Announcement

**Udog** · 01-07-2012, 11:39 PM

Sunday’s betting tips: Broncos slumping, not scoring

Who's hot

NFL: The Steelers are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 January games and the under is 6-0 in their last six overall.

NFL: The Giants are 4-1 ATS in their last five overall and 5-1 ATS in their last six playoff games.

NCAAF: Arkansas State is 6-1 ATS in its last seven overall.

NHL: The Senators are 4-0 in their last four overall and 6-1 in their last seven home games.

NBA: The Cavs are 5-1 ATS in their last six overall and 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games.

NBA: The under is 7-0 in the Magic's last seven road games.

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

NCAAB: Michigan is 14-2 ATS in its last 16 against the Big Ten.

Who’s not

NFL: The Broncos are 0-4 ATS in their last four overall.

NFL: The Falcons are 0-4 ATS in their last four against teams with winning records.

NCAAF: Northern Illinois is 1-8 ATS in its last nine neutral-site games.

NHL: The Ducks are 6-24 in their last 30 overall.

NBA: The Spurs are 0-7 ATS in their last seven road games.

NBA: The Grizzlies are 1-6 ATS in their last seven road games.

NCAAB: Southern California is 1-8 ATS in its last nine home games.

NCAAB: Villanova is 3-13 ATS in its last 16 home games.

Key stat

12 – Consecutive games in which the Denver Broncos have run for at least 120 yards. The Broncos, who finished first in the league in rushing offense, will likely have to continue the streak to have any chance against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. Something will have to give, though, because Pittsburgh is No. 1 in the NFL in total defense (271.8 yards per game). Denver, meanwhile, is the only one of the 12 playoff teams averaging fewer than 20 points per game.

Injuries that shouldn’t be overlooked

The Washington Wizards are still looking for their first win of the season heading into Sunday's home game against Minnesota. They may have a good chance of finally getting in the 'W' column, and not just because the Timberwolves are 2-5. The T-Wolves, already without Martell Webster and Brad Miller (out until mid-January), are even more banged up now. Jose Barea is questionable for Minnesota due to a hamstring injury. Michael Beasley, who is listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest, left Friday's game against Cleveland with a right ankle injury.

Biggest games on the slate

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants (-3, 47.5)

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos (9, 33.5)

Notable quotable

“I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned in my two appearances in the playoffs is to not let all the outside things that come along with it affect your preparation and affect your approach to playing on Sunday. I think I’m a lot better served. I’m a lot more mature than I was a couple years ago and even last year. I think that’s going to help out.” – Atlanta Falcons' quarterback Matt Ryan, somewhat responding to the controversy surrounding New York Giants' defensive end Justin Tuck's comments about Atlanta's offensive line playing like "dirtbags."

Tips and notes

The Sacramento Kings will be playing their second game under recently-promoted head coach Keith Smart when they host Orlando on Sunday. Paul Westphal was fired earlier this week after Sacramento started the season 2-5 and there was visible frustration with his offensive philosophy. Smart's debut as coach went incredibly well on Thursday, as the host Kings outscored Milwaukee 35-18 in the fourth quarter to storm back for a 103-100 victory. "Right now the team is dealing with an identity crisis," Smart cautioned. "Each guy is trying to push forward his identity. We've got to get each guy to understand, your identity will grow faster by trying to grow this team."

The Anaheim Ducks started the season 4-1, winning four in a row after losing their opener. Amazingly, they have not won back-to-back games since that initial four-game surge, a slump dating all the way back to October 17. Anaheim will be looking to put together a rare two-game streak on Sunday vs. Columbus, as the team is coming off a 4-2 home win over the Islanders on Friday. Something will have to give because the Ducks (28 points) and Blue Jackets (25 points) are by far the two worst teams in the NHL. As of Saturday evening, no other team has fewer than 34 points.

Arkansas State became the first team in the 11-year history of the Sun Belt Conference to win 10 regular-season games, and it heads into its first bowl game since 2005 on a nine-game winning streak. A word of caution, though, for the Red Wolves: they will be without head coach Hugh Freeze for the GoDaddy.com Bowl. He was hired on December 5 to become the new head coach at Ole Miss. Interim head coach David Gunn will lead Arkansas State on Sunday against Northern Illinois.

Historical trends favor Atlanta in Sunday's playoff clash between the Falcons and Giants. The road team has won eight of the last nine meetings between the two teams and is 8-0 ATS in the last eight. Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last five road games against the Giants. Recent trends, however, are not so favorable for Atlanta. The team is 1-4 ATS in its last five playoff appearances and Ryan has never won a playoff game (0-2 lifetime). In his two postseason games Ryan is a combined 46 for 69 with 385 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions.

**Udog** · 01-07-2012, 11:48 PM

NFL poolies cheat sheet: Wildcard Weekend

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants (-3)

Why Falcons cover: This is a team that really played its way into the postseason, winning eight of its last 11 games after a 2-3 start. Atlanta went 3-1 SU and ATS in its final four games, with the three wins coming by eight points, 27 points and 21 points, respectively. The Giants, meanwhile, were 3-5 SU in their last eight and didn’t exactly look like a playoff-worthy team at times.

Atlanta has covered in its last five roadies against the Giants and the road team in this rivalry is on an 8-0 pointspread tear. New York is in ATS ruts of 1-4-1 laying points and 1-4-1 as a home favorite.

Why Giants cover: They got their act together after a four-game dive to win three of their last four SU and ATS, including Sunday night’s 31-14 home victory over Dallas to clinch the final NFC playoff spot. With the exception of an inexplicable loss at Washington, QB Eli Manning has had the offense clicking this past month, racking up 29 points or more four times. And when it gets to crunch time, Manning has produced. He’s got a league-leading 15 fourth-quarter touchdown throws this season.

The Giants have cashed four of their last five overall and five of their last six in the postseason. Falcons have failed to cover in their last four against winning teams, and they are in playoff ATS slides of 1-4 overall and 1-4 as an underdog. Atlanta also 1-5 ATS outdoors this season.

Total (47): Over has been the play in Atlanta’s last four games and is on further runs of 6-1-2 for Falcons in January and 8-3 for Giants against winning teams. However, New York on under surges of 6-1 in playoff games, 4-1 at home and 4-0 giving points. And in this rivalry, the under is 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-9) at Denver Broncos

Why Steelers cover: Pittsburgh has the league’s No. 1 defense, allowing just 14.2 ppg and 271.8 ypg, and the Broncos can’t score, even against inferior opponents. Last week, Denver’s defense held a non-descript Kansas City squad to seven points, Denver’s offense got 145 rushing yards from Willis McGahee – and the Donkeys lost 7-3. Pittsburgh is no Kansas City, meaning Tim Tebow doesn’t have a prayer, no matter how many he says.

Pittsburgh, the defending AFC champ, is at its best at this time of year, especially at the books, with ATS streaks of 10-1 in January and 9-2 in the postseason, and it’s cashed six of its last seven as playoff chalk. Denver, conversely, has lost its last three games SU and ATS and is in further ATS ruts of 0-4 overall, 1-4 in the playoffs and 15-35-2 in the Mile High City.

Why Broncos cover: It’s really hard to make a case for a team that mustered just three points against the Chiefs at home last week. The Broncos are lucking out in that Pittsburgh is dinged up. Running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee) is done for the rest of the year, QB Ben Roethlisberger has a gimpy ankle, and S Ryan Clark has to sit out due to a sickle-cell trait that doesn’t handle high altitude well.

Denver has covered in five of its last six from the underdog role and five of its last six home playoff games (though they haven’t been in the playoffs in six years). The Men of Steel have been more like tin on the road lately, at 2-7 ATS in their last nine on the highway and 1-5 ATS in their last six following a SU win.

Total (34): This is quite a low number, but based on Pittsburgh’s stout defense and Denver’s anemic offense, the under is certainly plausible. The total has gone low in six straight for the Steelers. On the flip side, though, the over is 17-4 in Pittsburgh’s last 21 postseason affairs and 10-1 with the Steelers a playoff chalk, and the Broncos sport over streaks of 25-12 overall, 13-5 at home and 14-3 against winning teams.

NFL
Dunkel

Wildcard Round
[B]
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

Game 105-106: Atlanta at NY Giants (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 135.117; NY Giants 134.383
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 49
Vegas Line: NY Giants by 3; 47
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+3); Over

Game 107-108: Pittsburgh at Denver (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 136.214; Denver 124.665
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 11 1/2; 31
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 8; 34 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-8); Under

NFL
Long Sheet

Wildcard Round

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Sunday, January 8

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ATLANTA (10 - 6) at NY GIANTS (9 - 7) - 1/8/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY GIANTS are 47-29 ATS (+15.1 Units) off a win against a division rival since 1992.
ATLANTA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 against the spread versus NY GIANTS over the last 3 seasons
NY GIANTS is 1-0 straight up against ATLANTA 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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PITTSBURGH (12 - 4) at DENVER (8 - 8) - 1/8/2012, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
PITTSBURGH is 88-55 ATS (+27.5 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-0 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 1-0 straight up against DENVER 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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NFL
Short Sheet

Wildcard Round

Sunday, 1/8/2012

ATLANTA at NY GIANTS, 1:00 PM ET FOX
ATLANTA: 5-0 ATS at NY Giants
NY GIANTS: 0-6 ATS at home after scoring 30+ pts

PITTSBURGH at DENVER, 4:30 PM ET CBS
PITTSBURGH: 20-8 Over in playoff games
DENVER: 1-6-1 ATS in home games

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

NFL

Wildcard Round

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY GIANTS
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Giants
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing NY Giants
NY Giants are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Atlanta
NY Giants are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

4:30 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. DENVER
Pittsburgh is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Denver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Denver's last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh

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NFL

Wildcard Round

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NFL Total Bias: wild card weekend's best over/under bets
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Act like you’ve been there before.

It’s a phrase that is so common in sports that it’s often pushed aside as just another tired cliché. Coaches spend hours shaping their teams to be responsible, committed and focused.

Players have heard it enough that as soon as it comes up, the headphones go on and the iPhones come out.

Most of the time it’s used to promote professionalism. Get into the end zone, give the ball back to the official and move on. Act like you’ve been there before.

But when you consider it in a literal sense, a lot of guys are shaking their heads right now. Playoffs? They know absolutely nothing about playoff football, which any veteran worth his player’s pension will tell you is a completely different animal.

That makes this weekend hell of a lot harder to handicap. There are certain things we hold dear as football bettors, certain situations we feel comfortable evaluating because we’ve seen them so many times before.

Ben Roethlisberger’s ankle is a mess and he missed practice this week, but nobody’s sounding the fire alarm. He’s Big Ben. He always shows up and moves the chains.

But what about the other guys?

Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for a billion yards this year and probably has the most dominant wide receiver the league has seen in years, but how are they going to handle a Saturday night game in New Orleans?

It might as well be Mardi Gras. Who Dat Nation will be running wild with voodoo spells, beads and boobs flying all over the place. Detroit may be playing in a dome, but this will be a road game like no other for these young Lions.

How about the rookie quarterback battle between Cincinnati’s Andy Dalton and Houston’s T.J. Yates? You might as well be shaking the Magic 8 ball for answers and to make matters worse, Dalton has been praying to the porcelain gods all week while Yates is working with an iffy shoulder.

And then, of course, there’s Tim Tebow. Against all odds, he led the Broncos to the playoffs, but his big reward is a date with Pittsburgh’s defense.

With this many question marks and so much inexperience on the field, anybody who tells you they have a lock this weekend needs to be locked up.

I know we’re all excited about playoff football, but NFL bettors need to act like we’ve been here before too.

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans (-3, 39)

While you gotta love Dalton’s moxie, he hasn’t been nearly as effective as he was earlier this year. He completed just 54.8 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions in his last seven games. Houston’s pass defense ranks third in the league, so the Red Rifle has his work cut out for him.

And, in the first meeting between these teams, Yates couldn’t get anything done when the Bengals laid back in coverage and forced the young quarterback to beat them. As long as Cincinnati doesn’t get sucked into too many play-action plays, Yates will have a tough time making big strikes as well.

Pick: Under

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints (-10.5, 59)

As Larry Hartstein discussed earlier this week, this might be the biggest playoff total the books ever sent out. There aren’t many people looking at the under either.

Even though you know this number is juiced with public opinion, it’s hard to make a case for the under. The Saints are averaging 44 points per game while Detroit has averaged about 35 points per contests over its last four.

Once you factor in the fast track at the Superdome, I think this total is only going to rise before Saturday night.

Pick: Over

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants (-3, 47)

Eli Manning deserves a ton of credit. He’s picking his spots for big plays, fitting the ball into tight holes and basically willed this team into the postseason with last week’s sparkling 346-yard, three-TD effort against Dallas.

When it comes to playoff football, Eli obviously knows what he’s doing.

Meanwhile, Matt Ryan is trying to take his game to the next level and he looks to have all the momentum he needs to do just that. Ryan has chucked 10 touchdowns in his last four games with no interceptions and ended up with more than 4,000 passing yards.

Barring a terrible weather day in the Big Apple, this one tops the total too.

Pick: Over

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NFL

Wildcard Round

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Steelers at Broncos: What bettors need to know
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Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos (+9, 33.5)

THE STORY: The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the playoffs with running back Rashard Mendenhall out for the season with a knee injury and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hobbled by a high ankle sprain. So, it begs the obvious question for pundits as the Steelers prepare to visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday night in an AFC wild card matchup: Is Roethlisberger more effective on one leg than Tim Tebow is on two? Tebow, as has been the case all season, will again be under the microscope when he leads Denver into its first playoff game since the 2005 season. The much-maligned Tebow directed the Broncos to six consecutive wins, including four fourth-quarter comebacks, but the wheels have come off during a three-game losing streak.

TV: CBS, 4:30 p.m. ET.

LINE: Pittsburgh opened as low as -7.5 and has been bet up to -9. The total opened at 34.5 and has come down to 33.5.

WEATHER: The forecast in Denver is calling for clear skies and game-time temperatures in the low 30s.

ABOUT THE STEELERS (12-4, 7-9 ATS): Pittsburgh was in contention for the No. 1 seed entering last weekend. Roethlisberger said he aggravated his ankle in the win at Cleveland and has struggled since suffering the initial injury in Week 14, but the Steelers have their defense to fall back upon. Pittsburgh allowed a league-low 227 points and has held five of its last six opponents under 10 points. During that span, the Steelers did now permit a touchdown in four of the games. Isaac Redman stepped in for Mendenhall and ran for a career-high 92 yards last week. Although Roethlisberger has struggled since hurting the ankle, he has won two Super Bowls and lost in last season’s title game to Green Bay.

ABOUT THE BRONCOS (8-8, 7-9 ATS): The Tebow magic appears to have run out, particularly in back-to-back losses to the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. His passer ratings in those games were ghastly – 37.9 and 20.6, respectively. Tebow was wretched in last week’s 7-3 home defeat against the Chiefs, throwing for only 60 yards on 6-of-22 passing. He has been intercepted four times in the last two weeks and has committed 10 turnovers in the last five games. Expect the Broncos to lean heavily on running back Willis McGahee, who rumbled for 1,199 yards this season. McGahee, however, struggled against the Steelers in three seasons with Baltimore, managing only 183 yards on 61 attempts in six games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Roethlisberger has a 10-3 career record in the postseason.

2. The Broncos and Steelers have split six playoff matchups. The winner went to the Super Bowl on five of those occasions.

3. “People say he can’t throw the ball, he can’t do this. He finds a way to win.” – Roethlisberger on Tebow.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
* Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Road team is 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings.

PREDICTION: Steelers 24, Broncos 13. Pittsburgh’s defense overwhelms Tebow and sends Denver to a fourth straight loss.

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NFL

Wildcard Round

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Falcons at Giants: What bettors need to know
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Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants (-3, 47.5)

THE STORY: Deja vu all over again? That's the mindset of the New York Giants, who are beginning to conjure up visions of their stunning Super Bowl run of 2007 as they prepare to host the Atlanta Falcons in an NFC wild card matchup on Sunday. The Giants have rebounded from a four-game losing streak to win three of their last four, including impressive victories over the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys in the last two weeks to secure the NFC East title. Conversely, the Falcons are looking to purge the memory of last season, when they entered the playoffs as the No. 1 overall seed and were promptly shelled by eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay in their postseason opener.

TV: FOX, 1 p.m. ET

LINE: New York has stayed steady as a 3-point home favorite, however, to total has dropped from 49 to 47 points.

WEATHER: The forecast is calling for partially cloudy skies with winds, blowing NW, at 9 mph. Game-time temperatures will be in the low 40s.

ABOUT THE FALCONS (10-6, 7-8-1 ATS): Atlanta may not possess the firepower of Green Bay or New Orleans, but it certainly is not lacking for weapons for quarterback Matt Ryan. Roddy White (100 receptions) and rookie Julio Jones (8 TDs) are a dangerous WR tandem and veteran TE Tony Gonzalez had 80 catches on the season. The key for the Falcons, though, will be RB Michael Turner, who rushed for 1,340 yards and 11 touchdowns and can play a huge part in slowing New York’s pass rush. Ryan threw for 4,177 yards and 29 touchdowns – both career highs – and was picked off only 12 times. In his last four games, Ryan threw 10 TD passes and zero interceptions.

ABOUT THE GIANTS (9-7, 8-7-1 ATS): Eli Manning threw for 29 TD passes and a career-high 4,933 yards. He has uncovered a gem in big-play WR Victor Cruz, who hauled in nine scoring passes for a team-record 1,536 yards. Cruz capped the season by putting up 164 and 178 yards in the last two games, including TD receptions of 99 and 74 yards. The running game continues to struggle, ranking last in the league at 89.2 yards per game, but the defense is hitting its stride. DE Osi Umenyiora returned from a four-game absence to register two of New York’s six sacks against Dallas. The Giants have 11 sacks in the last two games and finished the season with 48.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Manning set a league record with 15 fourth-quarter TD passes this season.

2. The Giants have won the last three meetings with the Falcons, including a 34-31 OT victory in 2009.

3. Atlanta’s only losses since Week 3 have come to four division winners: Green Bay, Houston and New Orleans (twice).

TRENDS:

* Falcons are 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings in New York.
* Under is 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings.
* Road team is 8-0 ATS in their last eight meetings.

PREDICTION: Giants 27, Falcons 24. Cruz makes another game-breaking catch to keep New York’s season alive.

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Where the action is: Sunday's NFL line moves

Still sitting on the fence for Sunday’s NFL wild card matchups? Find out how the action is coming in at the MGM Mirage in Las Vegas. We talked to their sportsbook manager, Jay Rood, about where the lines could go before kickoff.

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants (-3, 47.5)

Action has been split on this NFC wild card battle, with a slight lean towards the Giants on the parlay cards. Rood expects to be rooting from the Falcons by the time this game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.

The total dropped from its opening of 49 points to 47, with early money on the under. Rood says they’ll be keeping a close eye on the weather, especially the wind, with Matt Ryan playing in the outdoor venue.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos (+9, 33.5)

Rood says he’s kind of surprised that the straight action has been even, with a slight lean towards the Steelers on the parlay cards. He doesn’t expect this line to move, but with it being the final game on the weekend schedule, there will be a ton riding on this 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

“Pittsburgh is extremely banged up but any other team would be giving under a touchdown in this spot,” he says.

The total is a very short 33.5 after bettors took the under when the number came out as high as 35.

“There’s a lot of pressure on the Broncos defense to keep this game within one Tebow miracle,” Rood says. “Points will be at a premium and both kickers and punter will be busy. If a team can score on defense, they’ll have a major edge and will likely be the winner.”

**Udog** · 01-07-2012, 11:49 PM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Sunday, January 8

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INDIANA (14 - 1) at PENN ST (9 - 7) - 1/8/2012, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENN ST is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.

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

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WISCONSIN (12 - 4) at MICHIGAN (12 - 3) - 1/8/2012, 1:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN is 29-13 ATS (+14.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 29-13 ATS (+14.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
MICHIGAN is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 37-19 ATS (+16.1 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.
MICHIGAN is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
MICHIGAN is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MICHIGAN is 2-2 against the spread versus WISCONSIN over the last 3 seasons
WISCONSIN is 4-0 straight up against MICHIGAN over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DEPAUL (10 - 4) at VILLANOVA (7 - 8) - 1/8/2012, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VILLANOVA is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in all games this season.
VILLANOVA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
VILLANOVA is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

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MASSACHUSETTS (12 - 3) at LASALLE (11 - 4) - 1/8/2012, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MASSACHUSETTS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
LASALLE is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LASALLE is 31-56 ATS (-30.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

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

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VALPARAISO (10 - 6) at WRIGHT ST (8 - 9) - 1/8/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VALPARAISO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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BUTLER (9 - 7) at DETROIT (7 - 10) - 1/8/2012, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUTLER is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all games this season.
BUTLER is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
DETROIT is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 19-39 ATS (-23.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
DETROIT is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-2 against the spread versus BUTLER over the last 3 seasons
BUTLER is 4-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ARIZONA (10 - 5) at USC (5 - 11) - 1/8/2012, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
USC is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in all home games this season.
USC is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in home lined games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-2 against the spread versus USC over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 3-2 straight up against USC 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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MARYLAND (10 - 3) at NC STATE (11 - 4) - 1/8/2012, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARYLAND is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MARYLAND is 3-1 against the spread versus NC STATE over the last 3 seasons
MARYLAND is 4-0 straight up against NC STATE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PURDUE (12 - 4) at MINNESOTA (12 - 4) - 1/8/2012, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PURDUE is 57-84 ATS (-35.4 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
PURDUE is 55-82 ATS (-35.2 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
PURDUE is 42-70 ATS (-35.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
PURDUE is 24-42 ATS (-22.2 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 16-27 ATS (-13.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 16-27 ATS (-13.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

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CALIFORNIA (12 - 4) at OREGON (11 - 4) - 1/8/2012, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALIFORNIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
CALIFORNIA is 84-59 ATS (+19.1 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
CALIFORNIA is 84-59 ATS (+19.1 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALIFORNIA is 4-1 against the spread versus OREGON over the last 3 seasons
CALIFORNIA is 5-0 straight up against OREGON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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VA COMMONWEALTH (11 - 4) at DREXEL (9 - 5) - 1/8/2012, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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NIAGARA (6 - 10) at SIENA (6 - 8) - 1/8/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SIENA is 1-14 ATS (-14.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SIENA is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in a home game where the total is 135 to 139.5 over the last 3 seasons.
SIENA is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SIENA is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SIENA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
SIENA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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RIDER (5 - 11) at ST PETERS (3 - 12) - 1/8/2012, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST PETERS is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
RIDER is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
RIDER is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 37-19 ATS (+16.1 Units) in road games in January games since 1997.
RIDER is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.

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

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IONA (12 - 3) at MARIST (7 - 8) - 1/8/2012, 2:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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COLUMBIA (10 - 5) at ELON (7 - 6) - 1/8/2012, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBIA is 97-71 ATS (+18.9 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
COLUMBIA is 79-51 ATS (+22.9 Units) in road games since 1997.
COLUMBIA is 79-51 ATS (+22.9 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
COLUMBIA is 34-17 ATS (+15.3 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.
COLUMBIA is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ELON is 1-0 against the spread versus COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
ELON is 1-0 straight up against COLUMBIA 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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FAIRFIELD (8 - 7) at MANHATTAN (9 - 7) - 1/8/2012, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FAIRFIELD is 69-46 ATS (+18.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
FAIRFIELD is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in a home game where the total is 130 to 134.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games in January games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MANHATTAN is 3-1 against the spread versus FAIRFIELD over the last 3 seasons
FAIRFIELD is 4-0 straight up against MANHATTAN over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 01-07-2012, 11:50 PM

NCAAB

Sunday, January 8

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Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12:00 PM
DEPAUL vs. VILLANOVA
DePaul is 3-22 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Villanova is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Villanova is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home

12:00 PM
INDIANA vs. PENN STATE
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Indiana is 2-20 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Penn State is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home
Penn State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Indiana

1:00 PM
NIAGARA vs. SIENA
Niagara is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Niagara is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Siena
Siena is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Siena's last 6 games

1:30 PM
WISCONSIN vs. MICHIGAN
Wisconsin is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Wisconsin is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Michigan
Michigan is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Michigan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

2:00 PM
FAIRFIELD vs. MANHATTAN
Fairfield is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Fairfield is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Manhattan
Manhattan is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Manhattan is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

2:00 PM
COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY vs. PRINCETON
No trends available
Princeton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Princeton is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games at home

2:00 PM
COLUMBIA vs. ELON
Columbia is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Elon is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Elon is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

2:00 PM
IONA vs. MARIST
Iona is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Iona is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Marist
Marist is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Marist is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Iona

2:00 PM
MASSACHUSETTS vs. LA SALLE
Massachusetts is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Massachusetts's last 9 games on the road
La Salle is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
La Salle is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

2:00 PM
RIDER vs. SAINT PETER'S
Rider is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Rider is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Saint Peter's
Saint Peter's is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Saint Peter's is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games at home

3:00 PM
VALPARAISO vs. WRIGHT STATE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Valparaiso's last 6 games when playing on the road against Wright State
Wright State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Wright State's last 7 games

4:00 PM
ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE (LI) vs. YALE
No trends available
Yale is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Yale is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

4:00 PM
BUTLER vs. DETROIT
Butler is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Butler is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Detroit is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games at home

5:30 PM
ARIZONA vs. USC
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Arizona is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against USC
USC is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
USC is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games

6:00 PM
PURDUE vs. MINNESOTA
Purdue is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Purdue is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games

6:00 PM
MARYLAND vs. NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Maryland is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Maryland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
North Carolina State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
North Carolina State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:30 PM
CALIFORNIA vs. OREGON
California is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
California is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Oregon is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Oregon is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games at home

8:00 PM
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH vs. DREXEL
Virginia Commonwealth is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Virginia Commonwealth's last 5 games on the road
Drexel is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Drexel is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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**Udog** · 01-07-2012, 11:51 PM

NCAAB

Sunday, January 8

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College funds: Sunday's best NCAAB bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Wolverines

Both Wisconsin and Michigan will be trying to bounce back from tough losses. The Badgers lost at home to Michigan State earlier this week when a tying three-pointer in overtime was controversially waved off. The Wolverines were edged 73-71 at undefeated Indiana.

Wisconsin had won 12 of 14 and six in a row, but the losing streak is now at two. The heartbreaker against Michigan State was preceded by a 72-65 home loss to Iowa on New Year's Eve.

Michigan had won seven straight--including two in the Big Ten--prior to giving Indiana a real scare. Part of the reason for their strong season is the play of backup senior guard Stu Douglass. Douglass struggled with his shot early but he is six for nine from three-point range over his last two games and he contributed 11 points against the Hoosiers.

"The mentality now is that every time I shoot it, I think it's going in," Douglass said. "That's what I have to have for this team, that's my role, and I haven't been doing that. Luckily, that's coming back."

The Wolverines have lost 10 in a row to Wisconsin, last winning in January of 2006. This could be the time when they finally get over the hump.

Pick: Michigan

Maryland Terrapins at North Carolina State Wolfpack

Maryland (seven in a row) and N.C. State (five in a row) will be bringing a combined 12-game winning streak into Sunday's ACC opener, although it has mostly come against inferior competition to what they will be facing in each other in this one.

Interestingly, this is the Terrapins' first true road game of the entire season. They are 9-1 at home and 1-2 in neutral-site contests. The Wolfpack, on the other hand, will be right in their comfort zone as they are off to a 9-2 start at home.

While Maryland owns a nice 10-3 record, there are more questions than answers surrounding the squad, which is now coached by first-year head man Mark Turgeon and one that has earned only two of its victories by double-digits.

“I am very proud of how we’ve won close games,” Turgeon said. "My concern is our inexperience and our commitment to doing it right every time. They’re looking at me like I’m absolutely crazy every day in practice about doing it right every time. I was hoping we could learn that from winning. We might have to get our tail kicked to figure that out. I hope I’m wrong.”

The Terps may get their tail kicked venturing into hostile territory at N.C. State.

Pick: N.C. State

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**Udog** · 01-07-2012, 11:53 PM

NBA

Sunday, January 8

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick 'n' roll: Sunday's best NBA bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder

San Antonio probably isn't looking forward to its annual "rodeo road trip" next month when it has to vacate the AT&T Center next month for rodeo shenanigans.

After all, the Spurs have been dreadful on the road dating back to last season. They are 0-7 ATS in their last seven away from home, including 0-2 (0-2 ATS) this season. San Antonio has lost at Houston 105-85 and at Minnesota 106-96.

The Spurs will be coming off a home date with Denver on Saturday night. So far they are 1-1 in the second of back-to-back games this season (a blowout loss at Houston on December 29 and a home rout of Dallas on January 5).

It cannot be overlooked that Manu Ginobili will be out until late February with a hand injury. San Antonio is 1-1 so far without the star guard.

The Thunder will be coming off a road game at Houston on Saturday. So far they are 2-1 in the second of back-to-back games this season (a road win over Minnesota, a home victory over Dallas, and a home loss vs. Portland). However, in those contests Oklahoma City is 0-3 ATS.

Pick: Thunder

Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers played their fifth game in seven days when they faced Golden State on Friday. Although looking weary, they took care of business for 97-90 victory. Kobe Bryant scored a season-high, including 26 in the second half.

"The important thing was for us to try to pick up our energy on both ends of the floor and play with a little bit more life," Bryant said before adding, "I shot 28 times. I shot too much."

Even with sprained ligaments in his right wrist, though, Bryant may have to continue forking up the rock. He is carrying L.A. having scored 30+ in his last three outings (two wins, one loss) after failing to reach that mark in any of the six previous contests.

The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are without Zach Randolph (knee) until late February. This is not a game that Memphis will enjoy without Randolph, as it is going up against a strong front line that features Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.

Pick: Lakers

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**Udog** · 01-07-2012, 11:55 PM

NHL

Sunday, January 8

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ice picks: Sunday's best NHL bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philadelphia Flyers at Ottawa Senators (104, 5.5)

The Senators still aren't anywhere near catching Boston in the Northeast Division, but they are heating up. Ottawa has won four of its last five and has earned points in five straight (the win streak ended with a 3-2 overtime loss at Philadelphia on Saturday).

Now it's time for the second game of the home-and-home, this time at Ottawa on Sunday. In addition to their overall hot streak, the Senators are 6-1 in their last seven home games.

"Overall, we've got to be happy," said Daniel Alfredsson, third on the team in both goals (13) and points (31). "We're doing it a lot of different ways, which is also encouraging."

The Flyers, meanwhile, have won two in a row but they have still lost five of their past nine.

Don't be surprised if this is another close one, as Ottawa is accustomed to playing those kinds of games of late. In fact, an incredible six of the Senators' last eight games have gone to overtime.

Pick: Senators

Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Blackhawks (-115, 5.5)

The Blackhawks have cooled off in a hurry, losing four of five and three in a row. They are hoping that Friday was the low point, a 4-0 home loss to Colorado.

It should not get any worse for Chicago on Sunday, because the team has fared well against Detroit in recent times. The Blackhawks have won five of the last six head-to-head meetings between the two teams dating back to last season and they won the most recent encounter 3-2 at home on December 30.

"Tonight we didn't deserve anything," head coach Joel Quenneville said after Thursday's shutout loss. "We got what we deserved."

That was the second of back-to-back games for what was clearly a tired Chicago squad, but it gets a day off on Saturday. The Red Wings, on the other hand, will be playing the second of back-to-back games on Sunday after going up against Toronto on Saturday.

The generous Blackhawks may give up a few too many goals once again, but look for their offense to heat up.

Pick: Over

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**Udog** · 01-07-2012, 11:56 PM

NOTE:
For the initial posting of trends and indexes, we have provided information available up to the time of posting.
Additional updates for today’s games will be posted ASAP.

**Udog** · 01-08-2012, 08:23 AM

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

-- Saints gained 626 yards in pounding Detroit 45-24, sending Lions to the offseason with questions about their defense. It was the most yards any NFL team has ever gained in a playoff game.

-- Big day for Houston Texans in their first-ever playoff game, as three Cincinnati turnovers paved the way for a 31-10 Houston win.

-- Missouri went to Kansas State and ran into a buzzsaw, as Wildcats led from start-to-finish of a decisive 75-59 win, Mizzou's first loss.

-- Its good to play for your dad; the McDermott kid on Creighton went for 44 in a 92-83 win at Bradley. Bluejays are a nice team, and this kid is a superior finisher around the basket........Damian Lillard had 38 with five assists as Weber State won 88-81 at Portland State in the Big Sky.

-- Best game of the night was one of the last ones, out in Corvallis, as Stanford outlasted Oregon State 103-101 in four fun-filled OTs.

-- Supposedly Jay-Z spent $1M+ to rent an entire floor at Lenox Hill Hospital for Beyonce; $1M buys an awful lot of bedpans.......

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

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but........

13) So Elin Nordegren, the former Mrs Eldrick Woods, bought a $12M house in Florida, then had it leveled a few months later? No one seems to know why, but early returns are bashing her wastefulness pretty good. If she hated the house so much, why spend $12M to buy it?

12) UL-Lafayette beat Western Kentucky with a last-second basket Thursday when they had six players on the court; Friday morning, WKU fired its coach, Ken MacDonald. No word on whether the refs involved have been fired. They should be.

11) Over last two seasons, Dallas Cowboys are 4-16-1 vs spread as a favorite, 7-4 as an underdog. That’s underdogs covering 74.2% of the time, if you’re scoring at home.

10) Georgetown was picked to finish 10th in the Big East this season; last two years, West Virginia and UConn were picked to finish 10th—both teams made the Final Four.

9) Greedy bastard update: It is January 8, and gas has already gone up 16 cents a gallon this year. Terrific. Can’t wait to hear someone blame George W Bush for this. Bottom line: I’m not sure there are political parties anymore; just two different sets of corrupt fatcats who could give a rat’s ass about the average American.

8) Speaking of which, who is the genius that put the Republican debate on a Saturday TV opposite the NFL playoffs? Who the hell is going to see that, or is that the idea?

7) Say what you want about Alex Rodriguez, but seems like he has a hell of a lot of fun. Hanging around with those WWE divas isn’t going to do anything to help the PED rumors go away, though.

6) Didn’t realize the Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since 2000.

5) Barry Sanders Jr chose Stanford over Oklahoma State (his dad’s alma mater) as his college choice. Being the son of a celebrity has its burdens; going to a place like Stanford eliminates a lot of them, since lot of the kids there are related to celebrities or are famous themselves.

4) Miami Marlins sure are assembling an interesting cast of characters for their first season in that new ballpark. From the owner right on down, seems like they’ve got lot of people who like to run their mouth. We’ll see how this turns out, but I’ve got four Marlins on my fantasy team, so it better turn out well.

3) Cubs saved $3M by dumping Carlos Zambrano on the Marlins; they still have to pay $15M of his $18M salary this year for him not to pitch for the Cubs, thats how much they think of Zambrano.

2) People in New York City have donated a total of $2,076,065 to a fund for the four daughters of a NYPD detective who murdered in the line of duty a few weeks ago; while scanning thru Facebook last week, I was surprised/saddened to see some comments critical of the memorial fund, basically saying that if a person gets shot by a cop, no one takes up a collection for their family. Everyone has a right to their opinion, but.....

......people are actually jealous of youngsters who lost their dad to a senseless murder. What a world this is becoming.

1) Thoughts and prayers go out to one of my childhood heroes, Dave Duncan, who has left the Cardinals to be with his wife as she bravely battles cancer. Duncan was a catcher for the A’s teams in late 60’s/early 70’s; he had a big game in Game 7 of the 1972 World Series, in my opinion the greatest baseball game ever played (I’m an A’s fan, and I was a very happy 12-year old that day). Hopefully someday soon Duncan will be the first pitching coach inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

**Udog** · 01-08-2012, 08:27 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Maryland at NC State
The Terps look to take advantage of an NC State team that is 3-12-1 ATS in its last 16 games against ACC opponents. Maryland is the pick (+10) according to Dunkel, which has the Wolfpack favored by only 8. Dunkel Pick: Maryland (+10). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

Game 841-842: Indiana at Penn State (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 72.224; Penn State 63.697
Dunkel Line: Indiana by 8 1/2; 125
Vegas Line: Indiana by 6 1/2; 129
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-6 1/2); Under

Game 843-844: Wisconsin at Michigan (1:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 71.690; Michigan 72.433
Dunkel Line: Michigan by 1; 120
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 1 1/2; 113
Dunkel Pick Michigan (+1 1/2); Over

Game 845-846: DePaul at Villanova (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: DePaul 56.420; Villanova 65.855
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 9 1/2; 158
Vegas Line: Villanova by 7 1/2; 153
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-7 1/2); Over

Game 847-848: Massachusetts at LaSalle (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Massachusetts 60.550; LaSalle 62.670
Dunkel Line: LaSalle by 2; 137
Vegas Line: LaSalle by 5 1/2; 146
Dunkel Pick: Massachusetts (+5 1/2); Under

Game 849-850: Valparaiso at Wright State (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Valparaiso 55.865; Wright State 58.530
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 2 1/2; 132
Vegas Line: Wright State by 1 1/2; 129
Dunkel Pick: Wright State (-1 1/2); Over

Game 851-852: Butler at Detroit (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 60.723; Detroit 59.414
Dunkel Line: Butler by 1 1/2; 128
Vegas Line: Detroit by 2; 130 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Butler (+2); Under

Game 853-854: Arizona at USC (5:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 68.234; USC 60.701
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 7 1/2; 105
Vegas Line: Arizona by 2 1/2; 108
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-2 1/2); Under

Game 855-856: Maryland at NC State (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Maryland 57.156; NC State 65.335
Dunkel Line: NC State by 8; 153
Vegas Line: NC State by 10; 149
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (+10); Over

Game 857-858: Purdue at Minnesota (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 67.986; Minnesota 67.308
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 1; 122
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 2; 128 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (+2); Under

Game 859-860: California at Oregon (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: California 68.456; Oregon 64.865
Dunkel Line: California by 3 1/2; 140
Vegas Line: California by 1; 137
Dunkel Pick: California (-1); Over

Game 861-862: VCU at Drexel (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: VCU 63.581; Drexel 64.660
Dunkel Line: Drexel by 1; 117
Vegas Line: VCU by 1; 119
Dunkel Pick: Drexel (+1); Under

Game 863-864: Niagara at Siena (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 47.044; Siena 54.325
Dunkel Line: Siena by 7 1/2; 143
Vegas Line: Siena by 4 1/2; 136 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Siena (-4 1/2); Over

Game 865-866: Rider at St. Peter's (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 49.666; St. Peter's 50.155
Dunkel Line: Even; 128
Vegas Line: St. Peter's by 2; 136
Dunkel Pick: Rider (+2); Under

Game 867-868: Iona at Marist (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iona 62.304; Marist 46.321
Dunkel Line: Iona by 16; 168
Vegas Line: Iona by 14 1/2; 165
Dunkel Pick: Iona (-14 1/2); Over

Game 869-870: Columbia at Elon (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbia 51.288; Elon 51.641
Dunkel Line: Even; 119
Vegas Line: Elon by 2; 123 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbia (+2); Under

Game 871-872: Fairfield at Manhattan (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Fairfield 57.245; Manhattan 55.345
Dunkel Line: Fairfield by 2; 138
Vegas Line: Pick; 130 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fairfield; Over

**Udog** · 01-08-2012, 08:29 AM

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, January 8

Indiana lost six of last eight games to Penn State, losing two of last three visits here, with all three games decided by 6 or less points. Hoosiers are 2-1 on foreign soil, with only loss at Michigan State; they've won by 21 at Evansville, 11 at NC State. Nittany Lions are 3-5 in last eight games, but beat Purdue by 20 last game; State is 7-2 at home, losing by hoop to Ole Miss, by 4 to Lafayette. Big Dozen home underdogs of 7 or less points are 3-1 this season.

Wisconsin won its last ten games vs Michigan, winning last four visits here by 16-12-1-18 points, but Badgers lost last two games, both home games- they're 2-3 vs top 100 teams, beating BYU by 17, UNLV by 11. Wisconsin is 2-1 on road, winning at Milwaukee/Nebraska, losing by 3 at North Carolina. Michigan is 1-3 vs top 30 teams, beating Memphis on Maui for only win/ Underdogs are 5-2 vs spread in Big Dozen games where spread is 6 or less points.

DePaul lost its last four games vs Villanova by 7-2-27-2 points, as dogs covered four of last five in series. Blue Demons are 2-0 in true road tilts, beating local rival Loyola by 11, lowly Northern Illinois by 23. Wildcats lost three in row (allowed 79.3 ppg) and eight of last 11 games- they're shooting 29.7% behind arc, and are 1-7 vs teams in top 160. DePaul won six of its last seven games. Big East home favorites are 4-10-1 vs spread, 4-5 if spread is single digits.

UMass lost six of last seven games vs La Salle, losing last three visits to this gym by 9-11-21 points; 12-3 Minutemen are on a six-game winning streak- they're 2-1 on road, losing by 8 at Miami, beating Boston College and ECU. Explorers won seven of last eight games; they shoot 39.5% on arc, are 9-1 at home, losing to #106 Robert Morris. LASalle is 10-0 when it scores 70+ points, 1-4 when it doesn't. Atlantic 14 home favorites are 4-4 against the spread.

Valparaiso won two of last three games, with three games decided by a total of seven points; they beat Wright State twice LY, by 11-2 points, after losing previous five games to Raiders. Teams split last four games played here. Horizon League home favorites of 5 or less points are 1-6 vs spread. Wright won four of last five games, with two OT wins and a one-point loss- they're 1-7 against teams ranked in top 160, with only win by 2 in OT over #142 Idaho.

Butler won its last ten games over Detroit, winning last five visits here by 20-7-5-2-23 points. 9-7 Bulldogs won last four games; their last five wins are all by 5 or less points- they're shooting just 26.6% behind arc. Titans lost four of last six games; their last three losses are all by five or less points. Detroit is even worse (24.7%) behind arc (242nd)- they are 3-4 in last seven home games. Horizon League home underdogs are 3-2. Butler won its last two road games by total of six points.

Underdogs are 12-3 vs spread in last 15 Arizona-USC games, with home side winning last six; Wildcats lost five of last six visits here, last three by 1-6-8 points. Pac-12 home underdogs are 5-0 vs spread (4-1 SU) so far this season. Trojans lost four in row (scoring 48 ppg), seven of last eight games- they cannot shoot, making 59.9% (#332) from line, 31.6% (#259) behind arc. Arizona is 2-2 on road, losing in OT at Florida, by 7 at UCLA (in Anaheim) Thursday.

Maryland won its last nine games vs NC State, winning last three here; eight of last nine series wins were by 7+ points. Underdogs covered the first five ACC games this season. Terps won last seven games, but last six victims are ranked #182 or lower- this is their first true road game of season- they went 1-2 in November tourney on neutral floor. Maryland is #270 in experience; they've played schedule #301. Wolfpack won last five games, scoring 83.8 ppg in its last four.

Purdue won five of last six games vs Minnesota, losing to Gophers here LY by 3, the 7th home side win in last eight series games, with Boilers losing four of last five visits here. Purdue lost by 20 Thursday at Penn State, their second loss in three home games. Minnesota lot by 9-5-2 in Big Dozen play so far; they miss injured star Mbakwe. Gophers turn ball over 21.9% of time, which is too much. Underdogs are 4-0 vs spread in Big Dozen games when spread is 5 or less points.

California won its last seven games vs Oregon, winning last three visits here by 18-15-10 points; Bears covered eight of last 11 as a favorites in series. Ducks are 9-1 at home (only loss by 13 to #29 Virginia); all four of their losses are by 13+ points. Cal is 11-0 at home, 1-0 on a neutral floor, 0-4 on road, giving up 85+ points in three of four losses. Pac-12 home underdogs are 5-0 vs spread (4-1 SU) so far this season. Bears are 6th in country, making 42.8% from behind the arc.

VCU is 9-2 in last 11 games against Drexel, with four of last five decided by 4 or less points; Rams lost last two visits here, by 3-4 points- home team won six of last seven series games. VCU is 4-1 on road, with only loss by 8 at Alabama; they're # in country, forcing turnovers on 27.9% of possessions. Drexel won seven of last eight games after its 2-4 start; they're 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 14-13-14 points. CAA single digit home underdogs are 2-5 against the spread.

Siena is trying to attract fans for 1pm tipoff by showing NFL playoffs on scoreboard during game; home side won last seven Niagara-Siena tilts, with Purple Eagles losing last six regular season visits here, by 6-12-16-17-18-2 points. Saints won three of last four games, beating Princeton/ Fairfield in last two at home. Niagara is 3-7 in last ten games, but they've won four of five against teams not in top 200. MAAC single digit home favorites are 4-3 vs spread.

Fairfield lost last three road games, by 8-8-14 points, but they've won eight games in row vs Manhattan, winning last four in Draddy Gym by 5-18-18-9 points. Jaspers lost three of last four games; they're turning ball over 24.7% of time (#319) playing at faster pace under new coach. Stags turn ball over 21.8% of time, shoot just 62.1% on foul line, part of why they've slipped under new coach Johnson. MAAC home underdogs are 4-3 vs spread.

**Udog** · 01-08-2012, 08:36 AM

NBA

Sunday, January 8

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-20 SU in its last 22 games
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Washington is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games at home

6:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Orlando's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games on the road
Sacramento is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games at home
Sacramento is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Orlando

7:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Antonio's last 9 games when playing Oklahoma City
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Oklahoma City's last 12 games when playing at home against San Antonio

8:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PHOENIX
Milwaukee is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 8 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

9:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. PORTLAND
Cleveland is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Portland
Cleveland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Portland
Portland is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland

9:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. LA LAKERS
Memphis is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Memphis is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 7 games at home
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home

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**Udog** · 01-08-2012, 08:38 AM

NHL

Sunday, January 8

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Trend Report
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5:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. OTTAWA
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Philadelphia's last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

7:30 PM
DETROIT vs. CHICAGO
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
COLUMBUS vs. ANAHEIM
Columbus is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Anaheim's last 6 games when playing at home against Columbus
Anaheim is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Columbus

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**Udog** · 01-08-2012, 09:00 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Orlando at Sacramento
The Magic look to take advantage of a Sacramento team that is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games as an underdog. Orlando is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Magic favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-6). Here are all of today's picks

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

Game 801-802: Minnesota at Washington (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 113.391; Washington 111.737
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 2 1/2; 193
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+2 1/2); Over

Game 803-804: Orlando at Sacramento (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 122.802; Sacramento 114.399
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 8 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 6; 192
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-6); Under

Game 805-806: San Antonio at Oklahoma City (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 122.710; Oklahoma City 124.125
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 5 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+5 1/2); Over

Game 807-808: Milwaukee at Phoenix (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 114.981; Phoenix 123.985
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 9; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 7; 186 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-7); Under

Game 809-810: Cleveland at Portland (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 113.561; Portland 127.421
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 14; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 10 1/2; 194
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-10 1/2); Over

Game 811-812: Memphis at LA Lakers (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 118.116; LA Lakers 123.077
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 5; 179
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 7 1/2; 182 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+7 1/2); Under

Announcement

Sunday's Trends and Indexes - 1/8 (NFL, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Sunday's Trends and Indexes - 1/8 (NFL, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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