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NCAA Basketball Betting 3-Point Play: Three Interesting Opening Lines Saturday
by Alan Matthews

Here’s hoping your bracket isn’t totally busted following Thursday’s epic first round of the Big Dance. The big losers, easily, were the state of Texas and Big 12. Supposedly the Big 12 was the best conference in the nation. I felt it was overrated, and that’s looking accurate for now as No. 3 Baylor, No. 3 Iowa State and No. 11 Texas all lost. The Lone State State’s five teams — also SMU, Texas Southern and Stephen F. Austin — each lost. Time to look forward to spring football in that state. Here’s a look at three Round of 32 games Saturday that caught my eye.

No. 14 UAB vs. No. 11 UCLA (-7, 138)

This South Region game tips at 12:10 p.m. from Louisville on CBS. The winner will head to Houston and face one of No. 2 Gonzaga, No. 15 North Dakota State, No. 7 Iowa or No. 10 Davidson. I fully expect it to be the Zags.

Fans of UCLA (21-13) might be saying “I told you so” today as the Bruins were widely panned as the worst at-large pick by the selection committee and that they should at least have been in the First Four. Just because UCLA upset No. 6 SMU 60-59 doesn’t mean the committee was right to include the Bruins. That game Thursday had a very memorable ending, with SMU center Yanick Moreira called for defensive goaltending on a Bryce Alford 3-pointer in the final seconds that gave UCLA a 60-59 edge. That ball was not going in. You will hear talking heads argue whether it was goaltending or not. I guess technically it was because you at least have to give the ball a chance to hit the rim, which Moreira didn’t (at least how it looked). Sad he ends his college career that way, but Moreira was a total stand-up guy in the post-game interview and now I root for him in life. Alford, the son of Coach Steve Alford, was fabulous, hitting 9-for-11 from 3-point range for 27 points. That was a school record for 3s in a tournament game, just the 10th time a player had at least nine in a Big Dance matchup and two more than dad Steve, a great college player, ever had in a game.

Iowa State was a chic Final Four pick of many after the Cyclones won the Big 12 Tournament. However, if you watched them closely you knew their past five wins came after rallying from double-digit deficits. That’s a warning sign, and thus I wasn’t totally shocked that UAB (20-15) pulled the 60-59 upset (score look familiar?). ISU was up 57-56, but UAB’s William Lee hit a jumper with 24 seconds left, then got the rebound of a blocked ISU shot, was fouled and hit two free throws with 12.1 seconds left for a 3-point edge. The Cyclones missed two 3-pointers but tipped in one of them for the final margin. It was the first NCAA Tournament win for UAB since 2005. Over the last 20 seasons, UAB is the fourth-largest underdog to win an NCAA Tournament game; it was plus -14.

This game is a rematch from a holiday tournament in November in the Bahamas. UCLA, then ranked No. 22, won 88-76. Alford had 14, going 11-for-12 at the free-throw line. The game really wasn’t that close as the Bruins led by 22 with about eight minutes left. UCLA has never lost to UAB in three meetings.

Key trends: UAB is 5-1 against the spread in its past six after a win and in past six at a neutral site. UCLA is 8-2 ATS in its past 10 games overall. The “over/under” has gone under in five of UAB’s past six on Saturday. The under is 6-0 in UCLA’s past six on Saturday.

Why take the favorite: Alford won’t make nine 3-pointers again, but UCLA is simply much more talented.



No. 8 Cincinnati vs. No. 1 Kentucky (-18.5, 127)

This Midwest Region game in Louisville tips at approximately 2:40 p.m. on CBS. The winner will head to Cleveland to face one of No. 4 Maryland, No. 5 West Virginia, No. 12 Buffalo or No. 13 Valparaiso. My guess would be the Terps.

I didn’t have Cincinnati (23-10) beating No. No. 9 Purdue in the first round, but the Bearcats did in exciting fashion, 66-65 in overtime. Troy Caupain hit a very tough layup at the buzzer in regulation, with the ball rolling around the rim, looking like it might fall out and then dropping. Vince Edwards missed a 3 at the buzzer in overtime for Purdue, which really was the better team and had a seven-point lead with 50 seconds left in regulation. Cincinnati won for the sixth time in seven games and also won its NCAA opener for the first time since 2012. However, monitor the status of the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, Octavius Ellis. He was ejected from that game early in the second half after throwing an elbow toward the neck of Purdue center A.J. Hammons. It appears he won’t be suspended for this game, but if officials determine he threw a punch then he would be. Cincinnati is a terrible offensive team (62.4 ppg, No. 294) as it is. What the Bearcats can do is defend (55.6 ppg, No. 6).

I gladly took the 33 points in Kentucky’s opening-round game against No. 16 Hampton, and that worked out nicely as UK won 79-56. The Pirates were competitive for about 10 minutes in the first half. I was actually quite surprised Hampton scored in the 50s against one of the best defenses in NCAA history. Still, the Pirates shot only 28.8 percent and were outrebounded 51-31. At 35-0, UK has tied last year’s Wichita State team for the best start in college basketball history. The Shockers lost game No. 36 to Kentucky.

If you have ever been to Cincinnati, half that town roots for Kentucky. In fact, a lot of people who work in Cincinnati live in cheaper northern Kentucky. The schools are about only 80 miles apart. Yet the two teams have only played once since 1990, and that came in the 2005 NCAA Tournament. I’m sure the fan support in Louisville will still be about 90 percent UK for Saturday.

Key trends: Cincinnati is 1-6 ATS in its past seven neutral-site games. Kentucky is 4-1 ATS in its past five vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 10-2 in UC’s past 12 at a neutral site. The under is 5-2 in UK’s past seven in that scenario.

Why take the underdog: This game is going to be ugly! Defense, defense, defense. Assuming Ellis plays, I’m taking the points as there won’t be many scored.



No. 5 Arkansas vs. No. 4 North Carolina (-4.5, 165)

This West Region game in Jacksonville tips at approximately 9:40 p.m. The winner goes to Los Angeles and most likely faces No. 1 Wisconsin in the Sweet 16.

I did think that the Tar Heels (25-11), as 11-point favorites, would run Harvard out of the gym on Thursday, but UNC held on for dear life in a 67-65 victory. That the score was in the 60s tells you that the pace was in Harvard’s style. UNC was up 16 in the second half at one point before falling behind 65-63 with 1:17 left. Freshman swingman Justin Jackson was the star, hitting the tying jumper in the final minute and then a breakaway dunk to clinch it. Jackson ended up with a team-high 14 points on 5-for-8 shooting. To reach the Final Four, the Heels need to score in transition, but that never really got going as Carolina scored just four points off Harvard turnovers. Also of concern is that the much bigger Heels shot only 13 free throws to Harvard’s 20. Plus UNC turned it over 17 times.

Arkansas (27-8) escaped Wofford 56-53 in the first round behind 20 points from Michael Qualls and 15 points and 13 rebounds from Bobby Portis, who was the SEC Player of the Year. That game was back and forth all night. Wofford missed two potential tying shots on its final possession. The Hogs’ success is built on their pressure defense and that wasn’t much on display Thursday as Arkansas had only seven points off turnovers, tied for its fewest points in a game this season. The Razorbacks average 19.2 points off turnovers, No. 2 among Power 5 Conference teams.

This game should be a track meet with the Heels’ offensive style going against that full-court pressure of Arkansas. I expect each team to get into the 70s — that total is by far the highest of Saturday’s games. UNC better not turn it over 17 times again.

Key trends: The Hogs are 1-6 ATS in their past seven after a win. UNC is 0-4 ATS in its past four NCAA Tournament games. The under is 5-2 in Arkansas’ past seven nonconference games. The over is 5-1 in UNC’s past six on Saturday.

Why take the favorite: Qualls and Portis are future NBA players, but Carolina has about five of them. Plus I’m not high on the SEC. I would go under that total just because it’s so high.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Ohio State and Arizona meet Saturday
By Zach Cohen

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (24-10) vs. ARIZONA WILDCATS (32-3)

Moda Center – Portland, OR
” NCAA Tournament – Round of 32 “
Tip-off: Saturday, 5:15 p.m. ET
Line: Arizona -9.0

No. 2 seed Arizona and No. 10 seed Ohio State meet for the second time in three years in the NCAA tournament, as the Wildcats look to avenge a 2013 buzzer beating loss.

Here is the betting preview for this matchup:

Wildcats coach Sean Miller doesn’t have fond memories of the last time his Wildcats lined up against coach Thad Matta’s Buckeyes. With the score tied at 70 with two seconds left, in this same West region in 2013, former Buckeye F LaQuinton Ross let fly with a three pointer that would propel then-No.2 Ohio State into the next round. Ohio State players, F Sam Thompson and G Shannon Scott were then sophomores, while Arizona C Kaleb Tarczewski and F Brandon Ashley were freshmen. Arizona is now wearing the mantle of No. 2 in the West region, but will have to take care of an Ohio State team that just toppled a very good VCU squad in overtime on Thursday night, 75-72. Arizona was able to easily dispatch No. 15 Texas Southern, 93-72, for their fifth 20+ point margin of victory in their past six games. The Wildcats have won 18 of their past 19 games (14-5 ATS) and have won 12 in a row (9-3 ATS) as well. Ohio State is 6-4 SU (4-6 ATS) in its past 10 games. The Buckeyes dropped both non-conference games (0-1-1 ATS) against tournament opponents (at Louisville and versus North Carolina) and was 3-6 SU (2-7 ATS) against Big Ten opponents that made the NCAA tournament. Arizona was 3-0 SU (1-2 ATS) against non-conference NCAA tournament opponents and 7-0 SU (5-2 ATS) against Pac-12 opponents that made the NCAA tournament.

Ohio State’s success against the hottest team in the country not named Kentucky will hinge on whether do-everything freshman G D’Angelo Russell (19.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.1 APG) can not only create for himself, but create for others as well. This can be a defining game for Russell’s legacy and his NBA draft stock, as questions surround his athleticism and ability to truly run a team against length and size (something Arizona has an abundance of). Russell’s one-on-one matchup with either of Arizona’s talented perimeter defenders will be fun to watch. While Arizona has one of the stingiest defenses in the country, Ohio State’s offense isn’t to be dismissed (75.8 PPG, 24th in NCAA). The Buckeyes are phenomenal from the field (48.6% FG, 9th in NCAA) and are very efficient with their possessions (1.14 points per possession, 14th in NCAA). Their stellar efficiency stems from Russell being on the floor along with G Shannon Scott (8.5 PPG, 5.9 APG, 1.8 SPG), giving the Buckeyes great chances at easy baskets via a great assist (15.4 APG, 16th in NCAA). Ohio State is very good at staying out of foul trouble (16.1 FPG, 40th in NCAA) and will need to keep that number as low as possible as the Wildcats love getting to the line and having opponents in foul trouble. For all of Arizona’s defensive accolades this season, though, they’ve been a little leaky in their past three games (opponents are 16-for-38 3PT in that span). If Arizona’s troubles defending the three are truly a trend, Russell (2.7 3PT/game) will definitely have the opportunity for a huge game. Unfortunately, the one thing Ohio State lacks is size to match up with Arizona’s vaunted frontcourt and elite rebounding. If F Sam Thompson (10.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG), F Jae’Sean Tate (8.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG) and C Amir Williams (6.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG) can’t all find a way to play big inside without fouling, it could be a long night for the Buckeyes regardless of how well Russell and Scott perform on the perimeter. Williams had his first double-figure outing in 10 games with 13 points against VCU, and anything close to that effort against Arizona from the mercurial center would be a pleasant surprise for Ohio State.

Arizona will first and foremost be looking to punish the smaller Buckeyes on the glass and considering its impressive rebounding numbers (+9 RPG margin, 2nd in NCAA) the Wildcats should have no trouble doing so. As the NCAA tournament has historically shown us, one star player is capable of putting a team on his shoulders and carrying them to victory, and while Arizona has many capable offensive weapons, all eyes will be on the Buckeyes’ dominant offensive weapon – Russell. Who ends up guarding Russell will be one of the best individual matchups of the tournament, as while Coach Sean Miller doesn’t play a strict man-to-man defense (they play a version of the “pack line” defense, similar to Virginia) either fellow freshman stud F Stanley Johnson (14.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.5 SPG) or lock-down F Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (10.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.2 SPG) will be tasked with keeping at least one eye affixed to Russell’s red zero jersey at all times, making sure he doesn’t have another 28-point game in him, as he did against VCU. Johnson and Hollis-Jefferson, both at 6-foot-7, have the requisite length and athleticism to make Russell’s evening a very tough night at the office. When Arizona has the ball, it’s quite good at getting great shots at the hoop and converting (49.3% FG, 4th in NCAA). The Wildcats score 76.9 points per game (20th in NCAA) and have been even better in their past five games, upping that average to 81.4 points per game. Spearheading the attack is heady senior G T.J. McConnell (9.8 PPG, 6.4 APG, 3.4:1 A:TO ratio, 2.1 SPG). McConnell finished out the regular season with three games of 11 assists each in his last five contests. Speaking of players who finished the regular season strong, both F Brandon Ashley (12.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 52% FG) and C Kaleb Tarczewski (9.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 58% FG) have shown flashes down the stretch. Tarczewski had 6 out of 7 games in late February-early March with double-figures. After struggling in the Pac-12 tournament, Tarczewski found his form for 13 points in 23 minutes on Thursday versus Texas Southern. Ashley has had himself one hell of a March, scoring double figures in his past six games, including taking home Pac-12 tournament MVP after pouring in 24 and 20 points respectively in the semifinals and title game. Overall, in five games this month, Ashley is averaging 19.0 points per game on 71% from the field and 86% from the line.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pac-12 goes a perfect 4-0 in Round of 64
Stephen Campbell

In light of Oregon’s 79-73 victory over Oklahoma State, the Pac-12 is going to be very well represented in the Round of 32.

Due to UCLA, Arizona and Utah’s wins, the conference has gone 4-0 in the Round of 64 for just the second time in its history. The first time that happened was in 1998.

UCLA faces UAB, Arizona takes on Ohio State, Utah plays Georgetown and Oregon clashes with Wisconsin in the next round of NCAA tournament action that’s set to get underway Saturday and Sunday.

 

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NBA Odds and Predictions: Saturday, March 21 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

A rather bland NBA five-game schedule on Saturday as it’s definitely overshadowed by the first games of the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. However, one of those NBA games I do want to see is the last of them (10:30 p.m. ET) as Utah visits Golden State. Sometimes defense can be interesting to watch, and that will be on display here. The Jazz have been by far the NBA’s best defensive team since the All-Star break, while Golden State leads the NBA with a defensive efficiency rating of 97.6 points allowed per 100 possessions. Guess which way I’ll be leaning on the “over/under'” in that one? Here’s look at each game.

Nets at Pacers (-7, 192.5)

Brooklyn hosted Milwaukee on Friday while Indiana was in Cleveland. This matchup could prove vital for one of the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spots. Somehow the Nets and Pacers have managed to play just once this season. On Dec. 27, the Pacers won 110-85 in Brooklyn behind 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds from Rodney Stuckey. The Indiana bench outscored Brooklyn’s 52-16. The Pacers’ bench has combined to average 41.6 points per game (first in the NBA) and 19.8 rebounds per game (first entering Friday). The Pacers were 28th in bench scoring in 2013-14, averaging just 25.0 points per game. Indiana has won five straight in this series, two in a row at home.

Key trends: The Nets are 1-6 against the spread in their past seven against the East. Indiana has failed to cover five straight on Saturday. The road team is 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The “over/under” has gone under in six straight Saturday games for Brooklyn.

Early lean: Take the points, go under.



Bulls at Pistons (+3, 191)

Chicago hosted Toronto on Friday, and Taj Gibson was a game-time call to return from his ankle injury. Jimmy Butler was ruled out, but he’s also very close so maybe it’s here. The Pistons haven’t played since an ugly 94-83 loss on Wednesday in Philadelphia. It was Detroit’s 11th loss in the past 12. A night after having 23 points and 20 assists in an upset of Memphis, Reggie Jackson had a triple-double of 11 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. He became the first player since Mark Jackson in January 1997 with a 20-20 game and a triple-double in consecutive games. Pistons forward Greg Monroe, who averages 16.0 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, missed his second straight game with a knee injury, and it’s not looking good for him to play in this one. Monroe has no reason to rush as he’s a free agent after the season. The season series is split 1-1. The Bulls won by 11 at home in November but lost by nine in Motown on Feb. 20.

Key trends: Chicago is 1-6 ATS in its past seven on the road. Detroit is 5-13 ATS in its past 18 at home vs. teams with a winning road record.

Early lean: Unless Butler returns, I’d take the points here even with Monroe out. Go under.



Suns at Rockets (-7, 211.5)

Houston won a third straight Thursday, 118-108 against Denver behind a career-high 50 points from James Harden. It was the ninth time ever a Houston player hit “half a hun” and first since Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon on Jan. 18, 1996. It was Harden’s seventh game this season with at least 40. Phoenix caught a break Thursday against New Orleans in that Pelicans star Anthony Davis was a late scratch, and the Suns capitalized with a 74-72 victory. Brandon Knight and Alex Len sat out again for Phoenix, and I wouldn’t expect them here. This is the final meeting of the season as Houston goes for the four-game sweep. Harden was almost single-handedly responsible for the last two wins. The Rockets won 113-111 on a Harden buzzer-beater in Phoenix on Jan. 23 and 127-118 also in Phoenix on a near triple-double (40 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists) from Harden on Feb. 10. Overall, Houston has won five in a row in the series.

Key trends: Houston is 5-0 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 4-1 in those five.

Early lean: Rockets and over.



Trail Blazers at Grizzlies (TBA)

Portland was in Orlando on Friday night and Memphis was in Dallas, with Grizzlies star point guard Mike Conley very questionable. The Grizzlies have won all three games against the Blazers this season (112-99, 102-98, 98-92; LaMarcus Aldridge missed that last game) and have won eight of the past nine contests in the series overall. So you know that Portland doesn’t want this as a first-round playoff matchup. The Grizzlies have never swept a regular-season series against the Trail Blazers.

Key trends: The Blazers are 1-7 ATS in the past eight meetings. The over is 4-1 in the past five.

Early lean: Wait on Conley.



Jazz at Warriors (-10, 195)

Golden State hosted New Orleans on Friday night again without All-Star guard Klay Thompson, and he won’t play in this one, either. Utah won at the L.A. Lakers 80-73 on Thursday to improve to an NBA-best 12-2 since the break. The Jazz won despite their starting backcourt going 0-for-11 from the field. The Warriors won the first two meetings with the Jazz by double digits in each but lost the most recent, 110-100 in Salt Lake City as Gordon Hayward had 26 points and a career-high 15 rebounds. Utah had a season-high 51 bench points and outrebounded Golden State 55-41. Outside of Steph Curry and Thompson, Golden State starters scored just 15 points.

Key trends: The home team is 4-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 10-2 in the past 12 in this series in Oakland.

Early lean: Jazz and under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Suns at Rockets

Phoenix Suns at Houston Rockets (-8.5, 207)

James Harden is used to piling up the points and he will attempt to follow up the highest-scoring effort of his career when the Houston Rockets host the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. Harden poured in a career-high 50 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Houston’s 118-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. “It just looked so easy,” Rockets forward Trevor Ariza told reporters. “It was like he just woke up and walked out there and had 50. That’s how easily he scored the basketball.”

The Rockets are 3-0 against the Suns this season and Harden scored 40 points in a 127-118 victory on Feb. 10 and is averaging 29.3 points against Phoenix. The Suns only scored 24 more points as a team than Harden did by himself but still produced a 74-72 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, matching the franchise mark for fewest points scored in a victory. Phoenix is trying to catch the eighth-place Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference playoff race, while the Rockets stand third in the West and are putting heat on the second-place Memphis Grizzlies.

LINE HISTORY: Most shops opened the Rockets as 8-point favorites, but that’s since been bumped up to -8.5 The total opened at 206 but was sitting at 207 at the time of writing.

INJURY REPORT: Suns – G Marcus Thornton (Questionable, toe), G Brandon Knight (Doubtful, ankle), C Alex Len (Doubtful, ankle). Rockets – G Jason Terry (Probable, hamstring).

POWER RANKINGS: Suns (-6) + Rockets (-8.5) + home court (-3.0) = Rockets -5.5

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: “The Rockets have been involved in three games decided by two points already this month, winning two of them. Does Dwight Howard’s return even matter at this point?” Bryan Power.

ABOUT THE SUNS (36-33): Point guard Eric Bledsoe was one of the cold-shooting players by scoring just five points on 2-of-15 shooting against the Pelicans but was more interested in talking about other areas of his game, which included four steals and matching his career high with 11 rebounds. “I played great defense, I had 11 rebounds, I helped my teammates on the boards,” Bledsoe told reporters. “Steals, I had a bunch of steals too. So if I’m not making shots, don’t worry about it because I do so much to help my team win.” Center Brandan Wright had a big game – offensive and defensively – with 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting and matching his career high of seven blocked shots.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (46-22): Houston will be without power forward Terrence Jones for at least three games after he suffered a collapsed lung in the win over the Nuggets. Jones was hospitalized overnight and coach Kevin McHale told reporters that Jones is “having a tough time breathing” from the hard hit he took in the ribs. “He came out here and gave us the right energy and played well and got back in the starting lineup and for something like this to happen is very unfortunate,” guard Patrick Beverley told reporters in reference to Jones.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Houston.
* Suns are 0-5 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.
* Under is 7-0 in Suns last seven overall.

CONSENSUS: Sixty percent are backing the Rockets.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NEWSLETTER NHL Hockey Prediction From Doc’s Sports

Take ‘Over’ 5.5 Philadelphia at Edmonton (10 p.m., Saturday, March 21)
Two teams with nothing to play for go at it on Saturday night as the Oilers host the Flyers. Both of these clubs have been out of the playoff picture for quite some time, so there won’t be much intensity on the defensive end. Neither team has put much effort forth on defense at all this season, to be honest. Edmonton is allowing a league-worst 3.33 goals per game, while Philadelphia is in the bottom third at 2.72 goals per contest. These teams prefer the wide-open style where their talented wingers can fire away at will. And without anything on the line, this has all of the makings of a 5-4 type of game. Take the Over as our free play selection from Doc’s Sports.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NEWSLETTER NCAA Tournament Prediction From Raphael Esparza

Take Kentucky (-350) to Win the Midwest Region
Really only -350 for a team who hasn’t tasted a loss all season long? The only team that could give them trouble would be Notre Dame, and I believe the Irish would need to shoot lights out from three-point land. Kentucky plays outstanding defense, and defense wins championships. The Wildcats have the best defense in the tournament. The Wildcats are big, and they have depth in all positions and will wear down every opponent in the Midwest Region. I can’t believe this number is only -350, and I would grab this number right now because by tip-off their first game the Kentucky Wildcats will be around -400 or higher.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saturday’s NCAAB Tournament Betting Cheat Sheet

The NCAA Tournament moves to the Round of 32 Saturday, news, notes and trends into one betting cheat sheet.


SOUTH REGION:

(14) UAB Blazers vs. (11) UCLA Bruins (-6, 133)

The Blazers stifled Iowa State’s potent attack by dominating the boards, limiting second chances for the Cyclones and picking up plenty of their own. William Lee had 12 rebounds and Tyler Madison secured 11 in just 14 minutes off the bench, nine of which came on the offensive end. UAB struggled from long-distance with a 3-of-18 showing, but Brown hit a big one on the final minute to help the Blazers produce a second-round upset of a No. 3 seed for the third straight season.

Bryce Alford was 9-of-11 from 3-point range while becoming the 10th player to reach that mark in a tournament game and the first since 2012, a masterful performance that pleased his father, head coach Steve Alford. “Well, nobody’s been critiqued any more than he has on our basketball team throughout the year, and he’s been very consistent,” the elder Alford said.

TRENDS:

* Under is 8-2 in Bruins last 10 games following a S.U. win.
* Blazers are 5-1 ATS in their last six neutral site games.
* Bruins are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall.



(5) Utah Utes vs. (4) Georgetown Hoyas (+4.5, 125.5)

The Utes committed 17 turnovers Thursday – one shy of their season high, but junior guard Brandon Taylor (10.4 points per game) told reporters: “I think we got the jitters out.” Utah needs stronger games from Taylor and senior guard Delon Wright (team bests of 14.8 points and 5.2 assists), who combined to shoot 3-for-12 from the field and record 10 turnovers.

The Hoyas enter their first meeting with Utah after ending a five-game NCAA Tournament losing streak against double-digit seeds. “We just have to go out and prepare for a very tough Utah team,” coach John Thompson III said. “You keep doing your business, you keep doing what you’re supposed to do, eventually people will be quiet (about the streak).”

TRENDS:

* Utes are 21-6-2 ATS in their last 29 non-conference games.
* Hoyas are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS win.
* Over is 4-1 in Hoyas last five non-conference games.



MIDWEST REGION:

(8) Cincinnati Bearcats vs. (1) Kentucky Wildcats (-16.5, 118.5)

“We’ll go out there with a lot of confidence,” Bearcats guard Kevin Johnson told reporters. “We’ve got nothing to lose. That’s not a bad position to be in.” Cincinnati joins Kentucky among the top defenses in the country, but must deal with a balanced Wildcats squad that has won 35 games by an average of 21 points.

Freshman Karl-Anthony Towns rebounded from making only three field goals combined in his previous two games to drain 8-of-12 from the field and produce his eighth double-double of the season against Hampton. Leading scorer Aaron Harrison (11.1) registered only three points on 0-of-5 shooting and backcourt mate Devin Booker (10.2) was 1-of-6 against Hampton.

TRENDS:

* Bearcats are 1-6 ATS in their last seven neutral site games.
* Bearcats are 0-4 ATS in their last four NCAA Tournament games.
* Wildcats are 12-3-3 ATS in their last 18 neutral site games.



(6) Butler Bulldgos vs. (3) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-4.5, 133.5)

The Bulldogs defeated the Longhorns despite shooting 33.3 percent, missing nine of their 13 3-pointers and collecting a total of five offensive rebounds on 32 missed shots en route to a 41-28 deficit on the boards. “We’ve been able to grind out a lot of wins,” Butler coach Chris Holtmann told the media. “It was a back-and-forth game. … I can’t give our guys enough credit for grinding out this one. To have five field goals in the second half and come away with the win says a lot about them.”

The Fighting Irish enter this matchup having won six in a row overall, although they have not defeated their Indiana rival since 1990, losing each of the last six matchups. They will have a good chance of snapping that streak if they can get another standout performance from Zach Auguste, who shot 10-of-14 for 25 points in Thursday’s hard-fought 69-65 win over No. 14 Northeastern.

TRENDS:

* Fighting Irish are 0-7 ATS in their last seven NCAA Tournament games.
* Bulldogs are 7-0 ATS in their last seven vs. Atlantic Coast.
* Over is 5-0 in Fighting Irish last five vs. Big East.



WEST REGION:

(10) Ohio State Buckeyes vs. (2) Arizona Wildcats (-9, 140)

Buckeyes guard D’Angelo Russell scored 28 in a 75-72 overtime win over VCU on Thursday and is averaging 19.6 points, 5.6 boards and five assists. Russell (666) passed former Ohio State star Michael Redd (638) for most points by a freshman in school history and now faces a talented squad that was unhappy with its defense in its tournament opener. “I think the point is that we have to get back to being an excellent defensive team, which takes a lot of effort and concentration,” Arizona coach Sean Miller said at his postgame press conference. “We certainly can do it.”

Wildcats star Stanley Johnson had 22 points in a 93-72 victory over Texas Southern on Thursday to continue his strong season and is averaging 14.3 points and 6.5 rebounds. Forward Brandon Ashley missed the NCAA Tournament last season due to a foot injury and he had 14 points against Texas Southern to continue his strong late-season play. Ashley is averaging 18.2 points with three 20-point outings over the last six games to raise his season average to 12.4, second on the squad behind Johnson.

TRENDS:

* Buckeyes are 2-11 ATS in their last 13 neutral site games.
* Over is 7-0 in Buckeyes last seven non-conference games.
* Wildcats are 1-4 ATS in their last five NCAA Tournament games.



(14) Georgia State Panthers vs. (6) Xavier Musketeers (-6.5, 133)

R.J. Hunter hit the shot, Ron Hunter hit the floor and Georgia State hit this NCAA Tournament with one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent memory, but the next challenge awaits. Somehow the Panthers – playing in their first NCAA Tournament in 14 years – advanced despite leading scorer R.J. Hunter (19.6 points per game) missing seven of his first eight shots and second-leading scorer Ryan Harrow not playing due to a hamstring injury.

The Musketeers shoot 47.3 percent from the field and average 16.3 assists per contest, leading the Big East in both categories, and Matt Stainbrook’s 12.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game provide Xavier a formidable inside presence. Guard Trevon Bluiett finished second in the conference among freshmen in scoring at 11.5 points per game. Davis averages 6.1 assists (12th nationally) and is fifth on the school’s career assist list.

TRENDS:

* Under is 9-2 in Panthers last 11 games following a S.U. win.
* Under is 5-0 in Musketeers last five neutral site games.
* Panthers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.



(5) Arkansas Razorbacks vs. (4) North Carolina Tar Heels (-4.5, 157)

Two teams that barely avoided the upset bug in the NCAA Tournament’s round of 64 meet Saturday when No. 5 seed Arkansas faces fourth-seeded North Carolina in Jacksonville, Fla. The Razorbacks advanced with a 56-53 win over No. 12 seed Wofford, while the Tar Heels needed four points by Justin Jackson in the final minute to edge Harvard 67-65. “It’s the luckiest I’ve ever felt after a basketball game in my entire life,” North Carolina coach Roy Williams told reporters.

Williams can become the 15th coach in Division I history to win 750 games with a victory over Arkansas, but the Tar Heels will need a complete effort to get past the Razorbacks. Both teams average at least 77 points and bring plenty of star power to the floor, starting with SEC Player of the Year Bobby Portis (17.5 points, 8.8 rebounds), who led Arkansas to its conference championship game. Portis should be tested by a formidable Tar Heels frontline led by Jackson and Brice Johnson, who averages a team-high 7.7 rebounds.

TRENDS:

* Razorbacks are 1-6 ATS in their last seven vs. Atlantic Coast.
* Tar Heels are 0-4 ATS in their last four NCAA Tournament games.
* Under is 5-1 in Razorbacks last six neutral site games.



EAST REGION:

(8) North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. (1) Villanova Wildcats (-9.5, 139)

Villanova may have been considered by some as the most likely No. 1 seed to be bounced from the NCAA Tournament early, but were among the most dominant teams to take the floor in its first game. The Wildcats look to extend their school-record winning streak to 17 games Friday when they meet North Carolina State in the third round at Pittsburgh. Villanova routed No. 16 Lafayette 93-52 on Thursday, rolling to the second-largest margin of victory in its tournament history.

The Wildcats, who have not advanced past the first weekend in four NCAAs since a Final Four berth in 2009, amassed their best offensive output at the Big Dance since a 101-point outburst in a win over LIU Brooklyn in 1997. The eighth-seeded Wolfpack overcame a late 14-point second-half deficit against LSU on Thursday to edge the Tigers 66-65. “It’s crazy being on the other end this year; this is a whole lot better,” N.C. State guard Ralston Turner told The News & Observer after the Wolfpack were unable to hold a late 14-point lead before losing in overtime to Saint Louis in the second round of last year’s tournament.

TRENDS:

* Wolfpack are 2-6 ATS in their last eight non-conference games.
* Under is 10-2 in Wolfpack last 12 NCAA Tournament games.
* Wildcats are 6-2 ATS in their last eight neutral site games.

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 12:45

Man City

v

West Brom

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		3/10	9/2	8	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MAN CITY	RECENT FORM
HWHLALHWALAL​ Most recent​	3 - 1 1 - 0 4 - 0 3 - 0	HWADHWALALHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: West Brom have scored just nine goals in 14 Premier League away games

EXPERT VERDICT: Manchester City have an excellent recent record against West Brom, winning the last six league meetings and scoring three goals in each of the last three contests. West Brom have a poor W2, D6, L6 away record, so the shock looks unlikely, even against hosts who are struggling for form.

RECOMMENDATION: Man City to win 3-0
1


REFEREE: Neil Swarbrick STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Championship TODAY 12:15

Bournemouth

v

Middlesbro

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		5/4	5/2	12/5	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT BOURNEMOUTH	RECENT FORM
ALHDHWAWHWAD​ Most recent​	0 - 0 1 - 2 2 - 2 0 - 0	HWALHWALHWAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Both teams have scored in five of last seven meetings

EXPERT VERDICT: Bournemouth look great value to see off the challenge of title-rivals Middlesbrough at Dean Court. Eddie Howe’s impressive Cherries have lit up the Championship this season and their free-scoring style suggests that they should be able to sustain their promotion push.

RECOMMENDATION: Bournemouth
2


REFEREE: Anthony Taylor STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 17:30

West Ham

v

Sunderland

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		17/20	13/5	15/4	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT WEST HAM	RECENT FORM
ADALADHLHLAL​ Most recent​	0 - 0 1 - 1 0 - 3 1 - 0	HLALHDALADHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Sunderland have won just once in their last 12 league games

EXPERT VERDICT: It may look as if West Ham have gone off the boil but six of their last seven Premier League matches have come against teams in the top seven. They will welcome the respite of a visit from lowly Sunderland, a team who have scored just six goals in their last nine league away games.

RECOMMENDATION: West Ham
1


REFEREE: Lee Mason STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 15:00

Southampton

v

Burnley

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		2/5	7/2	13/2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SOUTHAMPTON	RECENT FORM
AWHDHLALHWAD​ Most recent​	4 - 3 2 - 0 2 - 2 0 - 1	HDALADHLALHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Only QPR have a worse away record than Burnley

EXPERT VERDICT: Southampton’s battling draw at Stamford Bridge was upstaged by Burnley’s magnificent victory over Manchester City but it could be the hosts who take centre stage at St Mary’s. The Clarets have won just once on the road and there have been signs that, after a sticky patch, the Saints are finding their feet again.

RECOMMENDATION: Southampton
2


REFEREE: Roger East STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 15:00

Aston Villa

v

Swansea

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		6/4	11/5	21/10	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ASTON VILLA	RECENT FORM
HWHLALHWHWAW​ Most recent​	1 - 1 2 - 0 0 - 2 2 - 0	HDALHWAWALHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Swansea have lost just one of 14 games against teams in the bottom half

EXPERT VERDICT: A pair of home wins over West Brom and a thumping defeat of Sunderland will have Aston Villa fans believing Tim Sherwood is the man to save their season. However, no other team will be as generous as the Black Cats and Villa have still scored the fewest home goals in the top flight.

RECOMMENDATION: Swansea
2


REFEREE: Robert Madley STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English Premier TODAY 15:00

Tottenham

v

Leicester

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
		3/5	3	9/2	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT TOTTENHAM	RECENT FORM
HDALNLHWAWAL​ Most recent​	1 - 2 4 - 4 2 - 1 3 - 0	HLALALADALHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Tottenham are unbeaten in nine league home games

EXPERT VERDICT: The outcome is beginning to look bleaker by the week for Leicester. Rooted to the foot of the table and without a win in seven league games, the Foxes are in dire need of an upturn in results. Tottenham were abject in defeat at Old Trafford but should still have too much quality for the visitors.

RECOMMENDATION: Tottenham to win 2-0
1


REFEREE: Mike Dean STADIUM:

 

[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 15.5 16 OVER
3/3 10 54.5 55 OVER
3/4 4 21.5 16 UNDER
3/5 8 44 46 OVER
3/6 6 31 31 PUSH
3/7 10 53 51 UNDER
3/8 6 30.5 41 OVER
3/9 5 27.5 23 UNDER
3/10 8 43.5 42 UNDER
3/11 3 16.5 20 OVER
3/12 11 59.5 53 UNDER
3/13 5 27.5 30 OVER
3/14 12 63 54 UNDER
3/15 7 37.5 28 UNDER
3/16 4 21 19 UNDER
3/17 9 47.5 39 UNDER
3/18 3 15.5 13 UNDER
3/19 10 53.5 54 OVER
3/20 3 16 13 UNDER
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: Flyers (29-29) at Oilers (19-39)

Date: March 21, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

The Philadelphia Flyers are trying anything to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.

After calling a players-only meeting following their latest defeat, the Flyers try to avoid matching the club-record nine-game road skid they set earlier this season Saturday night against the Edmonton Oilers.

Mired in a 1-4-3 slide and 10 points behind Boston for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia (29-29-15) has absolutely no room for error. After being held to one goal in each of the first three on a four-game trip through Canada and showing little jump during a second consecutive 4-1 loss Thursday at Calgary, the Flyers held a brief team meeting.

Though the players wouldn't go into the specifics, the general consensus seems that they're collectively struggling to play with spirit and passion needed from a team in desperation mode.

"Obviously we know the situation right now with where we're at," defenseman Luke Schenn told the NHL's official website. "At the end of the day, it all comes down to pride a little bit, and obviously we didn't have much of that (Thursday).

"You get that type of result. It's embarrassing for all of us obviously. Guys are still playing for jobs, and you want to play for your teammates. Unacceptable, obviously."

Aside from a 7-2 home win over Detroit last Saturday, Philadelphia has totaled eight other goals in the last eight contests. All but two games during that stretch came on the road, where it's won nine times all season, gone 0 for 14 on the power play in the last five and been outscored 26-10 during the current 0-5-3 slide.

The Flyers set a single-season franchise mark with an 0-7-2 road slide from Oct. 30-Dec. 3.

Though Claude Giroux snapped a 10-game goal drought with his 19th on Thursday, Steve Mason was pulled after yielding two goals on 16 shots.

"Yep, I was (surprised), but at the same time (the coaches are) trying to make a momentum move," said Mason, who is 1-12-6 with a 2.64 goals-against average on the road.

"We're at the point where you try anything to get a win."

Mason made 35 saves and Giroux assisted on one of Jakub Voracek's two goals in a 4-1 victory over Edmonton (19-39-13) on Nov. 4.

Mason's been in net while Philadelphia's won three straight versus Edmonton, including last season's 4-3 shootout win that snapped a three-game series road skid.

The Oilers ended an 0-5-2 slide with a 4-1 home victory over Toronto on Monday, then fell 4-3 in a shootout to Columbus two nights later.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins extended his point streak to four games with a career-high 20th goal as Edmonton recorded 47 shots, its most at home this season.

'Going into this season I wanted to get over 20,' said Nugent-Hopkins, who has four goals with 10 assists in 10 games. 'I am feeling pretty good this year. I am happy with that accomplishment.'

The fourth-year center has a goal in two straight versus Philadelphia.

Setting up Nugent-Hopkins' score gave Jordan Eberle eight assists plus four goals while matching a career high with a six-game point streak. He's recorded a goal and three assists in his last four against the Flyers.

Voracek has five points in his last three games versus Edmonton.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Ramo gets the nod for Flames Saturday afternoon
Andrew Avery

According to Dan Wills of Sportsnet 960 The Fan, Calgary Flames head coach Bob Hartley has confirmed that Kari Ramo will get the start with the Columbus Blue Jackets in town Saturday afternoon.

It will be the second-straight start for Ramo, who stopped 26 shots en rout to a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers in his last start Thursday.

Ramo is 14-8-1 on the season and has a 2.54 goals against average and .914 save percentage.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Soccer EPL Best Bets - Week 30
By Toby Maxtone-Smith

With eight weeks to go until the end of the season Chelsea are rock solid 1/14 favourites to win the Premier League. Manchester City are available at 14/1, but the real story from last weekend was the emergence of Arsenal as outsiders to claim the title. They are 22/1 and seven points behind Chelsea, who have a game in hand. However Chelsea have to travel to the Emirates, so the more optimistic element of Arsenal’s support has not given up hope yet. Things are looking bleak for City, who’s form has been poor for two months. Their shock 1-0 defeat at Burnley makes it very hard for them to win back-to-back titles.

It was another dreadful week in Europe for the English teams: Arsenal managed a 2-0 win away to Monaco, but the damage had been done in London as the Gunners lost 3-1. Manchester City were indebted to ‘keeper Joe Hart for keeping the scoreline to a respectable 1-0 against Barcelona, while Everton were dumped out of the Europa League by a rampant Dynamo Kiev.

Let's handicap Week 30 of the Premier League.

The Banker: Both teams to score in Liverpool vs. Manchester United at 8/11

Liverpool and Manchester United have both tightened up their defences significantly of late, but games between these two teams are usually very open affairs. A draw doesn’t really suit either side, and defensive football is not in either side’s make-up anyway. The big games in English football have become far more open in recent years. Many blame this for English teams’ struggles in Europe.

Both teams have scored four of the last five times these teams have met at Anfield, and 8/11 on that happening again looks a decent bet. Had Manchester United not put in their best performance of the season to beat Spurs 3-0, I would have been all over the 23/20 about Liverpool winning. However there is little room to manoeuvre in the match winner market now.

The Solid Bet: Chelsea to win to nil at Hull City at 11/10

Chelsea are probably in their worst form of the season, but they should have little to fear against a Hull City side who have claimed just five points all season against teams in the top half of the table. Chelsea’s attack has stalled badly recently, and the Blues have been indebted to their defenders for scoring most of their goals. However, since the New Year’s Day defeat at Spurs, Chelsea have conceded just four league goals in eight games.

Only three teams have scored fewer than Hull this year, and they have only managed one goal in their last three games - against Leicester, Sunderland and Stoke. Chelsea’s march to the title might be laboured, but they look set to continue it here.

The Outsider: Burnley to draw at Southampton at 7/2

Burnley have a very good record against the top sides this year, and if they can get points away to Manchester City and Chelsea, they can certainly do the same at Southampton. The Saints were very impressive, particularly in the first half, in their 1-1 draw with Chelsea, but they have struggled to break down defensive teams recently. In recent matches against Crystal Palace, West Brom, West Ham, QPR and Swansea they have managed just two goals.

Burnley lie just one point from safety with a faltering Sunderland just above them. Any result here would be a huge bonus to their survival hopes, and their record this season in matches where no-one has given them much of a chance has been very good.

The First Goalscorer: Charlie Austin for QPR vs Everton at 4/1

Regardless of how bad QPR are, Charlie Austin just keeps on scoring for them. He has scored 15 goals in 26 league games for the Hoops this year. Without him, they would already be written off for relegation. While they were dreadful in a 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace last time out, caretaker manager Chris Ramsay will be hoping QPR’s form at Loftus Road can stave off relegation.

They welcome an Everton side who will be reeling from their 5-1 defeat at Dynamo Kiev on Thursday night. The Everton players will not welcome a game against the physical QPR just after a long trip home from Eastern Europe, and England hopeful Austin can take advantage of that.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Auto Drivers to Watch - California

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Auto Club 400
Sunday, March 22 – 3:30 p.m. EDT
Auto Club Speedway – Fontana, CA

NASCAR heads out to the Auto Club Speedway on Sunday, when Sprint Cup drivers take their talents to Fontana. The Auto Club 400 has been a part of the series in the early part of the season since 1997 and last year was one of the best installments to date as there were 35 different lead changes between 15 different racers.

In the end it was Kyle Busch who won the event for the second consecutive year with a race time of 3:05:53 on the two-mile, D-shaped oval track, but he once again will not be part of the field this week due to his injury. The track also features 14-degree banking and has seen four multiple time winners in the past with Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth winning three times as Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch have each won twice.

Let’s look at the field and find some racers who could do well this weekend.

Drivers to Bet

Jimmie Johnson (6/1) - Although this seems like an obvious choice, he is worth noting as he has dominated at this track in the past with five wins and 12 top-fives in his 20 races. Only two of those came at this specific race (2002, 2010) as he has an average finish of 6.6 in this event; the best mark among racers who have run this Auto Club 400 more than once. He already earned his 71st win this year at Atlanta and is coming off a solid 11th-place finish in Phoenix, so he should be at the top of every list this week.

Kasey Kahne (12/1) - Kahne has been one of the hottest racers in the series this year and has done no worse than 17th this season. Despite his strong start, he has been unable to grab his 18th career Sprint Cup Series win, with his best finish being a fourth last week in Phoenix. If there is a time to win this year it is now since he has won at this track once before and holds a driver rating of 91.5 behind 10 top-10 finishes in 18 attempts. Look for the 34-year-old to put up another big effort this week as he looks to move up the Sprint Cup rankings.

Martin Truex Jr. (15/1) - Truex Jr. has been one of the most consistent drivers this year and has done no worse than eighth in the early part of the season. He has improved his standing from the pole in each of the races and last week jumped from a start of 15th to a finish of seventh at Phoenix. He is no stranger to this track either, racing here 14 times in the past, but only managing three top-10s in that time. He is not one of the bigger names in the game, but his recent run suggests that his lowly two career victories will have some company at some point this year.

Ryan Newman (30/1) - Newman has posted some great results at Auto Club Speedway in the past with four top-five finishes over 20 career races, but has been unable to come in first when all is said and done. He is coming into this year’s installment of the race on the heels of consecutive third-place finishes at Phoenix and Las Vegas and is due for a win since his last one came back in 2013 at the Brickyard 400. The veteran is coming off his best Sprint Cup Series finish last year when he was the runner-up to Kevin Harvick and he should be able to ride his recent success to a top finish on Sunday.

Brendan Gaughan (100/1) - Gaughan does not have anywhere as good of a career as most of the racers in this event with just four career top-10s in his 45 Sprint Cup races, but one of those finishes came here and he is running with a crew that has led Harvick to three top-seven performances at this speedway in the past. This may be a long shot, but Gaughan should be able to put up his best showing of the year so far this week.

Odds to win Auto Club 400

Kevin Harvick 7/2
Jimmie Johnson 6/1
Brad Keselowski 8/1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 8/1
Jeff Gordon 8/1
Joey Logano 8/1
Kasey Kahne 12/1
Matt Kenseth 12/1
Carl Edwards 15/1
Kurt Busch 15/1
Kyle Larson 15/1
Martin Truex Jr. 15/1
Denny Hamlin 20/1
Ryan Newman 30/1
Jamie McMurray 40/1
Tony Stewart 60/1
David Ragan 75/1
Paul Menard 75/1
Austin Dillon 100/1
Brian Vickers 100/1
Clint Bowyer 100/1
Greg Biffle 100/1
Field (Any Other Driver) 100/1
AJ Allmendinger 300/1
Aric Almirola 300/1
Danica Patrick 300/1
Sam Hornish Jr. 300/1
Casey Mears 500/1
Ricky Stenhouse 500/1
Trevor Bayne 500/1