While there aren’t a ton of significant matchups on the college basketball slate tonight, there’s still some value on the board. I looked through the AI Model’s projections and found the three best bets tonight in college basketball with the best betting odds available. Join the fun below.
Picks Summary
- Wisconsin -13.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Maryland -5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Toledo -4.5 (-110) at Bet365
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Wisconsin Badgers
Friday, January 10, 2025 – 07:00 PM ET at Kohl Center
The AI Model predicts Wisconsin will dominate Minnesota with a 79-64 win at home tonight. Even as a 13.5-point favorite, Wisconsin would cover the spread in this scenario.
Minnesota’s Foul Shooting Is Worrisome
The Minnesota Golden Gophers need all the help they can get in this game against Wisconsin.
Therefore, Minnesota’s shooting percentages—31.1% from downtown and just 61.8% from the foul line—don’t help.
The Golden Gophers should limit turnovers. But the shot-making won’t be there. Wisconsin has limited teams to 30.5% from three and 48.1% from inside the arc this season.
This slow Minnesota offense will have trouble scoring throughout the game, especially since it’s so bad at the foul line.
Wisconsin’s Elite Foul-Shooting Numbers
While Minnesota has been awful from the foul line, Wisconsin has been elite. The Badgers have drilled 85.5% from the foul line, the best rate in college basketball. Maybe this isn’t sustainable, but Wisconsin likely does a solid job at home from the foul line.
The Badgers have also shot 35.1% from three and 56.6% from inside the arc. From downtown, specifically, Wisconsin has an advantage over Minnesota.
Take Wisconsin to earn a massive win and cover the spread.
NCAAB Pick: Wisconsin -13.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
UCLA Bruins vs. Maryland Terrapins
Friday, January 10, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at XFINITY Center
The AI Model thinks Maryland will hold on against UCLA with a 73-67 victory at home. Maryland is only -5 via Caesars, meaning the model thinks the Terrapins have the most value in this game.
Maryland’s Got The Better Offense!
This game should be a low-scoring, defensive affair. Maryland ranks 24th in defensive efficiency, and UCLA ranks fifth.
But the team that can get the better looks and be more efficient on offense will win. That will likely be Maryland. The Terrapins have shot 36.4% from three and 57.1% from inside the arc. Maryland has also limited blocked shots on offense to 4.1%.
The Terps have gained more offensive rebounds and turned the ball over less on offense, which will be crucial in this game, especially at home.
UCLA’s Fouling Will Hurt
The UCLA Bruns are an aggressive defense. The Bruins have added 25.7% of turnovers but have also given up a 36.4 FTA/FGA ratio.
Maryland hasn’t been getting to the foul line at a super high rate. However, against UCLA, that should change. Maryland has also hit 73.4% from the foul line, which is way better than UCLA’s rate of 69%.
Side with the AI Model and take Maryland at -5. They’re slightly better in many areas.
NCAAB Pick: Maryland -5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Toledo Rockets
Friday, January 10, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at Savage Arena
The AI Model predicts Toledo will win 79-73 against Central Michigan. At Bet365, Toledo is just -4.5. Consider the Rockets in tonight’s clash.
Central Michigan Is Struggling On Offense
The Central Michigan Chippewas have added a 45.5% effective field goal percentage, 329th in D1 college basketball.
They’ve hit just 28.4% from three and 47.4% from inside the arc this year. In addition, Central Michigan has turned the ball over 21% of the time. The only area Central Michigan has done well in is at the foul line, but Toledo rarely fouls teams.
That said, Toledo hasn’t been great defensively. But if the fouls remain low and Central Michigan continues to take bad shots, Toledo’s defense will do its job.
At Least Toledo Can Shoot
The Toledo Rockets don’t have a top-tier offense. However, their adjusted offensive efficiency is 108.8, which ranks them 125th in college basketball.
They’re much more reliable on offense and will be the home team. Furthermore, Central Michigan has watched teams shoot 34.7% from three and 55.7% from inside the arc. That won’t cut it.
Side with Toledo at -4.5 here.
NCAAB Pick: Toledo -4.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
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