Iowa State is coming off their big win over the Boilermakers on the road. Their offense has averaged 94.6 points per game and it’s hard to replicate that performance in back‑to‑back games, especially in a rivalry game. Iowa will attempt to slow down the game, defend the perimeter, and have longer possessions. The Cyclones have won and covered three of the last four meetings, but this isn’t a Fran McCaffrey Iowa team, who played very little defense. Ben McCollum’s Hawkeyes have a bigger emphasis on defense and should make the necessary adjustments after their blowout loss to Michigan State in their first true road game.
NC State has failed to cover five of its last six games. This Flames team has more experience than NC State and can go toe-to-toe with them offensively. They’re currently 5th in the nation from beyond the arc, an area the Wolfpack struggle to defend. NC State does have a size and tempo advantage, but their offense can go stagnant at times. This is the Flames first true road game, but they have played two neutral games against two above average mid-major defenses. Liberty has the continuity and shot-making ability take advantage of a vulnerable NC State defense.
Clemson is a deep team, 10 players averaging over 10 minutes per game and eight players averaging over seven points. The Tigers were able to fight their way back and take the lead against Alabama, so they style of play from the Cougars won’t be new. Clemson plays at a slower pace, don’t turn the ball over, and one of the better overall rebounding teams in the country. The Cougars lean heavily on their top three scores, especially from the perimeter, and Clemson has enough bodies to defend the arc as they’re holding opponents to under 28%. The Tigers matchup well with their frisky defense and they have more experience and cohesive team. Since 2020, Brad Brownell is 24-13 ATS as an underdog.
Semi-home game for the Sun Devils as this game is in Phoenix. Despite their 6-2 SU record, Oklahoma is 1-6 ATS on the season. They struggled to defend the perimeter and the Sun Devils are top 50 in the country from three. Arizona State’s offense has scored 83 points, or more, in three of their last four led by Maurice Odom.
Colorado has won four of the last five games against the Rams. However, the public is all over Colorado, it’s their first true road game, and Fort Collins is not an easy place to play. The Rams currently lead the nation in effective field goal efficiency and from three. Colorado has not done well defending the perimeter, allowing their opponent to shoot almost 36%, and the Rams are shooting 45% so far. They’re also in the top-10 in effectiveness from the free throw line. Colorado State has the experience as they’re more consistent with their offensively with their ball movement against the Buffaloes who have shown vulnerability defensively.
Bowling Green has led with their defense to begin the season. They’ve held their opponents to 65.8 points per game and are currently 8th in the country in forcing turnovers. The Wolverines are near the bottom of the country in protecting the ball as well as shooting from the free throw line. Bowling Green has the edge on the boards, especially with keeping their opponents off the offensive glass and they defend the perimeter better. Utah Valley has yet to win a game on the road and the Falcons have been a nice surprise in the MAC thus far.
Cincinnati has leaned on defense to start the season. They’re holding opponents to just 63.4 points per game, but their offense has been inconsistent, so far, similar to the last few seasons. The Musketeers had a rocky start to the season but might have found something with the adjustments made by first-year head coach Richard Pitino. Xavier is going to shoot a ton of threes and do a better job in protecting the ball. They’re also 5-1 SU at home on the year. This is also the Bearcats first true road game of the season and have’t beaten Xavier in the Cintas Center since 2001.
Seton Hall is fresh off a solid three days in Maui. They return to their smaller campus gym to play, probably, the best in the NEC conference. The Blue Devils are 3-1 ATS on the road with two being an outright victories at Rutgers and Boston College. The Pirates have one of the top defenses in the country and, in Maui, their offense came alive, averaging 80 points over three games. Despite a top defense, Seton Hall struggles to defend the perimeter, where the Blue Devils excel, shooting 35.1%. Central Connecticut State’s defense is decent as they showed in their two big road victories and have the coach to keep this one competitive.
Pitt is off a big win over the Buckeyes at home. Despite that win, the Panthers have lost three of their last five games. Texas A&M has the offensive edge, scoring more than 105 points per game in their last three games while making over 81% from the free throw line. The Panthers defense has allowed 75 points, or more, over three of their last four. Texas A&M is the more physical team down-low and the Panthers will attempt to dictate the pace at home but the could have a difficult time slowing them down and keeping up.
McNeese State has won four start against the Cardinals. However, Incarnate Word covered those four games and eight of the last nine overall. The Cardinals return a lot of production and experience from last season while also adding Tahj Staveskie in the portal. They lost to a Will Wade NcNeese team last season by two points, on the road, and have their main guys back but we know that the Cowboys lost a lot of production with Wade to NC State. The Cowboys are still the top team in the Southland but Incarnate Word has the pieces to keep this one close.
This is only the second true road game of the season for Belmont. The Cougars have definitely played the tougher schedule but their offense hasn’t been has strong in seasons past. Belmont has played more inferior opponents but they’ve handled business easily thus far, 7-0 SU. Their defense has held their opponents to less than 70 points in five of their first seven games. The Cougars defense has struggled defending the arc and creating turnovers.
Yesterday, Vanderbilt handled one of the better defenses in the country so far in the season. Now, they face an even better defense in the Gaels. Saint Mary’s is not as experienced as the Commodores but they have the coaching edge here. The Gaels also have even size inside to compete with Vanderbilt’s 11th ranked efficiency inside the arc. The Gaels have been more efficient from the perimeter, an area that Vanderbilt struggles to defend, allowing their opponents to shoot over 32%. The Commodores are solid from the free throw line but Saint Mary’s is one of the best free throw shooting teams in the country. The Gaels been to protect the ball as Vanderbilt will want to create turnovers and get out in transition.
This is Kennesaw State’s second true road game of the season. Their only road victory against the Rattlers of Florida A&M, so basically an exhibition. The Eagles are 4-1 SU at home to start the year but they also allow 79.8 points at home. Florida Gulf Coast lacks size inside and that’s where the Owls have most of their success since they struggle from beyond the arc, shooting less than 32%. Both teams are averaging over 20 fouls per game so we can expect a good amount of free throws. Kennesaw State’s defense has allowed, on average, over 94 points over their last three game and this is an Eagles team that can score quickly since they shoot a ton of threes.
No Tyler Bilodeau tonight for UCLA. That didn’t matter much in their last two games but it could tonight. This is also neutral court game but a semi-home game for the Golden Bears. Cal has the offense to stay in this game, despite facing one of the best defenses in the country. Their only loss on the season was by three points to the Wildcats on the road, and their offense has been on fire to start the season. UCLA can also score in bunches and they’ve owned the Golden Bears, winning 12 of the last 13 games. Cal is more talented than last season and should be in this one until the end.
Seton Hall is off the upset to the Wolfpack yesterday. Ever since that crazy overtime game against Troy, the Trojans shot selection hasn’t been the best. Seton Hall makes things very difficult for teams inside the arc, currently 4th in the country. This is a defense that can rattle a USC team that leans heavily on the three and even though the Pirates are trending towards the bottom of the country in defending that area, this is just a gritty team on defense. Seton Hall exploded offensively and may not have the size to matchup but their defense should see them in this one.