College basketball fans are in for a treat, as Tuesday, Feb. 14, promises to be an action-packed evening with an exciting lineup of games. With teams vying for a coveted spot in March Madness, the stakes are high, making it an excellent opportunity for betting enthusiasts. However, with so many games to choose from, making informed bets can be a daunting task. Luckily, OddsShopper’s team of expert analysts has got you covered. In this article, we provide in-depth research and analysis to present the best betting picks for tonight’s games, whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just starting out.
College Basketball Betting Picks & Odds | Feb. 14
College Basketball Odds: Butler (+9.5) vs. Villanova
OddsShopper’s Insider Discord identified this as a value, and Butler has quickly moved to +9.5 across betting markets. Butler has shown drastic improvements over its last three games, including covers against Marquette, St. John’s and Xavier. In fact, Butler even upset Xavier outright 69-67 over the weekend. On the other hand, Villanova continues to tread water in a transition year. While 6-8 in conference play, Villanova has yet to beat a top-5 Big East team. In fact, they only have one win outside the bottom four teams in the conference.
This also projects to be a slow game, aiding the underdog. The NCAA average for possessions per game comes in just north of 70.0. Butler averages 68.9 possessions per game, and Villanova averages 67.1. The Bulldogs have some stylistic advantages too. Butler ranks 137th in 3-point percentage, while Villanova is 210th in 3-point defense. While Villanova is better in the post, this game appears closer than the current line indicates.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Butler +9.5 (-110) at BetMGM
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College Basketball Odds: Kansas State (-1.5) vs. Oklahoma
This is another value identified in the Insider Discord at +1, but the line has moved through 0. Now the rightful favorite, Kansas State still looks like the vastly superior team in this matchup. Oklahoma only has three wins since the new year, which includes an overtime victory over Texas Tech, a 77-76 win over West Virginia and an impressive blowout win over Alabama. However, ShotQuality‘s analytics credited Alabama as the more likely winner based on the actual shots taken on the court.
From a matchups perspective, Kansas State holds nearly every edge. The Wildcats rank 120th on offense, and Oklahoma is 210th. On defense, Kansas State is 28th, and Oklahoma checks in 141st. Kansas State even ranks 93rd in rebounding, while the Sooners come in 273rd. With turnovers created versus turnovers committed also favoring Kansas State, it makes sense that the line continues to move in its favor.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Kansas State -1.5 (+100) at BetMGM
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College Basketball Odds: North Carolina State (+1.5) vs. Syracuse
Though this is already moving to 0 in some spots, BetMGM is still hanging a juiced +1.5 for North Carolina State. The Wolfpack are better overall, and this line still makes sense to bet, with movement throughout the day. Syracuse has struggled with its zone against the better teams in the ACC, particularly those that can shoot. While North Carolina State has slightly overachieved this year, it has the team structure to consistently beat teams like Syracuse.
First of all, teams need to shoot in order to beat the Orange. Fortunately, North Carolina State is 91st in 3-point percentage and shoots the 61st-most 3’s in the country. It also ranks 42nd in rebounding, which should give them plenty of second chance opportunities. On the other side, North Carolina State also plays a tough style of defense for Syracuse. The Wolfpack are 34th in 3-point defense, which should neutralize Joe Girard from 3. A healthy D.J. Burns and Jack Clark also give North Carolina State multiple bodies to throw at Jesse Edwards in the post. Overall, this comes in as one of the stronger bets on the day, with North Carolina State as the current underdog.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: North Carolina State +1.5 (-120) at BetMGM
