Free College Basketball Picks For Today, Sunday 1/5/2025

Another week in the CBB is coming to an end, and here you can take a look at the most interesting duels. You’re welcome to check out the College Basketball Picks for Sunday 1/5/2025.

Northwestern vs Purdue Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/5/25

Northwestern at Purdue at 2 PM ET

The Northwestern Wildcats currently hold a record of 10-4 for the season following their recent defeat to Penn State, which ended with a score of 84-80. At halftime, Northwestern was behind 37-34, yet they managed to score 46 points in the second half despite the loss. In this matchup, the Wildcats achieved a shooting percentage of 45.9% from the field, 27.3% from beyond the arc, and 85.7% from the free-throw line. Brooks Barnhizer was the standout player for Northwestern, contributing 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Nick Martinelli supported the effort with 18 points and five rebounds.

This season, the Purdue Boilermakers have achieved a record of 10-4 after their latest triumph against Minnesota, winning by a score of 81-61. The team entered halftime with a slight lead of 28-27 and significantly increased their scoring in the second half, netting 53 points to clinch the victory. Purdue’s shooting performance was notable, with 50% accuracy from the field, 44% from three-point range, and 75% from the free-throw line. Leading the team was Fletcher Loyer, who scored 24 points and provided three assists, while Braden Smith contributed with 20 points and 10 assists.

The Pick:

Purdue boasts a field goal percentage of nearly 49%, demonstrating their offensive efficiency. Despite not having the most impressive defensive metrics this season, they have successfully restricted their last two opponents to 64 and 61 points. Conversely, Northwestern is coming off a loss to Penn State and has also experienced defeats against Dayton, Butler, and Iowa. The Wildcats have a shooting percentage of 45.3% and have scored at least 80 points in three consecutive games. While Northwestern tends to perform well at home, their away performance, especially against a strong team like Purdue, is less convincing. Back the Boilermakers in this contest.

Providence vs UConn Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/5/25

Providence at UConn at 2 PM ET

The Providence Friars experienced losses to St. John’s and Marquette. They are currently averaging 69 points per game, achieving a shooting accuracy of 42.7 percent while allowing 66.1 points at a shooting percentage of 39.7. Bryce Hopkins is the standout player, averaging 17 points and 7.7 rebounds, and Jayden Pierre adds an average of 12.6 points and 2.9 rebounds to the team’s performance.

The UConn Huskies triumphed over Butler and DePaul in their recent matchups. The team boasts an average of 83.7 points scored per game, achieving a shooting accuracy of 49.3 percent, while allowing 67.5 points against a shooting defense of 41.5 percent. Alex Karaban leads the team with an average of 16.6 points and 5.3 rebounds, and Liam McNeeley follows with averages of 13.6 points and 2.6 assists.

The Pick:

Providence has been averaging a mere 69 points per game, with a shooting percentage below 43 percent. Recently, they managed to score only 50 points in a matchup against Marquette. Additionally, the Providence Friars have struggled to cover the spread in 5 of their last 8 contests. In contrast, UConn boasts a wealth of talent, making it a straightforward next-man-up scenario. Providence is unlikely to pose a significant challenge to UConn, regardless of their roster situation. Although the line is substantial, I would favor the Huskies.

Maryland vs Oregon Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/5/25

Maryland at Oregon at 4 PM ET

In the matchup against Washington on Thursday, the Terrapins emerged from halftime with a 33-30 lead. Unfortunately, their second-half performance faltered, as they were outscored 45-36, leading to a final score of 75-69 in favor of their opponents. Julian Reese was the standout player, scoring 22 points and grabbing seven rebounds, along with two steals in 37 minutes. Selton Miguel added 12 points and two rebounds, while both Rodney Rice, who had five rebounds and two assists, and Jordan Geronimo, who contributed six rebounds off the bench, each tallied 10 points.

During their encounter with the Illini on Thursday, the Ducks found themselves at a 45-38 disadvantage as they resumed play after halftime. The second half proved to be particularly challenging for Oregon, as they were dominated by a proficient Illinois team, which executed a 64-39 scoring run, leading to a final score of 109-77. Supreme Cook led the team in scoring, coming off the bench to tally 20 points along with two rebounds in 19 minutes. Nate Bittle was the highest scorer among the starters, contributing 13 points and five rebounds, while Kwame Evans added 11 points and two rebounds from the bench. Additionally, TJ Bamba also reached double figures, recording 10 points, one rebound, and four assists in 25 minutes of action.

The Pick:

The Ducks must demonstrate a significant improvement following their lackluster performance against a rising Illinois squad. While Oregon’s shooting percentage was a respectable 43.5, they allowed Illinois to achieve a shooting percentage of 57.5 overall and 55.2 percent (16-of-29) from three-point range. The Ducks also faced a rebounding deficit of 43-31, which did not aid their cause. Oregon has scored 76 or more points in four consecutive games and has not scored fewer than 68 points in any game this season. On the other hand, Maryland was out-rebounded 33-29 by Washington and managed to hit only 2-of-11 (18.2 percent) from beyond the arc in their latest loss. The Terrapins have consistently scored 69 or more points in every game this year, indicating a likely high-scoring affair on Sunday. I expect Oregon to ultimately prevail and cover the spread.

Kansas vs Central Florida Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/5/25

Kansas at UCF at 4 PM ET

The Kansas Jayhawks have recorded 9 victories against 3 losses this season, placing them 12th in the Big 12 standings. They recently faced a setback, losing to West Virginia by a score of 61-62. The team has a balanced record of 6-6 against the spread and a challenging 1-11 in over/under situations, alongside a 0-2 record in away games. Hunter Dickinson stands out as the top scorer for Kansas, averaging 15.1 points per game and leading the team with 10.4 rebounds. Zeke Mayo also plays a crucial role, contributing 14.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

The UCF Knights currently hold a record of 10 wins and 2 losses this season, placing them in 4th position within the Big 12 Conference. Following a narrow defeat to Texas Tech, with a final score of 87-83, the Knights have achieved a 6-6 record against the spread and an 8-4 record in over/under betting. Notably, they remain undefeated at home with an impressive 8-0 record. Keyshawn Hall is the leading scorer for UCF, averaging 15.8 points per game and contributing a team-high of 6.6 rebounds, while Jordan Ivy-Curry supports the offense with an average of 15.7 points and 3.2 rebounds.

The Pick:

UCF outperforms Kansas in offensive metrics, scoring an average of 3.6 points more per game. In contrast, Kansas showcases a stronger defensive capability, allowing 9.1 points fewer than their opponents. The Jayhawks are winning by an average margin of 12 points this season, while the Knights have an average victory margin of 6.5 points. Both teams have excelled this season, each maintaining a 6-6 record against the spread. Kansas’s elite defense, ranked among the top 60 in the nation, effectively mitigates UCF’s high-ranking offense, which is within the top 70. Despite being ranked among the bottom 90 defensively, the Knights have recently demonstrated improved defensive performance, allowing 66 points or fewer in three of their last five games. Kansas has a tendency towards low-scoring games, reflected in their 11-1 record to the under this season, suggesting a likely low-scoring contest today. It is recommended to bet on the Under.

Illinois vs Washington Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/5/25

Illinois at Washington at 4 PM ET

The Illinois Fighting Illini currently hold a record of 10 wins and 3 losses this season, placing them in 5th position within the Big 10 Conference. They recently achieved a significant victory, defeating Oregon with a score of 109-77. Against the spread, the Fighting Illini have a record of 7 wins, 5 losses, and 1 push, while their over/under record stands at 7 wins and 6 losses. On the road, they have managed a record of 1 win and 1 loss. Leading the team in scoring is Kasparas Jakucionis, who averages 16.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and a team-high 5.4 assists per game. Additionally, Tomislav Ivisic contributes 14.2 points and a team-leading 9.2 rebounds.

This season, the Washington Huskies have accumulated a record of 10 wins and 4 losses, positioning them at 15th in the Big 10 conference. They are coming off a recent victory against Maryland, where they won 75-69. The Huskies have a 7-6 record against the spread and a 6-7 record in over/under betting, alongside a commendable home record of 8-2. Great Osobor leads the team in scoring with an average of 14.6 points per game and also tops the team in rebounds with 9.1 per game. Tyler Harris further supports the team with an average of 12.6 points and 5.5 rebounds.

The Pick:

Illinois excels offensively and defensively, scoring 14 points more than Washington and permitting 2.1 points less. The Fighting Illini are winning by an average of 21.7 points this season, while the Huskies average a victory margin of 5.6 points. Both teams have been involved in high-scoring games recently, achieving an 8-1 record to the over in their last nine contests combined. Illinois is noted for possessing the sixth-best offense nationwide. As such, I predict another high-scoring game in this matchup, indicating that wagering on the Over would be a wise decision.

North Texas vs Memphis Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/5/25

North Texas at Memphis at 5 PM ET

With a season record of 10-3, the North Texas Mean Green are currently positioned first in the AAC. They recently secured a narrow victory over UAB, winning 78-75. The team’s performance against the spread stands at 5-6, and they have a 5-5-1 record regarding over/under bets, alongside a road record of 1-2. Atin Wright leads the team in scoring, averaging 13.5 points per game, while Brenen Lorient provides additional support with an average of 10.6 points and 3.8 rebounds.

The Memphis Tigers have achieved an 11-3 record this season, placing them 5th in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). They are coming off a commanding 90-62 victory against Florida Atlantic. The team has a 9-5 record against the spread and an 8-6 record in over/under betting, with a home record of 4-2. PJ Haggerty leads the scoring for Memphis, averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and a team-high 3.4 assists, while Tyrese Hunter contributes with an average of 15.4 points and 4.1 rebounds.

The Pick:

Offensively, North Texas outperforms its rivals by scoring an average of 11.2 points more, while defensively, they are more effective, allowing 16.7 points fewer. The Tigers are winning their games by an average of 5.3 points this season, whereas the Mean Green have a higher average victory margin of 10.8 points. Both teams are coming off a series of wins, yet their recent performance against the spread has not been impressive. Furthermore, both teams have been involved in several high-scoring matches, achieving a combined record of 9-4 to the over in their last 13 games. This trend is expected to continue. Go with Over.