NCAA Basketball Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (2/26)

Hump day Hoops! Wednesday is here and our CBB Expert’s had a great day yesterday on Super Tuesday. But that’s over and in the past. We can about today. Let’s dive in and discuss our best bets for Wednesday as tournament time quickly approaches!

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NCAA Basketball Best Bets – February 26th, 2025

Boston University vs Lehigh Predictions

Best Bets: Boston/Lehigh Under 131 (-103) BetOnline

We backed these two teams the last time they played, and we’re doing it again. Lehigh lost by five as four point underdogs on the road, with the total going well under 133 (121). Now the total has ticked down a bit and even though the Mountain Hawks are the faster team, I don’t trust either offense.

Lehigh ranks 201st in pace, whereas the Terriers are 353rd. Offensively, Lehigh is 2nd to last in the conference, dead last in 2P% and offensive rebounding, but they make up for it on defense. The Mountain Hawks are 3rd in the Patriot league in adjusted defensive efficiency, 2nd in eFG%, and lead the league in 3P% defense. Despite them playing at a faster pace, they struggle to put the ball in the hoop, and Boston does the same.

The Terriers rank 337th overall offensively, dropping to 362nd on the road (3rd worst). They are 334th in eFG% and TO Rate, they’re allergic to getting to the free throw line, and are 8th worst in FT% anyways. There won’t be any extra points for either team or cheap ones from the free throw line, as Boston is surprisingly 12th in the country in offensive rebounds allowed. Boston is dead last offensively in the conference while their defense improves from 7th to 4th on the road. Give me defenses to come alive again, and while I’m at it, I think I’ll add Lehigh to win and get their revenge on Senior Night.

#8 Michigan State vs #16 Maryland Best Bets

The Pick: Michigan State +4 (-110) BetOnline

Colby Marchio is backing Sparty to cover on the road in College Park, do you agree with his analysis?

Check out our #8 Michigan State vs #16 Maryland Preview!

Georgetown vs UConn Predictions

The Pick: Georgetown +14 (-110) BetOnline

Read below why Colby is backing the Hoyas to cover tonight.

Check out our Georgetown vs UConn Preview!

Villanova vs Seton Hall Predictions

Best bets: Seton Hall TT Under 61.5 (-114) BetOnline

Do you agree with Colby and why he thinks Villanova’s defense comes to life tonight?

Check out our Villanova vs Seton Hall Preview!

SMU vs California Predictions

Best Bets: SMU ML (-170) BetOnline

Don’t be afraid to pay the juice, lay the 3.5 if you feel the need, regardless, the Ponies are winning. Despite having to travel to the West Coast, SMU is coming off a home loss to Clemson. They failed to cover and will be looking to bounce back in order to stay in the Top 4 of the ACC. California on the other hand is 5-11 in conference play and has lost four straight.

This line is a bit fishy, however with the Ponies losing 2 of their L3, it makes more sense. However it’s not enough to steer me away from SMU because of how good they’ve been on the road this year. Here are their home/away national ranks.

SMU Home vs Away National Ranks

• Adjusted Offensive Efficiency: 36th > 22nd
• effective FG%: 85th > 12th
• Adjusted Defensive Efficiency: 118th > 52nd
• effective FG% Defense: 85th > 22nd

The Ponies are also Top 65 in taking care of the basketball and Top 15 in crashing the glass, two things the Bears struggle to stop. Overall, California will not be able to keep up with the high flying offense of SMU, even if they try and slow things down.

The Golden Bears rank 342nd in 3P% defense while the Ponies are 4th in the nation from downtown, shooting over 41% on the road. SMU has much more to play for as they currently sit as one of Joe Lunardi’s First Four Out. This is a MUST WIN game for SMU to keep their tourney hopes alive, and I see them getting the job done.

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