College Basketball January 4, 2026

Creighton opens 2026 with a Big East road trip to Newark. The Bluejays have been one of the most consistent programs in the conference, and their balanced attack has been difficult to stop. Greg McDermott's offense runs through multiple options, making them hard to game-plan against.

Seton Hall has been rebuilding under Shaheen Holloway, and the Pirates are still searching for their identity. Their home crowd at the Prudential Center is always a factor, but they're outmatched against a more experienced Creighton squad.

The Bluejays should handle business on the road. Their depth and experience will be the difference, and Seton Hall's young roster isn't ready to compete with elite Big East programs yet.

Atlantic 10 action continues as Richmond visits the Bronx. The Spiders have been solid all season, playing the methodical, disciplined basketball that Chris Mooney's teams are known for. They control tempo and limit possessions, making them difficult to beat.

Fordham is having a better season than expected, and Rose Hill Gym is always a tough place to play. The intimate setting creates a hostile environment, and the Rams feed off their home crowd's energy.

This should be a low-scoring, grinding affair. Richmond's experience will be the difference, but don't expect them to cover comfortably. Take the under and lean Spiders.

FAU is trying to build on their magical Final Four run from a few seasons ago, but the roster has turned over significantly. The Owls are still figuring out their identity with new players in key roles, making them an inconsistent bet week-to-week.

Tulane has been a pleasant surprise in the AAC. The Green Wave play hard and compete every night, making them dangerous at home. Devlin Fieldhouse isn't a fearsome environment, but it's good enough to matter.

This is a tricky spot for Florida Atlantic. Road games in the AAC are never easy, and Tulane has the athletes to compete. Lean the home dog here and expect a close game throughout.

Two AAC programs meet in Tampa in what should be a competitive, evenly-matched contest. UAB has been solid but unspectacular, winning the games they should and losing the games they shouldn't. They're the definition of a mid-tier conference team.

South Florida is in a similar boat. The Bulls have talent but lack consistency, making them frustrating to bet. Their home-court advantage is minimal, and they haven't protected their floor well this season.

This is a stay-away game for sharp bettors. Neither team inspires confidence, and the line is razor-thin for a reason. If you must bet, lean UAB on the road, but don't expect to feel good about it.

The game of the day in college basketball. Marquette visits the back-to-back national champions, and Gampel Pavilion will be electric. UConn has been dominant all season, and Dan Hurley's program shows no signs of slowing down.

Marquette is one of the few Big East teams with the talent to challenge the Huskies. Shaka Smart has built a legitimate contender in Milwaukee, and his team plays with the confidence of a program that belongs on the big stage.

UConn should win this game, but the spread is steep. Marquette has the guards to compete, and they won't be intimidated by the moment. Take the points and expect a competitive game from start to finish.

Washington's first season in the Big Ten has been a culture shock. The Huskies are adjusting to the physicality and depth of their new conference, and road games like this have been brutal. Assembly Hall is one of the toughest environments in college basketball.

Indiana has been better than expected under Mike Woodson. The Hoosiers play hard at home, and their crowd creates an incredible atmosphere for primetime games. This is a showcase opportunity against a conference newcomer.

Indiana should dominate at home. Washington isn't ready for Big Ten basketball, and Assembly Hall on Sunday night is a nightmare for visiting teams. Lay the points and expect a comfortable Hoosiers victory.

Saint Mary's continues their WCC campaign against Seattle U. The Gaels have been one of the more underrated programs in the country, playing a slow, methodical style that frustrates opponents. Randy Bennett's teams are always well-coached and disciplined.

Seattle U is adjusting to life in the WCC, and it's been a struggle. The Redhawks are undersized and outmatched against the conference's established programs, making them a frequent underdog.

Saint Mary's should cruise to victory here. The Gaels' experience and execution will be too much for Seattle to handle, and the spread is fair given the talent gap. Take the Gaels to cover comfortably.

Gonzaga hosts Loyola Marymount in what should be a showcase for the Zags' elite offense. The Kennel is one of the most intimidating environments in college basketball, and Mark Few's teams don't lose at home.

LMU is overmatched in every phase of the game. The Lions don't have the athletes or the depth to compete with a top-10 program, and road games in Spokane are particularly difficult given the travel and atmosphere.

The only question here is the spread. Gonzaga wins by 20+ more often than not in these spots, but they sometimes take their foot off the gas late. Lean the Zags to cover, but the over might be the better play given both teams' offensive tendencies.