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No. 2 Michigan State wraps up Big Ten title in trying season
February 25, 2018

MADISON, Wis. (AP) Cassius Winston scored 20 points and went 6 for 6 from the 3-point line, and No. 2 Michigan State held off Wisconsin 68-63 on Sunday to earn the outright regular-season Big Ten title.

Winston hit two 3s during an 11-2 run in the second half - the second with a defender in his face from well beyond the arc - to lead the Spartans (28-3, 16-2).

Brad Davison finished with 30 points for Wisconsin (14-17, 7-11), including a 3 with 4.7 seconds left that had hometown fans holding out hope for an upset.

Miles Bridges wrapped up the Spartans' 12th straight win with two foul shots. The star forward had 10 points on 3-of-15 shooting in his first game since getting cleared by the NCAA following a Yahoo! Sports article on Friday that identified him as one of many players who may have received improper benefits.

NO. 9 PURDUE 84, MINNESOTA 60

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Dakota Mathias matched his career high with 25 points and left to a standing ovation in his final home game as Purdue blew out Minnesota.

Carsen Edwards had 18 points for the Boilermakers (26-5, 15-3 Big Ten), who won their third straight after a three-game skid.

Minnesota (15-16, 4-14) was led by Nate Mason with 18 points and Jordan Murphy who had 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Golden Gophers have lost 10 of their last 11.

For Mathias and his teammates, it was almost a perfect ending to one of the best seasons in school history. The one glaring omission: a championship celebration. Their slim hopes slipped away when No. 2 Michigan State beat Wisconsin earlier in the day.

NO. 11 CINCINNATI 82, TULSA 74

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (AP) - Gary Clark led a 24-4 run that put Cincinnati ahead to stay early in the second half, and the Bearcats held on to beat Tulsa and preserve their one-game lead in the American Athletic Conference heading into the final week.

Cincinnati (25-4, 14-2) stayed ahead of No. 13 Wichita State (23-5, 13-3) in the race for the regular-season title. The Shockers won on Cincinnati's home court 76-72 a week ago.

Wichita State plays at UCF on Thursday and hosts Cincinnati next Sunday in a potential showdown game. The Bearcats play at Tulane on Thursday before heading to Wichita State.

Tulsa (17-11, 10-7) led by eight points early in the second before Clark scored during the decisive run. Junior Etou scored 21 for Tulsa, which had its six-game winning streak snapped.

NO. 20 NEVADA 92, COLORADO STATE 83

RENO, Nev. (AP) - Caleb Martin scored 25 points, Jordan Caroline had 21 points and 14 rebounds and Nevada beat Colorado State to earn the No. 1 seed in the Mountain West Tournament.

Cody Martin, Caleb's twin brother, had 17 points and 10 assists for the Wolf Pack (25-5, 14-2 Mountain West), who clinched at least a share of the regular-season championship for the second consecutive year. Nevada has road games against UNLV and San Diego State remaining, but has a two-game lead over second-place Boise State and holds the tiebreaker over the Broncos.

Prentiss Nixon had 27 points and 10 rebounds for Colorado State (11-19, 4-13). Anthony Bonner added 19 points and Nico Carvarcho had 13 points and 14 rebounds for the Rams, who kept the game tight until the waning moments.

NO. 23 HOUSTON 109, EAST CAROLINA 58

HOUSTON (AP) - Rob Gray had 19 points and 11 assists, and Houston used a huge first half to rout East Carolina.

Armoni Brooks added 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting from 3-point range for the Cougars (22-6, 12-4 American), who shot 67 percent from the field. Corey Davis Jr. chipped in with 16 points, six rebounds and seven assists.

Houston had runs of 22-0 and 11-0, then closed the half on a 14-1 run to build a 62-13 lead.

East Carolina (10-17, 4-12), which has lost three straight, shot 22 percent and committed 10 turnovers in the first half. B.J. Tyson finished with 24 points to lead the Pirates.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE 92, NO. 25 FLORIDA STATE 72

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Allerik Freeman scored 25 points to help North Carolina State beat Florida State.

Torin Dorn added 19 points and Sam Hunt had 14 for the Wolfpack (20-9, 10-6 Atlantic Coast Conference), who opened the game with a 9-2 spurt and never trailed.

N.C. State won its fourth consecutive ACC regular-season game in the same season for the first time since 2006.

Omer Yurtseven scored 13 points and Markell Johnson had 12 for the Wolfpack, who led by as many as 28 points in the second half.

Trent Forrest led Florida State (19-9, 8-8) with 16 points.

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Top 25 Betting Recap
February 25, 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.

Before we get started, a big thank you for reading all season! Hopefully you have been cashing some winners along the way, and this column has played at least a small part.

Middle Tennessee (23-5 SU, 15-10 ATS) made its debut in the Top 25, and apparently the Blue Raiders want to stay for a while. They rumbled past Louisiana Tech (16-14 SU, 10-16 ATS) and Alabama-Birmingham (17-12 SU, 10-13 ATS) by an average of 21.0 points per game. Last season, Kermit Davis' group made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year, and in the 2018 installment they might be disappointed if they don't make it to the Sweet Sixteen. This is a team which might find itself in the neighborhood of the five-line when March Madness rolls around, and they could go from the hunter to the hunted at this rate.

Virginia (26-2 SU, 18-6-1 ATS) sits atop the rankings and they are showing no signs of slowing down. It's likely that regardless of what happens in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament, the Cavaliers are going to be on the one-line, perhaps the overall No. 1 seed if they make it to the title game of their league event. It will likely be a battle for that top overall spot with Michigan State (28-3 SU, 15-14-2 ATS) for that top overall seed. The Spartans have the luxury of starting their conference tournament a week earlier due to a scheduling conflict at Madison Square Garden with the Big East Tournament. So the compressed conference schedule means the regular season is now over, and the conference tournament begins next week. It might be the only advantage Sparty has, as they and their conference brethren face a lengthy layoff between the league tournament and the Big Dance.

Texas Tech (22-7 SU, 13-12 ATS) is sliding at an inopportune time. They have seven losses overall on the season, but they're in the midst of a three-game losing streak. They haven't covered in any of the outings, either. It's not a good time for the Red Raiders to skid, but at least they still have time to right the ship before the conference tournament and NCAA Tournament. As a result of the TTU skid, Kansas (19-8 SU, 14-13 ATS) clinched at least a share of its 14th consecutive Big 12 title. Rock Chalk has won four consecutive games, and they have covered three in a row. One of the losses this past week by the Red Raiders came at the hands of the Jayhawks, and KU covered a 2 1/2-point number on the road with the outright win in Lubbock.

Cincinnati (25-4 SU, 14-11-1 ATS) is hurtling toward a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, and this team has the look of a sleeper laying in the weeds. Not many are talking about the Bearcats nationally, but they continue to do well. After a couple of hiccups recently against fellow Tournament-bound teams Houston (22-6 SU, 14-9-1 ATS) and Wichita State (23-5 SU, 12-14 ATS), the Bearcats bounced back with a couple of league victories at home. They won by an average of 16.5 points per game, too. Speaking of the Cougars, they smashed East Carolina (10-17 SU, 10-10 ATS) by 51 points on Sunday, 109-58. Houston is harkening back to the days of Phi Jamma Slamma, when the Cougars dominated in the early 1980's. It has been a long time since the Cougars have won an NCAA Tournament game, however, last winning an NCAA game in 1984. Their last tournament appearance came in 2010, so if you like Cinderella stories, Houston might be a team to root for.

Ohio State (24-7 SU, 15-14 ATS) rebounded this week with two victories, including a thrilling double-overtime win at Indiana (16-14 SU, 18-12 ATS). The Buckeyes have struggled away from Columbus, however,going just 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS over their past three road assignments. They have been a bit hard to figure for total bettors, too, as they followed up a five-game 'under' streak from Jan. 30-Feb. 15 with a three-game 'over' stretch from Feb. 18-23. Next up for the Buckeyes will be a foray into the Big Ten Tournament in New York City. Officially, they have won the conference tournament four times, as their fifth championship in 2002 was vacated. Last season it was Michigan (24-7 SU, 19-10-1 ATS) doing the honors. The Wolverines might be flying high heading into the tourney, winning and covering five in a row heading into this week, while going 8-2 ATS over their past 10.

While Nevada (25-5 SU, 15-12-2 ATS) has failed to cover in each of their past two outings, the Wolf Pack have rattled off five victories in a row, and they're 14-2 SU across their past 16 games dating back to just before Christmas. Many haven't been as fortunate to see Nevada play, as the Mountain West doesn't get nearly the same kind of exposure as some of the larger conferences, but they might be a team that sneaks up on some when March Madness begins. Another team not many get to see on a regular basis, but could be a surprise team in the tournament is Rhode Island (23-4 SU, 15-9-1 ATS) from the Atlantic 10. The Rams have dominated the A-10, going 15-1, and they're 15-0 SU at home this season. URI has covered eight of their past nine at home, too, which is something to remember heading into Senior Night on Tuesday against St. Joseph's (13-15 SU, 13-12-1 ATS).

TOP 25 RESULTS

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

1 Virginia 2-0, 1-1 7-2-1 at Louisville, Notre Dame

2 Michigan State 2-0, 1-1 2-6-2 Big Ten Tournament

3 Villanova 1-1, 1-1 6-4 at Seton Hall, Georgetown

4 Xavier 1-0, 1-0 7-3 Providence, at DePaul

5 Duke 2-0, 2-0 7-3 at Virginia Tech, North Carolina

T6 Gonzaga 2-0, 1-1 3-7 West Coast Conference Tournament

T6 Texas Tech 0-2, 0-2 5-5 at West Virginia, TCU

8 Kansas 2-0, 2-0 5-4-1 Texas, at Oklahoma State

9 Purdue 2-0, 1-1 1-8-1 Big Ten Tournament

10 North Carolina 2-0, 1-1 6-4 Miami-Florida, at Duke

11 Cincinnati 2-0, 1-1 6-4 at Tulane, at Wichita State

12 Auburn 1-1, 1-1 7-3 at Arkansas, South Carolina

13 Wichita State 2-0, 0-2 5-5 at UCF, Cincinnati

14 Arizona 1-1, 1-1 4-6 Stanford, California

15 Clemson 1-1, 0-2 5-5 Florida State, at Syracuse

16 Ohio State 2-0, 1-1 4-6 Big Ten Tournament

17 Michigan 2-0, 2-0 8-2 Big Ten Tournament

18 Rhode Island 2-0, 1-1 6-4 St. Joseph's, at Davidson

19 Tennessee 2-0, 2-0 6-4 at Mississippi State, Georgia

20 Nevada 2-0, 0-2 4-5-1 at UNLV, at San Diego State

21 West Virginia 2-0, 1-1 4-6 Texas Tech, at Texas

22 St. Mary's (CA) 2-0, 1-1 4-6 West Coast Conference Tournament

23 Houston 1-1, 1-1 7-2-1 at SMU, Connecticut

24 Middle Tennessee 2-0, 2-0 7-3 Western Kentucky, Marshall

25 Florida State 1-1, 0-2 4-6 at Clemson, Boston College

[StarDust Bum]

Monday’s 6-pack

Six top prospects for the Chicago Cubs:

1) Aramis Ademan, SS— Still only 19; he hit .262 in his first two years of A ball.

4) Victor Caratini, C— Hit .254 in 59 big league AB’s last summer.

5) Alex Lange, P— Went 30-9 in three years pitching for LSU.

9) Jen-Ho Tseng, P— Went 6-1, 1.80 in nine AAA starts LY.

12) David Both 2B/3B— Versatile guy hit .270 with 14 HR’s in Southern League LY

30) Jake Stinnett P— Maryland alum is a converted third baseman.

Quote of the Day
“We think we have a better draft when we’ve had an opportunity to see these young players play at an elite level before they come into the NBA. On the other hand, I think the question for the league is: In terms of their ultimate success, are we better off intersecting with them a little bit younger? Are we better off bringing them into the league when they’re 18, using our G League as it was designed to be, as a development league, and getting them minutes on the court there?”
Adam Silver

Monday’s quiz
Whose picture is on the $20 bill?

Sunday’s quiz
The late Martin Landau played the law professor in the poker movie, Rounders.

Saturday’s quiz
Quinnipiac University is located in Hamden, Connecticut.


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Monday’s List of 13; Wrapping up a sports weekend

13) I’m still kind of wondering how Aaron Boone lands a job managing a major league baseball team in New York City, when he has never managed anywhere before, ever.

Dealing with the NYC media is a task in itself; maybe I question that part of it more than the actual X’s and O’s of baseball, which I‘m sure Boone will handle just fine.

Same thing goes for Davey Martinez in Washington, who are expected to make the playoffs again this season. Wouldn’t you want a more experienced guy to handle a really good team?

12) One of the best parts of March is that there is almost constant baseball on TV, mostly replays of spring training games from earlier in the day. Season is starting earlier this year, so exhibition games started earlier too. Excellent.

It does bug me when TV guys appear bored to have to work these games. I know they don’t mean anything, obviously the real games aren’t for another month, but John Kruk on the Phillies’ TV games is a big disappointment, and FP Santangelo on Nationals’ game is like an 8-year old with a live microphone. Its your job, pretend you care about doing it well.

11) New Mexico 91, UNLV 90- Very fun game to watch; Rebels were only 4-7 on arc, 28-40 on foul line. Very bitter loss when you miss 12 foul shots and lose by one. #10 on New Mexico hit the game-winning 3-pointer; he is 31-61 on the arc for the season.

On New Mexico’s last possession, UNLV took freshman star McCoy out and put Diong in, because Diong is a better defender. When McCoy is deciding whether or not to go to the NBA this spring, the fact that his team takes him out on defense on the most important possession of the game should tell him that he’ll make a lot more money (eventually) if he stays in school for another year and gets bulkier/stronger before he gets drafted into the NBA.

10) Duke beat Syracuse 60-44 Saturday night, but were just 2-18 on arc against Syracuse’s 2-3 zone. Blue Devils had been 30-72 on the arc in their previous three games.

9) Last year, the Dodgers played only 45 games where their starting pitcher was working on 4 days’ rest, the fewest in the majors. Next fewest were Bronx (53), Astros/Padres (64) and the Nationals (67).

8) Red Sox/Tampa Bay play 10 times before May 1st this season; Boston TV guys were pretty much assuming on air Saturday that the Red Sox will kick their butts and get off to a fast start this season. Tampa Bay dumped a lot of its better players this winter.

7) There are 15 big league teams training in Arizona, 15 in Florida, so at least one team has to play split squad games every day, to even the schedule out.

6) Logan Morrison turned down $20M for two years from the Indians, winds up signing a 1-year, $6.5M deal with Minnesota that best-case, could become two years, $16.5M. Brilliant!!!!

5) Houston 109, East Carolina 58— Houston led this game 62-13 at halftime. East Carolina will be hiring a new coach soon; sounds like it is a difficult rebuilding job.

4) Unfortunate news from the WCC: San Diego Toreros are having a terrific season this year at 18-12, finished .500 in WCC for first time in 10 years, but coach Lamont Smith was arrested at the Oakland Airport Sunday on three counts of domestic violence.

3) Championship Week is actually two weeks and it starts tonight with the Atlantic Sun tournament being played at campus sites. Florida Gulf Coast is favored to win the tournament.

2) One of the most interesting bubble teams for March Madness is Nebraska; they’re 22-9, 13-5 in Big 14, but the league is down this year and the Cornhuskers’ non-conference schedule is #281, which makes them likely to miss the NCAA tournament.

Lot of interesting debate on Twitter about Nebraska; no one has ever been 13-5 in the Big 14 and missed the NCAA’s. Until maybe now.

1– Sunday night in Iowa City, Jordan Bohannon intentionally missed a foul shot, ending his streak of 34 consecutive made free throws, which was tied for the school record with Chris Street, who was killed in a snowy car accident January 19, 1993 during his junior season. Street is an Iowa legend; his parents still have season tickets to Hawkeye games.

Bohannon did this with 2:15 left and Iowa leading Northwestern 73-65 in their regular season finale. He left the shot short, off the front rim, and pointed to the sky. Pretty cool gesture.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's Result & Feb. Record

date w-l-t % units record

02/25/2018 15-15-0 50.00% -7.50

02/24/2018 61-53-2 53.51% +1350

02/23/2018 11-4-1 73.33% +3300

02/22/2018 38-21-1 64.41% +7450

02/21/2018 17-19-0 47.22% -1950

02/19/2018 3-7-0 30.00% -2350

02/18/2018 6-6-1 50.00% -300

02/17/2018 27-19-1 58.70% +3050

02/14/2018 21-15-1 58.33% +2250

02/11/2018 3-8-0 27.27% -2900

02/10/2018 51-58-2 46.79% -6400

02/09/2018 4-8-1 33.33% -2400

02/07/2018 11-18-1 37.93% -4400

02/01/2018 29-28-1 50.88% -900

totals.........298 - 279......51.64%......-49.50

[StarDust Bum]

Conference Championship Odds
February 25, 2018

“Championship Week” for the major and mid-major college basketball conferences will begin this week and continue for two weeks up until "Selection Sunday" which is slated for Mar. 11, 2018.

Listed below are the six major conferences.

Big Ten Tournament
Date: Feb. 28-Mar. 4
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Location: New York, NY
2017 Winner: Michigan Wolverines

Michigan State 9/4
Purdue 4/1
Ohio State 5/1
Michigan 8/1
Penn State 10/1
Nebraska 10/1
Indiana 20/1
Maryland 25/1
Wisconsin 33/1
Northwestern 33/1
Minnesota 100/1
Illinois 100/1
Rutgers 100/1
Iowa 100/1

ACC Tournament
Date: Mar. 6-Mar. 10
Venue: Barclays Center
Location: Brooklyn, NY
2017 Winner: Duke Blue Devils

Virginia 3/1
Duke 3/1
North Carolina 5/1
Clemson 8/1
Virginia Tech 12/1
NC State 14/1
Florida State 16/1
Miami Florida 16/1
Louisville 25/1
Syracuse 25/1
Notre Dame 33/1
Boston College 50/1
Georgia Tech 100/1
Wake Forest 100/1
Pittsburgh 250/1

Big 12 Tournament
Date: Mar. 7-Mar. 10
Venue: Sprint Center
Location: Kansas City, MO
2017 Winner: Iowa State Cylcones

Kansas 9/4
Texas Tech 9/2
West Virginia 9/2
Kansas State 7/1
TCU 10/1
Baylor 12/1
Oklahoma 20/1
Texas 20/1
Oklahoma State 20/1
Iowa State 25/1

Big East Tournament
Date: Mar. 7-Mar. 10
Venue: Madison Square Garden
Location: New York City, NY
2017 Winner: Villanova Wildcats

Villanova 3/2
Xavier 5/2
Butler 7/1
Seton Hall 8/1
Creighton 8/1
Providence 16/1
Marquette 25/1
Georgetown 50/1
St. John's 50/1
DePaul 100/1

Pac-12 Tournament
Date: Mar. 7-Mar. 10
Venue: T-Mobile Arena
Location: Paradise, Nevada
2017 Winner: Arizona Wildcats

Arizona 11/4
USC 9/2
Utah 5/1
UCLA 6/1
Stanford 8/1
Arizona State 7/1
Washington 8/1
Oregon 10/1
Colorado 16/1
Oregon State 40/1
Washington State 66/1
California 66/1

SEC Tournament
Date: Mar. 7-Mar. 11
Venue: Scottrade Center
Location: St. Louis, MO
2017 Winner: Kentucky Wildcats

Auburn 11/4
Tennessee 4/1
Mississippi State 7/1
Kentucky 7/1
Alabama 10/1
Florida 10/1
Missouri 14/1
Arkansas 16/1
Texas A&M 16/1
LSU 25/1
Georgia 50/1
South Carolina 50/1
Ole Miss 100/1
Vanderbilt 100/1

Odds Subject to Change

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's Tip Sheet
February 25, 2018

ESPN’s final Big Monday of the college basketball regular season offers up a pair of games in the ACC and the Big 12 featuring two teams looking to make a very deep run in the postseason. In a bonus game on ESPN2, two of the other top teams in the Big 12 are looking to add one more quality victory to the resume.

No. 5 Duke at Virginia Tech (ESPN, 7:00 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Duke -5 ½, Total 161

Betting Matchup

The Blue Devils have won their last five games both straight-up and against the spread with Saturday’s 60-44 romp over Syracuse as 13 ½-point home favorites. The total stayed UNDER 142 ½-points in that game and it has stayed UNDER in five of their last six outings. Duke is now 12-4 SU in ACC play and 24-5 overall. Freshman sensation Marvin Bagley III returned to the lineup on Saturday after missing is last his last four starts and scored a game-high 19 points playing off the bench.

Virginia Tech is coming off a 75-68 loss to Louisville on Saturday as a four-point home favorite. The total stayed UNDER 151 ½ points and it has stayed UNDER in the Hokies’ last six games. They are in a three-way tie for sixth place in the ACC standings at 9-7 SU (8-8 ATS) with two games left to play. Junior guard Justin Robinson scored a team-high 16 points in Saturday’s loss as one of five players averaging at least 11 points per game this season. He has exceeded his team-high 13.8-point average in four of his last five starts

Betting Trends

-- The Blue Devils have gone a perfect 4-0 ATS in their last four Monday games and the total has gone OVER in their last five games on a Monday.

-- The Hokies are 4-1 ATS in their last five games coming off an ATS loss and the total has stayed UNDER in four of their last five home games.

-- Duke has won nine of the last 10 meetings SU including a 74-52 rout on Feb. 14 as an 11-point home favorite. Virginia Tech has a slight 3-2 edge ATS in the last five meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in eight of the last 10 games between the two.

Texas at No. 8 Kansas (ESPN, 9:00 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Kansas -9, Total 138

Betting Matchup

Texas got past Oklahoma State 65-64 on Saturday, but it could not cover as a five-point home favorite. It has failed to cover in five of its last six games while going 2-4 SU. The total has stayed UNDER in the Longhorns’ last three games. They are 7-9 SU in Big 12 play with a 9-7 record ATS. Junior guard Kerwin Roach II is one of four Texas players averaging at least 12 PPG and he scored the game-winner on Saturday as part of his 12 points on the day. Junior forward Dylan Osetkowski is the team’s leading scorer (13.7 points) and he added 13 points in the winning cause.

With Saturday’s thrilling 74-72 victory over rival Texas Tech, the Jayhawks laid claim to a record 14th-straight Big 12 regular season title. They are 12-4 SU with two conference games left to play. Kansas covered in that game as a 2 ½-point road underdog and the total went OVER 142 ½ points. It has now covered in its last three games with the total going OVER in three of its last four outings. Senior guard Devonte’ Graham scored a game-high 26 points against the Red Raiders.

Betting Trends

-- The Longhorns are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a SU win and the total has stayed UNDER in 24 of their last 34 road games.

-- The Jayhawks have covered in their last four Monday games and the total has stayed UNDER in seven of their last 10 games coming off a SU win.

-- Kansas beat Texas 92-86 in its Big 12 opener as a four-point road favorite. The road team in this matchup is now 7-0 ATS in the last seven meetings with the total staying UNDER in the last six meetings in Kansas.

No. 6 Texas Tech at No. 21 West Virginia (ESPN2, 9:00 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: West Virginia -5 ½, Total 142 ½

Betting Matchup

The Red Raiders have lost their last three games both SU and ATS to fall to 10-6 SU (7-9 ATS) in conference play. The total has gone OVER in three of their last four games. Texas Tech is just 2-5 both SU and ATS in its last seven road games in the Big 12 and the total has stayed UNDER in five of those contests. Guards’ Zhaire Smith and Jarrett Culver combined to score half of the team’s 72 points in Saturday’s loss to Kansas. The Red Raiders are averaging 75.7 points on the year.

At 10-6 in conference play, the Mountaineers will be looking to avenge an earlier 72-71 loss to Texas Tech on Jan. 13 as 4 ½-point road underdogs to secure the second seed in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament. They have won three of their last four games SU with Saturday’s 85-70 victory against Iowa State as heavy 17-point home favorites. West Virginia is now 4-6 ATS in its last 10 games with the total staying UNDER in five of its last seven outings. Jevon Carter became the first player from a major conference to post more than 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists and 300 steals in their collegiate career.

Betting Trends

-- The Red Raiders are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following a SU loss and the total has stayed UNDER in 10 of their last 13 road games.

-- The Mountaineers are 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 games on a Monday and the total has stayed UNDER in seven of their last eight Monday games.

-- Head-to-head in this conference clash, the road team is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings and the total has gone OVER in four of the last five meetings in West Virginia.

[StarDust Bum]

Monday’s college basketball

Marquette forced 25 turnovers (+11), made 13-26 on arc in 74-65 home win over Georgetown Dec 30; Hoyas are 4-3 in last seven series games, winning last three played here, by 6-10-18 points. Marquette lost six of its last nine games; they’re 3-5 on Big East road, losing last game at DePaul Saturday. Hoyas lost six of last eight games, three of last four at home. Georgetown is 4-7 in last 11 games as home underdogs, 2-3 this year; Marquette is 3-5 in last eight games as road favorites, 1-1 this year. Big East home underdogs are 13-11 vs spread.

Duke made 15-33 on arc, crushed Virginia Tech 74-52 at home Feb 14; Blue Devils won 10 of last 11 games with Tech, but lost 89-75 here LY. Duke won its last five games; they’re they won five of last seven road games, losing at St John’s, North Carolina. Tech is 7-3 in last ten games; they split last four home games. Hokies are 5-7 vs top 50 teams this season. Duke is 15-19 in last 34 games as road favorites; Hokies covered 16 of last 19 games as an ACC home underdog. ACC home underdogs are 13-21 against the spread.

Kansas made 17-35 on arc in 92-86 win at Texas Dec 29, its 17th win in row over the Longhorns. Texas lost its last 10 visits to Lawrence, with nine of 10 losses by 17+ points. Texas lost five of its last eight games overall; they’re 3-5 on Big X road, and are shorthanded because of injury/suspension. Jayhawks clinched tie for Big X title Saturday; they’re 6-2 at home in Big X. Kansas is 8-18 vs spread in its last 26 Big X home games, but covered last two; Texas is 12-10 under Smart as road underdogs, 3-4 this year. Big X home favorites are 28-29 vs spread.

Texas Tech outscored West Virginia 24-14 on foul line in 72-71 home win Jan 13; WVU had led by 11 with 12:58 left to play. Mountaineers won seven of last nine series games; Red Raiders lost last five visits here, by 2-6-19-22-9 points. Tech lost its last three games by 2-8-2 points- they’re 3-5 on Big X road, and their PG is playing hurt (toe). WVU won five of last seven games, three of last four at home. Tech is 5-6 under Beard as road underdogs, 2-1 this year; WVU is 7-9 in last 16 games as home favorites, 3-4 this year. Big X home favorites are 28-29 vs spread.

Elon blew a 10-point lead with 1:53 left, then lost 85-74 in OT at James Madison Jan 18; JMU is 5-2 vs Elon in CAA meetings. Dukes lost three of last four games overall, eight of last nine road games; four of their last five games were decided by 3 or fewer points. Elon lost its last five games, scoring less than 60 points in last three; Phoenix is lost three of their last four home tilts. Elon is 9-11 as CAA home favorites, 2-3 this year; JMU is 18-9-1 in last 28 games as road underdogs, 6-1-1 this year. CAA home favorites are 28-34 vs spread.

Fresno State shot 60% inside arc in 71-59 home win over Air Force Dec 30; Bulldogs won nine of last ten series games- they lost 81-72 here LY- teams split last four series games played here. Air Force lost six of its last nine games but they upset Utah St at home Saturday. Falcons are 3-4 a home in MW games. Fresno got upset by Wyoming Saturday; they won five of last six games. AFA is 5-8-1 in last 14 games as home favorites, 1-0 this year; Fresno is 11-6 in last 17 games as road underdogs, 3-1 this year. Mountain West home favorites 29-23 vs spread.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, February 26

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MARQUETTE (16 - 12) at GEORGETOWN (15 - 12) - 2/26/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARQUETTE is 128-89 ATS (+30.1 Units) in road games since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 128-89 ATS (+30.1 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 55-34 ATS (+17.6 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
GEORGETOWN is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGETOWN is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGETOWN is 178-221 ATS (-65.1 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.

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

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DUKE (24 - 5) at VIRGINIA TECH (20 - 9) - 2/26/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA TECH is 52-31 ATS (+17.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 52-31 ATS (+17.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in February games over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) when playing with one or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 44-29 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
DUKE is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
DUKE is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
DUKE is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
DUKE is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) after a conference game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DUKE is 2-1 against the spread versus VIRGINIA TECH over the last 3 seasons
DUKE is 2-1 straight up against VIRGINIA TECH 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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TEXAS (17 - 12) at KANSAS (23 - 6) - 2/26/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS is 3-2 against the spread versus TEXAS over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS is 5-0 straight up against TEXAS 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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TEXAS TECH (22 - 7) at W VIRGINIA (21 - 8) - 2/26/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS TECH is 135-179 ATS (-61.9 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 94-126 ATS (-44.6 Units) in road games since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 94-126 ATS (-44.6 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 82-119 ATS (-48.9 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 82-117 ATS (-46.7 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 41-65 ATS (-30.5 Units) in road games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
W VIRGINIA is 47-28 ATS (+16.2 Units) in home games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.

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

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USC UPSTATE (7 - 24) at FLA GULF COAST (21 - 10) - 2/26/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLA GULF COAST is 36-14 ATS (+20.6 Units) in all games since 1997.
FLA GULF COAST is 36-14 ATS (+20.6 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
FLA GULF COAST is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
FLA GULF COAST is 21-7 ATS (+13.3 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
FLA GULF COAST is 27-10 ATS (+16.0 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
FLA GULF COAST is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in conference tournament games since 1997.
FLA GULF COAST is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLA GULF COAST is 5-1 straight up against USC UPSTATE over the last 3 seasons

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KENNESAW ST (10 - 19) at JACKSONVILLE (14 - 17) - 2/26/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JACKSONVILLE is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in conference tournament games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
JACKSONVILLE is 3-3 straight up against KENNESAW ST over the last 3 seasons

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STETSON (12 - 19) at LIPSCOMB (20 - 9) - 2/26/2018, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
STETSON is 1-0 against the spread versus LIPSCOMB over the last 3 seasons
LIPSCOMB is 6-1 straight up against STETSON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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N FLORIDA (13 - 18) at NEW JERSEY TECH (14 - 15) - 2/26/2018, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
N FLORIDA is 4-2 straight up against NEW JERSEY TECH over the last 3 seasons

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JAMES MADISON (9 - 21) at ELON (14 - 16) - 2/26/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JAMES MADISON is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games this season.
JAMES MADISON is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road lined games this season.
JAMES MADISON is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
JAMES MADISON is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
ELON is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all games this season.
ELON is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
ELON is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) after a conference game this season.

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

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FRESNO ST (20 - 9) at AIR FORCE (11 - 16) - 2/26/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AIR FORCE is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all home games this season.
AIR FORCE is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in home lined games this season.
AIR FORCE is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) after a conference game this season.
FRESNO ST is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FRESNO ST is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
AIR FORCE is 5-0 against the spread versus FRESNO ST over the last 3 seasons
FRESNO ST is 4-1 straight up against AIR FORCE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, February 26

Marquette forced 25 turnovers (+11), made 13-26 on arc in 74-65 home win over Georgetown Dec 30; Hoyas are 4-3 in last seven series games, winning last three played here, by 6-10-18 points. Marquette lost six of its last nine games; they’re 3-5 on Big East road, losing last game at DePaul Saturday. Hoyas lost six of last eight games, three of last four at home. Georgetown is 4-7 in last 11 games as home underdogs, 2-3 this year; Marquette is 3-5 in last eight games as road favorites, 1-1 this year. Big East home underdogs are 13-11 vs spread.

Duke made 15-33 on arc, crushed Virginia Tech 74-52 at home Feb 14; Blue Devils won 10 of last 11 games with Tech, but lost 89-75 here LY. Duke won its last five games; they’re they won five of last seven road games, losing at St John’s, North Carolina. Tech is 7-3 in last ten games; they split last four home games. Hokies are 5-7 vs top 50 teams this season. Duke is 15-19 in last 34 games as road favorites; Hokies covered 16 of last 19 games as an ACC home underdog. ACC home underdogs are 13-21 against the spread.

Kansas made 17-35 on arc in 92-86 win at Texas Dec 29, its 17th win in row over the Longhorns. Texas lost its last 10 visits to Lawrence, with nine of 10 losses by 17+ points. Texas lost five of its last eight games overall; they’re 3-5 on Big X road, and are shorthanded because of injury/suspension. Jayhawks clinched tie for Big X title Saturday; they’re 6-2 at home in Big X. Kansas is 8-18 vs spread in its last 26 Big X home games, but covered last two; Texas is 12-10 under Smart as road underdogs, 3-4 this year. Big X home favorites are 28-29 vs spread.

Texas Tech outscored West Virginia 24-14 on foul line in 72-71 home win Jan 13; WVU had led by 11 with 12:58 left to play. Mountaineers won seven of last nine series games; Red Raiders lost last five visits here, by 2-6-19-22-9 points. Tech lost its last three games by 2-8-2 points- they’re 3-5 on Big X road, and their PG is playing hurt (toe). WVU won five of last seven games, three of last four at home. Tech is 5-6 under Beard as road underdogs, 2-1 this year; WVU is 7-9 in last 16 games as home favorites, 3-4 this year. Big X home favorites are 28-29 vs spread.

Elon blew a 10-point lead with 1:53 left, then lost 85-74 in OT at James Madison Jan 18; JMU is 5-2 vs Elon in CAA meetings. Dukes lost three of last four games overall, eight of last nine road games; four of their last five games were decided by 3 or fewer points. Elon lost its last five games, scoring less than 60 points in last three; Phoenix is lost three of their last four home tilts. Elon is 9-11 as CAA home favorites, 2-3 this year; JMU is 18-9-1 in last 28 games as road underdogs, 6-1-1 this year. CAA home favorites are 28-34 vs spread.

Fresno State shot 60% inside arc in 71-59 home win over Air Force Dec 30; Bulldogs won nine of last ten series games- they lost 81-72 here LY- teams split last four series games played here. Air Force lost six of its last nine games but they upset Utah St at home Saturday. Falcons are 3-4 a home in MW games. Fresno got upset by Wyoming Saturday; they won five of last six games. AFA is 5-8-1 in last 14 games as home favorites, 1-0 this year; Fresno is 11-6 in last 17 games as road underdogs, 3-1 this year. Mountain West home favorites 29-23 vs spread.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Monday, February 26

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Trend Report
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DUKE @ VIRGINIA TECH
Duke is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Duke is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Virginia Tech's last 10 games when playing Duke
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Virginia Tech's last 5 games at home

MARQUETTE @ GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Marquette's last 5 games
Marquette is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Georgetown University is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Marquette
Georgetown University is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Marquette

JAMES MADISON @ ELON
James Madison is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of James Madison's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Elon's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Elon's last 6 games at home

TEXAS TECH @ WEST VIRGINIA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas Tech's last 5 games when playing on the road against West Virginia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas Tech's last 5 games
West Virginia is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games at home
West Virginia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Texas Tech

TEXAS @ KANSAS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Texas's last 21 games on the road
Kansas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Texas
Kansas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas

FRESNO STATE @ AIR FORCE
Fresno State is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Air Force
Fresno State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Air Force is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Fresno State
Air Force is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

B]NCAAB
Dunkel

Monday, February 26[/B]


Marquette @ Georgetown

Game 721-722
February 26, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Marquette
61.092
Georgetown
62.157
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Georgetown
by 1
165
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Marquette
by 1 1/2
160
Dunkel Pick:
Georgetown
(+1 1/2); Over

Duke @ Virginia Tech

Game 723-724
February 26, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Duke
73.854
Virginia Tech
71.739
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Duke
by 2
166
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Duke
by 5 1/2
157 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Virginia Tech
(+5 1/2); Over

Texas @ Kansas

Game 725-726
February 26, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
65.276
Kansas
77.686
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas
by 12 1/2
134
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas
by 9
140
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas
(-9); Under

Texas Tech @ West Virginia

Game 727-728
February 26, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas Tech
68.737
West Virginia
77.524
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
West Virginia
by 9
135
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
West Virginia
by 5 1/2
142 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
West Virginia
(-5 1/2); Under

Norfolk State @ Howard

Game 729-730
February 26, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Norfolk State
44.612
Howard
38.552
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Norfolk State
by 6
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Norfolk State
by 2 1/2
149
Dunkel Pick:
Norfolk State
(-2 1/2); Under

SC-Upstate @ FL-Gulf Coast

Game 731-732
February 26, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
SC-Upstate
35.853
FL-Gulf Coast
57.894
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
FL-Gulf Coast
by 22 1/2
157
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
FL-Gulf Coast
by 19
163
Dunkel Pick:
FL-Gulf Coast
(-19); Under

Kennesaw St @ Jacksonville

Game 733-734
February 26, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kennesaw St
44.768
Jacksonville
42.319
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kennesaw St
by 2 1/2
149
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kennesaw St
Pick
143 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kennesaw St
Over

Stetson @ Lipscomb

Game 735-736
February 26, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Stetson
41.342
Lipscomb
50.448
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Lipscomb
by 9
164
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Lipscomb
by 13
159
Dunkel Pick:
Stetson
(+13); Over

North Florida @ NJ Tech

Game 737-738
February 26, 2018 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
North Florida
41.735
NJ Tech
49.659
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NJ Tech
by 8
156
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NJ Tech
by 6
161 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NJ Tech
(-6); Under

James Madison @ Elon

Game 739-740
February 26, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
James Madison
43.563
Elon
48.997
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Elon
by 5 1/2
137
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Elon
by 3
142 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Elon
(-3); Under

Fresno State @ Air Force

Game 741-742
February 26, 2018 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Fresno State
58.236
Air Force
54.309
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Fresno State
by 4
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Fresno State
by 8 1/2
139 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Air Force
(+8 1/2); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Report: San Diego coach Smith arrested
February 26, 2018

SAN DIEGO (AP) University of San Diego basketball coach Lamont Smith was arrested Sunday in Oakland for investigation of domestic violence, a TV station reported.

KGTV reported that Smith was arrested at Oakland International Airport as the team was preparing to fly back to San Diego after a victory at the University of San Francisco on Saturday night.

USD released a statement saying it was ''aware of the report of allegations related to Lamont Smith. We have very few details at the time, but we will be gathering information and will be commencing an investigation into the matter.''

Smith is married with two children, but the victim's relationship with Smith remains unclear, KGTV reported.

[StarDust Bum]

Dinero Tracker - Feb. 26
February 26, 2018

Read the Dinero Tracker's mission statement here
Last night's ATS Records
NBA: 5-3 | NCAA BB: 3-9

Following up a 29-11 day in college by going 3-9 wasn't ideal. There were some heinous finishes in the mix, so you can find the best details below. Following up an 8-1 night in NBA with a 5-3 was a decent follow-up, but the 76ers unexpectedly slumped on the road to keep it from being far better. Both sets of guarantees came in for a third straight day. Here is Sunday's recap, complete with some of the highlights (and lowlights):

MONDAY'S FREE SELECTION

The pick: Lakers ML -118
Although the danger existed that the young impressionable Laker lads might get swallowed up by Atlanta's evening delights, everyone should be in the mix to try and continue a road trip that hits Miami and San Antonio next. They'll have a few days in South Florida to monitor before the next move, but I like them to continue a surge that will produce their fourth winning streak of at least three games since 2018 began. They failed to win more than consecutive games over the season's first three months, but are clearly playing much better and won't regress with Lonzo Ball back. Atlanta just bought out Ersan Ilyasova, will be missing key backup Malcolm Delaney and have to deal with the reality that there are more Lakers fans in Philips Arena tonight than Hawks faithful. Ride L.A. on the money line to avoid laying the 1.5 on the road.

SUNDAY'S FREE SELECTION

The pick: Rockets/Nuggets OVER 228
Houston opens a stretch where it will play seven of its next eight games on the road, so the NBA’s current longest winning streak (11) isn’t likely to be extended too much longer since it will be up against three Western Conference playoff contenders over the next four nights. Denver opened with a clutch win over San Antonio and has won seven of eight outright, the last six of which have all come in games that eclipsed the posted total. There have been at least 223 combined points scored in each of the Nuggets’ last eight contests, a run which includes a 130-104 loss in Houston on Feb. 9. The Rockets also won at home 125-95 on Nov. 22, but will find this first venture into the Mile-High city this season to be far more challenging. They’ll still score a bunch, but Denver is better suited to keep pace, especially with Nikola Jokic dominating, having posted three straight triple-doubles. Expect both teams to fill it up in a competitive affair and ride the over

Result: The freebie came through in a big way, especially since the line moved significantly after I posted this column, so bettors who drove the number down are clearly not fans. Fortunately, the Nuggets didn't hang their heads against the Rockets, which gave them a chance to play catch-up in the fourth, increasing the pace to try and get the altitude to play a role in their comeback.

SUNDAY'S LOCK

The pick: Bucks/Pelicans OVER 220.5
With Eric Bledsoe officially set to be a part of this one, this is officially Sunday's NBA lock. The Bucks can now push to take advantage of the presence of guys like Nikola Vucevic on the floor. Coming off a thrilling OT win over Milwaukee, the Bucks run into Anthony Davis in the midst of a ridiculous run. He's rested and looks as healthy as he's been all season, coming off 45 points on 34 shots, 17 rebounds, five steals and five blocks against Miami. Given how he's playing, there's no way I'm fading him even though that spread looks manageable. Ride the over, guaranteed.

Result: The Bucks were really sharp defensively in the first half, so there was a point where I questioned if I hadn't made the wrong decision by riding a total instead of Milwaukee's side. Fortunately, Jrue Holiday was tremendous and Rajon Rondo really got everyone in a flow in a 38-19 third quarter that flipped this game into the competitive affair I hoped for in the fourth. The 'over' came in without the need for OT, but the teams played on another five minutes in an eventual 123-121 New Orleans win.

SUNDAY'S OTHER LOCK

The pick: Nebraska/Penn State OVER 137.5
The Nittany Lions need a strong showing to continue their push as they try to land on the right side of the bubble, while the Huskers are hoping improve to 13-5 in conference play to cement lock status. Count on this being competitive, which in the Big Ten often means a race to 65. These teams are each better offensively than they often get credit for, so expect a brisker pace and game extension to deliver a fun one. Ride the over, guaranteed.

Result: I couldn't have been more wrong here, so it's incredibly fortunate that the college lock run survived on a day where most close calls went the other way. Penn State sputtered out of the gate, so the 'Huskers had this one under control 34-17 at the break and it looked like this was going to wind up in the 65-50 range. Fortunately, Tony Carr got cooking, the Nittany Lions pushed tempo and pressed throughout the final minutes and those on the under took an awful beat. The line closed in the 138-138.5 range, so everyone on board prevailed when Nazeer Bostick put down an uncontested dunk with less than 10 seconds left to close out a 76-64 final

BAD BEAT BULLETIN

The pick: Temple/UCF UNDER 130
Despite no longer having Tacko Fall and his 8-foot wingspan patrolling the paint, UCF has managed to remain in the top-half of the American and really has maintained its defensive identity, practicing solid principles and being mindful of tempo. Look for this battle in Philly against Temple to wind up being a race to 65, which means you want in on the under.

Result: The Owls raced out to a 16-0 lead, which was unfortunate for my Knights, but made me feel really good about this total call. UCF typically trusts its defense to get it back in games and wasn't going to turn on a press or come out of its tempo, but the Owls were unexpectedly aggressive and efficient. They attacked the paint as if celebrating Fall's absence, doing so early enough in possessions they would've ordinarily milked clock on that it made me wonder if there was anything personal there. Ultimately, that put us in position to lose a game that should've been in control given how it played out. Lots of fouls, too. Temple won 75-56. Yep, lost by 1.

TOTAL RECALL

The pick: St. Peter's/Siena UNDER 122.5
The Saints have resorted to slow-down tactics given the loss of their top two guards, so Jimmy Patsos will likely welcome the grinder that is to come here. Although the Peacocks don't seem to be as physical as recent versions have been, they still work on clock and attempt to contest and deny on every possession. Expect a race to 60 and ride the under.

Result: The Peacocks scored 65, but their second-half dominance helped prevent much game extension, even though Siena did try to press unnecessarily for a few minutes late. The 65-48 result was nonetheless comfortable throughout.

UPSET CITY

The pick: UCLA ML -130
This line opened with the Buffs getting four points, so it was quickly bet down to a bucket as money piles on the home team since they already beat the Bruins in Pauley earlier this season and now catch them in the altitude in Boulder coming off a loss at Utah. Don't discount Aaron Holiday's ability to be a driving force here alongside Jaylen Hands. Look for one of those guards to make a big play down the stretch in helping secure the team's 20th win. Ride UCLA on the money line to avoid laying the bucket on the road.

Result: I hated myself for this call after the first 10 minutes or so. Colorado took full advantage of depth, mismatches and elevation in an 80-76 win that shouldn't have even been that close since the Bruins made a desperate run late. Bad call.

CARDIAC ATTACK

The pick: N.C. State/Florida State OVER 165.5
This is a big one in the ACC, but don't expect your typical reaction to meaningful college game since this is more likely to speed up instead of slowing down since it better fits the personality of both teams. Kevin Keatts' Wolfpack definitely feels more comfortable at home due to their guards settling in, but FSU is deeper and more athletic, so they'll hang with a fast tempo. Ride the over in a game likely to be extended.

Result: The Wolfpack blew away the Seminoles and sustained their pace throughout, getting a big game from Allerik Freeman and seeing Sam Hunt go unconscious from the perimeter. It was a party, and I wish it could've been more festive for me since the Pack executed with a precision that would've easily seen them top the century mark if they were pushed. Instead, FSU shot 0-for-15 from 3-point range and single-handedly kept us from getting where we needed to with this score. N.C. State won 92-72, leaving us a bucket short. Sickening.

SWING AND A MISS

The pick: 76ers +2, Wizards/76ers OVER 213
The Wizards have scored over 100 points in 12 straight games, so the over is 8-4 in that stretch for them. The 76ers have played in three straight games that have topped the posted total and have cleared the century mark in seven straight. The first three meetings between these teams have all gone ‘over,’ with the last two totals set in the same ballpark as tonight’s number (212.5).
Washington will be looking to split the season series with a victory here after dropping the last two meetings, both of which were played without Wall. With Joel Embiid in the mix, look for the 76ers to win on the road. Ride Philadelphia and the over for the in-game parlay.

Result: The 76ers shot the ball poorly, which blew this up. Washington won 109-94, getting an impressive performance from Otto Porter. Philadelphia shot 36 percent, making 9-for-33 from 3-point range. As impressive and Embiid and Simmons can be, the 76ers must knock down the long ball to make the most of the spacing they provide. JJ Redick, Dario Saric and Robert Covington were a combined 5-for-20.

PROOF OF CLAIRVOYANCE

The pick: Houston -21
Look for a name-your-score situation here against a small Pirates team that is down their biggest player with 6-10 senior Jabari Craig sidelined with a foot issue. Kentrell Barkley got himself suspended again, so the Pirates come in with a six-man rotation against a Cougs squad that can embarrass you and won the first meeting 65-49 in a game that wasn't even that close. Ride Houston and lay the points.  

Result: The Cougs led 62-13 at the break and won 109-58. So, yeah, 21 wasn't too many points to lay.

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

MARQ at GTWN 07:00 PM
GTWN +1.5
O 158.5

DUKE at VT 07:00 PM
VT +5.0
O 155.0

NORF at HOW 07:00 PM
NORF -3.0

JMU at ELON 07:00 PM
JMU +4.5

TEX at KU 09:00 PM
KU -12.0

TTU at WVU 09:00 PM
WVU -7.0

ALST at TXSO 09:00 PM
O 156.5

FRES at AFA 09:00 PM
FRES -6.5

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday’s 6-pack

Six top prospects for the Chicago White Sox:

1) Eloy Jimenez, OF— Hit .353 in 18 games in the Southern League LY.

2) Michael Kopech, P— Has 344 strikeouts in 269 career IP

5) Dane Dunning, P— florida alum has 2.76 ERA in two years in A ball.

9) Zach Collins, C— Supposedly a good hitter, but hit .229 in first two years.

9) Gavin Sheets, 1B— Wake Forest alum is son of former big leaguer Larry Sheets

13) Carson Fulmer, P— Vandy alum was 3-1, 3.86 in seven big league games (5 starts) LY.

Quote of the Day
“Like I said, I retweeted on Twitter, you’re going to make me cry. It’s emotional even thinking about that, that his parents felt that, buried him in my jersey was something that he wanted. I take pride in what I’ve done in this state and what I’ve meant for the youth. I appreciate it.”
Dwyane Wade, after hearing one of the kids who died in the Florida school shooting was buried wearing a Wade Miami Heat jersey

Tuesday’s quiz
Whose picture is on the $50 bill?

Monday’s quiz
Andrew Jackson’s picture is on the $20 bill.

Sunday’s quiz
The late Martin Landau played the law professor in the poker movie, Rounders.

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

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

13) There are reports out of Los Angeles that the Dodgers are having $$$ problems and are looking for minority investors (25%??). You’d think the Dodgers are one team that wouldn’t have money problems, but these are weird times– you never know.

Dodgers paid over $48M last year to players who never played for them, otherwise known as dead money.

12) Thinking ahead; since the NCAA’s went to 68 teams, the 11-seeds who advance with Tuesday/Wednesday play-in wins are 8-6 vs spread in their first-round games that they play on short rest. 13 of those 14 teams were underdogs; Tennessee (-4) covered as the lone favorite in the next round, back in 2014.

11) Red Sox were 15-3 in extra inning games last year, most extra inning games played in the major leagues last season.

10) Five major leaguers played every game last season:
Joey Votto, Freddy Galvis, Rougned Odor, Eric Hosmer and Alcides Escobar.

Galvis and Hosmer left their 2017 teams and will be teammates on the Padres this year.

9) Golfer Justin Thomas has won 7 of the last 31 PGA tournaments he entered.

7 of the last 15 PGA tournaments went to a playoff, but hey, Eldrick Woods finished 12th.

8) Quinnipiac lost seven of its last eight games heading into the MAAC tournament, but three of those seven losses were in double overtime. Mike Dunleavy’s son Baker is the coach there; this is his first season. Teams are shooting 40.8% behind the arc vs Quinnipiac this year, 4th-highest %age against any team in the country.

7) JD Martinez will make $22M a year for the Red Sox; he has played more than 123 games in a season ONCE in his career!!!!

If JD Martinez spends 120+ days on the DL with Boston, Red Sox will get some salary relief later in his contract. Martinez knocked in 104 runs in 119 games for Detroit/Arizona LY, which is a lot of production, but he does get hurt a lot.

6) Conference tournament knowledge: #1 seed has won the last seven Big Sky tournaments. Last four Atlantic 14 tournaments were won by teams seeded #3 or worse.

5) NC State won its last four basketball games; in those games, backup G Sam Hunt made 14-17 behind the arc. Hunt has had an interesting career; he played a year at Jacksonville, then two years at North Carolina A&T- in those three seasons, he made 34.3% of his 3-pointers. This year, playing as a senior in the ACC, Hunt is making 41.8% (46-110) behind the arc.

4) Los Angeles Rams got CB Marcus Peters from the Chiefs, sending 2nd/4th round picks to KC. Rams also get a 6th-round pick in the deal.

3) It is weird to me that the Big 14 tournament is this week instead of next week; having it in New York City doesn’t matter much to me, since TV is TV, but having it at the same time as Arch Madness and the MAAC tourney and the WCC is just so different.

2) Doing some conference tournament research: over the last six years, in the semis/finals of the OVC tournament, the underdogs are 12-5 vs spread- one game had no line. Favorites are 15-8-1 vs spread in the first two rounds.

1— Colleges who have already fired their basketball coach:
Charlotte
Colorado State
East Carolina
Eastern Kentucky
Ole Miss
Cal-Riverside
UTEP