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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UCLA Bruins vs. Oregon St. Beavers Pick & Prediction FEBRUARY 1st 2024

UCLA’s once rocky season has taken a turn for the better with three victories in the past four games as Oregon State pays a visit to Los Angeles on Thursday. UCLA coach Mick Cronin noted Tuesday that from his perspective, the team “should be sitting on four in a row.” The lone setback in the stretch for the Bruins (9-11, 4-5 Pac-12) came in a 77-71 loss Jan. 20 at Arizona, when they led by
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Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Stanford Cardinal Pick & Prediction FEBRUARY 1st 2024

The Arizona State Sun Devils host the Stanford Cardinal on Thursday in Tempe, Ariz., with both teams trying to find momentum. Stanford (10-9, 5-4 Pac-12) has gone 5-3 since losing to the Sun Devils 76-73 on Dec. 29 after holding a 12-point lead in the second half. The Cardinal led ASU for all but the last 31 seconds of that game. The Sun Devils (11-9, 5-4) are 4-4 since the first meeting, including losing four
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Arizona Wildcats vs. California Golden Bears Pick & Prediction FEBRUARY 1st 2024

Caleb Love is on a hot streak as No. 11 Arizona looks to complete a season sweep of California when the teams play Thursday night in Tucson, Ariz. The Wildcats (15-5, 6-3 Pac-12) had an easy time against the Bears (8-12, 4-5) in each team’s conference opener on Dec. 29 in Berkeley, Calif. Arizona never trailed and delivered an early knockout, leading by as many as 31 points in the first half en route to
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Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Wisconsin Badgers Pick & Prediction FEBRUARY 1st 2024

If one wants to know why No. 6 Wisconsin has gone from playing in the NIT last year to leading the Big Ten Conference this season, just take a look at its offense. As they prepare for Thursday’s conference clash with dangerous Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb., the Badgers have fashioned a much more efficient, potent offense than last season’s version. The crisp execution and shot-making were on display for Wisconsin (16-4, 8-1 Big Ten) on
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Missouri Tigers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Pick & Prediction JANUARY 31st 2024

Arkansas basketball has no shortage of storylines — just not the kind the Razorbacks’ fans enjoy. Arkansas is 10-10 heading into Wednesday night’s Southeastern Conference matchup vs. Missouri in Columbia, Mo., but a 1-6 start in league play doesn’t bode well for a team trying to avoid its first overall losing season since 2009-10. Amid the struggles for the Razorbacks, who have lost three straight games and six of seven, is a seemingly annual swirl
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West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Pick & Prediction JANUARY 31st 2024

West Virginia hopes to regain the form it displayed in its last home game when it hosts Cincinnati in a Big 12 matchup Wednesday night in Morgantown, W.Va. The Mountaineers (7-13, 2-5 Big 12) have dropped road games to UCF and Oklahoma State since upsetting then-No. 3 Kansas 91-85 at home on Jan. 20. They faltered down the stretch of their 70-66 loss to the last-place Cowboys to remain winless in their four true road
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Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Pick & Prediction JANUARY 31st 2024

Pitt came close to overcoming a hefty deficit Saturday. The Panthers will try to wipe their four-point loss at Miami from their memory as they return home to take on Wake Forest on Wednesday night. Pitt (12-8, 3-6 Atlantic Coast Conference) is looking for its first league home win of the year and will want to avoid falling behind by 19 points in the second half like it did against the Hurricanes. Blake Hinson (21
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Virginia Cavaliers vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pick & Prediction JANUARY 31st 2024

As bracketologists assess the credentials of NCAA Tournament candidates, what are they to make of Virginia? While the record of the Cavaliers (15-5, 6-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) suggests that they are on their way to making the tournament, their five losses are jarring, each coming by at least 16 points. The Cavaliers have a chance to avenge the worst blemish on their resume when they host Notre Dame (7-13, 2-7) on Wednesday in Charlottesville, Va.
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Xavier Musketeers vs. St. John’s Red Storm Pick & Prediction JANUARY 31st 2024

Xavier will try to rebound from its worst beating in 51 years when it hosts St. John’s in a Big East matchup Wednesday night in Cincinnati. Xavier (10-10, 4-5 Big East) was humiliated Sunday by No. 1 UConn, 99-56, a 43-point loss that was the school’s worst since losing by 43 to Notre Dame on Jan. 12, 1973. Xavier has played one of the toughest schedules in the country, having already dropped games to UConn

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
2024-11-25 18:00
Open
MICHIGAN
2 PICKS
VIRGINIA TECH
CBB
2024-11-25 19:00
Open
NORTH CAROLINA A&T
2 PICKS
BUFFALO
CBB
2024-11-25 19:30
Open
MISSOURI STATE
5 PICKS
BOSTON COLLEGE

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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