We move ahead to Thursday of the first week of the college basketball season. It’s been a fun start, and while the slate is smaller, there’s still value to be found before a busy weekend.
Betting Into Thursday’s College Hoops Slate
Wednesday’s games didn’t load properly on BetStamp, but tracking will continue there. We went 2-3 on Wednesday, losing the first three and winning the last two. We are now 8-7, +0.54 units. Let’s break down the best plays for Thursday.
Ohio Bobcats vs. Illinois State Redbirds
It pains me to say it, but the Bobcats out of the MAC are going to take this one. The additions of Javan Simmons and Dior Conners make Ohio a legitimate threat in league play and a tough early-season matchup. Illinois State brings back several key pieces from last year and has earned preseason Missouri Valley buzz, but the Bobcats’ balance gives them the edge.
Pick: Ohio Bobcats +1.5 over Illinois State Redbirds
Final Score Prediction: Ohio 79, Illinois State 77
Campbell Fighting Camels vs. West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia is still finding its footing under new head coach Ross Hodge. The Mountaineers are 1-0 after beating Mount St. Mary’s but didn’t dominate as expected. Campbell showed fight against Wisconsin in its opener and should hang around again here.
Pick: Campbell Fighting Camels +16.5 over West Virginia Mountaineers
Final Score Prediction: West Virginia 72, Campbell 52
Merrimack Warriors vs. Auburn Tigers
Auburn looked shaky in its overtime win over Bethune-Cookman, and Merrimack will try to slow things down to its preferred tempo. The Tigers will win, but don’t expect a blowout.
Pick: Merrimack Warriors +25.5 over Auburn Tigers
Final Score Prediction: Auburn 75, Merrimack 64
Chicago State Cougars vs. Saint Louis Billikens
Chicago State remains one of the nation’s weakest teams, but under new coach Landon Bussie, there’s at least some improvement. Saint Louis rolled SEMO by 25 in its opener, yet this line feels too high. Expect the Cougars to compete longer than expected.
Pick: Chicago State Cougars +28.5 over Saint Louis Billikens
Final Score Prediction: Saint Louis 81, Chicago State 59
Denver Pioneers vs. Washington Huskies
New Denver coach Tim Bergstrasser has this group playing hard. They dropped their opener to Seattle but looked improved. Washington handled its first opponent easily but showed weakness on the glass. Denver can exploit that early before the Huskies pull away late.
Pick: Denver Pioneers +27.5 over Washington Huskies
Final Score Prediction: Washington 75, Denver 55
Enjoy the games and remember, fade or follow at your own risk. All plays are tracked on the BetStamp app throughout the season. Happy betting!