We're searching far and wide for the very best NCAAB bets for a beautiful March 3. Sunday's riveting 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: Marist -3.5 vs Iona
Matchup: Marist vs Iona
Marist's stifling defense will be the catalyst of a rout of Iona today.
The Red Foxes allow just under 100 points per 100 possessions, while denying opponents any chance to secure second chance-opportunities. Their uber aggressive defensive style sits 36th in opponent field goal attempt rate. I like Marist to win big, the Red Foxes rank 26th in our power rankings while Iona sit 113th.
No Quit in Collins 🚫 pic.twitter.com/fj6HSiytTh
— Marist Men's Basketball (@MaristMBB) March 2, 2024
Marist have gone 9-5 ATS as a home favorite so far, we're betting on that trend to continue. To drive this bet home, Iona are 0-6 ATS in their last six games, and just 3-6 ATS in their last nine games against Marist.
Pick 2: Missouri State -4.5 vs UIC
Matchup: Missouri State vs UIC
Missouri State are far better defensively than a University of Illnois-Chicago, sitting 11th in the country in mid-range field goal percentage allowed.
The Bears hold a large advantage in near-proximity or shots in the paint percentage, and are markedly better at creating second-chance opportunities. On the flip side, the UIC offense relies almost exclusively on their outside shooting. If their three-pointers aren't falling, it could be a long afternoon.
We're riding with the home team in this Missouri Valley conference matchup.
Pick 3: North Texas -8.5 vs East Carolina
Matchup: North Texas vs East Carolina
There's just something about the Mean Green. Maybe it's their stifling defense, or the fact that they shoot over 37% from deep on the season. While their hardly a National Championship threat, North Texas has been a profitable play for us, winning twice in our race to 10 bets and giving us an ATS victory. Regardless, North Texas provides bettors phenomenal value. Especially against a putrid East Carolina team.
The Pirates have gone just 3-9 as an underdog and 4-4 ATS on the road this season. They shoot under 42% from the field which ranks 293rd in the country, and crucially, only 31% from deep.
North Texas holds a huge advantage in three-point shooting, points in the paint, and defensive efficiency. Expect the Mean Green to win big.
