In the world of college basketball, every game is a new opportunity for teams to showcase their skills, strategies, and determination. As we approach another exciting round of matchups, renowned college basketball handicapper Greg Peterson has shared his top picks for today’s games.
With a keen eye for detail and years of experience, Peterson offers insights that can help fans and bettors alike navigate the complexities of college basketball betting.
In this blog post, we will delve into Peterson’s picks, exploring the key factors and statistics that influenced his decisions.
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, this comprehensive guide will provide valuable information to enhance your understanding of today’s games.
Alabama vs. Robert Morris
Alabama is known for its fast-paced play, ranking at the top in terms of tempo in college basketball. Their reliance on 3-point shooting makes them a volatile team. However, their defense has been lacking, allowing at least 79 points in nine of their last 11 games.
On the other hand, Robert Morris excels in offensive rebounding, securing 36.2% of their missed shots in away games, which ranks seventh nationally.
Key Factors
- Alabama’s 3-point shooting: 46.2% of field goals from 3-point range
- Robert Morris’ offensive rebounding: 36.2% in away games
- Defensive struggles: Alabama has allowed 79+ points in 9 of their last 11 games
Pick: Robert Morris +22.5 (Greg’s Handicap: Robert Morris +17.5)
Colorado State vs. Memphis
Both Colorado State and Memphis are proficient from beyond the arc, with Colorado State hitting 36.6% of their threes and Memphis making 38.5% of their 3-point shots in away games.
The injury to Memphis’ Tyrese Hunter, who averages 13.7 points per game, is a significant factor. However, PJ Carter is expected to fill in, maintaining the team’s 3-point production. The primary concern is the impact on Memphis’ defense, as Hunter also averaged 1.5 steals per game.
Key Factors
- 3-point shooting: Colorado State 36.6%, Memphis 38.5% in away games
- Injury impact: Tyrese Hunter’s absence affects Memphis’ defense
Pick: Colorado State vs. Memphis Over 146 (Greg’s Handicapped Total: 149)
North Carolina vs. Ole Miss
Ole Miss struggles significantly with rebounding, ranking 322nd nationally in rebound percentage.
North Carolina, while not as dominant in the paint as in previous seasons, has seen impressive performances from Ven-Allen Lubin. Lubin has recorded a double-double in four of the last five games, helping North Carolina achieve a 7-2 record over this period.
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Key Factors
- Rebounding struggles: Ole Miss ranks 322nd in rebound percentage
- Ven-Allen Lubin’s impact: Averaging 13.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game
Pick: North Carolina -2 (Greg’s Handicap: North Carolina -3)
Maryland vs. Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon faces challenges with turnovers and 3-point shooting, ranking 275th in turnovers per possession and hitting just 29.4% of their threes in away games.
Maryland’s defense, ranking sixth in points per possession allowed, will likely pose a significant challenge. Additionally, Maryland limits free throw attempts, which is crucial as Grand Canyon relies heavily on free throws for scoring in road games.
Key Factors
- Turnovers: Grand Canyon ranks 275th in turnovers per possession
- 3-point shooting: Grand Canyon 29.4% in away games
- Maryland’s defense: Sixth in points per possession allowed
Pick: Maryland -10 and Under 150.5 (Greg’s Handicaps: Maryland -12 and Total 148)
Kentucky vs. Troy
Despite injuries in the backcourt, Kentucky remains a formidable team, with five players averaging over 10 points per game. They rank 15th in the country in points per possession.
Troy, on the other hand, struggles with 3-point shooting, making just 27.3% of their attempts in away games, ranking 354th out of 364 Division I teams.
Key Factors
- Kentucky’s scoring depth: Five players averaging over 10 points per game
- Troy’s 3-point shooting struggles: 27.3% in away games
Pick: Kentucky -11 (Greg’s Handicap: Kentucky -14.5)
Marquette vs. New Mexico
Marquette excels in the turnover battle, ranking 20th in turnovers forced per possession and third in fewest turnovers committed per possession in away games.
However, New Mexico holds a significant advantage in rebounding, with Nelly Junior Joseph ranking third in the country in rebounds per game. Joseph’s dominance on the glass could be a deciding factor in this matchup.
Key Factors
- Turnovers: Marquette ranks 20th in turnovers forced per possession
- Rebounding: New Mexico’s Nelly Junior Joseph averages 11.2 rebounds per game
Pick: New Mexico +4.5 (Greg’s Handicap: New Mexico -1.5)
Akron vs. Arizona
Akron plays at a fast tempo, ranking seventh in possessions per game in away games. However, they also rank 64th in points per possession allowed.
Arizona’s offense has struggled from deep, shooting just 30.3% from 3-point range in away games. This matchup could be influenced by Akron’s ability to maintain their fast pace while limiting Arizona’s scoring opportunities.
Key Factors
- Tempo: Akron ranks seventh in possessions per game in away games
- Arizona’s 3-point shooting: 30.3% in away games
Pick: Akron +14.5 and Under 167.5 (Greg’s Handicaps: Akron +9.5 and Total 163.5)
Oklahoma vs. Connecticut
Connecticut has tightened up defensively, allowing 71 points or fewer in five straight games. They lead the country in blocked shot percentage in away games, with three players averaging at least 1.5 blocks per game.
Oklahoma, meanwhile, ranks 13th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage in away games, allowing just 29.4% from beyond the arc.
Key Factors
- Connecticut’s defense: Allowing 71 points or fewer in five straight games
- Blocked shots: Connecticut leads the country in blocked shot percentage in away games
- Oklahoma’s 3-point defense: 29.4% opponent 3-point shooting in away games
Pick: Oklahoma vs. Connecticut Under 149 (Greg’s Handicapped Total: 141.5)
Illinois vs. Xavier
Illinois relies heavily on 3-point shooting, with 46.9% of their field goals coming from beyond the arc. However, they struggle with accuracy, making just 31.1% of their 3-point attempts.
Xavier, on the other hand, is highly efficient from deep, ranking sixth nationally with a 38.8% 3-point shooting percentage. This efficiency could be the key to exploiting Illinois’ defense, which ranks 253rd in points per possession allowed in away games.
Key Factors
- 3-point shooting reliance: Illinois attempts 46.9% of field goals from beyond the arc
- Accuracy issues: Illinois makes just 31.1% of their 3-point attempts
- Xavier’s efficiency: 38.8% 3-point shooting percentage, sixth nationally
Pick: Xavier +3.5 (Greg’s Handicap: Xavier -1.5)
Michigan State vs. Bryant
Michigan State’s strengths lie in their 3-point defense and rebounding, ranking second in opponent 3-point shooting percentage and third in rebound percentage.
However, Bryant’s size and reliance on inside scoring could neutralize Michigan State’s advantages. Bryant’s lower reliance on 3-point shooting further complicates the matchup for Michigan State.
Key Factors
- 3-point defense: Michigan State ranks second in opponent 3-point shooting percentage
- Rebounding: Michigan State ranks third in rebound percentage
- Bryant’s size: All five top scorers are 6-foot-6 or taller
Pick: Bryant +17.5 (Greg’s Handicap: Bryant +14)
Liberty vs. Oregon
Liberty holds a significant edge from beyond the arc, ranking third nationally in 3-point shooting percentage in away games at 40.3%. They also excel in opponent 3-point shooting percentage, allowing just 28%.
Oregon, while strong in 3-point defense overall, allows a lower percentage at home compared to road games. This game could be decided by Liberty’s ability to maintain their shooting efficiency and defensive prowess.
Key Factors
- 3-point shooting: Liberty ranks third nationally at 40.3% in away games
- 3-point defense: Liberty allows just 28% opponent 3-point shooting
- Oregon’s home defense: Allows 29.6% from deep at home
Pick: Liberty +7 (Greg’s Handicap: Liberty -1)
For more detailed insights and expert picks, check out Greg Peterson’s Best Bets for March 21.
Stay tuned for more updates and expert analysis on college basketball matchups.
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