🏀 College Basketball Predictions Today: American Clashes Highlight Thursday's Slate
After a massive start to the week, Thursday has a quieter slate of games ahead of a loaded weekend full of massive matchups between ranked teams.
Despite there not being any top 25 programs hitting the hardwood tonight, my college basketball predictions today are locked in on four of the biggest games, including two major matchups in the American Conference.
🏀 College basketball predictions today: Best player props & ATS picks
See all of our experts' college basketball picks based on the latest college basketball odds; picks rated on a 1-to-5 star confidence scale based on betting value.
| Matchup | Pick | Units | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis vs. South Florida | South Florida -8.5 (-110) | 1u -> 0.91u | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| UNC Asheville vs. High Point | Over 151.5 (-118) | 1u -> 0.85u | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tulane vs. North Texas | Under 137.5 (-110) | 1u -> 0.91u | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Idaho vs. Portland State | Portland State -4.5 (-110) | 1u -> 0.91u | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Total wagered: 4 units | Max profit: 3.58 units
💰 Best college basketball bet today
Tulane vs. North Texas prediction: Under 137.5 (-110)
It's not the sexiest bet to be my play of the day, but hear me out. North Texas is a perfect team to bet the Under, with the Mean Green having a defense ranked in the top 40 in the country in adjusted efficiency and an offense ranked No. 313 in adjusted tempo.
UNT allows the fewest PPG in American play (68.7) while scoring the second-fewest PPG (69.8). Their guards, David Terrell Jr. and Je'Shawn Stevenson, are both top five in the conference in steals.
Meanwhile, Tulane is 15-9, betting the Under ... second-best in the conference behind UNT's 16-8 record.
🔥 More college basketball picks & player props today
Memphis vs. South Florida prediction: South Florida -8.5 (-110) vs. Memphis
After a bit of a hot streak, Memphis is falling apart, and Penny Hardaway's seat is heating up. The Tigers have lost five of their last eight games and are just 4-9 ATS since late December, with Hardaway suspending Hasan Abdul-Hakim and Zach Davis indefinitely.
South Florida, on the other hand, is projected to win the American Conference thanks to a fast-paced offense (No. 18 in adjusted tempo) that's averaging the 11th-most PPG in the country (88.8).
Led by big man Izaiyah Nelson (16 PPG) and a nasty trio of guards, USF is 5-3 ATS since mid-January.
UNC Asheville vs. High Point prediction: Over 151.5 (-118)
It's fitting that a program named High Point lives and dies by scoring plenty of points. The Panthers are the best team in the Big South, thanks to an offense that ranks third in the nation in PPG (91.8).
Flynn Clayman's approach has turned High Point into one of the best Over bets (17-8), thanks to stars like Terry Anderson (18.8 PPG) and Rob Martin (16.3 PPG).
And UNC Asheville's offense has a pair of dynamic guards averaging over 17 PPG in Big South play. When these two programs met earlier in the season, they combined for 156 points.
Idaho vs. Portland State prediction: Portland State -4.5 (-110) vs. Idaho
The theme of backing a mid-major that's projected to make the NCAA Tournament continues with Portland State. The top team in the Big Sky has been cruising this year, with a 16-5 ATS record behind one of the best defenses at the mid-major level.
The Vikings are ranked No. 55 in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency and are allowing the fewest PPG in Big Sky play (69.2).
And despite the defense-first style, Jase Coburn's team still has a pair of potent scorers in Terri Miller and Jaylin Henderson, both of whom average more than 18 PPG against conference foes.
💡 How I'm betting college basketball today
Follow all of our college basketball analysis and expert predictions this season.
My approach when betting on college basketball will always revolve around which games I plan on watching and ensuring I have at least one bet on every game I'm going to be tuned into.
On a more barren slate like today's, I'm on four games that are available to watch (ESPN2, ESPNU), and three of them involve mid-major teams expected to make the NCAA Tournament.
The two matchups that I'm going with Over/Under bets on all about looking at the matchups, trends, and projected game totals at KenPom. I'd take the Under on Tulane vs. North Texas at any number above 134.5 and the Over on UNC Asheville vs. High Point at any number below 152.5.
Given Memphis' recent play, I'm on South Florida, but -8.5 is about as high as I'll go with the Bulls, and it would be a do not bet if that number rises. As for Portland State, I'd take them at -5.5 or better.
🚀 Best college basketball parlay picks today
Today's games are backing the two best teams in their respective conferences (South Florida, Portland State) to win big, and two favorites to dictate the style of play (North Texas' defensive approach and High Point's offensive approach).
💵 Best college basketball parlay today
- South Florida -8.5 vs. Memphis (-110)
- UNC Asheville vs. High Point: Over 151.5 (-118)
- Tulane vs. North Texas: Under 137.5 (-110)
- Portland State -4.5 vs. Idaho (-110)
Best odds: +1185 via FanDuel (0.2u -> 2.37u)
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