Welcome to Saturday, college hoops fans. Stay warm and enjoy what should be one of the better slates of the season, featuring ranked matchups, rivalry games, and high-tempo showdowns across the country.
Best Bets for Saturday, January 24
We went 4-1 on Friday.
On the season we are 184-178-1.
Be sure to check out all our picks at BetStamp!
North Carolina Tar Heels at Virginia Cavaliers
This should be one of the better games on the board. Both teams are ranked inside the Top 25 and both need an ACC win. North Carolina enters at 15–4 after back-to-back road losses on the West Coast. Virginia is 16–2 and appears to be regaining its identity as a program.
This game will be a clash of styles. North Carolina wants to push the pace, while Virginia will try to slow things down and grind possessions. In the end, North Carolina’s overall talent wins out, as the Tar Heels pick up a massive road victory.
Betting Pick: North Carolina Tar Heels +6.5 over Virginia Cavaliers
Final Score Prediction: North Carolina 80, Virginia 75
West Virginia Mountaineers at Arizona Wildcats
This is a tough matchup for West Virginia. Arizona is playing at an elite level and does not make many mistakes. The Wildcats can beat teams in multiple ways and are especially dangerous at home.
West Virginia will compete, but Arizona’s depth, execution, and home-court advantage should be overwhelming. Expect the Wildcats to control this game from start to finish and win comfortably.
Betting Pick: Arizona Wildcats -17.5 over West Virginia Mountaineers
Final Score Prediction: Arizona 82, West Virginia 62
Illinois Fighting Illini at Purdue Boilermakers
Illinois heads to West Lafayette without one of its most important players in Kylan Boswell. Losing a key guard before facing one of the best backcourts in the country is far from ideal.
That said, Brad Underwood and his staff typically have their team prepared in big spots. Illinois competes throughout and threatens to pull the upset. Purdue ultimately protects home court, but the Illini stay within the number.
Betting Pick: Illinois Fighting Illini +5.5 over Purdue Boilermakers
Final Score Prediction: Purdue 81, Illinois 77
Kansas Jayhawks at Kansas State Wildcats
Rivalry games are never easy, especially on the road. Kansas winning back-to-back road games is the biggest question here, particularly with Darryn Peterson potentially sidelined.
Kansas State has struggled, but this is the type of game where records do not matter. The Wildcats will be ready. Still, Kansas finds a way to survive, sneaking out of Manhattan with a hard-fought win.
Betting Pick: Kansas Jayhawks -4.5 over Kansas State Wildcats
Final Score Prediction: Kansas 77, Kansas State 71
Tennessee Volunteers at Alabama Crimson Tide
One of the final games of the night takes place in Tuscaloosa. Alabama wants to run from the opening tip, and Tennessee will need to match that energy early.
The Volunteers hang around for much of the game, but Alabama’s pace and depth wear them down as the night goes on. The Crimson Tide pull away late in front of the home crowd.
Betting Pick: Alabama Crimson Tide -3.5 over Tennessee Volunteers
Final Score Prediction: Alabama 90, Tennessee 80
Enjoy the games and best of luck. Whether you are following or fading, be sure to track all of our picks throughout the season on BetStamp.