Monday Trends and Indexes 11/19

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Trends and Indexes
Monday, November 19

Good Luck on day #323 of 2007!

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.

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Six-pack for Monday

-- If Oklahoma beats Oklahoma State, chances are good that winner of Big 12 title game will face LSU for national title.

-- Monte Towe quit as head coach at New Orleans to be an assistant at NC State, his alma mater. Sunday, the Privateers beat the Wolfpack in Raleigh 65-63, a sizeable upset, even for a senior-dominated team like New Orleans.

-- Maui Classic starts Monday, one of our favorite events of college hoop season. LSU-Oklahoma State is one helluva first round game, but OSU lost its last thirteen road games.

-- How was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar not in the College Hall of Fame's first class? He is the great college hoop player ever.

-- Tom Glavine signed with Braves Sunday night, further screwing up the Mets' offseason. New York backed off on signing free agent catcher Torrealba, after a public outcry was roughly 99% against signing catcher who hit .212 last year, away from Coors Field.

-- There is justice in Stan Van Gundy having Orlando in 1st place, while Miami Heat is struggling, after the way Miami disposed of him couple of years back. He deserved better.

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Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday...........

13) Ending in Baltimore was unique, as tying FG by Browns doinked off upright, then hit pole that holds post to ground, and came back into end zone, creating confusion among the refs, who took five minutes (with or without replay help), but they got it right, Cleveland wound up winning in OT. Weird.

12) Colts averaged 18.0 yards per drive Sunday; previous low this season for Indy was the 32.2 ypd they gained last week.

11) Antrel Rolle had one of the great games a DB has had in NFL, picking off three passes, running two of them back for TD's in Arizona's 35-27 win at Cincinnati. Cardinals, at 5-5, are well-positioned to make the playoffs.

10) Credit to Scott Linehan for winning back-to-back games on road, but the Rams' offensive line is awful-- 49ers sacked Bulger six times Sunday, in a game Rams led whole way, then hung on at end, picking off pass in end zone on the last play.

9) Dolphins were +3 in turnovers, still lost 17-7; not many of teams with +3 TO ratio in NFL history have lost by 10 points.

8) Vikings ran for 228 yards without Adrian Peterson, making you realize the offensive line in Minnesota might be pretty darned good. Now, if they only had a decent quarterback.

7) NFL referee Bill Carollo worked Buffalo games this week in Buffalo and last week in Miami, becoming first NFL ref in last 35 years to work consecutive games of the same team. Last week's assignment came when he subbed for ref who was ill.

6) Martz Madness continues to turn ball over at an alarming rate, committing four turnovers in 16-10 loss to Giants. After rooting for his Ram teams for seven years, I'm still undecided on his offense-- it leaves the QB open to lot of hits, there are no audibles, and in years their defenses hasn't caused lot of turnovers, his teams haven't won that much.

5) Vikings, Eagles were only teams that lost turnover ratio but still won game Sunday. Bear-Seattle game had even TO ratio.

4) Brett Favre had his 62nd game Sunday with 3+ TD passes.

3) NFL Network has Colts-Falcons Thanskgiving Night; most of America won't see it, since greedy cable companes are in a fight with greedy NFL owners about how much NFL Network should cost the cable companies, In long run, fans, league are going to lose out-- its a good channel, if you like the NFL.

2) Favorites were 11-4 against spread Sunday, home sides 7-8 Under had an 9-6 edge. NFC teams were 3-1 for week, making them 22-21 against the AFC so far this season.

1) I wonder what Art Shell and former Oakland coaches think of this Randy Moss, team leader stuff? They lost their jobs at least in part because Moss refused to try while a Raider.

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National Football League - Dunkel Index

NFL
Dunkel Index


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Game 433-434: Tennessee at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 133.358; Denver 129.003
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 4; 41
Vegas Line: Denver by 3; 38 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (+3); Over

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National Football League – Long Sheet

NFL
Long Sheet


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Monday, November 19
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TENNESSEE (6 - 3) at DENVER (4 - 5) - 11/19/2007, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 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.

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National Football League - Short Sheet

NFL
Short Sheet


Monday, November 19th

Tennessee at Denver, 8:30 EST ESPN
Tennessee: 14-4 ATS as an underdog
Denver: 1-10 ATS as a home favorite

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National Football League – Write up

NFL
Write-up


Monday, November 19

Titans (6-3) @ Broncos (5-4) —Tennessee is 3-1 on road, losing only by FG at Tampa; three of their four road games were decided by three or less points- they had three-game win streak snapped by jags last week, as Jax outrushed Titans 166-62. Denver won for just second time in seven games at KC last week; they’re 2-3 at home, with both wins by FG. Bronco offense can’t carry team, scoring just three FGs on last 20 drives that started 80+ yards from goal line. Titans turned ball over seven times in last two games- they’re 4-1 if they turn it over less than three times. Under is 6-2-1 in Tennessee games, but seven of last eight Denver games went over.

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[pm530]

National Football League - Tips & Trends

NFL



Monday, November 19

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Tips and Trends
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Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos (ESPN | 8:30 PM ET)

This Monday night match-up puts two teams that are both very much alive in their division races together. The Tennessee Titans enter this game winning three out of their last four games, while the Broncos are coming off of a much needed win against Kansas City. The Titans have been winning their games behind a very good running game, as their star QB Vince Young has been struggling this year with an overall 62.2 rating. Running backs LenDale White and Chris Brown are expected to be available for this contest, which is great news as they are facing one of the worst rushing defenses in Denver. Tennessee is averaging 140 rushing yards per game to rank fourth in the league, and the Broncos defense ranks second-to-last against the run allowing 151. EDGE: TITANS
Denver's ground game may have discovered a new weapon last week in undrafted rookie Selvin Young, who rushed for 109 yards and his first career touchdown in the victory. The Titans have had a solid rush defense this year, but are expected to be without DT Albert Haynesworth. Known as one of the league's best run stuffers, Haynesworth missed a game for the first time this season last Sunday and the Titans gave up a season-high 166 rushing yards in a 28-13 loss to Jacksonville. EDGE: BRONCOS
Broncos QB Jay Cutler has been solid at home this season. He is averaging 247 passing yards per game with a 90 quarterback rating. The Titans defense are giving up that exact number of 247 passing yards per game on the road this season, including over 300 yards to the Texans through the air in their last road game. EDGE: BRONCOS
This will be the teams first meeting since last August when the Broncos defeated the Titans 35-10. As much as both teams strive to be good on the defensive side of the ball, six out of the last seven meetings have gone over the total - averaging 51 points per contest during that stretch. EDGE: OVER
Titans are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU loss.
Titans are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Titans are 18-8 ATS in their last 26 games as a small road underdog.
Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Week 11 games.
Broncos are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 home games.
Broncos are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games against the AFC.

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National Football League – Preview

NFL

Monday, November 19

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NFL Preview
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Monday Night Football Preview

Vince Young and his Tennessee Titans will be looking to pick up their seventh win of the year on Monday when they arrive at Invesco Field to battle with the Denver Broncos.

The Titans, though, will first have to shake off last week's outing - an ugly 28-13 home loss to the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Young went just 24-of-41 for 257 yards passing in that game at LP Field, with one touchdown strike and two interceptions. Young's quarterback rating now sits at only 62.2 through his eight games this season.

Justin Gage had that major score for the Titans, while Rob Bironas booted two field goals in the loss. Gage led the receiving corps with seven catches and 90 yards on the day. Young had a team-high 52 yards rushing off eight carries; LenDale White was held to just 12 yards rushing on eight carries, and Chris Henry had three carries for -2 yards.

Tennessee had been listed as 4.5-point favorites against Jacksonville, and obviously couldn't cover that spread. The combined score went OVER the day's posted total of 36 points. On the season the Titans are now 5-4 against-the-spread, although they're just 2-4 ATS over their past six games. As well, Tennessee has just two OVERs this season.

The Broncos moved to within a game of the .500 mark with a 27-11 road win over the Kansas City Chiefs last weekend. Denver had their best defensive performance of the year in that contest - their previous low for points allowed this season was 14, back in Week 1 against the Bills. Overall the Broncos have given up 238 points in nine games.

Jay Cutler completed 17-of-29 pass attempts for 192 yards against the Chiefs, with one TD and one INT. Daniel Graham had the TD catch for Denver in the fourth quarter, while Brandon Marshall led the team with six catches for 85 yards. Selvin Young filled in for the injured Travis Henry in the backfield with solid results - 109 yards on the ground and a 20-yard TD rush in the third quarter. Nate Webster returned a fumble for a score.

The Broncos had been listed as 3-point underdogs against the Chiefs, so they had no trouble picking up their second ATS victory of the season. Denver's only other ATS win this year came on October 21 against the Steelers, when they lost 31-28 as 4.5-point underdogs. High-scoring games have put the Broncos at 6-2-1 on the OVER/UNDER.

The last time Tennessee and Denver met in regular-season action was way back on Christmas Day, 2004, when the Broncos cruised to a 37-16 road victory over the Titans. Denver also got an easy against-the-spread win in that game, while the combined score went OVER the posted 51.5-point total. For Monday night the oddsmakers have set the Broncos as a slim 2-point home favorite, while the total has been pegged at 38 points.

Here are the official injury reports for both Tennessee and Denver for Monday night. Haynesworth (hamstring) and Henry (knee) are players to monitor throughout the day:

Tennessee Injuries
Ahmard Hall RB Out Week 11 (forearm)
Nicholas Harper CB Questionable Week 11 (concussion)
Albert Haynesworth DT Questionable Week 11 (hamstring)
David Stewart T Questionable Week 11 (ankle)

Denver Injuries
Javon Walker WR Out Week 11 (knee)
Travis Henry RB Questionable Week 11 (knee)
Paul Smith QB Questionable Week 11 (calf)
Jason Elam K Probable Week 11 (right calf)
John Engelberger DE Probable Week 11 (shoulder)
John Lynch S Probable Week 11 (neck)
Tony Scheffler TE Probable Week 11 (chest)

The Titans will stay on the road next week, as they'll go to Paul Brown Stadium to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. The Broncos have a road game in Chicago versus the Bears.

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National Football League – Notes

NFL
Notes


Monday, November 19

What bettors need to know about the Monday nighter

Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos (-2 ½, 38)

Ground ball

The Titans have one of the best rush offenses in the league, while the Broncos have been unable to stop the run in most of their games this season. Unsurprisingly, Tennessee plans to keep the ball on the ground when it travels to Denver for Monday Night Football.

Tennessee is averaging 139.8 rushing yards per game to rank fourth in the NFL in the category. It faces a Broncos defense that is second-to-last in run defense (151 yards per contest).

"We keep working on it and hopefully we can continue to improve," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan told The Associated Press. "If you don't get good stopping the run, you're in for a long day, I don't care who you are."

It could be a long game for the Broncos when they face Titans running back LenDale White, who has just recovered from a knee injury. White has 625 yards and five TDs in nine games this season, and is the main focus of Denver’s defense.

“When you have a big guy like LenDale, you have to gang tackle him," safety Hamza Abdullah told AP. "One guy’s not going to bring him down so we have to get to the football."

Broncos running back Travis Henry is a former teammate of White, and had high praise for his opponent ahead of their meeting. "He's a bruiser, a pounder," Henry told the Denver Post.

"When I was there he was the same way. The more he gets it, the better he gets. If they're going to feed it to him, he can wear a defense down, I know that much. That's their plan."

White ran for 100 yards or more in three straight games before an injury forced him to sit out most of the second half in last week’s loss to Jacksonville, ending the streak.

Henry’s double trouble

A knee injury could keep Broncos running back Travis Henry out of Monday’s meeting with his former team. A failed drug test could keep him out of action for a year.

The more immediate problem is the injury. Henry has a slightly torn posterior cruciate ligament, but could be able to play if he wears a special knee brace. There are no guarantees he will do that.

"I'll wear a brace for practice," Henry told USA Today. "But I ain't going to wear it in no game. I'm not going to say I'm 100 percent. We've got until Monday, so we'll see."

Henry has more pressing problems than the brace.

He failed a drug test earlier this season for having low levels of marijuana in his urine. The tailback then passed a lie detector test and a hair sample test, the results of which he took to his appeal on Friday. He will be notified of the NFL’s ruling on Tuesday.

Henry faces a one-year suspension if his appeal is rejected.

“I feel good about things," he told reporters after the hearing. “Wait ‘til Tuesday.”

Henry led the league in rushing after the first month of the season, but has run for just 147 yards since then. Henry’s year has been hampered by a series of injuries.

Undrafted rookie Selvin Young will replace him if he is not fit on Monday. Young gained 109 yards and scored a touchdown against the Chiefs last week.

Titans’ key man

With running backs LenDale White and Chris Brown apparently ready to start, Tennessee’s biggest injury concern is now Albert Haynesworth.

The defensive tackle is still struggling with the sore right hamstring that kept him of last week’s loss. He is a game-time decision for Monday.

Haynesworth is considered one of the best run-stoppers in the league. Last Sunday he missed a game for the first time this season and the Titans gave up a season-high 166 rushing yards in a 28-12 loss.

"We were just out of position, we missed some tackles and those kinds of things," Fisher told AP, while agreeing that Haynesworth’s absence was a blow. "But no, they didn't go in pressing or lacking confidence because one of their teammates was out."

Haynesworth is tied for the team lead with five sacks and is a critical part of the league’s fourth-ranked pass defense.

Last week’s loss to Jacksonville was the first game all season in which the Titans surrendered more than 100 yards. It also snapped a three-game winning streak and denied them the chance to move into a tie for first place in the AFC South.

Chip on his shoulder

Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler could have been a Titan. Tennessee decided to pick up Vince Young in 2006 NFL draft, while Cutler waited eight picks before eventually packing his bags for the mile-high city.

This week, Cutler gets the chance to lead his Broncos team against Young and the Titans, but claims his main focus is getting the win.

"I think everyone in the league has a sense of pride, a little chip on their shoulder when they get passed over by a team,'' he told The Nashville Tennessean. "Obviously I watched a lot of Titans games and got to know Vince a little bit through the draft.

“It's going to be fun, but I have to take care of my job and my responsibilities on this team. It's another game we need to win.''

Cutler has passed for 1,882 yards with nine touchdowns for the season, compared to 1,112 yards and four touchdowns for Young. Cutler also has the better passer rating and has thrown for three more touchdowns than Young in the past four games.

"He is ahead of where I thought he'd be,'' Broncos coach Mike Shanahan added. "I think he has a great future.”

Head to head

Denver has won, and covered, in its last two meetings with Tennessee. The home team has won seven of the last eight meetings, and covered in six of those wins.

The over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.

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[pm530]

National Football League – Cheat Sheet

NFL
NFL poolies' cheat sheet: Week 11


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Cheat Sheet
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Monday, November 19

Tennessee at Denver (-2 1/2)

Why Titans cover: Could get run-stopping defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth back from a hamstring injury. League’s fourth-best rush offense gets to face NFL’s 31st-ranked rush defense. Are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games. Broncos are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 home games.

Why Broncos cover: Rookie Selvin Young filled in admirably for an injured Travis Henry, rushing for 109 yards and a score against a tough Chiefs defense. Are averaging 5.66 yards per offensive play, sixth best in the league. Have averaged 36 points per game in their last two meetings while holding the Titans to 13 points per contest. Home team has won eight of last 10 meetings.

Total (38): Over is 9-1 in Broncos’ last 10 home games and 13-3 in their last 16 games overall.

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National Football League – over/under plays

NFL
Total bias: Week 11 over/under plays


Sunday, November 18

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NFL over/under picks
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Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos – under 38

Neither one of these two teams is having a great offensive season. Javon Walker – Denver's most explosive weapon – has been out the majority of the year because of an uncooperative knee.

The Broncos have struggled stopping the run all season but Tennessee's top two backs are both a little dinged up. Chris Brown (ankle) and LenDale White (knee) will both play but may be limited.

As mentioned above, Vince Young isn't giving the Titans' consistent quarterback play. Expect a quick game filled with three-and-outs.

Last week’s record: 3-0

Season record: 18-12

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Monday, November 19

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W MICHIGAN (2 - 2) at DETROIT (1 - 1) - 11/19/2007, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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SANTA CLARA (2 - 1) at UTAH (2 - 1) - 11/19/2007, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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SAN DIEGO ST (4 - 0) at SAN DIEGO (2 - 1) - 11/19/2007, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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IL-CHICAGO (2 - 2) vs. WICHITA ST (1 - 2) - 11/19/2007, 1:00 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.

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MONMOUTH (1 - 3) vs. CHARLOTTE (3 - 1) - 11/19/2007, 3:30 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.

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LSU (2 - 0) vs. OKLAHOMA ST (1 - 1) - 11/19/2007, 5:00 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.

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PRINCETON (2 - 0) vs. DUKE (2 - 0) - 11/19/2007, 9:00 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.

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ARIZONA ST (0 - 0) vs. ILLINOIS (2 - 0) - 11/19/2007, 11:30 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.

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MARYLAND (3 - 0) vs. UCLA (3 - 0) - 11/19/2007, 7:00 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.

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MISSOURI (3 - 0) vs. MICHIGAN ST (2 - 0) - 11/19/2007, 9:20 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.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Write up

NCAAB
Write-up


Monday, November 19

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Monday's College Basketball

Top Three Games

Baylor upset Notre Dame Sunday; Bears have experienced club but one with just one senior who plays lot (Australian Bruce). Winthrop beat Notre Dame in NCAAs last March; not sure if they're relieved to miss return match or not. Eagles lost three of its starters and its coach from last season's 29-5 team

Oklahoma State lost last thirteen road games, dropping first on road this season (at North Texas); Cowboys are 7-13 in last 20 games, going back to LY's freefall down stretch. LSU won first two games, vs SE Louisiana, McNeese State; they have three starters back from LY's 17-15 team that was 5-11 in the SEC.

Illinois won by a hoop at Hawai'i in a warmup game on islands; they've had trouble recruiting, so talent level is down, and only two scholarship seniors are on squad. Arizona State is young but talented- this is their first game, disadvantage vs an Illinois team that is well-coached.

Maryland (-17) needed OT to beat Northeastern last week; they lost five seniors from LY, but also played four freshman a lot so this is young team. UCLA has injury issues right now, with PG Collison out, but lot of talent- they're picked #2 in the country. Game is at neutral site (Kansas City).

Missouri plays "40 Minutes of Hell" system; they should have lot of support at "non-neutral" KC site. Michigan State lost an exhibition at home to Grand Valley State, but they have senior guard in Neitzel, and are picked 6th in country to start season. State has depth; will they be able to handle Missouri's press?

Rest of the Card

-- Western Michigan is 3-1, winning t Loyola Saturday, losing a close game at Oregon. Detroit lost 69-67 in Kalamazoo LY; they are 1-1, beating Kent 61-60 at home, then losing 66-58 at StL.

-- Santa Clara has new coach, inexperienced team; they lost at Nevada 67-54 Saturday (was 26-25 at half). Utah lost 83-77 at Washington, they also have new coach and four starters back from LY's 11-19 team.

-- San Diego State (-15) beat San Diego LY 79-76; Aztecs went 30 at Fresno tourney, whipping host Bulldogs. USD won by a hoop at Hawai'i, but lost at home to UNLV Saturday nite, 66-55.

-- Ill-Chicago lost 64-63 to Charlotte Saturday, after losing 72-58 to Winthrop- they had upset Bradley in home opener. Wichita is also 0-2 in this event, losing 59-50 to Monmouth, 64-55 in the first round to Baylor.

-- Monmouth lost by 43 in first round, then beat Wichita in its next game; they're picjed 8th in NEC. Charlotte nipped UIC by a point Saturday, after losing 82-77 to Georgia Tech in 1st round.

-- Georgia Tech has already lost to NC-Greensboro, Winthrop, but they did beat Charlotte in first round; they need a PG. Notre Dame got upset by Baylor Sunday; they're picked 10th in Big East.They missed out on revenge game vs Winthrop.

-- Duke hammered first couple teams they played, but no one was any good; New Mexico State was missing guys. Their lack of size shouldn't hurt vs Princeton team that beat Iona 66-58. Iona lost to Tar Heels by 35 Sunday in Chapel Hill.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Preview

NCAAB


Monday, November 19

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NCAAB Preview
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Maui Invitational hoops betting preview

Sun, surf and some of the best college basketball action at this time of the year – what could be better?

The Maui Invitational begins Monday in Hawaii. The tip-off tournament includes prominent programs Duke, Illinois and Marquette, as well as Oklahoma State, LSU, Princeton, Arizona State and host school Chaminade.

Marquette Golden Eagles at Chaminade Silverswords: Monday, 2:30 p.m. (all times ET)

The Golden Eagles have the honor of facing the host team at this year’s Maui. Marquette is 2-0 with home tune-ups against Indiana-Purdue and Utah Valley. Neither win was overwhelming. The backcourt of Dominic James and Jerel McNeal combined for an average of 26 points over the first two games with 11 total steals and eight total assists.

Predictions put the Silverswords third in the PacWest this season. They kicked off the year with a one-sided victory over Golden State Baptist, winning 102-58. Chaminade is led by 7-foot center Marko Kolaric, who was selected as a preseason first team all conference member.

Louisiana State Tigers vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys: Monday, 5 p.m.

LSU is down to nine healthy bodies heading into this game. The Tigers, who are 2-0 after two unimpressive wins, are without junior Tasmin Mitchell, senior Dameon Mason and JuCo transfer Quintin Thornton, who is out for the season with a torn pectoral. Coach John Brady has had to use assistant coaches in practice just to run through certain drills. LSU should get a boost when Mitchell returns to action. The 6-foot-7 forward is probable for Monday’s tourney opener.

The Cowboys stumble into the Maui after losing a shocker to North Texas on Wednesday. The defeat was Oklahoma State’s 13th straight road loss going back to February 2006. Star freshman James Anderson is a bright spot for coach Sean Sutton, scoring 22.5 points per game alongside senior forward Marcus Dove.

Princeton Tigers vs. Duke Blue Devils: Monday, 9 p.m.

The Tigers were expected to finish at the bottom of the Ivy League this season but jumped of the gate with two solid wins over Central Connecticut State and Iona.

Princeton will attempt to slow things down against the Blue Devils while Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski will try to do the opposite, imposing his new high-octane offense on the Tigers.

The Blue Devils are scoring over 103 points per game under Coach K’s run-and-gun offense. They have five players averaging double figures over their first two games including freshmen standouts Kyle Singler and Taylor King. Duke has never lost a game at the Maui, going 9-0 with tournament titles in 1992, 1997 and 2001.

Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Illinois Fighting Illini: Monday, 11:30 p.m.

The Sun Devils tip off their season at the Maui after finishing last year 8-22. Arizona State is very young with six new faces expected to log minutes for second-year head coach Herb Sendek. Highly touted freshman James Harden and sophomore transfer Eric Boateng join junior star Jeff Pendergraph and sophomore guard Christian Polk as the Devils’ biggest threats.

Illinois has been in Hawaii since last week, but don’t think the Illini have just been soaking up the sun. Head coach Bruce Weber is prepping his guys for tough away games come March; he scheduled a meeting with the Hawaii Warriors this past Friday. Illinois squeaked out a buzzer-beater win as a 3-point favorite, its second win after a so-so effort versus Northeastern last weekend. Big banger Shaun Pruitt is leading the team in scoring and rebounding with an average 13.5 points and 12 boards over the last two games.

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