College Hoops Picks - November 18, 2022

At a certain point, it becomes irresponsible to not put your entire net worth on my picks. I'm yet to lose a pick I've written up this season. I've been lucky with an overtime game and a walk-on looking for his moment to push a couple of games over, but a win is a win is a win. 2022 CBB Record: 8-0

Just about every team in the country has a game tomorrow. I'll start with Rider vs. Stetson. This game tips at 5 am EST. It's being played in Ireland. If you're betting on Rider vs. Stetson at 5 in the morning, click this link for a guaranteed win.

Let's look at a game at a reasonable hour. UCLA and Illinois face off in the first round of the Continental Tire Main Event, brought to you by Continental Tire. Both teams enter the matchup having won their first three games, although neither has faced any real competition. As the saying goes though, "The Continental Tire Main Event brought to you by Continental Tire is where teams go to find out who they really are".

I think the main separators between these two teams comes down to continuity and ball handling. UCLA brings back a host of guys including Jaime Jacquez, who, when healthy, might be the best wing in the entire country. They also bring back Tyger Campbell and Jaylen Clark, key contributors on last year's team. Illinois has a completely overturned roster, losing ten players to the NBA and transfer portal. They brought in quality talent in Max Meyer and Terrence Shannon, but they haven't had a chance to play together against quality opposition. UCLA has been in these high-profile matchups together over the past few seasons; that experience is valuable in closing out games.

Outside of experience, ball handling is another key advantage UCLA holds. Tyger Campbell is basically another coach on the floor. That's a cliché, but it's true to an extent. He's smart with the ball and knows how to play within the offense, a luxury that Brad Underwood's team doesn't have. Illinois has double-digit turnovers in each of their first three games. That's what happens when a new roster comes together and you hand the keys to the offense to a freshman (Skyy Clark).

I also want to mention Jaylen Clark, who appears to have added a three-point shot to his game. He hit seven threes all of last season, and he's already hit seven this season on 58% shooting. He won't keep hitting them at a 50% clip, but if he can even shoot 35%, that's a serious weapon for UCLA. UCLA -3.0

I think that's all I've got tomorrow. I'm writing this before a lot of the lines have come out, so maybe I'll add something later. If you're looking for more action, I'd lean toward the Villanova team under 63, BC/George Mason under 134.0, and Baylor at -4.5. Those aren't official plays though so if they lose I will not be accepting blame.