Let’s kick off a new month with some college hoops. Friday night plans are set. Here are the College Basketball Picks for December 1st.
College Basketball Picks December 1st
Houston vs. Xavier (+9.5) (O/U 138.5)
Our first matchup is out of the Big East vs. Big 12 Challenge. Houston is representing the Big 12 as a member for the first time since joining the conference. The Cougars will play a true road game for the first time this season after a 7-0 start.
Xavier is finding life without Zach Freemantle and Jerome Hunter to be much different than last year. Oakland was able to grab an outright win against Xavier as 15-point underdogs on Xavier’s home court. Jon Rothstein has things to say about losing buy games.
Houston and Xavier were both Sweet 16 teams a year ago. Natural turnovers on the rosters from a year, but one thing remains. Houston’s defense. They allow just 49 points per game this year. The Musketeers rank 28th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Xavier’s defense is no slouch, either. Rooting against points in this matchup.
The Pick: Under 138.5
Checking in from Allen Fieldhouse📌 pic.twitter.com/xagGDeTE2q
— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) December 1, 2023
UConn vs Kansas (-3) (O/U 149.5)
The Huskies bring a 24 consecutive game streak of double-digit wins against non-conference opponents with them. The odds are against them here.
Kansas highlights Hunter Dickinson offensively, but it will be his duty defensively as well to cut off the focal point of the Huskies in Donovan Clingan. This matchup is the most talked about, but it will be the teammates that decide the game.
The X factor for the Jayhawks is G/F Kevin McCullar. The 6’7 senior has two triple-doubles on the season while averaging 18 points per game. UConn had the advantage in depth, but freshman Stephon Castle will be unavailable for the UConn Huskies. Guards Tristen Newton (leads the team in rebounding and assists) and transfer Cam Spencer (leads the team with/ 16.3 ppg) will be leaned upon heavily behind enemy lines.
Expect an environment that only college basketball is able to produce. Kansas has home court and an experienced roster. Kansas is up to 3.5, and my Friday plans are set.
The Pick: Kansas -3
