Let the good times roll!
Arthur Ralph
Super Pick Thursday California College Hoop
900 NBA Blowout Utah Jazz
Arthur Ralph
Super Pick Thursday California College Hoop
900 NBA Blowout Utah Jazz
Services for Thursday 1/10
- Thread starter eddieh8823
- Start date
CTO
*VALPARAISO over Wisconsin-Milwaukee...With veteran Valpo off probable loss at ranked Butler, recommend laying reduced number vs.
hurtin? UWM with top scorer and rebounder G T. Johnson (18 ppg, 8 rpg) suspended for year and F Gentry (5 ppg in 16 mpg) suddenly
leaving team. Well-balanced Crusaders (6 players between 9 & 12 ppg) are industrious on both ends (lead conf. in FG % offense and
defense), and depth-shy Panthers playing 4th game in 8 days. Revved-up Valpo makes statement in first home game in newly-joined
Horizon League. *VALPARAISO 86 - Wisconsin-Milwaukee 58 RATING - 11
*VALPARAISO over Wisconsin-Milwaukee...With veteran Valpo off probable loss at ranked Butler, recommend laying reduced number vs.
hurtin? UWM with top scorer and rebounder G T. Johnson (18 ppg, 8 rpg) suspended for year and F Gentry (5 ppg in 16 mpg) suddenly
leaving team. Well-balanced Crusaders (6 players between 9 & 12 ppg) are industrious on both ends (lead conf. in FG % offense and
defense), and depth-shy Panthers playing 4th game in 8 days. Revved-up Valpo makes statement in first home game in newly-joined
Horizon League. *VALPARAISO 86 - Wisconsin-Milwaukee 58 RATING - 11
STRIKE POINT SPORTS
GAME OF THE WEEK
6-Unit Play. #739 Take UCSB PK over UC Irvine (10 pm)
I'm sorry, but this line is not correct. Santa Barbara is the clearcut better team, and the should be favored by at least a basket or two. Yes, the Gauchos had a loss they could have done without in their last game against Cal State Northridge, but that setback came in a high scoring, back-and-forth affair where CSU Northridge hit 11 three-pointers. This match-up UCSB will be on its game against an inconsistent Anteaters team that has dropped four of their last five and seven of their last ten. The Gauchos have won and covered three of the last four meetings with UC Irvine, and prior to its setback last time out, Santa Barbara had only lost to Stanford and North Carolina this season. UCSB has the Big West's big player in Alex Harris, along with a couple of very strong secondary scorers in Chris Devine and James Powell. This threesome will lead their program to a nice victory as they continue conference play. Take Santa Barbara.
GAME OF THE WEEK
6-Unit Play. #739 Take UCSB PK over UC Irvine (10 pm)
I'm sorry, but this line is not correct. Santa Barbara is the clearcut better team, and the should be favored by at least a basket or two. Yes, the Gauchos had a loss they could have done without in their last game against Cal State Northridge, but that setback came in a high scoring, back-and-forth affair where CSU Northridge hit 11 three-pointers. This match-up UCSB will be on its game against an inconsistent Anteaters team that has dropped four of their last five and seven of their last ten. The Gauchos have won and covered three of the last four meetings with UC Irvine, and prior to its setback last time out, Santa Barbara had only lost to Stanford and North Carolina this season. UCSB has the Big West's big player in Alex Harris, along with a couple of very strong secondary scorers in Chris Devine and James Powell. This threesome will lead their program to a nice victory as they continue conference play. Take Santa Barbara.
FERRINGO
3-Unit Play. Take #731 Wisconsin-Green Bay (+15) over Butler (9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10)
The lines on Butler are just getting ridiculous. Just as the Bulldogs probably shouldn?t have been a double-digit favorite over Valpo over the weekend I don?t think they should be eating this much chalk against what is likely to be the second- or third-best team in the conference. I think Green Bay can score enough to keep this one within range. They are 5-2 ATS as a dog of 13 or more and Butler is 0-5-1 ATS in league play.
3-Unit Play. Take #739 UC-Santa Barbara (Pk) over UC-Irvine (10 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10)
I do like Irvine as a solid contender this year, but UC-Santa Barbara is the class of this league. If Irvine had been getting four or five points I would likely be on them, but because the line is that far off we have to take UCSB and their perimeter attack. The Gauchos are 6-1 ATS at Irvine and 9-4 ATS overall in this series. Futher, the road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings and I think we?re getting the better team in a bounceback situation.
2.5-Unit Play. Take #765 Tennessee-Martin (-1) over Eastern Illinois (8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10)
Since it?s nearly impossible to get reliable information from the OVC I am operating under the assumption that Romain Martin, EIU?s leading scorer, is still going to be out with an ankle injury. UT-Martin boasts the nation?s No. 2 scorer in Lester Hudson, and now with a healthy Gerald Robinson acting as a glue guy with this team I see UT-M making a decent push in the middle of the OVC. EIU has been sabotaged by too much off-the-court stuff to be competitive right now. The Skyhawks are 9-3-1 ATS overall, the favorite has covered four straight, and the Panthers are 9-23-2 ATS as a home dog.
2-Unit Play. Take #707 Cleveland State (-2) over Detroit (7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10)
The Titans are an absolute mess and Cleveland State has played very well against the Horizon bottom feeders. CSU?s defense should help befuddle a team that is 3-10-1 ATS in league play. The favorite is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings and I think the Vikings get a little payback for some horrible losses to UD over the past few seasons.
1.5-Unit Play. Take #715 Georgia State (+17.5) over Virginia Commonwealth (7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10)
Wow. Lot of points to be laying in a conference game against a team that really isn?t that bad. Georgia State won at George Mason and played Northeastern tight. I think they can muster enough to linger with VCU. This line is about five points too high and the Panthers are 8-0 ATS in their last eight conference games. They are also 4-0 ATS as a dog.
3-Unit Play. Take #731 Wisconsin-Green Bay (+15) over Butler (9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10)
The lines on Butler are just getting ridiculous. Just as the Bulldogs probably shouldn?t have been a double-digit favorite over Valpo over the weekend I don?t think they should be eating this much chalk against what is likely to be the second- or third-best team in the conference. I think Green Bay can score enough to keep this one within range. They are 5-2 ATS as a dog of 13 or more and Butler is 0-5-1 ATS in league play.
3-Unit Play. Take #739 UC-Santa Barbara (Pk) over UC-Irvine (10 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10)
I do like Irvine as a solid contender this year, but UC-Santa Barbara is the class of this league. If Irvine had been getting four or five points I would likely be on them, but because the line is that far off we have to take UCSB and their perimeter attack. The Gauchos are 6-1 ATS at Irvine and 9-4 ATS overall in this series. Futher, the road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings and I think we?re getting the better team in a bounceback situation.
2.5-Unit Play. Take #765 Tennessee-Martin (-1) over Eastern Illinois (8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10)
Since it?s nearly impossible to get reliable information from the OVC I am operating under the assumption that Romain Martin, EIU?s leading scorer, is still going to be out with an ankle injury. UT-Martin boasts the nation?s No. 2 scorer in Lester Hudson, and now with a healthy Gerald Robinson acting as a glue guy with this team I see UT-M making a decent push in the middle of the OVC. EIU has been sabotaged by too much off-the-court stuff to be competitive right now. The Skyhawks are 9-3-1 ATS overall, the favorite has covered four straight, and the Panthers are 9-23-2 ATS as a home dog.
2-Unit Play. Take #707 Cleveland State (-2) over Detroit (7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10)
The Titans are an absolute mess and Cleveland State has played very well against the Horizon bottom feeders. CSU?s defense should help befuddle a team that is 3-10-1 ATS in league play. The favorite is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings and I think the Vikings get a little payback for some horrible losses to UD over the past few seasons.
1.5-Unit Play. Take #715 Georgia State (+17.5) over Virginia Commonwealth (7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10)
Wow. Lot of points to be laying in a conference game against a team that really isn?t that bad. Georgia State won at George Mason and played Northeastern tight. I think they can muster enough to linger with VCU. This line is about five points too high and the Panthers are 8-0 ATS in their last eight conference games. They are also 4-0 ATS as a dog.
Vegas Sports Experts
The VSE Hoops Power Play of the Day is:
Take Wright State (-11.5) over Youngstown State (NCAA Power Play)
7:00 PM EST
Wright State
? 15-6 ATS vs. conference opponents the last 2 seasons
? 13-5 ATS in home games the last 2 seasons
Other VSE Premium Hoops Play:
Take Montana State (-8.5 ) over Sacramento State (NCAA)
Take Phoenix (+5.5) over Utah (NBA)
ATS=Against the Spread
SU=Straight Up
The VSE Hoops Power Play of the Day is:
Take Wright State (-11.5) over Youngstown State (NCAA Power Play)
7:00 PM EST
Wright State
? 15-6 ATS vs. conference opponents the last 2 seasons
? 13-5 ATS in home games the last 2 seasons
Other VSE Premium Hoops Play:
Take Montana State (-8.5 ) over Sacramento State (NCAA)
Take Phoenix (+5.5) over Utah (NBA)
ATS=Against the Spread
SU=Straight Up
Alf Musketa's 67% for the year
NCAA Basketball Daily Picks
Matchup: Cleveland State at Detroit
Time: 7:00 PM EDT (Thu)
Play: Cleveland State (-1.0-110)
Line Source: STRATOSPHERE
Posted on: January 10, 2008 @ 2:46:15 AM EST
Detroit is a poor shooting team. Period. They cannot beat too many teams with a transition game, nor do they have the talent to beat you on offense. Cleveland State rebounds well and can score in the 80's, this is a key handicapping factor.
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Matchup: Saint Louis at George Washington
Time: 8:00 PM EDT (Thu)
Play: Saint Louis (+2-110)
Line Source: CAESARS
Posted on: January 10, 2008 @ 2:46:15 AM EST
Saint Louis is on a three game winning streak and play GW who has only won four games and those four were against Longwood, MD East Shore, Boston U and Mount Saint Mary's. None of those games were lined games you could not bet them.
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Member Plays
Matchup: New Mexico St at Boise State
Time: 9:00 PM EDT (Thu)
Play: Boise State (-4.5-110)
Line Source: GOLDENNUGGET
Posted on: January 10, 2008 @ 2:57:13 AM EST
NCAA Basketball Daily Picks
Matchup: Cleveland State at Detroit
Time: 7:00 PM EDT (Thu)
Play: Cleveland State (-1.0-110)
Line Source: STRATOSPHERE
Posted on: January 10, 2008 @ 2:46:15 AM EST
Detroit is a poor shooting team. Period. They cannot beat too many teams with a transition game, nor do they have the talent to beat you on offense. Cleveland State rebounds well and can score in the 80's, this is a key handicapping factor.
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Matchup: Saint Louis at George Washington
Time: 8:00 PM EDT (Thu)
Play: Saint Louis (+2-110)
Line Source: CAESARS
Posted on: January 10, 2008 @ 2:46:15 AM EST
Saint Louis is on a three game winning streak and play GW who has only won four games and those four were against Longwood, MD East Shore, Boston U and Mount Saint Mary's. None of those games were lined games you could not bet them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Member Plays
Matchup: New Mexico St at Boise State
Time: 9:00 PM EDT (Thu)
Play: Boise State (-4.5-110)
Line Source: GOLDENNUGGET
Posted on: January 10, 2008 @ 2:57:13 AM EST
Stan Sharp
CBB Sides
double-dime bet Nevada -6.0 (-110) BetUS vs San Jose St.
Analysis: We get great line value here has Vegas has over compensated San Jose St.'s upset of Santa Clara in their last game. San Jose St should be flat tonight as they get run over by a much better Nevada team. This game is a mismatch. TAKE NEVADA as STAN'S COLLEGE MISMATCH BIG BET OF THE WEEK and make them a DOUBLE DIME PLAY.
CBB Sides
double-dime bet Nevada -6.0 (-110) BetUS vs San Jose St.
Analysis: We get great line value here has Vegas has over compensated San Jose St.'s upset of Santa Clara in their last game. San Jose St should be flat tonight as they get run over by a much better Nevada team. This game is a mismatch. TAKE NEVADA as STAN'S COLLEGE MISMATCH BIG BET OF THE WEEK and make them a DOUBLE DIME PLAY.
Paul Lenier
25* NBA Over 203 Mem/Sac
10* CBB Oregon -6
5* West Virginia +2.5
free play 5* CBB Illinois +12
25* NBA Over 203 Mem/Sac
10* CBB Oregon -6
5* West Virginia +2.5
free play 5* CBB Illinois +12
Last edited:
ATS LOCK
6 Louisville -2
4 Wisc GB +15 1/2
4 Wisc -10 1/2
3 Wash +16
ATS FINANCIAL
4 Pacific -5 1/2
3 Cal Northridge -15 1/2
3 Valparaiso -11 1/2
6 Louisville -2
4 Wisc GB +15 1/2
4 Wisc -10 1/2
3 Wash +16
ATS FINANCIAL
4 Pacific -5 1/2
3 Cal Northridge -15 1/2
3 Valparaiso -11 1/2
Black Magic Sports
Black Magic Sports
NCAA Basketball:
5 Unit Black Magic CBB Upset of the Week Detroit +2.5
Detroit will pull off the upset tonight as just a small home underdog. They play Cleveland State, a team that will fall victim to their weak schedule thus far. Detroit has had a very tough schedule and it?s only going to make them better in the long haul. They have played Texas A&M, Butler, Depaul and Valparaiso in their last 7 games. This will be a cakewalk for Detroit, believe it or not. Detroit is 13-0 in their last 13 home meetings with Cleveland State. Yet they are an underdog tonight? Give me a break. Cash in with Detroit as the underdog.
3 Unit Sharp Play on Morehead State -1
Eastern Kentucky is just 1-5 on the road this year. Morehead State will defend their home court in a big way tonight. Morehead is unbeaten at 4-0 in home games this season. Morehead won 2 home games before losing 3 straight road games to tough opponents. Now Morehead returns to home where they are the most comfortable. Eastern Kentucky is 1-8 ATS versus terrible teams outscored by their opponents by 8 or more points/game over the last 3 seasons. Morehead State is 13-8 straight up in their last 21 meetings with Eastern Kentucky. Cash in with Morehead State as the favorite.
NBA:
3 Unit Sharp Play on Sacramento Kings -4
This is a crazy series that goes against the Memphis Grizzlies tremendously. The Memphis Grizzlies aim for just their second win in franchise history at Arco Arena on Thursday when they visit the Sacramento Kings. Memphis has lost 17 straight games in Sacramento dating to a 112-108 overtime triumph on April 19, 1998. It was just the franchise's third season, and its leading scorer was Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who is now with the Kings. Memphis has lost seven of nine and owns the third-worst record in the Western Conference. On Tuesday, the Grizzlies endured a 117-101 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Sacramento is 12-4 ATS after having lost 2 of their last 3 games this season. The Kings will continue their home dominance over Memphis tonight. Cash in with Sacramento as the favorite
Black Magic Sports
NCAA Basketball:
5 Unit Black Magic CBB Upset of the Week Detroit +2.5
Detroit will pull off the upset tonight as just a small home underdog. They play Cleveland State, a team that will fall victim to their weak schedule thus far. Detroit has had a very tough schedule and it?s only going to make them better in the long haul. They have played Texas A&M, Butler, Depaul and Valparaiso in their last 7 games. This will be a cakewalk for Detroit, believe it or not. Detroit is 13-0 in their last 13 home meetings with Cleveland State. Yet they are an underdog tonight? Give me a break. Cash in with Detroit as the underdog.
3 Unit Sharp Play on Morehead State -1
Eastern Kentucky is just 1-5 on the road this year. Morehead State will defend their home court in a big way tonight. Morehead is unbeaten at 4-0 in home games this season. Morehead won 2 home games before losing 3 straight road games to tough opponents. Now Morehead returns to home where they are the most comfortable. Eastern Kentucky is 1-8 ATS versus terrible teams outscored by their opponents by 8 or more points/game over the last 3 seasons. Morehead State is 13-8 straight up in their last 21 meetings with Eastern Kentucky. Cash in with Morehead State as the favorite.
NBA:
3 Unit Sharp Play on Sacramento Kings -4
This is a crazy series that goes against the Memphis Grizzlies tremendously. The Memphis Grizzlies aim for just their second win in franchise history at Arco Arena on Thursday when they visit the Sacramento Kings. Memphis has lost 17 straight games in Sacramento dating to a 112-108 overtime triumph on April 19, 1998. It was just the franchise's third season, and its leading scorer was Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who is now with the Kings. Memphis has lost seven of nine and owns the third-worst record in the Western Conference. On Tuesday, the Grizzlies endured a 117-101 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Sacramento is 12-4 ATS after having lost 2 of their last 3 games this season. The Kings will continue their home dominance over Memphis tonight. Cash in with Sacramento as the favorite
Paul Leiner:
25* NBA Over 203 Mem/Sac
10* CBB Oregon -6
5* CBB West Virginia +2.5
free play 5* CBB Illinois +12
Bobby Bo
(5* Memphis / Sacramento over 203.5)
(3* George Washington -2)
(3* Long Beach St +5)
(1* Free Play Washington St +1)
25* NBA Over 203 Mem/Sac
10* CBB Oregon -6
5* CBB West Virginia +2.5
free play 5* CBB Illinois +12
Bobby Bo
(5* Memphis / Sacramento over 203.5)
(3* George Washington -2)
(3* Long Beach St +5)
(1* Free Play Washington St +1)
Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon:
Today's Games...
1. 200,000♦ Saint Louis
2. 50,000♦ Wisconsin
3. 50,000♦ Oregon
1. Saint Louis- The public may remember the days when George Washington was a competitive A-10 team, but sharp bettors know those days are over, at least for the time being. The Colonials have lost 6 of their last 8 (0-3-1 ATS over that span), including a 36-point blowout loss at Alabama in their last one. Tonight they face-off against an underrated Saint Louis squad with a score a settle, and the outlook isn't good for the Colonials.
Saint Louis remembers well their 60-40 embrassment at the hands of George Washington in last year's A-10 conference. In that game both of the Bilikens guards, Lisch and Lidell, struggled mightily, shooting a combined 5 for 15 and commiting 11 turnovers between them. Now both are upperclassmen, and I expect a huge bounce back effort from the more mature backcourt duo tonight.
Another huge difference between these two teams is their effort on the defensive end, as the Bilikens D is rock-solid, allowing 54 ppg on 41% shooting over their last 5 games. Saint Louis plays a more methodical style of game, slowing the pace and trusting their defense to get the stops they need. The fact freshman F Eberhardt is finally starting to live up to his potential, and 7-footer Husak is contributing in regular minutes this season, gives the Bilikens two frontcourt options, on both ends of the court, they did not have last season (Husak played only sparingly last season).
Finally, this George Washington team just isn't as talented as we're used to seeing. Clearly their in rebuilding mode, but they weren't counting on losing PG Travis King either. His absence is the reason this George Washington team is struggling mightily to score points, averaging just 64 ppg on 41% shooting this season. They have some decent frontcourt players, but with no one to penetrate and dish effectively, this team can only go so far. Note F Witherspoon is their leading assist guy with just 26 asissts on the season!
Bottom line, the Bilikens have a score to settle, and tonight, they get their redemption by taking advantage of a rebuilding George Washington team in this one. Bilikens are led by their backcourt, who've had this game circled since their March 9th loss last season (due in a large part to their poor play) and tonight its payback time!
Take Saint Louis plus the points over George Washington as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Wisconsin- What's up with Illinois? Well, besides the fact they've lost 3 straight home game for the first time in almost 9 years, and now have to travel to the Kohl Center to battle a rock-solid Wisconsin team in this one... Everything is fine! Sarcasm aside, this Illini team is in big trouble, as the Badgers are no joke at home, and it'll show tonight.
While the Illini give trememdous effort on the defensive end, its their offensive futility which has doomed them, averaging 63 ppg on 42% shooting (25% from 3-point) over their last 5 games... And 4 of those 5 games were at Assmebly Hall, so there's no excuse. With offensive numbers like those, teams are free and clear to play zone defense all game long (essentially giving them the 3-point line), because they know the Illini cannot shoot them out of the zone.
That's a scary thought when you consider how well the Badgers defense plays at home, allowing 51 ppg on an outstanding 36% shooting (29% from 3-point). Just ask Iowa, another offensively challenged squad, how good this Wisky defense is, as the Badgers locked them down to 51 points in their last game!
Besides the fact the Illini are just 2-7-1 ATS over their last 10 games, there's some serious match up issues to consider, including the fact the Illini really don't have a go to player. Sure, their frontcourt of Pruitt and Randle are their scoring leaders, but going up against Wisky's Butch and Landry is no easy task, especially on the road. Also, the Badgers trio of guards, Hughes, Flowers and Krabbenhoft are head and shoulders better than the Illini backcourt.
Bottom line, look for a dominating effort from the Badgers in this one, as they protect their house by locking down an already struggling Illinois team in this one. 3 straight home losses is bad enough for their confidence, but as soon as they get down big tonight, you'll see whatever little confidence this Illini team has left disappear. Wisky rolls!
Take Wisconsin at home BIG over Illinois in this Big Ten match up.
3. Oregon- While both these teams sit right next to eachother in the PAC-10 standings, several conclusions have to be made after their most recent efforts.
First, the fact the Bears got thrashed by a solid UCLA team at home was disappointing. They were only 4-point dogs, but despite an overall average effort from the Bruins, they lost 70-58. The Bears got dominated at almost every postion, and the separation between these two teams couldn't have been more evident. Cal's lackadasical defensive effort was unimpressive, and going on the road agaisnt a surging Oregon offense isn't going to help.
Oregon, on the other hand, is coming off a huge confidence building win at Arizona. They shot a blazing 56% from the floor, beating Arizona at their own game, winning handily 84-74 as 7-point road dogs. What's scary is that offensive effort came on the road, where typically the Ducks aren't as nasty. But now, building off that win and returning home, where they average a blistering 93 ppg on 53% shooting (42% from 3-point), the sky is the limit for this Ducks offense.
Granted, the argument against the Ducks usually comes down to the fact they aren't your typical inside/out team. While its true the Bears will have the edge down-low, the Ducks eliminate that edge by running-and-gunning all game long, making for a tough night for anyone not used to that pace, like most bigmen for example.
Finally, while Cal may have the edge down-low, its the Ducks guards, led by Malik Hairston, which will control the tempo of this game. The Ducks offense at home is outstanding, and try as they might to slow the game down, the Bears will eventually be forced to run the basketball... Which is exactly what Oregon wants. In the end, the Ducks get the solid home win and cover, as Cal simply cannot keep up.
Take Oregon at home comfortably over California in this PAC-10 match up.
Drew Gordon
Drew Gordon:
Today's Games...
1. 200,000♦ Saint Louis
2. 50,000♦ Wisconsin
3. 50,000♦ Oregon
1. Saint Louis- The public may remember the days when George Washington was a competitive A-10 team, but sharp bettors know those days are over, at least for the time being. The Colonials have lost 6 of their last 8 (0-3-1 ATS over that span), including a 36-point blowout loss at Alabama in their last one. Tonight they face-off against an underrated Saint Louis squad with a score a settle, and the outlook isn't good for the Colonials.
Saint Louis remembers well their 60-40 embrassment at the hands of George Washington in last year's A-10 conference. In that game both of the Bilikens guards, Lisch and Lidell, struggled mightily, shooting a combined 5 for 15 and commiting 11 turnovers between them. Now both are upperclassmen, and I expect a huge bounce back effort from the more mature backcourt duo tonight.
Another huge difference between these two teams is their effort on the defensive end, as the Bilikens D is rock-solid, allowing 54 ppg on 41% shooting over their last 5 games. Saint Louis plays a more methodical style of game, slowing the pace and trusting their defense to get the stops they need. The fact freshman F Eberhardt is finally starting to live up to his potential, and 7-footer Husak is contributing in regular minutes this season, gives the Bilikens two frontcourt options, on both ends of the court, they did not have last season (Husak played only sparingly last season).
Finally, this George Washington team just isn't as talented as we're used to seeing. Clearly their in rebuilding mode, but they weren't counting on losing PG Travis King either. His absence is the reason this George Washington team is struggling mightily to score points, averaging just 64 ppg on 41% shooting this season. They have some decent frontcourt players, but with no one to penetrate and dish effectively, this team can only go so far. Note F Witherspoon is their leading assist guy with just 26 asissts on the season!
Bottom line, the Bilikens have a score to settle, and tonight, they get their redemption by taking advantage of a rebuilding George Washington team in this one. Bilikens are led by their backcourt, who've had this game circled since their March 9th loss last season (due in a large part to their poor play) and tonight its payback time!
Take Saint Louis plus the points over George Washington as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Wisconsin- What's up with Illinois? Well, besides the fact they've lost 3 straight home game for the first time in almost 9 years, and now have to travel to the Kohl Center to battle a rock-solid Wisconsin team in this one... Everything is fine! Sarcasm aside, this Illini team is in big trouble, as the Badgers are no joke at home, and it'll show tonight.
While the Illini give trememdous effort on the defensive end, its their offensive futility which has doomed them, averaging 63 ppg on 42% shooting (25% from 3-point) over their last 5 games... And 4 of those 5 games were at Assmebly Hall, so there's no excuse. With offensive numbers like those, teams are free and clear to play zone defense all game long (essentially giving them the 3-point line), because they know the Illini cannot shoot them out of the zone.
That's a scary thought when you consider how well the Badgers defense plays at home, allowing 51 ppg on an outstanding 36% shooting (29% from 3-point). Just ask Iowa, another offensively challenged squad, how good this Wisky defense is, as the Badgers locked them down to 51 points in their last game!
Besides the fact the Illini are just 2-7-1 ATS over their last 10 games, there's some serious match up issues to consider, including the fact the Illini really don't have a go to player. Sure, their frontcourt of Pruitt and Randle are their scoring leaders, but going up against Wisky's Butch and Landry is no easy task, especially on the road. Also, the Badgers trio of guards, Hughes, Flowers and Krabbenhoft are head and shoulders better than the Illini backcourt.
Bottom line, look for a dominating effort from the Badgers in this one, as they protect their house by locking down an already struggling Illinois team in this one. 3 straight home losses is bad enough for their confidence, but as soon as they get down big tonight, you'll see whatever little confidence this Illini team has left disappear. Wisky rolls!
Take Wisconsin at home BIG over Illinois in this Big Ten match up.
3. Oregon- While both these teams sit right next to eachother in the PAC-10 standings, several conclusions have to be made after their most recent efforts.
First, the fact the Bears got thrashed by a solid UCLA team at home was disappointing. They were only 4-point dogs, but despite an overall average effort from the Bruins, they lost 70-58. The Bears got dominated at almost every postion, and the separation between these two teams couldn't have been more evident. Cal's lackadasical defensive effort was unimpressive, and going on the road agaisnt a surging Oregon offense isn't going to help.
Oregon, on the other hand, is coming off a huge confidence building win at Arizona. They shot a blazing 56% from the floor, beating Arizona at their own game, winning handily 84-74 as 7-point road dogs. What's scary is that offensive effort came on the road, where typically the Ducks aren't as nasty. But now, building off that win and returning home, where they average a blistering 93 ppg on 53% shooting (42% from 3-point), the sky is the limit for this Ducks offense.
Granted, the argument against the Ducks usually comes down to the fact they aren't your typical inside/out team. While its true the Bears will have the edge down-low, the Ducks eliminate that edge by running-and-gunning all game long, making for a tough night for anyone not used to that pace, like most bigmen for example.
Finally, while Cal may have the edge down-low, its the Ducks guards, led by Malik Hairston, which will control the tempo of this game. The Ducks offense at home is outstanding, and try as they might to slow the game down, the Bears will eventually be forced to run the basketball... Which is exactly what Oregon wants. In the end, the Ducks get the solid home win and cover, as Cal simply cannot keep up.
Take Oregon at home comfortably over California in this PAC-10 match up.
Kelso Sturgeon
COLLEGE BLOWOUT GAME OF WEEK
25 Units
WISCONSIN (-11) over Illinois
Prediction: Wisconsin by 19-20
COLLEGE BLOWOUT GAME OF WEEK
25 Units
WISCONSIN (-11) over Illinois
Prediction: Wisconsin by 19-20
BeatYourBookie
NCAA Basketball
100* Play Furman (+9) over West Carolina.
(7:00 P.M. EST)
W. Carolina is 4-12 ATS coming off 2 or more conference games
W. Carolina is 5-19 ATS when revenging a same season loss vs. an opponent
50* Play Eastern Washington (+1) over Idaho State.
(9:00 P.M. EST)
Idaho State is 11-26 ATS as a favorite since 1997
Idaho State is 7-19 ATS in January home games
Idaho State is 1-7 ATS coming off a road game
NCAA Basketball
100* Play Furman (+9) over West Carolina.
(7:00 P.M. EST)
W. Carolina is 4-12 ATS coming off 2 or more conference games
W. Carolina is 5-19 ATS when revenging a same season loss vs. an opponent
50* Play Eastern Washington (+1) over Idaho State.
(9:00 P.M. EST)
Idaho State is 11-26 ATS as a favorite since 1997
Idaho State is 7-19 ATS in January home games
Idaho State is 1-7 ATS coming off a road game
Greg Shaker
CBB Sides
double-dime bet Arkansas St. 1.5 (-110) vs N.Texas
NCAAB: North Texas Mean Green Eagles at Arkansas State Indians - Arkansas State +1.5 -110 Unit Value: 2 DIMES
Game Date: 1/10/2008
CBB Total
double-dime bet Louisville / W.Virginia Over 137.0
NCAAB: West Virginia Mountaineers at Louisville Cardinals - Over 137 -110 | Unit Value: 2 DIMES
Game Date: 1/11/2009
CBB Total
double-dime bet Chattanooga / UNC-Greensboro Over 142.0
NCAAB: NC Greensboro Spartans at Tennessee Chattanooga Mocs - Over 142 -110 | Unit Value: 2 DIMES
Game Date: 1/11/2008
OVER the posted mark.
CBB Sides
double-dime bet Arkansas St. 1.5 (-110) vs N.Texas
NCAAB: North Texas Mean Green Eagles at Arkansas State Indians - Arkansas State +1.5 -110 Unit Value: 2 DIMES
Game Date: 1/10/2008
CBB Total
double-dime bet Louisville / W.Virginia Over 137.0
NCAAB: West Virginia Mountaineers at Louisville Cardinals - Over 137 -110 | Unit Value: 2 DIMES
Game Date: 1/11/2009
CBB Total
double-dime bet Chattanooga / UNC-Greensboro Over 142.0
NCAAB: NC Greensboro Spartans at Tennessee Chattanooga Mocs - Over 142 -110 | Unit Value: 2 DIMES
Game Date: 1/11/2008
OVER the posted mark.
THE GOLD SHEET
NBA
THURSDAY, JANUARY 10
Detroit 97 - SAN ANTONIO 94
These two met for NBA title three seasons
ago, and S.A. continued to hold spell over Detroit last season when beating
Detroit twice (though failing to cover 1-point win at AT&T Center). But Pistons
look ready to finally gain some long overdue revenge based on their recent
uptick (18-3 vs. the number last 21 prior to visiting Dallas last night). Pistons are
4-1 on the road in 2nd night of back-to-back games. Spurs have had a number of
health issues this season, and Tim Duncan is again not 100% after being
forced to leave the Clipper game on Sunday with a sore knee. He?ll likely be
ready to go for this TNT TV game, but he?s also had an problem with his wrist
& hand, and how long he can go might be an issue. 06-Sa +3' 90-81 (181), SA
-6 90-89 (175) TV?TNT
SACRAMENTO 87 -Memphis 86
Totals? alert?these two each
trending ?under? lately, with Sacto ?under? 10-5 its last 15 prior to facing
Orlando Tuesday night, and Memphis a surprising 10-6 ?under? on road. This
isn?t surprising for the Kings, as injuries have left them without their two
leading scorers, Kevin Martin and Ron Artest, and Mike Bibby, who was
their third leading scorer last season, hasn?t played yet due to injuries.
Kings had dropped 6 straight spread decisions at home before playing
Orlando at Arco Tuesday. 06-SAC -8' 115-111 (178), MEM +1 124-117
(221), Sac -3 112-100 (220)
Phoenix 104 - UTAH 102
It wasn?t pretty, with Phoenix hitting only 23.5%
beyond arc and scoring seven points fewer than its league-best average, not
to mention Steve Nash chipping a tooth after colliding with Carlos Boozer, but
Suns prevailed by 5 (with no cover) Dec. 12 against slumping Utah, which lost
its 6th straight of debilitating 7-game losing streak that night. Jazz still fighting
to get out of extended funk, covering just 5 of last 18 before Indiana came to
town on Tuesday. Phoenix is coming off a game last night at home against
Indiana, but on balance, playing the second of back-to-back games hasn?t
been a major problem for the Suns (3-4 vs. number). 07-PHO -7' 103-98 (226);
06-Utah +7 108-104 (211), UTAH -4' 120-117 (OT-212), Utah +11' 108-105
(218), Pho -3 126-98 (211) CABLE TV?TNT
NBA
THURSDAY, JANUARY 10
Detroit 97 - SAN ANTONIO 94
These two met for NBA title three seasons
ago, and S.A. continued to hold spell over Detroit last season when beating
Detroit twice (though failing to cover 1-point win at AT&T Center). But Pistons
look ready to finally gain some long overdue revenge based on their recent
uptick (18-3 vs. the number last 21 prior to visiting Dallas last night). Pistons are
4-1 on the road in 2nd night of back-to-back games. Spurs have had a number of
health issues this season, and Tim Duncan is again not 100% after being
forced to leave the Clipper game on Sunday with a sore knee. He?ll likely be
ready to go for this TNT TV game, but he?s also had an problem with his wrist
& hand, and how long he can go might be an issue. 06-Sa +3' 90-81 (181), SA
-6 90-89 (175) TV?TNT
SACRAMENTO 87 -Memphis 86
Totals? alert?these two each
trending ?under? lately, with Sacto ?under? 10-5 its last 15 prior to facing
Orlando Tuesday night, and Memphis a surprising 10-6 ?under? on road. This
isn?t surprising for the Kings, as injuries have left them without their two
leading scorers, Kevin Martin and Ron Artest, and Mike Bibby, who was
their third leading scorer last season, hasn?t played yet due to injuries.
Kings had dropped 6 straight spread decisions at home before playing
Orlando at Arco Tuesday. 06-SAC -8' 115-111 (178), MEM +1 124-117
(221), Sac -3 112-100 (220)
Phoenix 104 - UTAH 102
It wasn?t pretty, with Phoenix hitting only 23.5%
beyond arc and scoring seven points fewer than its league-best average, not
to mention Steve Nash chipping a tooth after colliding with Carlos Boozer, but
Suns prevailed by 5 (with no cover) Dec. 12 against slumping Utah, which lost
its 6th straight of debilitating 7-game losing streak that night. Jazz still fighting
to get out of extended funk, covering just 5 of last 18 before Indiana came to
town on Tuesday. Phoenix is coming off a game last night at home against
Indiana, but on balance, playing the second of back-to-back games hasn?t
been a major problem for the Suns (3-4 vs. number). 07-PHO -7' 103-98 (226);
06-Utah +7 108-104 (211), UTAH -4' 120-117 (OT-212), Utah +11' 108-105
(218), Pho -3 126-98 (211) CABLE TV?TNT