Happy Hump Day, basketball fans.
Best Bets for Wednesday, January 28
Another strong midweek slate is on tap, with several conference matchups that should carry real implications as we inch closer to March. Tuesday delivered plenty of action and a solid night overall, as we went 3-2.
Season record: 194-186-2
Days until Selection Sunday: 46
Be sure to get all our picks at BetStamp! Let’s get into Wednesday’s card.
Butler Bulldogs at St. John’s Red Storm
Butler heads east carrying a 13-7 record, but this is a tough spot against a St. John’s team that continues to surge. The Red Storm are 15-5 and just cracked the Top 25, and they have looked increasingly confident as the season moves along. This feels like a game where St. John’s asserts itself early and never lets Butler back into it. Right now, they look like the clear challenger to UConn in the Big East.
Betting Pick: St. John’s Red Storm -11.5 over Butler Bulldogs
Final Score Prediction: St. John’s 88, Butler 72
Houston Cougars at TCU Horned Frogs
Houston coming off a loss is rarely good news for the next opponent, and TCU draws the short straw here. The Horned Frogs sit at 13-7 and firmly on the bubble, making this a massive home opportunity. The problem is that Houston typically responds to losses with elite defensive intensity. Expect the Cougars to turn up the pressure and control this one from start to finish.
Betting Pick: Houston Cougars -5.5 over TCU Horned Frogs
Final Score Prediction: Houston 72, TCU 60
Tennessee Volunteers at Georgia Bulldogs
This SEC matchup features two teams heading in opposite directions. Tennessee is 13-6 and coming off a massive road win at Alabama, while Georgia is 16-4 but fresh off a lopsided loss at Texas. That Texas game raised some real questions, especially on the defensive end. Back home, Georgia should respond, and this feels like a tight, physical game that comes down to the final minutes.
Betting Pick: Georgia Bulldogs -1 over Tennessee Volunteers
Final Score Prediction: Georgia 81, Tennessee 79
Florida Gators at South Carolina Gamecocks
Another SEC battle sees Florida on the road after a disappointing home loss to Auburn. The Gators are 14-6, but this is a tricky spot against a South Carolina team that tends to play better at home. The Gamecocks are 11-9 and getting double digits in a game where they should be fully engaged. This feels like a classic home underdog opportunity.
Betting Pick: South Carolina Gamecocks +10.5 over Florida Gators
Final Score Prediction: South Carolina 72, Florida 71
UCLA Bruins at Oregon Ducks
Things have spiraled for Oregon, as Dana Altman’s team sits at the bottom of the Big Ten standings and has dropped six straight games. The Ducks are just 3-7 over their last ten and appear to be searching for answers. UCLA has been inconsistent on the road, but this is a matchup where the Bruins should be able to shoot well enough and stay in control.
Betting Pick: UCLA Bruins -3.5 over Oregon Ducks
Final Score Prediction: UCLA 72, Oregon 65
Those are our picks for Wednesday. Fade or follow, but either way, it should be a fun night of college hoops. Be sure to follow all our picks throughout the season on BetStamp.