Show notes
Griffin Warner and Big East Ben talk CBB weekend hoops action. Best bets as always.
Emilio “Griffin” Warner hosts the Need for Seeds College Basketball Podcast with Big East Ben on the Pregame.com network, diving into early-season NCAA hoops. They recap matchups like Arizona–Florida and Texas–Duke before Ben spotlights IU Indy, calling the Jaguars’ relentless pressing style revolutionary, comparing it to hockey shifts. They discuss the team’s DII coach Ben Howlett and their up-tempo system before previewing major weekend games. First up, Arkansas at Michigan State: Ben favors Izzo’s Spartans for their home-court edge, rebounding, and transition play, noting they were strong ATS and an under team last year. Griffin agrees, citing cohesion and home crowd importance while teasing the under. Next, Alabama vs St. John’s at MSG: Ben praises Patino’s transformed Johnnies, citing balanced offense led by Hopkins, Jackson, and Sellers. Griffin questions the line but sides with home court, both agreeing St. John’s should cover. Their banter wanders through mayoral satire and MSG’s “wine and cheese crowd.” For Oklahoma vs Gonzaga in Spokane, Ben expects OU to hang within 11 points, doubting Gonzaga’s new backcourt of Braden Smith and Adam Miller, though acknowledging a strong frontcourt with E.K. and Grant-Foster. Griffin shares amusement at Miller’s on-court antics and warns against fading the Zags too early, leaning to the over if the Sooners keep pace. Sunday’s neutral-site Marquette–Indiana matchup follows, projected near Indiana -2, total 152. They debate Marquette’s athletic rebuild under Shaka Smart after losing Cam Jones, Joplin, and Mitchell, with Sean Jones and Chase Ross stepping up. Ben predicts a scrappy, defense-driven start and likes the first-half under. Griffin favors Marquette’s athleticism and depth, doubting IU’s cohesion under new coach Darian DeVries, whom Ben criticizes for jumping jobs and holding back his son’s eligibility. They joke about DeVries joining Ben’s “moral shit list,” riff on Dan Dakich, NIL hypocrisy, and even player names. Griffin emphasizes Marquette’s underdog value and crowd support in Chicago, envisioning a close finish. The show closes with betting picks: Ben’s best bet is George Washington +1.5 vs South Florida at Mohegan Sun, fading USF’s transfer-heavy roster. Griffin’s best bet is Michigan State -1 over Arkansas, highlighting home strength and early-season intensity. They plug promo code COLLEGE75 for $75 off season-long picks, encouraging listeners to subscribe through March Madness. The podcast ends with humor, mutual jabs, and gratitude to fans, promising more weekly episodes as college football winds down.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
