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**Udog** · 03-17-2018, 08:33 AM

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

— Jose Altuve got a 5-year, $151M contract extension from the Astros.

— Reds gave 3B Eugenio Suarez a 7-year, $66M deal.

— There are/have been 35 college basketball coaching jobs open already this spring.

RIP to three sports figures who passed away this week:

— Tom Benson, 90, owned the New Orleans Saints and the Pelicans of the NBA.

— Ed Charles, 84, was 3B for the ’69 Miracle Mets; he was the A’s 3B when I first became a baseball fan in the mid-60’s.

— Augie Garrido, 79, who won five national titles as a college baseball coach; he was the opposing manager in the Kevin Costner baseball movie, For Love of the Game.

**********

Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Wrapping up a full Friday of hoop

Night Games
16) UMBC 74, Virginia 54— The good news: Retrievers from the America East Conference are first #16-seed EVER to beat a #1-seed. And they won easily.

The bad news: UMBC will need a new coach in a couple weeks. Wins like this make coaches wealthy. Ryan Odom’s dad is Dave Odom, who was Tim Duncan’s coach at Wake Forest.

On January 21, UMBC lost 83-39 to the Albany Great Danes. They’ve improved.

UMBC was a 20.5-point underdog, but pointspread-wise, Norfolk State (+21.5) over Missouri in 2012 was a bigger upset than this, a 2-15 game.

15) Kansas State 69, Creighton 59— Bluejays went 3-7 in their last ten games- they really missed 6-9 Krampelj, who got hurt on January 17. Creighton was never the same after that.

How excited is the K-State traveling party tonight? A 9-seed that’ll be a double digit favorite on Sunday— first time that’ll happen, too.

14) Auburn 62, Charleston 58— Auburn’s point guard got two fouls in the first 2:00 so to make up for it, the refs screwed Charleston over the rest of the game. Auburn was 15-32 on foul line, Cougars were 7-14- their point guard fouled out with 5:46 left.

Charleston kid got hit on the elbow as he tried game-tying 3-ball in last minute, but it wasn’t called.

13)

12) Clemson 79, New Mexico State 68— WAC team hasn’t won a tournament game since Nevada won as a 7-seed in 2007. Aggies won this league for 6th time in last seven years- maybe they should jump to the Big West, a better league. Even the Big Sky would be an improvement.

11) Xavier 102, Texas Southern 83— Couple years ago in July, I was watching AAU games in Las Vegas and Xavier coach Chris Mack was there with his daughter, who was probably 9 or 10 at the time. She was in the bleachers, watching games and playing with whatever electronic device she had. I’m pretty sure Coach Mack coaches her grade school basketball team. Good guy.

10) Michigan State 82, Bucknell 78— Spartans led by 16 with 2:56 left, Bucknell fought till the end and made the score look closer than the game actually was- they made 11-20 on the arc.

9) Syracuse 57, TCU 52— Once again. Syracuse doesn’t deserve to get in the tournament, then they win two games when they get there. Orange made the Final Four as a 10-seed couple years ago- their zone defense is tough to prepare for. TCU is 45-26 in Jamie Dixon’s first two years, but this loss will sting.

Day Games
1) Nevada 87, Texas 83 OT— By far best game of the afternoon; Wolf Pack was dead in this game, down 14 with 18:40 left- they looked like a goner, but Josh Hall scored 15 points off the bench— he was the only sub Nevada used the whole game.

In 2011, Shaka Smart took VCU on a Cinderella run from the play-in game to the Final Four, winning five of six NCAA tournament games. The last five years, Smart is 0-4 in NCAA tourney games, with three of the four losses in overtime.

2) Marshall 81, Wichita State 75— Wichita took 17 foul shots in this game; Marshall’s star guard Elmore took 15, all by himself, as the Thundering Herd post a big upset.

This is first time in 10 years that two #13-seeds won their first round game.

Up next for Marshall are the West Virginia Mountaineers; these teams used to play once a year in December until two years ago, but I’m assuming West Virginia cancelled it- no way Marshall cancelled it. Now they lay for the right to go to the Sweet 16.

Dan Muller, the coach at Illinois State took a shot at former MVC rival Wichita State on Twitter after the Shockers lost this game:

“I guess switching conferences doesn’t magically make things better. Valley teams advance in the Dance”

3) Purdue 74, Cal State-Fullerton 48— This was an easy but costly win for the Boilermakers, who were just too big for Fullerton. Isaac Haas broke his elbow with about 6:00 left when he fell backwards, hit his elbow on the floor- he is done for the season.

4) Texas A&M 73, Providence 69— Aggies led by 11 with 0:29 left, gave their backers a scare by giving up eight points in last 0:29, but they hung on and covered.

A&M looked like a Final Four team back in November, then injuries/suspensions derailed their season- they play North Carolina in Charlotte Sunday.

5) Butler 79, Arkansas 62— Butler led this game 21-2 out of the gate, then it was 29-29; would like to see the plus/minus charts. This was first loss for the SEC in six tournament games.

Bulldogs play Haas-less Purdue Sunday; they lost by 15 to the Boilermakers on a neutral court back in December, when Haas scored 15 points but played only 16:00 due to foul trouble.

6) Cincinnati 68, Georgia State 53— Bearcats win their 8th straight game, in a brickfest where teams combined to go 17-57 on arc. Sun Belt teams had posted a first round upset two of last three years, but this Cincinnati squad was too athletic for the scrappy Panthers.

7) North Carolina 84, Lipscomb 66— This was first NCAA tournament appearance foe the Bisons; getting assigned to play the Tar Heels in Charlotte assured that it would be a short stay. Atlantic Sun rep covered their first tourney game for fifth time in last six years.

8) West Virginia 85, Murray State 68— Racers’ really good senior guard Stark ended his career with a 1-12 shooting day against a Mountaineer squad that has two good senior guards. OVC plays entertaining ball, but they haven’t won a tournament game since 2012- they’re 3-15 in first round games the last 18 years.

**Udog** · 03-17-2018, 08:39 AM

Saturday's NCAA Tournament second round betting preview: Midwest Region

Grayson Allen had 16 points and nine assists in Thursday's win over Iona and is averaging 20.7 points over his last six NCAA Tournament games for the Blue Devils.

(7) Rhode Island Rams vs (2) Duke Blue Devils (-9.5, 149.5)

Game to be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Rhode Island pulled off one of the more thrilling victories in the first full day of action in the NCAA Tournament and they have a chance for their first Sweet 16 berth in 20 years. To get there, the seventh-seeded Rams will need to find a way to slow down No. 2 Duke and standout freshman Marvin Bagley III when the teams meet in the second round of the Midwest Region on Saturday in Pittsburgh.

The Rams squeaked past Oklahoma 83-78 in overtime on Thursday behind E.C. Matthews (16 points), Jared Terrell (13, five assists) and clutch defense to win a tournament game for the second straight season under coach Dan Hurley. "Our program is built around defense and making our opponent uncomfortable," Hurley - whose brother, Bobby, starred at Duke under coach Mike Krzyzewski - told reporters after the victory. "You win championships, you advance in this tournament, you build programs around being a good-to-great defensive team and by being one of the hardest-playing teams in the country." Not many teams have made Bagley feel uncomfortable and the likely one-and-done forward had no issue slicing up Iona on Thursday, recording 22 points on 10-of-14 shooting to lead the Blue Devils to an 89-67 rout. Three others scored at least 16 points for Duke, which shot 53.7 percent from the floor while opening the tourney with a win for the fourth straight time.

TV: 2:40 p.m. ET, CBS

LINE HISTORY: Duke opened as 10-point chalk and money coming in on Rhode Island pushed that line to 9.5 at most books. The total hit betting boards at 150 and has been bet down slightly to 149.5.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT RHODE ISLAND: Fatts Russell came off the bench to shine opposite fellow freshman Trae Young, the Sooners star who led the nation in scoring and assists, while finishing with 15 points in 21 minutes. "I told him when I recruited him: The only point guard I saw better than him at the Peach Jam last year was Trae Young, and he told me I was wrong about that and he was going to prove me wrong today," Hurley said of Terrell. "And he put on a show." Cyril Langevine posted his fifth double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Terrell - who averaged 13.5 points and three steals in two tourney games last season - played 39 turnover-free minutes.

ABOUT DUKE: Bagley has often shared the freshman spotlight with fellow forward Wendell Carter Jr., who had nine points and eight boards but has been bothered by a sore Achilles since the ACC Tournament. Guard Trevon Duval, another of the Blue Devils' heralded freshmen, chipped in 19 points and eight assists as he wrestles with an ankle ailment, but any number of maladies can be rendered moot when Bagley dominates the way he did. "I woke up and felt a little anxious," Bagley told the media. "I was just anxious to play. When the first game came on, I was watching it a little bit until we left the hotel. From there it was time to lock in."

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Rams are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Atlantic Coast.
* Blue Devils are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* Under is 4-1 in Rams last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Under is 9-1 in Blue Devils last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 57 percent of bettors taking the underdogs from Rhode Island, while 66 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

(8) Seton Hall Pirates vs (1) Kansas Jayhawks (-4.5, 154)

Game to be played at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.

Top-seeded Kansas was forced to fight through a difficult first-round game and hopes to use that experience to get off to a better start when it takes on No. 8 seed Seton Hall on Saturday in the Midwest Region quarterfinal at Wichita, Kan. The Jayhawks trailed by as much as 10 in the first half Thursday and grinded out a 76-60 victory over Pennsylvania to survive and advance.

“There’s always that pressure like, ‘You can’t lose to a 16-seed,” Kansas senior guard Devonte’ Graham told reporters after scoring 29 points. “So instead of just going out and playing loose, you’re going out and playing not to lose to the 16 seed. I feel we came out the first 10 minutes doing that. … Coach always says that’s the hardest game. You can’t win two without winning the first one.” The Jayhawks have won nine of their last 10 and things will get more difficult against the experienced Pirates, who outlasted North Carolina State 94-83 in the first round Thursday. Seton Hall matches Kansas with four players averaging at least 13 points and its seniors have won 84 games, including their first in the NCAA Tournament Thursday after losing in the previous two opening rounds. “Our main focus was staying focused,” Pirates senior guard Khadeen Carrington told reporters. “I know that sounds funny, but the last two years we came here, the guys were kind of drained mentally. We couldn’t get over the hump. Guys came in real focused, real businesslike, and we’re not done yet.”

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

LINE HISTORY: Kansas opened as 4-point favorites and heavy betting action on the Jayhawks pushed that line quickly up to 4.5. The total hit betting boards at 153.5 and has been bet up slightly to an even 154.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT SETON HALL: Carrington led the way with 26 points in the victory over N.C State and is averaging 23 over the last six games to push his season mark to 15.2 - third on the team. Senior forward Desi Rodriguez added 20 on Thursday and leads the team in scoring overall (17.9) while sophomore Myles Powell (15.5) added 19 points and nine rebounds in the first round. Senior center Angel Delgado, who averages 13.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 50.1 percent shooting, will be key inside for the Pirates.

ABOUT KANSAS: The Jayhawks hope to get more than three minutes out of sophomore center Udoka Azubuike (13.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 77.4 percent field goal shooting) in the second round after the 7-0 Nigerian missed the Big 12 Tournament with a knee injury. His presence inside opens up the outside for Graham (17.6 points, 7.4 assists) and senior guard Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (15.0), who have combined to make 209 from 3-point range. Sophomore guard Malik Newman averaged 24 points in the Big 12 Tournament, but had just 10 versus Penn.

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Pirates are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 NCAA Tournament games.
* Jayhawks are 8-0-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Over is 7-1-1 in Pirates last 9 NCAA Tournament games.
* Over is 6-1 in Jayhawks last 7 games following a ATS win.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 65 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Kansas, while 65 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

**Udog** · 03-17-2018, 08:44 AM

Saturday's NCAA Tournament second round betting preview: East Region

Alabama has not reached the Sweet 16 since advancing all the way to the Elite Eight in 2004.

(9) Alabama Crimson Tide vs (1) Villanova Wildcats (-11, 148)

Game to be played at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Villanova looked every bit the part of a No. 1 seed in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats aim for an encore performance Saturday when they take on ninth-seeded Alabama in the Round of 32 at Pittsburgh.

The Wildcats topped No. 16 Radford 87-61 on Thursday as the team shot nearly 60 percent from the floor and over 51 percent from 3-point range. That sets up a key game for Villanova, which has lost in the second round in four of its last seven NCAA Tournament appearances, including last year to Wisconsin. “When you are consistently a high seed, that means two things,” coach Jay Wright said. “It means your players have consistently played well for quite a while. It also means the expectations you face are always going to be very high." Alabama snuck past No. 8 seed Virginia Tech in its NCAA opener as talented freshman Collin Sexton registered 21 of his 24 points in the second half.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, CBS

LINE HISTORY: Villanova opened as 11-point chalk and that number has yet to move. The total hit betting boards at 148 and like the pointspread remains at the opening number. Check out the complete line history here.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT ALABAMA: The Crimson Tide overcame 17 turnovers and nine missed foul shots by shooting 60 percent from the floor in Thursday's 86-83 triumph over the Hokies. John Petty helped Sexton by draining 6-of-8 3-pointers - he's 11-of-17 from the arc over the last two games - while Donta Hall was 5-of-5 from the field in Thursday's win. Sexton averages 19.2 points and has surpassed that average in five straight games with all of those performances coming against teams that are seeded eighth or better in the NCAA Tournament.

ABOUT VILLANOVA: Eight players for Villanova scored between seven and 16 points in the opening-round win, led by Jalen Brunson (16), who shot 7-of-9 from the floor and is shooting 60.3 percent over the last five outings. Mikal Bridges added 13 points and has made at least three 3-pointers in nine straight games, shooting at least 50 percent from the arc in seven of those contests. One minor concern for the Wildcats is the scoring production from versatile guard Donte DiVincenzo, who had seven points against Radford and is 9-of-28 from the field over the last four outings.

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Crimson Tide are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Big East.
* Wildcats are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 neutral site games.
* Over is 4-1 in Crimson Tide last 5 games following a ATS win.
* Over is 6-1 in Wildcats last 7 games following a straight up win.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 67 percent of bettors taking the favorties from Villanova, while 65 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

(6) Florida Gators vs (3) Texas Tech Red Raiders (-2, 134)

Game to be played at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Sixth-seeded Florida will need another strong defensive performance Saturday when it faces third-seeded Texas Tech in the second round of the East Region in Dallas. The Red Raiders will have plenty of offense, a tough defense and a home-atmosphere just five hours from their campus.

The Gators scored 25 points off 18 turnovers - including five quick turnovers to start the second half - to pull away from St. Bonaventure on Thursday. "That's what got us going," senior guard Chris Chiozza said. "We got some stops early in the second half and we got out running and got some easy baskets in transition and we just kind of built momentum from there, and was able to maintain it for most of the second half." Chiozza and junior guard KeVaughn Allen were credited for slowing the Bonnies' talented guards and will have another test against Texas Tech senior guard Keenan Evans and company. The Red Raiders have scored at least 70 points in 13 of their past 15 games after rallying past Stephen F. Austin.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, TNT.

LINE HISTORY: Texas Tech opened as 1.5-point favorites and has been bet up slightly to an even 2. The total hit betting boards at 134 and has yet to move off the opening number.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT FLORIDA: Junior guard Jalen Hudson leads four Gators in double figures with 15.3 points while graduate transfer guard Egor Koulechov adds 13.8 points and a team-high 6.5 rebounds. Chiozza (11.1 points) had 11 assists Thursday to push his season average to 6.2 assists and leads the team with 1.9 steals. Allen also averages 11.1 points for the Gators, who rank seventh nationally as of Thursday with 9.8 turnovers lost.

ABOUT TEXAS TECH: Evans leads the Red Raiders with 17.7 points and 3.2 assists and has scored at least 20 in three of his past four games. Freshmen guards Jarrett Culver (11.5 points) and Zhaire Smith (11.1 points) and senior guard Niem Stevenson (7.5 points) add to the Red Raiders' balanced attack. The Red Raiders (plus-4.4 rebound margin) have eight players average at least 3.0 rebounds and force 15.1 turnovers.

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Gators are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
* Red Raiders are 0-7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* Under is 6-1 in Gators last 7 non-conference games.
* Under is 6-1 in Red Raiders last 7 NCAA Tournament games.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 62 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Texas Tech, while 59 percent of totals wagers are on the Under.

**Udog** · 03-17-2018, 08:49 AM

Saturday's NCAA Tournament second round betting preview: West Region

Gonzaga shot 58.5 percent, including making 12-of-25 3-pointers, while the Buckeyes shot a season-low 34.5 percent while cruising to an 86-59 win at the PK80 Invitational in November.

(5) Ohio State Buckeyes vs (4) Gonzaga Bulldogs (-9.5, 149.5)

Game to be played at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho.

Gonzaga and Ohio State passed their tough tests Thursday in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Now they go head-to-head Saturday night in Boise, Idaho, with a West Regional Sweet 16 berth on the line.

Against UNC Greensboro, the fourth-seeded Bulldogs squandered a 12-point second-half lead and trailed 64-62 with 1:48 remaining. But guard Josh Perkins knotted things up with a long jumper and then redshirt-freshman Zach Norvell Jr. drilled a go-ahead 3-pointer with 20.8 seconds left to secure Gonzaga’s 10th straight first-round NCAA tourney win and its 15th straight victory overall. In the following game Thursday at Taco Bell Arena, the fifth-seeded Buckeyes also saw a double-digit lead (13 points) slip away in the second half against a formidable South Dakota State squad. But after the Jackrabbits had pulled even at 70 with 1:53 remaining, Ohio State senior guard Kam Williams scored the game’s next seven points, starting with a go-ahead 3-pointer, to help secure the Buckeyes’ first Big Dance victory since 2015.

TV: 7:45 p.m. ET, CBS

LINE HISTORY: Gonzaga opened as 2.5-point chalk which wasn't high enough for bettors and has been bet up to 3. The total hit the board at 144 and money coming in on the under saw that line drop to 143 at most shops. Check out the complete line history here.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes continue to impress under first-year coach Chris Holtmann as they seek their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2013. Williams, fellow guard C.J. Jackson and forward Keita Bates-Diop, the Big Ten Player of the Year, combined for 66 of the team’s 81 points against South Dakota State, and added 26 rebounds, eight assists and four steals as Ohio State grabbed 15 offensive rebounds, leading to 19 second-chance points. After his 24-point, 12-rebound showing Saturday in his NCAA tourney debut, the 6-7 Bates-Diop is averaging 19.5 points and 8.9 boards overall, and the Buckeyes are 12-1 when the junior notches a double-double.

ABOUT GONZAGA: The Bulldogs also benefitted from an individual double-double Thursday as senior forward Johnathan Williams notched his fourth straight with 19 points and 13 rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting. Perkins (16 points) and Norvell (15) also scored in double figures against UNC Greensboro, helping Gonzaga overcome poor shooting outings from 3-point range (5-of-23) and the free-throw stripe (13-of-25). The Bulldogs’ 68 points matched their lowest total in a game this season, and they rank 12th nationally with 84.0 points per outing with six players averaging at least 9.4, led by Williams (13.7), forward Killian Tillie (13.1) and Perkins (12.5).

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Buckeyes are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 NCAA Tournament games.
* Under is 8-2 in Buckeyes last 10 neutral site games.
* Under is 4-1 in Bulldogs last 5 NCAA Tournament games.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 74 percent of bettors taking the favorties from Gonzaga, while 51 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

(6) Houston Cougars vs (3) Michigan Wolverines (-3, 134)

Game to be played at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.

Third-seeded Michigan looks to shut down No. 6 seed Houston in the second round of the West Regional on Thursday in Wichita. The Wolverines allowed the third-fewest points in their NCAA Tournament history in the 61-47 win over No. 14 seed Montana on Thursday and hope to reach 30 wins for the first time since 2012-13 by putting the defensive clamps on the Cougars, who have scored at least 80 points in five of their last nine outings.

"I'm happy we got the first one down," Michigan forward Moritz Wagner told reporters. "The show goes on and Houston is a really good team… so it's going to be a heck of a challenge." Houston rode Rob Gray's hot hand to a thrilling 67-65 win against 11th-seeded San Diego State on Thursday to earn their first NCAA Tournament victory in 34 years. Gray exploded for a career-high 39 points against the Aztecs, including the go-ahead layup with 1.1 seconds remaining in the game, and hopes to lead the Cougars to their first Sweet 16 appearance since the days of Phi Slamma Jamma in 1983-84."I just wanted to come through for us," Gray told reporters. "I was thinking to myself, I'm a senior, I've never been in March Madness and this is what I live for."

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

LINE HISTORY: Michigan opened as 3-point favorites and that number has yet to move. The total hit betting boards at 134 and like the spread remains at the opening number.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT HOUSTON: Gray went 4-of-6 from 3-point range en route to his career high in points and pulled down eight rebounds to finish as the lone Cougar in double figures against San Diego State. Devin Davis flirted with a double-double as he added nine points and nine rebounds while Corey Davis Jr. also scored nine points in the win against the Aztecs. "It means a lot to our program especially sitting next to Coach (Kelvin) Sampson," Davis said. He's a big part of why I'm here and Rob's a big part too and we survived to play another day."

ABOUT MICHIGAN: Charles Matthews, who has been battling consistency issues for the last two months, led the way with 20 points and matched his career high with 11 rebounds in the win against Montana to notch his fourth double-double of the season. Muhammad-Ali Abdur Rahkman overcame a sluggish start to finish with 11 points, five rebounds and two steals as the Wolverines held the Grizzlies to 32.1 percent shooting. Wagner, who leads the team in scoring (14.3), was limited to five points on 2-of-6 shooting while Jaaron Simmons tallied six points deputizing for Zavier Simpson, who was plagued by foul trouble in the first half.

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Cougars are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Wolverines are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 50 points in their previous game.
* Over is 5-1 in Cougars last 6 games following a ATS loss.
* Over is 6-1-1 in Wolverines last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

CONSENSUS: Covers consensus data is showing 69 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Michigan, while 51 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

**Udog** · 03-17-2018, 08:54 AM

Saturday's NCAA Tournament second round betting preview: South Region

The Ramblers won the Missouri Valley Conference have five players averaging in double figures scoring and need one victory to set a program record - passing the 1962-63 team that won an NCAA title.

(13) Buffalo Bulls vs (5) Kentucky Wildcats (-6, 158)

Game to be played at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho.

Two days after recording its biggest win in program history, No. 13 seed Buffalo looks to upset another perennial power Saturday when the Bulls face No. 5 seed Kentucky in the second round of the NCAA Tournament South Region in Boise, Idaho. Buffalo stunned fourth-seeded Arizona 89-68 on Thursday while Kentucky advanced with a 78-73 victory over Davidson.

Buffalo hardly looked overwhelmed against national player of the year candidate freshman Deandre Ayton and Arizona, which had a huge size advantage but was outrebounded by one and failed to contain the Bulls’ perimeter game. Senior guard Wes Clark scored a team-high 25 points to lead the Bulls, who made 15-of-30 three-point shots and shot 54.8 percent overall. “We got a lot of blue collar guys, guys who come to work every day,” forward Nick Perkins told reporters. “Not that we’re the most skilled guys or guys who are first in the NBA draft or stuff like that. We just got guys who come to work every day and are consistent in what they do.” The Bulls will look for a repeat performance against Kentucky, which defeated Tennessee in the SEC Tournament championship game and scored 36 points in the paint against Davidson.

TV: 5:15 p.m. ET, CBS

LINE HISTORY: Villanova opened as 6-point chalk and that number has held firm. The total hit betting boards at 188 and like the spread remains at the opening number. Check out the complete line history here.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT BUFFALO: Perkins has averaged 19.3 points off the bench over his last 11 games for the Bulls, who rank sixth in the country in scoring at 84.9 points per game. The Mid-American Conference regular season and tournament champions are riding a seven-game winning streak and boast a veteran trio of proven scorers in Clark, Jeremy Harris and CJ Massinburg. The three guards combined for 67 points in the win over Arizona and helped limit the Wildcats to 2-of-18 shooting from beyond the arc.

ABOUT KENTUCKY: Point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 19 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and five steals in the win over Davidson and has 20 assists against seven turnovers in his last four games. The Wildcats were held without a 3-pointer for the first time since 1988 and instead focused on the interior, where forward Kevin Knox took control with 25 points and six rebounds while shooting 9-of-11 from the foul line. Freshman forward PJ Washington averages 10.6 points on 51.2 percent shooting for the Wildcats, who have held their last four opponents to under 40 percent shooting from the field.

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Bulls are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
* Wildcats are 2-0-2 ATS in their last 4 NCAA Tournament games.
* Over is 9-0 in Wildcats last 9 non-conference games.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 52 percent of bettors taking the favorties from Kentucky, while 56 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

(11) Loyola-Chicago Ramblers vs (3) Tennessee Volunteers (-5.5, 130)

Game to be played at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Third-seeded Tennessee hopes for another workmanlike effort when it takes on No. 11 seed Loyola Chicago on Friday night in the quarterfinals of the South Regional in Dallas. The Volunteers rolled to a 73-47 victory over Wright State in the first round for their seventh victory in eight contests and will try to put an end to Loyola’s 11-game win streak after the Ramblers’ buzzer-beating victory over Miami (Fla.) in the first round.

Tennessee had a big edge on the boards while holding Wright State to 31.7 percent shooting from the field in its first-round victory and will try to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2014 when it lost to Michigan by two points. The Volunteers allow 65.8 points per game and Loyola shoots 50.6 percent from the field along with almost 40 percent from behind the 3-point arc overall as the Ramblers try to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1985. Loyola, which owns a victory over Florida early in the season, has won 18 of 19 games after forcing 16 turnovers in the 64-62 victory over Miami (Fla.) in the first round as Dontre Ingram drained a 3-pointer to win it at the buzzer. The Ramblers, which won the Missouri Valley Conference, boast five players averaging in double figures scoring and need one victory to set a program record - passing the 1962-63 team that won an NCAA title.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: Tennessee opened as 6-point chalk and has been bet down slightly to 5.5. The total hit betting boards at 129.5 and money coming in on the over has pushed that number up to an even 130. Check out the complete line history here.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT LOYOLA CHICAGO: The Ramblers are a well-balanced offensive unit as junior guard Clayton Custer leads the way (13.4 points) while draining 52.2 percent from the field and 45.1 from behind the 3-point arc. Ingram finished with 13 points against Miami and scores 11.7 per game along with a team-high 6.5 rebounds while junior guard Marques Townes (11.1) managed just 11 total points in the last two games. Senior forward Aundre Jackson (10.9 points) scored 12 in the victory over Miami and his shooting 57.3 percent from the floor.

ABOUT TENNESSEE: Junior forward Admiral Schofield has led the way of late, averaging 19.7 points over the last seven games, and is second on the team in scoring (13.9) while topping the Volunteers at 6.5 rebounds per contest. Sophomore forward Grant Williams is the go-to-player inside and averages a team-best 15.3 points along with 6.1 rebounds after scoring 14 and grabbing nine boards against Wright State. Sophomore guard Lamonte Turner (10.9 points) is the top threat from long range with 68 3-pointers and collected 19 points and nine assists in the first round win.

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Ramblers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games.
* Under is 6-0 in Ramblers last 6 overall.
* Under is 6-1 in Volunteers last 7 games after allowing less than 50 points in their previous game.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 58 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Tennessee, while 53 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

**Udog** · 03-17-2018, 08:58 AM

NCAA Tournament's biggest betting mismatches: Second round
Monty Andrews

When Rob Gray and Houston face Michigan, it could come down to which team gets to the foul line more - and if that's the case, the Wolverines have a significant edge.

South Region

(11) Loyola-Chicago Ramblers vs. (3) Tennessee Volunteers (-6, 130)

Ramblers' rigid 2-point defense vs. Vols' struggles inside the arc

Are you one of the ramblin' men - or women - who had Loyola-Chicago knocked off the Miami Hurricanes to reach the second round of March Madness? The No. 11 Ramblers were certainly a trendy pick among bracket pickers and bettors alike - but things don't get any easier Saturday as they face the third-seeded Volunteers in second-round action in Dallas. It won't be easy for the Ramblers to execute a second straight upset win, but they have a shot - if they can keep the Vols inside the 3-point line.

Loyola-Chicago did plenty of things right in securing its first trip to the NCAA Tournament in more than three decades - and near the top of the list is being successful at limiting opponents' success on 2-point attempts. The Ramblers held foes to a 46.6-percent rate on 2-point shots, ranking inside the top 50 in the nation. And while they weren't at their best in that regard Thursday - allowing the Hurricanes to go 21-of-40 from inside the arc - they should have better luck against a less offensively gifted Tennessee team.

The Volunteers make their offensive bones from two spots on the court - the free-throw line (75.9 percent, 39th in the nation) and 3-point territory (38.1 percent, 46th). And while the 3s didn't fall in their first-round rout of Wright State (5-for-18), the foul shots did (14-for-16). But Tennessee shot just 47.2 percent from 2-point range in the regular season, good for 283rd in the country. And if that trend continues this weekend, the Volunteers could find themselves as the Ramblers' next victim.

West Region

(6) Houston Cougars vs. (3) Michigan Wolverines (-3, 134)

"Houston, we have a foul problem" vs. Wolverines' elite discipline

Two teams looking for better performances following uninspired first-half showings meet in Wichita on Saturday when the Houston Cougars and Michigan Wolverines face off for a spot in the Sweet 16. The sixth-seeded Cougars escaped with a two-point victory over a game San Diego State team, while the No. 3 Wolverines slogged their way to a 61-47 win against Montana. This one could come down to which team gets to the foul line more - and if that's the case, the Wolverines have a significant edge.

The Cougars come in armed with one of the most formidable defenses in Division I - and that 64.9 points-per-game average against would have been even lower had Houston showed better discipline during the season. Houston averaged a whopping 21.1 personal fouls per game, more than all but 16 other teams. That includes 20 foul-outs, making the Cougars one of only 38 teams to have 20 or more DQs. As a result, Houston allowed an average of 15.8 made foul shots on 22.2 attempts - well outside the top 250.

The Wolverines had no such foul problems during the season - in fact, they were one of the best-behaved teams in the country. Michigan incurred just 15.6 personal fouls per game, ranking 26th in the country; they also had just six disqualifications in 36 games. That discipline showed up in the free throw stats, as Michigan allowed an average of 11.5 made free throws on 16 attempts. That's a major advantage compared to Houston, and could end up being what pushes the Wolverines into the third round.

East Region

(9) Alabama Crimson Tide vs. (1) Villanova Wildcats (-11, 148)

Crimson Tide's free-throw problems vs. Wildcats' dead-eye shooting

The good news for Collin Sexton: He'll have at least one more game in which to show NBA scouts what he can do on the basketball court. The bad news: There's a good chance it'll be his last opportunity, with oddsmakers having made the Alabama Crimson Tide considerable underdogs Saturday against Villanova in second-round action in Dallas. The No. 9 Crimson Tide squeaked out a win over Virginia Tech but will have their hands full with a Wildcats team that does just about everything well.

Alabama's deficiencies start at the free-throw line, where Avery Johnson's crew has been dismal for the majority of the season. The Crimson Tide finished outside the top 300 in the country during the regular season at 67.2 percent and were even less efficient in their tournament opener, missing nine of 27 attempts in a three-point triumph over the Hokies. Four of the team's top six scorers during the season show 70 percent or worse, while Sexton led the way at 77.8 percent.

The Crimson Tide can't hope to keep up with the Wildcats from the foul line. Villanova was sensational from just about everywhere - boasting an incredible 60 percent adjusted field-goal rate while ranking third in actual field-goal percentage (50.7) - and that includes the free-throw stripe, where it connected on 77.2 percent of its attempts, good for 20th overall. The Wildcats extended that hot shooting in their tournament opener vs. Radford (11-of-14), and should have a decided edge in that department vs. Alabama.

Midwest Region

(7) Rhode Island Rams vs. (2) Duke Blue Devils (-9.5, 149.5)

Rams' top-flight TO margin vs. Blue Devils' lack of ball pressure

Duke looked every bit the championship contender in its tournament-opening 89-67 victory over Iona - and is expected to do the same in Round 2 as it faces Rhode Island in Midwest Region action Saturday in Pittsburgh. The Blue Devils will be at or close to a double-digit fave when this one tips off - but the Rams, who defeated Oklahoma in a thrilling first-round encounter, could find a way to keep this one close if they can take advantage of an edge in the turnover department.

For Rhode Island, one of the keys to victory in Thursday's opener was to capitalize on the inevitable turnover barrage Trae Young would provide. And while Young torched the Rams for 28 points, he also had six of Oklahoma's 14 turnovers - and as expected, the Rams dominated the turnover battle by committing just six of their own. Rhode Island's plus-5.2 average turnover margin ranked second in the nation this season, and is a major reason why the Rams are among the final 32 teams standing.

The Blue Devils are a difficult assignment for anyone, but they do have their weaknesses - and turnover margin is one of them. Despite being one of the top teams in the nation yet again, Duke boasted a modest plus-0.7 average turnover ratio in 2017-18 and produced a turnover on just 14.5 percent of opponent possessions - ranking outside the top 275 in Division I. Rhode Island might not be able to run with the Blue Devils, but stealing a few extra possessions could make things interesting.

**Udog** · 03-17-2018, 09:22 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Saturday, March 17

Rhode Island @ Duke

Game 523-524
March 17, 2018 @ 2:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Rhode Island
66.735
Duke
73.318
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Duke
by 6 1/2
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Duke
by 10
150
Dunkel Pick:
Rhode Island
(+10); Under

Alabama @ Villanova

Game 525-526
March 17, 2018 @ 12:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Alabama
67..894
Villanova
75.674
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Villanova
by 8
143
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Villanova
by 11 1/2
148 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Alabama
(+11 1/2); Under

Seton Hall @ Kansas

Game 527-528
March 17, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seton Hall
68.737
Kansas
74.352
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas
by 5 1/2
158
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas
by 4
153 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas
(-4); Over

Houston @ Michigan

Game 529-530
March 17, 2018 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
70.612
Michigan
76.231
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Michigan
by 5 1/2
139
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Michigan
by 3
133 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Michigan
(-3); Over

Loyola-Chicago @ Tennessee

Game 531-532
March 17, 2018 @ 6:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Loyola-Chicago
67.892
Tennessee
70.756
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tennessee
by 3
125
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tennessee
by 6
130 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Loyola-Chicago
(+6); Under

Florida @ Texas Tech

Game 533-534
March 17, 2018 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Florida
72.354
Texas Tech
71.298
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Florida
by 1
128
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas Tech
by 2
134 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Florida
(+2); Under

Ohio State @ Gonzaga

Game 535-536
March 17, 2018 @ 7:45 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Ohio State
67.563
Gonzaga
73.102
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Gonzaga
by 5 1/2
148
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Gonzaga
by 2 1/2
142 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Gonzaga
(-2 1/2); Over

Buffalo @ Kentucky

Game 537-538
March 17, 2018 @ 5:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Buffalo
65.258
Kentucky
73.412
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kentucky
by 8
160
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kentucky
by 5 1/2
155 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kentucky
(-5 1/2); Over

Penn State @ Notre Dame

Game 539-540
March 17, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Penn State
65.734
Notre Dame
67.297
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Notre Dame
by 1 1/2
134
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Notre Dame
by 5 1/2
140 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Penn State
(+5 1/2); Under

Portland St @ San Diego

Game 547-548
March 17, 2018 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland St
52.575
San Diego
54.980
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 2 1/2
151
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
by 6
157
Dunkel Pick:
Portland St
(+6); Under

**Udog** · 03-17-2018, 09:26 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Saturday, March 17

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

RHODE ISLAND (26 - 7) vs. DUKE (27 - 7) - 3/17/2018, 3:00 AM
Top Trends for this game.
DUKE is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all games this season.
DUKE is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
DUKE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 this season.
DUKE is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
DUKE is 215-159 ATS (+40.1 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
DUKE is 1-0 against the spread versus RHODE ISLAND over the last 3 seasons
DUKE is 1-0 straight up against RHODE ISLAND over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

ALABAMA (20 - 15) vs. VILLANOVA (31 - 4) - 3/17/2018, 12:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ALABAMA is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
VILLANOVA is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all games this season.
VILLANOVA is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
VILLANOVA is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
VILLANOVA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all neutral court games this season.
VILLANOVA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
VILLANOVA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when playing on a neutral court this season.
VILLANOVA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
VILLANOVA is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

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

SETON HALL (22 - 11) vs. KANSAS (28 - 7) - 3/17/2018, 7:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SETON HALL is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after allowing 80 points or more this season.
KANSAS is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SETON HALL is 26-11 ATS (+13.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

HOUSTON (27 - 7) vs. MICHIGAN (29 - 7) - 3/17/2018, 9:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all games this season.
MICHIGAN is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
MICHIGAN is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in road games when playing with one or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
MICHIGAN is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.

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

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

LOYOLA-IL (29 - 5) vs. TENNESSEE (26 - 8) - 3/17/2018, 3:00 AM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all games this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LOYOLA-IL is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

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

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

FLORIDA (21 - 12) vs. TEXAS TECH (25 - 9) - 3/17/2018, 8:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 133-99 ATS (+24.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 78-50 ATS (+23.0 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 29-49 ATS (-24.9 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in road games in March games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS TECH is 29-49 ATS (-24.9 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 107-140 ATS (-47.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

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

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

OHIO ST (25 - 8) vs. GONZAGA (31 - 4) - 3/17/2018, 7:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GONZAGA is 153-112 ATS (+29.8 Units) when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.

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

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

BUFFALO (27 - 8) vs. KENTUCKY (25 - 10) - 3/17/2018, 5:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KENTUCKY is 90-60 ATS (+24.0 Units) in March games since 1997.
BUFFALO is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BUFFALO is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

PENN ST (22 - 13) at NOTRE DAME (21 - 14) - 3/17/2018, 12:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

PORTLAND ST (20 - 13) at SAN DIEGO (19 - 13) - 3/17/2018, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND ST is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND ST is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 37-63 ATS (-32.3 Units) in home games on Saturday games since 1997.

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

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

**Udog** · 03-17-2018, 09:27 AM

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, March 17

Last eight years, #1-seeds who covered their 1st round game are 9-7 vs spread in 2nd round, but since 2010, Villanova is 1-4 SU in this round, losing as a #1-seed two of last three years. Wildcats beat SEC’s Tennessee by 9 back in December; Villanova won its last six games; they’re 14-0 outside the Big East (NC sked #59)- they won very easily Thursday. Alabama won three of its last four games after a 5-game skid; they’re #348 experience team, 9-4 outside SEC (#84 NC sked). Tide played only two guys more than 29:00 in Thursday’s 86-83 win over Virginia Tech.

Rhode Island played four starters 34:00+ in OT win over Oklahoma; since 1987, second round underdogs who won their previous game in OT are 12-20 vs spread. URI starts four seniors; they’re 5-6 vs top 100 teams- they lost by 15 to Virginia in only ACC game this year. Duke won eight of its last ten games; since 2010, Blue Devils won five of last six 2nd round games (4-2 vs spread); they got very little resistance in 89-67 win over Iona Thursday. Last three years, ACC teams are 26-13-1 vs spread when playing teams from the Atlantic 14.

Kentucky is least experienced team in country, starting four freshman, one soph; Wildcats won eight of last nine games- they’re 11-2 outside the SEC (NC sked #46), 20-10 vs top 100 teams. Kentucky won six of last seven 2nd round games, but they’re 0-3 vs spread in last three. Buffalo is #149 experience team- they lost by 16 to SEC’s Texas A&M. Bulls won 20 of their last 23 games, are 1-5 vs top 100 teams this season, losing by 6-14-11-7-16 points. SEC teams covered six of last eight games vs MAC squads. Buffalo played three guys 33:00+ in Thursday’s game.

Loyola won its last 11 games and 18 of last 19; they played only two guys more than 29:00 in their upset win over Miami- they outscored ‘canes 9-2 over last 2:46 of game. Ramblers are #132 experience team that plays slow (#314) pace. Tennessee crushed Wright St Thursday; Vols won 7 of last 8 games, are #270 experience team Barnes was 5-5 in 2nd round games at Texas, but lost last three; his last Sweet 16 was 2008. Last three years, SEC teams are 8-5 vs spread when playing MVC opponents; last four years, #3-seeds are 6-10 vs spread in this round.

Kansas won nine of its last ten games; over last 11 years, Jayhawks are 8-3 SU in this round, 6-5 vs spread. Kansas was down 21-11 early vs Penn, but they won fairly easily, played three starters 32:00+. Seton Hall is #55 experience team is 5-6 in its last 11 games; three of their last five games were decided either by 1 point or in OT. Pirates are #57 experience team- they beat Texas Tech of Big X by 1o in Brooklyn last fall- only two of their guys played more than 29:00 vs NC State. Last three years, Big East underdogs are 3-4 against spread when facing a Big X team.

Gonzaga made 12-25 on arc, crushed Ohio State 86-59 at PK80 tourney in Oregon in November; it was 44-31 at half. Zags won last three 2nd round games, after being 0-5 in this round from 2010-14. Gonzaga won its last 15 games overall; they outscored UNCG 6-0 over final 1:21 Thursday to advance. Four Zags played 33:00+. Buckeyes split their last six games; Holtmann was 1-2 in this round while coaching Butler. OSU outscored South Dakota St 11-3 over final 1:40 to advance 81-73. Ohio State is 3-3 vs spread as an underdog. Zags are 9-4 vs top 100 teams.

Texas Tech won three of last four games; they were down 7 Thursday with 10:23 left, but won by 10 for first NCAA win since ’05. Tech played only two guys more than 27:00. Red Raiders are 12-1 outside Big X (NC sked #310). Florida had stress-free win over Bonnies; Gators are 9-4 outside SEC (NC sked #54)- they’ve been in Sweet 16 last five years. Last nine years, favorites are 9-4 vs spread when #’s 3-6 seeds meet in 2nd round; they’ve been only two of those the last three years. Last three years, SEC underdogs are 16-9 vs spread when facing a Big X opponent.

Houston won 11 of last 13 games- they’re #48 experience team that is 11-2 outside AAC (#250 NC sked), 11-4 vs top 100 teams- they’ve got #8 eFG% defense in country. Cougars used couple of guys 36:00+ in 69-67 win over San Diego St- Gray scored 39 of their 67 points. Michigan won ugly 61-47 game Thursday; they’re 13-3 outside Big 14 (#299 NC sked). Wolverines played three guys 32:00+ Thursday; they won/covered three of last four 2nd round games. Last nine years, favorites are 9-4 vs spread when #’s 3-6 seeds meet in 2nd round.

Other tournaments
Notre Dame won five of last seven games; they’re healthy now with Colson/Farrell back in lineup. Irish are 0-2 vs Big 14 teams this season, losing by 18 at Michigan State, by 3 in OT to Indiana on a neutral floor. Irish start three seniors; they waxed Hampton by 21 in first NIT game- only one of their guys played 30:00+. Penn State outscored Temple 20-5 on foul line in 63-57 home win over the Owls Wednesday. Lions lost by 7 at NC State, beat hapless Pitt in their two games vs ACC opponents this season.

Portland State is 3-0 vs WCC teams this year, beating Portland by 5, LMU by 9, Santa Clara by 3; Vikings won five of their last seven games- they haven’t played in nine days. PSU is 4-9 this year vs teams ranked in top 150. San Diego fired its coach for off-court reasons couple weeks ago; they won first tourney game Monday by 16 over Hartford, making 12-26 on arc. Toreros are #125 experience team, starting four juniors and a senior- they beat Northern Arizona by 28 in their only Big Sky game this season.

**Udog** · 03-17-2018, 09:31 AM

NCAAB

Saturday, March 17

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

PENN STATE @ NOTRE DAME
Penn State is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Penn State is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Notre Dame's last 6 games
Notre Dame is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

ALABAMA @ VILLANOVA
Alabama is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Alabama's last 21 games
Villanova is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Villanova's last 16 games

RHODE ISLAND @ DUKE
Rhode Island is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Rhode Island's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Duke's last 9 games
Duke is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games

BUFFALO @ KENTUCKY
Buffalo is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Buffalo is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Kentucky is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Kentucky is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

LOYOLA-CHICAGO @ TENNESSEE
Loyola-Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Loyola-Chicago's last 5 games
Tennessee is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tennessee's last 8 games

SETON HALL @ KANSAS
Seton Hall is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Seton Hall's last 11 games
Kansas is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Kansas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

OHIO STATE @ GONZAGA
Ohio State is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ohio State's last 5 games
Gonzaga is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Gonzaga's last 6 games

FLORIDA @ TEXAS TECH
Florida is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas Tech's last 7 games
Texas Tech is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games

HOUSTON @ MICHIGAN
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Houston is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
Michigan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Michigan is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games

PORTLAND STATE @ SAN DIEGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland State's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland State's last 5 games
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Portland State
San Diego is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

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Announcement

Saturday's NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 3/17

Saturday's NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 3/17

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