THURSDAY, MARCH 9
| Game | Time(ET) | Pick | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| M-OH at TOL | 11:00 AM | M-OH +13.0 O 156.0 | +500 +500 |
| DAV at VCU | 11:30 AM | VCU -6.5 O 135.0 | +500 +500 |
| SJU at MARQ | 12:00 PM | MARQ -7.0 U 161.5 | +500 +500 |
| RUTG at MICH | 12:00 PM | MICH -3.0 U 133.5 | +500 +500 |
| WAKE at MIA | 12:00 PM | MIA -6.0 O 157.5 | +500 +500 |
| ISU at BAY | 12:30 PM | ISU +4.5 U 134.5 | +500 +500 |
| ECU at USF | 12:30 PM | USF -3.0 U 141.5 | +500 +500 |
| MSST at FLA | 01:00 PM | MSST -3.0 O 130.0 | +500 +500 |
| OHIO at BALL | 01:30 PM | BALL +0.0 U 152.0 | +500 +500 |
| GMU at SLU | 02:00 PM | SLU -4.0 U 140.5 | +500 +500 |
| PROV at CONN | 02:30 PM | PROV +7.0 O 143.5 | +500 +500 |
| PITT at DUKE | 02:30 PM | PITT +6.0 U 141.5 | +500 +500 |
| OSU at IOWA | 02:30 PM | OSU +2.5 U 154.5 | +500 +500 |
| SMU at UCF | 02:30 PM | UCF -7.0 U 137.5 | +500 +500 |
| COLO at UCLA | 03:00 PM | COLO +9.0 O 133.0 | +500 +500 |
| WVU at KU | 03:00 PM | KU -3.0 U 148.5 | +500 +500 |
| CSB at UCI | 03:00 PM | CSB +10.5 O 129.0 | +500 +500 |
| PV at JKST | 03:00 PM | JKST +2.0 O 134.5 | +500 +500 |
| CSU at SDSU | 03:00 PM | SDSU -8.5 U 137.0 | +500 +500 |
| CALBA at SHSU | 03:00 PM | SHSU -5.5 O 124.0 | +500 +500 |
| MISS at TENN | 03:30 PM | TENN -12.0 U 128.0 | +500 +500 |
| NIU at KENT | 04:00 PM | KENT -12.0 O 141.5 | +500 +500 |
| STJOE at DAY | 05:00 PM | STJOE +10.5 O 136.0 | +500 +500 |
| GRC at SEA | 05:00 PM | GRC -2.5 O 138.5 | +500 +500 |
| HAW at CSF | 05:30 PM | HAW -1.0 O 127.5 | +500 +500 |
| WSU at ORE | 05:30 PM | WSU +3.0 O 134.5 | +500 +500 |
| SJSU at NEV | 05:30 PM | NEV -5.0 O 130.0 | +500 +500 |
| MORG at UMES | 06:00 PM | UMES -5.5 U 138.5 | +500 +500 |
| BUFF at AKR | 06:30 PM | AKR -7.0 O 147.0 | +500 +500 |
| WKU at FAU | 06:30 PM | WKU +10.5 O 143.0 | +500 +500 |
| PSU at ILL | 06:30 PM | PSU +2.5 O 141.5 | +500 +500 |
| MRST at QUIN | 07:00 PM | MRST +6.0 | +500 |
| OKST at TEX | 07:00 PM | TEX -6.0 | +500 |
| CHAR at MTU | 07:00 PM | CHAR +1.0 O 127.0 | +500 +500 |
| DEP at XAV | 07:00 PM | XAV -12.0 | +500 |
| UNC at UVA | 07:00 PM | UVA -2.0 O 129.5 | +500 +500 |
| ARK at AUB | 07:00 PM | AUB +1.5 O 144.0 | +500 +500 |
| TLSA at WICH | 07:00 PM | WICH -16.0 U 139.5 | +500 +500 |
| LAS at FOR | 07:30 PM | FOR -5.0 U 141.0 | +500 +500 |
| COPP at NORF | 08:00 PM | COPP +10.5 O 151.5 | +500 +500 |
| CP at UCSB | 09:00 PM | UCSB -10.5 U 125.5 | +500 +500 |
| LT at UNT | 09:00 PM | LT +8.5 U 120.0 | +500 +500 |
| MINN at MD | 09:00 PM | MINN +13.0 O 133.0 | +500 +500 |
| STAN at ARIZ | 09:00 PM | STAN +9.0 O 154.5 | +500 +500 |
| LSU at VAN | 09:00 PM | LSU +4.0 O 142.0 | +500 +500 |
| UNLV at BSU | 09:00 PM | BSU -4.0 O 139.5 | +500 +500 |
| TST at UVU | 09:00 PM | UVU -6.5 U 136.5 | +500 +500 |
| NIAG at SIE | 09:30 PM | SIE -2.0 U 129.5 | +500 +500 |
| TCU at KSU | 09:30 PM | TCU -2.0 O 147.0 | +500 +500 |
| VILL at CREI | 09:30 PM | VILL +5.0 O 134.5 | +500 +500 |
| NCST at CLEM | 09:30 PM | CLEM +2.0 O 147.5 | +500 +500 |
| AAMU at SOU | 09:30 PM | SOU -3.0 U 136.5 | +500 +500 |
| RICE at UAB | 09:30 PM | UAB -11.0 O 157.0 | +500 +500 |
| UTECH at SUU | 11:00 PM | SUU -4.0 O 151.5 | +500 +500 |
| UCD at UCRV | 11:30 PM | UCRV -2.0 U 145.0 | +500 +500 |
| ASU at USC | 11:30 PM | ASU +3.0 O 139.0 | +500 +500 |
| UNM at USU | 11:30 PM | USU -3.0 U 158.0 | +500 +500 |
Pending Picks
| Date | League | Game | Score | Status | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 10, 2023 | NCAAB | Arkansas Texas A&M | - - | 07:00 PM | TAM -1.0 |
Completed Picks
| Date | League | Game | Score | Pick | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 9, 2023 | NCAAB | Iowa State Baylor | 78 72 | ISU +4.5 | Win |
| Mar 8, 2023 | NCAAB | Air Force UNLV | 70 78 | AFA +6.0 | Loss |
| Mar 7, 2023 | NCAAB | Gonzaga Saint Mary's | 77 51 | GONZ -2.5 | Win |
| Mar 6, 2023 | NCAAB | Northern Kentucky Youngstown St. | 75 63 | YSU -3.5 | Loss |
| Mar 5, 2023 | NCAAB | Campbell UNC Asheville | 73 77 | UNCA -4.5 | Loss |
| Mar 4, 2023 | NCAAB | Mercer Furman | 58 73 | FUR -10.5 | Win |
| Mar 3, 2023 | NBA | New Orleans Golden State | 99 108 | Under 230.5 | Win |
| Mar 2, 2023 | NCAAB | Hawaii CSU Northridge | 81 55 | CSN +8.0 | Loss |
| Mar 1, 2023 | NCAAB | Penn St. Northwestern | 68 65 | NW -3.5 | Loss |
Completed Picks
Past Completed Picks| Date | W-L-T | % | Units | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/09/2023 | 54-53-4 | 50.45% | -2150 | Detail |
| 03/08/2023 | 33-33-2 | 50.00% | -1650 | Detail |
| 03/07/2023 | 21-31-0 | 40.38% | -6550 | Detail |
| 03/06/2023 | 9-17-2 | 35.71% | -4850 | Detail |
| 03/05/2023 | 30-30-0 | 50.00% | -1500 | Detail |
| 03/04/2023 | 84-102-0 | 45.16% | -14100 | Detail |
| 03/03/2023 | 36-24-2 | 59.68% | +4800 | Detail |
| 03/02/2023 | 63-44-1 | 58.80% | +7300 | Detail |
| 03/01/2023 | 31-43-2 | 42.11% | -8150 | Detail |
Armadillo Sports
Friday’s 6-pack
Teams with best eFG% in country
(eFG% is FG%, where 3-pointers count as 1.5 baskets made)
58.6%— Colgate
58.5%— Gonzaga
57%— Arizona
56.8%— Toledo
56.5%— Eastern Washington
56.4%— Marquette
Quote of the Day
“Success is the ability to move from failure to failure with an equal amount of enthusiasm.”
Winston Churchill
Friday’s quiz
Where did Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr play his college basketball?
Thursday’s quiz
When Ichiro Suzuki played for the Seattle Mariners, he wore number 51.
Wednesday’s quiz
Saints’ QB Derek Carr played his college football at Fresno State.
*****************************
Friday’s Den: Wrapping up my favorite sports day of the year……..
Thursday of Champ Week is my favorite sports day of the year; 14 hours of watching basketball from all over the country, mixed in with some spring training baseball and a movie or two at the end. It has been a fun day.
Big East tournament
— Marquette 72, St John’s 70 (OT)— In the last 20 years, no team has won the national title after losing their first conference tournament game. St John’s led this game by 14 late in first half, forced 19 Marquette turnovers, but Marquette survived, despite shooting 9-34 on the arc.
It is little odd that Marquette was #1 seed and had to play St John’s on its semi-home court in their first tournament game, but they’re the better team and they did what they had to do.
— Georgetown fired Patrick Ewing as coach, after he led the Hoyas for six years; Ewing is the best player in Georgetown history, but the next coach will be a significant upgrade.
This was similar to when Clyde Drexler coached Houston for two years from 1998-2000; it just didn’t work, even though Drexler was a great player at Houston.
— Final Four of the Big East is UConn, plus teams from Cincinnati, Omaha and Milwaukee; how will kids ever pass Geography classes in school if they think those cities are in the East?
ACC tournament
— Virginia 68, North Carolina 59— Tar Heels are 20-13, 12-10 in ACC games; bracketologists on the Interweb are all saying that North Carolina will miss the NCAA’s, after being the preseason #1 team- they lost 72-69 in the national title game last season.
— Clemson 80, NC State 54— Tigers with an emphatic statement that they belong in the Field of 68. Beating Virginia Friday night would remove all doubt.
Big X tournament
It will be fascinating next week to see how Big X teams do in the NCAA Tournament, after they beat up on each other all winter.
— TCU 80, Kansas State 67— TCU is an older team; #65 in experience, #3 in continuity. When the brackets come out Sunday night, I’ll be looking to see what kind of a draw they get. With Mike Miles (22 points Thursday) back healthy, TCU is a dangerous team.
— Iowa State 78, Baylor 72— Cyclones are 3-0 vs Baylor this season, 7-9 against the rest of the league. Baylor made 14-29 on the arc and still lost this game.
Mountain West tournament
— San Jose State 81, Nevada 77 OT— Tim Miles deserves to get votes for National Coach of the Year; this was San Jose’s first win in a conference tournament since 2011— this is their best basketball season in 40 years.
As for Nevada, they’ve lost three games in a row and sit squarely on the bubble; they won’t be sleeping well the next couple nights.
— Boise State 87, UNLV 76 OT— Boise led 48-26 late in first half, but UNLV tied game with a 3-pointer at the buzzer in regulation; quite a comeback, but Rebels got outscored 14-3 in overtime- they still haven’t made the semi-finals of this tournament since 2014, and it is played in their home arena. Last time UNLV won this tournament? 2008.
— Utah State 91, New Mexico 76— Aggies are red-hot, winning their last six games, scoring 91-86-91 points in their last three games. They deserve to make the NCAA’s, but losses to SMU and Weber State may out their status in a gray area.
SEC tournament
— Arkansas 76, Auburn 73— Two teams with good records but both have been struggling lately; Arkansas blew a 15-point second half lead, but freshman Nick Smith went 1-on-1 and hit the winning hoop in the last few seconds, giving the Razorbacks their 20th win of the season.
Auburn is 4-9 in its last 13 games, after a 16-3 start; they’re a prime candidate to get beat in the first round of the NCAA’s.
C-USA Tournament
— North Texas 74, Louisiana Tech 46— Mean Green plays slowest-tempo games of anyone in the country; they’ve also won 11 of their last 12 games. Their game with UAB this afternoon is one to watch; the winner will probably play Florida Atlantic in the C-USA final Saturday.
The team that wins the C-USA tournament will be a live underdog in its first round game in the NCAA’s next week.
Big 14 tournament
— Ohio State 73, Iowa 69— Not often does a 13-seed beat the 5-seed; Buckeyes suffered thru a 1-14 stretch of misery, but now have won four of their last five games, upsetting Iowa here. Lot of bubble teams are rooting for Ohio State to get beat, so they don’t pull off a small miracle, win this tournament and steal a bid from a bubble team.
Pac-12 tournament
— Arizona State 77, USC 72— Sun Devils are a bubble team that is 6-3 in its last nine games; they play rival Arizona for third time Friday night. Will be a fun game to watch.
— Cal fired coach Mark Fox after a 3-26 season; they lost their last 16 games. Not even sure how good a job this is now, if the Pac-12 dissolves with teams bolting to greener pa$ture$, does Cal go to the Mountain West?
— Stanford kept coach Jerod Haase for next year after a 14-19 season; they went 9-7 in their last 16 games.
Big West tournament
This league is ranked as high as it has been since 2016; the teams are evenly matched and I enjoy watching them play late at night on ESPN+.
Cal-Fullerton 62, Hawaii’i 60 OT— Defending champ Titans have won seven games in a row, the last two in overtime; their game with Cal-Irvine Friday is must-see TV in my house. The other semi-final is Riverside-Santa Barbara; the four best teams made it to the semi-finals.
Friday’s 6-pack
Teams with best eFG% in country
(eFG% is FG%, where 3-pointers count as 1.5 baskets made)
58.6%— Colgate
58.5%— Gonzaga
57%— Arizona
56.8%— Toledo
56.5%— Eastern Washington
56.4%— Marquette
Quote of the Day
“Success is the ability to move from failure to failure with an equal amount of enthusiasm.”
Winston Churchill
Friday’s quiz
Where did Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr play his college basketball?
Thursday’s quiz
When Ichiro Suzuki played for the Seattle Mariners, he wore number 51.
Wednesday’s quiz
Saints’ QB Derek Carr played his college football at Fresno State.
*****************************
Friday’s Den: Wrapping up my favorite sports day of the year……..
Thursday of Champ Week is my favorite sports day of the year; 14 hours of watching basketball from all over the country, mixed in with some spring training baseball and a movie or two at the end. It has been a fun day.
Big East tournament
— Marquette 72, St John’s 70 (OT)— In the last 20 years, no team has won the national title after losing their first conference tournament game. St John’s led this game by 14 late in first half, forced 19 Marquette turnovers, but Marquette survived, despite shooting 9-34 on the arc.
It is little odd that Marquette was #1 seed and had to play St John’s on its semi-home court in their first tournament game, but they’re the better team and they did what they had to do.
— Georgetown fired Patrick Ewing as coach, after he led the Hoyas for six years; Ewing is the best player in Georgetown history, but the next coach will be a significant upgrade.
This was similar to when Clyde Drexler coached Houston for two years from 1998-2000; it just didn’t work, even though Drexler was a great player at Houston.
— Final Four of the Big East is UConn, plus teams from Cincinnati, Omaha and Milwaukee; how will kids ever pass Geography classes in school if they think those cities are in the East?
ACC tournament
— Virginia 68, North Carolina 59— Tar Heels are 20-13, 12-10 in ACC games; bracketologists on the Interweb are all saying that North Carolina will miss the NCAA’s, after being the preseason #1 team- they lost 72-69 in the national title game last season.
— Clemson 80, NC State 54— Tigers with an emphatic statement that they belong in the Field of 68. Beating Virginia Friday night would remove all doubt.
Big X tournament
It will be fascinating next week to see how Big X teams do in the NCAA Tournament, after they beat up on each other all winter.
— TCU 80, Kansas State 67— TCU is an older team; #65 in experience, #3 in continuity. When the brackets come out Sunday night, I’ll be looking to see what kind of a draw they get. With Mike Miles (22 points Thursday) back healthy, TCU is a dangerous team.
— Iowa State 78, Baylor 72— Cyclones are 3-0 vs Baylor this season, 7-9 against the rest of the league. Baylor made 14-29 on the arc and still lost this game.
Mountain West tournament
— San Jose State 81, Nevada 77 OT— Tim Miles deserves to get votes for National Coach of the Year; this was San Jose’s first win in a conference tournament since 2011— this is their best basketball season in 40 years.
As for Nevada, they’ve lost three games in a row and sit squarely on the bubble; they won’t be sleeping well the next couple nights.
— Boise State 87, UNLV 76 OT— Boise led 48-26 late in first half, but UNLV tied game with a 3-pointer at the buzzer in regulation; quite a comeback, but Rebels got outscored 14-3 in overtime- they still haven’t made the semi-finals of this tournament since 2014, and it is played in their home arena. Last time UNLV won this tournament? 2008.
— Utah State 91, New Mexico 76— Aggies are red-hot, winning their last six games, scoring 91-86-91 points in their last three games. They deserve to make the NCAA’s, but losses to SMU and Weber State may out their status in a gray area.
SEC tournament
— Arkansas 76, Auburn 73— Two teams with good records but both have been struggling lately; Arkansas blew a 15-point second half lead, but freshman Nick Smith went 1-on-1 and hit the winning hoop in the last few seconds, giving the Razorbacks their 20th win of the season.
Auburn is 4-9 in its last 13 games, after a 16-3 start; they’re a prime candidate to get beat in the first round of the NCAA’s.
C-USA Tournament
— North Texas 74, Louisiana Tech 46— Mean Green plays slowest-tempo games of anyone in the country; they’ve also won 11 of their last 12 games. Their game with UAB this afternoon is one to watch; the winner will probably play Florida Atlantic in the C-USA final Saturday.
The team that wins the C-USA tournament will be a live underdog in its first round game in the NCAA’s next week.
Big 14 tournament
— Ohio State 73, Iowa 69— Not often does a 13-seed beat the 5-seed; Buckeyes suffered thru a 1-14 stretch of misery, but now have won four of their last five games, upsetting Iowa here. Lot of bubble teams are rooting for Ohio State to get beat, so they don’t pull off a small miracle, win this tournament and steal a bid from a bubble team.
Pac-12 tournament
— Arizona State 77, USC 72— Sun Devils are a bubble team that is 6-3 in its last nine games; they play rival Arizona for third time Friday night. Will be a fun game to watch.
— Cal fired coach Mark Fox after a 3-26 season; they lost their last 16 games. Not even sure how good a job this is now, if the Pac-12 dissolves with teams bolting to greener pa$ture$, does Cal go to the Mountain West?
— Stanford kept coach Jerod Haase for next year after a 14-19 season; they went 9-7 in their last 16 games.
Big West tournament
This league is ranked as high as it has been since 2016; the teams are evenly matched and I enjoy watching them play late at night on ESPN+.
Cal-Fullerton 62, Hawaii’i 60 OT— Defending champ Titans have won seven games in a row, the last two in overtime; their game with Cal-Irvine Friday is must-see TV in my house. The other semi-final is Riverside-Santa Barbara; the four best teams made it to the semi-finals.
NCAAB
Friday, March 10
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Friday, March 10
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NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up
Friday, March 10
Some of Friday’s best college basketball games
SEC tournament (@ Nashville)
Tennessee vs Missouri
— Tennessee (23-9, 12-7) ranked #5 by KenPom
— Tempo: #279
— Experience: #134
— Continuity: #119
— Tennessee won three of last four games, after a 2-5 skid.
— Only two Vols played more than 27:00 yesterday.
— Tennessee had the best eFG% defense in country.
— Tennessee also forces turnovers 22.4% of time (#21)
— Vols are #5 team in country on offensive boards.
— Tennessee’s schedule, to this point: #38
— bench minutes: #51
— Tennessee’s best win: 68-59 over #3 Alabama
— Missouri (23-8, 11-7) ranked #59 by KenPom
— Tempo: #83
— Experience: #18
— Continuity: #327
— Mizzou won its last four games, scoring 78.5 ppg.
— Tigers went WL in their last three SEC tournaments.
— Mizzou is forcing turnovers 24.5% of time (#6)
— Tigers are worst team in country on defensive boards.
— Mizzou is shooting 56.4% inside arc (#11), 36.2% on arc (#67)
— Mizzou’s schedule, to this point: #71
— bench minutes: #110
— Mizzou’s best win: 86-85 at #5 Tennessee
— Missouri (+11) won 86-85 in Knoxville February 11
— Mizzou blew a 17-point 2nd half lead in that game.
— Tennessee won five of last seven meetings.
Arkansas vs Texas A&M
— Arkansas (20-12, 9-10) ranked #20 by KenPom
— Tempo: #51
— Experience: #260
— Continuity: #333
— Arkansas lost five of its last eight games.
— Three Hogs played 33:00+ in last nite’s 76-73 win.
— Arkansas is forcing turnovers 20.3% of time (#67)
— Hogs have #26 eFG% defense in country.
— Opponents are getting 22.9% of their points on foul line (#345)
— Arkansas’ schedule, to this point: #23
— bench minutes: #292
— Arkansas’ best win: 78-74 OT over #15 San Diego State
— Texas A&M (23-8, 15-3) ranked #25 by KenPom
— Tempo: #243
— Experience: #89
— Continuity: #93
— Texas A&M won 17 of its last 20 games
— Since 2016, Texas A&M is 7-5 in SEC tourney games.
— Aggies are getting 26.4% of points on foul line (#1 in country)
— Aggies are forcing turnovers 21.2% of time (#40)
— Texas A&M has #247 eFG% in country.
— Texas A&M’s schedule, to this point: #68
— bench minutes: #180
— Texas A&M’s best win: 67-61 over #3 Alabama
— Home team won both series games this season.
— Teams split their last dozen meetings.
— A&M beat Arkansas in two of last three SEC tournaments.
Vanderbilt vs Kentucky
— Vanderbilt (19-13, 12-7) ranked #80 by KenPom
— Tempo: #223
— Experience: #95
— Continuity: #121
— Vanderbilt won four in row, nine of last ten games
— Vanderbilt played only two guys more than 29:00 last night.
— Commodores have #91 eFG% defense in country.
— Commodores are 5-7 against top 50 teams.
— Vanderbilt is 10-6 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Vanderbilt’s schedule, to this point: #33
— bench minutes: #59
— Vanderbilt’s best win: 66-65 over #5 Tennessee.
— Kentucky (21-10, 12-6) ranked #21 by KenPom
— Tempo: #261
— Experience: #114
— Continuity: #214
— Kentucky won five of its last six games
— From 2015-18, Wildcats went 12-0 in SEC tourney
— From 2019-22, Wildcats went 1-3 in SEC tourney
— Kentucky is #3 team in country on offensive boards.
— Kentucky has #83 eFG% defense in country.
— Kentucky’s schedule, to this point: #37
— bench minutes: #219
— Kentucky’s best win: 63-56/56-44 over #5 Tennessee.
— Road team won both series games this season.
— Kentucky has won 20 of last 22 meetings.
Conference USA tournament (@ Frisco, TX)
North Texas vs Alabama-Birmingham
— North Texas (26-6, 17-4) ranked #41 by KenPom
— Tempo: #363
— Experience: #162
— Continuity: #137
— North Texas won 11 of its last 12 games
— North Texas is 6-1 in last three C-USA tournaments.
— Mean Green had stress-free win over Louisiana Tech last nite.
— Mean Green has #12 eFG% eFG% defense in country.
— North Texas is 9-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— North Texas’ schedule, to this point: #118
— bench minutes: #214
— North Texas’ best wins: 63-52/82-79 2OT over #55 UAB
— Alabama-Birmingham (24-8, 15-6) ranked #55 by KenPom
— Tempo: #39
— Experience: #5
— Continuity: #113
— UAB won seven in row, 11 of last 12 games
— Blazers are 7-2 in last four C-USA tournaments.
— Blazers have #59 eFG% defense in country.
— UAB is shooting 37.3% on arc (#29), 49.3% inside arc (#229)
— UAB is getting 20.3% of points on foul line (#59)
— UAB’s schedule, to this point: #155
— bench minutes: #65
— UAB’s best win: 86-77 over #27 UAB
— North Texas beat UAB twice this year, 63-52/82-79 2OT
— Teams split their last 12 meetings overall.
ACC tournament (@ Greensboro, NC)
Duke vs Miami
— Duke (24-8, 15-6) ranked #26 by KenPom
— Tempo: #291
— Experience: #292
— Continuity: #338
— Duke won seven in row, 10 of last 12 games.
— Since 2014, Blue Devils are 17-5 SU in ACC tournament.
— Duke has #21 eFG% defense in country.
— Blue Devils are #6 team on offensive boards.
— Duke is 5-4 vs teams ranked in top 50.
— Duke’s schedule, to this point: #74
— bench minutes: #142
— Duke’s best win: 71-64 over #17 Xavier.
— Miami (25-6, 16-5) ranked #40 by KenPom
— Tempo: #105
— Experience: #27
— Continuity: #141
— Miami won nine of its last ten games.
— Hurricanes led by 18, hung on for 74-72 win over Wake Forest.
— Miami played three starters 30:00+ yesterday.
— Hurricanes are shooting 37% on arc (#36), 54.7% inside arc (#26)
— Opponents are shooting 51.7% inside arc (#251)
— Miami’s schedule, to this point: #90
— bench minutes: #324
— Miami’s best win: 81-59 over #31 Duke
— Home side won both meetings this season.
— Duke won six of last nine series games.
Clemson vs Virginia
— Clemson (23-9, 15-6) ranked #52 by KenPom
— Tempo: #139
— Experience: #183
— Continuity: #142
— Clemson won five of its last seven games
— Since 2009, Tigers are 7-13 in ACC tourney
— Tigers outscored NC State 41-18 in 2nd half of yesterday’s 80-54 win.
— Clemson has #25 eFG% in country, #36 eFG% defense.
— Clemson is 6-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Clemson’s schedule, to this point: #116
— bench minutes: #114
— Clemson’s best win: 72-64 over #31 Duke.
— Virginia (24-6, 16-5) ranked #35 by KenPom
— Tempo: #360
— Experience: #4
— Continuity: #13
— Virginia won 14 of its last 17 games
— Since 2016, Cavaliers are 10-4 in ACC tournament.
— Opponents are shooting 46.7% inside arc (#42)
— Cavaliers are #43 team on defensive boards.
— Virginia is 18-3 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
— Virginia’s schedule, to this point: #82
— bench minutes: #272
— Virginia’s best win: 86-79 over #14 Baylor.
— Clemson (+6) lost 64-57 at Virginia February 28.
— Cavaliers won last 12 series games.
Big East tournament (@ Madison Square Garden)
Marquette vs UConn
— Marquette (26-6, 18-3) ranked #13 by KenPom
— Tempo: #102
— Experience: #299
— Continuity: #106
— Marquette won seven in row, 12 of last 13 games.
— Marquette played four starters 34:00 in their OT win yesterday.
— Eagles are forcing turnovers 23.1% of time (#15)
— Eagles are shooting 59.2% inside arc (#1)
— Marquette is #314 team on defensive boards.
— Marquette’s schedule, to this point: #49
— bench minutes: #265
— Marquette’s best win: 82-76 over #4 UConn
— UConn (25-7, 14-7) ranked #4 by KenPom
— Tempo: #193
— Experience: #118
— Continuity: #248
— UConn won six in row, nine of last ten games
— UConn went WL in its last three conference tournaments.
— Huskies led 35-19 at half, beat Providence 73-66 yesterday.
— Huskies have #10 eFG% defense in country.
— UConn is #1 team in country on offensive boards.
— UConn’s schedule, to this point: #46
— bench minutes: #213
— UConn’s best win: 82-67 over #3 Alabama
— Teams split a pair of home wins this season.
— Since re-joining Big East, Huskies are 5-1 vs Marquette.
Xavier @ Creighton
— Xavier (24-8, 16-5) ranked #16 by KenPom
— Tempo: #31
— Experience: #15
— Continuity: #42
— Xavier won its last four games, scoring 85.8 ppg.
— Xavier beat DePaul 89-84 Thursday; they were down 13 in 2nd half.
— Musketeers played four starters 35:00+ yesterday.
— Musketeers are shooting 40% on arc (#4), 54.6% inside arc (#30)
— Xavier is 8-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Xavier’s schedule, to this point: #30
— bench minutes: #300
— Xavier’s best win: 82-79/83-73 over #4 UConn
— Creighton (21-11, 15-6) ranked #12 by KenPom
— Tempo: #149
— Experience: #160
— Continuity: #83
— Creighton won three in row, 12 of last 15 games.
— Creighton won by 13 yesterday, and Villanova shot 13-30 on arc.
— Bluejays are shooting 54.9% inside arc (#22)
— Bluejays has #33 eFG% defense in country.
— Creighton is #8 team in country on defensive boards.
— Creighton’s schedule, to this point: #17
— bench minutes: #351
— Creighton’s best win: 56-53 over #4 UConn
— Home team won both series games this year.
— Musketeers won four of last five meetings overall.
Big X tournament (@ Kansas City)
Iowa State vs Kansas
— Iowa State (19-12, 10-9) ranked #20 by KenPom
— Tempo: #328
— Experience: #7
— Continuity: #185
— Iowa State won its last two games, after a 3-9 skid.
— Cyclones played nine guys 11:00+ in Thursday’s 78-72 win.
— Iowa State is forcing turnovers 25.1% of time (#2)
— Cyclones are #30 team on offensive boards.
— Opponents are 9-8 against top 50 teams.
— Iowa State’s schedule, to this point: #5
— bench minutes: #185
— Iowa State’s best win: 78-67 over #8 Texas
— Kansas (26-6, 14-5) ranked #8 by KenPom
— Tempo: #75
— Experience: #230
— Continuity: #228
— Kansas coach Self (heart problem) is out this weekend
— Kansas won eight of its last nine games.
— Since 2006, Jayhawks are 35-6 in this tournament.
— Jayhawks have #30 eFG% defense in country.
— Kansas is 14-5 vs top 50 teams.
— Kansas’ schedule, to this point: #1
— bench minutes: #361
— Kansas’ best win: 88-80 over #8 Texas
— Home team won both meetings this season.
— Kansas won seven of last eight series games.
TCU vs Texas
— TCU (21-11, 10-9) ranked #23 by KenPom
— Tempo: #47
— Experience: #65
— Continuity: #3
— TCU won four of last six games, after a 1-5 skid.
— Frogs played two guys more than 29:00 in 80-67 win last nite.
— TCU is forcing turnovers 22.1% of time (#24)
— Frogs are shooting 30.2% on arc (#344), 52.5% inside arc (#79)
— TCU has #70 eFG% defense in country.
— TCU’s schedule, to this point: #14
— bench minutes: #14
— TCU’s best win: 75-73 over #8 Texas
— Texas (24-8, 13-6) ranked #9 by KenPom
— Tempo: #71
— Experience: #6
— Continuity: #143
— Texas won four of its last six games SU
— Since 2016, Longhorns are 5-5 in Big X tourney.
— Texas is shooting 53.7% inside arc (#54)
— Texas is forcing turnovers 22.9% of time (#18)
— Longhorns are 8-3 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Texas’ schedule, to this point: #8
— bench minutes: #122
— Texas’ best win: 93-74 over #7 Gonzaga
— Home team won both series games this year, both close games.
— Longhorns won eight of last ten series games.
Big West tournament (@ Dollar Loan Arena, Las Vegas)
Cal-Fullerton vs Cal-Irvine
— Cal State-Fullerton (19-12, 13-6) ranked #116 by KenPom
— Tempo: #317
— Experience: #227
— Continuity: #180
— Fullerton won seven games in row, the last two in overtime.
— Titans won two of last four Big West tournaments.
— Titans have #74 eFG% defense in country.
— Fullerton is shooting 46.1% inside arc (#326)
— Fullerton is getting 21.4% of points on foul line (#35)
— Fullerton’s schedule, to this point: #130
— bench minutes: #250
— Fullerton’s best win: 62-61 over #98 Cal-Irvine.
— Cal-Irvine (23-10, 16-5) ranked #96 by KenPom
— Tempo: #68
— Experience: #218
— Continuity: #128
— Cal-Irvine won eight of its last ten games.
— Anteaters didn’t play anyone more than 21:00 in yesterday’s easy win.
— Cal-Irvine has #11 eFG% defense in country.
— Anteaters are #80 team in country on defensive boards.
— Cal-Irvine is shooting 37.7% on arc (#20)
— Cal-Irvine’s schedule, to this point: #170
— bench minutes: #8
— Cal-Irvine’s best win: 69-56 at #38 Oregon
— Home side won both meetings this season.
— Fullerton won 3 of last 4 meetings, after Irvine had won the previous six.
Mountain West tournament (@ Thomas & Mack, Las Vegas)
San Jose State vs San Diego State
— San Jose State (20-12, 11-8) ranked #90 by KenPom
— Tempo: #352
— Experience: #159
— Continuity: #53
— San Jose State won six of its last eight games
— Spartans’ OT win yesterday was first tourney win since 2011 (1-11)
— Spartans played three starters 39:00+ yesterday.
— San Jose State is #23 team on offensive boards, #24 on defensive end.
— San Jose State is having its best basketball season in 40 years.
— San Jose State’s schedule, to this point: #71
— bench minutes: #329
— San Jose State’s best win: 69-64 over #23 Utah State
— San Diego State (25-6, 16-3) ranked #15 by KenPom
— Tempo: #247
— Experience: #21
— Continuity: #39
— San Diego State won 12 of its last 14 games.
— Since 2009, Aztecs are 32-10 in this tournament
— Aztecs have #71 eFG% defense in country.
— Aztecs are #54 team in country on defensive boards.
— San Diego State is 12-6 against teams ranked in top 100.
— San Diego State’s schedule, to this point: #34
— bench minutes: #30
— San Diego State’s best win: 85-75/63-61 over #23 Utah State
— San Diego State (-12) whacked San Jose State 72-51 at home January 28.
— Aztecs won last ten series games.
Arizona State vs Arizona (@ T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas)
— Arizona State (22-11, 13-9) ranked #62 by KenPom
— Tempo: #119
— Experience: #62
— Continuity: #234
— Arizona State won six of its last nine games
— Arizona State played only two guys more than 28:00 in last nite’s win.
— Sun Devils have #15 eFG% defense in country.
— Arizona State is #314 team in country on defensive boards.
— Sun Devils have #300 eFG% offense in country.
— Arizona State’s schedule, to this point: #44
— bench minutes: #160
— Arizona State’s best win: 89-88 at #10 Arizona.
— Arizona (26-6, 15-6) ranked #10 by KenPom
— Tempo: #6
— Experience: #55
— Continuity: #165
— Arizona is 4-3 in last seven games, after a 22-3 start.
— Wildcats played 7 guys in last night’s 95-84 win (74 possessions)
— Arizona is shooting 56.9% inside arc (#8), 38% inside arc (#15)
— Arizona has #55 eFG% defense in country.
— Wildcats are 14-6 against top 100 teams.
— Arizona’s schedule, to this point: #43
— bench minutes: #289
— Arizona’s best win: 58-52 over #2 UCLA.
— Road team won both meetings this season.
— Arizona won five of last six series games.
Armadillo's Write-Up
Friday, March 10
Some of Friday’s best college basketball games
SEC tournament (@ Nashville)
Tennessee vs Missouri
— Tennessee (23-9, 12-7) ranked #5 by KenPom
— Tempo: #279
— Experience: #134
— Continuity: #119
— Tennessee won three of last four games, after a 2-5 skid.
— Only two Vols played more than 27:00 yesterday.
— Tennessee had the best eFG% defense in country.
— Tennessee also forces turnovers 22.4% of time (#21)
— Vols are #5 team in country on offensive boards.
— Tennessee’s schedule, to this point: #38
— bench minutes: #51
— Tennessee’s best win: 68-59 over #3 Alabama
— Missouri (23-8, 11-7) ranked #59 by KenPom
— Tempo: #83
— Experience: #18
— Continuity: #327
— Mizzou won its last four games, scoring 78.5 ppg.
— Tigers went WL in their last three SEC tournaments.
— Mizzou is forcing turnovers 24.5% of time (#6)
— Tigers are worst team in country on defensive boards.
— Mizzou is shooting 56.4% inside arc (#11), 36.2% on arc (#67)
— Mizzou’s schedule, to this point: #71
— bench minutes: #110
— Mizzou’s best win: 86-85 at #5 Tennessee
— Missouri (+11) won 86-85 in Knoxville February 11
— Mizzou blew a 17-point 2nd half lead in that game.
— Tennessee won five of last seven meetings.
Arkansas vs Texas A&M
— Arkansas (20-12, 9-10) ranked #20 by KenPom
— Tempo: #51
— Experience: #260
— Continuity: #333
— Arkansas lost five of its last eight games.
— Three Hogs played 33:00+ in last nite’s 76-73 win.
— Arkansas is forcing turnovers 20.3% of time (#67)
— Hogs have #26 eFG% defense in country.
— Opponents are getting 22.9% of their points on foul line (#345)
— Arkansas’ schedule, to this point: #23
— bench minutes: #292
— Arkansas’ best win: 78-74 OT over #15 San Diego State
— Texas A&M (23-8, 15-3) ranked #25 by KenPom
— Tempo: #243
— Experience: #89
— Continuity: #93
— Texas A&M won 17 of its last 20 games
— Since 2016, Texas A&M is 7-5 in SEC tourney games.
— Aggies are getting 26.4% of points on foul line (#1 in country)
— Aggies are forcing turnovers 21.2% of time (#40)
— Texas A&M has #247 eFG% in country.
— Texas A&M’s schedule, to this point: #68
— bench minutes: #180
— Texas A&M’s best win: 67-61 over #3 Alabama
— Home team won both series games this season.
— Teams split their last dozen meetings.
— A&M beat Arkansas in two of last three SEC tournaments.
Vanderbilt vs Kentucky
— Vanderbilt (19-13, 12-7) ranked #80 by KenPom
— Tempo: #223
— Experience: #95
— Continuity: #121
— Vanderbilt won four in row, nine of last ten games
— Vanderbilt played only two guys more than 29:00 last night.
— Commodores have #91 eFG% defense in country.
— Commodores are 5-7 against top 50 teams.
— Vanderbilt is 10-6 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Vanderbilt’s schedule, to this point: #33
— bench minutes: #59
— Vanderbilt’s best win: 66-65 over #5 Tennessee.
— Kentucky (21-10, 12-6) ranked #21 by KenPom
— Tempo: #261
— Experience: #114
— Continuity: #214
— Kentucky won five of its last six games
— From 2015-18, Wildcats went 12-0 in SEC tourney
— From 2019-22, Wildcats went 1-3 in SEC tourney
— Kentucky is #3 team in country on offensive boards.
— Kentucky has #83 eFG% defense in country.
— Kentucky’s schedule, to this point: #37
— bench minutes: #219
— Kentucky’s best win: 63-56/56-44 over #5 Tennessee.
— Road team won both series games this season.
— Kentucky has won 20 of last 22 meetings.
Conference USA tournament (@ Frisco, TX)
North Texas vs Alabama-Birmingham
— North Texas (26-6, 17-4) ranked #41 by KenPom
— Tempo: #363
— Experience: #162
— Continuity: #137
— North Texas won 11 of its last 12 games
— North Texas is 6-1 in last three C-USA tournaments.
— Mean Green had stress-free win over Louisiana Tech last nite.
— Mean Green has #12 eFG% eFG% defense in country.
— North Texas is 9-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— North Texas’ schedule, to this point: #118
— bench minutes: #214
— North Texas’ best wins: 63-52/82-79 2OT over #55 UAB
— Alabama-Birmingham (24-8, 15-6) ranked #55 by KenPom
— Tempo: #39
— Experience: #5
— Continuity: #113
— UAB won seven in row, 11 of last 12 games
— Blazers are 7-2 in last four C-USA tournaments.
— Blazers have #59 eFG% defense in country.
— UAB is shooting 37.3% on arc (#29), 49.3% inside arc (#229)
— UAB is getting 20.3% of points on foul line (#59)
— UAB’s schedule, to this point: #155
— bench minutes: #65
— UAB’s best win: 86-77 over #27 UAB
— North Texas beat UAB twice this year, 63-52/82-79 2OT
— Teams split their last 12 meetings overall.
ACC tournament (@ Greensboro, NC)
Duke vs Miami
— Duke (24-8, 15-6) ranked #26 by KenPom
— Tempo: #291
— Experience: #292
— Continuity: #338
— Duke won seven in row, 10 of last 12 games.
— Since 2014, Blue Devils are 17-5 SU in ACC tournament.
— Duke has #21 eFG% defense in country.
— Blue Devils are #6 team on offensive boards.
— Duke is 5-4 vs teams ranked in top 50.
— Duke’s schedule, to this point: #74
— bench minutes: #142
— Duke’s best win: 71-64 over #17 Xavier.
— Miami (25-6, 16-5) ranked #40 by KenPom
— Tempo: #105
— Experience: #27
— Continuity: #141
— Miami won nine of its last ten games.
— Hurricanes led by 18, hung on for 74-72 win over Wake Forest.
— Miami played three starters 30:00+ yesterday.
— Hurricanes are shooting 37% on arc (#36), 54.7% inside arc (#26)
— Opponents are shooting 51.7% inside arc (#251)
— Miami’s schedule, to this point: #90
— bench minutes: #324
— Miami’s best win: 81-59 over #31 Duke
— Home side won both meetings this season.
— Duke won six of last nine series games.
Clemson vs Virginia
— Clemson (23-9, 15-6) ranked #52 by KenPom
— Tempo: #139
— Experience: #183
— Continuity: #142
— Clemson won five of its last seven games
— Since 2009, Tigers are 7-13 in ACC tourney
— Tigers outscored NC State 41-18 in 2nd half of yesterday’s 80-54 win.
— Clemson has #25 eFG% in country, #36 eFG% defense.
— Clemson is 6-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Clemson’s schedule, to this point: #116
— bench minutes: #114
— Clemson’s best win: 72-64 over #31 Duke.
— Virginia (24-6, 16-5) ranked #35 by KenPom
— Tempo: #360
— Experience: #4
— Continuity: #13
— Virginia won 14 of its last 17 games
— Since 2016, Cavaliers are 10-4 in ACC tournament.
— Opponents are shooting 46.7% inside arc (#42)
— Cavaliers are #43 team on defensive boards.
— Virginia is 18-3 vs teams ranked outside top 50.
— Virginia’s schedule, to this point: #82
— bench minutes: #272
— Virginia’s best win: 86-79 over #14 Baylor.
— Clemson (+6) lost 64-57 at Virginia February 28.
— Cavaliers won last 12 series games.
Big East tournament (@ Madison Square Garden)
Marquette vs UConn
— Marquette (26-6, 18-3) ranked #13 by KenPom
— Tempo: #102
— Experience: #299
— Continuity: #106
— Marquette won seven in row, 12 of last 13 games.
— Marquette played four starters 34:00 in their OT win yesterday.
— Eagles are forcing turnovers 23.1% of time (#15)
— Eagles are shooting 59.2% inside arc (#1)
— Marquette is #314 team on defensive boards.
— Marquette’s schedule, to this point: #49
— bench minutes: #265
— Marquette’s best win: 82-76 over #4 UConn
— UConn (25-7, 14-7) ranked #4 by KenPom
— Tempo: #193
— Experience: #118
— Continuity: #248
— UConn won six in row, nine of last ten games
— UConn went WL in its last three conference tournaments.
— Huskies led 35-19 at half, beat Providence 73-66 yesterday.
— Huskies have #10 eFG% defense in country.
— UConn is #1 team in country on offensive boards.
— UConn’s schedule, to this point: #46
— bench minutes: #213
— UConn’s best win: 82-67 over #3 Alabama
— Teams split a pair of home wins this season.
— Since re-joining Big East, Huskies are 5-1 vs Marquette.
Xavier @ Creighton
— Xavier (24-8, 16-5) ranked #16 by KenPom
— Tempo: #31
— Experience: #15
— Continuity: #42
— Xavier won its last four games, scoring 85.8 ppg.
— Xavier beat DePaul 89-84 Thursday; they were down 13 in 2nd half.
— Musketeers played four starters 35:00+ yesterday.
— Musketeers are shooting 40% on arc (#4), 54.6% inside arc (#30)
— Xavier is 8-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Xavier’s schedule, to this point: #30
— bench minutes: #300
— Xavier’s best win: 82-79/83-73 over #4 UConn
— Creighton (21-11, 15-6) ranked #12 by KenPom
— Tempo: #149
— Experience: #160
— Continuity: #83
— Creighton won three in row, 12 of last 15 games.
— Creighton won by 13 yesterday, and Villanova shot 13-30 on arc.
— Bluejays are shooting 54.9% inside arc (#22)
— Bluejays has #33 eFG% defense in country.
— Creighton is #8 team in country on defensive boards.
— Creighton’s schedule, to this point: #17
— bench minutes: #351
— Creighton’s best win: 56-53 over #4 UConn
— Home team won both series games this year.
— Musketeers won four of last five meetings overall.
Big X tournament (@ Kansas City)
Iowa State vs Kansas
— Iowa State (19-12, 10-9) ranked #20 by KenPom
— Tempo: #328
— Experience: #7
— Continuity: #185
— Iowa State won its last two games, after a 3-9 skid.
— Cyclones played nine guys 11:00+ in Thursday’s 78-72 win.
— Iowa State is forcing turnovers 25.1% of time (#2)
— Cyclones are #30 team on offensive boards.
— Opponents are 9-8 against top 50 teams.
— Iowa State’s schedule, to this point: #5
— bench minutes: #185
— Iowa State’s best win: 78-67 over #8 Texas
— Kansas (26-6, 14-5) ranked #8 by KenPom
— Tempo: #75
— Experience: #230
— Continuity: #228
— Kansas coach Self (heart problem) is out this weekend
— Kansas won eight of its last nine games.
— Since 2006, Jayhawks are 35-6 in this tournament.
— Jayhawks have #30 eFG% defense in country.
— Kansas is 14-5 vs top 50 teams.
— Kansas’ schedule, to this point: #1
— bench minutes: #361
— Kansas’ best win: 88-80 over #8 Texas
— Home team won both meetings this season.
— Kansas won seven of last eight series games.
TCU vs Texas
— TCU (21-11, 10-9) ranked #23 by KenPom
— Tempo: #47
— Experience: #65
— Continuity: #3
— TCU won four of last six games, after a 1-5 skid.
— Frogs played two guys more than 29:00 in 80-67 win last nite.
— TCU is forcing turnovers 22.1% of time (#24)
— Frogs are shooting 30.2% on arc (#344), 52.5% inside arc (#79)
— TCU has #70 eFG% defense in country.
— TCU’s schedule, to this point: #14
— bench minutes: #14
— TCU’s best win: 75-73 over #8 Texas
— Texas (24-8, 13-6) ranked #9 by KenPom
— Tempo: #71
— Experience: #6
— Continuity: #143
— Texas won four of its last six games SU
— Since 2016, Longhorns are 5-5 in Big X tourney.
— Texas is shooting 53.7% inside arc (#54)
— Texas is forcing turnovers 22.9% of time (#18)
— Longhorns are 8-3 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Texas’ schedule, to this point: #8
— bench minutes: #122
— Texas’ best win: 93-74 over #7 Gonzaga
— Home team won both series games this year, both close games.
— Longhorns won eight of last ten series games.
Big West tournament (@ Dollar Loan Arena, Las Vegas)
Cal-Fullerton vs Cal-Irvine
— Cal State-Fullerton (19-12, 13-6) ranked #116 by KenPom
— Tempo: #317
— Experience: #227
— Continuity: #180
— Fullerton won seven games in row, the last two in overtime.
— Titans won two of last four Big West tournaments.
— Titans have #74 eFG% defense in country.
— Fullerton is shooting 46.1% inside arc (#326)
— Fullerton is getting 21.4% of points on foul line (#35)
— Fullerton’s schedule, to this point: #130
— bench minutes: #250
— Fullerton’s best win: 62-61 over #98 Cal-Irvine.
— Cal-Irvine (23-10, 16-5) ranked #96 by KenPom
— Tempo: #68
— Experience: #218
— Continuity: #128
— Cal-Irvine won eight of its last ten games.
— Anteaters didn’t play anyone more than 21:00 in yesterday’s easy win.
— Cal-Irvine has #11 eFG% defense in country.
— Anteaters are #80 team in country on defensive boards.
— Cal-Irvine is shooting 37.7% on arc (#20)
— Cal-Irvine’s schedule, to this point: #170
— bench minutes: #8
— Cal-Irvine’s best win: 69-56 at #38 Oregon
— Home side won both meetings this season.
— Fullerton won 3 of last 4 meetings, after Irvine had won the previous six.
Mountain West tournament (@ Thomas & Mack, Las Vegas)
San Jose State vs San Diego State
— San Jose State (20-12, 11-8) ranked #90 by KenPom
— Tempo: #352
— Experience: #159
— Continuity: #53
— San Jose State won six of its last eight games
— Spartans’ OT win yesterday was first tourney win since 2011 (1-11)
— Spartans played three starters 39:00+ yesterday.
— San Jose State is #23 team on offensive boards, #24 on defensive end.
— San Jose State is having its best basketball season in 40 years.
— San Jose State’s schedule, to this point: #71
— bench minutes: #329
— San Jose State’s best win: 69-64 over #23 Utah State
— San Diego State (25-6, 16-3) ranked #15 by KenPom
— Tempo: #247
— Experience: #21
— Continuity: #39
— San Diego State won 12 of its last 14 games.
— Since 2009, Aztecs are 32-10 in this tournament
— Aztecs have #71 eFG% defense in country.
— Aztecs are #54 team in country on defensive boards.
— San Diego State is 12-6 against teams ranked in top 100.
— San Diego State’s schedule, to this point: #34
— bench minutes: #30
— San Diego State’s best win: 85-75/63-61 over #23 Utah State
— San Diego State (-12) whacked San Jose State 72-51 at home January 28.
— Aztecs won last ten series games.
Arizona State vs Arizona (@ T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas)
— Arizona State (22-11, 13-9) ranked #62 by KenPom
— Tempo: #119
— Experience: #62
— Continuity: #234
— Arizona State won six of its last nine games
— Arizona State played only two guys more than 28:00 in last nite’s win.
— Sun Devils have #15 eFG% defense in country.
— Arizona State is #314 team in country on defensive boards.
— Sun Devils have #300 eFG% offense in country.
— Arizona State’s schedule, to this point: #44
— bench minutes: #160
— Arizona State’s best win: 89-88 at #10 Arizona.
— Arizona (26-6, 15-6) ranked #10 by KenPom
— Tempo: #6
— Experience: #55
— Continuity: #165
— Arizona is 4-3 in last seven games, after a 22-3 start.
— Wildcats played 7 guys in last night’s 95-84 win (74 possessions)
— Arizona is shooting 56.9% inside arc (#8), 38% inside arc (#15)
— Arizona has #55 eFG% defense in country.
— Wildcats are 14-6 against top 100 teams.
— Arizona’s schedule, to this point: #43
— bench minutes: #289
— Arizona’s best win: 58-52 over #2 UCLA.
— Road team won both meetings this season.
— Arizona won five of last six series games.
FRIDAY, MARCH 10
| Game | Time(ET) | Pick | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| RUTG at PUR | 12:00 PM | RUTG +7.0 U 127.5 | +500 +500 |
| MTU at FAU | 12:30 PM | MTU +10.5 O 138.5 | +500 +500 |
| MSST at ALA | 01:00 PM | ALA -8.0 U 139.0 | +500 +500 |
| ECU at HOU | 01:00 PM | ECU +23.0 O 133.5 | +500 +500 |
| OSU at MSU | 02:30 PM | OSU +4.5 U 137.0 | +500 +500 |
| TEM at CIN | 03:00 PM | CIN -5.0 U 141.5 | +500 +500 |
| UAB at UNT | 03:00 PM | UNT -1.0 U 125.5 | +500 +500 |
| TXSO at AAMU | 03:00 PM | TXSO -2.5 O 138.0 | +500 +500 |
| TENN at MIZZ | 03:30 PM | MIZZ +5.5 U 139.0 | +500 +500 |
| OHIO at TOL | 05:00 PM | OHIO +5.5 O 162.0 | +500 +500 |
| NIAG at IONA | 06:00 PM | IONA -14.5 U 133.5 | +500 +500 |
| UMES at HOW | 06:00 PM | HOW -3.0 U 140.5 | +500 +500 |
| CONN at MARQ | 06:30 PM | MARQ +3.5 O 147.0 | +500 +500 |
| PSU at NW | 06:30 PM | PSU +2.0 O 130.5 | +500 +500 |
| ISU at KU | 07:00 PM | ISU +4.5 O 130.0 | +500 +500 |
| ARK at TAM | 07:00 PM | TAM -1.0 U 137.5 | +500 +500 |
| DUKE at MIA | 07:00 PM | DUKE -2.5 O 145.0 | +500 +500 |
| UCF at MEM | 07:00 PM | UCF +5.5 O 143.5 | +500 +500 |
| AKR at KENT | 07:30 PM | KENT -2.0 U 134.5 | +500 +500 |
| NORF at NCCU | 08:00 PM | NORF +0.0 U 136.0 | +500 +500 |
| MRST at SPU | 08:30 PM | MRST -1.0 U 120.0 | +500 +500 |
| CREI at XAV | 09:00 PM | XAV +3.5 O 152.5 | +500 +500 |
| CSF at UCI | 09:00 PM | UCI -2.5 U 130.5 | +500 +500 |
| MD at IND | 09:00 PM | IND -2.0 U 135.0 | +500 +500 |
| ORE at UCLA | 09:00 PM | UCLA -6.0 U 134.5 | +500 +500 |
| VAN at UK | 09:00 PM | UK -8.5 U 144.5 | +500 +500 |
| WICH at TULN | 09:00 PM | TULN -2.0 O 151.5 | +500 +500 |
| GRC at SHSU | 09:00 PM | SHSU -3.0 U 126.5 | +500 +500 |
| TCU at TEX | 09:30 PM | TCU +2.5 O 147.0 | +500 +500 |
| CLEM at UVA | 09:30 PM | CLEM +3.0 U 126.0 | +500 +500 |
| JKST at GRAM | 09:30 PM | GRAM -5.5 U 130.0 | +500 +500 |
| SJSU at SDSU | 09:30 PM | SJSU +8.5 O 126.0 | +500 +500 |
| SUU at UVU | 11:00 PM | SUU +4.0 U 150.5 | +500 +500 |
| UCRV at UCSB | 11:30 PM | UCSB -3.0 U 133.0 | +500 +500 |
| ASU at ARIZ | 11:30 PM | ASU +7.5 U 154.5 | +500 +500 |
| USU at BSU | 11:59 PM | USU -2.0 U 145.0 | +500 +500 |
Pending Picks
| Date | League | Game | Score | Status | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 10, 2023 | NCAAB | Arkansas Texas A&M | - - | 07:00 PM | TAM -1.0 |
Completed Picks
| Date | League | Game | Score | Pick | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 9, 2023 | NCAAB | Iowa State Baylor | 78 72 | ISU +4.5 | Win |
| Mar 8, 2023 | NCAAB | Air Force UNLV | 70 78 | AFA +6.0 | Loss |
| Mar 7, 2023 | NCAAB | Gonzaga Saint Mary's | 77 51 | GONZ -2.5 | Win |
| Mar 6, 2023 | NCAAB | Northern Kentucky Youngstown St. | 75 63 | YSU -3.5 | Loss |
| Mar 5, 2023 | NCAAB | Campbell UNC Asheville | 73 77 | UNCA -4.5 | Loss |
| Mar 4, 2023 | NCAAB | Mercer Furman | 58 73 | FUR -10.5 | Win |
| Mar 3, 2023 | NBA | New Orleans Golden State | 99 108 | Under 230.5 | Win |
| Mar 2, 2023 | NCAAB | Hawaii CSU Northridge | 81 55 | CSN +8.0 | Loss |
| Mar 1, 2023 | NCAAB | Penn St. Northwestern | 68 65 | NW -3.5 | Loss |
Completed Picks
| Date | League | Game | Score | Pick | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 10, 2023 | NCAAB | Arkansas Texas A&M | 61 67 | TAM -1.0 | Win |
| Mar 9, 2023 | NCAAB | Iowa State Baylor | 78 72 | ISU +4.5 | Win |
| Mar 8, 2023 | NCAAB | Air Force UNLV | 70 78 | AFA +6.0 | Loss |
| Mar 7, 2023 | NCAAB | Gonzaga Saint Mary's | 77 51 | GONZ -2.5 | Win |
| Mar 6, 2023 | NCAAB | Northern Kentucky Youngstown St. | 75 63 | YSU -3.5 | Loss |
| Mar 5, 2023 | NCAAB | Campbell UNC Asheville | 73 77 | UNCA -4.5 | Loss |
| Mar 4, 2023 | NCAAB | Mercer Furman | 58 73 | FUR -10.5 | Win |
| Mar 3, 2023 | NBA | New Orleans Golden State | 99 108 | Under 230.5 | Win |
| Mar 2, 2023 | NCAAB | Hawaii CSU Northridge | 81 55 | CSN +8.0 | Loss |
| Mar 1, 2023 | NCAAB | Penn St. Northwestern | 68 65 | NW -3.5 | Loss |
Completed Picks
Past Completed Picks| Date | W-L-T | % | Units | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/10/2023 | 39-31-0 | 55.71% | +2450 | Detail |
| 03/09/2023 | 54-53-4 | 50.45% | -2150 | Detail |
| 03/08/2023 | 33-33-2 | 50.00% | -1650 | Detail |
| 03/07/2023 | 21-31-0 | 40.38% | -6550 | Detail |
| 03/06/2023 | 9-17-2 | 35.71% | -4850 | Detail |
| 03/05/2023 | 30-30-0 | 50.00% | -1500 | Detail |
| 03/04/2023 | 84-102-0 | 45.16% | -14100 | Detail |
| 03/03/2023 | 36-24-2 | 59.68% | +4800 | Detail |
| 03/02/2023 | 63-44-1 | 58.80% | +7300 | Detail |
| 03/01/2023 | 31-43-2 | 42.11% | -8150 | Detail |
Armadillo Sports
Saturday’s 6-pack
Teams who get the highest %age of their points on 3-point shots:
44.6%— Chattanooga (18-17, 7-11)
43.8%— Penn State (21-12, 10-10)
42.2%— Lafayette (11-23, 7-11)
41.1%— North Florida (14-17, 9-9)
41%— San Francisco (20-14, 7-9)
41%— Liberty (26-8, 15-3)
Quote of the Day
“Very few players play for only one team, and obviously Brett (Favre) had a great career, Aaron had a great career here, and regardless of what happens, Aaron will be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he’ll be in our Hall of Fame and we’ll bring him back and retire his number. But this is just one of the things that you go through as a team. Again, we want to try to achieve something that’s good for both Aaron and us.”
Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy, talking about Aaron Rodgers
Saturday’s quiz
Which NBA team drafted Kobe Bryant?
Friday’s quiz
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr played his college basketball at Arizona.
Thursday’s quiz
When Ichiro Suzuki played for the Seattle Mariners, he wore number 51.
*****************************
Saturday’s Den: Wrapping up a busy night of basketball……..
WAC tournament
— Southern Utah 89, Utah Valley 88— Thunderbirds trailed by 23 with 15:42 left in game; they scored 37 points in last 10:00, and now advance to play Grand Canyon is finals of WAC tourney tonight. Grand Canyon knocked off #1-seed Sam Houston State 78-75 Friday, making 16 of 30 shots on the arc.
MAAC tournament
— Marist 69, Saint Peter’s 57— Red Foxes came into MAAC tournament on a 3-10 skid, but they’ve won three games this week, giving up only 55.3 ppg. Marist hasn’t been to the NCAA’s since 1987; they play #1-seed Iona today- they’ll be a big underdog.
C-USA tournament
— UAB 76, North Texas 69— Blazers jumped out to a 22-2 lead, coasted home; they play #1-seed Florida Atlantic Saturday. 30-3 FAU is likely in the NCAA’s no matter what, but they’ll sleep better Saturday night if they beat the Blazers.
I’m not kidding about that; when I was the student manager of our basketball team in college, one year we were right on the bubble to get into the Division III tournament; waiting for that phone call was a very long Sunday (we got in thankfully).
MAC tournament
— Toledo 82, Ohio U 75— Last three years, Toledo is 48-9 in MAC regular season games, but they haven’t won the MAC tournament since 1980, which was also the first year the MAC had a conference tournament. This is a good team that could give a higher seed fits next week, but first they have to beat Kent State in the MAC final Saturday.
Mountain West tournament
— Utah State 72, Boise State 62— Aggies started this week as a bubble team; they trailed this game 36-28 at halftime, but they outscored Boise 44-26 in second half, and word now on the Interweb is that Utah State will make the NCAA’s- their game with San Diego State Saturday can’t hurt their resume any.
SEC tournament
— Vanderbilt 80, Kentucky 73— On February 1st, Vandy was 10-12; they lost a game to Alabama by 57 points (101-44). Since that loss, the Commodores are 10-1; there are mixed opinions as to whether Vandy will get in the tournament or not. They play Texas A&M today; win that game, and there will be very little doubt they’re getting in.
— Missouri 79, Tennessee 71— Vols are 5-7 in their last 12 games; their point guard is out for the year. Will be interesting to see where they’ll be seeded; they’re struggling right now.
Big East tournament
— Marquette 70, UConn 78— Rough day for the Hurley family; Danny Hurley’s team lost this game, Bobby Hurley’s Arizona State squad lost in the Pac-12 tournament.
Marquette has won eight games in a row, the last three by 2-2-2 points. They started five sophomores Saturday; their subs were three freshmen and another soph. If Shaka Smart can keep all those kids from bolting elsewhere, Marquette will be even better next season.
Big West tournament
Cal-Fullerton 83, Cal-Irvine 80— Titans made 10-17 on arc, knock off #1-seed Anteaters in a terrific game to watch. 70 possessions, lot of pace with good shooting. Fullerton has won the Big West tournament twice in last four years; they play UCSB Saturday. Big West’s level of play has improved a lot this season.
Big 14 tournament
— I have trouble listening to broadcasts on the Big 14 Network; their announcers are such shills. Some guy was touting Ohio State as “the 14th best team in country since February 1st”. WTF???
Ohio State went thru a 1-14 skid this season; they’ve rallied to win three games this week in the conference tournament, but when you’re touting a 16-18 team for postseason play, its time to stop talking, You lose your credibility.
— Penn State 67, Northwestern 65 OT— Wildcats had two players bolt their program last spring, one to Duke, one to North Carolina. What were the odds that Northwestern would make the NCAA’s this season, while North Carolina wouldn’t? Go figure.
AAC tournament
— Houston 60, East Carolina 46— This is the last time Jim Nantz will announce the Final Four; he is a Houston alum, the Cougars will be a #1-seed and the Final Four is in Houston. Anyone out there think they won’t make the Final Four?
Elsewhere in the world………
— Chicago Bears traded the #1 pick in next month’s draft to Carolina; in exchange, they get:
Carolina’s 1st round pick this year (#9 pick)
Carolina’s 2nd round pick (pick #61)
Carolina’s 1st round pick in 2024
Carolina’s 2nd round pick in 2025
WR DJ Moore
Seeing how Chicago already has a young QB (Justin Fields) and how a lot of pundits don’t think this year’s crop of college QB’s is that good, consensus was that the Bears won this trade.
— This is the 7th time since 1990 that a team traded up for the #1 pick:
2016— Rams traded up for QB Jared Goff
2001— Falcons traded up for QB Michael Vick
1997— Rams traded up for OT Orlando Pace, a Hall of Famer
1995— Bengals traded up for RB Ki-Jana Carter
1991— Cowboys traded up for DT Russell Maryland
1990— Colts traded up for QB Jeff George
— Sad news in baseball; former big league OF Jesus Alou passed away at age 80. One of three brothers who all played in the major leagues— they once started a game in the same outfield for the Giants, in 1963 against the Pirates.
Later on, all three brothers played for the A’s, at one time or another. Jesus Alou helped the A’s win World Series in 1973 and 1974.
On July 10, 1964, Jesus Alou went 6-6 in a game against the Cubs; reader Glen points out that he got the six hits against six different pitchers, which couldn’t have happened very many times.
RIP, sir.
Saturday’s 6-pack
Teams who get the highest %age of their points on 3-point shots:
44.6%— Chattanooga (18-17, 7-11)
43.8%— Penn State (21-12, 10-10)
42.2%— Lafayette (11-23, 7-11)
41.1%— North Florida (14-17, 9-9)
41%— San Francisco (20-14, 7-9)
41%— Liberty (26-8, 15-3)
Quote of the Day
“Very few players play for only one team, and obviously Brett (Favre) had a great career, Aaron had a great career here, and regardless of what happens, Aaron will be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he’ll be in our Hall of Fame and we’ll bring him back and retire his number. But this is just one of the things that you go through as a team. Again, we want to try to achieve something that’s good for both Aaron and us.”
Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy, talking about Aaron Rodgers
Saturday’s quiz
Which NBA team drafted Kobe Bryant?
Friday’s quiz
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr played his college basketball at Arizona.
Thursday’s quiz
When Ichiro Suzuki played for the Seattle Mariners, he wore number 51.
*****************************
Saturday’s Den: Wrapping up a busy night of basketball……..
WAC tournament
— Southern Utah 89, Utah Valley 88— Thunderbirds trailed by 23 with 15:42 left in game; they scored 37 points in last 10:00, and now advance to play Grand Canyon is finals of WAC tourney tonight. Grand Canyon knocked off #1-seed Sam Houston State 78-75 Friday, making 16 of 30 shots on the arc.
MAAC tournament
— Marist 69, Saint Peter’s 57— Red Foxes came into MAAC tournament on a 3-10 skid, but they’ve won three games this week, giving up only 55.3 ppg. Marist hasn’t been to the NCAA’s since 1987; they play #1-seed Iona today- they’ll be a big underdog.
C-USA tournament
— UAB 76, North Texas 69— Blazers jumped out to a 22-2 lead, coasted home; they play #1-seed Florida Atlantic Saturday. 30-3 FAU is likely in the NCAA’s no matter what, but they’ll sleep better Saturday night if they beat the Blazers.
I’m not kidding about that; when I was the student manager of our basketball team in college, one year we were right on the bubble to get into the Division III tournament; waiting for that phone call was a very long Sunday (we got in thankfully).
MAC tournament
— Toledo 82, Ohio U 75— Last three years, Toledo is 48-9 in MAC regular season games, but they haven’t won the MAC tournament since 1980, which was also the first year the MAC had a conference tournament. This is a good team that could give a higher seed fits next week, but first they have to beat Kent State in the MAC final Saturday.
Mountain West tournament
— Utah State 72, Boise State 62— Aggies started this week as a bubble team; they trailed this game 36-28 at halftime, but they outscored Boise 44-26 in second half, and word now on the Interweb is that Utah State will make the NCAA’s- their game with San Diego State Saturday can’t hurt their resume any.
SEC tournament
— Vanderbilt 80, Kentucky 73— On February 1st, Vandy was 10-12; they lost a game to Alabama by 57 points (101-44). Since that loss, the Commodores are 10-1; there are mixed opinions as to whether Vandy will get in the tournament or not. They play Texas A&M today; win that game, and there will be very little doubt they’re getting in.
— Missouri 79, Tennessee 71— Vols are 5-7 in their last 12 games; their point guard is out for the year. Will be interesting to see where they’ll be seeded; they’re struggling right now.
Big East tournament
— Marquette 70, UConn 78— Rough day for the Hurley family; Danny Hurley’s team lost this game, Bobby Hurley’s Arizona State squad lost in the Pac-12 tournament.
Marquette has won eight games in a row, the last three by 2-2-2 points. They started five sophomores Saturday; their subs were three freshmen and another soph. If Shaka Smart can keep all those kids from bolting elsewhere, Marquette will be even better next season.
Big West tournament
Cal-Fullerton 83, Cal-Irvine 80— Titans made 10-17 on arc, knock off #1-seed Anteaters in a terrific game to watch. 70 possessions, lot of pace with good shooting. Fullerton has won the Big West tournament twice in last four years; they play UCSB Saturday. Big West’s level of play has improved a lot this season.
Big 14 tournament
— I have trouble listening to broadcasts on the Big 14 Network; their announcers are such shills. Some guy was touting Ohio State as “the 14th best team in country since February 1st”. WTF???
Ohio State went thru a 1-14 skid this season; they’ve rallied to win three games this week in the conference tournament, but when you’re touting a 16-18 team for postseason play, its time to stop talking, You lose your credibility.
— Penn State 67, Northwestern 65 OT— Wildcats had two players bolt their program last spring, one to Duke, one to North Carolina. What were the odds that Northwestern would make the NCAA’s this season, while North Carolina wouldn’t? Go figure.
AAC tournament
— Houston 60, East Carolina 46— This is the last time Jim Nantz will announce the Final Four; he is a Houston alum, the Cougars will be a #1-seed and the Final Four is in Houston. Anyone out there think they won’t make the Final Four?
Elsewhere in the world………
— Chicago Bears traded the #1 pick in next month’s draft to Carolina; in exchange, they get:
Carolina’s 1st round pick this year (#9 pick)
Carolina’s 2nd round pick (pick #61)
Carolina’s 1st round pick in 2024
Carolina’s 2nd round pick in 2025
WR DJ Moore
Seeing how Chicago already has a young QB (Justin Fields) and how a lot of pundits don’t think this year’s crop of college QB’s is that good, consensus was that the Bears won this trade.
— This is the 7th time since 1990 that a team traded up for the #1 pick:
2016— Rams traded up for QB Jared Goff
2001— Falcons traded up for QB Michael Vick
1997— Rams traded up for OT Orlando Pace, a Hall of Famer
1995— Bengals traded up for RB Ki-Jana Carter
1991— Cowboys traded up for DT Russell Maryland
1990— Colts traded up for QB Jeff George
— Sad news in baseball; former big league OF Jesus Alou passed away at age 80. One of three brothers who all played in the major leagues— they once started a game in the same outfield for the Giants, in 1963 against the Pirates.
Later on, all three brothers played for the A’s, at one time or another. Jesus Alou helped the A’s win World Series in 1973 and 1974.
On July 10, 1964, Jesus Alou went 6-6 in a game against the Cubs; reader Glen points out that he got the six hits against six different pitchers, which couldn’t have happened very many times.
RIP, sir.
NCAAB
Saturday, March 11
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cornell @ Yale
Cornell
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cornell's last 9 games when playing Yale
Cornell is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Yale
Yale
Yale is 17-2 SU in its last 19 games when playing Cornell
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Yale's last 9 games when playing Cornell
UMass-Lowell @ Vermont
UMass-Lowell
No trends to report
Vermont
No trends to report
Saint Louis @ VCU
Saint Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Saint Louis's last 15 games when playing VCU
Saint Louis is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing VCU
VCU
VCU is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing Saint Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of VCU's last 15 games when playing Saint Louis
Missouri @ Alabama
Missouri
Missouri is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Alabama
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Missouri's last 10 games when playing Alabama
Alabama
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Alabama's last 10 games when playing Missouri
Alabama is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Missouri
Ohio State @ Purdue
Ohio State
Ohio State is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Purdue
Ohio State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Purdue
Purdue
Purdue is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Ohio State
Norfolk State @ Howard
Norfolk State
No trends to report
Howard
No trends to report
Pennsylvania @ Princeton
Pennsylvania
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pennsylvania's last 8 games when playing Princeton
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pennsylvania's last 7 games when playing on the road against Princeton
Princeton
Princeton is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Pennsylvania
Princeton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pennsylvania
Cincinnati @ Houston
Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Cincinnati's last 21 games when playing Houston
Cincinnati is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Houston
Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
Houston is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Cincinnati
Fordham @ Dayton
Fordham
Fordham is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Dayton
Fordham is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Dayton
Dayton
Dayton is 18-1 SU in its last 19 games when playing Fordham
Dayton is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Fordham
Penn State @ Indiana
Penn State
Penn State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
Penn State is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing Penn State
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Penn State
Vanderbilt @ Texas A&M
Vanderbilt
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vanderbilt's last 6 games when playing Texas A&M
Vanderbilt is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Texas A&M
Texas A&M
Texas A&M is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Vanderbilt
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas A&M's last 6 games when playing Vanderbilt
Tulane @ Memphis
Tulane
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tulane's last 6 games when playing Memphis
Tulane is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing Tulane
Memphis is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing Tulane
Texas Southern @ Grambling State
Texas Southern
No trends to report
Grambling State
No trends to report
Texas @ Kansas
Texas
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Texas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas's last 6 games when playing Texas
Utah State @ San Diego State
Utah State
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Utah State's last 16 games when playing San Diego State
Utah State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Diego State
San Diego State
San Diego State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah State
San Diego State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Utah State
Xavier @ Marquette
Xavier
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Xavier's last 5 games when playing Marquette
Xavier is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Marquette
Marquette
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Marquette's last 5 games when playing Xavier
Marquette is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Xavier
Kent State @ Toledo
Kent State
Kent State is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Toledo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kent State's last 5 games when playing Toledo
Toledo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toledo's last 5 games when playing Kent State
Toledo is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Kent State
Marist @ Iona
Marist
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Marist's last 13 games when playing Iona
Marist is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Iona
Iona
Iona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Marist
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Iona's last 13 games when playing Marist
UAB @ Florida Atlantic
UAB
UAB is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing Florida Atlantic
UAB is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Florida Atlantic
Florida Atlantic
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida Atlantic's last 6 games when playing UAB
Florida Atlantic is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing UAB
Duke @ Virginia
Duke
Duke is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing Virginia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Duke's last 7 games when playing Virginia
Virginia
Virginia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Duke
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Virginia's last 7 games when playing Duke
Cal State-Fullerton @ UC-Santa Barbara
Cal State-Fullerton
Cal State-Fullerton is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing UC-Santa Barbara
UC-Santa Barbara
UC-Santa Barbara is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cal State-Fullerton
Arizona @ UCLA
Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing UCLA
Arizona is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing UCLA
UCLA
UCLA is 17-7 ATS in its last 24 games when playing Arizona
UCLA is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Arizona
Grand Canyon @ Southern Utah
Grand Canyon
No trends to report
Southern Utah
No trends to report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, March 11
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cornell @ Yale
Cornell
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cornell's last 9 games when playing Yale
Cornell is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Yale
Yale
Yale is 17-2 SU in its last 19 games when playing Cornell
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Yale's last 9 games when playing Cornell
UMass-Lowell @ Vermont
UMass-Lowell
No trends to report
Vermont
No trends to report
Saint Louis @ VCU
Saint Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Saint Louis's last 15 games when playing VCU
Saint Louis is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing VCU
VCU
VCU is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing Saint Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of VCU's last 15 games when playing Saint Louis
Missouri @ Alabama
Missouri
Missouri is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Alabama
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Missouri's last 10 games when playing Alabama
Alabama
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Alabama's last 10 games when playing Missouri
Alabama is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Missouri
Ohio State @ Purdue
Ohio State
Ohio State is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Purdue
Ohio State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Purdue
Purdue
Purdue is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Ohio State
Norfolk State @ Howard
Norfolk State
No trends to report
Howard
No trends to report
Pennsylvania @ Princeton
Pennsylvania
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pennsylvania's last 8 games when playing Princeton
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pennsylvania's last 7 games when playing on the road against Princeton
Princeton
Princeton is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Pennsylvania
Princeton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pennsylvania
Cincinnati @ Houston
Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Cincinnati's last 21 games when playing Houston
Cincinnati is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Houston
Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
Houston is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Cincinnati
Fordham @ Dayton
Fordham
Fordham is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Dayton
Fordham is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Dayton
Dayton
Dayton is 18-1 SU in its last 19 games when playing Fordham
Dayton is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Fordham
Penn State @ Indiana
Penn State
Penn State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
Penn State is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing Penn State
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Penn State
Vanderbilt @ Texas A&M
Vanderbilt
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vanderbilt's last 6 games when playing Texas A&M
Vanderbilt is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Texas A&M
Texas A&M
Texas A&M is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Vanderbilt
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas A&M's last 6 games when playing Vanderbilt
Tulane @ Memphis
Tulane
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tulane's last 6 games when playing Memphis
Tulane is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing Tulane
Memphis is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing Tulane
Texas Southern @ Grambling State
Texas Southern
No trends to report
Grambling State
No trends to report
Texas @ Kansas
Texas
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Texas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas's last 6 games when playing Texas
Utah State @ San Diego State
Utah State
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Utah State's last 16 games when playing San Diego State
Utah State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Diego State
San Diego State
San Diego State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah State
San Diego State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Utah State
Xavier @ Marquette
Xavier
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Xavier's last 5 games when playing Marquette
Xavier is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Marquette
Marquette
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Marquette's last 5 games when playing Xavier
Marquette is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Xavier
Kent State @ Toledo
Kent State
Kent State is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Toledo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kent State's last 5 games when playing Toledo
Toledo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toledo's last 5 games when playing Kent State
Toledo is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Kent State
Marist @ Iona
Marist
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Marist's last 13 games when playing Iona
Marist is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Iona
Iona
Iona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Marist
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Iona's last 13 games when playing Marist
UAB @ Florida Atlantic
UAB
UAB is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing Florida Atlantic
UAB is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Florida Atlantic
Florida Atlantic
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida Atlantic's last 6 games when playing UAB
Florida Atlantic is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing UAB
Duke @ Virginia
Duke
Duke is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing Virginia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Duke's last 7 games when playing Virginia
Virginia
Virginia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Duke
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Virginia's last 7 games when playing Duke
Cal State-Fullerton @ UC-Santa Barbara
Cal State-Fullerton
Cal State-Fullerton is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing UC-Santa Barbara
UC-Santa Barbara
UC-Santa Barbara is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cal State-Fullerton
Arizona @ UCLA
Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing UCLA
Arizona is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing UCLA
UCLA
UCLA is 17-7 ATS in its last 24 games when playing Arizona
UCLA is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Arizona
Grand Canyon @ Southern Utah
Grand Canyon
No trends to report
Southern Utah
No trends to report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up
Saturday, March 11
13 of Saturday’s best college basketball games
SEC tournament (@ Nashville)
Alabama vs Missouri
— Alabama (27-5, 17-2) ranked #3 by KenPom
— Tempo: #2
— Experience: #263
— Continuity: #286
— Alabama is 9-2 since its 93-69 loss at Oklahoma.
— Crimson Tide had a stress-free win over Miss State Friday.
— Alabama is shooting 54.4% inside arc (#31)
— Alabama is #43 team in country on offensive boards.
— Since 2017, Crimson Tide is 9-4 in SEC tourney.
— Alabama’s schedule, to this point: #9
— bench minutes: #61
— Alabama’s best win: 71-65 at #1 Houston
— Missouri (24-8, 12-7) ranked #51 by KenPom
— Tempo: #78
— Experience: #18
— Continuity: #327
— Mizzou won its last five games, scoring 78.6 ppg.
— Tigers went WL in their last three SEC tournaments.
— Mizzou is forcing turnovers 24.3% of time (#6)
— Tigers are 2nd-worst team in country on defensive boards.
— Mizzou is shooting 56.7% inside arc (#9), 36.3% on arc (#68)
— Mizzou’s schedule, to this point: #61
— bench minutes: #118
— Mizzou’s best wins: 86-85/79-71 over #5 Tennessee
— Alabama (-5) won 85-64 at Missouri January 21.
— Teams split their last eight meetings.
Vanderbilt vs Texas A&M
— Vanderbilt (20-13, 13-7) ranked #80 by KenPom
— Tempo: #218
— Experience: #95
— Continuity: #121
— Vanderbilt won five in row, 10 of last 11 games
— Vanderbilt played only one guy more than 29:00 the last 2 nites.
— Commodores have #89 eFG% defense in country.
— Commodores are 6-7 against top 50 teams.
— Vanderbilt is 11-6 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Vanderbilt’s schedule, to this point: #31
— bench minutes: #59
— Vanderbilt’s best win: 66-65 over #5 Tennessee.
— Texas A&M (24-8, 16-3) ranked #20 by KenPom
— Tempo: #246
— Experience: #88
— Continuity: #93
— Texas A&M won 18 of its last 21 games
— Since 2016, Texas A&M is 8-5 in SEC tourney games.
— Aggies played three guys 32:00+ Friday.
— Aggies are getting 26.4% of points on foul line (#1 in country)
— Texas A&M is forcing turnovers 21.1% of time (#41)
— Texas A&M’s schedule, to this point: #62
— bench minutes: #185
— Texas A&M’s best win: 67-61 over #3 Alabama
— A&M (-10) beat Vanderbilt 72-66 at home January 28.
— Aggies won five of last seven series games.
Atlantic 15 tournament (@ Brooklyn)
Saint Louis vs VCU
— Saint Louis (21-11, 13-6) ranked #94 by KenPom
— Tempo: #89
— Experience: #17
— Continuity: #54
— Saint Louis won five of its last seven games
— Since 2019, Billikens are 8-2 in A-15 tourney
— Only two Billikens played more than 22:00 Friday
— Saint Louis has #59 eFG% defense in country, #96 eFG% offense.
— Saint Louis is 9-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Saint Louis’ schedule, to this point: #115
— bench minutes: #144
— Saint Louis’ best win: 90-84 over #33 Memphis
— VCU (25-7, 16-3) ranked #70 by KenPom
— Tempo: #144
— Experience: #251
— Continuity: #193
— VCU has won seven in row, 20 of last 23 games
— Since 2007, Rams are 30-11 in conference tournaments.
— VCU is forcing turnovers 24.5% of time (#5)
— Cavaliers have #32 eFG% defense
— VCU is getting 22.2% of points on foul line (#20)
— VCU’s schedule, to this point: #145
— bench minutes: #112
— VCU’s best win: 63-62 at #73 Dayton.
— VCU beat Saint Louis twice TY, 73-65/79-67.
— Rams won 11 of last 13 series games.
Kansas vs Texas
— Kansas (27-6, 15-5) ranked #8 by KenPom
— Tempo: #72
— Experience: #230
— Continuity: #228
— Kansas coach Self (heart problem) is out this weekend
— Kansas won nine of its last ten games.
— Since 2006, Jayhawks are 36-6 in this tournament.
— Jayhawks have #31 eFG% defense in country.
— Kansas is 15-5 vs top 50 teams.
— Kansas’ schedule, to this point: #1
— bench minutes: #361
— Kansas’ best win: 88-80 over #8 Texas
— Texas (25-8, 14-6) ranked #9 by KenPom
— Tempo: #82
— Experience: #6
— Continuity: #145
— Texas won five of its last seven games SU
— Since 2016, Longhorns are 6-5 in Big X tourney.
— Texas played three starters 34:00+ in Friday’s 66-60 win.
— Texas is forcing turnovers 22.8% of time (#20)
— Longhorns are 9-3 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Texas’ schedule, to this point: #8
— bench minutes: #114
— Texas’ best win: 93-74 over #7 Gonzaga
— Teams split pair of home wins this season.
— Kansas lost 75-59 at Texas last Saturday.
— Teams split their last ten meetings.
Mountain West tournament (@ Thomas & Mack, Las Vegas)
Utah State vs San Diego State
— Utah State (26-7, 15-5) ranked #18 by KenPom
— Tempo: #107
— Experience: #29
— Continuity: #159
— Utah State won its last seven games, scoring 85 ppg in last four.
— Aggies were down 8 at half last night; three starters played 34:00+.
— Aggies are shooting 39.2% on arc (#5), 54.2% inside arc (#37)
— Opponents are shooting 46.1% inside arc (#30)
— Utah State is 4-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Utah State’s schedule, to this point: #60
— bench minutes: #335
— Utah State’s best wins: 86-73/72-62 over #30 Boise State
— San Diego State (26-6, 17-3) ranked #15 by KenPom
— Tempo: #253
— Experience: #21
— Continuity: #39
— San Diego State won 13 of its last 15 games.
— Since 2009, Aztecs are 33-10 in this tournament
— Aztecs have #54 eFG% defense in country.
— Aztecs are #64 team in country on defensive boards.
— San Diego State is 13-6 against teams ranked in top 100.
— San Diego State’s schedule, to this point: #36
— bench minutes: #32
— San Diego State’s best win: 85-75/63-61 over #23 Utah State
— San Diego State beat Utah State twice TY, 85-75/63-61.
— Teams split their last 12 meetings.
Big East tournament (@ Madison Square Garden)
Marquette vs Xavier
— Marquette (27-6, 19-3) ranked #12 by KenPom
— Tempo: #115
— Experience: #299
— Continuity: #105
— Marquette won eight in row, 13 of last 14 games.
— Marquette played 4 starters 34:00+ Thursday, 2 starters 34:00+ Friday.
— Eagles are forcing turnovers 22.9% of time (#18)
— Eagles are shooting 59.2% inside arc (#1)
— Marquette is #322 team on defensive boards.
— Marquette’s schedule, to this point: #43
— bench minutes: #265
— Marquette’s best win: 82-76 over #4 UConn
— Xavier (25-8, 17-5) ranked #14 by KenPom
— Tempo: #34
— Experience: #15
— Continuity: #45
— Xavier won its last five games, scoring 85 ppg.
— Xavier played two starters more than 30:00 in Friday’s win.
— Musketeers played four starters 35:00+ Thursday.
— Musketeers are shooting 40% on arc (#3), 54.4% inside arc (#30)
— Xavier is 8-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Xavier’s schedule, to this point: #29
— bench minutes: #302
— Xavier’s best win: 82-79/83-73 over #4 UConn
— Home teams won both meetings TY, both close games.
— Marquette won seven of last ten series games.
MAC tournament (@ Cleveland)
Kent State vs Toledo
— Kent State (27-6, 17-3) ranked #79 by KenPom
— Tempo: #142
— Experience: #60
— Continuity: #74
— Kent State won five in row, 21 of last 24 games
— Flashes played three guys 31:00+ in Friday’s 79-73 win.
— Kent State is forcing turnovers 22.9% of time (#17)
— Since 2017, Kent State is 11-4 in MAC tourney.
— Flashes are #255 team on defensive boards.
— Kent State’s schedule, to this point: #200
— bench minutes: #233
— Kent State’s best win: 75-63 over #83 Toledo
— Toledo (27-6, 18-2) ranked #83 by KenPom
— Tempo: #58
— Experience: #58
— Continuity: #26
— Toledo won its last 17 games (7-1 ATS last eight).
— Toledo played four starters 31:00+ in Friday’s 82-75 win.
— Rockets haven’t won MAC tournament since 1980 (the first MAC tourney)
— Rockets are shooting 40.5% on arc (#2), 54.7% inside arc (#27)
— Toledo scored 84+ points in each of its last eight games.
— Toledo’s schedule, to this point: #252
— bench minutes: #345
— Toledo’s best win: 93-85 over #54 UAB.
— Kent State (-4) beat Toledo 75-63 January 10.
— Flashes won six of last eight series games.
MAAC tournament (@ Atlantic City, NJ)
Iona vs Marist
— Iona (26-7, 19-3) ranked #76 by KenPom
— Tempo: #105
— Experience: #221
— Continuity: #198
— Iona won its last 13 games (9-3 ATS last 12).
— Since 2013, Gaels are 26-4 in MAAC tournament.
— Iona is forcing turnovers 20.9% of time (#52)
— Gaels have #19 eFG% defense in country.
— Nine of their last ten wins were by 11+ points.
— Iona’s schedule, to this point: #250
— bench minutes: #285
— Iona’s best win: 84-62 over #94 Saint Louis.
— Marist (13-19, 9-14) ranked #276 by KenPom
— Tempo: #276
— Experience: #312
— Continuity: #328
— Marist entered MAAC tourney on a 3-10 skid.
— Red Foxes’ wins this week are their first wins in MAAC tourney since 2015.
— Red Foxes played two starters more than 27:00 Friday
— In their three wins this week, Marist allowed 55.3 ppg.
— Marist has #291 eFG% in country.
— You’re reading armadillosports.com
— Marist’s schedule, to this point: #327
— bench minutes: #178
— Marist’s best win: 75-59 over #196 Quinnipiac.
— Iona beat Marist twice this year, by 84-57/93-74
— Gaels won 15 of last 17 series games.
ACC tournament (@ Greensboro, NC)
Duke vs Virginia
— Duke (25-8, 16-6) ranked #24 by KenPom
— Tempo: #292
— Experience: #295
— Continuity: #338
— Duke won eight in row, 11 of last 13 games.
— Since 2014, Blue Devils are 18-5 SU in ACC tournament.
— Duke has #23 eFG% defense in country.
— Blue Devils are #6 team on offensive boards.
— Duke is 6-4 vs teams ranked in top 50.
— Duke’s schedule, to this point: #72
— bench minutes: #151
— Duke’s best win: 71-64 over #17 Xavier.
— Virginia (25-6, 17-5) ranked #31 by KenPom
— Tempo: #360
— Experience: #4
— Continuity: #13
— Virginia won four in row, 15 of last 18 games.
— Cavaliers had stress-free win over Clemson Friday.
— Since 2018, Virginia is 8-2 in ACC tourney (won it in ’18)
— Opponents are shooting 46.5% inside arc (#38)
— Virginia is #48 team on defensive boards.
— Virginia’s schedule, to this point: #81
— bench minutes: #270
— Virginia’s best win: 86-79 over #16 Baylor
— Duke (+6) lost 69-62 in OT at Virginia February 11
— That is last game Duke lost.
— Teams split their last eight meetings.
Conference USA tournament (@ Frisco, TX)
Florida Atlantic vs Alabama-Birmingham
— Florida Atlantic (30-3, 20-2) ranked #30 by KenPom
— Tempo: #130
— Experience: #144
— Continuity: #24
— FAU won six in row, nine of last ten games
— FAU is 5-2 in last four C-USA tournaments.
— Owls played nine guys 10:00+ in Friday’s 68-65 win.
— Owls has #20 eFG% offense, #21 eFG% defense in country.
— FAU is #37 team in country on defensive boards.
— FAU’s schedule, to this point: #141
— bench minutes: #13
— FAU’s best win: 88-86 over #54 UAB
— Alabama-Birmingham (25-8, 16-6) ranked #54 by KenPom
— Tempo: #35
— Experience: #5
— Continuity: #112
— UAB won eight in row, 12 of last 13 games
— Blazers are 8-2 in last four C-USA tournaments.
— Blazers have #54 eFG% defense in country.
— UAB is shooting 37.2% on arc (#32), 49.2% inside arc (#233)
— UAB is getting 20.9% of points on foul line (#49)
— UAB’s schedule, to this point: #146
— bench minutes: #64
— UAB’s best win: 86-77 over #30 Florida Atlantic
— Teams split pair of home wins this season.
— Before that, UAB had won 10 of previous 11 meetings.
Big West tournament (@ Dollar Loan Arena, Las Vegas)
Cal-Fullerton vs Cal-Santa Barbara
— Cal State-Fullerton (20-12, 14-6) ranked #114 by KenPom
— Tempo: #313
— Experience: #227
— Continuity: #180
— Fullerton won seven games in row, last three by 4-2-3 points.
— Titans won two of last four Big West tournaments.
— All five Titan starters scored in double figures Friday.
— Fullerton is shooting 46.1% inside arc (#324), 36.7% on arc (#46)
— Fullerton is getting 21.4% of points on foul line (#36)
— Fullerton’s schedule, to this point: #131
— bench minutes: #249
— Fullerton’s best wins: 62-61/83-80 over #100 Cal-Irvine.
— Cal-Santa Barbara (26-7, 17-5) ranked #109 by KenPom
— Tempo: #308
— Experience: #70
— Continuity: #22
— UCSB won its last six games (4-0-2 ATS).
— Gauchos played 4 starters 32:00+ in yesterday’s 92-87 win.
— UCSB trailed that game 13-2 early on, but rallied to win.
— Gauchos won Big West tournament two years ago.
— UCSB is shooting 55.2% inside arc (#20)
— UCSB’s schedule, to this point: #222
— bench minutes: #342
— UCSB’s best win: 73-65 at #100 Cal-Irvine.
— Road team won both meetings this season.
— UCSB is 8-5 in last thirteen series games.
Pac-12 tournament (@ T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas)
UCLA vs Arizona
— UCLA (29-4, 20-2) ranked #2 by KenPom
— Tempo: #222
— Experience: #108
— Continuity: #151
— UCLA won its last 12 games (8-2-1 ATS last 11)
— UCLA played 4 starters 31:00+ in Friday’s 75-56 win.
— Bruins have couple regulars down with injuries.
— UCLA has #15 eFG% defense in country.
— Bruins force turnovers 23.8% of time (#9)
— UCLA’s schedule, to this point: #41
— bench minutes: #267
— UCLA’s best win: 82-73 over #10 Arizona, last Saturday
— Arizona (27-6, 16-6) ranked #10 by KenPom
— Tempo: #8
— Experience: #54
— Continuity: #165
— Arizona is 5-3 in last eight games, after a 22-3 start.
— Wildcats played three guys 33:00+ in last night’s 78-59 win
— Arizona is shooting 57% inside arc (#8), 38.4% inside arc (#14)
— Arizona has #44 eFG% defense in country.
— Wildcats are 15-6 against top 100 teams.
— Arizona’s schedule, to this point: #45
— bench minutes: #291
— Arizona’s best win: 58-52 over #2 UCLA.
— Home team won both meetings this season.
— UCLA won six of last eight series games.
WAC tournament (@ Orleans Arena, Las Vegas)
Grand Canyon vs Southern Utah
— Grand Canyon (23-11, 13-7) ranked #112 by KenPom
— Tempo: #291
— Experience: #63
— Continuity: #176
— Grand Canyon won its last five games, scoring 79.6 ppg.
— GCU made 16-30 on arc Friday, KO’d #1-seed Sam Houston State 78-75.
— Antelopes played seven guys 24:00+ yesterday.
— Antelopes are shooting 36.8% on arc (#44).
— Grand Canyon is getting 20.6% of its points on foul line (#57).
— Grand Canyon’s schedule, to this point: #129
— bench minutes: #140
— Grand Canyon’s best wins: 72-68 OT/78-75 over #67 Sam Houston
— Southern Utah (22-11, 14-6) ranked #103 by KenPom
— Tempo: #16
— Experience: #39
— Continuity: #113
— Southern Utah won first two WAC tourney games, by one point each.
— Southern Utah won 89-88 on a 4-point play at the buzzer last night.
— Thunderbirds trailed by 23 in 2nd half Friday, stormed back for unlikely win.
— Thunderbirds are getting 22.7% of their points on foul line (#15)
— Southern Utah has #270 eFG% defense in country.
— Southern Utah’s schedule, to this point: #100
— bench minutes: #359
— Southern Utah’s best wins: 79-67/89-88 over #80 Utah Valley
— Grand Canyon (+5) won 83-78 at Southern Utah March 1st.
— Antelopes trailed that game 21-7 early on.
Armadillo's Write-Up
Saturday, March 11
13 of Saturday’s best college basketball games
SEC tournament (@ Nashville)
Alabama vs Missouri
— Alabama (27-5, 17-2) ranked #3 by KenPom
— Tempo: #2
— Experience: #263
— Continuity: #286
— Alabama is 9-2 since its 93-69 loss at Oklahoma.
— Crimson Tide had a stress-free win over Miss State Friday.
— Alabama is shooting 54.4% inside arc (#31)
— Alabama is #43 team in country on offensive boards.
— Since 2017, Crimson Tide is 9-4 in SEC tourney.
— Alabama’s schedule, to this point: #9
— bench minutes: #61
— Alabama’s best win: 71-65 at #1 Houston
— Missouri (24-8, 12-7) ranked #51 by KenPom
— Tempo: #78
— Experience: #18
— Continuity: #327
— Mizzou won its last five games, scoring 78.6 ppg.
— Tigers went WL in their last three SEC tournaments.
— Mizzou is forcing turnovers 24.3% of time (#6)
— Tigers are 2nd-worst team in country on defensive boards.
— Mizzou is shooting 56.7% inside arc (#9), 36.3% on arc (#68)
— Mizzou’s schedule, to this point: #61
— bench minutes: #118
— Mizzou’s best wins: 86-85/79-71 over #5 Tennessee
— Alabama (-5) won 85-64 at Missouri January 21.
— Teams split their last eight meetings.
Vanderbilt vs Texas A&M
— Vanderbilt (20-13, 13-7) ranked #80 by KenPom
— Tempo: #218
— Experience: #95
— Continuity: #121
— Vanderbilt won five in row, 10 of last 11 games
— Vanderbilt played only one guy more than 29:00 the last 2 nites.
— Commodores have #89 eFG% defense in country.
— Commodores are 6-7 against top 50 teams.
— Vanderbilt is 11-6 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Vanderbilt’s schedule, to this point: #31
— bench minutes: #59
— Vanderbilt’s best win: 66-65 over #5 Tennessee.
— Texas A&M (24-8, 16-3) ranked #20 by KenPom
— Tempo: #246
— Experience: #88
— Continuity: #93
— Texas A&M won 18 of its last 21 games
— Since 2016, Texas A&M is 8-5 in SEC tourney games.
— Aggies played three guys 32:00+ Friday.
— Aggies are getting 26.4% of points on foul line (#1 in country)
— Texas A&M is forcing turnovers 21.1% of time (#41)
— Texas A&M’s schedule, to this point: #62
— bench minutes: #185
— Texas A&M’s best win: 67-61 over #3 Alabama
— A&M (-10) beat Vanderbilt 72-66 at home January 28.
— Aggies won five of last seven series games.
Atlantic 15 tournament (@ Brooklyn)
Saint Louis vs VCU
— Saint Louis (21-11, 13-6) ranked #94 by KenPom
— Tempo: #89
— Experience: #17
— Continuity: #54
— Saint Louis won five of its last seven games
— Since 2019, Billikens are 8-2 in A-15 tourney
— Only two Billikens played more than 22:00 Friday
— Saint Louis has #59 eFG% defense in country, #96 eFG% offense.
— Saint Louis is 9-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Saint Louis’ schedule, to this point: #115
— bench minutes: #144
— Saint Louis’ best win: 90-84 over #33 Memphis
— VCU (25-7, 16-3) ranked #70 by KenPom
— Tempo: #144
— Experience: #251
— Continuity: #193
— VCU has won seven in row, 20 of last 23 games
— Since 2007, Rams are 30-11 in conference tournaments.
— VCU is forcing turnovers 24.5% of time (#5)
— Cavaliers have #32 eFG% defense
— VCU is getting 22.2% of points on foul line (#20)
— VCU’s schedule, to this point: #145
— bench minutes: #112
— VCU’s best win: 63-62 at #73 Dayton.
— VCU beat Saint Louis twice TY, 73-65/79-67.
— Rams won 11 of last 13 series games.
Kansas vs Texas
— Kansas (27-6, 15-5) ranked #8 by KenPom
— Tempo: #72
— Experience: #230
— Continuity: #228
— Kansas coach Self (heart problem) is out this weekend
— Kansas won nine of its last ten games.
— Since 2006, Jayhawks are 36-6 in this tournament.
— Jayhawks have #31 eFG% defense in country.
— Kansas is 15-5 vs top 50 teams.
— Kansas’ schedule, to this point: #1
— bench minutes: #361
— Kansas’ best win: 88-80 over #8 Texas
— Texas (25-8, 14-6) ranked #9 by KenPom
— Tempo: #82
— Experience: #6
— Continuity: #145
— Texas won five of its last seven games SU
— Since 2016, Longhorns are 6-5 in Big X tourney.
— Texas played three starters 34:00+ in Friday’s 66-60 win.
— Texas is forcing turnovers 22.8% of time (#20)
— Longhorns are 9-3 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Texas’ schedule, to this point: #8
— bench minutes: #114
— Texas’ best win: 93-74 over #7 Gonzaga
— Teams split pair of home wins this season.
— Kansas lost 75-59 at Texas last Saturday.
— Teams split their last ten meetings.
Mountain West tournament (@ Thomas & Mack, Las Vegas)
Utah State vs San Diego State
— Utah State (26-7, 15-5) ranked #18 by KenPom
— Tempo: #107
— Experience: #29
— Continuity: #159
— Utah State won its last seven games, scoring 85 ppg in last four.
— Aggies were down 8 at half last night; three starters played 34:00+.
— Aggies are shooting 39.2% on arc (#5), 54.2% inside arc (#37)
— Opponents are shooting 46.1% inside arc (#30)
— Utah State is 4-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Utah State’s schedule, to this point: #60
— bench minutes: #335
— Utah State’s best wins: 86-73/72-62 over #30 Boise State
— San Diego State (26-6, 17-3) ranked #15 by KenPom
— Tempo: #253
— Experience: #21
— Continuity: #39
— San Diego State won 13 of its last 15 games.
— Since 2009, Aztecs are 33-10 in this tournament
— Aztecs have #54 eFG% defense in country.
— Aztecs are #64 team in country on defensive boards.
— San Diego State is 13-6 against teams ranked in top 100.
— San Diego State’s schedule, to this point: #36
— bench minutes: #32
— San Diego State’s best win: 85-75/63-61 over #23 Utah State
— San Diego State beat Utah State twice TY, 85-75/63-61.
— Teams split their last 12 meetings.
Big East tournament (@ Madison Square Garden)
Marquette vs Xavier
— Marquette (27-6, 19-3) ranked #12 by KenPom
— Tempo: #115
— Experience: #299
— Continuity: #105
— Marquette won eight in row, 13 of last 14 games.
— Marquette played 4 starters 34:00+ Thursday, 2 starters 34:00+ Friday.
— Eagles are forcing turnovers 22.9% of time (#18)
— Eagles are shooting 59.2% inside arc (#1)
— Marquette is #322 team on defensive boards.
— Marquette’s schedule, to this point: #43
— bench minutes: #265
— Marquette’s best win: 82-76 over #4 UConn
— Xavier (25-8, 17-5) ranked #14 by KenPom
— Tempo: #34
— Experience: #15
— Continuity: #45
— Xavier won its last five games, scoring 85 ppg.
— Xavier played two starters more than 30:00 in Friday’s win.
— Musketeers played four starters 35:00+ Thursday.
— Musketeers are shooting 40% on arc (#3), 54.4% inside arc (#30)
— Xavier is 8-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
— Xavier’s schedule, to this point: #29
— bench minutes: #302
— Xavier’s best win: 82-79/83-73 over #4 UConn
— Home teams won both meetings TY, both close games.
— Marquette won seven of last ten series games.
MAC tournament (@ Cleveland)
Kent State vs Toledo
— Kent State (27-6, 17-3) ranked #79 by KenPom
— Tempo: #142
— Experience: #60
— Continuity: #74
— Kent State won five in row, 21 of last 24 games
— Flashes played three guys 31:00+ in Friday’s 79-73 win.
— Kent State is forcing turnovers 22.9% of time (#17)
— Since 2017, Kent State is 11-4 in MAC tourney.
— Flashes are #255 team on defensive boards.
— Kent State’s schedule, to this point: #200
— bench minutes: #233
— Kent State’s best win: 75-63 over #83 Toledo
— Toledo (27-6, 18-2) ranked #83 by KenPom
— Tempo: #58
— Experience: #58
— Continuity: #26
— Toledo won its last 17 games (7-1 ATS last eight).
— Toledo played four starters 31:00+ in Friday’s 82-75 win.
— Rockets haven’t won MAC tournament since 1980 (the first MAC tourney)
— Rockets are shooting 40.5% on arc (#2), 54.7% inside arc (#27)
— Toledo scored 84+ points in each of its last eight games.
— Toledo’s schedule, to this point: #252
— bench minutes: #345
— Toledo’s best win: 93-85 over #54 UAB.
— Kent State (-4) beat Toledo 75-63 January 10.
— Flashes won six of last eight series games.
MAAC tournament (@ Atlantic City, NJ)
Iona vs Marist
— Iona (26-7, 19-3) ranked #76 by KenPom
— Tempo: #105
— Experience: #221
— Continuity: #198
— Iona won its last 13 games (9-3 ATS last 12).
— Since 2013, Gaels are 26-4 in MAAC tournament.
— Iona is forcing turnovers 20.9% of time (#52)
— Gaels have #19 eFG% defense in country.
— Nine of their last ten wins were by 11+ points.
— Iona’s schedule, to this point: #250
— bench minutes: #285
— Iona’s best win: 84-62 over #94 Saint Louis.
— Marist (13-19, 9-14) ranked #276 by KenPom
— Tempo: #276
— Experience: #312
— Continuity: #328
— Marist entered MAAC tourney on a 3-10 skid.
— Red Foxes’ wins this week are their first wins in MAAC tourney since 2015.
— Red Foxes played two starters more than 27:00 Friday
— In their three wins this week, Marist allowed 55.3 ppg.
— Marist has #291 eFG% in country.
— You’re reading armadillosports.com
— Marist’s schedule, to this point: #327
— bench minutes: #178
— Marist’s best win: 75-59 over #196 Quinnipiac.
— Iona beat Marist twice this year, by 84-57/93-74
— Gaels won 15 of last 17 series games.
ACC tournament (@ Greensboro, NC)
Duke vs Virginia
— Duke (25-8, 16-6) ranked #24 by KenPom
— Tempo: #292
— Experience: #295
— Continuity: #338
— Duke won eight in row, 11 of last 13 games.
— Since 2014, Blue Devils are 18-5 SU in ACC tournament.
— Duke has #23 eFG% defense in country.
— Blue Devils are #6 team on offensive boards.
— Duke is 6-4 vs teams ranked in top 50.
— Duke’s schedule, to this point: #72
— bench minutes: #151
— Duke’s best win: 71-64 over #17 Xavier.
— Virginia (25-6, 17-5) ranked #31 by KenPom
— Tempo: #360
— Experience: #4
— Continuity: #13
— Virginia won four in row, 15 of last 18 games.
— Cavaliers had stress-free win over Clemson Friday.
— Since 2018, Virginia is 8-2 in ACC tourney (won it in ’18)
— Opponents are shooting 46.5% inside arc (#38)
— Virginia is #48 team on defensive boards.
— Virginia’s schedule, to this point: #81
— bench minutes: #270
— Virginia’s best win: 86-79 over #16 Baylor
— Duke (+6) lost 69-62 in OT at Virginia February 11
— That is last game Duke lost.
— Teams split their last eight meetings.
Conference USA tournament (@ Frisco, TX)
Florida Atlantic vs Alabama-Birmingham
— Florida Atlantic (30-3, 20-2) ranked #30 by KenPom
— Tempo: #130
— Experience: #144
— Continuity: #24
— FAU won six in row, nine of last ten games
— FAU is 5-2 in last four C-USA tournaments.
— Owls played nine guys 10:00+ in Friday’s 68-65 win.
— Owls has #20 eFG% offense, #21 eFG% defense in country.
— FAU is #37 team in country on defensive boards.
— FAU’s schedule, to this point: #141
— bench minutes: #13
— FAU’s best win: 88-86 over #54 UAB
— Alabama-Birmingham (25-8, 16-6) ranked #54 by KenPom
— Tempo: #35
— Experience: #5
— Continuity: #112
— UAB won eight in row, 12 of last 13 games
— Blazers are 8-2 in last four C-USA tournaments.
— Blazers have #54 eFG% defense in country.
— UAB is shooting 37.2% on arc (#32), 49.2% inside arc (#233)
— UAB is getting 20.9% of points on foul line (#49)
— UAB’s schedule, to this point: #146
— bench minutes: #64
— UAB’s best win: 86-77 over #30 Florida Atlantic
— Teams split pair of home wins this season.
— Before that, UAB had won 10 of previous 11 meetings.
Big West tournament (@ Dollar Loan Arena, Las Vegas)
Cal-Fullerton vs Cal-Santa Barbara
— Cal State-Fullerton (20-12, 14-6) ranked #114 by KenPom
— Tempo: #313
— Experience: #227
— Continuity: #180
— Fullerton won seven games in row, last three by 4-2-3 points.
— Titans won two of last four Big West tournaments.
— All five Titan starters scored in double figures Friday.
— Fullerton is shooting 46.1% inside arc (#324), 36.7% on arc (#46)
— Fullerton is getting 21.4% of points on foul line (#36)
— Fullerton’s schedule, to this point: #131
— bench minutes: #249
— Fullerton’s best wins: 62-61/83-80 over #100 Cal-Irvine.
— Cal-Santa Barbara (26-7, 17-5) ranked #109 by KenPom
— Tempo: #308
— Experience: #70
— Continuity: #22
— UCSB won its last six games (4-0-2 ATS).
— Gauchos played 4 starters 32:00+ in yesterday’s 92-87 win.
— UCSB trailed that game 13-2 early on, but rallied to win.
— Gauchos won Big West tournament two years ago.
— UCSB is shooting 55.2% inside arc (#20)
— UCSB’s schedule, to this point: #222
— bench minutes: #342
— UCSB’s best win: 73-65 at #100 Cal-Irvine.
— Road team won both meetings this season.
— UCSB is 8-5 in last thirteen series games.
Pac-12 tournament (@ T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas)
UCLA vs Arizona
— UCLA (29-4, 20-2) ranked #2 by KenPom
— Tempo: #222
— Experience: #108
— Continuity: #151
— UCLA won its last 12 games (8-2-1 ATS last 11)
— UCLA played 4 starters 31:00+ in Friday’s 75-56 win.
— Bruins have couple regulars down with injuries.
— UCLA has #15 eFG% defense in country.
— Bruins force turnovers 23.8% of time (#9)
— UCLA’s schedule, to this point: #41
— bench minutes: #267
— UCLA’s best win: 82-73 over #10 Arizona, last Saturday
— Arizona (27-6, 16-6) ranked #10 by KenPom
— Tempo: #8
— Experience: #54
— Continuity: #165
— Arizona is 5-3 in last eight games, after a 22-3 start.
— Wildcats played three guys 33:00+ in last night’s 78-59 win
— Arizona is shooting 57% inside arc (#8), 38.4% inside arc (#14)
— Arizona has #44 eFG% defense in country.
— Wildcats are 15-6 against top 100 teams.
— Arizona’s schedule, to this point: #45
— bench minutes: #291
— Arizona’s best win: 58-52 over #2 UCLA.
— Home team won both meetings this season.
— UCLA won six of last eight series games.
WAC tournament (@ Orleans Arena, Las Vegas)
Grand Canyon vs Southern Utah
— Grand Canyon (23-11, 13-7) ranked #112 by KenPom
— Tempo: #291
— Experience: #63
— Continuity: #176
— Grand Canyon won its last five games, scoring 79.6 ppg.
— GCU made 16-30 on arc Friday, KO’d #1-seed Sam Houston State 78-75.
— Antelopes played seven guys 24:00+ yesterday.
— Antelopes are shooting 36.8% on arc (#44).
— Grand Canyon is getting 20.6% of its points on foul line (#57).
— Grand Canyon’s schedule, to this point: #129
— bench minutes: #140
— Grand Canyon’s best wins: 72-68 OT/78-75 over #67 Sam Houston
— Southern Utah (22-11, 14-6) ranked #103 by KenPom
— Tempo: #16
— Experience: #39
— Continuity: #113
— Southern Utah won first two WAC tourney games, by one point each.
— Southern Utah won 89-88 on a 4-point play at the buzzer last night.
— Thunderbirds trailed by 23 in 2nd half Friday, stormed back for unlikely win.
— Thunderbirds are getting 22.7% of their points on foul line (#15)
— Southern Utah has #270 eFG% defense in country.
— Southern Utah’s schedule, to this point: #100
— bench minutes: #359
— Southern Utah’s best wins: 79-67/89-88 over #80 Utah Valley
— Grand Canyon (+5) won 83-78 at Southern Utah March 1st.
— Antelopes trailed that game 21-7 early on.
