Tonight’s college basketball action is highlighted by a SEC matchup between Tennessee and Mississippi State. However, this slate also contains marquee matchups between Wisconsin and Ohio State over in the Big Ten. Now let’s get into today’s best college basketball picks and player props for today, Jan. 10. Make sure to check out our other college basketball articles and our college basketball betting tools!
Best College Basketball Picks & Player Props Today
Best College Basketball Side & Total Picks Today
Tennessee-Mississippi State Odds
Odds via bet365
Tennessee: -130 | Mississippi State: +110
Tennessee -2.0: -110 | Mississippi State +2.0: -110
Over 139: -110 | Under 139: -110
When: Wednesday, January 19 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Tennessee-Mississippi State Pick
Diving into SEC play, Tennessee hits the road against Mississippi State with an 11-3 record behind the 17th-ranked strength of schedule. Meanwhile, Mississippi State also has an 11-3 record after playing the No. 135 strength of schedule. With both teams getting healthier, this contest sets up as the top game on the slate.
All of Tennessee’s three losses came away from their home court. However, those three losses came against Kansas, North Carolina and Purdue with all three occurring by single digits. Tennessee has finally gotten point guard Zakai Zeigler to full minutes after his season-ending injury in 2023. Tennessee wins through elite defense and size that matches up well with Mississippi State. The Volunteers rank 10th in defensive efficiency and seventh defending the interior.
The biggest story with Mississippi State is the return of Tolu Smith on the interior. Now in this third game back, he will provide a big boost against Tennessee’s elite defense. With that said, Mississippi State still lacks elite shooting with just undersized Josh Hubbard shooting 38.4% from 3. They could also struggle with a Tennessee defense that ranks 87th in forcing turnovers. Mississippi State is 223rd in turnovers committed, which looms large in this contest. Not to mention, Mississippi State already has a few suspect losses, including South Carolina, Georgia Tech and Southern.
Best College Basketball Pick: Tennessee -2.0 -110 at bet365
Clemson-Virginia Tech Odds
Odds via bet365
Clemson: -130 | Virginia Tech: +110
Clemson -2.0: -110 | Virginia Tech +2.0: -110
Over 145: | Under 145: -110
When: Wednesday, January 10 at 7 p.m. ET
Clemson-Virginia Tech Pick
Clemson takes on Virginia Tech as a two-point favorite after losing to North Carolina over the weekend. Clemson holds an 11-3 record behind the 19th-ranked strength of schedule. On the other side, Virginia Tech sits at 9-5 with the No. 84 strength of schedule.
Overall, Clemson has an offensive advantage, while Virginia Tech grades out a little better on defense. The Tigers rank 22nd in offensive efficiency and with largely through big man P.J. Hall. Hall fouled out in just 25 minutes against North Carolina, which proved costly against Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram. Virginia Tech is 123rd in interior defense, making this an exploitable matchup for Clemson, if Hall can avoid fouls. On top of that, Hall also shoots 35% from 3, which complements Joseph Girard and Chauncey Wiggins, who both shoot over 37% from beyond the arc. In total, all three of Clemson’s losses came against top 50 opponents.
On the other side, Virginia Tech has been a roller coaster. All five of their losses came against top 100 competition, but only two of their wins came against this level of competition. They lack experienced size and have just one legitimate 3-point threat in Hunter Cattoor. With Clemson’s experienced defense, scoring could be an issue for Virginia Tech in this matchup. While the road spot could be a challenge, Clemson should find a victory here.
Best College Basketball Pick: Clemson -2.0 -110 bet365
Looking for more college basketball action? OddsShopper has identified this North Carolina total as the highest-value one on today’s slate due to the market disparity between ESPNBet, where you’ll find this wager priced at +100, and the rest of the market. Take advantage of the misprice while you can!
Best College Basketball Player Prop Bets Today
Providence-St. John’s Player Prop
A Big East matchup taking place in the early window, Providence travels to St. John’s as a 7.5 point underdog in a game with a 146 total. In the player prop market Joel Soriano actually stands out towards the over with a points/rebounds/assist prop sitting at 28.5. Providence just lost their top player Bryce Hopkins adding even more intrigue to this prop.
On the year, Soriano averages 10.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 17.3 points per game on just 29.1 minutes. Soriano’s two main limitations remain blowouts and fouls. Over the last three games, Soriano has logged 35, 32 and 29 minutes. This game projects as competitive and Providence ranks 144th in fouls generates, which should keep Soriano on the floor. Not to mention, both teams play with an above average tempo, which could keep this game up and down.
Best College Basketball Player Prop: Joel Soriano Over 28.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists -115 at DraftKings
OddsShopper’s College Basketball Betting Tools & Tips
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