The college basketball season is in full-swing as some of the early season tournaments begin today, leading through the Thanksgiving Weekend Tournaments in Atlantis, Florida, and Charleston. I’ll give my favorite games/picks for today.
(1) Alabama (-2.5) v. Purdue – Alabama returns the SEC POTY in Mark Sears and the unicorn, Grant Nelson for their final college seasons. Purdue’s life after Zach Edey will be challenging, and the limitations of the Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith will be apparent tonight. Alabama is really good, and will defeat Purdue, avenging the loss in Canada early last season. Alabama wins by five.
(2) FAU v. Charleston (-2.5) – Charleston has the best player on the court in Ante Brzovic, who will give FAU fits all evening. FAU has a completely different team than last year, so I will trust the home team with more returners. Charleston wins by about 10.
(3) SMU v. Butler (+1.5) – Butler got embarrassed on their home court last week in a loss to Austin Peay. I do not think they lose at Hinkle again in November. Butler upsets SMU, and gets a much needed confidence-boosting win for Thad Matta.
(4) Marquette v. Maryland (-135) – This is a huge spot for Kevin Willard. Maryland upsetting Marquette would give Willard a signature win, and get students to believe and buy into the Terps. Marquette might have the best player in Kam Jones, but I think Maryland’s physicality and size inside will give Marquette fits. Maryland wins a close game & fans storm the court.
