College basketball enthusiasts eagerly await the annual March Madness tournament with bated breath, as it showcases some of the most thrilling and competitive games in the sport. For those looking to add an extra layer of excitement to the games, betting on the outcomes can be a great way to get in on the action. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer to the world of sports betting, OddsShopper’s team of expert analysts is ready to provide you with the research and analysis you need to make informed and strategic betting decisions. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the top games to watch and offer insights on the best bets to make for tonight’s matchups.
College Basketball Betting Picks & Odds | Feb. 21
College Basketball Odds: Baylor (-2.5) vs. Kansas State
Insider Access Discord identified this bet as a value, but Baylor has moved to -2.5 against Kansas State. This game is a rematch of a contest Kansas State won on the road by a score of 97-95 in overtime. However, ShotQuality graded Baylor as the winner 81% of the time based on the actual shots on the floor. Now healthier, Baylor will look for a shot at revenge as it chases a Big 12 title.
Baylor’s shooting and pressure defense project to give Kansas State problems. The Bears rank 57th in 3-point percentage and 24th in 3-point attempts per game. Kansas State does defend the perimeter well, but Baylor recently returned Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua from injury. If the Wildcats decide to sell out to stop the 3, Baylor now has an increased presence in the post to rely on.
On defense, Baylor only ranks 134th in defensive efficiency. However, the Bears are 85th in turnovers forced, while Kansas State is 314th in turnovers committed. With Kansas State also outside the top 100 in offensive efficiency, this matchup favors Baylor.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Baylor -2.5 (-105) at BetMGM
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College Basketball Odds: Villanova vs. Xavier u147.5
Xavier won the first matchup between these teams 88-80 on Villanova’s home court. Now returning home, Xavier will look to boost its resume heading into March. However, bookmakers opened this total at 148, ignoring some of the recent trends between these teams. Both teams also shot lights out, with Xavier boasting a 47.5% 3-point percentage. Expect regression now that it is later in the season.
First of all, this is a Villanova game. Villanova plays with its patented slow pace, which comes in at 66.9 possessions per game this year. Xavier does play fast at 74.7 possessions per game, but the slower team generally has an easier job controlling pace. From there, season-long analytics may point to scoring due to poor defensive efficiency on both ends. Villanova ranks 208th, while Xavier checks in at 175th on the year. However, since Jan. 1, both teams are inside the top 100 in adjusted defensive efficiency.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Under 147.5 (-110) at BetMGM
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College Basketball Odds: Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma u137.5
Another conference rematch, Texas Tech will look to avenge a 68-63 overtime loss on its home court against Oklahoma from earlier this season. Like the game above, bookmakers ambitiously priced this total at 138 to open. Since both teams play at a modest pace and have solid defense, this looks like a recipe for another under.
Texas Tech averages 71.4 possessions per game, and Oklahoma is at 68.5. Together this game projects slightly below the NCAA average of 70.0 possessions per game. Both teams also play solid defense, with Texas Tech ranking 65th and Oklahoma 135th. However, Oklahoma has jumped all the way to 38th in adjusted defensive efficiency since Jan. 1. Texas Tech has also returned two solid defenders in Fardaws Aimaq and Pop Isaacs from injury, further pointing to an under in this spot.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Under 137.5 (-105) at BetMGM
