College Basketball Picks Today:
Expert college basketball handicapper Greg Peterson shares his top college basketball picks today for Friday, March 6.
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2:30 PM Eastern
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs. Lipscomb Bisons
Florida Gulf Coast has struggled on defense, ranking 274th in points per possession allowed and 296th in opponent three-point shooting percentage at 35.8%. Lipscomb ranks 70th in three-point shooting percentage at 36% and is 118th in points per possession on offense overall while also ranking 57th in two-point shooting percentage away from home. Florida Gulf Coast ranks 186th in two-point shooting percentage allowed.
Pick: Lipscomb -3 (Greg’s Handicap Lipscomb -6)
Charleston Southern Buccaneers vs. Winthrop Eagles
Winthrop has a huge edge at the free throw line if the game is close, shooting 73% at the stripe (169th) while Charleston Southern ranks 359th at 64.7%. Winthrop also should not be put under distress offensively, as Charleston Southern ranks 359th in turnovers per possession generated on defense while their own offense ranks 315th in turnovers per possession.
Pick: Winthrop -4.5 (Greg’s Handicap Winthrop -8.5)
5:00 PM Eastern
Chattanooga Mocs vs. The Citadel Bulldogs
Both teams have been lackluster defensive teams that play slowly. Chattanooga ranks 262nd in total possessions per game and 324th in points per possession allowed, while The Citadel ranks 314th in possessions per game and 349th in points per possession allowed. The Citadel allows opponents to shoot 36.3% from three-point range (314th), while Chattanooga allows 33.7% (157th). This is notable because Chattanooga ranks 17th in the nation in percentage of field goal attempts that are three-pointers, while The Citadel ranks 25th.
Pick: Chattanooga -7.5 (Greg’s Handicap Chattanooga -10)
6:00 PM Eastern
UNC Asheville Bulldogs vs. Longwood Lancers
Longwood has struggled to knock down outside shots all season, ranking 282nd in three-point shooting percentage at 32%, which drops to 30.1% in games away from home. UNC Asheville ranks 53rd in three-point shooting percentage away from home at 36.2%. Longwood has also had issues taking care of the ball, ranking 332nd in turnovers per possession.
Pick: UNC Asheville +1.5 (Greg’s Handicap UNC Asheville -3.5)
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Akron Zips
Akron has one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, ranking fifth in points per possession while playing at a fast pace at 57th in possessions per game. They should get plenty of open looks against a Northern Illinois defense that ranks 298th in points per possession allowed. Northern Illinois also allows plenty of scoring down low, ranking 331st in opponent two-point shooting percentage. Akron ranks 43rd in offensive rebound percentage, grabbing 33.3% of their missed shots.
Pick: Northern Illinois vs. Akron Over 154.5 (Greg’s Handicapped Total 159.5)
7:00 PM Eastern
VCU Rams vs. Dayton Flyers
Dayton’s strength is generating turnovers, ranking seventh in turnovers per possession on defense, but that aggressiveness leaves them vulnerable to open three-point looks. Dayton ranks 257th in opponent three-point shooting percentage at 35.3%, while VCU ranks 50th in three-point shooting percentage at 36.3%. Dayton is also at a disadvantage on the glass, rebounding only 25.1% of their missed shots offensively (284th), while VCU ranks 58th.
Pick: VCU +1.5 (Greg’s Handicap VCU -3.5)
Pennsylvania Quakers vs. Brown Bears
Brown has had a difficult time getting points on the board all season, ranking 350th in points per possession at home. Pennsylvania’s offense has been strong around the perimeter, ranking 15th in three-point shooting percentage at 38.2%, though they rank 341st in two-point shooting percentage. Brown’s defense ranks 57th in opponent three-point shooting percentage at home at 30.2%, while Pennsylvania ranks 65th overall in opponent three-point shooting percentage at 32%.
Pick: Pennsylvania vs. Brown Under 141.5 (Greg’s Handicapped Total 136)
9:00 PM Eastern
Miami OH Redhawks vs. Ohio Bobcats
Miami (OH)’s offense has traveled well all season, ranking 14th in points per possession in road and neutral court games with a three-point shooting percentage of 37.7% away from home (27th). Ohio ranks 346th in three-point shooting percentage at 29.8%. Defensively, Ohio ranks 325th in opponent three-point shooting percentage at 36.6% and 264th in points per possession allowed, while Miami (OH) ranks 43rd in points per possession allowed away from home.
Picks: Miami OH -5.5 and Over 158.5 (Greg’s Handicap Miami OH -8 and Total 162)
St. John’s Red Storm vs. Seton Hall Pirates
These teams play at opposite tempos, with St. John’s ranking 32nd in possessions per game while Seton Hall ranks 290th. Second chances should be plentiful, as St. John’s rebounds 33.7% of their missed shots offensively (37th), while Seton Hall grabs 37% of their misses at home (18th). Seton Hall ranks 15th in points per possession allowed on defense, while St. John’s ranks 19th overall but drops to 83rd away from home, allowing 17.3 more points per 100 possessions.
Picks: Seton Hall +5.5 and Over 136.5 (Greg’s Handicap Seton Hall +3.5 and Total 139.5)
10:00 PM Eastern
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels vs. San Diego State Aztecs
Both defenses generate a large number of turnovers. San Diego State ranks 15th nationally in turnovers per possession on defense, while UNLV ranks 28th in turnovers generated in road and neutral court games. On offense, UNLV ranks 188th in turnovers per possession and San Diego State ranks 208th. San Diego State ranks 138th in points per possession overall, while UNLV ranks 113th.
Pick: UNLV vs. San Diego State Under 155.5 (Greg’s Handicapped Total 152)
