The main course on Sunday’s sports betting menu is quite clearly the NFL conference title games. That being said, it’s always nice to have a little dessert after the fact. Whether you find yourself trying to cap off a winning day or chasing a winner to help offset your football losses, tonight’s Pac-12 Conference showdown between the Colorado Buffaloes and Washington State Cougars will suffice. The following article takes a look at the top college basketball picks and betting trends, then shares a Colorado vs Washington State prediction for tonight’s matchup.
Colorado vs Washington State College Basketball Betting Preview
Men’s College Basketball Regular Season Game
Colorado Buffaloes (13-7, 5-5 Pac-12) vs. Washington State Cougars (11-7, 4-3 Pac-12)
Date: Sunday, January 30, 2022
Time: 10 p.m. EST
Venue: Beasley Coliseum — Pullman, WA
Coverage: FS1
Colorado Buffaloes Preview
Colorado comes into Sunday night’s contest on the heels of a two-point loss to Washington. That result followed an impressive upset win over Oregon on the road. Thus, tonight’s game will cap off a three-game road trip in the Pacific Northwest for Tadd Boyle’s group.
Offensively, sophomore forward Jabari Walker is the head man for the Buffaloes. He comes into tonight’s matchup averaging 13.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. His nine double-doubles are the most of any player in the Pac-12. Walker did significant damage in the first college basketball betting matchup against Washington State this season when he scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Sophomore guard Keeshawn Barthelemy also had a big game when the teams met in Boulder, scoring 17 points to go with four rebounds and four assists.
Another important aspect to note when it comes to backing Colorado as an underdog is their strong defensive play. The Buffaloes have a top-50 defensive efficiency ranking this season and are excellent at slowing down the pace at which opponents are able to execute their offense. To date, 11 of Colorado’s 20 games have been decided by six points or less.
Washington State Cougars Preview
The home side in tonight’s contest, Washington State, will be looking to extend their current winning streak to three straight. The Cougars routed Utah on Wednesday to follow up an eight-point home win over California last weekend. While WSU is 4-3 in Pac-12 play, their level of competition faced thus far leaves a bit to be desired.
Contrary to Colorado basketball, the bulk of the Cougars’ offensive production stems from their backcourt. Michael Flowers, Noah Williams and Tyrell Roberts make up the trio of guards who are averaging in double figures scoring for Wazzou on the season. However, none are particularly efficient offensive players. Washington State basketball relies heavily on the three-point shot, but their success rate (33% as a team) from downtown is not exactly spectacular.
The Cougars are also ranked among the top-50 in defensive efficiency this season. One particular note is Washington State’s fouling issues defensively. Against an opponent that wants to work the ball inside offensively, a high foul rate could afford Colorado several opportunities to get points with the clock stopped. Indeed, the Buffaloes attempted a whopping 27 free throws in the first meeting between the teams this season.
Colorado vs Washington State College Basketball Betting Odds and Picks
All Colorado vs Washington State college basketball betting odds can be found at BetMGM Sportsbook.
Moneyline: COL: (+180) | WSU: (-225)
Point Spread: COL: +5.5 (-110) | WSU: -5.5 (-110)
Total: 132.5 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
Colorado vs Washington State College Basketball Betting Trends
- Buffaloes are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games following a loss.
- Five of the Buffaloes’ last six games have gone under the total.
- Cougars are just 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games as a college basketball betting favorite.
- Cougars are only 1-6 ATS in their last seven games following a win.
- Home teams are 9-4 ATS in the last 13 Colorado vs Washington State head-to-head meetings.
Colorado vs Washington State Prediction | College Basketball Betting Picks
The nitty-gritty of this college basketball betting prediction is quite simple: Colorado is the better team. In addition to beating Oregon, the Buffaloes played two high-quality Pac-12 opponents tough last week. A three-point loss to USC was followed by a tight six-point defeat to UCLA. While Arizona would have something to say about it, one could realistically argue that those are the top two teams in the conference this season. Overall, five of CU’s seven losses this season have come against top-25 opponents. Even if they don’t pull an outright upset (which would not be a huge surprise), the Buffs can certainly stay within the number.
Colorado vs Washington State Prediction: Colorado +5.5 (-110 at BetMGM Sportsbook)
