College Basketball Game of the Day, March 11: Youngstown State vs. Robert Morris

Conference tournament week is a stressful time for everyone involved in college basketball, but that’s especially true for bubble teams. Bid stealers are lurking, and in a year with a ton of parity, anything can happen in a win or go home situation. This means we have to pick our spots carefully when selecting bets for the day. We have all been crushing it as a community and I’m confident that will continue into Selection Sunday. Let’s take a look at the day’s best bet.

Youngstown State Penguins vs. Robert Morris Colonials

(Robert Morris -3.5, O/U 135.5, DraftKings Sportsbook)

The Horizon League championship pits 4 seed Penguins against 1 seed Colonials. Robert Morris showed real grit Monday night, as they outlasted Oakland in overtime by a score of 79-76 despite conference POY Alvaro Folgueiras fouling out long before that.

Meanwhile, YSU eked out a victory despite Cleveland State slowing them way down. The Penguins are 67th in overall tempo while the Vikings are 288^th, so their game plan worked. The late game execution by YSU was ultimately what sealed their spot in the final.

In their two previous matchups this season, YSU won 72-58 on the road while losing 72-70 at home. These are two battle tested teams that are going to have to earn every single bucket. RMU is 24-8-0 ATS the spread this season and I am leaning towards them covering one more time in what is likely going to become a free throw shooting contest late in the second half.

EJ Farmer has missed the last few games, and it won’t be easy for YSU to win this game without their leader. Juwan Maxey (11.2 PPG) and Nico Galette (12.7 PPG/7.3 RPG) will have to step up in a big way.

For the Colonials, they have myriad weapons, and they were all on full display Monday. NC State transfer Kam Woods took over in the semifinals, scoring 23 points and dropping 7 dimes. Alvaro Folgueiras contributed 12 points and 4 boards despite dealing with foul issues all game long. He will have to stay on the court tonight in order for the Colonials to punch their ticket. 

Robert Morris is 6-0 against the spread in their last six games against teams with a winning record. When the final horn sounds, it’ll be 7-0 and we will be headed for the window.

Best Bet

Robert Morris -3.5