We've officially entered the biggest stretch of the college basketball regular season, and the theme of our massive Tuesday slate is ranked teams on the road against unranked opponents.
In fact, we have eight top-25 squads heading into hostile environments on Tuesday. With that in mind, we decided to provide you with three betting opportunities for three top-five teams (Duke, Iowa State, Houston).
So, dive in below for NCAAB picks and predictions, including how to bet these top-five teams on the road on February 10.
NCAAB Picks, Predictions — Top-Five Teams on Road
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 9 p.m. | |
  | 9 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. | ||
Houston vs. Utah
By Jordan Mann
With what Utah likes to run offensively, this is the worst matchup it could ask for.
Out of the Utes' 55 shots against Kansas, 26 of them came off an initial pick-and-roll action.
Houston thrives on guarding middle-ball-screen actions and is much more physical than Kansas, against whom Utah turned it over 12 times.
In fact, Houston is the best defense in the country at denying the ball-handler scoring chances in the pick-and-roll. Opposing ball-handlers are shooting 39-of-122 (32%) from pick-and-roll actions, which equates to 0.540 points per possession (100th percentile).
The Cougars' ability to aggressively switch or blitz ball screens with their athletic big men makes teams uncomfortable, forcing them to settle for tough shots or turn the ball over.
Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson is still annoyed about giving up 90 points to Texas Tech, and he won't let his team forget it. The Cougars' on-ball pressure will be constant, and they'll wear out a bad team with no depth.
Pick: Houston -16.5
Duke vs. Pitt
By Sean Paul
I'm targeting the under. I'd be a bit surprised if Pittsburgh can reach the 60-point range against this Duke defense.
With all the offensive issues for the Panthers and how terrible they're playing this season, I can't see them scoring easily in a half-court setting.
Duke is lengthy and athletic, and that especially helps it on the defensive end of the floor.
Then we take a look at the pace. Duke is just 264th in adjusted tempo and Pitt is 337th in the same category.
Duke is more than okay with slowing the game down and dominating on the defensive end.
I expect that to happen on the road against Pitt, so take the under down to 133.5.
Pick: Under 137.5 (Play to 133.5)
Iowa State vs. TCU
By Sean Paul
The line sits with Iowa State -6.5, but I'll lay the points on the road.
I liken this matchup to the Frogs' duels against Houston and Arizona — both of whom mirror Iowa State. Those were nine- and 13-point wins, respectively, for the opponent.
Those teams focus on forcing turnovers and dominating the offensive glass.
That's a bit of a concern for TCU in this matchup. I expect the Frogs' to struggle against Joshua Jefferson and Blake Buchanan with their lack of size, leading to Iowa State dominating on the glass.
Also, our Action PRO projections have this spread at -9 in favor of the Clones.
That gives us nearly three points of value, which our projections say results in a B- grade.
Pick: Iowa State -6.5 (Play to -8)
