College Basketball Best Bets January 24: Our Top 3 Picks including Arizona State vs USC

By Akiva Wienerkur   January 24, 2022 

College Basketball Best Bets January 24: Our Top 3 Picks including Arizona State vs USC

A good slate of games for Monday that includes a Top-25 team, conference matchups, and even some upsets. 

All of our picks for Sunday were great games that came down to the wire, except Arizona. Overall Sunday was an exciting college basketball day, but unfortunately our bets bets went 1-2 on the day. We started the day off with a rematch of Memphis and Tulsa. Memphis just edged out Tulsa in a 83-81 win. Tulsa had the lead for a long time, but Memphis was able to come back from behind and win. Our next game a Pac-12 matchup between #13 Arizona and Cal, which and Arizona dominated, easily winning 96-71. Finally, we ended the day with a BIG ten matchup with Michigan and Indiana. Michigan could not miss from three all day and finally looked like the team we all thought they could be as they beat a good Indiana squad 80-62. 

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

Florida vs. Ole Miss 

The Bet: Ole Miss +5.5 

Mississippi Rebels guard Matthew Murrell (11) dribbles as Missouri Tigers guard Amari Davis (1) defends during the second half at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss | Sidelines
Mississippi Rebels guard Matthew Murrell (11) dribbles as Missouri Tigers guard Amari Davis (1) defends during the second half at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

An SEC matchup between Florida and Ole Miss. This should be a set to be a great game between two even teams. This game was supposed to happen earlier in the season but was postponed. 

Ole Miss off to a decent start to the season so far at 9-9. They have played inconsistent all season. They have been inconsistent on offense as specifically. They have trouble playing efficiently offensively. Ole Miss averages 68 points per game as a team. Ole Miss however is a good defensive team that only allows 66.8 points per game. This is a great matchup because of how evenly matched the teams are. Both teams are good defensively and have struggled to play consistently on offense. Ole Miss is a good team that has tournament potential. 

Florida is off to a good start to the season. They did expect better however as they were once one of the top ranked teams in the nation. After starting the season 6-1 they are 6-5 in their past 11 games. Florida has won four games in a row. The Gators have played well that game, but their offense is still a question. They average 72.3 points per game and only allow 66.8 points per game. Florida is a good team, but they are inconsistent on offense. The Gators defense bails them out, but Ole Miss may be able to really shut them down. 

We like Ole Miss to win and cover the 5.5 point spread.

San Diego vs. Santa Clara 

The Bet: San Diego + 8.5 

San Diego Toreros guard Marion Humphrey (0) brings the ball down court against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Joel Ayayi (11) in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center | Sidelines
San Diego Toreros guard Marion Humphrey (0) brings the ball down court against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Joel Ayayi (11) in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

A WCC Matchup between two even teams. This should be a competitive game between two 11 win teams. San Diego does have the edge in conference play though. 

San Diego is 11-8 on the season and 4-2 in conference play. San Diego has also won four of their past five games. They are a quiet team that does not score much, but their defense carries them. Their defense only allows 62.3 points per game. If their offense can reach 70 points then they can easily win. game. This shis should be a grudge match. If San Diego somehow can finally get some offense going this season they can win games. 

Santa Clara is off to a good start to the season at 11-7, but is 1-2 in conference play. Santa Clara is looking to prove they are one of the best teams in the WCC despiste the poor conference record. Santa Clara is a good offensive team that averages 76.6 points per game on 48.2% shooting from the field. They are good at not allowing opponents to score as well with an average of 71 points allowed per game. Santa Clara is a good team, but has not played a team consistent all season. They are a good offense, but should struggle against San Diego. 

We like San Diego to win and cover the 8.5 point spread. 

Arizona State vs. #16 USC 

The Bet: USC -13 

USC Trojans guard Boogie Ellis (0) drives against Utah Utes guard David Jenkins Jr. (1) in the first half at Jon M. Huntsman Center | Sidelines
USC Trojans guard Boogie Ellis (0) drives against Utah Utes guard David Jenkins Jr. (1) in the first half at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

A PAC 12 matchup between Arizona State and USC. USC has been one of the best teams all season and we have not had a chance to pick them in one of our best bets, so it will be exciting to explain why they are such a great team. 

USC is off to a great start to the season with a 16-2 record. USC started off 13-0, but has lost two of their last five games. USC is still one of the top teams in the nation. USC is looking to build on that big run they had in the tournament last season. They are a decent offensive team and a great defensive team. Their defense only allows 63.4 points per game. Their offense is decent and averages 74.8 points per game. They are led by junior Isaiah Mobley, brother of Cleveland Cavaliers Evan Mobley. We saw how Isaiah Mobley played great next to his brother all season and now that he is gone he is flourishing into a great player in his junior year. He’s currently averaging 14.8 points with 8.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists a game on 47.% from the field and 41.4% from three. Mobley leads the Trojans in all categories in points, rebounds, and assists. If he can get going on offense it should be an easy win for USC. 

Arizona State is a bad team with a 6-10 record and a 2-4 conference record. They have played some great competition, but have lost all of those games. They have had many games postponed, which could be a reason why they have struggled so much this season. ASU is a

terrible offensive team that averages under 65 points per game. They should have many issues trying to score against one of the best teams with a great big man and a great defense. 

We think Arizona State’s offensive struggles will be the reason why USC covers the 13 point spread.

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