While there aren’t many high-major games on tonight’s college basketball slate, there’s still some value on the board. With help from the AI Model, I’ve added three best bets for you to consider at the top-rated sportsbooks.
And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more betting advice on these games. Today, our expert covered the USC vs. Maryland and Wichita State vs. Florida Atlantic games.Â
Picks Summary
- Wildcats/Buckeyes Over 142 (-110)
- Maryland -10.5 (-110)
- Santa Clara -12.5 (-110)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
Thursday, February 20, 2025 – 06:30 PM ET at Schottenstein Center
The AI Model believes Ohio State and Northwestern will combine for 144 points. However, the total is only at 142. Clearly, the over has some value.
Low Turnovers, High Free Throw Rate For Northwestern!
The Northwestern Wildcats have turned the ball over just 14.6 of the time. That should be the case in tonight’s game, with Ohio State adding just 16.8% of turnovers per game this season.
Meanwhile, Northwestern has also struggled to get to the foul line. But that could change against a Buckeyes defense that has allowed a super high FTA/FGA ratio this season of 40. Most teams also look to get out in transition against the Buckeyes, and Northwestern will likely do the same. This will help the game flow and earn lots of points.
Ohio State Can Rain It From Downtown
The Buckeyes have shot a 54.6% effective field goal percentage, which ranks 51st in college basketball. It’s ultimately because Ohio State has drained 38.2% from downtown this season. Although Ohio State doesn’t shoot many threes, the Buckeyes are expected to get wide-open looks, as Northwestern allows teams to hit 34.7% from downtown.
Ohio State should also be able to get to the foul line consistently against Northwestern, where the Buckeyes have hit 73.9% of shots.
The Pick
Consider the Over 142. Our AI Model knows!
NCAAB Pick: Wildcats/Buckeyes Over 142 (-110) at Bet365
USC Trojans vs. Maryland Terrapins
Thursday, February 20, 2025 – 08:30 PM ET at XFINITY Center
The AI Model predicts Maryland will earn an 82-71 win over USC at home tonight. Meanwhile, you can find Maryland at -10.5. An 11-point win would be enough to cover against USC.
Maryland’s Defense Is Elite
The Maryland Terps don’t get enough credit. The defense has limited opponents to a 47.5% effective field goal percentage. In addition, teams have hit only 31.1% from deep and 48% from inside the arc. In addition, Maryland has forced more than 20% of turnovers and allowed below 27% of offensive rebounds.
While USC is a quality offense, it doesn’t add many second chances. The Trojans won’t have it easier, especially on the road against Maryland.
Can USC Stack Up Stops?
The Maryland offense is ranked No. 17 in the nation by Kenpom. The Terps rarely give up steals and aren’t blocked much, which has allowed them to shoot 37.5% from three and 55% from inside the arc.
Maryland will want to attack inside, knowing USC has allowed teams to hit 53.4% from inside the arc this season. The Trojans have also fouled at a much higher rate.
The Pick
Grab Maryland at -10.5.
NCAAB Pick: Maryland -10.5 (-110) at Bet365
Loyola Marymount Lions vs. Santa Clara Broncos
Thursday, February 20, 2025 – 11:00 PM ET at Leavey Center
The AI Model suggests Santa Clara will add a 13-point win over Loyola Marymount tonight. With Santa Clara at -12.5, take the Broncos against the spread.
Loyola Marymount Can’t Shoot!
The Loyola Marymount Lions have shot just 49.4% effective field goal this season. They have also hit just 32% from deep and 50.4% from inside the arc. Even worse, they have shot below 71% from the foul line this season.
Ultimately, Loyola Marymount doesn’t often get to the foul line. The Lions are also weak on the offensive glass, earning just 23.1% of offensive rebounds per game this season. The Lions’ situation doesn’t look good since Santa Clara has allowed 28.4% of offensive rebounds per game.
The Broncos have also held teams to a low FTA/FGA ratio and have allowed just 31.1% from downtown this season.
More Second Chances For Santa Clara
Loyola Marymount’s defense is much better than its offense. However, Santa Clara won’t be easy to guard. The Broncos have scored 36.5% from downtown and 55.5% from inside the arc. Santa Clara has also scored 32.8% of offensive rebounds, which should allow for more second chances.
The Pick
It’s unlikely Loyola Marymount will stick around. Take Santa Clara at -12.5.
NCAAB Pick: Santa Clara -12.5 (-110) at Bet365
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*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.
