Caleb Wilfinger
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College basketball is back! After a myriad of teams took the court on Monday and Tuesday for their season openers, we’re finally starting to see some teams go out and play meaningful games against like-minded competition. And what better way to celebrate a massive college hoops slate on Friday than with a mega parlay? That’s right, I’ve crafted an NCAAB parlay for today’s games that pays out at nearly 8/1 odds at BetMGM Sportsbook. And like always, don’t forget to check out all of our college basketball predictions for today’s games.
Texas A&M ML (+104)
San Diego State ML (+120)
Tennessee vs Wisconsin Under 133.5 (-110)
NCAAB Parlay odds: +794
Texas A&M Aggies ML over Ohio State Buckeyes (+104)
In what is one of the marquee games of the day, I’ll be taking the veteran-laden Texas A&M Aggies to knock off an Ohio State team that I’m lower on than the market. Buzz Williams’ team brings back 4 starters, including Wade Taylor IV, who should be a first-team All-SEC player this season. That experience is paramount in a hostile environment, and I generally trust backing a team early in the season where there are fewer unknowns in the rotation. Ohio State is also now adapting to life without NBA first-round pick Brice Sensabaugh, and they’ll face an early challenge against this A&M defense that is ranked 21st nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom. Even at home, overcoming a lack of scoring depth and experience is a tall order.
There’s also the matter of the clear advantage on the glass that the visitors should hold. The Aggies were ranked 5th nationally in offensive rebounding percentage a season ago while Ohio State sat at #184 in opposing offensive rebounding percentage. Texas A&M kept that trend going in its season-opener, as the Aggies had 16 offensive rebounds in that game. I’d expect their ability to get to the glass to be a massive difference in this game, and it should help A&M get a huge road win here.
Check out all of our college basketball predictions for today’s games
San Diego State Aztecs ML over BYU Cougars (+120)
At long last, the Mountain West finally saw some NCAA Tournament success in 2022-23. San Diego State is fresh off a Final Four and National Championship appearance a season ago and the Aztecs should be a force to be reckoned with within the league once again this year. The Aztecs are coming off a season-opening win over a quality Cal State Fullerton team out of the Big West, where they held Fullerton to just 20.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Against a team like BYU, that ability to defend the 3-pointer and make the Cougars earn points inside against a stout defensive frontcourt is what makes San Diego State and attractive play here at plus money.
It helps that KenPom has San Diego State’s defense at #4 nationally in 3-point percentage a season ago, while BYU was ranked just #245 in offensive 3-point percentage. This game should be played at SDSU’s pace, so I’ll back the ‘dog on the money line.
Find out our 2023-24 college basketball best futures bets — including a +7500 longshot!
Tennessee Volunteers vs Wisconsin Badgers Under 133.5 (-110)
This game should be played at a snail’s pace, and no one should be surprised by that assumption. Don’t let Wisconsin’s 105-point outburst earlier this week fool you, the Badgers are still one of the slowest teams in the nation (337th in adjusted tempo in 2022-23 per KenPom) and will likely take their sweet time against a Tennessee defense that could be one of the best in the country this season. It doesn’t help that the Badgers offense was extremely poor a season ago and I don’t expect those shooting woes to suddenly disappear against a defense of this caliber. On the other side, Tennessee is also a snail (288th in adjusted tempo) and Rick Barnes’ team is no stranger to playing in some rock fights on the hardwood. This should be a defensive struggle, so let’s go with the under.
