Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 12/23 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Miami at Phoenix
The Heat look to build on their 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 games as a favorite of 5 to 10 1/2 points. Miami is the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-6 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23

Game 701-702: San Antonio at Orlando (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 125.333; Orlando 119.165
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 6; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 2 1/2; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+2 1/2); Under

Game 703-704: Milwaukee at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 119.433; Sacramento 113.927
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 5 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 2 1/2; 185 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-2 1/2); Over

Game 705-706: Miami at Phoenix (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 125.380; Phoenix 117.057
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 8 1/2; 214
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 6 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-6 1/2); Over

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


UTEP at BYU
The Cougars look to take advantage of a UTEP team that is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games versus the Mountain West Conference. BYU is the pick (-11) according to Dunkel, which has the Cougars favored by 14 1/2. Dunkel Pick: BYU (-11) Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23

Game 707-708: Virginia Tech vs. St. Bonaventure (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 62.652; St. Bonaventure 56.021
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 10
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (+10)

Game 709-710: Georgetown at Memphis (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Georgetown 71.916; Memphis 69.695
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 2
Vegas Line: Georgetown by 5
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+5)

Game 711-712: UTEP at BYU (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UTEP 64.506; BYU 79.128
Dunkel Line: BYU by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: BYU by 11
Dunkel Pick: BYU (-11)

Game 713-714: St. Mary's (CA) at New Mexico State (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Mary's (CA) 68.863; New Mexico State 60.337
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 10
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (+10)

Game 715-716: UC-Irvine at UCLA (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 50.797; UCLA 64.559
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 14
Vegas Line: UCLA by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (+16 1/2)

Game 717-718: East Tennessee State vs. Northeastern (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: East Tennessee State 53.327; Northeastern 56.368
Dunkel Line: Northeastern by 3
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 1
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (-1)

Game 719-720: St. Louis vs. Southern Mississippi (2:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 55.927; Southern Mississippi 63.767
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 8
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 6
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-6)

Game 721-722: Texas State vs. Appalachian State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas State 41.034; Appalachian State 55.794
Dunkel Line: Appalachian State by 15
Vegas Line: Appalachian State by 11
Dunkel Pick: Appalachian State (-11)

Game 723-724: Mississippi vs. Colorado State (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Mississippi 63.672; Colorado State 58.686
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 5
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 6
Dunkel Pick: Colorado State (+6)

Game 725-726: Akron vs. Miami (FL) (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 55.127; Miami (FL) 64.164
Dunkel Line: Miami (FL) by 9
Vegas Line: Miami (FL) by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (FL) (-9)

Game 727-728: Oral Roberts vs. Rice (5:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oral Roberts 56.644; Rice 51.930
Dunkel Line: Oral Roberts by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Oral Roberts by 3
Dunkel Pick: Oral Roberts (-3)

Game 729-730: Stetson vs. Arkansas-Little Rock (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Stetson 46.866; Arkansas-Little Rock 50.403
Dunkel Line: Arkansas-Little Rock by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Arkansas-Little Rock by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Stetson (+4 1/2)

Game 731-732: IUPUI vs. San Francisco (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: IUPUI 54.851; San Francisco 53.177
Dunkel Line: IUPUI by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: IUPUI by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+5 1/2)

Game 733-734: San Diego vs. Mississippi State (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 44.405; Mississippi State 55.952
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 10
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (-10)

Game 735-736: Washington State vs. Baylor (6:50 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington State 66.778; Baylor 71.281
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Baylor by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-2 1/2)

Game 737-738: Utah at Hawaii (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 58.829; Hawaii 56.672
Dunkel Line: Utah by 2
Vegas Line: Utah by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (+3 1/2)

Game 739-740: Butler vs. Florida State (12:30 a.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 66.753; Florida State 67.737
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 1
Vegas Line: Florida State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Butler (+1 1/2)

Game 741-742: Western Michigan vs. Idaho State (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 55.356; Idaho State 45.724
Dunkel Line: Western Michigan by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Western Michigan by 7
Dunkel Pick: Western Michigan (-7)

Game 743-744: Troy at Utah State (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Troy 46.887; Utah State 67.045
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 20
Vegas Line: Utah State by 23 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Troy (+23 1/2)

Game 745-746: Colorado vs. Indiana (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 58.424; Indiana 63.138
Dunkel Line: Indiana by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Indiana by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-2 1/2)

Game 747-748: Northern Iowa vs. New Mexico (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Iowa 61.844; New Mexico 68.415
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 5
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-5)

Game 749-750: St. Peter's at Rutgers (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Peter's 51.556; Rutgers 60.181
Dunkel Line: Rutgers by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Rutgers by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Peters (+10 1/2)

Game 761-762: South Dakota State at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: South Dakota State 54.333; Minnesota 70.178
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 16
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-14 1/2)

Game 763-764: UMKC at Kansas State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UMKC 43.242; Kansas State 70.915
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 27 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 20
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-20)

Game 765-766: Oakland at Ohio State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 63.447; Ohio State 79.150
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+17 1/2)

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Pittsburgh at Washington
The Penguins look to build on their 7-1 record in their last 8 road games. Pittsburgh is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Penguins favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+115). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23

Game 1-2: Atlanta at Boston (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 10.300; Boston 11.432
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-160); Over

Game 3-4: Vancouver at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.646; Columbus 10.612
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (+100); Under

Game 5-6: Tampa Bay at NY Rangers (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.876; NY Rangers 12.969
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-145); Under

Game 7-8: Florida at Buffalo (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 12.619; Buffalo 11.648
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-210); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+175); Over

Game 9-10: Montreal at Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.737; Carolina 10.167
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+105); Over

Game 11-12: NY Islanders at New Jersey (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 9.909; New Jersey 10.957
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-200); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-200); Under

Game 13-14: Pittsburgh at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.968; Washington 10.984
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-135); 6
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+115); Over

Game 15-16: Ottawa at Nashville (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 10.465; Nashville 11.118
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-150); Under

Game 17-18: Detroit at St. Louis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 12.286; St. Louis 10.599
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-105); Over

Game 19-20: Calgary at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.116; Dallas 10.810
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+145); Under

Game 21-22: Minnesota at Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.376; Colorado 12.367
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-170); Under

Game 23-24: Edmonton at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 12.039; Los Angeles 11.874
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-220); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+180); Over

Game 25-26: Phoenix at San Jose (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.428; San Jose 10.886
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-210); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+175); Under

[Spark]

••• OUT OF GAS! •••
---------------------------
The Bucks caught the Lakers in a big letdown spot and took full advantage of it. With Milwaukee sending out just nine healthy players and the Lakers rolling along on a five-game win streak, the Bucks hit better than 50 percent of their shots from the floor for only the third time this year to drill L.A. 98-79. The 5-foot-5 Earl Boykins canned four treys and finished with 22 points and John Salmons added 20 for the Bucks, who snapped a three-game slide.

"They usually always make a run in the fourth quarter," Boykins eloquently told the press. "We were just trying to stay in front for as long as possible. If you play with effort and belief, you can do anything." That’s some advice the Kings could use. Sacto has dropped 14 of its last 15 straight up and five of the last six against the spread after they ran out of gas in overtime, losing 117-109 to Golden State as a 3-point favorite.

______________________________

***** THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23RD NBA INFORMATION *****
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(All results ATS) - Against The Spread - and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Content contained in this report remains exclusive private property of Stat/Systems Sports. Database information may not be reused or disseminated in any form without express written consent of the publisher.
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• HOT TEAMS
-----------------
-- Miami won 12 of last 13 games; they're 7-3 as a road favorite.
-- Spurs won their last ten games; they're 3-0 as an underdog.

• COLD TEAMS
------------------
-- Magic lost four in row, eight of last nine games.
-- Sacramento lost its last six games (1-5 vs spread). Bucks lost three of last four games, they're 0-4 as a road favorite.
-- Suns lost five of their last seven games.

• BACK-TO-BACK
---------------------
-- Spurs are 3-1 if they played the night before.

• TOTALS
------------
-- Under is 9-3 in last twelve Orlando games.
-- Three of Kings' last four games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-3 in Miami's last ten games.

• QUICK HITS
-----------------
--SAN ANTONIO @ ORLANDO, 8:00 PM ET TNT SAN ANTONIO: 73-47 ATS off 3+ ATS losses. ORLANDO: 0-7 ATS off SU loss as favorite.
--MILWAUKEE @ SACRAMENTO, 10:00 PM ET MILWAUKEE: 18-7 ATS Away off SU win. SACRAMENTO: 10-23 ATS as home dog.
--MIAMI @ PHOENIX, 10:30 PM ET TNT MIAMI: 24-12 Under Away if favored last game. PHOENIX: 42-24 ATS after allowing 105+ pts.

• NOTES & TIPS
--------------------
--With the team struggling and frustration mounting, Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown resigned Wednesday after meeting with team owner Michael Jordan. A successor was not immediately named, though former Charlotte Hornets’ coach Paul Silas was rumored to be a likely replacement. Silas told the Charlotte Observer that he'd be interested in coaching the Bobcats, but had not been contacted by the team as of 5 p.m. Wednesday. Brown gave no indication after practice Wednesday that he was planning to step down despite the team having lost six of seven games, including a 99-81 decision to Oklahoma City Tuesday night. He talked about plans for practice on Thursday and working toward the team’s next game on Dec. 27 at home against Detroit.

--It took a while as Dirk Nowitzki struggled through a first half when he had trouble getting loose for shots, but the 13-year veteran finally passed Larry Bird for 25th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Nowitzki moved ahead of Bird (21,791 points) with his 11th point of the game Tuesday, which fittingly came on a 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter. Nowitzki had not scored in the second or third quarters, but had nine in the fourth and finished with 17 to help fuel the win. Nowitzki now has 21,798 career points.

"I got a text from Larry right after the game," coach Rick Carlisle said. "He has gotten to know Dirk over the years and he's always been a huge fan. He wanted to congratulate him." Moments later, Nowitzki got a text from Bird, too, congratulating him. Next up on the all-time scoring list are Gary Payton (21,813) and Clyde Drexler (22,195). The only active players with more points are No. 4 Shaquille O'Neal (28,445), No. 11 Kobe Bryant (26,514) and No. 22 Kevin Garnett (22,669).

• NOTE: NBA betting is becoming more popular each year. This is known as one of the sports where a smart bettor who practiced proper money management can make some really huge profits. Once a bettor begins to study and understand NBA Odds, he or she can gain a better understanding of how the bookies set their numbers. The bookies set a lot of these NBA Odds with the public in mind. They know the public is going to bet the Lakers and Bulls (and other public teams) every week so there are some great situations to get good numbers by going against teams like that.

It is always best to shop around when looking for the best NBA Odds. Many different books release different numbers and NBA Odds always tend to differ at each sportsbook. If you are truly interested in finding the best NBA Odds, it is always best to have funded accounts at - at least five sportsbooks.
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*** SAN ANTONIO @ ORLANDO (-2.5, O/U 199.5) ***
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The San Antonio Spurs needed a fourth-quarter rally to hold off the Orlando Magic last month for their 11th straight win. A win Thursday might provide more than a little deja vu. San Antonio can pick up an 11th consecutive victory for the second time this season when its visits the Amway Center seeking to hand the new-look Magic a ninth loss in 10 games. The Spurs led after three quarters during the first 10 victories of their 12-game winning streak last month, but had to rally in the fourth to beat Orlando 106-97 on Nov. 22. San Antonio came from behind again two nights later to beat Minnesota in overtime for the final victory of its run.

After splitting four games in the interim, the NBA's top team is on another tear. The Spurs had to mount a major fourth quarter comeback to stretch their latest streak to 10, but they did, outscoring Denver 29-14 in the final 12 minutes Wednesday to escape with a 109-103 win. "It was a huge fourth quarter," said Manu Ginobili, who finished with 22 points. "I'm still kind of in shock by the way we won it." The last time San Antonio had two double-digit winning streaks in a season was 2003-04, when it had streaks of 13 and 11 games.

The Magic would simply settle for any victory these days. Orlando lost five of six prior to Saturday's blockbuster trades that brought in Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu, and the situation hasn't gotten any better. The new acquisitions have been around for the past two games, a 91-81 loss at Atlanta on Monday and a 105-99 defeat against Dallas on Tuesday, but haven't done much to help. The trio is shooting a combined 13 for 53 (24.5 percent). "I don't know if it's being in a new situation or putting too much pressure on themselves," coach Stan Van Gundy said. "All three of them are struggling to shoot the ball."

Dwight Howard has certainly been doing his part to help carry the load while Orlando adjusts to its new lineup. The two-time defensive player of the year has had three straight 20-rebound games, but he's also played 40 minutes in each contest. That workload that could turn into a problem, as the Magic have little frontcourt depth after trading backup Marcin Gortat. "We're just in a tough stretch right now, but it's December. It can't get any worse," Howard said. "One thing I tell the guys is, 'Don't get frustrated with what's going on right now. We all hate losing. But you know, we've got to learn from our mistakes and we have to stay together. We can't allow games we lose to take us off our goal and keep us from each other.'"

Howard has averaged just 11.5 points and 10.0 rebounds during San Antonio's last two visits, but the Magic have won by an average of 19.0 points. He'll have his hands full underneath with Tim Duncan, but Orlando's biggest concern should be the Spurs' backcourt. Ginobili and Tony Parker combined for 49 points and 19 assists during the win over the Magic last month. Ginobili led the way with 25 points, and when he's played well versus Orlando, so has San Antonio. The Spurs are 5-0 when Ginobili scores 25 or more against the Magic. Orlando might also want to keep an eye on Matt Bonner. The 3-point specialist has had 15 points during each of San Antonio's last two wins in the series. The Spurs are 15-0 when Bonner scores at least six points.

*STAN'S FORECASTER - San Antonio by 2; O/U 197.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - San Antonio -3
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - San Antonio -2.74
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• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--ORLANDO is 4-18 ATS (-15.8 Units) after playing a game as favorite this season.
The average score was ORLANDO 94.3, OPPONENT 95.0 - (Rating = 3*)

--ORLANDO is 1-14 ATS (-14.4 Units) vs. good free throw shooting teams - making >=76% of their attempts this season.
The average score was ORLANDO 94.4, OPPONENT 97.9 - (Rating = 5*)

--ORLANDO is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) versus good passing teams, averaging >=23 assists/game this season.
The average score was ORLANDO 91.9, OPPONENT 98.9 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--ORLANDO is 40-17 UNDER (+21.3 Units) after a game where they failed to cover the spread over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was ORLANDO 98.9, OPPONENT 92.1 - (Rating = 4*)

--ORLANDO is 62-41 UNDER (+16.9 Units) after playing a game as favorite over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was ORLANDO 99.7, OPPONENT 93.9 - (Rating = 3*)

--ORLANDO is 33-16 UNDER (+15.4 Units) after one or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was ORLANDO 99.3, OPPONENT 92.9 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--ORLANDO is 7-21 against the 1rst half line (-15.9 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was ORLANDO 47.7, OPPONENT 48.7 - (Rating = 3*)

--ORLANDO is 12-25 against the 1rst half line (-15.4 Units) after 1 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was ORLANDO 49.6, OPPONENT 48.2 - (Rating = 3*)

--SAN ANTONIO is 99-60 against the 1rst half line (+33.0 Units) vs. poor free throw shooting teams - making <=71% of their attempts since 1996.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 47.9, OPPONENT 42.8 - (Rating = 5*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--ORLANDO is 93-65 UNDER (+21.5 Units) the 1rst half total in home games versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game since 1996.
The average score was ORLANDO 47.8, OPPONENT 47.3 - (Rating = 4*)

--SAN ANTONIO is 94-63 UNDER (+24.7 Units) the 1rst half total vs. poor free throw shooting teams - making <=71% of their attempts since 1996.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 47.9, OPPONENT 42.8 - (Rating = 4*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY AGAINST - Home teams where the 1rst half line is +1.5 to -1.5 (ORLANDO) - in non-conference games, off 2 or more consecutive upset losses as a favorite.
(29-7 since 1996.) (80.6%, +21.3 units. Rating = 4*)

The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 0
The average first half score in these games was: Team 51.5, Opponent 47 (Average first half point differential = +4.5)

The situation's record this season is: (3-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (9-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (12-6).

--PLAY AGAINST - Home teams where the line is +3 to -3 (ORLANDO) - after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread, winning between 51% and 60% of their games on the season.
(30-9 over the last 5 seasons.) (76.9%, +20.1 units. Rating = 3*)

The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is : (30-10 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 1
The average score in these games was: Team 99.3, Opponent 94.2 (Average point differential = +5)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 21 (53.8% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (2-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (21-8).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (69-43).

--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the first half total is between 95.5 and 100.5 points (SAN ANTONIO) - good team - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game, after scoring 105 points or more 3 straight games.
(50-19 over the last 5 seasons.) (72.5%, +29.1 units. Rating = 3*)

The average first half total posted in these games was: 98.3
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49.2, Opponent 43.6 (Total first half points scored = 92.8)

The situation's record this season is: (6-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (36-18).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (79-58).
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*** MILWAUKEE (-1, O/U 185.5) @ SACRAMENTO ***
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After holding the two-time defending NBA champions to their lowest point total of the season, the Milwaukee Bucks will try to build on that momentum when they face the team with the league's worst record. The Bucks look to close their three-game road trip with back-to-back wins when they meet the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. Milwaukee snapped a three-game losing streak by stunning the Los Angeles Lakers 98-79 on Tuesday. The Lakers were held to 33 points in the second half and the Bucks finished the game on a 21-7 run, keeping Los Angeles scoreless for nearly 4 minutes down the stretch.

"Both ends were good for us tonight, so I don't want to pick one more than the other," coach Scott Skiles said. "But in the second half we were as good as we've been all year on the defensive end." Milwaukee has one of the top defenses in the NBA, giving up 93.1 points per game, although its previous four opponents had averaged 98.0. The most promising part of the game may not have been the defense, though, but how the offense bounced back in its second game without leading scorer Brandon Jennings, who underwent foot surgery Monday and will miss four to six weeks.

Earl Boykins scored a season-high 22 points, John Salmons added 20 and Ersan Ilyasova had 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Bucks shot 50.7 percent after making 38.0 percent of their attempts in a 106-80 loss at Portland the night before. "I think as a team, if we get that effort, we can be tough," Salmons said. "We still haven't been healthy all year. We just have to go in every night, compete, play hard and see what happens." After a big victory, the Bucks will try to avoid a letdown against Sacramento which has dropped six straight. The Kings lost 117-109 in overtime to Golden State on Tuesday.

After giving up a tying 3-pointer at the regulation buzzer, Sacramento scored the first four points in the extra period but was dominated the rest of the way. Beno Udrih scored a season-high 34 points and Carl Landry had 22 points and 10 rebounds. "There's a line in this league when you think you can't get any lower, it gets lower," coach Paul Westphal said. "As much as it hurts, we have to bounce back." Fourth-quarter struggles continue to be a problem for Sacramento. The Kings have averaged 19.7 points in the final period over their last six games, and in the last three, they've been outscored by 11.7 during the quarter.

"It's the same thing that has been happening, we can't finish the game," Landry said. "It's nothing new, but it's heartbreaking. If we don't fix that problem we will continue to take losses." Sacramento and Milwaukee split two meetings last season after the Bucks won both in 2008-09.

*STAN'S FORECASTER - Milwaukee by 4.5; O/U 187.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Milwaukee -6
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Milwaukee -4.41
_________________________________________

• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
-----------------------------------------
--SACRAMENTO is 24-45 ATS (-25.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SACRAMENTO 99.1, OPPONENT 106.7 - (Rating = 4*)

--SACRAMENTO is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games this season.
The average score was SACRAMENTO 94.9, OPPONENT 102.2 - (Rating = 3*)

--MILWAUKEE is 33-15 ATS (+16.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 99.2, OPPONENT 94.3 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--SACRAMENTO is 25-9 UNDER (+14.9 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 2 or more consecutive games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was SACRAMENTO 95.5, OPPONENT 101.8 - (Rating = 3*)

--SACRAMENTO is 33-17 UNDER (+14.3 Units) after having lost 6 or 7 of their last 8 games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was SACRAMENTO 94.8, OPPONENT 103.3 - (Rating = 3*)

--MILWAUKEE is 8-0 UNDER (+8.0 Units) after playing a game as a road underdog this season.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 89.2, OPPONENT 89.0 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--SACRAMENTO is 62-31 against the 1rst half line (+27.9 Units) in home games versus poor shooting teams - making <=43% of their shots since 1996.
The average score was SACRAMENTO 53.7, OPPONENT 46.2 - (Rating = 4*)

--MILWAUKEE is 12-26 against the 1rst half line (-16.6 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 46.3, OPPONENT 51.7 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--SACRAMENTO is 41-22 UNDER (+16.8 Units) the 1rst half total after 5 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
The average score was SACRAMENTO 47.9, OPPONENT 50.6 - (Rating = 3*)

--MILWAUKEE is 41-17 UNDER (+22.3 Units) the 1rst half total after 1 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 46.8, OPPONENT 45.7 - (Rating = 3*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATION
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY AGAINST - All teams where the 1rst half line is +1.5 to -1.5 (MILWAUKEE) - after allowing 80 points or less against opponent after a combined score of 225 points or more.
(28-9 since 1996.) (75.7%, +18.1 units. Rating = 3*)

The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 0.2
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49.8, Opponent 47.8 (Average first half point differential = +2)

The situation's record this season is: (0-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (10-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (15-3).
___________________________________________

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__________________________________________________ _________

*** MIAMI (-6, O/U 209) @ PHOENIX ***
----------------------------------------------------
It appears the Miami Heat have worked out the kinks with their influx of new talent. Now the Phoenix Suns begin trying to do the same. The Phoenix debuts of Vince Carter and two other newcomers following a blockbuster trade come Thursday night against a Miami team looking to bounce back from having a 12-game winning streak snapped. Though the deal that sent them to the Suns was completed Sunday, Carter, Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat have yet to play with their new team since coming over from Orlando for Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, Earl Clark and a first-round pick.

"We should be optimistic," Steve Nash said. "We got a lot of guys coming in that give us size, depth and scoring, and defense. We should be a better team." Carter was the biggest name in the trade but also the oldest at 33, though he feels playing alongside Nash and with an up-tempo offense in Phoenix can rejuvenate his career following a mediocre year and a half with the Magic. "I look around these young guys and I've been around for a while, and I just want to bring Vince Carter, my game, who I am, my style of play, what I've done in the past years," said Carter, averaging a career-low 15.1 points. "It's a wide-open offense where you can make things happen."

Phoenix also expects to improve defensively with the arrival of Pietrus and particularly Gortat, a 6-foot-11 center and former first-round pick who saw limited minutes behind Dwight Howard in Orlando. "I'm going to fit this style perfectly," said Gortat, who has averaged 9.2 points and 9.9 rebounds in nine career games when playing more than 27 minutes. Gortat's first game in a Suns uniform could be a tough one because he may be asked to help shut down Chris Bosh, who has averaged 28.1 points and 11.7 rebounds in his last seven games against Phoenix.

Part of Miami's early struggles included Bosh's slow start -- he averaged 14.5 points and 6.0 rebounds through 10 games with his new team, but his turnaround began with a 35-point effort in a 123-96 win over Phoenix on Nov. 17. Dwyane Wade also began to assert himself more offensively not long after that, and he's averaged 27.7 points in the last 10 games. His surge helped the Heat win 12 in a row until Monday's 98-96 home loss to Dallas, one of four teams with a better record than Miami. "All year, we're going to continue to get better, to improve to get to the elite level," Wade said. "We're 30 games in. These elite teams, they've been playing together for a long time."

LeBron James went 6 of 17 from the field and was held to 19 points after scoring 32 in each of the previous two games. Miami is 10-0 when James shoots better than 50 percent, compared to 11-9 otherwise. James has averaged 34.0 points over his last five games in Phoenix and Wade has averaged 31.4 in five career visits. The Heat have won their last three trips to US Airways Center and have won seven straight on the road. While Miami is allowing a league-low 91.5 points per game, Phoenix gives up 110.2 per game. The Suns surrendered at least 110 in both games since the trade, winning at Oklahoma City before losing 118-110 at San Antonio on Monday, and they've lost five of seven.

[Spark]

• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--PHOENIX is 49-29 ATS (+17.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was PHOENIX 109.7, OPPONENT 107.4 - (Rating = 3*)

--MIAMI is 29-49 ATS (-24.9 Units) in road games after having won 15 or more of their last 20 games since 1996.
The average score was MIAMI 93.2, OPPONENT 93.7 - (Rating = 4*)

--MIAMI is 38-55 ATS (-22.5 Units) versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was MIAMI 96.2, OPPONENT 96.6 - (Rating = 4*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--PHOENIX is 85-56 OVER (+23.4 Units) in a home game where the total is 200 to 209.5 since 1996.
The average score was PHOENIX 106.2, OPPONENT 100.3 - (Rating = 4*)

--PHOENIX is 59-36 OVER (+19.2 Units) versus teams who are called for 21 or less fouls/game over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was PHOENIX 109.6, OPPONENT 107.8 - (Rating = 3*)

--MIAMI is 54-32 OVER (+18.6 Units) after 1 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was MIAMI 101.8, OPPONENT 100.4 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--PHOENIX is 30-47 against the 1rst half line (-21.7 Units) revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was PHOENIX 54.2, OPPONENT 55.9 - (Rating = 4*)

--PHOENIX is 14-29 against the 1rst half line (-17.9 Units) after 2 straight games where they made 50% of their shots or better over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was PHOENIX 54.1, OPPONENT 56.3 - (Rating = 4*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--PHOENIX is 29-10 UNDER (+17.9 Units) the 1rst half total when playing 6 or less games in 14 days over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was PHOENIX 54.5, OPPONENT 51.5 - (Rating = 3*)

--PHOENIX is 55-34 UNDER (+17.6 Units) the 1rst half total after a combined score of 205 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was PHOENIX 55.8, OPPONENT 52.6 - (Rating = 3*)

--MIAMI is 96-62 UNDER (+27.8 Units) the 1rst half total as a road favorite of 3 points or less vs. the 1rst half line since 1996.
The average score was MIAMI 47.3, OPPONENT 45.3 - (Rating = 4*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY OVER - Home teams where the total is greater than or equal to 200 (PHOENIX) - after allowing 105 points or more 3 straight games against opponent after a close loss by 3 points or less.
(29-6 since 1996.) (82.9%, +22.4 units. Rating = 4*)

The average total posted in these games was: 211.8
The average score in these games was: Team 111.1, Opponent 111 (Total points scored = 222.1)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 22 (64.7% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (15-3).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (21-4).

--PLAY UNDER - Road teams where the first half total is 100.5 to 105 (MIAMI) - very good team - outscoring their opponents by 6+ points/game against opponent after allowing 105 points or more 2 straight games.
(28-8 over the last 5 seasons.) (77.8%, +19.2 units. Rating = 3*)

The average first half total posted in these games was: 103.3
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49.7, Opponent 49.7 (Total first half points scored = 99.4)

The situation's record this season is: (3-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (20-5).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (44-22).
__________________________________

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[Udog]

NCAAB
Write-Up


St Bonaventure won its last game 112-107 in four OTs, with Nicholson playing all 60 minutes; Bonnies are 6-3, 2-2 as underdogs, losing by 10 at Canisius, 18 at Cleveland State, 8 to Niagara. Virginia Tech is 6-3 but won its last two games, by 10 over Penn State, 31 over Mississippi St. Hokies are veteran team that is banged up early this season.

Georgetown is 3-1 vs top 50 teams, losing at Temple by 3, winning by 3 at Old Dominion, beating Missouri in KC in OT. Hoyas split pair with Memphis in '08-'09, losing by 14 here in '08, winning in OT at home in '09. Memphis hasn't played a road game yet, losing by 13 to Kansas on neutral floor; they struggled in winning last two games vs cupcakes.

BYU lost first game of year Saturday to UCLA in Anaheim; Cougars are 11-1 after winning by 6 at Weber State Tuesday. 9-2 UTEP won last six games, winning only road game so far by hoop at New Mexico St- they beat Michigan, lost to Georgia Tech by 10 on neutral floors. BYU is 3-6 vs spread as a favorite, 1-3 if they're giving double digits.

New Mexico State won last four games after 2-7 start; they're 3-5-1 as an underdog- this is their third game in six days. Five of their losses are by 14+ points; Aggies are 0-7 vs teams ranked in top 125. 9-2 St Mary's lost only true road game at San Diego St by 14; they lost to BYU in OT on neutral floor. Gaels are 3-2 as a favorite this season.

7-4 UCLA has played #45 schedule, winning last four games; they've got four wins in row, upsetting BYU Saturday. Bruins are 3-5 as a favorite, 4-0 vs Big West teams, winning by 13-33-11-7 pts. Cal-Irvine is 1-1-1 as an underdog, losing by 14 at Illinois, 13 at USC, 7 at Pepperdine, but winning at Marist/San Diego (two awful teams).

Ole Miss played seven guys double digit minutes yesterday, going 4-15 from arc in 83-72 win; Rebels won last five games, are 8-2, 3-1 vs spread in last four games as favorite. Colorado State F Ogide (had 21 pts, 13 reb yesterday) transferred from Ole Miss to Rams. State is 6-3, 2-1 as dog, with losses by 11 to Sam Houston, 7 at Colorado, 21 at Kansas.

Washington State is 9-1 playing #277 schedule; they've played three top 100 teams, losing to K-State by 5, beating Gonzaga by 22, Portland by 16. Baylor is 8-1 playing #312 schedule, beating Arizona State by 14, but losing to Gonzaga by 4. Both teams won easily yesterday; starters should be well-rested. This game has Selection Sunday ramifications.

Florida State played 10 guys 9+ minutes in win at Hawai'i last nite; they had 22 offensive boards, were 10-27 from arc. Seminoles won last four games, are 9-2- they were held to 44-51 points in their losses, to Florida, Ohio State. Butler is 0-3 vs teams in top 100; last night's win over #111 Utah was highest-ranked team they've beaten this season. FSU is #36.

Utah is 1-2 in true road games, losing by 17 at Utah State, at Michigan by 11, beating Bradley by 8. Hawai'i is shorthanded, playing seven guys last night, six of whom played 24+ minutes; 7-3 Rainbow Warriors are 3-0 vs spread as an underdog, losing to Florida State by 8, at BYU by 21, at Cal Poly by a point. Utes are 3-3 as a favorite this season.

Troy/Utah State are both playing third day in row; Trojans are 1-10 vs D-I teams, getting first win in OT vs W Michigan Tuesday, then losing by 4 to Idaho State yesterday. Troy only played seven guys significant minutes yesterday. Utah State is 3-2 as home favorite this year, 5-3 as a favorite overall; they've won last five games, are 10-2 overall.

Indiana is 0-3 away from home, losing by 12 at Boston College, by 19 at Kentucky, by 6 to Northern Iowa last night; Hoosiers' starting Gs were dreadful 2-18 last night. Veteran Colorado team is 7-4, but still hasn't won away from home, losing by 9 at Georgia, 2 at San Francisco, 16 at Harvard, 13 to New Mexico last nite.

New Mexico won last seven games, is 10-1 vs #224 schedule, 6-0-1 vs spread in last seven games as fave; they're 2-1 vs top 100 teams, they're 2-1 vs top 100 teams, beating Arizona State by 14 points, Colorado by 13. Northern Iowa is played eight guys last night, but didn't get much production from their bench.

Rutgers is 8-2 playing the #330 schedule; they beat St Peter's last two years by 24-21 points. Scarlet Knights are 2-2 as a favorite this season, beating Miami by 16, Auburn by 9, losing to St Joe's. St Peter's is 7-4 so far this year, 3-2 vs spread as underdog, losing to OSU by 7, Long Beach by 12, beating Alabama by a point, losing to Seton Hall by 20.

[Udog]

NBA
Write-Up


Hot Teams
-- Miami won 12 of last 13 games; they're 7-3 as a road favorite.
-- Spurs won their last ten games; they're 3-0 as an underdog.

Cold Teams
-- Magic lost four in row, eight of last nine games.
-- Sacramento lost its last six games (1-5 vs spread). Bucks lost three of last four games, they're 0-4 as a road favorite.
-- Suns lost five of their last seven games.

Totals
-- Under is 9-3 in last twelve Orlando games.
-- Three of Kings' last four games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-3 in Miami's last ten games.

Back-to-Back-- Spurs are 3-1 if they played the night before.

[Udog]

NHL
Write-Up


Hot Teams
-- Thrashers won four of last five road games.
-- Canucks won four of their last five games.
-- Tampa Bay won four of its last five games. Rangers won three of their last four games.
-- Sabres won five of their last six home games.
-- Hurricanes won four of their last five games.
-- Penguins won 14 of their last 16 games. Washington won last couple games, 3-2/5-1, after losing their previous eight games.
-- Predators won five of their last six home games.
-- Dallas won three in row, 11 of last 15 games.
-- Avalanche won five of their last seven games. Minnesota won three of its last four road games.
-- Kings won 11 of first 14 home games.
-- San Jose won last three games, allowing five goals.

Cold Teams
-- Bruins lost four of their last five games.
-- Columbus lost four of its last five games.
-- Panthers are 6-8 in their last 14 games.
-- Canadiens lost five of their last six games.
-- Devils lost eight of last nine games, then fired the coach. Islanders lost 21 of last 24 games, but won two of last three.
-- Senators lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- Red Wings are 4-6 in their last ten games. St Louis lost nine of its last thirteen games.
-- Flames lost last three games, outscored 10-3.
-- Oilers lost three of their last four games.
-- Coyotes lost three of their last four games.

Totals
-- Six of last eight Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Columbus games.
-- Under is 8-4 in last twelve Ranger games.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Buffalo games.
-- Four of last five Carolina home games stayed under total.
-- Six of last seven New Jersey home games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 5-2 in last seven Washington games.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Nashville games.
-- Three of last four Detroit games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Calgary games.
-- Over is 7-3 in last ten Colorado home games.
-- Under is 6-2 in last eight Edmonton games.
-- Four of last five Phoenix games went over the total. Five of last six San Jose games stayed under.

Back-to-Back
-- Teams are 2-6 the night after playing Detroit.
-- Tampa Bay is 4-3 if it played the night before.
-- Panthers are 1-5 if they played the night before.
-- Islanders are 0-5 on road if they played the night before.
-- Pittsburgh is 5-1 if it played the night before.
-- Predators are 2-3 if they played the night before.
-- Red Wings are 2-2 if they played the night before.

Series Records
-- Bruins won 10 of last 11 games against Atlanta.
-- Canucks won five of last six games against Columbus.
-- Rangers won seven of last nine games against Tampa Bay.
-- Sabres won six of last eight games against Florida.
-- Canadiens lost three of last four visits to Raleigh.
-- Islanders are 5-4 in last nine games against New Jersey.
-- Penguins lost five of last six games against Washington.
-- Predators won three of last four games against Ottawa.
-- Red Wings won three in a row, 11 of last 15 against St Louis.
-- Dallas won three of last four games against the Flames.
-- Minnesota won six of last eight games against Colorado.
-- Road teams won last eight Edmonton-Los Angeles games.
-- Sharks won their last four games against Phoenix.

[Udog]

Thursday's six-pack

Strange night of college basketball Wednesday......

-- South Carolina lost 91-75 at Furman.

-- Virginia lost 59-53 at home to Seattle.

-- Georgia Tech lost 62-57 to Siena here in Albany.

-- LSU lost by 20 at home to North Texas. Wow.

-- Loyola Marymount lost 82-70 to South Dakota.

-- NC-Wilmington lost 57-56 at Campbell.


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


Thursday's List of 13: Random stuff............
Some college basketball conference knowledge, with the start of league play creeping up on us…….
13) Big East—Have six of top 20 teams, 11 of top 50; as usual, South Florida (122), DePaul (187) are dragging the rest of the league down some. TCU will be another anchor when they join the league.

12) Ivy—Has jumped to 14th-rated league this year, after being 22nd LY, 26th in 2009. Harvard (#85), Princeton (#118) are the two highest-rated Ivy teams.

11) Patriot— For now, the Ivies have taken back the smart kids from the Patriot. Bucknell (#162) is highest-rated team, which is why they’ve fallen down to 27th, after being 21st in ’08, 20th in ’07.

10) SEC—How is Auburn (#230) this bad with their new arena? They lost at home to Presbyterian the other night. Am guessing there will be whole lot of new Tigers on the Plains next year at this time.

9) C-USA—Central Florida is #34 heading into its game at UMass; its not often a C-USA team is rated higher than Memphis (#43). Southern Miss (#66) and UTEP (68) are also doing well. Strange to see Houston (#284) ranked so low.

8) Does lack of a good TV contract hurt the Atlantic 14? Only two teams are in top 40; half the league’s 14 teams are ranked #120 or lower. Why does this league have 14 teams again? If you’re going to have 14, might as well have 16, but 12 is way better.

7) WCC—LMU (6-6, #149) is a disappointment; St Mary’s (#35) is ahead of over-scheduled Gonzaga (#59), with Portland (#98) falling off less than we thought they would.

6) Only three Pac-10 teams are in top 50 (Washington-5, Arizona-18, Wash State- 32), Stanford (#104), Oregon (#114) are rebuilding, while Craig Robinson’s OSU Beavers (#198) could use a stimulus package.

5) As for teams that are switching leagues in the near future, Nebraska is #44, Colorado #73, Boise State #93, Utah #107, TCU #112, Hawai’I #229 (they are 7-2 though). 4) Big 11 has five of the top 19 teams. 7-4 Penn State is lowest-ranked team at #86- they lost at home to Maine Tuesday night.

3) 11-1 Cleveland State (#70) will be a worthy challenger to Butler (#35) this year, but rest of the Horizon League looks lame, with no one else ranked higher than #105. Could be a one-bid league this season.

2) There is only one ACC team ranked in the top 20; this might be the weakest that I can ever remember this league, which sold out its basketball tradition for football riches. Georgia Tech is shaky at #78, but Wake Forest at #178? They’ve had some injury problems while rebuilding- they’ll be glad when this season ends.

1) Mountain West is the up/coming league this year, with three teams in top 21. Including New Mexico, the top four teams are combined 44-4. UNLV caught a break beating K-State with Pullom/Kelly out, but they’ve also beaten Wisconsin, so they’re no fluke.