March Madness is just around the corner, and college basketball fans are gearing up for some of the most exciting games of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to sports betting, betting on the outcomes can add an extra level of excitement to the games. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the top games to watch on Wednesday, Feb. 22, and offer expert analysis from OddsShopper’s team to help you make informed and strategic betting decisions for tonight’s matchups.
College Basketball Betting Picks & Odds | Feb. 22
College Basketball Odds: Vanderbilt (-1.5) vs. LSU
Insider Access Discord identified this bet as a value at -1, but Vanderbilt has jumped to -1.5 against LSU. This is the only time these teams will play this year, and LSU has lost 14 straight games after starting the season 12-1 against a cupcake non-conference schedule. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt rattled off five straight wins, including victories over top-20 teams Tennessee and Auburn in that span. While Vanderbilt is on the road here, this team still has multiple advantages over the Tigers.
On paper, LSU looks like one of the more interesting teams in the SEC. The Tigers rank 23rd in effective height but shoot a fair amount of 3-pointers, where they are 150th per game. Vanderbilt counteracts these theoretical strengths, ranking 57th in effective height and 62nd in 3-point defense. It should be noted that LSU doesn’t use its height of shoot 3’s particularly well. However, with a healthy Liam Robbins on the floor, Vanderbilt has multiple ways to beat LSU. Not only is Robbins 7 feet tall, but he also shoots 35% from 3, making him one of the most unique challenges to defend in the conference.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Vanderbilt -1.5 (-115) at BetMGM
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College Basketball Odds: Tulane vs. Houston Under 143.5
Houston won its first game against Tulane by a score of 80-60 on Tulane’s home court. While this 140 total came close to the current listed total of 143.5, ShotQuality scored the first matchup 65-64 based on the actual shots taken on the floor. With pace, matchup statistics and overall regression pointing to the under, 143.5 looks like a generous number.
On top of the data point from earlier this season, advanced statistics also point to the under. First of all, Houston plays slow basketball, averaging 66.1 possessions per game. While Tulane averages 77.4 possessions per game, the slower team generally has an easier time controlling tempo. Houston also ranks second in the country in defensive efficiency. The Cougars are fifth in interior defense and third in perimeter defense, displaying virtually no weaknesses. With Tulane also inside the top 100 in defensive efficiency, look for this game to come in under the total.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Under 143.5 (-110) at BetMGM
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College Basketball Odds: St. John’s (-2.5) vs Georgetown
In the Big East’s greasy game of the week, St. John’s travels to Georgetown to face the Hoyas for the second time. In the first meeting, St. John’s escaped with a 75-73 win on its home floor. It should be noted that Posh Alexander did not play in the first meeting. Per EvanMiya, Alexander is St. John’s second-most valuable player, and he also handles point guard duties.
St. John’s will be healthier for this game with Alexander back in the fold. The Red Storm also have enough size with David Jones and Joel Soriano to combat a Georgetown team ranked 44th in effective height. Overall, St. John’s is better than Georgetown in every major efficiency metric, including offense, defense, rebounding and turnover margin. With St. John’s taking money, this could be one to lock in earlier in the day.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: St. John’s -2.5 (-110) at BetMGM
