betJACK Best Bets: NCAA Basketball December 29

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays, as we are back with three more college basketball best bets!

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Iowa (-2) First Half vs. Nebraska

Coming off an embarrassing loss against Eastern Illinois eight days ago, I anticipate the Iowa Hawkeyes are chomping at the bit to get back on the court and prove themselves as they go on the road against the Cornhuskers. Iowa has been phenomenal offensively this year, but their poor defense has been the issue for Iowa at times. 

Nebraska has relied on its defense in the early part of the season against a very difficult schedule. I think the long lay off and absolute beatdown last time out will fuel the Hawkeyes to come out swinging early.

Give me Iowa (-2) in the first half. (First Half Score – Iowa 37, Nebraska 32) 

UC Santa Barbara (-5) vs. Cal State Fullerton

The UCSB Gauchos take a five game winning streak on the road at Cal State Fullerton in a Big West Conference matchup. Looking at the metrics, Cal State looks to be on par with a lot of the Gaucho’s most recent opponents, three of whom they beat by double digits. The Titans are inept both offensively and defensively and struggle to create easy buckets in transition. I expect another double digit victory from the Gauchos.

Give me UCSB (-5). (UCSB 68, Cal State Fullerton 58) 

California (+10) vs. Utah

A quick glance at this and you’d be correct in your hesitation betting a Golden Bears team that comes in with a 1-11 record and is facing a solid Utah defense. However, the sharps are all over California in this game. 

The ticket percentage is almost 50-50, but the big money is 90-10 in favor of the Golden Bears. California is fresh off their first victory of the year, while Utah limps in with a two game losing streak. I’m a big fan of double-digit home dogs and though California likely won’t win this game outright, they’ll keep it to single digits.

Give me California (+10). (Utah 66, California 59)