Yesterday’s college basketball slate didn’t have a lot of excitement. Tonight’s slate doesn’t have many games. However, there are still a few exciting games on the menu. Therefore, I went to the AI Model and asked for its favorite three bets. Here’s what it came up with.
Picks Summary
- Purdue -13.5 (-110)
- VCU -1.5 (-110)
- St. John’s +4 (-110)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
USC Trojans vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Friday, February 07, 2025 – 07:00 PM ET at Mackey Arena
The AI Model predicts Purdue will add a 14-point win at home against USC tonight. Meanwhile, you can find Purdue at -13.5 via Bet365. That’s the best bet for this game.
Does USC Have Enough Offense?
The USC Trojans have shot 35.3% from deep and 54.6% from inside the arc this season. The offense should at least find success inside against Purdue. However, the Boilermakers have still limited teams to 31.1% from deep.
Ultimately, USC doesn’t take many threes. But if they’re trailing early, they’ll be forced to. That won’t be ideal, given that USC has added just 27.1% of offensive rebounds per game this season.
Purdue should succeed on the glass, and if the Boilermakers can force more threes, they’ll be in a great position down the stretch.
How Does USC Stop Purdue?
The Purdue Boilermakers are likely the best offense in the Big Ten. They’ve shot lights out, hitting 38.3% from deep and 56.4% from two-point range.
Ultimately, USC has defended the three well. Yet, the Trojans have given up 52.6% from inside the arc.
The Trojans have also fouled at a higher rate, and Purdue typically gets to the foul line at a much higher rate. Purdue will easily outscore the Trojans. It’ll likely be enough to cover.
Ride with the AI Model and take Purdue at -13.5.
NCAAB Pick: Purdue -13.5 (-110) at Bet365
Virginia Commonwealth Rams vs. Dayton Flyers
Friday, February 07, 2025 – 07:00 PM ET at UD Arena
The AI Model thinks VCU will escape with a two-point win on the road against Dayton. However, you can find VCU at -1.5 against the spread at most books. Ride VCU here.
Another Massive Offensive Game For VCU Incoming
The VCU Rams have scored at least 90 points in two consecutive games. Now, they’ll take on a Dayton defense that has allowed teams to shoot 34.3% from deep and 51.4% from inside the arc.
VCU is clicking on all cylinders, and Dayton likely won’t have the answers on defense.
You Can Trust VCU
The VCU defense is so much better. It limits teams to 30.6% from deep and 44.7% from inside the arc.
The Rams foul at a higher rate, but that’s all they’ve done wrong on defense this season. In addition, VCU has limited teams to 28.9% of offensive rebounds, and Dayton ranks 223rd in offensive rebounds this season.
Take VCU at -1.5.
NCAAB Pick: VCU -1.5 (-110) at Bet365
St. John’s Red Storm vs. UConn Huskies
Friday, February 07, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at Gampel Pavilion
The AI Model believes St. John’s will cover as four-point underdogs with a three-point loss on the road. St. John’s at +4 via Bet365 is the way to go.
The Three-Point Battle Is Interesting
The St. John’s Red Storm aren’t a heavy three-point shooting team. In fact, St. John’s has added just 22.3% of points from downtown and ranks 346th in 3PA/FGA. It’s a good thing St. John’s doesn’t take many shots from three since the Red Storm have hit below 30% from three.
However, the Huskies have allowed teams to shoot 36.8% from downtown. St. John’s could take advantage of this and make more open looks from downtown on the road.
Meanwhile, the Huskies have also fouled at a super high rate. The Johnnies don’t get to the foul line very often, but that could change in this game.
Plus, St. John’s is usually careful with the ball. Since UConn has added just 16.7% of turnovers, the Huskies aren’t much of a threat to force a high rate of turnovers.
St. John’s Plays Defense!
The Red Storm ranks fourth in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency. They’ve held teams to 43.1% from inside the arc and have added 21.9% of turnovers while giving up just 28.1% of offensive rebounds.
Beyond that, the Johnnies don’t foul nearly as much as UConn. They’ve also forced 13.1% of steals per game this season.
I’m riding with the road team at +4. Analytically, St. John’s is better.
NCAAB Pick: St. John’s +4 (-110) at Bet365
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
