SEAN MICHAELS*** PLAYS
TOP PLAY RUTGERS
REG PLAYS BOWL GREEN, IOWA ST, COLO, TCU
Rocketman Sports NHL play Wednesday! (27-11 last 38)
Toronto @ Florida 7:35 PM EST
Play On: 1* Toronto -1/2 -105
Florida is 10-26 ATS since 1996 after shutting out their opponent in their previous game. Toronto is 18-8-7 on the road this year. Toronto is 13-6-6 SU vs Florida since 1996.
Buzz Sports
3* Regular Georgia Tech -6
AAASports
Huge College Hoops Play/Wednesday.........
An early release for us and a good one. In addition to this play we have 3 more 2 unit plays already released. This could be a banner day. Copied from the members page...........
_______________________________
It was another nice win for the Heavy Hitter Play with Virginia beating the Tarheels outright on Tuesday and a 3-1-1 night overall winning 4.3 Units. Heavy Hitter Plays move to 19-6 in February and are well ahead this year of the pace we set for them. We have a large card to pick from today and we think we have an outstanding chance of having a great night....
Ole Miss +3.5...................3 Units
This is just our fifth 3 Unit Play of the season in basketball and we like this game a ton. Vandy has no business spotting the Rebels points on the road and in fact, we would like this game at -3 points as well. The Rebels have outright wins at home over Auburn, South Carolina, Alabama, and LSU this year before stubbing their toe with the Gators. That is the primary reason why this line is totally out of whack. The Commodores have not performed on the road, as usual this year, and there is no reason to believe it will happen tonight. Let's grab this one now before the betting world figures it out too........
Dragon Sports Picks Premium Picks for February 25, 2004
NCAA Basketball
2 Units on Rutgers -5½ -110
3 Units on Bowling Green -3½ -110
2 Units on Kent State -4½ -110
2 Units on George Mason -5½ -110
3 Units on St Joseph's -17 -110
2 Units on Mississippi +3 -110
2 Units on Iowa State -4½ -110
2 Units on NC Charlotte -4½ -110
3 Units on Fairfield -13 -110
Here is the analysis on Dragon's plays.
NCAA Basketball
2 Units on Rutgers -5½ -110
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights look to improve on their impressive 12-1 home record (7-2 ATS) and climb back up to .500 in a tough Big East Conference. The Knights battle the Mountaineers of West Virginia, a team that has struggled, winning just 4 of 10 on the road this year (both SU and ATS). The Mountaineer's woes come in part to their stagnent offense on the road that rings in with just 63 points per game. That looks like trouble for the Mountaineers because the Rutger's D gives up just under 63 points per contest. The Knight's consistent shooting should also be a concern for W. Virginia as they shoot over 40% from the 3-point line, and over 70% free throws. An interesting note is that the Mountaineers, for whatever reason struggle when they play on the road on Wednesdays. This is a trend that has followed them for almost 7 years where the Mountaineers are a mere 8-22 against the spread in this particular situation. This is a great chance for a talented Rutgers team to prove their worth by getting over the .500 hump in the conference.
3 Units on Bowling Green -3½ -110
STEAM PLAY
This line is on the move (opening at 3.5) and not without good reason. Toledo has won just 1 of their last 5 games and could hit a major bump in the road against a Bowling Green team that strives at home. The Falcons own a 10-2 home record this season (7-2 ATS) and desperately need a MAC-West win to move into a tie for third with Ball State. Toledo has been pretty strong in the conference, but their current slide shows they are not at the top of their game right now. The top situational stat for this game is a huge disadvantage to the Toledo Rockets. Over the last 3 seasons Toledo is only 1-12 ATS after playing a very low scoring game (125 total or less). Their last time out, the Rockets took on Nevada, the total? Just 118. Tonight the Falcons of Bowling Green get their revenge from a tight 3 point loss at Toledo back mid-January.
2 Units on Kent State -4½ -110
Kent State tries to finish out strong at the top of the MAC-East. So far they've done their part, winning 13 of 14 in the conference. Tonight they take on the 3rd place team in the MAC-East, the Buffalo Bulls (7-7 conf.). The Bulls haven't been too impressive playing on their home court, amassing a 4-6 record this year. The Golden Flashes of Kent State have played pretty well no matter if they are home or away. Thus far the Flashes are 9-2 in all road games this season (7-3 ATS) with a sturdy defense that gives just 62 ppg on the road. It's going to be hard for anyone in the MAC to knock of the Flashes at this point as I look for them to likely win-out the rest of the conference schedule, starting at Buffalo.
2 Units on George Mason -5½ -110
George Mason has been dominant at home this year. Their 11-1 home record has helped propel them to a 10-6 Colonial Athletic Conference record, which ties them for 2nd with Old Dominion(or third since there is a first place tie in the conf. as well). The Patriots host the UNC-Wilmington Seahawks, the "middle of the road" team in the conference at 8-8. The Seahawks have not been able to achieve much success on the road so far this year, winning just 4 of 14 road trips (5-6 ATS), mostly due to their non-existent road offense that averages under 60 points per game. The Seahawks will also have a difficult time containing a fast-paced, explosive Patriot offense that rolls to the tune of 78 ppg at home. Mason has won both of the last 2 in the series at home (both SU and ATS.)
3 Units on St Joseph's -17 -110
STEAM PLAY
Can St. Joe's keep the dream alive? I say they do it with ease tonight against a UMass team that is having one of their worst years in recent memory. The Minutemen are only 3-9 in the Atlantic 10-East (2-10 ATS) and have not been overly impressive at home, earning a 7-6 record (just 3-6 ATS). St. Joe's, of course, has been nothing less than amazing this season. The Hawks are 15-0 on the road (impressively 9-3 ATS), plus 13-0 in the conference (also 9-3 ATS). The Hawks give up just 63 per game, while putting up almost 80. Joe's already beat the Minutemen by 25 back on Jan. 21st, and the Hawks aren't getting any worse. UMass can't buy a conference win. They have virtually no chance in this game tonight.
2 Units on Mississippi +3 -110
This game follows a pretty typical mold. Vanderbilt struggles on the road, while Mississippi is strong at home. The Commodores of Vanderbilt will have their hands full in a tough SEC battle with the Rebels. Vandy is only 3-5 on the road (2-5 ATS). The Ole Miss Rebels are certainly a different team when they play on their home court, owning a 11-4 record. The two teams haven't met this year, but Mississippi has won the last 3 at home. It's suprising that the Rebs are playing as an underdog at home against at struggling road team, but we like the idea of 3 extra points as a security blanket.
2 Units on Iowa State -4½ -110
If you are looking for THE example of a team that is better at home than on the road, look no further than the Iowa State Cyclones. So far Iowa State is 13-1 at home (8-3 ATS), including wins over Texas and Kansas. The Cyclones score around 78 ppg at home, and have a good chance at revenging their embarassing performance at Kansas State earlier this year. K-State is also a team that strives at home as their road record is a meager 1-8. Pure revenge for the Cyclones in this one. There is no doubt they are the superior team when they play this game at home.
2 Units on NC Charlotte -4½ -110
Charlotte has been a suprise in Conference USA this year, sitting tied for 3rd right now behind just Memphis and Cincinnati at 9-3. The 49ers have racked up an 8-4 road record, mostly due to their offense, that can play with just about anyone, scoring 80 points per contest. TCU's offense just can't keep up with that pace. The Horned Frogs aren't very imposing this year, earning just a 7-8 home record (3-9 ATS) and sitting at 6-6 in Conference USA and a 10-13 record overall. Charlotte has been just as tough on the road as they have at home. I know that a double digit victory is possible for the 49ers tonight.
3 Units on Fairfield -13 -110
STEAM PLAY
This is just as much a play against Loyola MD as it is a play for Fairfield. Loyola has been awful in 2004. The Greyhounds are 1-24 on the season, including 1-9 at home (2-7 ATS) and 1-15 SU in the conference. They have no offense at less than 60 point per game, and have no real motivation to play out the rest of the season. Fairfield still has a chance to gain sole position at 2nd in the Metro Atalantic, currently at 11-5 in the conference (12-4 ATS). The Stags have also been strong on the road this year, rolling to a 10-6 road record (9-5 ATS). The Stags already handled Loyola byu 19, and at this point in the season, even at Loyola, this game shouldn't be any closer.
insidersedge.com
MEMBER SELECTIONS
NCAA Basketball
3* Rutgers –6
2* Kent –4
2* George Mason –5.5
2* Miami Ohio –3
NBA
3* Minnesota –4.5
NCAA Basketball
West Virginia Mountaineers at Rutgers Scarlet Knights 6:30 pm EST
Big East Game of the Week
Rutgers –6 (3 Units)
Rutgers continues to be one of the most undervalued teams in the country on their home floor. They are 12-1 SU and 7-2 ATS. They are also 5-1 SU and ATS in Big East home games, winning their 5 games by an average of 11 ppg. West Virginia comes in just 3-6 on the road including a 1-4 SU and ATS record in Big East games. Their only win came against St. John’s, the worst team in the conference. Their 4 losses have all been in double digits, averaging 19.3 ppg. The Scarlet Knights are a very solid 40th in the RPI and they are 15-9 on the season despite playing the 15th toughest schedule in the country. They have a +10.5 scoring margin at home while the Mountaineers are –7.7 on the road. Offensively, Rutgers is third in the Big East in threepoint field goal percentage (.372) and third in the Big East in rebounding (37.9). The Scarlet Knights are No. 2 in three-point field goal pct. defense (.300), and third in bL**Ked shots (6.08) in the conference. Rutgers is also 8th in the nation in bL**Ked shots. Rutgers will be looking for some payback as well as their loss to the Mountaineers at home last season helped keep them out of the Big East Tournament. “It’s going to be a tough game for us,” West Virginia coach John Beilein said. “They’re all back except one or two, and they’re going to remember (last year’s loss) very much.” West Virginia is 1-5 ATS on the road against teams with a winning record while Rutgers is 4-2 ATS home in the same scenario. Rutgers bounces back well following a loss as they are 7-1 ATS.
Kent St. Golden Flashes at Buffalo Bulls 7:00 pm EST
Kent –4 (2 Units)
Buffalo has been the big surprise of the MAC this season, posting a 7-7 conference record. They have won 3 straight but those wins came against much more inferior competition that what they will see tonight. Kent has won 10 straight and 15 of their last 16 games while going 5-1 in MAC road games. Kent is 13-1 in the MAC East, three games ahead of Miami Ohio with three to play. A win over Buffalo clinches the division while a loss keeps Miami Ohio alive as the Redhawks still play the Flashes one more time after giving them their only conference loss back in January. During their 10-game winning streak, Kent is averaging 78.4 points per game and has posted a +13.2 scoring margin. They are shooting 274-of-580 (47.2%) from the field and 85-of-210 (40.5%) from three-point range. Also impressive is a 75.9% clip from the free throw line. While the offense has been playing great recently, it has been the defense that has been solid all season long. In each of the last three seasons, Kent State had allowed at least three opponents to score 75 points or more in the first 23 games, including eight that did so last season. It has happened just once this season and Kent State has held two opponents under 50 points, six under 60 points and 15 under 70 points. Through 23 games this season, the magic number for Kent State has been 70. The Golden Flashes are 15-0 when scoring 70 points or more. Buffalo has allowed 70 or more points in 11 of their last 15 games. Kent is 7-3 ATS away from home while the Bulls are 4-6 ATS at home.
NC-Wilmington Seahawks at George Mason Patriots 7:00 pm EST
George Mason –5.5 (2 Units)
The Patriots is still mathematically alive for the CAA regular season championship but they do need help. First off, they need to win their remaining two games starting with their final home game of the season against the Seahawks. George Mason is 11-1 at home this season outscoring their opponents by over 11 ppg. Their only loss is a 3-point setback to Old Dominion. NC-Wilmington is 4-10 on the road this season including a 2-5 CAA road record. They are coming off a 25-point loss at Illinois-Chicago on Saturday dropping them to 1-6 in their last 7 road games. George Mason’s depth has been a problem for several teams this season, as the Patriot bench has out scored opponents, 551-443, in 25 contests overall. Per game, the Mason bench has outperformed the opponents’ bench 13 times overall, including 12 of the last 17 contests. Since the 1998-99 season, the Patriots have gone 45-5 at Patriot Center versus CAA foes. They are 8-2 this season against teams with losing records and they are 7-2 ATS as a favorite between 5 and 12 points. NC-Wilmington is 0-3 ATS as a dog of the same numbers. George Mason is on pace to tie its best regular-season home record of 12-1 and a victory over the Seahawks will give George Mason its first season sweep of their hated rival since 1989-90. No better time to do it than on Senior Night.
Miami-Ohio RedHawks at Northern Illinois Huskies 8:05 pm EST
Miami Ohio –3 (2 Units)
The Redhawks are another team that is still mathematically alive for their regular season division title but like George Mason, they need help as well but need to get the job done themselves. After a very slow start, Miami has won 11 of their last 14 games including 4 of their last 6 on the road. Over their last eight MAC games, Miami is 6-2, dropping its Feb. 2 Ohio and Feb. 11 Akron games on the road by a combined seven points. Northern Illinois has had a simply awful season after such high expectations heading into this season. They have lost 10 straight and 17 of their last 21 after starting the season 3-1. Their last 5 home losses have been by an average of 9.8 ppg. This season, Miami is 7-0 when scoring at least 70 points and has lost just twice over the past three years when reaching that plateau. Northern Illinois is allowing 72.8 ppg over their last 5 games and they have given up at least 70 points in 9 of their last 13 games. In 10 of the RedHawks' last 15 games, Miami has outscored its opponents in the paint, which will be key in this game as the Huskies have one of the better frontcourts in the MAC. The defense is solid as always, holding seven opponents to just 55 points or less and allowing 60.1 ppg through 23 games, which ranks 17th nationally. Northern Illinois has topped 70 points only 2 times during their current 10 game losing streak.
NBA
New Jersey Nets at Minnesota Timberwolves 8:00 pm EST
NBA Game of the Week
Minnesota –4.5 (3 Units)
This should finally be the end of the Nets winning streak as it lasted for 14 straight games. It’s definitely impressive to win that many in a row in the NBA but everyone knows how much more powerful the Western Conference is than the Eastern Conference. Only one of those 14 wins came against a non-East team. New Jersey is just 5-7 ATS after traveling to play the second game of a back-to-back situation. Minnesota is 10-4 ATS on zero days' rest, after having to travel to the second game every time. They didn’t let this game get in their way last night as they easily handled the Bucks at Milwaukee. Minnesota ranks 2nd in the NBA in FG shooting at 46.8%, and also stands 3rd by limiting its foes to 41.7%. The Twolves are outscoring the opposition by an average of +9.0 ppg (92.5-83.5) and outshooting their foes 45.9% to 38.9% over their last six games. They're scoring 101.3 ppg in eight February home outings and they have won 12 of their last 15 games against teams with a winning record. Minnesota lost the first meeting in the beginning of the season by 23 points at New Jersey but that was a very new team back then. New Jersey held the Twolves to a franchise-record scoring low 61 points. Revenge will be sweet.
WEDNESDAY PICKS(NSA)
20* CBB Iowa +2.5
Line at BoDog
10* CBB South Carolina +7
10* NBA Milwaukee -1
5* CBB NC State +6
5* NBA Minnesota -4.5
2* NBA Houston -6
RATING SYSTEM WEDNESDAY PICKS(CHICAGO)
FORTUNE 500: 20* CBB NC State +6
EXECUTIVE: NBA Detroit -5.5
EXECUTIVE: CBB Fordham +10
DIRECTORS: NBA Memphis over 195
DIRECTORS: CBB St Joe's -17.5
RATING SYSTEM
WEDNESDAY PICKS(CAMPONE)
CADILLAC: 20* NBA Milwaukee -1
WISEGUY ACTION: NBA Memphis -7.5
SHARP EDGE: CBB Ohio +4
SHARP EDGE: CBB Colorado -4.5
SHARP EDGE: CBB Wisconsin -22.5
RATING SYSTEM WEDNESDAY PICKS(CALLAHAN)
20* CBB Kent St -4
15* CBB NC State +6
10* NBA Toronto +1
5* CBB Xavier -12
5* CBB Richmond -1
RATING SYSTEM
WEDNESDAY PICKS(FOOTE)
CHECK BACK BY 2PM EST
RATING SYSTEM WEDNESDAY PICKS(HOLLYWOOD)
INSIDE ACTION: 20* CBB NC State +6
BLUE RIBBON: NBA New Orleans -8.5
WISEGUY EDGE: CBB Indiana +3.5
WISEGUY EDGE: CBB Toledo +3.5
WISEGUY EDGE: NBA Phoenix -2
RATING SYSTEM
WEDNESDAY PICKS(MICHIGAN)
BIG HOUSE: 20* CBB St Louis +12.5
L**KERROOM: 10* NBA Phoenix -2
PRESSBOX: 5* NBA Milwaukee -1
PRESSBOX: 5* CBB NC State +6
PRESSBOX: 5* CBB Indiana +3.5
RATING SYSTEM WEDNESDAY PICKS(NEW YORK)
INNER CIRCLE: 20* CBB Kentucky -13
SYNDICATE: CBB UCLA +4
SYNDICATE: NBA Toronto over 176
SYNDICATE: CBB UNC Charlotte -4.5
DATA: CBB NC State +6
RATING SYSTEM
WEDNESDAY PICKS(SOUTH BEACH)
ZEBRA CLUB: 20* NBA Phoenix -2
BIG ACTION: NBA Houston -6
BIG ACTION: CBB NC State +6
HILTON: NBA Detroit -5.5
HILTON: CBB Florida St +9.5
RATING SYSTEM WEDNESDAY PICKS(VIP ACTION)
VIP CLUB: 20* CBB NC State +6
ROXY'S: NBA Lakers -3
ROXY'S: CBB Mississippi +3
RIVERBOAT: CBB Iowa St -4.5
RIVERBOAT: NBA Phoenix over 192
RATING SYSTEM
WEDNESDAY PICKS(20* CONSENSUS)
CBB NC State +6
Line at BoDog
8 of our 10 Handicappers have given
NC State +6 as one of their top
plays. 3 of the 8 have it as their BEST PLAY today.
Right angle Sports:
Bradley, Ga Tech, Iowa St
TOP PLAY RUTGERS
REG PLAYS BOWL GREEN, IOWA ST, COLO, TCU
Rocketman Sports NHL play Wednesday! (27-11 last 38)
Toronto @ Florida 7:35 PM EST
Play On: 1* Toronto -1/2 -105
Florida is 10-26 ATS since 1996 after shutting out their opponent in their previous game. Toronto is 18-8-7 on the road this year. Toronto is 13-6-6 SU vs Florida since 1996.
Buzz Sports
3* Regular Georgia Tech -6
AAASports
Huge College Hoops Play/Wednesday.........
An early release for us and a good one. In addition to this play we have 3 more 2 unit plays already released. This could be a banner day. Copied from the members page...........
_______________________________
It was another nice win for the Heavy Hitter Play with Virginia beating the Tarheels outright on Tuesday and a 3-1-1 night overall winning 4.3 Units. Heavy Hitter Plays move to 19-6 in February and are well ahead this year of the pace we set for them. We have a large card to pick from today and we think we have an outstanding chance of having a great night....
Ole Miss +3.5...................3 Units
This is just our fifth 3 Unit Play of the season in basketball and we like this game a ton. Vandy has no business spotting the Rebels points on the road and in fact, we would like this game at -3 points as well. The Rebels have outright wins at home over Auburn, South Carolina, Alabama, and LSU this year before stubbing their toe with the Gators. That is the primary reason why this line is totally out of whack. The Commodores have not performed on the road, as usual this year, and there is no reason to believe it will happen tonight. Let's grab this one now before the betting world figures it out too........
Dragon Sports Picks Premium Picks for February 25, 2004
NCAA Basketball
2 Units on Rutgers -5½ -110
3 Units on Bowling Green -3½ -110
2 Units on Kent State -4½ -110
2 Units on George Mason -5½ -110
3 Units on St Joseph's -17 -110
2 Units on Mississippi +3 -110
2 Units on Iowa State -4½ -110
2 Units on NC Charlotte -4½ -110
3 Units on Fairfield -13 -110
Here is the analysis on Dragon's plays.
NCAA Basketball
2 Units on Rutgers -5½ -110
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights look to improve on their impressive 12-1 home record (7-2 ATS) and climb back up to .500 in a tough Big East Conference. The Knights battle the Mountaineers of West Virginia, a team that has struggled, winning just 4 of 10 on the road this year (both SU and ATS). The Mountaineer's woes come in part to their stagnent offense on the road that rings in with just 63 points per game. That looks like trouble for the Mountaineers because the Rutger's D gives up just under 63 points per contest. The Knight's consistent shooting should also be a concern for W. Virginia as they shoot over 40% from the 3-point line, and over 70% free throws. An interesting note is that the Mountaineers, for whatever reason struggle when they play on the road on Wednesdays. This is a trend that has followed them for almost 7 years where the Mountaineers are a mere 8-22 against the spread in this particular situation. This is a great chance for a talented Rutgers team to prove their worth by getting over the .500 hump in the conference.
3 Units on Bowling Green -3½ -110
STEAM PLAY
This line is on the move (opening at 3.5) and not without good reason. Toledo has won just 1 of their last 5 games and could hit a major bump in the road against a Bowling Green team that strives at home. The Falcons own a 10-2 home record this season (7-2 ATS) and desperately need a MAC-West win to move into a tie for third with Ball State. Toledo has been pretty strong in the conference, but their current slide shows they are not at the top of their game right now. The top situational stat for this game is a huge disadvantage to the Toledo Rockets. Over the last 3 seasons Toledo is only 1-12 ATS after playing a very low scoring game (125 total or less). Their last time out, the Rockets took on Nevada, the total? Just 118. Tonight the Falcons of Bowling Green get their revenge from a tight 3 point loss at Toledo back mid-January.
2 Units on Kent State -4½ -110
Kent State tries to finish out strong at the top of the MAC-East. So far they've done their part, winning 13 of 14 in the conference. Tonight they take on the 3rd place team in the MAC-East, the Buffalo Bulls (7-7 conf.). The Bulls haven't been too impressive playing on their home court, amassing a 4-6 record this year. The Golden Flashes of Kent State have played pretty well no matter if they are home or away. Thus far the Flashes are 9-2 in all road games this season (7-3 ATS) with a sturdy defense that gives just 62 ppg on the road. It's going to be hard for anyone in the MAC to knock of the Flashes at this point as I look for them to likely win-out the rest of the conference schedule, starting at Buffalo.
2 Units on George Mason -5½ -110
George Mason has been dominant at home this year. Their 11-1 home record has helped propel them to a 10-6 Colonial Athletic Conference record, which ties them for 2nd with Old Dominion(or third since there is a first place tie in the conf. as well). The Patriots host the UNC-Wilmington Seahawks, the "middle of the road" team in the conference at 8-8. The Seahawks have not been able to achieve much success on the road so far this year, winning just 4 of 14 road trips (5-6 ATS), mostly due to their non-existent road offense that averages under 60 points per game. The Seahawks will also have a difficult time containing a fast-paced, explosive Patriot offense that rolls to the tune of 78 ppg at home. Mason has won both of the last 2 in the series at home (both SU and ATS.)
3 Units on St Joseph's -17 -110
STEAM PLAY
Can St. Joe's keep the dream alive? I say they do it with ease tonight against a UMass team that is having one of their worst years in recent memory. The Minutemen are only 3-9 in the Atlantic 10-East (2-10 ATS) and have not been overly impressive at home, earning a 7-6 record (just 3-6 ATS). St. Joe's, of course, has been nothing less than amazing this season. The Hawks are 15-0 on the road (impressively 9-3 ATS), plus 13-0 in the conference (also 9-3 ATS). The Hawks give up just 63 per game, while putting up almost 80. Joe's already beat the Minutemen by 25 back on Jan. 21st, and the Hawks aren't getting any worse. UMass can't buy a conference win. They have virtually no chance in this game tonight.
2 Units on Mississippi +3 -110
This game follows a pretty typical mold. Vanderbilt struggles on the road, while Mississippi is strong at home. The Commodores of Vanderbilt will have their hands full in a tough SEC battle with the Rebels. Vandy is only 3-5 on the road (2-5 ATS). The Ole Miss Rebels are certainly a different team when they play on their home court, owning a 11-4 record. The two teams haven't met this year, but Mississippi has won the last 3 at home. It's suprising that the Rebs are playing as an underdog at home against at struggling road team, but we like the idea of 3 extra points as a security blanket.
2 Units on Iowa State -4½ -110
If you are looking for THE example of a team that is better at home than on the road, look no further than the Iowa State Cyclones. So far Iowa State is 13-1 at home (8-3 ATS), including wins over Texas and Kansas. The Cyclones score around 78 ppg at home, and have a good chance at revenging their embarassing performance at Kansas State earlier this year. K-State is also a team that strives at home as their road record is a meager 1-8. Pure revenge for the Cyclones in this one. There is no doubt they are the superior team when they play this game at home.
2 Units on NC Charlotte -4½ -110
Charlotte has been a suprise in Conference USA this year, sitting tied for 3rd right now behind just Memphis and Cincinnati at 9-3. The 49ers have racked up an 8-4 road record, mostly due to their offense, that can play with just about anyone, scoring 80 points per contest. TCU's offense just can't keep up with that pace. The Horned Frogs aren't very imposing this year, earning just a 7-8 home record (3-9 ATS) and sitting at 6-6 in Conference USA and a 10-13 record overall. Charlotte has been just as tough on the road as they have at home. I know that a double digit victory is possible for the 49ers tonight.
3 Units on Fairfield -13 -110
STEAM PLAY
This is just as much a play against Loyola MD as it is a play for Fairfield. Loyola has been awful in 2004. The Greyhounds are 1-24 on the season, including 1-9 at home (2-7 ATS) and 1-15 SU in the conference. They have no offense at less than 60 point per game, and have no real motivation to play out the rest of the season. Fairfield still has a chance to gain sole position at 2nd in the Metro Atalantic, currently at 11-5 in the conference (12-4 ATS). The Stags have also been strong on the road this year, rolling to a 10-6 road record (9-5 ATS). The Stags already handled Loyola byu 19, and at this point in the season, even at Loyola, this game shouldn't be any closer.
insidersedge.com
MEMBER SELECTIONS
NCAA Basketball
3* Rutgers –6
2* Kent –4
2* George Mason –5.5
2* Miami Ohio –3
NBA
3* Minnesota –4.5
NCAA Basketball
West Virginia Mountaineers at Rutgers Scarlet Knights 6:30 pm EST
Big East Game of the Week
Rutgers –6 (3 Units)
Rutgers continues to be one of the most undervalued teams in the country on their home floor. They are 12-1 SU and 7-2 ATS. They are also 5-1 SU and ATS in Big East home games, winning their 5 games by an average of 11 ppg. West Virginia comes in just 3-6 on the road including a 1-4 SU and ATS record in Big East games. Their only win came against St. John’s, the worst team in the conference. Their 4 losses have all been in double digits, averaging 19.3 ppg. The Scarlet Knights are a very solid 40th in the RPI and they are 15-9 on the season despite playing the 15th toughest schedule in the country. They have a +10.5 scoring margin at home while the Mountaineers are –7.7 on the road. Offensively, Rutgers is third in the Big East in threepoint field goal percentage (.372) and third in the Big East in rebounding (37.9). The Scarlet Knights are No. 2 in three-point field goal pct. defense (.300), and third in bL**Ked shots (6.08) in the conference. Rutgers is also 8th in the nation in bL**Ked shots. Rutgers will be looking for some payback as well as their loss to the Mountaineers at home last season helped keep them out of the Big East Tournament. “It’s going to be a tough game for us,” West Virginia coach John Beilein said. “They’re all back except one or two, and they’re going to remember (last year’s loss) very much.” West Virginia is 1-5 ATS on the road against teams with a winning record while Rutgers is 4-2 ATS home in the same scenario. Rutgers bounces back well following a loss as they are 7-1 ATS.
Kent St. Golden Flashes at Buffalo Bulls 7:00 pm EST
Kent –4 (2 Units)
Buffalo has been the big surprise of the MAC this season, posting a 7-7 conference record. They have won 3 straight but those wins came against much more inferior competition that what they will see tonight. Kent has won 10 straight and 15 of their last 16 games while going 5-1 in MAC road games. Kent is 13-1 in the MAC East, three games ahead of Miami Ohio with three to play. A win over Buffalo clinches the division while a loss keeps Miami Ohio alive as the Redhawks still play the Flashes one more time after giving them their only conference loss back in January. During their 10-game winning streak, Kent is averaging 78.4 points per game and has posted a +13.2 scoring margin. They are shooting 274-of-580 (47.2%) from the field and 85-of-210 (40.5%) from three-point range. Also impressive is a 75.9% clip from the free throw line. While the offense has been playing great recently, it has been the defense that has been solid all season long. In each of the last three seasons, Kent State had allowed at least three opponents to score 75 points or more in the first 23 games, including eight that did so last season. It has happened just once this season and Kent State has held two opponents under 50 points, six under 60 points and 15 under 70 points. Through 23 games this season, the magic number for Kent State has been 70. The Golden Flashes are 15-0 when scoring 70 points or more. Buffalo has allowed 70 or more points in 11 of their last 15 games. Kent is 7-3 ATS away from home while the Bulls are 4-6 ATS at home.
NC-Wilmington Seahawks at George Mason Patriots 7:00 pm EST
George Mason –5.5 (2 Units)
The Patriots is still mathematically alive for the CAA regular season championship but they do need help. First off, they need to win their remaining two games starting with their final home game of the season against the Seahawks. George Mason is 11-1 at home this season outscoring their opponents by over 11 ppg. Their only loss is a 3-point setback to Old Dominion. NC-Wilmington is 4-10 on the road this season including a 2-5 CAA road record. They are coming off a 25-point loss at Illinois-Chicago on Saturday dropping them to 1-6 in their last 7 road games. George Mason’s depth has been a problem for several teams this season, as the Patriot bench has out scored opponents, 551-443, in 25 contests overall. Per game, the Mason bench has outperformed the opponents’ bench 13 times overall, including 12 of the last 17 contests. Since the 1998-99 season, the Patriots have gone 45-5 at Patriot Center versus CAA foes. They are 8-2 this season against teams with losing records and they are 7-2 ATS as a favorite between 5 and 12 points. NC-Wilmington is 0-3 ATS as a dog of the same numbers. George Mason is on pace to tie its best regular-season home record of 12-1 and a victory over the Seahawks will give George Mason its first season sweep of their hated rival since 1989-90. No better time to do it than on Senior Night.
Miami-Ohio RedHawks at Northern Illinois Huskies 8:05 pm EST
Miami Ohio –3 (2 Units)
The Redhawks are another team that is still mathematically alive for their regular season division title but like George Mason, they need help as well but need to get the job done themselves. After a very slow start, Miami has won 11 of their last 14 games including 4 of their last 6 on the road. Over their last eight MAC games, Miami is 6-2, dropping its Feb. 2 Ohio and Feb. 11 Akron games on the road by a combined seven points. Northern Illinois has had a simply awful season after such high expectations heading into this season. They have lost 10 straight and 17 of their last 21 after starting the season 3-1. Their last 5 home losses have been by an average of 9.8 ppg. This season, Miami is 7-0 when scoring at least 70 points and has lost just twice over the past three years when reaching that plateau. Northern Illinois is allowing 72.8 ppg over their last 5 games and they have given up at least 70 points in 9 of their last 13 games. In 10 of the RedHawks' last 15 games, Miami has outscored its opponents in the paint, which will be key in this game as the Huskies have one of the better frontcourts in the MAC. The defense is solid as always, holding seven opponents to just 55 points or less and allowing 60.1 ppg through 23 games, which ranks 17th nationally. Northern Illinois has topped 70 points only 2 times during their current 10 game losing streak.
NBA
New Jersey Nets at Minnesota Timberwolves 8:00 pm EST
NBA Game of the Week
Minnesota –4.5 (3 Units)
This should finally be the end of the Nets winning streak as it lasted for 14 straight games. It’s definitely impressive to win that many in a row in the NBA but everyone knows how much more powerful the Western Conference is than the Eastern Conference. Only one of those 14 wins came against a non-East team. New Jersey is just 5-7 ATS after traveling to play the second game of a back-to-back situation. Minnesota is 10-4 ATS on zero days' rest, after having to travel to the second game every time. They didn’t let this game get in their way last night as they easily handled the Bucks at Milwaukee. Minnesota ranks 2nd in the NBA in FG shooting at 46.8%, and also stands 3rd by limiting its foes to 41.7%. The Twolves are outscoring the opposition by an average of +9.0 ppg (92.5-83.5) and outshooting their foes 45.9% to 38.9% over their last six games. They're scoring 101.3 ppg in eight February home outings and they have won 12 of their last 15 games against teams with a winning record. Minnesota lost the first meeting in the beginning of the season by 23 points at New Jersey but that was a very new team back then. New Jersey held the Twolves to a franchise-record scoring low 61 points. Revenge will be sweet.
WEDNESDAY PICKS(NSA)
20* CBB Iowa +2.5
Line at BoDog
10* CBB South Carolina +7
10* NBA Milwaukee -1
5* CBB NC State +6
5* NBA Minnesota -4.5
2* NBA Houston -6
RATING SYSTEM WEDNESDAY PICKS(CHICAGO)
FORTUNE 500: 20* CBB NC State +6
EXECUTIVE: NBA Detroit -5.5
EXECUTIVE: CBB Fordham +10
DIRECTORS: NBA Memphis over 195
DIRECTORS: CBB St Joe's -17.5
RATING SYSTEM
WEDNESDAY PICKS(CAMPONE)
CADILLAC: 20* NBA Milwaukee -1
WISEGUY ACTION: NBA Memphis -7.5
SHARP EDGE: CBB Ohio +4
SHARP EDGE: CBB Colorado -4.5
SHARP EDGE: CBB Wisconsin -22.5
RATING SYSTEM WEDNESDAY PICKS(CALLAHAN)
20* CBB Kent St -4
15* CBB NC State +6
10* NBA Toronto +1
5* CBB Xavier -12
5* CBB Richmond -1
RATING SYSTEM
WEDNESDAY PICKS(FOOTE)
CHECK BACK BY 2PM EST
RATING SYSTEM WEDNESDAY PICKS(HOLLYWOOD)
INSIDE ACTION: 20* CBB NC State +6
BLUE RIBBON: NBA New Orleans -8.5
WISEGUY EDGE: CBB Indiana +3.5
WISEGUY EDGE: CBB Toledo +3.5
WISEGUY EDGE: NBA Phoenix -2
RATING SYSTEM
WEDNESDAY PICKS(MICHIGAN)
BIG HOUSE: 20* CBB St Louis +12.5
L**KERROOM: 10* NBA Phoenix -2
PRESSBOX: 5* NBA Milwaukee -1
PRESSBOX: 5* CBB NC State +6
PRESSBOX: 5* CBB Indiana +3.5
RATING SYSTEM WEDNESDAY PICKS(NEW YORK)
INNER CIRCLE: 20* CBB Kentucky -13
SYNDICATE: CBB UCLA +4
SYNDICATE: NBA Toronto over 176
SYNDICATE: CBB UNC Charlotte -4.5
DATA: CBB NC State +6
RATING SYSTEM
WEDNESDAY PICKS(SOUTH BEACH)
ZEBRA CLUB: 20* NBA Phoenix -2
BIG ACTION: NBA Houston -6
BIG ACTION: CBB NC State +6
HILTON: NBA Detroit -5.5
HILTON: CBB Florida St +9.5
RATING SYSTEM WEDNESDAY PICKS(VIP ACTION)
VIP CLUB: 20* CBB NC State +6
ROXY'S: NBA Lakers -3
ROXY'S: CBB Mississippi +3
RIVERBOAT: CBB Iowa St -4.5
RIVERBOAT: NBA Phoenix over 192
RATING SYSTEM
WEDNESDAY PICKS(20* CONSENSUS)
CBB NC State +6
Line at BoDog
8 of our 10 Handicappers have given
NC State +6 as one of their top
plays. 3 of the 8 have it as their BEST PLAY today.
Right angle Sports:
Bradley, Ga Tech, Iowa St
