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**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 09:15 AM

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

Odds to win next fall's World Series.........

4-1-- Toronto Blue Jays-- Opened up at 20-1.

6-1-- Dodgers/Tigers/Giants/Angels-- Lot of cash in this group.

8-1-- Nationals/Bronx/Reds-- Will Strasburg be allowed to pitch next fall?

12-1-- Cardinals-- Opened at 15-1. Pretty soft division.

15-1-- Rangers/White Sox/Red Sox-- Nolan Ryan blew up his lineup.

18-1-- Orioles/Rays-- All these teams are better than my A's? Ha!!!!.

*****

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud........

13) Golden State Warriors are 19-10; at this rate, Mark Jackson will win Coach of the Year, but remember; Jerry West works for the Warriors now. He is the best executive in NBA history. Winning follows him.

12) 14-14 Nets, who have NBA's 2nd-highest payroll, fired Avery Johnson, as Deron Williams claims another coaching scalp. If Williams would stop complaining about the offense and shoot higher than 39%, maybe the team would win more games and the coach wouldn't get fired. Just maybe.

11) Unrelated Nets item: their 108-93 loss at Milwaukee was Brooklyn's first road game out of 12 that went over the total.

10) Bad Beat of the Year, on December 27??? If you had Duke +9.5 in that Belk Bowl, you're sick. Duke had the ball with 1:40 to go in a tie game on the Cincinnati 7-yard line. How could you lose?

Well, Duke fumbled, then the Bearcats hit an 83-yard TD pass to a tight end who isn't exactly Usain Bolt, then Cincinnati got a sack/fumble/TD for the covering touchdown that had to make Duke backers puke.

9) So if this Baylor QB Nick Florence leads the country in total offense the year after RGIII goes pro, how does Bears' coach Art Briles not get hired by an SEC school? No Pac-12 jobs came open (except for Colorado, thats a bad weather place, not well-suited for Briles' offense). Does Baylor have the financial resources to keep Briles long-term? We hope so.

8) Raymond Felton broke his pinkie, is out 4-6 weeks, leaving point guard in New York to Jason Kidd/Pablo Prigioni, couple of NBA senior citizens.

7) Good news for UNLV; star F Mike Moser is back practicing; he won't play in Chapel Hill Saturday, but he figures to be ready for conference play.

6) Upset of the bowl season: My 86-year old dad staying up for the end of the Belk Bowl (Cincinnati-Duke); has to be a damned good game for him to stay up for the end when he's not involved financially, and its not the Knicks, Giants or Mets playing.

5) Houston Rockets are 16-12, pretty good job considering it looks like they totally wasted their first round draft pick on Royce White, who has a fear of flying and isn't playing right now. White had his problems in college and had to be considered a high-risk pick. He is talented, but..........

4) Greedy bastard update: Gas has stablized here at $3.69 a gallon at station nearest my house; only two miles away, it is $3.51, but out in Las Vegas, its $3.25 a gallon, give or take a few cents. New York's an expensive place.

3) We all know the Pro Bowl is useless and should be done away with, but the 2-13 Chiefs have five guys in the Pro Bowl; 7-7-1 Rams have none.

2) Louisville shotblocker Gorgui Dieng will play Saturday vs Kentucky, in one of America's biggest rivalry games; big game for Pitino. This is first time in a while he has a better team than Calipari.

1) If Avery Johnson gets fired, how does GM Billy King stay? Look at the roster; this is a great team? What has King done to deserve a job like this? If you own the Nets, how do you put PJ Carlesimo in charge of anything? He once had his best player try to choke him. Good grief, what a mess.

**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 09:16 AM

See spot, see spot bet: This week's best spot bet opportunities

Spot bets are a classic handicapping practice that has proven profitability no matter what sport you’re betting. Whether it’s a team looking past this week’s opponent, one coming off a hard-fought victory, or a rough patch of schedule, bettors can find value picking their spots.

Here’s a look at some possible spot bet opportunities this week:

Letdown spot

The Atlanta Falcons put together one hell of a season and claimed the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a record of 13-2 heading into the season finale versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons find themselves in a tough spot in Week 17. Atlanta could bench its starters to avoid any silly injuries before the postseason but past playoff letdowns have the team thinking twice about halting the momentum.

Tampa Bay won’t do their NFC South rivals any favors. Bucs head coach Greg Schiano was making progress with this team before a five-game losing streak snuffed out any playoff hopes. He’ll be pushing his team to finish strong in Week 17.

Lookahead spot

The No. 12 Creighton Bluejays have a big conference clash with Illinois State on Jan. 2. The two teams are projected to battle for the Missouri Valley crown this season. But before Creighton makes the trip to Normal, Illinois Tuesday it hosts mid-tier MVC program Evansville Saturday.

The Purple Aces not only have one of the coolest names in sports but have also been an ATS cash cow. Evansville is 6-3 ATS on the year, most recently covering as a 10.5-point underdog in a loss to Butler. Last year, the Purple Aces defeated Creighton 65-57 as 5.5-point home dogs then lost 93-92 in overtime as 10.5-point road pups in the regular season.

Schedule spot

The Miami Heat avoided a serious letdown spot versus the Charlotte Bobcats Wednesday, just 24 hours removed from a huge win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Christmas Day. The 105-92 win at Charlotte extended the Heat’s SU and ATS winning streak to six games

But Miami isn’t out of the woods just yet. It plays three games over four days, starting in Detroit Friday, at Milwaukee Saturday, and at Orlando on New Year’s Eve. And, if you know anything about LeBron James and the Heat, it’s that they like to ring in the New Year in style. Last Dec. 31, the King popped the question to his longtime girlfriend. Miami could be looking past the lowly Magic to that night’s celebration.

**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 09:17 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

First Post

Baylor at Gonzaga
The Bulldogs look to build on their 11-3 ATS record in their last 14 home games. Gonzaga is the pick (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulldogs favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-8 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28

Game 825-826: Detroit at Temple (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings:
Dunkel Line:
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:

Game 827-828: Providence at Brown (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 58.704; Brown 47.461
Dunkel Line: Providence by 11; 135
Vegas Line: Providence by 13; 130 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Brown (+13); Over

Game 829-830: Baylor at Gonzaga (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 65.330; Gonzaga 75.074
Dunkel Line: Gonzaga by 9 1/2; 140
Vegas Line: Gonzaga by 8 1/2; 143
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (-8 1/2); Under

Game 831-832: Yale at Nevada (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 45.875; Nevada 61.997
Dunkel Line: Nevada by 16
Vegas Line: Nevada by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nevada (-12 1/2)

Game 833-834: Missouri at UCLA (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 68.707; UCLA 72.362
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 3 1/2; 148
Vegas Line: UCLA by 2; 150 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (-2); Under

Game 835-836: Austin Peay vs. Utah Valley State (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Austin Peay 44.439; Utah Valley State 44.189
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Utah Valley State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Austin Peay (+1 1/2)

Game 837-838: High Point at Chattanooga (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: High Point 47.520; Chattanooga 45.396
Dunkel Line: High Point by 2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: High Point

Game 839-840: Howard at Central Florida (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Howard 43.458; Central Florida 62.378
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 19
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 16
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (-16)

Game 841-842: Belmont vs. Boston U (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Belmont 67.702; Boston U 53.343
Dunkel Line: Belmont by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Belmont by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Belmont (-9 1/2)

Game 843-844: Iona at St. Joseph's (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Iona 55.715; St. Joseph's 65.415
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Joseph's (-7 1/2)

Game 845-846: Rider at Rutgers (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 51.320; Rutgers 63.177
Dunkel Line: Rutgers by 12
Vegas Line: Rutgers by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rutgers (-10 1/2)

Game 847-848: Southern Mississippi at Morehead State (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 56.594; Morehead State 56.343
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Morehead State (+2 1/2)

Game 849-850: Bowling Green at North Dakota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 51.264; North Dakota 49.826
Dunkel Line: Bowling Green by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Bowling Green by 3
Dunkel Pick: North Dakota (+3)

Game 851-852: SIU-Edwardsville at St. Louis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: SIU-Edwardsville 42.103; St. Louis 68.023
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 26
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 21 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-21 1/2)

Game 853-854: Jacksonville at Indiana (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville 43.156; Indiana 83.149
Dunkel Line: Indiana by 40; 149
Vegas Line: Indiana by 37 1/2; 153 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-37 1/2); Under

**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 09:18 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Friday, December 28

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (7 - 5) at TEMPLE (9 - 2) - 12/28/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROVIDENCE (8 - 3) at BROWN (3 - 6) - 12/28/2012, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BAYLOR (8 - 3) at GONZAGA (11 - 1) - 12/28/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BAYLOR is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

YALE (4 - 7) at NEVADA (8 - 4) - 12/28/2012, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEVADA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
NEVADA is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
YALE is 29-13 ATS (+14.7 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MISSOURI (10 - 1) at UCLA (9 - 3) - 12/28/2012, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSOURI is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AUSTIN PEAY (4 - 8) vs. UTAH VALLEY ST (6 - 8) - 12/28/2012, 4:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HIGH POINT (4 - 6) at UT-CHATTANOOGA (3 - 8) - 12/28/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOWARD (3 - 10) at UCF (7 - 3) - 12/28/2012, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOSTON U (5 - 6) vs. BELMONT (8 - 3) - 12/28/2012, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON U is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
BOSTON U is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
BOSTON U is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
BELMONT is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IONA (6 - 5) at ST JOSEPHS (5 - 4) - 12/28/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IONA is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
IONA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ST JOSEPHS is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RIDER (6 - 6) at RUTGERS (8 - 2) - 12/28/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RIDER is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
RUTGERS is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
RUTGERS is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) on Friday nights since 1997.
RUTGERS is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOUTHERN MISS (8 - 4) at MOREHEAD ST (5 - 7) - 12/28/2012, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MOREHEAD ST is 34-54 ATS (-25.4 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOWLING GREEN (5 - 6) at N DAKOTA (2 - 8) - 12/28/2012, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SIU EDWARDSVL (4 - 5) at SAINT LOUIS (8 - 3) - 12/28/2012, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JACKSONVILLE (5 - 7) at INDIANA (11 - 1) - 12/28/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
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.
INDIANA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
INDIANA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points this season.
INDIANA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all home games this season.
INDIANA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home lined games this season.
INDIANA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
INDIANA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
INDIANA is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games after scoring 80 points or more this season.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 09:18 AM

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, December 28

-- 5-5 Detroit won four of last five games after 1-4 start (also have two non-D-I wins); Titans are 1-5 on road, with only win at #331 Akron- they're 1-4 vs top 100 teams, beating Akron at home, losing by 3-15-13-4 points. Temple just upset Syracuse after losing to Canisius; six of its nine wins are by 11+ points.
-- Providence won last five games with crosstown rival Brown by 31-27-16-24-19 points; Friars only play seven guys, are 4-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 1-32-10-34 points. Brown lost five of last six tilts, losing by 27 to Notre Dame, 21 to Northwestern in last two; they turn ball over 21.8% of time- this is their second game in last 20 days.
-- Gonzaga beat Baylor 68-64 in Texas two years ago, in last meeting in series; Bears are 4-2 vs top 100 teams, but Kentucky (64-55 Baylor win in inly road game) was only one of six that is ranked above #45. Gonzaga is 6-1 vs top 100 teams, 1-1 vs top 70, losing by 11 to Illinois at home, before beating K-State by 16- they shoot 57.5% inside the arc.

-- 7-4 Nevada won its last three games; they're 3-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 18-1-13 points; all four Wolf Pack losses are vs teams ranked from 138-165, so they're no superpower- they still haven't been in a top 100 game. 3-7 Yale is playing first D-I game in 20 days; they're turning ball over 23.6% of time, have one loss by more than 13 points.
-- First true road game for 10-1 Missouri's whose only loss was to #2 Louisville on neutral court; they beat rival Illinois in St Louis last game; Tigers' other top 100 win was by 3 over VCU on neutral floor. UCLA won last four games, scoring 91.7 ppg in last three; they're 1-2 against top 100 teams, with only win by a basket over Texas in Houston.
-- Underachieving Iona is 6-5, losing by 14 at LaSalle in only game with A-16 squad; they're 1-2 on road, winning by 3 at Georgia, losing by 2 at St Peter's. Gaels allowed 81+ points in four of five losses. St Joe's has also disappointed at 5-4, losing at home to MAAC's Fairfield last game; Hawks lost 104-99 in double OT at Iona last season.
-- 6-6 Rider scored 52-45 points in losing last two games; they turn ball over 24.9% of time, are 2-3 on road, losing by 12-13-17 points, winning at Drexel/Siena. Rutgers is playing better with Coach Rice suspended- this is last game of his sentence. Knights won four in row, eight of last nine games- they start Big East play with game at Syracuse next week.

-- Morehead State lost five of last six games, is putting opponents on the foul line more than any team in country; their old coach Tyndall comes to town here with new team Southern Miss which is 8-4 but turning ball over 25.9% of time. All four USM losses are against teams ranked in top 110- they're 4-0 vs teams not in top 200, with wins by 12-18-38-2.
-- Bowling Green lost last game in triple OT at South Florida; they're 0-2 on road, also losing by 11 at Robert Morris. North Dakota is 0-8 against D-I teams, losing last three games by 29-12-9 points; they make 28.9% of shots behind arc, lost home games vs D-I teams by 3-9 points. BG allowed average of 50.5 ppg in its four Division I wins.
-- Veteran Saint Louis squad won last five games, allowing 46.7 ppg in its last three; Billikens are 2-0 vs teams not in top 200, winning by 22-27 points- they've got New Mexico visiting Monday. SI-Edwardsville is 0-4 on road vs D-I teams, losing by 14-11-11-19 points; they're making only 39% of 2-point shots, turning ball over on 22% of possessions.

**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 09:19 AM

NCAAB

Friday, December 28

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Trend Report
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3:00 PM
DETROIT vs. TEMPLE
Detroit is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Temple is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

3:00 PM
RIDER vs. RUTGERS
Rider is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Rider is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Rutgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Rutgers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Rider

4:00 PM
SIENA HEIGHTS vs. EASTERN MICHIGAN
No trends available
Eastern Michigan is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Eastern Michigan is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

7:00 PM
HOWARD vs. CENTRAL FLORIDA
No trends available
Central Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Central Florida is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games at home

7:00 PM
RIO GRANDE vs. CLEVELAND STATE
No trends available
Cleveland State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
NOTRE DAME (OH) vs. BUFFALO
No trends available
Buffalo is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Buffalo is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games at home

7:00 PM
HIGH POINT vs. CHATTANOOGA
No trends available
Chattanooga is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Chattanooga is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home

7:00 PM
STONY BROOK vs. SETON HALL
No trends available
Seton Hall is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Seton Hall is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
IONA vs. SAINT JOSEPH'S
Iona is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Iona is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Saint Joseph's is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games at home

7:00 PM
CORNELL vs. ST. FRANCIS PA
Cornell is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
No trends available

7:00 PM
NJIT vs. VILLANOVA
No trends available
Villanova is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Villanova is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
PROVIDENCE vs. BROWN
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Providence's last 7 games when playing at home against Brown
Providence is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Brown
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brown's last 7 games when playing on the road against Providence
Brown is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Providence

7:30 PM
BUCKNELL vs. LOYOLA
No trends available
Loyola is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
Loyola is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

7:30 PM
SOUTHERN MISS vs. MOREHEAD STATE
Southern Miss is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Morehead State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Morehead State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
JACKSONVILLE vs. INDIANA
No trends available
Indiana is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games
Indiana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
BAYLOR vs. GONZAGA
Baylor is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Baylor's last 7 games on the road
Gonzaga is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games
Gonzaga is 24-1 SU in its last 25 games at home

8:00 PM
SIU EDWARDSVILLE vs. SAINT LOUIS
SIU Edwardsville is 3-22 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Saint Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Saint Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
HOUSTON BAPTIST vs. LSU
No trends available
LSU is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
LSU is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
BOWLING GREEN vs. NORTH DAKOTA
Bowling Green is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Bowling Green is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
North Dakota is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games at home
North Dakota is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games

8:00 PM
NORTH CAROLINA A&T vs. TEXAS TECH
No trends available
Texas Tech is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Texas Tech is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
ORAL ROBERTS vs. MEMPHIS
No trends available
Memphis is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games at home
Memphis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

9:30 PM
ALBERTSON vs. UTAH
No trends available
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Utah is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

9:30 PM
BOSTON UNIVERSITY vs. BELMONT
No trends available
Belmont is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games

10:00 PM
YALE vs. NEVADA
Yale is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Nevada is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Nevada is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

10:00 PM
MISSOURI vs. UCLA
Missouri is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Missouri's last 6 games on the road
UCLA is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
UCLA is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games at home

10:30 PM
FRESNO PACIFIC vs. PEPPERDINE
No trends available
Pepperdine is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Pepperdine is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 09:21 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Houston at San Antonio
The Spurs look to follow up their 100-80 win over Toronto and build on their 20-5-2 ATS record in their last 27 games following a SU victory of more than 10 points. San Antonio is the pick (-8) according to Dunkel, which has the Spurs favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-8). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28

Game 801-802: Phoenix at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 115.288; Indiana 123.862
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 8 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 803-804: Orlando at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 113.797; Washington 113.571
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 1 1/2; 183 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+1 1/2); Over

Game 805-806: Miami at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 125.114; Detroit 118.706
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 6 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 8; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+8); Over

Game 807-808: Atlanta at Cleveland (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 117.833; Cleveland 109.663
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 8; 177
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 809-810: Charlotte at Brooklyn (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 107.090; Brooklyn 120.615
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 13 1/2; 186
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 811-812: Toronto at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 115.050; New Orleans 119.172
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 4; 188
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 2 1/2; 183 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-2 1/2); Over

Game 813-814: Houston at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 119.701; San Antonio 129.423
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 9 1/2; 209
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 8; 214
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-8); Under

Game 815-816: Denver at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.390; Dallas 116.137
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 5 1/2; 217
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 1 1/2; 211
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-1 1/2); Over

Game 817-818: LA Clippers at Utah (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 129.860; Utah 118.973
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 11; 197
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 2; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-2); Over

Game 819-820: New York at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 120.030; Sacramento 109.561
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 10 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 821-822: Philadelphia at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.181; Golden State 123.618
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 7 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 5 1/2; 199
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-5 1/2); Under

Game 823-824: Portland at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 114.685; LA Lakers 123.243
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 8 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 09:22 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, December 28

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PHOENIX (11 - 18) at INDIANA (16 - 12) - 12/28/2012, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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ORLANDO (12 - 16) at WASHINGTON (3 - 23) - 12/28/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=91 points/game over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 74-98 ATS (-33.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 38-67 ATS (-35.7 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 285-355 ATS (-105.5 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 109-146 ATS (-51.6 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 138-179 ATS (-58.9 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 45-69 ATS (-30.9 Units) in home games after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-4 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 8-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MIAMI (20 - 6) at DETROIT (9 - 22) - 12/28/2012, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 34-17 ATS (+15.3 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 71-48 ATS (+18.2 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 4-3 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 7-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (17 - 9) at CLEVELAND (7 - 23) - 12/28/2012, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-2 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 6-1 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHARLOTTE (7 - 21) at BROOKLYN (14 - 14) - 12/28/2012, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BROOKLYN is 4-4 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
BROOKLYN is 5-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TORONTO (9 - 20) at NEW ORLEANS (6 - 22) - 12/28/2012, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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HOUSTON (16 - 12) at SAN ANTONIO (22 - 8) - 12/28/2012, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 68-38 ATS (+26.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 56-28 ATS (+25.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 118-84 ATS (+25.6 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 36-14 ATS (+20.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 40-24 ATS (+13.6 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 260-196 ATS (+44.4 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 32-13 ATS (+17.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 36-23 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 46-27 ATS (+16.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 6-4 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 7-3 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (16 - 14) at DALLAS (12 - 16) - 12/28/2012, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 271-218 ATS (+31.2 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 65-44 ATS (+16.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 105-82 ATS (+14.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 60-41 ATS (+14.9 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-3 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 4-4 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (22 - 6) at UTAH (15 - 15) - 12/28/2012, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 4-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 4-3 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW YORK (21 - 8) at SACRAMENTO (9 - 19) - 12/28/2012, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 3-1 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 3-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO 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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PHILADELPHIA (14 - 15) at GOLDEN STATE (19 - 10) - 12/28/2012, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-34 ATS (-15.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 56-34 ATS (+18.6 Units) in home games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 36-21 ATS (+12.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-1 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 3-1 straight up against GOLDEN 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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PORTLAND (14 - 13) at LA LAKERS (14 - 15) - 12/28/2012, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 5-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 5-3 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 09:22 AM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, December 28

Hot Teams
-- Pacers won/covered six of last seven games (7-3 as HF).
-- Miami won/covered last six games (4-5 as AF).
-- Hawks won five of last seven road games (3-1 as AF). Cavaliers won last two games, first time this year they won consecutive games (3-6 as a HU).
-- Raptors won five of last six games (6-11 as AU).
-- Nuggets won five of last seven games (4-5 as AF).
-- Clippers won their last 15 games (5-5 as AF, 2-4 if less than 5 pts).
-- Knicks won five of last seven road games, covered one of seven overall (3-4 as AF).
-- Golden State won 14 of last 19 games (5-3 as HF).
-- Portland won six of last seven games (3-7 as AU). Lakers won five of last six games (7-6 as HF).

Cold Teams
-- Suns lost last three games, but covered five of last six (3-6 as AU).
-- Magic lost last three games, all by 4 or less points (5-8 SU on road). Wizards lost last eight games (2-10 SU at home).
-- Pistons lost seven of last nine games (3-4 as HU).
-- Bobcats lost last 16 games (covered one of last seven). Brooklyn lost five of last six games, fired its coach Thursday (3-7-2 as HF).
-- Hornets lost 11 of last 12 games (1-1 as HF).
-- Dallas lost four in row, seven of last eight games (1-2 as HU).
-- Jazz lost five of last seven games (2-0 as HU).
-- Sacramento lost seven of last nine games (3-5 as HU).
-- 76ers lost six of last eight games (5-5 as AU).

Totals
-- Seven of last eight Phoenix games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Orlando road games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last eight Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Atlanta road games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Brooklyn games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight San Antonio games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last 12 Denver road games went over the total.
-- Eight of last ten Clipper games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six New York games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Golden State games went over the total.
-- Last four Portland road games went over the total.

Back-to-backs
-- Dallas is 3-4 vs spread if it played night before (all on road).
-- Clippers are 2-3 vs spread if they played night before.

**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 09:24 AM

NBA

Friday, December 28

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. WASHINGTON
Orlando is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Washington
Orlando is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Orlando
Washington is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Orlando

7:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. INDIANA
Phoenix is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 9 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix

7:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. BROOKLYN
Charlotte is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Brooklyn's last 8 games when playing Charlotte
Brooklyn is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte

7:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. CLEVELAND
Atlanta is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Cleveland
Atlanta is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games
Cleveland is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games

7:30 PM
MIAMI vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami

8:00 PM
TORONTO vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Toronto
New Orleans is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games

8:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston

See more trends!
DECEMBER 28, 8:30 PM
DENVER vs. DALLAS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games when playing Dallas
Denver is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Denver
Dallas is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Denver

9:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. UTAH
LA Clippers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Utah
LA Clippers are 4-11 SU in their last 15 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Utah is 16-2 SU in their last 18 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

10:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone OVER in 12 of New York's last 18 games when playing Sacramento
New York is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Sacramento's last 9 games when playing at home against New York
Sacramento is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against New York

10:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. GOLDEN STATE
Philadelphia is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Philadelphia is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Golden State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Golden State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

10:30 PM
PORTLAND vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Portland is 1-9 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 9 games when playing at home against Portland
LA Lakers are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Portland

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**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 10:51 AM

NCAAB

Friday, December 28

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First look: UCLA vs. Missouri basketball
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by Peter Yoon

What: No. 7 Missouri Tigers (10-1) vs UCLA Bruins (9-3)

When: Friday, 7 p.m. PT

Where: Pauley Pavilion

TV: ESPN 2

Radio: AM 570

Scouting the Bruins: UCLA is on a season-best four-game win streak, but is looking for its first victory over a ranked opponent this season. Offensively, the Bruins have been on a tear the past three games as they are averaging 91.6 points per game and shooting 57.6 percent over that stretch. Freshmen Shabazz Muhammad (18.8 points per game) and Jordan Adams (18.2) continue to battle for the team’s scoring lead and both have scored 20 or more in consecutive games. Kyle Anderson joined the 20-point club last time out and is also the team’s top rebounder at 8.7 per game.

Scouting the Tigers: Missouri enters on a six-game win streak and is coming off of an impressive 82-73 victory over then-No. 10 Illinois. The Tigers have a lot of size and strength inside and are leading the nation in rebounding with 47.2 per game. Alex Oriakhi, a 6-9 forward, is averaging 9.1 rebounds per game while 6-7 forward Laurence Bowers is averaging 6.7. They have out-rebounded opponents by more than 14 per game. Bowers also leads the team in scoring with 16.9 points per game and has made 13 of 23 3-point attempts (56.5 percent). The Tigers average 78.2 points per game with quick point guard Phil Pressey running the offense. This will be Missouri’s first road game of the season, though the Tigers are 3-1 in neutral-site games. Their lone loss came against No. 4 Louisville.

The series: UCLA leads the series 5-1, though Missouri won the last time out with an 82-73 victory in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament. UCLA’s best memory in the series came during the 1995 run to the NCAA championship when Tyus Edney dribbled the length of the court in 4.8 seconds and scored the game-winning basket in a 75-74 victory in the second round of the NCAA tournament. This will be the first time since 1975 that the teams have met in Pauley Pavilion.

Quick quote: "We need a win over anybody we play, ranked or unranked,” UCLA coach Ben Howland on the importance of getting a win over a ranked opponent.

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**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 10:54 AM

NCAAB

Friday, December 28

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Sizing up the remaining unbeatens
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

by Andy Katz

The beauty of the college basketball regular season is that a team can lose a few games and still be in fine position for a national championship run.

But there is always an allure about those who enter their conference season unblemished to see how invincible they will be entering the New Year.

Prior to Thursday night's games, there were five remaining unbeaten teams and 19 one-loss teams, as well as two others (Florida, 8-2) and (Kentucky, 8-3) that cannot and should not be dismissed from any Final Four discussion. Both the Wildcats and Gators have played a much more difficult schedule than the majority of one-loss and undefeated teams.

There are a slew of one-loss teams that are more than capable of winning the national title such as Kansas (10-1), Louisville (11-1), Syracuse (10-1), Indiana (11-1), Creighton (11-1), UNLV (11-1), Missouri (10-1) and Gonzaga (11-1). And it's easy to make the argument that those teams, such as Kansas, Louisville, Syracuse and Indiana, are more likely to challenge for the national title than the five remaining undefeated teams.

But for the purposes of this argument, let's look at the remaining unbeatens as they stand today:

Duke (11-0)

Most impressive wins: Minnesota, VCU and Louisville in successive days in Atlantis; Kentucky in Atlanta; Ohio State at home and Temple in New Jersey.

Biggest question answered: Quinn Cook is a starting point guard and has been a stable presence.

National player of the year candidate: Mason Plumlee. Plumlee has been a double-double machine for the Blue Devils. He may be the most reliable player at his position in the country.

Difference-maker: When Seth Curry is making 3s, the Blue Devils are even harder to beat.

What to watch for: How will Duke handle true road games in the ACC? The three toughest games on the schedule would seem to be at NC State (Jan. 12), at Maryland (Feb. 16) and at North Carolina (March 9).

Final Four potential: Duke has to be considered a favorite to land in Atlanta. The team possesses experience at key positions, younger players who are becoming increasingly comfortable, there is size inside and now a growing confidence that it can win the championship.

Michigan (12-0)

Most impressive wins: Pitt in New York at the NIT Season Tip-Off and NC State in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge.

Biggest question answered: The Wolverines don't miss Stu Douglass and Zach Novak as much as was predicted. The youthful Wolverines have bought into John Beilein's defensive concepts.

National player of the year candidate: Trey Burke is an exceptional point guard. He gets the Wolverines up and running as efficiently as any point in the country. His play has allowed Tim Hardaway Jr., to flourish in his natural position.

Difference-maker: The continued development of the Michigan big men in Jordan Morgan, Mitch McGary and Glen Robinson III as well as the stretch shooting of Nik Stauskas.

What to watch for: How does Michigan get through the Big Ten gauntlet? The Big Ten is the toughest conference this season, and Michigan will have to navigate trips to Ohio State (Jan. 13), Minnesota (Jan. 17), Illinois (Jan. 27), Indiana (Feb. 2), Wisconsin (Feb. 9) and Michigan State (Feb. 12). I would put that conference road schedule against any other contender in the country. It's not close. This is the toughest.

Final Four potential: Michigan has proved that it has the point guard play, the shooting, the power play inside and can defend well enough to get to Atlanta.

Arizona (12-0)

Most impressive wins: Florida in Tucson and San Diego State in the final of the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu.

Biggest question answered: Mark Lyons has adjusted as well as any one-year transfer I can remember. He was handed a leadership role and has excelled, making a game-winning shot to beat Florida. He has proved to be a consistent presence for the Wildcats at the point.

National player of the year candidate: Lyons, Solomon Hill and Nick Johnson have all had their moments and will be in contention for Pac-12 player of the year. But none will get enough momentum for consideration for national player of the year.

Difference-maker: Johnson. He has been the ultimate glue guy, making key plays in a variety of ways, none bigger than blocking Chase Tapley's potential game-winning layup in the Diamond Head final.

What to watch for: Arizona is the favorite in the Pac-12 and enters the conference doing more than enough to raise the conference's profile. The road wins at Texas Tech and Clemson were games the Wildcats should have won and they did. The comeback win over Florida was a tremendous effort and confidence boost. Getting through the rugged Diamond Head proved they had the stamina. Now, Arizona has to rise to the challenge of being the team to beat in the Pac-12. It is more than doable based on the inconsistency of the rest of the conference.

Final Four potential: This squad has it. The key will be the continued development of the newcomers, notably Kaleb Tarczewski, who is getting featured more and more as he improves his activity on the court.

Cincinnati (12-0)

Most impressive wins: Oregon in Las Vegas; Xavier in a rivalry game and Alabama at home when the Tide were playing well.

Biggest question answered: The Bearcats are never going to be a dominant low-post scoring team. But when needed, the Bearcats have been able to finish around the basket. Titus Rubles, JaQuon Parker, Justin Jackson and Cheikh Mbodj can take care of business of scoring and defending the post when locked in to the task at hand. The Bearcats have bigs serviceable enough to get by in the Big East.

National player of the year candidate: Sean Kilpatrick will enter the Big East as a legit player of the year contender. He has the ability to score in bunches. He flourishes playing off Cashmere Wright, who has stabilized the point.

Difference-maker: Wright. Mick Cronin has the confidence to hand him the ball and let him make a play, as he did against Alabama. Wright is a senior and has asserted himself as much more of a leader on a team that desperately needed to be led.

What to watch for: The Bearcats take possessions off and sometimes go through the motions. That cannot happen in the Big East with a host of teams that could easily knock them from their perch. Cincinnati believes it is in the same category as Louisville and Syracuse and above Pitt, Georgetown and Notre Dame in the pecking order of Big East title contenders. Now the Bearcats have to prove it. The schedule didn't do them any favors since they go to Syracuse (Jan. 21) and Louisville (March 4) without a return game. Cincinnati will find out about itself early at Pitt (Dec. 31) and at home against Notre Dame (Jan. 7).

Final Four potential: The Bearcats have it, but I'd be surprised. The lack of a proven post player may cost them in trying to win four in the NCAA tournament. Their lack of focus at times could bite them in an early round.

Wyoming (12-0)

Most impressive wins: Colorado and at Illinois State.

Biggest question answered: Leonard Washington has been a leader for the Cowboys despite all his issues, including a suspension last year. The Cowboys weren't sure who they could rely on early on but Washington has done everything asked of him so far.

National player of the year candidate: Washington is a Mountain West Conference Player of the Year candidate, but he won't be in the conversation for the national honor.

Difference-maker: Larry Nance Jr. The sophomore has played up in the big games for Wyoming, scoring 14 against Colorado, 19 in the win over Illinois State and 21 in a win over rival Denver. The Cowboys' staple has been their defense, as you'd expect from a Larry Shyatt-coached team, but it's their surprisingly-balanced offense that has been a pleasant plus.

What to watch for: Wyoming may be in the most balanced league in the country. It has to deal with two games against UNLV, San Diego State, New Mexico, Colorado State and Boise State, let alone playing Nevada and Air Force. There are zero easy games on this schedule. To expect Wyoming to get through this without getting beaten up is unrealistic.

Final Four potential: No shot. But the Cowboys are going to the postseason. Shyatt has already put the Cowboys in the NIT conversation, barring a complete collapse. An NCAA berth is hardly out of the question if they can hold serve at the Arena Auditorium.

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**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 12:12 PM

NCAAB
Top 25 Short Sheet

Friday, December 28

Baylor at Gonzaga, 8:00 ET ESPN2
Baylor: 5-17 ATS off an ATS win
Gonzaga: 24-6 Under as a favorite

Missouri at UCLA, 10:00 ET ESPN2
Missouri: 4-13 ATS away off 6+ wins
UCLA: 10-2 Over at home after playing as a favorite

Jacksonville at Indiana, 8:00 ET BTN
Jacksonville: 8-0 ATS playing their second game in 8 days
Indiana: 8-1 Over off BB games shooting 50%+ from the field

**Udog** · 12-28-2012, 12:58 PM

NBA
Short Sheet

Friday, December 28

Phoenix at Indiana, 7:05 ET
Phoenix: 15-5 Under off a SU loss as a home favorite
Indiana: 12-28 ATS off BB ATS wins

Orlando at Washington, 7:05 ET
Orlando: 14-31 ATS off a home loss by 3 points or less
Washington: 17-3 Over off ATS losses in 3 of their last 4 games

Miami at Detroit, 7:35 ET
Miami: 18-7 Under off a division win
Detroit: 5-17 ATS at home after having 65+ rebounds

Atlanta at Cleveland, 7:35 ET
Atlanta: 8-2 Over after playing as a home favorite
Cleveland: 9-22 ATS in December

Charlotte at Brooklyn, 7:35 ET
Charlotte: 2-9 ATS off 5+ losses
Brooklyn: 5-1 Under after losing 5 or 6 of their last 7 games

Toronto at New Orleans, 8:05 ET
Toronto: 13-4 ATS off BB ATS losses
New Orleans: 0-7 ATS at home off a road game

Houston at San Antonio, 8:35 ET
Houston: 10-1 Under off BB road wins
San Antonio: 14-6 ATS off a SU win

Denver at Dallas, 8:35 ET NBATV
Denver: 2-12 ATS off a home win scoring 110+ points
Dallas: 18-7 Over off BB losses

LA Clippers at Utah, 9:05 ET
LA Clippers: 11-2 ATS off a home win
Utah: 18-6 Under at home vs. Pacific Division opponents

New York at Sacramento, 10:05 ET
New York: 40-22 ATS as a road underdog
Sacramento: 20-39 ATS in the first half of the season

Philadelphia at Golden State, 10:35 ET
Philadelphia: 20-7 ATS after playing 3+ games as an underdog
Golden State: 7-18 ATS off a win by 10+ points

Portland at LA Lakers, 10:35 ET
Portland: 4-17 ATS after winning 4 of their last 5 games
LA Lakers: 5-1 Over vs. Northwest Division opponents

Announcement

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 12/28 (NBA, NCAAB, Misc.)

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 12/28 (NBA, NCAAB, Misc.)

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