Expanded Summary: Wednesday College Basketball Best Bet from Big East Ben!
Introduction: Podcast Performance and Betting Insights
[Griffin Warner] (0:00 - 0:10)
Griffin Warner kicks off the discussion by summarizing the performance of Big East Ben’s betting record on the podcast, which stands at 27-21 (56%) for the season. This win rate indicates a solid track record, suggesting that Ben's insights are worth considering for bettors looking for informed picks.
With this background, Griffin sets the stage for the best bet of this episode and asks Ben where he is looking for value in the betting markets.
Game Selection: Northwestern vs. Minnesota in the Big Ten Tournament
[Big East Ben] (0:12 - 0:53)
Big East Ben selects the Big Ten Tournament matchup between Northwestern and Minnesota, focusing on why he favors Northwestern as a three-point favorite in this contest.
Why Ben Likes Northwestern
Ben is high on Northwestern’s resilience, particularly because they have faced multiple injuries this season but continue to perform well.
Injury Challenges and Team Resilience
- Brooks Barnheiser was lost earlier in the season.
- Jaylen Leach was also lost to injury later in the season.
Despite these significant losses, Northwestern has still managed to play at a high level and rack up important wins:
- Defeated Ohio State on the road.
- Defeated Minnesota on the road.
- Defeated Iowa.
- Nearly made a miraculous comeback against UCLA, going on a 15-0 run to trim a large deficit down to just two points.
- This game was ultimately affected by a flagrant foul at the end, which potentially prevented Northwestern from covering the spread.
The only notable setback was a loss to Maryland on Maryland’s Senior Night at Xfinity Center (previously called the Kohl Center).
Tactical Advantages for Northwestern in This Game
[Big East Ben] (0:54 - 1:11)
Ben further explains his confidence in Northwestern by pointing out two key areas where he believes the Wildcats have an edge over Minnesota:
- Turnover Pressure – He believes Northwestern will be able to force turnovers against Minnesota, which could significantly disrupt Minnesota’s offensive rhythm.
- Rebounding Strength – He highlights Northwestern’s ability to crash the boards, suggesting that their effort on the glass will help them control possessions and create second-chance opportunities.
Ben concludes his analysis with a strong statement: “Yeah, they don’t die. So go Wildcats.” This underscores his belief that Northwestern is a tough, resilient team that won’t fold under pressure, making them a strong pick in this game.
Griffin Warner’s Final Thoughts and Betting History
[Griffin Warner] (1:11 - 1:20)
Griffin Warner offers a brief but important note on his personal betting history against Northwestern’s head coach, Chris Collins:
- He admits that he has had poor success betting against Collins in the past.
- Given this track record, he does not expect much success if he were to go against Northwestern in this game either.
This statement reinforces Ben’s perspective and suggests that Northwestern could be a solid betting pick, particularly given their track record and Minnesota’s weaknesses.
Key Takeaways and Betting Implications
- Northwestern is favored by 3 points – The betting line suggests that they are expected to win by at least one possession.
- Injury Challenges Haven’t Slowed Northwestern Down – Despite losing key players like Barnheiser and Leach, they have continued to perform well.
- Recent Performance Indicates Strong Form – Wins over Ohio State, Minnesota, and Iowa, as well as a close fight against UCLA, suggest Northwestern is battle-tested.
- Turnovers Could Be Key – Northwestern has the ability to disrupt Minnesota’s offense by forcing turnovers.
- Rebounding Advantage – Winning the rebounding battle could allow Northwestern to control the game and create extra scoring chances.
- Betting History Against Chris Collins Is Risky – Griffin Warner’s past struggles betting against Collins suggest that fading Northwestern may not be a great idea.
- Minnesota’s Struggles – While Minnesota is a capable team, Ben suggests that Northwestern’s defensive and rebounding strengths will be too much for them.
- “They Don’t Die” Mentality – Ben’s closing statement indicates a belief in Northwestern’s toughness and resilience, which could be a key factor in their success.
Final Conclusion
Big East Ben is strongly backing Northwestern as a three-point favorite against Minnesota in the Big Ten Tournament. His reasoning is based on:
- Northwestern’s strong recent performance despite injuries.
- Their ability to force turnovers and control the glass.
- The team’s resilience and ability to fight back in tough games.
Griffin Warner adds a final note that his historical struggles betting against Chris Collins make him hesitant to oppose Northwestern.
Overall, the recommendation is clear: Northwestern is the best bet in this matchup.