Wednesday College Basketball Best Bets | November 6, 2024

Starting the season strong, two of the best bets for the day are UConn and Rutgers. Both teams bring serious firepower to the court with revamped rosters and high expectations. Let’s dive into why these are the plays that should set up a successful start.

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2023-24 College Basketball Season: +33.35 units

Tuesday’s College Basketball Card: 0-3 (-3.4 Units)

Wagner vs Rutgers

Jeremiah Williams looks to guide the Scarlet Knights to victory in their first game of the season

Wagner vs Rutgers odds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.

Bet: Rutgers (-17) (-112) on BetOnline

Here I am once again, betting on a big favorite to kick off the season. This time, it’s Rutgers on the spread against Wagner.

Everything points to this being one of the best offenses head coach Steve Pikiell has had at Rutgers. They’ve added top recruits Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, ranked No. 2 and No. 3 by 247Sports, two guys who can spread the floor and should make an immediate impact. The Scarlet Knights also return guards Jeremiah Williams, Jamichael Davis, and center Emmanuel Ogbole, bringing familiarity and veteran presence.

On the other side, Wagner lost its top three scorers from last year. They bring back Javier Ezquerra, their senior guard and assists leader, and Zaire Williams, who only played nine games last season. With limited returning experience and a lot of new faces, Wagner just doesn’t have the firepower.

Tempo-wise, Wagner is dead last, while Rutgers—though still slower-paced—plays significantly faster. At home, Rutgers can control the pace, push Wagner out of its comfort zone, and dominate.

Sacred Heart vs UConn

Former Saint Mary’s star, Aidan Mahaney looks to make a big splash at UConn.

Sacred Heart vs UConn odds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.

Bet: UConn (-34.5) (-120) on BetOnline

Yes, we’re doing it. We’re betting on UConn today, and the number doesn’t matter. Do not be scared. Do not worry. Do not think twice. The reigning national champions are the play.

New Huskies, Same Vibe

Sure, the Huskies had to replace a few key pieces from their title run, but they’ve reloaded with serious talent. Most notably, they’ve added former Saint Mary’s standout Aidan Mahaney, a career 37.5% 3-point shooter, averaging 13.9 points and 2.6 assists per game. Mahaney brings serious depth to UConn’s backcourt. Alex Karaban also returns for his junior year. The 6’8 forward averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and shot 37.9% from deep last season.

And of course, they’re still led by the best coach in college basketball, Dan Hurley, who has his team locked in from the first game, every season. UConn has won each of its past three openers by at least 30 points. With the talent they’ve retained and added this offseason, they’re well-equipped to make it four straight.

Meanwhile, Sacred Heart comes off a close game against Temple on Monday, where they covered as 14-point underdogs. Playing twice in three days to start the season could leave them a little sluggish. Covering that big spread to start the year might’ve also drained them, possibly leaving less in the tank to face the reigning champs.

Bottom line: I’m riding with the trend, the better team, and the better coach. Give me UConn to win by 35+ tonight.