2016 wnba thread news notes picks !

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Sunday, September 11


Chicago @ Connecticut

Game 601-602
September 11, 2016 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
108.266
Connecticut
115.432
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Connecticut
by 7
164
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Connecticut
Pick
170 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Connecticut
Under

Indiana @ Washington

Game 603-604
September 11, 2016 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
110.124
Washington
113.135
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 3
167
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
Pick
162
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
Over

Minnesota @ San Antonio

Game 605-606
September 11, 2016 @ 4:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
113.351
San Antonio
103.911
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 9 1/2
159
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 13
155
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(+13); Over

New York @ Dallas

Game 607-608
September 11, 2016 @ 4:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
107.911
Dallas
107.114
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York
by 1
162
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York
by 2 1/2
169 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+2 1/2); Under

Atlanta @ Phoenix

Game 609-610
September 11, 2016 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
110.659
Phoenix
112.104
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Phoenix
by 1 1/2
160
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 6 1/2
168 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+6 1/2); Under

Los Angeles @ Seattle

Game 611-612
September 11, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
111.328
Seattle
118.018
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 6 1/2
154
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles
by 2 1/2
160 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+2 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

WLT PCT UNITS

ATS Picks 82-79-3 50.93% -2450

O/U Picks 82-82-0 50.00% -4100


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CHI at CONN 01:00 PM

CHI -1.0

U 170.5


IND at WAS 04:00 PM

IND +1.0

O 161.5


NY at DAL 04:30 PM

NY -2.5

O 168.5


MIN at SA 04:30 PM

MIN -13.0

U 155.0

ATL at PHO 06:00 PM

PHO -6.5

O 168.5


LA at SEA 07:00 PM

SEA +2.5

O 160.5

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA Capsules
September 11, 2016

SEATTLE (AP) Breanna Stewart had 20 points and eight rebounds to help the Seattle Storm secure a playoff spot with a 78-60 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday night.

The Storm led 49-27 at halftime behind double-digit scoring by Stewart, Sue Bird and Jewell Loyd. Eighth-ranked Seattle started the second half on a 7-2 run, capped by Stewart's 3-pointer, to extend its lead to 27 points and the Storm cruised to their first playoff berth since 2013.

Los Angeles, which already had a double-bye in the playoffs, rested starters Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver.

Crystal Langhorne added 15 points and 10 rebounds as all five starters scored in double figures for Seattle (15-17). Alysha Clark scored 15 points, Bird had 12 points and Loyd added 10 for the Storm, who won their fourth straight. Seattle was 18 of 18 from the free-throw line.

Candace Parker had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Chelsea Gray, making her first career start, added 13 points for Los Angeles (24-8). The second-ranked Sparks lost their third game in a row for the first time this season.

MERCURY 86, DREAM 75

PHOENIX (AP) - Brittney Griner had 21 points, nine rebounds and five blocks to help the Mercury beat the Dream.

The Mercury need either one more victory or a loss by Washington to clinch a postseason berth.

Phoenix (14-17), ranked No. 6 in the AP power poll, never trailed and took control during the second quarter with an 18-0 run that made it 47-29 with 1:25 left in the half.

Fifth-ranked Atlanta (16-15) got back to 53-46, but the Mercury rebuilt their lead to 18 at 72-54 and went unchallenged through the fourth quarter.

Tiffany Hayes had 22 points and Bria Holmes added 14 for the Dream, who fell into a three-way tie for fourth place with Indiana and Chicago.

LYNX 81, STARS 76

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Seimone Augustus scored 20, Maya Moore had 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and the Lynx beat the Stars.

Augustus put the Lynx ahead for good with 45 seconds left on a jumper from the right wing and made both free throws to extend the lead to 79-76 with 23.2 seconds left.

Minnesota clinched homecourt throughout the playoffs with Los Angeles' loss to Seattle later Sunday.

Rebekkah Brunson iced it with two more free throws at 10.8 seconds and the top-ranked Lynx (26-5) won their fifth straight and 11th of the last 12. Brunson finished with eight points and 11 rebounds for the top-ranked Lynx.

The last-place Stars (6-25) never trailed by more than 10 but took their first lead of the game at 73-71 with 4:58 left when Moriah Jefferson's layup capped an 11-0 run.

Jefferson had 26 points and eight rebounds, Monique Currie scored 18 and Astou Ndour added 14 for the Stars.

WINGS 84, LIBERTY 81

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Skylar Diggins' driving layup gave Dallas a four-point lead with 14.9 seconds left and the Wings held on to beat the Liberty.

Sugar Rodgers hit a deep 3 with 5.6 seconds left that pulled the Liberty back within one. Diggins then made both free throws and Rodgers missed a difficult 3-point attempt from the baseline as time ran out.

Karima Christmas had 23 points, Aerial Powers added 15 and Courtney Paris scored 13 for 11th-ranked Dallas (11-21).

Tina Charles had 29 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks for third-ranked New York (21-11). Rodgers scored 15 and Carolyn Swords added 14.

FEVER 80, MYSTICS 73

WASHINGTON (AP) - Erica Wheeler scored nine of her 17 points in the final 2:17 to help the Fever pull away from the Mystics and clinch a playoff berth.

Wheeler's 3-pointer with 2:17 left gave the Fever (16-15) the lead for good at 72-69 and sparked an 11-4 run in which she made all six free-throw attempts to secure the victory. Indiana is currently in the fifth playoff spot, holding the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Chicago Sky (16-15).

Lynetta Kizer added 17 points, Briann January had 15 and Shenise Johnson scored 12 for the seventh-ranked Fever.

Emma Meesseman had 19 points, Tayler Hill scored 15 and Kia Vaughn added 12 for the No. 10 Mystics (12-19), who are one spot out of the playoffs.

Washington led by seven early in the third quarter before the Fever scored 10 straight and it went back-and-forth from there.

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SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2016
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Indiana Fever Connecticut Sun Mohegan Sun Arena
7:00 PM San Antonio Stars Atlanta Dream Philips Arena
7:00 PM Washington Mystics New York Liberty Madison Square Garden
8:00 PM Minnesota Lynx Chicago Sky Allstate Arena
10:30 PM Phoenix Mercury Los Angeles Sparks Staples Center


SCHEDULE FOR THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2016
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Washington Mystics Atlanta Dream Philips Arena
10:00 PM Seattle Storm Phoenix Mercury Talking Stick Resort Arena


SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2016
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Dallas Wings Connecticut Sun Mohegan Sun Arena
7:00 PM Minnesota Lynx Indiana Fever Bankers Life Fieldhouse
8:30 PM New York Liberty Chicago Sky Allstate Arena
10:30 PM San Antonio Stars Los Angeles Sparks Staples Center


SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2016
Time (ET) Away Home Site
8:00 PM Atlanta Dream Minnesota Lynx Target Center


SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2016
Time (ET) Away Home Site
4:00 PM Connecticut Sun Washington Mystics Verizon Center
4:00 PM Dallas Wings Indiana Fever Bankers Life Fieldhouse
4:30 PM Phoenix Mercury San Antonio Stars Freeman Coliseum
7:00 PM Chicago Sky Seattle Storm KeyArena


Updated Mon Sep 12 1:04 AM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Betting Recap - Week 2
September 11, 2016


Overall Notes

COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 2 RESULTS

WAGER Favorites-Underdogs

Straight Up 64-10

Against the Spread 39-33-1

WAGER Home-Away

Straight Up 61-12

Against the Spread 36-35-1

WAGER Totals (O/U)

Over-Under 37-34


WAGER Favorites-Underdogs

Straight Up (neutral site) 1-0

Against the Spread (neutral site) 1-0

Over-Under (neutral site) 1-0


The largest underdogs to win straight up

Central Michigan (+18, +650 ML) at Oklahoma State, 30-27

Illinois State (+12, +400 ML) at Northwestern, 9-7

North Carolina A&T (+11.5, +350 ML) at Kent State, 39-36 (OT)


The largest favorites to cover

Texas A&M (-49) vs. Prairie View A&M, 67-0

Colorado (-45.5) vs. Idaho State, 56-7

Marshall (-42.5) vs. Morgan State, 62-0

Top 25 Notes

-- The second full weekend of college football still left a lot of questions and not many answers for some of the top teams in the nation. Clemson was in the national title game last season, but so far they have looked anything but championship caliber through two games. The Tigers barely topped Troy despite entering as 34 1/2-point favorites. While the Tigers are 2-0 SU, they are 0-2 ATS and have won each of their games by an average of 6.0 points per contest. ... Ranked teams managed a 22-2 SU and 14-10 ATS mark in Week 2, with Oklahoma State and Texas Christian suffering defeats. The Cowboys lost in controversial fashion, as referees incorrectly gave Central Michigan the ball for an untimed down after OK State was called for intentional grounding on fourth down. The game should have been over, but the Chippewas had a Hail Mary and while falling to the ground, the receiver lateraled to another player who took it in for the winning score. Miraculous, yes, especially if you took the Chips on the moneyline (+650), but tremendously controversial. ... Georgia nearly joined OK State and TCU in the loser's lounge, narrowly escaping a monumental upset at the hands of FCS Nicholls State. The Bulldogs entered as a 52 1/2-point favorite, but they ended up winning just 26-24.

-- Ohio State and Michigan have a long way to go until their season-ending battle, but they have each looked like playoff-caliber teams during the early going. The Buckeyes thrashed a high-octane Tulsa team by a 48-3 score even after a sluggish start. Through two games the Buckeyes have outscored a pair of FBS opponents by a total of 125-13. The Wolverines took care of UCF rather handily, 51-14, covering a big number for the second consecutive week. Michigan is averaging 57.0 points per game while allowing just 8.5. They figure to get a much bigger test next week at home against Colorado, while Ohio State will have its hands full in a marquee road game at Oklahoma.

-- Houston and Texas had huge wins last week, and they had no letdown falling those big victories. The Cougars punished FCS Lamar by a 42-0 count, just narrowly missing the cover as a 42 1/2-point favorite. The Longhorns posted a 41-7 win over Texas-El Paso to move to 2-0 SU/ATS on the season. Texas has another big game at California, the start of a three-game road trip which also includes stops at Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

-- Another team on the rise, Louisville looks for real, and QB Lamar Jackson has thrown his name into the early Heisman talk following his two giant games to start. The Cardinals punished Syracuse in a 62-28 road win, using a 20-0 fourth quarter to pull away for the cover. The Cardinals are 2-0 SU/ATS heading into their clash next week against Florida State.

Big Five Conference Report (ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC)

-- The ACC did not have a good day. North Carolina State kicked off the day with a loss at East Carolina, as the Pirates improved to 7-0 in their past seven against the ACC, and 6-0 ATS in their past six. As mentioned, Clemson almost suffered a catastrophic loss, but managed to survive. ... The same cannot be said for Virginia Tech, as they slipped up at Tennessee in the Battle at Bristol Motor Speedway. ... Virginia continues to look lost, slipped to 0-2 SU, falling at Oregon, 44-26. ... The biggest surprise might be out of Winston-Salem, as head coach Dave Clawson has Wake Forest at 2-0 SU/1-1 ATS after their road win at Duke.

-- Like the ACC, it was a difficult weekend for the Big Ten, too. Illinois and Purdue suffered home losses against non-conference foes, while Penn State was dumped at Pittsburgh in a renewal of that rivalry after a 16-year hiatus. There was also a bad beat in that game (see below). ... But the most embarrassing loss for the conference came in Evanston, Ill., as Northwestern was stunned at home against FCS Illinois State, losing 9-7. The Wildcats are now 0-2 SU/ATS with both losses at home. They'll look to get things right next weekend in the Brain Bowl against Duke.

-- Iowa State is off to a horrific start, slipping to 0-2 SU/ATS following a second straight loss to an in-state rival. Last week it was a setback against FCS Northern Iowa, and this week they were annihilated by Iowa by a 42-3 count. Next week, they travel to face an angry TCU in their conference opener. ... Kansas felt good last weekend following a win, but Saturday showed they have plenty of work left to be done. They fell 37-21 against Ohio to slip to 1-1 SU/ATS.

-- The most insane game of the day came from a Big 12-Pac-12 battle, as Arizona State topped Texas Tech by 68-55 score in regulation, easily going 'over' the 80-point total. Sun Devills RB Kalen Ballage tied an NCAA record with eight total touchdowns (seven rushing, one receiving), matching an FBS record for touchdowns against a major college opponent. The Sun Devils are now 2-0 SU/ATS, averaging 56.0 points per game through two outings. ... Colorado looks to be rather dangerous this season, moving to 2-0 SU/ATS with a 56-7 win over FCS Idaho State. The Buffaloes are averaging 50.0 PPG while allowing just 7.0 PPG. Those averages figure to change dramatically with a big measuring-stick game at Michigan next weekend followed by a trip to Oregon.

-- Mississippi State bounced back from an embarrassing home loss last weekend by throttling South Carolina to kick off conference play. Vanderbilt moved to 1-1 SU/ATS with an impressive win over Middle Tennessee by a 47-24 score. ... Florida was awfully sluggish in its opener, but offense wasn't a problem in a thrashing of Kentucky, 45-7. Kentucky has allowed 44.5 points per game in two losses, both 'over' results. ... Auburn rebounded for its disappointing narrow loss to Clemson last week by pounding Arkansas State by a 51-14 margin. The Tigers are 1-1 SU/2-0 ATS on the season. They will host Texas A&M next weekend. The Aggies paddled FCS Prairie View A&M 67-0, improving to 2-0 SU/ATS.


Mid-Major Report

-- Cincinnati won its first road game against a current Big Ten opponent since 1957, toppling Purdue by a 38-20 count. The Bearcats were much more impressive than they were a week ago against FCS Tennessee-Martin. ... Connecticut caught a break with Navy forced to use a backup quarterback. However the Middies still got it done, winning 28-24. The Huskies fell to 1-1 SU and 0-2 ATS. They'll host equally disappointing Virginia next weekend. Tulane rebounded from a road loss to spank FCS Southern University by a 66-21 score. The Green Wave improved to 2-0 ATS on the season with the whitewash.

-- Conference USA had a rough week, as its league members posted just five wins in 13 games. Rice is off to an ugly start, slipping to 0-2 SU/ATS with a road loss at Army. The Black Knights won just two games a season ago, but they're now 2-0 SU/ATS. ... Appalachian State roughed up Old Dominion 31-7, as the Monarchs struggled in the mountains after polishing off an FCS team last week. The Mountaineers of the Sun Belt are now 1-1 SU and 2-0 ATS. ... Texas-San Antonio narrowly missed out on a cover in a 23-14 setback at Colorado State. The Roadeunners are now 1-1 SU/0-2 ATS heading into next week's tilt with high-octane Arizona State.

-- The MAC had a banner week. Not only did Central Michigan make highlight reels on every national sports show while also setting Twitter ablaze, but Ohio made the MAC 2-0 SU/ATS against the Big 12 with their win at Kansas. ... It wasn't all great for the MAC, as Kent State slipped up at home to FCS North Carolina A&T, as the Golden Flashes slipped to 0-2 SU/1-1 ATS. ... Northern Illinois is off to an uncharacteristically poor start, as they lost in Wyoming in Week 1 and were slaughtered 48-17 in the heat at South Florida this week. NIU has allowed 44.0 points per game through two outings, and it's no surprise the 'over' is 2-0 in two games for the Huskies.

-- San Diego State posted a 45-40 win over California, moving to 2-0 SU but 0-1-1 ATS. ... Boise State held off Washington State, 31-28, improving to 2-0 SU but falling to 1-1 ATS. The Cougars slipped to 0-2 SU, but they were able to earn their first cover of the season. ... Hawaii scored its first win of the season, polishing off Tennessee-Martin 41-36. The Warriors are just 1-2 ATS on the season and the 'over' is a perfect 3-0. The Warriors defense has been terrible, allowing at least 36 points in each game, averaging 50.0 PPG allowed this season.

Bad Beats

-- Oregon bettors thought they caught a break with :40 remaining against Virginia. The Ducks ripped off a long touchdown run for what looked to be a miraculous cover, but a late flag came in for holding to wipe out the good feeling. The Ducks are now 0-2 ATS on the season.

-- If you were holding an 'under' (57.5) ticket in the Arkansas-TCU game, things were looking good at halftime with just 13 total points. There was a total of just 27 points through thee quarters, too. Arkansas scored a touchdown in the final minute to close to within 28-26. They ended up going for two, and converted on a trick play to force overtime. While 'over' bettors could not believe their good fortune, 'under' bettors were left shaking their heads.

-- If you were laying 3 1/2 points with Pittsburgh, things were looking good when it was 28-7 near the end of the first half. Things were loooking good midway through the fourth quarter, too, at 42-31. However, with 5:00 to go, Penn State found the end zone and they converted the 2-point conversion to cut the lead to three and end up with the backdoor cover.

-- Florida Atlantic did a good job covering a 25-point number for the entire game at Miami-Florida. With exactly 1:00 remaining, rather than going into victory formation, the Hurricanes punched a late score in to take a 38-10 lead and send FAU side bettors into an expletive-filled rant. The Owls slipped to 0-2 ATS on the season.

-- 'Over' (43) bettors thought they were in good shape in Brigham Young-Utah, but the Cougars elected to go for two rather than send the Holy War to overtime.

[StarDust Bum]

Oklahoma St. out of AP Top 25 after loss
September 11, 2016

Oklahoma State dropped out of The Associated college football poll after a controversial loss, and Georgia and Clemson fell after close calls against lightly regarded opposition.

Alabama is still No. 1, receiving 56 out of 61 first-place votes Sunday. No. 2 Florida State, No. 3 Ohio State and No. 4 Michigan all moved up one spot. The Seminoles got four first-place votes and Michigan received one.

Clemson fell from second to fifth after a four-point win against Troy. No. 16 Georgia dropped seven spots after beating FCS Nicholls by two.

Oklahoma State was ranked 22nd when it lost 30-27 to Central Michigan on a final play touchdown Saturday. Officials admitted after the game they misinterpreted a rule, and the play should not have been granted. The Cowboys were three-touchdown favorites against Central Michigan.

---

POLL POINTS

UP

- No. 10 Louisville is in the top 10 for the first time since October 2013. Just in time to host one of the biggest games in school history. Florida State plays at Louisville on Saturday.

IN

- No. 24 Arkansas is ranked for the first time this season after beating TCU on the road 41-38 in double overtime. The Razorbacks are ranked for the first time since early last season.

- No. 23 Florida is back in the rankings after slipping out after the opening weekend.

OUT

- TCU is unranked for the first time since September 2014.

CONFERENCE CALL

The Southeastern Conference has eight teams ranked in one regular-season poll for the eighth time. The record is 10, held by the SEC.

Big Ten - 5

ACC - 4

Pac-12 - 3

Big 12 - 3

American - 1

Independent - 1


RANKED VS. RANKED

Loaded first weekend. No ranked matchups in week two. Week three is loaded again.

No. 1 Alabama at No. 19 Mississippi. Rebels have two straight wins against the Crimson Tide.

No. 2 Florida State at No. 10 Louisville. Can the Seminoles slow Cardinals QB Lamar Jackson?

No. 3 Ohio State at No. 14 Oklahoma. The Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the AP all-time rankings.

No. 12 Michigan State at No. 18 Notre Dame. Regular rivals who have not met since 2013.

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA BEST BETS RECORD

09/11 RESULTS: 5 - 7

WLT PCT UNITS

ATS Picks 85-81-3 51.20% -2050

O/U Picks 82-87-0 48.52% -6850

[StarDust Bum]

One week left, playoff picture is clearer
September 12, 2016

NEW YORK (AP) With one week left in the WNBA season, the playoff picture has become a bit clearer. At least as far as who will be playing in the postseason.

Where teams will be seeded, that's still is a bit blurry after the top three.

Chicago, Indiana, Atlanta and Seattle all clinched playoff spots Sunday leaving only one berth undetermined.

''It means a great deal especially because we got eliminated in the first round last year and that has been in the back of our heads, and we really want to make an impact this year in the playoffs,'' Chicago guard Cappie Pondexter said.

The Sky won without star Elena Delle Donne, who has been sidelined with a thumb injury the past two games.

Phoenix holds a two-game lead on Washington for the final spot and the Mercury need just one win or a loss by the Mystics to secure a place in the postseason. Atlanta clinched a spot despite losing to the Mercury on Sunday.

''Our season has been one of ups and downs. I thought we started the season off right and then we went on a six-game slide, but I think we've done a good job of recuperating and getting into this position,'' Dream coach Michael Cooper said. ''Our goal right now to finish out the last three games is to get that fourth playoff spot and kind of stay there, because again, we could use the rest. But whatever the basketball gods have for us, we're ready, committed, and we're going to make a good run.''

Atlanta, Chicago and Indiana are tied for fourth. Whichever team finishes in that spot will get a first-round bye.

The Fever reached the postseason for the 12th straight year. It's the third longest active streak in American professional sports. While it seems that Indiana is a lock to make the playoffs every year, the Storm qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2013.

''It feels good. You can feel in the locker room there already is a bit of a buzz,'' Storm guard Sue Bird said. ''It's not easy at times to make the playoffs in this league and for awhile, I think our franchise even took it for granted because making the playoffs was the expectation. To not get in there the last couple of years and to finally get back feels really good.''

While fourth through eighth is still to be determined, the top three seeds are set. Minnesota clinched home-court advantage throughout the playoffs with a victory over San Antonio and a loss by Los Angeles to Seattle.

''We are pleased to have finished No. 1 overall in this very tough and balanced league,'' Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said. ''Our success this season is a testament to our team's strong leadership as well as the selfless nature of every single one of our players. Together we have been able to overcome the many challenges of the regular season. Ultimately, while pleased, we also know we have work to do to find success in the playoffs.''

Los Angeles will be the No. 2 seed and New York the 3. With the new playoff format, the Lynx and Sparks have byes until the semifinals.

[StarDust Bum]

Standings

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Conf. Last 10 Streak

New York Liberty 21 11 0.656 0 10-6 11-5 11-3 5-5 L-1

Indiana Fever 16 15 0.516 4 7-8 9-7 8-7 7-3 W-3

Atlanta Dream 16 15 0.516 4 10-5 6-10 8-7 5-5 L-1

Chicago Sky 16 15 0.516 4 9-6 7-9 7-8 7-3 W-1

Washington Mystics 12 19 0.387 8 5-11 7-8 7-6 3-7 L-2

Connecticut Sun 11 20 0.355 9 6-9 5-11 2-12 5-5 L-3


WESTERN CONFERENCE

Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Conf. Last 10 Streak

Minnesota Lynx 26 5 0.839 0 14-2 12-3 15-1 9-1 W-5

Los Angeles Sparks 24 8 0.750 2 12-3 12-5 9-5 4-6 L-3

Seattle Storm 15 17 0.469 11 9-7 6-10 7-8 7-3 W-4

Phoenix Mercury 14 17 0.452 12 10-6 4-11 4-9 6-4 W-1

Dallas Wings 11 21 0.344 15 6-11 5-10 8-8 2-8 W-2

San Antonio Stars 6 25 0.194 20 4-12 2-13 1-13 1-9 L-6


Updated Mon Sep 12 12:08 PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday’s six-pack

Six interesting games on this weekend’s football slate……..

— Florida State (-2.5) @ Louisville– Big early game in the ACC.

— Oregon @ Nebraska (-3)– Huskers’ coach Riley used to work at Oregon State, the Ducks’ arch-rival.

— UCLA (-3) @ BYU– Cougars are already 2-0 against Pac-12.

— Pitt @ Oklahoma State (-6.5)– Cowboys need to bounce back.

— Ohio State (-2) @ Oklahoma– Sooners as a home dog?

— Alabama (-10.5) @ Ole Miss– Big early game in SEC.


Tuesday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but……….

13) Steelers 38, Redskins 16– Washington had their chances to grab decent-sized lead in first half, but they failed in red zone, then messed up couple chances to get turnovers in Pitt territory. Steelers pulled away late as Big Ben dominated Redskin defense with his decision-making.

12) 49ers 28, Rams 0– Never thought the A’s would score more than the Rams last night. Worst-case scenario for LA, just an awful effort here; they play Seattle and Arizona in next three weeks, so it ain’t gonna get any easier. Good debut for Chip Kelly with the 49ers.

11) Oakland Raiders went for 2 points and the win at the end of their game Sunday, just like BYU did at Utah Saturday night; Raiders made it, BYU didn’t. Either way, I am adamant that this is a bad play, unless you have a great running QB. I’d much rather tie the game and keep playing.

10) Arnold Palmer turned 87 last week; the most popular golfer ever. I have one good Arnold Palmer story……..

20 years ago I used to coach Little League in a wealthy suburb; questionable move on my part, but one year, I had an assistant coach who is an avid golfer. Smart guy, great job, but he didn’t like me much, didn’t like my coaching style (very laid back), so we didn’t talk much.

Near the end of the season, Arnold Palmer came into town for a charity event; my assistant was on the committee at his country club, so he wasn’t around for a couple days. The next time he was at practice after the event, I asked him how his day with Arnold Palmer was.

Now this was a very educated, smart guy who was rarely enthusiastic about much, at least around me; he looked at me, his eyes lit up and he said, “It was the greatest day of my life.”

That’s all you need to know about Arnold Palmer’s effect on people.

9) Hey if you’re in the Miami area, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat’s D-League team, is having a tryout on September 25 at a high school in the Miami area. Only costs $150 to try out. Of course, if you made the team, you get to spend the winter in North Dakota, not sure that’s a good deal or not. Probably not.

8) Did you know they have fantasy camp for musicians? Saw a friend of mine post a picture on Facebook of his brother jamming with a guitarist who had been part of the Eagles. I guess if you have some musical talent, that would be a very cool thing to do.

7) Arizona State 68, Texas Tech 55– Kid on ASU, Kalen Ballage, scored 8 touchdowns Saturday night!!!! Tremendous night for him, seven on the ground, one thru the air.

Steeler WR Antonio Brown’s dad Eddie was an Arena Football star here in Albany; he scored nine TDs in a game once– that was amazing to see, but to get eight in a college game, against a real opponent on a 100-yard field, that is very special.

6) Speaking of Antonio Brown, USA Today ran an article recently where the title was “3 years ago he was a junkie. Now he’s Antonio Brown’s chef.” I’m sure the Steelers front office just loved that story.

5) If someone asks you, the NHL team that has appeared in the most shootouts in one season? The 2013-14 Washington Caps (21).

4) Golfer Dustin Johnson’s grandfather is in the U of South Carolina Hall of Fame as a basketball player.

3) All three service academies are 2-0 in football this month; last time that happened was 1996.

2) Can you imagine how bad the traffic jam was getting out of Bristol Motor Speedway after the Va Tech-Tennessee football game Saturday? 150,000 people leaving at once, of course, once they got to the highway, half went east, half went west, maybe that made the traffic a little better.

1– Miami Marlins have a strict no-beard policy, for some odd reason. Pitcher Andrew Cashner had a thick beard but had to shave it when the Padres traded him to the Fish. Cashner is a free agent after the season; he has pitched well since being traded to Miami, but has said he might not consider signing with them this winter because he wants to grow his beard back.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mystics (12-19) at Liberty (21-11)
Date: September 13, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Washington Mystics are facing a must-win situation as they prepare to visit the New York Liberty on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

New York (21-11) is leading the WNBA's Eastern Conference, 4 1/2 games ahead of the Indiana Fever. With two games remaining in the regular season, the Liberty are locked into the third seed for the playoffs.

Washington (12-19) is fifth in the Eastern Conference, 8 1/2 games behind New York and two games behind the Phoenix Mercury for the final playoff spot.

The Mystics have lost two in a row, four of their last six and 11 of their last 14. One more Washington loss or one win by Phoenix would eliminate the Mystics from playoff contention.

Washington has three games remaining in the regular season. The Mystics will visit Atlanta on Thursday before concluding their regular-season schedule at home against Connecticut on Sunday.

Phoenix has games remaining against the Los Angeles Sparks, the Seattle Storm and the San Antonio Stars. Phoenix beat Washington in each of their three meetings this season and would hold the tiebreaker should they finish with identical records.

New York has lost two of its last three and three of six since the Olympic break. The Liberty are coming off an 84-81 loss to the Dallas Wings. New York trailed by 22 points before storming back to get within two in the waning moments. Tina Charles had 29 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots in the loss, her league-leading 19th double-double of the season.

Washington is coming off an 80-73 loss to Indiana. Emma Meesseman scored 19 points for the Mystics. Tayler Hill added 15 points and Kia Vaughn came off the bench to score 12.

Hill is leading the Mystics in scoring at 15.7 points per game. Meesseman averages 15.2 points per game.

Charles now leads the WNBA in scoring and rebounding, averaging 21.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. Sugar Rodgers averages 14.8 points.


WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 20, 2016 Score ATS Results
NEW « 88 Cover: 3.5
WAS 81 Over: 169

May 14, 2016 Score ATS Results
NEW « 87 Cover: 8.5
WAS 76 Over: 163
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Fever (16-15) at Sun (11-20)
Date: September 13, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Indiana can breathe a sigh of relief.

On Sunday, the Fever (16-15) clinched a berth in the WNBA playoffs for a record 12th consecutive season and currently they have control of the fourth seed thanks to tiebreakers with Chicago and Atlanta, who both are 16-15.

Connecticut, despite an unlikely late-season push, lost to Chicago on Sunday and was eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth straight season.

Now, as the season winds down, the pressure will be all on the Fever to maintain their seeding and a first-round bye in the playoffs.

The Sun, on the other hand, can start building for the future when the two teams collide at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The Fever have had little time to celebrate after securing their playoff berth on Sunday. Thanks to Erica Wheeler's 17 points, Indiana was able to come from behind to beat the Washington Mystics at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

But now the focus is hanging on to the fourth seed.

Tamika Catchings, in her final season, leads a balanced scoring attack at 12.5 points per game. Eight other players average between 7.8 and 9.8 points per game.

For the Sun, four players average in double figures. Alex Bentley paces the way at 13.2 points per game and Chiney Ogwumike is good for 12.6 points and 6.5 boards a game.

The Fever (16-15) already have won once in Uncasville this year. On June 5, Tiffany Mitchell poured in 21 points and Indiana withstood a Connecticut rally to defeat the Sun, 88-77.

The Sun returned the favor on July 13 with an 86-64 road win in Indiana. The Sun opened up a 17-point lead in the second quarter and Ogwumike and Alyssa Thomas combined for 34 points in the win.

WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 13, 2016 Score ATS Results
CONN « 86 Cover: 30
IND 64 Under: 150
Tools: Recaps

Jun 5, 2016 Score ATS Results
IND « 88 Cover: 5
CONN 77 Over: 165
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Stars (6-25) at Dream (16-15)
Date: September 13, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Atlanta Dream can't control its own destiny in the hunt for the fourth seed in the WNBA Playoffs, but it certainly can't afford to lose focus and slip down the standings with just two games to play in the regular season.

The Dream's first order of business is to win on Tuesday against the San Antonio Stars at Philips Arena in Atlanta.

San Antonio has already secured the league's worst record and has been eliminated from the postseason for weeks.

However, the Stars aren't playing like also-rans. They gave the Minnesota Lynx, the top-seed in the playoffs, a scare on Sunday before coming up short in an 81-76 defeat. Moriah Jefferson, the Stars' second-leading scorer averaging 13.5 points per game, put up 26 points and eight assists in the losing effort.

Atlanta (16-15) is tied for fourth place in the Eastern Conference with the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky, but would have to settle for fifth place because the Fever owns tiebreakers against both the Dream and the Sky.

Why is the fourth seed so important? The top four teams earn first round byes in the playoffs while the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth finishers will have to play each other in a one-game elimination round.

The Dream will be without Angel McCoughtry, its leading scorer, on Tuesday. McCoughtry was suspended by the WNBA on Monday for one game after receiving her seventh technical foul of the season.

McCoughtry, who is averaging 19.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, picked up her sixth and seventh technicals with 3:13 remaining in the second quarter during Atlanta's 86-75 loss Sunday at the Phoenix Mercury. Tiffany Hayes scored 22 points in the defeat for Atlanta.

San Antonio (6-25) has lost six straight games and nine of its last 10. The Stars have won just once in the eight games they've played since the WNBA's month-long break for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

The Dream and Stars split their first two meetings this season, both in San Antonio, as the Dream won 73-63 in overtime in the season opener on May 14 and lost to the Stars 73-69 on June 25.


WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jun 25, 2016 Score ATS Results
ATL 69 Under: 142
SA « 73 Cover: 9
Tools: Recaps

May 14, 2016 Score ATS Results
ATL « 73 Cover: 3
SA 63 Under: 136
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Lynx (26-5) at Sky (16-15)
Date: September 13, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

Minnesota has locked up the best record in the WNBA, which means the top seed and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Lynx (26-5) will be spending the final week of the season fine-tuning their game with the hope of making a deep run in the postseason.

Chicago also has secured a spot in the postseason, but their future is much more uncertain. The Sky, the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream are tied at 16-15 and the three are fighting for the fourth seed and a bye in the first round.

The Sky can stay alive for that elusive fourth seed with a win over the Lynx when the two meet Tuesday night at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.

But the task, which normally would be challenging, became much more difficult during the past week for the Sky, who will be without reigning league MVP forward Elena Delle Donne.

The league's second leading scorer and Chicago's MVP candidate will undergo surgery on her right thumb hours before Tuesday's game.

The Sky don't know how long Delle Donne will be out.

Delle Donne, who averages 21.5 points per game as well as 7.0 rebounds, was injured in a Sept. 7 game against Washington.

Chicago will need more from Cappie Pondexter, who scored 24 in Sunday's playoff-clinching win. Guard Allie Quigley showed she too is up to the task of filling the basket as she tossed in 18 against Connecticut.

One thing the Sky can count on: The Lynx won't take them lightly even though Delle Donne is out. The Lynx learned a lesson on Sunday when they might have been looking past San Antonio.

The Stars, with the worst record in the league, took the Lynx down to the wire before losing. Seimone Augustus rescued the Lynx from an embarrassing loss.

Without Delle Donne in the lineup, Maya Moore, Augustus and Sylvia Fowles will be hard to stop.

The Lynx got the best of the Sky on July 5 when Moore outdueled Delle Donne. Moore connected on six 3-pointers and scored 33 points in an 87-82 win.

Delle Donne scored 38 in the loss.

On May 18, the Lynx beat the Sky 97-80. Fowles scored 24 points to lead Minnesota and Delle Donne had 28 in a losing effort.


WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 5, 2016 Score ATS Results
CHI 82 Cover: 5.5
MIN « 87 Over: 169
Tools: Recaps

May 18, 2016 Score ATS Results
MIN « 97 Cover: 13.5
CHI 80 Over: 177
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mercury (14-17) at Sparks (24-8)
Date: September 13, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

The Phoenix Mercury can clinch a WNBA playoff berth with a win over the sputtering Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles (24-8) is second in the WNBA's Western Conference, 2 1/2 games behind the first-place Minnesota Lynx. The Sparks have lost three in a row and five of eight since the Olympic break after going 21-3 before the break.

Despite their recent struggles, the Sparks are locked into the No. 2 seed in the playoffs with two games remaining on their regular-season schedule. They will conclude the regular season at home against the San Antonio Stars on Friday.

Phoenix (14-17) is fourth in the Western Conference, a half-game behind the third-place Seattle Storm and two games ahead of the Washington Mystics for the WNBA's final playoff spot. The Mercury needs one more win or a Washington loss to secure their place in the postseason.

Phoenix has three games remaining in the regular season. The Mercury will play host to Seattle on Thursday before concluding its regular-season schedule on the road against San Antonio on Sunday.

The Mercury swept the season series against Washington this season and would hold the tiebreaker advantage if they finish with identical records.

Los Angeles is coming off a 78-60 loss to Seattle. The Sparks elected to rest starters Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver. Candace Parker had 20 points and 10 rebounds and Chelsea Gray added 13 points.

Phoenix is coming off an 86-75 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Brittney Griner had 21 points, nine rebounds and five blocked shots. Diana Taurasi added 17 points.

Los Angeles and Phoenix split their first two games this season. Parker had 24 points and 11 rebounds to help the Sparks beat the Mercury 77-71 on June 17 in Los Angeles. Taurasi scored 26 points and sank two free throws with eight seconds remaining to help the Mercury edge the Sparks 70-66 on Aug. 28 in Phoenix.


WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Aug 28, 2016 Score ATS Results
LOS 66 Under: 136
PHO « 70 Cover: 8.5
Tools: Recaps

Jun 17, 2016 Score ATS Results
PHO 71 Cover: 4
LOS « 77 Under: 148
Tools: Recaps