Monday 3/2/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
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[superbeets]

Italian Serie A TODAY 19:45

Roma

v

Juventus

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		21/10	9/4	7/5	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ROMA	RECENT FORM
HLAWHDHDADAW​ Most recent​	0 - 1 1 - 0 1 - 0 1 - 1	AWADHWADHWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Juventus are unbeaten in their last 22 matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Roma won 2-1 in Rotterdam on Thursday after playing the last 30 minutes against ten men but face a tougher challenge at home to Serie A title rivals Juventus. It looks a must win game for the Wolves but Juve are the more accomplished side and can take maximum points from their trip to the capital.

RECOMMENDATION: Juventus
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - March

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.

NHL GRAND SALAMI

Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
3/1 6 32 41 OVER
3/2 3 - - -
3/3 10 - - -
3/4 4 - - -
3/5 8 - - -
3/6 6 - - -
3/7 10 - - -
3/8 6 - - -
3/9 5 - - -
3/10 8 - - -
3/11 3 - - -
3/12 11 - - -
3/13 5 - - -
3/14 12 - - -
3/15 7 - - -
3/16 4 - - -
3/17 9 - - -
3/18 3 - - -
3/19 10 - - -
3/20 3 - - -
3/21 13 - - -
3/22 4 - - -
3/23 7 - - -
3/24 18 - - -
3/25 3 - - -
3/26 11 - - -
3/27 3 - - -
3/28 13 - - -
3/29 8 - - -
3/30 6 - - -
3/31 7 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Preview: Canadiens (41-16) at Sharks (30-25)

Date: March 02, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

In danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons, the San Jose Sharks can help their cause by finding a way to win at home.

Though they haven't lost to the Montreal Canadiens there in more than 15 years, the Sharks must halt the Eastern Conference leaders' four-game winning streak in order to avoid matching a club record with a ninth consecutive home defeat Monday night.

San Jose's run of 10 straight postseason appearances is second only to Detroit's 23, but a 3-8-2 performance in February has left the Sharks (30-25-8) on the outside of playoff position in the West.

"Time's ticking away here," forward Tommy Wingels told the NHL's official website. "Every game we lose is two points down the drain."

San Jose has dropped three straight - all at home - and hasn't lost nine in a row there since its second NHL season in 1992-93. The Sharks have totaled five goals in those three losses and scored two or fewer in five of their previous six at home.

Perhaps more frustrating is that San Jose led after two periods in each of the last two. It managed seven shots while allowing three goals in the final 20 minutes of Saturday's 4-2 loss to Ottawa.

"When you get up on a team you have to pile it on," said Wingels, who scored his second goal in four games. "I don't know if it's the killer instinct we lack or if we don't know how to play with a lead. It's frustrating."

Teammate Antti Niemi was in net for both shutout victories over Montreal last season, but has a 3.49 goals-against average while starting every game during the 0-6-2 home skid. He hasn't been helped much by a penalty-kill unit that's allowed the last seven home opponents to go 6 for 20 on the power play.

"We have to figure out how to play better," coach Todd McLellan said. "Going in and having another pow-wow. It's getting old."

Though San Jose has won three straight overall and seven consecutive at home against Montreal since a 3-2 overtime loss there Nov. 23, 1999, its confidence on any ice appears fragile.

That likely won't bode well against these Canadiens (41-16-5), who own a 17-5 goal advantage during their four-game winning streak and have won 11 of 13 on the road.

"We've been spending more time in the offensive zone recently. That's been key for us," former Shark Manny Malhotra told the Canadiens' official website after he scored his first goal of the season in Saturday's 4-0 victory over Toronto.

"Hopefully we can keep it up."

Montreal has been able to play more aggressively on offense because of the strong play of goalie Carey Price, who made 30 saves while recording his sixth shutout Saturday.

Price has a 1.18 GAA and .956 save percentage during a 9-0-1 stretch. He also could extend his franchise-record, 10-game road win streak during which he's posted a 1.20 GAA. Price hasn't played at San Jose since December 2011, but is 0-2-1 with a 3.95 GAA there.

The only other time the Sharks shut out the same opponent in three consecutive games was against the Coyotes in 2007-08. Montreal hasn't been blanked in three straight by one team since Washington did it over the 2010-11 and '11-12 seasons.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 7 - Post: 2:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$2900 - F& M $4000 CLAIMING/ALLOWANCES B ALDRICH JR 5 OVER 8


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 ALL PERFECT 6/1


# 4 ADMIRAL ABBIE 3/1


# 5 GET YOUR OWN 5/2


ALL PERFECT appears to be our best wagering option in this race. The 77 average class statistic may give this mare a distinct edge in the field of horses. The 1 position is on fire here at Monticello Raceway. More wins than you would expect. ADMIRAL ABBIE - This fine animal looks dangerous considering the high class statistics. Not a good idea to throw out of any exotics. Is a bang-up win contender given the 78 speed rating from her most recent race. GET YOUR OWN - Can't pass over the connections here, a 35 winning clip, one of the strongest at getting into the winners circle. Aldrich has been winning with a flourish the past month, winning at a competitive 35 percent.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pompano Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 3 - Post: 8:06 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 62 - Purse:$5000 - 5-YEAR-OLDS AND UNDER - NON-WINNERS 2


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 SUPER SHEFF FROSTY 12/1


# 5 TROTTING JC POSS 12/1


# 6 LOONEY 4/1


SUPER SHEFF FROSTY sure does look ready to dominate especially at such a decent 12/1. A change in the horse's equipment for this competition. Taking hopples off likely to result in nice improvement. TROTTING JC POSS - Getting a good instinct about this mare. Could surprise in here. The 5 post sports a better than expected win rate at Pompano Park. LOONEY - Cannot put a finger on it, but lean toward this gelding for a bet.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 4 - Maiden - 870y on the Dirt. Purse: $6500 Class Rating: 56

QUARTER HORSE 870Y, FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 ROYAL WINGS OF GLORY 5/2


# 7 KJR TOCAILLE 4/1


# 5 ME TOO A LEADER 2/1


I've got to go with ROYAL WINGS OF GLORY. Ran a solid last race. Looks to have a respectable class edge based on the recent company kept. Looks very good for the conditions of this contest today, showing solid numbers in longer quarter horse races lately. KJR TOCAILLE - Have to examine solely on class, with some of the best class numbers of this group of horses in this race. The price should be just right on this entrant. ME TOO A LEADER - Has been running well lately and ought to be up on the lead early on. Ran a solid last race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Mahoning Valley Race Course

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 1 - SA - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 81

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $4,000 OR LESS IN 2014 - 2015. WEIGHT, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE FEBRUARY 2 ALLOWED 2 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 7 SILENT SPIN 4/1


# 5 PEDROIA 2/1


# 3 SOUTHERN VALENTINE 5/2


SILENT SPIN is the best wager in this race. Has performed solidly recently in route races, posting a nifty 73 avg speed figure. With Houghton getting the mount, watch out for this racer. She has respectable class ratings, averaging 85, and has to be considered in here. PEDROIA - Solid average speed figures in dirt route races make this horse a solid contender. Could beat this group given the 71 Equibase Speed Figure garnered in her last outing. SOUTHERN VALENTINE - Have to think this animal will do well again today. Win percentage with this jockey and trainer combo - 18 percent - sound.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer - Race #7 - Post: 9:12pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,500 Class Rating: 84

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 FIRE HOUSE BLITZ (ML=9/2)
#7 BERNIE'S BEST (ML=6/1)


FIRE HOUSE BLITZ - I look for this horse to sit off the pace and make a big move on the turn, cruising straight on to the finish line. Ortiz and Ramirez partnered together are a handicapper's friend. The 87 latest race speed figure looks mighty good in the TrackMaster PPs. That recent bullet 48.0 work shows that this horse is ready for a top effort today. BERNIE'S BEST - This animal has shown the ability to win at different racing venues. Making the move from Turfway Park for today's event, I have to believe he's ready to run. He has the uppermost earnings per start. Take a good look at this one.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 BEAT THE STORM (ML=2/1), #3 AMBER SUNRISE (ML=5/2), #6 CRESTATORRE (ML=6/1),

BEAT THE STORM - No picnic to play this steed this time around. Make him show you something in a short distance race before you play him in a race of 5 furlongs. Will not be easy for this entrant to beat this group off of that last speed rating. Doubtful to improve enough to run a figure anywhere near today's Equibase class figure, so put him on the likely underpriced contenders list. AMBER SUNRISE - 5/2 is too short of a reward to take on most any mount that has run poorly in back to back outings. Generally I need a sprinter to have some recent good showings in sprint contests in order to support him. CRESTATORRE - This gelding is always in the money, but just doesn't win. Hard to bet on him on the top end. Would have to improve off that fourth place finish last time to make an impact here. Don't feel this less than sharp equine will make a winning move in today's race. That last speed figure was disappointing when compared with today's class rating.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #2 FIRE HOUSE BLITZ to win. Have to have odds of at least 7/5 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #7 - Post: 3:07pm - Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $23,000 Class Rating: 79

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 COTTON VALLEY (ML=4/1)
#4 DEVILS POOL (ML=9/2)


COTTON VALLEY - Linder must have known this gelding would run well at this track. Won his last race here on December 29th and now goes for two in a row. This gelding gets a weight break of -6 lbs from last race. Certainly could make the difference in today's race. DEVILS POOL - The jock/conditioner tandem of Fragoso and Preciado has a strong ROI together. Looking at today's class rating, this thoroughbred is encountering an easier field than last time out at Parx Racing.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 STREAKIN EASY (ML=5/2), #1 HERE'S TO MIKE (ML=6/1), #10 SPENNY B. (ML=8/1),

STREAKIN EASY - Hasn't raced or had any morning blow outs since December 29th. Not much value on this probable favorite. Hard to recommend any horse with dropping Equibase speed figs of 83/71/47. The rating in the last race doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class figure of today's race. Mark this thoroughbred as a possibly overvalued contestant. HERE'S TO MIKE - This gelding recorded a speed fig in his last race which likely isn't good enough in today's race. SPENNY B. - This gelding gave a less than rousing performance last time.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #7 COTTON VALLEY on the nose if you can get odds of 9/5 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Monday 3/2 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY $1 PICK 4:

5/2,4,6/4,8/4,5,6 = $18

MEET STATS: 77 - 230 / $420.40 BEST BETS: 11 - 22 / $46.50

SPOT PLAYS: 5 - 21 / $54.10

Best Bet: WELL WRITTEN (4th)

Spot Play: BAD AS CREEK (3rd)


Race 1

(6) WIZARD OF OSNEY fought back to regain the lead after losing it at the 3/4 then was chased down again late. That was his third very good effort straight off the layoff and he looms large again here. (2) DOMEDOMEDOME won her 2nd and 3rd lifetime starts impressively at Flamboro and returns to the big track full of confidence. She could do here, too. (7) PL HOUDINI was a clear 2nd to an impressive winner and is likely to be prominent early again.

Race 2

(8) PL GYRO was allergic to winning last year but has really turned it around in 2015 most recently with an impressive first-over win; sticking with him. (7) A AND C ARTIST raced Thursday a class higher and closed 16 lengths in the final 3/4 despite missing the board. He fits much better here if he goes. (4) LOST IN PANSLATION was reclaimed by Macintosh who has done well with him. He'll be right on the point for as far as he goes.

Race 3

(2) BAD AS CREEK has faced three promising winners in his past three starts but none of these appear to be as good as those. He can get back on track vs. this group with a win. (7) HARBOR PLACE faced many of the same horses but he seems somewhat one-paced late and more apt to get a slice. (10) GIOVANNI inherited a win through DQ but he has shown dramatic improvement the past two starts and raced big out of the 10 hole on Feb. 9; respect.

Race 4

(5) WELL WRITTEN reached up late on Monday night to break his maiden and is wheeled right back into the same class looking to strike while the iron is hot; top call. (2) THREE RIVERS DELL showed promise in a limited fall campaign and returns with a good qualifier under his belt. (1) PIER HO TEMPTATION was nailed very late by the choice in his best effort to date. He is a threat again in here.

Race 5

(4) INCOGNITO tipped his hand with a big second half last week and the step up isn't that steep vs. this group. He is likely to be prominent much earlier; top call. (6) SEA DONKEY didn't exert a lot of effort from the 10-hole last time after missing a week. Look for him to go much better here from the middle of the gate. (2) COBBLE BEACH tried it first up and didn't back up terribly. He is likely to keep covered up to the lane here and come late for a share.

Race 6

(8) OHO DIAMOND went a big first-up trip to win his first of the year last week and projects to get a similar trip here; call to repeat. (4) TAROT changed barns and drivers and was never headed. He looked like a different animal and could repeat despite the class rise. (7) SHOPSMAGICWAND endured a long journey first time over Woodbine and wasn't disgraced but that came almost a month ago so she may need this start.

Race 7

(6) WHISKEY N PIE has been very impressive the past two weeks and while this group is tougher, he may be up to the challenge. (5) INNOCENT VICTIM couldn't reach an impressive winner despite pacing his own last 1/4 in 28.2. He could turn the tables here. (4) VELOCITY DRIVEN showed a new dimension last time with an impressive late charge which makes him more dangerous.

Race 8

(6) MISTER ICON was prominent throughout first off the claim and only nailed very late when the pace slowed dramatically. He can make amends here. (9) LITTLE QUICK motored down the middle of the track to nail the choice late but his racing style often depends on flow which sometimes is non-existent at Woodbine. Keep on your late pick 4 tickets anyway. (7) ROCKNROLL BAND has been very good the past two weeks for Filion who seems to know how to time his move just right. He is another for late pick 4 tickets.

Race 9

(6) SHOULDHAVEBETMORE is a full brother to millionaire world record holder Drop The Ball as well as Mattie Terror Girl, Special Terror and Straight Shooting who all took lifetime marks of 1:50 1/5. He is a big threat on pedigree alone. (5) NOBETTORPLACETOBE was flying up the inside late in the Count B Final but is sure to be wildly over bet off that race. He may not last trying to make his own luck. 9) TEAM CAPTAIN was called to win and was conservatively driven but was making noticeable headway in the lane. He'll win soon and this might be the night to nail him at a price.

Race 10

(7) GLAMMIT has been showing some signs of improvement in higher classes now drops to the bottom of the conditioned ladder. A Mac may send this one vs. this weak group; top call. (9) ARI ALLSTAR tried to go down the road last week but tired late. He ranks highly in here. (4) FUTURE MILLION is a 'trip horse' that just may get a good one here; beware. (3) SAVANNAH SPLENDOR can leave better and stay covered up until late and get a piece of the high-5. (1) BURNING SHORE will likely leave hard for position from the inside and can better this placing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 3/2 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

MEET STATS: 52 - 154 / $256.30 BEST BETS: 7 - 13 / $25.60


Best Bet: LUCKY MAN (6th)

Spot Play: FOX VALLEY LEO (1st)


Race 1

(5) FOX VALLEY LEO double jumped to the 20K level off the claim and appeared overmatched; back where he belongs. (1) WATERSIDE CHAMP draws best and has hit the board in his last two. (4) HURTIN ALBERTAN has also been a steady commodity at this level.

Race 2

(2) FLEX THE MUSCLE has loads of back class for the Schnittker barn and he was facing better when last seen here. (4) SCOTTISH CROSS should be firing from the gate. (1) YAGOT CLASS debuts for Banca via claim, and his barn has been better in recent days.

Race 3

(4) MCCEDES couldn't last the duration on the front end last out after seemingly going too fast; veteran can rebound here at a better price. (3) APPLEY EVER AFTER beat a weaker bunch last week but looked good doing it. (2) POKER HAT has loads of back class like the top choice and will be in the hunt from this inside spot.

Race 4

(4) SILOUETTE woke up in a big way last week and the Kimelman trainee is clearly capable of repeating. (3) HIGHLAND ROCKSTAR has no excuse not to be more involved tonight. (1) ROSE PETAL was a bit short in her local debut, which was only her third lifetime start.

Race 5

(1) ER ROOM is one of a handful of droppers in here but this gelding draws best and has the services of leading driver Dan Dube. (2) WINTER BLUES gets post relief and picks up Bartlett. (4) MACHTOTHEMOON was second best last out at a price.

Race 6

(2) LUCKY MAN hiked to this level off the claim and raced well to be second best; looks like logical selecting from this spot. (4) TALKTOMECOURAGE N is up in class off the DiDomenico reclaim and he's looked good beating lesser. (3) SCOTTY MACH N was second best in his local return and he can hit the ticket again.

Race 7

(4) REGIL MEG is surrounded by Meadowlands shippers but he's clearly accomplished locally and she may be a bit overlooked in the wagering. (5) CHEYENNE ROBIN ships in sporting decent form and Dube drives. (2) CONCHITA HANOVER was a winner here at this level in January.

Race 8

(7) ALBERTO CONTADOR N missed a month due to cancellations then was a bit short at odds-on; he's outside again but down in class. (6) LORD OF MISRULE ships from The Meadowlands but Burke and should be a good fit here. (1) HIGH OCTANE N has a good history of hitting the ticket.

Race 9

(3) RAMPAGE JACKSON looked good two-moving to beat lesser and he can repeat up in class. (1) BE PACIFIC just missed last out, draws well again. (2) WINDSONG JACK ships from Cal Expo, where he faced the likes of Pancetta last out; gelding may need an acclimating mile.

Race 10

(2) SKY IS THE LIMIT showed improvement in his first start for the Vallee barn and he looms a big player with this inside draw. (4) FOREVER JUST is on a long winless streak but he did rally with good pace last out. (6) STATION THREEOHSIX is better than he's been showing; closing threat.

Race 11

(2) KEENE OLIVIA raced well to just miss a nose upon arrival and she can take the next logical step tonight. (6) SGT MOLLY PITCHER debuts for the Virgil Morgan Jr. barn and adds Sears; good luck getting her posted 7/1 odds. (5) VILLAGE JESSICA is capable of firing from the gate which always makes her a player.

Race 12

(6) SHADY CITY keeps landing in tough spots but he figures to be a good price and I'm not ready to give up on him yet. (4) SANTANNA ONE drops in class for good connections; logical. (3) ROLLWITHITHARRY does have a win at this level three back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Mahoning Valley (7th) Wild Skye, 3-1
(8th) Royal Marque, 10-1


Mountaineer Park (1st) E. T. Echo, 3-1
(9th) Proud Trick, 3-1


Parx Racing (4th) Fairy Cat, 9-2
(5th) Sir Newcastle, 3-1


Sam Houston (3rd) Classy Talent, 3-1
(8th) Wedded Prince, 3-1


Sunland Park (4th) Sidaam, 7-2
(10th) Uncle Regal, 5-1


Turf Paradise (5th) Spinning Steel, 5-1
(6th) Chelokee's Gem, 9-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Golf 2016 US Ryder Cup team doomed
By Dan Daly

With the “Bear Trap” delayed (and not all that exciting) let’s turn our attention to the big story from the golf world this week.

When news broke that the PGA of America had named Davis Love III the Ryder Cup Captain for the 2016 US squad my immediate thought was, “why is the PGA of America purposely trying to lose the Ryder Cup again?” It seems rather counter intuitive to me that the group responsible for the US Ryder Cup team would openly try and lose the Ryder Cup before it even started?

Tom Watson got crucified after the 2014 Ryder Cup for being a horrible captain, and while that may have been the case, Tom Watson didn’t lose the Ryder Cup for the US side. Watson never even stood a chance with the roster he had. Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Bill Belichick, The Ghost of Bear Bryant and Gregg Popovich all being named Co-Captains of the 2014 US Ryder Cup team wouldn’t have helped that team. Watson was simply the fall guy for a team that was so overmatched talent wise it wasn’t a fair fight to start with. DL III on the other hand was the entire reason the US lost the 2012 Ryder Cup.

So the PGA of America thought it would be a good idea to bring him back as the captain again next year?

Really?

How did Davis Love III lose the Ryder Cup for the US you ask? Let’s reminisce shall we?

Mistake number one. DL III picked Jim Furyk as a controversial Captain’s pick. Furyk was 8-15-4 going into the Ryder Cup that year and not only was he selected as a Captain’s pick but DL III sent him out to hit the opening tee shot for US Friday morning…seriously? I don’t know much about much, but I know that momentum in sports, especially an event like the Ryder Cup, plays a huge factor. (More on that in a minute) So with that in mind Love decided to send out arguably his worst option in the first match of the first day? Brilliant. Throw in the fact that Furyk’s 2012 season was like watching a Jean Van De Velde movie on repeat and his selection onto the team and out first Friday was an even bigger mystery.

Mistake number two. Love refused to break up the pairing of Tiger and Stricker even though Stricker had no business being out there. (Stricker was also a Captain’s pick) Tiger got thrown under the bus for not winning any points for the US in team play that week but if you actually watched the matches Tiger was the only reason their matches even went to the 18th hole. They played a guy Friday afternoon that made 8 birdies and an eagle and still had to go to the 18th to win to win the match. Saturday wasn’t much different. Tiger was 10 under on the back nine Friday and Saturday afternoon; Steve Stricker made 2 birdies the ENTIRE tournament. Sitting on my couch I could have told you that pairing needed to be blown up after Saturday morning, or even Friday afternoon for that matter. Yet, DL III allowed them to play together again on Saturday afternoon and once again Stricker wasted a great round by Tiger to get zero points for the US.

Mistake number three. Love decided to sit Mickelson and Keegan on Saturday afternoon. I mean, all they had done to that point was win every match they had played together and basically turned the home crowd into a drunk student section at a college football game chanting USA…USA…USA. But hey, that was the “plan” all along. I know this is going to sound crazy but it’s called adjusting your game plan on the fly…You may want to look into that this next go-around Davis.

Mistake number four, and by far the biggest of them all. DL III implemented the single dumbest strategy in the history of the Ryder Cup for the singles matches on Sunday. He basically had a 1% of losing heading into Sunday with a 10-6 lead and some really talented golfers on his side. The only possible way to lose at that point was to give Europe any sort of momentum; so what did he do? He sent out his rookies early against the best players the European team had and saved his best/most experienced players “in case it comes down to the last matches”. Seriously, what kind of dumbass strategy is that? In the history of sports the worst thing any team/coach/manager/captain can do is play not lose instead of playing to win. It fails EVERY TIME, just ask the Green Bay Packers. Love basically went into prevent defense at the beginning of the fourth quarter. It’s real simple, you send out your best players early, step on their throats, and end it before it even begins. Otherwise you end up in the 1% category with a final score of USA 13.5….Europe 14.5.

Love was asked by Jimmy Roberts after the matches that Sunday if he could do anything differently, including his captain’s picks, would he? “No”, said Love. Well, then you’re an idiot because I can name four things you should have done differently just off the top of my head a year and a half later.

I said last fall the 2014 US Ryder Cup team had no chance of winning based on the talent and experience discrepancy between the two teams. And sure enough it wasn’t even close. Barring injury (or drugs), that won’t be the case in 2016. The 2016 US Ryder Cup team will actually have all the talent needed to compete and win with guys like Spieth, Reed, Fowler, DJ, Bubba, Jimmy Walker, Snedeker, Bradley and Kuchar. Not to mention the potential of guys like Horschel, Koepka, Henley and English. Throw in a healthy Dufner and/or Tiger and the 2016 US Ryder Cup team will have every chance in the world to not only compete, but win in 2016.

Well, except for the fact that they hired the Captain of the Titanic to lead them.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Preview: Pelicans (32-27) at Mavericks (39-22)

Date: March 02, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

The New Orleans Pelicans have defied the odds by producing their longest win streak of the season despite some significant absences.

The Dallas Mavericks have gone in the opposite direction while playing short-handed.

The Pelicans will try to secure their longest win streak in four seasons Monday night by sending Dallas to a third consecutive defeat.

New Orleans (32-27) has played its last four games without three of its top scorers, including its All-Star forward and leading rebounder. Anthony Davis sprained his right shoulder in the opening quarter of a 105-91 win in Miami on Feb. 21, the beginning of the Pelicans' five-game run.

Ryan Anderson injured his right knee in that game and is expected to miss at least three more weeks. Starting point guard Jrue Holiday hasn't played since Jan. 12 because of an ailing right leg.

Davis, Holiday and Anderson are averaging a combined 53.7 of the team's 99.8 points, but the Pelicans are averaging 102.0 in their last five games.

New Orleans took a 99-92 win in Denver on Sunday with Tyreke Evans scoring a game-high 22 points, his most in nine contests.

"(Winning) takes the pressure off of them right now," forward Dante Cunningham said. "This allows them to completely heal up and not necessarily rush back or think they have to be here for the team right now. As much as we love and want them back, we're holding it down right now until they get back."

New Orleans will next seek its first six-game win streak since a franchise-best 10 consecutive victories Jan. 9-26, 2011, and its season-best third in a row on the road. The Pelicans have used their current run to pull within one-half game of Oklahoma City for the Western Conference's final playoff spot.

They'll face a Mavericks team that could be without Tyson Chandler and Chandler Parsons again Monday. Chandler, one of the league's leading rebounders, has sat out both of Dallas' back-to-back defeats because of a bruised left hip and is questionable for this game.

Parsons, Dallas' third-leading scorer, is set to miss his fifth in a row due to a sprained left ankle. The Mavericks (39-22) have averaged 93.0 points without Parsons, 13.1 fewer than in their first 57 games and fell short in their attempt at a season-high fifth straight home win Saturday, falling 104-94 to Brooklyn.

"We've had guys miss games all year and we've had people step up. Tonight, everybody from top to bottom just struggled to step up to the level that we needed," coach Rick Carlisle told the team's official website.

Rajon Rondo returned from a one-game suspension for his on-court verbal altercation with Carlisle in a 99-92 win over Toronto on Tuesday. He finished with eight points, seven rebounds, six assists and four turnovers in 27-plus minutes.

The Mavericks dropped to sixth in the West and one-half game behind the Clippers with Sunday's loss. They're two games ahead of seventh-place San Antonio.

Rondo had 17 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in New Orleans on Jan. 25 but also committed a key turnover in a 109-106 loss.

Davis had that steal on Rondo's inbound pass - one of his five - along with 28 points and 10 rebounds while helping end the Pelicans' nine-game skid in the series. Evans contributed 24 points and 12 assists.

New Orleans has lost four in a row in Dallas and is 3-21 there all-time, including the playoffs. Monta Ellis scored 26 points in a 112-107 win Dec. 10 and had 36 in the road loss in January.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Raptors try to end slump'

Toronto Raptors playing some of their worst basketball of the season drag a five-game SU/ATS slide into into Wells Fargo Center Monday for a matchup against the Sixers. Having just lost to NY Knicks the worst team in the league the Raptors will certainly be looking to redeem themselves as they catch Sixers not only in the second of back-2-back games but also playing the 3rd in 4 nights. Back into the win column for Raptors ? Probably, Purple Dinos have won 8 of the past 9 meeting (5-4 ATS) including 3-1 (2-2 ATS) at his venue. But, grabbing the cash for spread bettors could be a chore. Toronto hasn't exactly thrived against the betting number in this spot. Raptors are a vig-losing 6-6 ATS after loss as a favorite, 5-5 ATS on the road vs a team with a losing record, 1-3 ATS on the road after netting =< 100 points the previous effort. On the other side, expecting a fatigue-induced letdown by Sixers could prove costly. Sixers are a profitable 4-1 ATS as home dog playing without rest, 8-2 ATS as home dog playing the 3rd game in 4 days. A final betting nugget favoring Sixers, they're 10-3 ATS as home dog vs team with a winning record.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB Monday's Tip Sheet
By David Schwab

It is the month of March and Big Monday on ESPN takes on a whole new meaning for a couple of nationally ranked teams looking to finish-up their last few regular season games on a strong note. First in the ACC, No. 2 Virginia will look to lock-up the regular season conference title when it goes on the road to face Syracuse. Later in a huge showdown in the Big 12, No. 16 Oklahoma with battle it out against No. 12 Iowa State to keep its title hopes alive.

No. 2 Virginia Cavaliers at Syracuse Orange (ESPN, 7:00 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Virginia -6

Virginia continues to roll its way through the ACC with a straight-up 15-1 record in conference play, but it is just 2-7-1 against the spread in its last 10 outings. The Cavaliers hammered Virginia Tech 69-57 this past Saturday, but they could not cover as 19 ½-point home favorites. The total went OVER the closing 116 ½-point line in that game after staying UNDER in five of their previous six contests. The loss of junior guard Justin Anderson has taken a chunk out of Virginia’s offense, which has averaged just 60.5 points per game in its last six outings, but the Cavaliers have dialed-up an already stingy defense by holding teams to 48 PPG during this same stretch.

The Orange have alternated SU wins and losses in their last eight games while going 3-5 ATS. The total has stayed UNDER in five of their last six games. This past Saturday, Syracuse lost to Duke 73-54 as a 12-point road underdog to fall to 9-7 SU in the ACC with a 4-11-1 record ATS. Sophomore Tyler Roberson led the way in a losing effort against the Blue Devils with 16 points, but senior forward Rakeem Christmas continues to lead the Orange with 17.8 PPG while pulling down 9.2 rebounds a game. Syracuse is averaging 68.7 PPG and it is giving-up an average of 63.3 points on the other end of the court.

Betting Trends

-- The Cavaliers are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 road games, but they are just 2-7 ATS in their last nine games following a SU win. The total has stayed UNDER in four of their last six games on the road.

-- The Orange are 7-19-2 ATS in their last 28 conference games and they are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games against a team with a SU winning record. The total has stayed UNDER in 19 of their last 28 home games against a team with a SU winning record on the road.

-- Syracuse is 2-1 SU in three previous meetings, but Virginia holds a 2-1 edge ATS by covering in the last two matchups. The total has stayed UNDER in two of the three games.

No. 16 Oklahoma Sooners at No. 12 Iowa State Cyclones (ESPN, 9:00 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Iowa State -4

Oklahoma is now just one game in back of Kansas in the Big 12 standings after going 8-1 SU in its last nine contests, but ATS it has failed to cover in its last four contests. This past Saturday, the Sooners beat TCU 67-60 as 11 ½-point home favorites. The total stayed UNDER the closing 135 ½-point line against the Horned Frogs and it has now stayed UNDER in seven of their last 10 games. Junior guard Buddy Hield continues to light things up with 21 points in Saturday’s win and on the year he is averaging a team-high 17 PPG. Oklahoma is averaging 72.4 PPG and it is shooting 44.6 percent from the field.

The Cyclones have stumbled down the stretch with back-to-back losses (SU and ATS) to Baylor and Kansas State as favorites in both contests. They are now an even 4-4 SU and ATS in their last eight outings and the total has stayed UNDER in three of their last five games. Iowa State is ranked 11th in the nation in scoring with 79.1 PPG and it is shooting an effective 48.2 percent from the field. Junior forward Georges Niang has been a force this season with 14.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists a game. All told, the Cyclones boast five different players scoring in double figures.

Betting Trends

-- The Sooners have failed to cover in five of their last seven road games, but they are 5-1 ATS in their last six games played on a Monday. The total has stayed UNDER in four of their last five games on the road.

-- The Cyclones are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games following a SU loss; however they have covered in five of their last seven home games against a team with a SU losing record on the road. The total has gone OVER in 10 of their last 14 games against a team with a SU winning record overall.

-- The favorite in this matchup has gone 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings and the total has gone OVER in five of the last six games played at Iowa State. Oklahoma won the first meeting this season with a 94-83 victory as a 5 ½-point home favorite. The total went OVER the closing 149 ½-point line in that game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB Top 25 roundup: UConn topples SMU
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Rodney Purvis endured some difficult moments during his first season at Connecticut. On Sunday at the XL Center, he gave the defending national champion Huskies renewed hope for returning to the NCAA Tournament.

Purvis, a sophomore guard, scored 14 of his career-high 28 points in the second half and senior guard Ryan Boatright added 23 points and five assists as UConn upset 21st-ranked SMU 81-73, snapping the Mustangs' five-game winning streak.

UConn freshman forward Daniel Hamilton also scored 14 points in the second half and finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists as the Huskies (17-11, 10-6 American) beat the Mustangs for the first time in five tries in the series history.

The loss knocked SMU (23-6, 14-3) into second place in the American Athletic Conference behind Tulsa (21-7, 14-2). Forward Markus Kennedy led the Mustangs with 18 points, and center Yanick Moreira had 14.


Wisconsin 68, Michigan State 61

MADISON, Wis. -- Frank Kaminsky scored a season-high 31 points in his final career home game, and he helped the fifth-ranked Badgers claim a share of the Big Ten Conference title with a win over the Spartans. The senior forward also had eight rebounds, three blocked shots and three assists.

Wisconsin (26-3, 14-2 Big Ten) shot 52 percent and outrebounded Michigan State 35-24 to clinch its first Big Ten title since 2008 and fourth under coach Bo Ryan. Badgers forward Nigel Hayes scored 14 points, and guard Josh Gasser added nine.

Guard Bryn Forbes led Michigan State (19-10, 10-6) with 21 points. Spartans guard Travis Trice contributed 16 points, and guard Denzel Valentine finished with 10 points, six assists and five rebounds.


Providence 77, Marquette 66

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- LaDontae Henton grabbed his 1,000th career rebound and became the seventh player in program history to have 1,000 points and 1,000 boards as the 25th-ranked Friars toppled the Golden Eagles.

The senior forward had a double-double with 25 points and 15 rebounds to lead Providence (20-9, 10-6 Big East), which bounced back from an ugly 28-point loss at No. 6 ranked Villanova on Tuesday and now has 20 or more wins in back-to-back campaigns.

Redshirt freshman guard Duane Wilson totaled a team-high 22 points and guard Matt Carlino contributed 21 points for Marquette (11-17, 3-13). The Golden Eagles lost their fifth game in a row and fell to 3-10 since the start of 2015.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

College Basketball: Streaks, Tips, Notes -

Virginia Cavaliers at Syracuse Orange March 2, 07:00 EST

The betting trends don't exactly line up for Orange facing Cavaliers' strength at the defensive end with its top-ranked scoring defense (50.1 PPG) and second-ranked field-goal defense (35.2%). Orange have a 0-14-1 ATS skid last fifteen netting under 65 points/game. Orange on a 4-12-1 ATS skid overall, 4-10 ATS slide at home, 7-19-2 ATS vs the conference the number point to Virginia covering the expected 6 points of offense they're handing Orange.


Boston College at Virginia Tech March 2, 09:00 EST

Eagles snapping a nine game losing streak last time out in defeating NC State 79-63 cashing as 5.5 point underdogs set their sites on ACC bottom dwellers Virginia Tech Hokies. In this matchup it has been all Boston College with the Eagles winning seven of the last nine games. Against the spread it has been even better with Eagles getting the money in all nine games. Here are some other betting numbers to consider. Eagles are 5-3 ATS in conference road games, 6-2-1 ATS when tagged as small pups of four or less. Eagles have cashed four of six vs a team with a winning record below .400 (4-1-1 ATS). Hokies haven't cashed vs a team with a winning record below .400 (0-5 ATS).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Bittersweet Senior Night for Syracuse star Christmas, with Orange not in postseason this year. Syracuse is 5-7 in its last 12 games, losing three of last five at home, with all three losses by 8 or less points. Virginia is still without best player Anderson, but is otherwise healthy; they've won 8 games in row, but are 2-6 vs spread in those eight- they are 5-2 as road favorites. ACC home underdogs of 6 or less points are 11-6 vs spread.

Texas needs one more quality win to get off the bubble. Baylor (-3) hammered Texas 83-60 at home Jan 31, making 12-22 on arc in game where Bears never trailed and took 20 FTs, Texas three. Texas lost its last four games, with all four losses by 8 or less points; they are 2-5 as home favorites, 3-4 SU- all three home wins are by 15+ points. Baylor won four in row, seven of last nine games; they're 3-2-1 as road dogs. Favorites are 13-7 in Big X games where spread was 3 or less points.

Boston College snapped nine-game skid by whacking NC State at home Saturday; Eagles are 5-3 as road underdogs, losing ACC road games by 6-9-8-15-8-4-23 points, with win at Ga Tech. Virginia Tech lost its last five games; they're 0-1 as an ACC favorite, with only two conference wins by total of five points. Hokies split last four home games after losing first three. ACC teams are 10-9 in games where spread was less than 4 points.

Oklahoma (-6.5) beat Iowa State 94-83 Feb 9, after trailing by 10 late in first half; Sooners were 10-21 on arc, Cyclones 14-29. Oklahoma scored 1.29 ppp, very high. Sooners won three in row, eight of last nine games; they're 2-3 as road underdogs, with road losses by 21-7-11 points, but they've won last four SU on road. Cyclones lost last two games, are 4-4 as home favorites, with last three home wins by 17+ points. Big X home favorites of 4 or less points are 13-8 vs spread.