Today we have a nice full schedule of top college basketball teams in action. Including one where I think the wrong team is favored. Those are always spots where you want to bet big, right?
In every window, there are some options for your watching and wagering pleasure. The game I am most interested in is Rutgers vs Iowa. The Hawkeyes are fading fast creating huge value on the Scarlet Knights.
Here is a look at that one and more…
All odds presented in this article are via FanDuel Sportsbook.
Houston vs South Florida, ESPNU, 7:00 PM ET
Spread: Houston -11 (-105), South Florida +11 (-115)
Total: Over 129 (-105), Under 129 (-115)
Moneyline: Houston -520, South Florida +417
Houston took a surprise loss to East Carolina last week. They were on the road and the shots weren’t falling. The only reason for concern is that the defense disappeared for a game. If it can happen against ECU then it could happen against anyone, right? Sure, but I think we have seen enough to feel pretty good about this Cougars team overall.
Odds are they are back to the form that has been crushing AAC opponents all season long. They don’t have to be at their best to cover this number either.
Betting advice: Take Houston.
Virginia vs Georgia Tech, ACC Network X, 7:00 PM ET
Spread: Virginia -4.5 (-105), Georgia Tech +4.5 (-115)
Total: Over 127.5 (-110), Under 127.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Virginia -186, Georgia Tech +155
These teams met once before with Virginia winning by just a couple of points at home, 64-62. Georgia Tech has had a nice season and is actually over .500 in the ACC, but I am not expecting them to get the Cavaliers here. They shot really well from deep against UVA in that game and doing that two games in a row against one of the best defensive teams in the country is a long shot.
If you pounced on this at the opening number you could have saved yourself a couple of points but the Cavaliers are the play. Especially with their dominant front court of Sam Hauser and Jay Huff.
Betting Advice: Take Virginia (best bet).
Rutgers vs Iowa, Big Ten Network, 7:30 PM ET
Spread: Rutgers +6.5 (-110), Iowa -6.5 (-110)
Total: Over 152 (-110), Under 152 (-110)
Moneyline: Rutgers +213, Iowa -257
These teams are heading in different directions right now. Rutgers seems to be back on track as they have won four in a row and covered in three of those. I thin think they have finally realized that even though they are talented, they are best suited to a more rugged style of play.
Iowa is the opposite, they have lost four of their last five as their leaky defense has caught up with them, in three of those losses they gave up 80+ points. They beat Rutgers at the RAC earlier in the year but just by two so they hardly look like the opponent to get right against. Rutgers has gained a point of value since the line opened too.
Betting Advice: Take Rutgers.
Georgia vs Tennessee, ESPN 2, 8:00 PM ET
Spread: Georgia +12 (-110), Tennessee -12 (-110)
Total: Over 140.5 (-105), Under 140.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Georgia +505, Tennessee -642
Tennessee has had some surprising results this season but it is not like they fell off the map like Kentucky. Odds are that when the season is done they will be the second-best team in the SEC this year. That is kind of what we thought they would be, no matter how it came to be. Their defense can be stifling most nights, it is just their offense that seems to be mismanaged. I say mismanaged because the talent seems to be there. You have to bite down when you make this bet because you have likely been burned but sticking with the orange is the way to go.
Betting Advice: Take Tennessee.
Marquette vs Villanova, FS1, 9:00 PM ET
Spread: Marquette +111 (-110), Villanova -11 (-110)
Total: Over 139 (-105), Under 139 (-115)
Moneyline: Marquette +420, Villanova -505
Villanova has not looked great since returning from their COVID forced break. They are still one of the best teams in the country but they have looked a little vulnerable in the few games since they have been back. This Villanova team might not have a glaring weakness but they are not as explosive as some of the more recent successful versions of the Wildcats either.
For this one, I am breaking it down by saying they can beat the Golden Eagles by 6 points in each half. That might not be sexy but they can do it, especially with Marquette struggling without a “go-to” player this season.
Betting Advice: Take Villanova.
Missouri vs Ole Miss, SEC Network, 9:00 PM ET
Spread: Missouri +2 (-115), Ole Miss -2 (-105)
Total: Over 133 (-110), Under 133 (-110)
Moneyline: Missouri +104, Ole Miss -125
This is a close line but another indictment of the markets not quite believing in Mizzou. They have not played since they upset Alabama over the weekend. This is no perfect team but they play good defense and stay within themselves. They finally seem to have figured out how to get the most from big man Jeremiah Tilmon too. Mizzou’s greatest weakness is that they are not great deep shooters.
If this one is going to be low scoring though that might not hold them back too much.
Betting Advice: Take Missouri.
Wisconsin vs Nebraska, 9:30 PM ET
Spread: Wisconsin -11 (-110), Nebraska +11 (-110)
Total: Over 137 (-110), Under 137 (-110)
Moneyline: Wisconsin -526, Nebraska +411
Wisconsin might not be in the best form right now, they are just 2-3 in their last five, but this is a veteran group that should have little trouble in this road spot. Nebraska can be a little frisky at Pinnacle Bank Arena but they are the worst team in the Big Ten right now and a lot of times the games are not all that competitive.
An experienced and strong defensive Wisconsin team should win with ease.
Betting Advice: Take Wisconsin.
