I expect the Tigers to play much better defensively to save face after the way they played against Alabama last game. They're still holding their opponents to 28.8 percent shooting from three, the 20th-lowest 3PT% in the nation.

Auburn, too, is defensive-minded. Ranked 13th in schedule-adjusted defensive efficiency, the Tigers give up only 63.2 points per game on 39.2 percent shooting and hold their opponents to the third-worst 3PT% (25.4%). LSU will play better against Auburn than it has recently, but I won't predict an offensive breakout.

In my opinion, a play on the total is the bet to make in this game, and I am confident enough in it to make it my "Best Bet" of the college hoops slate for 1/18.