Players Era Championship Game: Oregon vs. Alabama odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Oregon vs. Alabama odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Oregon Ducks (7-0) face the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (6-1) in the championship of the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas Saturday. Tip from the MGM Grand Garden Arena is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Oregon vs. Alabama odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Alabama is No. 9 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll. The Crimson Tide beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 95-90 Wednesday with G Mark Sears dropping a team-high 24 points. Alabama failed to cover as an 11.5-point favorite. It is 3-4 against the spread (ATS) on the season yet 2-1 ATS in a neutral-court environment.

The Ducks beat the San Diego State Aztecs 78-68 Wednesday, covering as a 3.5-point favorite. They have closed as a favorite in 5 of 6 games and are 1-0 ATS as an underdog. Oregon is 4-3 ATS on the season and 2-0 ATS on a neutral court. It is led by C Nate Bittle, who is averaging 14 points per game.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Oregon vs. Alabama odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds  Lines last updated at 12:10 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Oregon +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Alabama -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Oregon +6.5 (-115) | Alabama -6.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 165.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Oregon vs. Alabama picks and predictions

Prediction

Alabama 85, Oregon 82

Moneyline

PASS.

While Oregon has the potential to win the tournament, it isn’t worth a play here as Alabama is the better side and should squeeze this one out. The Crimson Tide are too expensive to take as a moneyline favorite.

Against the spread

BET OREGON +6.5 (-115).

Oregon is 2-1 ATS in games away from home and has covered two in a row. It has scored at least 78 in 3 straight games, so it should have the offensive firepower to keep up with Alabama.

The Crimson Tide are 5-1 straight up as a favorite this season yet are 2-4 ATS in those games. They have allowed at least 87 in three of their last four.

Considering those trends, back OREGON +6.5 (-115).

Over/Under

BET OVER 165.5 (-105).

One thing both sides can agree on is going Over the projected total. The Crimson Tide have scored 85 or more in 3 straight games and are 3-0 O/U on a neutral court. They are 3-3-1 O/U on the season.

The Ducks are 4-3 O/U on the season but 3-0 O/U away from home and 2-0 O/U on a neutral court. They have allowed at least 70 in 4 of 7 games against far less potent offenses.

Take OVER 165.5 (-105).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / DukeFlorida / Florida StateGeorgia / Iowa / KentuckyLSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / WashingtonWisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

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San Diego State vs. Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s San Diego State vs. Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The San Diego State Aztecs (3-2) and the No. 7 Houston Cougars (4-2) meet in the Players Era Festival third-place game Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the San Diego State Aztecs vs. Houston Cougars odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

San Diego State roughed up Creighton in the opener of the tourney, posting a 71-53 win as a 4.5-point underdog as the Under (140.5) cashed. The Aztecs were humbled 78-68 by Oregon Wednesday as a 3.5-point underdog as the Over (138) hit for the first time in 4 games this season.

Houston suffered a disappointing 85-80 loss in OT Tuesday in a top-10 battle in the tourney opener. The Cougars bounced back with a 65-54 win over Notre Dame, but UH didn’t come close to cover as a 17-point favorite as the Under (134.5) connected.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

San Diego State vs. Houston odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 11:55 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): San Diego State +625 (bet $100 to win $625) | Houston -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: San Diego State +12.5 (-110) | Houston -12.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 125.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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San Diego State vs. Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 65 San Diego State 57

Moneyline

Houston (-1000) will cost you 10 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk on a singular bet or as part of a multi-leg parlay.

PASS, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

Play SAN DIEGO STATE +12.5 (-110) catching the points. It should be able to keep this one within single digits.

Houston -12.5 (-110) does with a deliberate and methodical offense, while locking it down on the defensive end. It has failed to cover in the past 2 games, while going 2-3 ATS in the past 5 outings.

For San Diego State, it is 1-3 ATS in 4 games to date, while going 1-2 ATS in 3 games as an underdog, so be careful.

Over/Under

UNDER 125.5 (-115) is worth a look, even though this is a low number, and it has dropped 4 points.

Again, Houston likes to slow it down, and San Diego State is generally not in any hurry, either.

The Under cashed in the first 3 games for the Aztecs, including the tourney opener with Creighton. The Over cashed last time out against Oregon, however, so don’t get carried away.

The Over-Under has split in 2 games in this tournament for UH, with the Over cashing in the Alabama game which went to OT. The total has gone low in 3 of the past 4 games for the Cougars.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / DukeFlorida / Florida StateGeorgia / Iowa / KentuckyLSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / WashingtonWisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

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Maryland-Eastern Shore at UConn odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Maryland-Eastern Shore at UConn odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 2 UConn Huskies (4-3) welcome the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks (2-8) to the XL Center Saturday. Tip is set for 7 p.m. ET (Peacock). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Maryland-Eastern Shore vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

UConn, which is No. 2 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, enters on a 3-game losing streak. The Huskies lost 3 straight games in the Maui Invitational, finishing last despite entering as the highest-ranked team. The Huskies are coming off an 85-67 neutral-court defeat to the Dayton Flyers Thursday, closing as an 8-point favorite. UConn is 3-4 against the spread (ATS) on the season.

The Hawks, who have played 3 Power 4 opponents and are 0-3 ATS in those games, lost to the Little Rock Trojans Wednesday, closing as an 18-point underdog. They have failed to cover in 3 straight games yet are 4-4 ATS (2 of their games haven’t had a spread). The Hawks are led by G Ketron Shaw, who is averaging 18.4 points per game.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Maryland-Eastern Shore at UConn odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Maryland-Eastern Shore +3300 (bet $100 to win $3,300) | UConn -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Maryland-Eastern Shore +42.5 (-110) | UConn -42.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Maryland-Eastern Shore at UConn picks and predictions

Prediction

UConn 95, Maryland-Eastern Shore 44

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s no value here. UConn will find its groove against a far weaker opponent yet is significantly too expensive to even consider. Avoid a moneyline play.

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Against the spread

BET UCONN -42.5 (-110).

The Hawks have played Vanderbilt, Illinois and Arkansas, closing as an underdog of 30 or more in each and failing to cover in all three. Against the latter two, they lost by 47 and 74 respectively.

UConn has been a favorite of 35 or more 4 times this season, and it is 3-1 ATS in those. It should also be wanting a massive win after a disappointing Maui Invitational. Expect the Huskies to try to put it on the Hawks Saturday.

Back UCONN -42.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 144.5 (-115).

The Huskies are 0-4 O/U as a favorite of 35 or greater and have allowed 56 or fewer in all 4 of those battles. They have also struggled more offensively as of late, averaging just 69.5 points per game over their last 2.

The Hawks have gone Under in 5 straight games and scored a total of 75 points against the Razorbacks and Fighting Illini. They are 1-2 O/U in their 3 Power 4 games.

TAKE UNDER 144.5 (-115).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / DukeFlorida / Florida StateGeorgia / Iowa / KentuckyLSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / WashingtonWisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

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Furman at Kansas odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Furman at Kansas odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Furman Paladins (7-0) face the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks (6-0) Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Furman vs. Kansas odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Furman stayed undefeated with a gritty 61-56 win over Seattle Tuesday in Las Vegas, covering as a 1.5-point favorite. The Under (142) hit, thanks to a stellar defensive effort that limited Seattle to just 18.5% from beyond the arc (5-for-27). Sophomore F Cooper Bowser shined with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and a steal, leading the way for the Paladins. Furman continues to thrive on disciplined defense and balanced contributions.

Kansas stayed unbeaten with a 75-72 victory over No. 10 Duke in Las Vegas Tuesday, winning outright as a 4-point underdog. The Under (148.5) cashed in this tight contest. All-American C Hunter Dickinson was ejected for a flagrant foul after kicking Duke’s F Maliq Brown in the head. Despite his absence, the Jayhawks had a balanced attack, with 4 starters scoring in double figures, including G Dajuan Harris Jr., who led the way with 14 points.

– RankingsUSA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll 

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Furman at Kansas odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Off the board
  • Against the spread: Furman +21.5 (-115) | Kansas -21.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 147.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Furman at Kansas picks and predictions

Prediction

Kansas 81, Furman 69

Moneyline

PASS.

The Jayhawks are so heavily favored that they aren’t even offering a moneyline bet for this game. So take your wagers to the spread and/or total.

Against the spread

BET FURMAN +21.5 (-115).

The Paladins are off to a perfect 7-0 start, covering the spread in all 5 games they’ve played and boasting a 2-0 record on the road. Kansas, however, has struggled to cover big spreads, failing to do so in their last 2 games against UNC-Wilmington and Oakland—teams not as strong as Furman. The Jayhawks are 2-3 against the spread in their last 5 games. Bowser, will provide a solid challenge to Dickinson. G PJay Smith, averaging 19.2 points while shooting 53.3% from three, is another key weapon. Furman, one of the nation’s top defensive teams, allowing just 62.4 points per game, will keep things competitive Saturday night.

Over/Under

BET OVER 147.5 (-115).

Both Kansas and Furman are offensive powerhouses, averaging 82.2 and 83.6 points per game, respectively, for a combined total of 165.8. Both teams also rank in the top 20 for field-goal percentage, with Kansas shooting 51.2% and Furman at 51.1%, plus the Paladins have the 11th-best 3-point shooting percentage. While recent trends suggest the Under is worth considering—Furman’s last 5 and Kansas’ last 6 have seen the Under hit—the sheer offensive talent on both sides makes a high-scoring game more likely.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / DukeFlorida / Florida StateGeorgia / Iowa / KentuckyLSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / WashingtonWisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

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Texas A&M vs. Rutgers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Texas A&M vs. Rutgers odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 20 Texas A&M Aggies (5-2) and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-2) meet in the Players Era Festival fifth-place game Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (truTV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Texas A&M vs. Rutgers odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Texas A&M suffered an 80-70 loss to Oregon Tuesday as a 3.5-point favorite, but it bounced back with a 77-73 win over No. 19 Creighton Wednesday to push at most shops as a 4-point favorite while the Over (145.5) cashed for the second straight outing in this event.

Rutgers eased by Notre Dame 85-84 in OT Tuesday, rebounding from a stunning 79-77 loss at Kennesaw State Sunday. Rutgers put up a strong fight against No. 9 Alabama Wednesday, falling 95-90 as an 11.5-point underdog while the Over (162.5) cashed. In Vegas, Rutgers is 1-0-1 against the spread (ATS) in 2 games after an 0-4 ATS skid entering the event.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll (*-new rankings to be released Monday afternoon)

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Texas A&M vs. Rutgers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Texas A&M -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Rutgers +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
  • Against the spread: Texas A&M -4.5 (-110) | Rutgers +4.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 150.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Texas A&M vs. Rutgers picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas A&M 76, Rutgers 70

Moneyline

Texas A&M (-190) will cost you almost double your potential return, and that’s not recommended as a standalone wager. It would be perfectly OK to include the Aggies in a multi-leg parlay, though.

PASS.

Against the spread

Back TEXAS A&M -4.5 (-110) laying the little bit of points, but take it easy. Rutgers +4.5 (-110) was ranked earlier in the season, and it gave Alabama all it could handle. The Scarlet Knights have plenty of talent to win games like this. However, the Aggies have been playing much better basketball to this point.

Over/Under

UNDER 150.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at best.

Entering this event, A&M cashed low on the total in 4 of the first 5 games, but it has gone high in each of the 2 tourney contests.

Be careful, as Rutgers has hit the Over in 5 of the past 6 games, both in Vegas. However, 1 game went to OT, and the other was against the defensively-challenged Crimson Tide.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / DukeFlorida / Florida StateGeorgia / Iowa / KentuckyLSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / WashingtonWisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

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Creighton vs. Notre Dame odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Creighton vs. Notre Dame odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 19 Creighton Bluejays (4-3) and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-3) meet in the Players Era Festival seventh-place game Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET (truTV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Creighton vs. Notre Dame odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Both teams lost their first 2 games of this event.

Creighton was blown out 71-53 by San Diego State in its tourney opener Tuesday as a 4.5-point favorite with the Under (140.5) cashing. The Bluejays were a little better in their second game Wednesday, but they suffered a 77-73 loss to 20th-ranked Texas A&M, pushing as 4-point underdogs. The Over (145.5) cashed, halting a 5-game Creighton run to the Under.

Notre Dame lost 85-84 in overtime to Rutgers in its tourney opener Tuesday, pushing as a 1-point underdog with the Over (146) cashing. The Fighting Irish then lost 65-54 to No. 7 Houston Wednesday, but they did cover as 17-point underdogs and the Under (134.5) hit.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Creighton vs. Notre Dame odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 3:34 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Creighton -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Notre Dame +195 (bet $100 to win $195)
  • Against the spread: Creighton -5.5 (-110) | Notre Dame +5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Creighton vs. Notre Dame picks and predictions

Prediction

Creighton 73, Notre Dame 69

Moneyline

Creighton (-250) will cost 2½ times the potential return. That’s too risky on a team which has dropped 3 consecutive games. Of course, Notre Dame (+195) has dropped 3 in a row, too.

PASS.

Against the spread

BACK NOTRE DAME +5.5 (-110) catching the points. Neither of these teams have been exuding a lot of confidence lately.

The Fighting Irish have at least managed to go 1-0-1 ATS in this event, covering in the 11-point loss to Houston last time out and losing by just a single point in OT to Rutgers.

Creighton pushed in the 4-point loss to Texas A&M last time out, but its previous 2 games were double-digit losses. The Bluejays are just 1-5-1 ATS this season, making it hard to trust them with a bet.

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Over/Under

UNDER 145.5 (-115) is the lean, but don’t get carried away. A half-unit play should suffice.

The Bluejays cashed the Over last time out, but the Under is 5-1 in their past 6 games.

The Irish are 1-1 O/U in this tournament — the OT loss to Rutgers hit the Over in regulation. The O/U is 2-2 in Notre Dame’s past 4 outings.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / DukeFlorida / Florida StateGeorgia / Iowa / KentuckyLSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / WashingtonWisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

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Western Carolina at Marquette odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Western Carolina at Marquette odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Western Carolina Catamounts (2-3) face the No. 11 Marquette Golden Eagles (7-0) Saturday at Fiserv Forum. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET (FS2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Western Carolina vs. Marquette odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Western Carolina faced a challenging non-conference slate and are coming off back-to-back losses to ACC teams. They recently suffered a 91-57 defeat as 20.5-point underdogs at Florida State Tuesday with the Over (145.5) hitting. They struggled offensively, shooting just 32.8% (21-for-64) from the field and Florida State racked up 15 steals to Western’s Carolina’s 6.  Junior G Brandon Morgan led the Catamounts with 13 points.

The Golden Eagles remained perfect with a commanding 94-59 victory over Stonehill Wednesday, covering as 34.5-point home favorites for their fourth cover in a row. The Over (142.5) cashed, snapping a 2-game Under streak. Sharp shooting from beyond the arc (47.6%, 10-for-21) and a relentless defense that forced 18 Stonehill turnovers fueled the win. F David Joplin finished with 27 points and 7 rebounds, both game-highs.

– RankingsUSA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll 

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Western Carolina at Marquette odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 2:19 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Off the board
  • Against the spread: Western Carolina +33.5 (-110) | Marquette -3.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 151.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Western Carolina at Marquette picks and predictions

Prediction

Marquette 90, Western Carolina 55

Moneyline

PASS.

The Golden Eagles are so heavily favored that BetMGM Sportsbook isn’t even offering a moneyline.

Against the spread

BET MARQUETTE -33.5 (-110).

Coach Shaka Smart has his Golden Eagles off to a strong start, navigating a challenging non-conference slate that includes wins over No. 12 Purdue, George Mason, Maryland and Georgia. The Golden Eagles are 6-1 ATS, including a 34.5-point line against Stoney Brook in a season-opening 102-62 rout. They have also won their last 11 non-conference home games at Fiserv Forum.

Joplin has been dominant, averaging 28.0 points over the last 2 games, showcasing versatility inside and out. G Kam Jones, the team’s leading scorer (19.8 points per game) gives Marquette a solid 1-2 punch. He is shooting an impressive 44.8% from beyond the arc.

Western Carolina, meanwhile, is 0-3 on the road, including losses to ACC foes Florida State and Wake Forest (82-69). Outmatched and unable to contain Marquette’s firepower, the Catamounts are unlikely to keep this one close.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 151.5 (-115).

I’m leaning toward the Under as the total feels too high. Marquette scored 94 against Stonehill but held the Skyhawks under 60. While that game went Over, the line was 9 points lower, making this number seem inflated.

Marquette’s defense ranks 43rd nationally — per NCAA.com — in points allowed per game (63.9) and thrives under Smart’s system.

Western Carolina, which averaged 60.0 points per game in its 3 contests with D-I opponents, hasn’t faced anything close to Marquette’s defensive intensity.

The Catamounts likely won’t crack 60, which should keep this game comfortably Under the total. The defensive disparity is simply too great.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / DukeFlorida / Florida StateGeorgia / Iowa / KentuckyLSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / WashingtonWisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

[lawrence-newsletter]

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Gonzaga vs. Davidson odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Gonzaga vs. Davidson odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs (6-1) and the Davidson Wildcats (5-1) meet in the Battle 4 Atlantis fifth-place game Friday at Imperial Arena in Nassau, Bahamas. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Gonzaga vs. Davidson odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Gonzaga was tripped up by West Virginia in the opener of this event, falling 86-78 in overtime as a 15-point favorite. It bounced back by blasting a ranked Indiana team, 89-73, cashing as a 9.5-point favorite as the Over (156.5) cashed for a second straight day Thursday.

Davidson was hammered 104-71 by Arizona in the tourney opener Wednesday, but it rebounded with a 69-58 win against Providence as a 5.5-point underdog while the Under (136.5) connected.

Both of these teams are strong against the number, with Davidson going 4-1 against the spread (ATS) this season, and the Over is also 4-1. Gonzaga is a healthy 5-2 ATS on the season, with the Over also going 5-2.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll (*-new rankings to be released Monday afternoon)

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Gonzaga vs. Davidson odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 12:05 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Gonzaga -3000 (bet $3,000 to win $100) | Davidson +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200)
  • Against the spread: Gonzaga -19.5 (-110) | Davidson +19.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gonzaga vs. Davidson picks and predictions

Prediction

Gonzaga 87, Davidson 70

Moneyline

Gonzaga (-3000) will cost you 30 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not nearly enough reward, as a standalone bet or a multi-leg parlay.

PASS.

Against the spread

Back DAVIDSON +19.5 (-110) catching the big points in the islands.

The Wildcats were outclassed by Arizona, but they’re 4-1 ATS in 5 games with a spread this season, including an outright win over Providence of the Big East last time out.

Gonzaga -19.5 (-110) has split against the number in the islands, and it is just 3-2 ATS in 5 games as a double-digit favorite.

Over/Under

OVER 154.5 (-110) is worth a look in this fifth-place battle.

The Over has hit in both games in the Bahamas for Gonzaga, while going high in 5 of 7 outings. Gonzaga has scored at least 78 points in all 7 outings.

For Davidson, the O/U has split in the 2 games in this tourney, but the Over has hit at a 4-1 clip in 5 games with a total this season.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / DukeFlorida / Florida StateGeorgia / Iowa / KentuckyLSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / WashingtonWisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

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Seattle at Duke odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Seattle at Duke odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Seattle Redhawks (2-4) face the No. 10 Duke Blue Devils (4-2) Friday at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Seattle vs. Duke odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Seattle lost 61-56 Tuesday to the Furman Paladins, failing to cover as a 1.5-point home underdog. The game stayed under the 142 total. Georgia transfer Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe led the way with a double-double (13 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 steals). However, the Redhawks struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 5-of-27 (18.5%), which derailed their chances of securing the win.

Duke fell short in the Vegas Showdown on Tuesday, losing 75-72 to No. 1 Kansas despite the Jayhawks playing without ejected star C Hunter Dickinson. The Blue Devils failed to cover as 4-point favorites. Freshman G Kon Knueppel impressed with 11 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, and a steal, while Junior G Tyrese Proctor had a team-high 15 points.

– RankingsUSA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll 

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Seattle at Duke odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 11:03 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Seattle +2800 (bet $100 to win $2,800) | Duke -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Seattle +26.5 (-110) | Duke -26.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 141.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Seattle at Duke picks and predictions

Prediction

Duke 84, Seattle 55

Moneyline

PASS.

Duke (-10000) will roll all over Seattle at Cameron Indoor Friday night but no way you can ever bet $10,000 to win $100. That’s why I’ll take my wager to the spread.

Against the spread

BET DUKE -26.5 (-110).

Duke finds itself in an interesting spot, coming off games against the Arizona Wildcats and Kansas with Auburn up next. It’s a potential letdown and look-ahead situation. However, Duke has dominated non-AP-ranked opponents at Cameron Indoor, winning 32 of its last 33 games. Meanwhile, Seattle has dropped 4 of its last 5 against non-conference foes, scoring just 56 points on 26.2% shooting in its last outing.

With Duke boasting a 7-3 record ATS and SU in its last 10, and Seattle struggling defensively against weaker competition, the talent gap should lead to a Blue Devils blowout. It’s Duke or nothing here.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 141.5 (-115).

Duke has hit the Under in its last 4 games, while Seattle has been Under in 3 of its last 4. The Blue Devils are averaging 82.5 points on 47.3% shooting while holding opponents to 60.3 points on 37% shooting. Meanwhile, Seattle’s offense has struggled, scoring just 56 points in their last game against a weaker team. The Redhawks rank 281st in field goal percentage (42%) and 204th in free throw shooting (69.9%). Seattle’s offensive limitations make the Under appealing.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / DukeFlorida / Florida StateGeorgia / Iowa / KentuckyLSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / WashingtonWisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

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Ole Miss vs. Purdue odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Ole Miss vs. Purdue odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 24 Ole Miss Rebels (6-0) and the No. 12 Purdue Boilermakers (6-1) meet Friday in the championship game of the Rady Children’s Invitational. Tip-off from LionTree Arena in San Diego is set for 6 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Ole Miss vs. Purdue odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Ole Miss picked up a 96-85 win in OT Thursday as a 2.5-point underdog while the Over (153) cashed. The Rebels are 2-0 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) in 2 neutral-floor games, while cashing in each of the past 3 outings. The Over is also 3-0 in the past 3 contests.

For Purdue, it outlasted NC State 71-61 in the tournament opener Thursday as a 5.5-point favorite, covering in consecutive games for the first time this season. The Boilermakers are 2-0 SU/ATS in 2 games since getting spanked at Marquette Nov. 19. The Under has cashed in 3 straight outings.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll 

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Ole Miss vs. Purdue odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Ole Miss +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Purdue -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Ole Miss +2.5 (-105) | Purdue -2.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Ole Miss vs. Purdue picks and predictions

Prediction

Purdue 83, Ole Miss 75

Moneyline

PURDUE (-160) is worth a look as moderate favorites if you’re super conservative and don’t want to fiddle around with the points.

Ole Miss (+135) hasn’t been tested too much, but in its toughest game against BYU Thursday, it passed the test in overtime. It remains to be seen if the Rebels can get the job done against 2 power conference teams in a row, and until it proves it is more than just a mid-tier SEC team, let’s back the national runners-up.

Against the spread

Side with PURDUE -2.5 (-115) laying the little bit of points.

The Boilermakers are the more battle-tested team, having already faced Alabama, Marquette and NC State, with only the hiccup against the Golden Eagles.

Purdue is 3-1 ATS in the past 4 games, and it covered in the only previous game as a single-digit favorite, and that was last time out against NC State.

Over/Under

OVER 144.5 (-115) might be the best play on the board.

There is risk, as the Under has cashed in 3 straight games. However, the Over has connected in 3 in a row for Ole Miss, averaging 98.0 PPG in the past 2 outings.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / DukeFlorida / Florida StateGeorgia / Iowa / KentuckyLSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / WashingtonWisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

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