College Basketball Game Picks: December 1

Story posted December 1, 2021 in CommRadio, Sports by Austin Groft

The following article contains information that is not representative of the opinions of CommRadio. It solely expresses the opinions of Austin Groft

College Basketball is in full swing  and we have seen a lot of upsets already. Let’s keep things rolling for another edition of CommRadio’s college basketball game picks.

Last article’s record: 2-3
Overall record: 6-6

This past week of college basketball has been filled with wild games in several tournaments during feast week. With non-conference games ending, there are only a couple more chances for teams to build their resume for March. The ACC/Big Ten Challenge provides several great matchups tonight.

No. 24 Michigan (-1.5) at UNC (Spread), 9:15 ESPN

The prime-time matchup on ESPN features the best matchup of the night in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

Both teams have dropped in the rankings and a win tonight will be huge to push themselves back to their initial rankings from the beginning of the season.

UNC lost both games in the Hall of Fame Tipoff tournament while Michigan dropped a game to Seton Hall at home.

Despite both teams’ disappointing starts to the season, Michigan has the better big man in Hunter Dickinson and the better defense allowing teams to score only 64.5 points per game.

The Pick: Michigan -1.5

Louisville at No. 22 Michigan State (-5), 7:15 p.m. ESPN

The Cardinals opened the season with 6 straight home games dropping one to Furman.

This matchup against Michigan State will be their first true road test. The Spartans on the other have played against three ranked opponents: Kansas, Baylor and UConn.

Tom Izzo has a better roster than last season and has some young talented players. Bounce back win after the tough loss to Baylor.

The Pick: Michigan State -5

Texas Tech (-3) at Providence, 8:00 pm FS1

This is another example of a team going on their first true road game against a tough opponent. Texas Tech has several transfers on the roster this year with the departure of Chris Beard.

Their only returning player who starts from last season is Terrence Shannon who averaged 12.9 points per game last year. The Red Raiders are 6-0 but have not played against a power five team.

It will be tough to travel on your first road game and beat a tough Ed Cooley team with several veteran players.

The Pick: Providence +3

No. 14 Florida at Oklahoma (EVEN), 8 p.m.

All five of the Gator’s starting five are averaging double figures and they are coming off a huge win over Ohio State off a Tyree Appleby buzzer-beater.

Didn’t Ohio State just beat Duke last night? Whether the transitive property applies to college basketball or not, Florida has won some big games this year.

Their defense has been the most impressive holding opponents to 55.7 points per game, ranked 11th in the nation. The more experienced team with a talented roster gets a huge road win.

The Pick: Florida to win

If you have a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit https://www.pacouncil.com/helpline/ to get the help you need today.

Austin Groft is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email atg5271@psu.edu