There’s an insane amount of college basketball on today’s slate. It’s so hard to get through each game and do a full analysis. That’s why I went to the AI Model and asked for its favorite bets of the night. Here’s what you should consider at the top-rated sportsbooks.
Picks Summary
- Marquette -6.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
- South Carolina +5.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
- Arkansas +11 (-110) at Bet365
Connecticut Huskies vs. Marquette Golden Eagles
Saturday, February 01, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at Fiserv Forum
The AI Model predicts the Marquette Golden Eagles will earn an eight-point win against the UConn Huskies tonight. This loss could drop the Huskies out of the top 25 for good. Meanwhile, you can find Marquette at -6.5. That’s the play.
Sorry, UConn
The UConn Huskies are looking to win their third straight NCAA title, but their chances are not great this year.
The Huskies have really struggled defensively, allowing opponents to shoot 37.1% from downtown. In addition, teams have been getting to the foul line at a super high rate. Marquette isn’t a team that usually plays aggressively and looks for a lot of free throws. But at home, they’ll likely be able to get some calls and earn more trips to the foul line.
In addition, Marquette has shot 55.7% from inside the arc and is very good at limiting turnovers, which will certainly be key.
Connecticut Needs To Be Smart
The UConn Huskies have 36.1% from downtown and 59% from inside the arc. These are elite numbers. However, Marquette has still held teams to 30.4% from downtown and has added 23.1% of turnovers.
The Golden Eagles should easily win the turnover battle and could end up getting to the foul line more. It’s also possible Marquette wins the offensive glass battle and even out-shoots UConn from downtown.
The Pick
Take Marquette against the spread.
NCAAB Pick: Marquette -6.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Texas A&M Aggies vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
Saturday, February 01, 2025 – 08:30 PM ET at Colonial Life Arena
The AI Model predicts Texas A&M will escape South Carolina with a five-point win. However, that wouldn’t be enough to cover the spread against South Carolina, which is set at 5.5. Take South Carolina against the spread at home.
The Mystery of Texas A&M!
The Texas A&M Aggies are 16-5 on the season but have shot an effective field goal percentage of 48.1%. This is extremely difficult to do. Ultimately, the Aggies have dominated the offensive glass and gotten to the foul line at a high rate. That allows them to still score at a very high rate.
However, South Carolina has allowed just 28.1% of offensive rebounds and doesn’t foul at a very high rate. The Aggies need to improve in these two areas. If Texas A&M struggles to earn a super high rate of offensive rebounds, the Aggies could be upset on the road.
South Carolina Isn’t Much Better, But…
The South Carolina Gamecocks have only shot a 49.7% effective field goal percentage. That’s at least better than the Aggies. In addition, South Carolina should be more comfortable at home and has also added an even higher rate of foul shots per game.
That said, Texas A&M ranks 206th in FTA/FGA on defense. That gives South Carolina an edge on the foul line.
The Pick
Don’t be surprised if South Carolina earns an upset win at home.
NCAAB Pick: South Carolina +5.5 (-110) at Bet365
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Kentucky Wildcats
Saturday, February 01, 2025 – 09:00 PM ET at Rupp Arena
The AI Model thinks Arkansas will only lose to Kentucky by ten points on the road. However, Bet365 has Arkansas as 11-point underdogs. A ten-point loss would help Arkansas at least cover. That’s all we’re worried about!
Welcome Back, John Calipari!
The Arkansas Razorbacks haven’t had a great season under John Calipari. They’re 12-8 but near the bottom of the SEC after losing four of their last five games. But this should be an emotional game for Arkansas, knowing their head coach is returning to Rupp Arena after several accomplishments with Kentucky.
Arkansas should be able to score inside, especially since Kentucky has allowed teams to shoot 51.9% from inside this season. In addition, Kentucky doesn’t always shoot a high rate of threes. If they commit to scoring inside, they can stick around.
Arkansas Needs More Respect On Defense
The Arkansas Razorbacks are actually very good defensively. They’ve got no blemish. In all major categories, Arkansas ranks above average.
With Lamont Butler out for Kentucky, Arkansas should be able to defend at a high level. Kentucky has only added 31.1% of offensive rebounds and gets to the foul line at a slightly above-average legal. These aren’t crazy high numbers.
The Pick
I’ll gladly back Arkansas at +11, despite being on the road.
NCAAB Pick: Arkansas +11 (-110) at Bet365
*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
