On a relatively quiet day of NBA basketball, hoops heads can still get their fill with an excellent slate of College Basketball action. Tonight’s slate is highlighted by an interesting affair in Pennsylvania, as the Quakers play host to #17 ranked Villanova. Central Florida playing host to Georgia Southern and Colorado visiting New Mexico are two other exciting matchups on the card. As always, let’s take a look at our 4 best spread bets on the card today.
Pennsylvania Quakers
The Quakers have had a very strong start to the season and enter this one at 8-2, good enough for 1st place in the Ivy league. Guard Devon Goodman has led the way offensively, averaging 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game on 40% shooting from 3. Junior big man AJ Brodeur has provided a strong presence on the interior, averaging 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists of his own. Despite the strong start to the campaign, Pennsylvania hasn’t faced anyone with Villanova’s quality yet.
Villanova Wildcats
The Wildcats enter this one with an 8-2 record, good enough for #17 in the country and 1st in the Big East. Senior Guard Phil Booth is having his best season for the Wildcats, averaging 15.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per contest. Big man Eric Paschall has also provided strong offensive production, averaging 15 points and 6 rebounds of his own. The reigning national champions, this Wildcats team is out to prove that they’re just as good as last year.
Prediction: Villanova -7
As probably the most high-profile game on this slate, I’m confident that the Wildcats will be well up for this one. I think they have the clear talent edge here and 7 points definitely aren’t too many to lay. Expect a comfortable Villanova win and cover here.
Central Florida Knights
The UCF basketball team has mirrored the strong success of its football team, winning 7 of their first 9 games this season. Senior Guard B.J. Taylor has been a big reason why, averaging 16.7 points through his first 9 contests. He is capably supported by Junior swingman Aubrey Dawkins, who is enjoying 15.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest so far. In addition to his great name, Senegalese Center Tacko Fall is also providing great production. He is currently averaging 10.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game, shooting 77% from the field.
Georgia Southern Eagles
The Eagles enter this one at a relatively impressive 6-2, although they have fallen in 2 of their last 3. Senior Guard Tookie Brown is very much their offensive leader, averaging 17.7 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. He is capably supported by fellow Guards Ike Smith and Quan Jackson, both of whom are averaging over 13.5 points per game.
Prediction: Central Florida -12
I think Central Florida matches up very well with this Georgia Southern side. They are significantly stronger on the interior and I’m expecting a big day from Tacko Fall. Laying only 12 points, I can easily see the Knights taking this by 20+.
New Mexico Lobos
The Lobos enter this one at 4-3, suffering losses in each of their last 2 games. Senior Guard Anthony Mathis is leading the way offensively, averaging 14 points per night whilst shooting 47% from 3. Sophomore Forward Vance Jackson is also providing solid production on the interior, averaging 13 points and 7 rebounds per contest as a stretch 4. The Lobos have historically had a very strong homecourt advantage, which I expect to hold true here.
Colorado Buffaloes
The Buffaloes enter this one in very solid form, winning 7 of their first 8 games. Sophomore Guard McKinley Wright is having a strong start to the campaign, averaging 15.1 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. Big men Lucas Siewert and Tyler Bey have begun to form an excellent partnership on the inside, combining to average 24 points and 14.5 boards each night. If the Buffaloes can win the matchup on the interior, they have a strong chance of taking this one.
Prediction: New Mexico +5
Buoyed by their excellent homecourt, I expect the Lobos to be competitive in this one. They are a strong 3-point shooting team that I expect to put up a lot of points here. Through the key number of 5, I’m comfortable taking New Mexico.
Wyoming Cowboys
The Cowboys have had a relatively disappointing season so far and enter this contest at a dismal 3-6. Senior Guard Justin James has started the season on fire, averaging 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Sophomore swingman Hunter Maldonado is providing much-needed interior support, averaging an impressive 14 points and 7 rebounds each night. The Cowboys do an excellent job of spreading the wealth, with 4 players averaging in double figures.
Denver Pioneers
The Pioneers have also struggled mightily in 2019, losing 7 of their last 9 games. Senior Guard Ronnie Harrell has been their best player this season, averaging 14.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per night. Junior Guard Ade Murkey complements him nicely, averaging 12 points and 5 boards per contest. Where the Pioneers appear to really struggle is on the inside, really lacking an interior presence.
Prediction: Wyoming -7.5
Even laying 7.5 points here, I’ve got to go with the favourite. I think their advantage on the interior will prove far too much here. Their defence is also more than capable of shutting down this struggling Denver offence.