Free College Basketball Picks Friday, January 17 and Opening Line Report

by Jason Radowitz - 1/16/2020

Friday's slate features three ranked games. These three games will build up to the 20-game slate on Saturday for ranked college hoops. Dayton looks to continue add their 16th win of the season, while Michigan and Michigan State look to respond to bad losses their last time out. Here are the early leans for Friday's action.

(13) Dayton @ Saint Louis (-7.5, 138)

Saint Louis is quietly 14-3 this season and have won three straight since losing to a solid Duquesne team. However, that three-game winning streak means nothing to Dayton . They're on a six-game winning streak and are 15-2 on the year. Dayton is undefeated in A10 play with a 4-0 record. Dayton's two losses came on a neutral court. They're literally 10-0 at home and 2-0 on the road. Expect Dayton's offense to take over at St. Louis. Both teams play solid defense, but Dayton's offense could be a difference-maker.

Key trends: Billikens are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Early lean: Dayton, Over

Wisconsin @ (15) Michigan State (-7.5, 131)

Michigan State was embarrassed at Purdue, scoring 42 points and losing 71-42 on the road. For the Spartans, it was a reality check after destroying teams at home this season. Wisconsin has turned their season around, winning four of their last five games. Michigan State is hard to defeat at home. While Wisconsin has played tremendous defense as of late, Michigan State's offense will start to click again at home . MSU shoots better, rebounds more effectively, and assists on almost eight more baskets than Wisconsin. Take Michigan State to win at home.

Key trends: Spartans are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games.

Early lean: Michigan State, Over

(19) Michigan @ Iowa (-4, 138)

Big Ten basketball has been impossible to predict this season. Iowa is coming in with two straight wins over Maryland and Northwestern and have played great defense, while Michigan just took a loss at Minnesota but beat a Purdue team in double overtime before Michigan State lost to them by 30! This game will be tight the entire way. Take the points and hope for a couple bounces to go your way.

Key trends: Wolverines are 10-1-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a ATS loss.

Early lean: Michigan, Under

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