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Saturday's Early Tips
February 2, 2018

Winning road games as a probable favorite can be a tricky proposition heading into the month of February given just how important all the games become this time of the year.

This Saturday’s slate features three matchups that could be a road trap for a pair of nationally ranked teams in the ACC and one in the SEC.

No. 4 Duke at St. John’s (FOX, 12:00 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Duke -11 ½

Betting Matchup

The Blue Devils take a mid-season break from their ACC schedule where they have gone 7-3 straight-up with an even 5-5 record against the spread. They are 19-3 SU (13-8 ATS) overall and the total has gone OVER in 14 of 21 games with a posted betting line. Duke is 4-2 ATS in six previous road games. Freshman forward Marvin Bagley III is a big reason why this is a Top 5 team with 21.5 points and 11.4 rebounds a game. He put up 30 points in a recent loss to Virginia.

St. John’s would love to give Duke a big scare on Saturday, but at 10-13 SU with 11 losses in 11 Big East contests, it could be hard-pressed to keep things close into the second half. Betting on the Red Storm has also been a losing proposition at 9-12 ATS including a 2-6 run ATS in their last eight games. The total has stayed UNDER in five of their last seven outings. The one bright spot has been the play of sophomore guard Shamorie Ponds with a team-high 19.7 points per game. He just put up 31 points in Tuesday’s loss to Xavier.

Betting Trends

-- The Blue Devils are 5-1 ATS in their last six nonconference games and the total has gone OVER in 10 of their last 11 games against the Big East.

-- The Red Storm have failed to cover in six of their last seven home games and the total has gone OVER or ended as a PUSH in their last five games against the ACC.

-- Head-to-head in this ACC/Big East clash, the underdog has covered in four of the last five meetings and the total has gone OVER in all five games.

No. 21 Kentucky at Missouri (CBS, 2:00 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Missouri -2

Betting Matchup

By Kentucky standards, this team’s SU 17-5 record with a 6-3 mark in SEC play is below the extremely high bar that has been set over the years with John Calipari at the helm as head coach. The Wildcats have strung together a modest three-game winning streak, but they are still a costly 5-7 ATS in their last 12 games. The total has gone OVER in five of their last seven outings. Kentucky is well down the list in scoring with 77.6 PPG and at the other end of the court it is allowing an average of 70.4 points to its opponents.

Missouri snapped a three-game losing streak (SU and ATS) with Wednesday’s 69-60 victory against Alabama as a 5 ½-point road underdog. The total stayed UNDER 137 points in that game and it has stayed UNDER in five of its last seven games. The Tigers (14-8 SU) are now 4-5 SU in SEC play with a 5-4 record ATS. Senior guard Kassius Robertson scored a team-high 22 points against the Tide and he has now scored at least 20 points in each of his last three games to boost his scoring average on the year to 16.0 PPG.

Betting Trends

-- The Wildcats have covered in six of their last eight games following an ATS loss and the total has gone OVER in nine of their last 13 games coming off a SU win.

-- The Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last five Saturday games and the total has stayed UNDER in five of their last six home games against a team with a SU losing record on the road.

-- The favorite in this SEC matchup has covered in five of the last seven meetings and the total has gone OVER in four of the last six meetings.


No. 20 Clemson at Wake Forest (ACC Network, 2:00 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Clemson -3 ½

Betting Matchup

Clemson is coming off back-to-back victories against Georgia Tech on the road and North Carolina as home as a slight 1.5-point underdog to improve to 7-3 SU in ACC play. It has only covered in four of those 10 conference games as part of an 11-8 record ATS overall. The Tigers have gone 1-5 ATS on the road this season and the total has gone OVER in seven of their last nine games overall. Junior guard Marcquise Reed scored 20 points to help pace the upset against the Tar Heels and he continues to lead Clemson in scoring with 15.6 PPG.

The Demon Deacons doubled their win total in conference play with Wednesday’s 76-72 upset against Florida State as 4 ½-point home underdogs. They are now 2-8 SU in the ACC and 3-7 ATS. The total has stayed UNDER in seven of those 10 games. Junior guard Bryant Crawford is Wake Forest’s leading scorer this season with 16.0 PPG and he has exceeded that total in three of his last five starts including 19 points in Wednesday’s win.

Betting Trends

-- The Tigers have failed to cover in five of their last six games coming off a SU win and the total has gone OVER in five of their last six road games.

-- The Demon Deacons are 1-4 ATS in their last five Saturday games and the total has stayed UNDER in six of their last eight games played at home.

-- Clemson has covered in six of the last eight meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in six of the last seven meetings in this ACC tilt.

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday's Late Tips
February 2, 2018

**Michigan State at Indiana**

-- The Wynn in Las Vegas opened Michigan State (21-3 straight up, 13-10 against the spread) as a 9.5-point favorite.

-- Michigan State has won outright in three of its four road assignments, but it is struggled to a 1-2-1 spread record in those spots.

-- Tom Izzo’s team went through a brief rough patch in early January, going 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS in a trio of Big Ten games. The outright losses came by double-digit margins and the only victory was a fortunate one, as the Spartans got a tying free throw and last-second stop to force overtime at home vs. Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights lost 76-72 in the extra session, but the easily took the money as 22-point road underdogs.

-- Since that three-game slump, however, Michigan State has won five in a row with three of the wins coming by margins of 13 points or more. One of those came against Saturday’s foe, Indiana, which took an 85-57 shellacking as a 14.5-point road underdog at Breslin Center two Fridays ago. Miles Bridges made 9-of-13 field-goal attempts and 4-of-6 launches from 3-point range en rout to a game-high 22-point scoring effort. Nick Ward added 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Cassius Winston contributed 10 points, four boards and eight assists compared to merely one turnover. IU’s Robert Johnson scored a team-best 21 points in the losing effort. The 142 combined points slithered ‘under’ the 145.5-point tally.

-- MSU is 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS in the past seven head-to-head meetings between these Big Ten rivals. When they met at IU last year, the Hoosiers collected their one outright victory in the last seven encounters by capturing an 82-75 triumph as five-point home ‘chalk.’ Johnson dropped 17 points on the Spartans in the win. Bridges scored 13 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and handed out four helpers without committing a turnover, but the then-true-freshman forward was an abysmal 4-of-17 from the field. Ward finished with 15 points and six boards.

-- Bridges is averaging 17.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting at a 48.1 percent clip from the field and making 91.4 percent of his free-throw attempts. Ward (13.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG) has 38 blocked shots in 24 games and has hit 68.4 percent of his FGAs. Winston (12.5 PPG) has a 157/66 assist-to-turnover ratio, and he’s splashing the nets at a 53.6 clip from 3-point land and at a 92.5 percent from the FT line. Jaren Jackson Jr. (11.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG) leads the Big Ten and is third in the nation in blocked shots, averaging 3.4 per game.

-- MSU is ranked fifth in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll and it is 24th in the RPI Rankings. The Spartans are 1-3 versus the RPI Top 50 and 6-3 against the Top 100. A neutral-court win over North Carolina (RPI #10) is MSU’s best by far. Sparty has home wins over Notre Dame, Nebraska and Maryland, in addition to a victory at Maryland and a neutral-court scalp of UConn.

-- MSU is efficient at both ends of the court, currently ranking second in the nation in FG percentage (51.7%), 11th in 3-point accuracy (41.1%) and 20th in scoring with an 84.0 PPG average. The Spartans are ranked tops in the country in FG percentage defense (35.7%) and 21st in scoring ‘D’ (64.3 PPG).

-- Indiana (12-11 SU, 12-11 ATS) owns a 10-4 SU record and a 9-5 ATS mark. This is the Hoosiers’ third game as home underdogs. They’ve been feisty as hell in the two previous spots, although their 0-2 SU record and 1-1 ATS mark might not indicate that. Archie Miller’s team hosted Duke on Nov. 29 as an 8.5-point home ‘dog and was ahead of the number for 90 percent of the game. IU led by one with six minutes remaining and the game was tied with five minutes left. However, the Blue Devils finished the game with a 16-6 run to narrowly get the cash.

-- Indiana’s other home underdog situation came this past Sunday afternoon vs. Purdue at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, where IU was again installed as an 8.5-point puppy. Miller’s club raced out to a 14-4 lead and led outright for a good chunk of the game. In fact, the game was tied with 6:55 remaining and the Boilermakers were never able to get ahead of the number. But a 9-2 Purdue run in the last three minutes allowed it to prevail by a 74-67 count, hooking up its supporters for second-half bets (hand raised!) as a 6.5-point ‘chalk’ when it was trailing by two at intermission (therefore, Purdue was -4.5 adjusted).

-- In the losing effort vs. Purdue, IU’s Juwan Morgan went for 24 points, seven rebounds and a pair of blocked shots. Robert Johnson finished with 21 points, six boards and three assists.

-- Indiana is No. 126 in the RPI, going winless in seven games against the Top 50 and 3-7 versus the Top 100. The Hoosiers have home wins over Maryland and Northwestern and they also beat Notre Dame on a neutral floor.

-- De’Ron Davis, IU’s third-leading scorer (9.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG), went down with a season-ending injury in early January. Collin Hartman (6.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG) is also ‘out’ with a leg injury but he’s expected to return in mid-February.

-- Morgan is averaging team-highs in scoring (16.3 PPG), rebounding (7.1 RPG), FG percentage (59.3%) and blocked shots (1.3 BPG). Johnson is averaging 13.4 points and 4.6 RPG.

-- The ‘under’ has been a remarkable money maker in IU’s past 11 games, producing a lucrative 9-1-1 record. For the season, the Hoosiers have seen the ‘under’ go 13-9-1 overall and 7-7 in their home contests.

-- The ‘over’ is 14-9 overall for the Spartans, but they’ve seen the ‘under’ produce a 3-1 record in their four true road assignments.

-- Tip-off is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

**BYU at Gonzaga**

-- The Wynn opened Gonzaga (20-4 SU, 9-11-1 ATS) as an 11.5-point home favorite. Mark Few’s team is 10-1 in West Coast Conference action, leaving it one-game back of the 11-0 Gales of Saint Mary’s.

-- Gonzaga is 12-1 SU and 5-5 ATS at home. The Bulldogs are mired in a 0-6 ATS slump. They have posted a 4-4 spread record in eight games as double-digit home favorites.

-- Since taking its only loss both at home and in WCC play to Saint Mary’s by a 74-71 count as a 7.5-point ‘chalk,’ Gonzaga has won four games in a row. The Bulldogs beat San Diego 69-59 Thursday night as 19.5-point home favorites. They trailed by two with 14 minutes remaining and only led by two with 3:42 left. Johnathan Williams had 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Josh Perkins and Zach Norvell added 13 points apiece.

-- Gonzaga is ranked 14th in the latest AP poll but is only No. 54 in the RPI. The ‘Zags are 4-3 against the Top 50 and the Top 100. They have a home win over Creighton, a win at Washington and a pair of neutral-court triumphs over Ohio State and Texas. On the flip side, the Bulldogs lost on neutral courts against Villanova and Florida (111-105 in double OT), in addition to the previously mentioned home loss to the Gaels.

-- Williams, the senior center, is averaging team-bests in scoring (13.7 PPG) and rebounding (7.2 RPG) while making 55.6 of his FGAs. Perkins (13.2 PPG) is shooting at a 43.5 percent rate from long distance and has a 123/55 assist-to-turnover ratio.

-- BYU (18-6 SU, 11-10 ATS) is in third place in the WCC standings with its 7-4 record in league play. The Cougars are 5-3 SU and 4-3 ATS in their road outings. This is their fifth game as underdogs and the first time they’ve been double-digit ‘dogs. Dave Rose’s squad won 65-56 at Princeton as a four-point puppy, but then it dropped a 71-59 decision to Alabama while catching eight points on a neutral floor. Since then, BYU was a two-point home ‘dog in a 74-64 overtime loss against Saint Mary’s, and then Cougars lost 75-62 at Saint Mary’s when they were catching 8.5 points.

-- BYU had won four in a row both SU and ATS until the second loss to the Gaels at Saint Mary’s. Next, Rose’s bunch bounced back with an 80-65 win over Pacific as an 11.5-point home ‘chalk.’ However, the Cougars went down 76-69 Thursday night at Loyola-Marymount as 10-point road favorites. They trailed by as many as 16 points, only to slice the deficit to five with 3:20 remaining but would get no closer. Elijah Bryant finished with 24 points, five assists and three blocked shots in the losing effort. Yoeli Childs had 15 points, 13 boards, three assists and one rejection.

-- Bryant, a junior guard, is averaging 18.5 points and 6.4 RPG while buying 44.9 percent of his attempts from downtown. Childs is averaging 17.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots per game. He is making 53.9 percent of his FGAs. T.J. Haws is averaging 11.5 PPG and has a solid 98/43 assist-to-turnover ratio, but he’s made only 39.4 percent of his FGAs and 33.6 percent of his 3-pointers.

-- BYU is No. 74 in the RPI Rankings with a 1-3 record against the Top 50 and a 3-3 ledger versus the Top 100. The Cougars have home win over Utah and Illinois State, in addition to a road win at Utah Valley.

-- The ‘under’ is 11-8-2 overall for the Cougars, 5-1-1 in their seven lined road contests. However, the ‘over’ is 4-1-2 in BYU’s past seven games.

-- The ‘over’ is 11-10-1 for Gonzaga, 6-4 in its home games.

-- This game will tip at 10:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

-- Florida is 12-1 SU in its past 13 head-to-head meetings with Alabama, but the Crimson Tide won at UF for the first time since 2008 in its last trip to Gainesville. Avery Johnson’s team won a 61-55 decision at the O-Dome two seasons ago. Both teams are coming off losses, as UF went down at Georgia and ‘Bama lost at home to Missouri earlier this week. The Wynn opened the Gators as 8.5-point home favorites for this 4:00 p.m. Eastern showdown on ESPN.

-- Since posting a deplorable 1-14 spread record to start the season, Vanderbilt has covered the number in four consecutive games. The Commodores opened as 13.5-point underdogs for Saturday’s game at Auburn on the SEC Network at 8:30 p.m. Eastern.

-- As of Friday night, Notre Dame senior point guard Matt Farrell (ankle) was listed as ‘questionable’ for Saturday’s showdown at North Carolina State. This is a noon Eastern tip on ESPN. Farrell is averaging 15.7 points, 5.3 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. D.J. Harvey (5.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG) and Bonzie Colson (21.4 PPG, 10.4 RPG) both remain ‘out’ with injuries, although both are hopeful to return later in this month.

-- USC junior forward Bennie Boatwright has missed back-to-back games due to soreness in his foot. Boatwright, who averages 15.1 points and 6.7 RPG, is listed as ‘questionable’ at UCLA. These cross-town rivals will collide at Pauley Pavilion at 6:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2. The Trojans are 4-2 both SU and ATS in six road games, while the Bruins are 11-2 SU and 6-7 ATS at home. The ‘over’ is on an 8-3 run in the past 11 head-to-head meetings between these schools.

-- St. Joseph’s James Demery is ‘questionable’ Saturday against LaSalle due to an ankle injury. Demery is averaging 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.

-- La. Tech guard DaQuan Bracey (back) is ‘questionable’ against FIU. Bracey is averaging 15.3 points, 4.9 assists and 1.1 SPG.

-- Evansville guard Dru Smith is ‘out’ indefinitely with a foot injury. Smith is averaging 13.5 points, 4.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game for the Purple Aces.

-- Georgia Tech’s Curtis Haywood is ‘out’ for the season with a leg injury. Haywood was averaging 5.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.3 APG. Abdoulaye Gueye (6.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG & 1.1 BPG) is ‘questionable’ Saturday at Boston College due to an ankle issue. Gueye has blocked eight shots in the Yellow Jackets’ past two games.

-- Colorado State will try to snap a five-game losing streak when it hosts Nevada as a home underdog Saturday in Ft. Collins. The Rams will be short-handed in their attempt to do so. Prentiss Nixon is ‘out’ Saturday and will miss his fifth straight game due to a sprained ankle. Nixon averages 17.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. Also, J.D. Paige is ‘out’ until at least late February with a broken hand. Paige is averaging 10.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 APG.

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday's Late Tips
February 2, 2018

**Michigan State at Indiana**

-- The Wynn in Las Vegas opened Michigan State (21-3 straight up, 13-10 against the spread) as a 9.5-point favorite.

-- Michigan State has won outright in three of its four road assignments, but it is struggled to a 1-2-1 spread record in those spots.

-- Tom Izzo’s team went through a brief rough patch in early January, going 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS in a trio of Big Ten games. The outright losses came by double-digit margins and the only victory was a fortunate one, as the Spartans got a tying free throw and last-second stop to force overtime at home vs. Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights lost 76-72 in the extra session, but the easily took the money as 22-point road underdogs.

-- Since that three-game slump, however, Michigan State has won five in a row with three of the wins coming by margins of 13 points or more. One of those came against Saturday’s foe, Indiana, which took an 85-57 shellacking as a 14.5-point road underdog at Breslin Center two Fridays ago. Miles Bridges made 9-of-13 field-goal attempts and 4-of-6 launches from 3-point range en rout to a game-high 22-point scoring effort. Nick Ward added 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Cassius Winston contributed 10 points, four boards and eight assists compared to merely one turnover. IU’s Robert Johnson scored a team-best 21 points in the losing effort. The 142 combined points slithered ‘under’ the 145.5-point tally.

-- MSU is 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS in the past seven head-to-head meetings between these Big Ten rivals. When they met at IU last year, the Hoosiers collected their one outright victory in the last seven encounters by capturing an 82-75 triumph as five-point home ‘chalk.’ Johnson dropped 17 points on the Spartans in the win. Bridges scored 13 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and handed out four helpers without committing a turnover, but the then-true-freshman forward was an abysmal 4-of-17 from the field. Ward finished with 15 points and six boards.

-- Bridges is averaging 17.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting at a 48.1 percent clip from the field and making 91.4 percent of his free-throw attempts. Ward (13.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG) has 38 blocked shots in 24 games and has hit 68.4 percent of his FGAs. Winston (12.5 PPG) has a 157/66 assist-to-turnover ratio, and he’s splashing the nets at a 53.6 clip from 3-point land and at a 92.5 percent from the FT line. Jaren Jackson Jr. (11.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG) leads the Big Ten and is third in the nation in blocked shots, averaging 3.4 per game.

-- MSU is ranked fifth in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll and it is 24th in the RPI Rankings. The Spartans are 1-3 versus the RPI Top 50 and 6-3 against the Top 100. A neutral-court win over North Carolina (RPI #10) is MSU’s best by far. Sparty has home wins over Notre Dame, Nebraska and Maryland, in addition to a victory at Maryland and a neutral-court scalp of UConn.

-- MSU is efficient at both ends of the court, currently ranking second in the nation in FG percentage (51.7%), 11th in 3-point accuracy (41.1%) and 20th in scoring with an 84.0 PPG average. The Spartans are ranked tops in the country in FG percentage defense (35.7%) and 21st in scoring ‘D’ (64.3 PPG).

-- Indiana (12-11 SU, 12-11 ATS) owns a 10-4 SU record and a 9-5 ATS mark. This is the Hoosiers’ third game as home underdogs. They’ve been feisty as hell in the two previous spots, although their 0-2 SU record and 1-1 ATS mark might not indicate that. Archie Miller’s team hosted Duke on Nov. 29 as an 8.5-point home ‘dog and was ahead of the number for 90 percent of the game. IU led by one with six minutes remaining and the game was tied with five minutes left. However, the Blue Devils finished the game with a 16-6 run to narrowly get the cash.

-- Indiana’s other home underdog situation came this past Sunday afternoon vs. Purdue at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, where IU was again installed as an 8.5-point puppy. Miller’s club raced out to a 14-4 lead and led outright for a good chunk of the game. In fact, the game was tied with 6:55 remaining and the Boilermakers were never able to get ahead of the number. But a 9-2 Purdue run in the last three minutes allowed it to prevail by a 74-67 count, hooking up its supporters for second-half bets (hand raised!) as a 6.5-point ‘chalk’ when it was trailing by two at intermission (therefore, Purdue was -4.5 adjusted).

-- In the losing effort vs. Purdue, IU’s Juwan Morgan went for 24 points, seven rebounds and a pair of blocked shots. Robert Johnson finished with 21 points, six boards and three assists.

-- Indiana is No. 126 in the RPI, going winless in seven games against the Top 50 and 3-7 versus the Top 100. The Hoosiers have home wins over Maryland and Northwestern and they also beat Notre Dame on a neutral floor.

-- De’Ron Davis, IU’s third-leading scorer (9.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG), went down with a season-ending injury in early January. Collin Hartman (6.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG) is also ‘out’ with a leg injury but he’s expected to return in mid-February.

-- Morgan is averaging team-highs in scoring (16.3 PPG), rebounding (7.1 RPG), FG percentage (59.3%) and blocked shots (1.3 BPG). Johnson is averaging 13.4 points and 4.6 RPG.

-- The ‘under’ has been a remarkable money maker in IU’s past 11 games, producing a lucrative 9-1-1 record. For the season, the Hoosiers have seen the ‘under’ go 13-9-1 overall and 7-7 in their home contests.

-- The ‘over’ is 14-9 overall for the Spartans, but they’ve seen the ‘under’ produce a 3-1 record in their four true road assignments.

-- Tip-off is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

**BYU at Gonzaga**

-- The Wynn opened Gonzaga (20-4 SU, 9-11-1 ATS) as an 11.5-point home favorite. Mark Few’s team is 10-1 in West Coast Conference action, leaving it one-game back of the 11-0 Gales of Saint Mary’s.

-- Gonzaga is 12-1 SU and 5-5 ATS at home. The Bulldogs are mired in a 0-6 ATS slump. They have posted a 4-4 spread record in eight games as double-digit home favorites.

-- Since taking its only loss both at home and in WCC play to Saint Mary’s by a 74-71 count as a 7.5-point ‘chalk,’ Gonzaga has won four games in a row. The Bulldogs beat San Diego 69-59 Thursday night as 19.5-point home favorites. They trailed by two with 14 minutes remaining and only led by two with 3:42 left. Johnathan Williams had 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Josh Perkins and Zach Norvell added 13 points apiece.

-- Gonzaga is ranked 14th in the latest AP poll but is only No. 54 in the RPI. The ‘Zags are 4-3 against the Top 50 and the Top 100. They have a home win over Creighton, a win at Washington and a pair of neutral-court triumphs over Ohio State and Texas. On the flip side, the Bulldogs lost on neutral courts against Villanova and Florida (111-105 in double OT), in addition to the previously mentioned home loss to the Gaels.

-- Williams, the senior center, is averaging team-bests in scoring (13.7 PPG) and rebounding (7.2 RPG) while making 55.6 of his FGAs. Perkins (13.2 PPG) is shooting at a 43.5 percent rate from long distance and has a 123/55 assist-to-turnover ratio.

-- BYU (18-6 SU, 11-10 ATS) is in third place in the WCC standings with its 7-4 record in league play. The Cougars are 5-3 SU and 4-3 ATS in their road outings. This is their fifth game as underdogs and the first time they’ve been double-digit ‘dogs. Dave Rose’s squad won 65-56 at Princeton as a four-point puppy, but then it dropped a 71-59 decision to Alabama while catching eight points on a neutral floor. Since then, BYU was a two-point home ‘dog in a 74-64 overtime loss against Saint Mary’s, and then Cougars lost 75-62 at Saint Mary’s when they were catching 8.5 points.

-- BYU had won four in a row both SU and ATS until the second loss to the Gaels at Saint Mary’s. Next, Rose’s bunch bounced back with an 80-65 win over Pacific as an 11.5-point home ‘chalk.’ However, the Cougars went down 76-69 Thursday night at Loyola-Marymount as 10-point road favorites. They trailed by as many as 16 points, only to slice the deficit to five with 3:20 remaining but would get no closer. Elijah Bryant finished with 24 points, five assists and three blocked shots in the losing effort. Yoeli Childs had 15 points, 13 boards, three assists and one rejection.

-- Bryant, a junior guard, is averaging 18.5 points and 6.4 RPG while buying 44.9 percent of his attempts from downtown. Childs is averaging 17.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots per game. He is making 53.9 percent of his FGAs. T.J. Haws is averaging 11.5 PPG and has a solid 98/43 assist-to-turnover ratio, but he’s made only 39.4 percent of his FGAs and 33.6 percent of his 3-pointers.

-- BYU is No. 74 in the RPI Rankings with a 1-3 record against the Top 50 and a 3-3 ledger versus the Top 100. The Cougars have home win over Utah and Illinois State, in addition to a road win at Utah Valley.

-- The ‘under’ is 11-8-2 overall for the Cougars, 5-1-1 in their seven lined road contests. However, the ‘over’ is 4-1-2 in BYU’s past seven games.

-- The ‘over’ is 11-10-1 for Gonzaga, 6-4 in its home games.

-- This game will tip at 10:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

-- Florida is 12-1 SU in its past 13 head-to-head meetings with Alabama, but the Crimson Tide won at UF for the first time since 2008 in its last trip to Gainesville. Avery Johnson’s team won a 61-55 decision at the O-Dome two seasons ago. Both teams are coming off losses, as UF went down at Georgia and ‘Bama lost at home to Missouri earlier this week. The Wynn opened the Gators as 8.5-point home favorites for this 4:00 p.m. Eastern showdown on ESPN.

-- Since posting a deplorable 1-14 spread record to start the season, Vanderbilt has covered the number in four consecutive games. The Commodores opened as 13.5-point underdogs for Saturday’s game at Auburn on the SEC Network at 8:30 p.m. Eastern.

-- As of Friday night, Notre Dame senior point guard Matt Farrell (ankle) was listed as ‘questionable’ for Saturday’s showdown at North Carolina State. This is a noon Eastern tip on ESPN. Farrell is averaging 15.7 points, 5.3 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. D.J. Harvey (5.8 PPG, 2.9 RPG) and Bonzie Colson (21.4 PPG, 10.4 RPG) both remain ‘out’ with injuries, although both are hopeful to return later in this month.

-- USC junior forward Bennie Boatwright has missed back-to-back games due to soreness in his foot. Boatwright, who averages 15.1 points and 6.7 RPG, is listed as ‘questionable’ at UCLA. These cross-town rivals will collide at Pauley Pavilion at 6:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2. The Trojans are 4-2 both SU and ATS in six road games, while the Bruins are 11-2 SU and 6-7 ATS at home. The ‘over’ is on an 8-3 run in the past 11 head-to-head meetings between these schools.

-- St. Joseph’s James Demery is ‘questionable’ Saturday against LaSalle due to an ankle injury. Demery is averaging 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.

-- La. Tech guard DaQuan Bracey (back) is ‘questionable’ against FIU. Bracey is averaging 15.3 points, 4.9 assists and 1.1 SPG.

-- Evansville guard Dru Smith is ‘out’ indefinitely with a foot injury. Smith is averaging 13.5 points, 4.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game for the Purple Aces.

-- Georgia Tech’s Curtis Haywood is ‘out’ for the season with a leg injury. Haywood was averaging 5.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.3 APG. Abdoulaye Gueye (6.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG & 1.1 BPG) is ‘questionable’ Saturday at Boston College due to an ankle issue. Gueye has blocked eight shots in the Yellow Jackets’ past two games.

-- Colorado State will try to snap a five-game losing streak when it hosts Nevada as a home underdog Saturday in Ft. Collins. The Rams will be short-handed in their attempt to do so. Prentiss Nixon is ‘out’ Saturday and will miss his fifth straight game due to a sprained ankle. Nixon averages 17.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. Also, J.D. Paige is ‘out’ until at least late February with a broken hand. Paige is averaging 10.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 APG.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday’s 6-pack

These are only six guys since 1970 who played in both the NFL and major leagues; this excludes the 1987 NFL replacement games during the players’ strike:

DJ Dozier

Drew Henson

Chad Hutchinson

Bo Jackson

Brian Jordan

Deion Sanders

Quote of the Day
”We would have taken a win if it was in an empty gym. Thank God January is over.”
Chris Mullin, after St John’s won its first game since Dec 20

Sunday’s quiz
Who are the only two head coaches to win the Rose Bowl and the Super Bowl?

Saturday’s quiz
Donald Trump owned the New Jersey Generals in the USFL in the 80’s.

Friday’s quiz
Baker Mayfield played college football at Texas Tech before transferring to Oklahoma.

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

Sunday’s List of 13: Wrapping up a basketball Saturday…….

13) Oklahoma State 84, Kansas 79
Missouri 69, Kentucky 60
St John’s 81, Duke 77

This was the first time since March 6, 2005 that these three teams all lost on the same day.

12) Washington 78, Arizona 75— First-year coach Mike Hopkins has the Huskies 17-6 , 7-3 in the Pac-12; they’ve got wins over Kansas/Arizona, have shot at making the NCAAs. Would be ironic if Washington made the NCAAs and Syracuse didn’t, seeing how Hopkins waited a long time for Jim Boeheim to retire, so he could take over that program.

11) CAA race is interesting; Charleston leads at 9-3, game ahead of Northeastern/Wm & Mary. With one-third of the regular season left, nine of 10 teams already have four conference losses. Last place James Madison has three wins. 21 of 60 CAA games were decided by 4 or less points or in overtime.

10) Central Michigan 101, Ohio U 98 2OT— Bobcats went 16-31 on foul line, blew 13-point lead with 12:21 left to play. Chippewas were 31-36 on the charity stripe.

9) Colorado State asked basketball coach Larry Eustachy to step away from his job for a while, as they investigate the program— apparently he curses at players in practice and in 2014, was given a zero tolerance policy towards future verbal abuse of players.

Eustachy’s base salary is $985,012 and if he gets fired for cause, it saves the school $3M. When the team is 10-15, 3-9 in the Mountain West like Colorado State is this year, people put up with a lot less shenanigans than they did when the team was winning.

8) UCLA 82, USC 79— This was a really good game; 70 fast-paced possessions, Bruins had to make 12-26 on the arc to pull out the home win. Bennie Boatwright played only 9:00 for USC- -his foot still isn’t 100%.

7) Upsets of the Day:
Oklahoma State (+13) 84, Kansas 79
Brown (+11.5) 102, Princeton 100 OT
Citadel (+11.5) 100, Furman 92 OT
St John’s (+11) 81, Duke 77
SIU-Edwardsville 75, Jacksonville State 67
Drexel (+9) 91, William & Mary 79
East Carolina (+8) 88, Memphis 85 OT
Drake (+8) 78, Bradley 68

6) Ivy League teams play Friday/Saturday once conference play starts; Brown lost 95-90 in OT at Penn Friday night, then won 102-100 in OT at Princeton Saturday— had to be some tired kids on the bus back to Providence late Saturday night.

5) Gonzaga 68, BYU 60— Zags beat BYU at home for first time in four years. Gonzaga in 11-1 in WCC, but is 0-7 vs spread in last seven games, another example of how gambling is difficult.

4) Home favorites went 6-1 vs spread in SEC games Saturday; only team that didn’t cover was Auburn, which won by 12 laying 12.5. Tigers have a two-game lead over Tennessee in the SEC. Kentucky-Florida-Alabama are tied for third. Is Bruce Pearl national Coach of the Year?

3) Middle Tennessee State leads Conference USA at 10-1; they’ve won six of seven road games in conference, but none of the six wins were by more than seven points.

2) Cal-Davis 105, Long Beach State 104, 2OT— Aggies won despite suspending their best player, senior F Chima Moneke because to an unspecified violation of team rules at a hotel. No one was talking after the game, but the suspension is said to be indefinite.

Long Beach’s Gabe Levin was 24-28 on foul line in this game. Lot of foul shots for one guy.

1) Northern Colorado 86, Montana State 63— Bears’ Andre Spight scored 41 points; he was 8-21 on arc, 7-10 inside arc, with five assists, seven turnovers. He had the ball a lot. This was his 4th Big Sky game with 30+ points this season.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, February 4

Georgia Tech lost four of its last five games; they’re 1-3 on ACC road, winning at lowly Pitt, losing other three games by 9-14-11 points. Boston College lost its last three games, losing in OT to Va Tech in last game; Eagles are 3-2 in ACC home games, losing to Clemson by 4, Hokies by 5. Tech won five of last seven games with BC; they won last two visits here, by 8-5 points. Over last four years, BC is just 2-0 as an ACC home favorite; Tech is 13-7 in last 20 games as road underdogs. ACC home favorites are 23-17-1 vs spread this season.

Ohio State is surprising 10-1 in Big 14, 6-1 at home, with only loss to Penn St, Buckeyes held four of last six opponents under 60 points. Illinois won its last two games after starting out 0-8 in big 14; Illini is 2-3 in Big 14 home games, with two of three losses in overtime. OSU won six of last seven games with Illinois; Illini lost its last seven visits to Columbus, five of them by 13+ points. Illinois is 10-17-1 in last 28 games as road underdogs; Buckeyes are 16-10 in last 26 games as home favorites, 3-2 this season. Big 14 home favorites are 25-22 vs spread

Villanova won six of last seven games with Seton Hall; Pirates lost last nine visits here, with three of last four by 17+ points. Villanova won its last eight games; they’re 8-1 in Big East, winning all four home games, by 10-24-20-20 points. Seton Hall split its last six games after a 14-2 start; Pirates are 2-2 on big East road, losing by 20 at Marquette, 17 at Creighton. Pirates are 11-4 in last 15 games as road underdogs; Villanova is 24-16 as home favorites in new Big East, 3-1 this year. Big East home favorites are 17-13-1 vs spread

Oakland is 0-5 vs spread as Horizon home favorites this year, losing 3 of 5 games SU; over last five seasons, Grizzlies are 15-18 vs spread as home favorites. Oakland is just 6-5 in Horizon, 1-4 in games decided by 6 or fewer points. IUPUI is 1-3-1 as road underdogs in its first season in the Horizon; Jaguars lost their last four games, last three by 9+ points. IUPUI is playing its fifth straight road game; they’re 1-6 on Horizon road, with four of six losses by 14 or less points. Horizon League home favorites are 17-18 against the spread.

Wisconsin lost seven of its last eight games; they’re 0-5 on Big 14 road, with last three road losses by 15+ points; Badgers are shooting only 30.8% on arc, turning ball over 19.8% of time in Big 14 games. Maryland lost six of its last eight games; #316 experience team is 3-2 in Big 14 home games, with wins by 6-18-11 points. Maryland/Wisconsin split their four Big 14 meetings; teams split two meetings here. Maryland is 15-12 as Big 14 home favorites; Badgers are 5-7 in last 12 games as road underdogs. Big 14 home favorites are 25-22 vs spread

Tulsa upset SMU in its last game, but they’ve lost last four road games; Hurricane’s last road win was Dec 31 at Tulane. Tulsa is 4-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200. South Florida is 1-9 in AAC, 0-5 at home, with three losses by 12+ points, other two by 2 points each. Bulls turn ball over 22.5% of time in AAC games. Tulsa is 5-0 vs USF in AAC games, winning by 17-12 points in two visits to Tampa. Bulls are 11-14 in last 25 games as home underdogs, 1-3 this year; Tulsa is 12-6-1 in last 19 games as road favorites. AAC home underdogs are 13-8-1 vs spread.

Ill-Chicago won eight of its last nine games, winning at Oakland Friday; Flames are won their last five road games, their eFG% defense is best in Horizon. Detroit lost 15 of its last 18 games; they’re 2-3 in Horizon home games, with losses by 7-2-6 points. UIC won three of last five games with Detroit; Flames won two of last three visits to the Motor City. UIC is 12-4 vs spread in its last 16 Horizon road games; Flames are 2-0 as road favorites this year. Detroit is 5-7 in last 12 games as home underdogs. Horizon home underdogs are 12-11 vs spread

Tulane won 85-75 at Temple Dec 28, Green Wave’s first AAC win in six tries against Temple. Owls won their three games here, all by 8 points. Tulane is 4-5 in AAC after going 6-30 last two years- they’re 2-3 in AAC home games, beating SMU, Houston. Temple upset Wichita St in its last game; they won five of last seven games after a 7-8 start. Owls are 1-3 in AAC road games, with win at SMU. Temple is 2-4-1 in last seven games as road favorites; under Dunleavy, Tulane is 3-4-2 as home underdogs, 2-0 this year. AAC home underdogs are 13-8-1 vs spread

Arizona State is 4-6 in Pac-12 after going 12-0 in pre-conference play; Sun Devils are 2-5 in Pac-12 games decided by 6 or less points or in OT. Under Hurley, ASU is 5-12-4 vs spread in Pac-12 road games. Washington State is 1-8 in Pac-12, 1-3 at home, losing by 5-9-28 points- they beat Cal at home. Coogs lost their last four games, last three by 13+ points- opponents are shooting 57.6% inside arc against them. ASU/WSU split last six series games; Sun Devils lost four of last six visits to Pullman. Pac-12 home underdogs are 10-10-1 vs spread

Iona won its last eight games with Marist, winning last eight visits to the McCann Center- they scored 90+ points in last four series games. Gaels won in double OT Friday; four guys played 35:00+, Casimir played 48:00. Iona won seven of last nine games; they’re 2-2 on MAAC, with wins by 3-5 points. Marist is 3-8 in MAAC, 2-4 at home, with losses by 5-16-8-6 points. Iona is 13-8 in last 21 games as road favorites, 3-2 this year; Marist is 12-15 in last 27 games as home underdogs, 3-2 this year. MAAC home underdogs are 9-8 vs spread

Canisius shot 68% inside arc in 70-58 home win over St Peter’s Jan 12, just second series win in last six tries for the Griffins. Canisius won four of its last five visits to Jersey City. Griffins won 10 of last 12 games; they’re 4-1 on MAAC road, with one loss at Siena. St Peter’s lost six of its last seven games, with four losses by 4 or fewer points; Peacocks 3-2 in MAAC home games, losing to Rider, Manhattan. Canisius is 21-14 vs spread in last 35 MAAC road games; Peacocks are 16-9 in last 25 MAAC home games, 3-2 this year. MAAC home teams are 25-24-2 vs spread

Monmouth lost 78-77 at Niagara Jan 12, despite Eagles going 17-33 on foul line; it was Niagara’a first MAAC win in 10 tries vs Monmouth- they lost last four visits here, by 25-11-9-18 points. Hawks are 3-7 in MAAC, 2-2 at home, beating Manhattan/Siena, both by 11 points. Monmouth is 0-5 in MAAC games decided by 7 or fewer points. Eagles won seven of last nine games; they’re 4-2 on MAAC road, losing at Fairfield/St Peter’s. Niagara is 15-10-1 in last 26 MAAC road games; Monmouth is 15-18-1 in last 34 home games. MAAC home favorites are 16-16-2.

Rider shot 62% inside arc, was +8 in turnovers in 78-60 home win over Quinnipiac Jan 12; Broncs won last eight series games, winning last three visits here, by 3-12-17 points. Quinnipiac won three of its last four games; they’re 3-2 in MAAC home games, losing to Canisius/Niagara. Rider won five in row, nine of last 10 games; they’re 4-2 on MAAC road, losing at Iona/Canisius. Rider is 8-6 in last 14 games as road favorites; Bobcats are 5-11 in last 16 game as home underdogs, 1-2 this year. MAAC home underdogs are 9-8 vs spread

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Sunday, February 4

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

ILLINOIS @ OHIO STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Illinois's last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Illinois's last 8 games when playing Ohio State
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Illinois
Ohio State is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home

GEORGIA TECH @ BOSTON COLLEGE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Georgia Tech's last 6 games when playing Boston College
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Georgia Tech's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston College
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston College's last 6 games when playing Georgia Tech
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston College's last 6 games at home

SETON HALL @ VILLANOVA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seton Hall's last 5 games when playing on the road against Villanova
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seton Hall's last 6 games
Villanova is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Villanova is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

IUPUI @ OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of IUPUI's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of IUPUI's last 6 games
Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against IUPUI
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games

IONA @ MARIST
Iona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Marist
Iona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Marist
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Marist's last 7 games when playing Iona
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Marist's last 7 games when playing at home against Iona

WISCONSIN @ MARYLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wisconsin's last 6 games when playing Maryland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Wisconsin's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Maryland's last 5 games
Maryland is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

TULSA @ SOUTH FLORIDA
Tulsa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing South Florida
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tulsa's last 5 games when playing South Florida
The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Florida's last 5 games when playing Tulsa
The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Florida's last 5 games at home

UIC @ DETROIT
UIC is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
UIC is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing UIC
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games

CANISIUS @ SAINT PETER'S
Canisius is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Saint Peter's
Canisius is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Saint Peter's is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Saint Peter's is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Canisius

NIAGARA @ MONMOUTH
Niagara is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Niagara is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Monmouth is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Niagara
Monmouth is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Niagara

RIDER @ QUINNIPIAC
Rider is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Rider is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Quinnipiac
Quinnipiac is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Quinnipiac is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

TEMPLE @ TULANE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Temple's last 5 games on the road
Temple is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Tulane
Tulane is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tulane's last 6 games at home

ARIZONA STATE @ WASHINGTON STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona State's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington State
Arizona State is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington State's last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona State
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington State's last 7 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Sunday, February 4


Georgia Tech @ Boston College

Game 813-814
February 4, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Georgia Tech
60.742
Boston College
66.219
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston College
by 5 1/2
143
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston College
by 3 1/2
135 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston College
(-3 1/2); Over

Illinois @ Ohio State

Game 815-816
February 4, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Illinois
59.335
Ohio State
74.784
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ohio State
by 15 1/2
151
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ohio State
by 12
143
Dunkel Pick:
Ohio State
(-12); Over

Seton Hall @ Villanova

Game 817-818
February 4, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seton Hall
66.347
Villanova
76.875
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Villanova
by 10 1/2
152
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Villanova
by 13
157
Dunkel Pick:
Seton Hall
(+13); Under

IUPUI @ Oakland

Game 819-820
February 4, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
IUPUI
43.318
Oakland
55.228
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 12
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
by 15
151 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
IUPUI
(+15); Under

Wisconsin @ Maryland

Game 821-822
February 4, 2018 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Wisconsin
62.875
Maryland
68.413
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Maryland
by 5 1/2
136
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Maryland
by 8 1/2
132 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Wisconsin
(+8 1/2); Over

Tulsa @ South Florida

Game 823-824
February 4, 2018 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tulsa
50.214
South Florida
46.785
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tulsa
by 3 1/2
141
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tulsa
by 8
135
Dunkel Pick:
South Florida
(+8); Over

Illinois-Chicago @ Detroit

Game 825-826
February 4, 2018 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Illinois-Chicago
50.314
Detroit
42.445
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Illinois-Chicago
by 8
139
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Illinois-Chicago
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Illinois-Chicago
N/A

Temple @ Tulane

Game 827-828
February 4, 2018 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Temple
62.504
Tulane
58.095
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Temple
by 4 1/2
137
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Temple
by 2 1/2
142
Dunkel Pick:
Temple
(-2 1/2); Under

Arizona State @ Washington St

Game 829-830
February 4, 2018 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona State
63.212
Washington St
52.119
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona State
by 11
149
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona State
by 8
159
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona State
(-8); Under

Iona @ Marist

Game 831-832
February 4, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Iona
56.775
Marist
44.318
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Iona
by 12 1/2
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Iona
by 8 1/2
154 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Iona
(-8 1/2); Under

Canisius @ St Peter's

Game 833-834
February 4, 2018 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Canisius
54.672
St Peter's
53.298
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Canisius
by 1 1/2
136
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St Peter's
by 1
129
Dunkel Pick:
Canisius
(+1); Over

Niagara @ Monmouth

Game 835-836
February 4, 2018 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Niagara
51.205
Monmouth
50.337
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Niagara
by 1
167
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Monmouth
by 3 1/2
161 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Niagara
(+3 1/2); Over

Rider @ Quinnipiac

Game 837-838
February 4, 2018 @ 2:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Rider
52.409
Quinnipiac
49.335
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Rider
by 3
151
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Rider
by 5 1/2
157 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Quinnipiac
(+5 1/2); Under

Colgate @ Navy

Game 839-840
February 4, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colgate
49.563
Navy
48.617
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colgate
by 1
135
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Navy
by 2 1/2
139 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colgate
(+2 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Odds to win the 2018 World Series

5-1— Bronx Bombers

11-2— Houston Astros

6-1— Los Angeles Dodgers

15-2— Cleveland Indians

9-1— Chicago Cubs

10-1— Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals


**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a super Sunday

13) Eagles 41, Patriots 33— Before this season, Nick Foles was 20-16 as an NFL starting QB; he has never started more than 11 games in a season. Now he is a Philadelphia legend.

Foles was 28-43 for 373 yards and three TD’s, ending an improbable story where he took over for an injured Carson Wentz and led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl title and 4th NFL title, their first one since 1960.

I completely whiffed on this game; didn’t think a backup QB could hang 41 in a Super Bowl, so the next question is, does Foles go back to being a backup next year, or do the Eagles trade him, and if so, where do they trade him?

12) This game broke the Super Bowl record for most total yards before the third quarter was over.

11) So the Eagles score their first TD to make score 9-3; before they can try the PAT (which they missed), my DirecTV goes out, so I have to go downstairs, retrieve a stepladder and go out to sweep the inch or so of snow off the satellite dish. No bueno.

Also had my 2017 tax return done by halftime, making it the most productive 90 minutes of my 2018, by far. Muy bueno.

10) What does ESPN show during the Super Bowl?
ESPN2— World Series of Poker
ESPNU— College gymnastics
ESPN— 30 for 30 on wrestler Ric Flair

9) New England’s field goal on their first drive were first 1st-quarter points they’ve scored in the eight Super Bowls Brady has played in.

This was first Super Bowl where both starting QB’s threw for 100+ yards each in first quarter.

8) Over/under on numbers of players to throw a pass was 2.5, with the over +$180. Four guys threw passes in the first half.

7) Home underdogs in college basketball were 0-6 vs spread Sunday; that doesn’t happen much.

6) Gary Woodland shot a 64 Sunday and won the Phoenix Open. Best shot of the day was on the 16th hole, when Matt Kuchar damn near aced the popular par-3.

5) How many football coaches around the country will put that trick play in that the Eagles used to score their second TD? That will be a popular 2-point play in high school games next fall.

When Eagles’ TE Trey Burton went to college at Florida, he thought he would be Tim Tebow’s replacement at QB, but that never worked out. Funny how eight years later he throws a TD pass in a Super Bowl.

4) First half total yardage was 350-323, Patriots; both teams averaged over nine yards per play.

How would you like to be a Lions’ fan and see that stat? One DC (Jim Schwartz) used to be the Lions’ coach; the other (Matt Patricia) is the Lions’ next head coach.

3) There had never been a sack-less Super Bowl; Graham’s sack/fumble with 2:10 left was the first sack of the game. Pretty good time for it.

2) Friend of mine had two squares in a $1,000 per square pool; I’m guessing the guy who had 2-2 was cursing the fates…….until halftime, when the score was 22-12. Cha-ching!!!

1- I’m guessing this Super Bowl got tremendous TV ratings; it was a terrific, fun game, with a dramatic finish. Next year’s Super Bowl is in Atlanta’s new stadium. Who will be in it?

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Dunkel

Monday, February 5


Indiana @ Rutgers

Game 715-716
February 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
62.225
Rutgers
63.302
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Rutgers
by 1
133
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 2 1/2
128
Dunkel Pick:
Rutgers
(+2 1/2); Over

Syracuse @ Louisville

Game 717-718
February 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Syracuse
64.645
Louisville
69.503
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Louisville
by 5
138
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Louisville
by 7
130
Dunkel Pick:
Syracuse
(+7); Over

West Virginia @ Oklahoma

Game 719-720
February 5, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
West Virginia
71.707
Oklahoma
76.665
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma
by 5
163
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma
by 2
170
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma
(-2); Under

Siena @ Fairfield

Game 721-722
February 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Siena
44.462
Fairfield
54.879
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Fairfield
by 10 1/2
134
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Fairfield
by 9
140
Dunkel Pick:
Fairfield
(-9); Under

Bucknell @ Lehigh

Game 723-724
February 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Bucknell
58.425
Lehigh
48.516
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Bucknell
by 10
148
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Bucknell
by 7 1/2
160
Dunkel Pick:
Bucknell
(-7 1/2); Under

Hampton @ NC Central

Game 725-726
February 5, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Hampton
44.237
NC Central
48.679
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NC Central
by 4 1/2
138
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NC Central
by 3
146 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NC Central
(-3); Under

Southern @ Jackson State

Game 727-728
February 5, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Southern
39.205
Jackson State
37.842
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Southern
by 1 1/2
131
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Jackson State
by 2
126
Dunkel Pick:
Southern
(+2); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, February 5

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INDIANA (12 - 12) at RUTGERS (12 - 13) - 2/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 16-36 ATS (-23.6 Units) in road games when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
RUTGERS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all home games this season.
RUTGERS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in home lined games this season.
INDIANA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a conference game this season.
RUTGERS is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
RUTGERS is 163-202 ATS (-59.2 Units) after a conference game since 1997.

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

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SYRACUSE (15 - 8) at LOUISVILLE (16 - 7) - 2/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SYRACUSE is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SYRACUSE is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SYRACUSE is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SYRACUSE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SYRACUSE is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) against conference opponents this season.
LOUISVILLE is 23-40 ATS (-21.0 Units) after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.
LOUISVILLE is 36-56 ATS (-25.6 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.

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

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W VIRGINIA (17 - 6) at OKLAHOMA (16 - 6) - 2/5/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W VIRGINIA is 46-72 ATS (-33.2 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
OKLAHOMA is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA is 20-33 ATS (-16.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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SIENA (7 - 17) at FAIRFIELD (9 - 13) - 2/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SIENA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SIENA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in a road game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.

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

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BUCKNELL (17 - 8) at LEHIGH (10 - 13) - 2/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LEHIGH is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
BUCKNELL is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BUCKNELL is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
BUCKNELL is 13-1 ATS (+11.9 Units) in February games since 1997.
BUCKNELL is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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HAMPTON (9 - 14) at NC CENTRAL (12 - 10) - 2/5/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NC CENTRAL is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

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

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SOUTHERN U (9 - 14) at JACKSON ST (10 - 13) - 2/5/2018, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, February 5

Indiana lost its last four games, losing tough 63-60 home game to Michigan State couple days ago. Hoosiers are 1-4 on Big 14 road, losing by 10-28-2-15 points, with win at Minnesota- they are shooting 30.2% on arc, 64.9% on line in conference. Rutgers lost 10 of its last 12 games; they’re 2-3 at home in Big 14, beating Iowa, Wisconsin. Indiana is 4-0 vs Rutgers in Big 14 games, winning by 30-7 points in two visits to the Garden State. Hoosiers are 4-9-2 vs spread in last 15 Big 14 road games; Rutgers is 13-18 vs spread in last 31 home games, 3-2 this season.

Louisville lost three of its last four games; they’re 4-1 in ACC home games, losing to Florida St Saturday. Cardinals are 6-7 vs top 100 teams. Syracuse lost six of its last nine games; they’re 1-4 in ACC road games, with lone win at lowly Pitt- their ACC road losses are by 6-7-11-4 points. Louisville won five of last six games with Syracuse; Orange lost by 14-20 points in their last two visits to Yum! Center. Syracuse is 9-13 in last 22 games as road underdogs; Louisville is 12-9-1 in last 22 games as home favorites, 3-1 this year.

Oklahoma lost 89-76 at West Virginia Jan 6; Sooners led by hoop with with 14:06 left, but lost to WVU for third time in last four meetings. Mountaineers won 61-50 here LY, their first win in five Big X visits to Norman. WVU lost five of last seven games; wins were by 35-38 points; they lost last three road games, by 3-9-16 points. Sooners lost four of last six games; they’re 5-0 at home in Big X, scoring average of 93.8 ppg. Oklahoma is 6-2-1 in last nine games as home favorite; West Virginia is 5-3 in its last eight games as road underdogs.

Siena is 7-17, 3-8 in MAAC; all three of their league wins were by 2 or 3 points. Saints are 0-5 on MAAC road, losing by 5-2-11-7-11 points- they were held under 60 points in last three games. Fairfield is 3-2 in its last five games after a 6-11 start; Stags are 3-2 at home in MAAC, scoring 100+ points in last two home games. Siena won seven of last nine games with Fairfield; they won three of last four visits here. Siena is 5-6 in last 11 games as road underdogs, 1-3 this year; Stags are 8-13 in last 21 games as home favorites, 2-2 this year.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Monday, February 5

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Trend Report
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INDIANA @ RUTGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games on the road
Rutgers is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Rutgers is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

SIENA @ FAIRFIELD
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Siena's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Siena's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Fairfield's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Fairfield's last 7 games when playing at home against Siena

SYRACUSE @ LOUISVILLE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Syracuse's last 6 games when playing on the road against Louisville
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Syracuse's last 5 games
Louisville is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
Louisville is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Syracuse

WEST VIRGINIA @ OKLAHOMA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of West Virginia's last 7 games when playing Oklahoma
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of West Virginia's last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma
Oklahoma is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma's last 7 games when playing West Virginia

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's Tip Sheet
February 4, 2018

ESPN’s first Big Monday of college basketball in February features a pair of matchups between conference foes in both the ACC and the Big 12 with all four teams in need of a quality win on the resume heading into the final full month of the regular season.

Syracuse at Louisville (ESPN, 7:00 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Louisville -7, Total 130

Betting Matchup

Syracuse has scored a combined 95 points in its last two games; falling to Georgia Tech on the road 55-51 in a game that closed as a PICK before getting completely shutdown in Saturday’s 15-point loss at home to Virginia as a six-point underdog. The Orange (15-8) have failed to cover in seven of their last nine games as part of an overall record of 8-13 against the spread. The total has stayed UNDER in 13 of those 21 games.

The Orange have not been known for their offensive firepower this season with an average of 68.1 points per game, but they have failed to cross the 60-point threshold in four of their last five games. Sophomore guard Tyus Battle led the team in scoring against the Cavaliers with 15 points and his scoring average on the year is a team-high 19.5 PPG. Syracuse has been one of the better teams in the nation at the other end of the court defensively with a points-allowed average of 62.7.

The Cardinals continue to struggle with just one straight-up victory in their last four games while going 2-2-1 ATS in their last five contests. They came up short against Florida State on Saturday in an 80-76 loss as four-point favorites at home. Louisville is 6-4 SU in ACC play with a 7-2-1 record ATS and the total has gone OVER in five of its last seven games. It is 16-7 SU and 11-9-1 ATS on the year.

Junior forward Deng Adel has been the Cardinals’ leading scorer this season with 15.7 PPG as part of their 77.5-point scoring average on the year. He put up a game-high 17 points in Saturday’s loss with four of five starters ending the day in double figures. Louisville is giving up an average of 69.6 PPG, but this average has climbed to 77.3 points over its last four games.

Betting Trends

-- The Orange are 1-4 ATS in their last five games coming off a SU loss and the total has gone OVER in 21 of their last 26 road games.

-- The Cardinals have covered in four of their last five games following a SU loss and the total has gone OVER in seven of their last 12 home games against a team with a SU losing record on the road.

-- Head-to-head in this ACC tilt, the home team has covered ATS in four of the last five meetings and the total has gone OVER in the last four meetings in Louisville.

No. 15 West Virginia at No. 12 Oklahoma (ESPN, 9:00 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Oklahoma -2, Total 170

Betting Matchup

It has been a rough stretch for West Virginia since mid-January with a SU 2-5 record in its last seven contests while going 3-4 ATS. It took out some of its frustration on Kansas State this past Saturday in an 89-51 romp as a seven-point home favorite. This was just the second time the Mountaineers scored 80 points or more in their last eight outings. Back on Jan. 6, they beat Oklahoma 89-76 as 5 ½-point favorites at home.

Even at 6-4 SU in Big 12 play, West Virginia is just one game off the pace for the regular season title. Led by senior guard Jevon Carter’s team-high 16.9 PPG, it has been able to average 82 points this season. He is one of five mountaineers averaging at least 10 PPG. Carter ended Saturday’s game with just six points after exceeding his scoring average in four of his previous six games. He scored 17 points in the first meeting against Oklahoma.

The Sooners have had their fair share of ups and downs since the middle of last month with a SU record of 2-4 in their last six outings while going a costly 1-6 ATS in their last seven games. They are 16-6 SU (9-13 ATS) overall with a perfect 11-0 SU run at home. The total stayed UNDER 153 ½ points in Saturday’s 79-74 loss to Texas as three-point underdogs on the road. It has stayed UNDER in seven of Oklahoma’s last nine games.

Freshman guard Trae Young has garnered national attention as college basketball’s leading scorer this season with an average of 29.8 PPG, but he was held to 19 points against Texas after going off for 44 points in last Tuesday’s 98-96 victory against Baylor with the Sooners closing as 5 ½-point favorites at home. Oklahoma is first in the nation in scoring with an average of 89.9 PPG.

Betting Trends

-- The Mountaineers have failed to cover in nine of their last 11 games following an ATS win and the total has stayed UNDER in five of their last six games played on Monday.

-- The Sooners are 1-4 ATS in their last five games coming off an ATS loss. The total has gone OVER in nine of their last 12 home games.

-- The favorite in this Big 12 matchup has covered in eight of the last 11 meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in the last four meetings in Oklahoma.

[StarDust Bum]

The Top Twenty Five
February 5, 2018

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' men's college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Feb. 4, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and last week's ranking:

Record Pts Pvs

1. Villanova (48) 22-1 1,608 1

2. Virginia (16) 22-1 1,572 2

3. Purdue (1) 23-2 1,500 3

4. Michigan St. 22-3 1,407 5

5. Xavier 21-3 1,350 6

6. Cincinnati 21-2 1,305 8

7. Texas Tech 19-4 1,182 10

8. Auburn 21-2 1,138 11

9. Duke 19-4 1,075 4

10. Kansas 18-5 1,015 7

11. Saint Mary's (Cal)23-2 895 13

12. Gonzaga 21-4 851 14

13. Arizona 19-5 816 9

14. Ohio St. 20-5 747 17

15. Tennessee 17-5 739 18

16. Clemson 19-4 720 20

17. Oklahoma 16-6 636 12

18. Rhode Island 19-3 486 22

19. West Virginia 17-6 457 15

20. Michigan 19-6 331 24

21. North Carolina 17-7 304 19

22. Wichita St. 17-5 295 16

23. Nevada 20-4 205 -

24. Kentucky 17-6 133 21

25. Miami 17-5 76 -

Others receiving votes: Butler 65, Washington 54, Florida St. 27, New Mexico St. 23, Seton Hall 20, Creighton 18, Arizona St 17, Texas 15, NC State 12, Alabama 8, Middle Tennessee 6, Nebraska 4, Florida 3, Houston 3, TCU 3, Oklahoma St. 2, ETSU 1, Vermont 1.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

Odds to win the Eastern Conference of the NBA:

7-4— Cleveland Cavaliers

2-1— Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors

20-1— Washington, Milwaukee, Philadelphia

40-1— Indiana, Miami, Detroit


Odds to win the NBA title:

-$250— Golden State Warriors

+$200— Everyone else


**********

Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Can baseball thoughts make you warmer?

It was 75 degrees when I got off the plane in Las Vegas Monday; problem is, I had been on that plane for 11 hours— more on that tomorrow.

Spring training starts next week; here are some baseball notes to keep you warm.

13) Houston Astros led MLB with a .478 slugging percentage LY and struck out only 1,087 times; they’re only second team since 1948 (’95 Indians) to lead league in SP while striking out the least amount of times in the league.

12) Atlanta Braves used nine 3rd basemen LY; with Chipper Jones getting in Hall of Fame this summer, it has been five years since he left Atlanta and they still haven’t found a replacement.

11) Chicago Cubs are 27-15 in their last 42 games against their rivals from St Louis.

10) Cubs had 100 quality starts in 2016, when they won the World Series; that number slipped to 77 last year, which put a big strain on their bullpen.

9) Speaking of which, Toronto’s bullpen threw 596.2 innings LY- thats 11 outs a game, which is just too much. If your starting pitchers can’t finish the 6th inning consistently, you’re in trouble.

8) Seattle Mariners made 219 player transactions last season; they used 61 different players, 15 of whom weren’t in Seattle’s organization when the season started.

7) Red Sox hit 168 homers last year, least in the American League.

6) Texas Rangers had three guys LY who hit 25+ homers while batting less than .210; they’re first team ever to do that.

5) Baltimore’s starting pitchers had a 5.70 ERA last year, which helps explain why they won 14 fewer games than in 2016.

4) Cincinnati Reds used 10 different ROOKIE starting pitchers LY; playing in their small home ballpark, thats just too many.

3) Angels’ first basemen hit a combined .231 LY; their second basemen hit .206, which is why they got Ian Kinsler. Albert Pujols is going to have to play a decent amount of 1B this year if Shotei Ohtani, is going to DH.

2) Detroit Tigers owe Miguel Cabrera $184M over the next six years; Cabrera is going to be 35 in April, so it is doubtful they’ll be able to get out from under that back-loaded contract.

1) Oakland A’s allowed 82 unearned runs LY, most in baseball; they made 121 errors, which is unacceptable. Maybe they shouldn’t have let infield coach Ron Washington bolt to Atlanta.