The college basketball season is reaching the home stretch, and some teams are firmly on the bubble at this stage in the year. We are reaching a point where some teams need miracles to reach the NCAA Tournament, and the stakes are only going up from here.
We have a great slate of games to end the month of January. Tuesday night see four of the five best conferences face off, so we will have a large slate of games to choose from.
We have a few ranked opponents looking to right the ship, and others are looking for firmer grasps on conference standings. We’ll even get a top-10 matchup against in-state rivals with Kansas facing off against Kansas State.
However, which are the best ones to bet on? Let’s break down three games this Tuesday to keep an eye on for our NCAAB picks.
Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 – 08:30 PM EST at Coleman Coliseum
Teams Analysis
A couple of weeks ago, Alabama dominated on the road against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Since then, the Tide have struggled to keep up to the traditional standard set by Nate Oats. They only have one loss, but they barely beat Mississippi State, and the loss against Oklahoma was abysmal.
This team dominated the scoreboard against Vanderbilt, but it was mostly due to hitting perimeter shots. The turnover, rebound and foul margins were all similar. The only gaping discrepancy was in three-pointers, which Alabama has struggled to hit in other games lately.
This may give hope to Vanderbilt, but the Tide will be motivated to improve on the fundamentals against the Commodores. They know that they are better than Vandy, and they remain undefeated against SEC teams this year.
The Pick
A win for Alabama feels inevitable, but can they cover the spread as well? With a spread of 15.5, the task will be daunting. Still, I expect a masterclass from Brandon Miller at home, and the guards will stay out of foul trouble. I like Alabama to cover and the under to hit.
Of these two bets, I’m much more confident in the under. Vanderbilt has a tendency to struggle offensively, and there is a chance of a backdoor cover by the Commodores if the bench players see multiple minutes to end this game.
NCAAB Pick: Alabama -15.5 (-110) at FanDuel
NCAAB Pick: Under 154.5 (-106) at FanDuel
Texas A&M Aggies vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 – 07:00 PM EST at Bud Walton Arena
Teams Analysis
The Aggies have overachieved in SEC play so far this year, and the Arkansas Razorbacks have struggled. This game could give Arkansas a chance to right the ship, or they could spiral out of control if they lose at home to the Aggies.
Texas A&M went into the Jungle and beat Auburn, and they won on the road easily against South Carolina. They know how to win in hostile environments, so the crowd won’t play a massive role in this game.
If you look at the talent on paper, Arkansas should win this game and cover the spread. However, they have not lived up to their potential just yet. They are a couple of losses away from being on the bubble, so this game matters.
Also, Texas A&M is currently the First Team out in Bracketology. That should bring motivation. A few more upsets, and this team will make the NCAA Tournament. It’s just a matter of if they can win close games like this one. They’ve done so in previous games this year, but they have to continue that streak if they want to be dancing in the postseason.
The Pick
Give me the Aggies to cover, but this is a great game to bet on at the best sportsbooks regardless of your expectations.
NCAAB Pick: Texas A&M +3.5 (-105) at BetMGM
Kansas State Wildcats vs. Kansas Jayhawks
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 – 08:00 PM EST at Allen Fieldhouse
Teams Analysis
The Wildcats are exceeding expectations this year as a top-10 team, and they could beat the reigning champs in this game. Kansas needs to get revenge at home after losing in overtime to the Wildcats. You can’t be swept by a top-10 team and expect to win the conference.
These teams have almost identical yearly stats. They have similar points per game, points allowed, assists, steals and blocks. This is truly a heavyweight bout between two great opponents.
The Pick
This is the best game on television this Tuesday, and it is also the best game to bet on. The stakes will be high, and the crowd will be rocking.
NCAAB Pick: Kansas -8 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
