Thursday’s College Basketball Predictions
A stacked slate of Top-25 College Basketball action tonight has some intriguing betting options. Here’s our predictions for some of Thursday’s featured games.
No. 5 Cincinnati at Houston, 7 PM ET (CBS Sports Network)
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, Cincinnati is a slim favorite on the road, as the Bearcats are getting odds of -2.5 points against Houston. The Bearcats picked up a 10-point win over the Cougars at home on Jan. 31 and have covered in three straight in this series. During this long win streak for Cincy, the Bearcats have managed to cover due to their strong defense. I think that will be the difference tonight as well. Houston didn’t shoot well against Cincinnati in the first meeting and I don’t believe it will again tonight either. COLLEGE BASKETBALL PREDICTIONS: CINCINNATI -2.5
No. 8 Ohio State at Penn State, 8PM ET (Big Ten Network)
Ohio State has revenge on its mind, but oddsmakers have Penn State listed as a 1-point favorite at home. The Buckeyes’ lone Big Ten loss came at home against Penn State back on Jan. 25, 82-79. Since that loss, Ohio State is 4-0 overall and 3-1 against the spread. That includes an impressive win at Purdue. Penn State has been playing well too, but their four wins since beating the Buckeyes have come against low-level opponents like Rutgers, Iowa and Illinois. The game steps up tonight and Ohio State is going to give Penn State its full attention. I like the Buckeyes to win and I would be willing to give up some points in the process. COLLEGE BASKETBALL PREDICTIONS: OHIO STATE +1
Ohio State vs. Penn State Series History
No. 17 Arizona at No. 25 Arizona State, 9PM ET (ESPN)
Oddsmakers are listing Arizona as a 1-point favorite on the road in this rivalry game. Arizona State has really been a puzzling team in the Pac-12. After a tremendous non-conference run, the Sun Devils stumbled out the gate in conference play. They have managed to win three straight coming into tonight, but still aren’t covering consistently. Arizona is just 2-2 ATS in its last four on the road, but there isn’t much of a spread to consider in this one. This game is about the better team and I believe Arizona is the better team. Their offense actually averages three points more per game on the road. I think the ASU defense will give up too many easy baskets to the Wildcats and allow Zona to grab a key road win. COLLEGE BASKETBALL PREDICTIONS: ARIZONA -1
Who is the public betting on tonight?