Saturday consists of a massive slate in college basketball, but before we get to that point, there's betting value on Friday night in the sport.
There are 10 games in action, including a Big Ten tilt between Indiana and Nebraska from Lincoln.
So, without further ado, here's my college basketball best bets, including three picks and predictions for Friday, December 13.
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. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 9 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. | ||
Army vs. George Washington
The only game on the extra board tonight takes Army to our nation’s capital to battle George Washington. Hey, I'm pretty glad these two were on the same side in the Revolutionary War, am I right?
Army is an interesting squad. After losing all three members of a physical center rotation from last year, the Black Knights have reinvented themselves into a perimeter-based group.
Getting star point guard Jalen Rucker back on the squad after he sat out last season has been a massive boost, helping Army go from 302nd nationally in turnover rate on offense to 18th this year (KenPom).
However, without that departed size, Army has struggled mightily to get stops. Coach Kevin Kuwik has adopted a conservative approach on that end, intent on keeping opponents away from the rim and – critically for this matchup – off the free throw line. Army does not foul.
That’s an issue for George Washington, which ranks 10th nationally in highest percentage of points scored via the charity stripe. The starting frontcourt of Darren Buchanan Jr. and Rafael Castro both live at the foul line, having taken a combined 130 freebies in George Washington’s first 10 contests.
Without that source of points, George Washington could struggle a little bit to score.
With Army already not providing easy points via sloppy turnovers, I think the Black Knights can keep this close.
Coming off a home drubbing to Cornell should have locked this pick in, whereas George Washington just won its first non-conference road game in eight years (!). The Revolutionaries could have a slight hangover.
Pick: Army +11.5 (Play to +10.5)
Indiana vs. Nebraska
Mike Woodson has some forward momentum at Indiana. The Hoosiers have won and covered four straight games (three straight since returning from Atlantis), reinvigorating the “Big Ten favorite??” hype.
However, I remain skeptical.
This trip to Lincoln marks Indiana’s first true road game. Away from the friendly confines of Assembly Hall, Indiana’s warts could become increasingly apparent.
The Hoosiers’ offense remains extremely rim-reliant, ranking 354th nationally in 3-point attempt rate and 45th in near-proximity (dunks, layups) attempt rate, per Haslametrics.
That could be an issue against Nebraska, a team with plenty of size across the lineup to compete with Indiana.
Nebraska’s scheme is designed to prevent what Indiana wants to do. Again, per Haslametrics, the Cornhuskers rank fifth nationally in lowest rim rate allowed and 18th in field goal percentage allowed on those shots.
Fred Hoiberg’s defense is going to do everything possible to turn Indiana into jump shooters – clearly not the strength of the Hoosiers’ roster.
Offensively, Nebraska’s perimeter shooting has yet to show up this year, but the Huskers do have some long-range threats. I would also expect some beneficial regression to come their way, and against an IU defense that has quickness limitations and often overhelps on drives, Nebraska’s spacing could prove hugely advantageous.
Admittedly, the price is getting steep. I would not want to lay over 5, despite the spot and matchup favoring Nebraska.
But I like those factors enough to lock this in at the current price.
Pick: Nebraska -4.5 (Play to -5)
Western Michigan vs. St. Thomas
St. Thomas is a team I often enjoy backing. Johnny Tauer is a fantastic coach, and the Tommies play a beautiful brand of offensive basketball. They consistently make the right play and flood the court with skill at all positions.
This matchup is one of extreme contrasts. The host Tommies spread the court with a five-out attack, opening up driving lanes thanks to lethal long-range shooters all over the court. They are not an overly physical team, however, and they play a compact man-to-man defense to avoid getting gashed inside.
Western Michigan, on the other hand, plays a jumbo lineup with three forwards/centers frequently sharing the court together. The offense is built around attacking mismatches in the post or in isolation. Per KenPom, WMU ranks 355th in 3-point attempt rate and 350th in assist rate. That often leaves the defense exposed due to a lack of foot speed.
While St. Thomas may not have the athletes to win those one-on-one matchups all the time, Tauer’s tightly-woven scheme should give Western Michigan trouble. The Tommies want to force jump shots, and Western Michigan cannot hit them.
On the other end, St. Thomas could score at will, spreading the slower Western Michigan defense thin and exploiting the Broncos with deadly perimeter marksmanship. Expect a big game from stretch 5 Carter Bjerke.
Like Nebraska, this number is approaching my limit of -12, but I do think the disciplined Tommies can extend and win big here.
Pick: St. Thomas -11.5 (Play to -12)
