Free NCAA College Basketball Picks: Top-25 Picks for 2/5/22

TOP-25 Games Today:

#1 Auburn -16.5) at Georgia : I can’t see the Tigers losing in Athens so the question becomes will they cover? A couple of weeks ago they traveled to Missouri and were extremely lucky to escape with a 1-point win. I could see that happening today and it might be worth a couple of dollars. TAKE GEORGIA + 16.5

#2 Gonzaga (-12.5) at BYU: Interesting game for the Zags on the road in the WCC. However, the Cougars have lost three straight and lost to Gonzaga by 28 when they met in Spokane. TAKE GONZAGA -12.5

#3 UCLA (-11.5) at Arizona State: The Bruins were handed a pretty tough loss at Arizona on Thursday and could come into Tempe with a letdown. I think they win but might struggle. TAKE ARIZONA STATE +11.5

#4 Purdue (-9) vs Michigan: The Wolverines are a mystery team with a lot of talent but they don’t always play like it. This is a tough test for them but they are fully capable of playing a close game. However, I don’t trust them. TAKE PURDUE -9

#5 Kentucky at Alabama (-1): This will be a tough game for the Wildcats but it won’t bother them, as they are used to being hated by the home crowds in hostile environments. TAKE KENTUCKY +1

#6 Houston is off

#7 Arizona (-10.5) vs. #19 USC: The Wildcats are coming off an emotional win over UCLA on Thursday and welcome the Trojans into Tucson for another matchup between ranked teams. I’m thinking they win but will have a tough time against USC. TAKE USC +10.5

#8 Baylor at #10 Kansas (-2.5): The Bears are battling through some injuries to key players and will be limited somewhat coming into a hostile Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks bounced back after a disappointing loss last Saturday against Kentucky, and won on the road against Iowa State. TAKE KANSAS -2.5

#9 Duke (-3.5) at North Carolina: This great rivalry heats up again tonight in the Dean Dome. The Blue Devils are starting to string together some impressive wins as are the Tar Heels. This is a hard one and I’m definitely passing on this one but if I had to bet I would TAKE DUKE -3.5

#11 Wisconsin (-8.5) vs. Penn State: The Badgers should handle the Nittany Lions if they are ready to play. TAKE WISCONSIN -8.5

#12 Villanova (-5) vs. #17 UConn: Another game featuring two teams coming off of losses. I think Nova bounces back better than UConn. TAKE NOVA -5

#13 Michigan State (-2) at Rutgers: I’m hopping all over this one. If the Spartans bring their best they should cover this one easily. TAKE MICHIGAN STATE -2

#14 Texas Tech (-4.5) at West Virginia: The Red Raiders are coming off one of their biggest wins of the year over ex-coach Chris Beard and the hated Texas Longhorns. They make the long trip to Morgantown to take on a disappointing West Virginia team looking for a big win. This is a trap game and has upset written all over it. TAKE WEST VIRGINIA +4.5

#15 Providence is off

#16 Ohio State is off

#20 Iowa State at #23 Texas (8.5): Both teams are coming off of bad losses in their last outings. They are very similar teams and are defensive minded. That usually leads to tight games. I think Texas wins but don’t cover. TAKE IOWA STATE +8.5

#21 Xavier (-13.5) vs. DePaul: The Musketeers will win this game but there are a lot of points to cover. DePaul is a sinking ship but they have played the top teams pretty tough. TAKE DePAUL +13.5

#22 Tennessee (-7.5) at South Carolina: This is another game that has upset possibilities. The Volunteers have been struggling of late and South Carolina is decent and will be ready for a ranked opponent. TAKE SOUTH CAROLINA +7.5

#24 Marquette is off

#25 LSU (-3.5) at Vanderbilt: The Tigers are in a funk and desperately need a win which won’t be easy on the road. Vanderbilt gave Kentucky all they wanted in their last outing before falling to Kentucky in Lexington. Will they have anything left against LSU? Too close to call but I would lean towards TAKING LSU -3.5