Get ready for the excitement of college basketball betting as March Madness approaches. We have the inside scoop on Thursday’s top games, so join us as we analyze and offer expert insights to help you make informed and strategic betting decisions with the help of OddsShopper’s tools.
College Basketball Betting Picks & Odds | March 2
College Basketball Odds: Arizona State (+13) vs. UCLA
After jumping on Arizona State at +13, the line has moved to +11.5. UCLA won these teams’ first matchup 74-62 on the Sun Devils’ home court. However, ShotQuality graded the game slightly closer, with a 67-68 UCLA victory. Since the first matchup on Jan. 19, Arizona State has shown vast improvements, including a buzzer-beater over rival Arizona.
Stylistically, Arizona State presents a unique challenge for a smaller UCLA team. On the year, UCLA has simply been able to outscore most of its Pac-12 opponents behind its 39th-ranked offense. Arizona State is 240th on offense and 29th on defense, winning slower, defensive games. However, in the month of February, the Sun Devils have improved to 157th in offensive efficiency after starting the year 240th. With a renewed ability to score, Arizona State should cover this spread on the road.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Arizona State +11.5 (-110) at BetMGM
College Basketball Odds: Arizona (-1) vs. USC
Arizona defeated USC by a score of 81-66 in the first matchup between these teams. Unlike the other Pac-12 situation, the Trojans have been winning games, but they have been running hotter than the sun. The Trojans have won three straight, all of which ShotQuality graded as analytical losses. Even worse, USC is 8-2 in its last 10 games but should be 3-7 based on the actual shots taken on the floor.
USC ranks 16th in effective height but plays small. The Trojans are 204th in rebounding, which gives Arizona a massive advantage inside. The Wildcats enter this game 10th in rebounding and fifth in effective height. Even if USC gets its act together inside, Arizona still ranks 28th in 3-point percentage, giving them multiple ways to cover this spread.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Arizona -2.5 (-110) at BetMGM
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College Basketball Odds: Purdue vs. Wisconsin O/U 126.5
Bookmakers opened this line with a miniscule total. Despite both teams averaging around 66.0 possessions per game, the over has taken money. Both teams have strengths on offense that could exploit the defense of opponents, giving the over slight value.
On the Purdue side, Zach Edey should bully the oafs Wisconsin calls forwards. Despite Tyler Wahl and Steven Crowl having good size, Wisconsin ranks 186th in interior defense. However, the Badgers have been excellent shooting 3’s this year. They rank 101st in 3-point percentage and shoot the 84th-most 3’s despite their slow pace. With offensive advantages on both sides, look for a greasy over in this game.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Over 128.5 (-110) at BetMGM
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