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The Vermont Catamounts (1-0) head to Neville Arena to face the No. 9 Auburn Tigers (0-0) Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze Fanduel Sportsbook’s lines around the Vermont vs. Auburn odds as we make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
The Catamounts opened their season Monday with a strong 67-62 road win over UAB, covering as a 5.5-point underdog as the Under (143.5) hit. Vermont never trailed, fueled by junior guard TJ Hurley’s 20 points, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. Defensively, they held UAB to 0-for-10 mark from 3-point range.
Bruce Pearl’s hiring transformed Auburn basketball, taking a program with limited history to the Final Four in 2019 and multiple standout seasons since. Last year, the Tigers went 27-8 and won the SEC Tournament. Though upset by the Yale Buldogs in the first round of March Madness, Auburn returns much of its core, adding a key transfer in G JP Pegues from Furman. Anchored by star F Johni Broome in the frontcourt, the Tigers boast a talented lineup capable of contending in a tough SEC.
– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll (*-new rankings to be released Monday afternoon)
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Vermont at Auburn odds
Provided by Fanduel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:54 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Vermont +890 (bet $100 to win $890) | Auburn -1700 (bet $1,700 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Vermont +15.5 (-114) | Auburn -15.5 (-106)
- Over/Under (O/U): 143.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Vermont at Auburn picks and predictions
Prediction
Auburn 75, Vermont 61
Moneyline
PASS.
You should obviously avoid betting Auburn (-1700) because the odds are outrageous. Look at the spread or total if you want to make a bet.
Against the spread
BET VERMONT +15.5 (-114).
Vermont faces a major test as they play Auburn, with the Tigers ranked 9th in the preseason USA Today Coaches Poll and 5th on KenPom. Auburn is led by Broome, a 2023-24 All-SEC first-team selection and AP All-American who averaged 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks last season.
The Catamounts were selected No. 1 in the America East preseason poll for the 8th time in 9 seasons under coach John Becker. Key players include TJ Long, who earned preseason All-Conference honors after a strong 2022-23 season, and Shamir Bogues, the America East Newcomer of the Year who scored 13 points in Vermont’s season-opening win over UAB.
Vermont, ranked 80th on KenPom, already has a game under its belt, giving them a slight edge. With a balanced roster and a confidence-building road win over UAB, the Catamounts are primed to keep it competitive against a talented, but newly assembled Auburn lineup.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 143.5 (-115).
Vermont, known for its strong defense, allowed only 63.8 points per game last season to rank 8th nationally. Auburn, also solid on defense, kept opponents to 68.3 points, placing in the top 65. As Auburn kicks off its season, a bit of rust could show, especially against Vermont’s disciplined defense. Recent trends point to a low-scoring matchup: Vermont’s total has gone Under in 15 of its last 17 games and in 6 of its last 8 November contests. Auburn also finished last season with the Under hitting in 3 of its last 4 games.
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