Top College Basketball Picks for Saturday January 1st
Happy New Year! Let’s get this year started right with some college hoops. On the first day of the year, we have to mention the first team you see in the rankings. Then we have two Big East matchups as this is one of the more exciting conferences in the country.
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Creighton at Marquette: Pick Creighton -1 to -1.5
(Tip 12 p.m. ET)
Creighton started their Big East schedule off with a bang as they rolled all over No. 9 Villanova 79-59. The Blue Jays are an offensive force as they have guard Ryan Nembhard, who is shooting 41% from behind the arc. What makes them strong on both ends thanks to forward Ryan Hawkins and center Ryan Kalkbrenner on the, who are both averaging over six rebounds per game
Marquette coach Shaka Smart is running an offense similar to his days at VCU — fast tempo led by the backcourt. Maryland transfer Darryl Morsell has really shined since coming to the Golden Eagles as he’s gone over his career-high in points four times this season.
Creighton can put up the points from the perimeter and in the paint. Marquette has some playmakers, but they will have to rely on their outside shooting with Kalkbrenner defending on the boards. The Jays are the better teams, and that’s why they’re a favorite on the road. This game is set between a pick em’ to 1.5, and you have to take Creighton with that margin.
Villanova vs. Seton Hall: Pick Seton Hall -1
(Tip 2 p.m. ET)
How will Villanova look with nearly two weeks off due to COVID issues? Even before the Christmas break, the Wildcats were struggling as their shooting had gone cold. They’ve lost two of their last three games, and they’ve shot under 28% from behind the arc in each. This does not help them as they face Seton Hall, who is 11th in three-point field goal defense (26.1%).
Seton Hall has dealt with COVID issues themselves as this game mark 19 days since the last time they took the court. The status of forward Tyrese Samuel is still not known as he’s in COVID protocol, but if he can’t play, this will be a huge hit to the Pirates’ ability to score down low. Seton Hall’s strength is in their defense. As mentioned before, they can defend the three, but they are also 40th in field goal percentage defense (39%).
Seton Hall matches up well against Villanova. The Wildcats live and die by the three, and the Pirates are one of the best in the country at defending it. Villanova’s shooting is already cold going into this game, which should continue again. In a straight pick em’, give it to the Pirates.
Baylor vs. Iowa State: Pick Iowa State +7.5
(Tip 2 p.m. ET)
The defending champions are looking like they could challenge for a repeat. This offense is dangerous as they’re 13th in the country and averaging 84 points per game. The backcourt has been especially strong as their top four scorers come from the guard position.
Penn State transfer Izaiah Brockington has been the offense force behind this Cyclone offense. Iowa States’ strong suit is shooting from behind the arc, and Baylor is not stellar defending it. In fact, they’ve allowed their opponent’s biggest percentage of points from the three.
This will be Baylor’s first true road test of the season. The Bears can handle this game by sticking with the offensive game plan that has got them to this point, and they will have to make a couple of more stops than Iowa State does. We could very well see this come down to the final possession, and that’s why taking the Cyclones and the points are the safest bet.
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