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**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 07:27 AM

Friday’s betting tips: Marquette still surging ATS

Who’s hot

NHL: The Rangers have won seven of their last nine meetings with the Islanders.

NHL: The under is 8-2-3 in Colorado’s last 13 road games.

NCAAB: Marquette is 11-3 against the spread in its last 14 overall and 6-1 ATS in its last seven road games.

NCAAB: The under is 11-4 in Valparaiso’s last 15.

Who’s not

NHL: Washington is 1-6 in its last seven.

NHL: Minnesota is 1-16 in its last 17 meetings with Dallas.

NCAAB: West Virginia is 1-5 against the spread in its last six.

NCAAB: Dartmouth is 2-8-1 against the spread in its last 11 home games.

Key stat

6 – The West Virginia Mountaineers hit just six of their 27 shots in the second half during Wednesday’s 71-44 blowout loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as 2.5-point underdogs. The Mountaineers were down just 30-28 at halftime.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Davante Gardner, Marquette Golden Eagles – Gardner has missed the last six games with a knee sprain and remains questionable for Friday’s contest against West Virginia. The 6-foot-8 forward is averaging 9.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game this season.

Game of the day

Marquette Golden Eagles at West Virginia Mountaineers (-1.5, N/A)

Notable quotable

"I didn't even know I was the favorite until you said that. I really don't pay attention to those things. … It's only someone's opinion. The more I win, the more respect I'm going to get." – UFC lightweight titleholder Frankie Edgar about being set as a -130 favorite against Ben Henderson at Saturday’s UFC 144.

Notes and tips

The Los Angeles Kings acquired center Jeff Carter from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson and a conditional first-round draft pick. Los Angeles entered play Thursday holding a one-point lead for the eighth spot in the Western Conference. Carter has endured an injury-plagued season with Columbus that saw him miss 20 games. He had a hat trick in a 6-3 win over San Jose on Tuesday to give him 15 goals and 10 assists in 39 games. The 27-year-old Carter spent his first six seasons with the Flyers, amassing 115 goals in his final three seasons. Johnson, 25, is in his fifth full season with the Kings. He has eight goals and 16 assists in 61 games this season.

Derrick Rose disputed a report claiming that he was in favor of trading Carlos Boozer and another teammate to the Los Angeles Lakers for Pau Gasol. "That's something I would never say to anyone, that I need someone to come to this team, trying to get rid of someone on this team," Rose told the Chicago Sun-Times. "That's all false. It's something I would never do." Rose told the newspaper that he talked to Boozer directly after the internet report surfaced. Gasol has been rumored to be traded from the Lakers since a three-team deal in December was essentially blocked by the league.

Alex Ovechkin returned to the ice on Thursday, wearing a powder blue "no contact" jersey, but is still considered questionable for Friday’s home game against the Montreal Canadiens. The 26-year-old Russian has 24 goals and 21 assists in 56 games for the Capitals this season. Meanwhile, the Capitals seem to have some friction in the dressing room. Veteran defenseman Roman Hamrlik found himself in the press box for taking a bad penalty in Washington’s 5-0 loss to Carolina and lashed out at coach Dale Hunter. "When he played I think he make lots of penalties himself," Hamrlik told CSNWashington.com's Chuck Gormley. "He should know better." Hamrlik is now reportedly on the trading block.

**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 07:30 AM

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

-- Miami Heat flexed their muscles and beat the Knicks pretty easily, 102-88. Maybe they can get on the cover of SI next week.

-- Cincinnati made 11-28 from the arc, Louisville 1-14, as the Bearcats got a big home win 60-56, that helps their at-large resume a lot.

-- Murray State avenged its only loss by winning 80-62 at Tennessee State. Racers have four easy wins since that loss.

-- Iowa beat Wisconsin 67-66, sweeping the Badgers for the first time in 17 years. Wisconsin has issues heading into March.

-- Eldrick Woods lasted two days in the Match Play tournament, losing to Nick Watney Thursday. He's just another guy right now.

-- Good news for the Brewers and Ryan Braun's fantasy league owners, as his 50-game suspension was overturned. He's good to go.

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

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

13) So Mets’ manager Terry Collins is annoyed because new SS Ruben Tejada didn’t come to camp early to practice; this stuff bothers me, this “If you’re not five minutes early, then you’re late” crap. If its so damn important that he be in camp 43 days before your first regular season game, then start freakin’ spring training 43 days before the season starts. Why not report the day after Christmas? The season is long and mentally grueling; guys need an offseason, too.

12) Speaking of which, a sure sign that spring training is too long for position players as it is: the Cubs held a bunting tournament Thursday. Maybe Collins could organize one of those to lure Tejada into camp early.

11) Mets do hope that Johan Santana can pitch an inning in their spring training opener; they’re encouraged by how he’s throwing the ball so far this spring, as he tries to recover from arm surgery.

10) Maryland Terrapins won’t play Georgetown in any sports until the Hoyas play them in basketball; this is a thorny issue in our nation’s capitol, dealing more with lacrosse, women’s sports more than anything else, but the Thompson family apparently wants no part of the Terps.

9) Jimmer Fredette’s brother blasted Kings’ coach Keith Smart on Twitter for not playing his brother. Bad move, even though he is probably right. If Smart doesn’t want to play Jimmer, trade him to someone who would love to have him (Utah? Knicks? Charlotte?)

8) If you think your job sucks, how about Lakers’ GM Mitch Kupchak, who has done a great job as Lakers’ GM, but now has had his power usurped by owner’s son Jim Buss? Buss fancies himself a basketball expert. Lets see how smart he is when #24 retires.

Bottom line for the Lakers is that they’re not as good as the Clippers and key members of the Laker family are pointing fingers to assess blame. Never a good sign.

7) ESPN signed up Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as a columnist; he’s a bright guy who never got his due as, in my opinion, the greatest basketball player of all-time. No one, and I mean, no one, dominated basketball like he did, from a 9th grader straight thru to the NBA. They even outlawed the dunk (in college) because of him. Hope he is opinionated in his writing, because he has a lot to say.

6) Think about how college hoop coaches get fired for not making the NCAA tournament, and then look at Akron Zips’ coach Keith Dambrot, who has won the MAC tourney two of last three years, and has a 10-1 tourney record in those years. Total domination, right?

Not so fast……of Akron’s 10 tourney wins the last three years, four of them came in OT, as did their lone loss. They’ve been the cardiac kids of Championship Week, but hardly dominant, but I bet Dambrot got a nice fat contract extension when he won those overtime games.

Dambrot, by the way, was Lebron James’ high school coach.

5) Alarming story about Red Sox’ reliever Bobby Jenks, who had bone spurs removed from his spine last winter, but the operation got botched, which resulted in spinal fluid leaking from his body. Scary stuff that resulted in an infection that could’ve killed him. Jenks is alright now, but has lost lot of weight and may not be ready to pitch for the Red Sox until July, if at all.

4) Greedy bastard update: Gas was $3.95 a gallon when I came home from work today, 8 cents a gallon more than it was three days ago, even though the same gas is in the same tanks underground as it was Monday. Politicians will wonder why they get voted out of office in November.

3) If I ran CBS and could pick the eight analysts I’d want for the NCAA tournament, I’d pick these guys:
a) Hubie Brown—Basketball professor.
b) Jeff Van Gundy—Basketball junkie.
c) Steve Kerr—Best analyst on the air today.
d) Marques Johnson—Good natured and enthusiastic while keeping his focus on the game.
e) Bill Raftery—Just pair him with Sean McDonough as a play-by-play guy. He’d be great.
f) Bob Valvano—Not as talkative as his late brother, but was a coach and sees the game that way.
g) Ernie Kent—Former Oregon coach has improved a lot in his second year on air.
h) Bob Wenzel—Former Rutgers coach is an underrated analyst.

2) So I’m having a good, relaxing day, no big problems, then it dawns on me that when baseball season starts, my A’s Opening Day starting pitcher could very well be Bartolo Colon. End of good mood.

How does a guy signed off the scrap heap become your #1 starter?

1) A’s also have an infielder in big league camp named Wes Timmons, who spent this winter as a substitute teacher. I’m guessing the Angels and Rangers don’t have lot of guys who spent the winter handing out reading assignments in European History, or picking up lunch trays in the cafeteria. Just a guess.

**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 07:35 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Friday, February 24

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COLUMBIA (14 - 12) at YALE (17 - 7) - 2/24/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBIA is 82-54 ATS (+22.6 Units) in road games since 1997.
COLUMBIA is 82-54 ATS (+22.6 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
COLUMBIA is 61-38 ATS (+19.2 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
YALE is 5-0 against the spread versus COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
YALE is 5-0 straight up against COLUMBIA 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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CORNELL (10 - 14) at BROWN (7 - 20) - 2/24/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CORNELL is 94-58 ATS (+30.2 Units) in road games since 1997.
CORNELL is 94-58 ATS (+30.2 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
CORNELL is 60-40 ATS (+16.0 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
CORNELL is 55-30 ATS (+22.0 Units) after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
CORNELL is 52-30 ATS (+19.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
BROWN is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CORNELL is 3-2 against the spread versus BROWN over the last 3 seasons
CORNELL is 5-0 straight up against BROWN over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PENNSYLVANIA (15 - 11) at DARTMOUTH (5 - 21) - 2/24/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENNSYLVANIA is 97-70 ATS (+20.0 Units) in road games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 97-70 ATS (+20.0 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 66-36 ATS (+26.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 53-33 ATS (+16.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 37-19 ATS (+16.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 32-12 ATS (+18.8 Units) in road games versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
PENNSYLVANIA is 38-15 ATS (+21.5 Units) in road games versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game since 1997.
DARTMOUTH is 44-67 ATS (-29.7 Units) in all home games since 1997.
DARTMOUTH is 44-67 ATS (-29.7 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
DARTMOUTH is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DARTMOUTH is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) in home games revenging a road loss vs opponent since 1997.
DARTMOUTH is 15-31 ATS (-19.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
DARTMOUTH is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PENNSYLVANIA is 3-2 against the spread versus DARTMOUTH over the last 3 seasons
PENNSYLVANIA is 5-0 straight up against DARTMOUTH 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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PRINCETON (15 - 10) at HARVARD (23 - 3) - 2/24/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PRINCETON is 47-27 ATS (+17.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 47-27 ATS (+17.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) when the total is 119.5 or less over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
PRINCETON is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in a road game where the total is 119.5 or less over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
PRINCETON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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BUTLER (18 - 12) at VALPARAISO (20 - 10) - 2/24/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VALPARAISO is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) on Friday nights since 1997.
BUTLER is 132-100 ATS (+22.0 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
BUTLER is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VALPARAISO is 4-1 against the spread versus BUTLER over the last 3 seasons
BUTLER is 3-2 straight up against VALPARAISO 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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IDAHO (16 - 11) at UTAH ST (14 - 14) - 2/24/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IDAHO is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
IDAHO is 75-50 ATS (+20.0 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
IDAHO is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH ST is 3-2 against the spread versus IDAHO over the last 3 seasons
UTAH ST is 3-2 straight up against IDAHO 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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MARQUETTE (23 - 5) at W VIRGINIA (17 - 11) - 2/24/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARQUETTE is 49-34 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 49-34 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) against conference opponents this season.
MARQUETTE is 38-17 ATS (+19.3 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a conference game this season.
MARQUETTE is 40-23 ATS (+14.7 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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LOYOLA-MD (20 - 7) at RIDER (11 - 18) - 2/24/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOYOLA-MD is 96-50 ATS (+41.0 Units) in road games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 96-50 ATS (+41.0 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in a road game where the total is 135 to 139.5 since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 80-39 ATS (+37.1 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 37-8 ATS (+28.2 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 48-21 ATS (+24.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 33-9 ATS (+23.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.
RIDER is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
RIDER is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
RIDER is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
RIDER is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) in home games in February games since 1997.
RIDER is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games when playing with 5 or 6 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 8-24 ATS (-18.4 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1997.
RIDER is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
RIDER is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOYOLA-MD is 3-2 against the spread versus RIDER over the last 3 seasons
LOYOLA-MD is 3-2 straight up against RIDER 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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CANISIUS (5 - 22) at MANHATTAN (19 - 10) - 2/24/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MANHATTAN is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all games this season.
MANHATTAN is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
CANISIUS is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MANHATTAN is 3-2 against the spread versus CANISIUS over the last 3 seasons
CANISIUS is 3-2 straight up against MANHATTAN 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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FAIRFIELD (17 - 11) at IONA (22 - 6) - 2/24/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IONA is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.
FAIRFIELD is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
FAIRFIELD is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) in road games in February games since 1997.
IONA is 40-63 ATS (-29.3 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
IONA is 33-58 ATS (-30.8 Units) in February games since 1997.
IONA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
FAIRFIELD is 3-2 against the spread versus IONA over the last 3 seasons
IONA is 3-2 straight up against FAIRFIELD 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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NIAGARA (12 - 17) at ST PETERS (5 - 23) - 2/24/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST PETERS is 8-15 ATS (-8.5 Units) in all games this season.
ST PETERS is 8-15 ATS (-8.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
ST PETERS is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in all home games this season.
ST PETERS is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home lined games this season.
ST PETERS is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in a home game where the total is 130 to 134.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) against conference opponents this season.
ST PETERS is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games in February games over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 9-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST PETERS is 4-1 against the spread versus NIAGARA over the last 3 seasons
ST PETERS is 4-1 straight up against NIAGARA 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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**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 07:37 AM

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, February 24

Yale (+3) came from behind to win 59-58 at Columbia Feb 11; Bulldogs forced 21 turnovers, outscored hosts 10-3 on foul line, winning despite Columbia's 52% shooting from floor. Yale is 4-2 as an Ivy favorite, 2-2 at home, winning home games by 4-10-7-4 points- they're 7-1 against the league, other than Harvard. Ivy League single digit home favorites are 9-6-1 against the spread. Columiba lost its last three games, by 1-11-2 points; Lions are 1-4 on Ivy road, losing by 5-5-11-2 points.

Brown (+13.5) lost 72-63 at Cornell Jan 11, shooting 39% with turnover ratio of -5 (14-9); Cornell was 12-23 from arc. Bears lost their last seven games, are 1-4-1 vs spread in last six; they're 1-4 at home in Ivy League play (1-3 as home underdog) losing home games by 13-9-14-17 points. Big Red lost its last two games; they're 1-4 on Ivy road, with only win by 9 at Dartmouth; they are 2-3 vs spread as an Ivy favorite. Ivy League home underdogs are 4-8 against the spread.

Dartmouth (+14) lost 58-55 at Penn Jan 11, even though they had 19-2 scoring edge on foul line; Big Green turned ball over 19 times (-11) for the game. Dartmouth is 1-4 in conference home games, with losses by 2-16-9-9 points- they're 1-3 as a home dog. Ivy League single digit home dogs are 3-7 against the spread. Quakers better not look ahead to game with Harvard Saturday; they won last three games, by 3-7-2 points, and are 3-1 on Ivy road, winning by 2-12-17 points (lost at Yale).

Harvard's only Ivy League loss was 70-62 (-5.5) at Princeton Feb 11, as Tigers outscored guests 17-7 on foul line, and shot 50% from floor for the game. Princeton is just 2-3 on Ivy road, 0-2 as road dog, losing away games by 8-15-4 points- they won last four games, but all those were at home. Harvard is 2-3 as home favorite, winning its Ivy home games by 16-11-5-27-15 points. Ivy League double home favorites are 3-8 against the spread, but Harvard is 2-3 in that role. .

Valparaiso (+5.5) upset Butler 77-71 in OT at Hinkle in Horizon opener Dec 3, shooting 53% from floor, while Butler shot 34% from floor, just 17-29 on foul line. Crusaders won six of last seven league games; they've won last six home games since losing at home to Milwaukee back on Dec 29. Butler won its last four games, allowing 53.8 ppg; they're 5-3 SU on road in conference play. Horizon League home teams are 13-6 against the spread when the number was 2 or less points.

Utah State (+2.5) lost 57-54 at Idaho Jan 21, turning ball over 16 times (-8); Aggies lost last two home games, to New Mexico State/UCSB, in an arena where they've rarely lost for the last decade- they're 4-2 overall at home in WAC games. WAC home favorites of 7 or less points are 5-9 against the spread. Vandals won last four games by 3-1-9-9 points; they are 2-2 on WAC road, with favorites covering three of the four games. Idaho lost by 10 at Fresno, 12 at New Mexico State.

West Virginia was horrendous in 71-44 loss at Notre Dame Wednesday, its sixth loss in last eight games; not sure what young Mountaineers have left in tank, but expect you'll get good effort here, in game bubble team needs to win. Marquette won 11 of last 12 games, winning/covering last four; they're 4-3 as Big East home favorite, winning home games by 4-19-5-11-20-7-17 points. Big East home teams are 15-11 against spread if the number was 2 or less points.

Rider (+9) lost 63-46 at Loyola Feb 3, shooting 30.6% in game that was 39-12 at half; Broncs lost last three games by 2-13-9 points; they're 5-1 in last six home games, with only loss during that stretch to Iona by 13 nine days ago. Greyhounds lost two of last three games, are 4-1 as road favorite in MAAC games, winning on road by 7-3-12-18-11 points, with losses at Iona/Marist. MAAC home underdogs of less than 5 points are 3-6 against the spread.

Manhattan (-9.5) won 78-66 at Canisius Jan 27, despite making just 10 of 21 from foul line in game they trailed by hoop at the half. Jaspers are just 2-3 in last five games, 2-3 as MAAC home favorite, winning home games by 26-2-19-7-22 points, with losses to Rider/Iona. Canisius lost its last 10 league games; they're 3-4 as MAAC road dog, losing its road games by 18-4-15-24-19-11-3 points. MAAC double digit home faves are 4-12 against the spread.

Iona (-2) won 71-62 at Fairfield Jan 27, game they led by 14 at half, as Stags were just 5-21 from arc with 17 turnovers. Gaels won three in row and seven of last eight games; they're 3-4 as MAAC home favorite, with home wins by 12-11-20-19-9 points. MAAC single digit home favorites are 19-15-1 against the spread. Fairfield won seven of last eight games, is 1-1 as MAAC underdog, 5-2 SU on MAAC road, losing only at Siena by 13 and by a hoop at Manhattan.

St Peter's (+5.5) lost 85-73 at Niagara Jan 13, turning ball over 19 times (-8) in game where both sides made 11-24 from arc. Peacocks lost five in a row and nine of last 10 games (0-5 vs spread in last five); they're 0-4 as a MAAC home underdog, losing home games by 14-12-24-11-19-22 points. Niagara lost its last four road games; they're 2-5 on MAAC road, with only wins by 5 at Loyola, 19 at Canisius. MAAC home underdogs of less than 5 points are 3-6 against the spread.

**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 07:42 AM

NCAAB

Friday, February 24

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College funds: Friday's best NCAAB bets
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Marquette Golden Eagles at West Virginia Mountaineers (-1.5, N/A)

The Golden Eagles are going to go as far as Jae Crowder and Darius Johnson-Odom take them, which is a very encouraging thought for Marquette supporters.

Crowder and Johnson-Odom are both strong candidates for the conference’s Player of the Year honors and seem to be improving as the games get increasingly more important.

Crowder put up 29 points and added 12 rebounds in last weekend’s win over UConn and then followed that up with 27 points and seven rebounds to help down Rutgers.

The Golden Eagles have won 11 of their last 12 and have covered the number in four straight as they work toward a top seed in the Big East Tournament, and a rest before the postseason begins.

“If you can get the double-bye, the chance of winning the tournament are much higher,” Crowder told reporters. “Last year, we were on the other end of it and had to play right away. We want to change that this year.”

The Mountaineers look like they’ve already checked out. Down two points at the half against Notre Dame, they fell apart in the second session in a 71-44 loss.

Pick: Golden Eagles

Princeton Tigers at Harvard Crimson (-11, N/A)

Harvard coach Tommy Amaker hasn’t had much to worry about this season, but the Princeton Tigers have given the Crimson fits.

Princeton beat Harvard 70-62 earlier this month as a 5-point home favorite. Ian Hummer scored 20 points and grabbed 90 rebounds in the win, which was the fifth time in six games that Tigers supporters have cashed against the Crimson.

“[Princeton] spreads the floor, and Hummer is just a very tough matchup. He’s a guy who can put it on the floor, shoot it from the outside, but also post up,”Amaker told reporters. “I thought they got too much on the interior against us, whether it was back cuts or we failed to call out some screening action. Hopefully we can do a much better job defending the Princeton offense.”

We’re anticipating a close one here.

Pick: Tigers

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**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 07:45 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Friday, February 24

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NY RANGERS (38-15-0-5, 81 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (25-27-0-8, 58 pts.) - 2/24/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 38-19 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all games this season.
NY RANGERS are 24-8 ATS (+14.5 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 18-5 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY RANGERS are 22-13 ATS (+36.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 10-1 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.
NY RANGERS are 12-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a division game this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 8-22 ATS (-15.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 61-101 ATS (+171.9 Units) in home games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 10-6 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 10-6-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.0 Units)

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MONTREAL (24-27-0-10, 58 pts.) at WASHINGTON (29-26-0-5, 63 pts.) - 2/24/2012, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 7-10 (+3.5 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 10-7-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.0 Units)

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COLORADO (30-27-0-4, 64 pts.) at COLUMBUS (18-35-0-7, 43 pts.) - 2/24/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 5-17 ATS (+22.8 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 19-46 ATS (+71.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 18-41 ATS (+67.6 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 20-33 ATS (+59.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 0-7 ATS (+8.0 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
COLUMBUS is 3-11 ATS (-10.6 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 8-1 (+8.0 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 8-1-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.7 Units)

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VANCOUVER (38-16-0-6, 82 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (35-20-0-4, 74 pts.) - 2/24/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 35-23 ATS (-0.6 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 11-5 ATS (+4.5 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
NEW JERSEY is 8-2 ATS (+5.6 Units) in February games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 42-25 ATS (+11.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 107-60 ATS (+15.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 59-29 ATS (+19.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 86-84 ATS (+189.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 29-15 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 43-32 ATS (+78.3 Units) in road games on Friday nights since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 2-0-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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BOSTON (36-20-0-2, 74 pts.) at BUFFALO (26-27-0-7, 59 pts.) - 2/24/2012, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 1-5 ATS (-8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
BUFFALO is 186-166 ATS (+364.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
BUFFALO is 231-165 ATS (+23.0 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
BOSTON is 21-9 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 50-36 ATS (+91.7 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
BOSTON is 139-120 ATS (+266.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
BOSTON is 13-2 ATS (+9.6 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
BUFFALO is 25-34 ATS (-33.4 Units) in all games this season.
BUFFALO is 29-33 ATS (-10.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 12-9 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 12-9-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.6 Units)

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MINNESOTA (26-24-0-9, 61 pts.) at DALLAS (30-26-0-4, 64 pts.) - 2/24/2012, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 7-3 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-3-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.3 Units)

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**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 07:46 AM

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, February 24

Hot teams
-- Rangers won eight of their last eleven road games.
-- Canucks won 11 of their last 14 games. New Jersey won its last three games, allowing five goals.
-- Buffalo won its last two games, allowing three goals.
-- Minnesota won its last two games, 2-0/3-2, after losing previous seven.
-- Dallas Stars won last two games, allowing one goal, but they're 3-6 in their last nine home games.

Cold teams
-- Islanders lost five of their last seven home games.
-- Washington lost six of its last seven games. Canadiens lost four of last five games, but won last three on road.
-- Blue Jackets are 1-12 in game following their last 13 wins. Colorado lost five of its last six road games.
-- Bruins lost three of their last four road games.

Totals
-- Over is 9-2 in last 11 Ranger-Islander games.
-- Under is 6-2-2 in last ten Washington games.
-- Four of last five Columbus home games went over total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Vancouver road games.
-- Five of last seven Boston games went over the total.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Minnesota road games.

Series records
-- Rangers won seven of last nine games against the Islanders.
-- Canadiens lost last four games with Washington; they got shut out in their last three games against the Caps.
-- Avalanche won eight of last nine games against Columbus.
-- Canucks won three of last four games against New Jersey.
-- Bruins/Sabres split their last ten games in Buffalo.
-- Dallas Stars won six of last eight games against Minnesota.

Back-to-Back
-- Vancouver is 3-1 when they won the night before.
-- Minnesota is 4-2 when it played the night before. Dallas Stars are 0-11.

**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 07:49 AM

NHL

Friday, February 24

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Ice picks: Friday's best NHL bets
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New York Rangers at New York Islanders (+130, 5)

If you’re looking for a key to this terrific season from the Rangers, it all comes back to nipping losing streaks in the bud.

The Rangers have lost consecutive games only four times this season and haven’t lost three in a row since the first three games of the season.

Right now they have dropped two of their last three and had an uninspired effort in a 2-0 loss at Pittsburgh on Tuesday. The Blueshirts are also dealing with a lot of trade rumors and the general consensus is that they have two games to prove to management they don’t need another big gun – i.e. Rick Nash.

That’s all bad news for the Islanders, who have been outscored 8-1 in their last two games.

"Everyone else around us isn't running away with it, and we come in here, against a team that's behind us that we want to keep behind us. ... And once again, we didn't answer the bell for the full 60 (minutes)," Islanders winger Matt Martin told Newsday after Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to Buffalo.

The Rangers won’t let the Isles off the hook here.

Pick: Rangers

Boston Bruins at Buffalo Sabres (+130, 5.5)

There hasn’t been a dull moment when these two teams have shared the ice this season.

Milan Lucic started the fireworks when he ran Ryan Miller, putting the Buffalo goaltender on the shelf with a concussion and it’s escalated since then.

The Sabres, who have been pushed around by a number of teams this season, showed some guts in a 6-0 blowout win over the Bruins earlier this month, but they still struggle with consistency. They are 3-3-1 since that big win.

"We got our part down, and along the way we're going to play those teams that are ahead of us," coach Lindy Ruff told reporters after Monday’s win over the Islanders. "That's the big advantage of late in the year. We're going to see those teams, and we're going to have to win those games to make up the big difference."

The Bruins aren’t the type of team that forgets about blowout losses quickly. We expect this one to be a lot tighter.

Pick: Under

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**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 08:14 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Butler at Valparaiso
The Bulldogs look to take advantage of a Valpo team that is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 games as a home favorite. Butler is the pick (+1) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulldogs favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Butler (+1). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Game 801-802: Columbia at Yale (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbia 52.129; Yale 54.491
Dunkel Line: Yale by 2 1/2; 130
Vegas Line: Yale by 4 1/2; 126
Dunkel Pick: Columbia (+4 1/2); Over

Game 803-804: Cornell at Brown (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 50.155; Brown 44.768
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 5 1/2; 127
Vegas Line: Cornell by 4; 134
Dunkel Pick: Cornell (-4); Under

Game 805-806: Pennsylvania at Dartmouth (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pennsylvania 53.059; Dartmouth 49.049
Dunkel Line: Pennsylvania by 4; 116
Vegas Line: Pennsylvania by 6; 119 1/2
Dunkel Pick Dartmouth (+6); Under

Game 807-808: Princeton at Harvard (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Princeton 54.510; Harvard 66.680
Dunkel Line: Harvard by 12; 120
Vegas Line: Harvard by 10 1/2; 117 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Harvard (-10 1/2); Over

Game 809-810: Butler at Valparaiso (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 61.311; Valparaiso 60.946
Dunkel Line: Butler by 1; 119
Vegas Line: Valparaiso by 1; 125
Dunkel Pick: Butler (+1); Under

Game 811-812: Idaho at Utah State (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 53.808; Utah State 61.074
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 7 1/2; 133
Vegas Line: Utah State by 5 1/2; 129 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (-5 1/2); Over

Game 813-814: Marquette at West Virginia (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 70.639; West Virginia 68.312
Dunkel Line: Marquette by 2 1/2; 148
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 1; 144
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+1); Over

Game 815-816: Loyola-MD at Rider (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-MD 53.514; Rider 48.085
Dunkel Line: Loyola-MD by 5 1/2; 134
Vegas Line: Loyola-MD by 3; 138
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-MD (-3); Under

Game 817-818: Canisius at Manhattan (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 40.482; Manhattan 55.504
Dunkel Line: Manhattan by 15; 142
Vegas Line: Manhattan by 17 1/2; 137
Dunkel Pick: Canisius (+17 1/2); Over

Game 819-820: Fairfield at Iona (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Fairfield 57.299; Iona 66.744
Dunkel Line: Iona by 9 1/2; 136
Vegas Line: Iona by 8; 140 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Iona (-8); Under

Game 821-822: Niagara at St. Peter's (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 44.964; St. Peter's 43.063
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 2; 135
Vegas Line: Niagara by 3 1/2; 133
Dunkel Pick: St. Peter's (+3 1/2); Over

**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 08:21 AM

NCAAB

Friday, February 24

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
CANISIUS vs. MANHATTAN
Canisius is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Canisius's last 5 games on the road
Manhattan is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Manhattan's last 5 games

7:00 PM
LOYOLA vs. RIDER
Loyola is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Loyola's last 5 games on the road
Rider is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Rider is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
COLUMBIA vs. YALE
Columbia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Columbia's last 6 games on the road
Yale is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Yale's last 10 games

7:00 PM
PENNSYLVANIA vs. DARTMOUTH
Pennsylvania is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Pennsylvania is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Dartmouth
Dartmouth is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Dartmouth is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
PRINCETON vs. HARVARD
Princeton is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Harvard
Princeton is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Harvard
Harvard is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Harvard's last 5 games

7:00 PM
CORNELL vs. BROWN
Cornell is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Cornell is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Brown is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Brown is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
BUTLER vs. VALPARAISO
Butler is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games on the road
Butler is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Valparaiso is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Valparaiso is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games

8:00 PM
NIAGARA vs. SAINT PETER'S
Niagara is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Niagara's last 8 games on the road
Saint Peter's is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Saint Peter's is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

9:00 PM
MARQUETTE vs. WEST VIRGINIA
Marquette is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Marquette is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
West Virginia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
West Virginia is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games

9:00 PM
FAIRFIELD vs. IONA
Fairfield is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Iona
Iona is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Iona is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

9:05 PM
IDAHO vs. UTAH STATE
Idaho is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Idaho's last 5 games on the road
Utah State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Utah State is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home

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**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 08:24 AM

NHL

Friday, February 24

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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7:00 PM
COLORADO vs. COLUMBUS
Colorado is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing on the road against Columbus
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado
Columbus is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado

7:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games on the road
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 9 games when playing Montreal
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Montreal

7:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. NY ISLANDERS
NY Rangers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Rangers last 7 games when playing NY Islanders
NY Islanders are 4-9 SU in their last 13 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 7 games when playing NY Rangers

7:00 PM
VANCOUVER vs. NEW JERSEY
Vancouver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing New Jersey
Vancouver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games at home
New Jersey is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Vancouver

7:30 PM
BOSTON vs. BUFFALO
Boston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Boston is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Buffalo is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Boston
Buffalo is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

8:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DALLAS
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Minnesota is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Dallas's last 13 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Dallas is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home

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**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 08:56 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Boston at Buffalo
The Sabres look to take advantage of a Boston team that is coming off a 4-2 win at St. Louis and is 0-8 in its last 8 games following a victory. Buffalo is the pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the Sabres favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+125). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Game 51-52: NY Rangers at NY Islanders (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 10.794; NY Islanders 11.553
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+125); Under

Game 53-54: Montreal at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.292; Washington 10.328
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 55-56: Colorado at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.191; Columbus 10.703
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-110); Under

Game 57-58: Vancouver at New Jersey (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.068; New Jersey 11.227
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (+100); Over

Game 59-60: Boston at Buffalo (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 11.155; Buffalo 12.220
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+125); Under

Game 61-62: Minnesota at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 10.651; Dallas 12.433
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-160); 5
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-160); Over

**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 09:17 AM

NBA odds: Best bets at the halfway mark of the season

Apologies in advance for the 187th article on NBA trends you’ve seen on *********** this hoops season. It’s just that we can’t undersell how effed up this shortened schedule is turning out to be.

Evidence item No. 1: Remember when the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers were good?

Evidence item No. 2: Remember when the Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks put up points and played matador defense?

Evidence item No. 3: Remember when the Clippers, Timberwolves and the Cavaliers all stunk?

Shit, maybe it’s not the condensed schedule. The Mayans and John Cusack were right. The world is ending in 2012.

Since we won’t stop gambling until the earthquakes and tsunamis hit us, here’s a review of the best and worst bets of the NBA season at the halfway mark.

BEST BET: CHICAGO BULLS (21-14 ATS)

The Bulls are 7-3 straight up in games without defending league MVP Derrick Rose. The takeaway here is obviously Chicago – even without Rose – is one of the best teams in the league.

WORST BET: WASHINGTON WIZARDS (10-23 ATS)

Do the Wizards have a half-court offense? I don’t think I’ve seen it yet.

BEST OVER BET: DETROIT PISTONS (20-15 O/U)

This speaks to the rash of unders in the NBA. Detroit isn’t a high-flying, offensive side. That’s not coach Lawrence Frank’s style. The Pistons average 89.3 points per game and allow 93 a night. They’ve gone an over run in recently (13-4) mainly because oddsmakers were still setting their totals at 180.

BEST UNDER BET: NEW YORK KNICKS (10-24 O/U)

Tyson Chandler should get more consideration for Defensive Player of the Year honors. This is the second team he’s transformed at the defensive end of the court because of his effort in the paint.

BEST HOME BET: HOUSTON ROCKETS (13-5 ATS)

The rims at the Toyota Center are kind to Rockets shooting guard Kevin Martin. He’s shooting .438 on 3’s at home and .275 on the road. No surprise is scoring average is eight points higher in Houston.

WORST HOME BET: NEW JERSEY NETS (4-12 ATS)

The Nets must already be thinking about playing in Brooklyn because they don’t get up for the dozens of fans who show up to watch them at the swamp. Typical Nets: Play big and upset the Knicks at the garden as 9-point dogs, head home and lose by 17 to the Magic.

BEST AWAY BET: DENVER NUGGETS (13-5 ATS)

I don’t know what to think about this. Denver, with its high altitude, is usually a strong home court advantage for the Nuggets. It’s gotta be 2012 baby. End of the world.

WORST AWAY BET: LOS ANGELES LAKERS (5-12 ATS)

The Lakers are coming off a big away win over the Mavericks on Wednesday but there hasn’t been many high-five and flying chest bumps on the road this season. Last week kind of summed things up for Purple and Gold backers: Los Angeles spanked the Suns 111-99 at the Staples Center. Two days later Kobe and Co. lost by 12 at Phoenix.

**Udog** · 02-24-2012, 09:22 AM

NBA Rising Stars Challenge: What bettors need to know

The NBA is taking a cue from the revamped NHL All-Star Game when it comes to their annual showcase of young talent, the NBA Rising Stars Challenge.

Rather than split the teams into rookies and sophomores, like the league has done since adding second-year players to the game in 2000, they handed the rosters over TNT analyst and former NBA stars Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal (AKA The Black Pat Riley), picking teams in a draft-style format.

Handicapping these kinds of games is nearly impossible. But, if there are odds on it, we’re going to be betting it. So, here’s a breakdown of both sides - by position – giving the edge to either Team Chuck or Team Shaq for Friday’s NBA Rising Stars Challenge.

GUARDS

Barkley used the second-overall pick on Cleveland rookie Kyrie Irving, who has returned from a concussion to average 18.6 points in his last five games. Irving is pretty much a shoe-in to win Rookie of the Year, leading all first-year players in scoring and keeping the Cavs out of the Central Division basement.

Joining Irving is fellow former No. 1 overall selection John Wall from Washington. While Wall may be falling short of his point guard duties in the nation’s capital, the speedy slasher is built for these types of games. He record 22 assists in last year’s Rookie Challenge, winning MVP, and gets to team with former Kentucky stud DeMarcus Cousins again after the two dominated the 2011 showcase.

Paul George from Indiana and MarShon Brooks from New Jersey will serve as the other guards on the Team Chunk roster. Brooks is second in rookie scoring with just over 14 points a night.

Team Shaq has an international feel in the backcourt with New York sensation Jeremy Lin teaming with Minnesota’s Spaniard Ricky Rubio. Lin is averaging 24 points a night since exploding on the scene earlier in the month, priced as a +400 fave to win MVP, and Rubio has been a highlight reel factory, finally giving T-Wolves fans something to be excited about.

Shaq’s squad has a deeper backcourt, which may serve him well in a more open, up-tempo game. NCAA Tournament star Kemba Walker from Charlotte, Lin’s teammate Landry Fields, Detroit’s Brandon Knight, and Miami’s spark plug Norris Cole round out the guards. Cole, who is putting together a solid first season among the stars in South Beach, is a nice dark-horse pick to win MVP at +1,000.

EDGE: Team Shaq

FORWARDS

Team Chuck went heavy on the forwards, but has some versatile players - like Evan Turner, Kawhi Leonard, Gordon Hayward and Derrick Williams – that can fill the lanes and finish on the fastbreak. Barkley went with Cousins with his second pick of the draft, after he dominated last year’s Rookie-Sophomore game with 33 points and 14 rebounds.

Cousins was really the only post presence for Team Chuck until Spurs tweener Tiago Splitter pulled out due to injury, extending an invite to Utah’s Derrick Favors. The 6-foot-10 sophomore is averaging eight points and five rebounds per game.

Team Shaq took Clippers star Blake Griffin as the No. 1 overall pick in the fantasy draft, instantly giving O’Neal the best player in the game. Griffin’s talents are no secret, especially come All-Star Weekend. Although, with Los Angeles in the mix in the Western Conference and an ASG appearance Sunday, The Blake Show could be taking it easy. That appears to be the case after declining a spot in the dunk contest.

Pistons big man Greg Monroe is Shaq’s starting center, with Phoenix’s Markieff Morris and Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson rounding out a so-so frontcourt. Monroe has some value at +750 to win MVP, with his ability to score, rebound and pass. He’s averaging 16.7 points, 10 boards and 2.5 assists on the year.

EDGE: Team Chuck

INTANGIBLES

This is the first year for the new draft format, mixing first and second-year players together. Team Shaq boasts six rookies and four sophomores while Team Chuck’s roster consists of six sophomores and four rookies.

Before switching to the current format, the Sophomores won eight of the last 12 showcases by large margins. However, the Rookies won the final two Rookie Challenge games, with a 148-140 victory in 2011.

Team Shaq is being coached by Chicago assistant Ron Adams and former Bulls shooter and Phoenix GM Steve Kerr. Oklahoma City assistant Maurice Cheeks is on the other sideline for Team Chuck, joined by former NBA head coach Mike Fratello, perhaps giving Barkey’s squad the edge when it comes to coaching. However, this is an All-Star Weekend event, so…

There’s no love lost between Barkley and Shaq, but O’Neal may have some added motivation to defeat his TNT broadcast partner after Sir Charles spoofed Shaq during his latest stint on Saturday Night Live.

And, as we all know, ring count matters: Shaq 4, Chuck 0.

EDGE: Team Shaq

Rising Stars Challenge MVP odds

Blake Griffin (Team Shaq) +550
DeMarcus Cousins (Team Chuck) +550
Gordon Hayward (Team Chuck) +1200
Greg Monroe (Team Shaq) +750
Jeremy Lin (Team Shaq) +400
John Wall (Team Chuck) +600
Kemba Walker (Team Shaq) +550
Kyrie Irving (Team Chuck) +550
Landry Fields (Team Shaq) +900
Paul George (Team Chuck) +750
Ricky Rubio (Team Shaq) +600
Field (Any other player) +1000

Announcement

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 2/24 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 2/24 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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