We have five ranked teams in action on Tuesday, but we're focused on betting value for the sake of this piece.
Dive in below for college basketball best bets and our staff's two top picks for Tuesday, December 19.
College Basketball Best Bets
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our college basketball betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NCAAB Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Virginia vs. Memphis
Memphis is as hot as just about any team in the country right now, but I think there’s value on the Cavaliers as a road underdog in this spot.
Thus far in this still young college hoops season, Virginia has gotten back to playing the high-level defense it had become notorious for under Tony Bennett.
UVA ranks second in the entire nation in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency, per KenPom, and first overall in effective FG%.
In recent wins over VCU, Texas A&M and Clemson, Memphis has been able to use its athleticism to get out in transition, and as a result, it's gone for 79 points or more in all three of those victories.
The Tigers won’t be able to do that against a Virginia team that always controls tempo and forces you to play in the half court.
On the other side of the floor, Isaac McKneely and Reece Beekman should get plenty of clean looks from the perimeter, and both are capable of knocking them down at a high clip.
Give me Virginia catching the 3.5 in a game I believe it has a real chance of pulling the outright upset.
Pick: Virginia +3.5 (Play to +3)
New Mexico State vs. SFA
By D.J. James
Stephen F. Austin is one of the fastest-paced teams in college basketball. Per KenPom, the Lumberjacks rank 36th in Adjusted Tempo, averaging 16.7 seconds per possession offensively and 16.4 seconds per possession defensively.
New Mexico State is a bit slow, as it ranks 243rd in Adjusted Tempo, 297th in offensive possession length and averages 15.8 seconds per possession on defense. Since Stephen F. Austin is the quicker team and the Aggies usually allow the pace to be dictated defensively, this game should be played at SFA’s expected tempo.
The Lumberjacks can hit their 3s. They're shooting 34.3% from outside, even though they rank 269th in 3-point attempt rate. SFA also ranks 65th in Open 3 Rate, per ShotQuality, so when it shoots 3s, it's taking reasonable shots. The Aggies rank 333rd in Open 3 Rate defensively, so expect Stephen F. Austin to feast beyond the arc.
The kicker in this game is both teams are horrid when it comes to taking care of the basketball. New Mexico State ranks 325th in offensive turnover rate and 262nd in defensive turnover rate. SFA ranks 362nd offensively and 11th defensively.
Again, this game should be played at the Lumberjacks’ pace. Expect much of this matchup to be played in transition.
Even if these teams aren't offensive juggernauts, the pace will drive this game over the total.
Take this game over 144.5 to 145.
Pick: Over 144.5 (Play to 145)
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