The 2024 college basketball season is intensifying, and today's lineup features two exciting matchups that promise intrigue and betting opportunities.

From conference rivalries to high-stakes non-conference battles, the atmosphere is charged for an exhilarating evening on the court! And in your own household, thanks to our college basketball picks today.

 

 

 

College Basketball Predictions & Overview Today, 12/18

Kicking things off, Xavier heads to #11 UConn for a crucial Big East contest. Both teams boast matching 8-3 records, but Xavier will have to overcome the absence of senior Zach Freemantle due to injury.

On the other hand, UConn, currently on a four-game winning streak, aims to extend its strong track record against the Musketeers, having triumphed in their last three encounters by an average margin of 25 points.

Later, in Charlotte, #14 Oklahoma will put its flawless 10-0 record on the line against #24 Michigan in the Jumpman Invitational.

Although the Wolverines are slight favorites, they’ll need to recover from a recent defeat to Arkansas, while the Sooners look to demonstrate that their perfect start is legit. Let’s explore these matchups and identify the best college basketball picks today!

 

 

 

Xavier vs. #11 UConn Predictions & Picks

To start off our college basketball predictions today, UConn should have no issues securing a win against Xavier.

The Huskies have been a force throughout this campaign, with their only losses occurring during a challenging Maui Invitational. Playing on their home court, UConn features a strong offense that ranks 21st nationally in field goal percentage at 50%, while their defense limits opponents to just 40.7% shooting.

Their rebounding prowess, led by Tarris Reed and Liam McNeeley, will be vital against a Xavier squad that struggles on the boards, sitting at 191st in rebounds per game. Xavier's inconsistency, coupled with the absence of key big man Zach Freemantle, puts them at a considerable disadvantage.

Although the Musketeers excel at three-point shooting (39.4%, 21st in the nation), their defensive weaknesses, especially against the three-pointer (ranked 295th in opponent 3PT%), make them vulnerable to UConn’s effective scoring. The lack of Freemantle’s inside presence further complicates Xavier’s chances of staying competitive.

Considering UConn’s strong performance outside of Maui, Xavier’s injury issues and the advantage of playing at home, this matchup appears to favor a comfortable victory for UConn. Anticipate the Huskies to take control early and secure a decisive win, easily covering the -13.5 (-110 at BetMGM) spread.

 

 

 

#14 Oklahoma vs. #24 Michigan Predictions & Picks

The clash between #14 Oklahoma and #24 Michigan is set to be a good one. I’m thinking it’ll be more of a high-scoring matchup, making the over 148.5 (-110 at BetMGM) the final of our college basketball predictions today.

Michigan's offense excels with a rapid pace, boasting a 12th place ranking in field goal percentage at 50.4% and an impressive average of 80.5 points per game. However, their defense has shown inconsistency for long stretches at times, allowing significant point totals in recent games against Arkansas (89) and Iowa (83).

This defensive weakness could be exploited by an Oklahoma team that already averages 81.5 points per game as is, featuring a potent scoring lineup led by Jalon Moore and Jeremiah Fears, both of whom shoot over 47% from the field.

Oklahoma's well-rounded offense is further enhanced by a solid 36.4% shooting from three-point range, as these stats indicate that the Sooners can take advantage of Michigan's defensive shortcomings, especially in the latter stages of the game.

Meanwhile, Michigan’s offense, highlighted by the big man duo Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin, ensures they can match Oklahoma's scoring in what promises to be a back-and-forth battle. Considering both teams' offensive capabilities and Michigan’s history of high-scoring games, the total of 148.5 appears to be on the lower side.

 

 

 

College Basketball Odds & Betting Lines Today

After sharing our official college basketball predictions for today’s matchups, it's now time for the final step: looking at the betting lines!

Check out the college basketball odds for the games we just covered, courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook:

  • Xavier Musketeers (+700) vs. UConn Huskies (-1100)
    • Spread: Xavier +13.5 (-110) vs. UConn -13.5 (-110)
    • Game Total: Over 147.5 (-105) vs. Under 147.5 (-115)
       
  • Oklahoma Sooners (+150) vs. Michigan Wolverines (-185)
    • Spread: Oklahoma +4.5 (-115) vs. Michigan -4.5 (-105)
    • Game Total: Over 148.5 (-110) vs. Under 148.5 (-110)

 

 

 

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