College Basketball Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Monday (1/23)

by Ryan Coleman |
Jan 23, 2023

As we are deep in the college basketball season, now is the time to use the plethora of data to get going on winning some money. It is a solid Monday slate but remember not to force any bets you don't love. There is still plenty of season left.

Pick Record

Last Week: 16-16-1
Season ATS: 44-42-3

Here are my best bets for today's men's college basketball slate.

And check out our other top picks for Monday:

All odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Todayâ€™s Best NCAA Basketball Picks

Kansas Jayhawks at Baylor Bears

In a big Monday night matchup between the Big 12 heavyweights, Kansas is looking to stop a two-game skid while Baylor is hoping to extend their four-game winning streak and solidify their steak as one of the championship favorites.

The two worse games for Kansas' turnover percentage feature two of their three losses. They must take care of the ball better if they expect to go into Waco and come out victorious. Baylor is a solid defensive team, but Kansas State and TCU both force turnovers at a higher clip than Baylor. I imagine Bill Self will know how to adjust.

The Bearsâ€™ losses have come when they are lazy at defending the three-point line, ranking 146th in the nation. The Jayhawks shooters in Gradey Dick and Dajuan Harris can heat up anytime. With Baylor's slower pace, Kansas can keep their starters on the court for longer, which benefits Bill Self and Co., who plays his reserves at the 344th lowest rate in the nation.

Simply put, I can't imagine Kansas losing three straight. This game should come down to the wire, and there is no team I trust late more than Kansas.

Play: Kansas +2.5

New Mexico at Nevada

This may be a late game for all of you on the east coast, but I recommend staying up to watch this in an underrated matchup between two potential tournament teams. New Mexico is the eighth seed on Bracket Matrix, while Nevada is the second team out.

New Mexico shines in the interior, with only 21 percent of their points coming from beyond the arc, which ranks 351st lowest in the nation. Nevada's interior defense will be up for the challenge, ranking 26th best against the mid-range and 51st against near-proximity shots.

Nevada will take care of the ball and, despite their height, don't take as many looks inside with their 52nd-ranked offense, ranking 26th in mid-range percentage shooting. Nevada's defense aligns well with the Lobos' offense, while the Wolf Pack does not have the firepower to scare me with their scoring. This should be an awesome game, but I expect it to be tough to reach the point total of 148.

Play: UNDER 147.5

Duke at Virginia Tech

Keeping it simple here, Duke has struggled mightily on the road, going 0-4 ATS in road games, ranking 362nd in the Haslametrics away-from-home metric. What doesn't help is Virginia Tech's ability to play at home, ranking 37th in the same metric.

Both teams are playing sluggishly with Virginia Tech, especially riding a seven-game losing streak. Six of Virginia Tech's eight losses have been within four points or in overtime, so don't simply look at their record. I trust the Hokies' ability to take care of the ball and find solid looks in the interior. For Duke, 56 percent of the opponentâ€™s points come from inside the arc, ranking 34th highest in the nation. Duke defends the three-line well, but I don't see that as being as big of a factor tonight.

VA Tech will have to limit the Blue Devils on the offensive glass tonight if they expect to come out of this game victorious. They've limited solid rebounding teams before, and I can see them doing it again.

Play: Virginia Tech -2.0

Other Plays

Detroit Mercy -5.5
Pennsylvania -14.0
Morgan State +3.5
Alcorn State -10.5
Alabama State +3.0

Be sure to follow me @rcoleman98 on the BettingPros app as I post all my selections that may not make it in these articles. Remember to monitor injury news because if you can beat the curve, there is plenty of value on any game day.

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