There's only seven games on the slate on Monday, including just two power-conference teams in action.
But there's still betting value to be had.
Read below for college basketball best bets, including three NCAAB picks, odds and predictions for Monday, December 8.
College Basketball Best Bets
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 8 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. | ||
Southern vs. Texas
Per Synergy, only two teams in college basketball have pressed on more than 10% of their defensive possessions and rank in the top 20 nationally in defensive efficiency on those possessions — one is Louisville and the other is Southern.
Pressing Texas will present an obvious challenge stepping up in class, but the Jaguars are capable of making the home Horns feel uncomfortable.
Perhaps the quintessential bounce back spot works in Texas’ favor, but it's inconsistency on the perimeter — as exposed last week against Virginia — renders that concern moot.
If DaMariee Jones makes his much anticipated return to action on Monday, that simply adds another bullet to the chamber. However, Southern took Washington to double overtime with Jones playing a modest game by his standards.
Depth is the superpower of Kevin Johnson’s pesky squad, which should help the Jags avoid a collapse late in the game.
Pick: Southern +21.5 (Play to +20)
Mississippi Valley State vs. Kansas State
Kansas State, in the midst of a mid-season crisis, presents a unique total angle in this spot. The over may seem too obvious at face value, but Kansas State’s pace and perceived shotmaking went by the wayside in the last two games.
A long, athletic Bowling Green team took command of the game flow in Manhattan and managed to force the Wildcats into a half-court affair. Then, Seton Hall’s suffocating defense limited the Cats to only 67 points (despite the game clocking 78 possessions).
Alas, Mississippi Valley State comes to town with zero reservations about entering a track meet. Look no further than its 120-84 loss to Texas A&M two weeks ago.
Other than a slog of a game against Louisiana Monroe and the Delta Devils' putrid offensive performances in Hawaii earlier this season, they've been able to put up some garbage time points against superior competition.
Against Kansas State’s leaky defense, getting to 65-70 points feels quite attainable for the road 'dog in meaningless late-game garbage time (assuming Kansas State has pulled away comfortably over the first 30 minutes).
Pick: Over 156.5 (Play to 159)
New Orleans vs. Incarnate Word
Both of these Southland teams have proven to be dangerous giant killers this season. New Orleans knocked off TCU on opening night and took Mississippi State to overtime, while Incarnate Word gave Indiana a close scare in Bloomington.
In essence, these are two evenly matched teams, but the spot seems to favor the home team on Monday.
The Privateers are 0-1 in conference and will be desperate to avoid an 0-2 league hole, especially with a precarious trip to Houston awaiting this week before a two week hiatus — yes, New Orleans will be off from December 13 until December 29.
Incarnate Word suffered a loss this past weekend, but the Cardinals already bagged a monumental league win over favorite McNeese last week.
In short, I’m backing the hungrier, more desperate home team in this situation.
The X-factor is sharpshooter Coleton Benson, who could be the difference maker against Incarnate Word’s junk zone defense (which it's showcased on 15% of all defensive possessions this year, per Synergy).
Pick: New Orleans +1.5 (Play to PK)
