Bobby Conn

50* Powerhouse Play on UC-Santa Barbara +5½ -109

When the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (1-0) and UCLA Bruins (1-0) go head to head this evening, one team will exit the game with their first loss of the season.

The Gauchos opened the year against Jackson State, who they dominated in a 21-point victory. UC Santa Barbara had racked up 83 points by the end of the game, using a 46-28 second-half performance to pull away.

While holding Jackson State to just three players with double-digit points, UC Santa Barbara had four double-digit scorers of their own.

Three Gauchos starters had 17 points or more, as Amadou Sow led the way with 20 points in addition to his nine rebounds and two assists. Max Heidegger added another 19 points, and guard Jaquori McLaughlin had a strong performance with 17 points, four assists, and three rebounds.

UCLA could breathe a sigh of relief after surviving Long Beach State in the season opener. After trailing at the half, the Bruins needed a 42-point second half to win by the score of 69-65.

A balanced UCLA offense had four players with at least 10 points, but no Bruin scored more than 15 against Long Beach State.

Leading the way for UCLA was Tyger Campbell, who managed just 15 points in 37 minutes on the floor.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on San Jose State -1½ -109

The San Jose State Spartans (1-0) are aiming for a perfect start through two games of the season. To do so, they’ll need to overcome the visiting Portland Pilots (1-1).

After a dominant victory over Willamette, Portland dropped a 76-65 contest to USC. The Pilots struggled to keep up throughout the game, letting the Trojans get too far out in front with a 41-35 first half.

In the USC game, Pilots guard Isaiah White led the team with 22 points. White made six of his 10 three-point attempts and both of his free throws. Only two other players, Takiula Fahrensohn and Jojo Walker, had 10 points in the game.

The Spartans earned a 79-71 win over Hofstra in the season opener. Tonight will be San Jose State’s first home game of the year.

The Spartans had four players score double-digit points in the victory over Hofstra. From the bench, Richard Washington led the way with 23 points in addition to his seven rebounds and three assists. Forward Craig LeCesne was a force in the paint with 19 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double.

Guard Seneca Knight added another 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

50* Powerhouse Play on Ducks -115

While the Oilers (11-5-2, 24 points) sit atop the Pacific Division, the Ducks (9-7-1, 19 points) are in the pack of teams with a chance to catch the division leaders. Tonight, The Ducks will host the Oilers in Anaheim.

Before Friday’s win over New Jersey, Edmonton dropped two straight against St. Louis and Arizona. In those losses, the Oilers only managed four total goals while giving up eight combined.

On average, the Oilers are scoring 2.83 goals per game (19th) while allowing 2.50 goals per game (5th).

Although Connor McDavid leads Edmonton with 19 assists, it’s Leon Draisaitl who’s leading the Oilers offense with 14 goals and 30 points. With a .927 save percentage, Mikko Koskinen is allowing 2.18 goals per game.

While Anaheim has lost its two most recent contests, they’ll be hosting today’s game on four days of rest. The Ducks have scored at least two goals in each of their last six games, and have scored five or more twice in those games.

On average, the Ducks are scoring 2.65 goals per game (24th) while allowing 2.53 goals per game (6th).

With a .926 save percentage, Ryan Miller has allowed 2.30 goals per game between the pipes for Anaheim.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Flyers +195

If the Bruins (11-3-2, 24 points) want to ensure they’ll end the day in sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division, they’ll need a victory over the Flyers (9-5-2, 20 points), who visit Boston today.

Having won four of their last five, Philadelphia is one of the hottest teams in hockey. They’ve scored at least three goals in every game over this five-game stretch, with only a shootout loss to Toronto holding the Flyers back from a five-game winning streak.

On average, the Flyers are scoring 3.19 goals per game (12th) while allowing 3.00 goals per game (tied for 16th).

With seven goals and a team-leading 10 assists, center Travis Konecny is tops on the Flyers with 17 points. Oskar Lindblom leads Philly with eight goals from the right wing.

Although the Bruins sit atop their division, they’ve lost their last two games. In those defeats to Detroit and Montreal, Boston has allowed nine combined goals.

On average, the Bruins are scoring 3.63 goals per game (4th) and allowing 2.44 goals per game (4th).

Right winger David Pastrnak has been incredible for the Bruins, scoring 15 goals and assisting 15 times for a team-best 30 points.

50* Powerhouse Play on Suns -2 -110

While much of the offseason discussion revolved around the new-look Nets (4-4), it’s the Suns (5-3) who own the better record through eight games. Today, the Suns will host the Nets in Phoenix.

Brooklyn has struggled for consistency so far this season, but they’re on their best stretch after winning three of their last four contests. In those three wins, the Nets have allowed their opponents to score at least 115 points.

On average, the Nets are scoring 120.8 points per game and allowing 119.6 points per game.

Kyrie Irving is a man on a mission after leaving Boston for a fresh start in Brooklyn. Thus far, Irving is averaging 31.9 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game. Caris LaVert is second on the team with 17.9 points per game.

One of the most surprising stories at the start of the NBA season has been the strength of the Suns, who won three straight before a loss to Miami in their most recent contest. In those three wins, Phoenix scored at least 114 points in each contest.

On average, the Suns are scoring 114.1 points and allowing 108.6 points per game.

While Devin Booker leads the team with 25.6 points per game, Ricky Rubio has been one of the Suns’ best players by contributing 12.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Pacers/Magic under204 -110

After an 0-3 start to the year, the Pacers (5-4) have won five of their last six. Indiana now heads into Orlando as one of the hottest teams in the league for a matchup with the Magic (3-6). The over/under is set at 204 points.

Only a 122-120 overtime loss to Charlotte has kept Indiana from winning six straight. On this streak, the Pacers have held opponents to 95 points or fewer on two occasions, and 108 points or fewer on five occasions.

On average, the Pacers are scoring 109.3 points and allowing 106.3 points per game.

Point guard Malcolm Brogdon is leading the Pacers with 21 points and nine assists per game. Domantas Sabonis is also off to an impressive start, averaging 19.9 points and a team-leading 12.6 rebounds per game. In total, five Pacers are averaging at least 14.8 points per game.

Orlando is coming off a win in which they held Memphis to just 86 points, but the Magic lost their four previous games in a row. In three of those four losses, Orlando failed to score more than 94 points.

On average, the Magic are scoring 97.7 points while allowing 98.2 points per game.

Nikola Vucevic leads all Orlando scorers with just 17 points per game.

50* Powerhouse Play on Bills/Browns over40½ -109

It’s been a Freaky Friday of a season in which we’ve seen the Bills (6-2) jump out to the record many expected the Browns (2-6) to have at this stage. With these two set to meet today in Cleveland, the over/under is set at 40.5 points.

Buffalo has won six of their eight games, but their two losses have come against the only two teams with a winning record on the schedule thus far. Yet we can’t fault the Bills for having a relatively easy schedule. Right now, Buffalo enters the weekend as winners of three of their last four.

On average, the Bills are scoring 20 points per game on 351 yards of offense while allowing 16 points per game on 312 yards.

In Buffalo’s last two wins, they’ve scored 24 points or more. In Buffalo’s last loss, which came against Philadelphia, the Bills allowed 31 points.

The downward spiral for Cleveland has only gotten worse, as the team from Cleveland finds itself on a four-game losing streak. Throughout those four games, the Browns have allowed at least 24 points in each contest.

On average, the Browns are scoring 19 points per game on 368 yards of offense while allowing 26 points per game on 377 yards.

Cleveland will be at home today, which is where they most recently scored 28 in a loss to Seattle.

50* Powerhouse Play on Panthers/Packers over47 -110

Many were calling the Packers (7-2) the best team in the NFC until last week’s stumble against the Chargers. Today, Green Bay will be hosting the Panthers (5-3). The over/under is set at 47 points.

Carolina has won five of their last six, but a 51-13 demolition at the hands of the 49ers was a real wakeup call for Kyle Allen and this team. In each of their last three games, the Panthers have scored at least 30 points.

On average, the Panthers are scoring 26 points per game on 365 yards of offense while allowing 26 points per game on 384 yards.

MVP candidate Christian McCaffrey is averaging 5.3 yards per carry. In addition to his 881 yard and 10 touchdowns on the ground, McCaffrey has added another 363 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver.

Perhaps the most shocking result of the NFL season came last week when the Chargers held Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to just 11 points and won by 15. However, that loss for Green Bay was preceded by four wins in a row with the Packers scoring at least 31 points in three of them.

On average, the Packers are scoring 25 points per game on 371 yards of offense while allowing 21 points per game on 399 yards.

1* Free Play on Lions/Bears under41½ -109

An NFC North brawl will pit the Lions (3-4-1) against the Bears (3-5) in Chicago. The over/under will be set a 41.5 points.

Detroit felt like an underrated team after jumping out to a 2-0-1 record before losing close games to Kansas City and Green Bay, yet they’ve now lost four of their last five. Most recently, the Lions fell to Jon Gruden’s Raiders by a score of 31-24.

On average, the Lions are scoring 26 points per game on 408 yards of offense while allowing 27 points per game on 344 yards.

While Matthew Stafford has been racking up passing yards, the Detroit running game has been severely lacking. Over the last four games, no Lions running back has topped 34 yards in any contest. After discovering a fractured bone in his back, Stafford will not play in this contest.

What appeared to be a strong Bears team early on in the season has now lost four straight, including a 22-14 loss to Philly last weekend. Chicago has failed to score more than 16 points in five of their eight games.

On average, the Bears are scoring 18 points per game on 285 yards of offense while allowing 18 points per game on 344 yards.

It’s been a very slow year for Mitchell Trubisky, who’s thrown for just 1,217 yards with five touchdowns and three picks.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Dolphins +11½ -105

Fresh off their first win of the NFL season, the Dolphins (1-7) now set their sights on the Colts (5-3) as they travel into Indianapolis looking for two straight.

Through several recent games, Miami had jumped out to a lead only to see it fade away. Against the Jets, Miami claimed a first-half lead and never looked back, earning a 26-18 victory. Although it was just Miami’s second game of 21 points or more, it was the best version of Ryan Fitzpatrick, who threw for three TDs.

On average, the Dolphins are scoring 13 points per game on 284 yards of offense while allowing 32 points per game on 411 yards.

The win over New York was Miami’s second time holding their opponent to 18 or fewer points in the last four weeks.

Although the five-win Colts have shown enough grit and talent to defeat the likes of Kansas City and Houston, they’ll enter Sunday’s game without Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. Instead, Brian Hoyer will make his first start in over two years.

The Colts are laying 11.5 points in this contest, yet they’ve failed to earn a margin of victory of more than seven points all season long.

On average, the Colts are scoring 23 points per game on 356 yards of offense while allowing 22 points on 355 yards.

100* Sharp Money Syndicate Play on Capitals -185

The Capitals (13-2-3, 29 points) just keep winning. Tonight in Washington D.C., the Capitals will try to extend their winning streak when they host the Coyotes (9-6-2, 20 points).

Arizona has only just recently let the leaders in the Pacific Division create a gap ahead of them. The Coyotes haven’t won a game since November 4th when they beat Edmonton by one. Since then, the Coyotes have lost three straight to the Flames, Blue Jackets, and Wild.

On average, the Coyotes are scoring 2.82 goals per game (20th) and allowing 2.41 goal per game (tied for 2nd).

Darcy Kuemper continues to be one of the better goaltenders in the NHL. Thus far, Kuemper is allowing 2.00 goals per game on a .930 save percentage.

The Capitals currently hold a four-point lead atop the Metropolitan Division. Washington has built that lead with six victories in a row. The Caps haven’t lost since October 24th.

On average, the Capitals are scoring 4.06 goals per game (1st) and allowing 3.06 goals per game (18th).

Throughout their current six-game winning streak, the Capitals have scored 30 goals while holding their opponents to a total of just 17 goals.

50* Powerhouse Play on Samford +9 -110

Both the Samford Bulldogs (1-1) and Belmont Bruins (0-1) are trying to build some momentum early in the 2019-20 season. One team will fail to do so when these team face off this evening.

Samford is just a four-point, double-overtime loss to Morehead State away from beginning the season 2-0. Despite dropping their season opener, the Bulldogs bounced back with a 68-42 victory over KY Wesleyan. Samford put together a consistent performance against Wesleyan, scoring 33 and then 35 while holding Kentucky Wesleyan to 21 in both halves.

The Bulldogs rely on their starters for the majority of their points, but they appear to be up to the task. Against Wesleyan, guard Brandon Austin led all scorers with 17 points. Forwards Robert Allen and Jalen Dupree added another 14 and 11 points, respectively.

Belmont went up against Illinois State in their season opener. Despite jumping out to a 31-23 lead at the half, Belmont ended up losing by seven points to the Redbirds.

In addition to Nick Hopkins’ 12 points from the bench, the Bruins had three starters with 13 points or more. Center Nick Muszynski led the way with 20 points, followed by 17 from Grayson Murphy and 13 from Adam Kunkel.

50* Powerhouse Play on Celtics -3½ -110

After Gordon Hayward fractured his hand in a collision with LaMarcus Aldridge, the Celtics (7-1) will be without their star big man when they host the Mavericks (6-3) in Boston this evening.

The Mavs have won three of their last four after taking down Memphis by a score of 138-122 two days ago. However, Dallas fell to the lowly 2-8 Knicks the day prior.

On average, the Mavericks are scoring 116.3 points and allowing 111.9 points per game.

The duo of Luka Doncic and Kristapz Porzingis has been the leading force for a solid Dallas team. While Porzingis is averaging 20.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, Doncic is tops on the team with his 27.7 points, 10.8 rebounds, 9.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

Although they lost Hayward in the contest, the Celtics were able to defeat the Spurs 135-115 as they extended their winning streak to seven games. On this streak, Boston has scored at least 112 points in five of the seven games.

On average, the Celtics are scoring 113.1 points and allowing 103.8 points per game.

Boston will miss Hayward’s 18.9 points per game, but they can make up with it with three other scorers. While Kemba Walker leads the team with 24.5 points per game, Jayson Tatum is averaging 21.3 points and Jaylen Brown is averaging 18.8 points per contest.