NCAAB Picks, Predictions, & Previews

NCAA basketball is the second most popular college sport after football, and it attracts millions of viewers each season. Bettors love getting in on the action, especially during March Madness, the culmination of the NCAAB season. 

Choosing which teams to wager on can be a challenge, as there are far more college teams than there are in the NBA. But, bettors can take their wagers to the next level with a range of NCAAB picks, predictions, and previews. 

Latest Picks and Predictions

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Iowa State Cyclones vs Morgan State Bears Picks and Predictions December 22nd 2024

No. 3 Iowa State Hosts Morgan State in Final Nonconference Tune-Up Iowa State aims to extend its winning streak to seven games as it fine-tunes its game ahead of Big 12 Conference play against a Will Thomas-led Morgan State squad. Cyclones Gearing Up for Big 12 Challenges The No. 3 Iowa State Cyclones (9-1) have one more nonconference hurdle before diving into the rigors of Big 12 play. With a dominant 83-51 victory over Omaha
Missouri coach

Missouri Tigers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Picks and Predictions December 22nd 2024

Missouri Faces Illinois in Braggin’ Rights Matchup Riding a 10-game winning streak, Missouri takes on Illinois in the 42nd consecutive Braggin’ Rights rivalry game on Sunday in St. Louis. Tigers Riding High The Missouri Tigers (10-1) enter the rivalry matchup on a high, having upset then-No. 1 Kansas by nine points two weekends ago. Their 10-game winning streak has been fueled by depth and relentless defensive pressure, with 11 players averaging at least 10 minutes
Badgers Dunking

Wisconsin Badgers vs Detroit Mercy Titans Picks and Predictions December 22nd 2024

Wisconsin Faces Detroit Mercy After Snapping Losing Streak Wisconsin hosts Detroit Mercy on Sunday, seeking to build momentum after ending a three-game skid, while the Titans aim to break a long drought against Big Ten opponents. Wisconsin Looking to Maintain Winning Form The Wisconsin Badgers (9-3) return to Madison feeling optimistic after snapping a three-game losing streak with an 83-74 victory over Butler on Dec. 14. The win showcased Wisconsin’s balanced offensive attack, with four
Cavaliers players

Virginia Cavaliers vs American University Eagles Picks and Predictions December 22nd 2024

Virginia Looks to Rebound Against American The Virginia Cavaliers aim to return to the win column as they host the American Eagles in Charlottesville, Va., on Sunday. Virginia Seeking Stability The Virginia Cavaliers (6-5) are coming off a narrow 64-62 home loss to No. 21 Memphis, their first defeat at John Paul Jones Arena this season. Despite the setback, the Cavaliers saw a standout performance from their lone senior, Taine Murray. Murray matched his career
Colorado Buffaloes vs Bellarmine Knights Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Colorado Buffaloes vs Bellarmine Knights Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Colorado Eyes Defensive Cohesion Against Bellarmine The Colorado Buffaloes (8-2) look to wrap up their nonconference schedule with a win as they host Bellarmine (3-9) on Saturday afternoon in Boulder, Colo. With a perfect 7-0 home record this season, the Buffaloes aim to fine-tune their defensive identity before diving into the challenges of Big 12 play. Buffaloes Building Offensive Identity Colorado lost its top five scorers from last season’s NCAA Tournament squad, leaving a significant
Miami Hurricanes vs Mount St. Mary´s Mountaineers Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Miami Hurricanes vs Mount St. Mary´s Mountaineers Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Miami Looks to Build Momentum Against Mount St. Mary’s After snapping a seven-game losing streak with a decisive 94-75 victory over Presbyterian, Miami is eager to sustain that energy when it hosts Mount St. Mary’s on Saturday afternoon. Hurricanes Seeking Stability Miami (4-7) started the season strong at 3-0 but has since endured a challenging stretch. Despite those struggles, head coach Jim Larranaga is encouraging his players to focus on the present. “It’s a long
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Minnesota Looks to Rebound Against Fairleigh Dickinson in Minneapolis After a challenging two-week stretch, Minnesota (6-5) will return to the court on Saturday afternoon, aiming to snap a two-game losing streak when they host Fairleigh Dickinson (4-9). Gophers Seek Consistency Minnesota enters the matchup eager to move past a pair of tough Big Ten losses: a 90-72 blowout at home against Michigan State on Dec. 4, followed by an 82-67 defeat at Indiana on Dec.
Florida State Seminoles vs Louisville Cardinals Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Florida State Seminoles vs Louisville Cardinals Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Louisville Looks to Regain Form Against Florida State Louisville takes to the road for the second consecutive game, facing Florida State on Saturday in Tallahassee, Fla., as both teams seek a fresh start in Atlantic Coast Conference play. Cardinals in “Rediscovery” Mode Louisville (6-5, 0-1 ACC) is coming off a competitive 93-85 loss to then-No. 5 Kentucky last Saturday. Despite the loss, coach Pat Kelsey has focused on reshaping the team’s approach, especially after injuries
Indiana Hoosiers vs Chattanooga Mocs Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Indiana Hoosiers vs Chattanooga Mocs Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Indiana Looks to Regain Identity Against Chattanooga Indiana will aim to return to its roots of tough defense and strong inside play when the Hoosiers host Chattanooga on Saturday in Bloomington. Focus on Fundamentals After a disappointing 85-68 loss to Nebraska on Dec. 13, Indiana coach Mike Woodson emphasized the need for his team to execute on both ends of the court, especially defensively. The Cornhuskers shot an eye-popping 61.2 percent from the field, while
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Free NCAAB Picks Today

Here are some of our free NCAAB picks you can use. Our handicappers spend hours researching the best NCAAB picks and parlays each week of the season, so your chances of success are higher with our detailed data. 

CBB
2024-12-22 13:00
Final
ILLINOIS
2 PICKS
MISSOURI
CBB
2024-12-22 14:00
Final
DETROIT
3 PICKS
WISCONSIN
CBB
2024-12-22 15:00
Final
OREGON STATE
4 PICKS
COLL OF CHARLESTON

How to Get Expert NCAAB Picks

If you want more college basketball picks, consider signing up for one of our membership tiers. The Starter package starts at $9 per month and grants you access to consensus betting data and picks from some of our skilled handicappers. 

Alternatively, you can browse our selection of handicappers and choose one you like. Then, you can purchase their picks for a one-time fee!

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How to Choose a NCAAB Handicapper


Choosing the right handicapper is crucial for making informed betting decisions. Here are key factors to consider when evaluating handicappers:

Track Record and Transparency

Look for a handicapper with a proven track record of success. A good handicapper will provide detailed records of their past picks, including both wins and losses, so you can verify their consistency over time.

Specialization in NCAAB

Some handicappers excel in specific sports, so it’s important to find one who specializes in NCAA basketball. A handicapper with deep knowledge of NCAAB will be more in tune with the nuances of the sport, including player performances, team dynamics, and betting trends.

Detailed Analysis and Reasoning

The best handicappers don’t just give you picks—they explain why they’re making those picks. Look for those who provide thorough breakdowns of games, covering key stats, matchups, and situational factors that led to their recommendation.

Bankroll Management Guidance

A trustworthy handicapper will also offer advice on managing your bankroll. Whether it’s suggesting unit sizes or providing guidelines for staking based on confidence, they should promote responsible betting practices.

Consistency Over Hot Streaks

Avoid handicappers who promote short-term “hot streaks” without showing long-term consistency. Successful handicappers focus on steady profit over time rather than gambling on high-risk plays to maintain an appearance of success.

Avoid Handicappers Who Promise Guarantees

No one can guarantee wins in sports betting. Be wary of handicappers who promise a certain win rate or “lock” picks. A legitimate handicapper will be upfront about the inherent risks involved in betting.

 

Our Best NCAAB Handicappers

To find our best NCAAB handicappers, use the Leaderboard page when you’re logged into Scores and Stats. Then, using the table, select Basketball, NCAAB, and Lifetime to see our best handicappers. The table is naturally sorted by amount won, but you can sort by win percentage, total bets, and bets won. 

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Tony Finn is one of the highest-rated NCAAB handicappers on our list, with a 73.67% win rate overall. If you click on his name and sort his wagers by Basketball, NCAAB GM, you’ll see the breakdown of his wagers:

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Finn doesn’t place moneylines, instead, he places spread wagers, which have an impressive 78.6% win rate. Consider following his picks for spread wagers on college basketball. 

How Handicappers Find Value on NCAAB Games

Handicappers use a combination of statistical analysis, situational factors, and betting market insights to identify value in NCAA basketball (NCAAB) games. Finding value means pinpointing lines where the betting odds differ significantly from the perceived likelihood of an outcome. Here’s how handicappers approach NCAAB games to find these betting edges:

Advanced Statistical Models

Handicappers often rely on advanced statistical models that break down team and player performance beyond traditional metrics like points per game or win-loss records. They incorporate key metrics such as:

  • Adjusted Offensive and Defensive Efficiency: Measures a team’s scoring and defensive capabilities on a per-possession basis, adjusted for strength of schedule.
  • Pace of Play: The number of possessions a team averages per game. Slower-paced teams tend to have lower-scoring games, which can influence over/under totals.
  • Turnover Ratio and Rebounding Rates: These help in assessing how well a team controls possession, critical in tight games.

By analyzing these statistics, handicappers can better predict how teams will perform against each other, which leads to more accurate game predictions

Betting Market Inefficiencies

The betting public often overvalues well-known teams or high-profile players, leading to inefficient lines. Handicappers look for these moments of public bias and bet on the opposite side. For example, in games involving a highly ranked team, the point spread might be inflated because casual bettors disproportionately back the favorite. Handicappers can find value by taking the underdog in such situations, especially if their statistical models show the line is too generous.

Situational Handicapping

Situational factors also play a crucial role in finding value. NCAAB teams have packed schedules, and handicappers look at things like:

  • Rest vs. Fatigue: Teams playing back-to-back games or coming off a grueling stretch are more likely to underperform.
  • Travel Demands: Long road trips or games played at higher altitudes can affect team performance, giving an edge to the home team.
  • Letdown or Trap Games: If a team has just played a major opponent, they might overlook their next game, making them susceptible to an upset.

Handicappers use these nuances to spot favorable betting opportunities that might not be reflected in the odds

Line Movements and Sharp Money

Tracking line movements is a critical tool for NCAAB handicappers. Early line shifts can reveal where “sharp money”—bets placed by professional bettors—has influenced the market. When a line moves against public betting trends, it may signal that sharp bettors see value. Handicappers can follow this movement to identify where the most knowledgeable bettors are placing their money, allowing them to find value before the market adjusts fully.

KenPom and Other Analytical Resources

Handicappers frequently consult advanced data sources like KenPom, which offers in-depth team rankings and efficiency statistics. By cross-referencing proprietary models with public databases, they can uncover discrepancies that signal value in certain betting markets. Sites like KenPom provide comprehensive breakdowns of a team’s efficiency, tempo, and more, giving bettors a clearer picture of a team’s actual strengths and weaknesses.

NCAAB Picks Consensus

Consensus data can be a valuable tool for NCAAB bettors by providing insight into how the public is betting on a particular game. This data shows the percentage of bets placed on each side, helping bettors gauge where the majority of the money is going. 

Savvy bettors can use consensus data to identify opportunities to go against the public, especially in cases where the betting line has moved due to heavy action on a popular team. By comparing consensus data with their own analysis, bettors can find situations where the public might be overvaluing a favorite or overlooking an underdog, allowing them to make more informed and strategic wagers.

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At Scores and Stats, we’ve partnered with a few sportsbooks to aggregate data about betting trends. This means you have access to consensus data for many NCAAB games, particularly during March Madness. You can easily see how much money is being wagered on spreads, moneylines, and totals, as well as where the sharp money is at. 

NCAAB Odds and Prices

When you sign up at Scores and Stats, you are granted access to the free membership tier. In this tier, you can view the average betting odds and scores for various NCAAB games, accessible from the side menu under Scores and Odds. 

This data is provided by our partner sportsbooks and helps bettors quickly see how lines are shifting without needing to switch tabs or log into their sportsbooks. 

Start Shooting Threes with Our NCAAB Picks

Betting on the NCAAB can be a lot of fun, especially during March Madness. However, choosing the right wagers can be a challenge if you’re not familiar with the ins-and-outs of each team. Thankfully, our team of handicappers brings together years of experience betting on the NCAAB. Use their picks and predictions to make more informed wagers on college basketball today.

WinningCappers, The most trusted name in sports handicapping