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.
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 Madness is almost here, and every college basketball fan wants an edge. Whether you’re tracking injuries, scouting underdogs, or looking for fun destinations to experience the madness firsthand, CollegeBasketballeyetest.com has you covered. Our latest Elite 8 Articles connect you with the most important topics leading up to the tournament.
📲 Your One-Stop Shop for College Hoops
We dive deep into the latest trends, hidden betting opportunities, and must-watch storylines. These articles guide you through every aspect of the tournament:
🔥 Top Injuries to Watch – Key players battling injuries could make or break their team’s chances. Stay informed before placing any bets.
🏀 Sons of NBA Stars – Meet the next generation of basketball royalty making waves in college hoops.
🐶 Top 5 Underrated Underdogs – Every year, a few lower-seeded teams make a deep run. These are the squads to keep an eye on.
🎉 6 March Madness Traditions – From historic buzzer-beaters to iconic pep bands, relive the best traditions of the tournament.
📊 Season ATS Standings – Betting against the spread? Check which teams have been the most (and least) profitable all season.
💰 This Week’s Best Picks – Get expert insights on the best value plays leading up to Selection Sunday.
🕵️♂️ Fun Matchups the Committee Could Conspire – Which potential tournament matchups could stir up the most drama? We break down the possibilities.
✈️ Four Fun Destinations to Travel for March Madness – Want to experience the madness in person? Here are four great cities to catch the action live.
With these deep dives, our site connects college basketball fans to the info they crave. Click through to any article and stay ahead of the game this March! 🚀
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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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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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.
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!
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.
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 😉
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!
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.
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.
College Basketball Eye Test 