Saturday College Basketball Best Bets | January 4, 2025

Saturday’s best bets are here, featuring crucial matchups between Ole Miss and Georgia, and Oklahoma and Alabama. From SEC clashes to teams in bounce-back situations, let us dive into these top games and find the best value on the Saturday slate.

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Georgia vs #24 Ole Miss Best Bet

Can Ole Miss bounce back after a brutal loss to Memphis a week ago?

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The Rebels are coming off a tough road loss to one of the most battle-tested teams in the country, the Memphis Tigers. After a week of rest, they return home to face the Georgia Bulldogs, who are coming off a less-than-impressive win over South Carolina State. Both teams have largely had easy schedules to start the season, facing just four teams inside the top 100, while the rest have been tune-up games against opponents in the high 200s and mid-300s.

However, the loss to Memphis may have been exactly what Ole Miss needed to get back on track. The Rebels rank top 60 in both offense and defense, excelling at protecting the ball and forcing turnovers, sitting in the top 10 in turnover percentage. Protecting the basketball has been a struggle for Georgia, as they rank sixth-worst in offensive turnover percentage. Ole Miss is also one of the best shot-blocking teams in the nation, ranked 6th in defensive block percentage.

Georgia has played three consecutive teams ranked 202 or higher, and they have not faced a team inside the top 100 since their home game against Buffalo on December 19th. Ole Miss, on the other hand, recently battled one of the most underrated teams in the country. This Rebels team should be more than prepared to get back on track with a big win over a conference opponent. With both teams possessing excellent defenses, this game will come down to which team makes fewer mistakes, and given how poorly Georgia handles the ball, Ole Miss should emerge with the win and cover.

HOTTY TODDY!

Best Bet: Ole Miss (-4.5) on BetOnline

#12 Oklahoma vs #5 Alabama Best Bet

Will the Crimson Tide hand the Sooners their first loss of the season?

This SEC matchup has been circled for over a month. It is January 4th, 2025, and the college basketball season is two months in. Today marks the Oklahoma Sooners’ first true road game of the season—yes, that is correct. They have played 13 straight games at home or at neutral sites. Their first road game comes against one of the best, most battle-tested, and fastest teams in the country, ranking top five in all three categories.

The Crimson Tide have been outstanding at home this season, boasting a perfect 6-0 record, with five wins over teams inside the top 150. They rank top 20 in both offense and defense, dominating across all advanced statistics. Notably, Alabama is ranked in the top 50 in offensive rebounding, an area where Oklahoma struggles defensively, ranking third-worst in defensive rebounding. Expect Alabama to capitalize on second-chance opportunities, especially since they lead the nation in two-point shooting efficiency. Although they struggle with three-point shooting, their high-speed tempo relies on quantity rather than quality from deep, trusting they will generate great looks inside.

There are many strong aspects to Oklahoma’s game, but their schedule has been the 90th easiest in the country. They have had the luxury of playing only five games away from home this season, so their impressive numbers are inflated. Oklahoma has faced just three teams inside the top 100, while Alabama has played eight teams in the top 100 and only one team ranked in the high 200s, with the rest of their opponents ranked inside the top 191. Give me Alabama!! *Pat McAfee voice*

Roll Tide!