College Basketball Picks

College basketball picks for the 2023/24 season. Get college basketball expert picks against the spread and totals for the best matchups throughout college basketball every day. We also have you covered for the best action throughout March Madness 2024. Check out our College Basketball Best Bets for our top plays on today’s games.

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Clemson Tigers- NCAAB
Clemson Tigers- NCAAB
CLEM
Today
CBS
ARZ
Arizona Wildcats - NCAAB
Arizona Wildcats - NCAAB
Point Spread Pick
Clemson +7.0Clemson @ Arizona

The second weekend of the NCAA Tournament tips off with a West Region semifinal matchup between the 2nd-seeded Arizona Wildcats and the 6th-seeded Clemson Tigers. Arizona sits as a 7-point favorite, boasting the second-highest spread among the Sweet 16 games. While the Wildcats have secured 2 convincing double-digit victories and covers so far this tournament, I believe this spread is a bit high in their favor. This matchup against a surging Clemson team has the potential to be a close one, potentially decided by 1 or 2 possessions.

Clemson’s front-court duo of PJ Hall (18.5 ppg) and Ian Schieffelin (9.8 ppg) is a force. They helped the Tigers rank second in the ACC in 2-point scoring rate (53.7%). Their ability to challenge Arizona’s front court and hold their own on the boards could make this a tight contest. Arizona, of course, counters with a talented front court of their own in Oumar Ballo (12.9 ppg) and Keshad Johnson (11.7 ppg).

Despite 2 upset wins en route to the Sweet 16, Clemson continues to be undervalued by the betting market. Ultimately, Arizona’s consistency from beyond the arc might be the deciding factor. The Wildcats boast KenPom’s 19th best 3-point scoring rate (37.3%) compared to Clemson’s 103rd-ranked mark (35.3%). However, I don’t believe this advantage is enough for Arizona to cover the current 7-point spread.

Clemson +7 available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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Game Totals Pick
Under 152.0Clemson @ Arizona

Arizona’s most recent game stayed under the closing total of 148.5 points, as Dayton intentionally limited Arizona’s transition opportunities by slowing the tempo in the half court. Expect a similar strategy from the Tigers. They understand that keeping up with the Wildcats in a full-court game will be a tall task, leading to some correlation between Clemson covering the 7-point spread and this game falling under the total of 152.

The Tigers are in no hurry to hoist shots up early in possessions, averaging a deliberate 17.4 seconds per possession (169th nationally). Their ability to limit the number of possessions in this one figures to benefit under backers. Clemson also boasts the most efficient defense Arizona has faced so far this tournament, raising the chance that the Wildcats’ offense might not operate at the level we have seen most of this season.

Under 152 available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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$37.39
Nick Musial
San Diego State Aztecs - NCAAB
San Diego State Aztecs - NCAAB
SDST
Today
TBS
UCONN
Connecticut Huskies
Connecticut Huskies
Point Spread Pick
UConn -11.0San Diego State @ Connecticut

The San Diego State Aztecs have the rare opportunity at a second chance. Last season SDSU advanced as a #5 seed to the Final Four. It beat FAU on a buzzer-beater to make the championship game and faced the UConn Huskies. The Aztecs got crushed 76-59 as a 6.5-point underdog on April 3 in Houston to end up as the national runner-up. San Diego State has split against the spread in the NCAA Tournament so far, just edging UAB in the opening round before pounding Yale in the second round. The Aztecs have faced a pair of double-digit seeds, so this is a major step up in competition. They  enter play just 2-6 ATS in the past 8 outings.

The defending champion UConn Huskies have rattled off 5 straight victories in the postseason — and 9 consecutive wins overall — while covering at an 8-1 ATS clip in the past 9 dating back to Feb. 24. That includes a pair of wins and covers against Stetson and Northwestern in the NCAA Tournament, both as a double-digit favorite. The Huskies have won those games by an average margin of victory of 28.0 ppg. Look for a fairly close game in the first half before UConn pulls away in the second half in New England in front of a pro-UConn crowd.

UConn -11 available at time of publishing. Playable to -10.5.

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Game Totals Pick
Under 136.0San Diego State @ Connecticut

The Aztecs and Huskies squared off in the national championship game last April, with UConn racking up a 76-59 win as the over (130.5) just came through. While SDSU cashed the over last time out against Yale in an 85-57 win and the total has gone high in 3 of 5 games in the postseason, defense is still a major part of the game for the Aztecs. Plus they will likely struggle offensively against the #1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The defending champion Huskies have cashed the under in each of the past 2 NCAA Tournament games, even though the offense has racked up 83.0 ppg. The defense has yielded just 55.0 ppg in 2 tourney games while allowing 61 or fewer points in 4 of the past 5 postseason outings and 7 of the previous 9 overall. The total has stayed low at a 6-1 clip in the past 7 games. San Diego State will probably have a difficult time cracking the defense of UConn, which allows just 64.0 ppg to rank 13th in the country, while limiting teams to just 39.8% from the field (top 10 in the country).

Under 136 available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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Joe Williams
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama Crimson Tide
ALA
Today
CBS
UNC
North Carolina Tar Heels - NCAAB
North Carolina Tar Heels - NCAAB
Point Spread Pick
North Carolina -4.0Alabama @ North Carolina

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the North Carolina Tar Heels will face off on Thursday night in an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 matchup. Both teams were able to make it out of the first weekend and avoid an early round upset. The Tar Heels are the #1 seed in the west region and the Crimson Tide are the #4 seed, so the Tar Heels are the slight favorite in this one. North Carolina came back after an early scare to Michigan State in its last game and looks primed to keep its tournament run going. I like UNC to cover the 4-point spread.

The Tar Heels have a defense that can keep up with Alabama’s lethal offense. ‘Bama boasts one of the best offenses in the country that will put up points in this matchup, but UNCa’s defense has been efficient enough this year to potentially slow it down and help them cover the spread. According to KenPom, North Carolina’s defense is ranked #6 in adjusted efficiency, #15 in effective field-goal percentage and #22 in 2-point percentage. Alabama is ranked highly in every offensive category, but North Carolina should be able to do just enough to cover the 4-point spread. North Carolina is the higher seed for a reason; I expect them to prove that it is the better team. Im going with UNC -4.

North Carolina -4 available at time of publishing. Playable to -5.

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Game Totals Pick
Over 173.5Alabama @ North Carolina

The Alabama Crimson Tide and the North Carolina Tar Heels will travel to Los Angeles on Thursday night to play their NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game. I like UNC to cover the 4-point spread in this one but also see great value on the over — with the total currently set at 173.5 points.

Both teams play at a fast pace and have been great on the offensive end this season. Alabama is ranked #1 nationally in points per game this year and North Carolina is ranked #16, so there should be no shortage of points. According to KenPom, Alabama is ranked #4 in adjusted efficiency, #9 in 2-point percentage and #10 in effective field-goal percentage. Likewise, North Carolina is ranked #16 in adjusted efficiency and should be able to score points at a high rate against an Alabama defense that is ranked #348 in opposing points per game this season. Great offense will likely be on display by both teams and the pace of play should be quick as Alabama is ranked #8 in the country in adjusted tempo and North Carolina is ranked #41. I’m taking the over.

Over 173.5 available at time of publishing. Playable to 175.

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Lock Mamba
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini
ILL
Today
TBS
ISU
Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State Cyclones
Money Line PickBest Bet
Illinois WinIllinois @ Iowa State

The stage is set for an epic Sweet 16 clash between the high-octane Illinois Fighting Illini and the defensively stout Iowa State Cyclones. While the Cyclones’ tenacious defense has carried them thus far, they are about to face their toughest test yet — the sheer size and offensive firepower of Illinois. Led by likely NBA lottery pick Terrence Shannon Jr., the Illini feature a lineup that towers over their opponents, with almost every starter standing 6’6″ or taller. This imposing size advantage, coupled with the Illini’s rebounding dominance, will be a nightmare for Iowa State’s defense to contain.

But it’s not just about size; Illinois possesses a well-rounded offensive attack that can exploit any defensive weakness. Shannon Jr.’s ability to score from anywhere on the court combined with the playmaking abilities of Coleman Hawkins and the scoring prowess of Marcus Domask creates a potent offensive trio that can overwhelm even the stingiest of defenses. While Iowa State’s defense has been impressive, its offensive output has been relatively pedestrian — ranking outside the top 100 in scoring. This could prove to be the Cyclones’ undoing against an Illinois team that excels in transition and can turn defensive rebounds into instant offense. I’m taking the plus money and will bet on Illinois securing a spot in the Elite Eight.

Illinois ML at +105 available at time of publishing. Playable to -105.

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Game Totals Pick
Under 146.0Illinois @ Iowa State

Points may be at a premium even though the high-powered Illinois offense may not be completely stopped by Iowa State’s swarming defense in their Sweet 16 showdown. The under is likely the sharp play, as the Cyclones’ disruptive defensive havoc will make scoring a challenge for both teams. Iowa State’s calling card is suffocating half-court defense that forces turnovers and contested shots. The Cyclones simply do not allow easy baskets, ranking 4th nationally in points allowed. Their preference to muck up games and grind out low-scoring affairs plays right into making this game a defensive struggle.

It is true that Illinois boasts an elite collection of offensive talents that can rarely be contained for 40 minutes. Terrence Shannon Jr. is a likely lottery pick capable of taking over games. Still, based on Iowa State’s style of play the scoring on Thursday may come at a premium. The Illini may have enough firepower to achieve a hard-fought win, but it will probably be lower scoring than they are used to.

Under 146 available at time of publishing. Playable to 144.

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Ed Perovic
NC State Wolfpack - NCAAB
NC State Wolfpack - NCAAB
NCST
Tomorrow
CBS
MARQ
Marquette Golden Eagles
Marquette Golden Eagles
Point Spread Pick
Marquette -6.5NC State @ Marquette

Through the first half of Marquette’s opening-round game against Western Kentucky, it looked like the Golden Eagles might have a short stay in the NCAA Tournament. They trailed by 10 points late in the first half but then scored 51 points in the second half and ultimately won the game by 20. They shot 61 percent on 2s in that content and then followed that up by shooting 73.5 percent from 2-point range against Colorado. It’s hard to imagine that improving even further, but it just might. Per Hoop-Math, NC State ranks just 225th in field-goal percentage defense at the rim. NC State is also very poor in pick-and-roll defense, so it is very likely Marquette has its third straight strong offensive game.

Additionally, NC State’s defense is at its best when it is able to disrupt the opponent with its press defense. The Wolfpack pressed at a top-15 rate this season, but that could be problematic against Marquette. Per Synergy, Marquette ranked in the 90th percentile in press offense this season. The Golden Eagles could have some issues defending DJ Burns in the post, but ultimately it seems unlikely the Wolfpack will be able to keep up with a red-hot Eagle offense.

Marquette -6.5 available at time of publishing. Playable to -7.5.

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Game Totals PickBest Bet
Over 150.5NC State @ Marquette

This game seems destined for an over, as both teams have paths to offensive success against the opposing defense. During NC State’s 7-game winning streak, the Wolfpack have scored at least 1.06 points per possession in each of those games. The primary catalyst has been DJ Burns, who has averaged 16.6 points per game during the streak. Burns could be in store for another strong game against a tall but thin Marquette front line. Marquette’s Oso Ighodaro has 2 inches on Burns but will be giving up 40 pounds to him. Although Ighodaro is a solid post defender, Marquette’s defense still ranks just 95th in field-goal percentage defense allowed at the rim, per Hoop-Math.

However, there is a give and take with Burns, as he could be exposed on the defensive end. Marquette’s offense is excellent in pick-and-roll plays, which it runs at a top-20 rate in the country, per Synergy. In those plays the Golden Eagles rank in the 93rd percentile. Tyler Kolek and Kam Jones are both fantastic when handling the ball and the aforementioned Ighodaro is typically the recipient when the guards pass it. Given his size, Burns is asked by the opponent to defend in pick-and-roll a lot and the results are not great. Per Synergy, NC State ranks in just the 27th percentile in pick-and-roll defense. Lastly, both teams are above-average in terms of tempo — with Marquette owning the ninth-fastest average offensive possession length. Look for an up-an-down game in which both teams are able to score efficiently.

Over 150.5 available at time of publishing. Playable to 152.5.

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$57.27
Matt Marquart
Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga Bulldogs
GON
Tomorrow
TBS/truTV
PUR
Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue Boilermakers
Point Spread Pick
Purdue -5.0Gonzaga @ Purdue

Instead of being tight and intimidated after losing as a #1 seed in the first round last year, Purdue was focused and efficient during the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament. The Boilermakers’ win over Utah State in the round of 32 was especially impressive; they scored more than 1.4 points per possession, shot 60% inside the arc and made nearly 48% of their 3-point attempts. They advance to play Gonzaga for the 2nd time this season, but this time will be in the Sweet 16 rather than in Maui. In the 1st meeting Purdue won by 10 despite making just 4 perimeter shots in its worst offensive performance of the season, per BartTorvik’s adjusted offensive efficiency. 

Zach Edey is so good at creating contact and forcing opponents into foul trouble, and he is obviously dominant on the glass — boasting the 3rd highest offensive rebounding rate in the nation among 2,200+ eligible players. He has a significant size advantage over Gonzaga’s front court and will likely score at the rim with relative ease throughout this game because of it. Playing alongside him are multiple 44%+ 3-point shooters in Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Mason Gillis who can match the recent shooting success of Gonzaga — which has connected on more than 47% of its 3-point attempts in March. The Zags may be forced to play more small-ball lineups (without Graham Ike) to stretch the floor in an attempt to get Edey to defend outside the paint. However, I’m not convinced their hot 3-point shooting will continue if they are forced to take more of them against a solid perimeter defense like Purdue’s. While Gonzaga leads the country in 3-point% this month, it ranks 348th in 3-point rate. An uptick in attempts does not necessarily mean the Bulldogs will continue to make them at such a high clip. Furthermore, Smith defends the ball handler in pick-and-rolls very well — which is a plus for Purdue’s defense against Gonzaga’s floor general, Ryan Nembhard. I think Purdue’s size around the rim and ability to defend the perimeter is going to be troublesome for Gonzaga. The Zags may be able to keep it close early, but expect the Boilermakers to pull away late. 

Purdue -5 available at time of publishing. Playable to -6.

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Game Totals Pick
Over 154.0Gonzaga @ Purdue

The total in the Sweet 16 matchup between Gonzaga and Purdue has moved up slightly since it opened. It makes sense, as these are 2 of the top 10 offenses in the country per KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency — both of which are shooting better than 44% from the perimeter in the month of March. In addition to the perimeter success, Zach Edey figures to be a consistent source of points against the undersized front court of Gonzaga — whether by dunks at the rim or offensive rebounds leading to second-chance opportunities. Per Synergy, he scores an average of 1.044 points per possession when he posts up, and he had 16 post-up opportunities against Gonzaga in November (not to mention his 5 offensive rebounds).

For what it’s worth, the 1st matchup between these teams played to 73 possessions — but there were only 137 points scored despite 49 combined 3-point attempts. If there are more than 40 combined perimeter attempts again, this game probably goes over the total more often than not. Given how hot these teams have been from the perimeter and how physical Purdue can make games, I would not feel comfortable making an under play. 

Over 154 available at the time of publishing. Playable to 154.5.

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Sam Avellone
Duke Blue Devils
Duke Blue Devils
DUK
Tomorrow
CBS
HOU
Houston Cougars - NCAAB
Houston Cougars - NCAAB
Point Spread Pick
Houston -4.0Duke @ Houston

On Friday the Sweet 16 turns to Dallas and the South Region. The headliner is the top-seeded Houston Cougars and the traditional tournament powerhouse Duke Blue Devils. The spread in this matchup currently sits at 4 points, and lots of savvy bettors are hitting the Duke side of the spread — hoping for a close game. Houston, the nation’s top defensive team, has no qualms about winning close. Still, I think the Cougars several steps better than Duke and I like them to cover the spread in this specific matchup.

Duke’s path has looked impressive, but let’s not lose the fact that that it beat a couple of double-digit seeds to get here. Nothing against Vermont or James Madison, but they aren’t Houston. Duke got crazy hot from outside against JMU, and that is probably its best path to victory over UH. Houston, on the other hand, barely survived Texas A&M in a game in which most of its starters fouled out and several secondary players had to make plays in overtime to seal the win. That game was not a warning flare about a vulnerable Cougar team; it was a matchup problem with a very physical Aggie squad that Houston still managed to survive. Duke is not that. The Devils will have a size advantage, but they do not score all that well at the rim and I do not think they will exploit their size the way the Aggies did. Houston will likely force this game to the perimeter; Duke will need to repeat that 14-for-28 effort behind the arc. I don’t think that is likely. Give me Houston to win and cover.

Houston -4 available at time of publishing. Playable to -4.5.

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Game Totals Pick
Over 134.0Duke @ Houston

I think this number is probably a good one, and the point total will most likely fall somewhere within a couple digits of this total one way or another. You could build a Same Game Parlay with Houston on the money line and a reduced over — say, around 129 or so. That should help us beat the books at a time when their numbers are as sharp as they are going to be. But if you want to play just the total, my lean is toward the over.

The attention in this game is rightly focused on the Houston defense. It is stifling and frustrating, and it forces a lot of open-floor errors. Many of those errors turn into transition points for the Cougars. They also have a couple of stone-cold killers who can score in LJ Cryer and Jamal Shead. Cryer, a Baylor transfer, is a pure spot-up shooter. Shead is just doggedly determined, and he creates points when he has to. I think Houston can get itself into the 70s against the Blue Devil defense, and if that happens then this game should sneak over the total just as long as it is not a total blowout.

Over 134 available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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Chad Hartsock

College Basketball Video

The Home Of Free College Basketball Expert Picks For The 2023/24 Season

College basketball picks for the 2023/24 season. Our experts crunch the numbers, betting trends, injury reports, and much more to produce the best free college basketball picks and every day throughout the season and into March Madness itself. 

Unlike many places, here at Pickswise, we have you covered all season long, whether it’s non-conference play, conference play, championship week, or March Madness, our NCAA basketball picks have you covered. Our College Basketball picks include a pick against the spread as well as on the points totals market, and both come with expert analysis and the key stats and trends. Check out our free college basketball picks today, and get all the latest College Basketball Odds

Free College Basketball Picks Explained

With 353 Division I college basketball teams there are plenty of opportunities to find good value college basketball picks. With so many games played each day it is impossible for sportsbooks to get the lines correct for every single match. As sports bettors, this gives us a great opportunity to research the games, and find those edges to better serve our chances of long-term wagering success. That’s precisely what we do here at Pickswise. Our dedicated college basketball team covers every morsel of NCAAB action, leaving no stone unturned in the search for the best value picks for the top CBB action, and NCAA Basketball Futures, all of which are accompanied with full analysis, for free, only here at Pickswise. 

Free College Basketball Picks Against The Spread (ATS)

One of the more popular college basketball wagers is betting against the spread (ATS). Against the spread betting isn’t just picking a winner of the basketball game, it’s about picking the team who will win by a set margin, known as covering the spread.

Let’s say you bet your money that Team A covers the spread (wins by a certain amount of points), Duke -6.5 for example. Or that Team B will cover the spread (keep the game closer than oddsmakers expect), Kentucky +6.5. If Duke beat Kentucky 64-60, then Kentucky would cover the spread, and underdog backers will cash their tickets on Kentucky +6.5 points.

The disparity is a big thing in many college basketball matchups and as such Moneyline betting will often see small odds about a favorite. Betting against the spread is very common, for this reason. It allows bettors to wager on the big favorites, who are expected to win,  at better odds, but also the opportunity to bet the underdog. These are the main reasons why college basketball against the spread betting is so popular, but it is also  one of our most popular college basketball picks on Pickswise. This is because knowing when an underdog might keep a game close or when potentially evenly matched teams might have blowout is very hard to predict without all the research, expertise, analysis and data our team has at its disposal. 

Free College Basketball Totals Picks (Over/Under)

The other main NCAAB wager is the totals which are simply betting over or under a set number of points in a game. This market is seen to be one of the easier markets to beat the book if you can get to grips with some of the most important statistics which contribute to how many points will be scored in a ball game.

Some of the most important factors to consider when handicapping totals in basketball are the number of possessions per team in a game and the pace of play. Our experts at Pickswise consider these key angles as well as matchups, injuries, and betting trends to determine which side of the line has the best chance of hitting, and we have a strong record of getting this right.

CBB Picks

All of our CBB picks are posted right here on the college basketball picks page, all season long. Our experts post their top CBB picks, along with a detailed analysis including the key stats and matchups ahead of that game. Our CBB picks include a pick on the money line, spread, and totals for every match we cover, check them out today. we also have reliable College Basketball Predictions daily throughout the season.

College Basketball Parlay Picks

With so many games available to bet on there’s always great potential for College Basketball Parlays. You could make it a multi-game pick combining different money line or against the spread bets or you might want to get creative with other bet types within a single game parlay. Remember when you parlay you need all included bets to win to cash your wager, but with all those odds multiplied it can be very lucrative.

The statistical method for NCAA Basketball Picks

Just like pro sport teams, the college basketball teams that have success often take a very statistical approach to their decision making, so why wouldn’t you do the same for your bets on them?

At Pickswise we don’t believe in chance bets, our expert team comb through all the data, do all the analysis and provide all their research so you can have confidence in our College basketball picks.

Andrew Wilsher, Pickswise Managing Editor

More Than Just College Basketball Picks

At Pickswise we don’t just cover College Basketball Picks, collegiate sports fans will be pleased to know we also have free weekly expert College Football Picks too.

We also have expert handicappers for each of the professional sports in North America including our NFL Picks, MLB Picks, NBA Picks, and NHL Picks. Check out all of our sports betting picks today. 

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