Best College Basketball Picks Against The Spread Thurs, Dec 12th

1. Iowa State vs. Iowa (Iowa State -6.5)

  • Matchup Overview: Iowa’s fast tempo presents a challenge for Iowa State’s controlled, defensive style, but Iowa State has consistently shown the ability to disrupt high-paced offenses. Iowa’s defensive vulnerabilities are a major concern in this rivalry matchup.
  • Key Considerations: Iowa State’s ability to dictate tempo and force Iowa into half-court sets gives them the edge.
  • Pick: Iowa State -6.5

2. New Mexico State vs. Texas (New Mexico State +19.5)

  • Matchup Overview: Texas enters this game as the superior team on both ends of the floor, but maintaining a blowout margin for four quarters may be a challenge. New Mexico State can capitalize on late-game lapses if Texas relaxes their intensity.
  • Key Considerations: Large spreads are risky, especially if the favorite lacks the consistent depth to dominate throughout the game.
  • Pick: New Mexico State +19.5

3. Texas-Arlington vs. Arkansas State (Arkansas State -9.5)

  • Matchup Overview: Arkansas State’s balanced play and home-court advantage make them the stronger side against a Texas-Arlington team that has struggled with consistency.
  • Key Considerations: Arkansas State’s ability to control the game and limit mistakes makes them a solid pick.
  • Pick: Arkansas State -9.5

4. Bethune-Cookman vs. Virginia (Bethune-Cookman +16.5)

  • Matchup Overview: Virginia’s defensive dominance is undeniable, but their slow tempo makes it difficult to cover large spreads. Bethune-Cookman can keep this closer than expected if Virginia struggles to build a significant lead early.
  • Key Considerations: The combination of a large spread and Virginia’s pace suggests value in the underdog.
  • Pick: Bethune-Cookman +16.5

5. NC A&T vs. Virginia Tech (Virginia Tech -14.5)

  • Matchup Overview: Virginia Tech’s depth and home-court advantage make them a clear favorite in this matchup. NC A&T is unlikely to keep pace with Virginia Tech’s balanced attack.
  • Key Considerations: Virginia Tech’s dominance across all phases of the game supports its ability to cover this spread.
  • Pick: Virginia Tech -14.5

6. Chattanooga vs. Evansville (Chattanooga -1.5)

  • Matchup Overview: Chattanooga brings a steady offensive approach that matches Evansville’s defensive inefficiencies well. Evansville has struggled to stop quality opponents, which plays to Chattanooga’s strengths.
  • Key Considerations: Chattanooga’s offensive discipline gives them the edge in this tight contest.
  • Pick: Chattanooga -1.5

7. Campbell vs. Citadel (Campbell -1.5)

  • Matchup Overview: Campbell’s cohesive play and defensive reliability make them the better option against a Citadel team that has shown inconsistency.
  • Key Considerations: Campbell’s ability to control the game’s flow gives them a slight edge in this matchup.
  • Pick: Campbell -1.5

Picks for Today

  1. Iowa State -6.5
  2. New Mexico State +19.5
  3. Arkansas State -9.5
  4. Bethune-Cookman +16.5
  5. Virginia Tech -14.5
  6. Chattanooga -1.5
  7. Campbell -1.5