The Jimmy V Classic takes center stage on Tuesday in college basketball, but that doesn't mean there isn't betting value elsewhere in the sport.
In fact, our staff is dialed in on four particular games for Tuesday's slate, including a few Big Ten conference matchups — Illinois-Ohio State and Penn State-Indiana.
Read below for college basketball best bets, including three NCAAB picks and predictions for Tuesday, December 9.
College Basketball Best Bets
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our college basketball betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 6:30 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 8:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NCAAB Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Villanova vs. Michigan Pick
To give you some perspective when it comes to Michigan’s dominance this season, let’s start with its KenPom rating, specifically its Adjusted Efficiency Margin (36.43).
The last two national champions – Florida and UConn – finished their championship seasons with ratings of 36.
The Wolverines have the best Kill Shot margin in all of college basketball (+1.5 per game). What that means is they go on one to two 10-0+ runs per game, and they haven’t surrendered a single one yet.
When they draw a quality opponent, they’ve taken things to a whole new level. Michigan thumped Auburn 102-72 and Gonzaga 101-61.
This dominance starts with Yaxel Lendeborg, who’s playing at a Wooden Award level. He’s the second-highest rated defensive player in the nation, per Evan Miya, and he’s posted a pair of 20-10 double-doubles in the past five games.
When you pair his relentless defensive energy on the low block with Aday Mara, a 7-foot-3 shot eraser, it’s easy to see why no one is scoring inside the arc (37.5% 2PT FG, first nationally).
Meanwhile, Villanova looks reborn under the leadership of Kevin Willard, but the Cats have fattened up on cupcakes (285th SOS). In their opener against BYU, the Cougars' athleticism and depth bothered 'Nova. It showed up in their shooting percentage (36%) and in the turnover margin (-7).
I expect more of the same against the best defensive outfit in the country.
And one final piece to consider here, when laying 16 or more points, Dusty May really shines. In his year and a half in Ann Arbor, his Wolverines have fared 6-2 against the spread as a favorite of 16-plus.
Pick: Michigan -18.5 or Better
| | | |
NC Central vs. Kentucky Pick
Mark Pope looks like a broken man. Specifically, his offense seems broken.
This looks nothing like the Kentucky or BYU offenses of the past seven years. There’s very little pop off the bounce — hopefully, the team can eventually get Jaland Lowe back — and there’s a severe lack of shooting and spacing, often featuring lineups with multiple low-volume and/or poor shooters.
There’s a reason why the Wildcats are shooting 32% from deep this year after hovering around 38% for most of last season.
After dropping 64 against North Carolina and 59 against Gonzaga, this is a potential bounce-back spot for the Kentucky offense against a bottom-feeder. After all, the Wildcats scored triple-digits against Valpo and Tennessee Tech.
But while I have worries about the Kentucky offense, the Wildcats' defense has looked solid. They should shut down an NC Central offense that ranks dead last in 2-point shooting (35%). Six of the Eagles’ eight games have stayed Under the closing total, likely because they combine a horrific offense with some decent defensive athleticism in the frontcourt.
Of importance to this handicap: the Eagles love to run, but Kentucky’s transition defense has been borderline-elite in the early season (.88 PPP allowed, 92nd percentile).
Ultimately, I only project 141.3 points for this matchup, so I show value in the Under at 144.5 or better.
Check out all of McGrath's CBB projections for Tuesday here:
Pick: Under 144.5 or Better
| | | |
Illinois vs. Ohio State Pick
I like this spot for the Buckeyes coming home after a massive road win over Northwestern.
Meanwhile, Illinois has to hit the road again after an emotional, hard-fought victory over Tennessee on Saturday.
Ohio State has the shot well at home, and while the Value City Arena crowd can be hit-or-miss, I expect the building to be rocking for this one.
Both of these teams can guard well in the half-court, so it'll be difficult for either to create a significant margin.
Ultimately, I anticipate this game coming down to the wire, with the Buckeyes having a real chance to win, so I see plenty of value backing the home team as a short underdog.
Check out Mike's full Illinois-Ohio State breakdown here:
Pick: Ohio State +2.5 or Better
| | | |
Penn State vs. Indiana Pick
By Sean Paul
I'm targeting the Over.
Indiana will be able to make Penn State pay when it gambles for turnovers by making open 3s.
On the flip side, Indiana is on the downswing defensively.
Some real problems will get exposed in league play, and even Penn State can expose the Hoosiers at the rim.
Pick: Over 153.5 or Better
| | | |
