NCAA college basketball – Page 169

Stanford at Colorado odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Stanford at Colorado odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Stanford Cardinal (4-2, 0-0 Pac-12) and Colorado Buffaloes (5-1, 0-0) clash in an early-season Pac-12 showdown Sunday at 7 p.m. ET at the CU Events Center in Boulder, Colo. Below, we look at the Stanford vs. Colorado odds and lines and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Stanford earned a 79-65 win over North Carolina AT&T Tuesday and has won 3-of-4 since opening the season with a loss. Rebounding has been the Cardinal’s bread-and-butter thus far. SU out-rebounded NC AT&T 46-29, and the Cardinal has recorded 14-plus offensive boards in three games already.

The Buffaloes figure to have a top-shelf offense again in 2021-22. Colorado shot 37.3% from 3-point-land in averaging 73.1 points per game last season. The Buffs have scored 80-plus in 4-of-6 games so far this season. A veteran group led by senior G McKinley Wright IV (15.3 PPG) is averaging 78.7 PPG (76th NCAA-I).

Stanford at Colorado odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Stanford +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Colorado -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Stanford +5.5 (-110) | Colorado -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 135.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Stanford at Colorado odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Colorado 70, Stanford 64

Money line

Since 2016, Colorado is 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS in home games against the Cardinal. And the Buffs swept two games from SU last season.

Both teams are young, but CU has the likeable depth inside and the ability to leverage an advantage at the free-throw line. Stanford’s young team is 0-for-2 on the road this November.

TAKE COLORADO (-240).

Against the spread

The Buffaloes’ wins over the Cardinal last year were by 18 and 13 points. In its last four ATS covers at home in this series, CU’s average margin of cover has been 8.0 points.

The home/road factor looms larger here than in most games, but peg COLORADO -5.5 (-110) as just a partial-unit play, perhaps as a complement to the above,

Over/Under

There is not much leverage here, but in a conference opener with two young teams not prone to launching a slew of of shots from distance, consider the UNDER 135.5 (-112).

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Villanova vs. La Salle odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Villanova vs. La Salle odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 7 Villanova Wildcats (3-2) and La Salle Explorers (2-2) tangle in a 6 p.m. ET game Sunday at the Palestra in Philadelphia. Below, we look at the Villanova vs. La Salle odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Villanova has already played three games against ranked foes. The Wildcats went 1-2 in contests against UCLA (loss), Tennessee (win) and Purdue (loss). They’re looking for an eighth straight win over local rival La Salle after a Thanksgiving rest.

VU’s leading scorer is G Justin Moore, who averages 17.8 points per contest. Moore logged a breakout 25-point game when the Wildcats last met La Salle Dec. 1, 2019.

The Explorers are coming off a 61-58 victory over Army Nov. 20, but La Salle had been on its heels defensively in a couple of earlier losses. La Salle heads into this game ranked 272nd in the nation in defense with 73.3 points allowed per game. A year ago, the Explorers ranked 12th in the 14-team Atlantic-10, allowing 73.5 PPG.

Rankings courtesy the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Villanova vs. La Salle odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:31 a.m. ET.

Money line: Villanova -2500 (bet $2,500 to win $100) | La Salle +1000 (bet $100 to win $1000)
Against the spread (ATS): Villanova -18.5 (-108) | La Salle +18.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 139.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Villanova vs. La Salle odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Villanova 78, La Salle 59

Money line

PASS on the juice-filled prices here. A -1500/+1500 tandem is a reasonable starting point, and value gets lost the more removed it is from that intersection.

Against the spread

‘Nova last played a week ago when they dropped an 80-74 game against a Purdue team that went 10-of-23 from distance and found some success on the offensive glass. The Wildcats are 38-17-2 ATS across their last 57 outings after an ATS loss.

Villanova and La Salle are at opposite ends of the spectrum as far as ball security goes. Look for the Wildcats to leverage that disparity to a great degree while clamping down on the boards in this one. The lean is a small-to-moderate one, so consider a partial-unit play on VILLANOVA -18.5 (-108) in a hometown bounce-back effort.

Over/Under

Along the same lines as the ATS play, look for a renewed defensive effort from a Wildcat five which plays at a snail’s pace. On neutral hardwood and with the Explorers being more a near-average team on defense than what surface numbers show, BACK THE UNDER 139.5 (-108).

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UCLA at UNLV odds, picks and prediction

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

The No. 2 UCLA Bruins (5-1) and UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (4-2) meet Saturday at Thomas & Mack Center in Paradise, Nev. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the UCLA vs. UNLV odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Bruins were dumped by 20 against top-ranked Gonzaga last time out Tuesday and stick around Nevada to take out their frustrations on UNLV.

The Runnin’ Rebels opened the season 3-0 SU before back-to-back losses to Michigan and Wichita State. The Rebs bounced back with a 101-45 win over Whittier College (Calif.) Wednesday to stem the tide of losing.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

UCLA at UNLV odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:26 a.m. ET.

Money line: UCLA -700 (bet $700 to win $100) | UNLV +470 (bet $100 to win $470)
Against the spread (ATS): UCLA -11.5 (-107) | UNLV +11.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 138.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

UCLA at UNLV odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

UCLA 82, UNLV 64

Money line

UCLA (-700) is the better team, and it will show here. However, risking seven times your potential return is rather foolish.

AVOID, and look to the line instead.

Against the spread

UCLA -11.5 (-107) is a much better play laying the points, even though the Bruins are just 1-3 ATS across the past four games. The Bruins are chock full of talented recruits, and they’ll be able to push past the Runnin’ Rebels, who are just not quite ready for prime time yet.

Over/Under

OVER 138.5 (-115) is the play here, even though the Under has cashed for UCLA in each of its last two. The Under hit in the Bellarmine game Monday, as the Bruins were looking ahead to a titanic matchup with Gonzaga, and the Under hit in that one, as the Bulldogs put the squeeze on the Bruins. UCLA will find a lot more room to operate in this bounce-back game.

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Duke vs. Gonzaga odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Duke Blue Devils vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 6 Duke Blue Devils (6-0) and top-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs (6-0) meet Friday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Duke vs. Gonzaga odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Knowing its inner-conference play doesn’t do it much justice, Gonzaga has gone out of its way to spice up the early part of the college basketball season.

A dominating 83-63 win over No. 2 UCLA Tuesday did just that. ‘Zaga now takes on the Blue Devils in another tough challenge prior to the start of West Coast Conference play. Gonzaga is led by No. 1 overall recruit C Chet Holmgren and junior PF Drew Timme.

With five-star recruit F Paolo Banchero and co-freshman G Trevor Keels leading the way, Duke beat the Kentucky Wildcats in its season opener, an impressive 79-71 win at Madison Square Garden.

The Blue Devils now get arguably their toughest test of season, one in which they’ll enter in uncharted territory as 7.5-point underdogs.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Duke vs. Gonzaga odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:51 a.m. ET.

Money line: Duke +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Gonzaga -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Duke +7.5 (-110) | Gonzaga -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 155.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

Duke vs. Gonzaga odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Gonzaga 87, Duke 75

Money line

PASS.

Gonzaga looked so good against UCLA that betting against it just isn’t a smart move. But at -340, betting for the Zags doesn’t make much sense either. Look toward the spread for value in this one.

Against the spread

BET GONZAGA -7.5 (-110) as the Zags were at this arena Tuesday and came out with a dominating win. The Bulldogs’ pace and strength threw UCLA off from the beginning.

The Blue Devils will be asking too much from Banchero and F Wendell Moore Jr. They’ve been great, but Gonzaga’s No. 2-ranked offense will just be too much for Duke to handle.

Over/Under

BET the OVER 155.5 (-107) as ‘Zaga has the nation’s No. 2 offense in terms of points per game (91.5) and No. 1 in terms of field-goal percentage (55.6%). It has been terrific with leadership, size and talent at all positions.

Duke also has talent with its stellar freshman. It averages 85.8 points per game as well. Both offenses are good enough to not bet against, especially after the showing ‘Zaga had against UCLA.

The Blue Devils’ only real competition has been Kentucky, a game they soundly had a grip despite only winning by 8. They put up 79 in that game. Similar success could be primed for them Friday.

Combine the high-upside offense in action, and the Over feels like the better play.

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Alabama vs. Iona odds, picks and prediction

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

The No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0) and Iona Gaels (5-0) meet Thursday for the ESPN Events Invitational in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Alabama vs. Iona odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Crimson Tide have fired out of the gate with four victories in four tries, including a 3-1 ATS mark. The Tide is coming off an 86-59 victory over Oakland University on Friday.

Rick Pitino’s Gaels have been impressive, winning all five of its games so far. Iona topped Appalachian State in the opener, and they had a close shave against Harvard in an OT win on Nov. 13. The past three games have been win and covers against Hofstra, Liberty and North Alabama.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Alabama vs. Iona odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Alabama -900 (bet $900 to win $100) | Iona +570 (bet $100 to win $570)
Against the spread (ATS): Alabama -12.5 (-105) | Iona +12.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 149.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

Alabama vs. Iona odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Alabama 82, Iona 70

Money line

Alabama (-900) will cost you nine times your potential return, and that’s too costly even though the Tide is the better team here.

AVOID, and look to the line instead.

Against the spread

IONA +12.5 (-120) is the lean here as Pitino’s bunch will have revenge on its mind. These teams met just last March with the Tide getting the best of the Gaels 68-55.

I don’t think Iona has enough in the tank to pull off the Thanksgiving upset, but with Louisville transfer Quinn Slazinski, and SMU transfer Tyson Jolly, the Gaels have some talent to hang tough like they did last March. Iona is a perfect 2-0 ATS in the past two neutral-site games, too.

Over/Under

OVER 149.5 (-107) is the lean, ever so slightly. The Tide hit the Over in the first two games this season before managing the Under in each of the past two. The Over has connected in three of the past four games, dropping 81 or more points in three of the past four.

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Memphis vs. Virginia Tech odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Memphis vs. Virginia Tech odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 10 Memphis Tigers (4-0) and Virginia Tech Hokies (5-0) meet Wednesday for the NIT Season Tip-Off at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Memphis vs. Virginia Tech odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Tigers have a star-studded lineup featuring freshmen F Emoni Bates and C Jalen Duren, as well as former Virginia Tech G Landers Nolley. Duren absolutely went off in Friday’s win over Western Kentucky with 22 points, 19 rebounds and five blocked shots, looking like a man among boys.

The Hokies have won the first five games by 20 or more points, including a 77-57 win at Navy on Nov. 12. Virginia Tech has covered all five games, but they haven’t really faced a true power. This will easily be the biggest test to date.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Memphis vs. Virginia Tech odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:23 p.m. ET.

Money line: Memphis -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Virginia Tech +122 (bet $100 to win $122)
Against the spread (ATS): Memphis -2.5 (-112) | Virginia +2.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 140.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Memphis vs. Virginia Tech odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Memphis 79, Virginia Tech 68

Money line

MEMPHIS (-150) is slightly more expensive than just laying the point and a half here. Take the moneyline if you think it’s going to be a one-point game, but if not, the spread is the better value.

Against the spread

MEMPHIS -2.5 (-112) is the more complete team. There just isn’t anybody who is going to match up with Duren and keep him from going bonkers in the paint when you look up and down the VT roster, and Nolley will have a chip on his shoulder facing his former team, too.

The Tigers have a ton of depth, and the Hokies are going to be out of their league playing against a true power after knocking around five patsies to pad their record.

Memphis is the real deal, and you shouldn’t be surprised if the Tigers pull away for a double-digit victory.

Over/Under

OVER 140.5 (-110) is the play. Memphis hit the Over in three of its first four games and its gone for 89 or more points in three outings as well.

Virginia Tech is more methodical on offense, and they have posted just one Over result in five outings. However, it’ll be forced to play the up-tempo style of Memphis or fall by the wayside.

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Gonzaga vs. UCLA odds, picks and prediction

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

The No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs (5-0) and No. 2 UCLA Bruins (5-0) meet Tuesday for the Empire Classic Championship Game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Gonzaga vs. UCLA odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Bulldogs routed the Central Michigan Chippewas 107-54 in the opener of this tournament Monday, easily covering a 34.5-point number as the Over connected. Center Chet Holmgren led the way with 19 points, while G Julian Strawther hit three triples and ended up with 15 points.

The Bruins topped the Bellarmine Knights in their tourney opener Monday, and they had a surprisingly difficult time with the Atlantic Sun foe. UCLA shot 45% from the field, led by G Johnny Juzang with 13 points and three triples — but he was the only starter with more than nine points.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Gonzaga vs. UCLA odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Money line: Gonzaga -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | UCLA +230 (bet $100 to win $230)
Against the spread (ATS): Gonzaga -6.5 (-112) | UCLA +6.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Gonzaga vs. UCLA odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Gonzaga 86, UCLA 78

Money line

Gonzaga (-300) is a little on the expensive side at this price, as this battle between the No. 1 and 2 teams in the nation could go either way.

PASS, and look to the spread.

Against the spread

GONZAGA -6.5 (-112) is the lean here. Both teams have been tested early in big games already, as the Bulldogs topped Texas in Spokane a couple of weeks ago and UCLA outlasted Villanova in overtime in SoCal.

I think the likes of Holmgren, Strawther and F Drew Timme — who dropped 37 against the Longhorns — can outlast Juzang and the Bruins. Plus, it seemed UCLA struggled with its shots against Bellarmine and they’ll get buried if they can’t find the range Tuesday against the Zags.

Over/Under

OVER 154.5 (-115) is the lean. While the Under has connected in four of the first five for Gonzaga, the Over is 14-6 in its previous 20 neutral-site games. UCLA hit the Over in the first four before an Under result against Bellarmine. Look for plenty of scoring between these two titans in what should be an entertaining game on The Strip.

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North Carolina vs. Purdue odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s North Carolina vs. Purdue odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 20 North Carolina Tar Heels (3-0) and No. 7 Purdue Boilermakers (3-0) meet Saturday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Villanova vs. Tennessee odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Tar Heels have won all three of their games to date but haven’t really faced anybody of note so far. UNC topped Loyola-Maryland by 16, Brown by seven and won at Charleston by 11. They failed to cover in all three outings.

The Boilermakers haven’t really faced high-caliber competition, either, but they have won all three of its games by 25 or more points against Bellarmine, Indiana State and Wright State.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

North Carolina vs. Purdue odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:10 a.m. ET.

Money line: North Carolina +205 (bet $100 to win $205) | Purdue -260 (bet $260 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina -5.5 (-107) | Purdue +5.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 153.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

North Carolina vs. Purdue odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Purdue 85, North Carolina 77

Money line

There isn’t a lot of value in PURDUE (-260) at nearly three times the odds. PASS and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

PURDUE +5.5 (-115) is a strong play catching the points, and you don’t have to risk nearly three times your wager. North Carolina -5.5 (-107) hasn’t covered through three games yet, and they’re not going to do so in this tournament game, either.

Over/Under

OVER 153.5 (-107) looks like a rather high number, but between two top-tier offenses, they should be able to inch this one over the line.

Purdue is averaging 94.7 PPG, seventh in the nation, and they won’t be able to sustain that level of production against a top-tier team. However, they’ll still be able to put up a healthy number. And Purdue’s defense is still a work in progress, so expect UNC to be able to score plenty as well.

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Villanova vs. Tennessee odds, picks and prediction

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

The No. 4 Villanova Wildcats (2-1) and No. 17 Tennessee Volunteers (2-0) meet Saturday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Villanova vs. Tennessee odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Wildcats suffered an 86-77 overtime loss at UCLA. Villanova bounced back with a 100-81 win over Howard, although the Wildcats failed to cover for a second straight game. The Over is 3-0 through three games for ‘Nova.

The Volunteers will face their first out-of-state opponent after topping Tennessee-Martin and East Tennessee State in the first two outings. The Over is 2-0 through two games for the Vols.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Villanova vs. Tennessee odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:50 a.m. ET.

Money line: Villanova -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Tennessee +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Against the spread (ATS): Villanova -2.5 (-105) | Tennessee +2.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 139.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Villanova vs. Tennessee odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Villanova 75, Tennessee 70

Money line

VILLANOVA (-140) isn’t overpriced in this neutral-site battle in Connecticut. The Wildcats are the better team, deeper, and they’re more battle tested, too, after a narrow overtime loss at UCLA, another Top 5 team.

Against the spread

VILLANOVA -2.5 (-105) is a little cheaper against the number, and all they have to do is win by a bucket. Either ‘Nova on the money line, or against the spread, is the way to go. Tennessee +2.5 (-120) won’t be ready for this measuring-stick game, but the experience of facing a top-tier program and the subsequent loss will do them well in the long run.

Over/Under

OVER 139.5 (-112) is the slight lean here, but play it lightly. Villanova has hit the Over in each of its three games so far, and Tennessee has hit the Over in its two games, too. The Over is 12-5 in the past 17 neutral-site games for ‘Nova, too, while going 9-3 in the past 12 neutral-site games for Tennessee.

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Western Kentucky at Memphis odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Western Kentucky at Memphis odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-2) visit the No. 16 Memphis Tigers (3-0) Friday for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off at FedExForum. Below, we look at the Western Kentucky vs. Memphis odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Western Kentucky is coming off losses to Minnesota and South Carolina. The Hilltoppers’ season-opening win was over Alabama State by a disappointing five-point margin (79-74). WKU heads to Memphis with an 0-3 mark against the spread. On defense, WKU has yielded 10.0 3-pointers per game, and foes have shot 37.5% from beyond the arc.

The Tigers close out a stretch of four straight home games to open the 2021-22 season. Memphis enters this game off a Tuesday triumph over St. Louis. The Tigers covered a 10.5-point spread in a 90-74 win and are thus far 2-1 against the spread. Memphis has scored 89, 90 and 90 points over its first three games.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Western Kentucky at Memphis odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:24 a.m. ET.

Money line: Western Kentucky +750 (bet $100 to win $750) | Memphis -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Kentucky +13.5 (-103) | Memphis -13.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Western Kentucky at Memphis odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Memphis 83, Western Kentucky 67

Money line

Memphis has three freshmen doing great things early. As a three-headed monster, the trio of F Emoni Bates, C Jalen Duren, G Josh Minott is averaging 38.0 points and 15.3 rebounds per game. Western Kentucky was a solid road team last year, but the Tigers are the right side in this one. You won’t find enough value here on a juice-filled money line, though. PASS.

Against the spread

The Tigers have the decisive advantage inside and outside the arc and in the paint. WKU is 0-3 ATS, and two of the Hilltoppers’ setbacks (vs. Alabama State, Minnesota) involved late-game surges — the case can be made Western wasn’t as close in either loss as the final score would indicate.

The Tigers can be a little loose with the basketball but look for any losses in the turnover battle to be made up for on the offensive glass. UM’s ability to haul down offensive rebounds and create second-chance points and trips to the free-throw line makes for a significant advantage.

The lean here doesn’t make for a lot of cushion. A Memphis win in the 13-to-21-point range covers a lot of territory in an expected bell curve of possible outcomes. A lean toward the upper end is significant enough to warrant the TIGERS -13.5 (-120) as a play in some partial-unit action.

Over/Under

The Over is a combined 5-1 across the six games these squads have played so far this season. Look for a fast-paced Tigers side to drag the number up here and a Hilltoppers team that’s up for the game to not be left 30 points behind. TAKE THE OVER 145.5 (-115).

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