Thursday Trends and Indexes 3/25 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel - POD


Xavier vs. Kansas State
The Wildcats look to build on their 6-0 ATS record in their last 6 games as a neutral site favorite. Kansas State is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Wildcats favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-4 1/2).

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Los Angeles at St. Louis
The Blues look to build on their 10-4 record in the last 14 meeting between the two teams in St. Louis. St. Louis is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Blues favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-110). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, MARCH 25

Game 51-52: Calgary at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.151; NY Islanders 10.562
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-140); Under

Game 53-54: Minnesota at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 9.990; Philadelphia 11.035
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-165); Under

Game 55-56: Chicago at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.049; Columbus 11.849
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-155); Under

Game 57-58: Toronto at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 11.046; Atlanta 11.368
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-125); 6
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-125); Under

Game 59-60: Washington at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.146; Carolina 12.050
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-170); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-170); Over

Game 61-62: Tampa Bay at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.308; Boston 10.184
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+170); Under

Game 63-64: NY Rangers at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.823; New Jersey 11.736
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-200); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+170); Over

Game 65-66: Florida at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.928; Montreal 11.016
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+155); Under

Game 67-68: Los Angeles at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.029; St. Louis 12.627
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-110); Over

Game 69-70: Phoenix at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.886; Nashville 12.448
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-135); Under

Game 71-72: Dallas at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.752; San Jose 10.949
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-240); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+200); Under

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet



Thursday, March 25
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MIAMI (37 - 34) at CHICAGO (33 - 37) - 3/25/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 9-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

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

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LA CLIPPERS (26 - 45) at HOUSTON (36 - 34) - 3/25/2010, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 30-39 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 49-71 ATS (-29.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) in road games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 20-38 ATS (-21.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) against Southwest division opponents this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 41-64 ATS (-29.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 24-43 ATS (-23.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 28-45 ATS (-21.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 10-26 ATS (-18.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) when playing on back-to-back days this season.
HOUSTON is 67-102 ATS (-45.2 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 8-1 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DALLAS (47 - 24) at PORTLAND (42 - 29) - 3/25/2010, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 29-41 ATS (-16.1 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 29-46 ATS (-21.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 86-70 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 58-42 ATS (+11.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 46-31 ATS (+11.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 227-183 ATS (+25.7 Units) as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 5-4 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 5-4 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Thursday, March 25

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CALGARY (37-27-0-9, 83 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (29-35-0-9, 67 pts.) - 3/25/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 17-23 ATS (-17.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 52-89 ATS (-41.3 Units) in home games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 1-1 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 1-1-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.2 Units)

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MINNESOTA (35-32-0-6, 76 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (37-31-0-5, 79 pts.) - 3/25/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 7-22 ATS (+36.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 115-93 ATS (+209.8 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 19-15 ATS (+36.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 38-36 ATS (+82.6 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-19 ATS (-13.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-13 ATS (-11.8 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.2 Units)

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CHICAGO (46-19-0-7, 99 pts.) at COLUMBUS (29-32-0-12, 70 pts.) - 3/25/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 11-15 ATS (-11.1 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 208-244 ATS (-93.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 99-116 ATS (-46.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 76-59 ATS (+142.2 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
CHICAGO is 121-126 ATS (+277.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 29-44 ATS (-68.5 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 26-52 ATS (+82.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 9-29 ATS (+40.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 11-7 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 11-7-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
13 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+7.3 Units)

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TORONTO (26-36-0-11, 63 pts.) at ATLANTA (32-30-0-11, 75 pts.) - 3/25/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 26-47 ATS (+80.6 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 8-22 ATS (+38.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more this season.
TORONTO is 12-22 ATS (-10.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 22-14 ATS (+37.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 11-7 ATS (+22.1 Units) in road games in March games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 76-76 ATS (+171.5 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-4 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 6-4-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.3 Units)

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WASHINGTON (49-15-0-9, 107 pts.) at CAROLINA (30-34-0-9, 69 pts.) - 3/25/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 20-13 ATS (+6.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 25-12 ATS (+12.6 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
CAROLINA is 9-5 ATS (+16.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-5 ATS (+13.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 9-10 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 10-9-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.0 Units, Under=-1.1 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (29-32-0-12, 70 pts.) at BOSTON (33-27-0-12, 78 pts.) - 3/25/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 53-100 ATS (+177.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 5-17 ATS (+28.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
TAMPA BAY is 9-34 ATS (+64.5 Units) in road games revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 26-45 ATS (+72.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 3-16 ATS (+25.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 55-27 ATS (+23.8 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 33-39 ATS (+72.6 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 3-11 ATS (-14.4 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 128-119 ATS (-57.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
BOSTON is 59-60 ATS (-52.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-4 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-4-0 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=+1.7 Units)

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NY RANGERS (32-32-0-9, 73 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (43-25-0-4, 90 pts.) - 3/25/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 32-41 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 96-64 ATS (+166.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 26-9 ATS (+14.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 17-4 ATS (+10.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NEW JERSEY is 15-18 ATS (-15.0 Units) second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 16-8 (+7.4 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 16-8-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
11 of 22 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.9 Units, Under=-1.0 Units)

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FLORIDA (30-31-0-11, 71 pts.) at MONTREAL (36-30-0-8, 80 pts.) - 3/25/2010, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 34-75 ATS (+127.6 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
FLORIDA is 114-137 ATS (-59.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
MONTREAL is 20-17 ATS (+37.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
FLORIDA is 12-8 ATS (+22.4 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
MONTREAL is 35-39 ATS (-11.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 7-4 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 7-4-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-0.7 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (42-24-0-6, 90 pts.) at ST LOUIS (34-30-0-9, 77 pts.) - 3/25/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 44-38 ATS (-1.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 25-20 ATS (+50.6 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 42-30 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 19-11 ATS (+32.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
LOS ANGELES is 27-20 ATS (+51.2 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 21-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LOS ANGELES is 16-10 ATS (+29.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 6-19 ATS (+25.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
ST LOUIS is 2-7 ATS (-5.3 Units) in home games after a division game this season.
ST LOUIS is 3-9 ATS (-8.6 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
ST LOUIS is 5-14 ATS (-13.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 6-5 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 6-5-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.5 Units)

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PHOENIX (46-23-0-5, 97 pts.) at NASHVILLE (42-27-0-5, 89 pts.) - 3/25/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 41-32 ATS (+77.7 Units) in all games this season.
NASHVILLE is 11-7 ATS (-0.5 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
NASHVILLE is 23-11 ATS (+37.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NASHVILLE is 18-15 ATS (+34.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHOENIX is 46-28 ATS (+74.2 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 21-11 ATS (+9.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 9-2 ATS (+6.7 Units) in March games this season.
PHOENIX is 12-5 ATS (+6.8 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-5 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 5-5-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.3 Units)

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DALLAS (32-27-0-14, 78 pts.) at SAN JOSE (44-19-0-10, 98 pts.) - 3/25/2010, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 11-28 ATS (-17.4 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 3-12 ATS (-10.6 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
DALLAS is 63-60 ATS (+133.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 45-38 ATS (-37.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 12-14 ATS (-13.2 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 22-22 ATS (-28.1 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 137-103 ATS (-34.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 12-12 (+3.5 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 12-12-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-1.5 Units)

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[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Thursday, 3/25/2010

MIAMI at CHICAGO, 8:05 PM ET TNT
MIAMI: 38-58 ATS off SU win
CHICAGO: 9-0 Over at home off DD home win

LA CLIPPERS at HOUSTON, 8:35 PM ET
LA CLIPPERS: 2-13 ATS vs. Southwest Division
HOUSTON: 18-8 ATS off double digits loss

DALLAS at PORTLAND, 10:35 PM ET TNT
DALLAS: 0-8 ATS revenging SU loss as favorite of 7+
PORTLAND: 25-9 ATS off road game

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NCAAB
Short Sheet


Thursday, 3/25/2010

College Insider Tournament - Semifinals
PACIFIC at APPALACHIAN ST, 8:00 PM ET RESCHEDULED
PACIFIC: 1-7 ATS off SU win as a dog
APPALACHIAN ST: 8-2 ATS off an Over

NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY
CORNELL vs. KENTUCKY, 9:55 PM ET
CORNELL: 6-0 ATS off SU dog win
KENTUCKY: 2-17 ATS off 2 straight 20+ point wins

WASHINGTON vs. W VIRGINIA, 7:25 PM ET
WASHINGTON: 21-10 Over off BB SU wins
W VIRGINIA: 14-2 ATS in NCAA Tournament games

NCAA Tournament - Regional Semis - Energy Sol. Arena - Salt Lake City, UT
BUTLER vs. SYRACUSE, 7:05 PM ET
BUTLER: 1-7 ATS after covering 2 of their last 3 games
SYRACUSE: 11-3 ATS on neutral court

XAVIER vs. KANSAS ST, 9:35 PM ET
XAVIER: 6-0 Under when the total is 150 to 159.5
KANSAS ST: 9-2 ATS vs. non-conference


Friday, 3/26/2010

NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Edward Jones Dome - St. Louis, MO
N IOWA vs. MICHIGAN ST, 9:35 PM ET
N IOWA: 23-10 ATS in all games this season
MICHIGAN ST: 1-5 ATS off SU dog win

TENNESSEE vs. OHIO ST, 7:05 PM ET
TENNESSEE: 17-38 ATS in tournament games
OHIO ST: 15-6 ATS in tournament games

NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Reliant Stadium - Houston, TX
ST MARYS-CA vs. BAYLOR, 7:25 PM ET
ST MARYS-CA: 14-2 ATS off non-conference game
BAYLOR: 11-2 Over off BB SU wins

PURDUE vs. DUKE, 9:55 PM ET
PURDUE: 7-0 Over on Friday nights
DUKE: 8-20 ATS on Friday nights

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Thursday, 3/25/2010

CALGARY at NY ISLANDERS, 7:05 PM ET
CALGARY: 41-54 SU as a road favorite
NY ISLANDERS: 12-6 SU at home after 1+ consecutive unders

MINNESOTA at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
MINNESOTA: 13-7 SU after BB home games
PHILADELPHIA: 4-15 SU when playing 6+ games in 10 days

CHICAGO at COLUMBUS, 7:05 PM ET
CHICAGO: 25-9 SU off a home win by 2+ goals
COLUMBUS: 12-30 SU as an underdog

TORONTO at ATLANTA, 7:05 PM ET
TORONTO: 11-7 SU Away in March
ATLANTA: 3-9 SU after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6

WASHINGTON at CAROLINA, 7:05 PM ET
WASHINGTON: 75-121 SU when playing on BB days
CAROLINA: 11-1 SU at home after losing in overtime

TAMPA BAY at BOSTON, 7:05 PM ET
TAMPA BAY: 1-12 SU Away after playing a home game
BOSTON: 33-12 SU after having won 3 of their last 4

NY RANGERS at NEW JERSEY, 7:05 PM ET
NY RANGERS: 3-13 SU after allowing 1 goal or less
NEW JERSEY: 20-8 SU when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days

FLORIDA at MONTREAL, 7:35 PM ET
FLORIDA: 13-4 SU off a road win by 2+ goals
MONTREAL: 8-15 SU at home after 4+ consecutive unders

LOS ANGELES at ST LOUIS, 8:05 PM ET
LOS ANGELES: 11-3 SU when playing their 3rd game in 4 days
ST LOUIS: 6-13 SU at home when the money line is -100 to -150

PHOENIX at NASHVILLE, 8:05 PM ET
PHOENIX: 9-2 SU in March
NASHVILLE: 1-4 SU after 5 straight games with 30+ shots on goal

DALLAS at SAN JOSE, 10:35 PM ET NHL
DALLAS: 70-55 SU after playing a road game
SAN JOSE: 16-25 SU at home after playing 4 consecutive road games

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NBA
Write-Up


Thursday, March 25

Hot Teams
-- Miami won seven of its last ten games. Bulls won last two games, by 14-10 points; they covered last five.
-- Trailblazers won eight of their last ten games.

Cold Teams
-- Clippers lost ten of last eleven games. Rockets lost three of their last four games.
-- Dallas is 2-3 in last five games (0-5-1 vs spread in last six).

Playing Second of Back-to-Back Nights
-- Houston is 5-12 vs spread if it played the night before.

Totals
-- Four of last five Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Clipper games went over the total.
-- Over is 10-4 in last fourteen Dallas games.

[Udog]

NCAAB
Write-Up


Thursday, March 25

Thursday's NCAA games
Cornell shot 56/61% from floor in first two NCAA games, 17-38 from arc, in games they led by 8/12 at half; Big Red has six seniors who play, so they're older team than Kentucky, playing 57 miles from its campus in Ithaca, but Cornell's first two victims ranked 336/340 out of 347 clubs in pace-- Kentucky is 64th, and while they've got young players, they've got young players who will all be in the NBA soon. Wildcats won first two tournament games by 29-30 points. Playing in Carrier Dome isn't good for outside shooters on Cornell-- tougher depth perception.

West Virginia lost PG Bryant (foot) in practice this week, but Mazzulla is senior who can step in vs a fast-paced (10th in country) Washington team that will try to speed Mountaineers (313th in pace) up. Huskies lost 74-66 to Georgetown in Dec 12, beat Marquette 80-78 last week in its games vs Big East opponents. West Virginia held first two opponents to 29/33% last weekend with only 18 turnovers-- Bryant had 8 points in 38 minutes last weekend, with only two turnovers.

Butler won its last 22 games; they shoot 3's at 34.6%- not great, but not terrible (national average is 34.2%)-- they pass well, so they'll get looks vs Syracuse 2-3 zone. Bulldogs lost 72-65 to Georgetown, its only game vs Big East foe this season (+3). Syracuse is 5-2 vs spread in last seven games as favorite- they're 7-2 vs spread as a favorite outside Big East. Orange were 12-25 from arc in win vs Gonzaga. Since 2001, #1 seeds are 20-13 vs spread in regional semis, 14-11 when playing 4-5 seeds.

Kansas State (-5) held Xavier to 29% from floor in rugged 71-56 win on Dec 8 in Little Apple; total of 57 fouls were whistled; K-State was just 23-40 at the line (Samuels was 2-11), X-men 21-33. Wildcats scored 83 ppg in winning first two tourney games, blocking 13 shots, shooting 18-45 from the arc. Xavier won 10 of its last 11 games (only loss in OT to Richmond); they're 0-2 vs Big 12 teams this year, also losing 68-64 on neutral floor Nov 29 to Baylor (-7).

Other tournaments
Pacific won at Northern Colorado Monday, now takes long trip east to Boone, NC to face Appalachian State team that outrebounded Marshall 40-25 in 80-72 road win (+9.5). Rumors swirling that ASU's Peterson is candidate for Central Florida job. Pacific got to line 56 times in first two tourney wins, despite being on road for both games.

[Udog]

NHL
Write-Up


Thursday, March 25

Hot Teams
-- Flames won seven of their last ten games.
-- Columbus won three of its last four home games.
-- Maple Leafs won six of their last eight games. Thrashers won four of their last five games.
-- Washington won eight of its last eleven games. Carolina is 6-2 in game following its last eight losses.
-- Bruins won three of their last four games.
-- Devils won six of their last seven home games.
-- Panthers won three of their last four road games.
-- Coyotes won six of their last seven games. Predators won six of their last seven games.

Cold Teams
-- Islanders lost seven of their last ten games, got shut out in last two.
-- Minnesota lost eight of its last eleven games. Flyers lost last three games, outscored 10-3.
-- Chicago lost four of its last five road games.
-- Lightning lost five of their last six games.
-- Rangers lost three of their last four games.
-- Canadiens lost last three games, 2-0/3-2/3-2so.
-- Blues lost five of their last seven games. Kings lost three of last four road games.
-- Dallas is 1-7 in game following its last eight wins. Sharks lost six of their last seven games.

Totals
-- Five of last seven Calgary games stayed under the total. Three of last four Islander games went over.
-- Six of last eight Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Over is 9-4 in last thirteen Chicago games.
-- Last five Toronto games stayed under the total. Three of last four Atlanta home games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Carolina home games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 12-5-1 in last eighteen Ranger games.
-- Montreal's last four games all stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Los Angeles games stayed under the total. Over is 9-3 in last twelve St Louis games.
-- Last four Nashville games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Dallas games stayed under the total.

Playing second of back-to-back nights
-- Islanders are 3-11 if they played the night before.
-- Washington is 0-3 on road if it played at home the night before.
-- Rangers are 6-4 if they played night before, 1-2 if they won.
-- Montreal is 2-4 if it lost the night before.
-- Kings are 6-3 if they played the night before. St Louis is 1-5 at home if it played the night before.

Series Records
-- Islanders won two of last three games against Calgary.
-- Flyers won three of last four games against Minnesota.
-- Blackhawks won four of last five games against Columbus.
-- Toronto won six of last nine games against the Thrashers.
-- Washington lost eight of last eleven visits to Raleigh.
-- Bruins won five of last seven games against Tampa Bay.
-- Rangers lost three of last four visits to New Jersey.
-- Canadiens won seven of last nine games against Florida.
-- Blues won three of last four games vs Los Angeles, with visiting side winning last three meetings.
-- Coyotes are 2-0 vs Nashville this year: 4-2/1-0so.
-- Dallas won three of last four against San Jose, beating Sharks 8-2 in last meeting nine days ago.

[Udog]

NBA


Thursday, March 25

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. CHICAGO
Miami is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 9 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Chicago is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games

8:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. HOUSTON
LA Clippers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games when playing Houston
LA Clippers are 1-10 SU in their last 11 games when playing Houston
Houston is 5-15 ATS in its last 20 games at home
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

10:30 PM
DALLAS vs. PORTLAND
Dallas is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Portland
Dallas is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 4-18 SU in its last 22 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 6 games when playing Dallas


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[Udog]

NHL


Thursday March 25


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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
CALGARY vs. NY ISLANDERS
Calgary is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Calgary is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
NY Islanders are 6-16 SU in their last 22 games
NY Islanders are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Calgary

7:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. COLUMBUS
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Columbus
Columbus is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Columbus is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago

7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 11 games

7:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. NEW JERSEY
NY Rangers are 16-8 SU in their last 24 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing NY Rangers
New Jersey is 8-16 SU in their last 24 games when playing NY Rangers

7:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BOSTON
Tampa Bay is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games on the road
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Boston is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing Tampa Bay

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. ATLANTA
Toronto is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games
Atlanta is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Toronto

7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CAROLINA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Carolina
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Carolina is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games
Carolina is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

7:30 PM
FLORIDA vs. MONTREAL
Florida is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 6 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Montreal's last 7 games when playing at home against Florida
Montreal is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

8:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. ST. LOUIS
Los Angeles is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Los Angeles is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles

8:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. NASHVILLE
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Phoenix's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Phoenix's last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Nashville's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Nashville's last 9 games at home

10:30 PM
DALLAS vs. SAN JOSE
Dallas is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games on the road
Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Jose
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games
San Jose is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games


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[Udog]

NCAAB


Thursday, March 25

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Tips and Trends
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Washington Huskies at West Virginia Mountaineers [CBS | 7:25 PM ET]

Huskies: How quickly a season and perspective can change. Washington was considered one of the weakest Pac-10 Champions in recent memory, until the NCAA Tournament started. The Huskies have beat both Marquette and New Mexico to advance to the Sweet 16. The Huskies are 26-9 SU and 16-18 SU overall this season. Washington has won 9 consecutive games SU entering tonight, with their offense being the biggest reason for their sustained success. The Huskies have scored at least 79 PTS in 6 of their past 7 games. Washington is led by their dynamic duo of F Quincy Pondexter and PG Isaiah Thomas. Pondexter leads the Huskies with 19.7 PPG this season while shooting better than 53% from the field. Thomas averages 17 PPG, along with 4 RPG and 3.1 APG for the Huskies this season. Washington is looking to advance to the Elite Eight for the 1st time in 57 years. The Huskies are 9-7 SU and 8-8 ATS in games played away from home. Washington is 2-4 ATS as the listed underdog this season. The Huskies are only 5-8 ATS in non-conference games this season. Washington will be playing only their 2nd game this season outside of the Pacific time zone this season.

Huskies are 6-1 ATS last 7 NCAA Tournament games.
Over is 6-1 last 7 neutral site games as an underdog.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 63

Mountaineers (-4, O/U 140.5): West Virginia received some tough luck about 54 hours ago when they lost PG Truck Bryant for the rest of the season. The broken foot of Bryant hasn't changed the mood of anyone in the West Virginia camp. In all honesty, if any team left in the Sweet 16 could overcome an injury to their starting PG it would be this Mountaineers team. The Mountaineers depend so heavily on their inside game and stable of Forwards. F Da'Sean Butler leads West Virginia in scoring with 17.5 PPG, including 6.3 RPG and 3.3 APG this season. Forwards Kevin Jones and David Ebanks average nearly 26 PPG and 15.5 RPG combined this season. G Joe Mazzulla will be counted on to fill the shoes of Bryant. West Virginia has won 8 straight games SU entering tonight's contest. The Big East Champions have won thanks to their defense, as they've held each of their past 5 opponents under 60 PTS. The Mountaineers are 16-4 SU and 9-11 ATS away from home this season. West Virginia is 7-10 ATS as a single digit favorite this season. The Mountaineers are a perfect 9-0 SU in neutral court settings this season.

West Virginia is 10-2-1 ATS last 13 NCAA Tournament games.
Under is 6-0 last 6 neutral site games as a favorite.

Key Injuries - G Truck Bryant (foot) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 74 (Side of the Day)



Cornell Big Red at Kentucky Wildcats [CBS | 9:55 PM ET]

Big Red: There simply isn't a better story in CBB, as Cornell is playing the role of Cinderella this year. Cornell has already beaten both Temple and Wisconsin, both of which were considered top 20 teams in the nation. It's been 31 years since an Ivy League team has made it this far in the NCAA Tournament. Cornell is 29-4 SU and 18-10 ATS overall this season. The Big Red dominated Ivy League play, going 13-1 SU. Most critics believe the Big Red haven't played a tough schedule this year, but those same critics fail to remember they've played two #1 seeds in Kansas and Syracuse. Cornell is 18-3 SU and 14-5 ATS away from home this season, including a perfect 6-0 SU in neutral court scenarios. The Big Red is 6-1 ATS as the listed underdog, with their lone ATS loss coming by 2 PTS to Syracuse. Cornell won 5 of those 7 games SU as the listed underdog, losing only to Kansas and Syracuse. Cornell has scored at least 78 PTS in each of their past 4 games. The Big Red are an experienced team led by F Ryan Wittman and G Louis Dale. Wittman averages a team high 17.8 PPG and 4 RPG while shooting 43% from the 3 point line. Dale averages 12.6 PPG and nearly 5 APG this season.

Cornell is 5-1 ATS last 6 neutral site games.
The Over is 5-2 last 7 non-conference games.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 75

Wildcats (-8.5, O/U 147): Kentucky is simply licking their chops now that Kansas is out of the NCAA Tournament and they are facing a double digit seed. This young Wildcats team is certainly full of confidence, so it's up to Coach Calipari to keep them grounded. Kentucky has won both of their NCAA Tournament games by a combined 59 PTS so far, easily the most dominating team thus far in the tournament. The Wildcats have won their past 7 games SU to stand at 34-2 SU overall this season. Kentucky has been ranked in the top 3 nearly all season in various national polls. The Wildcats are 15-2 SU and 11-6 ATS away from home this season, including a perfect 8-0 SU in neutral court settings. Kentucky is 10-5 ATS as a single digit favorite this season. The Wildcats are 9-6 ATS in non-conference games this season. After starting off the season losing back to back games ATS, the Wildcats didn't lose consecutive games ATS the rest of the season. Kentucky is averaging 95 PPG during the NCAA Tournament, after averaging 80 PPG all season long. PG John Wall leads the Wildcats with 16.8 PPG and 6.5 APG, both team highs this season.

Kentucky is 5-0 ATS last 5 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite.
Over is 7-1 last 8 non-conference games.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 79 (OVER - Total of the Day)


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[Udog]

Len's Top 5

Happy Thursday everyone, here's my Top 5 for March 25, 2010 from Len Berman.

1. Quick Hits

The NCAA basketball tournament resumes tonight with 4 games. (All Times Eastern)

Ø Syracuse/Butler 7:07pm

Ø West Virginia/Washington 7:27pm

Ø Kansas St./Xavier 9:37pm

Ø Kentucky/Cornell 9:57pm

What's it worth to beat #1 Kansas? It's worth a new 10 year contract for Northern Iowa basketball coach Ben Jacobson.
The Philadelphia Eagles are willing to trade any of their quarterbacks including Donovan McNabb.
The New Jersey Nets, on Jewish Family Night, won for just the 8th time all season. Hmm. Maybe the Nets should consider wearing yarmulkes.

2. Knock Knock

HBO will announce today that the Jets will be featured on their version of a reality show, "Hard Knocks." They'll follow the team through training camp. I guess the biggest intrigue will be to see what coach Rex Ryan eats now that he's had weight loss surgery. The feeling is, the Jets want the exposure to help sell those personal seat licences. Here's my unsolicited idea for an HBO show: "Really Hard Knocks." They could follow sports fans getting abused every turn they take.

3. Hall Of Shame

I thought it was great that the Mets decided to induct Darryl Strawberry and Doc Gooden into their Hall of Fame this summer. They are such an integral part of Mets history. Yes they faced their demons, but both have overcome. Not so fast. Gooden was arrested in Franklin Lakes, NJ for driving under the influence of drugs and several other charges. Can the Mets catch a break?

4. Aces Up

What are the odds? Two golfers in the same San Diego foursome had holes in one last Sunday. Golf ****** said the odds of that happening were 17 million to one, or a gazillion times easier than correctly filling out an NCAA bracket.

5. The Tabloids

The Globe reports that Tiger Woods' wife is pregnant and that's the real reason she hasn't left him. The same issue of the Globe also says that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is dying, and that Fess Parker (Davy Crockett) took a secret to his grave. Damn I miss the news business.

Happy Birthday: Race car driver Danica Patrick. 28.
Bonus Birthday: Sir Elton John. 63.

Today in Sports: The first formal horse race is held in Hempstead, New York. 1668.
Bonus Event: The next year, a hot time in the old town tonight. Mount Etna erupted in Sicily. 1669.

[Udog]

NCAAB


Friday, March 26

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NCAA Tournament: regional Sweet 16 picks
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South

No. 10 St. Mary's Gaels vs. No. 3 Baylor Bears (-4.5, 142.5), 7:27 p.m.

The first game of the semifinals in Houston counters two teams in uncharted territory. St. Mary’s is making its first Sweet 16 appearance since 1959 while it’s been 60 years since Baylor reached this round of the NCAA tourney.

Including the West Coast Conference championship, the Gaels have won three straight games as an underdog, covering by an average of nearly 15 points. For the season, St. Mary’s is an impressive 5-2 SU and ATS in an underdog role.

Led by 6-foot-11 center Omar Samhan (21.5 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 2.9 blocks), the Gaels have upset No. 7 Richmond and No. 2 Villanova. The confident center is averaging 30.5 points, shooting 75 percent from the floor and has been almost impossible to stop in the tournament.

St. Mary’s must face one of the better defenses in college basketball. Baylor’s large frontcourt of 6-foot-10 Ekpe Udoh, 6-foor-10 Anthony Jones and 7-footer Josh Lomers should keep Samhan from having his third dominating performance in as many tourney games.

"We were just trying to pound people inside (in the first two rounds) - and we did,” Samhan said. "You can't do that against (Baylor).”

Besides being intimidating inside, the Bears are also extremely athletic, especially their two starting guards – All-Big 12 performers LaceDarius Dunn (19.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and Tweety Carter (15.1 ppg, 6.0 apg). Baylor will also have the decided advantage of playing in front of a partial-Bears crowd at the Reliant Center.

St. Mary’s has been a nice, Cinderella story for this tournament but one that’s about to come to an end. Since 1998, a 10th-seed or higher has won just six of 27 games in the Sweet 16 round. I expect the No. 10 Gaels to continue this losing trend.

Final score prediction: Baylor 73, St. Mary’s 67



No. 4 Purdue Boilermakers vs. No. 1 Duke Blue Devils (-8.5, 127.5), 9:57 p.m.

Duke will attempt to defeat a fourth-seed or better for the first time in nine years when it meets Purdue in the South Region’s nightcap Friday. The Boilermakers are trying for their first win over a No. 1 seed in five tries.

Purdue continues to make believers out of those that doubted it could advance in the tournament without injured Robbie Hummel. In Hummel’s absence, guard Chris Kramer has stepped up, averaging 13.5 points (twice his scoring average), 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game in the tourney.

In Duke’s 15-point win over California Sunday, the Blue Devils made just 3-of-17 3-pointers, including 1-of-8 from star guard Jon Scheyer (18.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.8 apg). For the tournament, the Wooden Award finalist has been held to 10 points per game and is shooting less than 28 percent from the field.

Duke’s big men and bench - not its big three of Scheyer, Kyle Singler, and Nolan Smith – have carried the Blue Devils this March. Brian Zoubek, Miles Plumlee and Lance Thomas have scored 47 combined points after averaging less than 16 per game entering the tournament.

“We get the most attention," Singler said of himself, Scheyer and Smith, "but when it comes down to it, Zoobs, Lance and our guys coming off the bench have won games for us.”

The main difference between these two teams is their abilities to crash and control the boards. Duke ranks 14th in the nation in rebounding margin with a plus-6.4 margin (plus-10.0 in the tournament) while Purdue is minus-7.5 in its two tournament games.

The loss of Hummel finally catches up with the Boilermakers as the Blue Devils, in a double-digit victory, reach the Elite Eight for the first time in six years.

Final score prediction: Duke 68, Purdue 54


Midwest

No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers (+4.5, 134), 6:07 p.m.

Tennessee (27-8) is the next team to take a crack at slowing Ohio State (29-7) and its all-everything Evan Turner, trying to use the Buckeyes’ lack of depth against them.

It’s been a while since anybody’s been able to do it either and come out with a win.

Turner didn’t have to do much in the opening-round win over UC Santa Barbara. In his team’s 75-66 victory over Georgia Tech Sunday, he had 24 points, nine rebounds and nine assists, but also nine of his team’s 19 turnovers.

Clearly, Turner will be the focus of Tennessee’s defense. Expect Vols coach Bruce Pearl to throw all he has into making sure Turner doesn’t dominate. But the Buckeyes do have other players.

Jon Diebler, a 6-foot-6 junior guard, hit 11 3-pointers in the opening two rounds. He and David Lighty combined for 38 points against Georgia Tech, as OSU shot 49 percent overall.

Neither team is particularly tall or bulky, so this will be one of the more up-and-down games of the Sweet 16.

The play of on-again, off-again guard J.P. Prince has been big for the Volunteers. In the team’s last 12 games, UT is 9-0 when the senior scored in double figures and 0-3 when he doesn’t. He had 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting in an 83-68 win over upstart Ohio Saturday.

But really, the team’s key will be the play of 6-foot-7 guard Scotty Hopson. He is the team’s leading scorer (12.5 ppg) but is also its best perimeter defender, and could get the bulk of responsibility slowing Turner.

We’re still waiting for a team to take advantage of the Buckeyes’ lack of depth. Three OSU starters played the full 40 minutes Sunday and the bench played a total of 15 minutes. Only 6-foot-8, 250-pound starting forward Dallas Lauderdale regularly gets rest.

If any team can do so, it may be the high-octane Vols. They went a solid nine deep in the win over Ohio.

But that was the chief plan for Georgia Tech, before OSU’s pressure on both ends got the Yellow Jackets in foul trouble and caused 21 turnovers.

Prediction: Ohio State 82, Tennessee 76


No. 5 Michigan State Spartans vs. No. 9 Northern Iowa Panthers (+1.5, 125), 8:37 p.m.

This is a matchup of two teams that did what it took to get through to the Sweet 16 in the unpredictable Midwest Regional. Northern Iowa (30-4) knocked off tournament favorite Kansas 69-67, while MSU (26-8) got a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by reserve guard Korie Lucious to stun Maryland 85-83.

Michigan State will be without its top player, point guard Kalin Lucas, who ruptured his Achilles on Sunday. Lucious takes his spot in the starting lineup.

Two big advantages for the Spartans: Few teams can hang on the boards with them. They rank No. 2 nationally in rebounding and held a 42-24 advantage over Maryland Sunday.

And few coaches get their teams better prepared for games than Tom Izzo, who has his Spartans in the Sweet 16 for the ninth times in 13 seasons. He’s had five days to figure out Northern Iowa.

Some more positive news for MSU, starting guard Chris Allen, who played just four minutes against Maryland (foot), expects to be at full speed by Friday. The team also hopes hobbling 6-foot-8 starting forward Delvon Roe (knee) will continue to improve as he heals.

Taking care of the ball has been an issue for MSU of late. The Spartans committed 19 turnovers against Maryland’s pressure defense, but UNI doesn’t press the ball the same way.

“We’re going to need everybody we have in uniform to step up,” Izzo said on Monday. “There were times we had two walk-ons, a freshman and a sophomore on the court Sunday and that probably won’t be the last time in the tournament. Northern Iowa is good, but thank God they’re not a team that presses like Maryland.”

No team is more confident than the Panthers. The current face of the NCAA Tournament is UNI guard Ali Farokhmanesh, who hit the all-guts 3-pointers to close out Kansas and UNLV.

The Panthers had just nine turnovers in the win over Kansas and they rank No. 2 in scoring defense, allowing only 54.8 ppg.

“We feel like we are a good team and can play with anyone,” said senior forward Adam Koch after the Kansas win. “We never doubted we could play with them at all.”

Seven-foot center Jordan Eglseder, the team’s leading scorer at 12 ppg, was a force in the two opening rounds. Michigan State doesn’t have that kind of height, though its center, freshman Derrick Nix (6-foot-8), is listed at the same weight (280 pounds) as Eglseder.

Both teams are physical and big and have good shooters. Two big questions the game will likely hinge on: How will Lucious do taking over at the point for the Spartans and will anyone for the Panthers be able to matchup with Spartans athletically strong forward Raymar Morgan?

Prediction: Michigan State 68, Northern Iowa 62


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