Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 1/7/25

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 1/7/25

CINCINNATI @ BAYLOR (BAY -5.5, 139.5)

BAYLOR -5.5

Baylor got smoked by Iowa State last weekend, but most teams do when they travel to play the Cyclones in Ames. That game was just one of several that the Bears have played against elite competition (Gonzaga, UConn, Tennessee, etc.) this season. Baylor is 4-1 SU in its last five games and the Bears have won 9 straight at home.

Last year was Cincinnati's first in the Big 12. These two teams played twice and Baylor won both games. Cincy has played a much softer schedule so far this season. The Bearcats are 0-2 in Big 12 play, losing to Kansas State and Arizona. Cincy is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games. The Bearcats are one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the country. They rank 349th shooting 63.5 percent from the line. On the road in the Big 12, that won't cut it.

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL @ MORGAN STATE (NCC -3.5, 154.5)

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL -3.5

NOTE: THIS GAME WAS RESCHEDULED TO TODAY AT 4PM

Yesterday, it was Canisius. Today, it's Morgan State. Like the Griffins, the Bears are one of the worst defensive teams in college basketball. Morgan State ranks 353rd in scoring defense giving up an average of 82 points per game. Somehow, the Bears have managed to go 6-11.

Morgan State has lost three straight games. In those three, the Bears allowed at least 86 points. North Carolina Central has just one win in its last four games, but NCC averages 79.4 points per game. They also rank 21st in the country in turnovers forced per game (15.6). I like NCC's defense to provide enough opportunities for the offense to get this done.

TULANE @ UAB (UAB -8.5, 158)

UAB OVER 81.5 POINTS

After winning the AAC tournament last year and then almost pulling a first-round upset in the NCAA tourney, UAB is off to a rather so-so 8-7 start this season. The Blazers are, however, one of the top scoring teams in the nation. UAB averages 85.1 points per game. That ranks 20th among all Division I teams.

UAB leads the nation in fast break points and they get to the free throw line often. The Blazers have beaten Tulane in 9 of the last 10 meetings. UAB is 8-2 ATS in those 10 games against the Green Wave. The Over has cashed in 4 of UAB's last 5 games. That's because the Blazers have put up a ton of points. They have scored 83 or more in 5 of their last 6 games.

Ylose expert Coach Rick Bowe delivers his daily Quick Picks. The Coach continues to roll up big wins in MLB, college football, the NFL, and much more. Coach Rick offers a unique perspective to handicapping. Check out his daily free picks right here and jump on his daily Best Bets, which you can find right here at Ylose.com/coach.