NCAAB upset picks: Expect big things from Washington

Late lines are the most unfortunate side effect of betting college basketball. Rarely will you receive a spread more than 24 hours in advance. However, we won’t let that get in the way of breaking down the betting angles for a few college basketball Saturday specials.

It has been a wild year of college basketball. A dozen top five teams have lost to unranked opponents, and we still have two months to go. The parity might make it more difficult for the casual fan to follow along, but it provides the wise gambler a window of opportunity to make money, especially on the moneyline. Here’s who you should keep an eye Jan. 18.

#20 Colorado at Arizona, 2:30 p.m. ET (FOX)

The Buffs have been one of the pleasant surprises of the season. They’re one of two teams to take down Dayton, and they started the new year with a defeat of Oregon. Facing an 11-5 team, they should be favored. Bet against the Buffs.

Four of the Wildcats’ losses have come away from home—to Baylor, St. John’s and both Oregon schools. At home it’s a completely different story, as they took top-ranked Gonzaga down to the wire. The Wildcats have lost four out of their last five games, so it’s a good time to get value in Arizona stock.

#18 Seton Hall at St. John’s, noon ET (FOX)

This is not a good spot to ride with the Pirates. Myles Powell scored 29 points in Seton Hall’s emotionally charged victory over fifth-ranked Butler in South Orange.

Not only is the early game in New York City the perfect time for a letdown, but the Butler win will likely inflate the line for the Pirates. All it takes is for Mustapha Heron or LJ Figueroa to get hot for St. John’s to pull off the upset.

#10 Kentucky at Arkansas, 4 p.m. (ESPN)

Bud Walton Arena is one of the most difficult places to play in the SEC, especially for the Kentucky Wildcats. It will be rocking when the Muss Bus gets his first crack at John Calipari. The Pomeroy College Basketball Ratings predict the Hogs will take down the Cats by three points. Unfortunately UK’s loss to South Carolina might drop the Cats’ stock so low that Arkansas could be favored.

#8 Oregon at Washington, 3:45 p.m. ET (CBS)

Before the season Washington was a dark-horse Final Four team, but the Huskies let a few early close games slip through their fingers. Now they’re without point guard Quade Green, who was ruled academically ineligible until March. Even without Green, the Huskies still have a ton of talent.

Isaiah Stewart might be the best big in the country. He is averaging 18.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Nahziah Carter is shooting just shy of 40% from behind the three-point arc. Jaden McDaniels has enough talent to be an All-American, if he plays confidently. Defending Oregon's Payton Pritchard without Green won’t be easy, but if McDaniels gets off to a good start, the raucous crowd in Seattle could lift the Huskies to their first signature win since they opened the season against Baylor.

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