While there are no top-25 teams on tonight’s college basketball schedule, a few games still have caught the AI Model’s eye. Here are three picks you’ll want to consider for tonight’s CBB action, with the best NCAAB odds available.
Picks Summary
- Buffalo-Georgia Over 148.5 (-110)
- Middle Tennessee State -2 (-110)
- New Orleans-Texas Over 149.5 (-110)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Buffalo Bulls vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Thursday, December 19, 2024 – 07:00 PM ET at Stegeman Coliseum
The AI Model believes Buffalo and Georgia will combine for 149 points tonight. At Bet365, the total is set at 148.5. Therefore, the over looks to be the play in this one.
Buffalo’s Defense Will Break
The Buffalo Bulls have allowed teams to shoot an effective field goal percentage of 52.2%. Opponents have shot 38.3% from downtown and 49.4% from inside the arc.
Georgia shot 59.8% from two and 34% from three, so Buffalo will likely struggle to defend it. Add on the Bulldogs’ ability to offensive rebound, and it’s a no-brainer to back Georgia’s offense tonight.
After all, Georgia’s only weakness is giving up high turnovers, but Buffalo has earned only 14.9% of turnovers per game this season.
Buffalo Can Still Score Inside!
We know Georgia will do work offensively. Maybe Buffalo isn’t the same as Georgia, but it can still score inside at a high rate.
Buffalo has shot 54.8% from inside the paint and has gotten to the foul line at an above-average rate. If the Bulls can do these two things, they’ll at least help push this game over the total.
Side with the AI Model and take the Over!
NCAAB Pick: Over 148.5 (-110) at Bet365
Lipscomb Bisons vs. Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders
Thursday, December 19, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at Murphy Center
The AI Model has Middle Tennessee State adding a three-point win at home against Lipscomb tonight. This a fun matchup between two teams above .500, but the Model thinks MTSU will escape and cover a two-point spread via Bet365.
Is Lipscomb’s Defense Enough?
The Lipscomb Bisons have played very well defensively this season. They’ve held teams to a 49.4% effective field goal percentage, allowing only 32.7% from deep and 49.6% from inside the arc.
However, Lipscomb has also been lucky. This season, teams have shot just 62.3% from the foul line against them.
That likely won’t continue, given that Middle Tennessee State has shot 73.2% from the foul line this season. The Blue Raiders have also shot 53.3% from inside and grabbed 33.3% of offensive rebounds. MTSU will be a problem offensively.
How MTSU Will Defend
The Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders haven’t been effective on the defensive glass. Still, they’ve held teams to 27.6% from downtown. That will be critical, especially since Lipscomb takes a lot of threes.
The Bisons take a high rate of threes but only hit 32.6% from downtown. Additionally, Lipscomb has grabbed only 25.1% of offensive rebounds. They won’t get second chances off those misses. Let’s roll with the AI Model and take MTSU at -2.
NCAAB Pick: Middle Tennessee State -2 (-110) at Bet365
New Orleans Privateers vs. Texas Longhorns
Thursday, December 19, 2024 – 8:00 PM ET at Moody Center
The AI Model thinks New Orleans and Texans will combine for 150 points. At top sportsbooks, you’ll find the total at 149.5, meaning the over looks to be the play.
Texas Should Score 100 or More
The Texas Longhorns will take on a New Orleans defense that has allowed a 54.2% effective field goal percentage.
Ultimately, New Orleans has allowed a 56.3% field goal percentage inside and has watched teams shoot 34.4% from downtown.
Meanwhile, Texas has drained 40.1% from three and 57.6% from inside the arc. The Longhorns have also turned the ball over 13.3% of the time despite moving at a top-80 pace on offense.
Iowa scored 104 against New Orleans last time out. Texas can certainly do the same.
Can New Orleans Score Enough?
This game will be an absolute blowout. But if Texas scores 100+ points, New Orleans would only need 50+ to help win it.
The Privateers can do that. They’ve already scored 67.1 points per game and have at least gained about 31% of offensive rebounds per game this year.
We’re basically rooting for Texas, but I think New Orleans can at least provide enough scoring to help push this game over.
Back the AI Model and take the Over.
NCAAB Pick: Over 149 (-110) at Bet365
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
