Best NCAA Basketball Games to Bet on
The best part about college basketball is the non-conference schedule usually ends up having a number of excellent matchups between traditionally strong programs.
While league play is starting to creep in around the nation, there are still several strong matchups between teams from different conferences around the country. Here's a look at a few of the best games to bet on during this week.
No. 16 Illinois vs. No. 2 Texas
The Illini put everyone on notice when they handed UCLA its first loss of the season earlier in November. Since then, Illinois has had its share of troubles. The Illini are 1-2 against other Power 5 schools, including losses to Maryland and Virginia since then.
However, the Illini, who are 6-2 overall and 5-3 against the spread, are again a well-rounded team that will be in the hunt for a deep NCAA Tournament run. Illinois will meet the Longhorns on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden as part of the Jimmy V. Classic. Texas is part of a strong defensive unit.
The Longhorns, who are 6-0 overall and 3-3 against the spread, limit their opponents to 55.9 points per game, which ranks ninth nationally. Teams also struggle to shoot from the outside against Texas. The Longhorns limit their opponents to 23.2 percent shooting from the perimeter, which ranks fifth nationally.
No. 22 Maryland at Wisconsin
The Terrapins have been sneaking up on people this season. Maryland is off to an 8-0 start, including a 7-1 mark against the spread. The Terrapins, however, will need to prove they are for real by winning on the road in Big Ten play.
Playing Wisconsin on Tuesday night at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisc., will provide a good test for the Terrapins, who haven't had the most difficult schedule. The Terrapins have wins over Illinois, Louisville, and Miami, but the Cardinals especially haven't been good this season. Wisconsin has proven itself a tough team.
The Badgers lost to Kansas by one point in overtime and have wins over Dayton, USC, and Stanford. But this Wisconsin team isn't a pretty watch. The Badgers, who are 6-2 overall and against the spread, average 66.4 points per game, which ranks 306th nationally.
Wisconsin makes life difficult on opponents, limiting them to 59.9 points per game and 27.4 shooting from the 3-point line.
No. 23 Iowa State at Iowa
The Cy-Hawk rivalry on the hardwood has potential this season. Iowa State is off to a 7-1 start and sitting in the polls. Iowa is also off to a good start, getting off to a 6-1 start, and will host the Cyclones Thursday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes aren't a team afraid to play at a quick pace.
Iowa scores 86.4 points per game while allowing opponents to score 67.9. Iowa State is much more defensively focused, holding opponents to 56.8 points per game. The Cyclones have struggled historically against the Hawkeyes. Iowa leads the all-time series 47-28.
Derek Hudson
Derek is a long time sports bettor who grew up in Providence, RI. Derek is data driven and believes the key to betting the sportsbooks is finding an edge in analytics. Derek is happily married and has two young boys. Derek will bet on anything if you let him.
