College basketball betting can be… frustrating. We’ll use that word. The plethora of opportunity on a daily basis is invigorating, but approach with caution! This is college youth, after all– not exactly the most trustworthy demographic. Onto Thursday’s picks!
Pacific -15 (-110), 1 unit: One of the worst teams in the nation travels to Forest Grove, Oregon to take on the Pacific Tigers in an early 5:00pm EST slot Thursday. Portland has lost 10 straight games and most of them by great margin. A recent showing against lowly San Diego might’ve been their most telling performance, as the Pilots shot and defended well throughout the game but still played from behind from start to finish, losing by 8 points against the 2-7 Toreros. That’s bad. The Tigers haven’t fared too much better, losing their last 4 games and slipping away from West Coast Conference contention. Regardless, this is a perfect set-up for Pacific to get back in the win column and flex whatever muscles they still have left. The 2-4 in-conference Tigers aren’t a great team but they do have excellent defense and a considerably more effective offense than the Pilots. That’s why the line is where it is. I think this is a 20+ point ugly win for Pacific, but it’s just a 1 unit play because, well, this game is pretty gross.
Weber State -1 (-110), 1.5 units: I’m going with the hot team in this contest. Weber State has scored at least 81 points in each of their last 4 games and I don’t think Montana will be able to keep up. If this line were bigger I might consider the dog at home, but the Grizzlies just don’t score with the efficiency or pace of the Wildcats. A square pick, but expect this line to keep rising. Take Weber State at -1.
Eastern Kentucky +12 (-115), 1.15 units: Belmont is riding a hellacious 17 game winning streak heading into tonight against conference rival Eastern Kentucky. The Colonels sit in 3rd in the Ohio Valley, while the Bruins sit comfortably at the top. I think Belmont wins this game– they’re more talented, better coached, and they’re at home. I also think Eastern Kentucky can keep up. The Colonels have had an up and down season, but they’re 10-1 ATS on the road and this is a big spot for them to put in an all-out effort. I’m taking Eastern Kentucky to unsettle the Bruins and cover.
