Colorado vs Marquette Best Bets
Marquette enters this matchup with a 14-2 record straight up in their last 16 games played. The Golden Eagles have also won their last four games played against the Colorado Buffaloes. Bet on Marquette to cover the spread.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
Marquette enters this matchup with a 14-2 record straight up in their last 16 games played. The Golden Eagles have been playing their best basketball of the season and are coming off a 10-point victory over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Marquette shot 52.7% from the field and 50% from three-point range in the win. Colorado, on the other hand, is 5-5 straight up in their last 10 games played. The Buffaloes narrowly escaped the first round of the NCAA Tournament with a two-point victory over the Florida Atlantic Owls. Colorado shot 48.4% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range. Head-to-head, Marquette has dominated this matchup in recent years. The Golden Eagles have won their last four games played against the Buffaloes, including a 83-74 victory in their most recent matchup in November of 2022. Marquette has also covered the spread in each of their last four wins over Colorado. The Golden Eagles have been the more consistent team all season long, while the Buffaloes have struggled with consistency, especially on the offensive end of the court.
Offensive and Defensive Matchups
Offensively, Marquette ranks 25th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency, according to KenPom.com. The Golden Eagles have a balanced scoring attack, led by guard Tyler Kolek, who averages 13.9 points and 7.5 assists per game. Forward Oso Ighodaro is another key player to watch on offense for Marquette, as he averages 11.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting 64.8% from the field. Colorado, on the other hand, ranks 89th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency. The Buffaloes are led by forward Tristan da Silva, who averages 17.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Defensively, Colorado ranks 26th in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency٫ while Marquette ranks 79th. The Buffaloes have held opponents to just 63.3 points per game this season٫ which ranks 26th in the country. Colorado will need to continue to play tough defense if they want to slow down a high-powered Marquette offense. The Golden Eagles have allowed opponents to score 71.6 points per game this season٫ which ranks 186th in the country. Marquette will need to step up their defense if they want to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
Key Player Performance
The key player matchup to watch in this game is between Colorado guard KJ Simpson and Marquette guard Tyler Kolek. Simpson is averaging 15.1 points and 4.1 assists per game for the Buffaloes this season. He is a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot and get to the basket. Kolek, meanwhile, is averaging 13.9 points and 7.5 assists per game for the Golden Eagles. He is a gifted passer who can also score the basketball. Another key player to watch for Colorado is forward Tristan da Silva. The 6’9″ junior leads the Buffaloes in scoring at 17.1 points per game on 55.6% shooting from the field. He can score from all three levels and will be a tough matchup for Marquette’s defense. For Marquette, keep an eye on forward Oso Ighodaro. He is a force in the paint and is averaging 11.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game this season while shooting a highly efficient 64.8% from the field. If Ighodaro can stay out of foul trouble and control the paint, it will go a long way toward a Marquette victory.
Betting Odds and Trends
As of this writing, Marquette is a 4.5-point favorite over Colorado, with the over/under set at 151.5 points. Marquette is -190 on the moneyline, while Colorado is a +160 underdog. Here are some betting trends to consider for this matchup⁚
- Marquette is 20-13-1 against the spread this season.
- Colorado is 15-17-2 against the spread this season.
- Marquette has covered the spread in four of its last five games against Colorado.
- The total has gone over in four of Colorado’s last six games.
Marquette’s recent form and historical success against Colorado make them an appealing bet to cover the spread. However, Colorado has a knack for pulling off upsets, and their ability to score points could push this game over the total.
Expert Predictions and Picks
While Colorado pulled off a thrilling first-round upset, Marquette presents a significant step up in competition. The Golden Eagles have a balanced scoring attack, a strong defense, and a coach in Shaka Smart who knows how to win in March. Colorado’s offense can be explosive, but they’ll need to be efficient against Marquette’s tough defense. Here are our expert picks for the Colorado vs. Marquette game⁚
- Marquette to win⁚ The Golden Eagles are the more talented team on paper and should be able to control the tempo of this game. Expect Marquette to pull away in the second half for a comfortable victory.
- Over 151.5 points⁚ Both teams can put up points in a hurry, and this game could turn into a shootout if Colorado can keep pace with Marquette’s offense.
- Player prop bet⁚ Kam Jones over 15.5 points⁚ The Marquette guard has been on fire lately, averaging over 20 points per game in the Big East Tournament and NCAA Tournament opener. Look for Jones to continue his hot streak against Colorado.
Remember to gamble responsibly and only wager what you can afford to lose. Good luck with your bets!