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[CNOTES]

Sweet 16 - East Regional


March 26, 2015


East Regional · South Regional
Winning the East Region of this season’s men’s NCAA Tournament became a wide-open affair once both No. 1 Villanova and No. 2 Virginia made early exits, so now it is up to the four remaining teams to stay hot with a trip to the Final Four. The first step in the process is two region semifinal matchups on this Friday night’s slate.


ODDS TO WIN EAST REGIONAL - SPORTSBOOK.AG
School Odds
Michigan State 8/5
Oklahoma 11/4
Louisville 14/5
North Carolina State 18/1


East Regional- No. 8 North Carolina State vs. Louisville Cardinals (TBS, 7:37 p.m.)
Venue: Carrier Dome
Location: Syracuse, NY
Betting Odds: Louisville -3, Total 130


The Wolfpack closed as 10-point underdogs in last Saturday’s third round matchup against Villanova, but they were clearly the better team that night in a 71-68 victory to propel them into the Sweet 16. They started this tournament with a tight 66-65 victory against No. 9 LSU as two-point favorites. NC State is 5-1 straight-up in its last six games with a 4-2 record against the spread.


Four of five starters scored in double figures in the win over Villanova and the Wolfpack dominated the boards by outrebounding the Wildcats 45-32. They shot 45.3 percent from the field, but they were just 3-for-11 from three-point range. On the year, NC State is averaging 70.4 points per game and it is hitting 43.7 percent of its shots from the floor. It is averaging 37.8 rebounds a game.


Louisville went 12-6 SU in its first season in the ACC and it capped things off with a thrilling 59-57 victory over Virginia in the conference tournament semifinals as a three-point underdog. The Cardinals squeezed-pact No. 13 UC Irvine in their NCAA Tournament opener as 8 ½-point favorites, but they won with authority their next time out as 2 ½-point underdogs in a 66-53 upset of No. 5 Northern Iowa. Louisville is still just 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games.


The hot hands for the Cardinals in this tournament have been senior guard/forward Wayne Blackshear and sophomore guard Terry Rozier. Blackshear scored a game-high 19 points and pulled-down seven rebounds against UC Irvine and Rozier led the way their last time out with 25 points and seven assists. Louisville is averaging 69.2 PPG on the year, but it has failed to reach that total in its last five games.


Betting Trends:


-- The Wolfpack are 5-2-1 ATS in their last seven NCAA Tournament games and they are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games against a team with a SU winning record. The total has stayed UNDER in 10 of their last 13 games in the NCAA Tournament.


-- The Cardinals have covered ATS in 11 of their last 16 games in the NCAA Tournament and they are 25-10 ATS in their last 35 neutral-site games. The total has stayed UNDER in six of their last nine games following a SU win.


-- North Carolina State beat Louisville 74-63 in the regular season as a 10 ½-point road underdog. The total went OVER the closing 132 ½-point line.


East Regional: No. 7 Michigan State vs. No. 3 Oklahoma (TBS 10:07 p.m.)
Venue: Carrier Dome
Location: Syracuse, NY
Betting Odds: Michigan State -2, Total 135 ½


The Spartans moved to the head of the class as favorites to win the East following their stunning 60-54 victory against Virginia as 4 ½-point underdogs. Michigan State started this tournament by beating No. 10 Georgia 70-63 as a six-point favorite. It is now 6-1 SU in its last seven games while going 4-3 ATS. The total has gone OVER in seven of its last nine games.


Senior guard Travis Trice matched his team-high season scoring average of 15 points in the win over Georgia and he raised the bar against the Cavaliers with a game-high 23 points while going 4-for-8 from three-point range. Michigan State is averaging 71.9 PPG and shooting as effective 47.1 from the field.


Oklahoma has quietly worked its way into the Sweet 16 with fairly routine victories against No. 14 Albany and No. 11 Dayton. The Sooners covered a four-point spread in their 72-66 victory over the Flyers their last time out, but they are still just 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games. The total went OVER the 129-point closing line in that contest after it stayed UNDER in five of their previous six games.


The pair of guards in junior Buddy Hield and sophomore Jordan Woodard helped pace the win against Dayton with a combined 31 points and eight assists and junior forward Ryan Spangler came up big with 12 rebounds. The Sooners shot 44.9 percent from the field, but they were on fire from three-point range; hitting 9-of-18 from beyond the arc. On the year, Oklahoma is hitting 43.6 percent of its shots from the field and averaging 71.9 PPG.


Betting Trends:


-- The Spartans are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games outside the conference and they are 9-4-1 ATS in their last 14 games against the Big 12. The total has stayed UNDER in seven of their last 10 games in the NCAA Tournament.


-- The Sooners have failed to cover in four of their last five NCAA Tournament games and they are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games following a SU win. The total has stayed UNDER in seven of their last eight games played at a neutral site.


-- These two last met in 2013 with Michigan State winning 87-76 in a game that ended as a PUSH with the total going OVER the 154 ½-point closing line. The Spartans have a 3-2 SU edge in five previous meetings with the series tied 2-2-1 ATS.

 

[CNOTES]

Sweet 16 - South Regional


March 26, 2015




East Regional · South Regional
South Regional - No. 2 Gonzaga vs. No. 11 UCLA (CBS, 7:15 p.m. ET)
Venue:NRG Stadium
Location: Houston, TX.
Betting Odds: Gonzaga -8.5, Total: 145.5


-- Gonzaga (34-2 straight up, 17-14-2 against the spread) is back in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2009. Mark Few has taken the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament in all 16 seasons of his tenure, including five Sweet 16 appearances, but he has never pushed his team to the Elite Eight. They last appeared in the Elite Eight in 1999 thanks to a West Region semifinal win over Florida on Casey Calvary's putback dunk in the final seconds. The 'Zags would lose to eventual national champ UConn in the Elite Eight in Phoenix.


-- Gonzaga destroyed Iowa by an 87-68 count as a six-point favorite in the Round of 32. Kyle Wiltjer paced the winners with 24 points and seven rebounds, making 10-of-12 shots from the field, including 4-of-6 from downtown. Kevin Pangos added 16 points, banging home 4-of-7 attempts from 3-point land. Domantas Sabonis finished with 18 points and nine rebounds.


-- UCLA (22-13 SU, 19-16 ATS) has won eight of its last 11 games and going back even further, it is 12-3 ATS in its last 15 outings. Steve Alford's club has taken the money in six consecutive contests from the underdog role.


-- UCLA advanced past the first round thanks to a comeback win over SMU. Trailing by two with about 13 seconds remaining, Bryce Alford's rushed a fadeaway trey that was well contested and was about to come up short. But good fortune was on the side of the Bruins, as Mustangs' center Yanick Moreira inexplicably committed goaltending to put UCLA in front by one point (it was a dumb play by Moreiera, but the kid owned it at the postgame presser and is forgiven in my book). On the ensuing possession, SMU's Nic Moore had a pair of looks to take the lead in the final seconds, but his shots were off the mark. The Bruins won 60-59 as 3.5-point underdogs. Alford was 9-of-11 from 3-point range and scored a game-high 27 points, while Norman Powell added 19. SMU used a 19-0 run sparked by a trio of 3's by Moore, who finished with 24 points, to take a 53-44 advantage with 4:34 remaining.


-- In the Round of 32, UCLA qualified for a second straight Sweet 16 appearance on Alford's watch by pulling away late in a 92-75 win over 14th-seeded UAB. The Bruins cashed tickets as 5.5-point 'chalk' behind 28 points, 12 rebounds and three blocked shots from Tony Parker. Bryce Alford added 22 points and five assists, while Powell finished with 15 points.


-- These teams met on Dec. 13 at Pauley Pavilion with Gonzaga winning an 87-74 decision as a 5.5-point road favorite. The 161 combined points went 'over' the 146-point total. Wiltjer led the way with 24 points, while USC transfer Byron Wesley produced 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a pair of blocked shots. Sabonis finished with 10 points and six rebounds. In the losing effort, Alford and Isaac Hamilton scored 23 and 18 points, respectively.


-- The 'over' is 19-12-2 overall for Gonzaga.


-- The 'under' is 21-13 overall for UCLA, going 17-7 in its last 24 contests.


South Regional - No. 1 Duke vs. No. 5 Utah (CBS, 9:45 p.m. ET)
Venue:NRG Stadium
Location: Houston, TX.
Betting Odds: Duke -5, Total: 133.5


-- Duke (31-4 SU, 20-14-1 ATS) is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games after collecting a pair of easy spread covers in blowout wins over Robert Morris and San Diego St. last weekend. The Blue Devils pounded the Aztecs 68-49 as nine-point 'chalk' thanks to Jahlil Okafor's 26 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots. Quinn Cook added 15 points, while Justise Winslow stuffed the box score with 13 points, 12 boards, five assists, four steals and three blocked shots.


-- With the win over Steve Fisher's team, Duke made it to the Sweet 16 for the 13th time in as many tries as a No. 1 seed. Mike Krzyzewski had not faced Fisher in 23 years since his 1992 team beat Fisher's 'Fab Five' squad for the national title. That was the widest gap between two coaches meeting in Tournament history.


-- Okafor's 47 points through a pair of NCAA Tournament games is the most ever by a Duke freshman.


-- Duke hasn't tasted defeat against a team not named Notre Dame since Jan. 13.


-- Utah (26-8 SU, 21-11-1 ATS) advanced to the Sweet 16 in its first Tournament appearance since 2009 by capturing a 75-64 win over Georgetown as a 4.5-point 'chalk' in the Round of 32. Brandon Taylor led a balanced offensive attack with 14 points and five assists, as he buried 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. Delon Wright added 12 points, five boards and five assists.


-- Utah has a pair of outstanding guards in Taylor and Wright, who averages a team-high 14.7 points per game. He has a 176/66 assists-to-turnovers ratio and also has a team-best 70 steals. Wright averages 4.9 rebounds per game and makes 51.8 percent of his attempts from the field, in addition to 83.4 percent of his shots from the charity stripe. Taylor is the Utes' second-leading scorer with a 10.5 PPG average. Taylor has a 116/54 assists-to-turnovers ratio. Also, he shoots at a 43.9 percent clip from beyond the arc and drains 84.6 of his attempts from the free-throw line. Forward Jordan Loveridge (10.2 PPG) missed seven games due to injuries, but he makes 44.9 percent from 3-point land and 87.3 percent at the line.


-- Utah has been an underdog four times, compiling a 2-1-1 spread record with one outright victory. The Utes won by four at BYU.


-- If Utah has the lead with five minutes remaining, Duke could be in big trouble because the Utes are 26-0 when they have the lead after 35 minutes of play.


-- The 'over' is 18-15 overall for Duke, but the 'under' has cashed in four straight games and six of its last seven.


-- The 'under' is 16-15-1 for Utah, 7-3 in its last 10 games.


ODDS TO WIN MIDWEST REGIONAL - SPORTSBOOK.AG
School Odds
Duke 6/5
Gonzaga 6/5
Utah 5/1
UCLA 18/1

 

[CNOTES]

Friday's Top Action


March 26, 2015




N.C. STATE WOLFPACK (22-13) vs. LOUISVILLE CARDINALS (26-8)


Carrier Dome – Syracuse, NY
NCAA Tournament – Sweet 16
Tip-off: Friday, 7:37 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Louisville -3.0


In an ACC rematch from mid-February, the stakes are higher as Louisville looks for revenge against North Carolina State and a spot in the Elite Eight.


Upstart No. 8 seed North Carolina State is fresh off being the first team in 2015 to drop a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament (71-68 on Saturday against Villanova). The Wolfpack were +9.5, but are no strangers to winning SU as heavy underdogs, as you can just ask their Sweet 16 opponents, Louisville, about that. On Feb. 14 these new ACC foes met for the first time in-conference with Louisville as a 10.5-point home favorite only to watch North Carolina State pull off a 74-65 road win. The Cardinals get their shot at redemption against the Wolfpack after a sluggish win over No. 13 seed UC Irvine (57-55) and then a win as 2.5-point underdogs over Northern Iowa (66-53) on Sunday.


Louisville comes into this contest really struggling to cover (3-7 ATS) over their past 10 games. This will also mark the seventh game (eighth game overall) that Louisville plays without dismissed G Chris Jones (5-3 SU, 2-6 ATS without Jones). This will be the third time that Louisville will have a “rematch game” (versus a team they lost to) and they won-and-covered both previous instances (Virginia, North Carolina) in the regular season. Wolfpack coach Mark Gottfried is 9-10 overall in NCAA Tournament play between his career at Murray State, Alabama and North Carolina State (4-3 with the Wolfpack). Louisville coach Rick Pitino’s NCAA Tournament success is well documented as the only collegiate coach in history to take three different schools to a Final Four. A two-time national champion (Kentucky, Louisville), Pitino’s Cardinals are looking to avoid losing in the Sweet 16 for the second straight season.


In the Valentine’s Day victory at Louisville, North Carolina State was led by its backcourt’s contribution of 45 points combined. Led by G Anthony “Cat” Barber (12.3 PPG, 3.7 APG) who scored 21 of those 45 points (10-for-13 at the free throw line) and supported by G Trevor Lacey (15.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.2 3PM/G) who had 14 points and senior G Ralston Turner (12.8 PPG, 2.6 3PM/G) who chipped in 10 points, the Wolfpack guards did their part on offense while holding Louisville stars Montrezl Harrell and Terry Rozier to a combined 14 points, while also getting Rozier to foul out in 28 minutes.


The North Carolina State big men also did their part, leading the Wolfpack to a +10 margin on the glass (47-37). C Beejay Anya (4.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.6 BPG, 19.3 MPG) contributed eight points, 10 boards and three blocks in the win, while staying on the court for 28 minutes. Anya, who you’ll remember hit the game-winning shot against LSU in the round of 64 to keep the Wolfpack alive in this tournament, is extremely foul prone, but must stay on the floor to battle Louisville’s size. North Carolina State is 6-1 when Anya plays 25+ minutes.


Another young, foul-prone Wolfpack big man, freshman F Abdul-Malik Abu (6.4 PPG) has also proven himself integral to North Carolina State’s recent success, as he’s scored double-figures in his past three games. Bruising sophomore F Leonard Freeman (3.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG) rounds out the frontcourt, and was a key part in the Wolfpack’s upset over Villanova on Saturday while collecting a double-double (11 points, 12 rebounds). Another win over the Cardinals, though, will begin and end with the Wolfpack’s backcourt taking care of the ball, as Barber, Lacey and Turner only turned it over four times in the first meeting against Louisville’s vaunted defense. North Carolina State only commits 10.5 turnovers per game (22nd in NCAA) which bodes well for repeat success.


The Cardinals seem to have finally found their footing playing without the aforementioned Jones, even though creating easy offense continues to be a problem (61.0 PPG in eight games without Jones). As much as Coach Pitino’s style is a frenetic, pressing, quick-shooting team, this season’s version (at least on offense) is anything but, as both tournament wins over UC Irvine and Northern Iowa have seen Louisville with efficient but very slow-paced offense (57 and 54 possessions, respectively). Part of that had to do with their opponent, but some of it seems to be Pitino playing to his personnel. The Cardinals executed well to the tune of 46% from the field against Northern Iowa and capitalized from the free throw line (17-for-21).


No player came up bigger in the round of 32 than G Terry Rozier (17.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2 SPG) who put up his most efficient and effective outing since shouldering more of the scoring load with Jones’ departure (25 points, five rebounds, seven assists, 8-for-13 FG, 8-for-9 FT). Rozier can ill-afford a repeat performance of fouling out with single-digits as he did in the first meeting against the Wolfpack. Jones scored 19 points in that loss to keep Louisville afloat, but the Cardinals obviously don’t have that same depth in the backcourt to fall back on. G Quentin Snider (3.8 PPG) has been steady as the new starter flanking Rozier, scoring double-figures in five of his eight starts, including back-to-back games (on 10-for-20 FG) during the NCAA Tournament. Snider isn’t, however, the havoc-inducing defensive force that the departed Jones was in the open floor.


F Montrezl Harrell (15.7 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 57% FG) leads the Louisville frontcourt, but is struggling (by his standards) after entering tournament play with three straight double-doubles. Harrell has only grabbed 10 rebounds total in two NCAA games, while scoring just 22 total points. An increase in pace against an average Wolfpack defense could cure what ails him, although Harrell only went 1-for-5 from the field for seven points and 13 rebounds in the first meeting. F Wayne Blackshear (11.1 PPG, 1.6 3PM/G) is the lone senior on the team and is shooting the ball with confidence from deep over his past three games (7-for-16). Given an opening, Blackshear isn’t shy (19 points on 20 shots in the first round win over UC Irvine), and he enjoyed success in the first meeting versus the Wolfpack (19 points on 7-for-10 from the field, 4-for-6 from three).


UCLA BRUINS (22-13) vs. GONZAGA BULLDOGS (34-2)


NRG Stadium – Houston, TX
NCAA Tournament – Sweet 16
Tip-off: Friday, 7:15 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Gonzaga -8.5


UCLA and Gonzaga meet for a second time this season on Friday, but this time a spot in the Elite Eight is on the line.


UCLA has been extremely hot lately, winning six of its past seven games SU and covering in four straight. The team faced UAB last round and won 92-75 as a 5.5-point favorite. The Bruins shot 60.3% from the field in that game and also won the rebounding battle 41-26. Gonzaga, meanwhile, won its fifth straight game in an 87-68 victory over Iowa as a 6-point favorite last round. Over the past three games, the Bulldogs are averaging an outrageous 88.0 PPG. These two teams met at Pauley Pavilion on Dec. 13, 2014, when the Bulldogs won 87-74 as 7.5-point favorites. Gonzaga shot 58.5% from the floor in that game and won the rebounding battle 34-30.


The Bulldogs are 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS when facing the Bruins since 1997 and will look to continue that strong play in this head-to-head series on Friday. UCLA is 6-0 ATS after a game where it made 50% of its threes or better this season. It is also 6-0 ATS when revenging a loss where its opponent scored 75 or more points over the past two seasons. Gonzaga, meanwhile, is 28-14 ATS after a combined score of 155 points or more in two straight games since 1997. UCLA comes into this game at full strength, but Gonzaga continues to be without Josh Perkins (Jaw) indefinitely.


UCLA has really played well recently, but the team now faces a whole different animal in Gonzaga. The Bruins have been a very good team offensively this season, averaging 72.0 PPG (62nd in NCAA) on 44.1% shooting (135th in NCAA). The problem with UCLA is that it has allowed 68.0 PPG (215th in NCAA) this season. The team will need to get creative in order to find ways to stop the Bulldogs Friday. G Bryce Alford (15.6 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.2 RPG, 1,0 SPG) should be more than ready to play in this one. Alford is averaging 24.5 PPG in the tournament so far and has gone a ridiculous 12-for-16 from the outside in those two games. He is an excellent shooter and also knows when to get his teammates involved. The last time he faced Gonzaga, Alford had 23 points, three assists and three steals. He’ll need to play well in his matchup with Kevin Pangos in this one.


Gs Isaac Hamilton (10.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.2 APG) and Norman Powell (16.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.9 SPG) will also need to be productive in this backcourt. Hamilton provided a huge spark against UAB last round, racking up 13 points, seven assists and four boards in 37 minutes. He had 18 points the last time he faced the Bulldogs and will need to make a similar impact Friday. Powell, meanwhile, is averaging 17.0 PPG in the tournament and knows how to attack the basket with the best of them. He had 12 points in 35 minutes against Gonzaga in their last meeting and will need to continue to drive the ball towards the rim and try to draw fouls on the Bulldogs’ monstrous frontcourt.


F Kevin Looney (11.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.3 SPG) had 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals the last time he faced Gonzaga. He is very long and athletic and must use that to his advantage on Friday. C Tony Parker (11.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG) had a dominant performance last round, putting up 28 points, 12 boards and three blocks against UAB. He had just five points the last time he faced Gonzaga though and must find a way to avoid foul trouble against a much bigger player in Przemek Karnowski.


Gonzaga has been absolutely dominant on offense this season, putting up 79.1 PPG (10th in NCAA) on 52.4% shooting (1st in NCAA). The Bulldogs rebound the ball well (37.9 RPG, 30th in NCAA) and also are willing to share offensively (16.5 APG, 6th in NCAA). Defensively they are allowing just 61.5 PPG (50th in NCAA), but they can get careless at times and really let their opponents go off. G Kevin Pangos (11.8 PPG, 4.9 APG, 2.7 RPG, 1.3 SPG) is the heart and soul of this Gonzaga team. Pangos is an unbelievable shooter (45% 3PT) and rarely turns the ball over (1.3 TOPG). He did, however, have just nine points (3-for-9 FG, 1-for-6 3PT) the last time he faced UCLA and can’t afford to do that again here.


F Kyle Wiltjer (17.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.9 APG) is another ridiculous outside shooter (48% 3PT) for the Bulldogs. He’s averaging 23.5 PPG and 7.5 RPG in two tournament games so far and had 24 points the last time he faced UCLA. Wiltjer will need to stretch the floor against the Bruins. G Gary Bell Jr. (8.4 PPG) is an experienced member of this backcourt. He’s averaging 11.5 PPG in two tournament games so far and will need to come through in stretches when his team is cold. He has hit timely shots throughout the course of his career and will need to continue to do so with this much on the line. C Przemek Karnowski (10.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.0 BPG) and F Domantas Sabonis (9.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG) will need to control the paint in this game. Tony Parker was hot for UCLA last round and the Bulldogs can’t let him play like that Friday. They’ll need to play well defensively and also draw fouls when they get in the paint on offense.

 

[CNOTES]

Izzo, Kruger's paths cross once again


March 26, 2015


SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - Michigan State coach Tom Izzo isn't sure where his career would have led had he accepted the Atlanta Hawks' offer some 15 years ago.


''I'd have probably been fired a week later,'' Izzo said with a self-deprecating smile on Thursday.


And Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger isn't going to hold it against Izzo for turning down the Hawks' job and recommending they hire him.


''I don't know if I should thank him or not,'' Kruger joked, recalling how he was fired after two-plus seasons. ''Other than getting fired in Atlanta, it was all good. Yeah, I wouldn't change anything.''


The two coaches whose careers have taken divergent paths reunite in an NCAA Tournament East Regional semifinal at Syracuse on Friday night. That's when the third-seeded Sooners (24-10) face the seventh-seeded Spartans (25-11).


This is old hat for Izzo, who has reached the Sweet 16 for fourth-straight year, and 13th in 20 seasons at Michigan State.


Kruger, who has taken more of a scenic route to coaching, has reached the regional round for the fourth time and with his fourth team.


Whatever works, said Izzo, referring to the 62-year-old Kruger, who is at his sixth school in a 27-year college career.


''I think Lon Kruger has proven that no matter where he goes, he can make tweaks in what he does, but his system works,'' Izzo said.


The Sooners are just the latest example of Kruger's rebuilding ability. In four years under Kruger, Oklahoma is making its deepest tournament push since the Blake Griffin-led Sooners reached the Elite 8 in 2009.


Oklahoma features a stifling defense that's limiting opponents to a 38.6 field-goal percentage. On offense, they're led by Bahamian-born guard Buddy Hield, the Big 12 player of the year, who is averaging 17.5 points and 5.5 rebounds a game.


The Spartans are one of the tournament's surprise teams after a 60-54 win over second-seeded Virginia last weekend.


They've won six of seven, and done it with timely shooting and aggressive defense in making up for a team that lost three of its four top scorers last spring.


The Spartans certainly don't look much different to Kruger since he left the Big Ten for the NBA after four years at Illinois.


''They're more similar than they are different,'' Kruger said. ''If you asked that about Tom's club 15 years ago, I probably would have said the same things.''


Here are some things to watch for in the region's late-night semifinal matchup:


---


CARIBBEAN CONNECTION


Hield offered a few words of advice to Michigan State guard and fellow Bahamian Tum Tum Nairn when he was deciding on where to play.


''I told Tum Tum, `Go wherever is best for Tum Tum. Don't go where you think is good for Buddy,''' said Hield, who hosted Nairn on his recruiting visit to Norman, Oklahoma.


The two played together at Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas. And Nairn chose to play at Michigan State, where he is only the fourth true freshman point guard to start for the Spartans.


''I consider him my brother,'' Hield said. ''Someone's going to lose tomorrow, and I hope it's not me.''


---


ANOTHER ASSIST


Spartans guard Travis Trice bailed out fellow senior Branden Dawson while he was stuck trying to remember how many Sweet 16 appearances he's enjoyed.


''This is our, what, third one?'' Dawson said.


''Fourth,'' said Trice, interrupting.


Trice has been on a roll this season. After just eight starts in his first three years, he's leading the Spartans in scoring (15 points) and assists (5.1). In the past 13 games, he's upped his scoring average to 17.8 points.


---


D-FENSE


Kruger had an easy time emphasizing the importance of defense last offseason after the Sooners gave up an average 76 points and lost their tournament opener 80-75 in overtime to North Dakota State.


''It wasn't a tough sales job,'' Kruger said, noting how Oklahoma is now allowing just under 63 points per game.


Added forward Ryan Spangler: ''Defense is the reason we're this far this year.''


---


PARTY LIKE IT'S 1999


The Spartans are 5-3 all-time against Oklahoma, and won their only tournament meeting in 1999. That's when the Izzo-coached Spartans beat the Sooners 54-46 in the Midwest Regional semifinal.


---


DIVERSITY


After playing two defensive-minded teams, Izzo is looking forward to facing a more up-tempo style opponent in the Sooners. Not that it matters to him after noting the Spartans are capable of playing any style. ''We can play smash-mouth and we can play race-horse,'' he said.

 

[CNOTES]

UCLA and Gonzaga prepare for rematch in NCAA Sweet 16


March 26, 2015


HOUSTON (AP) - UCLA lost just once at home this season and it was Gonzaga that dished out that defeat.


To say that 87-74 loss in December is serving as extra motivation for the Bruins (21-13) as they prepare for a rematch against the second-seeded Bulldogs (34-2) in the NCAA Sweet 16 on Friday might be an understatement.


''We take pride in defending our home court and they're the only team that came in there and beat us this year,'' UCLA freshman Kevon Looney said. ''We've got a chip on our shoulder about that.''


Gonzaga coach Mark Few knows the Bruins will be looking for revenge for that loss and that they're dangerous despite being an 11 seed.


''They're playing with a high level of confidence right now,'' Few said. ''They're on a roll.''


Gonzaga's Byron Wesley said Few keeps reminding them that the UCLA team they'll see Friday is not the same team they beat in December.


''They're a much better unit (now),'' Wesley said. ''Coach has really told us not to get too caught up in last game that we had with them because they've made it to this point in the season for a reason.''


Gonzaga is in the round of 16 for the sixth time and is looking for its second trip to the Elite Eight in this weekend's South Regional in Houston. UCLA is in the regional semifinal for the second consecutive year and the fifth time in 10 seasons.


Gonzaga's streak of 17 straight NCAA Tournament appearances is the fourth-longest active streak and the Bulldogs are 21-17 in 18 trips to the tournament overall. UCLA has a storied history in the tournament, having won 11 national championships, with the last coming in 1995.


These teams have met just three times, with Gonzaga's only loss coming in a 73-71 defeat in the Sweet 16 in 2006.


The Bruins have been great in the second half of the season, going 14-6 since a five-game losing streak that started with the loss to Gonzaga. UCLA coach Steve Alford was asked how his team is different than it was in that first meeting.


''Well, hopefully a lot,'' he said. ''Watching that tape a couple of times over, I think we're a much more mature basketball team than what we were there.''


Gonzaga enters the game having won five straight behind the stellar play of Kentucky transfer Kyle Wiltjer. The 6-foot-10 Wiltjer leads the team with 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds and had 24 points in the first meeting with UCLA.


Looney will try to slow him down on Friday.


''He's really versatile,'' Looney said. ''So I have to try to get him out of his comfort zone and speed him up, and make it a more athletic game for him.''


But Wiltjer is far more concerned about his team's defense than anything he does on offense.


''(Our defense) anchors our offense,'' Wiltjer said. ''When we can get stops we can run out and start to win games. We've been making it tough on opponents and hopefully we can continue that.''


FAMILY AFFAIR


Alford feels lucky to get to share this experience with his sons Bryce and Kory, both players for the Bruins. He said he makes a point of taking time to not only be their coach, but also their father. He sometimes watches the game film once in an official capacity and then a second time with his sons just as Dad.


''Part of the journey is making sure you enjoy it and have fun,'' the coach said. ''So the last thing I want to do is have my children on the team and them not enjoy it and me not enjoy it.''


Bryce loves that he's getting to have this experience with his father and brother.


''This isn't something a lot of people get to have,'' Bryce said. ''You have to enjoy it and not only enjoy it with those two but enjoy it with these guys on my team. My teammates are brothers to me as well. It's a family affair, not only with us three but the whole team.''


MASKED MAN


Looney has to wear a mask after suffering a facial fracture against USC in the Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinals. Since then freshman has finally found a mask he is comfortable with.


''I never used to wear glasses or anything on my face. To have something on my face was kind of distracting but now I'm getting better with it,'' Looney said of the mask that is similar to the one Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook wears. ''I'm starting to get used to having something on my face.''

 

[CNOTES]

NBA ATS


NBA > (873) UTAH@ (874) DENVER | 03/27/2015 - 09:05 PM
Play AGAINST DENVER using the against the spread in Home games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 7 Wins and 26 Losses for the last three seasons (-21.6 units)


NBA > (853) LA CLIPPERS@ (854) PHILADELPHIA | 03/27/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON PHILADELPHIA using the against the spread in Home games in non-conference games
The record is 11 Wins and 1 Losses for the this season (+9.9 units)

NBA > (861) MIAMI@ (862) ATLANTA | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play AGAINST MIAMI using the against the spread in All games off an upset win as an underdog
The record is 2 Wins and 12 Losses for the this season (-11.2 units)


NBA > (869) GOLDEN STATE@ (870) MEMPHIS | 03/27/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON GOLDEN STATE using the against the spread in All games when playing with 2 days rest
The record is 13 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+10.8 units)


NBA > (863) BOSTON@ (864) NEW YORK | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play AGAINST NEW YORK using the against the spread in Home games after 3 or more consecutive losses
The record is 4 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (-12.5 units)


NBA MONEYLINE


NBA > (869) GOLDEN STATE@ (870) MEMPHIS | 03/27/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON MEMPHIS using the money line in All games against Pacific division opponents
The record is 26 Wins and 6 Losses for the last two seasons (+21.05 units)

NBA > (871) DALLAS@ (872) SAN ANTONIO | 03/27/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play ON SAN ANTONIO using the money line in All games in March games
The record is 18 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+15.75 units)


NBA > (861) MIAMI@ (862) ATLANTA | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play AGAINST MIAMI using the money line in All games off an upset win as an underdog
The record is 3 Wins and 12 Losses for the this season (-15.4 units)


NBA > (865) SACRAMENTO@ (866) NEW ORLEANS | 03/27/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON NEW ORLEANS using the money line in All games off a upset loss as a favorite
The record is 12 Wins and 4 Losses for the this season (+15 units)


NBA > (873) UTAH@ (874) DENVER | 03/27/2015 - 09:05 PM
Play AGAINST DENVER using the money line in All games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 5 Wins and 19 Losses for the this season (-17.75 units)


NBA > (863) BOSTON@ (864) NEW YORK | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play AGAINST NEW YORK using the money line in Home games after 3 or more consecutive losses
The record is 2 Wins and 14 Losses for the this season (-13.85 units)


NBA > (851) DETROIT@ (852) ORLANDO | 03/27/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play AGAINST DETROIT using the money line in All games as a favorite
The record is 29 Wins and 29 Losses for the last two seasons (-40.2 units)


NBA FIRST HALF


NBA > (851) DETROIT@ (852) ORLANDO | 03/27/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play AGAINST ORLANDO in the first half in All games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season
The record is 7 Wins and 25 Losses for the last two seasons (-20.5 units)


NBA > (871) DALLAS@ (872) SAN ANTONIO | 03/27/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play ON SAN ANTONIO in the first half in All games in March games
The record is 11 Wins and 1 Losses for the this season (+9.9 units)


NBA > (859) CLEVELAND@ (860) BROOKLYN | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play AGAINST CLEVELAND in the first half in Road games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 12 Wins and 32 Losses for the last two seasons (-23.2 units)


NBA TOTALS


NBA > (873) UTAH@ (874) DENVER | 03/27/2015 - 09:05 PM
Play UNDER UTAH on the total in All games in March games
The record is 0 Overs and 12 Unders for the this season (+12 units)


NBA > (867) MINNESOTA@ (868) HOUSTON | 03/27/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play UNDER HOUSTON on the total in Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 3 Overs and 18 Unders for the this season (+14.7 units)


NBA > (861) MIAMI@ (862) ATLANTA | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play UNDER MIAMI on the total in Road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 3 Overs and 17 Unders for the this season (+13.7 units)


NBA > (863) BOSTON@ (864) NEW YORK | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play UNDER BOSTON on the total in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 9 Overs and 28 Unders for the this season (+18.1 units)


NBA > (865) SACRAMENTO@ (866) NEW ORLEANS | 03/27/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play UNDER NEW ORLEANS on the total in All games revenging a home loss vs opponent
The record is 6 Overs and 23 Unders for the last two seasons (+16.4 units)


NBA > (869) GOLDEN STATE@ (870) MEMPHIS | 03/27/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play UNDER MEMPHIS on the total in All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 11 Overs and 29 Unders for the this season (+16.9 units)


NBA > (871) DALLAS@ (872) SAN ANTONIO | 03/27/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the total in All games after scoring 105 points or more
The record is 25 Overs and 56 Unders for the last two seasons (+28.5 units)


NBA POWERLINES


NBA > (851) DETROIT @ (852) ORLANDO | 03/27/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: ORLANDO 2 BTB PowerLine: ORLANDO 5
Edge On: ORLANDO (3)


NBA > (853) LA CLIPPERS @ (854) PHILADELPHIA | 03/27/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: PHILADELPHIA 11.5 BTB PowerLine: PHILADELPHIA 9
Edge On: PHILADELPHIA (2.5)


NBA > (859) CLEVELAND @ (860) BROOKLYN | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Line: BROOKLYN 8.5 BTB PowerLine: BROOKLYN 12
Edge On: BROOKLYN (3.5)


NBA > (863) BOSTON @ (864) NEW YORK | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Line: NEW YORK 9.5 BTB PowerLine: NEW YORK 10
Edge On: NEW YORK (0.5)


NBA > (869) GOLDEN STATE @ (870) MEMPHIS | 03/27/2015 - 08:05 PM
Line: MEMPHIS 3.5 BTB PowerLine: MEMPHIS 7
Edge On: MEMPHIS (3.5)


NBA > (865) SACRAMENTO @ (866) NEW ORLEANS | 03/27/2015 - 08:05 PM
Line: NEW ORLEANS -7 BTB PowerLine: NEW ORLEANS -4
Edge On: NEW ORLEANS (3)


NBA > (871) DALLAS @ (872) SAN ANTONIO | 03/27/2015 - 08:35 PM
Line: SAN ANTONIO -8.5 BTB PowerLine: SAN ANTONIO -11
Edge On: SAN ANTONIO (2.5)

 

[CNOTES]

NHL MONEYLINE


NHL > (3) COLUMBUS@ (4) CHICAGO | 03/27/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play ON COLUMBUS using the money line in Road games in March games
The record is 11 Wins and 3 Losses for the last three seasons (+10.3 units)


NHL > (5) DALLAS@ (6) EDMONTON | 03/27/2015 - 09:35 PM
Play AGAINST EDMONTON using the money line in All games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game
The record is 8 Wins and 31 Losses for the last two seasons (-23.4 units)


NHL PUCKLINE


NHL > (3) COLUMBUS@ (4) CHICAGO | 03/27/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play ON COLUMBUS using the in Road games in March games
The record is 11 Wins and 3 Losses for the last three seasons (+10.3 units)


NHL > (5) DALLAS@ (6) EDMONTON | 03/27/2015 - 09:35 PM
Play AGAINST EDMONTON using the in All games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game
The record is 8 Wins and 31 Losses for the last two seasons (-23.4 units)


NHL TOTALS


NHL > (3) COLUMBUS@ (4) CHICAGO | 03/27/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play UNDER CHICAGO on the total in All games in non-conference games
The record is 5 Overs and 20 Unders for the this season (+15.2 units)

 

[CNOTES]

CBB ATS


CBB > (883) UTAH@ (884) DUKE | 03/27/2015 - 09:45 PM
Play ON UTAH using the against the spread in All games after a non-conference game
The record is 24 Wins and 6 Losses for the last three seasons (+17.4 units)


CBB > (877) NC STATE@ (878) LOUISVILLE | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play ON NC STATE using the against the spread in Road games on Friday nights
The record is 22 Wins and 5 Losses for the since 1992 (+16.5 units)


CBB > (881) UCLA@ (882) GONZAGA | 03/27/2015 - 07:15 PM
Play ON UCLA using the against the spread in All games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games
The record is 13 Wins and 3 Losses for the this season (+9.7 units)


CBB MONEYLINE


CBB > (877) NC STATE@ (878) LOUISVILLE | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play ON NC STATE using the money line in Road games on Friday nights
The record is 21 Wins and 5 Losses for the since 1992 (+18.95 units)


CBB > (883) UTAH@ (884) DUKE | 03/27/2015 - 09:45 PM
Play AGAINST UTAH using the money line in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games
The record is 7 Wins and 12 Losses for the last two seasons (-18.15 units)


CBB > (885) KENT ST@ (886) N ARIZONA | 03/27/2015 - 09:00 PM
Play ON N ARIZONA using the money line in All games after a conference game
The record is 26 Wins and 14 Losses for the last two seasons (+17.5 units)


CBB > (879) MICHIGAN ST@ (880) OKLAHOMA | 03/27/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play AGAINST MICHIGAN ST using the money line in All games when the total is 130 to 139.5
The record is 13 Wins and 13 Losses for the last two seasons (-21.35 units)


CBB FIRST HALF


CBB > (879) MICHIGAN ST@ (880) OKLAHOMA | 03/27/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play ON MICHIGAN ST in the first half in All games in all tournament games
The record is 15 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+12.8 units)


CBB > (877) NC STATE@ (878) LOUISVILLE | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play ON NC STATE in the first half in All games as an underdog vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 25 Wins and 7 Losses for the last two seasons (+17.3 units)


CBB > (881) UCLA@ (882) GONZAGA | 03/27/2015 - 07:15 PM
Play ON GONZAGA in the first half in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 23 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (+13.1 units)


CBB TOTALS


CBB > (881) UCLA@ (882) GONZAGA | 03/27/2015 - 07:15 PM
Play UNDER UCLA on the total in Road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game
The record is 0 Overs and 9 Unders for the last two seasons (+9 units)


CBB > (885) KENT ST@ (886) N ARIZONA | 03/27/2015 - 09:00 PM
Play UNDER N ARIZONA on the total in All games in non-conference games
The record is 17 Overs and 49 Unders for the since 1992 (+30.3 units)


CBB > (883) UTAH@ (884) DUKE | 03/27/2015 - 09:45 PM
Play UNDER DUKE on the total in All games in all tournament games
The record is 2 Overs and 12 Unders for the last two seasons (+9.8 units)


CBB > (877) NC STATE@ (878) LOUISVILLE | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play OVER LOUISVILLE on the total in Road games after a non-conference game
The record is 17 Overs and 4 Unders for the last three seasons (+12.6 units)


CBB POWERLINES


CBB > (881) UCLA @ (882) GONZAGA | 03/27/2015 - 07:15 PM
Line: GONZAGA -8 BTB PowerLine: GONZAGA -9
Edge On: GONZAGA (1)


CBB > (877) NC STATE @ (878) LOUISVILLE | 03/27/2015 - 07:35 PM
Line: LOUISVILLE -2.5 BTB PowerLine: LOUISVILLE -6
Edge On: LOUISVILLE (3.5)


CBB > (885) KENT ST @ (886) N ARIZONA | 03/27/2015 - 09:00 PM
Line: N ARIZONA 0 BTB PowerLine: N ARIZONA -1
Edge On: N ARIZONA (1)


CBB > (883) UTAH @ (884) DUKE | 03/27/2015 - 09:45 PM
Line: DUKE -5 BTB PowerLine: DUKE -10
Edge On: DUKE (5)


CBB > (879) MICHIGAN ST @ (880) OKLAHOMA | 03/27/2015 - 10:05 PM
Line: OKLAHOMA 1.5 BTB PowerLine: OKLAHOMA -4
Edge On: OKLAHOMA (5.5)

 

[CNOTES]

March totals


nba


*****....................................... 17 - 22
double play................................ 19- 15
triple play.................................. 11 - 7 - 1
slam dunk...................................10 - 8 - 1
gom...........................................0 - 1


ncaabb


*****........................................50 - 27
double play.................................40- 31
triple play...................................28 - 12 - 1
slam dunk...................................12 - 12 - 2
gom............................................0 - 9
god.............................................1 - 0
goy.............................................0 - 1


nhl


*****....................................13 - 21.........................- 9.15
double play.............................19- 12.........................+15.14
triple play...............................8 - 6.......................... + 2.37
hat trick.................................15 - 7.........................+41.36

 

[CNOTES]

Utes aren't star-struck by Duke


March 25, 2015


SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak told a story about running into Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski during a recruiting trip in Las Vegas last summer. The two were at a 7-11 store when Krystkowiak proclaimed, ''There's the real Coach K'' and gave him a high-five.


The love wasn't exactly returned.


''I don't remember him laughing or stopping,'' Krystkowiak said. ''I thought it was funny, but not sure he noticed who I was.''


That moment could be a metaphor for the Sweet 16 matchup between the Utes and Blue Devils in Houston on Friday. Duke enters as the storied program with the No. 1 seed, the winningest coach in men's Division I history and tied with Kentucky with nine McDonald's All-Americans on the roster.


Utah won six total games in 2011-12 and hasn't been to the Sweet 16 since 2004-05.


The Utes aren't scared to say playing Duke is a really, really big deal, but insist they won't be star-struck.


''I always wanted to play against Duke or North Carolina, Kentucky - a team like that,'' All-Pac-12 guard Delon Wright said. ''You just see them playing when you're growing up. It's a team you always watch on TV. You know pretty much every player that goes there year in and year out.


''Honestly, I've played against players better than them. It's a mind game. Just don't think about them being a storied program or anything. They're regular players like us. They just happen to go to a big name school.''


Krystkowiak used the phrase ''one of the best'' four times in a row to describe different facets of the Blue Devils.


Center Dallin Bachynski said his mom is a huge Duke and Krzyzewski fan. Freshman center Jakob Poeltl is excited to face Player of the Year candidate Jahlil Okafor. Guard Brandon Taylor reminisced about Shane Battier and other Duke players that moved onto the NBA.


''If you go to some basketball kid's house, there's a decent chance they'll know Jahlil Okafor,'' Bachynski said. ''Dallin Bachynski, I don't know if it's a household name. Being able to test myself against a player like that and see how I do, that's a great experience for me.''


Praise aside, the Utes don't seem intimidated. The program already reached unexpected heights this season, including being ranked in the Top 10 much of the year and winning two tournament games. They've played big programs in Kansas, UCLA and Arizona this season. So, this isn't completely uncharted territory.


''There's no need to sugarcoat anything, it's an awesome opportunity,'' Taylor said. ''It's special. You don't get to play Duke every day. ... Besides that, they're another obstacle in front of our goal.


''Duke is a solid team all the way around. We know that. But we're a solid team all the way around, too. At the end of the day whether you're a McDonald's All-American, whether you're a Top 40 recruiting class. Four star, three star, two star - I was a no star. That really doesn't matter. At this level, all that goes out the window,'' he added.


Krystkowiak said it's not yet time to ''break out the scrapbook'' and think about all they've achieved. They don't plan on reaching the finish line Friday and the preparation has led to little sleep for the fourth-year coach.


He's quick to personally accept the underdog label, saying ''(Krzyzewski is) the man. He's got 1,000 wins. I've got 100.''


But Krystkowiak believes his team isn't just happy to be in the Sweet 16.


''I can only hope our guys aren't satisfied or we'll get embarrassed on Friday night,'' Krystkowiak said. ''I'm not sure we know everything that comes with it. It's elite athletes. It's the big-time stuff.


''We'll find out Friday if we're ready. I know we're juiced and excited about it. A heck of lot of it is going out and making some plays in that environment.''

 

[CNOTES]

Oklahoma's Hield making clutch plays


March 25, 2015


NORMAN, Okla. (AP) - Buddy Hield's game-changing play against Dayton offered a snapshot of what he has become in clutch situations.


With Oklahoma up by four points and just over a minute remaining against the Flyers in the round of 32, Hield missed a handoff from point guard Jordan Woodard, leading to a Dayton fast break. Hield got back and stuffed Darrell Davis' layup attempt with 1:02 remaining. Oklahoma held on and advanced to the East Regional semifinals Friday against Michigan State.


Oklahoma coach Lon Kruger has come to expect such plays from the Big 12 Player of the Year.


''Buddy is very athletic,'' Kruger said. ''He and Jordan were unhappy with the play at midcourt, so I thought Buddy's response - he's not going to give up on it. He made it with effort and did it without fouling, and obviously, a key play in the game.''


It wasn't the first time Hield bounced back in a major way during a game to help the Sooners win. With Oklahoma up three in the regular-season finale against Kansas, the 6-foot-4 guard lost the ball, and Kansas eventually made three free throws to tie the score. Hield followed Woodard's missed layup with an acrobatic tip-in with 0.2 seconds left to give Oklahoma a 75-73 win.


At Texas Tech, he was 1 for 10 from the field in regulation, but drained two 3-pointers in overtime to fuel a 79-75 victory. In the Big 12 Tournament, he scored six points in the first half against Oklahoma State, but had 16 in the second half of a 64-49 win.


It's the kind of resilience which has helped Hield morph from a high-scoring perimeter shooter as a sophomore to a do-it-all, two-way player who embraces defense as a junior. He's been that way since he battled his way through rough surroundings in The Bahamas.


''You know what drives him?'' Hield's mother, Jackie Swann asks. ''When you tell him he can't. That's what pushes him. When he looks back at where he came from and how he grew up, situations in life makes you or breaks you. It didn't break him.''


Hield left the Bahamas and played at Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas, before heading to Oklahoma. Swann wasn't sure it was going to work out at first, but Hield surprised her.


''The boy became a man overnight,'' Swann said. ''Very responsible. He speaks like he's been here before. If you talk to Buddy and the Buddy you knew then - this boy's just clowning. No one took him seriously. Now, you look at him, and it's like `What happened?' Maturity. Wisdom set in.''


Now, Hield is on Michigan State coach Tom Izzo's radar.


''To be honest with you, I think he's a hell of a player,'' Izzo said. ''He's got size, ability to put it on the floor, he can pull up and shoot on a dime.''


In the preseason, Hield said he wanted to be a better defensive player, and he felt his effort on that end would play a key role in the team's success. He finished the season ranked sixth in Big 12 play with 1.5 steals per game.


As a freshman, Hield averaged 7.8 points and won the team's Most Inspirational Award. He was a second-team All-Big 12 player last season after averaging 16.5 points and 4.4 rebounds. This season, those numbers are up to 17.3 points and 5.3 rebounds.


''I keep trying to mix them all together - the driving and the transition buckets and stuff like that,'' Hield said. ''I have a quicker, faster pace in my game, just scoring quickly and getting into the open court and doing what I do best.''


Hield's confidence never wavers.


''I'm going to shoot the ball, no matter if I make or miss,'' he said. ''If I miss it, too bad. If I make it, it's all good for everybody. It doesn't matter if I make or miss.''


Though he still occasionally runs into issues with poor shot selection, Kruger doesn't worry about it too much.


''We want him shooting the ball,'' Kruger said. ''We want him being aggressive. He's done a good job for us all year long. Of course, defenses are gearing to stop him more and more, and it makes it more difficult to get separation and get open looks. But he's aware of that, and he's worked hard to improve on that.''


Izzo joked that he'd rather not have Hield shoot at all.


''The coaches that I've talked to around that have gone against them - he does take some tough shots, but he makes some tough shots, too,'' he said.

 

[CNOTES]

Just another game, Wolfpack vs.Cards


March 26, 2015


SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - At first glance, it seems like just another Atlantic Coast Conference game - North Carolina State vs. Louisville.


Except it isn't. The winner advances to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament and the loser goes home.


''Even though it's the Sweet 16 game, it's pretty much a league game. We knew at some point we would play an ACC team, and we're ready for it,'' North Carolina State guard Cat Barber said after practice Thursday. ''Our league prepares you for the moment.''


The Wolfpack (22-13), the eighth seed in the East, meets fourth-seeded Louisville (26-8) on Friday night in the Carrier Dome in a matchup of teams somewhat familiar with each other. The Wolfpack had the upper hand against the Cardinals in Louisville's first season in the conference, beating them 74-65 on Feb. 14 in the difficult atmosphere of the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville.


''We have great respect for them,'' Louisville coach Rick Pitino said. ''They beat us at home. A lot of teams don't beat us at home. It was a close game, and then they pulled away. They're a team right now that can beat you so many different ways.''


Louisville, in the Sweet 16 for a school-record fourth straight year under Pitino, isn't the same team that lost to the Wolfpack. Standout guard Chris Jones, a fierce defender, had 20 points in that game, but when Louisville traveled to Syracuse four days later Jones didn't make the trip and was later dismissed from the team for off-the-court problems.


The changes have been noticeable. With seven freshmen, the pressure-style play Pitino's teams thrive on has picked up. In Louisville's 66-53 win over Northern Iowa on Sunday night, the Cardinals held the Panthers to 39 percent shooting, forced 10 turnovers and outrebounded them 30-25.


N.C. State coach Mark Gottfried has noticed a change at the other end, too.


''They're all more aggressive offensively,'' Gottfried said. ''Sometimes, when you lose a good player, especially a guy offensively that can do what Chris Jones could do, those other guys, they know they have to play at a higher level.''


Added Barber: ''Sometimes, you get overconfident and don't come out as aggressive as you did the first time. But we know what we have to do and what we want to do. Now it's about coming out and playing hard.''


Some things to know when North Carolina State plays Louisville in the Sweet 16 on Friday night in the Carrier Dome:


---


TURNING POINT


Six of Louisville's losses this year were inflicted by teams still alive in the NCAA Tournament - top-ranked Kentucky and four ACC teams: Duke, Notre Dame, North Carolina State and North Carolina (which beat Louisville once in the regular season and in the conference tournament).


For the Wolfpack, that win was pivotal.


''It was kind of a turning point for us,'' Gottfried said. ''We changed our starting lineup, put (6-foot-8 sophomore forward) Lennard Freeman in. (He) gives us a little more defense and rebounding. I thought he helped us execute our offense a little better and get better shots. From that point forward, at times we have really guarded people well. Not every game, but I do think it's helped us, especially here down the stretch.''


---


WHO'S THAT?


Freshman Quentin Snider replaced Jones in the Louisville lineup and should feel somewhat at home in the Carrier Dome - it's where he made his first career start, scoring 13 points. Snider has combined for 26 points and nine rebounds in Louisville's two tournament wins.


''I said from the beginning he was going to be special,'' said sophomore guard Terry Rozier, the Cardinals leading scorer (17.2 points per game).


---


SURPRISE?


Louisville is making its 21st Sweet 16 appearance and is 5-1 under Pitino, who has guided the Cardinals to two of the past three Final Fours, winning the national championship in 2013.


In their victory over the Cardinals last month, the Wolfpack held Louisville to 33 percent shooting and dominated 32-16 in the paint to earn their second win against a top 10 conference opponent. But beating a team twice in the same season can be a tall task.


''We know them better, and they know us better,'' said Pitino, who is 52-17 in the NCAA Tournament. ''One of us may make a big change in this game that the other team's not ready for and maybe surprise someone.''


---


BRING `EM ON


North Carolina State has heard the critics who wonder how a team with 13 losses could still be alive and in the Sweet 16. Easy answer: besides Louisville, the Wolfpack also has beaten North Carolina on the road and Duke at home, and they barely lost to Notre Dame (81-78 in overtime) and Virginia (51-47) in the grueling ACC.


''Sometimes NC State is not as well-noticed on Tobacco Road as, say, Carolina or Duke, but they beat both of those teams, and they can beat anybody,'' Pitino said. ''They're that good.''


---

 

[CNOTES]

Friday's NBA Essentials


March 27, 2015


Hornets at Wizards – 7:05 PM EST
Charlotte has lost seven of nine games to find itself outside the East’s top eight. Al Jefferson is playing through a sore knee that the Hornets say likely won’t be 100 percent the rest of the way. To his credit, he’s posted double-doubles in two of the last three games and will be the focal point of the offense in the post. This will be Charlotte’s final road test of March since its next three games are back home. Kemba Walker is shooting just 34 percent since returning from missing 18 games after January surgery on a torn meniscus, averaging 13.8 points and four assists. Five of Charlotte’s last six games have gone under the posted total.


John Wall and the Wizards began a five-game homestand on Wednesday by finding yet another way to lose. The same formula of starting promisingly and failing to show up for the second half reared its ugly head as Indiana rallied from a 90-80 deficit with just 6:11 to go in handing Washington its fourth straight defeat. Another controversy has engulfed head coach Randy Wittman, who was already in the process of leaving the court while the Wizards final desperation shot was still in the air, leading to many accusing him of quitting on his team. He was reportedly more furious with his team post-game than he’s been at any point this season. Wall scored a season-high 34 points and six assists against Indiana to snap out of a 14-for-44 shooting slump. Bradley Beal was limited to just 11 minutes after spraining his ankle and is considered day-to-day, so monitor his availability closer to tip. The Wizards had won five consecutive games prior to this current run and have slipped to the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. They’ll be looking to split the season series with the Hornets. All three games have gone under the posted total.


Cavaliers at Nets – 7:35 PM EST


Although the Cavs have big road wins at San Antonio and Dallas this month, it wouldn’t be inaccurate to call Wednesday’s 111-89 win in Memphis the team’s most impressive victory of the season. Not only did Cleveland bully a Grizzlies team that normally reprises that role in their own building, out-rebounding them 49-32 and outscoring them 50-38 in the paint, it did so thanks to a huge lift from Kevin Love. His 22-point, 10-rebound effort was the most complete performance the former All-Star has had in weeks, shooting a season-best 10-for-13 from the field. Love had been in a 13-for-41 shooting slump. LeBron James has only topped the 30-point mark twice this month but is shooting a season-best 41 percent from 3-point range through March’s 13 games. A victory would give the Cavs their third winning streak of five games or more this season. Cleveland has won eight of nine (6-3 ATS) and seen six of eight go over the posted total.


After topping the 120-point mark in three of four outings, Brooklyn has managed just 91 points in each of its last two games, splitting the results. They just suffered a 117-92 loss to the Cavs in Cleveland on March 18, allowing them to shoot 55 percent as seven scored in double-figures. Center Brook Lopez was limited to just 10 points in Cleveland but has been on a tear since, averaging 19.8 shot attempts over his last four games as the focal point of the offense. He’s averaging 30.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks since last facing the Cavs, so it will be interesting to see whether he’s more assertive or hits a stop sign. Thaddeus Young has been ruled out after straining his left knee in Charlotte, so the Nets won’t have the player they would prefer to have out there defending LeBron. He was limited to just 16 minutes due to foul trouble in the most recent loss in Cleveland. The Nets are 4-2-1 ATS in their last nine seven. Six of their last nine have gone over the posted total.


Warriors at Grizzlies – 8:05 PM EST


The Warriors have won 12 of their last 13 games and have only been held under 100 points once all month. Golden State is looking to put the finishing touches on the top seed in the Western Conference during this run of seven road dates in eight games, a stretch that got underway on a winning note in a 122-108 Tuesday night stomping of Portland. MVP frontrunner Stephen Curry comes off a brilliant 33-point, 10-assist night against the Trail Blazers and is averaging 22.4 points and 8.9 assists through GSW’s current seven-game winning streak. Since he sat out the Warriors’ last loss to Denver, the team has won the last 12 times he’s played and is 13-1 with him on board in March. Klay Thompson returned from a significant ankle injury earlier this week and scored 16 points against Portland, getting through the second night of a back-to-back without incident.. Golden State has covered in each of its last five games and has seen overs hit in seven of its last eight contests.


The Grizzlies look to respond after their embarrassing loss to Cleveland and have only lost consecutive games twice since the All-Star break. Considering they’re losing their grip on the Southwest Division lead and No. 2 seed they’ve earned thus far, having the Western Conference’s top team come into FedEx Forum presents a major opportunity to get back on track. Marc Gasol grabbed just three rebounds against the Cavs, tying a season-low, but had 24 points and seven boards in his only game against Golden State this season, a 105-98 home win. The teams will meet in Oakland on April 13. Zach Randolph added 17 points and 10 rebounds in that win, but it is worth pointing out that Andrew Bogut didn’t participate due to injury. Jeff Green had not yet been acquired by Memphis either, so this will be a telling game in a potential Western Conference Finals preview. Four of the Grizzlies last five games have gone over the posted total. Memphis just lost for the first time as a home underdog and are right back in that position here.


Mavericks at Spurs – 8:35 PM EST


This is a rematch from Tuesday’s huge 101-94 home victory, so it definitely carries a playoff feel. Monta Ellis, who was beginning to catch blame as the reason for the Mavericks struggling since he’d shot 7-for-31 from the field in consecutive losses, dropped 38 points on 16-for-27 shooting in an epic performance. Rajon Rondo, another popular choice as scapegoat for the Mavs struggles, had nine rebounds but only five assists and four turnovers last time out against San Antonio. Dirk Nowitzki’s15-point, 13-rebound night marked the German’s first double-double since before the All-Star break, just his sixth of the season. It will be compelling to see whether he can put together another strong performance, building momentum down the stretch. Richard Jefferson (back) and Jose Barea (ankle) may miss this contest. Dallas has only covered two of its last 10 games and have seen the over win in six of eight, though its last two have gone under.


The Spurs recovered from losing in Dallas by blasting Oklahoma City 130-91 in perhaps their most impressive performance of the season. By now it’s obvious that the health of Tony Parker is the key to it all, so coming off a 21-point, six-rebound, six-assist night against the Thunder, it’s important that he continue getting everyone involved. Over the last five games, Parker is 24-of-35 against in wins over the Bucks, Celtics, Hawks and Thunder and 3-for-11 in Dallas. Tim Duncan also slumped to a 3-for-7 night in the loss to the Mavs, so look for him to try and be aggressive early. San Antonio has won and covered five of its last six games at home. Nine of the Spurs last 11 games have gone over the posted total.

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Friday, March 27

Sweet 16 Betting Trends

#1 Duke vs. #4 Utah

Duke 6-7 SU & 4-7-2 ATS in Sweet 16
Duke 5-8 Over/Under in Sweet 16
Duke 2-4 SU & ATS last 6 Sweet 16 appearances
Duke 1-4 Over/Under last 5 Sweet 16
Duke's last Sweet 16 appearance in 2013, where they beat MSU 71-61 as 2-pt Favorites (1-0 SU & ATS)
Duke made Sweet 16 appearances in 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009
Utah 2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS in Sweet 16
Utah 0-2 Over/Under in Sweet 16
Utah has not been to Sweet 16 since 2005

#1 Seed vs. #4 Seed

#1 seed 14-6 SU & 10-10 ATS when meeting in NCAA March Madness
7-13 Over/Under


#2 Gonzaga vs. #11 UCLA

Gonzaga 1-4 SU, 1-3-1 ATS in Sweet 16
Gonzaga 0-4 SU, 1-3 ATS L4 Sweet 16 appearances
Gonzaga hasn't been in Sweet 16 since 2009, where they lost 98-77 to North Carolina
UCLA 4-5 SU, 1-8 ATS in Sweet 16
UCLA 4-1 Over/Under L5 in Sweet 16

#2 Seed vs. #11 Seed

#2 seed 7-0 SU & 4-2-1 ATS when meeting in NCAA March Madness
3-4 Over/Under


#3 Oklahoma vs. #7 Michigan State

Oklahoma 3-1 SU & 4-0 ATS in Sweet 16
Oklahoma 2-2 Over/Under L4 in Sweet 16
Oklahoma's last appearance in Sweet 16 was in 2009
Michigan St 8-4 SU & 6-6 ATS in Sweet 16
MSU 3-9 Over/Under in Sweet 16
MSU 0-3 ATS L3 in Sweet 16 - 2014, 2013, 2012
MSU 0-3 Over/Under L3 in Sweet 16 2014, 2013, 2012
MSU's last appearance in Sweet 16 was last year (2014), where they beat Virginia 61-59 as 3-pt Favorites (1-0 SU, 0-1 ATS)

#3 Seed vs. #7 Seed

Since 2012, #7 seed is 2-0 SU & ATS in NCAA March Madness


#4 Louisville vs. #8 NC State

Louisville 6-2 SU & ATS in Sweet 16
Louisville 4-2 Over/Under L6 Sweet 16 appearances, 2-0 Over/Under L2 years (2014, 2013)
Louisville's last Sweet 16 appearance was last year (2014), where they lost 74-69 to Kentucky
NC State 0-2 SU & 1-1 ATS in only 2 Sweet 16 appearances
NC State 0-2 Over/Under in Sweet 16
NC State's last appearance was in 2012, where they lost 60-57, but covered as 9-pt Dogs

#4 Seed vs. #8 Seed

#4 seed 1-4 SU & ATS in L6 meetings in NCAA March Madness
2-2 Over/Under

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB

Friday, March 27


Friday's NCAAB tournament betting cheat sheet

UCLA Bruins vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs (-8.5, 145.5)

The Bruins have won six of their last seven games with the only defeat in that stretch coming in a tight setback against Arizona in the Pac-12 tournament semifinals. Their first two wins in the Big Dance have proven that UCLA can win with defense (60-59 versus SMU) and with offense (92-75 against UAB), while Bryce Alford has been a constant in both games, averaging 24.5 points on 12-of-16 3-point shooting. “People are going to say whatever they want,” said Alford, who averages 15.6 points, second on the team to Norman Powell (16.4). “But when you look back on it, we’ve been in the Sweet 16 last year, and we’re there again this year. That doesn’t just happen. You’ve got to win big games to do that.”

The Bulldogs are the nation's best shooting team (52.4 percent) and also rank in the top 10 nationally in scoring (79.1, 10th) and assists (16.5, sixth). “It’s without a doubt the best offensive team I’ve ever been associated with,” said coach Mark Few, whose team is led in scoring by Wiltjer (17.1 points) and Kevin Pangos (11.8). “The firepower, the versatility, the ability to share the ball.” Wiltjer is 12-of-17 from 3-point range in his last four games, while Pangos is 12-of-22 from the arc during that span.

LINE HISTORY: Books opened Gonzaga at anywhere form -9.5 to -8.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-0 in Bulldogs last five overall.
* Bruins are 1-7 ATS in their last eight vs. West Coast.
* Over is 9-4 in Bruins last 13 NCAA Tournament games.


North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Louisville Cardinals (-3, 130)

The Wolfpack received clutch play from two young forwards in the upset of Villanova, getting double-doubles from freshman Abdul-Malik Abu (13 points, 12 rebounds) and sophomore Lennard Freeman (11 points, 12 rebounds), more than doubling their season averages in each category. “They were relentless rebounding the basketball; that was the difference for us offensively,” N.C. State coach Mark Gottfried told The News & Observer. Anthony Barber (12.3 points, 3.7 assists), who Pitino credited for “dominating the game” after scoring 21 points in the first meeting, is averaging 15.8 points over his last 13 contests after failing to reach 16 in all but three of his first 21 games.

Freshman Quentin Snider (3.8 points) has replaced suspended senior guard Chris Jones in the starting lineup and averaged 13 points and 4.5 rebounds during the Cardinals’ two NCAA Tournament wins. “I don't know what we expected from Quentin Snider; we didn't expect this, to be honest with you. He doesn't get nervous at all, he's a cool customer … and he's gotten a lot better defensively,” Pitino said after the Northern Iowa victory. Leading scorers Terry Rozier (17.2 points) and Montrezl Harrell (15.4) were held to seven points apiece on Feb. 14 – the only game this season in which both players were held to single figures.

LINE HISTORY: Books opened Louisville either -2 or -2.5.

TRENDS:

* Wolfpack are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
* Cardinals are 2-6 ATS in their last eight vs. Atlantic Coast.
* Under is 10-3-1 in Cardinals last 14 overall.


Utah Utes vs. Duke Blue Devils (-5.5, 133.5)

The Utes got past Georgetown 75-64 their last time out as four players scored in double figures, led by gritty point guard Brandon Taylor, who went 4-of-8 from 3-point range en route to 14 points. “He can knock it down. He is really good," said Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, whose other compliments included "Wright is one of the top guards in the country" and Poeltl "is a really good player and he is going to be a big-time pro." Dakarai Tucker has given Utah a boost off the bench in this event, totaling 20 points on 60 percent shooting in the last two rounds.

The Blue Devils are 14-1 in their last 15 games and have held five of their last seven opponents below 57 points, although their overall defensive ranking still sits at 131st nationally. Freshman wing Justise Winslow, a Houston native, has been overshadowed by Okafor all season, although his numbers in this tournament - 9.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, six assists, two steals, two blocks - have provided a huge boost. "It’s big," Cook told reporters after Winslow's terrific all-around effort in the round of 32 win against San Diego State. "I know (Winslow)’s going to see all his family - all his family is going to be there. It’s just great to move onto the next round. I know one of his goals was to get to a Final Four, so we got (to Houston), where we can complete it."

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened the Blue Devils as 5-point favorites.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-0 in Blue Devils last four overall.
* Blue Devils are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Utes are 5-1 ATS in their last six neutral site games.


Michigan State Spartans vs. Oklahoma Sooners (+2, 134.5)

The Spartans, who have won 10 of their last 13 games with two of the losses coming against No. 1 West seed Wisconsin, held Georgia and Virginia to 31.6 percent shooting from the field and 19.4 percent from 3-point range. Branden Dawson, a 6-6 senior swingman, is averaging 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in the tournament while senior guard and leading scorer Travis Trice (15 points per game) scored 23 versus Virginia and 15 against Georgia. Michigan State, which has led for more than 76 minutes in its two NCAA games, must improve from the free-throw line as it has converted 31-of-52 in the tournament.

Lon Kruger has utilized the same starting lineup in every game this season with junior guard Buddy Hield - the Big 12 Player of the Year - leading the way at 17.3 points per game after scoring 15 in each of the Sooners' two NCAA contests. The Sooners also possess a pair of threats down low in senior forward TaShawn Thomas (11.4 points, 6.5 rebounds) and junior forward Ryan Spangler (9.9, 8.2), who grabbed 23 boards in the last two contests. Oklahoma, which is in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2009, has 423 assists against 412 turnovers in 34 games - compared to 607 and 410 in 36 contests for Michigan State.

LINE HISTORY: The Sooners opened anywhere from 1-point faves to +2.5.

TRENDS:

* Spartans are 7-1 ATS in their last eight non-conference games.
* Sooners are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* Under is 7-1 in Sooners last eight neutral site games.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Friday, March 27

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Warriors at Grizzlies
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies (+3.5, 198.5)

The Golden State Warriors are breaking franchise records and running away with the Western Conference. The Warriors will try to set the franchise record for road wins in a season when they visit the second-place Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Golden State is under no real threat from the Grizzlies, who sit 8 1/2 games back in the West, and clinched the Pacific Division title on Tuesday by starting the four-game road trip off with a 122-108 win at Portland.

The Grizzlies are coming off a 111-89 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday that marked their worst home loss of the season. Memphis tends to control the interior with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph but was beaten up on the glass and could not get anything going on the perimeter in the loss. While the Warriors have all but wrapped up the No. 1 spot, the Grizzlies have played their way into a battle for the No. 2 spot and lead the Houston Rockets by 1 1/2 games.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (Golden State), SportSouth (Memphis)

LINE HISTORY: Vegas opened the Grizzlies +3 before quickly moving them to +3.5. Books opened the total anywhere from 198 to 199.

INJURY REPORT: Warriors - Shaun Livingston (Ques-Hand) Grizzlies - N/A

POWER RANKINGS: Warriors (-15.7) + Grizzlies (-8.9) + Homecourt (-3) = Grizzlies +3.8

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (58-13 SU, 42-28-1 ATS, 34-37 O/U): Golden State took some time to acknowledge its first Pacific Division title since 1976 while pointing toward bigger goals. “Obviously, we all know the main goal, but it takes baby steps,” forward Draymond Green told reporters. “You reach certain milestones to get to the main goal, and this is one of them. … The goal is still the goal, so the focus must remain the same.” The Warriors have won seven straight and turned close games into routs by dominating the third quarter in the last two contests.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (50-22 SU, 34-36-2 ATS, 32-38-2 O/U): Memphis began a string of three straight games against title contenders with the loss to the Cavaliers and is hoping to put the bad performance behind it quickly. “It makes you have a sickness in your stomach because you know that you are better than that,” Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph told reporters. “It’s the NBA, so it’s a good thing because you always have a game the next day. You have to prepare – it’s tough.” Randolph, who had 17 points and 10 rebounds in a 105-98 home win over the Warriors on Dec. 16, was held to five points on 2-of-8 shooting by Cleveland.

TRENDS:

*Warriors are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
*Favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
*Over is 5-0 in Warriors last 5 vs. Western Conference.
*Under is 5-0 in Grizzlies last 5 vs. NBA Pacific

 

[CNOTES]

Hoop Trends - Friday

March 27, 2015




ATS TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Nuggets are 0-15 ATS (-8.60 ppg) since Apr 23, 2011 at home after a double digit loss in which they shot less than 40% from the field.


OU TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Magic are 14-0 OU (10.89 ppg) since Mar 03, 2012 at home off a loss in which they led at the end of the third quarter.


PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Jazz are 0-10 OU (-10.50 ppg) since Nov 26, 2014 on the road after Derrick Favors had a double double.


NBA BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:


-- The Celtics are 0-15 ATS (-9.37 ppg) with at most one day of rest after a home game in which they scored more than 24.5% of their points from the free throw line.


ACTIVE TRENDS:


-- The Clippers are 7-0 OU (11.93 ppg) since Mar 23, 2013 after Blake Griffin took fewer than 10 shots.

 

[CNOTES]

Friday's Top Action


March 27, 2015




MIAMI HEAT (33-38) at ATLANTA HAWKS (54-17)


Tip-off: Friday, 7:35 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Atlanta -9, Total: 193


The Heat continue to fight for their spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs when they face the Hawks in Atlanta Friday.


The Heat went into Boston on Wednesday and beat the Celtics 93-86 as 8-point underdogs. Miami has allowed 93 or less points in each of the past four games, but the team also hasn’t scored over 100 in each of the past three. It will need to find a way to score or will continue to struggle.


The Hawks beat the Magic 95-83 as 9-point favorites in Orlando Wednesday. The win ended a three game SU and ATS losing streak for Atlanta. The team is struggling offensively of late, averaging just 99.6 PPG over the past seven games.


These two teams have met three times this season and Atlanta is now 3-0 SU and 2-0-1 ATS in those games. The last time they met in Atlanta, the Hawks won 114-103 as a 5-point favorite. Over the past three seasons, Atlanta is 3-2 SU and ATS when hosting Miami. Miami is 8-5 ATS in March games this season and 61-44 ATS in the second half of the season over the past three seasons. Atlanta, meanwhile, is 8-1 ATS off a road win by 10 points or more this season.


C Hassan Whiteside (Hand) is doubtful on Friday and SG Dwyane Wade (Knee) is questionable for the Heat, who are already without C Chris Bosh (Blood Clot) and PF Josh McRoberts (Knee) for the season. PF Mike Scott (Toe) is out indefinitely for Atlanta and PG Jeff Teague (Ankle) is out for this one.


The Heat are fighting for positioning in a very close Eastern Conference playoff race and will need to win all the games they can moving forward. This will not be easy on Friday though, as they have not beaten the Hawks all season. If the team is going to beat the Hawks for a first time on Friday then SG Dwyane Wade (21.6 PPG, 5.2 APG, 3.6 RPG, 1.3 SPG) will need to be on the floor. Wade missed the game against the Celtics and is questionable for this one. He’s averaging 25.0 PPG, 5.5 APG and 3.5 RPG in two games against Atlanta this season. Losing that type of production would be a major blow to this Heat team.


PG Goran Dragic (16.4 PPG, 4.4 APG, 3.6 RPG, 1.1 SPG) picked his game up against Boston without Wade, finishing with 22 points, seven assists and five boards in 37 minutes. He’ll need to be extremely aggressive as a scorer if Wade is out in this one.


PF Udonis Haslem (3.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG) is now the only big man in this lineup that is capable of playing big minutes because of injuries. Haslem had his best game of the year against Boston, finishing with 12 points, 12 rebounds and three steals in 38 minutes. He must be big in this game on Friday as the Hawks have a very good frontcourt. SF Luol Deng (14.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.0 APG) is going to need to step his game up in this one. With Wade not at 100%, Deng will be counted on to score and he will have to be a more willing shooter against Atlanta.


Atlanta picked up a much-needed victory over Orlando last game, as the team could have gotten low in confidence after losing three straight games. PF Paul Millsap (17.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.8 SPG) has been on fire for Atlanta recently, averaging 23.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG and 2.0 BPG over the past two games. The Heat are extremely undersized due to injuries at the moment, so Millsap and C Al Horford (15.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.3 BPG) should really have their way in this one. Horford has struggled recently though, averaging just 9.0 PPG over the past four games. He will need to find his game soon, as his team needs him to be playing at a high level heading into the playoffs.


PG Jeff Teague (16.3 PPG, 7.0 APG, 2.4 RPG, 1.7 SPG) played very well against Orlando, finishing with 16 points, nine assists and three rebounds in 33 minutes of action. Teague is dealing with a sore ankle though and is out for this one. PG Dennis Schroder (9.7 PPG, 4.0 APG) will need to step it up big time with him out. He is an excellent passer and can be menacing on defense at times as well.


SG Kyle Korver (12.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.5 APG) is going to need to be on his game against Miami as well. Korver had 13 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and two steals against Orlando. He has been very active defensively since returning from his broken nose and that is a major plus when you add that to his remarkable outside shooting (50% 3PT).


GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (58-13) at MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (50-22)


Tip-off: Friday, 8:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Golden State -3.5, Total: 199


The two best teams in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies, meet on Friday Night.


Golden State has been the undisputed best team in the NBA this season and is riding yet another winning streak coming into this one with SU victories in its past seven games (6-1 ATS). During that streak the Warriors have scored 113.4 PPG and defeated their opponents by a solid 18.4 PPG. Their latest victim was Portland on Tuesday when they earned a 122-108 win as they were giving seven points. The Warriors seemingly couldn’t miss in the contest, making 50-of-83 shots (60% FG) while holding the Trail Blazers to 42.4% shooting from the floor.


Memphis has also been solid of late with wins in five of its past seven outings in which they are 4-3 ATS. They haven’t exactly been lighting it up offensively in that time, but gave up a meager 86.6 PPG in the five wins. The team drew a tough matchup in their last game though, getting 1-point at home against the Cavaliers before losing in embarrassing fashion by a score of 111-89. Each of Cleveland’s starters scored at least 13 points as the Grizzlies grabbed just 32 rebounds and made 43.5% of their shots.


Golden State has been a great road team with a 24-11 SU record (17-18 ATS) in away games as it faces a Memphis group which is 27-8 SU (16-17-2 ATS) on its home court. These teams have only played once against each other this year and it was also in at the Grizzlies arena as they won 105-98 as 3.5-point favorites in mid-December. They held the usual potent offense of the Warriors to 41.1% shooting; including just 9-of-31 from behind the arc (29% 3PM). Memphis has been the better team in this matchup over the past three seasons, dominating with a 6-2 SU and ATS record as it has been victorious in 10 of the past 11 meetings when at home.


Some trends to watch before placing a bet include that Golden State is 38-21 ATS (64%) when playing as the favorite this year while the Grizzlies are 46-30 ATS (61%) after playing a game as the underdog in the past three seasons. There are no significant injuries for either team heading into this one.


Golden State has by far the best offense in the game as it is netting 109.8 PPG (best in league) on 47.9% shooting (best in league) and also hitting a league-best 39.4% from behind the arc. They Warriors also put together a great defensive unit which is allowing 99.1 PPG (14th in league) with just 42.4% of balls going in (best in league).


PG Stephen Curry (23.4 PPG, 7.9 APG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 SPG) is coming off a phenomenal showing (33 points, 10 assists) in the win over the Blazers and has made 13-of-23 three-pointers (57% 3PM) over the past three contests. He made a meager 9-of-25 shots (36% FG) with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals in the loss to Memphis in December.


SG Klay Thompson (21.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.1 SPG) has played just 21.0 MPG in the two games since returning from a three-game injury absence and put up 16 points in 25 minutes against Portland. He had a good performance when last meeting with the Grizzlies as he scored 22 points with a block and a steal.


SF Draymond Green (11.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 1.3 RPG) was an absolute beast (14 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 blocks) in the win over the Blazers on Tuesday night and had another great all-around showing (4 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 blocks, 1 steal) against Memphis earlier in the year.


Memphis’ calling card is not offense as it is scoring 98.9 PPG (13th-worst in league) on 45.8% shooting (9th in league). Rather, it earns its wins on defense where it is giving up 95.4 PPG (2nd in league) with opponents making 44.3% of their shots (11th in league).


C Marc Gasol (17.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.7 BPG) has hit double-digits in each of his past seven games and has two double-doubles in that time. He was great against the Warriors in the victory this year, netting 24 points with seven rebounds and a block.


PF Zach Randolph (16.4 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 1.0 SPG) did little against the Cavaliers with five points and three rebounds in the loss over 20 minutes as he made just 2-of-8 shots. He could rebound in this one, though, as he was impressive against Golden State in December with 17 points (8-of-12 FG) and 10 rebounds in just 26 minutes on the court.


PG Mike Conley (16.1 PPG, 5.3 APG, 1.3 SPG) has put up a mere 13.0 PPG over his past four outings and has just one steal in that time. He had 17 points to go along with five assists and four steals in the last matchup with the Warriors.

 

[CNOTES]

Thunder's Durant to miss rest of season


March 27, 2015


OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Reigning MVP Kevin Durant will have bone graft surgery next week to deal with a fractured bone in his right foot, and he will miss the rest of the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder announced Friday.


Durant had surgery on a broken bone in his right foot in October. He had been healing well, but in late February, he had a procedure to replace a screw that was rubbing up against another bone and causing discomfort. At the time, the Thunder expected him to be able to return in one to two weeks.


Last week, the Thunder said he likely would be shut down for the season as they tried to figure out why his pain wasn't subsiding. On Friday, the team said the initial injury, which had been healing well, had shown regression.


The team expects Durant to return to basketball activities within the next four to six months.

 

[CNOTES]

NHL


Friday, March 27


Game Score Status Pick Amount


Calgary - 8:00 PM ET Minnesota -179 500 *****
Minnesota - Over 5 500


Columbus - 8:30 PM ET Columbus +205 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Chicago - Under 5.5 500


Dallas - 9:30 PM ET Dallas -174 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Edmonton - Over 5.5 500