Welcome to the month of February. We're a month and a half away from Selection Sunday, and that means things are heating up in the college basketball world.
Another "Big Monday" means more marquee standalone matchups, and our experts have you covered on how to bet them.
Read below for NCAAB picks and predictions, including how to bet the two power-conference "Big Monday" matchups.
Big Monday College Basketball Picks & Predictions
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 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. | ||
Syracuse vs. North Carolina
By Jordan Mann
Syracuse Basketball
Coming off an 86-72 win against Notre Dame that snapped a four-game losing streak, Syracuse sits at 13-9 overall and 4-5 in ACC play.
This team is frustrating because it’s the most Jekyll-and-Hyde squad in the ACC. One night, the Orange lose to Boston College or Hofstra. On another, they’re beating Tennessee or taking Houston to overtime.
To be honest, I’m not sure Adrian Autry knows what he’s doing. He brought Donnie Freeman — who leads the team in scoring (18.2) and ranks second in rebounds (7.2) — off the bench against Notre Dame after Freeman had just gone for 24 points and 10 rebounds at NC State.
Yes, Syracuse beat an awful Notre Dame team, but one of the main reasons for that win was a “kill shot” run once Freeman checked into the game.
Even with the issues Syracuse seems to have, the Orange sit in the top half of the ACC offensively, thanks to their ability to score out of isolations and pick-and-rolls.
J.J. Starling started the year slowly, but he's been better of late, averaging 14.8 points over his last seven games. He'll look to be aggressive against UNC’s perimeter defense.
UNC Basketball
UNC has turned its season around after going 0-2 on its West Coast trip.
The Tar Heels are 17-4 overall and 5-3 in the ACC following a 91-75 win at Georgia Tech.
Caleb Wilson is playing out of his mind, averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, while also serving as a consistent facilitator within the offense.
According to Bart Torvik, UNC posted the third-best offensive efficiency in the country during the month of January, driven largely by its ability to generate high-quality looks around the rim.
Wilson and Henri Veesaar have been nothing short of outstanding for the Tar Heels. Meanwhile, Seth Trimble is averaging 17 points over the last two games, using his athleticism to create efficient scoring opportunities in the paint.
UNC loves to push the pace, scoring 50 points in transition during its three-game winning streak.
Though he was quiet against Georgia Tech, Derek Dixon has been a solid addition to the starting lineup and brings Kendall Marshall–esque vision in the open floor.
Teams are scoring at nearly a 50% clip against Syracuse in transition (98-for-200), and UNC will continue to make pushing the basketball a major point of emphasis.
Syracuse vs. UNC Betting Analysis
As much as I want to believe this could be a lookahead spot with Duke on deck, Wilson won’t let that happen. He’ll have his way against Syracuse, whether it’s in transition or in the half court.
At the end of the day, UNC will continue to play through its bigs against a Syracuse defense that sits in the bottom half of the ACC in 2-point defense.
Meanwhile, Syracuse’s guards should be able to create penetrate-and-kick opportunities against a UNC defense that ranks last in the conference in 3-point defense.
Give me all the points.
My Pick: Over 157.5
Kansas vs. Texas Tech
By Sean Paul
Kansas Basketball
Kansas is on a hot streak, winning five consecutive games, including victories over BYU and Iowa State in Lawrence. Two of the five came on the road against Colorado and Kansas State, so this will be a jump up in level.
In January, the Jayhawks went 6-2 and made huge offensive strides, ranking eighth in Bart Torvik’s offensive efficiency. That coincides with Darryn Peterson returning, but you never know just how much he'll play each game.
Peterson is a dynamo. He can score 20 points in a half with ease, but that might be all he gives you. Due to persistent cramping issues, Peterson didn't finish the UCF, TCU or BYU games. The projected No. 1 NBA draft pick averages 20.5 points per game on 50% shooting.
The Jayhawks have three other players who average 13+ points a night. Tre White trails Peterson with 14 points and shoots 43% from deep. Plus, big man Flory Bidunga pitches in 14.5 points and eight rebounds.
The key is the other double-digit scorer, Melvin Council Jr. He can ease the pressure on Peterson with his driving and passing ability, and he's the only other ball-handler on the roster.
On the opposite end, the Jayhawks dipped to 48th in Bart Torvik's defensive efficiency over their past eight games. I don't quite buy it, though. Kansas is 11th over a 21-game span, and it grades out well in 2-point field goal difference over both spans.
So, what changed? The Jayhawks have been victims of dreaded 3-point regression.
From November 3 to December 31, Kansas held opponents to 25% shooting from deep (second-best). In its past eight games, that number is 35.8%.
So, why don't we split the difference and imagine Kansas winds up at its season average of 33%? That feels fair.
Texas Tech Basketball
Texas Tech snapped a five-game winning streak during Saturday's loss at UCF. Now the Red Raiders return to one of the best home-court environments in the Big 12. They have yet to lose in Lubbock and already own home wins over BYU and Houston.
The Red Raiders finished 10th in Bart Torvik during January. They finally found their footing on both ends, ranking sixth in offensive efficiency and 35th in defensive efficiency.
Let's start with Tech's offense. It has the best duo in the country in big man JT Toppin and dazzling point guard Christian Anderson. Toppin could struggle against Bidunga, as bigs with length can cause issues for him. Still, he usually puts up close to 20 points each game due to his foul-drawing ability.
Anderson is a total stud, averaging 19.6 points and 7.5 assists per game.
In this matchup, I view Donovan Atwell as the X-factor. He's emerged as a clear third option for the Red Raiders due to his marksmanship from deep, rattling in 44% of his 3s. He didn't score in the final 20 minutes against UCF and the offense tailed off. Texas Tech has to get Atwell involved early and often.
Shooting is a huge part of its DNA, not just Atwell's. The Red Raiders attempt 3s on 44% of their shots and shoot 39% from deep. All five starters can hit shots from the perimeter, even Toppin at times.
Defensively, the Red Raiders rank outside the top 125 in 2-point and 3-point field goal defense, per KenPom. They aren't great defensively, but as long as they protect the glass, they'll have a good chance to contain Kansas.
Kansas vs. Texas Tech Betting Analysis
I'll take the home team here. Some home courts matter more than others, and this is one of them. The fans and culture in Lubbock can really shift a game.
Plus, Kansas just hasn't played as well on the road. Beating Kansas State and Colorado isn't enough to change my mind on the Jayhawks inconsistent road play.
The line has shifted in this one. Texas Tech opened at -2.5 and is now -4.5. That leads me to believe Peterson might not play. I'd play Tech to -6 at the absolute most here, but if Peterson is out, that line could change even more.
My Pick: Texas Tech -4.5 (Play to -6)
