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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VCU Rams vs. Iowa State Cyclones Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 23rd 2023

Under third-year head coach T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State has shined in Thanksgiving-week tournaments. The Cyclones (4-0) are hoping for more of the same when they open against VCU (3-1) on Thursday in the ESPN Events Invitational in Kissimmee, Fla. In Otzelberger’s first season with Iowa State in 2021-22, they knocked off No. 25 Xavier and No. 9 Memphis to win the NIT Season Tip-Off. Last year, the Cyclones took down Villanova and top-ranked North Carolina
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Texas A&M Aggies vs. Penn St. Nittany Lions Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 23rd 2023

Henry Coleman III is putting on a dominating display to start the season for No. 12 Texas A&M. Coleman will look to post his fourth consecutive double-double when the Aggies face Penn State on Thursday afternoon in the opening round of the eight-team ESPN Events Invitational at Kissimmee, Fla. Texas A&M and the Nittany Lions are both off to 4-0 starts as they participate in the three-game event held over four days just south of
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UCLA Bruins vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 22nd 2023

A rematch of an NCAA Tournament West Regional semifinal last season pits No. 11 Gonzaga against UCLA on Wednesday in the fifth-place game of the Maui Invitational. The Bulldogs won the Sweet 16 meeting 79-76 in Las Vegas, erasing a 13-point UCLA halftime lead. Julian Strawther’s 3-pointer with 7.2 seconds remaining put Gonzaga on top, and UCLA’s Tyger Campbell missed on a 3-point attempt at the buzzer. Several key players from that matchup are gone,
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Fresno St. Bulldogs vs. James Madison Dukes Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 22nd 2023

Ranked for the first time in program history, No. 22 James Madison keeps rolling along, extending its charmed run of improbable wins. The Dukes will attempt to remain unbeaten when they oppose Fresno State in the championship game of the Cancun Challenge’s Riviera Division on Wednesday in Mexico. In four of their five wins, James Madison (5-0) has rallied from a second-half deficit. The Dukes did it again on Tuesday in an 82-76 victory over
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Chaminade Silverswords vs. Syracuse Orange Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 22nd 2023

Syracuse and host school Chaminade would like to end their Maui Invitational experience with a victory. Winless through two contests apiece, they will face each other Wednesday in the seventh-place game in Honolulu, which is hosting the tournament as Maui recovers from the devastating wildfire that hit Lahaina in August. The Orange (3-2), after dropping a 73-56 decision to No. 7 Tennessee on Monday, fell 76-57 against No. 11 Gonzaga on Tuesday. Judah Mintz totaled
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Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Purdue Boilermakers Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 22nd 2023

No. 4 Marquette and No. 2 Purdue will bring completely different styles into the championship game of the Maui Invitational on Wednesday in Honolulu. The Golden Eagles use a relentless defense to force opponents into turnovers, while the Boilermakers pound the ball inside to produce points. Marquette (5-0) defeated No. 1 Kansas 73-59 in the second semifinal Tuesday, forcing 18 turnovers from the Jayhawks. Purdue survived a slugfest against No. 7 Tennessee, prevailing 71-67 in
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Kansas Jayhawks vs. Tennessee Volunteers Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 22nd 2023

It might be the third-place game at the Maui Invitational in Honolulu, but the Wednesday contest will feature two highly rated teams as the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks take on the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee (4-1) fell 71-67 to No. 2 Purdue in a physical battle that went down to the final seconds. The Volunteers hit only one of their last seven shots and went almost three minutes before getting scoring until Dalton Knecht
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Wisconsin Badgers vs. Southern Methodist Mustangs Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 22nd 2023

Wisconsin attempts to follow up its most impressive victory of the young season with another dynamic triumph. The Badgers (3-2) overpowered No. 24 Virginia in their tournament opener and now face SMU on Wednesday in the championship game of the Beach Division at the Fort Myers Tip-Off in Florida. Wisconsin dominated the boards in its 65-41 win over the Cavaliers. SMU (4-1) reached the title game with a strong second-half comeback for a 70-58 victory
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Virginia Cavaliers vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 22nd 2023

Virginia was off to a strong start to the season until it found Wisconsin on the same floor. The No. 24 Cavaliers look to pick up from the ruins on Wednesday when they face West Virginia in the consolation game of the Beach Division at the Fort Myers Tip-Off in Florida. Virginia (4-1) played its toughest foe of the season Monday and it wasn’t pretty as Wisconsin notched an overpowering 65-41 victory that included an

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
2024-11-28 12:00
Open
LOUISVILLE
5 PICKS
WEST VIRGINIA
CBB
2024-11-28 14:30
Open
FLORIDA
4 PICKS
WAKE FOREST
CBB
2024-11-28 17:30
Open
MISSISSIPPI
8 PICKS
BYU

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.

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