College Basketball Picks

College Basketball Picks - ATS Predictions

Whether you're looking for free NCAA basketball picks to bet or want to see which side other bettors are on, SBS should be one of your daily destinations. Our team of analysts offer up previews on some of the top games on the college basketball board. If you prefer a condensed version of key betting trends, ratings and historical spread numbers with the analysis to help you improve your bankroll we have you covered. If you're looking for experienced prognosticators who have a proven history of profitable selections you'll feel confident knowing that our lead handicapper Rich Crew is one of the best in the industry. Crew brings with him a decade of winning in college basketball and football so if you're looking to tail a handicapper's picks free or paid you can't go wrong with this expert capper. It doesn't end with Rich. We also have David Schwab offering up his analysis and predictions on a handful of college hoops games each week during the season. Schwab has started to make a name for himself in the betting world stringing together a few in the black seasons and we believe he will continue to improve over time. If you're looking for 80% handicappers you won't find that here or on any legitimate site. Most pros hit in the mid 50% range and we hope to do that or better. If you're looking for the "lock of the day", "game of the year" or "guaranteed to win" you won't find that here either. Anything can happen in a betting event so to make such a statement is ludicrous. What we can guarantee is that all the betting previews and game picks that appear here are free to our visitors and it's a "lock" that our team will do their best to make your college basketball season a winning one!

Saturday, Mar 03, 2018

Pacific owns every advantage in this contest except for defense. With this being established, Pacific played a much harder schedule out of conference compared to San Francisco. According to KenPom, the Tigers rank 91st in Non-Conference Strength of Schedule compared to the Dons who sit at 166th. As a result, we will see a discrepancy in the numbers, but even then, Pacific still has many edges on San Francisco.

There is also one key advantage that the stats do not cover. Pacific has the previous track record of making it to March Madness and how to play in this tournament. While the Tigers may have had a disappointing campaign overall, the post-season is the second season, and thus teams like Pacific get another opportunity to right the wrongs. The low-hanging fruit would suggest that Pacific is in position to win this game outright and therefore we will play it as such on the Money Line.

Free Pick: Take Pacific +135

Friday, Mar 02, 2018

Given the lack of defensive acumen in this game, we will part ways with the Over/Under market out of the gate. The environment of both teams taking the floor is one that sets up both outfits to probably come in above the current number offered in the "Over/Under" line. However, given the fact both teams are away from home where they both played .500 basketball we cannot bank on such environs producing a good enough shooting performance for either side.

Here is what is significant. When these two teams played last week, Cleveland State was a 3.5-point choice on the road, and they managed to notch a win which was only their second on the road this season. Now this week, we have seen a five-point swing in the market as a response to this result. This is a clear-cut case for an overlay and sets up Youngstown State takers to snag some value here. Cleveland State likely had to throw the kitchen sink at the Penguins last week; thus it will be hard for the Vikings to replicate a winning performance once again just six days later. Youngstown State should get the win outright.

Free Pick: Take Youngstown State +1.5

Friday, Mar 02, 2018

Look, I thought that the Nittany Lions could put up some points against Northwestern, and while they did put up 65 their FG% was an underwhelming 36.1%. If Tony Carr didn’t step up for 25 points sinking six of ten from behind the arc this team wouldn’t have broken 60 points. In the previous meeting, the two teams combined for 136 points in a 79-56 beat down by Penn State and Carr once again was the key player with 30 points. The difference in this go around is the absence of Mike Watkins who while he only picked up 11 points, he was vital around the rim picking up four offensive boards and added three assists. Without Watkins, in the lineup, they just don't move the ball around with the same effectiveness. Getting back to Ohio State the Buckeyes struggled mightily against PSU in the previous meeting putting up 56 points, and they've been in a scoring slump over their last four scoring 63 or fewer in three of the four. I don't think they’ll correct that issue this time around and the week off may have them come up flat. Keep in mind that with the extended break Ohio State will have had a ton of time to scheme for Carr.

Free Pick: Take the UNDER 136

Thursday, Mar 01, 2018

The last time these two teams met the asking price on Northern Iowa’s floor was 122. The Under was once again a successful venture. In fact, it has covered in the last three meetings between both parties. In the most recent excursion between both these outfits, the two teams failed to crack 100 points let alone come within a mile of fostering a cover.

The contest on February 13th was a sloppy one from a shooting perspective. While neither team is exposed to the rigors of an opponent with a clear-cut home edge, neither side can hone this to their advantage as well. In conference tournament games on stages such as these, nerves can be at a high. This has a direct adverse effect on shooting which limits scoring. Therefore, we will back the Under in this spot once again.

Free Pick: Take Under 117.5

Thursday, Mar 01, 2018

Northwestern has played well defensively for most of the season holding opponents to 66.5 points per game overall and 66.78 in Big 10 action, but they've shown cracks in recent games allowing three straight opponents to score 70 points. They meet a Penn State club which has struggled in past games offensively without getting quality minutes from Forward Mike Watkins who missed last game and is questionable today. The Nittany Lions scored 63 against Michigan and 64 against Nebraska, but in my opinion, the Wildcats defense is a step down from their last two opponents. Especially the play on the glass. On the other end of the court, Northwestern has some injury concerns, but all essential players should dress excluding forward Vic Law. Law was the leading scorer in their 70-61 victory home victory over PSU earlier this season, but the Wildcats have a deep bench and can make up for the loss. I believe that either team has a shot to score 70 here and if one does the total will be surpassed.

Free Pick: Take the OVER 131.5 (RC)

Wednesday, Feb 28, 2018

When these two teams play against each other in football, they play for the largest and most expensive trophy in all of college football, the Fremont Cannon. This Mountain West Conference clash features two teams that just love to hate one another. This rivalry is nothing short of a long history of anger and hatred. This year the Nevada Wolf Pack will travel to the Nevada-Las Vegas Rebels in Las Vegas for the next chapter of this storied feud. The contest will commence at 10:00 PM ET on February 28th, 2018. The fixture can be viewed locally on AT&T SPORTSNET. The Rebels had the most recent win in this rivalry in February when they defeated Nevada 86-78 on their court.


Wednesday, Feb 28, 2018

These two squads have combined for three wins in their last 14 games, so trying to pick a winner on the money line or against the spread would be a risky wager. So, on to the total. The Illini defense isn't an elite unit allowing 79.8 in their last six conference games against teams that wouldn't be in the "challenged offensively" category and now meet a team that can light it up against a mediocre scoring defense. Illinois has also shown an improvement in their offensive play with decent scoring games based on recent averages against Rutgers, Purdue, and Indiana. They should find their share of points against the porous defensive unit of the Hawkeyes who have allowed 83.06 points per game in Big Ten games this season. 

 

Free Pick: Take the OVER 159

Tuesday, Feb 27, 2018

As we have stressed before, home court advantage is a commodity in college basketball. Home court is even more so when the stakes are raised in a conference playoff or tournament. Conference tournament time is when anything can happen as every member of Division 1 is alive until they eliminated from their respective conference tournament. What is at stake here is a potential bid to March Madness as the Patriot League winner is guaranteed a berth. We are not going to imply that the winner of this contest will go on to qualify, but stranger things have happened.

Loyola-Maryland has a clear-cut edge in this contest by virtue of the fact Army has not fared well away from West Point this season. When you factor in that the home team has enjoyed the spoils of late, Loyola-Maryland with a point bodes tremendous value in this situation. The Greyhounds are in prime position to pull an upset and ride that momentum into the next round. We'll take the point.

Free Pick: Take Loyola-Maryland +1 (KF)

Monday, Feb 26, 2018

The Blue Devils may be in a “Look Ahead” spot with UNC on deck, so I’m not going to lay the points on them in this situation. That said, even if they come out flat tonight I think that they still play strong defensively. Duke has been outstanding in recent games holding four consecutive opponents to 57 or fewer points per game. The Hokies play OK defense themselves and come into this game allowing just 64.6 PPG over their last five and have held their opponents to fewer than 70 points PPG overall at home this campaign. Scoring hasn't been a robust metric over those same five games with Virginia Tech failing to surpass 68 points in four of the five games.

Free Pick: Take the UNDER 157 (RC)

Sunday, Feb 25, 2018

Buying low and selling high is a practice we champion. For Wright State, the Raiders stock has plummeted after failing to cover in their last two fixtures. Now, we can take advantage of this scenario by taking back a likely inflated number.

The Raiders own strengths in the defense, turnovers, and bench category. All three of these ingredients are essential for Wright State to be competitive in this contest. The low-hanging fruit here would suggest that the market is adapting to these circumstances and puts the Raiders in a position here to potentially pull off an upset. There is no reason to suggest that this cannot happen. Wright State owns the better conference record and has also navigated a far more difficult schedule overall compared to Illinois-Chicago. As a result, we will trade in the points and take The Raiders outright on the Money Line.

Free Pick: Take Wright State +105 (KF)

Sunday, Feb 25, 2018

Nebraska hasn’t had the toughest schedule as of late, but they did win seven of their last eight games. The Cornhuskers have yet to lose at home in conference games this season and have only one on the season as the host. The -1 line is a non-factor in this contest but take note that Nebraska is 7-1 at home against the spread. Penn State has lost two straight against tough teams, but not having F Mike Watkins putting in quality minutes is the main reason for the losses and he's expected to sit out this match today.

Free Pick: Take Nebraska -1 (RC)

Saturday, Feb 24, 2018

These two clubs met earlier this season back in January where the Sun Devils came away with a tight 77-75 home win. The 152 points scored in the game just snuck by the total of 151 for an OVER, but I don't think that's going to be the result of the rematch. Neither team would be considered proficient at 3-point shooting, but they were in the first meeting with the Beavers picking up 33 points from 3-point land on 42.3% shooting and the Sun Devils 21 points on 43.8%. A return to their seasonal averages (ASU 36.5% and ORST 33%) will have this game in the low 140's.

Free Pick: Take the UNDER 149.5

Saturday, Feb 24, 2018

Both these outfits are known as tempo teams. According to KenPom, Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne ranks 17th in the country in tempo while the Jackrabbits are ranked 80th by the same analytics. As a result, the expectation is that this one will be a high-scoring affair and as a result, we have the high Over/Under here.

However, tempo teams such as these are a cold night away from reduced production. Thus, banking on a prolific offensive performance from both sides to generate a cover in the Over/Under is a high-risk proposition in this scenario. Given the fact Fort Wayne enjoys a prominent home court advantage it is very likely that the Jackrabbits will struggle more in the shooting department despite the docket of wins they have rattled off recently. If that is the case, the Mastodons can also be a good play as an outright choice in this market. However, we will play against the high number on the table in Over/Under betting markets and take the Under.

Free Pick: Take Under 163.5 (KF)

Friday, Feb 23, 2018

After starting 13-1 in conference action, the Buckeyes have lost two of their last three, and a win over Rutgers isn't a signal to me that they've turned the corner. The Hoosiers may have gone into their latest a 66-57 against Nebraska a little too full of themselves after putting together a nice four-game winning streak and were careless turning the ball over 19 times! I look for them to rebound with a superior effort in this game with the return to Branch McCracken Court. Indiana has played well at home in Big Ten matches going 6-2 with losses to Purdue and Michigan State and is a perfect 8-0 against the spread. The host has been shooting the ball exceptionally well with a 51.9 FG% over the last five games which could be an issue for an Ohio State team that has seen a drop off in their defensive play in recent games.

Free Pick: Take the Indiana Hoosiers +1.5

Friday, Feb 23, 2018

Anytime the public takes to a dog; we have to take a closer look be that the propensity is to back the favorite. This is especially the case when you have a team of East Tennessee State's quality with a remarkable home record on the year. Nevertheless, the loss to The Citadel is one that is bound to create a massive overreaction from the general public. However, it is very likely that the Buccaneers were caught taking their opponent lightly. However, they won't be so inclined to do so again.

Chances are it will be a long day at the office for the Terriers. The Buccaneers own edges in virtually all major statistical categories. ETSU makes smarter shots, scores more points per game, plays better defense and is more physical on the boards than Wofford. We usually don't play chalk, but in this rare case, this will not be a long swim back be that the Buccaneers should rout the Terriers in a true bounce-back opportunity. We will step in and take advantage of an overvalued underdog positioned to be outclassed.

Free Pick: Take East Tennessee -8

Thursday, Feb 22, 2018

We’ve seen Belmont in this position before. The Bruins are virtually a household name at this point when it comes to mid-major programs appearing in the Final Four on basically an annual basis. The exceptional play of the Bruins only enhances this narrative. By virtue of these narratives, the Bruins are often overvalued. However, we must remind all takers that it is Jacksonville State who is the defending Ohio Valley Conference champion. All of this sentiment will be garnered in support of the Gamecocks, and you can expect this game to have a March Madness feel to it given all the intangibles the winner will be provided heading into the post-season.

Despite Belmont being in better form as of late, Jacksonville State remains the more defensive-oriented team that is more physical on the boards. When you couple this with the fact that J-State owns a deeper bench, Belmont might find itself gasping for air in a dogfight. Given the low hanging fruit presented in the initial open of this market, it is possible that Jacksonville State can win this one outright. That’s how we will play it this one as the scenario sets up Belmont takers for a let-down and overlay.

Free Pick: Take Jacksonville State +160 (KF)

Thursday, Feb 22, 2018

The Badgers appear to have turned the corner with three wins in their last four games. Their defense has stepped up allowing fewer than 70 points in all three wins. Wisconsin will take on a Northwestern team that has scored a game-high of 64 points in their last seven games and maybe shorthanded for tonight's game with starting G Bryant McIntosh questionable to take the court.

Free Pick: Take the UNDER 124.5

Wednesday, Feb 21, 2018

Previously we have been involved in situations with Over/Under markets when we targeted steam moves on the Over with a fade on the Under when the contest featured teams with Evansville's profile. The track record of the Purple Aces on the road is abysmal. Evansville has lost four of their last five away from home and what jumps out at us most is the terrible shooting percentages curated by this club while doing so.

Thus, we see a team with a losing record in Indiana State favored at home. Even if early indications suggest that the Sycamores are getting the action that is bound to change given the win-loss records of both teams compared to the price asked. Evansville's poor shooting on the road will lead to Indiana State covering this number with ease. Swallow the points.

Free Pick: Take Indiana State -5

Wednesday, Feb 21, 2018

Both squads are playing well right now with the Wolverines on a five of six run and the Nittany Lions on a four of five streak, but one team stands out. Michigan did beat an excellent Ohio State by 12, but Penn State beat the same team by 23 in the Buckeyes previous game. The Wolverines also haven't fared well on the road in conference games losing four of seven and only one of their last four, and that was against lowly Wisconsin. The Nittany Lions are 6-2 as a host in Big Ten games winning four straight all by four or more points and there two home losses? They came in overtime in mid-January and by one back in December.

Free Pick: Take Penn State -2.5

Tuesday, Feb 20, 2018

There is no way that I can back a team with a 16-point handicap even with a 13-point road win under their belt from an earlier meeting this season. The total does look hold some value. Illini put up 74 points on the board in their first game in Illinois back in late January, but they haven't had that success recently failing to reach 70 points in four of their last five. On the road, the numbers are even less impressive failing to surpass 70 points in seven Big Ten games averaging 63.85 points per game. Michigan State got lit up for 49 points in the first half against Northwestern and needed their defense to hold the Wildcats to an insane 11 points in the second half to get the "W'. There is no doubting that the Spartans have an elite defense and after their last games' first-half performance I look for them to put in a 100% effort for a full 40 minutes. I'm calling for a 75-60 type game.

Free Pick: Take the UNDER 146.5 RC