SERVICE PLAYS FOR SAT. 2/2
- Thread starter GIANTS007
- Start date
Game Time Sports Advisors
Saturday Febuary 2
10*Miss St
10*Marquette
5* Pitt
5* StL
5* Cal
4* Miami Fla
Saturday Febuary 2
10*Miss St
10*Marquette
5* Pitt
5* StL
5* Cal
4* Miami Fla
FERRINGO
Early Games...More to come.
1.5-Unit Play. Take #731 Kent State (-6.5) over Toledo (Noon, Saturday, Feb. 2)
Toledo has to be feeling pretty low about itself after blowing a 14-point lead against rival Akron on Wednesday. They were outscored 40-19 in the second half and that is tough to bounce back from ? especially against the best team in the conference. Not counting Buffalo, the MAC East is 7-3 ATS against the West. Also, Kent State is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings, 35-17 ATS in conference play, and Toledo is 2-7 ATS in conference play.
2-Unit Play. Take #726 Connecticut (-4) over Pittsburgh (1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2)
Unranked team favored over a ranked team has become an automatic play for me. It?s been highly successful over the past two seasons, hitting around 65 percent, and I kick myself every time I don?t play one of these games.. I think Pittsburgh?s injuries have finally caught up with them and that this team is slowing down.
Early Games...More to come.
1.5-Unit Play. Take #731 Kent State (-6.5) over Toledo (Noon, Saturday, Feb. 2)
Toledo has to be feeling pretty low about itself after blowing a 14-point lead against rival Akron on Wednesday. They were outscored 40-19 in the second half and that is tough to bounce back from ? especially against the best team in the conference. Not counting Buffalo, the MAC East is 7-3 ATS against the West. Also, Kent State is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings, 35-17 ATS in conference play, and Toledo is 2-7 ATS in conference play.
2-Unit Play. Take #726 Connecticut (-4) over Pittsburgh (1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2)
Unranked team favored over a ranked team has become an automatic play for me. It?s been highly successful over the past two seasons, hitting around 65 percent, and I kick myself every time I don?t play one of these games.. I think Pittsburgh?s injuries have finally caught up with them and that this team is slowing down.
BIG AL
At 12 Noon, our selection is on the Marquette Golden Eagles minus the points over Cincinnati.
At 12 Noon, our Big East Game of the Month is on the Villanova Wildcats, .
At 7 pm, our NBA Game of the Week is on the Atlanta Hawks minus the points over New Jersey.
At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Chicago Bulls plus the points over Sacramento.
At 12 Noon, our selection is on the Marquette Golden Eagles minus the points over Cincinnati.
At 12 Noon, our Big East Game of the Month is on the Villanova Wildcats, .
At 7 pm, our NBA Game of the Week is on the Atlanta Hawks minus the points over New Jersey.
At 10:05 pm, our selection is on the Chicago Bulls plus the points over Sacramento.
HELMUT
YTD
5-4 (2-unit)
58-36 (1-unit)
717/718 Syracuse @ Villanova under 150.5 (1-unit)
Scoop Jardine remains out because of a suspension, and the numerous injured players aren't getting any healthier. With the possible exception of Jardine, the six who played meaningful minutes against the Blue Demons are the six Boeheim will rely on the rest of the way. "We've never played walk-ons here. We've always had enough guys. But they're going to play now." ? Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim told the Syracuse Post-Standard. With Scoop Jardine out, Kris Ongenaet moves into the starting lineup and Paul Harris shifts to the wing full-time. It's now a six-man playing rotation, with only Rick Jackson available off the bench as a reliable substitute. Looking at the last game against DePaul the Orangemen really slowed it down playing a mid 60?s possession game against an up-tempo team.
Syracuse lost to Villanova when it had a fuller roster because the Wildcats rotated in a number of players and wore the Orangemen down. Look for Villanova coach Jay Wright to try the same thing against what's effectively a six-man Syracuse team, and for Orangemen coach Jim Boeheim to try and slow the game down as much as possible to compensate for his lack of depth.
Villanova looks better on the defensive end of the floor heading into Saturday's rematch with Syracuse at the Wachovia Center. But the Wildcats need to improve their offensive efficiency in order to end their first three-game skid since 2004 and start February on the right foot. They're shooting 39 percent (77-for-193) over the past three games. In conference games, the Wildcats rank 13th in the 16-team Big East with a field-goal percentage of 41.3 per cent.
Through nine conference games the Orangemen games have average 140.2 total points with 1 over and 8 unders. Wildcat conference games have averaged 145.4 total points with 3 overs and 5 unders. I think much like the Depaul game the Orange will slow it down due to depth issues.
759/760 Richmond @ Charlotte over 129.5 (1-unit)
Through six conference games the Spiders are allowing opponents to shoot 48.4% from the field and 44.4% from behind the line. The 49ers are starting to play better offense hitting on 40.7% of their three point shot attempts. Some of the new players are playing better like Gerrity which missed the first eight games of this season due to NCAA transfer rules, but he seems comfy now ? as evidenced by his 13-point, four-assist gem of a game on Jan. 23 vs. La Salle. The 49ers have averaged 77 ppg in their last four conference games.
The 49ers are currently ranked #81 with 70.2 possessions per game average. The Spiders have played several up-tempo opponents and in five games against 70+ possession teams spider games have averaged 139 total points. Through six conference games the Spiders have averaged scoring 70.67 points and the least points scored was 63 on St. Josephs.
The Spiders are no longer one of the bottom ten pace teams and I expect the pace of this game to be in the upper 60?s. Each team has shot the ball well in conference play so I?m going to take a shot on the over with this short total.
YTD
5-4 (2-unit)
58-36 (1-unit)
717/718 Syracuse @ Villanova under 150.5 (1-unit)
Scoop Jardine remains out because of a suspension, and the numerous injured players aren't getting any healthier. With the possible exception of Jardine, the six who played meaningful minutes against the Blue Demons are the six Boeheim will rely on the rest of the way. "We've never played walk-ons here. We've always had enough guys. But they're going to play now." ? Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim told the Syracuse Post-Standard. With Scoop Jardine out, Kris Ongenaet moves into the starting lineup and Paul Harris shifts to the wing full-time. It's now a six-man playing rotation, with only Rick Jackson available off the bench as a reliable substitute. Looking at the last game against DePaul the Orangemen really slowed it down playing a mid 60?s possession game against an up-tempo team.
Syracuse lost to Villanova when it had a fuller roster because the Wildcats rotated in a number of players and wore the Orangemen down. Look for Villanova coach Jay Wright to try the same thing against what's effectively a six-man Syracuse team, and for Orangemen coach Jim Boeheim to try and slow the game down as much as possible to compensate for his lack of depth.
Villanova looks better on the defensive end of the floor heading into Saturday's rematch with Syracuse at the Wachovia Center. But the Wildcats need to improve their offensive efficiency in order to end their first three-game skid since 2004 and start February on the right foot. They're shooting 39 percent (77-for-193) over the past three games. In conference games, the Wildcats rank 13th in the 16-team Big East with a field-goal percentage of 41.3 per cent.
Through nine conference games the Orangemen games have average 140.2 total points with 1 over and 8 unders. Wildcat conference games have averaged 145.4 total points with 3 overs and 5 unders. I think much like the Depaul game the Orange will slow it down due to depth issues.
759/760 Richmond @ Charlotte over 129.5 (1-unit)
Through six conference games the Spiders are allowing opponents to shoot 48.4% from the field and 44.4% from behind the line. The 49ers are starting to play better offense hitting on 40.7% of their three point shot attempts. Some of the new players are playing better like Gerrity which missed the first eight games of this season due to NCAA transfer rules, but he seems comfy now ? as evidenced by his 13-point, four-assist gem of a game on Jan. 23 vs. La Salle. The 49ers have averaged 77 ppg in their last four conference games.
The 49ers are currently ranked #81 with 70.2 possessions per game average. The Spiders have played several up-tempo opponents and in five games against 70+ possession teams spider games have averaged 139 total points. Through six conference games the Spiders have averaged scoring 70.67 points and the least points scored was 63 on St. Josephs.
The Spiders are no longer one of the bottom ten pace teams and I expect the pace of this game to be in the upper 60?s. Each team has shot the ball well in conference play so I?m going to take a shot on the over with this short total.
Stan Sharp
triple-dime bet832 William & Mary -2.5 (-110) BetUS vs 831 N.C.-Wilmington
TAKE WILLIAM & MARY as STAN'S COLONIAL CONFERENCE BIG BET OF THE YEAR and make them a TRIPLE DIME PLAY.
triple-dime bet832 William & Mary -2.5 (-110) BetUS vs 831 N.C.-Wilmington
TAKE WILLIAM & MARY as STAN'S COLONIAL CONFERENCE BIG BET OF THE YEAR and make them a TRIPLE DIME PLAY.
MR.A's
Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 (Eastern Time)
Games Mr. A's Selections
LA Clippers at Cleveland, 7:30 PM Cleveland Cavaliers -8
Houston at Milwaukee, 8:30 PM Houston Rockets -5?
Chicago at Sacramento, 10:00 PM Sacramento Kings -8
Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 (Eastern Time)
Games Mr. A's Selections
LA Clippers at Cleveland, 7:30 PM Cleveland Cavaliers -8
Houston at Milwaukee, 8:30 PM Houston Rockets -5?
Chicago at Sacramento, 10:00 PM Sacramento Kings -8
- Nov 28, 2007
- 8,587
- 18
- 0
BEN BURNS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
WASH. STATE (-6 or better)
Game: Stanford vs. Washington St. Game Time: 2/2/2008 3:00:00 PM Prediction: Washington St. Reason: I'm laying the points with WASHINGTON STATE. I believe that this game means more to the Cougars than it does to the Cardinal. Stanford comes in on a a roll and off a big win at Washington. While the Cardinal players may be patting themselves on the back a little, the Cougar players are desperate to bounce back from an upset loss to Cal in their last game here. Note that Washington State has not lost consecutive games since the end of the 2005-06 season. These teams split last season's meetings. Stanford managed a 3-point win at home but the Cougars returned the favor with a 13-point blowout (58-45) when the teams faced each other here at Pullman. The Cougars are allowing less than 50 points per game on this floor this season and I expect them to be at their best on that side of the ball again today. Look for homecourt to be the difference as the Cougars bounce back earning a much-needed win and cover. *Personal Favorite
MISS. STATE (pick'em or better)
Game: Tennessee vs. Mississippi State Game Time: 2/2/2008 7:00:00 PM Prediction: Mississippi State Reason: I'm taking the points with MISSISSIPPI STATE. The Volunteers are a strong team and they're almost unbeatable at home. However, they're a little more vulnerable away from Tennessee and they'll be playing at one of the toughest venues around today. They'll also be facing one of the better defenses in the conference, if not the country. Although they managed to pull out the victory, the Vols were challenged the entire way at Alabama last time out, committing a season-high 23 turnovers along the way. Note that was the Vols first win at Alabama since 1998. Off that emotional victory and with Florida on deck, I won't be surprised if the Vols, 0-2 SU/ATS the last two times they were road favorites of two points or less, come out a bit flat here. In their previous road game prior to Alabama, the Vols lost at Kentucky. These days, playing at Humphrey Coliseum is arguably an even more difficult place to play. Indeed, the Bulldogs are 5-0 here since Christmas. Four of the five victories came by double-digits, including last week's 88-68 rout of rival Mississippi. Looking back further and we find the Bulldogs at an impressive and profitable 28-11 ATS (32-7 SU) their last 39 home lined games. Like the Rebels, the Vols are a high-scoring up-tempo team. That seemed to suit State just fine last Saturday though. While they'll look to slow the Vols down, they're also capable of running with them when it suits them. With Jamont Gordon running the show, the Bulldogs are much more adept at running in transition than most people believe them to be, demontrasting that nicely with last week's 88 point outburst. The Bulldogs are 13-7 ATS the last 20 times they were underdogs of two points or less. With the support of the home fans in what should be a sold-out Humprhey Collisseum, look for the Bulldogs to bounce back from Wednesday's loss at Arkansas, scoring the minor upset and earning their coach his 200th win. *SEC GOY
IOWA (+4 or better)
Game: Ohio State vs. Iowa Game Time: 2/2/2008 6:00:00 PM Prediction: Iowa Reason: I'm taking the points with IOWA. The Hawkeyes will have plenty of motivation here as they were embarrassed 79-48 at Columbus a few weeks ago. The Hawkeyes are better than they showed in that game (they beat Michigan State the very next time out!) and they'll be anxious to prove that point today. Note that Iowa has won 40 of its last 47 games in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the start of the 2004-05 season, including win streaks of 21 straight overall wins and 12 straight Big Ten Conference wins. The Hawkeyes have even won 10 of their last 12 home games against ranked opponents. Iowa will be playing this game before an emotional Saturday night crowd and the school is using the contest to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Carver-Hawkeye Arena. In their most recent game here, they pounded Penn State. The Hawkeyes followed that up with an easy cover at Purdue, losing by a single point. As coach Lickliter noted: "We've responded well this season after a loss. These guys have a lot of pride and they want to get back on track..." Looking back the last few years and we find the Hawkeyes at 10-6 SU/ATS when attempting to avenge a road loss and 13-4 ATS (14-4 SU) when coming off a loss vs. a conference opponent. Yes, the Hawkeyes are young. They're also improving quickly though. Expect them to be extremely hungry this evening as they feed off the energy of the home crowd and improve to 3-0 ATS the last three times they were attempting to avenge a blowout loss of 20 points or more. *Big 10 GOM
BEN BURNS
NBA BASKETBALL
ATLANTA (-7 or better)
Game: New Jersey Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks Game Time: 2/2/2008 7:00:00 PM Prediction: Atlanta Hawks Reason: I'm laying the points with ATLANTA. The Nets have won a couple in a row. However, let's not forget that they had lost nine straight before that. Additionally, note that the two teams (Milwaukee and Miami) which they defeated have a combined record of just 27-65. In other words, don't think that the Jason Kidd "distraction" is no longer an issue and that everything is suddenly OK in New Jersey. The Hawks aren't exactly the class of the league either. However, they are a respectable 12-9 at home. That includes convincing victories over the likes of Cleveland, Denver and Chicago in the month of January. The Hawks should be extremely hungry this evening as they'll be playing with "double-revenge," losing a pair of earlier games while the Nets were playing better basketball. Note that the Hawks, who were upset by the Clippers last time out, are 3-1 SU/ATS this season when coming off a SU loss as a favorite. The Hawks also have the schedule in their favor as they had the past two nights off while the Nets played at Miami yesterday. That's worth mentioning as the Nets lost by double-digits each of the last two times that they played the second of back to back games and are 3-6 SU/ATS their last nine in that situation. Look for the Hawks to be both the hungrier and fresher team as they avenge the earlier losses in a big way. *Best Bet
BEN BURNS
HOCKEY
Tampa Bay
Game: Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game Time: 2/2/2008 7:35:00 PM Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning Reason: I'm laying the price with TAMPA BAY. The Panthers aren't particularly scary on the road at the best of times and they're in a tough spot tonight. That's because they're coming off a 4-3 overtime/shootout win last night. That game was especially emotional too as it marked the first time that former goalie Roberto Luongo had returned to Florida. Off that dramatic victory and playing their third game in the past four nights, I expect the Panthers, who are 4-13 the last 17 times they played the second of back to back games, to stumble tonight. The Lightning have had some trouble on home ice the past few weeks. However, they won their last game here (also against Vancouver) and have now won four of their last six overall. Note that the Lightning have thrived at this time of year in recent seasons, going 15-3 with one tie their last 19 home games played in the month of February. The Lightning have already won both home meetings with the Panthers this season taking those games by scores of 3-1 and 2-1. Looking back further and we find the Lightning at 10-4 with two ties the last 16 times they were a host in this series. Its also interesting to note that the Panthers are 0-10 the last 10 times they played on a Saturday and 1-13 the last 14. Look for the Lightning to be the fresher and hungrier team tonight, earning a much-needed two points. *Southeast Division GOM
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
WASH. STATE (-6 or better)
Game: Stanford vs. Washington St. Game Time: 2/2/2008 3:00:00 PM Prediction: Washington St. Reason: I'm laying the points with WASHINGTON STATE. I believe that this game means more to the Cougars than it does to the Cardinal. Stanford comes in on a a roll and off a big win at Washington. While the Cardinal players may be patting themselves on the back a little, the Cougar players are desperate to bounce back from an upset loss to Cal in their last game here. Note that Washington State has not lost consecutive games since the end of the 2005-06 season. These teams split last season's meetings. Stanford managed a 3-point win at home but the Cougars returned the favor with a 13-point blowout (58-45) when the teams faced each other here at Pullman. The Cougars are allowing less than 50 points per game on this floor this season and I expect them to be at their best on that side of the ball again today. Look for homecourt to be the difference as the Cougars bounce back earning a much-needed win and cover. *Personal Favorite
MISS. STATE (pick'em or better)
Game: Tennessee vs. Mississippi State Game Time: 2/2/2008 7:00:00 PM Prediction: Mississippi State Reason: I'm taking the points with MISSISSIPPI STATE. The Volunteers are a strong team and they're almost unbeatable at home. However, they're a little more vulnerable away from Tennessee and they'll be playing at one of the toughest venues around today. They'll also be facing one of the better defenses in the conference, if not the country. Although they managed to pull out the victory, the Vols were challenged the entire way at Alabama last time out, committing a season-high 23 turnovers along the way. Note that was the Vols first win at Alabama since 1998. Off that emotional victory and with Florida on deck, I won't be surprised if the Vols, 0-2 SU/ATS the last two times they were road favorites of two points or less, come out a bit flat here. In their previous road game prior to Alabama, the Vols lost at Kentucky. These days, playing at Humphrey Coliseum is arguably an even more difficult place to play. Indeed, the Bulldogs are 5-0 here since Christmas. Four of the five victories came by double-digits, including last week's 88-68 rout of rival Mississippi. Looking back further and we find the Bulldogs at an impressive and profitable 28-11 ATS (32-7 SU) their last 39 home lined games. Like the Rebels, the Vols are a high-scoring up-tempo team. That seemed to suit State just fine last Saturday though. While they'll look to slow the Vols down, they're also capable of running with them when it suits them. With Jamont Gordon running the show, the Bulldogs are much more adept at running in transition than most people believe them to be, demontrasting that nicely with last week's 88 point outburst. The Bulldogs are 13-7 ATS the last 20 times they were underdogs of two points or less. With the support of the home fans in what should be a sold-out Humprhey Collisseum, look for the Bulldogs to bounce back from Wednesday's loss at Arkansas, scoring the minor upset and earning their coach his 200th win. *SEC GOY
IOWA (+4 or better)
Game: Ohio State vs. Iowa Game Time: 2/2/2008 6:00:00 PM Prediction: Iowa Reason: I'm taking the points with IOWA. The Hawkeyes will have plenty of motivation here as they were embarrassed 79-48 at Columbus a few weeks ago. The Hawkeyes are better than they showed in that game (they beat Michigan State the very next time out!) and they'll be anxious to prove that point today. Note that Iowa has won 40 of its last 47 games in Carver-Hawkeye Arena since the start of the 2004-05 season, including win streaks of 21 straight overall wins and 12 straight Big Ten Conference wins. The Hawkeyes have even won 10 of their last 12 home games against ranked opponents. Iowa will be playing this game before an emotional Saturday night crowd and the school is using the contest to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Carver-Hawkeye Arena. In their most recent game here, they pounded Penn State. The Hawkeyes followed that up with an easy cover at Purdue, losing by a single point. As coach Lickliter noted: "We've responded well this season after a loss. These guys have a lot of pride and they want to get back on track..." Looking back the last few years and we find the Hawkeyes at 10-6 SU/ATS when attempting to avenge a road loss and 13-4 ATS (14-4 SU) when coming off a loss vs. a conference opponent. Yes, the Hawkeyes are young. They're also improving quickly though. Expect them to be extremely hungry this evening as they feed off the energy of the home crowd and improve to 3-0 ATS the last three times they were attempting to avenge a blowout loss of 20 points or more. *Big 10 GOM
BEN BURNS
NBA BASKETBALL
ATLANTA (-7 or better)
Game: New Jersey Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks Game Time: 2/2/2008 7:00:00 PM Prediction: Atlanta Hawks Reason: I'm laying the points with ATLANTA. The Nets have won a couple in a row. However, let's not forget that they had lost nine straight before that. Additionally, note that the two teams (Milwaukee and Miami) which they defeated have a combined record of just 27-65. In other words, don't think that the Jason Kidd "distraction" is no longer an issue and that everything is suddenly OK in New Jersey. The Hawks aren't exactly the class of the league either. However, they are a respectable 12-9 at home. That includes convincing victories over the likes of Cleveland, Denver and Chicago in the month of January. The Hawks should be extremely hungry this evening as they'll be playing with "double-revenge," losing a pair of earlier games while the Nets were playing better basketball. Note that the Hawks, who were upset by the Clippers last time out, are 3-1 SU/ATS this season when coming off a SU loss as a favorite. The Hawks also have the schedule in their favor as they had the past two nights off while the Nets played at Miami yesterday. That's worth mentioning as the Nets lost by double-digits each of the last two times that they played the second of back to back games and are 3-6 SU/ATS their last nine in that situation. Look for the Hawks to be both the hungrier and fresher team as they avenge the earlier losses in a big way. *Best Bet
BEN BURNS
HOCKEY
Tampa Bay
Game: Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Game Time: 2/2/2008 7:35:00 PM Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning Reason: I'm laying the price with TAMPA BAY. The Panthers aren't particularly scary on the road at the best of times and they're in a tough spot tonight. That's because they're coming off a 4-3 overtime/shootout win last night. That game was especially emotional too as it marked the first time that former goalie Roberto Luongo had returned to Florida. Off that dramatic victory and playing their third game in the past four nights, I expect the Panthers, who are 4-13 the last 17 times they played the second of back to back games, to stumble tonight. The Lightning have had some trouble on home ice the past few weeks. However, they won their last game here (also against Vancouver) and have now won four of their last six overall. Note that the Lightning have thrived at this time of year in recent seasons, going 15-3 with one tie their last 19 home games played in the month of February. The Lightning have already won both home meetings with the Panthers this season taking those games by scores of 3-1 and 2-1. Looking back further and we find the Lightning at 10-4 with two ties the last 16 times they were a host in this series. Its also interesting to note that the Panthers are 0-10 the last 10 times they played on a Saturday and 1-13 the last 14. Look for the Lightning to be the fresher and hungrier team tonight, earning a much-needed two points. *Southeast Division GOM
****BOOTLEGS EARLY PLAYS****
(7*) GEORGIA -2
(6*) KENT ST. -6
That Kent St. line is on the move.
(7*) GEORGIA -2
(6*) KENT ST. -6
That Kent St. line is on the move.
STRIKE POINT SPORTS (8-UNIT GAME OF YEAR INCLUDED)
3-Unit Play. #741 Take Massachusetts -4 over St. Louis (2 pm)
The one thing that makes this game pointed in the direction of the Minutemen is their scoring ability. UMass averages in the 80s, while St. Louis is not even above 60 per game. In fact, the Billikens have cracked 80 points just three times this year, twice against D-I teams. Massachusetts responded nicely with a 14-point victory over Duquesne after their home loss to Xavier last Sunday. They stay on track with a nice victory here over St. Louis.
8-Unit Game of the Year. #793 Take Cal Poly SLO -2.5 over UC Riverside (5 pm)
This Big West match-up has been long one-sided in favor of the Mustangs. Cal Poly SLO has won the last six meetings by an average of over ten points. They are 9-1 SU in the last ten meetings and 7-3 ATS in those games. Last season Cal Poly rolled to a 16-point victory in UC Riverside as a six-point favorite. That's more like what the line should have been, but this year's road match-up will yield a similiar result. The lowly Highlanders have just three D-I victories all season, and the combined record of the teams they knocked off is 13-46. I love a balanced offense, and with two players averaging nine, two with eight and three players at seven per game, this Cal Poly squad is exactly that. Off its biggest win of the season at a good Pacific team as a double digit underdog, the Mustangs will carry momentum over and cash their third consecutive victory and climb back to .500 in Big West play.
3-Unit Play. #823 Take Tennesee -2 over Mississippi State (7 pm)
Two teams that play very different brands of basketball, the Vols are more likely to dictate tempo, mainly because they are the more talented team and employ the best full court pressure in the nation. Tennessee has won the last three meetings, and they'll be fired up to redeem themselves for blowing a very winable game against Kentucky last time out on the road. As a small favorite it will be the Volunteers that cash in this SEC match-up.
3-Unit Play. #851 Take Illinois State +2 over Missouri State (8 pm)
The Bears have been a mess of late, and I am someone who does not think just because they are home that this team will automatically turn things around. Illinois State has been a strong MVC program, and the best in the league in my opinion, even over Drake. A mediocre 11-11 says plenty about this Missouri State team, and its 5-13 ATS mark is even worse. At 15-6, the Redbirds are the better team, and they will take this one outright.
3-Unit Play. #741 Take Massachusetts -4 over St. Louis (2 pm)
The one thing that makes this game pointed in the direction of the Minutemen is their scoring ability. UMass averages in the 80s, while St. Louis is not even above 60 per game. In fact, the Billikens have cracked 80 points just three times this year, twice against D-I teams. Massachusetts responded nicely with a 14-point victory over Duquesne after their home loss to Xavier last Sunday. They stay on track with a nice victory here over St. Louis.
8-Unit Game of the Year. #793 Take Cal Poly SLO -2.5 over UC Riverside (5 pm)
This Big West match-up has been long one-sided in favor of the Mustangs. Cal Poly SLO has won the last six meetings by an average of over ten points. They are 9-1 SU in the last ten meetings and 7-3 ATS in those games. Last season Cal Poly rolled to a 16-point victory in UC Riverside as a six-point favorite. That's more like what the line should have been, but this year's road match-up will yield a similiar result. The lowly Highlanders have just three D-I victories all season, and the combined record of the teams they knocked off is 13-46. I love a balanced offense, and with two players averaging nine, two with eight and three players at seven per game, this Cal Poly squad is exactly that. Off its biggest win of the season at a good Pacific team as a double digit underdog, the Mustangs will carry momentum over and cash their third consecutive victory and climb back to .500 in Big West play.
3-Unit Play. #823 Take Tennesee -2 over Mississippi State (7 pm)
Two teams that play very different brands of basketball, the Vols are more likely to dictate tempo, mainly because they are the more talented team and employ the best full court pressure in the nation. Tennessee has won the last three meetings, and they'll be fired up to redeem themselves for blowing a very winable game against Kentucky last time out on the road. As a small favorite it will be the Volunteers that cash in this SEC match-up.
3-Unit Play. #851 Take Illinois State +2 over Missouri State (8 pm)
The Bears have been a mess of late, and I am someone who does not think just because they are home that this team will automatically turn things around. Illinois State has been a strong MVC program, and the best in the league in my opinion, even over Drake. A mediocre 11-11 says plenty about this Missouri State team, and its 5-13 ATS mark is even worse. At 15-6, the Redbirds are the better team, and they will take this one outright.
Tom Stryker's Rare 6* College Best Bet
#850 ILLINOIS CHICAGO (-) over Youngstown State at 8 PM EST
Back on January 3rd, Illinois Chicago made the trek to Penguins country and got embarrassed by Youngstown State 80-68. This is one payback payday that must be made.
At the UIC Pavilion, the Flames have been automatic in this series posting a perfect 8-0 SU record. Home cookin' has been kind to Josh Mayo and the boys too. In the Windy City this year, UIC holds a sparkling 9-1 SU record and is lighting it up from the floor. The Flames are shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 51.6 percent from three-point land! Of course, it's the margin of victory at the Pavilion that has this handicapper's attention - now 13.6 points per game!
Technically speaking, there are two solid angles that back this investment as well. At home matched up against an opponent that is NOT off a double-digit straight up loss, UIC has been money posting a sweet 46-26 ATS record including 13-4 SU and ATS in this role running with same season single revenge. Meanwhile, as a guest matched up against a foe that enters off a straight up win, Youngstown State is a shocking 0-16 SU and 4-11 ATS in its last 16 tries!
The Penguins got beat by a last second three-pointer by Loyola on Thursday night and enter this contest emotionally drained. The Flames won't be tired. UIC plays a different brand of basketball at the Pavilion and this team wants its revenge! Take Illinois Chicago. Thank you and best of luck, Tom Stryker.
#850 ILLINOIS CHICAGO (-) over Youngstown State at 8 PM EST
Back on January 3rd, Illinois Chicago made the trek to Penguins country and got embarrassed by Youngstown State 80-68. This is one payback payday that must be made.
At the UIC Pavilion, the Flames have been automatic in this series posting a perfect 8-0 SU record. Home cookin' has been kind to Josh Mayo and the boys too. In the Windy City this year, UIC holds a sparkling 9-1 SU record and is lighting it up from the floor. The Flames are shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 51.6 percent from three-point land! Of course, it's the margin of victory at the Pavilion that has this handicapper's attention - now 13.6 points per game!
Technically speaking, there are two solid angles that back this investment as well. At home matched up against an opponent that is NOT off a double-digit straight up loss, UIC has been money posting a sweet 46-26 ATS record including 13-4 SU and ATS in this role running with same season single revenge. Meanwhile, as a guest matched up against a foe that enters off a straight up win, Youngstown State is a shocking 0-16 SU and 4-11 ATS in its last 16 tries!
The Penguins got beat by a last second three-pointer by Loyola on Thursday night and enter this contest emotionally drained. The Flames won't be tired. UIC plays a different brand of basketball at the Pavilion and this team wants its revenge! Take Illinois Chicago. Thank you and best of luck, Tom Stryker.