Free Pick | NCAA Hoops | Dec. 21

Free Pick Wednesday: #717 Louisiana +18 over Texas 7:00 PM CT

Texas should remain a team to fade in the coming weeks, still likely in shock from Chris Beard’s arrest and suspension. Texas needed overtime to beat Rice at home the day that occurred while on Sunday the Longhorns no longer looked like a national contender with a 10-point win over Stanford, needing to overcome an early deficit. Louisiana is 9-1 this season with four top 200 wins and over 38 percent 3-point shooting. The Ragin’ Cajuns will be up for this high-profile opportunity ahead of the start of the Sun Belt season while Texas could be in a flat spot ahead of the holiday break given all that has transpired in the last week. Texas thrives on its defensive intensity which hasn’t been at the same level in the past two games while the Longhorns struggle with 3-point shooting and free throw shooting. The early season wins over Gonzaga and Creighton have also diminished in value with neither of those teams living up to preseason top five billing. Louisiana is a top 10 3-point shooting team this season while Texas ranks outside the top 300 in 3-point field goal rate as that is a gap that could be enough for the underdog to stay within this number. Texas is 0-6 ATS this season when favored by 3 or more points but fewer than 30 points and Louisiana should have a path for some offensive success in this pairing with the strong long range shooting results.

Nelly’s has not had a losing week so far, now six weeks into the college basketball season!

Check out tonight’s 2-for-1 offer!

Green Sheet Issue #25 is coming today as well – our Green Sheet bowl selections are 11-1 through Dec. 20!