College basketball has done its best to garner fans’ attention with its non-conference scheduling during football season, but tonight they ramp it up a bit as the 12th edition of the Champions Classic kicks off tonight. The Champions Classic features Kentucky taking on Michigan State in what will be an intriguing matchup with depth uncertainty. Then the Duke Blue Devils will battle it out against the reigning champion Kansas Jayhawks.
College Basketball Predictions & Bets
Kentucky-Michigan State O/U 140.5
Kentucky holds a small edge over the Spartans in the Champions Classic, sitting at 2-1. While Kentucky has been on cruise control thus far into the season, the Spartans come off a devastating loss to Gonzaga in the Armed Forces Classic. They held onto the lead until the very end, losing by 1 against one of the best teams in the nation.
They now get a chance to redeem themselves, as Kentucky will pose as equally as big a threat as one of the premier teams in the nation. After a disappointing first-round exit, Kentucky comes into this season with championship aspirations behind a very experienced roster.
That said, not all is swell in the Kentucky household, as star player Oscar Tshiebwe has yet to step on the court after a preseason injury, though he is expected to play today. Even if he is a go, he will likely be on restricted minutes as he rounds back into form.
With a potential massive loss down low and on the boards, Michigan State will have to take advantage of that with strong physical play themselves. That was apparent in their last outing, as they kept it close against Gonzaga behind the backs of frantic defensive play. They will need to take advantage of the rebounding advantage, which they failed to do against a much smaller Gonzaga unit. They were edged out 28-37 in the rebounding battle.
Kentucky will have a massive advantage in transition, as the Spartans lack transition defense. That was a concern for the Spartans coming into the season and was on full display as Gonzaga mounted their comeback, anchoring down and putting up points in a hurry.
The best play here is the over at 140.5 (no higher than 143), as Michigan State’s shooting numbers should experience positive regression now that they are back indoors. Plus, Kentucky should be able to put up points in a flash in transition.
Final Kentucky-Michigan State College Basketball Prediction: OVER 140.5
It’s a new regime for the Duke Blue Devils, as Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement tour came to an end after a Final Four loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels. While they came into this year with uncertainty, they have started as about as well as one could hope for, with dominant play and a 2-0 record.
The offense still has work to do, especially in halfcourt sets, but the defense has been dominant. Even against inferior competition, the Blue Devils have not allowed anyone to score over 45 points.
As for Kansas, it is experiencing turnover as well after a championship run, as it is without last year’s key contributors. The Jayhawks only returned two starters from last year’s star-studded team, with Dajuan Harris Jr. and Jalen Wilson manning the front and back courts.
Adding more to the Kansas offensive identity uncertainty, this is a rare year where the Jayhawks lack a star big man. As coach Bill Self transitions more into the modern style of basketball, the Jayhawks identity will completely shift to guard play and outside shooting. This could spell trouble tonight for Kansas, as Duke brings in size down low, with 6-foot-11 monster Kyle Filipowski and 7-foot-1 Dereck Lively doing damage on the blocks.
To make a smaller lineup work, Kansas will have to be lethal from deep, and they may be able to do just that since Duke struggles to guard the perimeter. Gradey Dick is poised for a big outing for Kansas, as he is a lethal shooter and will have plenty of open looks against Duke’s perimeter woes.
With both offenses having massive advantages for different reasons, take the over on 145, but do not play it any higher than 147.
