Media by Associated Press – Gonzaga guard Julian Strawther (0) grabs a rebound during the second half of the Carrier Classic NCAA college basketball game against Michigan State aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, in Coronado, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The first week of the college basketball season is behind us, and while most of the big-name teams played small-league teams, we did get a handful of big market games in the opening week. We get to consume more this week as we prepare for holiday tournaments and conference showdowns to end the month.
Let’s take a look at four fun games to bet on in college basketball this week.
Kentucky vs. Michigan State
The opening game of the State Farm Champions Classic in Indianapolis features No. 4 Kentucky (2-0) against Michigan State (1-1). The Spartans more than held their own in San Diego on Friday with a cover and a one-possession loss to No. 2 Gonzaga on the USS Abraham Lincoln.
AJ. Hoggard and Joey Hauser are both in double figures for Michigan State after two games. Hauser was one of two players to foul out against Gonzaga as the Spartans struggled to slow down Drew Timme. The Spartans also were beaten on the glass by eight and could struggle against the Wildcats’ height, especially if Oscar Tshiebwe returns.
Kentucky has won their first two games without their All-American center as Tshiebwe works his way back from a knee injury. Jacob Toppin has filled the void so far with 9.5 rpg to go with 11.5 ppg. Antonio Reeves leads UK in scoring at 20.0 ppg while CJ Fredrick is at 17 ppg.
This game will come down to defense, rebounding, and pace. Kentucky has scored 95 and 77 points so far this season, while the Spartans have scored 73 and 63. Look for the Wildcats to win on Tuesday, maybe by double digits.
Duke vs. Kansas
The nightcap in Indianapolis on Tuesday is a top-10 matchup as No. 5 Kansas (2-0) plays No. 7 Duke (2-0). This is the first big game for new Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, and he faces the defending champion Jayhawks and Bill Self.
Scheyer got things started with a 27-point win over Jacksonville and a 48-point win over SC Upstate. Now things get serious as they take on Kansas with a young roster full of top recruits. Mark Mitchell (15.5), Jeremy Roach (13.0), Kyle Filipowski (12.5), and Ryan Young (11.5) are all in double figures scoring after two games.
Kansas won a pair of home games last week by 25 against Omaha and 23 against North Dakota State. Junior Jalen Wilson is averaging 20.0 ppg and 10.0 rpg, while freshman Gradey Dick is at 17.5 ppg. The Jayhawks have hit 38% of their 3-pointers so far this season.
This is the first game away from home for both teams this season. Expect a close one throughout, and with all the talent on the court, this one could be high scoring.
Gonzaga vs. Texas
Wednesday’s big game is in Austin, Texas, as the No. 12 Longhorns (2-0) welcome No. 2 Gonzaga (2-0) to town. The Zags started slowly in their aircraft carrier game on Friday but finished strong behind Timme’s 22 points. Back indoors, they should shoot better than the 41.8% on Friday, including a 4-for-18 mark from 3-point range.
The Zags not only face Texas this week but also play Kentucky on Sunday. The teams will present different challenges, especially if the Wildcats are at full strength.
Texas will have a great atmosphere on Wednesday night for their first big game of the season. Tyrese Hunter is averaging 14.0 ppg so far this season, with Sir’Jabari Rice at 12.5 and Marcus Carr at 11.5. The Longhorns could dominate the perimeter with those three, but the interior will be a different story.
Gonzaga needs to hit some outside shots from Rasir Bolton and Julian Stawther to open up the inside for Timme and Anton Watson. Look for this game to be full of points, and the Longhorns can pull off an upset with stellar guard play.
Houston vs. Oregon
To finish the week, No. 3 Houston (2-0) heads to the Pacific Northwest for what was expected to be a top-25 showdown against Oregon (1-1). But the No. 21 Ducks lost at home to UC Irvine 69-56 on Friday night. They will get a chance to rebound on Tuesday against Montana State before the Cougars visit on Sunday.
Houston is a legit Final Four contender again this season, and they hang their hat on defense. The Cougars allowed a combined 91 points in their first two games, winning at home against Northern Colorado and beating St. Joe’s in a neutral site game at Navy.
This will be a three-game week for Houston as they host Oral Roberts on Monday and Texas Southern on Wednesday before heading to Eugene. The good thing for the Cougars is their defense travels, and they will look to lockdown the Ducks.
J’Wan Roberts, Jarace Walker, and Marcus Sasser are averaging at least 14 ppg so far this season and should lead Houston to a comfortable win over Oregon.
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