Tonight’s college basketball action is highlighted by a Big East matchup between Villanova and Marquette. However, this slate also contains a few other elite matchups like Ohio State-Michigan and Iowa-Minnesota in the Big Ten. 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
Ohio State-Michigan Odds
Odds via bet365
Ohio State: +120 | Michigan: -140
Ohio State +2.5: -110 | Michigan -2.5: -110
Over 155: -110 | Under 155: -110
When: Monday, January 15 at 2 p.m. ET
Ohio State-Michigan Pick
Now 2-3 in the Big Ten, Ohio State hits the road to face Michigan after two straight conference losses to Indiana and Wisconsin. Ohio State will face a Michigan team that sits at 1-4 in conference. So far Ohio State has played the 118th ranked schedule, while Michigan checks in 17th.
The Wolverines will have the services of Dug McDaniel here. However, this team refuses to defend with or without McDaniel, ranking 251st in defensive efficiency. This team is 49th in effective height and wins through its frontcourt behind Olivier Nkamhoua. However, this hasn’t even been consistent, with Tarris Reed getting benched for Will Tschetter. Ohio State is 74th in interior defense behind its 167th ranking in effective height. Ohio State also has better depth inside compared to recent years, with Zed Key splitting time with Felix Okpara.
The Buckeyes are 40th in offensive efficiency and 65th on defense, both better than Michigan. On top of a deep frontcourt, Ohio State ranks 44th in 3-point percentage as a team. Michigan is outside the top 200 in 3-point defense, giving Ohio State a clear matchup to exploit. While road games have proved tricky this season, Ohio State has enough firepower to best a reeling Michigan team.
Best College Basketball Predictions: Michigan -2.0 (-110 at bet365)
George Mason-George Washington Odds
Odds via bet365
George Mason: +195 | George Washington: -240
George Mason +5.5: -110 | George Washington -5.5: -110
Over 131: | Under 131: -110
When: Monday, January 15 at 2 p.m. ET
George Mason-George Washington Pick
George Mason takes on George Washington as a 3-point favorite in a game with a 131 total. George Mason currently sits at 13-4 thanks in part to a 246th-ranked strength of schedule. Meanwhile, George Washington is 13-3 and has the No. 359 schedule.
The total in this game is predicated on George Washington’s pace. The team ranks 35th in adjusted tempo. However, it has slowed significantly since December, dropping to 128th. Even at its season-long pace, this may not matter. George Mason plays at a snail’s pace, ranking 331st in tempo. This has remained consistent throughout non-conference and conference play. In general, slower teams have an easier time controlling pace.
George Washington also is 75th in defensive efficiency, which should help neutralize George Mason’s 65th-ranked offense. However, it is 133rd in offensive efficiency. Both teams have elite shooters, which could pose a problem to this total, but with pacing projecting towards the under, there is still room for an efficient game that comes in under the total.
Best College Basketball Predictions: George Washington -5.5 (-110 at bet365)
Best College Basketball Side & Total Picks Today
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