The Super Bowl obviously takes center stage on Sunday, but before we get to the big NFL game, there's plenty of college basketball value on the board.
Our staff is diving right into a full slate of power-conference games (with the exception of Minnesota vs. Maryland) to provide you with a betting appetizer.
Let's dive into our college basketball best bets and power-conference predictions and picks for Sunday, February 8.
College Basketball Best Bets
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 12 p.m. | |
  | 1 p.m. | |
  | 1 p.m. | |
  | 2 p.m. | |
  | 3 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. | ||
USC vs. Penn State
By Ryan Minion
Sunday afternoon’s Big Ten clash has major implications for both Penn State and USC. While the Nittany Lions need far more than just a victory on Sunday, Eric Musselman’s Trojans need to capitalize on these conference road games to maintain their spot at the top of the bubble.
Despite Penn State’s lackluster defensive efforts throughout Big Ten play, I don't feel great about laying points on the Trojans to cover on the road, where they've been far less reliable this season.
I'll be backing USC ML to win outright on Sunday afternoon; also, for freshman superstar Alijah Arenas to build upon his spectacular 29-point effort and exceed his points total while the market remains lower on him after the accident.
Pick: USC ML -185
Michigan vs. Ohio State
By Sean Paul
I think the spread is a bit too high. Ohio State is a solid team, but it hasn't played well enough against top-tier competition.
If the Buckeyes can keep Michigan off the boards, I think that'll change.
The Wolverines and Buckeyes tied with 12 offensive boards when they last played. If that number stays close, Ohio State will have a chance to upset Michigan.
Pick: Ohio State +9.5 (Play to +7.5)
Texas Tech vs. West Virginia
By Jordan Mann
Texas Tech has a chip on its shoulder, as it's coming off two straight losses and is getting (in my opinion) its best player back.
As someone who picked West Virginia to cover against Kansas earlier this season, I think this Texas Tech offense is a different kind of unit that can exploit the Mountaineers' defense.
The Red Raiders setting a middle ball screen almost every possession sounds easy to guard in theory, but the players on the floor make it hard to guard.
Look for JT Toppin to have a strong bounce-back game thanks to Anderson being back in the lineup.
Pick: Texas Tech -4.5
UCF vs. Cincinnati
By Doug Ziefel
At a quick glance, it's easy to see which side you'd want to back here. The Knights are substantially better on the offensive end and have the ability to test the Bearcats at all three levels.
However, this game will be decided on the other end of the floor. Cincy has been abysmal offensively and has shown no signs of turning it around.
Even if the Bearcats can make this game a grind with their defense, the Knights will generate offense in stretches, and that will be enough to get the job done.
Pick: UCF +4.5
Northwestern vs. Iowa
By Ky McKeon
This game should be a slog, with both teams looking to play in the half-court. Northwestern has been a bit more up-tempo this season than a standard Chris Collins squad, but it's still on the slower side and forces the second-longest possessions in college basketball.
Iowa crawls on the offensive end by design, basically allowing Bennett Stirtz to hold the ball and then break down the defense with under 10 on the shot clock.
That pace certainly favors the 'dog, but Northwestern also just might be a broken team ready for the offseason.
Northwestern continues its struggles and Iowa keeps on winning, extending late to cover the spread.
Pick: Iowa -12.5
