UAB at Toledo, -4; total game over/under 155.5
There’s no denying that UAB and Toledo are two of the best mid-major teams in college basketball. The high over/under is indicative of the teams’ mutual desire to maintain a brisk tempo with the ball. Jordan “Jelly” Walker is the man to know on the Blazers. With the ability to pull up and shoot from anywhere on the court, he is one of the most exciting players in college basketball. In UAB’s season opener on Monday, Jelly scored 38 points with ease. Certainly not a negative. The Rockets have won the MAC regular-season title for the past two years in a row. Keep an eye on JT Shumate, as he has been selected to the First Team Preseason All-MAC Team. The last four seasons, out of the last five, Toledo has won at least 20 games.
The fact that a school from the Southeastern Conference is taking part in the inaugural Barstool Sports Invitational this year is awesome. Newly appointed head coach Chris Jans moves to Starkville from New Mexico State, bringing with him a roster that features both returning starters and a large number of transfer students. Tolu Smith, a 6-11 member of the All-SEC Preseason First Team, stands taller than any other player in attendance. Meanwhile, Akron is fresh off a First Round upset near No. 4 UCLA in the NCAA Tournament. This was the Zips’ fifth straight trip to the Big Dance. With Preseason All-MAC members Enrique Freeman and Xavier Castaneda, they have one of the best one-two college basketball punches. An awesome game is in store for you.