NCAA Basketball Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (1/20)

We’ve made it to the beginning of another week, and lucky for us, we’ve got College Hoops on all day long! Naturally, we perused the slate and found some potential edges. Let’s dive in and discuss our NCAA Basketball best bets for tonight.

For all of our Expert NCAA Basketball Picks, check out our page here. But for now, let’s get right into it!

Listed below are my College Hoops best bets for today, but be sure to get all of my picks on my Twitter (@Shaggy_Bets)

NCAA Basketball Best Bets – January 20th, 2025

Stephen F. Austin vs McNeese State Predictions

Best Bets: SFA/McNeese Under 130.5 (-110) BetOnline

We’re backing the under in what should be a very slow paced, defensive minded game.

The Cowboys are ranked over 200 spots higher than their visitors, but both play a similar style of basketball. McNeese State runs a very slow offense, ranking 269th in possessions per game, while also boasting a Top 50 defense. Overall, McNeese is better defensively than they are on offense, but they clean up the offensive glass and get to the free throw line plenty. The Cowboys don’t take very many threes, and when they do, they don’t shoot them very well, so look for most of their scoring to come from inside the arc and from the stripe.

However, SFA is the same way. Stephen F. Austin ranks 256th overall in pace, playing just as slow as the Cowboys. Offensively, the Lumberjacks don’t have the stuff. They rank north of 300 everywhere that it matters, offensive efficiency, eFG%, TO Rate, FT Rate Defense, FT%… the list goes on and on. However, defensively they are rock solid, ranking Top 55 in efficiency and eFG% while jumping to Top 20 in turnovers forced.

Ultimately, I see defense dominating this already slow paced game, resulting in it staying well under 130.5.

Eastern Washington vs Montana State Predictions

Best Bets: Montana State -6 (-110) BetOnline

Do some line shopping because this line is dancing. One minute its -6, the next it’s -5.5. I don’t see it climbing too high, but I’ll certainly wait till closer to tip to see if more money comes in on EWU to give me a better Montana State line.

Anyways, this is a bounce back, revenge spot for the Bobcats. Montana State lost tot Eastern Washington by 5 points earlier this season. Now they get to host their rival with a chance at some sweet revenge at home. The Bobcats simply play better at home. They rank 58th in eFG%, 68th in overall defensive efficiency, while also limiting offensive rebounds, free throw attempts, and shots from downtown. Montana State defends the perimeter very well, ranking 103rd in 3P Rate and 6th in 3P% Defense.

Now, Eastern Washington isn’t just going to roll over and die, but their already bad defense doesn’t really improve on the road at all. The Eagles rank 265th overall defensively, 328th in eFG%D, and also give up plenty of rebounds and free throws. As simple as it sounds, I like the Bobcats to get their revenge against an inferior team at home. The Bobcats were -1.5 favorites at EWU a few weeks ago, losing by 5. Now back at home, with the spread shooting up to -5.5, I think it’s a little telling that Montana State shows out at home tonight.

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