Niele Ivey, Olivia Miles and Kylee Watson discuss Notre Dame win

The Irish speak about their win in St. Louis.

ST. LOUIS — Notre Dame’s 90-79 win over California at the Shamrock Classic in St. Louis came tougher than anticipated. Still, a win is a win, and to have it come live from the Enterprise Center on NBC made it all the more special. The opportunity for [autotag]Niele Ivey[/autotag] to do it in her hometown was among the topics covered in her postgame news conference with [autotag]Olivia Miles[/autotag] and [autotag]Kylee Watson[/autotag]. Here is some of what they said:

Notre Dame to play California in Shamrock Classic in St. Louis

Football not your thing? Get to St. Louis for a women’s hoops game one day instead.

Football no longer is the only sport in which Notre Dame and California will play each other this year. As the guys on the gridiron get set for battle at Notre Dame Stadium, the schools’ respective women’s basketball program are looking forward to their own meeting. The teams will play each other Nov. 12 in the first Shamrock Classic at St. Louis’ Enterprise Center, where Irish coach [autotag]Niele Ivey[/autotag] won the national title along with her other Irish teammates in 2001:

Ivey is not the only St. Louis native coaching this game. It’s also the city where Bears coach Charmin Smith is from, so you better believe both coaches are looking forward to this a lot.

Also of note is that this will be the first women’s basketball game to be shown on NBC and Peacock. Don’t worry about it interfering with football though. That program is facing Navy in Baltimore that day, so it won’t even be on the same network.

Here’s hoping this event is a big success (and an Irish win).

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz1mmy7gev0xbr player_id=none image=https://fightingirishwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

MWC Final: Valparaiso vs. Bradley odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Valparaiso vs. Bradley college basketball matchup, with college basketball betting odds, picks and best bets.

The Valparaiso Crusaders (19-15) meet the Bradley Braves (22-11) in the Missouri Valley Conference title game Sunday at 2:05 p.m. ET at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. We analyze the Valparaiso-Bradley odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Valparaiso vs. Bradley: Three things you need to know

1. The 7-seed Crusaders of Valpo have been Cinderella in the conference tourney colloquially referred to as ‘Arch Madness’. Valpo topped Evansville 58-55 on Thursday, stunned Loyola-Chicago 74-73 in OT Friday, then dumped Missouri State 89-82 Saturday in a 6-7 game to punch their ticket to the final.

2. The 4-seed Braves of Bradley are less of a surprise to be in the title game. They snuck by Southern Illinois 64-59 in the quarters Friday before racking up a 10-point win over another upstart, Drake, by a 76-66 score.

3. Bradley and Valpo split their regular-season series, with the Braves winning 80-69 Jan. 29 and the Crusaders winning 90-78 Feb. 22. Both games saw the home team win and the Over hit.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!


Valparaiso vs. Bradley: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Bradley 79, Valparaiso 76

Moneyline (ML)

Valparaiso is the underdog in this one at +135. While I expect a tight game, I like BRADLEY -162 to hold the Crusaders off in this one.

New to sports betting? A $10 successful bet on Bradley to win outright returns a profit of $6.17.

Against the Spread (ATS)

Valparaiso (+2.5, +100) hasn’t been terribly steady all season, but the Crusaders are playing their best basketball of the season and have been cover kings lately. The Crusaders finished the regular season 6-1 ATS in their final seven games — including that straight-up win over Bradley (-2.5, -121 for Sunday’s game) Feb. 22 — and they’re 3-0 SU/2-1 ATS in the MVC tourney so far.

The Braves might sneak away with a ticket to the dance, but the Crusaders will make them work for it. A slight lean here for BRADLEY -2.5 (-121).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over in the two regular-season meetings between Valpo and Bradley, and taking OVER 132.5 (-110) is a good play Sunday. The Over has hit in the past two for the Crusaders, including an 89-point performance by their offense against Missouri State in Saturday’s semis. Bradley hit the over in their final five of the regular season, while going 1-1 with the total in the tourney so far.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2017]

Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The defending champion St. Louis Blues (38-18-7) will host the Dallas Stars (32-23-8) Saturday at Enterprise Center in St. Louis at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Stars-Blues sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Stars at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Ben Bishop vs. Jordan Binnington

Bishop, the St. Louis native, heads into this one with a 21-14-4 record, 2.49 goals against average and .921 save percentage with a pair of shutouts. He is 0-3-0 with a 3.83 GAA and .890 SV% in his three previous appearances this season vs. STL. He allowed three goals on 30 shots in a narrow 3-2 loss in the only previous meeting in Missouri on Oct. 5.

Binnington will be in search of his 30th win of the season when he takes on the Stars. He has posted a 1-0-1 record, 2.45 GAA and .921 SV% in his other two regular-season starts against the Stars this season.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Stars at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 3, Stars 1

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-162) are a good play against the Stars (+135), as they just seem to have the number of their rivals from the Metroplex. The Blues have ripped off wins in six consecutive, including four in a row at home, all behind Binnington. St. Louis has won three of the first four meetings this season, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blues ML returns a profit of $6.20 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Stars ML results in a profit of $13.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BLUES (-1.5, +180) are a little bit of a risky play, but very tempting at this price level. A small-unit play is warranted based upon their 3-1 SU record this season. St. Louis has outscored Dallas 13-7 in the first four meetings, covering the puck line in two of their three wins vs. STL.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-139) is 5-2 in the past seven for Dallas as an underdog, while going 15-6-3 in the past 24 against Central Division foes. The under is 5-2 in the past seven for St. Louis, while going 4-1 in the past five as a favorite. The under is also 5-1-1 in the past seven meetings in this series, including 4-0 in the past four at Enterprise Center.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

New York Islanders at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s New York Islanders at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

[jwplayer wcHtPTSE]

The New York Islanders (35-20-7) lock horns with the St. Louis Blues (37-17-10) Thursday at Enterprise Center at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Blues sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Islanders at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Jordan Binnington

Varlamov suffered a tough 4-3 loss in overtime against the New York Rangers Tuesday, snapping a two-game winning streak. While he is 19-12-5 with a 2.51 goals against average and .918 save percentage in 41 appearances (36 starts), he is actually much better on the road. He is just 8-7-1, but he has a 2.18 GAA and .928 SV% in 19 road games, including 16 starts.

Binnington has racked up a 28-11-7 record, 2.61 GAA and .911 SV% in 46 starts. His splits easily favor him at home, as he is 19-4-5 with a 2.23 GAA and .919 SV% with all three of his shutouts at Enterprise Center, while going just 9-7-2 with a 3.22 GAA and .900 SV% on the road.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Islanders at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 3, Islanders 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-176) are heavily favored at home behind Binnington. This won’t be a slam-dunk play, however, as the Islanders (+145) just made some key acquisitions at the trade deadline. While the home team should still come out ahead, go very lightly.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blues ML returns a profit of $5.68 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Islanders ML results in a profit of $14.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This game is going to be super close, and could need overtime or a shootout to determine a winner. As such, you cannot play the Blues (-1.5, +145). However, the Islanders (+1.5, -176) is just a little too expensive. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-121) has connected in six of the past seven games overall for the Islanders, and 5-0 in the past five against Western Conference foes. For the Blues, they have hit the Over in six of the past seven against Eastern Conference teams, while the Over is 8-3-1 in the past 12 against winning teams. Don’t get carried away, but bank on a lower-scoring game.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

New York Rangers at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s New York Rangers at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The New York Rangers (21-18-4) and St. Louis Blues (28-10-7) drop the puck at Enterprise Center in St. Louis at 8 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Rangers-Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Rangers at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Henrik Lundqvist vs. Jordan Binnington

Lundqvist is confirmed to start, putting his 9-9-3 record, 3.10 goals against average and .910 save percentage on the line against the defending champs.

Meanwhile, the Blues are expected to counter with Binnington, who cruised past the Buffalo Sabres Thursday in a 5-1 victory. He improved to 21-7-4 with a 2.49 GAA and .917 SV%. Despite the win over the Sabres, he is still just 1-2-0 in his past three starts against Eastern Conference clubs dating back to Nov. 30. He also lost his only appearance against the Blueshirts last season, allowing three goals on just 24 shots at Madison Square Garden March 29.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Rangers at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 7:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 4, Rangers 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Blues (-209) are listed with the same exact odds they had vs. the Sabres Thursday. However, the Rangers (+170) are a little better, and a slightly larger risk. You shouldn’t risk more than two times your return anyway. AVOID.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Blues ML will profit $4.78 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BLUES (-1.5, +125) are worth a small-unit bet, although confidence isn’t terribly high. Still, four of their past six victories have also resulted in a puck-line cover, and seven of their past 10 wins at home have covered the line, too.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-154) is a bit pricy, and no guarantee. If I were to lean to one side, it is Over, but I wouldn’t go crazy, especially with this kind of juice. Looking at alternative totals, Over 4.5 (-304) is too expensive, and Under 6.5 (-162) is equally unappealing. If you’re thinking offense will rule the day, OVER 6.5 (+135) might be your best bet – but I don’t like it much.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

Buffalo Sabres at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Buffalo Sabres at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Buffalo Sabres (19-17-7) and St. Louis Blues (27-10-7) tangle at Enterprise Center in St. Louis at 8 p.m. ET Thursday. We analyze the Sabres-Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Sabres at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Linus Ullmark vs. Jordan Binnington

Ullmark enters Thursday off of back-to-back wins and has improved to 13-11-3 for the season. He has a .911 save percentage and 2.83 goals against average.

The Stanley Cup-winning tendy has posted a 20-7-4 record, 2.53 goals against average and .917 save percentage with one shutout so far this season. Justin Bieber has a bet with Binnington that he can beat him at least once on 10 shots, and the money will go to charity. It seems unlikely, as lately, men who are paid to play hockey have struggled to sneak it by Binny. He has won seven of his past eight outings, allowing three or fewer goals in six of the contests.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Sabres at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 5, Sabres 2

Moneyline (ML)

The Blues (-209) will cost you more than double your investment, and my rule is always to go only as low as -160 or -170, or AVOID. The Sabres (+170) also can’t be counted upon to pull the upset, as they’re just 3-6-1 in the past 10 overall.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered on the Blues ML will profit $4.80 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BLUES (-1.5, +135) are worth a roll of the dice. Ullmark gives the Sabres a better chance than Carter Hutton would  but back the home side to win by at least 2 goals.

The Blues are 6-0 in their past six at home, 9-1 in the past 10 as a favorite and 26-9 in the past 35 against losing sides.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 5.5 (-125) is a bargain. While there is some concern if the Sabres can solve the red-hot Binnington, the Blues should be able to handle the bulk of the scoring Thursday.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Colorado Avalanche (21-8-3) invade Enterprise Center to battle for the top spot in the Central Division against the St. Louis Blues (20-8-6) at 8 p.m. ET Monday. We analyze the Avalanche-Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Avalanche at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Philipp Grubauer vs. Jordan Binnington

Grubauer enters the game with a 10-5-2 record, 2.76 goals against average and .914 save percentage while coming in with a pair of road wins in Boston and Toronto in his past two outings. Overall, he has won three straight, but he has missed over a week due to a hamstring injury. He should be able to go, but if not it will be Pavel Francouz getting the nod in his place. Either way, the Avalanche are in good hands.

Binnington has been rounding into form after a bit of a slow start. He is 15-6-4 with a 2.46 GAA and .919 SV% with one shutout. He’ll look to maintain the dominance of the Blues in this series.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Avalanche at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 3, Avalanche 1

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-115) have posted 21 victories in the past 28 head-to-head meetings at Enterprise center, while the Avalanche (-106) are 8-22 in the past 30 battles in this series overall. The home team has also cashed in 25 of the past 37 in this series.

New to sports betting? Every $10 wagered for the Blues to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $8.70 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

BLUES (-1.5, +230) are a great play for Monday’s titanic Central Division battle as they’re a nice value. The favorite is 13-4 in the past 17 meetings. In addition, four of their past five wins also cashed on the puck line. A small-unit bet is warranted here.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (+100) is even-money for Monday’s battle, and you’ll like the Under. The Under is 5-1 in Colorado’s past six overall, and 5-1 in their past six on the road, too. In this series, the Under is 21-8-2 in the past 31 battles at Enterprise Center, too, while cashing in four of the past five overall.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]

Vegas Golden Knights at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Vegas Golden Knights at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Vegas Golden Knights (16-12-5) and St. Louis Blues (18-8-6) battle at Enterprise Center at 8 p.m. ET Thursday. We analyze the Golden Knights-Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

Golden Knights at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury vs. Jordan Binnington

Fleury was outstanding Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks in his first action since Nov. 23 due to a personal absence. He nearly posted a shutout, allowing a power-play goal with an extra attacker in the final minute. He picked up the win, however, improving to 3-1-1 over the past five starts with the “Under” hitting in each outing.

Binnington was pulled for the first time in his NHL career in a loss against Toronto Saturday. He has dropped back-to-back starts, but is still 13-6-4 with a 2.45 GAA and .921 save percentage overall.


Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.


Golden Knights at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 5:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Golden Knights 3, Blues 2

Moneyline (ML)

The GOLDEN KNIGHTS (-106) are a good play on the road against the Blues (-115), who has been stumbling of late. You’ll be going against the trends in this series, as Vegas is 1-4 in the past five head-to-head matchups, with the home team 5-1 in the past six, but the Golden Knights are playing better hockey lately.

New to sports betting? Every $1.06 wagered for the Golden Knights to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout would profit $1 if they do so.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PASS. I don’t like the puck line in this series. Fleury and Binnington are good goaltenders and when they’re on their game, this has the potential to be a low-scoring game, possibly decided in overtime or a shootout. If you’re wondering, Vegas is +1.5 (-295) and St. Louis is -1.5 (+230).

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-106) is 5-1 in the past six for the Golden Knights, while going 5-2 in the past seven inside the Western Conference. The Blues have hit the Under in seven of their past eight against the West, while going 4-0 in the past four vs. Pacific Division foes.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]