Happy Friday, basketball fans. The weekend is here and we’re enjoying the calm before next week’s chaos once the holiday tournaments begin.
Riding Momentum Into a Busy Friday
Week 3 of the college basketball season is almost in the books, and Thursday gave us exactly the boost we needed.
After entering the day at 45-40 and up three units, a 4-1 performance pushed the season mark to 59-41 and +5.9 units overall. As always, you can follow every pick in real time on BetStamp.
Yale Looks Ready to Roll Against Green Bay
Doug Gottlieb’s Phoenix group continues to scrap, as shown in their effort at Minnesota, but the roster just isn’t there yet. Yale, meanwhile, has opened the season sharp and efficient on the offensive end. The Bulldogs should control the glass and the pace from the opening tip. A comfortable win feels likely.
Pick: Yale Bulldogs -15.5 over UW Green Bay Phoenix
Predicted Score: Yale 81, Green Bay 60
Georgia Southern and Florida State Meet in a Track Meet That Might Not Run Away
Both sides want to play fast, but the number appears inflated. Georgia Southern has defended the perimeter well, and if they repeat that effort, this game won’t touch the projected total. Florida State wins, but the pace doesn’t push it over.
Pick: Georgia Southern Eagles/Florida State Seminoles Under 176.5
Predicted Score: Florida State 88, Georgia Southern 75
Appalachian State’s Defense Should Be the Difference
Expect a grind. Charlotte and Appalachian State are two of the slowest-paced offensive teams in the country. The Mountaineers, however, have been more reliable on the defensive end, and that edge should be just enough in a tight finish.
Pick: Appalachian State Mountaineers -2.5 over Charlotte 49ers
Predicted Score: Appalachian State 67, Charlotte 64
Rutgers and Central Connecticut Could Be Another Rock Fight
Rutgers may be a Big Ten team, but their early-season offense hasn’t played like one. Both groups have had scoring issues, and this matchup shapes up to be low-tempo and low-scoring throughout. The under feels like the safest angle.
Pick: Rutgers Scarlet Knights/Central Connecticut Blue Devils Under 137.5
Predicted Score: Rutgers 70, Central Connecticut 60
UCLA Looks for an Offensive Bounce Back Against Presbyterian
UCLA has to find a spark at some point, and this matchup gives them a great chance to open things up. Presbyterian struggles to score, but if they can reach the mid-50s, the total should be in play because the Bruins can do the heavy lifting.
Pick: UCLA Bruins/Presbyterian Blue Hose Over 129.5
Predicted Score: UCLA 78, Presbyterian 55
Fade or follow at your own risk, and enjoy a full night of hoops as we inch closer to Thanksgiving. Plenty of basketball still ahead, and plenty of chances to find value. Follow every pick on BetStamp all season long.