Announcement

**StarDust Bum** · 11-07-2011, 06:12 PM

William & Mary-St. John's tip off season Monday

WILLIAM & MARY TRIBE

at ST. JOHN’S RED STORM

Tip-off: Monday, 7:00 p.m. EDT
Line: TBD

After bringing a veteran squad back to the NCAA Tournament in his first year at the helm, St. John’s head coach Steve Lavin will try to repeat the feat with an elite group of freshmen this season. The new-look Red Storm tip things off Monday night when they host an always-dangerous William & Mary squad at Carnesecca Arena.

It’s going to be a major challenge for an inexperienced team that didn’t look particularly good in exhibition play. The Red Storm struggled to pull away from Division III St. Mary’s (Md.) in a home exhibition on Tuesday, trailing with five minutes left before pulling out a 77-70 win. Last year they were 7-3 SU, but just 2-6 ATS in non-conference play before New Year’s, including three straight ATS losses to start the year. William & Mary ranked 40th in the nation in three-pointers per game (7.8), and the Tribe bring back eight of their top nine scorers from last season. They were just 2-13 SU on the road a year ago, but 7-6 ATS, including a near-upset (63-60 loss) at 21-point favorite Syracuse in their third game of the year. WILLIAM & MARY is the pick.

Swingman Quinn McDowell (15.5 PPG, 45.5% three-point shooting) leads William & Mary after averaging double-digit points each of the past two years. Sophomore guard Julian Boatner could be ready for a step up after averaging 2.6 threes per game on 47.5% shooting from behind the arc in his 18 starts last season. The Tribe did have defensive issues a year ago, allowing 67.9 points per game despite their slow tempo. They were one of only four teams in the nation to force less than 10 turnovers per game (9.9).

Reserve point guard Malik Stith is the only returning scholarship player, but the Red Storm recruiting class is stacked, considered one of the five best in the nation. Freshman forwards Moe Harkless (17.0 PPG, 13.0 RPG in two exhibition games) and Sir’Dominic Pointer and JUCO power forward God’s Gift Achiuwa (18.0 PPG on 77.3% shooting, 9.5 RPG in exhibition play) figure to give them excellent frontcourt play right off the bat. The backcourt is more of a question mark though, especially after freshman D’Angelo Harrison, their top three-point threat, shot just 3-for-14 from behind the arc during exhibition play.

**StarDust Bum** · 11-07-2011, 06:14 PM

No. 16 Arizona hosts Valpo on Monday night

VALPARAISO CRUSADERS (0-0)

at ARIZONA WILDCATS (0-0)

Tip-off: Monday, 9:00 p.m. EDT
Line: TBD

After Arizona finished its 2010-2011 campaign with an Elite Eight berth, knocking off No. 1 seed Duke along the way, the Wildcats return this year with the hopes advancing even farther despite losing their two best players. No. 16 Arizona takes on Valparaiso to start both of their seasons in a game benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.

Arizona’s success last year hinged on Derrick Williams and Lamont Jones, their two leading scorers. Although both of them are gone, the ‘Cats return their other three starters from a team that went 30-8 last season including an unbeaten 17-0 at home, outscoring visitors by 15.7 PPG. In the past two Novembers, they are 9-1 ATS, while Valpo is 5-9 ATS in November action since 2008. Between the three returning starters and adding a top recruit, play on ARIZONA to win big in its season opener.

Arizona’s three returning starters are Kyle Fogg, Solomon Hill and Jesse Perry. Fogg in particular may benefit from an increased role as he showed the potential to score last season with 8.1 PPG and hitting 50 three-pointers. Additionally, Josiah Turner is one of the top point-guard recruits in the nation, helping to fill out a roster that will be talented from top to bottom. Although it may take a little time for this team to find its new offensive rhythm, the Wildcats should have no problem with a middle-of-the road Horizon team like Valparaiso, which has a new head coach this season.

Homer Drew stepped down from the top spot he’s held for 22 years to let his son Bryce (of 1998 NCAA Tournament buzzer-beater fame) move up from assistant coach to head coach. Like the Wildcats, the Crusaders start this year without their top two scorers from last season. Brandon Wood (who transferred to Michigan State) and Cory Johnson combined for over 30 points per game. This could mean 6-foot-7 swingman Ryan Broekhoff will see an increased presence in the offense. The junior averaged 10.3 points per game in his sophomore year, leading the team in blocks and rebounds while serving as an inside and outside threat on offense. He has the potential to create matchup problems against the Wildcats and will make this game worth watching.

**StarDust Bum** · 11-07-2011, 06:16 PM

Arizona Wildcats Highlight College Hoops Tip-off

The No. 16 ranked Arizona Wildcats could have a tougher game than expected when they host Valparaiso Crusaders in the 2K Sports Coaches vs. Cancer Classic on Monday night.

This is the official start of the 2011-12 college basketball season. Tip-off will be at 9:00 p.m. (ET) on ESPNU with the other two games that night, William & Mary at St. John’s and Eastern Kentucky at Mississippi State, also part of the tournament.

Arizona had a great run to the Elite Eight last year as a No. 5 seed, losing to eventual champion UConn (65-63). The team then lost forward Derrick Williams as the NBA’s second overall pick, taking his 19.5 PPG and 8.3 RPG with him. Second-leading scorer Lamont ‘Momo’ Jones (9.7 PPG) was granted an immediate transfer to Iona to be with his sick grandmother.

Coach Sean Miller decided to stick around despite overtures from Maryland and others. His task is to find new go-to scorers, but the Wildcats struggled badly in recent exhibitions against Division II Seattle Pacific and Humboldt State. They lost the former (69-68) and needed a comeback win (60-51) in the latter. The loss was their first in an exhibition game since 1984.

Valparaiso has to feel good about its chances Monday with its Horizon League Conference resume a big step up from Division II. The team also has a new coach in Bryce Drew, a former star player for the school and the son of long-time coach Homer Drew.

The other day to circle on the calendar next week is Friday, November 11. This Veterans Day extravaganza features nine of the top-10 teams in the preseason AP Poll. Here’s a look at some of the key games.

North Carolina vs. Michigan State - 7:00 p.m. (ET) on ESPN

These teams met three times in 2008 and 2009, including once for the national title, with North Carolina going 3-0 straight-up and against the spread. This year’s much anticipated ‘Carrier Classic’ version is being held on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego.

The Tar Heels are absolutely loaded with the return of their top-3 scorers (Harrison Barnes, John Henson, Tyler Zeller), plus point guard Kendall Marshall. Throw in two McDonald’s All-Americans in freshmen James McAdoo and PJ Hairston, and it’s easy to see how they were almost a unanimous No. 1 selection in both preseason polls.

Coach Roy Williams’ Tar Heels are also the leader in the national title odds at +350. They’re followed by Kentucky (+415), Ohio State (+725), Duke (+1100), Louisville (+1100), Syracuse (+1200), Baylor (+1500), Connecticut (+1600) and Florida (+1600).

Michigan State was disappointing last season (19-15 SU, 11-21-1 ATS) under coach Tom Izzo, losing in the first round of the NCAA tourney after being fortunate to get there. This is a rebuilding year with senior big man Draymond Green expected to lead, but UNC is an intimidating first opponent in any venue.

Wright State at Ohio State - 9:00 p.m. (ET)

Ohio State got a big break with the return of big man Jared Sullinger. He’s one of the few legitimate ‘back to the basket’ guys in college basketball. He’s joined by fellow sophomore returners Aaron Craft and Deshaun Thomas, plus senior scorer William Buford. That has the squad ranked No. 3 in the AP.

The question is whether the Buckeyes will be ready come tournament time with a weak Big Ten Conference that won’t challenge them too much in the regular season.

Wright State is another Horizon League participant and went 10-8 SU in the conference last year (19-14 overall). A game against Ohio State always means a lot being located outside of Dayton, Ohio. The last time the two schools met was in the 1992-1993 season.

Belmont at Duke - 9:00 p.m. (ET) on ESPNU

Duke is ranked No. 6 in the AP despite losses of seniors Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler, plus freshman point Kyrie Irving, the top pick in the NBA draft. Coach Mike Krzyzewski usually keeps freshmen around longer, but that’s life in big-time college hoops now.

The cupboard is never bare at a powerhouse like Duke. Andre Dawkins and Seth Curry are ready to increase their scoring production. There’s an inside presence with brothers Miles and Mason Plumlee. Austin Rivers (son of Doc Rivers) is a top recruit who should start immediately with Irving gone.

Belmont has history with Duke, losing 71-70 as 20-point underdogs in the first round of the 2008 NCAA tournament. Last year, the team went 30-5 even after losing to Wisconsin in its opening tourney game (72-58). This game is part of the EA Sports Maui Invitational, but will be held at Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium as an opening round game.

**StarDust Bum** · 11-07-2011, 06:20 PM

Monday, November 7

Game Score Status Pick Amount

NY Islanders - 7:00 PM ET NY Islanders +155 500
Boston - Under 5 500

Los Angeles - 10:30 PM ET San Jose -143 500
San Jose - Under 5 500

**StarDust Bum** · 11-07-2011, 06:22 PM

NHL
Dunkel

NY Islanders at Boston
The Islanders look to take advantage of a Boston team that is coming off a 7-0 win over Toronto and is 0-5 in its last 5 games after allowing 2 or less goals in their previous game. New York is the pick (+170) according to Dunkel, which has the Islanders favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+170). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Game 1-2: NY Islanders at Boston (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.957; Boston 11.592
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-200); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+170); Over

Game 3-4: Los Angeles at San Jose (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.105; San Jose 11.570
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-140); Under

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, November 7

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NY ISLANDERS (4-5-0-2, 10 pts.) at BOSTON (5-7-0-0, 10 pts.) - 11/7/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 7-13 ATS (-15.1 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 14-20 ATS (-16.8 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 0-5 ATS (-8.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BOSTON is 0-5 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-3 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-3-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (6-4-0-3, 15 pts.) at SAN JOSE (7-4-0-1, 15 pts.) - 11/7/2011, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 78-42 ATS (+22.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 64-68 ATS (+157.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 67-58 ATS (-57.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 8-10 (+1.5 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 10-8-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.5 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, November 7

Hot teams
-- Bruins won last two games, 5-3/7-0, but they're 3-5 at home.

Cold teams
-- Islanders lost six of last seven games; they're 0-3 on the road.
-- Kings lost their last four games, scoring six goals. San Jose lost three of its last four home games.

Totals
-- Four of last five Islander games stayed under the total. Five of last six Boston games went over.
-- Four of five San Jose home games went over the total.

Series records
-- Islanders lost four of last five games against Boston.
-- San Jose won five of last seven games against the Kings; they bounced LA from the playoffs in six games last spring.

NHL

Monday, November 7

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. BOSTON
NY Islanders are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Boston
Boston is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

10:30 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. SAN JOSE
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Los Angeles is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Jose's last 7 games at home

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NHL

Monday, November 7

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Ice picks: Monday's best NHL bets
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New York Islanders at Boston Bruins (-195, 5)

Maybe the Boston Bruins have finally snapped out of their post-Cup funk.

Boston hammered the Maple Leafs 7-0 in Toronto Saturday night, winning consecutive games for the first time all season. Tyler Seguin, who landed in Boston as a part of the Phil Kessel trade, picked up his first career hat trick and now leads the club with 14 points in 12 games.

"Guys just need to get back in the rhythm, some of us are slowly starting to get it now," Seguin told reporters ahead of Saturday’s win. Now it's just about consistency and if we're going to continue to do that or if we are going to go back into the hole."

The win over Toronto gives the Bruins some swagger as they get set to open a nice stretch at home. Meanwhile, this is the beginning of a mini road trip for the Islanders, who just upset Washington to snap a six game losing streak.

Too much chalk on the home team, so we’ll stick with the total.

Pick: Over

Los Angeles Kings at San Jose Sharks (-140, 5)

The Los Angeles Kings are trying to stay positive, but a four-game losing skid is beginning to wear on them.

With Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier in the crease, the Kings haven’t had to worry much about their defense. The main problem has been at the other end of the rink. They have been held to two or fewer goals in seven of their last eight.

"We're trying to find a way to be more creative out there, to get our defensemen more involved,” forward Justin Williams told reporters. “It's just the way teams play (defensively) right now. It's five guys down real low, and when we don't use our defensemen, it's kind of like playing 3-on-5 down there, and that's tough. So we're trying to get them more involved and be a little more imaginative."

They could have a good shot at doing just that against San Jose. The Sharks usually don’t have any problems on offense, but they do struggle in their own end and kill off just 73 percent of their penalties.

Pick: Over

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NHL

Monday, November 7

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Pucking the trends: This week's best NHL bets
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Every week, we update you on who's hot, who's not and situational betting spots in the National Hockey League.

HOT TEAM: Nashville Predators

When you have good goaltending and defense, and your forwards begin to play with confidence, teams can be capable of anything in this league, and the Predators are a good example.

Nashville’s offense isn’t going to strike fear in opponents, but with Pekka Rinne in net, and Shea Weber and Ryan Suter on the back line, the forwards just have to make the most of their opportunities. And so far, so good.

David Legwand scored two goals Saturday, as the Predators outlasted San Jose, 4-3. It was Nashville’s fourth win in the last five games, and the Predators captured at least a point in all five.

The key to anything with Nashville, though, is Rinne, and that’s a good thing. Armed with a new contract, he made 19 saves in the second period alone vs. San Jose, and already has three shutouts on the season.

The West will be tough, moving forward, but Nashville seems to have enough players to continue to make some sweet music for bettors.

COLD TEAM: Columbus Blue Jackets

We gave them a one-week reprieve from this label, but when you only have two wins through one month of the season, we can’t help but point you out again.

Saturday was a microcosm of Columbus’ season. An early deficit, a goaltender change, and overall lackluster play ended in a dreadful, video-game-like 9-2 defeat in Philadelphia. The loss dropped the Blue Jackets to 0-7 on the road this season.

Clearly, they are missing Jeff Carter, the high-scoring, injured forward who they snagged from the Flyers over the summer. But when you haven’t scored more than two goals in four of the last five games, clearly, there’s more fault to be handed out than just one player being out.

Columbus does have a little break this week, so they won’t lose again until -- at the least -- Thursday vs. Chicago.

OVER PLAY: Washington Capitals

Kudos still must go out to Washington for snaring goaltender Tomas Vokoun at a bargain-basement, summer price. Vokoun has been good -- he made 30 saves Saturday vs. the Islanders -- but it hasn’t stopped the Capitals from running, gunning and cashing in overs.

Their 5-3 loss to the Islanders was Washington’s fourth straight over, and sixth in the last seven games.

As such, the numbers are starting to pile up for the Capitals. They are in first place in the Southeast and seem to have more depth than usual. Alex Ovechkin has six goals. Joel Ward has four. And Nicklas Backstrom has 12 assists.

All that said, though, their offense will be tested in the next four games. Beginning Tuesday, Washington will play Dallas, New Jersey twice and Nashville in an eight-day span.

UNDER PLAY: Anaheim Ducks

You would think, even with solid goaltending in the form of Jonas Hiller, that Anaheim would be on the flip side of this equation. After all, the Ducks do have reigning MVP Corey Perry, timeless goal-scoring guru Teemu Selanne, and young gun Bobby Ryan up front.

But unders are their specialty so far. On Saturday, Anaheim fell to Detroit, 5-0. Keep in mind, the Red Wings had lost six straight headed into the game.

That under was Anaheim’s fourth in the last five games, and overall, with a break before playing Nashville on Wednesday, the Ducks were an impressive 10-3-1 under.

Now, keep in mind, there is a potential loophole here. The Ducks just finished a seven-game, 13-day road trip. With some fresher legs, perhaps will come more goals. For now, though, you can do worse than Anaheim as a consistent under play.

SURVEYING THE SCHEDULE:

** If the Bruins are going to shake the Stanley Cup Hangover once and for all -- and Saturday’s 7-0 win over Toronto was a great move toward that -- they have a golden chance to do so at home. Beginning with Monday’s game vs. the Islanders, the Bruins will play five straight games at TD Garden over an 11-day span. Only one of those five opponents -- Buffalo -- made the playoffs last season.

** Speaking of some time at home, the St. Louis Blues are in the same boat. St. Louis will play five home games in a 10-day span, beginning on Tuesday vs. Chicago. St. Louis, quickly falling behind the pack in the Central Division, is 3-1 on home ice so far.

**StarDust Bum** · 11-07-2011, 06:24 PM

NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, November 7

NY ISLANDERS at BOSTON, 7:00 PM ET VERSUS
NY ISLANDERS: 15-59 SU Away off home game where both teams scored 3+ goals
BOSTON: 20-6 SU off BB division games

LOS ANGELES at SAN JOSE, 10:30 PM ET
LOS ANGELES: 11-3 SU Away off OT loss
SAN JOSE: 8-13 SU off home loss by 1 goal

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**StarDust Bum** · 11-07-2011, 06:25 PM

NCAAB
Dunkel

William & Mary at St. John's
The Tribe look to build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games as a road underdog of 7 to 12 1/2 points. William & Mary is the pick (+8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Storm favored by only 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: William & Mary (+8 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Game 551-552: William & Mary at St. John's (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: William & Mary 62.279; St. John's 67.898
Dunkel Line: St. John's by 5 1/2; 140
Vegas Line: St. John's by 8 1/2; 137
Dunkel Pick: William & Mary (+8 1/2); Over

Game 553-554: Eastern Kentucky at Mississippi State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Kentucky 46.867; Mississippi State 66.296
Dunkel Line: Mississippi State by 19 1/2; 131
Vegas Line: Mississippi State by 17 1/2; 133 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi State (-17 1/2); Under

Game 555-556: Valparaiso at Arizona (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Valparaiso 57.031; Arizona 74.891
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 18; 142
Vegas Line: Arizona by 13 1/2; 137
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-13 1/2); Over

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, November 7

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WM & MARY (10 - 22) at ST JOHNS (21 - 12) - 11/7/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WM & MARY is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.

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

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E KENTUCKY (15 - 16) at MISSISSIPPI ST (17 - 14) - 11/7/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points over the last 3 seasons.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games in November games over the last 3 seasons.
MISSISSIPPI ST is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 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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VALPARAISO (23 - 12) at ARIZONA (30 - 8) - 11/7/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in November games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, November 7

Wm & Mary is one of five D-I teams never to make the NCAA tourney; they have 12 of 13 players (4 starters) back from LY's 10-22 team, but teams from CAA are generally spunky. Tribe lost by 3 at Syracuse LY, by 25 at North Carolina- they're picked #6 in CAA. St John's lost whole team from LY's 21-12 team. Storm only has eight guys on scholarship, since three recruits are ineligible. St John's is picked #12 in the Big East.

Eastern Kentucky lost three of top four scorers from 15-16 team that lost its last five games LY; they lost by 7 at Georgia. Colonels are the #7 pick in 10-team OVC. Mississippi State is picked #5 in SEC; they had a dismal 17-14, dissension-ridden season LY, but have lot of talent and add Moultrie, a talented transfer from UTEP. Bulldogs beat Tennessee State of OVC by 10 LY. EKU plays Princeton style, shoots lot of 3s.

Arizona is inexperienced; they lost an exhibition game to Seattle Pacific last week, but they're 11-deep if all four freshman contribute. Arizona lost its top two scorers from LY's 30-8 team, doesn't have any bigtime scorers, but they're picked to win Pac-12. Valparaiso lost three of top four scorers from 23-12 team that lost by 35 at Kansas, 18 at Purdue- they're picked #5 in Horizon this year. Bryce Drew replaces his dad as Valpo's coach-- Homer Drew is trying to beat cancer.

NCAAB

Monday, November 7

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
WILLIAM & MARY vs. ST. JOHN'S
William & Mary is 3-16 SU in its last 19 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of William & Mary's last 9 games on the road
St. John's is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
St. John's is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games

8:00 PM
EASTERN KENTUCKY vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE
Eastern Kentucky is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Eastern Kentucky is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Mississippi State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Mississippi State's last 5 games

9:00 PM
VALPARAISO vs. ARIZONA
Valparaiso is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Valparaiso is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games

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NCAAB

Monday, November 7

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College funds: Monday's best NCAAB bets
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Valparaiso at Arizona (-13.5, 137)

It’s a limbo year for the 16th ranked Arizona Wildcats. They lost do-everything forward Derrick Williams to the NBA but the help replacing him won’t be felt until their ballyhooed recruiting class shows up next season.

Coach Sean Miller’s team returns three starters from last season but he hasn’t been pleased from what he’s seen from his upperclassmen.

“They need to get better,” Miller told the Arizona Republic. “You’re wearing Arizona. You’re a veteran. A lot of guys talk about having and wanting a bigger role. There it is.”

Even more troubling, the Wildcats lost an exhibition game to Division II Seattle-Pacific last week.

“We better get a lot better or Valparaiso is going to come in (Monday) and beat us,” Miller added.

The Crusaders should have a little bit extra motivation as they try to make new coach and Valparaiso alumni Bryce Drew’s first game a winning effort.

Pick: Valparaiso +13.5

William & Mary at St. John’s (-8, 137)

Forget everything you remember about the Johnnies from last season. The Red Storm’s surprising success a year ago was the product of a senior-laden squad playing above expectations.

The 2011-12 edition returns just one player from last season’s roster. That’s the bad news. The good news is coach Steve Lavin brought in maybe the Johnnies' best recruiting class ever headlined by Moe Harkless.

The 6-8 athletic wing player is considered the Storm’s best local recruit since Ron Artest.

“Moe started it all when he chose St. John’s. . . . That’s a guy I wanted to play with,” freshman guard D’Angelo Harrison of Houston told the New York Daily News. “He was the first domino.”

Harkless and Harrison are two of the nine freshmen joining St. John’s, but only six will be in uniform Monday against William & Mary. Three recruits are academically ineligible to play this semester leaving the Johnnies bench especially thin.

Adding to Big East team’s woes is the health of Lavin. He’s recovering from prostate cancer surgery last month which means his assistants will run the show for him early on.

High player turnover, a short bench and the head coach out of the mix? Sounds like the perfect recipe for a poor defensive effort.

Pick: Over 137

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NCAAB

Monday, November 7

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November reign: Six must-bet college basketball games this month
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The college basketball season takes a little time to get rolling. Outside of some major tuneup tournaments, the early schedule is littered with one-sided warmup games between power conference programs and mid-major darlings.

However, there are a handful of made-for-March matchups in November. We talked to Andrew Patterson of Las Vegas Sports Consultants about what to expect as far as spreads go for these games.

Here’s a look at the biggest games and their odds to open the season:

Michigan State Spartans at North Carolina Tar Heels (-9.5) – Nov. 11

The Spartans and Tar Heels meet in a rematch of the 2009 national title game. But in a twist, this non-conference tilt will be played on the deck of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier in San Diego on Veterans Day. Both teams are going to rock sweet camo uniforms for this once-in-a-lifetime contest.

The rare outdoor venue should present oddsmakers with a new challenge setting the odds for this game, especially when it come to the total.

“Look for a lower-than-normal total in this game especially if there is a little wind and the sun is out,” says Patterson.

Kansas Jayhawks vs. Kentucky Wildcats (-6.5) – Nov. 15

Two classic programs collide at the State Farm Champions Classic in New York City. The Wildcats could be the best team in the country with Terrence Jones and a bumper crop of freshman wonders. The Jayhawks, while not as loaded as past years, are always a tough opponent.

“Kansas will be down, but Kentucky's youth has historically played sloppy basketball early in the season,” says Patterson.

Michigan Wolverines vs. Memphis Tigers (-3.5) – Nov. 21

These two programs are trying to get back to the top of the college basketball heap and a showdown at the Maui will be the first step in that direction. The Tigers have the edge, as it pertains to the pointspreads, when No. 9 takes on No. 18. The winner will face either Duke or Tennessee in the next round of the invitational.

“Memphis returns five starters and Michigan returns four starters from a team that almost beat Duke last year in the NCAA tourney,” says Patterson.

Xavier Musketeers at Vanderbilt Commodores (-5.5) – Nov. 28

The A-10’s finest can make a splash against a team some have ranked inside their Top 5. The Commodores were just 5-8 ATS at home last season and bring back pretty much the same team.

“Vanderbilt returns 97 percent of its scoring from last season, but will be without 6-foot-11 center Festus Ezeli the first couple of months of the season,” says Patterson. “The Musketeers have one of the best guards in the country in Tu Holloway.”

Duke Blue Devils at Ohio State Buckeyes (-7.5) – Nov. 29

The Buckeyes host the Blue Devils as part of the annual Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger will match up against Duke’s three-headed Plumlee monster inside while the OSU guards try to slow down freshman sensation Austin Rivers.

“Ohio State is young, but extremely talented. I am not sure Duke - or any team in the country - has a player to stop Jared Sullinger,” says Patterson.

Wisconsin Badgers at North Carolina Tar Heels (-7.5) – Nov. 30

In another Big Ten/ACC Challenge game, the Badgers come to Chapel Hill to tangle with Harrison Barnes and the stacked UNC stable. Wisconsin, however, is not to be taken lightly. It doesn’t turn the ball over and had the fourth best defense in the land last year. North Carolina could also get caught looking ahead to Kentucky that coming weekend.

“Might be low on this game, but Wisconsin plays fierce defense and I don't see this game getting out of control,” says Patterson. “Wisconsin has a wonderful point guard in Jordan Taylor.”

**Sirporkie** · 11-07-2011, 07:34 PM

**Kaptain** · 11-07-2011, 10:22 PM

start off the roundball season right Bum....gl my man

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