Top College Basketball Picks for Wednesday, February 2 (2022)
It’s going to be hard to top yesterday’s sweep, but we will absolutely try. With lots of action taking place, I’ve compiled my three favorite college basketball bets for Wednesday, February 2.
I really had to narrow down my selections today with so many exciting spots. So let’s get right to it!
All odds via BettingPros consensus
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Longwood vs. UNC Asheville: UNC Asheville +3
(7:00 PM ET tip)
UNC Asheville is coming off a one-point win over Presbyterian. I’m hoping that mojo continues when the Bulldogs take on the Longwood Lancers.
Longwood has been terrific this year, with a 15-5 record, but UNC Asheville can give them some fits. Defensively, the Bulldogs have held opponents to just 28.3 percent from downtown and have limited fouls. The Bulldogs won’t dominate the defensive glass and could allow many second-chance opportunities. However, you can expect more energy and effort with the Bulldogs at home.
On the other hand, UNC Asheville is just your average offense. But that average offense should have success against a Longwood defense that has allowed teams to shoot 51.8 percent inside the arc. I’ll take the Bulldogs against the spread at home.
Temple vs. East Carolina: Temple ML -120
(7:00 PM ET tip)
The East Carolina Pirates have lost six of their last seven games, including a 78-75 loss to Temple on the road. Some of these losses for East Carolina haven’t been bad. The Pirates have lost four of those six games by single digits. However, a loss is a loss, and the Pirates clearly don’t know how to close out games effectively.
Temple has dominated the offensive glass all season long. While the Owls aren’t shooting at a high rate this season, the offensive glass and foul attempts are the reasons they’ve been able to go 11-7. Temple has also limited turnovers and defends well.
The Owls have allowed teams to shoot an effective field goal percentage of just 45.6 percent while holding opponents to 30.9 percent from three and 45.1 percent from inside the arc. East Carolina is awful inside, so this is a big matchup advantage for Temple.
I’ll ride Temple as the short moneyline favorite.
Bet: Temple ML (-120)
Missouri State vs. Southern Illinois: Missouri State ML -130
(9:00 PM ET tip)
Missouri State has won five of its last six games. During that time frame, they defeated Southern Illinois 81-76. Southern Illinois likes to play slow, but Missouri State forced a more uptempo game.
Despite shooting nearly 50 percent from three-point land in the first game, the Salukis still lost that game due to poor shooting inside. On the other hand, Missouri State won by shooting over 60 percent from inside.
The analytics prove Missouri State will have a big advantage inside, and Southern Illinois likely won’t be shooting close to 50 percent from three in this game. While the rebounding battle looks pretty fair, I should note Missouri State won that battle by 11 in the first meeting. Plus, now we’re expecting fewer shots to fall for Southern Illinois.
Take Missouri State on the moneyline.
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Jason Radowitz is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive and follow him @Jason_Radowitz.