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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Arizona Wildcats vs. Colgate Raiders Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 2nd 2023

Arizona’s transfers are playing major roles as the No. 2 Wildcats get back in action Saturday afternoon against Colgate in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona (6-0) last played on Thanksgiving, leading most of the way but having to battle to pull out a 74-68 victory over Michigan State in Palm Desert, Calif. North Carolina transfer Caleb Love scored a team-high 17 points. San Diego State transfer Keshad Johnson had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds
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Villanova Wildcats vs. Drexel Dragons Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 2nd 2023

Villanova did not expect to be competing in the fifth-place game of the inaugural Big 5 Classic Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia. But that’s where the No. 18-ranked Wildcats (6-2) find themselves with a matchup against Drexel following losses against Pennsylvania and Saint Joseph’s. Villanova consistently stood atop the Big 5 — which now includes the Dragons in recent years. The Wildcats won national championships in 2016 and 2018. Without Hall of Fame head coach Jay
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North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Florida State Seminoles Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 2nd 2023

No. 17 North Carolina doesn’t intend to fall off the radar this December. A year ago the Tar Heels faded, but that might not be the case this time as they enter Atlantic Coast Conference play coming off a notable performance. “We were really trying to put the world on notice,” North Carolina forward Armando Bacot said after his team beat No. 10 Tennessee on Wednesday. Next comes a visit from Florida State for the
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Wisconsin Badgers vs. Marquette Golden Eagles Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 2nd 2023

Rankings and records will be irrelevant when No. 3 Marquette makes the 80-mile trip to face Wisconsin on Saturday in the annual nonconference matchup of in-state rivals in Madison. Both Marquette and Wisconsin took care of business this week in tune-up victories following impressive tournament showings. Marquette (6-1) rolled past Southern 93-56 on Tuesday, and Wisconsin (5-2) defeated Western Illinois 71-49 on Monday for its fourth consecutive win. The I-94 rivalry began in 1917 and
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Brigham Young Cougars vs. Fresno St. Bulldogs Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 1st 2023

For the first time in two years, BYU is ranked in The Associated Press Top 25. That may come as a surprise to some. After all, the No. 19 Cougars are off to a 6-0 start despite being picked to finish second-to-last in the Big 12 while returning most of the team that finished a disappointing 19-15 in 2022-23. Forward Noah Waterman, among the Cougars’ pleasant surprises, said the players’ confidence in themselves and in
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Northwestern Wildcats vs. Purdue Boilermakers Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 1st 2023

No. 1 Purdue stormed through the early part of its nonconference schedule without a setback. Now, the Boilermakers will bring an unblemished record into their Big Ten conference opener. Purdue (7-0) will tip off conference play when it visits Northwestern (5-1) on Friday night in Evanston, Ill. The Boilermakers are coming off a 99-67 win over Texas Southern and already have knocked off three ranked teams in Gonzaga (then-No. 11), Tennessee (No. 7) and Marquette
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Xavier Musketeers vs. Houston Cougars Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 1st 2023

Sixth-ranked Houston takes its unbeaten record into opposing territory for the first time this season when it visits Xavier on Friday night in Cincinnati. The Cougars (7-0) have played five games on campus while also winning both contests on a neutral court, capturing the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic in Charleston, S.C. Houston is coming off a 79-44 blowout win over Montana last Friday, as L.J. Cryer had 24 points and Jamal Shead added 13 points
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Kansas Jayhawks vs. Connecticut Huskies Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 1st 2023

UConn is the defending national champion, yet the Huskies have a major chip on their shoulders. No. 4 UConn doesn’t feel it is receiving the proper respect for its accomplishments as it enters a heavyweight battle against No. 5 Kansas on Friday night at Lawrence, Kan. UConn (7-0) will have a chance to make a major statement inside Phog Allen Fieldhouse. “When you take the court, our team deserves the respect from everyone on the
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Butler Bulldogs vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 30th 2023

Fresh off its biggest victory of the young season, Texas Tech takes on another challenge Thursday with a road game against Butler as part of the inaugural Big East-Big 12 Battle. The Red Raiders rolled past Michigan 73-57 last week at the Battle for Atlantis to finish 2-1 at the event. The Bulldogs (5-2) delivered a similar showing in Orlando at the ESPN Events Invitational, with back-to-back wins against Penn State and Boise State after

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
2024-12-22 13:00
Final
KENT STATE
2 PICKS
ALABAMA
CBB
2024-12-22 14:00
Final
DETROIT
3 PICKS
WISCONSIN
CBB
2024-12-22 15:00
Final
OREGON STATE
4 PICKS
COLL OF CHARLESTON

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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