Date | Match Up | Rating | Score | Result | Profit | Lead Time | Analysis |
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04-01-22 | Fresno State v. Coastal Carolina +3 | Top | 85-74 | Loss | -110 | 26 h 22 m | Show |
My 10* TBC Game of the Year is on Coastal Carolina at 6:00 ET. Justin Hutson is in his fourth season as head coach of the Fresno St Bulldogs, He won 23 games in his first season but entered the current season off 11-and 12-win seasons. However, this year's team did return all FIVE starters. The MWC was a tough league this season, as FOUR schools got NCAA bids, and Fresno finished just 8-9 in conference play. After losing its second game in the MWC tourney,19-13 Fresno has made the most of its postseason in TBC by winning THREE home games. However, Fresno is off to Conway, SC for the championship game of TBC to take on Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers' head coach is Cliff Ellis, who is in his 48th season and his 15th at Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers were just 8-8 in the SBC and lost their first game of the SBC tourney. They entered TBC at 16-13 but three games later (two home wins and a 69-68 OT win at South Alabama), get to host TBC championship game in their home gym (HTC center). Fresno St is led by 7-0 center Robinson (19.4 & 8.2) but what was a deep backcourt has been weakened by injuries. Hill (10.1) and Holland (9.6) have been steady all season but Holland has missed the last two games with a hamstring issue (questionable here). Baker averaged 12.0 PPG last season but made it through just FIVE games this season. Another guard, Ballard (5.3), hasn't played since the MWC tourney with an undisclosed issue. Coastal Carolina features a solid trio in guards Cole (15.4) and Williams (14.5 & 4.1) plus 6-9 center Mostafa (13.2 & 9.6). Four more players combine to add about 27 PPG. Fresno St is on the road for the first time in this tourney and one can't ignore that Bulldogs have averaged just 63.2 PPG in road games this season. Coastal Carolina is 3-0 SU & ATS in this tourney and enters having covered SIX of its last seven, overall. A closing thought. This marks Ellis' 29th postseason tourney (10th with Coastal Carolina) and he has yet to win one. His 2017 Coastal Carolina team was the CBI runner-up, as was last season's team. Isn't it about time he wins one of these? My bet is Y-E-S! Good luck...Larry |
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03-30-22 | Heat +5 v. Celtics | Top | 106-98 | Win | 100 | 11 h 3 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on the Mia Heat at 7:40 ET. The Heat made an improbable run all the way to the NBA Finals in 2020 but last season were swept 4-0 in the first round by Milwaukee, the eventual NBA champs. However, the current Heat get set to visit Boston at 48-28, giving them the East's best record (but just barely!). The Celtics entered last season having made the playoffs in 12 of the previous 13 seasons. Boston made the postseason again last year but after reaching the conference finals in THREE of the previous four seasons, Boston lost 4-1 in the first round to Brooklyn. Boston seemed like a non-factor this season at 25-25 through Jan 26 but the team has won 22 of its last 26 to reach 47-26. Setting the stage, the Heat are 48-28, the Bucks 47-28, the Celtics 47-29 and the 76ers 46-29. The Heat snapped a season-worst four-game losing streak on Monday by beating the visiting Sacramento Kings 123-100. SF Jimmy Butler led Miami with 27 points and seven, while center Bam Adebayo had a double-double by halftime, finishing with 22 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Butler (21.2-6.0-5.6) and Adebayo (19.2 & 10.2) are joined by guard Herro (20.8-4.8-3.9), to give Miami three high-quality scorers. SIX more Heat players chip in between 7.7 and 13.1 PPG, led by PG Lowry (13.1-4.6-7.5). It wasn't long ago that there were all sorts of rumors that Tatum and Brown were NOT getting along AND that they "not playing well with others' That chatter is 'Gone with the Wind,' as Tatum is averaging 27.1- 8.1-4.3 and Brown 23.4 & 6.1. "I think the main thing that we've seen is consistency over the last few months," head coach Ime Udoka said. "A lot of areas that we've really targeted offensively -- sharing the ball, defensively coming out with that mindset. And then playing with a sense of urgency, getting off to better starts, and so consistency is what we've done. There's no reason to go back on that. We see the success it's brought us, and the unselfishness is contagious." However, Tatum and Brown both have sore right knees, forcing them to sit out Monday's 115-112 overtime loss at the Toronto Raptors that ended Boston's six-game winning streak. Celtics center Al Horford (10.0-7.5-3.3) also missed Monday's game due to personal reasons. A fourth Celtics player -- center Robert Williams -- is expected to miss at least the remainder of the regular season due to a left-knee injury. Williams, who averages 10.0 points, leads Boston in rebounds (9.6) and blocks (2.2). It's expected that Tatum, Brown and Horford will play tonight (no guarantees) but I like the Heat, either way. "I think we got a little comfortable, expecting we were going to win every night," Jimmy Butler said of Miami's slump. "We have lapses at times, but I feel like we have a championship-caliber team. When we are clicking, we are tough to beat." Head coach Erik Spoelstra made a change in his starting lineup vs the Kings, inserted Max Strus (10.4) in place of Duncan Robinson (11.1)."That's the best part of this team -- nobody takes anything personal," Butler said about the change to the starting lineup. "I'm not going to lie to you and say it's an easy thing to handle. But (Robinson) has been handling it like a pro. The Heat are a MONEY-MAKING 14-6, 70% ATS on the season as an underdog. Take the points in a game I expect Miami to win OUTRIGHT! Good luck...Larry |
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03-30-22 | Hornets -1.5 v. Knicks | Top | 125-114 | Win | 100 | 11 h 2 m | Show |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Cha Hornets at 7:40 ET. The Hornets went 33-39 last season but then got routed 144-117 by the Pacers in the 'play-in' round, missing the postseason for the FIFTH straight season. The No. 9 Hornets are currently 39-37 (a virtual lock for the 'play-in' round) but they would love to catch the No. 8 Nets, who are just ONE game better. The NY Knicks went 41-31 last season, ending a seven-year playoff drought. Expectations were high for 'The Garden' fans but despite having won NINE of their last 13 games, the Knicks are just 34-42, 4 1/2 games behind the Atlanta Hawks (38-37) in the race for 10th place in the Eastern Conference. The fact that prior to New York's recent 9-4 run it had lost SEVEN in a row makes the team's current surge looks like it has come too late to extend the season. SF Bridges (20.1 & 7.1), PG Ball (20.0-6.8-7.4) and fellow guard Rozier (19.5-4.3-4.4) are quite a trio. Haywards adds 16.1-4.6-3.6 but has been sidelined since Feb 7. Oubre (15.1 & 4.0) and Washington (10.2 & 5.3) also score in double digits, as does Harrell, who has averaged 11.8 & 5.4 in his 20 games since being acquired around the trade deadline. The Knicks have nowhere near the Hornets' depth, having been led by PF Randle (20.1-10.0-5.1) and SG Barrett (20.0 & 5.9) all season, supported by a revolving cast of characters. The Knicks really have nothing to play for, while the Hornets would really improve their playoff chances by catching the Nets for the No. 8 seed. Charlotte's just ONE game back and visits MSG having won its previous four road games. Hornets win "with room to spare!" Good luck...Larry |
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03-29-22 | St Bonaventure v. Xavier +1.5 | Top | 77-84 | Win | 100 | 9 h 58 m | Show |
My 10* NIT Game of the Year is on Xavier at 7:00 ET. St Bonaventure entered the season as the defending Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament champions and were ranked No. 23 in the AP's preseason poll, the school's first ranking in the media poll since January 1971 (Can you say Bob Lanier?). Head coach Mark Schmidt had all five starters back and expectations were high in Olean, NY. The Bonnies were just 12-7 in early February but finished the regular season on an 8-1 run to finish 4th in the A-10 at 12-5 (20-8 overall). However, St Louis beat them 57-56 in their first A-10 tourney game. There was no NCAA berth for St Bonaventure this season but the Bonnies have earned their spot in this year's semifinals with three road wins at Power 5 opponents over a one-week span, beating Colorado, Oklahoma and Virginia. Xavier head coach Travis Steele was badly in need of a 20-win season entering the 2021-22 season. He took over from Chris Mack (23.9 wins per season with NINE straight Big Dance bands), who took over from Sean Miller (24 wins per season and NCAA bids in his last four seasons of his five-year stint). The Musketeers had won just 51 games (17 per) in Steele's first three seasons, without an NCAA bid. The Musketeers were feeling pretty good about the current season, as they were 14-3 (4-2 in Big East) through Jan 19. However, Xavier stumbled to a 4-9 finish and then lost its first Big East Tourney game 89-82 (OT) to Butler. Steele's team got an NIT bid and THREE home games, beating Cleveland St, Florida and Vanderbilt. St Bonaventure features a STRONG starting-five but little else. The 6-10 Osunnyi (11.3 & 7.7) is joined by four guards. Adaway (15.7 7 5.9) leads the way, followed by Holmes (13.4-5.0-3.6), Lofton (12.7-3.6-5.7) and Welch (11.9 & 6.0). Xavier is almost a 'mirror image' of St Bonaventure as its starting-five also features five double-digit scorers. The 7-0 Nunge (13.3 & 7.3) and the 6-9 Freemantle (10.3 & 5.7) are joined by a backcourt trio of Scruggs (11.7-4.2-4.1), Jones (11.2 & 7.4) and Johnson (10.4). However, Xavier also gets contributions from guards Kunkel (8.6) and Odom (6.0). Obviously, winning a NIT title pales in comparison to winning March Madness but it IS a "big deal" for these two schools. They are pretty similar but it's clear that St Bonaventure has had a more impressive run to get here, winning three ROAD games, while Xavier was HOME for its three wins. That said, maybe St Bonaventure is being asked to do too much. In the end, I like Xavier's TWO big men vs Osunnyi, plus Xavier throws SIX guards against St Bonaventure's four. Historical notes: This marks the first appearance for the Bonnies in the NIT semifinals since 1977, when they won the event. Xavier won the 1958 NIT title, beating St. Bonaventure in the semifinals and then Dayton in the championship game. Second verse, same as the first. Take the Musketeers. Good luck...Larry |
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03-28-22 | Coastal Carolina v. South Alabama -2 | Top | 69-68 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on South Alabama at 8:00 ET. Two SBC rivals meet tonight in The Basketball Classic from Mitchell Center in Mobile, Al. The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers finished 8-8 in league play this season and the South Alabama Jaguars finished 9-7 but both lost their first game in the SBC Tourney. Both teams have been given home games in TBC and each have advanced by winning those contests. However, while Coastal Carolina is 2-0 ATS, South Alabama is 0-2 ATS. Cliff Ellis is in his 48th season as a head coach and his 15th at Coastal Carolina. He's a solid trio in guards Cole 15.4) and Williams (14.4 & 4.2) plus 6-9 center Mostafa (13.3 & 9.6). Four more players combine to add about 27 PPG. South Alabama's top-two scorers on the season have been guards Manning (15,4-3.8-3.6) and Chandler (15.3) but Chandler hasn't played since late February and Manning, after scoring 10 points in USA's first win, scored just two points (in eight minutes) in its second. However, the 6-7 Franklin and guard Jones have come up HUGE in TBC. Franklin (12.0 & 7.7 on the season) has gone for 28 & 7 and 17 & 14 in the two wins. Jones was hurt early and didn't get back on the court until late January, but has played PG and scored 45 points with 13 assists in three tourney games (one in SBC and two in TBC). Also note that Franklin has solid help in the frontcourt with the 6-8 Goncalves (7.4 & 4.0), the 6-6 Smith (7.0 & 3.8) and the 6-6 Anderson (6.1 & 3.3) Coastal is playing with revenge (lost 71-68 at home on Feb 17 and has the veteran head coach but USA's Richie Riley went 54-39 in his first three seasons as South Alabama's head coach and now has his team at 21-11, including 15-2 at home (losses came against the SBC's top-two teams, Texas St and App St). Home court "wins the day" here, over "revenge!" Good luck...Larry |
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03-28-22 | Celtics v. Raptors UNDER 213 | Top | 112-115 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
My 10* Division (Atlantic) O/U Game of the Year is on Bos/Tor Under at 7:40 ET. The Boston Celtics visit the Toronto Raptors on Monday night in a key Eastern Conference contest. The Celtics entered last season having made the playoffs in 12 of the previous 13 seasons. Boston made the postseason again last year but after reaching the conference finals in THREE of the previous four seasons, Boston lost 4-1 in the first round to Brooklyn. Boston seemed like a non-factor this season at 25-25 through Jan 26 but the team has won 22 of its last 25! Look at the standings right now. Boston is tied with Miami (47-28) for the East's No. 1 seed. However, Milwaukee and Philadelphia lurk just one-half game behind. Toronto won 50-plus games over a five-year stretch prior to last season (won the NBA title in 2019), playing .693 basketball. However, the Raptors 'dropped like a rock' last season, finishing 27-45 (.375). Toronto is currently 42-32, giving them the East's No. 6 seed (final guaranteed playoff spot). Toronto is just ONE game behind the No. 5 seed (Chicago) but also just ONE game ahead of the No. 7 seed (Cleveland). It wasn't long ago that there were all sorts of rumors that Tatum and Brown were NOT getting along AND that they "not playing well with others' That chatter is 'Gone with the Wind,' as Tatum is averaging 27.1- 8.1-4.3 and Brown 23.4 & 6.1. Tatum scored 34 points and Brown had 31 points in Sunday's 134-112 home victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. "I think the main thing that we've seen is consistency over the last few months," head coach Ime Udoka said. "A lot of areas that we've really targeted offensively -- sharing the ball, defensively coming out with that mindset. And then playing with a sense of urgency, getting off to better starts, and so consistency is what we've done. There's no reason to go back on that. We see the success it's brought us, and the unselfishness is contagious." The Raptors moved past the Cavaliers by one game in the Eastern Conference with their 131-91 home victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. Pascal Siakam scored 23 points for the Raptors, while OG Anunoby (17.4 & 5.4) scored 16 points in his second game back after he was out for 15 with a broken finger. Three more Raptors are averaging more than 15 points. PG VanVleet (20.6-4.6-6.7), SG Trent (18.0) and rookie forward Barnes (15.4 & 5.4). The Celtics will be out to clinch the season series with the Raptors, after winning two of the first three games between the teams. Notable about those three contests is the fact that the final scores have averaged 198.7 points. Both teams are coming off HUGE offensive efforts, as Boston scored 134 points and Toronto 131 points in their most recent games. Lots on the line for each team in this game and in EVERY game through April 10. What's more, the Celtics could be short-handed for the game. Robert Williams left the game Sunday in the third quarter with a left knee sprain and did not return. Al Horford did not play Sunday for personal reasons. Brown and Tatum have been dealing with sore knees. For Toronto, Trent has sat out the last three contests with a left big toe hyperextension, Go UNDER! Good luck...Larry |
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03-28-22 | Nuggets -4 v. Hornets | Top | 113-109 | Push | 0 | 11 h 5 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on the Den Nuggets at 7:10 ET. The Denver Nuggets have made the postseason in each of the previous three seasons (147-80, .648) led by center Nikola Jokic and are currently 44-31, giving them the West's No. 6 seed (last of the guaranteed playoff spots). Denver is 1 1/2-games clear of Minnesota (the No. 7 seed) and goal No. 1 these last seven games is to AVOID the 'play-in' round. Denver also has hopes of "moving up," as the Nuggets are just ONE game behind Utah (No. 5 seed) and two behind Dallas (No. 4 seed). The Hornets went 33-39 last season but then got routed 144-117 by the Pacers in the 'play-in' round, missing the postseason for the FIFTH straight season. The No. 8 Hornets are currently 39-36 ( a near-lock for the 'play-in' round) but they would love to somehow get into the East's top-six. However, they are currently 3 1/2-games behind the No. 6 seed (Toronto) and have just SEVEN games remaining. Charlotte's prospects for the No. 6 seed look bleak.
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03-27-22 | 76ers +5.5 v. Suns | Top | 104-114 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 28 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Phi 76ers at 6:10 ET. The Eastern Conference has had a logjam at the top all season and entering Sunday, the 46-27 Philadelphia 76ers are percentage points ahead of the 47-28 Miami Heat (.630-to-.627). Just a half-game back are Boston and Milwaukee (both are 46-28). The 7ers will conclude a three-game road trip having already beaten both LA teams, with a Sunday game in Phoenix against the league best Suns (60-14). The Suns were 48-10 at the break but had lost PG Chris Paul to a thumb injury. Some wondered how the Suns would do without Paul, but Phoenix responded by going 11-4 without their All-Star PG and got him back in Thursday's 140-130 win in Denver. Much ado about nothing! The Suns have already clinched the West's (and the league's) best record.
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03-27-22 | St. Peter's v. North Carolina -8 | Top | 49-69 | Win | 100 | 12 h 53 m | Show |
My 10* Elite 8 Game of the Year is on North Carolina at 5:05 ET. Head coach Shaheen Holloway was just 42-45 in his first three seasons at St Peter's but his team's NCAA run has made him a shooting star in the coaching ranks. His counterpart, Hubert Davis, took over at North Carolina (an NCAA blueblood) for the retiring Roy Wiliams and after a modest start (by Carolina standards), has his alma mater ONE win away from a Final 4 appearance.
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03-27-22 | Miami-FL v. Kansas -5.5 | Top | 50-76 | Win | 100 | 7 h 20 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Kansas at 2:20 ET. Jim Larranaga entered this season having led the Hurricanes to six, 20-win seasons in his 10 years, to all three of the school's 25-win seasons and to two of the school's three Sweet 16 appearances. By the way, I could also throw in him leading unheralded George Mason to a Final 4 appearance back in 2006. The 'Canes were awful last season (10-17 / 4-15 in the ACC), but this year's team contended for the ACC title during the regular season, before losing in the ACC semifinals to top-seeded Duke. Now, the 10th-seeded Miami Hurricanes are taking on Kansas (No.1 seed in the Midwest), looking to continue a historic run that has vaulted the program to its first-ever Elite Eight appearance. Bill Self's Jayhawks began the current season ranked No. 3, tied Baylor for the regular season title but then won the Big 12 tourney to enter the Big Dance as one of four No. 1 seeds. Ho-hum!
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03-26-22 | Arkansas v. Duke -3.5 | Top | 69-78 | Win | 100 | 15 h 9 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Duke at 8:49 ET. Eric Musselman is in his third season at Fayetteville, after four OUTSTANDING seasons at Nevada. He won the CBI title in his first season, then went to three straight NCAA tourneys (4-year record of 110-34!) with the Wolf Pack. He was 20-12 in his first season at Arkansas, then went 25-7 last season (Elite 8 appearance). His Razorbacks (No. 4 in the West) just took down the No. 1 overall seed of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday (beat Gonzaga 74-68) and 28-8 Arkansas is in the Elite Eight for the second straight season. Another upset will elevate the Hogs to their first Final Four since 1995. Standing in the way is 31-6 Duke (No. 2 seed), which advanced with a 78-73 win over third-seeded Texas Tech to send Mike Krzyzewski to the Elite Eight for the 17th time. The victory was the 100th in NCAA Tournament competition for Krzyzewski, and a win over Arkansas would send Coach K to his 13th Final Four in his 42 seasons at Duke. Arkansas is led by a trio of guards, all scoring in double digits. The group includes Notae (18.5-4.6-3.7), Umude (11.8 & 4.7) and Toney (10.7 & 5.3). The 6-10 Williams adds 10.7 & 9.8 and is really the lone frontcourt player of note. Guards Davis (8.3) and Lykes (7.8) round out what has basically been a six-man rotation. Notae's line vs Gonzaga was 21-6-6, while Williams (15 & 12) and Umude (15 & 7) both played well. However, the game's 'MVP' was the Arkansas defense (remember "40 Minutes of Hell?"), as Gonzaga was held to 68 points on 37.5% shooting (Gonzaga entered leading the nation in scoring at 87.8 PPG). Duke has relied on three freshmen this season, the 6-10 Paolo Banchero (17.2 & 7.8), guard Keels (11.3 & 3.6) and the 6-6 Griffin (10.3 & 3.9). That trio has started along with 7-0 sophomore center Williams (11.3 & 7.4) and junior SF Moore (13.5 -5.3-4.5). Guard Roach (8.5) has come off the bench. I'm not sure why (haven't read anything), but Keels did not start and played just 14 scoreless minutes. Duke's five starters all scored in double digits against Texas Tech. Roach took over for Keels and had a line of 15-4-5. Banchero led with 22 points, Williams had 16 & 8, Moore had 12 points and Griffin 11 & 7. Duke shot 71% from the floor in the second half and made its final EIGHT shots. It's Musselman's turn to end the coaching career of Duke legend Mike Krzyzewski but Duke has won 12 of 14 and looks as if it is ready to send Coach K back to his 13th Final Four. I'm laying the points and going against Arkansas off its upset on the top-seeded Bulldogs. Good luck...Larry |
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03-26-22 | Bulls v. Cavs | Top | 98-94 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 33 m | Show |
My 10* Division (Central) Cane of the Year is on the Cle Cavs at 8:10 ET. The Chicago Bulls opened the current season off a 31-41 year, the team's fourth straight losing one (collective 102-199 record.). The Bulls will spend Saturday night in Cleveland to take on the Cavs, their Central Division rivals. Cleveland entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time. However, both the Bulls and Cavs have had turnaround seasons, although BOTH have struggled lately. The 42-31 Bulls are one game better than the 41-32 Cavs (Raptors are also 41-32), as the three teams 'battle for the East's No. 5 and No. 6 seeds. The "odd team out" will drop to the No. 7 seed and into the 'play-in' round. The Bulls 'limp in' having lost 10 of 13, including the first two of what will be a five-game road trip (more in a bit). DeRozan (27.6-5.3-5.0) is having a career year for the Bulls and has an excellent scoring partner in LaVine (24.8-4.7-4.8). Center Vucevic (18.0 & 11.3) was 'rescued' from Orlando last season, and he's delivered. PG Ball (13.0-5.4-5.1) is expected back at the end of the month but White (13.3) and rookie Dosunmu (8.5) have done a nice job, plus it's also good news that Caruso (8.1) returned March 12, after missing more than a month. The Cavs have lost 11 of 17 games but more notable was Cleveland losing All-Star center Jarrett Allen (16.1 & 10.8) to a broken finger in a March 6 meeting with Toronto. Head coach JB Bickerstaff feels that the Cavaliers have enough big men with Evan Mobley (15.1 & 8.3), Lauri Markkanen (14.5 & 5.6) and Kevin Love (13.6 & 7.3) to overcome Allen's loss but I'm NOT so sure. PG Garland (21.4 & 8.6 APG) has been terrific but LeVert (acquired from Indiana in a trade) missed almost an entire month before returning in March. He's averaging 17.3 PPG on the season but just 12.2 points in 10 games with Cleveland. One last thing on Garland, he is averaging 25.7 points and 12.0 assists in March and has recorded double-doubles in nine of his last 11 games. I believe the Cavs MISS Allen more than their head coach is willing to admit but that said, the Cavs have shown excellent depth. Adding to the roster mentioned above, you can throw in SFs Osman (10.8) and Okoro (9.2). Most importantly for this particular game, the Cavs (23-13 at home) face a Chicago team that has lost EIGHT of its last nine road games, with the lone win coming at Detroit (Piston are 20-54, tied with the Magic for the worst record in the East). At this number, a win equals a cover and that makes the Cavs a STRONG play! Good luck...Larry |
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03-26-22 | Houston v. Villanova +2.5 | Top | 44-50 | Win | 100 | 10 h 12 m | Show |
My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on Villanova at 6:09 ET. Kelvin Sampson had a great run at Oklahoma (11 NCAA berths in 12 seasons but at Indiana, ran into recruiting issues and lasted just two seasons. No one really expected him to get another major job, but he resurfaced at Houston for the 2014-15 season. His first team went 13-19 but it's been nothing but 20-win seasons since. 32-5 Houston (No. 5 seed) moved into the Elite Eight with an impressive 72-60 win over top-seeded Arizona on Thursday, as the Cougars never trailed and pulled away late. The Cougars are ONE win away from their second straight Final Four berth. 29-7 Villanova (a No. 2 seed) fought past No. 11 seed Michigan 63-55 on Thursday to reach the Elite Eight for the third time in the past six tournaments, and the fifth time in 21 seasons under coach Jay Wright. The Wildcats won national championships in 2016 and 2018. This may be Sampson's best-ever coaching job. Starting guard Mark (10.1) was lost just seven games into the season and then Houston's best player, Sasser (17.7), saw his season end in late December, after just 12 games. However, here the Cougars are. They are down to basically their starting-five, but ALL average in double digits. Edwards (14.1 & 6.9) leads a trio of guards that includes Moore (10.3 & 4.7) and Shead (10.1 & 5.9 APG). Up front, it's the 6-8 White (12.8 & 5.7) and the 6-11 Carlton (11.8 & 6.3). The Cougars never trailed against Arizona and pulled away late. Jamal Shead poured in 21 points and Kyler Edwards added 19. A concern may be that White and just 4 & 5. However, it was the Houston defense that was the difference. Arizona was averaging 84.7 PPG on 49.5% shooting but was held to 60 points on 33.3% shooting, including 7 of 22 on threes! Villanova was ranked 4th in the AP's preseason poll but was an early season disappointment but the key to Villanova's late-season success started with a record-breaking early season 57-36 loss at Baylor on Dec 12. It set a mark for the fewest points scored in Wright's 21-year tenure as coach of the Wildcats. 'Nova lost by 20 points in their next game (at Creighton) and stood just 7-4. However, the Wildcats will take the court tonight having won 22 of their last 25 games, after knocking off Michigan. 'Nova goes no more than six-deep. PG Gillespie (15.9-3.8-3.3) and fellow guard Moore (15.0 & 4.9) start in the backcourt, while it's the 6-7 Samuels (11.0 & 6.4), the 6-8 Dixon (9.2 & 6.4) and the 6-7 Slater (8.4 & 3.6) up front. The Wildcats do have a very good 6th-man (and part-time starter) in Daniels (10.2 & 3.7). Samuels led Villanova with 22 points against Michigan, while Moore added 15 points and Gillespie 12. Samuels also drew the defensive assignment on Michigan star center Hunter Dickinson and while Dickinson had 15 points and 15 rebound, he made just 6 of 16 shots. Wright's Villanova team knows more than a little about defense too, holding Michigan to 55 points on 34.4% shooting. I have nothing but admiration and praise for Sampson and his Houston team but since losing 71-169 at UConn in Feb 22, Villanova has won EIGHT in row. In its SIX Big East and NCAA tourney games, the Wildcats have held its opponents to just 58.2 PPG. Villanova is back in the Elite Eight for the third time in the last six seasons. The other two appearances? They won the title. Not sure why Houston is favored in this one, as I see the Wildcats pulling away to win comfortably. Good luck...Larry |
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03-25-22 | Iowa State v. Miami-FL OVER 132.5 | Top | 56-70 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 22 m | Show |
My 10* Sweet 16 Total of the Year is on Iowa St/Miami OVER at 9:59 ET. Four double-digit seeds made it to the Sweet 16 this year. Michigan (No. 11) lost last night to Villanova and it's hard to see St Peter's (No. 15) beating 29-7 Purdue (No. 3) tonight. However, we KNOW that at least one double-digit team will advance to the Elite 8 because the 10th-seeded Miami Hurricanes (25-10) and the 11th-seeded Iowa State Cyclones (22-12) meet Friday night in the Midwest regional semifinal at Chicago's United Center. Who'da thunk it! Miami came into the season off an 'ugly 10-17 year (4-15 in the ACC), while Iowa St was 2-22 (0-18 in the Big 12) during the 2020-21 season! Miami coughed up a late lead in its first-round game against seventh-seeded USC before winning 68-66 and then two days later, the Hurricanes trounced No. 2 seed Auburn 79-61. Iowa State began with a tournament-opening upset of No. 6 seed LSU (59-54) and then essentially had a road assignment Sunday in facing Wisconsin in Milwaukee. However, the Cyclones emerged with another impressive win, beating the third-seeded Badgers 54-49. Jim Larranaga entered this season having led the Hurricanes to six, 20-win seasons in his 10 years, to all three of the school's 25-win seasons and to two of the school's three Sweet 16 appearances. By the way, I could also throw in him leading unheralded George Mason to a Final 4 appearance back in 2006. The 'Canes were awful last season (see above) but this year's team contended for the ACC title during the regular season, before losing in the ACC semifinals to top-seeded Duke. Miami is led by the guard trio of McGusty (17.5 & 4.9), Wong (15.5 & 4.3) and Moore (12.8 & 4.6 APG). Miller is a fourth guard and adds 10.1 & 6.0. Miami's lone big man of note is the 6-10 Waardenburg (8.4 & 4.2), although the 6-9 Walker contributes 5.11 & 2.4 in just 14 MPG. T.J. Otzelberger came from UNLV to take over at Iowa St and the Cyclones opened 12-0 and were ranked No. 8 thru Dec 21. The team couldn't keep up that pace but then came the two back-to-back tourney wins. A trio of guards lead the way for Iowa St, starting with standout Izaiah Brockington, who leads the team in scoring (17.21 and rebounding (6.8). He's joined on the perimeter by PG Hunter (10.9 & 4.9 APG) and Kalscheur (9.5). The team's frontcourt rotation is led by the 6-8 Kunc (6.1 & 3.9) and the 6-9 Conditt (4.9 & 3.5). Guard Grill (6.5) is the first player off the bench and each one of the just mentioned players have participated in all of Iowa St's 34 games this season. With Iowa St winning its first two games by scores of 59-54 and 54-49, it would be easy to say, "go under!" However, as Lee Corso loves to say, "Not so Fast!" Miami just scored 79 points in beating Auburn (despite making only 3 of 15 on threes) by using their quickness and experience. Both teams own excellent (and deep) backcourts and I expect BOTH teams to surpass 70 points in tonight's contest. This one is Goin' over! Good luck...Larry |
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03-25-22 | North Carolina v. UCLA -2 | Top | 73-66 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 7 m | Show |
My 10* Sweet 16 Game of the Year is on UCLA at 9:39 ET. North Carolina and UCLA were supposed to meet last December in Las Vegas, but the game was canceled when UCLA had a COVID-19 outbreak. Instead, the college basketball blue bloods will meet in a 'makeup' game Friday night in Philadelphia after the East Region's other game between Purdue and St Peter's. 26-9 North Carolina is a No. 8 seed and 27-7 UCLA a No. 4 seed. Roy Williams retired after last season and Hubert Davis stepped into his shoes. The Tar Heels were ranked No. 19 in the preseason but spent much of the year outside of the top-25. However, an 11-2 run to close the regular season (including an upset of Duke in Mike Krzyzewski's last home game before retirement) allowed North Carolina to sneak into the top-25 right before the ACC tourney. However, a loss to Va Tech in its second game, saw the Tar Heels drop out of the final AP poll. UCLA made that great run to the Final 4 last season and opened No. 2 in the AP poll. It's hard to say the Bruins underachieved this season but they ended the season 11th in the final AP poll and with no better than a No. 4 seed. We don't often see North Carolina as a No. 8 seed but one could argue that the Tar Heels are a MUCH better team than that right now. North Carolina has an excellent frontcourt duo in the 6-10 Bacot (16.4 & 12.5) and 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (15.1 & 5.8). It was a trio, but 6-11 Marquette transfer Garcia (9.0 & 5.5) left the team in mid-January and has not returned. Sophomore guard Love (15.3-3.4-3.7) teams with freshman Davis (13.5-3.9-3.7) in the backcourt, with Black (5.0 & 4.3) as the only other North Carolina player averaging as much as 5 PPG. UCLA is led by a 'Core 4' of guards. Juzang (15.7 & 4.8) leads the way, followed by Jaquez (14.0 & 5.7) and Bernard (12.7 & 4.7). All three are 6-7 and 5-11 PG Campbell (11.8 & 4.2 APG) runs the show. Centers Riley (7.4 & 3.9) and Johnson (3.6 & 5.4) have been serviceable plus the 6-5 Clark (6.9 & 4.8) has played well after getting a late start due to nagging injuries and health issues. Guard Singleton also chips in 4.8 PPG. A closer look reveals that UCLA is the MUCH deeper team but Jaquez, UCLA's second-leading scorer and one of the Bruins' most indispensable players, suffered an apparent ankle injury in the second half of the Bruins' 72-56 romp over Saint Mary's last Saturday night. UCLA coach Mick Cronin said regarding Jaquez, "He's had so many sprained ankles, I don't know how much he can sprain it anymore." He added, "I'll tell you if anyone can deal with it, it's him. He's the epitome of physical and mental toughness." Jaquez is Cronin's kind of player, a paragon of grit and toughness, which has defined Cronin's coaching career. Cronin led Cincinnati to the Big Dance in his final NINE seasons with the school, before coming to UCLA. His first team went 19-12 (no postseason due to COVID) but then came last year's Final Four run and now this year's team is two wins away from back-to-back Final 4 appearances. In the end, I want Cronin over Davis (first-ever season as a head coach), especially with North Carolina coming off its upset of Baylor. The "Price is sure Right" on UCLA! Good luck...Larry |
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03-25-22 | Warriors v. Hawks -2.5 | Top | 110-121 | Win | 100 | 12 h 43 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on the Atl Hawks at 7:40 ET.
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03-24-22 | Texas Tech v. Duke | Top | 73-78 | Loss | -115 | 15 h 20 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on Texas Tech at 9:39 ET. When Chris Beard left Texas Tech to take the Texas job, his assistant (Mark Adams) elected to stay in Lubbock as the Red Raiders' head coach. It's safe to say that Texas Tech AND coach Adams are more than just a little pleased with how things have turned out. Texas Tech didn't miss a beat this season and at 25-9, earned a No. 3 seed in the West Region. The Red Raiders routed Montana State and rallied to beat Notre Dame (Tech ended the game on a 10-1 run!) to reach the Sweet 16. Waiting for the now 27-9 Red Raiders will be the region's No. 2 seed, Duke. The 30-6 Blue Devils are in the Sweet 16 for the 28th time as a program, after defeating Cal State Fullerton and Michigan State.
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03-24-22 | Cavs v. Raptors -3.5 | Top | 104-117 | Win | 100 | 13 h 13 m | Show |
My 38-Club Play is on the Tor Raptors at 7:40 ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time. However, the Cavs have been one of the league's biggest surprises and at 41-31, are trying to hang onto the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Toronto Raptors entered last season having made SEVEN straight postseasons (won NBA title in 2019) but finished the season just 27-45. Toronto was a .500 team (23-23) through Jan 29 but then ripped off EIGHT consecutive wins. A 3-7 stretch followed but Toronto had won SIX of seven prior to losing 113-99 at Chicago on Monday. The Raptors welcome the Cavs to Toronto just ONE game behind Cleveland and just two games behind Chicago (Bulls own the No. 5 seed but have lost NINE of their last 12). Cleveland lost All-Star center Jarrett Allen (16.1 & 10.8) to a broken finger in a March 6 meeting with Toronto. Head coach JB Bickerstaff feels that the Cavaliers have enough big men with Evan Mobley (15.2 & 8.3), Lauri Markkanen (14.4 & 5.6) and Kevin Love (13.6 & 7.3) to overcome Allen's loss but I'm NOT so sure. PG Garland (21.2 & 8.6 APG) has been terrific but LeVert (acquired from Indiana in a trade) missed almost an entire month before returning in March. He's averaging 17.6 PPG on the season but just 12.3 points in nine games with Cleveland. Toronto SF Anunoby (17.5 & 5.5) remains out with a fractured finger and Gary Trent (18.0) missed Toronto's game on Monday with a toe issue and is questionable here. Monday's starting lineup consisted of PF Siakam (22.0-8.3-5.1) and PG VanVleet (21.0-4.6-6.8) plus rookie Barnes (15.4 & 7.7), the 6-8 Achiuwa (8.8 & 6.9) and center Birch (4.7 & 4.5). Achiuwa had delivered SEVEN straight games in double digits (14.1), before scoring just six points in Monday's loss at Chicago. Then there is the 6-9 Boucher (9.2 & 6.1), who has contributed consistently all season. Getting to the bottom line, the Cavs MISS Allen more than their head coach is willing to admit and come into this contest having lost 10 of 16, including going 1-6 on the road in that stretch. The Cavs have beaten the Raptors in the first three meeting this season but winning a FOURTH straight is 'A Bridge Too Far!' Good luck...Larry |
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03-24-22 | Michigan v. Villanova -5 | Top | 55-63 | Win | 100 | 9 h 53 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Villanova at 7:29 ET. Michigan was the No. 6 team in the AP's preseason poll coming off a 23-5 year in which Michigan made it to the Elite. Villanova opened the year as the AP's 4th-ranked team, after going 18-7 with a loss in last year's Sweet 16. Tonight's South Regional opens with No. 11 Michigan (19-14) taking on No. 2 Villanova (28-7). Michigan beat No. 6 Wyoming 75-63 in the first round and then upset No. 3 Tennessee 76-68. Villanova beat Delaware (No. 15) 80-60 and then No. 7 Ohio State 71-61.
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03-23-22 | Washington State +3.5 v. BYU | Top | 77-58 | Win | 100 | 12 h 56 m | Show |
My 10* NIT Showdown (Cougars vs Cougars) is on Washington at 9:00 ET. One team of Cougars will be headed to NYC's Madison Square Garden for its version off a 'Final Four,' after tonight's NIT quarterfinal game (in Provo, Utah) between 21-14 Washington State and 24-10 BYU. Kyle Smith won the CIT championship and finished 25-10 in his final season at Columbia. That led to a three-year stint at San Francisco, where his teams went 63-40. He left for Washington St but his first two years were disappointing (16-16 and 14-13). However, the Cougars finished 11-9 in the Pac 12 this season and after back-to-wins in the NIT (more in a bit), are one win away from a trip to MSG. Mark Pope is also in just his third season at BYU but entered this season having delivered a 44-15 two-year record. BYU was 17-4 through Jan 22 but after a loss to San Francisco in the WCC tourney, finished on a 5-6 run its final 11 games. However, after two DOMINATING home wins in the NIT (more in a bit), this group of Cougars is ONE win away from visiting the Big Apple. Wash St has a nice guard rotation in Flowers (14.1), Roberts (11.3), Williams (9.7) and Bamba (7.9). Up front, it's the 6-10 Abogidi (8.1 & 5.7) and the 6-11 Gueye (7.6 & 5.2). BYU owns a very good guard duo in Barcello (16.9-3.8-3.3) and Lucas (10.6 & 4.8 APG) plus a frontcourt that features the 6-6 Traore (9.3 & 8.5), the 6-6 George (8.9 & 5.1) and the 6-8 Lohner (6.9 & 6.2). BYU is a terrific offensive team and in its two NIT wins (both at home), scored 93 and 90 points, while shooting 53.7% from the floor. In contrast, Wash St won at home vs Santa Clara (held the Broncos to 50 points!) and then won 75-63 at SMU, which entered the game a perfect 16-0 at home on the season. BYU gets a THIRD straight game at home (has to be considered an advantage) but doesn't the old axiom go, "Defense wins championships?" Wash St has allowed an average of just 56.5 PPG on 33.9% shooting in its first two NIT wins. I'm taking the points. Good luck...Larry |
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03-23-22 | Suns v. Wolves +2 | Top | 125-116 | Loss | -115 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Min T-wolves at 9:10 ET. The 58-14 Phoenix Suns have a chance to secure the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference when they visit the 42-31 Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night in Minneapolis. Phoenix can clinch the top spot in the conference if it beats Minnesota and the Memphis Grizzlies lose to the Brooklyn Nets. The Suns entered the All-Star break at 48-10 but had just lost Chris Paul for six-to-eight weeks. There was 'talk' that just maybe, the Suns couldn't hold on the West's best record. So much for that. The Suns are 10-4 since the break and will take a five-game winning streak into tonight's contest. However, a visit to Minnesota will be no picnic, as the T-wolves are 42-21 and looking to make just the team's SECOND playoff appearance since 2004. Minnesota is just ONE game behind Denver (No. 6) and will be striving to avoid the play-in round. SG Booker (25.9-5.1-4.9) and center Ayton (17.0 & 10.4) are the team leaders with Paul sidelined plus SF Bridges (14.1 & 4.3) has started all 72 games. The Suns depth matches that of any team in the league. Minnesota revolves around its "Big 3" of center Towns (24.9 & 9.8), swingman Edwards (21.1-4.7-3.7) and PG Russell (18.5 & 7.1 APG). Guard Beasley (12.2) joins that trio in double digits plus head coach Chris Finch owns a 'deep' bench, as well. Here's the rub. The Suns will clinch the West's best record tonight or sometime this week (no urgency here). However, the T-wolves really want that No. 6 seed. Consider this. The T-wolves lost 134-124 back on Jan 28 at the Suns, dropping them to 24-25. However, they have gone 18-6 since, including winning 10 of their last 12. I'm "all over" Minnesota in this one. Good luck...Larry |
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03-23-22 | Nets -2.5 v. Grizzlies | Top | 120-132 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 1 m | Show |
My 10* NBA Game of the Week is on the Brk Nets at 7:40 ET. The Nets traveled to Minnesota back on Jan 23 to face the Timberwolves with a 29-16 record. At the time, the Nets sat atop the East with a 29-16 record, with Chicago and Miami just a half-game back. Incredibly, the top-six East seeds are separated by just THREE games on that date! However, the Nets would lose their next 11 games, before ending the slide with a Feb 14 win over Sacramento. That said, the win over the Kings was part of a 3-6 run. Now, no matter who is available, Kevin Durant is doing everything he can to lift the Brooklyn Nets out of a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference (more in a bit). The Memphis Grizzlies opened the season 9-10 but now have the West's (and the league's) second-best record at 49-23. That said, the Grizzlies trail the Suns by NINE games (own a two-game lead over the now Curry-less Warriors). The Nets are 6-1 following a 3-17 skid from Jan 23-Mar 6, with the only loss in their last seven games being last Wednesday's two-point setback to the visiting Dallas Mavericks when the Nets blew a 14-point lead! Durant is averaging 30.8-6.6-7.3 on 55.1 percent shooting (41.5% on three) in nine games since his return from a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee (he had missed 21 games!). In Monday's 114-108 home win over the Jazz, Durant scored 15 of his 37 points in the third quarter. It marked the first time Durant scored at least 35 points in consecutive games this season and it was his fifth 30-point game since returning. Durant played with his FIFTH different starting lineup since returning March 3 and Brooklyn's 40th overall. More details would take 'forever,' but Durant should have Kyrie Irving (27.7-4.7-5.3) back, given it's a road game. Memphis announced late Tuesday that Ja Morant (27.6-5.7-6.7) would not play against the Nets due to right knee soreness. It will be the second consecutive game Morant has missed. However, Memphis is surprisingly 14-2 without him. The Grizzlies are on the verge of their first 50-win season since 2014-15 and Memphis has scored at least 100 points in 23 straight games. After ending a four-game road trip with a 122-98 rout of the Houston Rockets on Sunday, the Grizzlies have won 14 of 189 and remain the NBA's top ATS team at 46-26. Memphis is seeking its SIXTH straight win over the Nets since Jan 4, 2019, including its Grizzlies 118-104 win in Brooklyn back Jan 3 (Morant scored 36 points). Knowing all of the above, the Nets opened as the small favorite. At first blush that seems wrong, but KD is in "beast mode" and Kyrie joins him, while Morant stays of the court. The Nets need to make up THREE games on the Cavs to have a chance to stay out of the play in round and have just 10 games remaining. I'm backing the nets. Good luck...Larry |
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03-22-22 | Southern Utah +4.5 v. UTEP | Top | 82-69 | Win | 100 | 13 h 50 m | Show |
My 10* CBB Game of the Week is on Southern Utah 9:00 ET. The 22-11 Southern Utah Thunderbirds and the 20-13 UTEP Miners meet Tuesday in The Basketball Classic from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso. Todd Simon is in his sixth season (1st was 2016-17) with the Thunderbirds and he has now put together back-to-back 20-win seasons, after going 20-4 last year (the school we just 6-27 in that 2016-17 season). Jeff Golding led the Abilene Christain Wildcats into the Big Dance in both 2019 and 2021 (upset Texas in the first round) but decided to take the job at UTEP. The Miners were just 12-12 last year, so 20 wins (and counting) has made for a solid start for Golding's return to his alma mater.
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03-22-22 | Hawks -1.5 v. Knicks | Top | 117-111 | Win | 100 | 11 h 39 m | Show |
My 10* Oddsmaker's Error is on the Atl Hawks at 7:40 ET. The Atlanta Hawks and NY Knicks each went 41-31 last season (Knicks ended a seven0year playoff drought) and met in the first round of the playoffs. Atlanta won that series 4-1 and made it all the way to the Eastern Conference final, before falling to the eventual NBA champion Bucks. Expectations were high for both teams back in October but with the current season nearing its close (April 10th is the final day of the regular season), both have disappointed their respective fans. The Knicks have gotten the better of the Hawks in both encounters in Atlanta, as well as in a game on Christmas Day at MSG, but it sure looks as if only the Hawks will be playing past April 10th this season. Good luck...Larry |
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03-22-22 | St Bonaventure +3.5 v. Virginia | Top | 52-51 | Win | 100 | 10 h 38 m | Show |
My 9* NIT Showdown is on St Bonaventure at 7:00 ET. St. Bonaventure was ranked 23rd in the AP's preseason poll, coming off an NCAA appearance and a 16-5 record. Virginia snuck in as the AP's No. 25 in that poll, coming off an 18-7 season after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U. Both schools have underachieved during the regular season but will have a chance to salvage their 2021-22 campaigns, as the winner of tonight's game will head "off to MSG" for the NIT's version of its 'Final Four!' St Bonaventure is 22-9 and visits 21-13 Virginia in Charlottesville, Va.
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03-21-22 | Wolves v. Mavs -3.5 | Top | 108-110 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 8 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Dal Mavericks at 8:40 ET. The Minnesota Timberwolves were only 24-25 through Jan 28 but have gone 18-5 since, including 10-1 over their last 11 games, after a 138-119 home win over Milwaukee on Saturday. The surge has lifted Minnesota to 42-30 and into a tie with Denver for the West's No. 6 seed. The Mavericks have been battling Denver for months over the West's No. 5 and No. 6 seeds, and now have to worry about the Timberwolves as well. Dallas is back home off a five-game road trip in which the Mavs won the first three, before losing the final two. That said, the Mavs had won 14 of 17 prior to their recent back-to-back losses.
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03-21-22 | Ohio -1.5 v. Abilene Christian | Top | 86-91 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 57 m | Show |
My 10* CBI Game of the Year is on Ohio U at ET. The Abilene Christian Wildcats and the Ohio Bobcats meet Monday in second round CBI Tournament action from Ocean Center in Daytona, Fl. Ohio (25-9) won its first-round game 65-64 over Rice on Saturday, while Abilene Christian (24-10) won its first-round game 82-70 over Troy. The Bobcats are coached by Jeff Boals (in his third season at Ohio), while Abilene Christian's Brette Tanner is in his first season. Jeff Golding led the Wildcats into the Big Dance in both 2019 and 2021 (upset Texas in the first round) and decided to take the job at UTEP. Tanner, the school's associate head coach (started at the program in 2013), replaced him. The Bobcats played in last year's Big Dance as well and also delivered an upset of its own, beating 4th-seeded Virginia 62-58. Ohio guard Preston (15.7-7.3-7.3) left for the NBA (1st Ohio player picked in the draft since Brandon Hunter in 2003) but PG Sears (19.1-6.0-4.1) has stepped up big time. He's joined by fellow guards Brown and Schmock, who combine to chip in 13.4 PPG. The Ohio U frontcourt features the 6-8 Carter (14.1 & 6.9), the 6-8 Vander Plas (14.1 & 6.6) and SF Roderick (6.8 & 3.1). Sears came to the rescue against Rice, making the game-winning layup with just FOUR seconds left. He led the way with 26 points, while Carter added 26 & 12 and Vander Plas 13 & 6. The Wildcats feature a trio of double-digit scorers in SF Simmons (11.8 & 5.5) plus guards Mason (11.8) and Moore (10.9). FIVE more players average between 5.8 and 8.8 PPG, led by the 6-8 Steele (8.8 & 3.9). Mason had a team-high 19 points in the win over Troy, while Steele came up big off the bench with 18 & 7. Ohio 'limped' into the CBI on a 1-4 slide but Saturday's last-second win should be a momentum builder. Matchup wise, the Bobcats own a strong edge in the frontcourt with the 6-8 Carter and the 6-8 Vander Plas plus Sears will be the best guard on the floor in tonight's game. Ohio also owns a slight scheduling edge, having played Saturday, while Abilene Christian played Sunday. Bobcats roll! Good luck...Larry |
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03-21-22 | Heat v. 76ers OVER 215 | Top | 106-113 | Win | 100 | 10 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* O/U Game of the Week is on Mia/Phil Over at 7:40 ET. The top of the Eastern Conference has been tightly contested all season and Monday night the 47-24 Miami Heat will be searching for their third consecutive victory when they visit the 43-27 Philadelphia 76ers. Miami is three games up on Milwaukee, plus 3 1/2-games ahead of the 76ers and Celtics. The Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 120-108 on Friday, giving them THREE straight wins. More notably, the Heat have won 15 of 19 to take over as the East's current No. 1 seed. The 76ers lost 93-88 at home last night to the Raptors (after giving up an early 16-point advantage) and could really use a "W' in this one.
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03-20-22 | Texas +3.5 v. Purdue | Top | 71-81 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 39 m | Show |
My 10* NCAA 2nd Round Game of the Year is on Texas at 8:40 ET. Both Texas and Purdue were upset last year in the first round. The Longhorns, as a No. 3 seed, lost 53-52 to 14th-seeded Abilene Christian. As for the Boilermakers (a No. 4 seed), they lost to 13 seeded North Texas. Texas (22-11) topped Virginia Tech 81-73 for its first NCAA Tournament win since 2014 on Friday, while Purdue (28-7) defeated Yale 78-56. With those first-round hurdles safely in the rearview mirror, No. 3 Purdue and No. 6 Texas will meet Sunday in a second-round game in the East Region at Milwaukee. Chris Beard left Lubbock (Texas Tech) and its beloved fan base last April to take over the Texas program for the current season, replacing Shaka Smart. Texas was ranked No. 5 in the preseason but it was far from smooth sailing in the brutal Big 12. The Longhorns opened 12-2 but entered the Big Dance having lost five of their past eight games, including THREE in a row. Texas was hoping for HUGE seasons from transfers Allen (6-6 forward who averaged 17.2 & 6.4 at Utah) and Carr (Minnesota PG averaged 19-4.4.0-4.9). However, both players failed to live up to expectations. Allen has averaged 12.4 & 6.5 and Carr 11.0 & 3.3 APG. Guards Jones (11.1) and Ramey (9.5 & 3.5) are solid contributors, but the 6-9 Mitchell (8.7 & 4.0) has been out since Feb 15, leaving the 6-7 Bishop (6.9 & 5.5) to be Allen's best 'helper' up front. The Longhorns had all FIVE starters score in double digits in the win over Va Tech, led by Andrew Jones' 21 points (Carr had 15 and Allen 14 & 6). Matt Painter is in his 17th season at Purdue and it's been one of his best. 7-4 sophomore Edey (14.6 & 7.8) teams with 6-10 senior Williams (11.6 & 7.4), the 6-6 Gillis (6.4 & 4.7) and 6-10 freshman Furst (4.1 & 3.3 ) up front. The perimeter is led by Ivey (17.6 & 4.9) and Stefanovic (10.5), while Hunter (6.3) and Newman (4.8) add depth. Ivey had 22 points and Zach Edey added 16 & 9, as Purdue built a 13-point halftime lead over Yale. The Boilermakers then took control with a 15-0 run in the second half, pushing the lead to 63-39. Texas was No. 5 in the preseason poll and Purdue was No. 7. The Boilermakers have had the better season but Chris Beard was brought to Texas to end the Longhorns' poor recent past in the Big Dance. I noted Friday's win was Texas' first since 2014 but will add that Texas also lost in the first round in 2015, 2016 and 2018. Texas just may be ready to 'make some noise' here in 2022. Va Tech was 'Step 1,' and now Purdue is 'Step 2!' Good luck...Larry |
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03-20-22 | Raptors +6 v. 76ers | Top | 93-88 | Win | 100 | 15 h 44 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the Tor Raptors at 8:40 ET. The Toronto Raptors returned home Friday after winning all five games on their road trip. That surge had moved them to 39-30 and into a tie with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the East's No. 6 seed. However, the Raptors lost 128-123 in overtime Friday night to the dysfunctional Los Angeles Lakers, after LA tied the game in the final second of regulation on Russell Westbrook's three-point shot (one of the few he's made this season). More bad news came Toronto's way in that Cleveland beat Denver in OT on Friday and last night, beat Detroit. The Cavs are now 41-30. moving 1 1/2-games ahead of the Raptors. Toronto is back on the road tonight at Philadelphia, which beat Dallas 111-101 on Friday. Philadelphia is 43-26 and in a virtual tie with 44-27 Milwaukee, with both teams trailing the East's No. 1 seed (Miami) by three games. Note, the red-hot Celtics have closed to within a game of both the 76ers and the Bucks.
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03-20-22 | Celtics v. Nuggets +4 | Top | 124-104 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 16 m | Show |
My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on the Den Nuggets at 8:10 ET. Denver lost in OT at Cleveland on Friday night, ending a seven-game road winning streak. The Nuggets now return home to open a four-game homestand, starting with the Boston Celtics on Sunday night. Both teams are battling for playoff seeding, with the regular season coming to a close on April 10th. Denver is 42-29 (No. 6), just one game behind the Mavs in the West but also just a half-game ahead of the surging T-wolves, who have gone 18-5 since Jan 30. Speaking of surging teams, Boston (43-28 and currently the East's No. 4 seed) has been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since the end of January, going 18-3 to move within a game of Philadelphia (43-26) and Milwaukee (44-27). |
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03-20-22 | Miami-FL v. Auburn -7 | Top | 79-61 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 43 m | Show |
My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Auburn at 7:45 ET. No. 10 seed Miami (24-10) has won EIGHT of its last 11 after edging seventh-seeded USC 68-66 in Friday's first round, 68-66. Meanwhile, second-seeded Auburn (28-5) eased past Jacksonville St (No. 15 seed) 80-61. The teams meet Sunday night in the NCAA Tournament's second round at Greenville, SC with a Sweet 16 berth in the Midwest Region on the line. |
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03-19-22 | New Mexico State v. Arkansas -6.5 | Top | 48-53 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 8 m | Show |
My 10* Tourney Takedown is on Arkansas at 8:40 ET. It's 12th-seeded New Mexico State (27-6) going up against 4th-seeded Arkansas from Buffalo, NY in a Saturday night Western Regional game. The WAC champion Aggies upset fifth-seeded UConn 70-63 on Thursday, while the 26-8 Razorbacks had their hands full with 13th-seeded Vermont, eking out a 75-71 victory. New Mexico St has pretty much dominated the WAC since joining in the 2005-06 season, winning 10 WAC conference tourneys (2020 tourney was canceled in a year in which the Aggies were 25-6 / 16-0 in the WAC). Eric Musselman is in his third season at Fayetteville, after four OUTSTANDING seasons at Nevada. He won the CBI title in his first season, then went to three straight NCAA tourneys (4-year record of 110-34!) with the Wolf Pack. He was 20-12 in his first season at Arkansas, then went 25-7 last season (Elite 8 appearance). "When we saw our name on Sunday in the tournament, we came here to win," Musselman said after Thursday's win. "We expected it to be a hard-fought game. We'll go into that same mentality Saturday. Fear nobody. Respect everybody." The Aggies have an excellent guard duo in Allen (top scorer and top rebounder at 19.9 & 6.8) plus Rice (12.1 & 5.2). That duo gets little help, as Henry (5.3) is the only other guard averaging more than five points. The frontcourt does have depth (but no major producers) in the 6-7 MCants (8.4-5.2), the 6-10 McNair (6.6 & 4.8), the 6-7 Tillman (6.4 & 3.4), and the 6-11 Alok (4.8). Allen erupted for 37 points for New Mexico State against UConn but the four other starters combined for only 26 points, while three reserves chipped in just seven. Arkansas is led by a trio of guards in double digits. The group includes Notae (18.4-4.5-3.3), Umude (12.1 & 4.7) and Toney (10.8 & 5.3). The 6-10 Williams adds 10.6 & 9.6 and is really the lone frontcourt player of note. Guards Davis (8.5) and Lykes (8.0) round out what has basically been a six-man rotation. Umude (21-9-9) led the way vs Vermont, while Notae added 17 points, Williams 13 & 10 plus Davis scored 14 points off the bench. Current New Mexico St head coach Chris Jans said this after the Aggies beat the Huskies, "I know our fan base has not been hungry for it. They've been starving for it." He's referring to the fact that the victory was New Mexico State's first NCAA Tournament win since topping Nebraska in the first round in 1993. The Aggies had lost 12 straight NCAA tourney games before the upset of the Huskies! Talk about a coming 'let down!' Arkansas opened 9-0, then lost FIVE of six, but enters this contest having won 16 of its last 19, while going 14-4-1 ATS. Lay the points! Good luck...Larry |
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03-19-22 | Richmond v. Providence -2.5 | Top | 51-79 | Win | 100 | 12 h 40 m | Show |
My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on Providence at 6:10 ET. Providence won the Big East regular season title but lost in the conference tourney, so the fourth-seeded Friars felt they had something to prove in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against No. 13 South Dakota State on Thursday. The Jackrabbits came in on a 21-game winning streak and were a popular pick to spring the tournament's first upset. However, Providence came away with a 66-57 win. South Dakota State came into the game shooting nearly 45% from long range, best in Division I in 28 years. However, the Jackrabbits were just 7 for 23 on threes. The 26-5 Friars now take on 12th-seeded Richmond (24-12) on Saturday evening in the second round of the Midwest Regional at Buffalo. Richmond earned its way into the NCAA Tournament by winning the Atlantic-10 tournament and an automatic bid. The Spiders upset No. 5 Iowa (Hawkeyes had just won the Big Ten tourney) 67-63, giving the school its first NCAA victory since the 2010-11 team beat Vanderbilt and Morehead State to reach the Sweet 16. No. 12 Richmond's victory over Iowa was the Spiders' NINTH win as a 12-seed or lower, five more than any other team since seeding began in 1979 (more in a bit). SIX players have participated in all 36 of Richmond's games this season and three of the team's top-four scorers are frontcourt players. The 6-7 Burton (16.4 & 7.8) leads the way, followed by the 6-10 Golden (13.8 & 6.1) and the 6-7 Cayo (8.9 & 4.7). PG Gilyard (13.6-3.5-5.4) runs the show and had a line of 24-6-6 in the upset of Iowa. Burton added 19 & 11 and Cayo 15 points. The Friars are led by the 6-10 Watson (13.6 & 5.4), with guards Durham (13.3) and Bynum (12.7 & 4.1 APG) joining him in double digits. Depth is provided by the 6-8 Horchler (9.7 & 8.3) and the 6-7 Minaya (6.5 & 5.6) up front plus Reeves (9.6) in the backcourt. Ed Cooley arrived in Providence for the 2011-12 season and led the Friars to FIVE straight NCAA tournaments from 2014-2018. However, Providence was coming off a mediocre 13-13 season last year, before this year's bounce-back season! A victory over Richmond would give the Friars a spot in the Midwest Regional semifinals March 25 in Chicago. Providence hasn't advanced past the first weekend of the NCAAs since reaching the Elite Eight under coach Pete Gillen back in 1997. Getting back to Richmond and its successes as a 12-seed or lower. Note that the Spiders' current head coach is Chris Mooney, who is his 17th season. However, this is just Richmond's SECOND appearance in the Big Dance under the Princeton grad, so Thursday's win is the ONLY victory (among those many upsets) that has come under his guidance. One more thing to consider. Richemond finished in 6th-place in the A-10 regular season, before winning the conference tourney. Providence wins "going away!" Good luck...Larry |
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03-19-22 | Bucks -3 v. Wolves | Top | 119-138 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 13 m | Show |
My 10* Las Vegas Insider is on the Mil Bucks at 5:10 ET. The Milwaukee Bucks cap off a four-game road trip with a visit to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Milwaukee has won SEVEN of eight games to open March, averaging 124.6 points during that span. The lone time the Bucks were held under 110 was in their sole loss at Golden State on March 12. The defending champs are currently the East's No. 2 seed at 44-26, 2 1/2-games behind Miami. However, they are just a half-game better than the 76ers and 1 1/2-games ahead of the Celtics. As for the T-wolves, they were only 24-25 through Jan 28 but have gone 17-5 since, including 9-1 over their last 10 games. Minnesota (current No. 7 seed in the West) is 41-30 and SIX games better than the No. 8 seed, but the T-wolves want that No. 6 seed, currently held by 42-29 Denver. The T-wolves are looking to earn a playoff berth for just the SECOND time since 2004 and would surely LOVE to avoid the 'play in' round. The T-wolves are just ONE game behind the Nuggets. Milwaukee center Brook Lopez finally made his long-awaited return on Monday, after recovering from back surgery. He is currently on a minutes restriction, playing 15 minutes in his first two games back. The Bucks will still be without Pat Connaughton (10.1) due to a hand injury, but what a starting-five they have. Giannis Antetokounmpo (29.8-11.5-5.8) led all scorers in Wednesday's 135-126 at Sacramento with 36 points. Khris Middleton (20.5-5.3-5.4) trailed close behind with 32 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while PG Jrue Holiday (18.5-4.6-6.7) chipped in 21 points. Bobby Portis (15.3 & 9.1) has been a 'savior' with Lopez missing all that time, plus Allen (11.1) rounds out Milwaukee's starting lineup. As noted above, the Timberwolves come in on a roll (9-1 run), after earning a 124-104 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with a game-high 30 points and eight rebounds plus Anthony Edwards supplied 27 points and Patrick Beverley had 18. Towns has been dominant over his last nine games, averaging 29.0 points and 11.6 rebounds. He has also recorded six double-doubles during that span and scored a career-best 60 points against San Antonio earlier this week. Minnesota revolves around its "Big 3" of center Towns (24.9 & 9.9), swingman Edwards (21.0-4.7-3.7) and PG Russell (18.6 & 7.1 APG). Guard Beasley (12.3) joins that trio in double digits, while SIX more players average between 6.8 and 9.5 PPG Both teams come in on a roll but I'm playing the defending champs, who seem determined to head into the playoffs as the East's No. 1 seed. Bottom line? Milwaukee's the better team. Good luck...Larry |
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03-19-22 | VCU +5.5 v. Wake Forest | Top | 74-80 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 56 m | Show |
My 10* NIT 2nd Round Game of the Year is on VCU at 4:00 ET. Second-seeded Wake Forest (24-9) hopes to continue one of the winningest seasons in school history when it hosts third-seeded VCU (22-9) in the second round of the NIT on Saturday in Winston-Salem, NC. Wake Forest is coming off a 74-64 victory over visiting Towson on Wednesday, marking the Demon Deacons' first postseason win since 2010. The victory was Wake Forest's 24th of the season, its most since posting the same number of wins during the 2008-2009 season and just the SEVENTH time in school history it has won at least two dozen games in a season (Wake Forest won 27 games during the 2004-05 season). However, Wake will be tested by VCU, which is coming off 90-79 win over visiting Princeton on Tuesday. The Rams shot a season-high 58.1 percent (36 of 62) from the floor and scored 51 points in the second half, the most they've scored in any half this season. Steve Forbes was hired as head coach at Wake Forest for the 2020-21 season, replacing Danny Manning (good riddance!). His team suffered through a 6-16 'disaster' last year, but Forbes was named the ACC Coach of the Year for 2021-22. The Demon Deacons feature three double digit scores in guard Williams (18.8-6.8-5.2), the 6-8 LaRavia (14.9 & 6.6) and guard Williamson (12.1) but it was guard Walton (9.0 & 4.9) who led the away vs Towson by scoring 17 points. Fellow guard Monsanto (7.5 & 3.5) chipped in 14 points and the 6-8 Mucius (9.6 & 3.2) added 12 points. I guess Forbes has to be happy that his team won by 10, in a game his three double digit scores combined for only 22 points. One HAS to be impressed by the job Forbes has done, but VCU's Mike Rhoades led the Rams to two NCAA tourneys in his first four seasons, prior to this year's 22-9 team. In stark contrast to Wake, VCU's three double digits scorers led the way for the Rams in their 90-79 win over Princeton. The 6-6 Williams (13.6 & 5.9) had a line of 17-11-6, while PG Baldwin (11.7 & 5.6 APG) and fellow guard Curry (11.1), each scored 23 points! VCU has a deep squad, as SIX more players chip in between 4.0 and 8.3 PPG. Wake is an excellent offensive team (79.5 PPG ranks 18th) and I'm sure the team's top scorers will bounce back but in VCU, Wake faces a team that can shut down an opponent with its defense. VCU allows 60.8 PPG (16th) on 38.8% shooting (12th), including just 26.8% on threes (2nd). With numbers like that, it's NOT any surprise that the Rams ere 8-2 ATS as an underdog this season. Take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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03-18-22 | TCU v. Seton Hall -1 | Top | 69-42 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 5 m | Show |
My 9*Late Breaker is on Seton Hall at 9:57 ET.
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03-18-22 | Iowa State v. LSU -4 | Top | 59-54 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 6 m | Show |
My 9* Tourney Takedown is on LSU at 7:20 ET. T.J. Otzelberger came from UNLV to take over an Iowa St team that went 2-22 last season (0-18 in the Big 12). The Cyclones opened 12-0 and were ranked No. 8 thru Dec 21 but did not play again until Jan 1, at then-No. 1 Baylor. The Cyclones played the Bears close, losing 77-72 but that loss set in motion Iowa St going just 8-12 the rest of the season to enter the tourney at 20-12. Iowa St is the No. 11 seed in the Midwest Region and will take on 22-11 LSU (No. 6 seed) in Milwaukee at Fiserv Arena. LSU fired head coach Will Wade amid more NCAA violations, and the Tigers will be led by assistant coach Kevin Nickelberry (named interim head coach). A trio of guards lead the way for Iowa St, starting with standout Izaiah Brockington, who leads the team in scoring (17.2) and rebounding (7.1). He's joined on the perimeter by PG Hunter (10.8 & 4.9 APG) and Kalscheur (19.3). The team's frontcourt rotation is led by the 6-8 Kunc (6.2 & 3.9) and the 6-9 Conditt (5.0 & 3.5). Guards Grill (6.5) is the first player off the bench. LSU lost guard Thomas (22.8), forward Watford (17.0 & 7.4) and guard Smart (16.8-5.2-4.2) to the NBA and others to the transfer portal, leaving just FOUR returning players. Like Iowa St, LSU opened 12-0, but couldn't keep up that pace. The 6-7 Days decided to return and he's averaging 13.7 & 7.7 and is part of a strong frontcourt that includes the 6-8 Eason (16.9 & 6.7), a Cincy transfer, and 7-0 freshman Reid (6.3 & 4.3). The backcourt is led by Missouri transfer Pinson (10.1 & 4.1 APG), Murray (10.1) and Gaines (9.3). I'm not concerned at all with the LSU coaching situation and will point to the fact that the Tigers are allowing opponents to make just 38.4% on FG attempts (9th), including 27.7% on threes (5th). Iowa State enters this tournament with three straight losses and having lost its last five games by an average of 10.2 points, while shooting 41.2 percent from the floor. LSU's aggressive defense is hardly what the Cyclones need to see. Add to that, the fact that the Tigers win in the role of a favorite role by an average of 13.8 PPG. Lay it! Good luck...Larry |
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03-18-22 | Nuggets -2.5 v. Cavs | Top | 116-119 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 29 m | Show |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on the Den Nuggets at 7:40 ET. The 42-28 Denver Nuggets (No. 6 seed in the West) are 1 1/2-games behind Utah and Dallas but also have to be worried about the red-hot Timberwolves, who have climbed to within 1 1/2-games of the Nuggets (Minnesota is looking to earn that N0. 6 seed and avoid the 'play-in' round). The Cleveland Cavaliers entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time. However, the Cavs have been one of the league's biggest surprises and at 39-30, are trying to hang onto the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race (Toronto has won FIVE straight to tie them at 39-30). That sets up tonight's game in Cleveland but note that the Nuggets will SURELY remember the Cavs winning 99-87 in Denver, even if it was way back in October. Denver has had the reputation of being an excellent home team but just a mediocre road team over the years. However, the Nuggets visit Cleveland tonight having just recorded a franchise record with their SEVENTH consecutive road victory on Wednesday (a 127-109 decision over the Washington Wizards). Can you say EIGHT in a row? I sure cam! |
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03-18-22 | Lakers v. Raptors OVER 224.5 | Top | 128-123 | Win | 100 | 9 h 15 m | Show |
My 10* O/U Game of the Week is on LAL/Tor Over at 7:40 ET. The Toronto Raptors return home after winning all five games on their current road trip. The Raptors' recent surge has moved them to 39-30 and into a tie with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the East's No. 6 seed. Toronto will try to extend its winning streak in a quick rematch with the Los Angeles Lakers from last Friday night. Toronto won 114-103 in a wire-to-wire victory over the stumbling Lakers. LA is 29-40 (No. 9 seed in the West), just ONE game better than the Pelicans (No. 10 seed) and only 1 1/2-games clear of missing out on the 'play-in' round completely.
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03-18-22 | Mavs v. 76ers -2.5 | Top | 101-111 | Win | 100 | 11 h 1 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Phi 76ers at 7:10 ET. The Dallas Mavericks have won 27 of 35 games since Dec 31 and the team that won 42 games last season (72-game schedule), is 43-26. That has Dallas tied with Utah for the West's No. 4 seed (last team to get home court in the first round). As for Philadelphia, the 76ers became a championship contender when they acquired James Harden but they're far from a finished product. The East has been a mad scramble at the top all season and that's still the case. Philadelphia is currently the No. 3 seed, three games behind the top-seeded Heat, one game behind the 2nd-seeded Bucks and just one game ahead of the Celtics plus 1 1/2-games up on the Bulls.
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03-18-22 | Virginia Tech v. Texas +1 | Top | 73-81 | Win | 100 | 11 h 56 m | Show |
My 10* 1st Round Game of the Year is on Texas at 4:30 ET. The Hokies engineered a remarkable turnaround to their season after a dismal start that saw them open 10-10 through late-January. Virginia Tech lost SEVEN of its first nine conference games but then responded by winning NINE of 11 ACC games to finish 19-12, including 11-9 in the ACC. Virginia Tech head coach Mike Young knew his team's postseason fate was uncertain entering the ACC tourney (down year for the league), so the Hokies took the 'guesswork' out of the equation by beating Clemson, Notre Dame, UNC and Duke to claim the ACC's automatic bid. This will be the FIFTH straight season the Hokies have played in the NCAA Tournament, extending Virginia Tech's longest streak of tournament berths, which previously was two (1979-80 and 1985-86). Even with the late stretch of success, the Hokies got an 11-seed, which surprised Virginia Tech coach Mike Young. The Hokies will meet AP No. 25 Texas (21-11) which got a six-seed. Chris Beard left Lubbock (Texas Tech) and its beloved fan base last April to take over the Texas program, replacing Shaka Smart. Texas was ranked No. 5 in the preseason but it's been far from smooth sailing in the brutal Big 12. The Longhorns opened 12-2 but have lost five of their past eight games, including THREE in a row. The most recent of those losses was a 65-60 defeat against TCU in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament in a contest it led by 20 points late in the first half before spitting the bit. In fairness, the other two losses in Texas's season-ending three game slide came against Baylor and Kansas, which both ended up as No. 1 seeds. Va Tech has EIGHT players who have participated in all 35 games this season. The 6-9 Aluma (15.8 & 6.5), the 6-7 Mutts (10.1 & 7.4) and guard Cattor (10.0 & 4.1). The other top producing guards are Alleyne (9.8) and Murphy (8.1). Maddox (6.40 is the first player off the bench. Texas was hoping for HUGE seasons from transfers Allen (6-6 forward who averaged 17.2 & 6.4 at Utah) and Carr (Minnesota PG averaged 19-4.4.0-4.9). The duo were the team's top-two scorers but their numbers dropped. Allen has averaged 12.3 & 6.5 and Carr 10.9 & 3.2 APG. Guards Jones (10.7) and Ramey (9.5 & 4.0) are solid contributors but the 6-9 Mitchell (8.7 & 4.0) has been out since Feb 15, leaving the 6-7 Bishop (6.8 & 5.6) to be Allen's best 'helper' up front. Virginia Tech is on its hottest stretch of the season, while Texas will look to regain the swagger it had by opening 12-2. The Longhorns have not won a game in the NCAA Tournament since 2014 and was one of the main reasons Texas wanted Beard, and he wanted Texas. "I think the Big 12 has prepared us, battled-tested us," Texas coach Chris Beard said. Texas plays GREAT defense (59.5 PPG ranks 9th) and it's that 'D" will carry the Longhorns into the second round over the surprising ACC tourney champs. Good luck...Larry |
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03-18-22 | Miami-FL v. USC -1.5 | Top | 68-66 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 29 m | Show |
My 9* Oddsmaker's Error is on USC at 3:10 ET. Miami head coach Jim Larranaga entered this season having led the Hurricanes to seven, 20-win seasons in his 11 years, to all three of the school's 25-win seasons and to two of the school's three Sweet 16 appearances. By the way, I could also throw in him leading unheralded George Mason to a Final 4 appearance back in 2006. The 'Canes came into the season off an 'ugly 10-17 season (4-15 in the ACC) but this year's team is 23-10 and the No. 10 seed in Midwest Region. Its first-round game in Greenville, SC comes against seventh-seeded Southern Cal (26-7), whose head coach is Andy Enfield (who will ever forget Florida Gulf Coast's "Dunk City" Sweet 16 team in 2013!). Miami (23-10) contended for the Atlantic Coast Conference title this season but lost in the ACC semifinals to top-seeded Duke. Miami is led by the guard trio of McGusty (17.6 & 4.8), Wong (15.2 & 4.3) and Moore (12.6 & 4.5 APG). Miller is a fourth guard and adds 10.2 & 6.1. Miami's lone big man of note is the 6-10 Waardenburg (8.6 & 4.2). USC lost Evan Mobley to the NBA draft (3rd overall pick) but opened the current season 13-0 and in the Jan 10 AP poll, was ranked No. 5. It was the school's highest ranking since also being No. 5 way back in December of 1974! Mobley's 6-10 older brother Isaiah leads in scoring (14.3) and rebounding (8.5) and is joined by the 6-9 Goodwin (11.0 & 6.5) and the 6-9 Agbonkpolo (7.8 & 3.4) in the frontcourt. Ellis (12.8), and Peterson (12.3 & 6,2) make for an excellent backcourt duo. USC also lost in its conference semifinals (Pac 12) to crosstown rival UCLA. It has been a process for Miami and USC to reach this phase of the season feeling so good about themselves. "We've run into some walls," Hurricanes guard Kameron McGusty said. "We've faced adversity and we've seen what we're made of. We're so locked in and we've grown so much as a group and we look to continue to grow and take it to the tournament." About USC, Trojans coach Andy Enfield said. "We won a lot of close games this year. I really credit our players for learning how to win on the road, especially tight games. We hope that carries over to the NCAA Tournament. USC set a school record with 25 regular season wins and despite losses in three of its past four games, is ONE win away from setting a program record. You've heard all season that the ACC has had a down year and for most of the season, Duke has been its lone ranked school. Meanwhile, the Pac 12 entered the Big Dance with No. 2 Arizona, No. 11 UCLA and No. 22 USC in the AP's top-25. "The Price is Right" for USC to earn that ONE more win right here! Good luck...Larry |
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03-17-22 | San Francisco v. Murray State -1.5 | Top | 87-92 | Win | 100 | 10 h 39 m | Show |
My 9* Late-Breaker is on Murray at 9:40 ET. The Murray State Racers entered the AP poll back on Jan 24 (at No. 23), for the first time since a one-week stay in March of 2015. At the time, Murray St had won 13 in a row since a Dec 22 loss at Auburn. By the way, Auburn won the SEC regular-season title and spent a fair chunk of conference play as the No. 1 team in the country. The 30-2 Racers kept on winning and will carry a 20-game winning streak into their Thursday night East Region matchup against the San Francisco Dons in Indianapolis as a No. 7 seed. The 24-9 San Francisco Dons earned a much-deserved at-large bid from the WCC, even though they finished fourth behind Gonzaga, Saint Mary's and Santa Clara. This is the Dons' first NCAA tourney appearance since 1998, and they are aiming for their first tournament victory since 1979, when Bill Cartwright was their star player. San Francisco's Todd Golden worked as an assistant under Kyle Smith and when Smith left for Washington St, took over as head coach. The Dons went 22-12 in his first season (2019-20) but last season's team was hurt by a 17-day stint away from the court due to COVID and finished just 11-14. SIX San Francisco players have participated in all 31 games this season for the Dons, while the 6-9 Massalski played in 32. Guard Bouyea (16.7-5.1-4.0) is the top scorer, followed by guard Shabazz (14.0). Shabazz is averaging 19.9 points, with five games of 21 points or more in his last eight. Center Massalski (13.5 & 9.4) sat out the loss to Gonzaga with a knee injury sustained in a March 5 win over BYU but is ready to go here. The 6-10 Williams leads Murray St in scoring (18.2) and rebounding (8.6), while SG Brown (16.9 & 5.5) and PG Hill (13.6 & 2.0 APG) join him in double digits. Guard Hannibal (8.9 & 5.0), the 6-7 Burns (4.9 & 6.5) and guard Collins (4.4) join the three double digit scorers in playing all 32 games so far this season for the Racers. San Francisco averages 77.3 PPG and Murray St 79.3 but note that the Racers are allowing only 61.7 PPG (210 on 40.7% shooting (43rd). That means Murray St is outscoring opponents by just under 18 PPG on the season. I guess when you win 30 games (including the last 20 in a row) but play in the OVC, a No. 7 is as good as it gets. Murray State head coach Matt McMahon knows full well that a win here will make for a meeting with Kentucky on Saturday, which would be the ultimate "cause game" for the Racers against the big state school. No lookahead, as the Racers win "with room to spare!" Good luck...Larry |
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03-17-22 | Creighton v. San Diego State -2 | Top | 72-69 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 51 m | Show |
My 10* 'signature' 38-Club Play is on SD State at 7:27 ET. It's an 8-seed vs a 9-seed in the first round of the NCAA Tournament's Midwest Regional on Thursday in Fort Worth, Tx. No. 8 SD State is 23-8 and 22-11 Creighton is the No. 9 seed. The Aztecs are coming off a 53-52 loss on Saturday to Boise State in the Mountain West tournament final, while the Bluejays fell 54-48 the same day to Villanova in the Big East championship game. The Aztecs are experienced, with nine players who appeared in last year's first-round NCAA loss to Syracuse. In contrast, the Bluejays lost all five starters from last season's 22-9 Sweet 16 team.
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03-17-22 | Marquette +4 v. North Carolina | Top | 63-95 | Loss | -115 | 8 h 38 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Marquette at 4:30 ET. The eighth-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels (24-9) and ninth-seeded Marquette Golden Eagles (19-12) will meet in an East Region first-round contest Thursday at Fort Worth, Tx. Both have first-year head coaches, Hubert Davis took over at North Carolina for the retiring Roy Williams and Shaka Smart at Marquette. After six disappointing years at Texas (not a single NCAA win), Smart left (before he was booted) to replace Steve Wojciechowski. North Carolina is trying to parlay some late-season success into a postseason run (Carolina has won eight of its last 10), while Marquette has lost five of its last eight. Marquette's season was highlighted by three victories against top-25 teams in consecutive games from Jan 15 through Jan 23. Marquette has a deep eight-man rotation, led by 6-7 freshman Lewis (17.1 & 7.9) and Maryland transfer, Morsell (13.5). Joining that duo in the starting lineup are freshman guard Kolek (6.8 & 5.7 APG) plus frontcourt players like the 6-8 Prosper (6.3 & 3.3) and the 6-10 Kuath (5.6 & 3.9), Guards Jones (7.5) and Elliott (7.3), plus 6-9 freshman Ighodaro (5.5 & 3.4) add depth. North Carolina has an excellent frontcourt led by the returning 6-10 Bacot (16.5 & 12.5), 6-9 Oklahoma transfer Manek (14.4 & 5.7) and 6-11 Marquette transfer Garcia (9.0 & 5.5). Sophomore guard Love (15.4-3.4-3.8) teams with freshman Davis (13.3-3.8-3.4) in the backcourt, with Black (5.0 & 4.2) and Walton (3.6) adding support. The Marquette and North Carolina met in a hastily scheduled non-conference game in January 2021, with Marquette winning 83-70 in Chapel Hill plus the matchup has some other connections. North Carolina's Brady Manek and Marquette's Kur Kuath are former Oklahoma teammates plus Dawson Garcia transferred from Marquette to North Carolina for this season. However, Garcia took a leave from the team because of a family medical situation back in January and hasn't returned. Despite North Carolina's legendary history, it largely will be a first-time situation for most of the Tar Heels. "Now, everyone other than Leaky (Black), who was a freshman when we played in the Sweet 16 (in 2019), will get to experience a real NCAA Tournament," Davis said. "I'm just really excited about that opportunity for them." Davis gets a tough coaching matchup with Smart, who famously led VCU to the 2011 Final Four. Smart is back in the state of Texas and a "W" here would mean a lot. "We're motivated to play our best basketball," Smart said. "We play one of, if not the, best program in the history of college basketball." I'm taking any points I can get. Good luck...Larry |
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03-17-22 | Memphis v. Boise State +3 | Top | 64-53 | Loss | -108 | 7 h 18 m | Show |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Boise St at 1:45 ET. Penny Hardaway's Memphis Tigers won the NIT last season and began the year ranked 12th in the AP's preseason poll but started 9-8! However, Memphis finished the season strong with a 12-1 run that didn't end until the Tigers lost 71-53 to Houston in Sunday's American Athletic Conference title game. 21-10 Memphis (No. 9 seed) got an at-large selection for the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014. As for Boise St, head coach Leon Rice is in his 12th season, having produced EIGHT 20-win seasons in his first 11, including two NCAA teams (the most recent coming back in 2015). Last year's team went 19-9, before losing in the NIT quarterfinals, just missing a ninth, 20-win campaign. However, Rice easily earned his ninth, 20-win campaign in 2021-22! Boise State is enjoying the best season in program history, as the Broncos have set a school record for victories (27-7) and have won 24 of their past 27 games. They were the Mountain West regular season and conference tournament champions.
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03-17-22 | Michigan v. Colorado State +1.5 | Top | 75-63 | Loss | -110 | 6 h 22 m | Show |
My 9* 'Big Dance' Tip-Off is on Colorado St at 12:15 ET. The field of 64 is set and the first game to tip off will be No. 11 Michigan and No. 6 Colorado St in the South Region (game is in Indianapolis). Juwan Howard's Wolverines were 23-5 last year and opened the year as the nation's No. 6 team in the AP's preseason poll. Michigan has to rate among the nation's most disappointing teams and there was more than just a little debate over whether the 17-14 Wolverines deserve to be in the field at all. That's NOT the case with Colorado St and its head coach Niko Medved. He's in his fourth season at Fort Collins and CSU was one of the teams that felt it deserved a First Four bid in 2021.There were no such issues in 2022, as after a 25-5 season, the Rams earned a No. 6 seed.
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03-16-22 | Notre Dame v. Rutgers +1.5 | Top | 89-87 | Loss | -110 | 15 h 53 m | Show |
My 10* First Four Game of the Year is on Rutgers at 9:10 ET.Former Big East rivals Notre Dame (22-10) and Rutgers (18-13) ended up earning two of the last four at-large bids into the 2022 field and will play each other Wednesday night in Dayton, Ohio. The winner will earn a No. 11 seed and move on to play sixth-seeded Alabama on Friday. Notre Dame finished second in the ACC with a 15-5 conference record (22-10 overall), but with the ACC having a down year, the Fighting Irish had to sweat out Selection Sunday. Rutgers had to sweat out Sunday as well, as its season was truly a 'rollercoaster' (more in a bit).
Mike Brey is in his 22nd season at Notre Dame. His team goes six-deep. Guards Wesley (14.6 & 3.6) and Goodwin (13.9 & 4.8) are the top-two scorers, joined by Hubb (9.1 & 4.0 APG) and Ryan (8.4 & 4.9). The 6-9 Atkinson (12.3 & 7.0) and the 6-10 Laszewski (9.2 & 6.6) are the best (only?) frontcourt players. Steve Pikiell came to Rutgers (from Stony Brook) for the 2016-17 season and his 2019-20 team won 20 games (NCAA tourney was canceled) and then got the Scarlet Knights into the "Big Dance" last season, winning a game before losing in the round of 32. Rutgers has a starting lineup consisting of four guards and the 6-11 Omoruyi (11.8 & 7.9). Baker (12.4) entered the season with 101 starts on his resume and 6-6 guard Harper (15.6 & 5.9) can be a 'nightmare' matchup issue for many teams. PG Mulcahy (9.0-4.1-5.3) and fellow guard McConnell (6.5 & 5.2) are the final two starters, while the 6-6 Hyatt (4.4 & 2.8) is the 6th-man. Consecutive losses to DePaul, Lafayette and UMass in November appeared to torpedo the Scarlet Knights' season before it could really begin. However, after a 79-78 OT loss at Northwestern on Feb 1, Rutgers beat then-No. 12 Michigan St, then-No. 16 Ohio St, then-No.14 Wisconsin and then-No. 12 Illinois in consecutive games. A three-game losing streak followed, before Rutgers won its final two games. However, Rutgers 1st Big Ten tourney game was against Iowa, which went on to win the tourney title. The Big Ten got NINE tourney bids (most of any conference) and how could Rutgers be anything but thrilled, as the school is 'dancing' for the second straight year after a 30-year drought from 1991-2020. Mike Brey does NOT have a strong NCAA tourney resume and this marks Notre Dame's first tournament appearance since 2017. Brey's led Notre Dame to 12 previous NCAA tourneys, making it past the second round just THREE times. Wednesday night, he doesn't even make it to the Opening Round. Good luck...Larry |
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03-16-22 | 76ers -4 v. Cavs | Top | 118-114 | Push | 0 | 12 h 45 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Phi 76ers at 7:10 ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time. However, the Cavs have been one of the league's biggest surprises and at 39-29, are trying to hang onto the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race or better yet, move on up in the standings. After all, the East's top-six teams are separated by only SIX games. The Cavs began a five-game homestand with a 120-111 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday and tonight will host the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers are coming off a 114-110 home loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday and at 41-26, sit 3 1/2-games behind the East's top team (Chicago) and one game behind the defending champion Bucks. That said, Philly is just a half-game ahead of Chicago (#4) and one game ahead Boston (#5).
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03-16-22 | Hawks v. Hornets | Top | 106-116 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 50 m | Show |
My 10* Game of the Week is on the Atl Hawks at 7:10 ET. Atlanta finished 41-31 last year and made a run to the Eastern Conference finals, while Charlotte went 33-39, before getting blown out 144-117 in the play-in' by the Pacers. 34-34 Atlanta and 34-35 Charlotte are currently cling to the No. 9 and No. 10 spots in the Eastern Conference. The good news would be, the duo has created some separation from No. 11 Washington (Hawks are 4 1/2 up and the Hornets are four games up on the Wizards). |
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03-16-22 | Mississippi State v. Virginia -2.5 | Top | 57-60 | Win | 100 | 12 h 25 m | Show |
My 9* Tourney Takedown (NIT) is on Virginia at 7:00 ET. Mississippi State is denying reports that Ben Howland has been fired, as the Bulldogs get set to play at Virginia in a first round NIT matchup. in the National Invitation Tournament. Howland's had excellent success at Pitt and UCLA (led Bruins to THREE straight Final Fours from 2006-08) but his tenure at Miss St has had few notable moments (Bulldogs did finish second in last year's NIT). Tony Bennett's UVA team won a national championship in 2019 and from the 2013-14 season through the championship season of 2018-19, the Cavs avenged 29.7 wins per season. The Cavs ended last season 18-7, after a first-round NCAA loss to 13th-seed Ohio U. It's been a very uneven season for the Cavs, who welcome 18-15 Miss St to John Paul Jones Arena at 19-13. |
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03-15-22 | Indiana v. Wyoming +4.5 | Top | 66-58 | Loss | -115 | 26 h 40 m | Show |
My 9* Big Dance Opener is on Wyoming at 9:10 ET. Indiana lost its final six games of last season and the Hoosiers fired head coach Archie Miller. Mike Woodson (former Indiana player under Bob Knight) was hired to lead the team in the 2021-22 season, Indiana opened 6-0 and was 16-5 (7-4 in Big Ten) through the end of January. However, Indiana would lose SEVEN of nine to finish 18-12, including 9-11 in Big Ten play. Woodson talked about the NCAA Tournament as a goal during the course of the season and the Hoosiers achieved that objective by putting together a run in the Big Ten tournament that included back wins over Michigan and Illinois (No. 1 seed) in the Big Ten tournament, before falling to eventual Big Ten tourney champion Iowa 80-77 on a last-second shot.
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03-15-22 | Missouri State +6.5 v. Oklahoma | Top | 72-89 | Loss | -110 | 25 h 44 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Missouri St at 7:00 ET. The Mo State Bears returned all FIVE starters from last year's 17-7, most notably the duo of big guard Mosley and the 6-9 Prim. That duo led the way and the 23-10 Bears are in the NIT vs the Big 12's Oklahoma. The season didn't go as planned for head coach Porter Moser (of Loyola-Chicago fame) in his first season at Norman. The Sooners opened 11-2 but then lost 12 of 15 to fall to 14-14 (only 4-11 Big 12). However, the Sooners ended the regular season with three straight wins and then upset Baylor in the Big 12 tourney (one of four No. 1 seeds in TY's Big Dance), before losing just 56-55 to Texas Tech. The Sooners just missed the cut, placing second on the "first four out" list behind Dayton. Instead, Oklahoma is a No. 1 seed in the NIT and will host Missouri State on Tuesday night. Mosely is averaging 20.1 & 56.1 for Missouri St and Prim adds 16.4 & 8.0. Four more guards are chipping in between 7.6 and 8.7 PPG (the group combines to average 33-plus PPG). The 6-9 Groves (11.8 & 5.6) is joined by the 6-6 Hill (9.1 & 5,9) up front, while Gibson (12.5) and Goldwire (10.5 & 3.4 APG) are the backcourt mainstays, now that Harkless (10.4 & 4.1) was lost for the season. Goldwire (10.1 & 3.4 APG) and Harkless (10.0 & 4.1) comprise an excellent guard trio. However, Harkless was lost for the season back in February due to injury. "This group has the DNA of an NCAA Tournament team," Moser said. "They're resilient. They've stayed together, and we've won these games late." Personally, I think he's giving his team too much credit. The Sooners have missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017 and just the second time in nine seasons (not counting the canceled 2020 tournament). Oklahoma in the NIT? That hasn't happened since 2004. As for Missouri State, it is making its first postseason appearance in any tournament since 2014, when it played in the CIT (the Bears are in the NIT for the first time since 2011). Missouri St had its eyes on the program's first NCAA bid since 1999, but an overtime loss to Drake in the MVC semifinals ended those hopes. My 'gut' tells me the Bears are much more motivated for this NIT matchup and I believe the Bears can win outright. DEFINITELY, take the points. Good luck... Larry |
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03-15-22 | Belmont +4 v. Vanderbilt | Top | 71-82 | Loss | -115 | 10 h 39 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Belmont at 7:00 ET. The 25-7 Belmont Bruins and the 17-16 Vanderbilt Commodores square off in a first round NIT game at Vanderbilt University Memorial Gym in Nashville. Belmont is used to winning, having won 20-plus games in 16 of the last 17 seasons (exception was a 19-win season), with EIGHT trips to the Big Dance. The Bruins returned all five starters from last season's 26-4 team. Many will remember Jerry Stackhouse from his days at Duke but he opened his head coaching career at Vandy just 20-37 in his first two seasons. Stackhouse got great news when Pippen decided to pull himself out of the NBA Draft and return to Nashville and this year's 17-16 record has the 'Dores in the NIT. The 6-11 Nick Muszynski (15.0 & 5.2) is Belmont's lone big man of note, while guards Sheppard (16.4 & 3.8) and Richard (11.8 & 5.9) being the best of a deep perimeter group (three more guards combine to add 22 PPG). Vandy's Pippen (20.2-3.4-4.3) and 6-6 forward Wright (12.2 & 6.5) make for an excellent duo but no other player reaches double digits. That said, the 6-7 Stute averaged 13.3 & 5.0 in three SEC tourney games plus guard Chatman, who played only 10 regular season games, returned to play all three tourney games (averaged 9.0 PPG). Vandy is at home but Belmont will travel less than a mile for this road game, as it is also located in Nashville. As noted above, Belmont is a postseason regular, while Vandy last played in the postseason back in 2017. Vanderbilt was a good ATS team this season (21-12) but watch out for Belmont. "I'm really excited for our players that our season is still going," head coach Casey Alexander said. "I think we've got a good team, and nobody's excited about how we finished in the OVC (53-51 loss to Morehead St in the OCVC tourney). As a Nashville guy, I'm excited about the chance to play the local team in Vanderbilt." Note that Belmont shot 39.2% in that two-point loss (2 of 12 on threes), but has made 49.2% of its FG attempts on the season. What's more, Belmont comes in a PERFECT 6-0 SU & ATS following each of its first six losses this season. Make it a lucky 7-0 after tonight! Good luck...Larry |
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03-14-22 | Nuggets +3 v. 76ers | Top | 114-110 | Win | 100 | 12 h 0 m | Show |
My 10* E/W Game of the Month is on the Den Nuggets at 7:40 ET. The Philadelphia 76ers were lucky to survive 116-114 in OT at Orlando (18-51 / the worst team in the East) last night. Philly lost at home 129-100 at home against the Nets last Thursday, after opening 4-0 with Harden in the lineup. The 76ers now look for back-to-back wins tonight, as they welcome the Denver Nuggets to town. 42-26 Philadelphia is in a virtual tie with 41-25 Milwaukee, 2 1/2-games behind the East's No. 1 seed (Miami). The Nuggets are hoping to avoid a third straight loss, as after losing 113-102 to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, they fell 127-115 to the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. The 40-28 Nuggets are currently the West's No. 6 seed. Looking up in the standings, the Mavs (No. 5 seed) have won 13 of 16 and now lead Denver by two games, while from behind, Minnesota (current No. 7 seed) has won 15 of 20 to pull within 1 1/2-games of Denver.
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03-13-22 | Knicks +6 v. Nets | Top | 107-110 | Win | 100 | 6 h 15 m | Show |
My 10* Rivalry Game of the Month is on the NY Knicks at 1:10 ET. The NY Knicks ended a seven-year postseason drought last year by going 41-31 but lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, who made it all the way to the East Conference Finals. Expectations were high in Madison Square Garden to open the season, but the Knicks haven't delivered. They are currently 28-39, leaving them 4 1/2-games behind the Atlanta Hawks, who own the East's No. 10 seed (final 'play-in' spot). The Knicks travel to Brooklyn to take on the rival Brooklyn Nets, who are 34-33 and owners of the East's No. 8 seed. How the mighty have fallen! The Nets traveled to Minnesota back on Jan 23 to face the Timberwolves with a 29-16 record. At the time, the Nets sat atop the East with a 29-16 record, with Chicago and Miami just a half-game back. Incredibly, the top-six East seeds are separated by just THREE games on that date! However, the Nets would lose their next 11 games and enter this contest only 5-6 in their last 11. New York is only 4-12 over its last 16 games, a stretch where it has blown NINE double-digit leads. The latest collapse occurred in a 118-114 loss at Memphis on Friday that denied New York a season-high fourth straight win. The Knicks rallied from a 12-point deficit in the first half but then blew a 15-point lead by getting outscored 31-18 in the fourth quarter. All know about the Kyrie saga (only eligible to play on the road) and that Harden was recently traded to Philly. That leaves just K.D. (29.0-7.4-5.8) around for this one and he just recently returned from an injury that had kept him out since Jan 15 (he's played four games in March, with the Nets going 2-2). Curry (15.8 in 11 games) and Drummond (10.0 & 9.2 in 10 games) came from Philly in the Harden deal and have contributed nicely. However, PF/C Aldridge (13.5 & 5.6) is back on the sidelines with a hip issue. The Knicks have been led all season by PF Randle (20.4-10.0-5.2) and SF Barrett (19.2 & 5.9). Taking a closer look at New York's recent results reveals the Kicks are 3-2 SU & 5-0 ATS their last five games. The Nets have won both previous games vs the Knicks this season, winning 112-110 back on Nov 30 in Brooklyn and then 111-106 on Feb 16 at MSG, when the Nets climbed back from a 28-point deficit! Brooklyn has only been favored FOUR times in its last 22 games (1-3 SU & ATS) and the last time it has been favored by this much was back in mid-Jan. Take the points. as the Knicks just may get the OUTRIGHT win. Good luck...Larry |
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03-13-22 | Texas A&M v. Tennessee -6 | Top | 50-65 | Win | 100 | 5 h 21 m | Show |
My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on Tennessee at 1:00 ET. Buzz Williams led Marquette to four NCAA bids in his five years at the school and then led Va Tech to three NCAA berths in another five-year run. However, he entered the current season just 24-24 in his first two years at Texas A&M. The Aggies went 20-11 in the regular season but a 9-9 SEC record left the Aggies as the No. 8 seed in a tourney that would feature FOUR of the nation's top-15 schools (according to the latest AP poll) Now, after an 83-80 OT win against Florida plus back-to-back wins over No. 4 Auburn (No. 1 seed) and No. 15 Arkansas (No. 4 seed), the Aggies are playing in the SEC championship game vs No. 9 Tennessee (No. 2 seed) on Sunday afternoon. Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes has been a winner at every stop, with three NCAA berths at Providence, three in four years at Clemson and 16 in 17 years at Texas. This is his seventh season at Tennessee, and he's led the Vols to three NCAA berths the last four years (exception was when COVID shut down the postseason). No. 9 Tennessee just might be the SEC's top team. Tennessee held off fifth-ranked Kentucky 69-62 in the final minutes Saturday to reach the SEC Tournament final for the third time in the last five years. The 25-7 Vols have won 11 of 12 and six in a row, including victories against fourth-ranked Auburn, 15th-ranked Arkansas and now the Wildcats in the last two weeks. They're one win away from a championship and potentially a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Texas A&M has three double digit scorers on the season in guards Jackson (14.0) and Radford (10.2 & 5.8) plus the 6-7 Coleman (11.2 & 6.3), who is really the team's only quality frontcourt player. That trio has been terrific in the tourney, with Jackson averaging 17.0 PPG, Coleman 16.0 & 7.3 and Radford 14.3 & 6.0. Tennessee's top scorers on the season are guards Chandler (13.8 & 4.5 APG) and Vescovi (13.3-4.6-3.0). In the current tourney, the Vols have received excellent balance from the backcourt AND frontcourt. Guards Chandler (15.0 & 4.0 APG), James (13.0-4.5-3.5), Zeigler (11.0 & 4.5 APG and Vescovi (9.5) have been terrific. The three-frontcourt players chipping in are the 6-10 Huntley-Hatfield (9.0 & 4.5), the 6-9 Fulkerson (5.5 & 4.5) and the 7-0 Plavsic (5.0 & 6.0). This is Texas A&M's FOURTH game in four days and now draws the toughest opponent yet. Note the size advantage Tennessee has over the Aggies plus the Vols' backcourt depth ranks with the nation's top backcourts. Then there is the Tennesse defense, which held Miss St to 59 points and high-scoring Kentucky to 62. This one has "B-L-O-W-O-U-T" written all over it! Good luck...Larry |
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03-12-22 | UCLA +1.5 v. Arizona | Top | 76-84 | Loss | -110 | 11 h 30 m | Show |
My 9* Marquee Classic is in UCLA at 9;00 ET. UCLA made that great run to the Final 4 last season and with a 'TON' of talent back, the Bruins began the season ranked No. 2 in the AP's preseason poll. It's hard to say Mick Cronin's team underachieved this season, as it enters the Pac 12 championship game 25-6 and ranked 13th in the nation. However, when Sean Miller was fired after 12 seasons with the Wildcats, Tommy Lloyd (a longtime assistant under Gonzaga's Mark Few), got his first head coaching gig. Expectations were NOT high for Arizona but after winning the Pac 12 regular season title (18-2), the Wildcats meet UCLA for the tourney title at 30-2 and ranked No.2 in the nation. The Wildcats average 84.7 PPG (3rd in the nation) and will test Mick Cronin's defense, which led the Pac 12 in scoring defense (64.3 PPG). UCLA has not played in the Pac 12 championship games since 2014, when it beat Arizona. That's EIGHT years ago and as a TV show once said, "Eight is Enough!" The Bruins held Arizona to a season-low 59 points at home and haven't allowed more than 68 points in their last 10 games. "If you defend, you always got a chance," UCLA coach Mick Cronin said. "The thing about it is, you get to March, you can't rely on shooting to win." I'm on the Bruins. |
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03-12-22 | Bucks v. Warriors +1.5 | Top | 109-122 | Win | 100 | 12 h 10 m | Show |
My 10* Weekend Wipeout is on the GS Warriors at 8:40 ET. The defending champion Milwaukee Bucks travel to San Francisco to take on the Golden St Warriors Saturday night on a SIX-game winning streak (5-1 ATS). The 42-25 Bucks are within 2 1/2-games of the East's No. 1 seed (Miami) but also just one game better than the 76ers plus 1 1/2-games better than the Bulls and Celtics. The Golden State Warriors were 41-13 in games played through Feb 7 and the Suns were within reach, at 43-10. However, the Warriors would lose NINE of their next 11, before winning back-to-back games this week at home over the Clippers and at Denver. 45-22 Golden St is 45-22, having fallen EIGHT behind Phoenix and even a half-game behind 46-22 Memphis for the West's No. 2 seed. |
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03-12-22 | Cavs v. Bulls -2.5 | Top | 91-101 | Win | 100 | 12 h 2 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Chi Bulls at 8:10 ET. The Chicago Bulls (just 31-41 last season, while missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year) have been at or near the top of the East standings all season. They are currently 40-26 and in a virtual tie with the 41-27 Celtics. Both teams are four games behind Miami but also just two games ahead of Cleveland. The Cavs entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time. However, the Cavs have been one of the league's biggest surprises. There's quite a scramble for the top six spots in the East. The Bulls and Cavaliers will be meeting Saturday for the third of four times this season. The home team has dominated the first two head-to-heads, with Cleveland running up a 115-92 victory on Dec 8 and Chicago getting even with a 117-104 triumph on Jan19. Cleveland's 117-105 loss at Miami on Friday was the Cvas' seventh in their last 10 games. Cleveland is hoping to get Caris LeVert (18.2 PPG on the season) from a sprained right foot. He has missed eight in a row, but did make the trip and worked out on the court in Miami before the game. PG Darius Garland (21.0 & 8.2 APG) had 24 points and 10 assists vs the Heat, while rookie Evan Mobley (14.8 & 8.3) aded 19 points and 12 rebounds. Center Allen (16.1 & 10.8) will miss an extended period of time because of a fractured finger, leaving the 6-11 Markkanen (14.1 & 5.5) and backup center Love (13.8 & 7.1) to get the job done up front. DeRozan (28.1-5.4-5.10 has been one of the league's best players and when teamed with LaVine (24.6-4.6-4.9) gives Toronto a scary-good backcourt duo. Center Nikola Vucevic (18.0 & 11.4) returned to the lineup from a hamstring issue in the last game (Wednesday win over Detroit), and now Chicago is hopeful of getting key reserve Alex Caruso (8.4) back from a broken wrist. PG Ball (13.0-5.4-5.1) is a significant loss but White (13.6) and rookie Dosunmo (8.4) have really played well in his absence. Chicago is 24-10 at home and this will be the team's ONLY home gamei n a six-game stretch. The Bulls need this one badly. Lay the reasonable price. Good luck...Larry |
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03-12-22 | Memphis -3.5 v. SMU | Top | 70-63 | Win | 100 | 11 h 7 m | Show |
My 9* Tourney Takedown in on Memphis at 5:00 ET. It's an AAC semifinal meeting on Saturday between the Memphis Tigers (No. 3 seed) and SMU Mustangs (No. 2 seed). Penny Hardaway's Memphis Tigers won the NIT championship last season and opened the 2021-22 season ranked No. 12 in the AP's preseason poll. Memphis opened the year 5-0 but was just 9-8 after 17 games. However, the Tigers have won 11 of 12 since, including five in a row entering this game (now 20-9). SMU's Tim Jankovich is just two years removed from severe sanctions that SMU faced due to none other than Larry Brown (great coach but one who knows how to leave a program in the dust!). SMU won 19 games before the 2019-20 season was shut down and then went 11-6 in a season that limited this team to 17 games. The Mustangs have had strong season, entering this contest having won SEVEN of nine to reach 23-7 on the season.
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03-12-22 | Michigan State v. Purdue -6 | Top | 70-75 | Loss | -105 | 7 h 9 m | Show |
My 10* "Signature" LEGEND Play is on Purdue at 3:30 ET. Michigan State began the current season unranked but opened 13-2 (4-0 in Big Ten) to reach No. 10 in the nation, However, the Spartans would finish on a 7-9 run (all in the Big Ten). The Spartans nearly blew a 20-point, second-half lead before surviving with a 76-72 victory Thursday vs Maryland/. MSU then took down No. 12 Wisconsin, and the Big Ten's No. 2 seed 63-58 on Friday (more in a bit). No. 9 Purdue owns the highest ranking of any Big Ten school but came into the tourney as the No. 3 seed. Purdue (now 26-6) scored the final seven points to hold off 11th-seeded Penn State 69-61 on Friday night, becoming the only seed among the top four to advance after receiving the double bye |
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03-11-22 | Wyoming +3 v. Boise State | Top | 61-68 | Loss | -115 | 13 h 33 m | Show |
My 10* Situational Stunner is on Wyoming at 9:30 ET. The MWC has seen its top-four seeds advance to the semifinals in Las Vegas with the Wyoming Cowboys (No 4 seed) meeting the Boise State Broncos (No. 1 seed) in the first of two games from the Thomas and Mack Center. Both schools own 25-7 records and in two meetings during the regular season, each won on its opponents' home court. Jeff Linder came from No. Colorado where he won 26 (CIT champion), 21 and 22 games in his final three years, earning him the Wyoming gig. His first team went 14-11 but this year's team has made quite a 'leap!' Boise St's Leon Rice is in his 12th season, having produced EIGHT 20-win seasons in his first 11, including two NCAA teams (the most recent coming back in 2015). Last year's team went 19-9, before losing in the NIT quarterfinals, just missing a ninth, 20-win campaign but this year's gave Rice his ninth, 20-win campaign.
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03-11-22 | Clippers v. Hawks -5.5 | Top | 106-112 | Win | 100 | 12 h 47 m | Show |
Larry's 9* PERFECT STORM-NBA (17-9 s/Dec 1). The LA Clippers have played without star Kawhi Leonard all season and have been without Paul George (24.7-7.1-5.5) since before Christmas. More bad luck came when Powell, who was acquired from Portland in early Feb, was lost to a broken bone in his foot after just three games (he was averaging 21.0 PPG). Los Angeles snapped a two-game losing skid on Wednesday with a 115-109 home victory over the Washington Wizards and now travel to Atlanta with a 35-33 record for a stretch in which the Clippers will play FIVE of their next six on the road. Atlanta finished last season strong (41-31 regular season record) and then beat the Knicks and 76ers, before losing to the Bucks, the eventual NBA champs, in the Eastern Conference finals. However, it's been a struggle for Atlanta this season. The Hawks dropped their second straight game on Wednesday (to the Bucks!) and enters this contest 31-34. Robert Covington (8.2 & 5.3 in 12 games for LA) has joined Leonard, George and Powell on the sidelines due to personal reasons. Until everyone returns, the Clippers will continue to lean heavily on PG Jackson (17.0 & 4.8 APG), PF Morris (15.8 & 4.6 (he's missed 265 games this season but is currently healthy), SGs Kennard (11.7) and Mann (10.5 & 5.4) plus the underappreciated 7-0 Zubac (9.9 & 8.7). When one looks at Atlanta's roster, it's hard to imagine them being a sub-.500 team. Trae Young (27.8 & 9/4 APG) is having another outstanding season plus PF Collins (16.4 & 7.9), is back after missing seven games with a foot injury. FIVE more Hawks are averaging between 10.6 and 14,1 PPG, including Bogdanovich (14.1-4.0-3.0) and center Capela (10.6 & a team-high 12.0 RPG). The Clippers seem destined to be relegated to the 'play-in' round, as they are 5 1/2-games behind Denver, the West's No. 6 seed. As for Atlanta, its ONLY hope of making the playoffs will be via the 'play-in' round, as the Hawks currently own the No. 10 seed (last team in!), SEVEN games behind the East's No. 6 seed. In fact, the Hawks are only 1 1/2-games better than the Wizards and 3 1/2-games better than the Knicks (both of those teams are still hopeful of reaching the 'play-in' round). I'm not about to give up on the Hawks just yet, who may just put up a late-season surge again. Motivation here for Atlanta is high, as the Hawks are just two games behind the East's No. 8 seed, which would help their play in round chances if attained. With the current roster status of both teams, Atlanta is the play. Lay the points. Good luck...Larry |
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03-11-22 | Ohio -1 v. Kent State | Top | 61-67 | Loss | -110 | 9 h 20 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Ohio U at 7:30 ET. The MAC tourney has seen all four top seeds advance to Friday's semifinals. The second game of tonight's doubleheader features 23-8 Ohio (No. 3 seed) going up against 22-9 Kent St. The two teams split the season series, each winning at home. Jeff Boals is in his third season with Ohio, which finished a modest 9-5 in MAC play last season but surprised most by winning the MAC tourney and then upset 4th-seed Virginia 62-58 in the first round of the "Big Dance." Ohio would lose its next game 72-58 to Creighton but no one was complaining in Athens. Rob Senderoff is in his 11th season at Kent and at 22-9, has led the Golden Flashes to 20 wins SEVEN times but his lone NCAA appearance came back in 2017. Ohio guard Preston (15.7-7.3-7.3) left for the NBA (1st Ohio player picked in the draft since Brandon Hunter in 2003) but PG Sears (19.4-5.8-4.3) has stepped up big time. He's joined by three guards combining to add 21 PPG. The Ohio U frontcourt features the 6-8 Vander Plas (13.9 & 6.7), the 6-8 Carter (13.6 & 6.3) and SF Roderick (7.1 & 3.3). Sears had 24-10-5 and Carter 20 & 18 in Ohio's 10-point win Thursday over Ball St. Guards Carry (18.7-4.5-4.8) and Jacobs (12.0 & 7.6) are Kent's top scorers, although FIVE more players average between 5.1 and 8.8 PPG. This is a guard-oriented team, with the 6-11 Hamilton (8.2 & 6.4) being the top frontcourt player. Kent also won Thursday by 10 points (over Mia-Oh), led by Jacobs' 21 & 11 and Hamilton's 15 & 9. In this neutral-site setting (the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in downtown Cleveland), I favor the Bobcats, who own a much stronger inside game and a perimeter game equal to Kent's. As noted, Senderoff has only led Kent St to just ONE conference tourney title in his tenure, while Boals did so in just his second season at Ohio and could repeat here in 2022. First things first. Take Ohio here to advance to Saturday's title game. Good luck...Larry |
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03-11-22 | Wolves v. Magic OVER 232.5 | Top | 110-118 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 18 m | Show |
My 10* O/U Game of the Week is on Min/Orl Over at 7:10 ET. The Minnesota Timberwolves were just 24-25 in Late January but since Jan 30, have won 14 of 19 games to reach 38-29. That gives them the West's No. 7 seed, just two games behind Denver (No. 6 seed) and 2 1/2-games back of Dallas (No. 5 seed). Minnesota is looking to earn a playoff berth for just the SECOND time since 2004! As for Orlando, its playoff hopes ended early (2-8 start) and after 30 games, the Magic were just 5-25. Orlando had some excellent teams from the mid-90s through the first decade of the 21st century but those are now just distant memories. At 17-50, the Magic were 'battling' the 17-49 Rockets for the right to be 'crowned' the NBA's worst team. The T-wolves are led by the trio of Towns (24.5 & 9.7), Edwards (21.3 & 4.6) and Russell (19.0 & 7.1). Malik Beasley (12.1) is the team's fourth double-digit scorer but note that SIX more players chip in between 6.5 & 9.3 PPG. Speaking of Beasley, Minnesota's 132-102 Wednesday victory over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder featured a historic three-point performance by Beasley. He attempted all 17 of his field goals from beyond the arc, making a career-high 11 that set an NBA record for most points (33) scored via three-point shots only. Despite Orlando's putrid record, the Magic do feature SEVEN players averaging in double figures. PG Anthony (17.3-5.1-5.7) leads the way, followed by six more chipping in between 10.2 and 15.5 PPG. That group includes Orlando's first round pick of the 2021 Draft (Suggs at 12.3-3.7-4.4) plus centers Carter (14.4 & 10.4) and Bamba (10.2 & 7.9). |
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03-11-22 | Michigan State +3.5 v. Wisconsin | Top | 69-63 | Win | 100 | 8 h 47 m | Show |
My 9* Tourney Takedown (Big Ten) is on Michigan St at 6:30 ET. Tom Izzo and his Spartans started at No. 13 at the opening of the 2020-21 season and struggled in the regular season. Mich St made the NCAA tourney at 15-12 but was eliminated in a First Four game by UCLA. Michigan State began the current season unranked but opened 13-2 (4-0 in Big Ten) to reach No. 10 in the nation, However, the Spartans would finish on a 7-9 run (all in the Big Ten) and now off an unimpressive effort over 10th-seeded Maryland last night (the 21-11 Spartans nearly blew a 20-point, second-half lead, before surviving with a 76-72 victory), will face Wisconsin. The Badgers were also unranked in the preseason but enter this contest (off a double-bye) ranked No. 12 at 24-6 (Big Ten's second seed). |
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03-10-22 | Warriors -3 v. Nuggets | Top | 113-102 | Win | 100 | 14 h 10 m | Show |
My 10* TNT Game of the Month is on the GS Warriors at 10:10 ET. When it was announced that the Suns had lost Chris Paul for six-to-eight weeks, there was talk that just maybe, the Warriors could catch Phoenix for the West's No. 1 seed. However, that kind of talk has all but disappeared, as the Suns have gone 5-3 since the break. The Warriors stumbled into the break losers of four of five and have returned from the break to go 2-5. Golden St (44-22) is now NINE games behind the Suns and have also seen the 45-22 Grizzlies slide past them into the No. 2 seed. Forget about catching the Suns, the Warriors need to earn the No. 2 seed (ahead of Memphis) plus also have to be concerned that the Jazz (currently the No. 4 seed and only 2 1/2-games behind) don't sneak past them either! The Warriors are in Denver tonight to face the 40-26 Nuggets, who are tied with Dallas. Those two are battling for the No. 5 and No. 6 seed, making sure neither falls out of the top-six and into the 'play in' round. On the bright side, the Nuggets have a chance to break a tie with Dallas for fifth place in the Western Conference and move within a game of the fourth-place Utah Jazz, if they can beat the Warriors tonight. The Warriors are just 17-16 since beating the Phoenix Suns back on Christmas Day but did just end a five-game losing streak with a Tuesday win over the visiting Los Angeles Clippers. Golden State's best defensive player, Draymond Green (), hopes to return from a back injury next week but Otto Porter (8.7 & 5.3) is out with an illness (?) and Andre Iguodala with a back injury. Thompson (16.7 PPG in 20 games) starts with Curry (25.6-5.2-6.4) in the backcourt when available (he's playing tonight), with Poole (16.6) starting when Thompson's a no-go. Wiggins (17.4 & 4.4) made his first-ever All-Star appearance this season plus as I have stated before, center Looney has started all 66 games, quietly averaging 6.4 & 7.6. The 6-7 Kuminga (8.8) and SG Lee (7.9) have both been valuable role players. Denver's Murray has not played all season and Porter was lost after just NINE games. The Nuggets say they are optimistic they can get those players back before the end of the season but that may be "wishful thinking. Of more immediate concern, swingman Barton (14.8-4.9-3.8) hasn't played since sustaining an ankle injury against New Orleans on Sunday plus Hyland (8.8) sat out Wednesday's game with knee soreness. Denver's led by the fabulous Jokic (26.1-13.9-8.1), with PF Gordon (14.5 & 5.6) and G Morris (13.0 & 4.3 APG) lending solid support. Here's the rub. Golden State had Wednesday off while Denver played in Sacramento, beating the Kings 106-100. Denver will now complete one of the toughest back-to-back sets in the league, playing a late game on the West Coast and then playing in another time zone less than 24 hours later. It is also Denver's FOURTH game in five days! Included in that stretch was a 131-124 home win over the Warriors this past Monday (a make-up contest), when Golde St head coach Steve Kerr held back Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins for rest. The 'tale of the tape' reveals that the Nuggets have won all three games vs the Warriors this season, including winning TWICE in San Francisco. Brutal scheduling spot here for Denver, in a game in which Golden St will be HIGHLY motivated to win. Take the Warriors. Good luck...Larry |
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03-10-22 | Eastern Washington v. Northern Colorado -3.5 | Top | 67-68 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 18 m | Show |
My 10* Conf Tourney (Big Sky) Game of the Year is on No. Colorado at 10:00 ET. The Eastern Washington Eagles and Northern Colorado Bears are both 18-14 but Northern Colorado had the better conference record (13-7) and grabbed the No. 3 seed and a first-round bye. The Eagles had their hands full with No. Arizona last night, winning 78-75 over the Big Sky's 11th seed. It's a quarterfinal matchup tonight from the Idaho Central Arena. Both schools come in playing well, as Eastern Washington has won SEVEN of nine, while Northern Colorado comes in having won EIGHT of 11. The teams split their season series, with the road team winning each game. |
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03-10-22 | Seton Hall v. Connecticut -4 | Top | 52-62 | Win | 100 | 10 h 18 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on UConn at 9:30 ET. The sixth-seeded Seton Hall Pirates escaped last night with a 57-53 win over Georgetown by closing on an 11-3 run. The game finished past midnight on the East Coast but there is no rest for the weary, as the Pirates meet 22-8 UConn, which is ranked 20th in the latest AP poll and is the Big East's No. 3 seed. The teams split a pair of games in the regular season.
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03-10-22 | Utah State +4.5 v. Colorado State | Top | 51-53 | Win | 100 | 7 h 10 m | Show |
My 9* Tourney Takedown is on Utah St at 9:00 ET. The Utah State Aggies will play the Colorado State Rams in the second round of the MWC tourney tonight. The 18-14 Aggies were the No. 7 seed and routed 10th-seeded Air Force by 27 points last night. Utah St now faces the No. 2 seeded Rams, who are 24-4 on the season. CSU won both meetings during the regular season.
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03-10-22 | Marquette -2.5 v. Creighton | Top | 63-74 | Loss | -110 | 8 h 4 m | Show |
My 9* Afternoon Delight is on Marquette at 2:30 ET. The 20-11 Creighton Bluejays are the Big East's No. 4 seed and they will take on 19-11 Marquette, the No. 5 seed. Creighton got the best of a competitive two-game regular-season series with Marquette, earning a 75-69 double-overtime win on the road Jan 1, before securing a narrow 83-82 victory at home on Feb 20.
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03-09-22 | Utah +1.5 v. Washington | Top | 70-82 | Loss | -110 | 16 h 19 m | Show |
My 10* Conf Tourney (Pac 12) Game of the Year is on Utah at 11:30 ET. It will take FOUR wins in FOUR days for either Utah (11-19 / 4-16 Pac 12) or Washington (16-4 / 11-9 Pac 12) to make the NCAA Tournament. Nothing to it! The first step to that improbable journey would be surviving a first-round game Wednesday night in Las Vegas. The Utes come in as the 11th-seed (only 1-19 Oregon St was worse in the Pac 12 this season), while Washington closed the regular season with a home sweep of the Oregon schools to finish 11-19 and grab the 11th-seed. The Huskies won 74-68 at Utah on Jan 6 and also beat the Utes in double overtime, 77-73, at home on Jan 29. Craig Smith is in his first season as Utah's head coach (had a great three-year run at Utah St in going 74-24) and led the Utes to a 5-0 start but at 8-4 entering a Dec 30th contest, Utah's season unraveled. The Utes would lose 10 straight Pac 12 games, before winning 84-59 over Oregon St on Feb 3. Utah saw its best player Timmy Allen (17.2 & 6.4) transfer to Texas. The 7-0 Carlson (13.6 & 6.0) was the best returning player plus guards Anthony (8.8 & 7.2) and Worster (7.7 & 4.4) followed Smith from Utah St. Guard Jenkins (8.6) came via UNLV. Gach, who started at Utah but moved on to Minnesota, returned this year to play for Smith (9.0). Mike Hopkins was a longtime assistant to Jim Boeheim and won 21 and 27 games in his first two seasons in Seattle but the Huskies fell to 15 wins in his third season and then had a 'nightmare' season last year, going 5-21 (4-16 in the Pac 12). It's been a COMPLETE makeover (turnover) for Washington this season, losing players right and left to the transfer portal but also the team was able to bring in a similar group of transfers, themselves. Guard Brown (21.7-4.1-4.2) and the 6-7 Matthews (11.7 & 4.8) are both transfers. Brown is a first-team all-conference selection who led the Pac-12 in both scoring (21.7) and steals (2.1). He is the first player in the league to do that since Arizona's Jason Terry in 1998-99. FIVE more players chip in between 5.1 and 9.0 PPG. Utah's four conference victories are the fewest since going 3-15 in its first year in the Pac-12 in 2011-12. "You just gotta hit reset," first-year coach Craig Smith said. "The only way you can win in the postseason is everybody's gotta be all-in, you've got to believe it." The winner of this game will move on to face No. 3 seed USC (25-6) in Thursday's quarterfinals. The Trojans beat Utah twice and Washington once during the regular season, all by double figures. The winner of this game is likely going home but I'm going with the double-avenging Utes, who are more talented than their record indicates and have an excellent young coach in Craig Smith. Good luck...Larry |
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03-09-22 | Fairfield +5.5 v. St. Peter's | Top | 63-77 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 50 m | Show |
My 9* Under the Radar Rout is on Fairfield at 9:30 ET. Rick Pitino's 25-6 Iona Gaels are the class of the MAAC (17-3) but 16-11 St Peter's) finished 14-6 in league play and enters the tourney as the No. 2 seed. The Peacocks' first game comes against 15-17 Fairfield (No. 10 seed), which won last night 72-50 over Canisius (No. 10 seed). St Peter's beat Fairfield 70-59 back on Feb 18 and then 57-41 on Mar 5 (regular season finale for both schools). Fairfield is a guard-oriented team with guards Benning (10.8 & 4.3), Wojcik (9.5), Cruz (9.1) and Green (7.6) being joined by the 6-9 Cook (10.0 & 8.3). Fairfield handled Canisius easily, despite Cook scoring just TWO points (0-6 FGs). Guards Cruz (19), Benning (15) and Green (10-4-6) led the way. Cook did have nine rebounds. Shaheen Holloway (remember him at Seton Hall where he averaged 13.7 PPG in four years? is in his fourth season (just 42-45 in his first three). This is his best team, led by guard Banks (11.2) and Edert (8.9) plus the 6-7 Ndefo (10.3 & 6.2) and the 6-7 Drame (7.2 & 6.9). I like the way Fairfield recovered from its 'ugly' regular season ending loss at St Peter's (team shot 15 of 58, including 4 of 22 on threes), with a very nice game vs Canisius (made 45.6%, including 7 of 15 threes), despite Cook going 0-for-6. Expect him to bounce back tonight and I'm calling for a Fairfield upset. Take the points. Good luck...Larry |
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03-09-22 | Raptors v. Spurs +1.5 | Top | 119-104 | Loss | -107 | 10 h 29 m | Show |
My 10* PERFECT STORM is on the SA Spurs at 8:40 ET. The Toronto Raptors had won 50-plus games for FIVE consecutive seasons, before falling all the way to 27-45 last season. Toronto is currently 34-30, giving them the East's No. 7 seed, 3 1/2-games behind the No. 6 seed (last of the guaranteed playoff spots. Prior to last year, San Antonio had never missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons. Now, three straight is a very real possibility, as the Spurs are just 25-40. That leaves them 12th in the West, two games behind the No. 10 seed (last of the play-in' teams). The Raptors have been playing without two key players: OG Anunoby (ring finger fracture) and Fred VanVleet (right knee soreness). VanVleet is averaging 21.4-4.5-6.9 and Anunoby (17.5 & 5.5) is having a "career season." That said, it's expected that VanVleet will return for this one. PF Pascal Siakam is averaging 21.5-8.4-5.0 on the season, SG Trent is averaging 17.9 PPG and rookie forward Barnes 14.9 & 7.5. The 6-8 Boucher adds 9.0 & 5.9 and the 6-9 Achiuwa 8.2 & 6.9) have been valuable contributors. The Spurs have a deep lineup that missed guards Walker (12.0) and Vasell (11.8) the other night, but they are expected to play. The five starters in the last game were PG Murray (20.5-8.4-9.4), forwards Johnson (15.9 & 6.0) and McDermott (11.6), center Poeltl (13.5 & 9.10 and recently acquired guard Richarson (6.2 PPG in five games). Looking closer, it's "big doings' tonight in the Alamo City. Gregg Popovich can become the winningest coach in NBA history when his Spurs host the Raptors. on Wednesday night. The Spurs' 117-110 win over the LeBron James-less Los Angeles Lakers on Monday allowed Popovich to equal Don Nelson's mark with 1,335 career victories. Naturally, you won't catch Popovich talking about the record, as his focus is on trying to climb the standings and reach the postseason. To that point, his team lost at Toronto 129-104 back on Jan 4 and the Spurs need a win here, over a vulnerable Raptors team that heads to San Antonio after a 104-96 loss in Cleveland on Sunday, their third consecutive setback. Let's "win one for Pop!" Good luck...Larry |
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03-09-22 | Clemson v. Virginia Tech -3.5 | Top | 75-76 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 8 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Va Tech at 7:00 ET. The ACC tourney moves to its second day with 10th-seeded Clemson (17-15), after a 70-64 win over 15th-seeded North Carolina State on Tuesday, taking on 7th-seeded Virginia Tech (19-12). The only meeting between the schools came this past Saturday (regular season finale for both), when Clemson eked out a 63-59 home win over Ga Tech.
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03-09-22 | Ole Miss -3 v. Missouri | Top | 60-72 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 45 m | Show |
My 9* SEC Showdown is on Ole Miss at 6:00 ET. The SEC has THREE of the Ap's top-9 teams but this first round game of the SEC tournament in Tampa will feature the 13-18 Ole Miss Rebels (No. 13 seed) and the 11-20 Missouri Tigers (No. 12 seed). The winner is likely out on Thursday, when it faces 5th-seeded LSU. The question that needs to be answered tonight is, can Missouri continue this season's mastery of Ole Miss? The Tigers defeated the Rebels 78-53 on the road back on Jan 18, then 74-68 at home on Feb 12. |
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03-08-22 | North Dakota State +5.5 v. South Dakota State | Top | 69-75 | Loss | -110 | 13 h 41 m | Show |
My 10* Conf Tourney (Summit League) Game of the Year is on North Dakota St at 9:00 ET. The North Dakota State Bison will play the South Dakota State Jackrabbits in the championship game of the Summit League Tournament tonight in Sioux Falls. Eric Henderson was named head coach of the Jackrabbits prior to the 2019-20 season, replacing T. J. Otzelberger, who accepted the head coaching position at UNLV. After going 37-17 in his first two seasons, this year's team is 29-4 (18-0 regular season in Summit play), and on the cusp of making the Big Dance. Standing in the Jackrabbits' way is the Bison, who are led by head coach David Richman, who in eight seasons has gone 159-96 (.624), including 23-9 his season. The Bison are led by two excellent big men in the 6-10 Kreuser (15.8 & 8.0 and the 6-11 Nelson (11.2 & 4.7) plus a pair of guards in Griesel (13.5-6.4-29) and Eady (10.3 & 4.9. In two impressive wins in this tourney, Kresser has averaged 19.0 & 5.5 and Nelson 17.0 & 6.0. Griesel has a line of 18.5-7.5-8.0 and Eady has chipped in 11.5 & 7.0. The Jackrabbits have been the "class of the league" this season, led by the trio of guards Scheierman (16.2-8.3-4.6) and Freidel (15.1) plus the 6-7 Wilson (16.0 & 5.2). Freidel had been sidelined since Feb 17 but tried to play the last game but lasted just two minutes. In SDSU's two tourney wins, Wilson has been dominant (21.5 & 7.5), while Scheierman (19.0-4.0-4.0) has been his usual self. South Dakota State has beaten NDSU twice this season but the margin of victory in each contest has been just FOUR points. Throw in the Jackrabbits' two tourney wins and they are 20-0 vs Summit League foes this season, Can they make it a 'lucky 21-0?' Maybe but I am SURE taking the points with the Bison! Good luck...Larry |
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03-08-22 | Cavs v. Pacers +4.5 | Top | 127-124 | Win | 100 | 11 h 47 m | Show |
My 10* Weekly Wipeout is on the Ind Pacers at 7:10 ET. The Cleveland Cavaliers open a three-game road trip tonight against the Indiana Pacers. Cleveland entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time. However, the Cavs have been one of the league's biggest surprises (more in a bit). The Pacers had made the playoffs in NINE of the previous10 seasons but missed out last year with a 34-38 record. The team will miss the postseason for the second straight year in the 2021-22 season, as the Pacers are only 22-44 so far this season. The Cavs are currently 37-27 (good enough for the East's No. 6 seed) but will head to Indianapolis having lost SIX of eight. However, they likely will be without All-Star center Jarrett Allen (16.1 & 10.8), after he left in the first quarter of the Cavaliers' 104-96 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday with a bruised left quadriceps and didn't return. The Athletic later reported he also has a fractured finger and will miss some time. PG Darius Garland (20.7 & 8.0 APG) is having an excellent season, while 6-11 rookie Mobley (14.6 & 8.2), the 6-8 Love (14.0 &7.2) and the 6-11 Markkanen (13.9 & 5.5) give the Cavs talent and depth up front. |
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03-08-22 | Georgia Tech +1.5 v. Louisville | Top | 74-84 | Loss | -105 | 8 h 25 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Ga Tech at 7:00 ET. Louisville held off Georgia Tech 67-64 in Atlanta back on Jan 2 and then beat Pittsburgh on Jan 5. That gave the Cardinals a 10-4 overall record, including a 4-0 start in the ACC. However, Louisville would win just TWICE more, ending the regular season by losing 14 of 16 to finish 12-18 overall and 6-14 in the ACC (11th seed). The Cardinals will meet Ga Tech, the ACC's 14th seed, in this opening round matchup in the ACC tourney. The Yellow Jackets are 12-19 overall, including 5-15 in the ACC. However, Georgia Tech enters on somewhat of a high, thanks to an 82-78 overtime win Saturday over Boston College that saw senior guards Jordan Usher and Michael Devoe combine for 48 points. Devoe has averaged 18.0 & 5.0 on the season, while Usher has added 14.6 & 6.5. Joining that duo in the starting lineup are guard Sturdivant (7.5) and Moore (5.2 & 3.4) plus the 6-10 Howard (6.6 & 5.1). Louisville plays lots of guys, as 10 players chip in between 4.7 and 9.5 PPG. The team's top-two scorers are guard Locke (9.5) and the 6-11 Williams (9.3 & 7.7). The team's third and fourth leading scorers both come off the bench (Ellis at 8.7 PPG and Davis at 6.9 PPG). The ACC playing its conference tourney in Brooklyn just doesn't seem right but here's the bottom line. Louisville fired head coach Chris Mack back on Jan 26 but nothing has stopped the team's slide under interim head coach Mike Pegues. Meanwhile, quoting Ga Tech head coach Josh Pastner after his team's win over BC, "Good win for us," the Yellow Jackets coach said. "We found a way to get a win in a situation where the lead evaporated for us. The momentum shifted, but we found a way to get it done." Georgia Tech won the ACC tournament last March, toppling Florida State in the final and earning its first NCAA Tournament bid under Pastner. There's no ACC tourney title in store for Pastner and Ga tech this season but I expect them to have little trouble here with the sad-sack Cardinals. Good luck...Larry |
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03-07-22 | Knicks v. Kings -3 | Top | 131-115 | Loss | -115 | 17 h 21 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Sac Kings at 10:40 ET. The Knicks ended a seven-year postseason drought last year by going 41-31 but lost in the first round to the Atlanta Hawks, who made it all the way to the East Conference Finals. Expectations were high in Madison Square Garden to open the season but the Knicks visit Sacramento just 26-38, 5 1/2-games behind the Hawks, who currently hold the the No. seed (last of the 'play-in' teams). Most are aware of Sacramento's dilemma, as the Kings have missed the playoffs for 15 consecutive seasons. Things aren't looking good for Sacramento to snap that postseason drought this season, as the Kings are four games behind the No. 10 seed (Pelicans) plus first need to climb over Spurs and Blazers. The good news for New York is that after almost winning Friday at Phoenix (lost 115-114), the Knicks are coming off an impressive 116-93 win over the Los Angeles Clippers last night. The bad news? Sunday's game was the front half of a back-to-back that falls in the middle of a 12-day trip. The win snapped a seven-game losing streak and marked just New York's fourth win in its last 21 games! The Kings were 3.3 seconds away from a win on Saturday at Dallas, but Dorian Finney-Smith buried a three-pointer to give the Mavericks a 114-113 the victory. The loss clinched the Kings' NBA-record 16th straight season with a losing record, with one of the roughest patches in the schedule still to come. Starting Wednesday, Sacramento's next six games will be against the Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns. The Knicks have been led all season by PF Randle (19.6-10.0-5.2) and SF Barrett (19.0 & 5.8), while the Kings shook up their roster at the trade deadline. PG Fox (22.5 & 5.4 APG) and SF Barnes (17.2 & 6.0) are still around but have been joined by the 6-11 Sabonis. Sabonis has recorded double-doubles in NINE of his 10 games with Sacramento, including the last six. He's averaged 18.6-12.2-5.2 in that stretch. However, the Kings have gone 4-6 in those games. As I've noted often this season, the Kings don't lack talent, just wins. Undaunted, interim head coach Alvin Gentry stressed positives and one fixable issue after the heart-breaker in Dallas. "I thought we played great for most of the game," he insisted. "We have to do a better job of managing our turnovers." As noted, the schedule becomes VERY difficult starting Wednesday, so this is a great opportunity for Sacramento to pick up a win against a New York team that HAS to be at least a little bit fatigued by its current schedule. Lay the reasonable points. Good luck...Larry |
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03-07-22 | Warriors v. Nuggets UNDER 223.5 | Top | 124-131 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 11 m | Show |
My 10* Western Conference O/U of the Month is on G St/Den Under at 9:10 ET. The Golden State Warriors opened 18-2 but cooled some, before winning NINE straight from Jan 21 thru Feb 7. Golden St was 41-13 on the morning of Feb 8 and the Suns were 40-13. However, the Warriors lost FOUR of five prior to the break and then returned to play with a win over the depleted Blazers However, they have lost FOUR in a row since. Doing the math and it's EIGHT losses in 10 games, as the Warriors have fallen EIGHT games behind Phoenix. The Warriors are tied with Memphis for the No. 2 seed and now the Jazz are within 2 1/2-games of Golden St and Memphis. The Nuggets outlasted New Orleans Sunday in OT, as Jokic had 30 of his 46 points after the third quarter and finished with 12 rebounds and 11 assists to notch his 17th triple-double of the season. Denver is 38-26 (No. 6 seed) and just ONE game behind Dallas (No. 5 seed) plus 2 1/2-games behind Utah (No. 4 seed). Denver's won the first two meetings this season against Golden St but that point seems moot. Why? Read along. Golden State has already announced that Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Andre Iguodala and Gary Payton Jr. won't play in Monday's game. Curry, Thompson and Wiggins will sit for rest while Iguodala (back) and Payton (knee) are nursing injuries. Obviously, that makes the Warriors severely short-handed BUT they do catch a scheduling break. The Nuggets are coming off an overtime win against New Orleans on Sunday night, host Golden St tonight and then travel to Sacramento for a game Wednesday night. That means Golden State catches them on the second night of back-to-back games. One more thing. Jokic (25.8-13.8-8.0) was rested Friday and there was talk he might not play Sunday. Is it possible the Nuggets will rest him here, off last night's Herculean effort in OT? Go U-N-D-E-R! Good luck...Larry |
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03-07-22 | UL - Lafayette +3.5 v. Georgia State | Top | 71-80 | Loss | -110 | 10 h 39 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on ULL at 7:00 ET. The Georgia State Panthers (17-10) face the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns (16-14) Monday night in the Sun Belt Conference championship game from the Pensacola Bay Center. The Panthers topped ULL 65-58 in the regular-season finale at home and also won 68-64 in Lafayette back on Jan 27. The schools meet for the third time tonight, with the winner earning an NCAA automatic bid. Good luck...Larry |
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03-07-22 | Furman +2.5 v. Chattanooga | Top | 63-64 | Win | 100 | 8 h 45 m | Show |
My Weekly Wipeout is on Furman at 7:00 ET. The 21-11 Furman Paladins and the 26-7 Chattanooga Mocs meet Monday in the Southern Conference championship game from US Cellular Center (Ashville, NC). The Paladins beat Samford on Sunday, while the Mocs Chattanooga are coming off a win over Wofford (also on Sunday).
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03-07-22 | Delaware +5.5 v. Towson | Top | 69-56 | Win | 100 | 9 h 49 m | Show |
My 10* Conference Tourney (CAA) Game of the Year is on Delaware at 6:00 ET. The Delaware Blue Hens and the Towson Tigers meet Monday in a CAA semifinal matchup from the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington DC. Delaware was limited to just 15 games last (7-8) but enters this game 20-12. Towson was an awful 4-14 last season but the Tigers rebounded to go 15-3 in CAA play (tied UNC-Wilmington for first place) and will take the court with a 25-7 record. All five starters were back this season for Delaware and SEVEN players chip in between 7.7 and 14.0 PPG. Nelson (14.0 & 5.1) leads a trio of guards in double digits, joined by Allen (12.1) and Anderson (10.9 & 3.6 APG). The 6-10 Painter (12.7 & 6.9) is joined up front by the 6-9 Carr (9.7 & 4.7) and 6-7 Davis (8.7 & 3.7). Similarly, Towson has SEVEN playing scoring between 6.5 and 14.3 PPG. It's a guard-oriented team with the 6-7 Thompson (10.9 & 6.7) being the best of a weak frontline group. However, Towson's perimeter game has served the team well, led by the duo of Timberlake (14.3 & 4.4) and Holden (13.6 & 8.7). Like so many conferences (outside of 'big-boy' status), the only path to the Big Dance is through a conference tourney title. Despite 25 wins, Towson is well aware there will be no at-large bid. Towson did beat Delaware twice (back-to-back games on Jan 24 and 27) but the Blue Hens own an advantage inside and can hold their own on the perimeter. No pressure here on Delaware that's my pick. Good luck...Larry |
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03-06-22 | Raptors +5 v. Cavs | Top | 96-104 | Loss | -110 | 12 h 39 m | Show |
My 10* East Conf Game of the Month is on the Tor Raptors at 7:40 ET. The Toronto Raptors had won 50-plus games for FIVE consecutive seasons, before falling all the way to 27-45. As for the Cleveland Cavaliers, they entered this season having gone 60-159 (.274) the previous three seasons, after LBJ 'flew the coop' for the second time. The teams meet in Cleveland on Sunday with the 34-29 Raptors owning the No. 7 seed and the 36-27 Cavs holding onto the No. 6 seed, two games ahead of Toronto. Both teams are striving to avoid the play-in tournament, as they meet for the third time (of four) this season. Cleveland has won both meetings so far.
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03-06-22 | South Dakota +1 v. UMKC | Top | 74-61 | Win | 100 | 9 h 33 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on South Dakota at 7:00 ET. The South Dakota Coyotes and UM Kansas City Roos meet Sunday in a Summit League quarterfinal contest from the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls. South Dakota St dominated the league by going 18-0, while 19-11 UMKC (12-6) finished ONE game better than 18-11 South Dakota (11-7) in league games. The difference being the Roos beating the Coyotes twice turning the regular season. South Dakota has four double digit scorers in guards Perrott-Hunt (15.0 & 4.2),Archambault (14.67 & 3.4) and Fuller (10.1). The 6-8 Kamateros (11.6 & 5,4) joins that guard trio, while the 6-7 Goodrick adds 7.2 PPG and a team-high 7.1 ROG. UMKC counters with four double-digit scorers of its own in guards Gilyard (16.9) and Nesbitt (12/2 & 6.6) plus SF Lamar (13.7 & 6.1) and the 6-9 Allick (13.1 & 6.3). There's not much difference between these two teams, as South Dakota averages 75.7 PPG to UMKC's 75.0, while UMKC shoots slightly better (48.1 to 46.6%). South Dakota enters on a 6-1 ATS run and UMKC on an 8-1 ATS run. No reason to expect the Roos to win for a THIRD straight time! Good luck...Larry |
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03-06-22 | Boston University +3 v. Navy | Top | 80-85 | Loss | -115 | 6 h 15 m | Show |
My 10* Conf Tourney (Patriot League) Game of the Year is on Boston U at 4:00 ET. The Boston University Terriers and the Navy Midshipmen meet Sunday in conference tourney play (Patriot League) from Alumni Hall (Navy's home court). Three schools from the league have had 20-win seasons, Colgate, Navy and Boston U. Colgate is the regular season champs (16-2), Navy was second (12-6) and BU third (11-7). Navy won both regular season meetings between the two schools and will go a three-game sweep, with the advantage of being at home. The Terriers punched their ticket to the conference semifinals with a 76-64 win over Loyola-Maryland, as Javante McCoy (17.3) had 26 points on 11 of 14 shooting. Fellow guard Whyte (13.0 & 5.9) had 19 points and the 6-10 Mathon (15.1 & 10.3) added 17 & 12. Navy reached the semis with a 71-64 win over American. John Carter, Navy's lone double-digit scorer at 13.3 PPG, led the way with 21 points. Navy has six players averaging between 5.1 and 8.6 PPG but the team's other four starters combined for only 15 points in the win over American. Guard Summers (8.5 & 4.8) came off the bench to score 13 points but Navy's best frontcourt player, the 6-6 Nelson (8.6 & 4.5), had just TWO points and ONE rebound. Yes, Navy won both regular season meetings with Boston (AND is playing at home) but note that Navy is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games overall and 1-7 ATS in its last eight home games. Boston University is 11-5-2 ATS in its last 18 road games and 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600. BU's McCoy is just as good (maybe better) than Navy's Carter plus the Midshipmen have no one to match up with BU's 6-10 Mathon. No season sweep by Navy, even while playing at home. Boston's U's 'cry' is "We want Colgate!" Good luck...Larry |
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03-06-22 | Suns v. Bucks -7 | Top | 122-132 | Win | 100 | 9 h 24 m | Show |
My 9* PERFECT STORM is on the Mil Bucks at 3:40 ET. The Phoenix Suns entered the All-Star break at 48-10 but had just lost Chris Paul for six-to-eight weeks. There was 'talk' that just maybe, the Suns couldn't hold on the West's best record. Then, Booker entered COVID protocols and things looked even worse. However, the Suns are 3-2 since the break and with Golden St 'folding' (Warriors have lost four straight and right of 10)) the Suns still own a 'healthy' EIGHT-game edge on the West's No. 2 (now Memphis, as Golden St has fallen 8 1/2-games off the pace). The Suns visit Milwaukee Sunday after for a rematch of last year's NBA Finals, when after taking the first two games, the Suns lost FOUR in a row. The Suns got some satisfaction by trouncing the Bucks 131-107 back on Feb 10 in Phoenix. Milwaukee will be looking for its fourth consecutive win. After dropping back-to-back games against the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets sandwiching the All-Star break, Milwaukee has won its past three following a 118-112 road win over the Bulls on Friday night. Miami leads the East, Philly is three back and Milwaukee and Chicago are 3 1/2-games back. The East will be a 'battle to the end,' as despite sitting just 25-25, Boston has won 13 of 15 since Jan 29 and is only 1 1/2-games back of the Bucks and Bulls (five behind the Heat).
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03-06-22 | Penn State v. Rutgers -5.5 | Top | 58-59 | Loss | -110 | 5 h 1 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Rutgers at 12:00 ET. The Nittany Lions won't be 'dancing' in their first year under coach Micah Shrewsberry, as after losing THREE of four, they'll head to Piscataway, NJ at just 12-15 (7-12 Big Ten) to take on Rutgers (17-12 / 11-8 Big Ten). Schools finishing 11 through 14 will have to play on the first day (Wednesday) of the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis next month. The Nittany Lions enter today's game tied with Maryland for the 10th-seed (Terps are at Michigan St). In contrast, Rutgers has an outside chance at the No. 4 seed. It must beat Penn State but also have and have No. 23 Ohio State AND No. 24 Iowa lose their finales. Pickett (13.0-4.0-4.3) leads a trio of guards for Penn St, along with Sessoms (11.3) and Dread (6.1). The 6-6 Lundy (12.3 & 5.2) leads the way up front, along with the 6-9 Harrar (10.4 & 10.0) and the 6-9 Lee (7.7 & 6.3). Rutgers has a starting lineup consisting of four guards and the 6-11 Omoruyi (11.8 & 8.0). Baker (12.2 & 3.8 APG) entered the season with 101 starts on his resume and 6-6 guard Harper (15.8 & 6.1) can be a 'nightmare' matchup issue for many teams. Mulcahy (8.9-4.0 & 5.1) and McConnell (6.5 & 5.2) are the final two starters, while the 6-6 Hyatt (4.5 & 2.9) is the 6th-man. After a rough start to the season with three bad non-conference losses, Rutgers forced its way onto the NCAA Tournament bubble in February with FOUR straight wins over top-25 teams (Scarlet Knights own six Quadrant 1 wins). Penn State handled Rutgers 66-49 back on Jan 11 but that was in University Park Penn St is a sad 1-9 on the road, the worst mark in the Big Ten. Steve Pikiell came to Rutgers (from Stony Brook) for the 2016-17 season and his 2019-20 team won 20 games (NCAA tourney was canceled) and then got the Scarlet Knights into the "Big Dance" last season, winning a game before losing in the round of 32. Pikiell has made "The RAC" (Rutgers Athletic Center) a brutal venue for visiting teams. Rutgers is 13-3 at home this season and enters 41-9 (.820) at home the last two-plus seasons. I'm laying the points. Good luck...Larry |
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03-05-22 | BYU +2.5 v. San Francisco | Top | 63-75 | Loss | -110 | 14 h 8 m | Show |
My 10* Conference Tourney (WCC) Game of the Year is on BYU at 10:30 ET. Mark Pope is in just his third season at BYU but has delivered a 44-15 two-year mark, including 20-7 last season. BYU got off to its best start under Pope, beating four NCAA Tournament teams from a season ago, Cleveland State, San Diego State, Oregon and Texas Southern. The Cougars did not begin the season ranked but moved to No. 18 in the AP poll, before rising to No. 12 (after the Utah win on Nov 27), the school's highest ranking that far into the season in 40 years. BYU was 17-4 through late-January but a four-game skid saw them fall to 17-8 and only 5-5 in WCC play). San Francisco's Todd Golden worked as an assistant under Kyle Smith and when Smith left for Washington St, took over as head coach. The Dons went 22-12 in his first season (2019-20) but last season's team, hurt by a 17-day stint away from the court due to COVID, finished just 11-14. However, the Dons are "back this year." The Dons opened 10-0 and finished the regular season 23-8 (10-6 in WCC). The teams split their two meetings this season, as the road team won each contest. They meet again Saturday in Paradise, Nv (adjacent to Las Vegas). BYU lost guard Averette (11.7 PPG / 2nd-leading scorer) and the 7-3 Haarms (11.3 & 5.0) but got the unexpected return of guard Barcello (16.1-4.7-4.2 LY). He leads in scoring at 17.2 PPG and fellow guard Lucas adds 10.7 PPG and 4.7 APG. The frontcourt features the 6-6 Traore (9.2 & 8.4), the 6-6 Knight (7.4 & 3.4) and the 6-8 Lohner (6.7 & 6.3). SEVEN San Francisco players have participated in all 31 games this season for the Dons. Guards Bouyea (17.0-5.0-4.1) is the top scorer, followed by the 6-9 Massalski (13.6 & 9.4), guard Shabazz (13.4) makes it three double digit scorers. The other four 31-game participants are guards Stefanni (9.7) and Rishwain (7.1) plus the 6-10 Tape (4.9 & 4.3) and the 6-8 Kunen (4.1 & 3.2). BYU had to play last night (SF had a bye) but the Cougars had little trouble dispatching Loyola Marymount 85-60. Barcello had 22 points, Traore 15 & 11 and Lohner 6 & 10. No doubt that these teams are pretty evenly matched, but I actually see it as advantage that BYU played last night and expect the Cougars to roll that positive 'mojo' over into tonight's contes. Good luck...Larry |
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03-05-22 | St. John's v. Marquette -4 | Top | 77-85 | Win | 100 | 14 h 8 m | Show |
My 9* Las Vegas Insider is on Marquette at 9:00 ET. Saturday marks the first meeting of the season between Marquette and St John's, after the two teams' first contest scheduled for Dec 29 was canceled due to COVID-19 protocol.
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03-05-22 | Boise State +3.5 v. Colorado State | Top | 68-71 | Win | 100 | 14 h 44 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Boise St at 8:30 ET. The Boise St Broncos and Colorado St Rams meet Saturday at the Moby Arena in Fort Collins. It's the regular season finale for both schools. Bosie is 24-6 and at 15-2 in MWC play, has secured the No. 1 in the upcoming tourney. CSU is 23-4 overall, including 13-4 in MWC) play, giving them a half-game lead over SD St for the No. 2 seed. These schools met back on Feb 13 in Boise, with the Rams coming away with a 77-74 OT win.
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03-05-22 | Stanford v. Arizona State -6 | Top | 56-65 | Win | 100 | 5 h 35 m | Show |
My 9* Weekend Wipeout is on Arizona St at 3:00 ET. I'm looking at this Pac-12 game between Stanford (15-14 / 8-11) and Arizona St (13-16 / 9-10) and see teams heading in opposite directions. Stanford won the previous meeting 79-76 back on Jan 22 at Palo Alto and today's meeting is in Tempe, as both schools conclude the regular season,
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03-05-22 | Miami-FL v. Syracuse -1 | Top | 75-72 | Loss | -105 | 6 h 27 m | Show |
My 9* ACC Game of the Month is on Syracuse at 1:00 ET. It's the regular-season finale for both the Miami Hurricanes (21-9, 13-6 ACC) and the Syracuse Orange (15-15, 9-10). Miami escaped with an 88-87 home win over Syracuse in their previous meeting on Jan 5 and the 'Canes take a 9-2 road record into today's contest. Only Boise St, Duke, Southern California, Wisconsin, VCU and Davidson join Miami with at least nine road wins and two or fewer losses. Meanwhile, after a Sweet 16 run last season, Syracuse is just a .500 team in the current season (11-4 at home). The game will be decided by which team's starting-five plays better. Miami head coach Jim Larranaga has led the Hurricanes to seven, 20-win seasons in his 11 years, to all three of the school's 25-win seasons and to two of the school's three Sweet 16 appearances. By the way, I could also throw in him leading unheralded George Mason to a Final 4 appearance back in 2006. The 'Canes came into the season off an 'ugly 10-17 season (4-15 in the ACC) last year but have 'righted the ship.' Miami is led by the guard trio of McGusty (17.4 & 4.9), Wong (15.5 & 4.3) and Moore (12.5 & 4.2 APG). Miller is a fourth guard and adds 9.3 & 5.8. Miami's lone big man of note is the 6-10 Waardenburg (8.8 & 4.1). Jim Boeheim is in his 46th season as a head coach and is coming off another Sweet 16 run in last year's "Big Dance" (The Orange finished 18-10). However, it's been 'tough sledding' for the Orange this season. Boeheim relies wholly on his starting five, with son Buddy averaging 19.0 PPG. His backcourt partner Girard (13.3 & 4.2 APG) returned at PG from last season. However, two key transfers have made major impacts. Swider, a 6-9 transfer from Villanova, is averaging 13.7 & 6.6 plus Boeheim's oldest son Jimmy (a 6-8 graduate transfer from Cornell), is adding 13.3 & 6.1. The 6-11 Edwards returns up front and chips in 12.0 & 6.1. Depth has been an issue all season, but that's the case with Miami as well. Miami's headed to the "Big Dance" but the only way Syracuse makes it is to win the ACC tourney. However, the motivation here is all on the side of The Orange, as it is the team's final home game and the team can't possibly forget losing at Miami (by ONE point!), after leading by 18 points in the first half! The 'Cuse rolls! Good luck...Larry |
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03-04-22 | Southern Illinois +3.5 v. Drake | Top | 52-65 | Loss | -105 | 12 h 55 m | Show |
My 10* Conference Tourney (MVC) Game of the Year is on Southern Illinois at 9:30 ET. The Southern Illinois Salukis are 16-14 (9-9 MVC) and the Drake Bulldogs are 22-9 (13-5 MVC) as the two schools get set to meet Friday. The Missouri Valley Tournament is known as "Arch Madness," as it's held in St Louis. The two schools have met twice during the regular season but while Drake won both n]meetings, the Bulldogs had their hands full with the Salukis. Southern Illinois has had its ups and downs this season, including a 3-8 run in January/February. However, the Salukis had won four straight before losing their season finale to Drake, The 6-6 Domask (15.0 & 5.1) is the team's best player, joined by guards Jones (14.7), Coupet (11.1 & 4.7) and Verplancken (6.8). no other player averages as much as 5 PPG. Drake's Darian DeVries is in his fourth season in Des Moines (70-29 his first three) and you may remember Drake opening 18-0 last season. However, the Bulldogs lost in the MVC tourney (Arch Madness) but the Bulldogs still went 'dancing,' earning the first at-large bid in program history (Drake also finished at 26-5). Head coach DeVries had the inside track on recruiting his son Tucker (Gatorade POY in Iowa) and he has delivered by leading the team in scoring at 13.6 PPG. Three more guards join him in the starting lineup, the 6-3 Sturtz (11.0 PPG and a team-high 7.5 RPG), Penn (10.6) and Wilkins (10.3). The 6-6 Hemphill (9.8 & 5.3), the 6-6 Murphy (8.8 & 5.) and the 6-10 Brodie (6.3 & 4,6) are the frontcourt contributors. There is no doubt that Drake is the better team but the Bulldogs won just 60-59 at SIU on Jan 17 and then only beat the Salukis 62-60 at home in the season finale for both teams (Feb 26). There will be no at-large bid this season for Drake, so all the pressure is on them to win this tourney. My bet is that Drake could very well lose right here. Take the points! Good luck...Larry |
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03-04-22 | Hawks v. Wizards +4 | Top | 117-114 | Win | 100 | 11 h 56 m | Show |
My 10* Division Game of the Year (Southeast) is on the Was Wizards at 7:10 ET. The 30-32 Atlanta Hawks are currently tied with Charlotte for the No. 9 spot in the East's playoff race but the 28-33 Washington Wizards are just 1 1/2-games behind the two teams, looking to sneak into the 'play-in' round by earning the No. 10 seed. The teams have split the first two meetings this season, each winning on their home court. Atlanta put together a strong second half on Thursday to beat the Chicago Bulls 130-124. The Hawks scored 40 points in the fourth quarter and used a late 11-0 run to erase a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit. Trae Young scored 39 points. Young had sprained his left ankle against Boston on Tuesday and had been a game-time decision because of the injury. How about here? Young (28.1 & 9.3 APG) leads the way but PF John Collins (16.8 & 7.9) has not played since Feb 11 and will likely miss again here. However, Atlanta's depth is impressive with FIVE more double digit scorers. Bogdanovic (14.0 & 3.9), Hunter (12.6), Huerter (11.7), Gallinari (10.8 & 4.6) and center Capela (10.6 & 12.1) make for a very solid group. Washington hasn't played since Tuesday when it defeated the Detroit Pistons 116-113 to open a three-game homestand. The Wizards are trying to make a playoff run despite the absence of Bradley Beal (23.2) to season-ending left wrist surgery. Then there is Kristaps Porzingis and his right knee bruise. Porzingis has not played since being acquired in a trade with Dallas at the Feb. 10 deadline. The Wizards are led by Kyle Kuzma (17.0 & 8.8), who has a career-high 23 double-doubles this season and posted his first career triple-double on Feb 10 against Brooklyn. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is averaging 11.9 PPG and undersized center Gafford (9.1 & 6.0) has been quietly effective. Also note that with Harrell gone in a trade, the 6-8 Hachimura has scored in double digits in SIX of his last games (11.4 PPG). Atlanta almost "gave one way" last night but saved itself with that late 11-0. It's hard to trust them away from (especially laying points), as the Hawks are only 11-19 on the road this season. Washington has won EIGHT of its last 11 meetings against the Hawks at Capital One Arena dating back to 2016. The Wizards beat Atlanta 122-111 on Oct 28 in Washington and the well-rested Wizards catch the Hawks in the second of a back-to-back. Take the home dog. Good luck...Larry |
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03-04-22 | Buffalo v. Kent State -2.5 | Top | 65-70 | Win | 100 | 9 h 7 m | Show |
My 9* Weekly Wipeout is on Kent St at 6:00 ET. The Buffalo Bulls and Kent State Golden Flashes meet Friday at the M.A.C. Center in Kent, Oh. Both schools come in playing VERY well, as Buffalo had won NINE straight before losing its last game 92-76 to Toledo (Bulls have won 13 of their last 16). Meanwhile, Kent comes in having won 11 straight (8-2-1 ATS) since falling Jan 21 at Buffalo (64-51). This is the final game of the regular season. Kent St is 15-4 is just one game behind 1st-place Toledo but the Rockets are home to Bowling Green (13-17 / 6-12). Jim Whitesell is in his 27th season as a head coach, including his THIRD at Buffalo. He was named the head coach at Buffalo in April of 2019, filling the void left by Nate Oats when he resigned to take the head coach job at Alabama. The Bulls returned four starters from last season's 16-9 team and this year's team will be one of eight MAC schools (12-team league) heading to Cleveland for the MAC tourney (opens a week from Thursday). Buffalo's starting-five is very good. 6-5 SF Williams (19.2 & 5.0) is joined in the frontcourt by the 6-7 Mballo (13.6 & 8.8) and the 6-10 Skogman (8.1 & 6.4). PG Segu (15.3 & 5.3) is joined in the backcourt by Jack (9.7 & 4.6). Brewton (5.5) adds depth in the backcourt and the 6-8 Fagan (4.1 & 4.3 in the frontcourt. Rob Senderoff is in his 11th season at Kent and at 20-9 so far, has led the Golden Flashes to 20 wins SEVEN times. Guards Carry (18.7-4.5-4.7) and Jacobs (11.9 & 7.6) are the team's top scorers. Five more players average between 5.2 and 8.7 PPG. This is a guard-oriented team, as fellow guards Garcia and Santiago each average 8.7 points. The 6-11 Hamilton (8.3 & 6.50 is the top frontcourt player. Buffalo's nine-game winning streak ended with a THUD, falling 92-76 at home vs Toledo. Now, the Bulls meet the revenge-minded Golden Flashes on their home court, who have at least an outside chance at tying Toledo for 1st in the MAC. The Golden Flashes have won 11 straight since that loss at Buffalo, going 8-0-1 ATS before falling to cover their last two, laying big points. No real impost to worry about here. Make it an even DOZEN straight wins on Friday night. Good luck...Larry |
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03-04-22 | High Point v. Winthrop -6.5 | Top | 51-68 | Win | 100 | 8 h 26 m | Show |
My 9* Situational Stunner is on Winthrop at 6:00 ET. The Big South tourney continues on Friday from Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, when the High Point Panthers (No. 7 seed) will meet the Winthrop Eagles (No. 2 seed) in the quarterfinals. The Panthers (now 14-17) were able to advance to the quarterfinals after defeating the 10-seed Hampton Pirates, 84-77 in OT on Wednesday. The Eagles finished their regular season with an overall record of 21-8 and earned the 2-seed after finishing conference play with a 14-2 record (Longwood led the Big South with a 15-1 conference record). High Point's head coach is Tubby Smith, who returned to coach his alma mater. This marks his 31st season as a head coach but entered this season just 34-53 in his first three seasons at High Point. The Panthers are led by an excellent trio consisting of guards Wright (18.5-4.3-3,4) and House (11.8 & 4.2) plus 6-5 SF Austin (14.5 & 7.8). Austin was terrific vs Hampton (24 & 16), while House added 19. That said, High Point needed OT to beat a Hampton team that finished its season just 9-19. Winthrop entered this season having averaged 21.8 wins over the previous eight seasons, including a 23-2 season last year. Mark Prosser is in his first year as the school's head coach but had previously worked at Winthrop as an assistant. The 6-9 Burns (15.3 & 4.6), the 6-7 Hightower (11.5 & 5.6) and guard Good (11.) lead the way. The 6-7 Talford (8.8 & 4.7) and guard Anumba (7.4 & 3.8) are both regular contributors, while four more guards combine to chip in 21 PPG. Winthrop comes in having won 15 of its last 17 games (since Dec 31) and has run off EIGHT straight wins since losing 92-88 at Longwood (see above) on Jan 29. The ONLY other loss in the team's last 17 games came in a 65-56 loss at High Point. Winthrop WILL remember and this efficient offensive team (48.9% shooting ranks 8th in the nation) has too much firepower here for Tubby's team. Lay it! Good luck...Larry |