College basketball is back at the forefront of the sports landscape. Tuesday features a solid showcase of talent, with eight teams ranked in the recent AP Poll in action. Below, I’ve detailed my two favorite college basketball props for January 28 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Kansas -13 (-115)
Kansas is only a few days removed from one of the most egregious sports collapses in recent memory against Houston. It was an unprecedented double choke, the kind that’s almost impossible to fathom.
With 90 seconds left in regulation, the Jayhawks were up six. Multiple turnovers in the final 35 seconds, including a costly foul, helped the Cougars force overtime. In the extra period, the Jayhawks were up six again, with nine seconds remaining. An allowed three and a disastrous turnover allowed Houston to force somehow another frame and ultimately end up with the shocking six-point win.
Bill Self’s squad had an all-time meltdown, but this is still one of the most experienced nuclei in the country. Hunter Dickinson is still a premier offensive engine, and Zeke Mayo is a hyperefficient sidekick. UCF is a talented squad, but their lack of defensive intensity will be an issue on the road. The Jayhawks should come out angry and motivated and outclass their upstart opponents.
Arizona State ML (+120)
Arizona State looks like a sinking ship. After a stellar start, the Sun Devils have lost five of six and are just 2-6 in conference play. The offense, in particular, has gone sideways. They are 171st in pace and 97th in offensive rating. It’s a disjointed, sluggish attack that has not found its blend between tenured upperclassmen and star-studded freshmen.
Bobby Hurley might not have the coaching prowess of his brother Danny, but he still has had some of the better schematics in the nation. His groups have always played better toward the end of campaigns, and this roster has too much upside to continue this downward spiral.
ASU beat Colorado by 20 in the prior matchup in Tempe. The Buffs are 99th in KenPom and are winless in the conference. The Sun Devils, even in their current state, are the significantly better side and shouldn’t be underdogs.
