Top College Basketball Picks for Sunday, January 2nd (2022)
The 2021-22 college basketball season is off and running as conference play heats up across the country. To kick off the new year, we have a trio of ranked matchups that offer plenty of value for this willing to dig deep enough.
Let’s take a closer look at where the value remains.
All odds via BettingPros consensus.
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Michigan State vs. Northwestern: Michigan State -3 (-110)
(2 p.m. ET tip)
A pair of two-loss teams will go at it in Evanston, Ill this afternoon as the 11-2 Spartans take on the 8-2 Wildcats. Both undefeated (just three total games) in conference play, the Spartans come into this game the #10 team in the country, largely from where they started the season in the polls.
For the home Wildcats, an extended rest could turn into rust in this one, as the team has not played since December 20th, having the one game since canceled due to COVID protocols. Following a poor shooting performance the last time we saw this Spartans team on the court vs. High Point on Wednesday, I like for the more talented and more athletic Spartans to pull away from this one late.
Houston vs. Temple: Houston -12 (-110)
(5 p.m. ET tip)
The #14 Cougars come into this game having not played since December 22nd, an 80-47 win over Texas State, marking their seventh win in eight games. In the win, the Cougars bolstered their stout defensive metrics, now inside the top 10 in points allowed (56) and FG% (37%) allowed per game.
For the home Owls, the Cougar’s presence on defense is of major concern, as they come into this with one of the worst offenses in the nation. As of Sunday, they rank 279th in the country in points allowed per game at just 67.6 per game. Despite being shorthanded, look for the Cougars to roll in this one.
Ohio State vs. Nebraska: Buckeyes -9 (-110)
(8:00 p.m. ET tip)
Having not played since December 11th, the Buckeyes come into this one off of three canceled games because of COVID-19 protocols within their own program. In this one, however, all players are back as they head to Nebraska to take on a reeling Cornhuskers team.
Having lost five of their last six, the Cornhuskers have shot just 42.7% from the field so far this season, as a lack of a consistent scoring threat has continued to plage them. Look for their woes to continue in this one against a fully healthy Buckeyes team.
Bet $10, Win $200 if Your Team Scores a TD >>
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