Sweet Action

NBX Wisegirl Lisa thinks you should check out the following trends before sending in your Play of the Day picks today...
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Duke is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Maryland is 9-3 ATS in their last 12 vs. Atlantic Coast.
Duke is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 trips to Maryland.
Maryland is 2-7 ATS in their last 9 home games.
Celtics are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games as a road favorite of 0.5-4.5.
Magic are 23-8 ATS in their last 31 games as a dog of 0.5-4.5.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 trips to Orlando.
Magic are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 day of rest.
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For more stats on these and other games... NCAAB / NBA
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"Sweet Action" trends are not picks, but merely plays that may deserve a closer look. So, don't come crying to us if your bankroll shrinks as a result of riding any of these trends.

And the Emmy Goes to...Deron Washington!

Duke came into Blacksburg...on Thursday night ready for another tough night on the road in the ACC.  VT has given Duke all kinds of problems over the past few years and this young crop of Hokies were determined to give the Blue Devils all they could handle.  Tech is young but they are also quick and athletic and have at least one team member who is obviously a drama major.
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Deron Washington...WTF??!!  You would think a senior leader of a young squad would bring stability and a good head game on the court...maybe he's been around Greenburg too long?  Washington decided to bring his stage make-up kit, instead.  If he wasn't flailing his arms and swinging his neck back after a non-existent push then he was sticking that same neck in the Duke huddle and getting it rudely (and appropriately) shoved right back out.  Blue here definitely gives this jerk off kid the nod for an Emmy. 
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When it came to actually playing the game...Washington was a pathetic 2-9 from the field with six turnovers.  All his hustle plays were canceled out by his lame attempts to get the refs attention....which it did in a way since he ended up fouling out on a touch foul in the final minutes.  I have to say it...I really fucking loathe this kid.  Really, really.  Maybe as much as I ::HEART:: Jon Scheyer.  (What?  You didn't think I'd find a way to slip that in somewhere?  You underestimate my (in)capabilities).
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You know it is bad...when you are playing Duke and the commentary is provided by the lovely Len "I Know Every NBA Player, EVER" Elmore and Mike "Still Bitter After All These Years" Patrick duo and they are picking on you.  A lot.  Almost enough for me to forgive Elmore's mentioning Henderson's Dad and how he knew him, too, at least three times per Duke game.  Almost.
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Anyway...enough about Deron "Sideshow Bob" Washington and on to the actual game and what it meant to Duke...um, finally.  My apologies.
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The first half...was back and forth with Duke holding as much as a 10 point advantage at one point before Tech was able to cut the lead to one at the break.  What a shock!
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Enter Kyle Singler...His 3 straight out of the half put Duke up by 4 and his rebounding, passing and scoring allowed Duke to stretch the lead and start to cruise right into...{drum roll, please}...stall ball (YAY!  My favorite)! around the 10 minute mark.  Paulus, Henderson and Nelson were all in double figures as well but it was Singler who provided the spark and energy the entire second half.  We all heard coming in to this season just how high Singler's basketball IQ...another term I just adore...right up there with the term upset...was.  We saw it last night.  The kid is necessarily great at any one part of the game....his outside shot is still iffy and he still has lots to learn on the defensive end....but his ability to make plays and big shots when they count are undeniable.  The behind the back pass to Nelson was a thing of beauty that may come to define the type of player Singler is and will be.  He makes people around him look better, which in my eyes, is the true barometer of how special a player is.
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Again, Singler certainly didn't do this alone.  The defense forced 22 turnovers and only committed 12.  The Devils were decent behind the arc going 8-22 while holding the Hokies to a meager 2-13.  Vassallo and Thompson were bright spots in the lineup for Tech and they proved they can hang with a team like Duke, at least for a half.  This team will surprise a team or two before the season is out and could make even more noise if Sideshow Bob decides to give up on his acting career and start playing basketball.  The middle of the conference standings are wide open and for the taking at this point.
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All in all, it was good to get out of Blacksburg with a win and no major injuries.  Tech won't be coming to Cameron this year which is a shame considering Washington could have been a really fun target.  Oh well...maybe we'll see them again come ACC tourny time.
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Bring on the Twerps!!!
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Blue Devilyn is a regular NBX contributor and aspiring Amish nun. Check out the archives for some of her other puritanical rants and raves.

Sweet Action

NBX Wisegirl Lilia thinks you should take the following trends into consideration before sending in your Play of the Day picks today...
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Auburn is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Alabama is 5-12 ATS in their last 17 home games.
Auburn is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. Southeastern.
Alabama is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. Southeastern.
Georgetown is 15-6-2 ATS in their last 23 vs. Big East.
West Virginia is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning record.
Georgetown is 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
West Virginia is 20-8 ATS in their last 28 home games.
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For more stats on these and other NCAAB games... click here
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"Sweet Action" trends are not picks, but merely plays that may deserve a closer look. So, don't come crying to us if your bankroll shrinks as a result of riding any of these trends.

Sweet Action

NBX Wisegirl Cora thinks you should check out the following trends before making your Play of the Day pick today...
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Florida is 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a win.
South Carolina is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning record.
Florida is 8-0 ATS in their last 8 vs. Southeastern.
South Carolina is 12-5 ATS in their last 17 vs. Southeastern.
Florida is 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings between these two teams.
South Carolina is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a win.
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For more stats on this and other NCAAB games... click here
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"Sweet Action" trends are not picks, but merely plays that may deserve a closer look. So, don't come crying to us if your bankroll shrinks as a result of riding any of these trends.

Out Coached...Out Played

Clemson ventured into Durham...on Sunday evening with an interesting resume to start their season.  A resume that included a high profile loss to chapel hill college followed by a head scratching loss to Charlotte.  Which Clemson would come into Cameron?  The one that could play a #1 team to the buzzer or the Tiggers who wilt to A-10 competition on the regular?
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In the end...the Blue Devils win, 93-80...although, I gotta say, if you're a stats freak, it is a weird one.  Duke was out-rebounded by the Tigers and Clemson also shot 53%...yet still couldn't beat Duke.  For the first bit of this game, I sat biting my nails as I watched the Tigers score, what seemed to me, again and again...on easy lay-ups.  They dominated the inside while Duke dominated the outside.  So, I did what almost anyone else would do...I got totally wasted with my fiance and kept watching...and things got better.  Because I was drunk or because cryolina had just lost to f'ing Maryland, I don't know.  But, better they did get.
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Considering our lack of any big men...this game had me nervous long before it was actually played.  Yet, somehow, my boys in the Royal Blue seemingly turned what should have been a mismatch for them into a mismatch for Clemson.  By the way, for all you arses out there screaming about points from the free throw line...STFU, kthanx?  When you play defense like Duke does, it should be pretty obvious that your team is going to go to the line more.  On top of that, even though the Tigers have me almost convinced that this year they might actually be a real team (instead of the usual, "play crap teams, go undefeated into ACC play and then immediately have it shown that you are still the same ol' Klempsum," thing) this year.  After all, they were within one point of beating the (NOT) So Greatest Team, EVER. 
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Yes, points from the line had a sh*tload to do with it...but, there is still one thing that links the old Klempsum to the better Clemson...they still can't shoot free throws worth a damn.  One would think with all the true improvement in every other area, this would not be the case, but, sadly, it still is.  Which is a shame because I've never really hated (or really liked) Clemson...but on occasion I will go totally ACC on your arse and the Tigers are one of those teams that it might be okay to see help prove the ACC's dominance in college hoops.  Then again, that is probably just lil' ol' Blue, here.
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At any rate...is it just me or is the 55-54 mark seem to be a new good luck charm for Duke?  Two times in two weeks this is the score that brings Duke back from the dead.  I like it.  Way better than that 17 point lead thing that gets certain people (looking at you, Matt) freaked out around here...says the chica who just stays in permanent freak out mode until the game is over.
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In the end...Duke just turned the, "lack of a real big man," thing on Clemson.  We had solid game from the usual suspects...Scheyer, Paulus, Henderson, Nelson and Smith.  Clearly, our captain was back--Nelson was great and it is extremely satisfying to see what an uninjured Nelson can do!  Now, before anyone jumps my lil' 90 pound arse about Smith, he has been a more than solid player and the moves you saw this game could not possibly be the first...I recall a game where Smith's family was at Cameron and some of the absolutely awesome moves he pulled were...well, um, absolutely awesome.
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Nelson lead...with 24 points (followed by double d's from Smith and Scheyer...Smith only getting the best of my boy by one point--insert mandatory Blue ::HEARTS:: Jon Scheyer, forEVER right here) and also in steals.  Henderson lead in rebounds and blocks and...wait..what is this?  Jon Scheyer led in assists.  {Inset mandatory Blue ::HEARTS:: Jon Scheyer, forEVER, here, again, just for the hell of it}.
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I know his praises are sung enough...but personally I think this game came down to coaching...no offense to Purnell.  But, how many times do you want to hear about Krzyzewski being the best coach, EVER and so on and so on?  Hell, even I get sick of typing it/reading it/hearing it myself...sometimes...rarely, but, sometimes.
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Anyhoo, the "real" story of the day...was Sweatyland beating the tarholes...which leads to what might be the best story on Monday--the polls.  Specifically, Duke being ranked three in the nation over the mighty tools, who came in at four in the ESPN poll.  Personally, I don't like it.  I'd have preferred getting through the VT Thugs and then the Maryland Snapping Turtles before something like that, but most likely it is just me.  But, what's done is done, as they say, so now our Royal Blue Avengers have to prove they belong at that spot.  Also, I'd appreciate folks who would stop acting like VT is nothing and trying to skip right ahead to the "Sweat." 
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This is the ACC...never count a team out or take anything for granted.  Anything can happen any given night...I promise you that.  We all need to just chill, go with the flow and see what happens before we get too excited and started jumping WAAAY ahead of ourselves.  Because, like I always say...only  time will tell.
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Blue Devilyn is a regular NBX contributor and aspiring Amish nun. Check out the archives for some of her other puritanical rants and raves.

Sweet Action

NBX Wisegirl Lilia thinks you should take the following trends into consideration before sending in your Play of the Day pick today...
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Michigan is 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 Tuesday games.
Wisconsin is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a losing record.
Michigan is 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Wisconsin is 3-9 ATS in their last 12 Tuesday games.
Michigan is 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games following a loss.
Wisconsin is 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games.
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For more stats on this and other NCAAB games... click here
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"Sweet Action" trends are not picks, but merely plays that may deserve a closer look. So, don't come crying to us if your bankroll shrinks as a result of riding any of these trends.

Duke v. FSU: The Jon Scheyer Show

OK, I know that Duke is absolutely wonderful and all, but, seriously.  Some people need to get a life!  I am going to say this one time: FSU.  Is.  Not.  Duke's Rival.  At this point, do the Blue Devils even have one team out there that doesn't claim to be their supposed rival?  Aaarrrgghhh!  Enough already.  While it is true that I have a deep hatred in my heart for more than a few ACC teams, it does not mean they are a rival.  But, hey, whatever makes you sleep better at night FSU...Maryland...BC...and so on.
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As for the game, where do I begin?  How about with, oh, I don't know, maybe JON SCHEYER?  Who might just possibly be the reason Duke managed to win the game against FSU (70-57) Wednesday evening?  Please excuse me for just one moment while I do my "I-Told-You-So-Blue ::HEARTS:: Jon Scheyer ForEVER" dance.  AH, that felt good...just be thankful you only had to read about it.  (And yes, I do clearly remember Singler's basket in the second half that brought back the momentum, but you can at least let me have this "one shining moment" without ruining it for me).
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The game got off to a slow start until our hero, Jon Scheyer, came out of nowhere and just lit it up.  While our normally solid offensive players (I'm looking at you, Markie) had apparently made a recent trip to Hogwart's and decided to wear their new invisibility cloaks (yes, I did just make a Harry Potter reference, sue me, I'm a fucking dork) Scheyer dominated the first half, sending us to half time with a very comfortable 30-13 lead over Hamilton's band of merry thugs.  Driving Jay "I Never Really Went to Duke, I Swear" Bilas and Mike "I'm Still Bitter After All These Years" Patrick to the verge of tears.
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Not to worry...even though forced to have to sing their praises in regards to Scheyer, Bilas stayed true to his roots letting us all know just how the game wasn't over yet, can't count that glorious FSU {or insert ANY team but Duke here} out, yet!   At least, I assume he did, I wasn't paying attention at that point, but I don't know why he would stray from his normal routine.  Which, although true (horribly, in this case), he would still say it if the score was 202-2, Duke with two minutes left in the game.
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AH, the second half! All Hail the return of the Blue Devils who can lose any lead, no matter how large, once round two begins!  Gee, it's been awhile since I saw these guys...oh, never mind, no it hasn't.  Absence makes the heart grow fonder, they say, so I think this version of the team should consider taking a wee bit longer of a hiatus next time.  We can even go back to Greg bashing a little bit with this game...literally.  I never want to hear one word about the Tyler/Henderson incident again.  While it is funny to joke that it wasn't an accident sometimes, it was.  A far cry from Reid so thugaliciously raring back and punching GP.  And then pout about being T-ed up for it...even though GP was, as well...didn't see him whining about it.
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I have to be honest and admit that somewhere in the second half I just zoned out and replayed Scheyer's glorious first half repeatedly in my head to the tune of that really stupid song "I Need a Hero" to avoid severe damage to my television.  My fiance had to stop watching altogether (thank goodness for DVR) at the 55-54, FSU mark.  Then along comes Singler and we get back our momentum.  GP steals it and scores and then, wonder of all wonders, someone known for his less than ideal FT percentage, makes his FTs!!!  (I'm looking at you Markie)!!!  Impressive.  A little bit Twilight Zone-ish, as well, considering Scheyer's lack of making his this game.
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So, Jon Scheyer and Company squeaked by in the end, about which I'm quite happy.  Jon Scheyer had an awesome game, about which I am in the throes of an ecstatic frenzy.  But the final score does not tell the true story about this game.  There is no excuse for losing huge leads in the second half and this team might want to start thinking about fixing that problem if they have any hopes of a real post-season.  Hopefully, at long last, they will learn their lesson...before the Clempsum--who is a REAL team now, almost beating THE GREATEST TEAM, EVER (and then losing to, um, Charlotte?)--game.  Then again, I have been hoping for the total disappearance of "sorry arse second half" Duke for awhile now.  Guess we'll have to wait and see.
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Blue Devilyn is a regular NBX contributor and aspiring Amish nun. Check out the archives for some of her other puritanical rants and raves.

Sweet Action

NBX Wisegirl Monica thinks you should check out the following trends before making your Play of the Day picks today...
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Rutgers is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a loss.
DePaul is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a loss.
Rutgers is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a road dog.
DePaul is 6-15 ATS in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Oregon St is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 trips to Washington.
Washington is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a win.
Oregon St is 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games after scoring less than 50 points in their previous game.
Washington is 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
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For more stats on these and other NCAAB games... click here
...      
"Sweet Action" trends are not picks, but merely plays that may deserve a closer look. So, don't come crying to us if your bankroll shrinks as a result of riding any of these trends.

Dick Vitale to Return...

Just in time for the Duke v. UNC game!  What a shocker, that!  From what I have read, DV is going to be paired up with Patrick or Elmore and since Patrick does the games for us local folk blacked out from ESPN, I figure the commentary might go a little bit like this.
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ESPN: Dick "Dukie" Vitale and Len "Have I Ever Mentioned To You 85 billion Times About How I Personally Know Every NBA Player, EVER?!!" Elmore
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(Vitale)  OMG!  Baaaby!  THIS is why Coach K is great!!! 
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(Elmore): You do realize that I, LEN ELMORE, personally know EVERY NBA hoops player, EVER!  You DID get that point, right?
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(Vitale): Did you see THAT?!!!  Nolan Smith is living up to his promise...BAAABBYY!  Er...my bad, Smiths' spin move just got taken away from him...GD baseline!
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(Elmore):  You do realize that I, LEN ELMORE, personally know EVERY NBA hoops player, EVER!  You DID get that point, right?
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(Vitale): WOOT!  Now THAT is what makes those tar heels the number one team in the country!!!  {Insert DV mandatory backhanded compliment to K and anyone under his tutelage here}.
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(Elmore): You do realize that I, LEN ELMORE, personally know EVERY NBA hoops player, EVER!  You DID get that point, right?  Just checking to make sure that you heard me the first time I said it.
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(Vitale): Duke's diaper dandies are so much better than we thought they were gonna be...but, NOBODY can beat that Tyler Hansbrough!!
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(Elmore):  You do realize that I, LEN ELMORE, personally know EVERY NBA hoops player, EVER!  You DID get that point, right?
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(Vitale): I was just watching, "The View," the other morning...OMG!!  Did you SEE that?  Coach K, his diaper dandies, Carolina...this really is THE ONLY REASON FOR WHICH I LIVE!!!
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(Elmore): You do realize that I, LEN ELMORE, personally know EVERY NBA hoops player, EVER!  You DID get that point, right?  GD it!!!  I do!  I really do!!! Screw you Vitale!!  I knew them ALL...even the ones I had to use my time machine to go watch/play with/just meet so I can say:  You do realize that I, LEN ELMORE, personally know EVERY NBA hoops player, EVER!
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I'm not sayin'...just sayin'. And, Blue will be back very soon to honor her beloved Jon Scheyer--HERO of the FSU v. Duke game...GO JON SCHEYER AND COMPANY!!!!  WOOT!!
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Blue Devilyn is a regular NBX contributor and aspiring Amish nun. Check out the archives for some of her other puritanical rants and raves.