The college basketball season is in full swing and at TheUSGambler, we aim to give the best picks and odds every week. Welcome to On the Docket: NCAAB Picks and Odds. Here, the Judge gives you his picks for the college basketball season. The number of gavels beside each pick equates to the number of units the Judge decrees. More gavels = more confidence. That means more times you get to scream “BANG!” when the bet hits. Here are your NCAAB picks and odds for Tuesday and Wednesday. Court is once again, in session.
Season Record: 44-53-2 (-28.3 Units)
Tuesday, February 14th
Oklahoma State vs. Kansas, 9:00 PM ET (ESPN)
If you haven’t been keeping an eye on what is going on in Stillwater, the Cowboys have been putting a bit of a run together and look to claim their sixth straight win when the Jayhawks come to town Tuesday night. Kansas has their eye on the top of the Big 12 standings and a win at Oklahoma State would keep them at the top with Texas and Baylor. The Jayhawks’ versatility is just too much for Oklahoma State and Kansas will pick up a road conference win.
The Judge’s Pick: Kansas -2 (2 Gavels)
Providence vs. Creighton, 7:00 PM ET (FS1)
Creighton picked up a lot of buzz this preseason and we are finally seeing why. Since losing six games before Christmas, Creighton is 11-2 and is currently on an eight-game heater. While that is indeed impressive, the Bluejays have not claimed a road win over any team rated in Kenpom’s top 50. That’s bad news for Creighton going into Providence, who have yet to lose at home this season. Take the Friars getting a few points.
The Judge’s Pick: Providence +2 (3 Gavels)
Georgia vs. LSU, 8:30 PM ET (SECN)
You may want to close your eyes for this one. The Tigers head to Athens in search of their first win in 2023. You read that correctly—LSU has lost twelve straight since their last win on December 28th. It very well could be thirteen straight after Tuesday night. The Bulldogs aren’t exactly world beaters themselves but show a bit of chutzpah at home, already taking down the likes of Auburn, Mississippi State, and Kentucky insides Stegman Coliseum. Georgia rides the momentum of their win over the Wildcats and takes care of business at home.
The Judge’s Pick: Georgia -4 (2 Gavels)
Syracuse vs. NC State, 7:00 PM ET (ACCN)
NC State closes out their northeastern road trip at Syracuse with hopes of staying within striking distance of the top of the ACC standings. The Orange are doing their thing where they aren’t very good but then they might be, but it turns out this time they actually aren’t very good. Syracuse has one win against teams rated in the top 100 by Kenpom all season. All signs point to NC State, but wait just a minute, folks. The Orange took this weekend off and have six days of rest while the Wolfpack are playing their third straight road game on a short week. Take the ‘Cuse.
The Judge’s Pick: Syracuse pk (1 Gavel)
Wednesday, February 15th
Tennessee vs. Alabama, 7:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
The Crimson Tide have ascended to the top spot in the polls and immediately get a test against a top-10 Tennessee team on the road. The Volunteers have not played well as of late, losing three of their last four. Even in the lone win they only scored 46 points. Meanwhile, Alabama has looked very much the part of the best team in the country. This is college basketball, though, and it’s a volatile thing. Take the home team in a big rebound game.
The Judge’s Pick: Tennessee -3 (2 Gavels)
Marquette vs. Xavier, 7:00 PM ET (CBSSN)
We get two of the Big East’s best on Wednesday night with Marquette and Xavier going head-to-head. Nobody comes out of Big East play without some wounds and Xavier took the latest in a road game at Butler. The Musketeers will look to avoid two straight conference losses with a great performance in Milwaukee. Marquette deserves the nod in this one, but the Golden Eagles are getting too many points here.
The Judge’s Pick: Xavier +5.5 (3 Gavels)
Samford vs. UNC Greensboro, 7:30 PM ET (ESPN+)
Samford and UNC Greensboro will vie to remain at the top of the SoCon standings, where each is tied with Furman for the best record in the league. These two teams met earlier this season in Greensboro, where the Bulldogs stole a road win. The Spartans would love nothing more than to return the favor Wednesday night. The only problem is Samford has built one of the best home game atmospheres in the SoCon at the Pete Hanna Center, where the Bulldogs have lost one conference game in the last two seasons.
The Judge’s Pick: Samford -1 (2 Gavels)