We're searching far and wide for the very best NCAAB bets for February 26th. A wonderful Monday college basketball slate offers bettors plenty of value as we head toward March Madness.
Here are my three best college basketball bets of the day:
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Pick 1: North Carolina -14 (-110) vs Miami
Matchup: North Carolina vs Miami
Miami have been putrid of late, losing six straight games. The Hurricanes defense struggles stopping anything on the perimeter, and are even worse inside the paint, allowing opponents to convert on nearly 64% of close range shots.
North Carolina employs RJ Davis, the leading scorer in the ACC, and are capable of scoring points in bunches. Additionally, the Tarheels dominate the glass, hauling in over 41 rebounds per game. Second-chance opportunities and a high-octane offense are a recipe for covering the spread. Sportsbooks have taken notice as this number has jumped from -11 to -14 since it opened.
📽️: Highlights from yesterday's 54-44 win vs Virginia pic.twitter.com/KiHLzzghIa
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) February 25, 2024
North Carolina have dominated on their court, going 11-1 at home, while the Hurricanes are just 2-7 on the road.
It's tough to envision a path for Miami to keep this one close. North Carolina have covered five times already this season as double-digit favorites. They'll do so again tonight. Add North Carolina -14 to your NCAAB bets.
Pick 2:Howard -13 vs Coppin State
Matchup: Howard vs Coppin State
This one is simple. Coppin State's 41.8 effective field goal percentage ranks 359th in the nation. The Eagles are 1-9 on the road, and 2-22 on the year. Plus, they're just 1-9 in MAC play. There's little chance of even a back door cover as Coppin State shoot just 27% from three on the year.
Meanwhile, the Howard Bison score over 75 points per game on 46% shooting. Additionally, the Bison are shooting over 37% from three versus the average opponent. Their offense will be able to dominate an overmatched Eagles defense on Monday Night. Add Howard -13 to your Feb. 26 NCAAB ticket.
Pick 3: TCU -2.5 vs Baylor
Matchup: TCU vs Baylor
Jameer Nelson Jr. and the Horned Frogs aim to pull off the season sweep against the Baylor Bears on Monday night.
Baylor have lost back-to-back games and have played some of their worst ball on the road this season. The Bears have only three conference victories away from home, and have covered the spread just once in their past three road games.
Baylor star Jakobe Walter is a likely top-5 NBA draft pick. However, the Bears rank just 129th in opposing field goal percentage, and their defense has been a sieve as of late. Baylor have been even worse on the road with only three Big 12 victories away from home.
fastbreak 3️⃣ for @jcoles35 #GoFrogs pic.twitter.com/piMRPHOetw
— TCU Men's Basketball (@TCUBasketball) February 24, 2024
On top of that, TCU gets buckets from all over. Four players average in double-digits for the Horned Frogs, and they're capable of capitalizing on opponents' mistakes and scoring quickly in transition. Crucially, they have the length and defensive intensity to force Baylor into bad shots and come away with the victory.
Jamie Dixon's 26th-ranked offense will exploit the Bears defense. The Horned Frogs have covered the spread in four straight games, and are 12-2 at home this season with wins over Houston, Oklahoma and Texas Tech. Expect that trend to continue on Monday night. Bet on the Horned Frogs to cover the spread.
