Thursday Trends and Indexes 3/26 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Thursday, March 26

Good Luck on day #85 of 2009!

At this time the sports menu in this thread consists of the NBA, College Basketball, and the NHL until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will 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

Thursday, March 26

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Sweet 16 gets underway in Boston and Glendale, while the Lakers meet the Pistons and the Habs play host to the Bolts.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

Kobe Bryant and the Lakers will be looking for a win in Detroit against the Pistons in one of three games on the NBA's schedule for Thursday night. Los Angeles didn't have much trouble getting past Oklahoma City on Tuesday, with Bryant tossing in 19 points and adding five assists in a 107-89 victory. The Pistons are coming off a 99-91 loss in Chicago, with Will Bynum scoring 20 points for Detroit.

The other two NBA matchups are part of the weekly TNT doubleheader, with Miami at Chicago and Phoenix at Portland. The Suns and Trail Blazers have already met three times this season, most recently on December 18 when Portland grabbed a 124-119 home win as a 4-point favorite. The Suns won the first two games of the season set at home, covering the spread in both outings.

On the road to the Final Four . . .

The NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 tips off on Thursday night with action in both the West and East regions. The West matchups will be played at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, with No. 5 Purdue vs. No. 1 Connecticut, and No. 3 Missouri vs. No. 2 Memphis. Oddsmakers like the top-seeded Huskies in their game, as they've been pegged as a 6.5-point favorite (with the total at 135). Memphis is listed as a 4.5-point favorite in their matchup, with the total at 141.5.

The East region contests will be played at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, with No. 4 Xavier vs. No. 1 Pittsburgh, and No. 3 Villanova vs. No. 2 Duke. The Panthers had to battle through the first two rounds of the tournament, but they're still pegged as 7-point favorites to take care of Xavier on Thursday night (with the game's total at 139 points). The Blue Devils are slim 2-point favorites in their matchup with Villanova later in the evening, with the total set high at 148 points.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The Canadiens will be looking to grab a second straight win against an Eastern also-ran on Thursday night when they play host to Tampa Bay. The Habs breathed a little life into their playoff chances on Tuesday by doubling up on the Thrashers in a 6-3 home victory; Alex Tanguay and Alexei Kovalev each scored twice in that game. Tampa Bay is coming off a 2-1 Tuesday win over Columbus.

There are seven other games on the National Hockey League's schedule for Thursday, including Florida at Philadelphia. The Panthers are trying to break into the top eight of the East, while the Flyers are hoping to lock down fourth place in the conference. Rounding out the slate: the Rangers at Atlanta, Calgary at Columbus, San Jose at Nashville, Los Angeles at Dallas, Vancouver at St. Louis, and Edmonton at Phoenix; the Oilers are coming off a tough 3-2 loss to Detroit.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

If you think Tiger Woods will get back on track this weekend you can take him as the 2/1 Vegas favorite to pick up the victory in the PGA Tour's latest stop, the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando. Woods won this event last season, and he's well ahead of the next golfers on the Vegas odds list: Padraig Harrington (15/1), Retief Goosen (15/1), Jim Furyk (15/1), and Anthony Kim (15/1). As well, Vijay Singh is pegged at 20/1 odds, and Mike Weir is at 25/1.

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Thursday

-- The Knicks scored 135 points at home Wednesday.......and still lost to the Clippers in overtime.

-- A match made in heaven: Clippers and Isiah Thomas are talking about a front office job. What a freakin' country this is.
-- Orlando held off the Celtics at home, beating Boston 84-82, with Dwight Howard scoring 24 points while grabbing 21 rebounds.

-- Lance Armstrong had 12 screws and a steel plate inserted into his collarbone Wednesday. Now that sounds like it hurts.

-- Weird story out of Florida, where the wife of the Pirate prospect Jose Tabata is a suspect in the kidnapping of a 2-year old infant.

-- Tabata, who isn't a suspect in the case, is 20; his wife is 43, and has four teenage children. The name she gave police doesn't match the name she is listed under in the Pirates' media guide.

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[pm530]

Thursday's List of 13: Ranking the NCAA's Sweet 16...........

16) Xavier-- Can't get losses to Charlotte, Richmond out of my head. Sean Miller coaches against his alma mater tonight; Xavier-Pitt. .

15) Arizona-- Best 12-seed in tournament history?

14) Purdue-- Much like Michigan State, getting healthy at right time.

13) Gonzaga-- Job #1 is containing Carolina's point guard Lawson.

12) Kansas-- Wary of young team that got torched for 37 points by a point guard from North Dakota State.

11) Missouri-- In a tie game, with 0:10 left, not sure who they look for to get them the winning hoop.

10) Syracuse-- Is Jonny Flynn nost underrated player in country?

9) Michigan State-- Lot of really well-built big guys, but they won't withstand another 1-10 shooting night from Suton.

8) Villanova-- They're not playing in Philadelphia anymore.

7) Duke-- They're not playing on Tobacco Road anymore.

6) Pitt-- First #1 seed since 1990 to win its first two tourney games by ten or less points each.

5) Oklahoma-- Even the best player in country needs some help.

4) Memphis-- Treated Maryland like they were Marshall or SMU.

3) UConn-- You wonder if Calhoun's absence last week is related to the news that broke Wednesday, about potential NCAA violations that could wind up ending Calhoun's coaching career.

2) Louisville-- Haven't been playing 40 solid minutes, but they do as much as they have to do.

1) North Carolina-- If Lawsom is healthy, they're the best team, but the best team doesn't always win.

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[pm530]

NBA
Long Sheet


Thursday, March 26

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LA LAKERS (56 - 14) at DETROIT (34 - 36) - 3/26/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 92-78 ATS (+6.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 50-32 ATS (+14.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 27-10 ATS (+16.0 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 32-20 ATS (+10.0 Units) in road games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 30-40 ATS (-14.0 Units) in all games this season.
DETROIT is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) in home games this season.
DETROIT is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after a division game this season.
DETROIT is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.
DETROIT is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs this season.
DETROIT is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-2 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 4-1 straight up against LA LAKERS 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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MIAMI (38 - 32) at CHICAGO (34 - 38) - 3/26/2009, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-6 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 9-5 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (39 - 31) at PORTLAND (44 - 27) - 3/26/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 29-40 ATS (-15.0 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHOENIX is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PORTLAND is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 7-3 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 9-1 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

NBA
Write-up


Thursday, March 26

Hot Teams
-- Lakers won eight of their last ten games.
-- Bulls won five of their last six games.
-- Suns won their last six games (5-1 vs spread). Portland is 7-1 SU in game after its last eight losses.

Cold Teams
-- Pistons lost five of their last six games.
-- Heat lost five of their last six road games.

Totals
-- Under is 10-5 in Lakers' last fifteen games.
-- Four of last five Chicago home games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Phoenix games went over the total.

Back-to Back
-- Lakers are 6-7-1 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Miami is 3-10 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Phoenix is 6-2 SU if it won the night before.

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[pm530]

NBA


Thursday, March 26

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Trend Sheet
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7:30 PM
LA LAKERS vs. DETROIT
LA Lakers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Detroit
LA Lakers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. CHICAGO
Miami is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Miami is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

10:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. PORTLAND
Phoenix is 6-12-1 ATS in its last 19 games on the road
Phoenix is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Portland is 4-12-1 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Phoenix
Portland is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing Phoenix

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[pm530]

NBA


Thursday, March 26

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
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Los Angeles Lakers at Detroit Pistons (+7.5, 193.5)

It’s been a rough season for the once-powerhouse Pistons.

Detroit is two games under .500 mark and is 1-5 in its last six overall. In fact, the last time the Pistons won back-to-back games was at the end of February.

But the playoffs are getting closer and time is running out in the Motor City.

Luckily, the Pistons are 8-2 in their last 10 against the Lakers. In their first meeting, they stunned the Lakers, handing them their first home loss en route to covering the spread as a 9.5- point road underdog.

Five Pistons scored in double-digits against L.A, including a double-double (10 point and 10 rebounds) from former Lakers center Kwame Brown.

Brown, who definitely had revenge on his mind heading into L.A., came up big in the paint.

“They booed me when I was here,” Brown told reporters about his time spent in L.A.

Brown should be more than ready for Round 2 Thursday, especially since Lakers center Andrew Bynum is still sidelined with a serious knee injury.

The Lakers, meanwhile, are 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 against Detroit.

Pick: Pistons



Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers (-7, 221.5)

Phoenix has won five of its last six overall and has kept its slim playoff hopes alive thanks in large part to Shaquille O’Neal.

O’Neal has put up three double-doubles in the Suns’ last six contests and is averaging 20 points and eight rebounds in that period.

O’Neal only played 24 minutes in Monday’s home triumph over the fourth-seeded Denver Nuggets and still managed to put up 20 points and eight rebounds.

“It’s going to be tougher,” O’Neal told reporters about the Suns playoff aspirations. “We have to rely on the teams ahead of us to falter. We have to keep fighting and see what happens.”

But don’t expect him to let the Suns sink in Portland.

O’Neal, who has averaged a double-double (18 points and 10 rebounds) in three games against the Trail Blazers this season, has led his club to a 2-1 mark in that period.

The Blazers, meanwhile, are winless ATS in their last five at home against Phoenix.

Pick: Blazers

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[pm530]

NCAAB
Long Sheet


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Thursday, March 26

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JAMES MADISON (21 - 14) at OLD DOMINION (23 - 10) - 3/26/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JAMES MADISON is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all games this season.
JAMES MADISON is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
JAMES MADISON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games this season.
JAMES MADISON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road lined games this season.
OLD DOMINION is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
OLD DOMINION is 73-102 ATS (-39.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
OLD DOMINION is 3-3 against the spread versus JAMES MADISON over the last 3 seasons
OLD DOMINION is 4-2 straight up against JAMES MADISON 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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VILLANOVA (28 - 7) vs. DUKE (30 - 6) - 3/26/2009, 9:55 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VILLANOVA is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games this season.
VILLANOVA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
DUKE is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in a neutral court game where the total is 145 to 149.5 since 1997.
DUKE is 33-54 ATS (-26.4 Units) in March games since 1997.

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

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XAVIER (27 - 7) vs. PITTSBURGH (30 - 4) - 3/26/2009, 7:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
XAVIER is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in a neutral court game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.
XAVIER is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
XAVIER is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
XAVIER is 71-44 ATS (+22.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

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MISSOURI (30 - 6) vs. MEMPHIS (33 - 3) - 3/26/2009, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSOURI is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in road games against Conference USA opponents since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
MEMPHIS is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
MEMPHIS is 78-52 ATS (+20.8 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 156-107 ATS (+38.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
MEMPHIS is 32-12 ATS (+18.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 55-33 ATS (+18.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
MISSOURI is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games this season.
MISSOURI is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
MISSOURI is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all tournament games this season.
MISSOURI is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

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

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PURDUE (27 - 9) vs. CONNECTICUT (29 - 4) - 3/26/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PURDUE is 50-78 ATS (-35.8 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
PURDUE is 62-89 ATS (-35.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PURDUE is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more 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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Friday, March 27

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ARIZONA (21 - 13) vs. LOUISVILLE (30 - 5) - 3/27/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOUISVILLE is 41-28 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 41-28 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 47-28 ATS (+16.2 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
LOUISVILLE is 21-38 ATS (-20.8 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
LOUISVILLE is 21-38 ATS (-20.8 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-0 against the spread versus LOUISVILLE over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 1-0 straight up against LOUISVILLE 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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KANSAS (27 - 7) vs. MICHIGAN ST (28 - 6) - 3/27/2009, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN ST is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) against Big 12 conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in all games this season.
KANSAS is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
KANSAS is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
KANSAS is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS is 15-1 ATS (+13.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
KANSAS is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games this season.
KANSAS is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MICHIGAN ST is 1-0 against the spread versus KANSAS over the last 3 seasons
MICHIGAN ST is 1-0 straight up against KANSAS 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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GONZAGA (28 - 5) vs. N CAROLINA (30 - 4) - 3/27/2009, 9:55 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GONZAGA is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 23-8 ATS (+14.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 32-21 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
N CAROLINA is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GONZAGA is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) when the total is 160 to 169.5 since 1997.
GONZAGA is 44-27 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games in all tournament games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
GONZAGA is 1-0 against the spread versus N CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
GONZAGA is 1-0 straight up against N CAROLINA 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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SYRACUSE (28 - 9) vs. OKLAHOMA (29 - 5) - 3/27/2009, 7:25 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SYRACUSE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
SYRACUSE is 47-28 ATS (+16.2 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
SYRACUSE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in March games this season.
SYRACUSE is 47-28 ATS (+16.2 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
SYRACUSE is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all tournament games this season.

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

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[pm530]

NCAAB
Short Sheet


Thursday, March 26th

College Insider Tournament Semifinals

JAMES MADISON at OLD DOMINION, 7:00 PM ET
JAMES MADISON: 8-2 ATS as road underdog
OLD DOMINION: 3-12 ATS in tournament games


NCAA Tournament

Villanova vs. Duke, 9:55 ET
Villanova:
6-0 Under as neutral court dog of 6pts or less
8-1 Under off BB non-conf games

Duke:
13-4 Under when the total is 140 to 149.5
16-6 ATS off SU win/ATS loss


Xavier vs. Pittsburgh, 7:25 ET
Xavier:
6-0 Under in tournament games
13-5 ATS Away vs. non-conference

Pittsburgh:
4-1 Under in neutral court games
7-4 Under off an Over


Maryland vs. Memphis, 9:35 ET
Missouri:
0-7 ATS Away vs. Conference USA
11-17 ATS as an underdog

Memphis:
17-7 Under off DD win
20-11 Under as favorite


Purdue vs. Connecticut, 7:05 ET
Purdue:
17-5 ATS if underdog last game
6-3 ATS as neutral court dog

UConn:
1-8 ATS off BB wins by 10+ points
10-1 Over on neutral court



Friday, March 27th

Arizona vs. Louisville, 7:05 ET
Arizona:
47-28 ATS as an underdog
18-9 ATS off an Under

Louisville:
21-38 ATS on neutral court
19-9 Under off an Over


Kansas vs. Michigan State, 9:35 ET
Kansas:
15-5 Under Away off BB non-conf games
15-6 Under Away off BB ATS wins

Michigan State:
6-0 ATS as neutral court favorite of 6pts or less
6-0 ATS vs. Big 12


Gonzaga vs. North Carolina, 9:55 ET
Gonzaga:
9-0 ATS when the total is 160 or higher
22-10 ATS as neutral court underdog

North Carolina:
9-18 ATS off SU win
17-8 Over off an Under


Syracuse vs. Oklahoma, 7:25 ET
Syracuse:
22-10 ATS as a neutral court dog
7-1 ATS in tournament games

Oklahoma:
16-4 Under Away off BB covers as a favorite
9-2 Under Away playing only their 2nd game in a week

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[pm530]

NCAAB
Write-up


Thursday, March 26

NCAA tournament
Since 2000, #1 seeds are 7-3 vs spread when facing a 4-seed; when Pitt's Jerome Lane broke the backboard with a 1987 dunk on ESPN that made Bill Raftery famous, it was Xavier coach Sean Miller who threw him the ball. Panthers are first #1 seed since 1990 to win its first two tourney games by 10 or less points each- other two who did this lost before the Final Four. Xavier beat Cincinnati 76-66 in its only game vs Big East opponent. Pitt beat Duquesne 78-51 in only game against an A-14 foe.

#2 seeds are 6-4 vs spread in last 10 games in this round against the #3 seed. Villanova, Duke both played at home last weekend; Wildcats won 11 of last 14 games, are 14-1 outside the Big East, losing 67-58 to Texas. Duke won five in row, nine of last ten games; they're 2-0 against the Big East this season, beating Georgetown 76-67, St John's 76-69. Villanova trailed by 10 at half in first round game vs American; since then, they've outscored foes by 138-95 in their last sixty minutes played.

Since 2005, #5 seeds are 6-2 vs spread when facing a #1 seed. Unsure if rumors of recruiting violations will affect UConn here, but one thing for sure, it can't help. Huskies crushed their first two tourney foes since the six-OT loss in Big East tourney. Purdue won its last five games, allowing an average of 62.4 ppg; they're 2-2 as underdog this year. Boilermakers are 13-2 outside Big 11 this year, losing 76-60 to Duke, 87-82 in OT to Oklahoma- they beat Washington last week in Oregon, in pretty much a road game, as far as crowd support goes. .

Missouri coach Anderson has worked at both Arkansas, UAB, and has recruited Memphis heavily for both schools, so this is reunion game of sorts. We know Memphis hasn't lost since Dec 20, but Mizzou pressure will bother Memphis and its freshman PG Evans. Underdogs are 6-4 vs spread in West region semifinals the last five years Missouri won five in row, 13 of last 15 games; they're 13-2 outside the Big 12- they start two juniors, three seniors. I have a pick on this game in the box below.

CIT tournament
Road team won both James Madison-Old Dominion games, with Dukes (+9.5) winning 70-62 at ODU Jan 7, then losing 80-74 at home (-1) Jan 28-- JMU was 13-29 from arc in the two games. JMU had lost four in a row before NIT, then beat low majors Mt St Mary's, Liberty to get here. Monarchs won seven of last eight games, beating Citadel, Belmont in its first two tourney games. OSU held Belmont to 12-38 from arc Monday.

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[pm530]

NCAAB


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Trend Sheet
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MARCH 26

7:00 PM
JAMES MADISON vs. OLD DOMINION
James Madison is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of James Madison's last 6 games
Old Dominion is 5-10-2 ATS in its last 17 games when playing at home against James Madison
Old Dominion is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against James Madison

7:07 PM
PURDUE vs. CONNECTICUT
Purdue is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Connecticut is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Connecticut is 18-3 SU in its last 21 games

7:27 PM
XAVIER vs. PITTSBURGH
Xavier is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Xavier is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games
Pittsburgh is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games

9:37 PM
MISSOURI vs. MEMPHIS
Missouri is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Missouri is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

9:57 PM
VILLANOVA vs. DUKE
Villanova is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Villanova's last 5 games
Duke is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


MARCH 27

7:07 PM
ARIZONA vs. LOUISVILLE
Arizona is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games
Arizona is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
Louisville is 16-7 ATS in its last 23 games
Louisville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:27 PM
SYRACUSE vs. OKLAHOMA
Syracuse is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games
Syracuse is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Oklahoma is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma's last 6 games

9:37 PM
KANSAS vs. MICHIGAN STATE
Kansas is 15-3-1 ATS in its last 19 games
Kansas is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games
Michigan State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Michigan State is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

9:57 PM
GONZAGA vs. NORTH CAROLINA
Gonzaga is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
North Carolina is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
North Carolina is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games

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[pm530]

NCAAB


Thursday, March 26

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Tips and Trends
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West Region: #5 Purdue vs. #1 Connecticut [CBS | 7:07 PM ET]

Purdue: The Boilermakers certainly haven't had the easiest road to get to the Sweet 16, but they have enjoyed an impressive run in beating Northern Iowa and Washington by a combined seven points. “It has been a long road for us,” Purdue guard E’Twaun Moore said. “The end of the season was rocky, so this is a great reward for our team to be here.” The Boilermakers will have their work cut out for them again here, as the Huskies have seen their last two national championships run through Phoenix.

Purdue is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games overall.
The OVER is 8-2 in Purdue's last 10 games as an underdog.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 66 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)

UConn (-6.5, O/U 134): The Huskies have a cloud hanging over their head after a report came out on Wednesday that the school broke NCAA rules in recruiting Nate Miles. UConn head coach Jim Calhoun told his players they have nothing to worry about and tried to keep them focused on advancing to the Elite Eight. “As far as we’re concerned and I’m concerned, we’re here to beat Purdue, and I want you to know that,” Calhoun said he told the players. “That’s basically the kind of the things that we talked to the kids about, then we shut it off.”

UConn is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games overall.
The OVER is 6-2 in UConn's last 8 games vs. Big Ten.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 72



East Region: #3 Villanova vs. #2 Duke [CBS | 9:57 PM ET]

Villanova: The Wildcats are a guard-heavy team, but make no mistake about who they lean on for leadership. Senior forward Dante Cunningham is part of the winningest class in school history and has come a long way from three years ago when he played with Allan Ray and Randy Foye. Cunningham was named the Big East's Most Improved Player this past season and could very well be the difference in this game. “He takes pride in what the guys before him did for him, and he’s trying to leave the same legacy,” Villanova guard Scottie Reynolds said. “He’s trying to leave his mark on Villanova basketball.”

Villanova is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games overall.
The UNDER is 8-2 in Villanova's last 10 non-conference games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 75 (Side Play of the Day)

Duke (-2, O/U 148): Blue Devils guard Gerald Henderson returns to the city where his father earned NBA championships with the Celtics. “It’s pretty nice to be playing in Boston, where my dad had his best years as a pro,” Henderson said. “I’m sure he’ll have fun coming back here and, hopefully, watching me having some of the same success that he had.” Henderson will also be playing against a school he followed as a youngster. “Villanova is a great place - I grew up around there,” he said. “I have a lot of friends that go there, even on the team now. Coach Wright is great in recruiting and has always been good to my family. And Duke just ended up being the right place."

Duke is 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 games vs. Big East.
The UNDER is 7-2 in Duke's last 9 games vs. Big East.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 73

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[pm530]

NHL
Long Sheet


Thursday, March 26

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NY RANGERS (39-27-0-8, 86 pts.) at ATLANTA (30-38-0-6, 66 pts.) - 3/26/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 18-18 ATS (+38.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 13-31 ATS (-20.1 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 10-22 ATS (-17.0 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 9-6 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 9-6-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.0 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

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CALGARY (42-24-0-6, 90 pts.) at COLUMBUS (38-28-0-7, 83 pts.) - 3/26/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 38-35 ATS (+1.4 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 92-93 ATS (+218.1 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 21-16 ATS (+42.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLUMBUS is 19-16 ATS (+43.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 21-15 ATS (+3.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
CALGARY is 41-34 ATS (+75.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 24-12 ATS (+36.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-5-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.3 Units)

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FLORIDA (35-27-0-11, 81 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (40-22-0-10, 90 pts.) - 3/26/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-41 ATS (-37.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 83-82 ATS (-15.9 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-35 ATS (-34.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-20 ATS (-17.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 48-54 ATS (-47.8 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 7-3 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 7-3-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.2 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (24-33-0-16, 64 pts.) at MONTREAL (37-27-0-9, 83 pts.) - 3/26/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 24-49 ATS (+89.5 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 22-49 ATS (+81.8 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 12-8 ATS (+25.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 37-36 ATS (+91.2 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 33-40 ATS (-31.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 19-20 ATS (-12.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MONTREAL is 16-21 ATS (-20.9 Units) second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 5-6 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 6-5-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.1 Units)

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SAN JOSE (48-14-0-10, 106 pts.) at NASHVILLE (35-30-0-8, 78 pts.) - 3/26/2009, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 11-5 (+4.6 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 11-5-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.8 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (30-33-0-10, 70 pts.) at DALLAS (33-32-0-8, 74 pts.) - 3/26/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 132-76 ATS (+17.9 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
DALLAS is 14-25 ATS (+41.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DALLAS is 6-17 ATS (-14.4 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 3-8 ATS (-7.4 Units) in home games vs. division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 13-7 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 13-7-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
10 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.5 Units, Under=-1.3 Units)

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VANCOUVER (39-24-0-9, 87 pts.) at ST LOUIS (34-30-0-9, 77 pts.) - 3/26/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 214-211 ATS (-73.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 36-40 ATS (-16.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 34-39 ATS (-31.8 Units) in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 20-16 ATS (+3.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
VANCOUVER is 24-16 ATS (+43.3 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 8-3 (+2.6 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 8-3-0 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=+0.7 Units)

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EDMONTON (35-29-0-9, 79 pts.) at PHOENIX (30-36-0-7, 67 pts.) - 3/26/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 76-79 ATS (+167.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 21-17 ATS (+41.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 27-28 ATS (+70.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 43-36 ATS (+87.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 9-22 ATS (+31.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 120-148 ATS (-79.3 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 9-2 (+5.5 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 9-2-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.9 Units)

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[pm530]

NHL
Write-up


Thursday, March 26

Hot teams
-- Flyers won last three games, allowing seven goals.
-- Rangers won four of their last five games.
-- Blue Jackets won six of their last eight games.
-- Sharks won five of their last seven games.
-- Blues are 9-5 in their last fourteen games. Canucks won five of their last six games.

Cold teams
-- Panthers lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Thrashers lost three of their last four games.
-- Flames lost six of their last nine games.
-- Canadiens lost five of their last six games. Lightning lost three of last four games- four of their last five went OT/SO.
-- Nashville lost last three games, all in OT/SO.
-- Kings lost six of their last seven games. Dallas lost its last four games, outscored 16-7.
-- Coyotes lost ten of their last twelve games. Oilers lost seven of their last eleven games.

Totals
-- Four of last five Florida games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Calgary games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Montreal games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-3 in San Jose's last ten road games.
-- Last four St Louis games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Dallas games went over the total; Kings' last four games stayed under.
-- Over is 6-3-1 in last ten Edmonton games.

Back-to-Back
-- Florida is 3-5 if it played the night before.
-- Flames are 2-7 if they played the night before.
-- Lightning are 2-8 if they play again the next night.
-- Sharks are 5-2 if they played the night before.
-- Canucks are 5-2 if they play again the next night.
-- Edmonton is 5-4 if it plays again the next night.

Series Records
-- Panthers won seven of last ten against the Flyers.
-- Rangers won four of last five games against Atlanta.
-- Flames lost five of last seven visits to Columbus.
-- Lightning won three of last four games against Montreal.
-- Sharks won nine of last ten games against Nashville.
-- Canucks won five of last six games against St Louis.
-- Kings won five of last seven games against Dallas.
-- Oilers won their last seven games against Phoenix.

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