College Basketball Odds, Picks & Predictions: Friday (3/13)
The conference tournaments are getting interesting now that the not-so-good teams have been sent packing. Now, that may make choosing your bets a little more challenging, but we are here to help. Take a look at today's College Basketball Best Bets.
There are lots of good games on the schedule today, but I've decided to go with the following for today's best bets.
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Friday’s Best College Basketball Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Ole Miss vs. No. 15 Alabama
When the Tide and Rebels met earlier in the season, the first half of the game was fairly competitive. Alabama led by two heading into the half, but then Alabama blew up in the second half, scoring 61 points and going on to win 93-74. The value of momentum can be relative, but not in this case. A.J. Storr and Malik Dia have been having a great tournament, with 41 and 36 points combined in the first two games.
Since Alabama doesn't really play defense, they should be able to hit the ground running.
It's a high TOTAL, but we are talking about a Bama offense that averages 92.1 ppg (No. 1 in the country) and doesn't play defense (No. 352). The Rebels do not have a high-powered offense (No. 187, 75.3 ppg), but it should be enough to help send the final score OVER the TOTAL.
Pick: Over 163.5 Points (-110)
UCLA vs. No. 8 Michigan State
The regular-season matchup was a massacre, as the Spartans crushed the Bruins 82-59. As for the biggest difference in the game, that's easy: Michigan State hit 14-of-27 three-pointers (UCLA 8-25). UCLA might find it easier to get on track after crushing Rutgers 72-59. Still, it will not be nearly as easy against Michigan State's defense (No. 36 in the country).
The Spartans will use their size to dominate the boards, and the rest advantage will help them keep the pressure on UCLA’s shooters.
UCLA will make a game of it in the first half, but eventually the Spartans’ defense will take over and shut the Bruins down, allowing the offense to put the game away.
Pick: Michigan State -5.5 (-110)
Oklahoma vs. No. 17 Arkansas
The Sooners entered the tournament on a roll, having won their last four, and haven't stopped. They dispatched South Carolina in their opener and dismantled Texas A&M last night (83-63). Arkansas will be better rested, having not played since the end of the regular season, but in this case, that could be a bad thing.
The Razorbacks are one of those teams with a fantastic offense (No. 3 in the country), but they can't play defense (No. 327). If the offense has a hard time getting on track, the door will be wide open for a good (but not great) Oklahoma offense to take charge. Should they do so, Arkansas does not have the defense to stage a comeback.
Being rested is a good thing, but it will hurt the Razorbacks in this game as they'll need time to get on track. Eventually they will, but I think the Sooners will keep the momentum going and keep it close if not win outright.
Pick: Oklahoma +7.5 (-115)