College Basketball Picks Today:
Expert college basketball handicapper Greg Peterson shares his top college basketball picks today for Friday, March 27.
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7:10 PM Eastern
St. John’s Red Storm vs. Duke Blue Devils
Duke has been one of the most balanced teams in the nation, ranking 4th in points per possession on offense while allowing the fewest points per possession on defense. St. John’s ranks 8th in points per possession allowed and should have a bit more success containing Duke, especially with the lingering injury to Caleb Foster. Since Foster went down, Duke is shooting just 44.3% from the field and 30% from 3-point range over the last five games.
Pick: St. John’s +7 and Under 141.5
Greg’s Handicap: St. John’s +5.5 and Total 140.5
7:35 PM Eastern
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Michigan Wolverines
Alabama is a volatile team, taking 53.9% of its field goal attempts from 3-point range—the highest percentage in the nation. While the Crimson Tide rank 221st in points per possession allowed on defense, they do a respectable job protecting the interior, ranking 27th in opponent 2-point shooting percentage in games played away from home. Offensively, Alabama ranks 6th in points per possession, while Michigan ranks 5th, with much of its success coming inside, ranking 2nd in the nation in 2-point shooting percentage.
Pick: Alabama +9.5
Greg’s Handicap: Alabama +8.5
9:45 PM Eastern
Michigan State Spartans vs. Connecticut Huskies
Michigan State ranks 6th in the nation in 3-point shooting percentage away from home and leads the country in defensive rebound percentage, allowing just 19% of opponents’ missed shots to become offensive rebounds in those games. Connecticut welcomed back assist leader Silas Demary in a limited role in its Round of 32 win over UCLA and ranks 13th in points per possession allowed on defense. However, the Huskies have struggled with ball security away from home, ranking 282nd in turnovers per possession on offense.
Pick: Michigan State Moneyline
Greg’s Handicap: Michigan State -1.5
9:45 PM Eastern
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State is hoping to have Joshua Jefferson available for this game after he averaged 16.4 points, a team-high 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, but even if he plays, he is unlikely to be close to 100%. Tennessee holds a major edge on the glass, leading the nation by rebounding 44.2% of its missed shots as offensive rebounds. The Volunteers also rank 19th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage at 31%, while Iowa State ranks 11th in 3-point shooting percentage at 38.7%.
Pick: Tennessee +4 and Under 140.5
Greg’s Handicap: Tennessee +3.5 and Total 139.5
