Free College Basketball Picks Thursday, January 9 and Opening Line Report

by Jason Radowitz - 1/8/2020

Thursday's college basketball slate features seven ranked teams and five ranked games being played. The No. 1 team, Gonzaga, will face off against San Diego, where there's a pretty hefty spread, while Arizona and Minnesota look to pull off upsets against Michigan State and Oregon, respectively, on the road. Here are the early lean's for Thursday's CBB action.

Purdue @ (19) Michigan (-4, 127.5)

Purdue just took a 63-37 loss to Illinois on the road after defeating Minnesota at home in double overtime. I guess the Boilermakers were tired for that one. Here's the tough news, though. Purdue will be staying on the road to face a ranked Michigan team that just lost to Michigan State by 18 on the road. Both teams had an emotional loss, which means one team will come back and get a win after a bad loss. Purdue has been playing exceptional defense this season, but Michigan's offense has scored 78.3 points per game on average. Look for Michigan to feel comfortable at home and shoot well to win this game.

Key trends: Wolverines are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite.

Early lean: Michigan, Over

(21) Memphis @ (23) Wichita State (-4, 139)

Memphis was on a long winning streak before losing to Georgia at home, 65-62. Wichita State is still on a winning streak of seven games taking down Oklahoma, VCU, and Ole Miss, to name a few. This will be a fantastic AAC matchup between the two teams. The difference will be Memphis' field goal percentage and rebounds per game. Memphis leads in points per game, field goal percentage, and total rebounds per game. Memphis will win this one on the road in a tight one.

Key trends: Tigers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Early lean: Memphis, Under

Minnesota @ (8) Michigan State (-12, 146)

Minnesota might be 8-6 on the year, but they've played a lot better in their last five games. They've defeated Ohio State, Oklahoma State and Northwestern in their last five games and took a tough two-overtime defeat to Purdue. Michigan State has now won seven straight games after defeating Michigan at home, 87-69. Michigan State will win this game by about 5-7 points. It won't be enough to cover against an improved Minnesota team.

Key trends: Golden Gophers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.

Early lean: Minnesota, Under

(24) Arizona @ (9) Oregon (-3.5, 144.5)

Arizona has had an interesting season thus far. The Wildcats lost two of their last three games to Gonzaga and St John's. Oregon won their last game against Utah but struggled on the road against Colorado prior. This game is evenly matched. Arizona is inconsistently, consistent. This is a good matchup for Arizona and they should be able to cover the spread as they average 83.1 points per game.

Key trends: Wildcats are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games following three or more consecutive home games.

Early lean: Arizona, Over

(1) Gonzaga @ San Diego (+15.5, 144.5)

I just bragged about Arizona scoring 83.1 points per game. But Gonzaga scores 87.5 points per game and shoot 50.2 percent from the floor. Gonzaga shoots so well from the floor and still bring down 41 rebounds per game. Gonzaga is the number one team for a reason. San Diego has struggled this season with three straight division I losses. Gonzaga won't make it easy. Give me Gonzaga here, even with the hefty spread.

Key trends: Toreros are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Early lean: Gonzaga, Under

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Free College Basketball Picks Thursday, January 9 and Opening Line Report

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