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California Baptist Lancers (7-0) @ Colorado Buffaloes (7-0)
9:00 PM ET
CU Events Center
COLO -12.5
O/U 148.5
ESPN+
This is as good as it gets in early December college basketball. Two 7-0 teams squaring off with perfect records on the line. Cal Baptist is making history with their best start ever as a Division I program, while Colorado hasn't started 7-0 in six years.
The Lancers are led by Dominique Daniels Jr., the explosive guard who's been the engine behind their historic start. He's a proven scorer who can take over games and has been carrying this Cal Baptist team night after night.
Colorado's 12.5-point spread reflects their dominant home court advantage. The Buffaloes are 4-0 at home this season with convincing wins over San Francisco (79-69) and Washington (81-68). The CU Events Center is a tough place for mid-majors to steal wins, and Colorado's depth and experience should show.
Cal Baptist has been covering spreads all season, and Daniels has the ability to keep games close single-handedly. However, his 5'10" frame may struggle against Colorado's length. The Buffs should win comfortably at home, but 12.5 points is a lot to lay against an undefeated team with a player of Daniels' caliber.
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Temple Owls (4-3) @ Villanova Wildcats (5-1)
6:30 PM ET
Finneran Pavilion
VILL -12.5
O/U 149.5
FS1
Philadelphia basketball pride is on the line. Both teams are 1-0 in Big 5 play, and the winner advances to the Big 5 Classic championship game against Penn on December 6. Villanova leads the all-time series 51-43 and absolutely buried Temple last December with 19 three-pointers in a 94-65 rout.
The Wildcats are riding a strong winning streak, led by transfer Bryce Lindsay who's been lights out from deep. Lindsay has emerged as one of the top scorers in the Big East and a lethal three-point shooter. Freshman point guard Acaden Lewis has been phenomenal running the offense in his first college season.
Temple's top rebounder Steve Settle III gives them a physical presence inside, while Derrian Ford provides scoring punch from the perimeter.
Temple is rebuilding with numerous newcomers and their defense has struggled at times. That's a tough matchup against Villanova's elite three-point shooting. The Wildcats should have their way offensively, but rivalry games in the Big 5 always bring extra intensity.
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Bowling Green Falcons (5-2) @ Kansas State Wildcats (5-2)
8:00 PM ET
Bramlage Coliseum
KSU -11.5
O/U 160.5
ESPN+
Both teams enter at 5-2, but that 11.5-point spread tells the real story. Kansas State has one of the most explosive scorers in college basketball, and he's putting on a clinic.
P.J. Haggerty has been sensational for Kansas State this season. The Memphis transfer is one of the top scorers in the Big 12 and has opened the season with a string of dominant performances. He's capable of taking over games with his scoring ability and has earned national recognition for his early-season play.
Kansas State has been dominant at home this season and they're shooting the three-ball at an elite level. The Wildcats can absolutely bury teams in Bramlage Coliseum with their high-powered offense.
Bowling Green relies on Javontae Campbell and Mayar Wol to carry the scoring load. The Falcons play solid defense, but Kansas State's elite shooting and Haggerty's dominance should overwhelm them. The high total suggests oddsmakers expect points, and K-State at home looks like the play.
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Tarleton State Texans (5-3) @ Cincinnati Bearcats (5-2)
7:00 PM ET
Fifth Third Arena
CIN -19.5
O/U 146.5
ESPN+
Cincinnati is laying nearly 20 points against Tarleton State, but there's a sneaky angle here. The Texans are 5-1 against the spread this season and riding a three-game winning streak.
The Bearcats are led by Simas Lukosius and Dan Skillings Jr., who provide scoring and length. Cincinnati has solid depth and plays tough defense at home in Fifth Third Arena. Day Day Thomas and Jizzle James run the backcourt.
Tarleton State features several capable scorers who can keep games competitive. The Texans have been competitive throughout their early season schedule and shouldn't be taken lightly despite the big spread.
The spread feels inflated by program perception. Cincinnati should handle business at home, but Tarleton has shown they can fight until the end. This could be closer than the nearly 20-point spread suggests.