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Wednesday represents a thin slate in college basketball, with no ranked teams in action and only one truly noteworthy game — North Dakota State vs. Saint Mary's.
But that doesn't mean there isn't betting value on the board. In fact, our staff has three picks for Wednesday's games.
Read below for our staff's college basketball best bets, including three NCAAB picks for Wednesday, November 4.
Be sure to download the Action Network app for more expert picks and analysis!
3 College Basketball Best Bets
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 10 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. | ||
Fairleigh Dickinson vs. Butler
Butler head coach Ronald Nored knows a thing or two about magic, as he was a part of two Final Four teams in Indianapolis.
Well, he's going to need all the magic possible if Butler wants to make noise in the Big East this season. The Bulldogs were picked to finish in last place in the conference's preseason poll in Nored's debut campaign.
Butler started things off in a big way, dropping 96 points in a win over Lafayette. But according to our Action PRO signals, that might be an anomaly.
Our power ratings say that this total is off by over four points, creating one of the bigger over/under edges on the board. The line currently sits at 153.5 (at the time of writing), and our PRO model has this number at a smidge over 149.
There's some sharp money coming in on the over, but this model projection signal is a bit stronger, creating a more compelling edge.
Pick: Under 153.5
Northern Kentucky vs. South Dakota
By Evan Abrams
Both of these teams enter this game at 1-0, but their wins weren't equivalent.
Northern Kentucky beat UTEP during the 24-hour opening day marathon, thanks to massive outings from Willie Foster (24 points, 10 rebounds) and Noah Pagotto (19 points, 12 rebounds). Meanwhile, South Dakota topped Mount Marty, a non-D-I team.
Even on the road, doesn't that mean we should be licking our chops with the Norse -2.5?
My Bet Labs Sports Insights system — "Rebound Unders" — actually says the best play is on the under.
This system owns a solid 5% return on investment (ROI) all-time, including a strong 55% hit rate (545-451-5).
For more information on this system and its background, here's the details:
This system titled "Rebound Unders" is built on the idea that strong rebounding teams in non-conference settings can quietly suppress scoring more than the market anticipates.
By targeting the under in games with elevated closing totals where the visiting team posts solid rebounding numbers and the home side is not an overwhelming underdog, the model isolates matchups likely to feature physical half-court possessions.
In non-conference play styles often clash and coaches emphasize discipline and control rather than pace, especially when preparing for unfamiliar opponents.
A road team that rebounds well limits second chance points while also extending its own possessions, reducing overall transition opportunities and compressing total trips up and down the floor.
In college basketball where shot selection fluctuates and neutral scouting can slow tempo, backing the under in these rebound driven road spots seeks to capitalize on games that grind into efficiency battles rather than evolving into high scoring exchanges despite lofty posted totals.
Pagotto and Foster alone dominated UTEP on the boards, and the Norse won the rebounding battle by six. They fit the bill, so go under.
Pick: Under 161.5
North Dakota State vs. Saint Mary's
For the first time since 2001, Saint Mary's has a new head coach roaming the sidelines. Randy Bennett is off to Tempe while Mickey McConnell is taking over in Moraga.
And it's evident it's going to take the Gaels time to adjust to a new system, roster and direction.
Saint Mary's nearly lost to Illinois State in its opener, rallying from down six at the half to win by five in overtime.
Now, Illinois State is projected to finish second in the Missouri Valley Conference, so it's not exactly a slouch. However, neither is the Gaels' opponent on Wednesday, North Dakota State.
In fact, the Bison are expected to win their conference behind Preseason All-Summit League First Teamer Andy Stefonowicz.
North Dakota State doesn't have the massive frontcourt bodies to attack Saint Mary's where the Gaels are their weakest, but the Bison have continuity under coach David Richman and the junior Stefonowicz.
While I expect the Gaels to win at home, this number is too large. Saint Mary's has a lot to figure out under McConnell and it's coming off an overtime game two days ago.
Most importantly, two Bet Labs systems with positive all-time ROI's — "After Score 80, Fade on Quick Turn" and "Fade Hot Shooting" — like this pick, making me feel more confident.
Pick: North Dakota State +13.5
