The conference schedule and the second week of 2023 are now here! Do teams finally begin grinding through some of their season's hardest games? That's right. Let's head to Upstate New York. At Online Sports Betting, we look at a game most would not have on their radars. So, let's examine some NCAA Basketball betting Monday Picks featuring the Army Black Knights and Colgate Raiders. This figures to be a fun matchup in a raucous Army home setting.
- WHAT: Colgate Raiders versus Army Black Knights
- WHEN: Monday, January 9th, 2023, 7:00 pm ET streamed on FUBO TV
- WHERE: Christl Arena, West Point, New York
- WHY: Monday Patriot Conference Matchup
The bettors yearn for games like this normally. The NCAA Basketball Monday Picks spotlight two undefeated teams in the conference who happen to face off. Now, betting on NCAA College Men's basketball futures is challenging. Thankfully, Army and Colgate will not be a factor there, However, Bovada Online Sportsbook did carry some nice odds here on the spread and over for tonight.
NCAA Basketball Monday Picks Look Toward Army
NCAA Basketball Monday Picks look toward Army. So, what occurred with Army in the last week? Honestly, that answer is a couple of solid wins against Patriot teams that are not expected to be a factor in the conference. Nonetheless, winning two contests on the road was significant for Army, who has been better at home this season (winners of their last four games at Christl Arena).
Despite that, is it a surprise that the Black Knights are 7.5-point underdogs on Monday night? Yes, conference play is a different animal than non-conference cupcakes and lower-tiered conference appetizers. However, the Black Knights love home cooking versus even teams like Colgate. Some believe that is automatic grounds for attacking up to the value.
Let's take on this Monday night game. Also, we take a look at Army in general. How long can the Black Knights keep playing well in the Patriot Conference? Could Army make more of an impact than expected?
Jimmy Allen Doing A Nice Job At Army
The NCAA Basketball Monday Picks go for the deeper dive with Army. Jimmy Allen is doing a nice job with Army. This Black Knights' defense may be a bit of an adventure at times, but their offense has a little potential over the short and longer terms. Consider that their strength of schedule is among the worst in the NCAA college scene. However, even then, few expected Army to be over .500 and undefeated in early conference play.
The other thing Army knows is how good Colgate ranks offensively, which is a team that is on the positive side of the simple rating system (1.42). The Black Knights have only faced one team this season (Princeton. 74-66 loss). However, they covered that spread on a neutral site amid their longest losing streak of 2022-23.
Allen possesses two Freshmen in his arsenal that could be a lot of fun to watch. Coleton Benson and Ethan Roberts carry the potential to be excellent players in the Patriot Conference for a long time. Both players average double-digit points per game already, and the opposition seems to have few answers for them. Roberts expects to add more muscle and size as the season goes on. Benson exhibits considerable speed. The duo creates matchup problems along with Jalen Rucker and Chris Mann.
Again, neither team tonight features any Top 100 GSCI players. If one matchup looms big in this game, it could be whomever Allen chooses to cover Tucker Richardson from Colgate. If Army can slow him, the Flemington, New Jersey native, a little, that could pay dividends in the second half. Colgate's Senior guard play will be the Black Knights' biggest issue.
NCAA Basketball Monday Picks Giving 7.5 Points?
So, what about NCAA Basketball Monday picks giving 7.5 points? The rationale is that Army has not shown much overall in previous seasons, and Colgate figures to be more of a favorite in winning the Patriot League. Matt Langel and the Raiders have been a power for five consecutive years with three NCAA Tournament appearances under their belt (via winning the Patriot Conference).
The Colgate team is not quite as good as in previous seasons; it would seem. For one, they allow nearly 73 points per game, up from their usual totals in the mid to high 60s. Second, Army has somewhat of an advantage inside and that speed dynamic in their Freshmen. Overall, balance is on Colgate's side, but can the Raiders handle an intimate but hostile environment at West Point on Monday night?
There is a thought that Army can keep this close late. On the other hand, Colgate worries us a little with their pace. Whether Army gets 7.5 or 8 points means little. Take the points here anyway. Army wants to try and make that next step.
What About The Over For Tonight?
Lastly, NCAA Basketball Picks considers the over for tonight. This game saw the over-shift several times. The recommendation remains to keep an eye out for further movement. After all, this contest slid down to 152.5 points. Army and Colgate both carry the potential to score 80+ here by themselves. As we said, Colgate's defense is not quite at the level seen previously. These two teams are vulnerable to pace and perimeter shooting. Let's side with that over.
Online Sportsbook Reviews To Keep An Eye On
Please understand this Monday night is different from saying the least. Now, keep an eye on more online sportsbook reviews where there are some larger games later this week:
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