Happy Friday, basketball fans. The slate may be smaller than usual, but there are still several quality spots to attack on a busy Friday night. Let’s get to the picks.
On Thursday, we went 3-2. We are now 167-160-1.
Be sure to check all our picks out at BetStamp!
Here are our best bets for Friday, January 16, 2026:
Toledo Rockets at Kent State Golden Flashes
Toledo enters this MAC matchup at 10-7, while Kent State sits at 13-4. Both teams are chasing Miami (OH) near the top of the conference standings. The Rockets are coming off a home win, while the Golden Flashes picked up a road victory at Buffalo.
On paper, these teams are fairly even, but home-court advantage looms large in this one. Kent State has been strong late in games and should be able to separate at the free-throw line down the stretch.
Betting Pick: Kent State Golden Flashes -4.5 over Toledo Rockets
Final Score Prediction: Kent State 90, Toledo 80
Creighton Blue Jays at Providence Friars
This Big East matchup features two teams trying to keep their postseason hopes alive. Creighton is 11-7, while Providence has slipped to 8-9 on the season. The Blue Jays are coming off a home win over Georgetown and could use some momentum.
Both teams like to play at a quicker pace, and neither defense has been consistently reliable. With the potential for a tight game and even overtime, points should come in bunches.
Betting Pick: Creighton Blue Jays / Providence Friars OVER 162.5
Final Score Prediction: Providence 88, Creighton 86
Loyola Ramblers at Dayton Flyers
Loyola has struggled mightily this season, sitting with just five wins and well below expectations. Dayton, meanwhile, is 13-4 and firmly in the mix near the top of the Atlantic 10 standings.
The Flyers have won four straight and should control this game, but the number is large. Loyola has shown just enough fight at times to keep games respectable, even in losses.
Betting Pick: Loyola Ramblers +18.5 over Dayton Flyers
Final Score Prediction: Dayton 71, Loyola 64
Baylor Bears at Kansas Jayhawks
Scott Drew brings Baylor into Phog Allen Fieldhouse for a marquee Friday night Big 12 showdown. Both teams are coming off wins, including a massive victory by Kansas over Iowa State that handed the Cyclones their first loss of the season.
Baylor’s toughness should keep this game close throughout, but winning in Lawrence is never easy. Expect a one-possession game late, with Kansas finding a way to escape.
Betting Pick: Baylor Bears +6.5 over Kansas Jayhawks
Final Score Prediction: Kansas 78, Baylor 77
Colorado State Rams at Boise State Broncos
The nightcap features Colorado State at 11-6 against a Boise State team that has dropped four straight games. The Rams are coming off a road loss at Fresno State, while Boise State fell in overtime at UNLV.
This feels like a strong bounce-back spot for the Broncos at home. Expect Boise State to regain some confidence and control the game in the second half.
Betting Pick: Boise State Broncos -5.5 over Colorado State Rams
Final Score Prediction: Boise State 78, Colorado State 70
Be sure to follow all of our picks via BetStamp throughout the season. Whether you ride with the plays or fade them, everything is tracked and updated daily. Enjoy the games and have a great Friday night of college hoops.