College basketball betting odds lines picks predictions best bets – Page 6

Omaha at Iowa State odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Omaha Mavericks (4-8) and Iowa State Cyclones (8-1) tangle in a Sunday matinee in Ames. The opening tip at Hilton Coliseum will be at 1 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Omaha vs. Iowa State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Omaha played Friday at the Northern Iowa Panthers, falling 78-58 as a 14-point underdog. The Mavericks made just nine 2-point baskets in their third loss in their last 4 games and their fifth in 7 road games.

Iowa State, which is No. 3 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, triumphed over the Iowa Hawkeyes in its last game. The high-scoring Cyclones (89.7 points per game) covered a 5 1/2-point number in an 89-80 victory that was mostly due to ISU’s performance in the final 10 minutes. The Cyclones trailed by 9 points (62-53) at the 11:54 mark. Still, Iowa State did win its fifth in a row, and 3 of those games have been Quad I affairs.

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Omaha at Iowa State 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 7:16 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Off the board
Against the spread (ATS): Omaha +36.5 (-115) | Iowa State -36.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Omaha at Iowa State picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa State 92, Omaha 61

Moneyline

No interest. PASS.

Against the spread

ISU has played 4 comparison games against foes in this neighborhood (the Mavericks are a Quad IV game for the Cyclones). Including an ATS win over the Jackson State Tigers last Sunday (when ISU drained 11 3-pointers and was a plus-16 in turnovers), Iowa State has gone 1-3 ATS in those games.

The Mavericks figure to be just efficient enough (some pushback with 3s and maybe not getting wrecked by turnovers) to be a bit under-bet in this spot. This potentially sleepy Sunday affair sends the Cyclones into a week break before their next game.

TAKE OMAHA +36.5 (-115).

Over/Under

The last 7 ISU games have seen the Over go 5-2.

Expect a hotter-than-average pace to this game and plenty of transition and free-throw points for the home team.

The leverage side here is the OVER 148.5 (-110).

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San Francisco vs. Loyola Chicago odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s San Francisco at Loyola Chicago odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The San Francisco Dons (8-2) and the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (8-0) meet Sunday at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the San Francisco vs. Loyola Chicago odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

San Francisco has won 4 in a row since dropping back-to-back games against the Memphis Tigers and the Clemson Togers on a neutral floor. The Dons are 1-2 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) in 3 neutral-floor battles. The Under is 2-1 in those 3 games, too.

Loyola Chicago topped the South Florida Bulls 74-72 as a 10.5-point favorite as the Under (147) cashed last time out on Dec. 7. The Ramblers have a 3-2 ATS mark in the past 5 games, while the Under is 4-0-1 in the 5-game span.

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

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

San Francisco vs. Loyola Chicago 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 6:31 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): San Francisco -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Loyola Chicago +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Against the spread: San Francisco -2.5 (-115) | Loyola Chicago +2.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 138.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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San Francisco vs. Loyola Chicago picks and predictions

Prediction

Loyola Chicago 70, San Francisco 65

Moneyline

LOYOLA CHICAGO (+135) is a solid play as slight underdog. The Ramblers are unbeaten, and it has decent wins over the Princeton Tigers, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane and USF.

San Francisco (-165) is favored, and it has been battle tested this season. However, it has lost its 2 toughest games. This game is being played in Milwaukee, and it should be a mostly pro-Ramblers crowd heading up I-94 for the quick 90-minute ride to Cream City.

Against the spread

Backing Loyola Chicago +2.5 (-105) makes no sense over the moneyline, unless, of course, you think San Francisco -2.5 (-115) is going to win, but only by 1 or 2 points.

PASS.

Over/Under

UNDER 138.5 (-105) is a strong play in this solid non-conference battle in Milwaukee.

The Over has cashed twice in the past 3 games for the Dons, but the total has gone low in 5 of the past 7 outings. San Francisco is allowing just 61.6 PPG, while teams are hitting only 39.2% from the field and 30.1% from the perimeter.

For Loyola, it allows just 63.8 PPG, while teams are hitting only 39.0% from the field, and 28.3% from behind the 3-point line. The total has gone low in 3 in a row, while cashing at a 4-0-1 clip in the previous 5 contests.

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Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State odds, picks and predictions

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

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The No. 17 Oklahoma Sooners (9-0) battle the Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-2) at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City Saturday. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Oklahoma is No. 17 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll. The Sooners, who won the Battle 4 Atlantis earlier this season, beat the Alcorn State Braves 94-78 Dec. 7, closing as 31-point home favorites. They have yet to lose, but haven’t necessarily covered that consistently, at just 5-4 against the spread (ATS) on the season.

The Cowboys are coming off an 85-76 road win to Seton Hall Sunday, closing as 1.5-point favorites. They have won 2 straight games, both on the road. Oklahoma State lost 2 of 3 in the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic, its early-season tournament. It is 1-2 ATS on a neutral court and 3-5ATS on the season.

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Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State 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 2:40 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Oklahoma -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Oklahoma State +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
Against the spread: Oklahoma -4.5 (-105) | Oklahoma State +4.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 153.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State picks and predictions

Prediction

Oklahoma 81, Oklahoma State 75

Moneyline

PASS.

Oklahoma should come out on top and has proven itself this season, but it is too expensive to play here. The Cowboys aren’t worth the risk as plus-money underdogs, either.

Against the spread

BET OKLAHOMA -4.5 (-105).

The Sooners have had 3 games close within a single-digit spread, and they are 2-1 ATS in those and 3-0 straight up. Oklahoma is also 2-1 ATS in a neutral-court atmosphere and 3-1 ATS in its last 4.

The Cowboys have lost 2 of their last 5. They are 1-2 ATS on a neutral-court environment and 1-2 ATS as underdogs. Back OKLAHOMA -4.5 (-105).

Over/Under

BET OVER 153.5 (-105).

The Cowboys are 5-3 O/U on the season and 4-2 O/U in their last 6, scoring at least 76 points in every game this season. They have allowed at least 86 in 2 of 3 games as underdogs.

The Sooners are 5-4 O/U and have scored at least 79 points in 2 of their 3 neutral-court battles. Oklahoma is 2-1 O/U in those games and 3-2 O/U in its last 5. Take OVER 153.5 (-105).

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Marquette at Dayton odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Marquette Golden Eagles (9-1) and Dayton Flyers (8-2) clash in a Saturday showdown at UD Arena. The opening tip-off will be at 7 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Marquette vs. Dayton odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Marquette, which is No. 4 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, lost 81-70 at No. 3 Iowa State Dec. 4 but bounced back with an 88-74 comeback win over then-No. 11, now-No. 22 Wisconsin Dec. 7. The Eagles covered as 6.5-point home favorites vs. the Badgers, dominating the final 20 minutes after trailing 39-37 at the half.

Dayton has also been off for 7 days following an 86-62 home win vs. Lehigh 86-62 as a 22-point favorite. The Flyers, who have not lost at home since Feb. 25, 2023, are taking on their fourth ranked foe this season. Included in that set of games is an 85-67 late-November triumph over then-No. 2 UConn in Maui.

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Marquette at Dayton 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 3:01 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Marquette +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Dayton -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Marquette +1.5 (-120) | Dayton -1.5 (+100)
Over/Under (O/U): 150.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Marquette at Dayton picks and predictions

Prediction

Marquette 79, Dayton 76

Moneyline

BET MARQUETTE (+100).

These are a couple high-quality programs, and the advantage is small here but it is a lean on the visiting Marquette 5. Dayton has played a schedule especially light on tough opposing defenses. Saturday, the Flyers will see a Marquette defense BartTorvik pegs as 16th in the nation in efficiency.

The Eagles have a big size advantage, and that should loom as a key against a Flyer squad that likes to shoot from the perimeter or drive the lane. The UD finishes on those drives could be a frustrating disadvantage for the home side.

Marquette has shot well from distance in road/neutral games, and the Eagles take good care of the basketball (as does Dayton).

Dayton is getting some credit because of its 23-game home winning streak. Expect a close game, but one that sees the visitors edge the Flyers by 3-6 points.

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Against the spread

PASS … unless you want the insurance of taking 1.5 points with Marquette, but it comes with -120 juice.

Over/Under

The Over has cashed in 5 straight Dayton games and is 3-1 across Marquette’s last 4.

Looking at the tempo numbers, this matchup features slightly-slower-than-average UD against slightly-faster-than-average MU. We should expect a high rim-and-3 rate for the Eagles and a decent number of tosses from the charity stripe from the Flyers. Both teams can launch it from distance and go on quick 8-2 runs at any point.

BACK OVER 150.5 (-105).

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Creighton at Alabama odds, picks and predictions

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

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The Creighton Bluejays (7-3) take on the No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide (7-2) Saturday evening. Tip-off from Coleman Coliseum is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (SEC Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Creighton vs. Alabama odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Bluejays come in winners of 3 straight after taking apart UNLV 83-65 last Saturday. G Jamiya Neal had 19 points, 9 boards and 9 dimes. Before that, they upset Kansas 76-63 as 4-point dogs.

Bama just went to Chapel Hill and smoked North Carolina 94-79 Dec. 4. G Mark Sears had 20 points and 7 assists as 6 players scored in double figures. The Crimson Tide have won 4 of 5 with the setback being an 83-81 loss to Oregon as 7-point favorites Nov. 30.

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

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

Creighton at 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 3 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Creighton +500 (bet $100 to win $500) | Alabama -700 (bet $700 to win $100)
Against the spread: Creighton +11.5 (-110) | Alabama -11.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 163.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Creighton at Alabama picks and predictions

Prediction

Alabama 74, Creighton 66

Moneyline

There’s no way I’m risking -700 on a team that has been off for 10 days.

PASS.

Against the spread

I like the Bluejays’ side here. They’ve been off for a week, but they beat some quality teams in the near term. Bama has been off for 10 days, and that just screams shooting woes.

Take CREIGHTON +11.5 (-110).

Over/Under

Creighton is 4-6 O/U thus far, and Alabama is 3-5-1. Bama is 5th in the country with 89.2 points per game and 11th in pace at 74.1. So that’s why the number here seems high, but with some questions about shooting on a long layoff for both teams, I’m going UNDER 163.5 (-110).

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Gonzaga vs. UConn odds, picks and predictions

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

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The No. 9 Gonzaga Bulldogs (7-2) face the No. 20 UConn Huskies (7-3) in the Hall of Fame Series Saturday. Tip-off from Madison Square Garden in New York City is set for 8 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Gonzaga vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Gonzaga’s 2-game win streak came to an end Saturday in a tough 90-89 overtime loss to No. 5 Kentucky. The Bulldogs, favored by 6.5 points, let an 18-point second-half lead slip away. The Over (167) hit with ease in this high-scoring battle. F Graham Ike led the charge for Gonzaga, dropping 28 points, grabbing 11 boards, and dishing out 4 assists.

UConn made it 3 wins in a row Sunday, taking down Texas 76-65 as a 1.5-point road underdog. The total (141) pushed. The Huskies owned the paint, outrebounding Texas 39-25 and outscoring it 38-18 down low. F Alex Karaban did it all for UConn, racking up 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.

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

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

Gonzaga vs. 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 2:20 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Gonzaga -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | UConn +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Against the spread (ATS): Gonzaga -2.5 (-115) | UConn +2.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 152.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gonzaga vs. UConn picks and predictions

Prediction

UConn 75, Gonzaga 71

Moneyline

BET UCONN (+135).

Getting UConn at plus money in Madison Square Garden feels like a gift. The 2-time defending champs may not be as dominant as in recent years, but they thrive under the NYC lights. Plus, UConn has won the last 2 meetings against Gonzaga, both in 2023.

Gonzaga leans heavily on Ike, who’s been terrific inside, but it lacks perimeter balance, shooting just 33.7% from 3 (165th nationally). UConn’s defense, which allows only 64.3 points per game (26th in the nation), will zero in on Ike and force others to step up.

With momentum from wins over Baylor and Texas — and Karaban back — UConn looks sharp. Hosting essentially a home crowd, the Huskies are in a prime spot to outlast Gonzaga, who’ll face a tough test traveling cross-country.

Against the spread

PASS.

No real advantage taking UConn getting the 2.5 when I get the plus odds on the moneyline.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 152.5 (-110).

All signs point to betting the Over; Gonzaga has hit the Over in 4 straight games, and UConn is 5-0-1 to the Over in its last 6. However, these teams met twice in 2023, and both games went under totals set in the 150s.

This matchup features contrasting tempos: Gonzaga ranks 45th in pace of play, while UConn grinds at 286th. The Huskies will work to slow the game into a half-court battle, forcing the Bulldogs to adjust.

UConn’s defense and Gonzaga’s struggles from deep make this a heavy lean towards the Under. The Huskies will dictate the flow, and it’s hard to see a high-scoring shootout under these conditions.

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NC State at Kansas odds, picks and predictions

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

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The No. 10 Kansas Jayhawks (7-2) welcome the NC State Wolfpack (7-3) to Allen Fieldhouse Saturday. Tip-off is set for 3:15 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the NC State vs. Kansas odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Kansas, which is No. 10 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, enters on a 2-game skid. It lost to the Missouri Tigers 76-67 Sunday, closing as a 6.5-point road favorite. Kansas has wins over No. 19 Michigan State and No. 6 Duke. The Jayhawks are still undefeated at home, a perfect 5-0. They are 2-3 against the spread (ATS) at home and 4-5 ATS on the season.

The Wolfpack, who won their first 5 games this season and lost their next 3, are coming off a 66-56 home win over the Coppin State Eagles, closing as 32-point favorites. They are just 1-4 ATS over their last 5 games and 4-6 ATS on the season. NC State’s most high-profile game was a 71-61 neutral-court loss against the No. 11 Purdue Boilermakers Nov. 28.

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NC State 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 12:01 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): NC State +800 (bet $100 to win $800) | Kansas -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
Against the spread: NC State +14.5 (-110) | Kansas -14.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 143.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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NC State at Kansas picks and predictions

Prediction

Kansas 74, NC State 66

Moneyline

PASS.

The Jayhawks have been terrific at home with both their losses coming on the road. They should come out on top here yet are far too expensive to take to win outright.

Against the spread

BET NC STATE +14.5 (-110).

The Jayhawks have played 5 games against quality opponents, and in those, they are 3-2. They won by 3 over UNC, 8 over MSU, and 3 over Duke, and they have 2 losses, one by 13 to Creighton and the other by 9 to Missouri. Simply put, they haven’t dominated competent opponents. Kansas is 2-3 ATS in those games.

NC State, which has 3 of its top 5 scoring options shooting over 50% from the field, has yet to be a double-digit underdog and is 3-4 ATS in its last 7. All 4 of NC State’s Power 4 games have been decided by 12 or fewer. Considering those trends, take NC STATE +14.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 143.5 (-110).

The Wolfpack are 3-7 O/U this season and 1-3 O/U in those 4 Power 4 games. NC State has scored 61 or fewer points in 3 of those 4 as well.

Kansas is 1-8 O/U on the season and has scored 67 or fewer in 2 straight. It has allowed 76 or fewer in all but one game. The Jayhawks are 1-4 O/U at home. Take UNDER 143.5 (-110).

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McNeese vs. Mississippi State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s McNeese vs. Mississippi State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Mississippi State Bulldogs (8-1) battle the McNeese Cowboys (5-4) at Cadence Bank Arena in Tupelo, Miss., for Magnolia Madness Saturday. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the McNeese vs. Mississippi State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Bulldogs beat the Prairie View A&M Panthers 91-84 at home Sunday, closing as 38-point favorites. They were tied at half. Mississippi State has won 2 in a row and is 2-1 on a neutral court. It is 3-2 against the spread (ATS) in its last 5 and 5-4 ATS on the season.

In its last game, McNeese destroyed the LeTourneau Yellowjackets Dec. 7, 103-69. The game didn’t feature a spread. The Cowboys’ most prolific game came in a 72-64 road loss to No. 8 Alabama. They are 1-0 ATS as underdogs and 3-4 ATS on the season.

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

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McNeese vs. Mississippi State 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 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): McNeese +350 (bet $100 to win $350) | Mississippi State -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
Against the spread: McNeese +9.5 (-115) | Mississippi State -9.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 143.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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McNeese vs. Mississippi State picks and predictions

Prediction

Mississippi State 80, McNeese 67

Moneyline

PASS.

The Bulldogs have been soaring up the rankings, and they have yet to lose at home. Don’t expect that to change. However, Mississippi State is far too expensive to play outright.

Against the spread

BET MISSISSIPPI STATE -9.5 (-105).

The Bulldogs have yet to be underdogs this season and have closed as single-digit favorites 4 times. They are 3-1 ATS in those games and 3-2 ATS at home as well. Given this is on a neutral court in Mississippi, it should feel like a home game.

McNeese has failed to cover 2 straight games and is 2-3 ATS either on the road or on a neutral-court setting. It has closed with a spread of 11 or fewer points in 6 games and is 2-4 ATS in those.

Back MISSISSIPPI STATE -9.5 (-105).

Over/Under

BET OVER 143.5 (-110).

The Bulldogs like to score points and play at a fast pace. They have tallied 90 points in 2 straight games and at least 80 in 4 of their last 5. Mississippi State is 6-3 O/U on the season.

The Cowboys are 3-3-1 O/U and have tallied at least 67 points in all but 2 games this season. They are 3-2 O/U on the neutral court or on the road. Back OVER 143.5 (-110).

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Tennessee at Illinois odds, picks and predictions

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

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The No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers (9-0) visit the Illinois Fighting Illini (7-2) Saturday. Tip-off from State Farm Center is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Tennessee vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The top-ranked Volunteers remained undefeated after handling Miami 75-62 Tuesday while failing to cover as 14.5-point home favorites. G Chaz Lanier scored a game-high 22 points while Tennessee shot 48.1% from the field.

Illinois got back in the win column Tuesday with an 86-80 win over Wisconsin while failing to cover as a 6.5-point home favorite. G Kasparas Jakucionis led all scorers with 24 points while G Tre White added 23 in the win.

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

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

Tennessee at Illinois 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 1:30 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Tennessee -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Illinois +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Tennessee -1.5 (-105) | Illinois +1.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 146.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Tennessee at Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Tennessee 74, Illinois 70

Moneyline

PASS.

While not by much, the spread has more value on Tennessee (-120).

Against the spread

BET TENNESSEE -1.5 (-105).

The Volunteers have been nearly unstoppable this season, winning all 9 of their games and covering 7 of their last 8. They have won by a combined 44 points in their 2 road games this season, one of which was against Louisville as underdogs.

Illinois has failed to cover the spread in back-to-back games and 4 of its last 7.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 146.5 (-105).

The Volunteers have one of the top defenses in basketball, allowing 62 or fewer points in 4 of their last 5 games and 64 or fewer in 7 of their 9. They have scored 78 or fewer in 4 of their last 5 as well.

Illinois has hit the Under in 3 of its last 5 games while allowing 70 or fewer points in 3 of its last 5.

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Louisville at Kentucky odds, picks and predictions

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

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The No. 5 Kentucky Wildcats (9-1) welcome the Louisville Cardinals (6-4) to Rupp Arena Saturday. Tip is set for 5:15 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Louisville vs. Kentucky odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Kentucky, which is No. 5 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, enters on a 2-game winning streak. It beat the Colgate Raiders 78-67 Wednesday, closing as a 31.5-point home favorite. The Wildcats have two premier wins on the season, by 5 over the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils Nov. 12 and by 1 over the No. 9 Gonzaga Bulldogs Dev. 7. Kentucky is 5-4-1 against the spread (ATS) on the season.

The Cardinals, who lost to Duke by 11 on Sunday, are coming off a 77-74 home win over the UTEP Miners, closing as a 14.5-point favorite. They have lost 3 of their last 4 games and are 0-4 ATS in those. Louisville’s most high-profile game was a 77-55 home loss to the No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers Nov. 9. It is 4-6 ATS on the season.

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Louisville at Kentucky 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 11:50 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Louisville +375 (bet $100 to win $375) | Kentucky -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Louisville +9.5 (-105) | Kentucky -9.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 158.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Louisville at Kentucky picks and predictions

Prediction

Kentucky 80, Louisville 68

Moneyline

PASS.

Louisville has struggled against solid opponents, which Kentucky is. However, the Wildcats at home are far too expensive of a favorite to play outright.

Against the spread

BET KENTUCKY -9.5 (-115).

The Cardinals have been a favorite or underdog of 11 or fewer in 6 games this season and are 2-4 ATS in those. They have lost 2 of their last 3 games by at least 11, including a 23-point home loss to Ole Miss on Dec. 3.

The Wildcats have dominated at home, a perfect 7-0 straight up, and are 3-3-1 ATS as a double-digit favorite. They are 2-1 ATS in games with a spread of 11 or fewer.

Take KENTUCKY -9.5 (-115).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 158.5 (-105).

The Wildcats are 2-3 O/U in their last 5 games and have allowed 70 or fewer in 5 of their last 7. Kentucky’s offense has slowed down as well, scoring 78 against Colgate and 66 against Clemson in its last 3 games.

The Cardinals are 2-8 O/U on the season and have scored 65 or fewer in 3 of their last 4 games. They are 0-3 O/U in either a road or neutral-court game. Considering those trends, back UNDER 158.5 (-105).

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

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