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  • Tuesday's Trends and Indexes - 3/19 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

    Trends and Indexes

    Tuesday, March 19

    Good Luck on day #78 of 2013!

    At this time, the sports menu in this thread consists of NBA and NCAAB until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will be posted.

    NOTE:
    As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
    Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
    Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.


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

    Matchup Links

    NBA Matchups

    NBA Hot and Not

    NBA Injuries

    NBA Referees

    NCAAB Matchups

    NCAAB Hot and Not

    NCAAB Injuries

    NHL Matchups

    NHL Injuries

    NHL Hot and Not

    NASCAR Schedules

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

  • #2
    Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

    Nate Silver posted the odds for each team winning its region..........

    East South
    Indiana 51% Florida 37%
    Syracuse 12% Kansas 32%
    Miami 11% Michigan 13%
    Marquette 6% Georgetown 7%
    NC State 5% VCU 3%
    Butler 3% Minnesota 2%
    UNLV 3% North Carolina 2%


    *****

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

    13) Watching replay of the Giants-Rockies game over the weekend; Giant announcers were saying that Opening Day is a sellout, unless of course you buy a Giants 6-pack. In other words, the game is sold out unless you want to buy tickets for five other crummy games, then they’ll miraculously find you tickets for the home opener. Slimy.

    12) Walt Weiss is the new manager of the Rockies; he wants Colorado to carry 13 pitchers on its roster for its home series, only 12 on road trips, due to the extra offense in games at Coors Field.

    Interesting concept, not sure it is doable, since once a guy gets sent down he has to stay there for 15 days, except to replace an injured player.

    11) Funny story in the NYC papers Monday about how the Saint Louis Billikens were stuck in traffic heading to the airport for their flight home from the A-16 tournament Sunday, so they stopped in a Best Buy in Secaucus, NJ to watch the Selection Show on CBS. Imagine being in that store and seeing 15-20 really tall people walk in the store, all dressed in sweats?

    10) From 1987-98, #3 seeds were 38-10 SU in the first round, meaning one lost pretty much every year. From 1999 on, #3 seeds are 53-3 SU, as gap between big boys and low majors has widened.

    9) Three of the four play-in game winners have to play day games in their second tournament game; that doesn’t seem right. You play on Tuesday night and then again Thursday afternoon? Would think play-in winners would all get night games in next round.

    8) Didn’t know that NBA referees aren’t allowed to work the same team’s games within five days of each other. You learn stuff listening to Mike Breen on ESPN.

    7) Of the 16 head coaches in the South region of the NCAA tournament, 10 have coached in a Final Four, and two of the other six are John Beilein and Keith Dambrot, who was Lebron James’ high school coach. Its a heavyweight region for coaches.

    6) Four of the six oldest players in the NBA play for the Knicks; Kurt Thomas is the oldest player in the league, one day older than Grant Hill.

    5) CBS put Steve Kerr in a 3-man booth with Jim Nantz/Clark Kellogg for the tournament, creating more work for the mute button. Kellogg never lets Kerr finish a sentence, always putting his stamp of approval/disapproval on every thought. I miss the days when Billy Packer was his old grumpy self as an analyst on the air. No one interrupted him.

    4) CIT is one of the lesser postseason basketball tournaments; they have Loyola, Md-Boston U as a first round matchup, which doesn’t look like much, but those teams are both headed to the Patriot League next year, so from here on in, they’ll be league rivals.

    3) Over the last six years, underdogs are 18-6 vs spread in those 8-9 first round matchups.

    2) Odd baseball trade this weekend; as Phillies dealt minor league pitcher Mike Cisco to the Angels......for nothing!!! Cisco is 13-3, 1.73 the last two years in minors (AA/AAA); he pitched at South Carolina, is grandson of former big league pitcher Galen Cisco, so he isn't a stiff.

    Officially, he was dealt "for no compensation". Alrighty then.

    1) Rupp Arena is hosting NCAA tournament games this weekend, so they put Kentucky's NIT game on the road, at Robert Morris; big event for Colonials, who sold the game out already, then cancelled classes on Tuesday.

    Thing is, its also a home game for John Calipari, who is from the Pittsburgh area. He grew up in Moon Township, went to Clarion State.

    Comment


    • #3
      NCAA tournament opening line report and odds

      Oddsmakers laced up their dancing shoes Sunday waiting for the NCAA tournament field to be announced so they could begin the frantic process of setting spreads and totals for the biggest betting week of the year.

      Around 9 p.m. ET Sunday night, lines for the opening matchups of the tournament began to trickle out but oddsmakers started their work the second the Selection Sunday show concluded. They quickly printed off the brackets and schedules and started crunching stats and figures for Tuesday and Wednesday’s play-in games as well as the second-round matchups on Thursday and Friday.

      “Those play-in games are probably the toughest,” Peter Korner, founder of the Nevada-based odds service The Sports Club, told Covers. “We don’t know a whole lot about some of those play-in teams. Other than those, we match stats for stats and figure out how high do you want to go.”

      Korner bounces his projected spreads and totals off his panel of oddsmakers and they debate which numbers suit their clients the best, factoring in public opinion and expected sharp betting patterns.

      The No. 1 seeds with second-round matchups already set – Gonzaga and Kansas – obviously have the highest spreads of the opening rounds. The Bulldogs, the top seed in the West Regional, are suggested 22-point favorites over No. 16 Southern. The Jayhawks, the No. 1 seed in the South Regional, are 20-point chalk versus No. 16 Western Kentucky. No. 3 Florida is also a 20-point favorite versus No. 14 Northwestern State.

      As for the tightest spreads on the board, Korner’s oddsmakers sent out a “pick’em” for two No. 7-versus-No. 10 matchups: Illinois vs. Colorado and Notre Dame vs. Iowa State. The play-in game between La Salle and Boise State was also sent out as a pick.

      For fans of high-scoring hoops, the biggest total on the board belongs to the game between No. 8 North Carolina State and No. 9 Temple, which garnered a 152-point number. Both teams have a potent offense, averaging a combined 150.3 points per game, and rank among the bottom in defense.

      “We wanted to go with whoever had the highest for that game,” Korner says of the NC State-Temple total. “It’s a game that’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.”

      The lowest over/under on the board is the 122-point total for the game between No. 3 Saint Louis and No. 13 New Mexico State. The Billikens rode their stout defense – ranked 18th in the country – to the A-10 championship while the Aggies allowed only 62.1 points per game this season.

      “The toughest totals are the ones where you have one high-scoring team versus a team that plays low,” says Korner. “We usually go with the team that has the strength and should control the flow of the game. But it’s like the playoffs, we are thinking ‘low, low low’.”

      Here’s the full list of odds for the opening games of the 2013 NCAA tournament:

      Play-in games

      March 19, 2013


      Liberty vs. North Carolina A&T (-3, 127)
      St. Mary's vs. Middle Tennessee State (+3, 131)

      March 20, 2013

      La Salle vs. Boise State (Pick, 138)
      James Madison vs. LIU Brooklyn (-1, 147)

      Round 2

      March 21, 2013


      No. 9 Missouri vs. No. 8 Colorado State (+2.5, 143)
      No. 12 Oregon vs. No. 5 Oklahoma State (-3, 135)
      No. 13 New Mexico State vs. No. 4 Saint Louis (-10, 122)
      No. 14 Valparaiso vs. No. 3 Michigan State (-9.5, 128)
      No. 12 Akron vs. No. 5 VCU (-5.5, 138)
      No. 13 South Dakota State vs. No. 4 Michigan (-12, 141)
      No. 12 California vs. No. 5 UNLV (-3, 126)
      No. 13 Montana vs. No. 4 Syracuse (-15, 130)
      No. 11 Bucknell vs. No. 6 Butler (-4.5, 124)
      No. 14 Davidson vs. No. 3 Marquette (-3.5, 131)
      No. 16 Southern vs. No. 1 Gonzaga (-22, 127)
      No. 9 Wichita State vs. No. 8 Pittsburgh (-5.5, 125)
      No. 11 Belmont vs. No. 6 Arizona (-5, 142)
      No. 14 Harvard vs. No. 3 New Mexico (-11.5, 127)

      March 22, 2013

      No. 10 Cincinnati vs. No. 7 Creighton (-1.5. 124)
      No. 15 Albany vs. No. 2 Duke (-19, 133)
      No. 16 Western Kentucky vs. No. 1 Kansas (-20, 135)
      No. 9 Villanova vs. No. 8 North Carolina (-4, 137)
      No. 11 Minnesota vs. No. 6 UCLA (+3, 133)
      No. 14 Northwestern State vs. No. 3 Florida (-20, 136)
      No. 10 Oklahoma vs. No. 7 San Diego State (-2, 135)
      No. 15 Florida Gulf Coast vs. No. 2 Georgetown (-14, 126)
      No. 9 Temple vs. No. 8 North Carolina State (-4, 152)
      No. 10 Colorado vs. No. 7 Illinois (Pick, 128)
      No. 15 Pacific vs. No. 2 Miami (-13, 127)
      No. 10 Iowa State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame (Pick, 142)
      No. 15 Iona vs. No. 2 Ohio State (-13, 142)
      No. 12 Mississippi vs. No. 5 Wisconsin (-3.5, 128)

      Comment


      • #4
        68 stats for 68 NCAA Tournament-bound teams

        It's tourney time, so here's a few betting stats and notes for all 68 teams vying for the national title:

        MIDWEST REGION

        (1) Louisville - Ranks 224th in the nation in 3-point shooting percentage (33.1%)

        (2) Duke - Went 18-0 in the regular season with forward Ryan Kelly in the lineup (11-7 ATS) but 9-3 SU and 6-7 ATS without him.

        (3) Michigan State - The Spartans play strong, balanced team defense, finishing 35th or better in four key defensive statistical categories - points allowed per game, opponent field goal percentage, opponent 3-point percentage and opponent free throw percentage.

        (4) Saint Louis - In seven NCAA tournament appearances, the Billikens have never advanced past their second game.

        (5) Oklahoma State - The Cowboys lost in the opening round of their last tournament appearance in 2010.

        (6) Memphis - The Tigers are very efficient from the floor, shooting 37.9% from 3-point range and 47.9 from the field. But their 66.7 percent mark from the free-throw line ranks 260th in the country.

        (7) Creighton - The Bluejays lead the nation in field goal percentage (.508) and rank fourth in assists per game (17.2).

        (8) Colorado State - Have only covered once in their last seven games.

        (9) Missouri - The Tigers are the second-best rebounding team in the country at 41.4 per game.

        (10) Cincinnati - The Bearcats rank 26th or better in opponent points per game, field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, and free throw percentage.

        (11) TBD from play-in game.

        (12) Oregon - The Ducks will make their first tournament appearance since 2008, when they were eliminated in the first round as a No. 9 seed.

        (13) New Mexico State - Enters the tourney on a five-game winning streak and has now won six straight WAC tournament games by at least nine points, and by an overall average margin of 14.3 points per win.

        (14) Valparaiso - The Crusaders are making their first NCAA appearance since 2004. They head into the tourney on a six-game winning streak after breaking the school's single-season record for victories.

        (15) Albany - This will be the third tournament appearance for the Great Danes. They also made it to the Big Dance in 2006 and 2007.

        (16) TBD from play-in game

        SOUTH REGION

        (1) Kansas - Kansas has the best field-goal percentage defense in the country -- and much of it comes from its shot-blocking prowess on the interior. The Jayhawks allow teams to shoot only 38.9 percent inside the arc, and only 35.9 percent overall -- both rank first in the country.

        (2) Georgetown - The Hoyas rank 297th in experience, making them one of the youngest teams in the field.

        (3) Florida - The Gators were once seen as a lock for a No. 1 seed. After going 5-4 on the road during the SEC regular season and losing in the tournament title game, the Gators fell to a No. 3 seed

        (4) Michigan - Posted a 19-12 over/under mark during the regular season - the most overs in the Big Ten.

        (5) VCU - The Rams lead the country in turnovers forced per game (19.9) and steals per game (11.9).

        (6) UCLA - Second leading scorer Jordan Adams (15.3 ppg) is out for the rest of the season. He suffered a broken foot Friday night against Arizona.

        (7) San Diego State - The Aztecs have only covered once in their last six games.

        (8) UNC - The Tar Heels have advanced to at least the regional final in six of their last seven NCAA tournament appearances, including two national championships in 2009 and 2005.

        (9) Villanova - The Wildcats were a Big East-best 19-10-1 ATS this season.

        (10) Oklahoma - The Sooners have played over the total in 10 of their last 11 games.

        (11) Minnesota - The Gophers have some quality wins over Memphis, Illinois, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Indiana this season.

        (12) Akron - The Zips overcame the loss of G Alex Abreu to win the MAC tournament, but their 64.5 percent free throw shooting percentage is a major cause for concern.

        (13) South Dakota State - The Jackrabbits' sole NCAA appearance came last year, when they earned a trip to the dance but fell in the opener 68-60 to Baylor.

        (14) Northwestern State - The Demons score 81 points per game and average 72.9 possession - both are tops in college basketball

        (15) Florida Gulf Coast - The Eagles won the Atlantic Sun's automatic bid with an 88-75 victory over top-seeded Mercer on its floor on March 9. It's the first time for FGCU in the tournament in just its second year of eligibility.

        (16) Western Kentucky - Went 0-3-1 O/U in the Sun Belt tourney.

        WEST REGION

        (1) Gonzaga - Has lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament three years in a row.

        (2) Ohio State - The Buckeyes are 5-0 ATS in their last five games and 7-1 ATS in their last eight.

        (3) New Mexico - The Lobos' January 9th win over UNLV is their only victory against a team in the RPI Top 20.

        (4) Kansas State - The Wildcats are 9-2 in games when senior guard Rodney McGruder scores 20+ points.

        (5) Wisconsin - The Badgers hold opponents to a 10th-best 55.9 points per game.

        (6) Arizona - The last time Arizona posted seven losses in the regular season (2010-11) it advanced to the Elite Eight.

        (7) Notre Dame - The Irish have gone over the total in four straight heading into the NCAA Tournament.

        (8) Pittsburgh - This will be Pitt's first NCAA appearance since 2011, when they were eliminated by Butler in the round of 32 as a No. 1 seed.

        (9) Wichita State - The Shockers were eliminated in the first round in last season's tournament by VCU. They were an at-large entry and a No. 5 seed.

        (10) Iowa State - The Cyclones rank fourth in the nation in points per game (79.6).

        (11) Belmont - This is the third year in a row that Belmont earned an automatic tournament bid as Atlantic Sun tournament winner. They were eliminated in the first round the previous two seasons.

        (12) Ole Miss - Last made an appearance in the 2002 NCAA tournament and lost in the first round.

        (13) TBD from play-in game

        (14) Harvard - The Crimson are a good rebounding team that shoots well from beyond the arc. Harvard ranks seventh in the nation in 3-point percentage (40.1) and 28th in rebounding (27.2).

        (15) Iona - The Gaels won the MAAC tournament last winter and were eliminated in the first round of the 2012 NCAA tournament by Brigham Young.

        EAST REGION

        (1) Indiana - All five of Indiana's losses this season have come against teams in the RPI Top 50.

        (2) Miami - The Hurricanes broke the program’s record for wins in a season, set by the 2001-02 team. Miami easily covered in all three of its ACC tournament games.

        (3) Marquette - The Golden Eagles have failed to cover in their last three games.

        (4) Syracuse - The last time Syracuse lost in the Big East Conference final (2009) it advanced to the Sweet 16 before losing to No. 2 Oklahoma.

        (5) UNLV - The Runnin' Rebels have been ousted in the opening round of the NCAA tournament three years in a row.

        (6) Butler - Has been a perennial bracket buster in past tournaments and brings a balanced attack with four players averaging 10 points or more per game.

        (7) Illinois - The Illini have the third most Top-25 RPI wins in the country with six.

        (8) N.C. State - The Wolfpack shot 49.5 percent from the field – fourth best in the nation – but only 45.3 percent in their nine losses.

        (9) Temple - The Owls tangled with some big-name programs in non-conference play, taking on Villanova, Duke, Syracuse and Kansas. Temple was 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS in those games.

        (10) Colorado - Junior forward Andre Roberson is second in the nation with 11.3 rebounds per game. The Buffaloes were a great under play this season, posting a 7-16 O/U mark.

        (11) Bucknell - The Bison failed to cover as big favorites in all three Patriot League playoff games.

        (12) Cal - Junior guard Allen Crabbe led the Pac-12 in scoring with 18.7 points per game, but the Golden Bears were a great under play (9-16 O/U) this season.

        (13) Montana - The Grizzlies were covering machines on the road this season (10-4-1 ATS).

        (14) Davidson - This team is the best in the nation from the charity stripe (80.1 percent).

        (15) Pacific - This is Pacific's eighth appearance in the NCAA tournament, and its first since 2006. In the Tigers' last tourney appearance, they lost to Boston College in the first round.

        (16) TBD from play-in game

        Play-in teams

        North Carolina A&T - The Aggies have an aggressive offense that gets to the foul line on a quarter of their possessions.

        Liberty - The Flames dropped their first eight games of the season and amassed 20 losses. A classic example of a team getting hot at the right time to win its respective conference tourney to earn a berth.

        Middle Tennessee - The Blue Raiders are headed to the big dance for the first time in 24 years and are 2-6 all-time in the tournament, with the last win coming in the 1989 Southeast Regional appearance.

        St. Mary's - The last time the Gaels entered the NCAA tournament with an at-large bid was 2008. They were eliminated in the first round.

        La Salle - The Explorers have been on everybody's NCAA radar since one of the greatest weeks in recent school history when they defeated visiting Butler, 54-53 on Jan. 23 and then earned a 69-61 win at VCU on Jan. 26.

        Boise State - The Broncos rank 33rd in the nation with 7.8 three pointers made per game and boast an efficient 39.1 three-point percentage.

        LIU-Brooklyn - The Blackbirds became the first team to win the Northeast Conference tournament three years in a row and are 5-1 ATS in their last six neutral site games.

        James Madison - The Dukes are 5-0 ATS in their last five Wednesday and neutral site games.

        Comment


        • #5
          NCAAB
          Dunkel


          First Post

          Liberty vs. North Carolina A&T
          The Aggies look to build on their 6-0 ATS record in their last 6 neutral site games. North Carolina A&T is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Aggies favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: North Carolina A&T (-2 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

          TUESDAY, MARCH 19

          Game 539-540: Liberty vs. North Carolina A&T (6:40 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Liberty 47.420; North Carolina A&T 52.466
          Dunkel Line: North Carolina A&T by 5; 132
          Vegas Line: North Carolina A&T by 2 1/2; 127
          Dunkel Pick: North Carolina A&T (-2 1/2); Over

          Game 541-542: St. Mary's vs. Middle Tennessee State (9:10 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: St. Mary's 70.330; Middle Tennessee State 65.291
          Dunkel Line: St. Mary's by 5; 126
          Vegas Line: St. Mary's by 2 1/2; 132 1/2
          Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (-2 1/2); Under

          Game 543-544: Niagara at Maryland (7:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 56.639; Maryland 65.206
          Dunkel Line: Maryland by 8 1/2; 143
          Vegas Line: Maryland by 11; 147 1/2
          Dunkel Pick: Niagara (+11); Under

          Game 545-546: St. John's at St. Joseph's (7:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: St. John's 60.156; St. Joseph's 64.999
          Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 5; 133
          Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 6 1/2; 129
          Dunkel Pick: St. John's (+6 1/2); Over

          Game 547-548: Louisiana Tech at Florida State (7:15 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 56.544; Florida State 64.287
          Dunkel Line: Florida State by 7 1/2; 139
          Vegas Line: Florida State by 5; 143
          Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-5); Under

          Game 549-550: Kentucky at Robert Morris (7:30 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Kentucky 62.978; Robert Morris 60.073
          Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 3; 148
          Vegas Line: Kentucky by 4 1/2; 141
          Dunkel Pick: Robert Morris (+4 1/2); Over

          Game 551-552: Northeastern at Alabama (9:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 51.145; Alabama 64.753
          Dunkel Line: Alabama by 13 1/2; 125
          Vegas Line: Alabama by 12; 130
          Dunkel Pick: Alabama (-12); Under

          Game 553-554: Norfolk State at Virginia (9:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Norfolk State 51.654; Virginia 65.387
          Dunkel Line: Virginia by 13 1/2; 127
          Vegas Line: Virginia by 16 1/2; 123
          Dunkel Pick: Norfolk State (+16 1/2); Over

          Game 555-556: Ohio at Denver (9:15 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Ohio 56.652; Denver 69.235
          Dunkel Line: Denver by 13 1/2; 131
          Vegas Line: Denver by 7; 127
          Dunkel Pick: Denver (-7); Over

          Game 557-558: Washington at BYU (9:30 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Washington 59.018; BYU 66.865
          Dunkel Line: BYU by 8; 142
          Vegas Line: BYU by 5; 146
          Dunkel Pick: BYU (-5); Under

          Game 559-560: Stephen F. Austin at Stanford (11:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Stephen F. Austin 57.660; Stanford 70.237
          Dunkel Line: Stanford by 12 1/2; 122
          Vegas Line: Stanford by 9; 126 1/2
          Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-9); Under

          Game 563-564: George Mason at College of Charleston (7:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: George Mason 53.760; College of Charleston 57.182
          Dunkel Line: College of Charleston by 3 1/2; 137
          Vegas Line: College of Charleston by 4; 133
          Dunkel Pick: George Mason (+4); Over

          Game 565-566: Lehigh at Wyoming (9:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Lehigh 55.345; Wyoming 59.101
          Dunkel Line: Wyoming by 4; 130
          Vegas Line: Wyoming by 5; 127 1/2
          Dunkel Pick: Lehigh (+5); Over

          Game 567-568: Vermont at Santa Clara (10:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Vermont 52.922; Santa Clara 62.236
          Dunkel Line: Santa Clara by 9 1/2; 129
          Vegas Line: Santa Clara by 8; 132
          Dunkel Pick: Santa Clara (-8); Under

          Game 575-576: Rider at Hartford (7:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Rider 54.901; Hartford 51.103
          Dunkel Line: Rider by 4; 127
          Vegas Line: Rider by 2 1/2; 122
          Dunkel Pick: Rider (-2 1/2); Over

          Game 577-578: Eastern Kentucky at Gardner-Webb (7:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Kentucky 57.237; Gardner Webb 53.306
          Dunkel Line: Eastern Kentucky by 4; 128
          Vegas Line: Eastern Kentucky by 2 1/2; 131 1/2
          Dunkel Pick: Eastern Kentucky (-2 1/2); Under

          Game 579-580: Fairfield at Kent State (7:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Fairfield 52.086; Kent State 57.176
          Dunkel Line: Kent State by 5; 133
          Vegas Line: Kent State by 6; 126
          Dunkel Pick: Fairfield (+6); Over

          Game 581-582: Oakland at Youngstown State (7:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 50.077; Youngstown State 55.297
          Dunkel Line: Youngstown State by 5; 147
          Vegas Line: Youngstown State by 4; 151 1/2
          Dunkel Pick: Youngstown State (-4); Under

          Game 583-584: Savannah State at East Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Savannah State 49.600; East Carolina 55.117
          Dunkel Line: East Carolina by 5 1/2; 133
          Vegas Line: East Carolina by 7; 128 1/2
          Dunkel Pick: Savannah State (+7); Over

          Game 585-586: Boston U at Loyola-MD (7:30 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Boston U 52.246; Loyola-MD 59.510
          Dunkel Line: Loyola-MD by 7 1/2; 130
          Vegas Line: Loyola-MD by 6 1/2; 134
          Dunkel Pick: Loyola-MD (-6 1/2); Under

          Game 587-588: North Dakota at Northern Iowa (8:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: North Dakota 49.098; Northern Iowa 60.439
          Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 11 1/2; 137
          Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 15; 131
          Dunkel Pick: North Dakota (+15); Over

          Game 589-590: Tennessee State at Evansville (8:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 54.358; Evansville 66.027
          Dunkel Line: Evansville by 11 1/2; 138
          Vegas Line: Evansville by 8 1/2; 142 1/2
          Dunkel Pick: Evansville (-8 1/2); Under

          Comment


          • #6
            NCAAB
            Long Sheet

            Tuesday, March 19


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

            LIBERTY (15 - 20) vs. N CAROLINA A&T (19 - 16) - 3/19/2013, 6:40 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            LIBERTY is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
            N CAROLINA A&T is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
            N CAROLINA A&T is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
            N CAROLINA A&T is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all neutral court games this season.
            N CAROLINA A&T is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing on a neutral court this season.
            N CAROLINA A&T is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
            N CAROLINA A&T is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all tournament games this season.

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

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


            MIDDLE TENN ST (28 - 5) vs. ST MARYS-CA (27 - 6) - 3/19/2013, 9:10 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            MIDDLE TENN ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games after a conference game this season.
            MIDDLE TENN ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
            ST MARYS-CA is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.

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

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


            NIAGARA (19 - 13) at MARYLAND (22 - 12) - 3/19/2013, 7:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            NIAGARA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games in non-conference games this season.
            MARYLAND is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
            MARYLAND is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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


            ST JOHNS (16 - 15) at ST JOSEPHS (18 - 13) - 3/19/2013, 7:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            ST JOSEPHS is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
            ST JOSEPHS is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) after allowing 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
            ST JOHNS is 39-21 ATS (+15.9 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
            ST JOSEPHS is 6-13 ATS (-8.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

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


            LOUISIANA TECH (26 - 6) at FLORIDA ST (18 - 15) - 3/19/2013, 7:15 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            FLORIDA ST is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in a home game where the total is 140 to 144.5 since 1997.
            FLORIDA ST is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.

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

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


            KENTUCKY (21 - 11) at ROBERT MORRIS (23 - 10) - 3/19/2013, 7:30 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.

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


            NORTHEASTERN (20 - 12) at ALABAMA (21 - 12) - 3/19/2013, 9:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            ALABAMA is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in all home games this season.
            ALABAMA is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in home lined games this season.
            ALABAMA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in a home game where the total is 130 to 134.5 over the last 2 seasons.

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

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


            NORFOLK ST (21 - 11) at VIRGINIA (21 - 11) - 3/19/2013, 9:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            VIRGINIA is 48-33 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
            VIRGINIA is 48-33 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
            VIRGINIA is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all home games this season.
            VIRGINIA is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home lined games this season.
            VIRGINIA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
            VIRGINIA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
            VIRGINIA is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.

            Head-to-Head Series History
            VIRGINIA is 1-0 straight up against NORFOLK ST over the last 3 seasons

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


            OHIO U (24 - 9) at DENVER (21 - 9) - 3/19/2013, 9:15 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            OHIO U is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
            DENVER is 34-23 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
            DENVER is 34-23 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
            DENVER is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
            DENVER is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
            DENVER is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
            DENVER is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) after a conference game this season.
            DENVER is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
            DENVER is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
            OHIO U is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
            OHIO U is 75-48 ATS (+22.2 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
            OHIO U is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) in road games in first round tournament games since 1997.
            DENVER is 30-50 ATS (-25.0 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 since 1997.
            DENVER is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1997.

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

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


            WASHINGTON (18 - 15) at BYU (21 - 11) - 3/19/2013, 9:30 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            BYU is 177-126 ATS (+38.4 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
            BYU is 117-83 ATS (+25.7 Units) in all home games since 1997.
            BYU is 117-83 ATS (+25.7 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
            BYU is 52-31 ATS (+17.9 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1997.
            BYU is 81-56 ATS (+19.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

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

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


            SF AUSTIN ST (27 - 4) at STANFORD (18 - 14) - 3/19/2013, 11:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            STANFORD is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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


            GEORGE MASON (18 - 14) at COLL OF CHARLESTON (24 - 10) - 3/19/2013, 7:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            COLL OF CHARLESTON is 64-36 ATS (+24.4 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
            COLL OF CHARLESTON is 45-25 ATS (+17.5 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
            GEORGE MASON is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games when playing with 7 or more days rest since 1997.
            GEORGE MASON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.

            Head-to-Head Series History
            GEORGE MASON is 1-0 against the spread versus COLL OF CHARLESTON over the last 3 seasons
            GEORGE MASON is 1-0 straight up against COLL OF CHARLESTON over the last 3 seasons
            1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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


            LEHIGH (21 - 9) at WYOMING (19 - 13) - 3/19/2013, 9:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            WYOMING is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
            WYOMING is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in non-conference games this season.
            WYOMING is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) after scoring 60 points or less this season.
            WYOMING is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

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

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


            VERMONT (21 - 11) at SANTA CLARA (21 - 11) - 3/19/2013, 10:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            VERMONT is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 since 1997.
            VERMONT is 24-9 ATS (+14.1 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
            SANTA CLARA is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
            SANTA CLARA is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
            SANTA CLARA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 3 seasons.
            SANTA CLARA is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
            SANTA CLARA is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
            SANTA CLARA is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) after a conference game this season.
            SANTA CLARA is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
            SANTA CLARA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
            SANTA CLARA is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

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

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


            RIDER (18 - 14) at HARTFORD (17 - 13) - 3/19/2013, 7:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            RIDER is 66-93 ATS (-36.3 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
            RIDER is 19-11 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games this season.
            RIDER is 19-11 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
            RIDER is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
            RIDER is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
            RIDER is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
            RIDER is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.

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

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


            E KENTUCKY (24 - 9) at GARDNER WEBB (21 - 12) - 3/19/2013, 7:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            GARDNER WEBB is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
            E KENTUCKY is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
            E KENTUCKY is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
            E KENTUCKY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games when playing with 7 or more days rest since 1997.
            E KENTUCKY is 27-8 ATS (+18.2 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.

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

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


            FAIRFIELD (19 - 15) at KENT ST (20 - 13) - 3/19/2013, 7:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            FAIRFIELD is 11-19 ATS (-9.9 Units) in all games this season.
            FAIRFIELD is 11-19 ATS (-9.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
            FAIRFIELD is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in road games after a conference game this season.
            FAIRFIELD is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games in all tournament games over the last 2 seasons.
            FAIRFIELD is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
            KENT ST is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1997.
            KENT ST is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) after a conference game this season.
            KENT ST is 39-18 ATS (+19.2 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
            KENT ST is 63-37 ATS (+22.3 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
            KENT ST is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.

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

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


            OAKLAND (16 - 16) at YOUNGSTOWN ST (17 - 15) - 3/19/2013, 7:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            OAKLAND is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in March games since 1997.
            OAKLAND is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights since 1997.
            OAKLAND is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
            OAKLAND is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
            OAKLAND is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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


            SAVANNAH ST (19 - 14) at E CAROLINA (18 - 12) - 3/19/2013, 7:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            E CAROLINA is 160-200 ATS (-60.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
            E CAROLINA is 160-200 ATS (-60.0 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
            E CAROLINA is 65-92 ATS (-36.2 Units) in all home games since 1997.
            E CAROLINA is 65-92 ATS (-36.2 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
            E CAROLINA is 101-146 ATS (-59.6 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
            E CAROLINA is 66-99 ATS (-42.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
            E CAROLINA is 48-79 ATS (-38.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

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


            BOSTON U (17 - 12) at LOYOLA-MD (21 - 11) - 3/19/2013, 7:30 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            LOYOLA-MD is 51-82 ATS (-39.2 Units) in all home games since 1997.
            LOYOLA-MD is 51-82 ATS (-39.2 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
            LOYOLA-MD is 38-62 ATS (-30.2 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.

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

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


            N DAKOTA (16 - 16) at N IOWA (18 - 14) - 3/19/2013, 8:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            N DAKOTA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.

            Head-to-Head Series History
            N IOWA is 1-0 against the spread versus N DAKOTA over the last 3 seasons
            N IOWA is 2-0 straight up against N DAKOTA over the last 3 seasons

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


            TENNESSEE ST (18 - 14) at EVANSVILLE (18 - 14) - 3/19/2013, 8:00 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            EVANSVILLE is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
            EVANSVILLE is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
            EVANSVILLE is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
            EVANSVILLE is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
            EVANSVILLE is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
            TENNESSEE ST is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after a conference game this season.

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

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

            Wednesday, March 20

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


            LONG ISLAND (20 - 13) vs. JAMES MADISON (20 - 14) - 3/20/2013, 6:40 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            JAMES MADISON is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all games this season.
            JAMES MADISON is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all lined games this season.

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

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


            LASALLE (21 - 9) vs. BOISE ST (21 - 10) - 3/20/2013, 9:10 PM
            Top Trends for this game.
            BOISE ST is 60-86 ATS (-34.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

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

            Comment


            • #7
              NCAAB
              Short Sheet

              Tuesday, March 19


              NCAA Tournament Betting Trends

              NCAA Tournament, First Round
              Liberty vs. North Carolina A&T, 6:40 ET TRUTV
              Liberty: 1-9 ATS vs. non-conference opponents
              North Carolina A&T: 6-0 ATS playing on a neutral court

              NCAA Tournament, First Round
              Middle Tennessee State vs. St. Mary's, 9:10 ET TRUTV
              Mid Tenn State: 2-11 ATS away after playing as a favorite
              St. Mary's: 5-1 ATS off BB games scoring 30 or less first-half points


              NIT Tournament Betting Trends

              NIT Tournament, First Round
              Niagara at Maryland, 7:00 ET ESPN2
              Niagara: 7-17 ATS vs. non-conference opponents
              Maryland: 7-0 ATS off a SU loss / ATS win

              NIT Tournament, First Round
              St. John's at St. Joseph's, 7:00 ET ESPNU
              St. John's: 10-3 Over off BB home games
              St. Joseph's: 8-1 ATS off a combined score of 155+ points

              NIT Tournament, First Round
              Louisiana Tech at Florida State, 7:15 ET
              Louisiana Tech: 1-8 ATS off a SU conference loss as a favorite of 6+ points
              Florida State: 13-5 ATS in March

              NIT Tournament, First Round
              Kentucky at Robert Morris, 7:30 ET ESPN
              Kentucky: 1-6 ATS after scoring 60 points or less
              Robert Morris: 6-1 ATS after playing as a home favorite

              NIT Tournament, First Round
              Northeastern at Alabama, 9:00 ET ESPN2
              Northeastern: 2-10 ATS after winning 15+ of their last 20 games
              Alabama: 40-22 ATS after playing BB games as an underdog

              NIT Tournament, First Round
              Norfolk State at Virginia, 9:00 ET ESPNU
              Norfolk State: 6-1 ATS playing with 5 or 6 days rest
              Virginia: 2-9 ATS in March

              NIT Tournament, First Round
              Ohio U at Denver, 9:15 ET
              Ohio U: 12-4 ATS in first round tournament games
              Denver: 1-6 ATS in tournament games

              NIT Tournament, First Round
              Washington at BYU, 9:30 ET ESPN
              Washington: 13-4 ATS off BB ATS losses
              BYU: 1-6 ATS after losing 2 of their last 3 games

              NIT Tournament, First Round
              Stephen F. Austin at Stanford, 11:00 ET ESPN2
              Stephen F. Austin: 5-1 ATS after winning 4 of their last 5 games
              Stanford: 6-0 Over after allowing 85+ points


              CBI Tournament Betting Trends

              CBI Tournament, First Round
              George Mason at College of Charleston, 7:00 ET
              George Mason: 17-7 ATS off a SU loss
              Charleston: 3-9 ATS after winning 4 of their last 5 games

              CBI Tournament, First Round
              Lehigh at Wyoming, 9:00 ET
              Lehigh: 6-1 ATS after playing BB games as a favorite
              Wyoming: 3-11 ATS off BB conference games

              CBI Tournament, First Round
              Vermont at Santa Clara, 10:00 ET
              Vermont: 19-6 ATS off a home game
              Santa Clara: 3-10 ATS off BB conference games


              CIT Tournament Betting Trends

              CIT Tournament, First Round
              Rider at Hartford, 7:00 ET
              Rider: 9-0 ATS after playing BB games as an underdog
              Hartford: 0-6 ATS off an ATS loss

              CIT Tournament, First Round
              Eastern Kentucky at Gardner Webb, 7:00 ET
              Eastern Kentucky: 3-7 ATS after forcing 8 or less turnovers
              Gardner Webb: 8-1 ATS vs. non-conference opponents

              CIT Tournament, First Round
              Fairfield at Kent State, 7:00 ET
              Fairfield: 2-9 ATS off BB ATS losses
              Kent State: 12-4 ATS off BB games with 12 or less assists

              CIT Tournament, First Round
              Oakland at Youngstown State, 7:00 ET
              Oakland: 22-10 ATS in tournament games
              Youngstown State: 2-8 ATS after playing as an underdog

              CIT Tournament, First Round
              Savanah State at East Carolina, 7:00 ET
              Savannah State: 1-6 ATS in road games
              East Carolina: 6-1 ATS off a conference loss

              CIT Tournament, First Round
              Boston at Loyola Maryland, 7:30 ET
              Boston: 12-4 ATS off a SU loss
              Loyola MD: 1-7 ATS in first round tournament games

              CIT Tournament, First Round
              North Dakota at Northern Iowa, 8:00 ET
              North Dakota: 6-0 ATS in March
              Northern Iowa: 2-9 ATS after having 5 or less offensive rebounds

              CIT Tournament, First Round
              Tennessee State at Evansville, 7:00 ET
              Tennessee State: 12-4 ATS off a conference game
              Evansville: 7-29 ATS after having 9 or less assists

              Comment


              • #8
                NCAAB
                Armadillo's Write-Up

                Tuesday, March 19


                NCAA play-in games (Tues, Dayton)
                North Carolina A&T is #9 team in country in experience, but they tied for 6th in MEAC- they turn ball over 22.5% of time, but force turnovers 23.7% of time, so their games are chaotic. Liberty lost its first 10 games vs D-I games this season; they're 15-20 with three non-D-I wins- they lost to two MEAC teams, to Morgan St by 5, Howard by 7. A&T beat Campbell 85-60, Radford 81-77 in two games vs Big South teams- they don't shoot well (39.2% from arc). Big South is #29 league, MEAC #30. Dogs are 2-1-1 vs spread in these lower play-in game last two years.

                Middle Tennessee has to be thrilled to be here after another meltdown in Sun Belt tourney; Blue Raiders have four juniors/four seniors in rotation; they're #2 experienced team in country, are 14-1 in last 15 games- they played #40 non-conference schedule, sub a lot (#12 in bench minutes), but Sun Belt is #19 league, WCC #10. St Mary's is 19-3 last 22 games, with all three losses to Gonzaga; they're 5-2 in other games against top 100 teams- they also sub a lot, but don't defend 3-balls too well (36.9%). Five of Gaels' top six guys are juniors/seniors. Favorites are 2-2 in the upper level play-in games, with last at-large teams to get in.

                Other tournaments
                There is nothing as futile as trying to handicap these consolation events that run opposite the NCAAs, especially in the first round, because the most important issue is this: Who still wants to be playing? I have no idea who still wants to play; once they play a game or two, then maybe we can come up with something, but for this week, I'd stay away. That said, some very brief notes on these games........

                -- Maryland lost by 3 to North Carolina Saturday; Niagara lost by 22-17 to Notre Dame/Bucknell, two best teams they've played- Eagles haven't played in nine days.
                -- St John's lost last five games and eight of last ten; St Joe's won its last six home games. Johnnies tossed Harrison, their best player.
                -- Louisiana Tech was 16-0 in WAC, then lost last three games, losing in Vegas Thursday. Florida State won its last four home games, three by 4 or less points. Tech has to be a little bit on tilt after late meltdown.
                -- Robert Morris is so excited they cancelled classes Tuesday, Kentucky hasn't won a road/neutral game since Noel got hurt. Colonials lost by 5 to Arkansas, by 2 to Xavier, so they shouldn't get crushed here.

                -- Northeastern is 3-4 in last seven games, after falling behind by 20 in both first halves at CAA tourney. Alabama lost by 10 to Florida three days ago. Huskies haven't played since last Monday.
                -- Norfolk State went 16-0 in MEAC, then lost in tourney; they lost by 22 at NC State of ACC in December. Virginia beat Duke,then lost three of last four games to wind up here- they can't be happy.
                -- Denver is 17-2 in last 19 games, losing in first round of WAC tourney in Vegas Thursday. Ohio lost MAC final to Akron Saturday; Princeton offense hard to prepare for on short notice.
                -- Washington lost in OT at Pac-12 tourney, lost five of last six true road games. BYU lost three of last four games, hasn't played in 11 days.

                -- SF Austin went 16-2 in Southland, but lost in tourney final Saturday; Stanford lost three of last four home games; they lost in OT at Pac-12 tourney Wednesday. SFA won Bracket Buster game at Long Beach.
                -- George Mason/Charleston will be CAA rivals next year; Patriots' last five games were all decided by 6 or less points. Charleston won 12 of its last 15 games, but lost SoCon final to Davidson.
                -- Lehigh is 3-4 in last seven games, losing last three on road; they upset Duke LY, now an NIT game at Wyoming? Cowboys are 1-6 last seven games, but are 14-0 outside MWC. Both teams missing a key guard.
                -- Long trip for Vermont, which lost home game for America East title Saturday. Santa Clara hasn't played in 11 days- they won five of last six home games, went 9-8 in WCC.

                -- Rider/Hartford haven't played in 10 days, Broncs since 43-42 loss in MAAC tourney. Hawks went 4-3 this season vs MAAC opponents. Broncs won five of their last six games.
                -- Gardner-Webb won by 10-20 points in two games vs OVC foes; they had won seven in row before getting upset in Big South tourney. Eastern Kentucky is 2-3 in last five games, allowing 80+ in all three losses.
                -- Fairfield lost four of last six games, scoring 46.7 ppg; they last played nine days ago. Kent State lost by 3 to rival Akron Friday, ending 6-game winning streak- they won last five home games.
                -- Oakland is worst defensive team in country, but they beat Valparaiso, best team in Horizon, by hoop at home. Youngstown State is 4-7 in last 11 games; they lost in OT to North Dakota State of Summit.

                -- Savannah State turns ball over 27.4% of time, worst in country- they lost by 3-16 points in two games vs C-USA teams. East Carolina is 5-2 this season against teams ranked outside top 200 (Savannah is #219).
                -- Boston U/Loyola will be Patriot rivals next year; this is Terriers' first game in 19 days. BU split pair of 8-point decisions vs MAAC outfits. Loyola won by 26-3 in its two games vs America East teams.
                -- North Dakota won four of last five games; they blew 12-point lead vs Weber State in Big Sky semis Friday; they lost 72-47 at Northern Iowa back in November. Panthers haven't played in eleven days.
                -- Evansville hasn't played in 11 days; they split pair of 12-point games with OVC opponents. Tennessee State turns ball over 22% of the time; they haven't played in eleven days either.

                Play-in games (Dayton, Wed)
                James Madison's leading scorer Goins is suspended for first half after he was arrested over weekend; Dukes finished 4th in #20 league, are 9-7 in non-league games. LIU won five in row, 15 of last 18 games after 6-game losing skid early in January; Blackbirds beat Hofstra by 4 in only game vs CAA foe- they finished T2 in #24 league, make 38.5% behind the arc (#16 in country). Seven of last eight JMU games were decided by 5 or less points. NEC squads are 2-0 in play-in games, winning by 22-9 in a pair of games vs MEAC teams- they haven't won any other tournament games in last 28 years.

                Boise State won at Creighton, lost by 4 at Michigan State, they went 9-8 in MWC, 14-2 outside it; Broncos make 38.7% of 3's (#15 in country), but they're a young team (one senior in rotation) and depend on Marks to be explosive scorer (5-6-38-4-27-14 points last six games). LaSalle is also guard-oriented, making 37.1% behind arc. Unsure if 6-11 Zack will play here (missed last three games); Explorers are 3-2 vs top 60 teams, beating Villanova/VCU/Butler, losing to Miami/Saint Louis. MWC was #3 league this year, A-16 #8. Boise State is 4-7 vs top 60 teams. You'd think this would be a high scoring teams, with teams that can shoot.

                Comment


                • #9
                  NCAAB

                  Tuesday, March 19


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

                  7:00 PM
                  NIAGARA vs. MARYLAND
                  Niagara is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
                  Niagara is 6-13 ATS in its last 19 games on the road
                  The total has gone OVER in 5 of Maryland's last 6 games at home
                  The total has gone OVER in 10 of Maryland's last 15 games

                  7:00 PM
                  ST. JOHN'S vs. SAINT JOSEPH'S
                  The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. John's last 8 games on the road
                  St. John's is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
                  Saint Joseph's is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
                  The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Saint Joseph's last 6 games

                  7:00 PM
                  GEORGE MASON vs. COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
                  George Mason is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
                  The total has gone OVER in 5 of George Mason's last 5 games on the road
                  College of Charleston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
                  College of Charleston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

                  7:00 PM
                  FAIRFIELD vs. KENT STATE
                  No trends available
                  Kent State is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games
                  The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kent State's last 5 games

                  7:00 PM
                  OAKLAND vs. YOUNGSTOWN STATE
                  No trends available
                  The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Youngstown State's last 6 games
                  Youngstown State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

                  7:00 PM
                  SAVANNAH STATE vs. EAST CAROLINA
                  No trends available
                  East Carolina is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
                  The total has gone OVER in 5 of East Carolina's last 5 games

                  7:15 PM
                  LOUISIANA TECH vs. FLORIDA STATE
                  The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Louisiana Tech's last 9 games on the road
                  Louisiana Tech is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the road
                  Florida State is 5-12-1 ATS in its last 18 games
                  Florida State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

                  7:30 PM
                  KENTUCKY vs. ROBERT MORRIS
                  The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Kentucky's last 25 games on the road
                  Kentucky is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
                  No trends available

                  7:30 PM
                  BOSTON UNIVERSITY vs. LOYOLA
                  No trends available
                  The total has gone OVER in 4 of Loyola's last 5 games
                  Loyola is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

                  8:00 PM
                  NORTH DAKOTA vs. NORTHERN IOWA
                  No trends available
                  Northern Iowa is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
                  The total has gone OVER in 5 of Northern Iowa's last 5 games

                  8:00 PM
                  TENNESSEE STATE vs. EVANSVILLE
                  No trends available
                  Evansville is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
                  The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Evansville's last 7 games

                  9:00 PM
                  NORTHEASTERN vs. ALABAMA
                  Northeastern is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games on the road
                  The total has gone OVER in 4 of Northeastern's last 6 games on the road
                  The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Alabama's last 18 games
                  Alabama is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games

                  9:00 PM
                  NORFOLK STATE vs. VIRGINIA
                  No trends available
                  Virginia is 17-1 SU in its last 18 games at home
                  The total has gone OVER in 8 of Virginia's last 12 games

                  9:00 PM
                  LEHIGH vs. WYOMING
                  No trends available
                  The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Wyoming's last 9 games at home
                  Wyoming is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games

                  9:10 PM
                  MIDDLE TENNESSEE vs. ST. MARY'S
                  No trends available
                  St. Mary's is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
                  St. Mary's is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games

                  9:15 PM
                  OHIO vs. DENVER
                  Ohio is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
                  Ohio is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
                  The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games
                  Denver is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games at home

                  9:30 PM
                  WASHINGTON vs. BYU
                  Washington is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
                  The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
                  BYU is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
                  BYU is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games

                  10:00 PM
                  VERMONT vs. SANTA CLARA
                  No trends available
                  The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Santa Clara's last 6 games at home
                  Santa Clara is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home

                  11:00 PM
                  STEPHEN F. AUSTIN vs. STANFORD
                  No trends available
                  Stanford is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
                  The total has gone OVER in 6 of Stanford's last 7 games


                  MARCH 20, 6:40 PM
                  LONG ISLAND vs. JAMES MADISON
                  No trends available
                  The total has gone OVER in 6 of James Madison's last 8 games
                  James Madison is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

                  MARCH 20, 9:10 PM
                  LA SALLE vs. BOISE STATE
                  No trends available
                  Boise State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games


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                  Comment


                  • #10
                    NCAAB

                    Tuesday, March 19


                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Tuesday's NCAA play-ins: What bettors need to know
                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    Liberty Flames vs. North Carolina A&T Aggies (-2, 127)

                    Liberty’s remarkable journey has given it a chance to do something special. The Flames, who started the season with eight straight losses, play North Carolina A&T in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Tuesday at Dayton, Ohio. If Liberty can win its first NCAA Tournament game in history, it will get a chance at top-seeded Louisville in the second round of the Midwest Region on Thursday. The Flames won their last five games - including their final four to win the Big South tournament and earn their first bid since 2004. They also became the second 20-loss team to qualify.

                    North Carolina A&T also made an improbable run from the seventh seed in the MEAC tournament to reach the NCAAs for the first time since 1995. The Aggies scored less than 60 points in five of their last seven games - and won six of them. North Carolina A&T is an experienced group, with seven seniors – five of them four-year players.

                    TV:
                    6:40 p.m. ET, truTV

                    ABOUT LIBERTY (15-20):
                    The Flames put it all together in the Big South tournament, beating the three teams with the best regular-season records. Liberty made 36 shots from behind the 3-point arc in the last five games, shooting 48.6 percent. Davon Marshall led the way from long range, draining 23-of-35, and averaging 18 points. John Caleb Sanders also came through with 27 points in the championship game and Tavares Speaks averaged 15 points in the last three. “We played four of our best games in these four games of the tournament,” Sanders told reporters. “Talk about peaking at exactly the right time.”

                    ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA A&T (19-16):
                    The Aggies finally added a 16th MEAC championship banner by limiting eight of their last nine opponents to 57 points or less and finding ways to win. North Carolina A&T had to play good defense. The Aggies are shooting 39.9 percent from the field and just under 30 percent from behind the 3-point line. Senior Adrian Powell and junior Lamont Middleton both stepped up in the last four games, averaging 15.8 and 13.8 points, respectively. Another senior, Austin Witter, had a big championship game. The Aggies will lean on their defense, which allows only 38.3 percent shooting.

                    TRENDS:

                    * Flames are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.
                    * Aggies are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games overall.
                    * Over is 6-1 in Flames’ last seven overall.
                    * Under is 4-1 in Aggies’ last five neutral site games.

                    TIP-INS

                    1. Before the Big South tournament, Liberty had not strung two wins together against Division I tournaments.

                    2. Liberty is 0-2 in the NCAA Tournament and the Aggies are 0-9.

                    3. North Carolina A&T started the season 1-4, including a 93-39 loss to Cincinnati.



                    St. Mary’s Gaels vs. Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (+3, 132)

                    Middle Tennessee’s best season in its history will include a trip to the NCAA Tournament, despite losing in the Sun Belt semifinals. The Blue Raiders earned their first bid in 24 years and will play Saint Mary’s in the first round on Tuesday at Dayton. The winner plays Memphis on Thursday in the second round of the Midwest Region. Middle Tennessee broke the team record for wins, which included a team-best 17 straight. The Blue Raiders, who beat Mississippi in December, are balanced offensively and have limited opponents to 57.8 points.

                    Three of the six losses for Saint Mary’s came against No. 1 Gonzaga. The Gaels, who have reached the NCAAs four of the last six years, likely punched their ticket by beating Creighton on Feb. 23. The team’s all-time leading scorer, Matthew Dellavedova, is the key for a productive Saint Mary’s offense.

                    TV:
                    9:10 p.m. ET, truTV

                    ABOUT MIDDLE TENNESSEE (28-5):
                    The last time the Blue Raiders made the NCAA Tournament, they upset Florida State in the first round. Middle Tennessee owns a plus-six rebounding margin and has made 37.8 percent of its 3-point shots. Marcos Knight is the only player scoring in double figures (12.5) and also leads the team in rebounds (5.8). Raymond Cintron, who was held scoreless in the last game against Florida International, is the top 3-point threat (44 percent) and Bruce Massey was the league’s defensive player of the year.

                    ABOUT SAINT MARY’S (27-6):
                    The Gaels haven’t lost to another team other than Gonzaga since before Christmas. Saint Mary’s can score and Dellavedova leads the way, averaging 15.8 points and 6.4 assists. The 6-4 senior guard will have to turn it around after making just 3-of-20 shots in the WCC tournament. Stephen Holt, Beau Levesque and Brad Waldow – all underclassmen – average in double figures to add support. Levesque has made 47.4 percent from behind the 3-point arc, where the Gaels have converted 262 shots – most in the WCC and in the top 25 in the nation.

                    TRENDS:

                    * Gaels are 1-4 ATS in their last five neutral site games.
                    * Blue Raiders are 4-0 ATS in their last four Tuesday games.
                    * Under is 7-0 in Gaels’ last seven games following an ATS loss.
                    * Over is 6-0 in Blue Raiders’ last six games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.

                    TIP-INS

                    1. Middle Tennessee has won a school-record 11 road games each of the last two seasons.

                    2. Dellavedova is also the Gaels’ all-time leader in assists and can break the single-season mark of 213 with two more.

                    3. Saint Mary’s reached the regional semifinals in 2010 before losing to Baylor


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                    Comment


                    • #11
                      NCAAB

                      Tuesday, March 19


                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Where the action is: Early NCAA tournament line moves
                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      While the majority of the March Madness money will come in on game days, sharp action has already pushed some of the spreads and totals around for this week’s tournament action. We talk to books about the most notable adjustments.

                      Big Ten boom

                      The Big Ten Conference has drawn the most attention from NCAA bettors in the first day of wagering. No. 5 Wisconsin has moved from -4.5 to -5.5 for its matchup with No. 12 Mississippi in a contest of contrasting styles.

                      According to Dave Mason of BetOnline.ag, this is the most bet-on game of the tournament at his book. The Badgers’ slow-motion offense is also winning over total bettors, rather than the Rebels’ high-scoring attack, with the total dropping to 127.5 points.

                      No. 3 Michigan State is also drawing sharp money for its second-round matchup with No. 14 Valparaiso in the Midwest Regional. The Spartans were as big as 11-point favorites after opening as low as -10. No. 2 Ohio State is another Big Ten member gaining popularity with bettors, sitting as 13.5-point chalk versus No. 15 Iona in the West Regional.

                      VCU very popular

                      The VCU Rams were a fabled Cinderella a few seasons ago but have now moved into the role of sleep contender, tagged as a No. 5 seed in this year’s NCAA tournament. Books opened the Rams as 5.5-point favorites over No. 12 Akron and sharp money ran that spread as high as -7.

                      “I think value bettors will take Akron at +7 as that’s a lot of points in a game that has an expected total of 138,” Michael Stewart, an oddsmaker with Carbonsports.ag, told Covers.

                      Getting down on Davidson

                      It was pretty quiet in Las Vegas Monday morning, with books expecting a packed house come Thursday and Friday. But sharp money was hanging around a few teams, like No. 14 Davidson out of the Southern Conference.

                      The Wildcats moved from +4 to +3 at the MGM Mirage for their opening game against No. 3 Marquette in the East Regional. Davidson is no stranger to major conference programs, having tangled with New Mexico, Gonzaga and Duke this season.

                      Go-to Gators

                      The No. 3 seed Florida Gators aren't scaring away bettors with their hefty spread versus No. 14 Northwestern State in the South Regional. Florida opened as low as -19 but has since been bet up to -20.5, with sharp and public action gladly giving the points.

                      "Sharp money activity spared no time in chiming in, betting some early coin on a couple of second-round games," an oddsmaker for BetDSI.com told Covers. "The betting patterns are interesting with the state of Florida and the Big Ten getting early love from our in-house sharp contingency."


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                      Comment


                      • #12
                        NCAAB

                        Tuesday, March 19


                        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Four Cinderella teams that could bust your NCAA bracket
                        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        One guy’s Cinderella selection is another guy’s bracket buster. These four programs will likely leave more than a few crumpled NCAA tournament bets and bracket pools on the ground when March Madness is all said and done with.

                        Don’t say we didn’t warn you…

                        South Dakota State Jackrabbits +50,000 (25-9 SU, 16-13-0 ATS)

                        The Jackrabbits drew a No. 13 seed and a date with No. 4 Michigan (-11) in the second round, giving college basketball fans one of the best head-to-head scoring matchups in the tournament: Nate Wolters vs. Trey Burke.

                        South Dakota State nearly knocked off Baylor in the opening game of last year’s tournament and scored a win over New Mexico this season. The Wolverines aren’t playing their best ball right now, having covered the spread just twice in their last 10 games.

                        Bucknell Bison +20,000 (28-5 SU, 2-4 ATS)

                        Bucknell was tabbed as a No. 11 seed out of the Patriot League and has a favorable matchup with No. 6 Butler in the second round. The Bison are paced by one of the best big men in the country, Mike Muscala, who averages 19 points and 11.2 rebounds per game.

                        Behind center Andrew Smith, the Bulldogs don’t have much in terms of size and could be exposed down low by Muscala. Not only that, but the 6-foot-11, 239-pound senior can stretch the defense with his 3-point range. Beyond Butler, the Bison could run into an undersized Marquette team or Davidson in the Round of 32.

                        Iowa State Cyclones +10,000 (22-11 SU, 15-13-0 ATS)

                        The Cyclones can run any team in the country out of the gym with their guard-heavy lineup and Notre Dame is cut from a similar cloth. While the Irish are bigger than ISU, they rely heavily on their guard play and can easily get sucked into a track meet.

                        Iowa State can break games wide open with its 3-point shooting, which is evident by its 20-4 over/under record. If the Cyclones can get past Notre Dame, they would meet Ohio State or Iona in the Round of 32. Beyond that, ISU’s high-powered offense could carry it to meetings with New Mexico, Harvard, Arizona or Belmont in the Sweet 16.

                        Florida Gulf Coast Eagles +100,000 (24-10 SU, 4-0 ATS)

                        Mismatches in style are what make the NCAA tournament great, and the No. 2 vs. No. 15 meeting between Florida Gulf Coast and Georgetown is that to the extreme. The Eagles average more than 73 points per game behind a quick-fire scoring attack, compared to the Hoyas’ methodical Princeton offense.

                        Georgetown has the edge in size and big-game experience but Florida Gulf Coast already has a victory over another No. 2 seed – defeating Miami 63-51 in November – and took on Duke, VCU, and Iowa State in non-conference play this season. It’s not crazy to think the Eagles can upset the Hoyas. Two No. 15 seeds advanced last March.


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                        Comment


                        • #13
                          NCAAB

                          Tuesday, March 19


                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          NCAA tourney early round betting trends
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          The 2013 NCAA Tournament has arrived and with it a final chance to pad our bankrolls for the season.

                          To make that shining moment happen, let’s take a look at how teams in this event have fared most recently in the past.

                          Because it’s my belief that success in handicapping this tournament is tantamount to breaking the action down into rounds, let’s take a look at some of the more relevant and most recent first round betting trends.

                          Here are notes from the 2013 PLAYBOOK NCAA Tournament guide. Note all results are since 1991 unless noted otherwise. Abbreviations: ATS (Against The Spread), SU (Straight Up).

                          BRACKET BUSTING

                          If your dream of designs is completing the perfect bracket (read: picking every winner in every game), enjoy the dream.

                          You have a better chance of winning 50 Powerball lotteries in your lifetime!

                          Since expanding to 64 teams in 1985, the odds of randomly picking a perfect bracket sheet are one in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 – or better than one in nine quintillion.

                          Hint: you can reduce the odds to one in 13.5 billion simply by picking the No. 1 seeds over the No. 16 seeds in the first round and going from there.

                          Now that you’re feeling better about your chances, concentrate, instead on picking the Final Four teams. That’s 16 to the fourth power, or one in 65,536.

                          Incidentally, there have been only seven teams seeded lower than No. 6 to reach the Final Four since 1985: 1985 Villanova (8), 1986 LSU (11), 2000 North Carolina (8), 2000 Wisconsin (8), 2006 George Mason (11), 2011 Butler (8) and 2011 VCU (11).

                          For what it’s worth, Sheldon Jacobson, a computer science professor at the University of Illinois, informs us the most likely Final Four seed combination is 1, 1, 2, 3. The odds against this occurring are about 16 to 1. It has happened three times in the past 28 years. Chalk artists beware: the odds of all four No.1 seeds reaching the Final Four: 47.5 to 1.

                          And long shot lovers note: the odds of a No. 16 seed reaching the Final Four: 828 to 1. The odds of all four No. 16 seeds reaching the Final Four: about one trillion to 1.


                          PLANTING THE SEED

                          • No. 1 seeds are 88-0 SU and 50-37-1 ATS vs. No. 16 seeds, including 16-3 ATS if favored by fewer than 10 points off back-to-back SU wins.

                          • No. 2 seeds are 82-6 SU and 37-47-4 ATS vs. No. 15 seeds, including 11-25-4 ATS vs. foes off a SU win.

                          • No. 3 seeds are 78-10 SU and 47-39-2 ATS vs. No. 14 seeds, including 34-1 SU & 26-8-1 ATS off a SU favorite loss.

                          • No. 4 seeds are 69-19 SU and 49-38-1 ATS vs. No. 13 seeds, including 34-16 ATS as favorites of less than 10 points.

                          • No. 5 seeds are 57-31 SU and 43-45 ATS vs. No. 12 seeds, including 9-6 SU and 6-9 ATS the last four years. In addition, No. 12 seeds that participated in last year’s event are 21-16 SU against No. 5’s dating back to 1985. Those who did not play in this tournament the previous season are 17-58 SU in this round. FYI: a No. 12 seed has failed to beat a No. 5 seed only twice since 1988.

                          • No. 6 seeds are 60-28 SU and 47-39-2 ATS vs. No. 11 seeds, including 9-8 SU and 4-12-1 ATS vs. an opponent off an ATS win of more than seven points.

                          • No. 7 seeds are 49-39 SU and 46-41-1 ATS vs. No. 10 seeds, including 1-7 SU and ATS 1-7 ATS when off back-to-back SU losses.

                          • No. 8 seeds are 43-45 SU and 42-44-2 ATS vs. No. 9 seeds, including 8-14 SU and 7-15 ATS as favorites of three or more points.

                          Pete Tiernan of Bracketscience.com reminds us that since 1985, No. 5 and 6 seeds own identical 74-38 SU marks against No. 12 and 11 seeds respectively.

                          FIRST ROUND NOTES

                          Conference tournament champs most recent trends in this round (numbers all ATS):

                          ACC: 3-1-1, Atlantic 10: 2-4, Big Ten: 4-2, Big 12: 0-3, Big East: 5-1, Big West: 1-6, Colonial: 7-4, C-USA: 1-5, Horizon: 4-1, MAC: 3-0, Missouri Valley: 2-5-1, Mountain West: 4-1-1, Pac-12: 5-2, Sun Belt: 3-2, SEC: 2-3, WAC: 2-6, West Coast: 2-5.ß

                          Best team records (SU) in this round

                          N Carolina: 10-0, Kansas: 6-0, Pittsburgh: 6-0, Wisconsin: 6-0, UCLA: 5-0, Gonzaga: 5-0, Kansas State: 5-0, NC State: 5-0, Syracuse: 4-0, Duke: 14-1, Cincinnati 10-1.

                          Worst team records (SU) in this round

                          New Mexico State: 0-5, Minnesota: 0-4, UNLV: 0-3, San Diego State: 1-4, Temple: 1-4.

                          Best team ATS records in this round

                          VCU: 5-0, Kansas State: 4-0, NC State: 4-0, St. Louis: 4-0, Western Kentucky: 4-0, Cincinnati: 3-0, Butler: 8-1, Indiana: 5-1.

                          Worst team ATS records in this round

                          Oregon: 0-7, Temple: 0-5, Minnesota: 0-4, Creighton: 1-5, Notre Dame: 1-5, Villanova: 1-5, Memphis: 1-4.

                          Best conference ATS records in this round

                          Big Ten: 11-2, Pac-12: 8-2, Horizon: 9-3, MAC: 9-2 dogs, Colonial: 10-5.

                          Worst conference ATS records in this round

                          CUSA: 1-6, Big West: 1-5, Ivy: 2-11, Big 12: 3-9.


                          MOST RECENT ‘ANY ROUND’ TRENDS

                          • Favorites of seven or more points who are 3-0 SU & ATS in their last three games are 14-31 ATS vs. foes off a SU win… and 16-5 ATS vs. an opponent off a SU loss.

                          • Favorites of 20 or more points with a win percentage of less than .880 are 2-14-1 ATS vs. a foe off a SU win.

                          • Favorites of more than seven points who scored 100 points or more in their last game are 19-7 ATS, including 14-2 ATS the last sixteen games.

                          • Underdogs of four or more points playing off a SU post-season tourney win as a dog of six or more points are 14-37-1 ATS since 2000.

                          If this is not enough to get your blood flowing then you may be seriously in need of a cardiologist. I’ll be back next week with a look at Sweet 16 and Elite Eight round action.


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

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            NCAAB


                            Tuesday, March 19


                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Four NIT-bound teams that don't give a crap
                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                            In the back corner of the March Madness party sits the NIT – National Invitation Tournament. It’s the Garfunkel of the college hoops’ postseason, a second-tier tournament that offers a diluted shot at glory to those programs not good enough for the NCAA tournament.

                            Some teams jump at the chance to extend their season while others, especially those who had their bubbles burst on Selection Sunday, couldn’t give two craps about the NIT. Bettors can find serious value fading these half-hearted programs when the NIT kicks off Tuesday.

                            Northeastern Huskies (20-12 SU, 14-13-0 ATS)

                            Northeastern entered the CAA tournament with high expectations, coming off its first regular season title. But poor starts plagued the Huskies in the conference tournament and cost them a NCAA bid with a loss to James Madison in the final. Northeastern really believed this was its year, especially after VCU left for the Atlantic 10. Now, the Huskies travel to Tuscaloosa to play Alabama as 12.5-point underdogs.

                            Stanford Cardinal (18-14 SU, 13-16-1 ATS)

                            You’ll forgive the Cardinal if they don’t seem all that excited about hosting the opening-round game of the NIT. Stanford has been there and done that, having won last year’s National Invitation Tournament. It could become just the third program to win back-to-back NIT titles, but that’s about as motivating as getting a sucker after a visit to the dentist. After balancing school and hoops and more school, the Cardinal might be disinterested with No. 5 Stephen F. Austin (+8.5) Tuesday.

                            Baylor Bears (18-14 SU, 13-14-0 ATS)

                            Baylor put all it had into a late-season NCAA push. The Bears fought to the finish in the Big 12, taking a win over KU in the season finale and nearly knocking off Oklahoma State in the conference tournament. The NIT is a sour taste for Scott Drew’s troops. Baylor has put together some deep NCAA runs in recent years and now is left to host Long Beach State, which played UNC, USC, Arizona, Syracuse, Ohio State and UCLA in non-conference play. Books have Baylor as a 13.5-point favorite in Waco.

                            Kentucky Wildcats (21-11 SU, 11-18-0 ATS)

                            I’m sure when John Calipari pitched playing at Kentucky to his star recruits, the word “NIT” didn’t come up once. Not only are the Wildcats prime for a letdown, with their young talent more focused on the upcoming NBA Draft, but the No. 1 seed won’t even have home-court advantage in its opening game with Robert Morris. Since Rupp Arena is being used for the NCAA, they will be traveling to Pittsburgh. Books have set Kentucky as a slight 5.5-point road favorite in what should be a rocking Charles L. Sewall Center Tuesday


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                            Comment


                            • #15
                              NBA
                              Dunkel


                              Denver at Oklahoma City
                              The Thunder look to build on their 10-1 ATS record in their last 11 home games against teams with a losing road record. Oklahoma City is the pick (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-8 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

                              TUESDAY, MARCH 19

                              Game 531-532: Orlando at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)

                              Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 109.733; Indiana 125.748
                              Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 16; 199
                              Vegas Line & Total: No Line
                              Dunkel Pick: N/A

                              Game 533-534: Denver at Oklahoma City (8:00 p.m. EST)
                              Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.402; Oklahoma City 131.511
                              Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 10; 209
                              Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 8 1/2; 215 1/2
                              Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-8 1/2); Under

                              Game 535-536: Portland at Milwaukee (8:00 p.m. EST)
                              Dunkel Ratings: Portland 118.002; Milwaukee 124.016
                              Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 6; 202
                              Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 4; 208
                              Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-4); Under

                              Game 537-538: LA Clippers at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
                              Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 123.660; Sacramento 120.968
                              Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 2 1/2; 214
                              Vegas Line & Total: No Line
                              Dunkel Pick: N/A




                              NBA
                              Long Sheet

                              Tuesday, March 19


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

                              ORLANDO (18 - 49) at INDIANA (41 - 26) - 3/19/2013, 7:05 PM
                              There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

                              Head-to-Head Series History
                              ORLANDO is 8-6 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
                              ORLANDO is 8-6 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
                              7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

                              DENVER (46 - 22) at OKLAHOMA CITY (50 - 17) - 3/19/2013, 8:05 PM
                              Top Trends for this game.
                              DENVER is 140-182 ATS (-60.2 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
                              OKLAHOMA CITY is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) in all games this season.
                              OKLAHOMA CITY is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
                              OKLAHOMA CITY is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) in home games this season.
                              OKLAHOMA CITY is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
                              OKLAHOMA CITY is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
                              OKLAHOMA CITY is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
                              DENVER is 42-26 ATS (+13.4 Units) in all games this season.
                              DENVER is 16-1 ATS (+14.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
                              DENVER is 51-33 ATS (+14.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
                              DENVER is 68-48 ATS (+15.2 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
                              DENVER is 21-6 ATS (+14.4 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 3 seasons.
                              DENVER is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
                              DENVER is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in March games this season.
                              DENVER is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
                              DENVER is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
                              DENVER is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
                              DENVER is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

                              Head-to-Head Series History
                              OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-7 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
                              OKLAHOMA CITY is 10-5 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
                              10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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                              PORTLAND (31 - 35) at MILWAUKEE (33 - 32) - 3/19/2013, 8:05 PM
                              Top Trends for this game.
                              PORTLAND is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.
                              MILWAUKEE is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in home games this season.
                              MILWAUKEE is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
                              MILWAUKEE is 4-18 ATS (-15.8 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
                              MILWAUKEE is 26-46 ATS (-24.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
                              MILWAUKEE is 59-89 ATS (-38.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

                              Head-to-Head Series History
                              MILWAUKEE is 3-2 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
                              MILWAUKEE is 3-2 straight up against PORTLAND 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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                              LA CLIPPERS (46 - 21) at SACRAMENTO (23 - 44) - 3/19/2013, 10:05 PM
                              There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

                              Head-to-Head Series History
                              LA CLIPPERS is 6-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
                              LA CLIPPERS is 8-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
                              5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




                              NBA
                              Armadillo's Write-Up

                              Tuesday, March 19


                              Hot Teams
                              -- Oklahoma City won eight of its last nine games (6-1 last seven HF). Nuggets won their last twelve games (2-5 last seven AU).
                              -- Clippers won five of last six road games (4-0 last four AF).

                              Cold Teams
                              -- Indiana is 3-4 in its last seven games (1-5 last six HF). Magic lost five of last six games (6-0 vs spread last six AU).
                              -- Portland lost nine of last ten road games (3-0-1 last four AU). Bucks lost three of last four games (0-3 last three HF).
                              -- Kings lost four of their last six games (3-1 last four HU).

                              Totals
                              -- Last six Indiana games went over the total.
                              -- Eight of last nine Denver road games went over the total.
                              -- Eight of last ten Portland games went over the total.
                              -- Three of last four Clipper games stayed under; three of last four King games went over the total.

                              Back-to-backs
                              -- Pacers are 3-1 vs spread at home if they played night before.
                              -- Nuggets are 2-4-1 vs spread when playing 2nd night in row on road.
                              -- Portland is 4-6 vs spread on road if it played night before.




                              NBA

                              Tuesday, March 19


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

                              7:00 PM
                              ORLANDO vs. INDIANA
                              Orlando is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games when playing Indiana
                              Orlando is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
                              Indiana is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Orlando
                              Indiana is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games when playing Orlando

                              8:00 PM
                              PORTLAND vs. MILWAUKEE
                              Portland is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
                              Portland is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
                              Milwaukee is 1-11 ATS in its last 12 games at home
                              The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 9 games when playing at home against Portland

                              8:00 PM
                              DENVER vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
                              Denver is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
                              Denver is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Oklahoma City
                              Oklahoma City is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Denver
                              Oklahoma City is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

                              10:00 PM
                              LA CLIPPERS vs. SACRAMENTO
                              LA Clippers are 2-3-1 ATS in their last 6 games
                              LA Clippers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games on the road
                              Sacramento is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
                              The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Sacramento's last 16 games when playing LA Clippers


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