The theme of the week is backing home unranked favorites laying points to the visiting ranked conference opponents. Two situational spots are speaking to us today. Let’s check out the college basketball slate for Wednesday. Here are the College Basketball Picks for January 17th.
College Basketball Picks January 17th
Ole Miss at LSU (-3) (O/U 150)
Ole Miss fits the bill as the visiting ranked conference opponent catching points on the road against their unranked foe. The Rebels have an impressive record at 15-1 to start the season, with their lone loss coming at the hands of Tennessee. Their adjusted strength of schedule ranks 185th and their luck rating per KenPom is 1st in the nation.
Ole Miss relies heavily on their three-point shooting, and they’ve done it efficiently. They currently sit as the 6th most effective three-point offense in the country.
Chris Beard has his fingerprints on this team early in his first year, changing their identity. They are also the 2nd rated team in block percentage and 21st in steal percentage. Blocking shots, forcing turnovers, and hitting threes. A tough team to fade.
As mentioned, their luck has been top of the charts. Going into Baton Rouge to face the Tigers will be a test. The Tigers fell short in their comeback against Auburn but expect them to take this game outright on their home court. A situational spot for a team due for regression.
The Pick: LSU -3
Mississippi State at Kentucky (-6.5) (O/U 153)
Kentucky dropped their game at Texas A&M on Saturday. Freshman big man Aaron Bradshaw got himself into foul trouble. Not entirely unexpected for a freshman big on the road to find himself in a tough spot. Rob Dillingham did his best to extend the game with some big three-pointers at the end but ultimately left with the L.
Not to pick on the state of Mississippi today but this spot for the Wildcats seems pretty obvious. The Bulldogs are notorious for their defense, but it will be their offense that stalls them in this matchup. The Wildcats can fill it up but more impressively is the way they protect the ball.
Mississippi State will be hard-pressed to keep pace as they rank in the mid-200s in three-point percentage and turnover percentage per KenPom. Not a recipe for an upset on the road in conference play. Kentucky should get out early on this team and cover the number. First half and full game should be looked at.
The Pick: Kentucky -6.5
