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All eyes will be in Boston, MA, as UConn takes on the defending national champion Michigan Wolverines.
But there's betting value to be had elsewhere for this rather large Friday slate, and our staff has four best bets.
Read below for college basketball best bets, including four NCAAB picks for Friday, November 6.
Be sure to download the Action Network app for more expert picks and analysis!
4 College Basketball Best Bets
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 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. | ||
Saint Louis vs. Missouri
By Ryan Minion
I am expecting fireworks on Friday night as these two prepare to square off in their first meeting since 2001.
In addition to the enticing "Missouri clash" narrative, we will see an old-school versus new-age duel that pits roster continuity against the modern portal era.
While Saint Louis thrived all of last season largely due to its exceptional 3-point shooting prowess — setting a program record with 379 triples — the Billikens, unfortunately, will run into a Missouri squad boasting freakish length and athleticism that could give Josh Schertz’s bunch problems implementing its high-octane offensive system.
Though Saint Louis has some impressive length on its roster too, with Kellen Thames standing at 6-foot-6 with a spectacular 3-point stroke, this Tigers’ lineup has some incredible genetics on its side and could very well put an experienced Billiken squad out of its comfort zone.
The Billikens are undoubtedly gifted offensively, but I expect this to be a very difficult challenge for them on the defensive end of the floor versus a Tiger squad I feel has legitimate Final Four upside with Jason Crowe Jr. leading the charge.
While I typically would favor backing the more experienced team this early-on in the season, I'm rolling with Missouri to cover its -4.5 spread in what I expect to be a “put the country on notice” type of performance.
Pick: Missouri -2.5
Troy vs. Florida State
As I mentioned in Thursday's college basketball best bets article, my model projections are now officially the Action Network PRO projections.
These projections have had particularly strong results when betting on totals, compared to spread and moneyline.
And on Friday, we have a strong one as Troy and Florida State go head-to-head.
Our NCAAB power ratings currently make this total 153.69, giving us a near five-point edge at theScore Bet and a near four-point edge at FanDuel.
Pick: Under 158.5
Northern Kentucky vs. Texas A&M
By Evan Abrams
Northern Kentucky has been on fire offensively to start the season. The Norse dropped 84 points on UTEP in their win during the Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon, and then they put up 102 points on 63% shooting in a victory over South Dakota on Wednesday.
This will be the Norse's third game in five days, with all three coming away from the home.
My system — "Fade Hot Shooting" — says the red-hot play is coming to an end to complete this road trip. It likes Texas A&M to cruise past this 25.5-point spread.
This system owns a 4% return on investment (ROI) all-time, including a 54% hit rate.
As mentioned in the title, "Fade Hot Shooting" is a fade system. In college basketball, teams coming off unusually efficient shooting performances tend to regress in their next game, especially when playing again within a short turnaround.
When a team posts a high field goal rate and strong offensive efficiency, the market often overvalues that performance, assuming it reflects a sustained offensive rhythm.
In reality, hot shooting is rarely repeatable over consecutive games, particularly with limited rest and quick travel.
Fatigue, tighter defensive focus from opponents, and natural shooting variance contribute to a decline in scoring consistency.
Fading teams in this situation captures value against inflated lines built on temporary offensive spikes rather than sustainable play quality.
Pick: Texas A&M -25.5
Middle Tennessee vs. Kansas
To some, Kansas is in a look-ahead spot, as the Jayhawks have to travel to Chicago to play Kentucky on Tuesday in the Champions Classic.
I don't see it that way. It's Nov. 6.
There's no reason to even think, debate or ponder taking your foot off the gas in the first week of the season.
Teams are still working through early-season flaws and fine-tuning their game plans.
The Jayhawks should completely demolish the Blue Raiders on Friday night.
Despite playing Fordham on Monday, Kansas has already been tested in exhibition play, facing both Duke and Louisville. The Jayhawks lost both matchups, but those tests are far greater than anything Middle Tennessee has endured over the last few weeks.
The Blue Raiders prepared for the 2026-27 season by simply scrimmaging themselves before opening the season against Fisk.
This should be a bloodbath. Kansas on the points or nothing here.
Pick: Kansas -27.5
