Top College Basketball Picks for Wednesday, January 5 (2022)
College basketball is always better on Wednesdays. With most teams usually playing just two games a week, you’re likely to see a game on Wednesday and Saturday for most teams. That means there are plenty of games to bet on tonight, even with COVID postponed many. Tonight should be fun with plenty of exciting matchups in store.
Let’s get right to it!
All odds via BettingPros consensus
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Alabama vs. Florida: Florida -130 ML
(7:00 PM ET tip)
The Alabama Crimson Tide has been struggling to shoot the ball recently. Alabama is shooting under 30 percent in its last three games from long-range and won’t have it any easier against a really good Florida defense. Florida has held opponents to 28.7 percent from long range while forcing 25.1 percent turnovers on the season.
For a team like Alabama that loves to get out in transition and score, those two areas are crucial for Florida’s success. If Florida can get back on defense and force Alabama to play offense in the halfcourt, the Gators will be in great shape.
On the other hand, Florida is starting to get hot from three, shooting around 35 percent from long-range in the last three games. Plus, the Gators should be able to find success inside against an Alabama defense that has allowed teams to shoot 50.5 percent from inside the arc this season.
Both teams should have success on the offensive glass, but I like Florida’s chances of shooting at a higher percentage while earning more turnovers and more chances at the charity stripe.
Missouri State vs. Bradley: Missouri State -115
(9:00 PM ET tip)
The Missouri State Bears just knocked off Drake and will now play a road game against Bradley. The Bears can’t do much wrong on the offensive end, shooting 37.6 percent from deep and 54.1 percent from inside the arc.
Bradley has done well, holding opponents to 42.7 percent from inside the arc but will more than likely struggle against a Missouri State team that has so much depth on offense in the backcourt and frontcourt.
On the other hand, Missouri State has held opponents to a 48 percent effective field goal percentage while keeping teams off the offensive glass. Bradley is also the much worse foul shooting team, so even if Bradley gets there more often, the Bears could still end up with more foul shots made.
Bradley could be shorthanded again tonight, so, therefore, I’ll ride with Missouri State on the short moneyline.
UNC Asheville vs. Campbell: UNC Asheville +7.5
(7:00 PM ET tip)
This game should be closer than the line suggests. UNC Asheville has been terrible on the defensive glass, but Campbell has only earned 23.9 percent offensive rebounds.
If UNC Asheville can do better on the defensive glass and hold Campbell to under 30 percent offensive rebounds, they’ll be in this game from start to finish. UNC Asheville allows teams to shoot just 26.1 percent from long range, which is the best three-point percentage on defense in the nation.
On the other hand, the offense for UNC Asheville isn’t spectacular. The Bulldogs have shot 31.9 percent from deep and 48 percent from inside while limiting turnovers to below 20 percent.
So I’ll give UNC Asheville a chance to cover this game.
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Whether you’re new to sports betting or a betting pro, our Sports Betting Strategy and Advice page is for you. You can get started with our 101 section — including 10 Sports Betting Tips for Beginners — or head to more advanced strategy — like Key Numbers When Betting Against the Spread — to learn more.
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