Happy Thursday. It is a lighter slate of college basketball today and another smaller card on Friday before a loaded weekend arrives.
Best Bets for Thursday, February 5, 2026
March Madness is getting closer and every game feels a little more important.
We went 2-23 on Wednesday.
On the season, we are 211-207-1.
Follow all these picks and more at BetStamp!
Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Wolverines
It is a Big Ten matchup, but this should not be a competitive basketball game. The Penn State Nittany Lions look like a team that has checked out for the season. The Michigan Wolverines are one of the most well-rounded teams in all of college basketball and continue to look like a national title contender. Michigan is going to win this game and win it easily on Thursday evening.
Betting Pick: Michigan Wolverines -25.5 over Penn State Nittany Lions
Final Score Prediction: Michigan 102, Penn State 60
West Virginia Mountaineers at Cincinnati Bearcats
This Big 12 affair is a rematch from early January that produced a competitive game. Since then, West Virginia has played more consistent basketball, while Cincinnati remains difficult to figure out from night to night. The Mountaineers have been the steadier team and should be able to not only cover the spread but also win the game outright and sweep the season series.
Betting Pick: West Virginia Mountaineers +6 over Cincinnati Bearcats
Final Score Prediction: West Virginia 71, Cincinnati 65
Ohio State Buckeyes at Maryland Terrapins
The second Big Ten game of the night features an Ohio State team that still has work to do for its tournament resume. The Buckeyes are 14-7 on the season and need more quality wins to be heard on Selection Sunday. Maryland has struggled much of the year and simply does not have the talent to protect its home floor in this matchup. Look for Ohio State to control the game from start to finish.
Betting Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes -7.5 over Maryland Terrapins
Final Score Prediction: Ohio State 80, Maryland 70
Memphis Tigers at UAB Blazers
Penny Hardaway has seen his seat heat up in Memphis and a road win at UAB would go a long way. The Blazers have 14 wins and are chasing their third straight victory, but Memphis has the superior athleticism and playmaking ability. Expect the Tigers to find enough offense late to escape with a tight road win and cover the number.
Betting Pick: Memphis Tigers +2.5 over UAB Blazers
Final Score Prediction: Memphis 76, UAB 74
Tarleton State Texans at California Baptist Lancers
The final pick of the night sends Billy Gillespie and the Tarleton State Texans on the road to face California Baptist. The Lancers have won six straight games after a difficult stretch, while the Texans have dropped six in a row. Those trends should continue on Thursday as California Baptist protects its home court and extends the streak to seven.
Betting Pick: California Baptist Lancers -9 over Tarleton State Texans
Final Score Prediction: California Baptist 81, Tarleton State 69
Be sure to follow all our picks via BetStamp. Enjoy the games tonight and good luck whether you fade or follow.