Jake's College Basketball Picks 1/2/23

Happy Belated New Years! I was out of town for the New Year, but I am back with picks. Let's go 3-0 today!

Rutgers vs. Purdue: Rutgers vs. Purdue has built some intensity over the past couple of years. Only a few teams in the Big Ten have found success against Purdue, but Rutgers competes and has their number each time they play. The last time the two squared off when Purdue was the number 1 team, Ron Harper’s heave was enough for the Scarlett Knights to pull off the most significant upset in program history. 

The game will come down to the battle of the bigs and which defense is more robust. Purdue and Rutgers are ranked in the top 20 for offense and defensive efficiencies in Kenpom and Haslametrics. Cliff Omoruyi, now in his third year at Rutgers, has finally blossomed into the player that won Gatorade Player of the Year in New Jersey during his senior year of high school. He is averaging a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds; the Rutgers offense and defense rely heavily on his success. Today, he has to face 7’4” Edey, who is in the talks for the Wooden Award. Edey is averaging 22 points and 13 rebounds, and with his successes, Purdue can have the Number 1 next to their name.  

The game will not be won or lost in the paint, but whichever team dominates that area will succeed throughout the 40 minutes. For Rutgers to pull off the road upset, Paul Mulcahy and Caleb McConnell need to play within their head and be over Purdue’s offense. Often Mulcahy forgets how to play basketball, makes costly turnovers, and commits unnecessary fouls. Cam Spencer needs to be sharp from deep. Suppose Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith, and Brandon Newman shoot the ball with continued success; it will eventually open up the paint for Zach Edey to get easy buckets on Cliff Omoruyi because of Rutgers's aggressive defense.

This game is over winter break for Purdue students, and the energy will be different inside Mackey Arena. 60% of the money is on Purdue, covering 8.5. The line opened at Purdue -7 and has jumped to Purdue -8.5.
I am taking Rutgers +8.5, Over 131.5

Colgate vs. Lehigh: An excellent Patriot League matchup. Colgate prides itself on playing a tough non-conference which prepares them for Patriot League play. After a 34-point win over Loyola last Friday, I expect continued success over the struggling Mountain Hawks today. Lehigh is 5-4 ats while Colgate is 7-7, but Colgate's strength of schedule makes up for the .500 record ATS.
I am taking Colgate -11.5, Over 153.5

Loyola Maryland vs. American University: Loyola has been trending downward, and American is trending upward, and many predicted American to finish top of the Patriot with Colgate. American is 8-4 ATS while Loyola Maryland is 4-8 ATS the spread. After starting 0-2, American is 9-1 with a tough loss coming to a solid Siena team with a lot of promise this year. Led by Geoff Sprouse and Matt Rogers, I expect American to light up the hardwood in Washington, D.C., and bring the Eagles to 2-0 in conference play. 
I am taking American -7.5, Under 126

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