Griffin Warner and Big East Ben talk CBB weekend betting. The guys also give out best bets and preview the biggest games.

CBB Weekend Preview + Best Bets (February 14, 2025) – Summary

Introduction (0:14 - 1:31)

Host Griffin Warner and co-host Big East Ben introduce the latest episode of the Need for Seeds College Basketball Podcast, presented by Pregame.com. They reflect on last week's best bets, with Big East Ben going 0-2, though their season record remains strong (22-13, 63% overall). Ben's personal record is 11-7 (61%), while Griffin leads at 11-6 (65%). They discuss key takeaways from the UCLA vs. Illinois game and Creighton's struggles, including Liam McNeely's 38-point, 10-rebound performance.

Discussion on UConn & Creighton (1:32 - 4:57)

Big East Ben criticizes UConn’s play, suggesting they might suffer an early tournament exit due to turnover issues and poor defensive matchups. He also slams Alex Karaban, calling him the worst preseason All-American of all time.

Warner counters, noting UConn’s late-season peaks, improved health, and their win at Creighton, despite foul trouble and injuries. However, both hosts agree UConn’s success is unsustainable if they rely on two players.

Game Previews & Best Bets

• Wisconsin is 9-2 against the spread (ATS) on the road and leads the Big Ten in three-point shooting.
• Purdue relies on interior scoring (highest two-point FG distribution in Big Ten).
• Defensive battle: Purdue has the 2nd-best defense, Wisconsin 3rd-best in Big Ten.
• Big East Ben’s pick: Under 149.5 points due to defensive dominance.
• Griffin Warner’s pick: Purdue -5, citing their dominance at home.

• San Diego State is 2-8 ATS at home and struggles defensively without fouling (304th in free throw rate).
• Boise State is #2 in Mountain West in free throw attempts and shoots 75-76% from the line.
• Big East Ben’s pick: Boise State +1.5, citing their free-throw advantage and rebounding.
• Griffin Warner’s pick: San Diego State -1.5, believing their home-court respect will hold.

• Arizona relies on inside scoring (43rd in two-point FG %) but struggles with three-point shooting (276th in the nation).
• Houston has the 3rd-best two-point defense in the country and forces turnovers.
• Big East Ben’s pick: Houston -1.5, citing defensive edge and rebounding.
• Griffin Warner’s pick: Arizona +1.5, trusting their home-court strength.

• Illinois lost by 2 at Michigan State earlier despite their best player fouling out in 8 minutes.
• Michigan State lacks shooting and struggles against zone defenses.
• Big East Ben’s pick: Illinois -6, predicting a dominant win.
• Griffin Warner’s pick: Illinois -6, doubting Michigan State’s resilience.

• Alabama is a 2.5-point home favorite, but Auburn is statistically the most talented team.
• Auburn's top-ranked offense faces Alabama’s No. 2-ranked offense (KenPom ratings).
• Big East Ben’s pick: Under 172.5, expecting tight defense in a high-stakes game.
• Griffin Warner’s pick: Alabama -2.5, trusting their home advantage.

Best Bets & Promo Code (30:27 - 37:08)

• Big East Ben’s Best Bet: SMU -7.5 vs. Wake Forest (SMU dominates weak ACC teams at home).
• Griffin Warner’s Best Bet: Furman -2 vs. UNC Greensboro (Furman undervalued in the market).
• Promo Code: Slam25 for $25 off a college basketball season subscription at Pregame.com.

Final Thoughts

The episode wraps with banter about betting, personal life, and college basketball trends. They remind listeners to tune in as March Madness approaches and encourage responsible betting.

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