Another action-packed slate as we head into the holiday weekend. I’m looking to keep a solid season of picks flowing. Here are the College Basketball Picks for December 21st.
College Basketball Picks December 21st
Eastern Illinois at Iowa State (-31.5) (O/U 138)
Iowa State is determined to show their offensive firepower this season. The Cyclones have had their best season offensively under Otzelberger since he took over.
Eastern Illinois heads into the contest winless on the road, while Iowa State hasn’t lost on their home court.
I never expected Eastern Illinois to win; however, they come into the game knowing they will lose. This team has played some solid competition thus far and ‘hung around,’ but it gets demoralizing after a point.
The Cyclones have rattled off four straight wins while scoring 90 points in each contest. I am backing the Iowa State squad, while the Panthers of Eastern Illinois may be looking toward the holiday break.
The Pick: Iowa State
Kent State at Oregon (-6.5) (O/U 146)
This Oregon team comes up a lot. We tend to have a conversation about them, whether it is the injuries in the front court or the inexperience in the backcourt.
They’re a compelling team. They just lost by 20 to Syracuse and spun it around against an unforgiving MAC opponent. The college basketball season requires a short-term memory.
Going into a non-conference game with a target on your back vs. the Golden Flashes is not a place you want to be. Maybe the injuries are catching up. Maybe confidence is wavering.
We have to think the Ducks are playing survive and advance at this point. This Oregon offense suffered from lazy legs against Syracuse as they went 4-27 from deep.
That’s the blueprint to beat this Kent State team that is simply hungrier. Oregon is looking at the holiday, while Kent State is looking to make a statement.
The Pick: Kent State +6.5
