Tonight’s college basketball action is highlighted by a Big Ten matchup between Michigan State and Illinois. However, this slate also contains a few under the radar matchups like Gonzaga-Santa Clara out west. Now let’s get into today’s best college basketball predictions and player props for today. Make sure to check out our other college basketball articles and our college basketball betting tools!
Best College Basketball Predictions & Player Props Today
Best College Basketball Side & Total Picks Today
Gonzaga-Santa Clara Odds
Odds via bet365
Gonzaga: -390 | Santa Clara: +310
Gonzaga -8.0: -110 | Santa Clara +8.0: -110
Over 158: -110 | Under 158: -110
When: Thursday, January 11 at 9:30 p.m. ET
Gonzaga-Santa Clara Pick
After a pair of home conference wins, Gonzaga will now take their talents on the road as eight point favorites against Santa Clara. Overall, Gonzaga has an 11-4 record with the 121st most difficult schedule. Similarly, Santa Clara sits at 11-6 behind the 78th most difficult schedule.
While Gonzaga still has the superior body of work, this team draws Santa Clara at a questionable time. Santa Clara has dealt with multiple player absences this year, including Carlos Marshall, Christoph Tilly, Jalen Benjamin, and Brenton Knapper. However, all project to play in this game. At full strength, Santa Clara has one of the more unique rosters in the country. The team ranks third in effective height, while still ranking inside the top 100 in three point percentage. Their main concern has been turnovers, but Gonzaga ranks 174th in turnovers forced.
As for the Gonzaga offense, this team only ranks 186th in three point percentage. This comes as a major concern against the compact, towering Santa Clara interior. Gonzaga does rank 68th in effective height, but they really only have one legitimate three point shooter in Nolan Hickman. With Santa Clara getting healthier and playing at home, grabbing the points makes sense.
Best College Basketball Predictions: Santa Clara +8.0 -110 at bet365
Arizona State-Washington Odds
Odds via bet365
Arizona State: +250 | Washington: -310
Arizona State +7.0: -110 | Washington -7.0: -110
Over 152.5: | Under 152.5: -110
When: Thursday, January 11 at 9 p.m. ET
Arizona State-Washington Pick
An interesting matchup between PAC12 foes, Arizona State takes on Washington as a seven point underdog in a game with a 152.5 total. Washington enters this game with a 9-6 record behind the 25th ranked strength of schedule. Similarly, Arizona State holds a 10-5 record with the 18th most difficult schedule.
As far as edges go, the over comes in with plenty of intrigue. Both teams play at a top 100 pace and Washington actually ranks 28th overall in this metric. On top of that, defense could be a question on the Washington side. The Huskies rank 137th in defensive efficiency, but they’ve shown no problems scoring themselves. This team ranks 47th in effective height has a well balanced roster, capable of scoring at all levels. Led by Keion Brooks and facilitator Sahvir Wheeler, Washington should find ample ways to score.
As for Arizona State, this team ranks 296th in offensive efficiency. However, they’ve turned a corner of late, scoring at least 71 point in four straight games. Part of this comes from Adam Miller receiving his waiver. A spot up shooter, Miller currently shoots 36% from three, giving Arizona State some much needed firepower in their backcourt. While less skilled in the frontcourt, this team does rank around the top 100 in effective height, where Washington has been weak for stretches this year. Ultimately looking at an over here makes plenty of sense.
Best College Basketball Predictions: over 152.5 -110 bet365
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Best College Basketball Props Today
Michigan-Maryland Player Prop
A Big Ten matchup between a pair of top 100 teams, Michigan takes on Maryland as a six point underdog in a game with a 139.5 total. The biggest story with Michigan remains the Dug McDaniel six-game road suspension. With Michigan hitting the road here, the Wolverines will be down their stud point guard.
Figuring out who runs the point will be crucial to Nimari Burnett‘s PRA prop. Michigan’s backup point guard Jaelin Llewelyn has only played seven minutes over the last three games due to injury. With Llewelyn expected to be limited, two-guard Burnett could be forced to run point. Burnett already has solid rates with a 14.6% shot rate, 11.7% rebound rate, and 18.4% assist rate over the last three games. With McDaniel vacating a 19.7% shot rate, 20.4% rebound rate, and 18.8% assist rate, Burnett’s prop has plenty of room towards the over.
Best College Basketball Player Prop: Nimari Burnett Over 17.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists +100 at DraftKings
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