Trend points to Kansas

Based on the results of bowl games already played, Virginia Tech followers have to like the Hokies’ chances of defeating Kansas in tonight’s Orange Bowl.

That’s because the Hokies are listed as 3 1/2 -point favorites and teams in this role have won 21 of the first 28 bowl games, including victories in five of six games played on New Year’s Day.

But bettors looking to drop money on Virginia Tech to cover the line should know that favorites have not performed as well when point spreads are involved.

Although underdog teams won only seven bowl games, they put together a respectable 13-14-1 record against the spread over the first 28 bowls.

That’s good news for Kansas, which during the regular season had the nation’s best record against the spread at 11-1.

The Jayhawks, who average 44.3 points per game, failed to cover only in a 36-28 loss to Missouri and are 4-0 against the spread in their last four nonconference games.

The Hokies, 11-2 against the spread this season, also have a few positive trends working in their favor. They are 4-0 against the spread in their last four games against a team with a winning record and are 4-0 against the spread in their last four games as a favorite.

Pro hockey

The NHL season is close to the halfway mark and VegasInsider.com’s latest odds to win the 2008 Stanley Cup have the Detroit Red Wings holding as the favorite. After being listed at 8-1 at the start of the season, the Red Wings are now at 9-2, followed by the Ottawa Senators at 5-1. And although the Ducks now have captain Scott Niedermayer back in the lineup, they remain at 11-2.

Boxing

Paul Malignaggi and Herman Ngoudjo will face off in an under-the-radar fight for Malignaggi’s IBF light welterweight title Saturday in Atlantic City,

Ngoudjo (16-1, nine knockouts) has not received much support to pull off an upset. The fight opened with Malignaggi (23-1, five knockouts) at -600 and Ngoudjo at +400 but now has Malignaggi at -675 with Ngoudjo at +475. The over/under for the bout is 11 1/2 rounds with the over at -450 and under at +300.

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lonnie.white@latimes.com