Massive Saturday slate brings top-10 showdowns and conference title stakes

With Selection Sunday just weeks away, Saturday’s loaded schedule features heavyweight battles in the Big 12, ACC, Big East and beyond. From Michigan vs. Duke to Arizona vs. Houston, we break down the best bets and score predictions for a pivotal day in college basketball.
Creighton Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott
Creighton Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott | Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

Happy Saturday, hoops fans. We’ve got a massive slate on deck and just 22 days until Selection Sunday. The intensity is rising across every major conference, and today’s matchups feel like March previews.

Friday’s record: 2-3
Season record: 252-241-1

Check out all our picks at BetStamp!

Best Bets for Saturday, February 21, 2026

Let’s get to the picks.

Creighton Blue Jays at St. John’s Red Storm

A key Big East showdown in New York. The 14-13 Creighton Blue Jays hit the road to face the 21-5 St. John’s Red Storm. Creighton is coming off an impressive win over UConn and appears to be finding some late-season rhythm. St. John’s, meanwhile, has been red hot and is pushing to stay atop the conference standings.

This feels like a competitive game for longer than the number suggests. St. John’s gets the win at home, but Creighton keeps it within striking distance.

Betting Pick: Creighton Blue Jays +13.5 over St. John’s Red Storm
Final Score Prediction: St. John’s 82, Creighton 74

Cincinnati Bearcats at Kansas Jayhawks

The 14-12 Cincinnati Bearcats head into Phog Allen Fieldhouse to take on the Kansas Jayhawks. Cincinnati’s NCAA Tournament hopes are fading, but a road win in Lawrence would instantly change the narrative heading toward the Big 12 Tournament.

Kansas likely takes care of business, but this has the feel of a game where the Jayhawks don’t fully separate. Expect a tighter contest than many anticipate.

Betting Pick: Cincinnati Bearcats +11.5 over Kansas Jayhawks
Final Score Prediction: Kansas 71, Cincinnati 64

Miami Hurricanes at Virginia Cavaliers

An ACC clash between two tournament-bound teams. Combined, these programs are 44-8. Miami enters on a four-game winning streak, while Virginia has won seven straight.

This should be a disciplined, back-and-forth battle. Virginia’s defense ultimately makes just enough plays late, but Miami keeps it within the number.

Betting Pick: Miami Hurricanes +8.5 over Virginia Cavaliers
Final Score Prediction: Virginia 77, Miami 75

Arizona Wildcats at Houston Cougars

This one has Big 12 title implications. Arizona is coming off a bounce-back win after consecutive losses. Houston enters after a tough loss at Iowa State earlier in the week.

Expect a physical, defensive game. Houston’s pressure and half-court execution give them the edge late in what should be a grind-it-out matchup.

Betting Pick: Houston Cougars -4.5 over Arizona Wildcats
Final Score Prediction: Houston 69, Arizona 64

Michigan Wolverines vs. Duke Blue Devils

The game of the day. The Michigan Wolverines lead the Big Ten, and the Duke Blue Devils sit atop the ACC. Both teams are legitimate contenders for a No. 1 seed.

Michigan has length and athleticism. Duke counters with poise, structure, and elite shot-making. In a tight matchup, backing the slight underdog makes sense. Duke not only covers, but finds a way to win outright.

Betting Pick: Duke Blue Devils +3 over Michigan Wolverines
Final Score Prediction: Duke 81, Michigan 80

Best of luck with your wagers. Whether you fade or follow, track all picks on BetStamp throughout the season.

Let’s cash.

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