Conference play has arrived, and it is here to stay. Let’s check out the college basketball slate for Sunday. Here are the College Basketball Picks for January 7th.
College Basketball Picks January 7th
Maryland at Minnesota (-1) (O/U 135.5)
This game is not in College Park which is enough to automatically look the other way. Minnesota is one of the more surprising teams in Division 1 basketball. Minnesota has won 6 straight games despite the quality of opponent being questionable.
The Terrapins haven’t been able to hit from deep consistently, and that is amplified away from home. Minnesota is due for regression at some point, but this is a nice matchup on their home floor against a Terrapins team that seems to be guessing offensively. The Gophers are 13-1 ATS this season. You read that correctly.
Howard transfer Elijah Hawkins is facilitating Minnesota’s offense, averaging nearly 8 assists per game, and that was with Dawson Garcia missing time. Dawson Garcia is back in action after missing time in mid-December. Pepperdine transfer Mike Mitchell has found his stroke, putting up 18+ in his last three and double digits during the six-game win streak.
Minnesota’s balance on offense will be too much for the Terrapins to match. The portal is doing wonders for this Minnesota team.
The Pick: Minnesota -1
Michigan State at Northwestern (+2.5) (O/U 134.5)
Michigan State travels into Evanston on a five-game winning streak. That momentum is important for a Spartans team that has struggled visiting Northwestern of late. Tom Izzo’s team has lost four of their last five when going on the road against these Wildcats. Don’t expect the Izzo and the Spartans to forget their struggles there.
Northwestern sports a 7-1 home record this season which is about what you expect from quality high majors at this time. They are returning home from a 30-point loss against an Illinois team that was missing TSJ.
It’s a typical spot to back the home team in conference play, but we’re backing the Spartans. This is an important game for the Spartans, who are behind the 8 ball in Big Ten play, with a road loss at Nebraska hindering their standing in the conference.
Public ‘dogs have fleas, and I’m afraid the Northwestern Wildcats fit the bill today.
The Pick: Michigan State -2.5
