Things are starting to get exciting in the college basketball world. Early-season tournaments are starting, helping to put big-time programs on the same court. There are plenty of examples of that on Thursday. We’ve picked out some of our favorite bets from those marquee matchups, as well as our favorite player prop of the night.
Syracuse (3-0) vs Texas (3-1) -10.5, O/U 155.5 - UKG Legends Classic (Barclays Center)
Syracuse might have the most misleading 3-0 record in the country. The Orange has struggled to put away teams like Le Moyne, Colgate, and Youngstown State. They’ve been terrible defensively against those teams while also struggling from the perimeter and even the free-throw line. They don’t look ready to face a Texas team that has no trouble blowing out weaker sides since losing its opener to Ohio State. That loss to the Buckeyes isn’t a great sign, but the Longhorns have responded well. Tre Johnson has looked like the best outside shooter in the country early in the season while Texas boasts plenty of size and physicality inside to match Syracuse’s Eddie Lampkin, enabling Johnson and the other guards to lead the Longhorns to a comfortable win.
Pick: Texas -10.5
#13 Baylor (3-1) -2.5 vs. #22 St. John’s (4-0) - Bahamas Championship (Baha Mar Hoops)
This is probably the game of the night, as Rick Pitino leads the Red Storm to the Bahamas for a big-time matchup with Baylor. RJ Luis has done it all for St. John’s thus far and is getting plenty of support from a deep backcourt. Both Deivon Smith and Kadary Richmond are averaging over five assists per game, as St. John’s shares the ball incredibly well and always looks to get the ball to the open man. They might be able to keep up with a Baylor team that’s scored over 100 points in back-to-back games and has looked good since losing its season opener to Gonzaga. The Bears seem to have a great balance between veteran players and the freshmen tandem of VJ Edgecombe and Robert Wright III. Baylor’s backcourt looks as deep as any team in the country while Norchad Omier is averaging a double-double. The Red Storm will make this interesting, but with such a small spread, the Bears will win and cover.
Pick: Baylor -2.5
VJ Edgecombe (Baylor) Over 11 Points vs. St. John’s
Edgecombe was born in the Bahamas and grew up there until he entered high school, so it’ll be special for him to play in his home country. That sentimentality is enough to bet on him having a big night. It also helps that he’s scored at least 11 points in three straight games after struggling in his collegiate debut against Gonzaga. He’s done that without the benefit of shooting particularly well from the perimeter. The St. John’s defense hasn’t been tested much, so there is no guarantee they’ll be able to handle the talented freshman, so we’ll lean toward him going over 11 points.
Virginia (3-0) at #11 Tennessee (4-0) -12, O/U 125.5 - Bahamas Championship (Baha Mar Hoops)
The Volunteers have already dismantled one ACC opponent, beating Louisville by 22 points on the road. They’ve continued to dismantle lesser opponents behind the leadership of point guard Zakai Ziegler and former Virginia big man Igor Milicic. Tennessee's scoring depth extends far beyond those two, as the Vols have looked close to unstoppable at times. Granted, Virginia continues to shine defensively despite Tony Bennett’s abrupt retirement right before the season. The Cavs knocked off Villanova by 10 points in their last game, passing their first big test of the season. But Tennessee is on a different level from the teams Virginia has played thus far. Unless the Cavs have the answer to slowing down the Tennessee offense, they won’t have the firepower to keep this game close.
Pick: Tennessee -12
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