NCAA College Basketball Picks and Predictions

UCLA at Maryland odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s UCLA at Maryland odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The UCLA Bruins (11-4, 2-2 Big Ten) and Maryland Terrapins (11-4, 1-3) tussle Friday in College Park. The opening tip at the XFINITY Center will be at 8 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the UCLA vs. Maryland odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

California-Los Angeles opened its season with 10 wins in its first 11 games, albeit in a low-stress stretch of its schedule. Since then, the Bruins have lost 3 of their last 4 games. UCLA, tabbed No. 21 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, is also 1-3 against the spread (ATS) in those last four games. A ball-hawking style of defense has helped the Bruins force turnovers on 23% of their opponents’ possessions (per sports-reference.com); that figure ranks second in the nation.

Maryland has also been solid on defense. The Terrapins had allowed just 62.4 points per game in going 8-1 from Nov. 19-28, but UM has since dropped 2 straight games (1-1 ATS). The Terps’ recent losses were both on the road; they head into Friday on a 6-game home-floor win streak.

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UCLA at Maryland odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 11:41 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: UCLA +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Maryland -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): UCLA +4.5 (-105) | Maryland -4.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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UCLA at Maryland picks and predictions

Prediction

Maryland 73, UCLA 67

Moneyline

No interest. PASS.

Against the spread

UCLA is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 road games. Maryland has some advanced-stats figures trending the wrong way of late, but the home hardwood factor should loom large in this contest and the Terrapins have some answers for what the Bruins like to do in forcing turnovers.

Peg UM as the better rebounding squad, and with a top-third pace the Terps fit as comps with the Michigan Wolverines and North Carolina Tar Heels, which have recently logged ATS wins against UCLA.

On a sliver of a lean, BACK MARYLAND -4.5 (-115).

Over/Under

The total has gone Over in 5 of UCLA’s last 6 games on the road and in 5 of Maryland’s last 7 games at home.

Expect enough tilt coming in transition ball and on rebound put-backs to tick the combined score higher than this total. The Bruins have played some slightly faster games of late, and the Terps will likely want to leverage their tempo as an advantage.

TAKE THE OVER 137.5 (-115).

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UC Irvine at Cal State Northridge odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s UC Irvine at Cal State Northridge odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The UC Irvine Anteaters (13-2, 3-0 Big West) travel to meet the Cal State Northridge Matadors (11-4, 3-1) Thursday. Tip-off at Premier America Credit Union Arena is set for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the UC Irvine vs. Cal State Northridge odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Keep a close eye on this game Thursday. The NHL postponed Wednesday’s game between the Calgary Flames and LA Kings due to the terrible wildfires in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Northridge is just 30 miles west of one of the hardest hit areas, Altadena, and just 20 miles north of the Pacific Palisades area, another location which has been heavily affected. Rest in peace to those lost in the blazes, and thoughts and prayers to those dealing with this ongoing disaster.

If this game does take place, UCI has won and covered 3 in a row to vault to the top of the Big West standings. The Under is 3-1 in the past 4 games, too. The Anteaters are on a 10-4 against-the-spread (ATS) run in the previous 14 contests, while the Under is also 10-4 this season.

For CSUN, it has won 4 in a row, while covering the previous 3 outings. The Matadors are 9-3 ATS in the past 12 games, too. The Mats have hit the Over in 3 of the past 5 games, although the Under is 3-0 in 3 home games to date.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

UC Irvine at Cal State Northridge odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 10:55 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): UC Irvine -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Cal State Northridge +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
Against the spread: UC Irvine -3.5 (-110) | Cal State Northridge +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 147.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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UC Irvine at Cal State Northridge picks and predictions

Prediction

UC Irvine 76, Cal State Northridge 69

Moneyline

Backing UC Irvine (-175) will cost you nearly 2 times your potential return, which is just a little too expensive for a standalone wager. However, if you were to toss the Anteaters into a multi-leg parlay, that is perfectly acceptable and not priced out of line.

AVOID.

Against the spread

UC IRVINE -3.5 (-110) is worth playing lightly. The Anteaters have won 9 of the past 10 meetings in this series since Feb. 7, 2018, while going 3-1 ATS in the past 4 since Jan. 14, 2023. That includes 3 covers as favorites, including twice by double digits.

Cal State Northridge +3.5 (-110) has covered 3 in a row, so don’t get carried away backing UCI. CSUN is a very respectable 9-4 ATS in 13 games with a spread this season.

Over/Under

UNDER 147.5 (-110) is the lean in this Big West clash, just don’t get carried away.

The Under has hit in 3 of the past 4 games for the Anteaters, who have allowed 70 or fewer points in 3 of those outings and 8 of the past 10 games.

For the Matadors, the Under has a slight 4-3 edge in the past 8 games, with the Mats allowing 65 or fewer points in each of the past 4 outings.

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Washington at Michigan State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Washington at Michigan State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Washington Huskies (10-5, 1-3 Big Ten) visit the Michigan State Spartans (12-2, 3-0) Thursday. Tip-off at Breslin Center in East Lansing is set for 8 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Washington vs. Michigan State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Huskies lost 81-77 at home Sunday against the Illinois Fighting Illini, but Washington was able to pick up the cover as a 7-point underdogs as the Over (154.5) cashed.

Washington is just 4-4 straight up (SU) across the past 8 games, but it is 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in the past 6 outings, while cashing at an 8-2 ATS pace in the previous 10 contests. The Over is on a 6-1 run in the past 7 games, too.

The Spartans won 69-62 Friday at the Ohio State Buckeyes as a 2.5-point underdog as the Under (149.5) connected. Michigan State has won 6 in a row since a loss Nov. 26 against the Memphis Tigers, and it is 6-1 ATS in the win streak, too. The Under has cashed in 3 in a row.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Washington at Michigan State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 6:54 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Washington +650 (bet $100 to win $650) | Michigan State -1100 (bet $1,100 to win $100)
Against the spread: Washington +14.5 (-115) | Michigan State -14.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 146.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Washington at Michigan State picks and predictions

Prediction

Michigan State 78, Washington 66

Moneyline

You can’t back Michigan State (-1100) at home, even as part of a multi-leg parlay, as risking 11 times your potential return just has no real value. In other words, you must risk $100 for every $9.09 of profit. That’s an insane amount of risk for not nearly enough return.

AVOID.

Against the spread

WASHINGTON +14.5 (-115) has managed a respectable 10 covers to date, and it has been awfully pesky. While the Dawgs have just 1 victory in 4 tries in conference play, it is 3-1 ATS inside the Big Ten so far. The Huskies are 5-1 ATS in the past 6 games, too, while going 8-2 ATS across the previous 10 contests.

Michigan State -14.5 (-105) is 6-1 ATS in the past 7 tries, so there is some risk backing the visitors. Still, Washington has covered both of its past 2 games as an underdog since Nov. 27, too.

Over/Under

UNDER 146.5 (-110) is a solid play in East Lansing.

The Under has hit in the past 3 games for Sparty, allowing 62 points in each of the past 2 victories. The Under is 7-3 across the previous 10 contests, too.

For the Huskies, though, the Over has hit in 6 of the past 7 games, so be careful. However, Washington should have trouble trying to solve Michigan State’s suffocating D.

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Purdue at Rutgers odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Purdue at Rutgers odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Purdue Boilermakers (11-4, 3-1 Big Ten) visit the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (8-7, 1-3) Thursday in Piscataway, N.J. The opening tip at Jersey Mike’s Arena will be at 6 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Purdue vs. Rutgers odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Purdue is No. 19 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll. The Boilermakers last played Sunday, clocking an against-the-spread (-6.5) victory against Northwestern. Purdue continued a hot shooting streak from beyond the arc in the 79-61 triumph over the Wildcats. The Boilermakers went 8-of-20 from distance and have connected on 38.2% of their 3s since Nov. 29.

Rutgers had a 6-game home winning streak snapped Monday against the Wisconsin Badgers. The 1.5-point-underdog Knights were outshot by a wide margin in a 75-63 defeat. Rutgers shot a season-low 34.2% (vs. UW’s 54.4% mark), and the loss marked Rutgers’ third in its last 4 games.

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Purdue at Rutgers odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 6:09 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Purdue -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Rutgers +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Purdue -1.5 (-115) | Rutgers +1.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 149.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Purdue at Rutgers picks and predictions

Prediction

Purdue 77, Rutgers 74

Moneyline

No interest. PASS.

Against the spread

Rutgers has covered the spread in just 12 of its last 33 games.

Purdue is the more efficient team at both ends of the floor, and the Boilermakers have found consistency in getting good looks while protecting the ball better over recent games. Rutgers likely cedes too much of a perimeter-shooting advantage to the visitors in this one. Against the number, Rutgers has dropped 3 straight at home, and PURDUE -1.5 (-115) is the value side of this Thursday contest.

Over/Under

The Over is 3-1 in Purdue’s last 4 games and 4-1 across the Boilermakers’ last 5 on the road. The last 12 series meetings have produced a 9-3 mark for the Over.

Both sides excel in getting to the charity stripe, and while Purdue and Rutgers are just average in collecting offensive rebounds, both are highly effective in getting second-chance points. Purdue has been excellent from distance; its 39.6% mark from bonus distance ranks 10th in the nation. And the Boilermakers have filed excellent shooting numbers away from home.

BET THE OVER 149.5 (-105).

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Oregon at Ohio State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Oregon at Ohio State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 17 Oregon Ducks (13-2, 2-2 Big Ten) visit the Ohio State Buckeyes (10-5, 2-2) Thursday. Tip-off at Schottenstein Center in Columbus is set for 6 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Oregon vs. Ohio State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Ducks rebounded from a 109-77 beatdown from the Illinois Fighting Illini on Jan. 2, posting an 83-79 victory over the Maryland Terrapins last time out on Sunday. However, Oregon is just 2-4 against the spread (ATS) in the past 6 outings, while the Over has hit in 4 of the past 6 games, too.

The Buckeyes held on for an 89-88 win in 2 OT at the Minnesota Golden Gophers last time out on Monday. Ohio State is 4-1 straight up (SU) in the past 5 outings, while going 3-2 ATS in the span. The Over and Under have alternated in the past 6 outings since Dec. 14.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Oregon at Ohio State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 5:58 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Oregon +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Ohio State -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread: Oregon +3.5 (-115) | Ohio State -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 150.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Oregon at Ohio State picks and predictions

Prediction

Oregon 76, Ohio State 73

Moneyline

OREGON (+125) is worth a look as short ‘dogs on the road, as the ranked visitors are a nice value.

The Ducks have won both of their true road games to date, including a conference game at USC on Dec. 4 in a 68-60 win as 6-point favorites.

While Ohio State (-150) found a way to win last time out at Minnesota, the Buckeyes didn’t play particularly well.

Against the spread

OREGON +3.5 (-115) is worth a look if you’re like a little bit of wiggle room.

The Ducks are just 2-4 ATS in the past 6 games, but they’re 6-4 ATS across the previous 10 outings.

Ohio State -3.5 (-105) has failed to cover in the past 2 games, and it is just 4-5 ATS across the previous 9 outings.

Over/Under

UNDER 150.5 (-110) is worth playing, but be careful. Go with a half-unit play at most.

The Over has cashed in 3 of the past 5 games for the Buckeyes, alternating the Over and Under in the past 6 contests. The Over hit in the 2 OT win in Minnesota last time out.

For the Ducks, they’ve cashed high on the total in 4 of the past 6 outings, while hitting in 7 of the past 11 contests.

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San Diego at Gonzaga odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s San Diego at Gonzaga odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The San Diego Toreros (4-12, 1-2 WCC) face the No. 18 Gonzaga Bulldogs (12-4, 3-0) Wednesday. Tip-off from McCarthey Athletic Center is set for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the San Diego vs. Gonzaga odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

San Diego has lost 8 of 9, recently suffering an 81-54 defeat at Oregon State Saturday. The Toreros didn’t cover as 15.5-point underdogs and the Under (140.5) cashed. G Tony Duckett was the only starter to score in double figures, finishing with 12 points, while G Joey Chammaa added 10 points off the bench. G Kjay Bradley Jr., who scored 9 points in the loss, leads the Toreros with 15.4 points per game (PPG).

The Zags dispatched of Loyola Marymount Saturday 96-68, covering as 15.5-point road favorites as the Over (153) hit. F Graham Ike had a game-high 27 points with 9 boards, and G Khalif Battle finished with 26 points. Ike leads the Bulldogs with 16.4 PPG and 6.9 RPG. Gonzaga has won 3 straight after a 65-62 loss to No. 21 UCLA on a neutral floor Dec. 28 — the Bruins were unranked at the time.

Gonzaga has won the last 18 head-to-head contests — San Diego last beat the Zags in 2014.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

San Diego at Gonzaga odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 3:27 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Off the board
Against the spread (ATS): San Diego +30.5 (-115) | Gonzaga -30.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 155.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

FanDuel Sportsbook lists a ML of:

San Diego +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)
Gonzaga -50000 (bet $50,000 to win $100)

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San Diego at Gonzaga picks and predictions

Prediction

Gonzaga 99, San Diego 71

Moneyline

Gonzaga’s ML price (-50000) is way too high. The safest prop bet I see is GRAHAM IKE OVER 7.5 REBOUNDS (-105).

Ike has 8 or more boards in 4 of the last 5 games, and in the one he failed to do so, he played just 17 minutes.

Against the spread

San Diego had a 4-game cover streak snapped in the 27-point loss as 15.5-point underdogs at Oregon State.

However, I’m still not willing to give Gonzaga 30 to munch on. The Zags are just 3-7 ATS over the last 10 outings, including 1-4 ATS at home during the stretch.

While Gonzaga has won the last 18 vs. San Diego, the Bulldogs are just 2-8 ATS in the last 10 vs. the Toreros.

TAKE SAN DIEGO +30.5 (-115).

Over/Under

San Diego is just 3-6 O/U in its last 9, and Gonzaga is 6-4 O/U in its last 10.

These teams have played 10 times since 2019 with the Over going 7-3, including 5-0 in the last 5.

BET OVER 155.5 (-110).

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Air Force at San Diego State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Air Force at San Diego State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Air Force Falcons (3-11, 0-3 MWC) meet the San Diego State Aztecs (9-3, 2-1) Wednesday. Tip-off at Viejas Arena is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Air Force vs. San Diego State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Falcons head into this one looking to halt a 4-game losing skid. Air Force lost to Wyoming 70-65 as a 3-point home underdog last time out on Saturday as the Over (129) hit. It is just 1-7 straight up (SU) in the past 8 games, while going 3-5 against the spread (ATS). The Over has cashed in 4 in a row, with Air Force allowing 77 or more points in 3 of those outings.

The Aztecs surprised Boise State with a 76-68 road win as 4.5-point underdogs Saturday while the Over (136.5) cashed. San Diego State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games, including neutral-floor wins over Houston, 73-70 in OT, Nov. 30, as well as against Cal, 71-50, Dec. 21. The Over is 5-3 across the past 8 games.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Air Force at San Diego State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 11:05 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Air Force +1400 (bet $100 to win $1,400) | San Diego State -5000 (bet $5,000 to win $100)
Against the spread: Air Force +19.5 (-110) | San Diego State -19.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 131.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Air Force at San Diego State picks and predictions

Prediction

San Diego State 77, Air Force 53

Moneyline

It should go without saying, but San Diego State (-5000) is a ridiculous bet. You’d have to risk $50 for every $1 in profit.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

SAN DIEGO STATE -19.5 (-110) is a much better play laying the points.

The Aztecs are a strong team just on the brink of the rankings, sitting at No. 34 in the KenPom rankings, while posting a 2-3 SU record in Quad 1 games with victories over Houston and Boise State.

Air Force +19.5 (-110) cannot be trusted. It has lost 2 in a row, while also failing to cover those games. That includes a 19-point loss to UNLV at home on New Year’s Eve. The Falcons are just 3-5 ATS in the past 8 games, too.

Over/Under

UNDER 131.5 (-110) is worth a look, but proceed with caution. Go with a half-unit play at most.

The Over is 4-0 in the past 4 games for Air Force, allowing 77 or more points in 3 of the previous 4 outings. That’s concerning, especially since it allowed 81 to Northern Colorado Dec. 16.

However, San Diego State has cashed low in 3 of the past 5 games, and this is a team which has scored 76 or fewer points in 4 of those 5 outings. The Aztecs are much more methodical on offense, and they will slow the pace considerably against a team they should be able to control from the jump.

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Notre Dame at NC State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Notre Dame at NC State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-7-1, 1-2 ACC) and NC State Wolfpack (8-6, 1-2) clash in a Wednesday battle. Tip time at Lenovo Center in Raleigh will be at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Notre Dame vs. NC State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Notre Dame totes back-to-back losses into this midweek tussle in Raleigh. In the most recent of those games (Saturday), the Irish were downed 74-73 by North Carolina. A 3.5-point-underdog Notre Dame five led contest for nearly 25 minutes and at 3 separate marks over the middle minutes led by 11. North Carolina shot over 50% from the field, and the Irish have yielded a 54.8% mark over their last 2 games.

North Carolina State has also lost its last 2. On Saturday, the Wolfpack lost to favored-by-5.5 Wake Forest 77-59. NCSU is 1-3 straight up and 1-3 against the spread (ATS) over its last 4.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Notre Dame at NC State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Notre Dame +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | NC State -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
Against the spread: Notre Dame +2.5 (-105) | NC State -2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 138.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Notre Dame at NC State picks and predictions

Prediction

NC State 71, Notre Dame 69

Moneyline

No interest. PASS.

Against the spread

UND has won 4 in a row in this series.

Notre Dame has the more efficient offense, but can it play to an advantage on road hardwood? That’s been a problem for the Irish in the first 2 months of the season.

NCSU has played the lesser schedule so far. Some key advantages that were on display against lesser foes have evaporated in Quad I and Quad II games. The Wolfpack have played 7 such games and are 1-6 ATS in that set.

On just a sliver of a lean in what figures as a taut ACC battle, BACK NOTRE DAME +2.5 (-105).

Over/Under

Both clubs play at slower-than-average tempos, and NC State, in particular has really grinded things to a halt against tougher foes. But peg this number as being too much of an overreaction by the betting public.

The Wolfpack figure to be able to keep this game close throughout with some point spiral coming in transition action off turnovers and at the line. And both fives are regression-defending-3s candidates. Their top-60 3-point defense rates don’t hold up to analytics scrutiny.

BACK THE OVER 138.5 (-105).

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Arizona State at Kansas odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Arizona State at Kansas odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Arizona State Sun Devils (10-3, 1-1 Big 12) and the No. 12 Kansas Jayhawks (10-3, 1-1) meet Wednesday. Tip-off from Allen Fieldhouse is set for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Arizona State vs. Kansas odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Arizona State cruised to an 81-61 win over the Colorado Buffaloes Saturday, covering as a 5.5-point home favorite. The Under (142.5) hit, as the Sun Devils locked down defensively, holding the Buffaloes to just 12.5% (3-for-24) shooting from beyond the arc. G BJ Freeman led the scoring with 19 points while F Jayden Quaintance posted a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals.

Kansas dominated the UCF Knights 99-48 Sunday as a 5-point road favorite. The Under (149.5) hit as the Jayhawks controlled the inside, outrebounding UCF 63-32 and outscoring it 62-10 in the paint. C Hunter Dickinson led the way with 27 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

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Arizona State at Kansas odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Arizona State +800 (bet $100 to win $800) | Kansas -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Arizona State +14.5 (-110) | Kansas -14.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Arizona State at Kansas picks and predictions

Prediction

Kansas 74, Arizona State 65

Moneyline

PASS.

Kansas (-1400) is a tough out in Allen Fieldhouse, having won 71 of its last 73 against non-AP ranked opponents. Despite that, the Sun Devils will give it a game, which is why I’ll take my wager to the spread.

Against the spread

BET ARIZONA STATE +14.5 (-110).

Arizona State may not be the favorite, but it has been playing some solid basketball lately, winning 8 of its last 10 games. The Sun Devils have been close to Kansas in terms of scoring, with just a 2-point difference in points per game (PPG). Arizona State has covered in 9 of its last 12 games, while Kansas is 3-3 ATS in its last 6.

One of Arizona State’s strengths is its balance; 4 players score in double figures, providing more offensive options than Kansas. Its defense has also been solid with a 100.9 defensive rating. It holds opponents to just 29.7% from 3 and shoots 37.6% from deep, the 3rd-best mark in the Big 12.

A key matchup could be in the post. Very few teams have someone to challenge Dickinson, but Arizona State has C Shawn Phillips Jr., a 7-footer who can eat up minutes and provide some resistance. The Sun Devils also have length with leading scorer F Basheer Jihad, who averages 13.5 PPG and stands 6-foot-9.

Kansas is the stronger team overall, but Arizona State is a scrappy, well-balanced squad that could make this game closer than expected.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 142.5 (-115).

The trends point to the Under in this matchup. Kansas has gone Under in 12 of its 13 games, while Arizona State has hit the Under in 6 straight. The Jayhawks allow just 64.3 PPG, and both teams hold opponents to under 30% shooting from beyond the arc. With strong defenses, the Under is a solid play.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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UConn at Villanova odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s UConn at Villanova odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The UConn Huskies (12-3, 4-0 Big East) and Villanova Wildcats (10-5, 3-1) tussle Wednesday in Philadelphia. The opening tip at Finneran Pavilion will be at 6:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the UConn vs. Villanova odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Connecticut, which is No. 10 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, squeaked by the Providence Friars in its last game Sunday at home. The favored-by-14.5 Huskies won 87-84. Efficient perimeter shooting has led UConn to an 8-0 mark since it lost 3 straight games in late-November. The Huskies have shot 38.2% from distance over those last 8 games.

Villanova played its last game on Saturday, and the Wildcats tallied a season-high in scoring in a 100-56 rout of the 9-point-underdog DePaul Blue Demons. VU went 16-of-27 (59.3%) from beyond the arc; since Nov. 27, the Wildcats have gone 7-1 while shooting 44.2% on 3s.

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UConn at Villanova odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 8:22 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: UConn -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Villanova -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): UConn -1.5 (-105) | Villanova +1.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 146.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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UConn at Villanova picks and predictions

Prediction

Villanova 73, UConn 72

Moneyline

Villanova is on an excellent trend line, and early-season misfires look to be far back in the rearview mirror. The Wildcats are a veteran team that has acted accordingly at home.

UConn is perhaps overrated in being ranked at all. The Huskies and Wildcats are statistically and stylistically very similar, and VILLANOVA -105 is the value side of this midweek Big East clash.

Against the spread

A level-price +1.5 play (-110 on the outlay) would be worth a look. PASS otherwise.

Over/Under

These are 2 bottom-third squads when it comes to tempo, and recent series meetings totaled in the 130s have hit the Under.

Both teams take care to avoid turnovers and neither figures to crank out a slew of looks at the foul line. The Huskies and Wildcats both bomb it from 3-point-land and have highly efficient offenses. But both figure as due some regression on the shooting front.

In regular-season VU home games when the Wildcats are tabbed as underdogs, the Under has won 4 straight and is 6-1 since 2019.

Consider a partial-unit bet on the UNDER 146.5 (-105).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

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