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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Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Maine Black Bears Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 29th 2023

Minnesota will go for its fifth win in a row when it hosts Maine in a nonconference matchup Friday night in Minneapolis. The Golden Gophers (9-3) are coming off an extended break. They pulled away for an 80-63 win at home Dec. 21 over Ball State in their most recent game. Mike Mitchell Jr. scored 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field in the victory. Pharrel Payne contributed 13 points, and Joshua Ola-Joseph and
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Michigan Wolverines vs. McNeese St. McNeese Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 29th 2023

Before heading into the thick of its Big Ten schedule, Michigan will face another tricky matchup when McNeese State visits for a nonconference game Friday night in Ann Arbor, Mich. McNeese, of the Southland Conference, comes in with a 10-2 record that includes wins over Virginia Commonwealth and UAB. The Cowboys are coming off a 74-72 victory over Louisiana on Dec. 17 and have won five games in a row. Michigan (6-6) has played a
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Penn St. Nittany Lions vs. Rider Broncs Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 29th 2023

With one nonconference challenge remaining before the team dives exclusively into Big Ten play, Penn State knows the time is now to iron out the kinks. The Nittany Lions (6-6) will host Rider (3-9) on Friday in University Park, Pa., before heavy league play hits next week with contests against Michigan State and Michigan. Penn State hasn’t played in over a week, most recently posting a 72-55 victory over Le Moyne on Dec. 21. Kanye
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Central Florida Knights vs. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 29th 2023

UCF has a mammoth home matchup looming early in 2024, but the Knights still have one bit of business left in 2023. In their final non-conference contest, the Knights (8-3) will host Bethune-Cookman (5-6) in Orlando, Fla., on Friday night ahead of the aforementioned bout on their home court. That big date is Jan. 10, when No. 2 Kansas visits Orlando in the Knights’ second-ever Big 12 game. The Knights’ conference opener will be Jan.
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Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 29th 2023

No. 11 Illinois suspended senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. on Thursday and tries to focus on a home encounter with Fairleigh Dickinson on Friday. Shannon is suspended indefinitely from all team activities. A warrant for his arrest was issued Wednesday. He is facing a rape charge in Lawrence, Kan., and the alleged incident took place during Shannon’s visit to the Illinois-Kansas football game on Sept. 8, the school said in a release. Shannon traveled to
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Texas Longhorns vs. NC-Greensboro Spartans Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 29th 2023

No. 21 Texas will look to continue to build momentum for the upcoming Big 12 Conference campaign and stay on the winning track when it hosts UNC Greensboro on Friday in Austin, Texas. The Longhorns (9-2) return from the Christmas break after a workmanlike 71-55 home win over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Dec. 22. Max Abmas scored 17 points and Dillon Mitchell added 14 points and a career-high 13 rebounds as Texas shrugged off some
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California Golden Bears vs. Arizona Wildcats Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 29th 2023

No. 4 Arizona, after an arduous non-conference slate that includes losses in two of its past three games, will begin Pac-12 play Friday night against host Cal in Berkeley. The Wildcats (9-2) are expected to mostly roll through the final season of the Pac-12, entering the week as the only ranked team in the conference. Arizona spent two weeks in December at the top spot in the polls before losing to now-No. 1 Purdue in
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Clemson Tigers vs. Radford Highlanders Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 29th 2023

Fresh off its highest-scoring game in 21 years, No. 18 Clemson will host Radford on Friday night in a non-conference game that may be more than just a tune-up. The Tigers (10-1) disposed of Queens 109-79 last Friday. Clemson’s point total was the team’s most since a 118-115 double-overtime victory over Wake Forest on Feb. 13, 2002, long before Brad Brownell became head coach of the Tigers. Clemson’s PJ Hall scored 27 points on 11-of-13
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Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. San Diego St. Aztecs Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 29th 2023

Two of the top programs in the West will get together for a rare showdown when No. 13 Gonzaga battles San Diego State on Friday night at Spokane, Wash. It will be just the fifth overall meeting between the programs, who have combined to play in three of the past six NCAA Tournament championship games. Gonzaga lost in the 2017 and 2021 title games, and San Diego State made a miracle run last season before

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. 

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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