With just days remaining until the end of conference play, the stakes couldn’t be any higher across college basketball. Some programs are fighting for a postseason berth, while others are hoping to earn a top seed before the start of the NCAA Tournament. That includes the 11 programs in action on Wednesday that are ranked in this week’s AP Poll. No matter which team is taking the court, wins and losses will be determined by the players. Ahead of tonight’s action, here are my three favorite college basketball props on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Will Richard 14+ points (+100)
Top ten teams will collide on Wednesday when #7 Alabama hosts #5 Florida. It’s been a special season for the Gators, who have surged to the upper echelon of the SEC. This is arguably the most balanced team in the conference, ranking inside the top 15 in both offensive rating (119.2) and defensive rating (95.6). Key to the team’s success is a remarkably balanced starting lineup. Head coach Todd Golden’s crew has four different players currently averaging more than ten points per game.
Among those names, Will Richard can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. The guard isn’t quite as dangerous as teammates Alijah Martin and Walter Clayton Jr. Still, he’s one of the more efficient scorers in the conference, recording 13.6 points on 50.9% shooting this season. The senior has reached at least 14 points in three of his last four contests. That trend should continue tonight against the high-powered Crimson Tide, currently first in adjusted tempo (75.0) according to KenPom. In a potential shootout, expect Richard to remain heavily involved on offense for Florida.
Zakai Zeigler 7+ assists (-125)
Make no mistake: #4 Tennessee is a squad built on defense and toughness. Still, head coach Rick Barnes isn’t lacking playmakers on offense. Look no further than Zakai Zeigler, who has developed into one of the nation’s top distributors. The guard has posted 7.2 assists per game, on pace to lead the SEC in that category for the third season in a row. The senior’s superb passing, along with a knack for takeaways (2.0 STL), have set the tone for this roster.
The Volunteers will welcome Ole Miss to Rocky Top on Wednesday night in a pivotal meeting for both sides. The Rebels are a quality defensive unit, ranking 22nd in efficiency per KenPom. However, they have allowed 13.6 assists per game to opponents this season, second-most in the SEC. That number has risen to 16.7 over the team’s last three games. A superstar such as Ziegler is well-positioned to dish out some dimes for his teammates in this one.
Alex Karaban 5+ rebounds (-115)
UConn has had a shaky season so far, sitting at fourth in the Big East with a 20-9 record. That’s certainly enough to earn a March Madness bid, but it’s a bit disappointing for the back-to-back defending champs. However, there are still several difference-makers on this roster, giving fans hope that another deep postseason run is possible. Alex Karaban may not be the most talented Huskies player, but he is one of their most experienced. Through 27 games, the junior has averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
While Karaban is known as a shooter, he’s also capable on the glass. The forward has snagged five or more rebounds in 59.2% of his appearances. Against bigger front courts, that level of production might not be possible. Fortunately for UConn, that won’t be the case tonight against #20 Marquette. This season, the Golden Eagles have surrendered 35.1 rebounds per game to opponents, most in the Big East. In this crucial conference matchup, Karaban should remain active for the Huskies down low.
