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**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 07:54 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: February 18

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: College basketball offers up a ranked Big East matchup with UConn at Louisville, and the Rangers hit the road to battle with the Devils.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

Hoops action on Friday is highlighted by a ranked college matchup between No. 13 Connecticut and No. 16 Louisville at the KFC Yum! Center. The Huskies are coming off a big 78-70 home win over No. 9 Georgetown in their last game on Wednesday night; Kemba Walker led the way with 31 points for Connecticut in that win, while Jamal Coombs-McDaniel was good for 23 points. The Cardinals were beaten 63-54 on the road by Cincinnati in their last game on Wednesday; Terrence Jennings had 14 points for Louisville. The Huskies fell 79-78 to the Cardinals when the teams met January 29.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

As well, Friday offers up seven NHL contests, with St. Louis at Buffalo, Boston at Ottawa, Detroit at Florida, Philadelphia at Carolina, Anaheim at Minnesota, Columbus at Chicago, and the Rangers at New Jersey. The Rangers played host to the Devils on February 3, falling 3-2 as a -150 favorite in a PUSH result. Ilya Kovalchuk, Dainius Zubrus, and Brian Rolston had the goals for New Jersey in that victory, with Martin Brodeur stopping 25 of 27 Rangers shots. Ryan Callahan and Vinny Prospal replied for New York in that losing cause, while Henrik Lundqvist gave up three goals on 12 shots.

**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 08:04 AM

Bettors' best friend: Friday's wagering tips

Line to keep an eye on

Philadelphia (-130, 5.5) at Carolina – The red-hot Flyers have dominated this series, home and away. They’re 16-5-3 in their last 24 trips to Carolina. Philly enters having won five of six, allowing just 10 goals in that span. The Hurricanes have dropped four of five, but they’re normally tough at home (14-9-1-1). Also, Flyers left wing Ville Leino is questionable with a lower body injury. Eight days ago, Philly held on at home for a 2-1 win over Carolina.

Who’s hot

NHL: Boston is 13-4 in its last 17 matchups against Ottawa.

NCAAB: The under is 6-2 in Louisville’s last eight home games.

NHL: The under is 9-1-1 in the last 11 Detroit-Florida matchups.

Who’s not

NHL: St. Louis is 5-13 in its last 18 games overall, 8-22 in its last 30 road games.

NCAAB: UConn is 1-6-1 ATS in its last eight meetings with Louisville.

NHL: Columbus is 3-7 in its last 10 meetings with Chicago.

Game of the day

No. 12 Connecticut at No. 16 Louisville (-3.5, 138)

Injury not to be overlooked

Columbus goalie Steve Mason missed Wednesday’s home game against the Kings with bronchitis and is questionable for tonight’s visit to Chicago. Mathieu Garon played in Mason’s place against Los Angeles as the Blue Jackets lost 4-3 in a shootout. Garon stopped 26 of 29 shots before the shootout. He fell to 9-9-4 on the season, compared to Mason’s 18-14-2 mark.

Key stat

7 – The number of goals New Jersey has allowed in its last five games, all wins, heading into tonight’s game against the Rangers.

Tips and notes

-- The latest projections have the Big East sending 11 – that’s right, 11 – teams to the NCAA Tournament. And amazingly, none of those 11 is considered one of the last four in. Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, who chairs the selection committee, said it’s a possibility because the committee does not consider conference affiliation when analyzing teams. In three of the last five years, the Big East sent a record eight teams to the Big Dance. So even if a couple Big East teams falter late this season, the 16-team conference has a good shot to set a new record.

-- Today is the deadline for players to declare whether they’ll compete in next week’s Accenture Match Play Championship in Marana, Ariz. Tiger Woods, a three-time champ, announced Thursday that he will participate. He’ll be the No. 3 seed in the 64-man field. The world’s No. 1 player, Lee Westwood, is the top seed, followed by PGA champ Martin Kaymer. Pairings will be released on Sunday.

-- It’s been a rough week for a team that looked like a cinch to make the NCAA Tournament. Coastal Carolina (25-3) has suspended its leading scorer indefinitely due to an eligibility issue. Junior Desmond Holloway (18.5 points, 6.9 rebounds) did not play in Thursday’s win over North Carolina Central, and there is no timetable for his return. The Chanticleers, who sit atop the Big South at 16-1, had their 22-game win streak snapped Tuesday night in a two-point loss to Gardner-Webb. They also lost starting point guard Kierre Greenwood to a season-ending knee injury.

**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 08:07 AM

Friday's six-pack

Top 6 players in Mel Kiper Jr’s Mock Draft 2.0, on espn.com:

6) Cleveland Browns—JJ Watt, DE Wisconsin

5) Arizona Cardinals—Von Miller, LB Texas A&M

4) Cincinnati Bengals—AJ Green WR, Georgia

3) Buffalo Bills—Cam Newton, QB Auburn

2) Denver Broncos—Da’Quan Bowers, DE Clemson

1) Carolina Panthers—Nick Fairley, DT Auburn

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Friday's List of 13: Random stuff with the long weekend here......

13) Met closer Francisco Rodriguez’ 2012 contract option for $17.5M automatically kicks in if he finishes 55 games this season; I’m saying the Mets will trade him before that happens.

12) Knicks are at .500+ at NBA All-Star break for first time in ten years.

11) Dale Earnhardt Jr is one of the most popular NASCAR drivers; he does lot of commercials on TV, but I didn’t realize that in the last four years, Junior has only won one race.

10) Daisuke Matsuzaka’s new interpreter for this season spent LY as a trainer in Cirque du Soleil; feel free to make your own jokes.

9) Speaking of jokes, Illinois football coach Ron Zook got $250,000 raise, despite his Illini going just 7-6 and earning a bid in the world famous Texas Bowl. Hate to see what they’d give him if he got to the Rose Bowl.

8) Loyola Marymount must have some tough basketball practices; two of their players were sporting those clear plastic masks Wednesday night because they have broken noses.

7) NHL teams are 1-7 this season the night after playing the LA Kings.

6) Top six teams in Conference USA are separated by one game in the standings, which means the conference tournament is going to be excellent, but it also means C-USA is probably getting one team into Field of 68.

5) Vermont/Fairfield are the first two teams to clinch regular season titles in their leagues, meaning the worst they do in March is play in the NIT.

4) Next spring in Fort Myers, the Red Sox will play spring training home games in a park that is currently being built, which has same dimensions as Fenway Park.

3) So Reds’ prospect Aroldis Chapman’s fastball was clocked at 105 mph last year? I’m thinking they used same radar gun state troopers use on the NY State Thruway when they’re raising revenue by giving out speeding tickets.

2) You know you’re a bad basketball team when you’re a 13-point dog to Providence, which is what DePaul was tonight. Blue Demons upset the Friars Thursday, are now 3-51 in their last 54 Big East games.

1) Like it when ESPN starts posting blind resumes on bubble teams for the NCAA tournament; take away the team’s name, and judge them solely on what they’ve done. It’s the best way.

**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 08:13 AM

NHL
Write-Up

Friday, February 18

Hot Teams
-- Devils won seven of their last eight home games.
-- Red Wings won four of their last five road games.
-- Buffalo won eight of its last 12 games.
-- Flyers won nine of their last eleven road games. Carolina won six of its last eight home games.
-- Anaheim won its last six road games. Minnesota won four of its last five on home ice.
-- Columbus won its last five road games.

Cold Teams
-- Rangers lost six of their last eight games.
-- Senators lost their last nine home games. Boston lost three of its last four games overall.
-- Florida lost six of its last seven home games.
-- Blues lost five of their last six road games.
-- Blackhawks lost six of their last nine games.

Totals
-- Under is 13-0-2 in Rangers' last fifteen road games.
-- Six of last seven Boston games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Detroit road games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-3 in Buffalo's last ten home games.
-- Over is 9-4 in Philly's last thirteen road games.
-- Last seven Minnesota home games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Columbus road games stayed under total.

Back-to-Back
-- Rangers are 10-3 if they played night before, 6-2 if they won.
-- Boston are 4-1 if they won the night before.
-- Detroit is 5-4 if it played the night before.

Series records
-- Rangers won four of last five games against New Jersey.
-- Boston won 13 of 17 vs the Senators, winning last four in Ottawa.
-- Detroit-Florida split their last four meetings.
-- Sabres won last two games against St Louis, 4-3/5-3.
-- Flyers won their last nine games against Carolina.
-- Ducks lost their last four visits to Minnesota.
-- Blackhawks are 7-3 in last ten games against Columbus.

**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 08:14 AM

NCAAB
Write-Up

Friday, February 18

Columbia (-2) won 66-45 at Dartmouth Jan 29, game that was 25-all at half; Big Green lost last two visits here by 13-12 points- host won four of last five series games. Lions lost three of last four games; favorites are 3-0 vs spread in their Ivy home games. Dartmouth lost last five games (1-4 vs spread). Ivy League home favorites of 7+ points are 4-7.

Princeton (-10.5) shot 52% from floor, made 5-8 from arc in 67-63 win in first meeting vs Yale Jan 29, Tigers' third straight series win- LY, they won here 58-45. Tigers are 7-0 in Ivy, 1-1 as road favorite. Yale won three of its last four games; they're 3-0 at home in Ivy, winning by 8-1-5 points. Ivy home dogs of 4 points or less are 5-2 against the spread.

Penn (-9) beat Brown 80-78 in OT Jan 29, after trailing by 7 at the half; Quakers lost their last four games, with three of them also in OT. Penn won four of last five games vs Brown, winning by 21-1 in last two visits to Brown. Bruins are 2-6 in Ivy, 1-2 at home, losing by 5-12 points. Ivy home dogs of 4 points or less are 5-2 against the spread.

Harvard (-11.5) beat Cornell 78-57 Jan 29, making 10-20 from arc while turning ball over only four times; Crimson is just 2-5 in last seven series games, losing last three played here by 33-21-36 points. Harvard trails Princeton by game in Ivy; they're 9-1 in last 10 games vs D-I opponents, winning last three by 7-1-3 points. Cornell is 2-6 in Ivy, with four of the six losses by four or less points.

Louisvillle (+5.5) won 79-78 in double OT at UConn Jan 29, as Walker was just 7-23 from floor for Huskies; it was third straight series win for Cardinals, who beat UConn here by 13 LY. UConn won four of its last five road games, three of last four overall. Louisville is 2-3 in its last five games. Big East home favorites of 4 or less points are 15-11 vs spread.

Wichita State won seven of last eight games, covering five of last seven; they're 4-4 as MVC home favorite. MVC non-conference home favorites of 8+ points are 5-12 vs spread; CAA road underdogs of 8 or less points are 19-10 vs spread. VCU lost to George Mason by 20 at home earlier in week, their 3rd loss in last five games. Over is 6-2 in their last 8 games.

Kent lost tough MAC game in OT at Miami Tuesday, ending a six-game win streak; Golden Flashes lost 60-51 at home to CAA's James Madison Dec 31 (-4). MAC road dogs of less than 16 points are 24-13 vs spread. Drexel lost two of last three games, scoring 54-54-43 points. CAA home favorites of 7 or less points are 2-9 vs spread in non-league games.

Weber State won/covered last six games, even though their leading scorer is hurt, but they're just 3-5 vs non-WAC D-I teams. San Jose State won its three games vs Big Sky teams, by 7-1-4 points. Big Sky road faves are 5-6 against spread in non-league games; WAC home teams are 12-3 vs spread out of conference when pointspread is 6 or less points.

**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 08:18 AM

NHL

Friday, February 18

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. NEW JERSEY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Jersey's last 12 games when playing NY Rangers
New Jersey is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

7:30 PM
BOSTON vs. OTTAWA
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Boston's last 13 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Ottawa is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 5 games

7:30 PM
DETROIT vs. FLORIDA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Florida is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games

7:30 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. BUFFALO
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Buffalo's last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis

8:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. MINNESOTA
Anaheim is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Anaheim's last 6 games
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CAROLINA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Carolina's last 10 games at home
Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

8:30 PM
COLUMBUS vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Columbus's last 8 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games when playing Columbus

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**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 08:21 AM

NCAAB

Friday, February 18

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
PRINCETON vs. YALE
Princeton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Yale
Princeton is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Yale is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Princeton
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Yale's last 6 games when playing Princeton

7:00 PM
HARVARD vs. CORNELL
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Harvard's last 6 games on the road
Harvard is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Cornell is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games at home
Cornell is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Harvard

7:00 PM
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH vs. WICHITA STATE
Virginia Commonwealth is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Wichita State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Wichita State is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home

7:00 PM
DARTMOUTH vs. COLUMBIA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dartmouth's last 6 games when playing on the road against Columbia
Dartmouth is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Columbia
Columbia is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbia's last 5 games when playing Dartmouth

7:00 PM
PENNSYLVANIA vs. BROWN
Pennsylvania is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Pennsylvania is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Brown
Brown is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Pennsylvania
Brown is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pennsylvania

9:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. LOUISVILLE
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Connecticut's last 8 games on the road
Connecticut is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Louisville is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
Louisville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

9:00 PM
KENT STATE vs. DREXEL
Kent State is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Kent State's last 19 games on the road
Drexel is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Drexel is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

10:00 PM
WEBER STATE vs. SAN JOSE STATE
Weber State is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
San Jose State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
San Jose State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

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**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 08:23 AM

NCAAB

Friday, February 18

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Pick 'n' roll: Today's best basketball bets
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Kent State at Drexel (-4, 121.5)

Don’t expect this one to feature many open-court dunks or an epic shooting display. The Dragons play at one of the slowest paces of any team in the country, preferring a methodical, half-court game to an up-and-down battle. And the results speak for themselves.

Drexel has seen the under go 14-8-1 this season, including eight straight unders. During that streak, the team has given up an average of 53.9 points and opponents have cracked 60 points only once.

In the Colonial Athletic Association, Drexel scores 0.94 points per possession – 11th in the league. But when it comes to protecting their own rim, the Dragons are tied for tops in the CAA, giving up a mere 0.93 points per possession. The Dragons also lead the CAA in field-goal percentage defense (38.8) and three-point percentage defense (29.9).

"We've been shooting ourselves in the foot because we're going way, way, way too fast," Drexel coach Bruiser Flint said. "If we have to grind it out against the shot clock, we can grind out against the shot clock. Plus, when we do that, we put ourselves in position to rebound."

Kent State isn’t exactly a huge fan of wide-open games, either. The under has hit 13 times in the team’s 22 games this season. The Golden Flashes also are among the top defensive teams in the Mid-American Conference, holding teams to a league-low 40.6 percent shooting from the field.

Pick: Under

No. 12 Connecticut at No. 16 Louisville (-3.5, 138)

Is Kemba Walker back at it?

The National Player of the Year candidate had struggled in recent weeks, going 5 of 16 in a win at Marquette, 7 of 23 in a loss to Louisville, 3 of 14 in a loss to Syracuse, 7 of 19 in a win at Seton Hall and 4 of 16 in a blowout loss at St. John’s.

But the slump seems to be behind him. First, Walker dropped 22 points on just 10 shots in a win over Providence. Next, he torched Georgetown for 31 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in a win over Georgetown at the XL Center on Wednesday.

“I’m just having fun out there,’’ said Walker, who missed a long 3-pointer at the buzzer in the teams’ first matchup, a 79-78 Louisville win in double overtime. “I had a big talk with [my dad] during my slump and got back to my old self. I just stopped thinking and had a good game.’’

The question now is can he keep the hot streak going? Well, the Cardinals have struggled against slashing guards this season.

Cincinnati guard Cashmere Wright continually attacked the rim for layups and finished with a game-high 20 points in the Bearcats’ 63-54 win over the Cardinals on Wednesday. That doesn’t bode well for Louisville’s chances to slow down Walker.

Pick: Connecticut

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**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 08:25 AM

NHL

Friday, February 18

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Ice picks: Friday's best NHL bets
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St. Louis Blues at Buffalo Sabres (-145, 5.5)

Jaroslav Halak is on the shelf. St. Louis announced on Thursday that the stud goalie is expected to miss a week with a hand injury and has been placed on IR. This season he is just 19-17-6, but his 2.63 GAA and .907 save percentage keep his team in every game he begins between the pipes.

Cue Ty Conklin. This season, he has a brutal 3.21 GAA and a wretched .882 save percentage. In each of his past five starts, he has given up at least three goals.

"It seems to snowball in either direction," Blues forward David Backes said. "We're on the ice to win games. We're expecting to win games."

But it’s Buffalo that has been doing the winning. The Sabres have won four of the past six games and are creeping their way back into the playoff race. During their current streak, the Sabres are putting the puck in the net, scoring an average of 4.3 goals.

And with Conklin struggling to keep his net clean, expect that average to keep rising.

Pick: Sabres

Anaheim Ducks at Minnesota Wild (-130, 5.5)

The Ducks aren’t worried about goalie Jonas Hiller going on IR. Not the way they’re scoring goals.

Anaheim is 6-2 over its past eight games mainly due to a phenomenal offensive effort. During that streak, the Ducks have scored an average of four goals per game. The catalysts have been forwards Ryan Getzlaf (1 goal, 7 assists), Teemu Selanne (4 goals, 9 assists) and Corey Perry (5 goals, 10 assists) and defensemen Cam Fowler (4 goals, 1 assist).

“I think we’ve been able to find our identity as a team,” said Ducks forward Bobby Ryan. “When (Ryan) Getzlaf went down, guys had to step up in different directions. Guys did that in a lot of different ways and when you’re on a roll like that, the morale is already up when you get your captain back. We’ve continued to outwork teams and Getzlaf has been able to add to that.”

Meantime, the Wild has struggled to find any semblance of offense. Minnesota has been outscored 7-2 in its past two games, both losses. The team also could be without top defender Marek Zidlicky, who is hobbled by a shoulder injury he suffered in the team’s most recent defeat in Chicago.

“Right now we're in a bit of a funk,” Minnesota coach Todd Richards said. “When I say a bit, it's two games, that's it, where we haven't been able to finish on our opportunities."

Pick: Anaheim

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**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 08:28 AM

NCAAB

Friday, February 18

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Game of the day: UConn at Louisville
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Connecticut Huskies at Louisville Cardinals (-3.5, 138)

THE STORY: No. 16 Louisville can be a dangerous team when its pressure defense is confusing opponents and its long-range shots are falling. But when those things don’t work, the Cardinals look very ordinary. One of No. 12 Connecticut’s biggest disappointments this season was a double-overtime home loss to Louisville in January. The Huskies will be looking for some payback when they visit the stumbling Cardinals on Friday.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN

ODDS: Books opened with the Cardinals set as 3.5-point favorites at home. The total has dropped from 139 points to 138 after post.

ABOUT LOUISVILLE (19-7, 8-5 Big East, 12-10-1 ATS): The Cardinals had a chance to stay out of the scrum in the middle of the Big East on Wednesday. A victory at unranked Cincinnati would have kept them in third place in the nation’s deepest conference. Instead, Louisville went 4 of 17 from 3-point range and generated only six steals in a 63-54 setback. That loss dropped the Cardinals into a tie for fifth place with three other teams, including the Huskies. Terrence Jennings was the only Louisville player to reach double figures, finishing with 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting.

ABOUT CONNECTICUT (20-5, 8-5 Big East, 12-7-0 ATS): The Huskies, in contrast, showed exactly what they are capable of on Wednesday night, taking down No. 9 Georgetown, 78-70, to snap a three-game losing streak against ranked teams. Kemba Walker showed the form that made him an early player of the year candidate by collecting 31 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds and taking over in the last few minutes with the go-ahead layup and a deep jumper to extend the lead. Jamal Coombs-McDaniel once again proved to be a capable second option on offense, scoring 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting in 38 minutes off the bench.

WHO’S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Jennings is averaging 14.2 points over the last six games for Louisville while Peyton Siva continues to struggle, shooting 26 percent (10 of 38) over the last five .. For Connecticut, Coombs-McDaniel is averaging 24 points in the last two games after topping out at 10 in the previous 23. His surge has come on at the expense of freshman Jeremy Lamb, who has totaled 15 points on 6-of-19 shooting in the same span.

KEY STATISTIC: Free-throw shooting. The first meeting between the teams never would have gotten to two overtimes if one of the schools could convert better than 63 percent from the line. The Cardinals finished that game 11 of 20 from the free-throw line, while Connecticut went 12 of 19.

RECENT HISTORY: Louisville took the first meeting, 79-78, in double overtime on Jan. 29, as Siva hit the tying layup in regulation and the winner in the second extra session. The Cardinals have taken three straight and five of seven in the series.

LOOKING AHEAD: Louisville heads to Rutgers on Tuesday before hosting No. 4 Pittsburgh next weekend. The Cardinals close out the regular season at West Virginia on Mar. 5 after hosting Providence three days earlier. The Huskies head home for a date with Marquette on Feb. 24 before two straight on the road at Cincinnati and West Virginia. They finish by hosting No. 7 Notre Dame on Mar. 5.

LAST WORD: In the distraction that won’t go away, the woman convicted of extortion against Louisville coach Rick Pitino is asking for a new trial. Karen Cunagin Sypher is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday after being convicted in August on several charges, including extortion and lying to the FBI.

TRENDS:

* Underdog is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Road team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Huskies are 1-6-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.

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**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 08:32 AM

NCAAB

Friday, February 18

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Tips and Trends
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VCU Rams at Wichita St. Shockers [ESPN2 | 7:00 PM ET]

RAMS: VCU is limping to the finish line in the CAA, as they've lost consecutive games by double figures. The Rams are 20-8 SU and 11-16 ATS overall this season. Because of their late season stumbles, the only way for the Rams to make the NCAA Tournament field is to win their conference tournament. VCU is 6-5 both SU and ATS in true road games this year. The Rams are 4-2 ATS as the listed underdog this season. VCU will be looking to score some points offensively tonight, as they are just 1-4 ATS in games following a 60 point or less output. F Jamie Skeen is averaging team highs of 14.6 PPG and 7.7 RPG this year for the Rams. G Bradford Burgess is averaging 13.8 PPG and 6.1 RPG this season. The Rams are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games against a team with a winning home record. VCU is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Friday games.

Rams are 5-2 ATS last 7 road games.
Over is 6-2 last 8 games overall.

Key Injuries - G Troy Daniels (foot) is out.

Projected Score: 69 (SIDE of the Day)

SHOCKERS: (-8, O/U 139) Wichita St. appears to be having such a good year that they just might be selected into the NCAA Tournament field whether they win the MVC or not. The Shockers are 22-5 SU and 13-10 ATS overall this season. Wichita St. is 11-3 SU and 4-5 ATS in home games this season. Wichita St. is 13-7 ATS as the listed favorite this year. C J.T. Durley leads the Shcckers with 11.4 PPG this season. G Toure' Murry is averaging 10.1 PPG and a team high 3.5 APG this year. The Shockers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Friday games. Wichita St. is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS loss. The Shockers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Wichita St. is 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games following a SU win. The Shockers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%.

Shockers are 0-4 ATS last 4 non-conference games.
Over is 5-1 last 6 games following an ATS loss.

Key Injuries - None Reported.

Projected Score: 71

UCONN Huskies at Louisville Cardinals [ESPN | 9:00 PM ET]

HUSKIES: UCONN has won consecutive games, including a SU win over Georgetown heading into tonight. The Huskies are 20-5 Su and 12-7 ATS overall this season. UCONN is currently ranked 12th in the nation, easily one of the most surprising teams in all of D1 this year. The Huskies are 4-3 both SU and ATS in true road games this season. UCONN is 5-1 ATS as the listed underdog this year. G Kemba Walker is in the running for National Player of the Year, as he has literally put his teammates on his back for the entire season. Walker is averaging a team high 23.2 PPG and 4.7 APG this year. C Alex Oriakhi is averaging 10.2 PPG and a team high 8.5 RPG this season. The Huskies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games against a team with a home winning percentage greater than .600%. UCONN is 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games following a SU win. The Huskies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS win. UCONN is 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games against a team with a winning SU record. The Huskies are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 Friday games.

Huskies are 7-3 ATS last 10 road games.
Under is 8-3 last 11 games overall.

Key Injuries - None Reported.

Projected Score: 65

CARDINALS: (-3.5, O/U 138) Louisville has alternated wins and losses over their past 5 games. The Cardinals are currently ranked 16th in the nation, thanks to a 19-7 SU and 12-10-1 ATS record this season. Louisville Louisville has been dominant at home this season, as they are 16-2 SU and 8-6-1 ATS. The Cardinals are 10-7 ATS as the listed favorite this year. Louisville is 5-7 ATS after a conference game. G Preston Knowles is averaging a team high 14.9 PPG this year. G Peyton Siva is averaging 10.4 PPG and 5.2 APG for the Cardinals this season. The Cardinals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games against a team with a road winning percentage greater than .600%. Louisville is 4-10 ATS in their last 14 Friday games.

Cardinals are 5-2 ATS last 7 home games against a team with a winning road record.
Under is 6-2 last 8 home games.

Key Injuries - F Jared Swopshire (groin) is out.

Projected Score: 67 (UNDER-Total of the Day)

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**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 08:47 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Friday, February 18

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NY RANGERS (30-24-0-4, 64 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (23-30-0-4, 50 pts.) - 2/18/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 6-1 ATS (+7.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NEW JERSEY is 28-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 20-16 ATS (+39.1 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 7-2 ATS (+9.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 9-7 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 9-7-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.3 Units)

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BOSTON (31-19-0-7, 69 pts.) at OTTAWA (18-30-0-9, 45 pts.) - 2/18/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 20-8 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 113-107 ATS (+235.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
OTTAWA is 18-39 ATS (-52.7 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 8-16 ATS (+25.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
OTTAWA is 5-13 ATS (-10.7 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
OTTAWA is 7-17 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 7-21 ATS (+32.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OTTAWA is 1-7 ATS (-7.5 Units) in home games vs. division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 11-4 (+5.6 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 11-4-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.1 Units)

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DETROIT (34-16-0-6, 74 pts.) at FLORIDA (24-25-0-7, 55 pts.) - 2/18/2011, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 1-1 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 1-1-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.1 Units)

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ST LOUIS (25-21-0-9, 59 pts.) at BUFFALO (27-23-0-6, 60 pts.) - 2/18/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 4-14 ATS (+20.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
ST LOUIS is 72-59 ATS (+136.0 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.
BUFFALO is 9-14 ATS (-7.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
BUFFALO is 3-8 ATS (-8.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BUFFALO is 18-28 ATS (-25.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 2-0-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.1 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (38-14-0-5, 81 pts.) at CAROLINA (27-23-0-8, 62 pts.) - 2/18/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 21-10 ATS (+10.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 38-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) in all games this season.
CAROLINA is 31-40 ATS (-26.2 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
CAROLINA is 7-19 ATS (+29.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 10-1 (+8.5 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 10-1-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.7 Units)

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ANAHEIM (32-22-0-4, 68 pts.) at MINNESOTA (30-22-0-5, 65 pts.) - 2/18/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 30-27 ATS (+62.0 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 127-101 ATS (+244.9 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 13-9 ATS (+22.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 18-12 ATS (+33.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
ANAHEIM is 32-26 ATS (+61.0 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 15-7 ATS (+22.6 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
ANAHEIM is 11-6 ATS (+17.5 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
ANAHEIM is 170-161 ATS (+352.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 142-121 ATS (+266.0 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-5-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)

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COLUMBUS (28-23-0-6, 62 pts.) at CHICAGO (29-22-0-6, 64 pts.) - 2/18/2011, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 21-48 ATS (+84.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 29-28 ATS (+61.5 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 223-258 ATS (-132.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 104-120 ATS (-54.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 10-6-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.5 Units)

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**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 08:51 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Friday, February 18

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DARTMOUTH (5 - 17) at COLUMBIA (13 - 9) - 2/18/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DARTMOUTH is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBIA is 3-2 against the spread versus DARTMOUTH over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBIA is 3-2 straight up against DARTMOUTH over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PRINCETON (19 - 4) at YALE (12 - 10) - 2/18/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
YALE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PRINCETON is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
PRINCETON is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PRINCETON is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
PRINCETON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PRINCETON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PRINCETON is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
PRINCETON is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 50-30 ATS (+17.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PRINCETON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PRINCETON is 3-2 against the spread versus YALE over the last 3 seasons
PRINCETON is 4-1 straight up against YALE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PENNSYLVANIA (9 - 12) at BROWN (9 - 13) - 2/18/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENNSYLVANIA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
PENNSYLVANIA is 60-34 ATS (+22.6 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons.
PENNSYLVANIA is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
BROWN is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
BROWN is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PENNSYLVANIA is 3-2 against the spread versus BROWN over the last 3 seasons
PENNSYLVANIA is 4-1 straight up against BROWN over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HARVARD (18 - 4) at CORNELL (6 - 16) - 2/18/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HARVARD is 31-50 ATS (-24.0 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.
HARVARD is 71-97 ATS (-35.7 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
HARVARD is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games since 1997.
CORNELL is 91-60 ATS (+25.0 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
CORNELL is 51-27 ATS (+21.3 Units) after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CORNELL is 3-2 against the spread versus HARVARD over the last 3 seasons
CORNELL is 3-2 straight up against HARVARD over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CONNECTICUT (20 - 5) at LOUISVILLE (19 - 7) - 2/18/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOUISVILLE is 3-1 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
LOUISVILLE is 3-1 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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VA COMMONWEALTH (20 - 8) at WICHITA ST (22 - 5) - 2/18/2011, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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KENT ST (18 - 8) at DREXEL (17 - 9) - 2/18/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KENT ST is 11-26 ATS (-17.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
DREXEL is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
KENT ST is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
KENT ST is 29-14 ATS (+13.6 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
KENT ST is 51-28 ATS (+20.2 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
KENT ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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MERCER (12 - 15) at N FLORIDA (10 - 17) - 2/18/2011, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MERCER is 4-1 straight up against N FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons

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KENNESAW ST (8 - 18) at JACKSONVILLE (17 - 8) - 2/18/2011, 7:15 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
JACKSONVILLE is 5-0 straight up against KENNESAW ST over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 02-18-2011, 08:54 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Anaheim at Minnesota
The Ducks look to build on their 6-0 record in their last 6 road games. Anaheim is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Ducks favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+110). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Game 1-2: NY Rangers at New Jersey (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.304; New Jersey 12.386
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-140); Over

Game 3-4: Boston at Ottawa (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 10.108; Ottawa 11.575
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+150); Under

Game 5-6: Detroit at Florida (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.877; Florida 11.141
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 7-8: St. Louis at Buffalo (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 12.161; Buffalo 11.271
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+130); Over

Game 9-10: Philadelphia at Carolina (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 12.291; Carolina 10.971
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-135); Under

Game 11-12: Anaheim at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 12.109; Minnesota 10.990
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+110); Over

Game 13-14: Columbus at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.021; Chicago 12.696
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-180); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-180); Under

Announcement

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 2/18 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 2/18 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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