College Basketball Picks

Akron brings a top-5 adjusted offense into Athens to face an Ohio defense ranked 301st nationally. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Zips’ efficiency dominance makes them a strong road favorite despite the MAC conference setting.

Butler lays 7.5 at home against Marquette, and the efficiency numbers suggest the spread might be light. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Bulldogs’ elite shooting and rebounding advantage should lead to a comfortable Big East win at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Saint Louis lays 8.5 on the road at St. Bonaventure in an A-10 matchup featuring a massive efficiency gap. The Billikens rank #22 nationally in adjusted net rating while the Bonnies have dropped four of five. Bash breaks down why the tempo battle and offensive firepower make this spread look generous.

Utah State travels to Moby Arena as 4.5-point favorites against Colorado State in a Mountain West clash that pits elite defense against the nation’s best three-point shooting. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Rams’ offensive efficiency and home court make them the play.

Michigan’s laying 15.5 at home against Ohio State, and the efficiency numbers back it up. The Wolverines own the #1 adjusted net rating in the country at 36.2, while the Buckeyes sit at #38. With elite interior defense and rebounding dominance, Michigan should control this Big Ten clash at Crisler Center.

Indiana brings elite efficiency metrics into Jersey Mike’s Arena as 6.5 to 7-point favorites over Rutgers. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Hoosiers’ #20 adjusted net efficiency and suffocating defense should overcome their recent struggles against a Rutgers team that ranks #220 nationally.

Elon’s laying 2.5 at home against Towson in a CAA battle that pits elite offense against solid defense. With Elon ranking 272nd in defensive rating and Towson bringing the 150th-ranked defense, this spread might not account for the Tigers’ ability to slow down the Phoenix attack.

Montana State lays 5.5 at home against Idaho State in a Big Sky battle between near-identical teams. The Bobcats’ shooting efficiency and perimeter defense should be enough to cover against a Bengals squad that can’t make threes.

UC San Diego’s elite shooting meets UC Davis at home in a Big West battle. The Tritons are laying 2.5 to 3 points, but the efficiency numbers tell us why this spread might be giving us value on the road favorite.

UNC Wilmington heads to William & Mary as 1.5-point road favorites in a CAA clash that pits contrasting styles. Bryan Bash breaks down why the Tribe’s tempo advantage and home court make them the right side despite the Seahawks’ impressive 9-1 record.