The SMU Mustangs (5-7) and Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (8-3) meet in the Diamond Head Classic title game Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the SMU at Hawaii odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
SMU, as a 12-point underdog to Utah State, beat the Aggies 77-74 Friday. The Mustangs average only 69.2 points per game (254th in the nation). They really count on their defense, which they’ll need with the Warriors having the home-court advantage.
Hawaii won 62-51 as a 2.5-point underdog against Washington State to get here. Hawaii does not have a potent offense, scoring just 69.8 PPG to rank 238th in nation. But it does boast the nation’s No. 22 defense, allowing 60.5 PPG.
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SMU at Hawaii odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:32 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): SMU +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Hawaii -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): SMU +4.5 (-105) | Hawaii -4.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
SMU at Hawaii picks and predictions
Prediction
Hawaii 66, SMU 61
Moneyline
PASS.
Hawaii (-220) should win this game, but the price is not worth the risk.
Against the spread
BET HAWAII -4.5 (-115).
While the offense of Hawaii is not great, neither is SMU’s offense. The defense of Hawaii is where the difference will be in this game. The Rainbow Warriors allow only 60.5 PPG. This will allow them to hold down the Mustangs.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 134.5 (-105).
Hawaii’s highly-ranked defense will hold SMU down enough to keep this game Under. Even in its victory over Washington State, Hawaii only managed 62 points. This game will be played in the 60’s and the number should hit. I do not see this game getting out of hand in any manner, so I like the Under 134.5 (-105) as the play.
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