We're searching far and wide for the very best NCAAB bets for February 28th. A massive 58-game college basketball slate offers bettors plenty of value tonight as we head toward March Madness.
Here are my three college basketball expert picks of the day:
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Pick 1: Auburn +7.5 vs Tennessee
Matchup: Auburn vs Tennessee
Two of the favorites to win the College Basketball National Championship face off as the Auburn Tigers battle the Tennessee Volunteers.
Auburn has an edge in shooting in this monumental SEC clash. The Tigers sit 31st in overall field goal percentage, and are phenomenal and getting to the free-throw line. They sit 24th in free throw attempt rate and will keep this game close enough late to cover the 7.5-point spread.
Expect a slower, defensive battle in this game as these two college basketball titans fight for supremacy. Auburn has been unfazed on the road this season, and they just put up 97 points against Georgia away from home on Sunday. They may not reach those offensive heights tonight. However, both Auburn and Tennessee are so evenly matched on the defensive end, and the boards, that this game will likely come down to the final possessions. Roll with the underdog Tigers at +7.5.
Pick 2: Northwestern +5.5 vs Maryland
Matchup: Northwestern vs Maryland
Northwestern pairs a great shooting offense with a brutal defense. However, the Terrapins struggle on the offensive end, so we're backing the Wildcats in this one. Northwestern hit nearly 40% of their threes, and crucially, are shooting 38.8% from deep on the road.
As voted, the best Boo Buie shot ever:pic.twitter.com/SgLmErVla9 https://t.co/TNAAETH6hM
— Inside NU (@insidenu) February 25, 2024
Chris Collins team came up with ten steals in the first matchup when the Wildcats took down the Terrapins 72-69 just last month. If Maryland turns the ball over the same way, the Terrapins will struggle to stick around in this one. Maryland shoot just 28.9% from three this season. I like Northwestern to win this game outright, and so do our computer picks. If worst comes to worst their three-point shooting can help the Wildcats cover the spread down the stretch.
Pick 3: North Texas -1.5 vs Tulane
Matchup: North Texas vs Tulane
A divide in basketball style makes North Texas a fantastic play tonight. Tulane love to get out and run on the break, sitting 17th in pace in the country. On the flip side, the Mean Green love to slow the pace down and play a methodical brand of basketball.
North Texas will take the air out of the ball, and force Tulane into a multitude of mistakes as they look to break at pace. Their 55th ranked defense will find all sorts of ways to give Tulane fits.
Plus, the Mean Green hold a solid edge in total rebounding percentage (51.1%) to (45.3%). Tulane are actually one of the worst rebounding teams in the country, allowing North Texas far more opportunities at second chance points.
Guard Jason Edwards went off for 37 points in a 70-56 North Texas victory on January 6th. Expect to see more of the same tonight.
