With March Madness just around the corner, the stakes are high and the games are guaranteed to be intense. If you’re looking to add some extra excitement to the games and potentially win big, you’ve come to the right place. OddsShopper’s team of expert analysts is here to provide you with comprehensive research and analysis to help you make the best betting picks for tonight’s games, whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just starting out.
College Basketball Betting Picks & Odds | Feb. 17
College Basketball Odds: Yale vs. Penn (+3.5)
Yale takes on Penn in an Ivy League rematch from earlier this season. In the first game, Yale won on its home court by a score of 70-63. Now hitting the road, Yale will take on Penn in a hostile environment, with postseason implications in this conference.
Both of these teams have their advantages, pointing to potential value on the Penn side. While Yale has been the more efficient team on the interior, Penn is bigger. Penn ranks 266th in effective height, while Yale is 310th. With that said, Yale still has the edge in most interior metrics, though it does cede something on the perimeter. Penn ranks 73rd in 3-point percentage, while Yale is outside the top 100 in perimeter defense. With Penn’s efficient guard play, the Quakers are a value as a home underdog.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Penn +3.5 (-115) at BetMGM
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College Basketball Odds: Wright State (+1.5) vs. Cleveland State
Cleveland State prevailed over Wright State on the road in their first matchup by a score of 85-77. While Cleveland State benefits from a return to its home building, Wright State looks poised for positive regression in this matchup. Since the original Cleveland State game, Wright State has won five of its last six games, losing only to Youngstown State in an overtime clash.
Wright State ranks 81st in offensive efficiency and 130th in defensive efficiency. Both of these metrics best Cleveland State, who comes in at 119 on offense and 159th on defense. The Raiders also are 49th in rebounding, while Cleveland State checks in 183rd. Ultimately, the Horizon League has been one of the more volatile conferences in the NCAA. However, that also plays into the hands of the higher-rated underdog in this contest.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Wright State +1.5 (-110) at BetMGM
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College Basketball Odds: New Mexico (+1.5) vs. San Jose State
Another rematch from earlier this season, New Mexico triumphed over San Jose State by a score of 77-57 at home. Since that game on Jan. 17, New Mexico is 2-5, losing each of its last four games. However, the last two contests coincided with an injury to star player Jaelen House. Fortunately for New Mexico, it looks like House has a good chance to play here after warming up ahead of Tuesday’s game.
From an efficiency perspective, New Mexico has every advantage when fully healthy. New Mexico ranks 37th on offense and 124th on defense. Conversely, San Jose State is 107th on offense and 219th on defense. New Mexico is also better at rebounding and the turnover margin. House’s status looms large here, but New Mexico deserves to be favored when fully healthy.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: New Mexico +1.5 (-110) at BetMGM
