Sunday Trends and Indexes 12/28 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Sunday, December 28

Good Luck on day #363 of 2008!

For College Football and the NFL, look for separate threads:

• “NCAAF Bowl Season Trends and Indexes 12/20 through 1/8”
• “NFL Week 17 Trends and Indexes 12/28”

For now, the balance of the sports menu in this thread will consist of the NBA, College Basketball, and the NHL until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will still be posted here.

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.

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[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Sunday, December 28

Several NFL teams will be looking for the wins that put them into the playoffs on Sunday, while the Lions only seek win No. 1. Here's your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

The Falcons and Panthers will battle for top spot in the NFC South division on separate fronts on Sunday afternoon, with Atlanta hosting St. Louis and Carolina playing in New Orleans (in a pair of 1:00pm ET kickoffs). The Panthers are in first place in the NFC South at 11-4 straight-up (and 8-6-1 against-the-spread), while the Falcons are just behind them at 10-5 SU and 9-6 ATS. Carolina is favored by 3 points against New Orleans, and Atlanta is a 14-point favorite against St. Louis.

The Vikings are 7-point home favorites against the Giants in another 1:00pm ET contest, and they'll be looking to secure the NFC North title with a win. Their challenger for that spot, the Bears, are 2.5-point road underdogs against the Texans. The Buccaneers, who are hoping to wind up with an NFC Wild Card berth, have been listed as 13-point home favorites versus the Raiders on Sunday.

Other early-afternoon contests include Kansas City at Cincinnati (-3), Detroit at Green Bay (-10.5), Tennessee (-3) at Indy, Cleveland at Pittsburgh (-10.5), and New England (-6.5) at Buffalo, with the Patriots in the ***** of the AFC East race.

The other two contending AFC East teams are in action at 4:15pm ET, with Miami a 2.5-point underdog on the road against the Jets. The Ravens are giving up 12.5 points at home against Jacksonville, while it's Philadelphia -1.5 at home against Dallas in a key NFC clash. The afternoon slate wraps up with Seattle at Arizona (-6) and Washington at San Francisco (-3), while the Chargers (-8) and Broncos will meet in San Diego at 8:15pm ET to decide the AFC West champion.

Other Notable Events

There's just one college football game on the schedule for Sunday, with Northern Illinois taking on Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl. The oddsmakers don't see much to choose from in this matchup, as the game is listed as a pick'em (with the total at 47.5 points). Northern Illinois went 6-6 SU and 6-5 ATS on the season, while Louisiana Tech went 7-5 SU and 5-5-1 against the numbers.

The Rest of the Schedule

The Lakers got some revenge on the Celtics with a 92-83 win on Christmas Day, which put them at 24-5 SU and 13-16 ATS on the season. Los Angeles is back in action on Sunday with a home game against Golden State in one of six NBA contests on the schedule. Rounding out the slate: Denver at New York, Dallas at the Clippers, Miami at Cleveland, Boston at Sacramento, and New Orleans at Indiana.

Top-ranked North Carolina returns to action Sunday with a game against Rutgers on the college hoops schedule. The Tar Heels handily knocked off Valparaiso 85-63 in their last outing, and they're now 11-0 SU and 5-5 ATS. The Crusaders get another ranked opponent on Sunday, as they'll take on No. 10 Purdue. As well, it's Louisiana Tech vs. No. 13 UCLA, and then High Point vs. No. 23 Minnesota.

Finally, the NHL has six games on tap for Sunday, including the Ottawa Senators continuing their western swing with a game in Vancouver against the Canucks. Boston will be in Atlanta for a 5:00pm ET puck drop, and it's also Anaheim at St. Louis, Chicago at Minnesota, Toronto at Washington, and Nashville at Edmonton.

A Peek at the Future

With no more Monday Night Football on the schedule the NFL will be off until Saturday, when the first two Wild-Card Weekend games will be played. The other two playoff contests next weekend will be contested on Sunday . . . Monday's college football schedule features N.C. State vs. Rutgers (-7) in the Papa John's.com Bowl, and then Missouri (-12.5) vs. Northwestern in the Alamo Bowl.

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Sunday

Some baseball knowledge to warm up a winter day......

-- Manny Ramirez knocked in 53 runs in 53 games as a Dodger; he hit .417 against righthanded pitchers. They have to re-sign him.

-- Ichiro Suzuki hit only 20 doubles in 686 ABs; Mark Ellis hit 20 doubles in 442 ABs. Is Suzuki slowing down? If so, he's going to be a real drag on the Mariners' payroll.

-- A's DH Jack Cust walked 111 times, struck out 197, meaning on 308 of his 592 plate appearances, he didn't hit a fair ball.

-- CC Sabathia was 6-8, 3.83 in 18 starts for the Indians last year; he improved to 11-2, 1.65 in 17 starts for the Brewers.

-- Team whose minor league affiliates combined to win the highest percentage of games in 2008: Bronx Bombers, at 406-287 (.586), which is good news for the Pirates, who will probably trade Nate McLouth to the Bronx for prospects, thats how stupid they are. .

-- The two pitchers Pirates got in the Xavier Nady robbe---- trade, were Jeff Karstens (2-6, 4.03), Russ Ohlendorf (0-3, 6.35). Terrific.

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[pm530]

Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a slow sports Saturday

13) Good day to be a West Virginia fan; Mountaineers won the best game of the day, pulling out 31-30 win over North Carolina, making Pat White the first college QB to win four bowl games as a starter. Thats the first college QB, ever, a very impressive feat.

12) White was so impressive in this game, Chris Spielman said he is an NFL prospect; no one would have said that two months ago, the Mountaineer coaches have done an awesome job with him. He really is a little like Michael Vick; better passer, not as good a runner.

11) Mountaineers' hoop team went to Columbus, outscored Ohio St. 41-20 in second half, crushing the Buckeyes 76-48, handing OSU its first loss of season. West Virginia is playing very well right now.

10) North Carolina WR Nicks looked like Harold Carmichael, making catches over the smaller West Virginia DBs, but when I looked him up, he is only 6-1, 215, so Mountaineers must have some tiny DBs. Nicks is basically the same size as Terrell Owens, an NFL prospect for sure. He can go back to UNC for one more year, if he wants.

9) Pete Carroll couldn't have enjoyed seeing Wisconsin get smoked in the Emerald Bowl; USC players have beaten up on Big 11 teams lot lately, seeing Florida State crushing the Badgers could feed into the Trojans' overconfidence for their Rose Bowl game against Penn State.

8) Weird seeing both teams' benches on same side of field at Emerald Bowl at AT&T Park; reminds me of old Metropolitan Stadium in Minnesota, that had the same feature. Being a Ram fan, anything that reminds me of the Met isn't good.

7) If you've ever been to **** of America in the Twin Cities, that is the exact site where they tore down Metropolitan Stadium when the Metrodome was built. **** is so big, it has a rollercoaster inside it.

6) The sideline reported at the Emerald Bowl was wearing gloves; the freakin' game was in San Francisco!!!!! Cal's coach wasn't wearing a jacket, and this guy was wearing gloves........we need tougher sideline reporters, for sure, if we need them at all.

5) Speaking of San Francisco, Randy Johnson hooked up with the Giants for 2009, so he can get the five wins he needs for 300 in his career. Pretty decent rotation the Giants have.

4) WAC teams are already 0-3 in bowls, with Nevada and Louisiana Tech still to play; how are those two teams in same league anyway?

3) Steve Spurrier, Jeff Tedford are known as QB gurus, but if you watched their teams play the last couple years, you'd wonder how in the name of Joe Kapp they ever got that tag. Cal's QB play has been shaky at best since Kyle Boller left Berkeley.

2) St John's hoop team has no luck, their two best players are out on injured list- you watch them play, and you think there's no way that coach Roberts will be back next year- they're just not very good, but they do have some decent younger players. The one thing that could save Roberts is a bad economy; schools might be little more reluctant to pay two coaches at once in this economic environment.

1) Saturday wasn't the greatest sports day, but Sunday promises to make up for it, with drama all over the NFL map, plus a better slate of college hoop games than we had Saturday. Should be a fun day.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Dunkel Index

NBA
Dunkel Index

Miami at Cleveland
The Heat face a Cleveland team that is 5-1 ATS as a home favorite between 9 1/2 and 12 points. The Cavaliers are the pick (-10 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Cleveland favored by 15. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-10 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28

Game 501-502: Denver at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 120.200; New York 114.690
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 5 1/2; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 3 1/2; 220 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-3 1/2); Under

Game 503-504: Dallas at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 118.578; LA Clippers 118.798
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 181 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 505-506: Miami at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 115.886; Cleveland 130.583
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 15; 184 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 10 1/2; 186 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-10 1/2); Under

Game 507-508: New Orleans at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 119.979; Indiana 118.535
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 1 1/2; 216 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 509-510: Boston at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 124.505; Sacramento 114.335
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 10; 211 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 12; 200
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+12); Over

Game 511-512: Golden State at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 111.413; LA Lakers 126.433
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 15; 201
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Trend Sheet

NBA


Sunday, December 28

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Trend Sheet
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1:00 PM DENVER vs. NEW YORK
Denver is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Denver is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games
New York is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Denver
New York is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Denver


3:30 PM DALLAS vs. LA CLIPPERS
Dallas is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
LA Clippers are 6-13 SU in their last 19 games when playing at home against Dallas


7:00 PM MIAMI vs. CLEVELAND
Miami is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Cleveland
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games at home
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


7:00 PM NEW ORLEANS vs. INDIANA
New Orleans is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Indiana's last 11 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Indiana is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games


9:00 PM BOSTON vs. SACRAMENTO
Boston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Sacramento is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Boston
Sacramento is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing Boston


9:30 PM GOLDEN STATE vs. LA LAKERS
Golden State is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Golden State is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games
LA Lakers are 3-7-2 ATS in their last 12 games when playing at home against Golden State
LA Lakers are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Golden State

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[pm530]

College Basketball - Dunkel Index

NCAAB
Dunkel Index

Texas Tech at Stanford
The Cardinal, who are 4-0 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record, take on a Texas Tech team that is just 2-4 ATS on the season. Stanford is the pick (-9 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Cardinal favored by 14. Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-9 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28

Game 513-514: Eastern Michigan at Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 49.332; Illinois 76.743
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 27
Vegas Line: Illinois by 20
Dunkel Pick: Illinois (-20)

Game 515-516: Indiana State at Northern Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 48.931; Northern Iowa 58.979
Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 10
Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 8
Dunkel Pick: Northern Iowa (-8)

Game 517-518: Southern Illinois at Bradley
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Illinois 59.991; Bradley 59.181
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 1
Vegas Line: Bradley by 2
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (+2)

Game 519-520: Illinois State at Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois State 63.137; Missouri State 59.564
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 4
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (-2)

Game 521-522: Louisiana Tech at UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 45.217; UCLA 76.964
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 31 1/2
Vegas Line: UCLA by 26
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (-26)

Game 523-524: UC-Riverside at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 46.641; Denver 53.412
Dunkel Line: Denver by 7
Vegas Line: Denver by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-4 1/2)

Game 525-526: Rice at Arkansas Little Rock
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 47.608; Arkansas Little Rock 55.091
Dunkel Line: Arkansas Little Rock by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Arkansas Little Rock by 10
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+10)

Game 527-528: Loyola Marymount at New Mexico State
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola Marymount 44.645; New Mexico State 64.294
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 19 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico State by 22 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola Marymount (+22 1/2)

Game 529-530: Drake at Evansville
Dunkel Ratings: Drake 59.736; Evansville 65.384
Dunkel Line: Evansville by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Evansville by 3
Dunkel Pick: Evansville (-3)

Game 531-532: Western Kentucky at Florida State
Dunkel Ratings: Western Kentucky 57.156; Florida State 67.292
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 10
Vegas Line: Florida State by 7
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-7)

Game 533-534: Valparaiso at Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: Valparaiso 50.159; Purdue 72.095
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 22
Vegas Line: Purdue by 25
Dunkel Pick: Valparaiso (+25)

Game 535-536: Virginia at Georgia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia 57.851; Georgia Tech 67.929
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 10
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 8
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Tech (-8)

Game 537-538: Iowa State at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 56.125; Houston 66.712
Dunkel Line: Houston by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Iowa State (+12 1/2)

Game 539-540: Yale at Alabama
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 46.649; Alabama 62.295
Dunkel Line: Alabama by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Alabama by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Yale (+17 1/2)

Game 541-542: Richmond at NC Wilmington
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 55.730; NC Wilmington 44.330
Dunkel Line: Richmond by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Richmond by 8
Dunkel Pick: Richmond (-8)

Game 543-544: Rutgers at North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Rutgers 55.248; North Carolina 85.546
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 30
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 32
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (+32)

Game 545-546: Wichita State at Creighton
Dunkel Ratings: Wichita State 57.099; Creighton 71.273
Dunkel Line: Creighton by 14
Vegas Line: Creighton by 12
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (-12)

Game 547-548: Texas Tech at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 58.334; Stanford 72.436
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 14
Vegas Line: Stanford by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-9 1/2)

Game 549-550: Dartmouth vs. Air Force
Dunkel Ratings: Dartmouth 42.429; Air Force 54.956
Dunkel Line: Air Force by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 551-552: Portland at California
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 52.798; California 70.804
Dunkel Line: California by 18
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 553-554: Buffalo vs. Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 57.427; Pepperdine 40.838
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 13
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-13)

Game 555-556: Coppin State vs. Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Coppin State 45.873; Colorado 55.906
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 6
Vegas Line: Colorado by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Coppin State (+7 1/2)

Game 557-558: Tennessee State at Marshall
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 48.893; Marshall 59.184
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 10
Vegas Line: Marshall by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee State (+13 1/2)

Game 559-560: Eastern Illinois at Bowling Green
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Illinois 40.811; Bowling Green 57.038
Dunkel Line: Bowling Green by 16
Vegas Line: Bowling Green by 14
Dunkel Pick: Bowling Green (-14)

Game 561-562: Montana at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Montana 50.143; Washington 69.046
Dunkel Line: Washington by 19
Vegas Line: Washington by 21
Dunkel Pick: Montana (+21)

Game 563-564: Tennessee Martin at Fordham
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Martin 46.099; Fordham 49.172
Dunkel Line: Fordham by 3
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 565-566: Siena at St. Joseph's
Dunkel Ratings: Siena 59.161; St. Joseph's 66.237
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 7
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph's (-5 1/2)

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet


If additional trends become available, we will update.

Sunday, December 28

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E MICHIGAN (2 - 9) at ILLINOIS (11 - 1) - 12/28/2008, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E MICHIGAN is 48-74 ATS (-33.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ILLINOIS is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) after allowing 60 points or less 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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INDIANA ST (2 - 9) at N IOWA (6 - 5) - 12/28/2008, 2:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N IOWA is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
N IOWA is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA ST is 3-1 against the spread versus N IOWA over the last 3 seasons
N IOWA is 2-2 straight up against INDIANA ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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S ILLINOIS (5 - 6) at BRADLEY (6 - 5) - 12/28/2008, 2:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S ILLINOIS is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
S ILLINOIS is 3-2 against the spread versus BRADLEY over the last 3 seasons
S ILLINOIS is 4-1 straight up against BRADLEY 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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ILLINOIS ST (11 - 0) at MISSOURI ST (7 - 4) - 12/28/2008, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSOURI ST is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ILLINOIS ST is 4-1 against the spread versus MISSOURI ST over the last 3 seasons
ILLINOIS ST is 3-2 straight up against MISSOURI ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LOUISIANA TECH (6 - 6) at UCLA (9 - 2) - 12/28/2008, 3:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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UC-RIVERSIDE (7 - 3) at DENVER (5 - 6) - 12/28/2008, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UC-RIVERSIDE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
UC-RIVERSIDE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game 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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RICE (4 - 7) at ARK-LITTLE ROCK (8 - 3) - 12/28/2008, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RICE is 48-74 ATS (-33.4 Units) in road games since 1997.
RICE is 48-74 ATS (-33.4 Units) in road lined games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARK-LITTLE ROCK is 1-0 against the spread versus RICE over the last 3 seasons
ARK-LITTLE ROCK is 1-0 straight up against RICE 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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LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT (0 - 13) at NEW MEXICO ST (5 - 6) - 12/28/2008, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 10-26 ATS (-18.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 10-26 ATS (-18.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 8-23 ATS (-17.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 41-62 ATS (-27.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
NEW MEXICO ST is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW MEXICO ST is 1-0 against the spread versus LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT over the last 3 seasons
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 1-0 straight up against NEW MEXICO ST 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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DRAKE (9 - 3) at EVANSVILLE (8 - 2) - 12/28/2008, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EVANSVILLE is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
DRAKE is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DRAKE is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DRAKE is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DRAKE is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
EVANSVILLE is 4-1 against the spread versus DRAKE over the last 3 seasons
DRAKE is 4-1 straight up against EVANSVILLE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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W KENTUCKY (7 - 3) vs. FLORIDA ST (11 - 2) - 12/28/2008, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W KENTUCKY is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
W KENTUCKY is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.

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

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VALPARAISO (3 - 8) at PURDUE (10 - 2) - 12/28/2008, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PURDUE is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games in December games 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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VIRGINIA (5 - 4) at GEORGIA TECH (7 - 3) - 12/28/2008, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA is 124-158 ATS (-49.8 Units) in all games since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 124-158 ATS (-49.8 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 44-74 ATS (-37.4 Units) in road games since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 44-74 ATS (-37.4 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 36-64 ATS (-34.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
GEORGIA TECH is 2-2 against the spread versus VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
GEORGIA TECH is 2-2 straight up against VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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IOWA ST (7 - 4) at HOUSTON (7 - 1) - 12/28/2008, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.

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

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YALE (2 - 6) at ALABAMA (7 - 3) - 12/28/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
YALE is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
ALABAMA is 43-66 ATS (-29.6 Units) 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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RICHMOND (6 - 5) at UNC-WILMINGTON (3 - 9) - 12/28/2008, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UNC-WILMINGTON is 91-66 ATS (+18.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
RICHMOND is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a non-conference game 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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RUTGERS (9 - 3) at N CAROLINA (11 - 0) - 12/28/2008, 7:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N CAROLINA is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 34-21 ATS (+10.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 24-8 ATS (+15.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

WICHITA ST (6 - 5) at CREIGHTON (10 - 2) - 12/28/2008, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WICHITA ST is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WICHITA ST is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1997.
WICHITA ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CREIGHTON is 3-1 against the spread versus WICHITA ST over the last 3 seasons
CREIGHTON is 3-1 straight up against WICHITA ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TEXAS TECH (9 - 3) at STANFORD (8 - 0) - 12/28/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS TECH is 58-85 ATS (-35.5 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 47-71 ATS (-31.1 Units) in road games since 1997.
TEXAS TECH is 47-71 ATS (-31.1 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
STANFORD is 189-151 ATS (+22.9 Units) in all games since 1997.
STANFORD is 189-151 ATS (+22.9 Units) in all lined games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
STANFORD is 1-1 against the spread versus TEXAS TECH over the last 3 seasons
STANFORD is 2-0 straight up against TEXAS TECH 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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BUFFALO (5 - 4) vs. PEPPERDINE (1 - 11) - 12/28/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PEPPERDINE is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
PEPPERDINE is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
PEPPERDINE is 21-7 ATS (+13.3 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

COPPIN ST (1 - 8) vs. COLORADO (6 - 3) - 12/28/2008, 11:59 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

TENNESSEE ST (3 - 7) at MARSHALL (6 - 5) - 12/28/2008, 2:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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E ILLINOIS (3 - 7) at BOWLING GREEN (5 - 5) - 12/28/2008, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E ILLINOIS is 24-41 ATS (-21.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
BOWLING GREEN is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

MONTANA (6 - 6) at WASHINGTON (7 - 3) - 12/28/2008, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTANA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

TENN-MARTIN (4 - 5) vs. FORDHAM (2 - 7) - 12/28/2008, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

SIENA (6 - 4) at ST JOSEPHS (5 - 5) - 12/28/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SIENA is 63-41 ATS (+17.9 Units) in road games since 1997.
SIENA is 63-41 ATS (+17.9 Units) in road lined games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST JOSEPHS is 1-0 against the spread versus SIENA over the last 3 seasons
ST JOSEPHS is 1-0 straight up against SIENA 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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[pm530]

College Basketball – Write up

NCAAB
Write-up


Sunday, December 28

Notes on the best of today's games.............

Home side won last seven Indiana State-Northern Iowa games, with the Sycamores losing last five visits here, by 4-8-10-27-15 points. Favorite covered three of last four series games, with UNI winning seven of last 10. State is 1-9 vs D-I teams, 1-2 as dog of less than 10 points. Panthers are 3-4 in last seven games, 0-1 as favorite this season.

Southern Illinois won 10 of last 12 games vs Bradley, winning last three by 13-13-11 points, but losing two of last three visits to Peoria. Salukis are 5-6, 1-5 away fron home, 0-4 vs spread when an underdog. Bradley is 5-5, 1-1 as favorite; they haven't beaten anyone good, probably their best win is 67-61 against Ill-Chicago.

Illinois State was 3-0 vs Missouri State LY, beating Bears in Springfield for first time in at least five years (64-63); favorites are 6-2 vs spread in series. Redbirds are 10-0, winning its road games 69-61 at Wright State, 72-69 at Central Michigan. Missouri State is 7-4, with three losses by 12 or more points- they're 6-2 at home, losing to Utah, MTSU.

Denver won last four games, allowing 52.5 ppg, after a 1-6 start; they're 1-0 as favorite. Sun Belt home favorites are 3-9 vs spread in non-league games. Cal-Riverside is 6-3, just getting back on mainland after losing at Hawai'i 56-46 Tuesday- they're 0-3 against spread when an underdog. . Big West road underdogs are 12-18 vs the spread.

Ark-Little Rock (-4) won 59-52 at Rice LY, when Owls didn't have its home court (it was being renovated), were playing home games all over Houston. Owls have new coach now, are 3-7 vs D-I teams, losing road games at BYU (83-52), Texas (77-56), Duquesne (80-64). WAC road dogs are 12-11 against the spread.

Drake won eight of last ten games vs Evansville, winning last two visits here, by 11-3 points; Bulldogs are 6-2 vs D-I teams this year, sweeping Iowa/Iowa State, losing by 10 to Butler, by 15 to Vanderbilt on neutral court. Aces are 6-2, beating Western Kentucky by 32, Buffalo by 15 at home. Right now, Evansville has 2nd-best kenpom.com rating in MVC.

Florida State was tied 48-all in last game with Pitt, before Panthers won, scoring last eight points of game; FSU is 11-2, also losing 73-59 on way home from Vegas, at Northwestern. ACC home favorites are 17-15 vs spread. Western Kentucky has beaten Louisville, lost at Evansville by 32, so your guess is as good as mine. Sun Belt road dogs are 18-23.

Georgia Tech is 5-3 in last eight games vs Virginia, including 94-76 win in ACC tourney last spring, after visitor had won both meetings during season. Cavs lost three of last four visits here, losing by 18-23-9 points. Tech is 6-3 after getting ripped at USC by 19 Monday- they only have seven scholarship kids. Virginia lost four of its last six games.

NC-Wilmington lost last nine games vs D-I teams, allowing a ridiculous 97.2 ppg in last five games- they scored 108-107 in their two D-I wins. CAA underdogs are 21-21 vs spread, 3-4 at home. Richmond used to be in CAA, is now in A-14; they're 5-5 vs D-I teams, with none of the five wins against anybody you'd be impressed by. A-14 road faves: 6-7.

Creighton won eight of last ten games vs Wichita State, with last four in series all decided by three or less points; Shockers lost last five visits to Omaha, by 14-4-17-2-2 points (dogs covered three of last four visits to Creighton). Wichita is 5-5, 0-3 on road, losing at Georgetown (8), Texas Tech (3), TCU (9). Bluejays won last seven games, are 10-2.

Stanford (-4) won 62-61 at Texas Tech LY, after being down 33-26 at half; Cardinal is 8-0 this season under new coach Dawkins; they're 4-2-1 vs spread in last seven games. Texas Tech is 9-3, but 0-2 on road, losing 85-79 at Lamar, 96-78 at UTEP. Big 12 road dogs are 5-6 vs the spread. Pac-10 home favorites are 22-24.

Portland is 7-5 after escaping tense game yesterday with 43-42 win vs Air Force, after they trailed most of game; Pilots beat Washington, lost in OT at Oregon, so Pac-10 opponent doesn't faze them. Cal Bears are 10-2 after jogging vs Dartmouth; they're 4-2 as favorite. WCC road dogs are 16-9 against the spread so far this season.

St Joe's (-3.5) won 74-68 at Siena LY, leading 36-31 at half; Hawks are 5-5 after tough 71-67 win vs Cornell in last game (Siena beat Cornell by 18, but Big Red's best G didn't play in that game; he is back now). Siena split two road games, winning 75-68 at Loyola, losing 79-66 at Pitt; they also went 0-3 on neutral court at Disney. Hawks beat Rider of MAAC, 69-57 (-11). A-14 home favorites are 7-10; MAAC road dogs are 12-12.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Trend Sheet

NCAAB


Sunday, December 28

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Trend Sheet
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1:00 PM DANIEL WEBSTER vs. HARVARD
No trends available
Harvard is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games
Harvard is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home


1:00 PM TOWSON STATE vs. LAFAYETTE
Towson State is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Towson State is 3-18 SU in its last 21 games on the road
No trends available


2:00 PM ALCORN STATE vs. DEPAUL
No trends available
DePaul is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home


2:00 PM EASTERN ILLINOIS vs. BOWLING GREEN
Eastern Illinois is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Eastern Illinois is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Bowling Green is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Bowling Green is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


2:00 PM EASTERN MICHIGAN vs. ILLINOIS
Eastern Michigan is 2-11-1 ATS in its last 14 games on the road
Eastern Michigan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Illinois is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Illinois is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home


2:00 PM PRESBYTERIAN vs. MARQUETTE
No trends available
Marquette is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Marquette is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


2:00 PM STONY BROOK vs. SAINT PETER'S
No trends available
Saint Peter's is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games at home
Saint Peter's is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games


2:00 PM TENNESSEE STATE vs. MARSHALL
Tennessee State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Tennessee State is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Marshall is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Marshall is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games


2:05 PM INDIANA STATE vs. NORTHERN IOWA
Indiana State is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games
Indiana State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Northern Iowa is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing at home against Indiana State
Northern Iowa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana State


2:05 PM SOUTHERN ILLINOIS vs. BRADLEY
Southern Illinois is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Bradley
Southern Illinois is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Bradley
Bradley is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games at home
Bradley is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Southern Illinois


2:30 PM NORTH CAROLINA A&T vs. GEORGIA
No trends available
Georgia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Georgia is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games


3:00 PM EAST CAROLINA vs. COASTAL CAROLINA
East Carolina is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
East Carolina is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games on the road
No trends available


3:00 PM LOUISIANA TECH vs. UCLA
Louisiana Tech is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Louisiana Tech is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
UCLA is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
UCLA is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


3:00 PM LOYOLA MARYMOUNT vs. NEW MEXICO STATE
Loyola Marymount is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Loyola Marymount is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
New Mexico State is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
New Mexico State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


3:00 PM MONTANA vs. WASHINGTON
Montana is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Montana is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


3:00 PM RICE vs. ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK
Rice is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games
Rice is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Arkansas-Little Rock is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Arkansas-Little Rock is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home


3:00 PM SIU EDWARDSVILLE vs. UMKC
SIU Edwardsville is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
SIU Edwardsville is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
No trends available


3:00 PM UC RIVERSIDE vs. DENVER
UC Riverside is 3-20 SU in its last 23 games on the road
UC Riverside is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Denver is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games


3:05 PM DRAKE vs. EVANSVILLE
Drake is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Drake is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Evansville is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Drake
Evansville is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Drake


3:05 PM ILLINOIS STATE vs. MISSOURI STATE
Illinois State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Illinois State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Missouri State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Illinois State
Missouri State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Illinois State


3:05 PM SPRING HILL vs. SOUTH ALABAMA
No trends available
South Alabama is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
South Alabama is 21-3 SU in its last 24 games at home


4:00 PM BUCKNELL vs. MARIST
No trends available
Marist is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Marist is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games


4:00 PM VALPARAISO vs. PURDUE
Valparaiso is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Valparaiso is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Purdue
Purdue is 21-3 SU in its last 24 games at home
Purdue is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


4:00 PM WESTERN KENTUCKY vs. FLORIDA STATE
Western Kentucky is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Western Kentucky is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Florida State is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Florida State is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games


5:00 PM ORAL ROBERTS vs. USC
No trends available
USC is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
USC is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games


5:00 PM SOUTH DAKOTA vs. NEW ORLEANS
No trends available
New Orleans is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
New Orleans is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home


5:30 PM RICHMOND vs. UNC WILMINGTON
Richmond is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
UNC Wilmington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
UNC Wilmington is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home


5:30 PM VIRGINIA vs. GEORGIA TECH
Virginia is 4-20-1 ATS in its last 25 games when playing Georgia Tech
Virginia is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games when playing Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
Georgia Tech is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games


6:00 PM IOWA STATE vs. HOUSTON
Iowa State is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Iowa State's last 14 games on the road
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


6:00 PM LIPSCOMB vs. INDIANA
No trends available
Indiana is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games at home
Indiana is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games


6:30 PM WINTHROP vs. FLORIDA
No trends available
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Florida is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games


7:00 PM DUQUESNE vs. ROBERT MORRIS
Duquesne is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Robert Morris
Duquesne is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
No trends available


7:00 PM HIGH POINT vs. MINNESOTA
No trends available
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


7:00 PM SIENA vs. SAINT JOSEPH'S
Siena is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Siena is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Saint Joseph's is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Saint Joseph's is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home


7:00 PM ST. FRANCIS NY vs. AKRON
No trends available
Akron is 19-5 SU in its last 24 games at home


7:00 PM TENNESSEE-MARTIN vs. FORDHAM
Tennessee-Martin is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Tennessee-Martin is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Fordham is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
Fordham is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home


7:00 PM YALE vs. ALABAMA
Yale is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Yale is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Alabama is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Alabama is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games


7:45 PM RUTGERS vs. NORTH CAROLINA
Rutgers is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Rutgers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
North Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
North Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


8:00 PM SAM HOUSTON STATE vs. TEXAS A&M
No trends available
Texas A&M is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Texas A&M is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


8:05 PM WICHITA STATE vs. CREIGHTON
Wichita State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Creighton
Wichita State is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games when playing Creighton
Creighton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Creighton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


9:30 PM UTAH VALLEY STATE vs. MONTANA STATE
No trends available
Montana State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Montana State is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games


10:00 PM BUFFALO vs. PEPPERDINE
No trends available
Pepperdine is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Pepperdine is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games


10:00 PM TEXAS TECH vs. STANFORD
Texas Tech is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
Texas Tech is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Stanford is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Stanford is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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[pm530]

National Hockey League - Dunkel Index

NHL
Dunkel Index

Chicago at Minnesota
The Blackhawks are 9-1 in December and look to take advantage of a Minnesota team that is just 3-8. Chicago is the pick (-125) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-125). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28

Game 51-52: Boston at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 12.096; Atlanta 11.091
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-180); 6
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-180); Under

Game 53-54: Anaheim at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 10.307; St. Louis 11.964
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+115); Under

Game 55-56: Chicago at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.354; Minnesota 11.307
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-125); Over

Game 57-58: Toronto at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.372; Washington 12.439
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 59-60: Nashville at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 12.341; Edmonton 10.637
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+110); Under

Game 61-62: Ottawa at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 10.151; Vancouver 12.163
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-180); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-180); Under

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Trend Sheet

NHL


Sunday, December 28

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Sheet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5:00 PM BOSTON vs. ATLANTA
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Boston


6:00 PM ANAHEIM vs. ST. LOUIS
Anaheim is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Anaheim is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Anaheim
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Anaheim


6:00 PM CHICAGO vs. MINNESOTA
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Chicago is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Chicago
Minnesota is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing Chicago


7:00 PM TORONTO vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Toronto's last 16 games on the road
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 8 games when playing Toronto


8:00 PM NASHVILLE vs. EDMONTON
Nashville is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Nashville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Edmonton is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games at home
Edmonton is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Nashville


10:00 PM OTTAWA vs. VANCOUVER
Ottawa is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Ottawa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Vancouver is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver's last 6 games at home

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Hot lines

NHL


Sunday, December 28

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ice Picks: NHL Bets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ottawa Senators at Vancouver Canucks (-183, 5.5)

Ottawa (12-16-5) lost 6-3 at Calgary on Saturday for its second straight loss to open 0-2 on its season-high eight-game road stretch. It was the second straight game the Senators allowed six goals.

"We're obviously not happy where we are right now, but I thought we played a pretty decent hockey game aside from a couple of breakdowns," said forward Jason Spezza, who scored his 14th goal to give him two and two assists in his last three games.

Alex Auld has been in net in both games on the road trip and has allowed five goals in losing each of his last four starts for Ottawa, which has been outscored 25-14 in losing four of its last five.

Martin Gerber could get the start Sunday after winning two of his last three starts. He is 3-6-1 with a 2.69 GAA on the season and 1-2-0 with a tie and a 2.16 GAA versus Vancouver.

Ottawa defenseman Chris Phillips will try to record a goal in his third straight contest while looking to extend his point streak to six games.

Pick: Vancouver -183



Nashville Predators at Edmonton Oilers (-111, 5.5)

The Nashville Predators have alternated wins and losses in their last five games, but they have won consistently against their next opponent.

The Predators (17-14-3) head into Sunday's game in Edmonton with nine consecutive wins over the Oilers (16-14-3) and four straight wins at Rexall Place.

Nashville comes off one of its biggest wins of the season, a 3-2 home victory Friday over Detroit, which eliminated the Predators in last season's playoffs on its way to the Stanley Cup.

The Predators broke an 0-for-11 power-play slump with Kevin Klein's second-period goal and scored more than two goals for only the third time in their last nine games.

"It has been a tough stretch for us ... in terms of goal scoring lately and if we weren't hitting it off the post, we were hitting it off the crest," said Predators coach Barry Trotz, whose team has scored 14 times in that span. "Tonight we went to the net hard, and we got rewarded for that."

The Predators have lost four straight (0-3-1) on the road, but haven't had much trouble lately with the Oilers. Nashville is 9-0-0 in the series since a 3-2 overtime loss on March 5, 2006, and has scored four goals or more in seven of those meetings.

J.P. Dumont has been a key contributor for the Predators against the Oilers, tallying four goals and nine assists during those nine wins.

Nashville continued its strong performance on the penalty kill against Detroit, denying one of the league's top power-play units on all three chances. The Predators haven't allowed a power-play goal in the last 19 opportunities.

Goalies Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne have played a big role in that successful penalty killing, combining to allow eight goals during a 3-2-1 stretch, with one shutout each.

Pick: Nashville +101

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Hot lines

NBA


Sunday, December 28

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA bets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers (-10.5, 185.5)

The Cavaliers (25-4) have an average margin of victory of 12.8 points overall, often building leads so large in the first three quarters that James hasn't been needed for the fourth. The NBA's reigning scoring champ played 31 minutes or more in all but two of his 75 games last season, but he's already been under that mark seven times in 2008-09.

On Christmas night, though, Cleveland had to work four full quarters against woeful Washington. Down 89-82 with 1:40 to play, it looked like the Cavaliers were about to suffer their first home loss after 14 straight wins to open the season.

But James hit three free throws, Mo Williams made his fourth 3-pointer and Cleveland closed the game on an 11-0 run to win 93-89.

"The biggest thing is that we never lost our composure," said James, who finished with 18 points. "That's the only positive thing. ... When we were down seven and were able to make that run and to attack and to continue to get stops, it was a good win in that sense."

Along with James, Williams, acquired from Milwaukee over the summer, has keyed the Cavaliers' success. He's averaging 22.3 points in his last three games, including 9.3 in the fourth quarter.

The Heat don't need any additional reminder to pay close attention to Williams. In his final five games against Miami while with the Bucks, Williams averaged 27.8 points and 7.6 assists.

James and Wade have matched up 15 times since being drafted four picks apart in 2003. Wade has averaged 35.2 points in their last five head-to-head meetings - topping 40 three times - but Miami has lost four of those. James averaged 29.2 points in those games.

The Cavaliers have won three straight in the series, and five of six at home.

Pick: Cleveland -10.5



Boston Celtics at Sacramento Kings (+12, 199)

The Boston Celtics got off to the best 29-game start in NBA history, but knew that historic run would be tested with their first significant road trip of the season.

So far, it couldn't be going any worse.

Losers of back-to-back games after winning 19 in a row, the Celtics will try to get back in the win column Sunday night when they visit the struggling Sacramento Kings.

Boston (27-4) had been off to an even better start than last season's championship-winning team, running off 27 wins in its first 29 games. The Celtics looked like a serious threat to top the 72 wins of the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls for the most in league history.

For all the accomplishments of the NBA's most history-laden franchise, Boston had never won 19 games in a row until Tuesday. The Celtics crushed Philadelphia 110-91, their final home game before heading to the West Coast for the first time this season and their first road trip of longer than three games.

In their first meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers since Boston's six-game win in the NBA finals, the Celtics lost 92-83 on Christmas Day at Staples Center, but it was a loss up the California coast the next day that was alarming.

Boston led Golden State 51-39 at halftime on Friday night, but fell apart in the second half, getting outscored 35-17 in the fourth quarter of a 99-89 loss to the Warriors.

"I was worried at halftime when I saw we were shooting 56 (percent) and they were shooting 39 and it was a 12-point game," coach Doc Rivers said. "Once they start making shots, it's tough to turn them off, and we couldn't make anything."

The Celtics had 23 turnovers on Friday - 14 in the second half - and point guard Rajon Rondo had seven. Rondo had six combined turnovers in his previous four games.

Boston hasn't lost three in a row since Feb. 19-22, its first three contests after last season's All-Star break.

"I think we're all looking at ourselves in the mirror individually to see what we can do to get better, to make this team better," said Celtics reserve Eddie House, who is 4-of-15 from the field in the last two games.

Ray Allen also has had problems on this road trip, which ends Tuesday in Portland. He went 5-for-14 from the floor - 3-of-11 on 3-point attempts - for 14 points versus the Lakers and was held to a season-low seven points Friday while battling foul trouble.

Boston is 20-1 when Allen scores at least 15 points.

Allen scored a game-high 17 in the Celtics' last trip to Arco Arena, an 89-69 win on Dec. 26, 2007. Boston had lost its previous 11 games in Sacramento.

Pick: Over

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[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Sunday, December 28


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DENVER (19 - 11) at NEW YORK (11 - 17) - 12/28/2008, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 42-25 ATS (+14.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 2-2 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 2-2 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DALLAS (17 - 12) at LA CLIPPERS (8 - 20) - 12/28/2008, 3:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 5-4 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-2 straight up against LA CLIPPERS 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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MIAMI (16 - 12) at CLEVELAND (25 - 4) - 12/28/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 44-64 ATS (-26.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) first half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.

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

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NEW ORLEANS (17 - 9) at INDIANA (10 - 19) - 12/28/2008, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 3-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 2-2 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (27 - 4) at SACRAMENTO (7 - 23) - 12/28/2008, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 84-54 ATS (+24.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 65-45 ATS (+15.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 67-38 ATS (+25.2 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-19 ATS (+18.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 42-22 ATS (+17.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.

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

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GOLDEN STATE (9 - 22) at LA LAKERS (24 - 5) - 12/28/2008, 9:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 5-3 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 6-2 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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