Top College Basketball Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday, November 19th (2022)

Nov 19, 2022 - 12:32 PM

Saturday’s college basketball slate does not have as many of the high profile non-conference matchups that we were treated to throughout the week, but there are still plenty of lower-key games to whet the appetite. In addition, there are still plenty of opportunities to make money, and that is the most important part.

Here are our best bets for Saturday’s college basketball action. (Odds courtesy of DraftKings)

Miami vs. Providence ML

Miami has one of the most underrated backcourts in the country, and in a sport dominated by guard play, that has us intrigued by the Hurricanes early in the season.

Miami’s trio of Jordan Miller, Isaiah Wong, and Nijel Pack (transfer from Kansas State) have blended seamlessly through three games, combining to average 39 points per game. Their ability to break defenders down and create their own shots is a big reason the Hurricanes rank 31st in adjusted offensive efficiency. Providence’s Noah Locke (third team in three years) and Devin Carter (transfer from South Carolina) could have the Friars offense humming in due time. But right now, Providence’s best offense seems to be a missed shot, as it ranks 12th in the country in offensive rebounding percentage (12.1%). 

Miami is a tough defense to penetrate, as its 19.8-second average possession length ranks 356th in the country. Thus, the Friars will have to work for everything they get offensively and will be in for a rough day if the Hurricanes compete on the backboards.

Bet: Miami ML (-140 at DraftKings) 

Saint Louis-Maryland O/U

Saint Louis has played outstanding basketball on the offensive end, but it is about to meet its best defensive opponent of the season to date, and one that will turn this game into a complete rockfight.

In three games, new Maryland head coach Kevin Willard has made his imprint on the Terrapins roster, getting them to buy into his solid man-to-man defensive principles. That has paid off in an eighth-ranked defense in terms of effective field goal percentage and one that ranks in the top 20 in 3-point percentage allowed (20.0%). 

Saint Louis has averaged 88 points per game through three games, but two of those opponents rank in the top 80 in tempo, which has helped the Billikens offensively. Maryland will grind this game to a halt, as it ranks 360th in average possession length of defense (20.8 seconds), and Yuri Collins and company will have a hard time adjusting to its first game played predominantly in a half-court setting.

Bet: Saint Louis-Maryland UNDER 144.5 (-115 at DraftKings) 

Bryant vs. FIU Spread

Want an idea of how talented the Bryant Bulldogs are? They have switched from the NEC to the more competitive America East, and are still one of the two best teams in the conference.

Bryant does so many unique things schematically that make them a nightmare to prepare for. The Bulldogs play at the country’s third-fastest tempo and press and trap all over the court, never letting their opponents get comfortable. When Bryant is forced into a half-court setting defensively, they utilize a matchup zone that can be difficult to solve. Considering FIU shoots just 23.5% from 3-point range (322nd in the country), its ceiling is lowered offensively if they have to beat the zone consistently. 

FIU ranks third in shortest average possession length, but a track meet favors the Bulldogs, who are more comfortable with a frenetic pace.

Bet: Bryant -3 (-110 at DraftKings) 

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