The Big Ten takes center stage tonight, but that's not the only place to find value on the hardwood.
Our staff provides you with betting edges to add to your college basketball betting card.
Read on for our college basketball best bets, including NCAAB picks and predictions for Thursday, January 8.
College Basketball Best Bets
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 6:30 p.m | |
  | 9 p.m | |
  | 10:30 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. | ||
Northwestern vs. Michigan State
Northwestern's luck needs to swing at a certain point. I don't want to make a habit out of predicting positive outcomes for opponents trotting into the Breslin Center in Lansing, but in this case, I think Northwestern can hang around and keep this game competitive.
Normally, that would make me wary of expecting shooting regression, but there's reason for belief. Michigan State's defense just faced 3-of-17 outside shooting from USC on Monday night.
That simply can't happen again, nor would you think Northwestern can hit only 26% from deep like it did on Saturday at Minnesota.
Both teams play on the slower side, with Northwestern forcing the longest average defensive possession in the country. If the Wildcats keep this game in the half-court, Michigan State isn't likely to break off a big run to break open a blowout.
I'm not crazy enough to expect an upset here, yet I think Northwestern can muck the game up and keep it tight toward the end.
Pick: Northwestern +12
Middle Tennessee vs. UTEP
PRO Projections love the value taking Middle Tennessee to cover.
The Blue Raiders opened -4.5, but the Action PRO line initially released the spread much longer, at Middle Tennessee -9.5.
Even after adjustments to -8, data analytics grade this an A+ edge for Middle Tennessee to cover, in a margin that could very well hit double digits.
Pick: Middle Tennessee State -5.5
Ohio State vs. Oregon
By Evan Abrams
Tonight's Big Ten clash sends Ohio State on a cross-country trip to Eugene, where Oregon hosts at Matthew Knight Arena as a modest favorite.
While the Buckeyes arrive with a stronger record, the Ducks gain a proven power-conference home-court boost in this competitive spot. That's why this setup screams value on Oregon moneyline, according to my "Power 5 Outright Love" system.
In league play, home teams from power-conference leagues consistently hold a measurable advantage when facing comparable or slightly weaker opponents.
With spreads in the competitive range, these teams benefit from strong home environments, experienced coaching, and familiarity with conference officiating and travel rhythms.
Games played in the heart of the season, especially January through March, often feature elevated defensive effort and crowd intensity, which amplify the edge for established programs protecting home court.
Bettors often underestimate this advantage when lines remain modest, yet the combination of talent, motivation, and situational stability makes these home moneyline spots highly reliable within major conference play.
Pick: Oregon ML -150
