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

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, January 4

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YOUNGSTOWN ST (5 - 9) at OAKLAND (9 - 5) - 1/4/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
YOUNGSTOWN ST is 26-46 ATS (-24.6 Units) after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.
OAKLAND is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
OAKLAND is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games in January games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-1 against the spread versus YOUNGSTOWN ST over the last 3 seasons
OAKLAND is 5-0 straight up against YOUNGSTOWN ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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N CAROLINA (13 - 2) at FLORIDA ST (10 - 3) - 1/4/2016, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


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




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W VIRGINIA (12 - 1) at TCU (8 - 5) - 1/4/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W VIRGINIA is 38-59 ATS (-26.9 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
TCU is 85-128 ATS (-55.8 Units) in all home games since 1997.
TCU is 85-128 ATS (-55.8 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
TCU is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in a home game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.
TCU is 133-170 ATS (-54.0 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
TCU is 23-44 ATS (-25.4 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.
TCU is 27-48 ATS (-25.8 Units) when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
TCU is 52-79 ATS (-34.9 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.
TCU is 32-58 ATS (-31.8 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
TCU is 48-75 ATS (-34.5 Units) after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
TCU is 145-194 ATS (-68.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
W VIRGINIA is 3-1 against the spread versus TCU over the last 3 seasons
W VIRGINIA is 4-0 straight up against TCU over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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CLEVELAND ST (5 - 9) at DETROIT (7 - 5) - 1/4/2016, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND ST is 54-93 ATS (-48.3 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
CLEVELAND ST is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND ST is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 19-39 ATS (-23.9 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND ST is 3-2 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND ST is 4-1 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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WRIGHT ST (7 - 7) at WI-GREEN BAY (8 - 5) - 1/4/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WRIGHT ST is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
WI-GREEN BAY is 3-1 against the spread versus WRIGHT ST over the last 3 seasons
WI-GREEN BAY is 4-0 straight up against WRIGHT ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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N KENTUCKY (4 - 8) at WI-MILWAUKEE (9 - 5) - 1/4/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N KENTUCKY is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
N KENTUCKY is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 178-134 ATS (+30.6 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 173-131 ATS (+28.9 Units) after a conference game since 1997.


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




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VIRGINIA (12 - 1) at VIRGINIA TECH (9 - 5) - 1/4/2016, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA 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
VIRGINIA TECH is 3-1 against the spread versus VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
VIRGINIA is 4-0 straight up against VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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OKLAHOMA (12 - 0) at KANSAS (12 - 1) - 1/4/2016, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
KANSAS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
KANSAS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS is 3-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS is 3-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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DARTMOUTH (4 - 7) at FAIRFIELD (6 - 6) - 1/4/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DARTMOUTH is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) after scoring 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.


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




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RIDER (4 - 9) at QUINNIPIAC (4 - 8) - 1/4/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RIDER is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
RIDER is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
RIDER is 97-65 ATS (+25.5 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
RIDER is 51-22 ATS (+26.8 Units) in road games in January games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
RIDER is 3-1 against the spread versus QUINNIPIAC over the last 3 seasons
RIDER is 3-1 straight up against QUINNIPIAC over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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CANISIUS (7 - 6) at MONMOUTH (9 - 4) - 1/4/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONMOUTH is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
CANISIUS is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CANISIUS is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CANISIUS is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
MONMOUTH is 4-2 against the spread versus CANISIUS over the last 3 seasons
MONMOUTH is 4-2 straight up against CANISIUS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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NIAGARA (3 - 11) at IONA (6 - 6) - 1/4/2016, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
IONA is 2-2 against the spread versus NIAGARA over the last 3 seasons
IONA is 4-0 straight up against NIAGARA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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ST PETERS (4 - 7) at MARIST (4 - 8) - 1/4/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARIST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games after allowing 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
MARIST is 4-0 against the spread versus ST PETERS over the last 3 seasons
MARIST is 2-2 straight up against ST PETERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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SIENA (9 - 5) at MANHATTAN (4 - 8) - 1/4/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SIENA is 62-87 ATS (-33.7 Units) when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
MANHATTAN is 3-2 against the spread versus SIENA over the last 3 seasons
MANHATTAN is 3-2 straight up against SIENA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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ALCORN ST (3 - 9) at TEXAS SOUTHERN (2 - 11) - 1/4/2016, 8:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS SOUTHERN is 1-0 against the spread versus ALCORN ST over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS SOUTHERN is 5-0 straight up against ALCORN ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, January 4

Oakland is 5-0 vs Youngstown in Horizon play, winning 86-85/82-71 in two games played here. Grizzlies won six of last eight games, are 3-4 in true road games with win at Washington- they're 6-0 vs teams outside top 200, with five wins by 11+. Penguins lost last five D-I games, are 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 31-49-9 points- their only road win was at #307 Niagara.

North Carolina won its last five games with Florida State, winning three in row played here by 20-21-4 points. Tar Heels are 0-2 in true road tilts, losing by 4 at Northern Iowa, 2 at Texas. UNC still isn't getting much on 3-point line, but they have #36 eFG%. FSU had 6-game win streak ended at Clemson Saturday; Seminoles are 1-2 in true road games, with the three decided by total of 14 points.

West Virginia scored 87.5 ppg in winning its two true road games, by 25-4 points; Mountaineers force turnovers 29% of time (#1)- they're 6-0 vs TCU in Big X play, winning by 13-5-11 points in three games played in Ft Worth. Horned Frogs turn ball over 21% of time (#320); they lost by 18 at Oklahoma State in Big X opener- they're 0-4 vs top 100 teams, with three of four losses by 9 or less points.

Cleveland State won four of last five games with Detroit, but lost by one to Titans here LY; Vikings are 2-7 in last nine D-I games; they're making 28.7% of 3's (#331), have #333 eFG%. Detroit is 7-0 at home, 0-5 on foreign soil; they've got #337 eFG% defense. Titans scored 95+ points in each of last three wins; they're 2-0 vs teams outside top 200, winning by 15-9 points.

Wright State won its last four games after 3-7 start; they're making 39.3% on arc, just 42.3% inside it. Raiders lost last four games with Green Bay, by 10-7-24-12 points- they lost three of last four visits here. UWGB has new coach, is playing faster (#2 pace); they're 2-5 vs top 100 teams, 5-2 in last seven D-I games- they also have two non-D-I wins. UWGB has forced turnovers on 22.1% of possessions (#25).

Northern Kentucky is in its first year in Horizon League; they lost first Horizon game 86-70 at Green Bay Saturday, going 4-18 on arc. Norse are 0-6 vs top 200 teams, with four losses by 16+ points. Milwaukee lost two of last three games, with both losses in OT- their last three losses all came in OT. Panthers are 4-1 vs teams outside top 200, with wins by 13-6-6-13 points, and an OT loss at South Dakota.

Virginia won its last seven games with Virginia Tech, winning last five in Blacksburg by 3-2-21-4-3 points. Cavaliers won by 6 at Ohio State, lost at GW in its two true road games. UVa has #23 eFG%, making 40.9% on arc, 53.9% inside it. Hokies beat NC State in OT Saturday after losing to West Va by 25 in previous game; Tech is improved on defense- they are 9-0 when they allow less than 79 points.

Kansas is 13-2 in last 15 games with Oklahoma, winning last eight here, last two by 8-7 points. Jayhawks made 11-19 on arc, pounded Baylor in Big X opener Saturday; Kansas won last ten D-I games; they're shooting 45.2% on arc (#3). Oklahoma is one of three unbeatens left; they're 2-0 vs top 20 teams, beating Villanova/Iowa State. Sooners scored 83+ points in last six games; they had tough game with Iowa State Saturday, while the Jayhawks were pounding Baylor by 28.

MAAC teams are 7-6 vs Ivy teams TY; they're 2-3 vs spread as favorite vs Ivy squads. Dartmouth is 4-7 vs schedule #318; they're 4-3 vs teams ranked #200 or lower- they force turnovers 22.9% of time, but shoot just 44.7% inside arc. Fairfield split its last six games; three of its last three wins were in OT. Stags play #22 tempo- they lost to Yale by 13, beat Columbia in OT in its two games vs Ivy squads.

Rider won three of last four games after a 1-8 start; Broncs won three of four vs Quinnipiac in MAAC play, winning by 3 here LY after losing by 21 year before. Rider is 1-9 vs teams ranked in top 280. Quinnipiac lost last four games; they turn ball over 22.2% of time (#331), shoot 40.2% inside arc, 62.7% on foul line- they lost their last three home games. Best win for Rider is over #272 Houston Baptist.

Canisius made 16-35 from arc in 96-86 upset of Monmouth Dec 4, after Hawks had upset Notre Dame/USC in Orlando tourney- it was Griffins' first win in last five games with Monmouth- they lost by 1-4 points in last two visits here. Hawks had won five in row before losing to Army last game; Monmouth has #38 eFG% defense but tends to play better against bigger name teams.

Iona won 10 of last 11 games with Niagara, winning last five, three by six or less points; Gaels are 4-0 at home with wins by 15-24-10-7 points. Eagles lost last six visits here by 17-24-12-11-18-23 points. Niagara lost last six games, losing MAAC games by 14-12 since upset of Quinnipiac in MAAC opener. Niagara is turning ball over 22.7% of time (#339), has made 27.8% on arc (#342).

Home side won last six St Peter's-Marist games; Peacocks lost last four visits to McCann Center by 4-11-10-2 points. St Peter's won its first two MAAC games but is 2-7 in all other games- they're 1-5 in true road games, with only win at #214 Rider. Four of last five Marist games were decided by 6 or less points; Red Foxes are 3-3 vs teams outside top 200; only one of their four wins is by more than six points.

Siena crushed Manhattan 89-54 Dec 5, outscoring Jaspers 31-9 on foul line; teams split last 12 meetings-- Saints lost last five visits here, by 19-3-20-22-8 points. Jaspers swept Siena LY after losing four of previous six series games. Siena won four of last five games- they lost last three on road by 1-4-9 points. Manhattan's bench is #334 in minutes played; they won three of last four games after a 1-7 start.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Monday, January 4

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
CANISIUS vs. MONMOUTH
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Canisius's last 5 games on the road
Canisius is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Monmouth is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Monmouth is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 4, 7:00 PM
WEST VIRGINIA vs. TCU
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of West Virginia's last 7 games on the road
West Virginia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
TCU is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing West Virginia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of TCU's last 6 games when playing West Virginia

See more trends!
JANUARY 4, 7:00 PM
RIDER vs. QUINNIPIAC
Rider is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Quinnipiac is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Quinnipiac is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 4, 7:00 PM
SIENA vs. MANHATTAN
Siena is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Siena is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Manhattan
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Manhattan's last 6 games when playing Siena
Manhattan is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Siena

See more trends!
JANUARY 4, 7:00 PM
SAINT PETER'S vs. MARIST
Saint Peter's is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Marist
Saint Peter's is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Marist
Marist is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Saint Peter's
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Marist's last 5 games when playing Saint Peter's

See more trends!
JANUARY 4, 7:00 PM
NORTH CAROLINA vs. FLORIDA STATE
North Carolina is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of North Carolina's last 5 games on the road
Florida State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Florida State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 4, 7:00 PM
DARTMOUTH vs. FAIRFIELD
Dartmouth is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Fairfield is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Fairfield is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 4, 7:00 PM
YOUNGSTOWN STATE vs. OAKLAND
Youngstown State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Youngstown State is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Youngstown State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing Youngstown State

See more trends!
JANUARY 4, 7:00 PM
NIAGARA vs. IONA
Niagara is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Iona
Niagara is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Iona
Iona is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Iona's last 6 games when playing Niagara

See more trends!
JANUARY 4, 7:30 PM
CLEVELAND STATE vs. DETROIT
Cleveland State is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Cleveland State is 4-19 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 4, 8:00 PM
WRIGHT STATE vs. WISC-GREEN BAY
Wright State is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Wisc-Green Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Wright State's last 10 games when playing on the road against Wisc-Green Bay
Wisc-Green Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Wisc-Green Bay is 19-2 SU in its last 21 games at home

See more trends!
JANUARY 4, 8:00 PM
NORTHERN KENTUCKY vs. WISC-MILWAUKEE
No trends available
Wisc-Milwaukee is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games at home
Wisc-Milwaukee is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games

See more trends!
JANUARY 4, 9:00 PM
VIRGINIA vs. VIRGINIA TECH
Virginia is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Virginia's last 10 games when playing on the road against Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is 2-3-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Virginia
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Virginia Tech's last 10 games when playing at home against Virginia

See more trends!
JANUARY 4, 9:00 PM
OKLAHOMA vs. KANSAS
Oklahoma is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Kansas
Oklahoma is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma
Kansas is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing Oklahoma

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Westgate Super Contest (1,727 entrants-- prize pool is $2.5M)

Most popular picks in Week 17 season record: 52-50-2

6) Buccaneers, +10.5 (254)-- Will Carolina rest its starters? L

5) Steelers -10.5 (317)-- Steelers need win and Jets to lose in Buffalo. W

T3) Jets, -3 ((327)-- Lot of opinions both ways in this critical game. L

T3) Giants, -3 (327)-- One coach is already fired; other one will be Monday L

2) Packers -3 (392)-- Winner gets home field in playoff game next week. L

1) Bills +3 (403)-- Rex Ryan can knock his old team out of the playoffs. W
**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Sunday.....

13) Vikings 20, Packers 13-- Second abominable week in row for Green Bay, which now goes to Washington next week, while Seahawks visit Minnesota. If my team had Aaron Rodgers, I'd sure as hell find him some receivers who can get open.

12) Bills 22, Jets 17-- Jets had ball in red zone down 19-17 with just over 4:00 left; you figure they at worst get go-ahead FG, but Fitzpatrick threw INT in end zone and their season comes to an unfortunate end. Jets were +18 in turnovers in their ten wins, -15 in their six losses. Sometimes its that simple.

11) Steelers 28, Browns 12-- Cleveland fired its GM before the game, the coach after the game. Next year they'll have their sixth HC in nine years. Pittsburgh has had three head coaches since 1969. Hire a coach, then give some freakin' time. Oy.

10) Eagles 35, Giants 30-- Tom Coughlin will be in the Hall of Fame; he obviously doesn't want to retire, but Giants have had three straight losing seasons and only one playoff spot in last seven- that gets you fired.

But when you've won two Super Bowls you get to "resign" or "mutually agree to part ways". Has to be very awkward for the Giants' front office-- "....nothing ends well or else it wouldn't end". That line from the bartender in the Tom Cruise movie, Cocktail, whose name, coincidentally, was Doug Coughlin.

9) Colts 30, Titans 24-- Tennessee clinches first pick in draft; you know they're not taking a QB-- maybe they'll deal the pick for multiple selections. Cleveland will pick #2 and Dallas #3- those two teams will have very interesting offseasons.

8) Seahawks 36, Cardinals 6-- Seattle goes on road in playoffs next week but they are a team no one wants to play. Arizona gets the #2 seed and has next week off- they will want the #3 seed to win next week so they don't have to play Seahawks again.

7) Broncos 27, Chargers 20-- Peyton Manning came out of the bullpen with Broncos down 13-7 in third quarter, promptly led go-ahead TD drive, and has his starting job back. This winter, what will Denver do with Osweiler? Manning will be retired and the Broncos are going to need a franchise QB.

6) Texans 30, Jaguars 6-- Houston recovers from its 2-5 start to win the AFC South; when I watched Hard Knocks last summer, wasn't impressed with Bill O'Brien at all- thought he butchered the QB situation, and Texans did wind up starting five different QBs this season, but now they're in the playoffs, thanks to Andrew Luck being hurt and the division being a bad division.

5) Dolphins 20, Patriots 10-- New England is 2-4 in its last six games after their 10-0 start; Patriots had only 12 first downs, 196 TY. Hard to tell if they're playing possum or if they have real issues, but they'll have next week off to work on them.

4) Redskins 34, Cowboys 23-- Dallas went 1-7 at home this year; they'll have the #3 pick in April's draft. Tony Romo will turn 36 right around the time the draft happens; might be a good time to pick a franchise quarterback.

3) Lions 24, Bears 20-- Detroit won six of its last eight games and one of the losses was the Green Bay Hail Mary in that Thursday night game- the question is now, will they fire Jim Caldwell after almost everyone else got fired during the season?

2) Chiefs 23, Raiders 17-- KC started season 1-5, so just making playoffs is big deal; they head to Houston to face a team they're better than. Chiefs won 27-20 in season opener at Houston, then didn't win again for six weeks.

1) Panthers 38, Buccaneers 10-- Carolina is highly underrated; they're heading into playoffs at 15-1 and the #1 seed in the NFC. Last two Super Bowls were #1-seed vs #1-seed; in 20 years before that, it only happened once.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, January 4

Hot teams
-- Cleveland won eight of its last ten games (8-7HF). Raptors won four of their last six games (7-3AU).
-- Spurs won nine of their last ten games (9-5AF). Milwaukee won last two games, after losing six of previous eight (6-2 last 8HU).
-- Thunder won seven of last eight games (0-5 last five HF).
-- Utah won three of its last four games (3-2HU).
-- Portland won three of its last four games (4-2HU).
-- Golden State won seven of last eight games (6-3 last nine HF).

Cold teams
-- Minnesota lost six of its last seven games (1-1AF). 76ers lost three of last four games (2-10HU).
-- Miami lost two of its last three games (5-9 last 14HF). Pacers lost five of their last eight games (6-3AU).
-- Orlando lost three of its last five games (5-1 last six AU). Detroit lost four of its last five (8-1 last nine HF).
-- Brooklyn lost seven of last ten games (1-4 last five HU). Celtics are 4-5 in last nine games (3-3AF).
-- Sacramento lost three of last four games (7-7AU).
-- Houston lost its last four games (3-4AF).
-- Memphis lost its last three road games (4-3AF).
-- Hornets lost six of their last eight games (5-4AU).

Series records
-- 76ers lost six of last eight games with Philly.
-- Cavaliers won three of last four games with Toronto.
-- Pacers won five of last six games with Miami.
-- Pistons won their last three games with Orlando.
-- Road team won last four Boston-Brooklyn games.
-- Spurs won their last seven games with Milwaukee.
-- Thunder won nine of last ten games with Sacramento.
-- Rockets won eight of last ten games with Utah.
-- Grizzlies won eight of last ten games with Portland.
-- Warriors won last three games with Charlotte by 25-5-17.

Totals
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Minnesota-Philly games.
-- Six of last eight Toronto games went over the total. Cleveland's last seven games all went over.
-- Eight of last ten Indiana games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Orlando-Detroit games went over.
-- Four of last five Boston games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven San Antonio games stayed under.
-- Nine of last ten Thunder-King games stayed under.
-- Last four Houston games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Memphis-Portland games went over.
-- Over is 3-1 in last four games for both Hornets/Warriors.

Back/backs
-- Toronto is 4-1 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- Portland is 1-7 vs spread if it played the night before.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, January 4

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. CLEVELAND
Toronto is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Toronto is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Cleveland's last 15 games when playing Toronto

7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games at home

7:30 PM
INDIANA vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games when playing on the road against Miami
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Indiana
Miami is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home

7:30 PM
BOSTON vs. BROOKLYN
Boston is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Brooklyn is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games

7:30 PM
ORLANDO vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
Detroit is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Orlando

8:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Oklahoma City's last 11 games when playing Sacramento

8:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games

9:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. UTAH
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Utah's last 8 games when playing at home against Houston

10:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
Memphis is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Portland
Portland is 3-14 SU in its last 17 games when playing Memphis
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

10:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. GOLDEN STATE
Charlotte is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Charlotte's last 9 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Golden State's last 9 games when playing at home against Charlotte

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Monday, January 4


Houston @ Utah

Game 515-516
January 4, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
119.519
Utah
120.986
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 1 1/2
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 2
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(+2); N/A

Memphis @ Portland

Game 517-518
January 4, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
116.883
Portland
119.357
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 2 1/2
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
N/A

Charlotte @ Golden State

Game 519-520
January 4, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
115,335
Golden State
128.796
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 13 1/2
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
N/A

Minnesota @ Philadelphia

Game 501-502
January 4, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
112.286
Philadelphia
110.645
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
200
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 5 1/2
204 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+5 1/2); Under

Toronto @ Cleveland

Game 503-504
January 4, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
121.120
Cleveland
126.279
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 5
188
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 8
192
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+8); Under

Orlando @ Detroit

Game 507-508
January 4, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
116.584
Detroit
124.598
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 8
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
N/A

Indiana @ Miami

Game 505-506
January 4, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
120.580
Miami
127.113
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 6 1/2
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 2
191 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-2); Over

Boston @ Brooklyn

Game 509-510
January 4, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
122.807
Brooklyn
113.712
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 9
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 6 1/2
203
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-6 1/2); Under

San Antonio @ Milwaukee

Game 511-512
January 4, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
131,328
Milwaukee
120.128
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 11
186
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 9
192
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-9); Under

Sacramento @ Oklahoma City

Game 513-514
January 4, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
115.328
Oklahoma City
124.219
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 9
224
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 11
218 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(+11); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, January 4

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Game of the Day: Raptors at Cavaliers
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The Raptors visit the Cavaliers Monday in a matchup where the underdog is 15-3 ATS in the last 18 meetings.

Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers (-8, 192)

Before beginning their longest road trip of the season, the surging Cleveland Cavaliers look to stay hot at home when they welcome Toronto to town on Monday night. The Cavaliers picked up a 104-79 win over Orlando on Saturday to extend their current winning streak to three and their home winning streak to five.

LeBron James scored 29 points on 11-of-18 shooting for Cleveland, which is 14-1 at home but will play six straight away from Quicken Loans Arena beginning Wednesday in Washington. Kyrie Irving added 13 points and five assists in his fifth game since returning from surgery and Kevin Love chipped in 10 points and 13 rebounds. "They know what they can be when they're all healthy and playing together," Cavaliers coach David Blatt told reporters of his star trio. "I think it gives them the kind of confidence and the kind of energy to be out there playing that way together. It’s a good sign." The Raptors are coming off a 115-113 loss to Chicago on Sunday and are beginning a five-game road trip of their own.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sportsnet ONE (Toronto), FSN Ohio (Cleveland)

LINE HISTORY: The Cavaliers opened this matchup as 8-point home favorites. The total hits the board at 192.

INJURY REPORT:

Raptors - None to report.

Cavaliers - SF L. James (probable Monday, illness), SG J. Harris (questionable Monday, foot).

POWER RANKINGS: Raptors (-7.1) - Cavaliers (-8) + home court (-3) = Cavaliers -3.9

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (21-14, 19-15 ATS, 16-18 O/U): Toronto entered Sunday as one of the better second-half teams in the league (+3.9 scoring margin) and at the top of the list when it came to the fourth quarter (+2.8), but it had no answer down the stretch for Bulls guard Jimmy Butler, who scored a team-record 40 points after intermission. DeMar DeRozan led the way in the loss with 24 points while Kyle Lowry had 22 and 10 assists. Those two combined for 47 points to lead the Raptors to a 103-99 win over the Cavaliers in the previous meeting Nov. 25.

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (22-9, 13-17-1 ATS, 13-18 O/U): Irving has been on a minutes restriction but has played just twice since Christmas and is nearing the point where Blatt can give him more time, especially after seeing Irving survive a head-first dive for a loose ball against Orlando that caused a tiny scare on the Cleveland sidelines. "There was a gasp of air but not only my teammates and staff but also everyone in the building and for me, too," Irving told the media. "That was one of those moments we all talk about as athletes when you come back from surgery and you're like, 'That was the moment for me.' That was the one. I was OK, I'm good." The Cavaliers are giving up 88 points on 40.4 percent shooting over their last 10 games (8-2).

TRENDS:

* Raptors are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Cavaliers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Over is 4-0 in Raptors last 4 road games.
* Under is 9-0 in Cavaliers last 9 vs. Eastern Conference.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-seven percent of wagers are backing the Raptors in this matchup of Eastern Conference contenders. As for the total, 64 percent of wagers are on the over.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, January 4

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MINNESOTA (12 - 22) at PHILADELPHIA (3 - 33) - 1/4/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 48-65 ATS (-23.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-47 ATS (-29.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 93-138 ATS (-58.8 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 4-1 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 3-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TORONTO (21 - 14) at CLEVELAND (22 - 9) - 1/4/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 71-46 ATS (+20.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-4 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 4-4 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (19 - 14) at MIAMI (20 - 13) - 1/4/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MIAMI is 5-19 ATS (-15.9 Units) against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) after allowing 85 points or less over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 10-6 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 9-7 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (19 - 15) at DETROIT (18 - 16) - 1/4/2016, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-3 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 4-3 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (18 - 15) at BROOKLYN (10 - 23) - 1/4/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 67-50 ATS (+12.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 38-20 ATS (+16.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 27-7 ATS (+19.3 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-25 ATS (+11.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BROOKLYN is 6-5 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BROOKLYN is 6-5 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (29 - 6) at MILWAUKEE (14 - 21) - 1/4/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 49-31 ATS (+14.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 273-217 ATS (+34.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 104-75 ATS (+21.5 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 231-286 ATS (-83.6 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 58-83 ATS (-33.3 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) after allowing 85 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 49-83 ATS (-42.3 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 5-0 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (13 - 20) at OKLAHOMA CITY (24 - 10) - 1/4/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 46-64 ATS (-24.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 21-36 ATS (-18.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 25-37 ATS (-15.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 4-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (16 - 19) at UTAH (15 - 17) - 1/4/2016, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
HOUSTON is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
UTAH is 62-48 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 42-29 ATS (+10.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 52-27 ATS (+22.3 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-2 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 5-2 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (18 - 17) at PORTLAND (15 - 21) - 1/4/2016, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 9-4 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 11-3 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHARLOTTE (17 - 16) at GOLDEN STATE (31 - 2) - 1/4/2016, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 3-2 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 3-2 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, JANUARY 4

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


CAN at MONM 07:00 PM

MONM -8.5 BEST BET


SIE at MAN 07:00 PM

SIE -3.5 BEST BET


NIAG at IONA 07:00 PM

NIAG +16.0


SPC at MRST 07:00 PM

MRST -1.5


RID at QUIN 07:00 PM

QUIN +0.0


DART at FAIR 07:00 PM

FAIR -5.5 BEST BET


UNC at FSU 07:00 PM

UNC -3.5 BEST BET


YSU at OAK 07:00 PM

OAK -17.0 BEST BET


CLEV at DET 07:30 PM

CLEV +8.0 BEST BET


NKU at MILW 08:00 PM

NKU +11.0


WRST at GB 08:00 PM

GB -6.5


OKLA at KU 09:00 PM

KU -7.0 POD


UVA at VT 09:00 PM

UVA -12.5 BEST BET


ALCN at TXSO 09:00 PM

TXSO -16.5

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Golden Eagles (10-4) at Friars (14-1)
Date: January 05, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

While Kris Dunn continues to play well despite having the city of Providence on his shoulders, Marquette's freshmen are finding the going a little bit tougher in Big East play.

Looking to make up for an ordinary effort in last season's series, Dunn will try to lead the eighth-ranked Friars to their best start in 51 years Tuesday night against the visiting Golden Eagles.

Dunn finished fifth with 17.0 points per game in conference action last season. The preseason All-American has been even better in 2015-16, totaling 46 points, six 3-pointers, 16 rebounds, 15 assists and five steals in Providence's first 2-0 league start in seven years.

The junior guard finished with 26 points while hitting 4 of 7 from 3-point range to go along with nine rebounds, six assists and three steals in Saturday's 83-65 home win over St. John's. He poured in 12 straight points after the Red Storm closed to within 56-50 with 9:30 remaining.

'Every game Kris plays, this whole city is getting on his shoulders. That's why he came back to school,' coach Ed Cooley said after his squad improved to 9-0 at home. "He wants to be the leader. He wants to be the guy, and I'm going to help him do that."

The Friars (14-1, 2-0) last won their first 10 games at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in 2010-11. They're going after their first overall 10-game winning streak since a 13-game run to open the 1988-89 season and first 15-1 start since winning their first 17 in '64-65.

Dunn, however, had 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting in a 75-66 loss at Marquette last Jan. 3 before finishing with 16 in a 77-66 home win March 1.

Ben Bentil scored eight points on 3-of-10 shooting in the last meeting, but he enters this one with a team-high 18.9 per game. The sophomore forward is shooting 58.5 percent in his last three after finishing with 20 points and nine rebounds against the Red Storm.

Sophomore forward Rodney Bullock contributed 13 points, eight boards and three blocks Saturday. He's averaging 15.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks over his last seven games.

Marquette's young players aren't fairing nearly as well. Freshman Henry Ellenson has totaled 26 points on 7-of-29 shooting (24.1 percent) in the team's back-to-back losses after he scored 16.8 per game and shot 45.1 percent heading into league play.

Haanif Cheatham had 17 points in Wednesday's 83-63 home loss to Seton Hall before scoring six while picking up four fouls for the second straight game in Saturday's 80-70 defeat at Georgetown. Fellow freshman starter Traci Carter has totaled four points and eight fouls in the last two contests.

Duane Wilson has been a bright spot, averaging 14.8 points over his last four games. The sophomore led Marquette (10-4, 0-2) with 22 points and seven 3-pointers in the March loss at Providence.

The Golden Eagles haven't dropped their first three conference games since an 0-5 start in 1998-99. They've lost two of three in this series since winning 10 straight from 2007-14.

Marquette had lost 15 in a row against ranked opponents before an 81-80 win over then-No. 22 LSU in the semifinals of the Legends Classic in New York on Nov. 23.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Gamecocks (13-0) at Tigers (7-5)
Date: January 05, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

South Carolina's attempt to carry its undefeated start into SEC play will come against a team that it's often struggled to beat.

The 22nd-ranked Gamecocks will seek just their second win in eight matchups against Auburn on Tuesday night.

South Carolina (13-0) extended its best start since going 17-0 in 1933-34 with an 86-76 win against Memphis on Saturday. The Gamecocks didn't take the lead for good in that tight battle until Mindaugas Kacinas' two free throws with 8:39 remaining, among their school-record 46 on 63 attempts.

Duane Notice went 12 of 12 from the line while scoring 15 points. Sindarius Thornwell had a team-best 18 points and Michael Carrera had 16 with 11 rebounds.

"(This game) gets us ready for conference play because every game in conference is going to be just like that. Every game is going to be a battle," Thornwell said. "Having this game right before conference was good for us. ... We've been in tough games like this the last three seasons but we've ended up on the other side (of the scoreboard)."

South Carolina started 9-3 in 2014-15 and won its final seven nonconference games, capped by an upset of then-No. 9 Iowa State. The Gamecocks then went 1-6 to open their SEC season en route to a 6-12 finish.

"We tasted a little bit of success and everyone kind of got wrapped up," Kacinas said. "Right after that, we just went down the cliff. This year, we've tried to stay focus. We don't care about what's our record. We're just trying to keep moving forward."

Among those early league defeats was a 71-68 loss at Auburn on Jan. 17, their third straight on that court and the only meeting between the schools in 2014-15.

Auburn (7-5, 1-0) graduated its leading scorer from last season's game but has one of the best in the SEC this season in newcomer Kareem Canty, a transfer from Marshall averaging 19.3 points.

Canty and freshman Bryce Brown each scored 20 in the Tigers' SEC opener, an 83-77 win over Tennessee on Saturday.

Another transfer, Tyler Harris, provided 19 as the short-handed Tigers (7-5, 1-0) avoided a third consecutive defeat. T.J. Dunans, averaging 12.4 points, is among four players that are out for the program and T.J. Lang's status is unclear because of a concussion suffered Saturday.

Brown will try to make up for those absences by scoring at least 20 in a third consecutive game. Much of that production in the past two contests has come from the 3-point line, where he's 11 for 21.

"We have these injuries that have definitely affected us as a team, but I definitely still think we can compete in the SEC and win a lot of ballgames," Brown told the school's official website. "Nobody knew we would have these injuries, so I prepared myself at all times."

Notice has a combined for 39 points in his past two games against Auburn, including a 74-56 victory in the 2014 SEC tournament. The Gamecocks have lost all six regular-season games versus the Tigers since the beginning of 2010-11.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Bulldogs (11-3) at Blue Demons (6-8)
Date: January 05, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

After opening Big East play with consecutive losses to ranked opponents, Butler now gets a chance to take any building frustration out on a team that's more accustomed to discouraging conference results.

The 18th-ranked Bulldogs head to DePaul on Tuesday night, with the Blue Demons' first two league games hinting at a ninth straight losing season in the conference.

Butler (11-3, 0-2) lost its league opener for the third time in as many seasons in the Big East, falling 81-73 to then-No. 12 Providence at home Thursday. It followed that setback with Saturday's 88-69 loss at then-No. 6 Xavier, and even with the difficult competition, coach Chris Holtmann wasn't covering for his players.

"We obviously have to get a lot better, that's the bottom line," said Holtmann, whose team had won its previous eight games, including two over ranked opponents. "We're not near where we need to be right now. So we've got a lot of work ahead of us."

The Bulldogs had scored 86.6 points per game and shot 50.8 percent on the winning streak before dipping to 71.0 and 40.2 marks in the last two - some of that falling on Kellen Dunham as he tries to overcome an alarming shooting slump.

The senior leads Butler with 14.9 points per game, but that's down from 16.4 over the previous two seasons mostly because he's averaged 8.0 and shot 19.4 percent overall and 13.5 from 3-point range in his last six. The 6-foot-6 guard has also pulled down only one rebound in 57 minutes over the last two games.

"Certainly we need him to make shots for us to beat good people, but we've beaten good people without him making shots," Holtmann said. "Kellen's got to play the rest of the game the way we expect him to play. He's got to play defense at a high level, he's got to rebound for us. He's not just a shot maker."

Thirteen points on 4-of-12 shooting against Xavier was actually a drastic improvement as he came off the bench for the first time this season and just the second time since his freshman year.

"I was happy to see some shots fall, but it wasn't enough," Dunham said. "I was shooting with the expectation that they will go in. They are going to go in. I have confidence the rest of the year."

Butler is 3-1 against DePaul in conference play with its three straight wins coming by an average of 19.0 points. Dunham has averaged 21.0 in all four, including a 30-point effort - two off his career high - in a 99-94 double-overtime loss on Jan. 9, 2014.

The Blue Demons (6-8, 0-2) have dropped five of six after Saturday's 78-74 defeat at Seton Hall. It was their 10th straight Big East loss, with those coming by an average of 11.8 points. The slump began with an 83-73 defeat at Butler on Feb. 7 and was followed five games later with a 67-53 home loss to the Bulldogs.

Both of those games are part of a 2-52 span against the Top 25, but both wins have come over their previous five against ranked teams, including an 82-61 win over then-No. 20 George Washington on Dec. 22.

Against Seton Hall, top scorer Billy Garrett Jr. stayed hot with 20 points and a season-high eight assists. He's averaging 20.3 points and shooting 60.0 percent over the last three games after scoring 13.5 per game on 38.9 percent in the first 11.

Garrett scored 22 in the win over Butler two seasons ago but has been held to 8.3 per game while shooting 38.1 percent in the three losses that followed.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Owls (6-6) at Huskies (10-3)
Date: January 05, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

Led by some solid guard play and a renewed focus on the defensive end, Kevin Ollie's Connecticut team has returned to the AP Top 25 following a two-week hiatus.

This time, the 23rd-ranked Huskies hope to stay there as they try to remain unbeaten at home Tuesday night against Temple, which is coming off one of its worst performances of the season.

After spending two years at Seton Hall, Sterling Gibbs is already proving to be a valuable addition in his first season with UConn. He stepped up with a big 3-pointer Saturday to halt Tulane's 17-0 run before hitting another to give the Huskies back the lead in a 75-67 road win.

Gibbs scored 13 of his 16 in the final 6:32 while adding with eight rebounds and seven assists in the American Athletic Conference opener. The senior guard, who averaged 16.3 points for the Pirates last season, has scored in double figures in each of his last four games.

'We knew when we got him that we were going to have a player down the stretch who would take big shots," Ollie said. "(I'm) not saying he's going to make all of them, but he will take them with confidence."

Rodney Purvis, who leads the Huskies with 15.6 points per game, is averaging 20 points while making 14 of 24 from 3-point range over his last four. Fellow backcourt starter Daniel Hamilton just missed his sixth double-double Saturday with 19 points and nine rebounds.

With its fifth straight win, Ollie's squad moved back into the poll for the first time since its was No. 25 in the week of Dec. 14. That stay was short-lived after UConn (10-3, 1-0) allowed UMass-Lowell to shoot 50 percent in an 88-79 home win.

The Huskies, who rank third among AAC teams by holding opponents to 38.3 percent shooting, have gotten back on track by giving up a 38.2 mark in their last three. They should be able to continue that trend as they go after their second 8-0 home start in four seasons.

Temple (6-6, 1-1) was riding high during a 5-2 stretch following an impressive 77-70 win at then-No. 22 Cincinnati last Tuesday. The Owls, however, fell flat Saturday when they shot 34.5 percent - including 3 for 23 from 3-point range - in a 77-50 home loss to Houston.

"We thought we had some momentum building up," coach Fran Dunphy said. "We had a terrific win on the road, but it's not good enough. Every day you have to come out ready to go."

Obi Enechionyia and Quenton DeCosey led Temple with just nine points apiece Saturday. DeCosey had averaged 18.5 over his previous four games but the senior guard has struggled against the Huskies with 13.5 per game on 30 percent shooting in four career meetings.

After allowing the Cougars to shoot 54.4 percent, the Owls will have to tighten things up against a UConn team that ranks among the nation's top 15 with a 50.3 field-goal percentage.

Amida Brimah, however, is sidelined for at least four more weeks after suffering a broken finger on Dec. 21. The 7-foot center leads the Huskies with a 72.5 field-goal percentage.

UConn had won four straight in this series before Temple took both meetings last season. Purvis had 18 points in the March loss, but Hamilton missed 19 of 24 shots in the two games.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Wildcats (11-2) at Tigers (8-5)
Date: January 05, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

While Kentucky's Tyler Ulis is proving he belongs on the big stage, LSU's Ben Simmons will finally get his chance in the spotlight against a Top 25 team.

The freshman phenom will face a ranked opponent for the first time when the ninth-ranked Wildcats visit Baton Rouge for a Tuesday night SEC matchup.

Simmons is demonstrating why he was chosen as the conference's preseason player of the year, averaging 20.5 points and a league-high 13.1 rebounds. However, his first major test will come against Kentucky (11-2, 1-0), which has regrouped from a mediocre stretch behind Ulis' strong play.

The Wildcats lost their only true road game 87-77 against UCLA on Dec. 3, and after wins over Eastern Kentucky and Arizona State, they fell 74-67 to Ohio State in New York on Dec. 19. Ulis has helped a turnaround into SEC play, though, by combining for 41 points and 18 assists in a 75-73 win over No. 16 Louisville on Dec. 26 and Saturday's 83-61 conference-opening rout of Ole Miss.

The sophomore point guard turned in 20 points, 10 assists and six steals against the Rebels as the Wildcats improved to 7-0 when he scores at least 12.

'He is out to prove who he is," coach John Calipari said. "I just want a team full of guys that want that.'

Ulis averaged 5.6 points and 3.6 assists in 37 games off the bench last season with his minutes chewed up by a group of current NBA players. With the starting point guard spot and a healthy dose of minutes, Ulis has lifted his numbers to 13.4 points and 5.9 assists per game.

Ulis finished with two points on 1-of-6 shooting and three assists in 26 minutes during a 71-69 win at LSU on Feb. 10, a rare test for the Wildcats last season.

The Tigers were one of the few teams Kentucky had trouble with on the way to a 31-0 regular-season record. LSU used a 21-2 second-half run to challenge the Wildcats, but a last-second 3-pointer wouldn't fall.

It was Kentucky's eighth win in the last nine games of this series. The Wildcats have won four of five at Baton Rouge.

LSU (8-5, 1-0) has been inconsistent this season but has won four of five - the outlier a 77-71 loss to Wake Forest on Dec. 29. That was the Tigers' first home defeat after winning their first seven games at Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

Simmons helped LSU regroup with 36 points and 14 rebounds in Saturday's 90-82 win at Vanderbilt. That was the third-most points by a major-conference freshman in his league debut since 1996-97.

The 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward made 10 of 15 shots and 16 of 19 free throws - and he still finished seven points off his career high.

The last major conference freshman to score 30-plus points in each of his first two league games was Texas' Kevin Durant in 2006-07.

"To do that your first night out in this type of environment here says a lot about him," said coach Johnny Jones, whose team will look to open SEC play 2-0 for the first time since 2010-11. "But certainly not surprised about his play, and not a lot surprises me about him. I've been around him enough now."

Simmons' 16 free throws were the most by an LSU player in an SEC game since Chris Jackson made 16 at Florida in December of 1988. That was also Jackson's first SEC game.

The status of Kentucky junior Dominique Hawkins is unclear after he left Saturday's game with an ankle injury. X-rays reportedly revealed no breaks. Hawkins had a career-high 13 points against Louisville.