Picks for 2/4/25
College Basketball
8:30 PM EST
Rotation # 642
Xavier -8 over Georgetown (loss)
Georgetown has already more than doubled their league wins from a year ago. Ed Cooley has done a great job at making the Hoyas competitive. Xavier has played a more challenging schedule than the Hoyas and is looking to leapfrog them in the standings. The Musketeers are a good home team, as they have veteran players up and down their lineup with big bodies who can win in the paint. The Hoyas might be without Jayden Epps again. Look for Indiana State transfer Ryan Conwell to continue his hot play and for Zach Freemantle to dominate on the boards. Take Xavier.
College Basketball
10:00 PM EST
Rotation # 660
UCLA -2 over Michigan State (push)
It’s tough for teams to fly across the country and succeed, so UCLA has an unusual home-court advantage playing out of the BIG 10. USC took care of the Spartans the other night. Michigan State certainly has the coaching and talent to make this game competitive, but the home team has the advantage. The Bruins are an experienced bunch playing under head coach Mick Cronin. Tyler Bilodeau fits nicely in the Bruins system, as does Kobe Johnson, with his crisp passing and outstanding rebounding ability. The Bruins have been challenged enough by quality competition to be ready to play tonight in front of the home crowd at the Pauley Pavilion. The Bruins have won five straight and are looking to stay hot. Take UCLA.