Picks for 1/13/26
College Basketball
6:30 PM EST
Rotation # 602
Providence +2.5 over Villanova (loss)
Kevin Willard is making an immediate impact in his first year as head coach at Villanova, something most fans didn’t expect to come so quickly. The Wildcats are 4-1 in Big East play, trailing only UConn. Providence is trying to improve on an 8th-place finish in the conference last year and hasn’t gotten off to an ideal start, but much of that is credited to a demanding schedule. The Friars have a good offense, can play at a fast tempo, and have the size and experience to stay in tonight’s game. It’s interesting that the oddsmakers only made the Friars a slight dog. I believe they know they are much better than their record. Transfers Jason Edwards and Jaylin Sellers are two great additions to the Friars, along with freshman Stefan Vaaks out of Estonia. Oswin Erhunmwunse is fantastic at blocking shots and securing rebounds. Look for the home dog upset. Take Providence.
6:30 PM EST
Rotation # 602
Providence +2.5 over Villanova (loss)
Kevin Willard is making an immediate impact in his first year as head coach at Villanova, something most fans didn’t expect to come so quickly. The Wildcats are 4-1 in Big East play, trailing only UConn. Providence is trying to improve on an 8th-place finish in the conference last year and hasn’t gotten off to an ideal start, but much of that is credited to a demanding schedule. The Friars have a good offense, can play at a fast tempo, and have the size and experience to stay in tonight’s game. It’s interesting that the oddsmakers only made the Friars a slight dog. I believe they know they are much better than their record. Transfers Jason Edwards and Jaylin Sellers are two great additions to the Friars, along with freshman Stefan Vaaks out of Estonia. Oswin Erhunmwunse is fantastic at blocking shots and securing rebounds. Look for the home dog upset. Take Providence.
College Basketball
7:00 PM EST
Rotation # 612
Louisville -3.5 over Virginia (loss)
Virginia is a tough team to play as they value the basketball, play great defense, and will put you to sleep with their slow-paced but highly effective offense. The Cavs are a team of all transfers and a brand-new coach, Ryan Odom, who so far has looked outstanding. Louisville is a year further along under head coach Pat Kelsey and is tough to beat at the Yum Center, and has faced stiffer competition so far. The Cardinals can play with tempo, and Xavier transfer Ryan Conwell has been one of the nation’s best three-point shooters to start the season. Sananda Fru has extensive experience playing in Germany and has been an instant success on the glass. Home court is a significant asset for the Cardinals. Look for them to win the fastbreak battle. Take Louisville.
7:00 PM EST
Rotation # 612
Louisville -3.5 over Virginia (loss)
Virginia is a tough team to play as they value the basketball, play great defense, and will put you to sleep with their slow-paced but highly effective offense. The Cavs are a team of all transfers and a brand-new coach, Ryan Odom, who so far has looked outstanding. Louisville is a year further along under head coach Pat Kelsey and is tough to beat at the Yum Center, and has faced stiffer competition so far. The Cardinals can play with tempo, and Xavier transfer Ryan Conwell has been one of the nation’s best three-point shooters to start the season. Sananda Fru has extensive experience playing in Germany and has been an instant success on the glass. Home court is a significant asset for the Cardinals. Look for them to win the fastbreak battle. Take Louisville.
College Basketball
7:00 PM EST
Rotation # 625
Wisconsin -1.5 over Minnesota (win)
Both teams are off to 3-2 starts in the BIG 10. Niko Medved has done a good job in his first year as head coach, but a few key injuries have forced him to shorten his rotation. Sometimes playing with fewer players is simpler to manage, but foul trouble can become a big issue. Badgers head coach Greg Gard has his team playing with confidence after a monster win over Michigan. Nick Boyd and John Blackwell are experienced guards who shoot the ball well and can create turnovers. Seven-foot forward Nolan Winter is a humongous asset, as he can misdirect shots just by his presence and clean up on the glass. The Badgers have played a more demanding schedule to date and will look to take advantage of a shorthanded Golden Gopher team. Take Wisconsin.
7:00 PM EST
Rotation # 625
Wisconsin -1.5 over Minnesota (win)
Both teams are off to 3-2 starts in the BIG 10. Niko Medved has done a good job in his first year as head coach, but a few key injuries have forced him to shorten his rotation. Sometimes playing with fewer players is simpler to manage, but foul trouble can become a big issue. Badgers head coach Greg Gard has his team playing with confidence after a monster win over Michigan. Nick Boyd and John Blackwell are experienced guards who shoot the ball well and can create turnovers. Seven-foot forward Nolan Winter is a humongous asset, as he can misdirect shots just by his presence and clean up on the glass. The Badgers have played a more demanding schedule to date and will look to take advantage of a shorthanded Golden Gopher team. Take Wisconsin.