NCAAB January 17, 2026

Miami (OH) enters this MAC matchup with a perfect 18-0 record, the best start in program history, and victory today would match the best start for any program in MAC history (19-0, set by Western Michigan in 1975-76). The RedHawks have been the Cinderella story of college basketball, receiving 49 votes in the most recent AP Top 25 poll and ranking No. 2 on the Mid-Major Top 25 Poll. They're one of just three undefeated Division I programs alongside Arizona and Nebraska.

The remarkable part of Miami's run is the adversity they've overcome. Starting point guard Evan Ipsaro (13.9 PPG, 3.3 APG, 39.4% from three) tore his ACL in December and was deemed KenPom's Most Valuable Player in six of their first eight games. Yet the RedHawks haven't missed a beat. Brant Byers has stepped up with 24 points in Tuesday's 100-61 demolition of Central Michigan, and the depth has been exceptional with Justin Kirby (17), Luke Skaljac (13), Peter Suder (11), and Antwone Woolfolk (10) all reaching double figures.

Buffalo (9-9, 2-4 MAC) is in a transitional phase and doesn't have the personnel to compete with Miami's balanced attack. The Bulls struggle defensively, and their offensive execution has been inconsistent against quality opponents. They're likely to be overwhelmed by Miami's suffocating defense and efficient half-court offense. The RedHawks have been winning by an average of 15+ points in conference play.

The NCAA Tournament implications loom large for Miami. Their resume has one glaring weakness: only one game against a Top 100 KenPom opponent (a 76-73 home win over No. 54 Akron on January 3). If they stumble in the MAC tournament, their at-large case is thin. But that's a March problem. Today, this is about extending perfection. The 14.5-point spread is significant, but Miami has been covering comfortably in conference play. Buffalo simply doesn't have the answers.

Duke's road trips to the West Coast have historically been challenging, and Maples Pavilion presents a unique environment for the Blue Devils. Stanford joined the ACC in 2024, and while they're still adjusting to the conference's intensity, they've shown flashes of competitiveness at home. The Cardinal's defensive identity can slow games to a crawl, which could frustrate Duke's transition-heavy attack.

Jon Scheyer's Blue Devils are projected as a No. 2 seed in current bracketology and have the talent to make a deep tournament run. Duke's freshman class continues the program's tradition of elite recruiting, and their offensive efficiency ranks in the top 10 nationally. The challenge with West Coast trips is always the time zone adjustment and the 1:00 PM local start time that feels like breakfast for players on East Coast schedules.

Stanford's season has been a roller coaster, but they've defended their home court reasonably well. The Cardinal's offensive limitations are well-documented, but their half-court defense can extend possessions and force Duke into uncomfortable shot clock situations. If Stanford can keep this in the 60s, they have a chance to hang around. If Duke pushes tempo and gets into the 80s, this could get ugly.

The 8.5-point spread reflects the talent gap but also Duke's potential road struggles. Conference road games are never easy, even against weaker opponents. Stanford will be motivated to prove they belong in the ACC, and the intimate Maples Pavilion atmosphere can create havoc for opposing guards. Duke should win, but covering 8.5 points on the road against a team fighting for conference credibility is no sure thing.

The Big 12 has established itself as the deepest conference in college basketball, and Saturday's slate showcases why the league is projected to send double-digit teams to the NCAA Tournament. Houston and Kansas remain the class of the conference, but the middle tier is absolutely brutal. Any road win in this league is an accomplishment, and home teams have been protecting their courts at an elite rate.

Houston's defensive identity under Kelvin Sampson continues to suffocate opponents. The Cougars rank in the top 5 nationally in defensive efficiency, forcing turnovers and contesting every shot. Their offense has improved from previous years, but the defense remains the foundation. When Houston locks in defensively, they can beat anyone in the country. The key is whether their perimeter shooting can sustain them in close games.

Kansas has reloaded as expected under Bill Self, and the Jayhawks' experience edge could be decisive in March. Their half-court execution is elite, and they've developed the defensive toughness required to compete in the Big 12's grind. The Phog Factor in Lawrence remains one of college basketball's most significant home-court advantages, and opponents routinely underperform at Allen Fieldhouse.

The betting implications for Big 12 games are straightforward: home teams are covering at an elite rate, and road favorites have struggled to meet expectations. The physicality of conference play wears down visitors, and the travel demands of the expanded Big 12 are significant. Monitor home/road splits carefully when betting these games, as the home team has a built-in edge that the spread may not fully reflect.

The SEC's basketball resurgence is in full swing, with the conference projected to send ten teams to the NCAA Tournament. Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Texas A&M, Kentucky, Texas, and several other programs are firmly on the bubble or better. The depth of competition has created a conference where every road game feels like a tournament environment.

Auburn's program under Bruce Pearl has become a national power, and the Tigers have the firepower to compete with anyone. Their up-tempo attack creates chaos and forces turnovers, and when their three-point shooting is clicking, they're nearly impossible to guard. Auburn Arena has become one of the toughest venues in the country, and their home record in conference play is typically elite.

Tennessee's defensive identity travels, and Rick Barnes has built a program that competes regardless of roster composition. The Volunteers' physicality disrupts opponents' offensive rhythm, and their experience in close games is an asset. Tennessee's home record at Thompson-Boling Arena has been dominant, and their road competitiveness makes them a tough matchup anywhere.

The SEC's betting dynamics mirror the Big 12: home teams are covering at elevated rates, and the physical nature of conference play creates unpredictable outcomes. The conference's new additions (Texas, Oklahoma) have adjusted well, adding even more depth to an already loaded league. Monitor late-game execution when betting SEC totals, as the physicality often suppresses scoring in crunch time.

The Big East has re-established itself as a premier basketball conference, and the race for conference supremacy is wide open. UConn enters as the defending back-to-back national champion, but the Huskies have faced tougher challenges this season. Their depth has been tested by injuries, and the target on their back makes every conference game feel like a championship environment.

St. John's has emerged as a legitimate Final Four contender, with their +1800 championship odds reflecting their improved standing nationally. The Red Storm's backcourt is one of the best in the country, and their defensive versatility allows them to match up with different styles. Madison Square Garden as a home venue gives them a unique advantage, and their non-conference resume has been impressive.

The Big East's traditional powers, Villanova, Georgetown, Syracuse, continue to rebuild, creating opportunities for emerging programs to establish themselves. The conference's depth has improved significantly, and there are no easy wins for anyone. Home-court advantage remains crucial, and the conference's East Coast media exposure ensures every game gets significant attention.

Betting the Big East requires understanding the historic venues and crowd impact. Madison Square Garden, the Pavilion, and the XL Center all create hostile environments that can swing games. Monitor travel situations and rest days carefully, as the compact geographic footprint of the conference can be deceptive. St. John's and UConn are the class of the conference, but anyone can win on their home floor.