Saturday College Basketball: Fade the Storm | February 3, 2024

Happy Saturday everyone, I hope you all sweep your bets this weekend. Let’s get into my favorite plays today!

Write Up Transparency

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Let’s check in on how I have been doing betting on college hoops since joining Betting News.

• 12-11-1 (50%) 

(As of February 3, 2024)

#12 Iowa State vs #18 Baylor Prediction & Best Bet

Matchup Information – College Basketball

• Venue & Location: Foster Pavillion – Waco, Texas
• Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024
• Tip Off: 8:00pm Eastern
• Broadcast: ESPN2

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Bovada: One of the leaders in the sports betting market!

Spread

• Iowa State: (+3.0) (-110)
• Baylor: (-3.0) (-110)

Total

• Over: 142.5 (-110)
• Under: 142.5 (-110)

Moneyline

• Iowa State: +115
• Baylor: -138

The Pick: Baylor (-3.0) (-110) Get These Odds & Sign Up Bonus @ Bovada

The Stank

The Cyclones are coming off a massive win over Kansas a week ago; their fans stormed the court. A week later, they have to go into Waco and take on a Baylor team that has won 2 of their last five wins. Those losses came at Kansas State and Texas, then at home against TCU.

⛈️Fade the Storm⛈️

Baylor next Saturday pic.twitter.com/N13lECbvfG

— Colby Marchio (@C_Marchio2) January 27, 2024

Iowa State is an entirely different team once they step outside of Ames, Iowa. They are ranked dead last on the road, according to Halsametrics. The Cyclones are in the 300s in eFG% defenses, defensive rebounding, and free throw rate defense.

These are all things the Bears excel at on the offensive end. They get to the line, get their offensive rebounds, and are top 10 in eFG% offense. The Bears have had some success against teams in the top 50. Their most notable wins came against Auburn, Florida, BYU, and UCF.

If the Bears can take care of the Cyclone’s weaknesses, win the rebound battle, and get after the second chance opportunities, they will come out on top and cover.

Concerns: Iowa State has had an entire week of rest to enjoy their upset victory over Kansas. Meanwhile, Baylor just played UCF on Wednesday. 

Georgia Tech vs North Carolina State Prediction & Best Bet

Matchup Information – College Basketball

• Venue & Location: PNC Arena – Raleigh, North Carolina
• Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024
• Tip Off: 5:30pm Eastern
• Broadcast: The CW

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Bovada: One of the leaders in the sports betting market!

Spread

• Georgia Tech: (+8.0) (-110)
• North Carolina State: (-8.0) (-110)

Total

• Over: 146.0 (-110)
• Under: 146.0(-110)

Moneyline

• Georgia Tech: +250
• North Carolina State: -315

The Pick: North Carolina State (-8.0) (-110) Get These Odds & Sign Up Bonus @ Bovada

The Stank

Before I get into the Stank if you have yet to watch a North Carolina State basketball game in the last two years. Well, get ready to fall in love with their 6-foot-9 center, DJ Burns Jr. Currently averaging 11.6 points per game, while having a 50.5% field goal percentage.

DJ BURNS WINS IT FOR NC STATE pic.twitter.com/zcPzEIRQHW

— CBB Content (@CBBcontent) January 4, 2024

Okay, now for the Stank.

NC State has been struggling a little bit losing three of their last five games. However, coming off a six-point victory over Miami the Wolfpack should be feeling good about themselves. Especially, when they have the chance to rain on the Yellow Jacket’s parade. After Georgia Tech recorded their biggest win of the season on Tuesday, upsetting #3 North Carolina 74-73, as 8.5 point underdogs.

I love the Wolfpack in this matchup. They are one of the country’s best teams at home this season (37th). Doing everything you could possibly ask from a solid pack of teens, protect the rock, force turnovers and be inside the top 100 on both ends. Additionally, Haslametrics ratings have the Wolfpack being one of the most consistent teams in the country (88th).

The high number worries me, but it could also mean that NC State is superior to Georgia Tech, who just happened to over-perform against a good team in their last game. I will take my chances with the Wolfpack.

Where to find more advanced analytics

If you are looking for advanced analytic websites for college basketball the ones I have mentioned above are my favorite two. They are free and very informative. Ken Pom is another great resource, but sadly you have to pay.

Remember, these are mostly used as a crutch. Do not let these be the end all be all to making wagers. They are not always right with their predictions. Use your plums, trust your gut, and remember you cannot win them all. If you have any questions my socials are below I am always free to discuss anything college hoops. Especially, if it is over a game that will have under 23 people in attendance.

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