Saturday's college hoops slate starts off with a bang, as several possible title contenders face off against each other. Riding a three-day profitability streak, here are my predictions for a trio of games tipping off later in the day.
Top College Basketball Best Bets for Today
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Colorado 
at Colorado State 
This game features a battle between two high-powered offensive attacks. On the surface, both teams have been shooting the lights out, though one is a much safer bet to keep it going.
The Buffaloes have made over 41 percent of their three-point attempts, the seventh-highest mark in the nation, which is impressive, though a closer look at the data reveals they rarely take them. Colorado ranks 349th in three-point attempt rate, so this area isn't as strong as the shooting percentage would lead us to believe, although they clearly have a couple of sharpshooters on their team.
The Rams, meanwhile, have made 45 percent of three-point attempts, the highest percentage among all D-1 teams. What makes this mark even more astonishing is the fact that they attempt them at a blistering rate, ranking 16th in three-point attempt frequency. Colorado State has six players who have made at least 40 percent from beyond the arc with a minimum of 20 attempts, which means virtually every Ram on the court can knock down a long-range shot on any given possession. Dangerous. It's also worth noting that Colorado State has the highest assist rate among all D-1 teams, and ranks 91st in offensive rebounding and 64th in free-throw attempt rate, giving them many different ways to score points if a jump shot isn't successful. The Rams have made 81 percent from the charity stripe, so they're not likely to blow a game due to missed free throws.
Neither team has great defensive numbers, so it's highly likely this game will turn into a shootout. Given the better shooting team and an opponent that isn't strong defensively, I gotta go with the Rams in this one.
College Basketball Best Bet: Colorado State -2.5
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Oklahoma 
vs. Arizona State 
The biggest advantage in this matchup belongs to Oklahoma. The Sooners possess the 20th-highest offensive efficiency rating, and they're going against a Sun Devils defense that ranks 122nd in adjusted efficiency. Perhaps more significantly, Arizona State has been terrible in the paint, ranking 235th in defensive rebounding percentage and 287th in two-point field goal percentage, allowing opponents to make 56 percent. These are key stats in this game because Oklahoma ranks 68th in offensive rebounding percentage and 41st in two-point field goal percentage (58 percent), so the Sooners are very likely to see and convert many put-back opportunities on Saturday.
The Sun Devils have been a bit better at the other end of the court, where they rank 63rd in adjusted offensive efficiency, but they've been somewhat reliant on free throws. Arizona State has scored 23 percent of its points off free throws, the 72nd-highest mark, and ranks 49th in free-throw attempt rate. That's not necessarily good news for Saturday's game, as Oklahoma doesn't typically foul opposing teams, ranking 22nd in free-throw attempt rate allowed.
Considering Arizona State's defensive weaknesses and Oklahoma's offensive skill set, I find it hard to believe the Sun Devils can keep pace on Saturday. I'm rolling with the Sooners in this one.
College Basketball Best Bet: Oklahoma -3.5
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Auburn 
at Arizona
Auburn's defense is easily the worst part of this matchup. The Tigers rank 59th in adjusted defensive efficiency, which is a bit low for high-major conference standards, and I'd argue their most alarming stat is their poor defensive rebounding percentage, ranking 243rd. This trait could lead to disaster in this kind of matchup, playing against an Arizona team that boasts the 11th-highest offensive rebounding percentage among all D-1 teams. On top of that, the Wildcats are making 56 percent of two-point attempts, the 55th-highest mark, so they're likely to make the most of any second-chance opportunities.
At the other end of the court, we appear to have a stalemate. Auburn ranks 13th in adjusted offensive efficiency, with Arizona matching it defensively (12th). Both teams rank very highly in many of the key categories, so it's hard for me to argue that either team has a clear advantage at this end.
Given Arizona's significant advantage over Auburn's defense, I like the home team's odds of pulling away in the second half. I'm laying the points with the Wildcats.
College Basketball Best Bet: Arizona -8.5
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Saturday College Basketball Best Bets:
Here's a recap of my best college basketball bets for Saturday:
- Colorado State -2.5
- Oklahoma -3.5
- Arizona -8.5
For up-to-date information on the latest college basketball betting odds and props from multiple sources, check out the college basketball odds page on RotoWire.
