We're back for another edition of our Action Network college basketball content. Our proprietary model will help focus in and find edges to bring you our college basketball best bets, including one overpriced total.
With that in mind, here's our college basketball picks and two total bets for Saturday, January 31.
You can find all of our picks daily in the free Action Network app:
Cincinnati vs. Houston
Cincinnati heads to Houston in a matchup that sets up well for a higher-scoring outcome.
This is driven by Cougars’ explosive offensive form. Houston has been red-hot, averaging 89 points per game over its last three contests and a strong 80 points per game at home this season.
The likely game script has Cincinnati playing from behind early, a scenario that forces the Bearcats out of their preferred slower, defense-first approach and into a more aggressive, up-tempo style.
That pace shift should increase total possessions and scoring opportunities on both sides.
Even with Cincinnati averaging just 65 points per game on the road, the added tempo and late-game urgency support an inflated total.
Analytics reinforce the over case, with KenPom projecting 138 total points and Bart Torvik sitting at 137.5, both comfortably above the current 132.5 line. This indicates clear value.
Pick: Over 132.5
Campbell vs. William & Mary
William & Mary’s ability to control tempo on its home floor sets up an ideal environment for the under.
The Tribe play at a deliberate pace that consistently drags opponents into half-court possessions, a style that magnifies Campbell’s road inefficiencies.
Away from home, the Camels’ scoring drops sharply — from 80 points per game overall to just 70 on the road — making it difficult to keep pace with an inflated total.
Recent trends reinforce the under case, as William & Mary has gone under in five of its eight home games and six of its last 10 overall.
Most compelling, though, is the analytical gap. KenPom projects this game at 158 total points, while our model comes in even lower at 157. That suggests the 167.5 number is meaningfully overpriced.
Pick: Under 167.5
