Thursday, Feb. 9 promises to be an exciting night of college basketball, with a jam-packed schedule of games that are sure to have fans on the edge of their seats. With the season heating up and teams battling for position heading into March Madness, the stakes are high. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the world of college basketball betting, this article will provide expert analysis and guidance to help you make informed decisions and maximize your winnings. Let’s break down the best college basketball betting picks for tonight’s slate.
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College Basketball Betting Picks & Odds | Feb. 9
College Basketball Odds: Louisiana-Southern Miss O/U 147.5
OddsShopper’s Insider Discord identified this is as a value, and the Louisiana-Southern Miss total dropped to 147.5. This is a highly competitive game in the Sun Belt, as both Louisiana and Southern Miss already have 20 wins this year. Louisiana won the first matchup 75-61. With the game totaling 136 points, it comes as little surprise that the under has taken money here.
From a pace perspective, this game should be around the 70-possession NCAA average mark. Louisiana averages 70.8 possessions per game and Southern Miss is at 69.5. Both teams’ offensive strengths match up against the other team’s defensive strength. For example, Southern Miss ranks 65th in 2-point percentage, but Louisiana is 115th in 2-point defense. Likewise, the Ragin’ Cajuns are 12th in 3-point percentage, while Southern Miss is 105th in 3-point defense. With a modest pace and tough offensive matchup for both teams, look at the under here.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: UNDER 147.5 (-110) at BetMGM
College Basketball Odds: San Francisco (+14.5) vs. Gonzaga
This number is bouncing between +13.5 and +14.5 for San Francisco, and injury will play a major role in this game. Gonzaga starter Nolan Hickman went down with an ankle injury late over the weekend, leaving him questionable here. If Hickman gets ruled out, expect this number to move. However, a number of other factors point to San Francisco as a value. This includes these teams’ first game, which ended in a 77-75 Gonzaga victory.
While Gonzaga certainly has advantages, San Francisco has a few itself. The Dons are ninth in 3-point attempts and 77th in 3-point percentage. Meanwhile, Gonzaga is 214th in 3-point defense. San Francisco also has a height advantage, ranking 31st in effective height and Gonzaga 70th. With that said, Drew Timme still creates a difficult interior test for the Dons. With all of that said, enough factors point to San Francisco as a value here.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: San Francisco +14.5 (-115) at BetMGM
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College Basketball Odds: UAB (+11.5) vs. North Texas
Line movement has reduced the value here significantly. However, UAB still has some potential buying opportunity against North Texas. First of all, this Blazers team finally looks healthy. They played without their best player in Jared Walker for a stretch of time during the midpoint of the season, losing a pair of games in that span. This includes the first matchup against North Texas, where UAB fell by a score of 63-52.
However, Walker has since returned from injury and even eclipsed 30 minutes in UAB’s most recent game. More importantly, he gives the Blazers a way to score against North Texas’ 23rd-ranked defense. On top of returning Walker, UAB also has a massive height advantage. The Blazers rank 79th in effective height, while North Texas is 230th. This is also reflected in rebounding, as UAB is third overall and North Texas’ 267th.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: UAB +1.5 (-110) at BetMGM
