College Basketball Picks Today:
Expert college basketball handicapper Greg Peterson shares his top college basketball picks today for Thursday, March 27.
Check out Greg’s Daily College Basketball Lines and his Coast 2 Coast Hoops Podcast. Also, check out our College Basketball Betting Splits.
7:09 PM Eastern
BYU vs. Alabama
Although Alabama’s defense ranks 22nd in the nation in opponent three-point shooting percentage (30.5%), the team is only 163rd in points per possession allowed. Meanwhile, BYU ranks 99th in this category and plays at a slower pace than its scoring numbers suggest, ranking 145th in total possessions per game. Both teams excel on the boards, with BYU ranking 14th in rebound percentage and Alabama 23rd. However, Alabama struggles with ball pressure, ranking 352nd in turnovers forced per possession, which will allow BYU to execute its offense without being disrupted.
Pick: BYU +5.5 (Greg’s Handicap: BYU +4)
7:39 PM Eastern
Maryland vs. Florida
These are two of the most well-rounded teams in the country, both ranking in the top 26 in points scored per possession on offense and points allowed per possession on defense. Maryland’s key to staying competitive is winning the turnover battle, ranking 43rd in turnovers forced per possession on defense, while Florida ranks just 189th. Offensively, Maryland is 20th in fewest turnovers per possession, compared to Florida at 47th. With no Maryland reserve averaging more than 3.5 points per game, the team will likely slow the pace to maximize its possession advantage and conserve energy for the closing minutes.
Picks: Maryland +6.5 and Under 158 (Greg’s Handicap: Maryland +5, Total 153)
9:39 PM Eastern
Arizona vs. Duke
While Duke boasts the most dominant offense in the nation, leading in points per possession, its defense is just as elite, ranking fourth in points per possession allowed. Surprisingly, Duke plays at a slower pace, ranking 280th in total possessions per game. Arizona, meanwhile, has struggled with three-point shooting away from home, hitting just 32.4% from beyond the arc.
Pick: Under 154 (Greg’s Handicapped Total: 152.5)
10:09 PM Eastern
Arkansas vs. Texas Tech
Arkansas has struggled from beyond the arc in road games, shooting just 31.3% from three-point range (264th nationally). The team is also at a disadvantage on the boards, ranking 166th in rebound percentage, while Texas Tech ranks 36th. Texas Tech will also have more scoring opportunities, ranking third in the nation in fewest turnovers committed per possession in road games. Meanwhile, Arkansas ranks just 131st in turnovers per possession and 165th in opponent three-point shooting away from home, compared to Texas Tech at 52nd in this category.
Pick: Texas Tech -5.5 (Greg’s Handicap: Texas Tech -7)
