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

Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan State Spartans Picks and Predictions January 3rd 2025

Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan State Spartans Picks and Predictions January 3rd 2025

Michigan State Eyes Big Ten Test vs. Resurgent Ohio State No. 18 Michigan State travels to Columbus on Friday night to face Ohio State in a pivotal early-season Big Ten matchup. Both teams are coming off non-conference wins, but their approaches to this game will highlight contrasting recent trajectories. Today’s NCAAB Picks from the Experts! Get the latest NCAAB picks today. Michigan State: Looking for Consistency The Spartans (11-2, 2-0 Big Ten) dispatched Western Michigan
Penn State Nittany Lions vs Northwestern Wildcats Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Penn State Nittany Lions vs Northwestern Wildcats Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Northwestern and Penn State Aim to Keep Momentum in Big Ten Matchup After strong finishes to 2024, Northwestern and Penn State will look to start the new year with a bang when they clash Thursday night in a Big Ten showdown in University Park, Pa. Northwestern: Riding a Wave of Confidence The Wildcats (10-3, 1-1 Big Ten) closed the calendar year with four straight wins, including an impressive overtime victory against then-No. 19 Illinois. Their
Gonzaga Player playing

Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Portland Pilots Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

No. 19 Gonzaga Looks to Feast on WCC Foe Portland The Gonzaga Bulldogs aim to build momentum in West Coast Conference (WCC) play when they host the Portland Pilots on Thursday night in Spokane, Washington. Following their road victory over Pepperdine, the No. 19 Bulldogs are looking to dominate a familiar opponent as they settle into the heart of the season. Gonzaga’s Dominance in the WCC For decades, Gonzaga has reigned supreme in the WCC,
Oregon Ducks vs Illinois Fighting Illini Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Oregon Ducks vs Illinois Fighting Illini Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

No. 9 Oregon Faces Tough Challenge Against No. 22 Illinois in Big Ten Clash The ninth-ranked Oregon Ducks welcome No. 22 Illinois to Eugene on Thursday night for an early-season Big Ten showdown. Both teams bring strong records and complementary styles into what promises to be a tightly contested game. Oregon’s Quest for Consistency Despite a stellar 12-1 record, the Ducks are still chasing a complete performance. Guard Jackson Shelstad acknowledged this after Oregon’s dominant
Huskies Player Atacking the rim

Washington Huskies vs Maryland Terrapins Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Together in Big Ten, Washington and Maryland Meet for First Time The expanded Big Ten Conference adds a new chapter on Thursday night as Maryland travels to Seattle to face Washington in a historic matchup. This marks the first-ever meeting between the Terrapins and the Huskies, two teams with contrasting styles and big aspirations in their inaugural season as conference rivals. Maryland’s Journey to the West Coast Maryland (11-2, 1-1 Big Ten) started its conference
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Purdue Boilermakers Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Purdue Boilermakers Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

No. 20 Purdue Seeks First Road Win at Minnesota in Big Ten Clash No. 20 Purdue heads to Minneapolis on Thursday night to face Minnesota in a critical early Big Ten matchup. The Boilermakers (9-4, 1-1 Big Ten) are looking for their first road victory of the season, while the Golden Gophers (8-5, 0-2) hope to build on a two-game winning streak. Purdue’s Quest for Road Success Purdue coach Matt Painter knows his team’s readiness
Indiana Hoosiers vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Indiana Hoosiers vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Rutgers, Indiana Look to Establish Consistency in Big Ten Clash Inconsistent play has marked the seasons of both Rutgers and Indiana, and as the teams prepare to resume Big Ten action on Thursday in Bloomington, Ind., each is eager to set a steadier course. Despite NBA-level talent on both rosters, neither program has yet found a way to dominate consistently. Indiana: Searching for Offensive Rhythm The Hoosiers (10-3, 1-1 Big Ten) have struggled to string
Boston College Player in Press conference

Boston College Eagles vs Miami Hurricanes Picks and Predictions January 1st 2025

BC Bids to Spoil Miami’s Fresh Start Under Interim Coach Bill Courtney Boston College will host Miami in a pivotal ACC matchup on Wednesday in Chestnut Hill, Mass., as both teams look to regain traction in conference play. The game marks a significant turning point for Miami, with longtime assistant coach Bill Courtney stepping in as interim head coach following the resignation of veteran Jim Larranaga. A New Chapter for Miami The Hurricanes (4-8, 0-1
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Butler Bulldogs vs Villanova Wildcats Picks and Predictions January 1st 2025

Villanova, Butler look to bounce back in first game of 2025 The New Year begins with a pivotal Big East Conference matchup as Villanova and Butler aim to recover from recent struggles. Set for Wednesday in Indianapolis, both teams see this game as an opportunity to steer their seasons back on track. Villanova’s Challenges and Strengths Villanova (8-5, 1-1) enters the contest after an 86-79 loss at Creighton on Dec. 21. Despite a strong offensive
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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
2025-01-02 19:00
Open
TEXAS STATE
7 PICKS
MARSHALL
CBB
2025-01-02 22:00
Open
OREGON STATE
7 PICKS
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT
CBB
2025-01-02 22:00
Open
ILLINOIS
7 PICKS
OREGON

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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