Saturday boasts yet another jam-packed college basketball slate. With no shortage of action, here are three games I see having betting value:
#13 Louisville @ Notre Dame
2:00 p.m. ET ESPN
Opening Spread: Notre Dame +3
Current Spread: Notre Dame +3.5
Projected Spread: Notre Dame +7
Since dropping two straight to Kentucky and Florida State, Chris Mack’s Louisville Cardinals looked back to form in their 74-58 win over Miami Tuesday night. Notre Dame is looking for a signature win and Saturday presents an opportunity for the Irish to do just that. Unfortunately for the Irish, this Louisville team is deep, athletic, physical, and scrappy. The Cards have the edge in both the frontcourt and backcourt. Steven Enoch and Malik Williams should be able to neutralize Jon Mooney, Notre Dame’s best offensive weapon. I made this game Louisville -7 and played the Cards as soon as it opened at -3. I still like the Cards at the current number and would play them up to -5.5. They will definitely get the public’s support seeing a ranked team at a low number. Some early sharp money has been on the ND side which is why this line hasn’t climbed.
Pick: Louisville -3.5
Kansas State @ Texas
8:00 p.m. ET LHN
Opening Spread: Texas -4.5
Current Spread: Texas -5
Projected Spread: Texas -6.5
K-State and Texas are both in search of their first conference victory of 2020. All it takes is one strong 40-minute performance to get back on track. The margin for error in the Big 12 is slim, and both teams currently sit outside the projected field of 68. Thankfully Shaka and Bruce still have time to amend their seasons. As for Saturday, I don’t see the Longhorns losing back to back home contests. Texas has the edge in talent and should be able to limit the Wildcats offensively.
Pick: Texas -5
Syracuse @ #18 Virginia
4:00 p.m. ET ESPN
Opening Spread: Virginia -8
Current Spread: Virginia -8
Projected Spread: Virginia -5
These two teams played to open the ACC regular-season back in early November with Virginia winning in their usual grind it out fashion 48-34. While the Hoos still rank number one in defensive efficiency, their effective field goal percentage ranks 297th nationally. Tony Bennett and co. could certainly have another stout defensive performance against the Orange, but the Hoos are overvalued at the current number. It’s Orange or pass.
Pick: Syracuse +8