The Bum's 2016 NCAA Basketball News-Trends-Picks !

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB Betting Bubble Watch: Wake Forest has work to do

Wake Forest is not in good current form, but will have the opportunity to notch some signature wins late in the season.

As the NCAA tournament approaches, there are several teams looking to pad their resumes over the final days of the regular season. Steve Merril takes a look at a few "bubble teams" that can provide betting value this week.

Clemson

The Tigers went into their Tuesday night game at Virginia Tech with a 13-13 SU record on the season. Clemson desperately needed to win that game, but they couldn’t hold a late lead, and lost 71-70 on a made Virginia Tech three-point shot with just 0:07 left to play. That was the Tigers' fifth loss in their past six games, and their eleventh loss in their last fourteen games.

Clemson will finish the regular season with three consecutive home games against Florida State, NC State, and Boston College. The Tigers lost by 48 points at Florida State earlier this season, so they are unlikely to beat the Seminoles. NC State and Boston College are both in disarray, so Clemson should win those games to keep their slim NCAA tournament hopes alive.

Illinois State

Illinois State is 23-5 SU on the season as they head into their home game against Southern Illinois on Wednesday night. Illinois State is on the NCAA tournament bubble simply due to their extremely weak non-conference strength of schedule. Their toughest game was at TCU, and calling that a tough game is stretching it.

The Redbirds do not have a difficult schedule remaining with the aforementioned home game against Southern Illinois, and a road game at Northern Iowa. Illinois State is 14-0 SU at home, so it’s unlikely they’ll lose to the Salukis. The Redbirds regular season finale at Northern Iowa will be a tough game considering they only beat the Panthers by 6 points at home earlier this season.

Wake Forest

Wake Forest will host Pittsburgh on Wednesday night. The Demon Deacons are 15-12 SU on the season, including 9-3 SU at home. Wake Forest is not in good current form as they’ve lost three of their last four games, and five of their last eight games overall. Granted, four of their five losses did come on the road.

The Demon Deacons have a difficult schedule remaining despite playing two of their final three games at home. After Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Wake Forest will have a week off before they host a very good Louisville team the following Wednesday. The Demon Deacons will then close their season with a road game against a scrappy Virginia Tech squad

[StarDust Bum]

Trends to Watch - Thursday
February 23, 2017

The Cincinnati Kids

Cincinnati has rebounded nicely after a 60-51 loss at SMU on Feb. 12, winning two games by an average score of 17.0 points. Now, they'll welcome Memphis to town looking for a three-game winning streak. It's the first and only meeting of the regular season between these American Athletic Confernce (AAC) members.

The Tigers limp in with just two covers in their past eight outings, and they're 10-21 ATS in their past 31 road games against a team with a winning home record. In addition, they're a dismal 12-30 ATS in their past 42 against teams with a winning percentage of .600 or better. For the Bearcats, they're a lot better against the number, going 4-1 ATS in their past five games at home. They're also 4-1 ATS in their past five at home against teams with a losing road record. However, they are also just 1-5 ATS in their past six against teams with a winning overall mark.

Total bettors might be impressed by the fact the 'over' is a perfect 8-0 in the past eight meetings in Cincinnati. The 'under' has been trending for Memphis lately, though, going 4-0 in their past four games overall, and 4-1 in their past five as an underdog. The over has been the rule in Cincinnati's games, going 9-1 in their past 10 as a home favorite and 19-7-1 in their past 27 home games against a team with a losing road mark.

Pac Men

UCLA will battle Arizona State in the game before the game. All eyes will be on the Bruins on Saturday when they head to Tucson to face Arizona. First things first, though. The Bruins manhandled the Sun Devils at Pauley Pavilion back on Jan. 19 by a 102-80 score, as they were not caught looking ahead to their game against Arizona Jan. 21. Hopefully the Bruins have the same type focus in this one. As of Thursday morning they're installed as an 11 1/2-point favorite.

Meanwhile, the Wildcats will play host to Southern California in a dangerous game for the Wildcats. They're favored by just eight, after opening at nine points. The Trojans have won 21 games already this season, and they gave the Wildcats all they could handle in a 73-66 setback on Jan. 22.

The Bruins enter just 3-8 ATS in their past 11 games, and 4-11 ATS in their past 15 as a favorite. They're also a dismal 5-16 ATS in their past 21 league games while going 6-22-1 ATS in their past 29 as a road favorite. However, they have handled their business against the Sun Devils, going 6-0 ATS in the past six meetings. As far as the total, the 'under' is 3-0-1 in the past four meetings in Tempe, while the under is 4-0 in AZ State's past four games overall and 3-0-1 in their past four as an underdog.

In the USC-Arizona game, the Trojans are just 2-5 ATS in their past seven as an underdog, and 3-9 ATS in their past 12 against teams with an overall winning mark. The Wildcats haven't been much better against the number, going just 1-4 ATS in their past five games overall and 0-5-2 ATS in their past seven at home. But Arizona has handled themselves with aplomb against USC over the years, at least against the number. The Trojans are just 3-7 ATS in their past 10 tries against the Wildcats, and 1-5 ATS in their past six trips to Tucson.

Passing the Bucks

Wisconsin will hit the road to take on Ohio State, although that trip isn't as daunting as in past seasons. The Buckeyes have dropped three in a row, and five of their past seven, ending any realistic chance, outside of winning the Big Ten tournament, to make the NCAA Tournament field. However, they can still play spoiler, and Vegas figures this one to be close with the Buckeyes just a five-point 'dog at home as of Thursday AM.

The Buckeyes haven't shown a lot of resilience lately, going 0-4 ATS in their past four games, 1-6 ATS in their past seven overall and 1-4 ATS in their past five at home, too. The Badgers crushed the Buckeyes 89-66 in Madison back on Jan. 12 as 10 1/2-point favorites. Wisconsin hasn't been great against the number lately, either, but they did pull off an impressive 71-60 win and cover against a good Maryland team Sunday to snap an 0-4 ATS skid. For total bettors, the 'under' is 4-1-2 in Wisconsin's past seven, and they haven't allowed more than 68 points in regulation dating back to Dec. 10.

In Other Action...

LIU Brooklyn takes a trip to Mount St. Mary's in Northeast Conference play. The Blackbirds are an 18-win team, yet find themselves a six-point underdog to 'The Mount', a team just one game over .500. Curious line? It is very curious if you consider the fact LIU is 11-2 ATS in their past 13 NEC games, 5-1 ATS in their past six overall and 5-1 ATS in their past six on the road, too. If you're looking for a parlay after deciding a side, the 'over' might be the way to go. The 'over' is 4-0-1 in LIU's past five as a road 'dog, 8-2-1 in their past 11 NEC games and 4-1-1 in their past six on the road. The over is 4-0 in MSM's past four against teams with a winning percentage over .600, too.

In Summit League action, rivals IUPU-Fort Wayne and IUPUI lock horns in Indianapolis. The Mastodons are 18-10 overall on the season, while the Jaguars are just 12-16. The reason Fort Wayne isn't favored by more than a bucket likely has to do with their failure against the number lately. They're just 1-9 ATS in their past 10 road games, and 1-6 ATS in their past seven tries as a road favorite. They're also 1-10 ATS in their past 11 road games against a team with a winning percentage over .600. The Jags aren't much better, going 8-21 ATS in their past 29 as a home underdog, although they have flashed with a 17-6 ATS mark in their past 23 against tems with a winning overall record.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's First Four
February 23, 2017

A look at the day's top four college basketball matchups, ranked in order of most attractive.

THURSDAY, FEB. 23

Matchup Records Skinny Projection

USC
Overall: 21-6 SU, 13-13 ATS
Pac-12: 8-6 SU, 6-8 ATS
Totals: 14-12 O/U

Arizona
Overall: 25-3 SU, 13-13 ATS
Pac-12: 14-1 SU, 6-7-2 ATS
Totals: 12-15-1 O/U

USC at Arizona, 10 p.m. ET, Pac-12

Following the heroics of Oregon's Dillon Brooks in Berkeley on Wednesday night, Arizona has no room for error if it wants to win the Pac-12 title outright. In fact, since the Ducks won the only meeting between the schools, they hold tiebreaker and would end up with the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament, a huge bonus this year since it allows you to avoid UCLA in a potential semifinal. The Wildcats close against the Bruins and in-state rival Sun Devils, but can't afford to look past a USC squad that is searching for one more signature win to enhance its at-large resume. Beating Arizona in Tucson would achieve lock status, and since their three remaining games are against sub-.500 teams, the Trojans would then have the inside track a fourth-place finish in the league. USC is coming off a 102-70 Saturday loss at UCLA, which followed a double-digit home loss to Oregon, so it will be looking to avoid its first three-game losing streak of the season. Arizona won the first meeting between these schools 73-66 on Jan. 19, holding off a Trojans comeback that had seen a 23-point lead cut to three before 7-foot Finnish star freshman Lauri Markkanen banked in his fifth 3-pointer with 33 seconds left. Both teams were missing key players who have since returned. USC has versatile forward Bennie Boatright (14.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg) back and Arizona's second-leading scorer, Allonzo Trier (13.9) was reinstated by the NCAA following the win at Galen Center. He's scored in double-figures in seven of nine games since and has been reinserted into Sean Miller's starting lineup. The 'Cats are 8-1 since his return. Markkanen scored 26 points and added 13 rebounds against Washington last time out and looks to be an NBA lottery lock given his size and Kristaps Porzingis-like skill set. The over has prevailed in each of USC's last four games, but is just 2-6 in Arizona's last eight as improved depth has helped Miller demand the type of defensive effort his teams are typically known for. With UCLA coming into town Saturday, there would ordinarily be danger in looking ahead, but the Trojans played a 4-OT game against the Wildcats last year and nearly took advantage of a massive collapse just over a month ago. Expect them to be locked in on USC.

Arizona 82
USC 72

Wisconsin
Overall: 22-5 SU, 11-12 ATS
Big Ten: 11-3 SU, 6-8 ATS
Totals: 10-11-2 O/U

Ohio State
Overall: 15-13 SU, 9-17 ATS
Big Ten: 5-10 SU, 5-10 ATS
Totals: 15-11 O/U

Wisconsin at Ohio State, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN

Any hope the Buckeyes had of getting hot this month and sneaking into the NCAA Tournament picture has been foiled by their current three-game losing streak. Rock bottom came in the form of Saturday's 58-57 home loss to Nebraska that saw it blow a five-point lead with under 30 seconds to play. Morale appears to be as low as it's been during any of the 13 years that Thad Matta has been at the helm of the program since it appears a second straight NIT bid -- at best -- is in the cards. Ohio State has won at least 20 games in every season since Matta has been at the helm, but the loss to the Huskers illustrated this group's shortcomings, which were accentuated when key forward Keita Bates-Diop was lost for the season on Jan. 1. Wisconsin handed Ohio State its worst loss (89-66) of the season, jumping out to a 45-27 lead after one half. The Badgers went on a 21-6 run over a seven-minute stretch to turn that game on its head, but they should be concerned visiting Columbus since scoring that many points in such a short time would be an upset these days. Sunday's 71-60 win over Maryland marked the first time they had topped 70 points in a seven-game span, hopefully putting an end to a run where they scored 61 or less in four of those games. Losses to Northwestern and Michigan put Wisconsin's Big Ten title hopes in doubt, especially since they would lose a head-to-head tiebreaker with Purdue. Tonight's key matchup features Badgers big man Ethan Happ squaring off with Ohio State center Trevor Thompson, who had 11 points, nine boards and four blocks in the first meeting. Happ, a Big Ten player of the Year candidate, shot just 3-for-10. Bronson Koenig, who missed the Feb. 16 loss in Ann Arbor, played 31 minutes in this past weekend's win over the Terps, returning from a calf injury. He's shooting 27 percent (18-for-66) from the field over his past six games, making just 22 percent of his 3-pointers to contribute to heavily to Wisconsin's offensive slump. The under is 4-1-2 over the Badgers' last seven and has also prevailed in four of the last five games involving the Buckeyes.

Wisconsin 68
Ohio State 61


Nebraska
Overall: 12-14 SU, 13-11 ATS
Big Ten: 6-8 SU, 8-6 ATS
Totals: 10-13-1 O/U

Michigan State
Overall: 16-11 SU, 13-13 ATS
Big Ten: 8-6 SU, 8-6 ATS
Totals: 12-13-1 O/U

Nebraska at Michigan State, 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU

We're used to seeing Jim Boeheim and Tom Izzo turn it on around this time of year to perennially cast aside their struggles in November and December. Syracuse stepped up with a Wednesday night upset of Duke, while Michigan State faces an ablsolute must-win with the Huskers in town. Having already suffered 11 losses and with games against Wisconsin and Maryland remaining, this one can't get away. It's likely the Spartans won't be favored by more points than they are tonught against another team this season, so if they're going to extend a run of consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances under Tom Izzo to 20, they'll have to handle Nebraska for a second time in three weeks. An 80-63 Saturday loss at Purdue wasn't a dealbreaker, but Michigan State wouldn't be able to sweep an ugly upset loss like this one under the rug, which is dangerous since the 'Huskers have proven they can compete with anyone and have actually done some of their best work on the road in conference play. They also have key forward Ed Morrow back. Without their top rebounder and rim protector, Nebraska went 1-6, but has gone 2-1 since his return from a foot injury. It has also won in each of its last two visits to East Lansing and come in as the healthier group since top guard Tai Webster (17.7, 4.8, 4.2) has fully recovered from a groin injury that limited him in the first encounter. The Spartans will go the rest of the way without senior guard Eron Harris (10.7 ppg), who suffered a "significant" knee injury in the blowout loss to the Boilermakers. He'd hit a team-high 43 3-pointers and provided leadership for a young Spartans squad, so it will be up to the kids to respond without him. Nebraska's win at the Breslin Center was its first win over a top 10 team since 1997. The Huskers took down Big Ten-leading Purdue late last month. Four of the last five games in this series have been decided by fewer than 10 points.

Michigan State 74
Nebraska 68


Memphis
Overall: 18-9 SU, 9-12 ATS
American: 8-6 SU, 5-8-1 ATS
Totals: 9-13 O/U

Cincinnati
Overall: 24-3 SU, 12-11 ATS
American: 13-1 SU, 6-8 ATS
Totals: 11-12-1 O/U

Memphis at Cincinnati, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN

Although their RPI is in the toilet due to the lack of a true quality win outside a home rout of South Carolina, the Tigers are hoping a strong finish will allow them to barge into the conversation. With the top three teams in the American left on their schedule, there will be plenty of opportunities to surprise, starting tonight. Unfortunately, Tubby Smith's Tigers don't exactly have momentum on their side, having dropped three of four and two straight for the first time all season. Faltering against UCF, Temple and UConn has the Tigers currently ranked sixth in league play, putting them in the rather desperate situation of needing to win on the road in Cincinnati and Dallas in the season opener in addition to holding serve at home against emerging Houston on Sunday. Dedric Lawson (19.5, 10.1) announced he'll be truning pro after this season, so this will be a big game for him against a physical, talented Bearcats front line led by Kyle Washington (13.8, 7.1) and Gary Clark (10.2, 8.0). Tonight marks the only meeting between these long-time rivals, who have squared off 73 times over the last 39 years as the driving forces in four separate conferences. Cincinnati is looking to keep pace with SMU atop the American standings while extending their home winning streak to 25 games. Key freshman wing Jarron Cumberland is expected to play after sitting out Saturday's win over Tulsa due to disciplinary issues. The Bearcats' 80-60 win helped end a three-game skid against the spread and a three-game run of unders. Memphis has seen the under prevail in seven of 10 since mid-January, including four straight.

Cincinnati 77
Memphis 66

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CHSO at WIN 06:30 PM

CHSO +14.5

U 152.5

UTEP at FAU 07:00 PM

UTEP +1.0

O 137.5

HOF at CWM 07:00 PM

CWM -6.5

O 163.5

JVST at EKY 07:00 PM

EKY +1.5

U 134.0

TOWS at UNCW 07:00 PM

UNCW -10.0

U 155.0

NEB at MSU 07:00 PM

MSU -6.0

U 133.0

MASS at GW 07:00 PM

GW -4.5

O 145.0

UGA at ALA 07:00 PM

ALA -5.5

U 132.0

MEM at CIN 07:00 PM

CIN -14.0

U 133.0

UTSA at FIU 07:00 PM

UTSA +3.5

O 134.5

JMU at DREX 07:00 PM

DREX -1.5

O 141.0

NE at ELON 07:00 PM

NE +4.0

O 141.5

LIU at MSM 07:00 PM

MSM -6.0

O 136.5

WKU at CHAR 07:00 PM

WKU +3.0

O 152.0

IPFW at INDPU 07:00 PM

IPFW -1.5

U 164.5

[StarDust Bum]

QUIN at MRST 07:30 PM

QUIN -1.0

O 158.5

DEL at COFC 07:30 PM

COFC -14.0

O 126.5

MURR at SEMO 07:30 PM

MURR -1.0

O 156.0

MRSH at ODU 08:00 PM

ODU -6.5

O 149.0

USM at RICE 08:00 PM

USM +14.5

U 144.5

SDAK at WIU 08:00 PM

WIU +5.0

O 147.0

LT at UNT 08:00 PM

LT -10.5

O 149.0

PEAY at UTM 08:00 PM

PEAY +7.0

U 161.5

USF at TLSA 08:00 PM

USF +13.0

U 138.0

[StarDust Bum]

UNCA at WEBB 09:00 PM

UNCA -2.5

U 144.5

UCLA at ASU 09:00 PM

UCLA -11.5

O 176.5

WIS at OSU 09:00 PM

WIS -5.5

U 131.0

TNTC at MORE 09:00 PM

TNTC +8.0

O 150.5

WEB at EWU 09:05 PM

EWU -3.5

O 152.5

SMC at PEPP 10:00 PM

PEPP +19.0

U 131.5

GONZ at USD 10:00 PM

GONZ -22.0

O 136.5

UCRV at UCSB 10:00 PM

UCRV -2.5

O 124.0

IDST at IDHO 10:00 PM

IDST +10.5

O 145.5

SF at LMU 10:00 PM

LMU +1.5

O 138.0

CP at LBSU 10:00 PM

LBSU -8.0

U 145.0

BYU at PORT 10:00 PM

PORT +10.5

U 147.5

PAC at SCU 10:00 PM

PAC +9.5

O 124.0

USC at ARIZ 10:00 PM

USC +8.0

U 143.5

CSN at UCD 10:00 PM

UCD -5.5

U 153.0

SUU at PRST 10:05 PM

SUU +10.5

O 170.5

NAU at CSUS 10:05 PM

NAU +8.5

U 144.5

UTAH at COLO 11:00 PM

UTAH +1.5

O 146.5

[StarDust Bum]

Top 25 roundup: No. 5 UCLA stops Arizona State
February 23, 2017

SAN DIEGO -- Top-ranked Gonzaga is one game away from an undefeated regular season after a 96-38 drubbing of San Diego on Thursday behind five double-figure scorers in a West Coast Conference game.

The Bulldogs are 29-0 (17-0 WCC) with their last regular-season game against BYU in Spokane, Wash., on Saturday night. The Toreros (12-17, 5-12) shot 24.1 percent from the field.

Gonzaga shot 66.1 percent from the field and was led by 15 points apiece from Jordan Mathews and Josh Perkins. Johnathan Williams had 14 points and a career-high 19 boards, almost outrebounding San Diego on his own. The Toreros finished with 20.

Nigel Williams-Goss added 14 points, six rebounds and five assists and Zach Collins had 12 points and seven rebounds for the Bulldogs.

No. 4 Arizona 90, USC 77

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Allonzo Trier scored a season-high 25 points as Arizona stayed in control of the Pac-12 race by defeating the Trojans.

The Wildcats (26-3, 15-1 Pac-12), who shot 50.8 percent from the field, 55.0 percent from 3-point range and 88.2 percent from the line, improved their conference lead to one game over Oregon. Rawle Alkins scored 12 points in only 16 minutes -- making all five of his shots from the field -- as he came off the bench for the first time this season for Arizona.

Bennie Boatwright scored 23 points USC (21-7, 8-7), which was winless in a three-game conference gauntlet -- Oregon, at UCLA and at Arizona. The Trojans' Chimezie Metu had 15 points and 12 rebounds.

No. 5 UCLA 87, Arizona 75

TEMPE, Ariz. -- TJ Leaf scored 25 points and Aaron Holiday had 17 as the Bruins dominated the Sun Devils inside en route to victory.

Ike Anigbogu had a career-high 12 points and Bryce Alford added 15 to help UCLA (25-3, 12-3 Pac-12) win its sixth straight and set up a showdown at No. 4 Arizona on Saturday. The Bruins enjoyed a 49-30 rebounding advantage.

Torian Graham scored 28 points and Kodi Justice had 19 for Arizona State (13-16, 6-10), which had won three of five. The Sun Devils' Obinna Oleka contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds for his 14th double-double of the season.

No. 15 Cincinnati 87, Memphis 74

CINCINNATI -- Kyle Washington scored 16 points and Jacob Evans added 15 as the Bearcats extended their home winning streak to 25 games.

Cincinnati (25-3, 14-1 American Athletic Conference) is off to its best start to a season in coach Mick Cronin's 11-year tenure. Troy Caupain had 12 points and seven assists for the Bearcats.

Dedric Lawson, the Tigers' leading scorer and the AAC's top rebounder, recorded his 18th double-double of the season with 21 points and 10 boards. Jeremiah Martin scored 23 points for Memphis (18-10, 8-7 AAC).

Ohio State 83, No. 16 Wisconsin 73

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- C.J. Jackson scored 18 points and was 4 for 4 from 3-point range as the Buckeyes prevented the Badgers from moving back into a tie for the Big Ten lead.

JaQuan Lyle scored 17 points while going 10 of 10 from the free-throw line and Jae'Sean Tate delivered 15 points and 12 rebounds to help Ohio State (16-13, 6-10 Big Ten) end a three-game losing streak.

Bronson Koenig scored 27 points for Wisconsin (22-6, 11-4), which dropped one game behind Purdue in the Big Ten. Ethan Happ, the Badgers' leading scorer this season, was held to four points.

No. 20 Saint Mary's 78, Pepperdine 49

MALIBU, Calif. -- Jock Landale had 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting and added 14 rebounds as the Gaels routed the Waves.

Calvin Hermanson added 13 points for Saint Mary's (25-3, 15-2 West Coast Conference), which shot 52.5 percent from he field and limited Pepperdine to 29.3 percent shooting.

Lamond Murray Jr., the WCC's leading scorer, had 17 points for Pepperdine (9-20, 5-12).

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

— For the record, Joe Blanton was the last MLB pitcher to throw an intentional walk.

— Best NBA teams against the spread: 76ers 34-22, Wizards 32-23, Heat 33-24

— Worst NBA teams against the spread: Trailblazers 23-34, Bucks 22-33, Magic 23-34

— Arizona State didn’t sub in entire first half of their game with UCLA last night.

— Lou Williams scored 22 points in 20:00 in his debut for Houston.

— Cardinals-Cowboys is the Hall of Fame Game in Canton in August.

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Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Wrapping up a Thursday night of basketball

13) UCLA 87, Arizona State 75— Sun Devils didn’t sub in the whole first half; they went 14-34 on the arc, fought like hell, but they don’t have many tall players, which is a problem.

12) Michigan State 88, Nebraska 72— Joe Lunardi has the Spartans as a 10-seed right now, opposite Oregon in a second round game. No matter what, some really high seed might play Michigan State in that second round and they’re going to be very nervous about it.

11) Georgia 60, Alabama 55— Dawgs are 8-0 vs spread as an SEC road underdog this year; JJ Frazier had 28 of their 60 points here. Georgia played without injured star Maten.

10) Northeastern 105, Elon 104, 2OT— Teams combined to go 30-70 on the arc, with only 13 turnovers in the whole game. Elon had won six in a row at home.

9) Texas-El Paso 60, FAU 55— UTEP was 2-10 in non-conference games, but now they’re 10-5 in Conference USA. Not sure if they’ve improved a lot or if C-USA is not so good.

8) South Dakota 92, Western Illinois 81— Coyotes have won five games in row, own a half-game lead over North Dakota State in Summit standings; conference tourney is a neutral site, so not as big a deal as in other leagues, but this is South Dakota’s best season since 2010.

7) Arizona 90, USC 77— UCLA comes to Tucson Saturday; big weekend for the Wildcats.

6) Cal-Davis 96, Northridge 85— Aggies are tied for first in Big West with Cal-Irvine.

5) IUPUI 83, Fort Wayne 82— Revenge for IUPUI, which lost first meeting this season with the Mastodons 103-73.

4) Rice 72, Southern Miss 71, OT— Owls are 19-9, 9-6 in C-USA; this is their first winning season since 2012, their first winning conference season since ’05.

3) Eastern Washington 82, Weber State 72— EWU knocks Wildcats out of a tie for first in Big Sky tournament; these teams are now tied for second, could meet again in Big Sky semis.

2) Rockets 129, Pelicans 99— Houston’s bench outscored New Orleans’ bench 79-26. Cousins/Davis combined for 56 points; look at the rest of their squad— not lot of top-flight talent there.

1— New Orleans 82, Central Arkansas 65— Privateers dropped basketball for two years, are in fifth year back in D-I, are in first place in Southland Conference. Good story.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Friday, February 24

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OAKLAND (22 - 7) at WI-GREEN BAY (17 - 11) - 2/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-GREEN BAY is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 33-18 ATS (+13.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 53-26 ATS (+24.4 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
OAKLAND is 24-9 ATS (+14.1 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
WI-GREEN BAY is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games on Friday nights since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-2 against the spread versus WI-GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
OAKLAND is 3-2 straight up against WI-GREEN BAY 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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BROWN (11 - 15) at DARTMOUTH (6 - 17) - 2/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DARTMOUTH is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 60-91 ATS (-40.1 Units) in all home games since 1997.
DARTMOUTH is 60-91 ATS (-40.1 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
DARTMOUTH is 55-79 ATS (-31.9 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
DARTMOUTH is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 24-41 ATS (-21.1 Units) in home games when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
BROWN is 3-2 against the spread versus DARTMOUTH over the last 3 seasons
DARTMOUTH is 3-2 straight up against BROWN 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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PRINCETON (17 - 6) at COLUMBIA (10 - 13) - 2/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PRINCETON is 68-46 ATS (+17.4 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBIA is 3-2 against the spread versus PRINCETON over the last 3 seasons
PRINCETON is 5-0 straight up against COLUMBIA 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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PENNSYLVANIA (11 - 12) at CORNELL (7 - 18) - 2/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENNSYLVANIA is 80-56 ATS (+18.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
CORNELL is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games when playing with 5 or 6 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
CORNELL is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
PENNSYLVANIA is 5-0 against the spread versus CORNELL over the last 3 seasons
PENNSYLVANIA is 5-0 straight up against CORNELL 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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YALE (14 - 9) at HARVARD (16 - 7) - 2/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HARVARD is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all games this season.
HARVARD is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
YALE is 129-89 ATS (+31.1 Units) in road games since 1997.
YALE is 129-89 ATS (+31.1 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
YALE is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
YALE is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
YALE is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
YALE is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
YALE is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games since 1997.
HARVARD is 23-39 ATS (-19.9 Units) in home games on Friday nights since 1997.
HARVARD is 52-76 ATS (-31.6 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.
HARVARD is 109-143 ATS (-48.3 Units) after a conference game since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
HARVARD is 3-3 against the spread versus YALE over the last 3 seasons
HARVARD is 3-3 straight up against YALE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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IL-CHICAGO (14 - 15) at N KENTUCKY (19 - 10) - 2/24/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IL-CHICAGO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 this season.
IL-CHICAGO is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in road games on Friday nights since 1997.


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




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VALPARAISO (23 - 6) at WRIGHT ST (19 - 10) - 2/24/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VALPARAISO is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
VALPARAISO is 42-24 ATS (+15.6 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 since 1997.
WRIGHT ST is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in February games over the last 3 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
WRIGHT ST is 3-2 against the spread versus VALPARAISO over the last 3 seasons
VALPARAISO is 3-2 straight up against WRIGHT ST 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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DETROIT (7 - 21) at WI-MILWAUKEE (8 - 21) - 2/24/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 this season.
DETROIT is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 195-150 ATS (+30.0 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 83-59 ATS (+18.1 Units) in February games since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 189-147 ATS (+27.3 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 40-23 ATS (+14.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 64-41 ATS (+18.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-2 against the spread versus WI-MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
WI-MILWAUKEE is 3-2 straight up against DETROIT 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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DAYTON (22 - 5) at DAVIDSON (14 - 12) - 2/24/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DAVIDSON is 185-136 ATS (+35.4 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 181-140 ATS (+27.0 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 89-56 ATS (+27.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
DAYTON is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games this season.
DAYTON is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
DAYTON is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) on Friday nights this season.


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




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OREGON ST (5 - 24) at CALIFORNIA (18 - 9) - 2/24/2017, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALIFORNIA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
CALIFORNIA is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.


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




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MANHATTAN (10 - 20) at IONA (18 - 11) - 2/24/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MANHATTAN is 6-13 ATS (-8.3 Units) against conference opponents this season.
MANHATTAN is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) when playing with one or less days rest this season.
MANHATTAN is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
IONA is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
IONA is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
IONA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
IONA is 16-42 ATS (-30.2 Units) in home games in February games since 1997.
IONA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
IONA is 4-2 against the spread versus MANHATTAN over the last 3 seasons
IONA is 5-1 straight up against MANHATTAN 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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SIENA (14 - 15) at MONMOUTH (24 - 5) - 2/24/2017, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
MONMOUTH is 4-1 against the spread versus SIENA over the last 3 seasons
MONMOUTH is 5-0 straight up against SIENA 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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FAIRFIELD (14 - 13) at CANISIUS (17 - 12) - 2/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CANISIUS is 33-15 ATS (+16.5 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 103-74 ATS (+21.6 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 41-19 ATS (+20.1 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 40-22 ATS (+15.8 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
CANISIUS is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
CANISIUS is 17-32 ATS (-18.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
FAIRFIELD is 3-2 against the spread versus CANISIUS over the last 3 seasons
CANISIUS is 3-2 straight up against FAIRFIELD 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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ST PETERS (16 - 12) at NIAGARA (9 - 20) - 2/24/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST PETERS is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all games this season.
ST PETERS is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
ST PETERS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in road games this season.
ST PETERS is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in road lined games this season.
ST PETERS is 31-12 ATS (+17.8 Units) in a road game where the total is 120 to 129.5 since 1997.
ST PETERS is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) against conference opponents this season.
ST PETERS is 44-23 ATS (+18.7 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
ST PETERS is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) after a conference game this season.
ST PETERS is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
ST PETERS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
ST PETERS is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
NIAGARA is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
NIAGARA is 3-2 against the spread versus ST PETERS over the last 3 seasons
NIAGARA is 3-2 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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C MICHIGAN (16 - 12) at TOLEDO (14 - 14) - 2/24/2017, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
C MICHIGAN is 16-33 ATS (-20.3 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
TOLEDO is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
C MICHIGAN is 6-0 against the spread versus TOLEDO over the last 3 seasons
C MICHIGAN is 6-0 straight up against TOLEDO 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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AKRON (22 - 6) at BUFFALO (15 - 13) - 2/24/2017, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in a home game where the total is 150 to 154.5 since 1997.


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

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, February 24

Oakland won its last seven games since Green Bay beat them 80-72 at home Jan 27, in game where Grizzlies turned ball over 19 times (-5), were just 4-21 on arc. Oakland is 6-1 on Horizon road, 3-3 as a road favorite- their only road loss was by 21 at Wright St. Green Bay won six of last nine games, is 6-1 at home in Horizon, with only loss to Youngstown. Green Bay is 4-3 in Horizon meetings; Oakland is lost two of three visits to Green Bay- they won 111-95 here LY. Horizon road favorites of 3 or less points are 5-2 vs spread.

Harvard won its last four games, is 3-1 as a home favorite, winning Ivy home games by 14-10-6-12 points, with loss to Princeton. Yale lost its last three games, by 8-19-16 points after a 6-1 Ivy start; they’re 4-1 on ivy road, with only loss by 8 at Princeton- they’re 0-2 vs spread as an Ivy underdog this season. Harvard won 75-60 at Yale 13 days ago, making 12-30 on arc; Yale led by 5 at the half. Bulldogs are 3-2 in last five series games, winning two of last three visits here. Ivy League home favorites of 6 or less points are 3-4 vs spread.

UIC lost three of last four games, is 4-2 as a Horizon road underdog, with road losses by 31-4-12 points (4-3 SU). Flames turn ball over 22.4% of time in Horizon play, worst in league. Northern Kentucky won five of its last six games, is 5-1 as a home favorite, with home wins by 13-8-14-2-6-7 points. NKU won 79-62 at Ill-Chicago in first meeting, forcing 23 turnovers (-8). Norse is 2-1 in Horizon meetings, winning by 13 in OT here LY. Horizon home favorites of 8+ points are 11-12 against the spread.

Wright State won four of its last five games, is 5-2 at home- they’re 1-0 as a home underdog. Valparaiso won four of last five games, is 5-1 as road favorite, with road wins by 11-16-11-18-20 points- they’ve lost at Green Bay/Oakland. Valpo beat Wright 70-55 at home Jan 27, holding Raiders to 3-28 on arc. Wright is 4-3 in last seven series games, winning two of last three played here. Regular season series has been swept in 8 of last 9 years. Horizon road favorites of 3 or less points are 5-2 against the spread.

Detroit lost three of last four games, is 2-5 on Horizon road, 3-4 as a road underdog with road losses by 14-7-18-14-17 points- they won at Oakland/Youngstown. Milwaukee lost its last seven games, covering two of last six; Panthers lost last three home games, by 18-5-24 points- they’re 1-2 as a home underdog. Milwaukee won 73-69 in OT at Detroit Jan 27; they’re 5-2 in last seven series games, winning by 4-3 points in last two series games played here. Horizon home favorites of 5 or less points are 7-15 vs spread.

Dayton won its last seven games, covering three of last four; they’re 5-2 on A-14 road, 2-2 as a road favorite- their road losses were at UMass/VCU. Davidson lost four of its last six games; they’re 3-4 in A-14 home games, 1-0 as a home underdog- they’re 2-4 vs spread in last six games overall. Home side won both Dayton-Davidson games in A-14 play; Flyers lost 77-60 in last visit here, two years ago. Dayton is forcing turnovers 21.2% of time in conference play. A-14 road favorites of 3 or less points are 7-5 vs spread.

California blew 10-point lead in last 4:30 to Oregon Wednesday; Bears lost last three games, all by 5 or less points- they’re 3-4 as home favorite, with home wins by 16-10-4-11-2-11 points. Oregon State has only one Pac-12 win but they covered last four games. Beavers covered four of their last five road games. Cal won 69-58 in Corvallis in first meeting LY Jan 21; Bears won seven of last eight series games, winning three of last five at OSU- they lost 77-71 here LY. Pac-12 home favorites of 15+ points are 4-10 vs spread.

Iona lost three of last five games; they’re 1-6-2 as home favorites- they lost last two home tilts. Only two of Gaels’ five home wins were by more than 10 points. Manhattan lost four of last five games; they’re 0-4 vs spread in last four road games. Iona made 11-23 on arc, pulled away late in 82-67 win at Manhattan Jan 17; Gaels won five of last six series games, winning last three by 14-13-15 points. Jaspers lost last four visits to New Rochelle, by 8-12-4-14 points. Double digit home favorites 7-6-1 vs spread in MAAC games this season.

Siena won four of its last five games, is 2-2 as a road underdog; Saints won last four road games SU; three of their four road losses were by 5 or less points. Monmouth won its last 14 games; they’re 4-5 as a home favorite, covering three of last four as a home favorite. Monmouth outscored Siena 45-23 over last 15:22 of 102-82 win in Albany Feb 13; Hawks won last five series games, winning all three MAAC meetings here, by 4-6-16 points. MAAC home favorites of 9+ points are 9-10-1 vs spread this season.

Canisius won four of its last six games, is 3-3 vs spread as a home favorite- they’re 5-3 SU at home. Fairfield lost its last two games; they’re fighting for 1st-round bye in MAAC tourney. Stags are 4-2 as road underdogs, with road losses by 7-7-42-19 points. Canisius forced 22 turnovers (+8), won 86-72 at Fairfield Jan 10, after falling behind 8-0. Griffins won last four series games, winning by 12-7 points in last two played here. MAAC home favorites of 6 or less points are 14-15 against the spread.

St Peter’s won/covered its last four games after a 3-game skid; Peacocks are 5-3 on road, 8-0 vs spread; their three road losses are by total of six points- they’re 2-0 as road faves. Niagara outscored St Peter’s 22-10 over last 12:36 of 57-55 upset win in Jersey City Jan 21; Eagles are 8-3 in last 11 series games. Peacocks lost four of last five games here. Niagara lost three in row five of last six games; they’re 4-0 as home underdogs- dogs covered all seven of their MAAC home games this year. MAAC road favorites of 6+ points are 4-8 vs spread this season.

Central Michigan lost its last four games; they’re 2-4 as a road underdog, losing away games by 22-4-15-10-5 points- their road wins are at Kent/Ohio. Toledo split its last six games; three of those games went OT. Rockets are 5-2 as a MAC home favorite, with two losses by total of 7 points. CMU never trailed in 96-88 home win over Toledo Jan 13; Rockets held Keene to 20 points, but lost sixth straight game to Chippewas, losing last two games played here by total of 5 points. MAC home favorites of 8+ points are 6-12-1 vs spread.

Akron was 26-40 on foul line, Buffalo 14-23 in Zips’ 91-90 home win Jan 28; Zips won three of last four series games, but lost six of last seven visits here- they won 75-71 here LY. Zips lost last two games, are 1-7 vs spread in last eight games; they’re 5-2 on MAC road, losing by 15 at Ohio, 1 at Bowling Green. Buffalo won six of last seven games, covered six of last eight; they’ve won four of last five home games, after losing the first two. MAC home favorites of 3 or less points are 8-3 vs spread this season.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Friday, February 24

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

6:00 PM
CENTRAL MICHIGAN vs. TOLEDO
Central Michigan is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Toledo
Central Michigan is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Toledo
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toledo's last 9 games when playing Central Michigan
Toledo is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Central Michigan

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 7:00 PM
OAKLAND vs. WISC-GREEN BAY
Oakland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Wisc-Green Bay is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
Wisc-Green Bay is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 7:00 PM
SAINT PETER'S vs. NIAGARA
Saint Peter's is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Saint Peter's last 5 games when playing on the road against Niagara
Niagara is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Saint Peter's
Niagara is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Saint Peter's

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 7:00 PM
SIENA vs. MONMOUTH
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Siena's last 5 games on the road
Siena is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games on the road
Monmouth is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Monmouth is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 7:00 PM
PRINCETON vs. COLUMBIA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Princeton's last 5 games on the road
Princeton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Columbia's last 6 games when playing Princeton
Columbia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Princeton

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 7:00 PM
FAIRFIELD vs. CANISIUS
Fairfield is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Canisius
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Fairfield's last 6 games on the road
Canisius is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing Fairfield
Canisius is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Fairfield

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 7:00 PM
YALE vs. HARVARD
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Yale's last 6 games when playing on the road against Harvard
Yale is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Harvard is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Yale
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Harvard's last 6 games when playing at home against Yale

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 7:00 PM
BROWN vs. DARTMOUTH
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Brown's last 7 games when playing on the road against Dartmouth
Brown is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Dartmouth
Dartmouth is 3-12-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Brown
Dartmouth is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Brown

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 7:00 PM
PENNSYLVANIA vs. CORNELL
Pennsylvania is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Pennsylvania is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cornell
Cornell is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Pennsylvania
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cornell's last 6 games when playing at home against Pennsylvania

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 7:30 PM
ILLINOIS-CHICAGO vs. NORTHERN KENTUCKY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Illinois-Chicago's last 6 games on the road
Illinois-Chicago is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games on the road
No trends available

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 7:30 PM
VALPARAISO vs. WRIGHT STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Valparaiso's last 15 games on the road
Valparaiso is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Wright State is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Valparaiso
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Wright State's last 8 games when playing Valparaiso

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. WISC-MILWAUKEE
Detroit is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Wisc-Milwaukee
Detroit is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Wisc-Milwaukee
Wisc-Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Wisc-Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 8:00 PM
AKRON vs. BUFFALO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Akron's last 5 games on the road
Akron is 5-11-1 ATS in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Buffalo's last 8 games when playing at home against Akron
Buffalo is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Akron

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 9:00 PM
MANHATTAN vs. IONA
Manhattan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Manhattan is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Iona's last 10 games when playing Manhattan
Iona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Manhattan

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 9:00 PM
DAYTON vs. DAVIDSON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dayton's last 5 games on the road
Dayton is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Davidson's last 5 games at home
Davidson is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games at home

See more trends!
FEBRUARY 24, 10:00 PM
OREGON STATE vs. CALIFORNIA
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Oregon State's last 17 games on the road
Oregon State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
California is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Oregon State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of California's last 5 games when playing Oregon State

[StarDust Bum]

Gonzaga on pace to become the greatest college basketball bet ever

Gonzaga is currently 20-5-1 against the spread this season, cashing an incredible 80.7 percent of the time.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are in the midst of a magical season. They have steamrolled their way to a perfect 28-0 record and are the current No. 1 ranked team in the nation. The most impressive thing about this Zags squad compared others, however, is that they’re on pace to become one of the best college basketball bets. Ever.

With just one regular season game remaining before the WCC tournament, Gonzaga is currently 20-5-1 against the spread this season, cashing an incredible 80.7 percent of the time. If the Zags can maintain that percentage, it would be the best ATS mark in a NCAAB season dating back to 1997-98 (as far back as our records go).

That percentage would be slightly higher than the Central Michigan squad that went 22-6 ATS back in 2002-03 and, of course, the Wichita State team from 2013-14 that entered the tournament 34-0 SU while holding down a 25-7 ATS record.

Here are the Top 10 ATS seasons (Since 1997-98 and with at least 25 lined games)

1. Central Michigan (2002-03): 22-6
2. Wichita State (2013-14): 25-7
3. Hawaii (2001-02): 20-6
4. Tulsa (1999-00): 19-6
5. Cal Poly SLO (2005-06): 19-6
6. Davidson (2014-15): 22-7
7. New Mexico (2007-08): 23-8
8. Saint Louis (1999-00): 20-7
9. Kent State (2001-02): 20-7
10. Michigan (2010-11): 22-8

After starting the season 2-2 ATS (three of its first seven games had no line posted), Gonzaga rattled off 11 ATS wins in a row and, for the most part, has done so easily, covering the chalk by an average of nine points per game during those 11 contests.

A lot of people will denounce the Zags come tournament time because of the conference they play in, but since the start of conference play the Bulldogs are 12-3-1 ATS and have managed to do that against some monster spreads. They've faced a staggering average spread of -18.7 points during WCC play, making that ATS success even more remarkable.

Those numbers include being favored by 20 or more points 10 times this season, going a profitable 6-4 ATS in those games. That’s impressive simply because talented teams playing in weaker conferences can become complacent, especially when they're consistently beating teams by 20-plus points.

The sweet spot for bettors looking to jump on the Gonzaga bandwagon is when it is a big, but not huge favorite. When the Bulldogs are listed between -10 and -19 this season, they're a perfect 8-0 ATS.

For those saying, “talk to me when they actually play someone good”, they only need to look to the Zags' non-conference slate. Earlier this season, Gonzaga topped No. 4 Arizona 69-62 as a 4.5-point fave and No. 12 Florida 77-72 as a 3.5-point fave on neutral courts. The Bulldogs also have impressive non-conference wins over Iowa State (neutral court) and Tennessee (at Tennessee), going 1-1 ATS in the process. All four opponents will likely be tournament teams.

Gonzaga visited San Diego Thursday, where it covered as a 24-point road fave, before closing out the regular season versus BYU at home Saturday. It is 3-0 SU and 2-0-1 ATS against those teams this year. Then it’s on to the conference tournament, where Mark Few's crew will face heavy chalk once again.

Looking back at ATS success in terms of tournament hopes, the 2013-14 Wichita State team mentioned above was cruising before it ran into a very good, yet underachieving No. 8 seed Kentucky team in the second round of the tournament that year. That Shockers were sound defensively, but had nowhere near the resume that this Gonzaga team boasts and ranked just 65th in scoring (75.2).

This season's incarnation of Gonzaga is very balanced, ranking 10th in scoring (85.4 ppg) and third in field goal percentage (51.4), while at the same time ranking ninth in points against per game (61.7). The Bulldogs also force a lot of tough shots, ranking second in defensive field goal percentage (36.9) and fifth in defensive 3-point percentage (29.4)

So, with one regular season game remaining, Gonzaga is inching closer to the greatest college basketball bet in recent history and will always hold a special place in the hearts of NCAA hoops bettors - regardless of what happens when the "Madness" of March begins.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Friday, February 24


Akron @ Buffalo

Game 891-892
February 24, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Akron
59.414
Buffalo
57.968
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Akron
by 1 1/2
145
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Buffalo
by 3
151 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Akron
(+3); Under

Central Michigan @ Toledo

Game 889-890
February 24, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Central Michigan
52.512
Toledo
53.980
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toledo
by 1 1/2
178
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toledo
by 8 1/2
176 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Central Michigan
(+8 1/2); Over

St Peter's @ Niagara

Game 887-888
February 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St Peter's
60.598
Niagara
51.425
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St Peter's
by 9
123
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St Peter's
by 6
129
Dunkel Pick:
St Peter's
(-6); Under

Fairfield @ Canisius

Game 885-886
February 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Fairfield
44.761
Canisius
59.317
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Canisius
by 14 1/2
162
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Canisius
by 5 1/2
154 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Canisius
(-5 1/2); Over

Siena @ Monmouth

Game 883-884
February 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Siena
51.206
Monmouth
65.768
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Monmouth
by 14 1/2
162
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Monmouth
by 8 1/2
158
Dunkel Pick:
Monmouth
(-8 1/2); Over

Manhattan @ Iona

Game 881-882
February 24, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Manhattan
40.121
Iona
58.592
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Iona
by 18 1/2
165
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Iona
by 11
156 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Iona
(-11); Over

Oregon State @ California

Game 879-880
February 24, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oregon State
53.583
California
68.450
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
California
by 15
117
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
California
by 18
120 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oregon State
(+18); Under

Dayton @ Davidson

Game 877-878
February 24, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dayton
62.904
Davidson
66.960
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Davidson
by 4
135
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dayton
by 2
144
Dunkel Pick:
Davidson
(+2); Under

Detroit @ WI-Milwaukee

Game 875-876
February 24, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
41.906
WI-Milwaukee
54.575
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
WI-Milwaukee
by 12 1/2
156
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
WI-Milwaukee
by 4 1/2
150
Dunkel Pick:
WI-Milwaukee
(-4 1/2); Over

Valparaiso @ Wright State

Game 873-874
February 24, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Valparaiso
62.297
Wright State
52.366
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Valparaiso
by 10
139
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Valparaiso
by 2
146
Dunkel Pick:
Valparaiso
(-2); Under

Illinois-Chicago @ Northern Kentucky

Game 871-872
February 24, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Illinois-Chicago
53.080
Northern Kentucky
52.693
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Illinois-Chicago
by 1
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Northern Kentucky
by 8 1/2
152
Dunkel Pick:
Illinois-Chicago
(+8 1/2); Under

Yale @ Harvard

Game 869-870
February 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Yale
57.968
Harvard
58.047
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Yale
Even
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Harvard
by 5 1/2
140
Dunkel Pick:
Yale
(+5 1/2); Over

Pennsylvania @ Cornell

Game 867-868
February 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pennsylvania
62.428
Cornell
47.222
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pennsylvania
by 15
136
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pennsylvania
by 5 1/2
141 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pennsylvania
(-5 1/2); Under

Princeton @ Columbia

Game 865-866
February 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Princeton
67.096
Columbia
60.160
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Princeton
by 17
129
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Princeton
by 7 1/2
135
Dunkel Pick:
Princeton
(-7 1/2); Under

Brown @ Dartmouth

Game 863-864
February 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brown
51.630
Dartmouth
47.406
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brown
by 4
158
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dartmouth
by 2
154 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Brown
(+2); Over

Oakland @ Green Bay

Game 861-862
February 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
56.855
Green Bay
60.888
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Green Bay
by 4
162
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
by 1
157 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Green Bay
(+1); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Friday, February 24

Yale at Harvard, 7:00 PM ET
Yale: 8-1 ATS in a road game where the total is 130 to 139.5
Harvard: 52-76 ATS when playing with 5 or 6 days rest

Dayton at Davidson, 9:00 PM ET
Dayton: 11-25 ATS in road games after covering 5 or 6 of their last 7 against the spread
Davidson: 9-1 ATS off a road loss against a conference rival

Oregon State at California, 10:00 PM ET
Oregon St: 9-1 ATS revenging a same season loss vs opponent
California: 6-20 ATS in home games after playing a game as a home underdog

Siena at Monmouth, 7:00 PM ET
Siena: 15-6 ATS after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread
Monmouth: 6-0 OVER in home games after scoring 80 points or more 2 straight games

[StarDust Bum]

Trends to Watch - Friday
February 23, 2017

Dominating Dayton

Two teams enter the weekend action in the Atlantic 10 tied atop the standings with 13-2 records. One of those teams is VCU, the other is Dayton, who travels to Davidson on Friday night. The Flyers are rolling of late by winning seven straight games, while compiling a 17-8 ATS record this season. Dayton has cashed the OVER in eight consecutive contests, as the Flyers have put together a solid 6-1 ATS mark on the road in conference play.

Davidson has taken a step backwards of late by dropping four of the past six games, including Tuesday’s 84-76 setback at Richmond. The Wildcats have lost two of the last three home contests, but have cashed in their lone opportunity as a home conference underdog by beating VCU in mid-January, 69-63.

Bearing Down

California is heading to the NCAA Tournament as an at-large bid, but the Golden Bears are coming off a pair of disappointing losses to Stanford and Oregon in the last week. The Golden Bears melted down late in Wednesday’s buzzer-beating setback to Oregon, blowing a 16-point lead to suffer their first home loss since falling to Arizona on December 30. Cal hosts Oregon State as the Beavers picked up their first Pac-12 win following an 0-14 start on Sunday against Utah.

The Beavers couldn’t win consecutive games as they fell short against Stanford on Wednesday, but Oregon State cashed as 14 ½-point underdogs. OSU has fared well against the number recently by cashing four consecutive times as a double-digit ‘dog, while covering in a 69-58 home loss to Cal last month as 13 ½-point ‘dogs.

Top of the Ivy

Harvard and Yale could potentially square off in the initial Ivy League tournament at the Palestra in Philadelphia next month. The two academic rivals meet in Cambridge as the Crimson owns an 8-2 conference mark, while the Bulldogs sit in third place at 6-4. Harvard took care of Yale in their last meeting on February 11 by a 75-67 count as four-point road underdogs, the eighth time in the past nine matchups that the road team has won.

Yale is riding a three-game skid following a 6-1 start inside the Ivy, while owning a 1-5 SU and 2-4 ATS record in the underdog role this season. Harvard seeks its fifth consecutive victory following back-to-back home wins over Columbia and Cornell. The Crimson have covered five of the past six games overall, while cashing four of five Ivy home games.

The team everyone is chasing inside the Ivy is Princeton, who is on track to be the top seed in the Ivy League tournament at 10-0. The Tigers head to Columbia, as the Lions nearly upset Princeton earlier this month in a 61-59 defeat as 14-point underdogs. Princeton had failed to cash in three straight opportunities as a double-digit favorite prior to cruising past Brown, 66-51 last Saturday as 11-point favorites.

Columbia started 4-2 in Ivy play, but the Lions are going the wrong way at the wrong time by dropping four straight games. The Lions were squeezed in losses to Princeton and Harvard, but the biggest heartbreaker came in an 80-79 overtime setback at Dartmouth as 4 ½-point favorites. Three of Columbia’s four Ivy wins came against teams in the bottom half of the conference with the only quality victory coming over Harvard last month as short underdogs.

Zip it Up

Akron is the top team in the Mid-American Conference owning a 12-3 record, but the Zips have been a team to avoid betting on recently. Since January 28, the Zips have compiled a 1-7 ATS record in the last eight contests, while coming off back-to-back close losses to Kent State and Bowling Green.

The start of this cold ATS streak came in a one-point victory against Buffalo in late January, as the Zips battle the Bulls in western New York on Friday. Buffalo saw its six-game hot streak come to a halt in Tuesday’s eight-point home defeat to Kent. The Bulls own a solid 9-2 ATS record in the past 11 contests, which includes a 3-0 ATS mark in the underdog role. However, Buffalo opened up a short favorite against Akron.

Get it Wright

Oakland picked up a huge victory over Valparaiso last week to pull within one game of first place in the Horizon League. Valpo looks to stay atop the conference with a trip to Wright State, as the Crusaders are coming off back-to-back wins over Detroit and Milwaukee. The Crusaders have fared well in the road favorite role in Horizon play by compiling a 5-1 SU/ATS record, while dominating Wright State in their last meeting in late January.

The Raiders have posted a solid 19-10 overall mark this season, including a 10-6 ledger in the Horizon. Wright State is riding a seven-game OVER streak, while busting the 75-point mark five times in this stretch. The Raiders have posted a 9-18 ATS record in their last 27 Horizon regular season games, but have won five of their seven home conference contests this season.