Thursday Hoops Breakdown: The Best Bets on a Short Slate

Thursday’s college basketball slate may be smaller, but it still offers plenty of value for bettors who know where to look. From a marquee mid-major showdown involving a surging Liberty team to a statement spot for Illinois at home, tonight’s card is built around form, matchup edges, and motivation.
Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic
Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Happy Thursday. Hope you enjoyed a full Wednesday of college hoops.

Best Bets for Thursday, January 29

We’re working with a smaller slate tonight, but there are still several strong spots on the board.

We went 3-2 on Wednesday. On the season we are 197-188-2.

As always, be sure to follow all of our picks throughout the season on BetStamp.

Liberty Flames at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

This Liberty team is very real. The Flames are 17-3 on the season and continue to look like one of the most reliable mid-major teams in the country. Zach Cleveland is playing at a pro level and will be on NBA radars this spring.

Middle Tennessee is solid at home and the Murphy Center should have good energy, but Liberty has proven it can win anywhere. If the Flames take this one, it would be their 12th straight win and another strong road result.

Betting Pick: Liberty Flames -2 over Middle Tennessee
Final Score Prediction: Liberty 72, Middle Tennessee 68

Florida Atlantic Owls at Memphis Tigers

One of the best games on the Thursday slate. Florida Atlantic comes in at 14-7, while Memphis has struggled to find consistency despite its talent level.

This feels like a spot where Memphis responds. The Tigers know they need a full 40-minute effort, and the urgency should be there at home. FAU drops a second straight, while Memphis snaps its skid.

Betting Pick: Memphis Tigers -1.5 over Florida Atlantic
Final Score Prediction: Memphis 82, Florida Atlantic 80

Oral Roberts Golden Eagles at South Dakota Coyotes

It has been a rough season for Oral Roberts, which has just five wins and is mired in a long losing streak. South Dakota has not been spectacular, but this matchup strongly favors the home team.

At home, the Coyotes should control the game and avoid letting Oral Roberts hang around.

Betting Pick: South Dakota Coyotes -4.5 over Oral Roberts
Final Score Prediction: South Dakota 79, Oral Roberts 73

North Dakota Fighting Hawks at St. Thomas Tommies

North Dakota sits at 12-12 and faces a St. Thomas team that has been playing strong, efficient basketball. The spread is sizable, but the matchup favors the Tommies.

St. Thomas shoots it well, takes care of the ball, and should be in control for most of the night in St. Paul as it continues its push toward a potential conference title.

Betting Pick: St. Thomas Tommies -12.5 over North Dakota
Final Score Prediction: St. Thomas 89, North Dakota 72

Washington Huskies at Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois continues to look like one of the best teams in the country. Keaton Wagler is coming off his best performance of the season, and Brad Underwood’s group shows no signs of letting up.

Even with a big weekend game looming, expect Illinois to stay locked in at home. Washington should have a tough time keeping pace in Champaign.

Betting Pick: Illinois Fighting Illini -12.5 over Washington
Final Score Prediction: Illinois 90, Washington 70

Be sure to follow us on BetStamp for picks all season long. Good luck tonight.

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