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NCAA Betting Preview: Badgers host Buckeyes


One of the biggest matchups in the Big Ten this season takes place this Saturday afternoon when the Ohio State Buckeyes make the trip to the Kohl Center in Madison to take on the Wisconsin Badgers. Tip-off is set for 11 a.m. (PT) and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

Ohio State has clearly established itself as the top men’s basketball team in the nation by winning its first 24 games, including an 87-64 romp over No.12 Purdue on Jan.25 as a 7 ½-point home favorite and an 82-69 win over No.25 Minnesota as a 4 ½-point road favorite this past Sunday. The Buckeyes have survived a few close calls along the way and are actually only 11-10 against the spread this season, but remain a perfect 24-0 straight up and 11-0 SU in conference play.

Much of this team’s success this season can be attributed to the phenomenal play of freshman forward Jared Sullinger. He is averaging a team-high 18 points and 10.3 rebounds while shooting 56.8 percent from the field. Junior guard William Buford and senior guard-forward David Lighty have also been a huge part of the Buckeyes’ impressive winning streak. Buford is averaging 13.6 points a game and Lighty is averaging 12.5.

Ohio State is shooting 49.6 percent from the floor and 40.4 percent from three-point range. It is averaging 78 points a game, but is actually ranked 161st in the nation in rebounds with 35 a game. The Buckeyes have also been less than spectacular from the foul line, converting on just 68.5 percent of their attempts. Nonetheless, this team continues to make up for these weaknesses with a wealth of talent and solid all-around play.

Wisconsin has won six of its last seven games to run its record on the season to 18-5 SU overall (12-7 ATS) and 8-3 SU in the Big Ten. It is coming off a 62-59 OT victory over Iowa this past Wednesday night as a seven-point road favorite. This followed an 82-56 romp over Michigan State as a nine-point home favorite last Sunday.

The Badgers are led by senior forward Jon Leuer and junior guard Jordan Taylor. Leuer tops the team with 19.4 points and 7.4 rebounds a game, while Taylor is averaging 17.7 points and a team-high 4.7 assists a game. Another senior forward, Keaton Nankivil has been a solid contributor all season long with an average of 9.6 points and 4.7 assists.

Wisconsin is averaging 70 points a game but is ranked even lower than Ohio State in rebounding with an average of 33 a game. It is shooting 44.6 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from three-point range, but has been especially good from the free-throw line with a completion percentage of 82.9 percent.

Ohio State is 2-3 ATS in its last five games on the road but 4-2 ATS in its last six games overall. The total has gone ‘over’ in three of its last five games.

Wisconsin is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games and 3-2 ATS in its last five games overall. The total has stayed ‘under’ in four of its last five games.

Head-to-head, the Badgers have won three of the last five games SU but the Buckeyes are 3-1 ATS in the last four. The total has stayed ‘under’ in the last seven meetings.

Ohio State should open as mild underdog in this game given its past struggles at the Kohl Center. The Buckeyes will keep this game close enough to cover, but Wisconsin does everything right to put an end to Ohio State’s hopes of a perfect season in a one- or two-point thriller.

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Pittsburgh, Villanova in Big East betting battle

Six Big East teams hog most of the space from No. 4 to No. 16 in the latest AP rankings. Two from that 13-slot span collide in Philadelphia on Saturday when the fourth-ranked Pittsburgh Panthers visit the No. 9 Villanova Wildcats for a 6 p.m. (PT) tip at The Pavilion and on ESPN.

It's the first of two meetings between Pitt and 'Nova this season, maybe first of three if they meet in the Big East Tournament eventually. It's the collision oddsmakers envisioned when making both squads the co-favorites in the conference before the season started. Current standings show it's a shot for Jamie Dixon's crew to keep a two-game cushion in the loss column over Notre Dame, presently second in the conference race.

Pittsburgh (22-2 straight up, 10-9 against the spread) hits the hardwood in Philly riding a three-game win streak since their upset defeat to Notre Dame on Jan. 24. The latest victory was Monday's 71-66 contest at West Virginia which closed as a pick 'em at some NCAA betting windows. The Panthers rallied from a two-point halftime deficit behind forward Nasir Robinson's 15 points that led the Pitt ledger.

Neither team shot well from outside in that game, with Pitt 1-for-6 from three-point range and the Mountaineers 4-for-17. Glass work was key in the Panthers win, a 39-25 overall rebounding edge and huge 18-6 advantage on the offensive end. Pittsburgh ranks fifth in the nation in rebounding, 41.9 per game.

Panthers leading scorer Ashton Gibbs did not play against West Virginia due to a knee injury that could sideline him at least two weeks. He's officially listed as doubtful for Saturday's game.

The triumph was the second straight against the odds for Pitt backers, as well as second consecutive 'over' with the last two games sporting identical 128½-point totals. Pittsburgh is 11-7 to the high side on the season, but 3-2 'under' in Big East road tilts.

Villanova (19-5 SU, 12-9 ATS) is off an upset road loss at Rutgers on Wednesday, dropping a 77-76 decision to the Scarlet Knights as 5½-point chalk. Jonathan Mitchell completed a four-point play in the final second to stun the Wildcats who dropped their third Big East contest in the last five tries, and fourth game in five that they failed to beat the spread.

Jay Wright's club won the game in just about every statistical column, hitting nearly 56 percent from the floor, 50 percent from long range (8-for-16) and holding slight edges in rebounding and assists. Corey Fisher led 'Nova with 23 points, making it a double-double evening with 10 assists.

The final score went 'over' the 135-point line, snapping a four-game 'under' run by Villanova. The Wildcats are 10-9 'under' overall this season, 6-5 in conference play.

Senior Corey Stokes, Villanova's second-leading scorer, is listed as questionable for Saturday's contest. Stokes has dealt with a hamstring injury much of this season and now is dealing with what has been diagnosed as turf toe.

Last season's only meeting saw Pittsburgh come away a 70-65 winner at home as a two-point underdog to then-No. 3 'Nova. The Wildcats won both meetings in 2009, a 67-57 victory at home in the regular season as three-points underdogs and 78-76 in the East Region Finals as two-point pups to send Villanova to the Final Four.

The Wildcats have a 32-28 all-time lead in this series, winning the last six at The Pavilion.

Villanova next hits the Big East highway with games at Seton Hall (Feb. 15) and DePaul (Feb. 19). The Wildcats better enjoy that little soft spot in their schedule since they close the regular season following that with battles against Syracuse, St. John's, Notre Dame and these Panthers once more.

Pittsburgh will be home on Wednesday (Feb. 16) to face South Florida before ending the week in New York against the Red Storm.

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NCAA Odds: Texas in revenge mode vs Baylor


The Texas Longhorns will try and remain unbeaten in the Big 12 when they host the Baylor Bears on Saturday in a college basketball betting game that can be seen on ESPN.

Texas has been so dominant in the Big 12 this season that no game has even been close. Texas has won all nine conference games to date by 10 points or more, including the upset at Kansas. The Longhorns have been one of the best teams in the country both straight up and against the spread.

Check out the current line for this game at *** Global.com.

The 'Horns may have a bit of revenge on their minds on Saturday. Last season the Bears and Longhorns met three times and Baylor won all three games. This Texas team is nothing like last year’s though, and Baylor is probably in for a long afternoon.

Baylor head coach Scott Drew recently said that this Texas team is as good as any Big 12 team has ever been.

Baylor has been up and down this season and in their last eight games the Bears are 4-4. They are still in position to make the NCAA Tournament, but a big road win would sure help. Baylor is just 5-11 ATS this campaign but they have been better on the road than at home when it comes to the point spread.

Baylor has won the past four games against Texas, but not many people believe they are going to stretch that streak to five on Saturday.

Here are more basketball betting stats for Saturday’s game:

•The Bears are 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games.
•Baylor is 1-4 ATS in its last five games overall.
•Texas has sizzled against the point spread this season going 15-4.
•The Longhorns are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games overall.
•Texas is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 home games but 5-11 ATS in the last 16 Saturday games.
For college basketball totals bettors, the 'over' is 11-5 in the Bears' last 16 road games. The 'under' is 6-0 in the Longhorns' last six versus Big 12 opponents. The 'under' is 13-3 in the Longhorns' last 16 overall and 5-2 in the Longhorns' last seven home games.

In this series, the 'over' is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Austin.

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NCAA Betting Preview: San Diego St at UNLV


Sixth-ranked San Diego State (24-1 straight up, 14-9 against the spread) travels to Sin City Saturday to face UNLV (18-6 SU, 9-14 ATS) in a key Mountain West Conference contest.

The Aztecs are currently tied atop the conference standings with eighth-ranked Brigham Young, while the Runnin’ Rebels are in fourth place three games off the pace.

San Diego State enters this matchup riding a four-game SU winning streak after routing Utah Tuesday as a 17-point home ‘chalk,’ 85-53. The combined 138 points went ‘over’ the 133 ½-point closing total, ending a string of back-to-back ‘under’ outings.

The Aztecs never looked back after jumping out to a sizeable 27-point halftime advantage, 48-21. San Diego State finished the game with more rebounds (47-32) and assists (17-9), while shooting a solid 45 percent
(32-of-71) from the field and 46 percent (5-of-11) from behind the arc.

The Aztecs prevailed behind a balanced scoring attack, led by guard D.J. Gay’s 15 points and six assists. Forward Billy White had 15, while forward Kawhi Leonard added 12 and 14 rebounds. Guard Jamaal Franklin accounted for 13 and 10, while center Brian Carlwell had 10.

UNLV got back on the winning track by throttling Texas Christian Wednesday as a nine-point road favorite, 94-79. The combined 173 points soared ‘over’ the 134 ½-point closing total, ending consecutive ‘under’ outings.

The Runnin’ Rebels enjoyed advantages in rebounding (27-24) and assists (22-18). UNLV shot a stellar 61 percent (35-of-57) from the field, and 65 percent (11-of-17) from 3-point land.

Forward Chace Stanback led the offensive charge with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while guard Tre’Von Willis added 23. Forward Quintrell Thomas accounted for 14 and 10, while guard Oscar Bellfield provided 13 and six assists.

San Diego State is 6-1 SU and ATS the previous seven meetings with UNLV after winning the lone encounter this season Jan. 12 as a 4 ½-point home ‘chalk,’ 55-49. The combined 104 points never seriously threatened the 134 ½-point closing total. The ‘under’ has cashed the previous three meetings between these teams.

San Diego State forward Tim Shelton (foot) and guard Chase Tapley (ankle) are ‘doubtful’ versus the Runnin’ Rebels. The Aztecs follow this contest with a Feb. 16 home game against New Mexico. San Diego State maintains a 14-4-1 ATS record its last 19 road games, and 11-4 ATS its past 15 Saturday outings.

UNLV hosts Air Force after this contest before embarking on a two-game road trip against Colorado State and New Mexico. The Runnin’ Rebels are just 2-8 ATS their last 10 Saturday games. The ‘under’ is 6-2 their past eight home endeavors, and the ‘under’ is also 10-4 the last 14 outings overall.

Saturday’s contest is slated to start at 5:00 p.m. PT from UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center.

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NBA Betting: Thunder still rolling 'over' totals

Pro basketball bettors who enjoy wagering on totals have surely noticed that the offensively-minded Oklahoma City Thunder have seen the ‘over’ cash in 32 of their first 51 encounters this season. Most of those high-scoring affairs have occurred at home, where the ‘over’ is 19-7.

Kevin Durant continues to pace Oklahoma City’s offense with a league-leading 29 points per game, while point guard Russell Westbrook is dishing out 8.6 assists per outing.

The pair has much to do with the Thunder ranking fifth in the league on offense with an average of 104.6 points per game. Ironically, the squad owns that bloated average despite shooting just 45.9 percent from the field (16th) and 33.6 percent from beyond the arc (25th). Oklahoma City does lead the league in free-throw shooting, connecting on 82.8 percent from the charity stripe.

All the emphasis on the offensive end has also influenced the Thunder’s defense, which is less than stellar.

Oklahoma City is yielding an average of 102.7 PPG, which ranks 21st. The club is allowing the opposition to shoot 46.8 percent from the field (21st) and 36.7 percent from downtown (22nd).

Prior to Saturday’s contest against Sacramento, the Thunder had yielded 100 points or more in six of their last seven outings.

The Cleveland Cavaliers own the 26th poorest defense in the league at 105.5 points per game, so it’s not a surprise that the ‘over’ is 31-22-0 in their first 53 efforts. Most of that damage has occurred on the road, where the ‘over’ is 19-11.

Cleveland is allowing its opponents to shoot 47.8 percent from the floor (29th) and 42.9 percent from three-point territory (30th). The squad had yielded 100 points or more in nine of its last 10 outings heading into Friday’s game against the Clippers.

The Dallas Mavericks round out the top-three ‘over’ teams, with the ‘over’ going 30-23-0 in their first 53 encounters and 16-10 in their first 26 road dates.

Entering Saturday’s game against the Houston Rockets, the Mavs had registered 100 points or more in nine of their last 10 contests.

Dirk Nowitzki’s 22.7 PPG continues to pace a Dallas offense that is averaging 98.2 points per game and shooting 46.7 percent from the field (7th).

‘Under’ achieving

The New Orleans Hornets continue to pace the league in the ‘under’ category, with the ‘under’ going 35-19 in their first 54 contests. Venue doesn’t seem to matter to the Hornets, as the ‘under’ is 18-9 on the road and 17-10 at home.

A third-ranked defense that is allowing just 92.5 PPG is the Hornets’ calling card. The team is holding its opponents o 44.4 percent from the floor (7th) and 34.1 percent from the three-point line (6th).

Heading into weekend games against the Magic and Bulls, the Hornets had uncharacteristically allowed 100 points or more in seven of their last eight efforts. The Hornets also brought a seven-game non-cover streak into weekend action.

An interesting trend shows the Hornets are 25-1 SU when scoring 93 points or more and 7-21 SU when accumulating 94 points or less.

Of course, New Orleans’ trend toward the ‘under’ is also aided by an offense that is averaging just 94.9 PPG (25th).

Rounding out the top-three ‘under’ squads are the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks, with the ‘under’ going 31-20. Both club’s are registering most of the ‘under’ games on their respective home courts.

The ‘under’ is 17-10 in Chicago’s first 27 games at United Center, while Milwaukee has seen the ‘under’ cash in 16 of its first 23 home dates.

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NHL Odds Preview: Blackhawks at Coyotes

The realization is beginning to sink in for the Chicago Blackhawks: Start playing better or have no chance for a second consecutive Stanley Cup.

The Blackhawks conclude a six-game road trip Saturday at 5:05 p.m. PT against Phoenix. Chicago went into its Friday night matchup at Dallas in 11th place in the Western Conference with 60 points.

Chicago had failed to cover in 31 of its first 54 games. The Blackhawks had dropped seven of their last nine away contests when pitted against a foe with a winning home mark.

Only two Stanley Cup champions since 1995 didn’t make the playoffs the following season. The Blackhawks certainly don’t want to join that embarrassing company.

Phoenix is in third placein the tightly-contested Pacific Division, just behind Dallas and San Jose. The Coyotes are 12-10-3-2 at home.

The Coyotes last were in action this past Wednesday. This will be their fourth home game in their last five matchups. Chicago is playing for the fourth time in six days, all on the road.

Phoenix nipped Dallas, 3-2 in overtime, this past Wednesday on a power-play goal by Radim Vrbata. It was a milestone victory being the Coyotes’ 500th since moving to the Valley in 1996.

The Coyotes came into the Dallas game off consecutive shutout wins against Minnesota and Colorado. They held the Stars to just 18 shots.

After hosting Chicago, the Coyotes are home on Monday against Washington and then host Atlanta on Thursday before embarking on a five-game road trip.

Chicago was 2-4 in its last six games going into Friday. The Blackhawks ranked among the top five in scoring with Patrick Sharp rating among the top 10 in goals with 27. The Blackhawks also were No. 2 in power plays and goalie Corey Crawford ranked in the top five in goals against average.

Yet the Blackhawks haven’t been able to reach last season’s great success. Chicago coach Joel Quenneville attributes it to inconsistent play, lack of motivation and disappearing work ethic.

The Blackhawks tried to address their disappointing season this past Wednesday by acquiring Michael Frolik in a trade from Florida for winger Jack Skille and two minor-leaguers.

Frolik could be centering a line of Marian Hossa and Troy Brouwer or Tomas Kopecky. Hossa was ‘questionable’ for Friday’s game against Dallas with the flu.

The 22-year-old Frolik was a first-round pick of the Panthers in 2006. He had eight goals and 21 assists in 52 games for Florida this season. Frolik is a two-time 21-goal scorer. Skille had seven goals and 10 assists in 49 games this season for Chicago, while primarily playing on the fourth line.

The Blackhawks have had good success against Pacific Division opponents winning 13 of the past 19 times. Chicago also was 29-14 when facing above .500 teams.

Phoenix upset the Blackhawks, 2-1, as a 150 road ‘dog when the teams met on Nov. 10 in Chicago. The combined three goals went ‘under’ the 5 ½-goal total.

The Blackhawks outshot Phoenix, 36-22, but Phoenix goalie Jason LaBarbera stopped 35 shots.

Chicago lost both of its road games to the Coyotes last season, 5-4 in a shootout and 3-1.

The ‘over’ is 32-22 in Phoenix’s games, while the ‘under’ is 30-24 during the Blackhawks’ first 54 matchups. The ‘under’ has cashed in nine of Chicago’s past 13 road contests.

After facing Phoenix, the Blackhawks return to Chicago to begin a three-game homestand beginning Wednesday against Minnesota. The Blackhawks then host Columbus and Pittsburgh.

The Blackhawks meet Phoenix again on Feb. 27 when the two teams play in Chicago.

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NCAA Odds: Kentucky at Vanderbilt Commodores

The Kentucky Wildcats look to turn around an ugly SEC road start when they visit the Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday afternoon in a top-25 matchup.

No. 18 Kentucky (17-6 straight-up, 9-9 against the spread) is just 1-4 SU and ATS in SEC road games despite being a favorite in each one. It is 4-0 SU and 2-2 ATS at home in the conference.

The Wildcats only SEC road win was Jan. 22 at South Carolina, 67-58 as eight-point favorites. Three of the losses were by two-points at Alabama (68-66), Mississippi (71-69) and Florida (70-68). They’re an extremely young team with freshmen as the three-leading scorers and it’s cost them at the end of games.

The Mississippi and Florida losses came last week and coach John Calipari had his team ready to go Tuesday at home against Tennessee. Junior guard DeAndre Liggins tied a career-high with 19 points in a 73-61 win as 8 ½-point favorites. It ruined the return of Vols’ coach Bruce Pearl, who was suspended by the SEC for the first eight conference games.

The 134 combined points scored went ‘under’ the 137 point total. The ‘under’ is 6-1-1 in Kentucky’s last eight games and 11-5-2 on the year.

The Wildcats are scoring 76.9 PPG on the year (ranked second in the SEC). However, that number drops to 71 PPG in the conference (ranked fourth).

Calipari needs more leadership and production from his upperclassmen, Liggins, Darius Miller and Josh Harrellson. Each is averaging under 10 PPG, with the scoring burden forced to be picked up by freshman forward Terrence Jones (17.6 PPG) and ‘diaper dandy’ guards Brandon Knight (17.3 PPG) and Doron Lamb (13.6 PPG).

All six need to produce as that’s where Calipari’s thin rotation ends. Fatigue could also be a factor in some of these close losses.

Kentucky is not reporting any significant injuries, although it’s still smarting from center Enes Kanter being ruled ineligible this season.

No. 23 Vanderbilt (17-6 SU, 10-8-1 ATS) hosted Alabama on Thursday night, coming away with an 81-77 win but failing to cover the seven-point line.

The Commodores’ previous game was Saturday against South Carolina, a 78-60 win and ‘cover’ as 12-point favorites. The 138 combined points scored went ‘under’ the 145-point total. The ‘under’ is 2-0 in Vanderbilt’s last two games after the ‘over’ was 6-1 in the previous seven.

Sophomore guard John Jenkins scored 18 points and he’s easily the leading scorer at 19.2 PPG. Forward Jeffery Taylor (14.9 PPG), big man Festus Ezeli (12.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG) and point guard Brad Tinsley (10.5 PPG, 4.5 APG) also help lead a solid starting five.

Vanderbilt is scoring 77.9 PPG overall (ranked first in the SEC). That number drops some to 74.2 PPG in the conference (ranked second).

Vanderbilt is not an overly deep team, although certainly more so than Kentucky. Reserve forward Andre Walker is also questionable to return against Alabama after missing the last 10 games with an ankle injury. Leading rebounder Lance Goul¬bourne (7.6 RPG) has been playing despite a sprained ankle and has seen his stats dip

The Commodores are 12-1 SU at home this year (4-5 ATS). The loss was a shocker to Arkansas on Jan. 29, 89-78 as 13-point favorites. Guard Rotnei Clarke was blistering hot for the winners with 36 points. Vandy is 3-1 SU and 1-3 ATS in SEC home games.

Kentucky went 2-0 SU and ATS against Vandy last year. That included a 58-56 road win as one-point favorites. However, that was a completely different Wildcats’ team with five players drafted in the NBA’s first round. Vanderbilt won and ‘covered’ the two prior home meetings.

CBS will have the 10 a.m. (PT) tip-off from Memorial Gym in Nashville.

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Top 20 teams meet in key Big East matchup


SYRACUSE ORANGE (20-5, 7-5 in Big East)

at LOUISVILLE CARDINALS (18-6, 7-4 in Big East)


Tip-off: Saturday, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Louisville -3, Total: 137.5

It’s so easy for a sportswriter. Find a team that plays an unusual number of close games, attach an alliterative moniker to the word ‘Cardiac’, and let the clever flow. The Cardiac Cats, the Cardiac Kids, you get the point. Sometimes, most times, it’s a stretch. For this year’s No. 16 Louisville Cardinals team (18-6, 7-4), no stretching is required for the moniker “Cardiac Cards.” Rick Pitino’s squad has earned that nickname. In the past eight games, Louisville (which has been decimated by injuries), has won three games that have been decided by a point, one of which went into double overtime, a fourth game was lost by three points, a fifth game was lost by five points, a sixth game was won by four points, and a seventh game was lost in overtime. The eighth game in that stretch was a 25-point win, which proves sooner or later every team gets to enjoy a yawner. Simply put, these Cardiac Cards tend not to run away from the competition, and the competition doesn’t run away from them. So on Saturday afternoon when Louisville hosts Jim Boeheim’s No. 12 Syracuse Orange at the KFC Yum! Center, an easy win would be nice, but if the hometown Cardinals have to try and win by three, or two, or one, the hard way, they’re willing to go that route.

Syracuse will try and shake the after-effects of losing to its bitter rival, the Georgetown Hoyas, 64-56 at home Wednesday in the Carrier Dome. It was the first win for the Hoyas in Syracuse since 2002, and comes after the Orange had just won two straight following a four-game losing skid, sending upstate New York into a panic. Syracuse held a 53-49 lead with 6:36 to play, but then proceeded to score just three points for the remainder of the game. Ultimately, a 39.6% shooting effort caught up to the Orange. "We missed some opportunities in the second half," Boeheim said. "We got around the basket, but we didn't do anything on offense. We've got to make some shots. Sooner or later, that's going to catch up to you." Kris Joseph led the squad with 14 points, and freshman C.J. Fair chipped in with 12 off the bench, but center Rick Jackson was mired in foul trouble in the second half, and only produced four points and eight rebounds for the game, far below his season averages of 13.1 PPG and 11.4 RPG. Last season Louisville took both contests from the Orange, winning 66-60 in the Carrier Dome on Valentine’s Day, and 78-68 in the regular season finale for both teams, as well as the farewell game for Louisville in Freedom Hall. In this game, the No. 1-ranked Orange were 28-2 and led 35-30 at half, but the Cardinals pumped in 48 second-half points, 22 of those from Kyle Kuric, and won 78-68.

Louisville is coming off of an overtime loss Wednesday night at Notre Dame in a game that was thrilling for most of the night, before turning fickle in overtime, as the Irish outscored the Cards 15-5 in the extra session. Of course, no one can be surprised that the game went into overtime. Wednesday’s contest marked the fifth time in the past nine meetings that the Irish and the Cards have required OT. Last year Louisville was triumphant against Notre Dame in a contest that required double overtime. The junior Kuric, who only averages 9.4 PPG, exploded for a career-high 28 points. This comes after his 19-point effort Saturday versus DePaul saved the Cards from an upset at home. Senior and leading scorer Preston Knowles (14.8 PPG) was back in the starting lineup and contributed 13 points, but has shown great inconsistency with his scoring in the past month. While the Cardinals have lost at least 10 players to injury at different parts of the season, their resolve is alive and well. They came back from 18 down to defeat Marquette, 11 down to defeat West Virginia, and nine down on the road to edge Connecticut. If the Orange are not prepared to play 40 minutes (or more) of solid basketball, these Cardiac Cards will hit them where it hurts, in the loss column.

Louisville is 5-0 vs. Big East foes at brand-new KFC Yum! Center, but are just 2-3 ATS. The Orange are 4-2 SU (3-3 ATS) on the road in Big East play, but are 1-7-1 ATS in the past nine meetings with Louisville. Although this game will be close, like seemingly every other game involving the Cardinals, the home team Louisville is the pick here to win and cover.

The FoxSheets also support the Cardinals by giving a reason to play against the Orange.

SYRACUSE is 3-11 ATS (21.4%, -9.1 Units) after playing a home game this season. The average score was SYRACUSE 72.9, OPPONENT 64.9 - (Rating = 2*).

The FoxSheets show this trend leaning towards the Under.

SYRACUSE is 7-0 UNDER (+7.0 Units) after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread this season. The average score was SYRACUSE 72.4, OPPONENT 58.1 - (Rating = 3*).

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Mavs try to stay hot visiting Houston


DALLAS MAVERICKS (37-16)

at HOUSTON ROCKETS (25-29)


Tip-off: Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Dallas -1.5, Total: 207.5

The Mavs are playing their best basketball of the season, just in time for another clash with the rival Rockets.

Dallas rang off 10 straight wins before falling by a point in Denver Thursday night against a Nuggets team that was, quite frankly, playing out of its mind. The Mavs are 7-3 ATS over the past 10 games. They’ve also won five of six SU and four of five ATS on the road. Dirk Nowitzki is not asserting himself on offense lately, with a total of 38 points on 35 field goals attempts in the past three games. In his career versus Houston, Nowitzki is averaging 22.2 PPG on 49% FG, including 43% from three-point land.

The Rockets were playing some good basketball of late, winning three in a row SU including road wins at Denver and Houston, before a dud performance in a 112-108 home loss to Minnesota on Tuesday night. They’ve covered six of nine overall, but continue to play inconsistently at home. In 10 games in Houston since New Year’s, they’ve dropped six SU and seven ATS.

As the team adjusts to the post-Yao era, Houston continues to get strong play from Kevin Martin (28.6 PPG over his last five) and Luis Scola (20.4 PPG on 53.7% shooting during that span), and Chuck Hayes has emerged as a double-double threat. But the rest of the lineup has been struggling, specifically point guard Aaron Brooks. The star of last year’s team, Brooks was limited by injury early in the season and lost his starting job to Kyle Lowry. He was benched for continuing attitude problems on Monday night, and the Rockets scored an upset over Denver. He came back the next night and shot 1-for-8 in a home loss to the Timberwolves. His plus/minus has been in the minus in his past six games and 21 of his 29 games this year. Houston is also struggling defensively. Since New Year’s, they’re allowing 105.3 PPG, seventh-worst in the NBA.

The Mavs took each of the season’s two earlier matchups between the teams, both in Dallas. They failed to cover in their Jan. 27 win, but led by as many as 25 in the first half. The Rockets closed the gap enough to cover in a 111-106 loss. The line is much smaller this time around, and because of the Mavs’ strong recent play on the road and Houston’s inconsistency, I’m leaning towards Dallas on Saturday night. The FoxSheets point that way as well:

Play Against - Home teams where the line is +3 to -3 (HOUSTON) - poor defensive team - allowing 99+ points/game on the season against opponent after a loss by 6 points or less. (143-88 since 1996, 61.9%, +46.2 units. Rating = 2*).

This highly-rated FoxSheets trend thinks the game will finish Over the total.

Play Over - Road teams where the total is greater than or equal to 200 (DALLAS) - after a close loss by 3 points or less against opponent after scoring 105 points or more 2 straight games. (37-12 over the last 5 seasons.) (75.5%, +23.8 units. Rating = 3*).

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Kentucky-Vanderbilt tabbed as pick 'em game on Saturday


KENTUCKY WILDCATS (17-6, 5-4 in SEC)

at VANDERBILT COMMODORES (17-6, 5-4 in SEC)


Tip-off: Saturday, 1:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Even, Total: 143.5

Entering play on Saturday, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Tennessee are locked in a four-way tie for second place in the SEC East Division. With each team sitting in the 15-17 win range, somebody is going to need to show some separation speed coming down the stretch to break away from the pack, and stand out not only in the conference, but also to the NCAA selection committee. We’re entering that portion of the schedule where how strong a team finishes in its last 10 games enters into the equation. Also, this reminder for you procrastinators, just 29 shopping days left until Selection Sunday. Saturday afternoon, in one of the most unique sports venues in the nation, No. 23 Vanderbilt and No. 18 Kentucky take their shot at standing out from the pack, when they take on one another at Memorial Gym in Nashville.

The Wildcats are coming off an impressive 73-61 bounce-back victory at home over Tennessee, in Bruce Pearl’s return to coaching following his SEC-imposed suspension. The victory ended a two-game losing skid for John Calipari’s young team. Four Wildcats scored in double figures, but for a change it was the upperclassmen who carried the scoring load, as junior guard DeAndre Liggins led all scorers with 19 points, and Josh Harrellson (the team’s only senior) added 16. Freshmen Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones scored 12 and 10 points respectively, with Jones adding 11 rebounds. Now that they’ve broken one streak, they need to address another drought. Kentucky has lost four of its last five road games in conference play. Granted, they’ve all been extremely close games (the last three road losses have all been by two points, and decided late), but close doesn't count, and close losses do not earn you a ticket to the next round at tournament time. Calipari’s squad is in desperate need of finding its stride on the road, and there’s no better place to proves one’s road worthiness than Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gym, where Kentucky has one win in its past five trips, last season’s 58-56 squeaker on February 20. There was nothing pretty about this game, as the teams combined to shoot 34% FG, including 5-for-36 on three-point attempts.

The Commodores are coming off an 81-77 home victory over SEC West-leading Alabama on Thursday night. Alabama’s history proves how tough a building Memorial Gym is for visitors, the Crimson Tide have not won there since 1990. Brad Tinsley’s three-point play with 17 seconds left gave Vanderbilt a lead that would hold up. “It was a big basket in the game obviously and just really proud of him," Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings said. "Proud of him for making that play and having the courage to step up and be there when we needed him, and we did need him."

Vanderbilt held the Crimson Tide to an anemic 2-of-15 from beyond the arc, while nailing 9-of-19 from downtown themselves. The Commodores will need to bring that kind of defensive intensity on the perimeter again versus Kentucky. The ‘Cats are burying the three at a 40.4% clip on the season, better than any other team in the SEC. If things become difficult from long distance, Kentucky might find some success in the paint, where Alabama outscored Vandy 46-18 on the interior. John Jenkins (19.2 PPG) and Jeffery Taylor (14.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG) lead a quartet of Commodore players scoring in double figures.

This matchup features two teams struggling to cover bets in SEC play as Kentucky is 3-6 ATS in conference and Vanderbilt is 2-6-1. UK is 1-4 SU in its five SEC road games with the last three defeats each coming by just two points. This game will also be tight, but in the end, Vanderbilt will leave the court with the victory. The FoxSheets also back the Commodores.

VANDERBILT is 16-4 ATS (80.0%, +11.6 Units) in home games when playing with one or less days rest since 1997. The average score was VANDERBILT 80.8, OPPONENT 63.1 - (Rating = 2*).

The FoxSheets show this trend siding with the Over.

VANDERBILT is 8-0 OVER (+8.0 Units) versus good 3-point shooting teams - making >=37% of their attempts after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons. The average score was VANDERBILT 78.4, OPPONENT 75.3 - (Rating = 3*).

[StarDust Bum]

Florida favored by 5.5 points over rival Tennessee


TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS (15-9, 5-4 in SEC)

at FLORIDA GATORS (19-5, 8-2 in SEC)


Tip-off: Saturday, 6:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Florida -5.5, Total: 131

If coming off of suspension and playing at Rupp Arena against Kentucky was like going from the frying pan into the fryer for Bruce Pearl’s team, following that up with a trip to Gainesville to play the SEC East-leading Florida Gators could be like going from the fryer ... to the microwave. In a peculiar twist of fate, the end of Pearl’s SEC-imposed, eight-game suspension just so happens to coincide with a stretch in the Vols schedule where they are playing the three best teams in the conference. Last Saturday, SEC West-leading Alabama defeated Tennessee in overtime 65-60, in the team’s final game without Pearl on the bench. Tuesday night, the Orange cream blazer was back, but the team’s prowess and shooting eye was not, as Tennessee went down to defeat 73-61. Now they must go to Gainesville to take on a Florida team that answered the challenge at home last week, winning back-to-back nail-biters over ranked opponents Vanderbilt and Kentucky, to take control of the SEC East, extending its lead to 2½ games.

Pearl was not the only familiar face to return for the Vols (15-9, 5-4) on Tuesday. Leading scorer Scotty Hopson was back in action after missing two games with an ankle injury. Hopson, like the rest of his teammates, was generally ineffective against the Wildcats, as he totaled 11 points on 3-of-8 shooting. Tennessee shot just 41 percent from the field, turned it over 14 times and never got closer than five points over the game's final 30 minutes. They were especially outworked in the paint, where Kentucky outrebounded Tennessee 38-28. Melvin Goins led the team in scoring against UK with 16 points. Now the news is not all bad in Rocky Top land. The team does have an impressive RPI rating of 24, and presently boasts the second-toughest strength of schedule in the nation. The Vols also have quality wins over Pittsburgh, Villanova, Memphis and Vanderbilt. But we have hit the middle of February, when all coaches who know what the middle of March will bring, realize that this is the time of year when you need to be surging, not sinking. Tennessee is looking to get some revenge against the Gators, who defeated the Vols in Knoxville 81-75 in overtime back on January 11. Tennessee last won in the O’Connell Center in March of 2009, a 79-75 victory over Billy Donovan’s crew. In that game Tennessee made 10-of-19 shots from beyond the arc, a far cry from the measly 32.5% three-point clip they are shooting this year.

The 17th-ranked Gators are coming off a 79-60 road victory on Wednesday at South Carolina. The team is presently on a stretch in which it has won six of its past seven games, and are looking exactly like the squad that many preseason experts felt was the team to beat in the SEC. Leading scorer Erving Walker scored 25 points against the Gamecocks, and Florida shot a blistering 55.4% from the floor, its best shooting night in weeks. Chandler Parsons has also stepped up his game of late, playing a clutch role in Florida’s recent success. Parsons fell two assists shy of a triple-double against South Carolina, as he totaled 14 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Parsons had 17 points and 12 boards in the win over Kentucky, and added 18 points and 11 boards in the victory over Vandy. With four double-doubles in his past five games, and averaging 12.0 RPG over his past six games, its safe to say that the 6-foot-10 senior is playing some of the best basketball in the country for a big man (especially one not named Jared Sullinger). Parsons, Walker, and Vernon Macklin combined to hit 20-of-28 shots against South Carolina. If Tennessee isn’t ready from the start to bring the D against Florida, they probably will be Gator bait before they know it.

Tennessee, which has lost two straight games ATS, is just 4-6 ATS after an ATS loss. The Gators have covered the spread in the past three meetings versus the Vols, and Florida will keep that streak alive with a win and cover on Saturday. The FoxSheets show a coaching trend siding with the Gators.

Billy Donovan is 162-138 ATS (54.0%, +10.2 Units) as a favorite as the coach of FLORIDA. The average score was FLORIDA 76.1, OPPONENT 66.1 - (Rating = 1*).

The FoxSheets also predict the game will finish Under the total.

TENNESSEE is 11-2 UNDER (84.6%, +8.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons. The average score was TENNESSEE 68.5, OPPONENT 67.7 - (Rating = 2*).

[StarDust Bum]

No. 13 Wisconsin tries to hand No. 1 OSU its first loss


OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (24-0, 11-0 in Big Ten)

at WISCONSIN BADGERS (18-5, 8-3 in Big Ten)


Tip-off: Saturday, 2:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Wisconsin -1, Total: 122.5

Undefeated No. 1 Ohio State looks to win its 14th straight true road game when it visits No. 13 Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon.

The Buckeyes rank third in the nation in field goal percentage (49.6%), 24th in points scored (77.8 PPG) and sixth in scoring defense (57.8 PPG). Their 20-point scoring margin is the second-best in the nation. Ohio State hasn't played since an 82-69 victory at Minnesota on Sunday when Jared Sullinger (18.0 PPG, 10.3 RPG) finished with his second straight and 11th double-double of the season with 18 points and 13 rebounds. And after a couple of subpar games against Northwestern and Michigan (combined 4-for-11 shooting, 15 points), David Lighty (12.5 PPG, 40.7% three-pointers) bounced back versus the Golden Gophers with 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting. Second-leading scorer William Buford (13.6 PPG, 44.3% three-pointers) chipped in with 15 points, four boards, four assists and two steals. Buford is the team's top scorer against Wisconsin, averaging 9.3 PPG over four career matchups.

Wisconsin has won three straight contests and six of its past seven and is coming off a 62-59 overtime victory at Iowa on Wednesday. Jon Leuer (19.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 43.8% three-pointers) had 19 points and 15 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season, while Jordan Taylor (17.7 PPG, 4.7 APG, 4.4 RPG, 40.9% three-pointers) added 16 points, eight assists and four boards, despite shooting 6-of-18 from the field. In Big Ten games, Taylor (20.3 PPG) and Leuer (18.9 PPG) have combined to average a conference-best 39.2 PPG. Leuer is averaging 22.5 PPG in his past four home games, while Jordan Taylor is averaging 22.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG and 4.8 APG in six Big Ten home contests. The Badgers shot just 35.3% (24-of-68), including 18% in the first half versus the Hawkeyes. But Wisconsin, which allows a Big Ten-best 56.1 PPG (second in the nation), held Iowa to 41.7% shooting (25-of-60) for the game. It has limited 15 of 23 opponents to 60 points or less this season, including each of the last six foes.

The Badgers have won 34 of their past 35 games at the Kohl Center, including 16 straight contests. They've won their 13 home games this season by an average of 20.4 PPG and are scoring 75.8 PPG at home, while holding opponents to 55.4 PPG. Ohio State leads the all-time series with Wisconsin, 81-64, but the Badgers hold a 42-27 advantage in games played in Madison. Wisconsin has won eight straight home games versus OSU, including a 65-43 rout last season, but the Buckeyes have won two of the past three overall meetings.

This season, Ohio State is only 5-6 ATS in Big Ten play and four of its six conference road wins have come by five points or less. Wisconsin is 7-4 ATS versus Big Ten foes and 7-2 ATS at home, and looks to be a great bet to win on Saturday. The FoxSheets provide three highly-rated reasons to pick the Badgers.

Play On - Home teams where the line is +3 to -3 (WISCONSIN) - an average offensive team (67-74 PPG) against an excellent defensive team (<=63 PPG), after allowing 65 points or less 3 straight games. (61-26 since 1997.) (70.1%, +32.4 units. Rating = 3*).

WISCONSIN is 10-1 ATS (90.9%, +8.9 Units) in home games versus very good teams - outscoring their opponents by 8+ points/game over the last 2 seasons. The average score was WISCONSIN 71.1, OPPONENT 57.5 - (Rating = 3*).

OHIO STATE is 2-13 ATS (13.3%, -12.3 Units) versus teams who attempt 21 or more 3-point shots/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was OHIO STATE 69.3, OPPONENT 60.2 - (Rating = 3*).

Eleven of the past 17 games (65%) in this series have finished Under the total and this four-star FoxSheets coaching trend predicts Saturday’s game will also finish Under the total.

Thad Matta is 23-6 UNDER (79.3%, +16.4 Units) versus teams who average 33 or less rebounds/game on the season after 15+games as the coach of OHIO STATE. The average score was OHIO STATE 65.7, OPPONENT 57.0 - (Rating = 4*).

[StarDust Bum]

Texas looks for 10-0 conference start hosting Baylor

BAYLOR BEARS (16-7, 6-4 in Big 12)

at TEXAS LONGHORNS (21-3, 9-0 in Big 12)


Tip-off: Saturday, 4:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Texas -11.5, Total: 130.5

No. 3 Texas looks to extend its winning streak to 10 games and stay undefeated in the Big 12 when it hosts Baylor on Saturday afternoon.

The Longhorns have won nine straight contests by double digits and are led by a stellar defense. They're coming off a 68-52 victory at Oklahoma on Wednesday, in which they held the Sooners to 32% from the field (18-of-56). Texas has limited its first 24 opponents to an average of 59.7 PPG on 36% FG shooting, including 28% from three-point range. And its defensive numbers have been even better in conference play, as the Horns have surrendered just 54.0 PPG on 36% shooting through nine games. Jordan Hamilton (19.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 42% three-pointers) scored 20 points for the 11th time this season and also had nine rebounds versus the Sooners, while Gary Johnson (11.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG) added 14. Tristan Thompson (12.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG) chipped in with 11 points for his 19th double-figure scoring game of the season.

Baylor's past three victories have been by less than five points. That includes a 76-74 overtime win at Texas A&M last Saturday and a 74-70 triumph over Nebraska on Wednesday. LaceDarius Dunn scored 20 of his 24 points in the second half versus the Cornhuskers, but shot only 5-of-13 from the floor. Dunn, who leads the Big 12 in scoring with 20.7 PPG, is just 26-of-75 from the field (35%) in his past five games and has also committed 18 turnovers in his past three games, including six against Nebraska. Second-leading scorer Perry Jones III (14.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG) is averaging 18.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in Big 12 play and had 11 points and seven boards against the Huskers for his 11th straight contest in double-digits, while Quincy Acy (12.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG) chipped in with 15 points. The Bears have shot over 46% FG in eight of their past 10 games. Baylor is 1-1 this season against teams that were ranked at the time they played them. The Bears lost to Kansas, 85-65, on Jan. 17 before beating the Aggies in College Station last weekend.

After losing 24 straight to Texas, Baylor has won the past four games against the Longhorns (three last season), including an 80-77 overtime victory in its last visit to Austin. Since losing to Connecticut in overtime, 82-81, on Jan. 8, Texas has won four straight games at the Frank Erwin Center to move to 13-1 at home this season. Texas leads the all-time series with Baylor, 155-79, and holds an 84-27 advantage in Austin. Despite the Longhorns run of double-digit wins, the Bears are loaded with talent and should be able to keep this final score within single digits. Baylor is the play here. The FoxSheets provide two more reasons in support of the Bears.

Play On - Road underdogs of 10 or more points (BAYLOR) - after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread against opponent after having covered 2 of their last 3 against the spread. (406-285 since 1997.) (58.8%, +92.5 units. Rating = 2*).

TEXAS is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) versus teams who are called for 17 or less fouls/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons. The average score was TEXAS 78.0, OPPONENT 75.3 - (Rating = 2*).

This four-star FoxSheets trend expects a high-scoring game finishing Over the total.

BAYLOR is 11-1 OVER (+9.9 Units) versus good foul drawing teams - attempting >=25 free throws/game over the last 2 seasons. The average score was BAYLOR 77.5, OPPONENT 70.0 - (Rating = 4*).

[StarDust Bum]

#9 Villanova favored by 3 over #4 Pittsburgh


PITTSBURGH PANTHERS (22-2, 10-1 in Big East)

at VILLANOVA WILDCATS (19-5, 7-4 in Big East)


Tip-off: Saturday, 9:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Villanova -3, Total: 139

Home Sweet Home. After Wednesday night’s unbelievable, unthinkable, unconscionable 77-76 defeat that Villanova suffered on the road at Rutgers, losing on a four-point play with eight-tenths of a second left, in a game they were leading by five with under 12 seconds to play, any place the Wildcats would be willing to ball in the 215 area code (neighborhood Y, Fairmount Park) would qualify as Home Sweet Home. Fortunately, they will be using their on-campus home court of The Pavilion for the next game. ‘Nova is undefeated in The Pavilion this year, and have won 46 consecutive games there. After the gut-wrenching fashion that Jay Wright’s team lost to the Scarlet Knights, it was probably ready to take the court first thing Thursday morning to wipe the stench of defeat out of their mouths as soon as possible. The ‘Cats will have to wait until Saturday night at 9:00 p.m. EDT to seek redemption, and a chance to pick up a game in the standings on Jamie Dixon’s conference-leading Pittsburgh Panthers.

Wednesday night’s defeat dropped No. 9 Villanova (19-5, 7-4) into a two-way tie for fourth place with Louisville, and ruined an otherwise brilliant game for senior captain Corey Fisher, who was dazzling against Rutgers, totaling 23 points and 10 assists, before a missed free throw with 0:09 left and a personal foul on Rutgers’ Jonathan Mitchell’s back-breaking four-point play. Villanova coach Jay Wright didn't blame Fisher. "They caught him right in the split second he was denying the pass and it went through his hands and he fouled him," Wright said. "It was perfect execution by them. It happens. He was making the right play." The loss also wasted one of the better shooting nights Villanova has experienced in league play, as it hit nearly 56% of its shots from the floor, and 50% from beyond the arc. As fate would have it, Fisher has been the Wildcats’ most consistent player of late, averaging 17.8 PPG over his past four games, while shooting 23-of-42 (54.7%) from the field. Fellow senior Corey Stokes has been cold (33% FG in past five games), which is partly due to his bothersome turf toe injury. ‘Nova is 3-4 over its past seven games, with three of the losses coming by a combined six points, and two of them coming on made shots in the last 2.5 seconds of play. This is emblematic of how difficult it can be playing against the top and the bottom of Big East competition. Saturday, the ‘Cats get a taste of the top when the Panthers come to town.

No. 4 Pittsburgh (22-2, 10-1) is coming off of a hard-fought, lunch-bucket-style 71-66 victory over the West Virginia Mountaineers in Morgantown on Monday. The Panthers overcame a halftime deficit and the absence of leading scorer Ashton Gibbs to overwhelm West Virginia late, shooting 61% in the second half. Pittsburgh showed the physical resolve and style that has symbolized the Jamie Dixon era, outrebounding their hosts 40-28, with much of the difference coming on the offensive glass, where the Panthers pulled down an amazing 18 offensive boards on the night. Nasir Robinson tallied 15 points and eight boards, while Gary McGhee added 13 and six boards, and guard Brad Wanamaker led the team with nine rebounds. "We really focused on rebounding," Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon said. "We cut down their offensive rebounds. We won with our rebounding and defense, and that's what we set out to do." Gibbs is out for up to two weeks with a left knee injury. He scored 21 points to lead Pitt to a home win over then-No. 3 Villanova last February. Pittsburgh’s formula for success without him will likely resemble the paint-pounding style that worked for them against the Mountaineers, as the Panthers scored 42 of their 71 points in the paint. Villanova big men Antonio Pena (7.4 RPG) and Mouphtaou Yarou (7.1 RPG) will need to be up to the challenge, and are quietly hoping that that challenge will not have to be decided in the last 2.5 seconds of play.

Pittsburgh hasn’t won at The Pavilion since 1995, a run of six straight wins for Villanova. The Wildcats are 5-2 (SU and ATS) in the past seven games when hosting the Panthers. Both teams have been good bets in conference games this season, with each posting a 7-4 ATS mark. The Wildcats are 8-4 ATS at home, while the Panthers are 3-2 ATS on the road. The atmosphere of a nationally-televised primetime game in its cozy, 6,500-seat arena gives Villanova the edge in this matchup of Top 10 schools. The FoxSheets give two more reasons to play on the Wildcats.

VILLANOVA is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season. The average score was VILLANOVA 78.3, OPPONENT 63.5 - (Rating = 3*).

Play On - All teams where the line is +3 to -3 (VILLANOVA) - average 3-PT shooting team (32-36.5%) against an average 3-PT defense (32-36.5%) after 15+ games, after a game where a team made 55% of their shots or better. (156-91 since 1997.) (63.2%, +55.9 units. Rating = 2*).

Nine of the past 11 games in this series have finished Under the total and this four-star FoxSheets coaching trend also expects this game to finish Under the total.

Jay Wright is 16-3 UNDER (84.2%, +12.7 Units) after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread as the coach of VILLANOVA. The average score was VILLANOVA 68.2, OPPONENT 65.1 - (Rating = 4*).

[StarDust Bum]

Buckles, Dieng returning to lineup for Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Rick Pitino walked onto the practice floor on Thursday and couldn't quite believe what he saw: more than a dozen healthy players on the court.

It's a rare sight for the injury-ravaged Cardinals, who have somehow remained competitive in the Big East despite a bench that's had almost as many players in street clothes as jerseys and shorts in recent weeks.

Pitino expects power forward Rakeem Buckles and freshman center Gorgui Dieng to be available on Saturday when 16th-ranked Louisville (18-6, 7-4 Big East) hosts 12th-ranked Syracuse (20-5, 7-5).

Buckles hasn't played since Dec. 27 after breaking his left index finger in practice while Dieng has sat out the past four games following a nasty spill in a win over West Virginia on Jan. 26.

The reinforcements couldn't have come at a better time for the Cardinals, who looked exhausted in overtime in a loss to No. 8 Notre Dame on Wednesday.

Louisville had a chance to win it at the end of regulation but missed a pair of 3-pointers in the final 30 seconds then let the Irish score the first 14 points of the extra session.

``I think our guys are really tired mentally after losing that game,'' Pitino said. ``They were very disappointed in themselves.''

Their coach, however, was not. Pitino has remained upbeat all season, knowing his team is overachieving. The injuries have forced him to get creative with the lineups, with surprising results. He doesn't expect there to be an adjustment period with Buckles returning, crediting his players for being so adaptable.

``Chemistry is always going to be great with this team,'' Pitino said. ``Gorgui and Rak are guys that are not only low maintenance, no ego, very humble people, but everybody was rooting for them to get back. The attitude and chemistry are always going to be there. Now it's the execution.''

Buckles called the weeks watching helplessly from the bench in a black sweat suit unbearable. He was the team's leading rebounder at the time of the injury (7.5 per game) but went more than a month without even touching a basketball to give the five pins inserted in his broken finger time to go to work.

He'll wear a sleeve and some tape over the digit against the Orange but doesn't believe it will hinder his ability to grab the ball with both hands or shoot. Even if it did, he admits he probably wouldn't tell anybody.

``It was something, worst part of my life, sitting and watching,'' Buckles said. ``I knew we were winning but it still hurts.''

The losses were even worse.

``Every game we'd lose, I'd be down for a few days thinking it's my fault, feeling like if I'd have played we would have won,'' Buckles said.

Louisville thrived in his absence even though Pitino allows he ``kept waiting for the bottom to fall out.''

It never did, but he acknowledges the bottom may have been teetering after the loss to Notre Dame.

The Cardinals led throughout the first half, faltered for a stretch in the second before rallying to tie the game in the final minutes.

The late-game heroics that defined wins over Connecticut, West Virginia and Marquette failed to materialize this time, and the defeat left Louisville drained.

The narrow margin also magnified a bizarre sequence at the end of the first half when soft-spoken forward Kyle Kuric was hit with a technical foul after dunking over Notre Dame's Scott Martin just before the buzzer.

Referees ruled Kuric taunted Martin by glancing at him after the play. Pitino called it the most ``absurd'' technical he's ever seen.

``You see guys pounding their chest, pulling their uniforms out, and Kyle Kuric is the antithesis of all of that,'' Pitino said. ``But the referee doesn't know he's a mime.''

Pitino said the call had little effect on the outcome, though Buckles, who watched the game from his dorm room after undergoing treatment earlier in the day, just shook his head.

``I guess you can't look at nobody after you dunk,'' he said. ``I guess you've got to cover your eyes.''

It's a motion Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim has done at times over the past month as the Orange have squandered an 18-0 start by losing five out of their past seven.

Pitino, a former assistant under Boeheim in the late-1970s, remains wary. The only thing predictable about the Big East this season has been the unpredictability. There are eight teams either 7-4 or 6-5 in conference play, and things only promise to get more jumbled as February turns into March.

``It's just a tough league,'' Pitino said. ``It's not that they're up and down, it's just that it's a tough league and you don't know where your next win's going to come from. I think (Georgetown coach) John Thompson III said it best, 'The next tough game is the next game,' and that's the way this league is.''