Two teams that find themselves in desperate need of starting a big run in the AAC will clash tonight in Dallas, as the Tulane Green Wave take on the SMU Mustangs.
The Green Wave have lost five of their last seven games and find themselves a dreadful 3-5 in conference play. The Mustangs have lost two straight after a nice 7-1 run in their previous eight games. Which struggling AAC team will bounce back and cover in the college basketball odds?
Here are my free college basketball picks for Tulane vs. SMU on February 1.
Tulane vs SMU best odds
Tulane vs SMU picks and predictions
The Tulane Green Wave depend heavily on outscoring their opponents as they rank 11th in the country in scoring at 85.2 points per game but allow 79.2 points (339th nationally).
In a stark contrast of styles, the SMU Mustangs depend heavily on their defense and efficiency on offense. They rank 13th in the nation allowing only 63.4 points per game and are 27th in KenPom’s defensive efficiency. SMU has not allowed an opponent to score 80 points all season.
When looking for mismatches in this game, since we have such a big difference in styles, I'll be looking at who can win on the glass. The Green Wave rank 359th in offensive rebounds (6.5 per game) and 312th in overall rebounding (33.1). They also rank 355th in offensive rebounds allowed (12.9) and 357th in total rebounds allowed (40.1).
Meanwhile, the Mustangs rank 26th in the nation in offensive rebounds (13.3) and 40th in total rebounds (39.7). On the other end, they allow a ton of offensive rebounds, but very few defensive rebounds.
The player that will likely be the biggest beneficiary of the extra rebounding opportunities for SMU is Samuell Williamson. The fifth-year senior and second year transfer from Louisville is averaging 7.2 boards per game this season. However, he's averaging 8.1 in conference play and has four games this season with double-digit rebounds. That includes three of his past four games.
Tulane has allowed at least one opposing player to hit double-digit boards in each of the last seven games. Williamson is the most likely candidate to do so in this contest and he only need nine rebounds to hit his number offered.
My best bet: Samuell Williamson Over 8.5 rebounds (-140 at DraftKings)
Tulane vs SMU same-game parlay
Samuell Williamson 10+ rebounds
Tulane team total Under 75.5
SMU -8.5
Since SMU has never allowed an opponent to score 80 points, I will look at the Tulane team total. SMU should be able to contain this high scoring offense enough to keep the Green Wave Under 76 points.
Finally, I'll add the Mustangs to cover the spread of 8.5 points. SMU should dominate the glass and has a more efficient offense that will lead to a big win. The Green Wave are a mediocre 2-3 on the road this year with two double-digit point spread losses.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best college basketball bonuses
All Users
25% boost for 3+ leg CBB parlay
e.g. +500 BOOSTS to +625! Claim Now
All Users
Instant payout for CBB moneylines
If your team goes up by 18+! Claim Now
New Users
Wager $5 on any market
Get $158 in bonus bets! Claim Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2024.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Tulane vs SMU spread and Over/Under analysis
The Mustangs are an impressive 11-6-2 against the spread this season. Meanwhile, the Green Wave are 8-10-1 ATS. Tulane runs a six-man rotation for the most part and one of those six is questionable to play tonight in Collin Holloway. He is the team's fifth leading scorer and fourth leading rebounder.
The total will be a tough choice for bettors. One team leans heavily towards Overs while the other towards Unders. Since I like SMU and its defense to win out in the pace battle and for it to dominate the glass, I must lean towards the Under here. It would take a blowout and high scoring game from the Mustangs to hit the Over.
Tulane vs SMU betting trend to know
SMU has only hit the game total Over in six of their last 14 games at home. Find more college basketball betting trends for Tulane vs. SMU.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Tulane vs SMU game info
| Location: | Moody Coliseum, University Park, TX |
| Date: | Saturday, February 1, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN2 |
Tulane vs SMU key injuries
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
