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Thursday was light on college basketball games, but that's not the case on Friday.
We have a full slate, including some juicy matchups, and our staff is specifically tracking for the best betting value.
Read below for college basketball best bets, including four NCAAB picks for Friday, November 13.
Be sure to download the Action Network app for more expert picks and analysis!
4 College Basketball Best Bets
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 9 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. | ||
Ohio State vs. UConn
It's hard to go against Dan Hurley & Co., but coming off that massive revenge spot against Michigan, the Buckeyes should be able to keep this one close.
Even with Wagner sandwiched between these two games, the Buckeyes could catch UConn in a letdown spot.
Ohio State looked very solid in its season opener in Provo, delivering an encouraging performance despite failing to come out on top or cover.
Now, the Buckeyes draw a team that's just as talented but plays at a much slower pace.
If Ohio State can play disciplined basketball, it can keep this one competitive. The Buckeyes have nothing to look ahead to, and the Huskies are their main focus until the 24th.
There's no reason for UConn to be looking ahead, but the Huskies do head to Tucson next Wednesday to take on Arizona. It'll be interesting to see how each team approaches this matchup, but the Buckeyes are my side here.
Pick: Ohio State +11.5 (Play to +9.5)
South Dakota vs. Drake
By Evan Abrams
We're going to the mid-major ranks for this pick, as 1-3 South Dakota plays 2-0 Drake.
I have a Bet Labs Sports Insights system called "Tough Season, 2-2-2 System" that says the pick for this game is South Dakota to cover +13.5.
This system has a 4% return on investment (ROI) all-time, including a 54% hit rate. It's 0-1 this season, but obviously that's a very small sample size compared to its 2,478-2,119-86 overall record.
This system titled "Tough Season 2 2 2 System" is built on the idea that the market can become overly punitive toward road teams enduring miserable seasons, especially when the data shows sustained underperformance both straight up and against the number.
By isolating visiting teams in either the regular season or postseason with deeply negative season cover margins, negative average scoring margins, extended losing streaks and a recent loss, the angle assumes bookmakers inflate spreads to account for public disdain.
When those teams are catching significant points, perception of incompetence often outweighs matchup specifics.
Yet even struggling college programs still feature scholarship athletes, structured defensive schemes and pride that can surface in single game settings.
Large spreads create room for variance late, particularly when favorites ease off with a lead or rotate benches.
The result is a scenario where a team having a brutal year can still land inside an exaggerated number because expectations have already been priced to the extreme, turning season long failure into short term spread value.
Pick: South Dakota +13.5
UL Monroe vs. Arizona State
My college basketball model (now Action Network PRO projections) has been hitting at a high rate this season, specifically on totals.
One of the biggest edges of Friday's slate comes in UL Monroe vs. Arizona State, as the number is currently (at the time of writing) sitting at 151.5.
Meanwhile, our Action Network NCAAB power ratings make the total 158.32, giving us an edge of almost seven points.
That's a significant signal, which gives me the confidence to pull the trigger on this total play.
Pick: Over 151.5
Xavier vs. Mississippi State
By Sean Paul
Xavier will get its first real taste of competition this season. The Musketeers are 3-0, winning by 20+ points in each game.
Richard Pitino returned his two best players from last year: Filip Borovicanin and Jovan Milicevic. Borovicanin is unique; he's basically a point forward. He averages 7.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and five assists per game, and he's shooting 50% from the field.
Meanwhile, last season was a campaign to forget in Starkville, as Mississippi State only won 13 games.
This season, Chris Jans went with a softer non-conference schedule, which has resulted in three quick and easy wins.
This is a much larger test for the Bulldogs, though, so give me Xavier laying -3.5. I think the Musketeers are a more balanced team that has a top-25 upside.
The Bulldogs' glass dominance can be muted by Xavier's strong rebounding and interior defense.
And it's only a matter of time until Xavier starts hitting 3s.
Take the underrated team.
Pick: Xavier -3.5 (Play to -5)
