Tuesday 11/06/2018 ... Comps / Bonus Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Requests Etc

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

Preview: Rider at Central Florida

Central Florida had high expectations last season before a rash of injuries took away any chance at achieving its lofty goals, but the Knights open the 2018-19 campaign with a healthy roster and will be tested immediately by visiting Rider on Tuesday. B.J. Taylor, who was picked as the preseason Player of the Year by the American Athletic Conference, and 7-6 Tacko Fall were each limited to 16 games in 2017-18 and lead the way for UCF.

“So far, so good,” Knights coach Johnny Dawkins told reporters of his team’s health. “Our trainer hasn’t come in here and told me anything yet, so knock on wood he doesn’t.” Dawkins’ son Aubrey, who played two years at Michigan before transferring, also missed all of last season with a shoulder injury and should be a factor along with 6-11 George Washington transfer Collin Smith for Central Florida - the preseason pick to win the American. The Knights, who reached the NIT semifinals in 2016-17, must be sharp right away as they face a Rider team that returns five double-digit scorers from a team that won the MAAC regular-season title and reached the NIT. The Broncs won at Penn State and dropped a four-point decision to Providence last season, and are led by sophomore guard Dimencio Vaughn, who averaged 16.1 points in 2017-18.

TV: 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN3

ABOUT RIDER (2017-18: 22-10): Vaughn was selected to the MAAC’s preseason first team after shooting better than 50 percent from the field and finishing the season with 25 points in a double-overtime loss at Oregon in the NIT. Sophomore guard Jordan Allen added 13.4 points per game in 2017-18 while sophomore forward Frederick Scott (12.8 points, 6.5 rebounds) and junior point guard Stevie Jordan (12.6 points, 5.9 assists) also return. Junior center Tyere Marshall (10.3 points, 6.6 boards) and senior guard Anthony Durham (7.0 points) can also make impacts for the Broncs, who averaged 81.9 points last season.

ABOUT CENTRAL FLORIDA (2017-18: 19-13): Taylor averaged 15.9 points last season and has drained 119 shots from 3-point range in his career, but should have plenty of help in the scoring department. Fall, who shot 76.7 percent from the field in 2017-18 while scoring 11.3, grabbing 7.3 rebounds and blocking almost two shots per contest, can be a force and the Senegal native told reporters: “I just try to get out there and be as dominant as I know I can be.” Smith, Dawkins and a quartet of guards - Dayon Griffin, Ceasar DeJesus, Terrell Allen and Chance McSpadden - give the Knights plenty of depth.

TIP-INS

1. Coach Dawkins’ next win will be the 200th of his career and he is 43-25 in two seasons at Central Florida.

2. Rider added two transfers, including 6-7 Ahmad Gilbert from Minnesota and 6-1 Kimar Williams from Florida International.

3. Fall needs five blocks to become the second UCF player to reach 200 in his career, joining Keith Clanton (227).

PREDICTION: Central Florida 76, Rider 68

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

ATS Trends
Rider

Broncs are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 road games.
Broncs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Broncs are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Tuesday games.

Central Florida

Knights are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
Knights are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 home games.
Knights are 5-16 ATS in their last 21 Tuesday games.

OU Trends
Rider

Over is 6-1 in Broncs last 7 non-conference games.
Over is 5-1 in Broncs last 6 road games.
Under is 8-2 in Broncs last 10 Tuesday games.
Over is 19-7 in Broncs last 26 overall.

Central Florida

Under is 4-0 in Knights last 4 Tuesday games.
Under is 19-7 in Knights last 26 non-conference games.
Over is 10-4 in Knights last 14 overall.
Under is 9-4 in Knights last 13 home games.

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

Preview: Siena at Providence

Providence has established itself as a perennial NCAA Tournament team under head coach Ed Cooley and a heralded recruiting class - along with some solid returnees - has the Friars pointed in the right direction in 2018-19. Cooley's team begins its regular season Tuesday at home against Siena of the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference.

The Friars have won at least 20 games overall and 10 in the Big East for five straight seasons and, despite losing three senior starters from last year's squad, hope to rattle opponents with a wave of talent. "This group is different because of its depth, we have a lot of new bodies out there," Cooley recently told reporters before admitting it will take time to incorporate everyone. "We have to get a little continuity, a little chemistry, we're blessed with depth. It's great in practice, but it's a challenge in games. We have to get what our starting rotation is, what our finishing rotation is - we're tinkering with things." Junior forward Alpha Diallo averaged 13.2 points and 6.6 rebounds last season for Providence and was a Preseason All-Big East First Team selection, while freshman point guard David Duke was name Preseason Co-Freshman of the Year. The Saints are looking to rebound from an eight-win season under new head coach Jamion Christian, who took over when Jimmy Patsos resigned amid a misconduct scandal.

TV: 6:30 p.m. ET, FSN

ABOUT SIENA (2017-18: 8-24): Christian's team took a big hit last month when it lost junior guard Khalil Richard - the team's top returning scorer at 9.2 points per game - to a season-ending knee injury in a scrimmage at Massachusetts. "When someone goes down, we go 'next man up' mentality,'' Christian told the Albany Times Union. "We've got a lot of guys in that locker room who are eager for the opportunity that's going to be before them. I've got a lot of confidence with the guys in the locker room that we'll find a way." Senior forward Evan Fisher is expected to shoulder the load after averaging 7.8 points and 4.9 rebounds a season ago for the Saints, who were picked by the coaches to finish last in the MAAC.

ABOUT PROVIDENCE (2017-18: 21-14): Senior forward Emmitt Holt, who averaged 12.5 points and 5.4 rebounds two seasons ago, is back after sitting out 2017-18 due to abdominal surgery and he will patrol underneath alongside big man Nate Watson (29 points in 36 minutes in exhibition action). Duke is part of a phenomenal freshman class that also includes forwards Jimmy Nichols and Kris Monroe and guard A.J. Reeves. Senior guard Isaiah Jackson is the top returning scorer (7.4) and rebounder (4.2) behind Diallo.

TIP-INS

1. Diallo averaged 19.3 points in three Big East tournament games last season and then produced 21 in a loss to Texas A&M in the first round of the NCAAs.

2. Reeves scored 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting in the Friars' two exhibition games.

3. Providence has won six of the first seven meetings, the last taking place in 2003.

PREDICTION: Providence 83, Siena 63

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

ATS Trends
Siena

Saints are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Tuesday games.
Saints are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 vs. Big East.
Saints are 3-10-1 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
Saints are 0-8 ATS in their last 8 road games.

Providence

Friars are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Friars are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 vs. Metro Atlantic Athletic.
Friars are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Friars are 3-14 ATS in their last 17 non-conference games.
Friars are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 Tuesday games.

OU Trends
Siena

Over is 5-0 in Saints last 5 vs. Big East.
Under is 4-1-1 in Saints last 6 non-conference games.

Providence

Over is 6-1 in Friars last 7 vs. Metro Atlantic Athletic.
Under is 3-1-1 in Friars last 5 overall.
Over is 15-5-1 in Friars last 21 non-conference games.
Over is 5-2 in Friars last 7 Tuesday games.

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

Preview: North Carolina at Wofford

Seventh-ranked North Carolina hopes to start the season the right way and gain a measure of revenge for an upset loss almost a year ago when it visits dangerous Wofford on Tuesday night. The Tar Heels suffered a shocking 79-75 loss at home against Wofford last December and will have a roster loaded with key veterans to go along with some talented newcomers to face an experienced Terriers’ squad.

“Even though we have 10 sophomores and freshmen, we understand after having a kind of young team last year that we can continue to grow and continue to get better each day we come to practice,” North Carolina senior forward Luke Maye told the Fayetteville Observer. “I think that’s really important for us. Having such experience at the top but then some young guys as well. I think that’s a good mix for us.” Maye, who is the preseason ACC Player of the Year after averaging 16.9 points and 10.1 rebounds, leads the way along with senior wing players Kenny Williams and Cameron Johnson. Tar Heels coach Roy Williams told reporters he is waiting for several among his young group of big men to emerge, and his team will be tested immediately on the road. Wofford returns its top six scorers from a team that lost in the Southern Conference championship game last season and is led by senior guard Fletcher Magee, who scored 27 points at North Carolina last year.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (2017-18: 25-10): Garrison Brooks had 16 points to go along with 16 rebounds in an exhibition against Mount Olive on Friday and he will battle with fellow sophomore big man Sterling Manley for playing time up front. Nassir Little, who scored 11 on Friday, comes highly regarded and will make an immediate impact while fellow freshman Rechon “Leaky” Black will get a chance to show his stuff as well. The other battle in preseason has been between junior Seventh Woods and freshman Coby White for the starting point guard spot and White appears to have a slight edge early on.

ABOUT WOFFORD (2017-18: 21-12): Magee averaged 22.1 points last season and was named the conference’s preseason Player of the Year while senior forward Cameron Jackson (12.0 points, 1.8 steals in 2017-18) also got named to the first team. Junior guards Nathan Hoover (70 made 3-pointers last season) and Trevor Stumpe, who both averaged in double figures scoring in 2017-18, are back for a team picked second in the Southern Conference preseason poll. Sophomore guard Storm Murphy, who drained 41 from 3-point range a season ago, also returns to add depth for a team that averaged 75.8 points.

TIP-INS

1. Williams made 72 shots from 3-point range last season, connecting on 40.2 percent of his attempts - behind only Maye’s 43.1 percent.

2. Magee has made at least one 3-pointer in 52 consecutive games, including all 34 last season.

3. Johnson, who averaged 12.4 points in 26 games with the Tar Heels in 2017-18, is healthy after undergoing offseason hip surgery

PREDICTION: North Carolina 84, Wofford 72

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

ATS Trends
North Carolina

Tar Heels are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 Tuesday games.

Wofford

Terriers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. Atlantic Coast.
Terriers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Tuesday games.
Terriers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games.

OU Trends
North Carolina

Over is 4-0 in Tar Heels last 4 Tuesday games.
Under is 6-1 in Tar Heels last 7 overall.
Under is 11-5 in Tar Heels last 16 road games.

Wofford

Over is 37-17 in Terriers last 54 home games.

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

Preview: Michigan State vs. Kansas

Two of the top teams in the nation face off in a season-opening contest when top-ranked Kansas and No. 10 Michigan State battle in the State Farm Champions Classic in Indianapolis on Tuesday. The Jayhawks and Spartans lost key players from last season's squads but bring back experienced players as well as some top recruits to make themselves into title contenders again.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo would like to have NBA lottery picks Miles Bridges and Jaren Jackson Jr. back, but he has three starters returning including point guard Cassius Winston, the team's leading returning scorer (12.6 points) and the Big Ten's assist leader (6.9). Forward Nick Ward will be the key for the Spartans down low after averaging 12.4 points and 7.1 rebounds in 18.9 minutes as a sophomore. Ward and the Spartans could have a tough time in the paint against Kansas thanks to the presence of 7-0 junior center Udoka Azubuike (13 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks last season), who is a load on both ends of the floor. Jayhawks fans are excited about the brother duo of Dedric and K.J. Lawson, who are eligible to play after transferring from Memphis, where they averaged 19.2 and 12.3 points, respectively, in 2016-17.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (2017-18: 30-5): Ward and Winston have garnered a majority of the preseason headlines and accolades, but for Izzo and Michigan State, the most important returning junior starter is likely guard Joshua Langford. The junior was the only Spartan to start every game last season, averaged 11.7 points, but was inconsistent with his shot and his scoring output. For example, one game after opening the NCAA Tournament with 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting, Langford was 1-of-12 -- including 1-of-7 from 3-point range -- against the zone defense of Syracuse, one of the reasons for the Spartans' upset loss to the Orange.

ABOUT KANSAS (2017-18: 31-8): With the departure of the team's leading scorer and assist man, Devonte' Graham, coach Bill Self has to figure out a new starter at the point guard position, though he has a few options. To start the season, Self will likely go with highly regarded freshman Devon Dotson, a McDonald's All-American, who averaged seven points and three assists in the team's two exhibition contests. If Dotson struggles, Self can turn to California transfer Charlie Moore, who led the Golden Bears in assists as a freshman, though both will certainly see plenty of time throughout the season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Winston led the Big Ten in 3-point field goal percentage in 2017-18, hitting 49.7 percent of his shots from beyond the arc.

2. Azubuike led the nation and set the Kansas and Big 12 single-season record for field goal percentage at 77.0 in 2007-18.

3. Michigan State has lost three of its last four contests at the Champions Classic, though that one win was over Kansas in 2015.

PREDICTION: Kansas 82, Michigan State 72

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

ATS Trends
Michigan St

Spartans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Spartans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games.

Kansas

Jayhawks are 8-17 ATS in their last 25 vs. Big Ten.
Jayhawks are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 Tuesday games.

OU Trends
Michigan St

Under is 4-1 in Spartans last 5 vs. Big 12.
Under is 7-2 in Spartans last 9 overall.
Over is 5-2 in Spartans last 7 non-conference games.

Kansas

Over is 4-0 in Jayhawks last 4 overall.
Over is 4-0 in Jayhawks last 4 neutral site games.
Over is 4-0 in Jayhawks last 4 non-conference games.
Over is 4-1 in Jayhawks last 5 vs. Big Ten.
Under is 21-9 in Jayhawks last 30 Tuesday games.

Head to Head

Spartans are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

Preview: Fairfield at Purdue

No. 22 Purdue enters the 2018-19 opener Tuesday at home against Fairfield with plenty of question marks after losing four starters from a team that won 30 games and reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament last season. The Boilermakers overcame a first-half challenge from Marian (Ind.) University in their exhibition game Wednesday before securing a 75-56 victory.

One of the questions that needs answers is which players will emerge as scorers to help the lone returning starter, senior standout Carsen Edwards. Ryan Cline has waited his turn for playing time and showed in the exhibition that he might be that guy, making 7 of 10 shots from 3-point range and scoring a game-high 23 points. That performance came on the heels of hitting seven 3-pointers and scoring 27 points in a closed scrimmage against West Virginia. "It was pretty comfortable," the 6-foot-6 senior guard told reporters after the the exhibition against Marian."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network Plus on BTN2Go

ABOUT FAIRFIELD (2017-18: 17-16): The Stags, who have nine foreign-born players among the 13 men on their roster, are projected to finish seventh in the Metro Athletic Athletic Conference this season after reaching the MAAC championship game in March. They were routed 106-64 last year by Purdue in a November game where the Boilermakers set a school record by making 19 3-pointers. The leading returning scorers for Fairfield are guard Jesus Cruz (9.1 points per game) and 6-foot-8 forward Jonathan Kasibabu (9.0), who also averaged a team-best 5.6 rebounds last season.

ABOUT PURDUE (2017-18: 30-7): Edwards is the star and unquestioned leader for the Boilermakers as a unanimous preseason All-American after averaging 18.5 points and shooting 40.6 percent from 3-point range last season. The other returnee from last year's team with significant playing time is 7-foot-3 Matt Haarms, who scored 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field and had five rebounds in the exhibition win over Marian. The redshirt sophomore has bulked up to 250 pounds this year in an attempt to provide a stronger presence in the paint after averaging 4.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks last season.

TIP-INS

1. Junior graduate transfer Evan Boudreaux has two years of eligibility remaining at Purdue after averaging 17.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in his final season at Dartmouth, where he graduated in three years and was the Ivy League Rookie of the Year as a freshman.

2. Purdue is 99-9 at Mackey Arena in 13 years under coach Matt Painter in November and December games, including 16 straight victories.

3. Fairfield won seven straight games and 10 of 12 before losing to Iona in the MAAC championship game last March.

PREDICTION: Purdue 86, Fairfield 54

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

ATS Trends
Fairfield

Stags are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Stags are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 Tuesday games.
Stags are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. Big Ten.
Stags are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 road games.

Purdue

Boilermakers are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 Tuesday games.
Boilermakers are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 non-conference games.
Boilermakers are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 games overall.
Boilermakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Metro Atlantic Athletic.
Boilermakers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games.

OU Trends
Fairfield

Under is 5-1 in Stags last 6 Tuesday games.
Over is 6-2 in Stags last 8 non-conference games.
Over is 5-2 in Stags last 7 road games.

Purdue

Under is 4-0 in Boilermakers last 4 Tuesday games.
Over is 5-1 in Boilermakers last 6 non-conference games.
Over is 4-1-1 in Boilermakers last 6 home games.
Over is 4-1-1 in Boilermakers last 6 overall.

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

Preview: Milwaukee at Boston College

Boston College is coming off its first winning season in seven years and has one of the nation's most exciting players in junior guard Ky Bowman. He and the rest of the Eagles will try to continue the program's steady rise in 2018-19, beginning with a home game against Milwaukee of the Horizon League on Tuesday.

Bowman averaged 17.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.7 assists during a sparkling sophomore season and will be relied upon even more after the departure of fellow guard Jerome Robinson, who was a lottery selection in the NBA after leading Boston College in scoring (20.7). "Going into my first year we all had to believe in one thing and that's just being able to compete against other teams, but also being able to know that we have each other's backs," Bowman recently told reporters of the program's rebuild. "We knew what we were getting ourselves into, but also knowing that every day we were going to fight." Bowman is one of four returning starters for a team that won seven ACC games in 2017-18 after going 2-34 in conference play over the previous two seasons. The Panthers were 16-17 in coach Pat Baldwin's first year at the helm and were picked to finish eighth in the Horizon preseason poll after being hit hard by transfers.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ACC Network

ABOUT MILWAUKEE (2017-18: 16-17): The team's top three scorers - guards Jeremiah Bell and Brock Stull and forward Bryce Nze - all transferred from the program last spring and the fourth-leading scorer (Brett Prahl) graduated. That leaves junior guard Bryce Barnes (6.5 points) as the top returning scorer, but the program hopes to get a nice boost from DeAndre Abram, a 6-8 wing player who redshirted last season after two at George Mason. Junior guard Darius Roy is making his program debut after one year at Mercer and another in junior college, and the Oklahoma native put up 22 points and seven rebounds in the team's exhibition win over Concordia Wisconsin.

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (2017-18: 19-16): Bowman, an All-ACC preseason first team selection, is joined by returning starters Jordan Chatman, Nik Popovic and Steffon Mitchell, a trio that combined for 29.2 points and 17.4 rebounds. Mitchell, a sophomore, ranked seventh in the ACC with 8.3 boards per game and will be joined along the front line by heralded freshman Jairus Hamilton, an athletic 6-8 player who is ranked as the program's best recruit since Craig Smith in 2002. Chatman was second in the conference from beyond the arc (39.5 percent) and averaged over 15 points in the team's final seven games before its NIT loss to Western Kentucky.

TIP-INS

1. Milwaukee won the only prior meeting with an upset win in the second round of the 2005 NCAA Tournament.

2. Bowman averaged 22.7 points over his final six games last season.

3. Panthers G Jake Wright, a transfer from Miami (Ohio), has made 192 3-pointers at a 38.9 percent clip in his collegiate career.

PREDICTION: Boston College 79, Milwaukee 62

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

ATS Trends
Wis.-Milwaukee

Panthers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Panthers are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
Panthers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.

Boston College

Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Eagles are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.

OU Trends
Wis.-Milwaukee

Under is 9-3 in Panthers last 12 overall.

Boston College

Over is 22-7 in Eagles last 29 home games.
Over is 15-5-1 in Eagles last 21 overall.

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

Preview: Youngstown State at Pittsburgh

After two miserable seasons under Kevin Stallings, the Jeff Capel era officially begins Tuesday when the once-proud Pittsburgh program opens the 2018-19 season at home against Youngstown State. Capel was a former star player at Duke under Mike Krzyzewski and served as his assistant there over the last seven years after head coaching stints at VCU and Oklahoma.

Ben Howland and Jamie Dixon took the Panthers to 13 NCAA Tournaments in 15 years, but Stallings’ crew suffered through a 4-14 ACC campaign in 2017-18 and an 0-18 season last year which led to a max player exodus. Enter Capel, who left a lucrative assistant job at a perennial national title contender for a team that resides at the bottom of the ACC. “First and foremost, it was about having the chance to be in the ACC. For me, it’s exciting. As a player, a competitor and now as a coach, it’s exciting to see where you are against the best,” Capel told Blue Ribbon Basketball Year Book. “I understand it’s a long climb. … I’m excited about the challenge and the opportunity.” The Panthers lost arguably their three best players from last year’s team as Ryan Luther (12.7 points, 10.1 rebounds), Marcus Carr (10.0 points, 4.0 assists) and Parker Stewart (9.1 points) transferred, but leading scorer Jared Wilson-Frame (13.0 points) decided to return for his final season as did sophomore Shamiel Stevenson (8.5).

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ACC Network Extra

ABOUT YOUNGSTOWN STATE (2017-18: 8-24): Second-year coach Jerrod Calhoun, a descendent from the Bob Huggins coaching tree, likes to play pressure offense and defense, but the defense finished 324th in Ken Pomeroy’s adjusted defensive efficiency ratings and allowed opponents to shoot over 40 percent beyond the arc. The Penguins will rely on two returning starters: forward Naz Bohannon (7.2 points, 8.1 rebounds) - a Horizon League All-Freshman performer last season - and fellow sophomore Garrett Covington (8.3 points), a 6-5 wing who shot 34 percent from 3-point range. The Penguins lost starting point guard Cameron Morse (15.4 points) to graduation and guard Braun Hartfield (13.6) to transfer, but Devin Morgan - a 5-10 transfer from Delaware State (14.4 points in 2016-17) - should help offset those losses.

ABOUT PITTSBURGH (2017-18: 8-24): Wilson-Frame, the only scholarship senior on the team, transferred in from Northwest Florida State Junior College last season and averaged 13 points per game on 37.5 shooting before dropping 25 pounds from his 6-5 frame this offseason. Stevenson, a powerful 6-5 forward, averaged 8.5 points on 50.5 percent shooting while starting 13 games. The Panthers will have an influx of new players in guards Malik Ellison (7.4 points in 2016-17 at St. John’s), Sidy N’Dir (7.8 points at New Mexico State in 2017-18), Xavier Johnson, a point guard who originally committed to Nebraska, and fellow freshman Trey McGowans, a 6-3 guard and the Panthers’ highest-rated recruit in six years.

TIP-INS

1. Pittsburgh beat Pitt-Johnstown 78-59 in its lone exhibition tilt as Wilson-Frame, Ellison and Johnson each scored 14 points.

2. Pitt joined Boston College in 2015-16 as the only other ACC team to go 0-18 in a single season.

3. Youngstown began preseason practice with 13 scholarship players and seven walk-ons.

PREDICTION: Pittsburgh 74, Youngstown State 63

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

ATS Trends
Youngstown St.

Penguins are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 non-conference games.
Penguins are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Penguins are 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 Tuesday games.
Penguins are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.

Pittsburgh

Panthers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.
Panthers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Panthers are 7-20 ATS in their last 27 Tuesday games.
Panthers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Horizon League.

OU Trends
Youngstown St.

Under is 5-2 in Penguins last 7 road games.

Pittsburgh

Over is 6-0 in Panthers last 6 vs. Horizon League.
Under is 6-0 in Panthers last 6 non-conference games.
Under is 18-4 in Panthers last 22 home games.
Under is 17-4 in Panthers last 21 Tuesday games.
Under is 40-16 in Panthers last 56 overall.

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

Preview: Illinois-Chicago at Notre Dame

Notre Dame looks to forget about a 2017-18 season that was derailed by injuries as it tips off the 2018-19 campaign by hosting Illinois-Chicago on Tuesday. The Fighting Irish were ranked as high as fifth last season before key injuries to Bonzie Colson, Matt Farrell and D.J. Harvey sent them spiraling into the NIT.

Colson and Farrell have graduated, meaning the Irish have lost their two top scorers (combined 36 points per game), their leading rebounder (Colson, 10.1) and their best set-up man (Farrell, 5.5 assists). Coach Mike Brey has built a system based on seniors leading the team but finds himself in an unfamiliar situation this season with five freshmen on the roster. Illinois-Chicago reached 20 wins last year for the first time since the 2003-04 season and finished third in the Horizon League with a 12-6 record. In postseason play, the Flames found themselves in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament, where they lost in the final to Northern Colorado.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ACC Network

ABOUT ILLINOIS-CHICAGO (2017-18: 20-16): Illinois-Chicago had two key pieces of its 2017-18 team leave the program as Tai Odiase - the Horizon League’s Defensive Player of the Year and also the league’s all-time shot blocker - graduated and Dikembe Dixson, the team’s leading scorer at 14.2 points per game, went to play professionally in Lebanon. The backcourt should be considered Illinois-Chicago’s strength and will be led by junior guard Marcus Ottey, the team’s top returning scorer (13.8 points per game last season). Guard Tarkus Ferguson (10.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists) and Godwin Boahen, the Horizon League’s 2017-18 Sixth Man of the Year, will also be counted on to contribute heavy minutes.

ABOUT NOTRE DAME (2017-18: 21-15): Notre Dame does have an impressive incoming freshmen class with four of the recruits ranked in the Top 100 for the 2018-19 recruiting class. Junior guard T.J. Gibbs was third in team scoring last season (15.3 points) and will be relied upon heavily at the offensive end, as will senior Rex Pflueger (8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 32.9 minutes last year). Junior forward John Mooney (3.9 rebounds while averaging 15.4 minutes) and senior forward Elijah Burns (2.3 boards per 10.6 minutes) will be tasked with trying to replace Colson’s interior production at both ends of the court.

TIP-INS

1. Gibbs and Pflueger are the only returning starters from last season for Notre Dame.

2. The Fighting Irish are hoping 6-11 sophomore Juwan Durham can contribute as the former four-star recruit transferred to Notre Dame after just one season at Connecticut.

3. Illinois-Chicago struggled away from home in non-conference action last season, going 0-5 in true road games.

PREDICTION: Notre Dame 70, Illinois-Chicago 58

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

ATS Trends
Illinois-Chicago

Flames are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Flames are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.
Flames are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 road games.
Flames are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Tuesday games.

Notre Dame

Fighting Irish are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 non-conference games.
Fighting Irish are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Fighting Irish are 0-5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. Horizon League.

OU Trends
Illinois-Chicago

Under is 7-1 in Flames last 8 non-conference games.
Under is 6-2 in Flames last 8 Tuesday games.
Over is 8-3 in Flames last 11 overall.
Under is 10-4 in Flames last 14 road games.

Notre Dame

Under is 4-0 in Fighting Irish last 4 home games.
Under is 6-1 in Fighting Irish last 7 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Fighting Irish last 5 vs. Horizon League.
Over is 5-2 in Fighting Irish last 7 non-conference games.

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

George Mason

Patriots are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. Ivy League.
Patriots are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Patriots are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 non-conference games.

OU Trends
Pennsylvania

Over is 4-1 in Quakers last 5 vs. Atlantic 10.
Over is 4-1 in Quakers last 5 road games.
Over is 10-4 in Quakers last 14 non-conference games.

George Mason

Under is 4-0 in Patriots last 4 non-conference games.
Over is 5-1 in Patriots last 6 overall.
Over is 9-3 in Patriots last 12 Tuesday games.
Over is 46-20 in Patriots last 66 home games.

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

Trends - Cleveland St. at Davidson

ATS Trends
Cleveland St.

Vikings are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Vikings are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Vikings are 14-32 ATS in their last 46 Tuesday games.

Davidson

Wildcats are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
Wildcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Wildcats are 23-8-1 ATS in their last 32 Tuesday games.
Wildcats are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games.

OU Trends
Cleveland St.

Under is 6-2 in Vikings last 8 vs. Atlantic 10.
Under is 6-2 in Vikings last 8 Tuesday games.
Over is 5-2 in Vikings last 7 road games.

Davidson

Over is 4-1 in Wildcats last 5 non-conference games.

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

Preview: Towson at Virginia

Virginia looks to put its crushing loss to 16-seed Maryland-Baltimore County in the NCAA Tournament last year behind it as it kicks off the 2018-19 season by hosting Towson on Tuesday evening. The 2017-18 ACC champs have high expectations this season as they open the year ranked fifth in the nation.

Devon Hall, Nigel Johnson and Isaiah Wilkins are gone, but the Cavaliers return three of their best players from last season in Kyle Guy, Ty Jerome and De’Andre Hunter. Guy and Jerome have the potential to form one of the best backcourts in the country, while Hunter is the reigning ACC Sixth Man of the Year. Towson is coming off a fifth-place finish in the Colonial Athletic Association and returns three key players in Jordan McNeil, Alex Thomas and Dennis Tunstall. Thomas and Tunstall are expected to lead a solid defense and both finished in the Top 10 in the CAA in blocked shots last season.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ACC Network

ABOUT TOWSON (2017-18: 18-14): Scoring could be an issue for Towson, especially early on, as new players look to make up for significant losses. The Tigers lost over 1,000 points from last year’s team as leading scorer Zane Martin transferred and second-leading scorer Mike Morsell graduated. Towson is hoping junior transfer Nakye Sanders can step up offensively, as the former Duquesne player made 60.8 percent of his shots in two years with the Dukes.

ABOUT VIRGINIA (2017-18: 31-3): Guy led the team last season with 14.1 points while Jerome was third with 10.6, and both will be relied upon to pace the offense this season. Hunter broke his wrist in the ACC tournament last season and the Cavaliers were a different team without him in the NCAA Tournament - the 6-7 swingman can guard almost any position on the court and is projected to be an early first-round pick in next year’s NBA Draft. But when it comes to Virginia, it’s all about defense and coach Tony Bennett’s famed “pack-line” system as the Cavaliers led the nation last season in allowing just 54 points against per game.

TIP-INS

1. Virginia committed the fewest turnovers per game in the NCAA last season at just 8.5.

2. Towson led the CAA in field-goal percentage defense last season at 43 percent.

3. Bennett has compiled a 219-86 record in nine seasons at Virginia.

PREDICTION: Virginia 62, Towson 40

bmd1803 · Nov 6, 2018

ATS Trends
Towson

Tigers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 road games.
Tigers are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games overall.

Virginia

Cavaliers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games.
Cavaliers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Tuesday games.
Cavaliers are 20-9-1 ATS in their last 30 games overall.
Cavaliers are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.
Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. Colonial Athletic Association.

OU Trends
Towson

Over is 16-2 in Tigers last 18 Tuesday games.
Over is 5-1 in Tigers last 6 road games.
Under is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 non-conference games.
Over is 14-5 in Tigers last 19 overall.

Virginia

Over is 4-0 in Cavaliers last 4 home games.
Over is 4-0 in Cavaliers last 4 overall.
Under is 5-2 in Cavaliers last 7 non-conference games.
Under is 39-16 in Cavaliers last 55 Tuesday games.