Top NCAAB Betting Picks of the Week – December 18th Edition

With each passing week, we’re getting closer to conference play in college basketball. We’re seeing some teams establishing themselves once again as elite squads while others are giving notice that they intend to shake things up this year, as Tennessee did in their narrow loss to North Carolina over the weekend. Let’s take a look at some of your best college basketball betting opportunities in heading into Christmas.

Top NCAAB Betting Picks of the Week – December 18th Edition

Here is Sunday’s updated @CBSSports Top 25 (and one) college basketball rankings from @GaryParrishCBS. Oklahoma and Arkansas are in. Notre Dame and Florida are out.https://t.co/865DStWGap

— CBS Sports CBB (@CBSSportsCBB) December 17, 2017

Tuesday, December 19

Tulsa at Oklahoma State (9:00pm ET, No TV)

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane wrap up their non-conference slate for the season with a Tuesday night affair down the road at Oklahoma State. Tulsa is 7-4 but has rattled off three wins in a row, taking down Kansas State, Prairie View A&M and Manhattan, all at home. They were led by 9-of-12 shooting from Junior Etou against Manhattan, as Etou had 24 points, and Corey Henderson Jr. chipped in 13 more. Also, they face a Cowboys team that is 8-2. They have only lost to ranked teams (#16 Texas A&M and #6 Wichita State) and knocked off #19 Florida State on Saturday in the Orange Bowl Classic, handing the Seminoles their first loss of the season. The fact that Oklahoma State was able to mount such a victory after kicking guards Zack Dawson and Davon Dillard off the team for violations of team rules is impressive. They’ve played a much tougher schedule than Tulsa has, and they still have a better record. NCAAB Betting Prediction: Oklahoma State 82, Tulsa 72

Georgia Tech at Georgia (9:00pm ET, ESPN2)

Georgia Tech has been a team of streaks this year, opening the year with a loss but then following that up with four wins. They dropped three in a row (including some puzzling losses to Grambling and Wofford) before routing Florida A&M by 25 points in the season debut of sophomore guard Josh Okogie, picked as a preseason second-team All-ACC talent. With Okogie in the lineup, Georgia Tech just became a lot more dangerous thanks to his ability to get to the hoop. They visit a Georgia Bulldog squad that is 7-2, with losses to San Diego State and Massachusetts — but a win over then-#21 St. Mary’s. Their loss to Massachusetts on Saturday came as a result of a dozen three-pointers from the Minutemen in an upset. Georgia should be able to give Georgia Tech all they want, but the return of Okogie gives the Yellow Jackets an edge, even on the road. NCAAB Betting Prediction: Georgia Tech 77, Georgia 71

Thursday, December 21

Connecticut at Arizona (9:00pm ET, ESPN2)

The Connecticut Huskies are 7-3 on the season, with their most impressive victory an eight-point win over Oregon at home. They have taken some bad losses, such as the 77-57 home loss to then-#4 Michigan State and a 35-point loss against unranked Arkansas. However, they got back on a winning track against Coppin State a week ago Saturday, prevailing 72-59, after losing to Syracuse by nine. They have not played since last Saturday, so they should have some more of the kinks worked out, although their shooting may show a little rust in the early going. They head out west to take on the #18 team in the land, continuing to show no fear in their scheduling. Arizona was ranked #2 until they went to a tournament in the Bahamas and lost to North Carolina State, SMU and Purdue. They haven’t lost since, though, including a three-point win over then-#7 Texas A&M and, most recently, a 16-point win at New Mexico on Saturday. Getting Rawle Alkins back from his foot fracture made the difference, as he scored a career high 26 points in the win. UConn could push the Wildcats in the early going here, but I don’t see the Huskies pulling off this road upset. NCAAB Betting Prediction: Arizona 80, Connecticut 70