Tuesday 1/13/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

English FA Cup TODAY 19:45

West Ham

v

Everton

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		13/10	5/2	23/10	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT WEST HAM	RECENT FORM
HWALHLHDADAD​ Most recent​	2 - 3 1 - 2 1 - 1 1 - 2	ALHLALALHDHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Everton have lost their last five away matches

EXPERT VERDICT: The original FA Cup third-round clash between these two was tight and the same looks likely in the replay with the draw offering the best value. Everton deserved their point in the 1-1 home draw with Manchester City but they have won one of their last 11 games, while the Hammers are now five without a victory.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[superbeets]

Copa del Rey TODAY 19:00

Espanyol

v

Valencia

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		21/10	9/4	5/4	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ESPANYOL	RECENT FORM
HWHWAWHLALAL​ Most recent​	3 - 1 3 - 3 4 - 0 2 - 2	HWHDAWHWHWAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Valencia have won on just two of their last eight visits to Espanyol

EXPERT VERDICT: Espanyol lost 2-1 to Eibar in their last home game but they had been on an eight-match unbeaten run at the Power8 Stadium prior to that defeat and look overpriced against Valencia. The visitors are in decent form but are unreliable on the road and Espanyol can overturn the one-goal deficit after losing a tight first leg 2-1.

RECOMMENDATION: Espanyol
1

 

[superbeets]

French League Cup TODAY 20:00

St-Etienne

v

Paris St-G.

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT2		13/5	21/10	5/4	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ST-ETIENNE	RECENT FORM
ALADAWHWHDAW​ Most recent​	2 - 2 2 - 2 0 - 0 0 - 1	ALALAWHDAWAL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: PSG have won just two of their last six away matches

EXPERT VERDICT: PSG thrashed St Etienne 5-0 in August but that was only their second victory over the Greens in the last seven meetings and the hosts have improved since that match. Only Toulouse have lowered their colours on home soil this season and this quarter-final could go to extra time.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[superbeets]

Copa del Rey TODAY 21:00

Levante

v

Malaga

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS5		11/5	23/10	13/10	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT LEVANTE	RECENT FORM
ADHDHDALALHD​ Most recent​	1 - 0 1 - 2 3 - 0 3 - 1	HWHWAWHLHWHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Levante have drawn six of their last eight matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Malaga carry a two-goal cushion into the second leg and won’t need to take any risks to progress against Levante, who have scored just two goals in their last six matches. The onus will be on the hosts to attack but another low-scoring encounter is anticipated.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1

 

[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 52.5 74 OVER
1/4 7 37 46 OVER
1/5 1 5 5 PUSH
1/6 10 55.5 51 UNDER
1/7 4 22 23 OVER
1/8 10 55.5 58 OVER
1/9 5 26.5 33 OVER
1/10 11 58 58 PUSH
1/11 3 16 20 OVER
1/12 3 17.5 - -
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: Sharks (22-16) at Coyotes (16-21)

Date: January 13, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

Even the return of top playmaker Joe Thornton couldn't help the San Jose Sharks shake their offensive struggles.

Perhaps a matchup with an inconsistent Arizona Coyotes team that has had several terrible defensive performances lately will.

The Sharks try to avoid a third straight loss in their final road game this month Tuesday night.

Generating offense has been a problem for San Jose (22-16-5), which ranks 18th with 2.65 goals per game after it finished tied for sixth in 2013-14 with an average of 2.91.

The Sharks had no such problems during a 9-1-0 stretch Nov. 29-Dec. 20, scoring 3.5 per game. Since then, however, they've gone 3-5-1 and totaled 19 goals.

They played four of those games without Thornton - the team leader with 24 assists who was sidelined with a shoulder injury - before he returned in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers.

'We didn't finish our chances,' center Joe Pavelski said. 'We played hard, but it came down to a couple of things, execution on certain things.'

Scoring goals hasn't been a problem at all for Melker Karlsson, who joined Jeff Friesen as the only Sharks rookies to score in five straight games. Karlsson has six goals and 10 points in his first 14 contests.

Thornton's return should provide a boost to a power play that entered Saturday 2 for 33 over the previous seven games before Karlsson converted on San Jose's second and final opportunity Saturday.

Patrick Marleau has been the biggest culprit during the offensive woes, failing to score a goal in 15 games for the longest drought of his career since he went 16 without one in 2001-02.

This is San Jose's final road contest in January before it opens a seven-game homestand Thursday against Toronto.

For the third time in the past two weeks, the Coyotes (16-21-4) were unable to build on a victory and fell 5-1 to Ottawa on Saturday. Arizona scored the game's opening goal before allowing five straight and dropped to 2-2-0 on a six-game homestand.

Mike Smith surrendered five goals on 33 shots and suffered his 17th loss, trailing only New Jersey's Cory Schneider for most in the league. Smith has a 4.48 goals-against average in his last six starts.

'Certainly everybody would like to see more saves,' coach Dave Tippett said, 'but I'd like to see more saves but I'd like to see more NHL plays made. There's some stuff that is happening in front of him that is unacceptable. You shouldn't pile on the goalie.'

Tippett watched his team lose 6-0 to Dallas on New Year's Eve, rebound to beat Columbus 6-3 on Jan. 3, then lose 6-0 again to St. Louis last Tuesday before Thursday's 4-1 victory over Winnipeg.

Arizona is 6 for 9 on the power play in those two wins and 0 for 9 in its last three losses.

San Jose recorded at least a point for the ninth time in 10 meetings against the Coyotes (6-1-3) with a 4-3 shootout loss at home Nov. 22.

Antti Niemi stopped 22 shots in that game and is 5-0-3 with a 1.55 GAA and two shutouts in his last eight against the Coyotes.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at The Meadows

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


Race 6 - Post: 2:35 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 76 - Purse:$11400 - CD 3-6YO NW 3 EXT PM RACES OR $18,000 LIFE


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 ROYALTYHASARRIVED 6/1


# 1 FEELIN SPEEDY 5/2


# 7 WHOOPEDEMAGINJOSEY 15/1

Hey, listen up! ROYALTYHASARRIVED is the educated play if you like to win. Should be given a look based on the nice speed figure achieved in the most recent race. When the starter calls, solid standardbreds beginning out of the 5 post have more wins than is normal. FEELIN SPEEDY - Seems to have a nice class advantage based on the starters he has faced. This trainer, and the driver Palone, go together like salt and pepper. Their results together are terrific. WHOOPEDEMAGINJOSEY - When the trainer Oliverio puts Merriman up for the drive very good things happen. Just check out the 19 win percent. Considered a solid wager based solely on his high top prize figure.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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


Race 7 - Post: 3:00 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$13000 - NON-WINNERS OF 4 P-M RACES OR $40,000 LIFETIME. 3,4& 5 YEAR OLD COLTS, HORSES & GELDINGS


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 7 SOME MAJOR BEACH 5/2


# 5 IDEAL WILLIE 2/1


# 3 LARUSSA STL 5/1

The play in this contest is SOME MAJOR BEACH. This fine animal looks dangerous. Look at the 83 average TrackMaster speed fig. This contender will feel the med change - with second time Lasix today. Smart handicappers love to play the driver of this horse - excellent win pct of late. IDEAL WILLIE - 53 percent of the time this trainer and horse partnership end up in the top three. Big players in here. He's going to post in good form, recording sharp speed figs. An excellent pick. LARUSSA STL - This harness racer achieved a very good TrackMaster Speed Rating in last race. Looks fresh to come right back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs

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


Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 400y on the Dirt. Purse: $4000 Class Rating: 64

QUARTER HORSE 400Y, FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 JOHNNY GETTIN CASH 5/2


# 7 FLEXX APPEAL 9/2


# 2 COASTAL XPRESS 3/1


I've got to go with JOHNNY GETTIN CASH. Has recorded strong Speed Figures in short races in the past. This gelding with Kelsey in the irons makes him a contender. He looks competitive in this slot and I expect will be on the front end or close at the halfway point. FLEXX APPEAL - Hamilton has been scorching the last month, winning at a nifty 24 percent clip. Had one of the best Speed Figures of this group in his last affair. COASTAL XPRESS - The extreme drop in class can only help this one this time out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Parx Racing

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


Race 2 - Maiden Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $19000 Class Rating: 69

FOR MAIDENS, FOUR AND FIVE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000, FOR EACH $1,000 TO $13,000 2 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 6 VECTRAN 3/1


# 4 COPLEY SQUARE 9/2


# 7 JOHN'S CROSS 4/1


VECTRAN is my choice. Looks solid for the conditions of this affair today, showing solid figures in dirt route races recently. The Equibase speed fig of 76 from his latest race looks strong in here. COPLEY SQUARE - Overall the Equibase Speed Figures of this animal look competitive in this contest. Reason to like this gelding as he has in the saddle one of the best jocks using winning percentages over the last month. JOHN'S CROSS - Always good to invest in a trainer with this kind of strong win percentage - 19 percent - at this distance & surface. With a very good 60 speed fig last time out, will unquestionably be a factor in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Valuline at Turf Paradise

Today's Most Likely Winner Is at:

Turf Paradise, Race 4 (Tuesday January 13, 2015)

TEDBETHEWON

TUP-4 6f DIRT Eight Horses
"A" CLM 10,000 4YUP $8,900
P# dd ex q p3 p5 t s ML WP TVL

7 TEDBETHEWON 9/5 38% 8/5 Strong Favorite icon
6 EDDIE'S CAMARO 8/1 18% 9/2
2 DENOMINATOR 2/1 14% 6/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #2 - Post: 12:52pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $19,000 Class Rating: 69

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 COPLEY SQUARE (ML=9/2)
#3 A BLACK TIE CRYPTO (ML=5/2)
#7 JOHN'S CROSS (ML=4/1)


COPLEY SQUARE - Looking at today's Equibase class figure, this thoroughbred is meeting an easier group than in the last race at Parx Racing. I like this gelding. Has the highest earnings per race in this one. A BLACK TIE CRYPTO - Ran last time around the track against a higher rated class of horses at Del Mar. The move to a lower level should suit him well. This gelding gets a weight break of -9 lbs from last race. Could make the difference in this event. JOHN'S CROSS - Have to give this gelding a good shot. Ran a good effort last out within the last month or so.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 VECTRAN (ML=3/1), #2 THENEWMANINTOWN (ML=6/1),

VECTRAN - Don't figure that this racer has what it takes to be the victor in today's event. THENEWMANINTOWN - Difficult to put any money on this gelding on the win end. Likes to end up on the board though.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#4 COPLEY SQUARE is the play if we get odds of 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
4 with [3,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4,7] Total Cost: $6

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #7 - Post: 3:32pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,500 Class Rating: 71

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 BERTIE'S PLANET (ML=8/1)
#4 AT THE SAGAMORE (ML=6/1)
#9 JEREK DETER (ML=5/1)


BERTIE'S PLANET - Ran in the last race against a high class rated field at Delta Downs. The move down in class should suit him well. A repeat of that last performance on January 1st where he recorded a figure of 79 looks high enough to score in this race. Ran a less than stellar race at Delta Downs last out. Racing on a fast track puts this gelding at the top of my list of contenders. AT THE SAGAMORE - I just may give this one a chance. Should rebound off last race where he did run out of the top three, but was within 5 lengths at the end. Entered a $3,500 Claiming race at Mahoning Valley Race Cour last out and raced on a muddy track finishing fifth. Has to do better right here in this race. JEREK DETER - This thoroughbred coming off a solid contest in the last month or so is a serious competitor in my book. Rider jumped on this gelding's back for the first try on December 16th. Should be acquainted with the equine even better in today's contest. You may want to discount that last clash at Mahoning Valley Race Cour on a sloppy track where he finished outside the top 3. Should do well today without the off-track conditions. The improved Equibase speed figs over the last three races is great. Clouston drops him in this contest fit and ready to go. Don't throw out based on last race finish. He didn't finish in the money, but made a nice move in the stretch making up ground. Could be dangerous at a possible price.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 BOY'S BROTHER BOB (ML=5/2), #7 SAFETY VALVE (ML=8/1),

BOY'S BROTHER BOB - This favorite ran on December 21st and hasn't had a workout since then. Difficult to put your cash on the win end of any racer that finishes second and third as frequently as this horse does. SAFETY VALVE - In this situation, this vulnerable equine's inability to make up ground in the last contest is definitely troubling.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #2 BERTIE'S PLANET on the nose if you can get odds of 3/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,4,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,4,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Tuesday 1/13 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 6 - 24 / $26.60 BEST BETS: 0 - 2 / $0.00

Best Bet: MOVE BLUE CHIP (3rd)

Spot Play: MOLIERE HANOVER (9th)


Race 1

(4) ON THE BRINK showed fine speed at Philly last time out. He's back at Yonkers where this gelding got the job done two trips ago. (1) DAVID THE SAINT Maine invader put in a sharp qualifier recently; threat. (5) AMERICAN DESIRE could be right in the mix.

Race 2

(6) CORKY BARAN Old pro is in sharp form and is very capable of making it two straight. (1) PICTONIAN PRIDE has good early zip and should fare well from the fence. (5) COLOSSAL CRUISER could land a share.

Race 3

(5) MOVE BLUE CHIP Gelding make his return to Yonkers and he can boss this group at his best. (3) HOT ROD PETE was second best in his Maywood finale. (6) AMERICAN CHAMP showed signs of life at Monticello last time around.

Race 4

(1) LEGENDS LUCK did not do so well at The Meadowlands, but this could be a good spot for this pacing gelding to get back into the winner's circle. (4) SUPERBOWL PARTY Upstate invader has tactical speed; main danger. (3) VLOS Pennsylvania shipper is not out of this.

Race 5

(1) DADDY MAC Gelding did not race badly at the Big M last week. Fits with these and with the right trip, he can make today a winning one. (3) HOT SHOT LAWYER needs a better trip to contend in here; maybe. (5) GALLANT MAJOR was second best in his most recent try.

Race 6

(2) FIVEKNUCKLESHUFFLE Jersey invader flashed good speed in his last two starts. Should have enough gas in the tank to be the boss over this group. (3) WILLIE BOOTS rallied strongly for win honors last time out. (1) TRACK MASTER D retains the rail slot and could make some noise in the stretch drive.

Race 7

(2) BEACHY DREAM made a middle move in his last start at the Big M. He's back on his home turf and should get back on the winning track. (5) IDEAL WILLIE has fine speed and could contend with these. (7) SOME MAJOR BEACH Qualifier at Freehold was good.

Race 8

(3) DUNE DUDE is better than his latest at Freehold. Gelding has the tactical speed to rate and score over these. (1) NEW KIND took the pocket route home last out to victory at The Meadowlands; threat again. (6) BADGER QUINN could have a say in the outcome.

Race 9

(3) MOLIERE HANOVER Sharp score in his previous trip to the post and this guy seems very capable of getting the job done once again. (1) MAXI BON retains the rail slot and Brennan signs on to drive; main danger. (2) ELECTRIC CRUISER was third best in his previous try.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Mahoning Valley (4th) Sugah Sweet, 4-1
(5th) Bennyfax, 7-2


Parx Racing (1st) Catch Me Kaz, 6-1
(6th) Rhinestone Diva, 8-1


Turf Paradise (6th) Double Shuffle, 9-2
(8th) The Third One, 5-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Preview: Heat (16-21) at Lakers (12-26)

Date: January 13, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

Coach Byron Scott sounds repetitive at no fault of his own as he answers questions about Kobe Bryant's status on a daily basis, but he's also quick to point out that the Los Angeles Lakers have other issues that need his attention.

Scott is counting on Bryant playing in Tuesday night's matchup with the visiting Miami Heat, though that easily could change.

"He said he feels a whole lot better. He said he's ready to go," Scott said. "Right now we'll pencil him in for (Tuesday), but I want to see how he feels (before the game) and we'll go from there."

The last-place Lakers (12-26) have lost three of four after splitting the last two with Bryant sitting out to rest. They fell to 2-4 without their star with Sunday's 106-94 home loss to Portland.

Each of Bryant's absences have come within the last 11 games, and he's been sitting down with Scott prior to each contest to determine his status.

"Our guys are competing on a night-to-night basis," Scott said. "But when it comes down to it at the end of the game, we still need that closer. And that's where we miss (Bryant)."

Scott hopes that Nick Young can get back on track to help with some of the scoring load no matter if Bryant is in the lineup. Young went 3 for 11 and 1 of 8 from 3-point range while finishing with nine points against Portland, and he's shooting 25.0 percent over his last five.

"We've got to get him back rolling," Scott said. "He can't hang his head every time he misses a shot. He's in a big slump, and he's holding himself responsible for that. The only way to get out of it is to keep playing."

Miami (16-21) has been in Los Angeles for an extended period after beating the Clippers 104-90 on Sunday in the first of two straight at Staples Center.

The Heat averaged 90.2 points while dropping five of their previous six, including a 99-83 loss to Portland on Thursday to begin a five-game West Coast road trip.

Chris Bosh tied his season high with 34 points Sunday, while Dwyane Wade finished with 17 and 10 assists. Miami has won four straight and eight of nine against the Lakers, though seven of those wins came with LeBron James on the roster.

Bryant has missed the last two matchups.

"I know they're not the Miami of old, but they've still go two All-Stars," Scott said. "We've got to shut down one of those two."

That may not do the Lakers any good if they can't slow center Hassan Whiteside, who didn't play a game in the league for more than two seasons before signing with Miami on Nov. 24.

Whiteside had 29 career points and 39 rebounds entering this season, but he finished with 23 and 16 against the Clippers.

'It means a lot,' Whiteside said. 'It's crazy that I'm on a team called the Heat because there's always been a flame inside me. I always try to come in and just play as hard as I can and keep proving people wrong.'

Whiteside has averaged 14.5 points and 10.0 boards over the last four.

'He's been a game changer ever since he put on a Heat jersey,' Wade said. 'We needed that. We've been looking for that big guy for a while.'

Bosh scored 31 as Wade sat out a 109-102 victory in the most recent matchup Jan. 23.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Kansas is only 3-2 in last five games vs Oklahoma State, winning twice LY by total of 7 points, with OT win in Big X tourney. Young Jayhawks (#336 in experience) won last four games, allowing 54.5 ppg in winning first two league games by 1-32 points. Oklahoma State is 1-2 in true road games, winning at Memphis, losing by 26 at South Carolina, at Iowa St. by 2. Big X home favorites are 6-5-1 vs spread.

Should be good crowd in Columbus after Buckeyes won football title on Monday. Ohio State lost last three games with Michigan, losing by 3 in Big 14 tourney LY; Buckeyes' last two games were decided by total of 5 points; they're 2-2 in Big 14, despite forcing turnovers 23.6% of time in league play. Wolverines are 3-1 in Big 14, with only loss at Purdue by 13. Big 14 home favorites of 6+ points are 2-6 vs spread.

Butler beat Seton Hall by 7-17 points LY, then lost 51-50 to Pirates in Big East tourney; Bulldogs are 2-2 in league so far, despite shooting only 41.3% inside arc- they're best offensive rebounding team in league this month. Hall is 3-1 in Big East, allowing 64 ppg in wins over Villanova, St John's; Pirates are missing star frosh Whitehead, who is expected back for next week. Big East home favorites of 5 or less points are 4-2 vs spread.

Home side won last five Arkansas-Tennessee games; Razorbacks lost last five visits to Knoxville by 11-22-7-19-7 points. Hogs won seven games in row, with 4-point win at Georgia only road game on streak; they force turnovers 23% of time (#32). Tennessee had 5-game win streak snapped in ugly 56-38 home loss Saturday; Vols turned ball over 26.6% of time in first two SEC games. SEC home underdogs are 2-1 vs spread.

Oklahoma's plane landed 90 minutes away last night, had to take bus to get to Morgantown, where Sooners lost by 5 in OT LY, its only loss in four series games. Sooners lost in OT at home Saturday, after winning by 21 at Texas; they're 2-1 in true road games, with loss at Creighton by 2. West Virginia is 14-2; its two losses were both at home, by 1-2 points. Big X home teams are 2-6 in games where spread was 6 or less points.

Penn State suspended G Johnson (#5 scorer) for this game; Lions are 1-6 in last seven games with Indiana, but won by point here LY, after losing by 3 at home. State lost first three league games by 17-4-9 points after its 12-1 start; they're shooting 28.8% in league. Big 14 home favorites of 6+ points are 2-6 vs spread. Hoosiers split last four games, with three of the four decided by 5 or less- their two Big 14 wins are by 5-3 points.

Big night for rising Rhode Island (11-3), which won first three A-14 tilts by 12-1-3 points, with all three league wins vs teams ranked outside top 230. URI turns ball over 22.2% of time in league play; bad news vs VCU defense that forced turnovers 28.4% of time in winning first three A-14 games by 17-6-15 points. VCU is 3-1 on road, with only loss at ODU, which has only one loss. A-14 home underdogs are 4-5 vs spread.

Syracuse won by 10 at Wake Forest LY in first ACC meeting, in game that was 26-23 at half; Orange gets smaller with frosh McCullough done for year (ACL)- their defensive eFG% is #12 in nation, because no one in America can shoot. Wake shoots 32.9% from arc; this is their first away game in 38 days; Deacons competed at home vs Duke/Louisville, finally beat Ga Tech to end homestand. ACC home favorites are 6-5 vs spread.

Duke is 13-3 in its last 16 games with Miami, but teams split last four in series, with two of last four played here going OT. Blue Devils got beat by NC State team Sunday that was 10-16 from arc. ACC home favorites of 9+ points are 4-1 vs spread. Miami split its last eight games after 8-0 start; Hurricanes won by 2 at Florida, 3 at Charlotte in only true away games, and last one of those was way back on November 25.

DePaul upset Georgetown 60-56 as 11-point dog in Big East tourney LY, its first win in last 11 series games; Hoyas beat them by 10-12 points in regular season. Blue Demons are 3-1 this year, with home upsets of both marquette/Xavier by 3 points each. Hoyas scored 55 ppg in losing both their Big East road games, by 3 at Providence, by 17 at Xavier. Big East home underdogs are 4-1 vs spread.

Home side won last five Iowa-Minnesota games; Hawkeyes lost last two visits here by 3-6 points. Minnesota is 0-4 in Big 14 play, with three of its losses by 5 or less points; Gophers are turning ball over 21.1% of time in league games. Iowa won at North Carolina/Ohio State in its two true road games; they were outscored 47-22 in second half by Michigan State in last game Saturday. Home teams are 10-6 vs spread in Big 14 games with spread of 5 or less points.

UConn won five of last six games, allowing 53 ppg in winning last three, two of which were wins at Florida/USF/Huskies' 41.1 eFG% defense is #1 in AAC so far, but they've made only 51% from foul line. Tulsa won its last five games; they're 3-0 in AAC, rallying from down 10 in second half to win at Temple- it was their first top 100 win in four attempts. AAC home teams are 2-3 in games with spread of less than 5 points.

Home side won seven of last eight UNLV-Boise State games; Rebels lost three of last four visits here, getting hosed 91-90 LY having winning shot disallowed at buzzer. UNLV lost three of last four games; its two losses in league are by total of 7 points. Mountain West home favorites of less than 8 points are 4-3 vs spread. Broncos lost last four games, averaging 55 ppg; they miss injured glue guy Drmic, who is out for the year.

 

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#1 Sports

Tuesday's free selection: Iowa Hawkeyes + 4 1/2

 

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Razor Sharp

FREE PICK FOR TUESDAY: Take NORTHERN IOWA -9 over Bradley