The Premier League may be less than 30-years-old but the tradition that is steeped in English football comes courtesy of over a century of organised competition and during that time some huge rivalries have formed.
Rivalries that can be built on the quest for local bragging rights or even between two cities whose own battles go back further than the creation of the beautiful game and it is these duels that make the Premier League such an entertaining showpiece.
One of the biggest rivalries is Tottenham vs Arsenal and with the two sides being so evenly matched, it arguably creates the best two fixtures of the season and when these two North London outfits square off, the entertainment level is incredibly high.
While with London being the hub of English top-flight football, it means that the two previously named outfits are not the only ones to represent the capital and because of that you are never too far removed from a derby or two.
Chelsea are third wheel in the rivalry tricycle and with an equal amount of dislike for both Tottenham and Arsenal, any combination of this trio always leads to sparks being created both on and off the pitch.
Of course, one should not also forget Crystal Palace and West Ham in this London equation either and although when these two sides meet it does not have as much needle, it is still a very keenly contested affair.
Moving north now and you cannot talk about rivalry without including Manchester United and although Liverpool is their absolute nemesis, their ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City have at least levelled the playing field.
In the days of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester derby was a game that by and large was dominated by United and although City would occasionally bloody the nose of their local rivals, the Red Devils more often ruled the roost.
Fast forward to the present day and it is fair to say that the tables have been turned, with Pep Guardiola’s men being the dominant force in Manchester football and up until the start of this season, they were the dominant force in English football as well.
That was before Liverpool embarked on their monster unbeaten run and with the current league leaders being pipped to last season’s title by City, these two sides are now beginning to carve out a very exciting rivalry of their own.
Then again, you cannot mention Liverpool without referencing their dislike of Manchester United – one that just as easily swings back the other way and although this is a rivalry that is fostered on the football pitch, it is actually an intercity feud that goes back to the days of the canal routes.
Shipping trade is no longer the order of the day, winning is and Liverpool also manage to do that quite often against their Merseyside counterparts Everton. They may call this one the ‘friendly rivalry’ but when the first minute of the ninety gets underway, this is a game as passionate as any other.
One of the major arguments for the US to open up regulations and legalise online casinos is that currently US states are missing out on taxes spent by their users at offshore operators, and the funds raised could fill the ever present social security black holes.
The economic impact of physical casinos lends support these claims, but there remains a question as to whether their online counterparts can offer the same benefits, and if they can be sufficiently regulated to protect children and vulnerable people – a problem at casinos easily solved by doormen asking for IDs.
New Jersey was one of the first states to legalise online gambling, and at the time then-governor Chris Christie predicted that internet casino gambling would generate $160 million in its first year. However, the industry warned that he was being overly optimistic and the actual results were nearly 45% below Christie’s expectations.
As online casino and NZ sports betting sites rose to prominence, the idea was that operators may favour internet gambling as it offers them a greater opportunity for profits without the staff costs and need to compete with the likes of Las Vegas on wider entertainment. Indeed, Donald Trump’s spectacular failure in Atlantic City demonstrates the oversaturation of casinos in the Northeast of the country and the ultra-competitive nature of the industry.
However, Boyd Gaming chief Keith Smith says that a combination of both offline and online initiatives could prove the most lucrative, with each market attracting different customers. He argues that “online gaming is growing our database” and 85% of those playing online are not those previously registered at the firms casinos, which shows that “there is little overlap with our land-based business”.
Despite the tax-raising possibilities of internet gambling, many people remain opposed to the legalisation and opening up of the sector due to the social costs of gambling. Part of the reason that the US currently prohibits Class III gambling (generally the type of games that people associate with gambling like roulette, poker, blackjack, electronic slot machines and other forms of online betting), is the possible harmful effects on vulnerable people. However, campaigners argue that only legalisation offers a way to properly regulate the internet gambling industry, and create the safeguards that they agree are needed.
However, campaigners argue that only legalisation offers a way to properly regulate the internet gambling industry, and create the safeguards that they agree are needed. They claim that by prohibiting US-based firms from offering such forms of gambling, regulators are indirectly creating a gambling “Wild West” outside the country’s borders, where operators face little regulation and users offered varying protections depending on the location of the firm.
Like in any game, evolutions occur that change how we enjoy the casino experience. Some are more game-changing than others, varying the way we interact with others, engage in psychological warfare with our opponents, and even how accessible a game of poker is, say, on your commute to work.
Some changes came naturally – inevitably even – with advances in technology and connectivity. Some alterations were simply very clever marketing plans that offer the best of both worlds, benefiting both the player and the casinos.
Whatever the case was, these 10 changes have forever altered the way we look at and play casino games, whether in person, or as is now possible, on the go pretty much anywhere.
Without further ado, let us take a look at some of the more powerful forces that shaped our industry.
10) Smartphones
Now many, many people have tiny little powerful computers in their pockets that function as the perfect, on the go gaming systems to be played on a trans-Atlantic flight for that business meeting in New York, or on the neighbourhood bus before you prepare to go to middle school. Whatever your age or station in life, the likes of the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy have made gambling that much more accessible to people.
9) Complimentary Services
Not unlike the services that credit card companies have on offer (and sometimes tied in with these same companies), a huge incentive to keep gamblers coming back to the table is rewarding players with comps. These include anything from free meals, to free hotel services, to free flights, too free limo rides, to free… well, just about anything you can think of, really! Because really, who does not like free stuff?
The temptation is there to keep going at the casino just to enjoy a comp that is otherwise just out of your reach. That is, after all, the ingenious point of these things.
It first shot to prominence in 1999 when Late Night Poker began using it , and before we knew it the hole cam was used in every major tournament on television, giving viewers an insight into the game of poker.
Viewers became in on the secrets, the bluffing games, and the whole drama of it all. Yes, it is safe to say that this novelty in the world of poker is what put it on TV as a televised sport.
7) Video Slot Machines
You see these ubiquitous machines seemingly everywhere, from bars to restaurants to even gas stations. In fact, these seem to have almost completely replaced their relatively Neanderthalic brethren, the three-reel slot machines that actually spin.
Of course, it is possible to enter most casinos where they have these babies crammed in the giant square footage, going end to end. This notably enabled casinos to turn a nice profit with the penny slot. A max-coin, max-line bet can go for up to one or two quid a go.
6) Player loyalty cards
These babies are mutually advantageous for both online and brick-and-mortar casinos, which get to track your spending habits and gambling habits in order to further hone into your advertising preferences, further enticing you to – you guessed it – gamble more.
Yet, they also offer huge incentives to join such a program: this is your main ticket to comp points. One nice option is that it’s optional to be tracked, so the player can opt out of this if they so desire more privacy.
5) Progressive Jackpots
Everyone dreams of reeling in the big, 50 kilo sword fish when they go fishing. Likewise, everyone dreams of hitting it big in Vegas, reeling in the big score. Prior to this nifty invention in the rules of wager, the only way to win enormous amounts was to bet enormous amounts. But with the availability of networked slots, gamblers could win big while only betting mere pennies. While the odds are long, we play the game for that one shot at glory.
4) Live Dealer Online Casinos
The rise of the best online casinos NZ has been phenomenal, making playing casino games accessible to the masses. That’s no secret. It’s a convenient tool, yet as amazing as it is, it doesn’t quite transport that thrill of Las Vegas or a real-life casino.
That all changed with the advent of live dealers, there to ensure your game goes on as it would it real life. Platforms such as www.casinous.com have made the experience more authentic, replicating the experiences of actually being at a casino on the Strip, with glamorous dealers that you can even interact with.
3) Home Games Online
The poker night where friends gather round the table, drink beer, and eat chips is as old of time. It’s been immortalised by a million Hollywood movies. But the sad truth is, it’s dying out. We live in a world where friends are moving further and further apart for work, or simply a better lifestyle, destroying the ability to sit around a table and play a few hands.
Home Games has reunited friends via online for poker evenings, meaning players can manage their own private poker club, and catch up with friends wherever they are in the world. And best of all, nobody is going to steal your chips.
2) Online Gambling
No doubt about it, the internet has changed the way most of us gamble. Smartphones would not likely be on this list if it were not also for the advent of gambling online, which allows us to connect with real players without actually being a room with them
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It arrived in the late 20th century and saw a huge boom in 2003 when Chris Moneymaker, an online poker player, won the World Series of Poker by qualifying online. It gave the world an ‘anyone can do it’ attitude and got people gambling online in the masses.
1) Tournament poker
This has to be the first and most important innovation in the history of poker, if nothing else. You see, 30 years ago, this was relegated to the back of smoke-filled rooms with Italian mafia occupying the rest of the space. Nowadays, poker is only prime time TV, it makes national news, and winners are catapulted to celebrity status. After all Daniel Negreanu, Phil Ivey, and Instagram icon Dan Bilzerian are household names, all because of the game.
And of course, with the Moneymaker effect, there’s also the chance a tournament win could happen to anyone.
There is no doubt about it; the rise of real-time or live technology is impacting almost every area of our lives. In conjunction with the sophistication of smartphone technology, today’s generation of citizens can now shop, work and enjoy their favourite recreational activities in real-time and through a remote communication network.
To understand this further, it is important to consider the primary live technology applications and the role that they play in contemporary life. Here are five popular examples from the last five years:
The rise of real-time Publishing
Real-time publishing is one of the best and longest-standing application of real-time technology, and one that has driven an increase in user engagement across a host of markets. From social media sites and blogging platforms to the content aggregation websites such as Enjoysthin.gs, the publication of breaking news stories and live information has changed the way in which we absorb and process data and consume content.
Live Streaming
Next we come to live streaming, which is one of the world’s most significant growth markets and one that includes the sharing of television programming and real-time events. Alongside market leaders such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, independent television stations such as MTV have also taken to streaming live events to a global network of viewers.
Twitch and the rise of Live Gaming
The same technology has also impacted on the world of gaming, where fluid mobile and online titles continue to grow exponentially and at the expense of traditional console platforms. Platforms such as Twitch have provided a platform for the evolution of gaming, emerging as the leading video resource and community for players and heralding the dawn of live broadcasting. Members can broadcast their gameplay live to others, for example, while also educating others, viewing alternative clips and chatting with fellow Twitch users.
The age of the Live Casino
Online casino gameplay has driven growth in the gaming sector in recent times, with this market alone now worth in excess of £41 billion worldwide. The emergence of live online casinos USA gameplay has played a pivotal role in this, offering players access to games such as roulette, blackjack and poker in an increasingly authentic way.
Live casino games like machines a sous happen in real time 24/7, it has also created a unique opportunity for remote live tournaments, offering yet another compelling reason for traditional gamblers to make the transition online.
The real-time engagement of customers
One of the earliest examples of real-time technology came with the XMPP system Olark, which places a live chat window on top of any published web page and opens up avenues of instant communication with customers. This software emerged before social media evolved into a business tool, and it has continued to prosper to this very day. Whether you need to answer an urgent customer query or engage consumers in a bid to up-sell products, this tool enables live interaction and captures individuals in emotive and impactful communication.
The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most anticipated meets of the horse racing calendar with four days of equine excellence taking centre stage at the Gloucestershire turf. The four days span across the 10th to the 13th March with the Gold Cup bringing the curtain down on the major races on the final day.
But, with Cheltenham less than a few weeks to go, which horses should you watch out for?
Cash Back – Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase
Cash Back has already impressed on his first two starts over fences this season with only Notebook finishing ahead of him at Grade One level at Leopardstown. Though Cash Back is behind Notebook in the betting for the Arkle, there is no reason why the eight-year-old cannot undermine those odds with victory.
Cash Back looks well-suited to the Arkle; with an eagerness to lead from the front, Willie Mullins’ contender has proved that an uphill finish is no cause for concern at Naas in January.
And, if ever there was a glowing recommendation, Mullins stated that Cash Back reminded him of Un de Sceaux – the 2015 Arkle winner – with a great, never-say-die attitude. With four victories from five past Arkle runs, Mullins will be hoping that Cash Back provides a fifth at 7/1.
Epatante – Champion Hurdle
The Champion Hurdle looks quite open in 2020 with a number of contenders all fighting for the title. However, Epatante impressed greatly in the Christmas Hurdle last time out and she could well be the one to back here.
Though disappointing in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle on her first start at Cheltenham in 2019, trainer Nicky Henderson professed the horse was affected by flu vaccinations. With only eight starts to her name, six-year-old Epatante has plenty of room for improvement. Currently with odds of 100/30, the mare has lots of good qualities that can bring home victory.
Allmankind – JCB Triumph Hurdle
Allmankind’s hurdle debut could not have been won in more spectacular fashion with a victory by 37 lengths at Warwick. He went on to score at Cheltenham the race after as well Chepstow in a Grade One against a tough field.
Allmankind has a number of qualities that set him apart from the other racers, including front-runner Goshen. He finds a lot whilst under pressure and jumps extremely confidently for a horse with little experience. Odds of 5/1 make Allmankind a surefire bet.
Latest Exhibition – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle
Latest Exhibition looks almost perfectly suited to the Albert Bartlett as trainer Paul Nolan waxes lyrical about his latest high-class performer. He demonstrated a superb attitude to defeat Andy Dufresne in December before scoring at Grade One level at the Dublin Racing Festival with just one defeat this season against leading Supreme Novices’ Hurdle contender Abacadabras.
The seven-year-old works well under pressure with the Albert Bartlett’s extra two furlongs sure to help him given his stamina and good finishes. With useful form and improvement in jumping, Latest Exhibition’s 7/1 odds will influence many a flurry.
Al Boum Photo – Gold Cup
It has been 16 years since Best Mate recorded consecutive victories in the Gold Cup, but Al Boum Photo is in with a shot of ending that run in 2020.
Another one of Willie Mullins’ horses, the eight-year-old ran just once before winning the Cheltenham feature in 2019 and has prepared for this year’s exactly the same with a race at Tramore on New Year’s Day.
By being kept fresh, Al Boum Photo can go all out to lift the Gold Cup once more with even more improvement to come. Carrying odds of 4/1 across Cheltenham Gold Cup tips, he is surely the one to beat.
The internet has revolutionised many things including gaming. It’s so easy now to just turn on a gaming console and play a game against any number of other players around the world that we take it for granted. All games seem to be social now, and multi-player games pull us into competitive play, but the question is, is online better than off?
To look at that question we have to think about what types of games we play. If you are a fan of casino games for example, there is no end of fun that can be had with live roulette or online slots. Players though would argue that you can’t beat the live experience of going to Las Vegas and playing in the big casinos.
The problem with that theory of course is we can’t all go to Las Vegas, some of us can’t make it out to casinos that are smaller, but much closer. What USA online gambling sites give us is the ease of use of simply opening up a browser, or opening up an app on one of our devices and being able to play straight away. This arguably gives the online experience the edge.
When it comes to other video games, it is harder to argue against the pull of online gaming. New games pull us into competitive play that we can’t get offline, and the number of hours of fun are only restricted by the time we can put into them.
Looking at the rise of other games, there are also other games such as League of Legends like DOTA which have influenced the rise of eSports. The popularity of these events as well as the money that can be made from them reinforce the argument that gaming is better online.
Even if this seems the case though, the rise of Tabletop gaming has shown that there is still life in offline play yet. Dungeons and Dragons has never been so popular and with new board games being created all the time, it comes as no surprise that this form of gaming is popular than ever.
What we have to remember though is that the reason online gaming is becoming popular is that it is getting easier to do it. Whether it is to visit an online casino like https://www.bestaubettingsites.com/, or play one of the big Triple-A multi-player games, it is serving a purpose that modern technology has created. Games have been extended and adapted to not only be fun but to be easier for the gamer, and that is why online play will always be here to stay.
So the answer now seems to be that online is better than offline play, but this doesn’t mean that it will kill off playing away from a computer, phone, or tablet. We’ll always have that desire to play games offline, and this ability will always be there. At least we have a choice now that is easy to make.
Two teams whose seasons have gone in very different directions of late will face off in an SEC clash on Wednesday night. LSU started off the year looking like the team to beat in the SEC, before hitting a rough pitch that has dropped them to third in the conference standings currently. Florida looked like a mediocre squad for the better part of the season, before a recent hot streak has propelled the Gators into fourth in the conference standings. In a battle that will help determine seeding in the SEC conference tournament and possibly lock in one team’s NCAA Tournament candidacy, we can expect a hard-fought battle between two rivals on Wednesday night.
LSU Looking to Break Out of Slump
At the beginning of the month, LSU sat at 17-4 and 8-0 in SEC play, comfortably atop one of the country’s deepest conferences. Since that time, the Tigers have dropped four of six games and fallen to third in the SEC. LSU has also dropped three consecutive road games, with their last win away from home coming more than one month ago. After knocking off the Gators by two points in Baton Rouge earlier in the season, LSU will look to get back to it’s early-season winning ways with an upset win over Florida.
LSU’s success is essentially predicated on its ability to score the basketball at an extremely high pace. The Tigers rank 8th in the country averaging 80.8 points per game on the offensive end, the second-highest mark in the SEC. Five different LSU players have averaged double figure scoring this year, with guard Skylar Mays leading the way at 16.4 points per game. Unfortunately that fast pace on offense has led LSU to rank 281st in the country in scoring defense, giving up 73.2 points per game on the year.
Gators Hope to Chomp LSU’s Tournament Hopes
Florida’s season has revolved around a resurgent mindset after a disappointing start to the campaign. At the start of February, the Gators sat 1at 12-8 and juts 4-3 in the SEC, looking like a team that would likely not be dancing in March. Since the calendar switched over to February, however, Florida has pieced together a stretch of five wins in seven games, including a perfect 3-0 mark at home. The Gators will not only be looking to avenge an early season loss to LSU, but will also be hoping for their fourth consecutive win in front of their home crowd.
Florida is much more defensive-minded than LSU, as the Gators have given up just 66.4 points per game on the year. On offense, the Gators rank in the middle of the country with an average of 72.3 points per game. In its 20 losses on the season, Florida has put up only 63.3 points per game, and the Gators will certainly need a stronger offensive effort to knock down the sharp-shooting Tigers on Wednesday night. Forwards Keyontae Johnson and Kerry Blackshear Jr. lead the Gators offensive attack, averaging just over 27 points per game combined on the season. Florida will likely need its two big men to step up to notch the key conference win on Wednesday.
This one figures to be a close battle between two pretty evenly matched squads, as evidenced by a two-point margin when they met last month. With Florida having the home court advantage and LSU struggling in true road contests, the edge has to be given to the Gators in this one. I don’t think this turns into a blowout by any means, but Florida gets it done in front of the home crowd and notches another quality win for the postseason resume. Take the Florida Gators -5 at RealBookies.com; our favorite pay per head location.
The playoff race in the Western Conference is heating up, and there are some big games this week that will affect the standings. The Houston Rockets host the Memphis Grizzlies in one of these games in what could also be an extremely high-scoring affair. Memphis has been giving up a ton of points of late, and the Houston Rockets continue to be one of the highest scoring teams in the NBA. If you are a fan of great basketball and plenty of scoring then this is the game for you.
Memphis comes into this game reeling a bit, having lost three straight games. The Grizzlies are still holding on to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, but they have some work to do. Memphis comes in with a record of 28-29, which puts them in third place in the Southwest.
Houston has won four straight games to take control of the Southwest Division. The Rockets come into this game with a record of 37-20, and they are also climbing up the standings in the Western Conference. Houston is a very unique team, but they have plenty of talent.
Grizzlies Defense Letting Them Down
The Memphis Grizzlies have struggled on the defensive end of the floor of late, and it has been an issue all season as well. Memphis has allowed close to 115 points per game this season, and that’s going to be a problem against the explosive Rockets. The Grizzlies have a relatively young roster, and they aren’t always bought in on both ends. Memphis is scoring 112.8 points per game, and that should be enough to win on most nights.
Memphis leads the NBA with 27.1 assists per game this season, and a rookie point guard is a big reason for this number. Ja Morant is averaging 17.6 points and 6.8 assists per game this season, and he has a great shot to win the Rookie of the Year Award. Jaren Jackson and Dillon Brooks have both been terrific this season as well, and the Grizzlies aren’t afraid to speed up the tempo.
“Small Ball” Working For Rockets
The Houston Rockets decided to trade away their starting center at the trade deadline, and they are going to play the rest of the season without a big man. Houston comes into this game averaging 118.6 points per game, and they play at an extremely fast pace. The Rockets are making over 15 three point shots per game, and they won’t be afraid to shoot them in this game. Houston does allow about 114 points per game, but their offense can usually bail them out.
Russell Westbrook and Eric Gordon are currently listed as day-to-day with minor injuries, and could both be out of the lineup for this game. Westbrook and Gordon combine for over 42 points per game, but the Rockets will still have James Harden on the floor. Harden leads the NBA with over 35 points per game, and he will be aggressive against a bad defense.
Rockets Too Explosive For Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are one of the biggest surprise teams in the NBA this season, but things have been rough for them in the last few games. Memphis is going to have to find a way to get some stops if they are going to win this game, but that hasn’t been easy for them of late. Houston has decided to play small for the rest of the season, and the results have been good so far. The Rockets can really score the basketball, and this could be a huge game for their offense.
Bet the Houston Rockets over the Memphis Grizzlies in this Western Conference showdown on Wednesday night. Do so at www.PayPerHead247.com; our favorite pay per head bookie site.
It’s guaranteed that you can increase your profits by offering more NCAA betting options. March Madness is the most bet on sporting events of the entire gambling year. In fact, no other sport beyond the NFL comes close. March is much more heavily bet than the Super Bowl. March Madness is the perfect time of the year to step up your game as a bookie. Your bottom line is at stake in March and we simply can’t emphasize this enough. The football season is in the distant past and now is the time to make a great living. College basketball is loved by millions and bet on across the USA. Build a great online bookie site and your players will never leave you. Here are a few tips to get you started.
The NCAA Championship game is certainly one of the biggest and most popular sporting events of the entire year. You must offer the game as a futures bet. This bet is a “who’s who“ offering of the upper echelon teams from around the country such as Duke, Louisville, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, Oregon, and many others. NCAA bettors love to place this bet. They believe they can beat you and they believe their school is the best. You need these bettors. The futures income can stockpile you a large bounty and although a player may hit from time-to-time, the goal is cross-action. The more bets you have places and now ‘ the better. Up and until the tournament starts, this offering is lucrative and is a guaranteed cash cow. You must know the odds and know them well. You must be competitive. Players want the best price they can get.
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The Penn State Nittany Lions have been an afterthought in the Big Ten Conference for the last few decades, but that isn’t the case this season. Penn State has a legitimate chance to win the regular season conference title in 2019-20, but they still have plenty of work to do. The Nittany Lions will host the Illinois Fighting Illini on Tuesday night in a battle of two of the biggest surprise teams in the league.
Illinois comes into this game having lost four straight games, and they are also dealing with some major injury concerns. The Fighting Illini have now slipped to sixth place in the Big Ten Conference with a record of 8-6, and they are 16-9 overall. Penn State comes into this game with a record of 20-5, and they are in second place in the Big Ten Conference. The Nittany Lions have won eight straight conference games to improve their record to 10-4 in league play.
Fighting Illini Need to Make Shots
Illinois has had a great season up to this point, but they are in desperate need of finding some more offense going forward. The Fighting Illini are scoring 73.0 points per game this season, but that number continues to go down of late. Illinois has given up just 65.2 points per game, and their defense has made up for a lack of offense. The Fighting Illini have made just 142 three point shots this season, and some of their best shooters have really struggled. Illinois will have to shoot it well to win this game.
The Fighting Illini could be getting Ayo Dosunmu back in the lineup for this game, and that will give them a huge boost. Dosunmu leads the team with 15.8 points and close to four assists per game, and has made some huge shots for this team. Center Kofi Cockburn is hard to stop when he gets the ball, but the Nittany Lions will surround him with defenders.
Penn State Does it All Well
There is a reason that Penn State is near the top of the Big Ten Conference, and that is because they do everything well this season. Penn State is averaging 77.5 points per game this season, while also holding opponents to just 67.4 points per game. The Nittany Lions have been solid on both ends of the floor, and that dominance is even more pronounced when playing on their home floor this season.
Forward Lamar Stevens is one of the best players in the Big Ten Conference, and he leads the team with close to 18 points per game. Stevens can score in a variety of ways, but he has also had plenty of help from his teammates. Forward Mike Watkins is shooting over 56 percent from the floor, and point guard Jamari Wheeler is averaging 3.2 assists per game. The Nittany Lions might not have a ton of future NBA players, but this is a solid team that is loaded with veterans.
Nittany Lions Take Command on Home Floor
The Penn State Nittany Lions were expected to be an NCAA Tournament team this season, but they are a legitimate Final Four contender. The Nittany Lions have been dominant on their home floor this season, and they aren’t going to take the Fighting Illini lightly. Illinois has had a great season as well, but their offense has really been struggling of late. Look for the Fighting Illini to play much better in this game, but it’s just hard to see them have enough to win this game. Penn State doesn’t lose games at home, and they aren’t losing this one. Bet the Penn State Nittany Lions -5.5 over the Illinois FIghting Illini in this Big Ten showdown. Take the Nittany Lions at PayPerHead247.com ; our favorite pay per head bookie site.
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