Free Pick | Saturday | NCAA | Jan. 13

Nelly’s is 5-1 the past two Sundays in the NFL – don’t miss our Wild Card Weekend selections! Nelly’s Basketball had winning days Thursday and Friday and we expect a 7* top play for Saturday in college action!

#771 St. Thomas +1.5 over Oral Roberts 7:00 PM CT

St. Thomas took a tough loss on Thursday at home in a big Summit League test vs. South Dakota State, losing 81-80. South Dakota State shot over 62 percent from 3-point range in that game to offset edges in most areas for the Tommies, who look like the best team in the Summit League. The numbers in league play put St. Thomas as #1 in the Summit on offense and defense and today’s game at Oral Roberts should provide an opportunity for a rebound win. Oral Roberts has been a top Summit League team in recent years with two of the past three NCAA Tournament appearances but this team the team is a coaching change with an uneven 8-8 start. Orla Roberts lost at home last Saturday vs. Weber State, a team similarly rated to St. Thomas. The 2-1 start in conference play for the Golden Eagles includes an overtime win and three of the team’s six home wins have come outside Division I. Oral Roberts has terrible defensive numbers and is reliant on 3-point shooting, which has been a strong suit for the up-tempo squad. St. Thomas has good outside shooting numbers but has been an elite scoring team inside while also the conference’s top interior defense. St. Thomas has five wins away from home this season and lost by just five at Marquette in December and the deliberate pace should stall Oral Roberts preferred rhythm. After going 0-3 with three close losses to Oral Roberts last season, this will be a huge game for the young Tommies program to prove they are an ascending team that should be considered one of the Summit’s best. Home teams are also just 5-7 S/U so far in Summit league play and Oral Roberts looks a bit overpriced based on its recent reputation more so than any accomplishments this season.