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.
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College Basketball Betting Picks & Odds | Feb. 20
College Basketball Odds: Kansas vs. TCU under 149.5
A true Monday night treat in the Big 12, number five Kansas travels to Fort Worth to take on number 22 Kansas. Better yet, both teams appear to have turned a corner. Kansas now has four straight wins and wins in six of their last seven games. TCU has also gotten healthier, defeating Oklahoma State over the weekend. Specifically, stars Mike Miles Jr. and Eddie Lampkin have returned to the lineup for TCU, giving them enough firepower to come in as slight favorites in this matchup.
Instead of taking a play on the spread, the total looks far more enticing towards the under. The NCAA average for possessions per game sits just above 70.0. Kansas and TCU average 72.4 and 72.9 possessions per game respectively. However, TCU has slowed considerably throughout the year. TCU has dropped to a 70.2 possession average over their last three games. In addition, both teams play solid defense, ranked in the top 50 in of efficiency.
Specifically, Kansas excels at shooting three’s, where they rank 113th in three point percentage. However, TCU ranks 38th in three point defense. Likewise, TCU ranks 37th in two point percentage, while Kansas comes in at 50th in two point defense. With the strength matching up against strength, the under looks like the sharp side of this total.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: under 149.5 (-110) at BetMGM
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College Basketball Odds: Cal State Fullerton vs. Cal Santa Barbara (-6.5)
Heading out West, Cal Santa Barbara will look to chase down Cal Irvine atop the Big West with a win over Cal State Fullerton. Previously playing this season, Santa Barbara defeated Fullerton by a score of 66-58 on the road. Now returning to their home court, a healthy Santa Barbara comes in as a value against the spread.
Stylistically, Santa Barbara holds a massive offensive advantage in this matchup. The Gauchos rank 95th in offensive efficiency, while Fullerton ranks 225th. Digging in deeper, Santa Barbara is 23rd in two point percentage this year, while the Titans ranks 149th in two point defense. This matches up with a massive size advantage for the Gauchos. Santa Barbara ranks 43rd in effective height, while Fullerton comes in at 327th overall.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Cal Santa Barbara -6.5 (-105) at BetMGM
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College Basketball Odds: Louisville (+18.5) vs. Duke
Previously an uninspiring matchup in the ACC, Louisville’s recent play has caused them to take money against the Duke Blue Devils. These teams have yet to matchup this year, but Duke comes in as a predictable favorite. However, with Louisville covering three straight, the Cardinals could once again be a value against the spead.
Specifically, Louisville has now covered against two top 30 teams in Miami and Virginia before beating Clemson outright 83-73 over the weekend. This doesn’t look like a fluke either. On the year, Louisville ranks 267th in the BartTorvik power rankings. However, that number has jumped to 179 since the beginning of February. The Cardinals also returned one of their better big men in Brandon Huntley-Hatfield in their second most recent game, giving them another body to throw at the deep Duke front court.
College Basketball Expert Betting Pick: Louisville +18.5 (-110) at BetMGM
