2-8-14

[Can'tPickAWinner]

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB cheat sheet: Early games

Here's a quick look at the marquee early games on Saturday's NCAA basketball schedule:

Virginia Cavaliers at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (+7)

The Cavaliers’ success is sparked by a defense that holds opponents to 38.2 percent shooting from the field and has held ACC opposition to less than 50 percent from the field in 26 consecutive games. Malcolm Brogdon has played particularly well on offense of late, averaging 16.8 points in his past four contests. Virginia won by double digits in 11 of its past 12 victories, with the upset of Pittsburgh the lone close win.

Yellow Jackets center Daniel Miller is one of the hottest players in the ACC, averaging 16.8 points and 9.8 rebounds in his past four games with a pair of 14-rebound efforts. The Yellow Jackets are very thin at guard without Golden, and sophomore Marcus Georges-Hunt didn’t help matters Tuesday by shooting 1-for-13 from the field. Georgia Tech will next face Duke at home and travel to top-ranked Syracuse.

TRENDS

* Cavaliers are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Yellow Jackets are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs. ACC foes.
* Over is 5-0 in Virginia's last five games vs. teams with winning records.
* Over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.


Virginia Tech Hokies at Pittsburgh Panthers (-20)

The Hokies have lost nine consecutive games and are 1-9 in ACC play. Part of the Hokies' problem has been a major lack of efficiency, with each of their top three scorers - swingman Jarell Eddie and guards Ben Emelogu and Adam Smith - shooting less than 40 percent from the floor. Eddie is shooting a combined 3-of-22 from the field over his past two games, including 1-of-12 from 3-point range.

The Panthers do many things well at both ends of the floor, but passes that lead to baskets have been their specialty. Pittsburgh is 19th nationally in assists per game (16.1), with Patterson (4.4) and guard James Robinson (four) taking on an active role in that regard. Patterson has been one of the most well-rounded players in the conference, averaging 17.7 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc.

TRENDS

* Hokies are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games.
* Panthers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last eight games vs. ACC opponents.
* Under is 10-1 in Virginia Tech's last 11 games following an ATS loss.
* Over is 12-5 in Pittsburgh's last 17 games.


Alabama Crimson Tide at Florida Gators (-14)

Trevor Releford has been the Crimson Tide’s only consistent offensive threat, averaging 18 points to place seventh in the SEC while shooting 49.4 percent from the field and 90 from the free throw line. Guard Retin Obasohan is the other player averaging in double figures scoring (11.4) for Alabama, but shot 6-of-24 in the last three contests. Freshman forward Shannon Hale has totaled only 21 points in three games.

Freshman Chris Walker gives the Gators another offensive threat on the interior to go along with Patric Young and Dorian Finney-Smith - averaging 10.7 and 10 points, respectively. That should help guard Michael Frazier II, who is averaging 15.8 points over the last five games including 18 against Alabama, while making 62 from 3-point range overall. Casey Prather leads the SEC in shooting percentage (62.3) and the Gators in scoring (15.7).

TRENDS

* Crimson Tide are 2-7 ATS in their last nine road games.
* Gators are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 16-5 in Alabama's last 21 games following an ATS win.
* Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.


Texas Longhorns at Kansas State Wildcats (-4)

Jonathan Holmes leads the team in scoring (13.7) and had another stellar game versus TCU, pouring in 20 points and grabbing a career-high 16 rebounds. The Longhorns are ranked fifth nationally in rebounding and have won the battle of the boards in 17 of their 22 games this season. Isaiah Taylor tops the Longhorns in assists (3.6) and dished out a game-high seven helpers against the Horned Frogs.

Marcus Foster leads the Wildcats in scoring (13.9) and tallied a team-high 23 points in the loss to West Virginia. Free-throw shooting continues to plague Kansas State, which is making 64.4 percent of their attempts from the line, and finished just 8-of-19 versus the Mountaineers. The Wildcats are ranked 20th nationally in 3-point field goal percentage defense, holding their opponents to 28.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

TRENDS

* Longhorns are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games following an ATS loss.
* Wildcats are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games.
* Over is 9-2 in Texas' last 11 Saturday games.
* Under is 14-3 in Kansas State's last 17 home games.


Kentucky Wildcats at Mississippi State Bulldogs (+13)

The Wildcats are second in the league in scoring behind Arkansas while topping the SEC in shooting percentage (47.6) and rebounding margin (plus-10.4). Kentucky has won five of its last six games, but will look to improve on its 2-2 road record in the conference – the losses coming by a combined seven points. Draft lottery prospect Julius Randle leads the way, shooting 52.3 percent from the field

The Bulldogs are third in the league in steals per game (8.2), but have struggled overall on the defensive end while allowing a league-worst 44.3 percent shooting. Leading scorer Craig Sword (13.2) has been limited to 7.2 points per game and 14-of-47 shooting over the last five contests after averaging 17.3 over the previous four. Gavin Ware contributes 10.5 points and a team-high 7.9 rebounds per game.

TRENDS

* Wildcats are 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
* Bulldogs are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games.
* Over is 4-1 in Kentucky's last five road games.
* Underdog is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.


Michigan Wolverines at Iowa Hawkeyes (-5)

Wolverines Forward Glenn Robinson III (13.6) is second on the team in scoring behind Stauskas (17.3) and tied his career high of 23 points in the rout of Nebraska. Robinson had failed to reach double digits in each of the previous three games but made a season-high three 3-pointers while rediscovering his shooting stroke. The Wolverines have won 11 of the past 13 meetings.

Backup center Gabriel Olaseni has scored 14 or more points in three of the past four games after tallying 14 on 5-of-5 shooting in a loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes on Tuesday. Olaseni averages 6.9 points and 5.4 rebounds and has taken major strides as a junior. Iowa leading scorer Roy Devyn Marble (16 per game) had only 10 points against Ohio State, his lowest output in Big Ten play this season.

TRENDS

* Wolverines are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 games.
* Hawkeyes are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games following a loss.
* Over is 22-6-1 in Michigan's last 29 Saturday games.
* Home team is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings.


TCU Horned Frogs at Iowa State Cyclones (-19)

The injury-plagued Horned Frogs, who have five players out for the season due to injuries, have struggled on the boards with a minus-6.7 rebounding margin and were outrebounded 56-25 in Tuesday's loss to Texas. Junior guard Kyan Anderson, one of only four players on the roster to play in all 21 games this season, leads the team in scoring (15.1) and has connected on 26-of-70 3-point attempts.

Marshall transfer DeAndre Kane, who is averaging 16.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game, is making a strong run for All-American honors and just missed a triple-double in the win at Oklahoma State, finishing with 26 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Cyclones forward Melvin Ejim leads the Big 12 in scoring (18.3) and has posted seven double-doubles.

TRENDS

* Horned Frogs are 8-22 ATS in their last 30 games vs. Big 12 opponents.
* Cyclones are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs. teams with losing records.
* Under is 5-1 in TCU's last six games.
* Over i 20-5-1 in Iowa State's last 26 home games.


West Virginia Mountaineers at Kansas Jayhawks (-13.5)

The Mountaineers rank last in the Big 12 in field-goal percentage defense, allowing teams to go off at 43.6 percent, and do not get much offensively from anyone other than Eron Harris, Juwan Staten and fellow guard Terry Henderson. Wednesday's victory over Oklahoma was the first in a string of four straight games against ranked teams. Staten (5.96) and Tharpe (5.19) both rank in the top-3 in the Big 12 in assists.

The Jayhawks enjoy one of the finest collections of freshmen talent in the country, including a pair of potential No. 1 overall draft picks in Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid. The two have taken turns showing off their skills but are battling inconsistency. Embiid was held to five points on 1-of-6 shooting while struggling through foul trouble in the win over Baylor and Wiggins is 6-of-25 from the floor in the last two contests.

TRENDS

* Mountaineers are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games after scoring more than 90 points in their previous game.
* Jayhawks are 6-2-1 in their last nine games.
* Over is 12-2 in West Virginia's last 14 games vs. Big 12 foes.
* Over is 7-0 in Kansas' last seven Saturday games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB cheat sheet: Late games

Here's a quick look at the marquee late games on Saturday's NCAA basketball schedule:

Saint Louis Billikens at La Salle Explorers (+4)

Guard Austin McBroom is the only player among the Billikens' top eight scorers that shoots better than 33 percent from 3-point range. The 5-9 sophomore connects at 39 percent from long range and is also the team's top free-throw shooter at 91.1 percent. Dwayne Evans paces Saint Louis in scoring (14.6) and rebounding (6.5).

The Explorers' best player in last Saturday's win against Duquesne was center Steve Zack, who posted 16 points and 16 rebounds, as well as three blocks and a pair of steals in the 71-63 triumph. Jerrell Wright paced the team against UMass with 16 points and seven boards, but senior guard Tyrone Garland continued to struggle in both games. Garland (13.9 points per game) is shooting a career-worst 34.4 percent this season.

TRENDS

* Billikens are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games vs. Atlantic 10 foes.
* Explorers are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games.
* Under is 8-0 in Saint Louis' last eight road games vs. teams with winning home records.
* Underdog is 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.


Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio State Buckeyes (-11.5)

The Boilermakers had surrendered an average of 75.3 points in three previous games but limited Minnesota to 60 in regulation on Wednesday and controlled the glass 50-40 to pull out of their slump. A.J. Hammons collected 20 points and 14 boards in the win and will be counted on again to counter the interior strength of the Buckeyes. Hammons went for 18 points, a career-high 16 rebounds, five blocks and four assists in the first meeting.

LaQuinton Ross produced career highs of 25 points and 12 rebounds in the Dec 31 meeting and has done his part with 13 points in each of the last two contests, providing just enough at the offensive end to give Craft some support. Craft scored all seven of his points in the final four minutes at Wisconsin and followed it up with the stellar all-around game at Iowa to help ensure the Buckeyes a .500 conference record.

TRENDS

* Boilermakers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games following a win.
* Buckeyes are 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Over is 6-0 in Purdue's last six games vs. teams with winning records.
* Over is 6-0 in the last six meetings.


Duke Blue Devils at Boston College Eagles (+10.5)

Guard Rasheed Sulaimon (9.1 average) has put together strong back-to-back outings after going 2-of-15 from the field over a two-game span. Suliamon followed up a solid 16-point performance against Syracuse with 19 against Wake Forest and has scored in double digits in eight of 12 games following a slow start. The Blue Devils hold a 17-2 series edge and have won the last eight meetings.

Forward Ryan Anderson has been playing stellar basketball despite the team’s swoon and is averaging 19.7 points on 20-of-29 shooting over the past three games. Anderson leads the Eagles in rebounding (7.1) and ranks second on the squad in scoring (15.2) behind slumping guard Olivier Hanlan (17.7). Hanlan is averaging just 10 points on 8-of-20 shooting over the past three games.

TRENDS

* Blue Devils are 6-0 ATS in their last six games.
* Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs. the ACC.
* Over is 5-2 in Duke's last seven games following a victory.
* Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.


Baylor Bears at Oklahoma Sooners (-5)

Cory Jefferson leads the Bears with 12.6 points and eight rebounds and Brady Heslip adds 11.3 points, hitting a team-high 46.8 percent from the 3-point line. Kenny Chery contributes 10.6 points and 4.8 assists and Gathers adds 7.9 points and 7.6 rebounds off the bench. The Bears are 2-4 against ranked opponents, including last week's road win at Oklahoma State that is Baylor's only win in its last seven games.

Buddy Hield leads five Sooner starters in double figures with 16.9 points and has hit at least three 3-pointers in seven conference games. Cameron Clark adds 15.8 points and freshman point guard Jordan Woodard, who has recorded at least seven assists eight times, adds 11.8 points. Ryan Spangler averages 11.1 points and a league-high 10.2 rebounds and has eight straight games with at least nine boards.
TRENDS

* Bears are 7-17 ATS in their last 24 Saturday games.
* Sooners are 6-0 ATS in their last six Saturday games.
* Over is 18-6 in Baylor's last 24 road games.
* Oklahoma is 21-7-2 ATS in the last 30 meetings.


Cincinnati Bearcats at SMU Mustangs (-3)

Sean Kilpatrick led the Bearcats in points (26), rebounds (12) and assists (six) against the Huskies and made five 3-pointers - his seventh straight game with multiple 3s. Fellow senior Titus Rubles is only 2-of-11 shooting over his last two games and has reached double figures in scoring just once since the beginning of December after scoring at least 10 points in five of his first six games.

The Mustangs have built a solid NCAA Tournament resume that includes victories over Texas A&M, Connecticut and Memphis, although a win over Cincinnati would go a long way for coach Larry Brown's team. SMU leading scorer Nic Moore (13.7 points) has watched his scoring dip in four straight games - from 28 to 23 to 14 and finally to 11 against the Owls.

TRENDS

* Bearcats are 4-1 ATS in their last five Saturday games.
* Mustangs are 6-0 ATS in their last six home games.
* Under is 9-2 in Cincinnati's last 11 games vs. the AAC.
* Under is 10-4 in SMU's last 14 games.


Gonzaga Bulldogs at Memphis Tigers (-4)

While the Bulldogs are well on their way to claiming the WCC regular season crown for the 15th time in 17 seasons, they haven't run away from opponents on a regular basis lately. Five of their last six games have been decided by 10 points or fewer and Mark Few's team needed to survive a tough second half in the win over Portland, with Kevin Pangos scoring seven of his 13 points in the final two minutes.

The Tigers have shown an ability to respond to some of their setbacks in a dramatic way, as evidenced by the rout of Rutgers, which came on the heels of a loss to Southern Methodist three days earlier. Austin Nichols has been the catalyst, making 30-of-41 shots while averaging 13 points in the first game after a loss, compared to 6.6 points on 51.4 percent shooting in all other contests.

TRENDS

* Bulldogs are 18-6-2 ATS in their last 26 games following an ATS loss.
* Tigers are 6-0 ATS in their last six home games vs. teams with winning road records.
* Under is 12-3 in Gonzaga's last 15 road games.
* Under is 9-1-1 in Memphis' last 11 games following a victory of more than 20 points.


Wichita State Shockers at Northern Iowa Panthers (+6.5)

Many believe the Shockers will enter the NCAA Tournament undefeated and Cleanthony Early will be a big reason as the senior forward averages team bests of 16.3 points and 6.5 rebounds. Sophomore point guard Fred VanVleet is another key factor as his 11.9 points, 5.3 assists and four rebounds per game attest, while Ron Baker (12.7 points) and Tekele Cotton (9.6) also are threats.

The Panthers lost the Jan. 5 meeting with Wichita State 67-53 as they shot 33.9 percent overall and hit 5-of-24 from 3-point range. Junior forward Seth Tuttle leads the team with 14.6 points and eight rebounds per game. Junior guard Deon Mitchell averages 13.3 points and scored a team-high 16 while making 7-of-14 from the field against Wichita State last month.

TRENDS

* Shockers are 20-5-1 ATS in their last 26 games.
* Panthers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Over is 22-7 in Wichita State's last 29 road games vs. teams with winning home records.
* Favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.


Oklahoma State Cowboys at Texas Tech Red Raiders (+6.5)

The Cowboys have lost four of five and star guard Marcus Smart is working through a shooting slump. Smart leads the team with 17.3 points per game but is shooting 28.4 percent from the floor and 12.1 percent from 3-point range over the past five games. Markel Brown and Le'Bryan Nash have picked up their scoring over the past four games, averaging 19 and 20.5 points respectively.

Jaye Crockett leads the Red Raiders with 14.4 points per game on a league-best 55.3 percent shooting and 6.2 rebounds and is closing in on a program milestone. Crockett needs four steals to become the fifth Red Raider with 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, 100 steals and 100 assists in a career. Jordan Tolbert adds 11.1 points and six rebounds per game for the Red Raiders, who are 1-3 against ranked opponents.
TRENDS

* Cowboys are 1-7 ATS in their last eight road games.
* Red Raiders are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS loss.
* Over is 5-0 in Oklahoma State's last five games.
* Over is 6-0 in the last six meetings at Texas Tech.


Nevada Wolf Pack at San Diego State Aztecs (-12)

Deonte Burton, whose 38.7 minutes per game leads the conference, scored 23 points against Utah State to move into second on the school’s all-time scoring list with 1,944. Forward Ronnie Stevens was held scoreless in 14 minutes against the Aggies after missing 12 games with a leg injury, and he'll likely see more playing time off the bench as his conditioning improves.

The Aztecs aren’t a dynamic offensive team, but they’re allowing a league-low 56.6 points per game while holding opponents to 36.8 percent shooting. Forward Josh Davis, the Aztecs’ leading rebounder at 11.2 per game, returned against Boise State after missing one game with a bruised knee and collected 10 points and five boards in 29 minutes.

TRENDS

* Wolf Pack are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Aztecs are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs. Mountain West opponents.
* Over is 19-7 in Nevada's last 26 Saturday games.
* Under is 11-1 in San Diego State's last 12 home games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

No. 17 Iowa hosts No. 10 Michigan Saturday
by Mark Kern

Carver-Hawkeye Arena – Iowa City, IA
Tip-off: Saturday, 2:00 p.m. ET
Line: TBD

No. 10 Michigan looks to complete the season sweep over No. 17 Iowa when it travels to Iowa City on Saturday.

These two teams played in Ann Arbor on Jan. 22, and the Wolverines were able to secure the 75-67 victory. In that matchup, SG Nik Stauskas had a huge game, scoring 26 points while dishing out five assists and grabbing five rebounds. This was a strong offensive showcase, as both teams shot 47% FG with four Michigan players reaching double-figures and three Hawkeyes netting at least 13 points. The Wolverines looked to be in trouble after losing PF Mitch McGary for the season, but have won 11 of 12 games since he went down, losing only at Indiana last Sunday. Michigan is now 11-8-1 ATS overall and 7-3 ATS (9-1 SU) in Big Ten play, but the club is just 3-4 ATS on the road. The Hawkeyes have been in a bit of a tailspin, losing three of their past five games (SU and ATS), but they are still 13-8 ATS overall and 6-4 (SU and ATS) in Big Ten play. Iowa is also 11-2 SU at home, but just 6-5 ATS in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes are one of the best rebounding teams in the country this season, currently ranking third in the nation with 43.3 RPG, and have a big advantage in the paint against a Michigan team that really struggles on the glass with only 32.9 RPG (279th in nation). However, the Wolverines have absolutely dominated this series recently, going 11-2 SU (9-4 ATS) in the past 13 meetings with the Hawkeyes, but are just 3-2 SU (2-3) in Iowa City during this run.

Michigan has an efficient offense, ranking 68th in the nation in scoring (76.1 PPG) on a hefty 48.7% FG (16th in Div. I) with 15.2 APG (41st in nation). The Wolverines are also a terrific long-range shooting team, hitting 39.2% of their three-point tries (26th in nation). Last season, the Wolverines had one of the best players in the country in PG Trey Burke, and replaced him this season with freshman PG Derrick Walton Jr. (8.7 PPG, 41% threes, 2.7 APG). He has continued to get better throughout the season, averaging 13.5 PPG (7-of-12 threes) in his past four games. Walton was bothered by the flu in the last month's meeting with Iowa and played only three minutes. SG Nik Stauskas (17.3 PPG, 3.9 APG, 3.6 RPG) has slowed down a bit since his 26-point outburst against the Hawkeyes, averaging just 7.5 PPG on 2-of-9 FG in his past two games combined. SG Caris LeVert (12.2 PPG, 39% threes, 4.4 RPG, 2.9 APG) did not play well against the Hawkeyes on Jan. 22, scoring just five points on 2-of-9 FG, but he has been much better in four games since, averaging 14.8 PPG (8-of-15 threes), 7.3 RPG and 3.3 APG. PF Glenn Robinson III (13.6 PPG, 50% FG, 4.3 RPG) is coming off a season-high-tying 23 points in Wednesday's win over Nebraska, and he also had a big night against Iowa on three weeks ago with 14 points and a game-high nine rebounds (4 offensive), helping his team nearly outrebound the glass-eating Hawkeyes, who held a slight 33-32 rebounding advantage in that meeting. If Michigan is able to keep rebounding close again, it will be in great shape to sweep the season series.

However, Iowa is no pushover, especially on the offensive end of the court where it ranks 10th in the nation in scoring (83.7 PPG) on 47.2% FG (46th in Div. I) and 16.0 APG (21st in nation). Senior SG Roy Devyn Marble (16.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.0 APG) is a talented player that usually does a great job of running the offense, but he has been very careless with the basketball in his past five games with 19 turnovers and just nine assists. That hasn't affected his scoring though, as Marble has netted at least 13 points in every Big Ten game this season, averaging 17.0 PPG and 4.2 RPG in conference action. He did not play very well in the loss in Ann Arbor though, going 3-for-9 from the floor and committing four turnovers. One of the biggest reasons for Iowa's season dominance on the glass has been the play of junior PF Aaron White (13.3 PPG, 60% FG, 6.5 RPG). He has the ability to dominate the game in many different ways, and he kept the Hawkeyes competitive versus Michigan with 17 points, seven boards, four assists and two steals. PF Jarrod Uthoff (8.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.2 BPG) does a great job of opening up space for White down low, playing the role of the stretch forward. On the season, he shoots 46% from three-point range, and gives Iowa another guy that can get points. The Hawkeyes are 9-1 SU this season when Uthoff scores at least 10 points, but they have to get more out of him if they are going to get winning again. In the team’s past five games, he is averaging just 3.4 PPG on 7-of-22 FG (32%), including two points on 1-of-5 FG in the loss to Michigan. Senior SF Melsahn Basabe (7.8 PPG, 57% FG, 6.4 RPG) is the glue guy on the team, doing whatever is necessary for his team to get the job done. He created a big matchup problem for the Wolverines last month as he dropped in 17 points (7-of-12 FG) with six rebounds. But since that meeting, Basabe is averaging a mere 6.0 PPG and 4.5 RPG over four games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

No. 24 Memphis hosts No. 23 Gonzaga Saturday
by Robert Livingston

FedEx Forum - Memphis, TN
Tip-off: Saturday, 9:00 p.m. ET
Line: TBD

No. 23 Gonzaga and No. 24 Memphis will take a brief break from conference play on Saturday night for what should be an exciting non-league game between two high-scoring teams.

The Bulldogs (11-11 ATS) have gone 21-3 SU, but have not faced a ranked team all season. Their three defeats came to Dayton, Kansas State and Portland, but they have now won seven in a row, going 4-3 ATS in that span. Gonzaga went 4-6 ATS (10-2 SU) in non-conference play this season, and is 5-2 ATS (6-1 SU) on the road. The Tigers are coming off a 101-69 demolition of Rutgers on Tuesday, avenging a disappointing 87-72 loss at SMU three days earlier. They are 3-1 ATS (2-2 SU) against ranked opponents this year, beating then-No. 5 Oklahoma State and then-No. 12 Louisville. Memphis is 12-7 ATS overall this season, including 5-4 ATS (10-2 SU) in non-conference play and 4-5 ATS (10-2 SU) at home. These two teams are meeting for the first time in three campaigns, but had matched up in six straight seasons with Memphis going 5-1 SU (3-3 ATS) in those six contests. Memphis won the most recent meeting on Feb. 5, 2011 in Spokane by a 62-58 score.

Gonzaga averages 78.9 PPG (32nd in Div. I) on a whopping 50.3% FG (4th in nation), including making a whopping 41.8% of its three-point tries (2nd in Div. I). On the boards, the Bulldogs outrebound their opponents by 4.2 RPG, while opponents average 65.9 PPG on just 39.7% FG (31st in nation) and 32.6% threes. SG Kevin Pangos (15.3 PPG, 4.1 APG) paces the offense, taking deft care of the ball with only 1.5 turnovers per game and a 2.8 Ast/TO ratio. He hits 43% of his threes, but has just 8.7 PPG (3-for-12 threes) in his past three games. Fellow SG Gary Bell (11.9 PPG) is also a strong three-point shooter, making 46% of his treys, but scored just two points in 33 minutes in Wednesday's 71-66 win over Portland. PG David Stockton (7.4 PPG, 4.0 APG) rounds out the backcourt and isn’t much of a scorer, but he is second on the team in assists and tops the team with 1.6 SPG. He played poorly that 2011 meeting with Memphis as a freshman, going scoreless (0-for-3 FG) with three assists and three turnovers before fouling out in 23 minutes of action in that defeat. PF Sam Dower (14.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG) was also a non-factor in that game with four points and three rebounds in 15 minutes. But this season, Dower is the team go-to player in the post, making a career-best 60% of his shots. He has scored in double-figures in nine straight games, averaging 17.3 PPG during this run. Dower is helped defensively by 7-foot-1 sophomore C Przemek Karnowski (9.8 PPG, 57% FG, 7.5 RPG) who is the team’s top rebounder and shot blocker with 1.9 BPG. Over the team’s past three contests, he’s averaging 8.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG and 3.7 BPG.

Memphis’ offense racks up 80.7 PPG (25th in Div. I) on 48.5% FG (18th in nation), but shoots poorly from long range with a 33.7% three-point clip. The Tigers are one of the top passing offenses in the nation with 17.9 APG (3rd in Div. I), but also turn the ball over 13.2 times per game. They grab 38.4 RPG (39th in nation) and outrebound their opponents by 2.8 RPG, with their defense giving up 69.8 PPG (169th in Div. I) on 43.4% FG. Five Memphis players average at least 1.3 SPG, helping the team rank fourth nationally with 9.6 SPG, and the team also tallies 4.5 BPG (87th in Div. I). Senior PG Joe Jackson (14.6 PPG, 4.5 APG, 3.4 RPG) leads the Tigers in scoring and passing, also adding a team-high 2.0 SPG. Jackson has scored in double-figures in 20-of-22 games this season, and is averaging 19.0 PPG (13-of-21 FG) and 7.0 APG, 4.5 RPG and 3.0 SPG in his past two games. Although he started against Gonzaga in the last meeting in 2011, Jackson played just six minutes that day, going 0-for-2 with two turnovers. SG Michael Dixon Jr. (11.5 PPG, 47% FG) is the team’s second best backcourt scorer despite playing only 22.1 MPG. He is one of the only good shooters on the team, making 40% of his treys, and over the past three games, Dixon has averaged 13.3 PPG on 7-of-14 threes and 13-of-13 free throws. SGs Geron Johnson (9.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.0 APG) and Chris Crawford (9.0 PPG, 40.3% threes, 4.0 RPG) are also important role players on the perimeter. The team’s third and final double-digit scorer is PF Shaq Goodwin (12.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.6 BPG), who makes the best of his chances down low with a 62% shooting clip. He gets important help on the glass from freshman PF Austin Nichols (8.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG), who posted 18 points on 8-of-9 FG with three blocks in the team’s rout of Rutgers on Tuesday.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Game of the Day: Gonzaga at Memphis

Gonzaga Bulldogs at Memphis Tigers (-3.5, 143)

Gonzaga steps away from its usual dominance of the West Coast Conference to visit Memphis on Saturday in a primetime non-conference clash. The teams will be rekindling a rivalry that emerged through six straight meetings from 2006-11, five of which were won by the Tigers. The No. 20 Bulldogs are the slightly hotter team coming in, having won seven in a row over WCC opponents, including a 71-66 triumph over Portland on Wednesday that avenged their only loss in league play.

Memphis is tied for third place in the American Athletic Conference after a 101-69 rout of Rutgers on Tuesday. Austin Nichols scored 18 points and Joe Jackson added 16 as the Tigers set season highs with 12 3-pointers and a 59 percent mark from the floor in their best offensive showing against a Division I opponent since Nov. 23, 2010. Gonzaga entered the weekend ranked third in the nation with a shooting percentage of 50.3, while Memphis was 18th at 48.5.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers sent out a suggested line of Memphis -3.5 with the total at 143 points.

COVERS POWER RANKINGS: Gonzaga (-9.2) - Memphis (-12.2) + Home Court (-3.0) = Memphis -6.0

INJURY WATCH: Memphis - David Pellom (Knee - Probable)

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "While Gonzaga is once again in the Top 20 and already has 20 wins on the season, they are far from battle tested. The Zags toughest road game was at West Virginia - a middle of the pack Big 12 team. Memphis will be 6-7 point favorites, and I anticipate us getting even action on game because Gonzaga is generally a popular play with bettors, thanks in large part to their flashy record." - Mike Perry, Sportsbook.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "Memphis has a strange non-conference game this week when Gonzaga comes to town. I expect the Tigers to open as a 4.5-point favorite." - Doc's Sports.

WHY BET GONZAGA (21-3 SU, 11-10-1 ATS,9-13 O/U): While the Bulldogs are well on their way to claiming the WCC regular season crown for the 15th time in 17 seasons, they haven't run away from opponents on a regular basis lately. Five of their last six games have been decided by 10 points or fewer and Mark Few's team needed to survive a tough second half in the win over Portland, with Kevin Pangos scoring seven of his 13 points in the final two minutes to help the club hang on. The sluggish stretch run was part of a three-game span that has seen one of the nation's most accurate teams post a 39.9 percent showing from the floor.

WHY BET MEMPHIS (17-5 SU, 12-7 ATS, 6-12 O/U): The Tigers have shown an ability to respond to some of their setbacks in a dramatic way, as evidenced by the rout of Rutgers, which came on the heels of a loss to Southern Methodist three days earlier. Nichols has been the catalyst in many of those responses, as the freshman big man has made 30-of-41 shots while averaging 13 points in the first game after a loss, compared to 6.6 points on 51.4 percent shooting in all other contests. Jackson, meanwhile, has been the consistent presence with at least 14 points and five assists in each of his last five games.

TRENDS:
* Underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Bulldogs are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 non-conference games.
* Tigers are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 home games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Inside The Stats: Suns shine as double-digit dogs
by Marc Lawrence

Let’s take a look at what’s happening on the hardwood as we enter this weekend. All results are ATS (Against The Spread) through February 5 unless noted otherwise.

Good Guise
With less than six weeks remaining on the regular season portion of the 2013-14 College Basketball campaign, and the NCAA and other postseason tournaments just around the corner, it’s time to analyze how teams have fared this season on games versus winning teams.

One team stands head and shoulders above all others in games against opponents sporting a winning record:
Wichita State. The Shockers are 10-0 SU and 9-1 ATS in game against Division-1 foes with more wins than losses.

It should be noted Virginia is cooking of late against the same, taking a 7-1 SU and 8-0 ATS mark in its last games against winners into Monday’s meeting with Maryland.

On the flip side, a handful of teams have really struggled in contests against winning opposition this season, namely:
Cal Irvine 1-7 SU/ATS
Colorado State 2-8 SU/ATS
James Madison 0-5 SU and 1-4 ATS
Louisiana Lafayette 1-6 SU/ATS
Towson State 1-5 ATS.

Bad Guise
Teams who have dominated losing opponents this season include:
Fordham 4-0 SU/ATS
Iowa 4-0 SU/ATS
Long Beach State 5-1 SU/ATS
Stanford 4-0 SU/ATS
TCU 4-0 ATS
Valparaiso 5-0 SU/ATS.

Finally, this contingent has consistently played down to the level of opposition:
Central Florida 0-4 ATS
Fullerton State 1-5 SU/ATS
Indiana State 0-5 ATS
Loyola Chicago 1-5-1 ATS
NC Wilmington 0-6 SU/ATS
South Alabama 1-5 SU/ATS
Western Michigan 1-6 ATS
Wright State 0-5 ATS.

Putting On The ‘D’
Listed below are the Top 5 college hoops teams on the defensive front, in Defensive Field Goal percentage and Rebound Margin. Look to ‘play on’ these teams in either revenge or underdog roles:

Defensive Field Goal Percentage:
1. SMU 37.2
2. Arizona 37.6
3. Southern 37.6
4. Florida State 37.7
5. Clemson 37.8

Rebounding Margin:
1. Quinnipiac +12.1
2. Indiana +11.0
3. Iowa +10.9
4. Arizona +10.9
2. Kentucky +10.6

Here is a list of the Top 5 NBA defensive teams:

Scoring Defense:
1. Pacers 90.2
2. Bulls 92.8
3. Grizzlies 95.3
4. Raptors 96.6
5. Bobcats 96.9

Rebounding Margin:
1. Thunder +5.2
2. Pacers +4.9
3. Trailblazers +3.7
4. Grizzlies +3.0
5. Warriors +3.0

Big Ugly Dogs
In a season gone sour, the Milwaukee Bucks have been the league’s biggest money burner as double-digit dogs this campaign, gone 2-10 ATS.

Conversely, the Phoenix Suns have enjoyed a reversal of fortune in more ways than one this season, leading the league as double-digit dogs at 4-1 ATS.

Meanwhile, double-digit dogs have struggled league wide at home, going just 5-10 ATS, including 0-7 ATS when playing off a pair of losses.

Double-digit dogs have been at their best in conference play, going 31-21-2 ATS, including 4-1 ATS versus non-rested foes.

Stat Of The Week
Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon is 14-1 ATS in his career when playing with same season loss revenge of 6 or more points versus a sub .720 opponent.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arsenal sees action on the road at Anfield

Arsenal, which will look to stay in the hunt for the Premier League title Saturday, is seeing their share of action for the matchup with Liverpool Saturday.

The Gunners have lost just two matches away from the Emirates this season and will be in tough at Anfield in the early match Saturday.

"Very tough game for both sides, and one that may go along way influencing the title outcome and top-four places," says Aron Black of Bet365. "Early Arsenal price of +260 now into +240, and justified, with only two away losses and the current best road record in the Premier League."

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Plenty of value in Sunderland's Johnson to score first

Sunderland is slowly, but surely, climbing up the Premier League table. They are +115 at home versus Hull City Saturday, but bettors see value in a different spot.

Black Cats winger Adam Johnson has seven goals on the season, but is enjoying a purple patch with six goals in his previous four matches in the league.

"Goalscorer markets see Adam Johnson being backed at +700 First, which is short given his position," Aron Black of Bet365. "But his form makes for a more popular play of +260 being backed To Score Anytime."

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Hot teams
-- Flames won six of their last seven games. Philly won four of last five.
-- Jets/Blues both won five of their last seven games.
-- Bruins won six of their last eight games. Ottawa won four of its last six.
-- Maple Leafs won four of their last five games.
-- Carolina won six of its last eight games. Canadiens won four of their last six.
-- Red Wings won three of their last four games.
-- Washington won four of its last seven games.

Cold teams
-- Canucks lost their last six games, outscored 23-10.
-- Lightning lost four of their last five games.
-- Islanders lost six of last seven games. Avalanche lost last two games, 3-1/5-1.
-- Devils lost four of last six games; their last four all ended in OT.
-- Anaheim lost its last three games, outscored 8-2. Nashville lost four of last six games.
-- Coyotes are 1-8 in game following their last nine wins. Dallas Stars lost six of their last eight road games.

Totals
-- Three of last four Philly home games stayed under.
-- Under is 18-9-3 in Winnipeg's road games this year.
-- Last three Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Vancouver games went over.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Montreal games.
-- Four of last five Tampa Bay games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Colorado games went over.
-- Five of last six Washington games went over.
-- Over is 4-0-2 in last six Nashville games.
-- Last five Phoenix games stayed under total.

Series records
-- Flyers won their last five games with Calgary.
-- Blues won four of their last five games with Winnipeg.
-- Senators won three of their last four games with Boston.
-- Canucks won their last five games with Toronto.
-- Canadiens won four of last five games with Carolina.
-- Lightning is 3-0 vs Detroit this year: 3-2ot/2-1so/3-0.
-- Islanders won five of last six games with Colorado.
-- Devils won seven of last eight games with Washington.
-- Ducks won their last four games with Nashville.
-- Dallas Stars won four of last six games with Phoenix.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Hot teams
-- Spurs/Bobcats both won three of their last four games.
-- Rockets won/covered their last four games.
-- Warriors won three of their last four games.
-- Heat won six of their last seven games.

Cold Teams
-- Memphis lost last two games, by 9-14 points, after winning 11 of 13 games before that. Atlanta lost three of its last five at home.
-- Detroit lost six of its last nine games. Nuggets lost three of their last four road games.
-- Minnesota lost four of their last five games. Trailblazers lost four of their last six.
-- Bucks lost seven of their last eight games, but covered last three.
-- Suns lost last two games, by 14-9 points, after winning seven of their previous eight games.
-- Utah lost its last four games (0-3 vs spread last three).

Series records
-- Spurs won last five games with Charlotte, covered last four.
-- Hawks won six of their last eight games with Memphis.
-- Nuggets won their last six games with Detroit.
-- Trailblazers won six of last seven games with Minnesota.
-- Rockets are 5-3 in their last eight games with Milwaukee.
-- Warriors won seven of last eight games with Phoenix.
-- Jazz won four of last six vs Miami, winning last two here.

Totals
-- Four of last five Charlotte games stayed under total.
-- Ten of last twelve Memphis games stayed under; five of Hawks' last six games went over
-- Four of last five Denver games stayed under total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Portland games.
-- Four of last five Milwaukee games went over.
-- Five of last six Golden State games stayed under.
-- Last four Utah games stayed under the total.

Back to backs
-- Nuggets are 2-5 vs spread if they played night before. Detroit is 4-7-1 if it played night before, but 3-2 if they won.
-- Minnesota is 5-5 vs spread if it played night before. Portland is 7-6 vs spread if it played night before, 1-2 if it lost.
-- Utah is 5-7 vs spread if it played night before.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JOE GAVAZZI

Contender or Pretender Winner
Baylor at Oklahoma 7:00 ET ESPN2
10* Oklahoma (-4-)

In a league as strong as the Big 12, there inevitably emerges one potential contender that turns out to be a pretender. Say hello to this year’s Baylor Bears, who after a 12-1 SU preseason have gone 2-7 SU, 3-6 ATS. A disjointed offense has eclipsed 72 points only twice. That won’t cut it against a hungry Oklahoma team who returns home after road losses of 6 at Iowa St. last Saturday and 5, in OT, at WVU on Wednesday. That defeat may have been in no small part due to the 20 hour weather related peregrination in traveling from Norman to Morgantown. Now back home, look for this high-powered offense averaging 84/45/38 and knocking down 75% from the stripe to run right past the visiting Bruins. Emerging PG Woodard is now scoring, as well as masterfully distributing to veteran scorers, Clark and Hield. Gonzaga transfer Spangler has owned the paint. Too much offense for a Baylor team who has lost their way.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Advanced Sports Investments

nhl releases
jimmy (3-3 -.52)
1x- philadelphia -160 calgary (1pm)

marc (3-2-1 +.85)
1x- montreal/carolina - under 5 +103 (6pm)

nba releases
marc (3-3 -.30)
1x- golden state/phoenix - over 209 (9pm)

ncaa basketball
jimmy (4-4 -.40)
1x- northeastern -2 william & mary (7pm)

jeff (3-4 -1.40)
1x- colorado st -3 airforce (4pm)

soccer
perry (2-1-1 +.93)
england - championship
1x- sheffield wednesday/reading fc - over 2.5 -115 (10am)

germany - bundesliga
1x- eintracht braunschweig/eintracht frankfurt - over 2.5 -125 (930am)
1x- fsv mainz 05/vfl wolfsburg - over 2.5 -143 (930am)

italy - serie a
1x- ac chievo verona/udinese calcio - over 2 -133 (12pm)

turkey - super lig
1x- eskisehirspor/galatasaray - over 2.5 -148 (12pm)

tennis
pj (0-0 0.00)
atp - royal guard open chile @ vina del mar, chile
1x- f fogini -130 n almagro (11am)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vegas Insider Investments

2* CBB - (516) Notre Dame Fighting Irish +1 (-110)

2* NHL - (56) Boston Bruins - OV 5.5 (+100)

1* NBA - (514) Utah Jazz +8.5 (-110)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Six hot and cold college basketball bets heading into Saturday

Don’t go into this weekend’s busy college basketball schedule blind. Make sure you know who’s hot and who’s not when it comes to covering the NCAAB spreads.

Hot

Virginia Cavaliers (9-1 ATS in last 10 games)

Line: -9 at Georgia Tech

One of the best defenses in the nation under head coach Tony Bennett's "Pack the line" principles, the Cavs are second in the ACC standings heading to the weekend. Despite failing to cover against Boston College in a 77-67 win, Virginia has won nine of its last 10 both SU and ATS and should continue that play when they visit Georgia Tech Saturday.

VCU Rams (4-1 ATS over last five, six game win streak)

Line: -2 at St. Joseph’s

Staying in Virginia, Shaka Smart's VCU Rams appear to be ready for another push to the NCAA tournament. One of the most famous mid-major success stories, VCU has won six in a row and covered in five of those games. The Rams have also beaten their opponents in those games by wide margins, with their closest result being an 8-point victory over La Salle. Smart's "Havoc" system is currently clicking in A-10 play just in time for a big game against St. Joe's Saturday.

Duke Blue Devils (6-0 ATS streak)

Line: -9 at Boston College

Their loss to Syracuse may have been a letdown, but the Blue Devils have still been on fire for bettors. Motivated to claw its way back to the ACC title, Duke has covered the spread in six straight and was very close to handing Syracuse its first loss of the season. The Blue Devils will be heavily favored during their trip to Boston College, but their 20-point dismantling of Wake Forest this week shows they can blow out cellar dwellers as well.

Not

Pittsburgh Panthers (0-3 ATS skid)

Line: -20 vs. Virginia Tech

Back-to-back losses to Virginia and Duke, compounded with a near upset at the hands of Miami, have the Panthers in a bit of a slump. Hosting Virginia Tech may be the remedy. But with the pressure on in Pittsburgh, three straight ATS losses are cause for alarm.

Mississippi Rebels (0-3 ATS skid)

Line: -3 vs. Missouri

Like the Panthers, recent losses have Mississippi in a rut heading into February. Blowouts at the hands of Kentucky and Tennessee, and a narrow win hosting South Carolina, have the team most known for infamous point guard Marshall Henderson on a three-game spin ATS. Still third in the SEC, the Rebels will be in tough hosting Missouri in a game that’s crucial for both teams’ seasons Saturday.

Xavier Musketeers (0-3 ATS skid)

Line: -5 vs. Providence

New Big East member Xavier was looking strong heading into February before traditional Big East schools Providence, Seton Hall and Villanova all handed the Musketeers losses. With Providence coming into their gym Saturday, the Musketeers will now have to turn things around against a team that beat them 81-72 two weeks ago.