Back at it for another NCAA basketball selection, our most recent play on the UIC Flames cashed. That brings us to 2-0 ATS early in the college hoops season. Today’s play will be the Pacific Tigers +21.5 over the 18th-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks. Pacific (3-2, 0-0) heads to Arkansas after last Thursday’s 60-57 home loss to Northern Arizona. Arkansas (2-1, 0-0) bounced back from their loss to Baylor, with a 65-49 win over Troy last Wednesday. In his initial season with the Razorbacks, John Calipari looks to build a perennial power much the same as he did at Kentucky and Memphis.
We like to find the more off-the-beat college basketball plays, especially early on in the season. Vegas books spend less time handicapping these games because they are not marquee matchups. However, the money is all the same when you win, you do not get extra wagering on high-profile games.
Pacific Tigers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Pacific Tigers | +21.5 (-106) | ov 148.5 (-106) | +2000 |
| Arkansas Razorbacks | -21.5 (-114) | u 148.5 (-114) | -7000 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Pacific Tigers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Match Details
- Fixture: Pacific Tigers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
- Date and Time: November 18, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. EST
- Location: Bud Walton Arena Fayetteville, Arkansas
Key Stats
Nov 9, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Jalen Celestine (32) drives to the basket against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Pacific Tigers
The Tigers through five games are ranked in the top 50 nationally in total points and rebounds per game. Pacific’s 48.3% field shooting percentage is also in the top 100 in the nation, They are led offensively by Elias Ralph who is averaging 18.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, including his 23 and 11 double-doubles in the loss to Northern Arizona.
Pacific is 3-2 SU and 1-2 ATS so far this season. The Tigers covered and won outright against San Jose State earlier this month. Most recently they have lost their last two games both SU and ATS to Hawaii and Northern Arizona.
Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas through its first three games is ranked 349th in total points scored and 286th in rebounds per game. Arkansas is shooting 46.3% from the field which ranks 163rd in the nation. The Razorbacks early on are being led by Adou Therio at 17 points per game and Boogie Fland with 15.0.
The Razorbacks are 1-1-1 ATS overall this season, having covered the spread in their last victory versus Troy as a 13-point chalk. Before that, Arkansas lost and failed to cover versus Baylor as a four-point underdog and played to a push versus Lipscomb.
Prediction
As we look into the betting trends in this matchup, we find their respected money being placed on Pacific. The Tigers opened as a 22.5 point underdog and the line has since dropped to 21.5. We spotted the burner line as 96% of the tickets and 95% of the money is currently on the Tigers. The Arkansas defense will no doubt be a tough challenge for this Pacific team. The Razorbacks turned it up on the defensive end in their last game holding Troy to just 49 points, including 22 in the second half.
Arkansas is just 1-3-1 ATS in their last five and 4-5-1 ATS in their last 10 as a favorite. We also like this game from the Total standpoint. The total has crept up 3.5 points to its current 148.5 and that coupled with the active underdog we have a betting edge. We are going to buy a point on both sides to get back to the initial betting lines.
