Post-National Championship and pre-NFL Playoffs. The focus is primarily on the hardcourt. Let’s check out the college basketball slate for Tuesday. Here are the College Basketball Picks for January 9th.
College Basketball Picks January 9th
Missouri at Kentucky (-12.5) (O/U 160.5)
It seems like we are all waiting for this Kentucky team to show their youth. They battled hard against Florida to win a close one on the road in their most recent matchup. Kentucky goes back home for this matchup before a game against Texas A&M on Saturday.
Missouri hasn’t shown to be the type of team they were last year. Replacing the departure of Kobe Brown (NBA) with Connor Vanover hasn’t been an equal swap. Vanover is a big presence in the paint at 7’5 but won’t provide much help with the defensive troubles this Missouri team faces.
He isn’t a help defender and will be a mismatch on any switch against this Kentucky team that will push the ball. Vanover is suited for half-court sets.
Missouri dismissed Kentucky last season when they played. Revenge angle here, even if the teams are drastically different. Kentucky should be able to get what they want offensively all game and push the ball.
Maybe they look ahead to Texas A&M and have some letdown after the close conference road win. We will look to the over rather than the spread.
The Pick: Over 160.5
Houston at Iowa State (+2.5) (O/U 131)
The first mention of Houston is their defense. They just about swept the board in ranking number 1 in KenPom categories. Iowa State is no stranger to defense, either.
Houston wants to apply pressure defensively and pick on mistakes. Iowa State lives in the mud, so this style fits them perfectly. The Cyclones are an efficient three-point shooting team with the ability to get inside vs. the Cougars and draw some fouls on their home floor.
The total is completely dependent on how this game is going to be called. I imagine they will let the game flow, or we could hear a whistle interrupt the game more than anyone would care for.
Bets aren’t won by betting against the Cyclones in Ames, regardless of sport. The line is telling you who to take here despite the Cyclones coming off of a loss to Oklahoma.
The Pick: Iowa State +2.5
