College Basketball Predictions | College Basketball Picks & Best NCAA Basketball Odds [Dec.22]

Jeff Nedu:

I got a lot going on. I’m just busy. I waited till right before the show to start doing it. But I’m very good, excited about today’s card. For me, it’s been win to lose to win to lose. And the little consistency here. It’s been 500 for me, but again, I think the best thing about our show and we’re very… Some of the few that do it, we give a lot of great analysis. Hopefully you’re learning something here. That was always my goal to call to try to teach people how to bet it and what matters and what doesn’t. So yeah, happy to be here. Thanks for having me.

TJ Reeves:

It’s the season of giving. We’re giving out hopefully good picks and good analysis. Ian Cameron is back with us. I’m just going to say on the front end. Wait until you see the slate. Ian is like at the buffet here. He’s got the turkey. He’s got the dressing. He’s got the green beans. He’s got the cranberry, he just piling on the pics for Wednesday. I’m loving that about you. How are you?

Ian Cameron:

Yeah, it’s a Christmas meal sized card for me today. Just to put it in perspective, the last time I was on the show, and I think it was Jeff with me. It was one of the worst cards I’ve ever seen. I remember it. It was last Thursday. It couldn’t have been worse and to put into perspective, how much I liked this card. St. Thomas, Indiana, Oral Roberts, South Dakota State over Virginia, Minnesota, Illinois, San Diego, Missouri. I mean, those are all bets of mine today, yet…

TJ Reeves:

Right.

Ian Cameron:

None of them are official show plays so that hopefully it shows in the results that I like this card…

TJ Reeves:

You’re like Santa trying to stuff all of the presents into the bags and get ready to go on the sleigh. You just didn’t have enough room for all of that on the show. Let’s go over a couple of things before we take a look at the record and then take a look at the slate. First of all, I know it was getting down to crunch time and the clutch and the Iowa game because I got a direct message from the big man on campus about whether I was going to pull through. They did pull through on the team total and the big man on campus was two for two last night with his place. So he’s back to 500. Unfortunately, man for Kyle Hunter, one of his plays on the under with IUPUI Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis or Oui pui. They were Oui they were Pui they were awful on offense but they hit a late free throw down by almost 30 points.

TJ Reeves:

They hit a late free throw to hit their team total over when Kyle was playing the under. So Kyle is now still at 500 at only 12 and 11 and as Ian said, he is back with a bevy of picks trying to get back towards that 500 mark before Christmas, we’re looking forward to that. As we come back here before we get to the first game, and what we have on the Wednesday edition of the show. Big man on campus, I know you were happy with what Iowa was doing last night. You feel for certain situations here where again, Kyle strategically was going at the bad offense of IUPUI and they just nosed across the finish line late in the game and a game that they’re being blown out in. It just happens that way sometimes, right?

Ian Cameron:

Yes. So I have a Patreon account. I was actually across the board. I had college football, NFL and this card, College hoops card, and one of the plays I gave out was Morehead State minus 15. I just felt it was too low a number IUPUI so bad, but yeah, I actually forgot about that. I actually speaking to Kyle and he mentioned to me about that happening. So I felt bad because I had the other thing to happen where I needed Iowas to score one more bucket in, some benchwarmer comes in and hits a layup with 10 seconds ago or whatever it was. Yeah, that’s the issue when you’re playing these low team totals. Now, I want to… listen, I’m going to be arrogant because that’s what I do, I’m arrogant. I’m arrogant.

TJ Reeves:

No, not you. This is unlike you on a Wednesday.

Jeff Nedu:

Hey listen. Tell me I didn’t call that Miramax aimless. I said that game would be first to 55 I wouldn’t be surprised if neither team got to 50. It’s 49-47 final.

TJ Reeves:

And you said virtually unwatchable, you were right about that about how bad..

Jeff Nedu:

I did watch it, I would tell my parents and just

TJ Reeves:

Just keep track of the scores. Ian Cameron get in here, because there have been some good moments on this show and then there’s tough moments on this show. You just, as we keep saying, you have to move forward and you look to the next day, right? And that’s all we’re doing today.

Ian Cameron:

Of course, that’s always what you have to do. It’s even what you have to do after you go fight, on a certain night, you’ve still got to look ahead to the next day. You can’t revel in the success too long. You got to keep your eyes on the prize, keep the focus where it needs to be. And that’s looking to the next day and that’s what we’ll attempt to do here today. So let’s get to it.

TJ Reeves:

Yeah let’s get to it. Indeed, I know we’re trying to fortify the bankroll for those that are doing the shopping by the way, I was at a mall a couple of hours ago here in West Central Florida. I think there were more people there that might be at Rupp Arena tonight for the Kentucky game that we’re going to talk about a little bit that’s a whole different subject. Let’s get to the slate. Let’s see what we have in game number one that is coming up tonight. That the guys are very interested in Murray State and Auburn one that we talked to briefly about it a little bit yesterday when somebody was asking about Auburn or at least we talked about Auburn recently and how good they are Murray State very good start to their season as well. 12 and a half point line the game at Auburn and the number on the total at 146 and a half Ian you are going to take this one right away. What do you like and why?

Ian Cameron:

I like points in this game. Missouri State six than the country points per game. Terrific offensive team in terms of efficiency. Tevin Brown is a guy you want to watch for on this Murray State team 19.1 points per game, terrific shooting from the perimeter as well. Very good offensive team Matt McMahon has done a terrific job. I think with Murray State is just keeping the tradition of a very good program here in the OVC. Auburn on the other hand, I mean you’re seeing them right now play very well offensively. Bruce Pearlstein with the freshmen, Jabari Smith playing well, they’re getting great contributions from Walker Kessler in the front court. They’re getting Wendell Smith stepping up as well, for them to Katie Johnson. There’s just so many different guys that can beat you offensively. They’ve really actually played faster and I think Pearl realizes he can do that this year with Auburn because he’s got the talent in the shooting at his disposal to play that way.

Ian Cameron:

They’ve gone up to about I believe 57th in the country in terms of overall adjusted tempo. So they’re playing a little bit faster and I think you’re going to see that here. Both teams, by the way, if you look back at previous meetings with these two teams, they played more high scoring games than not both teams and good offensive form. Pretty reasonable total here as well in this game when you look at where the number is just sitting in the mid 140s. And of course Murray State you look at the some of the numbers they put up in their last few games. They put up 74 against your tigers, TJ.

TJ Reeves:

Yep.

Ian Cameron:

And a win against Memphis, 87 against Chattanooga, 93 against Middle Tennessee. They’ve been putting up big numbers. Auburn’s defense will be a challenge but I think Murray will get there and I certainly think Auburn will score on this Murray State team. So I think this game finds its way over the total. I see high 140s at least in this game. So over 146 and a half for me.

TJ Reeves:

Jeff, do you have a thought here on this one? It is a large line for Auburn if not an official play?

Jeff Nedu:

Uh, listen. I don’t ever hate overs involving Auburn. I feel like for them they’re always going to play quick. They’re always good offensively. I’m not sure I buy in totally to their defense ever really. I like Murray a lot, KJ Williams is incredible. Great player great size. They have the athleticism surely, I’m ready to hang. Look, it would be take the points or pass for me. I just think Murray’s one of those teams that are always going to be tough. They always play hard. They’re always going to stay in games. They’re well coached. And look they hit the glass really hard. I think there’s going to be plenty of options for offense here for them. They’ve been good offensively. Okay, defensively, they forced turnovers. They are team that normally hangs around in games like this so yeah, for me if you’re going to give me 12, 12 and a half, something like that. I’m gonna take Murray.

Ian Cameron:

I keep an[inaudible 00:09:07] one thing I want to mention, It’s got to be mentioned about Auburn. They’ve been without Allen Flanigan all year. He was their best player last year and there’s rumblings he might be making his debut tonight in this game against Murray State. What a huge addition that would be for the Tigers. Guy average 14.3 points per game. They already have a pretty good offensive team, but you get Allen Flanigan back tonight from that torn Achilles he suffered. That is another big boost and another weapon in the arsenal for Auburn. So we might be seeing his season debut tonight if he’s indeed cleared from that… to return from injury.

TJ Reeves:

And obviously, we made mention of this that the signature win right now for Murray State is at the expense of my Alma Mater, Memphis. And in that game, they hit 10 threes on the road at the FedExForum in the second half of the game. So in terms of being bashful, they’re not bashful about shooting it, they will put it up and let’s lock it in, shall we? That’s the reason why Ian Cameron is on the over, the team totals for this game going over tonight and that over at 146 and a half. All right, so let’s move on here with the next game on the slate and that is as I made reference to at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky off of that.

TJ Reeves:

Bush whacking of North Carolina out in Las Vegas on the weekend. They’re back home with Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers as a 12 point underdog Rick stands Barry’s program. Calipari is very pleased with how his team obviously is coming around here at this point. Our total is 141. In this game, Ian Cameron, we’re back to you for an official play. What do you like here in this one for Wednesday night?

Ian Cameron:

Yeah I mean, obviously, and you guys talked about it. It’s maybe why the under has been played a little bit in this game. That and Kentucky can play some pretty good defense, we know that. We know what times this year Western Kentucky hasn’t always been a fluid offensive team, but this is one time where I’m against the market here. I went over this total. Now how many people are going to be in attendance is a real question. Of course, they’ve had just some just disastrous situations with the devastation and the tornadoes that ripped through there.

TJ Reeves:

Right.

Ian Cameron:

Recently that state so you wonder, and by the way, both of these teams should be commended because they’re raising funds for relief in that area with this basketball game tonight. So it’s a very commendable gesture by both programs, the Hilltoppers and the Wildcats. But Rick Stansbury’s team and they lost a buffalo a few games ago and Rick Stansbury says “We need to move the ball faster. We need to move the ball quicker. We got to share the ball more, we got to get better shots.” Well since he basically said that. They played better offensive basketball and it was basically, came to a head last game against Louisville 82 to 72 victory for Western Kentucky in that game. They shot 50% from the field, which was impressive and look, in that game they had five different Hilltoppers and double digits in that game.

Ian Cameron:

Josh Anderson, Jairus Hamilton, Camron Justice, Dayvion McKnight, Jamarion Sharp, they all got double digits and points for Western Kentucky. So they were heeding Stanbury’s words saying ” Hey, we got to share the ball more. We got to get everybody involved.” They’ve been doing that, so this is a team that’s got their mojo a little bit offensively back. That being said, I don’t know if the defense is going to slow down Kentucky at all. We’ve talked about I think Jeff has talked about it on this show a bunch already as well about Kentucky. This is one of the best Kentucky offensive teams in a while and certainly light years better than it was last year.

Ian Cameron:

An inability to make a shot half the time was why Kentucky had such a dismal season last year. That’s not Kentucky this year and they put one on North Carolina obviously over the weekend, 98 to 69. John Calipari sang the praises of his point guard Sahvir Wheeler saying that was probably the best game he’s had all year and he certainly showed a 26 points 12-15 shooting in that destruction over North Carolina. We’ve talked about Kellan Grady being on this team gives them another sharpshooter, the transfer from Davidson. They even having had CJ Frederick yet for much of this season. The transfer from Iowa. Wait till they get him on the floor and this team is going to be a handful to deal with at the offensive end of the basketball court. I just thought low 140s was a little light here for this total and I’m going to go over.

TJ Reeves:

Okay, I should have made mentioned at the top here this was originally supposed to be the rivalry game, the blood rivalry of Kentucky and Louisville. Louisville again is got COVID-19 positives there on pause. Western Kentucky agreeing to play this game on just a couple of days notice. Big Manny and had a lot there on why he likes Kentucky’s offense and why he likes the over. Any thoughts if not an official play from you on Kentucky in Western?

Jeff Nedu:

Yeah, I don’t understand this line at all. At all, and through that up. I mean, you’re going to give me 12 with West Kentucky I would be on that. This is a joke. Look Kentucky’s solid very good, but look, this isn’t Carolina, okay. Carolina didn’t play well the other night and UNC didn’t do what they needed to do and they got run out. But this is a team that has been through a lot as Ian alluded to. It’s been devastation in that area of the country but when we look at the basketball court itself, Kentucky has not wanted to play Washington for years. Okay

TJ Reeves:

Correct.

Jeff Nedu:

Go back to the early 80s. That’s the last time Kentucky played Western they don’t want to play Western and look good for cow. I mean, that was a nice gesture to accept an invitation. I don’t think cow wants to play Western though. He’s not stupid. He knows they’re good team and he knows that. He doesn’t have much time to prep here. Game. Western Kentucky will zone you that’s exactly what Kentucky doesn’t want. Kentucky can’t score again zones they’ve never been able to and that’s not going to change today. We have to also start talking about Western Kentucky is really starting to Look to me and if you know about college basketball, you know about this team. They look a lot like UCF a couple of years ago. They had Taco fall that big seven foot six, Mammoth in the middle. They have their own Mammoth in the middle kid, Jamarion Sharp, seven five to 35 and what you do if you’re Stansbury you say, “Okay, got big fella, go in the middle, stand there and put your hands up.”

Jeff Nedu:

And no one will get into the lane because their zone is so long and lengthy. It’s really hard to score on this team and Jamarion Sharp isn’t one of these kids that plays 15 minutes, he’s played 30,35 minutes every game. He’s got incredible endurance for his size, got the number one block rate in the entire country. Every single player in this country, he is number one in block rate. They’re good, they’re solid. This is too many points for a team of their caliber. I would take this and be very fine with whatever happens. If they lose by 15, so be it, but I think they’re being disrespected here.

Ian Cameron:

I second that opinion. If I were to bet the side I’d look at Western Kentucky. The one thing that worries me is I hope this is not a Memphis repeat for Western Kentucky. Because I remember taking them getting double digit stepping up in class. Now they did cover but it was ugly for them for a large part of that game. 74-62, they got to be better than that tonight because Kentucky is better than Memphis. No offense, TJ.

TJ Reeves:

There you go. Well, yeah, that’s obvious right now at this point and Kentucky again looked great on Saturday. What does that mean for this game? and let’s lock it in. Officially, Ian has the official play again. He’s on the over of 141. Kentucky hosting the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky and again, we should make mention of this just one more time. They’re doing fantastic things to put this game together and do some relief fundraising for what’s going on in the town of Mayfield, Kentucky that was hardest hit in that state. It’s about 30 minutes away from Bowling Green Kentucky where Western Kentucky is based. That town is leveled folks, that’s not going to be fixed next week, or even a year from now with everything that was devastated.

TJ Reeves:

So all the money that they can raise every which direction from the NFL doing it, the NBA doing it, college basketball, this is a good thing. This is a good thing coming together here for Kentucky in Western Kentucky. On the game number three and this is going to be an interesting one. Again, we’re going all over the country to different regions with what’s going to happen. Let’s go back to the Northeast where Hofstra and Monmouth have a game tonight. Monmouth is laying the five, the total at 150. We have talked about Monmouth even recently a couple of times on this show. To the big man on campus, Jeff Nedu, what’s the official play here, Sir?

Jeff Nedu:

I’m on the over or not the over a Hofstra team total over my apologies. Yeah, look, I’m going to just center this around Hofstra because there are a few things about Hofstra that I know. One, they play four guards and have one kid in the middle in Iowa and it’s worked. It’s worked like a charm, frankly they went down to Arkansas and beat a really good Razorback team the other night. They’re coached by Speedy Claxton. Yes, the legend of Hofstra and a Philadelphia 76 at one point, was actually on the 2001 NBA Finals team behind Allen Iverson. He has really taken this team to a new level. This is a fun team to watch. They’re fun offensively. They’re actually really good on the offensive end from three from two. I look at their domination recently of the Monmouth Hawks and I’ve got to be excited about it.

Jeff Nedu:

They’ve won five straight games against Hofstra over the last five years scoring 75 or more to everyone. The truth of the matter is that Monmouths Hawks are not a good defense. I know their numbers will say they are. I think this team’s played a lot of bad opponents frankly, and any team that’s wanted to run against Monmouth. They’ve allowed them to do it. The best team they’ve played with St. John’s they gave up at eight points and got gutted defensively. One issue they’ve always had under King Rise, they’re not good in the pick and roll defense. Hofstra will pick and roll you to death. This is just too low. I think they get to 75. Look, they could lose by 10 I really don’t care. It’s important to point out I’m sure Ian will Monmouth is the best ATS team in the country.

Jeff Nedu:

There are 11 No against the number 12 and against the number so that’s not something you’d want to bet into. But if a team is going to beat them it’s Hofstra. I know a lot of people will say “What about them coming off a big game is it a letdown game?” I heard Claxton’s press conference. He seemed pretty normal. Everybody seemed happy and ready to go. I’m going to lean Hofstra. I think they get to 73 or more. I just do. I think they’re too good of an offense to be held down by Monmouth.

TJ Reeves:

Again, the Monmouth team has won three straight and what is it? At this point 10 of 11 on the season after an opening season lost to Charlotte. So they’ve been rolling along. Ian any quick thought here on this matchup.

Ian Cameron:

Yeah, I don’t dispute it’s not the greatest matchup for Monmouth but I’ve been on the show a bunch and used Monmouth his show plays throughout the course of the year. And it’s been successful and they haven’t failed the perfect ATS and when I’m riding a team, every single game, I’m just going with it. There’s nothing more to say other than that. So for me, it’s Monmouth minus five here. Niagara on this show I took him. There’s a couple others, the St. John’s game they lost, but they covered, I was on Monmouth for the show in that game. I am concerned a little about the Hofstra spot here after the big win against Arkansas, a little bit in this game. So for me it’s just write a team that’s unblemished, DTS on Monmouth minus five.

Ian Cameron:

I’m on the over as well as the side and total for me, I’ve been on a lot of Monmouth overs. Jeff spoke to it that Hofstra’s a terrific offensive team, Monmouth, of course, with Shiva Reynolds with Max Pappas, a terrific a group of players that can score the basketball for them. Defensively, yes, there are concerns but that’s also like the over in this game. Hofstras is going to play fast. Monmouth is going to play fast, you’re going to get pace in this game, you’re going to get offense from both of these teams. And if you look at series history, as well, for straight overs, in the series history 85-84 He had a 94-74 game. Last year, he had 96 to 88 in favor of Hofstra. So Points, points, points, but I’m not jumping off them on that train until I lose. I’ve been on them in many of these games during this point spread run. So I’m going to keep it up until I lose Monmouth with minus five and over for me.

TJ Reeves:

Okay, interesting. So both of our guys here on this game. Let’s do it. Officially, Jeff is on the Hofstra team total of 72 and a half and again, Ian’s got two plays. He’s laying the points with Monmouth and he’s also got the over for the game.

Ian Cameron:

Let’s see here-

TJ Reeves:

This is one of the rare times that you guys have been on opposite sides.

Ian Cameron:

Well, no, lets cheer for 80 to 74 Monmouth and everybody’s happy. There you go. That’s what we look for.

TJ Reeves:

That’s true because it would give everybody what they need on that. Something along those lines with the points. He’s calling out a score here on this game. So keep an eye on this. I don’t know if we’ve had one where you’ve been on opposite sides. I’m trying to remember maybe once Jeff anywhere, you’ve been on opposite sides. So this is a good thing. Little friction.[crosstalk 00:22:18]

Jeff Nedu:

Quite frankly, I really don’t care what Hofstra does. They lose 94-74 I don’t care. I just scored more than 7200 points. That’s all I care about-

Ian Cameron:

Which is doable.

Jeff Nedu:

And again.

TJ Reeves:

Get me through the number.

Jeff Nedu:

Yeah, and you have to remember, the problem that Hofstra or sorry Monmouth has now is their numbers are inflated. Ian knows pretty well, if Hofstra was a 12. and against the spread, this number would be two and a half. They’re inflated they just are. The whole world knows they’re 12 and Oh against the number and again, it’s gonna fall off the wagon soon. But look, if it’s been winning, I’m not going to ever tell you to be off it. I don’t again care if they cover or not. I just want Hofstra to get 75.

Ian Cameron:

Well with what Jeff saying in my position. I’ve been on a Monmouth of four or five times this year during the streak and a lot of them recently. If you’re just hopping on Monmouth tonight for the first time, this may not be the number the spot or the time to do it. But if you’ve been riding them on that point spread streak like I have, then you keep doing it. You always don’t want to jump on the street when it’s almost at its conclusion because Monmouth isn’t going to go undefeated ATS the rest of the season. That first point spread loss is going to come soon. Just hopefully not tonight.

TJ Reeves:

Fair enough on that. Let’s continue. I believe we’re going to be on opposite sides of the aisle again on this one and this is a fantastic on paper matchup with unbeaten Arizona traveling to Knoxville, Tennessee, to take on the volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena, Tennessee. Actually the home favorite Arizona again already has the true road win at Illinois recently. Undaunted here though, they will go into play the SEC’s Tennessee Vols the total at 153 and a half. Let’s begin with Ian Cameron and what you like. Officially both of you guys have a play here. Ian, what do you like for this one tonight, Tennessee, Arizona?

Ian Cameron:

Well, I’m going to pick on one of the most overrated programs in college basketball the last five years and the coach right with it. And that’s the Tennessee Volunteers in my opinion. Look, I know this team defensively so far has been very good. No doubt that’s the strength of this team. I think Arizona is going to be a culture shock for this team defensively. What I’ve seen from Arizona run into their offense. We’ve just seen them put up 80 spots against some pretty good teams this year, Michigan earlier in the year. We’ve seen this team have inside outside balance, they shoot threes, they score inside and the one thing Tennessee’s usually good with and has an edge over a lot of their opponents his size and strength and physicality, especially in the paint. Arizona’s got size in the paint. They’ve got size on the wings, they’ve got athleticism there as well.

Ian Cameron:

I think it’s going to be a good measuring stick for Tennessee. I think it’s going to be a situation where Arizona is going to be able to make their shots. Get those second third chance opportunities for rebounds and really put some duress and put some pressure here on a Tennessee team that defensively look at what they’ve done this year. It’s been impressive, but you look at some of the better teams they played on their schedule, like Villanova, had their moments where they looked a little erratic and Villanova scores a 71 spot against Tennessee on a neutral floor. To me I think Arizona can get here with the team total. Now I’m on Arizona with the points here as well in this game, but I’m on the team total is I think a little bit of a better option here in this one.

Ian Cameron:

Look, I know you’re looking at Tennessee and they’re 57.9 points per game and their 38% for field goal percentage allowed so far this year, but my goodness, coming into this game we’re talking about facing Presbyterian Tennessee Tech, Greensboro where a slow pace Team, South Carolina, upstate. It’s just been a Sisters of the Poor recent schedule here for this Tennessee team. I think Arizona’s test them like that old monkey song TJ I know you love your old music. “I’m a believer.” I’m a believer in Arizona. And I’m a believer and Tommy Lloyd out coaching Rick Barnes 10 times over tonight. Arizona team total over.

TJ Reeves:

Oh, man, they’re singing about a woman in that song and not singing about a team total. Jeff Nedu help me out here, Arizona and Tennessee. What are you on tonight?

Jeff Nedu:

I’m on Tennessee here. One and a half. Listen, I don’t know how many times to talk about this time and time and time again. We’ve seen these all before okay. Ian just alluded to the fact that, what is Tennessee done, be nobody, lost her to step up games. Get their favorite in this game against a team that’s undefeated and can’t do anything wrong. I’m going to say something that might get me crap or shit. I don’t know if I could say shit, but I’m going to say it.

TJ Reeves:

You just did twice.

Jeff Nedu:

Arizona is the most overrated team in the country. Just that simple. Okay, you talk about team that’s beat nobody. I don’t want to hear about Michigan. Michigan, seven of four. Michigan was one for 14 from three in that game. And then they beat Illinois barely without Curbelo and look at who else they beat. You talk about a Little Sisters of the Poor. What’s Arizona jumped on? Nobody’s and they played nobody all year. Listen-

TJ Reeves:

Okay, we got to reel back in. They went to Illinois and beat Illinois at Illinois. That’s not a nobody.

Jeff Nedu:

Without [crosstalk 00:27:21] I didn’t say it was a nobody.

Ian Cameron:

It’s still a good win on the road.

Jeff Nedu:

And I mentioned it. Outside of that though they beat Nobody. Nobody. That’s what I’m talking about. Illinois, goodwin, Sure it is. But the never point guard and against Michigan, Michigan’s 74. Then they bought the Minnesota by double digits. All I’m saying is now you got to go on the road to a true home environment in Tennessee and Ian’s right Rick Barners is one great coach, okay. But they have a little bit of an issue scoring. I admit that, but they’re more in positions and need to be. Kennedy Chandler might be the best player in the court. I don’t know if anyone in Arizona can guard him especially Kurt Karis. He can’t guard Kennedy Chandler. The Scoby’s anymore normal role this year. Defensively, they’re very good. As he alluded to Fulkerson, Jordan James, they’re elite defenders. Are they bigger Arizona? Yeah. They better than Tennessee? Probably. So why are Tennessee a favorite at home? I’ve seen it all before. Whole world’s in Arizona. I’ll be on Tennessee. I actually think Arizona is overrated. I do.

Jeff Nedu:

I like Lloyd. I think he’s a great coach. He’s done a lot more and I thought he’d do this quick. He’s an absolutely great recruiter, though with a national title in three or four years. You better hear that first, but I think this way they go down. Tennessee wins. I think they win like 74-68.

TJ Reeves:

Alright, let’s look at the official plays here again. Ian Cameron is on the Arizona team total and again, the big man be smirching the unbeaten Arizona Wildcats lays the one and a half with Tennessee tonight. I’m liking the fact I always bring it back to Memphis it seems like on this show. Memphis was preseason top 10 and they have been a disaster in the month of December in particular. And the big man says Arizona is the most overrated team in America at 11 at all. Keep telling us that it’s Arizona and it’s not my Memphis Tigers. I like that about you.

Jeff Nedu:

Yeah, no, I think Memphis is they’re underperforming. Listen, I just think Arizona again. Find me a game that you’re impressed by that they’ve won truly impressed by. Again, Illinois didn’t have their point guard, that’s like having a concert and saying we’re not going to have the lead singer. Just saying Michigan also is not a good basketball team right now. The seven and four they’ve lost to Minnesota, they’ve lost the team’s they shouldn’t lose to. And they’ve had issues especially then and they were one for 14 from three they score point eight points per possession. I could beat that Michigan team that night. Again, Arizona has blown it up on bad teams and again, I just think this is a tough spot. This is a tough stretch for Arizona. We’re going to learn a lot about that. They got you chalet coming up. USC coming up. Arizona State away. Yes. This is a tough stretch for Arizona. They better figure it out. Tonight they lose.

TJ Reeves:

About that. Alright, next game up and again, we’ll go west. Go west young man here for this one, and that is Boise State and WSU. Where Washington State is a four and a half point favorites on numbers 132 and a half. We’re going back to Ian Cameron here for why he… Again Ian is just stuffing all of the different plays here, Ian is fast as he can before the Christmas holiday. What stood out about this game? What do you like?

Ian Cameron:

Well this is why we bet numbers, and we bet matchups, and we bet situations, and we don’t bet teams. That’s the way I always look at it all the time. Because I went against Washington State on this show successfully with New Mexico State. It was a recent game, I think it was last week, and Washington State had a good start. But just a terrible second half against New Mexico State in that game and ended up blowing a double digit lead losing 64 to 61. And that was right on the heels of a loss to South Dakota State, the Jackrabbits in the game before that. But they did respond with a convincing annihilation of Northern Colorado. And now they’re home laying four and a half year in this game. And I think they’ll get the job done here.

Ian Cameron:

Look, Boise State, and when you look at their season so far, they lost an overtime to a very good St. Louis team, lost the St. Bonaventure on neutral court. But some of the better opponents so far on the schedule, for this team, they’ve not gotten the job done. They lost Cal State Bakersfield, as big favorites in that game. And I think there’s some advantages here for Washington State. I know they had that terrible second half. But you look at what this team is capable of doing. I think they have a chance to really get back into a form here. Noah Williams, terrific for this team. Michael Flowers, a transfer from South Alabama has really given them another option on the offensive side of the court, shooting at 41% from their field leading the team with 14.3 points per game.

Ian Cameron:

And when you look at Boise State, yes, they are definitely athletic, they’ve got some size as well. But they don’t really have as much from that standpoint as Washington state. And sometimes we see Boise State’s offense really go in the tank for extended stretches. And another thing to factor in, when you’re talking about a point spread in this range are only laying four, four and a half with Washington State. Boise State’s horrible at the free throw line. They are not a good free throw shooting team whatsoever. That could show up in a game like this. And I think for Washington State, when you look at what’s happened the last time they played here on this… Or they did. I should say they played Northern Colorado on their own floor. But a decent opponent I should say on their own floor. It didn’t end well against New Mexico State.

Ian Cameron:

I still like Washington state. I think they’ve got a chance to be an upper half of the PAC-12 type of team once we get into conference play. And again, you cannot overlook that fact. Boise 58% at the free throw line compared to 76% for Washington State. That could be the difference. I could get the Cougars, one of their better games here, and I only the four and a half year with Washington State and I like their coach Kyle Smith.

TJ Reeves:

All right. Jeff quickly a thought if not an official play here on this one.

Jeff Nedu:

Yeah, I don’t have a problem with Washington State. I don’t really like Boise State offensively. I think they’ve been a bit better lately. I know they had some personnel problems with certain players but yeah, I’m the free throw stuff is concerning. I mean, look, if they were 75% from the lot, I feel like well, “Maybe they can hang around this close games 65, 62 or something.” But yeah, I don’t trust Boise at all plus a row game. Washington State seems to be back at full strength. I know they had some flu problems with them. He’s right. And Kyle Smith is a really good coach. He was great at San Francisco. He’s great up in Pullman. So yeah, I don’t have any issue with this one. Not what I’m playing, but I’ll have ventured eating Ian on this one.

TJ Reeves:

Ian is playing it. Let’s lock it in. He’s going with the PAC 12 team, the Washington State Cougars. He’s laying the four and a half points. And that matchup in Spokane coming tonight. One more game. It’s an ACC game just before Christmas. It’s Duke and Virginia Tech. Duke lane nine tonight in a made for TV type game here at ACC game involving Duke. We’ll have some audience have some eyeballs total 138 and a half for this one. Once again, Ian Cameron has another play one of 619 plays he apparently has on Wednesday. He’s back to Virginia Tech and Duke. Ian What do you like brother?

Ian Cameron:

So I’m not going to deny Virginia Tech’s been a little bit all over the place, we know that. They’ve had some head scratching games and they’ve had some terrific performances. That’s been their season so far. That opens the good Virginia Tech tonight in this game, because I’m taking the nine with them. I find that this Duke team, and look Dukes been rolling along pretty nicely other than the lot. Really other than a bad five-minute stretch at the end of that Ohio State game. Dukes been playing some really good basketball of late. No question offensively, we know what this team is absolutely capable of. Their shooting is improved significantly. No doubt about that. But you’re looking at some of these shooting numbers.

Ian Cameron:

There’s a couple guys that are shooting percentages, that I don’t think are sustainable for an extended time this year. And they’re going to find a Virginia Tech team that… Look when they bring it defensively, they’re going to really I think maybe frustrated team like Duke. Virginia Tech is just going to make you try to guard, to get back in the half court, try to really make sure that you… They guard through for the shot clock, for the entire shot clock and really make you work for the good shots and the clean looks. And sometimes I find Duke against these discipline, fundamentally sound well coached teams on the defensive end, like a Virginia Tech they can struggle in those kinds of situations.

Ian Cameron:

And I think for Virginia Tech, look, in that game it looks St. Bonaventure is a pretty good basketball team. And I know they had no kind of Lofton, he’s been injured for a bit lately for them, but still 86 to 49 to absolutely dismantle them like that, in their last game was a very impressive game from Virginia Tech. I think defensively, they’re going to throw some things at Duke that they haven’t seen in quite some time. They had three very easy games coming into this one against Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech this season given up just 39% shooting from the field. 56 points per game, and just 25% from three-point range. That’s significant because Dukes been hitting the threes pretty good 37% this year. So I like that profile here for Virginia Tech in this game.

Ian Cameron:

Pretty solid free throw shooting team, and it’s just going to be a question of, “Can their offense make those threes?” You’re going to put up a lot of them. You going to need good games from Hunter Cattoor, you’re going to need Aluma to play well. And of course Storm Murphy came with Mike Young from Wafford to Virginia Tech. And he played extremely well in the last game against St. Bonaventure. And I think he’s the kind of guy that elevates his game, raises it in the big moment.

Ian Cameron:

So I just think look, people are falling in love with Duke. They’ve looked impressive beyond belief. They be Kunzang already this year, so many people lining up to lay nine not realizing that. I think Virginia Tech is maybe the next best team in the ACC. You could make that argument behind Duke right now. Florida State, Virginia, if they get their act together, they’re certainly other good teams in this conference but Virginia Tech’s right up there and I don’t think they’re going to be an off planet Cameron indoor. I think they give Duke a game I’ll take plus nine with the Hokies and Mike young, one of my favorite coaches.

TJ Reeves:

Interesting and again, for Duke, they were off for a couple of weeks after the last Ohio State. They beaten lesser competition in the last three games over the last week and a half. Jeff real quick and he fought on this ACC matchup here right before Christmas?

Jeff Nedu:

Yeah, look, I love Ian. I usually agree with him. I couldn’t disagree more in this game. I think Duke rolls Virginia Tech. I think Virginia Tech sucks. If you can highlight Storm Murphy, you’re going to have issues because they don’t have much of a creativity offensively. It’s Storm Murphy has to get past a point of attack and he has to create and do everything. It’s pretty much spot-up shooting and a bunch of bad shots if he doesn’t play well. And you look at… He mentioned their volatility, right? They’re one of the weirdest Jekyll and Hyde teams in the country. Some they think can beat anybody like the bottom at your game where they were 13 for 28 from three and Bonaventure did nothing right. They could score 85 points a game like that. But then there’ll be a game where they just can’t score and they struggle to get to 60. They lose 80 to 61 to Wake Forest or Xavier they 58.

Jeff Nedu:

There are a weird team. I think they have do plenty of… Obviously plenty of athletes that can run at Murphy and take him out of the game. This might be the best front line in the country with Ben Keroh and Mark Williams and some of those kids. I don’t think they swallow up Virginia Tech here. As for Virginia Tech, it’s usually date or win a game or they lose by 20, right. And I’m going to lean on the fact that Duke at home probably wins the game by 20 as opposed to losing it. I just think Dukes really too strong. And I think if you could take Murphy out of the game, I think Virginia Tech is… It’s curtains for them.

Jeff Nedu:

So and I think long term any good team in the ACC or in the grand scheme of things, we’ll figure that out. So like, if you’re looking at Virginia Tech, they should never be in your future looks. You should never be looking at them in the NCAA Tournament. There are a team that will likely lose in the first game. There’ll be an eight nine matchup and no lose. That’s just how they are. I really do care, but I will root for Ian because I didn’t have an official play here. And I like it.

TJ Reeves:

Well, that’s good. So Christmas after Christmas season. Let’s lock it in. Even though he disagrees with the pick.

Ian Cameron:

For misery for another human being at this time it is.

TJ Reeves:

Yes, exactly. And you’re going to go underdog-

Ian Cameron:

Depends who you are.

TJ Reeves:

Against the Cameron Crazies against the… That environment. Let’s see how they handle it later on. Tonight in the ACC opener. We have just a moment or two and there are a couple of people that are asking us different questions somebody wants to know about LSU and Lipscomb tonight. LSU again undefeated. I think the same questions still exists. How good are they with the competition they’ve been playing? Either one of you have a thought on LSU – Lipscomb at all for the viewer?

Jeff Nedu:

I do

Ian Cameron:

Go ahead Jeff.

Jeff Nedu:

Yeah, sure. So it’s funny because… I’m glad someone brought this up. Because LSU has been pounding opponents, right. I mean, if you ask… Let me ask you TJ did you know the number one defensive efficiency team in the America is right now? Probably say like Virginia, right. Or[crosstalk 00:40:23]

TJ Reeves:

Somehow I think it’s the Bayou Bengals and that’s why you’re bringing it up.

Jeff Nedu:

It is, it’s LSU. Okay. They have like five guys with a steel percentage in the top 100 in America. They have hansy hands, they’re going to turn you over. That’s what they do. But when you look at their long term resume, they’re 11 and 0. Haven’t beaten a top 50 team yet. I think actually enough, I don’t think they’re as good as they’ve played defensively. But tonight, I have real concerns for Lipscomb, I’ve always liked this group over the years, but they’re kind of a shell of what they’ve been in years past. They’ve been without Ahsana Asadullah, the best player in the Atlantic Sun. He’s been out. Greg Jones has been out, one of their better shooters. They’re just a real mess. They haven’t gotten to 70 in a long time against the division one opponent.

Jeff Nedu:

You have to go all the way back to November 23rd, last time Lipscomb got the 70 points, not something that’s normal in this group size. LSU has been waxing opponents. I kind of like them in the first half guys, minus 14 and a half for this individual asking about it. When you look at LSU defense, they have been one of the best teams in the country in the first half this year at stopping opponents. They totally given up like 24 points a game in the first half, which shows me that teams struggled to score against new types of opponents they don’t see we’ll struggle. I think this is like a 41, 23 first half. I like LSU just have this an arm’s length the entire time. I like LSU it’s a good team long term 50 to one, a pretty good price on them.

TJ Reeves:

So not an official play on that but just answered there for the viewer. Time for one more and I’m going to go to the viewer that wants to know about Minnesota and Green Bay not the Packers and the Vikings. No, this is Green Bay, the Phoenix and the Minnesota Golden Gophers tonight. Either one of you with a thought Ian? What[crosstalk 00:42:13]

Ian Cameron:

Yeah, I have a small bet on Minnesota here just to Green Bay’s had a tough run a bit. You just saw them got steamrolled by Kansas State in their last game 82 to 64. It’s a Green Bay team that you look at them, they don’t do anything all that spectacular. 61 points per game. Offensively, they’ve definitely fallen down at that end, and Minnesota has impressed me, I’ll be honest, Minnesota lost a lot from last year. Lost Derek Carr or not, Marcus Carr. What’s next time Tarry Carr. Marcus Carr, they lost him from dad got the Reader Brown game on my mind from Monday, but yeah, they lost Marcus Carr. They lost a lot from that group. Richard Pitino moves on, new head coach as well there but they’ve impressed me.

Ian Cameron:

I mean, they went on the road they beat Michigan. They beat a good Mississippi State team outright as underdogs. This is a Minnesota team that has definitely exceeded my expectations that Your next game is Alcorn State and it’s a week from now. So there’s no look ahead. I think they come out here they take care of business. It’s their last game before the break. Green Bay’s not playing well at all. I’d lay it here with The Gophers.

TJ Reeves:

Alright, fair enough for a couple of viewers and again..

Jeff Nedu:

Hey Tj.

TJ Reeves:

Sometimes answer during the chat, etcetera. So we try to get to as many of those as we can. Yes, big man. Go ahead.

Jeff Nedu:

I got to ask you a question.

TJ Reeves:

Okay. Sure.

Jeff Nedu:

You’re a host. What do you think about a couple of more games today? We don’t got much games arrested a week. What do you say about we answer a couple more questions for these people? I’m a big man of [inaudible 00:43:35] I like to answer questions. Let…

TJ Reeves:

Because a big man wants to answer. So we got a couple more that I’m seeing here. Dalton wants to know, Wyoming Stanford. I mean, again, we span the country. We’ll go back to the west. Stanford very nearly lost that game, or did they lose that game at Dartmouth? I’m trying to remember.

Ian Cameron:

The overtime?

TJ Reeves:

The overtime game where they took overtime to beat Dartmouth and Wyoming we’ve talked about a little bit so what about Wyoming and Stanford?

Jeff Nedu:

I would… These are games that I would watch. It’s a holiday tournament in Hawaii.

Ian Cameron:

Classic. Yep.

Jeff Nedu:

Yep. And it’s a coin flip game. I’ll tell you the difference in this game for me. If I had to play it, I’ll lead Wyoming. Listen, I think on both ends, they have done really well. Coaching hires out in that area. Linder for basketball bowl in football had a great bowling and yesterday. This is a good athletic department, they hire the right coaches. This a great hire. I think Carter Monado is the best player on the court. I’m always going to get a good offensive possession out of Wyoming and I’ve been pretty impressed by this defense. This year. Stanford would do a lot for me in a coin football game. I’m not running to bat it because it’s on a… It’s in Hawaii, but I don’t know why I’m here.

TJ Reeves:

Just go ahead.

Ian Cameron:

Yeah, I’m on Wy…. I’m actually on Wyoming. It is a bet for me plus one and a half. I like that. I’m a little frightened about how they played against Arizona. But as you know, I love the Arizona team. I have no shame in them playing that way against them. I like what they’re… Linder was a good hire. I totally agree with that. Stanford has been a little bit too erratic for my liking. That’s been an issue for them so far this season. I think Wyoming… And the one thing too with Wyoming, they’re going to shoot a high volume of three pointers. And when you look at Stanford middle middling at best perimeter defense so far from them this year, that could be the difference. You have to be careful though, this is in Hawaii, weird start time. 5:30pm Eastern, but I think Wyoming has it in them to win that game.

TJ Reeves:

And by the way, that is a 12:30 Hawaii local time start noon…noonish. I know this because I’ve worked a couple of tournaments previously doing the University of South Florida in Tampa, The Bulls in Hawaii. In fact, the last time The Bulls were out in Hawaii was at this tournament. I was on the call in 05. They’re there again. They’re playing BYU tonight. In the night session. BYU again has been in the top 25 Early on in the year. And then the winner of that game will get the winner of the whole school, Hawaii against Vanderbilt. Jerry Stackhouse’s Vanderbilt program is out there. That is the late night game time. I don’t believe that game starts to well after midnight Eastern Time for Hawaii and Vanderbilt in the 14 tournament.

TJ Reeves:

Shout-out, even though he’s maybe not going to see this or there shout-out to my longtime broadcast partner Jim Lighthall who’s got 25 years in doing USF basketball, either with me as the analyst, or now as the play by play guy. He’s out there with his family enjoying Christmas week for USF. Shout out to Lighthall he’s back in Hawaii. We were there back 17, 18 years ago. Let’s see how they do with BYU

Ian Cameron:

Only to see them get destroyed by BYU. I’m kidding.

TJ Reeves:

[crosstalk 00:46:48] The only hope they have is BYU as an off night scoring right? Because USF can’t get to 60 points, maybe if you even… If you gave them a 50-minute game, right? They…

Jeff Nedu:

Hey.

TJ Reeves:

Just had trouble scoring.

Jeff Nedu:

Can I say one thing?

TJ Reeves:

Sure.

Jeff Nedu:

Ian Cameron mentioned it, we have a couple of chatters mentioned about it. Random game Denver against St. Thomas. Listen, I’ve been trying to find, Ian. Last year I was big on Bellarmine, okay. They were a brand new team in Division one. I think I found their twin, St. Thomas, the new team out of Minnesota this year. The one new team we have in Division one. This offense is fun to watch. Top 15 and offensive efficiency. Bottom 15 and defensive fishy, this team can’t stop anybody. And they get a team in Denver tonight off a wild overtime game. Look, I think Denver can score the basketball. I was surprised to see a total in the 130s here. The concern I have on an over and or St. Thomas. I saw someone mentioned the chat, St. Thomas should be favored. Whatever.

Jeff Nedu:

Listen, here’s why I wouldn’t bet St. Thomas, first of all, it’s a day and a half later you’re playing a game, you went from Omaha out to Denver, elevation St. Thomas does not plan elevation probably ever. They’ve been kind of jetsetters issue, they put a lot of road games a lot of different faraway places. But I think the over has value in the 130s. It just seems too low for a team that scores a lot and doesn’t stop anybody. The one concern as well. St. Thomas is the number one team in America, from the three-point line, they throw up more threes than anybody. 51% of the threes come from the three-point line. So there’s a lot of volatility there. Kind of reminds me of Virginia Tech a little bit, but I was surprised to see a total in the 130s I wouldn’t be interested in St. Thomas winning the game, because I don’t know if they’ll do that. But I think the overhead some value.

TJ Reeves:

My goodness, if we covered some games today, all over the place.

Ian Cameron:

I still lead with the points because I cashed with them in their last game St. Thomas, as well. And their team to me, against a bad Omaha team and then think Denver’s a little bit better than them, but still, I like what I’m seeing from St. Thomas. Watch there two. They are two really good guards as well that are both double digit scorers. And because I’ve seen them play a little bit. I put the… I got on ESPN plus here in Canada, very fortunate for that. You’re able to get all these smaller school games. I was watching Princeton UMBC recently. If I can five got the listings, and I’ll find a lot of these games because I want to watch as many of them as possible but Riley Miller and Anders Nelson two really good guards here for St. Thomas.

Ian Cameron:

I kind of agree the total going down is a little bit peculiar. Western Illinois pulled Denver into a higher scoring game and we know the Leathernecks are capable of doing that they’re a good offensive team, bad defensive team, play fast. Maybe we could see that here was St. Thomas Denver. So I leaned to the dog and what Jeff said with the over I could see it maybe getting over that total as well.

Jeff Nedu:

And TJ one fight, I think I know we have to go here. We’ve been on for a while. We’ve learned a lot of games. But I always like to talk to the chat. I think most of these people are smart people. I try to give my opinion. This guy Ben sports. He just says elevation doesn’t matter for college kids. That could be one of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard on these chats. What are you talking about? How does it not matter? I’ll tell you right now.

Ian Cameron:

But people are reacting to it mattering because Denver open pick them it’s minus two and a half so people are reacting to the fact that it probably does matter a little bit.

Jeff Nedu:

Listen, elevation surely matters for college kids. I would argue it doesn’t matter pro -sports because it’s not like they’re not on private jets and they haven’t done it before. I’m going to guess that one player on St. Thomas’s rosters ever played elevation. And if you have you know how difficult it is just an odd comment. I’m a little perplexed by that.

Ian Cameron:

TJ, by the way, just want to say one thing. I know Jeff and I have hijacked the show here with taking extra questions on these games. But if you take one glance just one Tj at tomorrow’s crap card. You’ll understand why we’re doing this.

Jeff Nedu:

That’s why we did this exactly.

TJ Reeves:

Good stocking at full. Yeah, there are a couple of tournaments that we might look at on who won the games tonight and what we have tomorrow. But my goodness, it’s been a bevy of them. What say we recap the best bets and we might need a little while to go over all of the best bets. I’m not going to go over them one-by-one. Ian has got enough to open a department store of toys if they’re all toys on Christmas week. Look at all of those plays, including very interesting in the Kentucky, Western Kentucky game two of the games that are in the south here in the United States, Tennessee and Arizona. You see his plays in that one. But he’s also got to play on Washington State as well.

TJ Reeves:

Jeff only officially on two games tonight, including laying the points there with Tennessee. Not a believer in Arizona. The big man is not we’ll find out If that’s the case. Man, we’ve come to the end here. We’ve got to get out of here. Ian’s going to pick three or four more games and we’ll be here till sundown. But for right now, I think that’s not a bad thing. For right now, I think it’s good, I think it’s a full show. Anything else guys for a Wednesday before we are back for the final show of the week. There will not be a Christmas Eve show because there really there’s no games on Christmas Eve. So any final thoughts for a Wednesday show before we put it to bed here?

Jeff Nedu:

No. I wish everybody luck. Obviously, it’s a good card. And as you’ve alluded to, really up until January 1st, not much to go on. So we’ve made it pretty much. Ian may have evolved till evening as far as 6000 games that he’s played, but that’s what he does. That’s why we’re great here. But yeah, enjoy the time. We’ll be back one last show tomorrow. I think you guys are both on so, yeah. Another crappy Thursday card which we’ll have to navigate through.[crosstalk 00:52:22]

Ian Cameron:

Yeah, absorbed. And I’ll say one thing. Good luck everybody. We appreciate you guys tuning in every day. We got great analysis for me Matt, Jeff, Kyle, the whole crew hit the like button, make sure you do that. All that good stuff. And I’ll say one last thing because this was going to be official play for me the over in this Oral Roberts, South Dakota State game. Don’t sleep on this game tonight. It’s a really good game and all the quotes from South Dakota State is they want redemption and payback. Oral knocked them out of the conference tournament last year when it looked like South Dakota State was going to be maybe going to the tournament the best team in the Summit League. So they [crosstalk 00:52:59]

Jeff Nedu:

They want revenge there.

TJ Reeves:

Very good Max Ace miss we were questioning earlier in the week about how he would look. He had 32 in the game with South Dakota. This is now South Dakota State they’re staying there, they getting ready to play another game in that one tonight. I got so much to keep track on. I’m like ADD at this point. We got to get out of here for this edition of the show. Guys. Great stuff for a Wednesday. Let’s come back and do it one more time tomorrow. Thank you, Jeff Nedu and Ian Cameron.

Ian Cameron:

Good luck everybody.

Jeff Nedu:

Thank you.

TJ Reeves:

And we thank you for being with us on The Wednesday BetUS College Basketball Show. Dont forget to check out our sportsbook. Bye!