Thursday Trends and Indexes 3/12 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[Udog]

NCAAB


Thursday, March 12

Updated
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Trend Sheet
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12:00 PM
PROVIDENCE vs. LOUISVILLE
No trends available
Louisville is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games
Louisville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

12:00 PM
SAINT LOUIS vs. XAVIER
Saint Louis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Xavier
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Saint Louis's last 6 games when playing Xavier
Xavier is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Saint Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Xavier's last 6 games when playing Saint Louis


12:30 PM
BAYLOR vs. KANSAS
Baylor is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas
Baylor is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games
Kansas is 13-2-1 ATS in its last 16 games
Kansas is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games

1:00 PM
RICE vs. TULSA
Rice is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Rice is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Tulsa
Tulsa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tulsa's last 6 games

2:00 PM
MARQUETTE vs. VILLANOVA
Marquette is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games
Marquette is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Villanova is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games
Villanova is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games

2:30 PM
SAINT JOSEPH'S vs. TEMPLE
Saint Joseph's is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Saint Joseph's is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Temple
Temple is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Saint Joseph's
Temple is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Saint Joseph's

3:00 PM
AIR FORCE vs. BYU
Air Force is 1-17 SU in its last 18 games
Air Force is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing BYU
BYU is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Air Force
BYU is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Air Force

3:00 PM
TEXAS vs. KANSAS STATE
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Texas is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Kansas State
Kansas State is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Texas
Kansas State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

3:30 PM
SOUTHERN MISS vs. UAB
Southern Miss is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing UAB
Southern Miss is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing UAB
UAB is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of UAB's last 5 games

6:30 PM
DUQUESNE vs. RHODE ISLAND
Duquesne is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Duquesne is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Rhode Island
Rhode Island is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Rhode Island's last 6 games

7:00 PM
NORTH CAROLINA STATE vs. MARYLAND
North Carolina State' is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
North Carolina State' is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Maryland' is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Maryland' is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
OKLAHOMA STATE vs. OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma State's last 6 games when playing Oklahoma
Oklahoma is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Oklahoma is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games

7:00 PM
TULANE vs. MEMPHIS
Tulane is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tulane's last 5 games on the road
Memphis is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Tulane
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tulane

7:00 PM
WEST VIRGINIA vs. PITTSBURGH
West Virginia is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
West Virginia is 5-13-1 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing West Virginia
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing West Virginia

9:00 PM
RICHMOND vs. DAYTON
Richmond is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Richmond is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Dayton
Dayton is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Richmond
Dayton is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Richmond

9:00 PM
SYRACUSE vs. CONNECTICUT
Syracuse is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Syracuse is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Connecticut
Connecticut is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Syracuse
Connecticut is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing Syracuse

9:00 PM
UC DAVIS vs. PACIFIC
UC Davis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pacific
UC Davis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Pacific is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pacific's last 7 games

9:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. TEXAS EL PASO
Houston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
Houston is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Texas El Paso
Texas El Paso is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Texas El Paso is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

9:30 PM
TEXAS TECH vs. MISSOURI
Texas Tech is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games
Texas Tech is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Missouri
Missouri is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Missouri is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

11:30 PM
CS FULLERTON vs. SANTA BARBARA
CS Fullerton is 2-2-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Santa Barbara
CS Fullerton is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Santa Barbara is 2-7-3 ATS in its last 12 games when playing CS Fullerton


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[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Thursday, 3/12/2009

LA LAKERS at SAN ANTONIO, 8:05 PM ET TNT
LA LAKERS: 21-10 ATS as road underdog
SAN ANTONIO: 10-23 ATS off BB home games

CLEVELAND at PHOENIX, 10:35 PM ET TNT
CLEVELAND: 21-8 ATS Away off win by 6pts or less
PHOENIX: 5-13 ATS as an underdog

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Thursday, 3/12/2009

PHOENIX at NEW JERSEY, 7:05 PM ET
PHOENIX: 11-22 SU as a road underdog
NEW JERSEY: 24-9 SU after 1 or more consecutive unders

CALGARY at DETROIT, 7:05 PM ET
CALGARY: 0-5 SU after playing 3 consecutive road games
DETROIT: 16-1 SU in BB home games

PITTSBURGH at COLUMBUS, 7:05 PM ET
PITTSBURGH: 27-10 SU in March
COLUMBUS: 25-32 SU as a favorite

OTTAWA at BOSTON, 7:05 PM ET
OTTAWA: 7-19 SU playing with double revenge
BOSTON: 29-15 SU after playing 2 consecutive road games

FLORIDA at BUFFALO, 7:05 PM ET
FLORIDA: 15-7 SU after allowing 4+ goals
BUFFALO: 12-19 SU after one or more consecutive overs

WASHINGTON at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
WASHINGTON: 17-4 SU revenging a loss
PHILADELPHIA: 56-66 SU at home

TAMPA BAY at TORONTO, 7:35 PM ET
TAMPA BAY: 6-9 SU as a road underdog of +100 to +150
TORONTO: 2-11 SU in BB home games

NY ISLANDERS at MONTREAL, 7:35 PM ET
NY ISLANDERS: 2-17 SU AWAY when playing their 3rd game in 5 days
MONTREAL: 21-10 SU at home

NY RANGERS at NASHVILLE, 8:05 PM ET
NY RANGERS: 4-16 SU as a road underdog
NASHVILLE: 11-3 SU at home when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days

CAROLINA at DALLAS, 8:35 PM ET
CAROLINA: 10-2 SU when playing on BB days
DALLAS: 4-13 SU in March

SAN JOSE at ST LOUIS, 8:35 PM ET
SAN JOSE: 36-15 SU after allowing 3+ in 4 straight
ST LOUIS: 6-25 SU after 3+ consecutive overs

MINNESOTA at COLORADO, 9:05 PM ET
MINNESOTA: 7-2 SU AWAY after one or more consecutive overs
COLORADO: 3-12 SU after a loss by 3+ goals

ATLANTA at EDMONTON, 9:35 PM ET
ATLANTA: 24-50 SU after playing a road game
EDMONTON: 24-14 SU after having lost 3 of their last 4

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NCAAB
Short Sheet


All Remaining Games

Thursday, 3/12/2009

Big East Tournament - Quarterfinals - New York, NY

PROVIDENCE vs. LOUISVILLE, 12:00 PM ET ESPN
PROVIDENCE: 12-25 ATS off an Over
LOUISVILLE: 7-0 ATS off SU dog win

MARQUETTE vs. VILLANOVA, 2:20 PM ET ESPN
MARQUETTE: 25-11 Over on neutral court
VILLANOVA: 6-1 ATS off DD conference wins

W VIRGINIA vs. PITTSBURGH, 7:00 PM ET ESPN2
W VIRGINIA: 14-5 Under vs. conference
PITTSBURGH: 8-2 ATS off an Under

SYRACUSE at CONNECTICUT, 9:20 PM ET ESPN
SYRACUSE: 5-1 ATS off BB Conference wins
CONNECTICUT: 8-1 Over on neutral court


Atlantic 10 - Quarterfinals - Atlantic City, NJ

ST LOUIS vs. XAVIER, 12:00 PM ET
ST LOUIS: 6-1 ATS revenging road loss
XAVIER: 4-0 Over after allowing 80+ Points

ST JOSEPHS vs. TEMPLE, 2:20 PM ET
ST JOSEPHS: 1-7 ATS playing with revenge
TEMPLE: 8-2 Under off conference win

DUQUESNE vs. RHODE ISLAND, 6:30 PM ET
DUQUESNE: 2-7 ATS off conference win
RHODE ISLAND: 8-2 Over off SU loss as favorite

RICHMOND vs. DAYTON, 8:50 PM ET
RICHMOND: 1-5 ATS off BB SU wins
DAYTON: 9-1 Over off an Under


Big 12 Tournament - Quarterfinals - Oklahoma City, OK

BAYLOR vs. KANSAS, 12:30 PM ET ESPN2
BAYLOR: 4-13 ATS vs. conference
KANSAS: 12-4 ATS off DD win

TEXAS vs. KANSAS ST, 3:00 PM ET
TEXAS: 5-1 Over revenging home loss
KANSAS ST: 5-1 Over off 4+ ATS losses


Conference USA Tournament - Quarterfinals - Memphis, TN

RICE vs. TULSA, 1:00 PM ET
RICE: 10-2 ATS on neutral court
TULSA: 24-11 Under off BB conference wins

SOUTHERN MISS vs. UAB, 3:30 PM ET MTN
SOUTHERN MISS: 6-0 ATS revenging loss of 20+ points
UAB: 3-10 ATS off ATS win

[Udog]

NCAAB
Long Sheet


All Remaining Games

Thursday, March 12

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PROVIDENCE (19 - 12) vs. LOUISVILLE (25 - 5) - 3/12/2009, 12:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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MARQUETTE (24 - 8) vs. VILLANOVA (25 - 6) - 3/12/2009, 2:20 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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W VIRGINIA (22 - 10) vs. PITTSBURGH (28 - 3) - 3/12/2009, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 4-2 against the spread versus W VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 5-1 straight up against W VIRGINIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SYRACUSE (24 - 8) vs. CONNECTICUT (27 - 3) - 3/12/2009, 9:20 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 3-2 against the spread versus SYRACUSE over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 3-2 straight up against SYRACUSE 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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DUQUESNE (19 - 11) vs. RHODE ISLAND (22 - 9) - 3/12/2009, 6:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
RHODE ISLAND is 2-1 against the spread versus DUQUESNE over the last 3 seasons
RHODE ISLAND is 3-0 straight up against DUQUESNE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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RICHMOND (18 - 14) vs. DAYTON (25 - 6) - 3/12/2009, 8:50 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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OKLAHOMA ST (21 - 10) vs. OKLAHOMA (27 - 4) - 3/12/2009, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA is 3-2 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA ST over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA is 5-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TEXAS TECH (14 - 18) vs. MISSOURI (25 - 6) - 3/12/2009, 9:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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TULANE (14 - 16) vs. MEMPHIS (28 - 3) - 3/12/2009, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 4-1 against the spread versus TULANE over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-0 straight up against TULANE 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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HOUSTON (20 - 10) vs. UTEP (19 - 11) - 3/12/2009, 9:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTEP is 5-1 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
UTEP is 4-3 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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AIR FORCE (10 - 20) vs. BYU (24 - 6) - 3/12/2009, 3:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BYU is 5-1 against the spread versus AIR FORCE over the last 3 seasons
BYU is 6-0 straight up against AIR FORCE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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STANFORD (18 - 12) vs. WASHINGTON (24 - 7) - 3/12/2009, 5:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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WASHINGTON ST (17 - 14) vs. UCLA (24 - 7) - 3/12/2009, 11:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UCLA is 3-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON ST over the last 3 seasons
UCLA is 5-1 straight up against WASHINGTON ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CAL DAVIS (13 - 18) vs. PACIFIC (17 - 11) - 3/12/2009, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PACIFIC is 3-1 against the spread versus CAL DAVIS over the last 3 seasons
PACIFIC is 6-0 straight up against CAL DAVIS 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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CS-FULLERTON (15 - 16) vs. UC-SANTA BARBARA (15 - 14) - 3/12/2009, 11:20 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 2-2 against the spread versus CS-FULLERTON over the last 3 seasons
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 3-3 straight up against CS-FULLERTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[Udog]

NCAAB
Write-Up


Early Games

Thursday, March 12

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

Big East tournament (NYC)
Louisville (-13) beat Providence 94-76 Feb 18, after trailing by point at half; Cardinals won last seven games, covered five of last six tries as the favorite. Friars won last three games, but covered just two of last eight as an underdog. Louisville is 5-2 in its first tourney game the last seven years, with all five wins by seven or more points.

Home side won both Marquette-Villanova games this year; Eagles won first meeting 79-72, then lost 102-84 in rematch. Marquette lost four of last five games, is 3-2 as Big East underdog. Wildcats are 11-2 in last 13 games, covered four of last five as single-digit favorite. Villanova is 11-1 in last 12 first-round games, with last four wins by 8+ points.

Pitt shot 55/48% from floor in beating West Virginia twice, 79-67/70-59 Mountaineers were just 10-33 from arc in the games. Pitt in 19-6 in this event since 2001, winning in '03/'08. WVa won six of last eight games, is 2-4 as Big East dog- they were 11-20 from arc last night, but just 12-44 inside it. Pitt covered eight of its last 12 games as a favorite.

UConn (-12) held Syracuse to 32% from floor in 63-49 win Feb 11, but Huskies failed to cover last four tries as favorite- they had 20 turnovers vs Orange, in one of first games they played without the injured Dyson. Syracuse won last five games, scoring 83.8 ppg, but they're just 1-5 vs spread as Big East dog. UConn is 0-3 in this event the last three years.

Big 11 tournament (Indianapolis)
Home side won both Northwestern-Minnesota games this yr; Gophers won 72-45 at home Feb 22 (-6), after losing 74-65 at Northwestern Jan 18 (+1). Wildcats won three of last four games, covered six of last nine as a dog. Minnesota is 3-6 in last nine games (favorites 7-2 vs spread in those games), they scored just 52 ppg in their last three contests.


Atlantic 14 tournament (Atlantic City)
Temple beat crosstown rival St Joe's twice, 68-59 (-7) at home, 61-59 on road (even); Hawks shot 35/32% in those games. Owls won six of their last eight games, allowing less than 60 pts in their last four wins. St Joe's won three of last four games, but covered just one of last five as the dog; they were down seven at half yesterday, rallied to beat Charlotte by 10. '

Rhode Island (+1) won 73-71 at Duquesne Feb 28; Dukes were 6-28 on arc. URI won six of last seven games, with last three all decided by one or two points. Eams covered just two of last six as a favorite. Duquesne split its last ten games; they're 4-4 as A-14 dog- they were 11-24 from arc, 24-31 from foul line in last night's 91-81 against UMass.

[Udog]

NBA


Thursday, March 12

Updated
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Tips and Trends
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Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs [TNT | 8 PM ET]

Lakers: LA is coming off a tough 102-96 victory at Houston on Wednesday night, snapping the Rockets' 12-game home winning streak. Lakers star Kobe Bryant scored 31 of his game-high 37 points in the second half in helping his team overcome an 11-point deficit. Bryant got into a heated exchange with Houston's Ron Artest in the fourth quarter, the second straight game LA has seen emotions become a factor after Lamar Odom was suspended one game for leaving the bench during a flagrant foul by Trevor Ariza in the team's previous game at Portland. “It wasn’t much of a battle,” Bryant said. “I kicked his (butt) tonight.”

Lakers are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
The UNDER is 12-3 in LA's last 15 Thursday games.

Key Injuries - C Andrew Bynum (knee) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 94 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

Spurs (-2.5, O/U 195): San Antonio has won three straight at home by an average of 13.7 points and beat the Lakers 112-111 back on January 14th in the previous meeting there. The Spurs continue to play without Manu Ginobili, who is expected to miss his 13th straight game with an ankle injury. Tony Parker has stepped up lately though, averaging 26.1 points and 7.6 assists in the last nine games. “Tony continues to be aggressive and play as the All-Star he is,” San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich said following a 100-86 rout of Charlotte. “A lot of people joined him tonight and we played good, solid defense. Now we gear up for another game. They’re going to keep coming. The challenge continues.”

Spurs are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games vs. Pacific Division.
The UNDER is 15-5 San Antonio's last 20 games vs. Pacific Division.

Key Injuries - G Manu Ginobili (ankle) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 96



Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns [TNT | 10:30 PM ET]

Cavs (-4.5, O/U 219): Cleveland is 20-4 against Western Conference opponents this season, with two of those losses coming to the Lakers. The Cavs will be looking to set a franchise record with 23 road wins but have lost in their last nine trips to Phoenix. LeBron James put together his second straight triple-double on Tuesday in an 87-83 win over the Clippers while Mo Williams struggled for most of the night but hit a 3-pointer with 6.6 seconds left to give Cleveland an 85-83 lead. “One thing about Mo, he never thinks about the last shot he missed or the last one he made,” James said. “He gets right back.”

Favorite is 8-0 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
The UNDER is 7-3 in Cleveland's last 10 games overall.

Key Injuries - C Ben Wallace (leg) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 114 (Side Play of the Day)

Suns: Phoenix is suffering through its longest losing streak in more than four years and hopes to break that five-game skid against Cleveland. The Suns are coming off a 122-117 home loss to Dallas on Tuesday despite seeing point guard Steve Nash total 20 or more points for the sixth straight game, which is the first time in his career he has accomplished that feat. However, Phoenix is just 8-9 this season under that scenario. “Our concentration, I felt, could have improved a lot," Nash said. "I’m very disappointed with the way we played and competed in the second half.”

Suns are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The OVER is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.

Key Injuries - C Amare Stoudemire (eye) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 105


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[Udog]

NCAAB
Write-Up


All Remaining Games

Thursday, March 12

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

Big East tournament (NYC)
Louisville (-13) beat Providence 94-76 Feb 18, after trailing by point at half; Cardinals won last seven games, covered five of last six tries as the favorite. Friars won last three games, but covered just two of last eight as an underdog. Louisville is 5-2 in its first tourney game the last seven years, with all five wins by seven or more points.

Home side won both Marquette-Villanova games this year; Eagles won first meeting 79-72, then lost 102-84 in rematch. Marquette lost four of last five games, is 3-2 as Big East underdog. Wildcats are 11-2 in last 13 games, covered four of last five as single-digit favorite. Villanova is 11-1 in last 12 first-round games, with last four wins by 8+ points.

Pitt shot 55/48% from floor in beating West Virginia twice, 79-67/70-59 Mountaineers were just 10-33 from arc in the games. Pitt in 19-6 in this event since 2001, winning in '03/'08. WVa won six of last eight games, is 2-4 as Big East dog- they were 11-20 from arc last night, but just 12-44 inside it. Pitt covered eight of its last 12 games as a favorite.

UConn (-12) held Syracuse to 32% from floor in 63-49 win Feb 11, but Huskies failed to cover last four tries as favorite- they had 20 turnovers vs Orange, in one of first games they played without the injured Dyson. Syracuse won last five games, scoring 83.8 ppg, but they're just 1-5 vs spread as Big East dog. UConn is 0-3 in this event the last three years.

Big 11 tournament (Indianapolis)
Home side won both Northwestern-Minnesota games this yr; Gophers won 72-45 at home Feb 22 (-6), after losing 74-65 at Northwestern Jan 18 (+1). Wildcats won three of last four games, covered six of last nine as a dog. Minnesota is 3-6 in last nine games (favorites 7-2 vs spread in those games), they scored just 52 ppg in their last three contests.


Atlantic 14 tournament (Atlantic City)
Temple beat crosstown rival St Joe's twice, 68-59 (-7) at home, 61-59 on road (even); Hawks shot 35/32% in those games. Owls won six of their last eight games, allowing less than 60 pts in their last four wins. St Joe's won three of last four games, but covered just one of last five as the dog; they were down seven at half yesterday, rallied to beat Charlotte by 10. '

Rhode Island (+1) won 73-71 at Duquesne Feb 28; Dukes were 6-28 on arc. URI won six of last seven games, with last three all decided by one or two points. Eams covered just two of last six as a favorite. Duquesne split its last ten games; they're 4-4 as A-14 dog- they were 11-24 from arc, 24-31 from foul line in last night's 91-81 against UMass.

MAC tournament (Cleveland)
Home side won both Kent-Buffalo games; Bulls won 64-53 at home Jan 21 (-2.5), lost 77-71 at Kent (+5) a week ago. Kent won 11 of their last 13 games, winning last three by 6-4-3 points, but they're 2-5 vs spread in last seven tries as a favorite. Buffalo is 3-4 in last seven games, with last two going to OT- they covered four of five as a MAC underdog.

Bowling Green just thrashed Ohio 75-41 at home Sunday (-4); they also nipped Bobcats 52-51 in Athens Jan 24 (+8); Falcons won 10 of last 13 games, covered five of last six as a favorite, but is 0-3 in this event last three years. Ohio is 3-5 in last eight tilts, with four of the five losses by 9+ points- they covered one of last five as an underdog.

Akron was down 12 with 4:50 to go against Toledo Tuesday, won by a point, so they're on borrowed time; Zips covered three of last four as an udnerdog. Home side won both their games with Miami; Zips lost by 13 in OT at Miami Jan 10 (+8), then beat Red Hawks 53-44 at home Feb 11th. Miami lost its last game after being up 13 points at the half.


Big 12 tournament (Oklahoma City)
Clemente had 44 points in Kansas State's 85-81 win at Texas (+10) Jan 31; Wildcats won nine of last 12 games after starting 0-4 in Big 12- they are 2-4-1 as Big 12 favorite. Texas split its last 12 games; they're 1-8 vs spread in game after its last nine wins. K-State is 2-4 in first game of this event last six years. Texas won its second game the last four years.

Oklahoma State won six of last seven games (7-0 vs spread), losing last game in Norman, 82-78 (+10); they previously lost to Oklahoma 89-81 at home (+2.5). Cowboys are 4-3 in last seven games as dog. Oklahoma is 2-3 in last five games, 3-5 vs spread in last eight games as the favorite. Cowboys scored 81 points yesterday with only five turnovers.

Texas Tech was down 22 last night, rallied to win behind Singletary's 43 points, just their second win in last nine games; Red Raiders (+17) lost 97-86 at Missouri Jan 2 (Tigers were 32-41 on foul line, just 5-20 from arc). Tech covered four of last five games as the dog. Mizzou covered six of last eight as a favorite, but lost two of last three games overall.

SEC tournament (St Pete)
Kentucky lost last four games, looks headed to NIT; they were 7-28 on arc in 85-80 loss at Ole Miss Jan 27 (-8). Wildcats lost four of last five games away from home. Rebels lost three of last four games, are 7-3 vs spread in last ten games as underdog. Kentucky covered two of last nine as a favorite. Neither team has a senior starter.

Alabama won four of last five games, covered five of last six, including four in row as underdog; they were up 7 at half at Vanderbilt, lost 79-74 (+8) Feb 5. Vandy won seven of last ten games, taking last three by 13, 17,8 points- they're 4-2 as an SEC favorite. Commodores are 2-4 in this event last four years, with both wins against Auburn, by 5-11 points.

Conference USA tournament (Memphis)
Road team won both Houston-UTEP games; Cougars (+4) won 94-86 in El Paso Jan 14, then lost 62-55 at home Jan 28 (-5). UTEP won six of its last eight games. Houston is just 4-3 in last seven games; they're 2-6 vs spread in game after its last eight wins. Cougars scored 85 points with only seven turnovers in their win against SMU late Wednesday night.

Mountain West tournament (Las Vegas)
San Diego State beat UNLV twice this season, winning 68-66 in OT here Feb 3, then 57-46 at home five days ago (-4), in a game when both teams shot under 36% from floor. Aztecs won their last three games, by 2-6-11 points; they're 2-2 as MWC dog. Rebels are 2-3 in last five games, with wins by 1-3 points; they're 1-3-1 in last five games as a home favorite.

WAC tournament (Reno)
Boise State beat New Mexico State in triple OT in this event LY; they're 3-5 in last eight games, 2-6 if they score less than 79 pts. Broncos swept Aggies this season, 87-84 at home Jan 22 (+1), 104-92 in Las Cruces last Tuesday (+1). Aggies played in Hawai'i Saturday; they've won the first game in this event eight of last nine seasons, taking last three by 1-7-20.


Pac-10 tournament (Staples Center)
Arizona State won last four games against Arizona, sweeping Wildcats this season, winning 53-47 in Tucson Jan 21 (-2.5), 70-68 at home Feb 22 (-7), a game they led by 17 in second half. Arizona lost four of its last five games, ASU lost three of four, with two of three losses in overtime. Arizona covered four of its last five games as an underdog.

Cal is one of best 3-point shooting teams in country, but they were 7-27 from arc in two games vs USC this season, with home side winning both. Trojans (-5) won 73-62 at home Jan 31, then lost 81-78 in OT Feb 26 at Berkeley (+4). USC lost six of last nine games, covered one of last five as underdog. Bears are 2-3 in last five games, with wins by 3-6 points.

Washington State split pair of games with UCLA, losing 61-59 at home after trailing by 13 at half (+6), then shocking Bruins 82-81 at Pauley in game where Rochestie had 33 points (+13). Cohesive Coogs won four of last five games, are 2-0-1 in last three games as underdog. UCLA won its last four games, covered eight of last twelve as the favorite.

[Udog]

NBA
Write-Up


Thursday, March 12

Hot Teams
-- Spurs won last three games, by 22-15-14 points.
-- Cavaliers won six of their last seven games.

Cold Teams
-- Lakers split their last six games (2-4 vs spread).
-- Suns lost their last five games, allowing 116.6 ppg.

Totals
-- Seven of last nine Laker games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last ten Cleveland games stayed under the total.

Back-to Back
-- Lakers are 9-1 vs spread if they won the night before.
-- Cleveland is 2-5 vs spread on road if they play again the next night.

[Udog]

Thursday's six-pack

We're looking at some of the top prospects from all thirty major league teams.........today, we look at the Pittsburgh Pirates......

-- Pedro Alvarez, 3B-- Was overweight in instructional league.

-- Andrew McCutchen, OF-- Hit .284 with 34 steals in AAA.

-- Jose Tabata, OF-- Hit .360 after being traded to Pirate system.

-- Brad Lincoln, P-- Was 6-10 in 19 starts in Class A ball last year.

-- Bryan Morris, P-- Missed all of 2007-- Tommy John surgery.

-- Neil Walker, 3B-- Could eventually move to the outfield.

[Udog]

Thursday's List of 13: Random thoughts on March Madness

13) Texas Tech was down 22 to Texas A&M last night, before Mike Singletary went off in one of the greatest performances in history of the Big 12 Conference. Singletary, averaging 11 ppg, scored 33 points in the second half, 31 in the last 9:35, leading Tech to an 88-83 win over a Texas A&M team that needed to win to state its case for an NCAA bid.

12) In one stretch, Singletary scored 31 of 33 Tech points, before the foul shooting of Voskuil wrapped things up. An impressive win. And yes, young Singletary has a famous father with the same name.

11) Any bubble team that loses its first conference tournament game has no gripe if they get left out of the Field of 65, especially if they blow a 22-point lead in the loss. Just a horrific serback for the Aggies.

10) There are four quarterfinal games in the MAC tourney Thursday in Cleveland; none of the four spreads is bigger than two points in a league where parity rules. Lot of close games in this league.

9) Four games in Mountain West tournament are all rematches from games played five days ago, the last day of the regular season, which is an odd coincidence. San Diego State has to play at UNLV after it beat the Rebels twice and finished two games ahead of Vegas.

8) Modern basketball; Syracuse went 9-18 from arc in 89-74 win vs Seton Hall Wednesday, but just 6-20 from the foul line. Orange got off to great start vs Pirates, getting several uncontested layups off the fast break, then withstood Seton Hall rally early in the second half.

7) Josh Akognon went for 37 points with no assists, making 9-15 on arc, as Fullerton beat Riverside 59-46; Titans move on to play a Santa Barbara club they've already beaten twice this year. Fullerton's other players combined to go 9-31 from floor, so Akognon saved them.

6) Halftime score: Marquette 38, St John's 10. Scores like that often get coaches fired, especially when it happens on their home floor.

5) Southern Mississippi had lost five in row, 10 of last 11 games, but pounded Central Florida 77-53 in Memphis at C-USA tourney. UCF has now lost eight of its last ten games.

4) Portland State only had four turnovers in 79-77 win over Montana State and will be in Field of 65 for second year in a row. Bobcats did put up a good fight; had they won, they would have saved someone else from going to Dayton for the play-in game Tuesday night.

3) West Virginia has a weird team; they made 11-20 from arc in 74-62 win over Notre Dame, but only made 12 of 44 inside the arc- they're lacking an inside scorer, which is why they lost twice to Pitt, and that is who they play in quarterfinals Thursday night.

2) One of the downsides of March Madness is a coaching carousel that can be unforgiving; Dennis Wolff (247-197, 17-13 this year) got canned by Boston U, after 15 years with the Terriers. Wolff made the NCAAs twice at BU, so not sure why he got fired, but it seems silly to dump a guy who is obviously a good coach. Lets see them come up with a guy who does a better job than Wolff.

1) To me, today is the best college basketball day of the year; all over the country, 46 games are being played, all playoff games. From noon until after 2am, lot of excellent action to follow. Enjoy.

[Udog]

NBA


Thursday, March 12

Updated
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Pick 'n' Roll: Thursday's best NBA bets
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Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns (+4, 218.5)

Phoenix has lost four of its last six overall and is five games back of the Dallas Mavericks for the eighth and final playoff spot.

Thursday’s nationally-televised home tilt against the Cavaliers is a must win for the reeling Suns.

“We’re in desperate position,” Phoenix guard Steve Nash told reporters.

The Cavaliers, meanwhile, have already clinched a playoff berth and have demonstrated that they are a much different club on the road.

Cleveland is 28-1 at home and is just 22-12 on the road.

The Suns, meanwhile, are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games against Cleveland.

Pick: Suns


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[pm530]

NHL
Write-up


Thursday, March 12

Hot teams
-- Senators won last four games, allowing eight goals.
-- Florida is 8-0 in game after its last eight losses.
-- Devils won five of their last six games.
-- Flyers are 7-4 in their last eleven games.
-- Penguins won their last seven games, the last two in SOs. Columbus won three of last four games.
-- Maple Leafs won six of their last nine games.
-- Montreal won six of its last eight games.
-- Red Wings won seven of last ten games.
-- Rangers won three of their last four games.
-- Hurricanes won three of their last four games.
-- Thrashers won four of their last five games.
-- Blues won five of their last seven games.

Cold teams
-- Bruins lost four of their last five games.
-- Sabres lost five of their last seven games.
-- Coyotes lost six of last seven games.
-- Washington lost three of its last four games.
-- Lightning lost four in row, nine of last eleven games.
-- Islanders lost their last seven road games.
-- Flames lost last three games: 6-1/5-2/3-2.
-- Nashville lost last two games, 4-1/2-1, after winning previous six.
-- Dallas Stars lost eight of last ten games.
-- Avalanche lost seven of their last eight games. Minnesota lost six of its last eight games.
-- Oilers lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Sharks lost four of their last five games.

Totals
-- Six of last eight Boston games went over the total.
-- Last three Buffalo games all went over the total.
-- Three of Devils' last four home games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in Flyers' last nine home games.
-- Three of last four Columbus games went over the total.
-- Last five Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Montreal games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Calgary games; five of last seven Detroit tilts stayed under the total. .
-- Three of last four Nashville home games stayed under the total; three of last four Ranger games went over.
-- Four of last five Carolina road games went over the total.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Colorado home games, 0-4-1 in the last five Minnesota contests.
-- Over is 8-3 in Atlanta's last eleven games.
-- Seven of last nine San Jose games stayed under the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Ottawa is 3-5 on road if they played the night before.
-- Columbus is 10-3 if it plays again the next night.
-- Lightning is 3-7 if they played the night before.
-- Carolina is 9-2 if they played the night before.

Series Records
-- Bruins won their last five games against Ottawa.
-- Sabres won six of their last eight games against Florida.
-- Coyotes won last two games against the Devils, 3-1/4-1.
-- Flyers won six of last nine against Washington.
-- Lightning won four of last five games against Toronto.
-- Montreal won six of last seven games against the Islanders.
-- Red Wings won six of last seven games against Calgary.
-- Minnesota won three of four against Colorado this season.
-- Oilers won last two games against Atlanta, 5-1/4-2.
-- Sharks won six of last seven games against the Blues.

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