Winthrop vs Middle Tennessee 11/12/22 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and the Winthrop Eagles meet Saturday in college basketball action from Winthrop Coliseum. Middle Tennessee is 1-0 so far after an opener win versus Brescia. As for Winthrop, they’re 1-1 and fresh off a win versus Piedmont. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

Middle Tennessee had a few successes last season, with a 26-11 overall record and a 13-5 record in Conference USA play. The Blue Raiders finished first in the East Division and made it to the championship game of the CBI where they lost to UNC Wilmington. 

In their first action of the 2022-23 season, Middle Tennessee faced Brescia. The Raiders got off to a 36-19 start and closed strong for a 79-52 blowout win. Jestin Porter led the team on 14 points, and Elias King added 10 points with seven boards.
Over on the Winthrop side, they started out the season with a tough matchup versus Penn State. Winthrop trailed by 12 at the break and limped to a 93-68 loss. Kelton Talford led the team on 18 points and seven rebounds. 

In game two versus Piedmont, Winthrop jumped out to a 43-34 halftime lead. The Eagles scored 35 more points in the second during a 78-56 win. Talford doubled up with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Cory Hightower put up 15 points and nine boards. 

PICK: I’m probably going to stay with Middle Tennessee. Granted, the Blue Raiders didn’t exactly face elite competition in their opener versus Brescia, but the team did what they were supposed to do. Middle Tennessee shot 51.6 percent from the field in that one with 46 rebounds and 13 team assists. There’s plenty of room for improvement (27.8 percent 3-point shooting, 17 turnovers, etc.) but the Raiders should be in okay shape here if they start strong.