It looks like Saturday could be a great day for college basketball. And if it still looks like the last few days, we could see a wild day in the hardwood.
We’ve already seen 10 teams ranked – including five in the top 10 and eight in the top 16 – losing this week in the sport. So, with 17 teams classified in action on Saturday, it is likely that some high-level teams stumble in a similar way.
Ongoing for the day include SEC classifieds, Big 12 and Big Ten with real implications of the conference title at stake, as the regular season slowly comes to an end.
Our team met once again to define our choices for the next day, so keep rolling to go against the spread and direct the advice to disappear or follow as you wish.
Jonathan Coachman is joined by Mike McClure to distribute the best bets in the NBA and college basketball for Saturday at The Early Edge. Download and subscribe to The Early Edge on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
No. 11 Tennessee in Kentucky
Most recent odds:
Tennessee Volunteers -3.5
When: 20h | Where: Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky
TV: ESPN | Live broadcast: fuboTV (try for free)
Between the two highlighted defensive units and the two fighting offensive units of Kentucky and Tennessee, this game has a real first to 60 wins type vibe. In this context, I really think the UK has a chance to fight, leaving aside its defined struggles. He has managed to stay in close games against good teams this season on several occasions, and Tennessee is 4-3 in single-digit games. So, if there was ever a time in the UK, finally — finally – got a breakthrough, maybe it is against a Vols team that cooled down after a strong start in the SEC. Prediction: Kentucky 60, Tennessee 59 – Kyle Boone
So, who wins all the college basketball games today? And which underdogs cause impressive surprises? Visit SportsLine now to get choices for each game, all from the unbiased model that simulates each game 10,000 times, and find out.
No. 10 Alabama at No. 18 Missouri
When: Noon | Where: Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri
TV: ESPN | Live broadcast: fuboTV (try for free)
Alabama has been the base of Covertown, USA, recently. He has covered 10 of his last 12 and 12 of his 19 games this season. More specifically, it has been excellent on the road against spread, covering the number in four of its five away games. So give me some Crimson Tide here. They face a Mizzou team that has played two consecutive games and is certainly shot. This is a recipe for success for an Alabama team that will run up and down at a frantic pace. Prediction: Alabama 81, Missouri 70 – Kyle Boone
No. 19 Wisconsin at No. 12 Illinois
When: 14:30 | Where: State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois
TV: Fox | Live broadcast: fuboTV (try for free)
There is nothing about the recent Wisconsin games to suggest that he could hit the road and cause an upheaval here. But there are all about Wisconsin under Greg Gard in recent history to suggest that he can do just that. The Badgers are 17-4 in regular season games for the past three seasons under Gard in February and March. And, specifically against Illinois, they have won 15 of their last 16 games against Illini, with their only loss last season breaking a streak of 15 straight wins against Illini. Prediction: Wisconsin 69, Illinois 67 – Kyle Boone
No. 23 Kansas at No. 17 West Virginia
When: 14h | Where: WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia
TV: CBS | Live broadcast: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (free)
OTT: CBS Sports app (Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast)
Kansas fights on the road, and West Virginia seeks revenge after a weak defensive effort against the Jayhawks in December. Expect Mountaineers to have KUs under 65 and this time, they can lift them out of the top 25 for the first time since the 2008-09 season. Prediction: West Virginia 79, Kansas 71 – David Cobb
Washington in Oregon
When: 16h | Where: Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon
TV: CBS | Live broadcast: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (free)
OTT: CBS Sports app (Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast)
Oregon is still finding its rhythm after having to take a break due to problems with the COVID-19, and Washington has shown explosive offensive flashes. The Ducks are the right choice to win, but don’t be surprised if the Huskies cover the 14 point difference. Prediction: Oregon 75, Washington 68 – David Cobb
North Carolina in Duke
When: 18h | Where: Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina
TV: ESPN | Live broadcast: fuboTV (try for free)
Duke has been playing basketball better lately. Leaving the two-point loss to Miami aside, it looks like it’s starting to turn a corner with freshman Jalen Johnson coming on hard. So, with the emergence of Johnson and the continuation of Matthew Hurt’s All-ACC production, Duke at home against his state rival – in which he won three consecutive wins in the series – is my inclination here. It could be the last chance to really establish your credentials for the NCAA Tournament and I don’t think Duke gave up silently. Prediction: Duke 70, UNC 64 – Kyle Boone