Best College Basketball Picks Against The Spread Fri, Dec 13th

Matchup Overview: Indiana enters this game with a solid interior scoring attack, but Nebraska’s defensive system is built to limit those opportunities. Nebraska also boasts a slight edge in guard play, which could tilt the game in their favor during key moments. Additionally, Nebraska’s ability to play a slower, methodical pace at home contrasts well with Indiana’s reliance on quick scoring bursts.
Key Considerations: Nebraska’s home-court advantage and consistent defensive play make them well-suited to cover a small spread. Indiana’s road struggles and turnover-prone play further reinforce this pick.
Pick: Nebraska -3.5

Matchup Overview: Colorado is the more talented team and has been strong offensively, especially at home. However, South Dakota State’s slower pace could frustrate Colorado’s rhythm and prevent them from running up the score. South Dakota State has also shown resilience in keeping games close against stronger opponents, relying on efficient half-court sets and disciplined shot selection.
Key Considerations: While Colorado should win, South Dakota State’s tempo control and ability to limit possessions make them an appealing pick to stay within the number.
Pick: South Dakota State +7.5

Matchup Overview: Northern Iowa has the tools to win comfortably, with a balanced offense and solid defense. However, their slow tempo often prevents them from building large leads. Nebraska Omaha, while inconsistent, has shown flashes of scoring capability that could allow them to stay competitive in a game where possessions are limited.
Key Considerations: Northern Iowa’s methodical pace and tendency to rely on late-game execution make it difficult to trust them to cover a spread this large. Nebraska Omaha should do enough to keep it within range.
Pick: Nebraska Omaha +13.5

Matchup Overview: St. Thomas has been dominant at home, leveraging a balanced offense and consistent defensive pressure to overwhelm opponents. Western Michigan, on the other hand, has struggled to defend and often turns the ball over under pressure. This matchup is primed for St. Thomas to exploit Western Michigan’s weaknesses and establish control early.
Key Considerations: St. Thomas’s ability to control both ends of the floor and capitalize on Western Michigan’s defensive lapses makes them a strong pick to cover.
Pick: St. Thomas -11.5

Matchup Overview: Merrimack’s defensive structure excels at limiting perimeter opportunities, which could stifle Boston University’s three-point-heavy attack. Merrimack’s struggles come late in games when they fail to maintain leads, but their ability to control tempo and force turnovers puts them in a strong position to secure the win and cover.
Key Considerations: With a modest spread and Merrimack’s defensive edge, they should have enough to win by a comfortable margin if they avoid second-half lapses.
Pick: Merrimack -5.5

Matchup Overview: Weber State’s efficient offense and strong guard play present significant challenges for Utah Tech, who struggles defensively against teams that can score from multiple areas. Utah Tech’s defensive inefficiency has led to issues with fouls and poor transition defense, which Weber State can exploit.
Key Considerations: Weber State’s ability to control the game offensively and force Utah Tech into mistakes makes them a solid pick to cover.
Pick: Weber State -3.5

Matchup Overview: UTSA’s interior scoring and rebounding advantage could give them control early, but they’ve struggled to close games consistently, allowing opponents to stay within reach. North Dakota has been improving, particularly in forcing turnovers and generating open looks in transition, which could exploit UTSA’s late-game vulnerabilities.
Key Considerations: UTSA’s inconsistency and North Dakota’s ability to capitalize on defensive lapses late in games make this a good spot for the underdog to stay within the spread.
Pick: North Dakota +6.5