Cnotes Best Bets For Thursday March 19th NBA -NHL-NCAABB- !

[CNOTES]

Thursday's Early Tips


March 18, 2015


Thursday's Matchups


1-4 · 5-8 · 9-12 · 13-16
The brackets have been set and following four matchups in the First Four Round of this year’s NCAA Tournament, things will really start to heat-up with a full state of 16 games on this Thursday’s slate.


Midwest Regional - No. 14 Northeastern vs. No. 3 Notre Dame (CBS, 12:15 p.m.)
Venue: CONSOL Energy Center
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Betting Odds: Notre Dame -12, Total 140


The Northeastern Huskies punched their ticket to the Big Dance by winning the CAA Tournament with a 72-61 upset of William & Mary as 1 ½-point underdogs. They come into this game with a straight-up record of 6-1 in their last seven contests while going 5-2 against the spread. The Huskies are ranked 12th in the nation shooting the ball with a 48.6 field goal percentage.


Notre Dame stunned both Duke and North Carolina as an underdog to win this season’s ACC Tournament title to raise its current winning streak both SU and ATS to five games. The total has stayed UNDER in four of its last six outings. This is another team that can shoot lights-out with a 51 field goal percentage that is ranked second in the nation. The Fighting Irish are ranked 12th in scoring with 78.8 points per game.


Betting Trends


-- The Huskies are 5-1 ATS in their last six games against an ACC team and the total has stayed UNDER in 10 of their last 15 nonconference games.


-- The Irish have failed to cover in their last six NCAA Tournament games and the total has gone OVER in nine of their last 13 neutral-site games.


-- The last time these two teams met was back in 1997 with Notre Dame winning 72-45.


South Regional - No. 14 UAB vs. No. 3 Iowa State (truTV, 12:40 p.m.)
Venue: KFC Yum Center
Location: Louisville, KY
Betting Odds: Iowa State -13 ½, Total 144 ½


UAB dropped four of its last seven regular season games while going 2-4-1 ATS, but a successful three-game run (2-1 ATS) through the Conference USA Tournament secured a spot in this field. The Blazers knocked-off Middle Tennessee 73-60 as two-point favorites in the title game behind junior guard Robert Brown’s game-high 22 points. He leads the team in scoring with 13.1 PPG.


The Cyclones came-up one game short to Kansas in their bid to win the Big 12 regular season title, but they got the job done in the conference tournament with a stunning 70-66 victory against the Jayhawks as 2 ½-point underdogs. Iowa State has now won its last five games while going 4-0-1 ATS. It comes into this game averaging 78.4 PPG while shooting 48 percent from the field.


Betting Trends


-- The Blazers have failed to cover in four of their last five NCAA Tournament games and the total has stayed UNDER in the last four.


-- The Cyclones are 4-1 ATS in their last five games in the NCAA Tournament and the total has gone OVER in the last four.


West Regional - No. 14 Georgia State vs. No. 3 Baylor (TBS, 1:40 p.m.)
Venue: Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Betting Odds: Baylor -9, Total 127


As the pride of this year’s Sun Belt Conference, Georgia State brings a SU five-game winning streak into this matchup after adding a tournament title to their regular-season crown. The Panthers failed to cover in their last two outings after going 6-1-1 in their previous eight games. Senior guard Ryan Harrow (18.7 PPG) is listed as probable after missing his last start with a sore hamstring.


The Bears run in this year’s Big 12 Tournament ended with a 62-52 loss to Kansas as 1 ½-point underdogs. This followed a solid SU 6-1 run in their previous seven games while going 5-2 ATS. The total has gone OVER in four of their last six outings. Senior guard Kenny Chery scored a team-high 20 points in the loss to the Jayhawks, while this season’s leader in scoring junior forward Taurean Prince (13.8 PPG) was held to just two points.


Betting Trends


-- The Panthers are 1-5 ATS in their last six nonconference games and the total has stayed UNDER in eight of their last 10 games following a SU win.


-- The Bears are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games outside the conference and the total has gone OVER in three of their last five games following a SU loss.


West Regional - No. 15 Texas Southern vs. No. 2 Arizona (TNT, 2:10 p.m.)
Venue: Moda Center
Location: Portland, OR
Betting Odds: Arizona -23 ½, Total 134


Texas Southern brings a SU 11-game winning streak into Thursday’s game that carried the Tigers to both the SWAC regular season and tournament title. They did fail to cover as six-point favorites in a 62-58 victory against Southern their last time out. The Tigers are averaging 68.2 PPG, but they have now scored 75 points or more in six of their last eight games.


The Wildcats also come into Thursday’s game with a regular season and tournament title on their resume after pulling off the sweep in the Pac-12. Their current SU winning streak stands at 11 games with a highly profitable 9-2 record ATS. Arizona is averaging 76.4 PPG and it is ranked sixth in the nation shooting the ball with a 48.9 field goal percentage. Freshman forward Stanley Johnson has led the way with 14.1 PPG.


Betting Trends:


-- The Tigers are 0-5 SU in their last NCAA Tournament games and the total has gone OVER in four of their last five games at a neutral site.


-- The Wildcats are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games in the NCAA Tournament and the total has gone OVER in four of their last five games in this tournament.

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday's Afternoon Tips


March 18, 2015


Thursday's Matchups


1-4 · 5-8 · 9-12 · 13-16
Midwest Regional - No. 11 Texas vs. No. 6 Butler (CBS, 2:45 p.m.)
Venue: CONSOL Energy Center
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Betting Odds: Texas -1 ½, Total 123 ½


Texas (20-13 SU, 17-13-1 ATS) is one of three lower-seeds to be listed as a favorite in second round action (Purdue and Ohio State). The Longhorns began the season on fire with a 10-1 record, as the lone loss came at undefeated Kentucky. However, UT struggled at times in Big 12 play, putting together a pair of four-game losing streaks, while squandering a late 10-point lead in a buzzer-beating loss to Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament quarterfinals. The ‘Horns are 9-9 ATS the last 18 games, but Rick Barnes’ team has put together an incredible 6-0 SU/ATS record this season as a favorite away from Austin.


Butler (22-10 SU, 17-13 ATS) wasn’t expected to do much this season inside the Big East, but the Bulldogs won 12 of 18 league contests before getting bounced by Xavier in overtime of the conference tournament quarterfinals. The Bulldogs are making their sixth NCAA tournament appearance since 2007, which incudes a pair of runs to the National Championship in 2010 and 2011. Butler didn’t lose back-to-back games often this season, posting an impressive 8-1 SU and 6-3 ATS record off a defeat, while riding a seven-game ‘under’ streak.


South Regional - No. 11 UCLA vs. No. 6 SMU (TruTV, 3:10 p.m.)
Venue: KFC Yum Center
Location: Louisville, KY
Betting Odds: SMU -3 ½, Total 133


The road to the NCAA tournament wasn’t easy for UCLA (20-13 SU, 17-16 ATS), who endured a five-game losing streak in late December into early January. The Bruins lost a pair of games in that span by over 30 points to Kentucky and Utah, but Steve Alford’s team rebounded to win 12 of its final 18 contests to qualify for its third straight NCAA tournament. UCLA dominated rival USC in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 tournament before bowing out to eventual champ Arizona in the semifinal round, as the Bruins have covered five straight games in the role of an underdog.


One season after getting snubbed for the Big Dance, SMU (27-6 SU, 15-12-3 ATS) rolled to an AAC regular season and tournament championship to lock up the school’s first NCAA berth since 1993. The Mustangs have won 17 of their past 19 games since a loss at Cincinnati in early January, while posting a 10-5-2 ATS record in their last 17 contests. SMU has performed well away from Moody Coliseum, going 10-1 SU and 6-4-1 ATS record in the past 11 games on the highway.


Midwest Regional - No. 11 Mississippi vs. No. 6 Xavier (TBS, 4:10 p.m.)
Venue: Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Betting Odds: Xavier -3, Total 144 ½


Ole Miss (21-12 SU, 17-14-1 ATS) was on its way out of the NCAA tournament after falling behind by 17 points at halftime against BYU in Tuesday’s First Four matchup. However, the Rebels’ offense woke up following the intermission to outscore the Cougars, 62-41 in the second half to shock BYU as three-point underdogs, 94-90. Ole Miss improved to an incredible 10-2 ATS record in the underdog role, even though Andy Kennedy’s club has covered just three of their past nine games. The Rebels have cashed in seven of their last nine postseason contests dating back to 2011, which includes an 11-point victory over Wisconsin in the 2013 NCAA tournament.


Xavier (21-13 SU, 16-16-1 ATS) reached the Big East tournament championship, but fell to league champion Villanova, 69-52 as 7 ½-point underdogs. The Musketeers lost three times to the Wildcats, all by double-digits, but won 10 of its final 14 games against teams not named Villanova. Xavier was an average team as a favorite in conference play, posting a 6-6 ATS record, while knocking off tournament teams Georgetown (three times), St. John’s, Cincinnati, Providence, and Stephen F. Austin this season. Chris Mack’s club is riding an 8-2 stretch to the ‘under’ the last 10 games, while allowing 63 points or less six times in this span.


Midwest Regional - No. 10 Ohio State vs. No. 7 VCU (TNT, 4:40 p.m.)
Venue: Moda Center
Location: Portland, OR
Betting Odds: Ohio State -4, Total 137


The last time Ohio State (23-10 SU, 15-16-1 ATS) was this low of a seed in the NCAA tournament, the Buckeyes were an eight-seed in 2009, falling to Siena in the opening round. The Buckeyes finished sixth in the Big Ten this season with an 11-7 record, even though Thad Matta’s club lost back-to-back games just once in conference play. OSU has cashed tickets in eight of its past 12 tries in the favorite role, but the Buckeyes are 0-4 ATS in their last four NCAA tournament contests with each of those games decided by four points or less.


VCU (26-9 SU, 14-20 ATS) stumbled toward the end of the regular season by losing three of four games, while not covering one time in that span. Shaka Smart’s squad turned it on in the conference tournament, winning four games in four days to claim the school’s first Atlantic 10 tournament championship. The final two victories came against Davidson and Dayton, two schools that qualified for the Big Dance, but the Rams own a dreadful 8-13 ATS record the past 21 games. VCU has put together a terrific 7-2 ATS record as an underdog in the NCAA tournament since 2011, the seasons the Rams ran all the way to the Final Four.

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday's Evening Tips


March 18, 2015


Thursday's Matchups


1-4 · 5-8 · 9-12 · 13-16
East Regional - No. 1 Villanova vs. No. 16 Lafayette (TBS, 6:50 p.m. )
Venue: CONSOL Energy Center
Location: Pittsburgh, PA.
Betting Odds: Villanova -23, Total: 145


-- Villanova (32-2 straight up, 24-9 against the spread) earned the No. 1 seed in the East Region after winning the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York City by beating Marquette, Providence and Xavier. In the finals this past Saturday, Jay Wright's team cruised to a 69-52 win over Xavier as a 7.5-point favorite. Dylan Ellis led the way with 16 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Josh Hart added 15 points and seven boards.


-- Villanova brings a 15-game winning streak to Pittsburgh. During this surge, the Wildcats have been covering numbers galore with a stellar 13-2 spread record. They haven't tasted defeat since a 78-58 loss at Georgetown on Jan. 19.


-- Villanova has been a double-digit favorite 18 times, compiling an outstanding 13-5 spread record. The Wildcats have taken the cash in seven straight such spots.


-- Lafayette (20-12 SU, 2-2 ATS) is the automatic qualifier out of the Patriot League, winning the conference tournament by virtue of a 65-63 win over American as a four-point 'chalk.' Nick Linder earned Tournament MVP honors by dropping 25 points on the Eagles. Linder averaged 23.7 points per game during Lafayette's three-game run through the Patriot League Tourney.


-- Lafayette is led by forward Dan Trist, who averages 17.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game while shooting at a 58.0 percent clip. However, he struggled mightily against American when he had just six points and seven rebounds while committing six turnovers. Trist had scored in double figures in the seven previous games while posting four double-doubles.


-- Linder, a sophomore point guard, averages 12.8 PPG and has a 161/56 assists-to-turnovers ratio. He is making 49.4 percent of his shots from the field, 40.0 percent from 3-point range and 85.0 percent at the charity stripe. Linder has scored at least 12 points in 11 straight games and 14 of the last 15.


-- Lafayette has faced three teams in the Tournament field. The Leopards won 77-50 at Robert Morris, but they lost 83-56 at West Virginia and 96-69 at Kansas.


-- Villanova's lone defeats came at Georgetown and at Seton Hall (66-61). The Wildcats are fourth in the RPI Rankings thanks to a spectacular 13-1 record against the Top 50 and an 18-2 mark versus the Top 100.


-- This is the second time in school history that Villanova has garnered a No. 1 seed. In the 2006 Tournament, the top-seeded Wildcats lost to eventual champion Florida in the regional final. They are in the Tournament for the 35th time, seeking their second national title won in 1985 over Georgetown at Rupp Arena in Lexington.


-- The 'under' is 18-14-1 overall for Villanova, cashing in each of its last three contests.


-- These schools in Eastern Pennsylvania are separated by only 67 miles.


Midwest Regional - No. 8 Cincinnati vs. No. 9 Purdue (CBS, 7:10 p.m.)
Venue: KFC Yum! Center
Location: Louisville, KY.
Betting Odds: Purdue -2, Total: 118.5


-- Purdue (21-12 SU, 20-10 ATS) has won 10 of its last 14 games both SU and ATS, but it has failed to cover the spread in three consecutive outings. After beating Penn St. 64-59 as a 5.5-point favorite, the Boilermakers lost 71-51 to Wisconsin as 9.5-point underdogs in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. Matt Painter's team came out strong against the Badgers, using a 15-2 run to take a 35-30 advantage into intermission. However, Bo Ryan's club responded by scoring the first 10 points of the second and Purdue only scored 16 points in the final 20 minutes. A.J. Hammons had 10 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots in the losing effort.


-- Hammons is a seven-foot junior center out of Oak Hill (VA.) Academy. He averages team-highs in scoring (11.8 PPG), rebounds (6.5 RPG), field-goal percentage (53.4%) and blocked shots (2.9 BPG). Hammons had 23 points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots in the win over PSU at the Big Ten Tourney.


-- Cincinnati (22-10 SU, 15-13 ATS) saw its five-game winning streak both SU and ATS snapped when it dropped a 57-54 decision to UConn in the AAC Tournament quarterfinals. Troy Caupain had a team-best 12 points against the Huskies. Gary Clark had nine points and 11 rebounds, while Octavius Ellis finished with 11 points and seven boards. Shaquille Thomas added 10 points, seven boards and a pair of blocked shots.


-- Cincy has been an underdog eight times this year, producing a 5-3 spread record with four outright victories. The wins include a pair of scalps over SMU, in addition to victories at N.C. St. and at Tulsa.


-- Purdue has been a single-digit favorite 12 times, posting a 7-5 spread record.


-- This is Purdue's 27th NCAA Tournament appearance but its first since 2012. Cincy is in its 29th Tourney and is looking for its seventh trip to the Final Four. The Bearcats have gone down in the opening round in back-to-back seasons, including a heartbreaker against Harvard last year. The Boilermakers have 14 straight opening-round victories.


-- Even though it lost valuable rim protector Justin Jackson from last year, Cincy still finished sixth in the nation in scoring defense by allowing only 55.3 PPG.


-- This total is tied for the lowest that Purdue has seen all year. When the Boilers played Nebraska at home on Feb. 15, they won 66-54 with the 120 combined points slipping 'over' the 118.5-point tally.


-- The 'under' has connected in six of Cincy's last eight games to improve to 13-11 overall.


-- The 'under' is 18-10 overall for Purdue, cashing in each of its last three outings.


South Regional - No. 5 Utah vs. No. 12 Stephen F. Austin (TruTV, 7:27 p.m.)
Venue: Moda Center at the Rose Quarter
Location: Portland, OR.
Betting Odds: Utah -6.5, Total: 131.5


-- Utah (24-8 SU, 19-11-1 ATS) is back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009, but we should mention that head coach Larry Krystkowiak led Montana to a pair of appearances in '05 and '06.


-- Utah has lost four of its last seven games and is 2-5 ATS during this span. The Utes lost a 67-64 decision to Oregon as seven-point 'chalk' in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals. Brandon Taylor had 24 points on 6-of-9 shooting from downtown in the losing effort. Delon Wright finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a pair of steals.


-- Stephen F. Austin (29-4 SU, 3-3 ATS) is making its third NCAA Tournament appearance. The Lumberjacks picked up their first Tournament win in school history when they beat VCU 77-75 in overtime last year. They were dismissed by UCLA (77-60) in the Round of 32.


-- SFA is led by Thomas Walkup, who averages team-bests in scoring (15.7 PPG), rebounding (6.4 RPG) and field-goal percentage (57.1%). Walkup is also second on the team in assists (3.7 APG).


-- SFA won the Southland Conference Tournament thanks to an 83-70 win over Sam Houston St. as a six-point favorite in the finals. Walkup was the catalyst with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a pair of steals. Jared Johnson scored 17 points and grabbed five rebounds, while Dallas Cameron added 14 points.


-- SFA is Top 10 in the country in both scoring (79.5 PPG) and field-goal percentage (49.1%).


-- Utah is led by Wright, a first-team All Pac-12 selection who averages 14.9 points, 5.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game. Taylor and Jordan Loveridge are also double-figure scorers who are excellent 3-point shooters. Taylor (10.7 PPG) is draining 43.9 percent of his 3-balls, while Loveridge (10.1 PPG) is stroking treys at a 43.8 percent clip. Taylor has a 106/47 assists-to-turnovers ratio.


-- The 'under' is 15-14-1 overall for the Utes, 6-2 in their last eight games.


-- Totals have been an overall wash (2-2) for SFA.


West Regional - No. 4 North Carolina vs. No. 13 Harvard (TNT, 7:20 p.m. )
Venue: Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
Location: Jacksonville, FL.
Betting Odds: North Carolina -10.5, Total: 133


-- North Carolina (24-11 SU, 19-15-1 ATS) has won five of its last seven games both SU and ATS, inlcuding wins over Virginia and Louisville at the ACC Tournament. The Tar Heels lost a 90-82 decision to Notre Dame this past Saturday night in the ACC Tourney finals in Greensboro. They lost to the Irish as 3.5-point favorites. In defeat, Marcus Paige scored 24 points and dished out five assists. Brice Johnson finished with 20 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the field.


-- UNC captured a 71-67 win over Virginia in the ACC Tourney semifinals thanks to 22 points from Justin Jackson, who hit 8-of-10 shots from the field and 4-of-5 from long distance. Paige had 14 points and five assists compared to just one turnover, while Johnson had 13 points, six rebounds and three assists.


-- UNC is No. 11 in the RPI Rankings, losing only one game (at No. 74 Pittsburgh) to a team outside of the Top 50. The Tar Heels are 11-11 against the Top 100. They have nine wins over teams in the field, including scalps of Davidson, UCLA and Ohio St. on neutral courts. In addition, Roy Williams's team won at N.C. St. and beat Louisville in Chapel Hill.


-- Harvard (22-7 SU, 9-14 ATS) is back in the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive season after beating Yale 53-51 as a 2.5-point road favorite at The Palestra in Philadelphia. The Crimson got a 15-foot jumper from Steve Moundou-Missi with 7.2 seconds left to untie the one-game playoff for the Ivy League's automatic bid. Both schools finished the regular season with 11-3 conference records. The Ivy is the NCAA's only league that doesn't have a conference tournament. Wesley Saunders scored a game-high 22 points to pace Tommy Amaker's squad. Moundou-Missi finished with 11 points and nine rebounds.


-- Saunders became Harvard's fourth-leading scorer in school history in the critical win over Yale, surpassing Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin. Saunders averages team-highs in scoring (16.3 PPG), assists (4.2 APG) and steals (1.8 SPG).


-- Harvard has been an underdog only three times this season, compiling a 1-2 record both SU and ATS. The Crimson won outright as a 1.5-point road underdog at Yale on Feb. 7. They lost by 10 at Arizona St. as 2.5-point puppies and took a 76-27 pounding at Virginia as 11.5-point 'dogs.


-- Harvard is No. 52 in the RPI Rankings, posing four wins over Top-100 foes. Amaker's club beat UMass (80) and Northeastern (85) at home, in addition to the two aforementioned wins over Yale (63).


-- The 'under' is 12-6 overall for Harvard, 6-2 in its last eight games. This is the highest total the Crimson has seen this year. The previous high was 129 in a 72-62 Harvard win against Brown that saw the 134 combined points slip 'over' the number.


-- The 'over' is 19-13-1 overall for UNC, but the 'under' is 5-3 in its last eight outings.

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday's Late Tips


March 18, 2015


Thursday's Matchups


1-4 · 5-8 · 9-12 · 13-16
East Regional - No. 8 N.C. State vs. No. 9 LSU (TBS, 9:20 p.m.)
Venue: Consol Energy Center
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Betting Odds: N.C. State -2, Total 140
The Wolfpack looked to be in trouble barely a month ago, entering a Valentine’s Day visit to Louisville on a run of five losses in six games. They upset the Cards to start a run of wins in six of seven, including conquests at UNC and Clemson. Despite an identical 10-8 record in league play as NIT-bound Miami, not to mention a head-to-head loss to the Canes, N.C. State got into the NCAAs without much drama. Guards Trevor Lacey, Ralston Turner and Kat Barber complement each other nicely, combining for 41 points per game and shooting over 38 percent from 3-point range (184-for-475). Despite Lennard Freeman leading the Wolfpack with a modest 5.6 rebounding average, this is a team for whom boards are a strength since they gang-rebound well and have solid depth up front. Head coach Mark Gottfried has taken Murray State, Alabama and N.C. State to NCAA Tournaments. He got to the Elite Eight with ‘Bama in ’04 and reach a Sweet 16 with his current school in ’12. N.C. State has covered seven of its last nine games.


LSU had some ugly losses along the way, but for the most part, enjoyed a great season. Interestingly, the Tigers are 6-1 against teams that made this NCAA Tournament, losing only by a bucket to Kentucky. West Virginia, UAB, Georgia, Arkansas and Ole Miss (twice) have all been victims, but Clemson and the three worst teams in the SEC this past season, Mississippi State, Auburn and Missouri all got the better of them. Playing down to their level of competition shouldn’t be a problem in this tournament, but they have faltered in two of their last three games. Jordan Mickey and Jarrell Martin are both NBA-caliber athletes who have combined for 32.4 points, 19.0 rebounds and 4.3 blocks. They need to each avoid foul trouble, because LSU typically goes just six-deep. Shooter Keith Hornsby, key two-way wing Tim Quarterman and point guards Josh Gray and Jalyn Patterson will get the bulk of the minutes around them. 7-footer Darcy Malone could be an x-factor, but it would be bad news if he gets extended minutes because that would mean Mickey or Martin is in foul trouble. Head coach Johnny Jones was on Gottfried’s Alabama staff in ’91. He’s coaching his first NCAA Tournament game at LSU and went 0-2 while at North Texas. Assistant Eric Musselman, a former NBA head coach, is in his first year on the Tigers staff and being mentioned as a candidate for the vacancy at San Diego. The Tigers have covered in seven of the last 10 and seen five of the last eight go under the posted total.


Midwest Regional - No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 16 Hampton (CBS, 9:40 p.m.)
Venue: KFC Yum! Center
Location: Louisville, KY
Betting Odds: Kentucky -35, Total 140


The Wildcats have won all 34 of their games, covering 18 and pushing three. They’ve had close calls against conference rivals Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Florida and LSU, but haven’t really been challenged since Feb. 11. They’re 7-1-2 against the spread since that 71-69 win at Baton Rouge. Head coach John Calipari bragged on Twitter that his team is still practicing like it’s Dec. 1 and he had to try and tone down the intensity level so no fights would break out. Considering he’s tried to downplay his team’s success for most of the season, emphasizing their mistakes to develop growth, it’s clear he’s satisfied with their mental makeup entering this NCAA Tournament. UK’s recent results demonstrate clear focus. Freshman forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns has become a lethal weapon, forming a two-headed post monster alongside Willie Cauley-Stein that’s quite simply the most imposing force in the country. Freshman Devin Booker has emerged as an efficient scorer on the wing and leads the team in points per minute, while fellow first-year guard Tyler Ulis has grown as the point helping to balance out the Harrison twins. Trey Lyles, Dakari Johnson and Marcus Lee add tremendous frontcourt depth. Calipari has been to three Final Fours in the past four seasons, winning it all in ’12 and losing last year’s final to UConn.


The Pirates ride a five-game winning streak into Louisville, their longest run of success this season. They’ve persevered despite the absence of leading scorer and rebounder Dwight Meikle, who is out with a high ankle sprain. Forward Quinton Chievous, a Tennessee transfer, wound up with 15 points and 13 boards against Manhattan, but left the win early with an ankle sprain. It’s unclear who head coach Edward Joyner, Jr. will have available against the Wildcats. Miami (OH) transfer Reggie Johnson is aggressive and plays well next to point guard Deron Powers. Free-throw shooting was a major issue against the Jaspers and has been a weakness all season. The Pirates shot 19-for-34 from the line and have six players who have attempted more than 50 free-throws shooting less than 68 percent.


West Regional - No. 5 Arkansas vs. No. 12 Wofford (TNT, 9:50 p.m.)
Venue: Veterans Memorial Arena
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Betting Odds: Arkansas -7.5, Total 137


SEC Player of the Year Bobby Portis isn’t riding a wave of momentum into these NCAAs, shooting just 4-for-21 in his last two games against Georgia and Kentucky. The game against the ‘Cats was particularly humbling since he was held to just two rebounds, one above his career-low. He’s one of a handful of post players in the country that you can throw it into knowing he’ll either score or draw a double-team to create for someone else, so the Hogs need his slump to be short-lived. Senior guard Rashad Madden went 1-for-8 in the SEC Championship game and has been held in single-digits in four of the last five games. It’s happened in 14 of 22 games in 2015, so he’s another key cog that needs to play to his potential. Arkansas has won 10 of its last 13 (7-6 ATS), falling to UK twice and LSU once. Michael Qualls has scored in double-figures in 10 of 11 games and was excellent against Kentucky, shooting 8-for-12. The Razorbacks are 11-4 in games where he makes multiple 3-pointers. Mike Anderson is taking Arkansas to the NCAA Tournament for the first time but has won games at both UAB and Missouri. He reached the Elite Eight with the Tigers in 2008-09.


The Terriers challenged Duke, N.C. State, West Virginia and Stanford, so they’ll be no strangers to major-conference competition. They’ll also be no strangers to this tournament, having a bit of an edge over the Razorbacks in that regard. Last year’s venture didn’t go well since they were crushed 57-40 by Michigan, but they at least gained experience and won’t be taken aback by the magnitude of the setting. Karl Cochran shot 1-for-10 from 3-point range against the Wolverines and will certainly be looking to make amends for that poor performance. The SoCon Player of the Year is notoriously streaky. He’s had nine games where he’s made at least four 3-pointers and a handful of others where he’s shot 1-for-6 or worse. 6-foot-6 forwards Lee Skinner and Justin Gordon will have to hold their own on the boards for Wofford to pull the upset and have to be encouraged by tape of Kentucky consistently beating Arkansas on the glass in the SEC Championship. The Terriers ranked 272nd in the nation in rebounding, averaging just 32.4 per game.


South Regional - No. 4 Georgetown vs. No. 13 Eastern Washington (TruTV, 9:57 p.m.)
Venue: Moda Center
Location: Portland, OR
Betting Odds: Georgetown -7.5, Total 146.5


The Hoyas faced some adversity down the stretch as guard D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera nursed a sore knee that he tweaked on March 3, but he’s expected to be 100 percent in this tournament. Everyone seemed to get in foul trouble in Georgetown’s Big East semifinal loss to Xavier, but that limited big center Joshua Smith to just 18 minutes and key freshman forward L.J. Peak to just 14. Georgetown covered only one of its last six contests and has played to unders in eight of the last 12. It went just 6-10 against teams that reached the NCAAs, but the fact it played over half its games against such a high-caliber of competition suggests they’ll be prepared for anything. John Thompson III is back in the Tournament for the eighth time in 10 years after landing in the NIT last year. His highest finish is reaching the 2006 Final Four.


Eastern Washington ranked third in the country in points per game (80.8), only behind BYU among teams that made this tournament. The nation’s leading scorer, sophomore shooting guard Tyler Harvey (22.9) averages over nine 3-point attempts per game, making 3.9. Despite the fact he shot just 2-for-12 the last two contests in the Big Sky Tournament, he still commands so much respect from the perimeter that he’s a huge asset in spacing the floor even when he’s off. Junior Venky Jois, a 6-8 forward, is often the player who benefits most, receiving more room to work inside. Senior Drew Brandon is the third key cog and does a little bit of everything well, from rebounding to leading the team in assists. Among players you’ll see in the Eagles rotation, there’s certainly an international feel, as student-athletes from Ukraine, Serbia and Australia will all see action. Head coach Jim Hayford is making his first NCAA Tournament appearance. He made six D-III Tournaments at Whitworth, reaching one Elite Eight. Six of EWU’s last seven games have gone over the posted total.

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday's Top Action


March 18, 2015




TEXAS LONGHORNS (20-13) vs. BUTLER BULLDOGS (22-10)
NCAA Tournament – Second Round (CBS, 2:45 p.m.)
Sportsbook.ag Line and Total: Texas -2, Total: 124


Texas looks to erase what was a disastrous regular season with a victory over Butler in the second round of the NCAA tournament Thursday.


Texas is coming off of a 69-67 loss as a 2-point underdog against Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament. The Longhorns won three games in a row SU before that defeat and they likely would not have made the NCAA tournament if they didn’t do just that. They are now 3-1-1 ATS in their past five games and have held their opponents to less than 60 points in three of the past five.


Butler lost 67-61 against Xavier in the Big East tournament. The Bulldogs were 1-point favorites in that game and have now lost both SU and ATS in two of their past three contests. The Longhorns have gone Under the total in six straight games and the Bulldogs have gone Under in seven straight games.


This game will be the first ever meeting between these teams. Butler is 11-3 ATS this season when the total is between 120 and 129.5 points. The team is also 33-15 ATS when playing as a neutral court underdog since 1997. Both of these teams are heading into the NCAA tournament healthy.


Texas was wildly disappointing this season and now looks to make up for that with a run in the NCAA tournament. The Longhorns struggled offensively this season, averaging just 67.9 PPG (164th in NCAA) on 43.6% shooting (169th in NCAA). This team is excellent defensively though, allowing just 60.4 PPG (39th in NCAA) thanks to 7.9 BPG (1st in NCAA). The Longhorns are also excellent on the glass, pulling down 39.7 RPG (8th in NCAA).


G Isaiah Taylor (13.0 PPG, 4.6 APG, 3.3 RPG) is the most important player for this Texas team. Taylor is one of the better point guards in the nation and will need to be at his best against Baylor. Over the past three games, he’s averaging 11.7 PPG and 6.0 APG. He’ll need to continue finding his teammates for easy baskets, but he’ll also need to limit his turnovers.


F Myles Turner (10.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.7 BPG) has been one of this team’s best players all season. Turner is a 6-foot-11 big man with excellent shot-blocking ability and he also can score in a number of ways offensively. He has been struggling recently though, failing to score in double-digits in each of the past four contests. He must turn things around or the Longhorns will be heading home early.


F Jonathan Holmes (10.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.0 BPG) had a big game against Iowa State last game, finishing with 15 points, nine boards, three blocks and two assists in 30 minutes of action. Holmes is a solid shooter (33% 3PT) and can also score around the rim. He has good size and will need to be a presence on Thursday.


C Cameron Ridley (8.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.7 BPG) has been defending the rim very well lately. He’s averaging 3.0 BPG over the past three contests and will be relied on even more heavily if Turner is unable to produce on Thursday.


G Demarcus Holland (7.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.5 APG) could be an x-factor in this game. He is an excellent outside shooter (47% 3PT), but is struggling with his shot lately. Holland is just 2-for-6 from behind the arc over the past three games and he’ll need to be hitting in order to play big minutes.


Much like Texas, Butler wins games on the defensive end. The Bulldogs are allowing just 61.2 PPG (47th in NCAA) this season and they will look to contain a Texas team that underperformed offensively all season. Butler averages 69.6 PPG (112th in NCAA) on 43.9% shooting (259th in NCAA), which is good enough to keep the team in a ton of games. The Bulldogs are also good on the glass, pulling down 36.7 RPG (60th in NCAA) and that should help them against this big Longhorns frontcourt. If Butler is going to advance in this tournament then G Kellen Dunham (16.7 PPG, 2.6 RPG) is going to need to catch fire.


Dunham is one of the best shooters in the nation (42% 3PT) and knows how to get his height off. He moves very well off the ball and will need to find holes in this talented Texas defense.


F Roosevelt Jones (12.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.7 APG) is the heart and soul of the Bulldogs. Jones is a forward trapped in a guard’s body, but he has a non-stop motor. He’ll do his best to give Butler the edge in rebounding in this game and he is also a good offensive player. Jones knows how to attack the rim and he can also find his teammates when nothing is there for him.


F Kameron Woods (7.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.2 SPG) is going to be crucial for Butler in this game. Woods has been a monster on the glass recently, averaging 14.0 RPG over the past three games. Woods must avoid foul trouble in this game, as he is the best rebounder that the Bulldogs have and the team can’t win if he is not on the floor.


G Alex Barlow (9.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.6 APG, 2.2 SPG) is a very good two-way player in this team’s backcourt. Barlow can shoot the three-ball (39% 3PT) and really caught fire against Xavier, finishing with 22 points in 34 minutes. If he can get hot against Texas then his team could be advancing.


F Andrew Chrabascz (11.1 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.6 APG) could be an x-factor for the Bulldogs. He had 16 points against Xavier and simply knows how to score. He’ll be needed if one of Butler’s premier players has an off game.


OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (23-10) vs. VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH RAMS (26-9)
NCAA Tournament – Second Round (TNT, 4:40 p.m.)
Sportsbook.ag Line and Total: Ohio State -4, Total: 136.5

A spot in the third round of the NCAA tournament is on the line when Ohio State takes on VCU in Portland Thursday.
Ohio State was unable to beat Michigan State in the Big Ten tournament, losing 76-67 as a 1.5-point underdog. The Buckeyes lost two of their past three games both SU and ATS heading into this tournament, allowing 72+ points in each of the three games. They’ll need to patch things up defensively or they’ll really struggle to advance any further than where they are now.

VCU comes into this tournament after beating Dayton 71-65 as a 2.5-point favorite in the Atlantic 10 championship game. The Rams have won five straight games SU and they’ve covered in their past three as well. This offense is hot lately, averaging 73.6 PPG over the course of the winning streak.

This will be the first ever meeting between these two teams. Ohio State is 11-4 ATS after a game where it failed to cover the spread this season. The Buckeyes are 0-7 ATS in a neutral court game where the total is between 130 and 139.5 points over the past three seasons. VCU is 12-3 ATS in NCAA tournament games since 1997. F Anthony Lee (Groin) is out indefinitely for the Buckeyes and G Briante Weber (Knee) is out for the season for the Rams.

This Buckeyes team is excellent offensively, averaging 75.8 PPG (24th in NCAA) on 48.6% shooting (11th in NCAA). They know how to move the ball (15.4 APG, 25th in NCAA) and also work very hard on the glass (35.8 RPG, 94th in NCAA). The team was also solid defensively throughout the year, giving up just 62.4 PPG (74th in NCAA). That has not been the case lately though and it will need to turn things around against VCU.


G D’Angelo Russell (19.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.6 SPG) is the type of player that can carry a team far in this tournament. Russell has an impressive handle for a guy that is 6-foot-5 and that combined with his quick release makes him extremely tough to cover. He’s a lights-out shooter from behind the arc (42% 3PT) and can also get his teammates shots whenever he wants to. Russell is a triple-double threat whenever he is on the floor and he’ll need to be at his best on Thursday.


G Shannon Scott (8.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.8 SPG) had been playing some of his best basketball of the season heading into the tournament. Over the past three games, Scott is averaging 14.7 PPG, 6.0 APG, 4.7 RPG and 2.0 SPG. The senior has plenty of experience and will need to bring the same tenacity on both ends that he always does on Thursday.


C Amir Williams (6.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG) is another player with a lot of experience for the Buckeyes. The senior is an outstanding shot-blocker and will need to provide some solid minutes of rim protection against a very good VCU offense.


F Sam Thompson (10.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.3 SPG) had 13 points in 34 minutes against Michigan State last game. Thompson is one of the most talented players on this team, but has scored in double digits in just two of his past five contests. He must find his game offensively on Thursday.


The Rams showed that they could put up points in a hurry this season, averaging 72.5 PPG (53rd in NCAA) on 42.0% shooting (256th in NCAA). The team had its struggles defensively though, allowing 65.5 PPG (143rd in NCAA). This game has all the makings of a shootout, but VCU will need to find a way to get timely stops down the stretch.


F Treveon Graham (16.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.6 APG) will need to play his best basketball if the Rams are going to make a run in this tournament. Graham is an incredible scorer that can finish at the rim and shoot out to the three-point line (38% 3PT). He has been a monster for VCU recently, averaging 19.0 PPG, 11.0 RPG and 3.0 APG over the past two contests. This Rams team is undersized, so Graham will need to continue to rebound the ball effectively going forward.


G Melvin Johnson (12.3 PPG, 1.1 SPG) has really struggled recently for the Rams, averaging just 7.0 PPG over the past two contests. Johnson averaged 19.5 PPG in the previous two games and VCU will need him to be reliable as a scorer in the tournament. He is a good outside shooter (37% 3PT) and needs to keep knocking down threes for this team.


F Mo Alie-Cox (7.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.9 BPG) is the closest thing the Rams have to a true post player. He has stepped up his scoring while Johnson has struggled, averaging 15.5 PPG over the past two games. Alie-Cox is averaging 4.5 fouls per game over the past two games though, and the team does not have the frontcourt depth to put up with losing him against Ohio State. He must remain disciplined while also making a big impact on the glass and on defense.


G JeQuan Lewis (8.4 PPG, 2.7 APG, 1.4 SPG) played very well in the conference tournament and averaged 14.0 PPG and 4.0 APG in the last two contests heading into this tournament. Lewis has struggled with his shot this season (37% FG), but can be a major x-factor if he is to get it going on Thursday.

 

[CNOTES]

CBB ATS


CBB > (725) HAMPTON@ (726) KENTUCKY | 03/19/2015 - 09:40 PM
Play ON HAMPTON using the against the spread in All games in all games
The record is 8 Wins and 0 Losses for the this season (+8 units)


CBB > (729) UAB@ (730) IOWA ST | 03/19/2015 - 12:40 PM
Play ON UAB 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 10 Wins and 1 Losses for the this season (+8.9 units)


CBB > (721) LAFAYETTE@ (722) VILLANOVA | 03/19/2015 - 06:50 PM
Play ON VILLANOVA using the against the spread in All games as a favorite
The record is 43 Wins and 17 Losses for the last two seasons (+24.3 units)


CBB MONEYLINE


CBB > (733) SF AUSTIN ST@ (734) UTAH | 03/19/2015 - 07:25 PM
Play AGAINST UTAH using the money line in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 7 Wins and 16 Losses for the last two seasons (-21.95 units)


CBB > (717) NORTHEASTERN@ (718) NOTRE DAME | 03/19/2015 - 12:15 PM
Play ON NOTRE DAME using the money line in All games in all games
The record is 20 Wins and 5 Losses for the this season (+15.45 units)


CBB > (725) HAMPTON@ (726) KENTUCKY | 03/19/2015 - 09:40 PM
Play ON HAMPTON using the money line in All games in all games
The record is 6 Wins and 0 Losses for the this season (+9.8 units)


CBB > (719) TEXAS@ (720) BUTLER | 03/19/2015 - 02:45 PM
Play ON BUTLER using the money line in All games in all neutral court games
The record is 59 Wins and 27 Losses for the since 1992 (+49.75 units)


CBB FIRST HALF


CBB > (725) HAMPTON@ (726) KENTUCKY | 03/19/2015 - 09:40 PM
Play ON HAMPTON in the first half in All games versus the first half line in all games
The record is 8 Wins and 0 Losses for the this season (+8 units)


CBB > (713) GEORGIA ST@ (714) BAYLOR | 03/19/2015 - 01:40 PM
Play ON BAYLOR in the first half in All games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 16 Wins and 4 Losses for the this season (+11.6 units)


CBB TOTALS


CBB > (717) NORTHEASTERN@ (718) NOTRE DAME | 03/19/2015 - 12:15 PM
Play OVER NOTRE DAME on the total in Road games after a conference game
The record is 12 Overs and 1 Unders for the this season (+10.9 units)


CBB > (727) PURDUE@ (728) CINCINNATI | 03/19/2015 - 07:10 PM
Play UNDER PURDUE on the total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games
The record is 5 Overs and 23 Unders for the last two seasons (+17.5 units)


CBB > (709) WOFFORD@ (710) ARKANSAS | 03/19/2015 - 09:50 PM
Play OVER ARKANSAS on the total in All games when the first half total is 60.5 to 65.5
The record is 9 Overs and 0 Unders for the last two seasons (+9 units)




CBB TOP POWERLINES


CBB > (717) NORTHEASTERN @ (718) NOTRE DAME | 03/19/2015 - 12:15 PM
Line: NOTRE DAME -11.5 BTB PowerLine: NOTRE DAME -20
Edge On: NOTRE DAME (8.5)


CBB > (729) UAB @ (730) IOWA ST | 03/19/2015 - 12:40 PM
Line: IOWA ST -13.5 BTB PowerLine: IOWA ST -20
Edge On: IOWA ST (6.5)


CBB > (737) TEXAS SOUTHERN @ (738) ARIZONA | 03/19/2015 - 02:10 PM
Line: ARIZONA -23.5 BTB PowerLine: ARIZONA -34
Edge On: ARIZONA (10.5)


CBB > (719) TEXAS @ (720) BUTLER | 03/19/2015 - 02:45 PM
Line: BUTLER 1 BTB PowerLine: BUTLER -5
Edge On: BUTLER (6)


CBB > (721) LAFAYETTE @ (722) VILLANOVA | 03/19/2015 - 06:50 PM
Line: VILLANOVA -23 BTB PowerLine: VILLANOVA -30
Edge On: VILLANOVA (7)


CBB > (727) PURDUE @ (728) CINCINNATI | 03/19/2015 - 07:10 PM
Line: CINCINNATI 1.5 BTB PowerLine: CINCINNATI -6
Edge On: CINCINNATI (7.5)


CBB > (735) E WASHINGTON @ (736) GEORGETOWN | 03/19/2015 - 09:55 PM
Line: GEORGETOWN -8 BTB PowerLine: GEORGETOWN -16
Edge On: GEORGETOWN (8)

 

[CNOTES]

NBA ATS


NBA > (707) UTAH@ (708) LA LAKERS | 03/19/2015 - 10:35 PM
Play ON UTAH using the against the spread in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 31 Wins and 12 Losses for the this season (+17.8 units)

NBA > (703) DENVER@ (704) HOUSTON | 03/19/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON HOUSTON using the against the spread in Home games after a non-conference game
The record is 33 Wins and 10 Losses for the last three seasons (+22 units)


NBA MONEYLINE


NBA > (703) DENVER@ (704) HOUSTON | 03/19/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play AGAINST DENVER using the money line in All games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 4 Wins and 17 Losses for the this season (-16.75 units)

NBA > (701) MINNESOTA@ (702) NEW YORK | 03/19/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play ON NEW YORK using the money line in Home games off an upset win as an underdog
The record is 13 Wins and 3 Losses for the last three seasons (+14.35 units)


NBA > (705) NEW ORLEANS@ (706) PHOENIX | 03/19/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play ON NEW ORLEANS using the money line in All games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season
The record is 8 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+11.1 units)


NBA FIRST HALF


NBA > (707) UTAH@ (708) LA LAKERS | 03/19/2015 - 10:35 PM
Play ON UTAH in the first half in Road games revenging a home loss vs opponent
The record is 14 Wins and 3 Losses for the this season (+10.7 units)


NBA TOTALS


NBA > (705) NEW ORLEANS@ (706) PHOENIX | 03/19/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play UNDER NEW ORLEANS on the total in All games versus the 1rst half line in road games
The record is 18 Overs and 52 Unders for the last two seasons (+32.2 units)


NBA > (703) DENVER@ (704) HOUSTON | 03/19/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play UNDER HOUSTON on the total in All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 11 Overs and 26 Unders for the this season (+13.9 units)


NBA > (701) MINNESOTA@ (702) NEW YORK | 03/19/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play UNDER NEW YORK on the total in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 14 Overs and 30 Unders for the this season (+14.6 units)


NBA > (707) UTAH@ (708) LA LAKERS | 03/19/2015 - 10:35 PM
Play UNDER UTAH on the total in All games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season
The record is 1 Overs and 10 Unders for the this season (+8.9 units)


NBA TOP POWERLINES


NBA > (703) DENVER @ (704) HOUSTON | 03/19/2015 - 08:05 PM
Line: HOUSTON -8 BTB PowerLine: HOUSTON -7
Edge On: HOUSTON (1)


NBA > (707) UTAH @ (708) LA LAKERS | 03/19/2015 - 10:35 PM
Line: LA LAKERS 3.5 BTB PowerLine: LA LAKERS 7
Edge On: LA LAKERS (3.5)

 

[CNOTES]

NHL MONEYLINES


NHL > (15) PHILADELPHIA@ (16) CALGARY | 03/19/2015 - 09:05 PM
Play AGAINST PHILADELPHIA using the money line in Road games revenging a loss versus opponent
The record is 2 Wins and 16 Losses for the this season (-12.95 units)


NHL > (7) BOSTON@ (8) OTTAWA | 03/19/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play ON OTTAWA using the money line in All games revenging a home loss versus opponent
The record is 11 Wins and 4 Losses for the this season (+10.9 units)


NHL > (17) COLUMBUS@ (18) VANCOUVER | 03/19/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play ON COLUMBUS using the money line in All games revenging a home loss versus opponent
The record is 13 Wins and 7 Losses for the this season (+11.5 units)

NHL > (13) PITTSBURGH@ (14) DALLAS | 03/19/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play AGAINST DALLAS using the money line in All games after a division game
The record is 6 Wins and 18 Losses for the this season (-14.25 units)


NHL > (3) SAN JOSE@ (4) TORONTO | 03/19/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play AGAINST SAN JOSE using the money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 28 Wins and 33 Losses for the last two seasons (-36.4 units)


NHL PUCKLINE


NHL > (15) PHILADELPHIA@ (16) CALGARY | 03/19/2015 - 09:05 PM
Play AGAINST PHILADELPHIA using the in Road games revenging a loss versus opponent
The record is 2 Wins and 16 Losses for the this season (-12.95 units)


NHL > (7) BOSTON@ (8) OTTAWA | 03/19/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play ON OTTAWA using the in All games revenging a home loss versus opponent
The record is 11 Wins and 4 Losses for the this season (+10.9 units)


NHL > (17) COLUMBUS@ (18) VANCOUVER | 03/19/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play ON COLUMBUS using the in All games revenging a home loss versus opponent
The record is 13 Wins and 7 Losses for the this season (+11.5 units)


NHL > (13) PITTSBURGH@ (14) DALLAS | 03/19/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play AGAINST DALLAS using the in All games after a division game
The record is 6 Wins and 18 Losses for the this season (-14.25 units)


NHL > (3) SAN JOSE@ (4) TORONTO | 03/19/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play AGAINST SAN JOSE using the in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 28 Wins and 33 Losses for the last two seasons (-36.4 units)


NHL > (19) COLORADO@ (20) ARIZONA | 03/19/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play ON COLORADO using the in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 46 Wins and 20 Losses for the last two seasons (+21.85 units)

 

[CNOTES]

March totals




nba




*****....................................... 10 - 15
double play................................ 10- 7
triple play.................................. 5 - 4 - 1
slam dunk...................................5 - 5
gom...........................................0 - 1




ncaabb




*****........................................39 - 16
double play.................................27- 22
triple play....................................17 - 4
slam dunk....................................6 - 6 - 2
gom...........................................0 - 9




nhl




*****....................................7 - 14.........................- 10.92
double play.............................13- 6.........................+13.30
triple play...............................4 - 4.......................... - 2.10
hat trick.................................9 - 4........................+ 26.68

 

[CNOTES]

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, March 19

Thursday's NCAA games
Notre Dame maxed-out last week winning ACC tourney, its first tourney win; they were solid sleeper choice for Final Four until they got put into Kentucky's region. Fighting Irish are diverse on offense, pass it real well, shoot 39.2% (#17) from arc and have best eFG% in country, but they've also lost in first round of NCAAs three of last four years; last time they made Sweet 16 was 2003. Northeastern drilled 12-20 from arc in winning CAA title game ten days ago; Huskies are 1-2 vs top 100 teams; best win is over #50 Richmond. CAA teams lost in first round last two years by 21-15 points.

UAB won C-USA tournament because it was played in Birmingham and refs wouldn't let them lose semi-final game vs #1 seed La Tech (FTs that game were 32-7). Blazers are 7th-youngest team in America- at one point this year, they were 4-9-- they lost last four games away from home- last road win was Jan 31. UAB turns ball over 20.4 of time, but their coach is Kansas alum and Jayhawks are Iowa State's nemesis. Cyclones won their second straight Big X tournament, but they've been falling behind and then making huge second half runs.

Georgia State's Harrow (hamstring) is a ?? for this game; their coach tore his achilles tendon after they won conference tourney Sunday-- that had to hurt team's prep for this. Panthers lost by 23 at Iowa State Nov 17, its only game vs Big X team this year- they force turnovers 22.8% of time, #16 in country. Sun Belt teams are 1-6 vs spread in last seven tourney games; last Sun Belt win in non-play-in game was Western Kentucky in '09. Baylor is my sleeper pick to make Final Four; #3 seeds are 10-6 vs spread in first round games last four years.

Texas Southern is coached by Mike Davis, who led Indiana to Final Four in 2002; his Tigers played one home game before Jan 17- they were 6-10 playing money grab games all over America, but they beat Michigan State in OT, and won at Kansas State- they have collection of transfers from all over, some of whom have had multiple chances. Arizona expects to get to Final Four; are 5-0 vs teams ranked outside top 200, with all five wins by 18+ points- they're 2-4 vs spread in last six first round games. Since '07, SWAC teams are 2-4 against the spread in non-play-in games.

Texas turns ball over 20% of time, is 4th-worst team forcing turnovers in country; Longhorns split last four first round games, with all four games decided by six or less points. Texas went 3-5 in last eight games, finished T6 in Big X (best league in country)- -they were 11-2 out of conference. Butler lost by 13 to Oklahoma of Big X on neutral court in November. Big East teams were 2-4 SU in tourney LY, first year after teams shuffled conferences. Favorites are 9-2-1 in 6-11 games last three years- over last six years, 1st round faves of less than 5 points are 26-53-1 vs number.

UCLA is most controversial choice in this field; SMU was controversial omission from LY's tourney. Bruins won last four first round games, but those were different players- UCLA was a #1 or 2 seed in three of those years, a 6-seed LY. Bruins lost six of last eight games away from home; they're #314 experienced team in country. SMU is 24-3 in last 27 games, with two losses to Cincinnati, a great defensive team- UCLA isn't great on defense. Mustangs are #81 team in experience and have Larry Brown on bench, who won this tourney last time he was in it, though that was 27 years ago.

Ole Miss went nuts in second half Tuesday, scoring 62 points in beating BYU 94-90; Cougars went 15-29 on arc and lost. Rebels have very short turnaround, playing afternoon game- they're 2-4 in last six games, but Ole Miss came as close to anyone to beating Kentucky this year, losing 89-86 in OT at Rupp. Rebels beat Creighton of Big East in November. Kennedy used to coach at Cincinnati, so he is familar with a Xavier team that lost in double OT at Auburn in December (also beat Alabama by 13). Xavier split its last six games; four of their last five wins were by 2 or less or in overtime- they started season 10-3, they're 11-10 in last 21 games.

VCU won A-14 tourney Sunday afternoon, now has Thursday afternoon game 2,900 miles away, tough scheduling spot. Rams won A-14 tourney despite losing PG Weber for season Jan 31- they're better offensive team with Lewis at PG, not as good a pressing team. Rams went 32-72 (44%) from arc in last three games in Brooklyn last week. Ohio State went 4-4 in last eight games; an ESPN sideline reporter (former athlete) said he had severe doubts about Buckeyes' team chemistry after listening to huddles during a game. OSU holds team to 31.8% from arc. Over last six years, underdogs are 16-7-1 vs spread in 7-10 games.

Lafayette coach O'Hanlon went to Villanova; his team was 9-9 in Patriot League before winning conference tourney - they're #2 (41.4%) team in country shooting 3-pointers. Leopards lost at West Virginia by 27, lost at Kansas by 27, lost by 22 at Yale in only three games vs top 100 teams. Villanova is 2-5 vs spread in last seven first round games; they won by 7 over Bucknell in only game vs Patriot team this year. Wildcats probably spent time prepping for second round game (NC State/LSU); they've won last 15 games in row after winning first Big East tourney title in 20 years. Villanova is #27 team in country defending the arc.

Cincinnati lost to Creighton/Harvard in first round last two years; they've won five of last six games overall,. losing to UConn in Hartford last week in AAC tourney. Bearcats have an interim coach (Cronin took ill during season, is an advisor) are #258 experience team but have #19 defensive eFG% in country. Purdue is #311 in experience, is in tournament for first time in three years; Boilers are 2-3 in last five games, turning the ball over 20% of time for season- they were only 8-5 in pre-conference games. Over last eight years, underdogs are 22-10 vs spread in 8-9 games.

Random odd stat: 4-13 game in West has seen the underdog go 12-2-1 vs spread last 15 years, with five SU upsets. Harvard is in tourney for 4th year in row; they won first round game last two years but this team isn't quite as good as those- they lost 76-27 to Virginia, lost at Arizona State by 10 in only two non-conference top 100 games. North Carolina is 4-2 vs spread in last six first round games, winning all six- they've won six of last eight games overall. Ivy teams usually have extra week to prepare for this, but Harvard had to win playoff game Saturday, so they're on same short prep time as Tar Heels. Amaker is a Duke alum, by the way.

Over last 12 years, Southland Conference teams have been single digit dog twice in first round; they won both games ('06/'14), their only two first round wins over that time. SF Austin upset VCU LY for one of the wins; Lumberjacks are 29-4 this year, 61-7 last two years- they're also 1-3 vs top 100 non-league teams, losing by 2-18-16 points in November. Over last five years, underdogs are 17-7 vs spread in 5-12 games. Utah is 3-4 in its last seven games; they're #227 in experience. SFA forces turnovers on 24.3% of possessions (#5 in country).

LSU is in tourney for first time since '09; Tigers lost by 3 to Clemson in only game vs SEC team this year. LSU is #13 in experience but has #21 defensive eFG%. NC State star Barber was banged-up last weekend, is expected to go here as former Alabama coach Gottfried faces an SEC foe in LSU that is 4-2 in last six games but got upset by Auburn in first SEC tourney game a week ago. Wolfpack won four of its last five first round games; they're 6-2 in last eight games overall, 10-4 outside ACC. Again, over last eight years, underdogs are 22-10 vs spread in 8-9 games.

Hampton had nice win over Manhattan Tuesday, turning ball over only 14 times vs Jaspers' press, getting to foul line 34 times- they're playing with house money vs powerful Kentucky team that has its eyes farther down road, as they chase history. Hampton lost at Iowa by 34, Syracuse by 18, Illinois by 18; they turn ball over 20.6% of time which will be a problem. Over last three tournaments, #1 seeds are 4-8 vs spread in first round. Hampton is #79 experienced team in country; Knetucky is 7th youngest team, so at least Pirates have one edge in this game.

12-seed Wofford is highest seed SoCon team has had since Davidson got to Elite 8 as 10-seed with Steph Curry in '08; Terriers won at NC State in December, but lost by 15 at Stanford, 33 at West Virginia, 29 at Duke. Wofford is 0-3 in NCAAs (2-1 vs spread) losing by 4-8-17 points- they lost 57-40 to Michigan in first round LY. Arkansas is in tourney for first time since '08; they force turnovers 22.6% of time, #20 in country. Hogs played Sunday; Wofford hasn't played in 10 days, which is edge for them in this case. Over last five years, dogs are 17-7 vs spread in 5-12 games.

Eastern Washington's coach told Jim Rome on air his team was going to beat Georgetown in this game. His Eagles won conference tourney game on Montana's home court, they won 88-86 at Indiana, lost at SMU by 9, so they're capable,, but Big Sky teams lost last nine tourney games (2-7 vs spread), so there's a gap there somewhere. Georgetown's tournament history is awful, losing three of first four first round games, losing twice as a 13-point favorite. Hoyas' last four games were all decided by six or less points. 4-seeds are 8-4 vs spread in first round last three years.

First of all, nobody in these next three tournaments wants to be here; they all want to be in the NCAAs. Once teams win a game or two, it'll get better, but it is impossible to know who is motivated in the first round. Crowds will be smaller, teams don't travel first class in these events.

NIT games

CBI games

CIT tournament
Northwestern State always plays fast, plays lot of guys and they're good on offense, with #42 eFG%, #22 in fewest turnovers. Demons are 11-3 in last 14 games, but their 5-6 non-conference record is a joke, since four of five wins were non-D1 wins. Tennessee-Martin went 10-6 in OVC but lost three of last four games; Skyhawks have UNLV transfer Smith who came with coach Schroyer; they're #32 team shooting 3's (38.2%).

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday's NCAAB East Region betting cheat sheet

(16) Lafayette Leopards vs. (1) Villanova Wildcats (-23, 145.5)

Lafayette capped its stunning run to the Patriot League title with a 65-63 victory over American on March 11. The 16th-seeded Leopards finished in a tie for fourth in the regular season with a 9-9 league mark but rode the hot hand of sophomore guard Nick Lindner to the title. The Leopards last won a league tournament title in 2000 and are 0-4 in NCAA Tournament play.

The Wildcats edged Providence in the Big East semifinals with the help of a controversial call, but they needed no aid in throttling Xavier in the final to win their second conference crown and the first for veteran coach Jay Wright. Josh Hart won the Big East's sixth man award and enters the tournament on a roll after averaging 17.7 points in the tournament while shooting 72.4 percent from the floor in the past three games.

TRENDS:

* Wildcats are 1-6 ATS in their last seven NCAA Tournament games.
* Under is 6-1 in Wildcats last seven neutral site games.
* Wildcats are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS win.


(9) LSU Tigers vs. (8) North Carolina State Wolfpack (-2, 140.5)

The Tigers’ strength is on the interior, ranking seventh nationally with 6.2 blocked shots per game and 12th in the country in total rebounding (39.2). Jordan Mickey was slowed by a bruised shoulder late in the season but led the SEC in double-doubles (15) and the SEC in rebounding (9.8), and Jarell Martin averaged 22 points in his final six games.

Trevor Lacey finished sixth in the ACC in scoring at 15.8 points and had reached double figures in 16 consecutive games before finishing with just four against Duke. Ralston Turner, who played two seasons at LSU before transferring, averages 13.2 points while Anthony Barber scored 17.6 points per game in a 10-game stretch before suffering a neck injury against the Blue Devils (he has been cleared to return).

TRENDS:

* Under is 6-0 in Tigers last six vs. Atlantic Coast.
* Tigers are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven non-conference games.
* Wolfpack are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games overall.




Thursday's NCAAB Midwest Region betting cheat sheet

(14) Northeastern Huskies vs. (3) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-12.5, 140)

Ninth-year coach Bill Coen’s squad finished 11-21 a year ago but began this season with a 5-1 mark, including a 76-73 win over Florida State on Nov. 18. Forward Quincy Ford received MVP honors at the CAA tournament and was joined on the all-tournament team by Eatherton and guard David Walker, who averages 13.4 points and a team-high 3.5 assists. The Huskies won six of their last seven games but ranked ninth in the CAA in field-goal percentage defense (44.5), which could mean trouble against the sharpshooting Irish.

Notre Dame doesn’t lack for confidence heading into Thursday's second-round matchup with No. 14 seed Northeastern in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament in Pittsburgh. The third-seeded Irish are riding a five-game winning streak highlighted by Saturday’s 90-82 victory over North Carolina in the ACC tournament title game. “Offensively, I feel like we're the best team in the country,” guard Jerian Grant told reporters. “It’s going to take us a long way. You have to guard all five of us.”

TRENDS:

* Huskies are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Fighting Irish are 4-0 ATS in their last four neutral site games.
* Over is 13-5 in Huskies last 18 overall.


(11) Texas Longhorns vs. (6) Butler Bulldogs (+2, 123.5)

Texas looked like a bubble team, at best, after two four-game losing streaks during conference play, but the Longhorns won their final two games of the regular season, including an overtime victory over Baylor, and knocked off Texas Tech in the first round of the Big 12 tournament to earn their second straight NCAA Tournament bid and their 16th in 17 years. "I don't think there is any team that would want to play us by just the way we have played the last couple of weeks," Texas coach Rick Barnes told reporters after his team squandered a 16-point lead and lost to Iowa State on a buzzer-beater. "We're good enough to play and beat anybody in the country, and I believe that."

Butler has become synonymous with unexpected runs in the NCAA Tournament, but the sixth-seeded Bulldogs hope to avoid their second one-and-done performance in a week when they take on No. 11 seed Texas in the Midwest Region on Thursday in Pittsburgh, Pa. Butler received a strong seed considering its quarterfinal loss to Xavier in the Big East Tournament. But the Bulldogs got a tough opening draw with the Longhorns, who pushed Iowa State to the brink in the Big 12 championship quarterfinals.

TRENDS:

* Under is 6-0 in Longhorns last six overall.
* Longhorns are 0-6 ATS in their last six NCAA Tournament games.
* Bulldogs are 19-6-1 ATS in their last 26 NCAA Tournament games.


(9) Purdue Boilersmakers vs. (8) Cincinnati Bearcats (+2, 118.5)

A.J. Hammons leads the Boilermakers with 11.8 points on 53.4 percent shooting, 6.5 rebounds and 2.9 blocks. Rapheal Davis adds 10.9 points and 2.7 assists and was named the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year. Jon Octeus chips in 9.3 points and 2.7 assists for a Boilermakers team that led the Big Ten in field-goal percentage defense (39.3) during league play.

The Bearcats - who led the American Athletic Conference and are ranked sixth nationally in scoring defense - will be a good matchup for a Purdue team that found its defensive identity during Big Ten play. Octavius Ellis leads the Bearcats' balanced offense with 10 points per game on 57.8 percent shooting, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. Troy Caupain adds 9.5 points and 3.5 assists for a team that had a five-game win streak snapped by defending national champion Connecticut in the AAC tournament.

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-1 in Boilermakers last six NCAA Tournament games.
* Under is 23-9 in Bearcats last 32 neutral site games.
* Bearcats are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.


(16) Hampton Pirates vs. (1) Kentucky Wildcats (-32, 134.5)

The 16th-seeded Pirates defeated Manhattan 74-64 in Tuesday's first round for their fifth straight victory. Hampton's near-impossible task could be even more difficult with leading scorer Dwight Meikle (13.0) and Quinton Chievous (10.3) questionable because of ankle injuries.

Top-seed Kentucky begins the final phase of its quest for a perfect season when it takes on Hampton in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday in Louisville, Ky. “I think I have the best team and the best players,” Wildcats coach John Calipari told reporters. “Doesn’t mean we’re going to win. It means we have the best chance to win.”

TRENDS:

* Pirates are 5-0 ATS in their last five neutral site games.
* Wildcats are 0-6 ATS in their last six Thursday games.
* Under is 12-2 in Wildcats last 14 non-conference games.




Thursday's NCAAB West Region betting cheat sheet

(14) Georgia State Panthers vs. (3) Baylor Bears (-9, 127)

The Panthers have not been to the NCAAs since 2001, when they upset Wisconsin in the first round. R.J. Hunter, son of coach Ron Hunter, is a legitimate NBA prospect who averages 19.8 points and Harrow, a Kentucky transfer who missed the conference tournament with a hamstring injury, scores 19.7 per contest.

The Bears played ranked competition in 12 of their 18 conference games, going 7-5 and sweeping eventual Big 12 tournament champion Iowa State while losing three times to runner-up Kansas. Rico Gathers anchors the Big 12’s stingiest defense, ranking fourth nationally at 11.8 rebounds per game.

TRENDS:

* Panthers are 1-5 ATS in their last six non-conference games.
* Bears are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS loss.
* Under is 9-3 in Panthers last 12 overall.


(15) Texas Southern Tigers vs. (2) Arizona Wildcats (-23.5, 134)

Coach Mike Davis is leading the Tigers back to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year after the Tigers fell to Cal Poly as a No. 15 seed in last season’s first round. Nine players average at least 12.4 minutes per game, including senior point guard Madarious Gibbs, who averages a team-high 14.2 points along with 4.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds.

The second-seeded Wildcats, who have won 11 in a row and 17 of their last 18, routed Oregon 80-52 in Saturday’s Pac-12 tournament title game. Brandon Ashley received MVP honors after averaging 19.7 points as the Wildcats became the first team in seven years to win Pac-12 regular-season and tournament titles.

TRENDS:

* Wildcats are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a S.U. win.
* Over is 4-1 in Tigers last five neutral site games.
* Over is 4-1 in Wildcats last five NCAA Tournament games.


(11) Ole Miss Rebels vs. (6) Xavier Musketeers (-2, 144.5)

Ole Miss, who took top-ranked Kentucky to overtime in January, is led by the backcourt duo of Stefan Moody and Jarvis Summers. The Rebels will have to raise their game defensively against the Musketeers, who shoot 47.3 percent from the field and have five players with at least 29 made 3-pointers. “A lot of times it’s all about matchups in the tournament and who really starts playing their best basketball down the stretch,” Xavier coach Chris Mack told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “. … I really like the way we’re playing.”

The balanced Musketeers won three in a row before losing to Villanova 69-52 in the Big East championship game last Saturday. Xavier looks to cool off the Rebels, who shot 60 percent and scored 62 points in the second half Tuesday to rally from 17 down and beat BYU 94-90 in the first round. Xavier G Dee Davis led the Big East in assists per game (6.1) and needs one to tie Dedrick Finn (481) for fifth on the school’s all-time list.

TRENDS:

* Under is 8-2 in Musketeers last 10 overall.
* Rebels are 4-1 ATS in their last five neutral site games.
* Over is 5-2 in Rebels last seven neutral site games.


(10) Ohio State Buckeyes vs. (7) VCU Rams (+4, 137)

Ohio State earned the 10th seed in the West Region after falling to Michigan State in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten tournament. The Buckeyes, who won their only national title in 1960, are making their seventh straight appearance and 31st overall in the NCAAs. Freshman star D'Angelo Russell paces the Ohio State offense, averaging 19.3 points, and is projected to be a high lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

Rising sideline star Shaka Smart brings his speedy VCU team into the NCAA Tournament on the heels of a 71-65 win over Dayton in the Atlantic 10 tournament title game. Smart, who rebuffed several coaching offers to remain at the school over the past few seasons, led the Rams to the Final Four in 2011 and will face Ohio State in a second-round game on Thursday in Portland. This is seventh-seeded VCU's fifth straight year in the Big Dance in Smart's sixth season as head coach.

TRENDS:

* Rams are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 NCAA Tournament games.
* Buckeyes are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 neutral site games.
* Over is 6-0 in Buckeyes last six non-conference games.


(13) Harvard Crimson vs. (4) North Carolina Tar Heels (-10.5, 133)

While Wesley Saunders gets the bulk of the praise - and rightly so after ranking in the top 10 in the Ivy League in points, rebounds, assists and steals - senior forward Steve Moundou-Missi has been the catalyst for the Crimson's ability to shut down opponents. The conference's Defensive Player of the Year has the athletic ability to defend multiple positions, which will help against North Carolina's balanced inside-outside attack.

"Even in '05 and in '09 when we won the National Championship we lost in the conference tournament," Roy Williams said after the loss to Fighting Irish when asked if he felt his team was jelling. "This team has a chance to make a really good run." The first challenge will involve an experienced Crimson squad that has won a tournament game in each of the last two seasons and has appeared in the event four straight times, the first Ivy League program to do so since Princeton from 1989-92.

TRENDS:

* Crimson are 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Tar Heels are 6-1 ATS in their last seven neutral site games.
* Tar Heels are 1-5 ATS in their last six NCAA Tournament games.


(12) Wofford Terriers vs. (5) Arkansas Razorbacks (-7.5, 136.5)

The Terriers are bound to be a popular upset pick as they enter the tournament having won eight straight and 15 of their last 16 including a 67-64 win over rival Furman in the Southern Conference tournament championship game. "It's different than last year where we knew we would be a higher seed, a 15 seed," senior forward Eric Garcia told reporters. "This year … we are confident going into any game that we can win."

While none of the Razorbacks' players have been to the NCAA Tournament, coach Mike Anderson is no stranger, having made six previous appearances with UAB and Missouri. Arkansas boasts one of the most dynamic duos in the SEC if not the country in Bobby Portis (17.5 points, 8.6 rebounds) and Michael Qualls (15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds), while point guard Rashad Madden (9.7 points, 4.5 assists) is an excellent distributor.

TRENDS:

* Terriers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games overall.
* Razorbacks are 1-5 ATS in their last six NCAA Tournament games.
* Over is 7-1 in Terriers last eight overall.




Thursday's NCAAB South Region betting cheat sheet

(14) UAB Blazers vs. (3) Iowa State Cyclones (-13.5, 143.5)

Robert Brown, a junior transfer from Virginia Tech, was named the tournament MVP and leads the Blazers with 13.1 points. Six players - including freshmen Chris Cokley (eight points per game), William Lee (7.8 points and team-high 5.8 rebounds) and Nick Norton (7.6 points, 3.9 assists) average at least seven points.

A confident - and probably tired - Iowa State team earned its second straight No. 3 seed after winning its second straight Big 12 tournament. "Our schedule definitely helped us for what's upcoming, not only the non-conference schedule, but what we've gone through the last couple weeks," Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg told the Des Moines Register. "You play so many different styles over the course of a season - we're a pretty confident team right now."

TRENDS:

* Blazers are 0-4 ATS in their last four non-conference games.
* Cyclones are 6-0 ATS in their last six vs. Conference USA.
* Under is 5-1 in Cyclones last six overall.


(11) UCLA Bruins vs. (6) Southern Methodist Mustangs (-3.5, 133)

UCLA, which received an at-large bid, is making its 47th NCAA Tournament appearance. The Bruins are coming off a 70-64 loss to Arizona in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals. UCLA has advanced to the NCAA Tournament three straight seasons and four times in the last five years.

The Mustangs, who won the AAC regular-season championship, are making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1993. SMU beat defending national champion Connecticut 62-54 on Sunday to win its first conference tournament championship since 1988, when the Mustangs won the Southwestern Conference.

TRENDS:

* Bruins are 7-2 ATS in their last nine games overall.
* Mustangs are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four non-conference games.
* Under is 11-4 in Bruins last 15 overall.


(12) Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs. (5) Utah Utes (-6.5, 131.5)

With a second straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament, a gaudy regular-season record and last year's first-round upset of VCU, Stephen F. Austin may soon be making itself a national name in college basketball. Stephen F. Austin started the season 1-3, but has won 28 of its last 29 contests.

Closing out close games as been a bit of a problem for Utah lately, with a six-point loss to Arizona and a three-point setback to Oregon in the last few weeks and a 2-3 record this year in games decided by four points or fewer. The loss to the Ducks in the Pac-12 tournament semifinals was especially painful, as the game was tied with just seven seconds left before Oregon's Joseph Young hit the game-winner to beat the buzzer.

TRENDS:

* Utes are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 neutral site games.
* Under is 7-1 in Lumberjacks last eight games following a ATS win.
* Under is 6-2 in Utes last eight overall.


(13) Eastern Washington Eagles vs. (4) Georgetown Hoyas (-7.5, 146.5)

Eastern Washington will be in search of its first victory in the NCAA Tournament when it faces fourth-seeded Georgetown on Thursday in Portland, Ore. The 13th-seeded Eagles used a furious second-half rally to capture the Big Sky tournament title Saturday over Montana and secure their second appearance in the Big Dance.

Georgetown, which lost to Xavier in the Big East tournament semifinals, returns to the NCAA Tournament after a one-year absence. The Hoyas dropped their NCAA opener in three of its last four appearances and haven't reached the Sweet Sixteen since going to the Final Four in 2007.

TRENDS:

* Eagles are 11-1-1 ATS in their last 13 neutral site games.
* Hoyas are 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.
* Over is 6-2 in Hoyas last eight non-conference games.

 

[CNOTES]

EARLY TIPOFFS:


Thursday, March 19


Game Score Status Pick Amount


Northeastern - 12:15 PM ET Notre Dame -11.5 500 *****
Notre Dame -

UAB - 12:40 PM ET UAB +14 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Iowa St. -

Georgia St - 1:40 PM ET Georgia St +8.5 500 *****
Baylor -

Texas Southern - 2:10 PM ET Texas Southern +23.5 500 *****
Arizona -

Texas - 2:45 PM ET Butler +1.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Butler -




I'LL BE BACK IN A BIT WITH MORE.....GOOD LUCK

 

[JJphilly]

Thanks c notes

 

[CNOTES]

MID DAY GAMES:



UCLA - 3:10 PM ET Southern Methodist -4 500 *****
Southern Methodist -

Mississippi - 4:10 PM ET Mississippi +2 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Xavier -

Ohio St. - 4:40 PM ET VCU +3.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
VCU -

Lafayette - 6:50 PM ET Villanova -22.5 500 *****
Villanova -

 

[luc2002]

MID DAY GAMES:



UCLA - 3:10 PM ET Southern Methodist -4 500 *****
Southern Methodist -

Mississippi - 4:10 PM ET Mississippi +2 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Xavier -

Ohio St. - 4:40 PM ET VCU +3.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
VCU -

Lafayette - 6:50 PM ET Villanova -22.5 500 *****
Villanova -

Sorry, I am new here! the bold is the pick C notes. Thanks

 

[themailman59]

Sorry, I am new here! the bold is the pick C notes. Thanks

correct

 

[CNOTES]

NBA


Thursday, March 19


Game Score Status Pick Amount


Minnesota - 7:30 PM ET Minnesota +1 500 *****
New York - Over 197 500


Denver - 8:00 PM ET Houston -6.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Houston - Over 215.5 500


New Orleans - 10:00 PM ET New Orleans +0 500 *****
Phoenix - Over 198.5 500


Utah - 10:30 PM ET Utah -4.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
L.A. Lakers - Under 183 500

 

[CNOTES]

NHL


Thursday, March 19


Game Score Status Pick Amount


San Jose - 7:30 PM ET San Jose -165 500
Toronto - Over 5.5 500


Carolina - 7:30 PM ET Montreal -193 500 HAT TRICK
Montreal - Under 5 500


Boston - 7:30 PM ET Ottawa +102 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Ottawa - Over 5 500


Detroit - 7:30 PM ET Florida -113 500
Florida - Over 5 500


Washington - 8:00 PM ET Minnesota -145 500
Minnesota - Under 5 500


St. Louis - 8:00 PM ET St. Louis -131 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Winnipeg - Over 5 500


Pittsburgh - 8:30 PM ET Pittsburgh +106 500 *****
Dallas - Over 5.5 500


Philadelphia - 9:00 PM ET Calgary -131 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Calgary - Over 5.5 500


Columbus - 10:00 PM ET Vancouver -180 500
Vancouver - Under 5.5 500


Colorado - 10:00 PM ET Colorado -160 500
Arizona - Over 5 500

 

[CNOTES]

EVENING NCAA HOOPS:



Purdue - 7:10 PM ET Purdue +2 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Cincinnati -

Harvard - 7:20 PM ET Harvard +9.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
North Carolina -

Stephen F. Austin - 7:27 PM ET Stephen F. Austin +7 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Utah -

Tenn-Martin - 7:30 PM ET Tenn-Martin +2.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Northwestern St. -

 

[CNOTES]

I MUST NOT HAVE POSTED THE LATE GAMES.....HERE THEY WERE: SORRY BOUT THAT

LATE GAMES:


Louisiana State - 9:20 PM ET Louisiana State +2 500 DOUBLE PLAY
N.C. State -

Hampton - 9:40 PM ET Hampton +34 500 *****
Kentucky -

Wofford - 9:50 PM ET Arkansas -7.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Arkansas -

Eastern Washington - 9:57 PM ET Eastern Washington +8 500 *****
Georgetown -



GOOD LUCK ALL !!