NCAA Basketball Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (2/17)

It's a brand new week in College Hoops and with a smaller Monday slate, we still had to get into the nitty gritty and find some of our favorite NCAA Basketball best bets for today!

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 – February 17th, 2025

UMES vs Howard Predictions

Best Bets: UMES/Howard Over 147.5 (-112) BetOnline

Need an afternoon sweat? Colby Marchio is rooting for points in this 3pm Eastern tip off!

Check out our UMES vs Howard Preview!

Jackson State vs Bethune Cookman Predictions

Best Bets: Bethune Cookman ML (-128) BetOnline

We are working with one of the best spots to bet in College Basketball: The Ole Revenge Spot at Home. These teams played in late January in a high scoring thriller. Jackson State was 2.5 point home favorites and ended up covering as they won 86-81. The total soared over 139 and has since ticked up to 145.5 in this second matchup. However, I will be betting on the Wildcats to come out on top.

They lost at home on Saturday in another revenge spot against Alcorn State. They had won four straight prior, and may have been caught looking ahead to this showdown. The Wildcats play fast, ranking Top 100 in possessions per game. They improve on both sides of the ball drastically at home, and rank very well in some key categories. At home this season, Bethune-Cookman ranks Top 50 in eFG% defense, Top 25 in offense rebounds allowed and are 11th at getting to the free throw line. They don't shoot well from deep, but don't shoot very many and tend to attack the rim where they shoot nearly 59% from inside the arc. Defensively, they suffocate the perimeter, ranking 33rd in 3P Rate defense and 57th in 3P% Defense. It could be a long night for Jackson State.

The Tigers have been up and down for the past month and also play plenty fast. Offensively, they aren't it. Jackson State is ranks bottom 40 in overall offensive efficiency and turnover rate, while ranking bottom 20 in eFG%. Defensively, they are also 294th in eFG% and simply can't shoot from anywhere.

With revenge on their mind at home and coming off a loss, I see Bethune-Cookman taking down a conference opponent tonight.

#13 Arizona vs Baylor Predictions

Best Bets: Baylor ML (-134) BetOnline

Colby Marchio is backing the Bears at home, do you agree?

Check out our #13 Arizona vs Baylor Preview!

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