Happy Hump Day.
Tuesday was a mixed bag on the college basketball slate, as we finished 2-3 on the night. That brings our season record to 148-137-4. The volume is there, the reads are solid, and now it is time to turn that into a winning Wednesday.
As always, be sure to follow all of our picks throughout the season on BetStamp.
Saint Louis Billikens at VCU Rams
This is one of the better matchups on the Atlantic 10 schedule, featuring two teams that expect to be in the conference title picture. Saint Louis has just one loss on the season and has been impressive on both ends of the floor. The challenge here is obvious: winning on the road against an athletic VCU team that feeds off its home environment.
That said, the Billikens are balanced, disciplined, and capable of handling pressure. Look for them to answer the challenge and come away with a statement road win.
Betting Pick: Saint Louis Billikens +1.5 over VCU Rams
Final Score Prediction: Saint Louis 82, VCU 80
Iowa State Cyclones at Baylor Bears
The Big 12 rarely disappoints, and this game should be no exception. Iowa State enters as one of the few remaining unbeaten teams in the country, but a trip to Waco is never comfortable. Baylor is coming off a loss and is exactly the type of team that responds well in these spots.
Expect a physical, grind-it-out game where possessions matter. In true Big 12 fashion, the Bears rise to the occasion and hand the Cyclones their first loss of the season.
Betting Pick: Baylor Bears +6 over Iowa State Cyclones
Final Score Prediction: Baylor 77, Iowa State 75
Illinois State Redbirds at Valparaiso Beacons
Illinois State is playing its best basketball of the season. Ryan Pedon’s group has won four straight games, leads the Missouri Valley Conference, and has taken nine of its last ten overall. They are coming off a dominant home win over Evansville and continue to control games with defense and efficiency.
This is a tough road spot for Valparaiso, and it is hard to see the Beacons keeping this one close. Expect Illinois State to pull away and cover comfortably.
Betting Pick: Illinois State Redbirds -6.5 over Valparaiso Beacons
Final Score Prediction: Illinois State 72, Valparaiso 62
Kansas State Wildcats at Arizona Wildcats
Another Big 12 test, this time in Tucson. Kansas State already has five losses on the season, while Arizona remains unbeaten and dominant at home. It would be a surprise to see the Wildcats from Tucson lose this game outright.
However, Kansas State has shown enough offensive firepower to avoid a complete blowout. Arizona wins comfortably, but the backdoor cover remains very much in play.
Betting Pick: Kansas State Wildcats +20.5 over Arizona Wildcats
Final Score Prediction: Arizona 85, Kansas State 72
Alabama Crimson Tide at Vanderbilt Commodores
The final game of the night features two Top 15 teams in a high-profile SEC showdown. Vanderbilt is unbeaten and has passed every test so far, but Alabama brings a different level of athleticism and tempo. Nate Oats’ team is comfortable in hostile environments and thrives in fast-paced games.
This one should go down to the wire, but Alabama’s ability to score in bunches gives them the edge late. The Crimson Tide hand Vanderbilt its first loss of the season.
Betting Pick: Alabama Crimson Tide +4.5 over Vanderbilt Commodores
Final Score Prediction: Alabama 90, Vanderbilt 88
Those are our favorite plays for Wednesday’s college basketball slate. Good luck, enjoy the action, and be sure to track every pick with us on BetStamp.