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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:39 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Thursday, December 11

The Bears and Saints will both be looking to improve their playoff outlook on Thursday when they meet in New Orleans. Here's your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

The Bears enter the week a single game behind the Vikings in the NFC North division standings with a 7-6 record (6-6-1 against-the-spread). Chicago took a 20-3 lead into halftime against the Jaguars last week and cruised from there to a 23-10 victory. Kyle Orton went 20-of-34 for 219 yards passing that day with a pair of touchdown strikes and an INT, while Matt Forte ran for 69 yards on 21 carries.

The Saints find themselves in last place in the NFC South division right now despite a 7-6 mark (and a lucrative 9-4 record ATS). New Orleans kept themselves in the conference's Wild Card picture with a 29-25 win over the Falcons last week. Drew Brees threw for 230 yards and two TDs in that victory, while Pierre Thomas rushed for the game-winning score during the fourth quarter.

Oddsmakers have Chicago set as a 3-point home favorite for Thursday night, with the game's total at 45 points. The Bears are 5-8 on the OVER/UNDER so far this season, while the Saints are sitting at 8-5 OU through their first 13 contests.

Other Notable Events

The NBA's top matchup on Thursday night takes place out west, as the Utah Jazz play host to the Portland Trail Blazers. Utah knocked off Minnesota 99-96 on the road last time out, and they beat Portland 103-96 when the teams last met on November 5. The Blazers were edged 109-108 at home by the Magic in their last contest, despite getting 30 points from Brandon Roy and 25 points and 13 boards from LaMarcus Aldridge. Greg Oden was held to two points in that defeat.

There are just two other games on the NBA's schedule for Thursday night, as Boston hits the road to play Washington, and Dallas gets a visit from the Bobcats.

The Rest of the Schedule

The NHL offers up eight games on Thursday, including the San Jose Sharks at home against the Anaheim Ducks. Also on the slate: Tampa Bay at Montreal, Carolina at Philadelphia, Nashville at Columbus, the Islanders at Pittsburgh, Florida at Edmonton, Minnesota at Phoenix, and then St. Louis at Los Angeles.

Finally, a slow night in college basketball on Thursday sees only one ranked team in action, with No. 15 Villanova playing host to St. Joseph's at The Pavilion.

News from the Wire

Niners running back Frank Gore (ankle) is expected to come down to a game-time decision this weekend . . . Bills quarterback Trent Edwards (groin) might have to give way to embattled J.P. Losman once again this week . . . Redskins running back Clinton Portis is expected to see a full workload this weekend despite a very public spat with head coach Jim Zorn over the last couple of days.

A Peek at the Future

Friday's NBA slate features notable matchups Philadelphia at Cleveland, New Orleans at Boston, and Orlando at Phoenix . . . the Rangers and Devils will renew their on-ice rivalry with a game in New Jersey on Friday night, while Ottawa and Washington meet in a capital clash . . . Maryland hosts Delaware State in college hoops on Friday night, while Iowa will take on rival Iowa State.

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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:39 AM

Six-pack for Thursday

-- Mets landed JJ Putz in a wld three-team, 12-player trade that saw Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez dealt to Seattle. Cleveland sent promising outfielder Gutierrez to the Mariners as well. Tribe got reliever Joe Smith and a young 2nd baseman from Seattle.

-- Graham Harrell isn't one of three finalists for Heisman Trophy, which is a freakin' joke- they should have made it four finalists, as all of them are very worthy candidates.

-- NBA ref Dick Bavetta runs six miles every day, even on game days; he lives up here in Lake Luzerne when he isn't refereeing.

-- Troy Murphy had 20 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, but Pacers still lost by 13 in Toronto. Murphy is surprisingly good.

-- Why Chris Paul is a great point guard; he had 15 points and 15 assists in Hornets' 105-89 win; he only took five shots from floor, so he can dominate a game by making his teammates better.

-- Carmelo Anthony scored 33 points Wednesday night.......in the third quarter, tying George Gervin for most points in a 3rd quarter.

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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:40 AM

Thursday's List of 13: Rating the 32 starting QBs in the NFL...

We're putting the 32 starting QBs from last Sunday into one of five categories; within each group, we'll just list them alpabetically.......

The Elite
The best of the best; who you'd want playing for you right now.
-- Drew Brees-- Saints have had lot of injuries, but Brees has kept the Saints afloat and in contention. Imagine the Chargers had they traded Rivers and kept Brees? Norv Turner's job might be more secure now.
-- Brett Favre-- Was once best of the best, but he has Jets in playoff contention in twilight of his career, with a new team in a strange city. Would like to see him play here next year, when he has developed a little chemistry with his receivers.
-- Eli Manning-- Unflappable, has done nothing but win, both at Ole Miss and with the Giants. Weird that he and Peyton aren't mobile, since Archie Manning played a lot like Steve Young.
-- Peyton Manning-- Most of his commercials are terrible, but he is the state of the art NFL QB, plus he calls his own plays, which is a rarity in this age of robotic quarterbacks.
-- Ben Roethlisberger-- Only started one year in high school, because he played behind the coach's son, who went on to play WR at a D-III college in Ohio. That guy must be a real genius.
-- Kurt Warner-- Two-time MVP has played in two Super Bowls, and has two highest passing yardage games in Super Bowl history. Now his Cardinals are hosting playoff game for first time since 1947.

Obviously, Tom Brady would also be here if he were healthy.......

Guys you'd be happy with if they QB'd your team
They're pretty good, not the best, but you could live with them.....
-- Kerry Collins-- Comeback Player of the Decade; what a job he has done, but he played in NFC title game with Carolina, in a Super Bowl with Giants and now this, so he knows how to win.
-- Jay Cutler-- Wanted to put him in the Elite category, but he hasn't won enough yet; its a little weird that he and Elway are the two best QBs in Denver history, yet neither one played in college bowl game.
-- Jake Delhomme-- What a leader, what enthusiasm, love this guy. Reminds me of Billy Kilmer, the old Redskin QB. Has come back from Tommy John surgery and has the Panthers in first place.
-- Donovan McNabb-- Always feared him as a runner, but he never seems to be in great shape, which is weird, since he was a basketball player. You know he's into the game when he scrambles more.
-- Philip Rivers-- Much like Delhomme, an inspirational kind of guy who started 50+ games at NC State, so he has played lot of football. Think anyone in San Diego regrets keeping him and trading Brees?
-- Tony Romo-- Hasn't been at his best in big spots, but he is mobile seems like a leader and loves the spotlight, maybe a little too much. If he suddenly appeared as QB of the Rams, I wouldn't mind at all.

Promising, but unproven........
Haven't been in NFL long enough to move to another list........
-- Matt Cassel-- Will be very rich, very soon. Has made himself very wealthy with his performance this season.
-- Joe Flacco-- Left Pitt because Dave Wannstedt wouldn't start him. Imagine being the coach at I-AA Delaware and seeing this guy walk into your office? He's already the best QB in Raven history.
-- Shaun Hill-- How in the name of Bubby Brister did Mike Martz have Hill playing behind JT O'Sullivan????? Does he like to change jobs every offseason? Hill is 5-2 in his first seven NFL starts.
-- Matt Rodgers-- Tough act to follow in Green Bay, and wins have not been there yet, but Rodgers is obviously capable and should have a terrific career as You-Know-Who's successor in Lambeau Field.
-- JaMarcus Russell-- Whoever coaches the Raiders next year better develop this guy, or else he'll go down as a bust. He has the tools to be really good, but it hasn't come close to happening yet.
-- Matt Ryan-- If you didn't know, you'd peg him as a veteran who is on the Elite List. Time is the only thing keeping him off that list.
-- Tyler Thigpen-- Pride of Coastal Carolina got thrown to wolves in Kansas City and hasn't been bad. We'll see what happens to Chiefs down the road; if Thigpen is lucky, Herm Edwards will get fired.

Harmless game managers........
They're not winning games by themselves, but they're not hideous
-- Jason Campbell-- Has played for 42 different coordinators, but he has gotten better; red flag now is that he seems to fade late in season.
-- Jeff Garcia-- Maybe he's better than this, but I prefer guys who set their feet before they throw. His wife is incredibly hot, though.
-- David Garrard-- Kind of like Marc Bulger, in that Jaguars gave him a huge contract, then he regressed. He uses his mulligan for 2008.
-- Kyle Orton-- Bears seem to win more when he plays, but not like he's Sid Luckman or anything. At least he hasn't been arrested, like the last two governors of Illinois. What a state that must be.
-- Chad Pennington (or Pat Haden II)-- Doesn't make mistakes, can't throw the ball past the second telephone pole, the perfect guy to be your QB while your young franchise QB learns the ropes.
-- Matt Schaub-- Had officials discovered Michael Vick's dogs little bit sooner, Schaub would be the Falcons' QB, Matt Ryan would be saving a different franchise, and Sage Rosenfels would be the mayor of Houston. By the way, bad news for Vick if the Arena League does not do business in 2009; he was rumored to play there next year.

Guys who make you wonder when next year's draft is........
-- Marc Bulger-- Weak arm, immobile, shell-shocked, no emotion, and those are his good qualities. Couldn't get to Super Bowl when he had two Hall of Fame receivers, he simply has to go.
-- Daunte Culpepper-- Did you know Steve Spurrier was the QB of the NFL's last winless team ('76 Bucs)? Lions have had lot of QBs in this trainwreck of a season, but Culpepper gets to be the closer.
-- Ken Dorsey-- This isn't fair, since he is 3rd-stringer, has been on the Browns' bench sleeping all fall, but wouldn't it have been smarter to play Josh Cribbs at QB? At least Cribbs could run for his life.
-- Ryan Fitzpatrick-- He went to Harvard, so at least he has a degree to fall back on if the Bengals fire him.
-- Gus Frerotte-- Has had an eventful career for someone who isn't very good. Once knocked himself out head-butting a wall in 7-7 game when he scored his team's only TD. He gets hurt a lot for a backup.
-- JP Losman-- Has tools to be a great QB, but so did Jeff George, so if you're an NFL QB amd you get compared to George, lets just say its not a good thing. Someone will give him another chance next year.
-- Seneca Wallace-- Would have been a great QB in the CFL; when he was at Iowa State, he was really good. In the NFL, though, running QBs who can't pass usually get moved to WR/DB. Ask Brad Smith.

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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:41 AM

National Basketball Association – Long Sheet

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, December 11

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BOSTON (20 - 2) at WASHINGTON (4 - 15) - 12/11/2008, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 79-50 ATS (+24.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 60-42 ATS (+13.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 38-24 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 33-18 ATS (+13.2 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 35-18 ATS (+15.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-21 ATS (+15.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 4-2 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-1 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHARLOTTE (7 - 14) at DALLAS (11 - 9) - 12/11/2008, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.

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

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PORTLAND (15 - 8) at UTAH (14 - 9) - 12/11/2008, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 82-57 ATS (+19.3 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
UTAH is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 6-3 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 5-4 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:42 AM

National Basketball Association – Write up

NBA
Write-up

Thursday, December 11

Hot Teams
-- Celtics won their last dozen games (8-3 vs spread in last 11).
-- Mavericks won nine of their last eleven games.

Cold Teams
-- Wizards lost five of last six games, but covered their last four.
-- Bobcats lost last four games, by 5-20-4- points.
-- Blazers lost two of last three games (0-4 vs spread in last four). Jazz is 2-6-1 vs spread in game following their last nine wins.

Totals
-- Three of Celtics' last four games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Charlotte games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Portland games, 5-1 in last six Utah games.

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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:43 AM

National Basketball Association – Trend Sheet

NBA

Thursday, December 11

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Trend Sheet
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8:00 PM BOSTON vs. WASHINGTON
Boston is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston

8:30 PM CHARLOTTE vs. DALLAS
Charlotte is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Charlotte is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Dallas is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games at home
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

10:30 PM PORTLAND vs. UTAH
Portland is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Utah
Portland is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games at home

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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:43 AM

National Basketball Association - Tips & Trends

NBA

Thursday, December 11

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Tips and Trends
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Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards [TNT | 8 PM ET]

Celtics (-9.5, O/U 197): Boston is looking to improve to 21-2 for the first time in franchise history and win 13 in a row overall in the process. The Celtics have also won eight straight away from home, but they lost twice at Washington a year ago. “At the end of the day, our record’s going to be what it is," Boston forward Paul Pierce said. “But we just want to concentrate on continuing to get better, and that’s about it. We never come into the season saying this is our goal to win this many games or break any records.”

Celtics are 8-4 ATS during current 12-game winning streak.
The OVER is 6-2 in Boston's last 8 games vs. Southeast Division.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 103

Wizards: Washington is coming off a 107-94 win over Detroit on Tuesday and hopes to build upon that victory following a three-game losing streak. “I just walked down and said ‘We’re better than we’re playing,’” Wizards head coach Ed Tapscott said. "When we play with energy, we move the ball, all of a sudden we look like a different team.” Washington has won four straight home meetings with Boston and was one of just two teams to have a winning record against the Celtics a year ago (3-1).

Underdog is 11-3 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
The OVER is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings at Washington. G Key

Injuries - Gilbert Arenas (knee) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 93

Portland Trail Blazers at Utah Jazz [TNT | 10:30 PM ET]

Blazers: Portland has won four of its last five road games and returns home on Friday to play 10 of 12 there. However, the Blazers are coming off a surprising home loss to Orlando on Tuesday as they blew a 108-100 lead in the final 2:21. The Magic hit three 3-pointers and held Portland scoreless to pull off the win. “Our offense was really bad the last minute and a half,” Blazers guard Brandon Roy said. “It’s a tough loss but tomorrow’s a new day.”

Blazers are 4-11 ATS in the last 15 meetings at Utah.
The UNDER is 8-2 in Portland's last 10 games overall.

Key Injuries - G Martell Webster (foot) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 93

Jazz (-2.5, O/U 192.5): Utah is just 6-5 without Carlos Boozer in the lineup and despite solid production from Paul Millsap, who is averaging 16.9 points and 10.8 rebounds in starting the last 10 games. Millsap has totaled nine straight double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Jazz earn a 99-96 win at Minnesota on Tuesday. Mehmet Okur scored 21 points and hit the go-ahead shot with 1.7 seconds remaining to beat the Wolves.

Jazz are 46-21-2 ATS in last 69 home games.
The UNDER is 5-1 in Utah's last 6 games overall.

Key Injuries - F Carlos Boozer (quad) is doubtful.

PROJECTED SCORE: 99 (Side Play of the Day)

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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:45 AM

National Basketball Association – Hot lines

NBA

Thursday, December 11

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA bets
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Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards (+9.5, 197)

The Celtics can make history with a victory on Thursday.

“Oh wow, I didn’t know about that,” Paul Pierce told the Boston Herald. “I don’t even want to tell everybody else about this. I don’t want them thinking about it. But that’s a good sign. When we’re up there on records with those old Celtic teams that shows we’re doing something right.”

At 20-2, the Celts are just one victory shy of their best start in club history. Thursday's opponent is the 4-15 Wizards.

The Wizards are fresh off a home win over the Detroit Pistons in which Caron Butler (21.8 PPG) scored 33 points. They are 3-1 against the spread (ATS) when Butler scores at least 30 points.

The Wizards were also 3-1 straight up (SU) and 3-1 ATS last season against Boston, but it might not be enough with history on the line Thursday.

Pick: Boston

Charlotte Bobcats at Dallas Mavericks (-10.5, 191)

Dallas opened the season with seven losses in its first 10 games but has bounced back and won nine of its last 10 overall in large part due to Dirk Nowitzki’s (25.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG) recent production.

Nowitzki was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for the second time in the last three weeks after leading the Mavericks to a 3-0 mark. He averaged more than 30 points and 10 rebounds in triumphs over the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks.

Nowitzki has been picking up the slack for All-Star Josh Howard (20.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG). Howard has missed eight games with a sprained left ankle but worked out with the club Monday and should be in the lineup against the Bobcats.

The Bobcats are 1-3 in their last four games and could be shorthanded against Dallas. Charlotte forward Gerald Wallace (15.3 PPG, 2.0 SPG) is doubtful for Thursday’s contest due to personal issues. Wallace has missed the Bobcats’ past two outings.

Pick: Dallas

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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:46 AM

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Thursday, December 11

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ST JOSEPHS (4 - 4) at VILLANOVA (8 - 1) - 12/11/2008, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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WI-MILWAUKEE (5 - 4) at MIAMI OHIO (4 - 3) - 12/11/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 103-73 ATS (+22.7 Units) after a conference game since 1997.

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

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SOUTHERN MISS (4 - 3) vs. KANSAS ST (5 - 3) - 12/11/2008, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SOUTHERN MISS is 10-28 ATS (-20.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
SOUTHERN MISS is 34-17 ATS (+15.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SOUTHERN MISS is 34-17 ATS (+15.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
SOUTHERN MISS is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS ST is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in road games 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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TROY (3 - 5) at MIDDLE TENN ST (3 - 3) - 12/11/2008, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIDDLE TENN ST is 4-2 against the spread versus TROY over the last 3 seasons
MIDDLE TENN ST is 4-2 straight up against TROY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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FAIRFIELD (6 - 3) at FORDHAM (1 - 6) - 12/11/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FORDHAM is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in all games this season.
FORDHAM is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
FORDHAM is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
FORDHAM is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
FORDHAM is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
FORDHAM is 1-12 ATS (-12.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
FORDHAM is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in non-conference games this season.
FORDHAM is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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LONG BEACH ST (4 - 3) at WEBER ST (2 - 4) - 12/11/2008, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WEBER ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less or pick over the last 3 seasons.
WEBER ST is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
WEBER ST is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
WEBER ST is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LONG BEACH ST is 42-23 ATS (+16.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WEBER ST is 1-0 against the spread versus LONG BEACH ST over the last 3 seasons
LONG BEACH ST is 1-0 straight up against WEBER ST 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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IDAHO ST (2 - 7) at WI-GREEN BAY (5 - 2) - 12/11/2008, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IDAHO ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games when playing with one or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
WI-GREEN BAY is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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SACRAMENTO ST (1 - 7) at NEW MEXICO ST (2 - 4) - 12/11/2008, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO ST is 7-22 ATS (-17.2 Units) in road games in December games since 1997.
SACRAMENTO ST is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.
SACRAMENTO ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW MEXICO ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW MEXICO ST is 18-34 ATS (-19.4 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1997.

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

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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:46 AM

College Basketball – Write up

NCAAB
Write-up

Thursday, December 11

Notes on today's games.............

Villanova lost to Texas in 9:00 game Tuesday, has quick turnaround to face crosstown rival St Joe's team that waxed Wildcats 77-55 LY (45-26 at half). Hawks are 4-4; they also played Tuesday, winning at Towson by 21- they're 4-1 if they score more than 58 points. Villanova's loss to Texas was their first in nine games- they're 3-2 as a favorite.

Wisc-Milwaukee is 4-4, losing both its road games, 100-80 at Marquette (+20), 67-46 at Wisconsin (+16); Panthers won pair of Horizon games last week, allowing just 60.5 ppg. Miami OH is 4-3, but they won only home game by 28- they're 0-1 as a favorite. Horizon road dogs are 5-10 vs spread. MAC home favorites are 6-6.

Kansas State lost its last three games, by combined total of nine points; they're 1-1 as favorite. Southern Mississippi is 4-3; their last four games were all decided by four or less points-- Eagles lost only road game by hoop at New Mexico Saturday, but they went 2-1 in tourney on Virgin Islands last month.

Middle Tennessee beat Troy three times LY, 65-64 on road (+3), 81-58 here (-11.5) then 65-59 in Sun Belt tourney eight days later; Troy led at half in two of three games. Troy is 3-5, 0-3 on road, allowing 95.3 ppg in losses at UNCW, LSU, Dayton. MTSU is 1-3 vs D-I teams, scoring 63 ppg in losses to Tennessee (76-66), Vandy (65-57), Houston (70-67).

Fordham (1-6) won first game of season vs Lafayette Monday; they're 0-3 as underdog this year, losing those games by 39-20-20 points, with five new starters. Fairfield is 5-2, winning last four games- theur losses are at Memphis (90-63), Va Tech (74-57)- they also have a 78-66 win at Holy Cross- they scored 78.5 ppg in last four games.

Long Beach State is much-improved (4-3) this year, covering five of its seven games- they lost last game in double OT at San Francisco, ending a 4-game win streak. Weber State is 1-4 vs D-I teams, losing at home by 30 to BYU last time out, but four of those games were on road (they beat Prairie View by 10 in only home game).

In its last two games, Idaho State beat Utah by 12, lost at Wisconsin by a hoop, making them best 2-7 team in country. Bengals have already lost three games in OT this season. Green Bay is 5-2 with a strange 17-point loss to D-II Rollins. Horizon home favorites are 6-8 vs spread. Big Sky road dogs are 15-10 vs spread.

New Mexico State is 3-3, winning home games over Riverside (79-52), Pepperdine (90-66); they lost last three games overall. Sacramento State is 1-5 vs D-I teams, losing 51-32 at Santa Clara, 64-44 to Utah Valley St in last two games- this is third game in six nights for the Hornets. WAC home favorites are 5-9 vs spread.

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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:47 AM

College Basketball – Trend Sheet

NCAAB

Thursday, December 11

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM FAIRFIELD vs. FORDHAM
Fairfield is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Fairfield is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Fordham is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Fairfield
Fordham is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Fairfield

7:00 PM WISC-MILWAUKEE vs. MIAMI (OHIO)
Wisc-Milwaukee is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Wisc-Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Miami (Ohio) is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM IDAHO STATE vs. WISC-GREEN BAY
Idaho State is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Idaho State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Wisc-Green Bay is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Wisc-Green Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM SAINT JOSEPH'S vs. VILLANOVA
Saint Joseph's is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Saint Joseph's is 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Villanova
Villanova is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Saint Joseph's
Villanova is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Saint Joseph's

8:00 PM SOUTHERN MISS vs. KANSAS STATE
Southern Miss is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Southern Miss is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games on the road
Kansas State is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games at home

8:00 PM TROY vs. MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Troy is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Troy is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Middle Tennessee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Troy

8:05 PM LONG BEACH STATE vs. WEBER STATE
Long Beach State is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Long Beach State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Weber State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Weber State is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

9:05 PM SACRAMENTO STATE vs. NEW MEXICO STATE
Sacramento State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Sacramento State is 1-15 SU in its last 16 games
New Mexico State is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 games
New Mexico State is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games

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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:48 AM

College Basketball - Tips & Trends

NCAAB

Thursday, December 11

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Tips and Trends
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St. Joseph's at #12 Villanova [ESPN2 | 8 PM ET]

St. Joe's: The Hawks have been on the road for five of seven games thus far, with just one game at the Wachovia Center and one so far at this year's home court, the Palestra. They are 2-1 in away games and 1-2 on neutral courts. St. Joe's has been solid defensively this season, holding opponents to 63.4 points per game, but at times has had trouble scoring. "One of our concerns all year is going to be shooting the ball", said Hawks head coach Phil Martelli.

St. Joe's is 2-6-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
The UNDER is 7-3 in St. Joe's last 10 games overall.

Key Injuries - G AJ Rogers (shoulder) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 55

Villanova (-9.5): Villanova received a wake-up call against No. 6 Texas, falling 67-58 in the Jimmy V Classic on Tuesday. The Wildcats achieved their current 8-1 record in the comforts of their home area of Philadelphia, where they return tonight against one of the Big 5 members. The team's trio of guards struggled in their first major test of the season against the Longhorns, as Corey Fisher was held scoreless, Scottie Reynolds was an unimpressive 2-of-7 from the field with 10 points and Corey Stokes had 11.

Villanova is 10-3-1 ATS in its last 14 games vs. Atlantic 10.
Favorite is 5-0-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

Key Injuries - G Dwayne Anderson (foot) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 65

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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:49 AM

National Hockey League – Long Sheet

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, December 11
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NASHVILLE (14-12-0-2, 30 pts.) at COLUMBUS (11-13-0-3, 25 pts.) - 12/11/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 65-49 ATS (+123.5 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 40-33 ATS (+91.6 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 54-51 ATS (+121.7 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 16-2 (+14.6 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 16-2-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.4 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (6-13-0-8, 20 pts.) at MONTREAL (17-6-0-5, 39 pts.) - 12/11/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 6-21 ATS (+29.6 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 53-110 ATS (+195.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 6-21 ATS (+29.6 Units) first half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 1-13 ATS (+17.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 1-13 ATS (+17.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 15-18 ATS (-7.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 6-10 ATS (-12.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 5-3 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 5-3-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.4 Units)

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CAROLINA (13-12-0-3, 29 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (14-7-0-6, 34 pts.) - 12/11/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 32-19 ATS (+9.2 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 20-32 ATS (-25.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 4-11 ATS (-9.4 Units) in home games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-31 ATS (-21.4 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-4 (+4.6 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 7-4-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.2 Units)

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NY ISLANDERS (10-16-0-2, 22 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (15-8-0-4, 34 pts.) - 12/11/2008, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 76-53 ATS (+143.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 72-74 ATS (+169.2 Units) in road games vs. division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 11-7 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 11-7-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.9 Units)

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FLORIDA (12-13-0-3, 27 pts.) at EDMONTON (13-11-0-2, 28 pts.) - 12/11/2008, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 90-136 ATS (+227.8 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
FLORIDA is 58-99 ATS (+158.1 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
EDMONTON is 54-54 ATS (+121.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 6-1 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games in December games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 2-0 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 2-0-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.0 Units)

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MINNESOTA (15-10-0-1, 31 pts.) at PHOENIX (12-13-0-2, 26 pts.) - 12/11/2008, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 99-95 ATS (+234.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 100-77 ATS (+178.0 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 9-1 (+7.0 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 9-1-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.0 Units)

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ANAHEIM (15-10-0-3, 33 pts.) at SAN JOSE (22-3-0-2, 46 pts.) - 12/11/2008, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 22-5 ATS (+16.4 Units) in all games this season.
SAN JOSE is 252-235 ATS (-22.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 15-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 22-5 ATS (+7.4 Units) first half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 9-12 ATS (-16.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 8-11 ATS (-14.9 Units) in home games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 18-20 ATS (-19.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 11-7 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 11-7-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
11 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.8 Units)

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ST LOUIS (12-11-0-3, 27 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (11-12-0-4, 26 pts.) - 12/11/2008, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 12-27 ATS (+40.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 6-4 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 6-4-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.5 Units)

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**pm530** · 12-11-2008, 04:50 AM

National Hockey League – Write up

NHL
Write-up

Thursday, December 11

Hot teams
-- Predators won three of their last four games.
-- Canadiens won four of their last five games.
-- Flyers won nine of their last twelve games.
-- Oilers won last three games, scoring 13 goals. Florida won four of its last five games.
-- Coyotes won three of their last four home games.
-- Ducks won six of their last eight games. Sharks won seven of last eight

Cold teams
-- Blue Jackets lost six of their last nine games.
-- Carolina lost six of its last eight games.
-- Penguins lost four of their last five games. Islanders lost four in a row, six of last seven games.
-- Lightning lost eight in row, 15 of last 17 games.
-- Minnesota lost three of its last four games.
-- Kings lost four of their last five games. Blues lost three of their last four road games.

Totals
-- Six of last seven Columbus games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 10-3 in Montreal's last thirteen games; over is 6-1-1 in last eight Tampa Bay games.
-- Six of last seven Carolina games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 8-0-1 in Islanders' last nine games.
-- Under is 9-4 in Florida's last thirteen games.
-- Last three Minnesota games stayed under the total; last five Phoenix games went over the total.
-- Last three Anaheim games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Los Angeles games went over total.

Series Records
-- Predators won four of last five games against Columbus.
-- Penguins won five of last six games against the Islanders.
-- Flyers won six of last eight games against Carolina.
-- Oilers won last two games vs Florida, both by 4-3 scores.
-- Canadiens are 8-4 in their last dozen games vs Tampa Bay.
-- Minnesota won its last nine games against the Coyotes.
-- Sharks won three of last four games against Anaheim.
-- Kings won three of last four games against St Louis.

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Announcement

Thursday Trends and Indexes 12/11 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Thursday Trends and Indexes 12/11 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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