CBB Weekend Preview + Best Bets – February 14, 2025

 Introduction

This episode of the Need for Seeds College Basketball Podcast, hosted by Griffin Warner and Big East Ben, dives into key college basketball matchups, betting trends, and team statistics ahead of the weekend slate. The hosts discuss UConn’s tournament prospects, Purdue’s dominance, Houston’s defense, and Auburn’s elite offense, while breaking down their best bets for Saturday's games.

 UConn, Creighton & Big East Insights

UConn’s Strengths & Weaknesses

• Big East Ben predicts an early tournament exit for UConn due to turnover issues and inconsistency against physical defenses.
• He calls Alex Karaban "the worst preseason All-American of all time."
• Griffin Warner pushes back, noting that UConn peaks late in the season and overcame adversity to win at Creighton.

Creighton’s Struggles

• Ryan Kalkbrenner’s flu-like symptoms impacted Creighton’s ability to defend the post.
• Liam McNeely dominated with 38 points & 10 rebounds, exposing defensive weaknesses.

 Game Previews & Best Bets

Wisconsin vs. Purdue

 Key Stats & Trends

• Wisconsin is 9-2 ATS in road games, making them one of the best road teams in the country.
• Purdue is No. 1 in Big Ten two-point scoring but struggles against elite perimeter shooting.
• Defensive Battle: Purdue (#2 Big Ten defense) vs. Wisconsin (#3 Big Ten defense).

 Best Bets

• Big East Ben: Under 149.5 (expects a defensive battle).
• Griffin Warner: Purdue -5 (trusts their home-court advantage).

Boise State vs. San Diego State

 Key Stats & Trends

• San Diego State is 2-8 ATS at home, struggling to cover spreads.
• Boise State excels at free throws (nearly 80%), while San Diego State fouls at a high rate (304th in the country).

 Best Bets

• Big East Ben: Boise State +1.5 (believes free throws and rebounding will be the difference).
• Griffin Warner: San Diego State -1.5 (market still respects SDSU’s home court).

Houston vs. Arizona

 Key Stats & Trends

• Arizona struggles with three-point shooting (276th in the country), relying heavily on inside scoring.
• Houston ranks 3rd in the nation in two-point FG defense and forces turnovers at a high rate.

 Best Bets

• Big East Ben: Houston -1.5 (trusts their defense & rebounding edge).
• Griffin Warner: Arizona +1.5 (believes home-court advantage matters).

Michigan State vs. Illinois

 Key Stats & Trends

• Illinois lost by 2 at Michigan State earlier, despite their best player fouling out in 8 minutes.
• Michigan State lacks three-point shooting and struggles against zone defenses.
• Illinois has a strong defensive identity and home-court edge.

 Best Bets

• Big East Ben: Illinois -6 (expects a dominant win).
• Griffin Warner: Illinois -6 (believes Michigan State will fold).

Auburn vs. Alabama

 Key Stats & Trends

• Alabama (-2.5) is a slight home favorite, but Auburn has the most talented roster in the SEC.
• Both teams are top-two in offense (KenPom rankings).
• Auburn relies on inside scoring, while Alabama prioritizes threes and layups.

 Best Bets

• Big East Ben: Under 172.5 (tight game, defense matters).
• Griffin Warner: Alabama -2.5 (home-court edge & three-point volume).

 Best Bets & Promo Code

 Big East Ben’s Best Bet: SMU -7.5 vs. Wake Forest

• SMU dominates bad ACC teams at home.

 Griffin Warner’s Best Bet: Furman -2 vs. UNC Greensboro

• Furman is undervalued in the market.

 Promo Code: Slam25 for $25 off a betting subscription at Pregame.com.

 Key Takeaways

 Wisconsin is elite ATS on the road, but Purdue’s inside game gives them an edge.

 Boise State’s free throws & rebounding give them a strong shot at covering against San Diego State.

 Houston’s defense could overwhelm Arizona, making turnovers a key factor.

 Illinois should dominate Michigan State, given their prior close game despite key absences.

 Auburn-Alabama is a battle of elite offenses, but Alabama’s home-court advantage may decide it.

 Best Bets: SMU -7.5 & Furman -2.

 March Madness is approaching—teams need to peak at the right time!