We continue our trek through the 2024 college basketball season, and this weekend features a series of thrilling matchups that promise to deliver excitement.

As we analyze these matchups and their betting implications, let’s explore the top matchups of the day. This is our best go at finding the top college basketball picks for an exhilarating Saturday in college basketball!

 

 

 

College Basketball Predictions & Overview Today, 12/14

First up, #17 Texas A&M will take on #11 Purdue in a contest between two 8-2 teams eager to showcase their skills. Texas A&M’s formidable defense will aim to contain Purdue’s potent offense, as both teams have secured victories against ranked opponents.

In another matchup, NC State will travel to #10 Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse, where the Jayhawks are looking to bounce back from two consecutive losses. Kansas will strive to find its offensive rhythm, while NC State faces its first significant road challenge of the season.

Lastly, the historic rivalry known as the Battle of the Bluegrass will see Louisville go head-to-head with #5 Kentucky. Although Kentucky has had the upper hand in recent encounters, Louisville is determined to change the narrative, even as a double-digit underdog.

 

 

 

#17 Texas A&M vs. #11 Purdue Predictions & Picks

Purdue’s in a good spot to notch an important victory against Texas A&M, thanks in large part to their strong offense. The Boilermakers score an average of 78.3 points per game, with impressive shooting stats, including 40.8% from three-point range, ranking 7th in the nation.

Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer lead the scoring, contributing over 32 combined points per game. Playing at home gives Purdue an extra edge, while Texas A&M's inconsistent scoring may struggle to keep up. The Aggies rank 201st in points per game (75.1) and 321st in field-goal percentage (41.2%), making their offense a concern.

Wade Taylor IV adds some energy, but the team's poor three-point shooting (30.0%, 314th) limits their scoring potential. Although Texas A&M has a strong defense, allowing only 38.0% shooting (19th), it may not be enough to stop Purdue's effective shooters.

With Purdue's offensive strength and home advantage, betting on Purdue -2.5 (-110 at Bet365) to start off today’s college basketball predictions seems wise, as their scoring ability should lead them to victory.

 

 

 

NC State vs. #10 Kansas Predictions & Picks

Next up on our college basketball picks, we see that NC State and Kansas are set to face off in a game likely to be low-scoring. Both teams have had trouble putting the ball in the cup but have performed well defensively, leading to many games going under the set game total this season.

NC State scores an average of 74.7 points per game, ranking 210th in the nation, but they are strong defensively, allowing opponents to shoot just 27.2% from three-point range, which is 16th best. Kansas, on the other hand, averages 78.9 points per game (114th) and limits opponents to 40.5% shooting, placing them 76th nationally.

Recent games show a trend toward defense, with NC State's last five games averaging only 133 total points and four of those going under. Kansas has also gone under in six of their last seven games, including tight wins over Michigan State and Duke.

Both teams play at a slower pace and struggle with outside shooting, indicating a tough, defensive matchup. With both teams focusing on defense and the possibility of inconsistent scoring, the under 145.5 (-110 at Bet365) seems like a good bet for a slow game with limited scoring opportunities.

 

 

 

Louisville vs. #5 Kentucky Predictions & Picks

Louisville enters their rivalry game against Kentucky as a +10.5 underdog, but they have a real chance to cover the spread, which is where the last of our college basketball predictions today will land.

The Cardinals have been strong in many of their matchups, showcasing good defense by limiting opponents to 68.7 points per game. Key players like Chucky Hepburn and Terrance Edwards offer consistent scoring, while J’Vonne Hadley excels in rebounding with an average of 8 boards per game.

Kentucky, meanwhile, has the highest-scoring offense in the country at 91.1 points per game, driven by the effective scoring of Otega Oweh and Lamont Butler. However, their defense has been shaky, giving up 70.3 points per game, which could make this matchup closer than anticipated. Louisville’s strong rebounding could also help counter Kentucky’s size advantage.

With the rivalry's intensity and Louisville's competitiveness, the Cardinals have a good chance to keep the game tight, especially if they take advantage of Kentucky’s defensive weaknesses. Expect a tough contest where Louisville stays within the +12 (-110 at Bet365) spread.

 

 

 

College Basketball Odds & Betting Lines Today

We have provided our official college basketball predictions for today's games, and now we have one final step to take. Let’s explore the betting lines for today! 

Take a look at the college basketball odds for the matchups we discussed, brought to you by Bet365 Sportsbook:

  • Texas A&M Aggies (+115) vs. Purdue Boilermakers (-140)
    • Spread: Texas A&M +2.5 (-110) vs. Purdue -2.5 (-110)
    • Game Total: Over 143 (-110) vs. Under 143 (-110)
       
  • NC State Wolfpack (+700) vs. Kansas Jayhawks (-1100)
    • Spread: NC State +14 (-110) vs. Kansas -14 (-110)
    • Game Total: Over 145.5 (-110) vs. Under 145.5 (-110)
       
  • Louisville Cardinals (+500) vs. Kentucky Wildcats (-700)
    • Spread: Louisville +12 (-110) vs. Kentucky -12 (-110)
    • Game Total: Over 159 (-110) vs. Under 159 (-110)

 

 

 

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