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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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: 

Midseason Eye Test with Picks for Saturday, January 18th NCAAB Game Picks

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 

College Basketball Predictions: Key Matchups as February Begins

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It might be February first, but March Madness tournament resumes are starting to crystalize for some of college basketball’s most hopeful teams. Here are my picks combined with some recent analysis powered by Chatgpt-4.

Florida Gators (UF) +5 vs. Tennessee Volunteers

The Florida Gators are set to face the Tennessee Volunteers today. In their last meeting, Florida secured a significant 30-point victory over Tennessee. The Volunteers will be seeking revenge in this matchup. We like Florida because of their strong defensive rebounding and ability to control the tempo against physical opponents.

Missouri Tigers (#Mizzou) +6 vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

The Missouri Tigers, currently ranked 20th, are on the road against the 14th-ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mississippi State is favored by 6.5 points in this matchup. We like Missouri because they have shown resilience in close games and have an effective perimeter shooting attack.

NC State Wolfpack +6 vs. Clemson Tigers

NC State is hosting the Clemson Tigers in a mid-afternoon game. The Wolfpack will look to leverage their home-court advantage in this ACC matchup. We like NC State because of their aggressive defensive pressure, which often forces turnovers and creates transition opportunities.

Auburn Tigers -5.5 vs. Ole Miss Rebels

The top-ranked Auburn Tigers are visiting the 23rd-ranked Ole Miss Rebels. Auburn is favored by 6.5 points in this SEC showdown. We like Auburn because of their deep rotation and ability to wear down opponents over 40 minutes.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights +5.5 vs. Michigan Wolverines

Rutgers is hosting Michigan in a Big Ten matchup. The Scarlet Knights will aim to capitalize on their home advantage against the Wolverines. We like Rutgers because of their tenacious perimeter defense and ability to defend the three-point line effectively.

Kansas Jayhawks (#KUBBall) +2.5 vs. Baylor Bears

The 11th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks are on the road against the Baylor Bears. Baylor is favored by 2.5 points in this Big 12 clash. We like Kansas because of their disciplined half-court offense and experience in high-pressure matchups.

UCF Knights -2 vs. BYU Cougars

UCF is hosting BYU in an evening matchup. The Knights are favored by 2 points in this contest. We like UCF because of their strong interior presence and ability to dominate in the paint.

Texas Longhorns -1.5 vs. Oklahoma Sooners

Texas is visiting Oklahoma in a Big 12 rivalry game. The Longhorns are slight favorites with a 1.5-point advantage. We like Texas because of their balanced scoring and ability to handle defensive pressure.

North Carolina Tar Heels (UNC) +13.5 vs. Duke Blue Devils

The Tar Heels are facing their arch-rivals, the 2nd-ranked Duke Blue Devils, at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke is heavily favored by 13.5 points in this storied rivalry. We like North Carolina because of their fast-paced offense and ability to push the tempo against elite teams.

UConn Huskies +6.5 vs. Marquette Golden Eagles

UConn is on the road against Marquette. The Huskies are 6.5-point underdogs in this Big East matchup. We like UConn because of their disciplined defense and efficient guard play.

South Carolina Gamecocks +5 vs. Texas A&M

We like South Carolina because Texas A&M mixes and matches lineups so often that it never runs away with a game.

Kentucky -11 vs. Arkansas

South Carolina is visiting the Kentucky at Rupp Arena with a highly anticipation return for former Wildcats coach John Calipari. Kentucky is favored by 11 points in this SEC contest. We like Kentucky because Arkansas has been playing poorly all season and we don’t expect this high pressure environment to change that.

St. Mary’s Gaels +1.5 vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs

In a late-night West Coast Conference showdown, St. Mary’s is hosting the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Gonzaga is favored by 1.5 points in this closely contested matchup. We like St. Mary’s because of their methodical offensive execution and ability to control the pace of the game.

Your selections encompass a mix of underdogs and favorites, reflecting a strategic approach to today’s diverse slate of college basketball games. Monitoring each team’s recent performances and current form will be crucial as the day’s action unfolds.

These picks were tweeted early Saturday morning to X. Follow us there!

Why Jimmy Butler to the Houston Rockets Makes Total Sense 🚀 

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With the NBA world buzzing about where disgruntled Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler might land, we lay out a sound argument for him to play with a West Coast Conference contender.

Butler recently returned from a first team suspension from the team wearing Jordan’s #45

Coming out of Marquette on the heels of alumnus Dwayne Wade’s NBA superstardom surge, Jimmy Butler was picked 30th overall. The former homeless high school student maybe a fringe first rounder, but the massive chip on his shoulder would propel him to NBA greatness. His aggressive play and blossoming offensive game had his underdog 2023 Miami Heat make a surprise appearance in the NBA Finals. In that 2023 NBA Finals Jimmy Butler would have surely been the MVP if the Denver Nuggets didn’t have other plans. However, now that aggression has pushed too far and things have gone sour in Miami. Hall of Fame legend and current Miami Heat President Pat Riley and Jimmy Butler are obviously at odds.

There’s only one solution. For Jimmy Butler, it’s time to go home.

Butler gave a 2011 TV interview with college hoops reporter Andy Katz detailing his unlikely path to success at Marquette. He talked about going door to door searching for a home to take him in, after his mother kicked him out of their house. Sadly and ironically, he is in a similar spot now as far as his NBA life is concerned. It is very much a mystery where Jimmy will land for the second half of this season. But one thing is for sure. The trade deadline is on February 6th and the Miami Heat are too successful of an organization to let his incredible value go wasted, even if not in their franchise.

Where Bad Behavior Could Lead to the Perfect Fit for Jimmy Buckets

Butler was just handed a third multiple game suspension for what the club characterizes as bad or unprofessional behavior. There’s a group of characters in his home state of Texas who have their own resumes of bad behavior, but are currently slotted as the 3rd seed in the West: The Houston Rockets. Butler, a native to Houston, would be an absolute perfect fit. Rockets coach Ime Udoka already got jettisoned from another winning organization (the Celtics) after allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a colleague. The Rockets went out of their way to sign technical foul machine Dillon Brooks. Even point guard Fred VanVleet went after a referee this season. Jimmy Butler will fit right in, or maybe get an immediate merit raise for good behavior in comparison. The Rockets have a ton of guys with a chip on their shoulders. Another one of those guys is Cam Whittemore, who cannot be too pleased with his current position in the NBA. The former Villanova freshman phenom is back-and-forth between the pros and the G League. The Rockets have talent to spare. Whittemore might end up being a trade chip for Jimmy Butler.

How can the Heat trade to the Rockets for Jimmy Butler

Well, ESPN’s trade machine tells me that it would only take a few players to get it done 😉

Bet on Kansas City Championships: Chiefs & Jayhawks Parlay

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Kansas City Championship Dream: Chiefs and Jayhawks Parlay Ticket Auction

Imagine the thrill of Kansas City’s favorite teams delivering back-to-back championship parades! This is your chance to secure a future bet combining the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Jayhawks to win it all in their respective leagues.

Picture it: Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid leading the Chiefs to another Super Bowl triumph in February, followed by Bill Self and the Jayhawks cutting down the nets in April. It’s a double-dose of Kansas City glory that fans dream about—and you could hold the ticket that brings it all together.

This parlay ticket is not just a bet; it’s a celebration of excellence and a tribute to the relentless pursuit of greatness by two iconic teams. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love the excitement of a high-stakes gamble, this is your chance to join the ride.

Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of this thrilling Kansas City sports journey. Bid now and envision the joy of two championship runs—and the incredible payout that comes with it! College basketball eye test has a profile on the PropSwap exchange. Click here for this ticket and more!

Top College Basketball Betting Picks for January 25, 2025

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After a long hiatus from publishing Saturday college basketball sports betting picks on Twitter, I’ve re-emerged as the same old dude.

Speaking of old dudes, the college basketball transfer portal and the “throw-everything-at-the-wall-and-see-what-sticks” approach to roster construction has led to my uncertainty in picking games early in the season. It takes teams longer to gel.

Which College Basketball Rosters Have a Healthy Chemistry with a touch of Transfers

I don’t like teams like Texas that seemingly always have one sub-group of transfer portal elders mixed with one diaper dandy expected to go in the NBA Lottery round. As a college basketball fan, I do love teams that have a healthy incumbent core and are adding a few seasoned transfers for their first and only cameo in the portal with the hopes of winning a championship. A guy like Mason Gillis comes to mind in that scenario. He played multiple seasons with the Purdue Boilermakers, including a championship game runner-up last season, before transferring to Duke where he hopes to finally cut down a net with a championship ring.

Underdogs to Watch for College Basketball Games on Saturday, January 25, 2025

The Tennessee Volunteers find themselves in a rare position as a 5 point underdog this weekend against Auburn. Both teams have injury concerns among their low post stars, but with the Vols sporting two of the best guards in the country, this seems like an easy bet.

Another team that has a surprising number today is the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. You’d think that with two potential NBA Lottery picks and one of the best coaches in the game, Rutgers would be in better position right now. However, they are getting 5 1/2 points at home hosting Michigan State. I will take the five-and-a-half knowing that Rutgers postseason hopes really rest on games like these.

Former Chicago Bulls champion Ron Harper has a son starring on Rutgers basketball. Click here to see this season’s roster of second generation sons of NBA players in Division 1 basketball

Suspect Spread Picks for January 25, 2025 in Men’s College Basketball

Wake Forest Eye Test Analysis Ahead of 2025 March Madness

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As the 2025 NCAA Tournament draws closer, Wake Forest has emerged as an intriguing team to watch. Under the leadership of head coach Steve Forbes, the Demon Deacons have showcased a dynamic style of play, a testament to Forbes’ ability to mold his roster into a cohesive and competitive unit. Combining a versatile scoring attack, improved three-point shooting, and strategic adjustments, Wake Forest is poised to make noise in March.

[ Looking for this year’s roster for sons of NBA players in NCAA Basketball? Click here.]

How Head Coach Steve Forbes Is Performing in Fifth Year at Wake Forest

Steve Forbes has quickly become one of the most respected coaches in college basketball. At Wichita State, Forbes helped coach the Shockers to two of the most successful seasons in program history. Wichita State went 30-5 on the season and recorded its third consecutive season of 30 wins or more. He then went on to become a head man at East Tennessee State, where he miraculously led that program to a 30-4 record in his final season there.

Known for his no-nonsense approach and ability to maximize his players’ strengths, Forbes has revitalized a Wake Forest program that was searching for consistency. His strategic brilliance lies in adapting his systems to suit his players’ evolving skills, which has been on full display this season. One of Forbes’ greatest strengths is his ability to foster player development. He has cultivated a culture of accountability and growth, helping athletes like Hunter Sallis and Elfrid Reid III take their games to new heights. His impact goes beyond the court, instilling confidence and leadership qualities that resonate throughout the team.

How Gonzaga transfer Hunter Sallis is the Key to Wake Forest Final 4 Hopes

A key piece of Wake Forest’s success this season is Hunter Sallis, whose scoring versatility has made him one of the most dynamic players in the ACC. Sallis has shown significant improvement in his shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. During the 2024 portion of the season, Sallis struggled from three-point range, shooting just 31.6% (30 made out of 95 attempts). However, in 2025, he has turned a corner, boosting his three-point shooting percentage to an impressive 42.9% (9 made out of 21 attempts).

Sallis’ improvement as a long-range shooter complements his ability to attack the basket and create scoring opportunities off the dribble. With his expanded offensive arsenal, he has become a nightmare for opposing defenses. His recent performances, including a 30-point outing against Stanford, highlight his ability to carry the scoring load for Wake Forest when needed.

Rare 4-Year Program Player Puts Legitimacy to Demon Deacon’s Tourney Hopes

Adding a rare quality to Wake Forest’s lineup is Cameron Hildreth, a four-year player who has remained loyal to the program throughout his college career. The Englishman, hailing from Worthing, England, brings invaluable experience and leadership to the team. Hildreth’s consistency and adaptability have made him a stabilizing presence on the court, whether he’s facilitating the offense, knocking down shots, or defending the opposition’s best perimeter player. His journey with Wake Forest embodies the type of commitment and growth that defines the program’s culture under Steve Forbes.

Wake Forest only had one quad 1/quad 2 win heading into its road win mid-January against Virginia Tech. Still, it’s hard to argue with an ACC record of 7-1 and cliimbing.

You Can’t Teach Size

Adding another layer of intrigue to the Demon Deacons’ offense is the emergence of Elfrid Reid III as a legitimate perimeter threat. Previously known for his work in the post and mid-range, Reid has developed a reliable three-point shot, forcing opponents to rethink their defensive strategies. This is not a volume play. However, his ability to step out and hit from beyond the arc has opened up the floor for Wake Forest, creating driving lanes for Sallis and opportunities for other players to thrive. He may only live in the 20-25 percent range for 3pt efficiency, but it’s enough of a threat to keep the defense honest.

Why Wake Forest Basketball is a team to Watch

The combination of Forbes’ strategic acumen, Sallis’ scoring prowess, and Reid’s floor-spacing abilities has turned Wake Forest into one of the most balanced and unpredictable teams in the country. They’ve shown they can win in various ways, whether it’s a high-scoring shootout or a gritty defensive battle.

As the postseason approaches, the Demon Deacons will look to build on their momentum and prove they belong in the conversation among the nation’s elite. With their ability to adapt and evolve, Wake Forest could be a dark horse to watch when March Madness begins.