Announcement

**Udog** · 03-18-2018, 10:59 AM

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

Over/under win totals for baseball season:

96.5– Houston Astros

96.5— Los Angeles Dodgers

94.5– Chicago Cubs

94.5— Cleveland Indians

92.5— Washington Nationals

91.5— Boston Red Sox

**********

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday…..

13) Michigan 64, Houston 63— Cougars were leading 63-61 and were shooting two foul shots with 0:04 left; the Houston kid misses both shots, Michigan calls time-out. Houston doesn’t put a man on the inbounder (like Duke-Kentucky when Laettner hit that shot) and Jordan Poole, a 36.8% shooter on the arc, hit the walk-off 3-pointer to keep Michigan dancing.

This was the kind of game that if you’re wth the Houston team, you’ll think about it every day the rest of your life.

12) Loyola, Chi 63, Tennessee 62— Clayton Custer got a fortuitous bounce on his game-winning jumper with 0:03.6 left, as the Ramblers won a very exciting game. This is the time in 11 years Loyola had a winning conference record- they’ve won their last 12 games.

This is the 11th year in a row a team seeded 11th or worse makes it to the Sweet 16; Ramblers were ranked outside the top 100 in early January, but they’ve won 12 games in row now and will play the Cincinnati-Nevada in the Sweet 16.

11) Texas Tech 69, Florida 66— This was the best game of the day; Red Raiders hung on after nearly gagging away a 5-point lead in last 0:20. Tech goes to the Sweet 16 for 4th time- Chris Beard won a tournament game with Little Rock two years ago as a 12-seed, and now this. He’s a darned good coach.

10) Gonzaga 90, Ohio State 84— Zags ran out to a 15-0 lead, lost the lead, then pulled away down the stretch, as they advance to the Sweet 16 for the 4th year in a row. Gonzaga beat the Buckeyes by 27 in the PK80 tournament in November- this was way tougher.

9) You think you had a bad day? Thursday, a gambler at SouthPoint Casino in Las Vegas bet $10,000 on Arizona to win SU—- if the Wildcats won, he banked $2,000 for his trouble. If they lost, he was out the $10,000.

A 9-point favorite, Arizona lost by 21. Thats a bad day.

8) One of the truly weird things about being in Las Vegas during March Madness is that there is a wagering proposition: “Which team gets to 15 points first?”

First time I witnessed this was in 2010 at the MGM; I’m watching the first part of the first game, and these three guys start hugging each other as if they had just won the lottery. Score of the game was 15-12.

I actually asked one guy if that was his brother who had scored the last basket; he explained the betting prop to me. Lot of people bet on this, apparently.

7) Jets traded three 2nd round draft picks to Indianapolis Saturday to move up three spots in the draft, from #6 pick to #3. Wonder which quarterback they want? Great move by the Colts, who already have a QB and have many other needs.

6) Few years ago, I was at the Wendy’s near my house, in line behind a basketball team- it was this time of year and the America East tournament was at UAlbany.

It was the UMBC Retrievers, who weren’t very good back then, but they were a good group of guys, patient and respectful in line.

Friday, a guy at the Venetian in Las Vegas put $800 of his hard-earned dollars on UMBC on the money line; he got $16,000 back for his trouble. It takes onions to put $800 on a 16-seed, when in the history of the tournament, no 16-seed had ever beaten a #1-seed (0-135).

5) Jarius Lyles was the star of the show for UMBC Friday; both his parents went to Virginia. UMBC is his third college, after pit stops at VCU, Robert Morris. Kid played high school ball at DeMatha in Washington DC, one of the best basketball high schools in the country.

4) Kirk Cousins’ agent is Mike McCartney, whose dad Bill was a really good football coach for the Colorado Buffaloes, winning a national title in Boulder.

3) Obscure baseball trivia: The first time Hank Aaron played for the Braves in a spring training game was in 1954, when he took the place of Bobby Thomson, who broke his ankle sliding into second base. Yes, the same Bobby Thomson who three years earlier hit a walk-off homer to give the New York Giants the NL pennant.

2) Tampa Bay Bucs signed C Ryan Jensen to a four-year, $42 million deal with $22M guaranteed that makes him the highest-paid center in the NFL.

1) Georgia hired Tom Crean as its new basketball coach, after Thad Matta turned them down.

**Udog** · 03-18-2018, 10:59 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Sunday, March 18

Texas A&M @ North Carolina

Game 709-710
March 18, 2018 @ 5:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas A&M
67.608
North Carolina
72.053
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
North Carolina
by 4 1/2
155
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
North Carolina
by 6 1/2
151 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Texas A&M
(+6 1/2); Over

MD-Baltimore Co @ Kansas State

Game 711-712
March 18, 2018 @ 7:45 pm

Dunkel Rating:
MD-Baltimore Co
62.023
Kansas State
68.943
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas State
by 7
141
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas State
by 10 1/2
135 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
MD-Baltimore Co
(+10 1/2); Over

Butler @ Purdue

Game 713-714
March 18, 2018 @ 12:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Butler
69.383
Purdue
74.412
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Purdue
by 5
138
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Purdue
by 3 1/2
146
Dunkel Pick:
Purdue
(-3 1/2); Under

Syracuse @ Michigan State

Game 715-716
March 18, 2018 @ 2:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Syracuse
64.253
Michigan State
75.698
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Michigan State
by 11 1/2
124
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Michigan State
by 8
129 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Michigan State
(-8); Under

Nevada @ Cincinnati

Game 717-718
March 18, 2018 @ 6:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Nevada
63.071
Cincinnati
72.666
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 9 1/2
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
by 6 1/2
136 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(-6 1/2); Over

Florida State @ Xavier

Game 719-720
March 18, 2018 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Florida State
66.082
Xavier
73.662
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Xavier
by 7 1/2
163
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Xavier
by 5 1/2
158 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Xavier
(-5 1/2); Over

Marshall @ West Virginia

Game 721-722
March 18, 2018 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Marshall
63.716
West Virginia
72.819
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
West Virginia
by 9
154
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
West Virginia
by 12 1/2
159 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Marshall
(+12 1/2); Under

Clemson @ Auburn

Game 723-724
March 18, 2018 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Clemson
68.623
Auburn
67.514
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Clemson
by 1
141
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Auburn
by 1 1/2
146 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Clemson
(+1 1/2); Under

Mississippi State @ Baylor

Game 725-726
March 18, 2018 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Mississippi State
62.197
Baylor
69.982
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baylor
by 8
132
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baylor
by 6
137 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baylor
(-6); Under

Oregon @ Marquette

Game 727-728
March 18, 2018 @ 4:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oregon
60.992
Marquette
68.662
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Marquette
by 7 1/2
147
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Marquette
by 5
153
Dunkel Pick:
Marquette
(-5); Under

Drake @ Northern Colorado

Game 729-730
March 18, 2018 @ 5:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Drake
53.289
Northern Colorado
57.108
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Northern Colorado
by 4
158
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Northern Colorado
by 7
151
Dunkel Pick:
Drake
(+7); Over

Middle Tennessee @ Louisville

Game 733-734
March 18, 2018 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Middle Tennessee
63.841
Louisville
67.424
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Louisville
by 3 1/2
148
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Louisville
by 5
141 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Middle Tennessee
(+5); Over

**Udog** · 03-18-2018, 10:59 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Sunday, March 18

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

TEXAS A&M (21 - 12) vs. N CAROLINA (26 - 10) - 3/18/2018, 5:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N CAROLINA is 309-251 ATS (+32.9 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
N CAROLINA is 174-137 ATS (+23.3 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
N CAROLINA is 174-136 ATS (+24.4 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.

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

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

MD-BALT COUNTY (25 - 10) vs. KANSAS ST (23 - 11) - 3/18/2018, 7:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MD-BALT COUNTY is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MD-BALT COUNTY is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MD-BALT COUNTY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

BUTLER (21 - 13) vs. PURDUE (29 - 6) - 3/18/2018, 12:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUTLER is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BUTLER is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
PURDUE is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
PURDUE is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
PURDUE is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BUTLER is 74-40 ATS (+30.0 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
BUTLER is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) in road games in March games since 1997.
BUTLER is 151-110 ATS (+30.0 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
BUTLER is 74-40 ATS (+30.0 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
BUTLER is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
BUTLER is 78-47 ATS (+26.3 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
BUTLER is 26-9 ATS (+16.1 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.
PURDUE is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 this season.

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

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

SYRACUSE (22 - 13) vs. MICHIGAN ST (30 - 4) - 3/18/2018, 2:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
MICHIGAN ST is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 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.

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

NEVADA (28 - 7) vs. CINCINNATI (31 - 4) - 3/18/2018, 6:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEVADA is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEVADA is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
NEVADA is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
NEVADA is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NEVADA is 30-14 ATS (+14.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 120-161 ATS (-57.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

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

FLORIDA ST (21 - 11) vs. XAVIER (29 - 5) - 3/18/2018, 8:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA ST is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
XAVIER is 21-13 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
XAVIER is 21-13 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
XAVIER is 266-219 ATS (+25.1 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
XAVIER is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
XAVIER is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
XAVIER is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.
XAVIER is 242-188 ATS (+35.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
FLORIDA ST is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
FLORIDA ST is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.

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

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

MARSHALL (25 - 10) vs. W VIRGINIA (25 - 10) - 3/18/2018, 9:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W VIRGINIA is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.
MARSHALL is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all games this season.
MARSHALL is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
MARSHALL is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) when the total is 150 to 159.5 this season.
MARSHALL is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing with one or less days rest this season.
MARSHALL is 37-22 ATS (+12.8 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

CLEMSON (24 - 9) vs. AUBURN (26 - 7) - 3/18/2018, 7:10 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEMSON is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
CLEMSON is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.

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

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

MISSISSIPPI ST (23 - 11) at BAYLOR (19 - 14) - 3/18/2018, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BAYLOR is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) against SEC opponents over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

OREGON (23 - 12) at MARQUETTE (20 - 13) - 3/18/2018, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OREGON is 60-43 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON is 60-43 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON is 72-48 ATS (+19.2 Units) in March games since 1997.
OREGON is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

DRAKE (17 - 16) at N COLORADO (22 - 12) - 3/18/2018, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N COLORADO is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all games this season.
N COLORADO is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
N COLORADO is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
N COLORADO is 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
N COLORADO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all tournament games this season.
N COLORADO is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DRAKE is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MIDDLE TENN ST (25 - 7) at LOUISVILLE (21 - 13) - 3/18/2018, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOUISVILLE is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
MIDDLE TENN ST is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIDDLE TENN ST is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MIDDLE TENN ST is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MIDDLE TENN ST is 26-11 ATS (+13.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIDDLE TENN ST is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

**Udog** · 03-18-2018, 11:00 AM

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, March 18

North Carolina is 8-2 in last ten 2nd round games, winning last three, by 9-19-7 points; Tar Heels won four of last five games- they played two guys more than 30:00 in Friday’s win over Lipscomb. UNC beat Arkansas by 19, Tennessee by 5 in their two games vs SEC teams this year. Texas A&M is 12-1 outside SEC (NC sked #36); they’re 8-4 in last 12 games overall. Aggies were a top 10 team at Christmas, beating West Va, USC. Last three years, ACC teams are 35-24 vs spread when facing an SEC team. Last six years, #2-seeds are 7-11-1 vs spread in this round.

UMBC is first-ever #16-seed to play in this round; their senior G’s Maura/Lyles played 40/39 minutes Friday— Lyles was having trouble with cramping in 2nd half. #15-seeds are 2-5-1 vs spread in this round- I know they’re not a 15-seed, but its as close as I’ve got. Retrievers made 12-24 on arc in shocking Virginia by 20- they’re 3-5 vs top 100 teams, with losses by 11-25-23-15-28 points. K-State won six of last nine games; they’re 11-1 vs teams ranked outside top 100; they played four guys 32:00+ Friday. Wildcats force turnovers 21.4% of time (#27).

Purdue big man Haas (broken elbow) is out here; big loss. Boilermakers beat Butler 82-67 in Indy Dec 16- it was 35-19 at half, with Purdue shooting 60% inside arc for night. Boilers won six of their last seven games; they won by 15 points in both games vs Big East foes (Marquette was other) this year. Butler is 1-2 vs Big 14 teams this year, losing to Purdue/Maryland, beating Ohio St in OT; Bulldogs are 11-3 outside Big East- they ran out to 21-2 lead over Arkansas Friday, blew the lead, won by 17 anyway. Last three years, Big 14 faves are 13-14 vs spread vs Big East.

Syracuse played all five starters 34:00+ in Wednesday’s win, then three guys all 40:00 Friday vs TCU, so starters are likely to be tired- their bench plays least minutes in country. SU is #309 experience team; they beat Maryland by 2 at home in only Big 14 game this year. Syracuse is 5-2 in its last seven 2nd round games. Michigan State pulled away in 2nd half Friday, but Bucknell made 11-20 on arc to make game respectable at end. Spartans are 7-1 in last eight second round games; MSU split pair of games with UNC/Duke in pair of ACC games this season.

Nevada was down 14 in 2nd half Friday, rallied to beat Texas in OT; Wolf Pack played only six guys- five of them played 38:00+. Nevada is 12-3 outside Big West (#65 NC sked); they’re 1-3 vs spread as an underdog this season, 4-4 SU vs top 50 teams. Cincinnati won its last eight games; they force turnovers 22.3% of time (#12). Bearcats have #2 eFG% defense in country, are 3-4 vs top 50 teams. Favorites are 9-7 vs spread in last 16 second-round games with #2 vs #7-seeds. Cincy played two guys more than 27:00 Friday; Cumberland/Clark played 40/39:00.

Xavier made 11-16 on arc, crushed Florida State 91-66 LY in 2nd round of NCAA’s; they scored 1.34 ppp. Musketeers won 14 of last 16 games this year; they’re #123 experience team that plays pace #61. Xavier is 13-1 outside Big East (NC sked #103); they made 11-24 on arc in easy win vs Texas Southern Friday. Musketeers start three seniors, are #123 experience team. Florida State was up 22 at half vs Missouri Friday; Seminoles are 12-1 outside ACC (NC sked #329)- they used only two guys more than 29:00 vs Mizzou. Last two years, Big East is 12-6 vs ACC teams.

West Virginia/Marshall used to play every year; Mountaineers ended series. Marshall plays fast tempo (#6 pace); they’ve won 11 of last 13 games, are #260 experience team that is 10-4 outside C-USA (#331 NC sked). Herd played four starters 35:00+, seven guys overall in 81-75 win over Wichita Friday. Last four years, #12/#13-seeds are 1-6 vs spread in 2nd round games. West Virginia forces turnovers 23.4% of time; they’re #196 experience team that is 11-2 vs teams ranked outside top 50- Huggins is 4-1 in second round games at West Virginia.

Over last five years, favorites are 8-2 vs spread in #4/#5 2nd round games. Clemson won four of its last six games; they’re 12-1 outside ACC (NC asked #209)- teams shoot only 44.2% inside arc against them. Clemson played three guys 32:00+ in workmanlike win over New Mexico St Friday. Auburn lost four of last six games after starting season 23-3; they’re #308 experience team. None of eight guys in Auburn’s rotation are seniors. Auburn was 15-32 on foul line, 5-24 on arc in ugly 62-58 win Friday; they played two guys 28:00+.

Other tournaments
Baylor lost four of its last six games; they’re 11-3 outside Big X (#282 NC sked). Bears lost by 21 at Florida in their only game vs an SEC team this year. Baylor is #69 experience team that starts three seniors. is 8-5 in its last 13 games, winning four of last five home games. Mississippi State is 9-5 in last 14 games, but they lost seven of last nine true road games. Bulldogs are 13-1 outside SEC (NC sked #345)- they’re #325 experience team, with no seniors who play.

Oregon won six of its last eight games; they were 14-26 on arc in first round win over Rider. Ducks are #285 experience team that is 11-3 outside Pac-12 (NC asked #315)- they beat DePaul in OT in only game this season vs Pac-12 team- they’re 7-10 vs top 100 teams. Marquette won six of its last eight games; they’re #313 experience team that is 10-3 outside Big East (NC sked #171). Eagles are shooting 41.5% on arc, #5 in country.

Drake lost three of its last four games, winning first game in this tournament in OT; Bulldogs are #7 experience team, starting four seniors, but they lost five of last seven true road games. Drake is 7-7 outside top 100 (NC sked #170). Northern Colorado is 6-4 outside Big Sky; they haven’t played in nine days. Bears won five of last six home games, with only loss by 9 to Big Sky champ Montana. Northern Colorado is #129 experience team.

Middle Tennessee State slipped up in C-USA tournament so they’re in NIT; playing Louisville gives them chance to thrive on national stage. Blue Raiders are 9-4 outside C-USA (NC sked #13); they lost by 3 to Miami on neutral floor in their only ACC game. Louisville has better, bigger talent; they lost five of last seven games, they’re 11-3 outside ACC (NC sked #233). Middle Tennessee won its last five true road games.

**Udog** · 03-18-2018, 11:00 AM

NCAAB

Sunday, March 18

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

MISSISSIPPI STATE @ BAYLOR
MISSISSIPPI STATE

Mississippi State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Mississippi State's last 5 games
BAYLOR

Baylor is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Baylor is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
BUTLER @ PURDUE
BUTLER

Butler is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Purdue
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Butler's last 5 games when playing Purdue
PURDUE

Purdue is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Purdue's last 5 games when playing Butler
SYRACUSE @ MICHIGAN STATE
SYRACUSE

Syracuse is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Syracuse is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
MICHIGAN STATE

Michigan State is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Michigan State's last 8 games
OREGON @ MARQUETTE
OREGON

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oregon's last 5 games
Oregon is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
MARQUETTE

Marquette is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Marquette is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
DRAKE @ NORTHERN COLORADO
DRAKE

Drake is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games on the road
NORTHERN COLORADO

The total has gone OVER in 9 of Northern Colorado's last 10 games at home
Northern Colorado is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
TEXAS A&M @ NORTH CAROLINA
TEXAS A&M

Texas A&M is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Texas A&M's last 11 games
NORTH CAROLINA

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of North Carolina's last 6 games
North Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
NEVADA @ CINCINNATI
NEVADA

Nevada is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nevada's last 6 games
CINCINNATI

Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games
MIDDLE TENNESSEE @ LOUISVILLE
MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Middle Tennessee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Middle Tennessee is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games
LOUISVILLE

Louisville is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games at home
Louisville is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
CLEMSON @ AUBURN
CLEMSON

Clemson is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Clemson is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
AUBURN

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Auburn's last 5 games
Auburn is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
UMBC @ KANSAS STATE
UMBC

No trends to report
KANSAS STATE

Kansas State is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Kansas State is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
FLORIDA STATE @ XAVIER
FLORIDA STATE

Florida State is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
XAVIER

Xavier is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games
Xavier is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
MARSHALL @ WEST VIRGINIA
MARSHALL

Marshall is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Marshall is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Marshall
The total has gone OVER in 6 of West Virginia's last 7 games

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

**Udog** · 03-18-2018, 11:01 AM

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

(7) Nevada Wolf Pack vs (2) Cincinnati Bearcats (-8, 137)

Game to be played at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Cincinnati not only got a win in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, it also watched the top-seeded team in its region fall in a stunning upset. The second-seeded Bearcats will try not to worry about the road ahead and instead focus on making it to the Sweet Sixteen when they face seventh-seeded Nevada on Sunday in Nashville, Tenn.

The top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, Virginia, fell late on Friday, making Cincinnati the top remaining seed in the South Region after it came alive late and pulled away from Georgia State in the first round for a 68-53 victory on Friday. "No matter what happens, we've had an unbelievable season," Bearcats coach Mick Cronin told reporters. "We're in a tournament right now. There's five games left to win it. And I think that's always been my mindset, no matter what our seed has been. As long as I'm honored to be the head coach at Cincinnati, to me, you enter a tournament to win it." The Wolf Pack are just happy to advance after overcoming a 14-point deficit and knocking off 10th-seeded Texas 87-83 in overtime. "I don't know how we won," Nevada coach Eric Musselman told reporters. "I mean, just the progress of where the program's come, you know, we made it here last year. We've grinded, you know, all of us hard since the beginning of the summer with a goal in mind, and that was try to advance."

TV: 6:10 ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: Cincinnati opened as 7-point chalk and has been bet up a fullpoint to -8 as of Saturday night. The total hit betting boards at 138 and money coming in on the under pushed that number quickly down to 137.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT NEVADA: Caleb Martin hit three of his four 3-pointers in overtime and Josh Hall scored 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting off the bench on Friday for the Wolf Pack, who won a game in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2007. "I want to win. Plain and simple, I just want to win," Hall told reporters. "Not only do I want to play good, but I want my team to play well. I want to advance. We didn't win last year. Winning this game was really big for us and shows we're a better team than last year and moving in the right direction. So, I just want to win." Nevada is trying to advance to the Sweet Sixteen for the second time in program history (2004).

ABOUT CINCINNATI: Senior Gary Clark did his part in the first round with 11 points and 13 rebounds and is trying to lead his team in his final chance at NCAA Tournament success. "In this game, we had to adjust," Clark told reporters. "In every game, that's how it's going to be. You've got to adjust to how the team's doing. Our adversity allows us to do that well. Being my fourth year, tell young guys to just enjoy it, live in the moment and not get too riled up about the crowd and all that. Just do what we've been doing all year." One of those young guys is sophomore guard Jarron Cumberland, who exploded for 27 points and 11 boards.

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Wolf Pack are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
* Under is 6-1-1 in Wolf Pack last 8 games following a ATS win.
* Under is 5-1 in Bearcats last 6 overall.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 56 percent of bettors taking the underdogs from Nevada, while 54 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

(16) MD Baltimore County Retrievers vs (9) Kansas State Wildcats (-10.5, 135.5)

Game to be played at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Maryland-Baltimore County returns to the court two days after pulling off the biggest upset in men's NCAA Tournament history as it takes on Kansas State in Round 2 of the South Region from Charlotte, NC. Prior to Friday night, No. 16 seeds were 0-135 all-time against first seeds - they are now 1-135 after the 16th-seeded Retrievers beat No. 1 Virginia 74-54.

UMBC poured in 53 points in the second half on 67.9 percent shooting against the top-ranked Virginia defense that was allowing just 53.4 points per game before the tournament. Graduate student guard Jairus Lyles was simply unstoppable for the Retrievers, scoring 23 of his game-high 28 while playing through leg cramps in the second frame. It isn't a surprise to see No. 9 seed Kansas State in the second round as the Wildcats were a strong favorite to get by eighth-seeded Creighton and did so with relative ease, 69-59. Junior guard Barry Brown led the Wildcats with 18 points and played strong defense on Marcus Foster, holding the star Bluejays guard to just five points on 2-of-11 shooting.

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

LINE HISTORY: Kansas State opened as 10-point favorites and has been bet up slightly to 10.5. The total hit betting boards at 135.5 and has yet to move off the opening number.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT MARYLAND-BALTIMORE COUNTY: With the game tied 21-21 at the half, UMBC came out flying in the second, speeding up the tempo and dictating the pace of the game - something that almost no other team has been able to do against the Cavaliers this season. Lyles was certainly the story of the second half but it was a true team effort that got the Retrievers through to the second round. Three other players finished in double digits (Joe Sherburne 14; Arkel Lamar 12; K.J. Maura 10) and UMBC had 16 assists on 26 made field goals while outrebounding Virginia 33-22.

ABOUT KANSAS STATE: Kansas State, playing without All-Big 12 First Team selection Dean Wade and his team-leading 16.5 points per game, knew it couldn't go basket for basket with Creighton's 10th-ranked offense so it put a focus on defense and held the Bluejays to a season-low 59 points on 33.8 percent shooting from the floor and 26 percent from the 3-point line. Wade suffered a stress fracture in his left foot in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals and hasn't been ruled out for Sunday but will be limited if he does play. Freshman guard Mike McGuirl stepped up offensively in Wade's absence, scoring a career-high 17 on 6-of-10 shooting and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Retrievers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win.
* Wildcats are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games.
* Over is 7-0 in Retrievers last 7 neutral site games.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 59 percent of bettors taking the underdogs Retrievers, while 61 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

**Udog** · 03-18-2018, 11:02 AM

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

(7) Texas A&M Aggies vs (2) North Carolina Tar Heels (-6, 151.5)

Game to be played at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Texas A&M will try to benefit from its height advantage when the seventh-seeded Aggies play second-seeded North Carolina in the second round of the West Region on Sunday in Charlotte, N.C. Texas A&M has an experienced starting front court that stands 6-10, 6-10, and 6-9 and helped the Aggies become the fifth-ranked rebounding team in the nation during the regular season, while North Carolina's tallest starters are 6-6, 6-8 and 6-8.

The defending tournament champion Tar Heels will counter with better team speed and perimeter shooting skills, assets they didn't rely on much during their 84-66 first-round win against Lipscomb on Friday. Luke Maye is one of the 6-8 starters for North Carolina, and he's also one of the most versatile players in college basketball, averaging 17 points and 10.1 rebounds while also converting 43.8 percent of his 3-point tries. Robert Williams will likely have the task of guarding Maye, and the 6-10 sophomore forward played a key role in the 73-69 win against Providence in the first round, finishing with 13 points and 14 rebounds, and helping the Aggies to a 44-26 rebounding edge. That matchup should open space in the paint for Texas A&M leading scorer Tyler Davis (14.5), the other 6-10 starter who had 14 points and 15 rebounds against Providence.

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

LINE HISTORY: North Carolina opened as 6-point favorites and has yet to move off the opening number . The total hit betting boards at 151.5 and like the point spread has held firm.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA: Joel Berry II also averages a team-high 17 points for the Tar Heels, but the 6-foot senior point guard hasn't bettered that mark in his past six games. He'll certainly be looking to shoot the ball better inside Spectrum Center after converting 6-of-15 from the floor against Lipscomb, including 2-of-9 from 3-point distance. Berry might look to distributor more off the drive against Texas A&M, and attempt to counter their shot-blocking ability, but he hasn't been doing a lot of distributing lately, averaging just 3.3 assists in his past 11 games.

ABOUT TEXAS A&M: Sitting on the edge of a Sweet Sixteen appearance is nothing new for Davis and three other members of the Aggies; DJ Hogg, Admon Gilder and Tonny Trocha-Morelos, who played key roles for Texas A&M in its run to the Sweet Sixteen two years ago. Hogg is a 6-9 forward who leads the Aggies in 3-point attempts, Gilder is a 6-4 guard who's second on the team in scoring at 12.4 points a game, and Trocha-Morelos is a 6-10 back-up center who plays 22.2 minutes a game. Another player the Tar Heels need to find on the floor is freshman guard T.J. Starks, who's averaging 9.7 points, but has reached double figures in nine of the past 10 games.

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-1 in Aggies last 5 vs. Atlantic Coast.
* Under is 8-1 in Tar Heels last 9 Sunday games.
* Under is 5-1 in Tar Heels last 6 overall.

CONSENSUS: Covers consensus data is showing 68 percent of bettors taking the favorites from North Carolina, while 61 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

(9) Florida State Seminoles vs (1) Xavier Musketeers (-5.5, 159)

Game to be played at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Xavier has routinely proved it possesses one of the best offensive teams in the country - something it displayed in its NCAA Tournament opener as well as the last time it faced Florida State. The top-seeded Musketeers attempt to end the ninth-seeded Seminoles' season in the second round of the West Region for the second straight year Sunday when they meet in Nashville, Tenn.

Riding 20-point performances from each of its top three scorers Friday, Xavier drained 11 3-pointers en route to setting a program record for most points in a NCAA Tournament game with its 102-83 victory over Texas Southern, marking the fourth time this season the nation's eighth-highest scoring team topped the century mark. The Musketeers enjoyed similar success exactly one year ago versus Florida State, shooting 55.6 percent from the field in a 91-66 rout of the Seminoles behind 29 points from Trevon Bluiett. Florida State recovered nicely from losing three of its previous four in the nightcap Friday, getting 42 points from its bench and holding a shorthanded Missouri squad to 32.7 percent from the field in a 67-54 win. "All season, our identity was the quality of our depth. We knew they were a little short on the bench, so we needed to attack them … we used that to our advantage," freshman forward Mfiondu Kabengele told reporters.

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

LINE HISTORY: Xavier opened as 6-point favorites and has bet down slightly to 5.5 as of Saturday night. The total hit betting boards as low as 159.5 and money coming in on the under forced that number down to an even 159.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE: Ten players scored during the Seminoles' 42-point first half, and all three of Florida State's double-digit scorers Friday came off the bench, marking the third straight game Florida State got at least 40 points from its reserves; over that same span, the bench is responsible for 58.4 percent of the team's offensive output. Kabengele (team-high 14 points, career-high tying 12 rebounds Friday), sophomore guard Trent Forrest (10 points, six rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and three steals) and junior guard PJ Savoy (12 points) led the change from Florida State's bench. Second-leading scorer Terance Mann (12.8 points), who needed to be helped back to the locker room in the second half after aggravating a first-half groin injury, is questionable for Sunday.

ABOUT XAVIER: J.P. Macura (12.7 points) moved into 19th place on the program's all-time scoring list and halted a four-game stretch where he failed to top his season scoring average Friday, going 11-of-16 from the field - including 5-for-6 beyond the arc - to finish with a career-high 29 points. Bluiett (19.6), who ranks second in Musketeers' history with 2,253 career points and buried three 3-pointers to run his season total to a school-record tying 104, topped the 20-point mark for the 20th time with 26 versus the Tigers. Kerem Kanter (10.8) tied his career high with 24 points despite playing only 20 minutes Friday; over the last 22 games, he has reached double figures in every game in which he has played more than 12 minutes.

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Seminoles are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
* Musketeers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
* Musketeers are 24-6-2 ATS in their last 32 NCAA Tournament games.
* Over is 3-0-1 in Musketeers last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 74 percent of bettors taking the chalk from Xavier, while 58 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

**Udog** · 03-18-2018, 11:10 AM

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

(11) Syracuse Orange vs (3) Michigan St. Spartans (-9, 129.5)

Game to be played at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

Michigan State looks to advance to its first NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen in three seasons when it takes on surprising Syracuse in a Midwest Region second-round matchup Sunday in Detroit. The third-seeded Spartans advanced with a victory over Bucknell while the Orange, the 11th seed, got past TCU in first-round contests Friday.

Sophomore guard Tyus Battle leads the Syrcause offensive attack, averaging 19.7 points, while forwards Oshae Brissett and Frank Howard each chip in 14.9 points per contest. But the story of the Orange is coach Jim Boeheim's matchup zone defense that causes teams lots of troubles and will be a big test for a Michigan State team that has struggled with zones this season. Forward Miles Bridges (17.3 points) is a versatile offensive force, hitting 68 3-pointers but also capable of getting to the hoop and finishing at the rim. The key for the Spartans will be the play of point guard Cassius Winston (12.6 points, 51.4 3-point percentage, 6.9 assists), who must handle the zone and the size of the Syracuse defenders when they extend the zone to apply pressure on the ball.

TV: 1:40 p.m. ET, CBS

LINE HISTORY: The Spartans opened as 8-point chalk and money coming in on Michigan State pushed that line to 9 at most shops. The total hit betting boards at 129.5 and has yet to move off the opening number.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT SYRACUSE: Freshman forward Marek Dolezaj had scored in double figures just twice in the last 14 games prior to the Orange's first-round contest against TCU, but the Slovakian had a team-high 17 points to give Syracuse an offensive boost. Boeheim would love to see the same thing when his team faces Michigan State in the second round because as good as Syracuse's defense is, it will need to score points against a very tough defensive team in the Spartans. With Battle finishing with fewer than 10 points for just the second time this season, Dolezaj's production was much needed, and it will be needed again for as long as the Orange stay alive in the tournament.

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE: Since the Spartans' first loss of the season to Duke in November, the question of whether Bridges is aggressive enough offensively in big games has been there for coach Tom Izzo. The sophomore has tried to find balance in his offensive game, with the deep Michigan State rotation allowing him to not have to dominate the ball, but against Bucknell, it was Bridges who closed the door, scoring 14 of his 29 points in a nine-minute spurt in the second half that pushed the Spartans' lead from six to 14. Bridges will have to work on that balance again when facing Syracuse, as the Orange's zone doesn't have much room to drive against but doesn't give many open looks from the perimeter either.

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Orange are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 NCAA Tournament games.
* Spartans are 1-5-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.
* Under is 5-0 in Orange last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Under is 6-1 in Spartans last 7 games following a straight up win.
* Orange are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 61 percent of bettors taking the underdogs from Syracuse, while 51 percent of totals wagers are on the Under.

(5) Clemson Tigers vs (4) Auburn Tigers (-1.5, 146.5)

Game to be played at Viejas Arena in San Diego, California.

It’s been 15 years since Auburn made a trip to the Sweet Sixteen, and even longer for Clemson. One of their droughts will end Sunday when the two Tigers square off in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in San Diego.

Auburn is in the tournament for the first time since 2003, when it made a run to the Sweet Sixteen as a No. 10 seed. The fourth-seeded Tigers survived a scare in a 62-58 win over College of Charleston in Friday’s first-round matchup, forcing 21 turnovers to help overcome a lackluster offensive outing. Clemson hadn’t won an NCAA Tournament game since a First Four victory over Alabama-Birmingham in 2011, and it hadn’t reached the second round since a Sweet Sixteen trip in 1997. Shelton Mitchell scored 23 points and Gabe DeVoe added 22 in Clemson’s 79-68 win over New Mexico State on Friday.

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

LINE HISTORY: Auburn opened as 1-point favorites and the pointspread has waivered between the opening number and 1.5 - as of Sunday morning Auburn is sitting as 1.5-point chalk. The total hit betting boards as low as 146.5 and has held firm.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT CLEMSON: Clemson had lost two of three and five of its last eight entering the tournament, but the Tigers didn’t have much trouble with the Aggies in the first round. The starting backcourt trio of Marcquise Reed (15.9 points), DeVoe (13.5 points), and Mitchell (12.3 points) combined for 60 points, but center Elijah Thomas (10.6 points, 8.0 rebounds) was limited to six points on 2-of-7 shooting despite grabbing 10 rebounds. The Tigers only attempted nine free throws against New Mexico State and likely will need to do a better job at getting to the line to advance Sunday.

ABOUT AUBURN: The fourth-seeded Tigers won the SEC regular-season title but stumbled a bit down the stretch, losing three of their last five going into the SEC Tournament, where they were bounced by Alabama in their first game. Their offensive struggles continues against the Cougars, as they shot below 40 percent for the fourth straight game. Leading scorer Mustapha Heron (16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds) scored 16 points and Desean Murray (10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds) had a characteristic 11 points and seven boards, but Bryce Brown (16 points) struggled to find his stroke, going 3-for-10 from 3-point range.

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Tigers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.
* Tigers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
* Under is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 non-conference games.
* Under is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 overall.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 57 percent of bettors taking the underdogs from Clemson, while 55 percent of totals wagers are on the Under.

**Udog** · 03-18-2018, 11:16 AM

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

(10) Butler Bulldogs vs (2) Purdue Boilermakers (-3.5, 144)

Game to be played at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

Big Ten champion Purdue appeared to suffered a key injury in its 74-48 first round NCAA Tournament victory over Cal State Fullerton when 7-foot-2 center Isaac Haas suffered a fractured right elbow while fighting for a rebound in the second half. But Haas, who will need surgery to fix the injury, took part in some drills during Saturday's practice and may play in Sunday's Round of 32 contest with Butler at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit if the NCAA approves a special elbow brace he's been fitted with.

Haas, who had nine points and 10 rebounds before suffering the injury, is the second leading scorer for the Boilermakers (14.9) and also averages 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. The finalist for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award which goes to the nation's top college center had 15 points and three rebounds in just 16 foul-plagued minutes in a 82-67 victory over the Bulldogs in a Dec. 16 meeting in the Crossroads Classic in Indianapolis, so his loss would be a big one for Purdue which is the No. 2 seed in the East Regional. "He's trying to convince me, but it is what it is," Purdue coach Matt Painter said. "I don't see him playing. His future is more important." No. 10 seed Butler, which is trying for its fourth Sweet Sixteen appearance in nine years, opened the tournament with a 79-62 victory over Arkansas.

TV: 12:10 ET, CBS

LINE HISTORY: Purdue opened as 3.5-point favorites and the line has yet to move off that opening number . The total hit betting boards at 144.5 and was bet down a full point to 143.5 until rebounding slightly to 144 on Sunday morning.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT BUTLER: The Bulldogs are 15-3 when outrebounding an opponent and finished with a 45-25 edge on the boards over the Razorbacks in Friday's first round victory. Senior forward Kelan Martin went over 2,000 career points in the victory and the all-Big East pick finished with 27 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including five 3-pointers. Sophomore guard Kamar Baldwin also had a big game, finishing with 24 points, his seventh 20-point game of his career and sixth this season.

ABOUT PURDUE: The Boilermakers held Butler, which averages 8.3 3-pointers per game, to just one 3-pointer in the first 28 minutes in their December victory while building a 26-point lead. Sophomore guard Carsen Edwards, who leads the team in scoring (18.4), had a team-high 18 points in the first meeting with the Bulldogs while senior forward Vincent Edwards, who is third on the team in scoring (14.5), finished with 15 points, including 4-of-5 3-pointers. Senior guard Dakota Mathias is also averaging in double figures (12.3) and has connected on 92-of-199 3-pointers (46.2 percent).

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Bulldogs are 21-5-2 ATS in their last 28 NCAA Tournament games.
* Boilermakers are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win.
* Over is 5-1 in Bulldogs last 6 non-conference games.
* Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 61 percent of bettors taking the favorites from Purdue, while 64 percent of totals wagers are on the Over.

(13) Marshall Thundering Herd vs (5) West Virginia Mountaineers (-12.5, 159.5)

Game to be played at Viejas Arena in San Diego, California.

There is no love lost between Marshall and West Virginia and the in-state rivals present perhaps the most tantalizing second-round matchup in the NCAA Tournament when they meet Sunday in the East Region at San Diego. The 13th-seeded Thundering Herd won their first-ever tournament game with an 81-75 upset of Wichita State on Friday, presenting them with a chance to meet a hated foe, although the initial reaction was to downplay the bitterness.

"Hell, I’m still celebrating this one. You’re off on the other one?" Marshall coach Dan D'Antoni told the media when asked of a matchup with the Mountaineers. "I have no idea. ... Let's enjoy this a little bit and we'll get ready for West Virginia and I really don’t have to worry. These are all gym rats. They're going to be ready to go when it's time to go." The two schools - separated by about 200 miles - played every year from 1977 through 2015 before the Mountaineers elected to end the annual clash in a somewhat contentious decision. West Virginia coach Bob Huggins, who shot back at D'Antoni in 2014 when the latter suggested that the Mountaineers were planning to back out of the series because they were afraid, initially dodged questions about the renewal of the rivalry after his fifth-seeded team defeated Murray State 85-68 in the first round. "Can I say one thing?" he said later in the press conference. "I've got great respect for Danny and what he's done. He took over. They were down and I've got great respect for him since he's become the coach. ... This is not a Hatfields and McCoys thing. We have great relationships [between the] staffs."

TV: 9:40 p.m., TBS

LINE HISTORY: West Virginia opened as 11.5-point favorites and have been bet up a full point to 12.5 as of Saturday night. The total hit betting boards as low as 159.5 and has yet to move off the opening number.

BETTING STATS:

ABOUT MARSHALL: Jon Elmore, who led Conference USA in scoring this season, scored 27 points in the win over Wichita State and has at least 22 in 12 of his last 14 games. Ajdin Penava, the league's Defensive Player of the Year, chipped in 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting to go along with three blocks as the Thundering Herd picked up their first postseason victory since the 1967 NIT, when D'Antoni was on the team. "I told them the beginning goal is to win the NCAA Tournament," D'Antoni said. "Wherever we get in the car driving down the road to that championship, when it stops we'll all get off and we'll be happy because we like who is in the car. We like the journey we're on. We're looking forward to the next leg, and I have confidence in these guys that they'll give you a real good ballgame and got a great chance to win."

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA: Senior Jevon Carter was a force in Friday's win with 21 points, eight assists, six steals and five rebounds while stifling Murray State star Jonathan Stark, and the Mountaineers' defensive stalwart will be a handful for Elmore. "I would be shocked if he didn't play that way," Huggins said of Carter's performance. "He plays that way all the time. He plays that way in open gym. But he's always done that." Freshman Teddy Allen produced his first double-digit scoring effort in a nine-game span with 16 points, while Sagaba Konate contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and three blocks for West Virginia, which is seeking a Sweet 16 berth for the third time in four years.

MATCHUP CHART:

TRENDS:

* Thundering Herd are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win.
* Over is 14-6 in Thundering Herd last 20 non-conference games.
* Over is 6-1 in Mountaineers last 7 overall.

CONSENSUS: Consensus data is showing 69 percent of bettors taking the underdogs from Marshall, while 53 percent of totals wagers are on the Under.

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Sunday's NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 3/18

Sunday's NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 3/18

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