This isn’t the best Sam Houston State team of late but they’ve always been an above average defensive school despite their current stats. The Utes are 0-3 ATS, all at home, to start the year and are the better team on paper, but this is, probably, the best team they’ll play so far in the season. Sam Houston State isn’t known for their offense but put up 77 points against a Red Raiders defense that is top-30 in the country. Utah’s defense isn’t as good as the Red Raiders and they’re a team that hasn’t been trustworthy to cover over the last few seasons.

This is technically a neutral court game in Inglewood and has a similar feel to Purdue/Alabama last night. The Wildcats are the far better team and have revenge from last season’s three-point loss. This is also a clash of styles with Arizona wanting to play fast and the Bruins wanting to control the pace. On the defensive end, Arizona’s length and athleticism give them the tools to disrupt the Bruins half-court sets. UCLA has been efficient but haven’t faced a team with this type of speed and depth. If the Bruins are forced into a faster game, which they most likely will be, their offensive style and schemes may not be able to keep up unless it’s an off night for Arizona.

Wichita State is performing better than the Ramblers to start the season. If it wasn’t for a buzzer beater, they would’ve been 0-3 SU. This is also the first true road game for Loyola Chicago. The Ramblers have struggled in all aspects to begin the year and the Charles Koch Arena is a difficult place to play. Wichita State’s defense has allowed just 60 points per game, while the Ramblers are allowing 75 points per game. The Shockers also have a big named Will Berg, 7’ 2” Purdue transfer, to assist in defending the paint and cleaning up the boards. Wichita State should control the paint and have the better guard play as of now.

Oregon hasn’t been as advertised to begin the season. They’re near the bottom of the country in effective field goal percentage, perimeter shooting, and free throw percentage. Their backcourt may not be 100% as well, but their defense is there. The Jack Rabbits may have the better backcourt in this early matchup. South Dakota State had a close road loss to the Panthers, a top contender in the Missouri Valley, and have the defense to hold their own against a Ducks team that hasn’t been performing well offensively thus far.

This will certainly be a step up in competition for the St. Joe’s. Virginia Tech’s defense has been great to start the Hawks head coach made it a priority to defend the perimeter, where Virigina Tech gets a lot of their offensive production from. The Hawks have a pair of wings that can make these uncomfortable for the Hokies. St. Joe’s has the defense to stay in this game while also being the much better free throw shooting team to begin the year.

Despite getting a victory against UNC-Greensboro, the Phoenix only shot 40% from the floor. Marshall is 2-0 SU with victories against some of the better teams in the country based on preseason rankings. The Thundering Herd have struggled controlling the paint but their offense has come alive in the second half of their first two games. This is their first home game of the season along with the better matchups and an offense that can take advantage of a poor perimeter defense from Elon.

SMU is coming off a 16-point home victory and are playing their third consecutive game at home to start the season. Murray State is coming off a 22-point home win but are being tested on the road for the first time. Both teams are playing exceptional defense so far. The Mustangs are one of the most experienced teams in the country but Murray State matchups well in this game with their size. The Racers are also one of the best free throw shooting teams in the country to begin the season. With the line dropping, this seems like a game that Murray State will really get up for.

Kentucky is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games against the Cardinals. The Wildcats are also 9-1 SU its last 10 series games on the road. Kentucky is one of the more talented teams in the country, and were not going to get the Wildcats as underdogs often this season. Kentucky has depth and the ability to lockdown defensively. The Cardinals will want a fast pace game under Pat Kelsey but Mark Pope’s teams also play as fast as anyone. Pope avoided jury duty for this matchup and put out the quote, “Let’s go beat the Cards.”

Norfolk State is the popular pick to win the MEAC. The Monarchs are an improved team from last year and are the better team on paper. However, the Norfolk State offense has been performing very well at the season. They lead the nation in fast break points, but they also be the nation he fouls per game. The Spartans hit the portal hard and got players from other schools with a lot of experience. Old Dominion should protect the paint, but the Spartan will dictate the pace to stay with the number im this in-state rivalry

Florida State lost 87-74 to the Gators last November. They were even worse of a team last season and now have some program momentum moving forward. There’s no question that the Gators are the better team with a lot more talent. However, Florida State does have size to match in the frontcourt. The main concern for the Gators is their backcourt. They have not been shooting the ball efficiently to begin the season and we know that Florida State will play fast and launch a bunch of threes. Florida has been under .500 ATS over its first 5 games each of the last 3 seasons. In their last 11 November home games, the Gators have gone just 3-8 ATS.

Not quite sure that UCF is a team that should be laying his many points. They struggled at home against a less inferior opponent with a four-point victory over the Pride. Florida A&M actually has a good amount of experience for a SWAC team. The Rattlers offense improved in their last game and have a better matchup here as the UCF defense is a unit to be concerned about, allowing 105 points to the Commodores at home. Florida A&M isn’t close to the Commodores but have the experience to stay within the number.

Kent State has been a fun watch in their first two games, as they’re all offense, no defense. They’re averaging 103.5 points on 45.1 percent shooting but allowing 102.5 points on 52.4 percent shooting. The Golden Flashes pace has been crazy, as it seems they’re trying to run their opponents out of the gym. UNC-Wilmington is one of the better teams in the CAA and only have one game under their belt against a less inferior opponent. The Seahawks have more size inside and should trade baskets early, then open a lead using the paint and rebounding in the second half.

This is a pretty fishy line with how well the Cougars have started the season. Indiana State lost their first road game to the 49ers by 16-points. SIUE matched the pace with a faster Roadrunners team in their first road game now return home. Through two games, the Cougars have been the more consistent team from beyond the arc but have struggled from the free throw line. Indiana State does have a more experienced roster but they haven’t been as effective on the boards as in years past. SIUE have five players averaging more than double digit scorers along with a deep bench and four more players averaging just south of double digits on the season.

Baylor’s defense didn’t fare well in their first game, allowing 81 points to a lesser opponent. The Bears have a completely new roster and will need some time to gel. They have high hopes for freshman Tounde Yessoufou but he’s still getting accumulated. Washington addressed their offensive woes from last season. The Huskies can one tune up game then struggled until the second half against Denver. Washington is the more athletic team with German center Hannes Steinbach and finally have another point guard to control their offense along with six double digit scorers thus far.

This is a true home game for Oklahoma State and both of these teams while experienced, don’t return much from last year’s teams. The Aggies have a new coach, Bucky McMillian, new system and there first true road game of the year. Oklahoma State should have an improved offense as compared to year’s past where they really struggle having consistent offensive outputs.