Conference championship week continues on Friday as we inch closer to Selection Sunday. Exciting matchups are taking place across the country, including North Carolina vs. Duke and Alabama vs. Kentucky. For programs looking to earn a big win, they’ll need the most out of their star players. Ahead of tonight’s action, here are my three favorite college basketball props on DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Tre Donaldson 10.5 points (-110)
Big Ten rivals meet on Friday when Michigan takes on Purdue. It’s been a rough stretch for the Wolverines, who have lost their last three games. Still, head coach Dusty May’s squad is a force to be reckoned with. UM has been carried by the play of its talented big men, Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin. However, guard Tre Donaldson also deserves mention. The Auburn transfer has been a terrific presence out of the back court, averaging 11.5 points and 3.9 assists this season.
Donaldson had arguably his worst game yet on Saturday against Michigan State, scoring just two points. I’m willing to bet that was an outlier against a tough Spartans team. Purdue defends well, but Donaldson has scored at least 11 points during their previous two matchups. The junior has also reached this total in 18 of his 31 appearances this season (58.1%). With that in mind, another solid day as a scorer wouldn’t be a shock tonight.
Zuby Ejiofor 9+ rebounds (+105)
What’s taken St. John’s from middling Big East program to national title contender? Several factors, including the growth of Zuby Ejiofor. The big man has been a revelation this season, thriving on both ends of the court. Through 32 games, he’s posted 13.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks for the Red Storm. However, the junior put up a meager four-point, seven-rebound stat line on Thursday against Butler.
Expect a much better showing tonight in the Big East Tournament semifinals. St. John’s’ opponent, Marquette, has surrendered 35.8 rebounds per game, 260th in the nation. In each of the two matchups between these schools, Ejiofor has recorded at least 12 boards. At 6’9 and 240 pounds, the center has a notable size advantage against all members of the Golden Eagles. There’s no reason to think he can’t deliver another impressive performance on the glass in this one.
Elliot Cadeau 8+ points (-105)
All eyes will be on Charlotte tonight when Duke takes on North Carolina. In the latest edition of college basketball’s greatest rivalry, the Blue Devils will be without freshman phenom Cooper Flagg. The forward injured his ankle during Thursday’s win over Georgia Tech. Without having to face an elite defender, life should be easier on offense for the Tar Heels. If anyone is poised to benefit from Flagg’s absence, it’s Elliot Cadeau. He currently leads UNC in assists (6.1 APG), but he’s not much of a scorer (9.4 PPG).
That might not be the case on Friday for the sophomore. As good as Duke’s defense is, much of its strength comes from protecting the paint, not the perimeter. Over their last three games, the Blue Devils have allowed opponents to hit 38.6% of their three-point attempts. Cadeau isn’t a sharpshooter (30.8 3PT%), but he’s gone three-of-four from deep against Duke this season. During the two meetings between these schools, the guard has averaged 7.5 points. Against a more vulnerable opponent, Cadeau can clear this modest college basketball prop.
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