The Bum's College Hoops For December Rated Games -Trends - News !!

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Gators (6-1) at Hurricanes (7-1)
Date: December 08, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

Angel Rodriguez made such a lasting impression on the Florida-Miami rivalry that new Gators coach Mike White has made him a primary focus in the game plan.

Rodriguez hopes to keep giving Florida nightmares as the 17th-ranked Hurricanes seek their second straight win in the series Tuesday night at their sold-out BankUnited Center.

'I think the crowd should starting getting here around 6 o'clock - (the night before),' Miami coach Jim Larranaga joked.

Rodriguez delivered an unforgettable performance in last year's meeting when he poured in 22 of his 24 points in the final nine minutes while also knocking down five 3-pointers in the last seven in a 69-67 win at No. 8 Florida.

The guard hit a difficult, go-ahead 3-pointer with 16 seconds remaining as Miami rallied from a 15-point deficit to snap the Gators' 33-game home winning streak.

Rodriguez has been one of the big reasons the Hurricanes (7-1) rank in the nation's top 15 in scoring (87.6), field-goal percentage (51.1) and 3-point percentage (42.5). He averaged 14.3 points and made 11 of 27 (40.7) from beyond the arc over a six-game span before finishing with eight in Saturday's 88-60 home win over Charlotte.

Rodriguez is expected to play in the rematch with Florida despite leaving Saturday's game briefly with a wrist injury. White, who was with Louisiana Tech last season before replacing Billy Donovan, said stopping Rodriguez won't be easy after watching last year's game film.

"It starts with knowing where he is at all times," he said. "And that's collectively, not just the guy who is assigned to guard him. We all need to know where Angel is for 40 minutes because he's capable of stepping up and hitting 3s in transition like he did last year."

The Gators (6-1) rank in the nation's top 15 in defensive scoring (58.7). They're also in the top 25 in both defensive field-goal percentage (36.8) and rebounding margin (plus-9.9).

Florida, known for its relentless press, received votes in the latest poll after limiting Richmond to 33.9 percent shooting last Tuesday in its third straight home victory, 76-56.

Sheldon McClellan, who leads Miami with 15.9 points per game, could get more time after he scored eight in 18 minutes while coming off the bench Saturday due to a lower extremity injury.

"It's a huge test for us defensively," White said. "It's, of course, a road game against an ACC opponent that I think will be very competitive in their league. So early on, it's an opportunity for us but also a test to see where we're at and what we need to work on."

Dorian Finney-Smith, who did not play in last season's meeting, leads the Gators with 14.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. One point away from 1,000 for his career, he'll try to get back on track after scoring nine on 3-of-12 shooting against the Spiders.

John Egbunu finished with 17 points and 14 boards, Devin Robinson had 12 and 13 and Finney-Smith added 13 rebounds as Florida owned a 57-36 advantage on the glass.

"They've got, not a good player, but a great player at every position and a very deep and talented bench," Larranaga said. "Their size and length and defensive abilities create a major challenge for any team."

The Gators won 77-67 on Dec. 22, 2005, in the only other meeting at the then-University of Miami Convocation Center.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Raiders (3-5) at Musketeers (8-0)
Date: December 08, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

Xavier's first 9-0 start since 2008-09 is almost a certainty. Beyond that, things become far more unpredictable.

The 12th-ranked Musketeers shouldn't have much trouble at home against Wright State on Tuesday night, but after that a span of Cincinnati, Auburn and Wake Forest figures to better prepare them for Big East play.

Even so, coach Chris Mack maintains the Raiders (3-5) - or anyone for that matter - are capable of causing Xavier (8-0) problems.

"It's a never-ending process, a never-ending struggle," said Mack, whose team has matched its 2011-12 start as its best in his seven seasons at the school. "... Nobody's immune. If you don't bring it on game night, you'll lose."

That must mean the Musketeers brought it in Saturday's 95-64 home win over Western Kentucky, posting their top scoring night of the season and shooting a season-best 57.1 percent. After averaging 77.4 points and shooting 40.6 percent through five games, Xavier has come to life with 90.7 points on 51.9 percent in its last three.

Trevon Bluiett had 21 points and 10 rebounds against the Hilltoppers to match a career high from last season, James Farr had a career-high 18 off the bench and Myles Davis added a season-high 16. Bluiett, who leads the team with 15.1 points per game, is shooting 51.2 percent in his last four after the sophomore hit 40.0 in his first four.

The 6-foot-6 guard is also averaging 7.8 rebounds a season after grabbing 4.2. He and the 6-10 Farr, who averages 8.5 rebounds in 19.5 minutes, pace the team's 13.6 rebounding advantage - one of the biggest margins in the country.

Mack was most impressed with what his team did on defense.

Western Kentucky entered shooting 42.2 percent from 3-point range but went 5 of 22 from beyond the arc. Xavier has held its last two opponents to 23.7 percent from outside, and that could again come into play against a Wright State team that hits 40.3 percent of its 3s.

"Probably the best 3-point shooting team that we had faced so far," said Mack of Western Kentucky. "... That can change a game in a hurry. We really concentrated on trying to make sure that the transition 3 wasn't available."

Xavier has won 20 straight home games against nonconference opponents by an average of 17.6 points, while Wright State has dropped its last 13 against the Top 25 by an average of 16.4.

That includes a 78-63 loss at then-No. 2 Kentucky on Nov. 20, but the Raiders are coming off a far less respected double-digit loss. They fell 59-46 at home to Georgia State on Friday, making 16 field goals and shooting 32.7 percent two games after making 12 and hitting 23.1 percent in a 66-39 loss at George Mason.

They haven't topped 68 points since their 77-69 season-opening win over South Dakota. Inside the arc, Wright State is shooting 39.8 percent for one of the worst marks from the 346 Division I schools.

Against Georgia State, reserve JT Yoho was the only Wright State player in double figures, going 3 of 6 from 3-point range for 15 points while the starting five combined to score just 28.

Yoho averages a team-best 11.4 points while Joe Thomasson is down to 11.1 after being limited to six points in each of his last three games while going 6 of 20.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mountainers (7-0) at Cavaliers (7-1)
Date: December 08, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

Virginia and West Virginia may be neighbors geographically, but their state's flagship basketball programs are worlds apart in terms of philosophy.

Tuesday night's opener of the Jimmy V Classic features two ranked teams and a distinct contrast in styles, with the No. 14 Mountaineers pitting their up-tempo offense against the methodical No. 10 Cavaliers' trademark tight defense.

The schools will be facing one another for the first time in 30 years when they take the court at Madison Square Garden, and that unfamiliarity extends to the approaches each has used to attain its success.

West Virginia (7-0) likes to push the pace and harass opponents with an attacking defense that's forcing 23.4 turnovers per game, tops in Division I. Virginia (7-1) rarely runs and almost never turns it over, with its 7.4 giveaways per game the lowest in the nation.

'I think it's a tempo kind of deal. Who can get who playing the way they want to play,' Mountaineers coach Bob Huggins said of the matchup.

The Cavaliers have continued to excel at protecting the ball even with point guard London Perrantes missing the past two games after undergoing an appendectomy on Nov. 29. Virginia committed just 14 turnovers with Tennessee transfer Darius Thompson the primary ball-handler in wins over Ohio State and William & Mary.

Perrantes did take part in warmups prior to Saturday's 67-52 victory over William & Mary, though his status for Tuesday has yet to be determined.

"We are hopeful, and I don't think there have been any setbacks," Cavaliers coach Tony Bennett said.

Thompson has filled in capably, having scored 12 points in three straight and recording six assists in last Tuesday's 64-58 win over the Buckeyes. The sophomore leads the Cavaliers with 11 steals and is one of five players averaging at least eight points on a roster that's shown more offensive versatility than years past.

The 2014-15 Cavaliers posted a second consecutive 30-win season despite averaging 65.4 points per game. They're up to 77.1 this season and sport four players - Perrantes, Thompson and guards Malcolm Brogdon (17.3 points per game) and Marial Shayok - shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range.

Virginia's perimeter prowess will be challenged by a Mountaineers defense that's limited opponents to a 22.0 percent success rate from beyond the arc and also leads Division I in steals (12.4). West Virginia scored 31 points off a season-high 31 turnovers in Saturday's 87-54 rout of overmatched Kennesaw State.

The Mountaineers also have excelled on the boards, with forwards Devin Williams (18.7 ppg, 10.7 rpg) and Jonathan Holton (10.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg) each averaging at least four offensive rebounds per game. Both figure to play key roles in this game, as West Virginia has shot just 28.5 percent on 3-pointers and the Cavaliers have annually fielded one of the top interior defenses under Bennett.

'(Virginia) tries to fortify the paint and make you shoot jump shots. That's what it is," Huggins said. "They double the post. They try to keep you from scoring close. They don't want you to drive it close. They don't want to pass it close. They want you to shoot jump shots.'

Virginia and West Virginia last met in March 1985, a 56-55 Cavaliers' victory in Morgantown in the NIT first round. The schools have split 16 all-time matchups.

The Cavaliers will play their first game at MSG since a 61-59 loss to Michigan State in the 2014 NCAA Tournament regional semifinals.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Wolverines (6-2) at Mustangs (6-0)
Date: December 08, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

With a Big Ten opponent waiting in the wings, acting head coach Tim Jankovich wouldn't let SMU overlook its last opponent.

The 19th-ranked Mustangs' largest margin of victory in nearly two decades suggests they're ready to move forward.

With Jankovich's cautioning words of a trap game left behind, SMU can finally look ahead to its biggest test yet when it hosts Michigan on Tuesday night.

SMU (6-0) searches for its best start since opening the 1997-98 season 10-0. The Mustangs have a chance to match that mark if they win the final four of a five-game homestand leading up to their American Athletic Conference opener at Tulsa on Dec. 29.

But one game at a time is the mantra, and SMU didn't take Jankovich's warning lightly Saturday. The Mustangs plastered New Hampshire 98-44 for the program's biggest victory since a 90-34 win over Division III Hardin-Simmons on Nov. 23, 1996.

SMU, which had won its previous three games by a combined 15 points, was led by Keith Frazier's 23 points while freshman Malik Milton broke out with 20 off the bench.

Frazier made 7 of 12 shots and 6 of 10 from 3-point range, matching his career-high point total while grabbing eight rebounds. He bounced back from a scoreless effort in Wednesday's 75-70 victory over TCU.

'It's no secret Keith is an outstanding shooter,' said Jankovich, who is filling in while Larry Brown serves a nine-game suspension. 'One of the worst things you can do is make a big thing of a bad shooting night.'

Frazier is part of a balanced SMU attack that features five players averaging double figures. Reigning AAC Player of the Year Nic Moore has averaged 15.0 points while playing through a broken pinkie finger on his shooting hand.

The Mustangs lead the AAC in 3-point percentage (44.1) and are tied with Houston atop the conference with a 52.4 field-goal percentage.

The defense, though, stood out against New Hampshire. SMU held the Wildcats to 26.7 percent shooting, including 16.7 percent from 3-point range.

'It was without question our best defensive effort,' Jankovich said.

The Mustangs are 4-0 at home and 38-3 in Dallas since the start of the 2013-14 season.

Michigan (6-2) heads into its second true road game having won four straight since a 74-60 loss to then-No. 18 Connecticut on Nov. 25. The Wolverines have lost seven of their last eight games against ranked opponents, the outlier a 64-57 win over No. 24 Ohio State on Feb. 22.

But the Wolverines have taken care of business this month, beating North Carolina State 66-59 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Dec. 1 before routing Houston Baptist 82-57 on Saturday.

Caris LeVert finished with 25 points and eight rebounds against the Huskies while Duncan Robinson added 19 points off the bench. Robinson knocked down 5 of 9 3-pointers against Houston Baptist, and that actually lowered his percentage from deep to a ridiculous 59.5.

'Everyone keeps telling me to keep shooting, even if I'm missing,' he said. 'Today, even the parking-lot attendant reminded me to keep taking my shot.'

LeVert, Robinson, Aubrey Dawkins and Derrick Walton Jr. are shooting a combined 67 of 122 (54.9 percent) from beyond the arc this season. Walton, however, sat out against Houston Baptist with a sprained ankle and is uncertain for Tuesday.

The Wolverines couldn't hit anything inside or outside the arc last Dec. 20 against SMU, shooting 31.5 percent overall and going 8 of 36 from 3-point range in a 62-51 loss in Ann Arbor.

Moore had 17 points for SMU while LeVert finished with four points and five turnovers.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Grizzlies (3-3) at Bulldogs (5-2)
Date: December 08, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

For a team that cruised through 2014-15 with the regular season's second best point differential, Gonzaga sure is experiencing a rash of close games.

If Montana's visit to Spokane on Tuesday night lengthens the list, real cause for concern figures to settle in for the 20th-ranked Bulldogs.

That's certainly not the case after Saturday's 68-63 home loss to then-No. 19 Arizona, but it was Gonzaga's fourth straight game decided by single digits. Only six of Gonzaga's regular-season games last year were decided by fewer than 10 points, and the Bulldogs (5-2) have already matched their regular-season loss total.

It's been a difficult span that started with a loss to then-No. 25 Texas A&M before a win over then-No. 18 UConn. Gonzaga won at Washington State before losing to the Wildcats.

"Win or lose, there's a lot to learn from these games," Kyle Wiltjer said. "It's a great team that came in here. Long term-wise, like I said before, just learning what works and what doesn't, what's our kind of go-to plays, and also just improving our defense."

The Bulldogs were the great team in the first half, building a 10-point lead with Wiltjer scoring 20 of his 33 points. It was the second straight game the senior has reached 20 in the first half, and since going 4 for 12 in a win over Mount St. Mary's on Nov. 21, he's shooting 51.2 percent and 42.2 from 3-point range.

Part of the problem recently is Gonzaga hasn't provided him with any perimeter help. In the last four games, Wiltjer has made 14 of the team's 29 3s, including all three against Arizona. The rest of the team is 3 for 20 in the last two games.

Instead, offensive help is coming inside from fellow forward Domantas Sabonis, who is averaging 14.1 points and 10.4 rebounds after posting 18 and 16 against Arizona.

Mark Few's team might lean on those two even more Tuesday if Przemek Karnowski is out. The center has missed the last two games due to back spasms.

Gonzaga has won the last nine meetings by an average of 15.1 points, though the schools haven't played since 2007. That game, however, is part of Montana's eight-game losing streak against the Top 25 - defeats that have been by an average of 18.3 points.

This will be Montana's third straight West Coast Conference opponent following a 69-63 loss at Pepperdine on Nov. 29 and Friday's 82-50 blowout of San Francisco. The Grizzlies had their best offensive game of the season, hitting 54.2 percent and 8 of 21 from outside.

"Offensive execution was the biggest thing, getting good shots and taking care of the ball," coach Travis DeCuire told the school's official website. "Twelve assists and zero turnovers in the second half is a big reason we're able to score over 50 in the half. If we take care of the ball and execute offensively, we will get good shots and eventually make shots."

That won't be as easy against the Bulldogs, particularly from long range. Gonzaga's countered any 3-point shooting deficiencies by defending the perimeter exceptionally well, limiting opponents to 22.9 percent (36.5 percent overall), and the Grizzlies (3-3) are making just 25.0 percent of their attempts.

They haven't had to rely on the outside shot much with Martin Breuning taking high-percentage shots. The senior forward had 24 points on 9-of-10 shooting against San Francisco and is averaging 26.7 on 81.6 percent shooting in his last three.

Similar to Wiltjer and Gonzaga, though, the rest of the team is lagging at 39.3 percent in that time.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Terrapins (7-1) at Huskies (5-2)
Date: December 08, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

Maryland and Connecticut followed up single-digit losses against top-10 opponents with blowout wins over weak competition.

The Terrapins present the unranked Huskies with another top-10 foe Tuesday night in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden, but sixth-ranked Maryland is also preparing for UConn as more of a North Carolina than a St. Francis.

While Maryland (7-1) is coming off Friday's 96-55 home win over the Red Flash following last Tuesday's 89-81 defeat at the then-No. 9 Tar Heels, UConn (5-2) beat Sacred Heart 82-49 Wednesday at home after a 73-70 loss to then-No. 10 Gonzaga on Nov. 27. That loss concluded a disappointing showing in the Battle 4 Atlantis and was preceded by a 79-76 loss to Syracuse the day before, so the Huskies are eager to see another big program.

"This is a huge opportunity for us," said UConn guard Rodney Purvis, who was 7 of 13 for 19 points in the latest game after shooting 33.3 percent in the losses. "We let two huge wins slip away in the Bahamas, but that is in the past, so we have to move forward. This is one of the biggest games that we are going to play and we can't let these opportunities slip away from us."

It will likely take a better offensive performance to avoid that fate. The Huskies shot 52.5 percent against Sacred Heart, but they hit 42.6 percent and 28.9 from 3-point range in the losses. That doesn't figure to be enough against a Maryland team that shot 67.4 percent against St. Francis and is at 54.5 for the season, which matches UConn's top single-game mark.

Robert Carter Jr. had a season-high 20 points, six rebounds and six assists in 19 minutes of the Terrapins' latest win, and his coach thinks there's more to come.

"He gets a little bit more comfortable each and every game," Mark Turgeon said of the Georgia Tech transfer. "There is a lot more in him that we haven't seen yet."

Fellow forward Jake Layman had 16 points and was 5 of 7 - 4 for 6 from 3-point range - after being limited to 6.7 points on 6 of 15 from the field in his previous three games.

"It wasn't just North Carolina; it was a couple of games in a row actually," Layman said. "... My coaches and teammates did a great job of keeping me grounded and they made sure that my confidence was still there."

The Terrapins, however, were more concerned with what took place at the other end of the floor after allowing North Carolina to shoot 53.2 percent and hit 9 of 13 from 3-point range. They held the Red Flash to 29.0 percent and 8 of 27 from long range.

"All we've talked about since Tuesday night was defending," Turgeon said. "I thought for the most part we continued to concentrate defensively. We were pretty dialed in to what they were doing. I was really pleased with that. It was a step in the right direction for us. I talked about being more consistent in our play and respecting our opponent."

Individually, those threats for UConn figure to be Purvis, who leads the team with 14.1 points per game, and Daniel Hamilton. Hamilton had 14 points and 13 rebounds against Sacred Heart, and the sophomore is averaging 15.5 and 9.0 in his last four games.

The eventual blowout win might have overshadowed the 11-point deficit the Huskies faced before ending the first half on a 27-2 run. It came a game after trailing Gonzaga by 16 at the half.

"The first half and the beginning of the second half we had some lows, and we can't do that against good teams," coach Kevin Ollie said.

The winner of the last two meetings has gone on to win the national championship - UConn in 2013-14 and Maryland in 2001-02.

[StarDust Bum]

Recapping last nights action:

NBA............... 5 - 3
CBB................5 - 4 - 1
NHL................2 - 4
NFL.................1 - 1

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

WVU at UVA 07:00 PM

WVU +4.5 *****


HOU at URI 07:00 PM

URI -7.5


PSU at GW 07:00 PM

GW -9.5 *****



PRIN at JOES 07:00 PM

JOES -3.5


FLA at MIA 07:00 PM

MIA -6.0 SLAM DUNK


WIN at UGA 07:00 PM

WIN +9.5


COLG at SYR 07:00 PM

SYR -21.0 DOUBLE PLAY


MASS at UCF 07:00 PM

MASS +3.5


WRST at XAV 07:00 PM

XAV -23.0 SLAM DUNK


UNI at GMU 07:00 PM

UNI -4.5 TRIPLE PLAY


BRAD at UTA 08:00 PM

UTA -18.0 TRIPLE PLAY


UTSA at TEX 08:00 PM

UTSA +23.0


AFA at OSU 08:00 PM

AFA +14.0


SJSU at MARQ 08:00 PM

MARQ -18.0 TRIPLE PLAY


SDST at MINN 08:00 PM

SDST +3.0 TRIPLE PLAY


BGSU at SEMO 08:00 PM

BGSU -5.5


IONA at TLSA 09:00 PM

IONA +7.5 DOUBLE PLAY


MICH at SMU 09:00 PM

SMU -6.5 SLAM DUNK


EVAN at ARK 09:00 PM

EVAN +2.5


STON at ND 09:00 PM

ND -8.5 DOUBLE PLAY


MONT at GONZ 09:00 PM

MONT +17.5


MD at UCONN 09:30 PM

UCONN +2.0 *****


TCU at WASH 11:00 PM

WASH -6.0 TRIPLE PLAY

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

-- Ben Zobrist signs with the Cubs for four years, $56M, reuniting him with his old Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon.

-- Cubs then shipped Starlin Castro to the Bronx for Adam Warren, Brendan Ryan.

-- Diamondbacks are serious; they acquired Shelby Miller from Atlanta, giving the Braves Ender Inciarte, Dansby Swanson, #1 pick in LY's draft, in 5-player deal.

-- South Dakota State 84, Minnesota 70-- Jackrabbits get a solid road win.

-- Broncos worked out 17 players Tuesday, including nine DBs; teams that win are sharp on maintaining their depth to replace injured players.

-- Jay Cutler's brother-in-law has been missing for 12 days; police in Utah are still looking for him.

**********

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Tell your statistics to shut up.......

I like numbers, think they can explain a lot, but not everything; some people don't like them as much, but there's enough room in this world for all kinds of ideas.

NFL moved kickoffs up to create more touchbacks, since most injuries were occurring on kick returns; as a result, more drives start 80+ yards from the end zone. Defenses and special teams that create short fields help teams win, but which offenses are best at driving the ball 80+ yards?

13) There are six NFL teams averaging 2.00+ ppp on drives starting 80+ yards from goal line (you lose points for defensive TDs/safeties allowed):

Cardinals/Steelers 2.28, Bengals 2.15, Raiders 2.13, Chiefs 2.08, Patriots 2.07.

12) Rams have started 80 drives 80+ yards from end zone, scored only 71 points on those drives; they're only NFL team averaging under 1.00 ppp in that scenario.

11) Other teams that struggle scoring on long (80-yard+) TD drives:

Rams 0.89, Browns 1.03, 49ers 1.19, Panthers 1.26-- Carolina has 10 drives of less than 60 yards and five defensive TDs, lightening the load on its offense. .

10) Chargers have started 92 drives 80+ yards from goal line, seven more than any other team (Saints), 12 more than any of the other teams. Hard to win when you're playing on a longer field than your opponent.

9) Patriots lead NFL with 15 TDs on drives of less than 60 yards, but they haven't scored a TD on defense or special teams this year- they gave up three on Sunday.

Bowl matchups were announced this week; some numbers on how conferences have done in recent bowl games.......
8) Big 14 teams have been an underdog in 27 of last 33 bowl games, going 13-20 SU in those games (14-17-2 vs spread).

7) SEC teams were favored in 32 of last 38 bowl games, going 25-13 SU, 23-14-1 vs spread, 5-1 in few games when they were an underdog.

6) Surprisingly good bowl league: Conference USA, which is 15-7 SU in bowls last four years, 12-8 vs spread (9-3 when favored).

5) ACC teams are 13-19 SU in their last 32 bowls, 3-8 vs spread when favored.

4) Big X games are famous for being high-scoring, but over last four years, bowl games involving Big X teams have seen 18 go under total, only ten go over.

Elsewhere in the world of numbers.........
3) Chicago White Sox used a lefty starting pitcher in 119 games LY, third-most by any team over the last 100 years.

2) Summit League is a mid-major basketball league that has teams like South Dakota State, North Dakota State, Oral Roberts, Denver; heading into Tuesday's games, teams from Summit League were 39-19 against the spread this year, pretty damn good.

1) Golden State Warriors are now 23-0 this season; they're 16-7 against the spread, 9-3 as a road favorite- their last seven games went over the total.

[StarDust Bum]

Sharp bettors are drooling over these can't-miss spot bet opportunities

Going back to last season, the Niners are 1-5 ATS in their last six games coming off an outright win.

Lookahead spot

The Chicago Bulls have busy week. They lost at home to Phoenix Monday night and have Tuesday to stew on that disappointment before visiting Boston Wednesday. That is shaping up as a possible lookahead spot, with Chicago returning to the United Center the next night to host the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday.

The Celtics are in fine form, going 3-2 on their recent five-game road trip with wins in three of the last four games while covering the spread in each of those contests. This will be Boston’s first game back home since Nov. 27. Chicago, looking past the Celtics to the Clippers, is just 6-8 ATS in non-divisional matchups this season.

Letdown spot

Wins are few and far between for the San Francisco 49ers, who caught Chicago in a letdown spot in Week 13 with a 17-16 road win as 6-point underdogs at Soldier Field. Now the tables have turned on the Niners, who are in danger of falling to the same fate visiting the Cleveland Browns in Week 14 as 1.5-point road dogs.

San Francisco has followed its three previous victories with crushing losses. The 49ers beat Minnesota in Week 1, then lost 43-18 to Pittsburgh in Week 2. They knocked off Baltimore in Week 6, then got dumped 20-3 by Seattle in Week 7. And most recently, San Francisco defeated Atlanta 17-16 in Week 9 and – despite a bye week to prepare – lost 29-13 to the Seahawks in Week 11. Going back to last season, the Niners are 1-5 ATS in their last six games coming off an outright win.

Schedule spot

The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles won’t be home much for the holidays, kicking off a five-game road stretch at state rival No. 8 Oklahoma this Saturday. The Golden Eagles, who play at home versus John Brown Wednesday, won’t have another contest in Tulsa until the New Year, playing South Dakota on Jan. 3.

Following the road game against the Sooners, Oral Roberts plays at Missouri State on Dec. 16, at LSU on Dec. 19, at New Mexico State on Dec. 21, and returns to action after the Christmas break with a trip to IUPU-Fort Wayne on Dec. 30. This year, the Golden Eagles are 2-2 ATS on the road and went just 5-10-1 ATS as visitors last season. With the holiday around the corner, basketball may not be the focus for these college kids as the break gets closer.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Wednesday, December 9


UNLV @ Wichita State

Game 741-742
December 9, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
UNLV
63.514
Wichita State
66.972
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wichita State
by 3 1/2
134
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wichita State
by 6 1/2
138
Dunkel Pick:
UNLV
(+6 1/2); Under

SIU-Edwardsville @ Southern Illinois

Game 763-764
December 9, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
SIU-Edwardsville
45.244
Southern Illinois
57.357
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Southern Illinois
by 12
138
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Southern Illinois
by 15 1/2
143 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
SIU-Edwardsville
(+15 1/2); Under

Temple @ Pennsylvania

Game 721-722
December 9, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Temple
61.872
Pennsylvania
56.331
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Temple
by 5 1/2
138
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Temple
by 8
133 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pennsylvania
(+8); Over

Fresno State @ Arizona

Game 743-744
December 9, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Fresno State
58.379
Arizona
68.486
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 10
149
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
by 12 1/2
143
Dunkel Pick:
Fresno State
(+12 1/2); Over

UT Martin @ Texas Tech

Game 765-766
December 9, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
UT Martin
46.690
Texas Tech
65.736
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas Tech
by 19
155
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas Tech
by 13 1/2
149
Dunkel Pick:
Texas Tech
(-13 1/2); Over

Boston College @ Providence

Game 723-724
December 9, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston College
55.009
Providence
68.124
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Providence
by 13
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Providence
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Providence
N/A

Loyola Marymount @ Boise State

Game 745-746
December 9, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Loyola Marymount
48.828
Boise State
61.201
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boise State
by 12 1/2
155
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boise State
by 14 1/2
147 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Loyola Marymount
(+14 1/2); Over

Nebraska Omaha @ Missouri

Game 767-768
December 9, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Nebraska Omaha
51.501
Missouri
60.112
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Missouri
by 8 1/2
162
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Missouri
by 5 1/2
157 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Missouri
(-5 1/2); Over

Valparaiso @ Indiana State

Game 725-726
December 9, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Valparaiso
63.089
Indiana State
53.005
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Valparaiso
by 10
124
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Valparaiso
by 7 1/2
131
Dunkel Pick:
Valparaiso
(-7 1/2); Under

Long Beach State @ Pepperdine

Game 747-748
December 9, 2015 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Long Beach State
59.159
Pepperdine
57.613
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Long Beach State
by 1 1/2
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pepperdine
by 4
138 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Long Beach State
(+4); Over

Denver @ San Diego

Game 769-770
December 9, 2015 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
55.821
San Diego
53.831
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 2
112
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
by 2
117
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(+2); Under

Toledo @ Detroit

Game 727-728
December 9, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toledo
55.784
Detroit
51.579
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toledo
by 4
159
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toledo
by 1 1/2
165
Dunkel Pick:
Toledo
(-1 1/2); Under

IPFW @ Indiana

Game 749-750
December 9, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
IPFW
50.529
Indiana
71.751
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 21
148
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 18 1/2
154
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(-18 1/2); Under

Maryland-Eastern Shore @ Michigan State

Game 773-774
December 9, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Maryland-Eastern
42.598
Michigan State
81.604
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Michigan State
by 39
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Michigan State
by 33
142 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Michigan State
(-33); Over

DePaul @ Drake

Game 729-730
December 9, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
DePaul
56.848
Drake
53.480
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
DePaul
by 3 1/2
145
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
DePaul
by 1
139 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
DePaul
(-1); Over

Niagara @ St. John's

Game 751-752
December 9, 2015 @ 5:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Niagara
44.952
St. John's
59.145
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. John's
by 14
128
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. John's
by 9 1/2
134 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. John's
(-9 1/2); Under

Yale @ Illinois

Game 731-732
December 9, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Yale
56.622
Illinois
63.160
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Illinois
by 6 1/2
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Illinois
by 3 1/2
140 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Illinois
(-3 1/2); Over

Eastern Kentucky @ Kentucky

Game 753-754
December 9, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Eastern Kentucky
51.764
Kentucky
77.824
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kentucky
by 26
155
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kentucky
by 24
162
Dunkel Pick:
Kentucky
(-24); Under

Nebraska @ Creighton

Game 733-734
December 9, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Nebraska
60.724
Creighton
62.778
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Creighton
by 2
142
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Creighton
by 5 1/2
147 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Nebraska
(+5 1/2); Under

Eastern Illinois @ Marshall

Game 755-756
December 9, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Eastern Illinois
42.918
Marshall
49.825
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Marshall
by 7
159
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Marshall
by 5 1/2
153
Dunkel Pick:
Marshall
(-5 1/2); Over

Wisconsin-Milwaukee @ Wisconsin

Game 735-736
December 9, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Wisconsin-Milwauk
56.159
Wisconsin
66.106
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wisconsin
by 10
129
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wisconsin
by 11 1/2
134
Dunkel Pick:
Wisconsin-Milwauk
(+11 1/2); Under

Columbia @ Manhattan

Game 757-758
December 9, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Columbia
55.359
Manhattan
48.957
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Columbia
by 6 1/2
136
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Columbia
by 8
142
Dunkel Pick:
Manhattan
(+8); Under

Dayton @ Vanderbilt

Game 737-738
December 9, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dayton
66.851
Vanderbilt
77.223
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Vanderbilt
by 10 1/2
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Vanderbilt
by 8 1/2
139
Dunkel Pick:
Vanderbilt
(-8 1/2); Over

Hofstra @ Siena

Game 759-760
December 9, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Hofstra
58.159
Siena
59.292
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Siena
by 1
166
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hofstra
by 1
161
Dunkel Pick:
Siena
(+1); Over

Utah State @ Brigham Young

Game 739-740
December 9, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah State
55.089
Brigham Young
65.869
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah State
by 11
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brigham Young
by 8
153
Dunkel Pick:
Brigham Young
(-8); Under

Eastern Washington @ Davidson

Game 761-762
December 9, 2015 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Eastern Washingto
52.569
Davidson
64.734
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Davidson
by 12
160
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Davidson
by 15
167 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Eastern Washingto
(+15); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, December 9

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


TEMPLE (3 - 4) at PENNSYLVANIA (4 - 4) - 12/9/2015, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENNSYLVANIA is 84-118 ATS (-45.8 Units) in all home games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 84-118 ATS (-45.8 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 35-56 ATS (-26.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
PENNSYLVANIA is 1-1 against the spread versus TEMPLE over the last 3 seasons
TEMPLE is 2-0 straight up against PENNSYLVANIA over the last 3 seasons




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


BOSTON COLLEGE (3 - 5) at PROVIDENCE (8 - 1) - 12/9/2015, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


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




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


VALPARAISO (7 - 2) at INDIANA ST (3 - 4) - 12/9/2015, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VALPARAISO is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.


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




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


TOLEDO (6 - 2) at DETROIT (3 - 3) - 12/9/2015, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 30-51 ATS (-26.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-1 against the spread versus TOLEDO over the last 3 seasons
TOLEDO is 2-1 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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


DEPAUL (4 - 3) at DRAKE (4 - 4) - 12/9/2015, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DEPAUL is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DEPAUL is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.


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




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


YALE (5 - 3) at ILLINOIS (4 - 5) - 12/9/2015, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
YALE is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
YALE is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
YALE is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
YALE is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
YALE is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in December games since 1997.
YALE is 59-35 ATS (+20.5 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1997.
YALE is 57-33 ATS (+20.7 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.
YALE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
YALE is 53-34 ATS (+15.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.


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




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


NEBRASKA (6 - 3) at CREIGHTON (5 - 3) - 12/9/2015, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEBRASKA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
CREIGHTON is 2-0 against the spread versus NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
CREIGHTON is 2-0 straight up against NEBRASKA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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


WI-MILWAUKEE (6 - 3) at WISCONSIN (6 - 3) - 12/9/2015, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WISCONSIN is 138-100 ATS (+28.0 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in a road game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
WISCONSIN is 2-0 against the spread versus WI-MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
WISCONSIN is 2-0 straight up against WI-MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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


DAYTON (6 - 1) at VANDERBILT (6 - 2) - 12/9/2015, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANDERBILT is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
VANDERBILT is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.


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




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


UTAH ST (5 - 1) at BYU (5 - 2) - 12/9/2015, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BYU is 206-155 ATS (+35.5 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
BYU is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points since 1997.
BYU is 131-99 ATS (+22.1 Units) in all home games since 1997.
BYU is 131-99 ATS (+22.1 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
BYU is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) in home games in December games since 1997.
BYU is 93-67 ATS (+19.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
UTAH ST is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) when playing with 7 or more days rest since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
BYU is 2-0 against the spread versus UTAH ST over the last 3 seasons
BYU is 2-0 straight up against UTAH ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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


UNLV (7 - 1) at WICHITA ST (3 - 4) - 12/9/2015, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WICHITA ST is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
UNLV is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 3 seasons.
UNLV is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) in a road game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.
UNLV is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
UNLV is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
UNLV is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
UNLV is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.


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




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


FRESNO ST (6 - 2) at ARIZONA (7 - 1) - 12/9/2015, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.


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




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


LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT (5 - 3) at BOISE ST (5 - 4) - 12/9/2015, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 220-266 ATS (-72.6 Units) in all games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 220-266 ATS (-72.6 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 85-118 ATS (-44.8 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
BOISE ST is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOISE ST is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
BOISE ST is 1-0 against the spread versus LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT over the last 3 seasons
BOISE ST is 1-0 straight up against LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT over the last 3 seasons




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


LONG BEACH ST (5 - 5) at PEPPERDINE (4 - 4) - 12/9/2015, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PEPPERDINE is 15-29 ATS (-16.9 Units) in home games in December games since 1997.
PEPPERDINE is 28-48 ATS (-24.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1997.


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




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


IUPU-FT WAYNE (7 - 3) at INDIANA (6 - 3) - 12/9/2015, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 16-3 ATS (+12.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games this season.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road lined games this season.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
IUPU-FT WAYNE is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.


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




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


NIAGARA (3 - 6) at ST JOHNS (5 - 3) - 12/9/2015, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST JOHNS is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points since 1997.


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




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


E KENTUCKY (7 - 2) at KENTUCKY (7 - 1) - 12/9/2015, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E KENTUCKY is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points since 1997.
E KENTUCKY is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.


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




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


E ILLINOIS (2 - 4) at MARSHALL (0 - 6) - 12/9/2015, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E ILLINOIS is 47-73 ATS (-33.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
MARSHALL is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.
MARSHALL is 206-257 ATS (-76.7 Units) in all games since 1997.
MARSHALL is 206-257 ATS (-76.7 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
MARSHALL is 39-63 ATS (-30.3 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
MARSHALL is 56-82 ATS (-34.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.


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




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


COLUMBIA (5 - 5) at MANHATTAN (1 - 5) - 12/9/2015, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBIA is 100-70 ATS (+23.0 Units) in road games since 1997.
COLUMBIA is 100-70 ATS (+23.0 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
COLUMBIA is 50-30 ATS (+17.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBIA is 1-0 against the spread versus MANHATTAN over the last 3 seasons
MANHATTAN is 1-0 straight up against COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons




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


HOFSTRA (6 - 2) at SIENA (5 - 4) - 12/9/2015, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SIENA is 34-16 ATS (+16.4 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1997.
HOFSTRA is 31-14 ATS (+15.6 Units) in road games after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
SIENA is 1-0 against the spread versus HOFSTRA over the last 3 seasons
SIENA is 1-0 straight up against HOFSTRA over the last 3 seasons




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


E WASHINGTON (5 - 3) at DAVIDSON (5 - 1) - 12/9/2015, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E WASHINGTON is 30-54 ATS (-29.4 Units) in December games since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 128-97 ATS (+21.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
E WASHINGTON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.


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




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


SIU EDWARDSVL (1 - 7) at S ILLINOIS (8 - 1) - 12/9/2015, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S ILLINOIS is 31-49 ATS (-22.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
S ILLINOIS is 2-0 against the spread versus SIU EDWARDSVL over the last 3 seasons
S ILLINOIS is 2-0 straight up against SIU EDWARDSVL over the last 3 seasons




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


TENN-MARTIN (2 - 6) at TEXAS TECH (5 - 1) - 12/9/2015, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENN-MARTIN is 117-151 ATS (-49.1 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
TENN-MARTIN is 68-99 ATS (-40.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.


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




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


NEBRASKA-OMAHA (4 - 4) at MISSOURI (4 - 3) - 12/9/2015, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


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




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


DENVER (5 - 3) at SAN DIEGO (3 - 5) - 12/9/2015, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 29-48 ATS (-23.8 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1997.
DENVER is 31-49 ATS (-22.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.
DENVER is 33-14 ATS (+17.6 Units) when the total is 119.5 or less since 1997.
DENVER is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game since 1997.


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




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


MD-EAST SHORE (1 - 7) at MICHIGAN ST (9 - 0) - 12/9/2015, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN ST is 49-33 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 49-33 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 56-32 ATS (+20.8 Units) on Wednesday games since 1997.
MICHIGAN ST is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.


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

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, December 9

Temple won its last seven games with Penn, but none of last four were by more than nine points; Owls are 3-4, losjng first true road game in last game at Wisconsin-- this is inner-city rivalry vs Penn, who lost last three games, by 6-6-19 points- they're shooting 28.3% on arc. Big 14 favorites are 13-10 away from home; Ivy League underdogs are 7-18 vs spread.

7-2 Valparaiso's last four games were all decided by 6 or less points; they force turnovers 21.3% of time, are 2-2 in true road games, with all four of them decided by 6 or less. Indiana State lost three of last four games, are shooting 28.9% from arc- one of its four losses are by more than 8 pts. Horizon road favorites are 5-1 vs Spread; MVC home dogs are also 5-1.

Toledo lost two of last three games with Detroit, losing 82-79 to Titans at home LY; Rockets are 6-2 this year, with best win by hoop over #161 Green Bay. Detroit upset Northeastern at home Saturday, its first win in four D-I games; Titans are shooting 42% inside arc, are in bottom ten in country in getting to foul line. MAC road favorites are 6-3 vs spread; Horizon home dogs are 3-5.

DePaul is 1-3 outside Chicago, with only win over Norfolk State; Blue Demons are 1-3 vs top 200 teams, with best win over #155 W Michigan. Drake is 3-4 vs D-I teams despite making 40.9% on arc; Bulldogs' best win is over #118 Pepperdine- they're in bottom 25 in country in terms of experience. Big East road favorites are 3-1; MVC home dogs are 5-1.

Injury-riddled Illinois is 4-5, but 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 1-11-5 points- Yale is top 100 team right now. Illini has #311 eFG% defense, is 4-1 when allowing less than 80 points- they're very thin. Yale is 5-3 with best win over #153 Vermont; they're rebounding 41.1% of own misses. Ivy League road dogs are 5-14. Big 14 home favorites are 20-17.

Creighton won last four games with in-state rival Nebraska by 10-22-15-10 points; Cornhuskers lost last six visits here (four of six by 10+), but Bluejays lost last two games overall by total of five points. Creighton is shooting 57% inside arc has #15 eFG%. Nebraska is 1-3 vs top 10 teams, losing to Cincinnati/Miami by total of nine points- they beat Tennessee.

Wisconsin allowed 59 ppg in beating Syracuse/Temple in last two games after 65-48 loss at Oklahoma; Badgers are rebounding 40.4% of their own misses, are 3-1 vs teams outside top 100, winning last three by 27-14-18 points. Milwaukee lost by 8 at Notre Dame in only game against team in top 125; they shot 14-21 from arc in that game to cover spread.

Vanderbilt lost to Kansas/Baylor in last three games; best teams they've beaten are #75 Stony Brook, #85 Wake Forest; Commodores are making 40.3% on arc- they also have #3 eFG% defense. Dayton is 6-1, beating Alabama of SEC by 32- they lost by 29 to Xavier in finals of Orlando tourney. Flyers are turning ball over 21.4% of the time.

BYU won last three games with Utah State by 2-11-10 points; Cougars are 4-0 at home, with best win over #81 Belmont- they turn the ball over 21% of time, are shooting just 59.5% on foul line. Utah State has a new coach- they had good win at Weber State, beat four stiffs and lost by 33 at Duke, hard to tell much. WCC home favorites are 10-12 vs spread.

UNLV is 5-1 vs D-I teams with wins over Oregon/Indiana; this is their first true road game, vs Wichita State team that got VanVleet back from injury vs Saint Louis (played 18:00, had 7 assists). Shockers are 2-4 vs D-I teams, have play Rebels/Utah this week as they try to reboot their season. Mountain West road underdogs are 4-10 against the spread.

Pepperdine-Long Beach are playing for first time in six years; Waves beat Montana by 6 in only D-I home game; they're shooting only 29.5% from arc, are 3-4 vs D-I teams. Long Beach is 4-5 vs #17 schedule; they shoot ball better this year (40.6% on arc) but are overscheduled again. Waves 49ers won at Colorado State, their only road win in three tries.

St John's lost three of last four D-I games; they're 4-0 vs teams outside top 200, winning by 9-22-2-7 points. Red Storm turns ball over 21.5% of time, is shooting 31.7% on arc- they play Syracuse next. Niagara is 0-4 on road, losing by 17-11-4 points; they lost three of last four overall, are turning ball over 22.3% of time. MAAC road underdogs are 7-12.

Hofstra won last three games by 6-4-6 points; their subs play 5th-least minutes in country. Pride is shooting 42.3% on arc (#17), has won road games at St Bonaventure/LaSalle. Siena lost two of last three games, with losses by total of five points; Saints are turning ball over 21.8% of time. Hofstra is #16 in experience, has really good senior guard in Green.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Wednesday, December 9

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Trend Report
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5:00 PM
NIAGARA vs. ST. JOHN'S
Niagara is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Niagara is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against St. John's
St. John's is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Niagara
St. John's is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Niagara

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
QUINNIPIAC vs. HARTFORD
Quinnipiac is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Quinnipiac is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Hartford
No trends available

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
MD-EASTERN SHORE vs. MICHIGAN STATE
No trends available
Michigan State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Michigan State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
TEMPLE vs. PENNSYLVANIA
Temple is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Pennsylvania
Temple is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Pennsylvania is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Pennsylvania is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
VIRGINIA TECH vs. RADFORD
Virginia Tech is 2-23 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Virginia Tech's last 5 games on the road
No trends available

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
COLUMBIA vs. MANHATTAN
Columbia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Manhattan is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games at home
Manhattan is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
UNC GREENSBORO vs. HIGH POINT
UNC Greensboro is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
No trends available

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
HOFSTRA vs. SIENA
Hofstra is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Hofstra's last 5 games on the road
Siena is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
IUPU FORT WAYNE vs. INDIANA
No trends available
Indiana is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games at home

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
VALPARAISO vs. INDIANA STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Valparaiso's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana State's last 9 games at home
Indiana State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
EASTERN ILLINOIS vs. MARSHALL
Eastern Illinois is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Eastern Illinois's last 12 games on the road
Marshall is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Marshall's last 7 games

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
CAMPBELL vs. CHARLOTTE
No trends available
Charlotte is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games
Charlotte is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
DARTMOUTH vs. MAINE
Dartmouth is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Dartmouth is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
No trends available

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
ALBANY vs. MARIST
No trends available
Marist is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games
Marist is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games at home

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
BOSTON COLLEGE vs. PROVIDENCE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston College's last 8 games on the road
Boston College is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Providence is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Boston College
Providence is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Boston College

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
EASTERN KENTUCKY vs. KENTUCKY
Eastern Kentucky is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Eastern Kentucky is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Kentucky
Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Eastern Kentucky
Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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DECEMBER 9, 7:00 PM
HOWARD vs. PURDUE
No trends available
Purdue is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Purdue is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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DECEMBER 9, 7:30 PM
TOLEDO vs. DETROIT
Toledo is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toledo's last 9 games on the road
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toledo

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DECEMBER 9, 8:00 PM
NEBRASKA OMAHA vs. MISSOURI
No trends available
Missouri is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games
Missouri is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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DECEMBER 9, 8:00 PM
SIU EDWARDSVILLE vs. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
SIU Edwardsville is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
SIU Edwardsville is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Southern Illinois is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Southern Illinois is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

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DECEMBER 9, 8:00 PM
MCNEESE STATE vs. LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
No trends available
Louisiana-Lafayette is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
Louisiana-Lafayette is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

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DECEMBER 9, 8:00 PM
DEPAUL vs. DRAKE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of DePaul's last 5 games on the road
DePaul is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Drake is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Drake's last 5 games

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DECEMBER 9, 8:00 PM
HOLY CROSS vs. KANSAS
No trends available
Kansas is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games at home
Kansas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

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DECEMBER 9, 8:00 PM
NEBRASKA vs. CREIGHTON
Nebraska is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Creighton
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nebraska's last 6 games when playing on the road against Creighton
Creighton is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Nebraska
Creighton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

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DECEMBER 9, 8:00 PM
COPPIN STATE vs. KANSAS STATE
No trends available
Kansas State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Kansas State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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DECEMBER 9, 8:00 PM
YALE vs. ILLINOIS
Yale is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Illinois is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games

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DECEMBER 9, 8:30 PM
EASTERN WASHINGTON vs. DAVIDSON
No trends available
Davidson is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Davidson is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home

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DECEMBER 9, 9:00 PM
WEBER STATE vs. UTAH VALLEY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Weber State's last 6 games on the road
Weber State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Utah Valley is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Utah Valley is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Weber State

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DECEMBER 9, 9:00 PM
TENNESSEE-MARTIN vs. TEXAS TECH
Tennessee-Martin is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Texas Tech is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Texas Tech is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games

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DECEMBER 9, 9:00 PM
DAYTON vs. VANDERBILT
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dayton's last 6 games on the road
Dayton is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Vanderbilt is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Vanderbilt is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games

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DECEMBER 9, 9:00 PM
UNLV vs. WICHITA STATE
The total has gone OVER in 7 of UNLV's last 9 games on the road
UNLV is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Wichita State is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games at home
Wichita State is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games

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DECEMBER 9, 9:00 PM
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT vs. BOISE STATE
Loyola Marymount is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Boise State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Loyola Marymount
Boise State is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games at home

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DECEMBER 9, 9:00 PM
WISC-MILWAUKEE vs. WISCONSIN
Wisc-Milwaukee is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games on the road
Wisc-Milwaukee is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Wisconsin's last 9 games when playing Wisc-Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wisconsin's last 6 games when playing at home against Wisc-Milwaukee

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DECEMBER 9, 9:00 PM
ARKANSAS FORT SMITH vs. COLORADO STATE
No trends available
Colorado State is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home
Colorado State is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games

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DECEMBER 9, 9:00 PM
FRESNO STATE vs. ARIZONA
Fresno State is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Fresno State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 21-2 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games

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DECEMBER 9, 9:00 PM
UTAH STATE vs. BYU
Utah State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against BYU
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Utah State's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of BYU's last 7 games when playing Utah State
BYU is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Utah State

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DECEMBER 9, 10:00 PM
FRESNO PACIFIC vs. NEVADA
No trends available
Nevada is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Nevada is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games

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DECEMBER 9, 10:00 PM
LONG BEACH STATE vs. PEPPERDINE
Long Beach State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pepperdine
Long Beach State is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Pepperdine is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Long Beach State
Pepperdine is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

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DECEMBER 9, 10:00 PM
DENVER vs. SAN DIEGO
No trends available
San Diego is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
San Diego is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

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DECEMBER 9, 10:00 PM
YORK (NE) vs. NORTHERN COLORADO
No trends available
Northern Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Northern Colorado is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games at home

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DECEMBER 9, 11:00 PM
INCARNATE WORD vs. CALIFORNIA
No trends available
California is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
California is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Wednesday, December 9


Top 25 roundup: No. 6 Maryland holds off UConn

Melo Trimble recorded 25 points and three assists, and freshman Diamond Stone had 16 points and a career-high nine rebounds off the bench as No. 6 Maryland held off Connecticut 77-66 on Tuesday in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Trimble made 14 of 15 free throws and the Terrapins (8-1) made 23 of 29 from the foul line.

The Huskies were paced by forward Daniel Hamilton, who scored 23 points - including a 3-pointer with 2:46 left that trimmed what was a 20-point Maryland lead to 67-64.

The Terrapins (8-1) prevailed in front of a heavily pro-Huskies crowd and got a big lift from forward Robert Carter, who had eight points and 11 rebounds.

Connecticut (5-3) struggled from the field, making 25 of 59 field-goal attempts.

No. 10 Virginia 70, No. 14 West Virginia 54

Anthony Gill recorded 20 points and 12 rebounds to lead No. 10 Virginia to a 70-54 victory over No. 14 West Virginia in the Jimmy V Classic in New York.

London Perrantes returned after missing two games (appendix) and scored all 13 of his points after halftime as the Cavaliers (8-1) prevailed in the first regular-season meeting with the Mountaineers since 1976.

Jaysean Paige scored 16 points for West Virginia (7-1), which made only 40 percent of its field goals and was 2 of 14 from 3-point range in the second half.

No. 12 Xavier 90, Wright State 55

Trevon Bluiett recorded his third double-double of the season with 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Myles Davis added 13 points to lift No. 12 Xavier to a 90-55 victory over Wright State in Cincinnati.

The Musketeers improved to 9-0 for the first time under coach Chris Mack and for the first time since 2008. It was an impressive tune up for Xavier, which hosts crosstown rival and No. 23 Cincinnati on Saturday.

J.P. Macura added 12 points for the Musketeers.

No. 16 Baylor 75, Northwestern State 62

Rico Gathers recorded 31 points and 21 rebounds as No. 16 Baylor came on strong in the second half to put away Northwestern State 75-62 in Waco, Texas.

Al Freeman pitched in 15 points for the Bears (7-1), who outrebounded the Demons 47-18. Gathers had 18 points and 10 rebounds by halftime, but the Bears led by just one point at the break.

Zeek Woodley scored 21 points for Northwestern State (1-7).

No. 17 Miami 66, Florida 55

Sheldon McClellan scored 24 points and Angel Rodriquez added 16 to lead No. 17 Miami to a 66-55 victory over Florida in Coral Gables, Fla.

The Hurricanes (8-1) led for all but a brief moment when the Gators (6-2) took a 6-5 lead in the opening minutes but didn't pull away until the final seven minutes.

John Egbunu led Florida with 14 points. Dorian Finney-Smith scored 12 points and Devon Robinson chipped in 11 for the Gators.

No. 19 SMU 82, Michigan 58

Jordan Tolbert scored 23 points as No. 19 SMU overpowered Michigan 82-58 in University Park, Texas.

Tolbert made 11 of 12 shots, nearly all of them on alley-oop dunks, as the Mustangs (7-0) outrebounded the Wolverines 45-20.

Tolbert came off the bench 55 seconds into the game to replace preseason All-American Athletic Conference forward Markus Kennedy, who suffered a left ankle sprain and did not return.

Caris LeVert, who was averaging 19.3 points per game, was held to five points on 1 of 13 shooting for Michigan (6-3).

No. 20 Gonzaga 61, Montana 58

Kyle Wiltjer and Domantas Sabonis scored 16 points apiece to carry No. 20 Gonzaga to a 61-58 non-conference victory over Montana in Spokane, Wash.

Wiltjer sank two free throws with 7.5 seconds left to complete the scoring. A 3-point attempt by Grizzlies guard Brandon Gfeller bounced off the front rim as time expired.

Sabonis had 10 rebounds and Wiltjer nine for the Bulldogs (6-2). Martin Breunig led Montana (3-4) with 20 points, 18 coming after halftime.

Gonzaga center Przemek Karnowski was sidelined for the third consecutive game because of back problems.

[StarDust Bum]

UNLV invades Wichita State
December 9, 2015


UNLV RUNNIN’ REBELS (7-1) at WICHITA STATE SHOCKERS (3-4)

Charles Koch Arena – Wichita, KS
Tip-off: Wednesday, 9:00 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Wichita St -4

UNLV visits Wichita State on Wednesday night, looking to snap the Shockers’ 34 game home winning streak in a Mountain West-Missouri Valley Challenge game.

The renewal of the Mountain West-Missouri Valley Challenge has been kind to the Mountain West, as UNLV looks to give their conference a third straight win, pushing the overall record to 5-2 for the MWC. The challenge has been restarted this season after an initial four year agreement between the two conferences (from 2009-2012). Preseason No. 10 Wichita State hasn’t had it easy in the early going, dealing with a bad nagging hamstring injury for star senior G Fred Van Vleet (7.3 PPG, 3.7 APG) limiting him to just 17 minutes per game over his first three games.

The shorthanded Shockers were in bad position to face BCS powers like USC, Iowa and Alabama in the AdvoCare Invitational in Orlando in late November and it showed, as the Shockers dropped all three games (0-3 ATS). VanVleet made his return in Wichita State’s most recent game, a 68-53 win at Saint Louis (Wichita -6), looking sharper in his 18 minutes with 11 points and 7 assists. UNLV is fresh off a big home win over top 25 Oregon last Friday, 80-69 (UNLV +2). The Runnin’ Rebels only have one defeat on the season, and that defeat looks better by the day, with the loss coming to UCLA (in Maui) as the Bruins just toppled No. 1 Kentucky.

The Runnin’ Rebels are 4-1 ATS on the year, and this will be UNLV’s first true road game of the season. Wichita State is 1-4 ATS this season, but hasn’t played a home game with a line yet (wins over Emporia State and Charleston Southern by 22 and 25 points, respectively). Over the course of the Shockers’ 34 game streak at Charles Koch Arena, Wichita State is 16-10-2 ATS in that span, with their last home loss being Feb. 27th, 2013 versus conference foe, Evansville. Coach Gregg Marshall’s squad hasn’t lost a home non-conference game since Nov. 25th, 2011 (UAB), but will not only welcome UNLV on Wednesday but will play host to 7-1 Utah later this week. While VanVleet looks to be good to go for Wednesday’s game, Shockers’ F Anton Grady (9 PPG, 6 RPG) will likely miss his third game due to a concussion he suffered in Orlando against Alabama.

With two wins over top 25 teams on their resume (Oregon and Indiana, who has since dropped out of the rankings) Coach Dave Rice’s young Runnin’ Rebels should be riding high coming into this road game. Surely, however, Coach Rice has informed them of how tough it is to win in Charles Koch Arena, which is most likely why UNLV is still an underdog despite their record. UNLV is catching Wichita State at possibly it’s most vulnerable time in recent memory under Coach Gregg Marshall, and has size and athleticism that the Shockers’ Missouri Valley Conference cohorts can’t match.

It all starts with G Patrick McCaw (18.4 PPG, 46% 3PT), who won’t be the most heralded shooting guard in this game, but will most likely match up head-to-head with Shockers’ star Ron Baker and look to make a name for himself. At 6’7”, McCaw has the size, and defensive instincts (3.1 SPG) to give Baker lots of problems. McCaw’s backcourt mate, senior G Jerome Seagears (12.1 PPG, 4.4 APG) got himself back into the fold with a bang in the win versus Oregon with 16 points after missing the previous game with illness. Seagears versus VanVleet will prove to be a compelling undercard in the backcourt, as a not-100% VanVleet could have issues with Seagears, a Rutgers transfer.

Any injury concerns coach Rice had with star freshman F Stephen Zimmerman Jr. (10.3 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.3 BPG) were put to rest by Zimmerman Jr’s 12 point, 12 rebound double-double in the win over Oregon. Zimmerman Jr. played 34 minutes and was aggressive from the field, taking a season-high 14 shots, while blocking 4 shots on defense. UNLV will also be in great shape if they get another great performance from G Ike Nwamu (8.6 PPG) who lit up Oregon for a season-high 19 points (7-9 FG, 5-7 3PT). Nwamu has switched off having good games and terrible ones, something coach Rice hopes doesn’t continue on trend for Wednesday evening (all 14 of Nwamu’s threes have come in four games).

A mostly-healthy VanVleet, seemingly over the hump with a lingering hamstring injury, is just the sight that the faithful in Wichita needed to see during the win at Saint Louis on Saturday. In VanVleet’s absence, G Ron Baker (17.4 PPG, 39.6 3PT) has carried the offensive load, as the next highest (active) scorer on Wichita State is F Markis McDuffie (7.7 PPG). Having to assume playmaking duties in Orlando hampered Baker’s efficiency as he committed four turnovers each against USC and Iowa, while shooting only 14-41 for the three game tournament.

With VanVleet back, Baker was able to shoot a solid 6-10 on the way to 14 points against Saint Louis. Wichita State has struggled mightily on the glass without Grady, their best interior player, grabbing 30 and 27 rebounds respectively in the two games he’s been out. Baker and F Rashard Kelly (4 PPG, 4.1 RPG) lead the team in rebounding after Grady’s six per game. Coach Marshall will have to rely on his trademark defensive pressure and deep rotation (8 players averaging 10+ minutes per game – not counting Grady and injured freshman F Landry Shamet).

Sophomore F Zach Brown (5.9 PPG), while not a rebounding threat, has stepped in to replace Grady’s offensive production, scoring 14 and 10 points in extended playing time over the last two contests. 6’7” 250 lb F Shaquille Morris (5.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG) will also need to contribute as he did against Saint Louis (12 points, 6-7 FG, 6 rebounds) in a starting role.