Wunderdog
Wisconsin vs. Miami Florida
Play: Miami Florida -3
The Hurricanes get to play in their home state here. The Hurricanes’ program is back on the rise and this will be an important game to get to 10 wins as it goes a long way towards recruiting and they know it. The Badgers had a successful season by the record, going 9-3. But looking over the wins, it is hard to single out a single big win they had all season. Their two biggest games vs. Iowa and Ohio State saw them unable to move the ball, resulting in losses both SU and ATS. They have had no games this season vs. a big passing attack and they will not really be able to react to Jacoby Harris and the Miami offense here. When they faced the only other Big-10 team that passes well, they allowed 30 points. Miami's defense struggled early on allowing 34 to Florida State, 31 to Virginia Tech and 40 to Clemson. But, in their final five games, they allowed an average of 20.6 per game. Mixed in there was 33 to North Carolina, but the defense allowed just 19 in that game. Their defense held opponents to 3.5 yards per carry and 118 rushing yards per game. If Wisconsin can't run, they run into trouble. Under Bret Bielema, the Badgers are just 2-10 ATS vs. teams that allow under 120 rushing yards per game. I like Miami here.
Wisconsin vs. Miami Florida
Play: Miami Florida -3
The Hurricanes get to play in their home state here. The Hurricanes’ program is back on the rise and this will be an important game to get to 10 wins as it goes a long way towards recruiting and they know it. The Badgers had a successful season by the record, going 9-3. But looking over the wins, it is hard to single out a single big win they had all season. Their two biggest games vs. Iowa and Ohio State saw them unable to move the ball, resulting in losses both SU and ATS. They have had no games this season vs. a big passing attack and they will not really be able to react to Jacoby Harris and the Miami offense here. When they faced the only other Big-10 team that passes well, they allowed 30 points. Miami's defense struggled early on allowing 34 to Florida State, 31 to Virginia Tech and 40 to Clemson. But, in their final five games, they allowed an average of 20.6 per game. Mixed in there was 33 to North Carolina, but the defense allowed just 19 in that game. Their defense held opponents to 3.5 yards per carry and 118 rushing yards per game. If Wisconsin can't run, they run into trouble. Under Bret Bielema, the Badgers are just 2-10 ATS vs. teams that allow under 120 rushing yards per game. I like Miami here.
SPORTS ADVISORS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
EAGLE BANK BOWL
(at Washington, D.C.)
UCLA (6-6 SU and ATS) vs. Temple (9-3, 8-3 ATS)
Temple returns to the postseason for the first time in 30 years and faces the Bruins for the first time ever when these surprise bowl entrants clash inside RFK Stadium in the nation’s capital.
The Owls posted just their fourth winning season in the past 30 years and their first since 1990. They rattled off nine straight wins before losing to Ohio 35-17 as a two-point road favorite in the regular-season finale, keeping them from winning the Mid-American Conference’s East Division and a berth in the league championship game.
UCLA won three of four (2-2 ATS) to close the season and earn its first postseason bid since 2007, but the Bruins didn’t secure a spot in this game until Army lost to Navy on Dec. 12. The postseason looked like a pipedream when UCLA dropped five straight games in October (1-4 ATS), and despite the 3-1 surge at the end of the season, the Bruins – under second-year coach Rick Nueheisel – still only finished eighth in the Pac-10 at 3-6 (both SU and ATS). They ended the year with a 28-7 loss to archrival USC as a 13-point road underdog.
Going back to the 1993 season, UCLA has dropped eight of 11 bowl games, including a 17-16 loss to BYU in the 2007 Las Vegas Bowl. However, the Bruins cashed as a six-point underdog in that contest.
Temple scored 24 points or more in each of their nine consecutive wins (7-2 ATS) and held the opposition to 19 points or less six times. The Owls are led by MAC Freshman of the Year Bernard Pierce who rushed for 1,308 yards and 15 touchdowns. Temple has rushed for more than 200 yards in six straight games and it is ranked 23rd in the nation in rushing at 192.3 ypg. Defensively, Temple is 19th in the country against the run, yielding just 108.8 ypg, and sophomore Adrian Robinson was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year.
The Bruins were held below 20 points six times this season and averaged a paltry 21.3 points and 339.3 yards per game. Part of the problem for the offense was inconsistent QB play from freshman Kevin Prince, who threw for just 1,829 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions. Three QBs – Prince, Kevin Craft and Richard Brehaut – combined for 11 INTs versus just eight TD passes.
While the offense sputtered, UCLA’s defense carried the team, yielding just 21.2 points and 338.3 yards per outing, including 194 passing ypg. The Bruins have the nation’s best pass thief in safety Rahim Moore, who had nine interceptions this season, and two third-team All-Americans in defensive tackle Brian Price, who had 34½ tackles for losses, and cornerback Alterraun Verner (5 INTs).
Temple is on several positive ATS streaks, including 9-3 overall, 4-1 as an underdog, 5-1-1 after a non-cover and 4-0 in non-conference action. UCLA is just 1-5 ATS in its last five against winning teams, but otherwise is on ATS streaks of 5-1 in December, 6-1 as a favorite, 4-0 in non-conference games and 17-8 following a non-cover.
The Owls are stayed below the posted total in eight of 11 after a non-cover, but they have topped the number in seven straight overall and four of five as underdogs. Meanwhile, the Bruins are on a plethora of “under” streaks, including 34-16-1 overall, 5-2 in bowl games, 7-2 as a favorite, 4-1 in December, 19-6-1 against winning teams and 14-3 after a straight-up loss.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
CHAMPS SPORTS CITRUS BOWL
(at Orlando, Fla.)
(24) Wisconsin (9-3, 5-6 ATS) vs. (14) Miami, Fla. (9-3, 6-5 ATS)
The Badgers are making their sixth straight trip to Florida for a bowl game, this time facing streaking Miami in the Citrus Bowl, with this being just the second matchup of ranked teams this bowl season.
Wisconsin won four of five (3-2 ATS) to close the season, but lost its rivalry game at Northwestern on Nov. 21, falling 33-31 as a seven-point road chalk. The Badgers then went to Hawaii two weeks later and scored an easy 51-10 victory as 11½-point favorites. Wisconsin scored 31 points or more in each of its last five games (average of 39 ppg), but in back-to-back SU and ATS losses to Ohio State (road) and Iowa (home) in October, it was held to just 23 total points.
Miami also won four of five (2-3 ATS) to close the regular season, but dominated the final two weeks, crushing Duke 34-16 (pushing as a 19-point home chalk) and then going to South Florida and rolling to a 31-10 victory (cashing as a 3½-point favorite to end the regular season).
These squads haven’t met since a home-and-home series in 1988 and 1989, when Miami was one of college football’s elite squads and outscored Wisconsin 74-6 in the two games. However, the teams split the cash, with the ‘Canes laying 32 points on the road and 40 points at home.
The Badgers are in their eighth straight bowl game, but dropped each of the last two. Last year, Wisconsin played in the Champs Sports Bowl and fell to Florida State 42-13 as a six-point underdog, and in January 2008, the Badgers dropped a 21-17 decision to Tennessee in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla., coming up just short as 2½-point underdogs.
This is Miami’s ninth postseason trip in 10 years, going 5-3 SU in the first eight. Last year, the ‘Canes traveled across the country to San Francisco for the Emerald Bowl and fell to California 24-17, but cashed as 10-point underdogs.
RB John Clay was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year for the Badgers, rushing for 1,369 yards and 16 TDs this season. Wisconsin’s rushing attack ranks 14th in the nation at 206.7 ypg. Defensively, the Badgers were extremely inconsistent, giving up 28 points or more six times while holding five opponents to 20 points or less. However, they were strong against the run, yielding just 90.5 rushing ypg (2.9 per carry).
Miami is led by sophomore QB Jacory Harris, who ranked 15th in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 3,164 yards and 23 TDs, but he did tie for the most INTs in the nation with 17. The Hurricanes scored at least 27 points in nine of 12 games, and if you take away a seven-point effort against Virginia Tech (31-7 loss) and a 21-20 win over Oklahoma, Miami averaged 39.9 ppg. Defensively, the ‘Canes held the opposition to 20 points or less in six of their final nine contests and yielded just 264 yards per game in their final four games, holding three of those opponents to 17 points or less.
Wisconsin is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven against teams with a winning record and 4-9 ATS in its last 13 as an underdog. Miami is on several positive ATS streaks, including 7-3 in bowl games, 3-0 against non-ACC foes, and 5-2 against teams with a winning record, but the ‘Canes are also on pointspread slides of 10-24-1 as a favorite and 2-5 in December.
The Badgers are on “over” streaks of 4-0 overall, 8-1 after a straight-up win, 4-2 in non-conference play and 6-1 after a spread-cover. On the flip side, the Hurricanes are on a plethora of “under” runs, including 35-15 in non-conference play, 4-1 in bowl games, 4-1 in December contests, 6-1 against winning teams and 14-7 after a spread-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MIAMI, FLA.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Marquette (9-3, 3-3 ATS) at (6) West Virginia (10-0, 4-5 ATS)
Marquette looks to knock off its second Top 25 opponent this season when it travels to the Coliseum in Morgantown for a clash with the undefeated Mountaineers in the Big East opener for both teams.
The Golden Eagles capped the non-conference portion of their schedule with a pair of blowout, non-lined home wins over North Florida (78-51 on Dec. 19) and Presbyterian (102-62 on Sunday). Prior to devouring those cupcakes, Marquette has lost three of four, including a 72-63 loss to then-No. 20 Wisconsin as a 5½-point road underdog, its only true road game to date. The Eagles’ only other battle against a ranked foe was a 79-65 blowout victory over then-No. 15 Michigan as a 1½-point underdog in a preseason tournament in Florida.
West Virginia survived its second scare in a seven-day stretch on Saturday, outlasting Seton Hall 90-84 in overtime to remain unbeaten, covering as a four-point road favorite. The previous Saturday, the Mountaineers blew a 19-point second-half lead at Cleveland State and barely held on for an 80-78 win as a hefty 15½-point road chalk. In between, Bob Huggins’ squad topped Ole Miss at home 76-66, but came up short as an 11½-point favorite. West Virginia is 5-0 at home (1-3 ATS), outscoring visitors by an average of 22.4 ppg (73-51.6).
The home team is 4-0 SU and ATS in the four Big East meetings between these teams, all of them double-digit blowouts and all taking place in the past four seasons. Last year, Marquette cruised to a 75-53 win as a 1½-point chalk, as the winner and favorite have easily cashed in all four head-to-head clashes, which were decided by margins of 19, 18, 15 and 22 points.
West Virginia is 2-5 ATS in its last seven home games going back to last season and 1-4 ATS in its last five Tuesday outings.
Marquette is on “over” streaks of 5-2 on the road, 5-2 in Big East play and 6-2 after a SU win, but the under is 5-1 in its last six Tuesday contests. Also, the Mountaineers are riding “under” stretches of 5-2 at home, 10-4 in conference, 13-3-1 on Tuesday and 8-2 after a spread-cover. Lastly, the past two clashes between these schools have stayed below the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: WEST VIRGINIA
(20) Texas Tech (10-1, 5-1 ATS) at (19) New Mexico (12-1, 9-2-1 ATS)
New Mexico tries to bounce back from its first setback of the season when it returns to The Pit in Albuquerque for a non-conference battle with the Red Raiders in the day’s only matchup between Top 25 teams.
Texas Tech followed up its first defeat – an 85-83 loss at Wichita State as a six-point underdog – with a 100-87 rout of Stanford a week ago tonight. The Red Raiders cashed as a seven-point home favorite, their fifth straight spread-cover. Over its last five games, Tech is averaging 87.2 ppg (51.3 percent shooting) but allowed 77.4 ppg (42.8 percent).
Unranked to start the season, the Lobos climbed all the way to No. 13 in the national polls after winning their first 12 games, but the bubble burst in Wednesday’s shocking 75-66 road loss at Oral Roberts in a non-lined game. Including a 66-61 home win over Creighton 10 days ago, New Mexico has scored 66 points in consecutive games after tallying more than 80 points in nine of their previous 10 games.
These regional rivals have squared off five times this decade, including the last three years in a row, with Texas Tech winning four of the five contests and New Mexico going 3-1 ATS in the last four. The host has taken the last three clashes and is 4-1 ATS in the last five, including the Lobos’ 80-63 rout as a five-point home favorite in 2007 followed by the Red Raiders’ 86-78 win as a 1½-point home chalk in 2008.
In addition to its 5-0 ATS run overall, Texas Tech has cashed in five of six on the road and five of six against teams with a winning record, but the Raiders are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 on Tuesday. New Mexico is on pointspread rolls of 11-2-1 overall, 34-16-1 at home, 34-16-2 in non-conference lined games, 5-1 against the Big 12 and 5-0 after a SU loss.
Texas Tech carries nothing but “over” trends, including 30-10-2 overall, 19-7 as a visitor, 9-1-1 in non-league play, 4-0 versus the Mountain West, 13-3 after a SU win and 18-7-1 after a spread-cover. Also, the over is 3-1 in the Lobos’ last four lined outings and 4-0 in the Lobos’ last four versus Big 12 opponents. Lastly, the past two meetings in this rivalry easily went over the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW MEXICO and OVER
NBA
Cleveland (24-8, 17-15 ATS) at Atlanta (21-8 SU and ATS)
Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference square off for the first time since an opening-round playoff series last spring, as the Hawks host the Cavaliers at Philips Arena.
Cleveland – playing its fifth road game in its last six contests – brings a four-game SU and ATS winning streak into Atlanta. The Cavaliers followed up a dominating 102-87 upset victory over the Lakers on Christmas Day with Sunday’s 108-83 destruction of the Rockets, cashing as an 8½-point home chalk. LeBron James’s crew has also won nine of its last 10 and 13 of its last 16, and it has matched its season high with four straight spread-covers (which comes on the heels of a 2-6 ATS slump).
The Cavaliers have cleared the century mark in all four games during their current win streak, averaging 109 ppg while holding the opposition to 91.3 ppg. Also, during their 10-1 SU run, the Cavs are 5-1 SU and ATS as a visitor, improving to 12-6 SU and ATS on the highway, with the SU winner cashing in all 18 of those games.
Atlanta returns home following a 2-2 SU and ATS road trip that ended with Saturday’s 110-98 rout at Indiana as a six-point visiting chalk. It marked the sixth time in the last nine games that the Hawks scored at least 110 points, and they won all six. Atlanta is 8-2 SU and ATS in its last 10 contests, including 4-0 SU and ATS at home. For the season, the Hawks are 12-2 SU and 11-3 ATS at Philips Arena.
The SU winner has covered the spread in 27 of Atlanta’s 29 games this year, including the last 16 in a row overall and the last seven in a row at home.
Cleveland swept the Hawks out of last year’s Eastern Conference playoffs, going 3-0-1 ATS, and the Cavs have won six in a row and eight of the last nine in this rivalry, going 4-1 SU in Atlanta. However, the Hawks covered in the final three regular-season meetings last year (2-0 ATS at home), all as an underdog. The host is 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight head-to-head matchups, but Cleveland is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 trips to Atlanta.
Although they’ve cashed in four in a row overall and five of six on the highway, the Cavaliers are just 1-5 ATS in their last six on Tuesday. Atlanta’s 21-8 ATS mark on the season is buoyed by additional pointspread runs of 25-10-2 at home, 15-7-1 against the Central Division, 4-1 versus the Eastern Conference and 4-0 when coming off two days’ rest.
For Cleveland, the under is on runs of 5-1 in Eastern Conference games, 10-4 on Tuesday, 38-14 when coming off a victory of more than 10 points and 39-16 after an ATS triumph. Conversely, Atlanta carries “over” trends of 5-2 overall, 10-2 at home, 6-1 versus the Eastern Conference and 4-1 against the Central Division. Finally, the under is 4-2 in the last six meetings between these teams, including 3-0 in Atlanta.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
EAGLE BANK BOWL
(at Washington, D.C.)
UCLA (6-6 SU and ATS) vs. Temple (9-3, 8-3 ATS)
Temple returns to the postseason for the first time in 30 years and faces the Bruins for the first time ever when these surprise bowl entrants clash inside RFK Stadium in the nation’s capital.
The Owls posted just their fourth winning season in the past 30 years and their first since 1990. They rattled off nine straight wins before losing to Ohio 35-17 as a two-point road favorite in the regular-season finale, keeping them from winning the Mid-American Conference’s East Division and a berth in the league championship game.
UCLA won three of four (2-2 ATS) to close the season and earn its first postseason bid since 2007, but the Bruins didn’t secure a spot in this game until Army lost to Navy on Dec. 12. The postseason looked like a pipedream when UCLA dropped five straight games in October (1-4 ATS), and despite the 3-1 surge at the end of the season, the Bruins – under second-year coach Rick Nueheisel – still only finished eighth in the Pac-10 at 3-6 (both SU and ATS). They ended the year with a 28-7 loss to archrival USC as a 13-point road underdog.
Going back to the 1993 season, UCLA has dropped eight of 11 bowl games, including a 17-16 loss to BYU in the 2007 Las Vegas Bowl. However, the Bruins cashed as a six-point underdog in that contest.
Temple scored 24 points or more in each of their nine consecutive wins (7-2 ATS) and held the opposition to 19 points or less six times. The Owls are led by MAC Freshman of the Year Bernard Pierce who rushed for 1,308 yards and 15 touchdowns. Temple has rushed for more than 200 yards in six straight games and it is ranked 23rd in the nation in rushing at 192.3 ypg. Defensively, Temple is 19th in the country against the run, yielding just 108.8 ypg, and sophomore Adrian Robinson was the MAC Defensive Player of the Year.
The Bruins were held below 20 points six times this season and averaged a paltry 21.3 points and 339.3 yards per game. Part of the problem for the offense was inconsistent QB play from freshman Kevin Prince, who threw for just 1,829 yards with six touchdowns and seven interceptions. Three QBs – Prince, Kevin Craft and Richard Brehaut – combined for 11 INTs versus just eight TD passes.
While the offense sputtered, UCLA’s defense carried the team, yielding just 21.2 points and 338.3 yards per outing, including 194 passing ypg. The Bruins have the nation’s best pass thief in safety Rahim Moore, who had nine interceptions this season, and two third-team All-Americans in defensive tackle Brian Price, who had 34½ tackles for losses, and cornerback Alterraun Verner (5 INTs).
Temple is on several positive ATS streaks, including 9-3 overall, 4-1 as an underdog, 5-1-1 after a non-cover and 4-0 in non-conference action. UCLA is just 1-5 ATS in its last five against winning teams, but otherwise is on ATS streaks of 5-1 in December, 6-1 as a favorite, 4-0 in non-conference games and 17-8 following a non-cover.
The Owls are stayed below the posted total in eight of 11 after a non-cover, but they have topped the number in seven straight overall and four of five as underdogs. Meanwhile, the Bruins are on a plethora of “under” streaks, including 34-16-1 overall, 5-2 in bowl games, 7-2 as a favorite, 4-1 in December, 19-6-1 against winning teams and 14-3 after a straight-up loss.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
CHAMPS SPORTS CITRUS BOWL
(at Orlando, Fla.)
(24) Wisconsin (9-3, 5-6 ATS) vs. (14) Miami, Fla. (9-3, 6-5 ATS)
The Badgers are making their sixth straight trip to Florida for a bowl game, this time facing streaking Miami in the Citrus Bowl, with this being just the second matchup of ranked teams this bowl season.
Wisconsin won four of five (3-2 ATS) to close the season, but lost its rivalry game at Northwestern on Nov. 21, falling 33-31 as a seven-point road chalk. The Badgers then went to Hawaii two weeks later and scored an easy 51-10 victory as 11½-point favorites. Wisconsin scored 31 points or more in each of its last five games (average of 39 ppg), but in back-to-back SU and ATS losses to Ohio State (road) and Iowa (home) in October, it was held to just 23 total points.
Miami also won four of five (2-3 ATS) to close the regular season, but dominated the final two weeks, crushing Duke 34-16 (pushing as a 19-point home chalk) and then going to South Florida and rolling to a 31-10 victory (cashing as a 3½-point favorite to end the regular season).
These squads haven’t met since a home-and-home series in 1988 and 1989, when Miami was one of college football’s elite squads and outscored Wisconsin 74-6 in the two games. However, the teams split the cash, with the ‘Canes laying 32 points on the road and 40 points at home.
The Badgers are in their eighth straight bowl game, but dropped each of the last two. Last year, Wisconsin played in the Champs Sports Bowl and fell to Florida State 42-13 as a six-point underdog, and in January 2008, the Badgers dropped a 21-17 decision to Tennessee in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla., coming up just short as 2½-point underdogs.
This is Miami’s ninth postseason trip in 10 years, going 5-3 SU in the first eight. Last year, the ‘Canes traveled across the country to San Francisco for the Emerald Bowl and fell to California 24-17, but cashed as 10-point underdogs.
RB John Clay was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year for the Badgers, rushing for 1,369 yards and 16 TDs this season. Wisconsin’s rushing attack ranks 14th in the nation at 206.7 ypg. Defensively, the Badgers were extremely inconsistent, giving up 28 points or more six times while holding five opponents to 20 points or less. However, they were strong against the run, yielding just 90.5 rushing ypg (2.9 per carry).
Miami is led by sophomore QB Jacory Harris, who ranked 15th in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 3,164 yards and 23 TDs, but he did tie for the most INTs in the nation with 17. The Hurricanes scored at least 27 points in nine of 12 games, and if you take away a seven-point effort against Virginia Tech (31-7 loss) and a 21-20 win over Oklahoma, Miami averaged 39.9 ppg. Defensively, the ‘Canes held the opposition to 20 points or less in six of their final nine contests and yielded just 264 yards per game in their final four games, holding three of those opponents to 17 points or less.
Wisconsin is just 1-6 ATS in its last seven against teams with a winning record and 4-9 ATS in its last 13 as an underdog. Miami is on several positive ATS streaks, including 7-3 in bowl games, 3-0 against non-ACC foes, and 5-2 against teams with a winning record, but the ‘Canes are also on pointspread slides of 10-24-1 as a favorite and 2-5 in December.
The Badgers are on “over” streaks of 4-0 overall, 8-1 after a straight-up win, 4-2 in non-conference play and 6-1 after a spread-cover. On the flip side, the Hurricanes are on a plethora of “under” runs, including 35-15 in non-conference play, 4-1 in bowl games, 4-1 in December contests, 6-1 against winning teams and 14-7 after a spread-cover.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MIAMI, FLA.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Marquette (9-3, 3-3 ATS) at (6) West Virginia (10-0, 4-5 ATS)
Marquette looks to knock off its second Top 25 opponent this season when it travels to the Coliseum in Morgantown for a clash with the undefeated Mountaineers in the Big East opener for both teams.
The Golden Eagles capped the non-conference portion of their schedule with a pair of blowout, non-lined home wins over North Florida (78-51 on Dec. 19) and Presbyterian (102-62 on Sunday). Prior to devouring those cupcakes, Marquette has lost three of four, including a 72-63 loss to then-No. 20 Wisconsin as a 5½-point road underdog, its only true road game to date. The Eagles’ only other battle against a ranked foe was a 79-65 blowout victory over then-No. 15 Michigan as a 1½-point underdog in a preseason tournament in Florida.
West Virginia survived its second scare in a seven-day stretch on Saturday, outlasting Seton Hall 90-84 in overtime to remain unbeaten, covering as a four-point road favorite. The previous Saturday, the Mountaineers blew a 19-point second-half lead at Cleveland State and barely held on for an 80-78 win as a hefty 15½-point road chalk. In between, Bob Huggins’ squad topped Ole Miss at home 76-66, but came up short as an 11½-point favorite. West Virginia is 5-0 at home (1-3 ATS), outscoring visitors by an average of 22.4 ppg (73-51.6).
The home team is 4-0 SU and ATS in the four Big East meetings between these teams, all of them double-digit blowouts and all taking place in the past four seasons. Last year, Marquette cruised to a 75-53 win as a 1½-point chalk, as the winner and favorite have easily cashed in all four head-to-head clashes, which were decided by margins of 19, 18, 15 and 22 points.
West Virginia is 2-5 ATS in its last seven home games going back to last season and 1-4 ATS in its last five Tuesday outings.
Marquette is on “over” streaks of 5-2 on the road, 5-2 in Big East play and 6-2 after a SU win, but the under is 5-1 in its last six Tuesday contests. Also, the Mountaineers are riding “under” stretches of 5-2 at home, 10-4 in conference, 13-3-1 on Tuesday and 8-2 after a spread-cover. Lastly, the past two clashes between these schools have stayed below the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: WEST VIRGINIA
(20) Texas Tech (10-1, 5-1 ATS) at (19) New Mexico (12-1, 9-2-1 ATS)
New Mexico tries to bounce back from its first setback of the season when it returns to The Pit in Albuquerque for a non-conference battle with the Red Raiders in the day’s only matchup between Top 25 teams.
Texas Tech followed up its first defeat – an 85-83 loss at Wichita State as a six-point underdog – with a 100-87 rout of Stanford a week ago tonight. The Red Raiders cashed as a seven-point home favorite, their fifth straight spread-cover. Over its last five games, Tech is averaging 87.2 ppg (51.3 percent shooting) but allowed 77.4 ppg (42.8 percent).
Unranked to start the season, the Lobos climbed all the way to No. 13 in the national polls after winning their first 12 games, but the bubble burst in Wednesday’s shocking 75-66 road loss at Oral Roberts in a non-lined game. Including a 66-61 home win over Creighton 10 days ago, New Mexico has scored 66 points in consecutive games after tallying more than 80 points in nine of their previous 10 games.
These regional rivals have squared off five times this decade, including the last three years in a row, with Texas Tech winning four of the five contests and New Mexico going 3-1 ATS in the last four. The host has taken the last three clashes and is 4-1 ATS in the last five, including the Lobos’ 80-63 rout as a five-point home favorite in 2007 followed by the Red Raiders’ 86-78 win as a 1½-point home chalk in 2008.
In addition to its 5-0 ATS run overall, Texas Tech has cashed in five of six on the road and five of six against teams with a winning record, but the Raiders are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 on Tuesday. New Mexico is on pointspread rolls of 11-2-1 overall, 34-16-1 at home, 34-16-2 in non-conference lined games, 5-1 against the Big 12 and 5-0 after a SU loss.
Texas Tech carries nothing but “over” trends, including 30-10-2 overall, 19-7 as a visitor, 9-1-1 in non-league play, 4-0 versus the Mountain West, 13-3 after a SU win and 18-7-1 after a spread-cover. Also, the over is 3-1 in the Lobos’ last four lined outings and 4-0 in the Lobos’ last four versus Big 12 opponents. Lastly, the past two meetings in this rivalry easily went over the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW MEXICO and OVER
NBA
Cleveland (24-8, 17-15 ATS) at Atlanta (21-8 SU and ATS)
Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference square off for the first time since an opening-round playoff series last spring, as the Hawks host the Cavaliers at Philips Arena.
Cleveland – playing its fifth road game in its last six contests – brings a four-game SU and ATS winning streak into Atlanta. The Cavaliers followed up a dominating 102-87 upset victory over the Lakers on Christmas Day with Sunday’s 108-83 destruction of the Rockets, cashing as an 8½-point home chalk. LeBron James’s crew has also won nine of its last 10 and 13 of its last 16, and it has matched its season high with four straight spread-covers (which comes on the heels of a 2-6 ATS slump).
The Cavaliers have cleared the century mark in all four games during their current win streak, averaging 109 ppg while holding the opposition to 91.3 ppg. Also, during their 10-1 SU run, the Cavs are 5-1 SU and ATS as a visitor, improving to 12-6 SU and ATS on the highway, with the SU winner cashing in all 18 of those games.
Atlanta returns home following a 2-2 SU and ATS road trip that ended with Saturday’s 110-98 rout at Indiana as a six-point visiting chalk. It marked the sixth time in the last nine games that the Hawks scored at least 110 points, and they won all six. Atlanta is 8-2 SU and ATS in its last 10 contests, including 4-0 SU and ATS at home. For the season, the Hawks are 12-2 SU and 11-3 ATS at Philips Arena.
The SU winner has covered the spread in 27 of Atlanta’s 29 games this year, including the last 16 in a row overall and the last seven in a row at home.
Cleveland swept the Hawks out of last year’s Eastern Conference playoffs, going 3-0-1 ATS, and the Cavs have won six in a row and eight of the last nine in this rivalry, going 4-1 SU in Atlanta. However, the Hawks covered in the final three regular-season meetings last year (2-0 ATS at home), all as an underdog. The host is 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight head-to-head matchups, but Cleveland is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 trips to Atlanta.
Although they’ve cashed in four in a row overall and five of six on the highway, the Cavaliers are just 1-5 ATS in their last six on Tuesday. Atlanta’s 21-8 ATS mark on the season is buoyed by additional pointspread runs of 25-10-2 at home, 15-7-1 against the Central Division, 4-1 versus the Eastern Conference and 4-0 when coming off two days’ rest.
For Cleveland, the under is on runs of 5-1 in Eastern Conference games, 10-4 on Tuesday, 38-14 when coming off a victory of more than 10 points and 39-16 after an ATS triumph. Conversely, Atlanta carries “over” trends of 5-2 overall, 10-2 at home, 6-1 versus the Eastern Conference and 4-1 against the Central Division. Finally, the under is 4-2 in the last six meetings between these teams, including 3-0 in Atlanta.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Dunkel NBA
Today's NBA Picks
Cleveland at Atlanta
The Hawks look to build on their 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 games as a home favorite between 1 and 4 1/2 points. Atlanta is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Hawks favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29
Time Posted: 8:30 a.m. EST
Game 501-502: Cleveland at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 123.569; Atlanta 128.900
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 5 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: Oklahoma City at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 119.168; Washington 117.478
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1 1/2; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 1; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+1); Over
Game 505-506: New York at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: New York 116.356; Detroit 116.307
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 5; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (+5); Under
Game 507-508: Indiana at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 110.590; Chicago 118.177
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7 1/2; 174
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 5 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-5 1/2); Under
Game 509-510: New Orleans at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 113.537; Houston 122.782
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 9; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 6; 193
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-6); Under
Game 511-512: Minnesota at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 112.468; San Antonio 125.241
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 13; 195
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 12; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-12); Under
Game 513-514: Golden State at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 109.525; LA Lakers 125.633
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 16; 219
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 11; 220 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-11); Under
Today's NBA Picks
Cleveland at Atlanta
The Hawks look to build on their 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 games as a home favorite between 1 and 4 1/2 points. Atlanta is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Hawks favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29
Time Posted: 8:30 a.m. EST
Game 501-502: Cleveland at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 123.569; Atlanta 128.900
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 5 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2); Over
Game 503-504: Oklahoma City at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 119.168; Washington 117.478
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1 1/2; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 1; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+1); Over
Game 505-506: New York at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: New York 116.356; Detroit 116.307
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 5; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (+5); Under
Game 507-508: Indiana at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 110.590; Chicago 118.177
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7 1/2; 174
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 5 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-5 1/2); Under
Game 509-510: New Orleans at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 113.537; Houston 122.782
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 9; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 6; 193
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-6); Under
Game 511-512: Minnesota at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 112.468; San Antonio 125.241
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 13; 195
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 12; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-12); Under
Game 513-514: Golden State at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 109.525; LA Lakers 125.633
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 16; 219
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 11; 220 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-11); Under
Dunkel NCAA BB
NCAA Basketball Picks
Marquette at West Virginia
The Golden Eagles look to take advantage of a West Virginia team that is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games as a home favorite. Marquette is the pick (+12) according to Dunkel, which has the Mountaineers favored by only 9. Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+12). Here are all of today's games.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29
Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST
Game 515-516: Cornell at LaSalle
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 60.319; LaSalle 58.012
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Cornell
Game 517-518: Purdue at Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 75.253; Iowa 60.619
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Purdue by 12
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-12)
Game 519-520: Long Beach State at Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Long Beach State 56.289; Duke 83.003
Dunkel Line: Duke by 26 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 23
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-23)
Game 521-522: Hofstra at Florida Atlantic
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 55.575; Florida Atlantic 53.198
Dunkel Line: Hofstra by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Hofstra by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (-1 1/2)
Game 523-524: Marquette at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 70.996; West Virginia 79.812
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 9
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 12
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+12)
Game 525-526: Rhode Island at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 65.391; Drexel 60.956
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 3
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (-3)
Game 527-528: LSU at Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 60.432; Xavier 70.307
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 10
Vegas Line: Xavier by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LSU (+10 1/2)
Game 529-530: East Carolina at VCU
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 51.333 VCU 67.815
Dunkel Line: VCU by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: VCU by 15
Dunkel Pick: VCU (-15)
Game 531-532: Pacific at Oklahoma State
Dunkel Ratings: Pacific 58.203; Oklahoma State 68.594
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 11
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (+11)
Game 533-534: Cleveland State at Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 53.785; Kansas State 71.233
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 18
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (+18)
Game 535-536: Bradley at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 54.497; Drake 54.677
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Drake by 1
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (+1)
Game 537-538: Toledo at Illinois-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 42.022; Illinois-Chicago 51.615
Dunkel Line: Illinois-Chicago by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois-Chicago by 11
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+11)
Game 539-540: Wichita State at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Wichita State 63.352; Illinois State 64.597
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 1
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wichita State (+1 1/2)
Game 541-542: Indiana State at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 53.733; Southern Illinois 62.753
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois 9
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (-5 1/2)
Game 543-544: Missouri State at Evansville
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri State 57.457; Evansville 57.341
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Evansville (+2 1/2)
Game 545-546: Northern Iowa at Creighton
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Iowa 61.386; Creighton 63.934
Dunkel Line: Creighton by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Creighton by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (-1 1/2)
Game 547-548: LouiSIAna Tech at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: LouiSIAna Tech 58.389; Houston 69.733
Dunkel Line: Houston by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-6 1/2)
Game 549-550: Texas Tech at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 65.300; New Mexico 74.135
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 9
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 8
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-8)
Game 551-552: Yale at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 45.709; Colorado 61.829
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 16
Vegas Line: Colorado by 18
Dunkel Pick: Yale (+18)
Game 553-554: Penn State at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 62.148; Minnesota 74.980
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 13
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-11 1/2)
Game 555-556: Syracuse at Seton Hall
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 74.412; Seton Hall 72.072
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (+3 1/2)
Game 557-558: James Madison at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 49.469; Stanford 65.232
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Stanford by 14
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-14)
Game 559-560: UC-Riverside at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 48.714; San Diego State 69.489
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 20 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 18
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-18)
Game 561-562: Buffalo vs. Jacksonville
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 56.591; Jacksonville 45.706
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 11
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 7
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-7)
Game 563-564: Liberty at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Liberty 47.565; Central Florida 60.507
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 13
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (-12 1/2)
Game 565-566: Eastern Kentucky vs. Morgan State
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Kentucky 53.416; Morgan State 54.393
Dunkel Line: Morgan State by 1
Vegas Line: Morgan State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Kentucky (+2)
Game 567-568: Long Island at Chattanooga
Dunkel Ratings: Long Island 44.484; Chattanooga 46.633
Dunkel Line: Chattanooga by 2
Vegas Line: Chattanooga by 5
Dunkel Pick: Long Island (+5)
Game 569-570: Norfolk State vs. Niagara
Dunkel Ratings: Norfolk State 37.760; Niagara 57.491
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 19 1/2
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 571-572: Air Force at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 55.620; UTEP 64.902
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 8 1/2
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 573-574: Furman vs. Utah Valley State
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 44.194; Utah Valley State 49.563
Dunkel Line: Utah Valley State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 575-576: UC-Santa Barbara at California
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 52.197; California 71.608
Dunkel Line: California by 19 1/2
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 577-578: Stephen F. Austin vs. Howard
Dunkel Ratings: Stephen F. Austin 52.527; Howard 39.342
Dunkel Line: Stephen F. Austin by 13
Vegas Line: Stephen F. Austin by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Stephen F. Austin (-12 1/2)
Game 579-580: Binghamton at St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: Binghamton 45.110; St. Mary's (CA) 72.599
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 27 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 24 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (CA) (-24 1/2)
Game 581-582: Northeastern at Santa Clara
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 53.970; Santa Clara 55.601
Dunkel Line: Santa Clara by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Santa Clara (+4 1/2)
Game 583-584: Kent State vs. Wofford
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 55.500; Wofford 57.701
Dunkel Line: Wofford by 2
Vegas Line: Wofford by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wofford (-1 1/2)
Game 585-586: Elon at Ohio
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 45.015; Ohio 58.111
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 13
Vegas Line: Ohio by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Elon (+16 1/2)
Game 587-588: St. Joseph's at Siena
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 54.773; Siena 68.342
Dunkel Line: Siena by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Siena by 13
Dunkel Pick: Siena (-13)
Game 589-590: Jacksonville State at Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville State 43.200; Mississippi 71.643
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 28 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 23 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-23 1/2)
Game 591-592: Eastern Illinois at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Illinois 48.528; St. Louis 58.773
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 10
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Illinois (+10 1/2)
Game 593-594: Belmont at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Belmont 53.671; Kansas 84.302
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 30 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 31
Dunkel Pick: Belmont (+31)
NCAA Basketball Picks
Marquette at West Virginia
The Golden Eagles look to take advantage of a West Virginia team that is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games as a home favorite. Marquette is the pick (+12) according to Dunkel, which has the Mountaineers favored by only 9. Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+12). Here are all of today's games.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29
Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST
Game 515-516: Cornell at LaSalle
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 60.319; LaSalle 58.012
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Cornell
Game 517-518: Purdue at Iowa
Dunkel Ratings: Purdue 75.253; Iowa 60.619
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Purdue by 12
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-12)
Game 519-520: Long Beach State at Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Long Beach State 56.289; Duke 83.003
Dunkel Line: Duke by 26 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 23
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-23)
Game 521-522: Hofstra at Florida Atlantic
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 55.575; Florida Atlantic 53.198
Dunkel Line: Hofstra by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Hofstra by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hofstra (-1 1/2)
Game 523-524: Marquette at West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 70.996; West Virginia 79.812
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 9
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 12
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+12)
Game 525-526: Rhode Island at Drexel
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 65.391; Drexel 60.956
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 3
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (-3)
Game 527-528: LSU at Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 60.432; Xavier 70.307
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 10
Vegas Line: Xavier by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LSU (+10 1/2)
Game 529-530: East Carolina at VCU
Dunkel Ratings: East Carolina 51.333 VCU 67.815
Dunkel Line: VCU by 16 1/2
Vegas Line: VCU by 15
Dunkel Pick: VCU (-15)
Game 531-532: Pacific at Oklahoma State
Dunkel Ratings: Pacific 58.203; Oklahoma State 68.594
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 11
Dunkel Pick: Pacific (+11)
Game 533-534: Cleveland State at Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 53.785; Kansas State 71.233
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 18
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (+18)
Game 535-536: Bradley at Drake
Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 54.497; Drake 54.677
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Drake by 1
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (+1)
Game 537-538: Toledo at Illinois-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 42.022; Illinois-Chicago 51.615
Dunkel Line: Illinois-Chicago by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois-Chicago by 11
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+11)
Game 539-540: Wichita State at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Wichita State 63.352; Illinois State 64.597
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 1
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wichita State (+1 1/2)
Game 541-542: Indiana State at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 53.733; Southern Illinois 62.753
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois 9
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Southern Illinois (-5 1/2)
Game 543-544: Missouri State at Evansville
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri State 57.457; Evansville 57.341
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Evansville (+2 1/2)
Game 545-546: Northern Iowa at Creighton
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Iowa 61.386; Creighton 63.934
Dunkel Line: Creighton by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Creighton by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (-1 1/2)
Game 547-548: LouiSIAna Tech at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: LouiSIAna Tech 58.389; Houston 69.733
Dunkel Line: Houston by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-6 1/2)
Game 549-550: Texas Tech at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: Texas Tech 65.300; New Mexico 74.135
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 9
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 8
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico (-8)
Game 551-552: Yale at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 45.709; Colorado 61.829
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 16
Vegas Line: Colorado by 18
Dunkel Pick: Yale (+18)
Game 553-554: Penn State at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 62.148; Minnesota 74.980
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 13
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-11 1/2)
Game 555-556: Syracuse at Seton Hall
Dunkel Ratings: Syracuse 74.412; Seton Hall 72.072
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (+3 1/2)
Game 557-558: James Madison at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: James Madison 49.469; Stanford 65.232
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Stanford by 14
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-14)
Game 559-560: UC-Riverside at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 48.714; San Diego State 69.489
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 20 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 18
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-18)
Game 561-562: Buffalo vs. Jacksonville
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 56.591; Jacksonville 45.706
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 11
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 7
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-7)
Game 563-564: Liberty at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Liberty 47.565; Central Florida 60.507
Dunkel Line: Central Florida by 13
Vegas Line: Central Florida by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (-12 1/2)
Game 565-566: Eastern Kentucky vs. Morgan State
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Kentucky 53.416; Morgan State 54.393
Dunkel Line: Morgan State by 1
Vegas Line: Morgan State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Kentucky (+2)
Game 567-568: Long Island at Chattanooga
Dunkel Ratings: Long Island 44.484; Chattanooga 46.633
Dunkel Line: Chattanooga by 2
Vegas Line: Chattanooga by 5
Dunkel Pick: Long Island (+5)
Game 569-570: Norfolk State vs. Niagara
Dunkel Ratings: Norfolk State 37.760; Niagara 57.491
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 19 1/2
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 571-572: Air Force at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 55.620; UTEP 64.902
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 8 1/2
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 573-574: Furman vs. Utah Valley State
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 44.194; Utah Valley State 49.563
Dunkel Line: Utah Valley State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 575-576: UC-Santa Barbara at California
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 52.197; California 71.608
Dunkel Line: California by 19 1/2
Vegas Line:
Dunkel Pick:
Game 577-578: Stephen F. Austin vs. Howard
Dunkel Ratings: Stephen F. Austin 52.527; Howard 39.342
Dunkel Line: Stephen F. Austin by 13
Vegas Line: Stephen F. Austin by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Stephen F. Austin (-12 1/2)
Game 579-580: Binghamton at St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: Binghamton 45.110; St. Mary's (CA) 72.599
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 27 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 24 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (CA) (-24 1/2)
Game 581-582: Northeastern at Santa Clara
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 53.970; Santa Clara 55.601
Dunkel Line: Santa Clara by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Northeastern by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Santa Clara (+4 1/2)
Game 583-584: Kent State vs. Wofford
Dunkel Ratings: Kent State 55.500; Wofford 57.701
Dunkel Line: Wofford by 2
Vegas Line: Wofford by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wofford (-1 1/2)
Game 585-586: Elon at Ohio
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 45.015; Ohio 58.111
Dunkel Line: Ohio by 13
Vegas Line: Ohio by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Elon (+16 1/2)
Game 587-588: St. Joseph's at Siena
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 54.773; Siena 68.342
Dunkel Line: Siena by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Siena by 13
Dunkel Pick: Siena (-13)
Game 589-590: Jacksonville State at Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville State 43.200; Mississippi 71.643
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 28 1/2
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 23 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-23 1/2)
Game 591-592: Eastern Illinois at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Illinois 48.528; St. Louis 58.773
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 10
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Illinois (+10 1/2)
Game 593-594: Belmont at Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Belmont 53.671; Kansas 84.302
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 30 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas by 31
Dunkel Pick: Belmont (+31)
Dunkel NHL
Today's NHL Picks
Pittsburgh at Buffalo
The Sabres look to build on their 5-2 record in their last 7 games when playing with 1 day of rest. Buffalo is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Sabres favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-105). Here are all of today's picks.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29
Time Posted: 9:00 a.m. EST
Game 51-52: Pittsburgh at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.115; Buffalo 11.638
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-105); Under
Game 53-54: Columbus at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 10.339; NY Islanders 10.630
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (-140); Under
Game 55-56: Nashville at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.511; St. Louis 10.937
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+105); Over
Game 57-58: Chicago at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.685; Dallas 11.767
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-140); Over
Game 59-60: Vancouver at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.545; Phoenix 12.776
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 61-62: Minnesota at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.267; Anaheim 12.044
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Today's NHL Picks
Pittsburgh at Buffalo
The Sabres look to build on their 5-2 record in their last 7 games when playing with 1 day of rest. Buffalo is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Sabres favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-105). Here are all of today's picks.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29
Time Posted: 9:00 a.m. EST
Game 51-52: Pittsburgh at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.115; Buffalo 11.638
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-105); Under
Game 53-54: Columbus at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 10.339; NY Islanders 10.630
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (-140); Under
Game 55-56: Nashville at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.511; St. Louis 10.937
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+105); Over
Game 57-58: Chicago at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.685; Dallas 11.767
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-140); Over
Game 59-60: Vancouver at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.545; Phoenix 12.776
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Game 61-62: Minnesota at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.267; Anaheim 12.044
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
SPORTS WAGERS
Columbus +1.24 over NY ISLANDERS
The Jackets got a much-needed win last night over the Red Wings and one win can do wonders to a teams’ psyche. They had dropped its last nine in a row and that’s rather remarkable for such a talented group. Now they’ll head to Long Island to play the Islanders, a team they’ve had great success against and they’ll get two new bodies in the line-up as well. Chris Clark and Milan Jurcina will join their new team and this appears to be a very good move for both teams. Clark is a leader that will provide some energy and could even resurrect his career after his minutes were way down in Washington. He’s a former 30-goal man and he has to be thrilled about getting another chance where he’s needed more. Jurcina will provide the team with a little more stability behind the blue line and that, too, is something the Jackets need. After that inspiring win last night, combined with its two new acquisitions, the Jackets should be fired up and ready to go despite playing its third game in four nights. Incidentally, the Jackets are 7-1-2 in its last 10 games vs the Islanders. Play: Columbus +1.24 (Risking 2 units).
Chicago -½ +1.17 over DALLAS
It’s usually not a good idea to lay a half puck on the road but this one has a Blackhawk victory written all over it and thus, I’ll take my chances. First, the Stars are not going so good right now with just three wins in its last 10 games. By contrast, the Blackhawks have won six of its last seven. Chicago leads the NHL with 55 points and right now Patrick Kane is one of the hottest players in the league. Chicago leads the NHL in goals scored and goals against, not to mention shots on goal against per game, which now stands at just 24. Furthermore, Marty Turco will return to the lineup after missing two games with the flu and not only has he been shaky this year, he also is at a psychological disadvantage here after going 0-3 against Chicago last season with a 4.19 GAA and a lousy .880 save percentage. It’s simply not the best scenario for his return, albeit a short one. Lastly, the Blackhawks have played Dallas just once this season and lost 4-3 and you know for sure that’s not sitting well with them. The Blackhawks are the straight goods and you pretty much have to play a near flawless game to beat them and right now the Stars are nowhere close to being flawless. Play: Chicago -½ +1.17 (Risking 2 units).
Columbus +1.24 over NY ISLANDERS
The Jackets got a much-needed win last night over the Red Wings and one win can do wonders to a teams’ psyche. They had dropped its last nine in a row and that’s rather remarkable for such a talented group. Now they’ll head to Long Island to play the Islanders, a team they’ve had great success against and they’ll get two new bodies in the line-up as well. Chris Clark and Milan Jurcina will join their new team and this appears to be a very good move for both teams. Clark is a leader that will provide some energy and could even resurrect his career after his minutes were way down in Washington. He’s a former 30-goal man and he has to be thrilled about getting another chance where he’s needed more. Jurcina will provide the team with a little more stability behind the blue line and that, too, is something the Jackets need. After that inspiring win last night, combined with its two new acquisitions, the Jackets should be fired up and ready to go despite playing its third game in four nights. Incidentally, the Jackets are 7-1-2 in its last 10 games vs the Islanders. Play: Columbus +1.24 (Risking 2 units).
Chicago -½ +1.17 over DALLAS
It’s usually not a good idea to lay a half puck on the road but this one has a Blackhawk victory written all over it and thus, I’ll take my chances. First, the Stars are not going so good right now with just three wins in its last 10 games. By contrast, the Blackhawks have won six of its last seven. Chicago leads the NHL with 55 points and right now Patrick Kane is one of the hottest players in the league. Chicago leads the NHL in goals scored and goals against, not to mention shots on goal against per game, which now stands at just 24. Furthermore, Marty Turco will return to the lineup after missing two games with the flu and not only has he been shaky this year, he also is at a psychological disadvantage here after going 0-3 against Chicago last season with a 4.19 GAA and a lousy .880 save percentage. It’s simply not the best scenario for his return, albeit a short one. Lastly, the Blackhawks have played Dallas just once this season and lost 4-3 and you know for sure that’s not sitting well with them. The Blackhawks are the straight goods and you pretty much have to play a near flawless game to beat them and right now the Stars are nowhere close to being flawless. Play: Chicago -½ +1.17 (Risking 2 units).
OC Dooley
“1 UNIT” COLLEGE FOOTBALL INTANGTIBLE SIDE (Temple +4’ versus UCLA in a 4:35 eastern kickoff on ESPN)
He also has his 5 unit College Bowl Game of the Year going on the Miami/Wisky game tonight. Keep an eye out for it on other forums if you guys can. He's been VERY solid on these...
“1 UNIT” COLLEGE FOOTBALL INTANGTIBLE SIDE (Temple +4’ versus UCLA in a 4:35 eastern kickoff on ESPN)
He also has his 5 unit College Bowl Game of the Year going on the Miami/Wisky game tonight. Keep an eye out for it on other forums if you guys can. He's been VERY solid on these...
DAVE MALINSKY
UNDER 220.5,LOS ANGELES LAKERS -vs-Golden State Warriors
4* L.A. LAKERS/GOLDEN STATE Under The oddsmakers are forced to price this one like a good old-fashioned shootout, but that is not what Tuesday’s game flow brings at all. When Andris Biedrins, Athony Randolph and Ronny Turiaf are on the court, the Warriors are an entirely different team from the one forced to play at a break-neck pace to be successful, relying on those forays to the basket from Monta Ellis. The problem is that they have rarely been on the court together. Last night’s win over Boston marked the first time since October that Don Nelson had them all in the rotation, and the result was that 103-99 win in which the tempo was much more moderate than has been the Warrior way much of the season, and also some tough work on the boards (they were only out-rebounded 44-43). Now those three can become an even bigger presence now that they have some minutes under their belts, and sanity will return to Golden State game flows. At the same time look for fatigue to be an issue for Ellis, who had a sizzling 37 points last night, but never left the floor. It was the second time in the past week he has played the full 48 minutes, and third time since December 12th, so look for both his ability to push the ball, and to finish, to be diminished. The Lakers also bring weary legs, playing for the fourth time in five days, with a court change each time and two O.T. periods thrown in. Those O.T.’s were particularly painful to us, as an easy Under ticket at Sacramento morphed into a bitter defeat, the second time it has happened when playing the Lakers Under in a back-to-back setting in the month of December. But note how those O.T.’s confuse the markets. The Lakers have played seven back-to-back settings so far, going 6-0-1 to the Under in regulation, and falling a collective 98.5 points below the projections, for an average of 14.1 per game. That is a most significant performance pattern, but it got missed because three of those seven games were knotted at the end of regulation. Phil Jackson has a tired team tonight, and absolutely does not want a track meet. Look for him to slow things down in the early stages, but for the Warriors to also be comfortable with that as well, and the heavy legs for many of the key scorers keep this from ever getting anywhere near the high Total.
UNDER 220.5,LOS ANGELES LAKERS -vs-Golden State Warriors
4* L.A. LAKERS/GOLDEN STATE Under The oddsmakers are forced to price this one like a good old-fashioned shootout, but that is not what Tuesday’s game flow brings at all. When Andris Biedrins, Athony Randolph and Ronny Turiaf are on the court, the Warriors are an entirely different team from the one forced to play at a break-neck pace to be successful, relying on those forays to the basket from Monta Ellis. The problem is that they have rarely been on the court together. Last night’s win over Boston marked the first time since October that Don Nelson had them all in the rotation, and the result was that 103-99 win in which the tempo was much more moderate than has been the Warrior way much of the season, and also some tough work on the boards (they were only out-rebounded 44-43). Now those three can become an even bigger presence now that they have some minutes under their belts, and sanity will return to Golden State game flows. At the same time look for fatigue to be an issue for Ellis, who had a sizzling 37 points last night, but never left the floor. It was the second time in the past week he has played the full 48 minutes, and third time since December 12th, so look for both his ability to push the ball, and to finish, to be diminished. The Lakers also bring weary legs, playing for the fourth time in five days, with a court change each time and two O.T. periods thrown in. Those O.T.’s were particularly painful to us, as an easy Under ticket at Sacramento morphed into a bitter defeat, the second time it has happened when playing the Lakers Under in a back-to-back setting in the month of December. But note how those O.T.’s confuse the markets. The Lakers have played seven back-to-back settings so far, going 6-0-1 to the Under in regulation, and falling a collective 98.5 points below the projections, for an average of 14.1 per game. That is a most significant performance pattern, but it got missed because three of those seven games were knotted at the end of regulation. Phil Jackson has a tired team tonight, and absolutely does not want a track meet. Look for him to slow things down in the early stages, but for the Warriors to also be comfortable with that as well, and the heavy legs for many of the key scorers keep this from ever getting anywhere near the high Total.
IRON HORSE 10* COLLEGE BOWL GAME OF THE YEAR
***It's Here! Don't miss his "Bowl of the Year." You WON'T BELIEVE the Winning Information in Carlo Campanella's Game Analysis for Tuesday's Champs Sports Bowl featuring Wisconsin vs Miami! Get the 15-4 ATS Key Angle and find out why ONE of these teams is going to dominate the entire game.
Wisconsin Badgers
***It's Here! Don't miss his "Bowl of the Year." You WON'T BELIEVE the Winning Information in Carlo Campanella's Game Analysis for Tuesday's Champs Sports Bowl featuring Wisconsin vs Miami! Get the 15-4 ATS Key Angle and find out why ONE of these teams is going to dominate the entire game.
Wisconsin Badgers
