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**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:26 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: March 21

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Sprint Cup Series returns at Bristol, while the Blazers meet the Suns, and March Madness offers up eight matchups.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

There are seven games around the NBA on Sunday, with Houston at New York, Oklahoma City at Indiana, Sacramento at the Clippers, Detroit at Cleveland, San Antonio at Atlanta, Washington at the Lakers, and Portland at Phoenix. The Trail Blazers and Suns last met on the court on February 10, with the Blazers picking up a 108-101 road victory. LaMarcus Aldridge scored a team-high 22 points for Portland in that contest, while Andre Miller and Steve Blake each tossed in 20 points. Amare Stoudemire scored a game-high 24 points in the loss for the Suns.

As well, top-seeded Syracuse and Duke highlight the second-round Big Dance matchups on Sunday. The Orange thumped No. 16 Vermont in their tourney opener on Friday, getting 18 points from Wes Johnson in a 79-56 victory. Syracuse will take the court on Sunday as a 7.5-point favorite against No. 8 Gonzaga, which beat No. 9 Florida State 67-60 on Friday. Meanwhile, Duke blew past No. 16 Arkansas Pine Bluff 73-44 on Friday, and they'll face No. 8 California on Sunday as a 6-point favorite. The Golden Bears bounced No. 9 Louisville in the first round on Friday, as Theo Robertson tossed in 21 points in the 77-62 win.

Along with California vs. Duke it's No. 5 Texas A&M (-1.5) vs. No. 4 Purdue in South Region action on Sunday, while No. 6 Xavier vs. No. 3 Pittsburgh (PK) joins Gonzaga vs. Syracuse on the West Region slate. In the Midwest Region on Sunday it's No. 10 Georgia Tech vs. No. 2 Ohio State (-6.5) and No. 5 Michigan State vs. No. 4 Maryland (-1). Finally, the East Region offers up No. 10 Missouri vs. No. 2 West Virginia (-5.5) and No. 12 Cornell vs. No. 4 Wisconsin (-4). The Ivy League's Big Red dispatched No. 5 Temple 78-65 in their first-round contest.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The NHL has nine games on tap for Sunday, with Calgary at Minnesota, Buffalo at Carolina, Tampa Bay at Florida, Nashville at St. Louis, Phoenix at Dallas, Atlanta at Philadelphia, San Jose at Edmonton, Colorado at Anaheim, and the Rangers at Boston. The 31-27-12 Bruins were blanked 3-0 by the Penguins in their last game on Thursday night, and they're 0-3 against New York so far this season. The 31-31-9 Rangers are coming off a 4-3 loss to St. Louis on Thursday night. Marian Gaborik scored his 37th goal of the year in that defeat for New York.

Roaring around the track . . .

Finally, the drivers of the Sprint Cup Series return from a one-week break to take the track in the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday afternoon. Kyle Busch won both races at Bristol last season, and he's pegged as the 5/1 Vegas favorite to make it three in a row on Sunday. Jimmie Johnson is next on the Vegas odds list at 6/1, with Jeff Gordon at 17/2, and Mark Martin at 9/1. Other odds to visit victory lane on Sunday: Tony Stewart (10/1), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (11/1), and Denny Hamlin (11/1). 2008 Food City champ Jeff Burton is at 18/1.

**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:26 AM

Bettor's best friend: Sunday's wagering tips

Lines off the board

Houston Rockets at New York Knicks – David Lee (knee) was a late scratch from the team’s last game but is expected to play.

Buffalo Sabres at Carolina Hurricanes – Manny Legace (knee) has missed the last three games and is questionable. Alexandre Picard (upper body) is doubtful.

Phoenix Coyotes at Dallas Stars – Robert Lang (lower body) missed Thursday’s game and is questionable.

Lines to keep an eye on

The total in the Thunder-Pacers game has elevated from an opener of 205.5 to 206.5 at most shops. This series has seen four straight overs and the over has cashed in 9-of-10.

The Kings-Clippers total has dropped one point since opening at 200. The last five games between these teams have gone under.

The opening total of 202.5 in the Pistons-Cavs matchup fell a point to 201.5. Detroit has played to four straight overs.

The Spurs-Hawks total opened at 195.5 and has been bet down to 194.5.

Who’s hot

Maryland is 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games.

The Coyotes have won seven straight, earning 7.08 units on the moneyline in that stretch.

San Antonio is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games.

Who’s not

Michigan State is 2-4 ATS in its last six outings.

Evengi Nabokov has lost four straight starts for the Sharks, giving up a total of 14 goals during that span.

The Clippers are 2-8 SU and 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games.

Key stat

3-0 – ATS record for Xavier in their last three second round games from the last three years. The Musketeers are 9-2 ATS in the Dance since the 2004 season.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Tyreke Evans, the frontrunner for the NBA Rookie of the Year, could miss the remainder of the season after taking a vicious blow to the head from the Bucks’ Ersan Ilyasova. Evans had a concussion, a chipped tooth and a gum laceration. The former Memphis Tiger is averaging 20.4 ppg this season. The Kings face the Clippers on Sunday and Ime Udoka could be in line for a start. This injury leaves Sacramento very thin at the guard position.

Notable quotable

"There's 347 Division I schools. There's one that's dominating and there's a handful that have put themselves in the position with the right mindset and the right talent to walk in the door. I would love the opportunity."

-- Ohio State women's basketball coach Jim Foster said about getting the chance to play UConn in the NCAA Tournament.

Tips and notes

- Despite Ohio State’s relatively easy win over UCSB on Friday; the team’s starters didn’t get to rest in the second half. The Buckeyes bench accounted for 14 minutes of play while four starters played more than 37 minutes. Ohio State has used a six-man rotation most of the year but fatigue could start to show in the matchup against Georgia Tech being the team’s fifth game in 10 days.

- According to Jason Richardson, Phoenix is playing like the team that “went 14-3 at the beginning of the season.” He said that the Suns are playing with more cohesion now more than ever because “nobody has personal goals.” J-Rich also mentioned the team was mostly concerned about moving up in the playoff standings to get home-court advantage so they are not content with just getting in. The Suns have won 8-of-10 and three straight ATS.

- Paul Hewitt’s coaching tactic of banning cell phones from his players to try to “connect” them may have had something to do with Georgia Tech advancing to the second round of the Dance. Before the conference tournament, players had to surrender their cell phones to the coach and D’Andre Bell said it made them more of a “family” and gave them a sense of “trust” on the floor. The Jackets are 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five.

**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:27 AM

Sunday six-pack

-- There's a TV screen in my bathroom mirror here at MGM Grand. I'm not even kidding, there really is, with a remote and all.

-- Indians' closer Kerry Wood is out 6-8 weeks with a strained back.

-- There is a college called Black Hills State? There's town thats actually called Spearfish, South Dakota? Who knew?

-- Iona/St Mary's are both Gaels; a Gael, according to Verne Lundquist, is an Irish warrior. Never knew that until Saturday.

-- Colts have an assistant coach named Jim Bob Cooter; he was backup QB at Tennessee during the Eric Ainge era in Knoxville.

-- Nationals sent Steven Strasberg to AA, a boon to the Eastern League that figure to draw 500-1,000 extra fans a night for his starts.

********************************************

Sunday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.........

13) Kansas is first #1 seed in six years to lose in second round, since two #1's lost in 2004: Stanford to Alabama, Kentucky to UAB.

12) Sportsbook at MGM Grand went nuts when Northern Iowa drained that trey from right wing with 0:30 on shot clock that clinched their win over the Jayhawks. There were awful lot of frontrunning Kansas fans who skulked away quietly a couple minutes later, when UNI won.

11) Scottie Reynolds went 4-26 this weekend, virtually clinching that he will get drafted by the Knicks next June. Reynolds didn't look energetic, and the whole Villanova team seemed like they didn't mind season ending.

10) If you bet over in Golden State-Memphis game Saturday, you had a bad day; game was 107-90 after three quarters; only needed 35 points in fourth quarter for game to go over. Teams combined for 33.

9) #5 seeds are 11-4 in their last 15 second round games against #4 seeds.

8) Big East is 0-3 this week against Pac-10/WCC teams. Syracuse plays Gonzaga in Buffalo Sunday, a virtual home game. Better win that one.

7) Central Florida is now a Nike school, after Marcus Jordan refused to wear adidas footwear last November. After hearing that, it makes sense that Marcus' dad also had a hand in UCF firing head coach Kirk Speraw this year, after the guy coached at Central Florida for 17 years.

6) Wonder how Mike Bellotti's resignation as Oregon's AD affects the Ducks' search for a basketball coach. Makes sense the school will here an AD before they hire a hoop coach, right? This ain't going to help any.

5) Villanova's band was wearing referee shirts Saturday; not sure if they were paying tributes to the three men who carried Wildcats to 1st round win over Robert Morris; either that, or they all work at Foot Locker.

4) Recruiting is an inexact science; the kids at Northern Iowa, St Mary's, Murray State, Siena who win game after game have fallen through cracks and been missed by the big boys. You're telling me Omar Samhan would not be a star in the Pac-10, for Oregon or Oregon State?

3) Love how St Mary's plays; they seem to have so much fun during the games. Little sad, though, that Australians seem to have a better idea on how to play team basketball than we do.

2) I got my first cellphone in November, 2003; I used to make fun of the people who used them; if I lost mine now, I'd have a nervous breakdown.

1) One thing for sure; with Trent Johnson rumored to be leaving LSU for freakin' Boise State, there ain't much patience for coaches who make lot of money and have losing seasons.

**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:29 AM

NBA

Sunday, March 21

The additional matchups will be posted asap.

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. NEW YORK
Houston is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against New York
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
New York is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston
New York is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing Houston

2:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. INDIANA
Oklahoma City is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Oklahoma City's last 13 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. ATLANTA
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio

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**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:30 AM

NBA

Sunday, March 21

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Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
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Sacramento Kings at Los Angeles Clippers (-5, 199.5)

Chris Kaman knows he hasn’t had a stellar season, especially in the five games prior to Wednesday’s win where he averaged 11 points per outing.

"I've had some bad games the last five games – I'm not doing it on purpose, I'm really not," Kaman said.

Clippers coach Kim Hughes is sticking with his big man through thick and thin however.

"Clearly when he's gone to the point that he's fried, you've got to take him out,” he said. “You still have to run plays for him, work out his kinks with him.”

Kaman responded with 20 points and seven rebounds in the 101-93 win over Milwaukee and the Clips have a chance to make it a two-game winning streak against Sacramento who will be without their star rookie.

Tyreke Evans did not travel with the team and could be done for the season after taking a vicious blow to the head on Friday. The Kings are 1-4 without Evans on the floor this season and his injury leaves Sac-Town with three healthy guards – something Eric Gordon and Baron Davis should be able to exploit.

Pick: Clippers

Oklahoma City Thunder at Indiana Pacers (+4, 206.5)

The Thunder are winning in superior fashion this season but more importantly, they’re having fun doing it.

"We're so close. It's so fun to be around each other; it's really like brothers," Kevin Durant said in a recent interview with ESPN. "(We are) just growing as a group and getting more comfortable with the game.”

Oklahoma City is 18-4 in its last 22 games (13-9 ATS) and its starters got plenty of rest in Friday’s 26-point rout of the Raptors (none played more than 33 minutes).

The Pacers have been sticking around in games lately, covering the spread in six of their last seven but this short number should get covered by the rolling Thunder.

Pick: Thunder

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**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:31 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Sunday, March 21

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MISSOURI (23 - 10) at W VIRGINIA (28 - 6) - 3/21/2010, 2:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W VIRGINIA is 79-55 ATS (+18.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
W VIRGINIA is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.
MISSOURI is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all lined 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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GONZAGA (27 - 6) at SYRACUSE (29 - 4) - 3/21/2010, 12:10 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CORNELL (28 - 4) at WISCONSIN (24 - 8) - 3/21/2010, 2:50 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CORNELL is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
WISCONSIN is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.
CORNELL is 86-55 ATS (+25.5 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
CORNELL is 85-47 ATS (+33.3 Units) in road games since 1997.
CORNELL is 85-47 ATS (+33.3 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
CORNELL is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games when playing with one or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
CORNELL is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
CORNELL is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
WISCONSIN is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 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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CALIFORNIA (24 - 10) at DUKE (30 - 5) - 3/21/2010, 5:20 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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XAVIER (25 - 8) at PITTSBURGH (25 - 8) - 3/21/2010, 4:50 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
XAVIER is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all games this season.
XAVIER is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
XAVIER is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
XAVIER is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
XAVIER is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
XAVIER is 79-50 ATS (+24.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
XAVIER is 1-0 against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 1-0 straight up against XAVIER 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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GEORGIA TECH (23 - 12) at OHIO ST (28 - 7) - 3/21/2010, 2:20 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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TEXAS A&M (24 - 9) at PURDUE (28 - 5) - 3/21/2010, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS A&M is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games this season.
TEXAS A&M is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
TEXAS A&M is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 33-15 ATS (+16.5 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
TEXAS A&M is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS A&M is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.
PURDUE is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PURDUE is 52-79 ATS (-34.9 Units) as an underdog since 1997.

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

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MICHIGAN ST (25 - 8) at MARYLAND (24 - 8) - 3/21/2010, 2:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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Monday, March 22

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NEVADA (21 - 12) at RHODE ISLAND (24 - 9) - 3/22/2010, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RHODE ISLAND is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
RHODE ISLAND is 56-90 ATS (-43.0 Units) in all home games since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 56-90 ATS (-43.0 Units) in home lined games since 1997.

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

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CONNECTICUT (18 - 15) at VIRGINIA TECH (24 - 8) - 3/22/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 11-19 ATS (-9.9 Units) in all games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 11-19 ATS (-9.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
VIRGINIA TECH is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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KENT ST (24 - 9) at ILLINOIS (20 - 14) - 3/22/2010, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KENT ST is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
KENT ST is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
KENT ST is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
ILLINOIS is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
ILLINOIS is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in a home game where the total is 130 to 134.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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DAYTON (21 - 12) at CINCINNATI (19 - 15) - 3/22/2010, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 10-18 ATS (-9.8 Units) in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 10-18 ATS (-9.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
CINCINNATI is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all home games this season.
CINCINNATI is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home lined games this season.
CINCINNATI is 24-41 ATS (-21.1 Units) in March games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CINCINNATI is 70-99 ATS (-38.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 24-45 ATS (-25.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.

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

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COLL OF CHARLESTON (22 - 11) at VA COMMONWEALTH (23 - 9) - 3/22/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VA COMMONWEALTH is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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PRINCETON (21 - 8) at IUPUI (25 - 10) - 3/22/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PRINCETON is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games this season.
PRINCETON is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
PRINCETON is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) when the total is 119.5 or less this season.
PRINCETON is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games this season.
PRINCETON is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road lined games this season.
PRINCETON is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in a road game where the total is 119.5 or less this season.
PRINCETON is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
PRINCETON is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 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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MOREHEAD ST (24 - 10) at BOSTON U (20 - 13) - 3/22/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MOREHEAD ST is 21-37 ATS (-19.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
MOREHEAD ST is 38-23 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MOREHEAD ST is 38-23 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MOREHEAD ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
MOREHEAD ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games after a non-conference game this season.
MOREHEAD ST is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
MOREHEAD ST is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MOREHEAD ST is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 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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WI-GREEN BAY (22 - 12) at SAINT LOUIS (21 - 11) - 3/22/2010, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-GREEN BAY is 40-60 ATS (-26.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
SAINT LOUIS is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all home games this season.
SAINT LOUIS is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in home lined games this season.
SAINT LOUIS is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAINT LOUIS is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
WI-GREEN BAY is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WI-GREEN BAY is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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APPALACHIAN ST (23 - 12) at MARSHALL (24 - 9) - 3/22/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
APPALACHIAN ST is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
APPALACHIAN ST is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
APPALACHIAN ST is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.

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

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FAIRFIELD (23 - 10) at CREIGHTON (17 - 15) - 3/22/2010, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FAIRFIELD is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in road games this season.
FAIRFIELD is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in road lined games this season.
FAIRFIELD is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
CREIGHTON is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CREIGHTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
CREIGHTON is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all tournament 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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LOUISIANA TECH (24 - 10) at MISSOURI ST (21 - 12) - 3/22/2010, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOUISIANA TECH is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISIANA TECH is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISIANA TECH is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISIANA TECH is 24-8 ATS (+15.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 23-37 ATS (-17.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 23-37 ATS (-17.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games over the last 3 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 21-36 ATS (-18.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 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.

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

PACIFIC (21 - 11) at N COLORADO (25 - 7) - 3/22/2010, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N COLORADO is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
N COLORADO is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
N COLORADO is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PACIFIC is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in a road game where the total is 120 to 129.5 since 1997.

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

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

**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:32 AM

NCAAB
Write-Up

Sunday, March 21

Sunday's NCAA games
Missouri is 2-3 in last five games, scoring 57.8 ppg in its losses; they're going to press for 40:00, but West Virginia can run with htem, and will defend well enough that if Mizzou can't score, they can't press as much. Huggins is just 2-7 in last nine second round games, but 1-0 here, with an upset win over Duke in '08. As I type this, 2-seeds 7-14 vs spread this round, pending the Kansas State result later Saturday.

Syracuse will have bigger home court edge than they do in Carrier Dome, as smaller arena will be filled with orange; Gonzaga goes anywhere and plays everyone; they lost by 4 at Michigan State, won at Maui tourney, played Duke in NYC, won at Illinois/Memphis- they're 5-1 as underdog this year- don't think St Mary's win over Villanova doesn't help, as the Big East is 0-3 n this tournament vs teams from the west coast.

Cornell shot 56% vs Temple, 68% in first half; they shoot 40.2% from arc, have six seniors in rotation. Big Red won at Alabama, took Kansas to last minute in Lawrence, went 1-2 vs Big East teams, so they're fairly well battle-rested. Wisconsin is 2-4 in this round last seven years, with a win over Cinderella Bucknell team in '05. Badgers survived vs Wofford on day where they shot 37% (1-9 on 3's) but had only four turnovers.

Cal starts four seniors, shoot 3's well; they were 8-15 from arc Friday, on season, they're 37.7% behind arc. Bears played lot of good teams in fall, but were banged-up- they're healthy now, but missing suspended Amoke. Duke beat Arizona State by 11 in only game vs Pac-10 team this season; they're 10-1 in this round since '98; Coach K lost to Jason Kidd's Cal team as 12-point favorite in this round 17 years ago.

Xavier won eight of last nine games; Pitt won eight of ten. Panthers beat Duquesne by 9 in only game vs A-14 team. X-men beat Cincinnati, lost to Marquette in its games vs Big East foes; Musketeers played the #12 non-league schedule, so they're battle tested, especially since A-14 is a real good league too (Pitt played #188 non-conf slate). Xavier shot only 34% vs Minnesota; their only loss in last nine games came in overtime.

Georgia Tech outscored Oklahoma State 24-9 from line Friday; they've got two NBA big men inside; Jackets are 48th in pace, Ohio State 235th; Buckeyes used only six guys in few games this year. Aside from their Final Fours in '99/'07, Ohio State has been knocked out in 1st/2nd round five times this decade, and were favored in all five games. Jackets are 6-5 vs spread as an underdog this year, covering three of last four.

Texas A&M/Purdue are both down a key starter; Aggies lost Roland at Christmastime, so they've adjusted to playing without him better than Boilers, who are 14-2 in last 16 games, but 1-7 vs spread in last eight. In Friday's win, Purdue got past a Siena team whose best 3-point shooter didn't play. Aggies are 12-2 vs spread in last 14 games, 8-2 as a favorite. Aggies beat Minnesota in November, team that waxed Purdue last week.

Maryland won five of last six games; they split pair vs Big 11 foes, with loss to Wisconsin in Maui and win at Indiana. Terps will see much more physical opponent that they saw Friday, when they scored on 14 of 15 possessions at one point. Izzo is 8-1 in this round, with only loss as a 10.5-point to North Carolina three years ago. Allen/Lucas both tweaked ankles late in Friday's win. Can Terps' Williams dominate inside again?

**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:34 AM

NCAAB

Sunday, March 21

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Trend Report
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12:10 PM
GONZAGA vs. SYRACUSE
Gonzaga is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games
Syracuse is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games

2:20 PM
GEORGIA TECH vs. OHIO STATE
Georgia Tech is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

2:30 PM
MICHIGAN STATE vs. MARYLAND
Michigan State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Maryland is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

2:40 PM
MISSOURI vs. WEST VIRGINIA
Missouri is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
West Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

2:50 PM
CORNELL vs. WISCONSIN
Cornell is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Wisconsin is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

4:50 PM
XAVIER vs. PITTSBURGH
Xavier is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Pittsburgh is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games

5:00 PM
TEXAS A&M vs. PURDUE
Texas A&M is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Purdue is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games

5:15 PM
CALIFORNIA vs. DUKE
California is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Duke is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

Monday, March 22

6:00 PM
NEVADA vs. RHODE ISLAND
Nevada is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Nevada is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Rhode Island is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 games
Rhode Island is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games

7:00 PM
APPALACHIAN STATE vs. MARSHALL
Appalachian State is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 games
Appalachian State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Marshall is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Appalachian State
Marshall is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON vs. VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH
College of Charleston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
College of Charleston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Virginia Commonwealth is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Virginia Commonwealth is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. VIRGINIA TECH
Connecticut is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Virginia Tech
Connecticut is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Virginia Tech is 17-2 SU in its last 19 games at home

7:00 PM
MOREHEAD STATE vs. BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Morehead State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Morehead State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
No trends available

7:00 PM
PRINCETON vs. IUPUI
Princeton is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Princeton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
No trends available

8:05 PM
FAIRFIELD vs. CREIGHTON
Fairfield is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Fairfield is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Creighton is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Creighton is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home

8:05 PM
LOUISIANA TECH vs. MISSOURI STATE
Louisiana Tech is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Louisiana Tech's last 12 games
Missouri State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Missouri State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

9:00 PM
DAYTON vs. CINCINNATI
Dayton is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Dayton is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dayton
Cincinnati is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Dayton

9:00 PM
KENT STATE vs. ILLINOIS
Kent State is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Kent State is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games
Illinois is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Illinois is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

9:00 PM
WISC-GREEN BAY vs. SAINT LOUIS
Wisc-Green Bay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wisc-Green Bay's last 5 games
Saint Louis is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games at home
Saint Louis is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games at home

9:05 PM
PACIFIC vs. NORTHERN COLORADO
Pacific is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Pacific is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Northern Colorado is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games at home
Northern Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

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**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:35 AM

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Monday, 3/22/2010

NIT - Second Round

NEVADA at RHODE ISLAND, 6:00 PM ET ESPNU
NEVADA: 2-10 ATS off road win
RHODE ISLAND: 24-11 ATS vs. non-conference

CONNECTICUT at VIRGINIA TECH, 7:00 PM ET ESPN
CONNECTICUT: 5-13 ATS off ATS loss
VIRGINIA TECH: 6-0 Over vs. non-conference

KENT ST at ILLINOIS, 8:00 PM ET ESPNU
KENT ST: 6-19 ATS vs. non-conference
ILLINOIS: 10-0 Over vs. non-conference

DAYTON at CINCINNATI, 9:00 PM ET ESPN
DAYTON: 6-0 Over after a combined score of 110 points or less
CINCINNATI: 7-17 ATS as home favorite

CBI Tournament - Quarterfinals
COLL OF CHARLESTON at VA COMMONWEALTH, 7:00 PM ET HDNET
COLL OF CHARLESTON: 6-0 ATS off road win
VA COMMONWEALTH: 7-1 Over after covering 3 of their last 4 games

PRINCETON at IUPUI, 7:00 PM ET
PRINCETON: 13-2 ATS after allowing 55 points or less
IUPUI: 1-7 ATS off ATS win

MOREHEAD ST at BOSTON U, 7:00 PM ET
MOREHEAD ST: 6-0 ATS Away off non-conf game
BOSTON U: 6-0 ATS as favorite

WI-GREEN BAY at SAINT LOUIS, 9:00 PM ET HDNET
WI-GREEN BAY: 20-4 Over off an Over
SAINT LOUIS: 10-3 ATS in home games

College Insider Tournament - Quarterfinals
APPALACHIAN ST at MARSHALL, 7:00 PM -ET
APPALACHIAN ST: 7-1 ATS after scoring 80+ points
MARSHALL: 0-7 ATS at home off ATS loss

FAIRFIELD at CREIGHTON, 8:00 PM ET
FAIRFIELD: 7-0 ATS Away if underdog last game
CREIGHTON: 0-6 ATS in March

LOUISIANA TECH at MISSOURI ST, 8:00 PM ET
LOUISIANA TECH: 11-2 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points
MISSOURI ST: 0-8 ATS in all tournament games

PACIFIC at N COLORADO, 9:00 PM ET
PACIFIC: 42-64 ATS Away off ATS wins
N COLORADO: 22-8 ATS vs. non-conference

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:37 AM

NCAAB

Sunday, March 21

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NCAA Tournament: Regionals Day 4
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East regional

No. 2 West Virginia Mountaineers (-5.5, 138.5) vs. No. 10 Missouri Tigers, 2:40 p.m.

Is anyone playing better than West Virginia right now?

The Mountaineers (28-6, 14-19 ATS) manhandled Morgan State in the opening round for their seventh straight win.

Missouri (23-10, 15-12) also was impressive in the first round. The Tigers ratcheted up their trademark pressure defense to pull away from Clemson in the second half. It was the best Missouri’s looked in a month, even though coach Mike Anderson’s team was out-rebounded by 12.

Rebounding has been an issue for Missouri all season (-2.9 rebounding margin). That’s a major concern against a West Virginia squad that lives off the offensive glass.

Missouri makes up for its lack of rebounding prowess with pressure, something Anderson said his team will be increasing throughout the tournament. The Tigers harassed Clemson into 20 turnovers and lead the nation in steals.

West Virginia struggled in high-scoring affairs against Villanova and Pittsburgh in early February.

Prediction: West Virginia 71, Missouri 67

No. 4 Wisconsin Badgers (-4, 121) vs. No. 12 Cornell Big Red, 2:50 p.m.

Cornell is talking a good game, but can the tournament darlings back it up?

“We’re just getting started,” 7-foot center Jeff Foote told reporters after Friday’s dominating win over A-10 champion Temple. "We have a really special team and we're capable of a special run. I don't think the mission is accomplished at all."

Always-gritty Wisconsin stands in the way of Cornell (28-4, 17-10) and the Sweet 16. The Badgers (24-8, 17-13 ATS) failed to put away Wofford on Friday, but survived and now must figure out how to slow down the hot-shooting Big Red.

The Badgers boast the fourth-ranked scoring defense and commit the fewest turnovers in the nation. That will certainly help, but where will the offense come from? Wisconsin hasn’t scored over 55 points in its last two games. Cornell has averaged over 80 in its last three.

The Big Red, of course, shoots a ton of 3’s. They average close to 10 made 3-pointers per game. Wisconsin made just 1-of-9 attempts from downtown against Wofford.

Prediction: Cornell 69, Wisconsin 62

South regional

tba

Midwest regional

No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 10 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+6.5, 133.5), 2:20 p.m.

Free-throw shooting has been a concern for Georgia Tech (23-12). The Jackets were under 65 percent for the season before going a blazing 24-of-25 (96 percent) in Friday’s 64-59 upset of Oklahoma State.

Georgia Tech’s frontcourt duo of 6-foot-9 junior Gani Lawal and 6-foot-10 freshman Derrick Favors got it done, with a combined 26 points and 15 rebounds.

The team also did a great job on Cowboys star guard James Anderson, who went just 3-of-12 for 11 points. Iman Shumpert is most credited for slowing Anderson.

No time to rest on those laurels. Here comes Evan Turner and Ohio State (27-7).

“I was a defensive stopper in high school,” Shumpert told Yahoo Sports. “Evan is another tough assignment. Whatever I have to do.”

Turner didn’t have to do much in the Buckeyes’ 68-51 win over UC Santa Barbara. He scored only nine points on 2-of-13 shooting (with 10 rebounds and five assists), but the backcourt of Jon Diebler and William Buford combined for 39 points.

Despite the comfortable win, Ohio State still didn’t go to its bench. Three starters played 37 or more minutes. Tech had eight players see 17 minutes or more in Friday’s win.

The two teams do have similar opponents. Ohio State beat Florida State 77-64, while Georgia Tech lost to the Seminoles twice, 66-59 and 68-66. The Buckeyes did lose to North Carolina 77-73 back when the Tar Heels were ranked No. 7. The Jackets beat the Heels three times in ACC play.

Georgia Tech is a perfect 5-0 in NCAA games played at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee. If the physical Jackets can wear down the Buckeyes – and most teams have not - they have a very real chance.

Prediction: Ohio State 70, Georgia Tech 67

No. 4 Maryland Terrapins vs. No. 5 Michigan State Spartans (+1, 142), 2:30 p.m.

Michigan State (25-8) escaped past New Mexico State 70-67 Friday, with the help of an ill-timed lane violation by the Aggies.

At this point, it’s all about surviving and Michigan State kept its hopes of getting back to the NCAA title game alive.

Spartans star point guard Kalin Lucas, usually a top playmaker, called his own number and scored a career-high 25 points. Spartans coach Tom Izzo improved to 32-11 in the NCAA Tournament with the win.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the years I’ve been in this tournament, the words ‘survive and advance’ that everybody preaches is the truth,” Izzo said after Friday’s win. “I don’t want to say I’m glad we had a close game, but I learned something about these guys that I had been looking for this year. … We played well early. We struggled in the second half. And we finished the game. We’ve survived and advanced.”

In other words, Izzo is hoping his Spartans are out of their late-season funk.

Four players scored in double figures for Maryland (24-8) in its 89-77 win over Houston. The Terps’ multiple scoring options have been a source of strength and it’s also allowed leading scorer Greivis Vasquez (19.5 ppg) to avoid major extra attention.

Freshman Jordan Williams, a starter all season, arrived onto the national scene Friday, busting out a career-high 21 points and 17 rebounds.

Both teams go eight deep and have three common opponents, but not much can be deduced from them. Maryland lost to Wisconsin 78-69, beat Indiana handily and beat North Carolina 92-71. Michigan State lost to UNC 89-82 (again, back when the Heels were good), split with Wisconsin (54-47 win and 67-49 loss) and also handled the Hoosiers.

One big concern for Maryland will be keeping the physical Spartans off the board. Michigan State is averaging a plus-9.4 rebounding margin on the season. Maryland is at plus-1.4. The Terps will need to run down the floor and hit their shots and not many teams are as good at either - 15th nationally in scoring, 79.6 ppg and 29th in field goal percentage, 47.2 percent – as the Terps.

Prediction: Maryland 69, Michigan State 67

West regional

Syracuse Orange vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs (+7.5, 150), 12:10 p.m.

The Syracuse smothering zone defense was in full force Friday night, holding Vermont to 34.8 percent shooting in the game and 5-for-22 from 3-point range.

The Orange motto coming into the NCAA Tournament was “Shut it Down” and they will have to recreate that shutdown defensive effort against a Gonzaga team that can bang the boards and has efficient perimeter shooters.

“We haven’t played anyone that plays a zone like Syracuse,” coach Mark Few told reporters. "With only one day to get ready for it, it's going to be a huge task (to win), especially in front of this crowd.”

With the game being played two and a half hours from the Syracuse campus, it will essentially be a home game for the Orange, much like their opening-round blowout.

Bulldogs guard Matt Bouldin said they will have to get their “bigs” some touches to be effective against the zone and that starts with NBA prospect Elias Harris.

Harris totaled 13 points in the win over Florida State and when the big German scored in double figures this season the Zags went 20-3.

The Bulldogs bench totaled 25 minutes and zero points in their first game, so fatigue has to be a concern for the five starters in this game.

But with Arinze Onuaku sidelined, Boeheim’s rotation only goes six deep with Scoop Jardine coming off the bench. Onuaku’s status for the game remains uncertain.

Prediction: Syracuse 82, Gonzaga 77

Xavier Musketeers vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (PK, 136), 4:50 p.m.

Jordan Crawford made a name for himself this summer after dunking on LeBron James, but he made a splash in Xavier’s first-round win over Minnesota after leading the team with 28 points.

The Musketeers have advanced to the second round of the Big Dance four straight years and four of the team’s five starters were in this position last year.

"There are different ways to motivate kids and we're really tired of being The Little Engine that Could," first-year coach Chris Mack told the media. "We're a really good program and our kids aren't scared to play anybody."

Pittsburgh was extremely balanced in its 23-point rout over Oakland Friday. The Panthers shot better than 53 percent from the field, had six players score double figures and all but one of their nine players saw 10 minutes of action or more.

Pitt’s strength down low will be a concern for Xavier, which was manhandled on the boards at times in the Minnesota game which didn’t afford the team many second-chance opportunities.

It should be a tight game throughout but the more experienced coach in Jamie Dixon will prove to be the difference in the end.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 67, Xavier 63

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

**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:38 AM

NHL

Sunday, March 21

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12:30 PM
NY RANGERS vs. BOSTON
NY Rangers are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the NY Rangers last 9 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 9 games when playing NY Rangers

3:00 PM
CALGARY vs. MINNESOTA
Calgary is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home

5:00 PM
BUFFALO vs. CAROLINA
Buffalo is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 6 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Carolina is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Buffalo

5:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. FLORIDA
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Tampa Bay's last 11 games when playing on the road against Florida
Tampa Bay is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Florida's last 11 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Florida is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

6:00 PM
NASHVILLE vs. ST. LOUIS
Nashville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Nashville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Nashville

7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Atlanta is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing Atlanta

7:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. DALLAS
Phoenix is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Dallas is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 9 games when playing at home against Phoenix

8:00 PM
COLORADO vs. ANAHEIM
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
Anaheim is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado
Anaheim is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado

8:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
San Jose is 8-11-4 SU in its last 23 games ,when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing at home against San Jose
Edmonton is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

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**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:39 AM

NHL

Sunday, March 21

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buffalo Sabres at Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes were expected to get pummeled as -230 underdogs on Saturday with four AHL defensemen on the ice against the defending champions.

Instead, rookie Jamie McBain smacked the game-winning goal past Marc-Andre Fleury in overtime to give Carolina a 3-2 victory over Pittsburgh.

"You dream about it happening since you were a little kid and for it to be this kind of game, this kind of atmosphere, going against one of the top teams in the league and an overtime winner with not much time left, it's a pretty special feeling," the 22-year-old said.

The Canes are 11-3-1 since Feb. 5 and have defeated the Penguins twice and Washington once in that timeframe.

Carolina continues to surge while chasing the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and will take care of a streaky Buffalo squad the team already defeated twice this year.

Pick: Hurricanes

San Jose Sharks at Edmonton Oilers (+210, 5.5)

The Sharks are beginning to resemble the team that perennially exits the playoffs in the first or second round after dominating the regular season.

San Jose has dropped five consecutive games for the first time in four years and the team is doing anything but peaking at the right time.

"Teams see that we've lost four or five games in a row and any time that happens, a team is vulnerable," coach Todd McLellan said. "You can feel the confidence in our room isn't what it should be or can be, but we've got to earn that back."

Much of the Sharks struggles can be attributed to the recent play of goalie Evengi Nabokov who has lost four straight starts behind a 3.50 goals-against average.

Edmonton has played to the over in four of its last five games, surrendering an average of 4.4 goals to its opponents in that stretch. San Jose has given up a total of 22 goals during its losing streak.

Pick: Over

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**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:40 AM

NHL

Sunday, March 21

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHL on NBC betting: Rangers at Bruins
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New York Rangers at Boston Bruins (-130, 5.5)

The New York Rangers and Boston Bruins will both be desperate for a victory when they meet in Boston on NBC Sunday.

Boston currently holds the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, only three points ahead of the Rangers.

Both clubs are struggling. New York has lost six of its last eight games, while the Bruins have dropped five of their last seven.

Where's the intensity?

The Bruins are coming off a loss to the Penguins Thursday where the focal point seemed to be evening the score with Pittsburgh pest Matt Cooke instead of earning two points.

Boston forward Shawn Thornton dropped the gloves with Cooke two minutes into the game, retribution for a blindside hit by Cooke that concussed Marc Savard earlier this month. Following the scrap, the Bruins were outshot 31-17 and outscored 3-0.

Watching another uninspired effort was the last straw for Bruins vice president Cam Neely.

"It's been very, very disappointing just to see the way our team has performed with that lack of emotion," Neely said on WEEI's "The Big Show". "I don't blame our fans for complaining they don't see that compete or passion they want to see."

Neely also said team officials were surprised by the "loss of leadership and character in the dressing room."

They're all must-win games

When is a must-win game not a must-win game? After you lose it.

Prior to New York's last game against the Blues, Rangers coach John Tortorella stressed that his club needed a win. After a 4-3 loss to St. Louis Thursday at MSG, however, Torts was downplaying the defeat.

"Still in it," he told reporters. "They're not down. There is no sense of being down. It's just a matter of getting ready to play another game and try to win."

Rangers captain Chris Drury realizes the importance of Sunday's game against Boston.

"Our focus needs to be on the next game," he said. "That's all we can be thinking about right now, which happens to be the team we're chasing."

Flu season

The flu has struck Bruins camp at a bad time of the season. Forward Marco Sturm and defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Johnny Boychuk are all questionable for Sunday's game because of the viral illness.

"There's nothing you can do about it," said Bruins coach Claude Julien, whose team is already without top playmaker Savard for likely the rest of the season. "You've just got to battle through those situations and realize the (importance) of tomorrow."

New York has no players listed on its injury report.

Riding Rask

Young Finnish goaltender Tuukka Rask appears to have wrestled the Boston starting job away from Tim Thomas, last season's Vezina Trophy winner.

Rask is 16-10-4 on the season, leads the NHL with a 2.12 goals-against average and is tied for second in save percentage. He is expected to get the majority of starts down the stretch as the Bruins push for the playoffs.

"He's played well for us," Julien told the media. "He's done exactly what we expected him to do this year, coming in and being ready when called upon. I think he's done a great job."

Trends to consider

The home team has dominated the series of late, winning seven of the last eight games. Boston, however, has lost 11 of its last 12 games at the TD Bank North Garden.

The under has cashed in the last four games between the Bruins and the Rangers and in five of the last six meetings in Boston.

The under is 24-9-3 in the Rangers' last 36 games on the road and 19-7-3 in Boston's last 29 games at home.

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**Udog** · 03-21-2010, 04:41 AM

NOTE:
For the initial posting of trends and indexes, we have provided information available up to the time of posting.
Additional updates for today’s games will be posted ASAP.

Announcement

Sunday Trends and Indexes 3/21 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Sunday Trends and Indexes 3/21 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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