College Hoops Thursday
Jelly Walker and the UAB Blazers host the hottest mid major team in the country, the #18 Florida Atlantic Owls.
It’s that time of year when team’s will start to feel the pressure as we saw last night with North Carolina losing at home to Pittsburgh and Oklahoma getting beat up by Oklahoma State at home. We talked about it yesterday, every game matters more than ever this time of year. The NCAA Tournament is an exclusive party of 64. It’s nut-cutting time. No time to waste so let’s jump into Thursday’s games!
#18 Florida Atlantic Owls vs. UAB Blazers (-1.5); total 147.5; 6:00pm ct
The Owls soar into Bartow Arena to take on the UAB Blazers to try and keep its 20 game win streak alive. These two met earlier in the season in a dead even game statistically with the Owls winning by two points. UAB probably could have won that game if they shot better than 67% from the FT line. Sophomore Johnell Davis for FAU had 36 points, which helped secure the win. Blazers have had success at home against the Owls. This line also suggests that we have another home upset brewing just like Indiana vs. Maryland and Tennessee vs. Florida. The 20 game winning streak comes to an end tonight.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Northwestern Wildcats (-3); total 138.5; 6:00pm
Northwestern is in a tie for 2nd place and coming off a loss to Iowa. As we know Michigan is not a good road team because its offense tends to not travel. Jett Howard is back for the Wolverines and looks as good as normal. Michigan beat NW at home earlier in the year and the Wildcats played with them until the very end. I think playing at home will make the difference. NW will need to keep Michigan off the glass and keep up in the rebound category if they want success. I like the home team here with revenge on its mind trying to stay at the top of the Big 10.
Stanford Cardinal vs. Utah Utes (-5.5); total 133.5; 7:00pm ct
Stanford is on a four game winning streak after finally playing up to its potential. Three of these wins came against the bottom of the PAC 12 and Chicago State one of the worst teams in the country. Utah is a great home team and this will be Stanford’s first road game since January 14th. Give me the Utes in this spot but they will need to cut down on the turnovers to be successful.
Pepperdine Waves vs. Pacific Tigers (-1); total 162; 9:00pm ct
Pepperdine is on a ten game losing streak going into the Alex G Spanos Center in Stockton, California. Pacific isn’t the best team but they have been in a better form. The Tigers won by 5 on the road earlier in the year in this matchup. They will need to hit their threes and do better on the boards to win this one. This number is too short and I’ll take a shot here with Pacific.
Oregon Ducks vs. Arizona Wildcats (-8); total 151.5; 9:30pm ct
The Ducks defeated the Wildcats at home by nineteen a few weeks ago now the Wildcats will be at home. Arizona is starting to hit its stride heading into March. This spread is similar to when Arizona played USC a couple weeks ago and the spread was 7. It felt like too many points and then Arizona ended up dominating that game. Revenge will be on the Wildcats minds tonight and I expect another strong performance. Oregon doesn’t have the offense to compete with this Arizona team especially on the road.
Thanks to those that took the time to read. Follow along on our socials and good luck to us! First time all season choosing 5 favorites. It scares me so let’s see how tonight goes.
