03/21/2008 - Little Rock, AR (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Mavericks of Texas-Arlington make their first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament, but the team is rewarded with a first- round bout against the Memphis Tigers at Alltel Arena in Little Rock.
Winners of the Southland Conference Tournament, the 16th-seeded Mavericks have toiled for nearly half a century without making it to the NCAA Tournament, now in its 70th year. The squad earned the invitation by holding on against Northwestern State by just three points last week, 82-79. The victory came after UTA defeated both Lamar and Sam Houston State by six points each the two previous days.
As for the top-seeded Tigers, once ranked first in the nation before falling to Tennessee and placing second in the final rankings of the season, they swept through the Conference USA slate without a single issue, posting a perfect 16-0 mark for the second consecutive year. Last Saturday, the program picked up the C-USA Tournament title with a 77-51 blowout of Tulsa, marking the team's seventh straight win overall and the 33rd in 34 chances in 2007-08. Memphis, which is 25-20 in the NCAA Tournament over the years, is the only team in the nation to have 30 or more wins in each of the last three seasons heading into the tournament.
In terms of a history between these two squads, the Tigers won the only previous meeting with an 81-49 blowout of UTA back in 1968 in Memphis.
The winner of this meeting takes on the survivor of the Oregon/Mississippi State battle in the second round on Sunday.
Getting hot at just the right time, the Mavericks actually had a losing record in conference play this season, finishing 7-9 in the Southland before capturing the tournament title. Rog'er Guignard, a starter in all but one of the team's 32 games this season, was one of the top scorers for the squad with his 13.0 ppg and was tied for second with his 84 assists. Jermaine Griffin, a 63.5 percent shooter from the field, was responsible for another 12.1 ppg as the only other double-digit scorer. First on the squad with his 7.1 rpg, Griffin has had his issues in other areas, specifically at the free-throw line with just 51.2 percent success and a mere 27 assists over the course of his 32 appearances. A backup for much of the campaign, Anthony Vereen plays less than 23 minutes per game, yet is one of the major point producers with his 13.6 ppg on 56.5 percent shooting from the floor. The squad was rather tight on defense, limiting opponents to just 39.8 percent shooting from the field and 31.8 percent behind the three-point line.
An All-Conference USA First Team selection, Chris Douglas-Roberts was one of the more dominant forces in college basketball this season, although some might question the league competition that he and the Tigers faced in 2007-08. Douglas-Roberts led Memphis in scoring as he started all 34 games for the program, dropping in 17.2 ppg on the strength of his 44.9 percent shooting behind the three-point line. Also in the running for national player of the year honors was Derrick Rose who was the other double-digit scorer on the roster with 13.9 ppg. Rose, who combined with Douglas-Roberts to shoot 222- of-324 at the free-throw line, accounted for a team-best 153 assists and cleared just over four rebounds per game for a team that was one of the top rebounding squads in the nation with 40.8 rpg. Thanks to the rebounding edge, the Tigers outscored opponents by more than 19 ppg.
<< Caps hope to rebound in Atlanta
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Washington's current road trip features several favorable
matchups. However, the Capitals' offense failed itself last time out and the
club will try to rebound tonight in a test with the Atlanta Thrashers at
Philips Arena in
<< Sixers try to stay hot in Orlando
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The surging Philadelphia 76ers will take their momentum
to the road tonight, when they pay a visit to the Orlando Magic at Amway
Arena.
The Sixers have been the hottest team in the Eastern Conference as of late,
having
<< Pacers need a win against Minnesota
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Indiana Pacers still have an outside chance at a
playoff spot, and will wrap up a three-game homestand tonight versus the
Minnesota Timberwolves at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Indiana sits two games off the eighth and final
<< Cleveland hosts the Raptors
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Cleveland Cavaliers will shoot for their ninth
straight win at home this evening, when they host the Toronto Raptors at
Quicken Loans Arena.
Cleveland posted its season-high eighth straight win as the host with
Wedne
Gaels battle 'Canes in first round of NCAA Tournament >>
Little Rock, AR (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The first round of the 70th annual NCAA
Tournament continues this afternoon in Little Rock, as the Miami-Florida
Hurricanes tangle with the Gaels of Saint Mary's-CA at Alltel Arena.
Miami opened the 2007-08
Govs and 'Horns mix it up in NCAA Tournament first-round action >>
Little Rock, AR (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Making their 10th straight NCAA Tournament
appearance, the Texas Longhorns go after the Austin Peay Governors in first-
round action in the South Region at Alltel Arena in Little Rock this
afternoon.
An im
Ducks, Sharks tangle in San Jose >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With a playoff berth already locked up the San Jose Sharks
will try to get more separation at the top of the Pacific Division tonight, as
they host the Anaheim Ducks at HP Pavilion.
The Sharks knocked off the Minnesota Wil
Arkansas Derby loses second prep victor >>
Hot Springs, AR (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - This year's $1 million Arkansas Derby will
be without the two winners of Oaklawn's two major prep races. Rebel Stakes
winner Sierra Sunset has been scratched from the April 12 race with an ankle
injury,
Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value
If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture. Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).
For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot. The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.
TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.
"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,' it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."
"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.
Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash. Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win.
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