There are some super exciting games on the college basketball slate tonight. The main one is between Wisconsin and Villanova in the Milwaukee Hoops Showdown, which will be featured on FOX at 8:00 pm ET primetime.
There’s also a Big East matchup between Seton Hall and Providence. Ultimately, Seton Hall has been one of the most surprising teams in the college basketball season. Can the Pirates continue to play well in Big East Conference play?
Let’s talk about our college basketball picks today.
Let’s Bet On The Two Biggest Games Of The Slate!
Typically, on Fridays, the slate is weak. But it always features a couple of appealing games. That’s what we’ve got tonight.
Despite a 10-1 record, Seton Hall is still a slight underdog on the road against Providence. On the other hand, Wisconsin is getting a semi-home game against Villanova, but will be labeled the road team. That’s a bit awkward, but that likely won’t have any effect on the Badgers in this one.
Seton Hall Pirates vs. Providence Friars (-1.5 -110)
The Providence Friars have shot 56.3% from the field, hitting 36% from deep and 57.9% from inside the arc. Providence is one of the better offenses in the nation, but it still hasn’t been able to get to the foul line consistently.
Since Seton Hall ranks 302nd in FTA/FGA on defense, Providence likely gets to the foul line more often, where the Friars shoot 79% from.
On the flip side, Providence has allowed teams to shoot 37.6% from downtown. The Friars aren’t forcing many turnovers, either. But that said, Seton Hall has only shot a 51.5% effective field goal percentage.
The Pirates aren’t an elite offense, but they should gain a few more second chances in this game.
Seton Hall will likely win the turnover battle and rebounding battle. But if the Pirates foul at a high rate, Providence will get a ton of points from the foul line and should also shoot much better from the field overall. That’s why I’ll take Providence at home.
Expert Pick: Providence -1.5 (-110) at Caesars
Villanova Wildcats vs. Wisconsin Badgers (+4.5 -105)
The Wisconsin Badgers were embarrassed in their latest game against Nebraska on the road. Wisconsin lost 90-60 to take its first loss in conference play in the Big Ten. This weekend, they’ll take a break from conference play and battle Villanova in Milwaukee.
Nova has lost to two top-ten squads, but has wins against everyone else. However, Wisconsin is ranked higher than “everyone else” Villanova played. So the Badgers should find success offensively in this one.
They have shot 52.7% from the field, 33.1% from downtown, and 55.9% from inside the arc. Ultimately, Villanova has allowed teams to hit 38% from three, and Wisconsin has taken a ton of threes per game throughout the season. With open looks and some confidence, the Badgers could drain many threes in this game.
Meanwhile, Villanova can hit a bunch of threes, too. The Wildcats have drained 36.8% from three and rank 41st in 3PA/FGA. They’ll shoot many threes, too, and Wisconsin has watched opponents drain 35.3% from deep this season.
It’s looking like both teams should have success from downtown. If that’s the case, I’ll grab the Over 150.5.
Expert Pick: Over 150.5 (-110) at BetMGM
Get In On The Action Today!
The night before Saturday is always a bit slower. But it also allows us to tune in to the high-major games on the slate.
You’ll surely want to tune into these games if you’re a college basketball junkie. But beyond that, I found some value in both games. You can take advantage of these college basketball picks today by signing up to partner sportsbooks like BetMGM and Caesars.
You can use these bets as part of their sign-up bonuses or ongoing promotions for existing users.
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