Wednesday's Trends and Indexes - 3/9 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[Udog]

Trends and Indexes

Wednesday, March 9

Good Luck on day #68 of 2011!

At this time, the sports menu in this thread consists of NBA, NCAAB and NHL until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will be posted.

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.

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Matchup Links

NBA Hot and Not

NBA Injuries

NBA Referees

NCAAB Matchups

NCAAB Hot and Not

NCAAB Injuries

NHL Matchups

NHL Injuries

NHL Hot and Not

NASCAR Schedules

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[Udog]

Daily Sports Roundup: March 9

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Stars play host to the Flames on the ice, while the Hornets get a visit from the Mavs, and the Big 12 Tournament starts in Kansas City.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA offers up 11 games on Wednesday night, with Chicago at Charlotte, Utah at Toronto, Oklahoma City at Philadelphia, Golden State at New Jersey, the Clippers at Boston, Indiana at Minnesota, Cleveland at Milwaukee, New York at Memphis, Detroit at San Antonio, Orlando at Sacramento, and Dallas at New Orleans. The Mavericks (46-17 SU, 33-28-2 ATS) are coming off a 108-105 win in Minnesota in their last game on Monday, while the Hornets (37-29 SU, 32-32-2 ATS) fell 85-77 in Chicago last time out on Monday. Dallas and New Orleans have split their season series 1-1 so far, with both teams winning but failing to cover the spread as home favorites in two OVER matchups.

College hoops has the Big East conference tournament continuing at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, while the Conference USA, Mountain West, Pacific-10, and Big 12 conference tournaments get underway at their respective venues. First-round Big 12 matchups at the Sprint Center in Kansas City have Oklahoma State vs. Nebraska, Iowa State vs. Colorado, Oklahoma vs. Baylor, and Texas Tech vs. Missouri. Texas Tech (13-18 SU, 11-14 ATS) fired head coach Pat Knight on Monday after another disappointing season, but he'll still coach the team in the Big 12 Tournament. Missouri (22-9 SU, 11-12-1 ATS) lost three straight games to end the year and dropped out of the AP's Top 25.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, there are seven games on the NHL's schedule for Wednesday, with Atlanta at Carolina, Edmonton at Washington, St. Louis at Columbus, Los Angeles at Detroit, Chicago at Tampa Bay, the Rangers at Anaheim, and Calgary at Dallas. The 35-24-9 Flames got past Nashville 3-2 at home in their last game on Sunday, while the 36-23-7 Stars are coming off a 4-3 road win over Los Angeles on Monday night. Dallas, though, is 0-3 against Calgary so far this season, falling 4-2 on the road in their most recent matchup on February 16 in an OVER result. Olli Jokinen, Tom Kostopoulos, Cory Sarich, and Steve Staios had the goals for the Flames that day, and Miikka Kiprusoff made 22 saves. Mike Ribeiro and Jamie Langenbrunner replied for Dallas in that defeat.

[Udog]

Wednesday's betting tips: Love's streak on hold?

Who’s hot

NHL: The Blackhawks are 8-0 in their last eight overall and the over is 5-0 in their last five overall.

NCAAB: Arizona State is 8-1-1 ATS in its last 10 against Oregon.

NCAAB: Southern Methodist is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 overall.

NBA: The Grizzlies are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games and the over is 4-0 in their last four overall.

NBA: The under is 7-0 in Chicago’s last seven overall and 5-0 in Charlotte’s last five overall.

Who’s not

NHL: The Blue Jackets are 0-5 in their last five overall.

NCAAB: Oklahoma State is 1-7 ATS in its last eight overall.

NCAAB: Tulane is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 overall.

NBA: The Spurs are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.

NBA: The Timberwolves are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games.

Key stat

51 – Consecutive double-doubles for Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love after posting 23 points and 17 rebounds in a 108-105 home loss to Dallas on Monday. It ties the mark set by Moses Malone, who had 51 straight in 1978 and 1979. Love’s 51, though, breaks Malone’s single-season streak of 50. The former UCLA Bruin can break the overall record for consecutive double-doubles when Minnesota hosts Indiana on Wednesday.

Love, however, suffered a bruised left knee when he hit the floor while playing the Mavericks. He missed practice on Tuesday to get an MRI, which revealed the bruise but nothing else. Love is listed as day-to-day and is questionable for Wednesday's contest.

Injuries that shouldn’t be overlooked

The Anaheim Ducks could be dealing with some serious absences when they host the Rangers on Wednesday. Defenseman Saku Koivu missed Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Vancouver with a sore groin and is questionable for Wednesday. Left wing Jason Blake sustained a laceration on his right hand last week and also sat out against the Canucks. He is listed as doubtful for the contest with New York. Goalie Jonas Hiller, meanwhile, has been sidelined since mid-February due to dizziness and fatigue; there is still no timetable for his return.

Biggest games on the slate

Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Hornets

Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning (-101, 5.5)

Notable quotable

“It’s not an ugly situation. I mean, we left on good terms. I’m glad it ended like that, especially after being part of the deal at Indiana. That was tough. But this is different. It’s business…. We've lost seven games in the last minute. I’ve proven I can coach. I run a clean program, I don’t cheat, my players graduate, and we have discipline. So if you don’t want me here, there's going to be someone else that wants me.” – Texas Tech head coach Pat Knight, who will be on the bench for the Big 12 Tournament despite being fired earlier this week. The Red Raiders open on Wednesday against Missouri.

Tips and notes

Tracy McGrady has not played in five straight games for the Detroit Pistons dating back to the well-publicized practice boycott that led to only six players seeing the court in a February 25 loss to Philadelphia. “It's out of my control, man,” McGrady told the Detroit Free Press. “I can't do anything. When the coach says he puts the guys out there he wants to play, I don't really like it. But it is what it is. I can't do anything about it but come in here and practice and wait until I get my number called. It's frustrating. It's really frustrating.” The Pistons have won two of five since the incident as they head into a Wednesday night game against another team trying to stage a bounce-back of its own. San Antonio has not played since getting blown out 99-83 at home by the Lakers on Sunday. McGrady is officially listed as questionable (coach's decision).

Neither the Thrashers nor the Hurricanes have been scoring much of late; the under is 5-1 in Atlanta's last six overall and 5-1 in Carolina's last six home games. The Thrashers have gone 10 straight games without scoring more than three goals in regulation and they put up a breadstick in four of those 10 contests. Nothing indicates a goal-scoring surge is in store for Wednesday. The under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings between the two teams, including in a 3-2 Carolina road win on February 13. Furthermore, Atlanta defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (second on the team in goals, assists, and points) left practice early on Monday with an undisclosed injury and is not making the trip to Raleigh. This will be Byfuglien's first missed game of the season.

[Udog]

Wednesday's six-pack

-- Princeton won at Penn, so Princeton-Harvard will have playoff game at 4pm Saturday on a neutral floor for the Ivy League championship.

-- Belmont basketball coach Rick Byrd once shot even par at Augusta National, which makes him a damn good golfer.

-- LaSalle jumped out to a 13-2 lead, fell behind by 11 at the half, but rallied to upset St Bonaventure in OT in a A-14 tourney game in Olean.

-- Villanova blew a 16-point halftime lead, lost to South Florida, fifth loss in row for the Wildcats-- they're 5-10 in last fifteen games. Simply put, they look lost heading into the NCAA tournament.

-- Zach Greinke broke a rib playing basketball and might start the year on the DL, not how the Brewers wanted to start their season.

-- Miami Heat lost its 5th game in row, at home to Portland. This isn't going to end well for Erik Spoelstra, but it might end soon.


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Wednesday's List of 13: Random mid-week knowledge........

13) Ohio State is going to enter the NCAAs as the #1 team in America; they’re experienced, they’ve got an NBA-ready star in young Sullinger, a great leader in Lighty and this Jon Diebler can really shoot; in two games last week, Diebler made 17-20, yes 17-20 behind the arc. If he made 8-20, he’d be doing damn well. Quite a weapon.

12) How bad is the SEC West this year? Mississippi State finished 2nd, and got a bye in SEC tournament. Bulldogs have had one of the most dysfunctional seasons in recent memory, including a public brawl between teammates in Hawai’i. Go figure.

11) Are the Penn Quakers just unlucky? Not only did they lose three OT games in a row at one point, but opponents shoot 76.1% from the foul line against them, the highest %age against any team in country.

10) I know spring training scores are pretty much meaningless, but they’re not 100% meaningless. Tampa Bay Rays are 2-7 so far this spring. Last spring, they lost eight games all spring. Rays just aren’t as good as they have been.

9) Speaking of the Rays, Joe Maddon let Bucs’ head coach Raheem Morris make a pitching change during Tuesday’s Grapefruit League game. When the Bucs start losing again (like in about a month) some of quirky things Maddon does aren’t going to look so adorable to Rays’ fans.

8) Sun Belt basketball tournament is in Hot Springs, AR. Never been in Arkansas, but Hot Springs sounds like it might be a fun place to visit.

7) Speaking of the Sun Belt, Tristan Thompson of North Texas was 20-20 from foul line Sunday, the first time a D-I college player has taken 20+ FTs in a game and made them all since a kid from Santa Clara named Steve Nash did it. You may have heard of him.

6) According to espn.com. Barry Zito will take home check for $711,000 every two weeks this season. Buster Posey will make $575,000…..for the entire season.

5) Obscure stat of day, from TexasLeaguers.com: Phil Hughes threw 86 changeups all of last year; only two of the 86 were to righthanded batters.

4) With Nebraska joining the Big 11+1 next year, Nebraska-Iowa are going to become border rivals; their annual game will be played the day after Thanksgiving each of the next two years. Should be nice and toasty in both Lincoln/Iowa City that weekend.

3) According to mgoblog.com. Western Michigan had to buy 11,000 tickets to the freakin’ Texas bowl in order to get invited there last year. How many of the 11,000 did they sell? Um, 548. School had to eat the rest of them, meaning they lost a decent chunk of change by going bowling. Not good.

2) Ungrateful backstabber Tiki Barber, having failed in his bid to become the next Walter Cronkite, wants to play in NFL again. Barber is a creep; he became an NFL star when Tom Coughlin fixed his fumbling problems. Barber thanked his coach by burying him in the media on multiple occasions. Terrific guy; who wouldn’t want him around?

1) Last time Mardi Gras was this late in the year was over 150 years ago. Just thought you’d like to know.

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


San Jose State vs. Hawaii
The Warriors look to build on their 4-1 ATS record in their last 5 games as a favorite. Hawaii is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Hawaii favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (-1 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

Game 631-632: Oklahoma State vs. Nebraska (12:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma State 63.942; Nebraska 65.688
Dunkel Line: Nebraska by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Nebraska by 3
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma State (+3)

Game 633-634: Iowa State vs. Colorado (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa State 59.333; Colorado 66.118
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 7
Vegas Line: Colorado by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-4 1/2)

Game 635-636: Oklahoma vs. Baylor (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 57.283; Baylor 66.335
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 9
Vegas Line: Baylor by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baylor (-7 1/2)

Game 637-638: Texas Tech vs. Missouri (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 64.659; Missouri 68.045
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri by 10
Dunkel Pick: Texas Tech (+10)

Game 639-640: Central Florida vs. East Carolina (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Central Florida 58.021; East Carolina 57.126
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 1
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 4
Dunkel Pick: East Carolina (+4)

Game 641-642: Tulane vs. Southern Mississippi (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulane 52.075; Southern Mississippi 62.923
Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 11
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 8
Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-8)

Game 643-644: Houston vs. Marshall (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 51.333; Marshall 62.356
Dunkel Line: Marshall by 11
Vegas Line: Marshall by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marshall (-8 1/2)

Game 645-646: Rice vs. SMU (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Rice 57.751; SMU 55.622
Dunkel Line: Rice by 2
Vegas Line: SMU by 2
Dunkel Pick: Rice (+2)

Game 647-648: San Jose State vs. Hawaii (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 54.438; Hawaii 59.826
Dunkel Line: Hawaii by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Hawaii by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (-1 1/2)

Game 649-650: Fresno State vs. Nevada (5:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Fresno State 52.133; Nevada 56.013
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 4
Vegas Line: Nevada by 1
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-1)

Game 651-652: TCU vs. Wyoming (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: TCU 50.986; Wyoming 53.498
Dunkel Line: Wyoming by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Wyoming

Game 653-654: Oregon State vs. Stanford (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oregon State 58.512; Stanford 60.209
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Stanford by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oregon State (+3 1/2)

Game 655-656: Arizona State vs. Oregon (11:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona State 55.932; Oregon 59.632
Dunkel Line: Oregon by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Oregon

Game 661-662: TX-San Antonio vs. Northwestern State (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: TX-San Antonio 48.419; Northwestern State 47.779
Dunkel Line: TX-San Antonio by 1
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 663-664: Stephen F. Austin vs. Sam Houston St. (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Stephen F. Austin 47.702; Sam Houston St. 54.712
Dunkel Line: Sam Houston St. by 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 665-666: Nicholls State vs. McNeese State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Nicholls State 46.526; McNeese State 53.002
Dunkel Line: McNeese State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 667-668: SE Louisiana vs. Texas State (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: SE Louisiana 49.702; Texas State 49.285
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 669-670: Howard vs. Norfolk State (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Howard 35.923; Norfolk State 43.855
Dunkel Line: Norfolk State by 8
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 675-676: Robert Morris at Long Island (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Robert Morris 51.505; Long Island 54.349
Dunkel Line: Long Island by 3
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 677-678: Prairie View A&M vs. Jackson State (1:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Prairie View A&M 37.165; Jackson State 41.422
Dunkel Line: Jackson State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 679-680: AR-Pine Bluff vs. Texas Southern (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: AR-Pine Bluff 33.623; Texas Southern 41.448
Dunkel Line: Texas Southern by 8
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

[Udog]

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Wednesday, March 9

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OKLAHOMA ST (18 - 12) vs. NEBRASKA (19 - 11) - 3/9/2011, 12:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA ST is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA ST is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in road games against conference opponents this season.
OKLAHOMA ST is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) after a conference game this season.
OKLAHOMA ST is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
NEBRASKA is 53-76 ATS (-30.6 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.

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

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IOWA ST (16 - 15) vs. COLORADO (19 - 12) - 3/9/2011, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-3 against the spread versus IOWA ST over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 3-3 straight up against IOWA ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OKLAHOMA (13 - 17) vs. BAYLOR (18 - 12) - 3/9/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BAYLOR is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in all games this season.
BAYLOR is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
BAYLOR is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA is 4-2 against the spread versus BAYLOR over the last 3 seasons
BAYLOR is 3-3 straight up against OKLAHOMA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TEXAS TECH (13 - 18) vs. MISSOURI (22 - 9) - 3/9/2011, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS TECH is 54-77 ATS (-30.7 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
MISSOURI is 39-24 ATS (+12.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MISSOURI is 2-2 against the spread versus TEXAS TECH over the last 3 seasons
MISSOURI is 4-0 straight up against TEXAS TECH 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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UCF (19 - 10) vs. E CAROLINA (16 - 14) - 3/9/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UCF is 8-15 ATS (-8.5 Units) in all games this season.
UCF is 8-15 ATS (-8.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
UCF is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
UCF is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) against conference opponents this season.
UCF is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) after a conference game this season.
UCF is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) off a loss against a conference rival this season.
UCF is 6-13 ATS (-8.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
UCF is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
E CAROLINA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after scoring 60 points or less this season.
E CAROLINA is 135-176 ATS (-58.6 Units) in all games since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 135-176 ATS (-58.6 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 89-138 ATS (-62.8 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 83-128 ATS (-57.8 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 57-88 ATS (-39.8 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
E CAROLINA is 39-68 ATS (-35.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
E CAROLINA is 5-1 against the spread versus UCF over the last 3 seasons
E CAROLINA is 4-2 straight up against UCF over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TULANE (13 - 16) vs. SOUTHERN MISS (21 - 9) - 3/9/2011, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULANE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent this season.
TULANE is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival this season.
SOUTHERN MISS is 31-20 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SOUTHERN MISS is 31-20 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SOUTHERN MISS is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SOUTHERN MISS is 4-2 against the spread versus TULANE over the last 3 seasons
SOUTHERN MISS is 5-1 straight up against TULANE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (12 - 17) vs. MARSHALL (21 - 10) - 3/9/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARSHALL is 54-77 ATS (-30.7 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.

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

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RICE (13 - 17) vs. SMU (17 - 13) - 3/9/2011, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RICE is 16-34 ATS (-21.4 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
SMU is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 29-13 ATS (+14.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
RICE is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
RICE is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
SMU is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
SMU is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in road games in all tournament games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SMU is 3-3 against the spread versus RICE over the last 3 seasons
SMU is 5-1 straight up against RICE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN JOSE ST (15 - 14) vs. HAWAII (18 - 11) - 3/9/2011, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HAWAII is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) in all games this season.
HAWAII is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) in all lined games this season.
HAWAII is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE ST is 3-2 against the spread versus HAWAII over the last 3 seasons
HAWAII is 3-3 straight up against SAN JOSE ST 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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FRESNO ST (14 - 16) vs. NEVADA (12 - 18) - 3/9/2011, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FRESNO ST is 102-134 ATS (-45.4 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
FRESNO ST is 95-131 ATS (-49.1 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
FRESNO ST is 32-52 ATS (-25.2 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent since 1997.
FRESNO ST is 47-76 ATS (-36.6 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
NEVADA is 57-37 ATS (+16.3 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
NEVADA is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
NEVADA is 6-21 ATS (-17.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FRESNO ST is 6-0 against the spread versus NEVADA over the last 3 seasons
NEVADA is 3-3 straight up against FRESNO ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TCU (10 - 21) vs. WYOMING (10 - 20) - 3/9/2011, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TCU is 22-34 ATS (-15.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TCU is 22-34 ATS (-15.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TCU is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TCU is 3-16 ATS (-14.6 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WYOMING is 4-2 against the spread versus TCU over the last 3 seasons
TCU is 4-2 straight up against WYOMING over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OREGON ST (10 - 19) vs. STANFORD (15 - 15) - 3/9/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
STANFORD is 85-58 ATS (+21.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
STANFORD is 86-58 ATS (+22.2 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
STANFORD is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
STANFORD is 4-4 against the spread versus OREGON ST over the last 3 seasons
STANFORD is 4-4 straight up against OREGON ST over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ARIZONA ST (12 - 18) vs. OREGON (14 - 16) - 3/9/2011, 11:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OREGON is 35-52 ATS (-22.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OREGON is 35-52 ATS (-22.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA ST is 5-1 against the spread versus OREGON over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA ST is 6-0 straight up against OREGON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TX-SAN ANTONIO (16 - 13) vs. NORTHWESTERN ST (18 - 13) - 3/9/2011, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TX-SAN ANTONIO is 2-1 straight up against NORTHWESTERN ST over the last 3 seasons

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SF AUSTIN ST (18 - 10) vs. SAM HOUSTON ST (17 - 12) - 3/9/2011, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAM HOUSTON ST is 1-0 against the spread versus SF AUSTIN ST over the last 3 seasons
SAM HOUSTON ST is 3-2 straight up against SF AUSTIN ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NICHOLLS ST (14 - 13) vs. MCNEESE ST (19 - 10) - 3/9/2011, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MCNEESE ST is 3-3 straight up against NICHOLLS ST over the last 3 seasons

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SE LOUISIANA (15 - 13) vs. TEXAS ST (15 - 15) - 3/9/2011, 9:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS ST is 1-0 against the spread versus SE LOUISIANA over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS ST is 2-2 straight up against SE LOUISIANA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOWARD (6 - 24) vs. NORFOLK ST (10 - 19) - 3/9/2011, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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ROBERT MORRIS (18 - 13) at LONG ISLAND (26 - 5) - 3/9/2011, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ROBERT MORRIS is 3-2 straight up against LONG ISLAND over the last 3 seasons

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PRAIRIE VIEW A&M (10 - 21) vs. JACKSON ST (16 - 14) - 3/9/2011, 1:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
JACKSON ST is 2-1 against the spread versus PRAIRIE VIEW A&M over the last 3 seasons
JACKSON ST is 6-1 straight up against PRAIRIE VIEW A&M over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ARK-PINE BLUFF (7 - 23) vs. TEXAS SOUTHERN (18 - 11) - 3/9/2011, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARK-PINE BLUFF is 1-0 against the spread versus TEXAS SOUTHERN over the last 3 seasons
ARK-PINE BLUFF is 4-3 straight up against TEXAS SOUTHERN over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[Udog]

NCAAB
Write-Up


Wednesday, March 9

Big 12 tournament (Kansas City)
Oklahoma State (+5) lost 65-54 at Nebraska Feb 12, shooting just 36% from floor; Cowboys are 0-8 on Big 12 road this season (1-7 vs spread), with five of eight losses by 11+ points-they covered one of last seven as a dog. Huskers lost three of last four games; they're 2-9 in first game of this tourney last 11 years, with both wins vs Mizzou. Nebraska is 4-4 vs spread as a Big 12 favorite- they're a bubble team that needs this W.

Home side won both Iowa State-Colorado games this year, with Buffs scoring 95-90 points in those games; Colorado is 5-4 in its first tourney games last nine years. Iowa State lost last five tourney games by 9-5-13-14-7 points. Cyclones are 0-8 on Big 12 road (3-5 vs spread), with five of last six road losses by 12+ points. Buffs won three of last four games, lost six of last seven on road, covered four of last five as a favorite.

Home side won both Oklahoma-Baylor games this season; Bears are 1-4 in last five games, losing six of last seven road games- they covered once in last five games as favorite. Sooners snapped 8-game skid with win in home finale vs rival Oklahoma State- Oklahoma lost last five road games (0-4 vs spread last four). Sooners lost in first round of this event in last two Big 12 tournaments, losing by 11-14 points.

Pat Knight is lame duck coach for Tech squad that lost 92-84 (+17) at Missouri Feb 15- Tigers shot 58% that day. Mizzou lost its last three games, but covered six of last eight when favored. Tech covered five of last six road games- they've won at least one Big 12 tourney game in 8 of last 9 years. How will Red Raiders react here? Mizzou lost first game in this tourney four of last five years, but only win was by 21 over Tech.

Big East tournament (NYC)
Georgetown lost its last three games, scoring 48 ppg; they miss injured G Wright; Hoyas are 10-4 in this event last five years. Hoyas lost 78-70 at UConn Feb 16 (+2.5); Walker had 31 points, 7 boards, 10 assists that day. Huskies lost four of last six games, are now 1-5 in Big East tourney last five years, UConn is 2-6 vs spread in last eight tries as favorite.

Rutgers turned ball over 23 times in 58-56 loss (+8) at St John's Feb 2; they were outscored 20-9 on foul line. Red Storm won/covered seven of last eight games- they're 3-2 as Big East home favorite this year. Knights lost five of last seven games, with five of last six road games decided by 4 or less points or in OT- they beat rival Seton Hall in OT yesterday. St John's didn't play yesterday, so that helps them.

Cincinnati has to be happy Villanova got KOd, but how much have they prepped for South Florida? Bulls (+13) lost 74-66 at Cincinnati Jan 12, turning ball over 18 times (-11). Bearcats won/covered five of their last six games- they're 5-6 as a favorite. USF lost eight of last ten games, but covered 10 of last 15- they're 2-2 in Big East tourney, losing by 14-20.

West Virginia won this event LY but has struggled to score since Butler graduated; they lost 79-74 (+2) at Marquette Jan 1, as Crowder scored 29 points-- Eagles shot 52% from floor. Marquette is 4-4 in its last eight games, 7-4 in this event last four years; last night's win helped cement their at-large case. WVU lost three of its last four road games. Marquette got off to 17-0 lead last nite, beat Providence easily by 21.

Big Sky tournament (@ No Colorado)
Home side won both Montana-Northern Colorado games this year, with games decided by 18-13 points. Montana won five of its last six league games, but they lost three of last five games away from home. Only once in last six years has #1 seed won Big Sky tourney; this is first Big Sky final for Bears. Montana is 3-0 in Big Sky finals last six years, rallying from 20 down at half to beat Weber State LY. Montana won nine of last ten games- they are 1-4 vs spread as an underdog this season.

C-USA tournament (El Paso)
Marshall (-2.5) won 63-62 at Houston Feb 1, in strange game that saw Houston's Harris go 2-8 from floor, just 12-20 from line. Cougars faded down stretch, losing last six games (1-4-1 vs spread), with five of the six losses by 11+ points. Herd won one tourney game last six years, losing by 1-1-16 points last three years. Houston won four games to win this tourney in upset LY; they're 4-1 in first tourney game last five years.

SMU beat Rice twice this season, 75-68 (+5.5) on road Jan 29, 76-66 at home (-4.5) Feb 23. Mustangs lost last three games by 2-2-3 points, but did cover three of last four as a favorite. Rice lost six of last eight games; they're 5-7 vs spread as C-USA underdog, 4-3 in first tourney games last seven years. SMU is 0-4 in this event last 4 years, losing by 7-22-9-16- their last C-USA win was 61-59 over Owls in 2006.

Pac-10 tournament (Los Angeles)
Oregon State benched five guys for missing curfew last game; not sure if that matters here. Beavers are 0-4 in this event last four years, losing by 19-31-8-7 points- they split pair with Stanford this season, with home team winning both times. Cardinal won its first tourney games last three years, by 11-8-9 points, but they finished regular season on a 1-5 skid. Stanford is 3-2 as Pac-10 favorite, Beavers 4-10 in last 14 as a dog.

Arizona State was just 4-14 in Pac-10 this season but beat Oregon twice, 60-55 at Mac Court Jan 1 (+1.5), 73-53 (-2) at home six days ago. ASU lost its last seven road games after the win in Eugene. Oregon lost its last four games, all by 8+ points, allowing 84 ppg; they're is 6-2 in their first tournament game last eight years; ASU is 2-6 in tourney openers- they are 3-1 vs Oregon schools this season, 1-13 against rest of the Pac-10.

[Udog]

NCAAB


Wednesday, March 9

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Trend Report
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12:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. GEORGETOWN
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Georgetown's last 7 games
Georgetown is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

12:30 PM
OKLAHOMA STATE vs. NEBRASKA
No trends available
Nebraska is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nebraska's last 7 games

1:00 PM
CENTRAL FLORIDA vs. EAST CAROLINA
No trends available
East Carolina is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing Central Florida
East Carolina is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Central Florida

2:25 PM
RUTGERS vs. ST. JOHN'S
No trends available
St. John's is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
St. John's is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Rutgers

3:00 PM
SAN JOSE STATE vs. HAWAII
No trends available
Hawaii is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Hawaii's last 5 games when playing San Jose State

3:00 PM
IOWA STATE vs. COLORADO
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

3:30 PM
TULANE vs. SOUTHERN MISS
No trends available
Southern Miss is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
Southern Miss is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Tulane

5:00 PM
TCU vs. WYOMING
No trends available
Wyoming is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Wyoming is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games

5:30 PM
FRESNO STATE vs. NEVADA
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nevada's last 6 games
Nevada is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Fresno State

7:00 PM
OKLAHOMA vs. BAYLOR
No trends available
Baylor is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Baylor is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
SOUTH FLORIDA vs. CINCINNATI
No trends available
Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 7 games

7:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. MARSHALL
No trends available
Marshall is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Marshall is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston

9:00 PM
MONTANA vs. NORTHERN COLORADO
Montana is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Northern Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montana's last 5 games when playing on the road against Northern Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Northern Colorado's last 5 games when playing at home against Montana
Northern Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Montana

9:10 PM
OREGON STATE vs. STANFORD
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Stanford's last 7 games when playing Oregon State
Stanford is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games when playing Oregon State

9:25 PM
MARQUETTE vs. WEST VIRGINIA
No trends available
West Virginia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Marquette
West Virginia is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games

9:30 PM
TEXAS TECH vs. MISSOURI
No trends available
Missouri is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Texas Tech
Missouri is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas Tech

10:00 PM
RICE vs. SOUTHERN METHODIST
No trends available
Southern Methodist is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Rice
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Southern Methodist's last 7 games

11:40 PM
ARIZONA STATE vs. OREGON
No trends available
Oregon is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oregon's last 5 games


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[Udog]

Big 12 tourney: Day 1 preview and picks

Oklahoma State vs. Nebraska (-3.5, 124.5)

THE STORY: Both Nebraska and Oklahoma State have shown moments of brilliance this season by knocking off ranked opponents. They'll probably need to sustain such a moment for four days in Kansas City to find their way into the 68-team NCAA Tournament field, though. The journey to that improbable goal begins Wednesday, when the eighth-seeded Cornhuskers face the ninth-seeded Cowboys in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament at Sprint Center.

TV: 12:30 p.m. EST, Big 12 Network, ESPN3.com

ABOUT NEBRASKA (19-11, 7-9 Big 12): After capping a three-game winning streak with a 70-67 home win against Texas, the Cornhuskers limped to the finish, losing three of their last four regular-season games, including a 67-57 loss at Colorado on Saturday. The one win was an impressive one, though, a 69-58 home victory against Missouri, and Nebraska hopes its two recent wins over ranked opponents will help sway the selection committee for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Cornhuskers are one of the nation's best defensive teams, holding opponents to 60.2 points per game and 38.6 percent shooting.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (18-12, 6-10 Big 12): Despite losing four straight in February, the Cowboys had a chance to carry some momentum into this week, but their modest two-game winning streak was snapped with a 64-61 loss at rival Oklahoma on Saturday. The Cowboys boast a dangerous trio in forward Marshall Moses (14.7 ppg) and guards Keiton Page (13.1 ppg) and Jean-Paul Olukemi (11.5 ppg), but they're short of depth, especially after guard Ray Penn's suspension from the team last week for violating team rules.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: The Cornhuskers took the only regular-season meeting, winning 65-54 in Lincoln, Neb., on Feb. 12. Leading scorer Lance Jeter carried the offensive load for Nebraska with 16 points in the win. Moses (18 points) and Page (14 points) had solid games for the Cowboys in the loss, but the rest of the team struggled, combining to shoot 8 for 29 from the field.

UP NEXT: The winner gets a tough matchup in the quarterfinals, as top-seed Kansas awaits — and the Jayhawks will have plenty of support from the crowd in Kansas City.



Iowa State vs. Colorado (-4.5, 153.5)

THE STORY: Iowa State did a good bit of damage to Colorado's postseason resume last week in Ames, Iowa. Now the Cyclones have a chance to finish the job Wednesday in Kansas City, as 12th-seeded Iowa State takes on No. 5 seed Colorado in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament at Sprint Center.

TV: 3 p.m. EST, Big 12 Network, ESPN3.com

ABOUT COLORADO (19-12, 8-8 Big 12): The Buffaloes likely need at least one win, if not more, to play their way off the bubble and into the NCAA Tournament, a more difficult task after last Wednesday's 95-90 loss at Iowa State. Colorado did bounce back for a 67-57 home win against Nebraska on Saturday, but unless they turn some heads this week, it might have been too little, too late.

ABOUT IOWA STATE (16-15, 3-13 Big 12): A 10-game losing streak in January and February did in the Cyclones' season, but they've done their part the past couple of weeks to share the misery. Home wins against Nebraska and Colorado left black marks on otherwise solid postseason resumes, and Iowa State can do more damage this week, if it gets hot. The Cyclones closed the regular season with a 67-55 loss at Kansas State, their 11th loss in 13 games.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: The teams split the regular-season series, with Colorado pounding Iowa State 95-69 in Boulder, Colo., on Feb. 1, and the Cyclones exacting revenge and playing spoiler last week in Ames. Colorado star Alec Burks hurt the Cyclones in both games with 19 points and 10 rebounds in the first meeting and 24 points and nine boards in the second. The Buffaloes were red-hot in the home win in February, shooting 50 percent overall, including 11 for 23 from 3-point range. But the Cyclones returned the favor last week, hitting 57.1 percent from the field and 9 of 20 from 3-point range.

UP NEXT: The winner will face Kansas State in Thursday's quarterfinals; the Wildcats enter the tournament as one of the hottest teams in the conference, riding a six-game winning streak.



Oklahoma vs. Baylor (-7.5, 129.5)

THE STORY: March has been a special month for Baylor the past two years. The Bears made a run to the Big 12 Tournament finals two years ago, and made it to the doorstep of the Final Four a year ago before losing to eventual national champion Duke. After a disappointing regular season, Baylor might need another long march this week in Kansas City to get back to the NCAA Tournament, and it begins when the No. 7 seed Bears take on No. 10 seed Oklahoma at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament at Sprint Center.

TV: 7 p.m. EST, Big 12 Network, ESPN3.com

ABOUT BAYLOR (18-12, 7-9 Big 12): The Bears were ranked as high as ninth after a 7-0 start and another deep run in the NCAA Tournament seemed like a distinct possibility. But they've struggled ever since, losing five of their last six conference games, including a 60-54 home loss to Texas on Saturday. Senior guard LaceDarius Dunn scored 22 points to pass former Texas Tech star Andre Emmett as the Big 12's all-time leading scorer.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA (13-17, 5-11 Big 12): The Sooners seemed to have things turned around when they won four straight conference games in January and February, but things went awry over the past month. Oklahoma lost eight straight before capping the regular season with a 64-61 home win against rival Oklahoma State. Now the Sooners need nothing short of a Big 12 Tournament title to prolong their season past this week.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: The teams split the regular-season series, with each winning at home. The Bears shot a scorching 62.2 percent from the field in a 74-61 win in Waco, Texas, on Jan. 11, but Cameron Clark and Carl Blair Jr. combined for 44 points to lead the Sooners to a 73-66 win in Norman, Okla., on Feb. 2.

UP NEXT: The winner advances to face No. 2 seed Texas — which swept both teams in the regular season — in Thursday's second round.



Texas Tech vs. Missouri (-10, 154.5)

THE STORY: Most experts' projections suggest Missouri doesn't need to do anything more to make the 68-team NCAA Tournament field. But the Tigers would be wise not to leave any doubt, and at least one victory in the Big 12 Tournament this week in Kansas City probably would seal the deal. The sixth-seeded Tigers will have a shot to earn that win in the first round Wednesday at Sprint Center, where they take on No. 11 seed Texas Tech, which could be playing its last game under coach Pat Knight.

TV: 9:30 p.m. EST, Big 12 Network, ESPN3.com

ABOUT MISSOURI (22-9, 8-8 Big 12): The Tigers, who have become a tough matchup in March thanks to coach Mike Anderson's frenetic style of play, were ranked as high as No. 8 this season. But their struggles away from Mizzou Arena led to a slide in the polls and a .500 finish in the Big 12 after Saturday's 70-66 home loss to Kansas. Missouri's pressure defense feeds off partisan crowds, which could be a plus in Kansas City, where a large contingent should be on hand to cheer for the Tigers. A deep run in the Big 12 Tournament probably isn't necessary to punch Missouri's ticket to the NCAA Tournament, but the Tigers wouldn't mind a few wins this week, if only to distance themselves from their three-game losing streak to end the regular-season.

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (13-18, 5-11 Big 12): The Red Raiders showed signs of life in the Big 12 by winning three straight in late January, but they lost seven of their last nine to fade to the back of the pack and ended the regular season with a 66-54 loss at Texas A&M on Saturday. Knight was fired as the Red Raiders' coach Monday; he will step down after the Big 12 Tournament. Texas Tech can keep up on the offensive end, with three players averaging double figures in scoring and another just a shade under 10 points per game, but the Red Raiders struggle at the defensive end, giving up 74.9 points per game and allowing opponents to shoot 45.6 percent from the field — they rank last in the Big 12 in both categories.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: Missouri won the only regular-season meeting, 92-84 on Feb. 15 in Columbia, Mo., as the Tigers' guards led a hot-shooting night. Marcus Denmon scored 20 points, Kim English added 16, and Michael Dixon Jr. had 13, as Missouri shot 58.1 percent from the field and 8 for 17 from 3-point range.

UP NEXT: The winner gets No. 3 seed Texas A&M in Thursday's quarterfinals; the Aggies beat Missouri in overtime Jan. 15 and swept the regular-season series from the Red Raiders.

[Udog]

Pac-10 tourney: Day 1 preview and picks

Oregon State vs. Stanford (-3.5, 134)

THE STORY: Oregon State aims to win its first Pac-10 Tournament game since 2006 when the ninth-seeded Beavers meet No. 8 seed Stanford in a first-round contest on Wednesday. Both teams have struggled of late, with Stanford coming off an uninspired loss to rival California. Oregon State, which has lost seven of its last eight, looks to rebound after five starters were benched for Saturday's loss to Arizona State in the regular-season finale.

TV: 6:10 p.m. EST, Fox Sports Net

ABOUT STANFORD (15-15, 7-11 Pac-10): If Stanford’s performance in Saturday’s 74-55 loss at California is any indication, its time in the Pac-10 Tournament could be short. The Cardinal were outscored 44-16 in the paint and shot 4 of 21 from 3-point range against the Bears, who never trailed in the contest. Junior guard Jeremy Green was the lone bright spot, scoring 19 points. Named to the All-Pac-10 First Team, Green averages 16.5 points and 3.4 rebounds. Over the last 10 games, Green is averaging 21 points and shooting 50 percent (32 of 64) from beyond the arc. Forward Dwight Powell was joined on the conference's all-freshman team by guard Anthony Brown, who scored 21 points in Stanford’s first game against Oregon State.

ABOUT OREGON STATE (10-19, 5-13): Playing without five starters, the Beavers lost 80-66 at Arizona State last Saturday. Coach Craig Robinson benched leading scorer Jared Cunningham, seniors Calvin Haynes, Lathen Wallace and Daniel Deane, and freshman Ahmad Starks for a curfew violation after the team's loss at Arizona on March 3. All five are expected to play in Wednesday’s tournament game. Against Arizona State, freshman guard Roberto Nelson made his first start and scored a career-high 34 points. Cunningham, who was named to the All-Pac-10 second team, averages 13.6 points but had only seven points and five turnovers against Arizona last Thursday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: The teams split the season series, with the Beavers winning 87-80 on Feb. 24 at Gill Coliseum and Stanford winning 70-56 on Jan. 29 at Maples Pavilion. Oregon State holds a 70-62 advantage in the series and the teams are 4-4 over the last eight games.

UP NEXT: The winner faces top-seeded Arizona on Thursday. Stanford was 0-2 against the Wildcats, while Oregon State split the season series.



Arizona State vs. Oregon (0, 128.5)

THE STORY: Oregon aims to end a six-game losing streak to Arizona State when the teams meet Wednesday in a Pac-10 Tournament first-round game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. While Oregon, the seventh seed, ended the regular season with four straight losses, 10th-seeded Arizona State won three of its last five, including two impressive wins over the Oregon schools last week.

TV: 11:40 p.m. EST (approx.), Fox Sports Net

ABOUT OREGON (14-16, 7-11 Pac-10): Despite losing their fourth straight, the Ducks had reason to be encouraged by last Saturday’s 90-82 loss at Arizona. Senior forward Joevan Catron, who scored a career-high 28 points against the Wildcats, was named second-team All-Pac-10, after leading the Ducks in multiple categories, including scoring (15.3 points) and rebounding (6.3). Junior point guard Malcolm Armstead recorded his first double-double with 12 points and 11 assists against Arizona, and junior guard Garrett Sim scored a combined 24 points against the Arizona schools last week.

ABOUT ARIZONA STATE (12-18, 4-14): Seniors Ty Abbott, Rihards Kuksiks and Jamelle McMillan combined for 55 points in last Thursday’s 73-53 win over Oregon and 50 more in the Sun Devils’ 80-66 win over Oregon State last Saturday. Abbott was named Pac-10 Player of the Week after making 12 3-pointers in the two games. Arizona State shot 33 of 76 (43.4 percent) from beyond the arc in its last two games. Sophomore guard Trent Lockett was named second team All-Pac-10 after averaging a team-high 13.1 points per game. Lockett also averaged 5.3 rebounds and shot 50.2 percent from the field.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: Arizona State has won six straight against Oregon, sweeping the Ducks in each of the past three seasons. Oregon has been frustrated this season by Arizona State’s zone defense, with the Ducks’ two worst shooting percentages during conference play coming against the Sun Devils.
In the Ducks’ 60-55 home loss on Jan. 1, Oregon shot 32.1 percent from the field. Playing without Lockett (foot injury), Arizona State received a game-high 19 points from sophomore Carrick Felix. When the teams met in Tempe on March 3, Oregon lost 73-53 after shooting 29.6 percent. Senior Jay-R Strowbridge scored 17 points to pace the Ducks.

UP NEXT: The winner faces No.2 seed UCLA on Thursday. Oregon and Arizona State were a combined 0-4 against the Bruins during the Pac-10 regular season.

[Udog]

Big East tourney: Day 2 preview and picks

Connecticut vs. Georgetown

THE STORY: Neither Georgetown nor Connecticut had the finish to the regular season that they were looking for over the past few weeks. After losing star senior point guard Chris Wright in late February, the 22nd-ranked Hoyas just barely had enough to earn the eighth seed and a first-round bye in this week's conference tournament. They’ll be without Wright again on Wednesday, when the Hoyas face the Huskies in the second round of the Big East Championship at Madison Square Garden.

Connecticut blew out DePaul in Tuesday’s opening round and won the only meeting with Georgetown in February.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, ESPN

ABOUT GEORGETOWN (21-9, 10-8 Big East): The Hoyas were the hottest team in the Big East from the middle of January until the back end of February, ripping off eight straight victories and nine of 10. It all started to go south at home against Cincinnati on Feb. 23, when Wright, the team’s second-leading scorer, went down in the first half with a broken left hand. Georgetown went onto lose that game and the next two to close out the regular season. They ended the season with a 69-47 loss at Cincinnati on Saturday. The Hoyas managed a total of eight assists and shot 32 percent in the setback, despite 21 points from Austin Freeman.

ABOUT CONNECTICUT (22-9, 9-9): Coach Jim Calhoun earned his 300th Big East win in the first round of the tournament on Tuesday, as the Huskies beat up on last-place DePaul, 97-71. After dropping four of five heading into the tournament, Connecticut got back to doing what it does best against the Blue Demons, dominating the glass, 44-20, and spreading the floor with Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lamb. Walker led the way with 26 points, while Lamb added 19, and Alex Oriakhi controlled the inside with 13 points and 19 rebounds.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: The Huskies took the lone meeting this season, 78-70, in Connecticut on Feb. 16. Walker dominated with 31 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds and Jamal Coombs-McDaniel added 23 points for the Huskies. Wright paced Georgetown with 19 points and five assists.

UP NEXT: The winner gets top-seeded Pittsburgh on Thursday. Connecticut lost at the Panthers, 78-63, in its Big East opener on Dec. 27 and the Hoyas fell at home to Pittsburgh, 72-57, on Jan. 12.



Rutgers vs. St. John's

THE STORY: St. John’s wasn’t part of the preseason discussion in the Big East but forced its way in over the last six weeks, winning nine of its last 11 games to shoot up to No. 18 in the country and into the No. 5 seed in the Big East. The Red Storm also get the benefit of playing the Big East Championship at Madison Square Garden, where they have already taken down five ranked teams this season. Thirteenth-seeded Rutgers is coming off an overtime victory against Seton Hall in the first round on Tuesday and will be looking to keep its season alive when it faces the Red Storm on Wednesday.

TV: 2 p.m.. ESPN

ABOUT ST. JOHN’S (20-10, 12-6): Having already secured their first 20-win season since the 1999-00 campaign, the Red Storm enter the Big East tournament as a lock to earn an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament but also as one of the few schools that believes it can take the championship this week. St. John’s went 7-1 at Madison Square Garden, including wins over Top-10 teams Duke, Notre Dame and Pittsburgh. The Red Storm are coming off a 72-56 win over South Florida in the regular-season finale on Saturday. D.J. Kennedy scored 16 points and Dwight Hardy added 14 in the win.

ABOUT RUTGERS (15-16, 5-13): The Scarlet Knight slumped into the tournament having dropped nine of 11 but did not appear ready to end their season on Monday, battling back from deficits in regulation and overtime en route to a 76-70 triumph over 12th-seeded Seton Hall. Jonathan Mitchell hit a 3-pointer in the final minute of regulation to put Rutgers ahead and scored eight of his 25 points in overtime to secure the win.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: The Scarlet Knights took the Red Storm down to the wire on Feb. 2, before falling, 58-56, at Carnesecca Arena on the St. John’s campus. Rutgers fought back from a 10-point deficit to tie it in the final minutes, but Justin Brownlee hit a layup with four seconds left to give the Red Storm the win. Hardy scored 15 points for St. John’s ,while Mitchell led the Scarlet Knights with 21.

UP NEXT: The winner gets fourth-seeded Syracuse in the quarterfinals on Thursday. The Orange were the last team to beat St. John’s at Madison Square Garden, picking up a 76-59 triumph on Jan. 12. Rutgers took Syracuse to overtime on Feb. 19, falling 84-80 at the Carrier Dome.



South Florida vs. Cincinnati

THE STORY: South Florida shocked a slumping team, now it’s time to see if it can upset a surging one. USF found some offense and more importantly some heart in a gripping 70-69 upset of Villanova to advance to the second round of the Big East tournament tonight against Cincinnati. The Bulls erased a 16-point halftime deficit with clutch defensive stops and aggressive attacking on the offensive end – two things that were missing in their 74-66 January loss to Cincinnati.

TV: 7 p.m., ESPN

ABOUT CINCINNATI (24-7, 11-7 Big East): There have been several stretches where the Bearcats didn’t look like an NCAA tournament team, but they’ve sure played like one when it mattered most. They have won five of six, including road wins over a pair of likely at-large teams Georgetown and Marquette. Yancy Gates and Dion Dixon are Cincinnati’s only players averaging double figures, but that’s all it has needed, thanks to a standout defense. The Bearcats lead the conference, allowing just 58.2 points, and have held their last four opponents to 36.2 percent shooting.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA (10-22, 3-15 Big East): The Bulls were uncharacteristically careful and clutch in a second-half rally Tuesday night. The conference’s worst shooting team had three players in double figures but was even more impressive on the defensive end, holding Villanova to just one field goal in the final 12 minutes.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: It took a bench player, Cincinnati’s Sean Kilpatrick, to inject energy into a game between two lifeless offenses on Jan. 12. The freshman scored a game-high 18 points by taking advantage of 18 turnovers by USF, which wound up worst in the conference in turnover margin. The Bulls were still messing around with lineups in that matchup, as current leading scorer Augustus Gilchrist was actually a reserve. Shaun Noriega, who scored a team-high 22 points against Nova, was hardly a scoring option, going 2 of 6 for eight points. Cincinnati was able to find a bit of a rhythm in the second half by taking 35 total trips to the foul line.

UP NEXT: The winner advances to face Notre Dame in the quarterfinals Thursday night.



Marquette vs. West Virginia

THE STORY: Marquette enters its second-round matchup of the Big East tournament in need of another quality win to pad its resume. But it’s actually its opponent that might be playing with the most urgency. No. 20 West Virginia has won three straight but has just one road win over a ranked team and that was back in early January. The defending Big East tournament champions could surely help out their NCAA tournament seeding by adding another quality win away from home against a team they lost to early in conference play.

TV: 9 p.m. EST, ESPN

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA (20-10, 11-7 Big East): The Mountaineers hardly jump off the stat sheet, ranking right in the middle of the conference in nearly every major category. But they certainly jumped over the hump in the final stretch of the regular season. What they lack in flash, they made up for with fundamentally-sound defense, holding opponents to 37 percent shooting during the three-game winning streak. Five starting upper classmen, including three seniors, overcame a five-point deficit in the final 1:19 to beat Louisville on Saturday.

ABOUT MARQUETTE (19-13, 9-9 Big East): The Golden Eagles are primed to be the 11th team invited to the big dance after pulling away from Providence 87-66 Tuesday night in the opening round. They matched the fire of coach Buzz Williams on both ends of the floor, as Darius Johnson-Odom and Jimmy Butler combined for 42 points and held the conference’s leading scorer Marshon Brooks to just 7-of-18 from the field.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: The Mountaineers could have used some of that stifling defense in their 79-74 loss to Marquette in Milwaukee on Jan. 14. They had one of their best shooting nights, going 9 of 19 from the perimeter, but couldn’t halt the conference’s highest-scoring team, namely Jae Crowder, who scored 29 points on 12-of-14 shooting. That matchup marked the high-water mark for Crowder, though, who has disappeared from the offense and recorded double figures in just one of the past four games for Marquette. West Virginia’s John Flowers, who went scoreless in 21 minutes, is trending the opposite direction. The 6-foot-7 forward has picked up his aggressiveness in the front court, scoring 12 points and ripping down 12 rebounds against Louisville.

UP NEXT: The winner advances to face third-seeded Louisville in the quarterfinals Thursday night.

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Calgary at Dallas
The Stars look to build on their 5-1 record in their last 6 games against a team with a winning record. Dallas is the pick (-125) according to Dunkel, which has the Stars favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-125). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

Game 51-52: Edmonton at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 10.859; Washington 11.525
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-285); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-285); Over

Game 53-54: St. Louis at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.991; Columbus 10.943
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+115); Under

Game 55-56: Atlanta at Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 11.119; Carolina 10.129
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-180); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+160); Over

Game 57-58: Chicago at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.264; Tampa Bay 11.072
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-115); Under

Game 59-60: Los Angeles at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.532; Detroit 10.181
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+140); Over

Game 61-62: Calgary at Dallas (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.399; Dallas 12.783
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-125); Under

Game 63-64: NY Rangers at Anaheim (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 12.204; Anaheim 10.611
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+100); Under

[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Wednesday, March 9

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EDMONTON (23-36-0-8, 54 pts.) at WASHINGTON (37-20-0-10, 84 pts.) - 3/9/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 49-98 ATS (+177.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 8-22 ATS (+38.0 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
EDMONTON is 6-19 ATS (+31.8 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
EDMONTON is 8-28 ATS (+46.2 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 21-55 ATS (+105.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 1-5 ATS (-8.2 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.
WASHINGTON is 4-7 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive unders this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 1-1 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 1-1-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

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ST LOUIS (29-28-0-9, 67 pts.) at COLUMBUS (31-26-0-8, 70 pts.) - 3/9/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 29-37 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 6-18 ATS (+27.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
ST LOUIS is 7-18 ATS (-12.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
COLUMBUS is 79-61 ATS (+146.9 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 27-14 ATS (+42.3 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 22-17 ATS (+43.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 10-6 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 10-6-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+7.9 Units)

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ATLANTA (27-28-0-11, 65 pts.) at CAROLINA (31-26-0-9, 71 pts.) - 3/9/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 27-39 ATS (+66.9 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 13-19 ATS (-10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 3-9 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 16-7 ATS (+23.9 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 3 seasons.
CAROLINA is 4-13 ATS (-13.6 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
CAROLINA is 12-21 ATS (-13.2 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 10-6 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 10-6-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.4 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

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CHICAGO (37-24-0-6, 80 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (37-21-0-8, 82 pts.) - 3/9/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 37-29 ATS (-6.1 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 144-146 ATS (+315.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
CHICAGO is 7-1 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days this season.
CHICAGO is 60-30 ATS (+20.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 36-16 ATS (+15.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 2-0-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (36-25-0-5, 77 pts.) at DETROIT (39-19-0-8, 86 pts.) - 3/9/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 33-25 ATS (+66.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 43-39 ATS (+92.9 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
DETROIT is 10-13 ATS (-17.4 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 9-14 ATS (-15.2 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 9-13 ATS (-14.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 7-4 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-4-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
5 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.8 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

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CALGARY (35-24-0-9, 79 pts.) at DALLAS (36-23-0-7, 79 pts.) - 3/9/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 36-30 ATS (+5.7 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 21-16 ATS (-1.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-5-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.4 Units)

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NY RANGERS (35-29-0-4, 74 pts.) at ANAHEIM (35-26-0-5, 75 pts.) - 3/9/2011, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 35-31 ATS (+0.7 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 172-165 ATS (+382.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 3-0 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 3-0-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Wednesday, March 9

EDMONTON at WASHINGTON, 7:00 PM ET
EDMONTON: 2-6 SU at Washington
WASHINGTON: 1-5 SU in non-conf home games

ST LOUIS at COLUMBUS, 7:00 PM ET
ST LOUIS: 12-4 SU off home win by 1 goal
COLUMBUS: 1-8 SU off BB road losses

ATLANTA at CAROLINA, 7:00 PM ET
ATLANTA: 0-6 SU off division win by 1 goals
CAROLINA: 11-29 SU after allowing 5+ goals

CHICAGO at TAMPA BAY, 7:30 PM ET VERSUS
CHICAGO: 10-5 SU vs. Tampa Bay
TAMPA BAY: 23-76 SU after scoring 2 goals or less 4 straight games

LOS ANGELES at DETROIT, 7:00 PM ET
LOS ANGELES: 8-2 SU off OT loss
DETROIT: 2-10 SU if 9+ total goals were scored last game

CALGARY at DALLAS, 9:00 PM ET
CALGARY: 12-5 SU Away off home win
DALLAS: 1-12 SU off division road win

NY RANGERS at ANAHEIM, 10:00 PM ET
NY RANGERS: 4-12 SU off BB wins
ANAHEIM: 0-3 SU vs. NY Rangers

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Write-Up


Wednesday, March 9

Hot Teams
-- Washington won its last five games, allowing eight goals. Edmonton won three of its last four games.
-- Carolina won its last three home games, allowing four goals.
-- Blackhawks won eight of their last nine games.
-- Dallas Stars won five of their last six games. Flames won seven of their last ten games.
-- Rangers won their last three games by combined score of 14-4. Ducks won three of their last four games.

Cold Teams
-- Columbus lost its last five games, scoring 12 goals. Blues lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Thrashers lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Tampa Bay lost its last four games, scoring five goals.
-- Red Wings lost five of their last seven games. Los Angeles lost three of its last four.

Totals
-- Last five Washington games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Columbus games.
-- Five of last six Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Chicago games went over the total. Five of Lightning's last six games stayed under.
-- Under is 6-2 in Detroit's last eight home games.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Calgary games.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Anaheim games.

Back-to-Back
-- Edmonton is 3-6 if it played the night before.
-- Chicago is 7-3 on road if it played the night before.

Series records
-- Edmonton/Washington split their last four games.
-- Blues lost three of their last four visits to Columbus.
-- Thrashers lost their last five games against Carolina.
-- Lightning lost 4-0 at Chicago in LY's meeting.
-- Kings won three of their last four games against Detroit.
-- Flames are 3-0 vs Dallas this year: 3-2/7-4/4-2.
-- Ducks lost 3-0 at New York in LY's meeting.