A lot of the big boys won’t be in action on Thursday night in college basketball, but there are certainly some very interesting games with NCAA Tournament ramifications. There are a few smaller conference teams that have a chance at an at-large bid in action, and everyone’s favorite Cinderella from last year will take the court too. With the NBA back in action as well, we have a veritable basketball smorgasbord.
Michigan Wolverines at Minnesota Golden Gophers
Date and Time: Thursday, February 21, 2019, 7 p.m. ET
Location: Williams Arena, Minneapolis, Minnesota
CBB Betting Line: Michigan -4.5, O/U 133
This is a huge game for Minnesota. The Golden Gophers are squarely on the bubble with a 17-9 record paired with a 7-8 conference record, so a win over No. 7 Michigan would really help their chances of making it to the NCAA Tournament.
The Golden Gophers do have some decent conference wins already. They went on the road and beat Wisconsin in early January, and they clipped Iowa’s wings at the end of last month too. Additionally, Minnesota nearly beat Michigan in Ann Arbor last month, leading most of the way before losing 59-57 in the waning minutes.
I don’t think they’ll end up getting the win they need. Minnesota’s advanced metrics aren’t that good (the school is just one spot ahead of 10-16 Penn State according to Ken Pomeroy’s numbers), while Michigan has the second-best defense in the country. Lay the points with the Wolverines.
UCF Knights at Cincinnati Bearcats
Date and Time: Thursday, February 21, 2019, 7 p.m. ET
Location: Fifth Third Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio
CBB Betting Line: Cincinnati -8, O/U 130.5
Either UCF or Cincinnati should ensure that the American is a two-bid conference. Houston has already wrapped up a spot in the NCAA Tournament with a 25-1 record, and the Knights and the Bearcats are both looking to join them.
This will be the first meeting between these two teams this season. For UCF to pull off the upset, the Knights will need a solid game out of 7’6 center Tacko Fall. Fall is a nightmare to deal with on the offensive end due to his size, but his limited mobility has made him a defensive liability. Jarron Cumberland likes to drive to the basket to force the issue, so Fall must be active to keep him in check.
Vermont Catamounts at UMBC Retrievers
Date and Time: Thursday, February 21, 2019, 7 p.m. ET
Location: RAC Arena, Baltimore, Maryland
CBB Betting Line: Check Back Later
It will be a long time before we forget UMBC. The Retrievers became the first No. 16 seed to ever beat a No. 1 seed last year, and they did it in incredible fashion. UMBC hammered Virginia by 20 points, leading to the school getting an incredible amount of exposure and love from small schools everywhere.
The Retrievers have a decent chance of getting back to the NCAA Tournament. UMBC currently sits at 9-3 in the America East, and they will be hosting first place Vermont tonight. The Catamounts have looked like the team to beat all year in the conference, and the winner has a good chance of getting the conference’s automatic bid.
Oregon State Beavers at UCLA Bruins
Date and Time: Thursday, February 21, 2019, 11 p.m. ET
Location: Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, California
CBB Betting Line: UCLA -1.5, O/U 153
It’s a longshot for Oregon State to make it to the NCAA Tournament given their advanced numbers, but you can’t dismiss the Beavers outright. They have the second-best record in the conference at 8-4, and if they keep winning they have to get some consideration.
Oregon State is a slight underdog coming into tonight’s game with UCLA, but I like the Beavers’ chances. The Bruins have quit on the season after a dreadful start under Steve Alford, and they are not playing up to their potential. Oregon State will take advantage.
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