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**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 06:41 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: March 24

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Sweet 16 gets underway in New Orleans and Anaheim, while the Jazz host the Hornets, and the PGA Tour hits the course in Orlando.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA's two-game schedule for Thursday has Minnesota at Dallas and New Orleans at Utah. The Hornets and Jazz last met on December 17 in New Orleans, with Utah getting blasted 100-71 as a 1-point road favorite in that UNDER result. David West led the way with 23 points for New Orleans in that easy win, while Chris Paul was good for 11 points and 10 assists. Trevor Ariza had 17 points on the night. Paul Millsap tossed in 14 points for the Jazz in that defeat, while departed guard Deron Williams had 10 points.

Over in the NCAA Tournament on Thursday the Sweet 16 gets underway, with No. 3 BYU vs. No. 2 Florida (-3) and No. 8 Butler vs. No. 4 Wisconsin (-4.5) in the Southeast Region in New Orleans, and No. 3 Connecticut (-1) vs. No. 2 San Diego State and No. 5 Arizona vs. No. 1 Duke (-8.5) in the West Region in Anaheim. The top-seeded Blue Devils held off Michigan 73-71 in their second-round matchup on the weekend, with Nolan Smith leading the way on offense with 24 points on the day. Kyrie Irving picked up 11 points for Duke in that victory. The fifth-seeded Wildcats edged Texas by a score of 70-69 in the Round of 32, with Derrick Williams scoring 17 points for Arizona. Duke and Arizona last met back in November 1997, with the Blue Devils grabbing a 95-87 win.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

As well, there are nine games on the NHL's schedule for Thursday, with Atlanta at the Islanders, Ottawa at the Rangers, Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, Edmonton at St. Louis, Anaheim at Nashville, Toronto at Colorado, Columbus at Phoenix, San Jose at Los Angeles, and Montreal at Boston. The rival Canadiens and Bruins last met on March 8 in Montreal, with the home side winning 4-1 as a +105 underdog in a game marred by Bruins d-man Zdeno Chara's hit on Habs forward Max Pacioretty. Lars Eller scored twice for Montreal in that win, while Brian Gionta and James Wisniewski picked up one goal apiece. Carey Price stopped 30 of 31 Boston shots to grab the win in that matchup.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, the PGA Tour's Arnold Palmer Invitational gets underway at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando on Thursday morning, with Tiger Woods set as the oddsmakers' +600 favorite to grab the victory and get his career back on track. Dustin Johnson sits behind Woods on that odds list at +1500, with Hunter Mahan, Phil Mickelson, and Graeme McDowell all pegged at +2000 to pick up the trophy on Sunday. Justin Rose and Bubba Watson are next at +3000, while defending champion Ernie Els is at +4000 odds to win.

**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 06:44 AM

Thursday's betting tips: SDSU-UConn spread flips

Lines to watch

San Diego State opened as a 1-point favorite against UConn but is now listed as a 1-point underdog.

Thursday’s BYU-Florida matchup has seen its total move to 149 after opening around 146.5.

Oddsmakers opened with a 144.5-point total in Arizona’s matchup with Duke before action moved the number to around 147.

Who’s hot

NCAAB: UConn has covered in each of its last seven games.

NCAAB: The over is 8-2 in Wisconsin’s last 10 games overall.

NBA: Dallas has played over the total in 19 of its last 27 contests.

NHL: Anaheim has won eight of its last 10 road games.

Who’s not

NCAAB: The under has cashed in only once in Florida’s last 10 games.

NBA: New Orleans is just 2-8 against the spread in its last 10 meetings with Utah.

NHL: Columbus has won just two of its last 13 contests.

Key stat

345 – The Wisconsin Badgers have been bombarded with questions about their “Wisconsin basketball” style of play over the past week, which has drawn the ire of coach Bo Ryan. But there’s no denying the team thrives with a controlled, tactical offense. According to kenpom.com, the Badgers rank 345th – or dead last – in the nation in adjusted tempo. The flip side to that is Wisconsin also turns the ball over less than any team in the country (7.5 per game) and the Badgers have actually played over the total in eight of their last 10 contests.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Kevin Parrom, Arizona Wildcats: Parrom was forced to sit down with a sprained ankle in Arizona’s win over Texas, but the Wildcats expect that he should be able to suit up against Duke on Thursday. “Kevin has made a lot of progress, and that's one positive thing," coach Sean Miller told reporters Wednesday. "He's worked tirelessly, around the clock, and Justin is a great trainer, and I believe that, just based on watching where he was and where he is that he will be able to play and be effective.” Just how effective he will be is the big questin – the sophomore, who connects at 41 percent from outside, had scored in double figures in four of five games leading up to the Tournament but is averaging just 6.5 points over the last two games.

Game of the day

Arizona Wildcats vs. Duke Blue Devils (-8.5, 147)

Notable quotable

"Our kids will be ready to play. They will not be in awe or intimidated by Kemba Walker, Jim Calhoun, the name Connecticut on the front of their jersey. … We're ready to play and we think, myself included, that we're the better team." – San Diego State coach Steve Fisher told XX Sports Radio in San Diego about his club’s matchup with the UConn Huskies on Thursday. Oddsmakers listed the Aztecs as a 1-point favorite before action flipped that number to UConn -1.

Notes and tips

Few players have had much success trying to keep BYU’s Jimmer Fredette in check with two good wheels, let alone one. That’s why Florida supporters have been anguishing over Kenny Boynton’s status after he sprained his ankle in Saturday’s win over UCLA. Boynton, who’s expected to be Florida’s primary defender lining up against Fredette, took a couple of days off and was able to participate fully in the team’s practice on Wednesday. The sophomore said he didn’t have any problems making his cuts or running at top speed, so that’s good news for the Gators, who are pegged as 3-point favorites.

Just when things looked like they couldn’t get much worse for the Minnesota Timberwolves, they got a whole lot worse. Forward Kevin Love is out for at least the next two games with a groin injury. The T-Wolves kick off a two game road swing in Utah on Thursday and have lost each of their last four, covering the number only once over that stretch. Love leads the team with 20.3 points and 15.3 rebounds per game.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski isn’t going to throw freshman point guard Kyrie Irving back into the starting lineup just yet but did say that Irving would see “significant minutes” against Arizona. Whatever “significant minutes” exactly means in Coach K speak is anyone’s guess, but Irving has played right around 20 minutes in each of the team’s first two Tournament games, scoring 14 points in the opener and 11 against Michigan.

**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 06:47 AM

Thursday's six-pack

Statistical leaders in college basketball this season
-- Scoring: Fredette, BYU 28.5, Brooks Prov 24.6, Oliver SJoseSt 24.3.

-- Rebounds: Faried, M'head St 14.5, Rossiter, Siena 13.2

-- Assists: Johnson UAB 7.7, Cooper, Ohio/Machado, Iona 7.5.

-- 3-point %age: Clark, WF 55.3%, Vaughns, Mason 51.6%.

-- FT%: Warren, Miss 93.3%, McNally, Harv 92.6%, Nixon, Hst 92.2%.

-- St John's assistant Mike Dunlap won two national titles in D-II with Metro State; some D-I program would be wise to hire him as coach.

*****************************

Thursday's List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind.........

13) Reading where some major league executives believe the Mets will shop free agent-to-be Jose Reyes in hopes of trading him for pitching before the July 31 tradeline.

12) One scout out in Arizona (half the teams train in Arizona now) said the Diamondbacks were, by far, the worst team he had seen. Snakes just don’t have a lot of big league talent.

11) Newspapers write celebrities’ obituaries ahead of time, so when the time comes, they can just plug them into the paper. Apparently the New York Times had written Elizabeth Taylor’s obit so long ago that the person who wrote it has been dead himself for six years.

10) Steve Nash had his 8th career 20+-assist game Tuesday night. The man is remarkable.

9) Names popping up in coaching rumors: former Nets coach Lawrence Frank to Tennessee; Matt Painter to Missouri after Mike Anderson went to Arkansas. Anderson will be a tough act to follow at Mizzou- he wins and plays a fun style to watch.

8) I laugh when I see coaching jobs in Big 12 or Pac-10 being rumored for career assistants who have never been head coaches before. These are not entry-level positions. Coaches who do best at the highest level win at a lower level first.

7) 17 of the 48 NCAA tournament games last weekend were decided by 5 or less points.

6) Cool article by Phil Rogers in the Chicago Tribune, talking about how the Cubs have had 37 regular centerfielders over the last 57 years, with Rick Monday (five years) having the longest tenure as the starter.

5) Most people remember Monday for saving the American flag from two men who were trying to burn it on during a game in Dodger Stadium, but I remember him as the guy the A’s traded for pitcher Ken Holtzman, the trade that cemented Oakland as the dynasty they were in the early 70’s.

4) State of Tennessee had four teams in the NCAAs, but didn’t get a win out of any of them. At least they have the women's tournament.

3) Sad story about Steelers’ backup QB Charlie Batch, who despite playing 13 years in NFL (and once signing a $13M signing bonus) is declaring bankruptcy. If you have that much money, why not just throw it in the bank (at least a good chunk of it) and play it safe?

2) Joe from Bel Air wrote in to inform us that the last five NCAA hoop champs had a combined spread record of 26-4 during those tournaments. Teams that win the title move on each round by decisive amounts.

1) Seeing as how Jose Reyes plays shortstop not only for the Mets, but for my fantasy league team, could the Mets at least trade him to Colorado or the Red Sox? Somewhere with a good hitter’s park. Not crazy about the ballparks in San Francisco or Detroit. Anything would be better than Citi Field, though.

**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 06:50 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

THURSDAY, MARCH 24

Game 805-806: BYU vs. Florida (7:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 67.431; Florida 72.085
Dunkel Line: Florida by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-2 1/2)

Game 807-808: Butler vs. Wisconsin (9:55 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 66.607; Wisconsin 69.136
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 5
Dunkel Pick: Butler (+5)

Game 809-810: Connecticut vs. San Diego State (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 75.228; San Diego State 72.697
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+1)

Game 811-812: Arizona vs. Duke (9:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 65.775; Duke 77.119
Dunkel Line: Duke by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-8 1/2)

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

Game 877-878: Marquette vs. North Carolina (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 69.804; North Carolina 71.703
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+4 1/2)

Game 879-880: Kentucky vs. Ohio State (9:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kentucky 71.811; Ohio State 80.135
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (-5 1/2)

Game 881-882: Richmond vs. Kansas (7:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 67.162; Kansas 75.991
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 9
Vegas Line: Kansas by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Richmond (+10 1/2)

Game 883-884: VCU vs. Florida State (9:55 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: VCU 63.492; Florida State 70.760
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-3 1/2)

**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 06:52 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Thursday, March 24

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BYU (32 - 4) vs. FLORIDA (28 - 7) - 3/24/2011, 7:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BYU is 51-78 ATS (-34.8 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
BYU is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
BYU is 55-89 ATS (-42.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
FLORIDA is 54-30 ATS (+21.0 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
FLORIDA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
BYU is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BYU is 1-0 against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
BYU is 1-0 straight up against FLORIDA 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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BUTLER (25 - 9) vs. WISCONSIN (25 - 8) - 3/24/2011, 9:55 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUTLER is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
BUTLER is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all neutral court games this season.
BUTLER is 97-70 ATS (+20.0 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
BUTLER is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing on a neutral court this season.
BUTLER is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
BUTLER is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all tournament games this season.
BUTLER is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BUTLER is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.

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

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CONNECTICUT (28 - 9) vs. SAN DIEGO ST (34 - 2) - 3/24/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO ST is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO ST is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
SAN DIEGO ST is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
SAN DIEGO ST is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in non-conference games this season.
SAN DIEGO ST is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN DIEGO ST is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all neutral court games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing on a neutral court this season.
CONNECTICUT is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all tournament games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CONNECTICUT is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.

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

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ARIZONA (29 - 7) vs. DUKE (32 - 4) - 3/24/2011, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DUKE is 43-30 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DUKE is 43-30 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DUKE is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 this season.
DUKE is 43-29 ATS (+11.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DUKE is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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Friday, March 25

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MARQUETTE (22 - 14) vs. N CAROLINA (28 - 7) - 3/25/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N CAROLINA is 115-86 ATS (+20.4 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in a neutral court game where the total is 145 to 149.5 since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MARQUETTE is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 16-3 ATS (+12.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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KENTUCKY (27 - 8) vs. OHIO ST (34 - 2) - 3/25/2011, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO ST is 40-22 ATS (+15.8 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 since 1997.
OHIO ST is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 174-135 ATS (+25.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
OHIO ST is 111-81 ATS (+21.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
KENTUCKY is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.

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

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RICHMOND (29 - 7) vs. KANSAS (34 - 2) - 3/25/2011, 7:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
RICHMOND is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
RICHMOND is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
RICHMOND is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
RICHMOND is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all neutral court games this season.
RICHMOND is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing on a neutral court this season.
RICHMOND is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
RICHMOND is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all tournament games this season.
RICHMOND is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
RICHMOND is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
RICHMOND is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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VA COMMONWEALTH (26 - 11) vs. FLORIDA ST (23 - 10) - 3/25/2011, 9:55 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VA COMMONWEALTH is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.

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

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**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 06:55 AM

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Thursday, March 24

BYU vs. at FLORIDA, 7:15 PM ET - NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Superdome - New Orleans, LA
BYU: 5-14 ATS in all tournament games
FLORIDA: 7-0 ATS in road games after covering 3 of their last 4 against the spread

BUTLER vs. at WISCONSIN, 9:55 PM ET - NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Superdome - New Orleans, LA
BUTLER: 7-0 ATS in all neutral court games
WISCONSIN: 7-1 UNDER in road games after having won 2 of their last 3 games

CONNECTICUT vs. at SAN DIEGO ST, 7:00 PM ET - NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Honda Center - Anaheim, CA
CONNECTICUT: 21-39 ATS in road games after 2 straight wins by 10 points or more
SAN DIEGO ST: 11-4 ATS in non-conference games

ARIZONA vs. at DUKE, 9:30 PM ET - NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Honda Center - Anaheim, CA
ARIZONA: 13-4 ATS after a game where they covered the spread
DUKE: 2-8 ATS after covering 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread

Friday, March 25

MARQUETTE vs. at N CAROLINA, 7:00 PM ET - NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Prudential Center - Newark, NJ
MARQUETTE: 17-5 ATS as an underdog
N CAROLINA: 15-25 ATS when playing only their 2nd game in a week

KENTUCKY vs. at OHIO ST, 9:30 PM ET - NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Prudential Center - Newark, NJ
KENTUCKY: 22-10 OVER in a NCAA tournament games
OHIO ST: 11-3 OVER after 2 consecutive covers as a favorite

RICHMOND vs. at KANSAS, 7:15 PM ET - NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Alamodome - San Antonio, TX
RICHMOND: 12-5 ATS after allowing 60 points or less
KANSAS: 1-8 ATS after 2 or more consecutive unders

VA COMMONWEALTH vs. at FLORIDA ST, 9:55 PM ET - NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Alamodome - San Antonio, TX
VA COMMONWEALTH: 7-0 ATS in a NCAA tournament games
FLORIDA ST: 5-13 ATS after 2 consecutive non-conference games

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 06:56 AM

NCAAB
Write-Up

Thursday, March 24

UConn, San Diego State both won last seven games; Huskies have been down this road before, winning West region three times in last 12 years, but huge edge in experience (Aztecs #61, UConn #332), plus being close to home (Anaheim) has to help San Diego State here. Walker has often been one-man gang for Huskies, something Fisher has seen before, with three games against Jimmer under his belt. Underdogs are 8-7 vs spread in last 15 regional semis with #2-3 seeds playing. I think Aztecs win.

BYU beat Florida 99-92 in double OT in first round of NCAAs LY, but key player for Cougars after Fredette (37 points) was backup PG Loyd (26 points off bench), who transferred after season. Gators turned ball over 21 times (-9) in that game. Boynton tweaked ankle in UCLA game, didn't practice Monday, but did Wednesday; they'll need him close to 100% to help contain prolific Jimmer. Florida ranks 30th in defending 3-pointers; key to BYU is how does supporting cast shoot? Fredette will get his; if other guys are making shots, BYU becomes much tougher.

Last seven times Duke played in regional semis, they are 2-5, including a 2-3 mark in this round last five times they were a #1-seed; in their last 11 regional semis, Duke is just 3-8 vs spread. Arizona's star Williams is 8th in country in getting to foul line; we'll see how long that lasts against Blue Devil squad that often gets friendly whistle. Duke won at Oregon 98-71 in only game vs Pac-10 squad (Singler's homecoming game). One sneaky thing in Arizona's favor: Wildcats are #3 in defending 3-pointers, and that is Duke's lifeline, but Blue Devils are also getting Irving into the flow after he's come back from lengthy injury absence.

Over last three years, favorites are 16-8 vs spread in this round, so edge to Wisconsin in what figures to be lower-scoring game (Butler is #280 in pace, Badgers #345 (last)). Wisconsin is 2-0 vs Horizon teams this year, beating Milwaukee 61-40, Green Bay 70-56. #8-9 seeds get to this point by upsetting a #1-seed, which is big, but over last 15 years, #8-9 seeds are just 2-5 vs spread in regional semis. Big 11 non-conference favorites of 6 or less points are 10-16 vs spread. Horizon dogs of 6 or less? 13-9.

**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 07:00 AM

NCAAB

Thursday, March 24

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Trend Report
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7:15 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. SAN DIEGO STATE
No trends available
San Diego State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego State's last 6 games

7:27 PM
BYU vs. FLORIDA
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Florida's last 10 games
Florida is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

9:45 PM
ARIZONA vs. DUKE
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Duke's last 15 games
Duke is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

9:57 PM
BUTLER vs. WISCONSIN
No trends available
Wisconsin is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Wisconsin's last 6 games

Friday, March 25

7:15 PM
MARQUETTE vs. NORTH CAROLINA
No trends available
North Carolina is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
North Carolina is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games

7:27 PM
RICHMOND vs. KANSAS
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas's last 7 games
Kansas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
SANTA CLARA vs. SOUTHERN METHODIST
Santa Clara is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Santa Clara's last 6 games on the road
Southern Methodist is 11-4-1 ATS in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Southern Methodist's last 7 games

9:45 PM
KENTUCKY vs. OHIO STATE
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Ohio State's last 10 games
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

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**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 07:03 AM

NCAAB

Thursday, March 24

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NCAA Tournament: Thursday's Sweet 16 preview and picks
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(3) Connecticut Huskies vs. (2) San Diego State Aztecs

THE STORY: No. 2 seed San Diego State’s two losses this season came against Brigham Young and Jimmer Fredette, who lit up the Aztecs for 68 points on 47 percent shooting in those games. Now San Diego State, which had never won an NCAA tournament game until this month, must deal with No. 3 seed Connecticut’s star Kemba Walker in the West Regional semifinals on Thursday in Anaheim, Calif. Walker, a 6-foot-1 junior, is almost as prolific as Fredette. He is averaging 23.5 points, coming off a 33-point outburst against Cincinnati and also setting up teammates (17 assists in two tournament games). Walker has lifted UConn to its 16th appearance in the Sweet 16. The Aztecs counter with one of the nation’s top frontcourts in Kawhi Leonard (15.6 points, 10.6 rebounds), Malcolm Thomas (11.4, 8.1) and Billy White (10.1 points). And their coach, Steve Fisher, has been here before - he guided Michigan to the national title 22 years ago.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, CBS. ODDS: San Diego State -1

PREDICTION: San Diego State 70, UConn 68. With the game in Anaheim, the Aztecs should have a big homecourt advantage. The crowd and San Diego State’s balance - five players average nine or more points - will be just enough to overcome another 30-point night from Walker, and get the Aztecs into the Elite Eight.

(3) BYU Cougars vs. (2) Florida Gators

THE STORY: Florida got a close look at Jimmer Fredette’s magic in last year’s NCAA tournament and hopes to have a different result when the Gators face Brigham Young in the Southeast Regional semifinals in New Orleans on Thursday. Fredette scored 37 points as BYU notched a 99-92 double-overtime first-round victory over Florida last season in what represented a disappointing early exit for the Gators. Third-seeded BYU is playing in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1981 mainly because of Fredette, the high-scoring guard who is up for Naismith National Player of the Year honors. Second-seeded Florida is making its seventh Sweet 16 appearance, but its first since winning the 2007 national championship.

TV: 7:27 p.m. ET, TBS. ODDS: Florida -2.5

PREDICTION: Florida 86, BYU 77. The Gators have the inside game to take advantage of Davies’ absence and slow down Fredette just enough to avenge last year’s loss.

(5) Arizona Wildcats vs. (1) Duke Blue Devils

THE STORY: Defending champion Duke, in the Sweet 16 for the 12th time in 14 years, meets Arizona in the West Regional semifinals on Thursday in a rematch of their national title game from a decade ago. The Blue Devils won that one 82-72, and they’re favored again to oust a Wildcats squad that pulled out two nailbiters to get here. Duke blew out Hampton in its opener before surviving by two against Michigan. Each team features its conference's player of the year - Duke senior guard Nolan Smith (20.9 points, 5.3 assists) and Arizona sophomore forward Derrick Williams (19.2 points, 8.2 rebounds). The Blue Devils have a big edge in tournament experience, but the Wildcats should have more fan support playing in Anaheim, Calif. Williams, who hails from nearby La Mirada, Calif., said he can’t wait to get home and play in front of a huge contingent of family and friends.

TV: 9:45 p.m. ET, CBS. ODDS: Duke -8

PREDICTION: Duke 77, Arizona 72. Miller is building a powerhouse in the desert, but the Wildcats aren’t quite ready to take down an established one such as Duke. Arizona struggled to defend penetration against the Longhorns, so look for Smith to take over and lead the Blue Devils to the Elite Eight.

(8) Butler Bulldogs vs. (4) Wisconsin Badgers

THE STORY: The Butler magic is on the loose again and the eighth-seeded Bulldogs seek a return to the Elite Eight when they face fourth-seeded Wisconsin in the Southeast Regional in New Orleans on Thursday. The Bulldogs wreaked havoc on the bracket a year ago by crashing the championship game and have notched dramatic last-second victories over Old Dominion and Pittsburgh in their first two games this season. Wisconsin also survived its second game against Kansas State with spectacular play late in the contest. The Badgers are back in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2008 and making their fourth Sweet 16 appearance under coach Bo Ryan. The Badgers aren’t flashy but they rarely make mistakes. Butler has won 11 consecutive games and is 7-1 in its last eight NCAA tournament games with the lone loss being to Duke in last season’s NCAA title game.

TV: 9:57 p.m. ET, TBS. ODDS: Wisconsin -4

PREDICTION: Butler 53, Wisconsin 51. A tight game goes down to the wire with Butler squeaking out a last-second win for the third straight time despite typical Wisconsin defensive precision and effort.

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**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 07:07 AM

NCAAB

Thursday, March 24

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NCAA Tournament: Friday's Sweet 16 preview and picks
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(11) Marquette Golden Eagles vs. (2) North Carolina Tar Heels

THE STORY: Marquette, a No. 11 seed, looks to keep its unexpected postseason run going when it faces second-seeded North Carolina in an East Regional semifinal on Friday in Newark, N.J. The Big East Conference sent 11 teams to the NCAA tournament, but only two remain including Marquette, which squeezed into the field as the league's 11th-place team. The Golden Eagles punched their Sweet 16 ticket with a 66-62 victory over Big East rival Syracuse on Sunday, while the Tar Heels held off Washington in an 86-83 thriller. Marquette is in the regional semifinals for the first time since its 2003 Final Four trip, while North Carolina is making its fifth Sweet 16 appearance in seven years.

TV: 7:15 p.m., CBS. ODDS: North Carolina -4.5

PREDICTION: North Carolina 84, Marquette 79. Both teams can - and will - score in bunches, but the Tar Heels' size advantage in the paint should prove decisive.

(12) Richmond Spiders vs. (1) Kansas Jayhawks

THE STORY: Markieff and Marcus Morris are ready to bust out on the national stage and take No. 1 seed Kansas with them. With the way the Southwest Regional is shaping up, the Jayhawks have the road they need to get to Houston and the Final Four. The next team standing in their way is No. 12 seed Richmond, which coasted into the Sweet 16 and is playing with plenty of confidence as an underdog with some experience. Kansas will be looking to take the next step when it faces the Spiders on Friday in the regional semifinals in San Antonio, Texas.

TV: 7:27 p.m. ET, TBS. ODDS: Kansas -11

PREDICTION: Kansas 78, Richmond 64. The Spiders will put up a fight mainly because Harper is tall enough to challenge the Morris twins on the perimeter. But in the end, the Jayhawks will wear them down just like they did to Illinois and Boston University in their first two games.

(4) Kentucky Wildcats vs. (1) Ohio State Buckeyes

THE STORY: Several of the country's most talented freshmen will be on display when top-seeded Ohio State takes on No. 4 seed Kentucky in an NCAA tournament East Regional semifinal Friday in Newark, N.J. The Buckeyes are led by first-year power forward Jared Sullinger, a Naismith Award finalist, while the Wildcats are led by guard Brandon Knight and forward Terrence Jones, both of whom joined Sullinger on the Freshman All-America first team. Knight scored a career-high 30 points to lead Kentucky to a third-round victory over West Virginia on Saturday. Ohio State won its first two tournament games by an average of 30.5 points.

TV: 9:45 p.m. ET, CBS. ODDS: Ohio State -5

PREDICTION: Ohio State 79, Kentucky 68. The Wildcats have the size, talent and athleticism to seriously challenge the Buckeyes, but Ohio State's experience and inside-out balance should make the difference.

(11) VCU Rams vs. (10) Florida State Seminoles

THE STORY: Virginia Commonwealth was a controversial at-large selection by the NCAA tournament committee as a team that finished fourth in the Colonial Athletic Association. But the 11th-seeded Rams have proven the committee right so far with three straight wins to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history. Florida State was not supposed to get to the regional semifinals either, though with an Atlantic Coast Conference pedigree, the 10th-seeded Seminoles aren’t sneaking up on anybody. VCU will try to keep Cinderella’s slipper on a little longer when it faces Florida State in the Southwest Regional in San Antonio on Friday.

TV: 9:57 p.m. ET, TBS. ODDS: Florida State -3.5

PREDICTION: Florida State 62, VCU 56. A defensive slugfest favors the Seminoles, who play that style better than anyone. Skeen will provide some matchup problems for Florida State and will keep the Rams in the game, but in the end, the Seminoles will stop the Cinderella run.

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**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 07:12 AM

NBA
Write-Up

Thursday, March 24

Hot Teams
-- None

Cold Teams
-- Minnesota lost its last four games (1-3 vs spread). Mavericks are 4-5 in their last nine games.
-- Utah lost nine of its last 13 games. Hornets are 4-7-1 vs spread in last 12 games as a favorite.

Totals
-- Four of last five Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2 in last seven New Orleans games.

Back-to-Back
-- Utah is 6-10 vs spread if it played night before, 2-4 at home.

**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 07:14 AM

NBA

Thursday, March 24

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Trend Report
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8:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DALLAS
Minnesota is 1-17 SU in its last 18 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Dallas's last 24 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Minnesota

9:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. UTAH
New Orleans is 8-15-1 ATS in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New Orleans's last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games at home
Utah is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home

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**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 07:16 AM

NBA

Thursday, March 24

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Pick 'n' roll: Thursday's best NBA bets
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Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks (N/A)

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle is trying to get his club ready for the playoffs with 12 games remaining, eight of which are against teams either holding down postseason spots or still in the race.

"We haven't beaten a good team lately, so we've got to get back to playing some defense, play our style of basketball, run up and down, get some good looks in transition,'' forward Dirk Nowitzki said. "I think the Golden State game was already a step forward in the right direction.

But Thursday’s game against the Timberwolves isn’t a contest that should push the Mavs much at this point in the season – especially with Kevin Love sitting out for Minnesota with a groin injury.

The other factor that weighs in here is that this is the team’s last game before it heads out on a tough, six-game road swing on the West Coast.

Be careful not to eat too much chalk before the Mavs really rev it up.

Pick: N/A

New Orleans Hornets at Utah Jazz (1.5, 191)

Chris Paul was on a crazy hot streak before he ran into the Boston Celtics on Saturday. After sitting out two games with a concussion earlier this month, he came back and averaged 28.7 points, 11.3 assists and 5.7 rebounds over the next three contests.

But against the Celtics, Paul went 0-for-9 from the field and finished with only four points in an 89-85 loss. To his credit, he did dish out 15 assists, though the Hornets are best when he’s a threat to score the ball every time he brings it up the floor.

"It's going to be hard for us to win if I play like that," Paul told reporters. "I don't have a stat guy on my shoulder during the game telling me what I'm shooting. I'm just going to keep shooting."

That’s the good news for Hornets bettors. Paul has been held without a field goal only four times in his career and you can bet he’ll bounce back with a big game against Utah.

Pick: Hornets

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**Udog** · 03-24-2011, 07:19 AM

NHL
Write-Up

Thursday, March 24

Hot Teams
-- Islanders won four of their last five home games.
-- Montreal is 5-0 in game following its last five losses.
-- Rangers won last five games, outscoring foes 21-10. Senators won six of their last nine road games.
-- Penguins won five of their last seven games.
-- Ducks won their last four games, the last three in OT. Nashville won six of its last seven games.
-- Maple Leafs won three of their last four games.
-- Coyotes won six of their last seven games.
-- Sharks won their last four games, scoring 20 goals. Los Angeles won five of its last seven games.

Cold Teams
-- Thrashers lost 15 of their last 21 games.
-- Bruins lost six of their last eight games.
-- Flyers lost four of their last five home games.
-- Edmonton lost its last seven games, outscored 25-7. Blues lost four of their last five games.
-- Colorado lost eight of its last nine home games.
-- Columbus lost four of its last five games.

Totals
-- Last four Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Boston home games stayed under total.
-- Over is 5-2 in Rangers' last seven games.
-- Three of last four Philly home games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Edmonton games stayed under total.
-- Over is 5-2 in last seven Anaheim games.
-- Seven of last eight Colorado games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Columbus road games went over the total. Last four Phoenix games all stayed under.
-- Kings' last three games all stayed under the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Anaheim is 1-6 if playing second traight night on road.
-- San Jose is 6-5 if it played the night before.

Series records
-- Islanders lost three of last four games against Atlanta.
-- Canadiens won six of last seven games against Boston
-- Rangers won five of last seven games against Ottawa.
-- Flyers won three of last four games against Pittsburgh.
-- Blues won five of last six games against Edmonton.
-- Predators won last three games vs Anaheim, allowing two goals.
-- Avalanche won 4-1 at Toronto in LY's meeting.
-- Coyotes won five of last six games against Columbus.
-- Sharks won three of last four visits to Staples Center.

Announcement

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 3/24 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 3/24 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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