New Year, New Slate: Best College Basketball Bets for New Years Day, 2026

The calendar flips to 2026 and conference play takes center stage. Here are our best college basketball bets for New Year’s Day, featuring key Missouri Valley and WAC matchups as teams look to start the year strong.
 Illinois State Redbirds forward Chase Walker
Illinois State Redbirds forward Chase Walker | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Happy New Year! We went 2-3 on New Years Eve. That puts us at 137-118-4 on the season.

It’s been a fun start to the season.

Let’s hope for some more wins in 2026.

Here are our picks, and make sure you follow them all at BetStamp!

Valparaiso Beacons at Southern Illinois Salukis

It has been a tough start in Missouri Valley Conference play for both teams. The Salukis though have played some of the best teams in the conference to start the season. Southern Illinois is a more talented basketball team and should have no problem getting a win in this one. There is no other bet to make than the home team to cover the spread and win by double digits on Thursday.

Betting Pick: Southern Illinois Salukis -7.5 over Valparaiso Beacons

Final Score Prediction: Southern Illinois 82-68 over Valparaiso

Cal Baptist Lancers at Texas Arlington Mavericks

We have been all over the Cal Baptist Lancers this season. They are coming off a tough test to Utah Valley. If they want to compete for the WAC title, this is a game they need to get. The Mavericks would love to play spoiler here. Expect a competitive game, but when push comes to shove the more talented team should win and cover here.

Betting Pick: Cal Baptist Lancers -1.5 over Texas Arlington Mavericks

Final Score Prediction: Cal Baptist 70-65 over Texas Arlington

Evansville Aces at Illinois State Redbirds

The Illinois State Redbirds led by head coach Ryan Pedon are a really strong basketball team. A few early losses may keep them from getting into the dance with an automatic bid, but this is a team that can win the league title. Evansville does not appear to have the weapons to be able to put up enough of a fight to cover in this game. The Redbirds win this game easily in Normal on Thursday.

Betting Pick: Illinois State Redbirds -14.5 over Evansville Aces

Final Score Prediction: Illinois State 88-60 over Evansville

Chattanooga Mocs at UNC Greensboro Spartans

The Mocs are coming off a win on the road at Alabama A&M. A win in this game at the Spartans would push them back to .500 on the season. UNC Greensboro has had a tough season so far with just four wins in 13 games. Look for more of the same as the Mocs find a way to win this game on the road. Take the road small favorite in this game.

Betting Pick: Chattanooga Mocs -1.5 over UNC Greensboro Spartans

Final Score Prediction: Chattanooga 72-69 over UNC Greensboro

Bradley Braves at Belmont Bruins

Two of the best teams in the Missouri Valley Conference get together in Nashville. This is a massive sports week and weekend for the folks in Nashville. While this may not be one of the more elite games, this is a big one. The Braves have yet to lose in league play, while Belmont is coming off a road loss. If the Bruins want back in the race, this is a game they need to win. They should and they will. Take the Bruins at home.

Betting Pick: Belmont Bruins -5 over Bradley Braves

Final Score Prediction: Belmont 88-78 over Bradley

Fade or follow at your own risk. Regardless of what you choose to do, be sure to follow all our picks and more at BetStamp!

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