Colorado vs. Oklahoma State prediction, pick, odds for college basketball

We’re ready with betting predictions and picks for Saturday’s slate of college basketball action as we head into the Big 12 Conference for the next meeting between the rivals. The Colorado Buffaloes (9-7, 0-5 Big 12) will visit Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-7, 1-4 Big 12) as both teams look to find their footing through this conference schedule. It’s time to continue our college basketball odds series with the Colorado-Oklahoma State prediction and pick.

The Colorado Buffaloes recently fell to Cincinnati 68-62. The loss marked their fifth straight loss as the Buffs have yet to win a Big 12 game this season. Their journey won’t be much easier, playing two of their next three games away from home and entering each competition as betting underdogs.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys lost their last game 85-69 against BIU. They also stormed out of the gate and own the lone win over Kansas State early in their conference schedule. They have an easier upcoming schedule with their next two at home, so the Pokes will be hoping to gain some momentum.

Here’s Colorado-Oklahoma State College basketball oddscourtesy of FanDuel

College Basketball Odds: Colorado State-Oklahoma State Odds

Colorado: +2.5 (-110)

Moneiline: +116

Oklahoma State: -2.5 (-110)

Moneilines: -140

Over: 145.5 (-110)

Under: 145.5 (-110)

How to watch Colorado vs. Oklahoma State

Time: 3:00 PM ET/ 12:00 PM PT

TV: ESPN+, regional coverage

*Watch college basketball LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why Colorado will cover the spread/win

After starting the season with an impressive 9-2 conference record, the Buffaloes really struggled through their first five conference games. They saw two ranked opponents in West Virginia and Iowa State, but lost very winnable games against UCF and Cincinnati. During their last game, they managed to come back in the second half behind striker Bangot Dak as they played with a great sense of urgency down the stretch. However, they had only eight team assists during the game and will definitely need to improve their half court attack.

The Buffaloes are currently shooting more from the field (46%) and from three (34.7%) than their opponent in this one. However, they seriously struggle to prevent teams from moving the ball against them and have been undisciplined in allowing teams to advance on the line. Starting center Elijah Malone will continue to be a game-time decision, so expect Dak to have another impactful game in the paint.

Why Oklahoma State will cover the spread/win

The Oklahoma State Cowboys return home after a bad road loss to BIU. During that game, they were outrebounded 26-38 and gave up too many second chance chances to a BIU team that shot 52% from the field. Fortunately, they return home to enjoy a 6-1 record and have beaten solid teams in Miami and Kansas State. They are 2-1 in the last three meetings against Colorado and have a record of 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.

The Cowboys play a much faster style of basketball and are willing to give up a few baskets to run out in transition. They are also a very athletic team on the defensive side of the ball and won’t allow too many points from the post or paint. The forward duo of Abu Ousmane and Marcellus Avery combine for over 24 PPG, so expect the two to be active in the paint and running the floor in transition again.

Colorado-Oklahoma final forecast and state pick

The Oklahoma State Cowboys own the recent series between these two teams and will have a noticeable home court advantage. Despite their 6-1 home record this season, they were just 1-6 ATS in those games and are 4-12 ATS on the season. Colorado has a slightly better number at 7-9 ATS, but it’s safe to say that neither of these teams has been able to meet the betting odds.

This game will come down to which team can be more accurate out of three and control the color. Both teams feature athletic big guys, but Oklahoma State’s frontcourt has been much better in scoring and I expect them to get to the free throw line on numerous occasions. I also favor the Oklahoma State defense in forcing droughts from Colorado as they have been prone all season.

For our final prediction, we’re going to side with Oklahoma State to win at home in what could be a tight final 10 minutes.

Colorado-Oklahoma State Final Prediction and Pick: Oklahoma State -2.5 (-110)