Prediction UC Davis vs. Washington, odds, college basketball pick

College basketball starts this week and on Tuesday we have a game between UC Davis and Washington. Time to continue our college basketball odds series with a UC Davis-Washington prediction and pick.

Tuesday evening, the UC Davis Aggies travel to Seattle to cope Washington Huskies in an intriguing season opener. The Aggies, coming off a strong 20-13 campaign, return 10 starters, including star guard TY Johnson, a Big West Player of the Year candidate. Johnson’s scoring ability and defensive tenacity will be crucial against a revamped Washington team under new head coach Sean Miller. The Huskies are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and will rely on home field advantage at Alaska Airlines Arena. Look for UC Davis to capitalize on its experienced roster and stingy defense that was the best in the Big West last season against Washington’s new-look offense. This early season match could provide valuable insight into the potential of both teams for the 2024-251 season.

This is UC Davis-Washington College basketball oddscourtesy of FanDuel

College Basketball Odds: UC Davis-Washington Odds

UC Davis: +13.5 (-118)

Money Line: -13.5 (-104)

Washington: +640

Money line: -1000

Over: 144.5 (-110)

Under: 144.5 (-110)

How to Watch UC Davis vs. Washington

Time: 10pm ET / 7pm PST

TV: B1G Network

Stream: fuboTV (Free trial)

Why UC Davis Will Cover The Spread/Win

UC Davis has a great chance to upset Washington on Tuesday night, capitalizing on its experienced roster and defensive prowess against a Huskies team in transition. The Aggies, coming off a solid 20-13 season, return 10 players from last year’s team, including star guard TY Johnson, a Big West Player of the Year candidate. Johnson’s all-around game, which saw him average 17.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 3.25 assists per game last season, makes him a formidable threat that Washington’s new defense he might strive to master it. Additionally, UC Davis boasted the Big West’s best scoring defense last season, and they added even more physicality and length over the summer, suggesting they could stifle Washington’s offense as they adjust to new head coach Sean Miller.

The Aggies’ cohesion and familiarity with each other’s style of play could prove crucial in an early-season matchup against a Washington team still finding its identity. Key contributors like Niko Rocak, who led the Big West in blocks per game during conference play, and Pablo Tamba, who showed significant growth late last season, give UC Davis a strong supporting cast. The Huskies, on the other hand, face the challenges of integrating new players and adjusting to a new coaching philosophy. This transition period could lead to defensive losses and offensive inconsistencies that the well-drilled Aggies can exploit. If UC Davis can control the tempo, capitalize on its defensive strengths and allow Johnson to dictate the offensive flow, they have a real chance to secure a road win to start their 2024-25 campaign.

Why Washington Will Cover Spread/Win

Washington is poised to secure a win over UC Davis in Tuesday night’s season opener. The Huskies, under new head coach Sean Miller, enter a new era with renewed energy and a talented roster. Miller, known for his defensive prowess and ability to maximize a player’s potential, has had an entire offseason to implement his system and culture. The Huskies’ home-court advantage at Alaska Airlines Arena, where they have historically performed well, will provide an added advantage against a UC Davis team that could struggle with the hostile environment.

The Huskies roster, bolstered by key returnees and promising newcomers, should overwhelm UC Davis with their athleticism and depth. Washington’s frontcourt, led by the likes of Keion Brooks Jr. and Franck Kepnang, will likely dominate the paint against the Aggies. Additionally, the Huskies’ perimeter game, with guards like Sahvir Wheeler and Koren Johnson, should provide a dynamic offensive attack that UC Davis could struggle to contain. While the Aggies return experienced players like TY Johnson, it may be difficult for them to match Washington’s size and speed at all positions. With the excitement of a new season and a desire to impress their new coach, expect the Huskies to come out aggressive and secure a convincing win to start their 2024-25 campaign.

UC Davis-Washington Predictions and Final Picks

While Washington enters as a home favorite, covering a 13.5-point margin against UC Davis could prove challenging in this season opener. The Huskies, under new head coach Sean Miller, are still adjusting to a new system and integrating fresh talent. UC Davis, coming off a solid 20-13 season, returns experienced players like TY Johnson who could keep the game competitive. Washington’s superior athleticism and home court advantage should see them through, but UC Davis’ defensive prowess and cohesion could keep the margin closer than expected to cover the spread on the road to start the new season.

UC Davis-Washington Predictions and Final Picks: UC Davis +13.5 (-118), under 144.5 (-110)