Just seven Division I men’s college basketball games are on tap for Friday. However, there’s still several major matchups worth keeping an eye on. In a colossal Big East showdown, #12 St. John’s visits Storrs for a date with defending champion #19 UConn. Elsewhere, #7 Purude hosts the USC Trojans in a Big 10 battle. Ahead of tonight’s action, here are my two favorite college basketball player props on DraftKings Sportsbook:
Kadary Richmond 13+ points (-105)
St. John’s might be the story in college basketball right now. The Red Storm are enjoying their best season in decades, currently leading the Big East with a 20-3 record. Head coach Rick Pitino and his staff have assembled a deep, athletic roster that plays hard on defense. If there’s any player that fits the bill of a ‘star’, it’s Kadary Richmond. The Seton Hall transfer got off to a rocky start this season, largely due to extensive shooting struggles. That’s changed recently; the 23-year-old has scored at least 13 points in each of his last four outings.
If St. John’s has any shot at pulling off a road upset, they’ll need someone that can succeed against a high-quality opponent. Richmond certainly fits the bill; he averaged 19 points per game in two meetings with UConn last season. The Huskies certainly aren’t a defensive juggernaut, ranking 118th in adjusted defensive efficiency on KenPom (104.1). This dynamic two-way guard should have plenty of opportunity to score in this primetime contest.
Max Shulga 2+ three-pointers made (-150)
VCU (18-5, 8-2) currently sits at second in the Atlantic 10 standings, thanks in large part to one of the nation’s best defenses. However, the Rams have gotten plenty of offensive production out of their starters, including leading scorer Max Shulga. This season, the senior has posted 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 43.8% from the field.
One area where Shulga has thrived is from beyond the arc. The Ukranian is shooting 40.4% on three-pointers this season, attempting 4.7 long-balls per game. If left open, VCU’s point guard can certainly make a defense pay. That might be the case tonight against a Dayton squad allowing the 118th-most three-pointers made per game (8.0). Teams are finding open looks against this defense; according to KenPom, the Flyers rank 276th in opponent three-point rate. Shulga has reached this total in four of his last six outings; I’m willing to bet that trend continues on Friday.
