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Exciting Thursday Games: Betting Insights and Predictions for March Madness 2025

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The madness has arrived, and with it comes the challenge of picking winners against the spread. With upsets brewing and lines set to tempt bettors, I’m locking in my best plays for the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The key? Taking value where the market gives it and, in the case of BYU and Michigan, paying a small premium on the money line to avoid sweating the points.

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

Creighton (+2.5) vs. Louisville

This game should be an old-fashioned pick ‘em. Both teams have the talent to make a run, and I don’t see a clear favorite here. When that’s the case, I’m gladly taking the 2.5 points with Creighton, knowing they have just as much of a chance to win outright as Louisville.

High Point (+8.5) vs. Purdue

Purdue isn’t a No. 1 seed this year, but they still have the size and experience to be dangerous. That said, High Point is built to cover this spread. Their perimeter shooting and ability to speed up the pace make them a sneaky play at +8.5.

Montana (+16.5) vs. Wisconsin

Wisconsin plays a slow, grinding style, which makes covering a big number like 16.5 tough. Montana should be able to keep this game within reach simply by limiting possessions and playing solid defense.

McNeese State (+7.5) vs. Clemson

McNeese is one of the strongest mid-majors in this tournament, and they match up well against Clemson. Their defense and ability to control the tempo make them a live dog here. I’ll take the 7.5 points with confidence.

BYU (Money Line, -142) vs. VCU

Rather than sweating BYU covering the spread, I’m backing them on the money line at -142. The Cougars have the edge in talent and efficiency, and I trust them to win outright without worrying about VCU sneaking in a late cover.

Georgia (+6.5) vs. Gonzaga

This isn’t the same dominant Gonzaga team we’ve seen in years past. Georgia has the athleticism to keep this one close, and they’re more than capable of hanging within 6.5 points.

Arkansas (+4.5) vs. Kansas

Kansas has been shaky down the stretch, and Arkansas has the athleticism and defensive intensity to make this a dogfight. With Kansas showing inconsistency, I’ll take the Razorbacks and the 4.5 points.

Yale (+7.5) vs. Texas A&M

The Ivy League has a history of bracket-busting, and Yale fits the mold of a team that can make things uncomfortable for a higher seed. Their methodical offense and tough defense should keep this game close, making 7.5 points an easy take.

What makes Yale one of the best overall underdogs in the tournament is their continuity and discipline. The Bulldogs don’t rely on one or two star players; they execute as a unit, making them less susceptible to off-nights from individual performers. They also control tempo exceptionally well, which forces more athletic teams into uncomfortable half-court battles. That’s a nightmare for an opponent like Texas A&M, which thrives in transition. If you’re looking for an underdog with serious long-term value, Yale deserves your attention.

Click here to check out the full top 5 underdogs worth backing for futures!

Drake (+6.5) vs. Missouri

Drake has already proven they can compete with Power Five schools. Missouri has been inconsistent, and this feels like a classic mid-major value pick. I’ll take the points and wouldn’t be shocked if Drake wins outright.

Beyond this game, Drake is one of the best underdog teams in the entire tournament field. The biggest reason? Bennett Stirtz. He’s the smoothest point guard in the country that no one is talking about. The Bulldogs are loaded with talent from the Kansas City area and transfers from Northwest Missouri State, where new head coach Ben McCollum has built a championship-winning culture.

McCollum’s dominance at the Division II level—where he won four national titles and posted an 81.2% career win rate—is a blueprint for success at the Division I level. His system is proven, and now he has the resources and talent to execute it on a larger stage. Expect his winning mentality and attention to detail to make Drake one of the most dangerous low seeds in the entire field.

Click here to see why Drake made my top 5 underdogs for futures!

Michigan (Money Line, -150) vs. UC San Diego

Another spot where I’m avoiding the spread and simply backing Michigan to win outright. UC San Diego is no pushover, but Michigan’s talent gap should be enough to get the job done. I’ll take the money line at -150 rather than sweating a possible tight finish.

UNC Wilmington (+15.5) vs. Texas Tech

Texas Tech can score, but they also allow teams to hang around. UNC Wilmington has the offensive tools to keep this from getting out of hand, making 15.5 points too good to pass up.

This game also has a few key injuries to consider. Click here for our injury tracker.

St. John’s (-18.5) vs. Omaha

St. John’s is built to run teams out of the gym, and Omaha doesn’t have the firepower to keep up. When the Red Storm get rolling, they don’t let up, and I expect this one to be over early. Lay the 18.5 and trust the blowout.

Thursday’s Games with Huge Favorites

There are a handful of Thursday games that I’m passing on simply because the spreads are too outrageous to find real value. These include Auburn vs. Alabama State/Saint Francis, Florida vs. Norfolk State, Duke vs. American/Mount St. Mary’s, Houston vs. SIU Edwardsville, and Tennessee vs. Wofford. These matchups feature top-seeded teams against overmatched opponents, where the favorites are more than capable of running away with the game—but covering a massive number in the first round is always a gamble. While a few of these underdogs might hang around early, there’s too much risk in relying on them to keep it close for 40 minutes or expecting the favorites to stay locked in for a full blowout cover. Sometimes, the best play is no play at all.

Final Thoughts

This tournament is full of value plays, and I’m taking a mix of live underdogs and sharp money line bets to maximize profit potential. BYU and Michigan are worth paying a small premium to avoid the spread, while teams like Drake, Yale, and McNeese could all exceed expectations. If you’re looking for underdogs that can make a deep run, check out the full list of the top 5 underdogs for futures bets!

March Madness 2025: First Impressions of Each Region

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Men’s College Basketball Tournament Preview

With the NCAA Tournament bracket officially revealed, the first look at each region reveals key storylines, potential upsets, and teams set up for deep runs. Here’s an initial breakdown from CollegeBasketballEyeTest.com author Matty D.

Click here to find a printable bracket as a PDF.

🏆 Elite 8 Articles 🏆
🔥 Top Injuries to Watch 🔥
✈️ Fun Destinations for March Madness Travel✈️
🐶 5 Underrated Underdogs to Watch 🐶
🎉 6 March Madness Traditions 🎉
🏀 Sons of NBA Stars 🏀
⚔️Rivalry Reignited⚔️
📊 Season ATS Standings 📊
😎Coolest Player Names😎

South Region: Tough Roads and Underseeded Teams

Texas A&M and Michigan got no favors in their draw, facing nightmare high seeds with a potential meeting against Auburn looming. Meanwhile, under-seeded teams like Louisville, Marquette, and Creighton could create chaos in this region. The 11-seed looks dangerous and could roll through the bracket. As for upsets, Bryant has a legitimate chance to beat Michigan State outright, but at the very least, they’re a lock to cover the first half spread.

East Region: Duke on Upset Alert

Duke might be one of the biggest names in the East, but they’re far from safe. Baylor, Arizona, BYU, or Alabama all have the firepower to take them down. The SEC’s representation in this region is interesting, with Vanderbilt sneaking in as a 10-seed and Alabama managing to hold onto a 2-seed. While most lower seeds don’t pose a significant Sweet 16 threat, Liberty has the tools to take out Oregon in the first round.

Midwest Region: Houston’s to Lose, But Upsets Lurk

The Midwest Region looks like Houston’s to lose, but there’s plenty of room for chaos. The winner of the Clemson vs. McNeese matchup could make the most noise in this section of the bracket. Purdue sits as a high seed, but High Point has a real shot at taking them down. Meanwhile, Texas is a team to watch—if they build momentum, they could be a dangerous 11-seed no one wants to face.

West Region: Cinderella Runs and a Potential Border War

The West Region might be the most unpredictable of them all. The winner of Missouri vs. Drake is primed for an Elite Eight run, while a potential “Border War” clash between Kansas and Missouri could add a historic rivalry to the mix. In the first round, Maryland vs. Grand Canyon could be the best game to watch. Meanwhile, Walter Clayton Jr. and Florida is built for a deep run and could find themselves in the Elite Eight, no matter if they’re facing a No. 6, 7, or 11 seed along the way.

First Takeaway

The bracket is set, and early impressions reveal a mix of powerhouse teams, potential Cinderella stories, and major upset possibilities. As always, March Madness promises chaos, and this year’s first look suggests we’re in for another wild ride.

Four Fun Matchups for March Madness that Selection Sunday Might Provide

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When I say “the committee,” what do you think of? If you envision the power players who sit together on Selection Sunday to reveal the most unrivaled postseason format in U.S. Sports History, you would be correct. The committee is just days (or maybe hours depending on when you’re reading this) away from unveiling the Division 1 Men’s College Basketball Tournament bracket. With so many superior teams at the top of the rankings, there are sure to be some intriguing matchups with the middle of the pack. As much attention and sometimes scorn that this group gets, the tournament committee routinely fixes matchups that offer awesome storylines.

(This is one of 6 fixed traditions that I expect each year from the bracket – click here to see those).

And while you anxiously await the bracket, here are 5 fun matchups to hope for.

Border War Between Missouri and Kansas Could Re-ignite

The rivalry between Kansas and Missouri dates back much further than the Jayhawks and the Tigers. It dates back to the conflicts that preceded the American Civil War. Therefore, this basketball matchup was always a highly intense event. Kansas and Missouri spent years battling it out on the hardwood as they were Big 12 (or Big 8) conference rivals. In recent years, Missouri joined the SEC but had the good sense to still respect this history and schedule a non-conference matchup against each other. Although this has led to plenty of hotly contested games, nothing would stir the pot more dramatically than head-to-head combat in the NCAA Tournament.

The author of this blog is also a YouTube producer who created a horror stories series featuring many ghost stories dating back to Bleeding Kansas Era. Click here to watch some.

With KU struggling to finish its season strong, it could be dropping to a 6 or 7 seed. This could put them in position to play a 2 or 3 seeded Missouri Tigers team in the field of 32.

​The violent confrontations between Kansas and Missouri during the Civil War era are commonly referred to as “Bleeding Kansas” or the “Border War.” These terms describe the series of violent civil confrontations between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces in the Kansas Territory and western Missouri between 1854 and 1859. The conflict was characterized by electoral fraud, raids, assaults, and murders carried out by pro-slavery “border ruffians” and retaliatory raids by anti-slavery “free-staters.” This period of violence significantly shaped American politics and contributed to the onset of the Civil War.

Pitinos Pitted Against Each Other?

When it comes to teams he previously coached, legend Rick Pitino has plenty of exes. There’s Iona, Louisville, Kentucky — all of which could make this year’s tourney. And if the NCAA Tournament bracket falls into place just right, college basketball fans could witness a rare and emotionally charged showdown between a father and son on the sidelines. St. John’s is having a storybook season where Pitino has resurrected the program to already clinch a Big East regular season title as March begins.

With Rick Pitino’s St. John’s squad projected as a potential No. 2 or 3 seed, and his son Richard Pitino’s New Mexico team positioned as a dangerous 10 or 11 seed, the path to an unforgettable coaching clash is on the table. Should the Lobos pull off a first-round victory, the second-round matchup could pit the legendary Hall of Fame coach against his own son, turning the family dynamic into a high-stakes chess match on college basketball’s biggest stage. It would be a moment filled with pride, strategy, and inevitable heartbreak—one Pitino would move on, the other would go home.

Chucky’s Revenge

Now that the transfer portal has become a mainstay of how college basketball rosters are filled out, there will be no shortage of opportunities for awkward reunions. Players who thought they were tranfersring to greener pastures will undoubtedly face a program that has done fine without them, also qualifying for the tourney. Among those intriguing storylines brewing—one that could pit Louisville’s Chucky Hepburn against his former Wisconsin team in a high-stakes, win-or-go-home battle. With both programs eyeing a spot in the field of 68, a potential reunion on the court wouldn’t just be compelling—it would be personal.

Hepburn, who spent three seasons as Wisconsin’s floor general before transferring to Louisville, has quickly become an integral piece for the Cardinals. His defensive tenacity and poise under pressure once made him a beloved figure in Madison, but now, those same traits could spell trouble for the Badgers should they meet in the tournament. Depending on how the bracket shakes out, Louisville could enter as a lower-seeded team looking to pull off an upset, while Wisconsin’s steadier season might earn them a more favorable placement. That kind of disparity would only heighten the drama if the two programs are matched up in the early rounds.

If the selection committee delivers this potential clash, fans would be treated to a rare and emotionally charged battle where Hepburn’s deep knowledge of Wisconsin’s system could work in Louisville’s favor. Would his familiarity with Greg Gard’s schemes give the Cardinals an edge? Or would the Badgers’ defense, one he helped define during his tenure in Madison, have the perfect blueprint to shut him down?

Fingerprints of Former Florida Atlantic Stars All Over Tourney Bracket

Speaking of the transfer portal, the Cinderella story of the 2023 NCAA Tournament will have its fingerprints all over this college basketball bracket. Four former Owls—Johnell Davis (Arkansas), Alijah Martin (Florida), Vladislav Goldin (Michigan), and Nick Boyd (San Diego State) are all key contributors on their new teams. With each of their squads in the mix for a March Madness berth, the tournament could deliver an emotional reunion—this time as opponents.

Davis, the explosive guard who helped lead FAU’s magical run, has brought his scoring prowess to Arkansas, while Martin is making his presence felt at Florida. Goldin, a dominant force in the paint, provides Michigan with size and rim protection, and Boyd’s veteran leadership has been crucial for a normally mature San Diego State program.

This article posted to MyFAU.edu does a great job detailing the dispersing of that 2023 team.

Even the 2023 FAU’s head coach Dusty May could resurface in this storyline. He cashed in the 2023 run for a head coaching position at Michigan and took Vladislav Goldin with him.

Even Brenen Lorient, a role player at best on that FAU Final 4 team, could pop onto the radar screen. His North Texas Mean Green team wouldn’t be a big surprise to win the American Athletic Conference tournament because they’re currently slated as a 2 seed there. They’d likely have to knock off AP Top 25 team Memphis in the process.

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!

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!

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

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

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What teams could make a late season surge in college basketball?

The question in college basketball is not who are the top teams, but instead we are keeping an eye on which teams could move from unranked to tournament sleeper. With an active transfer portal in the offseason, it’s hard to keep track of rosters from year to year. Who is on what team? The truth is that many teams in the top 10 have continuity from the past year, but then the next top 50 teams or so are fluid. There’s a lot of team chemistry that is still building, with head coaches like Kentucky’s Mark Pope a mad scientist experimenting with different lineups in an AAU-like scramble to achieve cohesion in one season.

College basketball’s favorites and underdogs for a 2024-2025 NCAA Championship

The top of the list has remained mostly the same. Duke and Auburn are taking turns as the nation’s number 1 overall ranked team, and therefore the lowest odds to win a title. As this article is being published, each team sits around 6-1 to win it all. Duke and Auburn started the season in that same 10-1 vicinity. They were joined then, and continue to be joined now, by Kansas, Gonzaga, Houston, UCONN, and Iowa State in the second tier of teams in the 10-1 to 25-1 range. Once you start reading below the 25-1 line, things get really dicey. There is a lot of volatility within college basketball’s rankings of say the 20th overall teams and the 60th overall teams. In late November, teams like UNC, Arkansas and Indiana were in the conversation as a third teir of title contenders. However, now those teams would be happy to even make the tournament.

A screenshot of DraftKings odds in late November shows how much has changed

What college basketball teams are underrated right now?

The team that probably headlines a list of surprising, surging, underdog teams, is the Louisville Cardinals. Led by longtime Wisconsin Badger point guard Chucky Hepburn and head coach Pat Kelsey, this team is really starting to put it together. In mid-January, the Cardinals raced away with a win against Syracuse at the former Carrier Dome. Coach Pat Kelsey is known for his track meet style, but even that 85-61 should make you pay attention. This team could race its way into a dangerous 5 or 6 seed before we know it.

Another team worth watching is UCF. Lefty Keyshawn Hall just dropped 40 on Arizona State in their building (including 29 in the first half) to bolster their record to 12-4.

Click here to read more about Hall’s 40 point game on The Ledger.com

UCF is not the only surprising team in the newly-mixed Big 12. West Virginia is a bubble team and has notched important resumes wins so far including a New Year’s Eve win at Allen Fieldhouse. Former Drake head coach Darian Devries has taken his talents (and his son Tucker) to Morgantown with a balanced athletic team led by top scorer Javon Small. This team features six players averaging at least 4 1/2 rebounds per game. When you watch, you’ll see they play for each other.

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What NCAAB teams to watch for on Saturday, January 18, 2025

UConn’s quest to 3-peat as champions is a testament to their resilience and their ability to adapt in high-pressure situations. After a turbulent holiday season marred by losses to Memphis, Colorado, and Dayton, the Huskies looked far from their championship form. However, with the emergence of their star freshman—Liam McNeeley—and the steady leadership of Coach Dan Hurley, UConn has regained its focus. The freshman phenom has electrified the court, leading the team in scoring and providing the spark they needed during a critical midseason stretch. As the Huskies prepare for March Madness, their ability to rebound from adversity and channel their championship pedigree will be key to securing a historic third consecutive title.

Clemson and Wake Forest find themselves in a prime position to take control of an ACC conference that is facing an identity crisis. After Duke’s dominance at the top of the pack, tournament seeds are up for grabs in the league with traditional powers like Syracuse, UNC, and UVA experiencing user error. Clemson has shown flashes of brilliance this season, with a strong defense and an emerging backcourt duo. Meanwhile, Wake Forest’s Steve Forbes is poised to make his mark. After several years of building his program, Forbes has assembled a team capable of making noise in the ACC. His emphasis on tough, physical basketball and disciplined play could give Wake Forest the edge it needs to capitalize on a wide-open conference race. The opportunity is there for the taking, but both teams will need to show consistency and poise as the season heats up.

In the Missouri Valley Conference, Drake is under pressure to prove it is the cream of the crop. Currently boasting a solid record and led by their prolific scorer Bennett Stirtz, who is averaging almost 18 points per game, the Bulldogs have been the team to beat in their league. However, questions remain about their ability to dominate when it matters most. With key matchups against rival programs on the horizon, Drake has the chance to solidify its status as a powerhouse in the conference. To do so, they’ll need to continue their balanced approach—combining high-octane offense with a stingy defense that can shut down opponents in crunch time. The Bulldogs’ performance over the next few weeks will be critical not just for their NCAA tournament aspirations but also for cementing their legacy within the Missouri Valley Conference.

Last but not least: Picks for Saturday, January 18th:

This is a teaser pick on FanDuel that took advantage of a 13-leg promotional105% boost. Louisville -10.5, UK 6.5, Clemoson +9.5, UCONN -1.5, Auburn +2.5, Wake Forest +4.5, Cincy -3.5, Xavier +15.5, Tennessee +2.5, Mizzou +3.5, Drake +1.5, A&M -5.5, BYU +6.5.

Top 5 Future Underdog Values for 2025 March Madness Men’s Basketball

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Whether you’re looking to snag a great price on a college basketball future, or just cramming before the 2025 NCAA Basketball tournament, this list will track the best 5 values.

Of course, this is a subjective opinion.

Best Long-shot odds for the 2024-2025 College Basketball Season

This website and its author Matty D. focuses on what is seen on TV (and occasionally in person), as compared to analytics and top 25 lists.

Odds for the 2024-2025 college basketball season started out with a log jam of great teams in the 9-1 to 16-1 territory. Auburn started the year around 16-1 or 20-1 to win it all, before climbing to the top one or two teams in the national rankings.

Both Auburn and Duke have spent weeks are the overwhelming favorites for odds to win it all, while a pack of second tier teams were separated starting around the 10-1, 12-1 territory afterwards. Some Sportsbooks have even listed a combined ticket of either Duke or Auburn to win a championship in the +120 moneyline territory.

Look for links to buy some futures tickets from our PropSwap page in the article below!
Look for the stock up and the green check mark emojis. 📈✅ 

With the fluctuating of top teams oscillating somewhere in this 10-1 or 20-1 territory, below are my favorite long-shot odds to win the title at 55-1 or longer. For your information, many teams are vacillating in the 20-1 to 50-1 price range. If you like the teams in that territory, this isn’t your article. But it’s still worth watching. For example, on February 8th Illinois had shifted from a 30-1 odds team to a 55-1 team to win it all. If you love the KU Jayhawks, it’s worth noting they’ve fluctuated between 30-1 and 35-1 quite routinely. If you love them so much, you should invest in that 35-1 number after their next loss. Following a win, they’ve been 25-1 or 30-1 on popular sites such as DraftKings and FanDuel Sportsbook.

BYU Odds to Win a Men’s College Basketball Championship, Link to Buy a Ticket

5. Continuity is an important ingredient in this exercise. Most times, when a new coach comes into a program, all players flee to find other opportunities. Not with BYU. Although new head coach Kevin Young has come in, a small core of important contributors have remained with the Cougars. And they’ve now been surrounded with NBA talent such as Russian Egor Demin, who is currently projected as the 18th overall pick in an mock draft on NBA.com. This team is hitting its stride with road wins in the late stages of the regular season against top tier teams such as Iowa State and Arizona. They demolished Kansas. And they get a huge volume of 3pt shots, which can overcome most deficits when they get down (its inevitable if you’re going to play multiple tournament games). This team started February in the 125-1 range, but look at them now!

📈Click here to buy a futures ticket for BYU to Win a National Title on the PropSwap market✅ 

Drake Bulldogs Perhaps America’s Best Underdogs at 500-1!

4. Two words. Bennett Stirtz. He is the smoothest point guard in America that no one is talking about. Drake has a wealth of Kansas City area kids and transfers from Northwestern Missouri State, where the new head coach has had championship success.

Northwest Missouri State’s championship pedigree under Ben McCollum is a blueprint for success at the Division I level. His four national titles and 81.2% career win rate showcase his ability to build and sustain an elite program. McCollum’s proven ability to recruit, develop, and maximize talent will translate well as he steps onto a larger stage. His history of dominating conference play and guiding players to national accolades suggests that his approach—rooted in discipline, strategy, and player development—can immediately impact a Division I program. Expect his winning mentality to create a competitive and successful culture at the next level.

Yale Basketball Intriguing Odds at 1,000-1 to win it all

3. With the exception of center Danny Wolf who transferred to Michigan, this Ivy League power is an intelligent bet to make at 1,000 – 1 because of its returning talent and wisdom. This Yale squad upset Auburn last year in the 13 vs. 4 seed matchup. And with exception to its point guards, this is the same Auburn team that is currently ranked a heavy overall favorite to win the 2025 championship. Let’s get crazy and picture a scenario where, at 250-1 odds, Yale makes the Final Four and squares for a rematch with Auburn in 2025!

Ball handling is at a premium during the NCAA Tournament. And Yale has a healthy contingency of trusted guards. Senior starters Bez Mbeng and John Poulakidas return to the 2025 roster with hopes to advance its Cinderella aspirations seen during 2024 March Madness. If you remember, Poulakidas has some dramatic shot making in the closing moments of that 2024 contest to march the Bulldogs back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter (equivalent).

John Poulakidas with a serious game face as he pulls off a career high in the 2024 tourney

As for this current iteration of the Yale Bulldogs in the 2024-2025 regular season, there’s an argument to be made that they’re a better team than last year. Yale basketball has been on a tear, riding a nine-game winning streak to a 16-6 record (9-0 in Ivy League play). The Bulldogs have dominated conference opponents with decisive wins over Harvard, Princeton, and Penn while also pulling out a nail-biting 72-71 victory over Pennsylvania. Their early-season struggles featured close losses to major conference opponents such as Minnesota (59-56) and UTEP (75-74), along with a high-scoring overtime defeat to Delaware (100-94), showcasing their ability to compete in tight matchups. Throughout the season, a core group of players has consistently led the way—John Poulakidas has been the team’s primary scorer, with standout performances like a 32-point outing against Cornell, while Danny Townsend and Yassine Gharram have been dominant on the glass. Bez Mbeng has been a steady facilitator, regularly leading in assists, including a 12-assist showing against Cornell. With their current momentum, Yale has established itself as the team to beat in the Ivy League.

St. Mary’s Odds to Win 2025 NCAA Basketball Championship

2. The St. Mary’s Gaels get some respect here as a top choice for futures values. The Gaels roster combines some long-time players with tournament experience, but a splash of new generation players like combo guard Mikey Lewis. He and veteran point guard Augustus Marciulionis make for a formidable pairing in the backcourt. (Yes, Marciulonis is one of many sons of NBA players playing in college basketball right now. See the list here).

The Gaels got out to a great start this season, winning 9 of its first 10 games. As always, its tournament resume will be filtered in large part by whether it can beat Gonzaga. The play the Zags twice in February and won both matchups! They wrapped up the WCC regular season title on February 22nd, a stunning accomplishment for a team that’s barely ever ranked in the AP Top 25 (this season, at least).

At the time of this article being published, the Gaels futures odds had a large variability. On FanDuel, odds to make a Final Four were 45-1. On DraftKings, the same odds were 25-1.

St. Mary’s beat Gonzaga in an uncharacteristically low shooting percentage (including free throws) game for both teams to begin February, when St. Mary’s championship hopes stuck around 80-1.

Texas A&M Odds to Win 2025 NCAA Basketball Championship

  1. Texas A&M has been on this list since it began the 2024-205 campaign at 80-1, so it will remain grandfathered on this “best of” list despite its price surging to around 30-1 while it sticks in the AP top 10 in mid-February.

    The Aggies return 82% of their scoring from the 2023-2024 campaign and surge here to the best overall value to win the tournament. Led by point guard Wade Taylor IV, the Aggies have the depth, the coach, and the culture with its commitment to defense. Their roster is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to 6-7 to 6-9 athletes with a multi-faceted talents. However, they don’t really play many at 6-10 or taller.

    Texas A&M started the season at 75-1 or 80-1 to win a title, based on where you’ve seen their odds.

If for some reason you don’t like Texas A&M, but you’re looking for a similarly valued team from the stacked SEC, consider the Missouri Tigers.

CUT LINE 2025:

“Also Receiving Votes” for College Basketball Best Future Value Teams for 2025

Michigan Wolverines Import Cinderella Ingredients to Make for an NCAAB Sleeper

Grand Canyon Odds to Win 2025 NCAA Basketball Championship

Removed from this List after losing to CA Baptist

We are still not over the pummeling that Grand Canyon suffered to California Baptist. I’ve never seen that program play, but it’s hard to put my support beyond the Antelopes after that ass beating. Here’s what was previously written: At 250-1 to win a title on DraftKings around the holidays, the Antelopes were be an intriguing lottery ticket to receive in the Christmas stocking. A blowout loss to California Baptist in early February gave you pause as it put the Antelopes behind Utah Valley in the conference standings. Still, this conference and this team is worth a pick as part of this list.

Grand Canyon has a lot of ingredients you look for when searching for a high ceiling stock. First, they have a winnable conference. You wouldn’t expect them to get an at-large, although it’s actually possible with this team. However, they should be able to handle in-conference competition such as Southern Utah and Abilene Christian in the WAC conference standings. Secondly, they have tournament experience. In fact, they logged a win against another team on this list.

As February began, CBS Sports bracketologist Jerry Palm had them slated as a 13 seed due to play Memphis. That would be the type of winnable game that could propel the antelope into a position as the hunter and not the prey.

Grand Canyon was a 12 seed last year when it got a win. Last but not least, they have a star player who can go into takeover mode. Tyon Grant-Foster averages over 16 points per game (and dropped 22 in last year’s tournament win).

Michigan Basketball Cut from the Top Underdog List

Michigan was cut from this top 5 list after its performance became shaky in late February, but it’s ticket price become more costly. The Wolverines struggled to beat Rutgers at home and then got dominated by Illinois.

This blog had previously published how, “We can’t ignore how Michigan imported Dusty May, the 2023-2024 darling of the tournament leading his Florida Atlantic Owls to the Final 4. Also, they’ve added a 7-footer from that squad plus an additional 7-footer from another Cinderella Yale program.”

Arizona State Odds to Win 2025 NCAA Basketball Championship

Arizona State was pulled from this list after getting into its conference schedule and playing typical unpredictable undisciplined basketball for a Bobby Hurley coached team (I know, counterintuitive, you would think). Previous comments: “This team might be a riskier pick than the aforementioned team with an equal price. The Sun Devils odds could be more volatile than coach Bobby Hurley’s behavior on the sidelines. That’s why they call it gambling. As a newcomer to the Big 12, you’ll have to monitor this team’s regular season performance. The Sun Devils have four guards averaging 9 points or more (three in double digits). As its name would suggest, this team can get hot (or cold) with devilish volatility.

The Sun Devils were 250-1 on DraftKings on December 14, 2024 to win it all.”

Penn State Odds to Win 2025 NCAA Basketball Championship

Penn State got off to a hot start with a court-storming home win against Purdue, but as we continue to watch the Big 10 this season, it seems to be a down year for the overinflated league. Previously wrote: “The Big 10 is going to be a tough conference to predict with traditional powers such as Purdue and Ohio State seemingly in a bit of a program transition. Purdue suffered some upsets early in the season as it adjusts to life without Zack Edey. And Ohio State is a mess. In the meantime, a team like Penn State is jumping off the page with its futures odds sitting at 100-1 in mid-December.”