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 3, 2017; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs guard Desmond Bane (1) reacts on the bench against the Oklahoma Sooners during the second half at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. TCU won 60-57. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

Auburn at TCU (-10)

The Horned Frogs continue their impressive climb this season under Jamie Dixon. TCU has transformed themselves into a Dixon-style team that relies on hard defense and taking care of the ball. This is another game that if one looked at it before the season, you might expect Auburn giving up 11 points.

Instead, the Tigers have disappointed so far in SEC play. They enter today’s game sitting at 3-5 in the conference, though they have won two out of their last three. Bruce Pearl’s team is young, inconsistent and prone to play that might resemble a pickup game.

In this one, I like TCU to win the game, but Auburn to cover. TCU hasn’t beaten a team by double digits in a month. I think Auburn keeps it close with Mustapha Heron and loses by a deficit between 3-7 points.

Pick: Auburn (+10)

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