The Big Dance is almost here, but before that action gets underway, we’ve still got the First Four and the NIT to discuss. Let’s dive into our top college basketball picks today as we break down our expert college basketball bets for Tuesday, including a Colorado State-Virginia prediction. If you’re hungry for more picks, check out our other college basketball articles and our college basketball betting tools! Also, make sure to check the best sportsbook promotions for March Madness.
NBA Picks Today: Expert Bets for Tuesday, March 19
College Basketball Expert Pick #1: Colorado State-Virginia Prediction
Under-seeded after New Mexico won the Mountain West, Colorado State draws a Virginia team that shouldn’t be in the tournament.
Colorado State ranks 49th in offensive efficiency and 40th on defense. Conversely, Virginia ranks fifth in defensive efficiency but 190th on offense.
Unable to score, Virginia was held below 50 points in four of their last six games. If not for overtime in both ACC Tournament games, that streak may have extended.
Colorado State plays with a pair of elite guards in Isaiah Stevens and Nique Clifford while possessing a decent interior presence behind Joel Scott, all of which should help them win and cover.
College Basketball Pick: Colorado State -112 at BetRivers
College Basketball Expert Pick #2: Xavier-Georgia Prediction
OddsShopper’s college basketball betting tools advise putting some action on this Xavier-Georgia first-half total before the value gets bid off the board.
Caesars is offering the first-half under 75 for -110 when the rest of the market is trading at a half-point lower and Pinnacle, a sharp book, lists this same bet at odds of -127.
Using a market-based betting approach can feel weird, but it’s profitable. Between the start of the NBA season and the All-Star Break, the model recorded an ROI of 8.6% on all NBA player prop bets wagered 12 hours before tip and 5% on those wagered two hours before tip.
If you haven’t signed up for OddsShopper Premium, you can usually access all our college basketball betting tools for $14.99 per week or $49.95 per month, but this week only, you can use promo code “PURDUE” at checkout to get your first week for $1!
College Basketball Pick: Xavier-Georgia First Half Under 75 -110 at Caesars
College Basketball Expert Pick #3: Boston College-Providence Prediction
Boston College went on a mini-run late in the year and ultimately lost to Virginia in the ACC tournament. The Eagles shoot 36% from three as a team, and Quinten Post is going to be a problem for this Providence defense on the interior.
I never want to try and quantify motivation, but the Eagles had no chance to get in the tournament, but Providence was closer to the bubble. Providence did a solid job after losing Bryce Hopkins mid-season, but his loss really had a major effect on this squad. I expect a close competitive game tonight and will take the points.
College Basketball Pick: Boston College +3.5 -102 at FanDuel
— Ben Rasa
