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

22150218

St. John’s Red Storm vs. Hofstra Pride Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 30th 2023

A lot has changed for St. John’s since the arrival of Rick Pitino in March — including the Red Storm’s willingness to play Hofstra. A local rivalry will resume on Saturday afternoon when St. John’s is slated to play Hofstra in Elmont, N.Y. Both teams are returning from a lengthy Christmas break. St. John’s hasn’t played since Dec. 23, when the visiting Red Storm squandered an eight-point, second-half lead in a 69-65 loss against then-No.
22140942

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Virginia Cavaliers Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 30th 2023

Notre Dame’s 20-point loss at home to The Citadel on Dec. 19 was so traumatic for the Fighting Irish that they set out to tear down their “foundation” and build it back up from “day one,” first-year coach Micah Shrewsberry said. A win three days later over Marist was a small step in the right direction. Now, after a seven-day layoff, Notre Dame (5-7, 0-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) will get a better sense of the
22069865

Syracuse Orange vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 30th 2023

Nearly a month after playing their Atlantic Coast Conference openers, Syracuse and Pitt will resume league play Saturday when they convene on the Orange’s home court in Syracuse, N.Y. The Orange (9-3, 0-1 ACC) dropped their first conference affair to Virginia on Dec. 2, suffering an 84-62 road defeat. However, they have rebounded to win their past four contests, most recently an 83-71 triumph over Niagara on Dec. 21. Judah Mintz (18 points) and Maliq
22166151

Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Stonehill Skyhawks Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 30th 2023

Rutgers, which let a resume-boosting opportunity slip away last time out, will return to action on Saturday, hosting Stonehill in Piscataway, N.J. The Scarlet Knights (7-4) scheduled a neutral-site game against Mississippi State on Dec. 23 in Newark, N.J., but familiar problems cropped up in their 70-60 loss. Rutgers shot a season-low 17.6 percent from the 3-point arc (3 of 17), but more worrisome was a 47-26 deficit on the boards. The Scarlet Knights also
22141315

Memphis Tigers vs. Austin Peay AP Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 30th 2023

No. 19 Memphis has built all sorts of momentum, and the Tigers don’t want to loosen their grip on the things that have helped them excel. Next up comes a visit from Austin Peay on Saturday night in Memphis. The Tigers (10-2) carry a five-game winning streak heading into their final tune-up before American Athletic Conference play. “This has been very taxing, haven’t got much sleep,” Memphis coach Penny Hardaway said. “Really proud to be
22074581

Brigham Young Cougars vs. Wyoming Cowboys Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 30th 2023

Former conference rivals will tangle for the first time since 2011 when No. 14 BYU hosts Wyoming on Saturday in Provo, Utah. BYU (11-1) has won three straight home games in dominant fashion. The Cougars’ most recent triumph — a 101-59 victory over Bellarmine on Dec. 22 — saw them cross the 100-point plateau for the third time this season while holding an opponent under 60 points for the seventh time in 12 games. BYU
22118543

Kansas Jayhawks vs. Wichita St. Shockers Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 30th 2023

College basketball bragging rights within the state of Kansas are at stake as Wichita State and No. 2 Kansas square off Saturday afternoon, with the game actually outside of the state of Kansas. The venue is the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., where Wichita State will be playing for the second straight game, after losing 69-60 to Kansas State Dec. 21. Even though the two campuses are just 165 miles apart, the two programs
22042093

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs. Florida Atlantic Owls Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 30th 2023

By reaching the Final Four in April, Florida Atlantic became the latest Cinderella story in college basketball. By winning a double-overtime game with No. 4 Arizona last Saturday in Las Vegas, the Owls might have proved they can shed the Cinderella label for another one: a national championship contender. The 96-95 victory over the Wildcats might be the biggest regular-season win in FAU history and powered it into the top 10 at No. 7. The
22157526

Houston Cougars vs. Pennsylvania Quakers Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 30th 2023

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson had a dual approach to the holiday break that enabled his team a welcome rest in advance of the final non-conference game on the schedule. The third-ranked Cougars (12-0) rolled to a 72-37 home victory over Texas State on Dec. 21, and the time between that triumph and their non-conference finale against Penn on Saturday allowed for some healing, particularly for forward J’Wan Roberts. Roberts leads the Cougars in rebounding at

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
2024-11-26 14:00
Final
SAN DIEGO STATE
8 PICKS
CREIGHTON
CBB
2024-11-26 16:35
Final
OREGON
11 PICKS
TEXAS A&M
CBB
2024-11-26 21:00
Open
KANSAS
8 PICKS
DUKE

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!

sas logo

Industry’s Best

Handicapping Membership

Get Free Trial

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. 

AD 4nXcLv2q2GE7YSI1G4wbrBIpjQXXRDXoqtEJkWtelCDbERXoudEh6Wmx t6S7bFJfBoB5AZ7OrmrlEYYV26PVBpdTfUnWA2gQibLmq60 mV9G51NOX1erO8DWru119CgtWRmmPZtLfAirzDVorJ7bxOCUD5k?key=HgTvrMYkfjcosPs 1 fAEw

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:

AD 4nXfJ4xiVEEp36c6YsoIEphXXJ9PyYgkYsnB5rOPo6IS5GEsiYEFyQ5CVQpyl94vPDqLDXj3 vVK2rrruFreIZSLJ MAE1A8xv9T2HNBp1sBq0gm OfaTIRtHCiosoG5J3QpUGqrJUmUgwAkcoNpDO6oWgSy5?key=HgTvrMYkfjcosPs 1 fAEw

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.

AD 4nXeSp Qlz9rrMhbvQgfDs2Xqhq5M4cdADWXae0yYzgthzGyQ97EchUIySdIBOIh0WqMxRznx7eut3DIB6Aeg2Fkm2JgUJ2EPc3oAofD485NAh93FU5oT1DnprGikmEf54dGuwBpZobzRzHbSqQjcDXzh7YK8?key=HgTvrMYkfjcosPs 1 fAEw

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