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**StarDust Bum** · 01-17-2011, 11:58 AM

No. 7 Villanova visits No. 10 UConn Monday afternoon

VILLANOVA WILDCATS (16-1, 4-0 in Big East)

at CONNECTICUT HUSKIES (14-2, 3-2 in Big East)

Tip-off: Monday, 3:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Connecticut -1.5, Total: 141.5

This is NOT do or die time. The sun will rise again in Southern New England and Southeastern Pennsylvania the Tuesday morning after No. 10 Connecticut and No. 7 Villanova play (that is unless it snows again). A Big East title will not be decided, and contention for a title will not end. What we will learn is much more about how well this conference stacks up against each other. We’ve seen what Jim Calhoun’s Huskies can do out of conference against the likes of Michigan State, Kentucky and Texas. And we know that Jay Wright’s team has been nearly flawless in handling talented young teams both in and outside of the Big East. Teams like UCLA, Maryland, Cincinnati and Louisville. Now we get to see them step into the steel cage that is the Big East conference, and the cage the Cats will play in on Monday afternoon is one of the loudest in the country -- Gampel Pavilion.

The Huskies are coming off of an easy 82-62 victory over DePaul in a game that saw the visitors win its first conference road game this season, while the host Blue Demons went down to defeat for the 18th consecutive time in league play. Kemba Walker (shocker) led the Huskies in scoring with 31, racing to a fast start with 22 points in the first half, and like his team, never looked back. This time the scoring help came from center Alex Oriakhi with 11 points and freshman Jeremy Lamb with 13 points. Lamb’s 13-point performance was the second highest of his young career, and nearly matched his output of the previous four games combined, when his minutes shrunk into single-digit territory. Saturday’s win marked the third straight game that a different UConn player was the second leading scorer behind Walker, a sign that Connecticut is making some progress in achieving the offensive balance needed to support Walker (25.3 PPG), the nation’s second leading scorer.

Villanova is coming off of a wild come-from-behind victory over Maryland 74-66, in a game that can be summed up with two numbers: 19 and 13. 19 is the number of unanswered points that Villanova scored in the second half to eventually take the lead after trailing by as many as 12 points. 13 is the margin that the Wildcats outrebounded the Terrapins by in this game (42-29). It marked the fifth time in the past eight games that ‘Nova has outrebounded the opponent by double figures. It is that kind of aggressiveness on the glass that the Huskies (41.7 RPG, seventh best in Division I) bring to the floor every night, making the battle of the big men, starting centers Oriakhi and Villanova’s Mouphtaou Yarou (12 rebounds vs. Maryland, 7.4 RPG on the year) a special treat for those who enjoy low-post play. While leading scorer Corey Stokes (17.0 PPG) had a dreadful shooting night with nine points on 4-of-14 FG, fellow guards Corey Fisher and Maalik Wayns combined for 39 points on 14-of-25 shooting to rally the Cats to their 11th straight win.

These teams have split the past six meetings, but UConn won the past two matchups, 89-83 in 2009 and 84-75 at Villanova last year. The FoxSheets give two highly-rated reasons to take Connecticut.

CONNECTICUT is 13-1 ATS (+11.9 Units) after 3 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers over the last 3 seasons. The average score was CONNECTICUT 77.5, OPPONENT 61.7 - (Rating = 4*).

Play On - A home team (CONNECTICUT) - in a game involving two good offensive teams (74-78 PPG) after 15+ games, after allowing 65 points or less 2 straight games. (27-6 over the last 5 seasons.) (81.8%, +20.4 units. Rating = 3*).

This FoxSheets trend leans towards the Under.

Play Under - All teams where the total is between 140 and 149.5 points (CONNECTICUT) - in a game involving two average three point shooting teams (32%-36.5%) after 15+ games, after game - allowing a shooting pct. of 33% or less. (80-37 since 1997.) (68.4%, +39.3 units. Rating = 3*).

**StarDust Bum** · 01-17-2011, 11:59 AM

Top 5 teams meet in Syracuse-Pittsburgh matchup

SYRACUSE ORANGE (18-0, 5-0 in Big East)

at PITTSBURGH PANTHERS (17-1, 5-0 in Big East)

Tip-off: Monday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Pittsburgh -4.5, Total: 138.5

This is what you call a “road” test. Up until now, the Syracuse Orange have stormed through the competition with a tenacious interior game, an athletic backcourt, and its dreaded 2-3 zone, a defensive approach that, like fine wine and Jim Boeheim, just keeps getting better with age. If there is one achievement missing from the Orange resume it would be the lack of a road victory over a ranked opponent. Monday night, No. 4 Syracuse gets a chance to check that one off its to-do list, when they face quite possibly the toughest road test in the nation (not named Duke or Kansas) with a visit to the Petersen Events Center to take on No. 5 Pittsburgh.

The Orange (18-0, 5-0) are just one victory away from matching the best start in school history, when they won 19 straight to start the ‘99-00 season. They are coming off of a week in which they blitzed two of the most improved teams in the Big East, St. John’s and Cincinnati, by an average margin of 16 PPG. Syracuse’s defense was superb in the two wins, holding the visiting Bearcats to 30.5% shooting from the floor last Saturday, after holding the Red Storm to 36.8% FG in Madison Square Garden three days earlier. Offensively, Syracuse appears to be shooting the ball from long range much better than it was the last time they played Pitt. That’s not hard, considering that in the last meeting the ’Cuse was just 1-for-13 from beyond the arc in last January’s 82-72 loss. In the past two victories, Boeheim’s squad has buried 15-of-34 long range attempts, that’s a 44% clip. There will be one major concern entering this game for the Orange and that is the health of leading scorer Kris Joseph (14.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG) who banged his head on the floor Saturday against Cincinnati, leaving the game for good after scoring just two points. Joseph did not make the trip to Pittsburgh and James Southerland will get the start in his place. He scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds in 25 minutes filling in for the injured Joseph on Saturday.

Jamie Dixon’s squad is coming off of a 74-53 win over Seton Hall Saturday that was unusual when you examine the box scores to find that the leading scorers for Pitt were named Gary McGhee (13 points) and Talib Zanna (10 points). Not Brad Wanamaker and Ashton Gibbs, who tallied only nine and eight points respectively on a combined 7-for-22 shooting day. Dixon will need Gibbs (16.3 PPG) and Wanamaker (12.8 PPG), his two top scorers, to regain their form if the Panthers are going to extend their home court winning streak, while putting a stop to Syracuse’s season-opening win streak at 18.

There are a number of reasons why staying undefeated will be a daunting task for the Orange. Pick a number. The Panthers are 60-10 all-time versus Big East opponents in “The Pete.” Pitt has won 19 consecutive games in the building, 12 of them coming this season. Those 19 wins have been by an average of just under 20 PPG. Syracuse has historically struggled in the nine-year-old building, losers of five out of six trips there all-time. As for Pittsburgh, playing a highly-ranked opponent on its home court is nothing new. The Panthers have won eight straight games at home against teams ranked in the Top 5 of the AP Poll.

The FoxSheets give two highly-rated reasons to take Pittsburgh to win and cover at home.

PITTSBURGH is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons. The average score was PITTSBURGH 80.4, OPPONENT 68.7 - (Rating = 2*).

PITTSBURGH is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8 games over the last 3 seasons. The average score was PITTSBURGH 77.8, OPPONENT 62.2 - (Rating = 2*).

This FoxSheets trend sides with the Under.

Play Under - Home teams against the total (PITTSBURGH) - average FT shooting team (65-69%) against a poor FT shooting team (61-65%) after 15+ games, good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defensive team (<=14.5 TO's). (61-28 over the last 5 seasons.) (68.5%, +30.2 units. Rating = 2*).

**StarDust Bum** · 01-17-2011, 12:00 PM

Missouri looks to bounce back vs. Kansas State

KANSAS STATE WILDCATS (13-5, 1-2 in Big 12)

at MISSOURI TIGERS (15-3, 1-2 in Big 12)

Tip-off: Monday, 5:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Missouri -5.5, Total: 150.5

Missouri looks to win its fourth straight home game versus Kansas State when the two Big 12 North rivals meet on Monday.

The Tigers are coming off a tough 91-89 overtime loss at Texas A&M on Saturday. Phil Pressey (4.5 PPG) finished with a career-high 16 points, but missed the game-winning shot at the end of regulation. Ricardo Ratliffe (11.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG) had 19 points and nine rebounds, while shooting 9-of-11 from the field, and Marcus Denmon (17.6 PPG, 50.5% three-pointers) added 19 for his 15th straight game -- and 16th overall -- in double-figures. But Laurence Bowers, second on the team in scoring with 11.9 PPG, had only seven points on 3-of-5 shooting. After shooting 41.4% in its first two conference games, Mizzou hit 52.2% against the Aggies and 40% (10-of-25) from long range. Two of Missouri's three losses this season have come in overtime. The Tigers also lost to Georgetown in OT, 111-102, on Nov. 30 and fell at Colorado, 89-76, on Jan. 8. Missouri ranks fifth in the nation in scoring (85.4 PPG) and sixth in assists (18.1 APG).

Kansas State picked up its first victory in the Big 12 in Saturday's 94-60 rout of Texas Tech. The 94 points were the second-most points the Wildcats have scored this season, behind only a 100-point game against North Florida on Dec. 31. K-State averaged 64.0 PPG and shot 37.9% in losing its first two Big 12 games, but it hit 53.1% of its field goals versus the Red Raiders, including 13-of-22 from three-point range. Jamar Samuels (10.3 PPG, 6.1 RPG) scored a game-high 22 points, while Jacob Pullen (17.7 PPG, 3.9 APG, 3.9 RPG) added 21 points, including 4-of-9 on three-pointers, to go along with five assists. Rodney McGruder (12.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG) finished with a double-double of 16 points and 15 boards, and Curtis Kelly (10.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG) chipped in with 12 points in his first game back after serving a six-game suspension for violating NCAA rules. Kelly returns, but Kansas State has lost center Freddy Asprilla (4.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG) after he decided to pursue a professional career in his native Columbia.

The two teams split the season series last season, as both teams held serve on their home court. Missouri won at home, 74-68, behind Denmon's 14 points, and Kansas State returned the favor with a 63-53 victory thanks to Samuels' 14 points. The Wildcats' last road win in this series came on Jan. 13, 2007, 85-81. Although Mizzou is 11-2 SU in the past 13 meetings in Columbia, the Tigers are only 6-5 ATS against the Wildcats. Missouri is also 6-7 ATS this season, including 3-4 ATS at home.

This FoxSheets trend likes Kansas State to pull off the upset.

KANSAS ST is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) after one or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons. The average score was KANSAS ST 77.9, OPPONENT 67.2 - (Rating = 2*).

KANSAS ST is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after a game where they made 50% of their 3 point shots or better over the last 3 seasons. The average score was KANSAS ST 77.7, OPPONENT 64.5 - (Rating = 1*).

This FoxSheets also expect the game to finish Under the total.

Play Under - Road teams where the total is between 150 and 159.5 points (KANSAS ST) - off a home win by 10 points or more, playing their 2nd game in 3 days. (52-20 since 1997.) (72.2%, +30 units. Rating = 3*).

**StarDust Bum** · 01-17-2011, 12:02 PM

Kansas tries to stay unbeaten at Baylor

KANSAS JAYHAWKS (17-0, 2-0 in Big 12)

at BAYLOR BEARS (12-4, 2-1 in Big 12)

Tip-off: Monday, 9:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Kansas -3.5, Total: 139.5

Kansas looks to continue its dominance over Baylor when it visits Waco, TX on Monday night.

The Jayhawks have won 15 of 17 games against the Bears, including six of seven and four straight at the Ferrell Center by an average of 19.2 points. They're off to their best start since a 20-0 mark to begin the 2007-08 season and are outscoring opponents by an average of 22.3 PPG for the season. However, the past three games have been much closer as Kansas has squeaked out three wins by a total of 15 points. On Saturday, KU defeated Nebraska, 63-60, overcoming a 10-point second-half deficit and extending its home winning streak to 69. Marcus Morris (16.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 41.7% three-pointers), who is scoring 23.7 PPG and averaging 11.3 rebounds in the past three games, had 16 points and 11 boards against the Cornhuskers. Tyrel Reed (8.9 PPG) added 16, including 4-of-7 from long range, and was the only other player to score in double figures. Markieff Morris, the second leading scorer on the team (13.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG), was limited to seven points and seven boards. The Jayhawks continue to lead the nation in field-goal percentage (51.8%) and are 10th in points (83.1 PPG), but they've scored only 67 and 63 in two of their past three games.

Baylor lost 72-57 at Iowa State on Saturday to end a four-game winning streak. The Bears allowed the Cyclones to shoot 50.0% overall and 14-of-25 (56.0%) from behind the arc. LaceDarius Dunn, the Big 12's leading scorer (22.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 42.4% three-pointers), had 20 points and has scored in double figures in all 13 games he's played in. Quincy Acy (13.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG) chipped in with nine points and eight rebounds and Perry Jones (13.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG) had 10 points and five boards.

Last season, Kansas won at home versus Baylor, 81-75, as Marcus Morris had 22 points and eight rebounds. But Baylor has proved to be much tougher on its home court, winning 26 of its past 27 games. The Bears have won the last 15 at home by 18.1 PPG. Dunn has averaged 21.8 points in four career games against the Jayhawks and scored 27 in the loss last season. Kansas has cut it close in the last few games and survived, and it will do so again.

These FoxSheets trends expect Kansas to remain unbeaten with a big road win Monday.

KANSAS is 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 80%) after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons. The average score was KANSAS 77.7, OPPONENT 64.5 - (Rating = 3*).

Play Against - Home teams as an underdog or pick (BAYLOR) - off a road loss against a conference rival against opponent off 2 consecutive close wins by 5 or less over a conference rival. (39-12 since 1997.) (76.5%, +25.8 units. Rating = 3*).

These FoxSheets also side with the Under on Monday.

Play Under - Home teams against the total (BAYLOR) - off a road loss against a conference rival against opponent off 2 consecutive close wins by 5 or less over a conference rival. (68-31 since 1997.) (68.7%, +33.9 units. Rating = 3*).

**StarDust Bum** · 01-17-2011, 12:03 PM

Boozer could miss Monday's game at Memphis

CHICAGO BULLS (27-13)

at MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (19-21)

Tip-off: Monday, 1:00 p.m. EDT
Line: TBD

The Bulls travel to Memphis on Monday without the services of Carlos Boozer who most likely will sit out with a sprained ankle. Boozer injured himself in the final seconds of the Bulls 99-96 victory over the Heat on Saturday.

The Bulls have rebounded to win four of five since losing consecutive road games to the Nets and 76ers. The Bulls are just 8-8 ATS in their past 16 games, and most of those losses have come on the road where they are 1-5 in their past six games. Defense has keyed the Bulls all season as Chicago leads the NBA holding opponents to just 42.8 percent shooting from the field. During this recent five-game stretch where they have won four of five, the Bulls are holding opponents to 87.8 PPG and 39.1% FG. Derrick Rose scored 34 points and dished out eight assists in the Bulls victory over Miami on Saturday. Rose is averaging 28.7 PPG in his past six games.

The Grizzlies have played much better recently winning seven of 11 overall, but are just 19-21 on the season. However, Memphis has been one of the best teams in the NBA ATS at 24-15 overall (62%) including an amazing 17 wins in their past 23 games (74%). They have been excellent at home ATS winning four straight and nine of their past 12 contests. Zach Randolph has been outstanding in his past nine games. He recorded his fourth 20-20 game of the season on Saturday in a 89-70 win over the Mavericks, and is averaging 26.5 PPG and 15.1 RPG over that nine-game span. Randolph also likes seeing Chicago, averaging 26.3 PPG and 12.7 RPG in his past three games against them.

The Grizzlies love seeing the Bulls at home as they have won three straight and nine of 10 against Chicago at Memphis. With Boozer missing time and the Grizzlies looking like they are ready to start making their case for a playoff spot, I’m taking Memphis.

FoxSheets says:

Play Against - Any team (CHICAGO) - in a game involving two good shooting teams (45.5-47.5%), good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a good pressure defensive team (>=16.5 TO's). (83-40 since 1996.) (67.5%, +39 units. Rating = 3*).

**StarDust Bum** · 01-17-2011, 12:04 PM

Durant's Thunder visit Kobe's Lakers Monday

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (27-13)

at LOS ANGELES LAKERS (30-12)

Tip-off: Monday, 10:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Los Angeles -5, Total: 203.5

The NBA’s leading scorer travels to Los Angeles to take on the team that eliminated his squad on their way to the NBA Championship last season, as Kevin Durant and the Thunder take on Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. This is the first meeting of the season between these two teams.

Oklahoma City enters the game on a four-game win streak both overall and ATS. The Thunder have done well ATS this season going 22-17 including 10-9 on the road. Since suffering a four-game ATS losing streak from December 1-6, they have won 13 of their past 18 ATS, including five of eight on the road. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have led the team all season long. Durant is averaging 32.4 PPG over his past five games, while Westbrook recorded his second triple-double of the season in the Thunder’s 125-124 victory over the Magic on Thursday, scoring 32 points, dishing out 13 assists and grabbing 10 boards. The Thunder are 11-1 this season when Westbrook scores 25 points or more.

The Lakers have won nine of their last 11 SU, but they are just 4-10 ATS over their past 14 games. They are an awful 18-24 ATS on the season, including 8-13 ATS at home. Kobe Bryant scored 27 points in the Lakers 99-92 loss against the Clippers on Sunday and is averaging 31.0 PPG over his past three games while shooting 54.4 percent from the field. The Lakers have held their past eight opponents to just 89.5 PPG on 42.4 percent shooting, but will have a hard time holding down the Thunder who have averaged 117.3 PPG on 51.7% FG over their past three games.

The Lakers have won 10 straight against the Thunder at home (including last season’s playoffs). Despite that stat, the Thunder have shown all season that they are on a mission to put themselves in a better position for the 2011 playoffs. I like Oklahoma City to maybe if not to win SU, to at least cover.

FoxSheets says:

Play Against - Favorites (LA LAKERS) - after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games against opponent after successfully covering the spread in 4 or more consecutive games. (41-17 over the last 5 seasons.) (70.7%, +22.3 units. Rating = 2*).

**The Boomaster** · 01-17-2011, 02:21 PM

gl bum

**StarDust Bum** · 01-17-2011, 05:11 PM

Pitt hosts Syracuse in huge NCAA odds duel

Monday night brings us a monster matchup in the Big East when the No. 4 Syracuse Orange tangle with the No. 5 Pittsburgh Panthers at Petersen Events Center in Iron City. Tip-off is set for 4:30 (PT) and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

Syracuse ran its conference record to 5-0 straight-up with a 67-52 romp over Cincinnati on Saturday as a seven-point home favorite. This followed a convincing 76-59 win over St. John’s as a three-point road favorite last Wednesday. The Orange are now a perfect 18-0 SU, but just 7-9 against the spread.

This team is led by one of the best trio of players north of Miami. Junior forward Kris Joseph is the team’s leading scorer; knocking down an average of 15.3 points per game. Junior guard Scoop Jardine is averaging a team-high 6.1 assists per game and 13.7 points, while senior forward Rick Jackson leads the team in rebounds with 11.7 per game and is averaging 13.2 points.

The Orange are averaging 76 points and 39 rebounds per game. They are shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from three-point range. The only area that Syracuse has struggled a bit this season is from the foul line where it is converting on just 64.1 percent of its attempts.

Pittsburgh might be considered the second-best team in the Big East right now, but it is more than capable of standing toe-to-toe with Syracuse. The Panthers moved to a perfect 5-0 in the conference with a 21-point romp over Seton Hall on Saturday as a 13 ½-point home favorite. Even more impressive was their 72-57 victory over No. 19 Georgetown as a 2 ½-point road underdog this past Wednesday. Pitt is currently 17-1 SU but is also a bit shaky ATS with a record of 6-7.

Junior guard Ashton Gibbs is the Panthers’ leading scorer with 16.3 points per game and second in assists with 3.5. Senior guard Brad Wanamaker leads in assists with 4.8 and is also averaging 13 points per game. Senior forward Gilbert Brown has also been a key contributor with 11.2 points per game, while senior center Gary McGhee leads the team in rebounds with 7.3.

Pittsburgh is shooting 48.5 percent from the field and averaging 80 points per game, but its real strength has been under the boards. The Panthers are ranked second in the nation in rebounds with a per-game average of 43, giving them a distinct advantage over the Orange in this department.

Syracuse is 2-3 ATS in its last five games on the road and 4-2 ATS in its last six games overall. The total has stayed ‘under’ in four of its last five games.

Pitt is 3-4 ATS in its last seven home games and 3-2 ATS in its last five games overall. The total has gone ‘over’ in three of its last five games.

Head-to-head, the Panthers have won eight out of the last 10 games SU, covering the spread in all eight victories. Last season they beat the Orange 82-72 as an 11-point road underdog. The year before, Pitt hammered Syracuse 78-60 as a nine-point home favorite.

This time around, look for the Panthers to open as a mild home favorite. One thing to keep an eye on is the status of Joseph for Syracuse. He is currently listed as doubtful on the injury report with a minor head injury suffered in Saturday's win due to a hard tumble; head coach Jim Boeheim was adopting a wait-&-see approach to his star's status.

Regardless of his availability, stick with Pitt to keep its recent dominance over the Orange intact for another year with a big win.

**StarDust Bum** · 01-17-2011, 05:11 PM

NCAA Betting Preview: Kansas State at Missouri

Frank Martin and the Kansas State Wildcats entered the 2010-11 season with high expectations. College basketball oddsmakers levied 5/2 futures odds on K-State as the favorites in the Big 12 and coaches opened them No. 3 in their preseason poll.

By the time the Wildcats tip Monday's game in Columbia against the Missouri Tigers, they could be on the outside looking in of the two major rankings. The game is equally important to the Tigers as both schools enter with 1-2 conference records. ESPN will carry the crucial Big 12 contest from Mizzou Arena starting at 2:30 p.m. (PT).

Inconsistency has been Kansas State's biggest opponent up to now. Offense, defense, free throws, you name it and the Wildcats have yet to find their groove. Even their roster has been hit-&-miss in terms of available players.

Saturday's rout of Texas Tech may have gone a long way to correcting those problems. Kansas State (13-5 straight up, 4-8 against the spread) bounced back from its embarrassing home loss to Colorado last Wednesday to treat the crowd at Bramlage Coliseum to a 94-60 runaway over the Red Raiders, much to the delight of bettors who laid the 14 points.

The Wildcats shot over 53 percent from the field, and nearly 60 percent from three-point range, and hit a season-best 81 percent from the charity stripe (13-of-16). Four starters scored in double figures, led by Jamar Samuels' 22. Rodney McGruder posted a double-double with 16 points and 15 boards, and Curtis Kelly added 12 points in his first game back from a six-game suspension.

While K-State was registering its first conference win of the campaign on Saturday, Missouri (15-3 SU, 6-7 ATS) was dropping its second in a 91-89 overtime loss at Texas A&M. The Tigers watched a 12-point lead in the first half disappear when the Aggies went on a 22-6 run to finish the initial 20 minutes of play. Mizzou then let a four-point advantage slip away in the closing 90 seconds of regulation before Texas A&M's Khris Middleton lifted his team on his shoulders and carried the Ags to the victory with 11 OT points.

Missouri, a 4½-point underdog in College Station, lost the closely-fought game at the charity stripe on 9-of-19 shooting and far fewer opportunities. The Aggies got the benefit of the doubt on a couple of close calls and were busy from the free-throw line with a 29-of-38 afternoon.

The last three seasons have seen the two conference rivals defend their home court in the series with three wins apiece. Missouri grabbed a 74-68 win at home last January as five-point chalk with Kansas State returning the favor in late-February, 63-53, carrying a six-point favorite's tag.

Kansas State's last road win in this series was Jan. 13, 2007, Bob Huggins' only season at the Wildcats' helm. The Wildcats posted an 85-81 triumph as four-point underdogs in that one.

The pressure to defend the floor at Mizzou Arena is clearly on the Tigers who should find themselves favored by 5-6 once odds are released.

The two teams will meet again on Feb. 26 in Manhattan, KS. In the meantime Missouri stays home to host Iowa State next Saturday then takes a week off before traveling to face the Texas Longhorns. Kansas State continues its road trip, heading south to College Station to meet Texas A&M on Saturday before returning home to host Baylor (Jan. 24).

**StarDust Bum** · 01-17-2011, 05:15 PM

NBA Betting: Banged-up Boston battles Magic

Back on Christmas Day, the Orlando Magic made a real statement by taking their new-look team and beating the snot out of the Boston Celtics 86-78 in the new Amway Center, the first clash of the season against the team that they lost to in the playoffs a year ago.

Now, the Celtics seeks their revenge in NBA betting action on Monday night back on the Parquet Court at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston. This duel to beat the basketball odds can be seen nationally on TNT at 5 p.m. (PT).

Orlando is back on track after losing back-to-back games on the road, beating up the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-99 on Saturday night before heading over to Boston for the final game in this five-game road trip that has spanned a week and a half. Though the defense has slacked off just a bit in recent games, head coach Stan Van Gundy has to be thrilled with his offense. Orlando has dropped an average of 107.5 PPG since December 23 when the team won its first game with its new players, and if that keeps up, this is going to be a very tough team to top.

Van Gundy has gotten 15.3 PPG out of Jason Richardson since he came over from the Phoenix Suns, including four straight games with at least 19 points. Hedo Turkoglu has had three consecutive games in which he failed to reach double digits in scoring, but he is still putting up 11.6 PPG with the team that he helped take to the NBA Finals just two years ago.

Still, this is Dwight Howard's team, and when he is at his best, the Magic win. Howard is averaging 21.7 PPG and 13.3 RPG in 2010-11, and is clearly going to be a prime MVP candidate. Boston had his number the first time around though, holding the big man to just six points and 11 boards on Christmas Day, something that must not be repeated if Orlando hopes to come out of Beantown with a 'W.'

Boston did get 22 points out of Kevin Garnett in the first meeting of the year with its archrivals, but he probably won't be ready to go in this one. KG has missed eight straight games with a calf injury, and though he hopes that he will be able to make his triumphant return to the starting five on Monday, it is still very questionable.

Garnett is still sharing the bench with Jermaine O'Neal, Delonte West and Kendrick Perkins, all of whom should be in street clothes on Monday.

The C's play the best defense in the league, holding teams to just 92.0 points per game so far. They are also the most efficient offensive team that the NBA has to offer, converting on 50.3 percent of their shots, easily tops in the league.

All five starters scored in double digits against the Charlotte Bobcats in Friday's victory, but there is a real question about the depth of this team beyond its starters. Nate Robinson is the only healthy body right now that is averaging more than six PPG off the bench for head coach Doc Rivers.

If you like low-scoring NBA betting battles, this is the duel for you. These two teams have combined for 16 'under' games against just five 'overs' over the course of their last 21 meetings. The Magic are 3-1 ATS in the last four encounters. Boston is 6-4 straight up in the series since Christmas Day 2009 but just 2-6 ATS in the last eight here at the Garden.

**StarDust Bum** · 01-17-2011, 05:16 PM

Kings and Stars cap Monday NHL odds board

Los Angeles (24-19-1-0) begins a two-game, two-day road trip with Monday’s matchup at Dallas (27-13-1-4). The Kings are just 2-7 their last nine outings overall, while the ‘under’ is 7-3 the previous 10 road games.

Los Angeles is currently in a ninth-place tie in the Western Conference standings with San Jose, and would miss the playoffs if the season ended today. The Kings rank eighth in the league in goals against (2.6) and penalty-kill percentage (83.5), 11th in goals per game (2.9) and 15th in power-play percentage (18.2).

Dallas is firmly secure as the Western Conference’s third seed, three points behind second-place Detroit and four points ahead of fourth-place Phoenix. The Stars are seventh in the league in goals against (2.6), ninth in power-play percentage (20.0), 13th in goals per game (2.9) and 22nd in penalty-kill percentage (80.6).

Los Angeles snapped a two-game losing skid after skating past Edmonton Saturday as decided 209 home ‘chalk,’ 5-2. The combined seven goals eclipsed the 5 ½-goal closing total, ending back-to-back ‘under’ outings.

Jarret Stoll scored two goals in the victory, while Marco Sturm, Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty also lit the lamp. Kopitar, the teams’ lone All-Star representative, snapped a nine-game goalless streak with Saturday’s effort. Goaltender Jonathan Bernier recorded 24 saves, and the Kings finished the contest with an advantage in faceoffs won, 31-23. Los Angeles is now 14-0 when leading after two periods.

Dallas enters this contest riding a three-game winning streak after blowing out Atlanta Saturday as a 157 home favorite, 6-1. The combined seven goals toppled the NHL odds, snapping three consecutive ‘under’ outings.

Trevor Daley and James Neal each scored twice in the victory, while Adam Burish and Jeff Woywitka also scored. Goaltender Kari Lehtonen stonewalled 29 shots, as the Stars scored four times in five power play opportunities en route to matching their season high for goals.

Los Angeles has beaten Dallas in two previous meetings this season, while the ‘under’ is 3-1 the past four encounters. The Kings prevailed Oct. 28 as a 103 road underdog, 5-2, and Nov. 11 as a 165 home favorite, 3-1. Los Angeles is now 7-1 the last eight games in this series, while the ‘under’ is a solid 10-4 the past 14 meetings.

Los Angeles goaltender Jonathan Quick (knee) and right wing Wayne Simmonds (lower body) are ‘questionable’ versus the Stars. The Kings follow this contest with Tuesday’s matchup at St. Louis.

Dallas defenseman Matt Niskanen is ‘out’ indefinitely due to a hand injury. The Stars embark on a three-game Canadian road trip following this game versus Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.

Versus will provide coverage of Monday’s matchup beginning at 5:30 p.m. PT from American Airlines Center in Dallas.

**StarDust Bum** · 01-17-2011, 05:18 PM

Week 11 NCAA basketball betting preview

Kyle Singler and Duke have work ahead to regain their No. 1 status in the polls.
The rankings are set to anoint just their second No. 1 team this season. Duke's 66-61 loss at Florida State this past Wednesday should open the door for the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes to step up a rung on the college basketball ladder when the AP and coaches polls are released on Monday.

The questions become how long can the Buckeyes hold the spot with Big Ten trips still ahead to such hostile environs as Champaign, Madison and West Lafayette, and how hard will the Blue Devils have to work in a weaker ACC to possibly climb back to No. 1?

Duke was one of three teams from last week's AP top 10 to drop at least one game. Notre Dame, ranked ninth, was humbled at Marquette to begin the week and then again at St. John's on Sunday, losing by 18 as a 2½-point underdog to the Red Storm. Eighth-ranked Purdue also fell twice on the road at Minnesota and West Virginia.

The Blue Devils also struggled in their win on Saturday, trailing at home to Virginia in the first half before pulling away for a 76-60 victory as 21½-point chalk. Duke will likely slide to fourth or fifth in both polls.

Purdue and Notre Dame will fall out of the top 10 and create holes for BYU and one school from the trio of Kentucky, Texas and Texas A&M. My bet is on the No. 13 Wildcats after they took care of LSU and Auburn last week by a combined 62 points.

Here's a quick glance at where the previous top 10 will be in action the next seven days:

1. Duke (16-1 SU, 8-8 ATS)
The Blue Devils hit Tobacco Road with matchups at North Carolina State on Wednesday (Jan. 19) and Wake Forest on Saturday (Jan. 22). Duke's visit to Raleigh last January ended with an 88-74 loss to the Wolfpack as 12-point chalk.

2. Ohio State (18-0, 7-8)
Thad Matta's gang will host Iowa on Wednesday before traveling to Champaign next Saturday to take on No. 16 Illinois. The Illini will be looking for triple revenge after dropping both regular season meetings a year ago to the Buckeyes before a double-overtime defeat in the Big Ten Tourney.

3. Kansas (17-0, 7-8)
The Jayhawks face a challenging week to stay undefeated with a road trip to Baylor to begin the week on Monday (Jan. 17) and then a home date with No. 12 Texas on Saturday. Kansas beat both schools last season, falling at the window in a home game with the Bears and covering as slight chalk in Austin against the Longhorns.

4. Syracuse (18-0, 7-9)
No team has a tougher slate this week than the Orange. Monday finds Syracuse traveling to No. 5 Pitt, the only regular season meeting between the Big East rivals. The Panthers were huge 11-point underdogs at the Carrier Dome last January when they popped Syracuse, 82-72. The Orange close their week at home on Saturday when No. 7 Villanova comes to town.

5. Pittsburgh (17-1, 6-7)
Jamie Dixon's crew takes off after Monday's game against 'Cuse with what should be an easy time at DePaul on Saturday.

6. San Diego State (19-0, 12-5)
The Aztecs will host the Air Force Falcons on Wednesday, then take a week off before what should be a top-10 matchup at Brigham Young on Jan. 26.

7. Villanova (16-1, 9-5)
If the Orange have the week's toughest schedule, 'Nova runs them a close second. Before traveling to Syracuse on Saturday, the Wildcats will be in Storrs on Monday to scrap with No. 10 UConn.

8. Purdue (15-3, 10-4)
Mat Painter and Co. look to regroup at home on Wednesday against a Penn State team that has already proven to be anything but a patsy. The Boilermakers remain in West Lafayette for Saturday's meeting with the Michigan State Spartans who endured a pair of overtime home wins this past week.

9. Notre Dame (14-4, 7-7)
The Fighting Irish get to lick their wounds at home following consecutive conference defeats this past week at Marquette and St. John's. First up is Cincinnati on Wednesday followed by a return date with Marquette on Saturday.

10. Connecticut (14-2, 8-2)
Following their Monday matchup with Villanova, the Huskies take a quick break from Big East play with a game against Tennessee at Hartford's XL Center. The Vols have already taken down a pair of top-10 teams from the Big East, beating 'Nova and Pittsburgh as six- and eight-point underdogs respectively.

**3ebRocks** · 01-17-2011, 06:02 PM

Thanks for the info, as usual. Good luck!

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