Saint Louis 69, Princeton 59
ST. LOUIS (AP) -Kwamain Mitchell and Saint Louis found a way to pick apart the nation's top defensive team.
Mitchell scored 17 of his 21 points in the first half, leading Saint Louis to a 69-59 victory over Princeton on Wednesday night in the semifinals of the College Basketball Invitational.
The Billikens (23-11) will play Virginia Commonwealth (25-9) in the best-of-3 championship series beginning Monday.
"This was a nice win for us," Saint Louis coach Rick Majerus said. "These guys have won a lot of games."
Willie Reed added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Billikens, who won for the 11th time in 14 games. It was his ninth double-double this season.
Mitchell triggered a 16-4 run over the final 7:25 of the first half to put Saint Louis ahead to stay, 38-29. The Billikens scored the last seven points of the half and the first eight of the second half against a usually aggressive defensive unit.
"We weren't as great defensively as we had been most of the season," Tigers guard Marcus Schroeder said.
Kareem Maddox paced Princeton (22-9) with 16 points and Douglas Davis added 14. The Tigers had their six-game winning streak snapped.
The 69 points were the second-most given up this season by the Tigers, who lost 81-60 to California on Nov. 29. Princeton entered allowing an NCAA-low 52.8 points per game.
Saint Louis was 24 of 44 from the field (54.5 percent), becoming the third team to surpass 50 percent against Princeton this season.
Mitchell capped the 7-0 first-half run with a three-point play that gave the Billikens a 38-29 lead at the break. Reed began the second half with a short jumper before Cody Ellis and Kyle Cassity sank back-to-back 3-pointers to push the lead to 46-29.
Princeton missed its final nine shots in the first half and its first two in the second half.
The Tigers battled back to within 55-49 on a short jumper by Zach Finley with 4:36 left. But Reed answered with his fourth slam dunk of the night to halt the rally.
"I felt our defense played pretty well," Majerus said. "We were hard to score against."
Both teams reached the postseason for the first time since 2004.
Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press.
North Carolina tops William & Mary 80-72 in NIT
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -So much for the idea that North Carolina's players wouldn't be interested in playing in the NIT, even in a miserable season following a national championship run.
Instead, the Tar Heels really did look grateful to play again just as they said they were.
Dexter Strickland hit the go-ahead free throws with 2:34 left and North Carolina held William & Mary scoreless for the final 5 minutes in the Tar Heels' 80-72 win in the first round of the NIT on Tuesday night.
Deon Thompson scored 20 points to lead the Tar Heels (17-16), who had slid from hoisting the NCAA championship trophy nearly a year ago in Detroit to playing in the NIT for the first time in seven years. And after weathering a flurry of 3-pointers from the Tribe (22-11), they ensured that they would avoid suffering only their second losing season in nearly half a century.
"We came into this game looking at it as another fresh start for us," said fifth-year senior Marcus Ginyard, who had 12 points. "We did a great job of getting after it, getting all the loose balls and playing together as a team - and those are things we've got to continue to build on."
Tyler Zeller added 13 points for the fourth-seeded Tar Heels, who advanced to the second round to face Mississippi State. North Carolina had gone 39 years without a losing seasons before its 8-20 debacle of 2001-02, and this win ensured that would be the only such blip on the program's recent history.
As if the sight of basketball royalty playing in the NIT wasn't unusual enough, the game also was the first time in 24 years that the men's program played a regular-season or postseason game at Carmichael Arena. Carmichael was the program's campus home before moving into the Smith Center - which is currently undergoing some renovation - in 1986.
Recent renovations at Carmichael had cut its capacity from around 10,000 to about 6,800 for this game, yet it was a sellout and offered a surprisingly charged atmosphere in the building where program legends like Phil Ford, Michael Jordan and Sam Perkins once played under Hall of Famer Dean Smith.
"It wasn't as loud as it was in the old days because there were 3,000 more people in there, but it was a fun atmosphere for me to coach in," said coach Roy Williams, an assistant to Smith for 10 years. "We've had some great games in the Smith Center, but this one was special and hopefully we can get this kind of atmosphere in the Smith Center all the time."
David Schneider scored 21 points on seven 3-pointers for the fifth-seeded Tribe, who shot 16 for 43 from behind the arc and rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit.
"We feel like we could've won, we really do," said William & Mary coach Tony Shaver, who played at North Carolina in the 1970s. "Carolina's pressure was tough. As an old Carolina guy, I was really happy to see them play with the intensity they did today. I just wish they had a few less points."
William & Mary led 72-69 on Schneider's 3 with 5:07 left, but the Tribe missed its last six 3-point attempts. Strickland hit four straight free throws that put North Carolina ahead 73-72, then Larry Drew II added two more. Two possessions later, Zeller stole a pass and raced downcourt for a dunk that gave the Tar Heels a 77-72 lead with 48.9 seconds left to effectively seal it.
The Tribe played without Quinn McDowell, its top 3-point shooter who sprained his right ankle during the Colonial Athletic Association tournament semifinals.
Copyright 2010 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press.
College Basketball Winning Picks - #21 Pittsburgh at #6 West Virginia
No. 21 Pittsburgh Panthers (16-5 SU, 10-7-2 ATS) at No. 6 West Virginia Mountaineers (17-3 SU, 7-12 ATS)
NCAA Betting Odds: West Virginia -9
Here are some NCAA Betting Trends which may impact this game:
Pitt: 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games
Pitt: Total has gone OVER in 4 of their last 6 road games
West Virginia: 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games
West Virginia: 2-5 ATS at home
As we inch closer to the Super Bowl, why wait until Sunday night to place your sports bets? Go ahead and start Wednesday, by hopping into the college basketball action, when two ranked teams will square off in Morgantown, WV.
Let's start with that West Virginia team, ranked No. 6 in college basketball betting right now. Despite having that lofty ranking, they haven't been great in the betting odds, as they're only 1-4 in their last five games overall. Included in that, was Saturday's narrow margin against Louisville, a game in which the Mountaineers didn't take the final lead until just 15 seconds remained. They'll certainly need a better performance Wednesday night.
Leading the Mountaineers is a formidable frontcourt, with a number of players who do all sorts of different things. Da'Sean Butler is a little bit of an undersized forward, but still this team's leading scorer, averaging over 16 points and six rebounds per game. Devin Ebanks is the most ''pro ready,'' guy down low, but has a bit of a disappointment in 2010, averaging 11.7 points and eight rebounds a contest. Although both these numbers are good, they aren't quite the development expected by West Virginia fans. Finally, Kevin Jones does a little bit of everything as a post player, and is the most versatile of the three.
As for Pittsburgh, they come into this game having lost three of their last four overall. If they are to win this game Wednesday night, it will actually have to start on the defensive end. On the season, the Panthers only allow 60 points per game, which ranks in the top 30 nationally. However, in two of their three recent losses, they've allowed 70 points or more.
Offensively, Pittsburgh has a group of three players- Ashton Gibbs, Brad Wanamaker and Gilbert Brown- that average double-digit points. However the key in this game may be center Gary McGhee. While he doesn't score a lot, he does lead this team in rebounding. If he can't hold his own against the guys down low for West Virginia, Pittsburgh doesn't have much of a chance.
Which is where this game will be won; down low. Because of that, the advantage most definitely goes to the Mountaineers. They have size and athleticism, and are a tough matchup for anyone. However, they are especially at an advantage against this Pitt team, that simply can't matchup size wise.
Because of that height and length differential, take West Virginia in Wednesday night's betting odds.
Aaron's Pick: West Virginia -9
(c) 1994-2009 BetUS.com. All Rights Reserved.
College Basketball Betting - #1 Kentucky vs. South Carolina
No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats (19-0 SU, 9-8 ATS) at South Carolina Gamecocks (11-8 SU, 7-9 ATS)
Here are some NCAA Betting Trends which may impact this game:
Kentucky: 4-1 ATS on the road
Kentucky: Total has gone OVER in 3 of their last 4 games
South Carolina: 1-3 ATS in their last 4 games
South Carolina: Total has gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games
There's a new No. 1 team in college basketball, but can they stay there? We'll find out when the undefeated and top ranked Kentucky Wildcats travel to Columbia, SC to take on a reeling South Carolina team.
For Kentucky it has been a magical year for Wildcats fans, as they have welcomed new coach John Calipari and a slew of highly touted young players.
Leading the way is the name that everyone knows: freshman point guard John Wall. Simply put, Wall has been as good as advertised in his first (and what will likely be his only) year in Lexington. He is second in the country in assists averaging 6.9 per game, to go with his 17 points per game.
But he is certainly not the only young star in Lexington. As a matter of fact, it's another point guard, Eric Bledsoe that has stolen the show lately, scoring in double figures in each of his last six games. DeMarcus Cousins and Patrick Patterson form a lethal low post combination averaging 30 points and 17 rebounds per game.
As for South Carolina, a season that started with such promise has been derailed quickly, as the Gamecocks have lost three straight games, and five of their last eight. Maybe most devastating was Saturday's loss to Florida, a game in which a Florida player hit a game winning 3-pointer as time expired.
Devan Downey is leader on South Carolina, and quite frankly may be the team's only SEC caliber player. The senior is a lightning quick point guard who averages 21 points per game. And in SEC play he's been nothing short of amazing, scoring at least 25 points in every conference game, and topping 30 on three different occasions.
When these two teams get together Tuesday, the simple question will be whether or not the Gamecocks can stop the high scoring Kentucky attack. Not only do the Wildcats average 83 points per game, but South Carolina is allowing opponents to shoot 43 percent on the season. If that defensive intensity doesn't pick up, it could be a long night in South Carolina.
The Gamecocks play their best basketball at home, but they simply haven't seen a team anywhere near as talented as Kentucky.
The Wildcats are deep, athletic and coming off maybe their most dominating win of the season a 101-70 laugher at Arkansas Saturday.
Kentucky will lose eventually this season. It just won't be Tuesday night.
Aaron's Pick: Kentucky by 13
(c) 1994-2009 BetUS.com. All Rights Reserved.
NCAA Basketball Betting Odds - Michigan vs. #19 Wisconsin
NCAA Basketball Betting Odds: WISCONSIN -9
Michigan had a very poor shooting game on Sunday in Ann Arbor against Connecticut, making just 37% of their shots from the field. Their saving grace was nine three-point shots and an edge at the free throw line to grab a 68-63 decision over the perennial Big East power, covering in the betting odds. Manny Harris, the 6'5" guard, scored 18 points and pulled down eight rebounds in the game, and although he hit just 5 of 15, he has been more consistent over a five-game period, shooting 48% (33 for 69).
When you look at that victory, it was really the first Michigan registered this year over a good team that was at or near full strength. It was also critical to building this team's RPI, which may not be good enough when the dust clears to get this team to a second straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
Here are some of the college basketball betting trends as they relate to this matchup:
MICH has won and covered four of its last five games
MICH has played four of its last five games UNDER the total
MICH has lost four of its last five road games SU
MICH has played five of its last seven road games UNDER the total
WISC has covered five of its last seven games
WISC has won eight of its last ten games SU
WISC has played eight of its last nine games UNDER the total
WISC has covered five of its last six home games
WISC has played four of its last five home games UNDER the total
Michigan Wolverines at Wisconsin Badgers -9 >> Join Now to Bet!
Also....
WISC has covered four of the last six meetings
WISC has won the last six meetings SU
Four of the last five meetings have gone UNDER the total
WISC has covered six of the last nine meetings as the home team
WISC has won the last nine meetings SU as the home team
WISC has had the shooting edge in each of the last six meetings
WISC has had the rebounding edge in four of the last five meetings
MICH has made more three-pointers in each of the last four meetings
It's not likely that Michigan will have the same kind of edges against the Badgers that they had against the Huskies. Wisconsin has been throwing a few bricks up lately, failing to exceed 41% shooting in any of its last four games, but three of those games were on the road and the fourth was an upset over Purdue. Bo Ryan's team takes good care of the ball (just 10.3 turnovers a game) and hits its free throws (74%).
Wisconsin has also managed to figure out a way to slow Michigan down in the John Beilein "era" as well. Last year they scored a season sweep, and in the Big Ten tournament two seasons ago, they held Michigan to just 34 points. However, one has to realistically evaluate whether Wisky, which has averaged less than 58 points over its last four, can put enough on the board to create the sufficient distance against a crew that is athletic, talented and forces turnovers.
A lot of that goes back to Wisconsin being without Jon Leuer, the team's top rebounder and shot-blocker and second-leading scorer, who was the guy who made it necessary to check this team in the paint. They just aren't scoring points there - 16 each against Northwestern and Ohio State, for example. And with smaller players (as short as 6'5" in fact) having to deal with DeShawn Sims (16.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg), Michigan gets a matchup advantage.
We'll come inside the impost with Michigan, the nine-point underdog.
JAY'S PLAY: MICHIGAN +9 ***
(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)
(c) 1994-2009 BetUS.com. All Rights Reserved.
College Basketball Betting - Ohio State at #6 Purdue
Although the Purdue Boilermakers are still one of the favorites to win the National Championship in the college basketball betting odds, they are experiencing adversity for the first time in 2010. That's because the formerly undefeated Boilermakers suffered their first loss of the season this past Saturday at Wisconsin. While Purdue didn't play particularly poorly, they'll need to rebound Tuesday when they host another struggling team, the Ohio State Buckeyes.
For Ohio State, even though they've lost three of their last four games, there is good news, as superstar Evan Turner has returned to the lineup after missing six games with a brutal back injury. The 6'8 Turner wasted little time getting back into the action, scoring 19 points, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out seven assists in his second game back Saturday against Minnesota.
Here are some NCAA Basketball Betting Trends which may impact this game:
Ohio State: 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games
Ohio State: Total has gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games
Ohio State: 0-4 ATS on the road
Purdue: 2-1 ATS in their last 3 games
Purdue: 6-5-1 ATS at home
But if the Buckeyes are to be a real player in the Big 10 this year, they'll need more help from the players around him. The logical choice would be continued production from redshirt junior David Lighty, the only remaining member of Ohio State's 2007 Final Four team. He is joined in the backcourt by the hot shooting Jon Diebler, one of college basketball's most dangerous 3-point threats. Diebler has already made 54 three's on the year.
As for Purdue, the Boilermakers are the Big 10's most balanced team, and are coming off a Sweet 16 berth last year. They are led by three players that are all juniors and contribute in different ways. Guard E'Twaun Moore is Purdue's leading scorer (16.9 points per game), and is a penetrating guard who is tough to guard on the perimeter. Center JaJuan Johnson is averaging 14 points and seven rebounds, and is the bulk on the Boilermakers inside. And Robbie Hummel does a little bit of everything, and is the engine which makes this team go. He is Purdue's undisputed leader, and for the first time in his three years on campus, is fully healthy.
While many experts think this one will be close, fully expect for Purdue to win comfortably. Quite frankly this may be the most underrated team a college basketball, a veteran and savvy group with a ''big three,'' as good as any in the country.
Also, as good as Turner is, Purdue has maybe the one player who can guard him in this conference, Chris Kramer. There are no tangible statistics to measure what Kramer can do on the defensive end, but there is a reason that he is the former Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year. If there was ever a night where the great Evan Turner might struggle this is it.
Purdue is a veteran team that isn't particularly happy after a tough road loss this weekend. They'll exact their revenge on the Ohio State Buckeyes Tuesday and are a great bet in the college basketball betting odds.
Aaron's Pick: Purdue by 8
(c) 1994-2009 BetUS.com. All Rights Reserved.
College Basketball Game of the Week - #12 UConn vs. #13 Georgetown
Two of the Big East's top teams will do battle in the nation's capital Saturday, as the UConn Huskies visit the Georgetown Hoyas, in the most exciting college basketball betting action of the weekend.
UConn has won two games in a row, but lost their only conference road game of the season last Wednesday at Cincinnati. The Huskies are led by versatile guard Jerome Dyson, a senior who missed most of last year with a knee injury. Dyson is currently the only player in college basketball averaging 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game, and nearly had a triple-double on Wednesday night against Seton Hall, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists. He scored 14 of those points in the second half.
Here are some NCAA Basketball Betting Trends which may impact this game:
* UConn: 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games
* UConn: 1-1 ATS on the road
* Georgetown: 1-2 ATS in their last 3 games
* Georgetown: 2-3 ATS at home
Dyson is hardly the only star on UConn's roster, as forward Stanley Robinson has caught the eye of NBA scouts in recent months. Robinson is scoring 17 points a contest and grabbing a team high seven rebounds per game. Kemba Walker is leading this team with over six assists per game.
As for Georgetown, they don't have nearly the depth of UConn overall, but do have four players averaging double-figures in scoring. Leading the way is Greg Monroe, a guy who many NBA scouts will be an early selection come June. He is averaging 14.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. However, Monroe has been quiet in two Big East games, scoring just 19 points in the Hoyas last two contests. Chris Wright is this team's point guard matching Monroe with 14.4 points a contest. Versatile wings Austin Freeman and Jason Clark are both averaging double-figures as well.
The key for Georgetown however, is one of college basketball's best defenses. While defense might not be the most glamorous part of the game, few teams play better overall than Georgetown, who allow just 57 points to the opposition (13th in college basketball) and only allow 37 percent shooting from the field.
In this game, expect the difference to be how Monroe handles UConn's frontcourt, which is one of the best in college basketball. Monroe can disappear at times, but often saves his best performances for the biggest games of the year. But will he be able to get points against Robinson, Gavin Edwards, Ater Majok and the rest of the Huskies big guys? I'm not so sure.
Having watched both of these teams on Wednesday night, they appear to be going in different directions. Georgetown seemed largely disinterested at Marquette, losing to a hungry Golden Eagles team 62-59, while UConn got a tough Seton Hall team at home, and made big plays down the stretch to pull away.
While Georgetown may be a better team in March than they are now, the fact remains they're just not playing that well. Expect the Huskies to be able to control tempo, and control the boards in this one. Yes Georgetown is coming home to the Verizon Center, but even the support of their crowd won't be enough.
Aaron's Pick: UConn by 6
(c) 1994-2009 BetUS.com. All Rights Reserved.
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