A loaded college basketball slate is on tap for Tuesday, with several high-profile programs tipping off across the country. That list of schools includes eleven teams currently ranked inside the AP Poll this week. Among the matchups to watch, #21 Mississippi State hosts #7 Texas A&M in another marquee SEC showdown. Elsewhere, #13 Purdue looks to rebound from a weekend loss with a road game against #14 Michigan State. Ahead of tonight’s action, here are my three favorite college basketball player props on DraftKings Sportsbook:
Alex Karaban 3+ three-pointers made (+145)
Defending champion UConn has hit a snag recently, going 5-5 over its last ten games. While Dan Hurley’s Huskies are still on track for a March Madness spot, they look significantly weaker this season. One player that has seen his numbers dip is Alex Karaban. Through 23 games, the junior shooting just 43.3% from the field, down from last year’s mark of 49.5%. That number has plummeted to 32.1% over the forward’s last five appearances.
If the 22-year-old is going to get back on track, playing a mediocre perimeter defense would help. That makes Tuesday’s matchup with Villanova enticing. This season, the Wildcats have allowed 8.9 three-pointers made per game, 37th-most in the nation. Karaban has knocked down three or more shots from beyond the arc in ten different contests. However, he hasn’t reached this total in over a month. The two-time champion is due for a big-time performance tonight.
Milos Uzan 5+ assists (-135)
It may not be flashy, but #5 Houston continues to get the job done. The 21-4 (13-1) Cougars currently sit atop the Big 12, thanks to one of the nation’s deepest rosters. On a team loaded with experienced players, junior Milos Uzan has managed to stand out. The transfer from Oklahoma has been terrific this season, averaging 10.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.
Uzan has been terrific as of late, notching double-digit points in each of his last eight games. While there’s a good chance the guard’s scoring prowess continues, his passing ability shouldn’t go unnoticed. During that eight-game stretch, he’s reached five assists six different times. Tuesday’s opponent, Arizona State, has allowed 13.8 assists per game, fifth-most in the Big 12. Houston’s leading playmaker should get his teammates involved once again in this one.
John Tonje 21+ points (+105)
In one of the more notable games of the weekend, #11 Wisconsin took down #13 Purdue on the road. The Badgers were able to secure the upset win due to a 32-point, six-rebound outing from John Tonje. It was yet another remarkable performance in a season full of them for the point guard. This season, the senior has recorded 19.2 points per game, fourth-most in the Big 10.
Tonje has been on quite the heater, posting at least 22 points in six of his last seven appearances. Another high-scoring game could come tonight against an Illinois team that loves to play fast. This season, the Fighting Illini have allowed 65.7 field goal attempts per game to opponents. That’s the third-worst mark in all of college basketball (362nd). Wisconsin’s best player should have ample opportunity to deliver once again for his squad.
