Conference games are beginning in all conferences. Here are three bets that our computers like in three different conference matchups for January 2.
Picks Summary
- Purdue -5.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Creighton-Georgetown Over 148.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Syracuse-Duke Over 152 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Maryland Terrapins
Tuesday, January 02, 2024 – 07:00 PM ET at XFINITY Center
Our AI Model likes Purdue to earn a 13-point victory on the road tonight. With Purdue sitting at -5.5 against the spread on Bet365, betting on the Boilermakers is the way to go.
Purdue is ranked as the No. 1 team in the nation via the AP Poll. The Boilermakers are also second in KenPom.
Purdue has just one loss this season, and that came against Northwestern on the road in overtime. But since that loss, Purdue added wins against Alabama and Arizona and has also defeated Tennessee and Marquette, along with many other top teams.
Maryland’s Issues
Purdue is legitimate. Maryland probably isn’t.
The Terrapins have won five straight games. However, they’ve already got losses to Davidson, IAB, and Indiana. All of their home games have been against poor competition. That’s why they’re undefeated at home.
The Boilermakers should dominate the offensive glass and should hold Maryland to a poor field goal percentage, with the Terrapins shooting just 27.5% from three this season.
Take Purdue at -5.5.
NCAAB Pick: Purdue -5.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Creighton Bluejays vs. Georgetown Hoyas
Tuesday, January 02, 2024 – 07:00 PM ET at Capitol One Arena
The AI Model suggests Creighton and Georgetown will combine for 156 points. The total for this game is currently at 148.5, meaning the Over looks to be the play tonight.
The Creighton Bluejays have looked like a National Championship contender some days. They’ve also struggled in many games on other days. Creighton is 1-3 in its last four games. However, the one win came against top-rated Alabama, and the losses were close ones to Villanova in overtime and Marquette by five.
Georgetown’s Challenges and Strengths
Meanwhile, they’ll take on a Georgetown team that has also lost two straight to Butler and Marquette. Georgetown doesn’t have a win against a team outside of the top 173 via KenPom. That’s because the Hoyas have turned the ball over 20.3% of the time and have hit just 48.5% from inside the arc.
Turnovers and Shooting Efficiency
However, Creighton is only earning 11.2% of turnovers per game. That’s one of the worst rates in college basketball. Therefore, it’s likely that Georgetown limits turnovers more in this game.
The Hoyas have also shot over 35% from downtown and have dominated the offensive glass with nearly 35% of offensive rebounds.
On the other hand, Creighton’s shooting the ball at a 58.8% effective field goal percentage. That’s good for fourth in the nation. The Bluejays don’t get to the foul line at a high rate. However, they’ve shot 37.5% from three and 61.3% from inside the arc. Creighton has also hit over 75% from the foul line.
Beyond that, Georgetown has allowed teams to hit 51.4% from inside the arc. The Hoyas are also weak on the defensive glass and don’t add a bunch of turnovers themselves.
Let’s grab the Over 148.5 at -110 betting odds.
NCAAB Pick: Over 148.5 (-110) at Bet365
Syracuse Orange vs. Duke Blue Devils
Tuesday, January 02, 2024 – 09:00 PM ET at Cameron Indoor Stadium
The AI Model suggests Syracuse and Duke will add 159 points in tonight’s game. With the actual line at 152, the Over has a cushion of multiple possessions per the AI Model.
The Syracuse Orange have earned five straight wins after impressive victories over Oregon and Pittsburgh in those previous five games. They’ll take on a Duke squad that has four straight wins, including a neutral eight-point win over Baylor. Syracuse is shooting about a 50% effective field goal percentage. It’s not great, but it’s also not ugly.
The Orange have struggled on the offensive glass but are still shooting 51% from inside the arc. While Syracuse isn’t as effective from three, the Orange aren’t taking a high volume of threes this season anyway. Syracuse is also getting to the foul line at an average rate but hitting their foul shots at an above-average rate.
Duke’s Offensive Prowess
On the other hand, Duke should do most of the scoring to help push this game Over. The Blue Devils have shot 36.5% from three and 56.4% from inside the arc. They’ve even limited turnovers to 12.9%, which is 7th in the nation.
On top of that, Duke has nailed 73.8% from the foul line and should have success on the offensive glass, with the Orange allowing 32.5% of offensive rebounds.
Syracuse has also allowed teams to shoot above 50% from inside. Like Syracuse, Duke isn’t going to take a load of threes. They’d rather get higher-quality looks around the rim. Those will come easy for the Blue Devils.
Take the Over in this one.
NCAAB Pick: Over 152 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
