Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 3/15 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[Udog]

NCAAB

Saturday, March 15

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Pac-12 Championship betting preview: Arizona vs. UCLA
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Arizona Wildcats vs. UCLA Bruins (+6.5, 137)

Arizona and UCLA have yet to be tested at the Pac-12 tournament, but that figures to change Saturday when the teams meet in the championship game in Las Vegas. The teams faced little resistance in their first two games, with top-seeded Arizona routing Utah (71-39) and Colorado (63-43) while No. 2 seed UCLA cruised past Oregon (82-63) and Stanford (84-59). The teams met once during the regular season in Los Angeles on Jan. 9, when Arizona held on for a 79-75 win despite committing a season-high 17 turnovers.

The Wildcats’ defense has been the story of the tournament after holding both Utah and Colorado under 30 percent shooting, but they’ll need another stellar effort in the title game. The Bruins shot 65.2 percent from the field in Friday’s semifinal win over Stanford, led by a season-high 22 points from guard Norman Powell. The game is a rematch of last season’s tournament semifinal, when UCLA won 66-64 after Arizona coach Sean Miller drew a controversial technical foul with under five minutes remaining.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

LINE HISTORY: The suggested odds out of Las Vegas are Arizona -6.5 and a total of 137.

INJURY WATCH: UCLA - Noah Allen (Out - eye)

WHY BET UCLA (25-8 SU, 20-12 ATS, 14-17 O/U): Guard Jordan Adams, who was named to the All-Pac-12 first team along with teammate Kyle Anderson, scored 24 points against Arizona in last year’s tournament semifinal before suffering a broken foot on the game’s final play. The sophomore had 12 points and a career-high 11 rebounds against the Wildcats earlier this season, and he leads the Pac-12 with 89 steals. Anderson struggled offensively against Arizona’s Aaron Gordon earlier this season, but the 6-9 wing enters the game on a high note after shooting 55.2 percent from the field over his last three games.

WHY BET ARIZONA (30-3 SU, 20-12 ATS, 9-20 O/U): Arizona notched its 30th win Friday and advanced to the championship game for the third time in the last four years after limiting Colorado to five second-half field goals. “We haven’t played better basketball at any time this year than we did in the final 20 minutes (against Colorado),” Miller told reporters. Junior guard Nick Johnson, the Pac-12 Player of the Year, scored a game-high 16 points against the Buffaloes and had 22 in the Wildcats’ loss to UCLA earlier this season.

TRENDS:

* Bruins are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.
* Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.
* Bruins are 4-1 ATS in their last five neutral site games.
* Wildcats are 6-1 ATS in their last seven neutral site games.


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[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet

Saturday, March 15

Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Pittsburgh: 11-16 SU after 2 consecutive division games
Philadelphia: 10-1 SU in home games after scoring 1 goal or less in previous game

Carolina at Boston, 1:05 ET
Carolina: 21-18 SU when playing their 3rd game in 5 days
Boston: 20-23 SU after a close win by 1 goal in their previous game

Buffalo at NY Islanders, 7:05 ET
Buffalo: 46-33 SU after 2 straight losses by 2 goals or more
NY Islanders: 1-8 SU in home games after 3 or more consecutive overs

Ottawa at Montreal, 7:05 ET
Ottawa: N/A
Montreal: N/A

New Jersey at Tampa Bay, 7:05 ET
New Jersey: 28-17 SU after allowing 2 goals or more in the third period last game
Tampa Bay: 0-8 SU revenging a loss where team got shut

Columbus at Minnesota, 8:05 ET
Columbus: 1-4 SU after losing their previous game in overtime
Minnesota: 20-6 SU as a home favorite

St Louis at Nashville, 8:05 ET
St Louis: 6-15 SU in road games after having won 4 of their last 5 games
Nashville: 13-4 SU in home games revenging a close loss vs opponent of 1 goal or less

Calgary at Phoenix, 10:05 ET
Calgary: 1-10 SU off a road win
Phoenix: 76-54 SU off a close road loss by 1 goal

Anaheim at LA Kings, 10:35 ET
Anaheim: 15-3 SU off a road win
LA Kings: 17-27 SU on Saturday games

[Udog]

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Saturday, March 15

ATS Betting Trends

VIRGINIA: 15-4 ATS against conference opponents

OHIO ST: 32-11 ATS revenging a home loss vs opponent

ST BONAVENTURE: 7-0 ATS when playing only their 3rd game in a week

PITTSBURGH: 7-0 ATS in tournament semi-final games

TENNESSEE: 21-11 ATS after a game where they covered the spread

ALBANY: 6-0 ATS as an underdog


Over/Under Betting Trends

MICHIGAN: 7-1 OVER in road games off a win against a conference rival

ARIZONA: 14-2 UNDER after 4 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers

SAN DIEGO ST: 12-1 UNDER after playing 3 consecutive games as favorite

PROVIDENCE: 10-1 OVER after having won 2 of their last 3 games

BAYLOR: 11-1 OVER in road games against conference opponents

LOUISVILLE: 14-2 OVER in all neutral court games

[Udog]

NCAAB

Saturday, March 15

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Big East Championship betting preview: Creighton vs. Providence
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Creighton Bluejays vs. Providence Friars (+7, 150)

The good news for Providence is that the Friars are one victory from winning their first Big East tournament title since 1994. The bad news is that they are going up against No. 14 Creighton, which obliterated them a week ago behind Doug McDermott's career-high 45 points. The second-seeded Bluejays are on the verge of winning the tournament title in their first go-round after migrating from the Missouri Valley Conference, and all eyes will be on McDermott when the teams square off Saturday night.

The nation's leading scorer, McDermott was 17-of-25 from the field - 5-of-7 from 3-point range - in last Saturday's 88-73 win in his final home game. He has followed up that performance with 67 points in his first two Big East tournament games, including 32 in Friday's semifinal win over Xavier. Fourth-seeded Providence seemingly caught a break when Seton Hall knocked off top-seeded Villanova in the quarterfinals, as the Friars slipped past the Pirates, 80-74, on Friday behind LaDontae Henton's 26 points and 14 rebounds.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

LINE HISTORY: Suggested odds out of Las Vegas have Creighton as 7-point favorites with a total of 150.

INJURY WATCH: Creighton - Isaiah Zeirdan (Out - knee)

ABOUT PROVIDENCE (22-11): Henton, who averaged 20 points in the two matchups with Creighton this season, was 9-of-13 from the field and 4-of-6 from 3-point range against Seton Hall. "LaDontae was a man-child today, an absolute man-child," Providence coach Ed Cooley said. "I always think he's one of the more underappreciated guys on our team. He's just been a rock." Bryce Cotton, who supplied 18 points and 10 assists against the Pirates, was the star of the Friars' home win over the Bluejays on Jan. 18, scoring 23 points and dishing out six assists that night.

ABOUT CREIGHTON (26-6): The Bluejays, who won the Missouri Valley Conference tournament in 2012 and 2013, are more than just a one-man show. Ethan Wragge was 5-of-9 from 3-point range en route to 17 points against Xavier while Jahenns Manigat supplied 14 points on 4-of-5 3-point shooting one night earlier against DePaul. That said, the clear focus of Providence's game plan will be McDermott, who Cooley called "one of the more electrifying players in college basketball, arguably the best player in college basketball" after last weekend's record-setting performance.

TRENDS:

*Friars are 10-24 ATS in their last 34 neutral site games
*Bluejays are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games following a ATS win
*Over is 35-16 in Friars last 51 vs. Big East
*Over 4-1 in Bluejays last 5 Saturday games


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[Udog]

NCAAB

Saturday, March 15

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Big 12 Championship betting preview: Iowa St. vs. Baylor
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Iowa State Cyclones vs. Baylor Bears (+1.5, 150)

Baylor has put forth an impressive tournament run and No. 16 Iowa State is also playing superbly as the two teams clash in Saturday’s Big 12 championship game in Kansas City. The seventh-seeded Bears will try for a fourth win in four days after rolling to a convincing 86-69 victory over Texas in the semifinals. The fourth-seeded Cyclones are in the tournament title game for the first time since 2000 after producing a solid 94-83 win over top-seeded Kansas.

Georges Niang scored 25 points and DeAndre Kane added 20 as Iowa State recorded only its second victory in the last 20 meetings with the Jayhawks and the Cyclones are expecting the momentum to continue. “We’re really rolling right now and I think that it’s just going to continue in that direction,” Big 12 Player of the Year Melvin Ejim told reporters. Brady Heslip tied his season best of 24 points and the Bears also dominated the interior in their rout of the Longhorns as center Isaiah Austin blocked seven shots and has already set a tournament record with 17 rejections.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE HISTORY: The suggested odds out of Las Vegas have Iowa State as 1.5-point faves with a total of 150.

INJURY WATCH: Iowa State - G. Niang (Prob. Face), Baylor - A. Freeman (Out, Hand)

WHY BET IOWA STATE (25-7 SU, 15-15 ATS, 17-12 O/U): Niang departed with 1:23 remaining against Kansas with blood pouring from his face after taking an elbow above the right eye. He reportedly had five stitches to close the wound and pronounced himself fit to participate against the Bears. “I knew I was OK,” Niang told reporters. “I just felt a warm feeling in my hand and the next thing my eye was bloody. I was actually pretty bummed out that I couldn’t be out there to celebrate with my teammates. It’s a big win for us. I think we’re ready to compete for a championship.”

WHY BET BAYLOR (24-10 SU, 13-13-2 ATS, 15-11-2 O/U): The Bears have won six consecutive games and 10 of 11 after a midseason swoon put them in jeopardy of missing the NCAA tournament. The squad has rebounded nicely and Jefferson has posted three consecutive double-doubles during the Big 12 tourney run. “We didn’t let it deter us from what we knew we were supposed to do,” Jefferson said of the struggles. “We stayed together as a team. We didn’t put blame on anybody when we went through that tough streak and we stuck through it and fought through it and this is where we’ve come.”

TRENDS:

* Bears are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Cyclones are 4-1 ATS in their last five neutral site games.
* Over is 8-2 in Cyclones last 10 games following a S.U. win.


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[Udog]

NBA

Saturday, March 15


Hot Nets face tough test versus Wizards

Having cashed in against the spread in their last three games and seven of their last eight, the Brooklyn Nets and their backers will look for another notch in the winning column Saturday.

The Nets are in Washington to face the Wizards Saturday evening and haven't fared well versus the Wiz.

In two games this season, the Nets are 0-2 both straight up and ATS against the Wizards.

Saturday's game opened as a Pick.


Pacers have started coast now for bettors

The Indiana Pacers have already booked their ticket to the playoffs this season and ever since they have soured for bettors.

The Pacers started the season 11-3 against the spread on the road, but since New Years they are a disastrous 3-13 ATS when away from Indiana. Covering the spread playing the east has been just as bad as the Pacers are 0-6-1 ATS in their last seven versus the lowly Eastern Conference.

The Pacers open as 5.5-point road favorites when they travel to Detroit to take on the Pistons Saturday.


Bucks surprisingly hot ATS play

The Milwaukee Bucks have been atrocious this year and will almost definitely have a lottery pick in the draft. Somehow though, they've turned all their woes around for bettors.

The Bucks are 4-0 against the spread in their last four and 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games. The Bucks have also been paying out when the visit Madison Square Garden, going 8-3 ATS in the last 11 in the Big Apple.

Milwaukee will look to help out bettors some more when they face the Knicks as 10-point dogs Saturday.


Rondo to sit second game of back-to-backs

Rajon Rondo will not play in the second game of any back-to-back games for the rest of the season according to CBS Boston.

Danny Ainge, the Boston Celtics president of basketball operations, told the affiliate "Based on where we are as a team and Rondo is in his rehab, it’s probably safe to say he won’t play back-to-backs the rest of the year."

An ACL injury has limited Rondo to 19 games for the Celtics this season.

[Udog]

NHL

Saturday, March 15


Blues and Predators keeping it Under in Nashville

The St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators have always played hotly contested battles on the ice, leaving bettors on the Under happy.

In their last 66 contests the O/U record for the Blues and Preds is 17-45-4, a stretch that dates back to Mar. 19. 2002. During this 12-year Under streak, the Under has paid out for bettors in 26 of the past 34 in Music City.

The puckline for the Blues and Preds is 5.5 Saturday.


Wild dominant at home against Blue Jackets

The Minnesota Wild have been playing marvelous at home this season. The Wild have compiled a stellar 23-7-4 record in the Xcel Energy Center this season and it doesn't look like the Columbus Blue Jackets can reverse that trend.

The Blue Jackets are 6-13 in their last 19 trips to Minnesota. The Wild continue to trend as the home team is 27-12 in the past 39 meetings between the teams - including a 3-0 Blue Jackets win in Columbus earlier this season.

The Wild (-130) will host the Blue Jackets (+120) Saturday.


Devils terrible on the road, except in Tampa Bay

The New Jersey Devils have been pretty bad this year, but especially on the road. The one place where their sub-par road record (11-15-9) doesn't seem to matter is in Tampa Bay.

The Devils are 8-2 in their last 10 in Tampa Bay. The Lightning have brought the Devils luck in general as well, in the last 28 meetings New Jersey has taken 22 of them.

The Devils (+135) and Lightning (-146) face-off at the Tampa Bay Times Forum Saturday.

[Udog]

NFL

Saturday, March 15


WR Smith signs with Ravens

Veteran wide receiver Steve Smith, who was released by the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, did not spend much time as a free agent as he signed a three-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, the team announced.

"We've added one of the top competitors in the NFL to the Ravens," team vice president Ozzie Newsome said in statement. "Steve is a proven player who has performed his best in big games and on the biggest stages like the playoffs and Super Bowl. He adds toughness to our offense, big-play ability and leadership to our team."

Baltimore needed to improve its offense after a disappointing 2013 season, and Smith should help.

Smith will turn 35 in May. He is coming off another productive season, with 64 receptions for 745 yards and four touchdowns in 2013. His numbers tailed off a bit from the previous two seasons, when he had over 1,100 receiving yards 2011 and again in 2012.

He has been named to the Pro Bowl five times, most recently in 2011.

"Steve is a Ravens-style football player," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. "He always has been in our eyes, it's just that he's been playing for another team. We've respected and admired the way he plays, and we've always been challenged playing against him. I've known him ever since he came into the league, and we've always had a great relationship. The last two days, however, have given all of us with the Ravens an opportunity to get to know him on another level, and now, we're even more impressed. We're looking forward to working together and competing together."


Bengals give coach Lewis extension

The Cincinnati Bengals signed coach Marvin Lewis to a contract extension through the 2015 season, the team announced Friday.

The Bengals went 11-5 and won the AFC North Division last year but lost to the San Diego Chargers in the opening round of the playoffs. The Bengals are one of five teams to make the playoffs three straight years and one of just six to reach the postseason four times in the last five years.

"Marvin has earned this commitment for the job he is doing," team president Mike Brown said in a statement. "We are one of only five teams to qualify for the playoffs the last three years, and our prospects are bright looking ahead. Marvin is driven to achieve more, and we are happy to secure his leadership of our team beyond the coming season."

Cincinnati finished in the top 10 in the NFL in net defense (third), rush defense (fifth), pass defense (fifth), scoring (tied for sixth), scoring defense (tied for fifth), pass offense (eighth), net offense (10th), defensive third-down efficiency (second) and fewest sacks allowed per passing play (third).

"I'm blessed to continue to do a job I love here in Cincinnati, and with the Bengals organization," Lewis said. "I truly appreciate the commitment by our management to continue to enable us to build an NFL championship team."

In 11 seasons as the Bengals' coach, Lewis is 90-85-1 in the regular season but 0-5 in the playoffs. His 90 career victories are the most in Bengals history. Sam Wyche is next on the list with 64.


Eagles add RB Sproles, CB Carroll

New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles is on the move, but he was not granted his wish to be released and choose his next employer.

The Saints and Philadelphia Eagles agreed early Thursday to the framework of a deal to ship Sproles out of New Orleans in exchange for a fifth-round pick.

Cornerback Nolan Carroll agreed to a two-year deal woth $5.2 million after spending four seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Carroll fits the mold of the Eagles' preferred cover man -- long arms and big-bodied with physical tendencies.

He is the third defensive back to sign with Philadelphia this week and first cornerback, joining slot corner Brandon Boykin and 2013 starters Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams on the depth chart.

Sproles will be a backup to LeSean McCoy but also likely play some wide receiver in the Eagles' uptempo offense and contribute to the return game.

Sproles was a key piece of the Drew Brees-led offense in New Orleans but played more of a receiver role than a traditional running back. He had just 53 carries last season and 101 rushing attempts the past two seasons compared to consecutive 70-reception seasons with nine touchdowns receiving.

At least six teams were in on the bidding to land Sproles, who is scheduled to make $3.5 million in 2014, the final year on the four-year, $14 million contract he signed in 2011. NFC East rival Washington made a late push to acquire Sproles, but the Eagles won out.

Eagles head coach Chip Kelly is sure to find multiple uses for the 30-year-old, 10-year veteran.

Sproles was expendable in New Orleans where the Saints are shaving money to make improvements in other areas, including defense and their offensive line. The Saints re-signed running back Pierre Thomas and have former first-round draft pick Mark Ingram under contract.

Kelly covets players with versatility and especially playmakers who excel in one-on-one situations in the open field. With McCoy, Sproles and DeSean Jackson, the Eagles would have speed and explosiveness aplenty across the formation.

Jackson and Sproles are proven, capable return men.

The Eagles led the NFL in rushing last season with 2,688 yards and averaged 6.1 yards per carry. Suddenly their cup runneth over at running back with McCoy ahead of Sproles, Bryce Brown and Chris Polk.

McCoy had 314 carries in 2013 -- and only one other running back had more than 260 (Matt Forte, Chicago Bears, 289). For preservation, spotting McCoy is logical but Sproles is not accustomed to that role, averaging no more than five carries per game with the Saints.

[Udog]

MLB

Saturday, March 15


Samardzija to start opening day for Cubs

Jeff Samardzija is going to be on the mound for the Chicago Cubs on Opening Day for the second straight year.

Samardzija has been connected to trade rumors all off-season as he will be a free agent after this season. Samardzija pitched 33 games with a 8-13 record and 4.34 ERA with the Cubs last season..

The Chicago Cubs open the season with an O/U win total of 65.5 (over -110/under -110).


Cubs' Castro now out indefinitely

Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro's return to action has been delayed because of fluid in his leg from a hamstring injury, and now there is no timetable for when he might be ready to play, ESPNChicago.com reported Friday.

When Castro suffered his hamstring injury on March 2, the Cubs said Castro would be out of the lineup for seven to 10 days.

On Friday morning, however, manager Rick Renteria said it will be longer than that and did not know how long Castro will be sidelined.

"I don't have a set date in my head right now," Renteria said, according to ESPNChicago.com. "That's all based on how he's progressing. He's progressing well."

Renteria said Castro would not play before Monday, and Castro said it could be another week before he returns.

Castro said he's running at only "40 percent."

"I don't want to rush myself," Castro said. "If I can play in 10-12 games in spring training I think I'll be good for the season."

The Cubs play their first regular-season game in 16 days.

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel

All Games

Game 513-514: Tulsa vs. Louisiana Tech (11:45 a.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 61.629; Louisiana Tech 66.676
Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 5; 134
Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech by 3 1/2; 142 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech (-3 1/2); Under

Game 515-516: Pittsburgh vs. Virginia (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 69.670; Virginia 70.686
Dunkel Line: Virginia by 1; 117
Vegas Line: Virginia by 3 1/2; 121 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+3 1/2); Under

Game 517-518: NC State vs. Duke (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NC State 61.786; Duke 73.699
Dunkel Line: Duke by 12; 149
Vegas Line: Duke by 9 1/2; 144 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-9 1/2); Over

Game 519-520: Tennessee vs. Florida (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 69.291; Florida 77.759
Dunkel Line: Florida by 8 1/2; 130
Vegas Line: Florida by 6; 125
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-6); Over

Game 521-522: Georgia vs. Kentucky (3:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 60.902; Kentucky 69.490
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 8 1/2; 130
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 7; 133 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-7); Under

Game 523-524: St. Bonaventure vs. St. Joseph's (1:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 61.577; St. Joseph's 61.749
Dunkel Line: Even; 138
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 3; 143
Dunkel Pick: St. Bonaventure (+3); Under

Game 525-526: George Washington vs. VCU (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: George Washington 62.328; VCU 68.157
Dunkel Line: VCU by 6; 136
Vegas Line: VCU by 4 1/2; 138 1/2
Dunkel Pick: VCU (-4 1/2); Under

Game 527-528: Ohio State vs. Michigan (1:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 670.583; Michigan 70.486
Dunkel Line: Even; 134
Vegas Line: Michigan by 3; 129
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (+3); Over

Game 529-530: Michigan State vs. Wisconsin (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 72.338; Wisconsin 70.799
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 1 1/2; 130
Vegas Line: Pick; 137 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State; Under

Game 531-532: Arkansas State vs. Georgia State (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 55.226; Georgia State 60.948
Dunkel Line: Georgia State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia State by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arkansas State (+7 1/2)

Game 533-534: UL-Lafayette vs. Western Kentucky (5:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Lafayette 56.408; Western Kentucky 54.242
Dunkel Line: UL-Lafayette by 2
Vegas Line: UL-Lafayette by 4
Dunkel Pick: Western Kentucky (+4)

Game 535-536: New Mexico vs. San Diego State (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 68.448; San Diego State 71.686
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 3; 129
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 1 1/2; 125 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-1 1/2); Over

Game 537-538: Connecticut vs. Louisville (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 69.610; Louisville 75.739
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 6; 132
Vegas Line: Louisville by 8; 135 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+6); Under

Game 539-540: Toledo vs. Western Michigan (6:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 60.226; Western Michigan 55.665
Dunkel Line: Toledo by 4 1/2; 153
Vegas Line: Toledo by 2 1/2; 146
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (-2 1/2); Over

Game 541-542: Providence vs. Creighton (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 62.737; Creighton 72.541
Dunkel Line: Creighton by 10; 142
Vegas Line: Creighton by 7 1/2; 146 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (-7 1/2); Under

Game 543-544: Baylor vs. Iowa State (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 69.344; Iowa State 72.311
Dunkel Line: Iowa State by 3; 140
Vegas Line: Iowa State by 1 1/2; 148 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Iowa State (-1 1/2); Under

Game 545-546: Cal Poly vs. CS-Northridge (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cal Poly 53.451; CS-Northridge 49.628
Dunkel Line: Cal Poly by 4
Vegas Line: Cal Poly by 2
Dunkel Pick: Cal Poly (-2)

Game 547-548: UCLA vs. Arizona (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UCLA 71.777; Arizona 73.720
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 2; 143
Vegas Line: Arizona by 5 1/2; 138
Dunkel Pick: UCLA (+5 1/2); Over

Game 549-550: North Dakota vs. Weber State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: North Dakota 50.526; Weber State 50.957
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Weber State by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Dakota (+5 1/2)

Game 561-562: Albany at Stony Brook (11:30 a.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Albany 53.320; Stony Brook 54.113
Dunkel Line: Stony Brook by 1
Vegas Line: Stony Brook by 7
Dunkel Pick: Albany (+7)

Game 563-564: Prairie View A&M vs. Texas Southern (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Prairie View A&M 33.816; Texas Southern 49.861
Dunkel Line: Texas Southern by 16
Vegas Line: Texas Southern by 10
Dunkel Pick: Texas Southern (-10)

Game 565-566: Morgan State vs. North Carolina Central (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Morgan State 49.951; North Carolina Central 57.614
Dunkel Line: North Carolina Central by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina Central by 9
Dunkel Pick: Morgan State (+9)

Game 567-568: Sam Houston State vs. Stephen F. Austin (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sam Houston State 54.166; Stephen F. Austin 59.600
Dunkel Line: Stephen F. Austin by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Stephen F. Austin by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sam Houston State (+7 1/2)

Game 569-570: Idaho vs. New Mexico State (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 47.351; New Mexico State 60.174
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 13
Vegas Line: New Mexico State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (-10 1/2)

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel

Denver at Atlanta
The Nuggets head to Atlanta tonight to face a Hawks team that is coming off a 102-97 win over Milwaukee and is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 games after scoring 100 points or more in the previous game. Denver is the pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Hawks favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Denver (+6 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15

Game 501-502: Milwaukee at New York (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 111.176; New York 122.952
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 12; 213
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 10; 207
Dunkel Pick: New York (-10); Over

Game 503-504: Brooklyn at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 122.268; Washington 117.099
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 5; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 3; 197 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (-3); Under

Game 505-506: Denver at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 115.421; Atlanta 116.441
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 213
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 6 1/2; 218 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+6 1/2); Under

Game 507-508: Indiana at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 119.950; Detroit 112.951
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 7; 201
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 5; 197 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-5); Over

Game 509-510: Memphis at Philadelphia (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 121.784; Philadelphia 103.722
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 18; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 13 1/2; 199 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-13 1/2); Over

Game 511-512: Sacramento at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 115.421; Chicago 120.916
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 5 1/2; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 8 1/2; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+8 1/2); Under

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel

Calgary at Phoenix
The Flames head to Phoenix to face a Coyotes team that is coming off a 2-1 loss to Boston and is 1-8 in its last 9 games after allowing 2 goals or less in its previous game. Calgary is the pick (+170) according to Dunkel, which has the Flames favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+170). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15

Game 51-52: Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.762; Philadelphia 10.323
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-120); Over

Game 53-54: Carolina at Boston (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.776; Boston 10.809
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-240); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+200); Under

Game 55-56: Buffalo at NY Islanders (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 10.067; NY Islanders 11.565
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (-175); Under

Game 57-58: Ottawa at Montreal (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.967; Montreal 10.804
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 59-60: New Jersey at Tampa Bay (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 10.019; Tampa Bay 11.530
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-145); Under

Game 61-62: Columbus at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.669; Minnesota 10.544
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+110); Over

Game 63-64: St. Louis at Nashville (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 12.112; Nashville 10.124
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-170); Over

Game 65-66: Calgary at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.909; Phoenix 10.889
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-200); Under

Game 67-68: Anaheim at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 12.299; Los Angeles 11.411
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+115); Under

[Udog]

Record qualifying run puts Hamlin back on track at Bristol

By Seth Livingstone, NASCAR Wire Service

Distributed by The Sports Xchange

BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Rivals beware.

Denny Hamlin set a Bristol Motor Speedway track record, then suggested that his Joe Gibbs FedEx Freight Toyota could be even better on Sunday in the Food City 500.

"I'm way more excited about it in race trim than the way we were in qualifying," Hamlin said.

Hamlin got around the .533-mile banked oval in 14.761 seconds, 129.991 mph, breaking the mark held by Kyle Busch (14.813, 129.535) to earn the 18th pole of his career.

"It's faster than I ever imagined going around this track," said Hamlin, who edged Brad Keselowski by three-thousandths of a second. Keselowski, who won last week's race at Las Vegas, also broke the old track record at Bristol.

Hamlin, who said he expects more track records to fall this season thanks to NASCAR's relaxing of height restrictions and additional downforce on the 2014 cars, finished second in the Daytona 500 and 12th last week at Las Vegas after settling for 19th at Phoenix.

"The intermediate (mile-and-a-half) stuff will come," Hamlin said. "This, obviously, doesn't fix anything from last week. This is a totally different beast.

"(At) short tracks we can make up a little bit here and there with mechanical grip being the biggest factor. But we'll get that other stuff figured out. We had a great debrief on Vegas and that's what it takes -- to continue to communicate."

Hamlin said he'd rather see his team struggle early in the season to work out the kinks than in September or August.

"I'm OK with easing into the year, figuring out where we need to be and finding that in the summer months," he said.

Joe Gibbs Racing took three of the first seven qualifying spots with Matt Kenseth third and Busch seventh.

Once again, Team Penske had an exceptional qualifying session, threatening to sweep the front row for the third consecutive week with Keselowski second and Joey Logano fourth.

What's been the secret to Team Penske's fast Fords?

"Black magic," Keselowski joked. "I don't think there's any big secret to it. If you're fast, you're fast."

Tony Stewart, coming off a disappointing 33rd at Las Vegas, failed to edge Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Danica Patrick, who was the 36th and final driver to qualify for Sunday's race on time. Stewart relied on owner's points to make the field, as did Brian Vickers, who has four consecutive top-10 finishes in NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Bristol.

Travis Kvapil, Ryan Truex, Parker Kligerman (with a car repaired after a practice mishap), Joe Nemechek and Timmy Hill also made the field based on owner's points. David Reutimann and Dave Blaney failed to make the cut.

Qualifying went without a hitch. No wrecks, no traffic jams, no apparent problems with cars cooling their engines. Drivers universally praised NASCAR's decision this week to permit cool-down boxes on pit road, eliminating the need for cars to cruise the lower apron of the track at slow speeds in an attempt to cool their engines.

"That rule change has removed danger and replaced it with opportunity," Keselowski said. "Being able to go out there and make multiple runs is a lot more plausible because of that scenario (with additional cooling capability). That rewards the teams and the fans as well."

Asked about the changes, Jeff Gordon, put his hands together as if in prayer and looked toward the heavens. "That's a great move and I think we're all very thankful," he said.

His Hendrick Motorsports teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. agreed.

"Great move by NASCAR," said Earnhardt Jr., who was 14th fastest in the first qualifying round, failing to make the 12-car transfer spot in the knockout format. "Just being able to use the cool boxes, guys weren't out there riding around. I think it's still exciting, still a good format and much safer."

"This is way better," said Marcos Ambrose, who qualified fifth. "I don't miss going out there and shutting myself off and having a car blow by me at full speed. I commend NASCAR for stepping up and making changes."

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Qualifying - Food City 500

Bristol Motor Speedway

Bristol, Tennessee

Friday, March 14, 2014

1. (11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 129.991 mph.

2. (2) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 129.965 mph.

3. (20) Matt Kenseth, Toyota, 129.073 mph.

4. (22) Joey Logano, Ford, 128.830 mph.

5. (9) Marcos Ambrose, Ford, 128.727 mph.

6. (24) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 128.245 mph.

7. (18) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 128.159 mph.

8. (16) Greg Biffle, Ford, 127.946 mph.

9. (31) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, 127.801 mph.

10. (5) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, 127.690 mph.

11. (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 127.385 mph.

12. (99) Carl Edwards, Ford, 127.073 mph.

13. (41) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 128.322 mph.

14. (88) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 128.271 mph.

15. (15) Clint Bowyer, Toyota, 128.245 mph.

16. (38) David Gilliland, Ford, 128.236 mph.

17. (1) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, 128.168 mph.

18. (26) Cole Whitt, Toyota, 127.929 mph.

19. (34) David Ragan, Ford, 127.903 mph.

20. (42) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet, 127.792 mph.

21. (17) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 127.682 mph.

22. (47) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 127.648 mph.

23. (43) Aric Almirola, Ford, 127.605 mph.

24. (95) Michael McDowell, Ford, 127.605 mph.

25. (13) Casey Mears, Chevrolet, 127.597 mph.

26. (3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 127.529 mph.

27. (4) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 127.444 mph.

28. (27) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 127.436 mph.

29. (78) Martin Truex Jr., Chevrolet, 127.351 mph.

30. (51) Justin Allgaier, Chevrolet, 127.343 mph.

31. (40) Landon Cassill(i), Chevrolet, 127.182 mph.

32. (98) Josh Wise, Chevrolet, 127.174 mph.

33. (23) Alex Bowman, Toyota, 127.165 mph.

34. (7) Michael Annett, Chevrolet, 126.896 mph.

35. (36) Reed Sorenson, Chevrolet, 126.645 mph.

36. (10) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, 126.628 mph.

37. (14) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, Owner Points

38. (55) Brian Vickers, Toyota, Owner Points

39. (32) Travis Kvapil, Ford, Owner Points

40. (83) Ryan Truex, Toyota, Owner Points

41. (30) Parker Kligerman #, Toyota, Owner Points

42. (66) Joe Nemechek(i), Toyota, Owner Points

43. (33) Timmy Hill, Chevrolet, Owner Points

2 drivers failed to qualify.

44. (35) David Reutimann, Ford, 126.620 mph.

45. (77) Dave Blaney, Ford, 125.166 mph.