Big Monday
Are you ready for the President’s Day version of Big Monday? In lieu of the holiday, the family of networks is hooking us up with an extra game, including an early start for the Providence-Georgetown lid-lifter at 4:00 p.m. Eastern.
Later, we get our standard trio of games, including a Big 12 showdown in the Lone Star State. Did we even mention Xavier and Rhode Island? We’ll get to that matchup later in Bonus Nuggets.
**Georgetown at Providence**
--Barely 48 hours removed from a 77-70 loss at the Carrier Dome, Georgetown (20-4 straight up, 8-13 against the spread) will be looking to bounce back when it visits Providence. Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened the Hoyas as 5½-point favorites with a total of 134.
--Providence (13-12 SU, 10-13 ATS) is in danger of missing the Big East Tournament (remember, only 12 of 16 teams make it to MSG), prompting the local media to suggest that Tim Welsh’s nine-year tenure could be coming to an end soon. The Friars haven’t tasted the NCAA Tournament since 2004, so Welsh’s shaky status is justified.
--One of the major problems for this Providence team has been the absence of junior point guard Sharaud Curry, who was lost for the season with an injury in December. Curry averaged 15.3 points and 4.4 assists per game last year.
--Providence has lost three in a row and seven of its last eight, including Saturday’s 80-72 loss to Louisville as a five-point home underdog.
--Georgetown has lost five in a row ATS. For the season, the Hoyas own a 4-4 spread record in eight games as road favorites. As for the Friars, they are 0-2 ATS in a pair of games as home underdogs.
--The Friars are 9-4 SU and 6-5 ATS at home.
--The ‘under’ is 15-6 overall for Georgetown.
--The ‘under’ is 12-11 overall for Providence, but the ‘over’ is 7-4 in its home games.
--The ‘under’ has cashed in six straight meetings between these Big East rivals. Providence has taken the cash in six of the last eight encounters against the Hoyas.
--ESPN2 will provide television coverage at 4:00 p.m. Eastern.
**Syracuse at Louisville**
--LVSC opened Louisville (20-6 SU, 13-10 ATS) as a 10 ½-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 141. The Cardinals are looking for their sixth consecutive win in this spot.
--Rick Pitino’s team has covered the spread in each victory during its five-game winning streak, including a pair of road favorite spots this past week against Depaul and Providence. Earl Clark was the catalyst against the Friars, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three blocked shots and two steals.
--Syracuse (17-9 SU, 12-12 ATS) captured a resume-bolstering victory Saturday when it took out the Hoyas 77-70 as a three-point home underdog. Paul Harris led the Orange to the winner’s circle with a 22-point, eight-rebound performance. Donte Green added 18 points.
--Jim Boeheim’s team is back on the bubble again after its controversial omission from the field last year. The Orange are 7-6 in Big East play, but the win over the Hoyas is the only eye-opening victory. They have decent wins over Villanova, Washington and St. Joseph’s, but home losses to UMass and Rhode Island aren’t helping the cause. In other words, Syracuse needs at least one more big-time victory, and this trip to Freedom Hall offers just that opportunity.
--The Cards are 3-7 ATS in 10 games as double-digit underdogs.
--The ‘Cuse has been a money maker as underdog this season, posting a 4-1 spread record in five ‘dog situations. The Orange has only been a double-digit ‘dog once, easily cashing tickets in a heartbreaking 64-62 overtime loss at Georgetown as a 12-point ‘dog.
--The ‘under’ is 15-9 overall for Louisville, 9-3 in its home games. The ‘under’ is on an 8-1 run in the Cards’ last nine home outings. The Orange have also seen the ‘under’ hit at a 15-9 overall clip.
--Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. on ESPN.
*Texas A&M at Texas*
--LVSC opened Texas (21-4 SU, 11-8 ATS) as a 4 ½-point favorite with a total of 138. The Longhorns bring a five-game winning streak both SU and ATS into this spot.
--Rick Barnes’ team picked up two huge wins this past week, beating Kansas 72-69 at home and holding on for an 82-77 triumph at Baylor. Damion James paced the Longhorns with 19 points and 10 rebounds against the Bears, who nearly pulled off an improbable comeback. D.J Augustin had an off shooting night (2-of-12 FGA’s) and missed some free throws at crunch time, but he did dish out 10 assists.
--Texas A&M (20-5 SU, 10-9 ATS) saw its five-game winning streak both SU and ATS snapped in Saturday’s shocking home loss to Oklahoma State. The Cowboys came into College Station and captured a 59-54 upset victory as 12 ½-point underdogs.
--Texas is in revenge mode here after taking an 80-63 pounding at Texas A&M back on Jan. 30. The Aggies cruised to the easy victory as 3 ½-point home favorites thanks to 19 points and 10 rebounds from Josh Carter.
--Texas A&M has only been an underdog once this season, losing a 78-67 decision at Arizona as a three-point ‘dog.
--Texas is 13-1 SU and 5-4 ATS at home. The ‘under’ is 7-2 for the ‘Horns at home.
--The ‘under’ is 12-7 overall for Texas A&M.
--The Aggies are 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head meetings against Texas. The ‘over’ has cashed in four straight games between these in-state rivals.
--ESPN will have the telecast at 9:00 p.m. ET.
**Gonzaga at San Diego**
--LVSC sent out Gonzaga (20-6 SU, 14-12 ATS) as a 7 ½-point ‘chalk’ with a 132-point tally.
--This is a rematch of a Jan. 19 meeting in Spokane, where Mark Few’s team won 80-70 but failed to cover the number as a 17½-point favorite. Matt Bouldin led five ‘Zag players in double figures with 16 points, while Brandon Johnson had 26 points in the losing effort.
--San Diego (15-11 SU, 14-8 ATS) got our attention during non-conference play when it went into Rupp Arena and beat Kentucky by an 81-72 count as a 13-point underdog.
--The Toreros have won seven in a row to climb into third place in the West Coast Conference. With an 8-1 record in WCC action, they are just one-half game back of the league’s co-leaders, Gonzaga and St. Mary’s.
--San Diego is 1-1 both SU and ATS as a home underdog, losing 69-64 to San Diego St. as a 3½-point ‘dog and beating St. Mary’s 63-55 as a seven-point ‘dog.
--San Diego is coached by Bill Grier, who is in his first season after a long stint at Gonzaga as Few’s top assistant.
--The ‘under’ is 14-7 overall for the Toreros, 6-2 in their home assignments. Meanwhile, the ‘over’ has hit in four of Gonzaga’s last five games.
--Tip-off is slated for 11:00 p.m. ET. on ESPN2.
VegasInsider.com
Mavs, Nets find a way to get Kidd to Dallas
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
DALLAS (AP) - Jason Kidd is headed to the Dallas Mavericks after all, although in a trade that's slightly different than originally arranged.
The new deal - as reported by various media outlets Sunday night, all citing anonymous sources - has Kidd and forward Malik Allen going to Dallas for point guard Devin Harris, center DeSagana Diop and swingman Maurice Ager, plus a few new pieces: retired forward Keith Van Horn and Trenton Hassell.
New Jersey also will get two first-round draft picks and $3 million.
Van Horn and Hassell replace Jerry Stackhouse and Devean George. Stackhouse's presence in the deal was muddled by plans to get him back to Dallas - within the rules, although in a way the league frowned upon - and George used his veto power to block his involvement.
The reconfigured proposal is expected to be offered for league approval Monday. If all goes as planned, Kidd could make his return to the team that drafted him when the Mavericks play in New Orleans on Wednesday night.
''There's a lot of talk that the deal is done,'' Kidd said after Sunday's All-Star game in New Orleans, where word of the trade broke. ''I've heard that before. Until I get a call from Rod (Thorn) or Mark (Cuban), then it will be official.''
A spokesman for the New Jersey Nets declined comment at the game.
If all goes as planned, Kidd will be back in the Western Conference by the time the All-Star break ends.
Kidd spent the first 2-plus seasons of his career in Dallas. The Mavs drafted him third overall in 1994 and he was the NBA's co-rookie of the year in '94-95. He was traded to Phoenix in December 1996, then went from the Suns to New Jersey prior to the 2001-02 season. He helped the Nets reach the NBA finals his first two seasons, but they haven't made a long playoff run since.
The Mavericks have been among the NBA's top teams the last few years, but have fallen short of a title. They're trading Harris' promising future in hopes that Kidd, who turns 35 next month, has enough tenacity and leadership to push them over the top.
Dallas has been eyeing Kidd for a while. Team owner Mark Cuban may have sped up the process after seeing other top Western Conference teams make pivotal additions.
This deal seemed done earlier last week until George whacked it. Stackhouse's talk of being bought out and re-signing with the Mavs also didn't sit well with league officials.
The big winner in this is Van Horn, who has been out of the league the last 1 1/2 seasons.
Dallas still owned his rights, so his involvement is essentially to make the numbers work. He'll be signed then traded - and, like Kidd, he'll be heading back to his original team. It's unclear whether he'll actually play for the Nets, but it seems unlikely.
Monday’s Pregame Buzz
CBB
Syracuse at Louisville
* The Louisville Cardinals have won five straight and 11 of 13 games overall. The Cardinals are 12-2 at home on the season, and their victory on Saturday marked the third time in five games they have scored 80 or more points. Providence head coach Tim Welsh said “You've got to make all your plays to beat a team like this." EDGE: LOUISVILLE
* The Syracuse Orange are fresh off a huge weekend win against Georgetown, in what was their first season victory against a ranked opponent this season. Syracuse became just the second team to score more than 70 points against Georgetown this season. Forward Paul Harris had 22 points in that game, and called it a “Key win.” Harris is averaging 22 points and 8 rebounds in the last four contests alone. EDGE: SYRACUSE
* Syracuse is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games overall.
* Louisville is 22-6-2 ATS in its last 30 games against the Big East.
* The OVER is 8-1 in Louisville’s last 9 home games.
#8 Georgetown at Providence
* Georgetown is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 Monday games.
* Providence is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
* The UNDER is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
#16 Texas A&M at #11 Texas
* Texas A&M is 20-8 ATS in its last 28 road games.
* Texas is 20-8 ATS in its last 28 Monday games.
* The home team is 9-2-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
Gonzaga at San Diego
* Gonzaga is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games against the West Coast.
* San Diego is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
* The OVER is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Pregame.com
(12) Xavier (21-4, 9-12 ATS) at Rhode Island (20-5, 12-9-2 ATS)
Xavier will try to extend its winning streak to eight when it travel to the Ryan Center in Kingston, R.I., for an Atlantic 10 showdown with the Rams.
Xavier’s seven-game streak (2-5 ATS) has put them atop the A-10 standings, two games ahead of St. Joseph’s. In their most recent contest on Wednesday, the Musketeers beat Charlotte 62-60, but fell short as five-point favorites.
The road has been kind lately to the Musketeers, who have rattled off four straight wins on the highway (1-3 ATS).
Rhode Island wrapped up a three-game A-10 road swing (1-2 SU and ATS) with Wednesday’s 92-89 overtime loss at Temple, failing as one-point underdogs. However, the Rams have been a different steam inside the Ryan Center, where they are 12-0 (7-2-1 ATS). Dating back to last season, Rhode Island is 9-3-1 ATS on its home floor.
On the downside, the Rams have dropped 15 straight games against ranked opponents dating back to 1998.
Xavier has dominated this series, going 9-1 SU (7-3 ATS) since 2000, but the lone loss came last March in the A-10 tournament when Rhode Island scored a 79-71 win as an 11½-point ‘dog. However, the last time the Musketeers went to the Ryan Center, they earned an 85-76 win two years ago as 3½-point favorites, and they are 4-0 SU and ATS in their last four trips to Rhode Island. Finally, the road team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 series clashes.
The under is 6-2 in Xavier’s last eight overall and in its last eight Monday tip-offs. However, the over is 21-7 in Rhode Island’s last 28 home games, 14-5 in the Rams’ last 19 conference contests and 5-0 in the last five head-to-head matchups.
ATS ADVANTAGE: XAVIER and OVER
Syracuse (17-9, 12-12 ATS) at (23) Louisville (20-6, 13-10-1 ATS)
The Cardinals return to Freedom Hall riding a five-game winning streak and tied atop the Big East standings as they host Syracuse in a conference matchup.
Louisville pulled into a tie for the Big East lead when they scored an 80-72 win at Providence as five-point favorites Saturday while Syracuse was knocking off league-leading Georgetown 77-70 as three-point home ‘dogs.
The Cardinals are 5-0 ATS during this five-game winning streak and 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 overall. What’s more, Louisville has gone 22-6-2 ATS in its last 30 Big East games.
Saturday’s win over Georgetown ended a two-game slide for Syracuse, which improved to 5-2 ATS in its last seven overall. However, the Orange are just 4-9 ATS in their last 13 following an ATS win and 5-11 ATS in their last 16 Monday games.
The Cardinals topped Syracuse 76-71 in Louisville last season, getting a push as a five-point home chalk. This is only the fifth time these two have met since 1998 with the series tied 2-2 and Louisville going 2-1-1 ATS.
Louisville is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six Monday games but just 2-5 ATS in its last seven at home against teams with a losing record.
The over is 3-0 in the last three head-to-head matchups, but the under is 8-3 in the Orange’s last 11 overall, 20-8 in their last 28 Monday games and 8-1 in Louisville’s last nine at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: LOUISVILLE and UNDER
(16) Texas A&M (20-5, 10-9 ATS) at (11) Texas (21-4, 11-8 ATS)
The Longhorns, who have strung together a five-game SU and ATS winning streak, all in Big 12 action, now look for revenge when they host Texas A&M in a rivalry game inside the Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.
Texas, which upended Baylor 82-77 as a 1½-point road underdog on Saturday, hasn’t lost since Jan. 30 when it went to Texas A&M and got stomped 80-63 as 3½-point underdogs. Texas is 12-1 SU in front of the home fans this season (5-4 ATS) and scored its biggest victory of the season a week ago tonight, downing then second-ranked Kansas 72-69 as 5½-point home ‘dogs.
A&M had its own five-game SU and ATS winning streak halted in stunning fashion Saturday, losing 59-54 to Oklahoma State as 12½-point favorites, as the Aggies managed just 18 second-half points. Texas A&M is 5-3 SU and ATS away from home this season, including three straight wins and covers in Big 12 road contests.
The home team has dominated this rivalry, going 9-1 SU in the last 10 overall and 9-2-1 ATS in the last 12. These two played a double-overtime thriller in Austin last season, with the ‘Horns getting the 98-96 win as a one-point chalk, the only spread-cover for Texas in the last six clashes.
The Aggies are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 road games, while the ‘Horns are 20-8 ATS in their lat 28 Monday contests.
The over is on runs of 4-0 in this rivalry, 4-1 for Texas overall and 4-0 for the Aggies against winning teams. However, the under has been the play in six of the ‘Horns last seven home games and seven of their last eight Monday battles.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS and UNDER
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