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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South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Pick & Prediction JANUARY 6th 2024

So far, so good for Mississippi State and South Carolina. Now comes the Southeastern Conference opener Saturday afternoon at Columbia, S.C. “We’ve tried to prepare our team to win basketball games,” South Carolina coach Lamont Paris said. “I think we set this schedule up to help prepare us for what the SEC is. We’ve had some successes and we’re ready for whatever is next.” The Gamecocks, winners of five in a row, are 12-1 for
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Louisville Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Pick & Prediction JANUARY 6th 2024

The start of Atlantic Coast Conference play hasn’t gone according to plan for Pittsburgh or Louisville. The Panthers (9-5, 0-3 ACC) and Cardinals (5-8, 0-2) will attempt to crack the league win column when they meet on Saturday in Louisville. Pitt has swept the last three meetings by an average of 22.3 points. The Panthers are coming off a 70-57 loss to No. 8 North Carolina on Tuesday. Pittsburgh shot just 30.9 percent from the
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Brigham Young Cougars vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Pick & Prediction JANUARY 6th 2024

The action heats up for No. 12 BYU and Cincinnati on Saturday when both schools make their Big 12 Conference debuts in Provo, Utah. BYU (12-1) has emerged as one of the biggest surprises this season by dominating on both ends of the court. The Cougars are averaging 90.4 points per game while holding opponents to 61.5 points per contest. That 28.9-point scoring margin leads all Division I teams. They also rank first nationally in
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Georgetown Hoyas vs. DePaul Blue Demons Pick & Prediction JANUARY 6th 2024

Winless in conference play so far and already falling behind in the Big East standings despite no team playing more than four league games, Georgetown and visiting DePaul meet Saturday in Washington, D.C. Both squads are coming off lopsided losses that highlighted each team’s persistent defensive struggles early in the Big East slate. Georgetown (7-7, 0-3 Big East) surrendered 49 points in the second half of its 77-60 home loss to Creighton on Tuesday. The
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Texas Longhorns vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Pick & Prediction JANUARY 6th 2024

The road gets much tougher now for No. 20 Texas and surging Texas Tech, who square off on Saturday night in a Big 12 Conference opener in Austin, Texas. Both squads carry an 11-2 record into the clash, with the Longhorns winning five straight and the visiting Red Raiders coming off six consecutive victories. The Longhorns’ latest outing was a 79-62 win over UT Arlington on Monday that kept Texas undefeated at home. Max Abmas
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Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Pick & Prediction JANUARY 6th 2024

Only two teams are still chasing their first Big Ten Conference win, and they intersect Saturday afternoon when Iowa welcomes Rutgers to Iowa City. Iowa (8-6, 0-3 Big Ten) sits in the conference cellar after losses to Purdue and Michigan in December and an 83-72 defeat at No. 21 Wisconsin on Tuesday. The Hawkeyes also started 0-3 in conference play last season, then turned it around and make the NCAA Tournament. “I think we have
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Duke Blue Devils Pick & Prediction JANUARY 6th 2024

No. 14 Duke brings one conference win and a little bit of worry to South Bend for Saturday night’s matchup with Notre Dame. The ACC preseason favorites are still trying to reflect that description away from home. Duke (10-3, 1-1 ACC) lost its only two true road games this season. But there are signs the Blue Devils are rounding into form. Duke has won five games in a row, including Tuesday night’s 86-66 home victory
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Utah St. Aggies vs. Colorado St. Rams Pick & Prediction JANUARY 6th 2024

Utah State puts a 12-game winning streak on the line Saturday when it hosts No. 13 Colorado State in a Mountain West heavyweight clash in Logan, Utah. The Aggies (13-1, 1-0) started conference play on Tuesday with an 88-60 win at Air Force. The Rams (13-1, 1-0) snapped New Mexico’s 11-game winning streak with a 76-68 win at home. Colorado State’s Isaiah Stevens eclipsed 2,000 career points in that game with 18, giving him 2,007.
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Charlotte 49ers vs. Florida Atlantic Owls Pick & Prediction JANUARY 6th 2024

No. 17 Florida Atlantic continues its introductions into the American Athletic Conference on Saturday afternoon when the Owls go on the road to face Charlotte. FAU scored a 79-64 win over visiting East Carolina on Tuesday night in its AAC debut. Coach Dusty May knew the Owls (11-3, 1-0 AAC) wouldn’t need long to adjust and is glad to put the conference opener behind them. “Nice to get back home and start conference play, begin

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
2024-12-29 13:00
Open
HARVARD
2 PICKS
IONA
CBB
2024-12-29 13:00
Open
HOFSTRA
3 PICKS
QUINNIPIAC
CBB
2024-12-29 17:00
Open
UT ARLINGTON
1 PICKS
TEXAS STATE

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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