Ben Burns

Tournament GAME OF THE YEAR!

I'm taking the points with UTAH STATE. I respect Texas A&M. However, considering that they are a #5 seed, I feel that the Aggies from Texas got a really unfortunate draw here.

Many will be down on Utah State, as it lost its Conference Tournament Championship game and hails from a "weaker" conference. Both those points are true. The Aggies did lose their Tournament Championship game and the WAC is certainly not as good as the Big 12. That said, there are several reasons why I feel that Utah State can and will earn the upset here.

Yes, the Big 12 is better than the WAC. However, Utah State is the best team from the WAC, the loss in the finals notwithstanding. The same cannot be said of Texas A&M in the Big 12. Yes, Utah State lost it the WAC Finals. However, the Aggies may have assumed that they already had an NCAA berth wrapped up and may have been already looking ahead. Either way, let's not forget that they had won 17 in a row, before that loss.

Unlike a lot of teams from lesser conferences, getting to the Big Dance is nothing new for the Aggies from Utah State. Indeed, this is their second straight appearance and the seventh time that they've been here in the last 11 years. They lost in the first round last season. However, that was against a Marquette team which had started the season 20-2 and which had been one of the better teams in what was a very powerful Big East Conference. Additionally, that loss came by just a single point. Note that they limited the Golden Eagles to only 47 shot attempts and a mere 36.2 percent shooting.

I feel that this year's Utah State team is every bit as good as last year's team, arguably even better. Yes, they did lose a star when forward Gary Wilkinson graduated. That was admittedly a big loss. The other four starters have all improved though and Nate Bendall (10.4, 5.4) has done a capable job in stepping in for Wilkinson.

As is generally the case when a team that comes from a lesser conference faces a team from a conference like the Big 12, Utah State doesn't necessarily have the type of athleticism that Texas A&M brings to the table. However, the Aggies are more athletic than people probably believe and they also make up for it in a number of different ways.

For starters, they're one of the best shooting teams in the country. In the regular season, the Aggies led the WAC in field goal percentage (48.9), 3-point percentage (42.0) and free throw shooting (76.6). They pass the ball very well and every starter averaged greater than eight points during the regular season.

Additionally, the Utah State Aggies are an extremely efficient team which rarely turns the ball over. Indeed, they had single-digits in turnovers in each of their final six regular season games. For the season, Utah State finished sixth in the nation in fewest turnovers.

They also run a complicated 'motion offense' which can be difficult for opposing teams to prepare for. Fresno State forward Sylvester Seay described preparing for them like this: "They have like 100 damn plays. It's like taking a test and guessing what things the teacher's going to put on the test."

Texas A&M does have excellent guard play. However, Utah State is also strong in that area. Pooh Williams is one of the best defenders in the WAC and he'll be asked to stop A&M senior Donald Sloan. Meanwhile, senior (first-team All-WAC) point guard Jared Quayle is one of the better players that many haven't heard of. He averaged 11.9 points, 4.3 assists and an impressive 6.2 rebounds during the regular season. I expect him to do a good job in slowing down the tempo.

While Utah State doesn't have many senior players, they're not as 'young' as many might imagine, as many of their players have taken two-year church missions.

Utah State coach Stew Morrill, the WAC Coach of the year, said of his team: "I like this team. They show up every day. They are great acting kids. They don't care about stats. They care about winning. They share the ball; they play hard..."

Over the years, we often see #12 seeds upset #5 seeds. With this game being played at Spokane, Washington, I feel that there's a great shot that we'll see another upset here. *10 Tournament GOY

RAS

Texas A&M -2.5
California +1

NCAA TOURNEY – MOST RECENT TRENDS

• #1 Seeds are 76-0 SU (42-33-1 ATS) vs #16 Seeds

• #2 Seeds are 72-4 SU (31-41-4 ATS) vs #15 Seeds

• Only twice since 1988 has a #12 Seed failed to beat a #5 Seed (3-1 SU & 4-0 ATS LY)

• Favs of 7 > pts who are 3-0 SU & ATS in their last 3 games are 15-29-1 ATS vs a foe off a SU win

• Favs of 4 > & < 12 pts playing an opponent off BB SU dog wins are 38-14-1 ATS (27-6-1 ATS L9Y)

• Favs of 20 > pts are 2-12 ATS vs a foe off a SU win

• Dogs of > 3 pts playing off a SU Tourney win as a dog of 6 > pts are 10-31-1 ATS last 10 years

• Dogs of 18 > pts off a DD ATS win are 6-1 ATS

• Dogs of < 8 pts off BB Tourney dog wins are 3-16 ATS

Because it’s my belief that success in handicapping this tournament is paramount to breaking the action down into rounds, let’s take a peek at some of the more relevant results that have occurred in ROUND ONE games of late:

FIRST ROUND NOTES

• #1 Seeds off BB SU wins & favs of < 25 pts are 12-2 ATS

• #2 Seeds are 6-20-4 ATS vs foes off a SU win (3-12 L8Y)

• #3 Seeds off a SU favorite loss are 28-1 SU & 21-7-1 ATS (5-0 L3Y)

• #4 Seeds are 25-12 ATS as favorites of < 9 pts (8-2 L4Y)

• #9 Seeds are 2-6 ATS as favorites of 3 > pts

• Favs of < 8 pts are 10-1 ATS vs a foe off BB SUATS wins (last as dog)

Conference Tournament Champs in this round

ACC: 1-5 ATS, Atlantic 10: 1-4 ATS, Big 10: 2-4 ATS, Big 12: 3-5 ATS, Big East: 2-13 ATS, Big West: 1-4 ATS, Colonial: 12-5 ATS, C-USA: 1-5 ATS, Horizon: 6-2 ATS, MAC: 2-3 ATS, Missouri Valley: 1-4 ATS, Mountain West: 3-7 ATS, Pac-10: 4-1 ATS, Sun Belt: 4-4 ATS, SEC: 2-4 ATS, WAC: 1-4 ATS, West Coast: 2-6 ATS.

Best Team SU records in this round

Purdue: 11-0, Maryland: 9-0, Georgetown: 4-0, Louisville: 4-0, Missouri: 4-0, Oklahoma St: 4-0, Texas A&M: 4-0, Kentucky: 16-1, Duke: 12-1, Pittsburgh: 7-1, Texas: 7-1, Wisconsin: 7-1.

Worst Team SU records in this round

BYU: 0-7, Northern Iowa: 0-4, Utah St: 0-4, Clemson: 0-3.

Best Team ATS records in this round

Xavier: 5-0-2, Arizona St: 4-0, Georgetown: 4-0, Texas A&M: 4-0, Kansas: 3-0, Butler: 5-1, Florida St: 4-1, West Virginia: 4-1.

Worst Team ATS records in this round

Gonzaga: 0-5, Clemson: 0-4, Duke: 0-4, Memphis: 0-3, Marquette: 1-6, Tennessee: 1-6, Georgia Tech: 1-5. Ohio St: 1-4.

Best Conference ATS records in this round

Big 12: 13-1, Big 10: 12-5-1, Colonial: 12-5, Missouri Valley: 13-6, Horizon: 8-4.

Worst Conference ATS records in this round

Ivy: 1-8, West Coast: 1-7, WAC: 1-4, Mountain West: 2-6.

JIM FEIST COMP

(821) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
(822) LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Take "(822) LOS ANGELES LAKERS"

Matt Fargo Comp

Purdue
-4-105

Doc’s Sports.

#838 Take California over Louisville (Friday 9:55 pm CBS) California played a brutal schedule to open the season but they have finished strong winning six of their last seven games. The PAC-10 was bad this year but Cal has talent, experience, size, and coaching. Louisville had a major drop-off in talent this year and if they do not make shots from the arc, I see them losing this game by double-digits. The Cardinals shot under 45% this season from the field. As good of a coach as Rick Pitino is, Mike Montgomery is no slouch either. Louisville is just 1-4 ATS in their last five NCAA Tournament games. California is 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.

Sean Higgs
Free play

Utah State
+3-110
Taking these Aggies as my FREE PLAY. Don't get down on Utah State since they didn't win the WAC Conference Tourney. This team did run off 17 straight wins before that loss. They don't turn the ball over and shoot the ball well.

Sportsmemo Newsletter selections:

ERIN RYNNING Last Week: San Antonio (Win)
Game - Minnesota vs. Xavier (Friday @ Milwaukee, Wis.)
BEST BET: #845 Minnesota -1

FAIRWAY JAY Last Week: None
Game - Morgan State vs. West Virginia (Friday @ Buffalo, NY)
BEST BET: #827 Morgan State +17.5

MARTY OTTO Last Week: Orlando Over (Loss)
Game - Wofford vs. Wisconsin (Friday @ Jacksonville, Fla.)
BEST BET: #833 Wofford +10

ANDREW LANGE Last Week: Boston Under (Loss)
Game - New Mexico State vs. Michigan State (Friday @ Spokane, Wash.)
BEST BET: #847 New Mexico State +13.5

TEDDY COVERS Last Week: Milwaukee (Loss)
Game - Utah State vs. Texas A&M (Friday @ Spokane, Wash.)
BEST BET: #852 Texas A&M -2.5

HELMUT SPORTS Last Week: None
Game - Cornell vs. Temple (Friday @ Jacksonville, Fla.)
BEST BET: #832 Temple -3.5

Arthur Ralph Sports
413 - 300 run 58 %

Free Play Pittsburgh -10

gaming today

morgan st + 16.5
siena +4.5

David Malinsky

4* XAVIER over MINNESOTA

RatedPicks

Xavier -1 2units
Georgia Tech +2 2units
Louisville +1 2Units
*BP* Temple -4 5Units *BP*

FYI BIG AL WENT 0-9 ON THURSDAY!

Trey Scott 3/19

FIRST ROUND PICKS

*200 Richmond -2 (CBB)
*200 Florida State -2 (CBB)
*200 Minnesota -1 (CBB)
*200 Louisville +1 (CBB)
*300 BYU -5 (CBB)
*500 Tennessee -3 (CBB)

Fezzick
Purdue/Siena Under 130

The Shrink Ken Weitzner
Purdue -4
Utah State +3

Thanks Ryan good to see you

Larry Ness

10* 1st Round GOY

Gonzaga

GOLD SHEET

FRIDAY, MARCH 19

NCAA WEST REGIONAL

Friday, March 19 at the HSBC Arena, Buffalo, NY

Syracuse 83 - Vermont 58--Whatever happened to Taylor Coppenrath? Unfortunately for Vermont (16), he's playing in Europe now, as this year's Catamounts don't possess a game-changing presence the likes of the versatile 6-9 Coppenrath, who helped lead UVM to a milestone first-round upset of Syracuse (1) back in 2005. Sure, physical 6-5 Cat sr. F Marqus Blakely (17.4 ppg & 9.4 rpg) is a dominant inside force at his own level. But he'll be "roofed" in the paint by the taller Orange frontliners. And Vermont (just 32% from three-point arc) probably won't be accurate enough from the perimeter to bomb effectively over 'Cuse's 2-3 zone. Even if Jim Boeheim decides to hold out 6-9 sr. F Arinze Onuaku, who's questionable with a quad injury, the overmatched Cats will be hard-pressed to prevent Orange star 6-7 jr. Wes Johnson (16 ppg & 8.4 rpg), 6-7 soph Kris Joseph, and 6-9 jr. Rick Jackson from doing major damage around the bucket, which in turn will create some wide-open looks on the perimeter for dead-eye sr. sharpshooter Andy Rautins. Add in the fact that America East reps are just 5-13 vs. the spread in the tourney since 1994, and laying fair price with revenge-minded Syracuse looks like the percentage play.

Gonzaga 70 - Florida State 61--The battle lines couldn't be more clear cut in this matchup. Will the high-octane offense of Gonzaga (8) find any creases in the stingy defense of Florida State (9)? Can the mostly feckless Seminole attack exploit the frequent holes the Bulldogs leave open on the stop end? Long, tall FSU has permitted a paltry 37% FGs this season, tops in the nation. The potent 'Zags counter with a well-orchestrated offense (49% FGs--No. 6 nationally) that can attack inside or out. Even if you believe in the clichι that says "defense wins championships," basketball is ultimately about putting the ball in the bucket. And the Seminoles, who could at least depend on clutch G Toney Douglas in crunch time last season, just don't have any reliable go-to guys on the perimeter this season. As long as 7-0 soph C Robert Sacre & springy 6-7 frosh Elias Harris don't allow FSU's bruising frontcourt to play ping-pong on the offensive glass, the Bulldogs' vastly superior backcourt of 6-5 sr. Matt Bouldin & 6-5 jr. Steven Gray (combined 30 ppg) should hold sway and propel tourney-savvy Mark Few's Gonzaga bunch into the next round.

NCAA EAST REGIONAL

Friday, March 19 at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY

West Virginia 78 - Morgan State 67--Though West Virginia (2) riding high after capturing the Big East tourney, still interested in taking lofty number with a capable, battle-tested Morgan State squad (15) eager to make a better showing in its 2nd NCAA appearance following 82-54 smashing vs. Oklahoma LY. The Bears certainly won't be intimidated by the Big East juggernaut after battling Louisville in Freedom Hall (lost by just 9), upsetting Arkansas 97-94 on the road, and hanging much of the way in 79-63 setback at Baylor in preconference (MSU trailed just 39-36 at H). The fast-paced Bears (77 ppg) own a terrific inside-outside tandem in 6-9 soph Kevin Thompson (13 ppg, 12 rpg, 52% FGs) and electric 6-4 sr. G Reggie Holmes (22 ppg, 4 rpg, 36% from arc), who can create his own shot vs. WV's man-to-man. And if Huggins goes to a 1-3-1 zone, aforementioned Holmes, frosh F DeWayne Jackson (MEAC Rookie of Year is loop's top 3-pt. marksman) and sharp-shooting sr. G Troy Smith ( 9 ppg, 39% from arc) capable connecting from long range. Mounties' outstanding 6-7 F Da'Sean Butler (17 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg) and 6-9 soph F Devin Eubanks (12 ppg, 8 rpg) are prime-time performers, but G play has been spotty at times. Plus, WV has had a tendency for slow starts, as Mounties' just 5-7 as DD chalk TY. So, no surprise to see aggressive, well-schooled Bears (2nd in Div. I in FTs attempted!)--under tutelage of crafty HC Todd Bozeman (MEAC Coach of Year for 3 straight seasons)--stay inside roomy number.

Clemson 81 - Missouri 75--Recognize that Clemson (7) hasn't had much success in NCAAs lately, losing to lower-seeded teams each of the past two seasons. But believe veteran, uptempo Clemson (2 jrs. & 2 srs. in starting 5) able to finally get over the hurdle vs. a somewhat vulnerable Missouri team entering the Big Dance in a shooting funk. Mizzou has made just 36% FGs and a horrific 22 % from arc (18 of 80!) in its last 4 games, 3 of which were losses. And Columbia observers report Mizzou hasn't adequately replaced "glue guy" 6-8 F Jason Safford (9 ppg, 5 rpg) down the stretch. Missouri's best recipe for success is forcing TOs with its variety of presses and then scoring quick transition hoops, don't think that M.O. will work so well vs. Clemson's seasoned distributor Demontez Stitt (11 ppg, 3 apg), who is playing with greater confidence and aggressiveness down the stretch. Missouri's glaring weakness is lack of quality post players (sans aformentioned Safford). So in a halfcourt game, must give decided advantage to Clemson, which owns one of the better insider scorers in relentless 6-7, 240 F Trevor Booker (15 ppg, 8 rpg), who is nicely complemented by springy 6-8 F Jerai Grant (4 blocked shots, 4 steals past 3 games), the son of former NBA player Horace Grant. And with Clemson's emerging frosh G Noel Johnson (4 of 5 beyond arc in ACC 1st-round game) firing with more confidence, expect Oliver Purnell's squad to outgun Mike Anderson's crew in a potentially high-scoring Tiger vs. Tiger shootout.

NCAA EAST REGIONAL

Friday, March 19 at Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL

Temple 72 - Cornell 63--Fascinating matchup here between the teacher and pupil. Temple (5) HC Fran Dunphy, who is going to the NCAAs for the 12th time (9 times at Penn, 3 straight at Temple) has been a mentor for Cornell (12) HC Steve Donahue, who served as an assistant on Dunphy's staff at Penn for 10 years before taking the job at Ithaca. And while it's been trendy to pick the 12th seed upset over the 5th seed in the tourney (a slew of ESPN "experts" have done so already), we prefer to take the surging, more athletic Owls, who are riding a 10-game win streak (8-1-1 vs. spread).

Cornell has suffered DD losses in last two NCAA 1st--rounders. But do expect a more competitive effort from a 27-4 Cornell contingent that dominated the Ivy League, upset Bama 71-67 in Tuscaloosa in its season opener, and gave Kansas a scare in narrow 71-67 loss in Lawrence on Jan. 6. Big Red owns a productive inside-outside attack--featuring straight-shooting G Ryan Wittman (18 ppg), son of former NBA player Randy Wittman, and 7-0 C Jeff Foote (12 ppg, 8 rpg). But Cornell hard-pressed to find any rhythm vs. smothering Temple defense (57 ppg, 38% FGs, 28% from tripleville) highly disruptive both on the interior and on the perimeter. Look for Temple's lock-down defender G Ryan Brooks to shadow Wittman, while Owls' "double-double" machine 6-9 F Lavoy Allen tough provides matchup for Cornell. And in crunch time, we prefer Owls' dazzling 6-4 soph Juan Fernandez 12 ppg, 4 apg, 45% from arc), who thrives in high-pressure games. Moreover, Ivy teams haven't won an NCAA game since 1998, And A-10 squads are 5-0-1 vs. spread in Big Dance since 2005.

Wisconsin 69 - Wofford 54--We don't envision another one-sided affair like Wisconsin's (4) 70-43 bashing vs. Wofford (13) in Madison back in 2007. We do look for the healthy Badgers to cover a reasonable number vs. scrappy, but offensively-containable Terrier squad making its 1st-ever NCAA appearance. Wofford, which is riding a 13-game win streak, did play a challenging preconference slate, hanging tough at Pitt, while defeating Georgia on the road and South Carolina at home. Not bad. But believe, the Terriers will have trouble once again preparing the Badgers' unique swing attack, spearheaded by physical Gs Trevon Hughes (15 ppg, 5 rpg), marksman Jason Bohannon (12 ppg, 4 rpg), and hard-to-guard 6-10 F Jon Leuer (15 ppg, 6 rpg; 39% from arc), who is back to full strength after missing 9 games due to a wrist injury. And Wiscy's backcourt play has improved with maturation of soph G Jordan Taylor (10 ppg, 4 apg).

Defense-pressuring Wofford gets lots of quick, transition hoops off turnovers, but it's highly unlikely Terriers force many miscues vs. disciplined, methodical Badgers (nation-fewest 9 TOs pg!). And doubt unbalanced Wofford finds a groove in its halfcourt offense, with 6-6 F jr. Noah Dahlman (17 ppg, 6 rpg), voted the Southern Conference Player of the Year--the only DD scorer on the roster--struggling vs. Badgers' "packed-in" man-to-man. In addition, Bo Ryan's resilient squad has played well following a losing effort, going 7-2 vs. spread last 9 in that situation. Defensively-stout Wisconsin (56 ppg), which leads the nation in protecting the defensive glass, advances to next round with a not-so-pretty DD win in this anticipated "grinder."

NCAA SOUTH REGIONAL

Friday, March 19 at Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL

Duke 79 - Arkansas-Pine Bluff 58--Considering Pine Bluff's (16) aforementioned respectable showings vs. a series of accomplished big-time opponents, Golden Lions might not be as helpless as other "16s" against a power foe such as Duke (1). Although Blue Devils enter the Dance having won 12 of last 13 SU, they didn't look overwhelming at the ACC Tourney when failing to cover all three of their games. And considering his rather shallow bench, Coach K is unlikely to burden his overworked Duke starters with far more-challenging assignments just ahead. Blue Devils just one cover in last five Big Dance first-round appearances.

Duke 75 - Winthrop 55--Winthrop's (16) results were a bit mixed vs. top-flight opposition (crushed by 36 at Clemson, but not humiliated in losses vs. Charlotte, Cincinnati, and NC State). And Eagles often struggle mightily on attack end without a go-to scoring threat. But the Big South Tourney champs will have won 12 of their last 15 SU if they reach this assignment, and there's enough evidence to suggest Winthrop might not get completely embarrassed by Duke (1). Coach K not compelled to run up this score and expose his starters to unnecessary wear-and-tear with bigger challenges looming just ahead, and not sure thin Blue Devil bench will be able to extend margin in late going.

California 77 - Louisville 72--It's hard to forecast which Louisville (9) team shows up at the Ford Center, given the Cards' bipolar tendencies that were reflected in a series of back-and-forth efforts that became more pronounced in latter stages of campaign. Although Louisville rates a defensive edge over Pac-10 regular-season champ Cal (8), much prefer sr.-laden Bears' firepower and three-pronged strike force of Gs Jerome Randle (18.7 ppg), Patrick Christopher (16 ppg) & F Theo Robertson (13.8 ppg), the latter's absence having proven costly in early-season play when Bears lost vs. top intersectional foes Syracuse, Ohio State, and New Mexico. This UL edition lacks its usual backcourt star power, with G Edgar Sosa (only 36.7% from floor) prone to go cold, while rugged 6-9 Samardo Samuels' disturbing tendency to get into foul trouble has made Cards a risky investment (except when playing Svracuse, that is). And we don't rate Rick Pitino any sideline edge over respected Cal mentor Mike Montgomery, either.

NCAA MIDWEST REGIONAL

Friday, March 19 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI

Ohio State 71 - UC Santa Barbara 61--Ohio State (2) certainly deserves to be a substantial favorite considering its impressive 90-61 plastering of Minnesota in the Big Ten tourney final on Sunday. But the Buckeyes have often been prone to relax a bit, covering only 4 of their last 11 as a double-digit favorite. And, with do-everything G/F Evan Turner (19.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 5.9 apg, 53.8% FGs) around, the Buckeyes can usually afford to cruise in games until Turner decides it's winnin' time, taking over after previously dishing to 6-5 soph William Buford (14.5 ppg) and trey-bomber Jon Diebler (12.6 ppg, 42% three-balls).

But UCSB (15), the regular-season and tourney champs of the lightly-regarded Big West, would appear have a decent chance to remain to competitive vs. its Big Ten foe. Although this is the Gauchos' first NCAA tourney since 2002, respected HC Bob Williams is in his 11th year in Santa Barbara and his 22nd overall. He returned a deep, veteran team this season, augmented by 6-5 Loyola-Marymount transfer Orlando Johnson (18 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 40% treys), who quickly became the Player of the Year in the Big West. 6-5 soph James Nunnally (15 ppg. 5.7 rpg) is a valid complement, and 6-2 sr. James Powell (41% triples) is the leading trey shooter in the history of the league. Although outmanned to a degree, Williams' boys have shown they are well schooled to handle any game situation.

Oklahoma State 74 - Georgia Tech 69--Slight nod to fast-closing Oklahoma State (7), which surprisingly developed a new-found chemistry toward the end of the season after PG Ray Penn was felled with a stress fracture in mid-February. 6-6 jr. A-A James Anderson (22.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg) was already the established star. But the likes of 5-10 soph shooter Keiton Page (14 ppg last 10 games) began providing more help for Anderson, and burly 6-6 lefty Marshall Moses (8.2 rpg) & 6-8 Kentucky transfer Matt Pilgrim (6.8 rpg) began providing more banging inside. The Cowboys were able to shoot down Kansas 85-77 Feb. 27 in Stillwater.

Yes, Georgia Tech (10) is talented and formidable foe, especially with its height, including 6-9 jr. Gani Lawal (13.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg) and 6-10 future NBA star Derrick Favors (12.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg). But the rest of the coach Paul Hewitt's team has lacked consistency, partly due to youth. And the Yellow Jackets connect on only 64% from the FT stripe compared with OSU's 71.5%. It must be noted that both teams have struggled on the road. Ga. Tech lost 8 of its last 9 away prior to its 3-1 run in the ACC tourney. OSU was 4-8 its last 12 on the road vs. quality opposition.

NCAA WEST REGIONAL

Friday, March 19 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI

Pittsburgh 74 - Oakland 59--We're not exactly sure what to make of Oakland (14). On the one hand, the Golden Grizzlies (11 straight victories) enter the tourney with plenty of momentum after laying waste to the Summit League (formerly Mid-Continent Conference). On the other hand, while we credit head coach Greg Kampe (25 years at the helm!) for his ambitious non-conference scheduling, it's hard not to notice that Oakland was blasted by 30+ points at Kansas, Memphis, Michigan State and Syracuse. Sure, Pittsburgh (3) might be a cut below at least three of that mighty quartet. But the Grizz also suffered decisive double-digit losses at Wisconsin and at a very sub-par Oregon edition earlier in the campaign. The confident Kampe says he believes the Sweet 16 is a realistic goal for his team, but Oakland's inability to step up vs. better competition makes us doubt they can get by a Panther side forged tough in the crucible of the rugged Big East. Pitt much more conscientious on the defensive end than the permissive Grizzlies, and clever mentor Jamie Dixon will make sure Oakland has tough time getting the ball to star 6-11 jr. C Keith Benson in the post.

Xavier 60 - Minnesota 55--Tough call, if mostly because Minnesota (11) head coach Tubby Smith has so much more NCAA tournament experience (including a national championship) than rookie counterpart Chris Mack of Xavier (6). Still, the Musketeers hold most of the other edges in this matchup. Credit the Golden Gophers for recovering from the loss of PG Al Nolen to academic problems midway through the season. With soph Devoe Joseph gradually growing accustomed to his role as main playmaker, Minnesota managed to eke out an invitation to the "Big Dance" on the strength of its foray all the way to finals of the Big 10 tournament.

Game 735-736: Washington vs. Marquette
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 70.778; Marquette 70.449
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Marquette by 2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+2)

Game 823-824: Vermont vs. Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: Vermont 58.266; Syracuse 71.037
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 13
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vermont (+17 1/2)

Game 825-826: Florida State vs. Gonzaga
Dunkel Ratings: Florida State 67.966; Gonzaga 67.275
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 1
Vegas Line: Florida State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Gonzaga (+1 1/2)

Game 827-828: Morgan State vs. West Virginia
Dunkel Ratings: Morgan State 54.356; West Virginia 71.744
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 17
Dunkel Pick: West Virginia (-17)

Game 829-830: Missouri vs. Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 65.655; Clemson 71.628
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 6
Vegas Line: Clemson by 1
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-1)

Game 831-832: Cornell vs. Temple
Dunkel Ratings: Cornell 61.561; Temple 66.009
Dunkel Line: Temple by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Temple by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-3 1/2)

Game 833-834: Wofford vs. Wisconsin
Dunkel Ratings: Wofford 60.304; Wisconsin 69.945
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 10
Dunkel Pick: Wofford (+10)

Game 835-836: AR-Pine Bluff vs. Duke
Dunkel Ratings: AR-Pine Bluff 48.109; Duke 76.435
Dunkel Line: Duke by 28 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 837-838: Louisville vs. California
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 68.711; California 70.630
Dunkel Line: California by 2
Vegas Line: Louisville by 1
Dunkel Pick: California (+1)

Game 839-840: UC-Santa Barbara vs. Ohio State
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 57.543; Ohio State 73.486
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 16
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 17
Dunkel Pick: UC-Santa Barbara (+17)

Game 841-842: Georgia Tech vs. Oklahoma State
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Tech 66.698; Oklahoma State 70.002
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Oklahoma State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma State (-1 1/2)

Game 843-844: Oakland vs. Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 58.574; Pittsburgh 68.319
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+10 1/2)

Game 845-846: Minnesota vs. Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 69.748; Xavier 69.314
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 1
Dunkel Pick: Xavier (+1)

Game 847-848: New Mexico State vs. Michigan State
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 62.288; Michigan State 70.730
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (+13 1/2)

Game 849-850: Houston vs. Maryland
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 62.501; Maryland 71.952
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Maryland by 9
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (-9)

Game 851-852: Utah State vs. Texas A&M
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 69.819; Texas A&M 73.405
Dunkel Line: Texas A&M by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas A&M by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas A&M (-2 1/2)

Game 853-854: Siena vs. Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: Siena 63.290; Purdue 68.089
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 5
Vegas Line: Purdue by 4
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-4)

Insider Sports Report

5* Texas A&M -3
4* Xavier +1
3* Georgia Tech/Oklahoma St. OVER 136½
3* Louisville +1

Wayne Root

Millionaire - Minnesota
Millionaire - Maryland
Billionaire - Purdue
Billionaire - Mich St
No Limit - Utah St (GOY)
No Limit - California

Sean Higgs

50* Missouri
50* Siena
20* Cal
20* Ok State
20* Utah State

Dwayne Bryant

Florida St -1.5

Maryland -9.5

Karl Garrett

20 DIMER - GONZAGA BULLDOGS
10 DIMER - HOUSTON COUGARS

Sportsbetsnow

3 Units Cornell +3.5
3 Units Purdue -4
3 Units Clemson -1.5
3 Units Utah St. +3
3 Units Florida St. -1.5

Chuck O'Brien

25 DIME: PURDUE
10 DIME: TEMPLE
10 DIME: Maryland-Houston OVER the total

Mighty Quinn

Mighty hit with St. Mary's, Calif., (+2) and missed with UTEP (+3) yesterday.

Friday it's Minnesota and Utah State. The deficit is 195 sirignanos.

Dave Malinsky

6* Louisville/Cal Over 149

Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets

Detroit Pistons at Indiana Pacers (N/A)

If you’re wondering how the Cavs could lock up their division title so soon these two teams should help explain.

The Pistons and Pacers don’t have much to play for in the final weeks of the regular season. Indiana coach Jim O’Brien says his star forward and best scorer, Danny Granger, is out indefinitely after taking an elbow to the cheek Tuesday night against Charlotte.

The Pistons are still waiting to get combo guard Rodney Stuckey back. The Eastern Washington product collapsed in a game against Cleveland on March 5 and hasn’t played since. Coach John Kuester hopes to have Stuckey back for Friday’s game.

Is it possible the Pistons miss Ben Wallace more than Stuckey right now? Detroit is allowing 110 points per game over the last eight games that Wallace has been out with a knee injury.

Pick: Over


Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets (-1.5, 203)

The Houston Rockets are enjoying their longest winning streak of the season. It looks like Kevin Martin and Aaron Brooks have worked out all the kinks in backcourt. The pair is averaging 45.5 points during the four-game unbeaten run.

The team still struggles to get easy baskets and defend inside.

The Celtics seem to beat the teams they’re supposed to and lose to teams with any kind of momentum. Kevin Garnett doesn’t abuse a weak frontcourts offensively any more and you don’t want to rely on scoring from defensive center Kendrick Perkins.

Rajon Rondo is an elite defensive guard and he should keep Aaron Brooks under wraps. Expect the Celtics to close out Houston long-range bombers and slow the pace.

Pick: Under

ICE PICKS

Friday's Best NHL Bets

Minnesota Wild at Columbus Blue Jackets (-145, 5.5)

The Blue Jackets are creeping out of last place in the Western Conference, winning three of their last four games.

Columbus’ most recent victory came in a 5-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers Monday – the only team below it in the conference standings. The Blue Jackets piled on the goals in the third period, scoring three times to secure the win.

Columbus has done well, even leading scorer Rick Nash in the stands. Nash has been out of action since suffering a lower-body injury in a 6-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings earlier in the month. Since then, the team is 3-1 and should have its star forward back for Friday’s game against the Minnesota Wild. Nash has totaled 57 points – 28 of those points coming on goals.

The Blue Jackets are much better at home this year, going 17-11-2-5 inside Nationwide Arena. The last time they hosted the Wild, the Jackets took a 2-1 victory as -135 favorites back in October.

Pick: Columbus


New York Islanders at Anaheim Ducks (N/A)

Welcome back Jonas Hiller. The Ducks missed you.

Anaheim’s star netminder hasn’t missed a game since returning from the Olympics, however, the Swiss goaltender has been with the team in body only. Hiller allowed 3.5 goals per game in his first four starts back following the break, leaving the Ducks to go 0-4 in that stretch.

Hiller is returning to form in recent games. He turned away 28 shots in a 1-0 loss to the Nashville Predators last Friday then stopped a total of 74 shots over his next two games, leading Anaheim to 4-2 wins over two of the best teams in the NHL – the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks.

Those efforts also pulled the Ducks to 13th in the Western Conference with 72 points – eight points behind the Detroit Red Wings, who are in the eighth and final postseason spot in the conference.

Pick: Anaheim

Lenny Stevens

20 Clemson
20 Xavier
10 Purdue
10 Fla St

Anthony Redd

25* Cornell +3.5
25* Oakland +9.5
25* Arkansas-PB +23
15* Minnesota PK
15* Missouri +1
15* Gonzaga +1.5

KELSO

10 units Xavier pk
5 units Temple -4
3 units Wofford +10

Brandon Lang

20 Temple -3.5

All Owls today.

Bottom line folks is if Cornell is going to be successful they have got to get open looks from behind the arc and truth be told, Temple is just too long defensively to allow that to happen.

I understand the publics fascination with Cornell since their near miss at Kansas but do you really think the Jayhawks were motivated on a weeknight early in the year to take on Cornell? Exactly.%key% Further examination will show you they were just 3-7 ATS down the stretch including a 79-64 loss at Penn as a 16 point favorite.

The key word of the day sportsfans when dealing with Cornell is OVERRATED.

As for Temple, they won the A-10 regular season, the A-10 tourney, and they have won 10 in a row SU, going 8-1-1 ATS, and they plan on making some noise in this tourney.

The numbers will show you that in the 8 games Temple has been favored by 4 or less they are a fantastic 7-0-1 ATS with the push happening last Sunday courtesy of a missed free throw with 2 seconds to go.

Fact of the matter is this team has been a cash-cow putting up a 22-10-1 ATS mark and I don't care who you are, that is making money.

The final straw for me is the fact Cornell is just 2-6 ATS last 8 as a neutral site dog, the role they find themselves in today.

Temple advances today with another win and cover.

Bobby Maxwell

500* Gonzaga +1.5
200* Texas A&M -3

Chris Jordan

500 Xavier PK

Michael Cannon

40 Siena +4
20 Temple -3.5

Derek Mancini

15 Cornell +3.5
5 California PK

Stephen Nover

40 Purdue -4
20 West Virginia -17.5
15 Oakland +9.5

Dr. Bob

3* Pitt
3* Maryland
2* California
2* Xavier

Teddy Covers

20* Big Ticket Texas A&M

Craig Davis

100 dime New Mexico State
20 dime Utah State

Scott Delaney

40-Dime UTAH STATE AGGIES

The bunch from Utah State had won 17 in a row before losing to fellow tournament member New Mexico State in its conference final. I love them in this spot.

And who wouldn't?

The Aggies are your prototypical disciplined basketball team that is well-coached. They shoot the ball well and take good care of the rock. And though Utah State isn't overly athletic and lacks size and depth, it's not going to necessarily have to worry about a rather bleak offensive game by A&M.

What the Lone Star Aggies like to do is lay on its opponent and get their foes deep into the shot clock, and make note Utah State is the best three-point shooting team percentage-wise in this tournament, draining an amazing 42.1 percent. Slowing the pace what bother Utah State one bit, as it is quite methodical on offense.

Fact is, this is a great spot for Utah State, which might have struggled with an athletic opponent. But against A&M, the fundamentally sound Aggies out of Logan, Utah have the edge.

Utah State turns the ball over on just 16.3 percent of offensive possessions, it ranks 13th in offensive efficiency overall, as well as a very good 52nd in defensive efficiency.

Utah State was 10-6 away from home, while A&M was just 8-8 away from College Station. I would have liked to seen a better non-conference schedule, but the Aggies did beat first-round victor BYU back on Dec. 2. They also played fellow mid-major entry St. Mary's, who won yesterday.

Both are in on a bevy of ATS runs, but I'm most intrigued by the fact USU is 9-2 as an underdog, 4-1 on neutral courts, 8-2 when catching points in this range and 13-4 overall. And also make note, A&M is on 1-4 ATS slides versus non-conference teams and as a favorite on neutral courts.

Take Utah State today.

ATS LOCK CLUB

6 Units on New Mexico State +13.5
5 Units on Siena +4.5
5 Units on Mississippi -4
4 Units on Maryland -9.5
4 Units on Louisville +1

Underground Sports Connection

300* Purdue -4-
200* Wofford +10
200* Florida St -1-
100* California -1
500* Minnesota U -1

Greg Shaker

triple-dime bet 827 Morgan St. 17.5

I don't have to tell you how some bigtime teams have struggled with some of the smaller known squads during this tourney so far. Morgan State can score points and that gives them hang-ability here today. They already have an Outright win at Arkansas, a cover at Louisville, and a Closer than expected loss at Baylor. Those were road games and this one is at a neutral site. West Va just does not have the rout thing in them with close wins throughout the year and an ATS record of only 13-19. They play great D and they mai~ntain control of the game and that is what I am expecting today. I am not expecting them to cover this huge spread with the Golden Bears playing a very good brand of D themselves and with good rebounding skills. They are also going to bring a lot of people at you and that makes them fresher in the second half where games are won and lost. Just too many points for this game.

triple-dime bet 825 Florida St. -1

Just very brief here. The Sems have powerhouse rebounding and certainly the advantage here today but more importantly, they po~ssess one of the best defenses in the country and that wins games in a tourney situation. So does a solid bench and once again they have the decided edge there. Competition level has been much better for Florida State this year playing in the ACC and frankly, the D numbers they have put up are most impressive because of that. Gonzaga is here again but not the team they have been in the past. The key to this game is going to be the perimiter play of FSU as they have very good guards that can reek havoc with the Bulldogs 3 point shooting. They will be hawked a lot and will have to find alternate ways of scoring point. While I think that this will be a close affair, FSU has the intangibles to win this game an cover this spread.

Sac Lawson

dime bet 826 Gonzaga 1.5

First off, this is a 1.5 unit play. Second, I realize the public is riding along with me here, and just to remind folks of what I always say... I'm simply not going to shy away from a game that is public backed, obviously it's a factor in making the play a bit smaller, but in no way I'm I a straight public fader like a lot of professionals out there.

That being said, there are a couple things to point out about this game and the betting percentages. It's important to realize that Gonzaga is one of those teams that the public backs EVERY game. They‡ play in a conference full of inferiors, and anytime Gonzaga is on the betting card, they're usually playing a team that the public knows nothing about.. so naturally the bets poor in on the Zags. As a result, we're paying a premium everytime we back 'em... probably at least 2 points. BUT, to get to the point, Gonzaga is still 58% ATS this season. Inflated numbers, public backing, it doesn't matter because this team flat out wins (especially as an underdog where they are 5-1, and on the road where they are 6-3 ATS). This is a Gonzaga team that flat out tests themselves every single year in the non conference, and they do so to prepare themselves for these kind of games. No doubt in my mind they will be more poised, more settled, and as a result more aggressive.

On the Florida St. side you're looking at a team that is 8-18 ATS all season, and 4-6 on the road. Fact is, this is a tale of two different stories. Vegas can't give FSU enough points, and Vegas can't take enough away from Gonzaga. I'll tell you why FSU is just 8-18 ATS... Anytime this team sees pressure, they roll over dead. Anytime they mount a lead in a game, and their opposition starts to tighten up the defense to get back in the game, it turns into turnover city. FSU is flat out sloppy with the basketball, literally one of the worst teams in the nation when it comes to turning the ball over. Most people don't think of Gonzaga as an aggressive team, but they really are, they play very sound defense, and put plenty of pressure on the oppositions guards.

There is one way that FSU has been able to combat their turnover issues, and that's with good offensive rebounding. In almost every case this year, FSU has been the taller team on the floor, and as a result.. the shots they've lost from turnovers are gained right back by 2nd chance points down low. Tonight, however, they are facing a Gonzaga team that is 100% equal in height. Alabi is a huge part of the Seminoles' gameplan down low, and Gonzaga has nothing but depth in the paint with Sacre, Olynyk, and Foster. Yes, FSU can rebound, but it's not often they face up against any team with equal size, and tonight they will.

Seriously guys, all year long FSU has had one advantage over just about every team they've faced, and that's been size. Tonight that advantage does not exist. Not only does that not exist, but they're playing a team that will turn them over, a team that has flat out better scorers, and a team that will be poised as hell due to their preseason scheduling. Traveling to New York for most teams out west would be a big red flag, for Gonzaga, doesn't even make me blink. The only reason anyone would back FSU in this spot is if they were straight fading the public, keep that in mind. The Noles have no Matchup advantage, they turn the ball over a ton, they are horrible at the free throw line (KEY if this is a close one late), and there's no way you can trust them to sustain any sort of consistent scoring. Roll with Gonzaga for 1.5 units!

RAS

#831 Cornell/Temple Over 119
#841 Georgia Tech/Oklahoma State Over 137.5
#847 New Mexico State/Michigan State Over 148

Spartan

Triple Dime Release

838 California

Single Dime Releases

843 Oakland, Mich +10
851 Utah St. +3

Bob Valentino

40 dime Utah State

Billy Coleman

4* Boston -1.5
4* Cal Santa Barb +17
3* Oklahoma St -1.5
3* Gonzaga +1.5
3* Louisville pk

Teddy June

10* Minnesota
10* Utah St.
10* Clemson
10* California

Cal Sports

3* Portland

4'* Md
4* Temple
3* Wisc
3* Okla St
3* Mich St

Seabass

200* Steam - Utah St.

Jeff Benton

15 dime Temple
5 dime Oakland

BEN BURNS

*10 BEST BET ATS ROUT!
Toronto Raptors

REVENGE Game of the Week
Philadelphia 76ers

EARLY O/U SHOOTOUT!
New York Knicks over

Tournament GAME OF THE YEAR!
Utah St.

1st Rd TOTAL OF THE YEAR!
Maryland over

BLUE CHIP
West Virginia over

ANNIHILATOR
Minnesota

EXECUTIVE

250% Minnesota +1.5
250% Clemson -1.5
250% Wofford +10

Trent Citron

10 units Morgan State
8 units Utah State
8 units Xavier
6 units Georgia Tech
6 units Cornell

Will Cover

5* GOY
New Mexico St. +13.5

Jim Hurley

Utah State + 3 1/2
Under 138 WV/Morgan st
Oakland + 9 1/2
Wofford + 10

Big Al

4* Maryland
3* Michiga State
3* Utah State

Alatex

15* Cornell
Xavier

LT Profits

Morgan State/West Virginia UNDER 138 -110
Siena +175 ML
Utah State +150 ML
New Mexico State +13.5 -109
Louisville -105
Georgia Tech/Oklahoma State OVER 64.5 -110 (First Half)

Seabass

200 Utah St
100 over Maryland
100 Okla st
50's Minn
wofford
duke
cal
100 under Cornell

DOC's

3-Unit Play #801 Take Detroit/Indiana UNDER 203 1/2
3-Unit Play #805 Take Charlotte +5 ½ Over Atlanta
4-Unit Play #813 Take Golden State/San Antonio UNDER 221

2 Unit Play Take Detroit (-1.5 +120) at Edmonton (9:30 pm ET)

KELSO

100 units

Maryland -9

Deano

[803] Oklahoma City 5* -1
[819] Milwaukee 5* -3
[821] Minnesota 2* +15.5
[836] Duke 2* -23
[824] Syracuse 2* -15.5

O.C. Dooley Guaranteed Selections
Date: Friday, March 19, 2010
$50.00 Guaranteed:

#823 TONIGHT’S SPECIAL “5 UNIT” NCAA TOURNAMENT BEST BET TOTAL (Vermont versus Syracuse UNDER 144 in a 9:30 eastern tipoff on CBS): Yesterday we saw a pair of extremely high scoring affairs in the “1 versus 16” matchups as both Kentucky and Kansas reached the 90-point plateau against opposition from very small conferences who obviously had major defensive issues. In the case of the “Lehigh/Kansas” tilt I personally placed a wager on above the total due to the fact that statistically Lehigh was a successful offense when shooting the basketball from “three point” territory but that is NOT the case in this “david versus goliath” evening matchup. The bottom line is that Vermont is the second-WORST “three point” shooting team from the little America-East Conference and posted spot reflects that fact. Tonight’s total is relatively low even though Syracuse all year has been one of the highest scoring offenses in the country averaging more than 81 points per game on approaching 52% shooting from the floor. This relatively low spot is even more curious when taking into account the horrendous defense that Syracuse flashed in the most recent pair of outings which both resulted in losses on the scoreboard. The last time we saw the Orangemen on the floor was an ugly 91-84 Big East tournament setback where the defense took the night off against a Georgetown attack that was less than prolific. Despite Syracuse playing above the total at a 5-1 clip down the stretch they have had plenty of time to grab some rest as the defense did not have to participate in most of the Big East tourney tilts which were for the most part very physical. One of the keys to this total has to do with INJURIES to some of Syracuse’s best shooters as lead scorer Wesley Johnson actually showed up on the injury report with an eye problem that leaves him less than 100% effective. The big news is that Orangemen starting center Arinze Onuaku (quad) will NOT play at all this evening and he just happens to be the school career leader in field goal percentage nailing near 65% of all shot opportunities from the floor. It turns out that Onuaku will be able to participate in later NCAA contest but at the very least is being held out tonight. Getting back to the subject of Vermont they are coming off a very high scoring 83-70 shootout in the America-East Championship game where the team was nailing “treys” right and left from long range. As mentioned near the top of this analysis Vermont is NOT a proficient shooting squad from long range so that performance was in my mind a mere aberration. What Vermont depends on is a stingy DEFENSE which in the postseason alone has permitted on average below 56 points per contest. In the America-East tournament semifinals that Vermont defense amazingly held an opponent to just 38 POINTS for the entire contest. In the past two years the Vermont defense has held the opposition to BELOW 50 total points on the scoreboard 8 different times. Even more mind boggling is the fact that this season Vermont allowed only 18 POINTS in an entire half twice which gives you an idea how proficient they are. As for Syracuse their defense for the entire season has permitted on average just 67 points per contest and I expect Jim Boeheim’s crew to find that defensive intensity again because in the past five outings they have given up (79 ppg) a very high average which may have been due to pure fatigue. One of the keys to Jim Boeheim’s long success at Syracuse has been his infamous “2-3 matchup zone” defense which has constantly confused the opposition who does not have the experience against that type of setup. Vermont’s offensive star is Marqus Blakely who is the only player in the country to lead his team in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocks and steals. What catches my attention with Blakely is that he is a three-time conference “DEFENSIVE player of the year” as he as amassed more than 200 blocked shots and steals in his career. At the beginning of this campaign Syracuse was looked at as a potential “bubble” team due to their overall youth. Due to their youth a very strong totals SYSTEM comes into play. Here is a 65-PERCENT SYSTEM (118-68 since 1997) which plays very young “neutral court” teams like Syracuse after a game where they allowed 80+ points on the scoreboard UNDER the total, with just 2 returning starters. As reflected by the relatively low posted total this particular “1 versus 16” matchup is the only one of the four where we have a pair of DEFENSIVE oriented sides and I am taking full advantage

The Hitman Guaranteed Selections
Date: Friday, March 19, 2010
$35.00 Guaranteed:

XXXXX-LARGE NCAA TOURNAMENT ROUND ONE TOTALS PLAY OF THE YEAR
Louisville and California OVER 148.5 9:55 EST

Steam On-Line Guaranteed Selections
Date: Friday, March 19, 2010
$35.00 Guaranteed:

NCAA TOURNAMENT ROUND ONE GAME OF THE YEAR
847 New Mexico St +13.5 7:20 EST

dr bob

Friday Night Free NBA Best Bet
**Oklahoma City (pick) over TORONTO
Rotation #803 - 4:05 pm Pacific
Oklahoma City blew a chance to extend their winning streak to 6 games when they gave up a 19 point lead and lost at Charlotte on Wednesday. The Thunder are likely to bounce-back given their 19-5 ATS record this season after a loss (47-21 ATS after a loss going back to last season). Toronto, meanwhile, tends to struggle against good teams, especially if their opponent is rested. The Raptors are just 7-36 straight up and 10-32-1 ATS when facing a team with a win percentage of .600 or higher that had the previous night off. My ratings favor Oklahoma City by 1 point, so the line is fair, and I'll take Oklahoma City in a 2-Star Best Bet at -1 or better.

Sports Brokers Guaranteed Selections
Date: Friday, March 19, 2010
$25.00 Guaranteed:

NBA SLAM DUNK MAJOR WAGER
819 Milwaukee -3.5 10:05 EST