College basketball tips off tonight with a pair of top-100 matchup between Indiana-Wisconsin and UNLV-Colorado State. However, plenty of action also exists in the mid-majors with Wagner-Merrimack and Akron-Kent State on the slate. With plenty of college basketball action in store, let’s dive into today’s best college basketball betting picks and predictions, for Washington-Cal and more. Make sure to check out our other college basketball articles and our college basketball betting tools! Nonetheless, onto our best college basketball picks today!
Best College Basketball Predictions Today: Akron-Kent State Bet (More!)
Akron-Kent State Odds
Odds via Bet365
Akron: -115 | Kent State -105
Akron -1.0: -110 | Kent State +1.0: -110
Over 143.0: | Under 143.0: -110
When: Friday, January 19 at 7 p.m. ET
Best Akron-Kent State Bet
Starting the year 13-4 behind the 206th most difficult schedule, Akron opened conference play with a 5-0 start. Their only four losses occurred against top 100 opponents, with three of those coming by three points or less. Meanwhile, Kent State has a 9-8 record with the 245th most difficult schedule. 2-3 in conference play, Kent State will now host Akron as a one-point favorite in a game with a 143 total.
Starting with Akron, this team holds a strong edge offensively. Led by elite scorers Enrique Freeman and Mikal Dawson, Akron ranks 138th in offensive efficiency with the 42nd ranked effective field goal percentage. The Zips only rank 241st in effective height, but they hold a massive mismatch inside behind Freeman. The most efficient player in the conference, Freeman has led Akron to the 25th ranked interior offense and 102nd ranked rebounding unit. Kent State ranks 196th in overall defensive efficiency, 163rd in interior defense, and 165th in rebounding. Beyond Freeman, Akron also has a pair of players in Greg Tribble and Sammy Hunter shooting over 40% from three.
As for Kent State, this team only has one top 20 player in the MAC in Chris Payton. They rank 150th in offensive efficiency, which clashes against Akron’s 134th ranked defense. 128th in effective field goal percentage, Kent State lives and dies by the three. They have a pair of players in Jalen Sullinger and VonCameron Davis shooting over 40% from three, but Akron’s 148th ranked three point defense comes in as the strength of their team. Kent State also struggles with turnovers, where they rank 245th nationally. Akron creates turnovers at the 106th most frequent clip, giving them yet another matchup advantage. While Akron does hit the road here, they’ve already won five times away from home. This should add confidence to the Akron side of this matchup.
Best College Basketball Predictions Today: Akron -1.0 -110 at Bet365
Wagner-Merrimack Odds
Odds via BetMGM
Wagner: +200 | Merrimack: -250
Wagner +5.5: -105 | Merrimack -5.5: -115
Over 124.5: | Under 124.5: -110
When: Friday, January 19 at 7 p.m. ET
Wagner-Merrimack Best Bet
Beginning the year 8-7 behind the 351st most difficult schedule, Wagner opened Northeast Conference play with a 2-1 start. Meanwhile, Merrimack has a 9-9 record behind the 212th most difficult schedule. Now 3-1 in conference play, Merrimack will host Wagner as 5.5-point favorites in a game with an 124.5 total.
Starting on the Wagner side, the Seahawks have been without Zaire Williams and Rahmir Moore. Moore only played three games, but averaged 30 minutes in that span. Similarly, Williams was the second-leading scorer for this team on 25 minutes per game. Overall, this team brings significant concerns down two of their top players. Wagner currently ranks 354th in effective field goal percentage and they’ve played one of the weakest schedules in the country. This team ranks 327th in height and hemorrhages points inside.
As for Merrimack, this team comes in at full strength and possesses the top two most efficient players in the conference in Jacob O’Connell and Jordan Derkack. The Warriors ranks 232nd if effective shooting percentage, but they win through elite defense. This team comes in 55th in overall defensive efficiency and should excel against Wagner’s 329th ranked offense. With additional advantages inside, Merrimack should run away with this game.
Best College Basketball Pick Today, Player Prop: Merrimack -5.5 -115 at BetMGM
