College Basketball Best Bets (11/23)

Feast Week is upon us, and with it comes some of the most exciting college basketball matchups we’ll see until March. We’ve already witnessed thrilling games like Baylor-St. John’s and there’s plenty more action to come. For those who think college basketball only heats up in March, you’re missing out on a lot of early-season drama.

I’ll be here weekly to break down the day’s matchups, offering previews and my best bets. As always, be sure to shop around for the best odds, as college basketball lines can vary across platforms, especially for mid-major games. There’s great value to be found every day, and this weekend is no exception. While football season is still in full swing, we’ve still got some exciting hoops previews to dive into. Let’s get started.

These are some of my favorite bets. For all my action, check out the Bet Tracker.

Last Article: 1-2 | Season (Articles): 1-2 | Season (Overall): 8-11

College Basketball Best Bets

Georgia vs. Marquette

If you told me two undefeated power-conference teams were facing off in the Bahamas this early in the season, I’d expect a more high-profile matchup than Georgia vs. Marquette. Still, I’m not complaining. Marquette enters as a 6.5-point favorite, with a total around 153.

Though both teams are undefeated, Marquette’s strength of schedule stands far above Georgia’s. According to Haslametrics, the Golden Eagles rank 82nd in strength of schedule, while Georgia sits at 309th. Marquette also boasts the third-best record quality, compared to Georgia’s 28th. Much of Marquette’s ranking comes from their impressive 76-58 win over Purdue, where Kam Jones notched a triple-double and Stevie Mitchell led with 21 points. Even Marquette’s sharpshooter David Joplin, who shot just 1-6 from three, highlights the team’s offensive depth.

What stood out most in this game was Marquette’s defense. Limiting Purdue to 58 points and just 0.85 points per possession is no small feat, considering they should be a top-10 offense this year. Purdue struggled to generate good looks, turning the ball over 15 times and hitting only a few shots from deep.

For Georgia, while they’re undefeated, they’ve yet to face a top-100 defense, with their only test against a Georgia Tech team that ranks 328th in forcing turnovers. Georgia’s five-star freshman Asa Newell has impressed early, but this will be his first major challenge. Silas Demary’s slashing game might struggle against Marquette’s disciplined defense, which excels at limiting free throws and second-chance opportunities.

Georgia has relied heavily on getting to the charity stripe, ranking seventh in free-throw rate. If they can’t get to the line, their offense may struggle. Marquette, on the other hand, ranks 17th in defending near-proximity shots and 7th in limiting second-chance points, making it difficult for Georgia to capitalize on missed opportunities.

In the end, I expect Marquette to handle Georgia. With one of the best turnover rates in the country and a quick transition game, they should prove too much for the Bulldogs. On a neutral court, Marquette’s depth and balanced attack should make a statement.

Prediction

Marquette 75, Georgia 67

Best Bet

Georgia Under 72.5 points (-105, DraftKings Sportsbook)

Cincinnati at Georgia Tech

After a disappointing sub-.500 finish last year, Georgia Tech had high hopes for a breakout season, with promising young players like Naithan George and Bay Ndongo. Coach Damon Stoudamire brought in new freshmen and transfers to help the Yellow Jackets take a step forward. So far, that hasn’t materialized. They allowed 1.28 points per possession against North Florida and struggled against their only top-200 defense faced.

On the other hand, Cincinnati has looked impressive. Jizzle James has taken a major leap forward in his sophomore season, and Simas Lukosius is leading all of Division I in effective field goal percentage. While their schedule ranks 340th in strength, the Bearcats have dominated their competition, winning every game by at least 16 points, with the nation’s best effective field goal percentage at 64.6%.

The key to this game will be the battle in the paint. Cincinnati is one of the tallest teams in the country, but Georgia Tech has done a solid job on the defensive boards, limiting second-chance opportunities. However, Cincinnati has been effective at stopping second-chance points, so it’s crucial that Georgia Tech capitalizes on these opportunities to stay in the game. Cincinnati’s defense is stingy from deep, and they’ve allowed the sixth-lowest free throw rate in the country, so Georgia Tech will have to rely on other methods of scoring.

Cincinnati’s offense, led by James and Dillon Mitchell, has been too efficient for me to back Georgia Tech in this matchup. Until proven otherwise, I’m siding with the nation’s top shooting team to cover the spread.

Prediction

Cincinnati 79, Georgia Tech 68

Best Bet

Cincinnati -7.5 (-110, FanDuel Sportsbook)

UC San Diego vs. Toledo

It wouldn’t be Feast Week without discussing the Boardwalk Battle Championship. Right? UC San Diego and Toledo both are playing their third consecutive game in Daytona Beach, with Toledo a 1.5-point favorite and a total of 151.5.

What stands out in this matchup is how both teams take care of the ball. UC San Diego ranks 10th in the country with a 12% turnover rate, while Toledo has the best turnover rate in Division I. Despite facing weaker competition, Toledo has been efficient, particularly with point guard Sonny Wilson running the offense. With a 5-1 record and a top-100 near-proximity shooting percentage, they’re a dangerous team out of the MAC and could very well be a dangerous 12-seed come March.

UC San Diego is coming off back-to-back wins over La Salle and James Madison, both of whom are in the KenPom top 150. Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones has been excellent, contributing in nearly every category, while Hayden Gray and Tyler McGhie can explode offensively. But with both teams playing their third game in as many days, fatigue could be a factor, particularly for UC San Diego, who ranks 337th in mid-range defense and 250th in perimeter defense.

Toledo plays at the 38th-fastest pace, and UC San Diego may struggle to keep up. Given the Tritons’ defensive vulnerabilities and Toledo’s effective free-throw shooting and long-range shooting — 40% from deep — I expect the Rockets’ pace to overwhelm UC San Diego.

Prediction

Toledo 79, UC San Diego 74

Best Bet

Toledo -1.5 (-106, FanDuel Sportsbook)