Friday’s are always the calm before the storm. There’s not a lot of college basketball action at the top-rated sportsbooks, but there are a few games with value per our AI Model. Let’s attack them below!
Picks Summary
- Villanova -8.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
- Hoosiers/Buckeyes Over 148 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
- Hawkeyes/Bruins Over 152.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Providence Friars vs. Villanova Wildcats
Friday, January 17, 2025 – 07:00 PM ET at Finneran Pavilion
The AI Model predicts Villanova will cover an 8.5-point spread with a nine-point win over Providence at home tonight.
Villanova Needs This!
The Villanova Wildcats are on the cusp of a March Madness berth—it would be close. However, Villanova has lost its last two games, which hasn’t helped its resume. However, it’s a new day and a new game tonight. The Wildcats are still one of the best offenses in the nation, shooting a 41.1% three-point percentage and 53.8% from inside the arc.
The Wildcats have also hit 79.5% from the foul line and shouldn’t have to worry about turnovers, knowing Providence has gained only 13.4% of turnovers per game. The more shots Villanova can take, the better. This offense is exceptionally talented.
Providence Will Rely On The Three Ball!
It’s always hard to project teams that rely so heavily on the three-ball. A team can be lights out from long range or just have a bad night.
But that’s Providence. The Friars will rely on the three on the road against Villanova. That’s not ideal.
The Pick
Take Villanova at -8.5 and tail the AI Model.
NCAAB Pick: Villanova -8.5 (-110) at Bet365
Indiana Hoosiers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
Friday, January 17, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at Schottenstein Center
The AI Model predicts Ohio State and Indiana will combine for 150 points. However, the total is set at 148. The over has some value in this Big Ten matchup.
Indiana Needs To Get To The Foul Line!
The Indiana Hoosiers rank 79th in adjusted offensive efficiency. Their offense is above average, but they just don’t shoot three-point shots as efficiently as they would like.
That said, Indiana doesn’t shoot a ton of threes. After all, the Hoosiers have added just 23.7% of points from three. They’d rather score inside, where they’re shooting 54% from the field.
They’ll also be aggressive around the rim and should get to the foul line at a high rate. Ohio State has already fouled at a super high rate, so look for Indiana to take advantage.
The Buckeyes Can Stick Around!
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been a better offense than Indiana this season. Ohio State has shot much better from three and hit 54.6% from inside the arc.
Although Indiana doesn’t foul as often, Ohio State consistently gets to the foul line at a reasonable rate. The offensive rebounds won’t come easily, but the Buckeyes will be able to keep turnovers down.
Indiana has averaged just 16.1% of turnovers per game this season, which ranks 267th in college basketball.
The Pick
After looking through the analytics, the Over sounds the most appealing.
NCAAB Pick: Hoosiers/Buckeyes Over 148 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. UCLA Bruins
Friday, January 17, 2025 – 09:00 PM ET at Pauley Pavilion
The AI Model predicts UCLA and Iowa will score 153 points in tonight’s tilt. However, the total is 152.5, meaning the over has little value in this game.
Iowa Can Shoot It!
The Iowa Hawkeyes have the second-best effective field goal percentage in the nation. Iowa has drilled 39.8% from downtown and 59.1% from inside the arc.
While Iowa doesn’t always dominate the glass or get to the foul line, the Hawkeyes have done very well limiting turnovers. That will be key tonight. Iowa has turned the ball over 13.8% of the time, but UCLA ranks No. 1 in the nation in turnover percentage on defense.
If Iowa can hold onto the ball and get shots up, the Hawkeyes will have lots of success on offense.
UCLA Needs To Turn Things Around Quickly!
The UCLA Bruins aren’t desperate, but they’re coming close to that. The Bruins have lost four consecutive games and are now 11-6 on the season.
However, the offense should be fine. After all, Iowa has allowed a 53.1% effective field goal percentage and has given up 32.6% of offensive rebounds. The Bruins will have an easy time scoring inside and should also win the rebounding battle, especially on the offensive end.
The Pick
Give me the Over in this potentially fast-paced matchup.
NCAAB Pick: Hawkeyes/Bruins Over 152.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
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