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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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NCAA Basketball: Ohio State/Illinois Preview, Odds and Prediction - 03/06/2021

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Mar 06, 2021

ESPN features a Big Ten showdown between two of the top ten teams in the country at 4 PM ET. Illinois dominated number-two ranked Michigan in Ann Arbor in a 76-53 upset win as an 8.5-point underdog on Tuesday. Brad Underwood was without Ayo Dosunmu for the third-straight game but got big-time performances from his supporting cast. Senior Trent Frazier scored 22 points to improve upon his 10.9 points-per-game scoring average. Andre Curbelo added another 17 points with the freshman averaging 8.4 points-per-game this season. Kofi Cockburn contributed 12 points. The 7’0 sophomore averages 17.5 points-per-game while adding 9.8 rebounds-per-game. The Fighting Illini have won ten of their last eleven games.Dosunmu is out indefinitely with a broken nose. The junior point guard is averaging 21.0 points-per-game, 6.3 rebounds-per-game, and 5.3 assists-per-game. Dosunmu and Cockburn were two of five returning starters from the team last year that finished 21-10.Illinois ranks fourth in the nation by the Associated Press with a 19-6 record. The Illini earned an impressive non-conference victory against Duke in December. Underwood’s team is second in the Big Ten with a 15-4 mark with wins against Iowa, Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana (twice), and the Wolverines. Illinois has conference losses to these Buckeyes, Michigan State, Rutgers, and Maryland and non-conference losses to Baylor and Missouri. The Fighting Illini are ninth in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency at kenpom. They rank 18th nationally with a 38.3% shooting percentage from 3-point land, and they rank 20th with a 55.2% mark inside the arc. Illinois is eighth nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency using the kenpom metrics. They limit their opponents to rebounding 22.1% of their missed shots, 13th nationally. Their opponents make 44.7% of their 2-point shots, ranking 17th nationally. Ohio State has lost three in a row in eight days after their 73-57 upset loss at home to Iowa as a 2-point favorite on Sunday. E.J. Liddell scored 15 points in a losing effort. The sophomore leads the team that goes eleven deep on their bench with a 15.9 points-per-game scoring average. Justice Sueing added 10 points, with the junior scoring 10.3 points-per-game. Duane Washington only had 7 points to dip his scoring average down to a 15.3 points-per-game scoring clip.Chris Holtmann returned five of the nine players that played at least 10 minutes per game last year for the group that finished 21-10 with nine wins in their final twelve Big Ten games. Holtmann then added three impact transfers in the offseason: Abel Porter started at point guard at Utah State; Justice Sueing scored 14.6 points-per-game as a sophomore at California; Seth Towns was a former Ivy League Player of the Year at Harvard.The Buckeyes opened the Big Ten season by losing two of their first three games before winning ten of their next eleven games to elevate to fourth in the AP poll with talk of them earning a number one seed in the NCAA tournament. Ohio State has since lost to Michigan, Michigan State, and then the Hawkeyes in the gauntlet that is the Big Ten schedule. They have fallen to fifth place in the highly-competitive conference with a 12-7 record. Ohio State has lost to Minnesota, Northwestern, and twice to Purdue on top of their recent setbacks. The Buckeyes have defeated Purdue while notching two wins apiece against defeated Wisconsin, Maryland, and Rutgers. They also have a resume-building victory against UCLA in non-conference play. With an 18-7 overall record, Ohio State ranks seventh in the current Associated Press poll. The Buckeyes are fourth in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency, according to the numbers at kenpom. They are 29th in free throw rate. Ohio State is 79th in adjusted defensive efficiency at kenpom. Holtmann’s team has fallen to ninth in the Big Ten with an opponent's effective field goal percentage of 49.9%.Ohio State won the first meeting between these two teams on January 16th in an 87-81 upset victory in Champagne as a 3.5-point underdog. BetAnySports lists the Buckeyes as a 2-point favorite with the total set at 151.Computer prediction:  Ohio State 77 Illinois 72

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NBA, NCAA Basketball and NHL Previews and Odds - 03/05/2021

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Mar 05, 2021

The Friday sports card features action in NCAA basketball and the NHL. The college basketball card begins at 11 AM ET with the first of four games in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 tournament. Duquesne plays against St. Bonaventure at the E.J. Wade Arena in the Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia. The Dukes, 9-8, upset Richmond yesterday, 67-62, as a 3.5-point underdog. The Bonnies, 13-4, last played on Monday when they lost to Dayton, 55-52, as a 5.5-point favorite. St. Bonaventure is a 7.5-point favorite with the total set at 129.5 (all odds from BetOnline) on the NBC Sports Network.UMass plays St. Louis at 1 PM ET at the Robins Center in Richmond, Virginia in the second quarterfinals contest in the Atlantic 10 tournament. The Minutemen, 8-6, defeated Saint Joseph’s yesterday, 100-66, as an 8-point favorite. The Billikens improved to 13-5 with a 78-57 win against UMass as an 11-point favorite on Monday. Saint Louis is an 8-point favorite with the over/under at 143.5 on the NBC Sports Network. Dayton plays VCU at 3:30 PM ET at the Wade Center in Richmond in the third game in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 tournament. The Flyers raised their record to 14-8 with an 84-72 win against Rhode Island as a 3.5-point favorite yesterday. The Rams fell to 17-6 with a 65-57 loss at Davidson as a 3.5-underdog on Saturday. VCU is a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 133.5 on the NBC Sports Network.Monmouth plays at Rider on ESPNU at 4 PM ET. The Hawks improved to 11-7 with their 77-74 win at Rider as a 5.5-point favorite yesterday. The Broncs fell to 5-15 with the loss. Monmouth is a 5.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 153.5.George Mason plays Davidson at 5:30 PM ET at the Robins Center in Richmond in the final game of the Atlantic 10 quarterfinals. The Patriots, 12-8, defeated George Washington yesterday by a 73-59 score as a 7.5-point favorite. The Wildcats raised their record to 12-7 with a 65-57 win against VCU on Saturday. Davidson is a 5.5-point favorite with the total at 131 on the NBC Sports Network.Buffalo hosts Kent State at 6 PM ET on ESPNU. The Bulls, 13-7, won their fourth straight game with an 80-78 win against Akron as a 6.5-point favorite on Tuesday. The Golden Flashes, 15-6, won their fifth game in their last six with their 64-51 upset victory at Miami (OH) as a 6-point underdog. Buffalo is a 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 154.5.Jacksonville State plays Belmont at 8 PM ET in the semifinals of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament at Evansville, Indiana. The Gamecocks, 18-8, won their fourth game in a row with their 68-65 upset win against Murray State as a 3.5-point underdog yesterday. The Bruins improved to 25-3 with a 78-61 victory against SIU-Edwardsville as a 19-point favorite yesterday. Belmont is a 7.5-point favorite with the total at 146 on ESPNU. Colorado State visits Nevada on the CBS Sports Network at 9 PM ET. The Rams, 17-4, won their fifth straight game with an 87-73 victory against New Mexico as a 19-point favorite on Wednesday. The Wolf Pack fell to 13-9 on Sunday with an 87-66 loss at Utah State as a 9.5-point underdog. Colorado State is a 1-point road favorite with an over/under of 145.Eastern Kentucky plays Morehead State at 10:30 PM ET in the second semifinals game in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament at Evansville. The Colonels, 22-7, won their seventh game in their last eight with a 70-67 victory against Austin Peay as a 3-point favorite yesterday. The Eagles, 21-7, won their fourth in a row with a 61-54 win against SE Missouri State as a 7.5-point favorite yesterday. Morehead State is a 1-point favorite with a total of 142 on ESPNU.Six games are on the NHL docket. The slate begins at 7 PM with Boston hosting Washington as a -133 money line favorite with an over/under of 6. The card concludes at 10:30 PM ET with Vegas traveling to San Jose as a -213 money line road favorite with the total at 6. None of the games are on national television.

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NCAA Basketball: Colorado State/Nevada Preview, Odds and Prediction - 03/05/2021

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Mar 05, 2021

Two Mountain West Conference teams jockey for positioning for the conference tournament at 9 PM ET on the CBS Sports Network.Colorado State won their fifth straight game with an 87-73 victory against New Mexico as a 19-point favorite on Wednesday. Adam Thistlewood scored a career-high 27 points in the victory, with the junior fourth on the team with a 10.3 points-per-game scoring average. Isaiah Stevens added nine points with ten assists. The sophomore is scoring 14.8 points-per-game and averaging 5.9 assists-per-game. Junior Kendle Moore added 17 points to his 10.7 points-per-game average. David Roddy contributed 12 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists. The sophomore is averaging 16.1 points-per-game and 9.6 rebounds-per-game.The Rams returned four of their top five scores and seven players in the rotation from the group that finished 20-12 last season for head coach Niko Medved. This year’s team is 17-4 while being tied for first place in the Mountain West Conference with a 14-3 record. Colorado State is on the NCAA tournament bubble, with most mocks projecting them as an eleven seed. They are ranked 60th in the kenpom rating with high-profile wins against San Diego State and Utah State. Their four losses are against the Aztecs and Aggies along with Boise State and a setback to Saint Mary’s in non-conference play.Colorado State is one of the best shooting teams in the nation. The Rams made 57.7% of their shots inside the arc, sixth-best nationally. They also make 37.1% of their 3-pointers, ranking 37th nationally. The Rams hit 78.3% of their free throws, 16th nationally. Their effective field goal percentage of 56.8% is seventh-best in the nation. Colorado State ranks 85th in adjusted offensive efficiency at kenpom and 46th in adjusted defensive efficiency using the kenpom metrics. They are 14th nationally by holding their opponents to a 28.8% shooting percentage from 3-point range. Nevada had been on a four-game winning streak before losing both their games at Utah State last week. The Wolf Pack last played on Sunday in an 87-66 loss to the Aggies as a 9.5-point underdog. Desmond Cambridge, Jr. led the team with 13 points, with the junior scoring 15.5 points-per-game. Sophomore Grant Sherfield averages a team-high 18.0 points-per-game. Steve Alford oversaw a Nevada team that finished 19-12 last season, including a surprising 12-6 in Mountain West Conference play, which was good for second place. Yet five of the top six scorers from that team departed, leaving Alford to rebuild this team nearly from scratch from bench players, freshmen, and transfer players. Sherfield is a transfer from Wichita State that was granted eligibility in the fall from the NCAA’s blanket transfer exception policy this year due to COVID. Cambridge is a transfer from Brown. The Wolf Pack are 14-9 with a 9-7 mark in conference play to put them in fifth place. They rank 98th nationally by the kenpom ratings. They are fifth in adjusted offensive efficiency while having the top free throw rate in the conference. Nevada is fifth in adjusted defensive efficiency in the MWC while ranking fourth with an opponent’s effective field goal percentage of 48.5%. They have a bad loss to Air Force on their resume while playing two close games against San Diego State in 2-point and 5-point losses. Their best wins were a two-game sweep at home against Boise State in early February before they went on a three-week COVID hiatus. They returned to play in their two losses in Logan against Utah State last week.This contest is the first meeting between these two teams this season. BookMaker lists this game as a pick ‘em with the total set at 144.5.Computer prediction:  Nevada 73 Colorado State 70

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NHL Stanley Cup Dark Horses

by Sean Murphy

Thursday, Mar 04, 2021

As we approach the midway point of this unique 2021 NHL regular season, it's time to give some attention to Stanley Cup futures. Here's a look at four 'dark horses' to consider as we flip the calendar page to March.St. Louis Blues 23-1I'll admit this play has a little more to do with the lofty price than the team itself. I do feel the Blues have a considerably better than 23-1 shot at hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup. While there have been some bumps in the road, St. Louis has hung in there through the first month-and-a-half of the season and should enter the playoffs in second or third spot in the West Division. It's easy to forget that this is a team that just won it all back in 2019 - which does feel like a lifetime ago. With Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester no longer in the mix, the Blues have had to change their identity but I'm confident they'll continue to find their way. Offseason acquisitions Torey Krug and Justin Faulk have helped solidify their blue line, contributing 23 points in 22 games. New York Islanders 28-1I'm quite surprised we're being offered such a generous price to back the Isles, who currently sit tied atop the East Division standings. Perhaps it's their reputation as a perennial loser over the last few decades - let's face it, the early-80's dynasty is nothing but a memory at this point. I like what they're building on Long Island though, and certainly believe in Stanley Cup-winning head coach Barry Trotz. With the solid defensive system they have in place and their wealth of talent led by budding superstar Matthew Barzal up front, this is a team that could make some noise in what I believe is a fairly wide open field. Pittsburgh Penguins 30-1As long as Sidney Crosby is around, you can't count out the Penguins. While Pittsburgh currently sits on the outside looking in as far as the playoff picture goes (by percentage points only), I believe this is a team capable of going on a solid run and overtaking the Flyers for fourth spot in the East Division. We've already seen that the Pens can handle the rival Capitals, who currently sit top the East so finishing lower in the division isn't a huge concern. While staying healthy will be paramount with a lack of scoring depth and goaltender Tristan Jarry still needs to round into form, we're being offered an exceptional price to back a team that has the pedigree to go all the way this Spring.Calgary Flames 36-1This is a 'plug you nose and bet it' type of play as the Flames are severely wounded coming off six losses in their last eight games, including a pair of ugly blowout losses to the lowly Senators over the past week. I still like the upside they offer (especially at this price), even as they sit in fifth place in the North Division. There's no question Calgary's best hockey should lie ahead given its below-.500 record. I like the veteran leadership the Flames possess and feel they have a goaltender that is capable of getting hot and leading them on a deep postseason run (assuming they sneak in) in Jakob Markstrom. 

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NCAA Basketball: Texas/Oklahoma Preview, Odds and Prediction - 03/04/2021

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Mar 04, 2021

A Thursday ESPN doubleheader concludes at 9 PM ET in a rematch between two nationally-ranked teams from the Big 12.Texas has won four of their last six games with their 81-67 victory at Iowa State as a 12.5-point favorite on Tuesday. Courtney Ramey paced the team with 14 points to add to his 13.7 points-per-game scoring average. Andrew Jones leads the team with a 14.8 points-per-game clip. The Longhorns returned twelve players, including all five starters from last year. Smart added a likely one-and-done freshman in Greg Brown, who is contributing 10.7 points-per-game and 6.9 rebounds-per-game. Texas has six players scoring at least 8.1 points-per-game.Texas ranks 16th in the AP poll with a 15-7 record. They have several impressive victories against Indiana and North Carolina en route to winning the Maui Invitational while adding wins against Oklahoma State, West Virginia, and Kansas twice. Their seven losses are against Villanova, Texas Tech (twice), Oklahoma, Baylor, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia. Their 9-6 record in the Big 12 puts them in fifth place. Smart’s team has also had several games lost this season due to the COVID, with both the players and the coaching staff missing time.Texas ranks 25th in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency at kenpom. Their effective field goal percentage of 52.0% is second-best in the conference. On defense, the Longhorns are 34th in adjusted defensive efficiency fueled by their half-court defense as they hold their opponents to a 46.1% effective field goal percentage, 25th nationally.Oklahoma lost their third in a row on Monday in a 79-75 upset loss at Oklahoma State as a 2.5-point favorite. These three setbacks were by 13 combined points. Brady Manek stepped up with 20 points, four assists, and four rebounds in the loss. The senior is fourth on the team with a 10.4 points-per-game average. He has started the last six games at center after previously playing at power forward. Austin Reaves added 19 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, with the senior leading the way with 17.6 points-per-game, 5.7 rebounds-per-game, and 5.1 assists-per-game averages. Sophomore De’Vian Harmon contributed another 14 points to help his 13.0 points-per-game average. The Sooners are ranked 15th by the Associated Press with a 14-8 record. Lon Kruger’s team has high-profile victories against Kansas, Texas, West Virginia (twice), and Alabama in non-conference play. Seven of their losses are against teams ranked in the top-56 at kenpom: Baylor, Kansas, Texas Tech (twice), Oklahoma State (twice), and Xavier. A setback to Kansas State that ranks 183rd at kenpom is the lone blemish on their resume. Kruger has over 70% of the production return last year's 19-12 team. Oklahoma is 36th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency and 39th in defense at kenpom. The Sooners have been tough to score on inside the arc, with opponents making only 45.6% of their 2-point shots, 33rd nationally. But Oklahoma is allowing opposing shooters to convert 35.4% of their 3-pointers, 260th in the nation. The Sooners make the most of their scoring opportunities, with Reeves running the point. Oklahoma only turns the ball over in 15.5% of their possessions, ranking 19th nationally.Oklahoma won the first meeting between these two teams, 80-79, as a 3.5-point underdog in Austin on January 26th. Texas did not have starters Courtney Ramey and Jericho Sims and rotational players Jase Febres and Brock Cunningham, given COVID quarantine issues in that contest. All four of those players are back in the mix now. BetAnySports lists Oklahoma as a 2-point favorite with the total set at 143.Computer prediction:  Oklahoma 72 Texas 69

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Big Al's Daily Angle: EPL, NHL, NBA and NCAA Basketball Previews and Odds - 03/04/2021

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Mar 04, 2021

The Thursday sports card features action in NCAA basketball, the NBA, the NHL, and the English Premier League. The college basketball card begins at 11 AM ET with the first of four games in the second round of the Atlantic 10 tournament. All four games are on the NBC Sports Network. Richmond plays Duquesne in the opener as a 5.5-point favorite, with the total set at 141.5 (all odds from BetOnline). Saint Joseph’s plays UMass at 1 PM ET after defeating La Salle on Wednesday, 72-66, as a 3-point favorite. The Minutemen are a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 152. Dayton plays Rhode Island at 3:30 PM ET as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 137. George Washington plays George Mason in the final game at 5:30 PM ET after defeating Fordham, 53-49, as a 7-point favorite on Wednesday.Michigan hosts Michigan State on ESPN at 7 PM ET. The Wolverines are second in the nation by the Associated Press. They fell to 18-2 after their 76-53 upset loss to Illinois as an 8.5-point favorite on Tuesday. The Spartans, 14-10, won their fourth game in their last five with their 64-58 victory against Indiana as a 3.5-point favorite on Tuesday. Michigan is a 12-point favorite with the total at 140.5.Baylor plays at home against Oklahoma State on ESPN2 at 7 PM  ET. The Bears are ranked third nationally by the AP with a 19-1 record. They defeated West Virginia on the road, 94-89, as a 5.5-point favorite on Tuesday. The Cowboys are ranked 17th by the AP with a 17-6 mark. They won their fifth in a row with a 79-75 victory against Oklahoma as a 2.5-point underdog on Monday. Baylor is an 11-point favorite with an over/under of 149.Oklahoma is at home against Texas on ESPN at 9 PM ET. The Sooners are ranked 16th in the nation by the AP with a 14-8 record. They lost their third straight game after a 79-75 upset loss at Oklahoma State as a 2.5-point favorite on Monday. The Longhorns rank 15th nationally by the AP with a 15-7 record. They have won four of six with their 81-67 win at Iowa State as a 12.5-point favorite on Tuesday. Oklahoma is a 2-point favorite, with the total at 142.Colorado hosts Arizona State on ESPN2 at 9 PM ET. The Buffaloes are ranked 24th by the AP with a 19-7 record. They won their third straight game with a 70-61 win against UCLA as a 6.5-point favorite on Saturday. The Sun Devils improved to 10-11 with a 77-74 win against Washington State as a 5-point favorite on Saturday. Colorado is a 10.5-point favorite with an over/under of 147.5.Central Florida plays at East Carolina on ESPNU at 9 PM ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with the total at 134. Utah State is at home against Wyoming on FS1 at 9:30 PM ET as a 16.5-point favorite with the total at 148.5.Nine games are on the NBA slate before the All-Star Game break this weekend. Miami visits New Orleans on TNT at 8:35 PM ET. The Heat lost at home to Atlanta, 94-80, as a 2.5-point favorite on Tuesday. The Pelicans lost their third game in their last four with their 128-124 upset loss to Chicago as a 6-point favorite on Wednesday. Ten games are on the NHL docket. The puck drops at 7 PM ET with five game,s with the slate concluding at 10 PM ET with Toronto playing at Vancouver. None of the games are on national television. Matchweek 26 in the English Premier League concludes with three matches. Tottenham travels to Fulham at 1 PM ET as a -0.5 goal line road favorite with the total set at 2.25. Everton plays at West Bromwich Albion at 1 PM ET as a -0.5 goal line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Liverpool hosts Chelsea at 3:15 PM ET as a -0.25 goal line favorite with the over/under at 2.5. All three games are on the NBC Peacock app.

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