Trends Saturday

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Saturday NCAA
#1 seeds are 1-5 vs spread in regional finals last two years (3-3 SU). Four years ago, #2 seed Arizona got a 87-81 win over #1 seed Illinois, but Arizona was 1-pt favorite in that game; Olson is 1-2 in regional finals in three tries sinbce he won '97 national title. Illinois is at home in Chicago, so they have edge there. Illini's Head tweaked hamstring in last game; Illini will need all three guards here. Arizona is 5-3 as dog in NCAA's under Olson (in 54 games), but 1-2 in last six tournaments. Since '98, underdog is 8-1 vs spread in regional finals where a #3 seed is involved.

West Virginia is on serious roll; how in God's name do you give them 8,9 points? That said, when Cinderella falls, she usually falls hard, and Pitino will lay the right defense to stop this team. Problem is, Taquan Dean is banged up after injury late Thursday, which would be a major problem, if it is serious. This is first ever matchup between #4,#7 seeds in tourney. Since '87, in regional finals where there is no 1-3 seed involved, underdog is 5-3 vs spread, with 5 games decided by 4 or less pts.

Saturday NIT
Maryland was down 16 in first half to Davidson in last game, as Gilchrist sat out; they scored last 16 points of first half, and won, but if Gilchrist can't go here, tough task here vs TCU squad that has already won pair of road games by a hoop each, while Terrapins have yet to leave home in this event. NIT people obviously want Maryland to get to New York, but Gilchrist needs to play here for Terrapins tp advance.


NCAA Tips:
Illinois, -4.5-- At this point in season, you can find a statistic(s) to back either side. To me, in this game, this is what matters most: Illinois is best team in country, it is at home, and it has three terrific guards. Arizona is a team that relies on perimeter shooting, but Illini has the stronger perimeter. 20 augustines on Illinois, -4.5.

[Spark]

Game of the Day
Cavaliers @ Mavericks-- Cleveland lost four of last five games and ten of last 14, with seven in row and 10 of last 11 games staying under total- under is 5-1-1 in last seven Maverick games. Dallas won four of last five games, winning last three home contests by 4,11,17 pts


Elsewhere, Minnesota is 10-8 under McHale, winning its last two games; his first win was 82-71 over Nets March 15, as 2.5-pt home fave. Five of last six TWolve games stayed under total. Nets had five-game win streak ended Thursday night by Grizzlies.

Suns fell behind early in Miami last night, caught up, then lost 125-115 to Heat, their first loss in four games on this road trip. Phoenix beat Orlando 121-100 December 13. Magic is 1-3 under Jent, losing twice to expansion team- they're 1-9 in last ten games overall.

Trap game for Miami, which beat Suns last night- they're 2-0 vs Bobcats this season, winning by 10,23 pts. Heat stayed under total in six of last seven games. Bobcats are 3-13 last 16 games, but just swept pair of games against Orlando- their last three games went over the total.

Hawks lost seven in row, 20 of last 22 games, a terrible team; last game Atlanta won was 116-112 OT win up in Toronto March 11. Raptors had tough loss in Philly last night, as Iverson stuck jumper with :02.4 left with hand in his face, handing Toronto fourth loss in last five games.

Celtics scored 84 ppg in losing last two games after win streak of seven games; they shot 37.3% last night, while Detroit had late night, in game delayed by bomb scare. Pistons lost third game in row; they've scored 80.3 ppg in those games. Detroit won two of first three series tilts this season, winning by 12,6, losing by a hoop.

Grizzlies won four of last five games, losing only to Suns; they're 7-3 vs spread last ten games, with six of last eight staying under total. They're 3-0 vs Hornets this season, winning by 6,7,8 pts. Hornets lost four in row, six of last seven- they scored 68 points in home loss last night.

Pacers had late night last night, winning at Detroit, while Bulls won in Boston; Indy went over total five of last six games. Home team won first two series games this year, with Pacers losing 85-71 here Dec 18. Streaky Bulls are 4-0 last four games, with three of four staying under.

Kirilenko out for year with broken arm, so dismal Utah season just got worse. Jazz lost ten of last eleven games, and lost 89-86 at Milwaukee first series meeting. Bucks lost in OT at Oakland last night, their fourth loss in row; they allowed 110 ppg in first four games of road trip.

Red-hot Nuggets won, covered last five games, with all five going over total, but they're 0-2 vs Kings this season losing by 9,12 pts. Denver is 13-1 vs spread its last 14 home games. Sacramento lost four of last five road tilts; they're 9-7 since trading Webber.

Hard-trying Knicks, with winning record under Williams, had tough OT loss at Seattle last night, but get tonic here vs dysfunctional Portland team that lost seven games in a row, 13 of 14, and is 3-15 vs spread in last 18 contests. Eight of last nine Blazer games stayed under the total.

[Spark]

ARIZONA (30 - 6) vs. ILLINOIS (35 - 1) - 3/26/2005, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
ARIZONA is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 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.



W VIRGINIA (24 - 10) vs. LOUISVILLE (32 - 4) - 3/26/2005, 4:40 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W VIRGINIA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.
W VIRGINIA is 6-1 ATS (+4.9 Units) in all tournament games this season.
W VIRGINIA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games in March games over the last 3 seasons.
W VIRGINIA is 6-1 ATS (+4.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
W VIRGINIA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.



TCU (21 - 13) at MARYLAND (18 - 12) - 3/26/2005, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TCU is 29-51 ATS (-27.1 Units) on Saturday games since 1997.
MARYLAND is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MARYLAND is 6-1 ATS (+4.9 Units) in home games 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.

[Spark]

MINNESOTA (35 - 34) at NEW JERSEY (32 - 37) - 3/26/2005, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 5-1 ATS (+3.9 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 3-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 3-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons



PHOENIX (51 - 17) at ORLANDO (32 - 36) - 3/26/2005, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 138-193 ATS (-74.3 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
ORLANDO is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
ORLANDO is 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
ORLANDO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 3-2 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 4-1 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons



MIAMI (53 - 17) at CHARLOTTE (14 - 53) - 3/26/2005, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 6-1 ATS (+4.9 Units) in home games on Saturday games this season.
MIAMI is 5-1 ATS (+3.9 Units) as a road favorite of 6.5 to 9 points this season.
MIAMI is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in March games this season.
MIAMI is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
MIAMI is 74-46 ATS (+23.4 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 1-0 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 2-0 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons



TORONTO (28 - 40) at ATLANTA (11 - 57) - 3/26/2005, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 69-43 ATS (+21.7 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 6-3 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 6-3 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons



BOSTON (38 - 31) at DETROIT (42 - 26) - 3/26/2005, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-4 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-3 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons



NEW ORLEANS (15 - 53) at MEMPHIS (39 - 28) - 3/26/2005, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 25-44 ATS (-23.4 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road games in March games over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
MEMPHIS is 29-14 ATS (+13.6 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 40-21 ATS (+16.9 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=91 points/game over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=91 points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when the total is between 170 and 179.5 points this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 51-28 ATS (+20.2 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 1-5 ATS (-4.5 Units) as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-1 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-2 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons



CLEVELAND (35 - 31) at DALLAS (45 - 23) - 3/26/2005, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 1-6 ATS (-5.6 Units) after scoring 85 points or less this season.
CLEVELAND is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in road games as an underdog this season.
CLEVELAND is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points since 1996.
CLEVELAND is 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 1-5 ATS (-4.5 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
CLEVELAND is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 3-1 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 4-0 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons



INDIANA (35 - 33) at CHICAGO (36 - 31) - 3/26/2005, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-4 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-4 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons



MILWAUKEE (27 - 41) at UTAH (21 - 47) - 3/26/2005, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more this season.
MILWAUKEE is 27-50 ATS (-28.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 23-8 ATS (+14.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 6-1 ATS (+4.9 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games this season.
UTAH is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in home games after scoring 85 points or less this season.
UTAH is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points this season.
UTAH is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.
UTAH is 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 5-0 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 3-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons



SACRAMENTO (43 - 27) at DENVER (37 - 30) - 3/26/2005, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 5-4 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 8-2 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons



NEW YORK (29 - 38) at PORTLAND (23 - 44) - 3/26/2005, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games after a non-conference game this season.
NEW YORK is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 4-1 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 3-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons