After a sensational Champions Classic that saw us go 1-1 in article bets, we now move on to tonight as we have another mega matchup on deck as ranked #11 Texas takes on #2 Gonzaga. Coupled that one with some other intriguing matchups, and we have ourselves another great college basketball card for our viewing pleasure. In this post, we’ll be looking at our college basketball best bets for today, November 16.
College Basketball Best Bets Today
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#11 Texas vs #2 Gonzaga
While I try to not put too much stock into teams’ outlooks for the season in non-conference play, I especially don’t look too much into them when they are playing outside on an aircraft carrier.
Gonzaga’s ability to put up points in a flash was mitigated with outdoor conditions against MSU, forcing them to play from behind and have to turn it into a track meet to take advantage of their poor transitional defense. They now get to benefit from being back indoors and get to go back to their roots.
Gonzaga will look to start out fast and up the tempo while connecting from deep. Texas is a phenomenal defensive unit, number one in ADJ Def, but that can be neutralized should they make them uncomfortable with their pace.
As for Texas, they should have no issue keeping up with the scoring pace as they will have a massive size mismatch down low as this is one of Gonzaga’s smaller lineups in the past few years. Better yet, Texas is lethal down low, converting at nearly 80% on the block.
I expect this one to be a differing stylistic matchup that will result in points in bunches as both teams look to exploit each other’s weaknesses.
College Basketball Best Bet Today – Best Texas-Gonzaga Bet: Over 143.5
South Dakota State vs #9 Arkansas
South Dakota State comes in as a sizable underdog against a Razorback team with championship aspirations in what will be my favorite game of the slate.
South Dakota State comes in as a potential early sell high team as they have been torching opposing defenses with efficient shooting numbers. Ranked 65th in AdjO per Kenpom, South Dakota has been lethal from within the three point line. They have connected at 72.7% on the block and 45% from midrange.
The issue? They now go against an elite defense in Arkansas, one that is sure to limit the Jackrabbits scoring output. Arkansas is currently top-5 in AdjD and specializes in Havoc on the defensive end. Pressure that South Dakota has not faced yet.
Couple that with a massive disadvantage on the boards and this shapes up to be a matchup where South Dakota State is just simply outmanned. Take Arkansas at -14 in what will be a dominant display of defensive and board management for the Razorbacks.
College Basketball Best Bet Today – Best South Dakota State-Arkansas Bet: Arkansas -14
Iowa vs Seton Hall
What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? I have no idea. But we may get a more clear answer to that when Iowa’s high powered offense travels to Seton Hall to take on their formidable defense.
After a disappointing tournament run, Iowa comes back with the same identity as a lengthy high-powered offense that can bury you in a hurry.
As for Seton Hall, they are under new regime with new head coach Shaheen Holloway who has started 2-0 in impressive style. While I was under the impression Seton Hall would take a minor step back early on, they have won two dominant victories behind elite defensive play.
Like Iowa, Seton Hall is lengthy at every position and is a nightmare to try and score against. They smother the perimeter with their length while allowing minimal damage down low.
Iowa will be a much greater step up in offensive production, but it’s never easy to find success on the road early on behind the style of effective shooting.
While Seton Hall’s offense has struggled early on, they get a good chance to improve against Iowa’s defense. While better than years past, Iowa still struggles to defend in transition and cuts to the pain at an alarming rate.
For your best Iowa-Seton Hall bet, take Seton Hall to cover at home at no higher than -2. This number is bouncing around so be sure to shop around for the best number.
College Basketball Best Bet Today – Best Iowa-Seton Hall Bet: Seton Hall +1.5
