Mississippi Valley State vs. LSU Prediction, Betting Picks, and Latest Odds
Today marks the start of the 2023-2024 College Basketball season and my first play of the day involves a non-conference matchup between LSU and Mississippi Valley State. Let's break it down.
Joey Ruiz - November 6, 2023, 4:45 PM EST
7 minMississippi Valley State vs. LSU Prediction, Betting Picks, and Latest Odds
If you follow college basketball, you know what type of team/product Mississippi Valley State usually has. For those who do not, Mississippi Valley State is usually the absolute worst team in the country. There are 363 qualified Division 1 college basketball teams and Mississippi Valley State is typically dead last or in the bottom five.
Mississippi Valley State vs. LSU Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: November 6, 2023
- Game Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN+, SECN
Mississippi Valley State vs. LSU Odds
- Spread: Mississippi Valley State +28 (-110), LSU -28 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 136 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: N/A
Mississippi Valley State vs. LSU Prediction
They frequently play insane non-conference schedules against power five teams to make money for their athletic department and they frequently get their doors blown off every game for about two months. Last year in November and December, some teams of note that Mississippi Valley State played included Baylor and Missouri. Both were losses as they lost to Baylor 117-53 and lost 83-62 to Missouri.
The issue with Mississippi Valley state is that they simply have little to no size on the inside. They do not have a single player on their roster listed above 6'9 and I fully expect LSU to have a field day in the paint. When looking at totals for College Basketball, I like to target teams or matchups with a huge size advantage as this typically leads to 1. a ton of free throws and 2. a ton of high percentage looks at the rim for layups and dunks.
LSU will have a huge size advantage in the paint tonight as they have multiple big men who should feast tonight. LSU gained a lot of quality players in the transfer portal in the off season including 7 foot center, Will Baker, who transferred in from Nevada. Baker is a senior with a lot of experience who averaged just under 14 points per game and five rebounds last season and should have a huge game on the inside. LSU also got Hunter Dean, who is a 6'10 transfer from George Washington who averaged nine points and six rebounds last season.
The Tigers have a four headed monster with some elite big men including Will baker, Hunter Dean, Daimion Collins (Kentucky Transfer), and Derek Fountain. These four should dominate the boards which should lead to more layups, dunks, free throws, and open threes off offensive rebounds. On the perimeter, LSU also got one of the most coveted transfers in the country in Jalen Cook from Tulane. Last year for the Green Wave, Cook averaged 19.9 ppg, 2.9 rebounds per game, and 4.9 assists per game. Cook is an elite talent who shot 45% from the field and 35% from deep and should be able to break down anyone on Mississippi Valley State off the dribble to create opportunities for himself and for others.
LSU should be able to put up 90+ points in this game and I would not be shocked if they break the 100 mark. From a pace standpoint, this should also be a glorified street ball game as there will be a lot of offensive rebounds and live ball turnovers. This is all a recipe for a higher scoring game. With that being said, I am rolling with 1H Over 64.5 at -110 and the Full Game Over 136 at -110 for 1U each for a 2U position on the Over as my most confident college basketball plays of the day for tonight's action.
Mississippi Valley State vs. LSU Picks
- 1U 1H Over 64.5 -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
- 1U Full Game Over 136 -110 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
College Basketball Odds
