It is time for a big slate of college basketball on Saturday. There are quality games across multiple conferences, and plenty of opportunities on the betting board.
Friday Recap: 2-3
Season Record: 169-163-1
Be sure to check them all out at BetStamp! Let’s get to Saturday.
Best Bets for Saturday, January 17, 2026
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois has been excellent this season under Brad Underwood, but this is a classic case of the number getting a little too high. Minnesota sits at 10-7 and has been competitive in Big Ten play, even picking up a few conference wins along the way.
The Gophers are capable of hanging around for long stretches before Illinois pulls away late. That makes the road underdog appealing in this spot.
Betting Pick: Minnesota Golden Gophers +16.5 over Illinois Fighting Illini
Final Score Prediction: Illinois 77, Minnesota 67
Alabama Crimson Tide at Oklahoma Sooners
The SEC schedule does not offer many easy nights, and this road trip to Norman is no exception. Alabama enters at 12-5, while Oklahoma sits at 11-6.
This should be a fast-paced, entertaining game, but Alabama has the edge in overall talent and depth. Expect the Crimson Tide to take control in the second half and cover as the road favorite.
Betting Pick: Alabama Crimson Tide -5.5 over Oklahoma Sooners
Final Score Prediction: Alabama 88, Oklahoma 80
Florida Gators at Vanderbilt Commodores
Vanderbilt returns home after suffering its first loss of the season and should be highly motivated to respond. The Commodores are 16-1 and face a Florida team that enters at 12-5.
Expect Vanderbilt to bring strong energy early and execute well down the stretch. This feels like a solid bounce-back spot at home.
Betting Pick: Vanderbilt Commodores -2 over Florida Gators
Final Score Prediction: Vanderbilt 78, Florida 75
Bradley Braves at Illinois State Redbirds
The Missouri Valley Conference continues to be unpredictable. Illinois State stumbled after an unbeaten start, while Bradley appears to be climbing out of a recent slump.
This rivalry game sets up well for the Redbirds at home. If Illinois State shoots the ball reasonably well, they should be able to pull away.
Betting Pick: Illinois State Redbirds -5.5 over Bradley Braves
Final Score Prediction: Illinois State 78, Bradley 65
Richmond Spiders at Saint Louis Billikens
The final game on the card features another strong home favorite. Saint Louis looks like a team capable of making a deep NCAA Tournament run, and the gap between the Billikens and many conference opponents is significant.
This sets up as a comfortable win at home, with Saint Louis controlling the game from start to finish.
Betting Pick: Saint Louis Billikens -15.5 over Richmond Spiders
Final Score Prediction: Saint Louis 90, Richmond 62
Be sure to follow all of our picks via BetStamp throughout the season. Whether you choose to follow or fade, every play is tracked all year long. Enjoy the games and have a great Saturday of college basketball.