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The ACC tournament tips off Thursday from the MCI Center in our nation?s capitol. As always, there are a slew of talented players and teams, but the Big Three this season are North Carolina, Wake Forest and Duke, the only three ACC teams thus far to top 20 wins. Second-year coach Roy Williams has a blistering offensive foursome at North Carolina (26-3). The frontcourt has 6-9 junior Sean May (16.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg) and 6-8 senior Jawad Williams, while junior guard Ray Felton and junior Rashad McCants (15.8 ppg) run one of top fast breaks in the nation. McCants has the flu and might miss the start of the tourney. Felton leads the conference with 7.3 assists per game. North Carolina leads the ACC shooting .508% and points (89.8 pg), and is second in three point shooting (.407%). The Tar Heels are 18-10 against the number and carry a 12-1 SU run into the tourney, the only defeat was 71-70 at Duke.
Wake Forest (26-4) is another ACC team that can push the ball up the court, going 17-11 ?over? the total. They average 81 ppg on the road, tops in the conference. The backcourt is deep behind 6-2 junior Justin Gray (16 ppg), senior Taron Downey and sophomore Chris Paul (6.6 apg), who is a skilled passer. Paul will miss the first game of the tourney (suspension). The Demon Deacons average 86.4 ppg (second) and lead the ACC in three-point shooting (.408%). They also have a big frontcourt in 6-8 senior Jamaal Levy and 6-9 Eric Williams (16 ppg). Wake is on a 10-1 SU run.
Duke (22-5) coach Mike Krzyzewski has another deep, talented roster, with ACC scoring leader 6-4 J.J. Redick (22.8 ppg) and 6-3 senior Daniel Ewing in the backcourt. Up front, 6-9 Shelden Williams (15.8 ppg, 11.4 rpg) leads the ACC in rebounding. Duke is 17-9 ATS. Most impressive is the team defense that allows 65.6 ppg, tops in the ACC. They are also tops at the free throw line (.728%) and 3-0 ATS as a dog. Georgia Tech (17-10) has a great backcourt behind sparkplug B.J. Elder, Jarrett Jack (15.9 ppg) and senior Will Bynum. Georgia Tech also has a fine frontcourt with 7-1 senior Luke Schenscher and 6-6 Isma'il Muhammad, who lead the team in rebounding. Georgia Tech plays tough ?D? (66.7 ppg allowed, second best) but they are just 4-6 SU/ATS on the road. The Yellow Jackets are 1-5 SU as a dog and carry a 4-10 ATS run into the tourney.
Virginia Tech (15-12) overachieved this season, as is evident by the 14-8 ATS mark. However, the Hokies are 3-8 SU on the road and second to last at the charity stripe making just .649% of their freebies. Maryland (16-11) has a skilled one-two punch in 6-8 junior Nik Caner-Medley (16.7 ppg) and junior guard John Gilchrist (14 ppg, 5.6 apg). The Terrapins are just 3-7 SU, 2-8 ATS on the road, however, and carry a 1-4 SU/ATS run into the tourney.
Miami (16-11) has a terrific young backcourt in sophomore guard Guillermo Diaz (18 ppg) and junior Robert Hite (17 ppg), while 6-9 sophomore Anthony King works the boards. That youth may be a detriment in tournament play, but remember this team overachieved at 10-4 ATS as a dog, where they were outscored by just a 77-73 average. NC State (17-12) is essentially a one-man show behind 6-6 senior Julius Hodge (17 ppg), who leads the team in scoring, assists, and rebounds. They?ve struggled when stepping up in competition, as strong teams focus on stopping Hodge: NC State lost to Duke, Wake and North Carolina (twice) by 12, 11, 10 and 24 points
The Big 10 tourney begins Thursday from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. It?s not often you see a 29-1 team roll through the college regular season. It?s even rarer still when that lone defeat was the team?s last game! That?s the case with Illinois (29-1 SU, 14-8 ATS) which just lost a thriller at Ohio State. It will be interesting to see if there is any hangover in the Big 10 tourney. Regardless, Illinois is the team to beat, with a strong defense (62 ppg, second in the Big 10) and many ways on offense to beat you.
Illinois has a terrific frontcourt of 6-foot-10 junior James Augustine and 6-6 senior Roger Powell. Augustine is tops in the Big 10 shooting 63% from the field. The backcourt is deep, as well, with senior Luther Head (16 ppg) and juniors Deron Williams and Dee Brown (14 ppg). Williams leads the conference in assists (6.7 apg). In the Big 10, Illinois is first in three-point shooting (41%), field goals (50%) and points (79.5 ppg). They also allow opponents just 42% shooting, second best. Illinois is 10-1 SU, 6-5 ATS on the road outscoring the opposition by +10 points per contest (72-62). Illinois has manhandled Gonzaga, Wake Forest and Cincinnati, winning by 17, 18 and 22 points!
A veteran Michigan State (22-5) club has a fine offense, averaging 78 ppg while shooting .499%, both second to Illinois. They are also first in free throw shooting (79%). Tom Izzo has a talented group of 6-foot-11 junior Paul Davis and 6-6 senior Alan Anderson crashing the boards, while seniors Maurice Ager and Chris Hill run the backcourt. Note that Michigan State is 17-2 SU, 13-6 ATS as a favorite, but 0-3 SU/ATS as a dog. Michigan State carries an 8-1 SU/ATS run into the tourney. They got popped in their only meeting with Illinois, 81-68 ? at home!
Wisconsin (20-7) leads the conference in defense, allowing 60.7 points per game. That was most evident on the road where the Badgers are 7-4 ?under? the total. The offense is slow and patient, with a one-two punch of 6-foot-8 senior Mike Wilkinson and 6-5 sophomore swingman Alando Tucker. The duo each average over 14 points and lead the Badgers in scoring and rebounding. Wisconsin is second in the Big 10 in three-point shooting (39%), but poor from the charity stripe (66%, third worst). While Wisconsin went 15-1 at home averaging 72 ppg, notice they went 5-6 SU/5-5 ATS on the road where the offense struggles to score 64 ppg.
The Minnesota Gophers (20-9) have an effective one-two punch in 6-5 junior Vincent Grier (17.9 ppg) and a large frontcourt presence in 7-foot, 275-pound senior Jeff Hagen. Minnesota has struggled when stepping up in competition, losing to Alabama, Oklahoma, Illinois and Michigan State (twice). They are 10-2 SU, 6-3 ATS as a favorite, but 5-7 SU as a dog. Indiana (15-12) plays tough defense allowing .416% shooting, best in the Big 10. The Hoosiers are just 2-9 SU on the road and 4-11 SU as a dog.
Ohio State (19-11) has a nice frontcourt ace in 6-9 junior Terrance Dials (16 ppg, 8 rpg), who leads the team in scoring and rebounding. They also have a fine backcourt with senior Tony Stockman and 6-5 junior J.J. Sullinger. Ohio State plays tough defense, allowing 42% shooting by opponents, but shoots 65% from the line (second worst). Ohio State is 3-8 SU, 5-5 ATS on the road allowing 73 ppg, and just 2-8 SU, 4-5 ATS as a dog. Ohio State is also 17-10 ?under? the total. Iowa (19-10) has been a money-burner at 11-17 ATS, and carries a 2-7 ATS run into the tourney.
The Big 12 tourney starts Thursday from Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas (22-5) has the Big 12?s leading scorer and rebounder in the low post in 6-9 Wayne Simien (19.2 ppg, 10.8 rpg). Aaron Miles runs the backcourt and leads the conference in assists (7.4 apg), but guard Keith Langford (14.7 ppg) has a sore ankle and his status for the tourney is up in the air. Kansas plays aggressive defense allowing 38% shooting, tops in the Big 12, but they shoot just 67% from the line ? fourth worst. Also, the Jayhawks come into the tourney playing poorly, on a 2-4 SU, 0-6 ATS run, losing three times as a favorite.
Oklahoma (23-6) has a strong one-two punch under the glass in 6-8 Taj Gray (14 ppg, 7.8 rpg) and 6-8 Kevin Bookout, along with a speedy young backcourt. The Sooners allow 62.6 ppg (second best defensively) and come into the tourney on a strong 6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS run. Oklahoma is 17-4 SU as a favorite, but 1-2 SU/ATS as a dog. Oklahoma State (21-6) has an uptempo attack behind guard John Lucas III (18.3 ppg) that is second in scoring (79 ppg) and first in shooting from the field (.509%) and three-point land (43%). Oklahoma State is a strong 8-4 SU, 7-3 ATS on the road. Despite a run-and-gun reputation, notice the Sooners are 7-4 ?under? the total on the road.
Texas Tech (18-9) also has an uptempo attack leading the conference in scoring (80 ppg) and free throws (.767%), and is second in three-point shooting (41%). They are a poor 9-14 ATS overall and carry a 1-7 ATS run into the tourney. Notice that the Red Raiders play lousy road defense allowing 76 points per game, which explains the 7-3 ?over? the total away from home. Texas (20-9) plays tough defense and is 10-6 ?under? the total in the Big 12. Texas is 5-1 ATS as a dog. However, they lost their second leading scorer and rebounder, 6-4 sophomore P.J. Tucker (13.7 ppg, 8 rpg), due to academics in late January and he won?t be available to play.
Texas A&M (19-8) brings tough defense to the court, allowing 62 ppg, tops in the Big 12. They also allow .387% shooting and shot 49% from the field behind 6-7 junior Antoine Wright (17.6 ppg). However, note that the Aggies went 16-2 SU at home, but a poor 3-6 SU, 5-4 ATS on the road. With all the injuries and quality Big 12 teams, this is close to a wide-open race.
The talented SEC will feature some terrific basketball this week, when the tournament tips off Thursday from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Out of the SEC West, coach Tubby Smith has another rugged defensive team. The Wildcats (23-4) allow .404% shooting by opponents and 61.3 points per game ? both tops in the SEC. The Wildcats have a physical front line led by 6-7 senior Chuck Hayes, 6-5 Kelenna Azubuike and 6-11, 260-lb freshman Randolph Morris. Kentucky is 7-3 SU, 6-4 ATS on the road and 3-1 ATS as a dog. (20-7) Florida Coach Bill Donovan likes the up-tempo game and he has another strong group. They have a talented Big Three of 6-8 senior David Lee (13 ppg, 8.8 rpg), 6-6 junior Matt Walsh and sparkplug junior guard Anthony Roberson (18.6 ppg). Roberson leads the SEC in scoring. Florida is first in scoring (79.4 ppg), field goals (50%) and three-point shooting (.396%). Despite being a wide-open offensive team, note that the Gators are 8-4 ?under? the total on the road.
Vanderbilt (18-12) had a decent season, allowing 63.3 ppg (third in the SEC), which explains the 17-11 ?under? the total mark. However, the Commodores are 16-4 SU, 13-6 ATS as a favorite, 1-8 SU, 3-6 ATS as a dog! Vandy is also 2-8 SU, 4-6 ATS on the road, so this is strictly a team that gets it done at home. South Carolina survives with defense, but comes into the tourney on a 1-4 SU, 0-5 ATS run. Like Vandy, South Carolina is 13-3 SU at home, but 1-9 SU, 4-6 ATS on the road! They also shoot a poor 61% from the line.
Out of the SEC West comes mighty Alabama, an athletic team that finished second in the SEC in scoring (76.3 ppg), shooting (48%), free throws (.735%) and ranks third in three-point shooting (39%). They made the Elite 8 last season behind 6-7 junior Kennedy Winston (18 ppg), senior guard Ernest Shelton (16 ppg) and freshman playmaker Ronald Steele, with 6-10 sophomore Jermareo Davidson and 6-7 junior Chuck Davis up front. Steele tied for first in the SEC with 5 assists per game. ?Bama is 12-4 SU, 11-5 ATS in the SEC. Note that they are 18-1 SU, 12-7 ATS as a favorite, though 3-5 SU/ATS as a dog.
LSU (19-8) is one of those teams that scares a lot of people, especially if you try to crash the boards against them. Up front, the Tigers have 6-8, 252-lb sophomore Brandon Bass (17.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg) and 6-9, 310-lb freshman Glen Davis (13 ppg, 8.7 rpg) ? how would you like to invite those two to dinner? The Tigers are also hot, riding a 7-1 SU, 8-0 ATS run into the tourney. LSU is 17-8 against the spread and 12-4 SU, 13-3 ATS in the SEC. The only concern is that this young team is 15-1 SU at home, 4-7 SU on the road.
Mississippi State (21-9) has 6-9 senior Lawrence Roberts, who averages 17 points and 11 rebounds, leading the SEC in rebounding. Teamed with 7-foot senior Marcus Campbell, the Bulldogs have a terrific frontcourt. They are also strong defensively, allowing .403% shooting (third best in the SEC). The Bulldogs are 5-7 SU/ATS on the road and 17-5 SU as a favorite, 1-4 SU/ATS as a dog. The young Arkansas Razorbacks (18-11) allow 62.3 ppg, and hold opponents to .408% shooting -- both second best in the conference. This is a young team with 6-7 sophomore Ronnie Brewer and 6-5 sophomore Olu Famutimi up front. Like many young teams they struggle on the road at 2-7 SU, 1-8 ATS. They have been money-burners all season (8-16 ATS) and are 6-10 SU, 3-13 ATS in the SEC.
The Mountain West tournament starts Thursday from Reno, Nevada. This is pretty much a two-team race between Utah and New Mexico, which was the case all season. Utah (25-4) is the main horse, going 13-1 in the MWC behind remarkable 6-10 sophomore Andrew Bogut (20.6 ppg, 11.9 rpg). He leads the Mountain West in scoring and rebounding. Get a good look at him in this tourney, as you will see him in the NBA someday ? possibly as soon as next fall. Utah also has a deep backcourt with senior Marc Jackson (10.7 ppg), junior Tim Drisdom, and 6-4 junior Richard Chaney. The Utes allow 57 ppg, shoot 52% from the field, 37% from long range, ranked second from the charity stripe (73%) and allow just 42% shooting by opponents. In short, they do everything very well. They even are 7-3 Su/ATS on the road. Keep in mind that Utah is 19-0 SU as a favorite, 0-3 SU/1-2 ATS as a dog.
New Mexico (23-6) is the biggest obstacle standing in Utah?s way. New Mexico leads the conference in scoring (76.8 ppg), three-point shooting (39%), and finished second shooting 50% as a team and allowing 42% shooting. The Lobos have a big frontcourt behind workhorse 6-9 Danny Granger (18 ppg, 8.5 rpg) along with 6-9, 240-lb junior David Chiotti (10 ppg, 5 rpg), and a very good backcourt. It?s too bad they don?t have home court for this tourney: The Lobos are 18-1 SU at home, 5-5 SU, 6-3 ATS on the road. Still, New Mexico is 10-4 SU, 9-5 ATS in the Mountain West, 9-5 ?under? the total in the conference, and brings an 8-1 SU, 7-2 ATS run into the tourney. One of those victories was at home over Utah, 65-54. They would love to replicate that game on a neutral court.
Air Force (18-11) is one of those teams no one likes to play, with its slow-down attack. The Falcons allow 53.6 ppg and shoot 73% from the free throw line, both tops in the conference. However, this is not a tall team, and despite allowing so few points, Air Force allows 48% shooting by opponents, last in the MWC. They are also 4-10 SU on the road and 13-9 ?under? the total overall.
UNLV (15-12) is an athletic team that runs an uptempo attack, averaging 73.2 ppg, second best in the Mountain West. That offense keeps them competitive even on the road, where they are 8-4 ATS and 8-4 ?over? the total. UNLV is playing well, carrying a 6-1 SU/ATS run into the tourney. Wyoming (15-12) has good balance with senior Jay Straight (18 ppg, 5.3 apg), 7-foot Alex Dunn (8.4 rpg) and guard Steve Leven. Like UNLV, they allow a lot of points on the road (76 ppg) where they are 8-4 ?over? the total. The Cowboys are also last in free throw shooting (66%) and have lost four of their last five games.
The Pac 10 tourney starts Thursday from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Arizona (25-5) again has a deep team that can beat you in a variety of ways on offense. Senior guard Salim Stoudamire (18.2 ppg) runs the break and leads the team in scoring, while 7-foot Channing Frye (15.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg) and Hassan Adams pound the glass. Arizona is second in scoring (79.6 ppg), and first in three-point shooting (40%) and free throws (.777%). The Wildcats come into the tourney on a roll, going 11-2 SU, 9-4 ATS the last 13 games. If you?re a totals player, keep in mind the Arizona is 12-6 ?over? the total in the Pac 10, but 9-3 ?under? the total in non-conference games.
Run-and-gun Washington (24-5) has a deep, quick backcourt that runs opponents to death, and leads the Pac 10 in scoring with 87.6 ppg. Tre Simmons, Nate Robinson and Will Conroy lead this brilliant backcourt. Conroy leads the Pac 10 in assists with 6.7 per game. The Huskies are 6-5 SU/4-7 ATS on the road where the defense is a bit suspect (7-3 ?over? the total away from home). UCLA (18-9) comes in on a roll, going 8-3 SU, 9-2 ATS the last 11 games. In fact, the surging Bruins have been the Pac 10?s best money-maker all season at 18-7 against the spread. UCLA is 10-1 ATS on the road and 12-3 ATS as a dog!
Stanford (17-11) also has been playing well, on a 5-2 SU, 6-1 ATS run. The Cardinal compete with defense allowing 42% shooting, second best in the Pac 10. However, last month they lost their leading scorer, Dan Grunfeld (17.9 ppg) to a knee injury and he?s out until next season. They?ve battled well without him, but his loss is still a big blow to the Cardinal hopes. Arizona State (18-12) has the leading scorer and rebounder in the Pac 10 in 6-9 Ike Diogu (22.4 ppg, 9.8 rpg). He?s a one-man show, for the most part, and the Sun Devils are 4-6 SU/6-4 ATS on the road and on a 2-6 SU/ATS run. Also, notice that Arizona State is 6-21 against the spread as a favorite the last two years ? talk about chalk chokers!
Oregon State (16-13) allows .452% shooting, second worst in the Pac 10, and is 3-12 SU, 5-9 ATS as a dog. All you need to know about the Beavers is that they are 12-1 SU at home, 2-11 SU, 3-9 ATS on the road. Washington State (12-15) might be the team no one wants to play. The Cougars play a super-slow down defense that allows 56.6 ppg and 40% shooting. They are 19-8 ?under? the total and second to last at the charity stripe (61%). You?ve got to be able to hit those freebies come tournament time!
for Tournaments starting March 10th.
ATS Stats, Power Ratings, Team Logs and more for every College Basketball Team available on the JimFeist.com CBB Page when you Click Here!
The ACC tournament tips off Thursday from the MCI Center in our nation?s capitol. As always, there are a slew of talented players and teams, but the Big Three this season are North Carolina, Wake Forest and Duke, the only three ACC teams thus far to top 20 wins. Second-year coach Roy Williams has a blistering offensive foursome at North Carolina (26-3). The frontcourt has 6-9 junior Sean May (16.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg) and 6-8 senior Jawad Williams, while junior guard Ray Felton and junior Rashad McCants (15.8 ppg) run one of top fast breaks in the nation. McCants has the flu and might miss the start of the tourney. Felton leads the conference with 7.3 assists per game. North Carolina leads the ACC shooting .508% and points (89.8 pg), and is second in three point shooting (.407%). The Tar Heels are 18-10 against the number and carry a 12-1 SU run into the tourney, the only defeat was 71-70 at Duke.
Wake Forest (26-4) is another ACC team that can push the ball up the court, going 17-11 ?over? the total. They average 81 ppg on the road, tops in the conference. The backcourt is deep behind 6-2 junior Justin Gray (16 ppg), senior Taron Downey and sophomore Chris Paul (6.6 apg), who is a skilled passer. Paul will miss the first game of the tourney (suspension). The Demon Deacons average 86.4 ppg (second) and lead the ACC in three-point shooting (.408%). They also have a big frontcourt in 6-8 senior Jamaal Levy and 6-9 Eric Williams (16 ppg). Wake is on a 10-1 SU run.
Duke (22-5) coach Mike Krzyzewski has another deep, talented roster, with ACC scoring leader 6-4 J.J. Redick (22.8 ppg) and 6-3 senior Daniel Ewing in the backcourt. Up front, 6-9 Shelden Williams (15.8 ppg, 11.4 rpg) leads the ACC in rebounding. Duke is 17-9 ATS. Most impressive is the team defense that allows 65.6 ppg, tops in the ACC. They are also tops at the free throw line (.728%) and 3-0 ATS as a dog. Georgia Tech (17-10) has a great backcourt behind sparkplug B.J. Elder, Jarrett Jack (15.9 ppg) and senior Will Bynum. Georgia Tech also has a fine frontcourt with 7-1 senior Luke Schenscher and 6-6 Isma'il Muhammad, who lead the team in rebounding. Georgia Tech plays tough ?D? (66.7 ppg allowed, second best) but they are just 4-6 SU/ATS on the road. The Yellow Jackets are 1-5 SU as a dog and carry a 4-10 ATS run into the tourney.
Virginia Tech (15-12) overachieved this season, as is evident by the 14-8 ATS mark. However, the Hokies are 3-8 SU on the road and second to last at the charity stripe making just .649% of their freebies. Maryland (16-11) has a skilled one-two punch in 6-8 junior Nik Caner-Medley (16.7 ppg) and junior guard John Gilchrist (14 ppg, 5.6 apg). The Terrapins are just 3-7 SU, 2-8 ATS on the road, however, and carry a 1-4 SU/ATS run into the tourney.
Miami (16-11) has a terrific young backcourt in sophomore guard Guillermo Diaz (18 ppg) and junior Robert Hite (17 ppg), while 6-9 sophomore Anthony King works the boards. That youth may be a detriment in tournament play, but remember this team overachieved at 10-4 ATS as a dog, where they were outscored by just a 77-73 average. NC State (17-12) is essentially a one-man show behind 6-6 senior Julius Hodge (17 ppg), who leads the team in scoring, assists, and rebounds. They?ve struggled when stepping up in competition, as strong teams focus on stopping Hodge: NC State lost to Duke, Wake and North Carolina (twice) by 12, 11, 10 and 24 points
The Big 10 tourney begins Thursday from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. It?s not often you see a 29-1 team roll through the college regular season. It?s even rarer still when that lone defeat was the team?s last game! That?s the case with Illinois (29-1 SU, 14-8 ATS) which just lost a thriller at Ohio State. It will be interesting to see if there is any hangover in the Big 10 tourney. Regardless, Illinois is the team to beat, with a strong defense (62 ppg, second in the Big 10) and many ways on offense to beat you.
Illinois has a terrific frontcourt of 6-foot-10 junior James Augustine and 6-6 senior Roger Powell. Augustine is tops in the Big 10 shooting 63% from the field. The backcourt is deep, as well, with senior Luther Head (16 ppg) and juniors Deron Williams and Dee Brown (14 ppg). Williams leads the conference in assists (6.7 apg). In the Big 10, Illinois is first in three-point shooting (41%), field goals (50%) and points (79.5 ppg). They also allow opponents just 42% shooting, second best. Illinois is 10-1 SU, 6-5 ATS on the road outscoring the opposition by +10 points per contest (72-62). Illinois has manhandled Gonzaga, Wake Forest and Cincinnati, winning by 17, 18 and 22 points!
A veteran Michigan State (22-5) club has a fine offense, averaging 78 ppg while shooting .499%, both second to Illinois. They are also first in free throw shooting (79%). Tom Izzo has a talented group of 6-foot-11 junior Paul Davis and 6-6 senior Alan Anderson crashing the boards, while seniors Maurice Ager and Chris Hill run the backcourt. Note that Michigan State is 17-2 SU, 13-6 ATS as a favorite, but 0-3 SU/ATS as a dog. Michigan State carries an 8-1 SU/ATS run into the tourney. They got popped in their only meeting with Illinois, 81-68 ? at home!
Wisconsin (20-7) leads the conference in defense, allowing 60.7 points per game. That was most evident on the road where the Badgers are 7-4 ?under? the total. The offense is slow and patient, with a one-two punch of 6-foot-8 senior Mike Wilkinson and 6-5 sophomore swingman Alando Tucker. The duo each average over 14 points and lead the Badgers in scoring and rebounding. Wisconsin is second in the Big 10 in three-point shooting (39%), but poor from the charity stripe (66%, third worst). While Wisconsin went 15-1 at home averaging 72 ppg, notice they went 5-6 SU/5-5 ATS on the road where the offense struggles to score 64 ppg.
The Minnesota Gophers (20-9) have an effective one-two punch in 6-5 junior Vincent Grier (17.9 ppg) and a large frontcourt presence in 7-foot, 275-pound senior Jeff Hagen. Minnesota has struggled when stepping up in competition, losing to Alabama, Oklahoma, Illinois and Michigan State (twice). They are 10-2 SU, 6-3 ATS as a favorite, but 5-7 SU as a dog. Indiana (15-12) plays tough defense allowing .416% shooting, best in the Big 10. The Hoosiers are just 2-9 SU on the road and 4-11 SU as a dog.
Ohio State (19-11) has a nice frontcourt ace in 6-9 junior Terrance Dials (16 ppg, 8 rpg), who leads the team in scoring and rebounding. They also have a fine backcourt with senior Tony Stockman and 6-5 junior J.J. Sullinger. Ohio State plays tough defense, allowing 42% shooting by opponents, but shoots 65% from the line (second worst). Ohio State is 3-8 SU, 5-5 ATS on the road allowing 73 ppg, and just 2-8 SU, 4-5 ATS as a dog. Ohio State is also 17-10 ?under? the total. Iowa (19-10) has been a money-burner at 11-17 ATS, and carries a 2-7 ATS run into the tourney.
The Big 12 tourney starts Thursday from Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas (22-5) has the Big 12?s leading scorer and rebounder in the low post in 6-9 Wayne Simien (19.2 ppg, 10.8 rpg). Aaron Miles runs the backcourt and leads the conference in assists (7.4 apg), but guard Keith Langford (14.7 ppg) has a sore ankle and his status for the tourney is up in the air. Kansas plays aggressive defense allowing 38% shooting, tops in the Big 12, but they shoot just 67% from the line ? fourth worst. Also, the Jayhawks come into the tourney playing poorly, on a 2-4 SU, 0-6 ATS run, losing three times as a favorite.
Oklahoma (23-6) has a strong one-two punch under the glass in 6-8 Taj Gray (14 ppg, 7.8 rpg) and 6-8 Kevin Bookout, along with a speedy young backcourt. The Sooners allow 62.6 ppg (second best defensively) and come into the tourney on a strong 6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS run. Oklahoma is 17-4 SU as a favorite, but 1-2 SU/ATS as a dog. Oklahoma State (21-6) has an uptempo attack behind guard John Lucas III (18.3 ppg) that is second in scoring (79 ppg) and first in shooting from the field (.509%) and three-point land (43%). Oklahoma State is a strong 8-4 SU, 7-3 ATS on the road. Despite a run-and-gun reputation, notice the Sooners are 7-4 ?under? the total on the road.
Texas Tech (18-9) also has an uptempo attack leading the conference in scoring (80 ppg) and free throws (.767%), and is second in three-point shooting (41%). They are a poor 9-14 ATS overall and carry a 1-7 ATS run into the tourney. Notice that the Red Raiders play lousy road defense allowing 76 points per game, which explains the 7-3 ?over? the total away from home. Texas (20-9) plays tough defense and is 10-6 ?under? the total in the Big 12. Texas is 5-1 ATS as a dog. However, they lost their second leading scorer and rebounder, 6-4 sophomore P.J. Tucker (13.7 ppg, 8 rpg), due to academics in late January and he won?t be available to play.
Texas A&M (19-8) brings tough defense to the court, allowing 62 ppg, tops in the Big 12. They also allow .387% shooting and shot 49% from the field behind 6-7 junior Antoine Wright (17.6 ppg). However, note that the Aggies went 16-2 SU at home, but a poor 3-6 SU, 5-4 ATS on the road. With all the injuries and quality Big 12 teams, this is close to a wide-open race.
The talented SEC will feature some terrific basketball this week, when the tournament tips off Thursday from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Out of the SEC West, coach Tubby Smith has another rugged defensive team. The Wildcats (23-4) allow .404% shooting by opponents and 61.3 points per game ? both tops in the SEC. The Wildcats have a physical front line led by 6-7 senior Chuck Hayes, 6-5 Kelenna Azubuike and 6-11, 260-lb freshman Randolph Morris. Kentucky is 7-3 SU, 6-4 ATS on the road and 3-1 ATS as a dog. (20-7) Florida Coach Bill Donovan likes the up-tempo game and he has another strong group. They have a talented Big Three of 6-8 senior David Lee (13 ppg, 8.8 rpg), 6-6 junior Matt Walsh and sparkplug junior guard Anthony Roberson (18.6 ppg). Roberson leads the SEC in scoring. Florida is first in scoring (79.4 ppg), field goals (50%) and three-point shooting (.396%). Despite being a wide-open offensive team, note that the Gators are 8-4 ?under? the total on the road.
Vanderbilt (18-12) had a decent season, allowing 63.3 ppg (third in the SEC), which explains the 17-11 ?under? the total mark. However, the Commodores are 16-4 SU, 13-6 ATS as a favorite, 1-8 SU, 3-6 ATS as a dog! Vandy is also 2-8 SU, 4-6 ATS on the road, so this is strictly a team that gets it done at home. South Carolina survives with defense, but comes into the tourney on a 1-4 SU, 0-5 ATS run. Like Vandy, South Carolina is 13-3 SU at home, but 1-9 SU, 4-6 ATS on the road! They also shoot a poor 61% from the line.
Out of the SEC West comes mighty Alabama, an athletic team that finished second in the SEC in scoring (76.3 ppg), shooting (48%), free throws (.735%) and ranks third in three-point shooting (39%). They made the Elite 8 last season behind 6-7 junior Kennedy Winston (18 ppg), senior guard Ernest Shelton (16 ppg) and freshman playmaker Ronald Steele, with 6-10 sophomore Jermareo Davidson and 6-7 junior Chuck Davis up front. Steele tied for first in the SEC with 5 assists per game. ?Bama is 12-4 SU, 11-5 ATS in the SEC. Note that they are 18-1 SU, 12-7 ATS as a favorite, though 3-5 SU/ATS as a dog.
LSU (19-8) is one of those teams that scares a lot of people, especially if you try to crash the boards against them. Up front, the Tigers have 6-8, 252-lb sophomore Brandon Bass (17.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg) and 6-9, 310-lb freshman Glen Davis (13 ppg, 8.7 rpg) ? how would you like to invite those two to dinner? The Tigers are also hot, riding a 7-1 SU, 8-0 ATS run into the tourney. LSU is 17-8 against the spread and 12-4 SU, 13-3 ATS in the SEC. The only concern is that this young team is 15-1 SU at home, 4-7 SU on the road.
Mississippi State (21-9) has 6-9 senior Lawrence Roberts, who averages 17 points and 11 rebounds, leading the SEC in rebounding. Teamed with 7-foot senior Marcus Campbell, the Bulldogs have a terrific frontcourt. They are also strong defensively, allowing .403% shooting (third best in the SEC). The Bulldogs are 5-7 SU/ATS on the road and 17-5 SU as a favorite, 1-4 SU/ATS as a dog. The young Arkansas Razorbacks (18-11) allow 62.3 ppg, and hold opponents to .408% shooting -- both second best in the conference. This is a young team with 6-7 sophomore Ronnie Brewer and 6-5 sophomore Olu Famutimi up front. Like many young teams they struggle on the road at 2-7 SU, 1-8 ATS. They have been money-burners all season (8-16 ATS) and are 6-10 SU, 3-13 ATS in the SEC.
The Mountain West tournament starts Thursday from Reno, Nevada. This is pretty much a two-team race between Utah and New Mexico, which was the case all season. Utah (25-4) is the main horse, going 13-1 in the MWC behind remarkable 6-10 sophomore Andrew Bogut (20.6 ppg, 11.9 rpg). He leads the Mountain West in scoring and rebounding. Get a good look at him in this tourney, as you will see him in the NBA someday ? possibly as soon as next fall. Utah also has a deep backcourt with senior Marc Jackson (10.7 ppg), junior Tim Drisdom, and 6-4 junior Richard Chaney. The Utes allow 57 ppg, shoot 52% from the field, 37% from long range, ranked second from the charity stripe (73%) and allow just 42% shooting by opponents. In short, they do everything very well. They even are 7-3 Su/ATS on the road. Keep in mind that Utah is 19-0 SU as a favorite, 0-3 SU/1-2 ATS as a dog.
New Mexico (23-6) is the biggest obstacle standing in Utah?s way. New Mexico leads the conference in scoring (76.8 ppg), three-point shooting (39%), and finished second shooting 50% as a team and allowing 42% shooting. The Lobos have a big frontcourt behind workhorse 6-9 Danny Granger (18 ppg, 8.5 rpg) along with 6-9, 240-lb junior David Chiotti (10 ppg, 5 rpg), and a very good backcourt. It?s too bad they don?t have home court for this tourney: The Lobos are 18-1 SU at home, 5-5 SU, 6-3 ATS on the road. Still, New Mexico is 10-4 SU, 9-5 ATS in the Mountain West, 9-5 ?under? the total in the conference, and brings an 8-1 SU, 7-2 ATS run into the tourney. One of those victories was at home over Utah, 65-54. They would love to replicate that game on a neutral court.
Air Force (18-11) is one of those teams no one likes to play, with its slow-down attack. The Falcons allow 53.6 ppg and shoot 73% from the free throw line, both tops in the conference. However, this is not a tall team, and despite allowing so few points, Air Force allows 48% shooting by opponents, last in the MWC. They are also 4-10 SU on the road and 13-9 ?under? the total overall.
UNLV (15-12) is an athletic team that runs an uptempo attack, averaging 73.2 ppg, second best in the Mountain West. That offense keeps them competitive even on the road, where they are 8-4 ATS and 8-4 ?over? the total. UNLV is playing well, carrying a 6-1 SU/ATS run into the tourney. Wyoming (15-12) has good balance with senior Jay Straight (18 ppg, 5.3 apg), 7-foot Alex Dunn (8.4 rpg) and guard Steve Leven. Like UNLV, they allow a lot of points on the road (76 ppg) where they are 8-4 ?over? the total. The Cowboys are also last in free throw shooting (66%) and have lost four of their last five games.
The Pac 10 tourney starts Thursday from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Arizona (25-5) again has a deep team that can beat you in a variety of ways on offense. Senior guard Salim Stoudamire (18.2 ppg) runs the break and leads the team in scoring, while 7-foot Channing Frye (15.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg) and Hassan Adams pound the glass. Arizona is second in scoring (79.6 ppg), and first in three-point shooting (40%) and free throws (.777%). The Wildcats come into the tourney on a roll, going 11-2 SU, 9-4 ATS the last 13 games. If you?re a totals player, keep in mind the Arizona is 12-6 ?over? the total in the Pac 10, but 9-3 ?under? the total in non-conference games.
Run-and-gun Washington (24-5) has a deep, quick backcourt that runs opponents to death, and leads the Pac 10 in scoring with 87.6 ppg. Tre Simmons, Nate Robinson and Will Conroy lead this brilliant backcourt. Conroy leads the Pac 10 in assists with 6.7 per game. The Huskies are 6-5 SU/4-7 ATS on the road where the defense is a bit suspect (7-3 ?over? the total away from home). UCLA (18-9) comes in on a roll, going 8-3 SU, 9-2 ATS the last 11 games. In fact, the surging Bruins have been the Pac 10?s best money-maker all season at 18-7 against the spread. UCLA is 10-1 ATS on the road and 12-3 ATS as a dog!
Stanford (17-11) also has been playing well, on a 5-2 SU, 6-1 ATS run. The Cardinal compete with defense allowing 42% shooting, second best in the Pac 10. However, last month they lost their leading scorer, Dan Grunfeld (17.9 ppg) to a knee injury and he?s out until next season. They?ve battled well without him, but his loss is still a big blow to the Cardinal hopes. Arizona State (18-12) has the leading scorer and rebounder in the Pac 10 in 6-9 Ike Diogu (22.4 ppg, 9.8 rpg). He?s a one-man show, for the most part, and the Sun Devils are 4-6 SU/6-4 ATS on the road and on a 2-6 SU/ATS run. Also, notice that Arizona State is 6-21 against the spread as a favorite the last two years ? talk about chalk chokers!
Oregon State (16-13) allows .452% shooting, second worst in the Pac 10, and is 3-12 SU, 5-9 ATS as a dog. All you need to know about the Beavers is that they are 12-1 SU at home, 2-11 SU, 3-9 ATS on the road. Washington State (12-15) might be the team no one wants to play. The Cougars play a super-slow down defense that allows 56.6 ppg and 40% shooting. They are 19-8 ?under? the total and second to last at the charity stripe (61%). You?ve got to be able to hit those freebies come tournament time!
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