Best College Basketball Bets Today – Top NCAAB Picks & Odds (Updated Daily)

Florida Atlantic University guard Johnell Davis (1) is seen on the court during a NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game between Tennessee and FAU in Madison Square Garden, Thursday, March 23, 2023.
Image Credit: Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Looking for the best college basketball bets today? You came to the right place! In this article, the Props crew will outline their top NCAAB picks for every day of the season. We mean it! Conference tournament morning games? Yep. March Madness? Of course! A random Friday slate with only Ivy League games? Let’s do it!

Below are our best college basketball bets today. These top NCAAB picks usually come in the form of a spread, total, or even a short moneyline pick. Be sure to check our college basketball betting page for more top selections and individual game write-ups.

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Saturday, April 1

San Diego State vs. Florida Atlantic Under 131.5

This is a matchup between two “under teams”. San Diego State has gone under the total in every NCAA Tournament game so far. The Aztecs are a tough defensive team that ranks top five in defensive efficiency. Florida Atlantic is strong without the ball too, ranking 15th in opponent effective field goal rate. The Owls are also 30th in adjusted defensive efficiency.

We can’t overlook the fact that this is the big stage and will be played in a football stadium. That can sometimes throw off shooters in their first game with that environment.

Add it all up, and the under looks like a strong bet for this Final Four game.

The Pick: Under 131.5 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Previous Results

Overall: 17-20 | -4.58 units

Best NCAAB Bet History

Mar. 26: Texas -4 | loss | -1.1 unit
Mar. 25: Kansas St -2 | loss | -1.1 unit
Mar. 24: Alabama-SD State Under 137 | win | +1 unit
Mar. 23: Gonzaga ML | win | +1.15 units
Mar. 19: Indiana -1.5 | loss | -1.1 unit
Mar. 18: SDSt + Houston ML | win | +1 unit
Mar. 17: Drake ML | loss | -1 unit
Mar. 16: WVU -2.5 | loss | -1.1 unit
Mar. 15: Nevada ML | loss | -1 unit
Mar. 14: Pittsburgh ML | win | +1.2 unit
Mar. 12: Memphis +6 | win | +1 unit
Mar. 10: Indiana -1 | win | +1 unit
Mar. 9: Colorado +9 | loss | -1.05 unit
Mar. 8: Virginia Tech moneyline | loss | -1 unit
Mar. 7: Gonzaga-St. Mary’s over 138 | loss | -1.1 unit
Mar. 6: North Dakota St-South Dakota St Under 140.5 | loss | -1.1 unit
Mar. 5: North Dakota St-South Dakota Under 142.5 | win | +1 unit
Mar. 4: Fordham -1.5 | win | +1 unit
Mar. 3: Arizona State +11.5 | loss | -1.05 unit
Mar. 2: Northwestern -3.5 | loss | -1 unit
Feb. 28: Ball State +9.5 | win | +0.91
Feb. 27: Baylor-OK State under 142.5 | win | +0.91
Feb. 26: Illinois -4.5 | loss | -1 unit
Feb. 25: San Diego State -2.5 | loss | -1 unit
Feb. 24: Nevada -3 | win | +0.91 unit
Feb. 23: Penn State ML | win | +1.26 units
Feb. 22: Kentucky -2.5 | win | +0.91 units
Feb. 21: Indiana ML | loss | -1 unit
Feb. 20: Kansas ML | win | +1.1 unit
Feb. 19: East Carolina +7.5 | loss | -1 unit
Feb. 18: UNC Greensboro -3 | win | +.91 unit
Feb. 17: Dayton & Wyoming ML | loss | -1 unit
Feb. 15: Boise State -3 | loss | -1 unit
Feb. 14: San Jose State +7 | win | +.91 units
Feb. 13: Miami +5.5 | win | +0.95 unit
Feb. 11: Arkansas-Miss St under 130 | loss | -1 unit
Feb. 9: Stanford -3 | loss | -1 unit
Feb. 8: Florida +10.5 | loss | -1 unit
Feb. 7: NC State +7.5 | loss | -1 unit

Where To Place College Basketball Bets

The following sportsbooks have more than enough options to satisfy your NCAAB betting needs. As outlined before, always shop around for the best price when it comes to college basketball bets.

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Best College Basketball Bets Today: Sunday, March 26

Texas -4 (vs. Miami FL)

You could argue that Texas has been the most dominant team in college basketball over the last three weeks. The Longhorns beat Kansas by 16 in the regular season finale. Then they march through the Big 12 Tournament, beating Kansas by 20 in the final. Texas then had relatively comfortable wins over Colgate, Penn State, and Xavier in the NCAA Tournament.

This isn’t a matchup where Texas will take its foot off the gas pedal.

The Longhorns are one of the most balanced teams in the nation. Both Texas and Miami rank in the top 15 for offensive efficiency, but the Longhorns are head and shoulders above the Hurricanes in the defensive rankings: No. 10 vs. 104.

Give credit to Miami for reaching the Elite Eight in back-to-back seasons, but I believe the Hurricanes will come up short once again. Texas is one of the best teams in the nation, and they don’t have any glaring weaknesses. Let’s take the Longhorns to cover the four-point spread.

The Pick: Texas -4 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Saturday, March 25

Kansas Sate -2 (vs. Florida Atlantic)

We reference KenPom.com plenty in this article series. It’s a great reference tool for college hoops. If you go to the matchup page for this game, it suggests FAU has the upper hand, ranking 17th overall compared to 21 for Kansas State. It also has the Owls winning this game outright.

While I understand (and respect) what goes into those rankings and projections, I’m going to disagree here. Kansas State has the “it factor” while playing with a ton of confidence. You could argue the Wildcats are more battle-tested as well. After all, they ran through the gauntlet of the Big 12 then outlasted Kentucky and Michigan State down the stretch of the last two rounds.

Florida Atlantic is no slouch, and its comeback win over Tennessee was impressive. However, I believe Kansas State has more options for late-game execution, led by Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson. This should be a fun one, but ultimately KSU should win and cover the short spread.

The Pick: Kansas State -2 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Friday, March 24

Alabama-San Diego State Under 137

Alabama and San Diego State both profile as strong defensive teams that rank top five in defensive efficiency. The Crimson Tide play fast (6th in tempo), but San Diego State will attempt to slow them down and limit baskets in transition.

Both teams lean towards the under. Alabama has gone 5-1 to the under in its last six games. Keep in mind that five of those were either in the conference or NCAA tournament, so the Crimson Tide have favored the under in that format.

Meanwhile, the Aztecs have gone under the total in 14 of their last 17 games. This is a tried and true “under team” that will attempt to slow the game down to keep within striking distance of Alabama.

Put it all together, and you have a strong pick on under 137 total points.

The Pick: Under 137 total points | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Thursday, March 23

Gonzaga moneyline +115 (vs. UCLA)

In my opinion, this game is a true 50-50 coin flip. Both of these squads are legitimate title contenders, but it feels like Gonzaga can win at the margins. That’s especially true when considering UCLA has injuries in the frontcourt with David Singleton and Adem Bona. Both are listed as questionable, but they’ll probably be less than 100% even if they take the court. That’s key because those players will be tasked with slowing down arguably the best player on the court: Gonzaga forward Drew Timme.

Gonzaga is hot, and I like them to prevail in this game. Go ahead and give me the Zags to win outright at plus-money odds.

The Pick: Gonzaga moneyline | +115 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Saturday, March 18

Moneyline Parlay: San Diego State + Houston (-102)

The second round of the NCAA Tournament starts today, and we have a good ol’ fashioned moneyline parlay in the works. Essentially, we are taking San Diego State and Houston to both win outright, then bundling that into a parlay for -102 odds.

Furman’s win on Thursday was unbelievable. However, let’s be clear about it: Virginia lost that game more than Furman won it. San Diego State has one of the best defenses in college basketball, and the Aztecs are a grind-it-out style of team that usually translates well to the tournament.

Houston and Auburn are both strong defensive teams. However, the Cougars also rank 11th in adjusted offensive efficiency. Simply put, Houston should outscore Auburn with better execution down the stretch. This game won’t be pretty, but that’s how the Cougars like to play. This game will be strength vs. strength and Houston is more than fine with that approach.

Where to bet: San Diego State + Houston | -102 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Thursday, March 16

West Virginia -2.5 (vs. Maryland)

Maryland has been a solid team this season. Correction: Maryland has been a solid team this season at home. The Terrapins went 15-1 in College Park while gaining most of their resume-boosting wins in their home building. Now they are at a neutral site against a battle-tested opponent in a high-pressure tournament atmosphere.

West Virginia has been solid down the stretch, nearly beating Kansas on the road while outlasting Iowa State and Kansas State. The Mountaineers’ length will give the Terps problems, and WVU has a decided advantage in terms of offensive efficiency and rebounding.

Let’s take West Virginia to win this game, cover the spread, and advance to the second round.

Where to bet: West Virginia -2.5 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Wednesday, March 15

Nevada moneyline (vs. Arizona State)

The public seems to be leaning towards Arizona State in this game, as the Sun Devils are the Power 5 option. However, most advantages in this matchup go to the Wolfpack as the underdog. According to KenPom, Nevada has an advantage in several important categories. First off, the Wolfpack rank 61st in offensive efficiency compared to 133rd for Arizona State. Nevada ranks 25th in turnover rate, sixth in free throw percentage, and 44th in defensive rebound rate. Those are key factors when considering this will be a close game with every possession counting.

On the contrary, Arizona State ranks 313th in defensive rebound rate, 288th in free throw percentage, and 308th in effective field goal percentage. Yes, the Sun Devils have a solid defense that ranks 29th overall, but the Wolfpack should be able to outscore ASU down the stretch and win in the margins like rebounding, free throws, and turnovers. Take Nevada.

Where to bet: Nevada moneyline | +120 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Tuesday, March 14

Pittsburgh moneyline +120 (vs. Mississippi State)

This is one of the First Four games played in Dayton, OH with a start time of 9:10 p.m. ET. It feels like the wrong team is favored here, and that’s why I’m rolling with the Pittsburgh moneyline.

Mississippi State has a strong defense that ranks sixth in the nation (per KenPom). However, I don’t believe that’s enough to make up for a lackluster offense, poor free throw shooting, and a high turnover rate. The Bulldogs rank 328th in effective field goal percentage, 257th in turnover rate, 363 in three-point percentage, and 347th in free throw rate. Yikes! That’s not a great recipe when heading into a tight tournament game.

Pittsburgh has the ability to outscore Mississippi State, and there’s a good chance the Panthers will protect the ball much better while sinking free throws (38th in free throw percentage) down the stretch. In other words, Pitt will do all the little things to get this win. The Panthers also have numerous scorers (Burton, Hinson, Cummings, Elliott all average double figures) to crack this Mississippi State defense. One of them is bound to get hot.

Where to bet: Pittsburgh moneyline | +120 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Sunday, March 12

Memphis +6 (vs. Houston)

Houston will probably be the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament regardless of how this game turns out. There’s a good chance Memphis is more motivated to get this win, and the Tigers came close against Houston in both games this season. Memphis lost 64-72 at Houston on Feb. 19 and almost pulled off the upset (67-65) at home on March 5. This is the Tigers chance at redemption.

Memphis is feeling good too, fresh off a 94-54 walloping of Tulane in the previous round. Meanwhile, Houston will limp into this contest with guard Marcus Sasser sustaining a groin injury in yesterday’s game.

We know that Memphis is capable of pulling off the upset or at least keeping it close. I’m expecting the Tigers to bring more energy, and Houston potentially missing Sasser (listed as questionable) and his 17.5 points per game is huge.

Where to bet: Memphis +6 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Friday, March 10

Indiana -1 (vs. Maryland)

Maryland took care of business against Minnesota — the Big Ten’s worst team — with a 70-54 win last night. However, the Terrapins will notice a huge step up in competition against Indiana on Friday.

Maryland has struggled away from home this season. This isn’t a true road game, but we need to consider that the Terps lost four straight games away from home to finish the regular season. Maryland finished just 1-8 on the road in the Big Ten. The Terps’ best wins this season came at home, and they won’t have the luxury of playing in the Xfinity Center on Friday.

Indiana is more battle-tested outside of its own building, and the Hoosiers will have fresher legs for this game. Indiana has been very strong in close games this season, and it will likely need to flex that muscle in this tight contest.

Where to bet: Indiana -1 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Thursday, March 9

Colorado +9 (vs. UCLA)

This game tips off at 3 p.m. ET as part of the Pac-12 Tournament. As it stands, UCLA seems to be heading for a 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, Colorado could give them a proper challenge in this game.

The Buffaloes have been playing quality basketball, which includes a near upset of UCLA (lost 60-56 at home) on Feb. 26. Colorado gets the job done on defense while ranking 19th in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom. In other words, the Buffs can throw UCLA off their game on that side of the floor while trying to shorten this game and hang around.

Where to bet: Colorado +9 | -105 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Wednesday, March 8

Virginia Tech moneyline (vs. NC State)

I’m taking Virginia Tech to notch the outright upset in the second round of the ACC Tournament. Let’s be honest here, this wouldn’t be much of an upset, as these are evenly-matched teams playing on a neutral court.

The Hokies have been playing good basketball as of late, and they hung on to beat Notre Dame 67-64 last night. I’m not worried about Virginia Tech playing on a back-to-back in this spot, as it could serve as a small advantage to being more familiar with the arena/court.

Virginia Tech has the motivational edge here too. The Hokies’ season would end with a loss. That’s not necessarily true for NC State, as most bracket experts have the Wolfpack making the Big Dance regardless of what happens in this ACC Tournament.

Where to bet: Virginia Tech moneyline | +130 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Tuesday, March 7

Gonzaga-St. Mary’s Over 138

Gonzaga has the best offense in the nation, and the Zags play relatively fast while ranking 43rd in adjusted tempo. St. Mary’s plays much slower (359th in tempo), but the Gaels have run with Gonzaga in two meetings this season. St. Mary’s won the first matchup 78-70 at home (148 total points), and Gonzaga took the second matchup by a score of 77-68 for 145 total points.

This conference tournament game on a neutral site has a chance to be “tighter” than those regular season contests, but this feels like an overreaction. St. Mary’s and BYU combined for 145 total points in the West Coast Tournament game yesterday, and now the Gaels are taking on the best offense in the country. Take the over!

Where to bet: Gonzaga-St. Mary’s over 138 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Monday, March 6

North Dakota State-South Dakota State Under 140.5

We cashed North Dakota State-South Dakota Under 142.5 on Sunday. The same rationale applies to NDSU’s next game in the Summit League Tournament.

These teams split this total in two meetings this season, as the first matchup was 65-59 and the second was 90-85. It feels like we’ll get something closer to the former on Monday night.

Neither side plays fast, as South Dakota State ranks 223rd in adjusted tempo and NDSU is 145th. Both teams went under the total in their first Summit League Tournament game, and now they are playing on short rest. This game should be highly competitive at both ends, and we could see tired legs (and missed jumpers) down the stretch.

Where to bet: NDSU-South Dakota State Under 140.5 | -110 at BetMGM

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Sunday, March 5

North Dakota State-South Dakota Under 142.5

This game tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET, and the total is way too high. Let’s consider the following points:

  • The first time these two teams met (Jan. 7), they combined for 134 points.
  • The second time these two teams met (Feb. 2), they combined for 133 points.
  • South Dakota ranks 241st in tempo and NDSU is 145th.

Now we are in a tournament setting, so I’m expecting both teams to come out with energy on defense and play somewhat “tighter” with a low-scoring game. Go ahead and take the under.

Where to bet: NDSU-South Dakota Under 142.5 | -110 at BetMGM

Best College Basketball Bets Today: Saturday, March 4

Fordham -1.5 (vs. Duquesne)

I’m not sure why the spread is so small here. Fordham has been a very strong team at home this season, holding a 17-2 record in its own building. That includes five straight wins, even beating one of the top teams in the conference (St. Louis) by 10 points.

Fordham beat Duquesne on the road earlier this season (Jan. 21) by a score of 65-58. The Dukes have won six of their last eight games, but the competition hasn’t necessarily been strong. In fact, Duquesne is 1-3 against the top four teams in the Atlantic 10 — which includes Fordham.

This line seems off, and the best place to bet Fordham -1.5 is BetMGM for -105 odds. Let’s go ahead and lay 1.05 units to win 1 unit.

Where to bet: Fordham -1.5 | -105 at BetMGM


More College Basketball Betting Resources

Be sure to check out our College Basketball Betting Guide and step-by-step instructions on How To Fill Out A March Madness Bracket when the time comes.

You can find the best online sports betting bonuses available in your state with the following guides: