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

20206327

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Tulane Green Wave Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 9th 2023

Tulane bounced back from its first loss of the season by winning its last three games. Mississippi State was on the verge of bouncing back from its first loss of the season. A stunning comeback from Southern gave the Bulldogs a second straight loss instead. The Green Wave (6-1) and Mississippi State (6-2) will meet Saturday morning in Holiday Hoopsgiving in Atlanta. Collin Holloway scored a career-high 26 points and all five starters finished in
21985009

San Diego St. Aztecs vs. UC Irvine Anteaters Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 9th 2023

Visiting UC Irvine and No. 25-ranked San Diego State will try to rebound from losses when they meet on Saturday. San Diego State (7-2) saw its six-game winning streak come to a halt on Tuesday with a 79-73 loss at Grand Canyon. Jaedon LeDee posted a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double against the Lopes. San Diego State could not recover from giving up a 17-4 run midway through the second half. Grand Canyon’s 23-of-31 shooting from the
22052560

Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 9th 2023

No. 8 Marquette is flying high again as it prepares to host rival Notre Dame in a non-conference matchup on Saturday night in Milwaukee. The Golden Eagles (7-2) dismantled No. 12 Texas 86-65 on Wednesday behind a season-high 28 points from Tyler Kolek. Notre Dame (4-4) won by the same score over Western Michigan on Monday. The Golden Eagles were coming off a 75-64 loss at Wisconsin in which they were outrebounded 38-23 and made
21960412

Colorado St. Rams vs. St. Mary’s Gaels Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 9th 2023

The Colorado State men’s basketball team isn’t flying under the radar any longer. The No. 13 Rams are getting the full attention of opposing teams after winning their first nine games and earning their highest ranking in program history. Don’t expect that to change when Colorado State hosts Saint Mary’s in a nonconference game on Saturday afternoon in Fort Collins, Colo. “We’re going to get everyone’s ultimate focus and intensity,” Colorado State coach Niko Medved
22012511

Utah Utes vs. Brigham Young Cougars Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 9th 2023

No. 14 BYU puts its undefeated record on the line Saturday when it heads 45 miles north up the freeway to face fierce rival Utah in Salt Lake City. It will be the 264th meeting between the programs, and there is a lot at stake with the Cougars (8-0) not only unblemished but also ranked No. 1 in the NET rankings. Utah (6-2) would like to end BYU’s perfect start and also halt its recent
20274240

Texas Christian Horned Frogs vs. Clemson Tigers Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 9th 2023

No. 24 Clemson, off to its best start in 15 years, looks to continue its impressive play on Saturday against TCU in a battle of unbeaten teams at the Hall of Fame Series in Toronto. The Tigers (8-0) last had a better opening to a campaign in 2008-09, when they started 16-0. That was two seasons before current coach Brad Brownell took over on the bench. Clemson began its Atlantic Coast Conference schedule on Sunday
22042496

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 9th 2023

Next season, Arkansas and Oklahoma will become SEC rivals. On Saturday, though, the Razorbacks and 19th-ranked Sooners will face off for the final time – barring a postseason game – as nonconference rivals when they play a neutral-site game in Tulsa, Okla., for the third consecutive season. Oklahoma (8-0) is off to its best start since 2015-16, which includes a pair of neutral-site wins. A big piece of the Sooners’ success so far has been
21958014

Arizona Wildcats vs. Wisconsin Badgers Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 9th 2023

Arizona will play its first game in nearly a decade as the No. 1 team in the nation on Saturday in Tucson, Ariz., facing a 23rd-ranked Wisconsin squad that has already toppled giants. The Wildcats (7-0) surged to the top of the rankings on the strength of victories at then-No. 2 Duke and against then-No. 21 Michigan State on a neutral court. Arizona has otherwise routed five teams from outside the power conferences, averaging 93.4
22050566

Texas Longhorns vs. Houston Baptist Huskies Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 9th 2023

No. 12 Texas will return home and look to get back on the winning track when it squares off against Houston Christian on Saturday afternoon in Austin, Texas. The Longhorns (6-2) have little time to lick their wounds after they were thoroughly outplayed on Wednesday in an 86-65 loss at No. 8 Marquette as part of the Big East/Big 12 Battle. Texas surrendered a 13-0 run late in the first half to fall behind 42-28

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
2024-12-23 19:00
Open
MIDDLE TENN ST
2 PICKS
TENNESSEE
CBB
2024-12-23 20:00
Open
OREGON STATE
2 PICKS
OAKLAND
CBB
2024-12-23 22:30
Open
NEBRASKA
2 PICKS
HAWAII

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