After a wild slate yesterday, we’re left with a smaller slate today in college basketball. Still, there are a few intriguing matchups that the AI Model is eying. Let’s talk about them below.
Picks Summary
- Illinois-Washington Over 154.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Maryland +4 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- UCF +5.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Washington Huskies
Sunday, January 05, 2025 – 04:00 PM ET at Alaska Airlines Arena
The AI Model predicts Washington and Illinois will score 155 points in tonight’s game. However, Caesars currently has the total of 154.5 at 110 betting odds. Therefore, taking the over is the best option.
Illinois Just Scored 109!
The Illinois Fighting Illini finished with 109 points in a 109-77 win over Oregon on the road last time out. Before that game, Illinois scored 117 against Chicago State. Illinois has added more than 200 points in the previous two games combined.
The Fighting Illini should continue this dominance on offense but also get many chances at the foul line.
Washington has allowed a 34.9 FTA/FGA, which ranks 220th on defense.
Washington Will Help The Total
Nobody expects Washington to outscore Illinois. After all, Washington isn’t shooting it well from deep and has struggled at the foul line this year.
But the main contributor to points will be the lack of turnovers. Washington turns the ball over 16.7% of the time, while Illinois has earned 14.4% of turnovers.
The Huskies won’t shoot at a high percentage, but they’ll shoot many shots. The more shots, the more chances for points to be scored.
It’s why I believe they’ll be able to contribute enough, at least, to help push this game over the total with Illinois.
Grab the Over and thank the AI Model when this bet hits.
NCAAB Pick: Over 154.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Maryland Terrapins vs. Oregon Ducks
Sunday, January 05, 2025 – 04:00 PM ET at Matthew Knight Arena
The AI Model likes Oregon to earn a three-point win at home against Maryland. However, Maryland is a 4-point underdog. The Terps are the play in this game.
Maryland Must Win On The Glass!
The Maryland Terrapins are a fanatics offensive team. They’ve shot 36% from deep and 57.5% from inside the arc. The offense has also turned the ball over below 14% of the time.
But the biggest key tonight will be on the offensive glass. This season, the Terps have gained 34.2% of offensive rebounds per game, while the Oregon Ducks have allowed 30.1%.
The extra possessions will help Maryland stay afloat on the road in Oregon.
Don’t Sleep On The Maryland Defense
Maryland ranks 17th in defensive efficiency. They’ve been well above average in every major defensive metric this season.
The defense has limited teams to 29.4% from three and 46.4% from inside the arc. Maryland has also limited teams to 24.8% of offensive rebounds and has gained 22.4% of turnovers.
This defense will shock some people tonight. Take a chance with Maryland at +4, despite the Terps being on the road. This is a really good spot for an upset.
NCAAB Pick: Maryland +4 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Kansas Jayhawks vs. UCF Knights
Sunday, January 05, 2025 – 04:00 PM ET at Addition Financial Arena
The AI Model predicts UCF will only lose to Kansas by five points, 77-72, at home. Since UCF is +5.5 against the spread, you’ll want to consider the Knights here.
There Are Flaws With Kansas
The Kansas Jayhawks need to address some flaws. Although the team shoots the ball well from the field, it has earned just 28.4% of offensive rebounds and rarely gets to the foul line.
While Kansas should have more potential on the offensive glass tonight, don’t count on Kansas getting to the foul line very often in this one.
UCF Is Scoring at a High Rate
The UCF Knights have scored more than 81 points per game this year. The team has also added at least 86 points in three consecutive games heading into this one.
The offense is getting to the foul line way more and continues to shoot nearly 78% from the foul line.
UCF will likely hold on to the basketball, too. Kansas has earned just 16.7% of turnovers per game this season, ranking 226th in college basketball. Taking the home team in a conference matchup is never a bad idea.
NCAAB Pick: UCF +5.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
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