There's a small college basketball slate on Monday, but there's still betting value to be had in the sport.
In fact, I have three spots I'm targeting, with one featuring a power-conference program.
Read below for college basketball best bets, including three expert picks and predictions for Monday, December 15.
College Basketball Best Bets
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 8 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. | ||
Wofford vs. Gardner-Webb
Alas, the Runnin' Bulldogs finally found the winner’s circle over the weekend — albeit, against a non-Division I opponent.
Regardless, for a young, inexperienced team under second-year head coach Jeremy Luther, any sliver of momentum is worth its weight in gold.
It also marked the Runnin' Bulldogs' second straight home game after a world tour of buy games throughout November, during which Gardner-Webb plummeted over 40 spots in KenPom’s analytical rankings.
On the heels of an impressive effort against Georgia Southern, which preceded that morale boosting non-Division I victory on Friday, Gardner-Webb should be able to stay within arm’s reach of Wofford, a team Luther knows well and a team that's been off since December 6.
Coming off a long layoff, the Terriers could be flat. Plus, their lack of perimeter footspeed should allow the Bulldogs to settle in offensively and potentially get hot at home.
Emerging freshman Spence Sims should be the X-factor.
Pick: Gardner-Webb +11.5 (Play to +11)
Wyoming vs. South Dakota State
There’s been notable market resistance to this over, as multiple moves toward the under this morning could imply more under money is on the way.
In other words, it may be best waiting on the optimal price.
The case for the over is as follows: Wyoming is unleashing pace-and-space this season under Sunny Wicks with a deep and talented perimeter corps, spearheaded by Leland Walker. The Cowboys can shoot, and they’ll have ample opportunities against South Dakota State’s shell-ish packed in defense.
The Jackbunnies may not be as eager to score early in the shot clock, but their half-court offense should operate efficiently on Monday.
For one, they're far better shooters than the results to date indicate.
In the short backdrop, shooter friendly environment of the Pentagon, this could be a breakout shooting display for marksmen Joe Sayler, Jaden Jackson and Kalen Garry (all of whom are shooting far below their career averages).
Pick: Over 150.5 (Play to 153)
Incarnate Word vs. TCU
The Horned Frogs should enter Monday's game with their eyes wide open against Incarnate Word, which just lost to New Orleans a week ago. Fittingly, New Orleans was the kryptonite to TCU in the season opener.
Jamie Dixon knows his team’s margin for error is slim and can’t afford taking another Q3 or Q4 loss on its resume.
TCU has rebounded admirably since the November 3 disaster, posting victories over Florida, Wisconsin and a near upset over juggernaut Michigan.
In short, this TCU team is leaps and bounds better than it was a month ago and should be locked in with no reason to relent against an inferior opponent.
Incarnate Word’s superb shotmakers should be rendered ineffective by TCU’s long, rangy, multi-positional defensive havoc, which should help the Frogs force turnovers and dominate the shot volume battle.
Pick: TCU -17.5 (Play to -19)
