It's Saturday, and Selection Sunday is in the near future. That means we're ready for another edition of our Action Network NCAAB content, as our proprietary model will help focus in and find edges to bring you our favorite bets of the day.
With that in mind, here's our college basketball predictions for Saturday, February 21.
You can find all of our picks daily in the free Action Network app:
Texas State vs. Louisiana
Texas State is coming into this Sun Belt matchup on an absolute tear, averaging 82 points over their last five games — including a 90-point overtime battle against South Alabama.
The Bobcats have been setting a frantic pace right from the tip, averaging about 35 points in the first half alone, though that number has climbed even higher during their current seven-game win streak.
Louisiana tends to be more deliberate at home (66 PPG), but it'll be forced to run with a Texas State squad that isn't afraid to push the tempo on the road.
The Bobcats have also been highly profitable for bettors of the over, hitting it in nine of their 13 road games.
With the Bobcats' offense finally clicking and both KenPom and our model projecting a final score around 138, there’s plenty of breathing room to clear the 133.5 total.
Pick: Over 133.5
Alabama vs. LSU
As March Madness approaches, Alabama and LSU find themselves trending in opposite directions.
While the Tigers have hit a late-season wall — going just 2-8 over their last 10 games while surrendering 81 points per contest — Alabama has been nearly unstoppable.
The Tide enter Baton Rouge having won eight of their last 10, fueled by an elite offense that averages 91 points per game and has consistently proven itself against the second-toughest schedule, per KenPom.
Given the Tide’s superior offensive efficiency and the Tigers' current lack of momentum, expect Alabama to dictate the pace and secure a convincing road win.
Pick: Alabama -5.5
