It's March and the Madness is in the air. With college basketball conference tournaments underway, we're searching far and wide for the very best NCAAB bets for Wednesday, March 13th. Today's college basketball slate gives us hoop heads a ton of opportunity to build the bankroll on our way to March Madness.
Here are my three college basketball expert picks of the day:
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Pick 1: Maryland -3.5 vs Rutgers
Matchup: Maryland vs Rutgers
Maryland have backed their way into the Big 10 tournament, losing eight of their last ten games. However, they smashed Rutgers 63-46 at the end of February.
The Scarlet Knights struggle to score the basketball, and that's putting it mildly. Rutgers are 357th in the nation with a 43.7% effective field goal percentage. They shoot just 28.9% from three, and allow opponents to secure about 10 offensive rebounds a game (290th in the country).
Maryland holds a significant advantage on the glass on both ends of the floor. The Terrapins will use their methodical half-court offense to unlock the Scarlet Knights defense and cover the spread.
Pick 2: Texas -5 vs Kansas State
Matchup: Texas vs Kansas State
Texas have won three of their past four games en route to the Big 12 Tournament.
The Longhorns are one of the best shooting teams in the country, rated 19th in overall field goal percentage. Four Texas starters score in double figures, led by senior guard Max Abmas 16.8 points per game.
AT THE BUZZER
— Dallas Texas TV (@DallasTexasTV) November 19, 2023
MAX ABMAS
TEXAS WINS pic.twitter.com/pQFHMcIw2d
Sitting 20th in offensive efficiency and 55th in defensive efficiency, Texas is a balanced squad that can hurt you on both ends of the floor. They rank 32nd in points off breakaway steals and their length and athleticism to hang with any team in the country.
On the flip side, Kansas State possesses a menacing defence, but the Wildcats struggle on the offensive end. K-State shoots just 40% from the field and 31% from three. Crucially, they turn the ball over about 15 times per contest, which will lead to problems against a Texas defense that's especially adept at forcing turnovers.
There are few routes to victory for Kansas State in this Big 12 tournament matchup, roll with the Longhorns to cover.
Pick 3: Utah Valley -4 vs Cal Baptist
Matchup: Utah Valley vs Cal Baptist
We're heading to WAC Tournament play as Utah Valley meets Cal Baptist in Orleans arena.
The Wolverines beat up on the Lancers this year, winning both meetings their first meeting by seven, and then blowing out Cal Baptist on their home court by 23 points.
Utah Valley holds a significant shooting advantage in his one, especially from inside the paint where the Wolverines convert on over 57% of near-proximity shots. While Cal Baptist shoot just 49% from the paint, good for 356th in the country.
Utah Valley's defense has been one of the best in the WAC all season long, allowing just 101 points per 100 possessions. Bet on the Wolverines to clamp down on d and cover with ease.
