Sunday 1/4/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
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[Scott602]

Spartan NFL "BOMB"

 

[superbeets]

English FA Cup Su 4Jan 13:00

Dover

v

C Palace

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		6	15/4	4/9	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT DOVER	RECENT FORM
AWAWADHWADAW​ Most recent​	Unknown	ADHDALHLADAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Dwight Gayle has scored five goals from three starts in domestic cup competitions for Palace

EXPERT VERDICT: An FA Cup tie at Conference side Dover should give Crystal Palace forward Dwight Gayle a chance to open the scoring. He is a potent finisher with lower-league experience and should get plenty of opportunities to make his mark despite the fact Dover are in cracking form themselves.

RECOMMENDATION: D Gayle first goalscorer
1


REFEREE: Andre Marriner STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English FA Cup Su 4Jan 15:30

Yeovil

v

Man Utd

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		12	11/2	2/9	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT YEOVIL	RECENT FORM
ADAWHWHLALHL​ Most recent​	Unknown	AWHWADHWADAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Yeovil have the worst home record in League One

EXPERT VERDICT: An upset looks unlikely at Huish Park, where Manchester United should breeze into the fourth round of the FA Cup. Draws at Tottenham and Stoke extended the Red Devils' unbeaten run to a ninth game and they have far too much in reserve for League One whipping boys Yeovil who have triumphed just once at home.

RECOMMENDATION: Man Utd to win 3-0
1


REFEREE: Craig Pawson STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

English FA Cup TODAY 17:30

Arsenal

v

Hull

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BBC1		1/3	4	15/2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ARSENAL	RECENT FORM
AWHWADHWAWAL​ Most recent​	2 - 2 3 - 2 2 - 0 3 - 0	HDALHLAWHLHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Arsenal have lost just once at home this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Hull's dogged performance pushed Arsenal all the way to extra-time in last season's FA Cup final but this should be more routine for the Gunners. Gven Hull's current situation, it's debatable whether another cup run is at the top of Steve Bruce's to-do list this time around and Arsenal's superior squad should see them through.

RECOMMENDATION: Arsenal to win 2-0
1


REFEREE: Robert Madley STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Spanish Primera Liga TODAY 16:00

Valencia

v

Real Madrid

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		5	10/3	8/15	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT VALENCIA	RECENT FORM
HLAWADHWHDAW​ Most recent​	2 - 3 1 - 1 0 - 5 2 - 3	HWHWHWAWNWNW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Real Madrid have scored 31 goals in eight away games in La Liga

EXPERT VERDICT: Real Madrid added the Club World Cup to their trophy cabinet during the winter break and their march towards the Spanish title should continue at Valencia. Los Che have conceded only four goals in eight home games, however, so Real may have to settle for a more modest scoreline than they are used to.

RECOMMENDATION: Real Madrid to win 2-0
1


REFEREE: STADIUM: Mestalla, Valencia

 

[superbeets]

Spanish Primera Liga TODAY 20:00

Sociedad

v

Barcelona

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		8	17/4	1/3	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SOCIEDAD	RECENT FORM
HWADALHDHWAD​ Most recent​	3 - 1 1 - 1 3 - 2 2 - 2	AWHWHWADHWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Barcelona have been leading at half-time in only two of their eight away matches in La Liga

EXPERT VERDICT: Things get tougher for David Moyes at home to Barcelona but his side have raised their game against the better team this season, drawing with Valencia and beating both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the Anoeta. Sociedad are yet to conceded a first-half goal under Moyes and can keep Barca at bay until the break.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw-Barcelona double result
1

 

[superbeets]

Scottish Premiership TODAY 15:30

Motherwell

v

Aberdeen

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		19/4	3	4/7	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT MOTHERWELL	RECENT FORM
HLHLHDAWHWAL​ Most recent​	2 - 2 0 - 2 1 - 3 4 - 1	ALHWAWHWAWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Aberdeen have kept clean sheets in eight of their last nine league matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Aberdeen took advantage of Celtic’s postponed New Year’s Day match at Partick by moving to the top of the Premiership and they can stretch their lead over the Bhoys to four points by beating struggling Motherwell at Fir Park. Third-bottom Motherwell are unlikely to be in the mood to test the league leaders after suffering a dismal 5-0 defeat at Hamilton on Thursday.

RECOMMENDATION: Aberdeen
1


REFEREE: William Collum STADIUM: Fir Park

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Grand Salami - January

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

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

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

NHL GRAND SALAMI

Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result
1/1 2 10.5 10 UNDER
1/2 8 43 37 UNDER
1/3 10 - - -
1/4 7 - - -
1/5 1 - - -
1/6 10 - - -
1/7 4 - - -
1/8 10 - - -
1/9 5 - - -
1/10 11 - - -
1/11 3 - - -
1/12 3 - - -
1/13 10 - - -
1/14 4 - - -
1/15 10 - - -
1/16 6 - - -
1/17 12 - - -
1/18 4 - - -
1/19 7 - - -
1/20 8 - - -
1/21 6 - - -
1/22 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/23 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/24 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/25 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/26 No games scheduled/All-Star break
1/27 11 - - -
1/28 3 - - -
1/29 11 - - -
1/30 5 - - -
1/31 11 - - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Preview: Islanders (26-11) at Oilers (8-22)


Date: January 04, 2015 9:30 PM EDT

The New York Islanders are off to a promising start on their longest road trip of the season but they'll next visit a place where they haven't won in more than a decade.

The Islanders, though, would appear to have one of their best chances to end a four-game skid in Edmonton on Sunday night, given the Oilers' woeful state.

New York (26-11-1) earned a third consecutive win and seventh in nine games Friday, 2-1 over Calgary. John Tavares scored both goals as the Islanders improved to 2-0-0 on their seven-game trek.

"We're confident in our game," said Tavares, who has five goals and two assists in his last six games. "I think we've been good on the road, and I think we've been good at home. In any situation, we just feel comfortable with the way we can play in our group and our belief that we can win any kind of hockey game."

New York will next seek its first win in Edmonton since a 5-2 victory March 13, 2003. They've lost each of their past three games there by one goal and took a 3-2 overtime loss in the most recent visit March 6.

In this visit, the Islanders will get to face an Oilers team that owns the fewest points in the league, is 2-14-8 since Nov. 10 and 2-10-2 in its last 14 home games.

Edmonton (8-22-9) is one of the lowest-scoring teams in the Western Conference (2.10 goals per game) and one of the worst in the league at keeping opponents out of the net, giving up 3.33 goals per contest. It is also owns one of the league's meekest power plays with a 12.8 percent conversion rate and has allowed opponents to score on 23.7 percent of their power plays in 15 contests since the beginning of December.

The Oilers have tried to shake things up with moves over the past week. They acquired Rob Klinkhammer and a 2015 first-round draft pick from Pittsburgh for winger David Perron in the latest one Friday.

They also acquired Derek Roy from Nashville and claimed Matt Fraser off waivers from Boston on Monday. Benoit Pouliot scored the tying goal in Friday's 2-1 shootout loss to Colorado in his return from an 18-game absence due to a broken foot.

"Even though we're struggling, there are positives and we're trying to build off that," Pouliot said. "It's good to be back, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year."

New York, which has claimed two of three overall in the series, has shined on special teams lately. The Islanders have scored five power-play goals in their last 16 chances and have killed off 20 of their past 21 penalties.

Tavares has two goals and two assists in his last two games against Edmonton, both in Long Island.

Edmonton's Taylor Hall has totaled three goals in his past two matchups, including the overtime winner in March.

Hall might face Jaroslav Halak, who is 18-2-0 with a 1.81 goals-against average in his last 20 starts and a winner of seven in a row. Halak is 5-0-0 with a 1.25 GAA in his last six appearances against Edmonton.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Preview: Pacers (13-21) at Lakers (10-23)

Date: January 04, 2015 9:30 PM EDT

Kobe Bryant hoisted far more shots than anyone in the NBA through the first seven weeks of the season before his 36-year-old body wore down and forced him to take some time off.

He's begun to share the load more since returning, but coach Byron Scott is hoping his superstar will be just a little more selfish moving forward.

Bryant looks to help the Los Angeles Lakers avoid dropping a fourth straight meeting with the visiting Indiana Pacers on Sunday night.

Through his first 27 games, Bryant averaged 22.4 shot attempts - nearly three more than any other player - as the Lakers (10-23) limped to an 8-19 start. He then took three games off to rest after finishing 8 of 30 from the field in a loss to Sacramento on Dec. 21.

Bryant, though, has averaged just 11.7 shots in three games since returning while averaging 16.0 points and hitting 45.7 percent from the field after making 37.2 percent before his break.

He's averaging 5.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists on the season, but those numbers have gone up to 9.3 and 8.7 over the last three. Bryant finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and eight assists but missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer of Friday's 109-106 home loss to Memphis.

"It's been interesting, because he's really trying to keep his (shot) numbers down," Scott said. "I can't argue with the results. He's getting everybody involved, still rebounding the ball and he's still being aggressive. I would like his shots to be a little bit more, but I can't argue with the way he's playing."

Jeremy Lin and Ed Davis scored 20 points apiece against the Grizzlies as Los Angeles lost for the seventh time in nine games.

Lin shot 9 of 14 from the field and added five assists and three steals.

'He played well,' Bryant said of Lin. 'It's a fine balance for him, in terms of when to shoot it and when to set everybody up, but he'll work through it.'

Bryant went 8 for 26 from the floor and scored 21 points in a 110-91 loss at Indiana on Dec. 15. The Pacers have won the last three meetings by an average of 17 points, and will be seeking a season-best third consecutive victory after beating Milwaukee 94-91 on Friday to open a four-game road trip.

C.J. Miles, who along with Rodney Stuckey had 20 points against the Lakers, finished with a game-high 22 off the bench against the Bucks. Donald Sloan replaced the injured George Hill (strained groin) in the starting lineup and finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Sloan received three straight "DNP-Coach's Decision" lines before playing more than 33 minutes. He's gone from starting to being completely out of the rotation and back again multiple times this season.

C.J. Watson also sat out with a foot injury.

'We have some guys out so you have to have that next-man-up mentality and some guys have to play more,' coach Frank Vogel said. 'That makes those wins more fun. They mean more, they're more enjoyable. This is one of them.'

Roy Hibbert scored 18 points after totaling 22 over his previous three. It doesn't bother him that he may be underestimated because of his inconsistency.

"I don't really care what (anyone's) perception is, just get ready for the game." Hibbert said. "I'm not going to speculate what (anyone) thinks."

Indiana has won three of four on the road following an eight-game skid away from home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

See spot. See spot bet: This week's best spot bet opportunities
By BEN BURNS

Spot bets are classic handicapping practices that have proven profitable no matter what sport you're betting. Whether it's a team looking past this week's opponent, one coming off a hard-fought victory, or a rough patch of schedule, bettors can find value picking their spots. Ben Burns points out his favorites:

Lookahead spot

The UCLA Bruins are happy to see 2014 come to a close, finishing the year with a disappointing three-game losing skid against stiff competition. The Bruins were dealt defeats against Gonzaga, Kentucky and Alabama – failing to cover the spread in each of those outings. UCLA has another high-profile opponent ahead on the schedule, with a road trip to No. 12 Utah this Sunday.

But before the Bruins try to establish their place in the Pac-12 versus the Utes, they have a conference opener in Colorado Friday night. The Buffaloes have been a solid play at home – 4-2-1 ATS as hosts – and catch a road weary UCLA program playing the third of four straight games away from Pauley Pavilion. Colorado can catch the Bruins looking past them and ahead to a ranked rival later that weekend.

Schedule spot

The St. Louis Blue are longing for the friendly confines of the Scottrade Center after their recent road woes. The Blues are currently on a four-game road swing that spans the New Year, opening with a 3-2 loss in Nashville Tuesday. It was St. Louis’ fourth straight defeat away from home and this road trip could add to that slide.

The NHL schedule makers send the Blues westward with matchups in Anaheim and San Jose on back-to-back nights – Friday and Saturday – before wrapping up against Arizona Tuesday. St. Louis, which is in the middle of a goaltending controversy with No. 1 Brian Elliot back from injury, allows 3.5 goals per road game this season – a goal higher than when at home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Kings spiraling to worst bet in the league
Andrew Avery

The Sacramento Kings have been atrocious at the betting window of late, losing three-straight games against the spread heading into Sunday's meeting with the hot Detroit Pistons.

The Kings have cashed a ticket for their backers since December 9, when they covered as 3.5-point underdogs at the Los Angeles Lakers. Since then, they've gone 0-9-2 ATS.

Season to date, the Kings are 13-18-2 ATS, very much near the bottom of the entire league.

Oddsmakers opened the Pistons as 2.5-point home favorites.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Basketball Betting: Streaks, Tips, Notes


Toronto Raptors at Phoenix Suns January 4, 08:00 EST

Toronto Raptors hitting a bump in the road dropping a 102-97 OT decision at Portland then spanked 126-105 Friday night at Golden State try to avoid a season high three game losing streak when they close this five game Western Conference road swing in Phoenix.

Historically, Toronto hasn't had much success against Phoenix. Although, Raptors won this years meetings at home back in November they remain a dismal 4-16 (6-12-2 ATS) vs Suns and 2-8 (4-5-1 ATS) last ten trips into Phoenix. Still, Toronto must be given serious consideration with its explosive offense netting an NBA second-best 111.5 points per 100 possessions along with the slew of impressive betting trends. Raptors have a 4-1 ATS mark after allowing 120 or more points the previous effort, have a 4-0-1 ATS streak avoiding a three game slide and are 21-7-1 ATS after a loss since re-tooling last December.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Balmoral: Sunday 1/4 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet: NA ZDROWIE (4th)

Spot Play: DUNESIDE PERTTIE (2nd)


Race 1

(6) TOUCH THE SKY crushed at this same level last start and looks to have tons of ability. (2a) ARLO GRAM was used aggressively last week and has room to improve. (2) LANCE GRAM second part of the entry raced well last out and might have turned a corner.

Race 2

(2) DUNESIDE PERTTIE just missed last out and has been much better for a new barn. (5) EVA BELLA lightly raced filly has some upside and finds a soft spot. (7) YOUROLDLOV-ELETTER mare has been improving with her recent starts and could have more to offer.

Race 3

(7) WINDOW WIPER mare drops back in for a tag where she has won two straight. (6) MELODIE HOTSPUR mare gets sent out for capable connections and will look to make it three straight wins. (2) SEEKIN FOR GLAMOUR mare could be the sleeper in the race making her second start for new connections.

Race 4

In a really weak field (6) NA ZDROWIE has picked her game up for new connections and faces easier competition than her last few. (1) LITTLE SISTER has lacked stamina late but does own a good burst of speed. (5) PERFECTLY CLEAR could threaten with an easy early lead.

Race 5

In an tough race to gauge (1a) PRAIRIE THUNDER seems to be hit or miss but does own a good late kick with the right setup. (2) POWERFUL PILOT has not won in a very long time but did show improvement last start. (7) MAKE ME FLY gelding has a ton of upside but could need a start off a really long layoff.

Race 6

(7) JUSTICE JET four-year-old was too far back last out into a ridiculously slow pace. The trotter should be much closer turning for home. (5) FOX VALLEY VETO has been razor sharp and is the only threat to the top choice. (6) MASTER OF EXCUSES gelding pulled off the upset last out but wont get the separation he needs this time; use underneath.

Race 7

(8) ODDS ON ROLOMITE is inconsistent from week to week but a good effort puts him in the mix. (10) JOVANNA just raced evenly last out but is capable of a good effort. (7) DANCINONTHETABLE owns some gate speed but has lacked stamina late; use underneath.

Race 8

(5) HOTMONES drops to the bottom level off two nice efforts. (7) SUN DREAM has been pacing consistent miles at this level for a hot barn. (8) MOON BAY DANCER scored a victory last out and is right back in against similar.

Race 9

(1) MARZY BEARZY well bred pacer just needs a smooth trip for a big piece. (3) EARTHLY DESIRE owns wins at this level and looks to be in line for a ground saving trip up close. (2) MS SOLONGBYEBYE raced well last start and also gets a nice starting post.

Race 10

In a really inconsistent group (3) ER MONICA has been facing much better and comes off a nice effort at Maywood. (8) WINDY CITY DIANE jumped up with a lifetime mark last out off of terrible looking lines and has to be considered a threat; driver's choice. (2) MIND ERASER has popped at some big prices and takes a significant drop in class.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Sunday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (1st) Oghma, 7-2
(9th) Eloquent Tribute, 4-1


Fair Grounds (4th) Banfitch, 8-1
(7th) Liberty Bond, 3-1


Golden Gate Fields (4th) Gabby's Purim, 3-1
(8th) Quetta's Toy, 3-1


Gulfstream Park (7th) The Son Wind, 5-1
(9th) El Botas, 5-1


Parx Racing (1st) Bennie Luke, 7-2
(7th) Scout's Honor, 9-2


Santa Anita (1st) No Contingency, 7-2
(8th) Cole Cole, 4-1


Sunland Park (7th) Rollsetroll, 4-1
(9th) Fort Phantom, 5-1


Tampa Bay Downs (3rd) Headstone, 8-1
(6th) Data Based, 8-1


Turfway Park (3rd) Bella Ana, 10-1
(4th) Lady Susan, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB Top 25 roundup: Seton Hall upsets No. 6 Villanova
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

NEWARK, N.J. -- Seton Hall knocked off its second consecutive ranked opponent at home as the Pirates upset previously undefeated and No. 6 Villanova 66-61 in overtime on Saturday.

Villanova (13-1, 1-1 Big East) was trying to set a program record for consecutive wins to start a season, but Seton Hall (12-2, 2-0) had other ideas after a 59-50 defeat of No. 15 St. John's on New Year's Eve.

Villanova big man Daniel Ochefu put together a monster performance with 19 points and 24 rebounds, but the Wildcats shot only 31 percent (18 of 58) from the field and 57.1 percent from the line (20 of 35).


No. 2 Duke 85, Boston College 62

DURHAM, N.C. -- Freshman Jahlil Okafor scored a season-high 28 points in his first Atlantic Coast Conference game and Duke beat Boston College at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Guard Quinn Cook added 15 points, freshman forward Justise Winslow scored 13 and guard Rasheed Sulaimon had 11 as the Blue Devils (13-0, 1-0) ran their home-court winning streak to 41 games.

The outcome ruined the ACC debut for Boston College coach Jim Christian. Guard Olivier Hanlan scored 22 points for the Eagles (7-5, 0-1).


No. 3 Virginia 89, Miami 80 (2 OT)

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Virginia, unbeaten and off to its best start in more than 30 years, blew a 19-point lead but outlasted Miami in double overtime at the BankUnited Center.

Point guard London Perrantes led Virginia (13-0, 1-0 ACC) with 26 points and shooting guard Justin Anderson had 16 points, including some dramatics in the first overtime. Perrantes entered the game averaging just 3.1 points but made some big shots. He sank 11 of 12 free throws and was 5 of 9 on 3-pointers.

Point guard Angel Rodriguez had 25 points for Miami (10-4).


No. 7 Gonzaga 87, Portland 75

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Gonzaga won its seventh game in a row, defeating Portland in a West Coast Conference game at the Chiles Center.

The Bulldogs (14-1, 3-0) led by 15 points at halftime and by as many as 21 points in the second half, then withstood Portland's comeback bid. Center Przemek Karnowski and guard Kevin Pangos paced four Gonzaga players in double figures with 21 points each.

For Portland (10-5, 1-2), center Thomas van der Mars had 17 points and a game-high eight rebounds and point guard Alec Wintering scored 20 points.


South Carolina 64, No. 9 Iowa State 60

NEW YORK -- Sophomore guard Sindarius Thornwell scored six points in the final 1:51 of the second half to help South Carolina upset Iowa State at the Barclays Center.

Sophomore guard Duane Notice scored 15 points, and senior guard Tyrone Johnson and Thornwell added 13 points apiece for South Carolina (9-3), which extended its winning streak to seven games, its longest since an eight-game streak in 2003-04.

Junior forward Jameel McKay had 15 points and six rebounds, senior forward Dustin Hogue, from nearby Yonkers, had 15 points and sophomore guard Monte Morris added 10 for Iowa State (10-2), which had a seven-game winning streak snapped.


No. 11 Texas 70, Texas Tech 61

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Guard Javan Felix scored 15 points and forward Jonathan Holmes added 14 to lead Texas over Texas Tech in the Big 12 opener for both teams.

Felix hit 3-of-5 3-pointers coming off the bench, while fellow reserve center Cameron Ridley scored 13 with seven rebounds and a blocked shot.

The Longhorns (12-2) particularly needed Felix's shooting touch with guard Isaiah Taylor coming back into the lineup after missing 10 games. Taylor was out because of a wrist injury and struggled to find the range in his first game back, finishing 2 of 10 from the field.

Center Isaiah Manderson scored 12 points for the Red Raiders (10-4).


No. 12 Maryland 70, Minnesota 58

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Guard Melo Trimble scored 20 points, forward Jake Layman added 12 and swingman Dez Wells had 12 as Maryland held off cold-shooting Minnesota.

Maryland freshman forward Damonte Dodd added a career-highs of nine points and 12 rebounds.

The Terrapins (14-1, 2-0 Big Ten) built a 15-point lead in the first half but Minnesota (11-4, 0-2) cut the lead to 36-33 at intermission.

The Gophers were paced by forward Maurice Walker, who had 12 of his 20 points in the first half and added 10 rebounds. Guard Carlos Morris added 18 points for Minnesota.


No. 14 Notre Dame 83, Georgia Tech 76 (2 OT)

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Guard Jerian Grant had 24 points and six assists to help Notre Dame turn back an upset bid by Georgia Tech in double overtime.

All five starters finished in double-figures for Notre Dame (4-1, 2-0 ACC). Guard Steve Vasturia scored 17 points, forward Zach Auguste had 13, guard Demetrius Jackson added 11 and guard Pat Connaughton contributed 10 points and eight rebounds.

Marcus Georges-Hunt led Georgia Tech (9-4, 0-1) with 20 points.


Butler 73, No. 15 St. John's 69

NEW YORK -- Just a day after being named Butler 's head coach, Chris Holtmann posted his first victory after the Bulldogs turned back St. John's at Carnesecca Arena.

Holtmann became Butler 's 23d men 's basketball head coach on Friday. He had been serving as interim head coach since October, when former head coach Brandon Miller requested and was granted a medical leave of absence.

The Bulldogs (11-4, 1-1 Big East) were led by guard Kellen Dunham 's 28 points. Forward Roosevelt Jones added 14 points.

The Red Storm (11-3, 0-2) was without sophomore guard Rysheed Jordan, who is taking a leave of absence from the basketball program to deal with personal and family matters in Philadelphia. Guard D 'Angelo Harrison paced St. John 's with 31 points.


No. 17 West Virginia 78, TCU 67

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Gary Browne had 16 points, all in the second half, in helping West Virginia send TCU to its first loss of the season in a Big 12 Conference opener.

Devin Williams had 12 points and seven rebounds, including two key second-half put-back baskets for West Virginia (13-1), which played without leading scorer Juwan Staten, the Big 12 preseason player of the year who sat out because of the flu.

TCU (13-1) was led by Kyan Anderson's 19 points and Trey Zeigler's 17.


No. 18 Oklahoma 73, No. 22 Baylor 63

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma guard Buddy Hield had his first double-double of the season in the Sooners' Big 12 opener at Lloyd Noble Center.

Hield finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Forward TaShawn Thomas led the Sooners (10-3, 1-0 Big 12) with 24 points and guard Isaiah Cousins had 19. Hield and Cousins each hit four 3-pointers.

Forwards Johnathan Motley and Taurean Prince had 24 and 17 points, respectively, to pace Baylor (11-2, 0-1).


No. 19 North Carolina 74, Clemson 50

CLEMSON, S.C. -- Forward Kennedy Meeks had 12 points and 12 rebounds as North Carolina rolled past Clemson in the ACC opener for both teams at Littlejohn Coliseum.

Forward Justin Jackson added 13 points, guard Marcus Paige scored 11 and forward Brice Johnson had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Tar Heels (11-3, 1-0), who have won five straight overall, seven in a row over Clemson and 16 of the last 17 against the Tigers.

Clemson (8-5, 0-1) was its own worst enemy, shooting a season-low 28.3 percent from the field. The Tigers missed 18 of their first 21 shots. Forward Jaron Blossomgame, who was scoreless in the first half, led the Tigers with 13 points.


No. 20 Ohio State 77, Illinois 61

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Freshman guard D'Angelo Russell scored 22 points and keyed a second-half rally as Ohio State defeated.

The Buckeyes (12-3, 1-1 Big Ten) averted losing their first two conference games for the first time since the 2009-10 season.

Forwards Sam Thompson and Marc Loving each had 13 points for the Buckeyes.

Illinois (10-5, 0-2) was led by guard Rayvonte Rice, who had 14 of his 20 points in the first half when the Fighting Illini took a 37-36 lead.


New Mexico 66, No. 24 Colorado State 53

AUBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Colorado State lost for the first time this season, falling at New Mexico in a Mountain West game.

Reserve guard Sam Logwood scored 15 points, making 5 of 5 shots from the field and 4 of 4 free throws, to lead the upset by New Mexico (10-4, 2-0), which ended the first half with a 10-1 run.

Guard Daniel Bejarano paced Colorado State (14-1, 1-1) with 13 points. The Rams closed to 35-31 early in the second half, but the Lobos pulled away with an 18-4 spurt to open a 55-37 lead with 9:11 left.


No. 25 Georgetown 76, Creighton 61

WASHINGTON -- Freshmen L.J. Peak, Tre Campbell and Paul White combined to score 37 points for Georgetown in a Big East win over Creighton.

Peak finished with 14 points, Campbell scored 13 and White added 10 for the Hoyas (9-4, 1-1).

Guards Devin Brooks and Zach Hanson each scored 11 points for Creighton (9-6, 0-2), which has lost three in a row.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

2 need-to-know betting notes for 2 college football bowl teams
By KEVIN CAUSEY

With the holidays heating up, you might not have time to handicap all the college football bowl action you'd like this month. Enjoy!

GoDaddy Bowl - Sunday, Jan. 4

Arkansas State Red Wolves vs. Toledo Rockets (-3, 67)

* Arkansas State is a tough team to finish off with nine of its last 14 wins coming when tied or trailing in the third quarter.

* Toledo QB Logan Woodside came back from injury for the last two games of the season, including a five-touchdown performance against Eastern Michigan. At one point this season, the Rockets were down to their fourth-string QB.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bowl Breakdown - Part 6
By Mike Rose

Below is a quick look at the six bowl games of the postseason scheduled Sunday Jan. 4.

GoDaddy Bowl - Toledo vs. Arkansas State
Sunday, Jan. 4, 9:00 p.m. ET
Birmingham Bowl Betting Line: Toledo -3

Arkansas State has made a living out of coming to the GoDaddy Bowl, and it is back once again this year with a chance to score a season-ending victory. Toledo was overmatched every time it went up against a Power Five team this year, but aside from that, its only loss was a three-point defeat at Northern Illinois in November.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF Opening Line Report: Ohio State 7-point dogs in title game after shocking 'Bama
By COLIN KELLY

A big favorite and a big underdog won and covered in the first FBS college football playoff, setting up what amounts to a traditional Rose Bowl – except that it will take place at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

The Pac-12’s Oregon Ducks will take on the Big 10’s Ohio State Buckeyes on Jan. 12, after those two teams posted impressive semifinal victories Thursday night.

Oregon boatraced defending national champion Florida State 59-20 in the Rose Bowl, cashing many times over as a 7.5-point favorite. And Ohio State, which trailed 21-6 in the second quarter and appeared on the verge of suffering its own blowout, outscored Alabama 36-14 the rest of the way to claim a shocking 42-35 Sugar Bowl victory as a 7.5-point underdog.

John Lester, said he’s opening the game at Oregon -7.

“The Ohio State name brings a lot of supporters, certainly more than Oregon, but all the gamblers that lost with Alabama will probably come right back and take the Ducks here,” Lester said late Thursday night. “Our numbers suggest that Oregon is between 8 and 9 points better than Ohio State on a neutral field. But given the fact that the Buckeyes have more backers in their camp, we opened Oregon as touchdown chalk to be safe.”

An oddsmaker followed Lester's logic.

"Before the Rose Bowl started, we were planning on using Oregon -7 vs Ohio State," he said. "Based on both teams' impressive victories, we didn't think it was necessary to stray off the important number of 7."

With scoring aplenty in the semifinal games – both of which easily went over the total – Lester set the total for the title game at 73.5 points.