Best College Basketball Bets January 17: Our Top 3 Picks including #4 Purdue vs #25 Illinois

While we celebrate MLK day there are still NCAAB games to be played throughout the day. Sunday’s best bets went 2-1, as the only loss was Ohio State winning by four less than their spread. Monday’s headlines will have less games available, but still has amazing games including a top 25 matchup.

Sunday started off with #14 Villanova absolutely dominating Butler in a 82-42 win. Villanova seemed like they had a 6th man on the floor at all times, that’s how great they played. Tipping off shortly after was a Big Ten matchup between #16 Ohio State taking on Penn State. Ohio State played well enough to hold off Penn State in a 61-56 win. Saturday night ended with another Big Ten matchup between Iowa and Minnesota. Iowa got out to a great start and never looked back in a 81-71 win to improve to 13-4.

Now let’s take a closer look for the best bets ahead of Monday.

#4 Purdue vs. #25 Illinois

The Bet: Over 150

A great ranked Big Ten matchup between #4 Purdue and #25 Illinois. This is a big game for both to assert their dominance in the Big Ten.

Purdue is off to a great start to the season at 14-2. They are ranked #4 for a reason and was even #1 for a short time. The Boilermakers are a legit top team and program this year with an amazing start to the season. They excel on offense and can score at will when they need. The Boilermakers average 85.6 points per game on 50.6% shooting from the field as a team. They average almost 19 assists as a team as well. They are a great offense that usually can

score a high amount of points. They are considered one of if not the best offensive teams in the country. They are looking for a big win against a ranked conference rival to continue their early season dominance.

Illinois is off to a great start to the season as well. With a 13-3 record and a 6-0 conference record. Illinois has won six straight and is playing like one of the better teams in the country now. Illinois is picking off where they were last season as one of the best teams in the country and specifically one of the best offensive teams in the country. Illinois is a very good offensive team, they may not be as good offensively on offense as Purdue, but they can score at a high rate as well. They average almost 80 points per game, while shooting at 47% from the field as a team. Illinois should prepare to be in a shootout today as they go for their seventh win in a row.

With two great offenses we like the over to hit of 150 total points scored.

Pennsylvania vs. Princeton

The Bet: Princeton -5.5

An exciting Ivy League matchup between Pennsylvania and Princeton. We have not looked into many Ivy League games, but this was one game that was an easy pick. With the pandemic during 2020 the Ivy League suspended their season so it is good to see the nation’s smartest balling again this year.

Princeton is off to a great start to the season at 13-3. Princeton is easily the best team in the Ivy League right now. They have won eight games in a row and have played well on both sides during the win streak. They are one of three teams in the conference with a winning record and the only ten win team so far. They have a great offense that averages 81.2 points per game on 49.4% shooting from the field as a team. They also average 16 assists as a team as well. They look for their ninth win in a row against a struggling Pennsylvania team.

Pennsylvania has struggled like most Ivy League teams this year. They are 6-11 to start the season, but 3-1 in conference play. They have played well against their conference rivals, but besides that have looked putrid this season. They struggle on offense, just averaging over 70 points per game. Pennsylvania is not good on the defensive end as well. They are not a great team, but they can compete in the Ivy League.

With Princeton’s dominance in the Ivy League we like them to cover the 5.5 point spread.

Indiana vs. Nebraska

The Bet: Indiana -9

The final matchup of the day is another Big Ten matchup. Indiana takes on Nebraska, in a game the Hoosiers are expected to easily win.

Indiana is off to a good start to the season at 12-4, but is coming off of a loss to Iowa. Indiana has looked inconsistent at times. They have lost two of their past four games. On offense Indiana averages 75 points per game on 48% shooting as a team. Their numbers are pretty good, but their offense has struggled in games. Indiana is a flawed team, but they have a ton of talent and a coach in Mike Woodson to have success. Indiana faces a conference opponent who has struggled all season, they are expected to win this game.

Nebraska is off to a bad start to the season with a 6-12 record. After starting off 5-2 they have gone 1-10 since that great start. They have lost five games in a row and their most recent loss to Purdue was by 27. Nebraska is one of the worst teams in the Big Ten. Nebraska’s offense carried them in the earlier games in the season, but now it has stalled. Their offense has not played well in a long time and with their defense that allows almost 80 points per game is no

help. Nebraska looks to be on a downward spiral and should have a tough time trying to turn the season around today.

With Nebraska’s struggles we like Indiana to cover the 9 point spread.