Three Big Ten games take center stage on this first college basketball Monday of 2026.
With that in mind, I'll provide you with three spots to target from a betting perspective.
So, read below for college basketball best bets, including three NCAAB picks and predictions for Monday, January 5.
College Basketball Best Bets
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 5 p.m. | |
  | 6:30 p.m. | |
  | 7 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. | ||
Columbia vs. Cornell
After a brutal six-game road swing, the Big Red return home for their Ivy League opener against Columbia.
That mental refresh of being back in Ithaca after a never-ending road swing should set up for a game effort, amplified by the added importance of Ivy League competition.
The key underlying matchup battles will be in the turnover and rebounding departments. Cornell isn't a frenetic pressure-inducing team under Jon Jaques, but the Big Red are far better at holding on to the rock than Columbia, which enters tonight with a 20.1% turnover rate (per KenPom).
The Lions’ impressive start is largely due to their dominance on the glass, but surrendering those first-shot opportunities by giving the ball away could negate a key edge up front.
Bet on the red hot surging Cornell offense, which hung 97 on Michigan State before setting a school record on Monday against a non-Division I opponent.
Pick: Cornell -2.5 (Play to -3)
Nebraska vs. Ohio State
Don't fall prey to the unranked home favorite trap. The Huskers are short 'dogs at Ohio State, a talented but highly flawed opponent.
Sure, the spot presumably favors the Buckeyes, who only played once last week (Nebraska twice) and the Huskers are fresh off a gritty home win over Michigan State. Theoretically, this could be a let down for Nebraska, but this inflated line overvalues Ohio State’s home court.
Per NCAA.com, Ohio State is one of only four Big Ten schools drawing less than 50% capacity at home games this season (averaging 9,500 fans a game at Value City Arena, which seats 19,000).
Given the students remain on break, the Huskers shouldn't be rattled by a raucous crowd, and the whistle should be straight up both ways.
The key will be Ohio State’s perimeter shooting, as Nebraska will dare the Buckeyes to chuck it from the cheap seats. Ohio State has multiple elite shotmakers, but it excels more in the mid-range area and getting to the rim, where Nebraska’s shell-ish packline can hinder those attempts.
Pick: Nebraska +3 (Play to +2)
Milwaukee vs. Green Bay
Bart Lundy shot himself in the foot with the recent schedule snafu. Milwaukee scheduled a buy game against in-state Wisconsin right the heart of league play last week. Thus, they played the Badgers on a back-to-back on the heels of a 22-point domination over Purdue Fort Wayne.
The Panthers battled admirably against big brother, but then they ran out of steam two days later on the road at Wright State.
It’s been a refreshing three-day break for Milwaukee, which now faces in-league rival Green Bay and Doug Gottlieb.
The Panthers, when healthy, have looked like the best team in the Horizon, and in all expectation, Lundy should have his full brigade of personnel back on Monday.
Sneaky strong reserve Chandler Jackson returned to action last game, and starting big Faizon Fields — who’s battled injuries all season — should be back to full workload with the much needed break.
Finally, if Amar Augillard can continue his subtle improvement in consistency, the Panthers should out-talent (and out-coach) the home Phoenix in Green Bay.
Pick: Milwaukee -1.5 (Play to -3)
