College Basketball Picks

Ignas Brazdeikis, the freshman, has now topped 20 points in three consecutive games and is playing at a very high level as defenses struggle to adjust to what he brings to the table. He’s been the cog that has taken Michigan’s offense from pedestrian to solid, and when he’s on, Michigan is as good as anyone in the country. Can bettors expect Purdue to slow him and stay within the 6.5 point spread?

The Badgers are looking to avenge their 18-point loss from nine months ago at the hands of a nearly-identical Hawkeye team. Happ was able to get his numbers in that game, but it will be on the supporting guys to step up to deal with the Hawkeyes potent offense. Khalil Iverson is too inconsistent. Third year guard D’Mitrik Trice has been solid but unpredictable. And Buzzcut Brad Davison fills out a White Guy Bingo cards like no other player in the NCAA, but he’s going to need to do something besides draw charges to help Wisconsin in this one. Kyle Cash gives his basketball prediction on how this match-up will play out.

UCF spreads its scoring pretty well, and it’s long on experience, which sets this up as a chance for coach Johnny Dawkins to reach a breakthrough in Year 3 in Orlando. The Knights get strong contributions from B.J. Taylor and Aubrey Dawkins, but it’s the play of Tacko Fall that catches the attention of most people due to him being 7 foot 6. Can UCF’s balance attack make up for the 6 point handicap?

Were Michigan’s early struggles a mirage, or did the Wolverines get something figured out after two lackluster games to start the season? Whatever it was, the struggling start to the year seems like it was months ago instead of just over two weeks, and the Wolverines are now rolling at both ends of the floor. Michigan has been spectacular on defense in all six of its wins, but now that freshman Ignas Brazdeikis has gotten rolling, the Wolverines appear just as solid when they have the basketball. Does Michigan have enough momentum to cover the 3 point spread? DJ has your college basketball pick!

Duke showed that it is human in Maui, playing a tight game against Auburn and falling to Gonzaga in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated. But those are both top 10 teams on a neutral court, which says that Duke is still an immensely talented squad that will likely be a major factor in both the ACC and the national title chase. Do they have enough momentum to cover the bookie’s line of -14.5? DJ has your basketball pick.