The first night of the ACC/SEC Challenge featured Florida vs. Duke and UNC vs. Kentucky, and while we don't have marquee blueblood matchups like that on the slate on Wednesday, we still have a plethora of games with betting value.
Also, don't forget about Louisville vs. Arkansas, a top-25 matchup that does own some pizzazz.
Here's our staff's ACC/SEC Challenge picks, including odds and predictions for seven games on Wednesday, December 3.
5 ACC/SEC Challenge Picks
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
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  | 7:15 p.m. | |
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  | 9:15 p.m. | |
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Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NCAAB Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Louisville vs. Arkansas
By Alex Hinton
At Memphis and Kentucky, John Calipari had a lot of success against Louisville, and he enters this matchup with a 19-8 record against the program.
However, this time, Louisville should have the advantage.
Led by the nation's No. 2 offense in adjusted offensive efficiency, Louisville will have the advantage at both ends of the floor. It'll have a decided edge on the glass, where it's punished opponents this season.
While this will be only Louisville's second test away from home, it's proven it can get the job done (10-point victory in Cincinnati). The Cardinals are 5-2 against the spread this season, and I'll be backing them for another cover on Wednesday.
Pick: Louisville -2.5 (Play to -4.5)
Clemson vs. Alabama
By Sean Paul
I'm riding with the underdogs here.
Alabama will get points up, but Clemson is the type of squad that can make things tough on the Tide. The Tigers want to slow the game down, get their bigs involved and dominate the shot-volume battle.
That could keep this game fairly close, even on the road.
Pick: Clemson +12.5 (Play to +8)
NC State vs. Auburn
This spread is sitting at -5.5 at most sportsbooks, and it’s a tricky number. We most likely need free throws to fall late to cover this if we back Auburn.
Auburn isn't particularly great at the free-throw line, but I expect the Tigers to be in the double bonus early on, so at least we'll get two free throws when needed.
Auburn is the better team top to bottom, and with NC State still seemingly figuring things out, I don’t expect it to surprise here. I’ll lay the -5.5, but there won’t be a lot of room for error.
Pick: Auburn -5.5 (Play to -6)
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SMU vs. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt is a team I’ve been looking to back as much as possible. Laying 9.5 might look a little rich, but there are a few reasons I think the Dores can comfortably create separation here.
First is the depth gap. SMU gets almost nothing from its bench — Boopie Miller, Jaron Pierre Jr., B.J. Edwards and Corey Washington basically never leave the floor. Mark Byington, on the other hand, can keep his rotation fresh, going nine deep.
Also, Vanderbilt’s guards have been excellent, especially defensively. I really think they can make life difficult for SMU’s backcourt, forcing turnovers and tougher looks all night.
And then there’s the shot profile. Vanderbilt takes 45% of its attempts from deep compared to just 32% for SMU. Even if the Mustangs find a rhythm offensively and score 80 or so points, it might not be enough to cover against this Vandy group that's in such a rhythm right now.
I like the Dores to get this done at home by double digits.
Pick: Vanderbilt -9.5
Virginia vs. Texas
I like the home team in this one to create some margin in the second half and ultimately cover the number.
Texas impressed me in its three-game showing at the Maui Invitational and it has a bunch of different guys that can get to the rim and score or find the open man.
I also think home court will loom large in this one, and I expect a slower start from Virginia in what should be a good atmosphere in Austin.
Texas is the more experienced team, is playing good basketball right now and is in its own building.
Give me the Horns to win and cover in what should be a fun one.
Pick: Texas -2.5 (Play to -4.5)
