Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 3/8/25

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 3/8/25

NEW HAMPSHIRE @ VERMONT (VER -14.5, 129.5)

NEW HAMPSHIRE OVER 55.5

There is no question that Vermont should win this game. The Catamounts will finish with the second-best record in the America East Conference right behind Bryant. Vermont won both previous games against New Hampshire. The first games was played on Jan. 4. Vermont won 60-40. The most recent game was played on Feb. 13 at New Hampshire. The Catamounts won 79-59.

Vermont is well-known for its slow tempo and rock solid defense. The Catamounts are tied for 15th in the nation in points allowed per game at 64.3. They also rank 359th (out of 364) in possessions per game. Yes, Vermont did hold New Hampshire Under this number in that game in January, but New Hampshire has scored at least 56 points in every game it has played since the end of January.

Vermont should have this one in the bag early on and New Hampshire may score most of its points with the game outcome already decided.

MISSOURI VALLEY CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT SEMIFINAL

DRAKE vs. BELMONT (DRK -6.5, 133)

DRAKE -6.5

These two teams played once during the regular season. It was way back on Dec. 29. Drake won 65-46. The Bulldogs defense limited the Bruins to just 40 shots and they only hit 38 percent of those. Drake earns it keep by playing elite defense. They are one of the best in the country on the defensive side of the ball.

Drake is currently second in the nation in points allowed per game, holding opponents to jsut 59.2 points per game. Belmont is accustomed to playing a little bit faster than Drake, but the Bulldogs force their will on opponents. Drake is dead last - 364th - in the nation in possessions per game. That is going to force Belmont to be even more efficient than it already is on offense (54th in Offensive Efficiency).

This is a huge game for Drake. If they don't win the MVC tournament they likely do not get an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs have done well in neutral site games this year. They are 5-0 SU and 5-0 ATS in neutral site games and they have won 16 of the last 17 games against a Missouri Valley Conference opponent.

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.