Best College Basketball Bets for Wednesday, February 18: Trust UConn to Cover? Will Kansas Bounce Back?

• Creighton leads the all-time series vs. UConn, 9-4, and won three of the last five

• UConn has covered the spread twice in the last 12 games

• Kansas has dominated the series vs. Oklahoma State, 126-59, and has won the last eight games vs. the Cowboys

The NCAA basketball season rolls on today with a busy slate featuring several of the country’s best teams. From a betting perspective, there are plenty of great choices out there for those interested in putting money down. My top choices are featured in today’s ‘Best College Basketball Bets.’

Today I’ll take a look at a UConn team that has covered the spread just twice in its last 12 games and a Kansas team hoping to bounce back after losing to Iowa State on Valentine’s Day.

Creighton Blue Jays vs. No. 5 Connecticut Huskies Odds & Pick

• Spread: Creighton +16.5 (-110) | UConn -16.5 (-110)      

• Moneyline: Creighton +1160 | UConn -2800

• Total: OVER 142.5 (-115) | UNDER 142.5 (-105)

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I thought a win in this game would mean more to Creighton (13-13, 7-8 Big East), thinking UConn (24-2, 14-1 Big East) has dominated the all-time series with the Huskies. But it’s actually the other way around; Creighton leads the all-time series vs. UConn 9-4.

The Blue Jays last beat the Huskies in the Big East Semifinals last season. But Creighton was a Tournament-bound team last season; this year, they may need help and a little bit of luck just to make the NIT.

A win over the Huskies would certainly look good on their resume, but it may be wishful thinking considering how the last game went (Jan. 31, 85-58, UConn). Connecticut shot 54% from the field and 52% from three-point range. Creighton shot 41% and 24%.

• My Pick: OVER 142.5

With the Huskies going 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games, I am tempted to go with Creighton and the points. But one of the two games UConn did cover was their first game with the Blue Jays. The spread is bigger this time, but the Huskies won by 27 on the road and this time it’s at home.

However, the OVER is 13-12-1 for UConn this season, but 7-0 across their last seven games (including vs. Creighton). They may not score 85 this time, but UConn will get enough help from Creighton to send the final score OVER the TOTAL.

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No. 8 Kansas Jayhawks vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Odds & Pick

• Spread: Kansas -7.5 (-108) | Oklahoma State +7.5 (-112) 

• Moneyline: Kansas -385 | Oklahoma State +300

• Total: OVER 155.5 (-110) | UNDER 155.5 (-110)

Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook

The Cowboys have been struggling of late, losing three in a row. They last played on Saturday and lost to TCU in overtime, 95-92. Scoring points has not been an issue for them; they average 84.7 points per game (No. 3 in the Big 12). But things tend to go the other way on the defensive end of the court.

They average 81.3 points per game allowed (No. 16 in the Big 12 and No. 341 in the nation). Kansas doesn’t have the strongest offense in the Big 12 (No. 13; 77.1 points per game), but it should look better against this defense.

After having their eight-game win streak (that included a win over then-No. 1 Arizona) ended by Iowa State Saturday (74-56), they’ll be out to prove they are better than the team that lost to the Cyclones by 18 points.

• My Pick: Kansas -7.5

Initially, I was thinking of going with the TOTAL, but Kansas will slow down Oklahoma State’s offense. But will they pick it up on the offensive end vs. the Cowboys' dreadful defense enough to send the final score OVER this TOTAL? That’s hard to say.  

However, Kansas is catching the Cowboys at the right time: while they're struggling. If they can get over the issues that cost them against Iowa State, the Jayhawks will cover.

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