Sunday 11/29/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Badgers (4-2) at Sooners (3-0)

Date: November 29, 2015 2:30 PM EDT

Though much of Wisconsin's success under Bo Ryan has been predicated by its play on the defensive end, the new-look Badgers haven't found that identity yet this season.

That doesn't bode well heading into a matchup with Buddy Hield and red-hot Oklahoma.

In a matchup between defensive-minded programs, Hield will try to continue his sizzling start Sunday when the seventh-ranked Sooners go after their 20th win in their last 21 home games.

Wisconsin has led the Big Ten in defense in nine of the past 13 seasons and ranked 12th nationally in defensive scoring (58.2) on the way to 36 wins and a national championship game appearance in 2014-15.

But without stars Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker, the Badgers (4-2) have had a difficult time regaining that form this season. They've yet to hold an opponent under 64 points through six games after doing so in 27 of 40 last season. They're also allowing teams to shoot 46.8 percent from 3-point range.

Wisconsin let Prairie View A&M shoot 50.0 percent - including 7 of 10 from beyond the arc - in Wednesday's 85-67 home victory. The winless Panthers entered the contest with a 37.6 field-goal percentage while sinking only 14 of 62 (22.6) from long distance in their first four games.

"It's going to take awhile (to find an identity),' junior guard Zak Showalter told the team's official website, "just because we have so many new guys who haven't played. Offensively and defensively, it's going to take time. But we're getting better. We've come a long ways already and we'll keep going."

The Badgers are going to have to find a way to contain Hield, who is averaging a nation-best 38.0 points per 40 minutes and also ranks among the national leaders with 25.3 per game.

The senior guard finished with 22 points, six rebounds and five assists in just 22 minutes in Tuesday's 96-63 home win over Incarnate Word. The reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, who considered leaving for the NBA after averaging 17.4 points last season, is shooting 56.8 percent from the field, 57.9 from 3 (11 for 19) and 88.2 (15 for 17) from the free-throw line.

'It's great to see him get the results he's getting," coach Lon Kruger said. "He knows, too, that going forward, he'll be a marked guy in other people's scouting reports. He's got to continue to work even harder to maintain that rate.'

The Badgers did a nice job against Hield last season, holding him to nine points on 2-of-11 shooting in a 69-56 win Nov. 28, 2014, in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament championship game.

Ryan Spangler and Jordan Woodard were also limited to a combined 10 points on 2-of-8 shooting in that contest. They teamed for 22 points and 15 rebounds Tuesday at the Lloyd Noble Center.

"This is another test for us,' Showalter said, "and I'm excited."

Oklahoma (3-0) ranked 11th nationally with a 38.6 defensive field-goal percentage en route to 24 wins last season. With four starters back, the club has picked up where it left off by holding opponents to a 34.1 mark overall and 19-of-79 (24.1 percent) shooting from 3-point range.

The Sooners, ranked their highest since 2008-09, will have to keep watch on Bronson Koenig. The guard averages a team-high 17.3 points while hitting 15 of 36 (41.7 percent) from deep.

Wisconsin has won four of seven all-time meetings, splitting two in Norman.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Bears (1-4) at Mustangs (3-0)

Date: November 29, 2015 3:00 PM EDT

Despite the dark cloud of a postseason ban looming over the program and coach Larry Brown suspended until mid-December, SMU is off to a solid start.

Ranked for the first time this season, the No. 25 Mustangs look to improve to 4-0 Sunday against visiting Brown.

On Sept. 29, the NCAA announced it banned SMU from all 2015-16 postseason play and suspended Brown nine games after concluding he lied to investigators, ignored academic fraud and fell far short of expectations in leading his staff when it came to compliance. It's the third time in as many college coaching jobs that the 75-year-old Brown has faced NCAA sanctions.

"I know (the team is) going to do the very best they can, and I'm really comfortable in that regard,' said Brown, who can return after SMU's Dec. 17 game against Hampton.

"But it's never easy watching people you care about.'

The Mustangs made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1993 while going 27-7 last season, but will play their last game of this one at Cincinnati on March 6.

Brown's assistant Tom Jankovich, a former head coach at North Texas and Illinois State, is guiding the team in his absence. Expected to be Brown's successor at SMU, Jankovich has been pleased from the start with how these players have handled the situation while leaving it all on the court.

"I think that's the way you need to play the game, with heart," Jankovich said. "I have a lot of faith in these players. They're good people, but at the same time we're playing under unusual circumstances."

Senior guard Nic Moore (12.0 points per game) leads five players averaging at least 11 points for the Mustangs, who have shot 56 percent and held their first three opponents to 38.5.

"We still go off of coach Brown's principals," forward Jordan Tolbert said. "Everybody knows what we're suppose to do. It's like coach Brown is here in spirit."

The preseason pick to repeat as American Athletic Conference player of the year, Moore also knows he must step up his leadership to help the Mustangs collectively get through this unique season.

'Just basically keep the team together,' he said. 'When thoughts get bad, wash them thoughts away and just come back as a team.'

Facing their second straight Ivy League opponent, the Mustangs hope for a more complete effort than last Sunday's 71-69 win over Yale. SMU trailed by eight at the break after the Bulldogs went 6 of 10 from 3-point range. However, it held Yale to 35.7 percent shooting from the field in the final 20 minutes and scored 23 points off 16 turnovers overall to hold on.

Brown (1-4) has allowed an average of 85.7 points on 52.8 percent shooting while losing to Niagara, Providence and New Hampshire.

"I know we can be better and I expect us to improve as the season progresses," Brown coach Mike Martin said after Tuesday's 88-77 loss to New Hampshire.

Senior Cedric Kuakumensah averages team highs of 11.2 points and 10.4 rebounds.

Taking on its first ranked opponent since losing at then-No. 22 Notre Dame in December 2012, Brown fell 60-56 in overtime at SMU in the only previous meeting Jan. 6, 2007.

The Mustangs have won 20 straight nonconference home games against unranked teams.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Flyers (5-0) at Musketeers (6-0)

Date: November 29, 2015 4:30 PM EDT

Xavier has stormed into the finals of the AdvoCare Invitational while Dayton has scrapped its way there. The intrastate foes and one-time conference rivals now try to return to Ohio with a trophy as they meet in the title game Sunday near Orlando, Florida.

The 24th-ranked Musketeers easily dispatched Alabama 64-45 in the first round and cruised by Southern California 87-77 in a semifinal win Friday that wasn't as close as the final score. Trevon Bluiett scored 11 of his 16 points in the first half, hitting a pair of 3-pointers in a 17-0 run, as Xavier shot 57.6 percent en route to a 54-27 halftime lead.

'Had our best half of the year,' coach Chris Mack said. 'Our guys were ready to play. We're just excited to play in the championship game.'

The first 20 minutes were offset slightly by a lackluster second 20 in which the Musketeers (6-0) were outscored 50-33. Myles Davis, who had 12 points, noted the difference but also thinks there won't be a repeat performance.

'It was a learning experience for the guys,' said Davis, who is averaging 9.8 points despite shooting 34.0 percent. 'I'm not saying we let our foot off the gas. I just think we're in a different circumstance that we haven't been in yet.'

Xavier has outrebounded all six of its opponents, and its plus-14.5 margin ranks in the top 10 in Division I.

While Dayton is 5-0 for the second time in three seasons, the Flyers' early success is a little surprising given they are without last season's leading scorer, Dyshawn Pierre (12.7 ppg), who was suspended for the first semester by the school following a sexual assault accusation.

Coach Archie Miller's team has won its two games in Florida by a combined nine points after holding off a feisty Monmouth squad 73-70 on Friday. Scoochie Smith scored 19 points and hit a crucial 3-pointer late with his team up one as the Flyers nearly squandered all of a 16-point, second-half lead.

"Any time you're in these events with this type of field, and this environment you're in, you can get overwhelmed before it ever gets started," Miller said. "To find a way to win and be in the final, I'm really happy about that for our guys."

Charles Cookie added 15 points and nine rebounds for the Flyers, whose issues on the perimeter defensively might not be fully exploited by a Musketeers team shooting 33.6 percent from beyond the arc. Though Dayton is holding opponents to 36.5 percent shooting overall, it has allowed teams to make 31 of 65 from 3-point range (47.7 percent) over the last three games.

"We obviously have a lot of mistakes right now in terms of our defensive identity," Miller said.

The Flyers have been strong on the boards, winning the rebounding battle in all five games - by an average of 9.4 - while pulling down 43.8 per contest.

Dayton leads the all-time series 85-75, but Xavier has won 22 of the last 30 games between the teams. The former Atlantic 10 foes split their two games in 2012-13 in the most recent meetings before the Musketeers left to join the Big East.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Broncos (3-3) at Wildcats (5-1)

Date: November 29, 2015 4:30 PM EDT

Minus its big man, Arizona's first defeat came in upset fashion.

It's uncertain if Kaleb Tarczewski will be available Sunday against Boise State in the third-place game of the Wooden Legacy in Anaheim, and the No. 11 Wildcats struggled to beat the Broncos last week even with the 7-footer playing.

A four-year starter, Tarczewski had a season-high 12 points Thursday to open this tournament but injured his ankle in a 75-73 overtime win over Santa Clara. He sat out as Arizona fell 69-65 to Providence in Friday's semifinals.

Coach Sean Miller does not know when the senior will return but feels the injury is not long-term. Though Tarczewski is only fourth on the team with 8.6 points per game, his average of 7.2 rebounds is a career high and his experience is invaluable.

'It's definitely different out there without him,' said 6-9 teammate Ryan Anderson, who had 27 points and 12 rebounds Friday. 'Our big guy unit is all about playing hard and crashing the glass. That's something we tried to do. Obviously, it helps to have Kaleb in there.'

The Wildcats (5-1) still outrebounded Providence 43-22 and owned a 26-8 advantage in second-chance points, but both teams scored 28 in the paint and Miller said they missed Tarczewski's presence late. The Friars finished on a 10-2 run.

"You can't just judge him on his statistics," Miller said. "His physicality, his presence, his ability to be in the right place at the right time constantly at the end of games. ... We will continue to miss him until he gets back."

Arizona hurt itself with a season-high 21 turnovers that turned into 26 points for Providence. The Wildcats committed 17 in their narrow victory a night earlier over a Santa Clara team which remains winless.

Miller wasn't necessarily surprised with Friday's outcome.

'I've never felt worse after a win (Thursday night),' he said. 'After we watched the film a number of times, it became apparent that for whatever reason we showed up thinking we were much better than we really were.'

Arizona finds itself in some new territory after winning an early season tournament each of the past three years.

'You lose one, it's a different feeling,' Miller said. 'We haven't experienced that in a long, long time.'

Gabe York has struggled in this event, shooting 7 of 27 from the field while averaging 10.5 points. The senior had scored 16.0 per game through the first four, including a career-high 23 points in an 88-76 home win over Boise State on Nov. 19.

The Wildcats trailed early in the second half and were leading by only four with under six minutes left before taking control in a game that was added as a regional contest for this event. Anderson had 15 rebounds and Tarczewski pulled down nine as the Wildcats held a 39-31 edge on the glass. Arizona shot 54.2 percent despite Anderson, who averages 17.0 points and 10.8 boards, going 4 for 13 from the field.

Even with Anderson and Tarczewski on the floor, 6-9 James Webb III had 27 points with nine boards and 6-8 Nick Duncan scored 21 for the Broncos (3-3). Boise shot 48.6 percent in the first half but 35.7 in the second.

The Broncos also put up a good fight against third-ranked Michigan State on Friday, getting within one point with 14 minutes left before falling 77-67.

'We can really go with these teams for 35 minutes, but we've got to play 40 minutes,' said Duncan, who had 19 points.

Broncos leading scorer Anthony Drmic (16.8 ppg) was held to nine points Friday and against Arizona, shooting a combined 4 for 16.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Crimson Tide (3-2) at Fighting Irish (4-1)

Date: November 29, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

Notre Dame isn't playing for the title of the AdvoCare Invitational, but it has a chance to leave the "Happiest Place on Earth" feeling good about itself.

Though it likely won't be easy, the No. 17 Fighting Irish can conclude the event with a winning record by beating an Alabama team that's looking to knock off a second straight ranked opponent in the fifth-place game Sunday night near Orlando, Florida.

After blowing an eight-point halftime lead by shooting 38.7 percent in the second half and committing 14 turnovers during Thursday's stunning 70-68 loss to Monmouth, Notre Dame (4-1) regrouped a day later to win 68-62 over Iowa at the Walt Disney World complex.

"It's funny how 24 hours in these tournaments, things can turn around," Irish coach Mike Brey said. "And we have a chance to win against a power conference team on Sunday.

"Getting out of Disney 2-1 after (Thursday) night â?¦ Merry Christmas. It'd be pretty good."

V.J. Beachem scored 16 points as the Irish overcame an early seven-point hole to lead by as many as 17 en route to a much-needed victory. After allowing Monmouth to shoot 45.2 percent in the second half, Notre Dame held the Hawkeyes to 37.9 overall and committed seven turnovers.

"We're trying to figure out who we are," Brey said. "To bounce back and get an Iowa team, well, God, that's a good night for this group."

In his first season as a starter, the 6-foot-8 junior Beachem has totaled 30 points, gone 8 of 19 from 3-point range and pulled down 14 rebounds in the two tournament games.

'He has answered the bell down here both nights," Brey said. 'I just think he's really confident. He's defending, he's rebounding, he's making big shots. He really feels like he belongs as a starter.'

Brey can use another solid effort from Beachem against Alabama (3-2), which rebounded from Thursday's 64-45 defeat to No. 23 Xavier by beating 20th-ranked Wichita State 64-60 on Friday

Though the Shockers played without injured star Fred VanVleet and were left shaken after forward Anton Grady was carried off on a stretcher late in the second half following a face-first fall, the Crimson Tide took advantage and snapped a 22-game skid against Top 25 teams by beating one away from home for the first time since November 2009.

'This was a team victory,' said first-year coach Avery Johnson, who broke into a locker-room dance after his team held the Shockers to a season-low 31.1 percent shooting. 'I'm proud of them.

"With our team, on and off the court, everything's an evaluation."

The Tide have shot 35.1 percent and gone 10 of 48 from 3-point range in the last two games, but remained competitive by holding both tournament opponents to 34.8 percent from the floor.

Shannon Hale had 20 points, Riley Norris scored 12 off the bench and each hit key free throws in the final 36 seconds Friday. Hale is averaging 16 points and shooting 16 of 32 in the last three contests.

Alabama last won back-to-back games against ranked opponents away from home during a three-game run while advancing to the 2004 NCAA Tournament regional finals.

Notre Dame won the most recent meeting between the schools, 99-85 on Dec. 7, 2006.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Friars (6-0) at Spartans (6-0)

Date: November 29, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

Providence got a day off after a game its coach referred to as exhausting. So did Michigan State, and if that day didn't cool off Denzel Valentine, any rest his next opponent got figures to be trivial.

The teams meet Sunday night in Anaheim for the Wooden Legacy title, each seeking hardware to go along with a 7-0 start, but the Spartans' senior guard should be the Friars' first objective.

In Friday's 77-67 semifinal win over Boise State, Valentine hit five consecutive 3-pointers to break open a one-point game in the second half and finished with a career-high 32 points on 8-of-15 shooting. He tied a career high with seven 3s, made all nine of his free throws, and added nine rebounds and six assists.

"Denzel had a stretch where he was unbelievable, but I didn't think that was his best game and that's the good news for me," coach Tom Izzo said.

There are plenty of candidates already this season. It followed a 29-point effort in Michigan State's 99-68 opening-round win over Boston College the day before, which matched his previous career high - set 10 days prior in a win over then-No. 4 Kansas.

But even Izzo is calling for Valentine to get more help. While his coach appreciates the progress of his own efficiency, Valentine's outburst against Boise State nearly doubled the 17 points the rest of the starting five scored on 5-of-21 shooting.

"He is starting to do it more efficiently," Izzo said. "At Kansas, he took 23 shots but now he is down around 15 shots. I feel a little bad for him, whenever he's trying to get shots and assists too, we have guys missing layups and it ticks me off and I hope it ticks him off too."

That doesn't yet seem to be the case, and his backcourt mate is showing signs of chipping in. Tum Tum Nairn had nine points and a team-high seven assists for the Spartans. Nairn is averaging 11.0 points and shooting 52.9 percent over 31.5 minutes in the tournament after putting up 2.5 on 4 of 13 and averaging 18.8 minutes in the team's first four games.

"He carried us in the first half and he got me going," Valentine said. "He was the one who got me going and was in my ear. If I took a bad shot, he told me."

Michigan State (6-0) can now match its 2013-14 start for its best since winning 12 straight to begin its 2000-01 Final Four season, but Providence (6-0) is coming off an impressive win over another national power.

The Friars beat No. 11 Arizona 69-65 Friday, and it apparently took its toll.

"That was an exhausting, exhausting game," coach Ed Cooley said.

The positive was their top scorer got some serious help and has throughout the Friars' impressive start. Ben Bentil scored a career-high 21 points, and standout guard Kris Dunn finished with 19, needing just nine shots to get there. Bentil has scored at least 21 in three straight and is averaging 16.5 for the season after finishing with 6.4 as a freshman.

"Our team made some big plays," said Dunn, who's averaging 18.7 points and added eight assists. "It was just a great team win. Ben really stepped up for us."

Providence is 6-0 for a third straight season but hasn't won its first seven since winning 13 straight in 1988-89.

Their six wins in the last 18 games against the Top 25 might not turn any heads, but another six of those games have been decided by six points or fewer. The last meeting with the Spartans didn't end as favorably with Michigan State - then also No. 3 - winning 82-58 in the 1999 Puerto Rico Shootout on its way to the national championship.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Sunday's games..........

Orlando tournament
Wichita's best player is hurt; two other guys are out this weekend; they are 0-3 vs teams in top 300, scoring 63.3 ppg in losses by 10-3-4 points. Iowa lost its games at Disney by 5-6 points; they're in bottom 15 in USA as far as getting to foul line- they're shooting 40.2% from arc. MVC dogs are 8-11 vs spread. Big 14 favorites are 7-10 on neutral floors.

Monmouth (+10.5) lost 101-90 at USC 13 days ago, trailing by 16 early in game, then leading by 3 with 10:52 left; Hawks have beaten UCLA, Notre Dame, lost to Dayton by 3- they're 3-2 against #9 schedule in US. Trojans are making 42.4% from arc; they got whacked by Xavier Friday, after getting by injury-riddled Wichita 72-69 in first round game.

Alabama was held under 50 points in its two losses by 32-19 to Dayton, Xavier; Crimson Tide is turning ball over 20.4% of time, shooting 30.9% on arc. Notre Dame's two games here were decided by total of 8 points- they beat Iowa after Monmouth upset them by hoop. Irish are starting three juniors and a soph. ACC neutral court favorites are 8-8 vs spread.

Dayton is 5-0 but its last three wins are all by 5 or less points. Flyers are young team that defends well, holding teams to 36.1% inside arc, #4 in USA. Xavier-Dayton used to be A-14 rivals but Musketeers bolted to Big East; teams split last four series games, last of which was in '12. Big East neutral court favorites are 7-3 vs spread; A-14 underdogs are 11-7.

Anaheim tournament
First two rounds were played at Cal-State Fullerton; today's games are in much bigger Anaheim Arena.

UC-Irvine is holding teams to 37.4% inside arc (#6) thanks to 7-6 Ndiaye who dominates paint; 5-1 Anteaters are experienced team whose best win was over #152 Boston College. Evansville is scoring 76.5 ppg in 3-1 start vs D-I teams; Purple aces shoot 36.4% from arc-- with Nidaye dominant inside, you need to shoot 3's well to loosen up Irvine defense.

Santa Clara is 0-7 but has OT losses to Lipscomb/Arizona; Eagles aren't good rebounding team- they're shooting 27% from arc, bad combination. Boston College beat three stiffs before coming west, losing by 31-13 in first two games here; Eagles are one of 20 youngest tams in country, but are protecting ball well and making 38.7% from the arc.

Arizona struggled with Santa Clara, then lost to Providence; their big guy is hurt- they're little down this year. Wildcats are rebounding well but are making just 28.3% from arc. Boise State (+12.5) lost 88-76 at Arizona on Nov 19; Wildcats made 10-21 from arc, Boise 10-30. Broncos are 1-3 on foreign soil with lone win vs Irvine; MW underdogs are 12-6 vs spread.

Providence is extremely young other than star G Dunn, who took over in semifinals at end; Friars are 6-0 with three top 100 wins- they're #329 in experience. Michigan State is 6-0 with top 60 wins over Kansas/Boise; Spartans ae shooting 42.7% from arc- their eFG% is #15 in the country. Big East underdogs on neutral courts are 6-3 vs spread.

Elsewhere on Sunday.........
Oklahoma hasn't played much yet; they beat couple stiffs after an 84-78 win at Memphis during ESPN's hoop marathon. Sooners defend well, are deep just need to play some games. Teams have shot 46.8% from arc vs Wisconsin this month; Badgers are 4-2, with best win by pointvs VCU on neutral floor. Big X home favorites are 6-3; Big 14 underdogs are 2-2.

Temple is 1-3 so far vs #7 schedule in US; Owls beat Delaware by 20 LY when they were also coming off a loss. Temple protects ball well, does not turn it over much either. Delaware is 2-1 with loss to #102 Iona by 7; Blue Hens don't sub much, don't shoot ball very well. A-14 home faves are 9-9 vagainst the spread; CAA road underdogs are 10-3.

Arizona State is 3-2 after splitting pair of tough games in Brooklyn; they had four guys foul out in OT loss to Marquette, after they beat NC State. Sun Devils are 0-2 scoring less than 79 points. UCSB split its first four games, only one of which was at home. Gauchos already lost by 18-12 to Cal/Oregon State of Pac-12. Big West are 1-3 vs spread vs Pac-12 teams.

Summit League teams are 32-9 vs spread this month, 11-7 as a favorite. South Dakota is 2-3 vs D-I teams with wins by 4-6 points. Coyotes are they played four guys 27:00+ last nite- they're 2-3 vs D-I teams. Eastern Washington played four starters 34:00+ last nite in win against Pacific; only two others played more than 5:00. Eagles are 2-2 vs D-I clubs, with 18-point loss at Mississippi State in only top 125 game.

Pepperdine has higher expectations this year but they're 1-4 vs Division I teams so far, with only win over #114 Duquesne; Waves are shooting just 27.8% from arc. Montana is 0-2 on road, losing at San Jose State by 3, by 20 at North Dakota State- Griz are shooting just 22.4% from arc, #349 in country (4th-worst). WCC favorites are 8-12 against spread this month.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Soccer: EPL Best Bets - Week 14
By Chris David

Week 13 Recap

Favorites produced a 5-4-1 record last week but bettors playing the four underdogs were able to take advantage of generous returns. The upsets started Saturday morning as Stoke City (+485) knocked off Southampton 1-0 and West Bromwich Albion (+525) held off Arsenal at home.

Later that day, Liverpool (+380) put forth its best effort of the season as it opened a quick 3-0 lead against Manchester City on the road and held on for a 4-1 victory. The week concluded Monday with Sunderland (+475) blanking Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park. Despite that game going to the low side, the ‘over’ went 6-3-1 in Week 13.

Through 13 weeks, favorites are 61-35 with 34 draws while the ‘over’ is 65-61-4.

Champions-Europa Recap

Six clubs could be fatigued this weekend after playing in Champions and Europa games this week. On Tuesday, both Chelsea and Arsenal looked sharp as the pair posted 4-0 and 3-0 victories respectively. The Manchester clubs couldn’t keep the momentum going Wednesday as United drew 0-0 at home to PSV Eindhoven and City dropped a 1-0 decision at Juventus. Thursday’s Europa League action watched Liverpool (2-1) and Tottenham (1-0) advance to the knockout stage of the event with one-goal wins.

Top 2

Chelsea at Tottenham (Sunday, USA, 7:00 a.m. ET)

Tottenham (+145) has shown an incredible amount of consistency this season and its form is just one reason why it’s listed as home favorites over Chelsea (+190) this season. Since losing 1-0 at Manchester United in Week 1, the Spurs haven’t suffered a loss and they enter this game with three wins in their last four games. At home, Tottenham hasn’t dropped three points this season (4-3-0) in seven games while outscoring teams 14-5 during this span.

Chelsea certainly hasn’t looked like the defending champions but Jose Mourinho’s team is still dangerous and has won three of four in all competitions. The defense has only allowed two goals over this span, which is a major upgrade since its surrendered 23 in EPL play this season. The Blues have only managed to secure four points (1-1-4) in six road battles and they’ve nearly been doubled-up (13-7) in goal differential.

The home side has captured three straight in this series. Last season, Tottenham outlasted Chelsea 5-3 in a wild shootout from White Hart Lane while the Blues posted a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Total players have seen the ‘over’ cash in three straight and six of the last seven head-to-head encounters between the pair. Surprisingly, the total on this game is 2 ½ and it’s shaded slightly to the ‘under’ (-115).

Arsenal at Norwich City (Sunday, 11:15 a.m. ET)

Not surprisingly, Arsenal (-175) is listed as a healthy favorite over Norwich (+460) and it’s hard to make a case for the host in this matchup. The Canaries have dropped five of their last six and the offense has managed just six goals during this skid.

Arsenal has netted 23 goals this season and what’s impressive is that 15 of those have come on the road. Prior to last week’s lost at West Brom, the Gunners had won five of six league games as visitors.

The Gunners have won three straight against Norwich with all three outcomes decided by two or more goals, which includes a 2-0 win at Carrow Road in May of 2014.

Fearless Predictions

It was a frustrating week at the betting counter as the bankroll dropped nearly three dollars ($270) and the difference between winning and losing occurred in the Man U-Watford contest. Two late goals did us in and that’s been the story this season with overall deficit back into the four-digit realm ($1,315).

Straight – Aston Villa (+170) over Watford – 1 Unit

Straight – Everton (+145) over Bournemouth – 1 Unit

Straight – Over 2 ½ (+100) Manchester United-Leicester City – 1 Unit

Straight – Over 2 ½ (-115) Chelsea-Tottenham – 2 Units

Straight – Chelsea (+185) over Tottenham – 2 Units

Parlay – Under 2 ½ Stoke City-Sunderland, Chelsea (+185), Arsenal (-175) – 1 Unit

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Leicester hosts United in battle for first place
By SOCCER AUTHORITY

We're 13 rounds into the Premier League and Leicester is top of the table on 28 points. The Foxes face a stiff test this week with second placed Manchester United coming into town.

Soccer Authority breaks down the biggest matches in the Premier League this weekend.

Leicester (+225) vs. Manchester United (+140)

This game looks all set to be the highlight of the weekend with Leicester taking on Manchester United. But perhaps the most talked about subject will be Jamie Vardy's consecutive goalscoring record.

If the Leicester man can score he will break Ruud Van Nistelrooy's record of scoring in 10 consecutive Premier League games. To do that, however, he will need to get through the meanest defense in the league. United has only given up nine goals this season and haven't conceded a goal from open play in over four weeks!

Key Stats:

- Man Utd have won 10 of their last 11 matches against Leicester.
- Leicester have scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 9 matches in the EPL.

Injuries/Suspension: Michael Carrick, Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia (Man Utd). Leicester will have a fully fit squad to choose from


Tottenham (+150) vs. Chelsea (+500)

This London derby rarely fails to entertain and we could have an epic battle on our hands this Sunday.

Despite Chelsea narrowly winning their last two games, Tottenham will come into this game as favorites (+150). One concern that Spurs backers might have is that they have played on Thursday in Azerbaijan (7 hour flight from London) so we may see some jet lag from players after enduring a long round trip mid-week.

John Terry picked up an injury in Chelsea's last game and should struggle to be fit in time.

Despite all Chelsea's criticisms they do tend to come good in these big games and with two wins under their belt they won't be under so much pressure.

Key Stats:

- Spurs have scored 1st in 7 of their last 9 games against teams placed in the bottom 6 of the EPL
- There have been no shortage of goals in this fixture with an average of 4.4 Goals per game when looking at the last 8

Injuries/Suspensions: John Terry, Ramires (Doubtful) Falcao (Out)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Red-hot Tottenham without midfield sensation Alli
Andrew Avery

Tottenham Hotspur, who is one of the hottest clubs in the Premier League, will be without midfield sensation Dele Alli for the clash with Chelsea Sunday.

Alli will miss out due to suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in Spurs' 4-1 thrashing of West Ham last weekend.

Tottenham has not lost a Premier League match since its first game of the season. A Kyle Walker own goal gave Manchester United the 1-0 win in the opening fixture of the Premier League campaign.

Spurs are offered at +155 in 1X2 markets, with struggling Chelsea +189 and the Draw +253.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Grey Cup Championship
By David Schwab

After a long and grueling 20-week regular season schedule followed by two rounds of playoffs, the stage has been set for this Sunday’s CFL Grey Cup title game between the East’s Ottawa Redblacks and the West’s Edmonton Eskimos.

This past Sunday, Ottawa punched its ticket to the big game with a thrilling 35-28 victory against Hamilton as a six-point home favorite, while the Eskimos pasted defending champion Calgary 45-31 in the West Finals as three-point favorites at home. Both of these games went OVER the closing total line.

This game will be played at Investors Group Field from Winnipeg and ESPN 2 will provide national coverage at 6:00 p.m. ET.

Sunday, Nov. 29

Ottawa Redblacks (13-6 SU, 13-6 ATS) vs. Edmonton Eskimos (15-4 SU, 12-7 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -8 ½
Total: 53

Game Overview

The Redblacks completed an impressive three-game sweep of the Tiger-Cats both straight-up and against the spread in their last three games to first clinch the East Division regular season title and then earn a spot in this title game. Their current SU winning streak now stands at five games and they have covered ATS in their last four. The total went OVER 50 ½-points in Sunday’s win and it has now gone OVER in six of their last nine games.

Ottawa’s key to taking the final step to become the CFL Champion could hinge on the play of veteran quarterback Henry Burris. He ended the regular season with a league-high 5,703 passing yards while tossing 26 touchdown passes against 13 interceptions. The most impressive stat was a completion rate of 70.9 percent on an amazing 678 attempts. The big play in Sunday’s win was a 93-yard touchdown throw to Greg Ellingson to put the RedBacks ahead late in the fourth quarter.

Edmonton won three of four meetings against Calgary this season in a matchup between clearly the top two teams in the West. The Eskimos have now won their last nine games SU with a 6-3 record ATS during this run. They are a perfect 8-0 ATS in their last eight games when closing as favorites and the total has now gone OVER in six of their last seven games overall.

Mike Reilly may only be ranked fifth on the list in total passing yards in the CFL regular season with 2,449, but he made all of his 370 passing yards in Sunday’s win count. He threw three scoring strikes in that game while completing 31-of-39 attempts. He also showed his versatility as a runner with another 30 yards and two scores on seven rushing attempts. Derel Walker was his favorite target with 11 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown and Adarius Bowman, who was the Eskimos’ leading receiver this season with 1,304 yards on 93 catches, added six more receptions to that total for 74 yards in Sunday’s win.

Betting Trends

-- The Redblacks have now covered ATS in seven of their last 10 games against a team with a SU winning record and they are 5-1 ATS their last six games on the road.

-- The total has gone OVER the closing betting line in eight of their last 11 games following a SU win.

-- The Eskimos ran their record ATS to 19-9 over their last 28 games and they have now covered in four of their last five games against a team with a SU winning record.

-- The total has gone OVER in five of their last six games following a SU win.

-- In four previous matchups between these two over the last two regular seasons, Edmonton has won all four games SU and it has a 3-1 edge ATS.

-- The total has stayed UNDER in three of the four games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Eskimos open as big faves for 103rd Grey Cup
Andrew Caley

The Edmonton Eskimos have opened as big 8.5-point favorites over the Ottawa RedBlacks in Sunday's 103rd CFL Grey Cup matchup.

The Eskimos enter the Canadian Football League championship winning nine straight games and are 12-7 against the spread this season, while the RedBlacks enter the game winners of five straight and are 13-6 ATS.

Edmonton won the season series 2-0 SU/ATS, but those games were all the way back on July 9th and 17th.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Grey Cup betting preview: Redblacks vs. Eskimos

Ottawa Redblacks vs. Edmonton Eskimos (-7, 50.5)

The Edmonton Eskimos and Ottawa Redblacks meet in the 103rd edition of the Grey Cup at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg on Sunday. The Eskimos have won nine consecutive games, including an impressive 45-31 victory over the Calgary Stampeders in the Western Final to advance to the championship game for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2005.

Edmonton swept the season series with Ottawa as it pounded the Redblacks 46-17 at Commonwealth Field on July 9 before grinding out a 23-12 victory the following week in the nation's capital, and hope to shut down Henry Burris and Co. for the third straight time. Ottawa looks to cap off a dream season with its first Grey Cup victory since 1976 when the team was called the Rough Riders. Burris has engineered a remarkable turnaround in Ottawa as the 40-year-old quarterback threw for a career-high 5,703 yards in the regular season to lead the Redblacks to the East Division title after finishing 2-16 a season ago. Burris etched himself into Ottawa football lore when he threw a 93-yard touchdown pass to Greg Ellingson for the game-winning score with just over a minute remaining to knock off the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Eastern Final.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, TSN, TSN2, RDS

LINE HISTORY: Books opened Edmonton as a 7-point fave and the total at 50.5.

WEATHER: Temperatures in the mid-20s under clear skies.

ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (15-4 SU, 11-7 ATS, 9-9 O/U): Mike Reilly has caught fire at the perfect time as the 30-year-old quarterback has thrown for more than 300 yards in each of his last four games, including 370-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Stampeders. "At the beginning of the season when we put our goals down on the sheet it's not to make it to the Grey Cup but to win the Grey Cup," Reilly told reporters. "It's the biggest game of the year and it's against a very good opponent." Derel Walker has been a revelation since being inserted into the lineup Aug. 13 as the rookie wide receiver caught 89 passes for 1,110 yards and six touchdowns in the regular season before finishing with 11 catches for 125 yards and a score in the Western Final.

ABOUT THE REDBLACKS (13-6 SU, 13-6 ATS, 11-8 O/U): Burris made another case as to why he should be named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player after throwing for 326 yards and accounting for two touchdowns to lead an Ottawa franchise to the Grey Cup for the first time since 1981. "It's been a long time since this city has been able to experience something like this," Burris told reporters. "It's an honour to be able to help deliver that and see the excitement of the fans truly helps put the icing on the cake for us." Redblacks coach Rick Campbell was eight when Ottawa and Edmonton squared off for the Grey Cup in 1981, but was on the opposing sideline as his dad Hugh was the coach of the Eskimos.

TRENDS:

* RedBlacks are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Eskimos are 19-9 ATS in their last 28 games overall.
* Over is 8-1 in RedBlacks last nine vs. a team with a winning record.
* Over is 5-1 in Eskimos last six games overall.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-six percent are on Ottawa.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Playoffs

Grey Cup

Edmonton (15-4) vs Ottawa (13-6) (@ Winnipeg)-- Ottawa is in Grey Cup in its second year in league; they've won last five games overall, four by 7 or less points- they won 27-20 here Oct 24. Edmonton is 4-0 vs Ottawa, beating RedBlacks 46-17/23-12 in two meetings this year; three of the four games stayed under total, with average total 38.5. Eskimos won their last nine games, scoring 40 ppg in last three- last four Edmonton games went over total. Ottawa covered three of last four as an underdog; Eskimos are 2-3 in last five as a favorite. Edmonton is in Grey Cup for first time in decade; they're 13-11 in Grey Cups, beating Montreal 38-35 in last appearance in '05.

Ottawa RedBlacks
Edmonton Eskimos 7, 50.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Cal-Expo

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


Race 9 - Post: 7:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 77 - Purse:$2000 - NON-WINNERS OF $750


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 CODEY SHARK 8/1


# 3 JUST THE WAY ITIS 7/2


# 6 S F LAW 3/1


The selection today is CODEY SHARK especially at a such a nice price. The handicapping team can't help but like this horse because the internal pace stats fit well here at Cal-Expo. The wagering panel always likes a proven player. This horse's high winning percent is proof of that. JUST THE WAY ITIS - Could most definitely handle this pack given the 78 TrackMaster Speed Rating recorded in his most recent contest. With a terrific driver, who has won at a really strong 33 percent rate the past month, this has to be one of the best selections. S F LAW - Many analyzers know speed is of the utmost importance. This fine animal has credentials with a 75 average ranking. Certainly did like this gelding's last race. Ran a big 76 speed fig. Major contender.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Rideau Carleton

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


Race 5 - Post: 7:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$4650 - NW $1,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 9 COLLEGE MAJOR 4/1


# 8 WINDSUN STETSON 2/1


# 1 SHIPPS XPECTANCY 6/1


COLLEGE MAJOR will not be denied the top prize in here. Been performing with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class edge. (Average Rating 87). Has to be given a look based on the really strong speed rating achieved in the last race. Driver-conditioner are no strangers to the winners circle and should have this gelding breaking away from the field of starters. WINDSUN STETSON - Should be in the hunt again in here, looking to improve that already high lifetime winning stat. This harness racer looks very good. Take a good look at the 85 average speed fig. SHIPPS XPECTANCY - Starters win from this slot at Rideau Carleton with better than average regularity, suggesting this magnificent bet. This harness racer has shown us ability in its prior races, just look at the 84 average class number. Should play well today.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Aqueduct

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


Race 8 - Stakes - 7.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $125000 Class Rating: 105

NEW YORK STALLION SERIES S. - FOR THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD ELIGIBLE FOR THE NEW YORK STALLION STAKES. FOR COLTS AND GELDINGS THAT HAVE BEEN FULLY SUBSCRIBED TO THE NEW YORK STALLION SERIES ARE ELIGIBLE TO THIS RACE. $600 TO PASS THE ENTRY BOX AND AN ADDITIONAL $650 TO START. THE PURSE TO BE DIVIDED 60% TO THE OWNER OF


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 8 EMPIRE DREAMS 9/5


# 2 LOKI'S VENGEANCE 5/2


# 6 JOHN'S ISLAND 4/1


EMPIRE DREAMS looks solid to best this field. Could beat this field given the 112 speed rating earned in his last outing. LOKI'S VENGEANCE - With Ortiz aboard him, this colt will probably be able to break out quickly here. The Equibase Speed Figure of 100 from his latest race looks formidable in here. JOHN'S ISLAND - Has very good speed figures and has to be considered for a bet in this race. Profitable jock and trainer team, with a +5 return on investment.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Zia Park

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


Race 10 - Allowance - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $32000 Class Rating: 80

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR REGISTERED NEW MEXICO BRED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 DONT EVER SLOW DOWN 5/1


# 3 A DASHING MAN 3/1


# 1 TYGER POWER 4/1


DONT EVER SLOW DOWN is the top bet in this race. Look for a sound effort with the class drop. Is a sharp contender based on figs put up lately under today's conditions. Is difficult not to consider based on Equibase Speed Figs which have been quite good - 76 avg - of late. A DASHING MAN - Ought to come out sharp - I have liked the way this gelding has moved sharply to the front end recently. Strong average Equibase Speed Figs in short races make this equine a solid choice. TYGER POWER - Has been running solidly in races of this distance, going 1 for 3 under similar conditions. His 76 average has this gelding with among the top Equibase Speed Figures in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Golden Gate Fields - Race #4 - Post: 2:14pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 98

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 LOOP CURRENT EDDIE (ML=3/1)
#2 OFF THE DEEP END (ML=7/2)
#5 MAXIMUM MAXIMUM (ML=5/1)


LOOP CURRENT EDDIE - This gelding likes to be near the lead. Today's event is a shorter distance and should help his chances. All systems look good for this gelding. Last workout, 2nd fastest of the day, shows he's fit and ready. I think this gelding is ready to run a good one. He's had enough races since the vacation and should be fit. OFF THE DEEP END - This speedball is running a shorter distance today. Should aid his winning probability. This gelding has been working well, and the recent bullet work says he's primed for a big race today. Ranked at the very top in earnings per start. Another indicator that this horse has the class to win today. Carrying 7 pounds less this race. Trainer has him in a good spot. MAXIMUM MAXIMUM - Multiple trips to the winner's circle over the surface right here at Golden Gate Fields. Maybe, another trip to the winner's circle today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 MISDEED (ML=5/2), #4 HOPE 'N PRAY (ML=4/1), #6 SAINT ADALBERT (ML=6/1),

MISDEED - 5/2 is not priced right for any animal in a sprint of 5 1/2 furlongs that hasn't finished in the money in a short distance event of late. Recent decreasing Equibase speed figures of 106/93/90 give an indication that this animal may be going off form. HOPE 'N PRAY - Will be tough for this horse to beat this group off of that last fig. Doubtful to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's class figure, so put him on the possibly overvalued equines list. SAINT ADALBERT - Not likely for this thoroughbred to make a winning move with no recent success in a short distance contest.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - LOOP CURRENT EDDIE - Don't overlook this horse. True, he finished fifth well back in last race, but ran well for the 1st two calls and finished evenly.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 LOOP CURRENT EDDIE is the play if we get odds of 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Laurel - Race #2 - Post: 12:52pm - Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,000 Class Rating: 81

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 BARAKEH (ML=6/1)
#5 BLACK ICE (ML=12/1)


BARAKEH - Lone speed horses can be tough to run down. Here's a lone front running sort facing sluggish sorts today. This horse didn't run well on the soft turf in his last race at Laurel. You probably should ignore that performance. BLACK ICE - Horse's last race was at Laurel in a race with a class number of 86. Dropping considerably in Equibase class figure this time around puts him in a solid position in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 FINITO (ML=8/5), #7 SPLITTER (ML=3/1), #2 CONGRATS TO KEN (ML=5/1),

FINITO - The morning-line favorite is shaky here with the lack of workouts. A stretch-runner like this one needs a speed battle to set things up and he isn't likely to get one in this one. CONGRATS TO KEN - 5/1 is too short of a reward to take on most any horse that has run poorly in back to back races.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #1 BARAKEH to win if you can get odds of 5/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
Skip