NCAA college basketball – Page 170

Stony Brook at Kansas odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Stony Brook at Kansas odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Stony Brook Seawolves (0-1) and No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks (2-0) meet Thursday at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kan. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Stony Brook vs. Kansas odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Seawolves took it on the chin against George Mason in the season opener, falling 74-52. Stony Brook didn’t even come close to covering the 4.5-point number as the Under cashed.

The Jayhawks polished off Michigan State at Madison Square Garden to open the season, 87-74 last Tuesday. Kansas returns home and topped Tarleton State by an 88-62 count to push on a 26-point number as the Over cashed for a second straight outing.

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

Stony Brook at Kansas odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:40 p.m. ET.

Money line: Stony Brook +1000 (bet $100 to win $1,000) | Kansas -2500 (bet $2,500 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Stony Brook +25.5 (-108) | Kansas -25.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 143.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Stony Brook at Kansas odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Kansas 94, Stony Brook 63

Money line

Kansas (-2500) is way too expensive on the money line, as there is absolutely no value here at this ridiculous price.

PASS and check out the spread.

Against the spread

KANSAS -25.5 (-112) is a great play at home against Stony Brook +25.5 (-108). The Seawolves were tattooed by George Mason in its opening game, and there is no way they handle the likes of G Ochai Agbaji, G Remy Martin and G Christian Braun. This one is going to get out of hand, and it’s going to get out of hand early.

Over/Under

OVER 143.5 (-110) is the best play on the board. Kansas should flirt with the century mark. The Jayhawks hit double snowmen against Tarleton State last time out, and the Texans have put up a fight against three solid teams.

Stony Brook offered very little resistance against Mason, and you can expect Kansas to do whatever it wants in another high-scoring home rout.

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Ohio State at Xavier odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Ohio State Buckeyes at Xavier Musketeers odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Xavier Musketeers (2-0) and No. 17 Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) meet Thursday in Cincinnati. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Ohio State at Xavier odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Given this in-state matchup features two undefeated teams, the 10,250-seat Cintas Center is sure to be rocking.

The Buckeyes needed a game-winning, last-second shot to beat Akron 67-66 in their opener. They beat Niagara by 84-74 Nov. 12 before finally flexing their strength against Bowling Green with an 89-58 victory Monday.

Ohio State is led by F E.J. Liddell, who was named to the preseason All-Big Ten Team. Liddell will have to battle Xavier’s elite backcourt of G Paul Scruggs and G Colby Jones, both averaging over 17 points per game.

The Musketeers have beaten Niagara as well, winning by a mere three (63-60), and also defeated Kent State 73-59. They’ll enter as slight underdogs at home.

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

Ohio State at Xavier odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 5:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Ohio State -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Xavier +120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Ohio State -2.5 (-110) | Xavier +2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 140.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Ohio State at Xavier odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Xavier 67, Ohio State 65

Money line

“LEAN” to XAVIER (+120) as the better play.

The Musketeers, over the course of their existence, have just been dominant on their home court. As of April 2018, Xavier is 258-41 at home. While obviously that differs from season to season, it should again protect home court.

For Ohio State, against both Niagara and Akron, it was guard play that weakened the Buckeyes. That’s exactly what Xavier has. Scruggs and Jones should make it a long game for Ohio State.

Xavier should be able to contain Liddell with size. It will likely start 6-foot-8 F Jerome Hunter on him first to see how the forward can impact the star.

Given the Musketeers backcourt play and Ohio State’s struggle to defend guards, Xavier could likely pull off the home upset. Xavier is No. 37 according to the KenPom rankings, while Ohio State is 17th.

Home-court advantage should play a major factor in this one.

Against the spread

PASS.

I’d rather bet Xavier to win outright given the above points in this one, especially getting a plus-money value.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 140.5 (-107) as both teams have size and rebounding. Shot-making hasn’t necessarily been a strong suit for either side so far this season either.

Ohio State averages 80.0 points per game (PPG). However, it hasn’t taken on an opponent of Xavier’s level, especially in a place like Cintas.

Xavier’s opponents have averaged 59.5 PPG, so the skewed numbers go both ways as it is early in the season without much competitive action.

In an aggressive and packed arena, I would prefer to side with poor shooting, especially with the excitement coming into the game.

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Northern Colorado at Texas odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Northern Colorado at Texas odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Northern Colorado Bears (3-1) and No. 5 Texas Longhorns (1-1) meet Wednesday at Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Northern Colorado vs. Texas odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Bears have wins over a solid Pacific Tigers team and a win at the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. However, this team also lost 87-79 to Division II Hawaii-Hilo in overtime, so they’re a bit difficult to figure out during the early going.

The Longhorns roughed up Houston Baptist Nov. 9 before heading up to Gonzaga and suffering an 86-74 loss against the top-ranked team on their home floor. Texas shot just 44% from the field, and 38% from behind the arc against the Zags.

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

Northern Colorado at Texas odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:12 a.m. ET.

Money line: Northern Colorado +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500) | Texas -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Northern Colorado +20.5 (-110) | Texas -20.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Northern Colorado at Texas odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas 89, Northern Colorado 64

Money line

Texas (-10000) will cost you $100 for every $1 won, and that’s obviously a terrible bet. No one should need a dollar that badly.

PASS and check out the spread.

Against the spread

TEXAS -20.5 (-110) covered its only previous game at home against an overmatched opponent. The Longhorns will start quick in this one and run away from the Bears like they did in the HBU game and will likely turn it over to the reserves to finish up the second half in a lopsided game. That’s where things get a little concerning for bettors, but the ‘Horns should have a big enough lead where covering isn’t an issue.

Over/Under

OVER 142.5 (-110) is the lean, although it’s only worth a small-unit play. The Over hit last time for the Longhorns, and is 9-4 in their last 13 games in Austin, although the Under hit against HBU in the opener. This team struggled shooting the basketball against the Zags, but the Longhorns should find much less resistance against NorCo.

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Saint Louis at Memphis odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Saint Louis at Memphis odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 16 Memphis Tigers (2-0) and Saint Louis Billikens (3-0) meet Tuesday at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the home at away odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

In a battle of two undefeated teams, Memphis will enter as favorites behind head coach and former NBA star Penny Hardaway. He’s recruited top-tier talent, making Memphis one of the nation’s best teams.

It’s a young side though; the Tigers brought in two of the top-six recruits in the nation, PF Jalen Duren and SF Emoni Bates.

Facing a St. Louis team starting just two freshmen, Memphis should have its hands full, especially given the Billikens early-season success. They’ve won each of their first three games by 35 or more points.

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

Saint Louis 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 Tuesday at 10:50 a.m. ET.

Money line: Saint Louis +470 (bet $100 to win $470) | Memphis -700 (bet $700 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Saint Louis +10.5 (-107) | Memphis -10.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 143.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Saint Louis at Memphis odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Memphis 70, Saint Louis 64

Money line

PASS on the money line with a slight “lean” to Saint Louis +470.

I think the Billikens are better than many think, and with a young Tigers team capable of making mistakes, an upset is certainly possible. However, I’d likely stay away from it and head towards the points for a better value.

Against the spread

BET on SAINT LOUIS +10.5 (-107) as the Billikens should be able to keep this game close.

They’ve been impressive so far this season and should contend for the Atlantic 10 title. It’s hard to side against a team like Memphis with two top-tier recruits.

However, sophomore Gibson Jimerson is averaging 18.7 points per game. A redshirt junior, Jimerson is the leader of this team, and hitting 43 percent from deep, he may be able to single-handedly keep them inside of double figures.

Saint Louis’s top-four scorers are all 6-foot-5 or taller, so they’ll have the size to compete. With Memphis coming off a disappointing eight-win season last year, I think they struggle against their most challenging opponent yet.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 143.5 (-110) as both sides may be troubled by the length of the other.

The top-six scorers for Memphis all stand 6-foot-5 or taller with Duren and Bates both at least 6-foot-9. Their size should give Saint Louis some difficulties.

Also, neither has faced a quality opponent, so finally having looks contended and getting ran off the three-point line could force more difficult shots and more misses.

The Tigers’ opponents rank 14th in field goal percentage. Expect a solid showing defensively from them. Saint Louis’ opponents rank 21st in field goal percentage, making under 33% of their shots.

This should be a relatively low-scoring game.

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Alcorn State at Gonzaga odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Alcorn State at Gonzaga odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Alcorn State Braves (0-3) and Gonzaga Bulldogs (2-0) meet Monday at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Wash. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Alcorn State at Gonzaga odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Bulldogs have picked up where they left off last season. With an impressive 2-0 start to the season, Gonzaga recently blew out then-No. 5 Texas.

The Bulldogs were up 20 at half and coasted to an 86-74 win against Texas Saturday. C Drew Timme and freshman phenom C Chet Holmgren lead the nation’s best team. Timme had 37 in the victory.

As for Alcorn State, it has lost three in a row to start the season, including an 85-67 opening loss at Washington State Tuesday. The lack of early-season success won’t bode well for the Braves against the nation’s best team.

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

Alcorn State at 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 7:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Alcorn State +1700 (bet $100 to win $1,700) | Gonzaga -100000 (bet $100,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Alcorn State +38.5 (-105) | Gonzaga -38.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 150.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Alcorn State at Gonzaga odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Gonzaga 98, Alcorn State 59

Money line

Passing is your only option. Gonzaga (-100000) is favored by too much.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to ALCORN STATE +38.5 (-105) as more a play on Gonzaga’s kindness. The Braves are the clearly inferior side, but the Bulldogs have been in this position many times.

Last season, the Bulldogs were head and shoulders above most of their competition, but they ended up winning by 40-plus points just once, having won five games in total by between 35-40. Those last few points on a team that’s still going at 100% are not easy.

Also, Alcorn lost its last two games by a combined 7 points, so while it is not good compared to Gonzaga, it is also going to be able to compete with its second unit.

This has blowout written all over it. There’s no question there. However, reaching 40 is no easy task. ‘Zaga won by 34 against Dixie State Tuesday, and this should have a similar result.

Over/Under

BET on the OVER 150.5 (-110) as Gonzaga should put up three digits of points in this one. ‘Zaga did a relatively similar thing with their schedule last season.

Knowing it needs to make up for weak conference opponents, it scheduled big-time games and left many of its blowouts for later in the schedule. ‘Zaga eclipsed 100 five times last season.

It topped 85 in its first two games, putting up 97 against Dixie State. As for Alcorn, it hit at least 58 in each of its first three games, notching 67 against its only Power 5 opponent.

While this should be a blowout, a hard-playing Braves team should be able to help ‘Zaga push the Over to hit.

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East Tennessee State at Tennessee odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s East Tennessee State at Tennessee odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The East Tennessee State Buccaneers (0-1) and Tennessee Volunteers (1-0) meet Sunday at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN. Tip-off is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we look at the East Tennessee State vs. Tennessee odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Buccaneers headed over the mountains and suffered a 69-67 loss at Appalachian State in the season opener, just missing a cover as 2.5-point underdogs as the Over connected.

The Volunteers opened with a 90-62 thrashing of UT-Martin at Thompson-Boling, although they failed to cover a 35-point number. The Over hit. G Kennedy Chandler and G Santiago Vescovi each scored 20 points in the win.

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

East Tennessee State at Tennessee odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11 p.m. ET.

Money line: East Tennessee State +1000 (bet $100 to win $1,000) | Tennessee -2500 (bet $2,500 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): East Tennessee State +16.5 (-112) | Tennessee -16.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 136.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

East Tennessee State at Tennessee odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Tennessee 84, East Tennessee State 61

Money line

Tennessee (-2500) is not going to lose this intra-state game against East Tennessee State (+1000), but there is no value risking 30 times your potential return.

PASS and check out the spread.

Against the spread

TENNESSEE -16.5 (-108) is a good play on the number. The Vols thrashed the Skyhawks last time out, while the Bucs struggled in Boone against App State.

ETSU is going to have a ton of trouble early against the ranked Vols, especially due to the disparity in size down low. But Tennessee has tremendous guard play, too, and they can beat you a number of ways.

Over/Under

OVER 136.5 (-107) is the best play on the board in this matinee battle.

Both teams hit the Over in the opener, with Tennessee dropping 90 on UT-Martin. You can expect similar production here, as ETSU’s defense is not going to be able to slow the Vols down due to a lack of size in the paint.

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Florida State at Florida odds, picks and prediction

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

The No. 19 Florida State Seminoles (1-0) and Florida Gators (1-0) meet Sunday at Exactech Arena in Gainesville, Fla. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Florida State vs. Florida odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Seminoles opened with a 105-70 win over Penn on Wednesday night, covering a 19.5-point number as the Over easily connected. Four starters went for 14 or more points, including F Malik Osborne with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

The Gators scratched out a 74-61 win over visiting Elon, although the Phoenix came back in the second half to grab the cover. The Under also ended up hitting by just one point.

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

Florida State at Florida odds, spread and lines

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

Money line: Florida State +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Florida -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Florida State +1.5 (-112) | Florida -1.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Florida State at Florida odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Florida State 77, Florida 71

Money line

FLORIDA STATE (+102) is a value play as slim ‘dogs on the road in Gainesville. The Seminoles have won seven straight meetings in this series, going 8-0 ATS in all eight.

The last time the Gators won outright against the Seminoles was 67-66 back on Nov. 29, 2013. This Florida State team is ranked and not about to let the rival Gators knock them off the tracks early.

Against the spread

FLORIDA STATE +1.5 (-112) is not quite as good of a play as the money line. Unless you are dead-set on Florida -1.5 (-108) winning this game by one point, play FSU on the money line.

Over/Under

OVER 144.5 (-112) is the lean here, as the Seminoles piled up over 100 points of offense in its opener against the Quakers. This FSU team will look to play up-tempo against Florida in Gainesville, trying to get off to a quick start.

The Over cashed in this meeting last season, and Florida State has gone for 81 or more points in four of the past five times these two teams have met.

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Texas at Gonzaga odds, picks and prediction

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

The No. 5 Texas Longhorns (1-0) and No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs (1-0) meet Saturday at the McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Wash. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Texas vs. Gonzaga odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Longhorns kicked off the season with a 92-48 rout and cover of Houston Baptist at home. Texas heads to Spokane looking for its first-ever win against Gonzaga after two previous losses.

The Bulldogs roughed up Dixie State 97-63 in the team’s opener, although they didn’t cover the 40 point line. Gonzaga had nine blocked shots, including seven by C Chet Holmgren as it cashed the Under.

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

Texas at 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 9:40 a.m. ET.

Money line: Texas +265 (bet $100 to win $265) | Gonzaga -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Texas +7.5 (-110) | Gonzaga -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 150.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

Texas at Gonzaga odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Gonzaga 83, Texas 72

Money line

Top-ranked Gonzaga (-350) will cost you more than three times your potential return, and that’s just too expensive, even in their home arena.

AVOID, and play the spread.

Against the spread

GONZAGA -7.5 (-110) is the lean in this Top 5 battle. The depth of the Bulldogs is impressive, and the frontcourt will dominate this game. Holmgren and F Drew Timme are studs who will be able to outplay the likes of Texas’ F Christian Bishop and company.

Over/Under

OVER 150.5 (-115) is the lean, ever so slightly. While the Under connected in the opener for both teams, we could see a healthy amount of points in this matchup.

Texas could also get an infusion of offense from F Dylan Disu (knee), the Vanderbilt transfer, if he’s able to suit up after missing the opener. He could return after practicing this week.

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Vermont at Maryland odds, picks and prediction

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

The Vermont Catamounts (1-0) and No. 21 Maryland Terrapins (2-0) meet Saturday at XFINITY Center in College Park, Md. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Vermont vs. Maryland odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Catamounts picked up an impressive 71-57 win at Northern Iowa as 7.5-point underdogs in a battle of top-tier mid-majors. The Under cashed in that road win.

The Terrapins have won a pair of games against Quinnipiac and George Washington, but failed to cover big numbers in each outing. Maryland is averaging 77.0 PPG, while allowing 66.5 PPG through two games.

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

Vermont at Maryland odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Vermont +470 (bet $100 to win $470) | Maryland -700 (bet $700 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Vermont +10.5 (-105) | Maryland -10.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 135.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Vermont at Maryland odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Maryland 74, Vermont 65

Money line

Maryland (-700) will cost you seven times your potential return, and that’s just too expensive for a team that has stumbled out of the chute a little.

AVOID, and play the spread.

Against the spread

VERMONT +10.5 (-105) looked great against UNI on the road, although a trip to Maryland -10.5 (-115) is quite a step up in competition. Still, the Catamounts should be able to keep it within single digits against a Terps team that has failed to cover in each of the first two games.

Over/Under

OVER 135.5 (-115) is the lean but only worth a small-unit play. Maryland’s offense has produced just 77.0 PPG, while allowing 66.5 PPG. The Terps have struggled tremendously from behind the arc, shooting just 24.3% from long distance. If it can hit threes, Maryland is going to be dangerous as they already have a strong inside game. The Terps are also going to start ticking off Over results on a regular basis if those threes start to drop.

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Villanova at UCLA odds, picks and prediction

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

The No. 4 Villanova Wildcats (1-0) and No. 2 UCLA Bruins (1-0) meet Friday night at Pauley Pavilion. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Villanova vs. UCLA odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Wildcats blasted Mount St. Mary’s in the tune-up opener, 91-51. Four starters went for 13 or more points, and Big East Player of the Year candidate Collin Gillespie dropped in three triples with 13 points, 5 assists and 2 steals.

The Bruins also had a lay-up against Cal State-Bakersfield in the opener, winning 95-58. Like ‘Nova, UCLA had four starters in double digits, including 19 points apiece from Jules Bernard and Johnny Juzang.

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

Villanova at 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 3:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Villanova +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | UCLA -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Villanova +2.5 (-102) | UCLA -2.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 140.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Villanova at UCLA odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

UCLA 77, Villanova 73

I think the Over is the best bet on the board.

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