We're inching closer and closer to March, but first, let's focus on Monday's slate in college basketball.
There's plenty of value on the board, and there's more eye-catching matchups than usual.
So, read below for my college basketball best bets, including my three top NCAAB expert picks and predictions for Monday, February 24.
(It's not my official recommendation, but there's an option to parlay these picks below.)
College Basketball Best Bets
The team logos in the table below represent each of the matchups that our college basketball betting staff is targeting from today's slate of games. Click on the team logos for any of the matchups below to navigate to a specific bet discussed in this article.
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 9 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NCAAB Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
UNC vs. Florida State
UNC remains (barely) alive for the NCAA Tournament, and it can thank an offensive resurgence for buoying any legitimate optimism around earning an at-large berth.
In the past three games, the Tar Heels have scored 1.26, 1.39 and 1.25 points per possession, scorching the nets from all over the court while taking excellent care of the ball.
Granted, UNC played three poor defenses in that stretch, but it was nice to see the Heels prove they could hit those heights.
Now that offense gets more of a chance to play in transition against the up-tempo Seminoles.
UNC’s last three foes all ranked outside the top 200 in average possession length; Saturday’s opponent, Virginia, was 360th.
Florida State, meanwhile, ranks 27th in that same statistic, matching UNC’s top-30 placement. Both teams should be eager to get out and run in the open floor.
With both teams’ aggressive pace fueling a high possession count, plus UNC’s lethal offense on a tear, the one concern for the over could be FSU’s sometimes stagnant attack.
Finding consistent guard play has been an issue in Leonard Hamilton’s final campaign. Fortunately, the Noles are at home, where the whistle will hopefully be friendly for a team that relies on getting to the charity stripe to score efficiently.
Plus, UNC’s frontcourt defenders should struggle to handle the bludgeoning forward tandem of Jamir Watkins and Malique Ewin.
Overall, this is a matchup of UNC’s elite backcourt speed against a towering FSU lineup.
UNC ranks 314th nationally in average height, per KenPom — a stark contrast to FSU’s No. 4 ranking in that same category. That difference should manifest in scoring advantages on both ends of the court.
Pick: Over 155.5 (Play to 158)
Lamar vs. Incarnate Word
Disclaimer: The Southland, particularly on Mondays, has been a mystery minefield for my betting this year.
In spite of that, though, I think this is a terrific spot to back Incarnate Word.
Only the top eight teams in the regular season standings qualify for the Southland Conference Tournament in March. UIW is in the thick of that race, currently tied for eighth with Stephen F. Austin and just a game ahead of UT Rio Grande Valley.
The home Cardinals need this one badly.
Notably, Lamar still has some major incentive, as well. The visiting Cardinals are still playing for the No. 2 seed in the Southland Tournament, which bestows an immediate berth in the semifinals. However, playing for the life of your season outstrips playing for seeding considerations.
This is a talented UIW team that invested in its roster this offseason. Missing the postseason entirely would be a major disappointment.
Ball State transfers Jalin Anderson and Davion Bailey, along with heralded freshman Jayden Williams, are all impressive pieces compared to Incarnate Word’s standard recruiting base.
Williams needs to be a difference-maker. He barely played in the first meeting (six minutes), a 72-58 loss for UIW at Lamar. But his athleticism around the rim is a major asset, and his offensive rebounding could be vital.
That first clash was more even than the final score appears. UIW trailed by just three with seven minutes to play before a scoring drought allowed Lamar to pull away.
With their backs against the wall and revenge on the mind, this is a home run spot for the home Cardinals.
Pick: Incarnate Word +1.5 (Play to -1)
Houston vs. Texas Tech
Big Monday is BACK, folks! Arguably the best game of the week comes from Lubbock on Monday night, as Houston and Texas Tech meet in a rematch of the instant classic overtime thriller from Feb. 1.
Texas Tech captured a huge road win at Houston in this one, and I think the Cougars return the favor.
The physical Cougars are on a 12-game road winning streak, dating back to last year’s early February loss at Kansas. Their style travels, limiting possessions and playing elite defense to stay in every game.
A key part of that first meeting was the Cougars’ health. Emanuel Sharp was clearly not himself, playing just 17 completely ineffectual minutes, and he sat out Houston’s next two games to get back to full form.
Granted, TTU played without reserve guard Kevin Overton (injury), and JT Toppin was bafflingly ejected after four minutes, but Sharp’s shooting is essential to Houston’s style.
Health issues abound on the Red Raiders’ side, as well. Chance McMillian missed TTU’s game against West Virginia over the weekend, and Darrion Williams took a nasty spill in that one. Both could be out — or at minimum, well below 100% — for this massive rematch.
Houston officially clinches the No. 1 seed in the Big 12 Tournament with a win in this game. A Texas Tech win would keep the conference race in doubt.
On top of the road revenge angle, the Cougars have that extra cherry on top dangling over them.
Pick: Houston -1 (Play to -3)
