Cnotes College Hoops Picks,Trends News 2018-2918 !

Udog · Mar 17, 2019

Auburn vs Tennessee SEC tournament final odds, predictions and best bets
Andrew Caley

It?s been 34 years since Auburn won the SEC Tournament, and six years longer since Tennessee accomplished the feat. One of those droughts will end when the Tigers and Volunteers square off in the championship game.

The Vols rallied from an eight-point deficit with three minutes left and posted an 82-78 victory over Kentucky as 1.5-point dogs in Saturday?s semifinals, earning a chance to avenge last weekend?s 84-80 loss at Auburn. The Tigers also benefited from some late heroics, as Jared Harper hit a 3-pointer in the closing seconds to lift them to a 65-62 semifinals triumph as 3.5-point favorites over Florida. We break down the best ways to wager the SEC tournament championship game.

Auburn Tigers vs Tennessee Volunteers (-4.5, 147.5)

QUICK HITTER

Tennessee is rolling again and is looking more like the team that won 19 straight games earlier in the season and are still in contention for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. The Volunteers have scored 80 or more points in three consecutive games (including the loss to Auburn).

While the Vols didn?t win the race to 20 against Kentucky, it sure was close as they took a 21-20 lead a few possessions. And before that, Tennessee had won the race to 20 in its last five ball games and in 15 of the previous 20.

The Tigers on the other hand, have been lackadaisical at the beginning of games so far during the SEC tournament. Auburn has a -1.3 average first half margin during the tourney, despite being a sizable favorite in each.

PREDICTION: Race to 20 ? Tennessee

FIRST HALF BET

Tennessee has been good to parlay those hot starts into strong first halves. The Vols ranked sixth in the nation in first half points per game at 40.4 per contest. However, that number has dropped to 36.5 over the Vols last 10 games and it sits at 35 during the tournament. Auburn?s slow starts have resulted in them scoring just 32.7 first half points per game. It?s too bad oddsmakers seem to be all over these numbers setting the first half total at 68. So, with the Tigers? propensity for slow starts in the tourney look for the Vols to have a small lead going into halftime.

PREDICTION: First half spread ? Tennessee -2.5

TEAM/PLAYER PROP

So, all those numbers mean that the Volunteers are using their depth to take over in the second half of games. They have averaged 44.7 second half points per contest over their last three games, including a big 46 points in their come from behind win over Kentucky in the semis and scored 39 in the game at Auburn.

While the Tigers do some things well on defense, they ranked 10th in the SEC and 149th in the country in opponent field goal percentage. They were even worse at chasing opponents off the 3-point line ranking 12th in the SEC and 220th in the country at opponent 3-point percentage. Take the Volunteers to go Over their second half total.

PREDICTION: Second half team total - Tennessee Over 40

FULL GAME TOTAL

Tennessee is a very good defending team, ranking 18th in the country in opponent field goal percentage, but they still rank 90 in opponent points scored, allowing 68.2 per contest. But their biggest weakness is defending the long ball. Tennessee ranks 134th in the country in opponent 3-point percentage at 34. That means the Vols could have some trouble against the Tigers talented backcourt.

Auburn?s guard duo of Bryce Brown (15.7 points) and Harper (15.4, 5.8 assists) are lethal from 3-point range, hitting nearly 40 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc. And no one shoots more 3-pointers than the Tigers. Auburn set an SEC-record with 381 made 3-pointers this season. There is too much shooting talent on both sides of the ball to stay below the total as listed.

PREDICTION: Over 147.5

FULL GAME SIDE

While the Tigers can shoot threes with the best of ?em. In the end they won?t be able to compete with the depth and the completeness of this Volunteers team. Forwards Grant Williams (19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds) and Admiral Schofield (16.6, 6.2) combined for 41 points in the semifinals, and point guard Jordan Bone (13.5, 6.2 assists) kept up his outstanding play with 18 points and five assists. Bone has recorded 30 assists and five turnovers in his last five contests. Tennessee will pull away late with another one of their second half scoring runs and cover the number in the process.

PREDICTION: Tennessee -4.5

Udog · Mar 17, 2019

Saint Louis vs St. Bonaventure Atlantic 10 tournament final odds, predictions, and best bets
Jason Logan

In a surprise finish, the Atlantic 10 Championship comes down to No. 4 St. Bonaventure and No. 6 Saint Louis, with the two programs vying for a spot in the NCAA Tournament at 1 p.m. ET inside the Barclays Center Sunday. Jason Logan sizes up this matchup, breaks down the college basketball betting odds, and gives his best bets for the A-10 tournament final.

SAINT LOUIS BILLIKENS VS ST. BONAVENTURE BONNIES (-1, 121.5)

QUICK HITTER

Saint Bonaventure was painfully slow out of the blocks in its semifinal game with Rhode Island, falling behind big midway through the first half. The Bonnies lost the race to 20 points, 20-10 to the Rams, and have been edge in that spring to 20 points in three of their last four outings. That includes a 22-17 gap in their last matchup with Saint Louis in the season finale back on March 9. The Billikens have put in two of their best offensive efforts of the season in the A-10 tournament and they will start with plenty of energy Sunday.

PREDICTION: Saint Louis Race to 20

FIRST HALF BET

As mentioned, the Bonnies aren?t sprinting from the tip and have conserved their energy for strong second-half pushes in recent games. St. Bonaventure, which averages just 30.4 first-half points on the season, has played below that production in four of its last five games, amounting first-half scores of 27, 34, 22, 17, and 27 in that span. The Bonnies managed just 22 points at the break in that recent matchup with the Billikens and will be slow and steady to start Sunday?s final.

PREDICTION: Under St. Bonaventure 28.5 first-half team total

TEAM PROP

We hinted at this one in the above prediction, but the Bonnies have been a two-faced team in recent games, saving their best stuff for the final 20 minutes. St. Bonaventure averages 35.7 points in the second half over its last three games, including a 44-30 second-half beatdown of the Billikens back on March 9. They absolutely walked over Rhode Island in the second half of Saturday?s semifinal, outscoring the Rams 41-22 and limiting URI to 7-of-25 shooting in the final frame.

PREDICTION: St. Bonaventure -0.5 second-half pointspread

FULL GAME TOTAL

Saint Louis finished the regular season ranked among the worst shooting teams in the nation, sitting 318th in effective field goal percentage (47%) but have been a different team in Brooklyn. The Billikens shot over 48 percent from the field in the win over Davidson, including 8 for 17 from distance, and connected on 47.5 percent of their looks in their tournament opener versus Richmond.

And while the Billikens last two defensive efforts look impressive in the box score ? allowing just 44 and 55 points ? that has a lot more to do with poor shooting performances from Davidson and Dayton than lockdown defense from SLU. The Wildcats had plenty of open looks in Saturday?s semis but couldn?t hit water if they fell out of a boat, finishing 7 for 30 from beyond the arc.

The Bonnies are the premier Under bet in the country, sitting 9-23-1 Over/Under and staying below the total in eight straight. However, Bona has shown some flair on the offensive end of the floor ? especially in second halves, as noted above. The Bonnies have been extremely balanced on offense, with four starters in double figures and the fifth with nine points in the win over Rhode Island.

With both ?low scoring? schools playing beyond their offensive average, I see value with the Over Sunday.

PREDICTION: Over 121.5

FULL GAME SIDE

St. Bonaventure is one of the hottest teams in the country right now, stringing together three in a row and winning nine of its last 10 contests, posting a 7-3 ATS mark in those games. The Bonnies, known for their methodical pace and stingy interior defense, run a big lineup with taller stronger guards and elite shot blockers like Osun Osunniyi defending the paint.

Part of Saint Louis? success is rebounding, ranked 14th in total boards and making up for poor shooting with plenty of second-chance buckets. It owned the glass versus Davidson, out-rebounding the Wildcats 41-26, including eight offensive rebounds, and is out-working A-10 tournament opponents on the boards 110-75 in its three postseason tilts, including 33 total offensive rebounds.

Unfortunately, for SLU, the Bonnies? size and defense will force more perimeter shots from the Billikens, and after playing four games in four days, Saint Louis will show that wear and tear in the second half. I see St. Bonaventure breaking Saint Louis in the final 20 minutes, after what will be a very physical final at the Barclays Center.

PREDICTION: St. Bonaventure -1

Udog · Mar 17, 2019

Cincinnati vs Houston AAC tournament final odds, predictions, and best bets
Jason Logan

The Cincinnati Bearcats and Houston Cougars battle for the AAC Championship at FedEx Forum in Memphis Sunday, with the tournament final tipping off at 3:15 p.m. ET. Jason Logan has been all over the AAC postseason and gives his best bets and pointspread prediction for Cincinnati versus Houston.

CINCINNATI BEARCATS VS HOUSTON COUGARS (-4, 128.5)

QUICK HITTER

Defense may be the calling card of the Cougars, but offense has been the order of their current four-game winning streak. Houston is averaging more than 80 points per game during this run and has sprinted ahead in the opening minutes of three of those games.

The Cougars outpaced the Memphis Tigers to a 21-10 lead in the semifinals of the AAC tournament Saturday and went up 20-16 over UConn in the quarters. And while they didn?t beat Cincinnati in a race to 20 in their March 10 meeting in the season finale (18-20), the Cougars did blow away SMU early on, owning a 21-13 lead in the opening 10 minutes.

Houston?s 3-point prowess will push this one over the edge, with the team shooting better than 41 percent from distance over the past four games. They buried 12 of 23 triples in an 85-69 road win at Cincy to end the regular season.

PREDICTION: Houston Race To 20

FIRST HALF BET

Cincinnati is the 12th-ranked defense in the land and allows just 28.8 points per opening half on the year. However, that stingy play to tip off games has slipped in the AAC tournament, giving up 32 points in the first half to Wichita State Saturday and 38 points to SMU in the tournament quarterfinals.

That softening defense stretches back to the last meeting with Houston, in which the Bearcats budged for 37 points ? setting the stage for a blowout loss. The teams combined for 72 points in the opening 20 minutes and bettors should expect another busy first half on the scoreboard Sunday.

PREDICTION: Over 59 first half points

TEAM PROP

Houston is a tough team to figure out and it?s shown it can win basketball games on both ends of the floor during the AAC tournament. The Cougars? core though is a defense ranked eighth in the country, and one that tallies an effective defensive field goal percentage of 42.2 ? tops in the KenPom Ratings and a key ?Four Factors? data point.

When the going gets tough, UH will lean on its defense to drum up bad shots, generate long rebounds, and push transition basketball down their opponents? throats. Cincinnati is coming off a bruising battle with a very physical Wichita State team and will find itself chasing down Houston?s fast break in the second half.

PREDICTION: Houston -2.5 second-half pointspread

FULL GAME TOTAL

The Cougars? best plan of attack versus Memphis Saturday was the slow down the tempo and not allow the Tigers to get off and running, feeding energy to their home crowd inside the FedEx Forum. And they executed on that for the most part, limiting Memphis to only 58 points on their home floor.

Against the Bearcats, however, Houston is going to want to take Cincy out of its comfort zone ? which is among the slowest paces in the country ? and suck UC into a track meet. The Bearcats found themselves in a similar style shootout versus SMU in the quarters and were very lucky to escape that game.

In their March 10 meeting, the Cougars dominated the glass and got up and down the floor for 63 field goal attempts. In its last three games, UH is averaging 66 attempts ? a significant jump from their average of 59 per game.

PREDICTION: Over 128.5

FULL GAME SIDE

The Bearcats just haven?t looked right over the past four games. Cincinnati backed into the postseason on two straight losses, including getting boat raced by Houston in the season finale, and then lured into a track meet with a short-handed SMU squad that eventually ran out of gas in the tournament semifinals.

Granted, the semifinal win over Wichita State was a solid one ? given how well WSU was playing at the time ? but Cincy made it hard on itself (and bettors) by squandering a 13-point lead midway through the second half.

Houston is playing at an extremely high level and is also fueled by a bit of revenge after losing to the Bearcats in this same final last season. The Cougars still have the taste of that one-point loss in their mouths and I?m sure head coach Kelvin Sampson will make sure to remind them some time before tipoff Sunday.

PREDICTION: Houston -4

Udog · Mar 17, 2019

Michigan vs Michigan State Big Ten tournament final odds, predictions and best bet

The Big Ten Tournament Final will feature the top two seeds as the Michigan State Spartans take on the Michigan Wolverines. Both teams cruised through the rest of the competition in the conference without breaking a sweat but should be in for a much tougher fight in this game tipping off at the United Centre in Chicago at 3:30 p.m ET.

The Spartans won both games in the head-to-head series during the regular season but Michigan has played some of their best basketball of the season in this tournament, coming off a 27-point win against Minnesota and a 21-point win versus Iowa. We break down the best bets and pointspread predictions for this rivalry.

Michigan Wolverines vs Michigan State Spartans (-1, 129.5)

Quick Hitter

The Michigan Wolverines have been getting out to fast starts lately (more on that later) and in their previous game against MSU they were up 22-14 midway through the first half before eventually losing by 12 points. Take the Wolverines on the race to 20.

Prediction: Race to 20 points - Michigan Wolverines

First Half Bet

Michigan was hanging tight with MSU for most of the last two games, except for a few cold-shooting stretches in the second half of each game where they fell behind. In the first half of those two games they scored 35 and 37 points.

In their last two games of the conference tournament the Wolverines managed 40 points in the first half against Iowa and 38 in the first half against Minnesota. With the fast starts that the Michigan offense has been producing lately, take the 1H Over on their points.

Prediction: First Half Points - Michigan Over

Team Prop

Michigan has one of the most dominant defenses in the country, ranking second in the country in points allowed per game with just 58.4. However, Spartans guard Cassius Winston has broken down the Wolverines vaunted defense with ball-screens and pick and pop plays. Winston scored 27 of the Spartans 77 points in the first game and 23 of their 75 points in the second.

While Winston has been playing with an injured toe in the tournament, he has still been very effective (especially in Saturday's game against Wisconsin) and it isn't like he relied on his athleticism to beat Michigan anyway. It was his crafty decision making when it came to getting to the rim or kicking the ball out to a perimeter shooter like Kenny Goins or Matt McQuaid.

Back the Spartans to go Over their team total on points thanks to their floor general.

Prediction: Michigan State points Over 65.5 (-115)

Full Game Total

The line for this game opened the O/U came in at 134.5 and then promptly moved to 129.5 after sharp bets. Both of these sides have excellent defenses, however in the two games these teams played against each other this season they combined for 138 points in Lansing and 147 points in Ann Arbour.

The Over has cashed in all of the previous five games between these two teams. Take the Over on the total of 129.5.

Prediction: Over 129.5 (-110)

Full Game Side

Michigan State won both of the games in the head-to-head series this season and both of those contests took place within the last three weeks, so it's not like either team has changed much since then.

A matter of fact MSU might have gotten a little better with forward Nick Ward having returned from injury. Michigan has also gotten back Charles Matthews who missed the last game versus the Spartans. But Matthews played in the first game and was absolutely shut down, going just one for eight from the field, so we don't think he'll have too much of an impact.

As good as the Wolverines defense has been, Winston has been able to solve it and should Michigan's shooters go cold for a spell - as they have a tendency to do against good teams - they could dig themselves a hole that will be difficult to get out of.

This MSU team simply matches up too well with Michigan to fade them now. Take MSU to win the game - and the tournament - by at least two points.

Prediction: Michigan State -1 (-110)

Cnotes53 · Mar 18, 2019

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Odds to win the national championship (odds via Bets Online):

+$225? Duke

+$600? Gonzaga

+$800? Virginia

+$1000? Michigan

+$1200? Kentucky, Michigan State, North Carolina

+$1400? Tennessee

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Quick thoughts on the field of 68??

13) If you look at the last 13 national champs, those teams went 12-1 against the spread in their first round tournament game. Only exception was Kentucky in 2012, who won 81-66 (-26). UConn won its first round game in OT in 2014, but covered 89-81 (-5).

12) Bobby Hurley coached Buffalo for two years (42-20), then bolted western NY for Arizona State; his Sun Devils have to beat St John?s in Dayton, and if they do, Hurley and Buffalo will be re-united Friday in Tulsa. Buffalo spanked ASU?s rival Arizona by 21 in first round last year.

Since replacing Hurley, Nate Oats is 95-42 in four years at Buffalo, but before the Bulls get to play Arizona State, the Sun Devils still have to beat St John?s.

11) Richard Pitino?s Minnesota Gophers playing Louisville, the school that ran his father out of town two years ago, is classic sidebar material. Rick Pitino won the national title with Louisville six short years ago. Lot of stuff has happened since then.

Rick Pitino is coaching pro ball in Greece now; UCLA, UNLV have jobs open, which lends itself to speculation, but for now Richard?s Gophers vs Louisville is the main event.

10) Tennessee Volunteers are a #2-seed in the South Region, but they can?t be very happy about the prospects of a second round game against Cincinnati???in Columbus, OHIO.

9) Montana-Michigan play in the first round for the second year in a row; I?m thinking that could?ve been avoided.

8) Clemson, NC State and Texas are the highest-rated teams that didn?t get in the NCAA?s; Lipscomb, Furman and NC-Greensboro also have to be pretty disappointed.

7) No team has ever lost its first conference tournament game, and then gone on to win the national championship. Texas Tech, LSU, Purdue, Maryland fall into that category.

6) Virginia Tech?s star PG Justin Robinson missed the last 12 games with a foot injury, but he?ll be back for the NCAA tournament. Hokies play Saint Louis in the first round Friday.

5) If you care about such things, over the last five years, the underdog is 12-8 vs spread in first round 4-13 games. Over last six years, underdogs are 14-10 vs spread in 3-14 games.

4) Last four years, the 11-seed is 7-5 SU in the first round against the 6-seed; the 11-seed was the underdog in all seven of their wins.

3) Over the last 23 years, in the West Region final, the underdog is 17-6 against the spread. During that time, when the #1-seed in the West got to the regional final, they?re 4-8 SU in that regional final.

2) Over the last 16 years, in the Midwest Region final, the underdog is 12-4 against the spread. #1-seeds have fared better in this regional final, going 10-7 SU in their last 17 tries.

1) My pick for the national title? I?ll take Virginia.

Cnotes53 · Mar 18, 2019

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, March 18

Quinnipiac is 3-4 in its last seven games, losing by 6 to Monmouth in first round of MAAC tourney; Bobcats are experience team #162 that makes 37.6% of its 3?s and gets 45.8% of its points behind arc (#2 in country)- they?re experience team #162, starting a freshman and two sophs. NJIT is 21-12 but went 3-5 in its last eight games; they don?t have any seniors, are #313 experience team that is #35 in MC- they won a road game in A-Sun tourney, then lost by 23 at Lipscomb. NJIT?s opponents made only 33% of their 3?s, #91 3-point defense in country.

Cnotes53 · Mar 18, 2019

Early bettors leap on Oregon odds vs. Wisconsin in NCAA Tournament
Patrick Everson

All the lines are up for the NCAA Tournament?s First Four, and more important for the 28 matchups set among the 32 games of March Madness scheduled for Thursday and Friday. We delve into the opening lines and early action for two games in each region deemed the most intriguing by the oddsmaking team at The SuperBook at Westgate.

SOUTH REGION

No. 12 Oregon vs. No. 5 Wisconsin Badgers (-1.5)

Oregon is on an 8-0 SU and ATS streak, including a four-wins-in-four-days run as the No. 6 seed in the Pac-12 tournament. The Ducks (23-12 SU, 20-15 ATS) capped that run with a 68-48 blasting of No. 1 seed Washington as 2-point favorites in Saturday?s final.

Wisconsin won four of its last five regular-season games to finish fourth in the Big Ten. The Badgers (23-10 SU, 16-16-1 ATS) then edged Nebraska in the conference tourney quarterfinals before falling to No. 1 seed Michigan State 67-55 as 5.5-point underdogs in Saturday?s semis.

?This opened at Wisconsin -1.5, and it?s already at Oregon -1,? SuperBook supervisor Derek Wilkinson told Covers late Sunday evening. ?We debated on who to favor in this game, just because we weren?t sure which way the public would sway. We?ve already taken some sharp action on Oregon and the line has moved pretty dramatically. I think it?ll get up to around Oregon -2 or -2.5 by game day.?

That would be Friday, in a 4:30 p.m. ET tipoff.

No. 14 Old Dominion Monarchs vs. No. 3 Purdue Boilermakers (-12)

Purdue earned the No. 2 seed and a double-bye in the Big Ten tournament, but made it no further than that. The Boilermakers (23-9 SU, 17-14-1 ATS) tumbled to No. 7 seed Minnesota 75-73 laying 9.5 points in Friday?s quarterfinals.

Old Dominion lived up to its No. 1 seed and won the Conference USA tournament. The Monarchs (26-8 SU, 15-19 ATS) beat Western Kentucky 62-56 as 2.5-point underdogs in Saturday?s final.

?The market has moved this line up to -12.5, but I?m not sold on it,? Wilkinson said. ?I think we?re going to get some late sharp money on Old Dominion once that line moves a little higher. Old Dominion has impressed me this season, and I think 12 is too many points for the Monarchs to get.?

Late Sunday night, the number dipped back to the opener of Purdue -12 in a 9:50 p.m. ET Thursday game.

EAST REGION

No. 10 Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. No. 7 Louisville Cardinals (-4.5)

Louisville struggled late in the regular season in the rugged Atlantic Coast Conference, losing seven of its last 10 games (4-6 ATS). The Cardinals (20-13 SU, 17-14-2 ATS) righted the ship a bit in the ACC tournament, routing Notre Dame 75-53 as 8-point favorites before losing to North Carolina 83-70 as 7-point underdogs in Thursday?s quarterfinals.

Minnesota pulled two upsets, one mild and one bigger, in the Big Ten tournament to help secure an NCAA bid. The Golden Gophers (21-13 SU, 17-17 ATS) topped Penn State 77-72 in overtime as 3-point pups, then knocked out Purdue 75-73 as 9.5-point ?dogs. Minnesota then ran out of steam as 9.5-point underdogs to Michigan, losing 76-49 in Saturday?s semifinals.

?A lot of Minnesota haters in this back room,? Wilkinson said of the gang of four ? led by sportsbook manager Ed Salmons ? who set the opening lines at The SuperBook. ?The sharp money is on Louisville for sure. We?ve already taken some limit bets on the Cardinals, from both wiseguys and house players. I?m anticipating this line to go up over the next couple of days.?

Shortly after opening at Louisville -4.5, The SuperBook moved to -5 for this 12:15 p.m. ET Thursday meeting.

No. 14 Yale Bulldogs vs. No. 3 Louisiana State Tigers (-8)

Louisiana State won the Southeastern Conference?s regular-season title, but bowed out in its first game of the conference tourney. The Tigers (26-6 SU, 19-12-1 ATS) lost to Florida 76-73 as 3.5-point favorites in Friday?s quarterfinals.

Yale finished second in the Ivy League?s regular-season standings, but was first when it counted. The Bulldogs (22-7 SU, 16-12 ATS) won both games in the league tourney, including a 97-85 victory laying 4 points against No. 1 seed Harvard in Sunday?s final to nab the automatic NCAA bid.

LSU opened -8 at The SuperBook, but Yale money knocked the number down a tick to 7.5 for a 12:40 p.m. ET Thursday contest.

?We?ve seen some smaller, sharp bets on Yale,? Wilkinson said. ?No big bets yet, but I think this line is going to drop some more. I wouldn?t be surprised if Yale wins outright. The public will be on LSU, just because it?s a big name, but the smart money is on Yale in this one.?

MIDWEST REGION

No. 11 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 6 Iowa State Cyclones (-6)

Iowa State entered the Big 12 tournament as the No. 5 seed and exited with the championship trophy, winning three games in three nights. In Saturday?s final, the Cyclones (23-11 SU, 18-14-2 ATS) breezed by Kansas 78-66 as 1.5-point favorites.

Ohio State ended the Big Ten regular season with a thud, losing three in a row and six of its last eight. The Buckeyes (19-14 SU, 14-19 ATS) bounced back with a 79-75 win over Indiana as 2-point faves to open the conference tournament, then lost to Michigan State 77-70 catching 10.5 points in the quarterfinals.

?We?ve taken some house money on Iowa State, but I?m looking for the upset in this one,? Wilkinson said, while noting the line remains on the opener of Cyclones -6. ?I think we?ll get some sharp money on Ohio State soon, and that line will come down some.?

Game time is 9:50 p.m. ET Friday.

No. 12 New Mexico State Aggies vs. No. 5 Auburn Tigers (-7.5)

Just like Oregon in the Pac-12, Auburn made a four-wins-in-four-days run through the SEC tournament, from the No. 5 spot. The Tigers (26-9 SU, 18-15-1 ATS) finished with an 84-64 pounding of No. 3 seed Tennessee as 2.5-point pups Sunday and have now won eight straight.

New Mexico State lost on Jan. 3 and hasn?t tasted defeat since, going 19-0 SU (9-9 ATS). The Aggies won the Western Athletic Conference regular-season crown and rolled through the tournament, capped by an 89-57 boatracing of Grand Canyon as 4-point favorites Saturday.

?We?ve taken a few smaller sharp plays on New Mexico State, and the line has dropped a little,? Wilkinson said of a shift from Auburn -7.5 to -7. ?I think the public action will be pretty evenly split on these two, but the sharps will like New Mexico State. Personally, I like Auburn, but then again, my Twitter handle is @derek2square for a reason.?

Tip time is 1:30 p.m. ET Thursday.

WEST REGION

No. 10 Florida Gators vs. No. 7 Nevada Wolf Pack (-2.5)

Nevada got a lot of national chatter early in the season, but lost some luster after three setbacks in its last eight games as it failed to reach the Mountain West Conference final. The Wolf Pack (29-4 SU, 17-14-1 ATS) entered the MWC semis as 10.5-point favorites against San Diego State, but lost outright 65-56 Friday.

Florida made a charge from the No. 8 spot in the SEC tournament to get the attention of the NCAA selection committee. The Gators (19-15 SU, 16-18 ATS) rolled over Arkansas in the tourney opener, then stunned No. 1 LSU 76-73 as 3.5-point quarterfinal ?dogs. Florida then gave Auburn a strong go before bowing out in the semis 65-62 getting 3.5 points.

?We?ve already taken some sharp action on Florida,? Wilkinson said. ?The line hasn?t moved, just because we know we always get a lot of local money on Nevada. Personally, I think the Gators are going to win this game, and I imagine that line will drop a little, despite getting public money on Nevada.?

Later Sunday evening, the line indeed ticked down to Nevada -2 for a 6:50 p.m. ET start Thursday.

No. 15 Montana Grizzlies vs. No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (-15.5)

Michigan was the No. 3 seed in the Big Ten tournament and fell short in the title game, but still nabbed a No. 2 seed in the West. The Wolverines (28-6 SU, 19-15 ATS) opened the conference tourney with two blowout wins, but blew a double-digit second half lead to Michigan State in Sunday?s final, losing 65-60 as 1.5 point favorites.

Montana won the Big Sky Conference regular-season and tournament titles. The Grizzlies (26-8 SU, 14-18 ATS) beat Eastern Washington 68-62 laying 5.5 points in Saturday?s final.

?Although I?m confident Michigan is going to win, 16 is a lot of points,? Wilkinson said. ?We took a sharp bet on Montana earlier, but I think that?s just because the spread is so high. I?d look for this line to drop a little more and maybe settle around 14 or 14.5.?

Two hours after the move to Michigan -16, the line dipped back to the opener of 15.5 for a 9:20 p.m. ET Thursday tipoff.

Following are the opening and current lines for the Tuesday-Wednesday First Four round and the rest of the Thursday-Friday first-round games:

FIRST FOUR

Fairleigh Dickinson vs. Prairie View A&M ? Open: Pick; Move: +1; Move: +1.5
Belmont vs. Temple ? Open: +3.5; Move: None
Arizona State vs. St. John?s ? Open: +1; Move: None
North Carolina Central vs. North Dakota State ? Open: -5.5; Move: None

FIRST ROUND

St. Mary?s vs. Villanova ? Open: -5.5; Move: -5; Move: -5.5

Murray State vs. Marquette ? Open: -4; Move: -4.5

Vermont vs. Florida State ? Open: -11; Move: -10.5; Move: -11; Move: -10.5

Seton Hall vs. Wofford ? Open: -3; Move: None

Abilene Christian vs. Kentucky ? Open: -22; Move: -22.5; Move: -22; Move: -21.5; Move: -22

Bradley vs. Michigan State ? Open: -19.5; Move: -19; Move: -18.5; Move: -18

Northeastern vs. Kansas ? Open: -8.5; Move: -8; Move: -8.5; Move: -8

Baylor vs. Syracuse ? Open: -2; Move: None

Central Florida vs. Virginia Commonwealth ? Open: -1; Move: -1.5

Gardner-Webb vs. Virginia ? Open: -24; Move: -23.5

Oklahoma vs. Mississippi ? Open: -2; Move: None

Iowa vs. Cincinnati ? Open: -4; Move: -3.5

Colgate vs. Tennessee ? Open: -17.5; Move: None

Iona vs. North Carolina ? Open: -25; Move: -24

Washington vs. Utah State ? Open: -3; Move: -3.5; Move: -3; Move: -2.5

Georgia State vs. Houston ? Open: -12; Move: None

Northern Kentucky vs. Texas Tech ? Open: -15; Move: -14.5; Move: -14

Liberty vs. Mississippi State ? Open: -7.5; Move: -7

St. Louis vs. Virginia Tech ? Open: -10.5; Move: -10; Move: -9.5

California-Irvine vs. Kansas State ? Open: -5.5; Move: None

Cnotes53 · Mar 18, 2019

Cnotes53 · Mar 18, 2019

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, March 18

Monday?s other tournament games
Quinnipiac is 3-4 in its last seven games, losing by 6 to Monmouth in first round of MAAC tourney; Bobcats are experience team #162 that makes 37.6% of its 3?s and gets 45.8% of its points behind arc (#2 in country)- they?re experience team #162, starting a freshman and two sophs. NJIT is 21-12 but went 3-5 in its last eight games; they don?t have any seniors, are #313 experience team that is #35 in MC- they won a road game in A-Sun tourney, then lost by 23 at Lipscomb. NJIT?s opponents made only 33% of their 3?s, #91 3-point defense in country.

Tuesday?s games
Prairie View was 1-11 in its pre-conference schedule, then went 20-1 in its league, which tells me their league sucks. Since 2003, SWAC teams are 2-15 in NCAA?s, winning play-in games LY and in 2010- they?re 2-7 overall in play-in games. Panthers are experience team #10 that forces turnovers 24.2% of time; they lost at Baylor/Ga Tech, both by 11 points. FDU won 14 of its last 16 games after starting season 6-11; they?re shooting 40.8% on arc this year- they?re experience team #152. NEC teams are 3-3 in play-in games, with last win three years ago.

Belmont won 14 of its last 15 games; they?re experience team #250 that starts two freshmen- they make 59.5% of their shots inside arc. Byrd is 0-7 in NCAA tourney games; this is first time he isn?t the lesser seed in a tourney game. Last six years, OVC teams are 0-6 in NCAA?s; this is tied for best seed they?ve had in last 15 years. Temple won six of last eight games, are 4-0 in OT this year; outgoing coach Dunphy is 2-11 in his last 13 NCAA tourney games. Owls? subs play minutes #279. AAC teams are 8-7 SU in play-in/first round games, losing only play-in game in 2015.

Wednesday?s games
North Carolina Central is in NCAA?s for 4th time in six years; they?re 0-2 in play-in games, losing by 4-18 points the last two years. Eagles finished in 6th place in MEAC this year, worst league in country- they turn ball over 22.9% of time- they?re #15 experience team that won eight of its last ten games. North Dakota State makes 36.8% of its 3?s, getting 40.3% of their points on 3?s- they?re experience team #277; Bison are in NCAAs for first time in four years- they?re not a good defensive team, with #305 eFG% on defense.

Arizona State beat St John?s 82-70 LY at Staples Center; ASU won six of last eight games overall; they get 22.3% of their points on foul line. St John?s subs play minutes #347, so they better not get in foul trouble. Hurley is 0-2 in NCAA?s as a head coach; this is Mullin?s first NCAA game as a coach. Johnnies started season 12-0, playing the #327 non-conference schedule, then went 9-12 in last 21 games- they beat Pac-12 cellar dweller Cal 82-79. Neither team subs very much. Last four years, Big East teams are 20-8 against Pac-12 opponents.

Cnotes53 · Mar 18, 2019

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, March 19

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FARLEIGH DICKINSON (20 - 13) vs. PRAIRIE VIEW A&M (22 - 12) - 3/19/2019, 6:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FARLEIGH DICKINSON is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games this season.
FARLEIGH DICKINSON is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
FARLEIGH DICKINSON is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in March games since 1997.
FARLEIGH DICKINSON is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) after a conference game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BELMONT (26 - 5) vs. TEMPLE (23 - 9) - 3/19/2019, 9:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEMPLE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
BELMONT is 18-10 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
BELMONT is 18-10 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
BELMONT is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BELMONT is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a conference game this season.
BELMONT is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, March 20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARIZONA ST (22 - 10) vs. ST JOHNS (21 - 12) - 3/20/2019, 9:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST JOHNS is 43-24 ATS (+16.6 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
ST JOHNS is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
ST JOHNS is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
ST JOHNS is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
ST JOHNS is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA ST is 1-0 against the spread versus ST JOHNS over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA ST is 1-0 straight up against ST JOHNS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NC CENTRAL (18 - 15) vs. N DAKOTA ST (18 - 15) - 3/20/2019, 6:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N DAKOTA ST is 33-48 ATS (-19.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
N DAKOTA ST is 33-48 ATS (-19.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
N DAKOTA ST is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 3 seasons.
N DAKOTA ST is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
N DAKOTA ST is 28-48 ATS (-24.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, March 21

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST MARYS-CA (22 - 11) vs. VILLANOVA (25 - 9) - 3/21/2019, 7:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST MARYS-CA is 84-116 ATS (-43.6 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
ST MARYS-CA is 90-119 ATS (-40.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
VILLANOVA is 48-26 ATS (+19.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 48-26 ATS (+19.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 24-8 ATS (+15.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in a NCAA tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 44-21 ATS (+20.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OLD DOMINION (26 - 8) vs. PURDUE (23 - 9) - 3/21/2019, 9:50 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OLD DOMINION is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
OLD DOMINION is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) after a conference game this season.
OLD DOMINION is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
OLD DOMINION is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less this season.
OLD DOMINION is 152-202 ATS (-70.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
OLD DOMINION is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MURRAY ST (27 - 4) vs. MARQUETTE (24 - 9) - 3/21/2019, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARQUETTE is 59-38 ATS (+17.2 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
MURRAY ST is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games this season.
MURRAY ST is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
MARQUETTE is 29-50 ATS (-26.0 Units) in road games in March games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VERMONT (27 - 6) vs. FLORIDA ST (27 - 7) - 3/21/2019, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA ST is 96-69 ATS (+20.1 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 since 1997.
FLORIDA ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA ST is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

YALE (22 - 7) vs. LSU (26 - 6) - 3/21/2019, 12:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
YALE is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
LSU is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
LSU is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
YALE is 91-65 ATS (+19.5 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
YALE is 54-32 ATS (+18.8 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SETON HALL (20 - 13) vs. WOFFORD (29 - 4) - 3/21/2019, 9:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WOFFORD is 51-35 ATS (+12.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WOFFORD is 51-35 ATS (+12.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
WOFFORD is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
WOFFORD is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in March games over the last 2 seasons.
WOFFORD is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games after a conference game this season.
WOFFORD is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival this season.
WOFFORD is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WOFFORD is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
SETON HALL is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
SETON HALL is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all neutral court games this season.
SETON HALL is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in a neutral court game where the total is 140 to 144.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SETON HALL is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
SETON HALL is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing on a neutral court this season.
SETON HALL is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all tournament games this season.
SETON HALL is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABILENE CHRISTIAN (27 - 6) vs. KENTUCKY (27 - 6) - 3/21/2019, 7:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KENTUCKY is 92-65 ATS (+20.5 Units) in March games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (21 - 13) vs. LOUISVILLE (20 - 13) - 3/21/2019, 12:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 95-132 ATS (-50.2 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 26-45 ATS (-23.5 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRADLEY (20 - 14) vs. MICHIGAN ST (28 - 6) - 3/21/2019, 2:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN ST is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) in all games this season.
MICHIGAN ST is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
MICHIGAN ST is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
MICHIGAN ST is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) after a conference game this season.
MICHIGAN ST is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
MICHIGAN ST is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
MICHIGAN ST is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MICHIGAN ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FLORIDA (19 - 15) vs. NEVADA (29 - 4) - 3/21/2019, 6:50 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.
NEVADA is 57-41 ATS (+11.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
NEVADA is 57-41 ATS (+11.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
NEVADA is 51-35 ATS (+12.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
NEVADA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
NEVADA is 67-41 ATS (+21.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
NEVADA is 39-25 ATS (+11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 81-53 ATS (+22.7 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in first round tournament games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MONTANA (26 - 8) vs. MICHIGAN (28 - 6) - 3/21/2019, 9:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN is 44-28 ATS (+13.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 44-28 ATS (+13.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 35-24 ATS (+8.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MICHIGAN is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MICHIGAN is 1-0 against the spread versus MONTANA over the last 3 seasons
MICHIGAN is 1-0 straight up against MONTANA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW MEXICO ST (30 - 4) vs. AUBURN (26 - 9) - 3/21/2019, 1:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW MEXICO ST is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
NEW MEXICO ST is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) in March games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NORTHEASTERN (23 - 10) vs. KANSAS (25 - 9) - 3/21/2019, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NORTHEASTERN is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHEASTERN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing with 7 or more days rest over the last 3 seasons.
NORTHEASTERN is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) after a conference game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BAYLOR (19 - 13) vs. SYRACUSE (20 - 13) - 3/21/2019, 9:57 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SYRACUSE is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.
SYRACUSE is 83-58 ATS (+19.2 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
SYRACUSE is 83-58 ATS (+19.2 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
SYRACUSE is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival this season.
SYRACUSE is 83-59 ATS (+18.1 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
BAYLOR is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after allowing 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FLA ATLANTIC (17 - 15) at CHARLESTON SO (17 - 15) - 3/21/2019, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ST FRANCIS-NY (17 - 15) at HAMPTON (15 - 16) - 3/21/2019, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday, March 22

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UCF (23 - 8) vs. VA COMMONWEALTH (25 - 7) - 3/22/2019, 9:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VA COMMONWEALTH is 19-11 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games this season.
VA COMMONWEALTH is 19-11 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
VA COMMONWEALTH is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
VA COMMONWEALTH is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games in first round tournament games since 1997.
VA COMMONWEALTH is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.
UCF is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 2 seasons.
VA COMMONWEALTH is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GARDNER WEBB (23 - 11) vs. VIRGINIA (29 - 3) - 3/22/2019, 3:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all games this season.
VIRGINIA is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
VIRGINIA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.
VIRGINIA is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
VIRGINIA is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) after a conference game this season.
VIRGINIA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VIRGINIA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
VIRGINIA is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
GARDNER WEBB is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
GARDNER WEBB is 24-8 ATS (+15.2 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
GARDNER WEBB is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
GARDNER WEBB is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OKLAHOMA (19 - 13) vs. OLE MISS (20 - 12) - 3/22/2019, 12:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA is 6-20 ATS (-16.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
OLE MISS is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all games this season.
OLE MISS is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
OLE MISS is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
OLE MISS is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
OLE MISS is 71-43 ATS (+23.7 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
OKLAHOMA is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
OKLAHOMA is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 this season.
OKLAHOMA is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in non-conference games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IOWA (22 - 11) vs. CINCINNATI (28 - 6) - 3/22/2019, 12:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IOWA is 22-48 ATS (-30.8 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.
IOWA is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
IOWA is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
IOWA is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 49-71 ATS (-29.1 Units) in March games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) after a conference game this season.
CINCINNATI is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLGATE (24 - 10) vs. TENNESSEE (29 - 5) - 3/22/2019, 2:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
COLGATE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IONA (17 - 15) vs. N CAROLINA (27 - 6) - 3/22/2019, 9:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IONA is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) in non-conference games this season.
N CAROLINA is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all games this season.
N CAROLINA is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
N CAROLINA is 17-9 ATS (+7.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
N CAROLINA is 40-23 ATS (+14.7 Units) in road games on Friday nights since 1997.
N CAROLINA is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) after a conference game this season.
N CAROLINA is 180-141 ATS (+24.9 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
N CAROLINA is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON (26 - 8) vs. UTAH ST (28 - 6) - 3/22/2019, 6:50 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH ST is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) on Friday nights since 1997.
UTAH ST is 63-42 ATS (+16.8 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OHIO ST (19 - 14) vs. IOWA ST (23 - 11) - 3/22/2019, 9:50 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
IOWA ST is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 this season.
IOWA ST is 61-36 ATS (+21.4 Units) in March games since 1997.
IOWA ST is 266-212 ATS (+32.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GEORGIA ST (24 - 9) vs. HOUSTON (31 - 3) - 3/22/2019, 7:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 38-24 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 38-24 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in road games in first round tournament games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

N KENTUCKY (26 - 8) vs. TEXAS TECH (26 - 6) - 3/22/2019, 1:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS TECH is 33-53 ATS (-25.3 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in a neutral court game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 87-125 ATS (-50.5 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 33-53 ATS (-25.3 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIBERTY (28 - 6) vs. MISSISSIPPI ST (23 - 10) - 3/22/2019, 7:27 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAINT LOUIS (23 - 12) vs. VIRGINIA TECH (24 - 8) - 3/22/2019, 9:57 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAINT LOUIS is 58-83 ATS (-33.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
VIRGINIA TECH is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
SAINT LOUIS is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
SAINT LOUIS is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) after scoring 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAINT LOUIS is 1-0 against the spread versus VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
SAINT LOUIS is 1-0 straight up against VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OREGON (23 - 12) vs. WISCONSIN (23 - 10) - 3/22/2019, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OREGON is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in March games this season.
OREGON is 40-21 ATS (+16.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
OREGON is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON is 31-17 ATS (+12.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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UC-IRVINE (30 - 5) vs. KANSAS ST (25 - 8) - 3/22/2019, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS ST is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) after a conference game this season.
KANSAS ST is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
UC-IRVINE is 42-23 ATS (+16.7 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.
UC-IRVINE is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) after a conference game this season.
UC-IRVINE is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS ST is 1-0 against the spread versus UC-IRVINE over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS ST is 1-0 straight up against UC-IRVINE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DRAKE (24 - 9) at SOUTHERN UTAH (16 - 16) - 3/22/2019, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

Cnotes53 · Mar 18, 2019

MONDAY, MARCH 18
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

QUIN at NJIT 07:00 PM

NJIT -5.0

O 145.5

Cnotes53 · Mar 19, 2019

NJIT beats Quinnipiac 92-81 in opening game of CIT
March 18, 2019
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NEWARK, N.J. (AP) Zach Cooks scored a career-high 34 points and NJIT beat Quinnipiac 92-81 on Monday night in the opening game of the CIT.

Cooks was 12 of 20 from the field with four 3-pointers. The teams combined for 22 makes from beyond the arc.

Shyquan Gibbs and Diandre Wilson each added 15 points for NJIT (22-12), which set a program record for wins.

Cameron Young, the MAAC player of the year, had 29 points and eight rebounds for Quinnipiac (16-15). He finished his Quinnipiac career with 1,350 points in 70 games - setting a program record by averaging 19.3 points per game.

The Bobcats finished with a winning record for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

Cnotes53 · Mar 19, 2019

Tuesday?s 6-pack

Odds to win the Valspar Championship golf tournament this week:

11-2- Dustin Johnson

10-1? Jason Day, Jon Rahm

16-1? Sergio Garcia

20-1? Paul Casey, Patrick Reed, Webb Simpson

25-1? Gary Woodland

33-1? Jim Furyk, Keegan Bradley, Lucas Glover

Tweet of the Day
?Really and truly, very honestly, it?s not my responsibility to tell you guys what I?m doing.??
NJ Giants? GM Dave Gettleman, ingratiating himself to the NY/NJ media

Tuesday?s quiz
Which NHL team has the longest active streak of consecutive years in the playoffs?

Monday?s quiz
2011 VCU Rams made the Final Four after playing a play-in game in Dayton just to get into the final 64 teams.

Sunday?s quiz
Syracuse/UConn played a 6-overtime game in the 2009 Big East tournament.

**********************************

Tuesday?s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but??

13) Zion Williamson sat out three weeks with a knee injury, then came back over the weekend and played three games in three nights, playing 35-36-40 minutes; how is that smart? The games weren?t critical to Duke?s season; if Williamson had gotten hurt again, then what?

12) Meanwhile, Arkansas big man Daniel Gafford is bolting to the NBA after this, his sophomore season, and won?t play in the Razorbacks? NIT game(s), because he could get hurt.

Williamson plays 35-36-40 minutes on consecutive nights in a mostly meaningless ACC tournament, but this kid won?t play in an NIT game? Oy.

11) San Francisco Dons were shunned by the NIT, then turned down both the CBI and CIT. Likewise for Texas-San Antonio and Jacksonville State.

10) Since 1985, 41 teams with a losing conference record have gotten an at-large bid to the NCAA?s; those teams went 20-21 in the first round, then 6-14 in the round of 32.

Teams in this tournament who were under .500 in conference:
St John?s, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Ohio State

9) Same day the Memphis Express signed Johnny Manziel, they lost QB Zach Mettenberger with an ankle injury, so Manziel is likely to play for Memphis this week.

8) 76-year old Jim Calhoun coached a D-III team in Connecticut this season; the coach was not only new, the team was- it was a men?s team in a school that previously had been an all-female school.

St Joseph?s Bluejays went 16-12 this season, losing in finals of their conference tournament.

7) Coaching carousel:
? Tulane fired coach Mike Dunleavy Sr
? Ohio U hired alum Jeff Boals as its new coach; Boals went 55-41 at Stony Brook, 31-17 in America East games.

6) When the NFL Draft rolls around next month, Giants and Eagles will both make three picks before Dallas picks anyone; the Redskins will pick twice before the Cowboys pick once.

5) Miami Dolphins signed Ryan Fitzpatrick Sunday; he was the 14th QB selected in the 2005 NFL Draft, and is going to become the first QB EVER to throw a pass for eight different NFL teams.

Considering he went to college at Harvard, thats a pretty amazing career, playing 16 years in the NFL, when you didn?t even get a college football scholarship.

4) It turns out that lions are excellent nappers. They hunt mostly at night, and digesting large amounts of meat protein involves effort, so lions often spend as many as 20 hours a day resting.

We?re talking about real-life lions, not Detroit Lions or Nittany Lions.

3) USC is raising its tuition 3.2% next year, up to $57,256 a year; not sure this week was the best time to announce that, after the scandal that broke last week about rich people making payoffs to get their under-qualified kids into these expensive schools, but thats what happened.

2) ACC Network starts up in August, and DirecTV is gong to carry it, which makes me wonder why the hell they don?t carry the Pac-12 Network?

1) Rumor mill has Nebraska firing basketball coach Tim Miles as soon as the Cornhuskers get KO?d from the NIT; Fred Hoiberg is listed as the #1 contender to be the new coach.

Cnotes53 · Mar 19, 2019

NCAA games

Tuesday?s play-in games

Prairie View was 1-11 in its pre-conference schedule, then went 20-1 in its league, which tells me their league sucks. Since 2003, SWAC teams are 2-15 in NCAA?s, winning play-in games LY and in 2010- they?re 2-7 overall in play-in games. Panthers are experience team #10 that forces turnovers 24.2% of time; they lost at Baylor/Ga Tech, both by 11 points. FDU won 14 of its last 16 games after starting season 6-11; they?re shooting 40.8% on arc this year- they?re experience team #152. NEC teams are 3-3 in play-in games, with last win three years ago.

Belmont won 14 of its last 15 games; they?re experience team #250 that starts two freshmen- they make 59.5% of their shots inside arc. Byrd is 0-7 in NCAA tourney games; this is first time he isn?t the lesser seed in a tourney game. Last six years, OVC teams are 0-6 in NCAA?s; this is tied for best seed they?ve had in last 15 years. Temple won six of last eight games, are 4-0 in OT this year; outgoing coach Dunphy is 2-11 in his last 13 NCAA tourney games. Owls? subs play minutes #279. AAC teams are 8-7 SU in play-in/first round games, losing only play-in game in 2015.

Tuesday?s other tournament games

Motivation is the main variable in these ?other? tournaments; I?ll give you some stats and some knowledge, but these games are really tough to decipher from the outside.

NC State played the worst non-conference schedule in country, which is why they?re here; Wolfpack started season 13-1, is 9-10 since then- they?re 16-2 vs teams ranked #90 ow lower. Hofstra was #1 seed in CAA but got beat in tourney; Pride is 5-3 in their last eight games- they are experience team #8 whose bench plays minutes #325. Hofstra is shooting 39.1% on arc.

South Dakota State has big guy (Daum) who scored 3,000+ career points; Jackrabbits were #1 seed in Summit but lost first tourney game. State lost by 8 at Memphis, by 4 at Nevada- they also lost at Tulane. Jackrabbits shoot 41.5% on the arc. Texas is 6-12 in its last 18 games after a 10-4 start; they?re experience team #280 that plays slow (#327) tempo games. Longhorns got PG Roach (suspension) back in their last game.

Indiana won four of its last five games after a 1-11 skid that ended their NCAA hopes; Hoosiers are experience team #285 that is shooting only 31.4% on arc this year. St Francis PA lost NEC final at home; Red Flash is experience team #58 that went 4-7 in its pre-conference schedule. St Francis lost by 25 at North Carolina, 38 at Va Tech, 37 at UCLA.

Campbell has a 5-9 guard who has scored 3,000+ points; they lost by 6 to Citadel in their only game this year vs a SoCon opponent. Camels won seven of their last nine games, are experience team #128- they score 38.3% of their points on the arc. NC-Greensboro is 28-6, losing finals of SoCon tourney to Wofford; Spartans beat Radford by 7, their one Big South opponent.

Lipscomb is 25-7, losing A-Sun tourney final at home; Bisons did win at TCU- they lost twice to Belmont, by 2-4 points, lost by 17 at Clemson, by 4 at Louisville. Lipscomb is experience team #48. Davidson won four of last five games but lost in A-14 semis; Wildcats are experience team #327 that plays slow (#319) pace. Davidson are 4-4 vs top 100 teams this weekend.

San Diego is experience team #15 that was disappointing 7-9 in WCC but won three games in WCC tourney; Toreros start four seniors, play only seven guys- they beat Colorado, lost by 3 at Washington, by 7 at Ole Miss. Memphis won eight of its last 11 games; they started five seniors in last game- three of their four subs were freshmen. Tigers play #6 pace in country.

Arkansas C Gafford quit to get ready for NBA Draft, won?t play here. Razorbacks won three of last four games, losing in first round of SEC tourney. Arkansas is experience team #341 that didn?t play any seniors in last game; they?re 9-3 outside the SEC. Providence is 5-8 in its last 13 games; they beat South Carolina by 11 in November. Friars are experience team #261.

Loyola is 6-6 outside MVC; they play slow (#348) tempo, are 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 2 to Furman, 14 to Nevada, 14 at Maryland. Ramblers are #198 experience team. Creighton won five of last six games, lost by hoop to Xavier in Big East tourney; Bluejays are experience team #282 that shoot ball well (38.5% behind arc) but they don?t know anything else that well.

Dayton won five of last seven games; they?re 8-5 outside A-14 this year. Flyers are experience team #278 that plays slow (#321) pace. Dayton lost six of eight games vs top 100 teams, with wins over Butler/Davidson. Colorado won 10 of its last 13 games; Buffaloes are 9-3 outside the Pac-12- they?re experience team #318 that played the #299 non-conference schedule.

Cal-Northridge is experience team #340 in Gottfried?s first year as HC; Matadors went 5-10 in pre-conference games, then 7-10 in Big West games- they?re 6-7 freshman Diane is very good, but CSUN doesn?t have much depth (bench minutes #327). Utah Valley won eight of its last nine games; they beat Long Beach by 15 in only Big West game. Wolverines are experience team #89.

IUPUI lost seven of last nine games after starting out 6-4 in Horizon; Jaguars are 6-5 outside Horizon games- they?re #69 experience team play fairly fast pace (#120). Marshall won five of its last six games, went 12-8 in C-USA games; Thundering Herd plays chuck/duck (#7 tempo) and gets 37.6% of its points behind arc. Teams shoot 37.4% (#320) on arc vs IUPUI.

Cornell lost five of its last seven games; they?re 6-8 outside Ivy League. Big Red is experience team #46 that lost its last four road games, all by 9+ points. Robert Morris won four of its last six games but is 3-8 outside NEC; they?re experience team #134 that turns ball over 21.5% of time (#321). Cornell won its last two games, went 7-7 in Ivy but missed 4-team tournament.

Cnotes53 · Mar 19, 2019

Wednesday?s play-in games

North Carolina Central is in NCAA?s for 4th time in six years; they?re 0-2 in play-in games, losing by 4-18 points the last two years. Eagles finished in 6th place in MEAC this year, worst league in country- they turn ball over 22.9% of time- they?re #15 experience team that won eight of its last ten games. North Dakota State makes 36.8% of its 3?s, getting 40.3% of their points on 3?s- they?re experience team #277; Bison are in NCAAs for first time in four years- they?re not a good defensive team, with #305 eFG% on defense.

Arizona State beat St John?s 82-70 LY at Staples Center; ASU won six of last eight games overall; they get 22.3% of their points on foul line. St John?s subs play minutes #347, so they better not get in foul trouble. Hurley is 0-2 in NCAA?s as a head coach; this is Mullin?s first NCAA game as a coach. Johnnies started season 12-0, playing the #327 non-conference schedule, then went 9-12 in last 21 games- they beat Pac-12 cellar dweller Cal 82-79. Neither team subs very much. Last four years, Big East teams are 20-8 against Pac-12 opponents.

Thursday?s games

Richard Pitino vs the school that canned his father two years ago; Gophers won four of last six games- they don?t take many 3?s or sub a lot. Cardinals are 4-8 in last 12 games after a 16-5 start; they?re a top 20 team nationally in defensive eFG%. Pitino lost 81-72 as a 5-seed in his only NCAA game as a head coach, in 2017. Mack is 11-8 in NCAA games, 6-2 in first round. Last six years, favorites are 16-8 vs spread in 7-10 games. Last four years, ACC teams are 22-8 in first round; they?re 3-6 vs spread in last nine tries as a 1st round underdog. Louisville won its last five first round games. Big 14 teams are 19-7 in last 26 first round games.

LSU is experience team #324 whose coach is suspended for NCAA stuff; they lost in first round of SEC tourney LW. Tigers are a vulnerable favorite here. Yale upset Baylor 79-75 (+6) in a 5-12 game three years ago, their first NCAA game since 1959; Bulldogs shoot 37.4% on arc- they?re #33 experience team that lost in OT at Memphis but lost by 33 at Duke. LSU forces turnovers 20.7% of time; are they just too athletic for Yale? Ivy League teams split their last six first round games (5-1 vs spread). Last six years, underdogs are 14-10 vs spread in 3-14 games. Since 2014, SEC teams are 3-8 vs spread as a single digit favorite in first round games.

New Mexico State hasn?t lost since Jan 3; WAC doesn?t get on TV much, but they?re conference #14- Aggies lost by 3 to Kansas, by 15 to St Mary?s last fall. State lost by 11 to Clemson in NCAA?s LY; they?re experience team #73 that makes 56.6% of its 2?s, 36.2% of its 3?s. Auburn won SEC tourney last week; Tigers won their last eight games; they force turnovers 25.4% of time, #1 in country. Last 11 years, WAC teams are 0-12 SU in NCAA games, 4-8 vs spread; their last SU win was Nevada in 2007. Since 2014, SEC teams are 3-8 vs spread as a single digit favorite in first round gamesLast four years, favorites are 9-7 vs spread in 5-12 games.

Vermont is 24-3 in its last 27 games; last fall, they lost by 8 at Louisville, 16 at Kansas. Becker is 0-2 in NCAA games, losing by 19-10 points (0-2 vs spread) in NCAA games in ?12, ?17. Over last eight years, America East teams are 5-3 vs spread in this round. Catamounts are experience team #251 that plays tempo #285. Florida State forces turnovers 20.3% of time; Seminoles are experience team #82 that won 14 of last 16 games, losing ACC tourney final to Duke. Last five years, ACC teams are 6-12 vs spread as a double digit favorite in this round. Last five years, underdogs are 12-8 vs spread in 4-13 games.

Bradley is in NCAA?s for first time in 13 years; they beat Penn State by 3 in November, in their only top 100 game this season. Braves are experience team #65 that plays slowish pace and makes 36.8% of its 3?s- they haven?t played in 11 days, since Arch Madness ended. Michigan State won Big 14 tourney Sunday; last seven years. they?re 5-2 vs spread in first round games. Spartans won five in row, 10 of last 11 games; they?re experience team #138 whose defensive eFG% is #6 in country. Since 2013, MVC teams are 9-0 SU in this round, and were underdogs in four of those games. MVC teams covered 10 of their last 14 first round games.

Northeastern won seven in row, 16 of last 18 games; they?re experience team #59 that plays pace #252 and shoots 38.8% on arc- their eFG% is #5 in country. Huskies last made NCAAs in 2015, losing 69-65 (+12) as a 14-seed. CAA teams are 0-6 SU in this round the last six years, covering five of those games; since 2009, CAA teams are 11-2 vs spread in this round. Kansas didn?t win regular season or Big X tourney title this year; Jayhawks won last 12 first round games, going 3-0-1 vs spread in last four- last time they lost in first round was last time they were a #4-seed, in 2006. Last five years, underdogs are 12-8 vs spread in 4-13 games.

Murray State won its last 11 games; they?re #234 experience team that shoots 57.2% inside arc, has #21 eFG% in country. Racers lost 85-68 to West Virginia in first round LY; they lost by 5 to Auburn, by 6 to Alabama this year. Marquette lost five of its last six games; they?re shooting 39.3% on arc this season. OVC teams are 0-6 in this round (3-3 vs spread) the last six years; last OVC to win a game was Murray as a #6-seed in 2012 (they lost to Marquette in 2nd round that year). Last four years, favorites are 9-7 vs spread in 5-12 games.

Nevada is 5-3 in its last eight games after starting season 24-1; Wolf Pack starts five 5th-year seniors; their starting 5 are older than the Phoenix Suns? starters. Wolf Pack shoots 55.1% inside arc, gets 21% of its points from foul line. Florida plays a slow (#346) pace; they force turnovers 22.6% of time. Gators are #271 experience team; they lost four of last six games. Since 2003, Mountain West teams are 14-25 in first round games, 3-5 the last five years; since ?04, SEC teams are 7-9 vs spread as a first round underdog. Last six years, favorites are 16-8 vs spread in 7-10 games. Florida coach White is 4-2 in NCAA?s, 2-0 in first round games.

On February 21, Abilene Christian tossed their leading scorer and another starter off their team; they?re 6-1 since then, and won Southland tourney. Wildcats lost by 34 to Texas Tech in their only game this season against a team ranked in top 150. Since ?07, Southland teams are 3-12 SU in NCAA games, 3-8 vs spread in last 11 tourney games. Kentucky is experience team #351- they are 3-2 in last five games. Wildcats play slowish pace (#265); teams are shooting only 43.6% inside arc against them. Last four years, favorites are 10-6 vs spread in 2-15 games. Wildcats are 2-5 vs spread in their last seven first round games.

Villanova won Big East tourney last week; they?re 25-9, winning five of last six games. Over last five years, Wildcats were in top 12 nationally in defensive efficiency every year, but this season, they?re #73. Villanova is experience team #178 that plays a slow (#333) pace- they get 42.8% of their points behind the arc (#9 in country). Saint Mary?s beat Gonzaga, won WCC tourney to get here; they haven?t played in nine days- they?re experience team #253. Gaels won seven of their last eight games, also play slow tempo (#347); they shoot 37.8% on arc. Saint Mary?s is 3-6 in NCAA games under Bennett, 2-4 in first round games.

Michigan (-11.5) beat Montana 61-47 in first round of NCAA?s LY, after Grizzlies led 10-0 early on; game was 31-28 at half, but Montana shot only 32.1% for night. Teams meet again here; Montana is #6 experience team in country, shooting 38.1% on arc, 56.3% inside arc- they lost by 26 to Creighton, by 19 to Arizona in their highest profile games. Wolverines lost Big 14 tourney finals Sunday; they?re only 4-3 in last seven games. Michigan is experience team #242. Beilein is 17-8 in NCAA games at Michigan, 6-2 in first round. Big Sky teams haven?t won an NCAA game since 2006; they?re 1-6-1 vs spread in their last eight first round games.

SoCon teams lost their last ten first round games, going 5-4-1 vs spread as an underdog, but this year, Wofford is a #7-seed and is favored here. Last time a SoCon team won a first round game was in 2008, when Steph Curry?s Davidson team got to Elite 8 as a 10-seed- they were favored in their first round game. Terriers won their last 20 games, but last fall, they lost by 25 to Kansas, 11 at Miss State, 11 to North Carolina- they beat South Carolina by 20. Wofford makes 41.6% on arc; they?re experience team #135. Seton Hall won four of last five games; Willard is 1-3 in NCAA games, and he was a 6-9-8 seed those years. Pirates are a 10-seed here, and an underdog.

In last four years, Conference USA teams posted first round upsets, as 14-15-12-13 seeds, Old Dominion is 26-8; they play a slow pace (#325) and won 10 of last 12 games. Monarchs won at Syracuse, beat VCU by 10; they?re #149 experience team. ODU coach Jones is battling prostate cancer, so this is an emotional time for the ODU family. Purdue is 23-9 this year, but lost two of its last three games; they score 38.3% of their points on the arc, with Cline making 41.8% of his 3?s. ODU?s opponents have made only 32.5% of their 3?s this year. Painter is 11-11 in NCAA tilts, but 8-3 in first round games.

Baylor lost its last four games, making 22-80 on arc in last three games; they?ll need to shoot ball better against Syracuse?s 2-3 zone here. Bears are experience team #255 whose subs play a lot (minutes #56). Drew is 10-7 in NCAA games, 4-3 in first round. Baylor?s senior G Mason was 9-19 on arc in his last three games, after a dismal 3-22 skid which also included two missed games with a foot injury. Syracuse is 4-7 in its last 11 games; their best player Battle didn?t play in their last game. Orange forces turnovers 23.2% of the time while playing pace #251. Boeheim won his last eight first round games; last loss was in ?06, after his team won Big East tourney.

Cnotes53 · Mar 19, 2019

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, March 19

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FARLEIGH DICKINSON (20 - 13) vs. PRAIRIE VIEW A&M (22 - 12) - 3/19/2019, 6:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FARLEIGH DICKINSON is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games this season.
FARLEIGH DICKINSON is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
FARLEIGH DICKINSON is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in March games since 1997.
FARLEIGH DICKINSON is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) after a conference game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BELMONT (26 - 5) vs. TEMPLE (23 - 9) - 3/19/2019, 9:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEMPLE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
BELMONT is 18-10 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
BELMONT is 18-10 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
BELMONT is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BELMONT is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a conference game this season.
BELMONT is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

Cnotes53 · Mar 19, 2019

Location Winners and Losers
March 18, 2019
By Joe Nelson

While the focus in the aftermath of Selection Sunday is often on seeds and the matchups, many coaches might prioritize the venue draw in those announcements as the programs scramble to make travel arrangements and hope to get fan support thrown into often random location assignments. The committee allegedly only makes location concessions for the top handful of seeds but certainly there were winners and losers in the location assignments.

Hartford, Connecticut (Thursday/Saturday)

Winner ? Villanova: Playing just over 200 miles away the Big East champions have a great location draw in Hartford to easily calm any hostility regarding being a surprising #6 seed, especially with the Marquette team they topped for the Big East title being a #5 seed. Saint Mary?s is playing nearly 3,000 miles away from home for this contest though the Gaels at least avoided being handed a daytime slot. Villanova should have the bulk of the audience in this pod as by far the closest of the top seeded teams in this grouping while also getting the primetime time slot Thursday night.

Loser ? Purdue: A Purdue squad that was the regular season co-champion of one of the top conferences in the nation didn?t land either of the two Midwestern sites in Des Moines or Columbus. They also pull a late night time slot and will deal with a Big East heavy crowd following up the Villanova contest Thursday night. Norfolk isn?t exactly close to Hartford but #14 seed Old Dominion has a much shorter trip to this site as Purdue certainly could have had a better draw in this pod. Staring at the defending national champions for a potential Round of 32 Saturday matchup is also daunting particularly given how the makeup of the crowd will likely look. A Florida State squad that was in the ACC title game also failed to land a preferable spot in Jacksonville or Columbia.

Jacksonville, Florida (Thursday/Saturday)

Winner ? Maryland: Jacksonville is a 10 hour drive from College Park but Maryland has to feel good about this draw, landing a #6 seed despite a late season slide. Teams that win the First Four games can often be dangerous but that Tuesday victor is going to go from playing a late night game in Dayton to facing an early afternoon game Thursday in Jacksonville for a difficult turnaround. This pod also lacks a local favorite with Florida State and the other ACC powers sent elsewhere. Kentucky fans will dominate the stands but all things considered Maryland landed in a decent spot.

Loser ? LSU: The Tigers, not the Wildcats were the SEC regular season champions yet LSU will share this venue with the rabid Kentucky fanbase. Baton Rouge is technically a bit closer to Jacksonville than Lexington but while Kentucky gets the Thursday night primetime billing, LSU has a very early start game vs. Yale on Thursday with the Ivy League teams being very dangerous in recent years. Kentucky will be almost three times as big of a favorite as LSU in the opening round despite these teams only being one seed apart.

Des Moines, Iowa (Thursday/Saturday)

Winner ? Michigan: Much is being made of Michigan getting the more favorable bracket draw than Michigan State and both of those teams will land in Des Moines for the opening rounds. Ultimately the committee likely locked in their choices when Michigan had a double-digit lead in the second half of the Big Ten championship. Both teams are heavy favorites Thursday but while Michigan State plays an under seeded Bradley team that is less than four hours away from Des Moines, Michigan draws an injury depleted Montana squad that makes a long trip. Michigan would have a bigger location edge Saturday in a potential round of 32 game vs. Florida or Nevada as well while Michigan State would draw Louisville or Minnesota who both have reasonable trips to Des Moines.

Loser ? Louisville: The Cardinals had a much closer option in Columbus in its sights and despite the selection committee handing out three #1 seeds to the ACC, Louisville was dropped to the #7 line even with a win over Michigan State plus ACC road wins over North Carolina and Virginia Tech. Add that the committee had to have a laugh in engineering a matchup of Richard Pitino against his dad?s former school and the Cardinals have a tough opening draw. The Gophers also are playing in the closest possible venue for them fewer than 250 miles away and then if Louisville wins they likely pull the Michigan State team they beat in overtime in November to provide plenty of motivation for the Spartans.

Salt Lake City, Utah (Thursday/Saturday)

Winner ? Baylor: Gonzaga was a natural fit for Salt Lake City even though Spokane is still over 700 miles away. Waco is more than 1,200 miles away but this is a good draw for a slumping Bears team that most pegged for an even lesser seed. The Bears get to face a zone team that they will be comfortable with and an east coast Syracuse team faces longer travel west and will face the late night start time to give the Bears a bit of an edge in the timing and location. The status Tyus Battle, the best player for the Orange, is also unclear and putting Syracuse in a Thursday group makes for one less day for his recovery. A Bears team on a four-game losing streak, while just 4-7 in the past 11 games, didn?t deserve these potential breaks.

Loser ? Auburn: A dominant SEC championship game victory Sunday didn?t boost Auburn?s stock much nor did it provide a favorable venue as Salt Lake City would not have been high on Auburn?s first travel choices. Auburn will also draw an early game Thursday for a quick turnaround with long travel after Sunday?s win in Nashville. New Mexico State is a dangerous team with great depth and while Las Cruces isn?t exactly close to Salt Lake City, it is about half as far as Auburn has to travel. Auburn fans will also be drowned out by Gonzaga and Kansas fans that figure to take over this arena.

Columbia, South Carolina (Friday/Sunday)

Winner ? Mississippi: The Rebels have only defeated three teams that made the NCAA Tournament this season but with a #8 seed Ole Miss doesn?t appear to have been remotely close to the bubble despite losing five of the final seven games of the season including three losses to non-tournament teams. Mississippi draws an Oklahoma squad that most also expected to be closer to the cut line and a team that hasn?t been at its best in recent weeks. Opposing a Virginia program that has struggled in the NCAA Tournament in recent years is also the path most #8/#9 seeds would likely choose. Ole Miss also played in this arena in February as they will have some familiarity with the court.

Loser ? Virginia: Columbia is the venue Virginia would have chosen but the selection committee isn?t giving the first team ever to lose as a #1 seed in the Round of 64 a free pass the following year. Gardner Webb is only 112 miles away from Columbia and Virginia is going to have to deal with Duke being in this pod as well. UCF and VCU should also get decent support in this group as the Cavaliers will have plenty of folks cheering against them on Friday and Sunday in this venue. Virginia also failed to land a spot in the East region where Washington D.C. will host the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games. Instead will have to potentially face a team playing very close to home in Louisville should Cincinnati, Purdue, or Tennessee advance to the regional final. In a potential Sweet 16 game Virginia could also pull a Wisconsin or Kansas State team that is more than comfortable at a deliberate pace.

Columbus, Ohio (Friday/Sunday)

Winner ? Cincinnati: The American champions have a right to complain about being a #7 seed but looking at the draw and not the seeds there are a lot of things working in favor of the Bearcats. Cincinnati is one of only a few teams playing in their home state and they are barely 100 miles away from Columbus. Iowa is also a team that has played as poorly as any team in the field in the last month for a favorable first matchup. Tennessee is waiting as a difficult Round of 32 game but the big picture path is favorable with the South bracket leading to Louisville, a city less than 100 miles away from Cincinnati.

Loser ? North Carolina: A one-point loss to a Duke team they beat twice last weekend flipped the Tar Heels out of more favorable venues in the bracket, missing out on Columbia or Jacksonville while also not placed in the East region that winds up in Washington D.C. While Chapel Hills is only 450 miles from Columbus the Tar Heels haven?t had to leave the Carolinas the past three years in the opening round games. If North Carolina makes the Sweet 16 they could wind up facing Kansas in Kansas City for a big potential disadvantage.

Tulsa, Oklahoma (Friday/Sunday)

Winner ? Houston: The Cougars lost by double-digits Sunday in the AAC final and despite using an incredibly weak non-conference schedule to help create the 32-3 record but stayed on the #3 line in a favorable venue. This pod will have some Big XII support but the Cougars get a Friday game unlike some of the other teams that played on Sunday and now face a Thursday game. The Tulsa/Kansas City path would have been where Houston would have placed itself in the bracket given the choice. Likely opposing Houston in the Round of 32 would be an Iowa State team that mostly struggled in the last month might be a bit over seeded from its Big XII tournament championship, a run that didn?t include facing the top Big XII team Texas Tech.

Loser ? Buffalo: Getting a #6 seed is a big deal for a MAC team but Buffalo has the disadvantage of not knowing who they will play until late Wednesday night. They also could wind up facing Arizona State, coached by Bobby Hurley, the former Buffalo coach who gave Nate Oats his entry to the division I level and will be intimately familiar with how the Bulls play. The Bulls also face a long trip to Tulsa when far more attractive venues were available in terms of travel distance. With Houston, Iowa State, and Texas Tech playing relatively close to home in this draw the Bulls might not get the support they expected.

San Jose, California (Friday/Sunday)

Winner ? UC Irvine: The Anteaters haven?t lost since mid-January and won?t have to leave California for the NCAA Tournament unless they win twice. They also get to face a wounded Kansas State squad that appears to possibly be playing without Dean Wade in the tournament for the second straight season. Add that this team lost 71-49 at Kansas State early last season and Russell Turner?s team has a lot to work with to try to engineer an upset bid.

Loser ? Virginia Tech: The Hokies have some good news with Justin Robinson cleared to play but Virginia Tech is getting sent out west and has the late night draw with a game starting around 10:00 PM Eastern Time. Saint Louis won four games in four days to win the A-10 tournament but getting a Friday draw helps the Billikens who won that title game on Sunday afternoon in Brooklyn. The Hokies played only one non-conference road game this season and lost it and actually has never left the Eastern Time zone all season. A squad reliant on 3-point shooting could have trouble in an unfamiliar venue at an irregular time slot. The Hokies also land in the grouping with #1 overall Duke should they advance to the Sweet 16 though that opportunity would come in a favorable Washington D.C. venue.

Cnotes53 · Mar 19, 2019

3-point shot could fuel NCAA upsets
March 18, 2019
By The Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) This year's NCAA Tournament features a top tier of teams that are heavy Final Four favorites, starting with No. 1 overall seed Duke and star freshman Zion Williamson.

Figuring out how to stop them won't be easy.

Gonzaga joined the Atlantic Coast Conference trio of Duke, Virginia and North Carolina atop the four regional brackets, followed Michigan State, Tennessee, Kentucky and Michigan as No. 2 seeds. These eight teams have won 85 percent of their games this season. And nearly half of their games lost (18 of 40) have come against another team within this group of 1- and 2-seeds.

That makes for a tricky puzzle, though some clues may be in weaknesses that showed when these top-tier teams lost.

DUKE

It starts with 3-point shooting and free-throw shooting, though the Blue Devils typically overcome both behind the brilliance of Williamson, fellow freshman RJ Barrett and a tough defense led by Tre Jones.

Duke shoots 30.2 percent on 3s, the worst mark of any tournament team and worst in program history. The struggles stood out in a loss to Syracuse (9 of 43 against the zone) and in losses to UNC (8 of 39 in the first, 8 of 32 in the second).

At the free throw line, 69 percent could be a problem for the Blue Devils in a close game. Barrett missed two free throws with 12.4 seconds left in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament semifinals, giving UNC a final-play shot for the win even though Duke ultimately won, 74-73.

VIRGINIA

Fans already know all about Virginia's worst-case scenario thanks to No. 16 UMBC trouncing the overall No. 1 Cavaliers in last year's first round.

This year's team plays similarly with a style that can reduce its margin for error.

Virginia again has the tough defense and methodical tempo offense, a combination that tests the discipline and patience of its opponent. Behind Kyle Guy, Ty Jerome and De'Andre Hunter, the Cavaliers own their most efficient attack since coach Tony Bennett's breakout season there in 2014.

If they struggle for stops and get behind, it can be difficult to reverse momentum with fewer possessions to work with thanks to their pace - illustrated in Friday's loss to Florida State in the ACC Tournament semifinals.

FSU played with an aggressive edge and shot 57 percent, increasing the pressure on Virginia's offense to offset those troubles. But the Cavaliers shot 42 percent and made 5 of 24 3-pointers as they fell behind, and they aren't built to score in bunches in a comeback bid.

That showed last year in the unprecedented UMBC loss, a game in which the Cavaliers fell further and further behind as history unfolded.

UNC

The Tar Heels have three scorers capable of big games with Cameron Johnson, Coby White and Luke Maye. And they're at their best when loose in transition or attacking the glass.

Things get tougher when the pace slows.

Despite its rebounding prowess, UNC lacks a true post scorer - a staple of Roy Williams' best teams - and can struggle matching up with bigger teams. And its perimeter strength makes the team more dependent on the 3.

In the Virginia loss, the Tar Heels couldn't push tempo, had season lows of 61 points and 76 possessions, and shot 9 of 30 from behind the arc. The trouble from 3 resurfaced in the ACC Tournament loss to Duke, with UNC making 1 of 12 after halftime while struggling to find consistent production off the dribble against Duke's perimeter pressure.

GONZAGA

The Zags have KenPom's most efficient offense (125.1 points per 100 possessions) and a solid frontcourt with Rui Hachimura, Brandon Clarke and the return of Killian Tillie. Gonzaga is the only team to beat a fully-healthy Duke squad this year.

But the Zags struggled on the perimeter in the West Coast Conference Tournament title game against Saint Mary's. Their guards couldn't increase the tempo, so Gonzaga had to grind out halfcourt possessions and made just 2 of 17 3-pointers in the 60-47 loss.

The Zags also had trouble on the boards in their three losses. They were outrebounded in two, including by a 42-21 margin at UNC that saw the Tar Heels taking a 27-0 edge in second-chance points. They also surrendered 16 offensive rebounds against Tennessee in December.

ON THE SECOND LINE

Tennessee: Coach Rick Barnes has expressed concern about his team settling for 3-point shots instead of attacking the paint. The Volunteers attempted more 3-pointers than free throws in all five losses, averaging 23.4 attempted 3s and 16 attempted free throws in those games compared to 18.2 3s and 20.8 free throws in wins.

Michigan State: The Big Ten champions often struggle to keep possession. The Spartans rank 319th in the country in turnover margin (minus-2.6) and have averaged 15.8 turnovers in six losses, leading to an average of 16.5 points for opponents. The worst was a 24-turnover performance that led to 28 points for a 12-win Illinois team.

Kentucky: Can Kentucky hit more 3s if needed and stop opponents from doing the same? John Calipari's Wildcats made 199 3s - fewer than all but five power-conference teams - while attempting among the fewest in the country, and they hit just 27.9 percent in six losses (including 5-of-19 efforts against LSU and Tennessee ). At the other end, opponents shot 41 percent from 3 in Kentucky's losses.

Michigan: While John Beilein's Wolverines have one of the nation's top defenses, they haven't rebounded particularly well. Michigan has been outrebounded in five of its six losses by an average margin of more than nine boards per game - including being more than doubled (46-20) in the second of three losses to Michigan State.

Cnotes53 · Mar 19, 2019

CBB MARCH MADNESS RECORD OPINIONS AND BEST BETS !

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

03/18/2019 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00

Totals...........

******************************

BEST BETS:

DATE........................ATS................... ..UNITS..................O/U..................UNITS.............TOTALS

03/18/2019.............1 - 0......................+5.00.................1 - 0..................+5.00...............+10.00

Totals...................

Cnotes53 · Mar 19, 2019

Tuesday's First Four Tips
Brian Edwards

The 2019 NCAA Tournament gets started with Tuesday?s First Four doubleheader in Dayton, OH. The winners advance to play again on Thursday, while the losers go home. It?s Tourney Time, folks, and that means there?s no tomorrow. Winners survive and move on, while losers go home in the one-and-done scenario that makes this event one of the best in all of sports.

**Fairleigh Dickinson vs. Prairie View A&M**

-- As of Monday night, most books had Fairleigh Dickinson (20-13 straight up, 18-13 against the spread) listed as a two-point favorite with a total of 149.5.

-- KenPom.com ranks FDU at No. 208 in the nation and Prairie View A&M is No. 209. The only team in the field ranked worse is North Carolina Central (No. 303).

-- FDU?s best win is a 77-66 victory at Princeton (No. 175 at K-Pom). The Knights lost 90-55 at Rutgers, 69-59 at Providence and 60-54 at South Florida.

-- FDU brings an eight-game winning streak to Dayton. The Knights won the Northeast Tournament by capturing an 85-76 win over St. Francis (PA.) in the finals. They won outright as four-point underdogs thanks to 63.8 percent shooting from the field, 53.8 percent shooting from long distance and 90.0 percent shooting from the free-throw line. Darnell Edge made all seven of his FTAs and scored 21 points. Jahlil Jenkins added 20 points, three assists and a pair of steals, while Kaleb Bishop finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and two blocked shots. Mike Holloway Jr. contributed 12 points and five assists, making 5-of-7 field-goal attempts.

-- Edge leads the Knights in scoring (16.4 points per game) and free-throw accuracy (88.5%), and he?s also drained 46.9 percent of his 3-pointers. Jenkins (13.5 PPG) averages team-bests in assists (4.6 APG) and steals (1.6 SPG) and has knocked down 87.4 percent of his FTAs. Holloway (12.5 PPG) averages 5.5 RPG and has 33 steals and a team-high 34 blocked shots.

-- FDU is ranked fifth in the nation in 3-point accuracy, splashing the nets from downtown at a 40.3 percent clip. The Knights are 30th in the country in field-goal percentage (47.8%).

-- FDU is looking for its first NCAA Tournament win in program history. The Knights are 0-5 in previous appearances.

-- Prairie View A&M (22-12 SU, 18-14-1 ATS) has won 11 games in a row and hasn?t tasted defeat since Feb. 9. The Panthers are 8-3 ATS during their winning streak and have covered the spread in six straight games. They won the SWAC Tournament with a 92-86 win over Texas Southern as two-point underdogs. Dennis Jones and Gary Blackston led six double-figure scorers with 17 points apiece. Jones had four assists and three steals, while Blackston finished with 17 points, six steals and four rebounds.

-- Like FDU, Prairie View A&M has just one win over a team in the K-Pom Top 200. The Panthers won their opener at Santa Clara (No. 185) by an 81-64 count. Some defeats of note include an 83-67 loss at Murray St., a 65-54 loss at Ga. Tech, a 74-66 loss at UNC Greensboro and a 91-80 loss at Baylor.

-- Blackston leads the Panthers in scoring (15.2 PPG) and rebounding (7.0 RPG). Jones (8.6 PPG) paces Prairie View A&M in assists (4.4 APG) and steals (2.1 SPG), while Devonte Patterson (13.0 PPG) and Gerard Andrus (10.0) are also double-figure scorers.

-- Prairie View A&M is in its second NCAA Tournament and first since 1998. The Panthers commit an average of 21.7 fouls per game, which is the fourth-most in the country. This stat is something for bettors looking at the total should keep in mind.

-- Prairie View A&M is ranked 34th in the nation at defending the 3-point line (31.3%). The Panthers don?t shoot well from long distance, however, making only 31.2 percent of their treys to rank No. 318 in the country.

-- The ?over? has hit in four consecutive contests for the Panthers to improve to 20-13 overall.

-- The ?under? has cashed in four of FDU?s past five games to improve to 17-14 overall.

-- Tip-off on TruTV is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Eastern.

**Temple vs. Belmont**

-- As of Monday night, most books had Belmont (26-5 straight up, 19-10-1 against the spread) installed as a three-point favorite with the total in the 155-156 range. The Owls were +135 on the money line (risk $100 to win $135). For first-half wagers, the Bruins were favored by 1.5 points (with -115 or -120 juice) and the total was 72.5.

-- The Temple-Belmont winner will advance to face the East Region?s No. 6 seed, Maryland, on Thursday at 3:10 p.m. Eastern (or 30 minutes after the conclusion of Yale vs. LSU) in Jacksonville at Veterans Memorial Arena.

-- Belmont is a name hardcore college basketball fans are plenty familiar with, as is its head coach Rick Byrd, who has more than 800 career wins. The other coaches in this Tournament with more than 800 career victories? Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams and Jim Boeheim. This team went through anxiety galore from the time its 14-game winning streak was halted by Murray State at the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament finals up until its name popped up on the screen during CBS?s Selection Show late Sunday afternoon.

-- Since 2004, Byrd has taken Belmont to seven NCAA Tournaments, four NIT appearances and one trip to the CIT quarterfinals. This is the Bruins? eighth trip to the NCAA Tournament on Byrd?s watch and its first at-large berth. They are still seeking their first Tournament victory. This is the 65-year-old Byrd?s 33rd season with the program that was competing at the NAIA level up until 1996. Byrd has led the Bruins to at least 20 wins in nine consecutive seasons.

-- Belmont center Nick Muszynski was listed as ?questionable? due to an ankle injury sustained in the OVC Tournament semifinals, but he was upgraded to ?probable? Monday night. Muszynski, who was named the OVC Freshman of the Year, has averaged 15.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.2 blocked shots in 29 games for the Bruins.

-- Belmont didn?t have Muszynski in its loss to Murray State by a 77-65 count in the finals of the OVC Tournament. Without Muszynski, the Racers outrebounded the Bruins by a 46-31 margin. Senior forward Dylan Windler had 17 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in defeat. Kevin McClain finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists without a turnover.

-- Windler averages a double-double (21.4 PPG, 10.7 RPG), makes 54.8 percent of his FGAs, 43.0 percent of his treys, 84.6 percent of his FTAs and averages 1.4 steals per game. The senior forward had 32 points and 21 rebounds in his team?s win over Austin Peay in the OVC Tournament semifinals, becoming just the fifth player in college basketball to produce a 30/20 game this year. Windler ranks 10th in the nation in rebounding, 14th in double-doubles with 17, 17th in 3-point accuracy, 27th in scoring and 49th in FG percentage. As a junior last season, he averages 17.3 points and 9.3 RPG.

-- McClain averages 16.3 PPG and has a 126/69 assist-to-turnover ratio. Grayson Murphy (9.8 PPG) ranks 12th in the country in assists (6.6 APG with a 204/77 assist-to-turnover ratio) and has a team-high 52 steals. He is a liability at the free-throw line, however, making only 57.8 percent of his attempts.

-- Belmont ranks third in the nation in road wins with 12. Only Stony Brook and UC Irvine, who have 13 apiece, have more road victories than the Bruins.

-- Belmont owns a 7-6 spread record in 13 games as a single-digit favorite.

-- During ESPN?s Tournament Challenge Marathon on Monday night, the network?s Jay Bilas said, ?Belmont beats Temple. I think Maryland is better than Belmont, but I think Belmont will give them a hard time because they spread you and they have great cutting and they?re a fantastic passing team. Because of Maryland?s youth and their bigs that?ll have to chase, I think Belmont can do it.? Rece Davis added, ?I?ve got Belmont going to the Sweet 16.? Seth Greenberg had this to say about Muszynski: ?That dude is big, he?s physical and can pass and when he gets it, dudes are cutting like crazy.?

-- Temple (23-9 SU, 15-15 ATS) had won three games in a row until bowing out of the AAC Tournament quarterfinals in an 80-74 loss to Wichita St. as a 1.5-point favorite. The Shockers outscored the Owls 9-2 in the last 1:25. Shizz Alston Jr. scored a team-best 20 points in the losing effort. Quinton Rose added 17 points, six rebounds and three steals, while Ernest Aflakpui finished with 16 points and 19 boards. Nate Pierre-Louis was also in double figures with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists compared to just one turnover.

-- Temple head coach Fran Dunphy is retiring after this 29th season as a head coach in Philadelphia. From 1990-2006, Dunphy led Penn to nine NCAA Tournament appearances and five unbeaten seasons against Ivy League competition. After winning 310 games for the Quakers, Dunphy left for Temple in 2006. He has taken the Owls to eight NCAA Tournaments and two NITs. However, we must note that Dunphy?s NCAA Tournament record is an abysmal 3-15.

-- Temple is 2-5 SU against teams in the NCAA Tournament field. The Owls owns wins over Houston and UCF.

-- Alston leads the Owls in scoring (19.7 PPG), assists (5.0 APG) and free-throw accuracy (90.7%). The senior guard from Philadelphia also has 49 steals. Rose averages 16.5 PPG and has a team-best 68 steals. Pierre-Louis averages 13.3 points and 5.7 RPG.

-- Temple owns a 5-4-1 spread record with four outright victories in 10 games as an underdog.

-- The ?over? is 18-14 overall for the Owls after going 6-2 in their past eight outings.

-- The ?over? is 16-14 overall for the Bruins, but they?ve seen the ?under? cash in three straight contests.

-- This game will tip on TruTV 30 minutes after the conclusion of Fairleigh Dickinson vs. Prairie View A&M.

**B.E.?s Bonus Nuggets**

-- With Murray State and Belmont in the field of 68, the OVC has multiple NCAA Tournament teams for the first time since 1987.

-- When I think of a sleeper team, I think of one that?s seeded fifth or worse. On that note, my sleeper for this year is sixth-seeded Iowa State.

-- If Seton Hall advances past Wofford, it will most likely face Kentucky. The Pirates beat the Wildcats on a neutral court back in non-conference play.

-- What double-digit seeds have the best chance of advancing to the Sweet 16? In order, I?d say Oregon, Murray State, Florida, UC Irvine and Northeastern.

-- Arkansas head coach Mike Anderson announced Monday that star sophomore forward Daniel Gafford is turning pro early and will not play in the NIT. Gafford averaged 16.9 points and 8.6 RPG for the Razorbacks, who are 5.5-point underdogs in Tuesday?s NIT opener at Providence. With Anderson?s job security in peril, this sure seems like a lame move. NBADraft.net has Gafford listed as the No. 20 overall pick in its latest mock draft. I remember South Carolina?s Renaldo Balkman dominating the 2006 NIT to go from possibly going undrafted to the No. 20 overall picks in the first round to the New York Knicks. Gafford should be playing and trying to improve his stock.

-- Anderson isn?t the only coach in the NIT who might need a deep run to retain his job. Many think that Alabama?s Avery Johnson could be in trouble for missing the NCAA Tournament for the third time during his four-year tenure. The Crimson Tide lost at the buzzer to Texas A&M, allowed a 21-point halftime lead to get away in a loss to Georgia St. and gave up a healthy second-half lead in a home loss to Auburn. If Johnson?s team avoids those outcomes, possibly just one or two of them, it would be in the NCAA Tournament. Instead, it?s a No. 1 seed in the NIT and hosts Norfolk St. on Wednesday at Coleman Coliseum. The Tide is an 18-point ?chalk.? Yes, Johnson has a large buyout but there?s the possibility that his agent is shopping for an NBA gig and he might leave on his own. If Johnson does leave in one way or another, potential Alabama targets could include Thad Matta, Andy Kennedy, Richard Pitino, Steve Prohm and Gregg Marshall.

Cnotes College Hoops Picks,Trends News 2018-2918 !

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