College Basketball Picks Today:
Expert college basketball handicapper Greg Peterson shares his top college basketball picks today for Saturday, November 8.
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12:00 PM Eastern
Alcorn State Braves vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
While it’s clear that Alcorn State, under first-year coach Jake Morton, is looking to push tempo — losing their opener to Florida State 108–76 — things were much more controlled in their 76–70 loss to South Alabama. Minnesota is unlikely to get out of sorts with Nico Medved taking over as coach. At Colorado State last season, his team played at a pace that ranked 271st or slower in total possessions per game in each of the past five seasons.
Play: Alcorn State +30.5 and Under 161.5
Greg’s Handicap: Alcorn State +21 and Total 151
1:00 PM Eastern
Princeton Tigers vs. Akron Zips
While Princeton loses much of its stable of guards from last season, the return of Dalen Davis gives this team leadership to continue its unique style — attempting a lot of 3-point shots and limiting second chances. Princeton ranked ninth nationally in defensive rebound percentage last season, allowing opponents to grab only 22.6% of their missed shots as offensive rebounds. Akron, meanwhile, allowed James Madison to shoot 37.9% from 3-point range in its opener.
Play: Princeton +11.5
Greg’s Handicap: Princeton +6.5
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. New Haven
New Haven, the newest Division I program, went just 12–17 at the Division II level and lost four of its top five scorers from a season ago. They also face a back-to-back after losing to Columbia 71–53 on Friday. Penn State got a scare from Fairfield in its season-opening win, but its aggressive defense — ranking in the top 50 nationally in turnovers forced per possession in every season under Mike Rhoades — should allow them to dictate terms.
Play: Penn State -14.5
Greg’s Handicap: Penn State -23.5
Florida International Panthers vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska impressed in the second half of its season-opening win over West Georgia, doubling them up 56–28 after halftime. The return of top rebounder Rienk Mast, who missed last season due to injury, should elevate this team in the post. FIU relies heavily on forcing turnovers — they ranked 31st nationally in defensive turnover rate last season — but must replace their top five scorers from a year ago.
Play: Nebraska -18.5
Greg’s Handicap: Nebraska -24
1:30 PM Eastern
George Washington Revolutionaries vs. South Florida Bulls
New South Florida coach Brian Hodgson brought several players with him from Arkansas State, whose defense ranked 35th nationally in points per possession allowed but was just 259th in 3-point shooting percentage. The return of top rebounder Rafael Castro, paired with transfer Tyrone Marshall (a two-year starter at Western Kentucky), makes George Washington significantly stronger on the glass compared to last season’s ranking of 194th in rebound percentage.
Play: George Washington +3 and Under 156.5
Greg’s Handicap: George Washington -3 and Total 151
3:30 PM Eastern
Monmouth Hawks vs. La Salle Explorers
La Salle’s defense looked solid in its season-opening 87–59 win over Coppin State. Expect a slow, defensive-oriented approach under former Radford coach Darris Nichols, whose team ranked 353rd in possessions per game last season. Monmouth, meanwhile, must replace leading scorer Abdi Bashir (20.1 PPG), and although several rotation players return, they ranked 356th in 2-point shooting percentage last year.
Play: Under 146.5
Greg’s Handicapped Total: 137.5
4:00 PM Eastern
Providence Friars vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Neither team traditionally plays up-tempo — Providence ranked 244th in possessions per game last season, while Virginia Tech was 266th. Providence should have the edge inside with the return of big man Oswin Erhunmwunse, who averaged 2.1 blocks per game in Big East play as a freshman. Virginia Tech will look to run its offense through 6-foot-9 Greek freshman Neoklis Avdalas.
Play: Providence Moneyline and Under 157.5
Greg’s Handicap: Providence -2 and Total 142
San Jose State Spartans vs. UC Santa Barbara Gauchos
San Jose State must replace much of its backcourt from a team that shot 35.6% from 3-point range on the road last season. They face a slow UC Santa Barbara team that ranked 271st in possessions per game and 30th in opponent 3-point percentage (30.8%).
Play: Under 146.5
Greg’s Handicapped Total: 137.5
5:00 PM Eastern
Long Beach State 49ers vs. Fresno State Bulldogs
Though Fresno State has been outside the top 300 in points per possession under coach Vance Wahlberg, the Bulldogs are looking to increase tempo — ranking 18th nationally in possessions per game last season. They’ll face a Long Beach State team that struggled defensively last year, ranking 329th in points per possession allowed, while Fresno State ranked 298th.
Play: Over 142.5
Greg’s Handicapped Total: 151.5
6:00 PM Eastern
Florida Atlantic Owls vs. Charleston Cougars
Florida Atlantic barely escaped its opener against Boston College, trailing 66–61 in the final minute before forcing overtime. Both teams lost key offensive pieces from last season’s high-scoring rosters. However, FAU’s defense — which ranked 341st in opponent 3-point percentage — could be exposed by Charleston, who shot 35.5% from deep last season (83rd nationally), though they’re banged up with injuries.
Play: Charleston +4.5 and Under 160.5
Greg’s Handicap: Charleston +1.5 and Total 155.5
8:00 PM Eastern
Bellarmine Knights vs. Kansas State Wildcats
Bellarmine’s defense was dreadful last year, ranking 363rd in points per possession allowed, but the game’s pace may keep the total under. Bellarmine hasn’t ranked faster than 240th in possessions per game since joining Division I, and their deliberate style should continue under new coach Doug Davenport. Kansas State, meanwhile, exploded for 60 points in the second half of its opener against UNC Greensboro but played at a mid-tempo pace overall (215th last season).
Play: Under 171.5
Greg’s Handicapped Total: 154
9:00 PM Eastern
Chattanooga Mocs vs. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels
UNLV is dealing with several early-season injuries, which contributed to their opening loss to UT Martin as 17-point favorites. They now face a Chattanooga team playing a rare back-to-back after facing Saint Mary’s Friday night. The Mocs have been a top-50 team in 3-point attempt rate every year under Dan Earl but lost their top five scorers — a tough blow in a spot that could sap their shooting legs.
Play: UNLV -4.5 and Under 155.5
Greg’s Handicap: UNLV -8.5 and Total 148.5
Holy Cross Crusaders vs. BYU Cougars
Holy Cross returns significant production from a team that ranked ninth nationally in 3-point shooting percentage (38.6%). Traveling from Massachusetts to Utah is a tall task, and Holy Cross’s heavy reliance on outside shooting came at the expense of free throws — they ranked last nationally in free throws attempted per possession. BYU’s defense looked sharp in a 71–66 win over Villanova and will face a slow-paced Crusaders team (304th in possessions per game last year).
Play: Holy Cross +35.5 and Under 164
Greg’s Handicap: Holy Cross +29.5 and Total 149.5
10:00 PM Eastern
Pacific Tigers vs. Nevada Wolf Pack
Nevada holds the edge on the glass after ranking 29th in defensive rebound percentage last season, allowing opponents to recover only 23.7% of their misses. They looked sharp defensively in a 77–50 win over Louisiana Tech earlier this week. Pacific brought in a strong transfer class but may struggle early with ball control after losing point guard Lamar Washington in the offseason.
Play: Nevada -10.5
Greg’s Handicap: Nevada -16.5
