Today’s Top College Basketball Picks – Saturday, January 17

As college basketball enthusiasts gear up for Saturday, January 17, expert handicapper Greg Peterson offers insights into his top picks for the day. Betting on college basketball requires understanding team dynamics, and Peterson’s selections highlight key matchups across various games.

Today’s Top College Basketball Picks – January 17

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. NC State Wolfpack

Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 PM Eastern. NC State boasts a strong offense that ranks 14th in points per possession, although their performance at home drops to 72nd. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech is solid defensively, allowing only 52nd in points per possession. A mid-tempo game is expected.

• Pick: Under 155.5 (Greg’s Handicapped Total: 149.5)

Duquesne Dukes vs. Fordham Rams

Starting at 12:30 PM Eastern, Fordham excels in rebounding, ranking 19th nationally. Duquesne, despite a fast pace, struggles with turnovers, ranked 284th. The game might see limited scoring opportunities due to Fordham’s defensive solidity.

• Selections: Fordham +2.5 and Under 147.5 (Greg’s Handicapped: Fordham -5 and Total: 143)

UCLA Bruins vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

This matchup begins at 1:00 PM Eastern. Both teams typically control the pace, with UCLA ranking low in possessions per game. Ohio State is strong in perimeter defense, limiting opponent 3-point shooting effectively.

• Pick: Under 147.5 (Greg’s Handicapped Total: 145)

Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Florida International Golden Panthers

At 2:00 PM Eastern, both teams seek a fast-paced game. Florida International excels at forcing turnovers, while Sam Houston State has a strong 3-point shooting percentage. This game may showcase high-scoring potential.

• Pick: Florida International +1 (Greg’s Handicapped: Florida International -4.5)

South Dakota Coyotes vs. North Dakota Fighting Hawks

Kicking off at 2:00 PM Eastern, South Dakota’s fast pace leads to high turnovers, contrasting with North Dakota’s defensive success in generating turnovers. Defensive struggles on both ends may lead to surprising outcomes.

• Pick: North Dakota PK (Greg’s Handicapped: North Dakota -5)

Columbia Lions vs. Brown Bears

This contest starts at 3:00 PM Eastern. Brown has had issues offensively, ranking 354th in points per possession at home. Columbia, on the other hand, excels in rebounding, making them a tough opponent.

• Pick: Columbia -3 (Greg’s Handicapped: Columbia -7.5)

Iowa State Cyclones vs. Cincinnati Bearcats

Scheduled for 3:00 PM Eastern, Iowa State boasts strong offensive and defensive statistics, putting pressure on a struggling Cincinnati team. Expect a tough matchup for Cincinnati as they attempt to improve their offensive efficiency.

• Pick: Iowa State -6.5 (Greg’s Handicapped: Iowa State -11.5)

TCU Horned Frogs vs. Utah Utes

This game begins at 3:00 PM Eastern. TCU shows strength defensively, while Utah battles with offensive rebounding and interior defense. The outcome may hinge on TCU’s defensive strategies.

• Selections: TCU -4.5 and Under 155.5 (Greg’s Handicapped: TCU -7.5 and Total: 151.5)

Bradley Braves vs. Illinois State Redbirds

Starting at 3:00 PM Eastern, Illinois State has an elite home defense. Bradley, meanwhile, struggles with offensive rebounding and shooting, which could dictate the game’s pace and scoring.

• Pick: Under 147.5 (Greg’s Handicapped Total: 145.5)

Northern Iowa Panthers vs. Valparaiso Beacons

Tip-off is at 3:00 PM Eastern. Northern Iowa features a slow tempo and strong perimeter defense. Valparaiso’s shooting struggles could be a significant factor in their performance.

• Selections: Northern Iowa -1.5 and Under 130.5 (Greg’s Handicapped: Northern Iowa -4.5 and Total: 126.5)

Eastern Washington Eagles vs. Idaho State Bengals

Scheduled for 6:00 PM Eastern, Eastern Washington has faced numerous challenges in fundamentals this season. Idaho State finds efficiency at home, which could lead to a challenging day for Eastern Washington.

• Pick: Idaho State -5 (Greg’s Handicapped: Idaho State -9.5)

St. John’s Red Storm vs. Villanova Wildcats

This matchup kicks off at 8:00 PM Eastern. With Villanova struggling defensively at home, St. John’s presents a compelling challenge. Their strong rebounding will be crucial in this contest.

• Pick: St. John’s +1.5 (Greg’s Handicapped: St. John’s -5)

BYU Cougars vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Tip-off is at 8:00 PM Eastern. BYU’s balanced offense and solid perimeter defense make them a formidable opponent against a Texas Tech team that has shown vulnerability.

• Pick: BYU +2.5 (Greg’s Handicapped: BYU -2.5)

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos

Ending the day at 9:00 PM Eastern, Hawaii leads in defensive metrics, while UC Santa Barbara struggles at home. Expect an interesting clash of strengths and weaknesses.

• Picks: Hawaii -1.5 and Under 144.5 (Greg’s Handicapped: Hawaii -4.5 and Total: 142.5)

As fans prepare for an exciting day of college basketball, these insights can help inform betting decisions. Stay tuned for updates and analysis from El-Balad.