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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Ohio St. Buckeyes vs. Central Michigan Central Michigan Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 29th 2023

Ohio State hopes to carry momentum from a championship weekend into its home game against Central Michigan on Wednesday night in Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes (5-1) won the Emerald Coast Classic with an 86-56 victory over Santa Clara on Saturday in Niceville, Fla., after defeating then-No. 17 Alabama 92-81 the previous night. Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann was happy the returnees from last season’s team that went 16-19 earned some hardware. “When you play in
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Seton Hall Pirates vs. Northeastern Huskies Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 29th 2023

After losing consecutive games during its trip to San Diego around Thanksgiving, Seton Hall will look to bounce back on its Newark, N.J., home court Wednesday evening against Northeastern. Slow starts ultimately doomed the Pirates (4-2) in California, as they couldn’t overcome a 10-point halftime deficit to then-No. 23 Southern California and an 11-point hole at intermission against Iowa. In Friday’s 85-72 loss to the Hawkeyes, the Pirates shot just 27.5 percent from the field
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Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Duke Blue Devils Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 29th 2023

Duke encountered some unexpected recent glitches but found ways to work through them. The No. 7 Blue Devils now will encounter an Arkansas team that wasn’t able to shake off all of its problems last week. The teams will tip off Wednesday night in Fayetteville, Ark., as part of the inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge. “We must move on quickly now, and we’re going on the road next two games,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said. The Blue
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Colorado St. Rams vs. Colorado Buffaloes Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 29th 2023

The rivalry between Colorado and No. 20 Colorado State is normally about bragging rights within the state, but there is a little more on the line on Wednesday when they meet in Fort Collins, Colo. The visiting Buffaloes (5-1) spent two weeks in the rankings before an overtime loss to Florida State on Nov. 21 dropped them out of the polls. They can quickly get back in because the Rams (6-0) went from unranked to
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Virginia Cavaliers vs. Texas A&M Aggies Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 29th 2023

No. 14 Texas A&M looks to continue to build on its resume with another game against a big-time opponent when it travels to play talented Virginia on Wednesday in Charlottesville, Virginia, in an ACC/SEC Challenge game. Both teams are coming off bounce-back games in holiday tournaments. The Aggies (6-1) head back on the road after returning to the winning track with a 73-69 win over Iowa State on Sunday in the third-place game in the
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Villanova Wildcats vs. St. Joseph’s Hawks Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 29th 2023

No. 18 Villanova will look to extend its winning streak to five when it hosts Big 5 rival Saint Joseph’s on Wednesday. The annual matchup is known as the “Holy War” between the two Philadelphia-area schools, which are located less than eight miles apart. The Wildcats (6-1) defeated Maryland and then ousted Texas Tech, North Carolina and Memphis to capture the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas. Villanova led the Tigers by as many
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North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Tennessee Volunteers Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 29th 2023

Tennessee and North Carolina are eager for a victory when they meet Wednesday in Chapel Hill, N.C., in the inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge. Tennessee (4-2) dropped from No. 7 to No. 10 after going 1-2 at the Maui Invitational with losses to Purdue and Kansas, who were then ranked No. 2 and No. 1, respectively. North Carolina (5-1) also tumbled three spots from No. 14 to No. 17 after going to 2-1 at the Battle 4
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James Madison Dukes vs. Buffalo Bulls Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 29th 2023

With two true road games, two games at home and two at neutral sites, No. 22 James Madison has not had a November schedule typical of a Top 25 team. Finally, the Dukes (6-0) get a schedule break with their next two games at home against teams with a combined one win. First up is Buffalo (1-5), which arrives Wednesday in Harrisonburg, Va. After dominating Fresno State 95-64 in the championship game of the Cancun
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Washington Huskies vs. UC San Diego Tritons Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 28th 2023

The last time it played, on Nov. 19, Washington was involved in what coach Mike Hopkins called a “heavyweight fight.” The Huskies took San Diego State, the reigning NCAA Tournament runner-up, to overtime before dropping a 100-97 decision in the championship game of the Continental Tire Main Event in Las Vegas. Washington will return to action on Tuesday night when it faces UC San Diego in Seattle. “You’re in the fighting capital of the world

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
Open
KENT STATE
2 PICKS
ALABAMA
CBB
2024-12-22 13:00
Open
ILLINOIS
2 PICKS
MISSOURI
CBB
2024-12-22 15:00
Open
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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