Tag: College Basketball lines

North Carolina at Virginia odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s North Carolina Tar Heels at Virginia Cavaliers college basketball matchup, with NCAA basketball betting odds, picks and best bets

The North Carolina Tar Heels (6-2) square off with the Virginia Cavaliers (7-1) in the ACC opener for both at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Va., Sunday at 4 p.m. ET. We analyze the North Carolina-Virginia odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

The Cavaliers are ranked second in the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll. The Tar Heels are No. 7.

North Carolina at Virginia: Three things you need to know

1. UNC is looking to bounce back after taking it on the chin Wednesday at the Smith Center, falling to No. 6 Ohio State 74-49.

2. The Tar Heels are 1-6 ATS across the past seven games overall, and 1-4 ATS in the past five on the road.

3. Virginia is 0-6 ATS in the past six games overall, and 0-4 ATS in the past four against winning teams. Something’s gotta give in this one.

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North Carolina at Virginia: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Virginia 64, North Carolina 61

Moneyline (ML)

Virginia (-250) is a little steep on the moneyline, and North Carolina (+200) cannot be trusted after their showing Wednesday. Plus, UNC will be without super frosh F Armando Bacot (ankle), as he is expected to be out indefinitely.

Against the Spread (ATS)

NORTH CAROLINA (+3.5, +115) will be catching a few points in this one, and even though it’s shorthanded, it will be able to keep Virginia within arm’s length. The Cavaliers (-3.5, -139) don’t blow anyone out, and they play a slow, deliberate style which keeps the opposition in it even when they’re not playing their best. Take UNC and the points.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on UNC to win by at least four points returns a profit of $9.09.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. The O/U 115.5 (+115, -139) is so low based on Virginia’s deliberate style. The Under is 4-0 in UNC’s past four on the road, and 25-9 in the past 34 overall. For UVA, the Under is 6-2 in the past eight overall, and 7-3 in the past 10 at JPJ. If there is a slight lean on the total, it’s to the ‘Over.’

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Ohio State at North Carolina odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Ohio State Buckeyes at North Carolina Tar Heels college basketball matchup, with NCAA basketball betting odds, picks and best bets

The Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0) will tussle with the North Carolina Tar Heels (6-1) at the Dean E. Smith Center at 9:30 p.m. ET Wednesday in a battle between top 10 squads in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. We analyze the Ohio State-North Carolina odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

The Buckeyes are ranked sixth in the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll. The Tar Heels are No. 7.

Ohio State at North Carolina: Three things you need to know

1. Ohio State F Kaleb Wesson has been a one-man wrecking crew for the Buckeyes, leading the team in points (12.7), rebounds (9.3) and blocked shots (1.7).

2. The Buckeyes football team is known for its stingy defense, but the basketball team is making headlines in the category, too. The hoopsters are No. 2 overall in scoring defense (52.7 points), while also checking in second in field-goal percentage defense (32.7 percent).

3. North Carolina has won 12 of 14 all-time meetings in this series, including an 86-72 win in the Dean Dome back in 2017.

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Ohio State at North Carolina: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

North Carolina 76, Ohio State 69

Moneyline (ML)

NORTH CAROLINA (-189) will cost you more than against the spread, but it could be a tight game and the extra insurance might be worth it. Ohio State (+155) is battle-tested, having scored impressive wins over Cincinnati and Villanova, but a win in Chapel Hill is a pretty tall order.

Against the Spread (ATS)

NORTH CAROLINA (-3.5, -110) won’t blow the doors off Ohio State (+3.5, -110) as the Buckeyes won’t be intimidated by the environment. But UNC will be the most complete team OSU faces to date. Freshman F Armando Bacot is a handful, posting double-doubles in four of his first five games, and he’ll give Ohio State fits.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on UNC to win by at least four points returns a profit of $9.09.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 135.5 (-161) is the play, as this one should sneak into the lower 140’s with a series of late fouls and free throws, helping to inch the game over the line. The Over is 4-1 in the past five meetings in this series, too.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Utah State at St. Mary’s odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Utah State Aggies at St. Mary’s Gaels sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks and tips.

The Utah State Aggies (7-0) head to Moraga, Calif. to tangle with the St. Mary’s Gaels (5-1) at McKeon Pavilion at 11:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Utah State-St. Mary’s odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Utah State at St. Mary’s: Three things you need to know

1. Utah State G Sam Merrill has been filling up the stat sheet this season, racking up 16.6 points per game while shooting a robust 51.1% from behind the 3-point line this season.

2. St. Mary’s has posted a 172-22 record at McKeon Pavilion across the past 11 seasons, but they already have a loss there this season. The Gaels fell to unranked Winthrop by a 61-59 count back on Nov. 11 as 19.5-point favorites.

3. These teams met on a neutral-site court on Nov. 19, 2018, and it was Utah State embarrassing St. Mary’s by an 80-63 score. Merrill posted 23 points with eight assists and four rebounds.

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Utah State at St. Mary’s: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Utah State 73, St. Mary’s 68

Moneyline (ML)

UTAH STATE (+145) is a strong value on the road against unranked St. Mary’s (-176). The Aggies are off to a 7-0 start, while the Gaels had a near-miss at Wisconsin and the Winthrop setback. They’re a good team, but USU is just playing better.

Against the Spread (ATS)

UTAH STATE (+3.5, -110) won against LSU and North Texas to win a tournament in the Bahamas, and it’s a respectable 4-2 against the spread across the past six games. The LSU win was by two points, while the Aggies’ other six games have all been decided by eight or more points.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 134.5 (-115) is the way to go in this solid matchup. While SMC plays a deliberate style, Utah State will be off and running. I expect both teams to be at or around 70 points, with the total going Over in the final couple of minutes with frequent fouls and free throws helping the total inch over.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Virginia Tech vs. Michigan State odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Michigan State Spartans sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks.

The Virginia Tech Hokies (5-0) lock horns with the Michigan State Spartans (3-1) at the Lahaina Civic Center in Hawaii at 5:00 p.m. ET. We analyze the Virginia Tech-Michigan State odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Virginia Tech vs. Michigan State: Three things you need to know

1. Michigan State PG Cassius Winston has been everything as advertised this season, averaging 17.5 points and 7.0 assists per game.

2. Virginia Tech SG/SF Landers Nolley II leads the Hokies with 20.2 points per game, including a 30-point outburst in the Nov. 5 opener at Clemson. Four of the team’s top five scorers are freshmen for head coach Mike Young.

3. These teams last met Nov. 22, 2013, with Sparty coming away with a 96-77 victory.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Virginia Tech vs. Michigan State: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Michigan State 78, Virginia Tech 62

Moneyline (ML)

Michigan State is a -588 favorite. This number is far too chalky with a $10 bet returning a profit of just $1.70. Save your money for the spread.

Against the Spread (ATS)

MICHIGAN STATE (-9.5, -110) is the more battle-tested team, already having faced the likes of Kentucky, Duke and Seton Hall. The Spartans won’t be fazed by Virginia Tech (+9.5, -110), a team with much less experience.

The Hokies have played only one notable team thus far, the opener at Clemson. This will be a tremendous measuring stick game, but we’ll find out how far they are from being a contender.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 132.5 (-115) is the play, although hopefully, Michigan State finds the iron at Lahaina much more kind than on the mainland. Sparty ranks 280th in the nation during the early going in 3-point shooting, hitting just 29.5% from behind the arc. On the flip side, Virginia Tech ranks 11th from 3-point range, and it’s fifth by 3-point defense.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Duke-California odds: Blue Devils big favorites at MSG

Previewing Thursday’s Duke Blue Devils vs. California Golden Bears sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball matchup analysis

The top-ranked Duke Blue Devils (4-0) and California Bears (4-0) hook up in the 2K Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2. We analyze the Duke-California odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Duke vs. California: Three things you need to know

1. The Blue Devils are back at Madison Square Garden for the second time already this season, as they topped Kansas 68-66 Nov. 5 to win outright as a 2.5-point underdog.

2. Duke has posted a 3-1 ATS mark, but it failed to cover last time out against Georgia State in a 74-63 win at Cameron Indoor Stadium Nov. 15.

3. Cal is also 3-1 ATS in its four outings, and it also failed to cover last time out, narrowly escaping defeat as 15-point favorites against Prairie View A&M, 54-50.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Duke vs. California: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Duke 88, California 66

Moneyline (ML)

There was no moneyline listed at the time of publishing.

Against the Spread (ATS)

DUKE (-19.5, -110) is much deeper than California (+19.5, -110) as it has four players averaging double-digit points. G Tre Jones leads the way with 17.0 PPG and 5.8 APG, while C Vernon Carey Jr. has posted 14.8 PPG, newcomer G Cassius Stanley has 13.0 PPG and 1.8 SPG and F Matthew Hurt has racked up 10.8 PPG.

Cal has G Matt Bradley going for 20.0 PPG, but then it is a steep drop-off after that, with just two others in double-digits – and just barely. Bradley has averaged 3.0 turnovers per game, too, and that’s an area Cal has had some trouble. The Bears have 59 turnovers to 46 assists, including a negative ratio for Bradley. That might fly against the Prairie Views of the world, but not against Duke.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER (136.5, –106) is the play of the night in this one, even though the under is 5-2 in Duke’s past seven neutral-site games and 5-1 in Cal’s past six neutral-site battles. The Blue Devils are rolling up 84.0 PPG in four contests, while Cal is averaging 75.5 PPG in its four games. This won should be well in excess of the total.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Vermont-Virginia odds: Defending champs get big test

Previewing Tuesday’s Vermont Catamounts at Virginia Cavaliers sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball matchup analysis.

The Vermont Catamounts (4-0) provide a big test for the Virginia Cavaliers (3-0) at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Va. Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Vermont-Virginia odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Vermont at Virginia: Three things you need to know

1. Vermont senior big man Anthony Lamb sunk St. John’s in New York last time out, hitting a game-winning shot in the dying seconds. Overall he is averaging 18.3 points and 10.5 rebounds to lead the Catamounts.

2. Vermont is averaging just 64.8 points per game on offense while allowing 59.2 points per game defensively. As such, the Under is a perfect 4-0 to date.

3. Virginia has picked up three wins, covering twice, and the Under has connected in all three of its outings so far, too.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Vermont at Virginia: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Virginia 63, Vermont 54

Moneyline (ML)

There was no moneyline listed at the time of publishing.

Against the Spread (ATS)

VERMONT (+14.5, +100) is battled tested, having recorded strong wins over St. John’s, as well as fellow mid-major powerhouses Bucknell and St. Bonaventure in their cribs already this season. The Catamounts won’t be intimidated playing at JPJ.

Virginia (-14.5, -120) has the big man Mamadi Diakite, and he is likely to neutralize Lamb somewhat. If he has his hands full, the Catamounts could make the Cavaliers work pretty hard. I expect this game to be decided in single digits.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. The total (113.5) is going to be super close to the number one way or the other in a defensive slog. It’s my personal rule of thumb that I try not to bet totals lower than 130 in college hoops. This is the equivalent to a 37- or 38-point number in college football. It’s just too low.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Utah Valley-Kentucky odds: UK heavily favored over UVU

Previewing Monday’s Utah Valley Wolverines at Kentucky Wildcats sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball analysis and picks.

The Utah Valley Wolverines (3-1) head east to face the Kentucky Wildcats (2-1) at Rupp Arena Monday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Utah Valley-Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Utah Valley at Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. Not many expected Utah Valley would have a win more recently than Kentucky, but the Wildcats were tripped up by Evansville last time out by a 67-64 score as 24.5-point favorites.

2. Kentucky’s offense has been sluggish, averaging just 74.7 points per game (PPG), and they’re 334th on 3-pointers at just 24.5 percent from behind the arc.

3. G Ashton Hagans (leg) is a question mark for Monday’s game against the Wolverines.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Utah Valley at Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Kentucky 79, Utah Valley 54

Moneyline (ML)

There is no moneyline for this game at the time of publishing due to the large spread, but even if one were to be released by tip-off, the risk is not worth the meager reward.

Against the Spread (ATS)

KENTUCKY (-24.5, -115) had cashed in nine straight games against the spread before its loss to the Purple Aces last time out. The Wildcats are also 5-2 ATS in the past seven at Rupp Arena.

Utah Valley (+24.5, -105) is just 1-5 ATS in the past six games overall, and 2-5 ATS in the past seven non-conference tilts. The Wolverines have three wins, but they haven’t faced a team remotely close to the caliber of Big Blue.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 136.5 (-121) is the play. Kentucky is still working out the kinks on offense, and should do just that against the Wolverines. However, UVU won’t contribute much to the total in this game where it’ll be quite overwhelmed. Look for freshman G Tyrese Maxey to show out in this one.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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