After just one game on power five game on the schedule last night, we’ve got a better slate tonight in college basketball. I’ve listed three best bets using the AI Model for tonight’s games.
Picks Summary
- Davidson-VCU Under 142.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- UCLA +5.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Iowa-Northwestern Under 151.5 (-110) at Bet365
Davidson Wildcats vs. VCU Rams
Friday, February 28, 2025 – 07:00 PM ET at Siegel Center
The AI Model believes VCU and Davidson will combine for 141 points. However, the total for this game is stuck at 142.5, meaning the Under is the play.
Davidson Could Struggle On The Offensive End
This season, the Davidson Wildcats have shot 34.4% from deep and 53.6% from inside the arc, which are solid, above-average numbers.
However, VCU has limited teams to 30.9% from deep and 44.1% from inside the arc. In addition, VCU has limited teams to 29% of offensive rebounds and has added 21.2% of turnovers per game.
The turnovers could be harder to come by against Davidson. However, don’t expect Davidson to dominate the offensive glass or earn a high rate of foul shots in tonight’s game.
VCU Won’t See The Foul Line Much, Either
The VCU Rams have earned a higher rate of offensive rebounds and have shot it slightly better than Davidson. However, the Wildcats have still limited teams to 27.1% of offensive rebounds and a low FTA/FGA.
VCU will live and die using the three-ball and should knock some down. But on the misses, VCU likely won’t earn nearly as many second chances as they’re used to.
I’ll stick with the AI Model and take the Under 142.5 at -110 betting odds.
NCAAB Pick: Under 142.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
UCLA Bruins vs. Purdue Boilermakers
Friday, February 28, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at Mackey Arena
The AI Model suggests Purdue will add a 72-67 win over UCLA tonight. However, UCLA is a 5.5-point underdog on the road. They’d cover against the spread in this scenario.
UCLA Is Cooking!
The UCLA Bruins have won nine of their last eleven games, including their latest home win against Ohio State on Sunday.
The Bruins are an above-average offense, scoring 35.5% from deep and 52.8% from inside the arc. They’ve also limited turnovers to 15.8% and have added 32.1% of offensive rebounds per game.
Ultimately, UCLA will want to take advantage inside. After all, Purdue has allowed teams to shoot 56% from inside the arc this season.
The Boilermakers have been poor defensively during a four-game losing streak.
Can UCLA Earn Enough Stops?
The UCLA Bruins have added 23.4% of turnovers per game this season. They’ve also limited teams to 31.2% from downtown and 51.4% from inside the arc.
Like UCLA, Purdue should find success inside the arc. However, UCLA will likely add more turnovers and hold Purdue a little bit more from the field.
After all, UCLA has given up an effective field goal percentage of 49.3%, which is two percentage points better overall. Consider UCLA at +5.5.
NCAAB Pick: UCLA +5.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Northwestern Wildcats
Friday, February 28, 2025 – 09:00 PM ET at Welsh-Ryan Arena
The AI Model thinks Iowa and Northwestern will combine for 151 points. However, the total for this game is currently 151.5 at Bet365. That means the Under has some value ahead of this matchup.
Iowa Won’t Earn Second Chances!
The Iowa Hawkeyes are still one of the best scoring teams in the nation. They’ve nailed 37.8% from deep and 56.9% from inside the arc.
However, these rates will likely dip against Northwestern on the road. The Wildcats have limited teams to 33.9% from inside the arc and 50% from inside the arc.
In addition, Iowa has hauled in just 25.3% of offensive rebounds and has added a super low FTA/FGA ratio.
If Iowa doesn’t do the little things and shoots below its average, they’ll have a hard time keeping up.
Northwestern Can’t Even Shoot 50% Inside!
The Northwestern Wildcats have done better on the offensive glass but have still shot just 49.8% from inside the arc.
It would be nice if they could take advantage of Iowa’s inept defense around the rim, but that likely won’t happen.
In addition, Iowa has consistently limited fouls throughout the season, leaving Northwestern with little hope of consistently getting to the foul line. I’m rolling with the Under in this game.
NCAAB Pick: Under 151.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
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