College Basketball Betting Picks for Monday 1/29/24

The college basketball season always provides a flurry of twists and turns that few saw coming -- especially when March Madness comes around. This can make college basketball one of the most challenging sports to bet on.

Fortunately, we have plenty of tools available that can aid our chances of taking the most favorable college basketball bets. Bart Torvik and KenPom are excellent sources that give insights into team-level efficiency, and Sports Reference provides a wide range of useful team stats, as well.

Let's check out FanDuel Sportsbook's college basketball odds and select some of the best bets of the day by utilizing the mentioned tools.

Please note lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published.

College Basketball Best Bets

No. 7 Duke Blue Devils at Virginia Tech Hokies

Over 146.5 (-106)

Since getting healthy, the Duke Blue Devils have been rolling, owning a 10-1 record since December 9th. However, it still has not been enough to catch the ACC's leader -- the North Carolina Tar Heels. Duke is hoping to narrow the gap to their bitter rival in the ACC standings as they are 6-2 in league play while UNC is a perfect a 9-0. Ahead of Saturday's highly anticipated matchup between the Blue Devils and Tar Heels, Duke is looking to add another win on the road against Virginia Tech.

The Hokies have found momentum with an ongoing three-game winning streak while averaging 83.7 points per game (PPG). With the Hokies sitting as one of Bart Torvik's last four in for the NCAA Tournament, this is an excellent opportunity for Virginia Tech as the Blue Devils are a Quad 1 opponent and a top-30 team in the NCAA's NET rankings.

This looks like a dangerous matchup for Duke as they are favored by just 3.5 points. Rather than targeting the point spread, my focus is on the total. Let's take a moment to highlight the Hokies' offense once again. While KenPom's 63rd-best adjusted offensive efficiency is nothing to write home about, I can't overlook Virginia Tech's recent shooting splits.

Over the last three, the Hokies carry a 52.5% field goal percentage (FG%) while cashing in 42.6% of their attempts from three. This is a significant spike from their season numbers of a 46.6 FG% (77th percentile) and 36.6% three-point percentage (84th percentile). The Hokies could look to really attack the Blue Devils' perimeter defense, which is outside the top 100 in three-points shots allowed per game and ranks in the bottom 35% in opponent three-point percentage.

Virginia Tech ranks in the top half of college basketball with 42.4% of their field goal attempts coming from beyond the arc. Hunter Cattoor (13.7 PPG) has been scorching-hot from deep over his last four games, making 11 of 22 shots (50.0%). This hot streak could continue as Duke's worst defenders in their starting lineup reside in the backcourt with Jared McCain (0.45) and Jeremy Roach (1.34) carrying Defensive Bayesian Performance Ratings (DBPR) of under 1.50, per EvanMiya.

This total could soar to the over as the Blue Devils boast the 12th-best adjusted offensive efficiency in the land. With the 52nd-best adjusted defensive efficiency, the Hokies have not been an exceptional defensive team by any means. Duke touts impressive shooting marks, ranking in the 76th percentile of FG%, two-point percentage, and three-point percentage.

The Blue Devils' ability to attack the rim could be the focus of tonight's game as Virginia Tech is in the bottom 39% in opponent two-point attempts per contest. This could mean a big game for one of college basketball's best players -- Kyle Filipowski (17.7 PPG). The second-year center has totaled 20.2 PPG over his past five outings, and he has EvanMiya's seventh-best Bayesian Performance Rating (BPR) in college basketball.

Duke is averaging 78.8 PPG in their last four games, and the over is 3-1 during that span. Considering the potential advantages of both offenses, I'm backing the over for this ACC clash.

No. 4 Houston Cougars at Texas Longhorns

Houston -4.5 (-120)

Duke is not the only top-25 team in action tonight. No. 4 Houston also has a tough road test as they travel to face Texas. When looking at the Big 12 standings, this one could be a no-brainer with the Cougars holding a 5-2 conference record while the Longhorns are 3-4. According to FanDuel's college basketball conference odds, Houston is -120 to win the Big 12 compared to Texas at +9500.

The Cougars are also hitting their stride with four straight wins while the Longhorns are 2-3 over their last five games. I like Houston, who is favored by 4.5 points, to get it done on the road. Various efficiency rankings also reveal that the Cougars should have the clear advantage; for example, they are first in KenPom, and Texas ranks 36th. Let's take this a step further and dig into the stats, though.

First off, the Longhorns could have a difficult time scoring as Houston boasts the top defense in America. Texas' strengths on offense include ranking in the 92nd percentile of FG% and the 76th percentile of two-point makes per game. The Cougars have an elite paint defense as they hold the top marks in two-point makes and two-point attempts allowed per game while giving up the lowest two-point percentage in college basketball.

Houston's perimeter defense can be a little susceptible, ranking outside the top 100 in opponent three-point shots per contest. However, the Longhorns are in the bottom 30% of three-point attempts per game.

Taking the Cougars to cover is hammered home when looking at their offense's matchup. Texas is 73rd in adjusted defensive efficiency while Houston has the 14th-best offensive efficiency. The backcourt trio of L.J. Cryer (15.2 PPG), Emanuel Sharp (12.2 PPG), and Jamal Shead (11.7 PPG) are the alpha dogs of the unit. This could be a problem for the Longhorns' backcourt, which has some weak defenders such as Max Abmas (-0.03 DBPR).

The Cougs also have the second-best offensive rebounding percentage in the nation, and Texas is outside the top 100 in defensive rebounding percentage and defensive rebounds per game. After averaging 13.0 offensive rebounds per game during their four-game winning streak, Houston may continue to pound the glass while gaining extra possessions.

Ultimately, the Cougars could be too much for the Longhorns. Houston has an elite interior defense to offset Texas' offense, and the Cougars' backcourt has favorable matchup on the offensive end. Houston's advantage on the glass only further proves that the Cougars are a solid pick to cover the spread.

Looking for more college basketball betting opportunities? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook to check out all of the upcoming college basketball odds.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.