Announcement

**StarDust Bum** · 04-05-2015, 11:28 PM

2015 Season Predictions

April 5, 2015

The 2015 baseball season is here with plenty of new expectations and hope for all 30 teams. Our consensus of handicappers provides their annual predictions on their best season win total bets as well as American League and National League champions, along with World Series winners.

Many handicappers are high on the Mariners, Nationals, and Dodgers to hoist the trophy in October, but there are plenty of differing opinions on season win totals.

James Manos believes the Mets will finally break through this season with a solid young rotation and go OVER their posted win total. “I think the Mets outstanding spring record of 18-12 isn't a fluke. The Mets should be improved from last year and I expect a rebound season from OF Curtis Granderson, who underperformed for most of last season. They have a Gold Glove CF in Juan Lagares and RF Michael Cuddyer is an upgrade offensively over last year. Cuddyer likely won't hit the way he did in Colorado but if he can stay healthy there is no reason he can't put up numbers similar to or above what he posted in Minnesota.”

“I love the Mets rotation and SP Matt Harvey looks fully healthy as he was a beast in his spring training starts. If he remains healthy, he gives the Mets a Cy Young caliber #1 starter and the rest of their rotation is very good. #4 and #5 starters Zack Wheeler and Jacob deGrom have high ceilings and I think Jon Niese is undervalued. The Mets play in a division where a 2nd place finish is realistic,” Manos said.

Another NL East team that has high expectations this season is the Marlins, as handicapper Zack Cimini feels this club will be viable in the National League, “There is a lot of confidence down in South Beach with the 2015 Marlins. Jose Fernandez is set to return in June, and the team has added a plethora of roster additions. The headline move was retaining Giancarlo Stanton with a contract many did not believe the Marlins would offer the slugger. Last season, the Marlins flirted with Wild Card contention but could not overcome injuries and an offense that would slump for large stretches. Thirty-four losses either by extra inning or one-run will be an area this team needs to correct. They also had an ever-rotating pitching staff with Alvarez injured frequently and unreliable youth. A post All-Star trade for Jared Cosart may end up being the biggest difference in this team surpassing the mark of 83 wins. Veteran additions of Dan Haren and Matt Latos aren't stellar but bolster a pitching lineup that vastly needed depth and allows for Brad Hand to aid the bullpen.”

Matt Zylbert doesn’t see a lot of promise with the Rays, who will fall short in a transition season, "Simply put, this bet comes down to whether or not you think this year’s Rays club is better than last season’s squad, as the win totals are similar. Considering they still had their best player in franchise history, David Price, for the majority of ‘14, and their unparalleled longtime manager Joe Maddon is now also gone, how can they possibly be better? That, and they’re missing a handful of key bats like Ben Zobrist and Wil Myers. Plus some of their young starting pitchers are already banged up. There’s no way the current roster is superior to last year’s team that won 77 games."

Joe Nelson believes the Brewers will take a step back this season after a tough finish in 2014, “The Brewers led the NL Central much of last season before a brutal late season crash that left the team barely over .500. The 96-win 2011 season seems like a long time ago and the pitching staff for the Brewers will be banking on another big season from the erratic Wily Peralta as well as the continued breakthrough of Mike Fiers and youngster Jimmy Nelson. Ryan Braun did not resemble his MVP past last season and while the outfield looks promising, the infield for Milwaukee could struggle. Ultimately, the division looks incredibly tough with the Cardinals and Pirates likely contending for the playoffs again and the Reds and Cubs looking like potentially improved teams. Kyle Lohse and Matt Garza will need to have great seasons to keep Milwaukee in the mix as the rotation does not have a lot of fall back options. The bullpen could be respectable but the psyche of this squad after last year’s slide is certainly a question as well.”

**StarDust Bum** · 04-05-2015, 11:31 PM

2015 MLB SEASON PREDICTIONS

Handicapper Best Over Best Under AL Champion NL Champion WS Champion

Antony Dinero Chicago Cubs New York Mets Seattle Mariners Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers

Bill Marzano Cincinnati Reds Detroit Tigers Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Bruce Marshall Oakland Athletics Boston Red Sox Seattle Mariners Pittsburgh Pirates Pittsburgh Pirates

Dave Cokin Boston Red Sox San Francisco Giants Seattle Mariners Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers

Doc's Sports Los Angeles Dodgers San Diego Padres Seattle Mariners Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers

Don Anthony Los Angeles Dodgers Tampa Bay Rays Oakland Athletics Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers

James Manos New York Mets Oakland Athletics Boston Red Sox St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Cardinals

Jim Feist Baltimore Orioles Texas Rangers Los Angeles Angels Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers

Jimmy Boyd Cleveland Indians Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Joe Nelson Cleveland Indians Milwaukee Brewers Boston Red Sox St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Cardinals

Joe Williams New York Mets Cleveland Indians Boston Red Sox San Diego Padres Boston Red Sox

John Fisher Washington Nationals Chicago White Sox Los Angeles Angels Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Kevin Rogers Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians Boston Red Sox St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Cardinals

Kyle Hunter Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cleveland Indians Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Marc Lawrence Oakland Athletics San Francisco Giants Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Seattle Mariners

Mark Franco Miami Marlins Chicago Cubs Los Angeles Angels Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Matt Zylbert New York Mets Tampa Bay Rays Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Stephen Nover Colorado Rockies Philadelphia Phillies Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Vince Akins Detroit Tigers Seattle Mariners Detroit Tigers Washington Nationals Detroit Tigers

Zack Cimini Miami Marlins Cincinnati Reds Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Seattle Mariners

**StarDust Bum** · 04-05-2015, 11:33 PM

Team Pitcher Open Line Movements Current Runline Scores

2:10 PM EDT
901 COLORADO ROCKIES (R) Kendrick, K 8o15 8o15 +1.5(-149)
902 MILWAUKEE BREWERS (R) Lohse, K -160 -160 -1.5(+137)
TV: FS-Wisconsin, ROOT-Rocky Mountain, DTV: 669, 683
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

4:05 PM EDT
903 NEW YORK METS (R) Colon, B 7u20 7u20 +1.5(-135)
904 WASHINGTON NATIONALS (R) Scherzer, M -190 -190 -1.5(+125)
TV: ESPN, MASN, SNY, DTV: 206, 639, 640
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

4:10 PM EDT
905 ATLANTA BRAVES (R) Teheran, J 7u20 7u20 +1.5(-195)
906 MIAMI MARLINS (R) Alvarez, H -125 -125 / -126 / -131 -128 -1.5(+179)
TV: FS-Florida, SportsSouth, DTV: 646, 654
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

4:10 PM EDT
907 PITTSBURGH PIRATES (L) Liriano, F 7u20 7u20 +1.5(-195)
908 CINCINNATI REDS (R) Cueto, J -130 -130 / -128 / -129 -126 -1.5(+179)
TV: FS-Ohio, ROOT-Pittsburgh, DTV: 659, 661
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

4:10 PM EDT
909 SAN DIEGO PADRES (R) Shields, J 6o15 6o15 +1.5(-137)
910 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (L) Kershaw, C -190 -190 -191 -1.5(+126)
TV: FS-San Diego, DTV: 694
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

10:10 PM EDT
911 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (L) Bumgarner, M -140 -140 / -141 -139 -1.5(+126)
912 ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (R) Collmenter, J 7.5u20 7.5u20 +1.5(-137)
Time-change to 10:10pm EDT | TV: CSN-Bay, ESPN2, FS-Arizona, DTV: 209, 686, 696
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

1:05 PM EDT
913 TORONTO BLUE JAYS (R) Hutchison, D 8u20 8u20 +1.5(-147)
914 NEW YORK YANKEES (R) Tanaka, M -150 -151 / -152 / -150 -155 -1.5(+136)
TV: ESPN, YES, DTV: 206, 631
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

1:05 PM EDT
915 MINNESOTA TWINS (R) Hughes, P 7.5 7.5 +1.5(-127)
916 DETROIT TIGERS (L) Price, D -190 -190 -191 -1.5(+117)
DET-DH-Victor Martinez-Probable | DET-1B-Miguel Cabrera-Probable | TV: FS-Detroit, FS-North, DTV: 663, 668
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

3:10 PM EDT
917 BALTIMORE ORIOLES (R) Tillman, C 7.5u20 7.5u20 +1.5(-183)
918 TAMPA BAY RAYS (R) Archer, C -125 -125 -126 -1.5(+168)
TV: MASN2, SunSports, DTV: 641, 653
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

4:10 PM EDT
919 CHICAGO WHITE SOX (R) Samardzija, J 7.5u15 7.5u15 +1.5(-190)
920 KANSAS CITY ROYALS (R) Ventura, Y -125 -125 -124 -1.5(+175)
TV: CSN-Chicago, FS-Kansas City, DTV: 665, 672
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

4:10 PM EDT
921 LOS ANGELES ANGELS (R) Weaver, J 6.5u20 6.5u20 +1.5(-171)
922 SEATTLE MARINERS (R) Hernandez, F -145 -145 / -146 -150 -1.5(+157)
TV: FS-West, ROOT-Northwest, DTV: 687, 692
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

7:10 PM EDT
923 CLEVELAND INDIANS (R) Kluber, C -125 -125 / -127 / -126 -125 -1.5(+136)
924 HOUSTON ASTROS (L) Keuchel, D 7.5 7.5 / 7.5u15 / 7.5u17 7.5u20 +1.5(-148)
TV: ESPN, ROOT-Southwest, SportsTime Ohio, DTV: 206, 662, 674
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

10:05 PM EDT
925 TEXAS RANGERS (R) Gallardo, Y 7 7 +1.5(-163)
926 OAKLAND ATHLETICS (R) Gray, S -150 -150 -1.5(+150)
TEX-P-Yu Darvish-OUT | TV: CSN-California, FS-Southwest, DTV: 676, 698
FREE MATCH UP5-STAR PICKSTOP POWER LINESVEGAS ODDSFREE PICKSBOX SCORERECAPLINEUPSPROJECTIONSBET NOW

3:05 PM EDT
927 BOSTON RED SOX (R) Buchholz, C -109 -109 / -101 / -106 -107 -1.5(+150)
928 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (L) Hamels, C 7.5u20 7.5u20 7.5u15 +1.5(-163)
TV: NESN, DTV: 628

**StarDust Bum** · 04-05-2015, 11:40 PM

CBB ATS

CBB > (601) WISCONSIN@ (602) DUKE | 04/06/2015 - 09:20 PM
Play ON DUKE using the against the spread in Road games in non-conference games
The record is 21 Wins and 6 Losses for the last three seasons (+14.4 units)

CBB MONEYLINE

CBB > (601) WISCONSIN@ (602) DUKE | 04/06/2015 - 09:20 PM
Play ON WISCONSIN using the money line in All games in all tournament games
The record is 14 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+13.15 units)

CBB FIRST HALF

CBB > (601) WISCONSIN@ (602) DUKE | 04/06/2015 - 09:20 PM
Play ON DUKE in the first half in All games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games
The record is 15 Wins and 5 Losses for the this season (+9.5 units)

CBB TOTALS

CBB > (601) WISCONSIN@ (602) DUKE | 04/06/2015 - 09:20 PM
Play UNDER DUKE on the total in All games in all tournament games
The record is 3 Overs and 14 Unders for the last two seasons (+10.7 units)

**StarDust Bum** · 04-05-2015, 11:41 PM

Monday's Top Action

April 5, 2015

WISCONSIN BADGERS (36-3) vs. DUKE BLUE DEVILS (34-4)

Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis, IN
NCAA Tournament – Championship Game
Tip-off: Monday, 9:19 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Wisconsin -1, Total 140

Wisconsin and Duke battle for supremacy when the two teams meet in the finals of the NCAA tournament Monday.

Wisconsin shocked the world on Saturday with a 71-64 victory over what was once an undefeated Kentucky team. The Badgers were 5-point underdogs in that game and have now covered in three straight contests in this tournament.

Duke, meanwhile, dominated Michigan State in an 81-61 victory as a 5-point favorite Saturday. The Blue Devils have covered in all five of their tournament games and the team has allowed just 55.0 PPG in those contests. This team was once recognized as only an offensive powerhouse, but it is locked in defensively when it matters most.

Earlier in the season, the Blue Devils went into Madison and beat the Badgers 80-70 as 4.5-point favorites. Duke shot 65.2% from the field and 58.3% from the outside in that game. The team is 2-1 both SU and ATS when playing against Wisconsin since 1997.

Wisconsin is 13-5 ATS in all tournament games over the past two seasons and 6-0 ATS as a neutral court favorite of six points or less or pick over the past two seasons. Duke, meanwhile, is 9-2 ATS in all neutral court games this season and 27-12 ATS when playing only its second game in a week over the past two seasons.

Both teams come into this game at full health but the Blue Devils are going to be without G Rasheed Sulaimon, who was dismissed from the team on Jan. 29. He had 14 points in the first meeting with Wisconsin this season and was a big part in the Blue Devils earning that big road victory.

Wisconsin has run one of the most efficient offenses in the nation this season, averaging 71.9 PPG (67th in NCAA) on 48.0% shooting (21st in NCAA). The team is also good defensively, allowing just 57.9 PPG (12th in NCAA).

The Badgers are fresh off of a monumental upset over Kentucky last game and C Frank Kaminsky (18.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG) and F Sam Dekker (13.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG) came up huge for Wisconsin. Kaminsky finished the game with 20 points (7-for-11 FG) and 11 rebounds in 37 minutes of action and Dekker had 16 points (6-for-9 FG, 2-for-3 3PT) and three rebounds in 34 minutes.

These two have been one of the best duos in college basketball and will need to be on their games against the Blue Devils. Kaminsky had 17 points and nine boards in his last meeting with Jahlil Okafor, but Dekker had just five points in 24 minutes of action that game.

The Badgers will need their star forward to keep up his hot shooting in this one. F Nigel Hayes (12.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG) had 12 points and five boards against Kentucky. He had just four points the last time he faced Duke and can’t afford to be that ineffective offensively on Monday. He is the third most reliable scorer this team has and needs to play like it in the finals.

Gs Bronson Koenig (8.7 PPG, 2.4 APG) and Traevon Jackson (8.5 PPG, 2.6 APG) will split time at the point guard spot for Wisconsin. Jackson went off for 25 points the last time he saw Duke, but Koenig has since become the starter for the Badgers. He had 12 points, four boards and two assists against Kentucky and both of them will need to contribute against Duke Monday.
v Duke’s offense has been unbelievable this season, putting up 80.6 PPG (4th in NCAA) on 50.2% shooting (3rd in NCAA). The team wasn’t as good defensively, allowing 64.2 PPG (111th in NCAA) but they have turned it around in the tournament.

When Duke faced Wisconsin earlier in the season, Gs Tyus Jones (11.5 PPG, 5.7 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1.6 SPG) and Quinn Cook (15.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.0 SPG) combined for 35 points on 11-for-16 shooting from the field. Cook was excellent against Michigan State with 17 points in the game.

These two can really shoot and will need to play well against Wisconsin once again or things will get very tough on C Jahlil Okafor (17.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG). Okafor had 18 points and six boards against Michigan State last game. His matchup with Frank Kaminsky will likely be the deciding factor in who wins this game. Okafor had 13 points and six boards in 27 minutes the last time they met and has only gotten better as the season has progressed.

F Justise Winslow (12.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.3 SPG) only had five points the last time he saw Wisconsin. He has emerged as one of the best players in the nation and had 19 points and nine rebounds against Michigan State last game. He’ll need to continue to attack the basket for Duke and could also see some time defending Sam Dekker in this one. If he can play well then the Blue Devils could be holding a trophy come Monday night.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-05-2015, 11:42 PM

Kaminsky vs. Okafor ready for duel in post

April 5, 2015

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Bo Ryan doesn't want to face Duke center Jahlil Okafor.

''There's no way I could match up with him,'' joked Wisconsin's gray-haired coach. ''He'd kill me.''

Luckily, Ryan has 7-footer Frank Kaminsky on his side to bang elbows in the post with the Blue Devils' freshman phenom.

Kaminsky vs. Okafor: The game within the national championship game Monday night.

''It should be pretty interesting for purists of the game to watch two bigs like that go against one another,'' Ryan said before Sunday's practice.

Perhaps it's fitting that the title game is coming down to teams with the guys considered the top contenders for top player honors: Kaminsky won the AP's player of the year, Okafor finished a distant second.

They played to a virtual draw the last time their teams faced each other, an 80-70 win by Duke in Madison on Dec. 3. Kaminsky had 17 points and nine rebounds, but was 5 of 12 from the field. Okafor had 13 points and six boards, but was 6 of 8 from the field.

So much has changed since then, though.

Start with the experienced Kaminsky, whose versatile skills present a matchup nightmare. He's as comfortable in the post as he is spotting up from the 3-point line. Press the Wisconsin guards in the backcourt and Kaminsky can come up to relieve pressure with his ball-handling. Double-team Frank the Tank and he'll find the open shooter.

''Obviously he's the national player of the year, but he's as unique of a player in college as I've seen in a while,'' Duke associate head coach Jeff Capel said.

Making matters worse for the Blue Devils is that they must also contend with 6-foot-9 forward Sam Dekker, who is equally adept at scoring inside and out. He was bothered by a sore ankle in the first meeting, held to five points in 24 minutes.

Now, Dekker is averaging 20.6 points in the NCAA Tournament.

Pay more attention to Kaminsky at your own peril.

''A lot of stuff starts with Frank,'' Dekker said. ''That's what obviously helps us to be a good offensive team, when we run a lot of things through Frank.''

That is exactly the point that Okafor tried to make, too.

''We have to deal with the entire Wisconsin team,'' he said. ''So it's going to be a collection of myself and my teammates working together on both ends of the floor.''

That has been the message for most of the season at short-handed Duke, where everyone must chip in. Then again, Okafor is nearly irreplaceable, a 6-foot-11 blend of power and quickness around the bucket, someone who can rile up a crowd with rim-shaking dunks.

''To be the best, you've got to beat the best,'' Kaminsky said.

The Badgers have also taken notice of Okafor on the other end of the floor.

NCAA Tournament opponents are shooting just 37 percent against Duke, a big reason why the big guy in the paint. Okafor had two blocks and two steals to go with 18 points and six rebounds in Saturday night's semifinal victory over rough-and-tumble Michigan State.

''Well, he's better. His defense is better,'' Wisconsin associate head coach Greg Gard said, comparing Okafor these days to the player he saw in December. ''He is seasoned more and he's got more experience.''

Whether it's this year or next, Okafor is the likely top pick in the NBA draft, while Kaminsky will be playing the final game of his senior season on Monday night.

The two could be squaring off against each other in the NBA this fall. But first, there's one last game between the two best college big men in the country.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-05-2015, 11:44 PM

Duke, Wisconsin step into spotlight

April 5, 2015

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Duke languished in the shadows of Kentucky all season, the big blue juggernaut that nobody seemed to be talking about. It was a rarity for a program with such a championship pedigree, not to mention a record-setting coach and superstar freshmen.

They can thank Wisconsin for finally returning to the limelight.

The fun-loving Badgers ended the Wildcats' pursuit of perfection in the national semifinals, and set up an intriguing showdown in Monday night's title game: Duke trying to give Mike Krzyzewski his fifth national championship, Wisconsin trying to capture its first in 74 years.

''I don't think basketball fans that I know would ever say that Duke didn't have a good team,'' countered Badgers coach Bo Ryan, who won four Division III titles at Wisconsin-Platteville.

''A lot of people thought they had a pretty good team because they spanked our team at our place in December,'' he said. ''I can't say that they were ignored, that's for sure.''

Yet the buzz at the Final Four this week was focused on Kentucky. The only folks giving the Badgers much of a chance were wearing red and white and scarfing down cheese.

Along with the coach in the other locker room.

''Coming into the year, I thought they'd be the best team in the country, and they have been,'' Krzyzewski said. ''It's just that Kentucky's undefeated performance has overshadowed just how good Wisconsin has been, until (Saturday) night. There aren't any shadows anymore.''

Only spotlights.

The Blue Devils (34-4) have run roughshod through the NCAA Tournament, relying on suffocating defense and game-changing freshman Jahlil Okafor to shut down opponents. They're allowing just 55 points per game, one of the finest defensive performances in tournament history.

Meanwhile, Okafor and his merry band of freshmen - Justise Winslow, Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen - have risen to the challenge of the game's biggest stage. The four led the way in a semifinal blowout of Michigan State, a game never in question after the first 5 minutes.

''We want to be one of those teams that coach is bragging about five, seven years later,'' senior guard Quinn Cook said. ''So that's the motivation for us, to be special.''

As if they needed any more motivation, Krzyzewski has been waving his 2010 title ring in their faces all tournament. He earned it in Indianapolis, in the same building as this year's Final Four, and steps away from where he won his first championship at the Hoosier Dome in 1991.

''That's what we want to get,'' Okafor said, glancing at the glittering ring on Coach K's hand. ''We've always talked about us having an opportunity to have a national championship ring.''

The loveable goofballs from Wisconsin (36-3) are standing in their way, and nobody can argue they haven't earned the right. Only three other teams have faced the highest possible seed in every game on the way to the championship since the field expanded to 64 in 1985.

Two of those lost in the title game. None had to face another No. 1 seed.

''They know they have a chance to make a mark in history. They understand that,'' Ryan said Sunday. ''But they're enjoying it while they do it, and that's important, too.''

Indeed, the Badgers have become the clown princes of the NCAA Tournament. From messing with stenographers to podium hijinks, to their penchant for playing Super Smash Bros., the free-spirited Big Ten champs have taken an entire fan base - and plenty of casual fans - on quite ride.

''That's just how we are,'' explained the Badgers' Sam Dekker. ''Some people tell us on Twitter, `Focus, guys!' But that's just us. We know when to focus.''

Or, as teammate Nigel Hayes put it, ''We don't try to be ourselves. We just ARE ourselves.''

What they are is an offensive powerhouse led by AP player of the year Frank Kaminsky that is averaging nearly 80 points in the tournament. They're a veteran group that's been through the grind. They're the counter argument to all those critics that argue the college game has fallen off, that scoring is down, execution is sloppy and the product has never been worse.

They're also the team that has already avenged a heartbreaking loss to Kentucky in last year's national semifinals, and is now one step away from its first championship since 1941.

''Whatever this team accomplishes Monday night, one way or the other, it's still who they are,'' Ryan said. ''I've never been concerned if there are people that perceive us a different way, because we are who we are. We play the way we play. We're sure happy with it. So we can live with that.''

**StarDust Bum** · 04-05-2015, 11:49 PM

NHL MONEYLINE

NHL > (1) COLUMBUS@ (2) NY RANGERS | 04/06/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON COLUMBUS using the money line in Road games second half of the season
The record is 15 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (+15.2 units)

NHL PUCKLINE

NHL > (1) COLUMBUS@ (2) NY RANGERS | 04/06/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON COLUMBUS using the in Road games second half of the season
The record is 15 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (+15.2 units)

NHL TOTALS
NHL > (1) COLUMBUS@ (2) NY RANGERS | 04/06/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play OVER COLUMBUS on the total in All games vs. division opponents
The record is 18 Overs and 7 Unders for the this season (+11 units)

NHL > (5) WINNIPEG@ (6) MINNESOTA | 04/06/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play OVER WINNIPEG on the total in All games after allowing 4 goals or more
The record is 18 Overs and 7 Unders for the this season (+11 units)

**StarDust Bum** · 04-05-2015, 11:52 PM

NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (603) PORTLAND@ (604) BROOKLYN | 04/06/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play AGAINST PORTLAND using the money line in All games in April games
The record is 88 Wins and 114 Losses for the since 1992 (-76.3 units)

NBA TOTALS

NBA > (603) PORTLAND@ (604) BROOKLYN | 04/06/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play OVER PORTLAND on the total in All games as an underdog
The record is 17 Overs and 4 Unders for the this season (+12.6 units)

**StarDust Bum** · 04-06-2015, 12:04 AM

MLB OPENED WITH A BIG UNDERDOG WINNER WITH THE CARDINALS. NBA TRIPLE PLAYS GOES 3 - 0 FOR THE NIGHT 8 - 0 OVERALL.....NHL IS BARELY ABOVE WATER THIS MONTH AFTER A GREAT MARCH......GOOD LUCK TO ALL...

APRIL RATED PLAYS:

mlb

*****...........................0 - 0
DOUBLE PLAY.................1 - 0.............+ 2.04
TRIPLE PLAY...................0 - 0
GRAND SLAM..................0 - 0

nba

*****...................................6- 6
double play...........................5 - 6
triple play.............................8 - 0
slam dunk.............................3 - 4

cbb

*****....................................0 - 0
double play............................1 - 0
triple play..............................3 - 3
slam dunk..............................1 - 2

nhl

*****...............................5 - 5............... + 4.36
double play........................5 - 4............... + 0.84
triple play..........................1 - 3............... - 11.10
hat trick............................3 - 6............... - 20.94

**StarDust Bum** · 04-06-2015, 11:53 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, April 6

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

WISCONSIN (36 - 3) vs. DUKE (34 - 4) - 4/6/2015, 9:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DUKE is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games this season.
DUKE is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
DUKE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all neutral court games this season.
DUKE is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in road games after a non-conference game this season.
DUKE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing on a neutral court this season.
DUKE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in non-conference games this season.
DUKE is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DUKE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all tournament games this season.
DUKE is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DUKE is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
DUKE is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games this season.
DUKE is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.
WISCONSIN is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
WISCONSIN is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in non-conference games this season.
WISCONSIN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, April 6

-- My question for Wisconsin is how much energy do they have 48 hours after upsetting undefeated Kentucky? Kaminsky/Hayes both played 37:00, Dekker played 34:00; all starters played 31+.

Duke had a fairly stress-free game in pounding Michigan State.

-- Ryan won all four of his national title games, but they were at the D-3 level, not exactly the same, but he has won four national titles, same as Krzyzewski.

-- Duke shot 67.6% inside arc, 7-12 outside it, scoring 1.29 ppg in a 80-70 win at Wisconsin Dec 3; Duke held Wisconsin to 39.4% inside arc that night in Wisconsin- Jackson had 25 for Badgers that night - he played only 12 minutes Saturday- Badgers' bench played total of only 29:00.

-- Wisconsin is #54 in experience, Duke #331.

-- Blue Devils are 13-2 vs Big 14 teams in NCAAs (since '89).

-- Coach K is 4-4 in national title games, 0-3 vs #1 seeds.

-- Since 1987, favorites are 3-2 in finals with two #1 seeds; in four titles Krzyzewski has won, he was favored by 3.5/6/3/7.5 points in the national final, against seeds 3-6-2-5.

-- Teams from Big 14 are 0-5 in their last five national finals; 2000 was league's last title, when Michigan State won.

-- Favorites are 8-3 vs spread in last eleven national titles.

NCAAB

Monday, April 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9:18 PM
WISCONSIN vs. DUKE
No trends available
Duke is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Duke's last 7 games

**StarDust Bum** · 04-06-2015, 11:53 AM

NCAAB

Monday, April 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: NCAA tournament national championship game
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1) Wisconsin Badgers vs. (1) Duke Blue Devils (+1, 140)

The NCAA Tournament national championship game features two front-runners for the Wooden Award, two of the top coaches in the game and two teams looking to ride the momentum from impressive victories on Saturday. When fellow No. 1 seeds Wisconsin and Duke square off Monday in Indianapolis, all eyes will be focused on the matchup between the Badgers' Frank Kaminsky and the Blue Devils' Jahlil Okafor, although both big men are complemented by plenty of talent.

Perhaps nowhere is the talent display greater than on the sidelines, where Duke's Mike Krzyzewski is aiming for his fifth national title - and his third in Indianapolis - while Wisconsin's Bo Ryan is trying to lead the Badgers to their first championship since 1941. Kaminsky scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds Saturday as the Badgers upset previously undefeated Kentucky 71-64. The Blue Devils took Saturday's first semifinal with an 81-61 triumph against Michigan State led by Okafor's 18 points, six rebounds and two blocks. This game also is a rematch from a Dec. 3 contest that saw Duke shoot 65.2 percent in handing Wisconsin one of its three losses - and its only home defeat.

TV: 9:18 p.m. ET, CBS

LINE HISTORY: Most shops opened the game at a pick'em, but that's since been moved to Duke +1.

INJURY REPORT: No injuries to report.

ABOUT WISCONSIN (36-3): The Badgers have won 21 of their last 22 games, including each of the last four victories by exactly seven points, and avenged a 2014 Final Four loss to Kentucky with Saturday's emotional victory. “This is something we’ve been talking about since Day 1 this season,” Wisconsin forward Sam Dekker told reporters. “Look where we are now.” Kaminsky (18.7 points, 8.1 rebounds) was recently named the Associated Press Player of the Year and is the favorite for the Wooden Award, while Dekker (13.9 points) has averaged 20.6 points on 61.3 percent shooting during the NCAA Tournament.

ABOUT DUKE (34-4): The Blue Devils have won 17 of 18, capped by a rout of Michigan State in which Okafor was complemented by fellow freshman star Justise Winslow (19 points, nine rebounds) and sturdy senior Quinn Cook (17 points). "It's an amazing thing, I mean, just to be in the Final Four, but to play on Monday night is the ultimate honor," Krzyzewski said to the media. "I hope our guys get their rest and we can get the same type of effort we got tonight. Now they've got a chance to play for a national championship, and damn, damn, how great is that?" The keys for the Blue Devils will include getting off to a better start - they overcame an early 14-6 deficit versus Michigan State - and improved 3-point shooting, as they were 2-of-10 against the Spartans.

TRENDS:

*Under is 6-1 in Blue Devils last 7 overall.
*Blue Devils are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
*Badgers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
*Over is 5-1 in Badgers last 6 overall.

CONSENSUS: According to Consensus, 51 percent of bettors are on the Badgers.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-06-2015, 11:54 AM

NCAAB

Monday, April 6

Duke stays hot ATS with Final Four win over MSU

Duke cashed in once again for bettors in Saturday's 81-61 Final Four victory over Michigan State.

The Dukies, who closed -5.5, have now covered the spread in each of their five NCAA tournament games.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-06-2015, 11:55 AM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, April 6

Hot Teams
-- Portland won six of its last seven games (10-8 AU). Brooklyn won 10 of its last 13 games (3-0 last three HF).

Cold Teams
-- None

Series Records
-- Portland won seven of last ten games with Brooklyn.

Totals
-- Four of last five Brooklyn games went over the total.

Back-to-Backs
-- None

East vs West
SU: West 241-174 ATS: West 214-198-3
East teams HF vs West: 53-57
East teams HU vs West: 45-52
West teams HF vs East: 81-79-3
West teams HU vs East: 24-21

NBA

Monday, April 6

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. BROOKLYN
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
Portland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing Portland
Brooklyn is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Portland

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

NBA

Monday, April 6

Blazers have struggled mightily on the road this year

There may not be a team in the NBA that enjoys home court advantage as much as the Portland Trail Blazers. As a result, they're a much different team on the road.

The Blazers are a sizzling 31-8 straight up at the Moda Center but are a pedestrian 19-18 SU away from home. Dame Lillard and company will be on the road once again Monday when they travel to Brooklyn for a date with the Nets - the only game on tap in the Association.

At the time of writing, oddsmakers had set the Nets as a 6.5-point favorite. The total was sitting at 199.5.

Announcement

The Bum's Best Bets For Monday April 6th - NBA -NHL-NCAABB-MLB !

The Bum's Best Bets For Monday April 6th - NBA -NHL-NCAABB-MLB !

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment