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Big 12 Dark Horse to Win the National Title

by ASA, Inc.

Friday, Mar 12, 2021

In 1985 the NCAA expanded its basketball tournament to allow 64 teams into the field. Since then, no team higher than an 8 seed has won the championship and over half of the winners came from number 1 seeds. That is not surprising considering again this year that any of the top 10 teams in the nation feel like they have a legitimate chance to make it all the way. Any team outside the top 25 historically has almost no chance to win the tournament, so a team that could have great return on investment is Texas Tech (+4500) found at BookMaker. The Red Raiders were runners-up the last time the tournament took place so coach Chris Beard knows what buttons to push to get his guys playing their best. Back court play is critical in the big dance and Texas Tech has three guards averaging double figures on the season. Terrance Shannon and Kyler Edwards can fill it up but Mac McClung leads the way averaging 16 ppg. His energy and emotion are what drive this team and make them must-watch TV. Mac mania could pave the way for another Texas Tech Final Four run and set the college basketball world on fire.     Big 12 Teams in National Rankings + National Championship Odds (BookMaker) 2. Baylor +42510. West Virginia +260011. Kansas +360012. Oklahoma St +4300 13. Texas +400020. Texas Tech +450025. Oklahoma +8500 The Big 12 was an absolute gauntlet this season, and it has five teams ranked ahead of Texas Tech. The Big 12 tournament will had some great matchups and Tech lost 67-66 opener vs Texas despite holding a 10 point lead in the 2nd half.  Now they rest up and get ready for the Big Dance.  For +4500 return on investment the former runners-up pose some of the best odds for a team we feel has a legitimate shot to get to the 2nd weekend and potential the Final 4.  And, at 45/1, the opportunity to hedge if the Red Raiders get into the Elite 8 will be fantastic.     

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NCAA Basketball: Florida State/North Carolina Preview, Odds and Prediction

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Mar 12, 2021

The semifinals of the ACC tournament concludes with North Carolina and Florida State completing their season trilogy. The ESPN tip-off will be 30 minutes after the end of the Georgia Tech-Virginia opening game at 6:30 PM ET. A 9 PM ET start is likely. North Carolina won their third straight game and their sixth game in their last eight, with an 81-73 victory against Virginia Tech as a 0.5-point favorite yesterday. Armando Bacot scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half to help lift the Tar Heels to the victory. The sophomore pulled down 13 rebounds, and he leads the team with a 12.2 points-per-game scoring average and an 8.0 rebounds-per-game average. Freshman R.J. Davis scored 19 points to improve his 8.6 points-per-game number. Roy Williams has his team peaking in March. During their three-game winning streak, they are averaging 91 points-per-game, which is almost a 17 points-per-game improvement over the 74.2 points-per-game they were averaging after their last setback on March 1st to Syracuse. Williams’ experienced his worst record as the North Carolina head coach last year, with his team finishing with a 14-19 record. While Cole Anthony moved on to the NBA from that team, Williams did see most of the contributors last season return. He buttressed that group with one of the top-three incoming freshmen classes in the nation with three five-star recruits and three four-star recruits (including Davis).The Tar Heels lead the nation by rebounding 41.1% of their missed shots. After only pulling down two missed shots in the first half yesterday, they grabbed 13 offensive rebounds in the second half to pull away from the Hokies. North Carolina is 49th in adjusted offensive efficiency at kenpom. This team struggles to make baskets. They have an effective field goal percentage of 48.9% this season, 22nd nationally, dragged down by their 31.6% clip with 3-point attempts, 273rd nationally. They are only converting 49.5% of their shots inside the arc, 186th nationally. The Tar Heels are 16th at kenpom in adjusted defensive efficiency. With an 18-9 record overall and a 10-6 mark in the ACC, North Carolina ranks 26th in the kenpom ratings. Those marks rank 265th and 288th in the country. The Tar Heels are crashing the boards like a typical Williams-coached team as they rank third in the nation by rebounding 41.4% of their missed shots. Florida State got an unexpected day off yesterday when Duke pulled out of the ACC tournament after a positive COVID test. The Seminoles last played on Saturday when they were upset at Notre Dame, 84-46, as a 10.5-point favorite. That loss cost them the top seed in this tournament. Freshman Scottie Barnes scored 17 points in the losing effort, and junior RaiQuan Smith contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds. Barnes is averaging 10.4 points-per-game, and Smith is adding 12.4 points-per-game. Senior M.J. Walker leads the team with a 13.1 points-per-game scoring average. Leonard Hamilton’s team is 15th in the AP poll with a 15-5 record, and they finished 11-4 in the conference. Their five losses are against Georgia Tech, Clemson, these Tar Heels, and Irish on Saturday, with a non-conference loss to Central Florida. The Seminoles have non-conference victories against Florida and Indiana. They had three games canceled in January due to COVID issues. Florida State ranks 11th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency at kenpom. They are 16th in the nation with an offensive rebounding rate of 35.2%, and they are making 38.5% of their 3-pointers, 13th nationally. The Seminoles ranks 46th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. They have an opponent’s field goal percentage of 44.2% inside the arc, which is the 11th lowest mark in the nation.These two teams split their two regular-season encounters. Florida State won at home, 82-75, as a 3.5-point favorite on January 16th. North Carolina returned the favor in Chapel Hill on February 27th as a 2-point underdog, 78-70.BookMaker lists Florida State as a 2.5-point favorite with the total set at 151.5.Computer prediction:  Florida State 77 North Carolina 73

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAA Basketball, NBA, NHL and EPL Previews and Odds - 03/12/2021

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Mar 12, 2021

The Friday sports card features action in NCAA basketball, the NBA, the NHL, and the English Premier League.The college basketball conference tournament card tips off at 11:30 AM ET with Michigan playing Maryland, with the fourth-ranked Wolverines an 8-point favorite with the total set at 133 (all odds from BetOnline). Alabama faces Mississippi State on ESPN at noon PM ET. The sixth-ranked Crimson Tide is an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 141.5. Western Kentucky battles UAB on the CBS-Sports Network as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 136. Tennessee plays Florida on ESPN at 2 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with the total at 133. SMU faces Cincinnati on ESPN2 at 3 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 143.5. North Texas goes against Louisiana Tech on the CBS Sports Network at 3 PM ET. Toledo battles Ohio on the CBS Sports Network at 5 PM ET as a 3.5-point favorite with the total at 156.5. Seton Hall faces Georgetown on FS1 at 6 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 142. Iona plays Niagara on ESPN News at 6 PM ET as a 6-point favorite with the total of 133. Baylor plays Oklahoma State on ESPN at 6:30 PM ET in a battle of top-twenty teams from the Big 12. The Bears are ranked second by the Associated Press, while the Cowboys are ranked 12th. Baylor is a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 150.5. Virginia faces Georgia Tech on ESPN2 at 6:30 PM ET. The 16th-ranked Cavaliers are a 4-point favorite with the total at 128.5. Houston battles Tulane on ESPNU at 7 PM ET. The seventh-ranked Cougars are a 17.5-point favorite with an over/under of 132.5. Buffalo goes against Akron on the CBS Sports Network at 7:30 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with a total of 153.5. The 15th-ranked and rested Florida State Seminoles play North Carolina on ESPN at 9 PM ET.  The Seminoles are favored by 2.5, with a total of 151. The 17th-ranked Creighton Blue Jays battle UConn on FS1 at 9 PM ET.  The game is a Pk'em, with a total of 143.5.  San Diego State plays Nevada on the CBS Sports Network at 9:30 PM ET as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139. Memphis goes against Central Florida on ESPNU at 10 PM ET, with the Tigers a 6.5-point favorite with a total of 135. The 24th-ranked USC Trojans play Colorado on ESPN at 11:30 PM ET.  Colorado is favored by 1.5, with a total of 133. UC-Riverside faces UC-Irvine on ESPNU at midnight.  The Anteaters are 1.5-point favorites, with a total of 123.5.  Colorado State battles Utah State on the CBS Sports Network at midnight.  The Aggies are favored by 4, and the total is 137.5.Seven games are on the NBA schedule. Three games begin the card at 8 PM ET. The Los Angeles Lakers host Indiana at 10:30 PM ET to conclude the card as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 217. None of the games are on national television.Five games are on the NHL docket. Two games begin the slate at 8 PM ET. Anaheim plays at home against San Jose at 10 PM ET as a -105 moneyline favorite with a total of 5.5.Matchweek 28 in the English Premier League begins at 3 PM ET with Aston Villa visiting Newcastle United as a -0.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.25. The match is on the NBC Peacock app.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NCAA Basketball, and NHL Previews and Odds - 03/11/2021

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Mar 11, 2021

The Thursday sports card features action in NCAA basketball, the NBA, and the NHL.The busy conference tournament college basketball card tips off at 11 AM ET with Toledo playing Ball State as a 2-point favorite with the total set at 154.5 (all odds from BetOnline).Villanova plays Georgetown on FS1 at noon ET. The Wildcats are ranked 14th nationally by the Associated Press, and they are an 8-point favorite with an over/under of 141. Virginia battles Syracuse on ESPN2. The Cavaliers are ranked 16th by the AP, and they are a 5-point favorite with the total at 133. Temple faces South Florida on ESPNU as a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 131.Baylor plays Kansas State on ESPN at 2 PM ET. The second-ranked Bears are a 19.5-point favorite, with the total at 136.5. Georgia Tech faces Miami (FL) on ESPN2 as a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 139. San Diego State goes against Wyoming on the CBS Sports Network at 3 PM ET. The 19th-ranked Aztecs are a 14.5-point favorite with total at 142. Seton Hall faces St. John’s on FS1 as a 1.5-point favorite with an over/under of 151. Tulsa plays Tulane on ESPNU as a 3-point favorite with the total set at 127. Boise State battles Nevada on the CBS Sports Network as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 146.5 at 5:30 PM ET. Creighton plays Butler on FS1. The 17th-ranked Bluejays are a 10-point favorite, with the total at 135.5. Kansas faces off against Oklahoma on ESPN2 at 6:30 PM ET. The 11th-ranked Jayhawks are a 2.5-point favorite against the 25th-ranked Sooners with an over/under of 138. Florida State plays Duke on ESPN. The 15th-ranked Seminoles are a 3-point favorite with a total of 153.5. Central Florida battles East Carolina on ESPNU as a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 134.5 at 7 PM ET.North Carolina battles 22nd-ranked Virginia Tech on ESPN as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 140 at 9 PM ET. Utah State faces UNLV on the CBS Sports Network as an 8.5-point favorite with an over/under of 136. UConn plays DePaul on FS1 as a 13-point favorite with a total of 134.5. Texas Tech goes against Texas on ESPN2 at 9:30 PM ET. The 20th-ranked Red Raiders are a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 135.5 against the 13th-ranked Longhorns. Colorado goes against California on ESPN at 11:30 PM ET. The Buffaloes are ranked 23rd nationally by the AP, and they are 16-point favorites with an over/under of 134. Colorado State battles Fresno State on the CBS Sports Network as a 9-point favorite with the total at 138. Ten games are on the NBA docket. A TNT doubleheader tips off at 7:35 PM ET with Brooklyn hosting Boston. The Nets return from the All-Star break with ten victories in their last eleven games after a 132-114 win at Houston as an 11-point favorite on March 3rd. The Celtics won their fourth game in a row with a 133-125 victory against Toronto on March 4th. Brooklyn is a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 234.5.Golden State travels to Los Angeles to face the Clippers in the TNT nightcap. The Warriors have lost three in a row after their 120-98 loss at Phoenix as a 13.5-point underdog on March 4th. The Clippers have lost three straight and five of seven after their 119-117 upset loss at Washington as an 8.5-point favorite on March 4th. Ten games are on the NHL card. Seven games start things off at 7 PM ET. The schedule concludes at 9 PM ET with Calgary hosting Montreal as a -109 money line favorite with the total set at 5.5. None of the games are on national television.  

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NCAA Basketball: TCU/Kansas State Preview, Odds and Prediction - 03/10/2021

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Mar 10, 2021

The Big 12 conference tournament begins at 6:30 PM ET, with Kansas State playing TCU in a battle of the eight and nine seeds. The winner has the unenviable task of attempting to upset top-seed Baylor tomorrow. The T-Mobile Center in Kansas City is the site for this event on ESPN.Kansas State comes into the Big 12 tournament with three wins in their last four games that reversed a 13-game losing streak. The Wildcats upset an Oklahoma team that was ranked seventh in the nation, at the time, on February 23rd. After a loss at West Virginia, Kansas State concluded their regular season with a 61-56 victory against Iowa State as a 5-point favorite last Saturday. Bruce Weber expected this to be a rebuilding season after returning only two starters with two other rotation players from the group that finished 11-22 last year. The Wildcats lost their top three scorers. Weber brought in eight new players to inject energy into the program. A five-member freshman class features Nigel Pack, who leads the team with a 12.0 points-per-game scoring average. The lone senior on the team is returning starter Mike McGuirl, second on the team with an 11.9 points-per-game average.Kansas State ranks 183rd in the nation in the kenpom ratings with an 8-19 record and a 4-14 mark in the conference. They are last in the Big 12 in adjusted offensive efficiency using the kenpom metrics. The Wildcats’ turnover rate of 22.5% in conference play is the highest in the Big 12, while their effective field goal percentage of 44.8% is the lowest. Kansas State is third-to-last in adjusted defensive efficiency. They limit their opponents to rebounding 28.0% of their missed shots which is second-best in the conference. TCU limps into the Big 12 tournament with three straight losses after a 76-64 setback to Texas as a 7.5-point underdog on March 7th. The Horned Frogs' only victory in their last seven games was against an Iowa State team winless in the conference. Jamie Dixon returned two starters and six rotational players from the group that was 16-16 last season. He also brought in former five-star recruit Chuck O’Bannon as a transfer from USC. They rank 127th in the kenpom ratings with a 12-13 record with a 5-11 conference mark. A win or two this week in the Big 12 tournament may be enough to earn an invitation to the NIT. Eleven of their losses are to teams who ranked in the top-48 at kenpom. TCU's highest-profile wins are a pair of upset victories against Oklahoma State.Junior R.J. Nembhard leads the team with a 15.9 points-per-game scoring average. Freshman Mike Miles is a rising star who is second on the team with a 13.8 points-per-game average.These two teams split their two regular-season encounters. TCU won the first meeting on January 2nd, 67-60, as a 3.5-point favorite in Manhattan. Kansas State returned the favor in Fort Worth on February 20th with a 62-54 upset victory as a 7-point underdog that snapped their 13-game slide. BookMaker lists TCU as a 3.5-point favorite with the total set at 127.Computer prediction:  TCU 65 Kansas State 60

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NHL, EPL, NCAA Basketball and UEFA Champions League - Previews and Odds - 03/10/21

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Mar 10, 2021

The Wednesday sports card features action in NCAA basketball, the NBA, NHL, the EPL, and the UEFA Champions League.The college basketball card tips off at 11 AM ET with Northern Colorado playing Sacramento State in the opening game of the Big Sky tournament. The Bears are a 2-point favorite with the total set at 133 (all odds from BetOnline).At 12 Noon, the ACC Tournament tips off with NC State battling Syracuse.  The Orange are 2.5-point favorites, with a total of 146.5.  At 2:30 pm, Miami-Fla tussles with Clemson.  The Tigers are favored by 9, with a total of 126.  Then, the Duke Blue Devils will try to keep their post-season hopes alive when they take on Louisville at 6:30pm.  Mike Kryzyzewski's men are favored by 3, with a total of 140.  The last game on the ACC docket is Notre Dame vs. North Carolina, at 9 pm.  The Tar Heels are 6.5-point favorites, with a total of 150.  All games will be broadcast on the ACC Network.Marquette plays Georgetown in the opening game of the Big East tournament at Madison Square Garden at 3 PM ET. The Golden Eagles improved to 13-13 with a 66-59 win against Xavier as a 2-point favorite on Saturday. The Hoyas dropped to 9-12 with a 98-82 loss at UConn as a 13.5-point underdog on Saturday. Marquette is a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 143. FS1 broadcasts the three Big East games on Wednesday.Army hosts Loyola-Maryland in a Patriot League tournament game on the CBS Sports Network at 5:30 PM ET. The Black Knights are a 2-point favorite, with the total at 134.5. Xavier plays Butler in the Big East tournament at 6 PM ET. The Musketeers, 13-7, have lost two in a row with a 66-59 loss at Marquette as a 2-point underdog on Saturday. The Bulldogs dropped to 9-14 with a 93-73 loss at Creighton as a 12.5-point underdog on Saturday. Xavier is a 6-point favorite with an over/under of 133.5. TCU battles Kansas State in the opening game of the Big 12 tournament on ESPN at 6 PM ET. The Horned Frogs fell to 12-13 with a 76-64 loss to Texas as a 7.5-point underdog on Sunday. The Wildcats raised their record to 8-19 with a 61-56 victory against Iowa State as a 5-point favorite on Saturday. TCU is a 4-point favorite with the total at 128.5. The Big 12 tournament is at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. Colgate plays at home against Bucknell in a Patriot League tournament game on the CBS Sports Network at 7:30 PM ET. The Raiders are a 14-point favorite at home with an over/under of 155.Providence faces DePaul in the Big East tournament at 9 PM ET. The Friars improved to 13-12 with a 54-52 upset win against Villanova as a 4-point underdog on Saturday. The Blue Demons, 4-13, lost their third in a row in a 77-71 loss to Marquette as a 5.5-point underdog on Saturday. Providence is a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 133.5.Oklahoma takes on Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament on ESPN at 9:30 PM ET. The Sooners, 14-9, lost their fourth in a row after a 69-65 upset loss to Texas as a 2-point favorite last Thursday. The Cyclones fell to 2-21 with a 61-56 loss at Kansas State as a 5-point underdog on Saturday. Oklahoma is an 11-point favorite, with the total at 141.5.The NBA returns after the All-Star Game break with two games. Memphis hosts Washington as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 238 at 8 PM ET. Dallas plays at home against San Antonio as a 4.5-point favorite with an over/under of 222.5 at 8:30 PM ET. Neither game is on national television.Five games are on the NHL docket. Vegas visits Minnesota on the NBC Sports Network at 7 PM ET. The Golden Knights had their six-game winning streak snapped on Monday with their 2-0 loss on the road against the Wild. Minnesota has won two of their last three games. Vegas is a -110 money line road favorite with the total set at 5.5.Los Angeles plays at Anaheim on the NBC Sports Network at 9:38 PM ET. The Kings have lost five of six after a 6-5 loss on the road to the Ducks on Monday. Anaheim has won two in a row. Los Angeles is a -123 money line road favorite with an over/under of 5.5.Matchweek 27 of the English Premier League concludes with Manchester City playing at home against Southampton on the NBC Sports Network at 1 PM ET. Man City is a -2 goal favorite with the total of 3.The UEFA Champions League continues with two second-leg matches in the Final 16 at 3 PM ET. Liverpool is at home against RB Leipzig after winning the opening match, 2-0. The Reds are a -0.25 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.75. PSG hosts Barcelona after defeating them in the reverse fixture by a 4-1 score. CBS All-Access broadcasts the games.

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NCAA Basketball: Gonzaga/BYU Preview, Odds and Prediction - 03/09/2021

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Mar 09, 2021

The championship game in the West Coast Conference tournament features the number one team in the nation on ESPN at 9 PM ET.Gonzaga reached the championship game with a 78-55 victory against Saint Mary’s as an 18.5-point favorite yesterday. Drew Timme paved the way with 18 points. The sophomore scores 18.9 points-per-game and averages 7.1 rebounds-per-game. Joey Ayayi added 16 points to improve his 11.5 points-per-game scoring average.  The Bulldogs are the last remaining undefeated team in the nation with a 25-0 record to accompany their number one ranking. They have rattled off 29 straight victories going back to last season, and they have won 22 in a row by double-digits. Gonzaga played a rigorous non-conference schedule that included powerhouses in Kansas, West Virginia, Virginia, and Iowa. The Bulldogs have the country's top adjusted offensive efficiency number according to metrics at kenpom. They are third nationally, with an effective field goal percentage of 57.5%. The Zags are 45th nationally and tops in the West Coast Conference in adjusted defensive efficiency at kenpom. They limit their opponents to rebound 22.7% of their missed shots, 16th best in the nation. They also have the seventh-lowest opponent free throw rate nationally. If there is a crack in the armor, it might start with their half-court defense. Their opponents have an effective field goal percentage of 47.6%, which is only 108th nationally. Mark Few returned three players from his seven-man rotation that finished 31-2 last season and looked poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament as a number one seed. Senior Corey Kispert leads the team this year with a 19.3 points-per-game after contributing 13.9 points-per-game last season. Kispert is also averaging 4.9 rebounds-per-game and 1.8 assists-per-game. Jalen Suggs is a five-star freshman who is averaging 14.0 points-per-game, 5.5 rebounds-per-game, and 4.5 assists-per-game. This group may be Few’s most talented roster in his 22 seasons as the Gonzaga head coach. BYU joined the Zags in the championship game late last night with an 82-77 victory in overtime against Pepperdine as an 8-point favorite. Alex Barcello scored 23 points to lead his team to the win. The senior is scoring 15.7 points-per-game while adding 4.5 rebounds-per-game and 4.6 assists-per-game. Matt Harms contributed 18 points. The 7’3 transfer from Purdue is scoring 11.0 points-per-game. Senior Brandon Averette poured in 16 points to improve his 11.4 points-per-game scoring average.Mark Pope lost five important pieces from the team that finished 24-8 in his first year with the program. He relied on the transfer market by bringing in six new players, including Haarms and Everette, who came over with him from Utah Valley, where he previously served as the head coach. Barcello and junior forward Kolby Lee were in the Cougars’ rotation last season. BYU ranks 24th in the kenpom rankings with a 20-5 record. They have quality wins against San Diego State, Utah State, St. John’s, and Utah. Their five losses are against USC, Boise State, Pepperdine, and these Zags twice. They take a 10-3 conference record into this game.The Cougars rank 30th in adjusted offensive efficiency at kenpom. They are an excellent shooting team with an effective field goal percentage of 55.0%, ranking 25th nationally. BYU makes 37.2% of their 3-pointers, 36th in the nation. They are 25th using the kenpom metrics in adjusted defensive efficiency. Their opponents make 45.2% of their shots inside the arc, 23rd nationally, and 31.7% of their 3-pointers, 67th nationally. Their opponent’s effective field goal percentage of 46.1% is 24th best. They also limit their opponents to rebounding 23.4% of their missed shots, ranking 24th nationally.Gonzaga swept the two regular-season meetings. The Bulldogs won at home, 86-69, on January 7th before defeating the Cougars in Provo, 82-71. BookMaker lists BYU as a 14-point favorite with the total set at 155.5.Computer prediction:  Gonzaga 87 BYU 71

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NCAA Basketball, NHL and UEFA Champions League Previews and Odds - 03/09/2021

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Mar 09, 2021

The Tuesday sports card features action in NCAA basketball, the NHL, and the UEFA Champions League.The college basketball begins at 2 PM ET in the opening round of the ACC Tournament with Miami (FL) playing Pittsburgh. The three games in the ACC tournament on Tuesday are on the ACC Network. The site for this tournament is the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Panthers are a 3-point favorite with the total set at 136.5 (all odds from BetOnline).Elon takes on Drexel in the championship game of the Colonial Athletic Association tournament on the CBS Sports Network at 7 PM ET. The Phoenix, 9-8, advanced to the finals by winning their seventh straight game on Monday in a 76-58 upset victory against Hofstra as a 6-point underdog. The Dragons, 11-7, joined them in the second semifinals game with their 74-67 win against Northeastern closing as a 1-point underdog. The Colonial Athletic Association tournament takes place at the Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia.Bryant hosts Mount St. Mary’s in the Northeast Conference Championship Game on ESPN2 at 7 PM ET. The Bulldogs, 15-5, won their fifth straight game with their 85-55 win against Sacred Heart as a 6.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Mountaineers, 11-10, won their third in a row with a 66-60 upset win at Wagner as a 4.5-point underdog. Bryant is a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 132.5.Oakland battles Cleveland State in the finals of the Horizon League tournament at 7 PM ET. The Grizzlies, 12-17, reached the championship game with a 69-58 upset win against Northern Kentucky as a 1.5-point underdog on Monday. The Vikings, 18-7, joined them with a 71-65 victory against Milwaukee as a 3.5-point favorite yesterday. The Horizon League tournament is at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis. ESPN has the broadcast. Cleveland State is a 2.5-point favorite with the total at 140.Gonzaga faces BYU in the championship game of the West Coast Conference tournament on ESPN at 9 PM ET. The number one ranked Bulldogs improved to 25-0 with a 78-55 win against Saint Mary’s as an 18.5-point favorite on Monday. The Cougars, 20-5, defeated Pepperdine, 82-77, in overtime as a 9-point favorite last night. The West Coast Conference tournament is at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Gonzaga is a 14-point favorite with an over/under of 155.5.Oral Roberts plays North Dakota State on ESPN2 at 9 PM ET in the Summit League Championship Game. The Golden Eagles, 15-10, reached the finals with a 90-88 upset win against South Dakota State as a 1-point underdog on Monday. The Bison improved to 15-11 with a 79-75 win against South Dakota yesterday as a 3-point favorite. The Summit League is at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. North Dakota State is a 1-point favorite with the total at 146.Nine games are on the NHL docket. Pittsburgh hosts the New York Rangers on the NBC Sports Network at 6 PM ET. The Penguins beat the Rangers by a 5-1 score on Sunday for their third win in their last four games. New York has won six of nine games even after that setback. Pittsburgh is a -150 money line favorite with the total at 6. Dallas is at home against Chicago on the NBC Sports Network at 8:30 PM ET. The Stars have lost four of five after a 4-3 defeat to Nashville on Sunday. The Blackhawks have lost two of their with their 6-3 setback to Tampa Bay on Sunday. Dallas is a -127 money line favorite with an over/under of 5.5.The UEFA Champions League returns for the second leg of the final 16 with two matches at 3 PM ET. Juventus plays at home against FC Porto as a -1.25 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.75. FC Porto won the first leg, 2-1, at home on February 17th. The CBS Sports Network has the broadcast. Borussia Dortmund is at home against Sevilla after winning the reverse fixture on the road by a 3-2 score on February 17th. They are -0.25 goal line favorite with the total at 3.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: EPL, NHL and NCAA Basketball Previews and Odds - 03/08/2021

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Mar 08, 2021

The Monday sports card features action in NCAA basketball, the NHL, and the English Premier League.The college basketball card tips off at 6 PM ET with the first game in the semifinals of the Colonial Athletic Association tournament between Elon and Hofstra. The Phoenix, 8-8, won their sixth straight game on Sunday with their 72-71 upset win against James Madison as a 4.5-point underdog. The Pride, 12-9, advanced to the semifinals with an 83-75 win against Delaware as a 3.5-point favorite on Sunday. The Colonial Athletic Association tournament is taking place at the Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The CBS Sports Network has the broadcast. Milwaukee plays Cleveland State at 6:30 PM ET in the first game of the Horizon League tournament semifinals. The Phoenix improved to 10-11 in the quarterfinals on Tuesday with a 94-92 upset victory in overtime at Wright State as a 13-point underdog. The Vikings improved to 17-7 in their last game on February 20th in a 108-104 win against IUPU-Fort Wayne as a 7.5-point favorite. The Horizon League semifinals are at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis. Cleveland State is a 3.5-point favorite with the total set at 140.5 (all odds from BetOnline).Appalachian State plays Georgia State in the Sun Belt Conference championship game on ESPN2 at 7 PM ET. The Mountaineers, 16-11,  advanced to the finals with a 64-61 upset win in overtime against Coast Carolina as a 5-point underdog on Sunday. The Panthers, 16-5, joined them in the finals with an 84-73 victory as a 4.5-point favorite against Louisiana as a 4.5-point favorite. The Sun Belt tournament is at the Pensacola Bay Center in Pensacola, Florida. Mercer plays UNC-Greensboro in the Southern Conference championship game on ESPN at 7 PM ET. The Bears, 18-10, reached the finals with a 73-59 win against VMI as a 1.5-point favorite on Sunday. The Spartans, 20-8, advanced on Sunday with their 77-65 win against East Tennessee State as a 3.5-point favorite. The Southern Conference tournament is at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, North Carolina. Saint Mary’s plays Gonzaga on ESPN at 9 PM in the first game of the West Coast Conference semifinals. The Gaels, 13-4, won the third game in their last four on Saturday in the quarterfinals with their 52-47 win against Loyola-Marymount as a 5-point favorite. The Bulldogs are the number one ranked team in the nation with a 24-0 record. They last played on February 27th when they defeated Loyola-Marymount, 86-69, as a 25-point favorite. The semifinals of the WCC tournament are at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Gonzaga is a 17.5-point favorite with an over/under of 142.Drexel plays Northeastern in the second semifinals game in the Colonial Athletic Association tournament on the CBS Sports Network at 9:30 PM ET. The Dragons, 10-7, advanced from the quarterfinals on Sunday with an 80-75 win against the College of Charleston as a 4.5-point favorite. The Huskies improved to 10-8 with a 63-47 victory against William & Mary as a 7.5-point favorite on Sunday. Northern Kentucky plays Oakland University in the second semifinals game in the Horizon League tournament on ESPN2 at 9:30 PM ET. The Norse, 14-10, won their third game in their last four with a 70-69 upset win as a 1.5-point underdog against Detroit in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. The Grizzlies, 11-17, won their third game in their last four with an 87-83 victory against Youngstown State as a 3-point favorite in the quarterfinals last Tuesday. Northern Kentucky is a -1.5 point favorite, with the total at 148.5.Pepperdine plays BYU in the second semifinals game in the West Coast Conference tournament on ESPN2 at 11:30 PM ET. The Wave improved to 12-11 on Sunday with a 78-70 victory against Santa Clara as a 4-point favorite in the quarterfinals. The Cougars, 19-5, won their fourth straight game with a 65-51 win against Saint Mary’s as a 7.5-point favorite on February 27th. BYU is a 9-point favorite with an over/under of 148.5. Five games are on the NHL docket. The card begins at 8 PM ET with Vegas playing at Minnesota as a -113 money line road favorite with the total at 5.5. Two games close the slate at 10 PM ET. Montreal visits Vancouver as a -150 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6. Los Angeles travels to Anaheim as a -104 money line road favorite with the total at 5.5.Matchweek 27 of the English Premier League continues with two matches. Chelsea hosts Everton on the NBC Sports Network at 1 PM ET as a -1 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.5. West Ham United plays at home against Leeds United at 3 PM ET on the NBC Peacock app as a -0.5 goal line favorite with the total set at 2.75.

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NCAA Basketball: Texas Tech/Baylor Preview, Odds and Prediction - 03/07/2021

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Mar 07, 2021

A Big 12 showdown between two top-twenty teams tips off on ESPN at 4 PM ET. Texas Tech won their third in a row with an 81-54 victory against Iowa State as a 17.5-point favorite on Thursday. Mac McClung scored 20 points, with the junior leading the team with a 16.4 points-per-game scoring average. Chris Beard’s team is ranked 18th nationally by the Associated Press with a 17-8 record. This group is likely his most talented team in his five years as head coach of this program. While he lost three starters from the team that finished 18-13 last season, he was aggressive in attracting some high-level transfers while bringing in a good freshman class to join junior Kyler Edwards and sophomore Terrence Shannon. Some of the depth Beard had established diminished when five-star freshman Nimari Burnett decided to leave the team to transfer to another school midseason. He was averaging 17.7 minutes-per-game but only scoring 5.3 points-per-game. McClung is a transfer from Georgetown who has adapted to Beard’s system to lead the team with a 16.9 points-per-game scoring average. Shannon is second on the team by scoring 12.5 points-per-game. The Red Raiders are once again an outstanding defensive team under Beard. They are 17th in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency, according to kenpom. Texas Tech is tenth in the country by forcing turnovers in 23.7% of their opponent’s possessions. This team thrives in getting second-chance shots as they pull down 33.6% of their missed shots, 31st in the country. They also get to the free-throw line as they rank 17th in free throw rate. The weakness of this team is shooting the basketball. The Red Raiders make only 33.9% of their 3-pointers and 49.2% of their shots inside the arc, ranking 160th and 196th, respectively. Kenpom ranks their adjusted offensive efficiency at 35th nationally. Texas Tech improved to 9-7 in the Big 12, leaving them in seventh place. They have been defeated twice by Kansas, West Virginia, and Oklahoma State, with an additional loss to these Bears. They lost to Houston in non-conference action. Their highest-profile victories come from a pair of wins against Texas and Oklahoma each and LSU in non-conference play. Baylor clinched the Big 12 regular-season title on Tuesday with a 94-89 overtime win at West Virginia. The Bears followed that up on Thursday with an 81-70 victory at home against Oklahoma State as a 12.5-point favorite. Jared Butler scored 22 points to improve the junior’s team-high 17.1 points-per-game scoring average. Mario Teague added 19 points. The senior second on the team with a 14.9 points-per-game average. Matthew Mayer also poured in 19 points. The junior is fifth on the team with an 8.6 points-per-game average. Scott Drew has a deep rotation with nine players averaging over 12 minutes per game. Drew had six players return from the Baylor rotation that finished 26-4 last year.The Bears are 3-1 since returning from a three-week COVID hiatus. They rank third nationally by the AP with a 20-1 record. They have high-profile victories against Illinois, Oklahoma, Kansas, Oklahoma State (twice), Texas, West Virginia, and these Red Raiders. The lone blemish on their resume is a 71-58 loss at Kansas on February 27th. Baylor is third-best nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency, according to kenpom. They lead the nation with a 42.0% shooting percentage from 3-point land. They rank fourth in offensive rebounding by grabbing 37.1% of their missed shots. Drew’s team is also the 25th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency at kenpom. They force turnovers in 25.3% of their opponent’s possessions, ranking third nationally. If there was a weakness to this team, it is with their defensive rebounding. Baylor allows their opponents to rebound 30.9% of their missed shots, 279th in the nation. The Bears do not get many freebies on the charity stripe, given a free throw rate that ranks 291st nationally.Baylor won the first meeting between these two teams in Lubbock by a 68-60 score as a 4.5-pint favorite on January 16th. BookMaker lists the Bears as an 8-point favorite with the total set at 137.Computer prediction:  Baylor 70 Texas Tech 64

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Big Al's Daily Angle: EPL, NHL, NBA and NCAA Basketball Previews and Odds - 03/07/2021

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Mar 07, 2021

The Sunday sports card features action in NCAA basketball, the NBA, the NHL, and the English Premier League.The college basketball card tips off at 11 AM ET with Delaware playing Hofstra in the quarterfinals of the Colonial Athletic tournament at the Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisburg, Virginia. The Pride is a 3.5-point favorite with the total set at 139.5 (all odds from BetOnline). Houston hosts Memphis on CBS at noon ET. The Cougars are ranked ninth in the Associated Press poll with a 20-3 record. They won their fifth game in their last six with their 98-52 victory against South Florida as an 18.5-point favorite last Sunday. The Tigers, 15-6, won their sixth straight game with a 73-52 victory at South Florida last Tuesday. Houston is a 9.5-point favorite with an over/under of 134. Tennessee plays at home against Florida on ESPNU as a 4.5-point favorite, with the total at 137.5. Winthrop is at home against Campbell in the Big South conference tournament championship game on ESPN as an 11.5-point favorite with an over/under of 142.5. Iowa hosts Wisconsin on Fox at 12:30 PM ET. The Hawkeyes rank fifth in the nation with a 19-7 record. They won their sixth game in their last seven games with a 102-64 victory against Nebraska as a 17.5-point favorite on Thursday. The Badgers are 25th by the AP with a 16-10 record. They lost their fourth game in their last five with their 73-69 loss at Purdue as a 2-point underdog on Tuesday. Iowa is a 6-point favorite with a total of 144.North Alabama plays Liberty in the Atlantic Sun tournament championship game at the UNF Arena in Jacksonville, Florida on ESPN at 2 PM ET. The Flames are a 13.5-point favorite with the over/under of 133.5. Drake plays Loyola-Illinois on CBS at 2:10 PM ET in the championship game of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Baylor plays at home against Texas Tech on ESPN at 4 PM ET. The Bears are ranked third by the AP with a 20-1 record after they defeated Oklahoma State, 81-70, as a 12.5-point favorite on Thursday. The Red Raiders are 18th in the AP poll with a 17-8 record. They won their third straight game with an 81-54 victory against Iowa State as a 17.5-point favorite on Thursday. Baylor is an 8-point favorite with the total at 138. Michigan plays at Michigan State on CBS at 4:30 PM ET. The Wolverines are second in the nation with a 19-2 record. They defeated the Spartans, 69-50, as an 11.5-point favorite on Thursday. Michigan State has lost two of three since upsetting Ohio State. Michigan is an 8-point road favorite with an over/under of 137.ESPNU broadcasts the two semifinal games in the Southern Conference tournament at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, North Carolina. East Tennessee State plays UNC-Greensboro at 5 PM ET. Mercer goes against VMI at 7:30 PM ET. Oregon travels to Oregon State on FS1 at 8 PM ET. The Ducks, 18-5, defeated UCLA by an 82-74 score as a 6-point favorite on Wednesday. The Beavers, 14-11, have won three in a row with their 75-70 upset win at Utah as a 5.5-point underdog on Wednesday. Oregon is a 5.5-point road favorite with the total at 136.Eight games are on the NHL docket. Buffalo plays at New York against the Islanders on NBC at noon ET.  The Sabres lost their sixth in a row with their 5-2 loss to New York on Saturday. The Islanders have won four in a row. Tampa Bay visits Chicago on the NBC Sports Network at 2 PM ET. The Lightning had their five-game winning streak snapped on Friday with their 4-3 loss on the road against the Blackhawks. Chicago has won four of their last six games. Tampa Bay is a -186 money line road favorite with an over/under of 6. Boston hosts New Jersey on the NBC Sports Network at 5 PM ET. The Bruins beat Washington by a 5-1 score on Friday, while the Devils lost to the New York Rangers, 6-3, yesterday. Boston is a -115 money line favorite with a total of 6. Pittsburgh is at home against the New York Rangers on the NBC Sports Network at 7:30 PM ET. The Penguins defeated Philadelphia by a 4-3 score yesterday, while the Rangers won their fifth game in their last seven against New Jersey yesterday. Pittsburgh is a -141 money line favorite with an over/under of 6.The NBA All-Star Game will be played at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta at 8 PM ET on TNT. Team LeBron is a 4-point favorite against Team Durant, with the total at 314. The Dunk Contest will be at halftime. The 3-Point Contest and Skills Competition is at 6:30 PM ET on TNT.Matchweek 27 in the English Premier League continues with four matches on the NBC Sports Network. West Bromwich Albion hosts Newcastle United at 7 AM ET as a -0.25 goal line favorite with the total at 2.25. Liverpool plays at home against Fulham at 9 AM ET as a -1.25 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.75. Manchester City is at home against Manchester United at 11:30 AM ET as a -1 goal line favorite with the total of 2.75. Tottenham hosts Crystal Palace at 2:15 PM ET as a -1 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: EPL, NHL, and NCAA Basketball Previews and Odds - 03/06/2021

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Mar 06, 2021

The Saturday sports card features action in NCAA basketball, the NHL, and the English Premier League.The college basketball card tips off at noon ET. Florida State plays at Notre Dame on ESPN2. The Seminoles are ranked 11th in the nation in the Associated Press poll and are 6.5-point road favorites with the total set at 153 (all odds from BetOnline). Kentucky hosts South Carolina on ESPN as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 150. UConn plays at home against Georgetown on CBS as a 10-point favorite with the total at 137. Rutgers visits Minnesota on Fox as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 140.5.Indiana State plays Loyola-Chicago in the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference  in Saint Louis on the CBS Sports Network at 1 PM ET. The Ramblers are ranked 20th nationally by the AP.West Virginia is at home against Oklahoma State on ESPN2 at 2 PM ET. The Mountaineers are ranked 6th nationally by the AP, and the Cowboys are ranked 17th. West Virginia is a 6-point favorite with the total at 148.5. Alabama travels to Georgia on CBS. The 8th ranked Crimson Tide is an 8-point road favorite with an over/under of 156. Purdue hosts Indiana on ESPN. The 23rd-ranked Boilermakers are a 7-point favorite, with the total at 134. Utah plays at home against Arizona State on FS1 as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 147. Villanova visits Providence on Fox at 2:30 PM ET. The 10th-ranked Wildcats are a 4.5-point road favorite with the total at 139.Ohio State is at home against Illinois on ESPN at 4 PM ET. The Buckeyes are ranked 7th by the AP, with the Fighting Illini ranked 4th nationally. Ohio State is a 2-point favorite with an over/under of 150.5. Virginia plays at Louisville on ESPN2, with the 21st-ranked Cavaliers a 2-point road favorite with the total at 121.5. USC visits UCLA on CBS as a 2-point road favorite with an over/under of 135. Missouri State plays Drake in the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament in St. Louis on the CBS Sports Network. Creighton hosts Butler on Fox at 5 PM ET. The 14th-ranked Bluejays are a 12.5-point favorite with a total of 134. North Carolina plays at home against Duke on ESPN at 6 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 148. Seton Hall visits St. John’s on FS1 at 7 PM ET as a 1-point road favorite, with the total at 152.5. Morehead State plays Belmont in the finals of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament in Evansville, Indiana on ESPN at 8 PM ET.Loyola-Marymount plays Saint Mary’s in the quarterfinals of the West Coast Conference tournament in Las Vegas on ESPNU at 9 PM ET. Davidson plays VCU in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 tournament in Richmond on the CBS Sports Network. Marquette is at home against Xavier on FS1 as a 1.5-point favorite, with the total at 144.Utah State travels to Fresno State on FS1 as an 8.5-point road favorite with an over/under 132.5 at 11 PM ET. Wyoming hosts UNLV on the CBS Sports Network as a 1-point favorite with a total of 145. Santa Clara plays Pepperdine in the quarterfinals of the West Coast Conference in Las Vegas at 11:59 PM ET.Twelve games are on the NHL docket, with three games beginning the slate at 1 PM ET. The NHL card concludes at 10:30 PM ET with Vegas playing at San Jose. None of the games are on national television. Matchweek 27 in the English Premier League begins on Saturday with four matches. Arsenal plays at Burnley on the NBC Sports Network at 7:30 AM ET as a -0.75 goal line road favorite with the total set at 2.5. Southampton travels to Sheffield United on the NBC Sports Network at 10 AM ET as a -0.25 goal line road favorite with an over/under of 2.25. Aston Villa hosts Wolverhampton on NBC at 12:30 PM ET as a -0.25 goal line favorite with the total at 2.25. Leicester City visits Brighton and Hove Albion on the NBC Peacock app at 3 PM ET in a pick ‘em matchup with an over/under of 2.25.

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