The Iowa State-Iowa Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series rivalry matchup will headline tonight’s college basketball slate. I asked the AI Model for its opinion on this matchup and two others.
Here’s all the info you need, along with three picks for tonight’s college basketball slate.
Picks Summary
- Iowa +6.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Texas Arlington +9.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Texas -19.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
Thursday, December 12, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at Carver-Hawkeye Arena
The AI Model thinks Iowa will only lose by six at home against Iowa State. While Iowa State is one of the best programs in college basketball, this rivalry is still expected to be close.
Rivalries Matter!
Sometimes, the stats on the paper don’t correlate with a rivalry. Iowa doesn’t defend inside very well and doesn’t shoot foul shots at a high rate.
But at home, with a wild environment and a non-conference rivalry, the defensive intensity should improve, and the makes from the foul line should be there.
Iowa has still shot 34.9% from three and 57.9% from inside the arc. If the Hawkeyes shoot that well, they’ll stay in this game and potentially win it.
The Hawkeyes Need To Play Their Way
The Iowa Hawkeyes are also one of the fastest offenses in college basketball. They’ve used 15.4 seconds per possession. However, Iowa State has limited teams to 18.7 seconds per possession and looks to make you work for every point.
Iowa’s goal will be to get out early on the fastbreak and score against Iowa State quickly before the Cyclones can get set. If Iowa can force Iowa State to play fast on both ends of the floor, Iowa will be in a prime position to at least cover at home. Take Iowa at +6.5 here.
NCAAB Pick: Iowa +6.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Texas Arlington Mavericks vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves
Thursday, December 12, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at First National Bank Arena
The AI Model thinks Arkansas State will defeat Texas-Arlington by 9. However, Texas-Arlington is +9.5 via Bet365 and is the play per our AI Model.
How UT Arlington Can Keep Up
The UT Arlington Mavericks are not a top-tier offense. Yet, they’ve shot 40.7% and added 30.6% of offensive rebounds with an above-average FTA/FGA ratio.
If UT Arlington can stay hot from three, they can stick around as near double-digit underdogs. Ultimately, it’s the Mavericks’ defense that is more concerning.
Arkansas State Isn’t Good At Shooting
The Mavericks have allowed 34.8% from three and 51.3% from inside the arc. These aren’t good numbers.
However, Arkansas State has shot just 28.8% from three and 47.9% from inside the arc.
The Red Wolves rank 314 in three-point shooting but have still scored 34.1% of points from downtown. They’re taking a lot of threes and not making them.
That should help UT Arlington escape with at least a cover. Side with the AI Model and back UT Arlington at +9.5.
NCAAB Pick: Texas Arlington +9.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
New Mexico State Aggies vs. Texas Longhorns
Thursday, December 12, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at Moody Center
The AI Model suggests Texas will add an 80-60 win over New Mexico State tonight. With Texas at -19.5 voa Caesars, the value is on the Longhorns.
Texas Should Return To Form
After losing to the UConn Huskies, the Texas Longhorns should be able to get back on track tonight.
The Longhorns have held the opposition to 41.1% from inside the arc, and New Mexico State has shot just 44.6% from inside the arc.
Furthermore, Texas should get to the foul line a lot in tonight’s game, especially since New Mexico State is one of the top fouling teams in the nation right now.
The Longhorns Limit Turnovers
The Texas Longhorns have only turned the ball over 13.7%. That’s significant since New Mexico State has added just 12.2% of turnovers per game themselves.
The Aggies have done well in limiting good shots, but Texas can score in many other ways, including at the foul line or on the glass with second-chance points. Take Texas at -19.5.
NCAAB Pick: Texas -19.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
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