College Hoops Saturday
Photo Credit: Dominion Post
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College Basketball Season Record: 139-131-9 — Betting 1 Unit to Win X
11:00am cst: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. LSU Tigers -5; Total 152
I have been particularly critical of this Arkansas team all season due to their underperformance. LSU has shown resilience in their play, but their inexperience keeps them from being a strong team. The point spread for LSU seems high. These teams are nearly on par, with Arkansas having a slight edge in talent. If Arkansas brings the same intensity they showed on the road against Missouri, they have a chance to win this game. However, the recurring question is: which Razorbacks team will show up today? In my opinion, LSU should not be favored by six points against any team at the moment. Even though the spread has moved to five, I still believe it’s too high.
Pick: Arkansas +5 (-110) [via DraftKings]
12:00pm cst: South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Georgia Bulldogs -2; Total 139.5
We’ve come to understand that this Georgia team is likely a year away from being a serious contender in the SEC. They’ve started strong at home against Tennessee and Alabama, but in both games, they struggled with maintaining momentum late into the second half. South Carolina, a solid road team, has the offense to keep pressuring UGA until they falter. Given our luck, this might be the game where Georgia secures a significant home win. However, I’m placing my trust in South Carolina’s defense to force some turnovers and prevail. As is often the case in every Georgia game, the team that scores the most three-pointers usually comes out on top.
Pick: South Carolina +2 (-108) [via DraftKings]
1:00pm cst: Northwestern Wildcats -1 vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers; Total 139
Today, we have a low-key Big Ten matchup at the Barn, where the Gophers will host the Wildcats. Northwestern is coming off an overtime game at Purdue, where they faced some challenges. Whenever we discuss Purdue, we often note how they tend to get a large number of free throws. This was evident in their game against Northwestern, where Northwestern only shot 7 free throws themselves. The Golden Gophers should be well-rested as they haven’t played for a week. Minnesota has historically matched up well with Northwestern and has given them problems in the past. This is another road game for Northwestern, and Minnesota has shown strength at home. I’m willing to take my chances with the Golden Gophers!
Pick: Minnesota ML (-108) [via DraftKings]
3:00pm cst: Houston Cougars -1 vs. Kansas Jayhawks; Total 134.5
We have an exciting matchup at Phog Allen Fieldhouse! One thing we know for certain is that Kansas will have a significant home court advantage. Historically, this advantage has been accompanied by a favorable whistle. We’ve observed Kansas all season, and they seem to lack two key elements: rebounding and toughness. Coincidentally, these are areas where Houston excels. Despite facing challenges on the road, Houston has been incredibly focused since their game against Texas Tech. I find it hard to support Kansas and their offense. If Kansas manages to shoot exceptionally well from the three-point line, then so be it, but I don’t anticipate that happening.
Pick: Houston -1 (-115) [via DraftKings]
3:00pm cst: Florida Gators vs. Texas A&M Aggies -2; Total 146.5
For reasons unknown, the Aggies have not had a game since last Saturday. Florida, on the other hand, is coming off their biggest win under Head Coach Todd Golden, having defeated Kentucky. As I often mention, Florida excels in two areas: rebounding and shooting three-pointers. If their three-point shots aren’t landing, they typically struggle. Interestingly, these are the two best rebounding teams in the country, with Florida ranked first and Texas A&M second. The Aggies are eager for a win as the rest of the SEC has moved ahead of them. Given that the Aggies have had a rest, they should be able to step up defensively in the paint and on the boards.
Pick: Texas A&M -3 (-108) [via DraftKings]
5:00pm cst: Auburn Tigers -3.5 vs. Ole Miss Rebels; Total 148.5
This Auburn team decimated Ole Miss at home and now must travel to Oxford to face a Rebels team that hasn’t lost a home game. If the crowd is anything like it was against Mississippi State, then we should be in for a treat. The Ole Miss defense should be able to keep up with the Auburn guards. I initially thought Auburn would be favored by one point. I have Ole Miss at -1. I’ll gladly take the 3.5 with the Rebels. I’m anticipating an upset.
Pick: Ole Miss +3.5 (-110) [via DraftKings]
5:00pm cst: BYU Cougars -7 vs. West Virginia Mountaineers; Total 152
BYU has only secured one road victory this year. West Virginia is coming off a significant upset win against Cincinnati (we backed WVU). BYU is a team that heavily relies on three-pointers. Personally, I’m not a fan of such teams. West Virginia has been showing improvement in their conference games. This is a high spread for a team that hasn’t proven its mettle on the road. It might be a risky bet, but I’ll take the points here.
Pick: West Virginia +7 (-112) [via DraftKings]
5:00pm cst: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Pittsburgh Panthers -9.5; Total 128
I’m having trouble understanding this spread. Notre Dame is a young team, yet they consistently challenge every ACC team. The Irish have been improving with each game. On the other hand, Pitt has been a letdown all season. They haven’t done anything to justify this large of a spread. It’s absurd. I’m willing to take my chances with this young Notre Dame team.
Pick: Notre Dame +9.5 (-112) [via DraftKings]
5:30pm cst: Duke Blue Devils vs. North Carolina Tar Heels -4.5; Total 152.5
We have to have a play on this rivalry game! I made this game UNC -4. Duke has a solid bench and size that should help them against North Carolina. The Blue Devils have also had recent success in the Dean Smith Center. North Carolina is a great team but I feel like this line is a bit tight with them laying too many points. Duke is a bit underrated and playing great basketball. I was impressed with their road win against Virginia Tech. The guards never panicked and the big men were great inside the paint. I’ll take the points.
Pick: Duke +4.5 (-110) [via DraftKings]
7:30pm cst: Tennessee Volunteers vs. Kentucky Wildcats -1; Total 159
Both teams have demonstrated strength all season, but they’ve recently hit a rough patch. Tennessee isn’t particularly strong on the road, but they excel at rebounding. This is an area where Kentucky has shown improvement, though they can still struggle. This game will likely be a contest of offense versus defense. The question is whether Tennessee will bring a strong offense and if Kentucky can play better defense than they did against Florida. I’m inclined to support the home team, which has improved their rebounding, should have a superior offense, and is looking to bounce back from a tough loss.
Pick: Kentucky -1 (-108) [via DraftKings]
Futures Deep Dive 1/26/24 (link):
2023-24 Futures Bets
[11/06/23 - preseason - via DK]
Arkansas Razorbacks 25/1
USC Trojans 35/1
Florida Atlantic Owls 40/1
Texas Longhorns 40/1
Baylor Bears 40/1
Texas A&M Aggies 55/1
Oregon Ducks 75/1
St. Johns Redmen 85/1
[11/20/23 - via DK]
UCLA Bruins 30/1
Mississippi State Bulldogs 150/1
[11/27/23 - via DK]
Oklahoma Sooners 150/1
[12/5/23] - via DK]
North Carolina Tar Heels 30/1
Florida Atlantic Owls 40/1
Texas Longhorns 55/1
Oklahoma Sooners 150/1
[12/16/23 - via DK]
North Carolina Tar Heels 30/1
Oklahoma Sooners 60/1
[1/17/24 - via DK]
North Carolina Tar Heels 16/1
Baylor Bears 30/1
Kansas State Wildcats 75/1
Oregon Ducks 100/1
UCF 250/1
[1/24/24 - via Circa Sports]
North Carolina 14/1
Texas Longhorns 90/1
Kansas State Wildcats 125/1
