College Basketball Games to Watch for 2025 College Football Conference Championship Weekend

Although conference championship crowns are being captured this weekend, these are some pivotal college basketball matchups to watch closely as the non-conference schedule winds down.

PICKS BY MATTY D.

Michigan State hosts Duke as Sparty Sees Itself as Surprise +1.5 Underdog

I feel like I’ve seen this movie before. You have a darling blue blood who has all of the nation’s highest rated recruits sprinkled with some long tenured program guards who just know how to play basketball. Duke comes straight out of central casting for that one. Enter Tom Izzo’s bunch. They look more like a defensive line group, with perhaps a few black and blue eyes to match. This Motley Cru normally mucks up the action with physical play.

Michigan State finds itself as a surprising 30-1 underdog to win the National Championship at this point, after its already excelled in the non-conference session throughout November.

Give me the Spartans to win outright, but I’ll take the 1 1/2 points if they’re giving it.

Either way, this will be a very interesting test for Duke super freshman Cameron Boozer (among this incredible list of sons of NBA stars currently playing collect basketball) as he has so far cruised to 30 plus point games against major programs. He has made it look easy doing it.

Overlooked Mid-major pick of the college basketball weekend

Not many people nationally are talking about the big upset win that Bowling Green scored at K-State this week. It was an impressive performance from the three point line and specifically for senior Sam Towns who dropped 17 points in the first half.

This, despite K-State having one of the nation’s highest paid players in Memphis transfer PJ Haggerty.

I don’t see a let down from Bowling Green here in this spot as they are spotting Utah Valley a casual 1 1/2 points, according to DraftKings line as of one hour before tip nationwide.

Sweet 16 Betting Breakdown: Thursday’s Best Against the Spread Picks

Looking for smart betting picks for Thursday’s Sweet 16 matchups? This article breaks down four key NCAA Tournament games, with against-the-spread predictions for Michigan vs. Auburn, Michigan State vs. Ole Miss, BYU vs. Alabama, and Arizona vs. Duke. See which underdogs have value and which favorites are poised to cover based on matchups that pass the eye test.

It’s funny how reunions of both friends and foes are a constant theme of the college basketball tournament. Caleb Love will, again, be battling with his former in-conference rival, Duke. As you know, Love played for years at UNC where there were some classic clashes with the Blue Devils.

Click here to read 6 more trends fixed as annual traditions during March Madness

Michigan +8.5 vs. Auburn College Basketball Prediction, Pick
Michigan enters this Sweet 16 matchup with one of the biggest frontcourts still standing. Auburn might be the higher seed, but the Wolverines can lean on their size and physicality to dictate the terms of this game. The rebounding edge is where this could tilt. Second-chance points, long possessions—those all benefit Michigan’s style of play. Auburn will try to run, but Michigan has enough discipline and toughness to weather that storm. It’s a tall task to win outright, but getting eight-and-a-half points here looks appealing.

Michigan State -3.5 vs. Ole Miss College Basketball Prediction, Pick
It’s March. And that means one thing: Tom Izzo. His teams tend to tighten up their execution just when other squads start fraying. This version of the Spartans is classic Izzo—experienced guards, versatile forwards, and an edge in physical matchups like this one. Ole Miss has impressed with some big wins to get here, but Michigan State’s defense and discipline should win out in the late possessions. Laying 3.5 with Izzo in March? That always looks good to the eye.

BYU +4.5 vs. Alabama College Basketball Prediction, Pick

This is the most intriguing game of the night for me. Alabama is deep and dangerous, no doubt. But BYU is one of the few teams in the country that can go possession-for-possession with them and keep up the scoring. The Cougars have sharpshooters at every position and play with a pace and confidence that won’t shrink against the Crimson Tide’s press and length. In any 5-on-5 set, BYU can match Alabama bucket for bucket. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cougars win this one outright, and grabbing 4.5 points in a shootout like this looks like a lock.

Arizona +8.5 vs. Duke College Basketball Prediction, Pick

This is where things get tricky. Arizona has the physical tools and offensive firepower to give Duke problems—especially in transition. The Wildcats move the ball well and know how to punish mismatches. But let’s be real: Duke is playing with an NBA showcase right now. They’ve got four, maybe five pros on the floor, and they’re all playing like it’s draft week. Arizona should keep this tight with their own versatility, but I’m not sold on them pulling it out late. Still, 8.5 points feels like too many in a game with this much top-end talent. Arizona to cover looks like a confident lean, even if the Blue Devils escape with the W.

PropSwap Futures Tickets for Sale by College Basketball Eye Test Blog

We are sweetening the pot for the most intriguing thing about March Madness, rooting for the underdogs, by selling some futures tickets on our favorite underdogs to win the tourney. Blogger Matty D. has invested in all of these teams and will be riding the bandwagon with you. However, it’s time to hedge and sell off a portion of these shares as these teams are gaining value.

Click here to see our favorite remaining 3-4 future values remaining in the tournament.

These futures tickets for the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament are listed on PropSwap.com, which is a secondary marketplace to resell physical tickets.

Texas A&M Futures Ticket for Resale Ahead of Major Matchup against Michigan

Click here to view or purchase this ticket listed on Propswap for an Aggies Championship.

Wade Taylor IV and the Aggies are moving on after knocking off another one of my favorite future values this season, the Yale Bulldogs. They’ll square up against Michigan, which is a tough matchup with the two 7-footers they run out there. However, one of Texas A&M’s best assets is its depth. They’ll have plenty of bodies and plenty of fouls to throw at the Wolverines. Next up, a potential rematch with SEC foe Auburn. If Auburn’s first half performance against Alabama State is any indication, the Tigers could be vulnerable. If the Aggies get past those two challenging matchups, the sky is the limit. The Aggies also just beat Auburn to finish its historically great regular season (beating a #1 overall ranked team for the first time in its 100+ year history).

Saint Mary’s Futures Ticket for Resale for Those Who Like to Grind Out Wins

There are more exciting teams to watch than St. Mary’s, but the Gaels are good enough to make a Final Four. They have veteran leadership, have an identity with their methodical pace, and have beaten a good Gonzaga team on multiple occasions this season. Therefore, they’re proven.

Click here to view or purchase this ticket listed on Propswap for a St. Mary’s Championship

Join the Drake Train While You Can at a Crazy Number for a Huge Payout

At the time that this ticket was listed, it was the first and only Drake ticket listed on the PropSwap marketplace. Therefore, let the bidding begin at 100-1!

Click here to view or purchase this ticket to win $2,500+ if Drake Wins it All

If you watched Drake dismantle a good Missouri team, it’s not hard to imagine this ticket gaining value. PropSwap currently has this ticket rated as a “poor” value, but I disagree!

PropSwap is not a sponsor of this article.
For business inquiries about this blog, please email mattydmedia@gmail.com today.

Friday’s March Madness Games, Odds, Picks from College Basketball Eye Test

On Thursday the Men’s College Basketball Tournament got started in fitting fashion with two underdogs looking like title contenders but now it’s time to quickly turn attention to Friday’s games. Drake and McNeese State opened eyes across the nation not only beating their power conference opponents (Missouri and Clemson respectively), but looking like a dark-horse candidate for a Final 4 run in the process.

Click here for the Ultimate College Basketball Blog Hub

Yale got yanked from the tournament. They were my lone futures underdog that didn’t survive Thursday’s action. See my top 4 remaining underdog futures by clicking here.

1. Liberty +6.5 vs. Oregon (Grade: A+)

Liberty getting 6.5 against Oregon felt like a steal, and this one tops the list for good reason. The Flames have been a tough out all year with a disciplined system and three-point shooting that can keep them in any game. Colin Porter is a jitter bug undersized point guard who is fun to watch but hard to stay in front of. Catching nearly a touchdown against an Oregon team still figuring itself out? Chef’s kiss.

2. Grand Canyon +10.5 vs. Maryland (Grade: A)

This one had “sharp” written all over it. Grand Canyon has quietly become a defensive juggernaut in their conference, and catching double digits against an up-and-down Maryland squad was just too good to pass up. Even more appealing: Terps head coach Kevin Willard is surrounded by speculation as the potential next Villanova hire. With that kind of distraction hovering over the program, 10.5 points looks even tastier.

3. UConn ML vs. Oklahoma (Grade: A-)

Taking the reigning champs on the money line at a reasonable -192 was a smart anchor to this parlay. UConn’s size, depth, and defensive prowess make them a reliable choice in high-pressure games like this one, and Oklahoma just doesn’t have the tools to match them bucket-for-bucket.

4. Marquette ML vs. New Mexico (Grade: A-)

Another safe money line pick that added stability to the slate. Marquette’s high-octane offense and Shaka Smart’s defensive scheme give them an edge over New Mexico, even if the Lobos are no slouches. Laying -166 felt like a worthy investment.

5. Baylor +1.5 vs. Mississippi State (Grade: A-)

Catching points with Baylor? Yes, please. This Bears team is deep and battle-tested, and while Mississippi State is gritty, they don’t quite have the offensive firepower to pull away. This one had “tight game decided late” written all over it—perfect for that +1.5.

6. Bryant +17.5 vs. Michigan State (Grade: A-)

Taking Bryant with the points may have raised some eyebrows, but 17.5 is a lot to cover, even for Michigan State. Bryant has enough shooters and tempo control to keep it respectable, and the Spartans haven’t exactly been lighting it up offensively this season.

HALFTIME: You’ve reached the half-way mark of this article. Bookmark your next click…

🏆 Final 4 Fan-Favorite Articles:
🔥 Top Injuries to Watch 🔥
🐶 5 Underrated Underdogs to Watch 🐶
🎉 6 March Madness Traditions 🎉
🏀 Sons of NBA Stars 🏀

7. Iowa State -14.5 vs. Lipscomb (Grade: A-)

A big number to lay, but Iowa State’s defense can suffocate mid-majors like Lipscomb. Once the Cyclones get rolling, they’re capable of creating scoring runs that blow things open fast. This felt like a smart move, even with the wide spread.

8. Arizona -13.5 vs. Akron (Grade: B+)

Arizona has the firepower to cover this kind of spread, but Akron isn’t a pushover. This pick leaned on Arizona’s athletic edge and transition game, which can turn a close game into a rout in a matter of minutes. Solid pick, just a bit of a sweat.

9. Alabama -22.5 vs. Robert Morris (Grade: B+)

This was a swing for the fences. Alabama can certainly run it up, and Robert Morris simply doesn’t have the horses to hang, but covering 22.5 requires perfection. High upside, but some risk baked in.

10. Saint Mary’s ML vs. Vanderbilt (Grade: B)

This one was all about trusting the system. Saint Mary’s grinds teams down and controls tempo as well as anyone, but Vanderbilt is athletic enough to throw them off rhythm. Still, at -170, it was a calculated play that made sense. St. Mary’s is one of my favorite values for futures betting. Click here to see which of those underdog teams are still remaining.

11. Kentucky -10.5 vs. Troy (Grade: B-)

Kentucky should absolutely take care of business against Troy, even on a neutral court. But covering 10.5 depends on which version of the Wildcats shows up. They’ve been erratic at times, especially with young lineups, which makes this one a little dicey despite the talent gap.

12. Memphis +2.5 vs. Colorado State (Grade: C-)

This was the most volatile pick on the card. Memphis has talent, but they’re wildly inconsistent, and Colorado State is one of those fundamentally sound teams that just doesn’t beat itself. Taking Memphis here was a gut play—and the gut doesn’t always win.

Free Picks Against the Spread for the Final Weekend of College Basketball’s Regular Season

March is here, and with it comes the most exciting stretch of the college basketball season. The regular season is winding down, and teams are making their final push before conference tournaments and the madness that follows. With only a handful of games left, the stakes are higher than ever. Some teams are fighting for seeding, others are clawing for a spot in the Big Dance, and a few are just looking to end their seasons on a high note. As we dive into the last weekend of regular season action, it’s time for another round of free picks against the spread—a 20-leg betting adventure featuring some of the most intriguing lines of the weekend.

FREE COLLEGE BASKETBALL PICKS AGAINST THE SPREAD FOR MARCH 8, 2025

  • St. John’s University (+3.5) – Can the Red Storm keep it close in a critical matchup?
  • Kentucky (+5.5) – The Wildcats look to cover against a tough opponent.
  • Georgia (-5.5) – A favorable line for the Bulldogs at home.
  • Wisconsin (-11) – The Badgers aim to dominate in their final home game.
  • Kansas State (+6.5) – The Wildcats fight to stay competitive.
  • Louisville (-11) – Louisville seeks a big win to cap off the season.
  • Yale University (-7.5) – The Ivy League race heats up.
  • Tennessee Volunteers (-16.5) – The Vols hope to cruise to victory.
  • Wake Forest University (-6.5) – A strong play for the Demon Deacons.
  • Seton Hall University (+18.5) – The Pirates look to cover a big spread.
  • University of Alabama (+7.5) – Can Bama pull off the upset or at least keep it close?
  • Drake University (-7.5) – A strong mid-major play.
  • Louisiana State University (+6.5) – LSU fights to stay relevant.
  • University of Arizona (+3.5) – The Wildcats look to outshine expectations.
  • Clemson University (-17.5) – A big team that thrives on punishing opponents inside, but is this spread too big for them to cover?
  • University of Florida (-11.5) – Gators look to cover with ease.
  • UNC (+10.5) – A big spread for a blue-blood program
  • Texas Tech University (-11.5) – Red Raiders aim to finish strong.
  • Brigham Young University (-11.5) – One of my favorite underdogs for a future bet. Read more about why BYU and my favorite 5 future underdogs for March Madness 2025.
  • University of Houston (-4.5) – The Cougars look to secure a solid win.

🏆 Final Four Articles 🏆
🐶 5 Underrated Underdogs to Watch 🐶
🎉 6 March Madness Traditions 🎉
🏀 7 Sons of NBA Stars 🏀
💰 This Week’s Best Picks 💰

With all these matchups on deck, this weekend is shaping up to be an exciting one. Whether you’re tailing these picks, making your own adjustments, or just enjoying the final weekend of regular-season college hoops, there’s plenty to look forward to before the madness begins. Be sure to follow along with #SuspectSpreadsSaturday for more insights and analysis!

March is Here! College Basketball Picks for the First Day of the Month

March is finally here, and with it comes the excitement of college basketball’s most crucial stretch. With conference tournaments looming and Selection Sunday approaching, every game carries weight. Let’s break down today’s key matchups and make some predictions.

Click here to see Matty D’s season record against the spread for college hoops!

Clemson (-7.5) at Virginia

Clemson has been one of the most impressive underdogs throughout the season, showing strong performances against top-tier teams. Their size and experience give them a major advantage against a Virginia squad that has struggled to find consistency. Look for Clemson to control the game on both ends and cover the 7.5-point spread.

Prediction: Clemson covers (-7.5)

Today’s odds are being provided by DraftKings Sportsbook as a reference.

Maryland (-5.5) at Penn State

Maryland is coming off a tough loss to Michigan State, but this matchup against an inconsistent Penn State team presents a great opportunity for the Terrapins to bounce back. With a stronger defensive presence and the ability to capitalize on Penn State’s lapses, Maryland should be able to win and cover the spread.

Fun fact: Maryland star Julian Reese is the brother of WNBA Star Angel Reese.
Click here to see more family ties in college hoops with sons of NBA stars!

Prediction: Maryland covers (-5.5)

Providence at UConn (-6.5)

Rivalry games are always tricky to predict. This matchup between Providence and UConn is no exception. UConn has been dominant in stretches but has shown some vulnerability. Providence, on the other hand, always plays tough in these contests. Six and a half points might be too much to lay in a rivalry battle, so this one could go either way.

Prediction: Providence covers (+6.5)

Butler at Villanova (-7.5)

Villanova looked like a tournament team just a few weeks ago, but their recent form has been shaky. The 6.5-point spread is a bit too generous for a Villanova team that hasn’t been at its best lately. Butler is fighting to finish as a .500 team this season, but just showed some feisty play against a top 10 St. John’s team. Give me the Bulldogs!

Prediction: Butler covers (+7.5)

Miami at North Carolina (-17.5)

North Carolina might be making the ultimate correction to their season in a last ditch effort to compete for an ACC (tournament) championship. However, 17.5 points is a massive spread in any conference game. While Miami has been blown out several times this season, they might be able to keep this one within reach. Still, UNC is the better team by far, and Miami’s defensive issues could make this an uphill battle for them. I am honestly staying away from this game altogether. If you need to pick this game, go with Miami!

(Of course, you should never feel like you need to make a sports betting pick. If you are struggling with a gambling addiction, help is available. For support, call 1-800-Gambler or visit this site).

Prediction: North Carolina wins, but Miami covers (+17.5)

Auburn at Kentucky (+5.5)

Auburn has been playing well, but they are due for an outright loss. Kentucky, playing at home, will have the crowd behind them and the talent to pull off the upset. Given Auburn’s recent trends and Kentucky’s potential for a big win, this could be the game where Auburn stumbles.

Prediction: Kentucky wins outright (+5.5)

March basketball is here, and the stakes are only going to get higher. Keep an eye on these games, and check back for more predictions as we get closer to tournament time!

Who is Vlogger Matty D. with College Basketball Eye Test?

Who is Matty D? Watch my tour of Kansas City’s College Basketball Experience to find out!

Arkansas (+1) at South Carolina

Coach John Calipari has the experience to guide Arkansas through a tough road test at South Carolina. With a tight spread, this game could come down to the wire, but Arkansas should have just enough to cover.

Prediction: Arkansas covers (+1)

Alabama (+3.5) at Tennessee

Alabama is hitting its stride at the right time, scoring at an elite level. While Tennessee is formidable at home, Alabama has a real shot to not only cover but also win outright.

Prediction: Alabama covers (+3.5) and could win outright

Oregon (-7.5) vs. USC

Oregon is coming off an inspirational comeback win against Wisconsin, and that momentum should carry over into this matchup. USC has been inconsistent, and Oregon’s depth and confidence should be enough to secure a comfortable win.

Prediction: Oregon covers (-7.5)

Houston (-13.5) vs. Cincinnati

Houston has the talent to dominate this matchup, but Cincinnati might keep it closer in the first half before the Cougars pull away late.

Prediction: Houston covers (-13.5), but not on the first-half line

Missouri (-2.5) at Vanderbilt

Missouri should be able to handle Vanderbilt on the road and still cover the 2.5-point spread. Their ability to close out games should help them secure the win.

Prediction: Missouri covers (-2.5)

Arizona State (+7.5) at Utah

Arizona State is getting too many points against a Utah team that just lost its head coach. This is the pick of the day, as Arizona State should keep this game close, if not win outright.

Prediction: Arizona State covers (+7.5) – Pick of the Day

Georgia (+4.5) at Texas

Texas tends to play close games, and Georgia is a live underdog in this spot. Expect Georgia to keep this one tight and potentially steal a win.

Prediction: Georgia covers (+4.5)

March basketball is here, and the stakes are only going to get higher. Keep an eye on these games, and check back for more predictions as we get closer to tournament time!

BYU (-10.5) vs. West Virginia

BYU has the home-court advantage and the firepower to handle West Virginia. The Mountaineers have struggled to find consistency this season, making this a prime spot for BYU to cover the double-digit spread.

Prediction: BYU covers (-10.5)

Texas A&M (+9.5) at Florida

Texas A&M plays its best basketball as an underdog, and after a surprising home loss to Vanderbilt, the Aggies will be looking for a strong response. Florida has been solid but not dominant, making this a great opportunity for Texas A&M to keep the game close and cover the spread.

Prediction: Texas A&M covers (+9.5)

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Men’s College Basketball Picks Against the Spread for February 22, 2025

Rolling Out of Bed with College Basketball Picks

Matty D here from CollegeBasketballItest.com, and I’m back again with another round of early college basketball picks. This approach worked well for me last week, and I’m looking to keep the momentum going. Let’s dive into some suspect spreads and intriguing matchups from today’s slate.

Tennessee vs. Texas A&M

Texas A&M is favored by 1.5 points in this matchup against Tennessee. This might come as a surprise considering I’ve been high on Texas A&M as a potential championship contender at 40 or 50 to 1 odds. However, despite my faith in the Aggies, I think Tennessee is the better team. The Vols haven’t played to their full potential over the last month, but I see this as a good spot for them. I’m taking Tennessee and the 1.5 points here.

Oregon vs. Wisconsin

Oregon is an 8.5-point underdog against Wisconsin. The Badgers have been playing strong basketball recently, but Oregon is fighting for a tournament spot, and 8.5 points is a lot to be giving up. I like Oregon to cover in this one.

Florida State vs. Louisville

Louisville is favored by 13.5 points against Florida State. The Seminoles have struggled lately, and with Louisville’s up-tempo style of play under head coach Pat Kelsey, I think they have the potential to cover the spread. They’re a top-25 team, and with their current momentum, they could handle this one convincingly.

Texas Tech vs. West Virginia

West Virginia is laying 11.5 points against Texas Tech. This is a tough game to call, especially with West Virginia missing one of its key players, Tucker DeVries, whose father, Darian DeVries, is the team’s head coach. If I had to pick, I’d lean toward West Virginia, but this might be a game to avoid altogether.

Iowa State vs. Houston

One of the marquee matchups of the day features Iowa State taking on Houston. Both teams are elite defensively and could make deep tournament runs. Surprisingly, Iowa State is getting 11.5 points. In what should be a low-scoring defensive battle, that’s a big number to be receiving. I like Iowa State to cover, especially since they might be looking for a bounce-back performance after a disappointing showing recently.

Georgia vs. Auburn

Auburn is a 16.5-point favorite against Georgia. The Bulldogs have been a tough out for some SEC teams this season, making this a tricky game. I’m staying away from this one because I don’t want to be sweating in the final moments to see if Auburn covers or not.

Clemson vs. SMU

SMU put on an offensive clinic against Notre Dame recently, so I’m surprised to see them as an underdog at home against Clemson. With SMU getting 1.5 points, I’m taking them in this spot.

Oklahoma State vs. Kansas

Kansas is giving 14.5 points to Oklahoma State, and I don’t think they should be laying that many points to anyone right now. The Jayhawks have been inconsistent, especially during their trip out west against Utah and BYU. I’ll probably stay away from this game entirely, but if I had to pick, I’d take Oklahoma State with the points.

Florida vs. LSU

Florida is favored by 10.5 points against LSU. The Tigers are one of the few SEC teams unlikely to make the tournament, while Florida is in contention for a No. 1 seed. I believe Florida can cover the spread here, as they have much more at stake.

Kentucky vs. Alabama

This game was an instant classic when these two teams faced off in Lexington on MLK weekend. Now, Kentucky is a 10.5-point underdog as they travel to Alabama. That spread seems a bit high, but I’ll be holding off on making a final call until I see more developments.

St. Mary’s Visits Gonzaga as a 6 Point Favorite

St. Mary’s and Gonzaga battled things out about a month ago with St. Mary’s hosting as a slight underdog. In a bizarre display of many missed free throws, the Gaels survived an ugly contest. I just think Gonzaga is overdue for a good showing here at home and a quality win to solidify a tournament berth as a lower seed than we’re used to seeing the Bulldogs. My guess is that they’ll finish the season as a 9 or 10 seed.

St. Mary’s has a son of a former NBA star on its roster. Can you name him?
👶Click here for the list of sons of NBA players in the 2025 Men’s College Basketball Season👶

College Basketball Against the Spread Picks – Closing Thought

That wraps up my early thoughts as I roll out of bed, checking for suspect spreads. Be sure to check out my website, CollegeBasketballItest.com, as well as my YouTube and Twitter for more picks and insights. Let me know what you’re seeing today, and enjoy the action!

Matty D’s ATS Record this Season for 2025 College Basketball Picks

This blog started over 10 years ago with the goal of spotting human interest stories, huge underdogs, and sharing opinions across the college basketball ecosystem. Lead blogger Matty D. has delivered a few outstanding longshot picks over the years and on this website. That includes spotting UCONN 50-1 when Kemba Walker graced the Garden as a champion, Wichita State at 100-1 when it made the Final Four as a 9 seed, and also listed FAU as a season-long best underdog the year it made a Final Four as a 9 seed.

If you want to see this year’s top 5 picks for high value future underdogs to win a championship, click here:

To see Matty D’s resume for this season, read on.

Picks are posted before noon every Saturday. Those picks are given the appropriate hashtag “Suspect Spreads Saturday,” as we are looking for games where the sports books have the wrong numbers when it comes to their idea of a fair handicap for that game.

Here’s a running tally of this season’s record: 72-66 ATS Overall:

7-4 ATS on March 20th with this article
3-5 ATS on March 15th with a blog article
10-10 ATS on March 8th with this Tweet
5-10 ATS on March 1st with this Tweet
7-7 ATS on February 22nd with this Tweet
9-3 ATS on February 15th with this Tweet
7-7 ATS on February 8th with this Tweet
7-10 ATS on February 1st with this Article
17-10 to Start the Season with these picks

Men’s College Basketball Picks for Saturday, February 15, 2025

The Super Bowl is over a new wave of sports fans is turning its attention to the college basketball season. It’s been an above .500 showing for Matty D. and the College Basketball Eye Test picks thus far in 2025. Let’s see if we can continue the momentum!

As we settle into the action, let’s take a look at some of the most compelling matchups of the day and what they mean for the landscape of college hoops.

Clemson vs. Florida State: Two Teams in Opposite Directions

One of the early matchups on the schedule sees Clemson traveling to Florida State, and these programs are heading in very different directions. Florida State is in transition, with Coach Leonard Hamilton announcing that this will be his final season at the helm. The Seminoles have struggled to find consistency, and their season has reflected the uncertainty surrounding the program’s future.

Clemson, on the other hand, is surging and might just be establishing itself as the second-best team in the ACC behind Duke. A key piece of their success has been Victor Lakhin, a transfer from Cincinnati who has bolstered the team’s defense. He currently leads the conference in blocked shots, adding an intimidating presence in the paint. With momentum on their side, I expect Clemson to take care of business on the road in what could be another statement win for the Tigers.

Texas A&M vs. Arkansas: Can the Aggies Cover the Spread?

Another game to watch is Texas A&M hosting Arkansas, where the Aggies are favored by eight points. While I’m high on Texas A&M overall, that spread feels too large given their style of play. Coach Buzz Williams likes to go deep into his bench, routinely playing 10 or 11 guys. While that’s a great strategy for building depth, it doesn’t always translate into blowout wins, especially against a team like Arkansas that is still fighting for a tournament berth.

Arkansas has had an up-and-down season, but they are still a dangerous team under Coach John Calipari. While they have struggled to stay consistent, they have enough talent to keep things interesting. I like Texas A&M to win outright, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Arkansas keeps it closer than expected.

Michigan State vs. Illinois: The Best Bet of the Day?

One of the most intriguing matchups of the day is Michigan State traveling to Illinois. Oddsmakers have Illinois as a heavy favorite, but I don’t quite understand that line. This matchup plays right into the strengths of Michigan State, and I think Coach Tom Izzo’s squad has a real shot at pulling off the upset.

Illinois has been plagued by turnovers, sometimes making inexplicable mistakes that could prove costly against a disciplined, well-coached opponent like Michigan State. Meanwhile, one of Illinois’s biggest strengths is their ability to crash the offensive boards, but Michigan State is built to neutralize that advantage. The Spartans are a tough, physical team that won’t allow Illinois many second-chance points, and that could be the deciding factor in this game.

If Michigan State does win, it would be a huge validation of their spot near the top 10 rankings. Keep an eye on this one—it could be the upset of the day.

Final Thoughts

With March Madness fast approaching, every game matters. Clemson looks like a force in the ACC, Texas A&M needs to prove they can cover a big spread, and Michigan State might just be the best underdog bet of the day. Whatever happens, today’s action is sure to have major implications for the tournament picture.

Enjoy the games, and let me know what you think about today’s matchups!

College Basketball Picks Against the Spread for February 8, 2025

We are spotting a bunch of Suspect Spreads on this Saturday, but also a handful of 2 or 3 point favorites where we don’t want to flirt with the points.

The headline game for the day is the Florida Gators getting 9 1/2 points visiting the number 1 overall ranked team in America, Auburn. Gator point guard Watler Clayton Jr. is not listed on an injury report, so I’m rolling with the Gators to compete for a 1 seed in the tournament here.

Here are the picks for today:

My picks are listed as the first team mentioned in each row.

2025 Handicapping Recap for College Basketball Eye Test to Date: 

Overall ATS Record: 17-10, 9-1 on teasers 

First Picks of 2025 was only dipping my toe in the water with this teaser card that went 9-1 overall: 

Second Picks of 2025 went 10-4: https://x.com/CBBEyeTest/status/1883193353107538381 

Third picks of 2025 went 7-6: https://x.com/CBBEyeTest/status/1885693133544989091