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**Udog** · 03-12-2016, 08:48 AM

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

Looking at six of the conference tournament finals for Saturday......

-- C-USA-- Middle Tennessee-Old Dominion-- Blue Raiders won the Alaskan Shootout back in November.

-- Big East-- Seton Hall-Villanova-- Kevin Willard rewards his bosses' patience.

-- Big X-- Kansas-WestVirginia-- This will be road game for Mountaineers.

-- MAC-- Buffalo-Akron-- Zips' coach was Lebron James' high school coach.

-- ACC-- Virginia-North Carolina-- These two could meet again at Final Four.

-- Pac-12-- Oregon-Utah-- Ducks already spanked Utah twice this season.

**********

Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Wrapping up a full Friday......

13) UConn 104, Cincinnati 97 4OT-- This game tops the 6OT game in the Big East a few years ago, since UConn drained a 60-footer at the buzzer of the third OT to send the game to another five minutes. Not sure how the Huskies will react today against a Temple team they've already lost to twice, but this game was special.

12) West Virginia 69, Oklahoma 67-- Buddy Hield drained a shot from just inside half-court at the buzzer, but it was ruled to be a split-second too late and Bob Huggins makes his first conference tourney final since the 2010 Big East tournament.

11) Oregon 95, Arizona 89 OT-- Wildcats scored four points in last 0:00.6 of game to send it to OT, but Ducks prevailed in OT, sweeping season series with Arizona. Oregon was 10-19 on arc. Arizona has still only won this tournament once since '03.

10) Michigan 72, Indiana 69-- One of Michigan's scrubs hit a 3 from the deep corner at the buzzer and was immediately engulfed by jubilant teammates-- this was so early in the day I almost forgot about it. Michigan could be off the bubble now.

9) Word leaked out that Tulane will fire basketball coach Ed Conroy as soon as their season is over, but there is one small problem:

News spreads quickly these days; people were telling Conroy during the game yesterday that he was being fired. Then his 13-point underdog Green Wave shocked Houston 72-69 and made the AAC semifinals- they play 6-seed Memphis today.

So what if Tulane wins the next two days and makes the NCAAs? Then what?

8) Conroy's uncle was the great writer Pat Conroy who passed away last week- he wrote Conrack, The Great Santini and Prince of Tides.

7) Denver fired hoop coach Joe Scott; this will be a tougher rebuild job than normal, since Scott ran the Princeton offense, so you'll need to recruit players who are suited to a more traditional style of play. Summit League is an underrated conference.

6) Baltimore Orioles are 0-10 this spring, with two ties. I went out of my way the other day to say that this doesn't mean much, but at some point, it has to be at least a little troubling, doesn't it?

Sidebar: I am constantly amazed that people bet on exhibition baseball. Why?

5) Prince Fielder was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, which had gotten so bad his doctors were alarmed by it. We all need our proper rest, especially athletes.

4) Beach volleyball is a college sport? Since when? If you're a high school kid out there and are trying to choose a college, pick one that has a beach volleyball team. I'm guessing those schools are more fun than most schools.

3) Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl 34 days ago; Friday they traded for Mark Sanchez, putting the celebrations to a complete halt immediately. Quarterback is an important position, or so I'm told. Trading for Sanchez is an emphatic red flag.

2) San Antonio Spurs are 14-0 this season on back end of a back/back, only team not to lose one of them- they're 9-5 vs spread in those games. .

1) Since 2012, only one NFL team has used two #1 picks on a QB, and Cleveland cut both of those picks after only two seasons-- Brandon Weeden and Johnny Manziel.

**Udog** · 03-12-2016, 08:50 AM

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, March 12

Big 14 tournament (Indianapolis)
Michigan State won its last seven games, all by 12+ points; they waxed Ohio State by 27 Friday, using only one guy more than 27:00. Maryland is 3-4 in its last seven games overall; they lost 74-65 Jan 23 at Michigan State; Terps led by 4 early in second half; Maryland made 13-22 on arc in 97-86 win over Nebraska Friday- three Terps played 31:00+. State is 12-3 in its last 15 conference tourney games, winning it in 2012, 2014.

Atlantic 14 tournament (Brooklyn)
St Joe's beat GW Friday after being down 16 in first half; Hawks used three guys 33:00+- Bembry played whole game. St Joe's beat Dayton in only meeting this year, 79-70 at home Feb 17- Flyers were 8-31 on arc that night. Dayton beat Richmond easily Friday; no one played more than 28:00; since '05, Flyers are 2-7 in second conference tourney game. St Joe's won eight of its last 12 conference tournament games.

VCU beat Davidson twice this year, both by 10 points; Rams won first meeting 79-69 in Charlotte, racing out to 29-7 lead, then 70-60 at home 10 days ago, shooting 66% inside arc (1-14 outside it). VCU were 1-16 on arc Friday in 85-70 win over UMass- they used three guys 31:00+, were 26-32 on foul line. Wildcats needed OT to beat Bonnies 90-86, as three Davidson guys played 41:00+- they turned ball over only 5 times.

AAC tournament (Orlando)
UConn won epic 4-OT game Friday, making 60-footer at buzzer of third OT; Huskies played five kids 43:00+- two played 54:00. UConn split its last six games; they lost twice to Temple this year, 55-53 at home on Jan 5 (went 4-20 on arc), 63-58 on road Feb 11 (led by 12 with 5:51 to play). Owls won easily Friday, their 10th win in last 12 games. Huskies are 13-3 in conference tourneys last five years. Temple is 3-5 the ast six years in conference tourneys, after winning tourneys from '08-'10.

Conference USA tournament (Birmingham)
Old Dominion won its last seven games, winning last three days, all by 12+ points; Monarchs lost 64-61 at home to Middle Tennessee Jan 16, going 3-16 on arc. ODU plays 5th-slowest tempo in nation; they used four guys 32:00+ Friday. Blue Raiders won last five games, are 15-4 in last 19- they won Alaskan Shootout in fall, but are 4th-worst team in the country on foul line (60.5%). LY, Middle was team that lost playing its fourth day in row, losing to UAB by 13 in this game.

Big East tourney (NYC)
Villanova won 12 of last 13 games, with only loss by 7 at Xavier Feb 24. Wildcats shot 57.5% inside arc in win over Providence Friday- they used only two kids more than 28:00. Seton Hall is 11-2 in last 13 games, with both losses to Butler; Pirates turned ball over 25 times Friday but hung on to beat Xavier 87-83. Hall is 11-2 in last 13 games but lost twive to Villanova this year, 72-63 on road Jan 6 (Villanova was 26-32 on line), 72-71 at home Jan 20 (Pirates led by 2 with 2:28 left).

Big 12 tournament (Kansas City)
Kansas is 15-3 in last six Big X tourneys, since losing in first round back in '09; they won last 13 games; five of its last seven wins were by nine or less points. West Virginia won its last six games, surviving Oklahoma Friday, when Hield's game-winning shot was just after horn- WVU split with Kansas this year, beating Jayhawks 74-63 at home Jan 12 (WV had 33-13 edge on line), losing 75-65 in Lawrence Feb 9, as Jayhawks shot 67% inside arc. West Virginia was 5-20 on the arc that might. .

MAC tournament (Cleveland)
Buffalo is 9-2 in last 11 games Bearden played (they went 0-3 with him out of lineup); he had 13 assists, 2 turnovers last two nights. Bulls lost to Akron twice this year, 75-71 at home Jan 5 (Bulls led by 5 with 6:24 left), 80-70 at Akron Feb 16 (Bulls were up 13 in first half). Bulls made 14-27 on arc in 88-74 win Friday; two kids played 37:00. Akron won its last five games; they shot 69% inside arc vs tired BG Friday. Since '07, Zips are 22-6 in MAC tourney, winning it three times.

ACC tournament (Washington DC)
North Carolina won six of its last seven games, hammering teams by 17-31 last two days; UNC lost 79-74 at Virginia two weeks ago; Cavaliers outscored Tar Heels 18-7 on foul line. Virginia won its last five games; they've won six of last seven games in ACC tournament. Carolina hasn't won ACC tourney since 2008; Virginia won it two years ago. Cavaliers beat Miami by 5 Friday; both teams shot 55%+ inside arc. Virginia had only two guys play more than 23:00.

Big Sky tournament (Reno)
Since 2010, home team is 13-0 in Weber State-Montana regular season games, but Griz is 4-0 vs Weber in Big Sky tourney, beating Wildcats by 3 in OT LY. Weber won nine of last 10 games; they needed OT to beat North Dakota Friday- they were 14-36 on arc, 14-23 inside it. Couple of starters played 40:00+; four played 31+. Montana won eght of its last 10 games; they lost 60-54 at Weber two weeks ago in only meeting this year-- Weber outscored the Griz 20-8 on the foul line.

Mountain West tournament (Las Vegas)
San Diego State hasn't won Mountain West tourney since '11, losing in final three of last four years; Aztecs are no lock for NCAAs this season, but are 18-2 in MW this year, splitting pair with Fresno. Aztecs won at home 73-67 in OT Jan 19, then got upset 58-57 in Fresno Feb 10, after Aztecs led by 11 in second half. Bulldogs won last seven games, have veteran guards, but best scorer Harris doesn't look in shape (7-23 in win Friday) and Fresno is playing for third night in row.

Pac-12 tournament (MGM, Las Vegas)
Oregon is 8-2 in Pac-12 tourney last three years; they won seven games in row overall, needed OT to beat Arizona Friday- four Ducks played 37+ minutes. Oregon beat Utah twice this year, 77-59 on road Jan 14- Poeltl was held to 7 points, then 76-66 at home Feb 7 (Ducks shot 56% inside arc, held Poeltl to 13). Utah held off Cal in OT last night; they've won nine games in row since loss in Eugene- three Utes played 38:00+ in last night's win. These teams won two of last three Pac-12 tourneys.

Big West tournament (Anaheim)
Hawai'i lost twice to Long Beach this year, losing 74-72 on road a week ago tonight- Rainbows led by 8 with 5:30 left. 49ers won 78-64 Jan 30 on islands, with 47-28 edge on boards. Hawai'i is 4-1 in this tourney last two years, after being 1-8 before then; Rainbows won nine of last ten on mainland, with the loss last week. Long Beach won 11 of last 12 games; they avenged pair of losses to Irvine with win Friday. 49ers played three guys 32:00+ last night.

**Udog** · 03-12-2016, 10:19 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Saturday, March 12

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MICHIGAN (22 - 11) vs. PURDUE (25 - 7) - 3/12/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PURDUE is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PURDUE is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
PURDUE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games in March games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PURDUE is 4-1 against the spread versus MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
MICHIGAN is 3-2 straight up against PURDUE 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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MARYLAND (25 - 7) vs. MICHIGAN ST (27 - 5) - 3/12/2016, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MARYLAND is 2-1 against the spread versus MICHIGAN ST over the last 3 seasons
MICHIGAN ST is 2-2 straight up against MARYLAND 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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LSU (19 - 13) vs. TEXAS A&M (25 - 7) - 3/12/2016, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LSU is 11-19 ATS (-9.9 Units) in all games this season.
LSU is 11-19 ATS (-9.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
LSU is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in road games after a conference game this season.
LSU is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS A&M is 78-51 ATS (+21.9 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS A&M is 4-2 against the spread versus LSU over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS A&M is 4-2 straight up against LSU over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GEORGIA (19 - 12) vs. KENTUCKY (24 - 8) - 3/12/2016, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
KENTUCKY is 3-2 against the spread versus GEORGIA over the last 3 seasons
KENTUCKY is 5-0 straight up against GEORGIA 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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ST JOSEPHS (25 - 7) vs. DAYTON (25 - 6) - 3/12/2016, 1:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST JOSEPHS is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
ST JOSEPHS is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
ST JOSEPHS is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ST JOSEPHS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST JOSEPHS is 5-0 against the spread versus DAYTON over the last 3 seasons
ST JOSEPHS is 4-1 straight up against DAYTON 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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DAVIDSON (20 - 11) vs. VA COMMONWEALTH (23 - 9) - 3/12/2016, 4:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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LA-LAFAYETTE (17 - 13) vs. ARK-LITTLE ROCK (27 - 4) - 3/12/2016, 2:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARK-LITTLE ROCK is 4-1 against the spread versus LA-LAFAYETTE over the last 3 seasons
ARK-LITTLE ROCK is 3-3 straight up against LA-LAFAYETTE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TX-ARLINGTON (23 - 9) vs. LA-MONROE (19 - 12) - 3/12/2016, 4:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA-MONROE is 3-2 against the spread versus TX-ARLINGTON over the last 3 seasons
TX-ARLINGTON is 4-3 straight up against LA-MONROE 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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OLD DOMINION (22 - 12) vs. MIDDLE TENN ST (23 - 9) - 3/12/2016, 2:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIDDLE TENN ST is 5-0 against the spread versus OLD DOMINION over the last 3 seasons
MIDDLE TENN ST is 5-0 straight up against OLD DOMINION 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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CONNECTICUT (22 - 10) vs. TEMPLE (21 - 10) - 3/12/2016, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEMPLE is 196-150 ATS (+31.0 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
TEMPLE is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CONNECTICUT is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in tournament semi-final games since 1997.
TEMPLE is 37-60 ATS (-29.0 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEMPLE is 4-2 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
TEMPLE is 4-2 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TULANE (12 - 21) vs. MEMPHIS (18 - 14) - 3/12/2016, 5:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TULANE is 3-0 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 2-2 straight up against TULANE 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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SETON HALL (24 - 8) vs. VILLANOVA (29 - 4) - 3/12/2016, 5:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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FRESNO ST (24 - 9) vs. SAN DIEGO ST (25 - 8) - 3/12/2016, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
FRESNO ST is 5-1 against the spread versus SAN DIEGO ST over the last 3 seasons
SAN DIEGO ST is 4-2 straight up against FRESNO ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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W VIRGINIA (26 - 7) vs. KANSAS (29 - 4) - 3/12/2016, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
W VIRGINIA is 4-2 against the spread versus KANSAS over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS is 3-3 straight up against W VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BUFFALO (19 - 14) vs. AKRON (26 - 7) - 3/12/2016, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
AKRON is 5-2 against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
AKRON is 4-3 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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VIRGINIA (26 - 6) vs. N CAROLINA (27 - 6) - 3/12/2016, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
VIRGINIA is 3-1 against the spread versus N CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
VIRGINIA is 3-1 straight up against N CAROLINA 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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UTAH (26 - 7) vs. OREGON (27 - 6) - 3/12/2016, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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LONG BEACH ST (20 - 13) vs. HAWAII (26 - 5) - 3/12/2016, 11:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LONG BEACH ST is 4-3 against the spread versus HAWAII over the last 3 seasons
LONG BEACH ST is 5-2 straight up against HAWAII over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MONTANA (21 - 10) vs. WEBER ST (25 - 8) - 3/12/2016, 8:45 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WEBER ST is 3-3 against the spread versus MONTANA over the last 3 seasons
WEBER ST is 3-3 straight up against MONTANA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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VERMONT (21 - 12) at STONY BROOK (25 - 6) - 3/12/2016, 11:00 AM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
STONY BROOK is 2-0 against the spread versus VERMONT over the last 3 seasons
VERMONT is 4-3 straight up against STONY BROOK 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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S CAROLINA ST (19 - 13) vs. HAMPTON (20 - 10) - 3/12/2016, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
S CAROLINA ST is 2-1 straight up against HAMPTON over the last 3 seasons

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SOUTHERN U (21 - 12) vs. JACKSON ST (19 - 14) - 3/12/2016, 6:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SOUTHERN U is 4-2 straight up against JACKSON ST over the last 3 seasons

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TEXAS A&M CC (25 - 6) vs. SF AUSTIN ST (26 - 5) - 3/12/2016, 9:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SF AUSTIN ST is 4-1 straight up against TEXAS A&M CC over the last 3 seasons

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CS-BAKERSFIELD (23 - 8) vs. NEW MEXICO ST (23 - 9) - 3/12/2016, 11:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CS-BAKERSFIELD is 2-0 against the spread versus NEW MEXICO ST over the last 3 seasons
NEW MEXICO ST is 8-0 straight up against CS-BAKERSFIELD over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 03-12-2016, 10:33 AM

Conference Championship Betting Previews

ACC Conference Championship Game Betting Preview

A North Carolina victory Saturday would be the program’s 96th ACC tournament win, snapping a tie with Duke for most in league history.

Virginia Cavaliers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels (OFF)

The dominance missing from North Carolina’s performance most of the season may be appearing just in time to end the Tar Heels’ eight-year ACC title drought – and potentially serve as a springboard to the Final Four. The Tar Heels roll into Saturday’s ACC championship game against Washington, D.C., against Virginia following a 31-point rout of Notre Dame in Friday’s semifinal, a display illustrating just how difficult North Carolina could be for opponents in the NCAA tournament.

“We didn’t play great offensively, but our defense is peaking,” guard Marcus Paige told reporters after scoring 16 points, highlighting a dominant display that moved the Tar Heels to the cusp of their first league tournament crown since 2008 and most likely a No. 1 seed entering the NCAA tournament. Standing in the way are the Cavaliers, whose current five-game winning streak started with a five-point home victory over North Carolina on Feb. 27. Malcolm Brogdon again sparked Virginia in its 73-68 semifinal victory Friday over Miami (Fla.), scoring 24 points to bring the Cavaliers a victory away from their second ACC tournament title in three years and potentially a No. 1 seed in the NCAAs. “We know how good UNC is,” Virginia coach Tony Bennett told the media, “and we’ll need to be at our best.”

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPN3

BETTING STATS:

Virginia - 26-6 SU, 17-13 ATS, 12-18 O/U
North Carolina - 27-6 SU, 15-17-1 ATS, 17-16 O/U

POWER RANKINGS: Virginia Cavaliers (-16.95) - North Carolina Tar Heels (-15.85) = Virginia -1.1

ABOUT VIRGINIA (26-6): The Cavaliers have been models of efficiency on both ends of the floor, ranking second in the nation in scoring defense (59.6) while leading the ACC and ranking in the top 10 nationally in field-goal percentage and 3-point shooting. Brogdon is one of the ACC’s best, averaging 18.8 points per game while shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 88.3 percent from the free-throw line. Virginia shot 52 percent from the field against the Hurricanes, topping 50 percent for the third consecutive game and fourth time in its past seven contests.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (27-6): Paige has struggled with his shooting all season – going 9-of-33 from the field in his final three regular-season games – but he hit 4-of-7 from 3-point range Friday and sparked a crippling 24-0 run with eight points. The Tar Heels have won four in a row and six of seven overall, forcing 17 turnovers Friday in holding the Fighting Irish to 30 percent shooting from the field. Forward Brice Johnson’s streak of five consecutive double-doubles ended Friday (12 points, seven rebounds in 15 minutes due to foul trouble), but the senior leads North Carolina in scoring (16.7 points) and rebounds (10.6).

TRENDS:

* Cavaliers are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Tar Heels are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
* Under is 9-1 in Cavaliers last 10 games following a straight up win.
* Over is 5-0 in Tar Heels last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Big 12 Conference Championship Game Betting Preview

Kansas has won five of the eight meetings since West Virginia entered the Big 12 in 2012.

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Kansas Jayhawks (-5, OFF)

Win or lose in Saturday’s Big 12 Tournament championship game, top-ranked Kansas already has locked up the NCAA Tournament’s No. 1 seed in the eyes of many national analysts. But that doesn’t mean senior Perry Ellis or his Jayhawks’ teammates necessarily plan on taking it easy against West Virginia in the title tilt at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo.

“I think (winning the tournament) is real important just from a team standpoint and getting a lot of momentum going forward,” Ellis said in a post-game news conference Friday after top-seeded Kansas held off Baylor 70-66 in the semifinals to notch its 13th straight win overall. “All of our guys are trying to win this.” Ellis scored a game-high 20 points as the Jayhawks overcame a 21-point first half – their lowest-scoring of the season – to shoot 46.2 percent from the field, outrebound the Bears 44-32 and advance to their 12th title game in 20 Big 12 tourneys. No. 8 and second-seeded West Virginia, meanwhile, will be playing in its first Big 12 championship after surviving a replay-nullified half-court heave at the buzzer by Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield to win the second semifinal 69-67.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, ESPN

BETTING STATS:

West Virginia - 26-7 SU, 20-10 ATS, 13-16-1 O/U
Kansas - 29-4 SU, 20-11 ATS, 11-19-1 O/U

POWER RANKINGS: West Virginia Mountaineers (-14.95) - Kansas Jayhawks (-17.6) = Kansas -2.65

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA (26-7): The Mountaineers came to Kansas City without a win in their first three Big 12 tourney appearances, but have routed TCU 86-66 and withstood a late Oklahoma comeback to reach their first conference championship game since the 2010 Big East final. It was West Virginia’s sixth straight win overall, and not surprising, the team’s pressing defense played a key role, forcing the Sooners into 21 turnovers and holding Hield, the Big 12 Player of the Year, to a season-low six points on 1-of-8 shooting. On the other side of the stat sheet, guard Jevon Carter scored a season-high 26 points and joins leading scorers Jaysean Paige (14.1) and Devin Williams (12.8) as three of six Mountaineers averaging at least 9.2 points per outing.

ABOUT KANSAS (29-4): The Jayhawks didn’t exactly win going away Friday as Baylor cut a 16-point deficit with 1:51 remaining to three points in the final 10 seconds against the Kansas reserves, giving coach Bill Self something to focus on entering the title tilt. Ellis hit 7-of-15 field goals and all six of his free throws to notch his fourth straight 20-point game and up his team-leading scoring average to 16.7. Guards Frank Mason III (13.4 points), Wayne Selden Jr. (13.1) and Devonte’ Graham (11.2) also are averaging double digits for the Jayhawks, who rank in the top 10 nationally in field-goal (49.4) and 3-point (42.2) percentage.

TRENDS:

* Mountaineers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 vs. Big 12.
* Jayhawks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games.
* Under is 5-1 in Mountaineers last 6 neutral site games.
* Under is 6-1-1 in Jayhawks last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Big East Conference Championship Game Betting Preview

Seton Hall is the only Big East team that defeated Villanova in each of the previous two seasons.

Seton Hall Pirates vs. Villanova Wildcats (-6.5, OFF)

After silencing Providence's two stars Friday, Villanova hopes for a similar defensive effort against the 1-2 punch of Seton Hall. The top-seeded Wildcats try to win the Big East tournament for the second straight year, while the third-seeded Pirates can clinch their first tournament crown since 1993 when the teams meet at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

If there was any doubt of Villanova's status as a No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, the Wildcats erased those concerns by topping Georgetown and Providence in its first two games at this event. Jay Wright's team has won 12 of its last 13 games, most recently an eight-point triumph over the Friars in which Villanova limited Kris Dunn and Ben Bentil to 12 points - 26 below their combined average - on 2-of-13 shooting. "We did the best job we've done, I think, on two great players. That's the best we've done," said Wright, whose team turns its attention to Seton Hall guards Isaiah Whitehead and Khadeen Carrington. The sophomores combined for 43 points in Friday's semifinal upset against second-seeded Xavier as the Pirates continued to enhance a solid NCAA Tournament resume.

TV: 5:30 p.m. ET, FOX

BETTING STATS:

Seton Hall - 24-8 SU, 22-9 ATS, 14-17 O/U
Villanova - 29-4 SU, 15-16-1 ATS, 17-14-1 O/U

POWER RANKINGS: Seton Hall Pirates (-10.7) - Villanova Wildcats (-17.45) = Villanova -6.75

ABOUT SETON HALL (24-8): The Pirates have won 11 of their last 13 games with the only losses in that stretch coming against Butler as they have reached the Big East tournament title game for the first time in 23 years. They were shaky down the stretch Friday but prevailed 87-83 thanks to 23 points from Carrington and 20 from Whitehead, who knocked down three 3-pointers apiece. "I feel like I've got the best two guards. I have total confidence in them. As long as I've got those two knuckleheads on the court, I feel pretty good," said Pirates coach Kevin Willard, whose squad overcame 25 turnovers against Xavier.

ABOUT VILLANOVA (29-4): Versatile forward Kris Jenkins led the way with 21 points against Providence - his 16th double-digit scoring effort in 17 games, a span during which he has made multiple 3-pointers 15 times. Senior center Daniel Ochefu has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury and has played a total of 28 minutes in this tournament, totaling eight points and one rebound. Jenkins and Ochefu are two of the three big men who see significant time for Villanova, which relies on an assortment of guards led by Josh Hart, who registered 15 points and 10 rebounds in each victory against Seton Hall this season.

TRENDS:

* Pirates are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 vs. Big East.
* Wildcats are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
* Over is 5-0 in Pirates last 5 vs. Big East.
* Over is 7-0 in Wildcats last 7 vs. Big East.

Pac-12 Conference Championship Game Betting Preview

Utes coach Larry Krystkowiak is 1-9 against the Ducks over five seasons.

Utah Utes vs. Oregon Ducks (OFF)

Oregon has an eye on the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region, but first the top-seeded Ducks need to get past No. 2 Utah in Saturday’s Pac-12 tournament title game at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Both teams needed overtime in Friday’s semifinals as Oregon defeated fourth-seeded Arizona 95-89 and Utah edged No. 3 seed California 82-78.

The Ducks won the league’s regular-season title after winning 11 of its last 13 games and opened the tournament with an 83-77 victory over No. 8 seed Washington before playing a dominant first half against Arizona and holding on for the victory. While Oregon is playing in the league’s tournament title game for the third time in four seasons, Utah is making its first appearance behind Pac-12 Player of the Year Jakob Poeltl, who had 29 points and 11 rebounds in the semifinal win over Cal. The Utes have won nine straight games and 14 of their last 16, including an 80-72 victory over No. 7 seed USC on Thursday, but have struggled against the Ducks in recent years. Oregon swept the regular-season series and has won six in a row against Utah.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

BETTING STATS:

Utah - 26-7 SU, 16-14-1 ATS, 17-13-1 O/U
Oregon - 26-7 SU, 18-12 ATS, 13-17 O/U

POWER RANKINGS: Utah Utes (-14) - Oregon Ducks (-15.25) = Oregon -1.25

ABOUT UTAH (26-7): Poeltl, a 7-footer looking to become the league’s first player of the year to win the tournament title since UCLA’s Kevin Love in 2008, was held to seven points and seven boards in the Utes’ 77-59 home loss to Oregon on Jan. 14. The sophomore center was limited to 13 points and eight rebounds in a 10-point loss to the Ducks on Feb. 7 as the Utes struggled to contain forward Dillon Brooks, who recorded career highs of 30 points and nine assists. Forward Kyle Kuzma averaged 13 points in the two losses to Oregon and needs another strong outing to help draw attention away from Poeltl.

ABOUT OREGON (27-6): Coach Dana Altman’s squad lost to Arizona by 28 points in last season’s title game but left an impression on Wildcats coach Sean Miller following Friday night’s battle. “I guess everyone has a different opinion but they’re certainly one of college basketball’s best teams,” Miller told reporters. “To me, why they’re so, so good is because of how together they are. And if you add up their individual talent, though they have some tremendous players, their whole becomes greater.” The Ducks have the talent to matchup against Poeltl in the frontcourt, where Brooks is accompanied by seniors Dwayne Benjamin, Elgin Cook and Chris Boucher.

TRENDS:

* Utes are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. Pacific-12.
* Ducks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
* Over is 5-0 in Utes last 5 neutral site games.
* Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.

AAC Tournament Semifinals Betting Preview

Connecticut meets Temple Saturday in the semifinals of the AAC tournament, and the Huskies can thank freshman Jalen Adams for the opportunity - and perhaps a spot in the NCAAs.

Is UConn gearing up to repeat their shocking 2014 performance? The Huskies' thrilling victory over Cincinnati, 104-97 in four overtimes, has them all set up for the ultimate test in their conference, the Temple Owls, in Saturday's semifinal. The second semifinal will feature No. 10 Tulane vs. No. 6 Memphis.

Tournament to be played at Amway Center, Orlando, Florida.

Connecticut Huskies vs. Temple Owls (+2.5, 127.5)

* Connecticut meets Temple on Saturday in the semifinals of the American Athletic Conference tournament in Orlando, Fla., and the Huskies can thank freshman Jalen Adams for the opportunity - and perhaps a spot in the NCAAs. Adams made a game-tying shot from beyond half court at the buzzer to end the third overtime and propel fifth-seeded Connecticut to a 104-97 quarterfinal victory over No. 4 seed Cincinnati on Friday in four extra sessions. Amida Brimah, a 7-0 junior center, averages a team-best 2.6 blocks after recording five Friday and none was bigger than denying Troy Caupain's potential game-winning bucket at the regulation buzzer to force overtime. Daniel Hamilton (12.3 points per game) scored a career-high 32 points while also contributing 12 rebounds and eight assists in a team-high 55 minutes.

* The top-seeded Owls - also believed to be on the NCAA tournament bubble - should be relatively well-rested after easily defeating No. 9 seed USF 79-62 in Friday's first quarterfinal. "We are worried about this tournament and if we win two more games, we know we are in," Temple's Josh Brown told reporters about the NCAAs. The Owls are riding a four-game winning streak and hope their depth proves key as five players scored in double figures against USF. Two were Quenton DeCosey (team-best 15.7 points), who scored 23 in the second meeting against Connecticut, and Obi Enechionyia (11.4 points) - the only other Temple player averaging double figures. Jaylen Bond (team-high 8.2 rebounds) recorded 17 points, eight boards and four steals against USF.

Betting Stats:

Connecticut - 22-10 SU, 14-13-1 ATS, 12-15-1 O/U

Temple - 21-10 SU, 17-12 ATS, 14-14-1 O/U

Trends:

* Huskies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
* Owls are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games.
* Under is 5-0 in Huskies last 5 games after scoring more than 90 points in their previous game.
* Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

Tulane Green Wave vs. Memphis Tigers (OFF)

* Tenth-seeded Tulane will try to repeat its inspired performance against sixth-seeded Memphis in Saturday's American Athletic Conference semifinal at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla. Multiple outlets reported Tulane coach Ed Conroy would be fired after the season during Friday's 72-69 upset of second-seeded Houston. The Green Wave - the first double-digit seed to reach the conference semifinals - rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit and took the lead on a Cameron Reynolds' 3-pointer for the second straight day. Senior guard Louis Dabney (14.6 points) moved into ninth place on the school's all-time scoring list (1,463 points) with 16 against Houston, his 11th straight double-digit scoring game.

* AAC freshman of the year Dedric Lawson recorded his league-best 16th double-double to lead Memphis to its own upset Friday. Lawson (team-high 15.6 points and 9.3 rebounds) has scored in double figures in 10 straight games, recording eight double-doubles during that span. Shaq Goodwin adds 14.9 points and 7.8 rebounds while Ricky Tarrant Jr. - who went 5-of-8 from the 3-point line Friday - adds 12 points. Avery Woodson, who adds 9.6 points, hit two 3-pointers against Tulsa to move into fifth place in Memphis' single-season list with 77 made 3s.

Betting Stats:

Tulane - 12-21 SU, 11-15-1 ATS, 15-12 O/U

Memphis - 18-14 SU, 12-17 ATS, 15-14 O/U

Trends:

* Green Wave are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
* Over is 6-1 in Green Wave last 7 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 neutral site games.

Big Ten Conference Tournament Semifinals Betting Preview

The Boilermakers face another upset-minded team Saturday in the semifinals when they square off with No. 8 seed Michigan.

Michigan shocked No. 1 seeded Indiana in their quarterfinal and will meet another stiff test in the Purdue Boilermakers Saturday. The other semifinal will feature the Michigan St. Spartans, who destroyed Ohio St., against Maryland.

Tournament to be played at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

Michigan Wolverines vs. Purdue Boilermakers (-7.5, 143)

* The Wolverines entered this event very much on the NCAA Tournament bubble, but they strengthened their resume with a 72-70 overtime win against Northwestern in the second round Thursday and again with Friday's thrilling 72-69 victory over top-seeded Indiana. Sophomore Kameron Chatman, who averaged seven minutes and 2.8 points entering Friday's contest, nailed the go-ahead 3-pointer with 0.2 seconds remaining to send Michigan to its sixth conference tournament semifinal appearance. Zak Irvin (11.8 points) poured in a game-high 17 points against the Hoosiers and has led the Wolverines in scoring in each of their three upsets over ranked league opponents this season, including a season-high tying 22 in a 61-56 home victory versus the Boilermakers on Feb. 10.

* Purdue easily squashed its first opponent with a potent mix of dominant inside play and prolific 3-point shooting in its first game of the Big Ten tournament. Buoyed by a combined 37 points and 23 rebounds from its large frontcourt of 7-0 A.J. Hammons, 7-2 reserve Isaac Haas and 6-9 Caleb Swanigan, Purdue drilled a school-tournament record 13 3-pointers in Friday's 89-58 quarterfinal rout of No. 10 Illinois, which edged fifth-seeded Iowa a day earlier. Haas (26.8) and Hammons (24.7) entered Friday ranked first and second, respectively, in the Big Ten in points per 40 minutes and only enhanced those marks on a combined 13-of-15 effort from the field, with Haas tallying 16 points in 18 minutes and Hammons posting 10 points in 17 minutes.

Betting Stats:

Michigan - 22-11 SU, 16-15 ATS, 19-11-1 O/U
Purdue - 25-7 SU, 16-11-1 ATS, 15-13 O/U

Trends:

* Wolverines are 1-6-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
* Boilermakers are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Big Ten.
* Under is 4-1 in Wolverines last 5 games following a straight up win.
* Over is 5-0 in Boilermakers last 5 vs. Big Ten.

Maryland Terrapins vs. Michigan St Spartans (OFF)

* Maryland advanced to the semifinals for the second straight year after holding on for a 97-86 win against No. 11 seed Nebraska Friday. The hot-shooting Terrapins knocked down 13 3-pointers and set a new single-game tournament record for most points and hope to use that momentum to take down the surging Spartans. Jake Layman knocked down six 3-pointers en route to a season-high 26 points as all five starters finished in double figures in the win over Nebraska. Diamond Stone added 23 points and eight rebounds in his first Big Ten Tournament appearance while Melo Trimble scored 16 points to go along with eight assists against the Cornhuskers.

* The Spartans are one of the hottest teams in the nation as they have won 11 of their last 12 games and have beaten Ohio State three times in less than three weeks after cruising past the Buckeyes 81-54 in the quarterfinals Friday. Michigan State has won 10 of its last 12 Big Ten Tournament games, including a 62-58 triumph over Maryland in the semifinal stage last season. Denzel Valentine showed why he was named the Big Ten Player of the Year as he racked up 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in the win over Ohio State. Eron Harris added 12 of his 13 points in the second half while Deyonta Davis added 12 points and seven rebounds against the Buckeyes.

Betting Stats:

Maryland - 25-7 SU, 14-16-1 ATS, 12-18-1 O/U
Michigan St - 27-5 SU, 22-9 ATS, 16-15 O/U

Trends:

* Terrapins are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games.
* Spartans are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 vs. Big Ten.
* Under is 6-0 in Terrapins last 6 games following a ATS win.
* Over is 8-2 in Spartans last 10 vs. Big Ten.

SEC Conference Tournament Semifinals Betting Preview

LSU are still widely considered to be on the wrong side of the bubble despite an 84-75 win over Tennessee Friday night.

The SEC is on to the semifinals with a pair of fantastic matchups Saturday afternoon. No. 1 Texas A&M will take on Ben Simmons and the LSU Tigers in the opening semifinal while No. 2 seed Kentucky will battle No. 6 Georgia.

Tournament to be played at Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN

Louisiana State Tigers vs. Texas A&M Aggies (-7.5, 149)

* A lot would still have to go right for LSU to sneak back into the NCAA Tournament picture, beginning with an upset of top-seeded Texas A&M in the SEC tournament semifinals Saturday. Freshman star Ben Simmons (19.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists) grabs much of the attention, with good reason, but it was fellow freshman Antonio Blakeney (12.8 points) who carried the Tigers with 22 points against Tennessee. Blakeney is one of the players LSU is counting on to step up and fill the void left by Keith Hornsby’s season-ending internal injury, as is Josh Gray (5.4 points), who contributed 11 points in a starting role Friday.

* The Aggies don’t need a strong performance this weekend to punch their ticket, but they have designs on their first conference tournament title since winning the 1987 Southwest Conference tourney. Texas A&M didn’t have an easy time putting away Florida, needing a late 7-0 run to pull away for a 72-66 victory – the Aggies seventh in a row. The Aggies have an impressive freshman of their own in center Tyler Davis (11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds), who collected 15 points and eight rebounds against the Gators. Davis has grown into a nice complement to Texas A&M’s bevy of perimeter scorers, including 6-7 wings Danuel House (15.3 points) and Jalen Jones (15.7 points, 4.8 rebounds), who present matchup problems for most opponents.

Betting Stats:

LSU - 19-13 SU, 11-18 ATS, 13-16 O/U
Texas A&M - 25-7 SU, 14-11-2 ATS, 11-16 O/U

Trends:

* Tigers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win.
* Aggies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. Southeastern.
* Under is 11-1 in Tigers last 12 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Under is 11-1 in Aggies last 12 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Kentucky Wildcats (OFF)

* The sixth-seeded Bulldogs upset No. 3 seed South Carolina 65-64 on Friday when J.J. Frazier tied it with a late basket, and came up with a steal and was fouled with 2.1 seconds left before delivering the winning free throw. The Bulldogs are making their third straight appearance in the semifinals and need to spring an upset to be considered for an NCAA Tournament berth, but will probably have to win the tournament to reach the Big Dance. Frazier, a junior guard, scored 15 of his 20 points in the second half Friday and averages a team-best 16.6 points - 22.9 in his last seven games. Sophomore forward Yante Maten (16.0 points, 8.1 rebounds) recorded 17 points and 12 boards against South Carolina - his 13th consecutive game scoring in double figures.

* Kentucky appears to be peaking at the right time as it meets Georgia on Saturday in the semifinals of the SEC tournament in Nashville, Tenn., and has a hot player on its hands in 6-5 freshman guard Jamal Murray. The second-seeded Wildcats crushed No. 10 seed Alabama in Friday's quarterfinals behind 23 points from Murray, who has scored at least 21 points in 11 consecutive games - averaging 25.2 during that span to raise his season number to 20.1 points per game. The Wildcats do not possess the depth of last season's team that nearly went undefeated but remain potent with players such as 5-9 sophomore guard Tyler Ulis (16.6 points, 7.3 assists), the SEC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

Betting Stats:

Georgia - 19-12 SU, 18-13 ATS, 17-14 O/U
Kentucky - 24-8 SU, 16-16 ATS, 17-14-1 O/U

Trends:

* Bulldogs are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
* Wildcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Southeastern.
* Over is 6-1 in Bulldogs last 7 vs. Southeastern.
* Over is 4-1 in Wildcats last 5 neutral site games.

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Saturday's NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 3/12

Saturday's NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 3/12

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