the Utes. USC is the play. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-09-19 | Duke v. Virginia -2 | 81-71 | Loss | -105 | 11 h 13 m | Show | |
My 9* play is on Virginia at 6:00 ET. Saturday's marquee matchup is No. 2 Duke at No. 3 Virginia. Thees teams met in Durham back on Jan 189, as the Blue Devils (-3.5) edged the Cavs, 72-70. The rematch is set for Charlottesville, with Duke coming 20-2 (8-1 ACC) and Virginia at 20-1 (8-1 ACC). Duke's win over UVa jump started a six-game winning streak for the Blue Devils, with their most recent win coming in an 80-55 blowout of Boston College on Tuesday. The Cavaliers have returned to their winning ways since the loss at Duke, picking up a fourth straight victory following their 56-46 home triumph over Miami last Saturday. Duke was without PG Tre Jones in the first meeting. However, the team's best defender, has since returned to the court. Duke prevailed in that first game despite his absence, as the freshman combination of RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson proved to be too much for Virginia to overcome. Barrett scored 30 points and Williamson added 27. Barrett leads with 23.0 PPG (7.2 RPG) and Williamson checks in at 22.0 PPG plus a team-high 9.4 RPG. Cam Reddish (13.5) is the team's third double digit scorer and he scored 24 points, his most since the second game of the season, on 8-of-16 shooting to lead the Blue Devils over Boston College. Jones averages 8.4 PPG and a team-high 5.5 APG. The Cavaliers played without PG and third-leading scorer Ty Jerome (13.0-4.4-4.9) against the Hurricanes and didn't look very sharp (14 TOs and 42.3% from teh floor. Leading scorer De’Andre Hunter (14.7 & 5.1) led the way offensively against Miami with 14 on 6-of-13 shooting, while the 6-9 Mamadi Diakite (7.0 & 3.9 added 11 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Guard Kyle Guy (14.5 & 4.5) is UVa's second-best scorer. As usual, Virginia’s defense made up for its offensive miscues as the Cavaliers held the Hurricanes to 34 percent from the floor. UVa allows 52.9 PPG (1st) on 37.0% shooting (3rd), including 24.7% on threes (1st). Jerome's back is improving but his status against Duke is unknown. The Cavs were out-sized and out-quicked by the Blue Devils in the first meeting, yet lost by just two at Cameron. UVa was able to out-think Duke to stay in that game, as Duke was often flustered by the Virginia's defensive intensity. stop-end presence. Bennett's D completely shut off the perimeter in first meeting, holding Duke to only 2 of 14 from beyond arc. Here at home, where UVa is 11-0 and allowing just 49.0 PPG, the Blue Devils will be in big trouble. Cavs get their revenge. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-09-19 | Louisville v. Florida State -3 | 75-80 | Win | 100 | 9 h 11 m | Show | |
My 3rd 8* play is on Florida St at 4:00 ET. No. 16 Louisville (17-6 / 8-2 in ACC) will be in Tallahassee on Saturday afternoon to take on No. 22 Florida State (17-5 / 5-4 in ACC). The Cardinals are sitting comfortably at No. 4 in the ACC standings, a half-game back of Virginia, Duke and North Carolina. They come into Saturday's meeting with Florida State winners of seven of their last eight games, the only blemish being 79-69 home loss to then-No. 9 North Carolina Saturday. However, Louisville bounced right back with a 72-64 victory Monday at then-No. 11 Virginia Tech. Then-No. 1 Duke rolled into town to take on then-No. 13 Florida State back on Jan 12 and eked out a 8-78 victory. Florida State spiraled a bit after that Duke loss, dropping its next two games at unranked Pitt and Boston College. However, the Seminoles have since righted the ship and enter this game having won four straight contests. Reserve guard Ryan McMahon (just 8.0 PPG on the season) scored 17 points on 4-of-5 shooting (all from three-point range) in 16 minutes off the bench against the Hokies, tying for the team high in scoring with junior forward Dwayne Sutton (10.9 & 7.0). Leading scorer and rebounder, the 6-7 Jordan Nwora (17.8 & 7.7). PG Cunningham (10.2 & 4.6 APG) is the only other Cardinal to average in double digits but Louisville come in averaging a healthy 78.8 PPG (57th). "Our inconsistency has kind of been our biggest obstacle," Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton said. "But I do feel that we made a step in the right direction (against Syracuse), on the road against a good basketball team in a place that is very challenging to win. I thought our guys grew up a little bit." Senior guard Terance Mann () paced the Seminoles against the Orange with 22 points on 8-of-9 shooting while also contributing nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Leading scorer Mfiondu Kabengele, who averages 13.2 points in just 19.7 minutes, added 18 points and eight rebounds on 7-of-10 shooting off the bench. The Seminoles shot 54.5 percent from the floor while dominating inside, outscoring the Orange 38-18 in the paint. EIGHT Florida State players are averaging between 6.2 PPG and Kabengele,'s team-high total of 13.2 (note: Kabengele doesn't even start for the Seminoles). FSU was ranked 17th in the AP's preseason poll (ranked 15th by the Blue Ribbon Yearbook) and climbed as high as No. 9 in the AP poll in early January. The last time FSU hosted a top-25 opponent in its house, it ended in heartbreak (see above vs duke). This time around, it will be a much better (happier) ending. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-09-19 | Villanova v. Marquette -1.5 | 65-66 | Loss | -111 | 8 h 45 m | Show | |
My 2nd 8* play is on Marquette at 2:30 ET. Questions surrounded Villanova after the Wildcats lost back-to-back games to Penn and Kansas, as the defending champs (actually, two titles in a three-year span) sat just 8-4 in mid-December. However, 11 consecutive wins later (including a 10-0 start in the Big East), have erased all doubts that the 19-4 Wildcats are again VERY relevant (''Nova is currently ranked 14th). Marquette is also 19-4 (8-2 in the Big East) but come sin off its first home loss of the season, falling 70-69 to St. John's on Tuesday The Wildcats were led against Creighton by 6-8 freshman Saddiq Bey in their win over Creighton, as he scored a career-high 17 points for his fourth double-digit scoring effort in the last five outings. That said, bey averages just 8.2 PPG on the season (5.0 RPG). 'Nova is led by senior guard Phil Booth (18.3.7-4.) and 6-8 senior forward Eric Paschall (17.3 & 6.2). Sophomore guard Collin Gillespie (12.1) is the team's third double digit scorer. The Golden Eagles are led PG Markus Howard (24.6-4.1-4.2), who is a potential All-American. The 6-8 Sam Hauser (15.7 & 7.0 is joined by his 6-9 younger brother Joey (10.4 & 5.7). Marquette connects on 46.9 % if its FGs, including 39.5 percent from three-point range (16th). Each of its top-three scorers (see above) drain at least 40 percent of their 3-pointers. Villanova can't possibly "win-out" (right?) and this is one tough venue. Maybe Marquette got caught "looking ahead" to 'Nova against St John's but I believe that will make them even more focused here. The Golden Eagles are 14-1 SU at home, outscoring opponents 79.2-to-62.5 PPG. Home team wins. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-09-19 | Auburn v. LSU -2.5 | 78-83 | Win | 100 | 7 h 10 m | Show | |
My 1st 8* play is on LSU at 2:00 ET. No. 21 LSU (18-4 / 8-1 in SEC) remained in a tie for second in the conference with No. 5 Kentucky (one game behind the No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers), after Wednesday's 92-88 OT victory at Mississippi State. Freshman forward Naz Reid scored 25 of his career high-tying 29 in the second half and OT, while sophomore guard Tremont Waters added 25 points. It's Tigers vs Tigers on Saturday, as 16-6 Auburn (5-4 in SEC) visits Baton Rogue this afternoon. Auburn defeated Florida 76-62 on Tuesday for its third straight victory, as these Tigers have clamped down defensively, allowing just 61.0 PPG in that span (Auburn is one of four teams tied for fifth at 5-4 in the SEC). Auburn's 6-11 junior center Austin Wiley (10.3 & 5.9) returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing five games with a leg injury. However, he played only five minutes as head coach Bruce Pearl told reporters he wants to keep "progressing him." Senior guard Bryce Brown (17.0) is the team's leading scorer and is averaging 19.3 points in conference games. Junior PG Jared Harper (15.4) leads the SEC in assists (6.5), while 6-8 sophomore forward Chuma Okeke has stepped up in Austin Wiley's absence, to average 10.5 & 6.4 on the season. PG Waters leads LSU in scoring (15.6) and assist (5.9 assists), while Reid adds 13.9 PPG plus a team-best 6.0 RPG. Junior guard Skylar Mays (13.1) and freshman guard Ja'vonte Smart (10.5) are the other double-figure scorers plus 6-6 freshman forward Emmitt Williams (8.0 & 5.9) provides support at both ends of the floor. Auburn has won three consecutive SEC games, 92-58 over Missouri, 84-63 over Alabama and 76-62 over Florida on Tuesday but all have come at home.The team now heads out on the road where the Tigers are 1-4 SU, while allowing 79.6 PPG. Beating the Tigers of LSU on their homecourt will be no easy task. LSU opened the season with 11 straight home wins, before losing to Arkansas last Saturday, 90-89 as a 10-point favorite. LSU enters 11-1 SU at home, outscoring opponents 86.1-to-70.7. Home team rules in this one. Good luck...Larry | |||||||
02-09-19 | Wisconsin v. Michigan -6.5 | 52-61 | Win | 100 | 6 h 35 m | Show | |
My 9* Eye-Opener is on Michigan at 12:00 ET. From 1999 through 2017, there was not single NCAA tournament that didn't include Wisconsin. However, in the 2017-18 season, the Badgers finished 15-18 when they lost in the Big Ten quarterfinals, missing the "Big Dance" for the first time in 20 years.Things were slightly better to open this season but the Badgers sat a modest 11-6 when unbeaten and No. 2-ranked Michigan cane to town on Jan 19. Wisconsin's defense and 6-10 fifth-year senior Ethan Happ were the difference that day. The Badgers forced 16 turnovers and held the Wolverines to 40.7% shooting, while Happ racked up 26 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Today, it's a rematch in Ann Arbor. Wisconsin head coach Greg Gard has reintroduced the old-style, slow-paced Bo Ryan “swing” offense that is effectively dictating tempo in the school's current six-game winning streak (5-0-1 ATS)(5-0-1 vs. line) win streak. The 'sticky' Wisconsin D hasn’t allowed more than 61 points in that span (53.8 PPG allowed during the six games), after a 56-51 road victory against Minnesota on Wednesday. Happ continued his outstanding season, scoring a team-high 15 points plus grabbed 13 rebounds for his 15th double-double (the most in the Big Ten). D'Mitrik Trice (13.4), who leads the Big Ten in three-point percentage (45.2), drilled three triples, including a clutch three-pointer with under two minutes remaining to clinch the win. Backcourt mate Brad Davison (11.2) added 10 points, despite going 2-of-12 from the floor. The 6-11 Nate Reuvers (8.3 & 3.2) flirted with a triple-double, as he added nine points, eight rebounds and seven blocked shots against the Golden Gophers.Wisconsin is allowing 61.0 PPG, to rank 18th in the nation. Michigan has won of four of five games since the loss at Madison, including a 77-65 victory against Rutgers on Tuesday. The victory gives the Wolverines sole possession of first-place in the Big Ten at 10-2 (Purdue is 9-2, while Wisconsin & Mich St are 9-3). The 6-7 Ignas Brazdeikis was one of three freshmen named to the Wooden Award Late Season Top-20 Watch List. He knocked down a career-high five, three-pointers en route to 23 points in the win against Rutgers. He leads Michigan with 15.5 PPG (adds 5.5 RPG). The 7-1 Teske (8.8 & 6.3) starts up front with him, while a trio of guards man the perimeter. That group includes Poole (12.9), Matthews (12.5 & 5.3) and PG Simpson (9.2-5.3-6.0). Jordan Poole added 15 points while Zavier Simpson produced 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists on Tuesday. Teske leads the Big Ten in blocks per game (2.2) and Michigan allows 57.3 PPG, the second-best mark in college hoops. The Wolverines have won 20 straight at Crisler Arena, going 14-0 this season while outscoring opponents 72.3-to-56.1 PPG. Michigan will be primed for payback here and I have to go with that. Lay it! Good luck...Larry |
Service | Profit |
---|---|
Ross Benjamin | $675 |
Sean Murphy | $454 |
William Burns | $419 |
Ricky Tran | $323 |
Sean Higgs | $237 |
Will Rogers | $192 |
Joseph D'Amico | $127 |
Joey Tron | $16 |