Ness Notes (Feb 1)

The Nets proved the Pistons can be beat last night,106-year history. That ranking won't last long though,
as New Jersey ended Detroit's 11-game winningas the Panthers lost 63-55 last night to Creighton
streak with 91-84 victory in the Meadowlands. It(10th straight loss in Omaha to the Blue Jays).
marked New Jersey's NINTH straight home win butAnother Panther team, Pitt, lost at No. 1 U Conn,
the Nets are back on the road tonight in Cleveland,80-76. While Panther bettors 'covered', Pitt has still
one of 13 games in a busy NBA schedule.New Jerseynever beaten a team ranked No. 1 in its 100-year
owns five straight wins over Cleveland (two thishistory (0-13).There are 43 games on the college
year) but has lost its last five road games (0-5 ATS),'board' tonight, highlighted by doubleheaders on both
while the Cavs enter on a six-game winning streakESPN and ESPN2. Also, Southern Illinois, tied with
(5-0-1 ATS), in which LeBron has averaged 36 PPG.Illinois and Gonzaga for the nation's longest current
Cleveland is favored by 6 1/2 points with a total ofhome winning streak (at 33), will host an Indiana
187 1/2 (7:05 ET).My free play on Wednesday is inState team at 8:00 ET, which has lost 11straight
college hoops. Take Kentucky over Miss St at 8:00games (Salukis are favored by 16 points with a total
ET. I have a HUGE Wednesday! In CBB, I have twoof 114).No. 11 West Va will host Notre Dame at 7:00
20* GOY plays (MWC / C-USA) and a Triple 10*ET on ESPN. Notre Dame has opened 1-6 in the Big
Game of the Month Report. In the NBA, it's just myEast, its worst start since joining the conference in
second LEGEND Play of the season (won 1st)! Get it1995-96. However, the Irish have beaten the
all and pay only AFTER you win!Other games of noteMountaineers 11 straight times! West Va, the Big
in tonight's NBA are Minnesota at Detroit (7:35 ET),East's lone unbeaten team in conference play (6-0),
Atlanta at Charlotte (7:35 ET) and Dallas at Memphiswill be trying to beat Notre Dame for the first time
(8:05 ET). Flip Saunders won in his return tosince 1999. West Va is favored by 7 1/2 points with
Minnesota back on 1/24 (107-83) but the T-wolvesa total of 143. At 9:00 ET, it's No. 2 Duke at No. 15
are 12-4 versus the Pistons since the beginning of theBoston College. BC opened 0-3 in its first year in the
1997-98 season. Detroit's loss ended an 11-gameACC but has won four straight. Duke is favored by 5
winning streak, just the team's SIXTH loss this year.1/2 points with a total of 150.ESPN2 opens with No.
How have the Pistons fared after their first five23 Iowa at Purdue (7:00 ET) and follows with No. 7
losses? Just fine thank-you, winning by an average ofTexas at Missouri (9:00 ET). Purdue is just 1-7 in the
12.8 PPG. Detroit is favored by 8 1/2 points with aBig-10 (last place) and has lost 13 straight games to
total of 184 1/2.Charlotte tries to end the league'sranked opponents. Iowa is an eight-point favorite
longest current losing streak (12 straight), when thewith a total of 125. Texas, which saw its nine-game
Bobcats host the Hawks. The Bobcats are missingwinning streak stopped by Oklahoma on Saturday,
leading scorer Gerald Wallace plus last season'stakes on a Missouri team which has lost three
rookie-of-the-year (Okafor) and have averaged juststraight games, all by double-digits. Texas is favored
89.5 PPG during their losing streak. The good news isby 11 1/2 points with a total of 135 1/2.Super XL
Atlanta is just 3-17 on the road this season. Atlanta isUpdate...First we had a controversy over which color
favored by 1 1/2 points with a total of 200 1/2.Withjersey the Steelers would be wearing, now it's Texas
Detroit's loss, Dallas now owns the league's longestA&M filing a restraining order against the Seahawks
winning streak at nine straight. The Mavs have held allfor their "12th man" marketing campaign. You think
nine opponents to less than 100 points in the streakmaybe two weeks is too long between the
but tonight face the league's best defensive team inconference title games and the "main event?"Ness
Memphis. The Grizzlies allow just 87.1 PPG, comparedNotes is available by 1:00 ET Monday through Friday.
to Dallas' average of 93.7 PPG. The Mavs, 18-6 onSaturday and Sunday, by 9:00 ET.Larry Ness is a
the road this year, are favored by 1 1/2 points with adocumented member of the Professional
total of 180 1/2.As mentioned yesterday, NorthernHandicappers League.
Iowa (at No. 25) was ranked for the first time in its