The best thing about gambling, you're only as good as your next play! So I am putting my 1/4 #NBA gambling performance in the rearview mirror and looking straight ahead towards some mens college hoops WINNERS. If you don't believe them to be winners, then you don't believe in science.
Just for clarification, listing my pick after the matchup.
Minnesota @ Michigan ST u140.5 (-110):
The Michigan State Spartans are holding teams to just 30.3% from three, 50th-best in the country, 45.4% from two, 42nd-best, and 39% from the floor, 17th-best. It’s hard to find a good shot against this team, and that’s despite playing seven teams ranked in the Top 25 of adjusted offensive efficiency, including five of the Top 10. Minnesota has survived in the Big Ten thanks to some solid defense. The Gophers have held teams to 67.9 points and given up more than 71 points just five times in 17 games.
Wichita St. @ Florida Atlantic (FAU -14.5) -110:
Stylistically, this is a terrible matchup for the Shockers, as the Owls should be able to score en masse. Wichita State enters this game with one of the worst rim defenses in college basketball, and FAU as an offense is predicated on getting shots either at the rim or from deep. Florida Atlantic can get offense from wherever it wants against a defense that ranks near the bottom of the conference. I was shocked FAU wasn't a heavier favorite. I like their mascot, weird bird.
Illinois @ Michigan (Illinois -2.5) -110:
Michigan exits a home win against rival Ohio State but could be due for a letdown here. Keep in mind that Michigan shot a sizzling 52% from long range in that contest while the Buckeyes went just 3-for-25 from deep, so expect regression to the mean in both areas. Prior to that victory, the Wolverines had gone just 2-8 SU and 1-9 ATS in their previous 10 games, which included a double-digit loss at home to McNeese State. Take Illinois to win with some comfort here.
Hawaii @ Long Beach St. (Long Beach St -3) -110:
There's no place like home and for Long Beach State, that statement holds true as they return home looking to snap a two-game losing streak. The 49ers are 4-1 at home this season and with their ability to dictate the tempo of play at home, Hawaii should be run out of the gym. Lb ST averages over 80 points on 75 possessions per contest while the Warriors play a more methodical style of offense(trust the data). The problem is, Lb ST is the more talented of the two and their ability to create turnovers will lead to plenty of fast-break points. Did I mention they are a Top 50 rebounding team as well? Long Beach State wins and covers this short spread. Not going to lie, I'm betting this because I miss Uncle Tim, and playing beers with him, in Long Beach, NY.
Oregon @ Colorado (Colorado -5.5) -110:
Two football schools! It’s been impressive that Altman has kept Oregon not only afloat through a rash of injuries, but surging to the top of the conference standings. Still, I’ll point out all five victories have come over teams in the bottom half of the conference. In fact, they all have a losing record in Pac-12 play other than Washington State (3-3). The Buffaloes are a different kind of test and I expect them to make a statement and remain undefeated at home. "Now Play My Theme Music"-Coach Prime