If you're looking for top picks in the sport of college basketball for Friday, you've come to the right place.
I have three spots I'm targeting on this slate, one that got a bit bigger and more confusing thanks to the East Coast winter storm that's expected this weekend.
Read below for college basketball best bets, including three NCAAB picks and predictions for Friday, January 23.
College Basketball Best Bets
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 8 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. | ||
UMass vs. Buffalo
UMass and Buffalo are separated by just one spot in KenPom’s rankings (183 and 184, respectively), and the pair are headed in opposite directions in the MAC standings.
UMass has won three of its last four, while Buffalo is on a four-game losing skid.
But, context is important here. The Minutemen have played three of the worst four teams in the MAC over that span, while the Bulls have played three of the best — and they took mighty Miami (OH) to overtime on the road just last week.
Buffalo should win this game on Friday with its ability to attack the rack and get to the foul line. The Bulls rank top-30 nationally in free-throw attempt rate, while UMass is bottom-20 nationally in free-throw attempt rate allowed.
The Bulls are also one of the nation’s best outside shooting teams, while the Minutemen have seen fortunate shooting luck from downtown defensively. Buffalo and its ball screen-heavy offense should be able to get into the teeth of the UMass defense and either draw a foul or kick to an open shooter behind the arc.
Of course, there's one key injury to watch out for. Buffalo’s star point guard — Daniel Freitag — missed Tuesday’s game against Akron due to a concussion. His status is crucial, as he’s central to everything the Bulls do on the offensive end.
While they can still hang and perhaps beat UMass without Freitag, bettors would do well to wait for injury news before placing a wager.
If Freitag is out, this line should balloon in UMass’ favor and vice versa.
Pick: Buffalo +2.5 (Play to PK)
Tulane vs. Charlotte
Tulane gets a reprieve from its recent three-game stretch in which it faced two of the best teams in the AAC and a surging North Texas squad.
Meanwhile, Charlotte sits 4-2 in league play, but the 49ers have feasted on the bottom feeders and squeaked by their competition.
The No. 1 question when facing Tulane is: Can you beat its zone? The Green Wave deploy a 1-3-1 matchup-y zone that takes away clean outside looks and gets into passing lanes.
Forcing the Niners into turnovers will be key, as they've struggled all season with protecting the rock, and they’re a decent offensive rebounding and 3-point shooting team (aka the zone killers). Forcing turnovers leads to transition opportunities, where Tulane has thrived this season.
On the offensive end, look for Tulane to get to the line early and often. Ron Hunter’s squad ranks 12th nationally in free-throw attempt rate, and Charlotte has a propensity to foul. The Niners’ defense won’t bother Tulane’s talented backcourt, and free points from the stripe should come easy.
The Green Wave will have the best player on the floor in Rowan Brumbaugh and challenge a Charlotte paint defense that ranks 350th in field goal attempt rate allowed and 289th in field goal percentage allowed.
The Green Wave will steal one on the road and end their four-game skid.
Pick: Tulane +4.5 (Play to +2.5)
Ohio State vs. Michigan
Michigan has been the nation’s best team this season, but lately the Wolverines haven’t been covering. After a ridiculous streak in which Michigan won by like 20+ points every game and went 8-1 against the spread, it hasn’t covered in five consecutive contests.
Michigan has won its last three games by double digits, but it hasn’t been good enough to hit paydirt.
That should change on Friday.
Ohio State matches up poorly with Michigan. The Buckeyes rely on dribble penetration, pull-up paint buckets and rim scores to put points on the board. That's pretty much impossible against the best interior defense in the land.
Michigan should shut down the paint, and it has enough wing size to chase Buckeye shooters like John Mobley Jr. and Bruce Thornton.
On the other end, Michigan should own the paint and the glass and live at the free-throw line. Ohio State doesn't have the physicality or depth to match up with Michigan’s frontcourt for 40 minutes, and it should slowly fade over the course of the game.
The Wolverines should also exploit the Buckeyes in transition – Ohio State has played mostly half-court or slower-tempo teams this season, and its defense can't hold up in a high-possession game.
Michigan wins in a rout and reasserts its dominance atop the national standings.
Pick: Michigan -15.5 (Play to -16.5)
