RADIO
With early-season tournaments ending and cross-conference play beginning, we have several first-class matchups to dive into and learn about a few rosters early this season.
Along with big games come some of the nation's top players. Three of the four National Player of the Year candidates are in action on Friday, followed by a pair in the top ten on Saturday.
In this article, I'm going to highlight a few of the big matchups, along with bets and spots I'm looking for over the next two days.
Connecticut at Kansas (-2.5), Friday @9pm
Our first battle is between the current AP Poll number 4 and 5 teams, respectively. UConn enters the contest 7-0 with their only real test coming in a victory over Texas. Kansas, on the other hand, is 6-1 with wins over Kentucky and Tennessee while suffering a loss to number three-ranked Marquette in the Maui Invitational.
Senior transfer Hunter Dickinson leads the Jayhawks, one of the best post scorers in the nation. Both squads are in the top 15 of two-point scoring efficiency.
Despite Dajuan Harris Jr. running point for Kansas, they have been turnover-prone. The Huskies should have the advantage here, as they do a good job of forcing turnovers while handling the ball at a top-60 clip nationally.
I also think UConn will get a little shooting regression here, but I would expect the Jayhawks to trade blow for blow behind their home crowd at Allen Fieldhouse. However, I do think Donovan Clingan and the Huskies frontcourt have a sizable advantage in the rebounding department on both sides of the floor.
The deciding battles in this one will be between Kansas' ability to shoot from deep, Connecticut's ability to force turnovers, and the battle between Dickinson and Clingan in the paint.
I lean towards the Huskies catching points (+2.5), but I don't want to play it while star freshman Stephon Castle remains out with a knee injury. Instead, I'm going to attack Connecticut's rebounding edge with either Karaban or Clingan's prop. Stay Tuned.
Marquette at Wisconsin (+1 per KenPom), Saturday @12:30pm
The 6-1 AP number three Golden Eagles travel to Madison for a bout with the 5-2 Badgers on Saturday morning. Marquette has played one of the toughest schedules in the country, only losing to Purdue in the Maui Invitational Championship, while Wisconsin fell to Tennessee and Providence before notching a quality win over Virginia.
Led by Tyler Kolek, Marquette's top defense and rim-running offense have been vital to their early-season success so far. Fortunately for Wisconsin, they prefer a slow tempo utilizing veteran guards to take care of the rock. On the surface, they also do a good job of keeping teams out of the paint. However, I believe the Golden Eagles' scheme will allow them lanes to attack the basket where Wisconsin has struggled to defend.
The Badgers' Steven Crowl will be matched up with Oso Ighodaro, a good defender and fellow quality rebounder. Ighodaro should be able to contain their go-to man, but the Badgers take pride in crashing the glass as a team and will battle on the boards all game.
Marquette doesn't really beat teams with rebounding, however. They pressure the ball and get good looks at the basket, which they should continue to do in this matchup. Conversely, Wisconsin plays at such a slow tempo they will have to fight for every basket and clean look.
Look, depending on the opening spread, you might see some betting splits about "unranked home teams favored over ranked opponents." I just think this is a quality matchup for Marquette's lineup and we will be looking to back them as a dog or small favorite.
Other Matchups to Watch
Gonzaga clashes with USC in Vegas for a high-profile matchup containing the nation's top freshman. Monitor the injury report for USC, but if they're healthy, look to back them as a two-possession underdog.
UC Irvine travels to Utah State in a matchup between two top mid-majors. It's a rough travel spot for Irvine, who I would normally like here. Probably will be a stay-away for me.
Toledo looks to bounce back against George Mason. A good spot to back the Rockets following a tough stretch of close losses against quality opponents.
If you'd like to see me talk about specific upcoming games, teams, or anything in between, I can be found on Twitter (@DrRoddy_). I also post all of my official bets there.
YTD 19-9 +6.6u
Let's Go!
