The CBS Sports Classic takes center stage in college basketball on Saturday, but there's other games that present betting value in the sport, as well.
Our staff is targeting three particular spots to help you add some high quality plays to your betting card.
Read on for our NCAAB best bets, including college basketball picks and predictions for Saturday, December 20.
College Basketball Best Bets
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 12:30 p.m. | |
  | 2 p.m. | |
  | 7 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. | ||
Liberty vs. Dayton
Let's start with this: Dayton isn't easy to beat on its home floor (7-0 this season) and it's preformed admirably this season against solid opponents (lost by four to BYU, beat Georgetown, Marquette and Florida State).
The Flyers also have a strong core that features the experienced Javon Bennett, sharp shooter De'Shayne Montgomery and 7-foot-1 French big Amael L'Etang.
On paper, it seems like the Flyers should win this one rather convincingly.
However, our Action Network PRO projections actually believe this line is too high, with Liberty expected to be +7 rather than the 9.5 number that sits on the market at the time of writing. That gives us a solid B- grade.
In the Flames' lone road game this season, they were obliterated by 40 by NC State. But that's why this is a nice spot to bet Ritchie McKay's bunch. McKay is a strong coach, and he'll have his guys ready for the last opportunity for the Flames to prove themselves before conference play begins.
Pick: Liberty +9.5 (Play to +7.5)
Colorado State vs. Utah State
By Sean Paul
I think this will be a close fight. Winning road conference games is difficult, but Colorado State has the offensive weapons to keep it within the number.
Both teams figure to struggle with what the opposing team is good at doing. Utah State will score inside, and Colorado State will have ample opportunity to drain 3s.
I'll call that an advantage for the Rams.
Pick: Colorado State +8.5 (Play to +5.5)
Fresno State vs. UNLV
By Evan Abrams
In the Mountain West, Fresno State travels to Las Vegas to face the 4-6 UNLV Rebels. Both teams are opening conference play with this Saturday night affair, but the edge doesn't lie on the spread. Instead, it lies on the total, where my very own system — "Stadium Unders" — is highlighting the under.
In college basketball, games played in specific arenas (in this case, Thomas & Mack Center) often trend under due to consistent environmental and stylistic factors tied to the venue rather than neutral-court unfamiliarity.
Many of these stadiums — both home and neutral — feature deeper backdrops, unique lighting and court setups that slow pace and limit shooting efficiency.
Teams playing in these environments, especially those coming off an under in their previous outing (Fresno went over, but UNLV went under), tend to continue that pattern as coaches emphasize defense and control over tempo.
Across multiple seasons, these venues have shown a reliable tendency for lower-scoring outcomes, making the under a favorable position in stadiums where shooting rhythm and offensive flow are historically harder to sustain.
Most importantly, this system has a 28% return on investment (ROI) all-time and a 38% ROI (16-6-0 record) this season, showing that value lies with this Saturday selection.
Pick: Under 156.5
