[LLXC]

****BEST BET
WASHINGTON* over CALIFORNIA by 14
As the season goes on and the win/loss records become identifiers for teams, often the public will have a great deal of trouble rating a side that lost a series of tough games. They just get blended in after a while. Washington is just such a team – if the Huskies had just a bit more experience and confidence, losses to Notre Dame, Arizona State and U.C.L.A. could have been reversed, and remember what the box score showed in that loss to L.S.U. to open the season. Steve Sarkisian has had them playing with a lot of enthusiasm and very positive energy in his first season of the building process in Seattle, and we will call for them to go out in style in a game that should not really be considered an upset. The combination of a bye two weeks ago, and then that methodical home shutout of Washington State last week, means that the physical tank is well-stocked for this setting, as is the confidence level, and that makes this a bowl game for the Huskies. There is no such magic for over-rated Cal. The Bears did rise to the occasion at Stanford in that showdown, but this trip now shapes up as a bit of a yawner, especially since they will be going bowling in a couple of weeks. But that Stanford win does inflate this line, and a defense that has allowed five Pac 10 opponents to roll for over 400 yards, includ- ing Washington State and U.C.L.A., the two worst offenses in the conference, more than has its hands full on the road keeping Jake Locker in check. WASHINGTON 37-23.

[LLXC]

NBA

***BEST BET
*Phoenix over Sacramento by 24
Off since Wednesday, this is Phoenix’s only home matchup during a seven-game span. The Suns had the best record in the league through 15 games. They also were the only team to score at least 100 points in ever game with six players scoring in double fig- ures. Amare Stoudamire, Steve Nash and Jason Richardson were all shooting above 50 percent from the floor. The Suns were 6-2 ATS the past eight times they’ve been chalk through Nov. 28. PHOENIX 127-103.

***BEST BET
*Portland over Houston by 18
The teams have split two games so far with each winning at home. The Trail Blazers are the much superior defensive club and still haven’t forgotten about last season with the Rockets ended their promising season in the playoffs. The Trail Blazers were near- ing the end of November ranked No. 1 defensively allowing 88.3 points per game and holding foes to a league-best 41.2 percent from the floor. Portland will be motivated and well-rested. The Trail Blazers last were in action on Tuesday. The Rockets can’t match the height of Portland’s front line minus Yao Ming. It’s also Houston’s third road game in four nights. PORTLAND 106-88.

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NCAAB

***BEST BET
Missouri* over Oregon by 24
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it must be a Duck, and it must not like playing away from home against opposing defenses that like to insert themselves into the other team's feathers and muss 'em up real good. Oregon was a down-tempo team a year ago and is trying to ratchet the pace back up, but Missouri plays at a zippy 76 possessions per game and likes to get quicker as the game pro- gresses. They'll enjoy shooting 3s over the little guard Porter as well as getting second chance opportunities. MISSOURI, 88-64.

**PREFERRED
Louisville* over Charlotte by 20
Little Ricky's team took the predicted defeat in Vegas and this will not sit well with him. Charlotte shies from physical contact and doesn't crash the boards well enough to offset Louisville's own rebounding deficiencies. When Lutz's klutzes fall behind, they hoist 3-prayers that dig themselves a deeper hole. LOUISVILLE, 91-71.

***BEST BET
California over Iowa State* by 25
Iowa State has been playing at an accelerated pace and beating mostly outclassed oppo- sition. One onlooking head coach noted that once they start playing quicker foes, they might find themselves chasing upcourt instead of setting up their own offense after a steal or missed bucket. They don't come much quicker than Cal, whose guards are ver- satile and will have open looks inside and out all night long. CALIFORNIA, 92-67.