Happy Friday. Hope everyone has a great weekend. From a Big East showdown in Philadelphia to a heated in-state rivalry in East Lansing, these picks focus on value, situational edges, and teams trending in the right direction as the calendar turns toward February.
This is the calm before the storm, with a lighter slate before things ramp up in a big way.
Best Bets for Friday, January 30
We went 3-2 on Thursday. We are 200-190-2.
Be sure to follow all of our picks all season long on BetStamp.
Providence Friars at Villanova Wildcats
A Big East spotlight game on a Friday night, with the entire conference paying attention. Providence has struggled this season and enters with a 9-12 record. Villanova, meanwhile, is trending toward NCAA Tournament territory, sitting at 15 wins through 20 games.
The Wildcats are deep, athletic, and finally starting to look comfortable together. Villanova is also coming off a loss, which should have them locked in and ready to respond. These teams met a couple of weeks ago, with Villanova winning by six on the road. Expect that margin to grow at home.
Betting Pick: Villanova Wildcats -7.5 over Providence Friars
Final Score Prediction: Villanova 82-70 over Providence
Cleveland State Vikings at Green Bay Phoenix
Cleveland State is 7-14 on the season, while Green Bay comes in at 12-10. Both teams are riding modest momentum, each coming off a win. These two met two weeks ago, and Green Bay went on the road and won by 15 points.
There is little reason to believe this rematch will be much different. Expect the Phoenix to control the game early, stay in front throughout, and pull away late enough to cover the number at home.
Betting Pick: Green Bay Phoenix -7.5 over Cleveland State Vikings
Final Score Prediction: Green Bay 79-71 over Cleveland State
Dayton Flyers at Saint Louis Billikens
Saint Louis continues to impress under Josh Schertz and sits at an outstanding 20-1 on the season. This is a talented, balanced group that can score, defend, and compete with anyone in the country. The Billikens are legitimate second-weekend NCAA Tournament material.
That said, Dayton is good enough to keep this game close. Saint Louis should win at home, but Dayton has the talent to hang around and stay inside a double-digit number.
Betting Pick: Dayton Flyers +11.5 over Saint Louis Billikens
Final Score Prediction: Saint Louis 80-79 over Dayton
Michigan Wolverines at Michigan State Spartans
It does not get much bigger than this rivalry. Michigan and Michigan State are both coming off emotional, high-level performances and look every bit like Big Ten title contenders, with legitimate Final Four upside.
Michigan handed Nebraska its first loss of the season, while Michigan State needed overtime but found a way to get the job done. In a game this tight, home court matters. Expect a physical, intense battle, with the Spartans finding a way late.
Betting Pick: Michigan State Spartans +1 over Michigan Wolverines
Final Score Prediction: Michigan State 77-72 over Michigan
Loyola Ramblers at VCU Rams
Loyola is having a nightmare season. The Ramblers are 5-17, riding an eight-game losing streak, and have not looked competitive in recent outings. VCU knows it needs to keep stacking wins, especially in games like this.
The spread is large, but it may not be large enough. VCU should dominate from start to finish and extend Loyola’s struggles.
Betting Pick: VCU Rams -19.5 over Loyola Ramblers
Final Score Prediction: VCU 80-60 over Loyola
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Good luck.