Happy Thursday, hoops junkies.
On Wednesday, we went 4–1.
On the season, we are 266–252–1.
Be sure to follow all our picks at BetStamp. Here are our Thursday best bets:
Best Bets for Thursday, February 26, 2026
Let's get them started.
Liberty Flames at Kennesaw State Owls
All season, we have been high on the Liberty Flames. At 23–4, they have put together one of the strongest mid-major resumes in the country. They are coming off a blowout loss at home on Saturday, which likely led to a focused and intense week of practice. Good teams tend to respond well after a performance like that.
Kennesaw State is solid and capable, especially at home, but Liberty has been the more consistent team all season. Expect the Flames to play with urgency and execute well enough late to secure both the win and the cover.
Betting Pick: Liberty Flames -2 over Kennesaw State Owls
Final Score Prediction: Liberty 71, Kennesaw State 68
Michigan State Spartans at Purdue Boilermakers
This is a massive Big Ten matchup with conference tournament positioning on the line. With Michigan and Illinois playing on Friday, the winner here could put themselves in strong position for a top-two seed in the Big Ten tournament.
Michigan State’s toughness travels well, and Tom Izzo’s teams rarely back down in hostile environments. Purdue is extremely difficult to beat at home and should find a way to close this one out late. Still, the Spartans have enough defense and physicality to keep it close.
Betting Pick: Michigan State Spartans +7.5 over Purdue Boilermakers
Final Score Prediction: Purdue 75, Michigan State 73
Abilene Christian Wildcats at Utah Tech Trailblazers
This may not be the flashiest matchup, but it offers solid betting value. Abilene Christian enters at 13–14 and is coming off a home win over Southern Utah. Utah Tech, meanwhile, is chasing its 18th win of the season and is coming off an impressive road victory at Tarleton State.
Utah Tech has been strong at home and is only a small favorite. With momentum and home-court advantage, the Trailblazers are in a good spot to take care of business.
Betting Pick: Utah Tech Trailblazers -3 over Abilene Christian Wildcats
Final Score Prediction: Utah Tech 70, Abilene Christian 66
North Dakota State Bison at St. Thomas Tommies
This is one of the best mid-major games of the night, featuring two teams with a combined 44–14 record. St. Thomas is coming off a loss and will be motivated to respond, especially after falling to North Dakota State by three points in their previous meeting.
Playing at home in St. Paul gives the Tommies a real edge, and expect them to come out with urgency. This feels like a strong revenge spot for one of the conference’s top teams.
Betting Pick: St. Thomas Tommies -3 over North Dakota State Bison
Final Score Prediction: St. Thomas 77, North Dakota State 70
UT Arlington Mavericks at California Baptist Lancers
California Baptist is aiming to reach the 20-win mark and has had extra time to regroup after dropping two straight games. Their most recent loss was not competitive, which should add motivation heading into this matchup.
UT Arlington comes in at 15–12 and is also trying to bounce back after a home loss to Utah Valley. California Baptist has been strong on its home floor, and this sets up well for a bounce-back performance.
Betting Pick: California Baptist Lancers -6.5 over UT Arlington Mavericks
Final Score Prediction: California Baptist 80, UT Arlington 70
Best of luck. Whether you are here to fade or follow, be sure to track all our picks at BetStamp.