On a relatively small day of NBA basketball, hoops heads have something to look forward to with an excellent slate of college games. Dartmouth takes on Marist in an exciting early tip-off, whilst a battle between two 5-1 teams takes place as UCF play host to Alabama. The day concludes with some exciting matchups in California, as UC Davis look to get their struggling season back on track. Let’s take a look at our 4 best spread bets on the board in another exciting slate of NCAA ball.
Dartmouth Big Green
Dartmouth enters this one at 3-3, currently sitting 1st in the Ivy League conference. Sophomore Forward Chris Knight has led the way offensively for the Big Green this season, averaging 15 points and 6 boards on the campaign so far. He has been capably supported by Guard Brendan Barry, who is currently averaging 11 points and 4 assists per contest. Undefeated at home this season, Dartmouth has every chance to keep this up in a relatively even-matched fixture.
Marist Red Foxes
The Red Foxes make the trip to Dartmouth at a precarious 1-4 on the season so far. Senior Brian Parker is the clear leader of this team, averaging 15 points, 5 boards and 3 assists. Reserve Ryan Funk has also added some much-needed scoring off the bench, putting up averages of 11.5 points and 4 rebounds so far this season. This Marist team has struggled to put up reliable offense this season and will need to improve here.
Prediction: Dartmouth +1.5
I don’t see how this Marist side are favourites on the road against Dartmouth. The strong Dartmouth defence should be enough to shut down Marist here, whilst Chris Knight does enough on offence. I expect an outright win for Dartmouth here, making them great value +1.5.
Central Florida Knights
The Knights have started the season very impressively and enter this one with a 5-1 record. Senior Guard B.J. Taylor has led the way offensively this season, putting up big scoring outbursts of 29 and 22 points so far. Sophomore Forward Collin Smith is providing a much-needed presence on the interior, registering 17 rebounds in his last 2 games. With their diverse range of scoring options, the Knights look very good value here at home.
Alabama Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide have also had a strong start to the season and make the trip to Central Florida off the back of 3 straight wins. Freshman Guard Kira Lewis Junior has shown strong flashes so far, averaging 22 points over his last 2 games. He is capably supported in the backcourt by Shooting Guard John Petty, who’s averaging a shade under 14 points and 5 boards per game this season.
Prediction: Central Florida -6
Central Florida has a strong matchup advantage over Alabama on the interior here. Couple this with their playmaking backcourt and excellent homecourt and I expect them to win this comfortably. 6 points just isn’t enough of a margin here.
Arizona Wildcats
The Wildcats have struggled of late, losing consecutive games to find themselves at 4-2. Sophomore Guard Brandon Randolph has provided consistent offence so far, registering double figures in every game as he averages 17 points. Junior Center Chase Jeter provides an excellent interior complement, averaging an efficient 11.5 points and 7 boards so far. Having lost against two top-10 opponents in Auburn and Gonzaga, I’m not too worried about this strong Wildcats team.
Georgia Southern Eagles
Georgia Southern make the trip to Arizona off an impressive start to the campaign, winning 5 of their first 6 to sit first in the Sun Belt conference. Senior Guard Tookie Brown has emerged as the star man for this Eagles side, averaging 19 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds per game. Shooting Guard Quan Jackson provides an excellent complement in the backcourt, averaging a shade under 17 points and 6 boards on the season.
Prediction: Georgia Southern +9.5
Whilst I think Arizona will win this game, I don’t see them blowing out this very competitive Georgia Southern team. They have a versatile array of playmakers that should prove useful in keeping this one close.
UC Davis Aggies
UC Davis enter this crucial match off of a disastrous start to the campaign, losing 6 of their first 7 games. On a team that has struggled mightily on offence, Senior Guard Siler Schneider has provided some relief, scoring in double digits in each of his last 4 games. Point Guard TJ Shorts will need to perform better as the team’s leader, shooting under 40% from the field and only 23% from 3.
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks
Prediction: The Lumberjacks enter this one at 2-2, having suffered a big loss to Hawaii last time out. Sophomore Guard Carlos Hines has impressed this season, averaging 15 points per game. Small Forward Bernie Andre is also providing a much-needed interior presence, enjoying averages of 13 points and 7 boards so far this season. To claim an elusive road win here, the Lumberjacks defence will need to improve.
Prediction: UC Davis -8
I believe UC Davis are undervalued here due to their very tough start to the season. They definitely have the playmakers to take care of this Northern Arizona side and I believe they’re capable of locking them down defensively.