Happy Valentine’s Day! Today’s college basketball betting card is a little light on big-time action. The key games are more question mark games too. Such as, how will Michigan look after their long layoff? And, how does Drake respond after getting dismantled by Loyola-Chicago?
Those are the headliners but there are some other interesting games too…
All college basketball betting odds are via FanDuel Sportsbook as of 12:30 pm ET. Click here for updated odds.
College Basketball Betting Best Bets: February 14
Michigan vs. Wisconsin, CBS, 1:00 PM ET
College Basketball Betting Matchup: (#3) Michigan Wolverines (13-1 SU, 11-3 ATS) vs. (#21) Wisconsin Badgers (15-6 SU, 10-10-1 ATS)
Spread: Michigan -1.5 (-110), Wisconsin +1.5 (-110)
Total: Over 133.5 (-110), Under 133.5 (-110)
Money Line: Michigan -113, Wisconsin -107
Michigan is off a long COVID layoff in this spot and that is really the only reason to be doubtful about the Wolverines. The last time these teams played Michigan put on a clinic, winning 77-54 at home, and nothing we have seen from these teams since indicates that the gap has been bridged here.
Wisconsin struggled to score in that game and that has been more of a challenge than usual. The Badgers are often one of the most efficient offensive teams in the country but that is not the case this season. And with their slow tempo, when they are missing the stretches without scoring can seem that much longer. They will score more than 54 in this game but still come up short.
Betting Advice: Take Michigan.
Loyola-Chicago vs. Drake, ESPN 2, 2:00 PM ET
College Basketball Betting Matchup: (#22) Loyola-Chicago Ramblers (18-3 SU, 13-5-1 ATS) vs. Drake Bulldogs (19-2 SU, 15-4 ATS)
Spread: Loyola-Chicago -5.5 (-110), Drake +5.5 (-110)
Total: Over 134 (-110), Under 134 (-110)
Money Line: Loyola-Chicago -224, Drake +184
We just saw this game and it could not have gone better for the Ramblers, they won 81-54. They were actually down a few points at the half but dominated in the second, outscoring Drake 50-20 over the final 20 minutes. It was impressive, but can they do it again?
Drake piled up all those SU and ATS wins and right now they are not worth much. They are desperate for a win here, not even a decent showing will help the much given what we saw yesterday. They have not covered in the second game of the last two mini-series they have played. You get a nicer margin off the loss but I worry that it isn’t enough.
Betting Advice: Take Loyola-Chicago.
Marquette vs. Seton Hall, 3:00 PM ET
College Basketball Betting Matchup: Marquette Golden Eagles (9-11 SU, 6-14 ATS) vs. Seton Hall Pirates (11-8 SU, 12-7 ATS)
Spread: Marquette +7 (-110), Seton Hall -7 (-110)
Total: Over 141 (-110), Under 141 (-110)
Money Line: Marquette +239, Seton Hall -290
With five losses in their last six games, Marquette has slipped from relevance in the Big East. Their only Tournament hopes right now are to get hot at the right moment in the conference tourney. They are not a great team but they should be better than they are.
Meanwhile, Seton Hall is picking things up. After losing back to back to back games to Villanova and Creighton they have won and covered two straight. I have liked their talent all season long and now they have a chance to make their move. They do not have much margin for error though. The line is a little high than I would have made it but the momentum is on their side.
Betting Advice: Take Seton Hall.
Pitt vs. Georgia Tech, ACC Network, 4:00 PM ET
College Basketball Betting Matchup: Pitt Panthers (9-6 SU, 9-6 ATS) vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (9-8 SU, 8-9 ATS)
Spread: Pitt +5 (-110), Georgia Tech -5 (-110)
Total: Over 142 (-115), Under (-105)
Money Line: Pitt +169, Georgia Tech -203
Both teams are having solid seasons. Whoever wins this one will be helping themselves out a lot, especially Pitt which has lost four of their last five. The Panthers should have the best player in the game in Justin Champagnie, which might help put them over the top.
Georgia Tech has been struggling lately too, with just one win in their last four. Both of these teams have been pummelled by strong defensive teams of late and given a chance to breathe they might show a little more than what we have seen lately. Georgia Tech has been much better at home this season and that is why they get the nod here.
Betting Advice: Take Georgia Tech.
February 14 College Basketball Betting: Best Bet of the Day
Minnesota vs. Maryland, 7:00 PM ET
College Basketball Betting Matchup: Minnesota Golden Gophers (13-7 SU, 10-9-1 ATS) vs. Maryland Terrapins (10-10 SU, 7-12 ATS)
Spread: Minnesota +2.5 (-110), Maryland -2.5 (-110)
Total: Over 136.5 (-110), Under 136.5 (-110)
Money Line: Minnesota +122, Maryland -146
Minnesota struggles on the road, that has been the case all season and a Sunday trip to a team that is more than capable of beating them hardly seems like the antidote they need. The Gophers are off a win but they look like a team that peaked too early.
Maryland has some nice wins but they have not really had a peak. They have played themselves out of the Tournament unless they close with a spectacular run. All of their games from here on out are winnable and they are probably favoured in all but one. I am going back to the well here but I like it.
Betting Advice: Take Maryland. (Best Bet)
