betJACK Best Bets: NCAA Basketball December 14

We’re back with more best bets. Let’s dive into tonight’s action!

Akron (-6.5) vs. Wright State

Keeping it local on the hardwood tonight, with the Zips taking on Wright State at the JAR in downtown Akron. Having only won 2 of their last 5, I like Akron in the bounce back spot tonight at home. 

The Raiders of Wright State are a decent, middle of the pack team that relies on tempo to try force the opposing team out of their comfort zone. 

Playing at one of the slowest paces in the country, if Akron can keep the speed of the game in their favor, I expect them to cover this spread easily tonight.

Give me Akron (my alma mater) -6.5. (Akron 76, Wright State 67) 

UCLA (+1.5) vs. Maryland

Tonight’s featured matchup showcases #16 UCLA on the road against #20 Maryland. The only and I mean only reason the Bruins are getting the 1.5 tonight is because this game is on the road.

If this game were a neutral site or back home in California, UCLA would be a solid favorite. However, Maryland’s home court advantage isn’t anywhere near Cameron Indoor or the Phog in Kansas. 

As long as Mick Cronin’s guys aren’t suffering from ‘Jet Legs’, they should handle business tonight in College Park. Maryland has lost two straight, while UCLA is riding a five-game winning streak. Give me the hot hand in this one.

Give me UCLA +1.5 (UCLA 73, Maryland 70) and don’t be afraid to take the Bruins moneyline.  

USC vs. Long Beach State (Under 146.0)

Life is too short to bet the under they say. Well, life is also too short to not be picking winners. The Trojans have shown the ability to string together multiple great defensive efforts in a row. In their last three games (all wins) they’ve held their opponents to 61, 62 and 50 points respectively, while Long Beach State has struggled to put the ball in the basket. I expect this game to finish in the high 130s to low 140s, and with the Trojans favored by 12, overtime should not come into play.

Give me the under 146. (USC 77-63) 

🏀 Looking for NCAA Basketball betting news and analysis? Visit the betJACK NCAA basketball news page for coverage all season long! 🏀