The Bum's College Basketball Best Bets/Trends/ News Thru The Madness !

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Sunday, January 28

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

GEORGE WASHINGTON (9 - 11) at ST BONAVENTURE (13 - 6) - 1/28/2018, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 18-29 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 18-29 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games this season.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road lined games this season.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 84-117 ATS (-44.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ST BONAVENTURE is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points since 1997.
ST BONAVENTURE is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
ST BONAVENTURE is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ST BONAVENTURE is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
ST BONAVENTURE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
ST BONAVENTURE is 35-54 ATS (-24.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.


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




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


VILLANOVA (19 - 1) at MARQUETTE (13 - 7) - 1/28/2018, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARQUETTE is 141-100 ATS (+31.0 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 96-69 ATS (+20.1 Units) in January games since 1997.
VILLANOVA is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in all games this season.
VILLANOVA is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
VILLANOVA is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
VILLANOVA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VILLANOVA is 83-59 ATS (+18.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.


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




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


MICHIGAN ST (19 - 3) at MARYLAND (15 - 7) - 1/28/2018, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
MARYLAND is 72-50 ATS (+17.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
MARYLAND is 29-12 ATS (+15.8 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
MARYLAND is 45-22 ATS (+20.8 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
MICHIGAN ST is 53-37 ATS (+12.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 53-37 ATS (+12.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 92-59 ATS (+27.1 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 since 1997.
MICHIGAN ST is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 211-171 ATS (+22.9 Units) after a conference game since 1997.


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




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


DETROIT (6 - 16) at N KENTUCKY (14 - 7) - 1/28/2018, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N KENTUCKY is 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
N KENTUCKY is 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
N KENTUCKY is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.


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




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


E CAROLINA (8 - 11) at SMU (14 - 7) - 1/28/2018, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E CAROLINA is 154-194 ATS (-59.4 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 145-183 ATS (-56.3 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
SMU is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in a home game where the total is 130 to 134.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 46-26 ATS (+17.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
SMU is 3-2 against the spread versus E CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
SMU is 5-0 straight up against E CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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


OAKLAND (14 - 8) at WRIGHT ST (16 - 6) - 1/28/2018, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WRIGHT ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
OAKLAND is 54-28 ATS (+23.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
OAKLAND is 58-29 ATS (+26.1 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
OAKLAND is 61-38 ATS (+19.2 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
OAKLAND is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 32-17 ATS (+13.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
WRIGHT ST is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.


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




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


BRADLEY (15 - 7) at INDIANA ST (10 - 11) - 1/28/2018, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRADLEY is 94-124 ATS (-42.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
INDIANA ST is 37-17 ATS (+18.3 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.


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




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


RICHMOND (7 - 13) at DAVIDSON (10 - 8) - 1/28/2018, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DAVIDSON is 194-140 ATS (+40.0 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 190-143 ATS (+32.7 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 46-25 ATS (+18.5 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.


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




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


S FLORIDA (8 - 13) at HOUSTON (15 - 4) - 1/28/2018, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in home games after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
S FLORIDA is 46-28 ATS (+15.2 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points since 1997.


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




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


PURDUE (20 - 2) at INDIANA (12 - 9) - 1/28/2018, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PURDUE is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in a road game where the total is 140 to 144.5 since 1997.
INDIANA is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
INDIANA is 41-22 ATS (+16.8 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
PURDUE is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) in all games this season.
PURDUE is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
PURDUE is 32-14 ATS (+16.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PURDUE is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.


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




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


SETON HALL (15 - 5) at DEPAUL (9 - 11) - 1/28/2018, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DEPAUL is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in a home game where the total is 145 to 149.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DEPAUL is 69-100 ATS (-41.0 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
DEPAUL is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
DEPAUL is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.


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




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


N IOWA (11 - 10) at LOYOLA-IL (17 - 4) - 1/28/2018, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N IOWA is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
N IOWA is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
N IOWA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
N IOWA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
N IOWA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
N IOWA is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-IL is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) in all games this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-IL is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-IL is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.


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




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


CALIFORNIA (7 - 14) at USC (16 - 6) - 1/28/2018, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALIFORNIA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
CALIFORNIA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.


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




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


TULSA (11 - 9) at WICHITA ST (16 - 4) - 1/28/2018, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULSA is 22-39 ATS (-20.9 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent since 1997.
TULSA is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
TULSA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 218-169 ATS (+32.1 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
WICHITA ST is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points over the last 3 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 31-17 ATS (+12.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 140-108 ATS (+21.2 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
WICHITA ST is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
TULSA is 50-29 ATS (+18.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.


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




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


CLEMSON (16 - 4) at GEORGIA TECH (10 - 10) - 1/28/2018, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEMSON is 73-108 ATS (-45.8 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
GEORGIA TECH is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGIA TECH is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGIA TECH is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 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
CLEMSON is 3-2 against the spread versus GEORGIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
GEORGIA TECH is 3-2 straight up against CLEMSON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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


CONNECTICUT (11 - 9) at TEMPLE (10 - 10) - 1/28/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 18-29 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 18-29 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 57-35 ATS (+18.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.


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




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


WASHINGTON ST (9 - 10) at WASHINGTON (14 - 6) - 1/28/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games this season.
WASHINGTON ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road lined games this season.
WASHINGTON ST is 70-98 ATS (-37.8 Units) in January games since 1997.
WASHINGTON ST is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON ST is 47-69 ATS (-28.9 Units) after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.


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




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


BUCKNELL (14 - 8) at BOSTON U (11 - 9) - 1/28/2018, 12:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
BUCKNELL is 2-0 against the spread versus BOSTON U over the last 3 seasons
BUCKNELL is 4-1 straight up against BOSTON U over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, January 28

George Washington is 0-4 as A-14 road underdogs this year, losing by 17-27-10-24 points on road- they’re 3-17 vs spread in last 20 games as A-14 road dogs. GW lost five of its last six games; they’re 1-7 vs teams in top 100. St Bonaventure lost four of its last six games, with home wins over Fordham by 16, St Joe’s by 3; they’re 5-1 vs teams ranked outside top 200. GW won four of last five games with the Bonnies; Colonials lost two of their last three visits to Olean. Bonnies are 4-6-1 in last 11 games as home favorites. A-14 home favorites are 19-10 vs spread this season.

Villanova won its last six games, with road wins in there by 7-32-20 points; four of Wildcats’ last five wins are by 20+ points. Marquette is 4-4 in Big East, but they won last three home games. Villanova outscored Marquette 27-13 on foul line in 100-90 home win over the Eagles Jan 6. Wildcats’ 10th win in last 11 series games. Villanova won three of last four visits to Marquette, winning by 9-11-10 points. Villanova is 23-15 as road favorites in “new” Big East; Marquette is 4-10 in last 14 games as home underdogs. Big East home underdogs are 5-7 vs spread

Michigan State won three of last four games with Maryland; Spartans are 0-2 in conference tilts played here, losing by 16-3 points. MSU won its last three games, by 28-13-15 points; they beat Wisconsin at home Friday nite, so quick turnaround. Maryland lost four of last six games after a 13-3 start; they won last three home games. Terps are 1-5 vs top 50 teams, with only win over Butler back in November. Spartans are 15-6 in last 21 games as road favorites; Maryland is 3-1 as big 14 home underdogs. Big 14 home underdogs are 9-8 vs spread.

Oakland won its last five games since an 86-81 home loss in OT to Wright State Jan 7, when Raiders tied game in last 0:15 of regulation. Wright is 6-5 vs Oakland in Horizon games, winning three of last four; Grizzlies split their four visits here. Oakland won its last five games, last three of which were on road; Grizzlies are 5-7 vs teams in top 200. Raiders won nine of last ten games; they’re 4-0 in Horizon home games, allowing average of 58.8 ppg. Horizon home teams are 25-26 against the spread this season.

Bradley is 5-0 at home, 0-4 on road in MVC games, losing road games by 2-24-16-13 points. have best eFG% defense in MVC. Indiana State is 5-4 in MVC, 3-1 at home, with only loss by 3 to Drake; ISU forces turnovers 20.9% of time in MVC games. Sycamores won three in row, seven of last eight games with Bradley; Braves lost their last eight visits to Terre Haute, last two by 19-10 points. Bradley is 4-8 in its last 12 games as road underdogs, 0-3 this year; ISU is 11-8 in last 19 games as home favorites. MVC home favorites are 17-14 vs spread

Richmond held Davidson to 8-27 on arc in 69-58 home win over the Wildcats Dec 28, their third straight series win. Spiders lost two of last three visits to Davidson, winning by hoop LY, losing by 4-14 points previous two years. Richmond won its last four games after a 3-13 start; they won last two road games, at YCU/Duquesne. Davidson Davidson is 18-8 vs spread as home favorites since joining A-14; Spiders are 13-8 in last 21 games as road underdogs. A-14 home faves are 19-10. Davidson won five of last six games; they’re 3-0 at home in A-14, winning by 3-27-10.

Purdue won five of last six games with Indiana; they won two of last three visits here, winning by 4-5 points. Boilers won their last 16 games; they’re 4-0 in Big 14 road games, winning by 5-1-34-23 points. Indiana won/covered all four of its Big 14 home games- they’re 1-4 in Big 14 road games. Boilers are 8-10 in last 18 games as road favorites, 3-1 this year; Hoosiers are 1-5 vs top 50 teams, losing by 16-10-14-9-28 points. Big 14 home underdogs are 9-8 against the spread this season. Purdue is shooting 47.9% on arc in conference games, which is really good.

Seton Hall made 13-28 on arc, hammered DePaul 87-56 at home Jan 7; Pirates won last five series games, winning by 14-3 points in last two visits to Chicago. Seton Hall lost three of last four games; they’re 2-3 in true road games, winning at Louisville/Butler. DePaul lost six of its last eight games; both the wins were on road. Blue Demons are 0-4 at home, losing by 18-9-7-12 points. Pirates are 1-7 in last eight games as Big East road favorites; DePaul is 7-13 in last 20 games as home underdogs. Big East home underdogs are 5-7 vs spread

Loyola won its last six games, last four by 14+ points- they lead MVC by two games; Ramblers are shooting 38.5% on arc in Valley games. Northern Iowa won three of last four games, but they’re 0-4 on Valley road, losing by 19-7-2-11 points. Panthers are 3-5 vs top 100 teams. Loyola won 56-50 at UNI three weeks ago, despite shooting 31% inside arc. UNI lost its last two visits to Loyola, by 3-11 points. Loyola is 7-5 in its last 12 games as a Valley home favorite; UNI is 2-6 in last eight games as road underdogs. MVC home favorites are 17-14 vs spread

USC forced 22 turnovers (+11) in 80-62 win at Cal Jan 4; Trojans are only 3-8 in last 11 series games. Cal lost two of last three games in Galen Center, losing by 8-14 points- they won here LY. USC won its last five games; they’re 3-1 on Pac-12 road, with only loss by point at Stanford. Cal lost its last seven games; they won at Stanford, then lost last three games, by 10-25-13 points. Cal is 13-11 in last 24 games as Pac-12 road underdogs; USC is 11-7 in last 18 games as home favorites. Pac-12 home favorites are 16-15-1 vs spread

Clemson lost by 25 at Virginia in its first game without injured Grantham (out for year); Tigers lost last three road games, by 1-8-25 points. Georgia Tech lost its last three games, by 16-12-11 points; Jackets beat Miami/Notre Dame at home, lost by 16 to Virginia at home in its ACC home games. Tech is 4-3 in its last seven games with Clemson, which lost its last three visits to Atlanta, by 11-2-12 points. Clemson is 4-9 vs spread in its last 13 ACC road games; Tech is 12-5 in its last 17 games as home underdogs. ACC home underdogs are 6-8 vs spread

UConn is 4-6 in its last ten games; they’re 1-4 in true road games, winning by 10 at Tulane, losing by 15-25-2-24 points. Temple is 10-10, 2-6 in AAC; they’ve won three of last five games. Owls lost four of their last six home games. UConn won its last three games with Temple, by 15-1-14 points; teams split last four series games played here. Huskies are 6-12-1 vs spread in last 19 games as road underdogs; Temple is 2-8 in last 10 tries as home favorites. AAC home favorites are 14-13 against the spread this season.

Washington forced 23 turnovers (+6), shot 63% inside arc in 70-65 win at Washington State Jan 6; teams combined to go 9-39 on arc. Huskies are 5-4 in last nine series games. Teams split last four visits to Seattle. Coogs lost six of last seven games; they’re 0-4 on Pac-12 road, losing by 14-18-9-13 points- their only Pac-12 win is over Cal. Washington is 4-3 in Pac-12, 1-1 at home, losing by 9 to Stanford. Wazzu is 16-13-2 in last 31 games as Pac-12 road dogs; Washington is 8-6 in last 14 games as home favorites. Pac-12 home favorites are 16-15-1 vs spread

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Sunday, January 28

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

GEORGE WASHINGTON @ ST. BONAVENTURE
GEORGE WASHINGTON

The total has gone OVER in 4 of George Washington's last 5 games
George Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing St. Bonaventure
ST. BONAVENTURE

St. Bonaventure is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Bonaventure's last 7 games
BUCKNELL @ BOSTON UNIVERSITY
BUCKNELL

No trends to report
BOSTON UNIVERSITY

No trends to report
MICHIGAN STATE @ MARYLAND
MICHIGAN STATE

Michigan State is 18-2 SU in its last 20 games
Michigan State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Maryland
MARYLAND

Maryland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Maryland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
DETROIT @ NORTHERN KENTUCKY
DETROIT

The total has gone OVER in 12 of Detroit's last 18 games on the road
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
NORTHERN KENTUCKY

No trends to report
VILLANOVA @ MARQUETTE
VILLANOVA

Villanova is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Villanova is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games on the road
MARQUETTE

Marquette is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Marquette's last 6 games at home
ROWAN @ PRINCETON
ROWAN

No trends to report
PRINCETON

Princeton is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
Princeton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
RICHMOND @ DAVIDSON
RICHMOND

The total has gone OVER in 6 of Richmond's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Richmond's last 6 games on the road
DAVIDSON

Davidson is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Davidson is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
BRADLEY @ INDIANA STATE
BRADLEY

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Bradley's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Bradley's last 6 games
INDIANA STATE

Indiana State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Bradley
Indiana State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Bradley
OAKLAND @ WRIGHT STATE
OAKLAND

Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
WRIGHT STATE

Wright State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wright State's last 5 games at home
WAGNER @ ROBERT MORRIS
WAGNER

No trends to report
ROBERT MORRIS

No trends to report
SACRED HEART @ ST. FRANCIS-PENNSYLVANIA
SACRED HEART

No trends to report
ST. FRANCIS-PENNSYLVANIA

No trends to report
EAST CAROLINA @ SOUTHERN METHODIST
EAST CAROLINA

The total has gone OVER in 5 of East Carolina's last 6 games when playing on the road against Southern Methodis
East Carolina is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
SOUTHERN METHODIST

Southern Methodist is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against East Carolina
Southern Methodist is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing East Carolina
SOUTH FLORIDA @ HOUSTON
SOUTH FLORIDA

The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Florida's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Florida's last 6 games on the road
HOUSTON

Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games
PURDUE @ INDIANA
PURDUE

Purdue is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Purdue is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
INDIANA

Indiana is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Indiana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
SETON HALL @ DEPAUL
SETON HALL

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seton Hall's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seton Hall's last 5 games when playing DePaul
DEPAUL

The total has gone OVER in 4 of DePaul's last 5 games when playing Seton Hall
DePaul is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Seton Hall
NORTHERN IOWA @ LOYOLA-CHICAGO
NORTHERN IOWA

Northern Iowa is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Northern Iowa's last 7 games when playing Loyola-Chicago
LOYOLA-CHICAGO

Loyola-Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Loyola-Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
CALIFORNIA @ USC
CALIFORNIA

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of California's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of California's last 5 games when playing on the road against USC
USC

USC is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
USC is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
CLEMSON @ GEORGIA TECH
CLEMSON

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Clemson's last 6 games when playing Georgia Tech
Clemson is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games
GEORGIA TECH

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Georgia Tech's last 6 games when playing Clemson
Georgia Tech is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
TULSA @ WICHITA STATE
TULSA

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tulsa's last 7 games on the road
Tulsa is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
WICHITA STATE

Wichita State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tulsa
Wichita State is 22-2 SU in its last 24 games at home
CONNECTICUT @ TEMPLE
CONNECTICUT

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Connecticut's last 5 games
Connecticut is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
TEMPLE

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Temple's last 8 games
Temple is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
WASHINGTON STATE @ WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON STATE

The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington State's last 7 games on the road
Washington State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
WASHINGTON

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's Best Bet
January 27, 2018

Sunday College Basketball Best Bet

Clemson Tigers vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (ESPNU, 6:00 p.m.)

The Top 25 ranked Clemson Tigers are looking to pick up the pieces in this game after they were completely shut down by the Virginia Cavaliers and their daunting defense. Clemson scored just 13 points in the 2nd half and put up just 36 for the game, an astonishing number for a team that had scored 70 or more in seven of their previous eight games.

But that's what the Cavaliers do to basically every team they go up against – hold them to season low in points – and the Tigers have got to be excited to put that game behind them and move on.

But while the scoring task should be much easier against Georgia Tech, this is still a road game for a ranked team in hostile territory and the Tigers better be ready for the Yellow Jackets to give them their best shot. Georgia Tech has lost three in a row SU themselves – a streak that began with a 64-48 loss to Virginia – and would love to get back on track with a home win here. Will they do it?

Clemson -2.5 , Total 129

Shutting down the opposition is exactly what the Virginia Cavaliers have done all year as the most points they've allowed in one game was 68, and they lead the country in points allowed per game with 51.6. So Clemson shouldn't be that discouraged that they scored just 36 against the Cavaliers earlier this week, when in fact they should be excited for the prospects of rebounding after facing that lockdown squad.

The seven previous teams that have dealt with facing that Virginia defense and been held to season lows in points, have found a way to bounce back offensively at least. It doesn't always turn into victories, but six of those seven squads have scored 70 or more in their next game after facing the Cavaliers, with the lone outlier being this Georgia Tech squad that put up 66. Those seven games have a 5-2 O/U record and it's that precise spot that Clemson finds themselves in here. Georgia Tech's defense is no push over (allow 65 pts per game), but seeing anything after that Virginia defense is going to feel quite freeing for Clemson here.

Georgia Tech's defense may look good on paper, but recently that's not exactly the case as they are coming off consecutive games of giving up 80+. Those came against uptempo teams in UNC and FSU, but those numbers go to show you that this Yellow Jackets team can be had defensively when they are up against elite competition.

Clemson's not exactly on par offensively with those two rivals, but that's already built into this lower total we've got here. The Tigers do still average 75 points per game – even after putting up 36 vs Virginia – and given the situation following that Cavaliers game, I do expect this Clemson offense to be on point here.

Georgia Tech's offense went toe-to-toe with FSU in their last outing (77 points), but they are likely going to need more than the 66.2/game that they put up here to snap their losing streak. Clemson only gives up 65 per game, but with them looking to increase the tempo relative to their last outing – everyone typically does after playing Virginia, hence the 5-2 O/U mark for those teams – I do think the Yellow Jackets will find some success offensively as well.

With this total being in the range that it currently is, I don't think it is high enough for this situation as it's too heavily based on statistics for both sides.

So while the last thing everyone remembers of this Clemson team is their 13-point second half vs Virginia and the notion that they can't score that goes along with it, I'm looking at the 'over' here as the best way to attack this game. Clemson is 3-0 O/U in road conference games against teams not named “Virginia” and all three of those games have had at least 144 points scored. This game may not get that high, but as long as Georgia Tech's offense can hold their ground and pull their weight, it should surpass this total.


Best Bet: Over 129

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's Tip Sheet
January 27, 2018

Sports bettors will have to wait one more week for Super Bowl LII, but this Sunday’s betting action in college basketball gets a fast start out of the gate.

The No. 1 team in nation aims to stay on top as part of a trio of games featuring a Top 10 program getting tested on the road.

No. 1 Villanova at Marquette (FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Wildcats -8, Total 162

Betting Matchup

The Wildcats are on a three-game roll for bettors with a trio of double-digit covers in their last three outings. The latest win came against Providence 89-69 on Monday as 15 ½-point favorites at home. Villanova is 6-1 straight-up (4-3 against the spread) in Big East play as part of an overall record of 19-1. The total has stayed UNDER in four of its last five games. There are six players averaging at least 10 points as part of the team’s 87.9-point scoring average. However, the Wildcats will be without senior guard Phil Booth (11.6 points) for the near future with an injured hand.

Marquette stumbled against Butler and Xavier on the road as part of a 1-2 record SU and ATS in its last three games. It has already lost to Villanova this season 100-90, but still covered as a heavy 16-point road underdog. The Golden Eagles return home at 9-3 SU this season with a 4-7 record ATS. The total has stayed UNDER in five of their last six home games. Sophomore guard Markus Howard scored 37 points in the first meeting against Villanova and he just posted 33 points in Wednesday’s loss to Xavier.

Betting Trends

-- The Wildcats have failed to cover in five of their last six Sunday games and the total has stayed UNDER in seven of their last 10 games played on this day.

-- The Golden Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last six games coming off a SU loss and the total has stayed UNDER in five of their last seven Sunday games.

-- Head-to-head in this Big East rivalry, the favorite is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings and the total has gone OVER in four of the last five meetings at Marquette.

No. 6 Michigan State at Maryland Terrapins (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Spartans -5, Total 144 ½

Betting Matchup

Michigan State improved to 6-2 SU in conference play with back-to-back victories against Indiana at home and Illinois on the road as a double-digit favorite in each game. It is an even 4-4 ATS with the total going OVER in three of the last four games. The Spartans are averaging 85.3 PPG and they are 22nd in the nation at the other end of the court in points allowed (64.1). However, that latter average has expanded to 73 points allowed over their last five games. Michigan State is also one of the best rebounding teams in the nation with 42.3 a game.

Maryland is now 4-5 SU in the Big Ten following Monday’s 71-68 loss to Indiana as a slight 1 ½-point road underdog. The total has stayed UNDER in its last three games. The Terrapins (15-7) are also 4-5 ATS in conference play as part of an overall record of 11-7 ATS. They have been a winning bet at home this season at 8-2 ATS. Sophomore guard Anthony Cowan remains the team’s leading scorer with 16.4 PPG while also leading the way in assists (4.8).

Betting Trends

-- The Spartans are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 road games and the total has gone OVER in eight of their last 10 games following a SU win.

-- The Terrapins have covered in five of their last six games following an ATS loss and the total has stayed UNDER in 11 of their last 16 home games against a team with a SU winning record on the road.

-- The underdog in this matchup has covered in eight of the last 11 meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in four of the last five games between the two.

No. 3 Purdue at Indiana (FOX, 3:30 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Boilermakers -10 ½, Total 143

Betting Matchup

It would be hard to find a team hotter than Purdue right now with a SU 16-game winning streak including a perfect 9-0 start in conference play. The Boilermakers dropped to 5-4 ATS in the Big Ten after failing to cover as 10 ½-point home favorites in Thursday’s 92-88 victory against Michigan. The total went OVER 136 points in that game after staying UNDER in their previous six outings. Purdue is 17th in the country in scoring with 85.1 PPG and 15th in the national rankings when it comes to points allowed (63.4).

The Hoosiers have lost two of their last three games SU with a 1-1-1 mark ATS after coming up just short in Wednesday’s 73-71 loss to Illinois on the road in a game that ended as a PUSH. The total went OVER 143 ½ points in that loss after it had stayed UNDER in seven of their previous eight games. Indiana is 5-4 SU (5-3-1 ATS) in the Big Ten as part of an overall record of 12-9 SU (10-9-2 ATS). One injury of note; the Hoosiers lost sophomore forward De’Ron Davis for the season with a torn Achilles. He was third on the team in both points (9.6) and rebounds (4.3).

Betting Trends

-- The Boilermakers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games coming off a SU win and the total has stayed UNDER in four of their last five road games.

-- The Hoosiers have gone a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five games coming off a SU loss and the total has stayed UNDER in eight of their last nine Sunday games.

-- The road team has covered in three of the last four meetings with the other game ending as a PUSH. The total has gone OVER in four of the last six meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

Bracketology Update
January 26, 2018

Unlike our first update three weeks ago, which was mostly based upon non-conference action, the field of 68 begins to take much better shape in late January. Some of the heavyweight conferences are already claiming victims, as several entries in the Big 12, SEC and ACC that fancied their Big Dance chances as of New Year’s are now being dealt a cold dose of reality and perhaps shifting their aim to the NIT instead. Taking advantage are some of the mid-majors, who now look in line to gain a couple of more bids than we projected at the start of this month.

Still all to play for, and lots of action still to come, but as is usually the case, the biggest change in “Bracketology” projections comes from the start of January to the end of January. Expect fewer changes in the composition of the projected field as we move forward.

For this update, we include the “RPI” (Ratings Percentage Index) number for each team, though even that venerable calculation is carrying less weight these days as other measurements (including ESPN’s “BPI”) are going to be worked into the mix as added factors to consider by the Selection Committee. You’ll note the RPI has some interesting conclusions as of late January that do not always have a direct relation to the rankings or our projected seeds. The RPI will resemble the rankings and Big Dance projections a bit more as we get into February and beyond.

Remember, for all of our “Bracketology” updates, the term “protected seed” refers to seeds 1 thru 4 in each region, and likely favorable geographic placement in the sub-regional round.

As usual, we break down the projected matchups by each region, beginning with the sub-regionals, which this season will begin on Thursday, March 15, with the Dayton “First Four” games played on March 13 and 14. Straight-up records and RPI thru January 24. Remember, Selection Sunday is only a bit more than six weeks away!

EAST REGIONAL (Boston-TD Garden)

At Pittsburgh...

1 Villanova (SU 19-1, RPI-2) vs. 16 Radford (14-8, 129)...Jay Wright’s Wildcats continue to cruise and, at the moment, remain an easy projection for the top line. Though ‘Nova might have something to concern itself with in the next few weeks with the broken hand suffered in Tuesday’s win over Providence by G Phil Booth, who had emerged as a key cog while scoring better than 11 ppg. It is hoped that he will be ready by March, but his return date is unknown. Meanwhile, the Big South race is a logjam at the top, with four teams separated by one game, and Radford in pole position entering this weekend. Winthrop, UNC-Asheville, and Campbell are all breathing down the Highlanders’ necks.

8 Louisville (15-5, 12) vs. 9 USC (16-6, 40)...Give interim HC David Padgett some credit for keeping the ‘Ville in the mix in the ACC in the wake of the various transgressions on Rick Pitino’s watch. The Cards’ big lineup could cause problems for several foes in March. Out in the Pac-12, USC looks as if it has steadied the ship after a rocky December, with a five-game win streak into the weekend that included a sweep of the Oregon schools on the road. Andy Enfield’s Trojans appear to have finally overcome the absence of key G De’Anthony Melton, suspended for the remainder of the season.

At Wichita...

4 Florida (14-6, 25) vs. 13 Belmont (15-6, 84)...We’re now wondering if we should keep the Gators as a protected seed after their midweek home loss vs. surging South Carolina. Or if we might have the wrong SEC team (perhaps Tennessee?) in this spot on the 4-line. But recent efforts have been mostly good for the Gators, and we suspect the Selection Committee is going to reward the top teams in the league in March. Lurking again out of the Ohio Valley are Rick Byrd’s Belmont Bruins, who have danced several times before. This year, however, the Bruins have no hometown edge for the conference tourney, which has moved from Nashville to Evansville. Murray State, defending champ Jacksonville State, and Tennessee Tech almost rate co-favorite status for the festivities that commence in just over a month (February 28, to be exact!).

5 Rhode Island (16-3, 11) vs. 12 Vermont (17-5, 74)...In one of the key developments since our last update, Rhody suddenly looks like a threat at a protected seed as it rolls thru the A-10, hardly drawing a deep breath; the Rams also haven’t lost since G EC Matthews returned from injury in early December. Right now, Dan Hurley’s team is the only A-10 side that looks good for an at-large in what could be a one-bid league if the Rams win the conference tourney in Washington on March 7-10. Among the more-dangerous of the “low-majors” might be Vermont, which advanced out of the America East last season and has already drawn clear from the pursuing pack, including UMBC, Hartford, and Albany. The Catamounts will get the all-important home-court edge in the conference tourney if they remain atop their loop.

At Nashville...

2 North Carolina (16-5, 5) vs. 15 Penn (12-6, 188)...All of a sudden North Carolina looks like North Carolina again, though last weekend’s loss at VPI is cause for pause. Nonetheless, the Tar Heels schedule strength will keep them in good stead with the Selection Committee, especially as it usually values the computer numbers, which for now seem to love UNC. It’s been a while since Penn has made the Dance, though HC Steve Donahue has been involved more recently (with Cornell a few years ago). The Quakers have shown the best early foot in the Ivy race which has just gotten underway, though, as always, keep an eye on Tommy Amaker’s Harvard and Mitch Henderson’s Princeton, which figure to give chase.

7 Wichita State (15-4, 27) vs. 10 Kansas State (15-5, 27)...It looks like we might not have to worry about the procedural items that would have allowed the Wheatshockers to play in their hometown in the Wichita sub-regional, held at the downtown Intrust Arena and not the on-campus Koch Arena (the old “Roundhouse”), as a couple of recent losses make it seem unlikely Gregg Marshall’s team will end up as a protected seed. A matchup vs. K-State fits the profile of a tasty regional encounter that the Committee sometimes likes to arrange. Hats off to Bruce Weber’s Wildcats, who continue to hold their own in the rugged Big 12 and yet to peel off in the conference race as have a few others.

At Pittsburgh...

3 West Virginia (16-4, 22) vs. 14 Bucknell (14-8, 125)...Mountaineer fans are excited about a potential protected seed because it would most likely mean a sub-regional assignment at nearby Pittsburgh, just an hour or so away from Morgantown. At this stage, we’d say Bob Huggins’ troops are well on their way. As expected, Bucknell is starting to draw clear in the Patriot, with Boston U, Colgate, Navy, and Army giving chase, and will get the extra advantage of being at home all of the way in the conference tourney if it holds on to its lead in the regular-season race. The Pittsburgh site would also be preferred by the in-state Bison, the alma mater of CBS head honcho Les Moonves.

6 Seton Hall (15-5, 19) vs. 11 Boise State (15-4, 34)/Middle Tennessee (14-5, 30)....The Hall continues to float just outside of protected seed territory and well on the safe side of the cut line as Kevin Willard’s charges prepare for their third straight trip to the Dance. The Selection Committee has had a thing in the past about Boise State and play-in games; this would be the Broncos’ third in five years, though Leon Rice’s troops could avoid Dayton if they continue to hum in the Mountain West. MTSU has also had to go the play-in route before, though we think the Blue Raiders, Western Kentucky, and ODU all get a look as at-large candidates out of C-USA. Remember, Kermit Davis’ team has beaten Big Ten entries (Michigan State and Minnesota) in the first round of the Dance in each of the past two seasons.

SOUTH REGIONAL (Atlanta-Philips Arena)

At Charlotte...

1 Duke (18-2, 1) vs. 16 Bethune-Cookman (11-9, 276)/Wagner (13-6, 149)...After a one-year absence, Tobacco Road is back in the sub-regional mix which means that Duke is likely not to have to travel very far in the first week. Early ACC indicators are that Coach K is once again bound for the top line. They’ll be excited in Daytona Beach if Bethune-Cookman maintains its current lead in the MEAC, though the league has a top-heavy look, with North Carolina A&T & NC Central also very much in the frame. The MEAC champ, however, might be due a familiar spot in one of the 16 vs. 16 play-in games, a fate that has often befallen the Northeast champs as well. Staten Island-based Wagner looks a slight favorite at the moment, though the home team of the Pittsburgh Airport, Andy Toole’s Robert Morris, is lurking again as the Colonials look for a return to the Dance after an absence of a couple of years.

8 Michigan (17-5, 38) vs. 9 Arkansas (14-6, 23)...We have an “up” arrow next to the Wolverines, whose recent win at Michigan State suggested they could move up a few lines before Selection Sunday. Whatever seed they land, keep an eye on them, as John Beilein-coached teams have made noise in March before. Avoiding banana peels is a chore in this year’s balanced SEC, but Arkansas’ nervy double-OT win at Georgia on Tuesday is the type of result that will keep the Razorbacks in the field of 68 and unfortunately might keep Mark Fox’s Bulldogs on the wrong side of the cut line.

At San Diego....

4 Texas Tech (16-4, 18) vs. 13 UL-Lafayette (10-3)...The top tier of the ultra-competitive Big 12 all has four losses entering the weekend, but we’re putting several of those into protected seed slots regardless, including Chris Beard’s impressive Red Raiders. Emerging as the team to beat in the Sun Belt is UL-Lafayette, which became the frontrunner with last week’s come-from-behind road win at UT-Arlington. The reason we don’t like to call the Ragin’ Cajuns by their preferred “Louisiana” is that all of the other schools in the state seem to object to the label. So we will, too.

5 Tennessee (14-5, 14) vs. 12 Old Dominion (15-4, 97)...It is not much of a stretch to envision UT as a protected seed, which for the Vols would likely mean a sub-regional assignment at the preferable Nashville Bridgestone Arena venue. Still time for Rick Barnes’ troops, who appear to have staying power this season, to get an extended look at nearby Music City, which will also host the SEC Tourney. It has been awhile since C-USA was a multi-bid league but we are now thinking this might be the year. ODU, along with MTSU and WKU, all seem to have at-large shots. By the way, the C-USA Tourney will be held for the first time at the “Star” in Frisco, which is the 12,000-seat domed stadium in the Metroplex that is part of the Dallas Cowboys’ new complex and their indoor facility which is also home to local high school football in the fall!

At Dallas...

2 Xavier (19-3, 4) vs. 15 Florida Gulf Coast (15-8, 167)...The “X” has made it as far as the Elite 8 on a few occasions, including last year, but there are some Big East observers who believe that this might be the best chance for the Musketeers to make it to the Final Four, with G Trevon Bluiett in contention for the Wooden Award and HC Chris Mack’s squad generating momentum after a successful pre-league run. The echoes of “Dunk City” still reverberate at FGCU, which has become something of a Big Dance regular, even after HC Andy Enfield took his act to USC. The Eagles have jumped to the lead in the Atlantic Sun and will be at home for the conference tourney as long as they stay ahead of closest pursuers Jacksonville, Lipscomb, NJIT, and North Florida.

7 TCU (15-5, 17) vs. 10 SMU (14-6, 54)...Putting these local sides together in a Metroplex war played in Dallas (where the Mustangs can compete in the sub-regional at AA Center and not the on-campus Moody Coliseum) would be a rematch of the annual Frogs-Ponies regular-season matchup, this term won by TCU at Fort Worth on Dec. 5. Rematches are also usually avoided by the Selection Committee. But not always, and this might be a de facto way to award the Frogs a venue break in the sub-regionals after competing in the mega-tough Big 12 and get the locals excited in Big D.

At Nashville...

3 Ohio State (18-4, 16) vs. 14 Wright State (15-6, 83)...There hasn’t been a bigger “mover” since our last update than the Buckeyes, who are currently winging along undefeated in the Big Ten as new HC Chris Holtmann is putting himself in the frame for national Coach of the Year honors. We’ve jumped the Buckeyes from straddling the cut line at the end of December into a protected seed at the end of January. Whew! The Selection Committee sometimes likes in-state matchups, and Wright State, pleasantly nestled in the Dayton suburbs, would fir the bill. Raider HC Scott Nagy has danced several times before with South Dakota State, and a Jan. 11 win at Northern Kentucky has WSU at the top of the Horizon, though Milwaukee did inflict a defeat on Nagy’s team last Saturday.

6 Arizona State (15-4, 32) vs. 11 Notre Dame (13-7, 59)...The other half of the coin from Ohio State since our last update might be ASU, which was on the top line at the end of December but has encountered some turbulent air in the Pac-12 and is dropping fast down the seeding ladder. Pre-league wins over Xavier, Kansas State, and Kansas, however, should keep the Sun Devils from dropping too much further. Speaking of dropping, it was almost inevitable that injury-plagued Notre Dame, recently minus linchpins Bonzie Colson and Matt Farrell, would slip. It hasn’t been easy in the rugged ACC, but Mike Brey has kept the Irish afloat, and if the Domers can hang inside the field f 68, could be a very dangerous darkhorse if all hands are back on deck by March.

MIDWEST REGIONAL (Omaha-CenturyLink Center)

At Detroit...

1 Purdue (19-2, 10) vs. 16 Arkansas-Pine Bluff (7-14, 280)/Nicholls (13-8, 205)...Purdue hasn’t lost since Thanksgiving week in the Bahamas, and as long as Matt Painter has his team rolling along atop the Big Ten (where Ohio State is currently tied), the Boilermakers will have a good chance to land on the top line. Even more of a certainty is that the SWAC champ will be involved in another 16 vs. 16 play-in game. As of late this week, Arkansas Pine-Bluff, with a 7-14 overall mark (not that bad for a SWAC entry!), is setting the pace. As is Nicholls in the Southland, though that loop could avoid the play-in game if better-regarded Stephen F Austin rallies and wins the conference tourney (the Lumberjacks would likely avoid the play-in).

8 Gonzaga (17-4, 62) vs. 9 Butler (14-7, 26)...Gonzaga’s computer numbers baffle, and a reason why the RPI should be discounted in January; Zags non-conference victims include Ohio State, Texas, Creighton, and Washington, and setbacks vs. Florida and Villanova certainly qualify as “good” losses. What gives, RPI? Butler was involved in the same PK 80 Tourney in Portland, and these two didn’t run into each other during Thanksgiving week. But they could as a potential tasty 8-9 matchup.

At Boise...

4 Auburn (18-2, 7) vs. 13 Loyola-Chicago (17-4, 69)...Auburn might not be wild about a sub-regional assignment in Boise, especially if the Tigers are a protected seed. As we scope the field in late January, however, the lack of West teams in potential 1-4 slots means that some top entries are going to be shipped pretty far away from their home region. For the moment, Bruce Pearl’s Tigers draw that short straw. We get the feeling Loyola-Chicago would play on the moon if it meant reaching the Dance for the first time since the Alfredrick Hughes-led team of 1985, coached by Gene Sullivan. And if the Ramblers do make the Dance, get ready for reference to Loyola’s 1963 NCAA champs, celebrating their 55th anniversary this year (and chronicled on these pages before). No longer having to worry about Wichita State (off to the American this season), the Ramblers have emerged as Missouri Valley’s team to beat after a midweek win over Drake, and the likely favorite at the fast-approaching “Arch Madness” in St. Louis.

5 Clemson (16-4, 6) vs. 12 New Mexico State (17-3, 47)...So far, an awfully good bit of coaching by Clemson’s Brad Brownell, who entered the season on the hot seat but looks well clear of trouble at this stage. Still, the Tigers are going to have to figure out how to proceed minus sr. F Donte Grantham, who emerged as a key cog and the team’s second-leading scorer but was just felled by a season-ending knee injury. In their first game minus Grantham, Brownell’s boys were held to 36 points in an unsightly loss at Virginia. On their third coach in as many seasons, the NMSU Aggies look to again be the class of the WAC. After their last two coaches landed good jobs in the Mountain West (Marvin Menzies at UNLV and Paul Weir at New Mexico), the new man to watch in Las Cruces is Chris Jans, who arrived from Gregg Marshall’s Wichita staff.

At Wichita...

2 Kansas (16-4, 8) vs. 15 Canisius (13-8, 126)...Because the rugged Big 12 is cannibalizing itself this season, we doubt any loop team is going to land on the top line (as mentioned previously, the top tier of the league was all on four losses entering the weekend). But Kansas should be good for another protected seed and probably a sub-regional assignment in preferred Wichita. Meanwhile, the Metro-Atlantic race is turning into a real scrum, with the top half of the league well-matched and pulling clear from the bottom half. From the upper tier, the Golden Griffs from Canisius might rate the slight edge as of late January, but as usual, they will figure things out in the first week of March during the conference tourney at Albany, with Rider, Iona, and Niagara also in the mix.

7 Florida State (15-5, 39) vs. 10 Maryland (15-7, 51)...There are plenty of land mines in the ACC, but Leonard Hamilton’s Seminoles have, thus far, managed to navigate around enough of them to avoid falling into any bubble trouble, a pattern we expect to continue into Selection Sunday. Maryland’s case is a bit harder to construct, especially as the Terps have yet to win on the Big Ten road. But Mark Turgeon’s team is making a fortress out of the Comcast Center in College Park, and the pre-league win over Butler should come in handy. Still, to avoid falling into the NIT, Maryland needs to win a couple on the conference trail. Old ACC hostilities could be renewed in this matchup.

At Boise...

3 Cincinnati (18-2, 24) vs. 14 William & Mary (13-6, 68)...Though the computer numbers seem to have a little bit of a problem acknowledging the Bearcats, we suspect the Selection Committee will not and likely places Mick “The Ghost” Cronin’s team in protected seed territory if Cincy continues to set the pace in the American. The real question, however, is if this is finally the year for William & Mary to make the Dance. The Tribe, along with The Citadel, Army, and St. Francis-NY, is among the handful of schools never to make the Dance from the outset. (Northwestern removed itself from that ignominious list last year.) Tony Shaver’s team has come close in recent years, and will have to get past Northeastern, Charleston, Towson, and Hofstra if this is to be the year.

6 Kentucky (15-5, 15) vs. 11 Syracuse (14-6, 41)...By this stage it is looking apparent that this is not a vintage John Calipari Kentucky edition, being that the Cats have recently dropped out of the Top 25 for the first time since 2014. We don’t think UK is going to miss the Dance as did that Nerlens Noel team a few years ago, but the Cats are very unlikely to be in the protected seed discussion. Straddling the cut line has been Syracuse, though Jim Boeheim can never be discounted in March (remember his surprise run to the Final Four two years ago), and the midweek romp past capable BC at the Carrier Dome suggests the Orange might soon move onto safer footing.

WEST REGIONAL (Los Angeles-Staples Center)

at Charlotte...

1 Virginia (19-1, 3) vs. 16 Hawaii (13-5, 157)...Calm down, Virginia fans, it’s not a sure thing you’ll be sent to the West Regional. At this stage, however, both the Cavs and Duke project to the top line, and we suppose whichever wins the ACC Tourney likely stays in the South Region, with the other probably out to the West. In any event, the ‘Hoos should be at a nearby venue for the sub-regional, as HC Tony Bennett has his best chance to advance UVa beyond the Elite 8 in his Charlottesville tenure. As for the Big West, it has descended to the point where its champ is potential play-in game fodder, though we suspect that if Hawaii stays on top, the Rainbow Warriors can qualify as a good, old traditional 16 seed. UCSB, CS Fullerton, UCI and Long Beach will have a bit more of a regional edge than the Rainbow Warriors at the conference tourney in Anaheim.

8 St. Mary’s (19-2, 43) vs. 9 Texas (13-7, 42)...After losing a couple of games in the Wooden Classic at CS Fullerton during Thanksgiving week, St. Mary’s looked to have a long climb back to at-large territory. As of now, we’d say the Gaels have done it, not having lost since, and winning the first of two annual WCC regular-season bloodbaths last week vs. Gonzaga...at Spokane, no less. No bubble trouble expected in Moraga. Meanwhile, there’s enough heft in the Texas profile for the Horns to survive some of the shots they’ll likely take in the Big 12. But the way Shaka Smart’s team has rallied since the news of G Andrew Jones’ leukemia diagnosis suggests the team is playing for a higher cause and won’t get sucked into bubble trouble.

At San Diego...

4 Arizona (16-4, 20) vs. 13 South Dakota (18-5, 115)...After some ups and down the first month of the season, Arizona seems to have stabilized and again looks the team to beat in the Pac-12, with frosh C DeAndre Ayton looking a likely NBA lottery pick next June. Ayton is going to be a guy to keep an eye on in March. Meanwhile, South Dakota’s showdown win over state rival South Dakota State (and high-scoring F Mike Daum) at midweek has the Coyotes the team to beat, for the moment, in the Summit. Though it will take the always-intense league tourney in Sioux Falls to determine the league’s Dance rep.

5 Creighton (16-5, 29) vs. 12 Alabama (13-7, 34)/Houston (15-4. 50)...Still time for Creighton to make a move into protected seed territory, though the Bluejays aren’t going to be able to play in the Midwest Regional, which will take place at their home court CenturyLink Center in Omaha. Alabama will play anywhere as it struggles to survive in a deep and competitive SEC; for the moment we barely have the Tide in the field, helped by a recent four-game win streak, though the slope is slippery. We suspect Avery Johnson would be happy with a Dayton at-large play-in assignment, but then again, the smiling Johnson always looks happy. As for Houston, it becomes our fourth American team to make the field in this set of projections. A recent home romp over Wichita State won’t hurt the Cougars with the Selection Committee.

At Detroit...

2 Michigan State (18-3, 28) vs. 15 Montana (14-5, 110)...The key for the Spartans is to get a protected seed and likely assignment to the nearby Detroit sub-regional at the new Little Caesars Arena. Tom Izzo would prefer the top seed in the Midwest, but the Spartans are currently running third (behind Purdue and Ohio State) in the loop, and might have to win the Big Ten Tourney to get consideration for the top line. Big Sky teams have caused occasional problems in the Dance (the last Jud Heathcote MSU team was beaten by Weber State back in 1995), and Montana might not be an easy out if the Grizzlies continue to set the pace in the loop. Keep an eye on Idaho, Northern Colorado, and that same giant-killer of a couple of decades ago from Weber State.

7 Miami-Fla. (15-4, 21) vs. 10 Providence (14-7, 36)...There would be an interesting extra angle to this matchup as Miami HC Jim Larranaga is a Providence alum, playing long ago under Joe Mullaney and Dave Gavitt. His Hurricanes look like they’ll stay pretty clear of the cut line and potential trouble in the ACC, with the latest confirmation a tense midweek win over Louisville. Not quite as sure about the Friars staying safe, though Ed Cooley’s teams seem to always rally in the second half of the season, and look like they can avoid enough trouble in the Big East to land in 9-11 seed territory.

At Dallas...

3 Oklahoma (15-4, 9) vs. 14 ETSU (17-4, 66)...The Trae Young show out of Norman, otherwise known as the Sooners, is a good bet for the Dallas sub-regional, as OU indicated it can stay in protected seed territory with Tuesday night’s clutch win over Kansas. A team that might want to be avoided is Steve Forbes’ ETSU, which has pulled clear in the SoCon and hasn’t lost since before Christmas, when it was a narrow 2-point loser at high-ranked Xavier. UNC-Greensboro and Wofford, however, are right on the heels of the Bucs.

6 Nevada (18-4, 13) vs. 11 Buffalo (15-5. 31)...Nevada might have warranted a higher seed had it been able to escape Wyoming with a win on Wednesday. Instead, it was a 104-103 loss in double OT, but the Wolf Pack, who already rank among the nation’s leaders in true road wins, recently had a 16-game win streak in the Mountain West, and were within a few points in losses against Big 12 heavies Texas Tech and TCU, both away from Reno. No team, however, is going to want to run into Buffalo, which is steamrollering the MAC (no league foe yet within single digits into the weekend!), with the mid-December eligibility of Mizzou transfer G Wes Clark adding an even sharper edge to an already potent attack led by G CJ Massinburg (19 ppg) and F Nick Perkins (16 ppg). Watch out for these guys.

Last four in: Boise State, Middle Tennessee, Alabama, Houston.

Last four out: Georgia, Marquette, Missouri, Virginia Tech.

Next four out: Texas A&M, UCLA, Washington, Western Kentucky.

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

GW at SBON 12:00 PM
O 137.5

BUCK at BU 12:00 PM
O 152.5

VILL at MARQ 01:00 PM
VILL -7.5

MSU at MD 01:00 PM
MSU -6.5

DETU at NKU 01:00 PM
DETU +18.5

RICH at DAV 02:00 PM
RICH +11.0

OAK at WRST 02:00 PM
WRST -1.0

ECU at SMU 02:00 PM
ECU +22.0

BRAD at INST 02:00 PM
BRAD +4.5

USF at HOU 03:00 PM
HOU -21.5

PUR at IND 03:30 PM
IND +9.0

HALL at DEP 04:00 PM
HALL -5.0
O 147.5

CAL at USC 04:00 PM
CAL +18.5

UNI at L-IL 04:00 PM
L-IL -6.0

CLEM at GT 06:00 PM
O 130.0

TLSA at WICH 06:00 PM
TLSA +17.0
O 147.0

UCONN at TEM 08:00 PM
TEM -6.0

WSU at WASH 08:00 PM
WASH -8.0

[StarDust Bum]

Monday’s 6-pack

More Super Bowl props: First accepted penalty of the game:

3-1— Offsides/encroachment

3-1— Holding

7-2— False start

5-1— Illegal block

6-1— Pass interference

15-1— Delay of game

3-1— Any other penalty

75-1— No penalties in game

Quote of the Day
“We’ve had a few conversations about second base, a few conversations about first base. I’ll play wherever they want me to play.”
Milwaukee Brewers’ star, 34-year old Ryan Braun

Monday’s quiz
Ground Hog Day is later this week; in what state does the Ground Hog see or not see his shadow?

Sunday’s quiz
Hall of Famer Chuck Noll became the coach of the Steelers in 1969; he was defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Colts before the Steelers hired him as head coach.

Saturday’s quiz
Eldrick Woods win his first PGA Tour event at the 1996 Las Vegas Invitational, in a playoff over Davis Love III


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


Monday’s List of 13: A small sampling of Super Bowl prop bets

Some of the many, many prop bets on the Super Bowl:
13) Simple one: Patriots are -5, with a total of 48.5

12) You can get 8-1 odds that the Eagles will score exactly 20 points; same for 21 points.

11) You can get 8-1 odds that the Patriots will score exactly 27 points; same for 28 points.

10) Odds on player to score first points:
7-2— Both kickers
10-1— Rob Gronkowski
12-1— Jeffery, Ajayi, Blount, Lewis, Amendola
14-1— James White

18-1— Brandin Cooks
25-1— Clement, Torrey Smith

9) Exact magic of victory:
Eagles by 1-6 points: 4-1
by 7-12 points: 7-1
by 13-18 points: 10-1
by 19-24 points: 25-1
by 25-30 points: 12-1
by more than 30 points: 100-1

8) Exact magic of victory:
Patriots by 1-6 points: 5-2
by 7-12 points: 4-1
by 13-18 points: 11-2
by 19-24 points: 8-1
by 25-30 points: 12-1
by more than 30 points: 20-1

7) Over/under receiving yards for Brandin Cooks: 63.5

6) Over/under for Tom Brady’s longest completion: 40.5 yards

5) Over/under for Tom Brady’s first completion: 8.5 yards

4) Over/under for Donnie Jones’ longest gross punt: 54.5 yards

3) Over/under receiving yards for Zach Ertz: 60.5

2) Over/under for Nick Foles’ longest completion: 38.5 yards

1) Largest lead in game: 13.5. Over -$150, Under +$135

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Monday, January 29


Northwestern @ Michigan

Game 713-714
January 29, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Northwestern
62.015
Michigan
72.119
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Michigan
by 10
135
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Michigan
by 8 1/2
128 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Michigan
(-8 1/2); Over

Notre Dame @ Duke

Game 715-716
January 29, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Notre Dame
59.404
Duke
77.920
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Duke
by 18 1/2
158
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Duke
by 14
150
Dunkel Pick:
Duke
(-14); Over

Illinois-Chicago @ WI-Milwaukee

Game 717-718
January 29, 2018 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Illinois-Chicago
51.338
WI-Milwaukee
49.290
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Illinois-Chicago
by 2
133
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
WI-Milwaukee
by 3
138
Dunkel Pick:
Illinois-Chicago
(+3); Under

Kansas @ Kansas State

Game 719-720
January 29, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas
71.223
Kansas State
72.414
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas State
by 1
142
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas
by 2
147
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas State
(+2); Under

Nebraska @ Wisconsin

Game 721-722
January 29, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Nebraska
64.312
Wisconsin
63.404
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nebraska
by 1
125
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wisconsin
by 3 1/2
131
Dunkel Pick:
Nebraska
(+3 1/2); Under

E Tenn State @ The Citadel

Game 723-724
January 29, 2018 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
E Tenn State
59.404
The Citadel
44.918
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
E Tenn State
by 14 1/2
159
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
E Tenn State
by 19
165
Dunkel Pick:
The Citadel
(+19); Under

Western Carolina @ Wofford

Game 725-726
January 29, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Western Carolina
43.614
Wofford
56.783
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wofford
by 13
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wofford
by 10 1/2
141
Dunkel Pick:
Wofford
(-10 1/2); Over

NC-Greensboro @ Chattanooga

Game 727-728
January 29, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NC-Greensboro
56.223
Chattanooga
47.317
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NC-Greensboro
by 9
133
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NC-Greensboro
by 6
125 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NC-Greensboro
(-6); Over

Monmouth @ Rider

Game 729-730
January 29, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Monmouth
54.317
Rider
55.872
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Rider
by 1 1/2
148
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Rider
by 5
156
Dunkel Pick:
Monmouth
(+5); Under

St Peter's @ Siena

Game 731-732
January 29, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St Peter's
51.523
Siena
51.609
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Siena
Even
123
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St Peter's
by 2 1/2
128
Dunkel Pick:
Siena
(+2 1/2); Under

Iona @ Fairfield

Game 733-734
January 29, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Iona
54.672
Fairfield
48.723
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Iona
by 6
158
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Iona
by 3 1/2
154
Dunkel Pick:
Iona
(-3 1/2); Over

VMI @ Samford

Game 735-736
January 29, 2018 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
VMI
38.218
Samford
50.672
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Samford
by 12 1/2
153
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Samford
by 9
147
Dunkel Pick:
Samford
(-9); Over

Lehigh @ Holy Cross

Game 737-738
January 29, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Lehigh
47.646
Holy Cross
46.021
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Lehigh
by 1 1/2
134
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Holy Cross
by 2
139
Dunkel Pick:
Lehigh
(+2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, January 29

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

NORTHWESTERN (13 - 9) at MICHIGAN (17 - 6) - 1/29/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NORTHWESTERN is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.
MICHIGAN is 53-30 ATS (+20.0 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.

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

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

NOTRE DAME (13 - 8) at DUKE (18 - 3) - 1/29/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DUKE is 132-92 ATS (+30.8 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points since 1997.
DUKE is 98-72 ATS (+18.8 Units) in January games since 1997.

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

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

IL-CHICAGO (11 - 11) at WI-MILWAUKEE (12 - 12) - 1/29/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 202-160 ATS (+26.0 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 196-156 ATS (+24.4 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 109-81 ATS (+19.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
IL-CHICAGO is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in a home game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 21-37 ATS (-19.7 Units) in home games after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.

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

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

KANSAS (17 - 4) at KANSAS ST (16 - 5) - 1/29/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS ST is 91-64 ATS (+20.6 Units) in January games since 1997.
KANSAS is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS is 4-2 against the spread versus KANSAS ST over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS is 6-0 straight up against KANSAS ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NEBRASKA (16 - 8) at WISCONSIN (10 - 12) - 1/29/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEBRASKA is 95-130 ATS (-48.0 Units) in road games since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 95-130 ATS (-48.0 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 13-32 ATS (-22.2 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
NEBRASKA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all games this season.
NEBRASKA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
NEBRASKA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
NEBRASKA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in January games this season.
NEBRASKA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after a conference game this season.
NEBRASKA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) off a win against a conference rival this season.

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

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

E TENN ST (18 - 4) at THE CITADEL (7 - 13) - 1/29/2018, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
THE CITADEL is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
E TENN ST is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all games this season.
E TENN ST is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
E TENN ST is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
E TENN ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games this season.
E TENN ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road lined games this season.
E TENN ST is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) against conference opponents this season.
E TENN ST is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
E TENN ST is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
E TENN ST is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
THE CITADEL is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1997.

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

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

W CAROLINA (9 - 12) at WOFFORD (15 - 6) - 1/29/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W CAROLINA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in a road game where the total is 140 to 144.5 over the last 3 seasons.
W CAROLINA is 60-84 ATS (-32.4 Units) in January games since 1997.
WOFFORD is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

UNC-GREENSBORO (16 - 5) at UT-CHATTANOOGA (7 - 15) - 1/29/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UNC-GREENSBORO is 31-49 ATS (-22.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 7-21 ATS (-16.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 71-106 ATS (-45.6 Units) when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MONMOUTH (7 - 13) at RIDER (15 - 7) - 1/29/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONMOUTH is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
RIDER is 11-33 ATS (-25.3 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.
RIDER is 81-110 ATS (-40.0 Units) in all home games since 1997.
RIDER is 81-110 ATS (-40.0 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
RIDER is 39-59 ATS (-25.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
RIDER is 21-40 ATS (-23.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

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

ST PETERS (8 - 12) at SIENA (6 - 16) - 1/29/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST PETERS is 43-28 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 43-28 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 33-13 ATS (+18.7 Units) in a road game where the total is 120 to 129.5 since 1997.
ST PETERS is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
SIENA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

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

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

IONA (13 - 8) at FAIRFIELD (7 - 13) - 1/29/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IONA is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
IONA is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
FAIRFIELD is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after a conference game this season.
FAIRFIELD is 37-57 ATS (-25.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 22-43 ATS (-25.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 27-46 ATS (-23.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.

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

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

VMI (7 - 13) at SAMFORD (7 - 15) - 1/29/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VMI is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAMFORD is 30-48 ATS (-22.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

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

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

LEHIGH (8 - 13) at HOLY CROSS (7 - 14) - 1/29/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LEHIGH is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games since 1997.
LEHIGH is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
LEHIGH is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, January 29

Michigan split its last six games; they’re 3-1 at home in Big 14, winning by 10-1-15 points, with loss to Purdue. Northwestern is 4-2 at home in Big 14, losing to Nebraska/Ohio State; Wildcats won last two games after starting out 2-5 in conference play. Michigan/Northwestern split their last four games; Wildcats lost their last six visits to Ann Arbor, by 9-2-22-23-2-9 points. Michigan is 18-14-1 in last 33 games as home favorites, 3-1 this year; Wildcats are 19-15 in last 34 games as road dogs, 2-2 this year. Big 14 home favorites are 21-19 vs spread

Notre Dame lost its last five games, is without star Colson for rest of year. Irish lost last two road games, by 9 at Clemson, 7 at Ga Tech- they’re 2-5 vs top 50 teams. Duke won five of its last six games- they lost at home to Virginia Saturday. Blue Devils are 3-6 vs spread in ACC this season. ND is 5-3 vs Duke in ACC play; Blue Devils won LY’s meetings, by 10-6 points. Teams split two meetings here. Duke is 4-14 in last 18 games as an ACC home favorite, 1-3 this year; Irish are 6-2 in last eight games as road underdogs, 1-2 this year. ACC home favorites are 20-18 vs spread

Ill-Chicago won six of its last seven games; they won last three road games, by 5-14-7 points. Flames are 9-1 vs teams ranked outside top 200. Milwaukee won its last three games, all at home; Panthers are 7-6 vs teams ranked outside top 200. UIC never trailed in 88-73 home win over Milwaukee Jan 12; Flames won three of last four series games. Teams split last four games played here. UIC is 7-4 in last 11 games as road underdogs; Milwaukee is 5-9-1 in last 15 games as home favorites. Horizon home favorites are 14-17 vs spread

Kansas won 10 of last 12 games; they’re 6-2 in Big X, 3-1 on road, with only loss at Oklahoma. K-State won its last four games overall, covered its last five Big X games; they’re 3-1 in Big X home games, with only loss to West Virginia. Kansas made 10-23 on arc, held off K-State 73-72 at home Jan 13. Jayhawks won last six series games; they split last four visits here, winning by 9-3 points in last two. Kansas is 9-6 in last 15 games as road favorites; Wildcats are 9-2 in last 11 games as home underdogs. Big X home underdogs are 5-5 vs spread

Nebraska won four of last five games, covered 9 of last 10 league games; they’re 5-0 SU at home in Big 14. Wisconsin lost its last five road games, last three all by 15+ points. Wisconsin is 8-3 vs Nebraska in Big 14 games; Huskers are 0-4 in Madison, losing by 5-31-15-11 points. Badgers lost 63-59 in Lincoln January 9; Nebraska outscored them 21-4 on foul line in brickfest- teams were combined 7-33 on arc. Huskers are 5-1 vs spread as road underdogs this year; Wisconsin is 11-6 in last 17 games as home favorites. Big 14 home favorites are 21-19 vs spread.

East Tennessee State won its last 12 games; they’re 7-2 vs spread in SoCon games, 5-0 as road favorites, with four of five wins by 13+ points. Citadel split its last four games after starting season 5-11; Bulldogs are 1-2 in SoCon home games, losing by 2 to Western Carolina, 16 to Samford. ETSU won its last four games with Citadel; Bucs won last two visits here, by 16-44 points. Citadel is 8-14-1 in last 23 games as home underdogs; ETSU is 10-4 in last 14 games as road favorites, 3-0 this year. SoCon home underdogs are 5-9 vs spread

Wofford had its 7-game win streak snapped Saturday by East Tennessee; Terriers are 3-1 in soon home games, winning by 39-4-9 points. Western Carolina is 4-4 in SoCon, losing last three road games, by 14-16-34 points. Catamounts are 2-11 vs teams ranked in top 200. Wofford is 7-3 in last ten games with WCU; Catamounts lost their last eight visits to Wofford. WCU is 8-12 in last 20 games as road underdogs; Wofford is 19-7 in last 26 games as home favorites. SoCon home favorites are 11-12 vs spread

NC-Greensboro won its last five games; they’re 3-1 on SoCon road, losing at ETSU, winning other three by 2-11-16 points. Chattanooga lost nine of its last ten games; they’re 1-3 in Socon home games, with only win over Samford. UTC is 4-3 in its last seven games with NC-Greensboro; Spartans lost three of last four visits here. Mocs are 0-2 as home underdogs this year, first time they’ve been SoCon home dogs since 2014. UNCG is 4-2 in last six games as road favorites. SoCon home underdogs are 5-9 vs spread

Monmouth won its last two games after a 5-13 start; Hawks are playing for third time inf I’ve nights- they’re 0-4 in MAAC home games, losing by 2-13-1-15 points. Rider won eight of last nine games; they’re 4-0 at home in MAAC, winning by 19-18-3-3 points. Monmouth won four of last five games with Rider; Hawks won last three visits here, by 1-1-5 points. Monmouth is 6-3 in last nine games as road underdogs; Rider is 6-4 in last 10 games as home favorites. MAAC home favorites are 15-13-2 against the spread.

St Peter’s lost its last five games (1-4 vs spread); three of their last four losses were by 3 or 4 points. Peacocks led by 16 at Rider Friday, lost by 3. Siena lost seven of its last nine games, but they did beat Canisius/Marist in last two home games. St Peter’s won five of last seven games with Siena; Peacocks lost last two visits to Albany, by 2-17 points. St Peter’s is 13-5 in last 18 games as road underdogs, 2-3 this year. Siena is is 3-8 in last 11 tries as home favorites. MAAC home underdogs are 8-7 vs spread

Iona won six of its last seven games; they’re 2-1 on MAAC road, losing by 7 at Canisius. Gaels are 9-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200. Fairfield lost seven of its last eight games; they’re 2-2 in MAAC home games, beating St Peter’s, Niagara. Stags are 0-5 vs teams ranked in top 125. Home side won nine of last 11 Iona-Fairfield games; Gaels lost by 7-6 points in last two visits here. Iona is 13-7 in last 20 games as road favorites; Stags are 7-5-1 in last 13 games as home underdogs. MAAC home dogs are 8-7 vs spread

Samford lost its last five games, allowing 85.6 ppg; Bulldogs are 2-3 in SoCon home games, losing last two by 4-16 points- favorites are 4-0-1 vs spread in those five games. VMI won two of last three games; they’re 1-3 on SoCon road, losing by 39-41-7 points, with win at Chattanooga. Samford won its last five games with VMI; Keydets lost last two visits here, by 6-19 points. Samford is 6-8 in last 14 games as home favorites, 2-0 this year; VMI is 6-15-1 in last 22 games as road underdogs. SoCon home favorites are 11-12 vs spread

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Monday, January 29

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

EAST TENNESSEE STATE @ THE CITADEL
The total has gone OVER in 5 of The Citadel's last 7 games
The Citadel is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing East Tennessee State

NORTHWESTERN @ MICHIGAN
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Northwestern's last 5 games
Northwestern is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Michigan
Michigan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Northwestern
Michigan is 18-1 SU in its last 19 games at home

NOTRE DAME @ DUKE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Notre Dame's last 6 games
Notre Dame is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Duke
Duke is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games at home
Duke is 18-3 SU in its last 21 games

IONA @ FAIRFIELD
Iona is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Iona's last 5 games when playing Fairfield
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Fairfield's last 5 games when playing Iona
Fairfield is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Iona

MONMOUTH @ RIDER
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Monmouth's last 5 games when playing on the road against Rider
Monmouth is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Rider
Rider is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Rider is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

SAINT PETER'S @ SIENA
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Saint Peter's's last 13 games when playing on the road against Siena
Saint Peter's is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Siena
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Siena's last 13 games when playing at home against Saint Peter's
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Siena's last 6 games

UNC GREENSBORO @ CHATTANOOGA
UNC Greensboro is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of UNC Greensboro's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chattanooga
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chattanooga's last 6 games when playing at home against UNC Greensboro
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chattanooga's last 5 games

WESTERN CAROLINA @ WOFFORD
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Western Carolina's last 12 games when playing on the road against Wofford
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Western Carolina's last 7 games when playing Wofford
Wofford is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
Wofford is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

UIC @ WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE
UIC is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
UIC is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing UIC
Wisconsin-Milwaukee is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against UIC

VMI @ SAMFORD
Samford is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing VMI
Samford is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against VMI

NEBRASKA @ WISCONSIN
Nebraska is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Nebraska is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Wisconsin is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Wisconsin is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Nebraska

KANSAS @ KANSAS STATE
Kansas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas State
Kansas is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Kansas State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Kansas State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

Top 25 Betting Recap
January 29, 2018

Each week until March Madness we'll take a look at how the Top 25 fared from college basketball, but straight up and against the number, while also taking a look at their upcoming schedule.

Ohio State (18-5 SU, 11-10 ATS) didn't handle success very well. They were hurtling up the rankings, winning seven in a row to get up to No. 13 in The Associated Press Top 25 since a loss on a neutral court Dec. 23 against North Carolina (16-6 SU, 11-9-1 ATS). However, they barely held off Nebraska (16-8 SU, 16-6 ATS) by a 64-59 count as 11 1/2-point favorites. After escaping that one, they were unable to avoid the upset bug when Penn State (15-8 SU, 9-9-1 ATS) paid a visit to the Schottenstein Center. They have two more games at home before their showdown onb Feb. 7 at Purdue (21-2 SU, 14-8 ATS). They'll also get a chance at revenge against the Nittany Lions on Feb. 15 in Happy Valley.

Also from the Big Ten, Michigan (17-6 SU, 13-8-1 ATS) made it to the Top 25 last week, but as quickly as they appeared they bowed out. They did give the Boilermakers a nice run as 11-point underdogs in West Lafayette, but they came up short by a 92-88 margin. While they have lost twice in the past three games, including each of their past two road outings, they're 9-3-1 ATS across their past 13 contests dating back to Dec. 4 in their loss in Ohio State. The 'over' result snapped a three-game 'under' run for the Wolverines, too.

Rhode Island (17-3 SU, 11-6-1 ATS) has won 12 consecutive outings dating back to Dec. 6, taking the Atlantic 10 from from just another conference to the national spotlight. Unfortunately for the Rams, and their legitimacy, all other teams in the A-10 have at least six straight-up loss, and all but one school have eight or more setbacks already this season. The Rams are an impressive 12-0 SU at home this season, and 9-0 in their conference. All other teams have at least three losses. They're 8-2 ATS over the past 10 outings, including 3-1-1 ATS in their past five on the road. The Rams might very well continue winning well into the NCAA Tournament before they face their next real test.

Auburn (19-2 SU, 14-5 ATS) sits at the top of the heap in the SEC, and not many people saw that coming before the season began. The Tigers continue winning, and they're an impressive 11-0 SU at home while posting a 7-1 mark inside the conference so far. Only Florida (15-6 SU, 11-9 ATS) has less than three losses in the conference (6-2). The Tigers and Gators will meet each other on Feb. 24 in Gainesville. Auburn has covered seven of their past eight games, and they're 4-0 ATS in their four home conference battles so far. They're 3-1 ATS in their three road SEC games, too, so the Tigers are here to stay.

Speaking of teams here to stay, Virginia (20-1 SU, 14-4 ATS) continues to roll right along. Not only are they winning, but they're covering, too. The Cavaliers topped a pair of Top 25 teams with a dominating 25-point win against Clemson (17-4 SU, 10-8 ATS) last Tuesday, and they grinded out a 65-63 road win at Duke (18-3 SU, 12-7 ATS) for their 12th straight win and their fifth consecutive cover. They're also an impressive 14-3 ATS across their past 17 outings, too. Not only are the Hoos dominant against the number, total bettors love UVA, too. The 'under' has cashed in five in a row, eight of the past nine and 13 of their past 15 outings.

Cincinnati (19-2 SU, 10-7-1 ATS) continues to sit atop the American Athletic Conference with a perfect 8-0 record, two games clear of second place Wichita State (17-4 SU, 9-10 ATS), the league's newcomer. The Bearcats haven't been as great overall against the number this season, at least until lately. They have covered back-to-back games for the first time since Dec. 12-16, and just the third time overall this season. They have yet to cover in three straight outings, either, so keep that in mind when Houston (16-4 SU, 9-7 ATS) strolls into the Queen City on Wednesday.

North Carolina (16-6 SU, 11-9-1 ATS) suffered a pair of losses this past week, and that will knock them down the rankings. They'll face another difficult matchup at Clemson, although they have dominated the Tigers over the years. The Tar Heels won last season at Littlejohn Arena in overtime, and of coure they're 59-0 all-time at home against the Tigers. UNC is 8-1-1 ATS in the past 10 meetings in this series, including 4-0 ATS in their past four visits to the Upstate. The favorite is also 6-1-1 ATS in the past eight battles in this series.

TOP 25 RESULTS

Rank Team Past Week (SU, ATS) Last 10 ATS Upcoming Week Schedule

1 Villanova 2-0, 1-1 6-4 Creighton, Seton Hall

2 Virginia 2-0, 2-0 8-2 Louisville, at Syracuse

3 Purdue 2-0, 0-2 6-4 Maryland, at Rutgers

4 Duke 1-1, 1-1 5-5 Notre Dame, at St. John's

5 Kansas 1-1, 1-1 5-5 at Kansas State, Oklahoma State

6 Michigan State 3-0, 1-1-1 5-4-1 Penn State, at Indiana

7 West Virginia 0-2, 0-2 5-5 at Iowa State, Kansas State

8 Xavier 2-0, 2-0 6-4 at St. John's, Georgetown

9 Cincinnati 2-0, 2-0 6-3-1 Houston, at Connecticut

10 North Carolina 0-2, 0-2 4-5-1 at Clemson, Pittsburgh

11 Arizona 2-0, 0-2 2-7-1 at Washington State, at Washington

12 Oklahoma 1-1, 1-1 5-5 Baylor, at Texas

13 Ohio State 1-1, 0-2 6-4 Indiana, Illinois

14 Texas Tech 2-0, 1-1 5-5 Texas, at Texas Christian

15 Gonzaga 2-0, 0-2 4-5-1 San Diego, Brigham Young

16 St. Mary's (CA) 2-0, 1-1 6-3-1 San Francisco, at San Diego

17 Wichita State 2-0, 2-0 5-5 at Temple

18 Clemson 1-1, 0-2 4-6 North Carolina, at Wake Forest

19 Auburn 2-0, 2-0 8-2 at Mississippi, Vanderbilt

20 Florida 1-1, 1-1 6-4 at Georgia, Alabama

21 Arizona State 1-1, 1-1 2-6-2 at Washington, at Washington State

22 Tennessee 2-0, 1-1 7-3 Louisiana State, Mississippi

23 Nevada 1-1, 0-1-1 3-5-2 Fresno State, at Colorado State

24 Rhode Island 2-0, 1-1 8-2 at Massachusetts, at Virginia Commonwealth

25 Michigan 0-1, 1-0 6-3-1 Northwestern, Minnesota

[StarDust Bum]

Weekend Rewind
January 28, 2018

Let’s start in blueblood territory, where North Carolina and Duke both lost at home on the same day for the first time since 1973. If there was any doubt to Virginia’s legitimacy, it went up in flames Saturday when the Cavaliers went into Cameron Indoor Stadium and won a 65-63 decision over Duke as 3.5-point road underdogs.

Even though it was Duke’s highest total this season by 12.5 points, the 128 combined points stayed ‘under’ the 134-point total. The ‘under’ is 14-4 overall for UVA, 5-1 in its road assignments. The Cavs has seen the ‘under’ cash in five straight and eight of their past nine.

With Tony Bennett’s team nursing a two-point lead with less than one minute remaining, Ty Jerome got a steal. Moments later, Jerome buried a deep trey with 37.6 ticks left to give UVA a five-point cushion. After Duke’s Marvin Bagley answered with a triple, Kyle Guy was fouled with fouled with six seconds remaining.

Guy, who finished with a team-best 17 points, drained both free throws to put the game on ice. Virginia, which is now No. 1 in the RPI and No. 2 at KenPom.com, improve to 20-1 overall and 9-0 in ACC play. The Cavs are 2.5 games in front of second-place Louisville.

North Carolina State earned its fourth win over an RPI Top-15 opponent with its 95-91 overtime win at UNC as a 12.5-point underdog. Gamblers supporting the Wolfpack on the money line hit an outstanding +650 payout (paid $650 on $100 wagers).

Allerik Freeman paced the winners with 29 points, knocking down all seven of his attempts from 3-point land. Markell Johnson added 20 points, 11 assists and five rebounds, while Torin Dorn also scored 20 points. Omer Yurtseven contributed 16 points and 13 boards.

The SEC won the Big 12/SEC Challenge for the first time by a 6-4 margin. Kentucky rallied from a 17-point deficit to top West Virginia by an 83-76 count in Morgantown. John Calipari’s team won outright as a 10.5-point underdog and hooked up money-line backers with a +425 return.

Kevin Knox was the catalyst with a career-high 34 points. The freshman guard made 11-of-17 from the field, 5-of-8 from downtown and 7-of-8 at the FT line. The ‘Cats host Vanderbilt on Tuesday.

Speaking of Vandy, it beat TCU 81-78 as a three-point home underdog. Senior guard Riley LaChance scored 24 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out four assists, while Jeff Roberson finished with 20 points.

Bryce Love’s team lost senior guard Matthew Fisher-Davis to a season-ending shoulder injury last week. Nevertheless, since starting the year with an atrocious 1-14 spread record, the Commodores have covered the number in three straight contests.

Chris Chiozza continued to build his case for SEC Player of the Year honors by leading Florida to an 81-60 win over Baylor as a seven-point home favorite. The senior point guard out of the Memphis area scored a team-high 20 points, including 13 straight in the late stages of the second half. Chiozza added six rebounds, two steals and six assists compared to just one turnover.

Fresh of its win at UF as a 10.5-point underdog this past Wednesday, South Carolina had a great shot at another resume-bolstering victory when it hosted Texas Tech. However, Keenan Evans would have none of that. Evans exploded for a game-high 31 points to lead the Red Raiders to a 70-63 triumph as three-point road favorites. Bets on the 133-point total resulted in a push.

Georgia started the second half with a 7-0 run at Kansas State to take a 30-26 lead and force Bruce Weber to use a timeout. UGA extended its lead to 49-44 on a pair of ‘Turtle’ Jackson FTs with 6:30 remaining. But the Bulldogs go through offensive lulls constantly and one of those emerged yet again the rest of the way.

KSU’s Barry Brown hit a FT to put the Wildcats up 50-49 with 3:13 left. Weber’s bunch finished the game on a 12-2 run to win 56-51. UGA went scoreless for nearly six minutes until Derek Ogbeide’s short jumper trimmed the deficit to 54-51 with 33 ticks remaining. The Bulldogs have now lost three in a row and five of their past six.

This development in Athens will have Mark Fox back on the hot seat. This team has lost so many heartbreakers in the last two seasons, including its last three games which include a double-overtime home loss to Arkansas and a setback at Auburn when UGA led by 14 at halftime.

Collin Sexton had missed two games with an abdominal injury recently, but Alabama won those contests nonetheless. Then when Sexton returned in a loss at Ole Miss this past week, the freshman guard went 2-of-13 from the field in only 20 minutes of action. With nearly 60 scouts an Coleman Coliseum to watch Sexton and Oklahoma’s Trae Young, the pressure was on.

Sexton stepped up with a stellar performance. Avery Johnson sent Sexton, Herb Jones and others at Young with constant in-your-face pressure for 40 minutes. Young was held to only five points in the first half and the nation’s leading scorer was limited to 17 for the game. It was the lowest scoring output for OU’s freshman sensation since the season opener.

Sexton scored 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field, while Jones added 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and one blocked shot. This was the biggest win of Johnson’s three-year tenure and it came in front of a packed house at Coleman. The Crimson Tide is in great shape to earn its first bid to the NCAA Tournament since 2012.

Tennessee dealt out woodshed treatment in Ames. The Volunteers held Iowa State to its lowest scoring output at home since 1959 in a 68-45 win as 2.5-point road favorites. Lamonte Turner and James Daniel III led the way with 20 and 16 points, respectively, as UT improve to 15-5 overall. The Vols are up to No. 10 at KenPom.com.

Just as it did Thursday night vs. Michigan in West Lafayette, Purdue took Indiana’s best shot Sunday afternoon and survived. Isaac Haas was the catalyst with 26 points, five rebounds and two assists without a turnover. The Boilermakers won a school-record 17th straight game despite trailing nearly the entire first half and parts of the second.

Indiana covered the spread as an 8.5-point home underdog in the 74-67 loss. I steered clear of this game until IU bolted out to an early lead. At that point, I hit Purdue in-game at -2.5 and -3.5 on multiple occasions midway through and late in the first half. Although there were anxious moments galore for those plays, they cashed when Matt Painter's club finished the game on a 12-5 run.

Michigan State and Villanova also had close calls on the road Sunday. Maryland led the Spartans 37-24 at intermission, but MSU started the second half with a 20-4 spurt in the first 5.5 minutes of the second half.

Sparty made 11-of-12 FTs in the final 52 seconds and won by a 74-68 score. Most books closed MSU as a six-point road favorite. When Maryland's Dion Wiley made a layup to make it 72-68 with four seconds left, it appeared bettors backing the Terrapins were going to cash tickets. But Jared Nickens opted to foul Miles Bridges with three ticks remaining and the star sophomore made both shots from the charity stripe.

Jay Wright's team held on for an 85-82 non-covering win at Marquette as a seven-point road 'chalk.' Jalen Brunson led the way with 31 points.

[StarDust Bum]

SB52 Cross-Sport Props
January 29, 2018

The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has released hundreds of proposition wagers for Super Bowl LII between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles for Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018.

Included in that mix are “Cross-Sport” prop wagers, which allow bettors to focus on pro football and other sports, one of them college basketball.

Listed below are opening props from the SuperBook for selected college basketball games to be played on Sunday.

Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018

Georgia Tech at Boston College (9:00 a.m. PT)
Illinois at Ohio State (9:00 a.m. PT)
Seton Hall at Villanova (9:00 a.m. PT)
Wisconsin at Maryland (10:00 a.m. PT)
Temple at Tulane (12:00 p.m. PT)
Arizona State at Washington State (1:00 p.m. PT)

Be sure to check the times and rules for each prop.

GOLF CROSS-SPORT PROPS

WHO WILL HAVE MORE?
GEORGIA TECH/BOSTON COLLEGE - 2/4/18 - CLOSES AT 9:00 AM PST ON 2/4/18
10549 GEORGIA TECH POINTS - 13½ - 110
10550 Alshon JEFFERY* (PHI) – 110 RECEIVING YARDS

WHO WILL HAVE MORE?
ILLINOIS/OHIO ST - 2/4/18 - CLOSES AT 9:00 AM PST ON 2/4/18
10551 ILLINOIS POINTS - 14½ - 110
10552 Dion LEWIS* (NE) – 110 RUSHING YARDS

WHO WILL HAVE MORE?
ILLINOIS/OHIO ST - 2/4/18 - CLOSES AT 9:00 AM PST ON 2/4/18
10553 OHIO ST POINTS - 6½ - 110
10554 Rob GRONKOWSKI* (NE) – 110 RECEIVING YARDS

WHO WILL HAVE MORE?
SETON HALL/VILLANOVA - 2/4/18 - CLOSES AT 9:00 AM PST ON 2/4/18
10555 SETON HALL + VILLANOVA - 34½ - 110
1ST HALF POINTS 10556 Nelson AGHOLOR* (PHI) – 110 RECEIVING YARDS

WHO WILL HAVE MORE?
SETON HALL/VILLANOVA - 2/4/18 - CLOSES AT 9:00 AM PST ON 2/4/18
10557 SETON HALL/VILLANOVA - 2½ - 110 MARGIN OF VICTORY
10558 Jay AJAYI* (PHI) – 110 RUSHING ATTEMPTS

WHO WILL HAVE MORE?
WISCONSIN/MARYLAND - 2/4/18 - CLOSES AT 10:00 AM PST ON 2/4/18
10559 WISCONSIN - 1½ - 110 1ST HALF POINTS
10560 Tom BRADY* (NE) – 110 COMPLETIONS

WHO WILL HAVE MORE?
WISCONSIN/MARYLAND - 2/4/18 - CLOSES AT 10:00 AM PST ON 2/4/18
10561 MARYLAND POINTS - ½ - 110
10562 Brandin COOKS* (NE) – 110 RECEIVING YARDS

WHO WILL HAVE MORE?
TEMPLE/TULANE - 2/4/18 - CLOSES AT 12:00 PM PST ON 2/4/18
10563 TEMPLE/TULANE – 110 MARGIN OF VICTORY
10564 Trey BURTON* (PHI) - 4½ - 110 RECEIVING YARDS

WHO WILL HAVE MORE?
ARIZONA ST/WASHINGTON ST - 2/4/18 - CLOSES AT 1:00 PM PST ON 2/4/18
10565 ARIZONA ST + WASHINGTON ST – 110 3 POINT FG'S MADE
10566 Nick FOLES* (PHI) PK – 110 COMPLETIONS

WHO WILL HAVE MORE?
ARIZONA ST/WASHINGTON ST - 2/4/18 - CLOSES AT 1:00 PM PST ON 2/4/18
10567 ARIZONA ST - 2½ - 110 1ST HALF POINTS
10568 Tom BRADY* (NE) – 110 LONGEST COMPLETION