1. Wisconsin at Illinois (-6.5)
Team Comparison:
Illinois enters this game with a fast-paced offense and a strong defensive unit that ranks among the best in the conference. They thrive on creating scoring opportunities in transition and dominating the boards. Wisconsin, on the other hand, plays a slow, methodical style that relies heavily on disciplined defense and minimizing mistakes. While Illinois’s ability to score in bursts can quickly create separation, Wisconsin’s pace aims to limit possessions, keeping games close.
Illinois benefits from a significant home-court advantage, especially against a team like Wisconsin that struggles in hostile environments. Wisconsin’s lack of explosive scoring threats might be their undoing, as Illinois can outpace them if the game becomes a shootout.
Best Bet: Illinois -6.5
Illinois’s tempo and ability to exploit mismatches at home should allow them to cover. Their superior offense and rebounding will wear down Wisconsin over 40 minutes.
2. Arkansas vs. Michigan (-4.5)
Team Comparison:
Michigan has one of the most balanced rosters in the country, featuring a high-powered offense capable of scoring inside and out. Their defense complements their offense by forcing contested shots and limiting second-chance opportunities. Arkansas, while athletic and quick, struggles against structured teams that execute well in the half-court. Michigan’s size in the paint will likely neutralize Arkansas’s drive-heavy offense.
Arkansas may look to push the pace, forcing Michigan into a quicker tempo. However, Michigan’s disciplined guard play and ability to execute in late-game situations make them a formidable opponent, particularly at home.
Best Bet: Michigan -4.5
The Wolverines’ experience and efficiency on both ends, coupled with the home crowd, should allow them to pull away late and cover the spread.
3. Penn State at Rutgers (-3.5)
Team Comparison:
Penn State is one of the most efficient offensive teams, relying heavily on three-point shooting and ball movement. However, their defense has been inconsistent, particularly against physically dominant teams. Rutgers, by contrast, leans heavily on defense, using their physicality and shot-blocking to frustrate opponents. At home, Rutgers has historically been tough to beat, leveraging a raucous crowd to create momentum-shifting runs.
This matchup pits Penn State’s efficient scoring against Rutgers’ stifling defense. If Rutgers can limit Penn State’s three-point opportunities, they’ll control the game. Conversely, Penn State’s quick ball movement could neutralize Rutgers’ defensive pressure.
Best Bet: Penn State +3.5
While Rutgers is strong at home, Penn State’s shooting gives them a chance to win outright or stay within the number.
4. Miami vs. Tennessee (-14.5)
Team Comparison:
Tennessee boasts one of the most formidable defenses in the nation, consistently shutting down opponents’ scoring options and forcing turnovers. Their offense, while efficient, thrives on creating scoring opportunities off defensive stops. Miami struggles against elite defenses, often faltering in the half-court and settling for contested jumpers.
Tennessee will likely dominate the boards, limiting Miami’s second-chance points and controlling the tempo. Miami’s best chance lies in forcing Tennessee into foul trouble and speeding up the game, but Tennessee’s depth and discipline should prevent that.
Best Bet: Tennessee -14.5
Tennessee’s ability to control both ends of the floor makes them a strong pick to cover this large spread against an overmatched Miami team.
5. Providence at DePaul (-1.5)
Team Comparison:
This matchup is evenly contested, with both teams hovering around the same ranking. DePaul has a slight edge in offensive efficiency, while Providence relies on grit and determination in tight games. DePaul’s home court provides a marginal boost, but Providence has demonstrated resilience in road games this season.
Providence’s defense could stifle DePaul’s offense in key moments, and their ability to execute in clutch situations may be the difference-maker. DePaul will need to dominate the boards and take advantage of their home crowd to pull out a victory.
Best Bet: Providence +1.5
Providence’s composure in close games makes them the better value, especially as an underdog.
6. Troy at Houston (-26.5)
Team Comparison:
Houston is a defensive juggernaut, consistently holding opponents to low-scoring games while dominating on the boards. Troy’s offense is not equipped to handle such pressure, and their lack of size in the paint will be a significant disadvantage. However, Houston’s slower pace often limits their ability to win by large margins, particularly against weaker opponents.
Troy will need to hit their outside shots consistently to have any chance of keeping this game competitive. Houston, meanwhile, should dominate the boards and suffocate Troy’s scoring attempts.
Best Bet: Troy +26.5
Houston will dominate, but their methodical style makes covering such a large spread difficult.
7. Charleston at St. Joseph’s (-7.5)
Team Comparison:
Charleston thrives on streaky shooting, with a fast-paced offense that can catch teams off guard. St. Joseph’s is the more consistent team, with better metrics overall, but they’ve struggled to put away teams decisively. Charleston’s ability to score in bunches makes them a dangerous underdog, particularly against a team that occasionally falters defensively.
St. Joseph’s will need to control the boards and avoid turnovers to cover this spread. Charleston, if hot from beyond the arc, can keep the game close or even pull off an upset.
Best Bet: Charleston +7.5
Charleston’s shooting and unpredictability make them a good pick to stay within the spread.
8. Cornell at California (-8.5)
Team Comparison:
California comes into this matchup with superior athleticism and size, enabling them to dominate the interior. Their offense is designed around exploiting mismatches in the paint, making them especially tough for undersized teams to handle. Cornell, in contrast, relies heavily on a perimeter-oriented attack, often living or dying by the three-point shot. While this approach can create variability in outcomes, it struggles against teams with strong interior defenses like California.
Cornell’s pace and shooting give them a puncher’s chance, but their lack of rebounding and defensive discipline could allow California to control possession and tempo. On their home court, California’s defensive physicality and ability to limit scoring opportunities for opponents should prevail.
Best Bet: California -8.5
California’s interior dominance and home-court advantage make them a solid pick to win by double digits, especially if Cornell struggles to shoot efficiently.
9. North Dakota State at Butler (-13.5)
Team Comparison:
Butler has been a consistent force, with a methodical offense and a disciplined, physical defense. They excel at limiting turnovers and controlling the game’s pace, especially on their home court. North Dakota State lacks the firepower to match Butler’s scoring output and has struggled defensively against quality opponents.
While NDSU might try to speed up the game to create more scoring opportunities, Butler’s ability to force opponents into half-court sets and capitalize on mismatches in the paint gives them a decisive edge. Expect Butler to lean on their defensive structure and rebounding dominance.
Best Bet: Butler -13.5
Butler’s control of tempo and suffocating defense will likely result in a comfortable win and cover.
10. Rhode Island at Brown (-4.5)
Team Comparison:
Rhode Island is a defensively focused team that thrives on limiting their opponent’s possessions and forcing turnovers. Brown, on the other hand, struggles offensively against more physical teams and lacks the scoring depth to challenge Rhode Island’s disciplined defense.
While Brown has the advantage of playing at home, their inability to generate consistent offense could hinder them in this matchup. Rhode Island should be able to dictate the pace, keeping the game at their preferred slow tempo while exploiting Brown’s defensive lapses.
Best Bet: Rhode Island -4.5
Rhode Island’s defense and ability to control the game’s tempo make them a solid pick to cover on the road.
11. NC Central at West Virginia (-26.5)
Team Comparison:
West Virginia boasts a stifling defense and a physical frontcourt that will dominate NC Central’s undersized lineup. NC Central has struggled offensively against elite teams, and their inability to score in transition will play into West Virginia’s strengths. The Mountaineers will also likely control the boards, limiting NC Central to one-and-done possessions.
NC Central’s best chance lies in slowing the game down and hoping for a subpar shooting night from WVU. However, the Mountaineers’ depth and home-court advantage make a competitive game highly unlikely.
Best Bet: West Virginia -26.5
West Virginia’s dominance on both ends should result in a blowout win, covering the large spread.
12. Jacksonville vs. Florida Atlantic (-12.5)
Team Comparison:
Florida Atlantic has been one of the most balanced teams this season, with a strong emphasis on spacing and ball movement. Jacksonville’s defense is decent, but their lack of offensive creativity leaves them vulnerable against better opponents. FAU’s depth and ability to score both inside and outside create a tough matchup for Jacksonville.
Jacksonville will need to focus on limiting turnovers and playing physical defense to stay in the game. However, FAU’s ability to dictate tempo and execute efficiently in the half-court gives them a clear edge.
Best Bet: Florida Atlantic -12.5
FAU’s balanced attack and superior talent should enable them to cover comfortably.
13. Charlotte at Davidson (-9.5)
Team Comparison:
Davidson’s offensive system relies on precision shooting and excellent ball movement, making them difficult to defend. Charlotte, by contrast, prefers a slower tempo and aims to win games with defense and rebounding. This clash of styles could make for a low-scoring affair, but Davidson’s ability to execute in half-court sets gives them an advantage.
Charlotte’s path to staying competitive lies in limiting Davidson’s three-point shooting and controlling the boards. However, Davidson’s home-court advantage and superior offensive firepower should prevail.
Best Bet: Davidson -9.5
Davidson’s shooting efficiency and ability to handle Charlotte’s defense make them likely to win and cover.
14. Incarnate Word at Duke (-34.5)
Team Comparison:
Duke enters this game as a heavy favorite, with superior size, talent, and athleticism across the board. Incarnate Word lacks the scoring options or defensive schemes to challenge Duke, especially in the paint. This game is likely to be one-sided from the start, with Duke controlling every aspect of the game.
The only concern for Duke is whether they will keep their starters in long enough to cover such a large spread. Incarnate Word’s lack of depth means Duke’s bench players should still be able to extend the lead late.
Best Bet: Duke -34.5
Duke’s dominance should result in a blowout, with the margin likely exceeding the spread.
15. Albany at Syracuse (-12.5)
Team Comparison:
Syracuse’s patented zone defense is particularly effective against teams like Albany, who lack the shooters to break it. On offense, Syracuse has a significant height and athleticism advantage, which they can use to dominate the boards and score inside. Albany has shown vulnerability against physical teams, and their offense will struggle against Syracuse’s length.
Syracuse’s ability to control tempo and force contested shots should lead to a comfortable win. Albany will need to hit a high percentage of threes to have any chance of staying competitive.
Best Bet: Syracuse -12.5
Syracuse’s defense and size should lead to a convincing victory and cover.
16. Eastern Washington at Washington (-13.5)
Team Comparison:
Washington’s strong defense and size advantage make them a formidable opponent, especially against an Eastern Washington team that struggles to generate offense in the half-court. Washington excels at forcing turnovers and limiting second-chance opportunities, while EWU often relies on perimeter shooting to stay competitive.
Eastern Washington will need a strong shooting performance to stay in this game, but Washington’s defense is well-equipped to contest shots and disrupt offensive flow. Washington’s rebounding advantage and ability to control tempo give them a decisive edge.
Best Bet: Washington -13.5
Washington’s defensive prowess and superior athleticism should result in a convincing win and cover.
17. Wyoming at South Dakota (-1.5)
Team Comparison:
Wyoming has struggled with consistency this season, particularly on offense, where they rely heavily on isolation plays and outside shooting. South Dakota, while not as talented overall, has been efficient at home, using disciplined defense and strong rebounding to control games.
This matchup will likely be slow-paced, favoring South Dakota’s style of play. Wyoming’s inconsistent shooting and tendency to turn the ball over could make it difficult for them to pull away, especially on the road.
Best Bet: South Dakota -1.5
South Dakota’s steady play and home-court advantage make them the better pick in what should be a close game.
18. Tennessee State at Western Kentucky (-15.5)
Team Comparison:
Western Kentucky is a clear favorite due to their superior size and scoring ability. They excel in transition and have a strong inside presence, making them difficult to stop for a team like Tennessee State, which lacks the defensive depth to contain multiple scoring threats. Tennessee State will need to slow the game down to stay competitive, but that will be challenging against WKU’s pressure defense.
WKU’s ability to generate turnovers and dominate the boards should lead to numerous easy scoring opportunities. Tennessee State’s reliance on jump shots could lead to long droughts against WKU’s defense.
Best Bet: Western Kentucky -15.5
WKU’s athleticism and ability to capitalize on Tennessee State’s defensive weaknesses make them likely to win and cover.
19. Morgan State at Xavier (-30.5)
Team Comparison:
Xavier has one of the most efficient offenses in the nation, and their ability to score in transition and in the half-court makes them a nightmare matchup for Morgan State. Morgan State struggles defensively, particularly against teams with size and skill, which Xavier has in abundance.
The only question in this game is whether Xavier can maintain intensity long enough to cover such a large spread. Even with rotations, Xavier’s bench has enough talent to extend the lead against an overmatched Morgan State squad.
Best Bet: Xavier -30.5
Xavier’s offensive efficiency and depth should result in a dominant performance and a comfortable cover.
20. Southern Mississippi at Tulane (-5.5)
Team Comparison:
Tulane has a well-rounded offense that thrives on ball movement and spacing, while Southern Miss often struggles to generate consistent scoring against disciplined defenses. Tulane’s ability to score efficiently in the half-court and get to the free-throw line gives them an edge, especially at home.
Southern Miss will need to rely on forcing turnovers and converting in transition to keep this game close. However, Tulane’s superior guard play and offensive versatility should allow them to dictate the game’s flow.
Best Bet: Tulane -5.5
Tulane’s composure and offensive execution make them the better pick to cover the modest spread.
21. Coppin State at NC State (-32.5)
Team Comparison:
NC State is heavily favored due to their athleticism, depth, and ability to dominate in transition. Coppin State’s porous defense and lack of interior presence make this an uphill battle. NC State will likely control the boards and generate numerous fast-break opportunities.
Coppin State’s best hope is to slow the game down and hope NC State has an off-shooting night. However, NC State’s ability to apply pressure defensively and score in bunches makes a blowout likely.
Best Bet: NC State -32.5
NC State’s physical dominance and scoring depth should result in a one-sided game and a comfortable cover.
22. Kansas City at Portland (-2.5)
Team Comparison:
Portland’s offensive system, built around strong shooting and ball movement, should give them an edge against Kansas City, which relies more on defense to keep games close. Portland’s home-court advantage and ability to score efficiently in the half-court make them a tough team to beat in this spot.
Kansas City will need to capitalize on Portland’s defensive lapses to stay competitive, but their inability to score consistently may hinder them. Portland’s superior shooting and ability to dictate tempo should be decisive.
Best Bet: Portland -2.5
Portland’s shooting and home-court advantage make them the better pick in what should be a close game.
23. Long Beach State at San Diego (-4.5)
Team Comparison:
San Diego’s offensive depth and home-court advantage make them a solid favorite against Long Beach State. While Long Beach has athleticism and occasionally surprises with streaky shooting, their lack of defensive consistency leaves them vulnerable against disciplined teams like San Diego.
San Diego will likely control the boards and limit Long Beach’s second-chance opportunities. If San Diego can force Long Beach into contested shots, they should be able to build a comfortable lead.
Best Bet: San Diego -4.5
San Diego’s balanced attack and ability to exploit Long Beach’s defensive lapses should allow them to cover.
Summary of Bets of the Day
- Illinois -6.5
- Michigan -4.5
- Penn State +3.5
- Tennessee -14.5
- Providence +1.5
- Troy +26.5
- Charleston +7.5
- California -8.5
- Butler -13.5
- Rhode Island -4.5
- West Virginia -26.5
- Florida Atlantic -12.5
- Davidson -9.5
- Duke -34.5
- Syracuse -12.5
- Washington -13.5
- South Dakota -1.5
- Western Kentucky -15.5
- Xavier -30.5
- Tulane -5.5
- NC State -32.5
- Portland -2.5
- San Diego -4.5
Dec 10th Record 10-13
