50-Dime EAST CAROLINA

NOTE - Congratulations to the New York Yankees who proved they are indeed the best team in baseball. I thought the Yankees were way overpriced in Game 6 and had the Phillies on the run line for a 15-dime loser.

I finished the baseball playoffs up 20 dimes. During the regular-season I finished up 141.5 units.

I did win my lone Wednesday NBA play on a free selection with Golden State covering against Memphis. It was my seventh free pick winner in a row.

I've won on my last six NBA selections and today offer a free selection on San Antonio to cover against Utah.

50-Dime EAST CAROLINA - This non-conference matchup finds Virginia Tech on the skids following two straight ACC losses, while East Carolina is playing well and considering this matchup as its game of the year.

The Pirates have made a name knocking off big name programs. They've beaten three of the last four ranked teams they've faced, including Virginia Tech last year when the Hokies were then 17th-ranked and better than they are this season. It wasn't a fluke either. East Carolina outgained the Hokies, 369-243.

Virginia Tech is off disheartening losses to Georgia Tech and North Carolina. The Hokies haven't covered a road game all season, going 0-3 against the spread away from home. The Hokies are surrendering 417.3 yards per game on the road, including 205 yards rushing.

East Carolina is getting healthier. The Pirates have won four of their last five games, holding foes to less than 100 yards rushing in four of those matchups. They have held their last three foes to an average of 20 points and 344 yards per game.

I'm not fond of either team's quarterback, but East Carolina has a big, experienced offensive line and two excellent skill position players in running back Dominique Lindsay (521 yards rushing and a 5.8 yards per carry) and wide receiver Dwayne Harris.

The Pirates have been tremendous in a role of a big 'dog, covering eight of the last Nine times they've been an underdog of 10 1/2 points or more. They are 7-3 against the number in their last 10 home contests.

Virginia Tech, on the other hand, is 2-5 against the spread in its last seven road games and has failed to cover in 10 of its last 13 non-conference matchups. The Hokies also are 1-4 against the spread the past five times they've been favored.