Let the chaos ensue. This week has been peak college basketball. Top ranked teams losing on the road in conference. Let’s check out the college basketball slate for Tuesday. Here are the College Basketball Picks for January 11th.
College Basketball Picks January 11th
Michigan State at Illinois (-3) (O/U 149.5)
Illinois has learned to play without Shannon. I keep going back to the quotes earlier this season indicating that this is the most complete Illinois team that Underwood has had at Illinois. That seems to be proving true even more with Shannon out.
This isn’t a knock on Shannon, but the Illini have looked more cohesive as a unit offensively. They spread the ball around and involve everyone. Their offensive ability was not limited to him on the court but was overshadowed.
We already know about Marcus Domask and Coleman Hawkins. Luke Goode and Justin Harmon have been the benefactors of the ball movement.
The Illinois team takes their home court in a conference game, which is an automatic eye-opener when scanning the board. Sparty is always tough as long as Izzo is there, but I’m afraid they are overmatched tonight in size, matchups, and especially momentum. Watch for those offensive rebounds to be the difference.
Back the Illini and admire the ball movement and defense in this atypical Big 10 game.
The Pick: Illinois -3
UCLA at Utah (-8.5) (O/U 137.5)
The dividends of being glued to the TV until the last game will be paid here. This line could be double digits, and I wouldn’t flinch. UCLA isn’t a team we are unfamiliar with. Almost seems like we gravitate toward them. Maybe it is because we know what to expect or not expect.
The UCLA Bruins have been horrendous offensively. There really is no other way to put it. They can’t shoot from deep. There isn’t an edge that the Bruins have in this one. Utah should feast on a team that can’t keep up.
Expect the Utes to jump on this team early and force an up-tempo game. Slowing the game down and limiting possessions will only benefit the Bruins team who can play some defense in spurts.
The Bruins must know this as they rank near the bottom in tempo. Utah should have this number covered shortly after halftime.
The Pick: Utah -8.5
