Thursday’s college basketball schedule may not be the most compelling, but there are definitely a few games worth checking out. The SEC-Big 12 clash between LSU and Kansas State is certainly the highlight of the night. We’ve also picked out a few other games and offered our best bet for each matchup.
Northern Iowa (2-1) at Wichita State (2-0) -8.5, O/U 151.5
Both of these programs are typically among the best mid-majors in the country and have a chance to make some noise this season. Wichita State is off to a fast start behind a potent offense that’s averaging 90.0 points per game. Georgia transfer Justin Hill is quickly settling in with the Shockers, averaging 24.0 points and 5.5 assists over his first two games. As for the Panthers, they are coming off a 20-point blowout loss to UC Irvine. UNI got bullied in the paint in that game but didn't play that poorly otherwise. That should be less of a concern against the guard-dominated Shockers, enabling the Panthers to bounce back and at least be competitive in Wichita.
Pick: Northern Iowa +8.5
LSU (2-0) at Kansas State (2-0) -7.5, O/U 149.5
The Wildcats have looked good early in the season with transfers Brendan Hausen and Max Jones forming a new backcourt tandem. Both players have averaged at least 15.0 points per game over K-State’s first two wins. Illinois transfer Coleman Hawkins is also making a big impact at both ends while senior David N’Guesesan has taken his game to another level. Meanwhile, the Tigers are led by Kansas State transfer Cam Carter, who is averaging 21 points per game in the young season. Fellow transfers Dji Bailey and Jordan Sears are filling out a new-look backcourt for LSU. However, outside shooting has been an issue for the Tigers, who were also out-rebounded by Alabama State in their last game. They might not be able to keep up with the Wildcats for 40 minutes.
Pick: Kansas State -7.5
Grand Canyon (2-0) -5.5 at Arizona State (2-1), O/U 149.5
It says something about Grand Canyon being favored against Arizona State. The Antelopes are clear favorites in the WAC, especially after adding multiple transfers from power-conference programs. However, a two-point win over Western Kentucky raises some eyebrows. Through two games, the Antelopes have more turnovers than assists and are shooting less than 30% from three-point range. Arizona State, on the other hand, went toe-to-toe with Gonzaga over the weekend, putting up a fight before losing 88-80. The Sun Devils still have a lot to figure out, but Bobby Hurley has some talent and his team is always going to play hard. The Sun Devils should have gotten a confidence boost from their close call with Gonzaga and look capable of upending Grand Canyon.
Pick: Arizona State +5.5
Northern Arizona (2-1) at Pacific (3-1) -7, O/U 150.5
Coming off a loss to Hawaii, it’s surprising to see Pacific as a sizable favorite. The Tigers haven’t shot the ball well this season, even with a couple of cupcake wins. They also look overly reliant on Elias Ralph and Elijah Fisher, although Lamar Washington is also having a good season, averaging over 9.0 points and 9.0 assists per game. But they aren’t necessarily poised to run away from the Lumberjacks, who at least challenged themselves early in the season by playing at Stanford. Northern Arizona put up a good fight in that game and has good inside-outside balance, which isn’t the case with Pacific. Look for the Lumberjacks to make this a close game and at least beat the spread.
Pick: Northern Arizona +7
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