Dean Etheridge
Friday sees yet another exceptional night of college basketball taking place with both the 2023 Tournament favorites, Gonzaga, and number ranked team, the Tar Heels, in action. Here we look ahead to both their games and name our latest free NCAAB betting picks on their respective matches.
Both sides won their opening fixtures with varying degrees of success – which we will look at later in more detail. But, as the old saying goes, a win is a win. And with opening night victories now under their belts, both sides will be looking to get an early season roll going by winning again on Friday.
Who is favorites to win the 2022/23 NCAAB Tournament?
Gonzaga are the betting favorites to win the 2023 NCAAB Tournament, but after going so close to winning last year’s title, it was the Tar Heels that were the talk of the town in the off season. Despite this, in the betting to win the 2023 NCAAB Tournament, the best college basketball betting sites make Gonzaga their +600 favorites, with North Carolina down at +900, third betting favorites.
The main reason why the Gonzaga Bulldogs are the favorites is because in the main their side is packed with experience. Yes, they have freshmen Kellen Mitchell and Braden Huff to integrate into the side. But apart from that, the Gonzaga team in the main, will be stuffed with returners. Mark Few’s team also had a 16-0 home record last season, something that can’t be underestimated.
Things did go wrong at the Sweet 16 in March, that can’t be disputed. But the bookmakers all seem to be judging Few’s team on what went on before the 74-68 loss to Arkansas, rather than the disappointing result on the day.
Between Gonzaga and the Tar Heels in the betting is the Baylor Bears at +800, while joining UNC at +900, is Houston.
| 2022/23 NCAAB Tournament Winner Betting |  |
| Gonzaga | +600 |
| Baylor Bears | +800 |
| North Carolina | +900 |
| Houston | +900 |
| Kentucky | +1200 |
| Kansas | +1800 |
Kentucky are next at +1200, with the defending champions, Kansas, next at +1800. These odds are supplied by BetOnline, who you can read more about in our BetOnline sportsbook review.
Latest betting to reach the Final Four
In the betting to reach the final four, BetUS makes Gonzaga their favorites at +225. They are closely followed by Kentucky at +275, and North Carolina at +300. In what is a close betting market, Houston and Creighton are both next at +325, with Baylor and Kansas both priced at +400, to make it to the final stages.
Now, with that out of the way, let’s get onto our latest NCAA college basketball betting picks.
Gonzaga v MI State
The Bulldogs won their opening fixture 104-63 against North Florida at the McCarthey Athletic Center. It was a pretty routine win against a side who weren’t expected to trouble Mark Few’s team, and got their season off to a comfortable enough start.
Started the season off right 🙌 pic.twitter.com/IEDMLVQ2nL
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) November 8, 2022
MI State also started their season with a win. They defeated Northern AZ 73-55 at the Breslin Center on Monday. It was a routine win, and means they come into the Armed Forces Classic showdown this Friday on the back of a victory.
- What; Gonzaga Bulldogs v Michigan State Spartans
- Where; USS Abraham Lincoln*
- When; Friday, November 11th, 2022
- Time; 6.30 pm ET
*Yes, you did the venue correctly. This match is taking place on the flight deck of the US naval carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln. This is to mark Veteran’s Day.
Michigan are -110, starting from +10.5 on the handicap, Gonzaga are also -110, starting from -11.5. On the total points spread, the marker is 148 points, with both over and under at -110.
If Gonzaga were to win, the chances are it will be by around a dozen or so points. So I’m taking Gonzaga to win on the handicap for my first pick.
UNC v Charleston
This is supposed to be the season that North Carolina takes the NCAAB by storm and fulfills the potential they showed in last year’s final against Kansas. Well, if Monday night’s sluggish 69-56 win over UNCW is anything to go by, either the Tar Heels need to get their act together quickly, or we’ve all got it very wrong.
Yes, Hubert Davis’ side won. But it was far from convincing, and they will seriously need to up their game if they are to go one better this season.
Friday night’s opponents, Charleston, started their season with an 85-78 win over Chattanooga at the TD Arena on Monday. A strong first half saw Pat Kelsey’s team go in at the break with a 42-31 lead. And despite a second half fightback from the Mocs, Charleston held on for a seven points win.
- What; North Carolina Tar Heels v College of Charleston Cougars
- Where; Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- When; Friday, November 11th, 2022
- Time; 7 pm ET
The Tar Heels are giving away 23 points on the handicap market. Both sides are -110. For total points, the target is 156.5, with both over and under priced up at -110.
After their opening night performance, it’s hard to have too much faith in the Tar Heels. But the chances are, they won’t be that bad two games running. So I’m going to give them another chance, and I’m backing them to bounce back with a comprehensive win, and make North Carolina to win on the handicap my second betting pick.
