Saturday Trends and Indexes 12/22

[pm530]

College Basketball - Tips & Trends

NCAAB


Saturday, December 22

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Tips and Trends
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#4 Georgetown at #2 Memphis (ESPN | 12 PM ET)

Georgetown is 11-3-1 ATS in its last 15 road games.
Memphis is 2-6-2 ATS in its last 10 non-conference games.
The UNDER is 43-19 in Memphis’s last 62 games following an ATS loss.


#8 UCLA at Michigan (CBS | 2 PM ET)

UCLA is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 road games following 3+ home games.
Michigan is 0-8 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.


#12 Tennessee at #24 Xavier (ESPN | 2 PM ET)

Tennessee is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 road games.
Xavier is 14-5-1 ATS in its last 20 home games.
The OVER is 16-5 in Xavier’s last 21 home games against a winning road team.


#25 Stanford at Texas Tech (ESPN2 | 4:30 PM ET)

Stanford is 12-5-1 ATS in its last 18 games after allowing under 50 points.
Texas Tech is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 Saturday games.
The UNDER is 6-0 in Stanford’s last 6 games overall.


#5 Texas at #10 Michigan State (ESPN2 | 6:30 PM ET)

Texas is 17-5 ATS in its last 22 games following a SU win.
Michigan State is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games against the Big 12.
The OVER is 7-2 in Michigan State’s last 9 home games against a winning road team.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Matchup Notes

NCAAB


Saturday, December 22

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Today's key NCAAB Top 25 matchup notes
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Saturday's key college basketball matchup notes

Coppin St. at No. 14 Indiana

This is the first meeting between the teams.


No. 4 Georgetown at No. 2 Memphis (-5)

Memphis has beaten Georgetown only once in seven tries.


UC Santa Barbara at No. 1 North Carolina (-22 1/2)

On Nov. 25, 2005, Tyler Hansbrough had 15 points and 11 rebounds against UC Santa Barbara as North Carolina beat the Gauchos 83-66 in the schools' only meeting.


Miami (OH) at No. 3 Kansas (-19 1/2)

Kansas and Miami have never met, but the Jayhawks are 7-1 against MAC teams and the RedHawks are 2-4 all-time against Big 12 opponents.


No. 12 Tennessee at No. 24 Xavier (-3)

Tennessee is 9-4 all-time against Xavier, and the two programs have not met in Cincinnati since 1963.


NO. 8 UCLA at Michigan (+15)

UCLA looks for its fourth straight victory over Michigan.


UC Irvine at No. 11 Texas A&M (-21)

These schools have faced each other only once, but that game holds some significance in Texas A&M history. The Anteaters won that meeting, 91-74, in the opening round of the 1980 KOA Classic.


San Diego St. at No. 19 Arizona (-10 1/2)

Arizona, which has won 12 of the 13 meetings in Tuscon, won 69-48 last Dec. 9 in San Diego.


No. 15 Clemson at Mississippi

This will be the Tigers' first game versus a ranked opponent this season. Clemson leads 3-1 in the all-time series between the teams.


No. 5 Texas at No. 10 Michigan State (-3)

The Longhorns had won the programs' two previous meetings, including one in the regional finals of the 2003 NCAA tournament.


No. 18 Butler at Florida Gulf Coast

Butler beat Florida Gulf Coast 79-65 on Feb. 13 in the first meeting between the teams. It was the first game against a ranked opponent for the Eagles.


Columbia at No. 16 Villanova (-23 1/2)

The Lions lost 74-66 at Villanova on Dec. 22, 2003 in the last meeting between the teams. The Wildcats lead the series 3-1.


No. 21 Oregon at Oakland

This is the first meeting between Oregon and Oakland.


Tennessee St. at No. 17 Vanderbilt (-20 1/2)

The Commodores have won all five meetings with Tennessee State and each game was played at Memorial Gym, where Vandy is 6-0 this season. The Tigers lost 87-65 in the most recent matchup in 2004.

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[pm530]

Hockey – Long Sheet

NHL
Long Sheet


Saturday, December 22

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ST LOUIS (17-12-0-2, 36 pts.) at BOSTON (18-12-0-4, 40 pts.) - 12/22/2007, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 6-1 ATS (+4.9 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
BOSTON is 37-33 ATS (+78.6 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 27-29 ATS (+84.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 1-0-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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BUFFALO (17-14-0-1, 35 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (16-13-0-3, 35 pts.) - 12/22/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 16-21 ATS (-11.0 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 56-42 ATS (+11.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 71-38 ATS (+17.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 38-76 ATS (-59.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 1-9 ATS (-11.6 Units) in home games in December games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-23 ATS (-15.4 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-16 ATS (-20.0 Units) in home games on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 10-4 (+5.2 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 10-4-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.6 Units)

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WASHINGTON (13-19-0-3, 29 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (15-15-0-2, 32 pts.) - 12/22/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 3-12 ATS (+17.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
WASHINGTON is 3-12 ATS (+17.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 23-13 ATS (+37.3 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 64-102 ATS (+186.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 7-3 (+3.8 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 7-3-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.6 Units)

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TORONTO (14-14-0-7, 35 pts.) at FLORIDA (17-16-0-2, 36 pts.) - 12/22/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 19-27 ATS (-17.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 74-89 ATS (+174.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
FLORIDA is 185-211 ATS (-83.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-2 (+4.4 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 7-2-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.4 Units)

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MONTREAL (17-12-0-5, 39 pts.) at ATLANTA (16-17-0-1, 33 pts.) - 12/22/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 23-29 ATS (-19.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 14-24 ATS (-16.8 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 4-12 ATS (+16.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
MONTREAL is 7-1 ATS (+8.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more this season.
MONTREAL is 11-6 ATS (+18.4 Units) in road games first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 5-4 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 5-4-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.0 Units)

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CHICAGO (16-15-0-2, 34 pts.) at OTTAWA (22-8-0-3, 47 pts.) - 12/22/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 6-11 ATS (-15.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 1-0 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 1-0-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.1 Units)

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CAROLINA (18-15-0-3, 39 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (15-17-0-3, 33 pts.) - 12/22/2007, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 58-60 ATS (-25.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 7-2 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 13-7 (+7.4 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 13-7-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.0 Units)

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DETROIT (25-7-0-3, 53 pts.) at MINNESOTA (20-12-0-2, 42 pts.) - 12/22/2007, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 39-19 ATS (+58.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 25-12 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games in December games since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 27-9 ATS (+14.9 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) on Saturday games this season.
MINNESOTA is 62-44 ATS (+108.8 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 7-2 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-2-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.1 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (12-21-0-2, 26 pts.) at NASHVILLE (14-16-0-2, 30 pts.) - 12/22/2007, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 4-16 ATS (-12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LOS ANGELES is 4-16 ATS (-12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 4-5 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 5-4-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

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VANCOUVER (19-12-0-4, 42 pts.) at PHOENIX (17-16-0-0, 34 pts.) - 12/22/2007, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 17-16 ATS (+0.5 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 95-85 ATS (+216.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
PHOENIX is 17-16 ATS (+42.0 Units) first half of the season this season.
VANCOUVER is 73-55 ATS (+5.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 36-31 ATS (+69.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 18-14 ATS (+35.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 9-25 ATS (+42.4 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 6-2 (+3.5 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 6-2-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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ANAHEIM (17-15-0-5, 39 pts.) at SAN JOSE (18-11-0-5, 41 pts.) - 12/22/2007, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 12-18 ATS (-12.7 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 21-8 ATS (+10.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 46-26 ATS (+17.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 2-7 ATS (-8.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
SAN JOSE is 2-7 ATS (-10.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN JOSE is 2-7 ATS (-11.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 6-9 ATS (-12.1 Units) in home games in December games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 6-11 ATS (-12.7 Units) in home games first half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 2-8 ATS (-13.0 Units) in home games vs. division opponents this season.
SAN JOSE is 3-8 ATS (-12.2 Units) in home games after a division game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 12-8 (+4.2 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 12-8-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
11 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.6 Units)

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[pm530]

National Hockey League - Matchup Notes

NHL


Saturday, December 22

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Today's key NHL betting matchup notes
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Saturday's key NHL matchup notes

St. Louis at Boston (-125, 5)

The Blues have won six straight - five after regulation - against the Bruins. Boston's last win in the series was a 5-1 home victory on Jan. 30, 2001.


Chicago at Ottawa (-223, 6)

The Blackhawks have won three of their last four games against the Senators.


Washington at N.Y. Islanders (-120, 5 ½)

The teams have split two games this season, with each winning on the road and neither squad carries much momentum into this game.


Buffalo at Philadelphia (-119, 6)

The Sabres and Flyers split two games in Philadelphia last season. Buffalo has won three of its last four there after dropping four straight from 2002-04.


Montreal at Atlanta (-115, 6)

The Thrashers won the first meeting this season with the Canadiens, 3-2 in a shootout on Oct. 30. Atlanta has won two straight against Montreal after losing the three previous meetings.


Toronto at Florida ( -130, 5 ½)

Florida has won only two of the last 10 meetings with Toronto and one of the last four at home.


Carolina at Tampa Bay (-120, 6)

Tampa Bay has won seven of its last eight against the Hurricanes, including three of four this season. Carolina has lost three straight and 12 of 15 at Tampa.


Los Angeles at Nashville (-185, 5 ½)

Michael Cammalleri had two goals and defenseman Rob Blake added two assists for the Kings in the October victory over Nashville.


Detroit at Minnesota (+111, 5)

The Wild are 2-10-0 with two ties in their last 14 games against the Red Wings. Detroit has earned a point in its last six games in Minnesota, including a tie and an overtime loss.


Vancouver at Phoenix (+114, 5)

The Coyotes woes at home have been evident against Vancouver, which is 5-2-0 with a tie against the Coyotes on the road since Nov. 9, 2002. The Canucks have also won nine of the last 11 overall meetings in the series, going 3-1-0 last season.


Anaheim at San Jose (-134, 5)

The Ducks are 3-0-1 this season against the Sharks. The first three games were decided in shootouts. Anaheim is 5-0-2 in the past seven meetings overall, a stretch that includes four shootouts and each contest decided by either one or two goals. No team has scored more than three goals in any of those seven matchups.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Dunkel Index

NBA
Dunkel Index

Golden State at New Jersey
The Nets picked up a road win over a struggling Miami team on Thursday night, but should face a stiffer challenge at home today from Golden State. After dropping the first game of their road trip in Detroit, the Warriors have bounced back with two wins at Memphis (125-117) and Minnesota (111-98) to improve their road record to 8-6. The Nets, meanwhile, have dropped four of their last five at home. Golden State is the pick (-2) in this one according to Dunkel, which has the Warriors favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-2). Here are all of today's games.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22

Game 701-702: Washington at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 120.416; Indiana 123.175
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 3; 210 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 6; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+6); Over

Game 703-704: Golden State at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 120.449; New Jersey 113.984
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 6 1/2; 211 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 2; 209
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-2); Over

Game 705-706: Utah at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 117.411; Miami 118.105
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 1; 203 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pick; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami; Over

Game 707-708: Minnesota at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 109.934; New Orleans 119.096
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 9; 187
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 11; 184
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+11); Over

Game 709-710: Philadelphia at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.120; Memphis 118.244
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 4 1/2; 200 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+4 1/2); Over

Game 711-712: Houston at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 115.520; Chicago 121.345
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 6; 192 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 713-714: LA Clippers at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 112.864; San Antonio 126.542
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 14; 197
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 715-716: Charlotte at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 110.497; Milwaukee 117.695
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 7; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 6 1/2; 188
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-6 1/2); Under

Game 717-718: Toronto at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 120.603; Phoenix 123.636
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 3; 210 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 10; 208 1/2

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[pm530]

National Hockey League - Dunkel Index

NHL
Dunkel Index

Anaheim at San Jose
The Ducks have enjoyed success against San Jose recently, going 3-0-1 this season and 5-0-2 in the last seven meetings overall. They hit San Jose tonight with the Sharks struggling on offense (five regulation goals in last four games) and losers in their last three at home. Anaheim looks like a good underdog pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Ducks favored straight up by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+115). Here are all of today's games.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22

Game 1-2: St. Louis at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 10.904; Boston 11.680
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-125); Over

Game 3-4: Buffalo at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.860; Philadelphia 10.707
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-125); 6
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+105); Over

Game 5-6: Washington at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 11.242; NY Islanders 10.672
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+115); Under

Game 7-8: Toronto at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 11.595; Florida 11.458
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+115); Under

Game 9-10: Montreal at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.825; Atlanta 10.797
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-115); 6
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+105); Over

Game 11-12: Chicago at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.193; Ottawa 13.204
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-250); 6
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (-250); Over

Game 13-14: Carolina at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.139; Tampa Bay 10.196
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-120); 6
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+100); Over

Game 15-16: Detroit at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 12.404; Minnesota 11.347
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-130); Under

Game 17-18: Los Angeles at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 10.113; Nashville 11.375
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-185); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-185); Over

Game 19-20: Vancouver at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.555; Phoenix 12.105
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-115); Under

Game 21-22: Anaheim at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.274; San Jose 10.790
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+115); Under

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[Udog]

NBA today - Dec. 22


SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Dec. 22

L.A. Clippers at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. EST).

The Spurs are tied for the league's best home record at 13-1.

STARS
Friday

-Joe Johnson, Hawks, had 32 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, and Atlanta beat Washington 97-92.

-Paul Millsap, Jazz, scored a career-high 28 points to lead Utah over Orlando 113-94.

-Andrew Bynum, Lakers, scored a career-high 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to help Los Angeles get past Philadelphia 106-101.

-Al Jefferson and Sebastian Telfair, Timberwolves. Jefferson had 29 points and 13 rebounds and Telfair added 27 points and dished out 11 assists and Minnesota defeated Indiana 131-118.

-Gerald Wallace, Bobcats, scored 27 points and Charlotte ran over New York 105-95.

-Kevin Durant, SuperSonics, poured in 27 points to lift Seattle over Toronto 123-115.

BLAZING

Martell Webster scored 19 points to help Portland extend its winning streak to 10 games with a 99-96 victory over Denver on Friday. The Trail Blazers, who have the longest current winning streak in the NBA, haven't won as many games since taking 12 straight during the 2001-02 season. Portland started the streak with a win Dec. 3 at Memphis, after going 5-12 to start the season.

BACK TO NORMAL

Charlotte beat New York 105-95 on Friday to send the listless Knicks back to their losing ways. The Knicks dropped to 1-10 on the road this season and failed to win consecutive games for the first time in nearly a month. New York allowed the league's second-lowest scoring team to shoot 50 percent.

BOUNCING BACK

Paul Pierce 22 points, including 15 in the third quarter and Boston beat Chicago 107-82 on Friday. Recovering quickly from their only home loss of the season, the Celtics never trailed in the game and never gave up their double-digit lead after scoring 10 consecutive points to make it 40-22 with 7:50 left in the first half.

STRUGGLING

Dallas defeated the Clippers 102-89 on Friday to hand Los Angeles its 12th loss in 15 games following a 6-4 start to the season. Chris Kaman scored 24 points and grabbed 19 rebounds for the Clippers. It was his 21st double-double of the season and his 11th straight in December.

STREAKING

Dirk Nowitzki scored 30 points to help Dallas beat the Los Angeles Clippers 102-89 on Friday for its fifth straight win. Nowitzki has scored at least 30 in his last three games. ... Detroit routed Memphis 92-67 on Friday to win its fourth straight game and have now won 11 of 13 overall. The Pistons have won six straight over the Grizzlies and 12 of 14 overall in the series.

SNAPPED

Utah ended a seven-game road losing streak with a 113-94 victory over Orlando Magic on Friday. The Jazz hadn't won road game since Nov. 28. ... The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the 76ers 106-101 to win their first regular season game in Philadelphia since February 2000. ... Atlanta topped the Wizards 97-92 for its first win in Washington since December 2003. ... Minnesota beat Indiana 131-118 to snap a six-game slide and won just its fourth game of the season.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Hedo Turkoglu scored a season-high 27 for Orlando and Dwight Howard had 20 points and 13 rebounds in a 113-94 loss to Utah on Friday. The Magic have lost six of their last eight and haven't won a home game since Nov. 24. ... Antawn Jamison led Washington with 30 points and nine rebounds in a 97-92 loss to Atlanta. ... Mike Dunleavy had 30 points in Indiana's 131-118 loss to Minnesota. ... Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony each had 34 points for Denver in a 99-96 loss to Portland. ... Chris Bosh scored 26 points and Jose Calderon matched a season-high with 16 assists but Toronto fell to Seattle 123-115 for its second straight loss.

SPEAKING

''Why wouldn't we be? Are you not going to be OK with your sister or your brother or whoever you get in a misunderstanding with? We're OK.'' - New York's Quentin Richardson, on an argument he had with coach Isiah Thomas on the bench in the third quarter of a 105-95 loss to Charlotte on Friday. Richardson did not return to the game afterward.

[Udog]

Hockey today - Dec. 22


SCOREBOARD
Saturday, Dec. 22

Detroit at Minnesota (8 p.m. EST).

Marian Gaborik, who scored five goals on Thursday night, leads the Wild in a Western Conference matchup against the Red Wings.

STARS
Friday

-Mike Ribeiro, Stars, scored his second goal of the game 57 seconds into overtime and Dallas beat Calgary 3-2.

-Wojtek Wolski, Avalanche, tapped in the winning goal 1:16 into overtime to give Colorado a 4-3 win over the New York Rangers.

-Blake Comeau, Islanders, scored his first career goal, a tiebreaker midway through the third period that helped New York defeat Pittsburgh 4-2.

-Jochen Hecht, Sabres, snapped a late third-period tie and Buffalo edged Philadelphia 3-2.

-Fredrik Norrena, Blue Jackets, made 33 saves and Columbus held off Los Angeles 2-1.

-Patrik Elias and Brian Gionta, Devils, scored 35 seconds apart in the third period to lead New Jersey to a 3-1 win at Edmonton.

ROUGH HOMECOMING

Daniel Briere returned to Buffalo for the first time since signing an eight-year, $52 million contract with Philadelphia last summer and went pointless with a minus-2 rating in the Flyers' 3-2 loss on Friday night. Philadelphia has lost five straight, its longest losing streak of the season, and nine of its last 11 trips to Buffalo.

LUCKY SEVEN

Colorado has beaten the New York Rangers seven straight times after posting a 4-3 overtime victory on Friday night. The Rangers haven't beaten the Avalanche since a 5-3 win on Nov. 20, 2001, at Madison Square Garden. New York hasn't won in Denver since 1998.

LA-LA LAND

Los Angeles has lost six in a row after a 2-1 defeat at Columbus on Friday night. The Kings have also dropped five straight on the road and are an NHL-worst 4-11-1 away from home.

GOAL STREAKS

Mike Ribeiro scored twice on Friday night, including the winner 57 seconds into overtime that gave Dallas a 3-2 win at Calgary, giving him six goals in the past six games. He is two shy of his career high of 20 set with Montreal in 2003-04. ... Miroslav Satan scored for the fifth straight game to help the New York Islanders beat Pittsburgh 4-2. Three of Satan's nine goals this season are against the Penguins.

HOME WOES

Calgary lost its 12th home game of the season Friday night, 3-2 in overtime to Dallas, to surpass its total from 2006-07 when it led the NHL with a 30-9-2 home mark.

EXTENSION

The Philadelphia Flyers and John Stevens agreed to a one-year contract extension Friday that will take the second-year coach through the 2008-09 season.

SIDELINED

Carolina right wing Justin Williams will miss at least four months after tearing a knee ligament, general manager Jim Rutherford said Friday. The Hurricanes also placed forward Chad LaRose on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 18 because Of a concussion, and recalled forward Brandon Nolan from Albany of the AHL.

SPEAKING

''We just gave that game away. We literally gave it away. It was Christmastime and we wrapped it up and gave it to them.'' - Edmonton coach Craig MacTavish after his team gave up three third-period goals for a 3-1 loss to New Jersey on Friday night.

[Udog]

NHL
Hot Lines


Ice picks: Saturday's best hockey bets

Chicago Blackhawks at Ottawa Senators (-222, 6)

The Blackhawks have been one of the surprise teams so far this season. Tonight they will attempt to knock off one of the best clubs in the league. Chicago will try to win consecutive games for the first time in December when they matchup with the Senators.

Despite being 0-3-1 in their last four road games, the Hawks have road paydays against NHL powers Detroit, Calgary and Dallas this season. The Blackhawks have won three of their last four games against the Senators.

This will mark Martin Havlat's first game in Ottawa against the team with which he started his career.

Pick: Blackhawks +202


Montreal Canadiens at Atlanta Thrashers (-115, 6)

Montreal backers got an early Christmas present when starting goalie Cristobal Huet returned to the lineup this week, stopping 35 of 37 shots for a win over the Caps.

Tonight Huet will try to power the Canadiens to a fourth straight road win when they face the Thrashers. Huet is 3-0-0 with a 1.33 GAA in his last three starts against the Thrashers.

Alex Kovalev is carrying the load on offense for Montreal. He has a team-best 14 goals in 34 games this season after he had 16 in 73 contests in 2006-07.

The Canadiens are 4-1 in their last five road games.

Pick: Canadiens +105


Vancouver Canucks at Phoenix Coyotes (+114, 5)

The Coyotes have been cashing in on the road lately and tonight they could have a hard time carrying that success to their home rink.

Despite winning three of their last four at home, the Coyotes have struggled there this season. They have the fewest home wins of any team in the league with a total of five.

The Canucks, who have won two straight games overall, have won nine of the last 11 meetings in the series with Phoenix.

Vancouver's last two road games were losses, but the team has not dropped more than two consecutive games away from home since a six-game skid a year ago.

Pick: Canucks -124

[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Saturday, December 22nd

Washington at Indiana, 7:05 EST NBATV
Washington: 11-2 ATS away off a loss by 6 or less points
Indiana: 2-11 ATS at home after scoring 110+ points

Golden State at New Jersey, 7:35 EST
Golden State: 14-4 ATS as a road favorite
New Jersey: 1-11 ATS at home off a win as an road dog

Utah at Miami, 7:35 EST
Utah: 10-21 ATS as a road favoite
Miami: 12-3 Over after losing 4 of their last 5 games

Minnesota at New Orleans, 8:05 EST
Minnesota: 12-28 ATS after losing 2 of their last 3 games
New Orleans: 17-4 ATS revenging a home loss

Philadelphia at Memphis, 8:05 EST
Philadelphia: 15-3 ATS off BB ATS losses
Memphis: 3-14 ATS after scoring 80+ points

Houston at Chicago, 8:35 EST WGN
Houston: 8-2 Under off an Over
Chicago: 2-8 ATS off an Over

LA Clippers at San Antonio, 8:35 EST
LA Clippers: 1-6 ATS off BB Unders
San Antonio: 7-0 ATS after losing 4 or 5 of their last 6 games

Charlotte at Milwaukee, 8:35 EST
Charlotte: 1-8 ATS in road games
Milwaukee: 19-8 Over at home playing with 2+ two days rest

Toronto at Phoenix, 9:05 EST
Toronto: 13-4 ATS off BB non-conference games
Phoenix: 1-11 ATS as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NCAAB
Short Sheet - First Post


Saturday, December 22nd

Georgetown at Memphis, 12:00 EST ESPN
Georgetown: 10-1 ATS after a win by 30+ points
Memphis: 0-6 ATS at home off BB games giving up 9 or less offensive rebounds

Cal Santa Barbara at North Carolina, 1:00 EST
UCSB: 7-1 Under in all games
North Carolina: 7-0 ATS after playing a game as favorite

James Madison at Seton Hall, 1:00 EST
James Madison: 11-3 Under playing only their 2nd game in 8 days
Seton Hall: 6-1 ATS after scoring 75+ points BB games

Eastern Michigan at Temple, 1:00 EST
Eastern Michigan: 6-1 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points
Temple: 5-1 Under as double-digit favorite

Central Michigan at Cleveland State, 1:00 EST
Central Michigan: 13-27 ATS off BB games w/ 12 or less assists
Cleveland State: 8-2 Under as home favorite

Miami OH at Kansas, 1:00 EST
Miami OH: 7-0 ATS as double-digit underdog
Kansas: 9-21 ATS at home off SU win/ATS loss

Bowling Green at Indiana State, 2:00 EST
Bowling Green: 6-1 ATS playing with 5 or 6 days rest
Indiana State: 6-1 Over in all games

Illinois State at Ball State, 2:00 EST
Illinois State: 5-1 Over after 3 non-conference games
Ball State: 1-11 ATS on Saturdays

Tennessee at Xavier, 2:00 EST
Tennessee: 0-6 ATS Away off 4+ SU wins
Xavier: 13-4 ATS as home favorite

UCLA at Michigan, 2:00 EST CBS
UCLA: 24-12 ATS off a home game
Michigan: 3-14 ATS as an underdog

Hofstra at Rhode Island, 2:00 EST
Hofstra: 11-3 ATS playing only their 2nd game in 8 days
Rhode Island: 5-17 ATS as double-digit home favorite

Cal Irvine at Texas A&M, 2:00 EST
Cal Irvine: 32-54 ATS playing with one or less days rest
Texas A&M: 23-12 ATS off ATS win

Nevada at Northern Iowa, 2:00 EST
Nevada: 44-25 ATS as an underdog since 1997
Northern Iowa: 3-13 ATS at home off a road win

New Mexico State at Louisville, 2:00 EST
New Mexico State: 1-7 ATS this season
Louisville: 13-4 ATS playing only their 2nd game in a week

Arkansas Little Rock at Creighton, 3:00 EST
Arkansas Little Rock: 3-11 ATS Away off an Under
Creighton: 35-20 ATS off BB ATS losses

Western Kentucky at Southern Illinois, 3:00 EST
Western Kentucky: 15-6 ATS off non-conference game
Southern Illinois: 0-7 ATS after playing BB games as a road favorite

Princeton at Marshall, 3:00 EST
Princeton: 0-6 ATS off 5+ SU losses
Marshall: 4-14 ATS as favorite

Oregon State at LSU, 3:00 EST
Oregon State: 5-1 Under as a road underdog of 12.5 to 15 points
LSU: 1-10 ATS at home off road loss

San Diego State at Arizona, 3:00 EST
San Diego State: 0-6 ATS Away after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8 games
Arizona: 11-2 ATS after 3 consecutive non-conference games

Northern Illinois at Wisconsin Green Bay, 3:00 EST
Northern Illinois: 6-1 Over in all games
Wisc Green Bay: 6-0 ATS after a loss by 15+ points

Florida at Ohio State, 4:00 EST CBS
Florida: 21-7 ATS off BB non-conference games
Ohio State: 40-17 Under as home favorite

Idaho at Arizona State, 4:00 EST
Idaho: 17-8 ATS as an underdog
Arizona State: 3-11 ATS in December

Northeastern at Boston College, 4:00 EST
Northeastern: 4-14 ATS Away off ATS loss
Boston College: 23-11 ATS after a non-conference game

Florida State at Providence, 4:00 EST
Florida State: 7-1 Under after 3 non-conference games
Providence: 9-1 Under after scoring 85+ points

San Francisco at Notre Dame, 4:00 EST
San Francisco: 5-15 ATS off ATS loss
Notre Dame: 14-5 ATS off 3+ SU wins

Stanford at Texas Tech, 4:30 EST ESPN2
Stanford: 6-0 ATS Away in December
Texas Tech: 0-6 ATS as a neutral court underdog of 6 points or less

Utah at California, 6:00 EST
Utah: 8-0 Under after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games
California: 13-5 ATS as favorite

CS Northridge at Washington, 6:00 EST
CS Northridge: 3-12 ATS playing their 2nd game in 3 days
Washington: 5-1 Over as a home favorite of 12.5 to 15 points

Wright State at CS Fullerton, 6:00 EST
Wright State: 16-5 ATS off ATS loss
CS Fullerton: 2-8 ATS playing only their 3rd game in a week

North Texas at Denver, 6:00 EST
North Texas: 6-0 ATS after allowing 60 points or less
Denver: 10-3 Over off a road loss scoring less than 60 points

Texas at Michigan State, 6:30 EST ESPN2
Texas: 13-4 Over off BB double-digit home wins
Michigan State: 7-1 ATS this season

Cornell at Syracuse, 7:00 EST
Cornell: 7-0 ATS after a game with 9 or less assists
Syracuse: 14-28 ATS playing only their 2nd game in a week

Columbia at Villanova, 7:00 EST
Columbia: 6-0 Over off 3 road games
Villanova: 36-19 Over off a road game

Santa Clara at Minnesota, 7:00 EST ESPNU
Santa Clara: 5-1 Over after a loss by 15+ points
Minnesota: 6-1 Over after scoring 75+ points BB games

Middle Tennessee State at South Alabama, 8:00 EST
Mid Tenn State: 0-3 ATS after playing a game as favorite
South Alabama: 6-0 ATS playing their 2nd game in 3 days

Virginia Commonwealth at Bradley, 8:00 EST
VA Commonwealth: 17-7 Over in road games
Bradley: 18-7 ATS as home favorite

UAB at Wichita State, 8:00 EST
UAB: 4-12 ATS as an underdog
Wichita State: 5-1 Under in all games

Cal Poly Slo at USC, 8:00 EST
Cal Poly Slo: 13-4 ATS off ATS loss
USC: 16-3 Under off 3 non-conference games

Arkansas State at New Orleans, 8:00 EST
Arkansas State: 5-1 Over as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points
New Orleans: 5-1 Over in all lined games

Valparaiso at Wisconsin, 8:30 EST
Valparaiso: 5-1 Over in road games
Wisconsin: 11-1 ATS at home off BB wins by 15+ points

Missouri at Illinois, 8:30 EST ESPN2
Missouri: 6-0 Over on neutral court
Illinois: 0-9 ATS in December

Colorado at Colorado State, 9:00 EST
Colorado: 8-1 Under off SU loss as favorite
Colorado State: 1-5 ATS as a home favorite of 3 points or less

Pacific at Fresno State, 10:00 EST
Pacific: 15-5 Under as road favorite
Fresno State: 1-5 ATS as a home underdog of 3 points or less


San Juan Shootout
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Final Round

LaSalle vs. DePaul, 3:00 EST
LaSalle: 0-6 ATS in tournament games
DePaul: 7-2 Under after having lost 5 or 6 of their last 7

Mississippi vs. Clemson, 5:30 EST
Mississippi: 0-3 ATS playing their 2nd game in 3 days
Clemson: 13-7 ATS vs. SEC teams


Las Vegas Classic
Las Vegas, Nevada
Semifinal Round

Texas Southern vs. Wofford, 3:00 EST
Texas Southern: n/a
Wofford: 1-6 ATS off 3+ road games

Bethune Cookman vs. Texas Pan American, 5:30 EST
Bethune Cookman: n/a
Texas Pan-Am: 4-0 ATS in all lined games

Missouri State vs. Alabama, 8:00 EST
Missouri State: 9-1 ATS after playing a game as a road underdog
Alabama: 9-22 ATS as favorite

Iowa State vs. Purdue, 10:30 EST
Iowa State: 6-0 Over on neutral court
Purdue: 2-0 ATS as neutral court favorite

[Udog]

NCAAB
Short Sheet - Second Post


Added Games:

NC Greensboro at Fordham, 1:00 EST
NC Greensboro: 19-34 ATS in non-conference games
Fordham: 9-1 ATS off a home win scoring 85+ points

Marist at Niagara, 1:00 EST
Marist: 13-4 ATS after playing a game as an underdog
Niagara: 1-8 ATS at home off BB Overs

Tennessee Tech at Kentucky, 1:00 EST
Tennessee Tech: 6-0 ATS after playing BB games as a road underdog
Kentucky: 2-10 ATS at home off BB Overs

Western Michigan at Iona, 2:00 EST
Western Michigan: 5-1 Under after a win by 15+ points
Iona: 0-6 ATS off 3 road games

Elon at Virginia, 2:00 EST
Elon: 7-1 Under in all games
Virginia: 5-20 ATS after playing BB games as a home favorite

College of Charleston at South Carolina, 3:00 EST
Charleston: 20-8 ATS in road games
South Carolina: 6-0 Under after allowing 85+ points

Appalachian State at Arkansas, 3:00 EST
Appalachian State: 9-1 ATS after playing a game as an underdog
Arkansas: 3-11 ATS after a win by 20+ points

West Virginia at Canisius, 4:00 EST
West Virginia: 9-1 ATS off win by 15+ points
Canisius: 0-6 ATS at home off SU loss

SE Missouri State at Tulsa, 5:00 EST
SE Missouri State: 1-8 ATS playing their 2nd road game in 3 days
Tulsa: 6-0 ATS at home off home win

(TC) Tennessee Martin at UNLV, 4:00 EST
Tenn Martin: 6-19 ATS after a combined score of 125 points or less
UNLV: 41-19 ATS off BB home games

Loyola Maryland at Dayton, 7:00 EST
Loyola Maryland: 8-1 ATS as a road underdog
Dayton: 4-1 Over in lined games

Eastern Kentucky at Austin Peay, 8:00 EST
Eastern Kentucky: 8-1 ATS Away off double-digit win
Austin Peay: 1-7 ATS in all lined games

Tennessee State at Vanderbilt, 9:00 EST
Tennessee State: 9-2 ATS as a road underdog of 18.5 to 24 points
Vanderbilt: 8-19 ATS as home favorite

Portland State at Eastern Washington, 10:00 EST
Portland State: 6-1 ATS after a loss by 15+ points
Eastern Washington: 3-11 ATS vs. conference opponents

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Saturday, December 22nd

St. Louis at Boston, 1:05 EST
St. Louis: 11-1 SU vs. Boston
Boston: 14-27 SU at home after losing 2 of their last 3 games

Buffalo at Philadelphia, 7:05 EST
Buffalo: 17-6 SU away off 3+ wins
Philadelphia: 4-17 SU in December

Washington at NY Islanders, 7:05 EST
Washington: 3-12 SU after losing 2 of their last 3 games
NY Islanders: 23-13 SU on Saturdays

Toronto at Florida, 7:05 EST CBC
Toronto: 16-8 SU off a road loss by 1 goal
Florida: 1-7 SU on Saturdays

Montreal at Atlanta, 7:05 EST
Montreal: 7-1 SU away with a total of 6+ goals
Atlanta: 10-22 SU at home off BB games allowing 2 or less goals

Chicago at Ottawa, 7:05 EST CBC
Chicago: 9-17 SU vs. non-conference opponents
Ottawa: 38-14 SU after winning 3 of their last 4 games

Carolina at Tampa Bay, 7:35 EST
Carolina: 13-22 SU off BB games scoring 3+ goals
Tampa Bay: 30-13 SU as a home favorite of -150 or less

Detroit at Minnesota, 8:05 EST
Detroit: 7-17 SU away after winning 3 of their last 4 games
Minnesota: 7-0 SU on Saturdays

Los Angeles at Nashville, 8:05 EST
Los Angeles: 14-42 SU off a road game
Nashville: 40-17 SU as a home favorite of -200 or less

Vancouver at Phoenix, 10:05 EST CBC
Vancouver: 12-5 SU away off BB games scoring 3+ goals
Phoenix: 0-6 SU off BB wins by 1 goal

Anaheim at San Jose, 10:35 EST
Anaheim: 21-8 SU off 3+ Unders
San Jose: 2-7 SU off a division loss by 1 goal

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NCAAB
Write-Up - First Post


Saturday's Games

Top Five Games

Memphis doesn't play conference schedule Big East teams do, so in sense, this is bigger game for them, in terms of seeding for March. Georgetown is 3-0 on road, winning at Old Dominion (66-48), Ball State (57-48), Alabama (70-60); this is first time they are underdog this season. Tigers are 1-4 vs spread in last five tries as a favorite.

Tennessee won seven in row since losing to Texas 97-78 on a neutral floor; Vols won only true road game at Chattanooga by 76-70 (-14) Dec 4- they beat West Virginia, Western Kentucky on neutral floors. Xavier got crushed at Arizona State last week ending their five-game win streak; they're 3-2 as the favorite.

Three

Four

Five

Rest of card
-- UCSB won its last seven games, rallying from 10 down at half to beat UNLV, but this is major step up, at Carolina squad that is 9-0, covering last six tries as a favorite. Tar Heels don't have any tough non-league games left before ACC opener Jan 6.
-- James Madison is already 3-1 on road, winning at Dartmouth, East Ky, Northeastern; they're 3-0 as underdog. Seton Hall has been off for two weeks; they're 7-2 with two OT wins, 2-1 vs the spread as a favorite.
-- Temple won three of last four games after 2-4 start; they are 2-2 as favorite, already beat two MAC teams, Bowling Green and Ohio. Eastern Michigan is 3-0 vs spread as underdog, but they haven't played in 18 days.
-- Cleveland State lost 78-76 in double OT at Central Michigan LY (+3); Vikings are 6-4, with OT win vs Florida State on neutral court their best win this yr. Chippewas are 4-6, 2-4 on road, 3-2 vs spread as underdog.

-- Miami OH upset Illinois earlier this week; they've also lost at Louisville 47-44, USC 57-53 and ble 16-pt halftime lead in loss at Wright State. Kansas had good win at Ga Tech in its last game; they're 6-3 vs spread as a favorite.
-- Indiana State is 3-0 at home, 0-5 on road vs D-I teams; they're 1-1 as favorite. Bowling Green lost its last three games; they are 2-2 on road, winning at Cincinnati, winless Furman, losing by 10 at Oakland, by 4 in OT at Northern Colorado.
-- Ball State is 0-10 after getting waxed at home by UCSB during week; they're 4-5 vs spread as dog. Illinois State beat Cardinals 70-57 LY (-10); they're 4-1 in last five games, 1-1 on road, with a 69-58 at Bowling Green, 72-64 loss at E. Michigan.
-- Michigan is having awful season (1-6 in last seven games); they're 0-4 vs spread as a dog. UCLA is 9-1 but this is the first true road game (2-0 in neutral floor). Bruins are 4-4 as favorite.

-- 8-1 Rhode Island (wins at Syracuse, vs Providence, Florida St and South Florida) has been off for two weeks; they're 6-1 as a favorite this season. Hofstra is 2-5, 0-3 on road, losing at Holy Cross (61-47), St Francis (60-57), Fordham (73-71).
-- Cal-Irvine lost at unbeaten Sam Houston 61-54, now they run into powerhouse A&M squad that won its last three games by 36-37-40 points since losing at Arizona. Aggies are 3-2 against spread as a favorite.
-- Northern Iowa (+10) lost Bracket Buster game last February 79-64 at Nevada; Panthers are 7-2 vs D-I teams, 4-3 vs spread as favorite. Nevada won last four games after 2-4 start; they're 0-3 vs spread as an underdog this season.
-- New Mexico State, Louisville are both struggling; Aggies are 0-4 on road, losing by 8-25-8-14 points. Louisville is just 3-3 in last six games (didn't lead at halftime in any of them); they're 2-5 vs spread a favorite this season. Aggies suspended two guys late Friday, including their center.

-- Ark-Little Rock is 8-1, winning last six games; they're 2-0 on road, winning at LMU, Rice. Creighton is 7-1, 2-1 vs spread as a favorite- this is their last game before they start Valley play vs Illinois State next Saturday. UALR is 1-0 as an underdog.
-- Southern Illinois lost five of last six games; LY, they won at Western Kentucky 75-70 (+2.5). Hilltoppers are 6-3, with tough losses to Gonzaga, Tennessee; they're 1-1 on road, losing 64-61 at Northern Arizona, winning by 17 at Eastern Kentucky.
-- Princeton lost its last eight games, scoring 50 points or less in three of last four games; they're 1-5-1 vs spread as the dog. Marshall is 3-3 vs D-I teams; they were tied at half at Louisville in last game, lost by 10.
-- LSU got crushed 67-47 at Wichita Wednesday; Tigers lack a true PG, they're 0-4 against best teams on their schedule, with three losses by six pts or less. Oregon State won at both Davis and Bakersfield, but also lost at D-II Alaska-Fairbanks.

--
--
--
--

-- NC-Greensboro snapped three-game skid with win vs winless Furman last week; Spartans are 1-3 vs spread as dog, after they upset Georgia Tech in their opener. Fordham has been off for a couple weeks; they're 2-2 vs spread as a favorite.
-- Visiting team won both Marist-Niagara games LY, with Foxes winning 91-86 OT here, losing at home. Marist won four of last five games but have been off for two weeks. Niagara won last game vs St John's, big win for them, to improve to 5-3.
-- Kentucky lost last four games for first time since 1980; they gave up 79.5 ppg in those losses, figure to win vs Tennessee Tech squad that lost two of first three OVC games, but they did just go to Oregon State and win by 17- moderate upset.
-- Western Michigan snapped four-game skid with upset over Salukis this week; they're 2-2 on road, and haven't scored more than 65 in any of last six games. Iona won four of last five after an 0-5 start, so young Willard has Gaels on right track.

-- Elon is 5-6 after losing 67-64 at slumping Penn Thursday; the Phoenix are 3-2 vs spread as underdog. Virginia is 8-1 against a schedule with Syracuse (L70-68, -8), at Arizona (W75-72, +6), and seven other stiff teams (87-61 vs Penn).
-- Charleston (+7) lost 67-55 at South Carolina LY, as Cremins is back at alma mater; Cougars are 4-5 after 66-61 loss to Florida State last game, decent performance. Gamecocks are 3-5 in last eight games after giving up 90+ pts in home loss to Baylor.
-- Arkansas won eight of last nine games, is 4-4 vs spread as a favorite. Appalchian State lost last three games vs D-I teams, dropping their first two league games, 71-60/85-72. ASU is 1-3 against spread as an underdog this season.
-- Canisius is 1-9 after losing 91-73 at Robert Morris Weds; this could be ugly, against West Virgnia squad that won by 30 at Radford during week, is 9-1 and doesn't play again until week from Saturday, when Oklahoma visits them.

-- SE Missouri State just won pair of OVC games by a point on road, rallying from 11 down in one game, blowing 20-point lead in other. Tulsa won last three games after 1-4 start; they scored 55 or less pts in three of last four games.
-- UNLV lost a tense struggle at home to Arizona in last game, 52-49; they're 5-1 vs spread as favorite. UT-Martin is playing third road game in six nights after losing 80-75 at Morehead St Monday, then losing 70-51 at Eastern Kentucky Wednesday.
--

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--
--

[Udog]

NCAAB
Write-Up - Final Post


Saturday's Games

Top Seven Games

Donovan's young Gators are outside of Florida for the first time this year; LY, they beat Ohio State twice, 86-60 at home (-4), as they pulled away in second half, then again in the national title game. Lot of new faces on both sides. Florida is 11-1 against a soft schedule. Buckeyes are 7-3, 2-1 vs spread as a favorite.

Stanford crushed Santa Clara in first game with Brook Lopez in lineup again (had been suspended for grades). Texas Tech got schooled at New Mexico 80-63 last week; they're 6-4 this year, 1-2 vs spread as underdog. Cardinal won their last five games, are 2-1 on road, winning by 11 at Northwestern, 24 at Colorado.

Undefeated Texas takes thin backcourt on road to face Spartan club that beat them 63-61 LY (-5) on neutral floor. Michigan St is 10-1, losing only to UCLA, in game they led by 11 at the half. Longhorns beat New Mexico State, Tennessee on neutral court in New Jersey, then upset UCLA in Westwood, 63-61 (+10.5).

Unbeaten Ole Miss gets its toughest test against Clemson club that already has won 84-82 at SEC's Mississippi State. Rebels trailed at half Thursday, beat DePaul, then led by 13 yesterday, held off a late LaSalle rally. Tigers won 90-73/90-74 in last two games. Best team Ole Miss has beaten so far is So. Alabama.

Ohio U beat St John's by hoop, ULL 74-68 to get to finals of the Rainbow Classic; they go way up in class here, vs a St Mary's team that has super freshman Mills; they're 6-1 after whacking East Tennessee in semis (they lucked out a little when ETSU upset Georgia in 1st round), after beating Tulane 64-57 Thurs.


Rest of card

-- Arizona (-4) won 69-48 at San Diego State LY; Wildcats won last five games, winning 52-49 at UNLV Wednesday. Aztecs are 8-2, 3-1 on road; their losses are 77-69 at Cal (+5.5), 69-64 vs St Mary's (+3.5)- they're 1-2 as underdog.
-- Wisc-Green Bay (+1) won 83-76 at Northern Illinois LY; NIU is just 2-8 this year, losing last game in OT at Loyola week ago. Huskies covered four of last five as dog. Green Bay is 5-4, 1-0 vs spread as a favorite; they're 3-0 SU at home.
-- Arizona State won four in row, seven of last eight games; as favorite, they're 3-1 vs spread, struggling to beat Montana last game, 66-62 (-15). Idaho is 0-5 on road, losing 80-43 at Gonzaga, 74-43 at Washington State (1-2 vs spread as underdog).
-- Northeastern (+15) lost 87-82 at Boston College LY; Huskies are 4-5 this year, 3-1 vs spread as dog- dogs are 5-1 vs spread in their six lined games. BC has been off for 10 days since loss to UMass; they're 2-3 vs spread as a favorite.

-- Providence (+5) got waxed 92-62 at Florida State LY; PC is 7-3 2-2 vs spread as favorite; they struggled with Sacred Heart in last game, winning by 94-89. Seminoles are 2-3 away from home, losing by 11 at Butler, going 1-2 on neutral court.
-- Notre Dame is 7-2, but has been off for two weeks since they beat Northern Illinois 108-62; Irish is 4-2 vs spread as favorite. San Francisco lost six of last eight games after tough 71-68 loss at Long Beach State, in their last game.
-- Utah won four of last five games; they're 0-2 on road, losing 83-77 at Washington (+8), 75-64 at Oregon (+10). Cal Bears are 7-1, 2-0-1 vs spread as favorite, beating Southern Miss 67-59, San Diego State 77-9, Missouri 86-72.
-- Cal-Northridge is 6-2, 2-2 on road, losing 97-74 at Duquesne, 85-59 at Gonzaga; they're 2-2 as underdog. Washington is 6-4, but better team now that sharpshooter Appleby is back; he hit six 3's in last game, vs Portland State.

-- Fullerton State (+4) lost 77-62 at Wright State LY; Titans are 6-2 after beating Montana in OT Thursday. Wright is 5-3, 2-2 vs spread as the dog- they won last three games, two by single point, rallying from 16 down to beat Miami.
-- North Texas beat Denver twice LY, 91-79 at home (-20), 78-65 here (-7); UNT is 1-0 as favorite this year, beating Indiana State 78-69. Denver now runs Princeton offense; they lost five of last six games, scoring just 48.3 ppg.
-- Cornell is expected to contend for Ivy title, but Syracuse is a bigger fish; Orange lost Devendorf for year (ACL) is little thin at guard; they're 3-4 vs spread as favorite, but won last two in a row, 125-75/87-59 (vs Colgate team that won at Cornell).
-- Columbia has been off for 12 days; they're 2-4 on road vs low D-I foes; best team they played, Ohio State, beat them 68-54 on Nov 12 (+26). Villanova has been off for eight days; they're 4-2 vs spread as a favorite.

-- East Carolina (+8.5) lost 59-44 at NC-Wilmington LY; Pirates have been off for two weeks since their upset of NC State, they are 4-5. UNCW is 0-4 on road, losing at Illinois State, Indiana, Missouri State and in last game at Coastal Carolina.
-- Santa Clara got crushed by Stanford during week; they're 2-3 in last five games after 5-1 start. Tubby Smith's Gophers are 7-1 but have been off for 10 days; they're 2-1 vs spread as favorite, five of their seven wins are by 17+ points.
-- Road team won both Middle Tennessee-South Alabama tilts LY, then MTSU upset Jaguars 63-60 in Sun Belt tourney (+4.5). Raiders are 4-6 but won Sun Belt opener Tuesday. USA is 7-3, winning last three games by 4-7-11 points.
-- Bradley (+5.5) won 73-64 at VCU in Bracket Buster game LY; Braves split last six games, losing last game 83-64 at Butler (+9). VCU is 4-0 in December, including win vs Maryland. Bradley is 4-1 vs spread in last five games as a favorite.

-- Wichita State waxed LSU 67-47 during week; they allowed an average of 55.3 ppg in last three games. UAB won five of last six games, winning 79-76 at Kentucky last Saturday, as Vaden scored 28 points in second half by himself.
-- Cal Poly is 5-5, but is contender in Big West, but against an athletic USC squad, they're overmatched. Poly is 1-3-1 against spread as dog. Trojans are 1-2 as favorite but won last game by 29 over Delaware State, after being off for 13 days.
-- New Orleans lost twice to Arkansas State LY; 90-79 at ASU (+3) then 81-74 in Sun Belt tourney. ASU's best scorer is still on suspension; they're 1-3 as underdog. UNO is 5-2 vs D-I teams and this is first tinme they've been favored.
-- Valparaiso is 8-1, losing 87-78 at Vandy (+14); they're 2-0 vs spread as underdog. Wisconsin is 4-1 vs spread as favorite and 9-2 overall; their next game is at Texas- they better not sleep on what is top challenger to Butler in Horizon League.


-- Missouri is 7-2, winning three in row after losses at Arkansas and Cal; Tigers are 1-1 vs spread as favorite. Illinois lost in OT to Miami OH during week; they're 2-3 in last five games, with a couple OT losses in last three games.
-- Colorado State (-2.5) beat Colorado 72-69 LY, but now both sides have new coaches. Buffs lost last three games, have been off for 10 days since losing at home to New Orleans. State is on three-game losing streak also, losing 74-66 at Nevada Dec 19.
-- Fresno State lost five of last seven games but is 3-1 at home; this is their first home game in over a month. Pacific won four of last five games, winning at San Francisco, Santa Clara, then an OT win vs Montana at home.

-- Missouri State is 7-3 but is 1-3 away from home, losing 70-51 to Arkansas, SEC rival of Alabama's, and 66-54 at Utah. Bama is 7-3, needs a PG- they struggled with Wofford last week, but in light of Wofford's win at Purdue, maybe its not so bad.
-- Iowa State won last three games, is 5-4, 2-2 vs spread as dog, but they lost by 10 at home to Minnesota of Big 11. Purdue lost at home to Wofford during week; they're 7-3, 1-3 vs spread as a favorite.
-- DePaul led both Clemson, Ole Miss at half last couple days, but lost both; they've now lost five games in row. LaSalle lost 84-77 to Ole Miss Friday; they've lost three of last four games.

-- Georgia, Hawai'i are both 0-2 in Rainbow Classic, with Dawgs losing to East Tennessee, Tulane, bad losses, while Hawai'i is struggling after losses to UL-Lafayette, St John's. Important for Dawgs to get a win out here, for at-large hopes in March.
-- St John's, Tulane both salvaged win after losing in first round Red Storm snapped three-game skid with win at Hawai'i. Tulane won three of last four games; not many southern teams have played in both Hawai'i and western NY in same season.
-- Wyoming came from behind to beat Buffalo Friday; but they haven't won consecutive games this season. UTEP won 77-69 last night; they covered first two tries as a favorite this season.

-- Loyola MD has been off for 13 days since splitting first two MAAC games; they're 2-4 in last six games, are 1-1 vs spread as dog. Dayton won last eight games, allowing 53 ppg- they're 1-1 vs spread as a favorite.

-- Austin Peay beat Eastern Kentucky twice during season last year (59-57/77-68) then lost 63-62 in OVC tournament finals, so revenge is in air. EKU is 3-0 in OVC including pair of wins by a total of four points. Peay is 2-0 in OVC, winning by 3,4 points.
-- Vanderbilt has been off for 10 days since rallying from 18-pt deficit at DePaul, winning in OT; they're 9-0, 4-4 vs spread as a favorite. Tennessee State lost 82-71 to Belmont in last game, ther fourth loss in last five games.
-- Visitor won both Portland State-Eastern Washington games LY, with Vikings winning 92-86 here, after losing 88-70 at home. PSU has three road wins already (IUPUI, Portland, Utah Valley) EWU is 4-8 after beating Portland in last game.