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**pm530** · 03-15-2009, 05:14 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Sunday, March 15

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The ACC, Big Ten, and SEC hold their conference championships, and the Mavericks get a tough game in Los Angeles.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

A busy Sunday around the NBA has 11 games on the schedule, including Dallas at the Lakers. Those two teams played twice back in November, with the Lakers coming out on top both times. Los Angeles grabbed a 114-107 home win over the Mavericks on November 28 as a 10.5-point favorite, and they also knocked off Dallas 106-99 as a 5.5-point road favorite in their matchup on November 11.

Matinee action on Sunday has Indiana at Toronto, Miami at Philadelphia, Boston at Milwaukee, Portland at Atlanta, and Memphis at Detroit. Rounding out the slate in the evening: Utah at Orlando, New York at Cleveland, Sacramento at Washington, Phoenix at Golden State, and New Jersey at the Clippers. The Nets and Clippers played in New Jersey in November, with the Nets winning 112-95.

The march toward Madness . . .

College hoops' pre-Madness calendar concludes Sunday, with championships in the ACC, Big Ten, SEC, and Southland conferences on the schedule for the day.

In the ACC it'll be Duke vs. Florida State in the title game. The Seminoles shocked top-ranked North Carolina 73-70 in the semifinals on Saturday, while the Blue Devils dispatched Maryland 67-61. The Big Ten championship is going to be Purdue vs. Ohio State; the Buckeyes upset Michigan State 82-70 on Saturday, and the Boilermakers are coming off a 66-56 semifinal win over Illinois.

Down in the SEC Mississippi State is going to take on Tennessee in the title game. The Bulldogs knocked off LSU 67-57 on Saturday, while the Volunteers advanced to the championship game by beating Auburn 94-85. Finally, the Southland Conference tournament will be capped off with UTSA vs. Stephen F. Austin, who beat Nicholls State and Texas A&M C.C . to advance to this matchup.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The National Hockey League has seven games on its schedule for Sunday, including the completion of the home-and-home set between the Flyers and Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The other afternoon games are the Islanders at Chicago and Boston at Pittsburgh. The Bruins and Penguins last played on New Year's Day, with Boston rolling to a 4-2 victory in their own arena.

Rounding out the Sunday slate: Minnesota at St. Louis, San Jose at Anaheim, Colorado at Vancouver, and Detroit at Columbus. The Blue Jackets blasted the Red Wings when the two teams met on March 7, with Rick Nash scoring three times in an 8-2 road victory. R.J. Umberger chipped in with two goals and an assist in that contest, while Henrik Zetterberg had a marker for the Red Wings.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Second-round action in Pool 1 of the World Baseball Classic is set to begin on Sunday at San Diego's Petco Park, with Japan vs. Cuba and Mexico vs. Korea. The Koreans slipped past Japan 1-0 on Monday to win Pool A; the Japanese had blasted Korea 14-2 earlier in the first round. Cuba pounded Mexico 16-4 on Thursday to claim Pool B in Mexico City; that was their only meeting of Round 1. The second round of the tournament continues in San Diego and Miami through Thursday, with the semis and championship at Dodger Stadium next weekend.

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**pm530** · 03-15-2009, 05:16 AM

Six-pack for Sunday

We're looking at some of the best minor league prospects for all 30 major league baseball teams. Today, its the St Louis Cardinals......

-- Colby Rasmus, OF-- Slow starter waa disappointment at AAA.

-- Brett Wallace, 3B-- Hit .367 in brief stint at AA last season.

-- Jess Todd, P-- Jumped from A ball to AAA last season.

-- Bryan Anderson, C-- Hit .308 against lefties LY; could go to 2B.

-- Clay Mortensen, P-- Gave up 12 HRs in 80 IP at AAA LY.

-- Daryl Jones, OF-- Great athlete who hasn't hit much in minors.

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**pm530** · 03-15-2009, 05:16 AM

Sunday's List of 13: Random thoughts on Selection Sunday

13) Akron Zips were down 12 to lowly Toledo with 4:50 left in their first-round game, won 93-92 in OT, and went on to win three more games and MAC title. This time of year, some things are determined on a very thin margin.

12) Zips are coached by Keith Dambrot, who coached Lebron James in high school; MAC tournament is played at Quicken Loans Arena, where Lebron plays his home games. Zips were last in NCAAs back in 1986, when they lost 70-66 to a Roy Tarpley-less Michigan club.

11) North Carolina better hope Ty Lawson's foot gets better soon.

10) Since the NCAAs expanded to 64 teams in mid-80's, 18 #1 seeds have won the national title, only four #2 seeds.

9) Never thought Mississippi State could beat LSU if they shot 3-16 from arc, but they did, and they did it convincingly. Bulldogs got to foul line 35 times, compared to just 13 for LSU- they needed to win more than LSU did, and it showed bigtime.

8) San Diego State plays some defensive struggles; in three games at the MWC tournament, Aztecs held all three opponents under 40% from field, and they shot less than 40% in their last two games.

7) Utah State's Gary Wilkinson is 26 years old, older than 208 guys in the NBA; he's two years older than Lebron James.

6) Arizona State led USC 39-24 at the half, but Trojans made 20-27 on foul line, ASU just 5-8, and USC rallied for an unlikely 66-63 win and its first Pac-10 tournament title.

5) USC, Cleveland State, Temple are three teams who won tourney titles unexpectedly, thereby "stealing" bids from three at-large clubs. Mississippi State could become the fourth bid stealer Sunday.

4) Seven of the top ten teams lost this week, and Duke could be #8 if they lose to Florida State Sunday.

3) Former Providence coach Tim Welsh was analyst for the America East final, which Binghamton won; Welsh played college ball for his father at Potsdam-- back then, Binghamton was a D-III doormat, and often played before home crowds of less than 100. Welsh should have mentioned that a little, would have made a better telecast, as far as letting people know how far the Binghamton program has come.

2) Its funny how disappointing teams like Baylor, Tennessee get a second wind when the conference tournament starts; Vols spanked a red-hot Auburn club Saturday, are playing their best ball right now. Guard-rich Baylor should be a tough out in the NIT.

1) Going into the NCAAs. Louisville is the best team in the country.

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**pm530** · 03-15-2009, 05:21 AM

NBA

Sunday, March 15

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Trend Sheet
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12:30 PM
INDIANA vs. TORONTO
Indiana is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Indiana is 3-14 SU in its last 17 games on the road
Toronto is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Indiana

1:00 PM
BOSTON vs. MILWAUKEE
Boston is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
Boston is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
Milwaukee is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Boston
Milwaukee is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Boston

1:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. DETROIT
Memphis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

1:00 PM
MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Miami is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Miami is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami

1:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. ATLANTA
Portland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

3:30 PM
DALLAS vs. LA LAKERS
Dallas is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
LA Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
LA Lakers are 22-3 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against Dallas

6:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. CLEVELAND
New York is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
New York is 6-13 ATS in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home

6:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. WASHINGTON
Sacramento is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Sacramento is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games
Washington is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Sacramento
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento

6:00 PM
UTAH vs. ORLANDO
Utah is 1-9-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Orlando
Utah is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Orlando
Orlando is 15-8 ATS in its last 23 games at home
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

9:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. GOLDEN STATE
Phoenix is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Phoenix is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 15-5-1 ATS in its last 21 games at home
Golden State is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home

9:30 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. LA CLIPPERS
New Jersey is 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
New Jersey is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 6-17 ATS in their last 23 games
LA Clippers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games

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**pm530** · 03-15-2009, 05:22 AM

NBA

Sunday, March 15

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
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Portland Trail Blazers at Atlanta Hawks (-4, 187)

Two seasons ago, both the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers were 50-loss teams riding lengthy playoff droughts.

Now, they're two of the NBA's emerging young contenders, and both will be looking to improve their postseason positioning when they meet Sunday afternoon in Atlanta.

The Hawks (38-28) enter Sunday's matchup having won four straight to start a seven-game homestand, including victories over Western Conference contenders New Orleans and Utah.

Joe Johnson's 30-point effort keyed Friday night's 101-87 win over Indiana as the Hawks played a third straight game without forward Marvin Williams. It's unclear how long a strained lower back will sideline Williams, who's averaging 14.0 points and 6.4 rebounds.

"We've all got to pick up our play, definitely," said Johnson, who has scored at least 30 points in each of the three games without Williams after failing to reach 20 in any of his previous four.

"I'm trying to be the first one," he added. "At least jump-start us."

The Hawks also have played superior defense in their last four games, with opponents averaging 85.5 points and shooting 41.8 percent from the field.

Pick: Atlanta -4

Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks (+6.5, 198.5)

The Bucks (30-38) know all about playing short-handed as they continue to chase a playoff berth without leading scorer Michael Redd and former No. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Bogut. Milwaukee is one of six teams chasing the East's eighth spot.

But the injuries could be starting to catch up with the Bucks, who've lost five of their last six and nine of 12. Their last two defeats have come at home, where they fell 95-86 to New Orleans on Friday night despite getting 27 points from Richard Jefferson.

With Boston, Orlando and Portland also set to visit the Bradley Center to finish their six-game homestand, the Bucks will likely need to improve their play if they hope to stay in the race.

"If we're really going to hit a stride where we are really playing our best basketball - with the way our team is right now - we need four, five, or six guys playing well on a given night," coach Scott Skiles said. "Two guys is not good enough. We are probably not going to win. We need multiple players playing well on both ends of the floor."

Playing without Redd and Charlie Villanueva, the Bucks forced overtime in the Celtics' previous visit Nov. 15, but they still lost their sixth straight to Boston, 102-97.

Picks: Celtics -6.5

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**pm530** · 03-15-2009, 05:25 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

If additional games and trends become available, we will update.

Sunday, March 15

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FLORIDA ST (24 - 8) vs. DUKE (26 - 6) - 3/15/2009, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA ST is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games this season.
FLORIDA ST is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
FLORIDA ST is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DUKE is 32-52 ATS (-25.2 Units) in March games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA ST is 3-1 against the spread versus DUKE over the last 3 seasons
DUKE is 3-1 straight up against FLORIDA ST 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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MISSISSIPPI ST (21 - 12) vs. TENNESSEE (20 - 11) - 3/15/2009, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 52-36 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 52-36 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 44-29 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
TENNESSEE is 18-36 ATS (-21.6 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
TENNESSEE is 18-36 ATS (-21.6 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
TENNESSEE is 13-32 ATS (-22.2 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TENNESSEE is 2-1 against the spread versus MISSISSIPPI ST over the last 3 seasons
TENNESSEE is 3-0 straight up against MISSISSIPPI ST 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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OHIO ST (21 - 9) vs. PURDUE (23 - 9) - 3/15/2009, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PURDUE is 34-21 ATS (+10.9 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
PURDUE is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 91-66 ATS (+18.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
PURDUE is 60-87 ATS (-35.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PURDUE is 3-3 against the spread versus OHIO ST over the last 3 seasons
OHIO ST is 5-2 straight up against PURDUE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**pm530** · 03-15-2009, 05:26 AM

NCAAB

If additional trends become available, we will update.

Sunday, March 15

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Trend Sheet
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1:00 PM
FLORIDA STATE vs. DUKE
Florida State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Florida State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Duke
Duke is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Florida State
Duke is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games when playing Florida State

1:00 PM
MISSISSIPPI STATE vs. TENNESSEE
Mississippi State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Tennessee
Mississippi State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tennessee
Tennessee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Mississippi State
Tennessee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Mississippi State

3:30 PM
OHIO STATE vs. PURDUE
Ohio State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Ohio State is 11-3-1 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Purdue
Purdue is 3-11-1 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Ohio State
Purdue is 3-16 SU in its last 19 games when playing Ohio State

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**pm530** · 03-15-2009, 05:27 AM

NCAAB

We will update when added info and projected scores are available.

Sunday, March 15

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Tips and Trends
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SEC Title: Mississippi State vs. Tennessee [1 PM ET]

MSU:

MSU is 5-0 SU & ATS in its last 5 games overall.
The OVER is 8-3-1 in MSU's last 12 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Tennessee (-4.5):

Tennessee is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
The UNDER is 12-5 in Tennessee's last 17 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

ACC Title: #22 Florida State vs. #8 Duke [ESPN | 1 PM ET]

Florida State:

Florida State is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The UNDER is 10-2 in the last 12 meetings.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Duke (-6.5):

Duke is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games overall.
The UNDER is 9-1 in Duke's last 10 neutral site games.

Key Injuries – NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Big Ten Title: Ohio State at #24 Purdue [CBS | 3:30 PM ET]

Ohio State:

Ohio State is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 Sunday games.
The UNDER is 16-5 in Ohio State's last 21 Sunday games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Purdue (-6):

Purdue is 4-12-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
The OVER is 3-1 in the last 4 meetings.

Key Injuries - G Chris Kramer (thigh) has returned.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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**pm530** · 03-15-2009, 05:29 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

If additional trends become available, we will update.

Sunday, March 15

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PHILADELPHIA (36-20-0-10, 82 pts.) at NY RANGERS (35-25-0-8, 78 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 119-138 ATS (-91.9 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 9-15 ATS (-11.8 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 73-83 ATS (-59.9 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 12-6 (+3.1 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 12-6-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

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BOSTON (44-15-0-10, 98 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (36-26-0-7, 79 pts.) - 3/15/2009, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 16-16 ATS (-14.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 28-9 ATS (+17.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 58-38 ATS (-1.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 27-11 ATS (+13.6 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-8 ATS (+11.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 32-21 ATS (+53.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 35-24 ATS (+63.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-5 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 6-5-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.7 Units)

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NY ISLANDERS (23-37-0-8, 54 pts.) at CHICAGO (37-21-0-8, 82 pts.) - 3/15/2009, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 184-229 ATS (+487.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 44-57 ATS (-47.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 1-0-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

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DETROIT (44-15-0-9, 97 pts.) at COLUMBUS (36-27-0-6, 78 pts.) - 3/15/2009, 5:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 9-12 (+4.7 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 12-9-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
12 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.5 Units)

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MINNESOTA (32-28-0-7, 71 pts.) at ST LOUIS (31-28-0-8, 70 pts.) - 3/15/2009, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-4 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 7-4-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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SAN JOSE (43-13-0-10, 96 pts.) at ANAHEIM (32-30-0-6, 70 pts.) - 3/15/2009, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 11-8 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 11-8-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
12 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.8 Units)

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COLORADO (30-37-0-1, 61 pts.) at VANCOUVER (35-23-0-9, 79 pts.) - 3/15/2009, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 13-5 (+8.0 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 13-5-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
11 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.0 Units)

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**pm530** · 03-15-2009, 05:30 AM

NHL

Sunday, March 15

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Trend Sheet
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12:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY RANGERS
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
NY Rangers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
NY Rangers are 6-14 SU in their last 20 games

3:00 PM
BOSTON vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 11 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 3-11-2 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Boston
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston

3:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. CHICAGO
NY Islanders are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chicago
NY Islanders are 5-10-4 SU in their last 19 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games

5:00 PM
DETROIT vs. COLUMBUS
Detroit is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Detroit's last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Columbus's last 8 games when playing Detroit
Columbus is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit

6:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. ST. LOUIS
Minnesota is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of St. Louis's last 14 games at home
St. Louis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

8:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. ANAHEIM
San Jose is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of San Jose's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Anaheim's last 9 games when playing at home against San Jose
Anaheim is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Jose

10:00 PM
COLORADO vs. VANCOUVER
Colorado is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games on the road
Vancouver is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Vancouver's last 9 games

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**pm530** · 03-15-2009, 05:31 AM

NHL

Sunday, March 15

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Ice Picks: NHL best bets
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New York Islanders at Chicago Blackhawks (-285, 5.5)

The Chicago Blackhawks haven't looked very ready recently with the way they're starting games, let alone ready for a return to the postseason.

The stumbling Blackhawks would like to avoid another poor opening period Sunday afternoon and close a four-game homestand on a positive note by beating the league-worst New York Islanders.

It appeared Chicago (37-20-9) was cruising toward its first playoff berth since 2002 after an 8-2-0 stretch into late February put the team comfortably in fourth place in the Western Conference. That's where the Blackhawks remain, so it appears likely their postseason drought will end, but they have not been performing at a playoff-caliber level with losses in six of their last nine.

Bad starts have been a major concern lately. Chicago's only win in its last four games came in a shootout and it has trailed after the first period in each, getting outscored 6-0.

"We've got to start harder and play a complete game," center Jonathan Toews told the team's official Web site.

The Blackhawks have held the lead for less than 15 of their last 245 minutes played.

Chicago fell behind 2-0 after the first 11:02 against Columbus on Friday night en route to a 5-3 defeat.

"We had a good finish, but to be successful in this league you have to have a good start," defenseman Brent Seabrook said. "Any time you give up two goals early and don't respond in the first period, it's pretty tough to come back in this league."

Seabrook ended a 23-game goal drought, Kris Versteeg scored for the third time in four games and Patrick Kane netted one to raise his team-leading point total to 60.

Chicago allowed five goals for the fifth time in eight games, a trend which may lead coach Joel Quenneville to stick Nikolai Khabibulin back in net. He hasn't played since aggravating a groin injury Feb. 11, but was activated from injured reserve Wednesday and served as Cristobal Huet's backup Friday.

Pick: Over 5.5

Detroit Red Wings at Columbus Blue Jackets (+120, 5.5)

Some impressive wins against the NHL's better teams has bolstered the Columbus Blue Jackets' chances of reaching the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

Looking for their fifth straight win, the host Blue Jackets on Sunday go for their first season-series win over the Western Conference-leading Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit (45-15-9) sits atop the West after going 8-3-1 since Feb. 18, but also had one of its ugliest outings of the season during that stretch, losing 8-2 at home to Columbus (36-27-6) on March 7.

The Blue Jackets have built off that in impressive fashion by shutting out Eastern Conference-leading Boston and ending Pittsburgh's seven-game winning streak before Friday's 5-3 triumph over Chicago. That surge has pushed Columbus into sixth place in the West - one point behind Vancouver and just five in back of the fourth-place Blackhawks.

After losing the first two meetings this season, the Blue Jackets have taken three straight from the Red Wings, including two victories at Nationwide Arena. Columbus has never beaten Detroit more than three times in a season, and is 14-28-7 with one tie all-time against the Wings, who appear headed to their eighth straight Central Division title.

Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash has recorded two hat tricks against the Red Wings this season, and three of his four career 3-goal games have come against Detroit, including in the rout earlier this month.

Pick: Columbus +120

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**Udog** · 03-15-2009, 10:15 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, March 15

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INDIANA (28 - 39) at TORONTO (23 - 43) - 3/15/2009, 12:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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PORTLAND (41 - 24) at ATLANTA (38 - 28) - 3/15/2009, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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MIAMI (36 - 29) at PHILADELPHIA (32 - 31) - 3/15/2009, 1:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-3 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 7-3 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (50 - 16) at MILWAUKEE (30 - 38) - 3/15/2009, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 101-72 ATS (+21.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 80-61 ATS (+12.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 50-36 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 52-30 ATS (+19.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 45-28 ATS (+14.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 53-31 ATS (+18.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 40-27 ATS (+10.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 29-53 ATS (-29.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 20-32 ATS (-15.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-5 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 8-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (16 - 48) at DETROIT (33 - 31) - 3/15/2009, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 64-81 ATS (-25.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 49-63 ATS (-20.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 46-62 ATS (-22.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 27-42 ATS (-19.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
DETROIT is 27-37 ATS (-13.7 Units) in all games this season.
DETROIT is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
DETROIT is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in home games this season.
DETROIT is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) on Sunday games this season.
DETROIT is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-1 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-0 straight up against MEMPHIS 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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DALLAS (40 - 26) at LA LAKERS (52 - 13) - 3/15/2009, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 90-75 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 46-30 ATS (+13.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 29-11 ATS (+16.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 212-168 ATS (+27.2 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 114-82 ATS (+23.8 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
DALLAS is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite this season.
DALLAS is 30-13 ATS (+15.7 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-4 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 6-4 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW YORK (28 - 37) at CLEVELAND (52 - 13) - 3/15/2009, 1:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 5-5 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 7-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTAH (41 - 25) at ORLANDO (48 - 17) - 3/15/2009, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 4-1 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 3-2 straight up against UTAH 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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SACRAMENTO (14 - 51) at WASHINGTON (15 - 51) - 3/15/2009, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 4-1 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-0 straight up against SACRAMENTO 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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PHOENIX (35 - 31) at GOLDEN STATE (23 - 42) - 3/15/2009, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 6-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 6-4 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW JERSEY (28 - 37) at LA CLIPPERS (15 - 50) - 3/15/2009, 9:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 3-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 3-2 straight up against NEW JERSEY 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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**Udog** · 03-15-2009, 10:24 AM

NCAAB
Short Sheet

If additional trends become available, we will update.

Sunday, 3/14/2009

Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament - Championship - Atlanta, GA

FLORIDA ST vs. DUKE, 1:00 PM ET ESPN
FLORIDA ST: 6-1 ATS playing with revenge
DUKE: 3-11 ATS in March

SEC Tournament - Championship - Tampa, FL

MISSISSIPPI ST vs. TENNESSEE, 1:00 PM ET CBS
MISS ST: 8-1 ATS vs. teams that score 77+ PPG
TENNESSEE: 14-32 ATS in tournament games

Big 10 Conference Tournament - Championship - Indianapolis, IN

OHIO ST vs. PURDUE, 3:20 PM ET CBS
OHIO ST: 16-4 ATS vs. Purdue
PURDUE: 5-1 Over playing 2nd road game in less than 3 days

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 03-15-2009, 10:28 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Florida State vs. Duke
The Seminoles are 10-4 ATS as an underdog and look to take advantage of a Duke team that is just 3-10 ATS in its last 13 March games. Florida State is the underdog pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Devils favored by only 4. Dunkel Pick: Florida State (+6 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

Game 893-894: Florida State vs. Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Florida State 67.982; Duke 71.915
Dunkel Line: Duke by 4
Vegas Line: Duke by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (+6 1/2)

Game 895-896: Mississippi State vs. Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi State 63.273; Tennessee 71.248
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 8
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 4
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-4)

Game 897-898: Ohio State vs. Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 65.141; Purdue 69.632
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Purdue by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (+6 1/2)

Game 899-900: TX-San Antonio vs. Stephen F. Austin
Dunkel Ratings: TX-San Antonio 48.054; Stephen F. Austin 55.408
Dunkel Line: Stephen F. Austin by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Stephen F. Austin by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Stephen F. Austin (-6 1/2)

Announcement

Sunday Trends and Indexes 3/15 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Sunday Trends and Indexes 3/15 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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