Best NCAA Basketball Picks and Predictions (11/08): Saturday’s College Hoops Bets

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Kenyon Giles lis putting up 19.6 points per game for the Shockers - NCAA Basketball Picks

Saturday is here which means there are tons of NCAA Basketball games to bet on. Let’s waste no time and get right into our favorite College Hoops picks for today!

  • NCAA Basketball YTD
  • 5-3 (62.5%)
  • +1.62u

Hilarious stuff really, we are 5-0 on totals but 0-3 against the spread. Take that into account when you tail (or fade) these picks today.

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Best NCAA Basketball Picks and Predictions November 8

#15 Alabama vs. #5 St. John’s NCAA Basketball Picks

Zuby Ejiofer leads a loaded St. John's basketball squad - NCAA Basketball Picks

Zuby Ejiofer leads a loaded St. John’s basketball squad

Best Bet: Alabama/St. John’s Over 171 (-110) BetOnline

I snagged over 168.5 when this line initially dropped, but this number is still a go. Lace up your spikes, because this matchup is going to turn into a track meet. Both teams love to run, but Alabama can’t really defend yet, while the Johnnies might get to the free throw line on every single possession.

Read my full thoughts on this matchup here.

Northern Kentucky vs. #18 Tennessee NCAA Basketball Picks

Rick Barnes leads the Volunteers at home today against Northern Kentucky - NCAA Basketball Picks

Rick Barnes leads the Volunteers at home today against Northern Kentucky

Best Bet: Tennessee -27.5 (-110) BetOnline

Don’t be afraid of this big number. I actually snagged -25.5 last night, but the Volunteers should win by 30 easily. They are not looking ahead to anything, and although they struggled against Mercer, I trust Rick Barnes to fix those first game jitters. The Norse created 90 possessions in their opening game, leading me to think they can create some extra trips up and down the floor in this contest tonight, thus giving the hosts that many more chances to cover this number.

Tennessee is always very sound defensively, but only forced five turnovers while committed 19 of their own against Mercer. Look for them to clean things up offensively and really disrupt the Norse in order to cover this number.

Long Beach vs. Fresno State NCAA Basketball Picks

Best Bet: Long Beach/Fresno State Over 143 (-110) BetOnline

Heading out west, we are rooting for some points as Long Beach takes on Fresno State. The Bulldogs are coming off a one point home loss to USC-Upstate and will look to take their anger out on Long Beach. The hosts like to play fast, ranking in the top 50 in adjusted tempo this year, and are top five in turnovers forced.

While Long Beach’s offense doesn’t move the needle for me, they were swallowed up by San Diego State in their opener, and will have a better chance at finding some rhythm tonight. Plus there should be plenty of possessions for them to do so.

Prairie View vs. Wichita State NCAA Basketball Picks

Karon Boyd had a double double to kick off his Wichita State career - NCAA Basketball Picks

Karon Boyd had a double double to kick off his Wichita State career

Best Bet: Wichita State -16 (-110) BetOnline

Don’t over think this one, the Shockers are simply the much better team. They only had 68 possessions in their win against UNC Asheville to start the season, but transfer Kenyon Giles led all scorers with 20 points and Prairie View will turn up the speed.

The Panthers have two wins over lower tiered schools, scoring in the 90s in both matchups with 83 and 73 possessions. Now they have a real test over a division one opponent on the road, and it might be a wake up call for them, especially on defense. Most advanced analytic websites have the Shockers winning this by 20 or more, including Bart Torvik, Greg Peterson and Haslamtrics, so I’ll trust the numbers with this play.

Austin Peay vs. Air Force NCAA Basketball Picks

Best Bet: Austin Peay/Air Force Under 138.5 (-110) BetOnline

I feel like I don’t really have to sell you on this one. I was able to snag 140 yesterday before heading off to dream land, but it’s still a play for me at the current number. Air Force just plays painfully slow, whether it be on the hardwood or the gridiron. Maybe it’s a military thing? Who knows. What I do know, is that there won’t be enough trips up and down the floor for either team to reach 70 points.

The Falcons only saw 67 total possessions in their opener against Belmont on the road, and now at home against Austin Peay, they are going to continue to run at a snails pace. They shot less than 10 free throws, had over 20 turnovers, but still managed to shoot over 51% as a team. Today against Austin Peay, the Governors should be able to disrupt their offense a tad while also being unable to change the pace to something more appealing for them. It’s going to be a SLOW game in Colorado Springs.

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