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**StarDust Bum** · 02-07-2011, 11:21 PM

NCAA Odds Preview: Xavier at Georgia Bulldogs

It's been a trying year for Mark Fox and the Georgia Bulldogs, picked before the season as a possible contender in the SEC East behind Florida and Kentucky. The Bulldogs looked all of that in early January when they ran their record to 12-2 with an upset win at home over then-No. 11 Kentucky, 77-70, as five point home 'dogs.

The shine has dulled since then as Georgia has floundered with a 4-4 mark on the floor and against the spread. Fox and his hounds will get another chance to impress some folks Tuesday night when they face a pretty fair Xavier Musketeers squad out of the Atlantic 10.

Somehow this game wound up as part of ESPN's Rivalry Week schedule, with the tip from Stegeman Coliseum in Athens broadcast on ESPNU a little after 4 p.m. (PT).

Tuesday's battle would have fit better during Bracket Buster week. Both teams come into this one with 16-6 straight-up marks and losing records against the spread. Georgia is 8-10 versus the number with Xavier 7-13. The Musketeers are 56th on the KenPom chart that ran through this past Saturday, with the Bulldogs down two rungs at No. 58.

Increasing the game's importance is the fact that despite who wins on Tuesday, both teams will be dependent upon the other to finish the year strong to make the victory mean something to the NCAA Tournament selection committee.

The contest is especially important for a mid-major like Xavier. Chris Mack's team has a few wins over teams like Butler, Seton Hall, Temple, Dayton and Richmond that will help them. But that one loss at Charlotte on Feb. 2 to stop a seven-game run left a mark. The Musketeers gave the Florida Gators a hard time about six weeks ago, and tapping a second SEC contender on the road would be sweet.

The X Men did rebound from the disappointing defeat at the 49ers with a win this past Sunday versus St. Louis. The Musketeers blew a seven-point halftime lead and relied on just a pair of hot hands in the second half to come away with the 76-68 win.

Tu Holloway scored 20 points in the second half and Mark Lyons added 10 for all but 15 of Xavier's offense in the final 20 minutes. It was Xavier's 37th-straight home win against a conference foe and sixth of the Musketeers' last seven games to go 'over.'

Georgia is riding a two-game streak on the floor but with two red numbers at the NCAA odds window in wins over Auburn at home in OT this past Saturday and at Arkansas three days before that. The wins followed losses at home to Florida, a very tough 104-91 double-overtime defeat on Jan. 25, and at Kentucky who got even for the earlier road upset with a 66-60 win at Rupp Arena on Jan. 29.

The Bulldogs' home-court advantage in the game is huge, no doubt, and the pressure is clearly on both teams. I still like Xavier plus the points in this one in a game that finishes in the 138-140 point range.

Georgia returns to SEC play when the Bulldogs next head to Columbia to meet the South Carolina Gamecocks on Saturday. Xavier remains on the road with a huge A-10 game on Sunday at Duquesne.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-07-2011, 11:22 PM

NBA Betting Preview: LA Clippers at Magic

You would be hard pressed to find any sports team 12 games under .500 that has created a buzz quite like the Los Angeles Clippers. This historically inept franchise is well on its way to another entry into the NBA Draft, but the team is armed with one of the league’s most exciting players.

Forward Blake Griffin continues to produce nightly highlights for Los Angeles (19-31 straight up, 25-24-1 against the spread), and is all but a lock to win the league’s Rookie of the Year Award. The Clippers face an Orlando squad (32-20 SU, 22-29-1 ATS) that would be the fifth-seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs if the regular season ended today.

Los Angeles continues a lengthy 11-game road trip mired in a three-game SU losing streak. The Clippers continued their downward spiral with Sunday’s setback to Miami as an 11 ½-point road underdog, 97-79. The combined 176 points never seriously threatened the 203-point closing total, ending a string of three consecutive ‘over’ outings.

The Clippers trailed by 11 points at halftime, 47-36, and never made a serious charge in the second half. Both teams grabbed 44 rebounds, but Los Angeles was on the short end of assists (19-12) and turnovers forced (19-13). The Clippers shot a dismal 33 percent (25-of-77) from the field, and 25 percent (6-of-24) from 3-point land.

Griffin paced the offense once again with 21 points and 16 rebounds, while guard Randy Foye added 15. Point guard Baron Davis provided 14 points and six assists in the setback, while forward Ryan Gomes had 12 points.

Orlando dropped to 1-3 SU its last four games after dropping Sunday’s matchup at Boston as a four-point underdog, 91-80. The combined 171 points failed to topple the 192 ½-point closing total, helping the ‘under’ cash the second consecutive contest. The Magic are now just 1-5 ATS their past six performances.

Orlando outrebounded the Celtics, 46-41, but struggled by shooting a disappointing 34 percent (32-of-93) from the field and 13 percent (3-of-24) from behind the arc. Center Dwight Howard accounted for 28 points and 13 rebounds in the loss, while forward Ryan Anderson had 12 and seven.

Orlando is a solid 8-0 SU and 7-0-1 ATS the previous eight meetings with Los Angeles, while the ‘under’ has gone 4-1-1 the past six matchups. The Magic took the lone encounter this season Dec. 12 as a 7 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 94-85, while the combined 179 points went ‘under’ the 190 ½-point closing total. The favorite is 16-3-2 ATS the previous 21 games in this series.

Los Angeles guard Eric Gordon is expected to miss a couple more weeks of action due to an injured wrist. The Clippers continue their road trip with games against New York, Cleveland, Toronto, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Oklahoma City, New Orleans and the Lakers. Los Angeles has seen the ‘over’ go 8-2-1 its last 11 road games.

Orlando forward Brandon Bass is ‘out’ indefinitely due to an injured ankle. The Magic travel to Philadelphia after this contest before returning home for a lengthy seven-game homestand. Orlando has seen the ‘under’ go 6-2 its past eight home outings, and the ‘under’ is 22-8-1 its previous 31 games against Pacific Division opponents.

Tuesday’s tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. PT from Orlando’s Amway Center.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-07-2011, 11:23 PM

NBA Odds: Roaring Thunder host Grizzlies

The Oklahoma City Thunder look to continue their recent winning streak when they host Memphis on Tuesday night. The Grizzlies will be playing in a back-to-back situation, something they’ve excelled at this year against the spread.

Oklahoma City (33-17 straight-up, 26-24 ATS) is 3-0 SU and ATS in its last three games with a home win over New Orleans (104-93) and road tilts at Phoenix (111-107) and Utah (121-105).

The NBA’s leading scorer Kevin Durant (29 PPG) scored just 22.5 PPG in the two weekend road games, but that’s a good thing. The Thunder are too reliant on Durant and Russell Westbrook (22.5 PPG) and are more successful when the supporting cast steps up.

Forward Jeff Green (15.5 PPG) had 28 points at Phoenix and 20 at Utah. The team is 7-1 SU and 5-3 ATS when he scores 20 points or more this season. James Harden (10.2 PPG) also had a combined 27 points over the weekend as he tries to become a consistent scorer off the bench.

Oklahoma City leads the Northwest Division by 3 ½-games over Denver. This division has taken a real nosedive this year with Denver’s Carmelo Anthony wanting out, Utah losing Carlos Boozer to free agency and Portland’s myriad of injuries.

The Thunder have the fourth-best record in the Western Conference, but can’t compete with the Lakers and Spurs in the playoffs unless at least four-five guys are contributing offensively. Defense also has to improve as their 102.6 PPG allowed ranks 21st.

The ‘over’ is 5-1 in Oklahoma City’s last six games, although it would have been 3-2-1 if not for two overtime games. The ‘over’ is a big 18-7 at home this year. Home scoring (107.2 PPG) ranks third in the NBA.

Memphis (27-25 SU, 32-19-1 ATS) is underrated, with the casual fan not realizing its above .500 and a half-game behind Portland for the eighth playoff spot. It hasn’t had a winning record or made the playoffs since 2005-2006.

The Grizzlies’ last game was Saturday night in Houston, a 95-93 overtime loss. That snapped a five-game winning streak, but still got the ‘cover’ as 4 ½-point underdogs. They’re 5-1 ATS in their last six games.

Memphis will host the L.A. Lakers on Monday night before traveling to Oklahoma City on Tuesday. The team is 11-3-1 ATS in back-to-back situations this year (8-1 ATS in the last nine). The Thunder will be far more rested, but are just 3-5 ATS on two days rest this season.

Memphis has played well the last six games without guard O.J. Mayo, who’s serving a 10-game drug suspension. He had been coming off the bench and his scoring (12.2 PPG) is way down from last season (17.5 PPG). Sam Young is currently starting at shooting guard.

Zach Randolph is the team’s leading scorer (20.3 PPG) and rebounder (13.3 RPG). He’s always been able to put up good numbers, but playing winning basketball has often been a foreign concept.

Small forward Rudy Gay (20.1 PPG), point guard Mike Conley (13.4 PPG, 6.8 APG) and big man Marc Gasol (11.9 PPG, 7.0 RPG) round out a solid starting unit. Bench scoring is weak, especially with Mayo out.

Memphis is one of the best ATS teams, including 18-11 away (11-18 SU). The ‘under’ is 6-0 in its last six road games and 19-10 this year.

These teams met twice in January, with the home team winning and ‘covering’ both. The ‘over’ went 2-0 and is 5-0 in the last five games in Oklahoma City. Memphis is 1-4 ATS in the last five games in Oklahoma City.

There are no major injuries to report. Tip-off from Oklahoma City Arena will be at 5 p.m. (PT) and broadcast locally.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-07-2011, 11:24 PM

Sharks, Capitals lead Tuesday NHL odds slate

The San Jose Sharks have captured seven of their last eight games to move into second place in the Pacific Division, three points behind Dallas. The Washington Capitals have dropped three of their last five outings, but remain three points behind first-place Tampa in the Southeast Division.

The two second-place squads will hook-up for the first time this season Tuesday night in Washington, with the puck dropping at 4:00 p.m. (PT).

San Jose extended its winning streak to three games with Saturday’s 2-0 shutout victory at Boston as 117 road underdogs. The win raised the Sharks’ road ledger to 13-10-2-1.

Though the combined two goals dipped ‘under’ the 5 ½-goal closing total, the ‘over’ is still 29-24 in San Jose’s first 53 overall encounters.

Rookie Logan Couture scored a power-play goal at 7:22 of the opening stanza, while Devin Setoguchi added an empty-netter with 2.1 seconds remaining to provide all the offense the Sharks needed.

Antti Niemi, who earned his third shutout of the season with 26 saves, hasn't lost in regulation in eight starts. Niemi is now 15-13-1-2 with a 2.66 GAA and a .913 save percentage.

Ryane Clowe and Marc-Edouard Vlasic assisted on both goals for San Jose.

San Jose’s defense was sharp all game, holding Boston scoreless in four power play opportunities. The Sharks have not allowed a power play goal in six of their last nine games. The streak has seen the Sharks move up to 15th on the penalty kill with a 82.6 percent success rate.

Todd McLellan’s Sharks are 13th on offense, averaging 2.8 goals per game thanks to a No. 2-ranked power play that is clicking at a 23.1 percent rate.

After suffering through a three-game losing skid, the Washington Capitals registered their second win in a row during Sunday’s nationally televised event by blanking the Pittsburgh Penguins as 150 home favorites, 3-0.

The victory lifted Washington’s home ledger to 17-5-2-5, as the club is outscoring the opposition at home by an average of 3.07 to 2.21.

The combined three goals ducked below the NHL odds, leaving the ‘under’ 8-1 in Washington’s last nine overall games and 14-2-1 in its last 17 home encounters. The ‘under’ is 38-15-1 in the club’s first 53 dates this season, which is the most in the NHL.

Brooks Laich, Marcus Johansson and Mike Knuble each recorded a goal to lead Washington’s offense.

Michal Neuvirth, making his first appearance since Jan. 18 in Philadelphia, made 22 saves for the second shutout of his NHL career. Neuvirth raised his record to 16-6-1-3 with a 2.46 GAA and .914 save percentage.

Defenseman Mike Green left the game after a slap shot by Brooks Orpik struck him in the head near his right ear. He is listed as “questionable” on the Don Best Sports injury report.

Washington continued to struggle with the man advantage, going 0-for-4 on the power play. The squad is 3-for-25 with the extra skater in its last 10 contests. The goal drought has dropped the Caps into 20th place on the power play with a 17.2 percent success rate.

Defensively, the Caps rank ninth by allowing 2.4 goals per game and second on the penalty kill with an 86.4 percent success rate.

San Jose is 14-2-1 in its last 18 series meetings with the Caps, including 6-1 in the last seven matchups in Washington. The ‘under’ is 5-2-1 in the last eight overall gatherings.

The Sharks continue their seven-game road excursion Wednesday by traveling to Columbus for a matchup with the Blue Jackets. Washington concludes its three-game homestand Saturday by hosting the Los Angeles Kings.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-08-2011, 11:16 AM

Purdue looks to stay unbeaten at home

INDIANA HOOSIERS (12-12, 3-8 in Big Ten)

at PURDUE BOILERMAKERS (18-5, 7-3 in Big Ten)

Tip-off: Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Purdue -14, Total: 137.5

The last school to end a championship season perfect is trying to put an end to Purdue’s home-court perfection in 2011. When the Indiana Hoosiers invade West Lafayette to take on the host Boilermakers they will be attempting to become the first visitor this season to escape Mackey Arena with a victory. This might be a longer shot than you think, considering that Tom Crean’s Hoosier team has not escaped ANYWHERE with a road victory in over a year. January of 2010 was the last victory Indiana achieved a win away from Bloomington, and March of 2006 was the last victory that Indiana experienced in Mackey Arena. With the home team near the top of the Big 10 standings, and the visiting team tied at the bottom, things would appear to seem bleak for the men from Bloomington. But like the Cubs and the World Series, maybe IU is due?

After four straight road losses, three of which came in conference play, Matt Painter’s No. 14 Boilermakers squad cannot wait to be back on its home court. Purdue has been idle since a 66-59 loss at Wisconsin last Tuesday in a game where it battled back from eight down at the half only to see Wisconsin regain control at the end. JaJuan Johnson (20.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG) and E’Twaun Moore (17.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG) paced the squad with 23 and 15 points respectively against the Badgers. Johnson is averaging 24.1 PPG in his last seven games. "They are both outstanding senior leaders," coach Tom Crean told Indiana's official website. "Moore is a player that can get the crowd going very quickly with his shooting. Johnson is playing in the present as well as any senior player in the country."

As tough as the duo is to stop, it’s the job that the Purdue team has done at stopping the competition that has kept them unbeatable at home. Purdue is allowing just 58.0 PPG on 40.6% FG at home this season en route to its 12-0 mark. In its past three home games versus the Hoosiers, the average margin of victory has been 15.3 PPG. For the season opponents are shooting 41.6% against Purdue.

Despite its 3-8 record in Big Ten play, Indiana has consistently been competitive against teams at the top and the bottom of the conference standings. In its past four games, it has beaten then-#18 Minnesota and then-#20 Illinois by three points each, while losing at Michigan State in overtime by a point, and Iowa by one point at home on Sunday. "We are coming off of four straight games that were decided on the final play," Crean said. "I think we have shown great resolve, regardless of the outcome, to recognize that each game following takes on a greater importance and the focus has to be on our ability to come out with the proper mindset."

Indiana is looking for another big game from sophomore guard Jordan Hulls (11.3 PPG, 46.5% three-pointers), who had 24 in the loss to Iowa, 17 in the loss to Michigan State, and 18 in the upset victory over Illinois. With top scorer Christian Watford (17.0 PPG) out indefinitely with a broken hand, Hulls will need to continue to pick up the offensive slack if the Hoosiers are to have any chance of breaking their 23-game road losing streak against Top-25 opponents. Indiana is holding opponents to 39.5% shooting over its past four games.

Although Purdue is 7-4 SU in home meetings with Indiana since 1997, the Hoosiers are 7-4 ATS in these games. IU is also 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings overall, including four straight wins. The FoxSheets provide two more reasons to expect Indiana to cover the spread.

Play On - Road underdogs of 10 to 19.5 points (INDIANA) - off an upset loss as a favorite, playing only their 3rd game in a week. (114-65 since 1997.) (63.7%, +42.5 units. Rating = 2*).

Play Against - Home favorites of 10 or more points (PURDUE) - good ball handling team - committing <=14 turnovers/game, after 3 straight games forcing opponent to commit 14 or less turnovers. (564-399 since 1997.) (58.6%, +125.1 units. Rating = 2*).

This highly-rated FoxSheets trend sides leans towards the Under.

PURDUE is 10-1 UNDER (+8.9 Units) in home games after 4 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers over the last 2 seasons. The average score was PURDUE 70.1, OPPONENT 54.6 - (Rating = 3*).

**StarDust Bum** · 02-08-2011, 11:17 AM

Pearl returns to sidelines to face Kentucky

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS (15-8, 5-3 in SEC)

at KENTUCKY WILDCATS (16-6, 4-4 in SEC)

Tip-off: Tuesday, 9:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Kentucky -9.5, Total: 138

If Bruce Pearl thought that his eight-game, SEC-imposed suspension was agony (not too mention his one-game return against one of the hottest teams in the country at the time, Connecticut, a 72-61 loss), then wait until he gets a look at the upcoming schedule as he returns to the bench Tuesday night. Three of Tennessee’s next five games are on the road against the three SEC teams that are nationally ranked. The other two games are against Georgia and South Carolina, teams that are trailing the Vols in the SEC East standings by a half game and a game respectively. Now Pearl must go from the frying pan to the fire, and because of the circumstances surrounding his absence, and now his return, there will be no room for sympathy if the Volunteers struggle coming out of the gate, as in essence they prepare to start their season … again. If that’s the case, what a season opener (Take 2) this will be, in front of 23,000 at Rupp Arena to take on the high-flying, high-risk, high-reward No. 18 Kentucky Wildcats.

Kentucky looked more like the Cardiac ‘Cats last week with two nail-biter endings of road games that easily could’ve ended in their favor. Chris Warren’s deep three pointer in the closing seconds last Tuesday in Oxford helped Ole Miss pull off a 71-69 upset victory over Kentucky. Then Saturday evening in Gainesville, Brandon Knight’s three pointer for the win bounced off the front iron as time expired as the Wildcats went down to defeat by two, 70-68. The miss was Knight’s only misfire from three-point territory in a game (4-for-5) where the freshman was otherwise dazzling (24 points, five rebounds, four assists). The loss marks the first time since 1990 (Rick Pitino’s first season in Lexington) that Kentucky is .500 halfway through the SEC schedule. The two straight losses mark the first losing streak for John Calipari since coaching Memphis in the ‘04-05 season. Leading scorer and rebounder Terrence Jones (17.9 PPG, 8.9 RPG) followed up his 22-point, 12-rebound performance against Ole Miss with 18 points and seven boards against the Gators. Numbers are nice, but the only numbers that register with Calipari are wins and losses, and the frustration level is mounting. "Only a crisis brings about change," Calipari said. "We're still the same team that's lost four tough games and they've all been tough, tight, sickening to lose. ... The last one is the one I got angry about because I'm looking at the tape right after the game on the plane and I see the same things I saw (in losses) against Mississippi and Alabama."

Normally two straight losses would mean that Kentucky was bringing the most drama into this pivotal matchup, but this season nobody in the SEC, or the nation for the matter, is experiencing more roller-coaster streaks and momentum swinging wins and losses than the Volunteers. Saturday included one more, a 65-60 overtime loss in Knoxville to SEC West leader Alabama. The Volunteers were without leading scorer Scotty Hopson (16.5 PPG) who missed his second game nursing a sore ankle. Tennessee shot miserably against the Tide, 34.9% from the field, 20% (4-of-20) from three-point range, and 60% from the FT line. Throw in 18 turnovers and it was a golden opportunity missed to achieve some degree of momentum as the Vols prepare to play in one of the toughest arenas in college basketball. Though he participated in a Sunday walk-through practice, Hopson is listed as questionable for this game. Some might say that status could also describe the psyche of Tennessee’s team right now. It has been almost five years to the day, February 7, 2006, since Pearl last won in Rupp Arena, a 75-67 victory over the Tubby Smith-led Kentucky squad. With an unfinished NCAA investigation yet to be resolved, there are enough distractions on the horizon to occupy the Pearl. Tuesday night, he will concentrate on the game, and the business of returning to his job. "I'm just glad to be back in a position where I could help,“ Pearl said “whatever's over or not over. That eight-game suspension is over, but there's other areas that we have to contend with, and we are contending with."

Kentucky is 6-1 ATS (5-2 SU) in the past seven meetings, but Tennessee has had decent ATS success at Rupp Arena, going 6-7 ATS at Rupp since 1997. This season, the Vols are 6-3 ATS on the road and 5-3 ATS in SEC play. The Wildcats are just 2-6 ATS against SEC foes. The FoxSheets give another reason to expect Tennessee to cover the spread.

Bruce Pearl is 19-9 ATS (67.9%, +9.1 Units) versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=37% of their attempts after 15+ games as the coach of TENNESSEE. The average score was TENNESSEE 76.9, OPPONENT 70.3 - (Rating = 1*).

This four-star FoxSheets coaching trend sides with the Under.

Bruce Pearl is 16-3 UNDER (84.2%, +12.7 Units) versus very good defensive teams - shooting pct defense of <=39% after 15+ games as the coach of TENNESSEE. The average score was TENNESSEE 66.4, OPPONENT 71.0 - (Rating = 4*).

**StarDust Bum** · 02-08-2011, 11:18 AM

George Mason looking good for return to NCAAs

FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) - George Mason is at it again, leading a mid-major charge against the NCAA's big boys.

The Patriots have won nine in a row, have bumped their RPI into the high 20s and are receiving votes in The Associated Press Top 25 poll. They look good enough to make the NCAA tournament even if they don't win their conference, something that last happened in 2006, the year of their improbable run to the Final Four.

``Even when I go to my classes, my professors still bring up the Final Four,'' said junior forward Ryan Pearson, who on Monday was named the Colonial Athletic Association's player of the week. ``And I'm like, 'I wasn't a part of that. I want to make my own history here.'''

Most intriguingly, George Mason is at the crest of a CAA wave that could land three or more schools in the NCAAs for the first time in conference history. The CAA has been making the case for years that it deserves better than its usual one-bid status, and this year the computers say the conference has a good argument.

``They certainly have two teams that are in good shape right now as far as the numbers go,'' said Jim Sukup, publisher of the Collegiate Basketball News RPI on rpiratings.com. ``And a couple of others that could go, given the right circumstance.''

The Patriots, of course, were the subject of much debate when they were made an at-large selection five years ago, but they justified it by winning the East Regional in one of the best little-guy-makes-good stories of the last decade.

Except that George Mason isn't a little guy - it's the biggest university in Virginia by enrollment - and it now can no longer be picked on as a ``commuter school,'' at least not officially. Enough new dorms have opened during the recent construction boom that the campus' classification has just been changed to ``primarily residential'' instead of ``primarily nonresidential'' by Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

But the Patriots have been back to the NCAAs just once since the Final Four run, losing in the first round to Notre Dame in 2008. Last year's freshman-laden team slumped its way to something called the CollegeInsider.com tournament, and last fall coach Jim Larranaga took the team on a preseason trip to Italy to get rid of cliques and get the players to start focusing more on defense.

``We really got to bond as a team,'' senior guard Isaiah Tate said. ``We were out everywhere. We switched up roommates every time we were in the hotel.''

While the various RPIs might differ by a spot or two, all generally have George Mason and Old Dominion in the top 30. Virginia Commonwealth and Drexel are hovering between 50 and 60. It's not hard to picture a scenario of, say, VCU winning the conference tournament, with GMU and ODU both getting NCAA at-large bids.

Yet George Mason's list of victories is hardly daunting. The Patriots are 19-5, but their biggest out-of-conference wins came against Harvard and Duquesne. Old Dominion's biggest conquests are Xavier and Dayton, which leads to the question: Has the CAA figured out how to rig the system?

``I would say that's a bunch of malarkey,'' Sukup said. ``If you figured out a way to do the system, everyone would be doing it and nothing would change. What it boils down to is that everything has to fall into place for you.''

The Missouri Valley Conference was accused of something similar when it earned three at-large bids in 2006.

``They won. That's how you rig the system - you win,'' Larranaga said. ``You can't get into the top 30 or 40 teams in the country by somehow rigging your schedule. You have to win games. And I don't care what league you're in, playing a conference opponent on the road is difficult.''

The biggest factor is that the CAA is getting better as a whole. Six of the 12 teams have RPIs in the top 100, which helps feed everyone's strength of schedule. When George Mason played Old Dominion on Saturday, one of the teams was guaranteed a win over a top 30 school.

That means the CAA, at least this season, is closing in on the basketball-proud Atlantic Coast Conference, which has eight of 12 in the top 100. Both conferences are far behind the Big East, which has an amazing 10 of 16 teams in the top 50 and three more in the top 100.

But will the numbers be enough to sway the NCAA selection committee? The NCAA has invited multiple CAA teams to the big tournament only three times, in 1986, 2006 and 2007. CAA commissioner Tom Yeager said the conference is still in the ``tweener group'' - no longer an automatic one-bid league, but not yet an automatic multi-bid one.

``A lot of it is about branding,'' Yeager said. ``We probably don't stand up very well in brand recognition next to some of those (major conference teams). ... They'll have some tough choices to make, and hopefully we'll fall on the good side.''

**StarDust Bum** · 02-08-2011, 11:21 AM

Pearl returns tonight at UK

February 8, 2011

Bettors have 12 games on the college hoops board Tuesday, including an intriguing non-conference matchup between Xavier and Georgia at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens.

Most books opened Georgia (16-6 straight up, 8-10 against the spread) as a 4 ½-point favorite with a total of 138. The Greek opened the Muskateers at plus-160 on the money line (risk $100 to win $160).

Mark Fox’s team has won back-to-back games but it nearly suffered a costly loss Saturday before beating Auburn 81-72 in overtime. The Dawgs failed to cover the number as 16-point home favorites.

Senior center Jeremy Price played one of the best games of his career, finishing with 22 points, 14 rebounds and four blocked shots. Travis Leslie added 20 points and eight rebounds, while Trey Thompkins had 16 points, six rebounds and five assists.

UGA has won 10 of its 12 home games but is just 3-6 ATS in Athens. The Dawgs have watched the ‘over’ go 9-9 overall, 5-4 in their home games.

Xavier (16-6 SU, 7-13-1 ATS) has won eight of its last nine games, going 5-4 versus the number. The Muskateers bounced back from a 66-62 loss at Charlotte to beat Saint Louis 76-68 on Saturday. However, they came up short for their backers as 11-point home favorites.

Terrell Holloway, who is one of the nation’s most underrated point guards, scored a game-high 24 points against the Billikens. Holloway averages team-highs in scoring (20.5 points per game), assists (5.0 APG) and steals (1.5 SPG).

Chris Mack’s team has been an underdog six times, compiling a 3-3 record both SU and ATS. The Muskateers won outright as ‘dogs at Richmond, at Rhode Island and vs. Seton Hall on a neutral court.

The ‘over’ is 12-8 overall for Xavier.

This is a rematch of a first round game in the 2008 NCAA Tournament. On that day, Xavier captured a 73-61 win as an 8 ½-point favorite, although this space vividly remembers several shaky calls by the officials that completely changed the complex of the game early in the second half.

UGA led by nine at intermission and Xavier didn’t get ahead of the number until making a slew of free throws in the final minute.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern Tuesday on ESPNU.

On ESPN at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, Purdue (18-5 SU, 12-8 ATS) will take on Indiana in West Lafayette. Most spots opened the Boilermakers as 14-point favorites with a total of 137 ½.

Matt Painter’s squad has lost two of its last three games and is mired in a 2-5 ATS slump. The Boilers have had a week off to prep for IU after losing 66-59 at Wisconsin last Tuesday. They had a one-point lead with less than a minute remaining before the Badgers closed the game on an 8-0 run to cover as five-point home favorites.

JaJuan Johnson had a team-high 23 points in the losing effort at Wisconsin.

Indiana (12-12 SU, 9-9 ATS) has played well in recent weeks, posting a 5-2 spread record in its last seven games with outright wins over Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan. The Hoosiers also took Michigan St. to overtime before losing at Breslin Center.

Tom Crean’s team lost a heartbreaker Saturday at Assembly Hall, as Iowa went into Bloomington and captured a 64-63 win as a 5 ½-point underdog. IU’s Jordan Hulls had a team-high 24 points in defeat.

Indiana has been a double-digit underdog four times this season, posting a 2-2 spread record. The Hoosiers are 5-5 ATS in 10 games as underdogs. They will be without their leading scorer Christian Watford, who will miss his third consecutive game with a broken hand. Watford averages 17.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

The ‘under’ is on a 4-1 run in Purdue’s last five games and is 3-1 in IU’s last four outings. However, the ‘over’ is 12-8 overall for the Boilers, 7-2 in their home games. Totals have been an overall wash (9-9) for the Hoosiers.

Purdue has won three in a row over IU, but the Hoosiers owns a stellar 8-2 spread record in the last 10 head-to-head meetings.

Bruce Pearl will return to the sidelines tonight after serving an eight-game suspension in SEC games. Without its head coach, Tennessee (15-8 SU, 11-11 ATS) went 5-3 in SEC play to leave it 1 ½ games behind the East division’s leader, Florida.

The Volunteers saw their three-game winning streak snapped in Saturday’s 65-60 loss to Alabama in overtime. They failed to win outright as five-point home ‘chalk.’

As of early this morning, most books were listing UT as a nine-point underdog at Kentucky. That is the richest underdog situation the Vols have faced this year. They won outright at Pitt as eight-point underdogs and own a 4-1 record both SU and ATS as ‘dogs.

Kentucky (16-6 SU, 8-9 ATS) returns home after road losses at Ole Miss and at Florida last week. The Gators won a 70-68 decision as one-point home underdogs Saturday night in Gainesville.

Brandon Knight had 24 points, five rebounds and four assists against UF. Terrence Jones added 18 points and seven rebounds.

John Calipari’s team has limped to a 2-6 spread record in its last eight games. The ‘Cats are unbeaten in 10 home games, though, going 3-2 ATS.

Tennessee’s leading scorer Scotty Hopson (16.5 PPG) is “questionable” after reinjuring his sprained ankle at Monday’s practice. Hopson sat out Saturday’s loss to Alabama.

ESPN will have the telecast from Thompson-Boiling Arena at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--Mississippi St. head coach Rick Stansbury has suspended senior guard Ravern Johnson (17.7 PPG) indefinitely after his critical tweets of the coach following last Wednesday’s loss at Alabama. The Bulldogs won Saturday at LSU by a 58-57 count. They host Arkansas on Wednesday in a battle for second place in the SEC West.

--Without star guard Ashton Gibbs, Pitt went into Morgantown last night and emerged victorious in the hoops version of The Backyard Brawl. The Panthers captured a 71-66 victory as one-point favorites at West Virginia.

--As of early this morning, most books had Clemson listed as a nine-point favorite for tonight’s home game vs. Boston College.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-08-2011, 11:23 AM

College Hoops Notes

February 8, 2011

While most people around the country may not realize how good George Mason and Duquesne are, the betting world can quickly attest for their strength against the almighty spread. The nation has kind of been fixated on No. 3 Texas because they have been blowing teams out regularly in their last 13 games going 10-2-1 ATS, but lets give a little love to George Mason and Duquesne who are doing almost the exact same thing the Long Horns are, just on a smaller scale.

In Saturday’s 17-point win over Old Dominion as a 5-point favorite, George Mason got their 10th straight cover and ninth straight win. Just like Texas, they too have been destroying their opponents and have vaulted to the top of the Colonial conference and the ratings can‘t catch up with them.

This week the Patriots play a very weak Wilmington team before an interesting home matchup against James Madison, a team they beat by two 3 weeks ago on the road. The big game in the conference will take place February 15 when they travel to UVA for a battle between conference heavyweights.

All Duquesne has done this year is compile a 12-3 ATS record while going straight to the top of the Atlantaic-10 as co-leaders. Before losing to St. Bonnie’s on Saturday, the Dukes had won and covered eight games in a row and have high hopes of making the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1977.

The city of Pittsburgh may be sulking a bit with the Steelers loss, but the basketball team rising to their best play since the Norm Nixon era has the city kind of excited about their poor step-sisters of the Pitt Panthers basketball program like rarely seen. Despite their impressive 16-6 record, they likely will have to win their conference tournament as they are currently No. 78 in the RPI rankings.

This Sunday, Duquesne has perhaps their biggest home game since 1977 when they face Xavier who is tied atop the A-10 with them at 8-1. A win against a quality opponent like Xavier -- No. 25 RPI -- would go a long way in getting them a possible at-large bid. Hopefully, my backing of a Pittsburgh team this Sunday will have better results than I did with the city on Super Sunday.

A team that has no shot of going anywhere, but are consistently making money for bettors is Sacramento State. They have only won six games on the season, but they are playing inspired ball of late as they’ve won three of those six games in their last four, covering the spread in five straight. Over their last 12 games they have gone 10-2 ATS, but still only have those recent three wins to show for it. Up next is a trip up north to Big Sky leader Montana, a team they lost by 16 to last month as a 12-point underdog. Taking the double-digit points might be a good idea based on their recent turnaround.

Just a few weeks ago, despite the poor play, I had Michigan State as a team that would step it up and come up with big wins in conference play -- at least enough to make them a No. 8 or 9 seed in the Tournament, but their inconsistent play over the last four weeks says they are bound for the NIT. Losing to Iowa, Michigan and Penn State should not happen to a team coached as well as they are with all the talent they possess. As for Sparty bettors, they haven’t covered a spread in their last nine games. Their RPI rating has dropped to No. 50 and need a miracle fast. Beating Penn State this week and then upsetting Ohio State next week are absolute musts if they intend to make the NCAA’s.

I hate to put UNLV in any negative light because they hustle harder than most teams, but the results from the sports book show that the Rebels haven’t covered the spread in over two weeks. Their 0-5 ATS streak has a great possibility of being snapped this week as they play at TCU, the second worst team in the Mountain West.

Washington started last week as the No. 20 team in the country but then got beat up on their road trip south to face the Oregon squads, neither of whom had a winning record. Thursday night the Huskies fell straight up at Oregon State as a 13-point favorite. They followed that up two days later with a loss at Eugene as 8-point favorites. Washington has now gone four straight games without covering. They’ll try and get things back together Thursday with a road game at Cal who had won four in a row, including both Oregon teams, before losing to Arizona.

The Ducks, meanwhile, have covered five straight games -- winning four straight up -- and have done so as an underdog in each. Thursday night they‘ll play at UCLA once again as underdog. However, the spread will be quite light compared to two weeks ago due to their terrific play of late.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-08-2011, 03:25 PM

Spurs continue 9-game road trip in Detroit

SAN ANTONIO SPURS (42-8)

at DETROIT PISTONS (19-32)

Tip-off: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Line: San Antonio -7, Total: 190.5

The Spurs put their NBA-best record on the line when they visit Detroit on Tuesday night. With a win, the San Antonio Spurs would be the seventh team in NBA history to start 43-8 or better, and the first team since the 1996-97 NBA champion Bulls started 45-6. The Pistons, on the other hand, would be more than happy if they reached 43 wins at any point this season.

San Antonio definitely has enjoyed its recent three-day rest after playing three games in four days against the Blazers, Lakers and Kings. The Spurs are 2-1 SU & ATS on the current nine-game rodeo road trip and look to continue their excellent road play (17-6 SU, 15-7 ATS). Manu Ginobili (18.5 PPG) hopes to get his stroke back after playing sub-par in the three games last week, shooting 32.6 percent and averaging 13.3 PPG. The Spurs are hoping the days off won’t cool down the motivated Tony Parker (17.5 PPG), who is averaging 23.0 PPG the last two games and has verbally expressed his disappointment by not being named to the All-Star team.

For the Pistons, the status of Richard Hamilton (13.3 PPG) and Rodney Stuckey (15.3 PPG) are uncertain with Stuckey missing the past five games with a shoulder contusion and Hamilton tweaking his ailing groin in the surprise appearance against the Bucks on Saturday. If Stuckey and Hamilton are unable to go, Detroit must have Tracy McGrady (7.9 PPG) continue his recent outstanding play. McGrady has averaged 14.8 PPG the past five games and blew up for 20 points in the 89-78 win at Milwaukee.

Detroit has played well versus the Spurs the past 10 meetings (7-3 ATS, 6-4 SU). The last game between these two teams, Detroit won at The Palace of Auburn Hills 109-101 in an overtime thriller. The Spurs are third in the NBA ATS (30-18, 63%) and the Pistons are surprisingly sixth (29-22, 57%). The Spurs are a hard team to bet against being a road favorite due to their 15-7 ATS record in road games (2nd-best in league) and 8-6 ATS mark as a road favorite. With all that being said, the Pistons have been very solid themselves as an underdog (24-17 ATS, 59%) and at home (14-10 ATS, 58%). In the end, a rested Spurs team will be able to handle a short-handed Pistons team by winning and covering on the road.

The FoxSheets show two trends backing San Antonio as the pick:

SAN ANTONIO is 15-3 ATS (83.3%, +11.7 Units) after having won 2 of their last 3 games this season. The average score was SAN ANTONIO 106.1, OPPONENT 96.6 - (Rating = 3*).

DETROIT is 6-20 ATS (23.1%, -16.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The average score was DETROIT 91.5, OPPONENT 97.9 - (Rating = 2*).

**StarDust Bum** · 02-08-2011, 03:26 PM

Pacers-Heat meet Tuesday with win streaks on the line

INDIANA PACERS (21-27)

at MIAMI HEAT (37-14)

Tip-off: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Miami -10.5, Total: 198

Miami is looking to avenge its worst home loss, which it received from the Pacers on Nov. 22 in a 93-77 defeat.

Indiana is playing very good basketball under the new interim coach Frank Vogel. Since Vogel replaced Jim O’Brien on Jan. 30, the Pacers have won four straight games and have averaged 106.5 PPG, eight points above their season average of 98.5 PPG. In the 105-86 win over New Jersey on Saturday, six players scored double digits, including Dahntay Jones (4.2 PPG), who had a season-high 18 points. The Pacers, who have not been good on the road (8-16 SU, 9-13 ATS), need exceptional play from role players such as Jones’ performance on Saturday, to have any shot against the Heat.

Since the loss on Nov. 22 to the Pacers, the Heat are 29-8 SU and on a current six-game win streak, including five straight ATS victories. Miami is happy to have its three All-Stars LeBron James (26.1 PPG), Dwyane Wade (25.4 PPG) and Chris Bosh (18.2 PPG) all playing together. Bosh and Wade have had lingering injuries but are healthy now and playing phenomenal basketball. In last Thursday’s 104-100 win over Orlando, James torched the Magic for 51 and scored 23 points in the first quarter alone. James has cooled off since the Magic game, only scoring 31 points combined in the past two contests. The great thing about having three stars that are more than capable of carrying a team is that if one is having an off night, another will take over.

Miami has been a winning machine at home going 19-5 SU, but have been subpar against the spread notching a 9-14 record. This may be due to the high expectations to have home blowouts because of all the talent the Heat possess. Indiana is 10-15 ATS as an underdog and 9-13 ATS in road games. The Pacers are also 8-14 ATS against teams with a winning record. The Heat, who are sure to be angry about the last loss to the Pacers at home, are 4-0 ATS avenging a loss at home to an opponent. With a healthy and motivated trio, the Heat will win comfortably at home and cover the spread.

This three-star FoxSheets trend also supports Miami to win and cover on Tuesday:

Play On - Home favorites (MIAMI) - after 5 or more consecutive wins, a good team (60% to 75%) playing a marginal losing team (40% to 49%). (55-21 since 1996.) (72.4%, +31.9 units. Rating = 3*).

This highly-rated FoxSheets trend predicts a high-scoring game finishing Over the total:

Play Over - All teams where the total is between 190 and 199.5 points (MIAMI) - in a game involving two good offensive teams (98-102 PPG), after allowing 80 points or less.(51-21 since 1996.) (70.8%, +27.9 units. Rating = 3*).

**StarDust Bum** · 02-08-2011, 03:27 PM

Thunder go for 4th straight win hosting Memphis

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (27-26)

at OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (33-17)

Tip-off: Tuesday, 8:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Oklahoma City -7, Total: 206

The Memphis Grizzlies visit Oklahoma City on Tuesday to take on the Thunder for the third time this season.

The Grizzlies have lost two straight since winning their previous five and eight of nine. Their record of 32-20 ATS (62%) ranks as the fourth best in the NBA and their 18-11 ATS (62%) road mark ranks fifth in the league. Memphis has won three straight and six of eight ATS on the road, while winning five of their last seven overall ATS. Monday night Memphis lost a 93-84 decision against the Lakers. After making 49.6 percent of their shots during their five-game win streak and averaging 104.0 PPG, Memphis has shot just 40.4 percent while averaging 88.5 PPG in their past two games. Zach Randolph failed to reach double figures for just the third time this season scoring just eight points while shooting a season-worst 2-for-14 from the field in the loss to the Lakers. Randolph had recorded double-doubles in 17 of his previous 18 games, averaging 22.6 PPG and 14.4 RPG over that span. In two games against the Thunder this season, Randolph is averaging 29.0 PPG and 16.0 RPG while shooting 56.1 percent from the field.

Oklahoma City has won three straight and five of six overall. They are 26-23 ATS, which includes a 13-11 ATS mark at home. The Thunder have won three straight ATS after losing six of their previous seven games ATS. Kevin Durant still leads the NBA at 29.0 PPG, but has averaged just 22.5 PPG over his past two games. Durant had averaged 40.8 PPG and made 53.7 percent of his shots in his previous four games. He loves seeing Memphis on his schedule as he has averaged 31.8 PPG and made 51.8 percent of his shots in his past eight meetings with the Grizzlies. Russell Westbrook has recorded four double-doubles in his past five games, averaging 10.4 APG over that span. After scoring just 29 points in his previous two games, Westbrook buried the Jazz for 33 points in the Thunder’s 121-105 win at Utah on Saturday. Westbrook also enjoys seeing Memphis on the schedule, as he has averaged 25.0 PPG in their two meetings this season.

The Thunder have won three straight and six of their last eight home meetings against the Grizzlies, while averaging 110.8 PPG over those games. Memphis enters Tuesday 1.5 games behind the Blazers for the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference. The Grizz have failed to reach the postseason since 2005-06. Beating the Thunder at Oklahoma City would go a long way in giving them confidence to make a playoff push. I’m taking Memphis plus the points.

FoxSheets says:

MEMPHIS is 16-5 ATS (76.2%, +10.5 Units) as a road underdog this season. The average score was MEMPHIS 98.3, OPPONENT 99.9 - (Rating = 2*).

This highly-rated FoxSheets trend sides with the Over as the side bet:

Play Over - Road teams where the total is greater than or equal to 200 (MEMPHIS) - revenging a road loss vs. opponent against opponent off a win by 10 points or more over a division rival. (43-14 since 1996.) (75.4%, +27.6 units. Rating = 3*).

**StarDust Bum** · 02-08-2011, 03:31 PM

Roy says he's ready to return to Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy is returning to practice, but it remains to be seen whether he'll play this weekend.

Portland's three-time All-Star had arthroscopic surgery on both of his knees just three weeks ago.

He was averaging 16.6 points in 23 games before he was sidelined indefinitely by the team. Roy says now he is nearly pain free, but still needs to practice at full speed.

His announcement has sparked debate over whether it is too soon to return. It also has implications for forward LaMarcus Aldridge, whose play has vastly improved since Portland began running its offense through him.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-08-2011, 04:05 PM

NBA

Tuesday, February 8Game Score Status Pick Amount

Philadelphia - 7:00 PM ET Atlanta -4 500
Atlanta - Under 192.5 500

L.A. Clippers - 7:00 PM ET L.A. Clippers +9.5 500
Orlando - Over 202 500

San Antonio - 7:30 PM ET San Antonio -6.5 500
Detroit - Under 188.5 500

Indiana - 7:30 PM ET Miami -10.5 500
Miami - Over 199 500

Toronto - 8:00 PM ET Toronto +7.5 500
Milwaukee - Over 193.5 500

Memphis - 8:00 PM ET Memphis +6 500
Oklahoma City - Over 205.5 500

Minnesota - 8:30 PM ET Minnesota +8.5 500
Houston - Over 216.5 500

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

NHL

Tuesday, February 8Game Score Status Pick Amount

Carolina - 7:00 PM ET Carolina +121 500
New Jersey - Over 5.5 500

Toronto - 7:00 PM ET Toronto +115 500
NY Islanders - Over 5.5 500

Columbus - 7:00 PM ET Pittsburgh -158 500
Pittsburgh - Over 5.5 500

San Jose - 7:00 PM ET San Jose +114 500
Washington - Under 5.5 500

Buffalo - 7:30 PM ET Buffalo +118 500
Tampa Bay - Over 5.5 500

St. Louis - 7:30 PM ET Florida -110 500
Florida - Under 5.5 500

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

NCAAB

Tuesday, February 8Game Score Status Pick Amount

Pennsylvania - 7:00 PM ET Princeton -7.5 500
Princeton - Under 129 500

Xavier - 7:00 PM ET Xavier +4.5 500
Georgia - Under 136.5 500

Indiana - 7:00 PM ET Indiana +13.5 500
Purdue - Under 136 500

Cincinnati - 7:00 PM ET Cincinnati -10.5 500
DePaul - Over 131.5 500

George Mason - 7:00 PM ET NC-Wilmington +9.5 500
NC-Wilmington - Over 131.5 500

Central Michigan - 7:30 PM ET Buffalo -12 500
Buffalo - Over 129 500

Creighton - 8:05 PM ET Creighton -1.5 500
Drake - Under 131 500

Southern Illinois - 8:05 PM ET Wichita St. -16 500
Wichita St. - Over 126.5 500

Northern Iowa - 8:05 PM ET Evansville +1 500
Evansville - Over 122 500

Boston College - 9:00 PM ET Boston College +8.5 500
Clemson - Over 134 500

Tennessee - 9:00 PM ET Tennessee +8.5 500
Kentucky - Over 137 500

Utah - 10:30 PM ET San Diego St. -17.5 500
San Diego St. - Under 133.5 500

Announcement

The Bum's Tuesday's Best Bets NBA-NHL-NCAAB !

The Bum's Tuesday's Best Bets NBA-NHL-NCAAB !

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