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Norfolk State at Baylor odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Norfolk State at Baylor odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Norfolk State Spartans (6-4) and the No. 25 Baylor Bears (6-3) meet Wednesday at Foster Pavilion in Waco, Texas. Tip-off is set for noon ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Norfolk State vs. Baylor odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Spartans meet the Bears for the third time since March 17, 2022, an NCAA Tournament first-round game. Norfolk State lost 85-49 as a 20.5-point underdog in that game while the Under (137.5) cashed. The Spartans also fell 87-70 in Waco Nov. 11, 2022, but Norfolk State covered as a 24-point ‘dog while the Over (144) cashed that day.

Norfolk State suffered an 80-67 loss against Hofstra in the Tidewater Monday as a 4.5-point favorite, halting a 5-game cover streak. The Over is 3-1 in the past 4 outings.

Baylor roughed up Abilene Christian Monday, winning 88-57 as a 24.5-point favorite to snap an 0-4 against-the-spread (ATS) skid. The Over has hit in 3 in a row and 6 of the past 7 contests.

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

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

Norfolk State at Baylor 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 2:44 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Off the board (OTB)
Against the spread: Norfolk State +25.5 (-110) | Baylor -25.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Norfolk State at Baylor picks and predictions

Prediction

Baylor 87, Norfolk State 60

Moneyline

The ML is OTB, but even if you wanted to play Baylor straight up, you would have to lay at least -10000 — that’s obviously not a recommended long-term betting strategy.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

BACK BAYLOR -25.5 (-110) lightly at home. While the Bears are just 1-4 ATS in the past 5 games, they’re 3-1 ATS in 4 games against non-power conference opponents this season.

Norfolk State +25.5 (-110) is 2-0 ATS as a double-digit underdog, so be careful. This is anything but a slam-dunk play; it’s simply a lean. Play a half-unit at most.

Over/Under

OVER 142.5 (-110) is the play in this matinee battle in Waco.

The Over has hit in 3 of the past 4 games for the Spartans, although the Under is 1-0 in its only game against a power conference team to date, Stanford of the ACC. Those teams combined for 133 points with a total of 143.5.

For Baylor, though, the Over has hit in 3 in a row, and 6 of the previous 7 outings, while going a perfect 4-0 in 4 games against non-power conference foes.

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

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Baylor at UConn odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Baylor at UConn odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Baylor Bears (5-2) visit the UConn Huskies (5-3) Wednesday in the Big 12-Big East Battle. Tip-off from the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Baylor vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Baylor got back in the win column with a 91-60 victory over New Orleans while failing to cover as a 37.5-point home favorite Nov. 27. G Jayden Nunn scored a game-high 23 points while F Norchad Omier (12 points, 13 rebounds) added a double-double.

UConn snapped a 3-game losing streak with a 99-45 win over Maryland Eastern Shore as a 41-point home favorite Saturday. F Liam McNeeley and F Jaylin Stewart each scored a team-high 16 points.

Baylor is No. 16 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll.

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

Baylor 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 9:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Baylor +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | UConn -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Baylor +2.5 (-105) | UConn -2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Baylor at UConn picks and predictions

Prediction

UConn 81, Baylor 77

Moneyline

PASS.

The spread has the best value in this matchup.

Against the spread

BET UCONN -2.5 (-115).

UConn had a terrible time in the Maui Invitational, losing all 3 games straight up (SU) as a favorite of 8 or more points Nov. 25-28. However, this matchup will be at Gampel Pavilion in front of its home crowd, which will make all the difference. The Huskies went from the No. 2 seed to out of the rankings after the showing and have great value against a Baylor team that has struggled away from its home court this season, going 1-2 SU and failing to cover all 3 games.

Over/Under

BET OVER 144.5 (-115).

Baylor has hit the Over in 5 of its 7 games this season. It has scored 91 or more points in 4 of its last 5 games and allowed 77 or more in 2 of its last 3.

UConn has scored 97 or more points in 2 of its last 5 games and hit the Over in 4 straight.

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New Orleans at Baylor odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s New Orleans at Baylor odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The New Orleans Privateers (2-4) and Baylor Bears (4-2) clash in a pre-holiday matinee Wednesday in Waco. The opening tip from Foster Pavilion will be at 2 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the New Orleans vs. Baylor odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

New Orleans last played Friday, when it won 93-87 in an overtime tussle against favored-by-18 Tulane. The Privateers shot a season-best 50% from the floor, and they got a big 31-point, 8-rebound performance from G James White. UNO is playing its fifth straight game abroad in a stretch that has the squad away from its home hardwood of Kiefer Lakefront Arena for 11 in a row.

Baylor, which is No. 14 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, is coming off a Thursday loss to current-No. 9 Tennessee (77-62 as a 4½-point underdog) in the Baha Mar Championship in the Bahamas. The setback came after a double-overtime win over current-No. 20 St. John’s Wednesday. Prior to Thursday’s loss, the Bears had averaged 102.3 points per game over their previous 3 contests.

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

New Orleans at Baylor 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 9:28 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: New Orleans +3300 (bet $100 to win $3,300) | Baylor -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): New Orleans +35.5 (-105) | Baylor -35.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 150.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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New Orleans at Baylor picks and predictions

Prediction

Baylor 90, New Orleans 61

Moneyline

No interest. PASS.

Against the spread

New Orleans has twice in the last 3 seasons been an underdog of 30 points or more. And the Privateers earned ATS wins in both.

UNO is similar in talent level to a Tarleton State squad Baylor routed 104-41 Nov. 17. But the Bears went 15-for-32 from distance in that game and hauled down offensive boards of field-goal misses at a greater-than-50% rate.

This contest Wednesday sends these 2 programs into a holiday week and is the lone BU game in a 4-game stretch between Nov. 21-Dec. 4 that does not have the Bears squaring off against a BartTorvik top-25. Might Baylor get caught napping, at least to the point of allowing a couple runs for the Privateers? The spread here is a big number.

New Orleans is perhaps just good enough in avoiding turnovers and defending the perimeter to keep this one in the 25-to-30-point range.

BET NEW ORLEANS +35.5 (-105).

Over/Under

The Over has gone 4-1 across BU’s last 5 games when favored by 25-plus.

The Bears are a slightly slower-than-average five on the pace meter. But the efficiency advantage at both ends here will be significant. The Privateers had it hammered home in their high-scoring game against Tulane that any stand they can make, even in short runs, can be leveraged by their faster-than-average tempo. The Over has gone 3-1 the last 4 times New Orleans was an underdog of 15 points or more.

FanDuel Sportsbook offers a better total for the Over bettor here: BACK THE OVER 149.5 (-110).

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Baylor vs. Tennessee odds, picks and predictions

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

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The No. 14 Baylor Bears (4-1) and the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers (5-0) meet Friday at Baha Mar Convention Center in Nassau, Bahamas. Tip-off for the tournament championship game is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Baylor vs. Tennessee odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Bears registered a thrilling 99-98 win in overtime against the St. John’s Red Storm Thursday, but Baylor failed to cover as a 2.5-point favorite as the Over (150.5) easily cashed. G Jeremy Roach hit a buzzer-beater 3-pointer to win it, finishing with 20 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds in 44 minutes.

The Volunteers picked up a 64-42 win over the Virginia Cavaliers Thursday for their 5th victory, and their 4th straight cover. The Under (126.5) cashed despite a very low total. The Vols have allowed 57 or fewer points in 3 of the past 4 outings, with 68 or less allowed in each game.

Tennessee remains without F J.P. Estrella due to a left foot injury, while G Cam Carr is on the shelf for 4-6 weeks due to a left thumb ailment.

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

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

Baylor vs. Tennessee odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 6:27 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Baylor +158 (bet $100 to win $158) | Tennessee -192 (bet $192 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Baylor +4.5 (-112) | Tennessee -4.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Baylor vs. Tennessee picks and predictions

Prediction

Tennessee 78, Baylor 71

Moneyline

Tennessee (-192) will set you back nearly 2 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward. As a standalone play in this Baha Mar Championship Game, it’s not a recommended play. However, Tennessee is worth a look as part of a multi-leg parlay.

PASS.

Against the spread

Play TENNESSEE -4.5 (-108) in this championship game. The Vols have a tremendous defense, and that was on display in Thursday’s victory over Virginia.

Baylor +4.5 (-112) edged St. John’s in OT, needing heroics from Roach. Against the Vols, the Bears might not have as tough of a time like they did against Gonzaga.

Over/Under

OVER 144.5 (-110) is the lean based on Baylor’s outstanding offense, as it has averaged 102.3 PPG in the past 3 outings. The Over is 4-1 in the past 5 games, too.

While Tennessee has an amazing defense, and that was evident against UVA Thursday, the Over is actually 3-2 in 5 games for the Vols this season.

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

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Baylor vs. St. John’s odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Baylor vs. St. John’s odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 15 Baylor Bears (3-1) and the No. 21 St. John’s Red Storm (4-0) meet Thursday at Baha Mar Convention Center in Nassau, Bahamas. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Baylor vs. St. John’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Bears have bounced back from a 101-63 spanking from Gonzaga in the opener, coming nowhere near a cover as 6-point underdogs in Spokane. Baylor has won and covered 3 in a row, including a neutral-floor victory over the No. 24 Arkansas Razorbacks. The Over has cashed in the past 2 games, and 3 of 4 outings this season.

The Red Storm have won all 4 games, while going 3-1 against the spread (ATS). That includes an impressive 85-71 victory Sunday over the New Mexico Lobos as a 7-point favorite while the Under (163) cashed. St. John’s has scored 85 or more points in 3 of 4 outings.

This is the first non-conference tournament for St. John’s in the Bahamas since 2016. The Red Storm lost all 3 meetings in the Battle 4 Atlantic Tournament in 2016 under then coach Chris Mullin.

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

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

Baylor vs. St. John’s odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 5:57 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Baylor -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | St. John’s +116 (bet $100 to $116)
Against the spread (ATS): Baylor -2.5 (-110) | St. John’s +2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 152.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Baylor vs. St. John’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Baylor 83, St. John’s 74

Moneyline

BAYLOR (-140) isn’t super costly if you’re a little more on the conservative side and you’d rather not fiddle around with the points.

While the win for St. John’s (+116) last time out against UNM was impressive, the Lobos are still an unranked foe. The Red Storm have yet to face a major opponent or challenge.

Against the spread

Play BAYLOR -2.5 (-110) laying the little bit of points if you’re a more traditional bettor, unless, of course, you feel the Bears are going to win, but only by 1 or 2 points.

St. John’s +2.5 (-110) has yet to face a ranked team, but it has still allowed 71 or more points in the past 2 games, splitting against the spread. While St. John’s is expecting 400 fans to make the trip to give the Red Storm a boost, you have to back the better team.

Over/Under

OVER 152.5 (-110) is worth playing lightly in this, but don’t get carried away.

The Under has cashed in the past 2 games for St. John’s after cashing high in the first 2 outings.

Baylor has hit triple digits on offense in the past 2 games, while the Over is on a 3-1 run this season.

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

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Tarleton State at Baylor odds, picks and predictions

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

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The No. 14 Baylor Bears (2-1) welcome the Tarleton State Texans (1-3) to Foster Pavilion Sunday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Tarleton State vs. Baylor odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Baylor is No. 14 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll. The Bears opened the season on Nov. 4 with a 101-63 neutral-court loss to the No. 5 Gonzaga Bulldogs, closing as a 6-point underdog. They are coming off a 104-67 win over Sam Houston St. Tuesday, covering as a 16-point home favorite. Baylor is 2-1 against the spread (ATS) and 1-0 ATS at home. It is led by F Norchad Omier, who averages 16 points per game (PPG).

Tarleton State picked up its first win Thursday 88-57 over the Tabor College Bluejays in a game that didn’t feature a spread. In the game before the Texans lost 72-52 to the Florida State Seminoles as a 17.5-point road underdog. The Texans are 0-3 ATS and 0-2 ATS as a double-digit underdog. They are led by G Bubu Benjamin, who is averaging 16.5 PPG.

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Tarleton State at Baylor 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 7:58 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Off the board
Against the spread (ATS): Tarleton State +29.5 (-110) | Baylor -29.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 143.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

FanDuel Sportsbook lists a ML of:

Tarleton State +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)
Baylor -50000 (bet $50,000 to win $100)

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Tarleton State at Baylor picks and predictions

Prediction

Baylor 83, Tarleton State 50

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s no reason to consider the moneyline here. Baylor is far too expensive of a favorite and the Texans have struggled too much to think they can pull off the upset.

Against the spread

BET BAYLOR -29.5 (-110).

Baylor has dominated weaker opponents, throttling Sam Houston St. by 37 points in its last matchup. It is 1-0 ATS as a double-digit favorite and 1-0 ATS at home. The Bears’ efficiency should help it pull away. Both its top scorers shoot at least 50% from the field.

Tarleton State has losses against the SMU Mustangs and Florida State, dropping those games by 34 and 20 points. Baylor will be its strongest opponent yet, and it failed to cover in both those games prior. Considering those trends, take BAYLOR -29.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET OVER 143.5 (-110).

The Texans are 2-1 O/U and averaged 57 PPG against SMU and FSU. Assuming they put up that number, Baylor needs to get to around 90.

The Bears, in their lone game as a double-digit favorite, put up 104 points on Sam Houston St. They have an electric and fast-paced offense. Expect a high-scoring game and take OVER 143.5 (-110).

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Sam Houston at Baylor odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Sam Houston at Baylor odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Sam Houston Bearkats (1-1) and Baylor Bears (1-1) tangle in a Tuesday intrastate match-up in Waco, Texas. Tip-off at Foster Pavilion will be 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Sam Houston vs. Baylor odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Sam Houston lost its season lid-lifter 91-75 to the Nevada Wolf Pack on Nov. 4 and then bounced back with a Saturday triumph at Tarleton State. The Bearkats defeated the Texans 91-62 to cover a 5.5-point spread. SHU drained 14-of-26 (53.8%) from 3-point range in a road game that hit the over 144.5.

Baylor, which is No. 14 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, also lost a Nov. 4 season opener (101-63 at No. 5 Gonzaga) and then rebounded with a Saturday victory over No. 21 Arkansas. The Bears clocked a 72-67 neutral-site (Dallas) win over the Razorbacks. BU had 5 players score in double figures, and the Bears were tagged with just 8 turnovers

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

Sam Houston at Baylor 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 6:24 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Sam Houston +825 (bet $100 to win $825) | Baylor -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Sam Houston +15.5 (-110) | Baylor -15.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Sam Houston at Baylor picks and predictions

Prediction

Baylor 83, Sam Houston 69

Moneyline

No interest. PASS.

Against the spread

Sam Houston finished last season on a hot streak. The Bearkats went 15-4 after the first of the year. They return a decent number of minutes from a squad that shot 37.7% from distance over those last 19 games.

Baylor should file the win in a drop in class after a tough first week against 2 ranked teams, but look for 3s, decent defense, and tempo to keep SHU closer than how the line lays things out.

TAKE SAM HOUSTON +15.5 (-110).

Over/Under

Last season, the Over went 5-1 in 6 lined Baylor games in November. The Over went 7-1 in SHU’s first 8 lined games last season.

With the expectation of some turnover churn and distance shooting having some extra impact, the OVER 148.5 (-105) is a solid play in this one.

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Baylor vs. Arkansas odds, picks and predictions

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

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The No. 8 Baylor Bears (0-1) battle the No. 16 Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0) in a neutral-court battle at American Airlines Center Saturday. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Baylor vs. Arkansas odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Baylor is No. 8, and Arkansas is No. 16, in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll.

The Bears faced the No. 7 Gonzaga Bulldogs in Spokane, Wash., Monday and lost 101-63, closing as a 6-point underdog. They were blitzed out of the gate, taking a 19-point deficit into the half. They ended the game shooting just 3-of-21 from deep, which should be improved upon Saturday. Baylor was led by F Norchad Omier, who tallied 15 points. Duke transfer G Jeremy Roach will be a player to keep an eye on as well. The Bears were just 4-5 on the road last season.

The Razorbacks got a makeover this offseason, adding Kentucky long-time head coach John Calipari and numerous of his players from Lexington. Arkansas is starting 3 players that were at Kentucky last season. It throttled Lipscomb 76-60 Wednesday, closing as a 16-point home favorite. The Razorbacks also struggled heavily from keep, shooting just 21% from downtown. They were led by G Boogie Fland, who notched a team-high 17 points.

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

Baylor vs. Arkansas 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 1:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Baylor -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Arkansas +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
Against the spread (ATS): Baylor -3.5 (-115) | Arkansas +3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 155.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Baylor vs. Arkansas picks and predictions

Prediction

Baylor 78, Arkansas 72

Moneyline

PASS.

The only playable option on the moneyline is Arkansas, but considering it hasn’t proven itself and has a roster that hasn’t competed at a high level yet this season and has many new pieces, avoid that option.

Against the spread

BET BAYLOR -3.5 (-115).

The Bears have a transfer star in Roach, the No. 5 overall recruit in the 2024 recruiting class and numerous returning players that they can lean on. They disappointed in a road opener against one of the best teams in the country, but the talent is still there, many of which have played with each other before. Baylor shot 14% from deep, and that should improve as four players shot multiple triples and didn’t see one go through.

The Razorbacks struggled from deep against a weaker opponent and had 12 turnovers and just six offensive rebounds. While they won by 16, it wasn’t an overly impressive performance from Calipari’s new roster. The Cats underperformed when the lights were the brightest under Calipari last season.

Expect a bounce-back game from the Bears and take BAYLOR -3.5 (-115).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 155.5 (-110).

Neither team showed in their respective season-opening game that they can shoot efficiency from deep, and both teams had ample turnovers as well. The Razorbacks are 0-1 O/U, and the Bears are only 1-0 O/U because their defense gave up 101 points.

Gonzaga shot 57% from the field and 42% from deep, and the Razorbacks likely won’t be able to hit that numbers. Considering the inefficiency for both sides to open the season, expect a lower scoring game and back UNDER 155.5 (-110).

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Baylor at Gonzaga odds, picks and predictions

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

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The 8th-ranked Baylor Bears and the 7th-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs meet at Spokane Arena Monday in the regular-season opener for both teams. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Baylor vs. Gonzaga odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Bears and Bulldogs meet in a top-10 matchup in what is easily the headliner of opening night.

Both teams are expected to make deep runs in March, and each have national championship aspirations. In fact, Gonzaga is tied for the 4th-shortest odds to win it all at +1700, while Baylor sits at +3000.

Baylor’s hopes are bolstered by the addition of G Jeremy Roach, who comes over from Duke to give coach Scott Drew an experienced point man. Drew also landed shooting guard V.J. Edgecombe, who will pair with Roach to do great things.

Shocker, but Gonzaga is picked unanimously to win the West Coast Conference (WCC). Gonzaga added G Michael Ajayi, a transfer from Pepperdine, and G Khalif Battle from Arkansas. Those 2 will join the likes of G Ryan Nembhard, G Nolan Hickman, F Graham Ike, F Ben Gregg and F Braden Huff to give the Zags a lot of experience and depth.

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

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

Baylor at Gonzaga odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 9:40 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Baylor +168 (bet $100 to win $168) | Gonzaga -205 (bet $205 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Baylor +4.5 (-105) | Gonzaga -4.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 157.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Baylor at Gonzaga picks and predictions

Prediction

Gonzaga 84, Baylor 77

Moneyline

Gonzaga (-205) will cost you more than twice your potential return, and that’s just a little too expensive for a standalone wager. If you were to toss Gonzaga into a multi-leg parlay, that is certainly OK, as long as it is more than 4 or 5 teams.

AVOID.

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Against the spread

GONZAGA -4.5 (-115) is a strong play at home in this titanic early-season clash.

While Baylor +4.5 (-105) certainly has some nice pieces, it may take it a while to develop cohesiveness with a lot of talented, yet very new, parts. Gonzaga has to fold in just a handful of guys, while it can rely on its returning, talented veterans to get off on the right foot from the jump.

Over/Under

OVER 157.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

Both of these teams have talented backcourts, and we could see some nice end-to-end action. That’s what we’re banking on in this late-night marquee battle. Don’t be surprised if we see scores of both of these teams in the 80s.

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TCU at Baylor odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s TCU at Baylor odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The TCU Horned Frogs (5-3, 3-2 Big 12) take on the Baylor Bears (4-4, 2-3) at McLane Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the TCU vs. Baylor odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

TCU edged Texas Tech last week 35-34, failing to cover as 4.5-point favorites. They were down 34-21 midway through the fourth quarter, but they scored the final 14 points to seal the deal. QB Josh Hoover had 344 passing yards, 3 TDs and 2 INTs. They have won 2 straight.

Baylor also won its second in a row with a 38-28 victory over Oklahoma State. The Bears covered as 7-point favorites. RB Dawson Pendergrass flashed on the ground, rushing 6 times for 142 yards and a TD. QB Sawyer Robertson was 11-for-19 for 222 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports

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

TCU at Baylor odds

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

Moneyline (ML): TCU +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Baylor -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): TCU +3 (-105) | Baylor -3 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 63.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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TCU at Baylor picks and predictions

Prediction

TCU 30, Baylor 27

Moneyline

TCU has taken 4 straight matchups and 8 of 9. Last year’s contest was a 42-17 thrashing at TCU. Hoover threw for 412 yards and 2 TDs while rushing for another.

The Frogs are 3-1 on the road, and the Bears are 3-1 at home. TCU has signature wins over Utah as 3.5-point dogs and Kansas as 1-point dogs.

The Frogs have won 3 of 4, and Baylor really doesn’t have much of a resume. They also have better continuity with Hoover under center, and he ransacked the Bears last season. Due to such, I’ll take the value with TEXAS CHRISTIAN +130.

Against the spread

Since we’re taking the value on the ML, I’ll forego the spread here.

PASS.

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Over/Under

Both of these teams are 5-3 O/U. Baylor’s last 3 at home have hit the Over. Meanwhile, the Over is 4-2 in TCU’s last 6 games. We haven’t had a total this large in this matchup since it went Over 65 in 2016. The Over is 0-1-2 in the last 4 meetings, and I feel it’s a little too lofty Saturday.

Take the UNDER 63.5 (-110).

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