College Basketball Picks Today:

Expert college basketball handicapper Greg Peterson shares his top college basketball picks today for Friday, January 3.

Check out Greg’s Daily College Basketball Lines and his Coast 2 Coast Hoops Podcast. Also, check out our College Basketball Betting Splits.

3:00 PM Eastern

Fairfield vs. Merrimack

These are two of the slowest teams in terms of tempo in the country, with Fairfield entering Thursday ranked 284th in possessions per game and Merrimack ranked 357th. Merrimack is also just 282nd in points per possession scored on offense but ranks 70th in turnovers per possession generated on defense.

Fairfield vs. Merrimack Under 139 (Greg’s Handicapped Total 132.5)

6:00 PM Eastern

Akron vs. Bowling Green

Akron’s defense has slipped to 164th in points per possession allowed and 241st in opponent 3-point shooting percentage, while Bowling Green is making 38.3% of their 3-point shots at home, ranking 79th nationally. Akron is 35th in points per possession at home compared to 29th on the road.

Bowling Green +6.5 (Greg’s Handicap Bowling Green +3.5)

7:00 PM Eastern

Wichita State vs. Temple

Both teams entered Thursday ranked 145th or worse in points per possession scored, with Temple ranked 238th in 3-point shooting percentage and Wichita State 280th. Both defenses are in the top 140 in opponent 2-point shooting percentage.

Wichita State vs. Temple Under 153 (Greg’s Handicapped Total 146)

Central Connecticut vs. St. Francis PA

Central Connecticut is 303rd in the country in total possessions per game but ranks 57th in points allowed per possession away from home. Both teams rank 293rd or worse in the percentage of missed shots that result in an offensive rebound, and St. Francis is 341st in turnovers per possession on offense.

Central Connecticut vs. St. Francis PA Under 139 (Greg’s Handicapped Total 133.5)

8:00 PM Eastern

Michigan State vs. Ohio State

Ohio State’s defense is at its best at home, ranking 56th in points per possession allowed, while Michigan State is 36th in points per possession allowed overall. Offensively, Michigan State is ranked 327th in 3-point shooting percentage (28.8%) but ranks sixth in defensive rebounding percentage, allowing opponents an offensive rebound on just 21% of missed shots.

Michigan State vs. Ohio State Under 149 (Greg’s Handicapped Total 143)

Xavier vs. Georgetown

Georgetown entered Thursday ranked 12th in the nation in points per possession allowed, while Xavier, ranked 55th in points per possession overall, dips to 172nd in games played away from home. Xavier will also be without their leading scorer, Zach Freemantle, due to injury.

Xavier vs. Georgetown Under 149 (Greg’s Handicapped Total 142.5)

11:00 PM Eastern

Nevada vs. New Mexico

New Mexico is playing at one of the fastest paces in the country, ranking third in possessions per game. Meanwhile, Nevada’s 40.8% 3-point shooting ranks fifth nationally, and they face a New Mexico defense that is 336th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage at 37.6%.

Nevada vs. New Mexico Over 150 (Greg’s Handicapped Total 155.5)