The Bum's College Basketball Best Bets Thru March Madess !

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Thursday, March 14

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Big Ten tournament: Round 1 betting preview
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Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (+2, 129)

Teams intent on solidifying their NCAA Tournament resumes collide when Illinois and Minnesota open Big Ten tournament play in Chicago on Thursday. The eighth-seeded Fighting Illini lost three of their last four regular-season games but are counting on victories over Gonzaga, Indiana and Ohio State to bolster their at-large chances. Ninth-seeded Minnesota lost 10 of 15 games after a 15-1 start and certainly would face a nervous Selection Sunday if it loses to the Illini.

The winner faces top-seeded Indiana in Friday’s quarterfinals. Illinois and Minnesota split two regular-season meetings, each winning on the other’s home floor. Illinois views the United Center as a home away from home and has a 33-11 record in the facility. Minnesota is 5-9 on the road and neutral courts. The Golden Gophers lead the Big Ten with an plus-8.1 rebounding margin while Illinois (minus-0.7) is one of three conference teams that have been outrebounded overall.

TRENDS:

* Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
* Favorite is 14-6 ATS in the last 20 meetings.
* Golden Gophers are 6-14 ATS in the last 20 meetings.



Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Michigan Wolverines (-14.5, 135)

Fifth-seeded Michigan doesn’t have to be reminded about what could happen it if overlooks 12th-seeded Penn State when it opens Big Ten tournament play Thursday. The No. 8 Wolverines let a 15-point lead get away in losing to the Nittany Lions on Feb. 27 in one of the more stunning upsets of the college season. Penn State had lost 14 straight games prior to delivering a blow that helped derail Michigan’s hopes of winning the regular-season crown.

The winner of this contest faces fourth-seeded Wisconsin in Friday’s quarterfinals. The Wolverines were in the running for an opening-round bye – not to mention a share of the Big Ten crown – until losing to Indiana in the regular-season finale. Penn State went 2-2 over its final four regular-season games after going nearly two months without a victory. The Nittany Lions defeated 11th-place Northwestern in addition to the Wolverines. Michigan won the first meeting, 79-71, 10 days prior to losing to Penn State.

TRENDS:

* Over is 6-0 in the last six meetings.
* Favorite is 14-6-1 ATS in the last 21 meetings.
* Nittany Lions are 6-15-1 ATS in the last 22 meetings.



Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Purdue Boilermakers (-6.5, 124)

Purdue’s only chance at extending its NCAA Tournament streak to seven is to win the Big Ten tourney and the Boilermakers begin that arduous task against 10th-seeded Nebraska on Thursday in Chicago. The seventh-seeded Boilermakers are one game below .500 entering the tourney and need four victories in four days to keep the streak from being halted. The Cornhuskers are rebuilding under first-year coach Tim Miles and surviving past Friday would rate as a significant accomplishment.

The winner of the contest faces second-seeded Ohio State in Friday’s quarterfinals. Purdue won this season’s lone meeting by recording a 65-56 win on Nebraska’s home floor on Jan. 16. The Boilermakers routed Minnesota 89-73 in their regular-season finale and have won three of five games entering the tournament. The Cornhuskers also recently defeated Minnesota for their only victory in their last four games. Nebraska averages a conference-low 58.6 points per game.

TRENDS:

* Cornhuskers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven neutral-site games.
* Boilermakers are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 neutral site games.
* Over is 24-11 in Boilermakers' last 35 vs. Big Ten.



Northwestern Wildcats vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (-9, 124)

Iowa needs a strong performance in the Big Ten tournament to improve its dicey NCAA Tournament hopes. The sixth-seeded Hawkeyes open conference tourney play against 11th-seeded Northwestern in Chicago on Thursday and an opening-game loss would squash Iowa’s chances at earning an at-large bid. Iowa has won six of its last eight games and probably needs at least two more wins to improve its odds. Northwestern has lost eight straight games and 10 of 11.

The winner of the contest faces third-seeded Michigan State in Friday’s quarterfinals. The Hawkeyes won the two regular-season meetings with the Wildcats by an average of 17 points. Northwestern has averaged just 51.8 points during its losing skid and ranks 11th in the Big Ten at 60.8 per outing. Iowa ranks third in the conference in scoring at 70.3 and leads the Big Ten in field-goal percentage defense at 38.7. Northwestern shoots 40.2 percent, second-lowest in the conference. The Hawkeyes are just 4-9 on road and neutral courts.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-2-1 in the last eight meetings.
* Underdog is 9-4-1 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
* Under is 10-4-1 in Wildcats last 15 vs. Big Ten.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Thursday, March 14

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ACC tournament: Round 1 betting preview
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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Boston College Eagles (+1.5, 130)

Boston College came from behind to beat Georgia Tech 74-72 for its third consecutive victory to end the regular season last Saturday. Five days later, the two young, improving teams meet again in the first round of the ACC tournament at Greensboro, N.C. Eighth-seeded Boston College also rallied to beat Virginia and Clemson in the last three games, shooting a combined 48.9 percent from the field. Guard Olivier Hanlan, named the league’s rookie of the year on Tuesday, has led the way for the Eagles of late.

Georgia Tech could not follow up its win at regular-season champ Miami (Fla.) on March 6, allowing a late 12-0 Boston College surge. The ninth-seeded Yellow Jackets can earn another game against the Hurricanes on Friday with a victory, although they must improve on their league-low 42.4 percent shooting to make a run.

TRENDS:

* Yellow Jackets are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.
* Eagles are 1-3-1 ATS in their last five neutral-site games.



Virginia Tech Hokies vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack (-11.5, 155)

North Carolina State blew an eight-point lead in the second half of its regular-season finale at Florida State and lost 71-67, dropping to the fifth seed for the ACC tournament. That means the Wolfpack will have to win four games in four days to wear the crown, starting with 12th-seeded Virginia Tech in the first round at Greensboro, N.C. on Thursday. North Carolina State is second in the league in scoring, but has struggled defensively at times and is 3-5 in its last eight games decided by four points or less.

The Wolfpack will have to contain the nation’s leading scorer Erick Green, who dropped 29 on them in his team’s 90-86 overtime loss on Feb. 16. Virginia Tech is last in the league in scoring defense, one spot below North Carolina State, and has lost 12 of its last 14 games.

TRENDS:

* Hokies are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Hokies are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight neutral-site games.
* Wolfpack are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 neutral-site games.



Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Maryland Terrapins (-6, 136)

Maryland will have history on its side when the seventh-seeded Terrapins open the ACC tournament against 10th-seeded Wake Forest on Thursday at Greensboro, N.C. The Terrapins have won six straight against the Demon Deacons and their last six meeting at the conference tournament. The winner will play No. 2 Duke, the second seed, in Friday's quarterfinals.

Maryland's bubble may have burst with Sunday's loss at Virginia but coach Mark Turgeon more focused on seeing his young team improve. "We never talk about (the postseason)," Turgeon said in Monday's ACC teleconference. "We just try to get better. If you play well, things will take care of themselves." The Demon Deacons snapped a three-game losing streak with a 90-79 win against Virginia Tech, where they shot 59.2 percent.

TRENDS:

* Favorite is 5-0-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Demon Deacons are 0-7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.
* Over is 10-2 in Demon Deacons last 12 neutral site games.



Clemson Tigers vs. Florida State Seminoles (-1, 122)

Sixth-seeded Florida State will begin defense of its ACC tournament title Thursday against Clemson at Greensboro, N.C. The Seminoles enter the game off back-to-back home wins while the 11th-seeded Tigers have lost nine of 10. The winner will play No. 3 seed North Carolina in Friday's quarterfinals.

Florida State swept Clemson by a combined eight points this season, getting a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from senior Michael Snaer on Jan. 24. In three of their six meetings at the ACC tournament, one team has swept the regular-season games only to lose in the postseason. Clemson senior center Devin Booker finished the season hot and the Tigers got sophomore K.J. McDaniels back in the regular-season finale.

TRENDS:

* Tigers are 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.
* Underdog is 7-3-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
* Seminoles are 4-11-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Thursday, March 14

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Big East tournament: Quarterfinals betting preview
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Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Georgetown Hoyas (-5, 116)

Cincinnati’s double-overtime victory over Georgetown in the Big East tournament last season paved the way for the Bearcats’ runner-up finish. The fifth-ranked Hoyas seek a bit of retribution Thursday when they meet Cincinnati in the quarterfinals again at Madison Square Garden. Georgetown held the Bearcats to 2-of-21 shooting from beyond the arc in last season’s thriller, but suffered a 72-70 setback on Cashmere Wright’s game-winning shot with 7.6 seconds left.

The top-seeded Hoyas got some payback when the teams met Feb. 15. That win was part of their 11-game winning streak. Although Georgetown saw that streak end at Villanova on March 6, it finished the regular season with a dominant 61-39 victory over Syracuse. The ninth-seeded Bearcats improved to 3-0 all-time in the second round of the Big East tournament with Wednesday’s 61-44 win over Providence. Thursday's winner will meet No. 19 Pittsburgh or No. 20 Syracuse in Friday's semifinals.

TRENDS:

* Bearcats are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.
* Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.



Syracuse Orange vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (-2, 121)

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim stated No. 19 Pittsburgh was the best opponent his team had faced following his team’s loss to the Panthers on Feb. 2. Boeheim and the No. 20 Orange get to see how much they have improved against Pittsburgh when the teams meet Thursday in the Big East quarterfinals. The fourth-seeded Panthers went 3-5 against ranked opponents, including the 65-55 win over the Orange.

Starting with that victory, Pittsburgh went 7-2 over its final nine regular-season games to steal the fourth and final double-bye from Syracuse. The fifth-seeded Orange had lost of four of their previous five contests before finding their offensive rhythm in Wednesday’s 75-63 second-round win over Seton Hall. Syracuse, which is 1-6 over its last seven games against the Panthers, will be hard-pressed to repeat its offensive performance against Pittsburgh’s Big East-best scoring defense. The winner will meet No. 5 Georgetown or Cincinnati in Friday's semifinals.

TRENDS:

* Orange are 3-15 ATS in the last 18 meetings.
* Under is 7-3 in Panthers last 10 overall.
* Orange are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 neutral-site games.



Villanova Wildcats vs. Louisville Cardinals (-8, 127)

Villanova established its reputation as a giant-slayer in late January with a win over then-No.5 Louisville – the first of three top-five teams it defeated. Nearly two months later, the Wildcats will get another chance when they meet the fourth-ranked Cardinals on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Big East tournament at Madison Square Garden. Second-seeded Louisville closed the regular season with seven consecutive victories, including six by double digits. The winning streak is a far cry from the teams’ Jan. 22 meeting in Philadelphia, which served as the second of three consecutive defeats.

The Wildcats’ 65-60 victory over the Cardinals was one of four against ranked teams, providing much reason for optimism entering this matchup. No. 7 seed Villanova, which is 7-2 over its last nine contests, has won two straight after ending Georgetown’s 11-game winning streak last week and defeating St. John’s 66-53 in the second round Wednesday. The winner will meet No. 13 Marquette or Notre Dame in Friday's semifinals.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Wildcats are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Under is 9-3 in Cardinals' last 12 overall.



Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Marquette Golden Eagles (-2, 129)

Vander Blue delivered No. 13 Marquette its first-ever regular-season Big East title with some clutch play at Madison Square Garden last weekend. He’ll get the chance to do it again at the same venue starting Thursday when the third-seeded Golden Eagles meet sixth-seeded Notre Dame in a Big East tournament quarterfinal game. Marquette used a four-game winning streak to close the regular season in a three-way tie for first after Blue hit a difficult layup in overtime to defeat St. John’s Saturday.

The regular-season title was the school’s first since it won Conference USA in 2003 when Dwyane Wade led the Golden Eagles to the Final Four. Marquette lost its first game of the conference tournament that season – a fate it hopes to avoid against the Fighting Irish, a team they defeated at home 72-64 less on March 2. Notre Dame has alternated wins and losses over its last five, picking up a 69-61 second-round victory over Rutgers Wednesday. The winner will meet No. 4 Louisville or Villanova in Friday's semifinals.

TRENDS:

* Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
* Golden Eagles are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games following a S.U. win.
* Fighting Irish are 1-5 ATS in their last six games following a S.U. win.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Thursday, March 14

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Big 12 tournament: Quarterfinals betting preview
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Iowa State Cyclones vs. Oklahoma Sooners (Pick, 158)

Oklahoma looks to keep pace with high-scoring Iowa State when the fourth-seeded Sooners play the fifth-seeded Cyclones on Thursday in a Big 12 tournament quarterfinal. The Sooners have scored at least 83 points in five of their last six games, but have dropped two of their last four and are coming off a 70-67 loss at Texas Christian on Saturday. Oklahoma split with Iowa State in the regular season, winning 86-69 on March 2 at home and losing 83-64 on Feb. 4 in Ames.

Iowa State has a two-game win streak and is coming off an 83-74 victory at West Virginia on Saturday. The Cyclones have scored at least 83 points in seven of their last eight games, the exception coming against Oklahoma two weeks ago. The winner will play No. 1 seed Kansas, No. 8 West Virginia or No. 9 Texas Tech in Friday's semifinals.

TRENDS:

* Over is 11-1 in the last 12 meetings.
* Cyclones are 12-4-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings.
* Over is 23-4 in Cyclones' last 27 overall.



Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Kansas Jayhawks (-21, 136)

Kansas looks to avoid a two-game losing streak and a major upset when the No. 6 and top-seeded Jayhawks play ninth-seeded Texas Tech in a Big 12 tournament quarterfinal Thursday. Kansas is coming off an 81-58 loss at Baylor on Saturday that snapped a seven-game win streak. The Big 12 regular-season co-champion Jayhawks enter the tournament as the top seed for the 10th time in the league’s 17-year history.

Texas Tech is coming off a 71-69 victory over eighth-seeded West Virginia in the opening game of the tournament Wednesday. The Red Raiders won at the buzzer thanks to Dejan Kravic’s put-back of teammate Jamal Williams’ missed 3-pointer. Texas Tech is 4-24 in the series against Kansas, which has won the last seven meetings, including 79-42 on March 4 in Lawrence and 60-46 on Jan. 12 in Lubbock.

TRENDS:

* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.
* Red Raiders are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.



Texas Longhorns vs. Kansas State Wildcats (-6, 133)

Kansas State begins its Big 12 Tournament play Thursday with a quarterfinal matchup against Texas at Kansas City. The No. 12 Wildcats won 10 of their final 12 games to earn a tie for the Big 12 regular-season title. Kansas State racked up a school-record 25 regular-season wins but missed its chance at capturing the outright conference title by losing at Oklahoma State in its season finale on Saturday.

Seventh-seeded Texas fended off Texas Christian in its tournament opener on Wednesday. The Longhorns led most of the way but needed an 11-2 run in the second half and a steady dose of solid defense to secure the win. Texas has won six of its last nine games, but one of those losses was against Kansas State.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Underdog is 10-4-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings.
* Longhorns are 3-11-1 ATS in the last 15 meetings.



Baylor Bears vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (-2.5, 141)

Baylor looks to improve its NCAA Tournament resume when the sixth-seeded Bears meet No. 3-seed Oklahoma State in the Big 12 tournament quarterfinals Thursday. Baylor enters on a high note after a surprising 81-58 rout of Kansas last Saturday, while Oklahoma State finished third in the Big 12 after closing out the regular season with a 76-70 win over Kansas State.

The Bears fell onto the NCAA Tournament bubble after losing five of six before stunning Kansas. Baylor doesn’t have many marquee victories, so the Bears likely need a strong showing in Kansas City to impress the selection committee. Oklahoma State and Baylor split two meetings this season, each winning at home.

TRENDS:

* Favorite is 11-2 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Bears are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. Big 12.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Thursday, March 14

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Pac-12 tournament: Quarterfinals betting preview
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Arizona State Sun Devils vs. UCLA Bruins (-4, 142)

When Arizona State and No. 25 UCLA meet Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 tournament, expect a group of freshmen to take center stage in Las Vegas. Jahii Carson of ninth-seeded Arizona State and Shabazz of Muhammad of top-seeded UCLA were voted Pac-12 Co-Freshmen of the Year and each leads his team in scoring.

Carson scored a season-high 34 points in a first-round overtime victory Wednesday against Stanford, boosting his season average to 18.3. Muhammad, who grew up in Las Vegas, also averages 18.3 points, most at the school since Dion Thompson averaged 18.4 for the 2004-05 season. Muhammad isn’t the only freshman standout for the Bruins. Jordan Adams is second on the team and eighth in the Pac-12 in scoring at 15.2 points. Kyle Anderson is the only player in the conference who ranks in the top 10 in rebounds (8.9) and assists (3.6). He also contributes 9.9 points.

TRENDS:

* Sun Devils are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Bruins are 7-21 ATS in their last 28 neutral-site games.
* Under is 24-8-1 in Sun Devils last 33 overall.



Colorado Buffaloes vs. Arizona Wildcats (-4, 133)

Colorado will try to continue its strong play this season against No. 18 Arizona when the teams meet Thursday in the Pac-12 tournament quarterfinals in Las Vegas. The fourth-seeded Wildcats needed overtime to beat the No. 5 Buffaloes in the conference opener Jan. 3 in Tucson. A 3-point try at the end of regulation by Colorado guard Sabatino Chen was ruled to have left his hand after the buzzer and Arizona stormed away in overtime.

That loss seemed to take a toll on Colorado as the Buffaloes lost three of their next four games in Pac-12 play. They regrouped to beat visiting Arizona by 12 points on Valentine’s Day. The Wildcats didn’t have an answer for Colorado guard Spencer Dinwiddie in the second meeting as he scored 19 of his 21 points in the second half. Dinwiddie scored 20 in a first-round victory Wednesday against Oregon State. The Buffaloes have won nine of their last 10 games on neutral courts, including last season’s tournament championship.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Buffaloes are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 neutral-site games.



Utah Utes vs. California Golden Bears (-7.5, 122)

California will try for its sixth consecutive victory against Utah when the teams meet Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 tournament in Las Vegas. The second-seeded Golden Bears feature the Pac-12 Player of the Year in junior guard Allen Crabbe, who led the conference during the regular season at 18.6 points.

Crabbe was particularly tough on the Utes this season, scoring 23 points in a 62-57 victory in Salt Lake City on Jan. 24 and a month later posting 15 points and 11 rebounds - one of two double-doubles on the season - in a 64-46 victory by the host Golden Bears. Utah was held to its lower scoring output this season in the second game. Utah will need a big game from its own leading scorer and Los Angeles native, senior guard Jarred DuBois. He helped carry Utah through its first-round game against USC, scoring 22 points in the 69-66 victory.

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Utes are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Utes are 26-10-1 ATS in their last 37 games overall.



Oregon Ducks vs. Washington Huskies (+3, 139)

Oregon will try to regroup Thursday night when it plays sixth-seeded Washington in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 tournament in Las Vegas. The third-seeded Ducks blew a chance to clinch the Pac-12 title and earn the top seeding for this tournament by losing their final two regular-season games last week, both by double figures.

If the Ducks hope to avoid losing three in a row for the first time this season, they’ll need to find their shooting stroke. They combined to shoot 40 percent from the floor in the last two games and 22-for-44 from the free throw line. Washington blew a 19-point second-half lead in their tournament opener Wednesday night against Washington State, but the Huskies scored the only two points of the final 2:50 and held on for a 64-62 win. Washington went 0-2 against the Ducks this season.

TRENDS:

* Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Ducks are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
* Under is 8-1-1 in Huskies last 10 overall.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Thursday, March 14

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SEC tournament: Round 2 betting preview
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LSU Tigers vs. Georgia Bulldogs (-1, 129)

Louisiana State finished out the regular season with eight wins in its last 12 games to get itself near the NCAA Tournament bubble. The eighth-seeded Tigers will try to get one step closer to at-large consideration when they begin SEC tournament play against No. 9 seed Georgia on Thursday in Nashville. The Bulldogs ended the season strong as well, and took the lone regular-season meeting with LSU at home Jan. 19.

Georgia has some experience trying to knock SEC teams off the bubble. The Bulldogs won home games against Tennessee and Kentucky this month to throw a wrench into both of those schools’ tournament plans. The Tigers will probably need to beat both Georgia and top seed Florida in the next round to catch the eye of the selection committee.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Favorite is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Tigers are 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings.



Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Tennessee Volunteers (-13.5, 132)

Tennessee is accustomed to finishing the regular season strong, and hopes to carry that good work into its SEC tournament opener. The fifth-seeded Volunteers take on Mississippi State in the tournament’s second round Thursday in Nashville after winning eight of their final nine regular-season games for the second consecutive season. The Volunteers have played well in close games down the stretch, winning six games by 10 points or less in the past five weeks.

Sophomore forward Jarnell Stokes won conference player of the week last week after posting double-doubles in his past two games. The 13th-seeded Bulldogs lost 13 in a row earlier this season, but have won three of their past four contests. Mississippi State used freshman Fred Thomas’ career-high 21 points to eliminate South Carolina in the first round 70-59 on Wednesday.

TRENDS:

* Bulldogs are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* Underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Bulldogs are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.



Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Arkansas Razorbacks (-3.5, 125)

Tenth-seeded Vanderbilt and seventh-seeded Arkansas meet Thursday in Nashville with each looking for an improbable run through the SEC tournament. The winner plays second-seeded Kentucky in Friday's quarterfinals. Arkansas will need to make some serious noise this week, probably reach the tourney finals, to play itself back into consideration for an at-large NCAA Tournament bid. Without an SEC tournament title, Vanderbilt will miss the NCAA Tournament for the second time in seven years. The Razorbacks haven't made it since 2008.

The Commodores and Razorbacks split two meetings this season, with Vanderbilt winning Feb. 9 in Nashville, 67-49. Both teams are coming off wins in their regular-season finales. The Commodores dispatched South Carolina 76-64, and the Razorbacks knocked off Texas A&M 73-62. Vanderbilt has never defeated Arkansas in conference tournament play.

TRENDS:

* Over is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.
* Commodores are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Razorbacks are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 neutral site games.



Texas A&M Aggies vs. Missouri Tigers (-9.5, 141)

Missouri opens play in its first SEC tournament Thursday with a second-round matchup against former Big 12 rival Texas A&M. The 11th-seeded Aggies advanced with a 71-62 victory over Auburn on Wednesday in the first round, but the Tigers from Missouri should offer a much more difficult challenge than the Tigers from Auburn. Texas A&M defeated sixth-seeded Missouri during the regular season 70-68.

To do it again, they'll need to contend with the high-powered Missouri offense, which averages 77.2 points. That means Elston Turner, Texas A&M's leading scorer who returned from a one-game absence because of a hand injury to score 22 points against Auburn, needs to have another big game.

TRENDS:

* Over is 8-1 in the last nine meetings.
* Aggies are 11-3 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
* Underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Thursday, March 14

Update

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MCNEESE ST (14 - 16) vs. SE LOUISIANA (12 - 17) - 3/14/2013, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SE LOUISIANA is 4-2 straight up against MCNEESE ST over the last 3 seasons

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SAM HOUSTON ST (16 - 16) vs. ORAL ROBERTS (18 - 13) - 3/14/2013, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORAL ROBERTS is 2-0 straight up against SAM HOUSTON ST over the last 3 seasons

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VILLANOVA (20 - 12) vs. LOUISVILLE (26 - 5) - 3/14/2013, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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NOTRE DAME (24 - 8) vs. MARQUETTE (23 - 7) - 3/14/2013, 9:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MARQUETTE is 2-2 against the spread versus NOTRE DAME over the last 3 seasons
MARQUETTE is 2-2 straight up against NOTRE DAME over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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TEXAS TECH (11 - 19) vs. KANSAS (26 - 5) - 3/14/2013, 3:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS is 4-1 against the spread versus TEXAS TECH over the last 3 seasons
KANSAS is 5-0 straight up against TEXAS TECH 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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MISSISSIPPI ST (10 - 21) vs. TENNESSEE (19 - 11) - 3/14/2013, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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ARKANSAS (19 - 12) vs. VANDERBILT (14 - 16) - 3/14/2013, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARKANSAS is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
VANDERBILT is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
VANDERBILT is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VANDERBILT is 52-80 ATS (-36.0 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARKANSAS is 3-1 against the spread versus VANDERBILT over the last 3 seasons
ARKANSAS is 3-1 straight up against VANDERBILT 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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TEXAS A&M (18 - 14) vs. MISSOURI (22 - 9) - 3/14/2013, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MISSOURI is 3-2 against the spread versus TEXAS A&M over the last 3 seasons
TEXAS A&M is 3-2 straight up against MISSOURI 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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UAB (16 - 16) vs. SOUTHERN MISS (23 - 8) - 3/14/2013, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UAB is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
UAB is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
SOUTHERN MISS is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SOUTHERN MISS is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games after a conference game this season.
SOUTHERN MISS is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival this season.

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

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HOUSTON (19 - 11) vs. UTEP (17 - 13) - 3/14/2013, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTEP is 3-2 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
UTEP is 5-2 straight up against HOUSTON 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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TULANE (19 - 13) vs. MEMPHIS (27 - 4) - 3/14/2013, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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COLORADO (21 - 10) vs. ARIZONA (24 - 6) - 3/14/2013, 5:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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UTAH (14 - 17) vs. CALIFORNIA (20 - 10) - 3/14/2013, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALIFORNIA is 3-1 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
CALIFORNIA is 4-0 straight up against UTAH 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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WASHINGTON (18 - 14) vs. OREGON (23 - 8) - 3/14/2013, 11:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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BUFFALO (14 - 19) vs. KENT ST (19 - 12) - 3/14/2013, 6:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
KENT ST is 4-2 against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
KENT ST is 5-2 straight up against BUFFALO 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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E MICHIGAN (16 - 17) vs. W MICHIGAN (19 - 11) - 3/14/2013, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Top 25 Short Sheet

Thursday, March 14

First Post

SWAC Tournament, Quarterfinals
Alabama State vs. Jackson State, 1:30 ET
Alabama State: 6-1 ATS in conference tournament games
Jackson State: 0-3 ATS off BB games committing 11 or less turnovers

SWAC Tournament, Quarterfinals
Prairie View A&M vs. Alcorn State, 9:00 ET
Prairie View A&M: 6-0 ATS after scoring 55 points or less
Alcorn State: 1-5 ATS off a road loss scoring less than 60 points

MEAC Tournament, Quarterfinals
Delaware State vs. Hampton, 6:00 ET
Delaware State: 1-5 ATS in conference tournament games
Hampton: 8-2 ATS playing on a neutral court

MEAC Tournament, Quarterfinals
Morgan State vs. Savannah State, 8:30 ET
Morgan State: 5-0 ATS off an ATS loss
Savannah State: 1-5 ATS after scoring 60 points or less

Southland Tournament, Quarterfinals
McNeese State vs. SE Louisiana, 6:00 ET
McNeese State: 0-4 ATS revenging a road loss
SE Louisiana: 6-1 Under off a road game

Southland Tournament, Quarterfinals
Sam Houston State vs. Oral Roberts, 8:30 ET
Sam Houston State: 4-8 ATS in tournament games
Oral Roberts: 11-5 ATS after losing 2 of their last 3 games

Big East Tournament, Quarterfinals
Cincinnati vs. (#5) Georgetown, 12:00 ET ESPN
Cincinnati: 5-12 ATS off BB conference games
Georgetown: 13-4 ATS vs. conference opponents

Big East Tournament, Quarterfinals
(#19) Syracuse vs. (#17) Pittsburgh , 2:30 ET ESPN
Syracuse: 25-12 ATS as a neutral court underdog
Pittsburgh: 0-9 ATS off 3+ games outrebounding opponent by 6+

Big East Tournament, Quarterfinals
Villanova vs. (#4) Louisville, 7:00 ET ESPN
Villanova: 9-2 ATS after playing as a favorite
Louisville: 0-7 ATS off an Over

Big East Tournament, Quarterfinals
(#24) Notre Dame vs. (#12) Marquette, 9:30 ET ESPN
Notre Dame: 12-3 ATS after making 50%+ of their three-point attempts
Marquette: 3-10 ATS off BB SU wins

ACC Tournament, First Round
Georgia Tech vs. Boston College, 12:00 ET ESPNU
Georgia Tech: 0-7 ATS away after playing BB games as a road underdog
Boston College: 14-3 ATS after playing as a home favorite

ACC Tournament, First Round
Virginia Tech vs. NC State, 2:30 ET ESPNU
Virginia Tech: 3-11 ATS after playing as a road underdog
NC State: 9-1 ATS in March

ACC Tournament, First Round
Wake Forest vs. Maryland, 7:00 ET ESPNU
Wake Forest: 16-35 ATS away in March
Maryland: 6-0 ATS off a SU loss / ATS win

ACC Tournament, First Round
Clemson vs. Florida State, 9:30 ET ESPNU
Clemson: 9-1 ATS off 4+ ATS losses
Florida State: 4-11 ATS off BB conference games

Big Ten Tournament, First Round
Minnesota vs. Illinois, 12:00 ET BTN
Minnesota: 15-6 ATS with a total of 129.5 points or less
Illinois: 5-14 ATS off a combined score of 125 points or less

Big Ten Tournament, First Round
Penn State vs. (#6) Michigan, 2:25 ET BTN
Penn State: 5-13 ATS away off a home game
Michigan: 8-2 Over away off a home game

Big Ten Tournament, First Round
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 6:30 ET ESPN2
Nebraska: 7-17 ATS away off 3+ conference games
Purdue: 14-4 ATS after committing 8 or less turnovers

Big Ten Tournament, First Round
Northwestern vs. Iowa, 8:55 ET ESPN2
Northwestern: 18-6 ATS away after losing 8+ of their last 10 games
Iowa: 3-12 ATS away off an ATS win as favorite of 10+ points

Atlantic Ten Tournament, First Round
Charlotte vs. Richmond, 12:00 ET NBCSN
Charlotte: 13-30 ATS in March
Richmond: 10-2 ATS in March

Atlantic Ten Tournament, First Round
Dayton vs. Butler, 2:30 ET NBCSN
Dayton: 20-7 ATS off a SU loss / ATS win
Butler: 6-15 ATS after allowing 25 or less first-half points

Atlantic Ten Tournament, First Round
St. Joseph's vs. Xavier, 6:30 ET NBCSN
St. Joseph's: 2-10 ATS after allowing 60 points or less
Xavier: 11-4 ATS off a conference game

Atlantic Ten Tournament, First Round
George Washington vs. Massachusetts, 8:55 ET NBCSN
George Washington: 1-8 ATS off a home win
Massachusetts: 25-12 ATS away off BB games with 9 or less offensive rebounds

Big 12 Tournament, Quarterfinals
Iowa State vs. Oklahoma, 12:30 ET ESPN2
Iowa State: 14-5 ATS playing with revenge
Oklahoma: 18-5 Under away after playing 5+ games as a favorite

Big 12 Tournament, Quarterfinals
Texas Tech vs. (#7) Kansas, 3:00 ET ESPN2
Texas Tech: 0-6 ATS away playing their second game in 3 days
Kansas: 38-20 ATS after allowing 80+ points

Big 12 Tournament, Quarterfinals
Texas vs. (#11) Kansas State, 7:00 ET
Texas: 5-15 ATS away playing with same-season revenge
Kansas State: 31-15 Over away after winning 6 or 7 of their last 8 games

Big 12 Tournament, Quarterfinals
Baylor vs. (#14) Oklahoma State, 9:30 ET
Baylor: 8-20 ATS off a conference win
Oklahoma State: 14-5 ATS after winning 3 of their last 4 games

SEC Tournament, Quarterfinals
LSU vs. Georgia, 1:00 ET
LSU: 7-19 ATS off a SU loss as a home favorite
Georgia: 13-2 ATS off 3+ conference games

SEC Tournament, Quarterfinals
Mississippi State vs. Tennessee, 3:30 ET
Mississippi State: 0-7 ATS off a conference win by 10+ points
Tennessee: 20-8 ATS off 3+ conference games

SEC Tournament, Quarterfinals
Arkansas vs. Vanderbilt, 7:30 ET
Arkansas: 3-11 ATS off a home win by 10+ points
Vanderbilt: 14-3 ATS away off BB conference games

SEC Tournament, Quarterfinals
Texas A&M vs. Missouri, 10:00 ET
Texas A&M: 7-0 ATS away off ATS losses in 2 of their last 3 games
Missouri: 1-7 ATS away after winning 3 of their last 4 games

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday, March 14

Game Score Status Pick Amount

UC Santa Barbara - 3:00 PM ET UC Santa Barbara +5.5 500
Pacific - Under 124 500

Idaho - 3:00 PM ET Idaho +7 500
New Mexico St. - Under 135.5 500

Arizona St. - 3:00 PM ET UCLA -4.5 500
UCLA - Over 136 500

Texas Tech - 3:00 PM ET Kansas -20.5 500 POD
Kansas - Under 133.5 500

Mississippi St. - 3:30 PM ET Tennessee -13 500
Tennessee - Over 126 500

Houston - 3:30 PM ET Texas-El Paso -6.5 500 POD
Texas-El Paso - Over 132.5 500

Northern Arizona - 5:00 PM ET Weber St. -13.5 500
Weber St. - Under 133 500

UC Davis - 5:30 PM ET Cal Poly SLO -2 500
Cal Poly SLO - Under 131 500

Texas State - 5:30 PM ET Denver -16 500 POD
Denver - Under 129.5 500

Colorado - 5:30 PM ET Colorado +4.5 500
Arizona - Under 129.5 500

Delaware State - 6:00 PM ET Hampton -3 500 POD
Hampton -

McNeese St. - 6:00 PM ET McNeese St. +0 500
Southeastern Louisiana -

St. Joseph's - 6:30 PM ET St. Joseph's -1 500
Xavier - Over 122 500

Nebraska - 6:30 PM ET Purdue -6 500 POD
Purdue - Under 120 500

Buffalo - 6:30 PM ET Buffalo +3.5 500
Kent St. - Over 138 500

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday, March 14

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Wake Forest - 7:00 PM ET Maryland -6 500
Maryland - Over 134.5 500

Villanova - 7:00 PM ET Louisville -9.5 500 POD # 1
Louisville - Under 125.5 500

Texas - 7:00 PM ET Texas +7.5 500
Kansas St. - Over 131 500

Tulane - 7:00 PM ET Memphis -11 500
Memphis - Under 139 500

Vanderbilt - 7:30 PM ET Vanderbilt +3 500 POD # 2
Arkansas - Over 125 500

Southern Utah - 7:30 PM ET North Dakota -3 500 POD # 3
North Dakota - Over 133.5 500

Morgan St. - 8:00 PM ET Morgan St. +1.5 500
Savannah State -

Sam Houston St. - 8:30 PM ET Oral Roberts -7 500
Oral Roberts -

Northwestern - 8:55 PM ET Iowa -10 500
Iowa - Under 124 500

Prairie View A&M - 9:00 PM ET Alcorn St. -1 500
Alcorn St. -

Cal St. Fullerton - 9:00 PM ET Cal St. Fullerton +7.5 500
Long Beach St. - Over 145.5 500

George Washington - 9:00 PM ET Massachusetts -3.5 500 POD # 4
Massachusetts - Under 139 500

Texas-San Antonio - 9:00 PM ET Texas-San Antonio +11 500
Louisiana Tech - Over 132.5 500

Eastern Michigan - 9:00 PM ET Eastern Michigan +6.5 500
Western Michigan - Under 111 500

Utah - 9:00 PM ET California -8 500 POD # 5
California - Over 122.5 500

Notre Dame - 9:00 PM ET Notre Dame +3 500
Marquette - Under 125.5 500

Baylor - 9:30 PM ET Oklahoma St. -2.5 500
Oklahoma St. - Under 135 500

Tulsa - 9:30 PM ET East Carolina -1.5 500
East Carolina - Over 144.5 500 POD # 6

Northern Colorado - 10:00 PM ET Northern Colorado -3.5 500
Montana St. - Under 144 500

Texas A&M - 10:00 PM ET Missouri -10 500
Missouri - Under 133 500

Hawaii - 11:30 PM ET Hawaii +4 500 POD # 7
UC Irvine - Over 138 500

Utah St. - 11:30 PM ET Utah St. -2.5 500
Texas-Arlington - Under 121 500

Oregon - 11:30 PM ET Washington +3.5 500
Washington - Over 132 500

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, March 15

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Indiana - 12:00 PM ET Indiana -9.5 500 POD
Illinois - Over 139 500

Saint Louis - 12:00 PM ET Saint Louis -11.5 500
Charlotte - Under 126 500

Boston College - 12:00 PM ET Boston College +8 500 POD # 2
Miami-Florida - Under 125 500

Louisiana State - 1:00 PM ET Florida -15.5 500
Florida - Under 129 500

N.C. State - 2:00 PM ET Virginia +1.5 500 POD # 3
Virginia - Under 127 500

La Salle - 2:30 PM ET La Salle +1.5 500
Butler - Over 132 500

Michigan - 2:30 PM ET Michigan -3 500
Wisconsin - Over 124.5 500

Tennessee - 3:30 PM ET Alabama +2 500
Alabama - Under 118 500

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, March 15

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Tennessee - 3:30 PM ET Alabama +2 500
Alabama - Under 118 500

Prairie View A&M - 3:30 PM ET Prairie View A&M +2 500
Jackson State -

Texas-El Paso - 4:00 PM ET Texas-El Paso +3 500
Southern Miss - Over 119.5 500

Southeastern Louisiana - 6:00 PM ET Stephen F. Austin -13 500
Stephen F. Austin -

Bethune-Cookman - 6:00 PM ET Bethune-Cookman +4 500
Morgan St. -

Nebraska - 6:30 PM ET Ohio St. -13.5 500 POD
Ohio St. - Under 119 500

Kent St. - 6:30 PM ET Kent St. +6 500
Akron - Over 137 500

St. Joseph's - 6:30 PM ET VCU -7 500 POD
VCU - Under 133 500

Memphis - 6:30 PM ET Tulsa +11.5 500
Tulsa - Under 138 500

[StarDust Bum]

Evening Pod's and Best Bets:


Syracuse - 7:00 PM ET Georgetown -1 500 POD # 1
Georgetown - Under 117 500

Maryland - 7:00 PM ET Maryland +11 500
Duke - Over 140 500

Iowa St. - 7:30 PM ET Kansas -5.5 500 POD # 2
Kansas - Under 145.5 500

North Dakota - 7:30 PM ET North Dakota +9.5 500 POD # 3
Weber St. - Over 132.5 500

Vanderbilt - 7:30 PM ET Kentucky -6 500
Kentucky - Under 126 500

Delaware State - 8:00 PM ET Delaware State +3.5 500
No.Carolina A&T -

Sam Houston St. - 8:30 PM ET Sam Houston St. +7.5 500
Northwestern St. -

Alabama A&M - 9:00 PM ET Southern -12.5 500
Southern -

New Mexico - 9:00 PM ET San Diego St. +2 500
San Diego St. - Over 126.5 500

Texas State - 9:00 PM ET Texas State +11 500
New Mexico St. - Over 141 500

Arizona - 9:00 PM ET UCLA +3.5 500
UCLA - Over 143.5 500

Iowa - 9:00 PM ET Michigan St -5.5 500 POD # 4
Michigan St - Under 128 500

Western Michigan - 9:00 PM ET Western Michigan +7 500
Ohio - Over 134 500

Massachusetts - 9:00 PM ET Massachusetts +4.5 500
Temple - Over 150 500

Notre Dame - 9:00 PM ET Notre Dame +8.5 500 POD # 5
Louisville - Under 123 500

Florida St. - 9:00 PM ET North Carolina -7.5 500 POD # 6
North Carolina - Over 141 500

UC Irvine - 9:30 PM ET UC Irvine +1 500
Long Beach St. - Over 133.5 500

Oklahoma St. - 10:00 PM ET Oklahoma St. +2 500
Kansas St. - Over 133.5 500

Missouri - 10:00 PM ET Missouri -5 500
Mississippi - Under 153 500

Northern Colorado - 10:00 PM ET Northern Colorado +7.5 500
Montana - Over 136 500

UNLV - 11:30 PM ET Colorado St. +4.5 500
Colorado St. - Over 133.5 500

Texas-San Antonio - 11:30 PM ET Texas-San Antonio +5.5 500
Texas-Arlington - Over 126.5 500

Utah - 11:30 PM ET Utah +7.5 500 POD # 7
Oregon - Over 128 500

Cal Poly SLO - 11:59 PM ET Cal Poly SLO +2 500
Pacific - Under 119 500

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday's Tip Sheet

March 15, 2013

**Florida vs. Alabama**

--Most books opened Florida (25-6 straight up, 16-12 against the spread) as a 13.5-point favorite for this SEC Tournament semifinals matchup in Nashville.

--Billy Donovan’s team advanced by virtue of Friday afternoon’s 80-58 win over LSU as a 16-point ‘chalk.’ Erik Murphy exploded for a career-high 27 points and 12 rebounds, splashing the nets at a 5-of-7 clip from 3-point range. Scottie Wilbekin finished with 16 points on 4-of-5 shooting from deep. The 138 combined points went ‘over’ the 128-point total.

--Alabama (21-11 SU, 13-15 ATS) captured a crucial win over Tennessee on Friday in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals. The Crimson Tide won a 58-48 decision as a 1.5-point underdog. The 106 combined points stayed ‘under’ the 117-point tally. Levi Randolph and Trevor Releford led the way with 15 and 14 points, respectively.

--Anthony Grant’s squad has been an underdog nine times this year, posting a 6-3 spread record. The Tide has been a double-digit ‘dog twice, going 1-1 ATS.

--Florida has been a double-digit ‘chalk’ 22 times this season, compiling a 14-8 spread record.

--With an RPI of 61, Alabama has to have this game to feel good about its at-large chances. The Tide has eight wins over Top 100 foes, but it has just two wins over RPI Top 50 foes in Kentucky (48) and Villanova (50).

--When these schools met at the O-Dome in Gainesville on March 2, UF recovered from a five-point second-half deficit to storm past Alabama, 64-52. However, the Tide took the cash as a 16-point road underdog. Murphy paced the Gators with 15 points and eight rebounds. Releford scored a team-high 12 points for Alabama.

--The ‘under’ is 19-7 overall for ‘Bama.

--The ‘under’ is on a 7-1 run in Florida’s last eight games to improve to 14-11 overall.

--Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Eastern on ABC.

**Wisconsin vs. Indiana**

--Most spots opened Indiana (27-5 SU, 17-13 ATS) as a 6.5-point ‘chalk.’

--Tom Crean’s team hooked up its backers in Friday’s 80-64 win over Illinois as a 10-point favorite. Cody Zeller was the catalyst, producing 24 points and nine rebounds while making 9-of-11 shots from the field. Victor Oladipo added 12 points and 11 boards and thrilled the United Center crowd with a nasty 360 dunk on a run-out in the final minute.

--Wisconsin (22-10 SU, 12-17-1 ATS) overcame a horrific shooting slump in the first half to erupt for 51 points in the final 20 minutes on its way to 68-59 win over Michigan as a two-point underdog. Traevon Jackson led the Badgers with 16 points, while Ben Brust buried four treys en route to scoring 14 points and pulling down eight rebounds. Ryan Evans finished with 12 points, six board and six assists.

--Bo Ryan’s team has been an underdog seven times this season, going 3-3-1 ATS.

--IU has been a single-digit favorite nine times, posting a 3-6 spread record.

--When these Big Ten rivals met on Jan. 15, Wisconsin went into Assembly Hall in Bloomington and collected a 64-59 win as an outrageous 15.5-point underdog. Evans led the way with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Jackson added 11 points before fouling out. The 123 points fell ‘under’ the 132.5-point total.

--The ‘over’ is 14-13 overall for the Badgers, cashing in four of their last six games.

--The ‘under’ is 4-1 in IU’s last five games, 14-14 overall.

--CBS will have the telecast at 1:40 p.m. Eastern.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

-- North Carolina played 16 kids in its win over Florida State; how many bigtime programs dress 16 players for games?

-- Miami Dolphins signed Brandon Gibson to a 3-year contract; I watched every game Gibson played for the Rams. Not sure what Miami is thinking.

-- Denver Broncos' safety Quinton Carter was arrested and charged with cheating at craps at a Las Vegas casino; he grew up in Vegas. What could he be thinking? Casinos are worst place in America to commit a crime, since every inch has camera surveillance 24/7. Wow.

-- Syracuse forward Rakeem Christmas wears number 25; coincidence? I think not.

-- Puerto Rico beat Team USA 4-3, sent the Americans back to their spring training facilities. Will American fans watch the WBC finals on TV?

-- Miami Heat won again, have now won 21 games in a row; the record is 33, and I'm thinking they've got their eyes on that record.


*****

Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Wrapping up a fantastic Friday of hoops......

Saturday's List of 13: Wrapping up a fantastic Friday of hoops......
13) Another 14-hour day of basketball, with evening part of the card just filled with good action. Last game of the night was one of the more emotional games, as Pacific gave coach Bob Thomason one last appearance in Big West title game with a dramatic 55-53 win over Cal Poly in Anaheim.

Thomason is retiring after 25 years as Pacific's coach; the Tigers are moving to the WCC next year. Pacific plays Cal-Irvine for the Big West title.

12) Kentucky got spanked 64-48 by Vanderbilt; they're still winless away from Rupp Arena since Nerlens Noel got hurt. Most pundits have Kentucky out of the NCAAs; couple even suggested that the Wildcats' body language Friday looked like they wouldn't mind if the season ended.

11) Maryland beat Duke 83-74, just second time in 11 years Blue Devils lost their first ACC tournament game; the other time, they were 8-8 in ACC that season. This year, they were 14-4. Very disappointing loss for Duke.

10) Which reminds us that no team has ever won the national title if they lost their first conference tournament game that season.

9) Wisconsin 68, Michigan 59-- Badgers scored 17 points in first half, 51 in second. Wolverines split their last 12 games after a 20-1 start.

8) Ole Miss 64, Missouri 62-- Rebels outscored Missouri 18-6 over final 8:48 to pull out a win and keep their NCAA hopes alive. Ole Miss will be favored to beat Vandy today and get to the SEC finals.

7) Southern Mississippi shot 58.5% against UTEP, not easy to do against a Tim Floyd-defense, as Golden Eagles advanced with a 85-67 win over the Miners. USM plays Memphis (18-0 in C-USA) today for the title.

6) UCLA beat Arizona for third time this season, 66-64, but lost freshman star Jordan Adams for season with a broken foot; he had 24 points for the Bruins Friday, 18 in the second half.

5) Three conference finals will be played within 3.4 miles of each other in Las Vegas Saturday, with New Mexico-UNLV hottest ticket of the three. UCLA-Oregon and New Mexico State/UT-Arlington are the other two. You like college basketball, Las Vegas is your town Saturday.

4) North Carolina sophomore PJ Hairston, who sparked a recent 7-1 UNC hot streak, tore up his hand in a bloody accident late in Tar Heels' 83-62 win over Florida State. Not sure what the injury is, but anything with the hand is obviously going to hamper his ability to catch the ball.

3) Zeke Marshall almost single-handedly saved Akron's season, with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 7 blocks, as the Zips held off rival Kent State 62-59, its first win since PG Alex Abreu was suspended indefinitely.

2) Flip side of winning is losing; Buffalo fired coach Reggie Witherspoon on Friday, after a 14-20/7-9 season. Bulls are 47-33 in MAC play over last five years, so Witherspoon did a pretty good job, but he hadn't made the NCAAs in 14 years, and in today's world, that gets you fired.

1) I'm thinking that the selection committee has a very hard job this year; moreso than usual. Not much separates these bubble teams, but if you don't want to be sad Sunday night, like we said earlier this week, then win more.