College Hoops Picks - January 28, 2022

Back on track. Undefeated last time with three wins, getting me back up to 63% on the season. For the uninformed, that's better than the pros. Ignore the fact that it's only 46 picks. I'm the best. Big XII-SEC challenge tomorrow, let's get after it. 2022 CBB Record: 29-17

What is a Wake Forest?

ACC to start things off. Pretty simple pick here. NC State is dealing with some injury issues, both Dusan Mahorcic and Jack Clark are game-time decisions. Mahorcic hasn't played since December 10th; Clark has been out since January 4th. Even if they are back, they likely won't be their best selves as they get used to game speeds. If they do miss out, it will lessen the Wolfpack's size advantage, and help Wake on the glass.

Tyree Appleby will be the best player on the court. Wake Forest is coming off back-to-back losses to Virginia and Pittsburgh, and they're playing on home court. On the season, they're 10-1 at home. It's a one-point spread. Take Wake Forest to end their skid and win the game straight up. Wake Forest -1.0

Horns Up

I don't think this is a real line. TCU is a two-point favorites over Mississippi State? I feel like I'm being pranked. That probably means that I'm so far off with my read here, but I only see this game going one way.

The Horned Frogs are on the road, but what has Mississippi State done to garner any respect? The only team they've beaten at home since conference play started is Ole Miss. Eddie Lampkin is questionable, and TCU does struggle to score the ball sometimes, but I don't see the Bulldogs scoring very many points against this defense. They don't get to the rim, they don't shoot threes well, and they're abysmal from the free-throw line. TCU went into Kansas and held them to 60 points, Mississippi State doesn't have that kind of firepower.

Jamie Dixon's team struggles from beyond the arc, but they shoot a really high percentage when they're getting to the rim. They also do a great job getting to the free-throw line. If Tolu Smith gets into any kind of foul trouble at all for State, TCU will run away with it. There's a very real chance this game turns into a defensive struggle, but TCU just has way too much talent to lose this game. TCU -1.5

Shooters Shoot

Prop bets came out early tonight and I can't help myself. The Hokies of Virginia Tech are hosting Syracuse on Saturday night. Jim Boeheim is well over the hill and probably should've retired a couple of years ago. He doesn't even have any more sons that he needs to give full rides to even if they might not deserve it. He's been running the two-three zone for a hundred years now and shows no signs of stopping regardless of its effectiveness.

How do you beat a two-three zone? Shoot 'em out of it. Who shoots the ball well? Hunter Cattoor. He's shooting over 40% from beyond the arcs on almost six attempts a day. Virginia Tech runs a really tight rotation, Cattoor played all forty minutes. They've had almost a full week off, so fatigue shouldn't be an issue. Syracuse is 361/363 in three points attempts against per game. The opportunity is there, all it takes is a couple of made jumpers to go over the total here. Hunter Cattoor over 2.5 3PM. Grant Basile probably gets over 5.5 rebounds, as well.

Dog of the Day

Whoever did the scheduling for the Big XII-SEC challenge should get a raise for scheduling Texas vs. Tennessee. So much orange in one place. That's the best uniform matchup of the day with a ton of really good games. Tennessee has the best defense in the entire country, they're at home, and they're wearing these uniforms. It's hard to pick against them in this spot. I'm going to do it anyways.

Texas hasn't skipped a beat after Chris Beard was let go. Marcus Carr has taken major steps forward this season and does a great job taking care of the ball. They struck gold with Tyrese Hunter in the transfer portal. Sir'Jabari Rice is a top ten name in all of college basketball, and he's also pretty good. They share the ball, have length on defense and use their athleticism well. Seven-and-a-half points is a lot, even as a road team. Texas +7.5 is a certified Dog of the Day™ (4-4). Woof.

Quick Hitters

I'm actually overwhelmed by the number of games on Saturday. There's high-caliber basketball in just about every time slot. I can't pick them all, but I still have tons of thoughts:

• Xavier and Creighton is going to be an absolute track meet. 157.0 is an absurd total, but it still might be too low.

• Alabama runs over everyone, they probably run over Oklahoma too. Even on the road.

• I think I like Iowa State over Missouri, just because Missouri got ran out of the gym by Kansas. Big XII > SEC

• Marquette and Depaul feels like another over, although I hate overs.

• LSU and Texas Tech is an easy under. Add it to my card. LSU/Texas Tech under 133.5

• Maybe I just have Big XII bias, but Baylor is so much better than Arkansas. 6.5 is a little too high for me.

• Butler is in the middle of some major struggles. Weird things happen at Hinkle Fieldhouse though. I'd take the Bulldogs +2.0 if I had to pick a side.

• Nebraska can't go into Maryland with all of their injuries and keep it close. 11 is a lot though.

• Florida State has been playing better lately, but I can't back them against Clemson, even at home.

• I don't know what to make of Kansas State vs. Florida. Great offense against good defense. Keyontae Johnson takes on his old team. I'd take his over on points, whatever it may be.

• Kentucky/Kansas would have been pegged as a top ten game before the season started. It doesn't quite have the juice now, but still a fun game. Tschiebwe might have another 20 rebound performance.

• Ohio State keeps it within five of Indiana. They just do. Probably under 146.0. It just has that feel.

That's a ton of basketball. My brain is melting. Best of luck.