College basketball predictions and analysis for key games on March 14, 2024, including Kent vs. Toledo, USC vs. Arizona, San Diego State vs. UNLV, Ohio State vs. Iowa, and New Mexico vs. Boise State. Expert insights on team strengths, weaknesses, recent form, and betting lines.
Basketball Predictions for March 14, 2024
Kent vs Toledo
Kent’s defense has been decent in the MAC, allowing 33.2% from three and 53% inside the arc. However, their offense has struggled, shooting only 48.6% in conference play. Toledo boasts the MAC’s top offensive efficiency, securing the ball well while hitting 38% from deep, 53.6% inside, and 76.2% at the free throw line. Defensively, the Rockets force turnovers, rebound well, and limit opponents to 32.9% three-point shooting. In their last five games, Kent has shot a mere 42.8% while allowing 47.6% shooting, whereas Toledo has converted 49.1% of their attempts while holding opponents to 44.5%. Toledo won the previous two meetings convincingly, by 14 points on the road and 15 at home. The recommended play is Toledo -5.5.
USC vs Arizona
USC has shot 36.1% from three against the PAC-12. Defensively in conference play, the Trojans force turnovers and limit opponents to 48% shooting around the basket. They have won four straight, including a 13-point home victory over Arizona. The Wildcats excel offensively and defensively in the PAC-12 but struggle at the free throw line, hitting only 70.9%. USC has peaked at the right time and should keep this game competitive. The recommended play is USC +8.
San Diego State vs UNLV
UNLV ranks fourth in defensive efficiency against the Mountain West, forcing turnovers while holding opponents to 30.6% three-point shooting and 51% around the basket. Offensively, they are strong on the glass in conference play. San Diego State turns the ball over frequently on offense in the Mountain West, struggling with 30.4% three-point shooting and 73.4% free throw shooting. However, they excel defensively. Away from home, the Aztecs failed to cover the spread in 12 of 16 games, shooting only 42.8%. UNLV has held teams to 36.9% shooting in their last five games. With this game on their home court and having won 10 of their last 12, the recommended play is UNLV +4.5.
Ohio State vs Iowa
Ohio State connects on 78.5% of free throws and defends the interior well in Big Ten play. They have won four straight to close the regular season and have shown improvement since the coaching change. Iowa ranks 13th in defensive efficiency against the Big Ten, with weak rebounding and allowing 53.7% shooting inside the arc. Offensively against the conference, the Hawkeyes struggle on the glass and shoot only 34.9% from three. In their last five games, Iowa has allowed 47.2% shooting, while Ohio State has shot 47.2% and held opponents to 38.5%. The recommended play is Ohio State -2.
New Mexico vs Boise State
New Mexico struggles offensively in the Mountain West, hitting only 33.3% from three. Defensively in conference play, they allow 53% shooting inside the arc. Boise State leads the Mountain West in offensive efficiency, with strong rebounding, 52.7% shooting inside, and 75.5% free throw shooting. On defense against the conference, the Broncos rebound well and limit opponents to 31.2% three-point shooting. With rest advantage, Boise State won six of their last seven regular season games, while New Mexico had lost three of four before beating a struggling Air Force squad. The recommended play is Boise State -1.5.
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