NCAA Basketball: Best Bets for the Big 12/SEC Challenge

Jan 21, 2017; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) celebrates with forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated South Carolina 85-69. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 25, 2017; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) celebrates with guard Manu Lecomte (20) after a foul against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first half at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 Baylor (-8) at Ole Miss

This line started at -11 and has now fallen all the way down to -7.5. If you go Ole Miss at +11, that looks like a solid bet. In fact, 68 percent of betters so far have gone to the Rebels.

The line now at -8 is interesting. The Bears are 0-4 this season when they’ve been favored by eight or more. Ole Miss is also 4-1-2 this year when they are the underdog. Playing on the road is enough to give anyone pause as well.

Even given these factors, I am still going with the Bears. Ole Miss is a combined 1-10 against Top 50 RPI opponents this season. I think Baylor’s defense will do enough to keep a potentially explosive Rebels offense at bay.

It should be close early on, but I like Baylor at -8. That feels like the more appropriate line in this match-up. Buck the trend and go with the Bears in this one.

Pick: Baylor (-8)

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