Top College Basketball Picks for Wednesday, March 9 (2022)
Despite Wagner losing by a ridiculous margin, we still finished the day positively, winning our other two bets yesterday. This time of year, no lead is safe, and no spread is won until the final buzzer goes off. Just remember that!
Here are my picks for March 9 in college basketball.
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Sacramento State vs. Idaho: Sacramento State -130
(11:00 a.m. ET)
This isn’t the most exciting game on the slate, but it’s the first one, and there’s tons of value on it. Idaho has been one of the worst defenses in the nation this season and has given up 35.2 percent from three and 55.8 percent from inside the arc. On the other hand, Sacramento State limits turnovers to 17 percent and knocks down threes at 35.9 percent.
And despite only hitting 46.8 percent from inside the arc this season, Idaho is allowing 55.8 percent from inside, so Sacramento State should have success inside the arc.
Anyway, these two teams met on February 24, and Sacramento State won, at home, 83-51. Now I’m seeing -130 after that beatdown. So I’ll grab it.
Bet: Sacramento State -130 at DraftKings
Saint Joseph’s vs. La Salle: Saint Joseph’s -140
(1:00 p.m. ET)
This season, the Saint Joseph’s Hawks have lost two straight games to La Salle. But I think that ends today. Saint Joseph’s choked away a big lead in its last game against La Salle, scoring just 12 points in the second half. In that game, Saint Joseph’s lost, 49-48.
That’s not happening again. I’m expecting big things from the shooters at Saint Joseph’s, knowing that La Salle has been absolutely terrible defending the three-point line this season. Also, Saint Joseph’s has been a much better all-around defense, and that should show in this one, with the Hawks holding opponents to 31.8 percent from inside and 47.7 percent from outside.
Bet: St. Joseph’s -140 at DraftKings Sportsbook
California Baptist vs. Sam Houston State: Sam Houston State -125
(9:00 p.m. ET)
I don’t pick games off them being nationally televised or being popular. I choose games where I see fit throughout the entire slate in college basketball.
Sam Houston State caught my eye. Sam Houston State has been tremendous on the defense, and while fouling is getting a bit high, teams are still shooting just 32.4 percent from three and 49.3 percent from inside the arc.
Neither team will shoot well from the foul line, but I’m expecting Sam Houston State to earn more second chances around the rim with a ton of offensive rebounds. There’s also a good chance that Sam Houston State forces more turnovers in this game as Sam Houston State is already earning 20.7 percent turnovers on the season.
So if Sam Houston State can win rebounding and turnovers, it has a great shot at winning this game.
Bet: Sam Houston State -125 at DraftKings
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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.