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Free College Basketball Picks Wednesday, January 15 and Opening Line Report


by Jason Radowitz - 1/14/2020

Kamar Baldwin Butler Bulldogs

Wednesday's college basketball slate features some intriguing matchups, but none bigger than Seton Hall vs. Butler . Both teams are on long winning streaks and will look to continue their dominant Big East play with another win. Unfortunately, only one team can win. But fortunately, we got you covered with the early lean for this Big East battle and the other six ranked matchups on the slate.

(18) Seton Hall @ (5) Butler (-6, 126.5)

This is the game of the night and it's not even close. Seton Hall is on a five-game winning streak since their loss to Rutgers, and Butler has won six straight games with one of the best defenses in the nation. Seton Hall has a way of scoring points in bunches and plays solid defense of their own. Myles Powell leads Seton Hall with 21.5 points per game, while Butler is allowing 54.4 points by the opposition. At home, Butler should continue their stellar defensive play and hold on to beat Seton Hall. It's going to be a fun matchup.

Key trends: Bulldogs are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win.

Early lean: Butler, Under

(10) Kentucky @ South Carolina (-6, 135.5)

Earlier in the year when Kentucky lost to Utah and Ohio State back-to-back, the Wildcats didn't look all too special. However, Kentucky's gotten their act together, winning four straight games with wins over Louisville, Georgia and an improved Alabama team at home. South Carolina has lost three straight, and it all started with a loss at home to Stetson. Take Kentucky to win by a large margin.

Key trends: Wildcats are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games as a road favorite.

Early lean: Kentucky, Over

Virginia @ (9) Florida State (-6.5, 114.5)

Virginia scorers 55.7 points per game and allows 48.7 points per game. Florida State, on the other hand, averages 76.4 points per game and allows 63.4 points per game. Virginia does a great job dictating tempo, but Florida State is shooting 46.9 percent from the field, while Virginia averages below 40 percent. At home, FSU will be hitting shots to drag their winning streak to eight games. Virginia has lost back-to-back games to Boston College and Syracuse. This isn't the same team as last year.

Key trends: Seminoles are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Early lean: Florida State, Over

(25) Creighton @ Georgetown (-1, 150.5)

Creighton is ranked for the first time this season, and to stay ranked they'll have to take on and defeat Georgetown on the road. Georgetown has lost three of their last four games with all three coming on the road. The lone win came at home against St. John's. Creighton plays much better defense than Georgetown but will struggle on the boards as Georgetown averages more than 40 a game. Creighton has had a tough three-game slate against Butler, Villanova, and Xavier. Add Georgetown after and they must be drained with these road games. Take Georgetown at home to send Creighton out of the Top 25.


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

Early lean: Georgetown, Over

Iowa State @ (2) Baylor (-10, 141.5)

Baylor is on a 12-game winning streak and just defeated Texas Tech and Kansas on the road. Now they're coming home to face Iowa State that isn't nearly as good as either of these teams. Iowa State had lost three straight until their most recent game where they defeated Oklahoma, 81-68, at home. Baylor's defense is night and day difference compared to Iowa State, and that'll show Wednesday night.

Key trends: Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.

Early lean: Baylor, Under

(4) Auburn @ Alabama (TBD, TBD)

I predicted that Auburn would lose to Georgia at home, and that didn't even come close to happening. I need to apologize to Auburn because although they've played literally no one, they're still undefeated and crushing every team they play. This is another rivalry game against an Alabama team that has played way better than the beginning of the season. Alabama lost to Kentucky on the road but will be home for this showdown. Alabama fans didn't need rest after missing out on the College Football Playoff, so they'll be out in support for the basketball program looking to knock off Auburn. I'm not sure if it'll come this game, but I do believe Alabama will cover the spread as home underdogs.

Key trends: Crimson Tide are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 home games.

Early lean: Alabama, Over

(16) Wichita State @ Temple (TBD, TBD)

Temple started the year so well that people actually thought the Owls could be a potential tournament team in March. Not so fast. Temple has lost three straight games against Tulsa, Houston and Tulane and will take on a Wichita State team that has won nine straight games. Temple either gets blown out or gets big wins. However, with the way the Shockers are playing, I wouldn't be shocked with a double-digit win from Wichita State.


Key trends: Shockers are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite.

Early lean: Wichita State, Over


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