NCAA Basketball Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (3/5)

Published: Wed Mar 05, 2025, 2:52 pm ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

Alabama and Florida go head to head tonight

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Hump Day Hoops are upon us as we quickly approach another weekend. Smaller conference tournaments are underway while the big schools are playing the final contests of their regular season. Needless to say, our expert's took a deep dive into Wednesday's College Hoops slate and found plenty of best bets.

For all of our Expert NCAA Basketball Picks, check out our page here.

Be sure to get all of my picks on my Twitter (@Shaggy_Bets)

NCAA Basketball Best Bets – March 5th, 2025

DePaul vs Providence Predictions

Back the Friars offense tonight

Check out why Colby Marchio is fading his own school tonight.

Best Bets: Providence TT Over 75.5 (-120) BetOnline

#5 Florida vs #7 Alabama Predictions

Richard is a do it all guard for the Gators

Will Richard averages 4.8 boards for the Gators this season

Best Bets: Will Richard (UF) Over 4.5 Rebounds (-120) BetOnline

Read my full analysis on this Top 10 SEC matchup and why I'm taking a player prop.

UT Martin vs Tennessee Tech Predictions

UT Martin faces Tennessee Tech in the OVC Tournament

Best Bets: UTM/TT Over 140.5 (-103) BetOnline

Check out Colby's analysis below on why he's backing points in this game!

#4 Tennessee vs Ole Miss Predictions

Pedulla leads the Rebels against the Vols tonight

Can Pedulla and the Rebels beat Tennessee at home?

Best Bets: Ole Miss +2.5 (-112) BetOnline

California vs #14 Louisville Predictions

Chucky Hepburn leads Louisville with 16.3 points per game

Best Bets: Louisville -14 (-113) BetOnline

I've backed the Cardinals a few times this year and they've let me down, but tonight against California I think they can cover this number for us. For starters, let's talk travel. The Golden Bears haven't been out East since February 15th. They actually went out on the 12th for a weekend stint, and they did not perform well, losing to Duke 78-57, but covering the +23.5. Prior to that, they traveled to the Carolinas to face North Carolina and State, and in the first game after travel, they were blown out by the Tar Heels, 79-53, failing to cover the +15.5.

My point is it takes some time for the Golden Bears to get over their jet lag, and they don't have that luxury tonight. Louisville is going to run up and down the floor, speeding things up. The Cardinals are nearly Top 50 in pace at home, and they are 7th in 3P Rate, 31st in FT Rate, and 22nd overall offensively. Defensively, they hold their own, ranking 20th overall, Top 60 in turnovers forced and Top 40 in both offensive rebounds allowed and FT Rate. California is very reliant on Andrej Stojakovic on offense, so if Louisville can shut him down, I see them covering this number.

As a team, Cal crashes the offensive glass and gets to the stripe, but not as well on the road. Plus they rank 299th and 295th in eFG% on either side of the basketball. Against a very efficient team like the Cardinals, I don't see them keeping this close. Louisville could be the #2 seed in the ACC if they win out and Clemson drops a game. The Cardinals host Cal and then Stanford, two very beatable teams. The Tigers go to Boston College and then host the Hokies, so both teams could easily win both games. I see Louisville leaving no doubt tonight at home against an inferior team from Cal.

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Nate Hornung

Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.

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