Now that it’s December, it’s finally conference season. However, multiple teams are still playing outside their conferences.
Tonight, Gonzaga faces Kentucky in a big game at Rupp Arena. But we can’t forget other intriguing matchups like Cincinnati-Xavier in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout. In addition, Notre Dame has a non-conference game against TCU in Fort Worth, Texas.
Both of these games should be electric, and I’ve got a best bet for each.
Here’s our college basketball picks today.
A Fun-Filled Friday!
Many bettors will shift focus to college football tonight. But there’s also value in college basketball. Over here, we’re worried about making money, not necessarily what game we’re betting on to make money.
I’ve got a best bet in the Cincinnati-Xavier game and Notre Dame-TCU matchup. Follow along below.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Xavier Musketeers (-1.5)
The Cincinnati offense has struggled this season. It’s added just a 51% effective field goal percentage, and the Bearcats have turned the ball over 20.2% of the time. In addition, the Bearcats have shot below 65% from the foul line and only 31.8% from three, despite taking a ton of threes.
Xavier is electric on the defensive glass and won’t give Cincinnati second chances after its first miss from three.
On the other hand, the Bearcats are simply one of the best defensive teams in the nation, holding teams to a 44% effective field goal percentage. Opponents have struggled around the rim, and that won’t change with Xavier. Xavier has shot below 45% from inside the arc and has been blocked 13.4% of the time. Cincinnati will protect the paint in this one.
Therefore, I’m not picking a winner. Just give me the Under 146.5.
Expert Pick: Under 146.5 (-115) at BetMGM
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. TCU Horned Frogs (-6.5)
Notre Dame is primarily viewed as one of the worst Power 4 teams in the nation this year. However, analytically, the Fighting Irish aren’t terrible.
The offense has shot a 53.8% effective field goal percentage and has brought down almost 34% of offensive rebounds. It’ll be hard to stay consistent offensively against TCU, but Notre Dame has enough firepower.
On the other hand, TCU has shot worse from the field, hitting 33.7% from three-point range and 51.1% inside the arc. Notre Dame won’t win the turnover battle, but it could win the fight on the glass.
This should be a closer game than the books anticipate. I’ll grab Notre Dame, on the road at +6.5 (-105).
Expert Pick: Notre Dame +6.5 (-105) at Caesars
Build The Bankroll For The Weekend!
There are so many exciting sporting events in December! We’ve got conference play in college basketball, plenty of meaningful college football, fun NBA action throughout the month, and other sports.
I’m looking to build the bankroll this entire month, and college basketball has treated us well around this time for years. Consider the two bets I talked about. There’s plenty of value in those two games. You’ll want to take advantage of these wagers with other bonus offers from your new accounts at places like Caesars and Bet MGM.
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