January comes to a close with several key college basketball contests on tap, including Kentucky and UConn hosting upset-minded conference foes and a streaking New Mexico squad that is a double-digit favorite in The Pit.
Picks Summary
- Florida +6 (-110) at Bet365
- Providence-Connecticut Under 139½ (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Boise State +11 (-110) at Bet365
Florida Gators vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at Rupp Arena
With a huge rivalry game on deck, are the Kentucky Wildcats in danger of looking past the Florida Gators on Wednesday night when the SEC foes collide in Lexington?
UK Aims for 6th-Straight Over UF
The Gators trail the Wildcats by a game in the SEC standings, and are 6-point underdogs at top sportsbooks for this matchup. Most shops expect a high-scoring affair with 171½ for the total.
These two put on quite a show nearly three weeks ago in Gainesville where Kentucky clawed back from a double-digit deficit to bring an 87-85 win back home. It was the Wildcats’ 5th-straight win in the series, and left Kentucky with a commanding 110-41 lead in the rivalry.
Gators Bring 3-Game Win Streak to Rupp
The loss to Kentucky on January 6th started a mini-slide for the Gators who would lose two of their next three. They have since won three in a row, the latest Saturday at home with a 102-98 overtime decision over Georgia. Florida blew a 21-point second-half lead before staving off the Bulldogs’ upset bid.
Kentucky split road decisions and NCAAB odds covers last week, losing at South Carolina on Tuesday and beating Arkansas in Fayetteville on Saturday. The Wildcats could be without guard Rob Dillingham (13.9 PPG, 2nd on team) on Wednesday due to an illness.
Kentucky hosts No. 5 Tennessee this weekend, and that game takes on extra importance after the Vols were upset on Tuesday. Look for another close battle between the Gators and Wildcats, and take the points.
NCAAB Pick: Florida +6 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Providence Friars vs. Connecticut Huskies
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 – 08:30 PM ET at Gampel Pavilion
Sitting atop the rankings and the Big East standings, UConn has been anointed 13-point chalk at Caesars for its Hump Day showdown in Storrs against the Providence Friars.
Huskies Lead Big East in FG%
Providence has recovered from a 4-game tumble to begin the month by winning its last three. The latest came against former coach Ed Cooley and Georgetown on Saturday when Devin Carter pumped in 29 to fuel an 84-76 win over the Hoyas.
The Huskies have won eight in a row since opening Big East play with a loss at Seton Hall. They absolutely destroyed Xavier at home on Sunday, shooting close to 60% from the field and 3-point range in a 99-56 beatdown.
 ‘Under’ Cashes 3 of Last 4 Meetings
These two will close the regular season against one another in Rhode Island, and the Huskies take a 47-31 lead in the rivalry into Wednesday’s game.
The schools split the regular season meetings with home wins and covers last year before UConn scored a 73-66 decision in the quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament.
Let’s follow the recent scoreboard trend in this rivalry with a play on the ‘under.’
NCAAB Pick: Under 139½ (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Boise State Broncos vs. New Mexico Lobos
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 – 10:30 PM ET at The Pit
What’s that? You didn’t know there were two ranked teams from the Mountain West and neither was San Diego State? If so, you really should pay closer attention, and you really should watch this New Mexico team in action on Wednesday against Boise State.
Lobos Have Won Last 12 at Home
It has been a strong season for the MWC overall. Utah State is No. 17 in the latest AP and coaches polls, and San Diego State, a runner-up to UConn in last year’s NCAA Tournament is knocking on the door of the top 25. Colorado State was also ranked earlier this year.
Boise State is presently No. 57 in the latest KenPom, and could use an upset win to improve its position while also passing New Mexico in the MWC standings. The Broncos are coming off a tough loss to Utah State and have won all 3 league road tilts (2-1 ATS).
New Mexico has won five in a row, and will enjoy almost a week off after this contest before traveling to face Wyoming. The first two wins in the streak came against San Diego State and Utah State at home where the Lobos are 11-0 SU, 9-1 ATS.
1st of 2 Meetings This Season
After each team recorded home wins in last year’s series, New Mexico leads the rivalry 13-10. At The Pit, the Lobos have won seven of 10, with the Broncos posting a dubya two years ago at one of the most difficult venues in the country for visitors.
New Mexico has been a good cover at home so far this season, but the 11-point spread is a bit high for this college basketball pick.
NCAAB Pick: Boise State +11 (-110) at Bet365
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