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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Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Yale Bulldogs Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 10th 2023

There is a decided drop-off in buzz and hype surrounding No. 11 Gonzaga as it opens its season on Friday night against Yale in Spokane, Wash. Not only was Gonzaga missing from the preseason top 10 for the first time since the 2017-18 campaign, it no longer revolves around Drew Timme, the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,307 career points. “It is an adjustment for all of us,” Gonzaga coach Mark Few said of the
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Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Rider Broncs Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 10th 2023

After a sharpshooting season opener, No. 5 Marquette will return to the court to host Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference favorite Rider on Friday night in Milwaukee. The Golden Eagles (1-0) shot 52.2 percent from the field and defeated visiting Northern Illinois 92-70 on Monday. Kam Jones led Marquette with 20 points on a 6-of-9 effort from the floor, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range, as Marquette built a 50-28 halftime lead and maintained the edge the
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Purdue Boilermakers vs. Morehead St. Morehead Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 10th 2023

If you can’t beat ’em, join their bandwagon. Samford coach Bucky McMillan put his own spin on an adage after host Purdue routed the Bulldogs in Monday’s season opener. The Boilermakers again will aim to live up to their No. 3 ranking when they host Morehead State on Friday night in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue (1-0), from the Big Ten, surely did the trick against Samford (Southern Conference) after shooting 54.8 percent from the floor
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Kansas Jayhawks vs. Manhattan Jaspers Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 10th 2023

Top-ranked Kansas steamrolled its first opponent and coach Bill Self signed a contract that furthers his vow to finish his career at the school. So it’s already been a successful first week of the new season for the Jayhawks, who welcome Manhattan to Lawrence, Kan., on Friday night. Self, now in his 21st season at Kansas, has racked up 566 victories and two national championships at the school. The amended deal reportedly is worth $53
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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Howard Bison Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 9th 2023

Georgia Tech looks to take another positive step in new Damon Stoudamire era on Thursday when it hosts Howard in Atlanta. Miles Kelly sank four 3-pointers to highlight his 25-point performance in the Yellow Jackets’ 84-62 season-opening win over Georgia Southern on Monday. Kelly, who went 4-for-9 from beyond the arc against the Eagles, is 39-for-88 (44.3 percent) during his last nine games dating back to last season. Deebo Coleman (17 points) and Kowacie Reeves
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Baylor Bears vs. John Brown Golden Eagles Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 9th 2023

No. 20 Baylor and freshman guard Ja’Kobe Walter return home to face NAIA program John Brown University on Thursday morning in Waco, Texas. The early tipoff (11 a.m. CT) marks the Bears’ final home opener at the Ferrell Center. The Baylor basketball teams will move into the new Foster Pavilion for this year’s Big 12 Conference campaign. Baylor (1-0) is in a rebuilding mode but showed plenty of moxie and grit in an 88-82 season-opening
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St. Mary’s Gaels vs. New Mexico Lobos Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 9th 2023

Can New Mexico author a repeat? That’s the Lobos’ task Thursday night when they make the trip to Moraga, Calif., for a nonconference contest against No. 23 Saint Mary’s. It will be the second straight season New Mexico (1-0) has made the trek to Northern California. The Lobos enjoyed a successful journey last year as they stopped the Gaels’ 23-game home winning streak with a 69-65 decision, part of a 14-0 start that briefly got
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Syracuse Orange vs. Canisius Golden Griffins Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 8th 2023

Even without Jim Boeheim on the sidelines, his presence was still felt in Syracuse’s season-opening victory. The Orange and their new coach, Adrian Autry, look to post another win Wednesday when they host Canisius. Autry, a former player and assistant under Boeheim, had repeatedly stated his intent to move away from the 2-3 zone defense patented by Boeheim during his 47 seasons at the helm. However, in Monday’s season opener against New Hampshire, Autry switched
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Southern California Trojans vs. Cal. State – Bakersfield Roadrunners Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 9th 2023

No. 21 Southern California will return to the Galen Center in Los Angeles to play its first home game of the season on Thursday night against Cal State Bakersfield. The Trojans (1-0) tipped off their campaign with an 82-69 win over Kansas State on Monday in Las Vegas. USC’s Boogie Ellis went for 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while highly touted freshman Isaiah Collier debuted with 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the

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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