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

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  • #1621
    Thursday - Session 2
    March 15, 2017

    West Region (Buffalo, NY)
    No. 4 West Virginia vs. No. 13 Bucknell (CBS, 2:30 p.m.)

    -- As of late Wednesday, most books had West Virginia (26-8 straight up, 13-15 against the spread) installed as a 14-point favorite with a total of 147.5. The 13th-seeded Bison were +800 on the money line (risk $100 to win $800).

    -- Bob Huggins’s squad has been a double-digit favorite 13 times, limping to an abysmal 3-9-1 spread record. WVU is 0-7-1 ATS in its last eight such spots.

    -- WVU is mired in a 1-6-1 ATS slump.

    -- WVU saw its three-game winning streak snapped this past Saturday night when it lost 80-74 to Iowa State as a four-point favorite in the Big 12 Tournament finals at Sprint Center in Kansas City. The Mountaineers had beaten Texas (63-53) and Kanas State (51-50) to advance to the finals. They were an atrocious 8-of-17 from the free-throw line (47.1%) in the loss to the Cyclones, who shot 54.2 percent from the floor. Jevon Carter had 18 points in the losing effort, nailing 4-of-8 launches from 3-point range. Elijah Macon, Esa Ahmad and Daxter Miles Jr. scored 10 points apiece.

    -- West Va. played 15 games in opponents in the NCAA Tournament field, compiling a 10-5 record. WVU has an RPI of 24, going 5-3 against the Top 25, 6-4 versus the Top 50 and 13-5 against the Top 100. The Mountaineers have wins at Virginia, at Oklahoma State and at Iowa State, in addition to home wins over Baylor, Kansas, Iowa State, Kansas State and Northern Kentucky.

    -- Carter leads WVU in scoring (13.1 points per game), assists (3.9 APG) and steals (2.6 SPG). Ahmad (11.2 PPG) is the only other double-figure scorer for this balanced offensive team. He is hitting 37.8 percent of his shots from long distance.

    -- Bucknell (26-8 SU, 7-1 ATS) brings a six-game winning streak into the Tournament. The Bison blasted Lehigh 81-65 as a four-point ‘chalk’ in the finals of the Patriot League Tournament. Kimbal Mackenzie was the catalyst with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists without a turnover. Zach Thomas scored 17 points to go with nine rebounds, seven assists and two blocked shots. Nana Foulland also scored 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting and he blocked three shots. Stephen Brown finished with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists without a turnover.

    -- Bucknell is led by Thomas, who averages 16.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The junior forward can shoot it well with the excellent percentages from the field (47.6%), 3-point range (41.5%) and free-throw line (81.6%). Foulland averages 14.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots per game. He also shoots at a team-best 62.8 percent clip from the field. Brown (10.9 PPG) is averaging team-highs in assists (4.8 APG) and steals (1.5 SPG).

    -- Bucknell played five games against teams in the NCAA Tournament field, losing three of those contests. The Bison won at Vanderbilt (75-72) and beat Mount St. Mary’s by an 81-65 count at home. They lost by 26 at Butler, by 20 at Wake Forest and by two at home vs. Princeton.

    -- Bucknell has been an underdog just once, winning outright over Vandy as a 12-point road ‘dog.

    -- The ‘over’ is 16-12-1 overall for WVU, but the ‘under’ is 5-2 in its last seven outings.

    -- The ‘over’ is 5-2-1 overall for the Bison.

    -- Tip-off on CBS is expected to be around 2:45 p.m. Eastern in Buffalo. To be exact, the game will start 30 minutes after Notre Dame-Princeton ends.

    East Region (Orlando, FL)
    No. 4 Florida vs. East Tennessee State (truTV, 3:00 p.m.)

    -- Florida, the No. 4 seed in the East Region, will be in Orlando to take on East Tennessee State, the No. 13 seed. As of late Wednesday, most betting shops had Florida (24-8 SU, 17-13 ATS) listed as a 10-point favorite with a total of 147.5 points.

    -- Florida will have fresh legs after losing to Vanderbilt 72-62 in overtime last Friday at the SEC Tournament quarterfinals in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena. The Gators lost outright as 5.5-point favorites. They finished regulation on a 9-1 run to force the extra session, but the Commodores outscored them 12-4 in OT. It was Vandy’s third win over UF this season. KeVaughn Allen scored a team-best 16 points in the losing effort. Kasey Hill also scored 16 points, but his layup in traffic with six seconds left in regulation was off. Devin Robinson finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Canyon Barry, the SEC’s Sixth Man of the Year, was held scoreless in 16 minutes of playing time.

    -- Since spraining his ankle at Mississippi State on Feb. 18, Barry has been held scoreless twice and was limited to three points at Kentucky. However, the grad transfer from Charleston seemed to be back on track with 14 and 15-point efforts in the last two regular-season games. For the season, Barry is averaging 12.1 points per game while making 87.8 percent of his free-throw attempts.

    -- Mike White’s team has been a double-digit favorite 15 times, posting a 9-6 spread record.

    -- UF lost starting center John Egbunu to a torn ACL in the first half of a Valentine’s Day win at Auburn. Since then, UF is 3-3 SU and 2-4 ATS. We should note, however, that two of those three wins came by double-digit margins over teams in the NCAA Tournament field, South Carolina and Arkansas. Also, the defeats came at Kentucky, at Vandy and to Vandy in Nashville at the league tournament. Egbunu was averaging 7.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots per game. He was Florida’s premier interior defender.

    -- Allen, the true sophomore guard from out of Little Rock, is averaging a team-high 13.9 PPG while shooting at a 39.9 percent clip from 3-point land. Allen is also burying 87.2 percent of his free throws. Robinson is averaging 10.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. The junior forward has drained 38.9 percent of his 3-balls. Hill is averaging 9.8 points, 4.5 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. Since Egbunu’s loss, White has played a lot of three-guard lineups with Hill’s back-up PG, Chris Chiozza, playing with him. Chiozza has responded well, scoring in double figures seven times in the last nine games. In the last 11 games, the junior guard from out of Memphis has a 45/20 assists-to-turnovers ratio and has averaged 4.9 RPG despite standing shorter than six-feet tall.

    -- East Tennessee State (27-7 SU, 17-13 ATS) saw its six-game winning streak snapped in its regular-season finale, a 72-66 loss at UNC-Greensboro as a 3.5-point road ‘chalk.’ However, the Buccaneers avenged that loss in Asheville on March 6 in the finals of the Southern Conference Tournament. They overcame a 38-31 halftime deficit to win a 79-74 decision as five-point favorites. Senior guard T.J. Cromer scored 23 points and grabbed five rebounds, hitting all 11 of his shots from the charity stripe. A.J. Merriweather added 13 points on 5-of-5 shooting from the field in only 19 minutes of playing time. Hanner Mosquera-Perea and Tevin Glass contributed 12 points apiece with Glass pulling down nine boards.

    -- East Tennessee State has been an underdog four times, going 2-2 both SU and ATS with wins at Chattanooga and at Mississippi State. The Bucs are No. 53 in the RPI Rankings, posting an 0-2 record against the Top 50 and a 2-6 mark versus the Top 100. They lost by nine at UNC-Wilmington, a potential Round of 32 foe, and also lost by 14 at Dayton and by four at Tennessee.

    -- Steve Forbes’s team is led by Cromer, who averages 19.1 points, 3.2 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Cromer is draining 40.4 percent of his 3-pointers and 81.8 percent of his free throws. He dropped 41 points on Samford in the Southern Conference Tournament semifinals.

    -- Cromer’s backcourt partner Desonta Bradford is averaging 10.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. Bradford also has 35 steals and has connected on 35.4 percent of his 3-point launches.

    -- UF is No. 10 in the RPI, going 1-4 against the Top 25, 6-8 versus the Top 50 and 15-8 against the Top 100. The Gators own notable home wins over Kentucky (88-66), Arkansas (78-65), South Carolina (81-66) and Tennessee (83-70), in addition to neutral-court scalps of Miami, Seton Hall, Florida Gulf Coast and Belmont. They also won road games at Arkanas, at Alabama, at Georgia and by 32 at Oklahoma.

    -- UF is making its 20th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history. The Gators own a stellar 42-17 record in 59 Tourney games. They missed the last two Tournaments since going to the Final Four in 2014. Hill is the only player on the roster remaining from that squad.

    -- ETSU is making its 10th NCAA appearance in the history of the program. The Bucs have two wins, including an 87-80 first-round win over Arizona in 1992 when they were led by a diminutive point guard named Mister Jennings.

    -- The ‘under’ is 16-14 overall for UF, 10-5 in its last 15 contests.

    -- Totals have been an overall wash (15-15-1) for ETSU.

    -- Tip-off in Orlando on TruTV is expected to be around 3:10 p.m. Eastern, or 30 minutes after Virginia vs. UNC-Wilmington ends.

    South Region (Milwaukee, WI)
    Middle Tennessee vs. Minnesota (TNT, 3:50 p.m.)

    -- As of late Wednesday, most books had Middle Tennessee (30-4 SU, 23-10 ATS) favored by one point with a total of 136.

    -- Kermit Davis’s team pulled the 2016 Tournament’s biggest upset when it beat second-seeded Michigan State by nine points as a 15-seed in the opening round. Davis then turned downed overtures from Memphis to sign a long extension with MTSU. He returned a pair of starters from last year’s team and went from 25 wins to 30 (and counting…).

    -- Middle Tennessee has won 10 games in a row while compiling a stellar 8-2 spread record. The Blue Raiders took the cash in all three of their games at the Conference USA Tournament in Birmingham. They beat Marshall 83-72 as 10.5-point ‘chalk’ in the finals on Saturday night. Giddy Potts dropped 30 points on the Thundering Herd and also had eight rebounds. JaCorey Williams added 17 points and six rebounds, while Reggie Upshaw contributed 15 points, eight boards and two blocks.

    -- Middle Tennessee faced only three teams in the NCAA Tournament field, but it went 3-0 ATS with a pair of outright wins in those games. MTSU trounced Vanderbilt 71-48 as a two-point home favorite, but it lost 80-77 at VCU even though it covered as a four-point ‘dog. Also, the Blue Raiders beat UNC-Wilmington 68-63 as five-point ‘dogs on a neutral court. They won by 15 at Ole Miss at by 13 at Belmont, an NIT team.

    -- Williams paces MTSU in scoring with a 17.3 PPG average. Williams also pulls down 7.3 rebounds per game and is making 54.1 percent of his shots from the field. Potts (15.8 PPPG, 5.5 RPG) has hit 39.2 percent of his 3-pointers, while Upshaw averages 14.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

    -- Minnesota (24-9 SU, 19-12 ATS) is back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013. Since going to the Final Four in 1997, the Gophers are have lost five of six NCAA Tourney games. They beat UCLA by 20 four years ago before getting sent home by Florida in the Round of 32. Minnesota is making its 13th NCAA appearance in program history, as it looks to improve on its 13-12 all-time record.

    -- Richard Pitino and Rick Pitino are the only father-son combination to ever lead two different teams to the same NCAA Tournament.

    -- After a five-game losing streak in mid-January, Minnesota ripped off eight consecutive wins while going 7-1 ATS until losing 66-49 at Wisconsin in its regular-season finale. The Gophers beat Michigan State by a 63-58 count at the Big Ten Tournament before getting eliminated in an 84-77 loss to Michigan as four-point underdogs. In the win over the Spartans, Reggie Lynch led the way with 16 points, four rebounds and five blocked shots. Amir Coffey added 13 points, while Jordan Murphy had 10 points and 13 rebounds. Nate Mason was also in double figures with 10 points, but he was a horrendous 2-of-14 from the field. Mason made 6-of-7 at the free-throw line, however.

    -- Minnesota owns an 8-7 record in 15 games against teams in the NCAA Tourney field. The Gophers have home wins over Arkansas, Mount St. Mary’s, UT-Arlington and Michigan. They have neutral-court scalps of Michigan State and Vanderbilt, in addition to road wins at Purdue, at Northwestern and at Maryland.

    -- Mason is averaging team-highs in scoring (15.5 PPG), assists (5.0 APG) and steals (1.3 SPG). Lynch (8.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG) is second in the nation in blocked shots, rejecting 3.5 attempts per game.

    -- Minnesota will be without senior guard Akeem Springs, who tore his Achilles in the Big Ten Tourney win over Sparty. Springs was averaging 9.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.

    -- The Gophers have watched the ‘over’ go 11-3 in their last 14 games to improve to 18-13 overall.

    -- The ‘under’ is 20-13 overall for the Blue Raiders, but they’ve seen the ‘over’ hit in four of their last five contests.

    -- TNT will have the telecast 30 minutes after the end of Butler-Winthrop. That should be around 4:00 p.m. Eastern.

    West Region (Salt Lake City, UT)
    Vanderbilt vs. Northwestern (TBS, 4:20 p.m.)

    -- As of late Wednesday, most spots had Vanderbilt (19-15 SU, 20-12 ATS) installed as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 130. The Commodores are the first 15-loss team to garner an at-large invite in NCAA Tournament history.

    -- Vandy finished strong to garner a second straight bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Commodores lost in the First Four in Dayton last season, and then their head coach Kevin Stalling left to take the Pittsburgh job. Bryce Drew, the former star player and coach at Valpo, led his team to a 7-2 SU record and an 8-1 ATS mark in its last nine contests. During this span, Vandy beat Florida twice and also knocked off South Carolina. The only defeats came against Arkansas and at Kentucky.

    -- Vandy beat Texas A&M (66-41) and UF (72-62 in OT) at the SEC Tournament before falling 76-62 to Arkansas in the semifinals. In the win over the Gators, junior guard Riley LaChance scored 18 points on 4-of-7 shooting from downtown. Jeff Roberson added 16 points and eight rebounds, while Luke Kornet finished with 12 points and 10 boards.

    -- Vandy played 16 games against teams in the NCAA field, going 6-10. However, we should note that the Commodores have won six of their last nine games against such squads. Drew’s team is No. 38 in the RPI Rankings, posting a 4-4 record against the Top 25, a 6-8 mark versus the Top 50 and an 11-14 ledger against the Top 100. The ‘Dores owns notable home wins over Florida, Iowa State and South Carolina. They won at Arkansas and at Florida. They beat UF and Texas A&M three times apiece.

    -- Vandy owns a 17-6 spread record in its last 23 games.

    -- Matthew Fisher-Davis leads Vandy’s balanced scoring attack with a 13.6 PPG average. Kornet (13.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG) has a team-high 68 blocked shots, while Roberson (11.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG) is making 34.2 percent of his 3-point attempts. LaChance (10.5 PPG) has a 133/64 assists-to-turnovers ratio and has buried 49.3 percent from long distance and 86.8 percent at the free-throw line.

    -- Vandy is ranked ninth in the nation in free-throw shooting percentage (77.6%).

    -- Northwestern (23-11 SU, 19-12 ATS) is finally in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. The Wildcats finished in a fifth-place tie in the Big Ten regular season standings, posting a 10-8 record in league play. They won three of their last five games to secure an at-large invite, including wins over Rutgers and Maryland to advance to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. Chris Collins’s squad knocked off the Terrapins by a 72-64 count as a two-point underdog. Scottie Lindsey and Vic Law scored 17 points apiece, while Bryant McIntosh had 16 points, six assists and a pair of steals.

    -- Northwestern is led by McIntosh, a junior guard who paces his team in scoring (14.4 PPG) and assists (5.2 APG). Lindsey is averaging 14.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. Law (12.5 PPG), a sophomore forward, leads the Wildcats in rebounding (5.7 RPG) and steals (1.1 SPG).

    -- Northwestern is No. 49 in the RPI, going 1-5 against the Top 25, 5-8 versus the Top 50 and 9-11 against the Top 100. The Wildcats have neutral-court wins over Dayton and Maryland, in addition to a road win at Wisconsin. They also downed Wake Forest and Michigan at home.

    -- Northwestern is 38th in the country FT percentage, hitting 75.1 percent of its attempts. The Wildcats are 22nd in the nation in field-goal percentage defense (40.3%) and 34th in scoring defense (65.1 PPG).

    -- The ‘under’ is 18-11-2 overall for the Wildcats, but they’ve seen the ‘over’ hit in three consecutive games.

    -- The ‘under’ is 18-13-1 overall for the ‘Dores, 7-1 in their last eight outings.

    -- This game will tip in Salt Lake City on TBS at around 4:30 p.m. Eastern, or 30 minutes after Gonzaga faces South Dakota State. Unless Mark Few’s team becomes the first No. 1 seed to lose to a 16 seed, the Vandy-NW winner will take on the ‘Zags on Saturday.
    Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

    Comment

    • #1622
      Thursday - Session 3
      March 15, 2017

      West Region – Orlando – Amway Center

      #11 Xavier vs. #6 Maryland (-2, 142 ½) – 6:50 PM EST – TNT

      The Terrapins (24-8 SU, 15-12-3 ATS) jumped out of the gate with an impressive 20-2 record, but slowed down in the final month by losing six of its last 10 games. Maryland couldn’t take advantage of the Big 10 tournament being played in nearby Washington D.C. as the Terps were bounced by Northwestern, 72-64 in the quarterfinals. Mark Turgeon’s squad also struggled to cover numbers down the stretch by posting a 1-5 ATS mark, including a 1-4 ATS ledger in this stretch as a favorite.

      Xavier (21-13 SU, 15-18 ATS) got off to a solid 13-2 start prior to three consecutive losses to conference foes that made the tournament -- Villanova, Butler, and Creighton. The Musketeers suffered a crucial loss when guard Edmond Sumner (14.3 ppg) tore his ACL in a late January victory at St. John’s. Xavier closed the regular season on a brutal 1-6 run before reaching the Big East semifinals following victories over DePaul and Butler.

      The Musketeers advanced to the round of 32 last March before losing to another Big 10 team, falling to Wisconsin, 66-63 as 4 ½-point favorites. Maryland picked up victories in the first round each of the past two years in the tournament, but failed to cover each time as a favorite.

      East Region – Buffalo – Keybank Center

      #16 Mount St. Mary’s vs. #1 Villanova – 7:10 PM EST – CBS

      The Wildcats (31-3 SU, 18-15 ATS) are looking to become the first repeat national champions since Florida pulled off that feat in 2006 and 2007. Villanova won the title last season even though it lost in the Big East championship to Seton Hall, as Jay Wright’s club captured the conference tournament title this time around against Creighton. The Wildcats covered in all six victories last March, including as 17 ½-point favorites in their opening round blowout of UNC-Asheville.

      Mount St. Mary’s (20-15 SU, 4-3 ATS) slipped past New Orleans in the play-in game on Tuesday, 67-66. The Mountaineers won their first tournament game since falling to Albany in 2014 by a 71-64 count. Mount St. Mary’s faced plenty of tournament squads in non-conference play, but lost by double-digits to West Virginia, Iowa State, Minnesota, Michigan, and Arkansas.

      West Region – Salt Lake City – Vivint Smart Home Arena

      #10 VCU vs. #7 St. Mary’s (-4, 126 ½) – 7:20 PM EST – TBS

      The Rams (26-8 SU, 12-17-1 ATS) are back in the NCAA tournament for the seventh consecutive season in spite of losing in the Atlantic 10 championship to Rhode Island. VCU struggled in the underdog role this season by going 0-4 SU/ATS, while losing to tournament teams Rhode Island twice, Dayton, and Baylor. The Rams picked up victories over Dayton and Middle Tennessee State at home, but also lost to non-tournament squads Illinois, Georgia Tech, and Fordham.

      St. Mary’s (28-4 SU, 16-11-2 ATS) lost only four games this season with three of those defeats coming to conference rival and West top seed Gonzaga. The Gaels won 25 of 26 games this season in the favorite role with the lone defeat coming to Texas-Arlington in December. St. Mary’s put together a perfect 4-0 SU/ATS record as a single-digit favorite this season, including a pair of wins over BYU and a victory at Dayton in November.

      In spite of VCU’s struggles as an underdog this season, the Rams have covered in eight of their last 10 opportunities as a tournament ‘dog since its Final Four run in 2011. The Gaels are back in the Big Dance for the first time since 2013, as St. Mary’s reached the second round before getting knocked out by Memphis, 54-52.

      Midwest Region – Milwaukee – BMO Harris Bradley Center

      #13 Vermont vs. #4 Purdue (-9 ½, 134 ½) – 7:25 PM EST – TruTV

      The Boilermakers (25-7 SU, 17-10-2 ATS) grabbed the Big 10 regular season title by finishing 14-4 in conference play. Purdue made an early exit in the conference tournament by losing to eventual champion Michigan in the quarterfinals in overtime, 74-70. In fact, Purdue won eight of its final 10 games with both losses coming to Michigan as Matt Painter’s team settled for a fourth seed. The Boilermakers dominated as a heavy favorite by going 14-1 SU and 12-2-1 ATS when laying at least nine points this season.

      Vermont (29-5 SU, 4-4 ATS) searches for its 30th win of the season after wrapping up the America East title. The Catamounts posted a 16-0 mark in conference play, while sweeping all three games in the America East tournament, capped off by a three-point victory over Albany. Vermont lost to all three tournament teams it faced this season, falling to Butler, Providence, and South Carolina.

      Purdue has failed to escape the first round of the tournament the last two years by losing to Cincinnati 2015 and Arkansas-Little Rock in 2016, both in overtime. The Boilermakers last won an NCAA tournament game in 2012 against St. Mary’s, while Vermont is seeking its first tournament victory since knocking off Lamar in the play-in game in 2012.
      Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

      Comment

      • #1623
        Thursday's Best Bets
        March 15, 2017

        The NCAA Tournament begins in earnest on Thursday afternoon as brackets everywhere throughout the country remain pristine for likely the last few hours. Bettors who have been wagering on college basketball games all year long prefer to attack the tournament on a game-by-game basis and Thursday will be no different as the plethora of action creates some tremendous betting opportunities all day long. It's always best to break down the day into segments and that's what I've done here as I've found two solid plays from the early afternoon board on Thursday.

        Best Bet #1: UNC-Wilmington/Virginia Over 135

        Taking 'over's in Virginia games was not a winning proposition overall this year as the Cavaliers and their elite defense and below-par offense went 10-19-1 O/U on the season. But the Cavaliers defense is not invincible and they had their issues with opponents that prefer to push the pace and get the game into the 70's as quick as possible. In the ACC tournament alone, Virginia went 2-0 O/U against Pittsburgh and Notre Dame, and UNC-Wilmington is built from a similar stock.

        The Seahawks scored 85.2 points per game in albeit a weaker conference than the ACC, but being in Carolina they are no strangers to their “big brothers” in the ACC. UNC-Wilmington went to Clemson this year (another team not exactly known for their offense) and fell 87-73 over the Christmas holidays and although it didn't work out in their favor that day, pushing the pace is something they'll want to do against Virginia.

        They know that the Cavaliers are prone to long scoring droughts and if they can go on a run themselves if that happens, Virginia will have no choice but to speed up their possessions in an attempt to gain ground. That plays right into the Seahawks hands and with 74.9 points allowed/game, it's not like they can count on their own defense to hold down Virginia for long.

        As “just” seven-point favorites in this 5 vs 12 matchup, oddsmakers expect the Seahawks to have some success scoring the ball and dictating the tempo. Virginia isn't afraid to run with lesser skilled opponents knowing their defense can lock things down when need be, and although Virginia didn't play too many games this year where both teams reached 70+ on the scoreboard, this matchup has great potential for that to happen.

        Best Bet #2: East Tennessee State +10

        Florida enters the tournament as a #4-seed in the East Region, but that number is more flattering than it should be since the Gators lost John Egbunu for the year about a month ago. The Gators are not the same team out there without Egbunu and there is no question had they played the bulk of the year without him, they would have come into this event as at least an 8 or 9 seed.

        They lost their first game in the SEC tournament to Vanderbilt in OT as they miss Egbunu's presence on both ends of the floor and a team like East Tennessee State that scores about 80 points/game should take full advantage of that.

        The Buccaneers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six on a neutral floor and part of that run is included in their 11-5 ATS run in non-conference play. Without Egbunu, this matchup isn't as nearly lopsided as the seeding nor the point spread suggest and taking East Tennessee State on the ML isn't out of the question either.
        Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

        Comment

        • #1624
          Final 4 Consensus Picks
          March 15, 2017

          Villanova capped off the second championship in school history by hitting a three-pointer at the buzzer to beat North Carolina last April. The Wildcats look to become the first repeat champion since Florida in 2006 and 2007 as Villanova is the top overall seed in the tournament and the number one seed in the East region.

          Along with Villanova, the three other top seeds are Kansas, Gonzaga, and North Carolina. Only one top seed reached the Final Four last season (North Carolina), while second seeds Villanova and Oklahoma also made the Final Four. The big question heading into this season’s edition of the Final Four in Phoenix is how many top seeds will head to Arizona for the championship?

          We polled our experts to provide their Final Four squads, sleeper team, and champion as the results vary across the board. North Carolina leads the way with six handicappers predicted the Tar Heels to win the title, while three experts selected Villanova to repeat.

          Kansas seeks to become the first team to win a national title without winning a conference tournament game. Handicapper Don Anthony believes the Jayhawks will benefit from the quick exit, “I think losing early in the Big 12 tournament was huge for this club. This team gets over a week off and they will be rested. I believe KU has the most talent of any team in the nation. They are also experienced with super coach Bill Self and featuring upperclassmen in Frank Mason, Landen Lucas, and Devonte Graham. Keys to going far in the tournament: #1 seed, experience, excellent coaching, and stud guards.

          Even though Duke made a run to the ACC tournament title, expert Joe Nelson doesn’t believe the Blue Devils will win it all. “While the Blue Devils are talented enough to make that happen, the path at the bottom of the East bracket might be more daunting than it appears. In two of the past three seasons when Duke has ranked outside the top 30 in defensive efficiency, they lost in the Round of 64 with the best recent showing for a Coach K team with a marginal defense being last season’s Sweet 16 run when Duke had a soft path narrowly beating UNC-Wilmington and Yale before getting blown out by Oregon."

          As far as sleepers go, Southern Methodist is a popular selection among the stable of handicappers. Dave Cokin has faith that SMU can reach the second weekend, “The Mustangs are my 10th-highest power rated team, so I believe their #6 seeding indicates they're a value team for anyone doing brackets. They should handle the USC/PC play in winner and I think SMU has an excellent shot to knock off Baylor. I would certainly favor Villanova over the Mustangs in an Elite 8 duel, but I like their chances of winning three games prior to that point.”

          Middle Tennessee State pulled the biggest upset of the tournament last season by knocking out second-seed Michigan State. Kyle Hunter believes MTSU can take the next this time around, “I know the Blue Raiders are a popular bet in the first game against Minnesota, but I think the Blue Raiders have a good shot at reaching the Sweet 16. Their likely second round matchup would be Butler, and I think MTSU would match up well with them. I like the fact that they have experience from last year's tournament. I think they are no longer a team who is just happy to get here and win one game. MTSU has the talent and the experience to make a run, and the bracket sets up nicely for them to do just that.”

          Here are the Final Four picks from our handicappers:

          FINAL FOUR AND CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTIONS

          Handicapper Sleeper East South Midwest West Champion

          Antony Dinero UNC-Wilmington Villanova North Carolina Oregon Arizona Arizona

          ASA SMU Duke North Carolina Kansas Gonzaga Gonzaga

          Bill Marzano Iowa State Duke North Carolina Iowa State Arizona North Carolina

          Brian Edwards Iowa State Duke North Carolina Iowa State Arizona North Carolina

          Dave Cokin SMU Villanova North Carolina Louisville Arizona Villanova

          Doc's Sports Maryland Duke North Carolina Kansas Arizona Kansas

          Don Anthony SMU SMU North Carolina Kansas Gonzaga Kansas

          Greg Smith West Virginia Villanova UCLA Louisville Gonzaga Louisville

          Jim Feist Oklahoma State Villanova UCLA Iowa State Gonzaga Villanova

          Jimmy Boyd Purdue Duke North Carolina Kansas Arizona North Carolina

          Joe Nelson SMU Florida North Carolina Kansas Arizona North Carolina

          Joe Williams SMU Villanova North Carolina Oregon Arizona North Carolina

          John Fisher Iowa State Duke Kentucky Oregon Gonzaga Gonzaga

          Kevin Rogers Nevada Villanova Kentucky Oregon Arizona Arizona

          Kyle Hunter Middle Tennessee State Villanova North Carolina Oregon Gonzaga Villanova

          Marc Lawrence St. Mary's Duke North Carolina Oregon Gonzaga North Carolina

          Micah Roberts SMU Villanova UCLA Oregon Florida State UCLA

          Neil the Greek Rhode Island Duke Butler Kansas Notre Dame Butler

          Scott Rickenbach Michigan Duke Kentucky Oregon Gonzaga Virginia

          Stephen Nover SMU SMU North Carolina Louisville Notre Dame North Carolina

          Zack Cimini St. Mary's Virginia Louisville North Carolina Gonzaga Louisville
          Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

          Comment

          • #1625
            Thursday - Session 4
            March 16, 2017

            West Region (Orlando, FL)
            No. 14 Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs. No. 3 Florida State Seminoles (TNT, 9:20 p.m. ET)

            Opening Odds: Florida State -11.5 146

            Betting Matchup

            It's been four years since the Eagles took the country by storm with a run to the Sweet 16 and there's no one left from that group currently on this team. That's not to say that FGCU lacks NCAA Tournament experience. In fact, there are record-holders on the team since they posted the most lopsided result in the history of the First Four, crushing Fairleigh Dickinson 96-65. They lost by 16 to North Carolina in the 1-16 matchup in the next round, so they're not going to be intimidated at the sight of a major-conference school. UCF transfer Brandon Goodwin (18.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg) has been the driving force in his first season in Fort Myers and won A-Sun Tournament MVP honors. Last year's honoree, forward Marc-Eddy Norelia, is back on the roster in a key role alongside holdovers Zach Johnson, Christian Terrell and Demetris Morant, who all average double-figures in scoring. Florida Gulf Coast is deep and experienced.

            UCF transfer Brandon Goodwin (18.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.0 apg) has been the driving force in his first season in Fort Myers and won A-Sun Tournament MVP honors. Last year's honoree, forward Marc-Eddy Norelia, is back on the roster in a key role alongside holdovers Zach Johnson, Christian Terrell and Demetris Morant, who all average double-figures in scoring. Florida Gulf Coast is deep and experienced.

            The Seminoles are just 4-4 over their last eight games, but there was once a time this season where they were looking like a No. 1 seed. Six of their first seven games against ranked competition resulted in wins. Few teams have the depth this team enjoys. Versatile forward Jonathan Issac and leading scorer Dwayne Bacon (16.9) are likely NBA first-round picks. Guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes and wing Terance Mann project as second-rounders.

            Head coach Leonard Hamilton has played 11 guys an average of 10 or more minutes per game, so we'll see if he shortens his rotation. Nine players worked at least eight minutes in the ACC Tournament loss to Notre Dame. Outside of 3-point specialist Braian Angola-Rodas going 4-for-7, the Noles shot 1-for-8 from beyond the arc in the loss to the Irish and are most vulnerable there with teams that pack it in and dare them to shoot. If FSU finds the range, the sky is the limit. If they don't, the ceiling is most certainly not the roof.

            Betting Trends

            -- The Eagles have played Florida in Jacksonville and true road games against Baylor and Michigan State, losing in East Lansing 78-77 in their only non-conference game to make the board since BTN televised it. Since it ran through the Atlantic Sun Tournament with three double-digit victories, Florida Gulf Coast is 4-0 ATS in games with lines on them.

            -- The under has come in five consecutive times in FSU games. They've averaged 72.4 points in those contests, which came on the heels of a 104-point explosion against Boston College. The Seminoles are 20-0 in games played in the state of Florida, winning 13 by double-digits. Duke, Florida, Notre Dame, Louisville, Miami, Virginia Tech and Minnesota are among their Sunshine state conquests, which have gone down in Tallahassee, Sunrise and Coral Gables.

            East Region (Buffalo, NY)
            No. 9 Virginia Tech Hokies vs. No. 8 Wisconsin Badgers (CBS, 9:40 p.m. ET)

            Opening Odds: Wisconsin -5, 138.5

            Betting Matchup

            The Hokies are dancing again for the first time since '07, riding a great season in the loaded ACC to an at-large bid. They're stretched thin due to forward Chris Clarke tearing his ACL a month ago, but pulled off wins over Miami and Wake Forest to cement a bid.

            Forward Zach LeDay leads Virginia Tech in scoring and rebounding (16.3, 7.4), but is the biggest guy in the normal rotation at just 6-foot-7. They've been overcoming a lack of size all season, which includes a road win in Ann Arbor sure to have captured the attention of the Badgers.

            Wisconsin was expected to win the Big Ten this season, but dropped five of six over a three-week stretch and fell off completely. A Senior Night win over the Gophers and a run to the Big Ten Tourney final has restored some of their swagger, so we'll see if a senior class that played for a National Championship as sophomores and reached the Sweet 16 last season can make another run.

            Since Nigel Hayes has had a disappointing year and Bronson Koenig has been so streaky, it will be interesting to see if they'll be able to turn things around to close memorable college careers on a high note.

            Betting Trends

            -- Virginia Tech is 6-4 straight up over its last 10 , but have covered the number in nine of those. The Hokies have plaed eight games decided by six points or fewer in that stretch, so they're certainly accustomed to playing close games.

            -- The Badgers had trouble scoring during their major slump, failing to crack 60 points in three of their losses. Over its last 15 games, a stretch that dates back to Jan. 28, Wisconsin has scored 61 or fewer on six occasions. The under is 4-0-2 in those games.

            West Region (Salt Lake City, UT.)
            No. 15 North Dakota Fighting Hawks vs. No. 2 Arizona Wildcats (TBS, 9:50 p.m. ET)

            Opening Odds: Arizona -17, 146

            Betting Matchup

            The Big Sky champs didn't come out of nowhere because we all learned how good senior guard Quinton Hooker was last season, but the Fighting Hawks hadn't won more than 17 games in any season since climbing to Division I. They've recorded a 20-win season and completed a wild rally in the championship game of the league tournament against Big Sky power Weber State, reaching overtime when Geno Crandall went coast-to-coast to tie the game with seven seconds left.

            North Dakota trailed by 11 points with less than 8 minutes remaining and was down six with less than a minute left before rallying to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time. The program reached the Division II Final Four three times, last doing so in 1990.

            The Wildcats sailed under the radar until January. They lost to Butler and Gonzaga early, struggling without shooting guard Allonzo Trier (17.3 ppg), who was reinstated on Jan. 21 after being suspended for taking a performance-enhancer. In all, he missed 19 games, but the 'Cats are 13-2 since his return, dropping games against Oregon and UCLA. Lauri Markkanen became the driving force early, which probably accelerated the Finnish freshman forward's development.

            After a slight slump down the stretch, Markkanen averaged 20 points per game in helping Arizona win the Pac-12 Tournament by shoooting 19-for-35 from the field and 8-for-17 from 3-point range. Although his dominance is predicated on his jumper setting up his other weapons, there's no one in the country who can defend his skill set in a 7-foot package when he gets it going.

            Betting Trends

            -- The Fighting Hawks are 13-4-1 against the number since Jan. 7, winning 10 of 11 games outright. North Dakota has squared off only once major conference competition, losing 84-73 at Iowa as an 11-point favorite on Dec. 20. Their best non-conference win came against Northern Iowa (78-70) on Dec. 10 in Cedar Falls.

            -- Arizona comes in on a four-game run of covers, tying a season-high. Their run of three games that went over the posted total is a season-best, part of a great run in the Pac-12 Tournament where they averaged 87 points per game in taking down Colorado, UCLA and Oregon. The 'Cats beat their only Big Sky foe 71-55 when they took down Northern Colorado on Nov. 21, but came nowhere near covering as a 33-point favorite.

            Midwest Region (Milwaukee, WI)
            No. 12 Nevada Wolf Pack vs. No. 5 Iowa State Cyclones (truTV, 9:55 p.m. ET)

            Opening Odds: Iowa State -6 ½, 155 ½

            Betting Matchup

            The Wolf Pack had a shot at an at-large bid if it failed to get past Colorado State in the Mountain West championship game, but survived a second-half collapse and ended up completing a great run in Las Vegas, winning three games in three days. Nevada won the regular-season title and carry a nine-game winning streak into the NCAAs in only the second season under Eric Musselman.

            The Pack won the CBI last season, but this year's team is far superior due to the infusion of MVC transfers Marcus Marshall (Missouri St.) and Jordan Caroline (Southern Illinois), who have combined to average 34.6 points, 11.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists.

            The Cyclones won more Big 12 games than any team except No. 1 seed Kansas after sweeping three games in as many days in Kansas City last weekend, rallying past West Virginia with a fabulous second half in the championship game. Point guard Monte Morris, who was snubbed as a finalist for many of the national awards given to those at his position.

            Six of the top eight players in head coach Steve Prohm's rotation are seniors or grad staudents, so this is an experienced group that has gone 10-2 since February, taking advantage of their sense of urgency as their college careers come to an end.

            Betting Trends

            -- Six of Nevada's last seen game have all gone over the posted total. In those contests, the Pack has averaged 83.7 points per game. Nevada went 2-0 against the power-five, defeating Oregon State and Washington while averaging 85 points in covering in those wins. Saint Mary's, the top-ranked opponent on its schedule, beat them in Moraga 81-63 in the season opener.

            -- Iowa State looks at the Wolf Pack's over streak and snickers. Currently, the Cyclones have seen nine straight games surpass the total. They've scored at least 80 points in eight of the past 10 games, which is quite the turnaround since eight of their first 10 games available on the board produced an under. Iowa State hasn't played a team from the Mountain West this season. It has won at least 23 games six straight years and has reached the Sweet 16 in two of the last three NCAA Tournaments.
            Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

            Comment

            • #1626
              A quick look at Villanova-Mount St Mary's in NCAA Tournament
              March 15, 2017

              BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) No. 1 Villanova (31-3) vs. No. 16 Mount St. Mary's (20-15).

              First round, East region; Buffalo, New York; 7:10 p.m. EDT.

              BOTTOM LINE: The tournament's top-seeded team, Villanova is trying to become the first school to repeat as national champions since Florida in 2006-07. Led by senior guard Josh Hart and forward Kris Jenkins, the experienced Wildcats lost twice to Butler during the regular season and once at Marquette. Otherwise, they've been winning handily with the exception of a 55-53 victory over Seton Hall in the Big East Conference Tournament last week. Coach Jay Wright isn't worried about his team being complacent.

              PINT-SIZED POINT: At 5-foot-5, Mount St. Mary's point guard Junior Robinson is the smallest player in Division I and also one of the most captivating players in the tournament. He scored 23 points Tuesday night against New Orleans in the First Four, playing all 40 minutes and sinking the game's biggest basket, a jumper in the lane with 1:29 remaining.

              MR. BIG SHOT: Jenkins made one of the most iconic shots in NCAA history, draining a buzzer-beating 3-pointer against North Carolina in last year's championship. But Jenkins, who is averaging 13.4 points this season, can do more than just shoot as he's averaging 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.

              (NOT SO) SWEET SIXTEEN: Mount St. Mary has been a No. 16 seed in all five NCAA Tournament appearances. In its previous trips, the Mountaineers have lost to Kentucky (113-67), Michigan State (76-53), North Carolina (113-74) and Albany (71-64).

              ---

              A quick look at Princeton-Notre Dame in the NCAA Tournament
              March 15, 2017

              BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) No. 5 seed Notre Dame (25-9) vs. No. 12 seed Princeton (23-6)

              First round, West region; Buffalo, New York.; 12:15 p.m. EDT.

              BOTTOM LINE: The Fighting Irish are the nation's only team to reach the Elite Eight in each of the past two years, and their six tournament wins over that span are a school record. Notre Dame rebounded from a four-game skid to win eight out of 10, and coming off a loss to Duke in the ACC Tournament final on Saturday.

              DOUBLE-THREAT BONZIE: Notre Dame junior Bonzie Colson was the ACC's only player to average a double-double this season. He is scoring 17.5 points a game and ranks 15th in the nation in averaging 10.2 rebounds.

              TIGER BY THE TAIL: Princeton has won 19 straight, which is the second-longest streak in the nation. And the Tigers are succeeding despite losing two key senior forwards - Hans Brase (knee) and Henry Caruso (toe) - to season-ending injuries.

              CRAMMING: As if studying up on the Fighting Irish isn't enough, Princeton players have also spent the week prepping for midterms. They include senior forward Spencer Weisz, who had a Business Leadership midterm following practice on Wednesday.

              ---

              A quick look at Virginia-UNC Wilmington in the NCAA tourney
              March 15, 2017

              ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) No. 5 seed Virginia (22-10) vs. No. 12 seed UNC Wilmington (29-5)

              First round, East region; Orlando, Florida; 12:40 p.m. EDT.

              BOTTOM LINE: This should be a contrast of styles, with Virginia's pack-line defense wanting to slow the game down and UNC Wilmington's high-scoring offense wanting to get up and down early and often. Whichever team controls the tempo probably will win.

              STAR WATCH: UNCW sophomore C.J. Bryce has reached double figures in 32 of 34 games this season, including 11 consecutive games with 20 or more points. He leads the team in scoring, averaging 17.6 points a game.

              DOMINANT DEFENSE: Virginia's defense can give opponents fits. Just ask North Carolina, Notre Dame and Louisville (twice) - Atlantic Coast Conference teams that averaged 51 points in four losses to the Cavaliers. Virginia leads the nation in scoring defense, giving up 55.6 points a game, and forced a dozen scoring droughts that totaled more than 5 minutes.

              DID YOU KNOW: UNCW has one win in six NCAA Tournament games, but proved to be a handful for Duke in the opening round last year. The Seahawks led the Blue Devils at halftime before losing 93-85.

              ---

              A quick look at SD St and Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament
              March 15, 2017

              SALT LAKE CITY (AP) No. 1 seed Gonzaga (32-1) vs. No. 16 seed South Dakota State (18-16)

              First round, West region; Salt Lake City; 2 p.m. EDT.

              BOTTOM LINE: The big question about Gonzaga all year: How will the Bulldogs fare against the big boys when the time finally arrives? That time is not Thursday, though South Dakota State is a bit scary. The Jackrabbits have won nine of 11, including three straight in the Summit League Tournament, where they were seeded fourth.

              SCORER: At 25.3 points per game, South Dakota State's Mike Daum is the NCAA's second-highest scorer this season.

              HE SAID IT: Gonzaga G Jordan Mathews: ''It's not one of those things where we look at it and say, `Oh, we're the big dog now.' The chip is still the same.''

              STAT WATCH: Turns out, Gonzaga C Przemek Karnowski doesn't need another win to become the all-time NCAA Division I wins leader. His 132nd career victory last week was enough. According to The Spokesman-Review , the NCAA re-examined the stats and found that Duke's Shane Battier missed two games during the 1998-99 season. His record, previously pegged at 133 games, should only be 131.
              Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

              Comment

              • #1627
                A quick look at Winthrop-Butler in the NCAA Tournament
                March 15, 2017

                MILWAUKEE (AP) No. 4 seed Butler (23-8) vs. No. 13 seed Winthrop (26-6)

                First round, South region; Milwaukee; 1:30 p.m. EDT

                BOTTOM LINE: No longer a mid-major darling, Butler enters the tournament with its highest-ever seed. The Bulldogs limit mistakes, averaging a Big East-low 10.2 turnovers per game. Big South Tournament champion Winthrop is led by the dynamic Keon Johnson. The 5-foot-7 guard is eager to prove doubters wrong in his first trip to the NCAAs.

                NOTHING BUT NCAAs: Third-year coach Chris Holtmann took the Bulldogs to the tourney for the third straight season, joining Brad Stevens as the only coaches to take Butler to the tourney in their first three seasons.

                NEON KEON: Johnson averaged 22.5 points a game for Winthrop and shot 40 percent from 3-point range. The senior said he models his game after Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas, another diminutive guard who is fearless in going to the hoop.

                DID YOU KNOW: Winthrop is ranked 17th in the NCAAs in blocked shots, averaging 5.3 a game. Rangy, 6-foot-8 forward Xavier Cooks leads the team with 1.8 blocks per game.

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                A quick look at Wisconsin-Virginia Tech in NCAA Tournament
                March 15, 2017

                BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) No. 8 seed Wisconsin (25-9) vs. No. 8 Virginia Tech (22-10)

                First round, East region, Buffalo, New York; 9:40 p.m. EDT.

                BOTTOM LINE: This group of Badgers is tournament tough with 11 NCAA wins and three Sweet 16 appearances over the past three seasons - more than any other school. Wisconsin has made the national quarterfinals five times in the past six years. Virginia Tech is in the NCAA field for the first time since 2007.

                ALL ALONE: Wisconsin forward Ethan Happ was the only player in the nation to lead his team in scoring (14.6), rebounding (8.6), assists (3.0), blocks (1.6) and steals (2.3) during conference play.

                B1G BEATERS: The Hokies already have two wins over Big Ten opponents this season, defeating Nebraska and Michigan in back-to-back games in November. This is only Virginia Tech's second game against Wisconsin. The Badgers defeated the Hokies 74-72 in 2008.

                KEONIG'S KLUTCH: When the clock is ticking down, Badgers guard Bronson Koenig isn't afraid to put it up. He's made 34 of 66 3-pointers in the final five minutes over the past two seasons.

                BUZZING ALONG: Virginia Tech coach Buzz Williams has turned around the school's program in just three seasons. Williams came to Blacksburg, Virginia, after six seasons at Marquette, where he led the Golden Eagles to five NCAA appearances and a regional final in 2012-13. Williams went 3-3 against Wisconsin while at Marquette.

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                A quick look at Florida-ETSU in the NCAA Tournament
                March 15, 2017

                ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) No. 4 seed Florida (24-8) vs. No. 13 seed East Tennessee State (27-7)

                First round, East region; Orlando, Florida; 3:10 p.m. EDT

                BOTTOM LINE: Turnovers should be telling. Florida guards Kasey Hill, KeVaughn Allen and Chris Chiozza want to pick pockets and get easy baskets, and the trio might have chances against ETSU. The Buccaneers rank 312th in the nation in turnovers, giving it away 15 times a game. The Bucs have been better lately, but Florida's speed on the perimeter could pose problems.

                MISFIT TOYS: Coach Steve Forbes, who estimates he's done about 60 media interviews in the last eight days, says his team is filled with ''guys from the Land of Misfit Toys.'' It's a reference to ''Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'' and is fairly accurate. The Bucs have two former Indiana players and five junior college transfers. ''They all need a home,'' Forbes said. ''We all have a home here. We all have a story, and we've come together for a common goal, though, and that is to win and to go to the NCAA Tournament.''

                MISSING MAN: The Gators are 3-3, including three losses in their last four games, since center John Egbunu suffered a season-ending knee injury. Without Egbunu, coach Mike White has gone with three and four guards more often, but that's limited the team's effectiveness in the paint.

                DID YOU KNOW: Florida has to keep close tabs on ETSU guard T.J. Cromer, one of the nation's top 3-point shooters. He has taken 255 3-pointers this season and shoots 40.4 percent from behind the arc. He averages 19.1 points and really took over the Southern Conference Tournament, dropping 41 in a semifinal victory and 23 in the title game.

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                A quick look at MTSU and Minnesota in the NCAA Tournament
                March 15, 2017

                MILWAUKEE (AP) No. 5 seed Minnesota (24-9) vs. No. 12 seed Middle Tennessee (30-4)

                First round, South region; Milwaukee; 4 p.m. EDT

                BOTTOM LINE: Middle Tennessee has its sights set on taking down another Big Ten team after upsetting Michigan State in the first round last year as a No. 15 seed. Minnesota is in the NCAAs for the first time since 2013, completing a remarkable one-year turnaround after going 8-23 last year.

                BLOCK PARTY: Minnesota big man Reggie Lynch is the Big Ten's defensive player of the year after blocking a school-record 111 shots. The 6-foot-10 Lynch is second in the NCAAs with 3.5 blocks per game.

                RAIDERS RESTOCK: Giddy Potts (15.8 points) and Reggie Upshaw (14.5 points) are returning starters from the Conference USA squad that upset the Spartans, but 6-foot-8 forward JaCorey Williams led the team in scoring (16.8 points) and rebounding (7.3 rebounds) this year The transfer from Arkansas, who sat out last season as a redshirt, brings the experience of having played in the more competitive Southeastern Conference.

                STAT LINES: While Middle Tennessee set a single-season school record for wins, Minnesota's 16-game swing was 2015-16 was the biggest single-season turnaround in the country.

                ---
                Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                Comment

                • #1628
                  A quick look at Arizona and North Dakota in NCAA Tournament
                  March 15, 2017

                  SALT LAKE CITY (AP) No. 2 seed Arizona (30-4) vs No. 14 seed North Dakota (22-9)

                  First round, West region; Salt Lake City; 9:50 p.m. EDT.

                  BOTTOM LINE: Arizona is one of the hottest teams in the country after winning the Pac-12 regular-season and tournament titles. The Wildcats have advanced to the Elite Eight three times under coach Sean Miller, but have not reached the Final Four since 2001. Anything less will be a disappointment.

                  FAB FROSH: Arizona freshman forward Lauri Markkanen is expected to be a high first-round pick in the NBA draft if he leaves after the tournament. He averaged 15.6 points per game, 7.1 rebounds and shot 43.2 percent from 3-point range.

                  BACK WITH A VENGENCE: Arizona guard Allonzo Trier missed the first 19 games of the season due to testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. He has been on a tear since returning, averaging 17.3 points per game and being named Most Outstanding Player of the Pac-12 Tournament.

                  NEWBIE: The Fighting Hawks are making their NCAA Tournament debut as a Division I program. North Dakota advanced to the Elite Eight seven times while in Division II. The athletic department became a full-time member of Division I in 2012-13.

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                  A quick look at Vandy-Northwestern in the NCAA Tournament
                  March 15, 2017

                  SALT LAKE CITY (AP) No. 8 seed Northwestern (23-11) vs. No. 9 seed Vanderbilt (19-15)

                  First round, West region; Salt Lake City; 4:30 p.m. EDT

                  BOTTOM LINE: After more than 100 years of basketball, Northwestern finally made it. Led by Vic Law and a group of believers in coach Chris Collins' vision, the Wildcats are making their first NCAA Tournament appearance.

                  BENCH SCORING: Vanderbilt's coaches, led by Bryce Drew of Valpo fame, have combined for 5,468 career points in college. Players? Matthew Fisher-Davis and Luke Kornet lead with 13 per game. Kornet, at 7-foot-1, has made 148 baskets from 3-point range.

                  HE SAID IT: ''We're not just doing this for ourselves and for our team. We're doing it for everyone that also has something to do with it.'' -Fifth-year senior Sanjay Lumpkin on Northwestern's run to the tournament.

                  STAT WATCH: Five times this season, five Vanderbilt players have reached double figures in the same game. ... Northwestern ranks 22nd in the country in shooting percentage allowed (40.3) and 25th in blocked shots (five per game).

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

                  A quick look at FGCU-Florida State in the NCAA Tournament
                  March 15, 2017

                  ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) No. 3 Florida State (25-8) vs. No. 14 seed Florida Gulf Coast (26-7)

                  First round, West Region; Orlando, Florida; 9:20 p.m. EDT.

                  BOTTOM LINE: Don't expect a lot of great defense, but this game has a chance to be one of the most explosive matchups of the first round. Both teams like to get up and down and they fly to the basket. Florida State has done it all season against a much more impressive slate of opponents in the ACC. But Florida Gulf Coast is capable of stunning some of the power programs. Just remember 2013 when the Eagles made it to the Sweet 16 as a No.15 seed.

                  BATTLE TESTED: The Seminoles had the toughest six-game stretch of any team in the nation when they faced ranked opponents in six straight games from Dec. 31 through Jan. 21. They went 5-1 during that span with wins over No. 11 Virginia, No. 21 Virginia Tech, No. 7 Duke, No. 15 Notre Dame and No. 21 Louisville. Their lone loss came against No.11 North Carolina (96-83) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on Jan. 14.

                  DUNK CITY: It's no secret the Eagles like to attack the basket. They have a reputation for dominating the paint and dunking the basketball. The Eagles have 157 dunks this season, which exceeds their previous season high of 148 set during the 2012-13 season.

                  DID YOU KNOW: Florida Gulf Coast is 3-2 all-time in the NCAA Tournament and its .600 winning percentage is second among American Athletic Conference teams. Florida State is the one of the tallest teams in the country, averaging 6-foot-6 per player.

                  ---------

                  A quick look at Maryland-Xavier in the NCAA Tournament
                  March 15, 2017

                  ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) No. 6 seed Maryland (24-8) vs. No.11 seed Xavier (21-13)

                  First round, West region; Orlando, Florida; 6:50 p.m. EDT.

                  BOTTOM LINE: The Terrapins limp into the NCAA Tournament having lost four of their last six games, including a first-round loss to Northwestern in the Big Ten Tournament. But the Terps should get past a Xavier team that has struggled much of February. The Musketeers lost six straight toward the end of the regular season, but did manage to win two games in the Big East Tournament, which included an impressive win over No. 18 Butler.

                  STAR WATCH: Melo Trimble has been Maryland's go-to player for all three years he has been on campus, but the first-team All-Big Ten player has found another gear this season. He has scored in double figures 30 times this season.

                  CHANGING OF THE GUARD: Trevon Bluiett has been a key player for Xavier the last two seasons, but he has stepped up in a major way since Edmond Sumner suffered a season-ending knee injury in January. Bluiett has become the Musketeers go-to player, scoring in a variety of ways. The 6-foot-3 guard is averaging 17.0 points a game.

                  DID YOU KNOW: Maryland is 11-3 in games away from home this season. Xavier ranks 20th nationally in rebound margin at plus-6.6 rebounds per game.

                  -----------

                  A quick look at Saint Mary's and VCU in the NCAA Tournament
                  March 15, 2017

                  SALT LAKE CITY (AP) No. 7 seed Saint Mary's (28-4) vs. No. 10 Virginia Commonwealth University (26-8)

                  First round, West region; Salt Lake City; 7:20 p.m. EDT.

                  BOTTOM LINE: This should be a clash of styles. Saint Mary's runs a deliberate offense to go along with the No. 2 scoring defense in the nation. VCU wants to speed up the pace of play and get out in transition. Whichever team controls the style of play has an advantage.

                  BIT OF EVERYTHING: Saint Mary's 6-foot-11 center Jock Landale leads the team in points (16.8 per game), rebounds (9.3) and blocks (1.2).

                  TOURNEY EXPERIENCE: VCU's JeQuan Lewis, Doug Brooks, Mo Alie-Cox, Torey Burston and Jordan Burgess are playing in their fourth NCAA Tournament. The program has gone to seven straight, including the 2011 Final Four.

                  FROM DOWN UNDER: Saint Mary's features seven players from Australia on the roster. The pipeline began during Randy Bennett's first season in 2001-02 and has included NBA champions Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova.

                  THORN IN THE SIDE: Three of Saint Mary's four losses were to Gonzaga, the No. 1 seed in the West. The teams would play for a fourth time if they both advance to the regional final.

                  ---
                  Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                  Comment

                  • #1629
                    Thursday’s six-pack

                    — Cuonzo Martin gets $21M for seven years to be hoop coach at Missouri. What a country.

                    — Siena coach Jimmy Patsos will be in the Turner TV studios Saturday/Sunday.

                    — Rashaun Madison of NC Central went to four high schools, three colleges. Must be some interesting stories in between those stops.

                    — Tex-Arlington 105, BYU 89– Cougars were indifferent on defense.

                    — TCU 66, Fresno State 59– Horned Frogs get their 20th win.

                    — Washington fired hoop coach Lorenzo Romar, which means they lose #1 recruit Michael Porter Jr, whose dad is Romar’s best friend. Young Porter is the #1 recruit in Class of ’17. His dad was an assistant with Romar at Washington.

                    ***********************

                    Thursday’s List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud…….

                    13) I was thinking abut Baylor as a possible Final Four team; problem is, the last two years Bears lost first round games as a 3-seed and a 5-seed- that is not good and hasn’t happened very often.

                    Last year, Baylor was a 6-point favorite over Yale; they lost to the 12-seed Bulldogs, 79-75. Year before, they were favored by 7.5 points over Georgia State, but lost to the 14-seed Panthers 57-56. This year, Baylor is a 3-seed again and gets New Mexico State- Bears are favored by 12 points. Proceed at your own risk.

                    12) If Kentucky gets to the Sweet 16, and they should, John Calipari returns to Memphis, where he once led the Tigers to the national title game. Things haven’t gone so well for Memphis since Calipari left for Kentucky. Curious to see what kind of a reaction he’ll get.

                    11) Note to self: If I ever go to a baseball game in Japan, DO NOT sit in front of the guy who blows a whistle for the whole nine innings.

                    10) Back in 1986, I was a big fan of the Bradley Braves, coached by Dick Versace and with Hersey Hawkins as the star player; they won an NCAA tourney game before losing in second round to Louisville. Point guard on that team was Jim Les, who played in the NBA for a while and now got his Cal-Davis Aggies in the NCAA’s for the first time. Good coach.

                    9) According to Baseball America, two of Tampa Bay Rays’ top 12 minor league prospects are from the Albany, NY area, where I live. Garrett Whitley, an OF and Jaime Schultz a pitcher who pitched at High Point U in North Carolina (where the basketball coach is Scott Cherry, who is from Saratoga, 25 miles north of Albany).

                    Albany is not exactly a hotbed of high school baseball, maybe because as I type this on March 15, my front lawn has two feet of snow on it.

                    8) Surprising fact: In the six years since the NCAA tournament field was expanded to 68 teams, one of the play-in winners has also won a first round game.

                    7) So 5-seed Minnesota is a 1-point favorite over 12-seed Middle Tennessee? Last time a 5-seed got this little respect in the first round was 2006, when 12-seed Texas A&M was favored by 1.5 points over Syracuse- they beat the Orangemen, 66-58.

                    Middle Tennessee was an 18-point underdog when they upset Michigan State last year. Perception of the Blue Raiders has changed a lot.

                    6) When the Houston Texans signed Brock Osweiler last year, they had never met him? How is that possible? Guy is hopefully your franchise QB; you’d think you’d like to talk with him before he signs a contract with $37M guaranteed in it.

                    5) Thanks to Jim Boeheim’s comments about there being “no value” to the ACC hoop tournament been held in Greensboro, the Greensboro Grasshoppers, Class A affiliate of Miami Marlins, will give away $20 worth of food and drinks on April 11 to anyone who shows up with a driver’s license that lists Syracuse on it.

                    Even better, Syracuse played NC-Greensboro in the first round of the NIT- Orange won by 13. Whoever made that happen though, they had to have a good chuckle about it.

                    4) 10-seed Wichita State is a 6.5-point favorite over 7-seed Dayton; whose opinion do you respect more, Las Vegas oddsmakers or a bunch of college administrators sitting in a hotel conference room? This is the most points a 10-seed has been favored by over a 7-seed.

                    3) Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia once walked on to the baseball team at Arizona State; he had to ask three times before they even let him try out. “We already have our second baseman” was the response he got, but finally, they let him try out. Smart move.

                    Things have worked out pretty well for Pedroia, and also for the second baseman who was the starter at ASU at the time— Ian Kinsler.

                    2) Cal-Davis 67, North Carolina Central 63— Aggies were +10 on boards, held NC Central to 5-26 on arc and advance on to get whacked by 1-seed Kansas in the next round. Thats just the reality of it, but Davis has had a great year- first NCAA tournament and they won a game.

                    1— USC 75, Providence 71— Trojans were down 17 early in second win; their win is 7th-largest comeback in NCAA tournament history and also avenges 70-69 loss to Friars last year. USC will play Southern Methodist next, Friday in Tulsa.
                    Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                    Comment

                    • #1630
                      Thursday’s NCAA games

                      Day games

                      Notre Dame lost in regional finals the last two years; they’re 2-7 vs spread in last nine first round games, winning last two years by 4-7 points. Princeton won its last 19 games; their last loss was 96-90 to Monmouth Dec 19. Tigers are 1-4 vs top 100 teams, with losses by 9-11-11-6 points and a 72-70 win at Bucknell- they’re in NCAA’s for first time since 2011, when they lost 59-57 (+13) as a 13-seed vs Kentucky; Ivy League teams are 5-2 vs spread in first round last seven years (4-3 SU). Princeton played Sunday, now has early game Thursday; not best scenario.

                      Virginia went 9-7 down stretch after starting season 16-3; they won four of last five games, with all four wins by 10+ points. Cavaliers play slowest-tempo games in country, are #16 team in country at protecting ball. NC-Wilmington won its last seven games; they’re 11-2 outside CAA, with one of losses by 14 at Clemson of ACC. Seahawks are #57 experience team, starting three seniors, two sophomores; they force turnovers 20.4% of time. Virginia won their last three first round games, by 11-12-36 points. Since ’09, CAA teams are 8-2 vs spread in first round games. Last four years, underdogs are 10-6 vs spread in 5-12 first round games.

                      Winthrop is in NCAA’s for first time since 2010; they’re #31 experience team, starting three seniors and a junior. Eagles lost by 14 at Florida St, 16 at Dayton- they won at Illinois in their games vs “bigtime” teams. Winthrop makes 38% of its 3-pointers, accounting for 36.7% of their points. Butler lost its last two games, split their last ten games; they’re 5-1 vs teams outside top 100, with three wins by 16+ points. Bulldogs won first round games the last two years, by 8-10 points. Since ’08, Big South teams are 2-5 vs spread in first round games.

                      Gonzaga hammered South Dakota 102-65 Dec 21; Coyotes finished four games ahead of rival South Dakota State in Summit standings- does that make Zags overconfident here? Over last seven years, Gonzaga is 5-2 vs spread in first round games; last time they were a 1-seed (’13) they won their first round game 64-58. Jackrabbits lost first six D-I games this season; they lost by 29 at Cal, 12 to East Tennessee St, 28 at Northern Iowa, 22 to Wichita State in non-league games vs good teams. Since ’03, Summit League teams are 4-8-2 vs spread in first round, 4-4 last eight years.

                      Bucknell won 18 of its last 21 games, winning last six; they lost by 20 at Wake Forest, by 26 at Butler, but also won at Vanderbilt. Patriot League teams are 0-4 vs spread in this round the last four years, losing by 12-40-41-39 points; Bucknell is in tourney for first time since 68-56 (+3) loss to Butler four years ago. West Virginia lost in first round LY to SF Austin; Mountaineers force turnovers 28.1% of time, #1 in country- they’re 3-5 vs spread in last eight first round games. Last three years, underdogs are 7-5 vs spread in 4-13 first round games.

                      Florida lost three of last four games, all to Vandy/Kentucky; Gators are 19-0 this season vs teams ranked outside top 50- this is coach White’s first NCAA tourney in his sixth year as a head coach. East Tennessee State won 13 of its last 15 games; they’re #7 experience team in country, starting a junior, four seniors. Buccaneers played two SEC teams this year, losing to Tennessee by 4 at home, winning by 2 at Miss State- ETSU coach Forbes was an assistant at Tennessee for six years. Last three years, dogs are 7-5 vs spread in 4-13 first round games.

                      5-seed Minnesota is a 1-point favorite over 12-seed Middle Tennessee? Gophers are in NCAA tourney for first time since ’13; they’ve won nine of last 11 games, but lost senior G Springs over weekend- they played only six guys in last game (three played 39:00+). Blue Raiders beat Michigan St in first round LY; they’re 20-1 in last 21 games, 5-1 vs top 100 teams, with wins over UNCW, Ole Miss, Vandy, Belmont. Last three years, Big 14 teams are 8-14 vs spread (12-8 SU) in first round games. Last six years, C-USA teams are 4-2 vs spread in this round.

                      Northwestern is in NCAA’s for first time, despite going 5-7 in its last 12 games; Wildcats are 4-6 vs top 40 teams this season, with best win at Wisconsin- they start two juniors, two seniors, are healthier now with Lindsey (mono) back in lineup. Vanderbilt won seven of its last nine games; they were only 6-6 in pre-conference games, going 0-5 vs top 50 teams- they’re 6-9 overall vs top 50 teams this season. Drew was in NCAA’s twice as Valpo’s coach, losing first round games by 3-11 points. Commodores are 1-5 in last six NCAA tournament games.

                      Night games

                      Quick turnaround for Mt St Mary’s squad that played two kids 40:00 and third player 37:00 in tense win over New Orleans Tuesday. Mountaineers lost by 28-18-17 points in their three games vs top 20 teams this season. NEC teams are 0-3 vs spread in last three tourney games, losing by 22-13-29 points. Villanova won/covered its last three first round games, winning by 20-41-30 points; Wildcats won by 42-40 in only two games this season vs teams ranked outside top 200. Last five years, 16-seeds are 11-9 against the spread in this round.

                      Maryland is #317 experience team, playing three frosh around star PG Trimble; Terps are 4-6 in their last ten games after a 20-2 start when they won eight games by 6 or less points- they beat Georgetown by point in only game vs Big East foe. Xavier lost seven of last ten games; two of three wins were over doormat DePaul; Musketeers are 6-7 since Somner got hurt, but Bluiett is back, playing 38:00+ in seven games since he returned. Xavier played three starters 38:00+ in last game, a 4th kid 34:00- they’re 9-3 in last 12 first round games. Underdogs are 5-3 SU in 6-11 games the last two years.

                      VCU split its last six games after a 23-5 start; Rams are 4-2 in last six first round games- they’re #40 experience team, forcing turnovers 21% of time (#36)- they start four seniors. St Mary’s is in NCAA’s for first time since ’13; 2-3 vs top 60 teams, with three losses to Gonzaga, wins over Dayton, Nevada back in November (VCU split pair with Dayton). Gaels are #84 experience team, playing 2nd-slowest tempo in country; they start three juniors, two seniors- they’ve got #4 eFG% in country. Last six years, underdogs are 14-9-1 vs spread in 7-10 games.

                      Purdue lost in first round LY as a 5-seed; their last tourney win was in ’12. Boilers won eight of last ten games with both losses to Michigan- they’re #23 experience team- no seniors start. Vermont won its last 21 games, is in its first NCAA since 2012; Catamounts lost to Providence by 22, Butler by 12, So Carolina by 18; their best win was over #111 Harvard. Vermont is #93 experience team, but start only one senior. America East teams are 6-6 vs spread in last 12 tourney games, but Albany was 5-1, rest of league is 1-5 vs spread. Last three years, underdog is 7-5 vs spread in 4-13 games— since ’13, single digit underdogs are 5-4 in 4-13 games.

                      Florida State is in NCAA’s for first time since 2012; they split last four first round games (1-3 vs spread). Seminoles split their last eight games- they’re #306 experience team, starting frosh and two sophs- their bench plays #23 minutes in country. FSU is 11-1 vs teams ranked outside top 100, with ten wins by 14+ points- the only loss was to Temple. Florida Gulf Coast won 19 of last 21 games; they’re 0-3 vs top 50 teams, losing by 21 to Florida, 1 at Michigan St, 9 at Baylor- they lost by 16 to UNC in this round LY. Last four years, double digit favorites are 4-3 vs spread in 4-13 games.

                      Virginia Tech is in NCAA’s for first time since ’07; Hokies are 2-0 vs Big 14 teams, winning by 3 at Michigan, by 13 over Nebraska on neutral floor. Tech starts two juniors, two seniors; they’re #103 experience team- they make 40.3% of their 3’s (#9 in country). Wisconsin beat Syracuse by 17, lost by 15 to UNC; Badgers are 4-6 in last 10 games (3-1 in last four)- they start four seniors, but are #306 at defending arc (37.7%). Last three years, favorites are 6-4 vs spread in 8-9 games; last five years, favorites of 4+ points are 6-2 vs spread in 8-9 games.

                      Arizona won five of its last six first round games; they’re 2-6 vs spread in last eight first round games, 4-6 in last 10 first round games when laying double digits. When Wildcats won Pac-12 tourney two years ago, they won first round game by 21. Arizona is #323 experience team, with two frosh and a soph starting. North Dakota is here for first time; Hawks went 2-5 vs D-I teams in pre-conference. UND plays #34 tempo in country. Big Sky teams lost last ten NCAA 1st round games (2-8 vs spread); last SU winner was Montana in ’06.

                      Since ’08, Mountain West teams other than San Diego State are 5-22 vs spread in NCAA tournament, 4-16 in the first round. Nevada is in NCAA’s for first time since ’07; they’ve got a former NBA coach, start three sophs- their bench plays 2nd-least minutes in country. Since ’94, underdogs in 5-12 game in this region are 18-5 vs spread, 15-8 SU. Over last four years, dogs are 11-5 vs spread in 5-12 games. Iowa State is #6 experience team in country, starting four seniors; they’re 4-1 in last five first round games, with all four wins by 13+ points.

                      *******************

                      Extra college basketball games

                      Here is some info on tonight’s basketball games that involve the NIT, CBI, CIT:

                      Once again, I do not recommend wagering on these games; it is impossible to determine who wants to play and who does not.

                      Thursday’s games

                      — St Peter’s is 19-13, their best season in six years; they haven’t played since March 5, also here in Albany (different arena). Peacocks won seven of last eight games, are #33 experience team in country. Albany lost America East final on March 11; they won seven of last nine games, are 2-1 vs MAAC teams this years, beating Siena/Marist, losing to Canisius.

                      — SC Upstate lost its last four games, last three by 1 or 2 points or in OT; Spartans lost by 5 at Citadel, one of worst teams in SoCon- they start three sophomores. Furman tied for first in the SoCon; lost three of last four games after a 13-2 start in SoCon. Paladins are 9-1 vs teams ranked outside top 200, with only loss in season opener to Presbyterian.

                      — Tenn-Martin lost OVC final to Jacksonville State 12 days ago; Skyhawks start four seniors, are #8 experience team in country. Despite that, they turn ball over 21.7% of time (#331) while playing slow pace. NC-Asheville won 15 of last 18 games, but were upset by Campbell in first round of Big South tourney; Bulldogs shoot 39.2% on arc, #22 in country- they’re #11 in country at forcing turnovers.

                      — Lamar tied for 5th in Southland, #28 league; Cardinals won three of last four games, are 5-5 vs D-I teams outside Southland- they scored 77+ points in last four wins. Lamar last played March 9. Texas State plays #345 tempo; they lost Sun Belt final Sunday. Bobcats won five of last seven games, are 1-2 vs Southland teams this season.

                      — Weber State is 3-5 in last eight games but lost in OT to North Dakota in Big Sky tourney final; Wildcats beat Cal-Davis by 28 in only game vs Big West opponent. Fullerton won nine of last 12 games; they lost Big West semis to Cal-Davis in OT last Friday. Titans were 2-0 vs Big Sky foes this season, with a double OT win over Portland State.

                      — Stony Brook was 12-4 in America East, finishing 2nd; they got upset at home by Albany in semis of AE tourney. Seawolves are 5-8 in non-league games; they’re #88 experience team, but lost three of last four games. Ill-Chicago is 15-18 after being 21-74 last three years; Flames lost five of last six games, allowing 87+ points in four of five losses. UIC is least experienced team in country, starting four freshmen and a junior
                      Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                      Comment

                      • #1631
                        TOURNAMENT GAMES AS OF MONDAY:

                        Date W-L-T % Units Record

                        03/16/2017 0-0-0 0.00% +0

                        03/15/2017 15-9-0 62.50% +2550

                        03/14/2017 10-7-0 58.82% +1150

                        BEST BETS:

                        03/15- ATS- 4 - 2 ..........TOTALS- 5 - 2

                        03/14- ATS- 5 - 2...........TOTALS- 0 - 2


                        EARLY GAMES 03/16/17

                        THURSDAY, MARCH 16

                        GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

                        PRIN at ND 12:15 PM

                        PRIN +6.5

                        O 134.0

                        UNCW at UVA 12:40 PM

                        UNCW +7.5

                        O 134.5

                        WIN at BUT 01:30 PM

                        BUT -11.0

                        SDST at GONZ 02:00 PM

                        GONZ -22.5

                        U 156.0

                        BUCK at WVU 02:45 PM

                        WVU -14.0 **********
                        Last edited by StarDust Bum; 03-16-2017, 12:25 PM.
                        Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                        Comment

                        • #1632
                          NCAAB
                          Dunkel

                          Thursday, March 16

                          Stony Brook @ Illinois-Chicago

                          Game 759-760
                          March 16, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          Stony Brook
                          53.106
                          Illinois-Chicago
                          51.679
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Stony Brook
                          by 1 1/2
                          150
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Illinois-Chicago
                          by 1
                          145 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          Stony Brook
                          (+1); Over

                          Weber State @ CS-Fullerton

                          Game 757-758
                          March 16, 2017 @ 10:00 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          Weber State
                          52.221
                          CS-Fullerton
                          55.562
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          CS-Fullerton
                          by 3 1/2
                          151
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Weber State
                          by 1
                          142 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          CS-Fullerton
                          (+1); Over

                          Lamar @ Texas State

                          Game 755-756
                          March 16, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          Lamar
                          46.278
                          Texas State
                          60.707
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Texas State
                          by 14 1/2
                          142
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Texas State
                          by 8 1/2
                          135 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          Texas State
                          (-8 1/2); Over

                          NC-Asheville @ UT-Martin

                          Game 753-754
                          March 16, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          NC-Asheville
                          55.891
                          UT-Martin
                          49.949
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          NC-Asheville
                          by 6
                          157
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          NC-Asheville
                          by 3
                          150 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          NC-Asheville
                          (-3); Over

                          Furman @ SC-Upstate

                          Game 751-752
                          March 16, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          Furman
                          53.700
                          SC-Upstate
                          53.357
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          SC-Upstate
                          Even
                          143
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Furman
                          by 5
                          147 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          SC-Upstate
                          (+5); Under

                          St Peter's @ Albany

                          Game 749-750
                          March 16, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          St Peter's
                          63.137
                          Albany
                          57.563
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          St Peter's
                          by 5 1/2
                          117
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Albany
                          by 1 1/2
                          122 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          St Peter's
                          (+1 1/2); Under

                          VA-Commonwealth @ St Mary's

                          Game 743-744
                          March 16, 2017 @ 7:20 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          VA-Commonwealth
                          69.951
                          St Mary's
                          67.823
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          VA-Commonwealth
                          by 2
                          133
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          St Mary's
                          by 4 1/2
                          126 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          VA-Commonwealth
                          (+4 1/2); Over

                          North Dakota @ Arizona

                          Game 741-742
                          March 16, 2017 @ 9:50 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          North Dakota
                          53.882
                          Arizona
                          73.504
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Arizona
                          by 19 1/2
                          152
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Arizona
                          by 16 1/2
                          147 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          Arizona
                          (-16 1/2); Over

                          Vanderbilt @ Northwestern

                          Game 739-740
                          March 16, 2017 @ 4:30 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          Vanderbilt
                          68.818
                          Northwestern
                          71.792
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Northwestern
                          by 3
                          125
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Vanderbilt
                          by 1 1/2
                          130 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          Northwestern
                          (+1 1/2); Under

                          South Dakota St @ Gonzaga

                          Game 737-738
                          March 16, 2017 @ 2:00 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          South Dakota St
                          54.496
                          Gonzaga
                          82.378
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Gonzaga
                          by 28
                          147
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Gonzaga
                          by 22
                          153
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          Gonzaga
                          (-22); Under

                          Winthrop @ Butler

                          Game 735-736
                          March 16, 2017 @ 1:30 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          Winthrop
                          54.814
                          Butler
                          70.559
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Butler
                          by 15 1/2
                          148
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Butler
                          by 11
                          144 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          Butler
                          (-11); Over

                          Middle Tennessee @ Minnesota

                          Game 733-734
                          March 16, 2017 @ 4:00 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          Middle Tennessee
                          69.102
                          Minnesota
                          66.132
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Middle Tennessee
                          by 3
                          142
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Middle Tennessee
                          Pick
                          136
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          Middle Tennessee
                          Over

                          Vermont @ Purdue

                          Game 731-732
                          March 16, 2017 @ 7:25 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          Vermont
                          63.106
                          Purdue
                          77.632
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Purdue
                          by 14 1/2
                          129
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Purdue
                          by 8 1/2
                          135
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          Purdue
                          (-8 1/2); Under

                          Nevada @ Iowa State

                          Game 729-730
                          March 16, 2017 @ 9:55 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          Nevada
                          66.143
                          Iowa State
                          75.786
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Iowa State
                          by 9 1/2
                          149
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Iowa State
                          by 6
                          157
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          Iowa State
                          (-6); Under

                          Xavier @ Maryland

                          Game 727-728
                          March 16, 2017 @ 6:50 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          Xavier
                          65.122
                          Maryland
                          69.058
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Maryland
                          by 4
                          138
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Maryland
                          by 1 1/2
                          142 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          Maryland
                          (-1 1/2); Under

                          FL-Gulf Coast @ Florida State

                          Game 725-726
                          March 16, 2017 @ 9:30 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          FL-Gulf Coast
                          62.649
                          Florida State
                          67.177
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Florida State
                          by 4 1/2
                          142
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Florida State
                          by 12
                          147
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          FL-Gulf Coast
                          (+12); Under

                          E Tenn State @ Florida

                          Game 723-724
                          March 16, 2017 @ 3:10 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          E Tenn State
                          64.012
                          Florida
                          67.916
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Florida
                          by 4
                          149
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Florida
                          by 10 1/2
                          144 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          E Tenn State
                          (+10 1/2); Over

                          NC-Wilmington @ Virginia

                          Game 721-722
                          March 16, 2017 @ 12:40 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          NC-Wilmington
                          66.990
                          Virginia
                          71.455
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Virginia
                          by 4 1/2
                          140
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Virginia
                          by 7 1/2
                          134 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          NC-Wilmington
                          (+7 1/2); Over

                          Bucknell @ West Virginia

                          Game 719-720
                          March 16, 2017 @ 2:45 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          Bucknell
                          55.478
                          West Virginia
                          77.871
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          West Virginia
                          by 22 1/2
                          154
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          West Virginia
                          by 13 1/2
                          146 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          West Virginia
                          (-13 1/2); Over

                          Princeton @ Notre Dame

                          Game 717-718
                          March 16, 2017 @ 12:15 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          Princeton
                          61.519
                          Notre Dame
                          71.070
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Notre Dame
                          by 9 1/2
                          138
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Notre Dame
                          by 6 1/2
                          133 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          Notre Dame
                          (-6 1/2); Over

                          Virginia Tech @ Wisconsin

                          Game 715-716
                          March 16, 2017 @ 9:40 pm

                          Dunkel Rating:
                          Virginia Tech
                          64.546
                          Wisconsin
                          77.132
                          Dunkel Team:
                          Dunkel Line:
                          Dunkel Total:
                          Wisconsin
                          by 12 1/2
                          132
                          Vegas Team:
                          Vegas Line:
                          Vegas Total:
                          Wisconsin
                          by 5 1/2
                          137 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick:
                          Wisconsin
                          (-5 1/2); Under
                          Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                          Comment

                          • #1633
                            NCAAB
                            Long Sheet

                            Thursday, March 16

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

                            VIRGINIA TECH (22 - 10) vs. WISCONSIN (25 - 9) - 3/16/2017, 9:40 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            VIRGINIA TECH is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
                            VIRGINIA TECH is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
                            VIRGINIA TECH is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
                            VIRGINIA TECH is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
                            VIRGINIA TECH is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
                            VIRGINIA TECH is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
                            VIRGINIA TECH is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in first round tournament games since 1997.
                            VIRGINIA TECH is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
                            VIRGINIA TECH is 24-9 ATS (+14.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

                            PRINCETON (23 - 6) vs. NOTRE DAME (25 - 9) - 3/16/2017, 12:15 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            PRINCETON is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
                            PRINCETON is 75-49 ATS (+21.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

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

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

                            BUCKNELL (26 - 8) vs. W VIRGINIA (26 - 8) - 3/16/2017, 2:45 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            W VIRGINIA is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.
                            BUCKNELL is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all games this season.
                            BUCKNELL is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
                            W VIRGINIA is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in road games after a conference game this season.

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

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

                            UNC-WILMINGTON (29 - 5) vs. VIRGINIA (22 - 10) - 3/16/2017, 12:40 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            UNC-WILMINGTON is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
                            UNC-WILMINGTON is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
                            UNC-WILMINGTON is 42-20 ATS (+20.0 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
                            UNC-WILMINGTON is 163-126 ATS (+24.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
                            UNC-WILMINGTON is 100-68 ATS (+25.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
                            VIRGINIA is 33-52 ATS (-24.2 Units) in road games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.

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

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

                            E TENN ST (27 - 7) vs. FLORIDA (24 - 8) - 3/16/2017, 3:10 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            FLORIDA is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
                            FLORIDA is 124-93 ATS (+21.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
                            FLORIDA is 73-47 ATS (+21.3 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
                            E TENN ST is 28-12 ATS (+14.8 Units) in March games since 1997.
                            E TENN ST is 50-30 ATS (+17.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
                            E TENN ST is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
                            E TENN ST is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.

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

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

                            FLA GULF COAST (26 - 7) vs. FLORIDA ST (25 - 8) - 3/16/2017, 9:20 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            FLA GULF COAST is 32-12 ATS (+18.8 Units) in all games since 1997.
                            FLA GULF COAST is 32-12 ATS (+18.8 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
                            FLA GULF COAST is 18-4 ATS (+13.6 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
                            FLA GULF COAST is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
                            FLA GULF COAST is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in March games since 1997.
                            FLA GULF COAST is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
                            FLA GULF COAST is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
                            FLA GULF COAST is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.
                            FLA GULF COAST is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
                            FLA GULF COAST is 24-9 ATS (+14.1 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
                            FLA GULF COAST is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
                            FLA GULF COAST is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
                            FLA GULF COAST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
                            FLORIDA ST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

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

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

                            XAVIER (21 - 13) vs. MARYLAND (24 - 8) - 3/16/2017, 6:50 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            XAVIER is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
                            XAVIER is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
                            XAVIER is 57-37 ATS (+16.3 Units) in road games in March games since 1997.
                            XAVIER is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
                            XAVIER is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
                            XAVIER is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.
                            XAVIER is 223-176 ATS (+29.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

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

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

                            NEVADA (28 - 6) vs. IOWA ST (23 - 10) - 3/16/2017, 9:55 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            IOWA ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
                            IOWA ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
                            IOWA ST is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
                            IOWA ST is 153-117 ATS (+24.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
                            NEVADA is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all games this season.
                            NEVADA is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
                            NEVADA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
                            NEVADA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) after a conference game this season.
                            NEVADA is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
                            NEVADA is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
                            NEVADA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

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

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

                            VERMONT (29 - 5) vs. PURDUE (25 - 7) - 3/16/2017, 7:25 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            PURDUE is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
                            PURDUE is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
                            PURDUE is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
                            PURDUE is 42-26 ATS (+13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
                            PURDUE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            PURDUE is 1-0 straight up against VERMONT over the last 3 seasons

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

                            MIDDLE TENN ST (30 - 4) vs. MINNESOTA (24 - 9) - 3/16/2017, 4:00 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            MIDDLE TENN ST is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all games this season.
                            MIDDLE TENN ST is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
                            MIDDLE TENN ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
                            MIDDLE TENN ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
                            MIDDLE TENN ST is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
                            MINNESOTA is 87-116 ATS (-40.6 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.

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

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

                            WINTHROP (26 - 6) vs. BUTLER (23 - 8) - 3/16/2017, 1:30 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            BUTLER is 55-38 ATS (+13.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
                            BUTLER is 55-38 ATS (+13.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
                            BUTLER is 70-34 ATS (+32.6 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
                            BUTLER is 53-33 ATS (+16.7 Units) in March games since 1997.
                            BUTLER is 28-12 ATS (+14.8 Units) in road games when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.
                            BUTLER is 70-34 ATS (+32.6 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
                            BUTLER is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
                            BUTLER is 79-54 ATS (+19.6 Units) after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
                            BUTLER is 74-42 ATS (+27.8 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
                            BUTLER is 18-4 ATS (+13.6 Units) in first round tournament games since 1997.
                            BUTLER is 23-8 ATS (+14.2 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.
                            BUTLER is 210-163 ATS (+30.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

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

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

                            S DAKOTA ST (18 - 16) vs. GONZAGA (32 - 1) - 3/16/2017, 2:00 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            S DAKOTA ST is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games this season.
                            GONZAGA is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) in all games this season.
                            GONZAGA is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
                            GONZAGA is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
                            GONZAGA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after a conference game this season.
                            GONZAGA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.
                            GONZAGA is 74-51 ATS (+17.9 Units) in road games in all tournament games since 1997.
                            GONZAGA is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
                            GONZAGA is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
                            GONZAGA is 34-12 ATS (+20.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.
                            S DAKOTA ST is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
                            S DAKOTA ST is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.

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

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

                            VANDERBILT (19 - 15) vs. NORTHWESTERN (23 - 11) - 3/16/2017, 4:30 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            NORTHWESTERN is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
                            NORTHWESTERN is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
                            NORTHWESTERN is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
                            NORTHWESTERN is 17-9 ATS (+7.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
                            VANDERBILT is 20-12 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
                            VANDERBILT is 20-12 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
                            VANDERBILT is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) after a conference game this season.
                            VANDERBILT is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
                            VANDERBILT is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

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

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

                            N DAKOTA (22 - 9) vs. ARIZONA (30 - 4) - 3/16/2017, 9:50 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            ARIZONA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games after a conference game this season.
                            ARIZONA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival this season.
                            N DAKOTA is 17-9 ATS (+7.1 Units) in all games this season.
                            N DAKOTA is 17-9 ATS (+7.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
                            N DAKOTA is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) as an underdog this season.
                            N DAKOTA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after a conference game this season.
                            N DAKOTA is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
                            N DAKOTA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
                            ARIZONA is 47-71 ATS (-31.1 Units) after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.

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

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

                            VA COMMONWEALTH (26 - 8) vs. ST MARYS-CA (28 - 4) - 3/16/2017, 7:20 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            ST MARYS-CA is 49-34 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
                            ST MARYS-CA is 49-34 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
                            ST MARYS-CA is 15-8 ATS (+6.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
                            ST MARYS-CA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
                            VA COMMONWEALTH is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games in first round tournament games since 1997.
                            VA COMMONWEALTH is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.
                            ST MARYS-CA is 77-106 ATS (-39.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

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

                            ST PETERS (19 - 13) at ALBANY (21 - 13) - 3/16/2017, 7:00 PM
                            There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

                            FURMAN (21 - 11) at USC UPSTATE (17 - 15) - 3/16/2017, 7:00 PM
                            There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

                            UNC-ASHEVILLE (23 - 9) at TENN-MARTIN (21 - 12) - 3/16/2017, 8:00 PM
                            There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

                            LAMAR (19 - 14) at TEXAS ST (20 - 13) - 3/16/2017, 7:00 PM
                            There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            TEXAS ST is 1-0 straight up against LAMAR over the last 3 seasons

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

                            WEBER ST (18 - 13) at CS-FULLERTON (17 - 14) - 3/16/2017, 10:00 PM
                            There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

                            STONY BROOK (18 - 13) at IL-CHICAGO (15 - 18) - 3/16/2017, 8:00 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            IL-CHICAGO is 28-12 ATS (+14.8 Units) in March games since 1997.
                            IL-CHICAGO is 119-88 ATS (+22.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
                            IL-CHICAGO is 46-26 ATS (+17.4 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
                            Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                            Comment

                            • #1634
                              NCAAB

                              Thursday, March 16

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

                              12:15 PM
                              PRINCETON vs. NOTRE DAME
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Notre Dame's last 7 games
                              Notre Dame is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

                              12:40 PM
                              UNC WILMINGTON vs. VIRGINIA
                              No trends available
                              Virginia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
                              The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Virginia's last 8 games

                              1:30 PM
                              WINTHROP vs. BUTLER
                              No trends available
                              Butler is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games
                              The total has gone OVER in 4 of Butler's last 6 games

                              2:00 PM
                              SOUTH DAKOTA STATE vs. GONZAGA
                              No trends available
                              Gonzaga is 24-1 SU in its last 25 games
                              Gonzaga is 19-5-1 ATS in its last 25 games

                              2:45 PM
                              BUCKNELL vs. WEST VIRGINIA
                              No trends available
                              West Virginia is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games
                              West Virginia is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

                              3:10 PM
                              EAST TENNESSEE STATE vs. FLORIDA
                              No trends available
                              Florida is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games
                              The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Florida's last 10 games

                              TBA
                              LAMAR vs. TEXAS STATE
                              No trends available
                              Texas State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Lamar
                              Texas State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

                              4:00 PM
                              MIDDLE TENNESSEE vs. MINNESOTA
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 10 games
                              Minnesota is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games

                              4:30 PM
                              VANDERBILT vs. NORTHWESTERN
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone OVER in 4 of Northwestern's last 5 games

                              6:50 PM
                              XAVIER vs. MARYLAND
                              No trends available
                              Maryland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
                              Maryland is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games

                              7:00 PM
                              SAINT PETER'S vs. ALBANY
                              Saint Peter's is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
                              No trends available

                              7:00 PM
                              FURMAN vs. USC UPSTATE
                              Furman is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
                              The total has gone OVER in 5 of Furman's last 6 games on the road
                              No trends available

                              7:20 PM
                              VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH vs. ST. MARY'S
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Mary's last 6 games
                              St. Mary's is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games

                              7:27 PM
                              VERMONT vs. PURDUE
                              No trends available
                              Purdue is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
                              Purdue is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

                              8:00 PM
                              STONY BROOK vs. ILLINOIS-CHICAGO
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone OVER in 4 of Illinois-Chicago's last 6 games
                              Illinois-Chicago is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games

                              8:00 PM
                              UNC ASHEVILLE vs. TENNESSEE-MARTIN
                              No trends available
                              Tennessee-Martin is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
                              Tennessee-Martin is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

                              9:20 PM
                              FLORIDA GULF COAST vs. FLORIDA STATE
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida State's last 5 games
                              Florida State is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games

                              9:40 PM
                              VIRGINIA TECH vs. WISCONSIN
                              No trends available
                              Wisconsin is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
                              Wisconsin is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games

                              9:50 PM
                              NORTH DAKOTA vs. ARIZONA
                              No trends available
                              Arizona is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games
                              The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games

                              9:57 PM
                              NEVADA vs. IOWA STATE
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone OVER in 5 of Iowa State's last 5 games
                              Iowa State is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games

                              10:00 PM
                              WEBER STATE vs. CS FULLERTON
                              Weber State is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
                              The total has gone OVER in 5 of Weber State's last 5 games on the road
                              CS Fullerton is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
                              CS Fullerton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


                              Friday, March 17

                              12:15 PM
                              PRINCETON vs. NOTRE DAME
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Notre Dame's last 7 games
                              Notre Dame is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

                              12:40 PM
                              UNC WILMINGTON vs. VIRGINIA
                              No trends available
                              Virginia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
                              The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Virginia's last 8 games

                              1:30 PM
                              WINTHROP vs. BUTLER
                              No trends available
                              Butler is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games
                              The total has gone OVER in 4 of Butler's last 6 games

                              2:00 PM
                              SOUTH DAKOTA STATE vs. GONZAGA
                              No trends available
                              Gonzaga is 24-1 SU in its last 25 games
                              Gonzaga is 19-5-1 ATS in its last 25 games

                              2:45 PM
                              BUCKNELL vs. WEST VIRGINIA
                              No trends available
                              West Virginia is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games
                              West Virginia is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

                              3:10 PM
                              EAST TENNESSEE STATE vs. FLORIDA
                              No trends available
                              Florida is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games
                              The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Florida's last 10 games

                              TBA
                              LAMAR vs. TEXAS STATE
                              No trends available
                              Texas State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Lamar
                              Texas State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

                              4:00 PM
                              MIDDLE TENNESSEE vs. MINNESOTA
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 10 games
                              Minnesota is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games

                              4:30 PM
                              VANDERBILT vs. NORTHWESTERN
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone OVER in 4 of Northwestern's last 5 games

                              6:50 PM
                              XAVIER vs. MARYLAND
                              No trends available
                              Maryland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
                              Maryland is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games

                              7:00 PM
                              SAINT PETER'S vs. ALBANY
                              Saint Peter's is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
                              No trends available

                              7:00 PM
                              FURMAN vs. USC UPSTATE
                              Furman is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
                              The total has gone OVER in 5 of Furman's last 6 games on the road
                              No trends available

                              7:20 PM
                              VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH vs. ST. MARY'S
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Mary's last 6 games
                              St. Mary's is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games

                              7:27 PM
                              VERMONT vs. PURDUE
                              No trends available
                              Purdue is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
                              Purdue is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

                              8:00 PM
                              STONY BROOK vs. ILLINOIS-CHICAGO
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone OVER in 4 of Illinois-Chicago's last 6 games
                              Illinois-Chicago is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games

                              8:00 PM
                              UNC ASHEVILLE vs. TENNESSEE-MARTIN
                              No trends available
                              Tennessee-Martin is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
                              Tennessee-Martin is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

                              9:20 PM
                              FLORIDA GULF COAST vs. FLORIDA STATE
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida State's last 5 games
                              Florida State is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games

                              9:40 PM
                              VIRGINIA TECH vs. WISCONSIN
                              No trends available
                              Wisconsin is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
                              Wisconsin is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games

                              9:50 PM
                              NORTH DAKOTA vs. ARIZONA
                              No trends available
                              Arizona is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games
                              The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games

                              9:57 PM
                              NEVADA vs. IOWA STATE
                              No trends available
                              The total has gone OVER in 5 of Iowa State's last 5 games
                              Iowa State is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games

                              10:00 PM
                              WEBER STATE vs. CS FULLERTON
                              Weber State is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
                              The total has gone OVER in 5 of Weber State's last 5 games on the road
                              CS Fullerton is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
                              CS Fullerton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
                              Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                              Comment

                              • #1635
                                NCAAB

                                Thursday, March 16

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                                Thursday's NCAA Tournament first round betting preview: East Region
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                                Hart finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench against Mount St. Mary's when he last saw the Mountaineers on Nov. 13, 2014.

                                (5) Virginia Cavaliers vs (12) NC-Wilmington Seahawks (+7.5, 135)

                                Game to be played at Amway Center, Orlando, Florida

                                Virginia survived the gauntlet of ACC play in the regular season and came out of it with a No. 5 seed in the East region of the NCAA Tournament. The Cavaliers will begin their tournament run on Thursday in Orlando, Fla., against No. 12 seed UNC Wilmington, which breezed to a Colonial Athletic Association title behind a potent offense ranked in the top 10 nationally.

                                That Seahawks, who average 85.2 points and reached 100 seven times during the season, will match up against a Virginia defense that led the nation in points allowed (55.6) and held six different opponents under 45 points. Defense has been the calling card for the Cavaliers under coach Tony Bennett, who brought the team to the Elite Eight as a No. 1 seed last year and had his team in a top-2 seed in each of the previous three NCAA Tournaments. That defense showed some cracks at times during ACC play and in the conference tournament, when Virginia was bounced by Notre Dame in the second round while allowing the Fighting Irish to shoot 52.2 percent from the floor. UNC Wilmington is making its second straight NCAA Tournament appearance and is facing an ACC team again after falling to fourth-seeded Duke 93-85 last spring.

                                TV:                                 12:40 p.m. ET, truTV

                                LINE HISTORY:                                 Virginia opened as 8.5-point favorites and that number has dropped a full point to 7.5. The total opened at 136 and was quickly bet down to 135 on Monday afternoon and has held firm at that number.

                                ABOUT UNC WILMINGTON (29-5 SU, 14-15-1 ATS, 16-14 OU):                                 The Seahawks are carrying a seven-game winning streak into the NCAA Tournament after closing out the regular-season CAA title and ripping through the conference tournament. Four players average at least 12.3 points for Wilmington, led by 6-foot-5 sophomore guard C.J. Boyce (17.6), who scored 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting in the win over College of Charleston in the CAA title game. The Seahawks lack size and often count 6-7 sophomore forward Devontae Cacok as the tallest player on the floor surrounded by guards that push the tempo.

                                ABOUT VIRGINIA (22-10 SU, 18-12 ATS, 10-19-1 OU):                                 The Cavaliers will do everything they can to eliminate the tempo the Seahawks prefer to play while trying desperately to score some points of their own. Senior guard London Perrantes (12.5 points) is the only player averaging double figures in scoring and he slumped to three points on 1-of-9 shooting in the loss to Notre Dame that knocked Virginia out of the ACC tournament. The Cavaliers did get an encouraging performance in that loss from junior guard Devon Hall, who collected 12 points and nine rebounds after totaling nine points and eight boards combined in the previous two games.

                                TRENDS:

                                * Seahawks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 neutral site games as an underdog.
                                * Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.
                                * Over is 7-0 in Seahawks last 7 games as an underdog of 7.0-12.5.
                                * Over is 8-2 in Cavaliers last 10 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite.




                                (4) Florida Gators vs (13) East Tennessee State Buccaneers (+10, 147.5)

                                Game to be played at Amway Center, Orlando, Florida

                                Florida opens the NCAA Tournament looking to find its stride again after a late-season slide and an early exit from the SEC tournament. The Gators are the fourth seed in the East region, and while they will be favored in Thursday's first-round matchup against No. 13 seed East Tennessee State in Orlando, losses in three of their final four games have raised questions on how far the Gators can advance.

                                Florida, which lost to Vanderbilt in the regular-season finale and again in the SEC quarterfinals, features a balanced offense which finished fourth in the SEC in scoring (78.9 points per game) and a defense ranked 14th nationally against the 3-point shot (30.7 percent). The Buccaneers won the Southern Conference title and are back in the NCAAs for the first time since 2010, winning nine of their final 10 games. East Tennessee State is one of the best shooting teams in the country, ranking 10th at 49.1 percent from the field while averaging 79.9 points per contest. The Buccaneers have faced two SEC teams this season, beating Mississippi State and losing by four to Tennessee.

                                TV:                                 3:10 p.m. ET, truTV

                                LINE HISTORY:                                 Florida opened as 10-point favorites, that line was quickly raised to 10.5 on Sunday night and by Monday morning had faded back to the opening number, where it has remained. The total opened at 143.5 and has been steadily raising, by Wednesday afternoon it was up four points to 147.5.

                                ABOUT EAST TENNESSEE STATE (27-7 SU, 17-13-1 ATS, 15-15-1 OU):                                 T.J. Cromer finished second in the Southern in scoring at 19.1 points per game, shooting 40.4 percent from 3-point range and 82 percent from the free-throw line. Cromer tied a conference tournament record with nine 3-pointers against Samford, finishing with a career-high 41 points. The Buccaneers have shot 840 free throws this season, eighth-highest total in the country, while recording 8.4 steals per contest (14th nationally).

                                ABOUT FLORIDA (24-8 SU, 17-13 ATS, 14-16 OU):                                 KeVaughn Allen leads the Gators in scoring at 13.9 points per game and is 16-of-36 from 3-point range in his past five games. Kasey Hill ranks second in the league in assists (4.6) and fifth in steals (1.7), but in his past five contests has recorded more turnovers (13) than assists (12). Chris Chiozza led the SEC in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.51), while Canyon Barry averages 12.1 points off the bench while shooting 87.8 percent from the free-throw line.

                                TRENDS:

                                * Buccaneers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games as an underdog.
                                * Gators are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
                                * Over is 8-1-2 in Buccaneers last 11 neutral site games.
                                * Over is 6-0 in Gators last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home.




                                (1) Villanova Wildcats vs (16) Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers (+26.5, 131.5)

                                Game to be played at KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York

                                As a freshman in his second college basketball game, Josh Hart made one of many statements during his decorated Villanova career when he enjoyed his first double-double in a blowout victory over Mount St. Mary's. The Big East Player of the Year hopes to have a similar impact against them again Thursday when the top-seeded Wildcats open their title defense in the NCAA Tournament East Region against the 16th-seeded Mountaineers in Buffalo, N.Y.

                                Hart, who finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench against Mount St. Mary's when he last saw the Mountaineers on Nov. 13, 2014, continued his stellar senior season Saturday with 29 points - one shy of his career high - in a Big East tournament title victory over Creighton. Along with fellow classmates Kris Jenkins and Darryl Reynolds, Hart is part of the Wildcats' most successful senior class, leading them to a 128-16 mark over their four seasons. The 6-6 wing added to his list of individual accomplishments against the Bluejays last weekend as well, becoming only the third player to win the conference tournament MVP award twice, joining Georgetown's Patrick Ewing and Louisville's Peyton Siva. Mount St. Mary's, which began the season 1-11 only to turn it around and post the program's second 20-win season, earned its second NCAA Tournament victory with Tuesday's 67-66 decision over New Orleans in First Four action at Dayton, Ohio.

                                TV:                                 7:10 p.m. ET, CBS

                                LINE HISTORY:                                 Villanova opened as 26.5-point favorite over the unlucky winners from Mount St. Mary's. The total opened Wednesday night at 132.5 and dropped by a full point to 131.5.

                                ABOUT VILLANOVA (31-3 SU, 18-15 ATS, 11-22-0 OU):                                 Hart (Big East-high 18.9 points, team-best 6.5 rebounds) bettered both his season averages with 21 points and 7.3 boards during the team's three-game Big East tournament title run and scored at least 11 points in every game this season. Sophomore backcourt mate Jalen Brunson (14.8 points, 39.6 3-point percentage) is one of three other Villanova players averaging more than nine points and shooting at least 37 percent beyond the arc, joining forwards Jenkins (13.4, 37.2) and Mikal Bridges (9.9, 39.3). Jenkins, who nailed the game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer in last season's national championship, shot 22.5 percent from beyond the arc over his last six outings after connecting on 40.3 percent over his first 28 games.

                                ABOUT MOUNT ST. MARY’S (20-15 SU, 4-3-0 ATS, 4-3-0 OU):                                 Junior Robinson (14.3 points), who is the shortest player in the Big Dance at 5-5, scored at least 22 points for the third time in four games this month with 23 against the Privateers, including the go-ahead jumper with 1:27 to play. Sophomore guard Elijah Long (team-high 15.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, team-high 4.4 assists) managed only six points as New Orleans held him to an uncharacteristic seven field-goal attempts, interrupting a four-game stretch during which he averaged 21.8 points. Freshman guard Miles Wilson (11.5 points, 3.8 boards) helped the Mountaineers pick up the slack with 17 points and 11 rebounds Tuesday, posting his second straight double-double after recording none over his first 33 games.

                                TRENDS:

                                * Wildcats are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 NCAA Tournament games.
                                * Mountaineers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games as an underdog.
                                * Over is 5-1-1 in Wildcats last 7 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite.
                                * Over is 5-1 in Mountaineers last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.




                                (8) Wisconsin Badgers vs (9) Virginia Tech Hokies (+5.5, 136.5)

                                Making its 19th straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament, Wisconsin will square off with Virginia Tech, which is dancing for the first time since 2007. The teams will face off in Buffalo, N.Y., on Thursday in the first round of the East Region with the winner likely taking on top-seeded Villanova in the Round of 32.

                                Wisconsin, seeded eighth after losing to Michigan in the Big Ten tournament title game on Sunday, received a seed lower than many had expected. That could serve as extra motivation for the Badgers, who have several key players with Final Four experience, including guard Bronson Koenig and forward Nigel Hayes. No. 9 seed Virginia Tech features an assortment of quality 3-point shooters and won four of five before falling to Florida State in the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament. Coach Buzz Williams has improved the Hokies in all three seasons on their sideline but is down to eight scholarship players heading into the tournament.

                                TV:                                 9:40 p.m. ET, CBS

                                LINE HISTORY:                                 Wisconsin opened as 4.5-point favorites on Sunday evening, was quickly bet up to 5.5. and has held firm at that number. The total opened at 138.5 and has since dropped two points to 136.5.

                                ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (22-10 SU, 16-11-1 ATS, 14-14 OU):                                 The Hokies finished seventh in the ACC this season and have a resume that includes wins at Michigan and versus Duke, Virginia and Miami (Fla.). Zach LeDay leads five double-digit scorers at 16.3 points and also grabs a team-high 7.4 rebounds, while Seth Allen chips in 13.4 points while making 45.1 percent of his 3-pointers. Ty Outlaw (48.2 percent on 3-pointers) and Justin Robinson (42.5) are two other terrific shooters for Virginia Tech, which makes 40.3 percent of its long-range shots overall and brings a ton of firepower from its reserves with LeDay and Allen typically coming off the bench.

                                ABOUT WISCONSIN (25-9 SU, 15-16 ATS, 12-16-3 OU):                                 The Badgers entered Sunday ranked seventh in the nation in points surrendered (61.1) but allowed Michigan to shoot 56.3 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from the arc in a 15-point defeat. Koenig delivered 15 points and made multiple 3s for the fifth straight game. Ethan Happ nearly averages a double-double and recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds against the Wolverines while Hayes added 14 points for his second straight double-double.

                                TRENDS:

                                * Hokies are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
                                * Hokies are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 neutral site games.
                                * Under is 5-1 in Hokies last 6 non-conference games.
                                * Under is 9-1-1 in Badgers last 11 neutral site games.
                                * Under is 4-0 in Badgers last 4 NCAA Tournament games.
                                Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                                Comment

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