NCAA Basketball Predictions, Odds & Best Bets: Thursday College Hoops (1/16)

Thursday is here and we do not have any football to watch, however, there are tons of College Hoops games for your viewing pleasure. 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 16th, 2025

Central Arkansas vs North Florida Predictions

Best Bets: North Florida -9.5 (-110) BetOnline

For starters, the North Florida Ospreys are ranked nearly 100 spots higher than the Central Arkansas Bears on most advanced analytical sites, with Bart Torvik having them at 248th and 346th respectively. With North Florida being at home and loving to run, I don't see them having a problem covering this number.

They started out covering four straight spreads to start the season, but now sit at just 7-8 ATS. They covered 4.5 in their last game, winning by 13 against #354 Bellarmine on the road, and now back at home, they should handle the Bears. We can discuss the Osprey's defense in a second, but they do have a Top 100 offense at home, rank 25th in taking care of the basketball, and rank Top 12 in pace. They shoot tons of threes and do so at a solid 36% clip, but they do struggle to earn shots from the free throw line.

Central Arkansas is coming off two straight road losses, and they are 0-9 on the road this season. Offensively they won't be able to keep up with North Florida, and defensively, they are 335th overall and 310th in eFG%. They jump up to 194th in pace on the road, and I see the Ospreys providing plenty of possessions for both teams tonight, but only the home team will take full advantage.

Bonus Bets: Central Arkansas/North Florida Over 156 (-110) BetOnline

However, we are also backing the over, as one normally does when the home team ranks 11th in possessions per game. Now, North Florida's defense is just as bad, ranking 352nd overall, 325th in eFG%, and 331st in offensive rebounds allowed. Ultimately, the pace of this game will be enough for it to go over, and I am banking on the North Florida offense to have a better shooting night than their visitors.

Rutgers vs Nebraska Predictions

Best Bets: Nebraska TT Over 77.5(-120) BetOnline

Check out Colby Marchio's full analysis on why he's backing the Huskers at home.

Check out our Rutgers vs Nebraska Preview!

#16 Gonzaga vs Oregon State Predictions

Best Bets: Gonzaga/Oregon State Under 151 (-115) BetOnline

Look, backing a Gonzaga under is never fun. The team ranks 64th overall in pace, but that drops to 82nd in nine away/neutral games this year. As we know, the home team controls the pace of this game, and the 67th ranked Beavers love to slow things down. Oregon State ranks 314th overall in possessions per game, and they've been rock solid at home this year.

They are a Top 55 offense at home, while also ranking 81st overall defensively, 54th in eFG Defense, and 68th in offensive rebounds allowed. Offensively they are incredibly efficient, ranking 45th in eFG%, and knocking down nearly 79% of their free throws. But tonight, they will thrive on the defensive end by getting in Gonzaga's grill and making them uncomfortable. The Beavers should slow things down and limit the offensive possessions it gives their visitors.

They have had a lot of success slowing down fast teams in Corvallis. Against the Oregon Ducks (114th in pace), they lost a tough battle 78-75 where they held the Ducks to just 12 FT attempts all game. Against the UC Irvine Anteaters (112th in pace), the Beavers held them to just 55 points, winning by 12. I think the Beavers have a shot at covering tonight, but that involves a low scoring game.

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