College basketball is almost at the primetime stage with only one NFL game left. There are plenty of good college games this weekend, with plenty of rivalry games ahead. Here are a few games on our radar to put on your parlay or to consider when making your bets against the NCAA Basketball odds.
College Basketball Weekend Parlay Games
UConn Huskies vs Villanova Wildcats
We have a very good matchup in the Big East on Saturday. It is a Top-20 matchup with the #17 UConn Huskies and the #12 Villanova Wildcats. This is also a big matchup for standings in the Big East, with Villanova ahead of UConn currently. This game tips off at noon on Fox.
UConn is off to a 15-5 start on the season, with a 6-3 record, much to their timely performances in big games. The Huskies have three players that have led the way for most of the season, R.J. Cole, Adam Sanogo, and Tyrese Martin. All three players are averaging double figures on the season. The Huskies are primed and poised for another run in the Big East and the NCAA Tournament.
The Villanova Wildcats will be hungry for a win after suffering a tough loss to conference opponent, Marquette. The Wildcats have lost two of their last five, both to the Golden Eagles. The Wildcats are 16-9 on the season with a tough strength of schedule. They pride themselves on their defense, only giving up 61.1 points per game on average.
This is a close matchup between two very good teams, and the spread on this will be close. With the success of Villanova, we expect the Wildcats to win and cover this game.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs Indiana Hoosiers
An old rivalry continues between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Indiana Hoosiers. The Illini have been very successful in this rivalry the last few seasons, winning a great game in Bloomington last year. The Illini are headed back to Bloomington against a much better Indiana team. This game tips off at noon on ESPN.
The Fighting Illini are in sole possession of the first place in the Big Ten after a big win at home against Wisconsin. Illinois is finally fully healthy with Andre Curbelo and Kofi Cockburn both back. Cockburn had one of his best performances against the Badgers the other night with 37 points and 12 rebounds. The Illini are trying to make it back-to-back years as the Big Ten Champions.
In the first season with Mike Woodson as head coach, the Hoosiers are off to a good start at 16-5 on the season. Indiana has a winning record in the Big Ten at 7-4, and beating Illinois would only add to their signature wins. The Hoosiers beat their state rivals Purdue for their biggest win of the season.
This is a game that will be a tough environment for the Illini to play in. They will have their work cut out for them, but they have the better team. This spread may be around seven points and Illinois should be able to win.
Baylor Bears vs Kansas Jayhawks
The matchup we have all been waiting for in the Big 12, the Baylor Bears, and the Kansas Jayhawks. Coming into the season, we knew it would more than likely come down to these two teams and this matchup will not disappoint. This is scheduled for a 4 p.m. tip-off on ESPN.
The defending National Champions, the Baylor Bears are off to a slow start in their defense. With a record of 19-3, it’s not like the Bears a bust, but they have fell down to #8 in the rankings. The Bears have four players averaging double figures, led by L.J. Cryer, but the Bears are looking for that guard to take over.
Kansas has played in a lot of tough games lately. In their last game, the Jayhawks survived a tough road game against the Iowa State Cyclones. The game before that, Kansas was boat raced by Kentucky at home. The Jayhawks are looking to hold their half-game lead over the Bears with a win on Saturday night.
This is a game that could be decided by a flip of the coin, but this is a game we see Kansas winning. The Bears have struggled in big games and Kansas has the better guard play. Look for the Jayhawks to win in a great game.