Articles

Early Look at the first Eight Sweet 16 Entrants

by Nelly's Sports

Sunday, Mar 20, 2022

Early Look at the first Eight Sweet 16 Entrants  Eight teams moved on to the Sweet 16 on Saturday with Round of 32 wins in another exciting day of the NCAA Tournament. Here is an early look at those eight teams heading on to new venues for the next contests Thursday and Friday.   East #8 North Carolina – defeated Marquette (-4) 95-63, defeated Baylor (+5.5) 93-86 OT The Tar Heels went 15-5 in an ACC conference that appears to have been undervalued. North Carolina took on four heavyweight non-conference games going 1-3 but saw the bar they needed to reach in a transition season under Hubert Davis. The Round of 32 win over Baylor was one of the wildest games in tournament history, filled with controversial calls as North Carolina needed overtime to win despite leading by 25 points with about 10 minutes to go.  For a team known for its size and rebounding under Roy Williams, this year’s team is an excellent 3-point and free throw shooting team, that takes good care of the ball. This was one of the fastest paced teams in the ACC and forcing turnovers and allowing 3-point success has been a weak spot.  Next up is UCLA in a pairing of prominent college basketball royalty on Friday in Philadelphia.  Midwest #1 Kansas – defeated Texas Southern (-21.5) 83-56, defeated Creighton (-13) 79-72 The Jayhawks tied for the Big XII title at 14-4 and won the Big XII tournament to land #1 seed in what many feel looked like the weakest of the four regions. The Jayhawks did not dominate in the Round of 32 however with Creighton within a point in the final two minutes as Kansas was tested even with good numbers across the board on Saturday. Kansas has all the components to be a serious championship contender, and this was the Big XII’s #1 3-point shooting team and #1 3-point defense, despite surrendering 12 3-point makes to Creighton. The Big XII graded as the #1 conference this season and Ocahi Agbaju was one of the top scorers in the nation to lead the team.  Kansas only had one major non-conference test and they lost badly at home to Kentucky. Kansas also lost a non-conference game to Dayton, and this has not been one of Bill Self’s best defensive teams. Self has a championship from 2008 and a Final Four in 2018 but there have been many more March disappointments for the program that is routinely a top seed.  Next up is Providence in a 1/4 pairing in Chicago on Friday.  South #11 Michigan – defeated Colorado State (-1.5) 75-63, defeated Tennessee (+7) 76-68 A team many felt didn’t deserve to be in the tournament, Michigan landed a favorable spot in the bracket and has made the most of it with a redemptive run to the Sweet 16 as a #11 seed. An inconsistent disappointment much of the season Michigan is one win away from matching last season’s Elite 8 run as a #1 seed.  7’1” Hunter Dickson proved to be a significant matchup advantage in the first two games for the Wolverines, backing up the Big Ten’s best 2-point scoring rate with 48 points so far in the tournament. Michigan is an excellent free throw shooting team and rebounding team as well. This is one of the lesser defensive teams remaining in the field as Michigan ranked 11th in the Big Ten in defensive efficiency. Point guard DeVante’ Jones did not play in the Round of 64 win but did return for 12 minutes on Saturday and should see a bigger role in the Sweet 16.  Next Up is the winner of the Ohio State/Villanova game in San Antonio.  East #4 UCLA – defeated Akron (-13.5) 57-53, defeated Saint Mary’s (-3) 72-56 After making a First Four to Final Four run last season UCLA lived up to elevated expectations with a strong season but the Round of 64 victory was a very close call. The Bruins had an excellent game on both sides of the ball Saturday to beat a dangerous Saint Mary’s team to return to the Sweet 16 and the path in the East region no longer includes the #1 or #2 seeds.  The Bruins had the #1 defense in the Pac-12 and the lowest turnover rate on offense. Five upperclassmen lead a tight rotation and the Bruins picked up wins over Villanova and Arizona this season despite having a few surprising losses in Pac-12 play.  UCLA does not have great depth and Jaime Jaquez left the Round of 32 game with an ankle injury to cast a shadow on the prospects for the Bruins. UCLA is not an elite shooting team as the offense can go through droughts, but this is a team that has a favorable opportunity ahead.   Next Up is North Carolina in a 4/8 pairing in Philadelphia Friday. Midwest #4 Providence – defeated South Dakota State (-2.5) 66-57, defeated Richmond (-3.5) 79-51 The Big East regular season champions had more than their share of narrow wins this season but despite being a popular fade in the opening round, the Friars moved on and wound up not having to face the Iowa team many penciled in for a deep tournament run.  Providence was the #1 3-point shooting team in the Big East and has made 20 3-point shots in its two tournament wins so far. Allowing 57 and 51 points in those wins has been an impressive showing for the Friars on defense after an uneven year defensively in Big East play, finishing seventh in the conference in defensive efficiency despite the best regular season record.  Providence rarely creates turnovers and can struggle to score inside, hitting just 48 percent in 2-point looks in the conference season. Wins over Wisconsin and Texas Tech early in the season grew in stature as the season went on and this is a 27-5 team, though three losses came by blowout margins. Next Up is the Midwest #1 seed Kansas in Chicago on Friday.  East #15 St. Peter’s – defeated Kentucky (+18) 85-79 OT, defeated Murray State (+8) 70-60.  The story of the tournament has been St. Peter’s who knocked off one of the tournament favorites on in the Round of 64 and like two of the previous three #15 seeds to win the opener, also won in the Round of 32. The Metro Atlantic tournament champions have now nine in a row with great defensive performances.  The season numbers for St. Peter’s offered little indication of this potential as while the defense has been solid, the offense has a very poor turnover rate and greatly struggled with interior scoring this season. St. Peter’s won against Kentucky despite a turnover and free throw deficit thanks to hitting 50 percent on 2-point shots and 53% on 3-point shots while holding its own in rebounding. The Peacocks did not shoot as well against Murray State but flipped the turnover and free throw advantages.  The ability to maintain that scoring clip will be very difficult for the Peacocks and now as one of the central stories of the tournament, the attention on the long layoff in-between games may not be helpful. It also seems likely that head coach Shaheen Holloway could return to his alma mater Seton Hall after this run, though heading to Philadelphia should provide a favorable atmosphere.  Next Up is the winner of the Purdue/Texas game in the Sweet 16 in Philadelphia.  West #4 Arkansas – defeated Vermont (-5) 75-71, defeated New Mexico State (-6.5) 53-48 Arkansas has provided tight games in almost every NCAA Tournament game under Eric Musselman, rallying back from big deficits in all three wins last season before running into Baylor in the Elite 8. This season Arkansas has been caught in tight finishes in defensive grinds but emerging with a pair of wins to reach the Sweet 16 while other top SEC teams have disappointed.  Arkansas has elite defensive numbers finishing with the top ranking on defense in the SEC. The Razorbacks force turnovers and are very difficult to score on inside even without presenting top tier size. The Razorbacks play at a relatively fast tempo and take good care of the ball while usually creating high percentage shots and getting to the free throw line frequently, where they were one of the better teams in the SEC. Arkansas can run into big stretches of offensive futility however and this is a very poor 3-point shooting team hitting below 31 percent. JD Notae brings great energy to the floor on both sides of the ball but routinely takes low percentage shots while only Stanley Umude presents a quality 3-point success rate. Umude is the second biggest player on the roster for Arkansas as he often needs to take on a challenging defensive responsibility. Arkansas is facing a bit more significant travel than most teams after playing in Buffalo last week.  Next Up is #1 seed Gonzaga in San Diego on Thursday.  West #1 Gonzaga – defeated Georgia State (-22.5) 93-72, defeated Memphis (-9.5) 82-78 Gonzaga is back in the Sweet 16 but it has not been easy for the #1 overall seed. Georgia State pushed the Bulldogs for 30 minutes in a tight opening game and Gonzaga barely got by Memphis, delivering a narrow comeback win after being down 10 at halftime.  Gonzaga did not have any close calls until the Final Four in last season’s run and the early tests could prove beneficial for the Bulldogs as few teams are likely to be as physically imposing as Memphis on the remaining path. Gonzaga will take some criticism for the shaky performances in Portland, but they also faced a pair of grossly under seeded teams. This team still has elite offensive numbers and still won despite shooting well below average from 3-point range in the first two games and having disastrous results at the free throw line.  Gonzaga has missed 25 free throws in the first two games of the tournament despite connecting at nearly 77% in the WCC season for an alarming decline. Gonzaga has also not come close to its 41 percent 3-point rate in the conference season while the defense has forced only 12 combined turnovers in two games. Gonzaga has a lot of room to play better but there have been enough red flags to question whether this team should still be considered a Final Four favorite.  Next Up is #4 seed Arkansas in San Diego on Thursday. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, EPL, and NCAAB Previews and Odds - 03/20/2022

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Mar 20, 2022

The Sunday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. Two games tip-off the card at 3:40 PM ET. Indiana hosts Portland as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 232.5. Memphis plays at Houston as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 232.5. Three more games start at 6:10 PM ET. Atlanta is at home against New Orleans as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 232.5. Orlando hosts Oklahoma City as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 227. Phoenix travels to Sacramento as a 10-point road favorite with a total of 231.5. Utah visits New York at 7:40 PM ET as a 5-point road favorite with an over/under of 222.5. Boston plays at Denver at 8:10 PM ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with a total of 222. Two games conclude the NBA card at 8:40 PM ET. Philadelphia is at home against Toronto as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 223.5. Golden State plays at home against San Antonio as a 6-point favorite with a total of 229. The National Hockey League has six games on its slate. The New York Islanders travels to Philadelphia on TNT at 2:05 PM ET as a -140 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Washington is at home against Dallas at 5:05 PM ET as a -150 money line favorite with a total of 6. Carolina hosts the New York Rangers at 6:05 PM ET as a -205 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two games in the NHL drop the puck at 7:05 PM ET. San Jose plays at home against Arizona as a -235 money line favorite with a total of 6. Winnipeg visits Chicago as a -135 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6. Vancouver is at home against Buffalo at 10:05 PM ET as a -195 money line favorite with a total of 5.5.The Sunday college basketball card has 11 games on national television. Houston faces Illinois in the second round of the NCAA tournament on CBS at 12:10 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 133. Xavier plays at home against Florida in the second round of the National Invitational Tournament on ESPN at 1 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with a total of 145. Villanova goes against Ohio State in the second round of the NCAA tournament on CBS as a 5-point favorite with an over/under of 132. Vanderbilt is at home against Dayton in the second round of the NIT on ESPN2 at 3 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 135. Duke battles Michigan State in the second round of the NCAA tournament on CBS at 5:15 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145. Wisconsin plays Iowa State in the second round of the NCAA tournament on TNT as a 5-point favorite with a total of 125.5. Texas Tech faces Notre Dame in the second round of the NCAA tournament on TBS at 7:10 PM ET as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 132.5. Auburn takes on Miami (Florida) in the second round of the NCAA tournament on truTV at 7:45 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 144.Oklahoma hosts St. Bonaventure in the second round of the NIT on ESPNU at 8 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 137. Purdue battles Texas in the second round of the NCAA tournament on TNT at 8:40 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with a total of 134.5. Arizona goes against TCU in the second round of the NCAA tournament on TBS at 9:40 PM ET as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 144. Matchweek 30 in the English Premier League concludes with two matches on the USA Network. Leicester City plays at home against Brentford at 10 AM ET as a -0.5 goal line favorite with a total of 2.5.Tottenham hosts West Ham United at 12:30 PM ET as a -0.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 03/19/2022

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Mar 19, 2022

The Saturday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has four games on its docket. Milwaukee visits Minnesota at 5:10 PM ET as a 3-point road favorite, with the total set at 242 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Dallas plays at Charlotte at 7:10 PM ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 225.5. Two games conclude the NBA card at 8:10 PM ET. Cleveland is at home against Detroit as an 8-point favorite with a total of 216. Washington hosts the Los Angeles Lakers as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 230.5. The National Hockey League has 11 games on its slate. The puck drops for two games at 2:05 PM ET. Minnesota plays at home against Chicago at 2:05 PM ET as a -250 money line favorite with a total of 6.5. The New York Islanders are at home against Dallas as a -120 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Edmonton hosts New Jersey at 3:05 PM ET as a -230 money line favorite with a total of 6. Vegas is at home against Los Angeles at 4:05 PM ET as a -145 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Two more NHL games begin at 5:05 PM ET. Pittsburgh travels to Arizona as a -255 money line road favorite with a total of 6. St. Louis plays at Columbus as a -185 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5.Two NHL games start at 7:05 PM ET. Toronto visits Nashville as a -125 money line road favorite with a total of 6. Montreal is at home against Ottawa as a -150 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Tampa Bay hosts the New York Rangers on ABC at 8:05 PM ET. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:05 PM ET. Calgary is at Vancouver as a -130 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Seattle plays at home against Detroit as a -120 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. The Saturday college basketball card has nine games on national television. Texas A&M hosts Oregon on ESPN at Noon ET in the second round of the National Invitational Tournament as a 5-point favorite with a total of 143.5. The second round of the NCAA tournament tips off with three straight games in the afternoon on CBS. Baylor plays North Carolina at 12:10 PM ET as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 149. Kansas faces Creighton at 2:40 PM ET as a 12-point favorite with a total of 139.5. Tennessee battles Michigan at 5:15 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 136. Providence faces Richmond on TNT at 6:10 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with a total of 134. UCLA plays Saint Mary’s on TBS at 7:10 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 126. Murray State goes against Saint Peter’s on CBS at 7:45 PM ET as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 130. Arkansas battles New Mexico State on TNT at 8:40 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 138.5. Gonzaga takes on Memphis on TBS at 9:40 PM ET as a 10-point favorite with a total of 155. Matchweek 30 in the English Premier League continues with one match on the USA Network at 8:30 AM ET. Arsenal travels to Aston Villa in a pick ‘em match with an over/under of 2.5.

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NCAA Tournament Round 2 Data (1991 to 2021)

by Al McMordie

Friday, Mar 18, 2022

With the 2nd Round of the NCAA Tournament upon us, let's take a look at how the previous tournaments have gone -- from a point spread perspective.There have been 30 NCAA Tournaments since 1991 (the 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19).  Here are how the individual seeds have fared:#1 seeds:  102-17 SU, 60-59 ATS#2 seeds:  75-36 SU, 55-54-2 ATS#3 seeds:  67-37 SU, 55-47-2 ATS#4 seeds:  60-34 SU, 48-46 ATS#5 seeds:  37-38 SU, 35-39-1 ATS#6 seeds:  34-42 SU, 38-36-2 ATS#7 seeds:  22-47 SU, 30-38-1 ATS#8 seeds:  11-49 SU, 34-26 ATS#9 seeds:  7-53 SU, 25-35 ATS#10 seeds:  21-30 SU, 30-20-1 ATS#11 seeds:  18-26 SU, 22-22 ATS#12 seeds:  18-27 SU, 29-16 ATS#13 seeds:  5-21 SU, 7-18-1 ATS#14 seeds:  1-15 SU, 3-13 ATS#15 seeds:  2-7 SU, 3-6 ATS#16 seeds:  0-1 SU, 1-0 ATSFour of the 480 games were Pk'em.  Of the remaining 476 games, favorites have had the historical edge, with a 252-219-5 ATS record.  As a point of comparison, the 1st round has largely been split down the middle, with the favorites owning a 478-474-17 ATS record.Some other point spread categories to note:Teams off an ATS loss (vs. foes not off an ATS loss):  108-79-1 ATSTeams off back to back SU/ATS wins (vs. foes not off back to back SU/ATS wins):  56-89-3 ATSTeams off back to back ATS losses (vs. foes not off back to back ATS losses):  76-51-1 ATSTeams off back to back ATS wins (vs. foes not off back to back ATS wins):  68-95-3 ATSTeams off three SU/ATS wins (vs. foes not off three SU/ATS wins:  41-70-3 ATSTeams off three ATS wins (vs. foes not off three ATS wins):  55-79-3 ATSTeams off three ATS losses (vs. foes not off three ATS losses):  28-18-1 ATSTeams playing with revenge:  26-23-1 ATSTeams off double-digit wins (vs. foes not off double-digit wins):  135-136-4 ATSTeams that covered their previous game by 10+ points (vs. foes that didn't cover by 10+ points):  88-114-2 ATSFavorites priced from -1 to -3.5 points:  65-58-3 ATSFavorites priced from -4 to -6.5 points:  84-68-1 ATSFavorites priced from -7 to -9.5 points:  58-53-1 ATSFavorites priced from -10 to -12.5 points:  27-25 ATSFavorites of -13 (or more) points:  18-14 ATSGood luck, as always...Al McMordie

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 03/18/2022

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Mar 18, 2022

The Friday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has 12 games on its docket. Philadelphia hosts Dallas at 7:10 PM ET as a 3-point favorite, with the total set at 225.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Five games tip-off at 7:40 PM ET. Memphis visits Atlanta as a 5-point road favorite with an over/under of 236. Brooklyn is at home against Portland as a 14-point favorite with a total of 225. Denver plays at Cleveland as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 221.5. New York hosts Washington as a 5-point favorite with a total of 224.5. Toronto is at home against the Los Angeles Lakers as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 225.5. Two NBA games start at 8:10 PM ET. Miami plays at home against Oklahoma City as a 16-point favorite with a total of 219.5. Indiana travels to Houston as a 3-point road favorite with an over/under of 238.5. San Antonio is at home against New Orleans as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 236.5. Utah plays at home against the Los Angeles Clippers at 9:10 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 217.5. Two games conclude the NBA card at 10:10 PM ET. Phoenix hosts Chicago as a 6-point favorite with a total of 229.5. Boston visits Sacramento as a 9-point road favorite with an over/under of 224.5. The National Hockey League has six games on its slate. The puck drops for two games at 7:07 PM ET. Ottawa plays at home against Philadelphia as a -120 money line favorite with a total of 6.5. Carolina is at home against Washington as a -150 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Boston travels to Winnipeg at 8:07 PM ET as a -125 money line road favorite with a total of 6. Calgary hosts Buffalo at 9:07 PM ET as a -330 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Florida plays at Anaheim as a -215 money line road favorite with a total of 6.5. Colorado visits San Jose at 10:37 PM ET as a -250 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5.The Friday college basketball card has 16 games on national television for the second day of the first round of the NCAA tournament. Loyola-Chicago plays Ohio State on CBS at 12:15 PM ET in a pick ‘em contest with a total of 133. Auburn battles Jacksonville State on truTV at 12:40 PM ET as a 15-point favorite with an over/under of 138. Texas Tech faces Montana State on TNT at 1:45 PM ET as a 15-point favorite with a total of 131.5. Purdue goes against Yale on TBS at 2 PM ET as a 16-point favorite with an over/under of 144. Villanova faces Delaware on CBS at 2:45 PM ET as a 15.5-point favorite with a total of 133.5. USC plays Miami (Florida) on truTV at 3:10 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 139.5. Alabama goes against Notre Dame on TNT at 4:15 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with a total of 152. Texas faces Virginia Tech on TBS at 4:30 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 123.5. Illinois goes against Chattanooga on TNT at 6:50 PM ET as an 8-point favorite with a total of 135.5. Duke battles Cal-State Fullerton on CBS at 7:10 PM ET as an 18.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. LSU faces Iowa State on TBS at 7:20 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with a total of 128.5. Arizona plays Wright State on truTV at 7:27 PM ET as a 20.5-point favorite with an over/under of 156.5. Houston faces UAB on TNT at 9:20 PM ET as an 8.5-point favorite with a total of 136. Michigan goes against Davidson on CBS at 9:40 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 141. Wisconsin plays Colgate on TBS at 9:50 PM ET as an 8-point favorite with a total of 139.5. Seton Hall battles TCU on truTV at 9:57 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 129.Matchweek 30 in the English Premier League kicks off with one match on the USA Network at 4 PM ET. Wolverhampton hosts Leeds United as a -0.5 goal line favorite at PlayMGM with a total of 2.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 03/17/2022

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Mar 17, 2022

The Thursday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL.The National Basketball Association has one game on its docket. Orlando hosts Detroit at 7:10 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite, with the total set at 219 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). The National Hockey League has ten games on its slate. The puck drops at 7:07 PM ET. Toronto plays at home against Carolina as a -115 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Dallas visits Montreal as a -205 money line road favorite with a total of 6. Nashville is at Philadelphia as a -175 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6. Washington plays at Columbus as a -220 money line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The New York Rangers are at home against the New York Islanders as a -140 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Pittsburgh travels to St. Louis at 8:07 PM ET with both teams priced as a -110 money line favorite with a total of 6. Edmonton hosts Buffalo at 9:07 PM ET as a -265 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Two NHL games begin at 10:07 PM ET. The Los Angeles Kings are at home against San Jose as a -170 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Vancouver plays at home against Detroit as a -205 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Florida visits Vegas at 10:37 PM ET as a -130 money line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Thursday college basketball card has 16 games on national television for the first day of the first round of the NCAA tournament. Michigan plays Colorado State on CBS at 12:15 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 137.5. Providence goes against South Dakota State on truTV at 12:40 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 147.5. Memphis battles Boise State on TNT at 1:45 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 133.5. Baylor faces Norfolk State on TBS at 2 PM ET as a 20.5-point favorite with a total of 137.5. Tennessee goes against Longwood on CBS at 2:45 PM ET as an 18-point favorite with an over/under of 133. Iowa plays Richmond on truTV at 3:10 PM ET as a 10-point favorite with a total of 150. Gonzaga faces Georgia State on TNT at 4:15 PM ET as a 23-point favorite with an over/under of 148.5. North Carolina battles Marquette on TBS at 4:30 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 152.5. Connecticut faces New Mexico State on TNT at 6:50 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 132. Kentucky goes against Saint Peter’s on CBS at 7:10 PM ET as a 17.5-point favorite with a total of 132. Saint Mary’s battles Indiana on TBS at 7:20 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 126.5. San Diego State plays Creighton on truTV at 7:27 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 120.5. Arkansas battles Vermont on TNT at 9:20 PM ET as a 5-point favorite, with an over/under of 140. Murray State plays San Francisco on CBS at 9:40 PM ET as a 2-point favorite with a total of 137.5. UCLA goes against Akron on TBS at 9:50 PM ET as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 128.5. Kansas faces Texas Southern on truTV at 9:57 PM ET as a 22-point favorite with a total of 145. Matchweek 29 in the English Premier League concludes with one match on Peacock at 3:45 PM ET. Newcastle United travels to Everton in a pick ‘em matchup with an over/under of 2.5.

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Big Al's NBA, NHL, NCAAB, EPL, and UEFA Champions League Previews and Picks - 03/16/2022

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Mar 16, 2022

The Wednesday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, EPL, and UEFA Champions League action.The National Basketball Association has 12 games on its docket. Three games tip-off at 7:10 PM ET. Charlotte hosts Atlanta as a 2.5-point favorite. Philadelphia visits Cleveland as a 4-point road favorite with the total set at 219 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Denver plays at Washington as a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 228.5. Two NBA games begin at 7:40 PM ET. New York is at home against Portland as an 11-point favorite with a total of 225. Dallas travels to Brooklyn in the opening game of a doubleheader on ESPN as a 1.5-point road favorite. Two more NBA games start at 8:10 PM ET. Phoenix plays at Houston as an 11-point road favorite. Minnesota hosts the Los Angeles Lakers as a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 237. San Antonio is at home against Oklahoma City as a 13.5-point favorite with a total of 234.5. Utah plays at home against Chicago at 9:10 PM ET as a 5.5-point favorite. Two more NBA games start at 10:10 PM ET. Golden State hosts Boston in the nightcap on ESPN as a 3.5-point favorite. Milwaukee plays at Sacramento as a 9-point road favorite with an over/under of 240.5. Toronto travels to Los Angeles to play the Lakers at 10:40 PM ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with a total of 218.5. The National Hockey League has four games on its slate. The puck drops for two games at 7:37 PM ET. Minnesota plays at home against Boston in the first of two games on TNT as a -120 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Ottawa is at home against Columbus as a -135 money line favorite with a total of 6.5. The final two NHL games conclude at 10:07 PM ET. Calgary hosts New Jersey as a -320 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Tampa Bay travels to Seattle in the second game on TNT as a -310 money line road favorite with a total of 6.The Wednesday college basketball card has four games on national television. The first four games in the NCAA tournament conclude with two games on truTV at the UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. Wright State plays Bryant at 6:40 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 155. Notre Dame faces Rutgers at 9:10 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with an over/under of 132. Two games in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament are on national television. Virginia hosts Mississippi State on ESPN2 at 7 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 124. Florida plays at home against Iona on ESPN2 at 9 PM ET as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 145.5. Matchweek 29 in the English Premier League continues with two matches on Peacock. Tottenham travels to Brighton and Hove Albion at 3:30 PM ET as a -0.5 goal line road favorite with a total of 2.5 (all soccer odds from PlayMGM). Liverpool plays at Arsenal at 4:15 PM ET as a -0.5 goal line road favorite with an over/under of 3. The knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League concludes with the final two matches in the second leg of the round of 16 on Paramount+ and fuboTV at 4 PM ET. Juventus hosts Villarreal as a -0.5 goal line favorite with a total of 2.5. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw between these teams last month. Chelsea travels to Lille as a -0.5 goal line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. The Blues won the first leg at home at Stamford Bridge by a 2-0 score.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and UEFA Champions League Previews and Odds - 03/15/2022

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Mar 15, 2022

The Tuesday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and UEFA Champions League action.The National Basketball Association has four games on its docket. Two games tip-off at 7:10 PM ET. Memphis visits Indiana as a 7.5-point road favorite (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Brooklyn plays at Orlando as a 9.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 231. Miami hosts Detroit at 7:40 PM ET as a 13.5-point favorite. Phoenix is at New Orleans at 8:10 PM ET as a 5-point road favorite. The National Hockey League has 11 games on its slate. The puck drops at 7:07 PM ET. Toronto plays at home against Dallas as a -140 money line favorite with a total of 6. Montreal hosts Arizona as a -160 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. The New York Rangers are at home against Anaheim as a -230 money line favorite with a total of 6. Washington is at home against the New York Islanders as a -160 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Two more NHL games begin at 8:07 PM ET. Pittsburgh travels to Nashville as a -115 money line road favorite with a total of 6. Winnipeg plays at home against Vegas as a -115 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Boston is at Chicago at 8:37 PM ET as a -175 money line road favorite with a total of 6. Edmonton hosts Detroit at 9:07 PM ET as a -310 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Vancouver plays at home against New Jersey at 10:07 PM ET as a -160 money line favorite with a total of 6. Two more games conclude the NHL card at 10:37 PM ET. Colorado visits Los Angeles to play the Kings as a -215 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6. Florida plays at San Jose as a -230 money line road favorite with a total of 6.5.The Tuesday college basketball card includes ten games on national television. The first four of the NCAA tournament has two games on truTV taking place at the UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. Texas Southern plays Texas A&M Corpus Christi at 6:30 PM ET at the Texas Southern is a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 136. Indiana faces Wyoming at 9:50 PM ET as a 4-point favorite with a total of 132.5. Eight games are on national television in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament. Three NIT games tip-off at 7 PM ET. VCU hosts Princeton on ESPNU as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 138. Vanderbilt plays at home against Belmont on ESPN2 as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 145. Oklahoma is at home against Missouri State on ESPN as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 137.5. Three games in the NIT start at 9 PM ET. Xavier hosts Cleveland State on ESPNU as a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 145. Texas A&M plays at home against Alcorn State on ESPN2 as a 20-point favorite with an over/under of 138.5. Utah State is at home against Oregon on ESPN as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 143.5. Two NIT games conclude the NCAAB card at 11 PM ET. Washington State hosts Santa Clara on ESPNU as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 150. Colorado plays at home against St. Bonaventure on ESPN2 as a 4-point favorite with an over/under of 138.The knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League continues with two matches in the second leg of the round of 16 on Paramount+ and fuboTV at 4 PM ET. Manchester United hosts Atletico Madrid as a -0.5 goal line favorite with a total of 2.5. These teams settled for a 1-1 draw in the first leg on February 23rd. Ajax plays at home against Benfica as a -1.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 3.5. The first leg finished in a 2-2 draw.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL and EPL Previews and Odds - 03/14/2022

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Mar 14, 2022

The Monday sports card features NBA, NHL, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has nine games on its docket. Cleveland hosts the Los Angeles Clippers at 7:10 PM ET. The Cavaliers are on a two-game losing streak after their 101-91 loss at Chicago as a 5.5-point underdog on Saturday. Their record has dropped to 28-29. The Clippers come off a 106-102 victory as a 4-point favorite on Sunday. Los Angeles’ record improved to 36-34. Cleveland is a 6.5-point favorite with the total set at 211.5 (all odds from DraftKings unless indicated otherwise). Atlanta plays at home against Portland at 7:40 PM ET. The Hawks won their second straight game with a 131-128 victory against Indiana as a 12.5-point favorite on Sunday. They raised their record to 33-34. The Trail Blazers ended a six-game losing streak with a 127-118 upset victory against Washington as a 6.5-point underdog on Saturday. Portland improved their record to 26-40. Atlanta is a 12.5-point favorite with an over/under of 233.5. Philadelphia is at home against Denver on ESPN at 7:40 PM ET. The 76ers come off a 116-114 win in overtime in Orlando as a 10.5-point favorite on Sunday. They now have a 41-25 record. The Nuggets are on a two-game losing streak after losing to Toronto, 127-115, as a 6.5-point favorite on Saturday. Denver’s record dropped to 49-28. Philadelphia is a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 220.5. Charlotte visits Oklahoma City at 8:10 PM ET. The Hornets ended a two-game losing streak with a 142-120 victory at New Orleans as a 3-point favorite on Friday. Their record improved to a 33-35 mark. The Thunder are on a six-game losing streak after their 125-118 loss to Memphis as an 8-point underdog on Sunday. Oklahoma City has a 20-48 record. Charlotte is an 8-point road favorite with an over/under of 230.5. Minnesota travels to San Antonio at 8:40 PM ET. The Timberwolves won their seventh game in their last eight with a 113-104 upset victory at Miami as a 2.5-point underdog on Saturday. They raised their record to 39-30 with the win. The Spurs lost their sixth game in their last eight with a 119-108 loss to Indiana as a 1.5-point favorite on Friday. San Antonio has a 26-42 record. Minnesota is a 5-point road favorite. Golden State is at home against Washington at 10:10 PM ET. The Warriors are on a three-game winning streak after their 122-109 upset victory against Milwaukee as a 2-point underdog on Saturday. They improved their record to 46-22 with the win. The Wizards are on a three-game losing streak after their 127-118 loss at Portland as a 6.5-point favorite on Saturday. Washington’s record dropped to 29-37 with the setback. Golden State is a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 225.Chicago plays at Sacramento at 10:10 PM ET. The Bulls won their second-straight game with their 101-91 victory at Portland as a 6.5-point favorite on Saturday. They have a 41-26 record. The Kings are on a four-game losing streak after their 134-125 loss at Utah as a 10.5-point underdog on Saturday. Sacramento has a 24-45 record. Chicago is a 4.5-point road favorite. Milwaukee travels to Utah in the nightcap on ESPN at 10:10 PM ET. The Bucks had their six-game winning streak end with their loss at Golden State on Saturday. Their record fell to 42-26. The Jazz won their second game in their last three with their victory against Sacramento on Saturday. Utah has a 42-25 record. Milwaukee is a 1.5-point road favorite. Toronto plays in Los Angeles against the Lakers at 10:40 PM ET. The Raptors are on a three-game winning streak with their 127-115 upset victory at Denver as a 6.5-point underdog on Saturday. The Lakers lost their third game in their last four in a 140-111 loss at Phoenix as a 7.5-point underdog on Saturday. Toronto is a 4.5-point road favorite. One game is on the slate in the National Hockey League. Ottawa is at home against Arizona at 7:35 PM ET. The Senators had their two-game winning streak end in a 6-3 loss to Chicago on Saturday. The Coyotes were on a four-game winning streak before their 3-2 loss at Boston on Saturday. Ottawa is a -170 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.Matchweek 29 in the English Premier League continues with one match. Manchester City visits Crystal Palace on the USA Network at 1 PM ET. Man City last played on Wednesday when they settled for a nil-nil draw with Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, which clinched their advancement to the quarterfinals. Their last English Premier League match was on March 6th when they beat Manchester United at home by a 4-1 score. The Eagles return to the pitch after defeating Wolverhampton on the road on March 5th by a 2-0 score. Man City is a -1.5 goal line favorite with a total of 3. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 03/13/2022

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Mar 13, 2022

The Sunday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has eight games on its docket. Brooklyn hosts New York at 1:05 PM ET on ABC as a 6-point favorite, with the total set at 225.5. The Los Angeles Clippers play at Detroit at 3:10 PM ET as a 4-point road favorite with an over/under of 218. Boston is at home against Dallas at 3:30 PM ET as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 212.5. Philadelphia travels to Orlando at 6:10 PM ET as a 12-point road favorite with an over/under of 223. Three games tip-off at 7:10 PM ET. Atlanta plays at home against Indiana as a 12-point favorite with a total of 238. New Orleans hosts Houston as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 231. Memphis visits Oklahoma City as a 13.5-point road favorite with a total of 229.5. Phoenix is at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on ESPN at 9:10 PM ET as an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 230.The National Hockey League has ten games on its slate. Pittsburgh plays at home against Carolina at 1:08 PM ET as a -145 money line favorite with a total of 6.5. Toronto plays Buffalo on TNT at 4:08 PM ET in Heritage Classic in Ontario, Canada as a -260 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. The puck drops at 7:08 PM ET for four NHL games. Philadelphia plays at home against Montreal as a -150 money line favorite with a total of 6. St. Louis hosts Winnipeg as a -130 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Minnesota is at home against Nashville as a -160 money line favorite with a total of 6. Vegas visits Columbus as a -165 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5. The New York Islanders are at home against Anaheim at 7:38 PM ET as a -180 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Colorado plays at home against Calgary at 8:08 PM ET as a -155 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Two games conclude the NHL card at 10:08 PM ET. Tampa Bay visits Vancouver as a -135 money line road favorite with a total of 6. Florida plays at Los Angeles as a -210 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6.5.The Sunday college basketball card has five conference tournament championship games on national television. Princeton plays Yale on ESPN2 at noon ET in the Ivy League championship game. The Tigers are a 3-point favorite with a total of 145. Tennessee goes against Texas A&M on ESPN at 1 PM ET in SEC championship game. The Volunteers are a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 131.5. Davidson faces Richmond on CBS at 1 PM ET in the Atlantic 10 championship game. The Wildcats are a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 138.Houston battles Memphis on ESPN at 3:15 PM ET in the American Athletic Conference championship game. The Cougars are a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5. Purdue plays Iowa on CBS at 3:30 PM ET in the Big Ten championship game. The Boilermakers are a 2-point favorite with a total of 151.Matchweek 29 in the English Premier League continues with six matches. Five matches begin at 10 AM ET. Chelsea hosts Newcastle United on Peacock. Wolverhampton visits Everton on Peacock. Leeds United plays at home against Norwich City on Peacock. Southampton is at home against Watford on Peacock. West Ham United hosts Aston Villa on the USA Network. Arsenal plays at home against Leicester City on the USA Network at 12:30 PM ET as a -1 goal line favorite with an over/under of 3.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, NCAAB and EPL Previews and Odds - 03/12/2022

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Mar 12, 2022

The Saturday sports card features NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and EPL action.The National Basketball Association has seven games on its docket. Three games tip-off at 8:05 PM ET. Miami hosts Minnesota as a 6-point favorite with the total set at 224.5. Chicago is at home against Cleveland as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 221. San Antonio plays at home against Indiana as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 234.5. Milwaukee visits Golden State on ABC at 8:35 PM ET as a 1.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 232.5. Two more NBA games start at 9:05 PM ET. Denver hosts Toronto as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 225. Utah is at home against Sacramento as a 10-point favorite with an over/under of 231.5. Washington travels to Portland at 10:05 PM ET as a 7-point road favorite with a total of 218.5.The National Hockey League has ten games on its slate. Nashville pla6. ys at home against St. Louis at 12:38 PM ET as a -125 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Carolina is at home against Philadelphia on ABC as a -320 money line favorite with a total of 6. Five more NHL games drop the puck at 7:08 PM ET. Calgary is at home against Detroit as a -370 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.5. Boston plays at home against Arizona as a -380 money line favorite with a total of 6. Montreal hosts Seattle at -115 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Chicago is at Ottawa in a pick ‘em contest with a total of 6. New Jersey plays at home against Anaheim as a -145 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. Dallas hosts the New York Rangers at 8:08 PM ET as a -130 money line favorite with a total of 5.5. Los Angeles visits San Jose at 9:38 PM ET as a -135 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5. Tampa Bay is at Edmonton at 10:08 PM ET as a -140 money line road favorite with a total of 6.5. The Saturday college basketball conference tournament card has 25 games on national television. Two games tip-off the card at 11 AM ET. Princeton plays Cornell on ESPNU as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 153.5. Vermont faces Maryland-Baltimore County on ESPN2 as a 15.5-point favorite with a total of 142.5. Four more games begin at 1 PM ET. Arkansas battles Texas A&M on ESPN as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 138.5. Iowa plays against Indiana on CBS as a 6-point favorite with a total of 144. Norfolk State goes against Coppin State on ESPN2 as a 7-point favorite. Saint Louis battles Davidson on the CBS Sports Network as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 136.5. Yale plays Pennsylvania on ESPNU at 2 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 145.5. Houston goes against Tulane on ESPN2 at 3 PM ET as a 13.5-point favorite with an over/under of 134. Three more NCAA-B games tip-off at 3:30 PM ET. Kentucky faces Tennessee on ESPN as a 2-point favorite with a total of 139.5. Dayton battles Richmond on the CBS Sports Network as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 132. Purdue plays Michigan State on CBS as a 6-point favorite with a total of 142.5. Saint Peter’s goes against Monmouth on ESPNU at 4 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 124.5. Memphis battles SMU on ESPN2 at 5 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 141.5. Three NCAA-B conference tournament games begin at 6 PM ET. Kansas plays Texas Tech on ESPN as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5. Texas Southern battles Alcorn State on ESPNU. San Diego State goes against Boise State on CBS. Kent State faces Akron on ESPN2 at 7:30 PM ET. Northern Colorado plays Montana State on ESPNU at 8 PM ET. Two NCAA-B games start at 8:30 PM ET. Duke plays Virginia Tech on ESPN at 8:30 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with a total of 138.5. UAB battles Louisiana Tech on the CBS Sports Network as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 135.5. UCLA battles Arizona on Fox at 9 PM ET. Texas A&M Corpus Christi goes against Southeast Louisiana on ESPN2 at 9:30 PM ET as a 1-point favorite with a total of 149. Abilene Christian faces New Mexico State on ESPNU at 10 PM ET. Cal-State Fullerton plays Long Beach State on ESPN2 at 11:30 PM ET.Matchweek 29 of the English Premier League begins with three matches. Liverpool visits Brighton and Hove Albion on Peacock at 7:30 AM ET as a -1 goal line favorite at PlayMGM with an over/under of 3. Brentford hosts Burnley on the USA Network at 10 AM ET as a -0.5 goal line favorite with a total of 2. Manchester United plays at home against Tottenham on Peacock at 12:30 PM ET as a -0.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. 

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Play Ball!

by Ben Burns

Friday, Mar 11, 2022

I'm sure you heard the good news. It's Go Time! It really didn't look promising. However, the two sides came together and figured things out. Only hours before the agreement was reached, I remember thinking: "I'd be happy just to have a shortened season start by June 1st. That's better than nothing ..." Instead, a full 162-game season will start much sooner. Here are some of the details.When Is The First Pitch?They're moving fast. By the time you're reading this, spring training may have already begun. The games begin Sunday, March 13. That will allow the regular season to begin on April 7th. After all the fuss, that's only one week later than was originally planned. In a way, it's not bad at all. College hoops will wrap up on the 4th. Then, only a couple of days before Opening Day. What's Different?In order to make up the missed week, the teams will play three extra games at the end of the regular season. The other missed games will be made up by playing double-headers. Those will be of the 9-inning variety, too. Gone are the 7-inning DH's. Speaking of "DH's," another difference this year is that the National League will now be using designated hitters. Also , there will no longer be a runner on second base to begin extra innings. Additionally, the playoff format has changed; 12 teams will now make it, instead of 10. Top Free AgentsThere are some pretty big names out there and they're likely to start finding new homes quite quickly. Remember, teams and players haven't been able to talk. Carlos Correa tops the list. Needless to say, he'll be getting a huge deal. Coming off a strong 2021, Carlos Rodón is likely the top free agent starting pitcher. Naturally, the Yankees are reported to be in the mix for both. Some other notable names include: Story, Soler, Schwarber, Jansen, Freeman, Castellanos, Kikuchi and Bryant. Seiya Suzuki, a 27-year old power hitter from Japan, is another name you're likely to hear. Who's Expected To Be Good?The Dodgers are favored to win the World Series. Other contenders include the Astros, Yankees, Mets, White Sox, Blue Jays and Braves. To say that I was relieved by the news would be an understatement. Baseball is one of my very favorite sports to watch and handicap. Not just because I'm coming off back-to-back really strong baseball campaigns either. March Madness will have the bulk of my attention over the next few weeks but I'll also be keeping a close eye on spring training. While I don't plan to attend any games this year, I'll still be digesting as much info as possible. Bring on Opening Day!

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