Today’s Saturday slate in college basketball is electric. Many top 25 teams are playing, and some incredibly intriguing matchups are on the betting board. With so many games, it can get a bit overwhelming. That’s why I asked the AI Model for thoughts on some of the later games on tonight’s slate.
Let’s get to it!
Picks Summary
- Kentucky -8.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Stanford +5.5 (-110) at Bet365
- San Diego State -5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Saturday, December 21, 2024 – 05:30 PM ET at Madison Square Garden
The AI Model thinks Kentucky will earn a 10-point win over Ohio State tonight. Yet, you can find Kentucky at -8.5 at Bet365. That’s clearly the way to go.
Can You Trust Ohio State?
The Ohio State Buckeyes have shot an effective field goal percentage of 57.1%, hitting 40.6% from three and 54.9% from inside the arc.
However, Ohio State has also added just 28.2% of offensive rebounds and shot a 68.9% free-throw rate.
Down the line, that free throw rate isn’t appealing. However, neither is the offensive rebounding rate, knowing that Kentucky has limited teams to a 45% effective field goal percentage.
Nothing will come easy for the Buckeyes.
Kentucky Does The Little Things Better!
The Kentucky Wildcats have limited turnovers to 13.1%. Ultimately, Ohio State isn’t a threat to force turnovers, so Kentucky should be good there.
Additionally, Kentucky has nailed 36.7% from three and 58.7% from inside the arc. The Wildcats have also added a 72.3% free throw rate and have limited steals and blocks on offense at a very good rate.
Kentucky will likely also see the foul line more often, as Ohio State ranks 229th in FTA/FGA on defense.
I’m siding with Kentucky in tonight’s thrilling matchup.
NCAAB Pick: Kentucky -8.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Oregon Ducks vs. Stanford Cardinal
Saturday, December 21, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at SAP Center at San Jose
The AI Model believes Oregon will only defeat Stanford by five in San Jose, CA. However, Stanford is a 5.5-point underdog and would cover despite a five-point defeat. Take Stanford here.
Oregon Won’t Have It Easy!
The Oregon Ducks are 10-1 on the season and currently rank No. 10 in the nation. But this game certainly won’t be easy.
The Ducks have shot 34.1% from deep and 53.2% from inside the arc. Oregon has also added 35.1% of offensive rebounds and has turned the ball over only 16.7% of the time.
However, Stanford has limited teams to 31.4% from deep and 49.9% from inside the arc. The Cardinal should be able to keep Oregon away from its typical averages.
Can The Cardinal Work The Glass?
Stanford’s best chance of staying in this game is to work the glass. Like Stanford, Oregon has done very well defensively. The Ducks won’t let any easy buckets, but they still allow 31.4% of offensive rebounds.
With Stanford adding nearly 34% of offensive rebounds a game, it’s likely that the Cardinal win the rebounding game and add more possessions on offense with second chances.
If the Cardinal does that, they’ll stick around. Roll with Stanford at +5.5 and -110 betting odds per our AI Model.
NCAAB Pick: Stanford +5.5 (-110) at Bet365
California Golden Bears vs. San Diego State Aztecs
Saturday, December 21, 2024 – 10:30 PM ET at SAP Center at San Jose
The AI Model thinks San Diego State will add a seven-point win against California tonight. However, you can get San Diego State at -5 via Caesars. There’s a lot of value in the Aztecs here.
California Can’t Defend The Three!
The California Golden Bears have allowed an effective field goal percentage of 54.1%. That’s ultimately due to teams shooting 36.9% from downtown against California this season.
In addition, opponents have also shot 53.3% from inside against the Golden Bears.
Meanwhile, San Diego State has nailed 36.4% from downtown and 51.1% from inside the arc. The Aztecs have also been great at limiting turnovers, giving up only 15.6% of turnovers. They’ll likely win the turnover battle tonight.
California Isn’t Strong With The Ball
The California Bears typically shoot the ball well. However, they don’t always get as many opportunities. Instead, the Golden Bears have turned the ball over 19.3% of the time, which has really hurt them this season.
The turnovers should still be high, and the shooting should be weaker, especially since San Diego State has held teams to a 43.4% effective field goal percentage this season.
That ranks 9th in college basketball, so it’s unlikely California has a premier shooting night.
Grab San Diego State at -5. You likely won’t be disappointed!
NCAAB Pick: San Diego State -5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
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