It’s time for the Hard Rock Bet Play of the Day, and we’re heading back to one of my favorite angles — a familiar coach, a motivated team, and a first-half total that feels just a little too light.
I’m 3-1 so far with the Hard Rock Bet plays, and I’m returning to the spot where it all began: the Creighton Bluejays’ first-half team total.
A Familiar Face on the Opposite Sideline
Creighton faces North Dakota, a college basketball matchup with a little built-in history. Head coach Greg McDermott started his career coaching at North Dakota (then the Fighting Sioux, now the Fighting Hawks), so there’s some natural familiarity and pride involved here.
McDermott’s teams have always been built to shoot, and that’s what makes this game intriguing. Through the early part of the season, the Jays have struggled to find rhythm from beyond the arc, and they’ve heard about it — loudly. Heading into a neutral-site run against Baylor and Iowa State in Las Vegas, this feels like the night to get right.
- The Bet: Creighton Bluejays 1H Team Total Over 45.5 (-104)
Creighton’s full-game team total sits around 91.5 points, but that’s too high in what should become a one-sided game. Instead, the value sits in the first-half number: 45.5 points.
Yes, the Jays are averaging just 41 first-half points so far, and the raw numbers don’t necessarily scream “over.” But the context matters. Against a North Dakota defense they should completely outclass, I’m expecting Creighton to come out focused and shooting confidently.
They’ve been frustrated by poor three-point shooting early in the year, but this offense is designed to live behind the arc — and open looks should be plentiful tonight.
KenPom projects roughly 90 points overall for Creighton, and if they’re going to clear that, the surge likely starts early. I’m betting they find their groove quickly.
The Rest of Today’s Card
- CMU vs. KSU Over 49 (1.1 units) – Expecting both teams to move the ball effectively and find scoring consistency.
- Bruins vs. Ducks 1st Period Over 1.5 (-135) – Fast pace early and plenty of offensive talent on both sides.
- UConn 1H -3.5 vs. Arizona – I like first half the spread here. A heavyweight non-conference battle; the Huskies’ efficiency gives them an edge before halftime.
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