Yesterday: 4.4 - 4

Overall: 86.8 - 86

NBA (38 - 29)

Clippers at Sonics (-7.5): The Clippers are a mere 8-18-1 ATS on the road, which doesn't bode well against a Sonics' squad that will be primed to avenge last night's defeat.  The Sonics' poor shooting in the fourth quarter killed their chances of taking a very winnable game from the Clippers.  Also, the Sonics have been a quality team lately, as they've gone 5-2 ATS in their last seven games, and they're 3-0 ATS in their last three home games.

Bobcats at Blazers (-6.5): With defensive stalwart Emeka Okafor likely out again tonight, I don't like the Bobcats' chances on the second night of a back-to-back.  Their defense surrendered 135 points to the Kings last night, so the Blazers will try to continue to exploit the Bobcats' weak interior defense.  Also, this is the Bobcats' fifth game in seven nights, so fatigue will certainly be a factor.  Compared to the Bobcats, the Blazers are relatively well rested, as this is only their third game in the last seven days.

College Basketball (48.8 - 57)

Virginia Tech at Virginia (-2.5): Virginia is 15-1 SU at home (6-4 ATS), and they'll be looking to avenge an 84-57 blowout that occured at Virginia Tech on February 10.  Virginia Tech has lost two of its last three road games, as they haven't been able to carry over their home dominance to the road.  Defense could be a big factor in this one, since Virginia holds opponents to a 39.4 FG%, while Virginia Tech allows opponents a 43.7 FG%. 

North Carolina (-5.5) at Georgia Tech: The line is generous for North Carolina backers, as the Tar Heels have lost their last four games ATS.  Coming off the loss at Maryland (in a very winnable game), North Carolina will be eager to show that they deserve a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.  Unless Georgia Tech wins the ACC Tournament, they're NIT bound, as their only recent quality win came against Clemson at home.  Georgia Tech is a respectable 18-10 overall, but their 6-8 conference record shows that the Yellow Jackets have trouble against top-level teams.

Nevada at Utah State (+2.5): Nevada doesn't have anything to play for, as they've already clinched their regular-season conference title, and they're guaranteed at least a #4 seed in the NCAA Tournament.  On the other hand, Utah State would be in the running for an at-large bid with a win over Nevada, who is currently a top-ten team.  Utah State has lost two straight games (both on the road), so a home loss tonight could cripple their chances of extending their season.

USC at Washington (-3): USC is 11-5 in conference play, so they're in line for a bye in the Pac-10 Tournament.  The Trojans are also guaranteed an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament, as they've beaten Arizona (twice), Oregon (twice), and Stanford.  As a result, this game means very little for them.  Meanwhile, pride is at stake for Washington, who has lost four straight games.  In their last home game, they lost a heartbreaker to rival Washington State, so they'll be fighting to defend their home courtt tonight.  With a 15-2 SU home record, Washington's tough to beat, especially when the road team doesn't need a win.

UCLA at Washington State (+1): With a 25-3 overall record, UCLA is pretty much guaranteed a #1 seed in the Tournament.  The Bruins have won four straight games, and they know that the next two weeks don't matter much.  Even though Washington State is also in great position with a 23-5 overall record, they're not experienced enough to know when it's okay to let up.  They'll fight hard to beat UCLA, and a win could assure Washington State of a #2 seed in the Tournament.  Washington State's very capable of winning on their home floor, where they've gone 8-4 ATS.  And they've already shown that they can play with UCLA, as they narrowly lost, 52-55, on December 28. 

Arizona (-3.5) at California: Arizona's lost two of their last three games, and they can't afford to have a poor showing against a mediocre Cal squad tonight.  At 18-9 overall (9-7 in the Pac-10), Arizona is in a precarious position in terms of NCAA seeding, and a loss could actually put them on the bubble.  With future NBA lottery picks Chase Budinger and Marcus Williams starting at forward, there's no excuse for Arizona to lose to a Cal team that's 2-8 SU (3-6-1 ATS) in their last ten games.  Arizona needs to make a statement with a double-digit win.

Yesterday: 7.9 - 10

Overall: 44.7 - 39

College Basketball (25.7 - 28)

Duquesne (+280) at Fordham: Although Duquesne's overall record is a mediocre 10-13, they're 5-3 since instituting the 10/40, which is a running offense where ten players sprint for 40 minutes. During this eight-game stretch under the new style of play, Duquesne is 5-0 when they score more than 90 points. Much like the Phoenix Suns of the NBA, this type of playing style is so much more up-tempo than what opponents normally see that it causes adjustment problems. Prior to instituting the new system, Duquesne lost to Fordham, 59-71, on January 14, so they'll be looking for revenge today. Also, Fordham has lost four straight games, including two at home, and they've only averaged 54 points in those four losses.

Georgia Tech (+290) at Duke: Georgia Tech's decent 17-8 overall record is somewhat marred by a 1-6 mark on the road, but the lone win came on Tuesday at Florida State. That upset victory gives Georgia Tech the confidence that it can win on the road, and confidence is important for a young team led by freshmen stars Javaris Crittendon and Thaddeus Young. Georgia Tech has also won four straight games, and this could be one of those young teams that's getting ready to make a Tournament run. On the other hand, Duke has struggled lately, losing four straight, including two home losses, before winning at Boston College last Wednesday. During the last few weeks, Duke's been exposed for its lack of an athletic, go-to scorer. This game is important for both teams' chances at earning at-large Tournament bids, so expect to see a lot of hustle and emotional play. In such an atmosphere, the better athletes usually win, so I like Georgia Tech.

Notre Dame (-6) at Cincinnati: While Notre Dame has struggled since Kyle McAlarney's suspension, the Fighting Irish are still 19-6 overall. Also, even though they've recently lost on the road to DePaul, South Florida, and St. John's, all three games were competitive, and Notre Dame's 103-91 win at Syracuse on January 30 showed that they can upset Big East competition away from home. Meanwhile, Cincinnati has struggled, going 10-15 overall, and the Bearcats are just 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games. During that time span, they've managed just one win SU. At home, Cincinnati has lost three straight games SU and ATS (losing by 9 nine points to St. John's, 16 points to Louisville, and 16 points to Pittsburgh). The intangibles are also in Notre Dame's favor, as this game is critical for an at-large Tournament berth for the Fighting Irish, while Cincinnati has no shot at making it to the Big Dance.

Virginia Tech at North Carolina State (+210): Coming off Tuesday's overtime road win at North Carolina, Virginia Tech must fight off a possible letdown, as that win probably guaranteed them an NCAA Tournament bid. Meanwhile, the younger N.C. State lineup needs to build up some momentum heading into the ACC tournament, as they might need a conference championship in order to extend their season. N.C. State is only 13-11 overall this season, but they're 11-6 at home. And while they've gone 3-7 in their last ten games, they've beaten North Carolina at home and Virginia Tech on the road during this span. N.C. State should come out on a mission today, as they've lost three straight games, including a 15-point home loss to Maryland last Wednesday. If 6' 8" freshman forward Brandon Costner and 6' 9" sophomore forward Ben McCauley bring their "A" games, this should be a highly competitive game.

Maryland (+160) at Clemson: Clemson has been in a bit of funk lately, losing four of five and six of eight. Most recently, they lost at Wake Forest, 65-67, and that won't do much for their confidence considering Wake's below-average performance this season. Maryland will be looking to sweep Clemson after winning 92-87 at home earlier in the year. Maryland is coming off two straight road wins, and they've been boosted by the recent improvement of freshman point guard Grievis Vasquez.

NBA Basketball (19 - 11)

East vs. West - Over 256: This prediction is based purely on life experience. For some reason, a few handicappers are predicting that the score will go under 256 because of the hangover factor. The theory goes that players have been up all night partying, so they'll stumble through the game in dazed fashion. I agree that the players will be tired, but the effect will be on defense, not offense. Defense takes more energy, and hangovers will lead the stars to save their energies for the offensive end. As a result, the stars will put forth even less energy at defense than usual (if that's even possible), so scorers will find easy lanes to the basket, where they'll finish with magnificent dunks. The Sophomores scored 155 points in the Rookie game, which lasts only 40 minutes (compared to the 48 minute All-Star game). That score foreshadowed the offensive showing that will occur Sunday night. The over seems pretty safe, as both squads should score over 130 points.