Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 3/1/25

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 3/1/25

CINCINNATI @ HOUSTON (HOU -15.5, 125.5)

CINCINNATI +15.5

This game should be a master class on how to play defense at an elite level in major college basketball. The Cougars, of course, are the nation's best scoring defense. They hold opponents to just 57.8 points per game. Houston makes life extremely difficult for opposing shooters. Teams shoot just 38 percent from the field against Houston.

Cincinnati is no slouch on defense. The Bearcats ranks 22nd in the nation in scoring defense allowing 65 points per game. They are also a top 100 team in Opponent 2PT, 3PT, and overall FG percentage.

With the game total at 125.5, covering a huge spread like this will be tough for Houston. Both teams play at a slow tempo too. Cincy ranks 294th and Houston 361st in Adjusted Tempo. Cincinnati is 5-0-2 ATS in its last 7 games and they have covered each of the last two against Houston. In a game with limited possessions, the value is on the underdog.

CHICAGO STATE @ ST. FRANCIS (PA) (STF -8.5, 144.5)

ST. FRANCIS (PA) -8.5

It's Coach Rick's Red Flash at home in Loretto, PA, today against the worst team in the Northeast Conference. Chicago State is 4-11 in NEC play this season and 4-23 overall. The defense is bad, allowing 79 points per game (338th in the nation). Somehow, the offense is even worse. Chicago State scores just 62.5 ppg which ranks 360th in Division I.

The two teams just played on Feb. 8 at Chicago State. The Red Flash shot over 50 percent from the field, over 50 percent from three-point range, and over 83 percent from the free throw line. St. Francis won that game 81-69.

The Red Flash have won two straight and four of their last six. Chicago State has dropped isx in a row, including four by double digits. St. Francis is 4-2 ATS in its last six games. Chicago State is 2-4 ATS in its last six.

FLORIDA STATE @ DUKE (DUKE -22.5, 149.5)

FLORIDA STATE TEAM TOTAL UNDER 65.5

Duke welcomes an under-achieving Seminoles team to Cameron Indoor Stadium tonight. Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton is done after the season is over and, well, the Seminoles season was over a long time ago. FSU has lost 3 of its last 4 and 7 of the last 10. They got drilled in the last two, giving up 89 points to Louisville and 96 to North Carolina.

Tonight, they'll face one of the best defenses in the country. The Blue Devils are big and athletic. They hold teams to 61 points per game. Duke has won five straight and held four of the opponents to 67 or less. In a game against Clemson on Feb. 15, Florida State managed just 46 points. Duke's defense is better than the Tigers. The Blue Devils rank No. 3 in terms of Defensive Efficiency. They'll lock down the Seminoles tonight.

Ylose expert Coach Rick Bowe delivers his daily Quick Picks. The Coach continues to roll up big wins in college basketball, college football, the NFL, MLB 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.