January 3, 2025 at 12:05 AM EST
It’s a very busy day in the CBB and we are going to cover the most interesting games, so make sure to check out the College Basketball Picks for Thursday 1/2/2025.
Memphis vs Florida Atlantic Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25
Memphis at FAU at 7 PM ET
The Memphis Tigers experienced a defeat against Mississippi State but secured a victory over Ole Miss. Currently, the team is averaging 79.2 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.7, while conceding an average of 75.6 points at a shooting percentage of 42.6. PJ Haggerty leads the team with an average of 22.1 points and 5.8 rebounds, whereas Tyrese Hunter contributes an average of 15 points and 3.9 rebounds.
The FAU Owls triumphed over Texas State but faced a loss against Michigan State. At present, the team is averaging 84.8 points with a shooting accuracy of 47.2 percent, while allowing 77.6 points at a shooting percentage of 43.7. Kaleb Glenn is contributing an average of 13.3 points and 4.1 rebounds, and Tre Carroll is averaging 11.5 points along with 4.2 rebounds.
The Pick:
The current roster of the FAU Owls may not match the talent levels of previous years, yet they continue to demonstrate their ability to score and will be ready for this home contest. While they have enjoyed some success lately, it is infrequent for a ranked team to arrive in Boca Raton. FAU will likely consider this game a pivotal opportunity to make a strong impression. Back FAU to cover.
Northwestern vs Penn State Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25
Northwestern at Penn State at 7 PM ET
The Northwestern Wildcats have achieved a record of 10-3 this season following their recent victory over Northeastern, with a final score of 85-60. In this match, the Wildcats demonstrated impressive shooting accuracy, hitting 53.6% of their field goals, 36% of their three-point attempts, and 72.7% from the free-throw line. Ty Berry was the standout performer for Northwestern, contributing 23 points and three rebounds, while Brooks Barnhizer supported the effort with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
The Penn State Nittany Lions currently boast an 11-2 record this season, following their recent win against Penn, which they claimed with a score of 86-66. In this encounter, the Nittany Lions recorded shooting percentages of 45.5% from the field, 22.2% from three-point range, and 84.6% from the free-throw line. Ace Baldwin Jr. led the team with an impressive performance, scoring 23 points and dishing out 10 assists, while Yanic Konan Niederhauser added to the team’s success with 19 points and 15 rebounds.
The Pick:
The Nittany Lions are averaging more than 88 points per game this season, with a shooting percentage of 50.4% from the field. However, they will encounter a formidable Northwestern defense. The Wildcats have permitted an average of 63.8 points per game this year and have restricted their last three opponents to 64 points or less. This matchup promises to be intriguing as both teams vie for control of the game’s tempo. Given the current scoring capabilities of both teams, it is anticipated that there will be a significant number of points scored. Therefore, I recommend betting on the Over.
Texas State vs Marshall Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25
Texas State at Marshall at 7 PM ET
Texas State’s latest game was against UT Arlington, where they managed to score 72 points but allowed 80 points to their opponents. Tyrel Morgan, a forward, had a notable performance, scoring 22 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Nonetheless, the team’s inability to defend effectively was a decisive element in the match. Texas State is currently averaging 77 points per game, while their defense permits an average of 68.1 points. The offense ranks 143rd in the league, in contrast to the defense, which is ranked 103rd.
During the latest game versus Elon, Marshall recorded a total of 59 points, while their defense surrendered 73 points. Mikal Dawson showcased a notable performance, scoring 24 points, securing six rebounds, and providing one assist. Obinna Anochili-Killen contributed 16 points, along with three rebounds and two assists. For the season, Marshall averages 76 points per game, with their defense allowing an average of 72.3 points. The offense is positioned 179th in the league rankings, while the defense is ranked 213th.
The Pick:
Texas State’s offensive average stands at 77 points, while Marshall’s defense permits an average of 76 points per game. Given the offensive capabilities of both teams, it is likely that the scoring will be prolific, leading to a total that exceeds the expected range. The final score may well approach 155 or 160 points, making a case for backing the Over.
Western Kentucky vs Liberty Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25
Western Kentucky at Liberty at 7 PM ET
The season has begun positively for Western Kentucky, yet they experienced a substantial loss in their latest game. In a matchup against a strong Michigan team, the Hilltoppers’ defense allowed 112 points, resulting in a decisive defeat. Don McHenry was the standout performer, scoring 18 of the 64 points achieved by the team. On average, Western Kentucky has scored 80.6 points per game this season, while their defense has permitted 76.2 points. The offense is positioned at 79th in the rankings, while the defense is notably ranked 299th.
Liberty’s latest game saw them go head-to-head with UT Arlington, where they scored 79 points and showcased a strong defensive effort by conceding only 56 points. Kaden Methany stood out with a remarkable performance, recording 23 points, five assists, and four rebounds. This season, Liberty has maintained an average of 81.4 points per game, while their defense has permitted an average of 58.2 points. The team’s offense ranks 65th in the league, in contrast to their defense, which is ranked 6th.
The Pick:
Although they will be challenged by a solid defense, I foresee the Hilltoppers finding success. Western Kentucky’s average of 80.6 points per game suggests that, even if they fall short of that mark, they will likely approach it closely enough to cover the spread. I am backing Western Kentucky against the spread.
Purdue vs Minnesota Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25
Purdue at Minnesota at 8 PM ET
With a season record of 9-4, the Purdue Boilermakers secured a win against Toledo, finishing the game with a score of 83-64. During this contest, the team recorded shooting percentages of 49.2% from the field, 35.7% from three-point range, and 73.3% from the free-throw line. Braden Smith was instrumental in the victory, scoring 34 points and providing 12 assists, while Trey Kaufman-Renn contributed significantly with 23 points and six rebounds.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers currently hold an 8-5 record for the season, following their recent victory over Morgan State, which concluded with a score of 90-68. In this match, the Golden Gophers achieved a shooting percentage of 51.7% from the field, 44.8% from beyond the arc, and 62.5% from the free-throw line. Mike Mitchell Jr. was the standout performer for Minnesota, contributing 22 points and securing five rebounds, while Dawson Garcia supported the effort with 18 points and eight rebounds.
The Pick:
The Boilermakers are currently shooting over 48% from the field, suggesting they should encounter little difficulty in this game. Conversely, Minnesota has lost its first two conference matchups by 18 and 15 points, with a field goal percentage of only 44.5%. The Golden Gophers have been particularly ineffective offensively this season, and while their defensive performance has been adequate, they have still conceded 82 points to Indiana and 90 points to Michigan State. Go with Purdue to cover.
Rutgers vs Indiana Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25
Rutgers at Indiana at 8:30 PM ET
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights faced a loss to Princeton but managed to triumph over Columbia. Dylan Harper is posting an average of 22.8 points and 5.3 rebounds, while Ace Bailey is averaging 18.2 points and 7.6 rebounds. Furthermore, Lathan Sommerville is securing 4 rebounds, and Jeremiah Williams is recording 2.2 assists.
The Indiana Hoosiers secured victories against both Chattanooga and Winthrop. Currently, the team is averaging 78.7 points per game with a shooting percentage of 49%, while they permit an average of 69.9 points on 41.6% shooting. Malik Reneau contributes significantly with an average of 15 points and 6.3 rebounds, whereas Mackenzie Mgbako averages 13.5 points and 1.6 assists.
The Pick:
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are not particularly strong on the defensive end. However, they are capable of scoring at a high rate, as shown by their competitive performances against teams like Alabama and Texas A&M. Rutgers is poised to handle pressure situations and may possess the best player on the court. Furthermore, the availability of Oumar Ballo, the Hoosiers’ third-leading scorer, is still uncertain. I will choose to take the points with Rutgers in this away game.
Portland vs Gonzaga Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25
Portland at Gonzaga at 9 PM ET
In their most recent matchup against Oregon State, Portland found themselves trailing 46-39 at halftime and were unable to recover in the second half. Austin Rapp contributed significantly with 22 points and six rebounds. Currently, the team’s offense is positioned 260th in the league, while their defense ranks 332nd. Coleman Lemke has been sidelined for the past two games due to injury and his status for the upcoming game remains uncertain. Additionally, three players are currently redshirting.
The latest contest against Pepperdine saw Gonzaga emerge victorious with a score of 89-82, although the game lacked visual appeal. Khalif Battle, the guard, showcased his skills by scoring 21 points and adding three rebounds and three assists to his tally. This season, Gonzaga has maintained an average of 87.3 points per game, while their defense concedes 70 points on average. Offensively, they are positioned 11th in the league, while defensively, they rank 148th.
The Pick:
Portland’s defensive struggles have become evident, with the team conceding 79 points per game. Gonzaga’s offense is expected to deliver an impressive performance, potentially elevating that average even more. Given the current state of Portland’s defense, it seems improbable that they will achieve many successful stops, indicating that this game will likely turn into a shootout. One could reasonably anticipate that the total score may be near 200 points. Thus, I advise backing the Over.
Louisiana Tech vs UTEP Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25
LA Tech at UTEP at 9 PM ET
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs approach this contest with the momentum of a decisive 108-60 victory against Rust, enhancing their season record to 11-2. Daniel Batcho stands out as the team’s top scorer, averaging 20 points per game alongside 6.8 rebounds. Amaree Abram follows with an average of 13.7 points and 4.8 rebounds, while Kaden Cooper contributes 12.8 points and leads the team in rebounding with 8.3 per game, collectively establishing a formidable group of double-digit scorers for the Bulldogs this season.
The UTEP Miners enter this matchup aiming to capitalize on their recent victory, having secured a 79-60 win against Northern New Mexico in their previous game, which brings their season record to 10-3. Leading the team in both scoring and assists is Otis Frazier III, who averages 13.6 points per game and 3.1 assists per game, complemented by 4.5 rebounds per game. Corey Camper Jr. contributes significantly as well, with an average of 11.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, alongside 2.5 steals per game. Additionally, Ahamad Bynum and Devon Barnes round out the roster of double-digit scorers, averaging 11.8 and 10.4 points per game, respectively.
The Pick:
The Bulldogs demonstrate superiority on both offense and defense, and I do not anticipate UTEP successfully penetrating Louisiana Tech’s defensive setup, even with a top-five ranking in three-point shooting. Louisiana Tech ranks 55th nationally in defending against three-point attempts. Additionally, Louisiana Tech is within the top 75 for free throw concessions, which constitutes a significant portion of UTEP’s scoring. My primary concern lies in UTEP’s ability to generate turnovers, as Louisiana Tech occasionally exhibits carelessness with the ball. Nevertheless, I remain confident that the Bulldogs possess sufficient capability to cover the spread and potentially secure an outright victory.
Maryland vs Washington Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25
Maryland at Washington at 9:30 PM ET
The Maryland Terrapins have achieved an 11-2 record this season, following a recent victory of 81-66 against Maryland Eastern Shore. They are 7-6 against the spread and have a 7-5-1 record in over/under betting, but they remain winless on the road with a 0-1 record. Derik Queen leads the team in scoring, averaging 16.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, while Ja’Kobi Gillespie adds 13.7 points and leads the team with 4.5 assists.
The Washington Huskies currently hold a record of 9 wins and 4 losses for the season, recently achieving a decisive victory of 90-53 against NJIT. They have an even performance against the spread, standing at 6-6, and their over/under record mirrors this at 6-6 as well. At home, they have been particularly strong, boasting a record of 7-2. Great Osobor is the leading scorer for Washington, averaging 14.2 points per game, and he also leads the team in rebounds with an average of 8.7. Additionally, Tyler Harris contributes significantly with an average of 13.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
The Pick:
This season, the Terrapins are winning games by an average margin of 26.1 points, in contrast to the Huskies, who are winning by an average of 5.7 points. Maryland has shown a strong ability to cover large spreads, with a record of 4-2 against the spread in their last six games. The Terrapins are classified as an elite offensive unit, ranking 11th in the nation for points scored, within the top 20 for field goal percentage, and among the top 80 for three-point shooting. Furthermore, Maryland is also a top-50 team in rebounding, which should facilitate an easy victory on the road in this encounter. Back to the Maryland Terrapins and accept the points.
Illinois vs Oregon Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25
Illinois at Oregon at 4 PM ET
The Illinois Fighting Illini currently hold a record of 9 wins and 3 losses for the season, recently achieving a decisive victory of 117-67 against Chicago State. They have a record of 6 wins, 5 losses, and 1 push against the spread, and their over/under record stands at 6 wins and 6 losses, with a road record of 0 wins and 1 loss. In their last 8 games, Illinois has secured 6 victories but has struggled against the spread, posting a record of 1 win, 3 losses, and 1 push. The over has been successful in 3 of their last 4 contests. Kasparas Jakucionis is the leading scorer for Illinois this season, averaging 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and a team-high 5.3 assists, while Tomislav Ivisic contributes 14.7 points and leads the team with 9.3 rebounds.
This season, the Oregon Ducks boast an impressive 12-1 record, following a significant 89-49 victory over Weber. They have an 8-5 record against the spread and a 6-7 record in over/under betting, with a strong home performance reflected in their 6-1 record. The Ducks have shown consistency, going 6-2 against the spread in their last eight games, and the under has been successful in four of their last six matchups. Nathan Bittle leads the team in scoring with an average of 13.2 points and also tops the team in rebounds with 8.5, while Jackson Shelstad contributes 10.8 points and 3 rebounds.
The Pick:
Offensively, Illinois outperforms Oregon by an average of 6.9 points, while both teams maintain the same defensive record, conceding 65.6 points per game. The Fighting Illini secured victories with an average margin of 20.8 points this season, compared to the Ducks’ average win margin of 13.9 points. Both teams are tied for 51st place nationally in defensive statistics, allowing a total of 131.2 points per game collectively. The Fighting Illini struggle with below-average shooting percentages, and the Ducks find themselves in the lower tier for 3-point shooting. Considering the strength of both defenses and the lack of shooting efficiency, I predict a low-scoring affair, thus I will opt for the Under.
Pepperdine vs St. Mary’s Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25
Pepperdine at St. Mary’s at 10 PM ET
The Pepperdine Waves currently hold a record of 6 wins and 9 losses for the season, following a recent defeat to Gonzaga with a score of 82-89. Against the spread, the Waves have achieved an 8-6 record, and they also stand at 8-6 in terms of over/under betting. However, they have struggled on the road, posting a 0-5 record. Leading the team in scoring is Stefan Todorovic, who averages 19.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while Moe Odum contributes 12.9 points and a team-high 7.5 assists.
This season, the Saint Mary’s Gaels have compiled an 11-3 record, following a recent 70-60 triumph over Pacific. Their performance against the spread stands at 3-10, and they are 6-6-1 in terms of over/under while maintaining a strong home record of 8-1. Leading the team in scoring is Augustas Marciulionis, who averages 14.2 points and also records a team-high of 6.4 assists. Paulius Murauskas contributes significantly as well, averaging 13.4 points and leading the team with 8.9 rebounds.
The Pick:
Offensively, Pepperdine outperforms Saint Mary’s by scoring an average of 0.8 points more per game. However, Saint Mary’s showcases a stronger defensive capability, allowing 8.4 points fewer than their opponents. The Gaels are currently winning by an average margin of 10.6 points this season, whereas the Waves have a narrower victory margin of 3 points. The Waves also boast superior shooting percentages from both the field and the three-point line, achieving a 5-1 record against the spread in their last six outings. In contrast, the Gaels have struggled recently, posting a 1-6 record against the spread in their last seven games. I foresee a closely contested game, so I advise backing the Waves and taking the points on the road.
San Francisco vs Pacific Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25
San Francisco at Pacific at 10 PM ET
In the Monday matchup against Santa Clara, the Dons emerged from the halftime break trailing by two points. San Francisco came back on a 41-39 run to force overtime and eventually won 97-94 in the end. Malik Thomas was the standout performer, achieving 34 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Marcus Williams also made a significant impact, scoring 23 points and providing eight assists, along with one rebound, one steal, and one block. From the bench, James O’Donnell contributed the most with eight points.
During the game in San Diego on Monday, the Tigers found themselves trailing at halftime with a score of 35-31. Despite a second-half effort that included a 40-34 scoring run, Pacific was unable to close the gap and ultimately lost the game 75-65. Elijah Fisher led the team in scoring, achieving a double-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and one assist. Elias Ralph contributed significantly with 17 points, nine rebounds, and two steals, while Jefferson Koulibaly added 10 points. Off the bench, Peter Krivokapic also scored 10 points.
The Pick:
The Dons encountered more challenges than anticipated in their match against Santa Clara on Monday; however, they ultimately triumphed in overtime. San Francisco achieved a shooting percentage of 52.3 from the field and recorded only nine turnovers. Conversely, they were out-rebounded 41-34 and converted just 19 of 31 free throw attempts, resulting in a 61.3 percent success rate. Nevertheless, San Francisco has demonstrated commendable performance during this 8-1 stretch, scoring 68 or more points in each victory and limiting opponents to under 68 points in eight of their nine games. In contrast, Pacific managed a respectable 37-33 rebounding advantage over a struggling San Diego team in their most recent outing. However, their shooting performance was subpar, with a mere 41.8 percent from the field, 22.7 percent from beyond the arc (5-of-22), and 60.9 percent from the free-throw line (14-of-23), alongside 15 turnovers. This seven-game losing streak has been particularly challenging for Pacific, as they have failed to reach 67 points in five of those contests, a trend likely to continue. I anticipate that San Francisco will cover the spread comfortably.
Oregon State vs Loyola Marymount Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25
Oregon State at Loyola Marymount at 10 PM ET
The Oregon State Beavers currently hold an 11-3 record for the season and recently achieved an 89-79 victory against Portland. They have performed well against the spread, boasting a 10-3 record, and have a 6-7 record in over/under betting, although they are yet to secure a win on the road, standing at 0-1. Michael Rataj is the leading scorer for Oregon State, averaging 16.4 points per game and contributing a team-high 8.4 rebounds, while Nate Kingz supports the team with an average of 11.4 points and 2.7 rebounds.
This season, the Loyola Marymount Lions have achieved an 8-6 record, recently suffering a 59-73 loss to Washington State. Their performance against the spread stands at 5-8, and they have a 4-9 record in over/under betting, alongside a strong home record of 6-2. Leading the scoring for the Lions is Caleb Stone-Carrawell, who averages 13.4 points, while Jevon Porter contributes 13.2 points and leads the team with an average of 7.6 rebounds.
The Pick:
In terms of both offensive and defensive capabilities, Oregon State outperforms Loyola Marymount, scoring an average of 6.2 points more while allowing 7.8 points fewer. This season, the Beavers are winning by an average margin of 15.1 points, whereas the Lions have a significantly narrower victory margin of just 1.1 points. Additionally, Oregon State excels in shooting efficiency, ranking among the top 50 in the nation for field goal percentage and the top 30 for three-point shooting, as well as holding the 17th-best free throw percentage. It is advisable to favor the Oregon State Beavers and accept the points in this contest.
UC Santa Barbara vs Hawaii Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/3/25
UC Santa Barbara at Hawaii at midnight ET
This season, the UCSB Gauchos have recorded 8 wins and 5 losses, following a recent triumph over Westcliff with a score of 89-72. They have a 5-6 record against the spread and a 3-8 mark in over/under betting, with a 2-3 record in games played on the road. Kenny Pohto stands out as the top scorer for UCSB, averaging 12.9 points and leading the team with 7.8 rebounds, while Deuce Turner adds an average of 12.2 points to the team’s efforts.
This season, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors have compiled an 8-5 record, following a recent 73-70 triumph over Oakland. Their performance against the spread stands at 5-5, and they have a 7-3 record in over/under betting, with a commendable home record of 8-2. Gytis Nemeiksa leads the team in scoring, averaging 14.7 points and 6.8 rebounds, while Marcus Greene adds 11.8 points to the team’s efforts.
The Pick:
In terms of offensive and defensive performance, UCSB surpasses Hawaii, scoring an additional 3 points while allowing 3.3 points fewer. The Rainbow Warriors have an average winning margin of 4 points this season, compared to the Gauchos, who achieve an average victory margin of 11.3 points. UCSB is recognized for having the 40th-best defense in the country and excels in shooting, ranking within the top 50 for both field goal and three-point shooting percentages. The advantage in this matchup is with the road team, thus it is recommended to back the UCSB Gauchos and accept the points.