Wake up with VSiN Daily Morning Bets, a quick 15-minute podcast posted at 7 a.m. ET highlighting the top games and biggest line moves of the day. For a full breakdown of Friday’s betting action be sure to catch the VSiN Market Insights Podcast at 3 p.m. ET.
You can always track the latest odds and betting percentages for every game using our VSiN Betting Splits.
In the meantime, let’s examine where smart money is leaning for Friday’s College Basketball slate.
7 p.m. ET: Fairfield (-2, 146.5) at Niagara
Fairfield (9-6) has won eight straight games and just crushed Marist 82-61. Similarly, Niagara (6-8) has won three straight games and just edged Iona 75-73. This line opened at roughly a pick’em. We’ve seen smart money get down on Fairfield, pushing the Stags up to a 2-point road favorite. This line movement is especially notable because the game is extremely low bet, which means the public has no interest in the matchup but pros have taken a side. Fairfield is receiving 67% of bets and 68%, signaling respected money backing the road team. Ken Pom has Fairfield winning by three points (76-73). He also has Fairfield ranked much higher (191 vs 289). Niagara is also playing their first home game after a five-game road trip, which is typically a let-down spot. Fairfield has the edge on the boards, averaging 35 RPG compared to 31 RPG for Niagara. Fairfield also has the better defense, ranking 189th in adjusted efficiency compared to 318th for Niagara. Opponents have a 49.9 effective field goal percentage against Fairfield compared to 54.1 effective field goals percentage against Niagara. Fairfield is 5-3 on the road while Niagara is just 2-4 at home. Those looking to protect themselves from a close win could elect to target Fairfield on the moneyline at -130.
9 p.m. ET: Wright State at Youngstown State (-1.5, 165)
Wright State (9-8) has won three straight games and just crushed Robert Morris 101-76. Meanwhile, Youngstown State (12-5) has won two straight games and just edged IPFW 93-85. This line opened with Youngstown State listed as a short 1.5-point home favorite. We’re seeing several books juice up Youngstown State -1.5 to -115, signaling a possible rise up to -2. A few books have already risen to -2. This signals some sneaky quiet respected money laying the points with the home team. Youngstown State is receiving 72% of bets and 81% of money, signaling a heavy combination of both public and sharp support. Youngstown State has the better defense, allowing 71 PPG compared to 80 PPG allowed by Wright State. Youngstown State also has the edge in rebounds, averaging 40 RPG compared to 35 RPG for Wright State. Ken Pom has Youngstown State winning by one point (85-84), so bettors might be wise to target Youngstown State on the moneyline at -125. Youngstown State is 9-1 at home this season while Wright State is just 2-5 on the road.
