NCAAB January 7, 2026

The defending back-to-back national champions visit the Friars in a Big East showdown. UConn's pursuit of a three-peat is alive and well - Dan Hurley's program just keeps reloading. The Huskies have the depth, the defensive intensity, and the championship pedigree to beat anyone in the country.

Providence has been solid but unspectacular. Kim English's squad plays hard and competes, but they lack the star power to hang with elite programs for 40 minutes. The Friars' home crowd will be electric, and Providence traditionally plays Connecticut tough in this building.

Six and a half feels about right. UConn's road efficiency has been excellent, and they don't take conference games lightly. Take the Huskies -6.5 and expect them to pull away in the final ten minutes when their depth becomes a factor.

Two of the Big 12's best meet in Waco. Iowa State's been one of the most consistent programs in the country - T.J. Otzelberger has built a machine that defends at an elite level and controls tempo. The Cyclones rarely beat themselves, and their tournament experience shows every night.

Baylor's in a transition year after losing key pieces, but Scott Drew always has them competitive. The Bears defend their home court ferociously, and Foster Pavilion is a tough environment for visitors. Their tempo control could slow Iowa State's efficient offense.

This is a coin flip game that could go either way. The under at 137.5 is the safest play - both teams grind possessions and force contested shots. If forced to pick a side, take Iowa State -2.5, but keep the bet small.

Rupp Arena on a Wednesday night is college basketball at its finest. Kentucky's always loaded with talent, and this year's squad is no different. Mark Pope has the Wildcats playing fast, sharing the ball, and defending with urgency. The Big Blue Nation faithful expect excellence, and they're getting it.

Missouri's been inconsistent. The Tigers have flashed potential in wins over quality opponents but have also laid eggs in games they should win. Their road record in hostile environments is concerning, and Rupp Arena might be the most intimidating venue in college basketball.

Ten and a half is steep, but Kentucky covers big spreads at home against lesser SEC competition. The Wildcats' offensive firepower should overwhelm Mizzou's defense. Take Kentucky -10.5 and the over in a game that should see both teams in the 70s.

Big Ten basketball is back in full swing with this intriguing matchup. Indiana's been up and down this season, but when the Hoosiers are clicking, they can beat anyone. Their offensive versatility gives opponents fits, and they've shown flashes of the program Mike Woodson's building.

Maryland's home court has been a fortress. The Xfinity Center gets loud, and the Terps play with more intensity when their crowd is engaged. Kevin Willard's squad has the pieces to make a tournament run if they can find consistency.

This is essentially a pick'em. The home court should swing this Maryland's way, but Indiana's slight road favorite status suggests sharps like the Hoosiers. Take the under at 144.5 - both teams emphasize defensive stops in Big Ten play.

Marquette's been one of the nation's best all season. Shaka Smart has the Golden Eagles playing with championship-level intensity, and Fiserv Forum has become one of the toughest venues in college basketball. Their guard play is elite, and they attack the rim relentlessly.

Xavier's rebuilding after losing key pieces to the portal. The Musketeers have talent but lack the cohesion that comes with experience. Sean Miller's second stint at Xavier is still in the early stages, and growing pains are expected.

Seven and a half feels right. Marquette at home against a rebuilding opponent should cruise. Take the Golden Eagles -7.5 and expect them to win by double digits.

Creighton's been one of the Big East's best, and Greg McDermott continues to get the most out of his roster. The Bluejays play beautiful basketball - crisp passing, efficient shooting, and enough defensive intensity to win close games. Their tournament ceiling is Final Four if everything clicks.

Villanova's in transition. The program that won two national titles under Jay Wright is searching for its identity under Kyle Neptune. The Wildcats have pieces but lack the cohesion that made them elite. Home court helps, but is it enough?

Three and a half is tight for a Creighton team that's been covering on the road. The Bluejays' offensive efficiency should be enough to pull away late. Take Creighton -3.5 and the under in a game that both teams will try to control tempo.

Nate Oats has Alabama playing elite basketball. The Crimson Tide push tempo, shoot threes at an absurd rate, and have the athletes to beat anyone in the country. Their ceiling is a national title, and Vegas knows it - Alabama's been a popular futures bet all season.

Vanderbilt's Memorial Gymnasium is one of the quirkiest venues in college basketball, and the Commodores always play inspired ball at home. Mark Byington has injected life into a program that was dormant for years. But is grit enough against Alabama's firepower?

Eight and a half feels like a spot where Alabama could slip up. Vandy's unconventional gym and slower tempo could keep this closer than expected. Take Vanderbilt +8.5 and the under - the Commodores will try to make this ugly.

Mackey Arena is college basketball's toughest environment, and Purdue takes full advantage. Matt Painter's Boilermakers have been dominant at home, and their size in the paint gives opponents nightmares. Zach Edey's departure hurt, but the program just reloads with the next big man.

Washington's transition to the Big Ten has been rough. The Huskies aren't built for the physicality of this conference, and their road record has been brutal. Danny Sprinkle is building something, but it's going to take time.

Fourteen and a half is a lot, but Purdue covers big numbers at Mackey. The Boilermakers' size advantage will be overwhelming. Take Purdue -14.5 if you trust their home dominance, but the under at 143.5 is the safer play.

SMU's first year in the ACC has been a mixed bag. The Mustangs have the talent to compete with anyone, but consistency has been an issue. Andy Enfield's offense can score in bunches, but their defense gives up too many easy buckets.

Clemson's been solid under Brad Brownell. The Tigers defend at an elite level and make you earn everything in the half court. Their home record is strong, and Littlejohn gets loud on nights like this.

Four and a half should cover. Clemson's defensive intensity will frustrate SMU's offense, and the Tigers' experience in these situations matters. Take Clemson -4.5 and the under in a grind-it-out ACC affair.

John Calipari's second season at Arkansas has been fascinating to watch. The Razorbacks have the pieces to make a run, but cohesion has been an issue. Cal's system takes time to implement, and this roster is still learning each other. When they click, they're dangerous.

Ole Miss is building something under Chris Beard. The Rebels have been competitive in the SEC, and their home court provides a legitimate edge. The Pavilion can get rocking when the crowd is engaged.

Two and a half feels like a toss-up. Arkansas has more talent, but Ole Miss has home court and is hungry to prove themselves. Take the under at 146.5 - both teams will try to control tempo and limit possessions.